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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 is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 07 March 2025

AN24290David Blair Coates: a career of contribution to the northern Australian cattle industry

Rob M. Dixon 0000-0002-8107-9456
 

David Coates, a highly respected agricultural scientist who spent a lifetime working for the benefit of the northern Australian cattle industries, passed away on the 24 January 2024. David had exceptional knowledge and experience of the practical aspects of the industry. He excelled in his contributions, especially towards understanding of phosphorus nutrition in both pastures and cattle in northern Australia, and in his leadership in the development of near-infrared spectroscopy of the dung of cattle for rapid and economical measurements of the diets of cattle grazing rangelands.

AN24290 Abstract  |  AN24290 Full Text  | AN24290PDF (583 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 06 March 2025

AN24282The effect of pasture-based dam-rearing on attention bias after disbudding in dairy calves

Sandra Liliana Ospina Rios 0000-0002-3279-8921, Caroline Lee 0000-0003-1900-635X, Sarah Jane Andrewartha 0000-0003-1973-9502 and Megan Verdon 0000-0002-3971-4161
 

Understanding how cow–calf dairy systems can reduce the emotional impact of painful procedures such as disbudding is key to improving calf well-being. This research found that the behaviour of disbudded calves in attention bias tests (ABT) was unaffected by whether they were dam-reared or commercially reared, likely owing to compounded stress factors. Developing methods to assess dam-reared calf emotions within their natural environment will enhance our understanding of their experiences in pasture-based extended suckling systems.

This article belongs to the collection: Australasian Dairy Science Symposium 2024.

AN24282 Abstract  |  AN24282 Full Text  | AN24282PDF (332 KB)  | AN24282Supplementary Material (448 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 04 March 2025

AN24354Effect of early gut microbiota intervention using pre-designed poultry microbiota substitute on broiler health and performance

Advait Kayal 0000-0002-0048-1516, Sung J. Yu, Thi Thu Hao Van, Yadav S. Bajagai 0000-0002-3043-071X and Dragana Stanley 0000-0001-7019-4726
 

Commercially available Aviguard product was tested in an animal trial to determine its effect on the health and performance of the chickens. The study showed that if the chickens are exposed to beneficial gut microbiota immediately after hatching, gut colonisation can be controlled. If this is reproducible, it can have beneficial effects for the chickens by improving health and quality of life for the birds.

AN24354 Abstract  |  AN24354 Full Text  | AN24354PDF (1.2 MB)  | AN24354Supplementary Material (978 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 03 March 2025

AN24386The influence of genetic and environmental factors on performance of Brahman heifers grazing pastures in northern Australia

E. Charmley 0000-0002-4189-1861, G. J. Bishop-Hurley, M. K. Matthews, J. Simington, C. S. McSweeney, S. E. Denman, L. Martinez-Fernandez, J. Padmanabha, P. Giacomantonio and J. Cheung
 

Determining the reasons for among-animal variation in performance of beef cattle on pasture is difficult. In this study, differential diet selection and differences in rumen fermentation were largely ruled out as causal factors. Pen-based studies suggested that differences in voluntary intake under conditions of adequate nutrition may be a factor explaining differences in performance on pasture. A pasture-based method for measuring intake is essential to confirm this hypothesis.

AN24386 Abstract  |  AN24386 Full Text  | AN24386PDF (2.3 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 03 March 2025

AN24246Choice of companion legume influences lamb liveweight output and grain yields in a dual use perennial wheat/legume intercrop system

Matthew T. Newell 0000-0002-0279-4057, Richard C. Hayes, Gordon Refshauge, Benjamin W. B. Holman 0000-0002-8458-4511, Neil Munday, David L. Hopkins and Li Guangdi
 

Perennial wheat offers potential as a novel forage source in a dual-purpose grazing and grain production system; however, it requires supplements to meet the mineral requirements of grazing ruminants. In this study, we found that grazing compatible legumes increased carrying capacity and had similar liveweight output to animals grazing perennial wheat with a mineral supplement. The comparative improvement in grain yield from intercropping, coupled with increased liveweight gain, supports the use of legume intercrops in dual-purpose perennial grain systems.

