Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Kate J. Flay, Anne L. Ridler, Chris W. R. Compton, Paul R. Kenyon
Summary: Ewe wastage is a combination of on-farm mortality and premature culling. This study is the first to report actual wastage incidence and causes in commercial sheep flocks in New Zealand. Pre-mating body condition score was identified as a predictor of wastage.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Amy L. Bates, Shawn R. McGrath, Maxwell B. Allworth, Susan M. Robertson, Gordon Refshauge
Summary: Best practice guidelines for managing Maternal and Merino ewes in southern Australia are available, but lacking for Composite and shedding breeds. A survey was conducted to explore the management practices and motivations of a unique group of sheep producers in southern Australia. Most respondents followed best practice guidelines for mating and lambing, but a smaller group did not value nutritional and mating length recommendations. Producers actively sought new information and made management changes, indicating a need for understanding barriers to best practice adoption and development of guidelines for all sheep breeds.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Jaroslav Vadlejch, Iveta Angela Kyrianova, Marian Varady, Johannes Charlier
Summary: The study reveals the widespread occurrence of anthelmintic resistance (AR) among dairy goats in the Czech Republic, primarily due to inappropriate pasture and health management practices. High stocking rate and farmer inexperience are significant factors associated with anthelmintic resistance.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Triin Rilanto, Dagni-Alice Viidu, Tanel Kaart, Toomas Orro, Arvo Viltrop, Ulf Emanuelson, Eamonn Ferguson, Kerli Motus
Summary: Farm managers' dissatisfaction, attitude and personality traits are associated with dairy cow culling rates and longevity. High culling rates and poor longevity are related to dissatisfaction with culling rates and longevity, prioritizing high milk yields, and production-oriented attitudes. Farm managers' personality has an effect on culling rates, and their attitudes explain a portion of the variability in culling rates and longevity.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
J. S. M. van der Laan, P. L. A. M. Vos, B. H. P. van den Borne, H. Aardema, T. van Werven
Summary: The study revealed that prostaglandins were the most commonly used reproductive hormone in Dutch dairy cows, followed by GnRH and progesterone. Participation in veterinary herd health management programs and the use of technologies like pedometers and automatic milking systems were associated with increased reproductive hormone use. Farms with automatic milking systems tended to use more reproductive hormones compared to those with conventional milking systems.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Daphne T. Lianou, Natalia G. C. Vasileiou, Charalambia K. Michael, Irene Valasi, Vasia S. Mavrogianni, Mariangela Caroprese, George C. Fthenakis
Summary: The study presents reproductive management practices in sheep and goat farms in Greece, highlighting the importance of following scientific principles in improving animal welfare and production outcomes. Data from 325 sheep flocks and 119 goat herds were analyzed to identify predictors associated with reproductive management patterns and their impact on production outcomes.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Paula Toro-Mujica
Summary: This study evaluated the use of feeding and management strategies in the traditional cow-calf system in southern Chile on carbon footprint and economic variables. It found that changes in stocking rate, supplementation level, and consideration of carbon sequestration significantly impacted the carbon footprint. Additionally, incorporating canola oil presented the best average results in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The model developed allowed for the selection of environmentally viable feed strategies or management adaptations.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Robert Murphy, Noelle Yochum, Nathan Wolf, Anita C. Kroska, Bradley P. Harris
Summary: The advancement of conservation practices in global trawl fisheries has been hindered by a lack of collective understanding of knowledge needs and barriers. Through surveys and workshops, industry stakeholders identified knowledge needs and ways to address them. Improving fishing gear performance and closing data gaps were prioritized, along with industry-driven training and workshops to enhance fishing skills for better non-target avoidance and increased efficiency. Addressing these knowledge needs and barriers can contribute to the long-term sustainability of these fisheries.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Martin G. Maquivar, Sarah M. Smith, Jan R. Busboom
Summary: Proper pre-breeding management of rams and their ram lambs is crucial for sustainable and profitable farms. Understanding the diverse aspects of reproductive management and selection criteria for males is essential for maximizing the reproductive potential of sheep. It is important to implement integrative management practices, including genetic testing and health assessments, to select the best rams for breeding season and achieve economic efficiency and sustainability goals.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yeneayehu Fenetahun, You Yuan, Xu Xinwen, Tihunie Fentahun, Vincent Nzabarinda, Wang Yong-dong
Summary: This study evaluated the impacts of grazing intensity on soil properties in the Teltele rangeland, Ethiopia. Results showed that grazing intensity, elevation, and soil depth significantly affected both physical and chemical properties of soils, with different rangeland types having no significant effect.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Lan Li, Xiong Zhao He, Xiumin Zhang, Junqi Hu, Mengyuan Wang, Zhen Wang, Fujiang Hou
Summary: This study investigates the effects of herbivore grazing and nitrogen input on ecosystem multifunctionality, highlighting the role of plant diversity in maintaining key ecosystem functions. The findings reveal contrasting effects of grazing and nitrogen addition on ecosystem multifunctionality and emphasize the importance of plant diversity in balancing plant elements.
