Current situation and future prospects for beef production in Thailand - A review

Environmental impacts of extensive beef production in Colombia by life cycle assessment: a case study

The increase in the negative effects of global change promotes the search for alternatives to supply the demand for food worldwide aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure food security. Animal protein, which is a main source of nutrients in the diet of today's society, especially beef, which is one of the most demanded products nowadays, has been criticized not only for its high water consumption and land occupation for production but also for the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) from enteric methane generated in the fermentation process within the bovine rumen and deforestation for the adaptation of pastures. This study is mainly motivated by the lack of quantifiable scientific information in Colombia on the environmental impacts of beef production. Therefore, it is intended to estimate some of the impacts of beef production in extensive systems using the life cycle assessment (LCA) method under a particular scenario considering all the production phases (from raw material to fattening, where the cattle are ready to be slaughtered). The study was conducted with data supplied by a farm in Antioquia, Colombia, and the functional unit (FU) was defined as 1 kg of live weight (LW). The scope of this study was gate-to-gate. "The 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories" (IPCC  2006; IPCC 2019) was used to calculate methane and nitrous oxide emissions. LCA modeling was developed with Ecoinvent database v3.8 and the Umberto LCA + software. It was found that the most affected category of damage was ecosystem quality, which represents 77% of the total, followed by human health at 17% and resources at 6%. The category impact of agricultural land occupation is the one that represents the most significant contribution to the ecosystem quality endpoint, with a percentage of 87%, due to the soil's compaction and the loss of the soil's properties. Additionally, the obtained carbon footprint for the system was 28.9 kg of CO2-eq/kg LW.

Direct Observation of Feeding Behavior of Adult Tabanidae (Diptera) on Beef Cattle from Khon Kaen Province in Thailand

Tabanidae (horse flies and deer flies) are hematophagous insects that cause direct and indirect damage to animal production. The aims of this study were to determine the preferred site, time of day, and duration of tabanid feeding on beef cattle and identify factors related to infestation by tabanids. The population of tabanids was surveyed on certain body parts of the beef cattle (fore udder, tail, navel, leg, dewlap, body, and under) during the morning hours (9.00-10.30 a.m.), midday (12.00-13.30 a.m.), and afternoon (15.30-17.00 p.m.) every day for 10 days. The findings showed that two genera, Tabanus Linnaeus, 1758, and Chrysops Meigen, 1803, landed on the cows. The leg was statistically significantly the most frequent landing site for tabanids (15.067 ± 7.54) compared with other parts. The average feeding duration for each insect was 2.76 ± 1.77 min. The results showed that a significant number of tabanids were present during midday, as compared with the morning and afternoon. Temperature was found to be positively associated with fly abundance. A regression model was derived in this study (y = 4.23x - 116.09). This information is important for tabanid control and prevention in beef cattle.

A stochastic modeling study of quarantine strategies against foot-and-mouth disease risks through cattle trades across the Thailand-Myanmar border

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an important endemic disease in livestock in Southeast Asia. Transboundary movement of animals may result in the transnational disease spread. A major cattle market is located at the Thailand-Myanmar border, where most cattle imported from Myanmar are traded. In this study, we built a stochastic susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered (SEIR) model to investigate the effectiveness of a private animal quarantine service center in preventing FMDV from entering the major cattle market. We computed with different parameters and found that, with 50 % vaccine effectiveness, the risk of releasing infected cattle to the market per batch was generally low during the quarantine period of 21 and 28 days, with the risk ranging from 0.071 to 0.078 and 0.032 to 0.036, respectively. Despite the best scenario, the zero-risk state is difficult to attain. The sensitivity analysis highlights that the percentage of immune animals before entering the quarantine centers and the vaccine effectiveness are important factors. In conclusion, the 21-day quarantine period mitigates the risk of FMDV introduction into the cattle market. This control measure should be rigorously maintained to sustainably prevent FMDV outbreaks through transboundary animal movements, especially among countries in FMD-endemic regions.

Microscopic and molecular epidemiology of gastrointestinal nematodes in dairy and beef cattle in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand

Background and Aim

Gastrointestinal (GI) nematode infection remains an important problem in livestock, particularly cattle. The infection may lead to serious health complications and affect animal products. The objective of this study was to investigate GI nematode infection and its associated risk factors in dairy and beef cattle farmed in Pak Chong District of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeast Thailand.

Materials and Methods

Fecal specimens were collected from 101 dairy cattle and 100 beef cattle. Formalin-ethyl acetate concentration techniques were used to process the samples and the samples were observed under a light microscope. Samples were subjected to molecular identification of specific genera using conventional polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing.

Results

The overall prevalence of GI nematode infection was 33.3%. The strongyle nematode was the most significant GI nematode in this area with a prevalence of 28.4%. The prevalence of strongyle nematodes was 58.0% in beef cattle and only 7.9% in dairy cattle. Trichuris spp. was another nematode found in both types of cattle with an overall prevalence of 5.0% with 9.0% in beef cattle and 1.0% in dairy cattle. The results of the epidemiological study indicate that the age of cattle, food, water sources, farming system, and housing floor are the most important risk factors. Among the strongyle nematodes, Ostertagia spp. was the most prevalent (82.0%), followed by Haemonchus spp. (62.3%) and Trichostrongylus spp. (8.2%), respectively.

