Introduction Heat stress is a major constraint to poultry production in arid and semi-arid regions. Methods This study evaluated the performance of a newly developed multi-stage direct evaporative cooling (DEC) system in comparison with a conventional DEC system in broiler and layer poultry houses in Kuwait. Results The multi stage DEC System achieved a 24% reduction in energy use intensity and a 48% reduction in water use intensity. Broiler body weight increased by 18.5% (battery -reared) and 38.6% (floor-reared) and feed efficiency improved by 15- 51%. For laying hens, feed efficiency improved by 18-23%, egg weight increased by 5% and egg mass by 10%. Discussion The multi-stage DEC system enhances cooling efficiency and poultry performance under arid conditions, providing a sustainable solution.

Mineral elements are key to many physiological processes in mammals. Current reference methods for mineral identification and quantification in biological samples are inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). These analyses are costly, destructive and require trained personnel to operate. On the other hand, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) can represent a valid alternative for the rapid determination of mineral concentrations in biological matrices. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of EDXRF for rapid quantification of major minerals (Na, Mg, P, S, Cl, K and Ca) in untreated urine samples, potentially reducing time and costs of the analysis. Reference concentrations were determined on 74 samples using ICP-OES. The performances of EDXRF for rapid quantification of urine mineral composition were assessed using a calibration set (100% of the samples), a training set (70%) and a testing set (30%). Rapid quantification performed by EDXRF displayed a strong correlation with reference quantification performed by ICP-OES for S and Cl, as well as a good correlation for Mg (with R 2 in testing of 0.95, 0.89 and 0.70, respectively). Results of the present study suggest that EDXRF is suitable for rapid monitoring of urinary S and Cl and for rapid screening of urinary Mg. Aligning with the growing need for decision-supporting tools for farmers and nutritionists at both individual and herd levels, such findings may help in diagnosing nutritional imbalances and tuning dairy cows’ diets.

Animal welfare charities exist to improve animal welfare and rely on charitable giving and, in some countries, government grants. Given the finite nature of such funds, any money received must be used effectively. However, there is little published in the scientific literature on the methodology and tools for assessing the effectiveness of animal welfare charity. This study conducted a scoping review to compile existing assessment methodologies of charities, revealing 29 records of charity effectiveness evaluation methodologies, most of which were found in the ‘grey literature’ from effective altruism organisations. The appraisal of these methodologies was used to inform the development of a framework to evaluate the effectiveness of animal welfare charities applying for a governmental grant in Ireland. This framework consists of a logic model, a weighted factor model, a cost-effectiveness assessment, and a charity accountability assessment. This framework could be used to increase the objectivity of grant-making decisions in Ireland and beyond by assessing the animal welfare impact of a charity’s work based on outcomes, focal species, and animal quality of life before, during, and after a charity intervenes. This would direct more funding to charities that have a greater animal welfare impact and value for money, as well as providing a tool to help charities increase their effectiveness by encouraging them to collect data on the outcomes of their work and to focus on activities that have the greatest animal welfare impact.

The intestine is recognized as the ‘motor’ of sepsis, so protecting it is a critical goal in the prevention and treatment of sepsis. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) against intestinal injury in a piglet sepsis model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The weaned piglets were fed with 1 g CGA/kg diet for 21 days before 100 μg LPS/kg body weight administration. After 4 h postinjection, ileal samples were collected. LPS induced ileal morphology atrophy, inhibited the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins, impaired mitochondrial energy metabolism, and disrupted key genes expression involved in mitochondrial quality control mechanisms (i.e., mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy). CGA supplementation improved ileal morphology, enhanced claudin 3 mRNA abundance, increased ATP production, mediated complex I and III levels, upregulated peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha, estrogen-related receptor alpha, BCL2 interacting protein 3 like and PTEN induced kinase 1 transcriptional expression in piglets exposed to LPS challenge. These observations reveal the significant protective potential of CGA against LPS-induced intestinal injury through the improvement of intestinal integrity and mitochondrial function, which provides a theoretical basis for application research of the natural product CGA in intestinal sepsis of piglets.

