Crossbreeding, genetically crossing purebred lines to improve the performance of the progeny, is widely practiced in pig and poultry production. However, this practice is made more challenging because the selection practices occur on purebred lines, but the performance improvements are measured in the crossbred offspring. The genetic correlation between purebred and crossbred performance can be predicted, meaning a breeding value can be calculated for crossbred animals.

Understanding the utilization of feed energy is essential for precision feeding in the production of beef cattle. A study recently published in the Journal of Animal Science aimed to assess whether predicting the metabolizable energy to digestible energy ratio, rather than a prediction of metabolizable energy with digestible energy, is feasible; in addition, the research team aimed to develop a model equation to predict metabolizable energy based on digestible energy measurement and dietary components in beef cattle.

It is known that alterations in the environment of the preimplantation embryo can affect competence to establish pregnancy and phenotype of resultant calves, but there is no clear evidence for the effects of serum on postnatal phenotype of calves. A study recently published in the Journal of Animal Science evaluated the postnatal programming actions of the embryokine colony-stimulating factor 2 and serum using Brahman embryos produced in vitro.

While antibiotics are the cornerstone of disease control in livestock, there are growing global concerns over the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria and numerous countries have implemented policies to reduce the routine use of antibiotics in livestock. Therefore, research is needed to identify alternative methods for disease control.

Currently, amino acids (AA) in poultry and livestock feed are primarily derived from soybean meal. Cheaper and more sustainable alternatives to soybean meal are needed. One such alternative is sunflower coproducts.

Wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site (WNT) signaling molecules are intraovarian factors that may influence follicular maturation and development. It is hypothesized that WNT ligands and frizzled family members (FZD) impact ovarian paracrine function and mammalian follicular development.

The mature weight of cows at slaughter has increased over the last several decades, making the day-to-day management and feeding costs can also increase. This can affect the efficiency of cattle production, but most studies have demonstrated that the association between cow weight and efficiency is highly dependent on environment.

After a virtual Academic Quadrathlon (AQ) in 2020, the 2021 National ASAS-AQ was conducted during the annual ASAS meeting in Louisville, Ky with the AQ event being hosted by the University of Kentucky, Department of Animal and Food Sciences in Lexington on July 17 and 18.

A study recently published in the Journal of Animal Science investigated the role of ORAI calcium release-activated calcium modulator 1 on hepatic lipidosis via endoplasmic reticulum stress in dairy cows. Fatty liver is a common metabolic disorder affecting dairy cows during the periparturient period and is closely associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Cow mature weight affects the costs and efficiency of a breeding operation and has increased considerably over the past 30 years. Cow mature weight is influenced by genetics and the environment, which means producers need tools to incorporate cow mature weight in their selection of cattle breeds and herd replacements.

Starting at approximately 8 to 10 days of lactation, sows can no longer produce enough milk to sustain optimal growth of their piglets, an issue that has been exacerbated with the current use of hyperprolific sow lines. Therefore, it is crucial to develop strategies to increase sow milk production.

On June 30th, the House Appropriations Committee approved its version of agriculture appropriations for fiscal year 2022. The agriculture appropriations bill provides discretionary funding of $26.55 billion, which is $2.851 billion above 2021. The Committee also released the accompanying report that includes detailed funding levels for individual USDA programs.

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has announced a new initiative to highlight the importance of foreign-born workers across the American pork industry and the need for broad labor reform to address labor shortages.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released a statement regarding the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule. The OLPP sets production standards for organic livestock and poultry, including raising, transport, and slaughter.

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America found that changes in farming practices in grain production could reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 70% by 2036.

The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) has released a new paper, The Role of Agricultural Science and Technology in Climate 21 Project Implementation. This publication examines nutrient and pest management, animal systems, agricultural technologies, food supply chain, and carbon markets.

A new study published in Nature, Post-farmgate food value chains make up most of consumer food expenditures globally, discovered that farmers make less than 25% of what consumers spend at the grocery stores, and around 7% less than that for food that is consumed at restaurants, or outside of the home.

The Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption Act (PRIME Act) was re-introduced to the House. The same bill was also introduced to the Senate. The PRIME Act would expand the exemption of custom slaughtering of animals from federal inspection requirements.

The United States Supreme Court announced it will not hear the North American Meat Institute’s (NAMI) case against Proposition 12 (Prop 12) in California. The case was denied without explanation. Prop 12 will become law in 2022, but numerous organizations have called for a delay.

Two Democratic members of Congress, Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY) and Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D (D-NY), have recently introduced a bill that would create a voluntary grant program for school districts to help schools provide additional plant-based options. The “Healthy Future Students and Earth Pilot Program Act” is intended to help combat the climate crisis as well.