Heat stress is a high-cost issue for the pork industry, and more than 50% of global pig production occurs in tropical and subtropical regions. Genetic differences in growth and carcass characteristics are expected according to the environment in which an animal is reared because of reduced feed intake at high temperatures. The results showed that pigs with a commercial crossbred genotype were more negatively affected by heat stress.

Due to a seasonally high-protein content of pastures, dairy cows on pasture-based diets often consume excess dietary protein nitrogen, resulting in high urinary nitrogen concentrations and which may have adverse environmental consequences. Zeolite, a known binder of ruminal ammonium, was administered to lactating cows offered pasture herbage to investigate if it can capture ruminal ammonia and reduce urinary nitrogen excretion. Despite reducing the concentration of ammonia in the rumen, zeolite did not affect urinary nitrogen excretion.

Increasing worldwide temperatures poises a challenge for dairy farming as heat stress negatively affects cow’s performance. Despite their adaptation to warmer climates, dairy cows in tropical regions suffer from heat stress and can benefit from alleviation measurements. We found that a cooling treatment against heat stress increased milk production, with greater benefits for cows in first lactation. In warm environments, cooling treatments against heat stress can be implemented in dairy farms, with positive consequences on milk production and animal welfare.

Beef calves will walk excessive distances in response to weaning compared with the distance walked after weaning. The greater distance and time devoted to walking by a weaned calf is an indication of weaning stress. Weaning stress may be detrimental to the calf’s growth rate, compromise their immune system, and compromise the calf’s welfare. The inclusion of a social facilitator to a pen of calves at weaning had no effect on calf walking behaviour nor the bodyweight of the calves. Further work should be completed to determine ways to improve calf behaviours at weaning and therefore improve calf welfare.

Cassava leaves can be used as feed for broiler chickens. Higher levels of up to 20% and 30% in the diets of chickens can compromise their performance. There is a high probability cassava leaves might compromise the chemical composition and consumer taste preferences of chicken breast meat. The study is important to ensure meat quality is maintained to reduce the chances of rejection in the market.