The rapid progression of farm animal genomics has introduced novel technologies capable of presenting global descriptions of biological systems at the level of gene and protein expression and protein interaction. To fully benefit from these developments, experimental designs have to be adapted to these new technologies, and important considerations must be made in the choice of technologies and...

Viruses closely related to Norwalk-like viruses (NLVs) were recently found in stored stool samples from two calves (United Kingdom and Germany) and four pigs (Japan), sparking discussions about the potential for zoonotic transmission. To investigate if NLVs are commonly present in farm animals, pooled stool samples from 100 pig farms, 48 chicken farms, 43 dairy cow herds, and 75 veal calf farms...

In 1957, Schwarz and Foltz discovered that selenium (Se) was an essential trace mineral and nutritionists then started extensive studies to figure out the metabolic function of this element which has been called as toxic mineral. The discovery that glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) contained Se demonstrated a biochemical role for Se as an essential trace element. The major physiological function ...

There is still uncertainty about the earliest stage of development at which nutrition influences an animal's subsequent ability to achieve its genetic potential for reproduction. Prenatal growth retardation caused by feeding ewes on a ration as low as 0.5 times maintenance during early pregnancy had no subsequent detrimental effect on either the natural or gonadotrophin-stimulated ovulation rat...

Domestication of livestock species and a long history of migrations, selection and adaptation have created an enormous variety of breeds. Conservation of these genetic resources relies on demographic characterization, recording of production environments and effective data management. In addition, molecular genetic studies allow a comparison of genetic diversity within and across breeds and a r...

The duration of immunity to heartwater normally varies from 6 months to 4 years. In Angora goats it may be difficult to produce a specific immune response with vaccination. Humoral immunity does not appear to play a role in the development of immunity. It has been suggested that cellular immunity may play a role, but the actual mechanism involved remains obscure. The specific immune response de...

Animal diseases due to enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) typically appear as severe watery diarrhoea during the first few days of life (also a few days after weaning in pigs). ETEC adhere to the small intestinal microvilli without inducing morphological lesions and produce enterotoxins acting locally on enterocytes. This action results in the hypersecretion (of water and electrolytes) and...

Isoflavones are recognized to be estrogenic compounds that are often associated with a reduced risk of cancers. The estrogenic activity can be enhanced after metabolization to more active compounds such as genistein and daidzein by gut microorganisms. The direct use of these metabolites has been investigated in laboratory rats and farm animals over the last decade. This paper reviews the resear...