http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/cows,_sheep,_pigs/ Agricultural Animal News. From genetically enhanced pig embryos to electronic tagging of cattle, read news articles on cows, sheep and pigs. en-us Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:05:01 EST Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/cows,_sheep,_pigs/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029160739.htm New anti-flu drugs could become a reality as a result of a new study. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029160739.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102085823.htm A global collaborative has produced a first draft of the genome of a domesticated pig, an achievement that will lead to insights in agriculture, medicine, conservation and evolution. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102085823.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091023104702.htm A Spanish researcher has analyzed the preferences of wolves from the north east of the Iberian Peninsula to demonstrate that, in reality, their favorite prey are roe deer, deer and wild boar, ahead of domestic ruminants (sheep, goats, cows and horses). Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091023104702.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019172632.htm Pairing a new approach to prepare ancient DNA with a new scientific technique developed specifically to genotype a cow, scientists have created a very accurate and widespread "family tree" for cows and other ruminants, going back as far as 29 million years. This same technique also could be used to verify ancient relatives to humans and assist scientists who are studying human diseases. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019172632.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014122051.htm The "vegetable lamb" plant -- once believed to bear fruit that ripened into a living baby sheep -- produces substances that show promise in laboratory experiments as new treatments for osteoporosis, the bone-thinning disease. Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014122051.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001101352.htm Cows might be able to gain more weight while consuming less, potentially saving farmers up to 40 percent of feed costs. Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001101352.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009092344.htm One hundred years ago, Kikunae Ikeda discovered the flavor-giving properties of glutamate, a non-essential amino acid traditionally used to enhance the taste of many fermented or ripe foods, such as ripe tomatoes or cheese. New research now reveals that the tongue has a receptor that is exclusively activated by glutamate. Sat, 10 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009092344.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006191349.htm A bacterium possibly linked to Crohn's disease could be lurking in wild animals. According to new research, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, can be transmitted between wildlife and domestic ruminants, supporting the theory of wildlife reservoirs of infection. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006191349.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002182629.htm Millions of African families could be saved from destitution, thanks to a much-needed vaccine that is being mass-produced in a drive to protect cattle against a deadly parasite. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002182629.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002100714.htm Using sheep to control leafy spurge works best if it's done in the spring every year, according to a new study. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002100714.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001091807.htm New research is aiming at developing new dietary sources of long-chain omega-3 oils in grains and lamb. They are now developing oilseed crop plants that synthesize EPA and DHA in their oils. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001091807.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922095810.htm Researchers in Spain have shown for the first time the close space-time relationship between the presence of the griffon vulture and transhumant sheep farming in mountain passes. Transhumance -- the seasonal movement of people with their livestock -- has fallen in some parts of Spain by up to 80 percent over the past four years. The scientists say that traditional livestock farming practices are crucial for the preservation of mountain ecosystems. Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922095810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917170916.htm A new process would allow cattle producers to select which embryos are valuable before spending the time, effort and expense of producing a calf only to find out that it has genetic defects that render it of little value. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917170916.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090912145843.htm Researchers have discovered a new life form of Listeria, an opportunistic pathogen responsible for serious food poisoning. These bacteria can reproduce and proliferate as so-called L-forms. The methods to detect these bacteria should now be adapted. Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090912145843.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910191443.htm A new study suggests that gene expression profiling may allow researchers to track the progression of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle and ultimately predict their infectious status. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910191443.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910142354.htm Arctic and Antarctic research teams pulled back to warmer climates when the International Polar Year wrapped last March. But the call has gone out for a return to the poles for a more focused investigation into the effects of global warming. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910142354.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907142343.htm Farm visits are dispelling children's deep ignorance about where the food they eat comes from and helping teachers deliver a wide spectrum of the national curriculum, a new study has shown. The trips, set up as part of the UK Government's Educational Access scheme, challenge many children's belief that milk comes from bottles and that bread comes from a packet -- something even those from rural areas struggle with. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907142343.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827202513.htm The ability to digest the milk sugar lactose first evolved in dairy farming communities in central Europe, not in more northern groups as was previously thought, finds a new study. The genetic change that enabled early Europeans to drink milk without getting sick has been mapped to dairying farmers who lived 7,500 years ago between the central Balkans and central Europe. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827202513.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826152550.htm Researchers have shown definitively that mutations associated with prion diseases are sufficient to cause a transmissible neurodegenerative disease. Until now, two theories about the role mutations play in prion diseases have been at odds. Deciphering the origins of prion diseases could help farmers and policy-makers determine how best to control a prion disease outbreak in livestock and to prevent prion transmission to humans. Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826152550.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803095658.htm Customers want fresh food, which is neither unripe nor spoiled. A new system based on metal oxide sensors could check the safety and quality of foods reliably, quickly and economically -- such as how ripe that pineapple really is. Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803095658.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825082546.htm A new study suggests that when compared to conventionally raised beef cattle, organic and natural production systems do not impact antibiotic susceptibility of Escherichia coli O157:H7. This discovery emphasizes that although popular for their suggested health benefit, little is actually known about the effects of organic and natural beef production on food-borne pathogens. Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825082546.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820161146.htm A new study finds that young muskoxen conserve heat almost as well as adults, a finding that runs contrary to a longstanding assumption among scientists that young animals should be more vulnerable in extreme cold. Tue, 25 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820161146.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818130548.htm If some day you are tested for the H1N1 virus without the painful prick of a needle, thank a pig -- and researchers who are connecting animal and human health. Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818130548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090717121424.htm Wolves have caused elk in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem to change their behavior and foraging habits so much so that herds are having fewer calves, mainly due to changes in their nutrition. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090717121424.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090806112401.htm Mary had a little lamb, but only once a year. However, researchers have discovered an unusual form of a gene that prompts ewes to breed out of season as well as conceive at younger ages and more frequently. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090806112401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090806121757.htm A period of global warming from 53 million to 47 million years ago strongly influenced plants and animals, spurring a biodiversity boom in western North America, researchers report. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090806121757.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090807091212.htm Researchers have developed a new multiplex RT-PCR method that provides a rapid, highly sensitive, and cost-effective laboratory diagnosis for classical swine fever and other pestivirus infections in swine. Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090807091212.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803193649.htm An area of chromosome 6 that affects cattle carcass weight has been identified using two different Japanese breeds. Knowledge of this four-gene region should be useful in breeding beef cattle. Wed, 05 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803193649.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720163721.htm Researchers have found that intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which results in low birth weight and long-term deleterious health effects in cloned swine, is linked to a type of gene -- known as an imprinted gene -- found only in placental mammals. Mon, 27 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720163721.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090722110907.htm What consumers may not be finding out about recalls and the inspection process could make them doubt the effectiveness of what is actually a pretty good system to keep food safe. Researchers looked at what information consumers can take away from the Food Safety and Inspection Service's Web site and suggest government agencies can more clearly communicate their role in keeping the food supply safe. Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090722110907.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090709201847.htm The strain of influenza, A/H1N1, that is currently pandemic in humans has been shown to be infectious to pigs and to spread rapidly in a trial pig population. Researchers infected five pigs with the human strain of swine flu. Within four days the virus had spread to three uninfected pigs housed with the infected ones. Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090709201847.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702140845.htm Milder winters are causing Scotland's wild breed of Soay sheep to get smaller, despite the evolutionary benefits of possessing a large body, according to new research. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702140845.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616080143.htm Neurologists questions the safety of eating farmed fish, adding a new worry to concerns about the nation’s food supply. They suggest farmed fish could transmit Creutzfeldt Jakob disease -- commonly known as mad cow disease -- if they are fed byproducts rendered from cows. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616080143.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090613063849.htm A new analysis of the current swine-origin H1N1 influenza A virus suggests that transmission to humans occurred several months before recognition of the existing outbreak. Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090613063849.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610124827.htm Dairy genetics, nutrition, herd management and improved animal welfare over the past 60 years have resulted in a modern milk production system that has a smaller carbon footprint than mid-20th century farming practices, according to a new study. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610124827.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090602192557.htm Scientists have managed to induce cells from pigs to transform into pluripotent stem cells -- cells that, like embryonic stem cells, are capable of developing into any type of cell in the body. It is the first time that this has been achieved using somatic cells (cells that are not sperm or egg cells) from any animal with hooves (known as ungulates). Wed, 03 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090602192557.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090529112528.htm Climate change can have devastating effects on endangered species, but new mathematical models may be able to aid conservation of a population of bighorn sheep. Tue, 02 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090529112528.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090528203819.htm Current tests to identify specific strains of infectious prions, which cause a range of transmissible diseases (such as mad cow) in animals and humans, can take anywhere from six months to a year to yield results -- a time-lag that may put human populations at risk. Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090528203819.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090512202738.htm DNA analysis shows that Indonesian zebu cattle have a unique origin with banteng (Bos javanicus) as part of their ancestry. Throughout the world, cattle inhabit a range of climatically diverse environments: common taurine cattle, for example, are kept in temperate zones, zebus in hot, dry climates and yaks at the high altitudes of Tibet. Wed, 13 May 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090512202738.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090511091905.htm The effects of H1N1 swine flu have been investigated in a group of piglets. Scientists studied the pathology of the virus, finding that all infected animals showed flu-like symptoms between one and four days after infection and were shedding virus two days after infection. Tue, 12 May 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090511091905.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507094306.htm How can we produce pigs that provide us with healthy and yet good tasting meat? Meat eating quality and healthiness are closely related to the amount and type of fat. During the last decade there has been extensive selection towards leaner genotypes which has resulted in reduction of not only undesirable subcutaneous fat, but also in a dramatic decrease in desirable intramuscular fat (commonly known as “marbling” fat). Mon, 11 May 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507094306.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507145752.htm Beef farmers can breathe easier thanks to researchers who have developed a formula to reduce methane gas in cattle. Sat, 09 May 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507145752.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090502084607.htm Dairy cows that produce USDA-certified organic milk also produce manure that may gradually replenish soil nutrients and potentially reduce the flow of agricultural pollutants to nearby water sources, according to new findings. Thu, 07 May 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090502084607.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090428093232.htm The genetic predisposition of cows has an effect on the fat and protein content of their milk. Researchers have spent the past few years examining the scope and significance of genetic variation between cows for the differences in quality characteristics of milk. They have discovered a number of genes that contribute to this genetic variation. On the basis of the new knowledge, it is possible to devise an innovative breeding program for cows and bulls to increase the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in the milk and to improve cheese production. Tue, 05 May 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090428093232.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090427075414.htm Trichina worms (Trichinella spp.) are roundworms that can invade a wide range of animals and man. People are most often infected through eating trichina-containing pork. New research investigated the incidence of trichina and scabies in red foxes in Norway. The research shows that fox scabies is less common now than it was in the 1990's and that the percentage of healthy foxes with antibodies to the parasite has increased. Tue, 05 May 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090427075414.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090427170141.htm Summertime and the living is easy. You are in the mood to grill. But wait. All you have is a slab of unmarinated meat. It's okay. Students have invented Spice n Easy, flavor spikes that will quickly and easily flavor your meat. No overnight soaking. No cleanup. You are ready to cook. Mon, 04 May 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090427170141.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090503190223.htm The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that as of 1600 GMT, 3 May 2009, 18 countries have officially reported 898 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection. Sun, 03 May 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090503190223.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090501091151.htm Genetics experts are working against the clock to produce the world's first DNA test for the Mexican strain of swine flu. Sat, 02 May 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090501091151.htm