This study aimed to evaluate the effects of oral supplementation of a multifunctional additive on the fecal microbiota, feeding behavior, and growth of calves raised in groups in pasture-based systems. The study was carried out at Embrapa Pecuária Sudeste, Brazil. Sixteen Kiwi-Cross dairy calves were randomly assigned to two groups: treated (n=8): animals (3 g/animal/day) that received a compound of probiotics, prebiotics, essential fatty acids, organic minerals, and amino acids; and control (n=8): animals (3 g/animal/day) that received a placebo. From birth to weaning (0-66 days), the calves' fecal samples (D0, D15, D30, D60, and D66), feeding behavior (grazing and rumination), and growth parameters (average daily gain—ADG and thoracic circumference—TC) were taken. Fecal microbiota were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing (Illumina MiSeq), while behavior and growth were analyzed by Generalized Linear Models. Regardless of treatment, there was an increase (~16%) in α-diversity over time (p<0.001). The treated group presented a greater (p = 0.001) relative abundance of the families Lactobacillus and Muribaculaceae than the control group. The treated group (grazing: 43 d; rumination: 36 d) began grazing and rumination behaviors later than the control group (grazing: 35 d; rumination: 28 d). The ADG (p = 0.008) and TC (p = 0.003) were higher in the treated group (ADG: 0.69 kg/day; TC: 90.3 cm) than control group (ADG: 0.52 kg/day; TC: 86.7 cm). In conclusion, the fecal microbiota changed over time, probably due to rumen development during the experimental period. Although supplementation with a multifunctional additive delayed grazing and ruminating behaviors in dairy calves, it improved their growth.

Changes in factors like an increase in mating frequency, age, and subfertility have been associated with a female-biased sperm sex ratio and may result in a female-biased offspring sex ratio. In the New Zealand Thoroughbred industry, there is a preference for male foals due to a greater potential economic return from successful racing and breeding careers. If female-biased sperm sex ratios are linked to higher mating rates, this has economic implications and practical implications for stallion breeding management.

Within the industry, there are multiple commercial and economic drivers to mate large number of mares (31 - 114 mares within a season) within a heavily condensed breeding season (approximately 110 days). Therefore, stallions have a high daily reproductive rate (mating up to four mares per day), with mating concentrated within the narrow mare reproductive season and breeding window.

This study investigated the effect of average daily mating rate from 7 to 0 weeks before conception on the likelihood of conceiving a male foal using logistic regression and data derived from official breeding records (2005-2015) of New Zealand Thoroughbred stallions (n=220 stallions, 33704 observations). The 7-week window was included to capture the effect of oxidative stress from mating on stages of spermatogenesis. Other relevant variables such as sire, season, stud fee category, age, book size, and fertility were also investigated. Variables were tested using univariable analysis (significance obtained using Chi-square test) followed by a forward stepwise approach.

Only the increased mating rate (≥3 mares/day) at 4 weeks (28-35 days) prior to conception significantly reduced the likelihood of conceiving a male foal (Odds ratio = 0.93, CI:0.89-0.98, P<0.01). This coincides with the meiosis stage of spermatogenesis, where greater Y-chromosome susceptibility to stress-induced damage during early development has been reported in the literature. These findings are consistent with observations in previous studies and highlight the relationship between economic optimisation and biological pressures associated with intensive production practices.

This study aimed to compare two donor superovulation protocols (SOP) and embryo transfer (MOET) technology in dromedary camels by analyzing the mRNA gene expression of osteopontin (OPN) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA), in conjunction with follicular activity, embryonic development, and hormonal profiles. Ten healthy female camels were assigned to two treatment groups to evaluate different superovulation regimens: a conventional 5-day protocol (5dSOP) and a simplified single-dose protocol combined with hyaluronic acid (1dSOP), both utilizing a mixture of 500 μg porcine follitropin and 100 μg porcine lutetropin. The 1dSOP treatment consistently yielded significantly higher mean follicular counts (27.2 ± 0.74 vs. 22.6 ± 0.76; P < 0.05), larger follicular diameters (1.82 ± 0.04 vs. 1.68 ± 0.05 cm), and a superior embryo recovery rate (19.29 ± 0.39 vs. 13.21 ± 0.43) compared to the 5dSOP. Furthermore, the 1dSOP resulted in significantly shorter response times (7.75 ± 0.23 days) than the 5dSOP (8.88 ± 0.27 days). A highly significant interaction between protocol and time was observed, with the 1dSOP group reaching peak follicular values at 144 and 192 hours. While no significant differences were found in OPN expression, VEGFA expression was notably elevated in the 5dSOP group, suggesting potential benefits for endometrial receptivity. In conclusion, the 1dSOP is a highly successful, simplified method that demonstrates superior follicular growth and embryo yield while enhancing animal welfare through decreased intervention and improved follicular harmonization.

