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

Published online 17 June 2025

AN24186Effects of by-product feed inclusion in a grass hay-based diet on nutrient disappearance, total gas and methane production, rumen fermentation and protozoal populations in an artificial rumen (RUSITEC)

S. Robinson, P. Tamayao, A. Saleem, K. Ominski, T. McAllister, G. Crow, K. Wittenberg and E. J. McGeough 0000-0001-7763-3306
 

As part of the natural process of feed digestion, cattle produce methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas. This study evaluated the impact of fat in grass hay-based cattle diets by including by-products from cereal/oilseed processing and determining the impact on methane emissions. Overall, higher dietary fat reduced methane emissions; however, it reduced digestibility of the diet, which is an important consideration for its impact on animal productivity.

South Africa and Western Australia have long histories of livestock production and predator management, which impacts livestock productivity and viability. A survey of producers in both regions found farm sizes to be generally similar. More predators reside in South Africa, and as poison use is illegal, most farmers rely on shooting as their primary control method. Losses to predators are higher in South Africa, where predator management is responsive rather than proactive, unlike the Recognised Biosecurity Groups in Western Australia.

Published online 17 June 2025

AN24415Mapping the use of insects in animal feed: scientific and technological data of Tenebrio molitor, Hermetia illucens, and Zophobas morio

Jade Silva Oliveira 0009-0002-4170-4760, Camila Duarte Ferreira Ribeiro, Carolina Oliveira de Souza 0000-0002-8028-5418 and Cláudio Vaz Di Mambro Ribeiro 0000-0001-8676-3225
 

Tenebrio molitor, Hermetia illucens, and Zophobas morio are species rich in nutrients essential for animal nutrition. However, it is still unclear whether these species are studied with the same frequency, which areas of animal production benefit the most from their use, and the main objectives of the most recent studies. Identifying these knowledge gaps can support the development of innovative research on the use of insects in animal feed.

Published online 16 June 2025

AN24372Effects of transport stress on gene expression and biomarkers in broilers with and without an anti-stress supplement

Jaydip Rokade 0000-0001-8202-5751, Sky Krishna Gopal, Sagar Khulape, Nagesh Sonale, Prashant Patel, Abhijeet Champati, Gautham Kolluri and Monika Madheswaran 0000-0002-3980-0983
 

Transportation stress in poultry negatively impacts bird welfare, productivity, and meat quality. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an anti-stressor supplement combined with suitable lairage conditions to alleviate such stress. Results, validated using molecular tools, showed significant improvements in bird health and meat safety. The formulated anti-stressor package effectively reduced stress, enhanced profitability for stakeholders, and supported the One Health approach by ensuring better meat quality and safety, highlighting its potential as a practical solution in poultry production systems.

Published online 16 June 2025

AN25047Effect of methionine and lysine supplementation on performance and intestinal morphometrics of finisher broiler chickens fed diets containing processed cassava peel meal

Tolulope O. Adebowale 0000-0002-7325-5691, Muhammed A. Arowolo, Mukaila Adekola, Tolulope Adeleye and Oyegunle E. Oke 0000-0002-9425-4217
 

Researchers have been exploring sustainable feed alternatives for broiler chickens due to the rising costs of conventional feed ingredients and environmental footprints associated with agricultural by-products. This study investigated the use of processed and fortified cassava peel meal as a replacement for corn in broiler diets and found that it supports growth and reduces production costs without compromising gut health. However, some morphological alterations were observed in the liver and intestinal tissues of the chickens, which require further investigation.

Published online 13 June 2025

AN25057Economic analysis of benefits from grazing unharvested standing lupin crops in a mixed farm enterprise in south-west Western Australia

Amelia Gooding 0009-0008-1717-7626, Serina Hancock, Andrew Thompson 0000-0001-7121-7459 and John Young 0009-0009-5557-5585
 

In the south-west of Western Australia, weaned lambs typically graze dry pastures and crop stubbles from late spring to autumn, which limits growth rates without supplementation and can contribute to ill-thrift and mortality. This study tested whether incorporating grazing of standing lupin crops improves whole-farm profitability. Grazing lupins on 7% of the farm area increased profitability by almost A$30,000 (A$200/ha), primarily by increasing stocking rate. Across a range of crop yields and prices, grazing was always more profitable than harvesting.

We applied tree-based machine learning techniques to predict weaning weight in Hair goat kids, offering a fresh approach to goat farming. We used these tree-based machine learning models to analyze a variety of data sources, such as herd features and environmental factors like weather and geography. We found that these methods achieved strong predictive performance, suggesting that incorporating diverse environmental data into weight prediction models can help goat farmers make better decisions, especially with the challenges posed by climate change.

Published online 05 June 2025

AN25092Growth curves of three broiler chicken strains fed diets of different nutritional densities

Josiane Carla Panisson, Isabella de Camargo Dias 0000-0003-0375-2462, Marley Conceição dos Santos, Leopoldo Malcorra de Almeida, Everton Luis Krabbe, Alex Maiorka and Simone Gisele de Oliveira
 

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the growth curves of three broiler chicken strains and the effects of different dietary nutritional densities on growth performance. The Gompertz model explained 99% of the variation in chicken weight. Chickens fed a regular diet had slower maturation and lower growth rates, whereas Strain A showed lower bodyweight and feed intake than did Strains B and C. Higher nutritional density diets increased growth rates, but all strains exhibited similar allometric growth patterns.

