Oxidative stress is closely linked to inflammation and contributes to the onset of different diseases in farm animals, thereby affecting their health, performance, welfare and productivity. Oxidative damage occurs as a result of the accumulation of free radicals and pro-oxidants that overwhelm the animal’s antioxidant defense system. This imbalance impairs growth and reproductive performance, health and welfare, leading to disease susceptibility and reduced productivity. This review highlights the relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation, the production of free radicals, their effect on animal health and welfare, as well as combating oxidative stress with bioactive compounds, minerals and vitamins. Oxidative stress can be prevented through the use of naturally occurring bioactive compounds, vitamins, minerals, appropriate management and production systems. Bioactive compounds and vitamins act by scavenging free radicals through neutralization or by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway, which upregulates antioxidant genes and promotes the production of antioxidant enzymes that convert free radicals into less reactive forms. Minerals, on the other hand, serve as co-factors for antioxidant enzymes, thereby enhancing their activity. Additionally, environmental enrichment, animal housing and proper handling can reduce the occurrence of oxidative stress, leading to improved animal health and welfare. In conclusion, oxidative stress can cause significant losses in animal production; however, its prevention through effective management practices and dietary interventions can significantly improve animal health, performance, welfare and productivity.

This study examined how grazing, rumination and idling behaviour patterns varied in a pasture-based dairy system across different seasons, depending on the time of day, and the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI). Three visual observation trials (OT) were conducted in spring, summer, and autumn using 36 lactating, pasture-grazing Jersey, Holstein-Friesian and Holstein-Friesian x Jersey crossbred dairy cows in different lactations (12 cows per OT). The study was performed at Dairy Unit 1 of Massey University, New Zealand. A continuous recording method was used to collect grazing (min/h) and rumination (min/h) behaviours data; Idling behaviour was considered when animals were neither grazing nor ruminating. A total of 72 hours of data was collected per OT, with 9 days of visual observation within each OT, and 8 hours (09:00-17:00) of observation per day. Four animals were observed at a time for three consecutive days with a new set of four animals in the next three days as the cycle repeats. A repeated measures mixed model was used to analyse behaviour variations affected by OT, day within OT, THI, and their interactions. Grazing time was significantly affected by the hour of the day and THI, and cows grazed less during periods of high THI. Rumination time was mainly affected by the hour of the day and its interaction with THI, with a shift in rumination towards the low THI hours. Idling time was significantly affected by the day of OT and hour of the day, and their interactions with THI. With a rise in THI, the duration of idling behaviour increased. These behavioural adaptations highlight the importance of behaviour-based management practices to reduce the adverse effects of heat stress on dairy cows to improve their well-being and productivity.

This systematic review synthesises recent literature (2014-2024) on the effects of supplementing ruminant diets with rumen-protected fat (RPF) on animal performance, nutrient digestibility, and meat quality traits. Lipid nutrition remains a critical strategy for enhancing dietary energy density, but production responses are highly variable. An integrated correlation analysis herein resolves a key physiological trade-off where a strong negative correlation between dry matter intake and dry matter digestibility (r = -0.71) was driven by an accelerated digesta passage rate that reduces microbial fermentation time. However, standalone digestibility variation demonstrated a negligible linear relationship with growth (r = -0.13). Daily weight gain was strongly associated with absolute volume of feed consumption (r = 0.86), suggesting that the high net energy intake provided by RPF may compensate for minor drops in digestive efficiency to optimise tissue deposition. Post-ruminal absorption of bypassed lipids successfully increases oleic and linoleic acid concentrations in muscle tissue, thereby improving meat flavour and tenderness without altering carcass sensory attributes. Therefore, RPF is an effective strategic tool for modulating meat nutritional value and ruminant animal performance, but its application must be balanced against distinct bioenergetic and digestive transit dynamics rather than standalone digestibility metrics.

