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- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2283: Performance and Metabolic Responses of
Nellore Cows Subjected to Different Supplementation Plans during Prepartum
Authors: Douglas Teixeira Saraiva, Samira Silveira Moreira, Mateus Emanuel Pereira Santos, Eduarda Ramos Almeida, Luciana Navajas Rennó, Sebastião de Campos Valadares Filho, Mário Fonseca Paulino, Érica de Paula Aniceto, Johnnatan Castro Cabral Gonçalves, Jean Marcelo Albuquerque, Sidnei Antônio Lopes
First page: 2283
Abstract: This study assessed the effects of different prepartum supplementation plans on Nellore cows’ performance, metabolic responses, and early offspring development. Thirty-nine pregnant Nellore cows (224 ± 2.67 days of pregnancy, 5.3 ± 0.29 years of age, body weight 520 ± 15.2 kg, initial body condition score 6.0 ± 0.07) were assigned to one of four treatments: a control group receiving only mineral mixture ad libitum, and three groups receiving daily protein-energy supplements of 2, 4, or 6 g/kg BW for 60 days prepartum. Weights and body condition scores were evaluated at the start of the experiment, 7 days before calving, and at 45 and 90 days postpartum. Cows supplemented with 4 and 6 g/kg BW showed improved body weight and body condition scores prepartum and postpartum and had a shorter service period (p < 0.05). The highest blood urea nitrogen concentrations were observed in cows receiving 6 g/kg BW (p = 0.0124). There was a reduction in blood urea nitrogen at calving for the 6 g/kg BW group, while the control group showed an increase (p < 0.001). Non-esterified fatty acids concentrations were lower 21 days before calving for the 4 and 6 g/kg BW groups compared to the control (p < 0.05) and decreased postpartum for all treatments (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in calf birth weight or performance. Supplementing with 4 g/kg BW of protein-energy is recommended to enhance metabolic health and overall performance.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-06
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162283
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2284: Pathogenicity of Duck Adenovirus Type 3 in
Chickens
Authors: Xiwen Zhang, Bin Xu, Huiqin Zhou, Xiang Zhou, Qingfeng Wang, Jiayu Sun, Kewei Liu, Lisha Zha, Jinchun Li, Yin Dai, Fangfang Chen
First page: 2284
Abstract: Duck adenovirus Type 3 (DAdV-3) severely affects the health of ducks; however, its pathogenicity in chickens remains unknown. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the pathogenicity and major pathological changes caused by DAdV-3 in chickens. Viral DNA was extracted from the liver of the Muscovy duck, and the fiber-2 and hexon fragments of DAdV-3 were amplified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The evolutionary tree revealed that the isolated virus belonged to DAdV-3, and it was named HE-AN-2022. The mortality rate of chicks that received inoculation with DAdV-3 subcutaneously via the neck was 100%, while the mortality rate for eye–nose drop inoculation was correlated with the numbers of infection, with 26.7% of chicks dying as a result of exposure to multiple infections. The main symptoms exhibited prior to death were hepatitis–hydropericardium syndrome (HHS), ulceration of the glandular stomach, and a swollen bursa with petechial hemorrhages. A histopathological examination revealed swelling, necrosis, lymphocyte infiltration, and basophilic inclusion bodies in multiple organs. Meanwhile, the results of quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) demonstrated that DAdV-3 could affect most of the organs in chickens, with the gizzard, glandular stomach, bursa, spleen, and liver being the most susceptible to infection. The surviving chicks had extremely high antibody levels. After the chickens were infected with DAdV-3 derived from Muscovy ducks, no amino acid mutation was observed in the major mutation regions of the virus, which were ORF19B, ORF66, and ORF67. On the basis of our findings, we concluded that DAdV-3 infection is possible in chickens, and that it causes classic HHS with ulceration of the glandular stomach and a swollen bursa with petechial hemorrhages, leading to high mortality in chickens. The major variation domains did not change in Muscovy ducks or in chickens after infection. This is the first study to report DAdV-3 in chickens, providing a new basis for preventing and controlling this virus.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-06
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162284
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2285: Dentition Anomalies and Cranial
Abnormalities in Invasive Beavers (Castor canadensis) in Tierra Del Fuego,
Argentina
Authors: Alvaro González-Calderón
First page: 2285
Abstract: The study of dentition anomalies and pathologies in wildlife contributes, together with other indicators, to understanding the relevance of some factors on the health status of populations. This has not been properly evaluated in invasive mammals. To test the feasibility of eradication, the government of Tierra del Fuego performed the eradication of beavers (Castor canadensis) from 2016 to 2018: 1121 animals were removed and 970 examined. These beavers were examined to analyze the incidence of dentition anomalies and other dentition and cranial conditions. The beavers presented two dentition anomalies: hypodontia and hyperdontia (0.41% in both cases), and for the first time, a dentition anomaly in the upper quadrants was reported. Beavers also presented artifactual tooth loss (0.30%) and acquired tooth loss (0.61%) but with low incidence. The presence of fractured teeth (0.41%) and caries (0.31%) occurred in all age classes, also with low incidence. The third molar tooth was the most affected, showing a female bias. The 0.93% of skulls had a cranial abnormality represented as a buccal curvature. Malocclusion cases also were recorded (0.51%). The low prevalence of dentition anomalies, fractured teeth, caries, and cranial abnormalities would not compromise the lifespan of beavers. These results leave a precedent of dentition anomalies and dentition and cranial conditions in an invasive mammal.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-06
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162285
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2286: Perioperative Analgesic and Sedative Effects
of Cannabidiol in Cats Undergoing Ovariohysterectomy
Authors: Gustavo Ricci Zanelli, Gabriela Brambilo Menegasso Vieira, Rafaela Vitória Marchini Souza, Antonio José de Araújo Aguiar, Renata Navarro Cassu
First page: 2286
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the perioperative analgesic and sedative effects of oral CBD in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Twenty-two cats were assigned to receive either oral cannabidiol oil (2 mg/kg, CBD group, n = 12) or placebo oil (0.1 mL/kg, Placebo group, n = 10) 60 min before the premedication. The anesthetic protocol included dexmedetomidine/meperidine, propofol, and isoflurane. Intravenous fentanyl was given to control cardiovascular responses to surgical stimulation. Pain was assessed at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h post-extubation using the UNESP–Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale and the Glasgow feline composite-measure pain scale. Sedation scores were assessed at the same timepoints and at 15 min after the premedication. Morphine was administered as rescue analgesia. Higher sedation scores were recorded in the CBD group at 15 min after premedication (p = 0.041). Intraoperatively, more cats required fentanyl in the Placebo group than in CBD group (p = 0.028). The pain scores did not differ between groups, except at 0.5 h post-extubation when lower scores were detected in the CBD group (p = 0.003–0.005). Morphine was required in 100% of the animals in both groups. CBD increased preoperative sedation and decreased intraoperative analgesic requirements, with minimal evidence of postoperative analgesic benefits over the placebo.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-06