The dairy industry could make use of sustainable alternatives to conventional palm fat in ruminant nutrition. Insect-derived lipids, particularly the oil extracted from Hermetia illucens larvae ( H. illucens oil, HIO), show promise as an environmentally sustainable substitute. However, its effects on metabolic pathways and potential to replace fractionated palm oil (FPO) in lactating dairy cow diets remain insufficiently characterized. This study investigated the effects of HIO on the rumen and serum metabolome of lactating dairy cows. Twenty-six Valdostana Red Pied cows (parity = 3 ± 1.9; days in milk = 68 ± 27.5 d; BW = 556 ± 49.5 kg) were randomly assigned to receive either HIO or FPO (3% of the concentrate on as fed basis) for 50 days. Rumen fluid and serum samples were collected at the beginning (d 0, the day before starting the experimental diets administration) and end of the trial (d 50) for subsequent metabolomic analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 7,590 rumen fluid and 8,061 serum features were detected, with 687 and 689 metabolites annotated, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed stronger temporal than treatment effects. Serum metabolome showed slightly more pronounced responses to dietary HIO inclusion than rumen fluid, with 61 and 64 differential metabolites identified between HIO and FPO groups in rumen and serum, respectively. The pathway enrichment analysis based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database revealed that HIO inclusion modulated metabolic pathways mainly related to amino acid and lipid metabolism. Specifically, metabolites such as N-acetyl-L-glutamate, imidazolepropionic acid, sulfate, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g., stearidonic acid and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid) were significantly altered following HIO inclusion. In contrast, pathways related to glycolysis and starch metabolism remained largely unaffected. No adverse metabolic effects associated with the tested HIO inclusion level were detected. HIO may be a metabolically safe and more sustainable alternative to FPO in dairy cow diets at the given inclusion rate, without evidence of disrupting metabolic homeostasis.

Haematological markers are extensively utilised as diagnostic and monitoring tools for evaluating health, physiological state, and disease conditions in goats. This review integrates existing literature on haematological parameters in goats, with a particular emphasis on Sub-Saharan Africa, where goats play a central role in smallholder livelihoods, food security, and climate resilience. The literature indicates significant differences in blood values among breeds and regions, underscoring the need for region- and breed-specific reference ranges. Internal factors, including age, sex, and breed, alongside external influences such as nutrition, environmental stress, disease burden, and management practices, significantly impact haematological profile. Despite the importance of these indicators, inconsistencies in testing methodologies and insufficient integration of molecular genetic tools limit standardization and comprehensive understanding. Recent advancements highlight the potential of merging traditional haematology with genomic techniques to enhance disease resistance and adaptive trait evaluation. To create evidence-based interventions that are relevant to smallholder farming and to fill in the current knowledge gaps in this crucial field, more research is necessary. This review aims to provide a framework for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and health management strategies for goats in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Reproductive efficiency in male livestock is essential for sustainable animal production; however, the use of synthetic reproductive drugs is constrained due to its, harmful side effects, antimicrobial resistance and effect on long-term reproductive health. Therefore, use of plant extracts to enhance reproductive performance in livestock has gained attention because of their bioactive compounds, affordability, and reduced side effects compared to synthetic drugs. The review analyses the impact of specific plants in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) on male reproductive performance, concentrating on libido, testicular function, hormonal levels, and semen quality. Moringa oleifera and Zingiber officinale improve libido, testicular function, hormonal status, and semen quality of male animals. The bioactive components of those plants, including flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins, have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hormone-modulating effects that collectively improve reproductive outcomes. Further research is needed to optimise dosage, ensure safety, and promote the sustainable use of these plants to prevent over exploitation of specific species. Furthermore, the sustainable use of reproductive improving plants requires their cultivation, nursery development, farmer training, and community level processing to improve availability, quality control and economic value. Male animals can access these plants through managed browsing or grazing, cut and drying leaves and controlled supplementation, supported by separation of male animals to regulate breeding and accurately assess reproductive effects.