Magnetic manipulation of gametes and embryos using functionalized nanoparticles (NPs) offers a novel strategy to improve micromanipulation in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Conjugation of functionalized magnetic NPs to a truncated version of porcine oviductal glycoprotein 1 (pOVGP1t) generates the NPOv complex, which specifically binds to the zona pellucida (ZP) of mature oocytes without internalization, enabling magnetic control. This study evaluated the effect of medium viscosity on the displacement behaviour of oocyte–NPOv complexes under a low-intensity magnetic field generated by a neodymium magnet. Oocyte–NPOv complexes were exposed to the S-02-02-N magnet (2⌀ × 2 mm, 150 g holding force) in media of different viscosities: phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), PBS supplemented with methylcellulose (MC: 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%), uterine fluid (UF) and oviductal fluid (OF). Displacement was recorded using a stereomicroscope-mounted digital camera and distance travelled, mean velocity and maximum acceleration were analyzed using Tracker (v6.0.8). Viscosity ranged from 0.92 cP in PBS to 140.83 cP in MC 1% (n = 3 replicates). Distance travelled was longer in PBS (0.39 ± 0.07 cm), MC 0.1% (0.37 ± 0.04 cm) and UF (0.35 ± 0.03 cm), and shorter in MC 1% (0.09 ± 0.02 cm; p < 0.05). Mean velocity and maximum acceleration values followed a similar trend, appearing higher in PBS and lower in MC 1% (p < 0.05). n = 7-9 per group. Data are presented as the mean ± standard deviation (SD). Overall, motion parameters declined progressively with increasing viscosity, confirming an inverse relationship between medium viscosity and magnetic responsiveness. These findings provide key insights into the design of magnetic-based micromanipulation tools for ART applications and microfluidic systems. Funding was provided by the Seneca Foundation-Murcia Region Science and Technology Agency ‘Grants for the implementation of projects for the development of scientific and technical research by competitive groups (22001/PI/22)’.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of steam-flaked corn on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, rumen parameters, microbial community composition, species function, and metabolism in yaks using multi-omics technologies. Fourteen healthy Zhongdian yaks aged 3–4 years with similar body weights were selected and randomly divided into two groups. They were fed total mixed rations containing either ground corn (GC) or steam-flaked corn (SFC), respectively. The trial lasted for 65 days, including a 10-day adaptation period. At the end of the trial, rumen fluid samples were collected for metagenomic and metabolomic analyses. The results show that the dominant bacterial phyla in the yak rumen were Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, and the dominant genus was Prevotella. The abundance of Fibrobacter was significantly higher in the SFC group than in the GC group . Firmicutes bacterium CAG:103 was significantly positively correlated with acetate, propionate, and butyrate, Ruminobacter sp. RM87 and Ruminobacter amylophilus were significantly positively correlated with propionate, and Butyrivibrio hungatei was significantly positively correlated with isobutyrate and isovalerate. CAZy database annotation revealed that the abundance of GH was significantly higher in the SFC group than in the GC group, while the abundances of CBM and CE were extremely significantly higher in the SFC group. Prevotella sp. CAG:1124 and Ruminococcaceae bacterium YAD3003 were significantly positively correlated with ko00500. Succinimonas amylolytica and Tolumonas lignilytica were significantly positively correlated with ko00540 (P<0.05). The rumen of yaks in the SFC group was characterized by the accumulation of purine degradation products (e.g., 3-methyladenine) and neuroactive substances (e.g., tryptamine), whereas the GC group was enriched with various bacterial fermentation products and signaling molecules, including indole-3-carboxylic acid, and showed significant enrichment in the sphingolipid metabolism pathway. Succinivibrionaceae bacterium WG-1 was significantly positively correlated with indole-3-carboxylic acid. Steam-flaked corn altered the structure and metabolism of the rumen microbial community in yaks.