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162286
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2287: Clostridium butyricum Prevents Diarrhea
Incidence in Weaned Piglets Induced by Escherichia coli K88 through Rectal
Bacteria–Host Metabolic Cross-Talk
Authors: Jing Liang, Sihu Wang, Shasha Kou, Cheng Chen, Wenju Zhang, Cunxi Nie
First page: 2287
Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) on the prevention of the diarrhea rates and growth performances of weaned piglets induced by Escherichia coli K88 (E. coli K88). Twenty-four weaned piglets (6.92 ± 0.11 kg) were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups for a period of 21 days. Each group consisted of eight pigs, with each pig being housed in an individual pen. Group I received the control diet along with normal saline, Group II received the control diet along with E. coli K88, and Group III received the control diet supplemented with 5 × 108 CFU/kg of C. butyricum and E. coli K88. We examined alterations in rectal microbiota and metabolites, analyzed the incidence of diarrhea, and investigated the interactions between microbiota and metabolites through the application of Illumina MiSeq sequencing and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results showed that, from days 14 to 21, the diarrhea incidence in Group III decreased significantly by 83.29% compared to Group II (p < 0.05). Over the entire experimental duration, the average daily feed intake of Group III decreased significantly by 11.13% compared to Group I (p < 0.05), while the diarrhea incidence in Group III decreased by 71.46% compared to Group II (p < 0.05). The predominant microbial flora in the rectum consisted of Firmicutes (57.32%), Bacteroidetes (41.03%), and Proteobacteria (0.66%). Administering E. coli K88 orally can elevate the relative abundance of Megasphaera (p < 0.05). Conversely, the supplementation of C. butyricum in the diet reduced the relative abundance of Megasphaera (p < 0.05), while increasing the relative abundance of unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae (p < 0.05). Rectal metabolomics analysis revealed that supplementing C. butyricum in the feed significantly altered the amino acids and fatty acids of the piglets infected with E. coli K88 (p < 0.05). The correlation analysis showed that the occurrence of diarrhea was inversely related to adipic acid (p < 0.05) and positively associated with (5-hydroxyindol-3-YL) acetic acid and L-aspartic acid (p < 0.05). Prevotella_1 exhibited a negative correlation with octadecanoic acid (p < 0.05). Prevotellaceae_UCG-005 showed a negative correlation with (5-hydroxyindol-3-YL) acetic acid (p < 0.05). The findings from this research study aid in probiotic development and the enhancement of healthy growth in weaned piglets.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-06
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162287
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2288: Density and Home Range of Cats in a Small
Inhabited Mediterranean Island
Authors: Sara Molina-Bernabeu, Germán M. López-Iborra
First page: 2288
Abstract: There is growing concern about effectively controlling cat populations due to their impact on biodiversity, especially on islands. To plan this management, it is essential to know the cat population size, sterilization rates, and space they use. Small inhabited islands can have very high cat densities; thus, this study aimed to evaluate cat density and home range on a small tourist island in the Spanish Mediterranean. Surveys in the urban area identified individual cats using a photographic catalog, and camera trapping was conducted in the scrubland area. GPS devices were fitted on three urban cats. The overall cat density was estimated to be 308 cats/km2, varying between the urban area (1084 cats/km2) and the uninhabited scrubland (27 cats/km2). Urban cats had smaller average home ranges (0.38 ha or 1.25 ha, depending on the estimation method) compared to scrubland cats (9.53 ha). Penetration of scrubland cats into the urban area was not detected. These results indicate that the urban area acts as a source of cats for the scrubland. Although the total sterilization rate was high (90.3%), the large cat population implies that the density would take over a decade to decrease to acceptable levels. Therefore, complementary measures for managing this cat population are recommended.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-06
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162288
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2289: Initial Alterations of Fish Community
Structure and Diversity Following Fishing Cessation in Qilu Lake, China
Authors: Tingbing Zhu, Feifei Hu, Jinling Gong, Kairun Liu, Zhibin Guo, Deguo Yang, Xuemei Li
First page: 2289
Abstract: The Qilu Lake is an eutrophic shallow lake located in Yunnan Province, China. An ecological fishery project was initiated in the lake from 2011 to 2021 to introduce filter-feeding fish species that feed on algae, with the aim of improving water quality. In January 2022, when the ecological fishery project expired, all fisheries-related activities (including fish stocking and fishing activities) ceased in the lake. To comprehensively evaluate the initial alterations in fish community structure and diversity resulting from the fishing cessation in the Qilu Lake, the present study conducted field surveys within the one year before the fishing cessation (referred to as BFC) and the one year after the fishing cessation (referred to as AFC). A total of twenty-one fish species were collected, including four native species. Four species were recorded in the lake for the first time, including Pelteobagrus fulvidraco, Pelteobagrus vachelli, Paramisgurnus dabryanus, and Hyporhamphus intermedius. The number of fish species decreased from 21 to 13 following the fishing cessation. The fishes collected in both BFC and AFC are mainly omnivorous-feeding and of bottom-dwelling habits. The mean size of the fishes in the AFC sample shows a significant decrease compared to those in BFC. After the fishing cessation, the Shannon–Wiener diversity index and Margalef richness index of the fish slightly declined. The fish community structure of the Qilu Lake exhibits a high degree of similarity to adjacent lakes in central Yunnan. Our study demonstrates a significant shift in the fish community of the Qilu Lake following the fishing cessation, one which may adversely impact the stability of the lake ecosystem. To enhance fish species diversity in the Qilu Lake, it is recommended that policies be implemented to promote the ecological fishery project and improve habitat restoration for native fish species, while also regulating fish community structure.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-06
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162289
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2290: Unveiling the Potential of Aloe vera Gel
Supplementation in a Cooling Extender: A Breakthrough in Enhancing Rooster
Sperm Quality and Fertility Ability
Authors: Jutarat Pimpa, Supakorn Authaida, Wuttigrai Boonkum, Sarinya Rerkyusuke, Chalinee Janta, Vibuntita Chankitisakul
First page: 2290
