Publications - Publications

Validation of body weight monitoring by a 3D camera in finisher pigs

Franchi, G., Bus, J., Boumans, I., et al. — Sat, 01 Jan 2022 16:22:20 +0100

Automated recording of body weight (BW) can be a useful tool for continuous health, performance, and welfare monitoring in commercial pigs. Hence, we aimed to validate a three-dimensional (3D) camera (iDOL65, DOL-sensors A/S, Aarhus, Denmark) for monitoring BW in conventional finisher pigs on two farms (F1:131 Yorkshire×Landrace pigs, 10-18 pigs/pen; F2:107 Landrace×Large White pigs, 9-11 pigs/pen). On each farm, BW data was recorded on one day. The camera was placed above the multi-partitioned feeder (F1) or individual feeding station (F2) and combined with a radio frequency identification system. Whenever a pig visited the feeding site, 3D images were taken and used to estimate BW. The individual estimated BW was calculated as the median of the outcome of all daily images. For each farm separately, the individual estimated BW was compared against the individual scale-based BW (F1 (average±SD):36±5 kg; F2:74±8 kg) in R. On Farm 1, concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) (0.85) and coefficient of determination (R²=0.95) were high. The root mean square error (RMSE) was 1 kg. On Farm 2, CCC (0.92) and R² (0.94) were very high, and the RMSE was 1.9 kg. The camera’s BW estimation performance was high for both farms, especially in F2. Differences in camera set-up potentially influencing body boundary detection, and differences in body shape arising from different breeds may explain the better camera performance on F2 over F1. A further validation including a larger sample size and pigs at various development stages is necessary to confirm the use of this system in commercial farms.

Estimating body weight in conventional growing pigs using a depth camera

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 16:22:20 +0100

Automated body weight (BW) estimation can be a useful tool for continuous monitoring of growth in commercial pigs, whereas deviations could indicate welfare problems. We validated a depth camera for BW estimation in 251 conventional growing pigs on two farms. Scale-based BW of individual pigs was used as gold standard (Farm 1: 107 pigs, BW range: 16–130 kg, recorded on three days; Farm 2: 144 pigs BW range: 20–114 kg, recorded on nine days). The camera was placed above the individual feeding station (Farm 1) or multi-partitioned feeder (Farm 2) and combined with a radio frequency identification system. Whenever a pig visited the feeding site, three-dimensional images were taken, and all individual daily images were used to calculate the median individual estimated BW. The pen estimated BW was calculated by taking the median of all daily picture estimates. A very high agreement (Concordance Correlation Coefficient >0.96) between scale-based BW and estimated BW was found on both farms at individual and pen level. Additionally, the individual-level and pen-level BW estimation errors of the median weight over the fattening period were low on both farms (≤3.6%). Yet, the camera's BW estimation performance decreased in pigs weighing >110 kg on Farm 1. Whereas, on Farm 2, the performance decreased when pigs weighed approximately 60 kg and were subjected to a typical dietary change, which potentially increased the competition for access to the multi-partitioned feeder and, consequently, limited body boundary detection.

Porcine in vitro digestion and matrix structure of undigested residue of xylanase- and cellulase-supplemented maize and wheat

Njeru, H. K., Knudsen, K. E.Bach, Stobbs, J. A., Tu, K., Woyengo, T. A. — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:22:20 +0100

Background: This study investigated the effects of supplementing maize and wheat with a combination of xylanase and cellulase on porcine in vitro digestibility, nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) solubilization, and matrix structure. The latter was assessed using synchrotron-based micro-computed tomography (SR-μCT) and Fourier transform mid-infrared (FTMIR) spectroscopy after porcine in vitro degradation. Cereal grains were subjected to porcine in vitro digestion with or without enzyme supplementation (20 000 U kg⁻¹ of each enzyme) in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Results: In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDDM) was lower for maize than for wheat (P < 0.05), and enzyme supplementation had no effect on IVDDM. Supplemental enzymes reduced arabinoxylan content in the undigested residue of wheat (53 vs 46 g kg⁻¹, P < 0.05) but not maize (42 vs 44 g kg⁻¹; P > 0.05). Synchrotron-based micro-computed tomography imaging revealed aleurone cells with intact content in the undigested residue of both maize and wheat, regardless of enzyme supplementation. Some endosperm cells in undigested maize residue retained their content, whereas nearly all endosperm cells in undigested enzyme-unsupplemented wheat residue were empty. No endosperm cells were detected in undigested enzyme-supplemented wheat residue. Fourier transform mid-infrared imaging indicated a higher presence of phenolic compounds in maize cell walls than in wheat. Conclusion: Supplemental enzymes did not affect IVDDM for wheat, as they primarily degraded endosperm cell walls, the content of which was already released by pepsin and pancreatin digestion. Similarly, IVDDM for maize remained unaffected, which was probably due to the high phenolic content of its cell walls.

Milk production and methane emissions from dairy cows fed silages from different grassland species and harvesting frequencies

Weiby, K. V., Årvik, L., Eknæs, M., et al. — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 16:22:20 +0100

The aim of this study was to examine how silages from different grassland species and harvesting frequencies affect feed intake, milk production, and methane (CH₄) emission in dairy cows. We hypothesized that cows consuming silages of more frequent harvest, grass species with greater OM digestibility and legumes with lower NDFom concentration would have greater silage DMI and milk yield and thereby lower CH₄ yield and intensity. Forty Norwegian Red cows were allocated to 5 treatments in a cyclic changeover design with four 21-d periods (14 d of adaptation, 7 d of data collection). The 5 treatments evaluated were silages produced from timothy (Phleum pratense L.) in a 3-cut system (T3), timothy in a 2-cut system (T2), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) in a 3-cut system (PR3), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) in a 3-cut system (RC3) and a mix of T3 and RC3 (50:50 on DM basis; T3/RC3). The treatments were prepared by mixing silages from each crop over the growing season, proportional to the harvested DM yield of each cut. Cows were offered the mixed silages ad libitum supplemented with a fixed level of concentrate. Gas emissions were measured using 2 Greenfeed units. Milk yield was recorded in the milking robot at each visit, and milk samples were collected at 3 consecutive milkings during the last 7 d of each period. Cows were weighed after each milking, and total-tract digestibility of each diet was estimated using acid insoluble ash as internal marker in fecal grab samples. The data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with block, period, and treatment as fixed effects and animal within block as random effect. Silage and total DMI did not differ between T3 and T2, but total DMI was lower for PR3 than for T3. There was a quadratic effect of increased proportion of red clover, with highest intakes of T3/RC3 and lower intakes of RC3 than of T3. Energy-corrected milk yield was lower for T2 than T3, and for PR3 than T3. There was a quadratic effect of increased proportion of red clover, with highest ECM yield in T3/RC3 and lower in RC3 than in T3. Organic matter digestibility was lower for T2 than T3, but it did not differ between T3 and PR3. Including red clover in the diet linearly decreased OM digestibility. Methane production (g/d) did not differ between T3 and T2, but CH₄ intensity (g/kg ECM) was greater for T2 than for T3. There was no difference between T3 and PR3 for CH₄ production but yield and intensity were greater for PR3 than T3. Including red clover in the diet linearly increased CH₄ production, yield and intensity with greatest intensity in the 100% red clover diet. In conclusion, changing harvesting frequency for timothy from 2 to 3 harvests per year did not affect CH₄ production or yield, but CH₄ intensity was reduced. Replacing timothy with perennial ryegrass and increased inclusion rate of red clover both increased CH₄ yield and intensity.