AN24246 Abstract  |  AN24246 Full Text  | AN24246PDF (992 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 27 February 2025

AN23427Determinants of women small ruminant farmers’ perceptions of climate change impact in Northern Benin

Elodie Dimon 0000-0001-9086-6518, Youssouf Toukourou, Janvier Egah, Alassan Assani Seidou, Rodrigue Vivien Cao Diogo and Ibrahim Alkoiret Traore
 

In addition to the countless problems facing rural communities, climate change is a major concern for them. Knowing that rural women are vulnerable in managing livestock in the face of climate change, the study aims to analyze the perception of female small ruminant breeders in the face of climate change in northern Benin. The study recommends promoting training initiatives for women herders, so that they are better prepared to adapt to climate-related disasters to increase their livestock production.

AN23427 Abstract  |  AN23427 Full Text  | AN23427PDF (1.7 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 25 February 2025

AN24308A novel 22-bp InDel in the intron 1 of the IGF1 gene is associated with slaughtering performance of Chinese Jiaji duck

Fanghu Wu 0000-0002-2409-6727, Lihong Gu, Yuanyuan Shang, Xiaohui Zhang, Zixin Xu and Tieshan Xu
 

Insertion/deletion can accelerate the selection process for superior traits in poultry breeding. In this study, a new candidate molecular marker for genetic breeding of Jiaji duck was identified. The results provided valuable knowledge for regional poultry production.

AN24308 Abstract  | PDF (508 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 25 February 2025

AN24344Effects of residual feed intake on the growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and serum biochemical parameters of Cherry Valley ducks

Zhicheng Wang 0000-0003-4464-5727, Chunhong Zhu, Yifei Wang, Hongxiang Liu, Weitao Song, Zhiyun Tao, Wenjuan Xu, Haotian Gu, Shuangjie Zhang and Huifang Li
 

Residual feed intake (RFI) is an important indicator of the efficiency of animal feed utilization. There have been only few studies on the effects of RFI on large-sized meat ducks; in this study, ducks with lower RFI values have higher feed utilization efficiency and faster growth rates. Thus, the RFI is a useful tool for farmers to select more efficient ducks for breeding. Future research should focus on exploring how genetic improvements could lead to lower RFI values in ducks, which could enhance the sustainability of the poultry industry.

AN24344 Abstract  | PDF (270 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 13 February 2025

AN24231Regional heat stress maps for grazing dairy cows in New Zealand under climate change

S. J. R. Woodward 0000-0002-3870-3233, P. C. Beukes, J. P. Edwards 0000-0003-4220-7408, K. J. Verhoek, J. G. Jago 0000-0002-4028-8411 and C. Zammit
 

We determined climate change-driven heat stress risk for outdoor dairy cows in New Zealand’s pasture-based systems. Using climate projections from 2006 to 2098, we calculated temperature–humidity index and grazing heat-load index values, which indicated that THI may not fully capture outdoor heat stress dynamics, with solar radiation and wind speed playing critical roles. Key dairy regions in New Zealand already experience high heat stress risk and are projected to experience intensified risk in the future, necessitating adaptation strategies such as shade provision, genetic selection, and modified feeding practices.

This article belongs to the collection: Australasian Dairy Science Symposium 2024.

AN24231 Abstract  |  AN24231 Full Text  | AN24231PDF (4.5 MB)  | AN24231Supplementary Material (724 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 10 February 2025

AN24016Addressing productivity of supplementation of weaners and replacement females in the seasonally dry rangelands of northern Australia: a modelling approach

G. Niethe, S. P. Quigley 0000-0002-9102-1901, P. R. Holmes, M. J. Callaghan 0000-0001-6930-3905, T. J. Schatz 0000-0003-1392-3675, S. R. McLennan and D. P. Poppi
 

Increasing heifer re-conception rates and increased annual liveweight gain present the best opportunity for maximising profitability in northern Australian beef cattle herds. A desktop analysis was undertaken to investigate the impact of weaner and yearling heifer supplementation on herd structure and gross margins. Break-even thresholds for supplementation were established for steer prices and supplement costs within the recent economic environment.

AN24016 Abstract  | PDF (1 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 04 February 2025

AN24343Benchmarking smallholder goat enterprises and practices in central Lao PDR and farmer response to a research and development program

Luisa Olmo 0000-0001-8175-8216, Ammaly Phengvilaysouk, Alison F. Colvin 0000-0002-7628-1262, Phonepaseuth Phengsavanh, Joanne Millar, Thaixiong Xaikhue and Stephen Walkden-Brown 0000-0002-0638-5533
 

Goats are vital to improving livelihoods and food security, most notably in developing countries. Research and development programs play a pivotal role in enhancing livestock productivity globally, but were lacking for goats in Lao PDR. Our program consisted of regular farm visits, a mix of formal and informal training, and subsided or incentivised adoption of forage growing, veterinary treatments, mineral blocks, improved goat housing, and supplementary concentrate feeding - and achieved beneficial practice change and enhanced financial security for smallholder households.