Abstract: The cooling of semen storage at 5 °C from a Thai native rooster (Pradu Hang Dum), supplemented with herbs possessing antioxidant properties, provided limited research. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of Aloe vera (AV) gel supplementation at various levels on the quality of cooled semen and subsequent fertility after artificial insemination. Sixty-four chickens had semen pooled, diluted, and supplemented with different levels of AV gel (0% as control, 0.25%, 0.50%, 1.0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, 10%, and 20%), and then stored for 72 h. In Experiment 1, semen quality, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and pH values were assessed at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h after storage. Experiment 2 assessed fertility potential using the most effective cooled storage semen from Experiment 1. Results showed a decrease in semen quality with prolonged storage time (p < 0.001). The highest semen quality was observed in the group supplemented with 1.0% AV gel (p < 0.001), whereas the lowest was noted in the 20% AV gel group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the 1.0% AV gel group exhibited the highest semen quality at 24, 48, and 72 h of storage. The evaluation of fertility and hatchability rates revealed a statistically significant improvement in fertility potential (p < 0.05) in the group supplemented with 1.0% AV gel. In summary, this study represents the first investigation of stored Thai native rooster semen using a semen extender supplemented with Aloe vera gel at 5 °C, demonstrating its efficacy for storage up to 72 h. The addition of 1% AV gel was recommended as an antioxidant supplementation during the semen storage process at 5 °C to enhance semen quality and fertility rates.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-06
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162290
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2291: Ecology and Management of a Large Outbreak
of Avian Botulism in Wild Waterbirds in Northeastern Italy
(2019–2022)
Authors: Stefano Volponi, Maria Alessandra De Marco, Roberta Benigno, Enea Savorelli, Matteo Frasnelli, Laura Fiorentini, Giovanni Tosi, Lia Bardasi, Elena Toschi, Roberta Taddei, Roberto Cocchi
First page: 2291
Abstract: Avian botulism is a paralytic disease due to the ingestion of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) produced by anaerobic, sporigenic bacteria (notably, Clostridium botulinum). Wild waterbirds worldwide are affected with variable recurrence and severity, and organic material decaying in wetland habitats may constitute a suitable substrate for the replication of clostridia strains producing BoNT in conditions of high temperatures and the absence of oxygen. Here, we describe a large outbreak of avian botulism that occurred in the Valle Mandriole protected area of northeastern Italy (VM). After the recovery in late summer of a few duck carcasses that molecularly tested positive for BoNT-producing clostridia, in October 2019, the avian botulism escalation led to a total of 2367 birds being recovered (2158 carcasses and 209 sick birds). Among these, 2365/2367 were waterbirds, with ducks accounting for 91.8% of the total (2173/2367) and green-winged teals representing 93.5% of the ducks. After the quick collection of dead and sick birds (from 4 to 11 October 2019) and the flooding of the VM wetland (from 5 to 12 October 2019), the 2019 botulism emergency apparently ended. Following two water inputs in May and July 2020, only one pooled sample obtained from 16 bird carcasses found that year in VM tested positive for clostridia type C by real-time PCR, whereas, after to the implementation of measures deterring the bird’s presence, new avian botulism cases—due to clostridia type C and C/D, according to molecular and animal-model tests of confirmation—led to the collection of 176 waterbirds (82 carcasses and 94 sick ducks) and 16 waterbirds (9 carcasses and 7 sick ducks) in the summers 2021 and 2022, respectively. In conclusion, the prevention, management, and control of the disease rely on habitat management, the quick and careful collection/removal of animal carcasses, and the regular monitoring and surveillance of live and dead birds.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-06
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162291
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2292: Degnala in Water Buffaloes: A Review on a
Neglected Disease
Authors: André de Medeiros Costa Lins, Felipe Masiero Salvarani
First page: 2292
Abstract: Degnala is one of the primary mycotoxicoses affecting buffaloes, with Fusarium spp. as the main causative agent. This disease is strongly associated with the feeding of rice straw to buffaloes and is considered endemic to regions where rice is cultivated. Cases are concentrated in winter when conditions favor fungal growth in inadequately stored straw. Degnala is characterized by necrosis and gangrene of the extremities, including the tail, lower limbs, ears, tongue, muzzle, and teats. The pelvic limbs are more affected than the thoracic limbs. A tortuous appearance of the tail is very common, and cracks or corneal loss of the hooves may occur, exposing the blades and even the bones. There is no diagnostic method for identifying the disease in animals other than clinical and epidemiological criteria, combined with fungal culture samples. There is no treatment that neutralizes the effects of the toxins; the current treatment is palliative and supportive, consisting of pentasulfate solution, anti-Degnala liquid, 2% nitroglycerin ointment, and broad-spectrum antibiotics for secondary infections. Additionally, the management of drying and proper storage of straw is essential for controlling this disease.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-06
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162292
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2293: Effects of Early Lactation Milking Frequency
in an Automated Milking System on Cow Performance
Authors: Erin M. Kammann, Elizabeth A. French, Natalie S. Jozik, Wenli Li, Ryan S. Pralle
First page: 2293
Abstract: Automated milking systems (AMS) are increasingly adopted for dairy cow production, promoting individualized cow management dependent on factors like lactation stage, age, and productivity. The study objective was to investigate the effects of early lactation milking frequency on cows milked via AMS. Multiparous Holstein cows blocked by parity and due date were randomly assigned to treatments (n = 8 per treatment): three (3X) or six (6X) milkings per day (MPD). The experimental phase (EXP) was defined as 4 to 29 days in milk (DIM). The AMS settings were programed so 3X cows were limited to three MPD while 6X cows were allowed six MPD. Afterwards was the carry over phase (CO) ranging from 30 to 90 DIM; all cows were allowed up to six MPD. Measurements by the AMS included bodyweight, milk yield (MY), and pellet intake. Weekly composite milk samples were analyzed for macronutrient composition and fatty acid (FA) profile. Coccygeal blood was sampled at 3, 8 ± 1, and 13 ± 1 DIM; concentrations of blood plasma analytes were quantified. Greater MPD was achieved for 6X cows versus 3X cows during EXP, but similar during the CO. Daily MY was non-separable during the EXP while 6X cows in their third or greater lactation group (3 + LG) had greater MY than 3X cows of the same LG during the CO. Milk fat content and 4% fat-corrected MY were both greater for 6X, 3 + LG cows during the EXP compared to 3X, 3 + LG cows. Milk FA methyl esters (FAME) proportions were different between MPD groups, with 6X, 3 + LG cows having the lowest short, even-chain FA from de novo or post-absorptive origin. Differences in analytes indicated that 6X, 3 + LG cows experienced metabolic stress and incorporated greater FA from adipose tissue. Greater early lactation MPD in AMS may shift cow nutrient partitioning to support greater production in 3+ parity cows.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-06
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162293
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2294: Study of Plasma Biochemistry and Plasma
Metabolomics Differences in Montbéliard and Holstein Backcross and