Krill supplement does not reduce virus load or heart pathology during PRV-3 infection in rainbow trout under experimental conditions

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 16:22:20 +0200

Piscine orthoreoviruses pose a significant challenge to salmonid aquaculture, as there are currently no preventive measures, like vaccines, available. Piscine orthoreovirus genotype 3 (PRV-3), now renamed Orthoreovirus piscis, has been linked to disease in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) farmed in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), and has a high prevalence in Danish RAS. Previous studies have demonstrated that functional feeds can reduce the heart inflammation caused by PRV-1 in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). This study aims to determine whether functional feeds have a similar effect on rainbow trout infected with PRV-3. Specifically, we investigated the impact of a krill meal enriched diet on heart inflammation, anemia, and viral RNA load in rainbow trout exposed to PRV-3. The fish were pre-fed with either a control diet or enriched diet for six weeks prior to challenge with PRV-3. The results showed no significant differences in viral RNA load, hematocrit levels or heart pathology between the diets. However, PRV-3 exposed fish fed with the enriched diet exhibited significantly higher weight gain compared to those on the control diet. These findings suggest that while krill meal enhances growth performance, it does not reduce PRV-3-induced heart pathology in rainbow trout. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and potential benefits of dietary interventions in managing PRV-3 infections.

Effects of different doses of 3-nitrooxypropanol combined with varying forage composition on feed intake, methane emission, and milk production in dairy cows

Maigaard, M., Weisbjerg, M. R., Ohlsson, C., Walker, N., Lund, P. — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 16:22:20 +0100

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of combining different doses of 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) with varying forage composition on gas emission and production performance of dairy cows. Seventy-two lactating Danish Holstein cows (36 primiparous and 36 multiparous) were enrolled in a continuous randomized block design with an initial 2-wk covariate period followed by application of treatments for 12 consecutive weeks. Initial DMI and ECM yield were 23.8 ± 3.34 kg/d (mean ± SD) and 38.3 ± 7.12 kg/d, respectively. Cows were blocked according to parity and DIM. Treatments were organized in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. The first factor was diet type, reflecting 2 different forage compositions of the diet. The ratio of grass-clover silage to corn silage was 60%:40% of total forage DM in grass-based diets and 40%:60% in corn-based diets. In total, forage constituted 56% of the DM in the partial mixed rations. The second factor reflected 3 doses of 3-NOP: 0, 60, or 80 mg 3-NOP/kg DM. Gas emissions were measured using GreenFeed systems and feed intake by using Insentec Roughage Intake Control bins. Weekly averages from the last 10 wk were analyzed by using a mixed model including fixed effects and interactions among diet type, 3-NOP dose, week, and parity, and included a covariate term and accounted for repeated measures. Methane yield (g/kg DMI) was reduced by 34% and 31%, and CH₄ intensity (g/kg ECM) was reduced by 34% and 32% at 60 and 80 mg 3-NOP/kg DM, respectively, and we found no difference in CH₄ yield or intensity between the 2 doses. The corn- and grass-based diets were similar in NDF and starch levels, and we found no interaction between dose of 3-NOP and diet type for CH₄ yield or intensity. Total DMI was reduced by 9% in cows fed 80 mg 3-NOP/kg DM across diet types, whereas we found no effect on DMI at 60 mg 3-NOP/kg DM. Similarly, ECM yield was reduced by 5% in cows fed 80 mg 3-NOP/kg DM compared with no 3-NOP supplementation, and these cows had a 42% lower BW increase over the experiment compared with no supplementation. In conclusion, 3-NOP at 60 mg/kg DM was efficient in reducing CH₄ without compromising feed intake and milk production, whereas 80 mg 3-NOP/kg DM negatively affected production performance.

Perspectives on the effectiveness of applicable nutritional strategies to mitigate enteric methane over different intensive dairy production system characteristics

Olijhoek, D. W., Mogensen, L., Lund, P., et al. — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 16:22:20 +0200

A critical evaluation of the applicability of enteric methane mitigation strategies in relation to consistency in effect across types of dairy production systems is warranted before commercial implementation. The aim of this study is therefore to evaluate the effectiveness of selected nutritional enteric methane mitigation strategies in lowering methane emission per kg of energy-corrected (ECM), fat-corrected or fat and protein-corrected milk yield at cow level when considering animal or commercial intensive dairy system characteristics. Hence, the scope is to go beyond a traditional review of mitigation strategies providing perspectives for implementation and identification of gaps in the state-of-the-art knowledge. The evaluated strategies are increased concentrate proportion in the ration, dietary supplementation of linseed or rapeseed as lipid sources, and the dietary additives nitrate and 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP). These strategies are chosen based on a high readiness for implementation and a considerable mitigation potential. A state-of-the-art is given regarding the mode of action, methane reduction potential and persistency, effect on dry matter intake and milk yield, and effects of combinations of mitigation strategies and dietary characteristics. Although scientific evidence is sometimes lacking, variation in the effectiveness of lowering enteric methane emission by mitigation strategies is to be expected across animal characteristics such as breed, life stage, stage of lactation, and production and feeding systems. This evaluation identified that future research should confirm the findings on the persistency over the lactation cycle and in the long-term. Also, effective combinations of mitigation strategies, effects on different breeds and life stages, and suitable mitigation strategies for grazing systems should be studied further.

Residential Exposure to PM_2.5 Constituents and Fecundability in a Danish Preconception Cohort

Wesselink, A. K., Johannesen, B. R., Wang, T. R., et al. — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:22:20 +0100

Background: Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that ambient concentrations of particulate matter < 2.5 μm (PM_2.5) are associated with reduced fecundability, the per cycle probability of conception. The specific constituents driving this association are unknown. Objectives: We examined the association between ambient concentrations of PM_2.5 constituents and fecundability in a Danish preconception cohort study. Methods: During 2007–2018, we enrolled female pregnancy planners in an Internet-based preconception cohort study. We included the 5905 participants who had been trying to conceive for < 3 cycles at study enrollment. Participants completed a baseline questionnaire and follow-up questionnaires every 8 weeks to update pregnancy status. We geocoded time-varying residential addresses to estimate ambient concentrations of total PM_2.5 and the following PM_2.5 constituents: elemental carbon (EC), primary organic aerosol (POA), secondary organic aerosols (SOA), sulfate (SO₄²⁻), ammonium (NH₄⁺), nitrate (NO₃⁻), and sea salt. We averaged concentrations of each pollutant across each menstrual cycle at risk. We fit proportional probabilities regression models to estimate fecundability ratios (FR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusting for potential confounders and co-pollutants. Results: Total PM_2.5 concentrations were associated with reduced fecundability (the FR for an IQR increase, corresponding to 3.2 μg/m³, was 0.93 [95% CI 0.87, 0.99]). The association was strongest for POA: the FR for an IQR increase, corresponding to 1.3 μg/m³, was 0.92 (95% CI 0.84, 1.01). The corresponding FRs for the remaining PM_2.5 constituents were 0.96 (95% CI 0.87, 1.05) for EC (IQR = 0.5 μg/m³), 0.98 (95% CI 0.91, 1.06) for SOA (IQR = 0.5), 0.97 (95% CI 0.92, 1.02) for SO₂⁴⁻ (IQR = 0.4), 0.95 (95% CI 0.91, 1.01) for NH₄⁺ (IQR = 0.5), 0.97 (95% CI 0.93, 1.01) for NO₃⁻ (IQR = 1.0), and 1.00 (95% CI 0.95, 1.06) for sea salt (IQR = 0.4). Conclusions: In this Danish preconception cohort study, PM_2.5 constituents derived from biomass and transportation-related combustion may drive the association between PM_2.5 concentrations and fecundability.