Conclusion

Infection with GI nematodes still exists in this area, particularly in beef cattle. Our reported data may benefit local parasitic control policies in the future.

Effect of cassava pulp treated with Lactobacillus casei TH14, urea, and molasses on gas kinetics, rumen fermentation, and degradability using the in vitro gas technique

This study focused on examining the gas dynamics, rumen fermentation, and digestibility of ensiled cassava pulp (CSVP) using Lactobacillus casei TH14, urea, and molasses in the context of a laboratory experiment. All data in this study were analyzed using treatments arranged in 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangements using a completely randomized design. The L.casei TH14 additive (L) was factor A. Factor B was the molasses additive (M), while factor C was urea (U). There was no interaction effect of L, U, and M on gas production, volatile fatty acid (VFA) content, pH value, or ammonia-nitrogen level (P<0.05). The interaction of L, U, and M influenced in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) at 12 h (P < 0.05), and the CSVP fermented with the additions of L, U, and M together (LUM) was higher than the additions of CON, M, U, UM, and L on IVDMD (P < 0.05). However, the IVDMD values of adding LUM were higher in the control group (CON), M, U, UM, and L additive groups (P < 0.05). There was an interaction effect of L, U, and M on the protozoal count at 8 h (P<0.05), which had a lower protozoal count in the control group. In addition, acetic acid and butyric acid concentrations at 4 h and 8 h (P<0.05) were increased during the fermentation of CSVP using L and M combinations. Furthermore, the combination of U and M enhanced (P<0.05) average acetic acid, propionic acid, and pH at 4 h and 8 h while reducing (P<0.05) the gas generation from the insoluble portion (b). It was suggested that utilizing L. casei TH14 together with urea and molasses can enhance nutrient contents and improve the in vitro dry matter digestibility of CSVP, although it has no effect on ruminal fermentation or gas production.

Comparison of lipopolysaccharide-mediated peripheral blood mononuclear cell activation between Brahman and Brahman × Thai native crossbreed cattle

Background and Aims

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a robust endotoxin known to activate the immune system in cattle. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of LPS on the morphology, cell viability, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in Brahman and Brahman × Thai native crossbreed cattle.

Materials and Methods

PBMCs were isolated from Brahman and Brahman × Thai native crossbreed cattle and treated with 0, 0.1, 1, and 10 μg/mL Escherichia coli LPS, respectively. Morphological changes in PBMCs were assessed at 24 and 48 h. In addition, we measured PBMC cell viability, MDA, NO, and TAC.

Results

LPS stimulation caused cell deformation and partial PBMC area enlargement, but there were no differences between Brahman and Brahman × Thai native crossbreed cattle. Stimulation at all levels did not affect the viability of PBMCs (p > 0.05). MDA and NO levels were significantly higher in Brahman cattle than in Brahman Thai native crossbred cattle (p < 0.05). TAC was significantly higher in Brahman × Thai native crossbred cattle than in Brahman cattle (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Immune cells of crossbreed cattle have a higher activation response to LPS than those of purebred cattle, and native crossbreed beef cattle have a higher antioxidant capacity than purebred beef cattle. This result may explain why hybrid cattle of indigenous breeds are more resistant to disease than purebred cattle.

Coproprevalence, seroprevalence, and geographic distribution of Fasciola spp. infection in beef and dairy cattle in Pak Chong highland, Nakhon-Ratchasima Province, Northeast Thailand

Fasciola spp. is a major livestock parasite, especially in cattle, water buffalo, sheep, and goats. Infection reduces animal productivity, e.g., meat, dairy, wool and might cause death. In Thailand, reports of Fasciola spp. infection in livestock, especially dairy and beef cattle, are sparse. Pakchong district in Nakhon Ratchasima province is one of Thailand's largest farming areas for dairy and beef cattle, but the prevalence of Fasciola spp. infection has never been reported in this district. The landscape of this area is mainly a hilltop plateau with many water sources suitable for the development of lymnaeid snails, the intermediate host of Fasciola spp., which are essential for the parasite life cycle. This study surveyed the copro- and seroprevalence of Fasciola spp. infection in dairy and beef cattle farmed in Pakchong district by microscope-based examination, PCR, and indirect ELISA. Associated risk factors and geographic information data were collected and analyzed. Paired stool and serum samples were collected from 102 dairy cattle and 99 beef cattle from April to November 2021. Sample analyses demonstrated a high prevalence of Fasciola spp. infection, especially in beef cattle. The overall copro-prevalence was 5.97%, with 0.99% in dairy cattle and 11.11% in beef cattle. The overall seroprevalence was 23.88%, with 2.94% in dairy cattle and 45.45% in beef cattle. Moreover, the data indicated that infection status was not correlated with animal sex and age whereas consumption of natural grasses, water resources, housing floor, and farming system were significant risk factors. Data analysis by a geographic information system (GIS) demonstrated that an associated risk could be farmed in lowering areas, especially in Chan Thuck, Nong Sa Rai, and Khlong Muang subdistricts. In conclusion, this study reports the prevalence of Fasciola spp. infection in cattle in a major farming area of Thailand which could be beneficial for designing parasite control policies in this region as well as adapting this knowledge to other Fasciola spp. endemic areas.