Holstein Heifers
Authors: Haihui Wang, Haomiao Chang, Hantong Weng, Yunfei Zhai, Hanfang Zeng, Shujie Li, Zhaoyu Han
First page: 2294
Abstract: Holstein cattle are the main breed of dairy cattle in China. However, given the high degree of purebred selection of Holstein cattle, Chinese dairy cattle are increasingly being characterized by poor disease resistance, poor quality, and declining fertility. In this study, using Montbéliard × Holstein cattle as females and Montbéliard bulls as males for backcross breeding, we sought to provide a reference for improving the quality and performance of Holstein cattle and enhancing the efficiency of dairy farming. On the basis of similar physiological status and age, we selected 24 Montbéliard and Holstein backcross heifers and 11 Holstein heifers fed the same formula for comparative analyses. Plasma samples collected for plasma biochemical index analyses revealed that the content of ALB and BUN in the Montbéliard and Holstein backcross heifers was 20.83% (31.62 g/L to 26.17 g/L) and 42.36% (6.89 mmol/L to 4.84 mmol/L) higher than in the Holsteins (p < 0.01). The ALB/GLB (0.90 to 0.60, p < 0.05) was significantly higher in Montbéliard and Holstein backcross heifers than in Holstein heifers. Similarly, the activity of CAT in the backcross heifers was 61.28% (4.29 U/mL to 2.66 U/mL) higher than that in the Holstein heifers (p < 0.05). Although the activity of GSH-Px in the backcross heifers also showed an increasing trend, the difference did not reach the level of statistical significance (p = 0.052). Compared with Holstein heifers, the concentrations of IgA, IgG, and IL-4 were elevated by 32.52% (24.90 μg/mL to 18.79 μg/mL, p < 0.01), 13.46% (234.32 μg/mL to 206.53 μg/mL, p < 0.01), and 14.59% (306.27 pg/mL to 267.28 pg/mL, p < 0.05), and the contents of IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased by 15.92% (215.71 pg/mL to 256.55 pg/mL, p < 0.01) and 32.17% (7.17 ng/mL to 10.57 ng/mL, p < 0.01) in the plasma of Montbéliard and Holstein backcross heifers. Among the experimental heifers, five animals from each of the two groups were selected for plasma metabolomic analysis based on untargeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. A comparison of the differential metabolites between the two heifer breeds revealed an up-regulation of d-glucuronic acid, s-glutathionyl-l-cysteine, and oleic acid levels in the backcross cattle compared with those in the Holstein heifers. We speculate that changes in the levels of these metabolites may be associated with an enhancement of the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune systems in these backcross heifers. Collectively, our findings in this study indicate that compared with 12-month-old purebred Holstein heifers, Montbéliard and Holstein backcross heifers of the same age are characterized by higher antioxidant capacity and immunity.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-06
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162294
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2295: The Use of Machine Learning to Predict
Prevalence of Subclinical Mastitis in Dairy Sheep Farms
Authors: Yiannis Kiouvrekis, Natalia G. C. Vasileiou, Eleni I. Katsarou, Daphne T. Lianou, Charalambia K. Michael, Sotiris Zikas, Angeliki I. Katsafadou, Maria V. Bourganou, Dimitra V. Liagka, Dimitris C. Chatzopoulos, George C. Fthenakis
First page: 2295
Abstract: The objective of the study was to develop a computational model with which predictions regarding the level of prevalence of mastitis in dairy sheep farms could be performed. Data for the construction of the model were obtained from a large Greece-wide field study with 111 farms. Unsupervised learning methodology was applied for clustering data into two clusters based on 18 variables (17 independent variables related to health management practices applied in farms, climatological data at the locations of the farms, and the level of prevalence of subclinical mastitis as the target value). The K-means tool showed the highest significance for the classification of farms into two clusters for the construction of the computational model: median (interquartile range) prevalence of subclinical mastitis among farms was 20.0% (interquartile range: 15.8%) and 30.0% (16.0%) (p = 0.002). Supervised learning tools were subsequently used to predict the level of prevalence of the infection: decision trees, k-NN, neural networks, and Support vector machines. For each of these, combinations of hyperparameters were employed; 83 models were produced, and 4150 assessments were made in total. A computational model obtained by means of Support vector machines (kernel: ‘linear’, regularization parameter C = 3) was selected. Thereafter, the model was assessed through the results of the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in 373 records from sheep flocks unrelated to the ones employed for the selection of the model; the model was used for evaluation of the correct classification of the data in each of 373 sets, each of which included a test (prediction) subset with one record that referred to the farm under assessment. The median prevalence of the infection in farms classified by the model in each of the two categories was 10.4% (5.5%) and 36.3% (9.7%) (p < 0.0001). The overall accuracy of the model for the results presented by the K-means tool was 94.1%; for the estimation of the level of prevalence (<25.0%/≥25.0%) in the farms, it was 96.3%. The findings of this study indicate that machine learning algorithms can be usefully employed in predicting the level of subclinical mastitis in dairy sheep farms. This can facilitate setting up appropriate health management measures for interventions in the farms.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-06
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162295
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2296: Effect of Different Slow-Release Urea on the
Production Performance, Rumen Fermentation, and Blood Parameter of Angus
Heifer
Authors: Caiyun Fan, Hongguang Li, Shuaihong Li, Gang Zhong, Wenbin Jia, Zhao Zhuo, Yanfeng Xue, Anne F. Koontz, Jianbo Cheng
First page: 2296
Abstract: This study investigated the effect of replacing part of the dietary soybean meal with either polymer-coated urea or gelatinized starch urea on the production performance, blood indexes, and ruminal fermentation of Angus heifers. A total of 210 purebred Angus cattle (BW = 314.26 kg) were divided into three groups: the no urea group (CON), the polymer-coated urea group (PCU), and the gelatinized starch urea group (GSU); 20 g/kg polymer-coated urea or 25 g/kg gelatinized starch urea was used to replace part of soybean meal in the concentrate feed, according to the principle of isometabolic energy and isonitrogenous. The result showed that the PCU group had higher ADG and ADF apparent digestibility, while it had a lower feed–weight ratio. On the 86th day, the serum albumin (ALB) content in the PCU group was significantly higher than that in the CON group. In rumen, compared with the CON group, the contents of acetic acid and total volatile fatty acid were significantly higher in the PCU group, whereas butyric acid and propionic acid were significantly higher in the PCU group and GSU group. Ruminal bacterial diversity analysis found that the abundance of Firmicutes was higher in the PCU group at the phylum level, and an inverse result was observed in Bacteroidetes. The abundance of Paraprevotella was higher in the PCU group, whereas higher abundance of Prevotella was found in the GSU group at the genus level. These results indicate that slow-release urea can replace part of soybean meal in the diet, and the amount of substitution in this trial had no diverse effect on the performance of Angus heifers.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-07
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162296
