animal-science

EAST LANSING, Mich. — For most livestock operations, feed is usually one of the highest expenses. Controlling feed costs can often mean the difference between profit, breaking even or even losing money. Michigan State University Extension is offering a webinar series focusing on nutritional management of the sheep flock. The instructors bring a wealth of […] The post Optimizing Sheep Nutrition: A…

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Three years of working in Penn State’s Dairy Barns have been impactful for Hannah Mansfield, a spring 2026 College of Agricultural Sciences graduate who is pursuing a master’s degree in animal science. The Greenville, North Carolina, native did not grow up on a farm. But, she said, by living and working on the University dairy farm […] The post Penn State Dairy Barns Made A…

IntroductionTrace minerals (TM) are essential for maintaining normal rumen microbial function; however, excessive levels may exert toxic effects on rumen microorganisms and impair fiber digestion. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of coated trace minerals (CTM) on rumen fermentation, immune function, antioxidant status, slaughter performance, and meat quality in sheep, and to identify key …

Goats (Capra hircus) and sheep (Ovis aries) have been domesticated for thousands of years, with milk production serving as a major component of agricultural systems worldwide.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The American Angus Association® honors Leech Farm with a Historic Angus Herd Award. The Association’s Historic Angus Herd Award recognizes breeders and immediate families who have been in continuous production of registered Angus cattle for 50 years or more. Leech Farm was established in 1969 in Washington, Pa., when Robert Leech, Jr., […] The post Pennsylvania Farm Recognized a…

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Franklin County 4-H livestock exhibitors showcased months of hard work, dedication, and livestock management skills during the 2026 Franklin County 4-H Livestock Roundup, held August 7 and 8 at the Chambersburg Rod & Gun Club, home of the Franklin County Fair. The annual Roundup featured market goat, sheep, beef, and swine exhibitions, […] The post Franklin County 4-H Members …

OnLine Journal of Biological Sciences, Published online: 10 August 2026; doi:10.3844/ajavsp.2026.21.02.020 Crossbreeding dairy cattle with specialized beef breeds is an effective strategy to increase beef production, yet data on muscle growth patterns in crossbred heifers remain limited. This study aimed t...

American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Published online: 9 July 2026; doi:10.3844/ajavsp.2026.21.02.013 Context: Puberty and sexual maturity are very important economic aspects in the beef industry and bull production. The aim of this study was to characterize and determine the sexual development of Bos...

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary phytosterol (PS) supplementation on growth performance, meat quality, and lipid metabolism in finishing pigs and to explore the potential mechanisms. Forty-eight barrows with an initial body weight of 73.96 ± 2.80 kg were randomly allocated to two treatments, with six replicate pens of four pigs per pen: the CON group fed a basal diet, and th…