Navigating Environmental Challenges in Farm Animals Production: Insights from the Animal Production and Physiology Team
Introduction
In the dynamic landscape of agricultural research, the Animal Production and Physiology Team at our esteemed university stands as a vanguard in the exploration of environmental impacts on farm animals. With a particular focus on climate change-induced heat stress, our multidisciplinary team dig into critical facets such as growth performance, feed additives, gut integrity, gene expression of stress-related proteins, immunity, and reproduction quality. Through rigorous scientific inquiry, our work not only sheds light on the multifaceted challenges faced by farm animals in a changing climate but also contributes innovative solutions that resonate on a global scale.
Heat Stress and Growth Performance
The escalating temperatures caused by climate change pose a formidable challenge to the growth performance of farm animals. Our team employs cutting-edge methodologies to precisely assess the impact of heat stress on growth parameters. From the molecular intricacies of metabolic pathways to the physiological manifestations in body weight and muscle development, our research aims to find different strategies for mitigating the adverse effects of elevated temperatures on farm animals’ productivity. Below are the growth performance results from one of our recent studies where we supplemented broiler chickens with bovine casein at different environmental conditions (Abdelqader et al., 2023)
Representative images for chickens used in our experiments during the live phase
Feed Additives as Mitigation Strategy
In our pursuit of sustainable solutions, the Animal Production and Physiology Team explores the potential of feed additives as a tool to alleviate the impact of heat stress. Through systematic evaluations, we investigate the efficacy of various additives in promoting heat tolerance, enhancing nutrient utilization, and mitigating the physiological consequences of environmental stressors. Our findings contribute to the development of precision nutrition strategies that optimize animal health and performance in the face of climatic challenges. The table below is an example of the effects of betaine supplemented in table-egg laying hens diet under different environmental conditions on some blood parameters (Al-Qaisi et al., 2023)
Gut Integrity
Recognizing the pivotal role of gut health in overall animal well-being, our research extends to the impact of heat stress on gut integrity and microbial ecosystems. Utilizing advanced technologies, we dissect the intricate balance between the gut microbiome, mucosal immunity, and environmental stressors. This knowledge is instrumental in formulating strategies to fortify gut resistance, ensuring the vitality of farm animals in the wake of changing climate patterns. The table below is an example of the effects of betaine supplemented in table-egg laying hens diet under different environmental conditions on gut integrity parameters (Al-Qaisi et al., 2023)
Gene Expression of Stress-Related Proteins
At the molecular forefront, our team investigates the gene expression patterns of stress-related proteins under heat stress conditions. This deep dive into the molecular landscape provides crucial insights into the adaptive mechanisms activated during thermal challenges. Three of our graduate students are currently analyzing their results of some specific stress related genes for animals exposed to environmental stressors. The results will be published in prestigious scientific journals in 2024.
Immunity and Reproduction Quality
Understanding the intricate relationship between heat stress and immune functionality is paramount for sustainable farm animal production. Our team explores the effects on the immune system, evaluating the resilience of farm animals against diseases under changing climatic conditions. Furthermore, our investigations into reproductive quality encompass assessments of semen quality, reproductive hormones, and fertility parameters, providing valuable insights for enhancing reproductive success in a changing climate.
Representative images for the reproductive system in table-egg laying hens
Effects of dietary betaine supplementation on the average number of follicles per field at different follicle stages in laying hens exposed to a either thermos-neutral or heat stress challenge (Al-Qaisi et al., 2023)
Effects of dietary betaine supplementation on the average area of PSR-positive staining of shell gland in laying hens exposed to a either thermo-neutral or heat stress challenge (Al-Qaisi et al., 2023)
Translational Research for Practical Solutions
The Animal Production and Physiology Team is committed to translate scientific discoveries into practical solutions for the farming community. Collaborating closely with industry partners, we are developing evidence-based guidelines for on-farm management practices that enhance heat stress tolerance. These guidelines encompass optimized nutritional strategies and environmental modifications of different farm animal species.