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2297: Phagocytic Function and Flow Cytometric
Phenotype of Asian Elephant Monocytes
Authors: Jennifer L. Johns, Trinity R. Baumgartner, Carlos R. Sanchez, Brian P. Dolan
First page: 2297
Abstract: Optimal veterinary care of managed elephant populations is vital due to the continued decline of wild populations. Appropriate health monitoring and accurate disease diagnosis include hematologic evaluation. Elephant hematology is distinctive in that elephants have high percentages of monocytes in health. Elephant monocytes also have unusual morphology, a feature shared with manatees and rock hyraxes. Manual white blood cell counting is used for elephant hematology, as analyzers are generally inaccurate. The aims of this study were to evaluate basic cell isolation and functional testing protocols for use in elephant monocyte research, and to test several available antibodies via flow cytometry for use in elephant monocyte identification. Peripheral blood samples from five Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) were used. Methods for monocyte isolation and evaluation of phagocytic function were established. Putative lymphocyte and monocyte populations were identified using a scatter on flow cytometry. Antibodies against CD11b, CD11c, CD14, and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1) were tested, with IBA1 showing the highest apparent diagnostic utility in labeling monocytes. Combined flow cytometric scatter and IBA1 positivity appear to identify Asian elephant monocytes. These data provide a methodologic basis for further investigation into elephant monocyte function and immune response to infection.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-07
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162297
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2298: Estimation of Genetic Parameters of Early
Growth Traits in Dumeng Sheep
Authors: Ruijun Wang, Xinle Wang, Baodong Liu, Lifei Zhang, Jing Li, Dayong Chen, Yunhui Ma, Huijie He, Jie Liu, Yongbin Liu, Yanjun Zhang
First page: 2298
Abstract: This study aimed to estimate the genetic and non-genetic factors that affect the nine early growth traits of Dumeng sheep, as well as to estimate the variance components and genetic parameters associated with these traits. A dataset containing detailed information on 17,896 preweaning trait records of 4474 lambs was collected. In addition, 5015 postweaning trait records of 1003 lambs were documented. The effects of recipient dam age, sex, year, season, and herd on the early growth traits were assessed using the general linear model procedure of the statistical analysis system, revealing different levels of significance across different traits. To determine the most suitable model for estimating the genetic parameters, the likelihood ratio (LR) test was employed, fitting six animal models that either excluded or included maternal genetic and maternal permanent environmental effects within the average information restricted maximum likelihood (AIREML) framework using WOMBAT software (Version: 23/11/23). The model incorporating direct additive genetic effects, maternal genetic effects, and maternal permanent environment effects as random effects (model 6) provided the best fit for birth weight (BW) estimation. In contrast, the model combining direct additive genetic effects and maternal permanent environment effects as random effects (model 2) demonstrated a superior fit for estimating the genetic parameters of weaning weight (WW), average daily gain weight from birth to weaning (ADG1), and Kleiber ratio from birth to weaning (KR1). With regard to the genetic parameters of body weight at 6 months of age (6MW), average daily gain weight from weaning to 6 months (ADG2), average daily gain weight from birth to 6 months (ADG3), Kleiber ratio from weaning to 6 months (KR2), and Kleiber ratio from birth to 6 months (KR3), model 1, which incorporates only direct additive genetic effects, was identified as the optimal choice. With the optimal model, the heritability estimates ranged from 0.010 ± 0.033 for 6MW to 0.1837 ± 0.096 for KR3. The bivariate analysis method was employed to estimate the correlation between various traits using the most suitable model. The absolute values of genetic correlation coefficients among the traits spanned a range from 0.1460 to 0.9998, highlighting both weak and strong relationships among the studied traits. Specifically, the estimated genetic correlations between WW and ADG1, ADG3, KR1, and KR3 were 0.9859, 0.9953, 0.9911, and 0.9951, respectively, while the corresponding phenotypic correlations were 0.9752, 0.7836, 0.8262, and 0.5767. These findings identified that WW could serve as an effective selection criterion for enhancing early growth traits.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-07
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162298
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2299: Equine Sarcocystosis in the Northern Region
of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Authors: Zhanaidar Bermukhametov, Kulyay Suleimanova, Oksana Tomaruk, Bakhit Baimenov, Pavel Shevchenko, Assylbek Batyrbekov, Zoja Mikniene, Ahmet Onur Girişgin, Raushan Rychshanova
First page: 2299
Abstract: Background: A total of 396 samples were taken from the hearts, oesophagi, and diaphragms of 132 horses slaughtered at slaughterhouses in 2023 for subsequent examination. Methods: The histological method revealed pathomorphological changes in the muscle tissue. The molecular method identified the pathogen species. Results: Histological examination revealed thick-walled cysts with internal septa and numerous bradyzoites, and mononuclear inflammatory cells with pericyst infiltrates. Microcyst samples were amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Molecular genetic analysis allowed for the identification of 18 sarcocysts. Phylogenetic analysis of Sarcocystis isolates revealed three separate clades of Sarcocystis bertrami and two separate clades of Sarcocystis fayeri. Comparison and phylogenetic analysis revealed a very close relationship between the identified Sarcocystis species and other equine Sarcocystis DNA sequences from China and Japan. Based on the results obtained, the epizootic situation and the parasitic level of sarcocystosis contamination of horses in the northern Kazakhstan were determined. Conclusion: This is the first histological and molecular study to identify Sarcocystis spp. isolated from microscopic forms of equine sarcocysts in the northern Kazakhstan. This research will contribute to the fight against the spread of sarcocystosis in the Republic of Kazakhstan and will allow us to develop proposals for improving the mechanisms of sarcocystosis control.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-07
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162299
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2300: Predicting Conservation Status of
Testudoformes under Climate Change Using Habitat Models
Authors: Wenbo Liao, Shun Cao, Ying Jiang, Weijie Shao, Li Zhao, Chengzhi Yan
First page: 2300
