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Animal Production Science Animal Production Science Society
Food, fibre and pharmaceuticals from animals

Animal Production Science

Animal Production Science

Animal Production Science is an international journal publishing original research and reviews on the production of food, fibre and pharmaceuticals from animals. Read more about the journalMore

Editor-in-Chief: Wayne Bryden

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Animal Production Science is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 07 August 2025

AN25089Production of Rhode Island Red × Naked Neck hybrid hens under conditions of the family poultry production systems in a warm environment

Adrián Hernández 0000-0002-2780-4362, Gerardo Ordaz 0000-0003-4502-3727, Ernestina Gutiérrez 0009-0003-8983-2689, Aureliano Juárez 0000-0003-2372-1209 and Ruy Ortiz
 

Naked Neck hens offer key advantages for family poultry farming, especially in warm climates. Their higher heat tolerance helps maintain stable feed intake and consistent egg production, unlike fully feathered breeds. They also exhibit better feed conversion efficiency, lowering feeding costs and improving resource use. With reduced metabolic heat production, they achieve better thermal balance, supporting growth and reproduction. These traits make them a sustainable and profitable choice for small-scale poultry systems facing challenging environmental conditions.

Published online 07 August 2025

AN25104Additives used as stimulative and cryoprotective agents in bovine semen cryopreservation: a systematic review

K. C. Moagi, T. Chitura 0009-0002-3818-6755 and A. M. Raseona
 

This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of cryoprotective and stimulative additives in enhancing the quality of post-thaw bovine semen. A thorough literature search was conducted using three databases, to identify studies on stimulative and cryoprotective additives used in the cryopreservation of bull semen. Natural additives, including moringa extract and honey, showed similar effectiveness to synthetic additives, with cost and sustainability advantages. Therefore, this review emphasizes optimizing additive selection and concentrations based on their specific roles and interactions.

Published online 05 August 2025

AN25087Optimizing drinking water temperature for water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) during winter: implications for productivity under subtropical climate

Neelam Purohit, Indu Devi 0000-0001-8346-9020, Divyanshu Singh Tomar and Kuldeep Dudi
 

During winters in subtropical climates, the temperature of drinking water in troughs falls below 10°C. Increasing drinking water temperature to 20–24°C improves buffalo productivity by increasing milk yield and feed intake during winter. Warm water helps buffaloes maintain body temperature, reduce respiration rate, and alleviate cold stress, ensuring better physiological stability. Improved hydration and nutrient absorption contribute to better overall health and efficiency in dairy buffalo management. The study identified a cost-effective strategy for dairy farmers; heating water beyond 20–24°C provides no additional benefits.

Published online 04 August 2025

AN25020Investigation of the relationship between meat fatty acids and the expression levels of genes associated with lipid metabolism in Kivircik and Hungarian Merino sheep

Fadime Daldaban 0000-0001-5795-8859, Hulya Yalcintan, Pembe Dilara Kecici, Bekir Ozturk, Bulent Ekiz, Bilal Akyuz and Korhan Arslan
 

Fats are essential to our health, but many of us struggle to maintain a healthy balance between harmful and helpful types. Our research shows that certain genes govern the creation of beneficial fats like omega-3 and omega-6, paving the way for reducing unhealthy saturated fats in livestock products. This discovery could lead to healthier foods for everyone and open new doors to treatments that tap into the power of these vital fats.

Published online 31 July 2025

AN25157Viability of bull epididymal spermatozoa recovered 24 hours post-mortem and diluted with Triladyl® and modified Ham’s F10

A. M. Raseona 0000-0002-5517-7976, O. D. Owiny, T. L. Nedambale and D. M. Barry
 

The unexpected losses of genetically valuable animals have led to possibilities to preserve their genetic material. This study aimed to evaluate viability of spermatozoa retrieved from the epididymides refrigerated for 24 h at 5°C, diluted with Triladyl® or modified Ham’s F10, and preserved for 120 h at 5°C. The results revealed that cooling of epididymides before the recovery of sperm cells was efficient in preserving epididymal sperm viability.

Published online 28 July 2025

AN25044Inclusion of corn ethanol byproducts in non-forage diets and their effects on feed intake, digestibility, growth performance, and blood parameters of young Nellore bulls

Victória Curvo Ormond, Joanis Tilemahos Zervoudakis, Mozart Alves Fonseca, Rafaela Juliana Jardim Cunha, Edjane Pereira Silva, Reginaldo Martins de Sousa 0000-0001-6112-7986, Tayane Barbosa Pereira, Flávio Augusto Portela Santos and Nelcino Francisco de Paula 0000-0002-0392-5653
 

This study evaluated the impact of corn ethanol byproducts on feed intake, digestion, and growth performance in young Nellore bulls. Replacing conventional ingredients with 30% dry distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) promoted a 27% increase in dietary protein, promoting a higher weight gain and feed efficiency than control diets. Corn ethanol byproducts can replace conventional protein and energy sources. The inclusion of corn ethanol byproducts promoted an increase in overall performance, making them a sustainable feed option for beef production.

