22421 research outputs found
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Genetic parameter estimates and genetic trends for reproductive traits of Holstein dairy cattle in China
Full text linkReproductive efficiency is critical to the profitability and productivity of dairy farms. However, reproductive traits have often been overlooked in favor of enhancing milk production, resulting in unintended genetic antagonism. This study focused on estimating genetic parameters and genetic trends for economically important reproductive traits which include conception rate (CR), days open (DO), age at first calving (AFC), number of services per conception (NS), and calving interval (CInt), using 33,203 records of Holstein cattle that were under intensive management in Shandong Province, China. We employed univariate (heritability estimate) and multivariate (correlation) analyses that integrated phenotypes with the pedigree data spanning 5 generations. The results demonstrated low heritability estimates for reproductive traits, ranging from 0.043 to 0.159, highlighting a limited additive genetic influence but suggesting the possibility of genetic improvement through genomic selection. Among the traits evaluated, AFC demonstrated the highest heritability (0.159) in cows, whereas the lowest values (0.043 and 0.044) were observed for NS and CR, respectively. Strong genetic correlations were observed among the reproductive traits. Conception rate showed a strong and antagonistic genetic correlation with NS (−0.79). Phenotypic correlations reflected the same pattern, with CR and NS exhibiting strong negative correlations (−0.91). The analysis of EBV over time revealed gradual genetic advancements in CInt, DO, and CR, although the progress was inconsistent. These gradual and inconsistent gains suggest that the longstanding emphasis on milk traits may have compromised efforts to improve reproductive performance. Therefore, more focused and sustained genetic selection efforts targeting reproductive characteristics are essential to achieve substantial genetic gains. Future breeding programs that integrate these parameters could enhance fertility traits in Holstein cows in China
Genetic Mapping of Resistance: ddRADseq ‐Based QTL and Associated Polymorphism Conferring Resistance to Alpha‐Cypermethrin in Anopheles funestus
Full text linkThe heavy reliance on pyrethroid‐based interventions has largely driven insecticide resistance in malaria vectors, accelerating the spread of resistant strains, including resistant Anopheles funestus strains. The efficacy of insecticide‐based interventions, especially insecticide‐treated nets (ITNs), the cornerstone of malaria control and management, is threatened by the widespread occurrence of resistance, jeopardising malaria control efforts. Alpha‐cypermethrin, a type II pyrethroid, is increasingly utilised in various ITN formulations, including those combined with piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and chlorfenapyr‐based Interceptor G2 (IG2) nets, to enhance effectiveness against resistant mosquito populations. Therefore, understanding the molecular basis of resistance is essential to monitor and track resistance trends for an effective malaria control program. In this study, we identified a 1.4 Mb QTL on the telomeric end of the left arm of chromosome 2, conferring resistance to α‐cypermethrin (rap1 QTL). Different crossing schemes and sequencing approaches were explored to determine the most effective strategy. Individual‐based QTL mapping performed on segregating individuals from an isofemale family identified a QTL at the F7 generation. Higher recombination density relative to the physical genome in the F7 isofemale family, with a recombination every 240 kb, facilitated the detection of a QTL compared to the F2 family (335 kb/cM). Additionally, we exploited bulk segregant analysis (BSA) between susceptible and resistant phenotypes from the F7 isofemale family and an F7 mixed cross‐family to perform cost‐effective and rapid QTL‐mapping discovery. The strongest signal in both independent BSA analyses overlaps with the rap1 QTL, further supporting its role in α‐cypermethrin resistance. The known resistant alleles of the cytochrome P450 CYP6P9a and 6.5‐kb structural variant within the rap1 QTL strongly correlate with survival to α‐cypermethrin. In this study, we validated that previously developed DNA‐based assays, originally designed to monitor permethrin resistance, are effective for tracking resistance to α‐cypermethrin as well. Additionally, we identified candidate variants that can serve as reliable markers for monitoring α‐cypermethrin resistance
Does mixed farming benefit moths? Exploring how different farming systems shape both local features and the wider landscape
