Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin that acts primarily as an endocrine disruptor. Biomonitoring studies are needed to assess exposure and risk, particularly among vulnerable groups. This study reports two pilot biomonitoring surveys of ZEA in 38 lactating mothers and 42 children (5–12 years old). Both were associated with a questionnaire to collect data on the sociodemographics and eating habits of the participants. About 76% of urine samples were contaminated (188.12 ± 235.99 ng/mL), with the hazard quotient reaching 2.36 in the worst-case scenario for younger children. Of the analyzed breastmilk samples, 55.26% were contaminated (158.26 ± 77.50). A statistically significant association between ZEA contamination of breastmilk and the maternal consumption of wholemeal bread, cereal flakes, sausages, smoked meat and pork was found, suggesting that these foods are determinants of higher exposure. The hazard quotient in the worst-case scenario for breastfed babies under 16 weeks was estimated as 0.61. Results confirm frequent exposure to this endocrine disruptor among these two vulnerable groups in central Portugal, showing the need for further studies.

The Moon is at the centre of many popular beliefs, including the notion that the number of parturitions increases during Full Moon days, a belief widely held among breeders to anticipate calving periods. However, this association has been rarely explored in dairy cattle farming. This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the association between the lunar cycles and calving distribution, with particular focus on a potential increase during full-moon nights. Data from 383,926 calvings of Montbéliard breed, recorded between March 2022 and January 2025, mostly in Franche-Comté (98.2%), France, were analyzed using a Generalized Linear Model (GLM). Results revealed a significant association between the lunar cycle and calving distribution. Model-adjusted means were significantly higher than the overall mean during the New Moon and the Last Quarter phases (+2.6%, p < 0.05), and significantly lower during the Full Moon phase (−3.1%, p < 0.01). At the synodic day level, days 21 and 29 presented the highest model-adjusted means (+23.2% and +23.4% above the overall mean, respectively; p < 0.001), while days 4 and 15 presented the lowest (−35.2% and −31.1%, respectively; p < 0.001). Across all seasons, a consistent trend toward increased calving frequency was observed during the New Moon phase, reaching statistical significance only in Spring (+5.7%, p < 0.05). These findings may offer potential implications for veterinarians and breeders, particularly when considering approaches to ensure adequate colostrum intake, which may contribute to improving management of parturition periods.

The Moon is at the centre of many popular beliefs including that the number of births increases during Full Moon days, followed by many breeders to anticipate calving periods. However, it has been rarely explored in dairy cattle farming. This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the association of lunar cycles on calving distribution, with particular focus on a potential increase during full-moon nights. Data from 383,926 calvings of Montbéliard breed that occurred between March 2022, and January 2025, mostly in Franche-Comté (98.2%), France were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using the Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM). Results revealed significant association of the lunar cycle on calving distribution, it was observed a higher calving probability than the average (p < 0.001, +15%) during the New Moon, and a lower calving probability than the average during the First Quarter and Full Moon phases (p < 0.001 for both and -1.5% and -11%, respectively) in all groups, primiparous, multiparous, male and female. The observed patterns may have practical implications for veterinarians and breeders, particularly in ensuring adequate colostrum intake, thereby supporting improved management of parturition periods.