Metabolomic and lipidomic insights into the impact of Euglena gracilis-derived β-glucan supplementation on sow colostrum and milk composition

Ruampatana, J., Feyera, T., Yamsrikaew, U. ., et al. — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 16:22:20 +0100

Euglena gracilis, an algae-derived source of β-glucan, exhibits prebiotic activity that enhances colostrum quality and improves growth, though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates the effects of E. gracilis supplementation during late gestation and lactation on sow colostrum and milk biomolecular profiles. Sixty-one crossbred sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were assigned to a standard diet (CON; n = 30) or the CON diet supplemented with 1 g/sow/day of E. gracilis (TRT; n = 31) from day 85 of gestation until day 21 of lactation. Sow performance, including litter size and weight, was recorded from birth to day 21 of age. Colostrum samples (n = 20; 10 sows/group) were collected within 1 h of farrowing, and milk samples were collected from the same sows on days 3 and 10 of lactation to assess alterations in non-volatile polar metabolites (NVM), fatty acids (FA), and associated metabolic pathways. On average, the litter size at birth was 14.2 ± 2.5 piglets/litter, with no effect of dietary treatment from birth to day 21 of lactation (P > 0.05). However, piglets suckled by TRT sows
tended to have higher average daily gain from birth to day 21 of age than those suckled CON sows (191.0 ± 6.7 vs. 173.6 ± 6.8 g/day, P = 0.073). Chemometric analysis revealed distinct NVM and FA profiles between the groups, particularly in the colostrum. Although E. gracilis supplementation influenced the contents of multiple metabolites, focus has been given to those that have direct impact on piglet development, including increased colostrum leucine (P = 0.001), threonine (P < 0.001), and N-acetylglucosamine (P = 0.002), enhancing colostrum quality and immunomodulatory potential. Elevated colostrum gamma-linolenic acid (P = 0.047) and arachidonic acid (P = 0.019) levels suggested enhanced immune development. Pathways associated with amino sugars and nucleotide sugars and glucose-related metabolism in colostrum were also modulated. These findings suggest E. gracilis-derived β-glucan as a potential dietary supplement for enhancing sow colostrum quality and piglet growth.

Machine-Learning-Based Activity Tracking for Individual Pig Monitoring in Experimental Facilities for Improved Animal Welfare in Research

Deutch, F., Weiss, M. G., Wagner, S. R., et al. — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 16:22:20 +0100

In experimental research, animal welfare should always be of the highest priority. Currently, physical in-person observations are the standard. This is time-consuming, and results are subjective. Video-based machine learning models for monitoring experimental pigs provide a continuous and objective observation method for animal misthriving detection. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a pig tracking technology, using video-based data in a machine learning model to analyze the posture and activity level of experimental pigs living in single-pig pens. A research prototype was created using a microcomputer and a ceiling-mounted camera for live recording based on the obtained images from the experimental facility, and a combined model was created based on the Ultralytics YOLOv8n for object detection trained on the obtained images. As a second step, the Lucas–Kanade sparse optical flow technique for movement detection was applied. The resulting model successfully classified whether individual pigs were lying, standing, or walking. The validation test showed an accuracy of 90.66%, precision of 90.91%, recall of 90.66%, and correlation coefficient of 84.53% compared with observed ground truth. In conclusion, the model demonstrates how machine learning can be used to monitor experimental animals to potentially improve animal welfare.

Alterations in Milk Biomolecular Profiles and Piglet Performances Due to Dietary Probiotic Bacillus licheniformis DSMZ 28710 Supplementation

Ruampatana, J., Settachaimongkon, S., Kaewsirikool, J., et al. — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:22:20 +0100

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of probiotic Bacillus licheniformis DSMZ 28710 supplementation on sow performance, Preweaning piglet performance, and the biochemical profiles of colostrum and milk. Sixty-eight crossbred sows (Landrace (Formula presented.) Yorkshire) were allocated to either a standard lactation diet (Control; n = 35) or the Control diet supplemented with 10 g/sow/day of B. licheniformis DSMZ 28710 (Treatment; n = 33), from day 109 of gestation until day 21 of lactation. Sow and piglet performance, as well as the incidence of piglet diarrhea, were recorded. Moreover, the study investigated the changes in major chemical compositions, immunoglobulins, fatty acids, and non-volatile polar metabolites in colostrum, transient milk, and mature milk of sows. Supplementation of B. licheniformis increased piglet body weight on day 21 of lactation in old parity sows (p = 0.037). Moreover, the incidence of diarrhea was reduced in piglets suckled by sows supplemented with B. licheniformis DSMZ 28710, regardless of sow's parity or lactation stage (p < 0.05). Probiotic supplementation decreased fat content in transient milk (p = 0.026) and increased lactose content in mature milk (p = 0.011). Chemometric analysis revealed clear distinctions between the Control and Treatment group in the fatty acid profiles of colostrum, transient milk, and mature milk, while notable differences in non-volatile polar metabolite profiles were observed specifically in mature milk. In conclusion, supplementation with B. licheniformis DSMZ 28710 reduced the incidence of diarrhea in piglets, increased body weight of the piglets in old parity sows and altered the biomolecular profiles in colostrum, transit milk, and mature milk of the sows.

