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Application and Development of New Technologies in Breeding Healthy and...
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Application and Development of New Technologies in Breeding Healthy and Animals Resilience: Precision Livestock Farming, Genomics and Their Interaction Can Contribute to Sustainable Management of the Livestock Sector

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Genetics and Genomics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 September 2024 | Viewed by 9666

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Roberto Steri

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA) - Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, Via Salaria 31, I-00015 Monterotondo, Italy
Interests: animal breeding; genomics; mathematical modeling; precision farming
Dr. David Meo Zilio

E-Mail
Co-Guest Editor
Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA) - Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, Via Salaria 31, I-00015 Monterotondo, Italy
Interests: sustainable livestock production; animal feeding and nutrition; precision livestock farming

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

In the recent years, the introduction, development, and application of sensors for the continuous monitoring of individual parameters and high-throughput molecular technologies, derived from human genome sequencing, have radically changed the animal production sector, and continue to do so.

The introduction of innovative technologies has been massive and has received ever-increasing attention both at a scientific and at practical level. This has allowed the livestock sector to increase production, ensuring animal welfare and the health and safety of products.

This Special Issue focuses on exploring, highlighting, and defining the potential of current technologies and their potential applications, in order to respond to the new needs of animal husbandry: feeding the planet while reducing environmental impacts. From this perspective, farmer income protection, job security, animal and human safety and welfare, and product quality are pivotal, and PLF may be a powerful tool.

Original research papers and reviews on PLF, genetics, and genomics are welcome. Particular attention will be paid to their synergy and technical and computational management, as well as their applications for different livestock species and in different breeding systems.

Dr. Roberto Steri
Dr. David Meo Zilio
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • precision livestock farming
  • precision feeding
  • genomics
  • genetics
  • large ruminants
  • small ruminants
  • poultry
  • rabbits
  • welfare
  • safety
  • security
  • resilience
  • quality products
  • Aquaculture and Aquaponics

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 5000 KiB  
Article
In Silico Analysis of Honey Bee Peptides as Potential Inhibitors of Capripoxvirus DNA-Directed RNA Polymerase
by Ghulam Mustafa, Hafiza Salaha Mahrosh, Mahwish Salman, Muhammad Ali, Rawaba Arif, Sibtain Ahmed and Hossam Ebaid
Animals 2023, 13(14), 2281; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13142281 - 12 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1424
Abstract
The genus Capripoxvirus belongs to the Poxviridae family. The sheeppox, goatpox, and lumpy skin disease viruses are three species of this genus with 96% identity in their genomes. These are financially devastating viral infections among cattle, which cause a reduction in animal products [...] Read more.
The genus Capripoxvirus belongs to the Poxviridae family. The sheeppox, goatpox, and lumpy skin disease viruses are three species of this genus with 96% identity in their genomes. These are financially devastating viral infections among cattle, which cause a reduction in animal products and lead to a loss in livestock industries. In the current study, the phylogenetic analysis was carried out to reveal the evolutionary relationships of Capripoxvirus species (i.e., sheeppox virus (SPPV), goatpox virus (GTPV), and lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV)) with other viruses from the Poxviridae family with >96% query coverage to find the similarity index among all members. The three viruses (i.e., SPPV, GTPV, and LSDV) joined the clade of Capripoxvirus of the Poxviridae family in the phylogenetic tree and exhibited close evolutionary relationships. The multiple sequence alignment using ClustalOmega revealed significant variations in the protein sequences of the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase of SPPV, GTPV, and LSDV. The three-dimensional structures of five selected bee peptides and DNA-directed RNA polymerase of SPPV, GTPV, and LSDV were predicted using trRosetta and I-TASSER and used for molecular docking and simulation studies. The protein–protein docking was carried out using HADDOCK server to explore the antiviral activity of peptides as honey bee proteins against SPPV, GTPV, and LSDV. In total, five peptides were docked to DNA-directed RNA polymerase of these viruses. The peptides mellitin and secapin-1 displayed the lowest binding scores (−106.9 +/− 7.2 kcal/mol and −101.4 +/− 11.3 kcal/mol, respectively) and the best patterns with stable complexes. The molecular dynamics simulation indicated that the complex of protein DNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the peptide melittin stayed firmly connected and the peptide binding to the receptor protein was stable. The findings of this study provide the evidence of bee peptides as potent antimicrobial agents against sheeppox, goatpox, and lumpy skin disease viruses with no complexity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Development of New Technologies in Breeding Healthy and Animals Resilience: Precision Livestock Farming, Genomics and Their Interaction Can Contribute to Sustainable Management of the Livestock Sector)
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Review