Abstract: Climate change promotes variations in distribution ranges, potentially leading to biodiversity loss and increased extinction risks for species. It is crucial to investigate these variations under future climate change scenarios for effective biodiversity conservation. Here, we studied the future distribution ranges of 268 Testudoformes species under climate change using habitat models, specifically species distribution models (SDMs), to assess their conservation status. Our results have indicated that over half of species are projected to experience declines in their potential distribution ranges under two scenarios. In particular, we found that three critically endangered species—Three-striped roofed turtle (Batagur dhongoka), Durango mud turtle (Kinosternon durangoense), and Colombian mud turtle (Kinosternon dunni)—displayed extraction of their distribution ranges and faced extinction under global climate change. Additionally, our analysis revealed that the potential distribution ranges of some species might increase under future climate scenarios. However, these findings must be interpreted with caution as they do not account for other significant factors such as biological invasions, population structure, land-use change, anthropogenic disturbances, and inter-organism interrelationships. Future studies should incorporate these factors to provide a more comprehensive assessment of extinction risks. Our findings suggest that climate change, in conjunction with habitat degradation and human activities, must be considered when assessing the extinction risks of Testudoformes.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-07
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162300
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2301: Public Attitudes towards and Management
Strategies for Community Cats in Urban China
Authors: Xuan Gu, Di Wu, Zilin Zhang, Guo Peng, Anru Ni, Bo Wang, Xiufan Xiong, Yujie Liu, Li Wang
First page: 2301
Abstract: Managing community cats in urban China is a contentious and emerging issue, with debates centering on the most effective and humane approaches. This study aimed to investigate public attitudes towards community cats and various management strategies. A survey was conducted involving 5382 urban residents in China. Their attitudes towards the positive and negative roles of community cats in urban areas and their support for different management methods were examined, including trap-and-kill, taking no action, centralized management, and trap–neuter–return (TNR) and its variations. Results indicated that 63% of participants were willing to coexist with community cats, 71% opposed trap-and-kill, and 61% agreed or strongly agreed with the TNR method and its variations. Older residents or those with higher incomes were more likely to support coexistence with community cats. In contrast, younger or lower-income residents were more likely to support non-coexistence. Residents in first- or second-tier cities (e.g., Beijing, Hangzhou, and Jinan Cities in China) were more inclined to support trap-and-kill and less likely to support coexistence than their counterparts in fourth-tier cities (e.g., county-level cities in China). Moreover, those with lower education or incomes were more supportive of trap-and-kill and taking no action as the methods to manage community cats than those with relatively higher education or incomes. Those with higher incomes held more positive attitudes towards community cats and were more supportive of TNR and its variations than their counterparts with lower incomes. Males were more inclined to support trap-and-kill and taking no action and less inclined to support centralized management and TNR than females. The implications of the findings on TNR with adoption programs in urban China are discussed. These novel findings underscore the need for targeted educational campaigns to promote humane and effective management strategies, addressing public concerns and community cats’ welfare. The study’s insights are critical for informing policy and improving community cat management in urban China.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-07
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162301
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2302: High Concentrate Supplementation during Late
Pregnancy and Lambing Reduced Mortality of Triplet-Bearing Maternal Ewes
Authors: Emmanuelle Haslin, Sarah E. Blumer, Darren Gordon, Gavin A. Kearney, Paul R. Kenyon, Lyndon J. Kubeil, Gordon Refshauge, Jason P. Trompf, Andrew N. Thompson
First page: 2302
Abstract: Low survival of triplet-bearing ewes and their lambs represents lost production and a welfare issue. The effects of feed-on-offer (FOO; low: 1205 vs. high: 1980 kg DM/ha) and concentrate supplementation (low: 50 vs. high: 300+ g/ewe/day) levels during late pregnancy and lambing on the survival of triplet-bearing ewes and their lambs were investigated on 10 commercial farms using 1772 triplet-bearing Maternal ewes. Ewe and lamb survival were estimated at marking, and ewe body condition score (BCS) was recorded in late pregnancy and at marking. Although FOO treatment had no effect on triplet-bearing ewe mortality, receiving higher supplementation decreased mortality by 40% and increased BCS at marking by 0.14 compared with a lower supplementation (p < 0.05). Supplementation, FOO treatments, weather conditions during lambing and shelter availability had no effect on triplet-lamb survival. These findings suggest no additional benefit to triplet-bearing ewe survival when FOO levels exceed 1200 kg DM/ha during late pregnancy and lambing, but increased supplementation can reduce ewe mortality. Further research is required to determine the response to the supplementation level at lower FOO levels on triplet-bearing Merino ewes and their lambs and establish whether supplementation of triplet-bearing ewes during late pregnancy and lambing with higher levels of concentrates would be cost-effective.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162302
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2303: Gene Expression Analysis before and after
the Pelvic Flexure in the Epithelium of the Equine Hindgut
Authors: Cameron D. Moss, Amber L. Wilson, Kailee J. Reed, Kaysie J. Jennings, Isabelle G. Z. Kunz, Gabriele A. Landolt, Jessica Metcalf, Terry E. Engle, Stephen J. Coleman
First page: 2303
Abstract: Previous research demonstrated the distribution of distinct microbial communities in the equine hindgut surrounding the pelvic flexure. The current study evaluated gene expression in epithelial tissues surrounding the pelvic flexure to characterize patterns that might correlate with microbial distribution. Gene expression was determined by analyzing RNA sequence data from the pelvic flexure, the left and right ventral colon, and the left and right dorsal colon. An average of 18,330 genes were expressed across the five tissues sampled. Most of the genes showed some level of expression in all five tissues. Tissue-restricted patterns of expression were also observed. Genes with restricted expression in the left ventral and left dorsal colons have communication, signaling, and regulatory functions that correlate with their known physiology. In contrast, genes expressed exclusively in the pelvic flexure have diverse functions. The ontology of genes differentially expressed between the pelvic flexure and the surrounding tissues was associated with immune functions and signaling processes. Despite being non-significant, these enrichment trends were reinforced by the functions of statistically significant expression differences between tissues of the hindgut. These results provide insight into the physiology of the equine hindgut epithelium that might influence the microbiota and its distribution.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162303
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2304: Carcass and Meat Characteristics of Cull
Heifers from Different Genetic Groups Fed Diets with Different Sources of
Nonprotein Nitrogen in Confinement
Authors: Manoel Gustavo Paranhos da Silva, Luís Carlos Vinhas Ítavo, Camila Celeste Brandão Ferreira Ítavo, Marina de Nadai Bonin Gomes, Angelo Herbet Moreira Arcanjo, Jessika Rodrigues de Figueiredo Moura, Brenda Farias da Costa Leite Lopes, Lucimara Modesto Nonato, Rodrigo da Costa Gomes
First page: 2304
