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Meta-analysis of the effects of dietary interventions to alleviate heat stress in lactating dairy cows.A recent meta-analysis conducted a systematic evaluation of dietary interventions tested in lactating dairy cows under heat stress conditions. Drawing on a large body of peer‑reviewed studies (53 studies included in the analysis), the authors quantify the effects of different […]
May 13, 2026
Study links heat stress to increased environmental impact of milk production and highlights nutrition as a key mitigation lever.Heat stress has a considerable impact on dairy performance and animal welfare. Reduced feed intake and rumination impair milk yield, efficiency, health, and fertility, while increasing environmental impact and economic losses. New data show that rumen‑specific live yeast, by improving […]
Apr 2, 2026
Heat stress increases enteric methane emissions yield and intensity while impairing rumen function and productivity in lactating dairy cattle.Heat stress represents an increasing challenge to dairy sustainability. While its negative effects on rumen function and milk production are well established, its impact on enteric methane emissions has remained largely understudied, until now. Recent research demonstrates that heat‑stressed cows […]
Mar 23, 2026
Field trial of antibody response to inactivated bacterial vaccine in young Holstein calves: influence of animal health status.Field data confirm that early vaccination against calf pneumonia is more effective in calves with good colostrum-derived immunity and adequate growth. Rather than blocking vaccine response, maternal antibodies support stronger immunity, highlighting the critical role of early-life management in BRD […]
Mar 9, 2026
Persistent auxiliary microbiome of early novel colonizers in the developing rumen with lasting functional significanceDiscover how the early‑life microbiome shapes a cow’s future.Groundbreaking metagenomic research reveals that unique early rumen colonizers form a persistent, functionally powerful auxiliary microbiome. These early communities adapt to dietary transitions, boost key metabolic pathways, and act as ecosystem engineers—shaping […]
Mar 3, 2026
Importance and Characterisation of Concurrent Pathogens in Diarrhoeic Calves from North-Western SpainNeonatal calf diarrhoea (NCD) is far more complex than once believed. This study uncovers how young calves commonly face multiple gut pathogens at the same time—sometimes up to seven in a single case. By revealing frequent co‑infections, including agents often […]
Feb 14, 2026
Modeling diurnal rumen metabolism dynamics in dairy cattle: An update to a mechanistic model representing eating behavior, rumen content, rumination, and acid-base balanceDiscover how eating patterns drive the rumen’s daily rhythm.This updated mechanistic model reveals how meal frequency and diet type drive fluctuations in rumen volume, acidity, and microbial activity. By integrating diurnal dynamics—rumination, particle breakdown, pH, and lactic acid metabolism—it offers […]
Jan 12, 2026
Optimizing forage particle size for rumen health and performanceStriking the “Goldilocks” balance in forage particle size—not too long, not too short—is key to rumen health and dairy performance.This article by expert Bill Woodley explores how optimal fiber length reduces sorting, supports digestion, and boosts milk yield, with insights […]
Oct 1, 2025
An artificial intelligence approach of feature engineering and ensemble methods depicts the rumen microbiome contribution to feed efficiency in dairy cows.Cracking the microbiota code with AI. This study reports an innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) to understand the contribution of rumen microbiome to feed efficiency and methane emissions in dairy cows. By analyzing 454 Holsteins, researchers reveal key microbial […]
Sep 25, 2025
Duration of dam contact had a long effect on calf rumen microbiota without affecting growth.This INRAE-lead explores the impact of cow-calf contact on calf welfare and rumen development. It reveal that 4 weeks of cow-calf contact is sufficient for the transfer of a well-diversified and potentially protective rumen microbiota. The research highlights distinct microbial […]
Jun 25, 2025