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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 has moved to a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 16 May 2024

AN24091Physical treatment and protease or probiotic supplementation and feather meal digestibility by broilers

Y. M. Sun 0000-0002-9887-2303, X. Li 0000-0003-3109-5789, D. Zhang and W. L. Bryden 0000-0002-7187-4464
 

Feather meal (FM) is a major by-product of the poultry industry and is potentially a valuable source of crude protein and amino acids. However, the major constraint to its use is the feather protein keratin that reduces FM digestibility. The aim of this study was to explore technologies to improve FM digestibility.

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

Published online 16 May 2024

AN23394Antibacterial properties of oil extracts of black soldier fly larvae reared on bread waste

Mung Kwan Shu, Cheuk Ming Li, William Eduardo Furtado, Qianjun Huang, Sophie St-Hilaire and Ákos Kenéz 0000-0002-9041-3452
 

The concern over the spread of antimicrobial resistance has prompted a search for alternative solutions. Black soldier fly larvae extracts possess natural antibacterial properties that can potentially inhibit bacterial growth. Rearing black soldier fly larvae on a bread waste-based substrate enhanced their lauric acid yield, resulting in significant antibacterial efficacy against E. coli; hence, incorporating larval oil into animal feed holds the potential for reducing antibiotic drug usage.

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

Published online 16 May 2024

AN23403Incubation temperature affects growth and efficacy of white-rot fungi to improve the nutritive value of rice straw

T. T. Hai 0000-0001-5695-6966, A. van Peer 0000-0001-7023-0045, J. W. Cone 0000-0003-0911-8833, J. T. Schonewille 0000-0002-8204-0684, J. J. P. Baars 0000-0002-0692-7371, L. D. Phung 0000-0002-7733-4792 and W. H. Hendriks 0000-0001-8242-7953
 

White-rot fungus technology can revolutionise the utilisation of rice straw, because it enhances its quality by breaking down rigid components and boosting nutritional value. Investigating the temperature tolerance of these fungi is crucial for the practical application process, ensuring their effectiveness in diverse enviromental conditions and promoting their use in livestock feed. Unlocking their potential can increase the utility of this abundant by-product, contributing to environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity.

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

This study investigated how long it takes for the performance of phosphorus (P)-deficient mature cows to improve once they are supplemented with P, and whether their long-term performance is compromised by P deficiency early in life. The performance of P-deficient cows improved to be similar to that of P-adequate cows within a year of P supplementation commencing. However, P deficiency early in life did have some residual stunting effects, resulting in lower hip height and liveweight.

Published online 13 May 2024

AN23352Environmental impacts of Australian pork in 2020 and 2022 determined using lifecycle assessments

M. A. Copley 0000-0002-9748-3197, E. J. McGahan, K. McCormack and S. G. Wiedemann 0009-0004-7060-0404
 

This study assessed the environmental impacts of Australian pork, and is the most comprehensive (70–72% industry) of its kind in Australia. Eutrophication potential was generally lower than in international pork production. The rate of environmental improvement was slow compared with historic trends. Covered pond, litter-based and outdoor systems produce pork associated with lower greenhouse gas emissions. Australian pork has significant potential to further reduce environmental impacts.

Published online 13 May 2024

AN23398Strengthening the role of innovation brokers in the livestock advisory services system of Pakistan

H. M. Warriach 0000-0002-5391-9956, M. Ayre, R. Nettle 0000-0001-8347-6693, K. Height, H. Iqbal, A. Aziz, K. Hayat, A. Afzal, S. Majeed, A. Kumbher and D. M. McGill
 

A well-functioning farm advisory services play a vital role in the improvement of livestock sector in low-income countries. We explored the ways in which capacity building through a particular training and professional-development intervention can lead farm advisors to act as innovation brokers within the advisory services system of Pakistan. The results are highly instrumental in strengthening farm advisory services and the role of farm advisors in low-income countries to support farmers in improving their livelihoods.

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

This study, evaluated the effect of melatonin on reproductive performance in sheep via meta-analysis. Pregnancy rate, lambing rate and litter size were used for reproductive performance parameters. Effect sizes of reproductive performance parameters were calculated according to breeds, production characteristics and seasons. The positive effect of melatonin was found greater in the non-reproductive period than in the breeding period for the three reproductive performance traits examined. This comprehensive research examined the effect of melatonin on sheep according to different factors.

Published online 07 May 2024

AN23419Cow age, resilience and productivity of cow–calf systems

Amir Gil Sessim, Tamara Esteves de Oliveira, Gabriel Ribas Pereira, Fredy Andrey López González, Fabiana Moro Maidana, Daniele Zago, Concepta Margaret McManus and Júlio Otávio Jardim Barcellos 0000-0001-9858-1728
 

The sufficient length of the cow’s lifetime in the beef cattle herd allows to mitigate problems in the cow–calf systems generated by the reduction in food availability. The intermediate age (6 years) of culling the cows allowed better resilience of the herd, after restriction (50% or 75%) of energy during 60 days pre- and 60 days postpartum for the cows. The intermediate lifespan of cows allowed for better resilience and productivity in cow–calf systems.