Published online 24 July 2025

AN24101Seroprevalence and potential risk factors of Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo infection in dairy cattle of Tanahun district, Nepal

Sabina Lamsal 0009-0000-0600-3008, Subir Singh, Ram Chandra Sapkota and Surendra Karki
 

The government of Nepal has enlisted leptospirosis as one of the prioritized zoonotic diseases of Nepal. This study investigated the seroprevalence of Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo infection among cattle in Tanahun district, Nepal, along with identifying the associated risk factors at herd and animal level, by using an indirect antibody ELISA. Farmers and general public, especially in high-risk areas of Tanahun district, should be made aware of this zoonosis. Findings could assist in developing control and contingency plans for the management of this disease.

This article belongs to the collection: Sustainable Animal Agriculture for Developing Countries 2023.

Published online 24 July 2025

AN24375The influence of concentrate supplementation during the dry and rainy seasons on performance of young Nellore bulls grazing tropical grass pastures

Evellyn Aryanne Lopes Diniz, Terry Eugene Engle, Edenio Detmann, Natália Gomes Lacerda, Kharina Romana da Silva Santana, Robson Guilherme Rodrigues Ribeiro, João Paulo Pacheco Rodrigues 0000-0003-1140-1259, Kaliandra Souza Alves, Luis Rennan Sampaio de Oliveira, Jenifer Maira Lima Ramos, Rafael Mezzomo and Daiany Iris Gomes 0000-0001-7850-3650
 

When animal growth is delayed by some pasture limitation, lower performance is detected, which negatively affects slaughtering age or carcass weight. Thus, the animals supplemented with concentrate during both seasons have greater body weight, total ADG, carcass weights and a higher proportion of fat in the carcass than do animals receiving supplemental concentrate in just one of the seasons.

Published online 22 July 2025

AN24333Early lactation performance of primiparous dairy heifers reared with differing levels of early-life complexity

Laura Field 0000-0002-1418-9487, Lauren Hemsworth, Ellen Jongman 0000-0002-7504-0280, David McGill and Megan Verdon 0000-0002-3971-4161
 

Little research explores the effects of early-life experiences on the experiences of dairy heifers in their first lactation. This study reared heifers according to one of three early-life treatments, varying in social and environmental complexity, then explored their effects on several outcome indices, including milk yield and milk cortisol concentrations in the first month of lactation. Early-life treatment did not appear to influence these measures in the present experiment, but the data collected indicate that early lactation is stressful for primiparous heifers.

Published online 22 July 2025

AN25036Separation of light weaner lambs may not improve growth rates or wool production when pen-fed for drought feeding

Bridget Longley, Emma Doyle 0000-0002-5255-2187 and Susan M. Robertson 0000-0001-5129-2216
 

Weaner lambs with lighter weights and those losing weight are at risk of mortality. This study compared the behaviour and performance of the lightest 25% of Merino weaners when pen-fed for slow growth separately or in mixed-weight groups, but lighter lambs grew at the same rate as did heavy lambs in Mixed pens. Separate feeding of lighter lambs was not needed to maintain slow growth, but did reduce bullying in the first week of feeding.

Published online 18 July 2025

AN25175Investigating the trend of blood progesterone concentration following an injection of slow-release progesterone in ewes out of the breeding season

Ali Kadivar 0000-0002-3221-9635, Mohamad Mahdi Kaviani, Pegah Khosravian, Abdonnaser Mohebbi and Najmeh Davoodian
 

Progesterone has several applications in the reproductive management of domestic animals, such as estrus synchronization, prevention of early embryonic death, and treatment of some ovarian disorders. In the present study, three doses of slow-release progesterone (a medicine with easy use and no side effects) were used to determine the dose that provides an appropriate blood progesterone concentration for a suitable period of time. On the basis of these results, the 100 mg dose was better than were lower doses.

Published online 15 July 2025

AN25008Productive, hematological and physiological responses of Barbarine ewe lambs subjected to nutritional challenge under hot conditions

Yathreb Yagoubi 0000-0001-9763-5392, Massara Nasraoui, Mokhtar Mahouachi, Samir Smeti, Samia Ben Saïd, Ahlem Bartkiz, Kahena Bouzid and Naziha Atti
 

Heat stress and limited food availability are growing challenges for livestock, especially in hotter regions. This study found that when fat-tail Barbarine ewe lambs were underfed in extreme heat, their growth slowed and their reproductive performance was negatively impacted. These findings highlight the need for better feeding and management strategies to help animals adapt to changing climates, ensuring the sustainability of livestock farming in arid and semi-arid areas.