Carcass characteristics, meat quality, sensory palatability and chemical composition of Thai native cattle grazing in lowland and Phu Phan mountain forest

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Thai native cattle grazing in the lowland or mountain forest on carcass characteristics, meat quality, sensory palatability, and chemical composition.

METHODS

Twelve male Thai native cattle with an average weight of 110±10 kg are allowed to be grazing in the lowland or Phu Phan mountain forest during the rainy season in northeastern Thailand.

RESULTS

The carcass characteristics, meat pH, and meat color were unaffected by treatment (p>0.05). The boiling loss was lower in the cattle grazing on the mountain forest (p = 0.027). The cattle grazing in the mountain forest had increased shear force (p = 0.039), tenderness (p = 0.011), and flavor intensity (p = 0.003). The protein and fat were higher (p<0.001 and p = 0.035, respectively) in cattle grazing in the mountain forest. The different grazing systems of the cattle had no effect (p>0.05) fatty acids in meat, except for capric acid (C10:0) and lauric acid (C12:0), which were higher (p = 0.046 and p = 0.049, respectively) when the cattle were grazing in the mountain forest. The different grazing systems did not influence (p>0.05) the unsaturated fatty acids in meat.

CONCLUSION

Thai native cattle grazing in the Phu Phan mountain forest in the rainy season improves meat quality, sensory evaluation, and chemical composition.

Effects of various levels of coated cysteamine hydrochloride in the diet on feed intake, digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and blood metabolites in growing Charolais crossbred cattle

This study investigated the impact of different levels of coated cysteamine hydrochloride (CSH) supplementation on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and blood metabolites in Charolais cross bulls. Twelve bulls were allotted to three feeding treatments in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design: 0% CSH (control), 0.5% CSH, and 1.0% CSH in concentrate. Animals were fed concentrate at 1.5% of body weight. Dry matter intake (DMI) and DMI as a percentage of body weight showed no significant differences among treatments (p > 0.10). Nutrient digestibility was consistent across treatments, except for a slight decrease in NDF digestibility with 1% CSH (p = 0.07). Ruminal pH, ammonia nitrogen, volatile fatty acid (VFA) proportions, and total VFA concentration were similar among treatments (p > 0.05). Total bacteria, fungal zoospores, and protozoa populations in the rumen did not vary significantly (p > 0.05). Blood glucose and triglyceride concentrations remained stable (p > 0.05), while blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were higher in CSH-supplemented groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, incorporating CSH levels ranging from 0.5% to 1.0% into the diet did not adversely affect feed intake, ruminal fermentation, or microbial populations. Additionally, 1.0% CSH improved BUN concentration in growing Charolais cross bulls.

Characterization of the bacterial microbiota of cattle ticks in northeastern Thailand through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing

Ticks are vectors of a variety of pathogens that can infect humans and animals. Ticks also harbor non-pathogenic microbiota. This study characterized the microbiota of the ticks infesting beef cattle in Thailand. Two species of ticks; Rhipicephalus microplus (n = 15) and Haemaphysalis bispinosa (n = 5), were collected in seven provinces in northeastern Thailand. Microbial community profile of ticks was examined based on sequences of the V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA gene. Proteobacteria (Pseudomonadota) was the most abundant phylum, followed by Firmicutes (Bacillota), and Actinobacteriota. Coxiella-like endosymbiont was the most abundant bacterial taxon overall (49% of sequence reads), followed by Anaplasma (8.5%), Corynebacterium (5.5%), Ehrlichia (3.9%), and Castellaniella (3.4%). Co-infections of the pathogenic bacteria Ehrlichia and Anaplasma were detected in 19/20 (95%) female ticks. The tick with the lowest number of bacteria had the lowest abundance of the Coxiella-like endosymbiont, and the pathogenic bacteria Anaplasma and Ehrlichia were absent. This study provides baseline information of the microbiota of cattle ticks in northeastern Thailand, suggesting that ticks carry a few dominant bacterial taxa that are primarily non-pathogenic but can co-occur with pathogenic microorganisms. The information obtained is useful for monitoring disease outbreaks in the future and informing prevention and control strategies against cattle tick-borne diseases.

