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Oloo RD, Ekine-Dzivenu CC, Mrode R, Bennewitz J, Ojango JMK, Kipkosgei G, Gebreyohanes G, Okeyo AM, Chagunda MGG. Genetic analysis of phenotypic indicators for heat tolerance in crossbred dairy cattle. Animal 2024; 18:101139. [PMID: 38626705 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change-induced rise in global temperatures has intensified heat stress on dairy cattle and is contributing to the generally observed low milk productivity. Selective breeding aimed at enhancing animals' ability to withstand rising temperatures while maintaining optimal performance is crucial for ensuring future access to dairy products. However, phenotypic indicators of heat tolerance are yet to be effectively factored into the objectives of most selective breeding programs. This study investigated the response of milk production to changing heat load as an indication of heat tolerance and the influence of calving season on this response in multibreed dairy cattle performing in three agroecological zones Kenya. First-parity 7-day average milk yield (65 261 milk records) of 1 739 cows were analyzed. Based on routinely recorded weather data that were accessible online, the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) was calculated and used as a measure of heat load. THI measurements used represented averages of the same 7-day periods corresponding to each 7-day average milk record. Random regression models, including reaction norm functions, were fitted to derive two resilience indicators: slope of the reaction norm (Slope) and its absolute value (Absolute), reflecting changes in milk yield in response to the varying heat loads (THI 50 and THI 80). The genetic parameters of these indicators were estimated, and their associations with average test-day milk yield were examined. There were no substantial differences in the pattern of milk yield response to heat load between cows calving in dry and wet seasons. Animals with ≤50% Bos taurus genes were the most thermotolerant at extremely high heat load levels. Animals performing in semi-arid environments exhibited the highest heat tolerance capacity. Heritability estimates for these indicators ranged from 0.06 to 0.33 and were mostly significantly different from zero (P < 0.05). Slope at THI 80 had high (0.64-0.71) negative correlations with average daily milk yield, revealing that high-producing cows are more vulnerable to heat stress and vice versa. A high (0.63-0.74) positive correlation was observed between Absolute and average milk yield at THI 80. This implied that low milk-producing cows have a more stable milk production under heat-stress conditions and vice versa. The study demonstrated that the slope of the reaction norms and its absolute value can effectively measure the resilience of crossbred dairy cattle to varying heat load conditions. The implications of these findings are valuable in improving the heat tolerance of livestock species through genetic selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- R D Oloo
- Animal Breeding and Husbandry in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; Livestock Genetics, International Livestock Research Institute, Box 30709-00100 Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - C C Ekine-Dzivenu
- Livestock Genetics, International Livestock Research Institute, Box 30709-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - R Mrode
- Livestock Genetics, International Livestock Research Institute, Box 30709-00100 Nairobi, Kenya; Animal and Veterinary Science, Scotland's Rural College, EH9 3JG Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - J Bennewitz
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - J M K Ojango
- Livestock Genetics, International Livestock Research Institute, Box 30709-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - G Kipkosgei
- Livestock Genetics, International Livestock Research Institute, Box 30709-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - G Gebreyohanes
- Livestock Genetics, International Livestock Research Institute, Box 30709-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - A M Okeyo
- Livestock Genetics, International Livestock Research Institute, Box 30709-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - M G G Chagunda
- Animal Breeding and Husbandry in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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2
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Edwards-Callaway L, Davis M, Dean L, McBride B. Stakeholder Perceptions of Animal Welfare as a Component of Sustainable Beef Programs in the United States-A Pilot Study. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1348. [PMID: 38731352 PMCID: PMC11083033 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate how stakeholders in the United States beef industry incorporate animal welfare into their sustainability programs. A survey was administered online to the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef membership. Twenty-seven surveys were analyzed. Most respondents (n = 26, 96%) had sustainability programs that incorporated animal welfare. Most respondents believed that welfare positively impacted environmental (n = 25/26, 96%), economic (n = 25/26, 96%), and social (n = 26/26, 100%) sustainability. The thematic analysis of five free response questions identified ten themes: Animal Care, Regulations and Guidelines, Responsibility, Consumers and Stakeholders, Performance and Efficiency, Financial Impact, Connectedness, Critical Component, Animal-based Outcomes, and Employees. When asked to define welfare, the most common themes were Animal Care and Regulations and Guidelines. When asked why welfare was a component of their sustainability program, the top factors from a provided list were: cattle health (n = 20, 74%), cattle performance (n = 12, 44%), and consumer perceptions (n = 12, 44%). Findings suggest a widespread recognition of animal welfare's importance within sustainable beef production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Edwards-Callaway
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (M.D.); (L.D.); (B.M.)