Impact of a ten-week lactation period on sow and litter performance in organic outdoor production

Pedersen, T. F., Eskildsen, M., Kongsted, A. G. — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 16:22:20 +0100

In recent years the average lactation period for organic pigs reared outdoors has been extended to improve piglet robustness at weaning and to eliminate the need for a separate weaner facility. This study aimed to investigate the performance of outdoor sows and litters after lactation periods of seven and 10 weeks. Twenty litters comprising a total of 251 pigs were assigned to one of two weaning strategies: weaning at seven weeks or weaning at 10 weeks. Post-weaning, the piglets were transferred to outdoor weaner paddocks and monitored until they reached 17 weeks of age. Sows' body weight (BW), back fat thickness (BF), udder, and teat condition were assessed after seven and 10 weeks of lactation. Piglets were weighed at the end of week 7, 10, 14, and 17 post-partum. Sow feed intake was recorded from weeks 8 to 10, while piglets' feed intake was monitored from weeks 8 to 10, 11 to 14, and 15 to 17. There were no changes in sow BF, teat, and udder condition during the three-week extended lactation period (P > 0.05). Sows exhibited an increase in BW by 8.8 kg during the three-week extended lactation period (P < 0.01). The weaning strategy did not affect piglets' average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (ADFI), or feed conversion ratio (FCR), in terms of kg feed per kg gain, from week 10 to 14, as well as ADG and ADFI from week 15 to 17 (P > 0.05). Overall, pigs per litter after 17 weeks and total gain (sow and pigs) from week 8 to 17 did not differ between weaning strategies (P > 0.05). When including feed use for sows, piglets, and weaners, overall FCR in terms of kg feed per kg gain was numerically higher for litters weaned after 10 weeks of lactation (P = 0.11). However, overall FCR in terms of kg crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) per kg gain did not differ between weaning strategies (P > 0.05). In conclusion, extended lactation had no detrimental effects on outdoor sows’ body condition and udder condition at weaning. On the other hand, when the piglets are weaned in outdoor conditions, in small group sizes and sorted according to size, weaning at seven or 10 weeks of age seems to be equally suitable strategies to obtain good pig health and high growth rates until 17 weeks of age.

Vurdering af bevidstløshed og død når svin aflives/dør andre steder end på slagteriet

Wehrs, A., Kobek-Kjeldager, C., Herskin, M. S. — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:22:20 +0100

Environmental enrichment to improve pig welfare

Coutant, M. P., Pedersen, L. J., Larsen, M. L. V. — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 16:22:20 +0100

Differential effects of 3-nitrooxypropanol supplementation on milk fatty acid profiles in 3 different dairy breeds

Sirinayake Lokuge, G. M., Nielsen, N. I. ., Maigaard, M., et al. — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 16:22:20 +0100

3-Nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) is a promising and approved antimethanogenic feed additive in dairy farming. The objective of this study was to evaluate breed-specific variation in milk fatty acids (FA) following 3-NOP supplementation. Milk FA composition was analyzed from 3 studies using Danish Holstein (DH), Danish Jersey (DJ), and Danish Red (DR) dairy cows respectively, fed control or 3-NOP supplemented diets. The 3-NOP was supplemented at a dose of 60 mg/kg feed DM. Bulk milk samples were analyzed for milk FA by GC flame ionization detection. The 3-NOP supplemented diets increased the proportion of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and decreased the proportion of C16:0 in the milk of DH cows. A similar tendency in milk FA composition induced by 3-NOP was observed in DJ cows; however, the extent of these changes was less pronounced, and no changes were observed in milk FA from DR cows. Indirect comparison among the breeds showed a higher proportion of SCFA in milk from DJ cows, a higher proportion of medium-chain FA in DR cows and a higher proportion of long-chain FA in DH cows. The effect of 3-NOP on milk FA composition appears to vary between breeds; however, this variation may also be influenced by differences in feeding regimens between breeds, making further studies worthwhile to better understand these interactions.

Effect of dehulling and toasting at different moisture contens of fava beans (Vicia faba) on chemical composition and in-situ ruminal protein degradation

Wang, W., Aljundi, A. T., Hansen, N. P., Weisbjerg, M. R., Lund, P., Larsen, M. — Thu, 01 May 2025 16:22:20 +0200

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dehulling and moist toasting at different dry matter (DM) contents on the feed value of fava beans using the in situ methodology. Fava beans with about 12 % of moisture content were moistened to achieve moisture contents of 12 %, 18 %, and 25 %. Firstly, the effect of toast-moist and dehulling was investigated in a 4 × 2 factorial design with factor 1 including: (1) untoasted at 12 % moisture, (2) toasted at 12 % moisture, (3) toasted at 18 % moisture, and (4) toasted at 25 % moisture. Factor 2 including: hulled or dehulled. Secondly, the effect of the sequence of toasting (at 12 % moisture) and dehulling was examined. Thirdly, the nutritive value of hulls was assessed. Moist toasting and dehulling both resulted in a higher CP content of fava beans. Moist toasting led to a lower ruminal degradability and higher intestinal and total-tract disappearance of DM, CP, and CP-free DM. Dehulling of fava beans resulted in a lower aNDFom content, higher ruminal degradability of DM, CP, and CP-free DM and higher intestinal disappearance of DM, CP, and CP-free DM. Toasting after dehulling resulted in a higher DM content but did not affect ruminal degradability of CP. Increasing the moisture content in the fava beans before toasting from 12 to 18 and 25 % moisture resulted in a lower effective ruminal degradability of DM, CP, and CP-free DM, but higher total-tract and intestinal disappearance of DM, CP, and CP-free DM. It was concluded that dehulling was effective to improve fava beans nutritive value by reducing aNDFom content and increasing the CP and starch content. Toasting fava beans in moist condition, eg. directly from harvest, give the most effective protection of CP and CP-free DM from ruminal degradation and increased intestinal and total-tract disappearance of CP and CP-free DM. Fava bean hulls had low nutritional value and was limited affected by moist toasting.

Metabolizable energy and digestible nutrient values of protease-supplemented field pea for broiler chicken

Woyengo, T. A., Rogiewicz, A., Patterson, R. — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 16:22:20 +0100

A study was conducted to determine the effects of protease supplementation of field pea (in comparison with soybean meal; SBM) for broilers on apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA). One hundred and forty broiler chicks were divided into 35 groups of 4 birds/group and fed 5 diets in a completely randomized design (7 groups/diet) from 14 to 21 d of age. The diets were cornstarch-based containing SBM or field pea as the sole protein source without or with protease (ProSparity 250^TM; CBS Bio Platforms, Calgary, AB, Canada) in 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, and N-free diet. Protease was added to diets to supply 6,250 U/kg. Digestibility of AA and N retention for feedstuffs were determined by the direct method, whereas digestibility and retention of energy for feedstuffs were determined by the difference from the N-free diet. On as fed basis, SBM and field pea contained 90.0 and 88.9 dry matter, 46.6 and 20.2 % crude protein, 2.88 and 1.47 % Lys, and 14.3 and 14.7 % non-starch polysaccharides, respectively. On as fed basis, the AMEn value for field pea was lower (P < 0.05) than that of SBM (2,006 vs. 2,414 kcal/kg). Also, the SID values of most indispensable AA in field pea were lower (P < 0.05) than those in SBM. Feedstuff (field pea vs. SBM) and protease did not interact on AMEn and SID of AA values. The supplemental protease increased (P < 0.05) AMEn values of the SBM and field by an average of 187 kcal/kg but decreased (P < 0.05) the SID values of all indispensable AA (except His) for the SBM and field, by an average of 2.7 percentage points. Results indicate that the protease product used in the current study marginally reduced the SID of AA for both SBM and field pea. However, the protease product can be beneficially included in diets based on SBM or field pea for broilers to enhance their AMEn values. The response to the protease on the AMEn was consistent regardless of the protein source in the diet, implying that the protease used in this study has similar positive impact on energy availability in both field pea and SBM.