No full textMoths are important pollinators and provide an essential food source for higher taxa, yet many species that were once widespread are in decline across Europe. This is largely due to practices associated with intensive farming, such as pesticide and fertiliser applications and habitat loss. There is increasing interest in finding ways of farming that are beneficial to both humans and biodiversity. ‘Mixed’ farming, where livestock are integrated into the crop rotation, is thought to provide benefits to biodiversity by reducing synthetic inputs and by increasing habitat and crop diversity. However, at commercial stocking levels, livestock can have detrimental impacts on grassland Lepidoptera. We investigate the different pathways through which mixed farming could benefit moths in comparison to arable farming (where livestock are absent). Between June and August 2022, twenty-six farms in Scotland were surveyed for moths using light-trapping. Woodland edge density, which was higher on mixed farms, increased micro moth abundance and species richness. Positive effects of woodland were also observed for ‘farmland’ micro moths that do not feed on woody plants. However, for micro moth species richness this positive effect of woodland edge was outweighed by a direct negative effect of mixed farming, highlighting the need for more research to find livestock management practices that are beneficial for moths.</p
Examining mental shortcuts in consumer use of food package information for purchase decision. Is it a case of health, habit or haste?
Full text linkThis study examines how consumers use heuristics in food decision-making. Three research questions motivated the study. What types of food choice heuristics are most commonly used? How does reliance on heuristics vary by consumers' label-reading behaviour? To what extent do attitudes and personal characteristics influence heuristic use? Using a survey-based experiment, 508 Taiwanese participants were presented with five milk product profiles, each designed to trigger a specific heuristic (Take-the-best, Recognition, Emotional or Attribute Substitution). Choices were triangulated with data on label-use behaviour and food-related attitudes. Chi-square tests assessed associations between consumer attitudes and product choices, while multinomial logistic regression predicted drivers of heuristic use. The results show that most consumers do not consistently apply a single decision rule. Only 16.1 % demonstrated behaviour aligned with their stated preferences. Chi-square tests showed that decision patterns were strongly associated with whether participants prioritized health versus price/taste (χ 2 = 39.8, p < .001) and, to a lesser extent, with habitual versus conscious shopping (χ 2 = 16.3, p = .038). Multinomial regression showed that label-readers were over five times more likely to choose emotionally framed options and three times more likely to choose cognitively framed ones, compared to price-driven (Take-the-best) choices. These findings show that price alone does not drive food decisions, even when it represents a clear monetary advantage. The study underscores the bounded rationality of consumers and suggests that label simplification, emotional salience and contextual framing may be more effective than information density in guiding healthier food choices.</p
Examining mental shortcuts in consumer use of food package information for purchase decision. Is it a case of health, habit or haste?
Full text linkThis study examines how consumers use heuristics in food decision-making. Three research questions motivated the study. What types of food choice heuristics are most commonly used? How does reliance on heuristics vary by consumers' label-reading behaviour? To what extent do attitudes and personal characteristics influence heuristic use? Using a survey-based experiment, 508 Taiwanese participants were presented with five milk product profiles, each designed to trigger a specific heuristic (Take-the-best, Recognition, Emotional or Attribute Substitution). Choices were triangulated with data on label-use behaviour and food-related attitudes. Chi-square tests assessed associations between consumer attitudes and product choices, while multinomial logistic regression predicted drivers of heuristic use. The results show that most consumers do not consistently apply a single decision rule. Only 16.1 % demonstrated behaviour aligned with their stated preferences. Chi-square tests showed that decision patterns were strongly associated with whether participants prioritized health versus price/taste (χ 2 = 39.8, p < .001) and, to a lesser extent, with habitual versus conscious shopping (χ 2 = 16.3, p = .038). Multinomial regression showed that label-readers were over five times more likely to choose emotionally framed options and three times more likely to choose cognitively framed ones, compared to price-driven (Take-the-best) choices. These findings show that price alone does not drive food decisions, even when it represents a clear monetary advantage. The study underscores the bounded rationality of consumers and suggests that label simplification, emotional salience and contextual framing may be more effective than information density in guiding healthier food choices.</p