The objective of the study was to estimate greenhouse gas emissions from ruminants using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier 1a Protocol. Primary data were collected from 360 respondents across livestock producing regions of Nigeria via structured questionnaires, complemented by secondary data from Food and Agricultural Organisation, National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services and National Bureau of Statistics. Primary and secondary data on enteric and manure methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions were computed, analysed and validated for reliability following IPCC guidelines. Results showed that between 1998 and 2022, cattle, sheep and goat populations increased by 34, 134 and 135%, respectively. Similarly, total enteric methane and manure emissions increased by 64 and 62%, respectively, corresponding to CO₂– equivalent of 65%. It was also evident that N₂O from manure also increased by 69%, a CO₂-equivalent of 66%. Cattle contributed the largest proportion of emissions, followed by goats and sheep, respectively. Low and high productivity systems accounted for >70 and 30% of total emissions, respectively. A significant increase in ruminant greenhouse gas emissions over the 25-year period with enteric CH₄ as the largest emission source was evident. There is the urgent need for targeted interventions like improved feeding strategies, improvements in genetics and manure management through composting, anaerobic digestion and vermicomposting, to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and optimise nutrient utilisation. Our findings provide critical insights for national climate strategies and sustainable livestock development in Nigeria.

The intestinal microbiota plays a critical role in broiler health, nutrient metabolism, immune function, and overall productivity. Its composition is influenced by multiple factors, with diet being the primary driver alongside genetics, digesta passage rate, and rearing environment. Amid growing restrictions on antimicrobial growth promoters and increasing emphasis on sustainable production, fermented diets have emerged as a viable nutritional strategy in broiler nutrition. Furthermore, fermentation serves as a valuable tool for valorizing agricultural by-products and developing alternative broiler feed ingredients. Research has shown that fermented feed enhances growth performance, improves gut health, and beneficially modulates the intestinal microbiota, and hence microbiome. This review synthesizes current research on how fermented feeds, including fermented cereals, brans, legumes, pulses, pomaces, and complete rations, influence the composition, diversity, and functional dynamics of the broiler intestinal microbiota. We discuss the chicken gastrointestinal tract, microbiota, fermentation of broiler feed, the mechanisms through which fermented diets interact with the gastrointestinal environment, emphasizing their role in improving gut barrier integrity, immune responses, and nutrient absorption. By integrating recent findings, this paper highlights the potential of fermented feeds as a viable, microbiome-targeted intervention to support sustainable broiler production while addressing contemporary challenges in poultry health and nutrition.

Poultry coccidiosis remains a major parasitic disease causing significant economic losses worldwide. Although previous studies have reported its occurrence in Vietnam, there is a lack of region-specific epidemiological and clinicopathological data under distinct agro-ecological and production conditions in Thai Nguyen Province. This study determined the prevalence, associated risk factors, and clinicopathological alterations of coccidiosis in chickens in this region. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to December 2024 in six communes of Phu Binh District, with 300 faecal samples examined using the flotation technique for Eimeria oocysts. Infection intensity was semi-quantitatively assessed, while clinical signs, gross lesions (n = 75), and haematological parameters (10 infected vs. 10 healthy chickens) were evaluated. Prevalence differences were analysed using the Chi-square test, and haematological parameters were compared using independent-samples t-tests (P < 0.05). The overall prevalence was 49.00%, with significantly higher rates in chickens aged 1-3 months (67.05%) and in free-range systems (86.90%). Seasonal variation showed higher prevalence in summer (63.04%) and spring (53.57%) compared to winter (33.82%). Infected chickens exhibited diarrhoea, ruffled feathers, lethargy, and anorexia. Haematological analysis revealed reduced red blood cell counts and haemoglobin levels, alongside increased white blood cell counts, heterophils, and eosinophils (P < 0.05). Gross lesions included haemorrhagic enteritis, intestinal ballooning, and mucosal thickening. These findings highlight the high prevalence of coccidiosis in Thai Nguyen Province and provide region-specific evidence to support targeted control strategies and improved biosecurity measures.