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 Fri, 16 May 2008 14:05:01 EDT Fri, 16 May 2008 14:05:01 EDT 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/2008/05/080506120859.htm A new type of grass may help tackle global warming by cutting the level of methane given off by cows. Researchers are developing a grass that will not only cut the amount of methane cows burp up when chewing their cud, but also grow in hotter climes. Thu, 08 May 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080506120859.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505223744.htm The incidence of a strain of tuberculosis (TB) called Mycobacterium bovis, or M. bovis, associated more often with cattle than humans, is increasing in San Diego and is concentrated mostly in Hispanics of Mexican origin, according to a new study. The analysis shows that changing patterns of TB in the United States are increasingly being driven by conditions outside of the country, especially in binational communities. Tue, 06 May 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505223744.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080425151819.htm Shape matters, even in hearing. Specifically, it is the shape of the cochlea -- the snail-shell-shaped organ in the inner ear that converts sound waves into nerve impulses that the brain deciphers -- which proves to be surprisingly important. A direct link was found between the cochlea's curvature and the low-frequency hearing limit of more than a dozen different mammals. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080425151819.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080422150655.htm The definition of "organic" is defined by the US Department of Agriculture; "natural," however, can be defined differently depending on who's doing the labeling. But both terms mean one thing: higher costs for producers. That's why researchers hope to provide another tool to help those in the beef industry pondering whether to abandon conventional methods and go natural or organic. Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080422150655.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080416221459.htm The scientists were investigating the lifestyle of two early elephants (proboscideans) Moeritherium and Barytherium that lived in the Eocene period, over 37 million years ago. By analysing isotopes in tooth enamel from Moeritherium they were able to deduce that it was very likely a semi-aquatic mammal, spending its days in water eating freshwater plants.' Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080416221459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408144827.htm Amid concern that recipients of certain blood transfusions may risk infection with a deadly protein responsible for the human form of mad cow disease, researchers now report development of a special filter that quickly and effectively removes the protein from blood. Sat, 12 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408144827.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408085453.htm An enzyme from a microbe that lives inside a cow's stomach is the key to turning corn plants into fuel. The enzyme that allows a cow to digest grasses and other plant fibers can be used to turn other plant fibers into simple sugars. These simple sugars can be used to produce ethanol to power cars and trucks. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408085453.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407190603.htm Scrapie can be transmitted to lambs through milk, according to new research. The study provides important information on the transmission of this prion-associated disease and the control of scrapie in affected flocks. Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407190603.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402194413.htm Nipah virus is a new and deadly brain and lung disease that emerged from Singapore and Malaysia ten years ago. It is now spreading into rural India and Bangladesh killing up to three-quarters of the people who become infected in some outbreaks. Sun, 06 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402194413.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402152140.htm Contrary to popular opinion, not all trans fats are bad for you. Researchers have now found that a diet with enriched levels of trans vaccenic acid (VA) -- a natural animal fat found in dairy and beef products -- can reduce risk factors associated with heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Sat, 05 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402152140.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402194410.htm Eating Feta cheese made from raw milk in small seaside tavernas when you are on holiday in Greece could be a good way to combat food poisoning, according to researchers. Thu, 03 Apr 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402194410.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327171031.htm An 8-year-old Jersey dairy cow is back at her Kansas farm thanks to a decade of research and an experimental surgery performed at Kansas State University's Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Sun, 30 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327171031.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080326203449.htm Scientists have devised a method that could lead to the development of vaccines against some of the most troubling infectious diseases we face --- diseases that have so far been difficult or impossible to vaccinate against. The new method allows researchers to rapidly screen large numbers of pathogen proteins, called antigens, for their ability to prompt an immune response in a host. Proteins with that ability are good candidates for use in vaccines. The method will be especially valuable in the quest for vaccines against persistent diseases such as malaria, sleeping sickness and syphilis. Thu, 27 Mar 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080326203449.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080324080304.htm The latest spate of meat recalls due to E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella contamination might have consumers wondering about the safety of their meat products. But beef jerky connoisseurs need not worry. Mon, 24 Mar 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080324080304.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080317093858.htm In a finding likely to get cheese lovers talking, researchers in Nepal and Canada report that yak cheese contains higher levels of heart-healthy fats than cheese from dairy cattle, and may be healthier. Producers make the cheese from the milk of yaks. Those long-haired humped animals are fixtures in Tibet and throughout the Himalayan region of south central Asia, Mongolia, and a few other countries. Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080317093858.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080307082022.htm From rabbits to horses to cows, many animals love alfalfa. America's premier pollinator of that crop, the alfalfa leafcutting bee (Megachile rotundata), is vulnerable to a deadly fungal disease called chalkbrood. But the bees might be best protected from chalkbrood if their leafy nests are sprayed with an iprodione fungicide. Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080307082022.