Respiratory disease is common in sheep globally. The ovine respiratory complex (ORC) is a polymicrobial disease of lambs and adult sheep associated with bacterial, mycoplasmal and/or viral infection, exacerbated by a range of host and environmental factors. This review discusses the role of Mycoplasma (Mesomycoplasma) ovipneumoniae, which was first isolated from sheep flocks in Queensland, Australia more than 50 years ago, in ORC with an emphasis on extensive Australian sheep farming systems.

Published online 07 July 2025

AN25027Effects of time away from pasture on milk production and dry matter intake in dairy cattle

M. M. Wright 0000-0001-9910-2784, M. L. Douglas 0000-0002-4709-4572, P. S. Alvarez-Hess, V. M. Russo, G. L. Morris, M. C. Hannah, K. Giri, W. J. Wales and M. J. Auldist
 

The effect of time away from pasture on the nutrient intake and subsequent milk production of cows was investigated, in early and late lactation. This research found that increased time away from pasture resulted in a linear decline of milk yield. This decline in the milk yield of cows, as time away from pasture increased, was possibly driven by lower pasture mass and nutritive composition of the remaining pasture for cows returning later to the paddock.

Published online 24 June 2025

AN24250Breed and sex class affect the intake, performance, and meat quality of Pantaneiro and Santa Inês lambs but do not alter carcass patterns

A. G. Gonçalves, A. Sasa, M. Vedovatto, A. R. D. Santos 0000-0001-5621-3353, P. R. O. Oliveira, R. V. Rohod, J. C. C. Belmonte, E. R. F. da Silva 0000-0001-9468-0569, A. R. P. Simões, A. L. J. Ferraz, M. V. M. Oliveira, M. N. Bonin Gomes and D. M. Oliveira 0000-0002-5038-9822
 

Pantaneiro sheep, native to the Brazilian Pantanal, are distinguished by their rusticity and adaptability to adverse environments. This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance, ingestive behavior and carcass characteristics and meat quality of Pantaneiros lambs and compare them with Santa Inês lambs. The performance of intact lambs and the observed carcass yields demonstrated the potential of Pantaneiro sheep as a breed for intensive production.

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

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Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

The papers in this Collection of Animal Production Science were presented at the 9th biennial conference of Sustainable Animal Agriculture for Developing Countries (SAADC23), held in Vientiane, Laos in 2023. The meeting created a forum for collaboration among animal scientists, producers, and policy makers from developing countries, fostering the exchange of experiences and the development of sustainable animal agriculture practices.

Collection Editors
Kris Angkanaporn (Chulalongkorn University)
Russell Bush (University of Sydney)
Kapil Chousalkar (University of Adelaide)
Tech Loh (Universiti Putra Malaysia)
Stephen Walkden-Brown (University of New England)
Peter Windsor (University of Sydney)
Peter Wynn (Charles Sturt University)

Last Updated: 24 Jul 2025

This collection brings together selected research and review papers presented at the 2024 Australasian Dairy Science Symposium, Christchurch, NZ. The 2024 symposium was a special occasion, marking 20 years since the first ADSS conference in Shepparton, Victoria.

Collection Editors
Callum Eastwood (DairyNZ)
James Hills (Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania)
Arjan Jonker (AgResearch NZ)
Samuel Wilson (Massey University)
Omar Al-Marashdeh (Lincoln University)

Last Updated: 23 Jun 2025

This Collection follows the first Equine Science special issue of Animal Production Science published in 2020. Since the first Australian Equine Science Symposium (AESS) in 2006, there have been six biennial symposia that have provided a platform for equine researchers to enjoy a collegial atmosphere dedicated to the horse. The papers in this collection reflect the strength and diversity of Australasian Equine Science.

Collection Editors
Chris W. Rogers (Massey University)
Wayne L. Bryden (University of Queensland)

Last Updated: 13 Jun 2024

Animal Production Science brings together a Collection of research and review papers presented at the 2022 Australasian Dairy Science Symposium. The theme of the 2022 symposium was ‘A Changing Climate for Dairy Science’ so while this special issue includes papers on a range of topics, a common theme throughout the papers is addressing the challenges faced by the Australian and New Zealand dairy sectors.

Collection Editors
Keith Pembleton (University of Southern Queensland)
Callum Eastwood (DairyNZ Ltd)
James Hills (University of Tasmania)

Last Updated: 23 May 2024

Animal Production Science celebrated 60 years of publication in 2021 and to celebrate, we marked this milestone with this selection of key review papers published in the journal over the last decade, highlighting research breakthroughs, social and economic issues that have influenced primary producers, and the practice of animal production.

Last Updated: 30 Jul 2021

New genomic technologies have revolutionised our approach to animal breeding and increased the rate of genetic change. This Collection brings together a selection of research articles that review research progress and updates our knowledge of the delivery of livestock genomics research applications, specifically for the beef and dairy cattle and sheep industries globally.

Last Updated: 19 Aug 2013

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