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Animal Production Science Animal Production Science Society
Food, fibre and pharmaceuticals from animals

Animal Production Science

Animal Production Science

Animal Production Science is an international journal publishing original research and reviews on the production of food, fibre and pharmaceuticals from animals. Read more about the journalMore

Editor-in-Chief: Wayne Bryden

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Animal Production Science has moved to a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

In this review, we have analysed the animal husbandry and animal food production activities of the village institutes, a former educational institution in Türkiye. The ability of these institutions, which operated between 1940 and 1954, to create and sustain their resources in the face of shortages caused by World War II is noteworthy. The activities of these institutions, which are still spoken about both in their period and today, can be seen as an example for today’s food and agricultural authorities.

Published online 19 July 2024

AN24142Sheep producers report docking tails shorter than recommended, knowledge–practice gap, and inconsistent length descriptions: an Australian survey

Madeleine E. Woodruff 0000-0001-6678-7684, Carolina A. Munoz 0000-0001-5489-1417, Grahame J. Coleman 0000-0002-9558-789X, Rebecca E. Doyle 0000-0001-6229-4700 and Stuart R. Barber 0000-0002-7795-764X
 

Most sheep in Australia have their tails docked and it is recommended that, after docking, the tail covers the vulva of ewes, with an equivalent length in males, because docking at a shorter length increases the risk of disease and compromises welfare. An Australia-wide survey of sheep producers was conducted and found that >50% indicated that they docked sheep tails shorter than recommended, and 20–25% were unaware of the recommendation. Short tail docking remains a sheep-welfare concern and requires further research and extension.

Increased movement of livestock and products in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) has enhanced disease transmission risk, increasing transboundary animal-disease (TAD) incursions and one health (OH) concerns. This has coincided with increasing awareness of greenhouse-gas emissions (GHGe) from livestock, especially contributions to ecosystem health (EH) concerns from large ruminants. Projects addressing biosecurity, vaccines, disease surveillance, feeding systems and national emergency disease-response capacities are required, and private-sector investments developing climate-resilient livestock systems to support the livelihoods of poor rural communities in the GMS should be encouraged.

This article belongs to the Collection Sustainable Animal Agriculture for Developing Countries 2023.

Published online 16 July 2024

AN24165Use of two different methods for glucose determination in sheep under normoglycemic, hypoglycemic, and hyperglycemic conditions: an evaluation of practical diagnostic methods in ovines

Marina Galindo Chenard, Jade de Menezes Paes Bastos 0000-0001-6410-3138, Matheus Dias Valle, Isabelle Magalhães da Cunha, Nayro Xavier de Alencar, Daniel Augusto Barroso Lessa, Guilherme Nunes de Souza, Nathalie Costa da Cunha and Michel Abdalla Helayel
 

The assessment of glycemia is crucial for diagnosing pathologies, balancing diets and measuring stress in production animals. Portable glucometer (PGM) has been shown to be an effective, simple, practical and accessible tool for measuring blood glucose in goats, cattle and horses, for example. Here we used PGM to assess glycemia in sheep, and found that it provides satisfactory and reliable results when compared with enzymatic method. The use of PGM promotes early diagnosis, field tests and monitoring of metabolic diseases.

Published online 08 July 2024

AN23275Comparison of meat quality, muscle-fibre characteristics and the Sirt1/AMPK/PGC-1α pathway in different breeds of pigs

Yi Gao 0009-0000-8543-5369, Zhaohua Li, Qi Zhang, Tong Hao, Hongliang Liu, Qingyu Liu, Lizhai Liu, Zhibin Zhang, Yongsheng Yu 0000-0001-7207-0516 and Na Li 0009-0009-3580-0925
 

We systematically studied the differences in meat quality among Songliao black pigs, Jilin Hua pigs and Dongliao black pigs, from the perspective of meat quality, muscle-fibre characteristics and Sirt1/AMPK/PGC-1α signalling pathways. In addition, muscle-fibre characteristics of different parts (longissimus dorsi, psoas major, triceps brachii and biceps femur) of each breed were comprehensively studied instead of a single tissue. The results of oxidised muscle fibres were verified by immunohistochemistry, enzyme-activity assay and gene-expression methods.