Monks: A Population at Risk for Liver Fluke and Skin-Penetrating Helminths

Monks cannot cook received raw meat dishes and should walk barefoot while working. This population lacks both a survey of parasitic infection and a proper prevention and control policy. Five hundred and fourteen monks from the Ubolratana, Ban Haet, and Ban Phai Districts of Kh on Kaen Province were enrolled in this study. A stool container and questionnaire were collected from each study participant. Stool samples were processed by formalin ethyl acetate concentration and agar plate culture techniques. We then analyzed the results and risk factors to demonstrate associations. The prevalence of overall parasites, liver flukes, and skin-penetrating helminths were 28.8%, 11.1%, and 19.3%, respectively. Raw fish dish offerings were associated with opisthorchiasis (ORcrude 3.32; 95% CI 1.53–7.20). The risk factors for skin-penetrating helminths were older age (ORcrude 5.02; 95% CI 2.2–11.17), being a long-term ordinate (ORcrude 3.28; 95% CI 1.15–9.34), smoking (ORcrude 2.03; 95% CI 1.23–3.36), and chronic kidney disease with other underlying disease (ORcrude 20.7; 95% CI 2.54–190.1). The protective factors for skin-penetrating helminths were secular education above primary education (ORcrude 0.41; 95% CI 0.25–0.65) and having received health education about parasitic infection (ORcrude 0.47; 95% CI 0.28–0.80). Wearing shoes at times other than alms work does not show a protective effect against skin-penetrating helminths (ORcrude 0.86; 95% CI 0.51–1.46). These findings support the recommendation for a strict Rule of Discipline regarding raw meat ingestion and allowing shoes to be worn for protection against skin-penetrating helminths in high-risk situations.

Effect of coated cysteamine hydrochloride and probiotics supplemented alone or in combination on feed intake, nutrients digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and blood metabolites of Kamphaeng Saen beef heifers

This study aimed to determine the effects of coated cysteamine hydrochloride (CSH) and probiotics (PB) supplemented alone or in combination on feed intake, digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and blood metabolites of heifer beef cattle. Sixteen heifers (body weight = 210 ± 41 kg; age = 9 ± 2 months) were assigned according to a randomized complete block design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. All animals were fed the basal diet, which contained an 82:17 concentrate-to-forage ratio, and the forage source was rice straw. The treatments were as follows: (1) 0% PB + 0 g/d CSH, (2) 0.1% PB + 0 g/d CSH, (3) 0% PB + 20 g/d CSH, and (4) 0.1% PB + 20 g/d CSH. The main effect of CSH supplementation has been found to improve feed intake (P < 0.05). There were no treatment interactions with nutrient digestibility or rumen fermentation parameters. Supplementation of CSH did not affect any of the variables evaluated, while probiotics supplementation increased DM digestibility due to the increases in CP and fiber fraction digestibility. Compared to controls and CSH, at 16 h post-feeding, heifers receiving probiotics tended (P = 0.07) to show 17% greater ruminal NH3-N concentration, but this effect was not evident at 2 h post-feeding. However, the main effects of probiotic supplementation showed a tendency to increase the number of total bacteria and fungal zoospores in the rumen at 2 h post-feeding. The blood triglyceride (BTG) concentration of heifers fed a diet supplemented with 20 g/d CSH and 0.1% probiotics was found to be greater than those fed CSH alone (P < 0.1) at 16 h post-feeding, and then, there were greater BTG concentrations than other treatments (P < 0.05) at 2 h post-feeding. In conclusion, the combination of CSH and PB did not potentiate the effects of probiotics on digestibility and rumen fermentation and had minimal effects on blood parameters.

Genetic diversity of tick (Acari: Ixodidae) populations and molecular detection of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia infesting beef cattle from upper-northeastern Thailand

Genetic diversity, genetic structure and demographic history of the ticks infesting beef cattle in Thailand were examined based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (cox1) sequences. Tick samples were collected in 12 provinces in upper-northeastern Thailand. Three species were found; Rhipicephalus microplus, R. sanguineus, and Haemaphysalis bispinosa. Of these, R. microplus was by far the most abundant species in beef cattle and was widely distributed throughout the area. No cox1 sequence variation was found in the R. sanguineus or H. bispinosa specimens collected. Low nucleotide diversity but high haplotype diversity was observed in R. microplus. All collected R. microplus specimens belonged to lineage A. Mismatch-distribution analysis, as well as Tajima's D and Fu's Fs tests, provided evidence of recent demographic expansion. A subsample of tick specimens was investigated for presence of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia using a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene. Three species of Anaplasma were detected from R. microplus; Anaplasma marginale (19.08%), Anaplasma platys (1.97%) and unidentified Anaplasma strain (0.66%). The infection rate of Ehrlichia was 7.24% (two ticks were infected with E. minasensis (1.97%) and eight with an unidentified Ehrlichia strain (5.26%). No infections were found in R. sanguineus or H. bispinosa. This is the first report of A. platys and E. minasensis in cattle ticks in Thailand, providing information for future epidemiological surveys and control strategies in this region.