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

AN24343 Abstract  |  AN24343 Full Text  | AN24343PDF (3.5 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 03 February 2025

AN24331Proximity sensors attached to ewes and rams at mating can predict date of lambing

P. R. Shorten 0000-0001-5938-8837, J. Peers-Adams, P. L. Johnson, C. E. O’Connor and J. L. Juengel 0000-0002-2717-7311
 

Determining the birth date of lambs is important for breeding lambs with superior growth. We used sheep-attached proximity sensors to measure the interactions between 300 ewes and three rams over the mating period to predict the date of lambing. We found that 80% of ewes had a predicted lambing date ±3 days of the measured lambing date. This tool can be used by farmers to improve the management of ewes by grouping them together by gestational age.

AN24331 Abstract  |  AN24331 Full Text  | AN24331PDF (899 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 28 January 2025

AN24368Reducing one third the dose of porcine follicle-stimulating hormone did not affect the in vivo embryo production in Santa Inês ewes

A. C. S. Ribeiro 0000-0003-0747-4826, A. C. S. Ribeiro 0000-0003-0747-4826, J. D. R. Santos, J. D. R. Santos, M. M. Guerrero-Gutiérrez, M. M. Guerrero-Gutiérrez, C. C. C. Cunha, C. C. C. Cunha, S. R. Silva, S. R. Silva, M. F. A. Balaro 0000-0002-8198-7964, M. F. A. Balaro 0000-0002-8198-7964, R. I. T. P. Batista, R. I. T. P. Batista, J. M. G. Souza-Fabjan 0000-0002-4872-1718, J. M. G. Souza-Fabjan 0000-0002-4872-1718, J. F. Fonseca, J. F. Fonseca, R. Ungerfeld 0000-0003-4685-2105, R. Ungerfeld 0000-0003-4685-2105, F. Z. Brandão 0000-0003-4027-5562 and F. Z. Brandão 0000-0003-4027-5562
 

Superovulation is a major limitation in multiple ovulation and embryo transfer programs because of its high cost and variability in hormonal responses. This study compared the effects of two doses (333 IU or 500 IU) of porcine follicle-stimulating hormone on follicular growth, superovulatory response, and in vivo embryo production in Santa Inês ewes. Lower doses achieving similar results may reduce embryo production costs and promote the wider use of this reproductive biotechnology.

AN24368 Abstract  | PDF (905 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 16 January 2025

AN24285Milk yield and pasture nutrient availability associated with milking order in commercial dairy herds

Monique J. Berkhout 0009-0000-1807-4524, Martin J. Auldist, Meaghan L. Douglas 0000-0002-4709-4572, Anna L. Thomson 0000-0003-4997-7325, Khageswor Giri, Joe L. Jacobs and Marlie M. Wright
 

On pasture-based dairy farms, cows spend prolonged time away from pasture while in transit to and from the dairy and while waiting to be milked, which reduces the milk production of cows later in the milking order as shown in our research. This is likely to be linked to later-milked cows having access to less nutritious pasture. Implementing mitigation strategies that improve the nutrients available to later-milked cows, such as reserving fresh pasture, should be explored.

This article belongs to the collection: Australasian Dairy Science Symposium 2024.

AN24285 Abstract  | PDF (1.2 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 16 January 2025

AN24334The economic optimum mob size at lambing for triplet-bearing Maternal and Merino ewes across southern Australia

John M. Young 0009-0009-5557-5585, Paul R. Kenyon, Lyndon J. Kubeil, Andrew N. Thompson 0000-0001-7121-7459, Jason Trompf and Amy Lockwood 0000-0003-2061-9110
 

Reducing the mob size of triplet-bearing ewes increases the survival of their lambs. An economic analysis demonstrated that the optimum mob size for triplet-bearing ewes was approximately 35% that for twin-bearing ewes, regardless of whether that was achieved by subdividing paddocks or differential allocation of ewes to existing paddocks. Identifying triplet-bearing ewes was justified purely from the benefits of differential paddock allocation at lambing if the proportion of triplet-bearing ewes is greater than 3% for Maternal ewes or 7% for Merino ewes.