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3
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Bartlett H, Zanella M, Kaori B, Sabei L, Araujo MS, de Paula TM, Zanella AJ, Holmes MA, Wood JLN, Balmford A. Trade-offs in the externalities of pig production are not inevitable. NATURE FOOD 2024; 5:312-322. [PMID: 38605128 PMCID: PMC11045459 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-024-00921-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Farming externalities are believed to co-vary negatively, yet trade-offs have rarely been quantified systematically. Here we present data from UK and Brazilian pig production systems representative of most commercial systems across the world ranging from 'intensive' indoor systems through to extensive free range, Organic and woodland systems to explore co-variation among four major externality costs. We found that no specific farming type was consistently associated with good performance across all domains. Generally, systems with low land use have low greenhouse gas emissions but high antimicrobial use and poor animal welfare, and vice versa. Some individual systems performed well in all domains but were not exclusive to any particular type of farming system. Our findings suggest that trade-offs may be avoidable if mitigation focuses on lowering impacts within system types rather than simply changing types of farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Bartlett
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Smith School of Enterprise and Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Márcia Zanella
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Kaori
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro Sabei
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michelle S Araujo
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tauana Maria de Paula
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adroaldo J Zanella
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mark A Holmes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - James L N Wood
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew Balmford
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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4
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Aloui L, Greene ES, Tabler T, Lassiter K, Thompson K, Bottje WG, Orlowski S, Dridi S. Effect of heat stress on the hypothalamic expression profile of water homeostasis-associated genes in low- and high-water efficient chicken lines. Physiol Rep 2024; 12:e15972. [PMID: 38467563 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
With climate change, selection for water efficiency and heat resilience are vitally important. We undertook this study to determine the effect of chronic cyclic heat stress (HS) on the hypothalamic expression profile of water homeostasis-associated markers in high (HWE)- and low (LWE)-water efficient chicken lines. HS significantly elevated core body temperatures of both lines. However, the amplitude was higher by 0.5-1°C in HWE compared to their LWE counterparts. HWE line drank significantly less water than LWE during both thermoneutral (TN) and HS conditions, and HS increased water intake in both lines with pronounced magnitude in LWE birds. HWE had better feed conversion ratio (FCR), water conversion ratio (WCR), and water to feed intake ratio. At the molecular level, the overall hypothalamic expression of aquaporins (AQP8 and AQP12), arginine vasopressin (AVP) and its related receptor AVP2R, angiotensinogen (AGT), angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1), and calbindin 2 (CALB2) were significantly lower; however, CALB1 mRNA and AQP2 protein levels were higher in HWE compared to LWE line. Compared to TN conditions, HS exposure significantly increased mRNA abundances of AQPs (8, 12), AVPR1a, natriuretic peptide A (NPPA), angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), CALB1 and 2, and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 and 4 (TRPV1 and TRPV4) as well as the protein levels of AQP2, however it decreased that of AQP4 gene expression. A significant line by environment interaction was observed in several hypothalamic genes. Heat stress significantly upregulated AQP2 and SCT at mRNA levels and AQP1 and AQP3 at both mRNA and protein levels, but it downregulated that of AQP4 protein only in LWE birds. In HWE broilers, however, HS upregulated the hypothalamic expression of renin (REN) and AVPR1b genes and AQP5 proteins, but it downregulated that of AQP3 protein. The hypothalamic expression of AQP (5, 7, 10, and 11) genes was increased by HS in both chicken lines. In summary, this is the first report showing improvement of growth performances in HWE birds. The hypothalamic expression of several genes was affected in a line- and/or environment-dependent manner, revealing potential molecular signatures for water efficiency and/or heat tolerance in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loujain Aloui
- Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
- Higher School of Agriculture of Mograne, University of Carthage, Zaghouan, Tunisia
| | - Elizabeth S Greene
- Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Travis Tabler
- Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Kentu Lassiter
- Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Kevin Thompson
- Center for Agricultural Data Analyses, Divion of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Walter G Bottje
- Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Sara Orlowski
- Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Sami Dridi
- Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
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5
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Liu Y, Yin S, He Y, Tang J, Pu J, Jia G, Liu G, Tian G, Chen X, Cai J, Kang B, Che L, Zhao H. Hydroxy-Selenomethionine Mitigated Chronic Heat Stress-Induced Porcine Splenic Damage via Activation of Nrf2/Keap1 Signal and Suppression of NFκb and STAT Signal. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076461. [PMID: 37047433 PMCID: PMC10094443 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic heat stress (CHS) compromised the immunity and spleen immunological function of pigs, which may associate with antioxidant suppression and splenocyte apoptosis and splenic inflammation. Selenium (Se) exhibited antioxidant function and immunomodulatory through selenoprotein. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the protective effect of dietary hydroxy-selenomethionine (Selisso®, SeO) on chronic heat stress (CHS)-induced porcine splenic oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation. Growing pigs were raised in the thermoneutral environment (22 ± 2 °C) with the basal diet (BD), or raised in hyperthermal conditions (33 ± 2 °C) with BD supplied with 0.0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 mg Se/kg SeO for 28 d, respectively. The results showed that dietary SeO supplementation recovered the spleen mass and enhanced the splenic antioxidant capacity of CHS growing pigs. Meanwhile, SeO activated the Nrf2/Keap1 signal, downregulated p38, caspase 3 and Bax, inhibited the activation of NFκb and STAT3, and enhanced the protein expression level of GPX1, GPX3, GPX4, SELENOS and SELENOF. In summary, SeO supplementation mitigates the CHS-induced splenic oxidative damages, apoptosis and inflammation in pigs, and the processes are associated with the activation of Nrf2/Keap1 signal and the suppression of NFκb, p38(MAPK) and STAT signal. It seems that the antioxidant-related selenoproteins (GPXs) and functional selenoproteins (SELENOS and SELENOF) play important roles in the alleviation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education/Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, 610000 Chengdu, China
| | - Shenggang Yin
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education/Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, 610000 Chengdu, China
| | - Ying He
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education/Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, 610000 Chengdu, China
| | - Jiayong Tang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education/Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, 610000 Chengdu, China
| | - Junning Pu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education/Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, 610000 Chengdu, China
| | - Gang Jia
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education/Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, 610000 Chengdu, China
| | - Guangmang Liu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education/Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, 610000 Chengdu, China
| | - Gang Tian
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education/Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, 610000 Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoling Chen
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education/Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, 610000 Chengdu, China
| | - Jingyi Cai
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education/Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, 610000 Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Kang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Lianqiang Che
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education/Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, 610000 Chengdu, China
| | - Hua Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education/Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, 610000 Chengdu, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-1388-064-0271
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6
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Asioli D, Zhou X, Halmemies-Beauchet-Filleau A, Vanhatalo A, Givens D, Rondoni A, Turpeinen A. Consumers’ Valuation for Low - Carbon Emission and Low – Saturated Fat Butter. Food Qual Prefer 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2023.104859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
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7