1H NMR Metabolic Profiling and Meat Quality in Three Beef Cattle Breeds from Northeastern Thailand

The increasing need for effective analytical tools to evaluate beef quality has prompted the development of new procedures to improve the animal sector's performance. In this study, three beef breeds-Thai native (TN), crossbred Brahman × Thai native (BT), and crossbred Charolais × Brahman (CB)-were compared in terms of their physicochemical and metabolic profiles. The findings demonstrated that TN beef was lighter and tougher than other beef. Beef odor was stronger in BT. In addition, CB beef was the most tender and had the highest intramuscular fat content. Twenty-one different metabolites were found overall through NMR and chemometric approaches. The primary factors contributing to the difference in OPLS-DA loading plots were acetylcholine, valine, adenine, leucine, phosphocreatine, β-hydroxypyruvate, ethanol, adenosine diphosphate, creatine, acetylcholine, and lactate. The multivariate analysis indicated that these metabolites in beef cattle breeds could be distinguished using NMR spectroscopy. The results of this study provide valuable information on the quality and meat metabolites of different breeds. This could help in the development of a more accurate assessment of the quality of beef in future research.

Epidemiology of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in Thailand from 2011 to 2018

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most important animal diseases hindering livestock production in Thailand. In this study, a temporal and spatial analysis at the subdistrict level was performed on FMD outbreak reports in Thailand from 2011 to 2018. Risk factors associated with FMD outbreaks were furthermore investigated using generalized estimating equations. The results showed that the incidence of FMD outbreaks was the highest in 2016 and was affected by season, with a peak in FMD outbreaks occurring in the rainy-winter season, during October to December. FMD outbreaks were mostly distributed in small clusters within a few subdistricts. Some high-risk areas with repeated outbreaks were detected in the central regions. Risk factors, including the increase of subdistrict's size of the dairy population, beef population or pig population, the low percentage of forest area, subdistricts in the provinces adjacent to Malaysia, the presence of a livestock market and the occurrence of an FMD outbreak in a neighbouring subdistrict in the previous month significantly increased the odds of having an FMD outbreak. The increase in proximity to the nearest subdistrict with an FMD outbreak in the previous month decreased the odds of having FMD outbreaks. This study helped to identify high-risk areas and periods of FMD outbreaks in Thailand. Together with the identified risk factors, its results can be used to optimize the FMD control programme in Thailand and in other countries having a similar livestock industry and FMD situation.

Molecular Reports of Ruminant Babesia in Southeast Asia

The protozoon Babesia is a blood parasite transmitted by hard ticks and commonly parasitizes ruminants such as cattle, buffaloes, goats, and sheep. Babesiosis, the disease caused by Babesia infection, has been considered a potential threat to ruminant production due to the grave and enormous impact it brings. About 125 million ruminants are at risk of babesiosis in Southeast Asia (SEA), a region composed of 11 countries. In recent decades, molecular-based diagnostic platforms, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, have been a reliable and broadly employed tool in Babesia detection. In this article, the authors compiled and summarized the molecular studies conducted on ruminant babesiosis and mapped the species, including B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. ovata, Babesia sp. Mymensingh, Babesia sp. Hue, and B. ovis, and determined the host diversity of ruminant Babesia in SEA.

Spatio-temporal patterns of lumpy skin disease outbreaks in dairy farms in northeastern Thailand

In 2021–2022, there were numerous outbreaks of lumpy skin disease (LSD) affecting cattle farms across Thailand. This circumstance was the country's first encounter with an LSD outbreak. Thus, a better understanding of LSD epidemiology is necessary. The aim of this study was to determine the spatio-temporal patterns of the LSD outbreaks in dairy farming areas. Data from LSD outbreak investigations collected from dairy farms in Khon Kean province, northeastern Thailand, were analyzed using spatio-temporal models including space-time permutation, Poisson, and Bernoulli models. LSD outbreaks were found in 133 out of 152 dairy farms from May to July, 2021. The majority of dairy farms (n = 102) were affected by the LSD outbreaks in June. The overall herd attack, morbidity and mortality rates were 87, 31, and 0.9%, respectively. According to the results of all models, the most likely clusters were found in the northern part of the study area. The space-time permutation and Poisson model identified 15 and 6 spatio-temporal outbreak clusters, respectively, while the Bernoulli model detected only one cluster. The most likely clusters from those models cover radii of 1.59, 4.51, and 4.44 km, respectively. All farms included in the cluster identified by the space-time permutation model were also included in the cluster identified by the Poisson model, implying that both models detected the same outbreak area. Furthermore, the study results suggested that farmers who own farms within a one km radius of the LSD outbreak farm should be advised to implement more stringent insect vector control measures to prevent disease spread. This study provides better insights into the spatio-temporal pattern of clusters of LSD in the outbreak area. The findings of this study can support authorities in formulating strategies to prevent and control future outbreaks as well as prioritizing resource allocation to high-risk areas.