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19 pages, 5241 KiB  
Review
Increased Cattle Feeding Precision from Automatic Feeding Systems: Considerations on Technology Spread and Farm Level Perceived Advantages in Italy
by Elio Romano, Massimo Brambilla, Maurizio Cutini, Simone Giovinazzo, Andrea Lazzari, Aldo Calcante, Francesco Maria Tangorra, Paolo Rossi, Ambra Motta, Carlo Bisaglia and Andrea Bragaglio
Animals 2023, 13(21), 3382; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13213382 - 31 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1639
Abstract
Automation reduces the impact of farming on climate change and helps farmers adapt to its financial impact. Automatic feeding systems (AFSs) increase the ruminant’s feeding precision and ease operators’ workload. Such systems exist on a spectrum, requiring varied levels of operator support and [...] Read more.
Automation reduces the impact of farming on climate change and helps farmers adapt to its financial impact. Automatic feeding systems (AFSs) increase the ruminant’s feeding precision and ease operators’ workload. Such systems exist on a spectrum, requiring varied levels of operator support and installation complexity. A recent survey on farmers pointed out that those already running an AFS and those willing to buy one appreciate its ease of use, the resulting animal welfare, and the resulting overall benefits (increased production, farm profitability, and reduced feed waste). Whether technologically complex or not, studies have confirmed the benefits that farmers perceive to be underlying the remarkable reduction in the environmental impact of feeding operations (AFSs are electrically powered), the increase in animal welfare resulting from reduced conflicts around accessing the feed bunk, and the constant availability of fresh feed. However, their introduction should follow accurate and holistic structural and economic planning for existing and newly built facilities. The availability of public subsidies plays an essential role in pushing farmers to adopt the most modern digital technologies, whose benefits may even increase when farmers couple them with interconnected sensors to monitor animals’ physiological states. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Development of New Technologies in Breeding Healthy and Animals Resilience: Precision Livestock Farming, Genomics and Their Interaction Can Contribute to Sustainable Management of the Livestock Sector)
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22 pages, 2331 KiB  
Review
Digital Phenotyping: A Game Changer for the Broiler Industry
by Suresh Neethirajan
Animals 2023, 13(16), 2585; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13162585 - 10 Aug 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1210
Abstract
In response to escalating global demand for poultry, the industry grapples with an array of intricate challenges, from enhancing productivity to improving animal welfare and attenuating environmental impacts. This comprehensive review explores the transformative potential of digital phenotyping, an emergent technological innovation at [...] Read more.
In response to escalating global demand for poultry, the industry grapples with an array of intricate challenges, from enhancing productivity to improving animal welfare and attenuating environmental impacts. This comprehensive review explores the transformative potential of digital phenotyping, an emergent technological innovation at the cusp of dramatically reshaping broiler production. The central aim of this study is to critically examine digital phenotyping as a pivotal solution to these multidimensional industry conundrums. Our investigation spotlights the profound implications of ‘digital twins’ in the burgeoning field of broiler genomics, where the production of exact digital counterparts of physical entities accelerates genomics research and its practical applications. Further, this review probes into the ongoing advancements in the research and development of a context-sensitive, multimodal digital phenotyping platform, custom-built to monitor broiler health. This paper critically evaluates this platform’s potential in revolutionizing health monitoring, fortifying the resilience of broiler production, and fostering a harmonious balance between productivity and sustainability. Subsequently, the paper provides a rigorous assessment of the unique challenges that may surface during the integration of digital phenotyping within the industry. These span from technical and economic impediments to ethical deliberations, thus offering a comprehensive perspective. The paper concludes by highlighting the game-changing potential of digital phenotyping in the broiler industry and identifying potential future directions for the field, underlining the significance of continued research and development in unlocking digital phenotyping’s full potential. In doing so, it charts a course towards a more robust, sustainable, and productive broiler industry. The insights garnered from this study hold substantial value for a broad spectrum of stakeholders in the broiler industry, setting the stage for an imminent technological evolution in poultry production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Development of New Technologies in Breeding Healthy and Animals Resilience: Precision Livestock Farming, Genomics and Their Interaction Can Contribute to Sustainable Management of the Livestock Sector)
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15 pages, 1432 KiB  
Review
Toward Sustainability: An Overview of the Use of Green Hydrogen in the Agriculture and Livestock Sector
by Alessandra Maganza, Alice Gabetti, Paolo Pastorino, Anna Zanoli, Benedetto Sicuro, Damià Barcelò, Alberto Cesarani, Alessandro Dondo, Marino Prearo and Giuseppe Esposito
Animals 2023, 13(16), 2561; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13162561 - 08 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1593
Abstract
The agro-livestock sector produces about one third of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Since more energy is needed to meet the growing demand for food and the industrial revolution in agriculture, renewable energy sources could improve access to energy resources and energy security, [...] Read more.
The agro-livestock sector produces about one third of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Since more energy is needed to meet the growing demand for food and the industrial revolution in agriculture, renewable energy sources could improve access to energy resources and energy security, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and reduce GHG emissions. Hydrogen production is a promising energy technology, but its deployment in the global energy system is lagging. Here, we analyzed the theoretical and practical application of green hydrogen generated by electrolysis of water, powered by renewable energy sources, in the agro-livestock sector. Green hydrogen is at an early stage of development in most applications, and barriers to its large-scale deployment remain. Appropriate policies and financial incentives could make it a profitable technology for the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Development of New Technologies in Breeding Healthy and Animals Resilience: Precision Livestock Farming, Genomics and Their Interaction Can Contribute to Sustainable Management of the Livestock Sector)
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25 pages, 10603 KiB  
Review
Scientific Productions on Precision Livestock Farming: An Overview of the Evolution and Current State of Research Based on a Bibliometric Analysis
by Rosanna Marino, Francesca Petrera and Fabio Abeni
Animals 2023, 13(14), 2280; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13142280 - 12 Jul 2023
Viewed by 2576
Abstract
The interest in precision livestock farming (PLF)—a concept discussed for the first time in the early 2000s—has advanced considerably in recent years due to its important role in the development of sustainable livestock production systems. However, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the PLF [...] Read more.
The interest in precision livestock farming (PLF)—a concept discussed for the first time in the early 2000s—has advanced considerably in recent years due to its important role in the development of sustainable livestock production systems. However, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the PLF literature is lacking. To address this gap, this study analyzed documents published from 2005 to 2021, aiming to understand the historical influences on technology adoption in livestock farming, identify future global trends, and examine shifts in scientific research on this topic. By using specific search terms in the Web of Science Core Collection, 886 publications were identified and analyzed using the bibliometrix R-package. The analysis revealed that the collection consisted mostly of research articles (74.6%) and reviews (10.4%). The top three core journals were the Journal of Dairy Science, Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, and Animals. Over time, the number of publications has steadily increased, with a higher growth rate in the last five years (29.0%) compared to the initial period (13.7%). Authors and institutions from multiple countries have contributed to the literature, with the USA, the Netherlands, and Italy leading in terms of publication numbers. The analysis also highlighted the growing interest in bovine production systems, emphasizing the importance of behavioral studies in PLF tool development. Automated milking systems were identified as central drivers of innovation in the PLF sector. Emerging themes for the future included “emissions” and “mitigation”, indicating a focus on environmental concerns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Development of New Technologies in Breeding Healthy and Animals Resilience: Precision Livestock Farming, Genomics and Their Interaction Can Contribute to Sustainable Management of the Livestock Sector)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: Review: Current status of genomic selection in dairy sheep
Authors: Antonello Carta, Sotero Salaris, Sara Casu, Mario Graziano Usai
Affiliation: Italy

