Context In Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos), goat numbers are rapidly growing and have the potential to improve rural and economic development through income generation. Aims To implement a goat research and development program and benchmark and evaluate smallholder practices. Methods In the first year (2020), forage growing was facilitated through formal and on-the-job monthly training. In Year 2 (2021), local staff were trained in inexpensive and locally available veterinary treatments of goats. Mineral blocks were introduced with a 50% subsidy, following a 2-month trial period. In Year 3 (2022), metal roofing material was provided to households that constructed new goat houses with elevated and slatted flooring. Annualised farmer benchmarking surveys (BMS) and monthly household surveys (MHS) monitored farmer practice change between 2020–2023 and 2021–2022 respectively. Key results The BMS and the MHS confirmed significant rises in the proportion of farmers using mineral blocks between 2020 and 2023 at 303% (P < 0.001) and between 2021 and 2022 at 53% respectively. The BMS and MHS also reflected an increase in the proportion of farmers growing forages between 2020 and 2023 (204%) and between 2021 and 2022 (9%), a decrease in the proportion of households treating sick goats with drugs between 2020 and 2023 (47%) and between 2021 and 2022 (53%), and an increase in the proportion of farmers providing concentrate feed between 2020 and 2023 (34%) and between 2021 and 2022 (increased from 0 to 4.2%) respectively. Conclusions Mineral blocks have a high potential for adoption with a trial and subsidisation period. It is recommended to increase daily grazing duration from 6–8 h to be as long as practical to reduce the impacts of late dry-season feed shortages (April–May), which coincided with a natural peak in kidding. Average goat herd size increased by three goats over the course of the project, which may reflect improved financial security as livestock are a form of asset storage. Implications These trends show short-term practice change; however, further research is needed to verify whether these changes increase goat growth rate, health and kid survival.

Southeast Asia’s human population is expected to rise by 100 million between 2023 and 2050, with an associated rise in animal-product output in the region’s low- to middle-income countries. Countries with the largest population are forecast to continue their increasing poultry consumption, with regional pig meat consumption also to rise, but much less than in China to the north, and much less in Muslim-dominant countries. The forecast growth in the regional ruminant population is more modest and the farm-gate greenhouse gas (GHG) cost per unit of human food protein generated is much higher for ruminant meat (203–584 kg carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e)/kg protein) than for pig meat (18 kg/kg) or poultry (4 kg/kg). Changing human diets away from ruminant or any animal-sourced protein, is being explored to increase the human food supply at a lower GHG cost. However, with small-holder livestock production systems dominant across many regional countries, the social, land-use and broader economic roles of ruminants need consideration. Strategies to expand ruminant production but with a reduced GHG unit cost (emission intensity) are being pursued. Increasing individual animal-product output, largely through simple animal health and nutritional management decisions, can allow future food targets to be met at a lower GHG emission than if this additional food was produced by business-as-usual livestock production systems. Because the Paris Agreement recognises the priority of food provision over emission abatement, it seems reasonable that much of Southeast Asia should pursue emission intensity targets more than absolute emission targets, and reflect this in their nationally determined contributions (NDCs). Emission-intensity intentions are already apparent not just in NDCs but in emerging carbon markets.

Context To provide adequate dietary vitamin D in nursery piglets, 1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside could be a potential alternative to supplements currently in use. Aims The effect of this supplement on apparent total tract nutrient digestibility, growth performance, health status, and bone traits was assessed in nursery piglets. Methods Digestibility was assessed in 30 piglets (23.8 ± 3.32 kg), and growth performance in 135 weaned piglets (8.0 ± 0.53 kg). Both trials used randomized complete block designs based on bodyweight, with five treatments: −D3: no vitamin D supplementation; +D3: 100% of the vitamin D requirement supplied as cholecalciferol; and +D3 + 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 μg of 1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside. Key results From Day 21 to 35, piglets fed D3 + 1.0 diet showed greater average daily gain compared to −D3 or D3 + 1.5, and a greater average daily feed intake was observed in piglets fed +D3, D3 + 0.5, and D3 + 1.0 compared to −D3 or D3 + 1.5. From Day 0 to 7, diarrhoea prevalence was lower in piglets fed D3 + 1.0 compared to −D3, D3 + 0.5, and D3 + 1.5. Across the entire period, animals fed D3 + 1.0 had lower diarrhoea prevalence compared to D3 + 0.5. Serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations was lowest in −D3 piglets. Leukocyte concentrations were greater in piglets on D3 + 1.0 than with D3 + 1.5, whereas eosinophil concentrations were lowest in piglets fed D3 + 0.5. Alkaline phosphatase activity was higher in piglets on +D3 than with D3 + 0.5 or D3 + 1.5. The greatest and lowest bone Ca contents were observed in treatments D3 + 1.5 and D3 + 0.5, respectively. The bone magnesium contents was lowest in piglets fed -D3. Conclusions Adding 1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside to diets containing adequate vitamin D contents as cholecalciferol did not increase serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations, but physiological and metabolic parameters were improved and, in general, 1.0 μg of 1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside showed the best effects on performance, serum vitamin D, health status, and bone traits. Implications This research has provided new information on the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside supplementation in diets for nursery piglets and has shown its potential use for bolstering general health.