Lactational performance effects of 3-nitrooxypropanol supplementation to dairy cows

Martins, L. F., Maigaard, M., Johansen, M., et al. — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 16:22:20 +0100

A meta-regression was conducted to determine the production effects of 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) and investigate their associations with dose, dietary nutrient composition, and supplementation length in dairy cows. Forty treatment and control mean comparisons extracted from 21 studies conducted or published between 2014 to 2024 were used in the meta-regression. Response variables were DMI, milk yield (MY), ECM yield, ECM feed efficiency, BW, BW change, and concentrations of milk fat, true protein, lactose, and MUN. Treatment and control mean differences (MD) as well as standardized MD were calculated and used for data presentation and statistical analysis, respectively. Dose (± SD; 77.0 ± 33.17 mg 3-NOP/kg DMI), forage-to-concentrate ratio (FC; 58.9 ± 8.83%, expressed as average ± SD% of forage in the diet), dietary concentrations of CP, ether extract, NDF, and starch (16.3 ± 1.84%, 4.3 ± 1.03%, 33.7 ± 4.40%, and 20.9 ± 3.97%, as average ± SD% of DM, respectively), supplementation length (days), and DIM and BW of the cows at the beginning of the study were used as continuous explanatory variables. Mixed-effects models were fitted using the robust variance estimation method. Full models containing uncorrelated explanatory variables (Pearson correlation <0.50) were fitted, and variables were removed from the final model if nonsignificant using the stepwise selection approach. Compared with control, supplementation of 3-NOP decreased DMI and MY by 0.80 ± 0.149 and 0.98 ± 0.250 kg/d, respectively, but only numerically decreased ECM by 0.50 ± 0.298 kg/d. Consequently, feed efficiency was increased by 0.05 ± 0.012 kg ECM/kg DMI with 3-NOP supplementation. Body weight and BW change were not affected by 3-NOP supplementation. Milk fat, true protein, and MUN concentrations were increased by 0.09 ± 0.028%, 0.02 ± 0.006%, and 0.59 ± 0.106 mg/dL, respectively. Increasing 3-NOP dose further decreased DMI and increased milk fat and MUN concentrations. Increasing dietary NDF and FC lessened the negative effect of 3-NOP on DMI and MY, respectively, and decreased its effect on milk fat and MUN (dietary NDF concentration effect only). Similarly, increasing dietary CP lessened the negative effect of 3-NOP on DMI and decreased its effect on MUN. To explain some of the production effects herein observed, ruminal fermentation data from 6 published studies were included in the meta-regression. Supplementation of 3-NOP tended to increase rumen pH and decreased NH₃ concentration. Concentrations of total VFA, acetate, and the acetate-to-propionate ratio were decreased, whereas the concentration of propionate was increased, and that of butyrate was numerically increased by 3-NOP supplementation. Overall, 3-NOP supplementation of dairy cow diets decreased DMI and MY but did not affect ECM because of increased milk fat and true protein contents. Increased milk fat and MUN responses can be explained by shifted ruminal fermentation, and the increased milk true protein response may be explained by increased rumen propionate molar proportion by 3-NOP supplementation.

Pig Welfare Inspection on Farm and at Transport

Mc Loughlin, E. T. — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 16:22:20 +0100

The aim of this report is to provide an account of the specific challenges faced by government inspectors who enforce animal welfare legislation on farm and at transport in the EU. Building on the insights from the 2022 report on “The Challenges and Needs of Animal Welfare Inspectors on Farm and at Slaughter” (Mc Loughlin, 2022), this report is based on fieldwork in three member states, specifically Italy, Finland, and Poland. This report’s focus on farm and transport inspection is designed to provide an additional account of welfare inspection, with a specific attention to the unique difficulties associated with overseeing welfare and enforcing legislation during transport inspection. The inclusion of two new countries, Italy and Finland, is designed to provide further insights into farm inspection across the EU member states.

Assessing the potential for predator-prey interactions in mesofaunal arthropod communities through temperature dependence of locomotion

Vermaak, M., Jensen, K., Janion-Scheppers, C. ., Terblanche, J. — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 16:22:20 +0100

Impact of feeding a high fibre diet and roughage on motivation for feeding in fast-growing broiler breeder pullets

Wurtz, K. E., Thodberg, K., van der Heide, M. E., Riber, A. B. — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 16:22:20 +0100

Alternative feeding methods for broiler breeders, such as qualitative feed restriction in the form of diluting the diet with a fibre source, have been proposed to help alleviate chronic hunger associated with feed restriction. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a fibre-rich diet containing oat-hulls and a daily allocation of roughage (EXP) versus a standard commercial diet (CON) on motivation for feeding in fast-growing broiler breeder pullets. Day-old female Ross 308 breeder chicks (N = 600) were randomly allocated to 12 pens of 50 birds each, with each pen receiving one of the two dietary treatments. Motivation for feeding was assessed by measuring feeding rate and frustration associated with thwarted feeding at 8 and 17 weeks of age. Appetitive foraging motivation was assessed at 12 weeks of age. In week 8, CON birds tended to consume feed faster than EXP birds (P = 0.0672). When assessing frustration associated with thwarted feeding in week 8, EXP birds performed longer durations of locomotion (P < 0.0001) and tended to perform more behavioural transitions than CON birds (P = 0.0659), and CON birds tended to peck at the trough for longer than EXP birds (P = 0.0857). In week 17, there was a tendency for CON birds to consume more feed than the EXP birds during the feed intake motivation test (P = 0.0651). During the appetitive foraging motivation test, dietary treatment did not affect latency to cross, number of crossings, probability of failing to cross, or number of inspections into the litter compartment. CON birds spent a greater proportion of time foraging (P = 0.0351) and tended to spend a lesser proportion of time engaged in locomotion (P = 0.0955) than EXP birds when in the litter compartment. In summary, results from our study show that feeding a diet high in insoluble fibre and supplemented with roughage appears to result in some reduction in the motivation to feed during rearing compared to feeding a standard commercial diet. However, as caloric intake remained similar between the two diets, there likely was no difference in metabolic hunger between the two treatments. Therefore, further modifications to management and breeding are necessary to address the concern of prolonged hunger.

Biochar produced from bio-refined herbaceous fibre residue for feed and technical purposes

Thu, 01 May 2025 16:22:20 +0200

Recent research and development in green biorefining aim to produce a sustainable protein feed from domestically grown grasses and legumes, that can substitute imported soymeal in animal feeds. A byproduct of this process is a high fibre press-cake fraction, that will require valorisation. Integration of pyrolysis of the press-cake into the herbaceous protein production is an innovative approach to increase the economic and environmental viability of the biorefinery. This work investigated the production of biochar for animal feed from the fibre press-cake via slow pyrolysis in a laboratory-scale batch reactor. Different herbaceous species were investigated (i.e. grass-clover and lucerne) as well as a range of pyrolysis conditions (i.e. temperature 400, 600 and 800 °C with residence time 20 and 60 minutes). The results showed that the level of severity of fibre processing within the green biorefinery affects the resulting biochar more than the type of the original biomass. The pyrolysis temperature had a greater effect on the resulting biochar than the residence time, with biochar yields continuously decreasing from 32 wt% at 400 °C to 22 wt% at 800 °C. Generally, all herbaceous biochars had rather uniform characteristics, as shown by elemental composition, FTIR and XPS. The levels of investigated organic contaminants (i.e. polychlorinated biphenyls and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) were in all samples below the legal limits. All biochars had low adsorption capacity towards the methylene blue (less than 12 mg/g). However high carbon content (above 60 wt%) and Scanning Electron Microscope images suggested a good potential for carbon activation.

Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Analyses of Iodoform and Diiodomethane in Multiple Biological Matrices from Dairy Cattle

Rønn, M., Nielsen, M. O., Nørskov, N. P. — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 16:22:20 +0100

A quantitative method was developed and validated to analyze iodoform and its potential metabolite, diiodomethane, in biological fluids from dairy cows, including rumen fluid, duodenal fluid, blood serum, milk, and urine, using liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and GC-MS/MS. The method showed no matrix effects across different samples, recoveries of spiked samples between 70 and 120%, and relative standard deviations (RSD%) ranging from 0.7 to 14%. Inter- and intravariations in quality control samples were within 3.1-12.3%, with the highest variation noted in iodoform spiking. Normalized internal standard (IS) and matrix factor (MF) calculations confirmed the suitability of diiodomethane-d2 as an internal standard for quantifying both compounds across different matrices. These results validate the method’s application for ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) studies, enabling the investigation of iodoform digestion, metabolism, and excretion in dairy cattle.

Dietary characteristics and body weight input improve the prediction of enteric methane production from growing-finishing pigs

Sattarova, E., Li, J., Fadel, J. G., et al. — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 16:22:20 +0100

The objective of the present study was to identify dietary and animal factors that affect enteric methane (CH4) production in growing-finishing pigs. Moreover, the study aims to develop and compare the predictive accuracy of the developed models with the existing equations using the Tier 1 approach and equations considering nutrient availability. A dataset from 13 studies containing 290 individual animal observations on 107 growing-finishing pigs was used to develop the prediction model for enteric CH4 production. The predictive ability of the newly developed models was evaluated and compared with the extant equation proposed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier 1 approach and extant prediction equations that consider substrate available for fermentation. Production of enteric CH4 was predicted by fitting mixed-effects models with random effects of animal and study. The newly developed models for enteric CH4 production, which include dietary characteristics and animal body weight, surpass the current IPCC Tier 1 model used in national inventories, demonstrating better precision and accuracy. Therefore, the equations developed in this study can be used in the pork industry to estimate the effect of feeding strategies to mitigate enteric CH4 production from growing-finishing pigs and to improve the national inventories of CH4 production.

Influence of fiber type on enteric methane production from growing-finishing pigs and subsequent biochemical methane potential of excreted feces

Sattarova, E., Hansen, M. J., Jørgensen, H., et al. — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 16:22:20 +0100

Three diets differing in type and amount of total fiber (TF) were formulated in order to investigate the effects of fiber type and amount on enteric methane (CH₄) production from growing-finishing pigs and subsequent biochemical CH₄ potential of the excreted feces. The experimental diets consisted of a control diet based on wheat, barley, and soybean meal, a diet with high content of insoluble TF based on wheat bran (WB), and a diet with high content of soluble TF based on sugar beet pulp (SBP). Eighteen female growing-finishing pigs were allocated to one of three experimental diets according to a replicated incomplete 3 * 2 Latin square design. After adaptation to the diet and metabolic cages, urine and feces samples were collected for 4 days, including 48 hours of gas exchange measurements in respiration chambers. Excreted feces were collected when pigs weighed 64.8 ± 3.8 kg and 89.7 ± 4.4 kg to determine the biochemical CH₄ potential (BMP) of the feces in batch experiments. The enteric CH₄ production expressed per TF intake was affected by the type of TF, with the lowest CH₄ production obtained when pigs were fed a WB diet (P < 0.02). However, the decreased methanogenesis in the hindgut of the pigs was counteracted by the increased BMP₉₀ of the feces. On the other hand, although feeding pigs with an SBP diet resulted in the highest enteric CH₄ production, the CH₄ derived from feces also remained high. In conclusion, the fiber type alters the methanogenesis in the hindgut of pigs and the subsequent BMP₉₀ of the feces, and, therefore, needs to be considered during diet formulation in the context of minimizing enteric CH₄ production and maximizing the BMP₉₀ of the feces.

Response to “Need for postweaning data for dairy calves”

Welk, A., Neave, H. W., Jensen, M. B. — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 16:22:20 +0100

Molecular identification and genetic diversity analysis of Cryptosporidium spp. infecting dogs from central and northern Jordan

Mukbel, R. M., Etoom, E. M., Hammad, H. B., Enemark, H. L., Abu Halaweh, M. M. — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 16:22:20 +0100

Cryptosporidium spp. are common causes of gastrointestinal disease in both humans and animals. This was a cross-sectional study conducted to determine the infection rate and genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium infecting dogs in Jordan. A total of 249 faecal samples were collected from stray, pet, and breeding dogs from kennels (independent of their clinical condition) across three governorates in Jordan (Amman and Zarqa in Central Jordan and Irbid in Northern Jordan). Faecal samples were screened for Cryptosporidium using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 18S rRNA gene, revealing an overall infection rate of 18.9% (47 out of 249). Cryptosporidiosis was significantly associated with indoor dogs, dogs cohabiting with other animals, and consuming raw food. Among the successfully sequenced samples, 25 (58.1%) were Cryptosporidium canis, 15 (34.9%) were Cryptosporidium parvum, and three (7.0%) were Cryptosporidium baileyi. Multiple diversity tests were employed, indicating low genetic differentiation between the studied populations of C. parvum and C. canis. Stability was observed for C. parvum, with minimal expansion observed for C. canis. Notably, each species exhibited a single dominant haplotype, consistent with the AMOVA results, where most of the variability occurred within populations. Further genotyping of C. parvum and C. canis was conducted by sequencing the gp60 gene. C. parvum isolates worldwide displayed solely the zoonotic IId genotypes, namely, IIdA20G1, IIdA22G1, IIdA18G1, and IIdA19G1. In contrast, the C. canis isolates exhibited the animal subtypes XXe and XXd. Consequently, dogs may serve as a source of infection with C. parvum and pose a public health risk in Jordan.

Killing the impulse to save Marius

Mc Loughlin, E. — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 16:22:20 +0100

The euthanasia of Marius, an 18-month-old giraffe at Copenhagen Zoo in 2014, triggered intense global debate about zoo management practices. This article examines how the zoo's explicit display of clinical detachment through public dissection reveals the complex dynamics of human-animal relations in contemporary conservation institutions. Drawing on 17 months of ethnographic fieldwork, I demonstrate how zoos cultivate ‘fascination’ as a carefully managed form of attachment that enables rather than prevents detachment from animals. Through analysis of the Marius case, I show how fascination operates as more than simple enchantment − it disciplines public understanding of nature and produces specific forms of ethical responsibility. The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) policy of culling healthy animals reflects a clinical logic that starkly contrasts with impassioned public responses, illuminating how engagement and detachment co-constitute each other in zoo spaces. This co-constitution enables certain kinds of response-ability while disabling others, revealing how conservation institutions shape possibilities for multispecies relations.