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Pope DH, Karlsson JO, Baker P, McCoy D. Examining the Environmental Impacts of the Dairy and Baby Food Industries: Are First-Food Systems a Crucial Missing Part of the Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems Agenda Now Underway? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:12678. [PMID: 34886406 PMCID: PMC8657189 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Food systems are increasingly being understood as driving various health and ecological crises and their transformation is recognised as a key opportunity for planetary health. First-food systems represent an underexplored aspect of this transformation. Despite breastfeeding representing the optimal source of infant nutrition, use of commercial milk formula (CMF) is high and growing rapidly. In this review, we examine the impact of CMF use on planetary health, considering in particular its effects on climate change, water use and pollution and the consequences of these effects for human health. Milk is the main ingredient in the production of CMF, making the role of the dairy sector a key area of attention. We find that CMF use has twice the carbon footprint of breastfeeding, while 1 kg of CMF has a blue water footprint of 699 L; CMF has a significant and harmful environmental impact. Facilitation and protection of breastfeeding represents a key part of developing sustainable first-food systems and has huge potential benefits for maternal and child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel H. Pope
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Queen Mary University, London E1 4NS, UK;
| | - Johan O. Karlsson
- Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 756 51 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Phillip Baker
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia;
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia
| | - David McCoy
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Queen Mary University, London E1 4NS, UK;
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8
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Harrison MT, Cullen BR, Mayberry DE, Cowie AL, Bilotto F, Badgery WB, Liu K, Davison T, Christie KM, Muleke A, Eckard RJ. Carbon myopia: The urgent need for integrated social, economic and environmental action in the livestock sector. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:5726-5761. [PMID: 34314548 PMCID: PMC9290661 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Livestock have long been integral to food production systems, often not by choice but by need. While our knowledge of livestock greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions mitigation has evolved, the prevailing focus has been-somewhat myopically-on technology applications associated with mitigation. Here, we (1) examine the global distribution of livestock GHG emissions, (2) explore social, economic and environmental co-benefits and trade-offs associated with mitigation interventions and (3) critique approaches for quantifying GHG emissions. This review uncovered many insights. First, while GHG emissions from ruminant livestock are greatest in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC; globally, 66% of emissions are produced by Latin America and the Caribbean, East and southeast Asia and south Asia), the majority of mitigation strategies are designed for developed countries. This serious concern is heightened by the fact that 80% of growth in global meat production over the next decade will occur in LMIC. Second, few studies concurrently assess social, economic and environmental aspects of mitigation. Of the 54 interventions reviewed, only 16 had triple-bottom line benefit with medium-high mitigation potential. Third, while efforts designed to stimulate the adoption of strategies allowing both emissions reduction (ER) and carbon sequestration (CS) would achieve the greatest net emissions mitigation, CS measures have greater potential mitigation and co-benefits. The scientific community must shift attention away from the prevailing myopic lens on carbon, towards more holistic, systems-based, multi-metric approaches that carefully consider the raison d'être for livestock systems. Consequential life cycle assessments and systems-aligned 'socio-economic planetary boundaries' offer useful starting points that may uncover leverage points and cross-scale emergent properties. The derivation of harmonized, globally reconciled sustainability metrics requires iterative dialogue between stakeholders at all levels. Greater emphasis on the simultaneous characterization of multiple sustainability dimensions would help avoid situations where progress made in one area causes maladaptive outcomes in other areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brendan Richard Cullen
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVic.Australia
| | | | - Annette Louise Cowie
- NSW Department of Primary Industries/University of New EnglandArmidaleNSWAustralia
| | - Franco Bilotto
- Tasmanian Institute of AgricultureUniversity of TasmaniaBurnieTASAustralia
| | | | - Ke Liu
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Centre for Grain Industry/School of AgricultureYangtze UniversityJingzhouChina