Title: Review: What contribution can we expect from the adoption of PLF devices to support the mitigation of environmental impact on dairy farms?
Authors: Abeni Fabio Palmiro; Caré Sara
Affiliation: Italy

Title: Article: Application of Genomic Technologies for studying Beef traits and Meat Quality in Italian Simmental Cattle
Authors: Giustino Gaspa, Alberto Cesarani, Lorenzo Degano, Daniele Vicario, Alfredo Pauciullo, Nicolò Macciotta, Edi Piasentier
Affiliation: University of Turin, Torino University of Sassari, Sassari Italian Simmental Breeding Association, Udine University of Udine, Udine University of Georgia, Athens
Abstract: Abstract. Genetic improvement of meat traits in cattle is usually carried out on growth performances and muscularity scores of young bulls in performance test stations. In Italian Simmental (IS), genetic and genomic estimated breeding values for meat and milk traits are combined in a dual-purpose selection index. However, carcass and nutritional quality traits are excluded because expensive to measure and recorded after slaughtering. Our objective was to search for genomic variants associated to technological and nutritional quality of meat. To this aim, 119 IS young bulls were genotyped using GGP-HD v.2-150K that simultaneously interrogate about 139K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). After data editing, 117 calves and 120,188 SNPs on 29 chromosomes (chr) were analysed. The animals were unselected young bulls at performance test station at Fiume Veneto (Italy) slaughtered between 16-18 month of age. After measuring 7 carcass traits, longissimus thoracis m. was sampled and analysed for assessing meat quality (12 traits) and fatty acid composition (31 Traits). The traits examined were live weight at slaughterhouse (LW), Carcass Yield (CY, %) and centesimal composition, SEUROP, pH (48 h), Colour (48h, L*, a*, b*, c and h), cooking loss (CL7) and Warner-Bratzler share force 7 d post-slaughtering (WB7), the profile of 26 fatty acid (%) and their relevant sum and ratio (5 traits). Genome-wide association study (GWAS) were conducted using GenABEL package implemented in R software (v. 3.6.1) and candidate genes in QTL regions +/- 250kb interval were retrieved from Genome Browser (https://genome.ucsc.edu/). LW and CY were 664.8±42.6 kg and 56±2.2%. GWAS allows to detect QTL regions in 24/50 analysed traits and to suggest 238 candidate genes on 21 chr(s). The SNPs associated to pH, colour (b*, c) and fat% allows to target 34 genes. The fatty acid composition traits harboured the largest number of QTL. In summary, 196 genes in QTL region were retrieved for saturated, mono/poly-unsaturated fatty acids and relevant sum/ratios. SNP genotypes close to the FANS gene (chr19) were associated C14:0 and 5 genes located on BTA5 were related to 4 poly-unsaturated fatty acid (C20:2w6, C20:3w6, C20:4w6 and C22:4w6). In conclusion, GWAS allowed to identify a number of QTL region harbouring gene possibly affecting meat nutritional quality.

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