Context Weaning is a critical period for piglets, often associated with reduced growth performance and increased susceptibility to diseases. Dietary supplements such as fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and Bacillus licheniformis (BL) may improve piglet health and performance during this transition. Aims To investigate the effects of dietary FOS and BL supplementation, individually and in combination, on growth performance, health status, nutrient digestibility, hematological parameters, and organ development in weaned piglets. Methods In total, 240 weaned piglets were allocated into the following six treatments: control, 0.2% FOS, 0.4% FOS, BL, 0.2% FOS + BL, and 0.4% FOS + BL. Growth performance, morbidity rates, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, and organ indices were evaluated over the experimental period. Key results The 0.4% FOS + BL group showed significant improvements in feed conversion ratio, reduced morbidity rates, enhanced nutrient digestibility (crude protein, crude fiber, and phosphorus), increased total protein, albumin, and albumin:globulin ratio, reduced blood urea nitrogen, improved white blood cell and lymphocyte counts, and enhanced spleen and pancreatic organ indices. BL supplementation distinctively influenced liver-enzyme profiles, suggesting metabolic adaptation rather than hepatic stress. Blood urea nitrogen was reduced in BL and 0.4% FOS + BL groups. Conclusions Dietary supplementation with 0.4% FOS and BL synergistically benefited weaned piglets by improving growth performance, enhancing feed efficiency, and reducing morbidity rates. This treatment also enhanced nutrient utilization, positively affected blood parameters, and promotes the development of spleen and pancreatic organs. Implications The combination of 0.4% FOS and BL shows potential as an effective feed-additive strategy to enhance growth and immune responses in weaned piglets, potentially reducing the need for antibiotics and promoting sustainable pig production.

Context Traits considered for selection are influenced by social, consumer, and breeder demands. In the past decades, there has been increasing global interest in producing milk free from the β-casein (CSN2) A1 allele because of the health benefits it may have. This has encouraged many breeders to select A2A2 cows in their dairy cattle herds. Aims This study aimed to evaluate the genetic variation in the bovine CSN2 gene regarding A1-like and A2-like variants and to assess the potential association between these variants and production traits in Holstein cows. Methods In total, 2600 Holstein cows from three commercial dairy farms with different breeding objectives and phenotypic records taken over different seasons, periods, and lactations were genotyped for single-nucleotide polymorphism rs43703011, which distinguishes A1-like from A2-like β-casein variants. Allele and genotype frequencies were determined and their breeding values for milk, fat, and protein yields, and fat and protein percentages were estimated. The influence of CSN2 genotypes on these breeding values was studied through a one-way ANOVA. For the significant CSN2 genotype–breeding value associations, allele substitution effects were estimated. Key results We found allele frequencies for A1-like and A2-like alleles in the ranges 0.262–0.366 and 0.634–0.738 respectively, and genotype frequencies in the ranges of 0.043–0.125, 0.43–0.537, and 0.393–0.523 for A1A1, A1A2 and A2A2 genotypes respectively. We demonstrated that the A2-like CSN2 variant correlates with higher estimated breeding values (EBVs) for milk, protein, and fat yields, and lower EBVs for fat and protein percentages. Conclusions These results are valuable to visualize the trends in CSN2 allele and genotype frequency changes over the years and to analyze the effect of the different variants of β-casein on production performance. Implications Our findings contribute to evaluating the consequences on dairy performance of selection for the A2-like variant.

