New studies aim to solve cattle liver abscess mystery

Mar 21, 2024

By Farms.com

Liver abscesses represent a critical issue in cattle farming, affecting both the well-being of animals and the financial health of industry. In an unprecedented collaborative effort, scientists from the USDA and various universities are delving into the causes and development of liver abscesses in cattle. Their research aims to create effective models to study this condition, shedding light on how to prevent it.

A notable achievement of this collaboration is the establishment of a liver abscess model that demonstrates a consistent 50% prevalence rate. The research primarily focuses on the dietary causes and bacterial involvement in liver abscess formation. High-grain diets have been identified as a possible risk factor due to their impact on rumen pH levels, potentially facilitating bacterial infections that lead to abscesses.

The findings have also introduced the possibility that the primary bacteria involved in these abscesses might come from parts of the gastrointestinal tract other than the rumen, challenging previous assumptions and indicating new directions for prevention and treatment.

This quest for knowledge extends beyond the academic realm, aiming to replace antibiotic treatments with more sustainable solutions, such as adjustments in nutritional management. Such advancements could lead to significant improvements in cattle health and welfare, while also addressing public concerns over antibiotic resistance.

This groundbreaking research underscores the importance of scientific collaboration in addressing complex agricultural challenges. By understanding the intricacies of liver abscesses in cattle, the agricultural community hopes to develop innovative, effective strategies for prevention and treatment, ensuring the sustainability and profitability of cattle farming.

Video: Swine Industry Advances: Biodigesters Lower Emissions and Increase Profits

Analysis of greenhouse gas (GHG emissions) in the Canadian swine sector found that CH4 emissions from manure were the largest contributor to the overall emissions, followed by emissions from energy use and crop production.

This innovative project, "Improving Swine Manure-Digestate Management Practices Towards Carbon Neutrality With Net Zero Emission Concepts," from Dr. Rajinikanth Rajagopal, under Swine Cluster 4, seeks to develop strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

While the management of manure can be very demanding and expensive for swine operations, it can also be viewed as an opportunity for GHG mitigation, as manure storage is an emission source built and managed by swine producers. Moreover, the majority of CH4 emissions from manure occur during a short period of time in the summer, which can potentially be mitigated with targeted intervention.

In tandem with understanding baseline emissions, Dr. Rajagopal's work focuses on evaluating emission mitigation options. Manure additives have the potential of reducing manure methane emissions. Additives can be deployed relatively quickly, enabling near-term emission reductions while biodigesters are being built. Furthermore, additives can be a long-term solution at farms where biogas is not feasible (e.g., when it’s too far from a central digester). Similarly, after biodigestion, additives can also be used to further reduce emissions from storage to minimize the carbon intensity of the bioenergy.