Article
Agronomy
Zhen Wang, Shenyi Jiang, Paul C. Struik, Hai Wang, Ke Jin, Riliga Wu, Risu Na, Huabing Mu, Na Ta
Summary: Different grazing intensities can lead to different changes in soil microbiome. Heavy and overgrazing significantly increase the relative abundances of certain bacteria and fungi, while light grazing decreases the relative abundance of other bacteria. The response of bacterial community to grazing is mainly driven by changes in perennial plant species and soil organic content, while the fungal community is mainly influenced by soil organic content and pH value.
Article
Entomology
Annick Upchurch, Cameron J. Spurr, Stephen R. Quarrell, Raylea M. Rowbottom, Geoff R. Allen
Summary: Developing mass rearing systems for the drone fly, Eristalis tenax, is crucial for its use as a commercial pollinator. This study focuses on manipulating adult mating and the development of eggs in the fly. The results show that a temperature range of 12 to 30 degrees C is suitable for successful egg development and hatching. The study also found optimal timing for female mating and identified factors affecting reproductive output. Additionally, the study discovered endogenous overwintering behaviors that affect mating rates and egg hatching success.
AUSTRAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Misael B. Clapano, Jenie Mae T. Diuyan, France Guillian B. Rapiz, Edison D. Macusi
Summary: The study reveals significant differences between smallholder and commercial shrimp farms in terms of production methods, yield, and equipment usage. While most smallholder farms rely on electric generator machines for aeration, commercial farms employ a greater number of paddlewheels and blowers. Economically, farm income is more closely tied to output or numbers of fries rather than other social factors.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mary Baxter, Anne Richmond, Ursula Lavery, Niamh E. O'Connell
Summary: The study found that slower growing Hubbard Redbro broilers performed better than the standard fast growing Ross 308 broilers on various measures such as gait score, latency to lie, feather cover, avoidance distances, perch use, and play behavior. However, there was little difference in their general behavior.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Amy Lockwood, Jason Trompf, Serina Hancock, Lyndon Kubeil, Andrew Thompson, John Young
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2020)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Andrew N. Thompson, Elise Bowen, John Keiller, Don Pegler, Gavin Kearney, Cesar A. Rosales-Nieto
Summary: Ewe lambs can reach puberty at 7-10 months old and are more fertile if heavier at breeding. The study found that heavier ewes at breeding have higher weaning rates, with a slight decrease after reaching 45 kg. Age at breeding has a linear effect on weaning rates, increasing by 0.4% per day. Increasing liveweight and age at breeding can improve offspring survival rates.