Context Piglets encounter numerous challenges post-birth, and positive maternal influences can significantly aid their survival. Aims This study aimed to investigate the potential impact of dietary fiber (DF) consumption during pregnancy on the establishment of colonic flora and immunity in offspring. Methods Sixty-eight multiparous sows were randomly assigned to either a control diet lacking fiber sources or a diet supplemented with a fiber mixture. The study evaluated the developmental status, intestinal microecology, and immune indices, including the expression of Toll-like receptors and nuclear factor kappa-B, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukins 6 and 10, and interferon γ, as well as the concentrations of complement components 3 and 4, and immunoglobulins G and M in the offspring. Key results The findings revealed a significant reduction in Toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor kappa-B messenger RNA levels in the colon and tumor necrosis factor α levels in the serum of 21-day-weaned piglets from the fiber group, indicating a decrease in inflammation. Moreover, there was a notable increase in the abundance of Roseburia and Lactobacillus in the colons of weaned piglets from the fiber-supplemented group, whereas Odoribacter showed a substantial decrease. This indicates that sows transfer beneficial microorganisms to their piglets, and fiber supplementation further enhances these positive microbial changes. Conclusion This study highlights the positive impact on the microbiota profile and immunity of piglets of fiber supplementation in sow diets during pregnancy, using a 3% purified fiber mixture. These findings hold implications for the enhanced development of weaned piglets, providing valuable theoretical support.

Context This is the first survey, to our knowledge, that examines how sheep producers in Australia use alpacas as guardian animals. Aims To document current management practices surrounding guardian alpacas to protect sheep and gain an understanding about producers’ opinions on the effectiveness of their alpacas in increasing lamb survival, and provide recommendations for producers looking to invest in guardian alpacas. Methods An online survey aimed to target sheep producers that use alpacas as guardian animals in Australia. Survey was advertised through social media and mail-out copies were sent to known producers that own guardian alpacas. Key results The majority of respondents (72%, n = 65) co-graze 1 alpaca to every 1–50 sheep, with most of respondents (54%, n = 44) introducing alpacas to their flock of sheep 10 weeks before lambing. The majority of respondents (82%, n = 74) noted that the alpacas bonded with the sheep either straight away or within 1–4 weeks, regardless of the number of alpacas placed with sheep (P < 0.001 for all alpaca to sheep ratios when comparing bonding time of <4 weeks vs >4 weeks). It was common for respondents to own castrated males aged between 2 and 5 years (58%, n = 52). Approximately half of the respondents were hobby farmers (48%, n = 56). The survey findings suggested that producers believed that alpacas are effective in protecting against foxes, but not as effective against more aggressive predators such as wild dogs. The respondents witnessed alpacas exhibiting a range of guarding behaviours, including staying close to lambs, and chasing, vocalising or killing potential threats. In total, 72% of respondents reported that their lamb survival increased after introducing alpacas and gave the animals an average rating of 7.5 of 10 in relation to their effectiveness. A total of 70 respondents (83%) stated that they would recommend alpacas as guardian animals to other producers and noted that they are highly cost-effective. Conclusions Surveyed producers consistently considered alpacas as an effective form of predator deterrent and associated their use with increasing lamb survival. Implications Lamb mortality remains a major issue in the sheep industry. This survey highlighted one form of predator deterrent that surveyed sheep producers have used in the effort to increase their lamb survival. Additionally, these findings have provided knowledge, such as how these animals are being used by the respondents and information for producers looking to invest in guardian alpacas.

Context The use of progesterone vaginal implants in sheep is frequently associated with vaginitis and adherences; and can hamper fertility in estrus synchronization programs. Aims The aim of this study was to characterize the plasma hormone profile induced by two injectable progesterone (iP4) formulations in ewes. Methods In Experiment 1, ewes received 20 or 40 mg of an iP4, with a third group as a control. In Experiment 2, 75 or 150 mg of a long-acting iP4 were administered, again with a control group. Key results In Experiment 1, progesterone concentrations remained at luteal levels for less than 24 h. The intervals from iP4 treatment to the onset of estrus and ovulation were greater in treated than in control ewes (P < 0.01). The proportion of ewes that ovulated within 8 days after treatment was lower in ewes that received 40 mg iP4 than in control ewes (P < 0.05). In Experiment 2, mean progesterone concentrations remained at luteal levels for 120 h. The interval from iP4 administration to estrus was longer in 150 mg treated ewes than in control ewes (P < 0.01). The interval from treatment to ovulation was longer in ewes treated with 150 mg than 75 mg and control ewes (P < 0.05). The proportion of ewes that ovulated was lower at 150 mg (P < 0.05). Conclusions The iP4 formula used in Experiment 1 could not maintain luteal levels for more than 24 h. The use of long-acting iP4 maintained plasma progesterone concentrations above luteal levels for at least 5 days. The long-acting treatment can therefore be tested for estrous synchronization treatments. Implications The long-acting progesterone may be an alternative to short estrous synchronization protocols.