AN24334 Abstract  |  AN24334 Full Text  | AN24334PDF (235 KB)   Open Access Article

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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

Australasian Dairy Science Symposium 2024

This collection brings together selected research and review papers presented at the 2024 Australasian Dairy Science Symposium, Christchurch, NZ. The 2024 symposium was a special occasion, marking 20 years since the first ADSS conference in Shepparton, Victoria.

Collection Editors
Callum Eastwood (DairyNZ)
James Hills (Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania)
Arjan Jonker (AgResearch NZ)
Samuel Wilson (Massey University)
Omar Al-Marashdeh (Lincoln University)

Last Updated: 13 Feb 2025

Sustainable Animal Agriculture for Developing Countries 2023

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: 20 Aug 2024

Equine Science in Australasia II

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

ADSS 2022: A Changing Climate for Dairy Science

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

Animal Production Science in the 21st Century

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

Research Front: GGAA2016 Part 2

This Research Front comprises papers from the 6th Greenhouse Gas and Animal Agriculture Conference (GGAA2016), held on 14-18 February 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. This Research Front follows the GGAA2016 Special Edition published in Volume 56, issue 2–3. Taken together, these issues provide the latest summary of the current state of knowledge on policy developments, measurement, modelling and mitigation of greenhouse gasses from animal agriculture.

Last Updated: 08 May 2018

Research Front: Invited Papers: Australian Society of Animal Production Biennial Conference 2016

This Research Front comprises invited papers from Animal Production 2016 – the 31st Biennial Conference of the Australian Society of Animal Production, jointly held with the New Zealand Society of Animal Production in Adelaide, South Australia from 5–7 July 2016. With a theme of ‘Animal Welfare – Meeting Consumer Needs and Increasing Productivity’, keynote speakers included animal behavioural expert Professor Temple Grandin, whose paper is published open access within this issue, alongside papers from the named ASAP lecture series.

Last Updated: 15 Feb 2018

Research Front: Orange EverGraze proof site

This Research Front comprises selected papers detailing the research conducted at the Orange proof site (Panuara, NSW Central Tablelands) as part of the national EverGraze program. The EverGraze program aimed to develop livestock systems based in productive perennial pasture to increase profit and improve environmental outcomes in the high rainfall zone of southern Australia.

Last Updated: 31 Jul 2017

Research Front: Sustainable Animal Agriculture for Developing Countries 2015

This Research Front comprises selected papers from the 5th International Conference on Sustainable Animal Agriculture for Developing Countries (SAADC2015) held in Pattaya. SAADC was established by a non-profit volunteer group of researchers and academicians in 2007 with the primary objective of providing a platform for researchers, particularly those from developing countries, to share their research findings and to network for the promotion of sustainable animal agriculture in developing countries.

Last Updated: 26 Jun 2017

Research Front: National Agricultural Manure Management Program – Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Options For Intensive Livestock Industries

The papers published in this Reearch Front comprise research outcomes from the National Agricultural Manure Management Program (NAMMP). This program was developed by a consortium of rural research and development corporations who recognised similar knowledge gaps in manure management systems across Australian intensive livestock production. These gaps included gathering information on the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from different livestock and manure management systems, together with the sources and causes of GHG emissions in the different systems. The NAMMP consortium proved successful for both researchers and industry and is a model that should be considered for any future cross-sectoral programs.

Last Updated: 27 Jul 2016

Animal Breeding and Genomics

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

Research Front: Animal Production in a Changing World

This Research Front marks a very special milestone in the life of the ProSafeBeef programme (http://www.prosafebeef.eu/) funded by the European Community. It comprises the presentations, discussion and outcomes from an International Workshop entitled ‘Animal Production in a Changing World’ held in Clermont-Ferrand on 9–10 September 2009 and organised by INRA (France) under the auspices of the ProSafeBeef programme.

Last Updated: 15 Dec 2010

Research Front: Dairy Science

The National Dairy Alliance held its second Dairy Science Symposium in Mount Gambier, South Australia on 13 and 14 February 2006. This Research Front contains a selection of plenary papers presented at the Symposium by distinguished scientists developing technologies in the above areas, which are likely to have significant impacts on the future dairy industry.

Last Updated: 06 Aug 2007

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