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Mieghan Bruce, John M. Young, David G. Masters, Gordon Refshauge, Andrew N. Thompson, Paul R. Kenyon, Ralph Behrendt, Amy Lockwood, David W. Miller, Caroline Jacobson
Summary: Dystocia contributes to significant lamb and ewe mortality in sheep production in Australia and New Zealand. The financial impacts of dystocia on the Australian sheep industry are substantial, and reducing dystocia through improved genetics and management can lead to improved animal welfare and farm profit.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
S. K. Muir, R. Behrendt, M. Moniruzzaman, G. Kearney, M. Knight
Summary: Research showed that methane emissions in sheep were correlated with daily DMI and time since the last meal. Sheep fed at lower feeding levels tended to produce less methane. The impact of feeding behavior and time since the last meal should be considered in feeding protocols.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Thomas Clune, Amy Lockwood, Serina Hancock, Andrew N. Thompson, Sue Beetson, Angus J. D. Campbell, Elsa Glanville, Daniel Brookes, Colin Trengove, Ryan O'Handley, Gavin Kearney, Caroline Jacobson
Summary: This study provides detailed investigation on abortion and lamb mortality in maiden ewes in Australia. The results show variability in abortion rates and lamb mortality rates among maiden ewe flocks, which significantly contribute to overall lamb losses. Addressing abortion issues may improve reproductive performance in maiden ewe flocks.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Dayna Hutchison, Bronwyn E. Clarke, Serina Hancock, Andrew N. Thompson, Elise Bowen, Caroline Jacobson
Summary: The reproductive performance of maiden ewes is poorer than that of multiparous ewes, and the extent and causes of this difference are not well understood in Australian sheep farming. This study compared the reproductive performance of maiden ewes and multiparous ewes on the same farms and found significant differences in lamb marking rate and reproductive success. Strategies to improve reproductive rate and lamb survival can address the suboptimal reproductive performance of maiden ewes.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Kirsty Cunningham, Andrew Van Burgel, Khama R. Kelman, Claire M. Macleay, Beth L. Paganoni, Andrew N. Thompson
Summary: Early prediction of lambing dates for ewes can improve their management during pregnancy and lambing. Proximity sensors can be used to measure interactions between ewes and rams during mating, successfully predicting conception and lambing dates. This study demonstrates that proximity sensors are an effective means of predicting lambing dates, which can help improve ewe management and lamb survival.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Andrew N. Thompson, Travis Allington, Sarah Blumer, Jo Cameron, Gavin Kearney, Lyndon Kubeil, Amy Lockwood, Jason Trompf, Emma Winslow, Paul Kenyon
Summary: The proportion of triplets among ewes is increasing on sheep farms in Australia due to the use of more fecund genetics and better management practices. A study of sheep producers showed that the mortality rate of triplet-bearing ewes was 6.4%, and the survival rate of triplet-born lambs was 59%. There was variability in the management practices adopted, but no significant differences were found in the mortality rate or lamb survival between different practices. The highest priorities for future research identified by producers were ewe condition score, mob size, feed-on-offer at lambing, and mineral supplementation.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Tom Clune, Shane Besier, Sam Hair, Serina Hancock, Amy Lockwood, Andrew Thompson, Martina Jelocnik, Caroline Jacobson
Summary: This study investigated the causes of perinatal lamb deaths for lambs born to primiparous ewes in Western Australia. The main causes of death were identified as starvation-mismosthering-exposure, dystocia, and stillbirth. Additionally, a pathogenic strain of Chlamydia pecorum (ST23) was detected in aborted and stillborn lambs on multiple farms.
VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
S. Hancock, L. Inglis, M. Laurence, D. Miller, A. Thompson
Summary: This study showed that facial action units, activity of the lamb, and time spent with the dam can be used to assess pain in Merino lambs following mulesing, but cannot detect any changes associated with pain relief.
AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
R. Behrendt, S. K. Muir, M. Moniruzzaman, G. Kearney, M. I. Knight
Summary: The study found that sheep can quickly adapt and respond to changes in daily allowance and offered meal size, but the similar number of non-feeding events at different proportions of maintenance feeding suggest that non-feeding events may not reflect levels of hunger.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
M. C. Raeside, J. Byron, F. Cameron, C. MacDonald, D. L. Partington, G. A. Kearney, R. Behrendt
Summary: The research found that grazing spring-sown winter-type canola during summer and autumn in southern Australia does not result in a grain-yield penalty, but further grazing or defoliation during winter when bud elongation commences can lead to significant reductions in grain yield.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jonathon Tocker, Ralph Behrendt, Margaret Raeside, Bill Malcolm
Summary: Mating ewe lambs at around 7 months of age is considered a way to increase profits and reduce risks in sheep farms in south-west Victoria, Australia. Utilizing spring-sown canola or lucerne forage for ewe-lamb mating provides the best returns on capital relative to the risks involved.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
M. C. Raeside, J. Byron, F. Cameron, C. MacDonald, S. Rochfort, D. L. Partington, G. A. Kearney, R. Behrendt
Summary: The research aimed to determine the impact of grazing summer-active pastures or brassica forages on ewe lamb liveweight, condition score, conception, and reproductive rate during mating compared to a system using perennial ryegrass plus supplement. Results showed that ewe lambs grazing canola or forage brassica had higher liveweight gains during mating compared to those grazing perennial ryegrass, indicating the potential for improved reproductive performance with certain forage options.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
M. C. Raeside, J. Byron, F. Cameron, C. MacDonald, D. L. Partington, G. A. Kearney, R. Behrendt
Summary: The research found that spring-sown winter-type canola could provide equal or better levels of herbage mass and nutritive characteristics compared to other forage options in southern Australia's high-rainfall zone. However, its productivity may be limited by variable spring rainfall conditions.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2021)