Educational Outreach and Capacity Building
Beyond our research endeavors, the team is dedicated to knowledge dissemination and capacity building. Through workshops, webinars, and collaborative initiatives with extension services, we share our findings with farmers, veterinarians, and policymakers. By fostering a two-way dialogue, we ensure that our research aligns with the practical challenges faced by those on the frontline of animal production, creating a feedback loop that informs and refines our ongoing investigations.
Conclusion
The Animal Production and Physiology Team's comprehensive research efforts transcend academic boundaries, offering a holistic understanding of the environmental impacts on farm animals. Through our integrated approach encompassing growth, feed additives, gut health, gene expression, immunity, and reproduction, we aim to revolutionize farm animal production practices in the face of environmental challenges.
Selected Publications
1. Mohammad Al-Qaisi, Anas Abdelqader, Mohannad Abuajamieh, Mohamed A. Abedal-Majed, and Abdur-Rahman Al-Fataftah. 2023. Impacts of dietary betaine on rectal temperature, laying performance, metabolism, intestinal morphology, and follicular development in heat-exposed laying hens. Journal of Thermal Biology. 117 (103714)
2. Mohamed A. Abedal-Majed, Mohannad Abuajamieh, Mohmmad Al-Qaisi, Kevin M. Sargent, Hosam Hani Titi, Mufeed Awni Alnimer, Anas Abdelqader, Ahmad I. Shamoun, Andrea S Cupp. 2023. Sheep with Ovarian Androgen Excess have Fibrosis and Follicular Arrest with Increased mRNA Abundance for Steroidogenic Enzymes and Gonadotropin Receptors. Journal of Animal Science. 101:1-11
3. Anas Abdelqader, Mohannad Abuajamieh, Mohamed A. Abedal-Majed, Mohmmad Al-Qaisi, Abdur-Rahman A. Al-Fataftah. 2023. Suppression of inflammatory responses in heat-stressed broiler chickens by bovine casein. Journal of Thermal Biology. 113 (2).
4. Mohmmad Al-Qaisi, Mohamed A. Abedal-Majed, Mohannad Abuajamieh, Mufeed Alnimer, Abdur-Rahman A. Al-Fataftah, Rabie Irshaid, Hosam Titi and Anas Abdelqader. 2022. Effects of dietary betaine on body temperature indices, performance, metabolism, and hematological variables of dairy heifer calves during hot summer conditions. Veterinary World. 15 (7): 1657- 1664
5. M. Abuajamieh, A. Abdelqader, R. Irshaid, F. M. Hayajneh, J. M. Al-Khaza'leh, and A. Al-Fataftah. 2020. Effects of organic zinc on the performance and gut integrity of broilers under heat stress conditions. Arch. Anim. Breed. 63:125-135.
6. Abdelqader, A. M. Abuajamieh, Hayajneh, F. and. Al-Fataftah, A. R. 2020. Probiotic bacteria maintain normal growth mechanisms of heat stressed broiler chickens. J. Therm. Bio. 92: 102654.
7. Alhenaky, A., A. Al-Fataftah, M. Abuajamieh, A. Abdelqader. 2017. The effect of heat stress on intestinal integrity and Salmonella invasion in broiler birds. J. Therm. Bio. 70: 9-14
Team Members
1.Prof. Anas Abdelqader
Email: a.abdelqader@ju.edu.jo
Ext. 22400
2.Prof. Abdur-Rahman Al-Fataftah
Email: a.fataftah@ju.edu.jo
Ext. 22380
3.Prof. Hana Zakariah
Email: zakariah@ju.edu.jo
Ext. 22400
4.Dr. Mohamed Abedal-Majed
Email: m.ayoub@ju.edu.jo
Ext. 25226
5.Dr. Mohammad Al-Qaisi
Email: m.alqaisi@ju.edu.jo
Ext. 22424
6.Dr. Mohannad Abuajamieh
Email: m.abuajamieh@ju.edu.jo
Ext. 22443