Journal of Applied Animal Science

Relationship between Temperament and Nursing Behaviors on Body Weight Gain at 72 Hours Postpartum of Kamphaengsaen Beef Cattle

Phonthep Puthanawong — 2026-01-22

Temperament is a physiological component that influences behavioral expression and productivity related to nursing behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between temperament and nursing behaviors on body weight gain at 72 hours postpartum in Kamphaengsaen beef cattle. A total of 20 Kamphaengsaen beef cows were used in the study. Temperament was assessed using the chute test and exit velocity test, and the results were used to classify the cattle according to their temperament characteristics as calm and ill-tempered. Eight calm cows and twelve ill-tempered cows were identified. After grouping, the cows were entered into the estrus synchronization program and mated using artificial insemination to study the relationship between nursing behavior and calf weight gain at 72 hours postpartum. The results showed that ill-tempered cattle had earlier calving-to-calf contact and calving-to-calf licking after parturition compared to calm cows. They also had a significantly higher rate of approaching their calves than calm cows (p < 0.01). Analysis of the relationship between maternal behavior and calf behavior at 72 hours postpartum revealed a statistically significant positive correlation (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the study found that calves raised by calm cows had greater weight gain at 72 hours postpartum than calves raised by ill-tempered cows.

Comparative Analysis of Phytochemical, Proximate, and Vitamin Composition of Selected Nigerian Medicinal Leaves

Oluwaseyi Phebian Aluko — 2026-01-23

This study provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of seven underutilized Nigerian medicinal leaves that can be explored as preservatives in health-oriented meat products. Medicinal leaves are mostly cherished for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in the medical sector; these properties potentially establish medicinal leaves as promising natural preservatives against microbial spoilage and lipid oxidation in meat products. Therefore, this study evaluated the phytochemical, proximate, and vitamin composition of seven Nigerian medicinal leaves harvested in Ejigbo, Osun State, namely: stonebreaker (SBL), guava (GL), scent (SL), moringa (ML), lemongrass (LG), hospital-too-far (HL), and miracle leaves (MIL). The leaves were washed with clean water, shade-dried at room temperature (24 ^oC) for 7 days, and ground into a powdery form for analysis. Phytochemical results show that flavonoids were high in SL (72.46 mg), MIL (72.64 mg), and ML (75.03 mg) with no significant (p > 0.05) difference. SL (98.55 mg) and MIL (98.78 mg) exhibited the highest phenols with no significant difference. The highest saponin was observed in ML (36.13 mg) and MIL (37.55 mg). Results for proximate analysis show that MIL (22.68%), SL (31.13%), and HL (21.78%) had the highest crude protein with no significant (p > 0.05) difference. The highest fat was found in MIL (5.61 mg), while HL had the least content of moisture (4.35%). Vitamin E was highest in SL (52.96 mg) and ML (56.45 mg) with no significant (p > 0.05) difference. The highest concentration of vitamin A was found in MIL (22.76 mg), GL exhibited highest vitamin B₁ (1.47 mg), while SBL was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in vitamin D (35.08 mg). Phytochemical, proximate, and vitamin contents varied among medicinal leaves. Among the seven leaves, scent, moringa, and miracle consistently showed the highest concentrations of key phytochemicals, proximate, and vitamin contents.

Diagnostic Performance of Lateral Flow Immunoassay for Detecting Brucellosis Antibodies in Goats

Phitcha Pongphitcha — 2026-01-24

Recently, lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (LFIA)-based brucellosis test kits have been imported into Thailand. These kits offer simplicity and rapid results, making them potentially valuable tools for facilitating goat trade while preventing disease transmission. However, their diagnostic performance has not yet been evaluated. This study assessed the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic agreement of a commercial LFIA-based test kit for brucellosis detection in goats by comparing the results with those obtained from validated laboratory diagnostic methods, which served as the reference standard. A total of 275 goat serum samples were analyzed using a commercial LFIA-based test kit. The results from the Rose Bengal test and microtiter plate agglutination test previously performed at the Kamphaeng Saen Veterinary Diagnostic Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, served as references to evaluate the performance of the test kit. Based on the analysis of the commercial LFIA-based test kit, its sensitivity and specificity were 86.10% and 90.91%, respectively. In addition, its Cohen's kappa coefficient of 0.731 indicated a substantial level of agreement with the laboratory test results. Therefore, the commercial LFIA-based test kit could be recommended as a screening tool for brucellosis in goats, particularly in situations where immediate results are required.