Analysis of Epidemiological and Economic Impact of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreaks in Four District Areas in Thailand

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most important infectious animal diseases impacting livestock production in Thailand. Despite a national vaccination program, FMD outbreaks are reported every year. We studied the epidemiological impacts of FMD outbreaks in four districts of Thailand between 2015 and 2016. Epidemiological data were collected from 193 FMD-affected dairy farms, 55 FMD-affected beef farms, and 25 FMD-affected pig farms. A significant difference in morbidity rates were observed between the dairy farms in the different areas, which could be explained by the differences in FMD outbreak management in each area. The morbidity rates in dairy and beef cattle also significantly differed between each animal age category, with the lowest morbidity rate observed in calves. Remarkably, vaccination was not significantly associated with the morbidity rate. In addition, the economic impact of FMD was calculated for 60 dairy farms in Muak Lek district. The economic losses were determined as the sum of milk production loss, mortality loss, additional labor costs, and veterinary service and medical costs, which averaged 56 USD per animal on the farm (ranging from 2 to 377 USD). Milk loss had the largest economic impact, although it varied substantially between farms. The farm size and outbreak duration were significantly associated with the total economic losses per farm. These results affirm the substantial epidemiological and economic impact of FMD on farms in Thailand, emphasizing the importance of FMD control.

Molecular Identification and Appraisal of the Genetic Variation of Taenia saginata in Central Regions of Vietnam

Taenia saginata is a globally distributed tapeworm responsible for human taeniasis due to the ingestion of raw or undercooked beef. T. saginata is present in several Asian countries, including China, Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Vietnam, but little is known about its genetic variation. Studying the tapeworm's phylogeographic patterns is crucial to better understanding their association with the geographic distribution of taeniasis/cysticercosis in human populations. In the present study, 38 specimens of this putative species were collected in central regions of Vietnam and analysed using the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I (COI) as a molecular marker to assess the correct species identification and investigate the level of genetic variation at different geographic scales. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses were carried out on a dataset that included COI sequences from Vietnamese specimens and from all conspecifics available in GenBank to date. The results showed that the collected Vietnamese specimens belonged to the species T. saginata. In Southeast Asia, signs of a possible founder effect were discovered, with the most common haplotypes frequent and present in many countries, except Lao PDR, which shares its most common haplotype only with individuals from Thailand. Remarkably, a unique taxonomic entity was found worldwide, even though the available COI sequences of T. saginata belonging to non-Asiatic countries are, at present, limited. Therefore, future studies including more COI sequences from a higher number of countries and the use of a combined molecular approach with multiple genetic markers would be useful to provide deeper insight into the global genetic variation of this species.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in cattle in Kalasin Province, Thailand

Background and Aim

Parasitic infections are one of the major problems to the production of cattle in Thailand. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites of cattle in Kalasin Province, Thailand.

Materials and Methods

A total of 333 fecal samples of cattle were collected directly from the rectum. The fecal samples were subjected to formalin-ethyl acetate concentration methods for examination. The eggs or oocysts were identified based on the morphology and size of the eggs or oocysts.

Results

Out of 333 fecal samples examined, 320 were found positive for GI parasitic infections with a prevalence of 96.09%. Overall, among the prevalence of nematodes, trematodes, and protozoa, the most prevalent parasites were Strongyle-type 278 (84.24%), followed by Strongyloides spp. 54 (16.36%) and Trichuris spp. 75 (22.73%), while Protozoan oocyst recorded Eimeria spp. amounted to 131 (39.7%). Fasciola spp. and Paramphistomum spp. were 67 (20.30%) and 81 (24.55%), respectively. Most of the positive fecal samples were infected with the double infection which has the highest prevalence rate of about 40.24%, followed by single, three, and 4-5 types of parasites 30.63, 16.82, and 7.21%, respectively.

Conclusion

This study suggests that Kalasin Province is highly endemic for GI parasites and this area may be an important source for an outbreak. Therefore, every household should deworm its cattle and eliminate and control snails as intermediate hosts. Findings from this study provide information that will assist in improving the cattle in Kalasin Province for better production and higher profitability.

Review: An overview of beef production from pasture and feedlot globally, as demand for beef and the need for sustainable practices increase

Beef is a high-quality source of protein that also can provide highly desirable eating experiences, and demand is increasing globally. Sustainability of beef industries requires high on-farm efficiency and productivity, and efficient value-chains that reward achievement of target-market specifications. These factors also contribute to reduced environmental and animal welfare impacts necessary for provenance and social licence to operate. This review provides an overview of beef industries, beef production, and beef production systems globally, including more productive and efficient industries, systems and practices. Extensive beef production systems typically include pasture-based cow-calf and stocker-backgrounding or grow-out systems, and pasture or feedlot finishing. Cattle in pasture-based systems are subject to high levels of environmental variation to which specific genotypes are better suited. Strategic nutritional supplementation can be provided within these systems to overcome deficiencies in the amount and quality of pasture- or forage-based feed for the breeding herd and for younger offspring prior to a finishing period. More intensive systems can maintain more control over nutrition and the environment and are more typically used for beef and veal from dairy breeds, crosses between beef and dairy breeds, and during finishing of beef cattle to assure product quality and specifications. Cull cows and heifers from beef seedstock and cow-calf operations and dairy enterprises that are mostly sent directly to abattoirs are also important in beef production. Beef production systems that use beef breeds should target appropriate genotypes and high productivity relative to maintenance for the breeding herd and for growing and finishing cattle. This maximizes income and limits input costs particularly feed costs which may be 60% or more of production costs. Digital and other technologies that enable rapid capture and use of environmental and cattle performance data, even within extensive systems, should enhance beef industry productivity, efficiency, animal welfare and sustainability.

