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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.

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.

Published online 16 May 2024

AN23394Antibacterial properties of oil extracts of black soldier fly larvae reared on bread waste

Mung Kwan Shu, Cheuk Ming Li, William Eduardo Furtado, Qianjun Huang, Sophie St-Hilaire and Ákos Kenéz 0000-0002-9041-3452
 

The concern over the spread of antimicrobial resistance has prompted a search for alternative solutions. Black soldier fly larvae extracts possess natural antibacterial properties that can potentially inhibit bacterial growth. Rearing black soldier fly larvae on a bread waste-based substrate enhanced their lauric acid yield, resulting in significant antibacterial efficacy against E. coli; hence, incorporating larval oil into animal feed holds the potential for reducing antibiotic drug usage.

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

Published online 16 May 2024

AN23403Incubation temperature affects growth and efficacy of white-rot fungi to improve the nutritive value of rice straw

T. T. Hai 0000-0001-5695-6966, A. van Peer 0000-0001-7023-0045, J. W. Cone 0000-0003-0911-8833, J. T. Schonewille 0000-0002-8204-0684, J. J. P. Baars 0000-0002-0692-7371, L. D. Phung 0000-0002-7733-4792 and W. H. Hendriks 0000-0001-8242-7953
 

White-rot fungus technology can revolutionise the utilisation of rice straw, because it enhances its quality by breaking down rigid components and boosting nutritional value. Investigating the temperature tolerance of these fungi is crucial for the practical application process, ensuring their effectiveness in diverse enviromental conditions and promoting their use in livestock feed. Unlocking their potential can increase the utility of this abundant by-product, contributing to environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity.

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

This study investigated how long it takes for the performance of phosphorus (P)-deficient mature cows to improve once they are supplemented with P, and whether their long-term performance is compromised by P deficiency early in life. The performance of P-deficient cows improved to be similar to that of P-adequate cows within a year of P supplementation commencing. However, P deficiency early in life did have some residual stunting effects, resulting in lower hip height and liveweight.

Published online 13 May 2024

AN23352Environmental impacts of Australian pork in 2020 and 2022 determined using lifecycle assessments

M. A. Copley 0000-0002-9748-3197, E. J. McGahan, K. McCormack and S. G. Wiedemann 0009-0004-7060-0404
 

This study assessed the environmental impacts of Australian pork, and is the most comprehensive (70–72% industry) of its kind in Australia. Eutrophication potential was generally lower than in international pork production. The rate of environmental improvement was slow compared with historic trends. Covered pond, litter-based and outdoor systems produce pork associated with lower greenhouse gas emissions. Australian pork has significant potential to further reduce environmental impacts.

Published online 13 May 2024

AN23398Strengthening the role of innovation brokers in the livestock advisory services system of Pakistan

H. M. Warriach 0000-0002-5391-9956, M. Ayre, R. Nettle 0000-0001-8347-6693, K. Height, H. Iqbal, A. Aziz, K. Hayat, A. Afzal, S. Majeed, A. Kumbher and D. M. McGill
 

A well-functioning farm advisory services play a vital role in the improvement of livestock sector in low-income countries. We explored the ways in which capacity building through a particular training and professional-development intervention can lead farm advisors to act as innovation brokers within the advisory services system of Pakistan. The results are highly instrumental in strengthening farm advisory services and the role of farm advisors in low-income countries to support farmers in improving their livelihoods.

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

This study, evaluated the effect of melatonin on reproductive performance in sheep via meta-analysis. Pregnancy rate, lambing rate and litter size were used for reproductive performance parameters. Effect sizes of reproductive performance parameters were calculated according to breeds, production characteristics and seasons. The positive effect of melatonin was found greater in the non-reproductive period than in the breeding period for the three reproductive performance traits examined. This comprehensive research examined the effect of melatonin on sheep according to different factors.

Published online 07 May 2024

AN23419Cow age, resilience and productivity of cow–calf systems

Amir Gil Sessim, Tamara Esteves de Oliveira, Gabriel Ribas Pereira, Fredy Andrey López González, Fabiana Moro Maidana, Daniele Zago, Concepta Margaret McManus and Júlio Otávio Jardim Barcellos 0000-0001-9858-1728
 

The sufficient length of the cow’s lifetime in the beef cattle herd allows to mitigate problems in the cow–calf systems generated by the reduction in food availability. The intermediate age (6 years) of culling the cows allowed better resilience of the herd, after restriction (50% or 75%) of energy during 60 days pre- and 60 days postpartum for the cows. The intermediate lifespan of cows allowed for better resilience and productivity in cow–calf systems.

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 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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