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080307110337.htm Microbiologists have discovered a new species of bacteria that can live in hairspray. Scientists now need to determine the clinical importance of the new species, as similar bacteria have been found to infect humans. Sun, 09 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080307110337.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303093549.htm In an advance in food safety, researchers are reporting development of a nano-sized sensor that detects record low levels of the deadly prion proteins that cause Mad Cow Disease and other so-called prion diseases. The sensor, which detects binding of prion proteins by detecting frequency changes of a micromechanical oscillator, could lead to a reliable blood test for prion diseases in both animals and humans, the researchers say. Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303093549.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080227125115.htm Despite millions of dollars spent on food safety research over the last 10 years, ground beef recalls due to E. coli O157:H7 were higher in 2007 than in 2006, according to researchers from Kansas State University and West Texas A&M University. E. coli O157:H7 has been linked to foodborne illnesses in humans after consuming contaminated beef and produce. A novel vaccine technology to make beef safer. Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080227125115.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080216181232.htm A pig virus that exists worldwide has become more dangerous as the virus has mutated and then combined with other pathogens, according to researchers. It's not known why a virus that has been known to infect swine for almost 40 years in North America suddenly started causing disease in young pigs in 1991 and then began mutating into more deadly forms. Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080216181232.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080213104634.htm One professor of pathology and genetics has spent more than 30 years working to make sure certain living pieces of history -- some dating to the 15th century -- don't become extinct. His brand of living history comes in the form of various rare strains of livestock, which were involved in events like Christopher Columbus' discovery of the Caribbean Islands and the Spanish conquest of the Americas. Sun, 17 Feb 2008 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080213104634.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080212194959.htm Concerns about long-term effects of beef cattle browsing more than 11 million acres of Florida grazinglands led Agricultural Research Service scientists to examine soil fertility changes in bahiagrass-based beef cattle pastures from 1988 to 2002. Analysis of data from that research shows that cattle can be managed in an environmentally safe way, despite the large quantities of waste the animals generate. Sat, 16 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080212194959.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080211172510.htm A new study recommends that workers on pig farms be monitored as part of influenza pandemic preparedness, after a child on a communal farm in Canada was diagnosed with swine flu in 2006. Though the seven-month-old boy made a full recovery, health researchers were concerned because of evidence that the virus spread to other members of the multi-family community, who, fortunately, all demonstrated mild or no apparent illness. It has been known for a long time that avian and swine strains of flu can spread to humans, with avian strains appearing to be more dangerous than swine strains; as of late 2007, the avian flu had killed 194 people in 321 cases reported worldwide. Fri, 15 Feb 2008 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080211172510.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080206105443.htm Scientists are researching which plants giant dinosaurs could have lived off more than 100 million years ago. They want to find out how the dinosaurs were able to become as large as they did. In actual fact such gigantic animals should not have existed. There is a law to which most animals living today conform: The larger an animal, the smaller the density of the population, i.e. the fewer animals of the same species there are per square mile. The larger an animal is, the larger the amount of food it has to have in order to survive. Therefore a specific area can only feed a certain maximum number of animals. Tue, 12 Feb 2008 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080206105443.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080206150659.htm Consumers have long known that including dairy in their diets can help maintain healthy bones and even help promote weight loss. However, a recent study demonstrated that routine intake of dairy products may also help promote periodontal health. Sun, 10 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080206150659.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080131082224.htm Gene therapy has been used successfully to breed large animals capable of producing therapeutic proteins in their milk, such as insulin or those that fight cancer. This represents a significant milestone, as previous methods involved cloning, which takes more time and generally costs more. This new research should reduce the cost and increase the availability of several drugs. Fri, 01 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080131082224.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080122102428.htm A new study suggests that the addition of dried distillers' grain, an ethanol by-product, to cattle feed may contribute to the prevalence of E. coli O157 infection in cattle. The researchers from Kansas State University, Manhattan report their findings in the January 2008 issue of the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology. Tue, 22 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080122102428.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080117140834.htm Researchers have discovered the secret of why dark sheep on a remote Scottish Island are mysteriously declining, seemingly contradicting Darwin's evolutionary theory. Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080117140834.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071210104002.htm Scientists have found how a bacterium, known to cause illness in cattle, may cause Crohn's disease in humans. Crohn's is a condition that affects one in 800 people in the UK and causes chronic intestinal inflammation, leading to pain, bleeding and diarrhea. Thu, 13 Dec 2007 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071210104002.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071204091851.htm Feeding cattle a byproduct of ethanol production causes E. coli 0157 to spike. This particular type of E. coli is present in healthy cattle but poses a health risk to humans, who can acquire it through undercooked meat, raw dairy products and produce contaminated with cattle manure. Wed, 12 Dec 2007 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071204091851.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071210103934.htm Methanogenic micro-organisms could provide a clean, renewable energy source and use up carbon dioxide in the process. Methanogens produce about one billion tonnes of methane every year. Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071210103934.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071128163244.htm Researchers investigated the effects of manure management on the levels of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes in manures and found that certain agricultural practices make a difference. Mon, 03 Dec 2007 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071128163244.