Early-Life Respiratory Emissions of CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O in Pre-Weaned Dairy-Bred Calves
Full text linkGreenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from livestock are a major contributor to climate change, with cattle known to be the principal contributor through enteric fermentation, manure management, and metabolic processes. This study investigates the emission rates of CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O in pre-weaned calves aged 12 to 86 days, focusing on the transitional phase from a purely milk-based diet to the introduction of solid feed. Using a novel respiratory mask, repeated measurements of GHG emissions were collected from 65 calves to offer first insights into early-life respiratory GHG emissions from calves. All three gases increased with age, with CH₄ showing a much stronger age dependence than for CO2 or N2O, consistent with early developmental changes as calves begin to consume solid feed. Eructation events were observed only in calves older than 25 days, and were characterised by significant increases in CH4, but not CO2 or N2O. Overall, CO2 emissions dominated the GHG profile of the cattle, and although breath concentrations remained relatively stable, emission rates increased significantly with age, suggesting that changes in tidal volume and lung capacity were the primary drivers. Breed-specific differences were limited and sensitive to model structure; after adjusting for age using a generalised linear model, British Blue-cross calves exhibited higher CH₄ emissions and lower N₂O emissions compared to other breeds, though these differences were not statistically significant across all comparisons. These findings provide the first empirical characterisation of early-life respiratory greenhouse gas emissions in calves, offering baseline data to support improved modelling of livestock emissions and informing future mitigation strategies that target the pre-weaning period
Distress calls as social stressors affecting chicken welfare
Full text linkSocial signals about current environmental risks can shape development in young animals. Distress calls made by young chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) may also encode affective state, with high arousal, potentially ‘anxiety-like’ state characterized by continuous calling, and learned helplessness or potentially ‘depression-like’ state by a more intermittent pattern. During early life (age 4–7 days), we played chicks artificial stimuli mimicking these two call patterns. Growth effects suggest caller affective state can modulate this social signal: chicks exposed to bouts of ‘Continuous’ calls grew faster and were heavier by late commercial life (day 43) than Controls. In contrast, chicks exposed to ‘Intermittent’ calling showed slow, then compensatory, growth. A third experimental treatment with similar ‘noisiness’ to distress calls did not influence growth. Responses to a late-life social isolation trial suggested lasting impacts on stressor perception or resilience. Comb temperature elevation during isolation, indicating acute stress, was greatest in the Continuous group. Call rate decline during isolation, potentially indicating a tendency towards learned helplessness, was steep in all three experimental treatments; hence, noise-related disturbance from vocalizations may also shape development. Distress calls are consequently an important consideration in farms, where young are raised at high density and one individual is heard by many
Effects of two methods of tooth resection on tooth integrity and piglet behaviour immediately before and after treatment
No full textErupted front deciduous teeth are often resected in pig farms to limit lesions that intact teeth may inflict to other piglets or the sow’s udder. Two techniques are commonly used: clipping with pliers and grinding with a rotating grindstone. Both techniques are potential sources of pain and stress. We analysed piglet behaviour just before and after tooth resection to identify changes that could indicate pain or distress. Behavioural observations focussed on oral behaviours, locomotion, ear position and movements, and vocalisations. In total, 120 piglets from 20 litters were allocated to clipping with sterilised pliers (CLIP), grinding with a hand-held rotative grindstone (GRIND) or SHAM-grinding at 1–4 days after birth (40 piglets/treatment, 2 piglets/treatment/litter). SHAM piglets were handled and treated as those in the GRIND group with a protective covering on the grinder head to prevent tissue damage. For resected piglets, the tip of the canines and third incisors was removed. Each litter was separated from the dam and placed in a heated holding trolley. Selected piglets were taken individually to a separate room and placed in an observation box for 1 min to be video recorded. Thereafter, tooth treatment was applied by a trained handler, and resected teeth were measured and checked for the presence of blood. The piglet was returned