Cryopreservation allows sperm storage for long periods, facilitating genetic improvement. In rabbits, there are no standardized protocols ensuring adequate sperm quality upon thawing. The objective was to assess a modification of the rabbit semen cryopreservation protocol from the University of Molise (Italy). Semen was collected weekly from five New Zealand rabbit bucks; only ejaculates presenting ≥70% progressive motility (PM) and ≥80% viability (VB) were used to form a pool. Sperm PM, VB, normal (NS), acrosome integrity (AI), plasma membrane integrity (MI), and membrane functionality (MF) were assessed before and after cryopreservation. Each pool (n=10) was diluted, at room temperature, in a Tris–Citric Acid–Glucose (TCG) medium without cryoprotectants; sperm concentration was adjusted to 200x10⁶ sperm/ml. Sperm were cooled to 5°C in approximately 90 minutes; then, the pool was split into two parts, into which were added TCG containing dimethyl-sulfoxide (16%) and sucrose (0.1M) as follows: one part (T1) was diluted in one step, packed in 0.25 mL straws, and equilibrated for 45 min; the other part (T2), was diluted in three fractions with a 10-min interval between them, packed in 0.25 mL straws, and equilibrated for 15 min. Then, straws were exposed to nitrogen vapors for 10 min and plunged into liquid nitrogen. For thawing, straws were immersed in water at 50°C for 10 seconds. A T-test was performed between treatments. After thawing, sperm variables for T1 vs. T2 were PM 35±5.77 vs. 35±4.21%, VB 50.9±5.2 vs. 59.2±3.72%, AI 57.6±6.00 vs. 56.4±4.69%, NS 82.2±02.27 vs. 84.7±0.96%, MF 35.5±5.94 vs. 39.6±3.46%, and MI 43.6±5.53 vs. 53.9±6.50%; there were no significant differences between treatments. In conclusion, the addition of freezing medium as either one step or in multiple fractions produced the same results. However, the next step is to perform in vivo tests to assess the fertility and prolificacy of both protocols. This study is supported by UNAM PAPIIT IN206524/ CI2441.

Global animal husbandry is facing huge challenges. While meeting future demands for nutritional resources, such as protein, its environmental footprint must be significantly reduced. Although there are certain achievements without targeted and individual solutions, it is difficult to achieve a fundamental and systematic transformation. This study aims to evaluate the application of an integrated multi-strategy approach in pig production and make it effective in improving the impact on the environment and provide practitioners with feasible economic practical paths. The method seeks to evaluate the impact of different dietary compatibility methods on the utilization rate of animal nutrients, further adjust the diet formula to reduce the crude protein content, so as to maximize the use of nitrogen and other nutrients and energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The main strategy to reduce its production carbon footprint is to use local feed materials from breeding sites and add synthetic amino acids to the diet. Innovative feed additives are also used including phytase, protease and prebiotics. The main assessment indicators include nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) balance, global warming potential (GWP, calculated by CO ₂ equivalent) and production cost per kg of pork. Results: Compared with the basic method, this method significantly reduced the excretion of nitrogen and phosphorus in the whole animal production process, reduced the production carbon footprint by 18%, and significantly improved the utilization rate of nutrients. For example, the utilization rate of nitrogen increased by 54%. The economic feasibility goal was achieved, and the total production cost was successfully reduced. This study shows that this method can achieve win–win environmental and economic benefits, provide a sustainable, economic and practical way to solve the impact of animal husbandry on the environment, and promote the sustainable development of animal nutrition in animal husbandry.