Published online 01 July 2024

AN23383Metabolic adaptation to lactation of dairy cows in two contrasting facilities involving partial confinement plus grazing or total confinement

G. R. Mendina 0000-0003-1311-4421, J. P. Damián 0000-0001-8042-5743, A. Meikle 0000-0002-0847-8629, M. N. Méndez 0000-0003-1391-7777, P. Chilibroste 0000-0001-9579-9967 and M. L. Adrien 0000-0001-5914-1981
 

The intensification of pasture-based dairy systems subjects the cows to different productive environments. This work evaluated whether metabolic, productive, and reproductive variables were affected by two contrasting facilities used in partial confinement (outdoor soil-bedded vs compost barn) plus grazing and a total confinement system in autumn- and spring-calving cows. Spring outdoor soil-bedded cows presented subclinical ketosis even after 30 days postpartum, possibly being associated with heat stress. Confined cows presented greater milk production but a delayed resumption of ovarian cyclicity.

Normal physiological stages such as breeding, pregnancy, parturition, and lactation can cause oxidative stress, which may impair female reproductive performance. We examined the effects of β-carotene supplementation and age on the oxidative status and reproduction performance of grazing ewes during these stages. The study concluded that supplemental β-carotene at ≥75 mg/day may act as a pro-oxidant during parturition. However, this effect does not appear to manifest in lower survival or additional stress for the ewe and lamb.

Published online 18 June 2024

AN24084Selection for growth rate at pasture in Angus cattle results in heavier cattle that eat more in the feedlot

R. M. Herd 0000-0003-4689-5519, V. H. Oddy, P. F. Arthur and M. B. McDonagh
 

Selection for growth rate is a powerful tool to alter beef cattle performance but the evidence for an improvement in feed efficiency is equivocal. This experiment found that selection for faster growth in Angus cattle resulted in heavier cattle that ate more in the feedlot, with no evidence of improvement in feed efficiency. Breeding programs that place emphasis on growth rate need to be cognisant of the proportional increase in feed requirement by bigger animals.

Published online 18 June 2024

AN23256Fermentation profile and chemical composition of Mombasa grass silage treated with chitosan and microbial inoculant

Mariana Campana 0000-0003-1795-7928, Jozivaldo Prudêncio Gomes de Morais 0000-0001-8418-2224, Thainá Moreira Garcia 0000-0003-3517-6404, Estefani Capucho 0000-0001-5019-4251, Marjorye Nunes 0000-0003-2687-8906, Jesus Alberto Cardoso Osório 0000-0002-6824-0946, Francine Basso Facco 0000-0001-8182-9766 and Tiago Antonio Del Valle 0000-0001-8093-7132
 

The ensiling process presents losses that are associated with the fermentative profile, resulting in lower nutritional value and lower aerobic stability of silages. The study evaluated the effects of adding chitosan and microbial inoculants to Mombasa grass (Megathyrsus maximus) silage. Chitosan altered some variables of the fermentation profile, but the treatments did not show a relevant effect on fermentation losses, chemical composition, and aerobic stability.

Published online 17 June 2024

AN23314Can condensed tannins improve fermentation patterns and the nutritive value of sorghum silage?

E. J. O. Souza 0000-0002-2206-414X, J. M. C. S. Rodrigues 0000-0001-8434-2451, J. R. C. Silva 0000-0002-3496-4241, T. R. Torres 0000-0002-0739-0115, M. V. F. Santos 0000-0002-7374-0910, D. K. A. Silva 0000-0002-9024-1507, G. C. Sobral 0000-0002-4583-8822, E. L. Santos Neto 0000-0002-6815-7042 and O. F. Oliveira 0000-0001-8766-7040
 

Tannins are secondary compounds that act to protect proteins from microbial degradation. Affinity between tannins and proteins is due to the presence of multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups in tannins, which promotes an easier connection with proteins. Tannins can decrease proteolysis in silage, inhibiting microbial action, through the protein-bound linkage in the ensiled mass. Thus, it is recommended to include of tannin as an additive in sorghum silage to improve fermentation patterns, diminish aerobic deterioration, as well as improve digestibility.