Bromoform effectively reduces enteric methane in livestock; however, its effects in late gestation and early lactation cows in a conventional grazing system and the subsequent impact on the progeny is not well understood. This study evaluated the effect of bromoform supplementation on greenhouse gas emissions, health and performance of late gestation Angus cows and their progeny. Cows were allocated to either a control (CON; n = 40) or bromoform (BRO; n = 40; 0.69 mg of bromoform/kg body weight/day) diet based on body weight. GreenFeed systems were used to quantify methane and carbon dioxide emissions. Body weights of both the cows and calves were collected at Calving, Day 7 and 21, with blood samples also collected on Day 7. Additionally, the calves were weighed at Day 150. There was an interaction between week and treatment for methane (P< 0.01), where it was reduced in the BRO group between 49.5% and 77.0% between Week 1 and 8. The estimated dry matter intake of the BRO cows was reduced by 1.56 kg/day (P = 0.010) with no change in cow body weight between groups over the trial period (P = 0.983). Additionally, there was no carry over effect of dam supplementation of bromoform (P = 0.847) on progeny growth from birth to Day 150 post-birth. Base excess concentration in blood of the BRO cows at Day 7 post-calving was 21.0% higher than the CON group (P = 0.027). These findings highlight the opportunity to effectively use bromoform in breeding cows in extensive systems to achieve significant reductions in methane emissions but also highlights possible areas of concern with changing dosage rates or long-term supplementation.

This study examines the complexities of producing safe beef in Uganda, focusing on the actors, challenges, and dynamics that influence the production of safe beef. Using qualitative methods like focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs), along with tools like Process Net-Map, the study identifies key actors’ roles and perceived influences in the beef value chain, as well as challenges and opportunities in producing safe beef. Results indicated the presence of 16 actors along the beef value chain in the cattle corridor of Uganda. Based on perceived influence levels, cattle farmers were recognized as the most influential actors, followed by veterinarians and cattle traders. The study also found that collusion among actors, regulatory capture, and lax enforcement hinder the process of the production of safe beef in Uganda, posing market and public health risks. Additionally, variability in actor influence was observed at the subregional and district levels, highlighting different subregional practices, economic conditions, and regulatory environments that affect the production of safe beef. Addressing these subregional variations and customizing interventions accordingly are important for improving food safety standards and maintaining the integrity of the beef supply chain across diverse geographical contexts. The study emphasizes the need for enhanced regulatory oversight, consumer education through labeling, and strict penalties for violations to ensure safe beef production.

Introduction The present study evaluated oxidative stress indicators in plasma of beef calves supplemented with a rumen-protected methionine (L0 = receiving ration top-dressed with a ground corn carrier, L1 = receiving ration top-dressed with 10.0 g of rumen-protected methionine supplement in a ground corn carrier, L2 = receiving ration top-dressed with 20.0 g of rumen-protected methionine supplement in a ground corn carrier) and administered lipopolysaccharide (LPS). An additional objective evaluated the effect of LPS on plasma metabolites. Methods Following an initial feeding period (40 d), steers (n = 32; 379 kg ± 30.7) were intravenously administered LPS (0.25 μg/kg BW). Blood was collected via jugular catheter at -2, 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 h relative to LPS administration (0 h). Plasma was analyzed for amino acid (AA) concentrations, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Metabolomic analysis occurred for control cattle at -2, 2, and 8 h. Results and discussion Plasma AA asparginine and methionine were increased with supplementation ( P < 0.01). The greatest FRAP values were observed at -2, 0, 2, 36, and 48 h ( P < 0.001). At 6 and 8 h, FRAP decreased to their lowest values ( P < 0.001). Amount of TBARS increased at 2 h but declined at 4h ( P < 0.001). A treatment × time interaction occurred for ROS ( P < 0.001). At 2 h, ROS was greatest in L0 cattle, least in L2, and intermediate in L1 but declined at 4 h in all treatments ( P < 0.001). Values peaked at 6 h for L1 and L2 cattle, followed by a decline at 8 h ( P < 0.001). Values for L0 cattle were similar from 4 to 6 h ( P = 0.371) but increased at 8 h ( P < 0.001). Finally, L0 plasma metabolites present at -2 h segregated from those present at 2 and 8 h ( P < 0.05). Differences were primarily driven by taurocholic acid, LysoPE, butyric acid, acitretin, and tauromuricholic acid. These data demonstrate that LPS may alter oxidative stress indicators and plasma metabolites. However, methionine supplementation may mitigate oxidative stress.