Throughout history, human beings have assumed dominion, ownership, and the right to use and consume nonhuman animals, both domesticated and wild. The everyday consumption of meat, derived primarily from domesticated animals, sustains complex economic value chains that reinforce human beliefs and practices used to justify dietary habits and nutritional norms. The human–nonhuman relationship thus reflects a one-sided, anthropocentric conception of need, even when couched in the language of “humane” treatment in production and slaughter. Yet, nonhuman animals remain unacknowledged in their individuality, mindedness, and intrinsic animality within this historical framework. Recent innovations—such as cultivated meat, 3D-printed meat, insect protein, and even air-derived protein—embody a transformative potential to redefine human food culture. This paper explores the ethical viability of changing the human practice of eating animals, considering these emerging alternatives. The study employs an analytic philosophical method and applies the critical thinking framework of Elder and Paul (2012) to examine underlying assumptions and value systems. The findings indicate that humans have constructed an ethically unbalanced relationship toward voiceless nonhuman animals. However, technological developments reveal that protein production need not rely on suffering or death. The emergence of alternative proteins offers an opportunity to reimagine an interdisciplinary ethics of eating—one that integrates managerial, technological, political, and educational dimensions to transform long-standing human conceptions of meat and morality.

This study evaluated the effects of reproductive management factors on the conception rate of Girolando cows. Data were obtained from a commercial dairy farm located in Patrocínio, Minas Gerais, Brazil, using the Ideagri software. Reproductive records from 145 Girolando cows of different breed compositions, collected between January 2020 and August 2025, were analyzed. The variables evaluated included insemination condition (natural estrus or reproductive protocol), type of reproductive protocol, insemination center, and year of bull birth. Three reproductive protocols were assessed: protocol 1 consisted of two doses of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) administered on days 0 and 10, with insemination using conventional semen on day 12; protocol 2 involved natural estrus paired with prostaglandin (PG) administration on day 0, followed by insemination after 48 hours using conventional semen; protocol 3 included pre-synchronization with a progesterone implant, followed by GnRH and estradiol administration on day 0, PG on day 7, estradiol plus PG on day 9, and insemination with sexed semen on day 10. Semen from 46 Holstein bulls, born between 1989 and 2024 and originating from two artificial insemination centers, was used. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test at a 5% significance level, and Fisher’s exact test was applied when expected frequencies were below five. Significant associations were observed between conception rate and insemination condition, reproductive protocol, insemination center, and year of bull birth (p<0.0001). Cows subjected to reproductive protocols showed higher conception rates than those inseminated during natural estrus (40.59% vs. 31.88%). Protocols 1 and 3 resulted in higher conception rates compared to protocol 2 (40.63% and 40.00% vs. 31.88%, respectively). Insemination center 1 showed superior performance compared to center 2 (36.40% vs. 28.29%). The highest and lowest conception rates were observed with semen from bulls born in 2010 and 2019, respectively (52.27% vs. 26.62%). It is concluded that reproductive management strategies and bull-related factors significantly influence the conception rate of Girolando cows.

Body condition is a key indicator of animal welfare, with dog owners acting as the primary assessors through their daily interactions with their pets. Understanding how owners perceive their dogs’ nutritional status is essential for preventing and managing body condition imbalances.

The present study investigated perceptual discrepancies in the evaluation of canine body condition between dog owners and experts, specifically a veterinarian and a university student in a program of animal protection and welfare. Two established scales for assessing body condition—the 5-point and 9-point Body Condition Score (BCS) scales—were employed to compare assessment consistency and explore factors influencing scoring accuracy. A total of 92 dogs and their owners participated. Each dog was independently evaluated by three assessors, and differences in scoring were analyzed in relation to owner characteristics (sex, age, experience with dog ownership, and level of physical activity) and dog attributes (age, sex, breed, coat length, activity level, and health status).

The findings revealed that owners frequently misjudged their dogs’ body condition. The weakest agreement, based on Spearman’s correlation, was observed between owners and veterinarians (5-point scale: r_S = 0.5693; p < 0.01). Owner sex, age, physical activity, and ownership experience had no statistically significant influence on BCS accuracy (p > 0.05), though a tendency toward underestimation was evident among inexperienced, younger, and older owners. Most dog-related variables did not significantly affect the results, except coat length. Owners of short-haired dogs showed significantly stronger agreement with veterinarians on the 5-point scale (p < 0.01), while long-haired dogs were more often overestimated (p < 0.05). The effect of coat length was not significant on the 9-point scale (p > 0.05). Overall, evaluations made using the 9-point scale were more accurate.

These results emphasize the need to improve owner awareness and education regarding body condition assessment and maintaining optimal health in dogs.