Published online 13 June 2024

AN24005Effect of zinc supplementation on the quality of cooled, stored equine sperm

Patricio D. Palacios 0000-0003-0194-8373, Isabel Ortiz 0000-0002-2479-498X, Jesús Dorado 0000-0002-4310-7663, Manuel Hidalgo 0000-0001-7830-7422, Juan Ramón García Díaz 0000-0002-2966-7824 and Andrés Gambini 0000-0002-3652-2068
 

This study explores the impact of zinc supplementation to improve the quality of cooled equine semen, addressing a crucial aspect of genetic preservation in horses. The findings showed that adding various concentrations of zinc to the sperm does not significantly enhance sperm quality during cold storage and concentrations exceeding 3 mM had detrimental effects. These findings challenge the common belief of the protective role of zinc in sperm preservation, contributing valuable insights for the equine breeding industry.

This article belongs to the Collection Equine Science Part II.

Published online 30 May 2024

AN23255Human resource management practices on Irish dairy farms: an exploratory study

Thomas Lawton 0000-0001-7022-039X, Monica Gorman 0000-0001-8883-3530 and Marion Beecher 0000-0001-5161-3489
 

The dairy industry’s recent growth in Ireland has resulted in a high demand for additional workers, increasing the requirement for farmers to be skilled in Human Resource Management (HRM). This study identified that the adoption of HRM practices is influenced by farm characteristics, in particular herd size, the number of employees on the farm. This study has contributed insights into the prevalence of specific HRM practices on Irish dairy farms, and indicated that there is a significant scope for improvement. A novel aspect of this study was the focus on the potential factors that influence the adoption of HRM practices on Irish dairy farms. The findings of this study could be used by agricultural advisors and those working in HRM to provide tailored advice to support dairy farmers and other small business owners in managing their employees.

Published online 16 May 2024

AN24091Physical treatment and protease or probiotic supplementation and feather meal digestibility by broilers

Y. M. Sun 0000-0002-9887-2303, X. Li 0000-0003-3109-5789, D. Zhang and W. L. Bryden 0000-0002-7187-4464
 

Feather meal (FM) is a major by-product of the poultry industry and is potentially a valuable source of crude protein and amino acids. However, the major constraint to its use is the feather protein keratin that reduces FM digestibility. The aim of this study was to explore technologies to improve FM digestibility.

This article belongs to the Collection Sustainable Animal Agriculture for Developing Countries 2023.

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

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Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

This Collection follows the first Equine Science special issue of Animal Production Science published in 2020. Since the first Australian Equine Science Symposium (AESS) in 2006, there have been six biennial symposia that have provided a platform for equine researchers to enjoy a collegial atmosphere dedicated to the horse. The papers in this collection reflect the strength and diversity of Australasian Equine Science.

Collection Editors
Chris W. Rogers (Massey University)
Wayne L. Bryden (University of Queensland)

Last Updated: 13 Jun 2024

Animal Production Science brings together a Collection of research and review papers presented at the 2022 Australasian Dairy Science Symposium. The theme of the 2022 symposium was ‘A Changing Climate for Dairy Science’ so while this special issue includes papers on a range of topics, a common theme throughout the papers is addressing the challenges faced by the Australian and New Zealand dairy sectors.

Collection Editors
Keith Pembleton (University of Southern Queensland)
Callum Eastwood (DairyNZ Ltd)
James Hills (University of Tasmania)

Last Updated: 23 May 2024

The papers in this Collection of Animal Production Science were presented at the 9th biennial conference of Sustainable Animal Agriculture for Developing Countries (SAADC23), held in Vientiane, Laos in 2023. The meeting created a forum for collaboration among animal scientists, producers, and policy makers from developing countries, fostering the exchange of experiences and the development of sustainable animal agriculture practices.

Collection Editor
Wayne L. Bryden (University of Queensland)

Last Updated: 29 Apr 2024

Animal Production Science celebrated 60 years of publication in 2021 and to celebrate, we marked this milestone with this selection of key review papers published in the journal over the last decade, highlighting research breakthroughs, social and economic issues that have influenced primary producers, and the practice of animal production.

Last Updated: 30 Jul 2021

New genomic technologies have revolutionised our approach to animal breeding and increased the rate of genetic change. This Collection brings together a selection of research articles that review research progress and updates our knowledge of the delivery of livestock genomics research applications, specifically for the beef and dairy cattle and sheep industries globally.

Last Updated: 19 Aug 2013

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