High-Level Gene Flow Restricts Genetic Differentiation in Dairy Cattle Populations in Thailand: Insights from Large-Scale Mt D-Loop Sequencing

Domestication and artificial selection lead to the development of genetically divergent cattle breeds or hybrids that exhibit specific patterns of genetic diversity and population structure. Recently developed mitochondrial markers have allowed investigation of cattle diversity worldwide; however, an extensive study on the population-level genetic diversity and demography of dairy cattle in Thailand is still needed. Mitochondrial D-loop sequences were obtained from 179 individuals (hybrids of Bos taurus and B. indicus) sampled from nine different provinces. Fifty-one haplotypes, of which most were classified in haplogroup "I", were found across all nine populations. All sampled populations showed severely reduced degrees of genetic differentiation, and low nucleotide diversity was observed in populations from central Thailand. Populations that originated from adjacent geographical areas tended to show high gene flow, as revealed by patterns of weak network structuring. Mismatch distribution analysis was suggestive of a stable population, with the recent occurrence of a slight expansion event. The results provide insights into the origins and the genetic relationships among local Thai cattle breeds and will be useful for guiding management of cattle breeding in Thailand.

Sperm Metabolomics through Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Simple Summary

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹ H-NMR) is of special interest for the analysis of metabolites present in seminal plasma and spermatozoa. This metabolomic approach has been used to identify the presence of new biomarkers or their proportions in a non-invasive manner and is, therefore, an interesting tool for male fertility diagnosis. In this paper, we review current knowledge of the use of ¹ H-NMR to examine sperm metabolomics in different species with special attention paid to humans and farm animals. We also describe the use of ¹ H-NMR to establish a possible relationship between the mammalian diet and the presence of certain hydrophilic and lipophilic metabolites in spermatozoa.

Abstract

This report reviews current knowledge of sperm metabolomics analysis using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹ H-NMR) with particular emphasis on human and farm animals. First, we present the benefits of NMR over other techniques to identify sperm metabolites and then describe the specific methodology required for NMR sperm analysis, stressing the importance of analyzing metabolites extracted from both the hydrophilic and lipophilic phases. This is followed by a description of advances produced to date in the use of NMR to diagnose infertility in humans and to identify metabolic differences among the sperm of mammalian herbivore, carnivore, and omnivore species. This last application of NMR mainly seeks to explore the possible use of lipids to fuel sperm physiology, contrary to previous theories that glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) are the only sources of sperm energy. This review describes the use of NMR to identify sperm and seminal plasma metabolites as possible indicators of semen quality, and to examine the metabolites needed to maintain sperm motility, induce their capacitation, and consequently, to predict animal fertility.

Effect of Dietary Anthocyanin-Extracted Residue on Meat Oxidation and Fatty Acid Profile of Male Dairy Cattle

This research aimed to evaluate the effects of anthocyanin-extracted residue (AER) in the diet of cattle on meat oxidation during storage and on the fatty acid profiles of the meat. Sixteen male dairy cattle (average body weight 160 ± 10.6 kg) were allotted to feed in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four levels of AER supplementation, 0, 20, 40, and 60 g/kg dry matter (DM) in the total mixed ration (TMR). These TMR diets were fed ad libitum to the cattle throughout the trial. At the end of the feeding trial (125 days), all cattle were slaughtered and meat samples from the Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle were collected to assess meat oxidation and fatty acid profile. The antioxidant effect of AER on meat oxidation was investigated during 14 days of storage based on color, myoglobin redox forms, lipid, and protein oxidation. The results showed meat from cattle fed AER had better color stability, lower oxidation of lipid, protein and myoglobin than did meat from cattle fed the control diet (0 g/kg AER). Furthermore, fatty acid profiles were affected by AER supplementation with an increase in the concentration of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). These results support the inclusion of AER supplementation as a natural antioxidant in cattle to reduce meat oxidation and increase PUFA in meat.

Broken rice in a fermented total mixed ration improves carcass and marbling quality in fattened beef cattle

Objective

This study aimed to determine the effects of replacing cassava chips with broken rice in a fermented total mixed ration diet on silage quality, feed intake, ruminal fermentation, growth performance, and carcass characteristics in the final phase of fattening beef cattle.

Methods

Eighteen Charolais-Thai native crossbred steers (average initial body weight: 609.4±46 kg; average age 31.6 mo) were subjected to three ad libitum dietary regimes and were maintained in individual pens for 90 d before slaughter. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design by initial age and body weight with six replicates. The dietary regimens used different proportions of broken rice (0%, 16%, and 32% [w/w] of dry matter [DM]) instead of cassava chips in a fermented total mixed ration. All dietary treatments were evaluated for in vitro gas production and tested in in vivo feeding trials.

