livestock-health
Livestock health research examines how animals raised for agriculture are affected by the plants they consume, including the nutritional quality, toxicity, and anti-nutritional factors present in forage and feed crops. From a plant science perspective, understanding these interactions drives breeding and biotechnology efforts to develop crops with improved digestibility, reduced harmful compounds, and enhanced phytochemical profiles that support animal wellbeing. This field highlights how plant secondary metabolites, fiber composition, and nutrient bioavailability directly influence the productivity and health outcomes of grazing and pen-fed animals.
PubMed · 2026-04-04
Researchers analyzed the viruses present in the guts of diarrhea-affected and healthy piglets in England, finding a surprisingly complex mix of at least 14 virus types in both sick and healthy animals — with no clear single viral culprit responsible for the illness.
At least 14 different virus types from 10 or more virus families were identified in both diarrhea-affected and healthy piglets, including astrovirus, rotavirus, and parvovirus.
Four viruses (astrovirus, enterovirus, kobuvirus, and smacovirus) were found in 100% of all samples — both sick and healthy pigs — making them unlikely sole causes of disease.
Several viruses (including astro-, entero-, sapelo-, sapo-, posa-, adeno-, and toro-viruses) showed higher levels in sick pigs, but the differences were not statistically significant.