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071130144506.htm Rapid diagnostic testing used to check for the presence of prion diseases such as "mad cow disease" might fail to identify some highly infectious samples, researchers have found. Sat, 01 Dec 2007 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071130144506.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071128151806.htm As much as $945 million. That's what agricultural economists say could be the impact on Kansas' economy were there a large-scale foot-and-mouth outbreak in a region thick with livestock operations. Thu, 29 Nov 2007 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071128151806.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071126153250.htm A typical 1,000-head beef feedlot produces up to 280 tons of manure in just one week. That's a lot of manure--and for hundreds of U.S. cattle feedlots, disposal is an important management issue. Scientists have now developed and tested a new method of runoff control. Mon, 26 Nov 2007 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071126153250.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071121221704.htm An effective and sensitive new method for detecting and characterizing prions, the infectious compounds behind diseases like mad cow disease, is now being launched. Mad cow disease (BSE), which has caused the death of more than 200,000 cattle and 165 people in the U.K., has now abated. But other prion disorders are on the rise, and there is concern that new strains will infect humans. Thu, 22 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071121221704.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071025195520.htm Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in their understanding of how infection of the uterus damages fertility in cows. Their findings, which show that common uterine infections can damage the ovaries, may provide insights into how to treat infections such as chlamydia in humans. Mon, 29 Oct 2007 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071025195520.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071024112138.htm A research team have found that people living closer to the Waza National Park enjoy better access to pastures and water points, but bear the heaviest losses when it comes to lion predation. Although loss of human life is rarely reported, lion predation can cost the herders close to $1000 US per family each year. Thu, 25 Oct 2007 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071024112138.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071016103805.htm Understanding the ecology of two dangerous foodborne pathogens and devising ways to combat them is a big job. Researchers are taking on E. coli 0157 and salmonella. They want to answer questions like why some cattle have E. coli 0157 and some don't, and why some shed the bacteria for a longer time or at higher levels than others. Wed, 17 Oct 2007 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071016103805.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071015081742.htm New research explains why more people are allergic to cow's milk than horse's milk. The relatedness of an animal food protein to a human protein determines whether it can cause allergy, according to new research. In theory all proteins have the potential to become allergens, but the study found that in practice the ability of animal food proteins to act as allergens depends on their evolutionary distance from a human equivalent. Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071015081742.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071012100752.htm The cow as a killer of the climate: This inglorious role of our four-legged friends, peaceful in itself, is well-enough recognised, because, with their digestion, the animals produce methane, which is expelled continuously. Now, however, scientists have been able to show that bovine animals can also boost the production of this climate changing gas in soil. Sun, 14 Oct 2007 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071012100752.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071008171240.htm Researchers have identified the neurotransmitter serotonin as the chemical responsible for inhibiting milk production and secretion in human mammary glands. As growing demand outstrips milk supplies in some parts of the world, the finding could aid development of therapeutics or technologies that would increase milk production and yields from other mammals. Wed, 10 Oct 2007 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071008171240.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071004133313.htm Fish consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding remains a heated topic. Fish is the dietary source with the highest levels of long-chain omega-3 essential fatty acids. However, there is concern about trace levels of methyl mercury that are present in fish. A new report recommends the consumption of a minimum of 12 ounces of seafood per week (salmon, tuna, sardines) or DHA-fortified eggs. Fri, 05 Oct 2007 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071004133313.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070920072140.htm Microwaves used for zapping instant meals can also be used to determine the fat and salt content of supermarket food, according to new research. The aim of the project is to develop a new fast and non-invasive method of predicting the fat content in meat products. This type of constant real-time monitoring during the production process could help reduce waste, maximise yield, reduce laboratory testing and save energy. Tue, 25 Sep 2007 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070920072140.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070905081553.htm Probiotics, the friendly bacteria beloved of yoghurt advertisers, may be an effective substitute for growth promoting antibiotics in pigs, giving us safer pork products, according to scientists. Sat, 08 Sep 2007 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070905081553.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070906104132.htm Summer heat stress is a main factor related to low conception rates in high producing dairy herds in warm areas worldwide. A research group studied the impact of several climate variables on conception rates in high producing dairy cows in northeastern Spain by examining 10,964 inseminations. Fri, 07 Sep 2007 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070906104132.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070903094320.htm With the world's first global inventory of farm animals showing many breeds of African, Asian, and Latin American livestock at risk of extinction, scientists have called for the rapid establishment of genebanks to conserve the sperm and ovaries of key animals critical for the global population's future survival. Tue, 04 Sep 2007 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070903094320.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070903205004.htm Hepatitis E virus infections can be fatal in pregnant women, but until recently doctors thought the disease was confined to China, India and developing countries. Now people are also contracting the disease in Europe according to scientists. Tue, 04 Sep 2007 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070903205004.htm