Context As a ‘duty of care’, it is important to test whether new forage plants for ruminants contain secondary compounds (PSCs) that affect reproductive performance. We have previously observed, a posteriori, that the presence of a methanolic extract of Biserrula pelecinus during maturation of sheep oocytes increased fertilisation rate and blastocyst development. This result needed to be verified a priori and, if the outcome was repeated, we needed to identify the plant secondary metabolite responsible. Aims To test whether PSCs from B. pelecinus, when added to the oocyte maturation medium, improve fertilisation rate and blastocyst development; to test whether loliolide is the active molecule produced by B. pelecinus. Methods Methanol–chloroform extracts of B. pelecinus were fractionated using rapid silica filtration and solvents of increasing polarity. Fractions at final concentrations of 0, 100 or 200 μg mL−1 were added to the medium used to mature sheep cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) and effects were determined for maturation, subsequent cleavage rate, blastocyst rate, hatching rate, blastocyst efficiency and total blastocyst cell number (TCN). Results Fraction BP-6 at 100 μg mL−1 reduced blastocyst rate (P < 0.05), but had no effect when the dose was doubled to 200 μg mL−1. Further fractionation using semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography showed loliolide as the most abundant compound in BP-6. Supplementation of the in vitro maturation medium with loliolide (0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 25 μg mL−1) did not affect any measure of embryo development. All COCs treated with B. pelecinus fractions reached the final stage of embryo development, blastocyst hatching. Total blastocyst cell number was not affected. Conclusion The presence of fractions of B. pelecinus extract during in vitro oocyte maturation can reduce embryo development. Implications In vitro techniques can detect potential effects of forages on reproduction. Some fractions from an extract of B. pelecinus when present during oocyte maturation can reduce embryo development. The abundant PSC, loliolide, was not responsible. There was no indication that a PSC in B. pelecinus improves outcomes.

Context Moringa oleifera leaves present enormous potential as an alternative feedstuff for laying hens. The utilisation of the leaves can be improved by exogenous enzymes owing to the presence of non-starch polysaccharides and phytate. Aims This study evaluated the influence of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOL) in diets supplemented with xylanase and phytase on laying hen performance and egg quality at peak production. Methods In total, 288 Dekalb White laying hens (32 weeks old) were distributed in a completely randomised design, following a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement (with or without MOL × 4 enzyme supplementations). Each treatment comprised six repetitions, each containing six hens. The control diet was based on ground corn and soybean meal, and the treatment diets were supplemented with 5% MOL, followed by three enzyme additives (xylanase, phytase and a xylanase + phytase blend). Key results The enzyme supplementation in MOL diets positively influenced egg production (P = 0.012), egg weight (P = 0.021) and egg mass (P = 0.009). The birds offered xylanase-supplemented diets had higher feed intakes (P = 0.015) than did those fed other diets. Moringa oleifera increased the albumen height (P < 0.001) and Haugh unit (P < 0.001), whereas MOL and phytase improved eggshell thickness (P < 0.001) and the candling score (P = 0.049), compared with treatments without phytase supplementation. MOL and enzyme supplementation improved yolk colour intensity (L, A and R parameters) and decreased plasma total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations. The inclusion of 5% MOL in diets did not impair laying performance. However, when MOL diets were supplemented with exogenous enzymes, there was an increase in egg weight. Conclusions MOL can be included at 5% in layer diets without affecting performance. When used in combination with xylanase and phytase, they improve performance, intensify yolk colour, and improve shell thickness, candling score, as well as serum biochemical profile. Implications These findings suggest that the combination of dietary MOL + xylanase + phytase can improve performance and egg quality in laying hens at peak production.