| | - Thomas Davison
- Livestock Productivity PartnershipUniversity of New EnglandArmidaleAustralia
| | | | - Albert Muleke
- Tasmanian Institute of AgricultureUniversity of TasmaniaBurnieTASAustralia
| | - Richard John Eckard
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVic.Australia
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9
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Protopopova A, Ly LH, Eagan BH, Brown KM. Climate Change and Companion Animals: Identifying Links and Opportunities for Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies. Integr Comp Biol 2021; 61:166-181. [PMID: 33871032 PMCID: PMC8300940 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icab025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent natural disasters and weather extremes are a stark reminder that we live in a climate crisis. Climate scientists and policymakers have asked each discipline to anticipate and create mitigation and adaptation plans in preparation for a worsening future. Companion animals both impact and are impacted by the changing climate through their intrinsically linked relationships to human society. In this theoretical paper, we argue that companion animal scientists are well-suited to address climate change issues. We identify several anticipated climate change outcomes, such as an increase in extreme weather events, human migration, disasters, and an increase in human inequity, and connect these outcomes to identified or hypothesized impacts on companion animals and the human–animal bond. We suggest opportunities to reduce climate change impacts on companion animals that include alterations to owner caretaking behaviors and breeding practices, and education of owners and governments on zoonosis and disaster preparedness. Furthermore, building climate resilience through decreasing inequity in companion animal fields is paramount; and we propose that a starting place can be in animal sheltering and other support services. We also summarize how companion animals and owners’ caretaking behaviors are impacting climate change through the use of finite natural resources as well as pollution and carbon emissions. We propose that replacement, reduction, and refinement, that guide laboratory animal research, can also be useful to mitigate the effects of companion animals on the environment. We suggest criteria for successful mitigation and adaptation plans to include equitability, sustainability, respect for animals, and measurability. Finally, we end on a call to all companion animal professionals to actively consider their role in mitigating the impact of companion animals on the climate and preparing for the fallout of climate change in their communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Protopopova
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lexis H Ly
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bailey H Eagan
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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10
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Vigors B, Ewing DA, Lawrence AB. The Importance of Farm Animal Health and Natural Behaviors to Livestock Farmers: Findings From a Factorial Survey Using Vignettes. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2021.638782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing interest in enabling positive experiences, not just minimizing negative experiences, to improve the welfare of farmed animals. This has influenced the growth of private agri-food standards and supported arguments to integrate animal welfare into policy on sustainability and climate change. However, much research finds that farmers predominantly focus on the minimization of negatives (i.e., health issues). This may impact the positioning of farmers within these wider societal debates, affecting their social license to farm. It is thus important to better understand farmers' priorities relating to the minimization of negative factors (e.g., health issues) and the promotion of positive experiences (i.e., natural behaviors). A novel 2 × 2 factorial survey using vignettes, which experimentally manipulated health (health issues minimized/not minimized) and natural behavior (natural behaviors promoted/not promoted) provision, was completed by livestock farmers (n = 169), mostly with extensive systems, in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The majority (88%) considered “minimizing health issues” to be the most important factor for animal well-being. However, the overall welfare of animals was judged to be highest when both health and natural behaviors were supported. Several individual characteristics, including farming sector, production system, gender, belief in animal mind and business type influenced how participants judged the welfare of animals and the level of importance they gave to health and natural behaviors. Findings suggest that although farmers prioritize the minimization of health issues they want animals to be both healthy and able to express natural behaviors, and individual characteristics are important for understanding farmers' welfare-related judgements.
