Stocker cattle are exposed to several stressors within a short period of time, which impair their immunity and lead to bovine respiratory disease (BRD). With the increased regulations regarding the use of antimicrobials in cattle nutrition, novel dietary strategies to improve health and productivity of stocker cattle are warranted.

Brewer’s dried yeast has a high nutritional value and has long been utilized by the animal feed industry as a source of protein, B-complex vitamins, and minerals. Because yeast is rich in polyphenols, mannanoligosaccharides, and β-glucans, it may also be used as a functional ingredient, providing benefits beyond that of its nutrient content.

The effects of the exposure to daily maximum temperature-humidity index (THI) and daily THI fluctuations (∆THI, maximum–minimum THI) around birth (−2 d, birth date [0 d], +2 d, and +7 d) on serum total protein (STP) and health of preweaned Holstein heifers were evaluated. Heifer calves exposed to small ∆THI (<20 units) at 0 d had greater STP compared with medium ∆THI (≥20 to ≤30 units).

Initial findings on genomic selection indicated substantial improvement for major traits such as growth or milk yield and even successful selection for secondary traits such as fertility or survival. However, recent unofficial reports indicate an increased frequency of problems in several secondary traits. This study looks at potential sources of those problems and mitigation strategies.

Beef cattle are exposed to several stressors during the initial days in the feedlot, which impair their immunity and lead to bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Strategies to mitigate stress upon feedlot arrival are warranted, including administration of the maternal bovine appeasing substance (mBAS).

In precision livestock farming, monitoring animal activity is crucial to ensure their health, well-being, and productivity. While digital cameras and computer vision algorithms offer a promising solution for this task, tracking individual animals of similar appearance when housed in groups can be challenging. Close interaction among animals can lead to a loss of individual identity, which affects tracking accuracy.

Calves are prone to growth retardation because of insufficient energy intake during the weaning transition period. Starch is the main energy source used in the formulation of calf starters. However, there is a concern that preweaned calves do not have sufficient functional rumen and small intestine to digest large amounts of starch, causing diarrhea, and decreased feed intake.

The Japanese black cattle, or Wagyu, are known because of its exceptional meat quality and its high degree of marbling. However, to achieve this condition, animals are fed with high amount of concentrate and over long periods of time. In order to decrease both environmental impact and economic profitability of Wagyu producers, feed efficiency may be improved.

Generally, beef heifers are managed on grazing pastures during early gestation, which are subject to fluctuations in forage quantity and quality. Variations in the nutrients available to the dam can impact the developing offspring during early gestation. Providing energy/protein supplements to grazing cattle is a method to ensure nutrient requirements are being met and to enhance the rate of gain.

In Australia, 53% of lamb deaths annually are caused by birthing difficulties, otherwise known as dystocia. Calcium and magnesium deficiencies in ewes during late gestation are suspected to be causing cases of dystocia. We evaluated a supplement that provided a negative dietary cation and anion difference which can influence calcium metabolism, and in turn, may reduce lamb death rates.

The cecal microbiota refers to a diverse community of microorganisms that play a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gut health, influencing the well-being and performance of the host bird. In this study, we aimed to improve the health and growth of broiler chickens by exploring a unique approach called cecal microbiota transplantation.

Measures to quantify long-term or chronic stress in livestock are limited. The amount of cortisol (a stress hormone) deposited in the hair has been used as a noninvasive measure of long-term stress in some livestock species; however, few studies have investigated its use in young dairy calves. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of hair cortisol as a less invasive measure of stress in calves.

GreenFeed systems (C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD) are being increasingly used for measuring carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) emissions and oxygen consumption (O2) of free-roaming cattle. These systems utilize averages of multiple visits to provide estimates of daily gas flux.

Herding dogs are extremely useful in handling all types of livestock. They are selectively bred for success in herding dog competitions, but the abilities which that to success in these are not always the same as those needed on a farm. To produce efficient herding dogs, other abilities therefore needed to be tested, via new trials.

Mulberry leaves (MLs) are rich in a wide variety of active ingredients and are also a kind of traditional Chinese medicine with the same origin as medicine and food. Previous studies have found that MLs may regulate lipid metabolism. But the exact mechanism remains unclear.

The American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Public Policy Committee (PPC) is dedicated to influencing public policy and opinion on issues affecting farm and companion animals. Meeting monthly, the PPC sets goals and creates conduits to make federal agencies aware of the rich scientific expertise and resources within the ASAS membership. This expertise can be leveraged to develop science-based federal policies impacting poultry and livestock production.

Bison ranching in the United States includes a diverse portfolio of operation sizes and goals. Some ranches are as small as a few head operating as small-scale hobby farms and others are as large as several thousand head roaming on ranches extending beyond 1000 km2.

Swine were introduced into the United States by early explores and settlers for food and it was not long after that feral populations became established from free-ranging animals and escapes from confinement. Then in the early 1900’s the Eurasian wild boar was introduced for sport hunting. Consequently, feral swine today are a mix of domestic pigs, Eurasian boars and hybrids of the two.

The road towards the declaration of an International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP2026) by the United Nations (UN) was a long one. The idea was first discussed at the International Rangeland and Grassland Congress held in Hohhot, China in 2008. Facilitated by the Rangelands Partnership and the Society for Range Management, the creation of an International Support Group in 2015 helped provide a stronger global focus as well as the integration of social and cultural dimensions.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a wildfire is “an unplanned, unwanted fire burning in a natural area, such as a forest, grassland, or prairie. Wildfires can start from natural causes, such as lightning, but most are caused by humans, either accidentally or intentionally. Wildfires can damage natural resources, destroy homes, and threaten human lives and safety”.