Effekt af processering på indholdet af PFAS i vegetabilske fodermidler

Stødkilde-Jørgensen, L., Nielsen, T. S. — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 16:22:20 +0100

Effects of in vitro embryo production on the epigenomic profiles of day 15 bovine conceptus

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 16:22:20 +0100

Effekt af foderstyrke til søer i midt og sen drægtighed på pattegrisenes fødselsvægt.

Bruun, T. S., Strathe, A. V., Johannsen, J. C., Pelck, J. S. — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 16:22:20 +0100

Effekt af fordøjeligt lysin og protein til drægtige søer.

Bruun, T. S., Højgaard, C. K., Sørensen, M. T., Pelck, J. S., Johannsen, J. C. — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:22:20 +0100

Parity affects mammary development in late-pregnant swine

Farmer, C., Johannsen, J. C., Gillies, C., Huber, L. A., Hovey, R. C. . — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 16:22:20 +0100

The goal of this project was to determine whether various measures of mammary development differed between gilts and multiparous sows at the end of gestation. During gestation, Yorkshire×Landrace gilts (n=19) and sows (second and third gestations, n=17) were fed one daily meal of a conventional corn-based diet, where the amount fed was based on body weight (BW) and backfat thickness (BF) at mating. On day 110±1 of gestation, a jugular blood sample was obtained from all gilts and sows to measure insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), glucose, free fatty acids, and urea. On that same day, BW and BF were measured and animals were euthanized. Mammary glands from one side of the udder were dissected for compositional analyses. The fifth gland of the contralateral row of mammary glands was sampled for histology and immunohistochemical localization of Ki67. There was less total parenchyma (1,437.4 vs. 2,004.7±127.1 g; P<0.001) and total extraparenchymal tissue (1,691.0 vs. 2,407.0±125.3 g; P<0.001) in mammary glands of gilts compared to those from sows. When these values were expressed per kg BW (226.0 and 284.0±2.7 kg for gilts and sows, respectively), parenchymal mass did not differ (P>0.10), while extraparenchymal tissue weight tended to be less in gilts than sows (P=0.07). All components within the parenchyma differed by parity (P<0.001). Specifically, parenchymal tissue from gilts contained a greater proportion of fat and dry matter (DM), a lower proportion of protein, and lower concentrations of DNA (6.59 vs. 9.35±0.53 mg/g DM) and RNA (7.76 vs. 12.33±0.70 mg/g DM) than that from sows. On the other hand, the circumference of alveolar lumens was greater in gilts than sows (P<0.001), while the percentage of epithelial cells that were positive for Ki67, a marker of cell proliferation, was greater in sows than gilts (P<0.05). Circulating concentrations of IGF-1 were greater in gilts than in multiparous sows (45.0 vs. 27.3±2.8 ng/mL, P<0.001). None of the other blood variables were changed by parity. Results show a marked effect of parity on mammary gland development in swine. At the end of gestation, the mammary glands of gilts had less parenchyma with lower epithelial proliferation than glands from multiparous sows. These differences could alter the response of mammary tissue to various nutritional or endocrine signals. This information is crucial for the development of management strategies designed to maximize sow milk yield.

Feeding gilts and sows to maximize mammary development and lactation performance

Farmer, C., Johannsen, J. C. — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 16:22:20 +0100

Increasing sow milk yield is essential to achieve maximal growth of suckling piglets, and nutrition can stimulate milking capacity. From 90 days of age until puberty, replacement gilts should not undergo major feed restriction as it will inhibit mammary development. Providing phytoestrogens in that period will stimulate mammary hyperplasia. During gestation, feed intake of gilts must ensure that backfat at the end of gestation is above 16 mm to support mammary development. In the last third of gestation, providing 40% more lysine than requirements via the addition of soybean meal increases mammary mass in gilts, but not in multiparous sows. A high nutrient intake during transition is crucial, whereby providing sows 12.6 Mcal metabolizable energy and 22.0 g standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys daily ensures a high colostrum production and maximizes milk yield in the following lactation. During lactation, there are quadratic effects of energy and protein intakes on the weight of suckled mammary glands and sows should not be restricted-fed to avoid excessive mobilization of body reserves. Furthermore, the provision of adequate lysine is critical to maximize litter growth, with optimum daily intakes between 47.7 and 51.3 g SID Lys for primiparous sows and 51.3–67.2 g SID Lys for multiparous sows.

Dietary supplementation with lysine (protein) in late pregnancy does not enhance mammary development in multiparous sows

Farmer, C., Gillies, C., Johannsen, J. C., Hovey, R. C. ., Huber, L. A. — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 16:22:20 +0100

This project was conducted to determine if providing standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys at 40% above estimated requirements (NRC, 2012), with the concomitant increased protein intake, from days 90 to 110 of gestation stimulates mammary development in multiparous sows. From day 90 of gestation, Yorkshire × Landrace multiparous sows (parities 2 and 3) were fed 2.6 kg/d of either a conventional diet (CTL, control, n = 17) providing 14.8 g/d of SID Lys or a diet providing 20.8 g/d of SID Lys via additional soybean meal (HILYS, n = 16). The diets were isoenergetic. Concentrations of IGF-1, glucose, free fatty acids (FFA), urea, and amino acids (AA) were measured in jugular blood samples obtained on days 90 and 110 of gestation. Sows were necropsied on day 110 ± 1 of gestation to obtain mammary glands for compositional and histological analyses. Backfat or BW changes of sows during late gestation were unaffected by treatment (P > 0.10), as was the case for fetal BW (P > 0.10). None of the variables measured in mammary tissue were altered by supplementary Lys (P > 0.10). Circulating IGF-1, glucose, and FFA did not differ (P > 0.10) between HILYS and CTL sows on day 110 of gestation, whereas concentrations of urea were greater (P < 0.01) in HILYS versus CTL gilts. Concentrations of Ile and Thr in plasma were also greater (P < 0.05), and those of Glu were lower (P < 0.01) in HILYS than CTL sows. These results demonstrate that feeding Lys (via protein) above current NRC recommendations during late gestation does not improve mammary development of multiparous sows. Hence, the use of a two-phase feeding strategy to provide more Lys (protein) to multiparous sows during this period is not necessary.

Dark brooders – a solution to both poultry welfare and climate change challenges?