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11
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Dias-Silva TP, Louvandini H, Amarante AFTD. Trichostrongylus colubriformis affecting sheep phosphorus metabolism and precision feeding as a mitigating strategy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 30:e026820. [PMID: 33729318 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This review details the negative effects of Trichostrongylus colubriformis infection in sheep phosphorus metabolism and direct and indirect impacts from high excretion from susceptible animals, as well as the advantages offered by precision feeding as potential strategies to mitigate loss. In sheep infected with T. colubriformis there is a high reduction in P bioavailability, because of depression in the absorptive capacity of this mineral, affecting the absorption and recycling of P to the digestive tract, causing mineral deficiency. Therefore, precision feeding compiles animal genetics information, feeding type and grazing management to control animal feed intake and quantity and quality of manure produced. In this sense, the adoption of precision feeding can provide a better arrangement of the information, making sheep production more economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Helder Louvandini
- Laboratório de Nutrição Animal, Centro de Energia nuclear na Agricultura - CENA, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Piracicaba, SP, Brasil
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12
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Selinske MJ, Fidler F, Gordon A, Garrard GE, Kusmanoff AM, Bekessy SA. We have a steak in it: Eliciting interventions to reduce beef consumption and its impact on biodiversity. Conserv Lett 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Selinske
- ICON Science, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies RMIT University Melbourne Victoria Australia
- National Environmental Science Program, Threatened Species Recovery Hub The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Fiona Fidler
- School of BioSciences University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
- School of Historical and Philosophical Studies University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Ascelin Gordon
- ICON Science, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies RMIT University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Georgia E. Garrard
- ICON Science, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies RMIT University Melbourne Victoria Australia
- National Environmental Science Program, Threatened Species Recovery Hub The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Alexander M. Kusmanoff
- ICON Science, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies RMIT University Melbourne Victoria Australia
- National Environmental Science Program, Threatened Species Recovery Hub The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Sarah A. Bekessy
- ICON Science, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies RMIT University Melbourne Victoria Australia
- National Environmental Science Program, Threatened Species Recovery Hub The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
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13
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Clay N, Garnett T, Lorimer J. Dairy intensification: Drivers, impacts and alternatives. AMBIO 2020; 49:35-48. [PMID: 31055793 PMCID: PMC6888798 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-019-01177-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Dairy production systems have rapidly intensified over the past several decades. Dairy farms in many world regions are larger and concentrated in fewer hands. Higher productivity can increase overall economic gains but also incurs site-specific social and environmental costs. In this paper, we review the drivers and impacts of dairy intensification. We identify in the literature four prominent concerns about dairy intensification: the environment, animal welfare, socioeconomic well-being, and human health. We then critically assess three frameworks-sustainable intensification, multifunctionality, and agroecology-which promise win-win solutions to these concerns. We call for research and policy approaches that can better account for synergies and trade-offs among the multiple dimensions of dairy impacts. Specifically, we suggest the need to (1) consider dairy system transitions within broader processes of social-environmental change and (2) investigate how certain framings and metrics may lead to uneven social-environmental outcomes. Such work can help visualize transformations towards more equitable, ethical, and sustainable food systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Clay
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY UK
| | - Tara Garnett
- Food Climate Research Network, Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY UK
| | - Jamie Lorimer
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY UK
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14
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Sánchez-Molano E, Kapsona VV, Ilska JJ, Desire S, Conington J, Mucha S, Banos G. Genetic analysis of novel phenotypes for farm animal resilience to weather variability. BMC Genet 2019; 20:84. [PMID: 31718555 PMCID: PMC6849266 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-019-0787-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change is expected to have a negative impact on food availability. While most efforts have been directed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, complementary strategies are necessary to control the detrimental effects of climate change on farm animal performance. The objective of this study was to develop novel animal resilience phenotypes using reaction norm slopes, and examine their genetic and genomic parameters. A closely monitored dairy goat population was used for this purpose. RESULTS Individual animals differed in their response to changing atmospheric temperature and a temperature-humidity index. Significant genetic variance and heritability estimates were derived for these animal resilience phenotypes. Furthermore, some resilience traits had a significant unfavourable genetic correlation with animal performance. Genome-wide association analyses identified several candidate genes related to animal resilience to environment change. CONCLUSIONS Heritable variation exists among dairy goats in their production response to fluctuating weather variables. Results may inform future breeding programmes aimed to ensure efficient animal performance under changing climatic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Sánchez-Molano
