Sometimes life-threatening, lactic acidosis inhibits animals' weight gain and results in liver abscesses and other abnormalities. ARS scientists have sorted out the composition of the S. bovis gene behind the enzyme that produces lactic acid. Through biotechnological tinkering with the gene, they may someday manipulate S. bovis to produce less lactic acid in cattle or transform some microbial species to make more lactic acid for manufacturing of products such as biodegradable plastic. The little porkers like it hot, and telltale hormones can reveal whether they're stressed or healthy. Both LH and FSH influence reproduction and are excreted by the pituitary gland.
Newborn pigs are more comfortable in a hot environment, while cool temperatures create mild stress.
If farmers want their livestock to eat more and gain more weight, they'd better make hay while the afternoon sun shines. A new study shows that sheep, goats and cattle all prefer grass hays harvested in the afternoon over those cut in the morning. It's long been known livestock grazing peaks in the afternoon. This led researchers to explore whether cutting hay later in the day could boost consumption. The same natural substances that help pigs and other livestock cope with stress could make it more difficult for the animals to fight off common infections.