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of genetic groups and diets with different sources of nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) on the carcass and meat characteristics of beef heifers. The meat from 40 heifers (20 ½ Angus ½ Nellore (A × N) and 20 ½ Charolais ½ Nellore (L × N)), finished in feedlots, was used. The heifers were fed diets containing different sources of NPN—(1) a diet with livestock urea and protected urea (LPU) and (2) a diet with extruded urea (EU)—in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Carcass, composition and meat quality evaluations were carried out. There were no significant interactions between diet and genetic group for most of the variables evaluated (p > 0.05). The A × N heifers had higher hot carcass weights (305.73 vs. 279.80 kg), loin eye areas (80.87 vs. 75.45 cm2), subcutaneous fat thicknesses (8.69 vs. 6.35 mm) and lower shear forces (6.98 vs. 7.7 kg) compared to the C × N heifers (p < 0.05). The meat from the A × N heifers had higher proportions of saturated fatty acids (49.41 vs. 47.95%), with no effects on the proportions of monounsaturated (47.57%) and polyunsaturated (4.01%) fatty acids. The A × N heifers had better carcass and meat characteristics, while the C × N heifers had meat and fat with better fatty acid profiles.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162304
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2305: The Silent Threat: Unraveling the Impact of
Rabies in Herbivores in Brazil
Authors: Marcelo Cardoso da Silva Ventura, Jéssica Milena Moura Neves, Randyson da Silva Pinheiro, Marcos Vinicius Costa Santos, Elba Regina Sampaio de Lemos, Marco Aurelio Pereira Horta
First page: 2305
Abstract: Rabies, a zoonotic viral disease, poses a significant threat due to its adaptability to diverse environments. Herbivore rabies, predominantly affecting cattle, horses, and goats in Brazil, remains a concern, results in substantial losses in the livestock industry, and poses risks to public health. Rabies virus transmission, primarily through hematophagous bats in Latin America, underscores the need for effective strategies, and vaccination plays a crucial role in controlling herbivorous rabies, with systematic vaccination beingly the primary method. Efforts to control rabies in herbivores include vaccination campaigns, public awareness programs, and the enhancement of surveillance systems. Despite these initiatives, rabies persists and imposes an economic burden and a significant health risk. Economic impacts include losses in the livestock industry, trade restrictions on livestock products, and financial burdens on governments and farmers owing to control measures. Despite the considerable costs of campaigns, surveillance, and control, investing in rabies vaccination and control not only safeguards livestock, but also preserves public health, reduces human cases, and strengthens the sustainability of the livestock industry. Mitigating the impact of herbivorous rabies in Brazil requires integrated approaches and continuous investments in vaccination, surveillance, and control measures to protect public health and ensure the sustainability of the livestock industry, thus contributing to food and economic security.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162305
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2306: Loco-Regional Anaesthesia during Standing
Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Equids: A Systematic Review (2003–2023)
of the Literature
Authors: Giada Giambrone, Giuseppe Catone, Gabriele Marino, Enrico Gugliandolo, Renato Miloro, Cecilia Vullo
First page: 2306
Abstract: Laparoscopic ovariectomy is generally performed with equids in the standing position, with the animals heavily sedated and restrained in stocks. This procedure may be quite painful, and it is essential first to manage intraoperative pain to complete the surgery, respecting the animal’s welfare and, at the same time, ensuring the safety of the operators. Laparoscopy requires multiple small incisions to introduce the instruments, with one to two incisions enlarged sufficiently to remove the ovary. The surgical procedure must be associated with effective pain control, usually obtained with loco-regional anaesthesia, mesovarian injection, mesovaric or ovarian topical anaesthesia, and epidural anaesthesia. This systematic review aims to discuss articles published from 2003 to 2023 on treating loco-regional anaesthesia in standing laparoscopic ovariectomy in association with an evaluation of pain. The literature review was undertaken according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines on three databases (NCBI-PubMed, Web of Science, and SciVerse Scopus). Despite the collected papers numbering 36, we identified only five eligible papers, demonstrating that few studies are performed in order to evaluate the quality of analgesia with loco-regional anaesthesia in standing laparoscopic ovariectomy in equids. The authors of this systematic review agree that the association of injectable and epidural anaesthesia is the best solution to manage intraoperative pain in standing laparoscopic ovariectomy in equids.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162306
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2307: Vibration as a New Survey Method for Spiders
Authors: Rachael Harris, Robert Raven, Andrew Maxwell, Peter J. Murray
First page: 2307
Abstract: Spiders have important ecological roles as generalist predators, are a significant source of food for many other species, and are bioindicators of environmental health. However, spiders are poorly studied. Given their importance, a comparison of spider survey methods used to determine differences in spider diversity and abundance is required to understand their limitations and biases. A new survey method to attract spiders, based on vibration from an idling diesel tractor, was tested and compared to the traditional methods of pitfall trapping and hand collection of spiders at night. Across the three survey methods, there were, in total, 2294 spiders in 34 families, 138 genera, and 226 species identified. Spider species diversity and richness were significantly greater for spiders collected at night than from the other two methods (spiders collected in pitfall traps and attracted to vibration). The collection of spiders using the night collection and vibration-based methods were very similar in terms of labor required and material costs. Of all spider species identified, 80% were captured during hand collection, 30% through pitfall trapping, and 30% from vibration-based collection. Most species of spiders caught in pitfall traps were species known to be primarily ground-dwelling, whereas both arboreal and ground-dwelling spiders were collected at night and as a result of being attracted and collected using the vibration-based method.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162307
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2308: Pet Owners’ Preferences for Quality of
Life Improvements and Costs Related to Innovative Therapies in Feline Pain
Associated with Osteoarthritis—A Quantitative Survey
Authors: Andrea Wright, Edwina Gildea, Louise Longstaff, Danielle Riley, Nirav Nagda, Kristina DiPietrantonio, Ashley Enstone, Robin Wyn, David Bartram
First page: 2308