In pasture-based dairy systems little is understood regarding production responses or pasture substitution with different amounts of concentrates fed. Cohorts of cows were selected on contrasting differences for three parameters and fed concentrate at two flat-rate levels, while milk yield and feeding time were monitored. Contrasting responses were found between cross-breed and Friesian cows. Differences between cohorts demonstrated potential for targeted concentrate feeding to contrasting cohorts of cows, and the need to consider both marginal milk response and pasture intake.

This article belongs to the Collection ADSS 2022: A Changing Climate for Dairy Science.

Published online 03 May 2024

AN23407Identifying high-value tactical livestock decisions on a mixed enterprise farm in a variable environment

Michael Young 0000-0002-6072-5439, John Young 0009-0009-5557-5585, Ross S. Kingwell 0000-0003-0324-9488 and Philip E. Vercoe 0000-0002-3061-1908
 

Under Australia’s renowned climate variation, it is profitable for farmer to implement short-term tactical management adjustments in response to the unfolding weather conditions. This paper has identified and quantified optimal tactical livestock management for different weather-years for a mixed-farming system in the Great Southern region of Western Australia.

Published online 03 May 2024

AN23287Effects of a blend of acidifiers added continuously to the drinking water of nursery piglets

Huillian Zecchin, Aline Carolina Tillmann, Bruna Camila Ladwig, Liliana Bury de Azevedo, Pedro Silva Careli, Damares de Castro Fidelis Toledo, Hellen Lazarino Oliveira Vilela, Silvana Teixeira Carvalho, Leandro Batista Costa, Daiane Carvalho, Jansller Luiz Genova 0000-0002-8000-2166 and Paulo Levi de Oliveira Carvalho
 

Post-weaning period causes drastic changes in piglets. Therefore, there is a need to investigate strategies to improve the general health of the animals. The administration of a blend of acidifiers to reduce the pH of the piglets’ drinking water has shown interesting results, but still needs further investigation. Our results showed a reduction in mortality and an improvement in beneficial bacteria, which is reflected in animal welfare. These findings have provided information on farm conditions and scientific issues.

Published online 02 May 2024

AN23013Red propolis extract reduces the lipid oxidation of lamb meat

João Wilian Dias Silva, Vitor Visintin Silva de Almeida, Aline Cardoso Oliveira, Leandro Soares Santos, Tarcísio Ribeiro Paixão, Ana Paula Gomes da Silva, Laize Vieira Santos, Dorgival Morais de Lima Júnior 0000-0002-1154-8579 and Robério Rodrigues Silva
 

Red propolis extract was offered at increasing levels to feedlot lambs and we observed that the animals’ carcass weight and physico-chemical parameters of the meat were not influenced by these treatments. Furthermore, the inclusion of 7 mL/day of extract in lamb diet was enough to reduce the oxidation of lamb meat, and also improved the lipid profile. We recommend the inclusion of 7 mL/day of red propolis extract in the diet of feedlot lambs.

Published online 01 May 2024

AN23354Dietary chromium-methionine supplementation and broiler (22–43 days) responses during heat stress. 2 - Physiological variables, and heat shock protein 70 and insulin-like growth factor-1 gene expression

Felipe Santos Dalólio 0000-0001-7669-6364, Luiz Fernando Teixeira Albino, Haniel Cedraz de Oliveira, Alba Kyonara Barbosa Alves Tenorio Fireman, Alvaro Burin Junior, Marcos Busanello, Nilton Rohloff Junior, Guilherme Luis Silva Tesser 0000-0003-0187-0027 and Ricardo Vianna Nunes
 

In the challenging world of broiler farming, the use of organic trace minerals sheds light on ways to improve the performance of heat-stressed chickens. Chromium–methionine (CrMet) supplementation has significant impacts promoting growth, regulating hormones, and altering genetic activity in broilers exposed to heat stress. CrMet supplementation supports animal health and nutrition for a more robust broiler production.

Published online 01 May 2024

AN22445TMT-based quantitative proteomic analysis of serum from domestic sheep in early pregnancy

Yujun Ren 0000-0003-1870-9141, Zhunxuan Wang, Yishan Sun, Hongbin Gong, Su Xie, Ruonan Gao, Xin Chen, Qingchun Li, Shihao Lu, Tao Huang 0000-0003-2943-5131 and Min Yang
 

The present study enables to advance the diagnosis of pregnancy in ewes to the first oestrous period after breeding. The differentially expressed protein in serum was found to be a highly specific and sensitive biomarker for early pregnancy diagnosis in ewes. Its application in production can reduce the number of days of mating loss in ewes, reduce production costs and improve economic efficiency.

Published online 29 April 2024

AN23368The role of goat production in smallholder systems in Lao PDR: implications for improving productivity and scaling up production

Eoin Liehr 0000-0003-2771-0494, Joanne Millar, Stephen Walkden-Brown, Malavanh Chittavong and Luisa Olmo
 

Goats fulfil unique subsistence and socio-cultural roles in smallholder farmers’ livelihoods in Laos. Increasing goat productivity can improve conditions of farmers’ livelihoods, but it is unclear which approaches are most appropriate for resource-constrained farmers who balance multiple farming enterprises on small plots of land. Some approaches to increasing goat productivity are more applicable in Laos than are others. These approaches should be prioritised by the Government of Laos’ policy and development projects to benefit the widest cohorts of farmers.

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

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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