OAR@UM Community:

Hepatic lipidosis in dairy cows

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Hepatic lipidosis in dairy cows Abstract: Hepatic lipidosis, which is also recognised as fatty liver syndrome, is one of the most significant metabolic disorders that affects high-production dairy cows during the transition period. This disorder typically starts to develop as the outcome of a negative energy balance that leads to triglyceride buildup in the liver and excessive mobilisation of body fat. This essay is targeted at reviewing the published studies on hepatic lipidosis in dairy cows with a deeper focus on the pathophysiology, risk factors, prevention strategies and diagnostic approaches, while also identifying any gaps that can be found in the current knowledge and any areas that need more research. The employed methodology is a desk study and involves the critical analysis and systematic review of peer-reviewed journal articles, authoritative scientific publications and veterinary textbooks that can be acquired from academic databases like Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus and PubMed. The studies that were collected were thematically analysed and compared in relation to the mechanics of the disease, diagnostic methods, metabolic biomarkers and management practices. This essay has recognised that the main factor that contributes to hepatic lipidosis is a negative energy balance, reduced feed intake, demands for high milk production and excessive body condition scoring all act as major risk factors. Biomarkers in the blood, such as β-hydroxybutyrate and non-esterified fatty acids, are the most commonly used to diagnose, but standardised diagnostic criteria remain insufficient. The publications have indicated consistently that management strategies for prevention, such as maintaining healthy body condition scores and appropriate nutrition for transitioning dairy cows, are more successful than treating the cow after the disease has started. This essay has concluded that hepatic lipidosis is still a substantial challenge in the dairy industry due to its negative effects on productivity, farm profitability and animal health. More in-depth research is required to develop diagnostic tools that are non-invasive and reliable, combine nutritional, management and genetic factors into thorough prevention strategies and create standardised diagnostic thresholds. Description: Dip. Agric.(Melit.)

The impacts of animal welfare on milk quality and yield

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The impacts of animal welfare on milk quality and yield Abstract: This report explores the relationship between dairy cow welfare, milk yield, milk quality and cow-calf contact systems. Dairy farming has traditionally prioritised productivity, with common practices such as early cow-calf separation being used to maximise saleable milk and improve management efficiency. However, increasing concern for animal welfare has encouraged greater interest in alternative systems that allow cows and calves to maintain physical or partial contact after birth. This report discusses key welfare factors affecting dairy cows, including housing, bedding, nutrition, heat stress, health management, handling and stress. These factors directly influence milk production by affecting feed intake, rumination, immune function, udder health and milk let-down. Poor welfare can contribute to diseases such as mastitis, ketosis, lameness and metritis, all of which may reduce milk yield and alter milk quality. Milk quality is also affected through changes in somatic cell count, bacterial contamination, fat, protein, lactose and overall milk composition. Cow-calf contact systems may improve welfare by allowing natural behaviours such as suckling, grooming, bonding and social learning. However, they also create practical challenges, including reduced saleable milk, the need for adapted housing, hygiene management and careful monitoring of calf and udder health. Overall, this report highlights that animal welfare and productivity should not be viewed as opposing goals. Instead, welfare-conscious dairy systems may support healthier animals, safer milk and more sustainable production when managed appropriately. Description: Dipl. Agric.(Melit.)

Effects of vegetation and land management on campus soil organic matter

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Effects of vegetation and land management on campus soil organic matter Abstract: Soil organic matter (SOM) is a key indicator of soil quality, influencing nutrient availability, water retention, and overall ecosystem functioning. This study investigated the effects of land management practices and vegetation cover on SOM content in calcareous clay loam soils within the University of Malta campus. Six sites representing different land-use and vegetation treatments were examined: soil under olive trees, Aleppo pine trees, tilled agricultural soil, tilled non agricultural soil, natural vegetation, and a shallow valley site. Soil samples were collected from the upper 20 cm layer and analysed using the Loss on Ignition (LOI) method. Results showed significant differences in SOM among treatments. The highest SOM content was recorded under olive trees (11.98%), followed by Aleppo pines (10.33%), natural vegetation (9.07%), and the shallow valley site (8.22%). Lower SOM levels were observed in tilled non-agricultural soil (6.07%), while the lowest values occurred in tilled agricultural soil (4.96%). Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA confirmed that land use and management practices significantly affected SOM content (P < 0.001). The findings indicate that permanent vegetation cover and minimal soil disturbance promote SOM accumulation through continuous organic inputs and reduced decomposition rates. In contrast, long-term tillage and cultivation accelerate organic matter loss. Although the LOI method may overestimate absolute SOM values in calcareous clay-rich soils, it remains effective for comparing treatments under identical analytical conditions. Overall, the study highlights the importance of vegetation cover and conservation-oriented land management practices in maintaining soil organic matter and improving soil quality in Mediterranean calcareous soils. Description: Dip. Agric.(Melit.)

Agricultural marketing centres in Malta and abroad

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Agricultural marketing centres in Malta and abroad Abstract: The Maltese agricultural marketing centre is known as il-Pitkalija and it holds a near-monopoly on agricultural marketing in Malta and as a system it has its advantages and disadvantages. Farmers in Malta are on the decline and have gradually been relegated to field workers that cannot make ends meet without constant sacrifice. Agriculture in Malta is considered heavily laborious despite the revolution of modern technology especially in the age of digital solutions that epitomise the informational era. A hierarchy between players in the pitkalija prevails and it risks harming the legitimacy of the Maltese agriculture centre and bring into question fairness and equity of the pitkal auction system. The oligopoly of pitkala risks short-changing farmers, especially with pressure on the remaining links in the food chain that collectively profit on a distance between farmer and consumer by the process of marketing. Regulating and organising the auction bring the responsibility to make or break the profits, livelihood and potential of the farmers and therefore intermediary players in the food supply chain are in a position of power. Through this research, a desk-based investigation of whether the pitkalija is ideal for farmers and consumers in Malta is being conducted, proceeding to outline foreign solutions to agricultural marketing with a view to determine whether there are any lessons to be learned to bring local agriculture in line with modern standards and a fair deal for genuine farmers exploring solutions represented by farmer cooperatives, alternative supply chains and digital tools. Description: Dip. Agric.(Melit.)