Riber, A. B. — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 16:22:20 +0100

Isolation and cultivation of bovine mammary epithelial cells from milk for cellular agriculture

Yue, Y., Che, J., Poulsen, N. A., Larsen, L. B., Purup, S. — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 16:22:20 +0200

Organoids for biobanking and cellular agriculture

Strand, J., Yue, Y., Purup, S. — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 16:22:20 +0200

Cellular agriculture for colostrum and milk production

Purup, S., Sattari, Z., Che, J., et al. — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 16:22:20 +0200

A multi-disciplinary danish research programme on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) farming

Berg, P., Eggum, B. O., Møller, S. H., et al. — Sun, 01 Jan 1995 16:22:20 +0100

A new research programme involving eight Danish institutions is described. The programme started in 1993 and is expected to run for 5 years. The primary objective of the research initiative is to exploit and integrate the knowledge of several institutions and disciplines for the benefit of the production of rainbow trout. The programme includes several projects with aspects of disease prevention, genetics, and nutrition. In most of the projects, the work has been divided into stages of 2 and 3 years, respectively. During a 2 year period, production, management, and health status are recorded at the participating flab farms, and all data are organized in a database. Diseases cause major problems in rainbow trout production, therefore a great deal of the effort in this programme deals with diseases caused by vira, bacteria and parasites. On the basis of the database, epidemiological examinations are carried out as well as investigations of the possibilities of preventive measures and cost-benefit analyses. In the genetic studies, polymorphic genetic markers will be developed and used for analysis of the genetic structure of selected fish stocks. Microsatellites will be developed and introduced in the study. primarily genetic differences between lines/strains and their crossings will be estimated with the purpose of describing the genetic level and the importance of additive and non-additive genetic effects. In the nutritional area the product quality and pollution questions will be in focus.

The effect of different stimuli on the ‘stick test’ should be taken into account when measuring the mink’s temperament

Henriksen, B. I.F., Malmkvist, J., Møller, S. H. — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 16:22:20 +0100

Proteins from cultivated mammary epithelial cells derived from bovine milk

Che, J., Yue, Y., Nielsen, S. D., Purup, S., Poulsen, N. A., Larsen, L. B. — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 16:22:20 +0200

In this study, secretomes from cultivated milk-derived bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs) were analyzed to investigate the protein profile of secretions and assess their milk protein synthesis capacity. Briefly, bMECs were isolated from the milk of 5 individual lactating cows and cultivated on Matrigel®-coated inserts in transwell systems, where cells were treated with/without bovine pituitary extract (BPE) in the lower compartment. In a 10-day period, media in lower compartments were collected as lower controls, while components from bMEC were secreted into plain media in upper compartments and collected as secretomes. Proteomics was performed using nLC-timsTOF Pro MS/MS and bioinformatics. More than 900 proteins were identified in the secretomes, where no significant differences were found between the two treatments with/without BPE in terms of the number of proteins identified. This indicates that milk-derived bMECs were capable of secreting similar protein profile without lactogenic stimulation. Moreover, the significantly higher number of identified proteins in secretomes compared to lower controls (283±49 from non-BPE treatment) suggests a separation of upper and lower compartments. Importantly, bMECs showed the secretion of more than 100 milk components, including caseins, whey proteins, enzymes, and other proteins. Despite the identification of interesting proteins, the total protein contents of the secretomes were much lower than regular milk, with caseins taking less than 1% of the total protein abundance. In conclusion, our proteomic study provides insight into the composition of milk-derived bMECs secretomes, indicating this in vitro culture model remains challenged in many aspects, such as upscale and sufficient lactogenesis.

Nyt forskningsprojekt – til gavn for både klima og dyrevelfærd

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 16:22:20 +0200

Sunde køer har en høj fodereffektivitet, som medfører lavere produktion af metan per kilo produceret mælk. Dette betyder bedre økonomi og bedre velfærd generelt i stalden. Udgangspunktet for at opnå sunde køer er at tænke og handle forebyggende. Men hvordan kan det – ved hjælp af gårdspecifikke data og med assistance fra den praktiserende dyrlæge – sættes i system?

gratia: An R package for exploring generalized additive models

Simpson, G. — Sat, 21 Dec 2024 16:22:20 +0100

Australian guidelines for equine internal parasite management

Beasley, A., Abbas, G., Hughes, K., et al. — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:22:20 +0100

Over the past few decades, the emergence of resistance amongst intestinal parasites of horses to all available anthelmintic classes has emphasised the need for a paradigm shift in parasite control approaches within the Australian equine industry. Findings of a recent Australia-wide research project have provided new insights into intestinal parasites (i.e. strongyles and ascarids) and parasite control from the perspectives of Australian horse breeders and equine veterinarians. The published data have revealed recent trends in parasite prevalence and distribution, breeders' and veterinarians' attitudes and perspectives on controlling horse internal parasites, the efficacy of commonly used anthelmintic products and post-treatment egg reappearance periods. These studies have formed the basis of newly developed guidelines managing and treating gastrointestinal nematodes in horses. Tailored for equine veterinarians, these guidelines contain information on target parasites and risk factors for their transmission, as well as practical advice for surveillance, anthelmintic choice, timing of treatment, testing for anthelmintic resistance and managing refugia. The Australian Guidelines for Equine Internal Parasite Management (AGEIPM) will serve as a pocket companion for equine veterinarians, providing best-practice recommendations grounded in locally conducted scientific research. Dissemination and extension of the AGEIPM to industry will strengthen the client–practitioner relationship. The aim is to reduce reliance on blanket deworming in equine parasite management programs and help curb the progression of resistance to the limited anthelmintic classes available for treating horses.

TRL-niveau for nye, metan-reducerende fodertyper og fodertilsætningsstoffer

Lund, P., Kjeldsen, M. H., Thorsteinsson, M. M., et al. — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 16:22:20 +0100

FAIR data and Open Science:

Foldager, L. — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 16:22:20 +0100

There is an increasing demand and awareness of making (public) scientific research transparent and accessible both for other researchers but also to other levels of society, known as the Open Science movement. Pillars of Open Science include sharing of data, code, workflows, and publications but also transparency of peer reviewing. The PIGWEB project is a European project funded under the EU Horizon 2020 programme that aims to strengthen the pig research community by providing and facilitating transnational access to research infrastructures. One of the work packages focused on data sharing according to the FAIR principles: Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reuseable. This included getting an overview of facilities and awareness but also providing workshops on Open Science and FAIR principles, and on tools needed for FAIR data management and practices. Aspects of sharing via data papers and repositories were also presented and worth consideration.

A consensus on the definition of positive animal welfare

Rault, J., Bateson, M., Boissy, A., et al. — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 16:22:20 +0100

The concept of animal welfare is evolving due to progress in our scientific understanding of animal biology and changing societal expectations. Animal welfare science has been primarily concerned with minimizing suffering, but there is growing interest in also promoting positive experiences, grouped under the term positive animal welfare (PAW). However, there are discrepancies in the use of the term PAW. An interdisciplinary group arrived at a consensus that 'PAW can be defined as the animal flourishing through the experience of predominantly positive mental states and the development of competence and resilience. PAW goes beyond ensuring good physical health and the prevention and alleviation of suffering. It encompasses animals experiencing positive mental states resulting from rewarding experiences, including having choices and opportunities to actively pursue goals and achieve desired outcomes'. The definition also considers individual and species-specific differences. It provides a framework for researchers to investigate PAW and thereby generate innovative, informative and reproducible science. Studies of PAW can contribute to a richer picture of an animal's life and may elucidate the biological foundations of happiness. The definition creates opportunities to inspire scientific progress in animal biology and to align animal care practices, legislation and markets with societal expectations.

Økonomiske konsekvenser ved tørke i landbruget

Jensbye, L. G., Hansen, H. O., Andersen, M. N., et al. — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 16:22:20 +0100

Kortlægning af dødsårsager hos danske søer

Kongsted, H., Christensen, N. M., Iburg, T. — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 16:22:20 +0100