to the observation box and video recorded again for 1 min. Once all selected piglets had been treated, the litter was returned to the dam. Mean treatment duration was 53, 48 and 46 s in the SHAM, GRIND and CLIP groups, respectively. Presence of blood on teeth after resection was significantly more frequent (P < 0.001) in CLIP (97.5%) than GRIND (22.5%) treated piglets. Only one behaviour, ‘champing’ (opening and closing an empty mouth) differed (P = 0.005) between treatments: occurring in 45% of SHAM and 80% of CLIP pigs (P < 0.05) with GRIND pigs being intermediate (60%). This behaviour was never observed pre-treatment. A marked influence of handling on piglet behaviour regardless of the treatment was evident: walking, exploring walls and ears back decreased, while immobility, not exploring, ears in front position, and head flicks increased significantly (P < 0.05) between the pre- and post-treatment periods, but were not affected by treatment. In conclusion, although handling stress masked some of the behavioural effects of acute pain, tooth clipping appears to be more detrimental than grinding, as it led to more frequent presence of blood and champing behaviour
Unlocking Sustainable Poultry Feeding: Nutritional, Regulatory, and Sustainability Consequences of Former Food Products in Poultry Diets
Full text linkThe integration of former food products (FFPs) into poultry diets represents a promising strategy to reduce competition for human-edible feed resources, enhance circularity in agri-food systems, and lower the environmental footprint of poultry production. This review synthesises current knowledge on nutritional composition, digestibility, and practical inclusion strategies for FFPs such as bakery meal, biscuit waste, pasta residues, and confectionery products. Drawing on both national and international research, it evaluates their potential to partially replace conventional cereals without compromising bird performance, product quality, or welfare, provided that formulation adjustments are made for amino acid balance, micronutrient supply, and dietary energy density. Safety and regulatory considerations are examined, including EU and UK legislative requirements, packaging removal, microbiological control, and monitoring for contaminants. The review also addresses consumer perceptions, noting that terminology and transparency strongly influence public acceptance of FFP-based feeds. Environmental and economic impacts are explored through life cycle assessment evidence, showing that diverting suitable FFPs from waste streams to poultry diets can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and feed costs, while retaining nutrients within the food chain. Key challenges include nutrient variability, seasonal supply fluctuations, and limited long-term performance data, especially for layers. This review identifies key knowledge gaps and proposes a roadmap for the responsible and scalable use of FFPs in poultry nutrition. Realising FFPs full potential in sustainable feeding systems will require coordinated efforts across research, industry and policy.<br/
Unlocking Sustainable Poultry Feeding: Nutritional, Regulatory, and Sustainability Consequences of Former Food Products in Poultry Diets
Full text linkThe integration of former food products (FFPs) into poultry diets represents a promising strategy to reduce competition for human-edible feed resources, enhance circularity in agri-food systems, and lower the environmental footprint of poultry production. This review synthesises current knowledge on nutritional composition, digestibility, and practical inclusion strategies for FFPs such as bakery meal, biscuit waste, pasta residues, and confectionery products. Drawing on both national and international research, it evaluates their potential to partially replace conventional cereals without compromising bird performance, product quality, or welfare, provided that formulation adjustments are made for amino acid balance, micronutrient supply, and dietary energy density. Safety and regulatory considerations are examined, including EU and UK legislative requirements, packaging removal, microbiological control, and monitoring for contaminants. The review also addresses consumer perceptions, noting that terminology and transparency strongly influence public acceptance of FFP-based feeds. Environmental and economic impacts are explored through life cycle assessment evidence, showing that diverting suitable FFPs from waste streams to poultry diets can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and feed costs, while retaining nutrients within the food chain. Key challenges include nutrient variability, seasonal supply fluctuations, and limited long-term performance data, especially for layers. This review identifies key knowledge gaps and proposes a roadmap for the responsible and scalable use of FFPs in poultry nutrition. Realising FFPs full potential in sustainable feeding systems will require coordinated efforts across research, industry and policy.<br/