- The Roslin Institute and R (D) SVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG UK
| | - Vanessa V. Kapsona
- Scotland’s Rural College, The Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG UK
| | - Joanna J. Ilska
- The Roslin Institute and R (D) SVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG UK
- Scotland’s Rural College, The Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG UK
| | - Suzanne Desire
- The Roslin Institute and R (D) SVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG UK
- Scotland’s Rural College, The Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG UK
| | - Joanne Conington
- Scotland’s Rural College, The Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG UK
| | - Sebastian Mucha
- Scotland’s Rural College, The Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG UK
- Poznan University of Life Sciences, 33 Wolynska, 60-637 Poznan, Poland
| | - Georgios Banos
- Scotland’s Rural College, The Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG UK
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15
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Interspecies Sustainability to Ensure Animal Protection: Lessons from the Thoroughbred Racing Industry. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11195539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
There is a disconnect between dominant conceptions of sustainability and the protection of animals arising from the anthropocentric orientation of most conceptualisations of sustainability, including sustainable development. Critiques of this disconnect are primarily based in the context of industrial animal agriculture and a general model of a species-inclusive conception of sustainability has yet to emerge. The original contribution of this article is two-fold: First, it develops a theoretical framework for interspecies sustainability. Second, it applies this to a case study of the thoroughbred racing industry. Interviews were conducted with thoroughbred industry and animal advocacy informants in the US, Australia and Great Britain. While industry informants claim thoroughbred welfare is seminal for industry sustainability, they adopt a market-oriented anthropocentric conception of sustainability and do not consider animal welfare a sustainability domain in its own right. Animal advocacy informants demonstrate a deeper understanding of welfare but some express discomfort about linking sustainability, welfare and racing. Eight analytical layers have been identified in the discourse in the interface of sustainability and animal protection, of which two have transformational potential to advance interspecies sustainability. Interspecies sustainability urgently needs to be advanced to ensure animal protection in the sustainability transition, and to not leave the defining of animal welfare and sustainability to animal industries.
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16
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Tullo E, Finzi A, Guarino M. Review: Environmental impact of livestock farming and Precision Livestock Farming as a mitigation strategy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 650:2751-2760. [PMID: 30373053 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
This paper reviews the environmental impact of current livestock practices and discusses the advantages offered by Precision Livestock Farming (PLF), as a potential strategy to mitigate environmental risks. PLF is defined as: "the application of process engineering principles and techniques to livestock farming to automatically monitor, model and manage animal production". The primary goal of PLF is to make livestock farming more economically, socially and environmentally sustainable and this can be obtained through the observation, interpretation of behaviours and, if possible, individual control of animals. Furthermore, adopting PLF to support management strategies, may lead to the reduction of the environmental impact of farms. Currently, few studies reported PLF efficacy in reducing the environmental impact, however further studies are necessary to better analyze the actual potential of PLF as a mitigation strategy. Literature shows the potentiality of the application of PLF, as the introduction of PLF in farms can lead to a reduction of Greenhouse gases (GHG) and ammonia (NH3) emission in air, nitrates and antibiotics pollution in water bodies, phosphorus, antibiotics and heavy metals in the soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Tullo
- Department of Science and Environmental Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Alberto Finzi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Marcella Guarino
- Department of Science and Environmental Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
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17
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Houdijk J, Tolkamp B, Rooke J, Hutchings M. Animal health and greenhouse gas intensity: the paradox of periparturient parasitism. Int J Parasitol 2017; 47:633-641. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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18
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Alexander T, Plaizier J. From the Editors: The importance of microbiota in ruminant production. Anim Front 2016. [DOI: 10.2527/af.2016-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- T.W. Alexander
- Lethbridge Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - J.C. Plaizier
- Lethbridge Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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19
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Yaro M, Munyard KA, Stear MJ, Groth DM. Molecular identification of livestock breeds: a tool for modern conservation biology. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2016; 92:993-1010. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Yaro
- School of Biomedical Sciences, CHIRI Biosciences Research Precinct, Faculty of Health Sciences; Curtin University; GPO Box U1987 Perth WA 6845 Australia
| | - Kylie A. Munyard
- School of Biomedical Sciences, CHIRI Biosciences Research Precinct, Faculty of Health Sciences; Curtin University; GPO Box U1987 Perth WA 6845 Australia
| | - Michael J. Stear
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine; University of Glasgow; Bearsden Road Glasgow G61 1QH U.K
| | - David M. Groth
- School of Biomedical Sciences, CHIRI Biosciences Research Precinct, Faculty of Health Sciences; Curtin University; GPO Box U1987 Perth WA 6845 Australia
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