Combining multiple breeds in a genetic evaluation allows for their direct comparison. However, differences in management and other systematic effects among breeds may affect the evaluation. Estimates of genetic merit of sires may also be biased by heterosis in crossbred progeny.

Maternal inflammation or immune activation impacts fetal development and subsequently the offspring’s postnatal performance. In particular, maternal immune activation may be detrimental to fetal muscle development and alter postnatal immune responses, both of which are vital in determining livestock efficiency.

Climate change is imposing unexpected nutritional challenges to livestock (in time and magnitude). In this context, the individual adaptive capacity to respond to, and recover from those environmental fluctuations is an increasingly important trait to be considered in the daily management operations by the farmer and in future selection programs.

Humulus scandens (Hu), also referred to as Humulus japonicus, is an herb. Hu is reported to possess multiple biological functions, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antimycobacterial, antioxidative, antimutagenic, and antitumor. Moreover, Hu contributed to improving the production performance of livestock.

Pododermatitis (FPD) is the inflammation of the paw of chickens affecting some performance characteristics of chickens negatively. To assess the impact of different litter management systems on the incidence and severity of pododermatitis on broiler finishers raised in a humid tropical environment, an experiment was conducted using 180 male broilers divided among 3 groups.

Copper nutriture of the dog has recently received increased attention in the USA and European Union due to reports of apparent copper-associated hepatitis (CAH). Recent trends in canine nutrition have led to new questions regarding proper dietary copper concentrations in canine diets.

Methane emissions from ruminants constitute an important environmental concern to society and hold particular relevance within the dairy industry. Antibiotics such as monensin and secondary plant metabolites such as cashew nut-shell extract (CNSE) are used to manipulate the ruminal microbiome to improve energy efficiency and to reduce methane emissions from ruminants.

Having grown up on a wheat and beef cattle operation near Burlington, Oklahoma, animal agriculture has always held a special place in my heart. With a passion for making a positive impact on the world, for animals and humans, my career was shaped by diverse experiences. Throughout my career, I have experienced the inestimable benefits of ASAS membership, and I want to ensure that others have the same privileges and opportunities.

Supporting ASAS in perpetuity was a natural and important decision for Patty and me, as it has been an integral part of my life since graduate school. However, when I was asked to share the "story" of why we included ASAS in our estate plan, I found it difficult to express my thoughts meaningfully in writing. In my search for the right words, I returned to the ASAS website, where I had previously reflected on the evolution, mission, and vision of our organization. I was also able to read about the countless members whose lives have been transformed because of charitable contributions to the Foundation.

If you are seeking to articulate your passion for ASAS and leave a lasting impact, perhaps this exercise will help you as it did me. It is with great pride that we are ASAS Foundation 1908 Society members. Together, we can share the journey and shape the future.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (SCY) is commonly used as an additive in feed (<1% of the formulation), but there is a limited amount of available information about its function as a promising source of proteins for pig diets, and especially, the nutritive value of yeast protein for gestating sows remains to be clarified.

This study investigated the effects of xylanase and arabinoxylan-oligosaccharide supplementation on viscosity, nutrient and energy digestibility in growing pigs fed a high-fiber diet mainly composed of corn over three time periods. Twenty pigs were surgically fitted with cannula in their jejunum and ileum for sample collection.

The objective of this study was to determine the minimum Met requirement, when Cys was provided in excess, of adult cats using a highly sensitive and noninvasive technique, the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO). Six adult cats were fed experimental diets with varying levels of methionine for 2 d prior to each IAAO study day.

Glucose homeostasis and placental development are two key factors influencing reproductive performance of sows. Some studies have reported that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) can improve glucose intolerance and cerebral angiogenesis in mice.

Sow prolificacy and preweaning piglet mortality have increased parallelly on commercial farms. This loss of piglets is a concern of efficiency and animal welfare, and it requires the improvement of piglet survival by reducing the number of stillborn piglets and piglet mortality during lactation, paying particular attention to hyperprolific sows (≥15 total piglets born per litter).

The article aims to investigate the toxic effects of Ageratina adenophora, an invasive plant on the integrity of the rumen epithelium by measuring the changes in the expression of inflammatory factors and tight junction proteins after the consumption of A. adenophora in goats.

ASAS has been a constant presence in my family's life, opening doors and providing opportunities for three generations. It all began with my father-in-law, Gerald Hancock, as an undergraduate student at MU, where he had the privilege of taking Dr. Preston's classes. Then, I pursued my Ph.D. at Texas Tech, also studying under Dr. Preston. And now, the legacy continues with my daughter, Sydney Schnur, who recently graduated with a degree in animal science from Purdue and completed her Ph.D. in Veterinary ImmunoPathobiology at Kansas State under the guidance of a former student of Dr. Preston, Dan Thomson, Ph.D./DVM.



ASAS has been more than just an organization to us. It has been a second family, a source of support, and a catalyst for our growth and success. I am grateful for the doors it has opened for my family and for the countless opportunities it continues to provide.

Deana Hancock, Ph.D. | Director, Global Applied Research and Technology | Novus International

Historically in livestock production, employing combinations of traits as selection criteria for indirect selection of related traits has been a challenging task, particularly when this implies selection for reproductive traits based on the animal morphology. However, if the decision about animal selection is based on morphological traits that are quick and easy to obtain, in addition to early reproductive traits, selection responses can be improved and made earlier.

In-depth analysis of the molecular regulatory mechanisms involved in the development of yak skeletal muscle can aid in the identification of crucial functional genes that may enhance the quality of yak meat in the future. Our research is the first to investigate the expression of long-stranded non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) during muscle development and intramuscular fat deposition in Tianzhu white yaks at different ages (6, 30, and 54 mo).

Highly productive ruminants face short-term nutritional deficits during demanding phases of their life cycle. They remain productive and healthy during these periods through a series of metabolic adaptations. Current models in ruminant biology attribute the coordination of these adaptations to circulating hormones and bioactive metabolites but have not considered the possibility that the central nervous system (CNS) is also involved.

Weaning is a critical period for piglets. Some plant extracts, known to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or antibacterial properties, may improve piglets’ robustness at weaning. This study investigated the effects of a maternal and/or a direct supplementation of piglets with a combination of plant extracts on sow and piglet metabolic, immune, inflammatory, and oxidative status during lactation and around weaning.

High consumption of red meat is associated with increased risk of human cardiovascular diseases and cancer. However, meat is also considered important for human diet by providing intake of essential compounds.