Results

The in vitro experiments indicated that organic matter from broken rice was significantly more digestible than that from a cassava-based diet (p<0.05). Silage quality, nutrient intake, ruminal fermentation characteristics, carcass fat thickness, and marbling score substantially differed among treatments. The ruminal total volatile fatty acids, propionate concentration, dietary protein intake, and digestibility increased linearly (p<0.05) with broken rice, whereas acetate concentration and the acetate:propionate ratio decreased linearly (p<0.05) with broken rice (added up to 32 g/kg DM). Broken rice did not influence plasma metabolite levels or growth performance (p>0.05). However, the marbling score increased, and the carcass characteristics improved with broken rice.

Conclusion

Substitution of cassava chips with broken rice in beef cattle diets may improve fattened beef carcass quality because broken rice increases rumen fermentation, fatty acid biosynthesis, and metabolic energy supply.

Detection and genotyping of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) in Vietnamese cattle

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) belongs to the genus, Deltaretrovirus of the family, Retroviridae and it is the causative agent of enzootic bovine leukosis. The prevalence of BLV in three provinces in the Red River Delta Region in the North of Vietnam, Hanoi, Vinhphuc and Bacninh was studied from April 2017 to June 2018. A total of 275 blood samples collected from cattle were used for serum isolation and DNA extraction. Of these samples, 266 sera were subjected to ELISA test for detecting antibody against BLV gp51 protein and 152 DNA samples were used to detect the 444 bp fragment corresponding to a part of the gp51 region of the env by nested PCR. The results showed that 16.5% (n=44) and 21.1% (n=32) of samples were positive for BLV gp51 antibody and BLV proviral DNA, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the partial (423 bp) and complete (913 bp) BLV env-gp51 gene indicated that Vietnamese strains were clustered into genotypes 1, 6 and 10 (G1, G6 and G10). Of those genotypes, G1 genotype was dominant; G6 strains were designated as G6e and G6f subgenotypes; the existence of genotype 10 was confirmed for the first time in Vietnam. The present study provides important information regarding the prevalence of BLV infection and genetic characteristics of BLV strains identified in Vietnam, contributing to promote the establishment of disease control and eradication strategies in Vietnam.

Nutritional status of grazing Lowline Angus crossbred supplemented with fermented cassava starch residue

This study aimed to compare growth performance of Lowline Angus crossbred with Thai native cattle under a grazing system with supplementation of fermented cassava starch residue. Three Ruzi grass sub-fields were used for twenty heads of beef cattle for a 7-month experiment from February to August 2017. Yeast, molasses, and urea-fermented cassava starch residue was offered at 1.50% BW of animal. Blood metabolite and fecal composition were determined for health and nutritional stage assessment. The temperature-humidity index was highest (75.6-84.6) in April. Overall growth rate of beef cattle was not significantly different among breeds except in the first month when the native had greater weight gain than the crossbred. Average daily gain was 353 and 345 g for Thai native and its crossbred with Lowline Angus, respectively. Blood triglyceride concentration sampled at 7 months of the native was higher than that of the crossbred; in contrast, blood cholesterol of the crossbred tended to be higher than that of the native. Other blood metabolites including glucose, cholesterol, urea nitrogen, creatinine, total protein, albumin, and globulin were comparable between breeds. The native and the crossbred were similar in fecal composition, ruminal fermentation end-products (ammonia nitrogen and volatile fatty acids), and microbial population. Therefore, under grazing condition with low-quality feed supplementation, Thai native beef cattle and its Lowline Angus crossbred had similar growth rate, health, and nutritional status.

Current situation and future prospects for global beef production: overview of special issue

The demand for beef as a protein source is increasing worldwide, although in most countries beef accounts for considerably less than half of total meat consumption. Beef also provides a highly desirable eating experience in developed countries and, increasingly, in developing countries. The sustainability of beef production has different meanings in the various geographical and socio-economic regions of the world. Natural resources including land mass and uses, rainfall and access to livestock feed, and the robustness of the economy are major determinants of the perception of beef sustainability. In this overview of the 2016 International Symposium on “Future Beef in Asia” and this subsequent Special Edition of the Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences on “Current Situation and Future Prospects for Global Beef Production”, the contributions have been grouped into the following categories: Countries in Southeast Asia; Europe; and Countries producing highly marbled beef for export and/or domestic consumption. They also include reference to Special Topics including marbled beef production, and use of “omics” technologies to enhance beef quality assurance. Among these broad categories, notable differences exist across countries in the production and marketing of beef. These reflect differences in factors including natural resource availability and climate, population size, traditional culture and degree of economic development including industrial and technological developments. We trust that the International Symposium and this Special Edition on Current Situation and Future Prospects for Global Beef Production, the contents of which that are briefly summarized in this paper, will serve as a valuable resource for the livestock industries, researchers and students with an interest in enhancing the prospects for sustainable, efficient beef production that satisfies the growing size and complexity of consumer demands and markets for beef.