Published online 30 May 2025

AN24108Investigating the effect of larval instar, post-harvest treatments, and substrate on the nutritional profile of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens)

Shanmugam Alagappan, Hung Hong, Deirdre Mikkelsen, Sandra Olarte Mantilla, Peter James 0000-0003-1237-0212, Olympia Yarger, Louwrens Hoffman 0000-0003-2736-1933 and Daniel Cozzolino 0000-0001-6247-8817
 

This study explored the nutritional quality of BSFL reared on five different food waste streams from two different commercial farms. Additionally, the effect of post-harvest treatments (blanching and drying) and larval instar (fifth and sixth) on the nutritional profile of BSFL was investigated.

Published online 22 May 2025

AN24245The potential of various phenotypic traits to predict feedlot production in cattle – a systematic review

Andreas H. R. Hentzen and Dietmar E. Holm 0000-0002-9340-6573
 

Beef cattle have been improved over a long time, mostly by subjective visual appraisal, but are these phenotypic traits predictive of feedlot production potential? This review investigates evidence of an association between phenotypic traits and feedlot production, and found valuable evidence in the literature of a number of traits that are associated with production outcomes. This provides the foundation for the establishment of precision farming systems based on individual animals’ production potential.

Published online 13 May 2025

AN25081Effects of almond hulls on the chemical composition and in vitro ruminal protein degradation of lucerne silage

Selim Sirakaya 0000-0003-2733-1726 and Selma Büyükkiliç Beyzi 0000-0002-4622-0645
 

Almond hulls are a significant by-product produced in quantities roughly double that of the kernel. The elevated tannin concentration is a limiting factor in their application in food and feed. Incorporating almond hulls into lucerne silage enhances the protein utilization efficiency of lucerne while reducing the tannin content in the hulls. Incorporating almond hulls into lucerne silage provides a dual advantage.

Published online 13 May 2025

AN25037Anti-inflammatory effects of hard antler button extract on inflammation in vitro and prostatitis in vivo in mice

Huixin Xing, Chao Ma, Xiaoli Wang, Yan Zhao, Yudong Shang, Hengxing Ba 0000-0003-0882-8841 and Chunyi Li
 

Deer hard antler button (HAB), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been valued for its anti-inflammatory properties for centuries. This study demonstrated that HAB extract has stronger anti-inflammatory effects than deer hard antler shaft (HAS) extract, supported by cellular, animal model experiments, and metabolomics analysis. By identifying key bioactive compounds, the findings provide a scientific basis for the traditional use of HAB and highlight its potential applications in promoting health and well-being.

Published online 06 May 2025

AN24358Insights into the pathogenesis of catastrophic spontaneous humeral fractures in first-lactation dairy cows

A. S. Wehrle-Martinez 0000-0002-3515-9164, K. E. Lawrence, P. J. Back, C. W. Rogers 0000-0002-4253-1825, M. J. Gibson 0000-0001-5970-4289 and K. E. Dittmer 0000-0002-1813-2197
 

Catastrophic spontaneous humeral fractures in young dairy cows have introduced significant challenges to New Zealand’s dairy industry, affecting animal welfare and farmers’ livelihoods. This review identifies poor bone formation and excessive bone removal as likely key risk factors leading to osteoporotic bones that fracture. Ensuring cows receive proper nutrition during key growth periods might help prevent these fractures and support a healthier, more productive dairy industry. Further research is essential to fully tackle this issue.

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

Published online 06 May 2025

AN24340Impact of tree integration in crop–livestock systems with varying nitrogen rates

Luiza de Souza Carneiro, Luiza Chiezi Mendes, Debora Rodrigues, Vanderley Porfírio-da-Silva and Laíse da Silveira Pontes 0000-0002-3906-3047
 

Incorporating trees into crop–livestock systems (ICLS) plays a vital role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon in plants and soil. Our study showed that integrated systems can yield up to 573 kg/ha in areas typically fallow in winter; however, integrating beef heifers grazing cool-season grasses with immature Eucalyptus grandis trees negatively affected forage production, animal performance and tree quality. These results highlight the need for careful selection of trees, planting density, and arrangement to optimize the benefits of ICLS.

In this study, the digestion, fermentation profile and the microbiota associated with two different quality roughages (Astragalus glycyphyllos and lucerne hay) in the rumen were investigated in vitro. The composition and diversity of the microbiota colonizing the rumen significantly affect the digestion and fermentation of feeds, and thus the growth performance of animals. It was observed that these results are very important in terms of improving the efficiency of nutrient utilization of roughages in the desired direction.

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.

Most Read

The Most Read ranking is based on the number of downloads in the last 60 days from papers published on the CSIRO PUBLISHING website within the last 12 months. Usage statistics are updated daily.

Collections

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

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: 06 May 2025

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

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

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

Committee on Publication Ethics

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