Reference database for cattle breed images

The FAO Division for Animal Production and Health is currently developing an AI-based software application to help identify cattle breeds in the field. The accuracy of the results will depend on the quantity and quality of the breed images. A large number of images per breed are required to train...

Distribution of honeybee mitochondrial DNA haplotypes in an Italian region where a legislative act is protecting the Apis mellifera ligustica subspecies

Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758, commonly known as the western honeybee or simply honeybee, is a highly polytypic managed pollinator species. About 30 honey bee subspecies have been described thus far, originally spread throughout its native regions, which include Europe, Africa and Western Asia1,2,3,4. Local honeybee populations and subspecies are considered well...

Greenhouse gas emissions in US beef production can be reduced by up to 30% with the adoption of selected mitigation measures

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from beef production in the U.S. are highly variable across different regions and stages of the supply chain, making targeted mitigation difficult. Using spatial life cycle assessment methods, researchers have quantified emissions and identified 42 practices that could reduce GHGs by up to 30%. The grazing...

Why is welfare pork so expensive?

Specialty pork products, offering benefits like higher animal welfare, reduced antibiotic use, and lower environmental impact, also present a business opportunity for producers and retailers by appealing to consumers willing to pay a premium. However, the higher costs of producing niche pork and limited consumer willingness to pay may hinder...