Abstract: This research aimed to explore UK cat owners’ preferences for treatments for feline osteoarthritis (OA) by exploring preferences around quality of life (QoL) improvements, safety considerations, and costs associated with hypothetical innovative pain therapies. Aspects identified in an existing conceptual framework were extracted for inclusion in exploratory interviews with cat owners (n = 3) to identify key domains that contribute to the QoL of cats. QoL descriptions for cats with OA and hypothetical product attributes were developed and validated through interviews with veterinarians (n = 3). An online survey was subsequently shared with 255 pet owners in the UK. Pet owners were presented with QoL descriptions and hypothetical product attributes to gather their preferences for QoL improvements and their willingness to pay (WTP) for (unbranded) pain therapies at various price points. Pet owners were motivated to improve their cats’ QoL, which translated into WTP for therapies; specifically, pet owners valued QoL improvements in mobility, pain expression, and well-being. When presented with a product profile of the hypothetical novel monoclonal antibody (mAb) and cost, 50% of cat owners were willing to pay more for a mAb that is expected to have improved efficacy and safety when compared to a hypothetical standard of care (SoC). Significantly more pet owners preferred the mAb than the SoC when price was not presented (p < 0.01), with product efficacy and safety driving pet owners’ decision-making. The majority of pet owners did not agree that taking their cats to the veterinarian once a month for their treatment would be burdensome. Cat owners in the UK are motivated to improve their cats’ QoL, which translates into WTP for the efficacious treatment of pain associated with osteoarthritis. Veterinarians should offer cat owners the pain treatment they feel is best suited for improving the cat’s QoL and to ensure subsequent owner-pet bond is preserved.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162308
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2309: Rapid Detection of Getah Virus Antibodies in
Horses Using a Recombinant E2 Protein-Based Immunochromatographic Strip
Authors: Dengke Zhong, Jiayang Zheng, Zhiyong Ma, Yan Wang, Jianchao Wei
First page: 2309
Abstract: The prevalence and impact of Getah virus (GETV) are significant concerns in China. GETV can infect a wide range of animals, including horses, pigs, sheep, cattle, birds, and humans, resulting in substantial losses in the livestock and agricultural industries. GETV infection can cause the development of ulcers and inflammation in the mouth and gums of horses, which result in pain and discomfort and lead to symptoms such as reduced appetite, drooling, and difficulty chewing. As a result, there is a pressing need for efficient and rapid disease diagnosis methods. However, the currently available diagnostic methods have limitations in terms of operational time, equipment, and the experience of the individuals using them. In this study, a rapid, specific, and sensitive detection method was developed using a colloidal gold-based immunochromatographic strip (ICS) for the detection of antibodies against GETV in horses. To prepare the ICS, the antigen domain of the E2 glycoprotein of GETV was expressed using the Escherichia coli expression system after analysis with DNAstar v7.1 software. The nitrocellulose membrane was coated with rE2 protein or SPA to form the test line and control line, respectively. After optimizing the reaction conditions, the sensitivity, specificity, and repeatability of the strip were verified. The results showed that the test strip had a detection limit of up to 1:320 dilutions for GETV-positive serum, with no cross-reactivity observed with other equine-susceptible pathogens such as equine arteritis virus (EAV), equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-I), equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), equine influenza virus (EIV), African horse sickness virus (AHSV), and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). Furthermore, the ICS exhibited a concordance rate of 94.0% when testing 182 clinical serum samples compared to the virus neutralization test. Overall, this ICS diagnosis method will be an effective tool for the rapid detection of GETV in the field.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani14162309
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 16 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2210: Addition of Spray-Dried Plasma in Phase 2
Diets for Weanling Pigs Improves Growth Performance, Reduces Diarrhea
Incidence, and Decreases Mucosal Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Hannah M. Bailey, Natalia S. Fanelli, Joy M. Campbell, Hans H. Stein
First page: 2210
Abstract: The hypothesis that pigs fed a low crude protein (CP) diet with 6% spray-dried plasma (SDP) in phase 1 will have improved growth and intestinal health if the phase-2 diet contains 2.5% SDP was tested. Three hundred weaned pigs were used. Growth performance, feces, blood, and intestinal tissue were evaluated. Pigs fed 6% SDP in phase 1 had improved average daily gain (ADG) and final body weight (BW), but had reduced villus-height-to-crypt-depth ratio in phase 2 if 2.5% SDP was included in the normal-CP diet (p < 0.05), but not in the low-CP diet. Diarrhea incidence was less (p < 0.05) with 2.5% SDP in the phase 2 diet and for the low-CP diet. Ileal mucosa interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and IL-1β decreased (p < 0.05) for pigs fed the phase-1 diet with 6% SDP compared with pigs fed the diet without SDP. Addition of 2.5% SDP in phase 2 reduced (p < 0.05) IL-1β compared with the diet without SDP. Although the combination of SDP and low CP did not affect intestinal health in phase 2, diarrhea incidence and pro-inflammatory cytokines were reduced in pigs fed SDP in phase 1 or phase 2 or if a low-CP diet was fed.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-30
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152210
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2211: Heat Shock Related Protein Expression in
Abdominal Testes of Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)
Authors: Yoko Sato, Theerawat Tharasanit, Chatchote Thitaram, Chaleamchat Somgird, Sittidet Mahasawangkul, Nikorn Thongtip, Kaywalee Chatdarong, Narong Tiptanavattana, Masayasu Taniguchi, Takeshige Otoi, Mongkol Techakumphu
First page: 2211
Abstract: The abdominal testes of Asian elephants show normal spermatogenesis. Heat shock in cryptorchid testes elevates heat shock factor (HSF) expression, leading to germ cell apoptosis, while increased heat shock proteins (HSPs) levels provide protection. To investigate how heat shock affects elephant spermatogenic cells, focusing on heat shock-related molecules and the cell death mechanism, immunohistochemistry and TUNEL staining were employed to assess the immunoexpression of several heat shock-related molecules and the status of apoptosis in elephant fibroblasts (EF) induced by heat shock stimulus. Additionally, the immunoexpression of heat shock-related molecules and cell proliferation status in the elephant spermatogenic cells. Our finding indicated that heat shock-induced HSF1 immunoexpression in EF leads to apoptosis mediated by T-cell death-associated gene 51 (TDAG51) while also upregulating HSP70 to protect damaged cells. In elephant spermatogenic cells, immunostaining revealed a predominance of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells with minimal TDAG51- and TUNEL-positive cells, suggesting active proliferation and apoptosis suppression during normal spermatogenesis in the abdominal testis. Interestingly, spermatogonia co-immunoexpressed HSF1 and HSP90, potentially reducing apoptosis through protective mechanisms different from those observed in other mammals. Spermatogenic cells did not show immunolocalisation of HSP70, and hence, it may not contribute to protecting the spermatogonia from heat shock because the transcriptional activity of HSF1 is suppressed by HSP90A binding. This study provides insight into the specific heat shock response and defence mechanisms in elephant spermatogenic cells and may contribute to our understanding of species-specific adaptation to environmental stresses of the testis.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-30
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152211
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2212: Rose or Red, but Still under Threat:
Comparing Microplastics Ingestion between Two Sympatric Marine Crustacean
Species (Aristaeomorpha foliacea and Parapenaeus longirostris)
Authors: Laura Ciaralli, Tommaso Valente, Eleonora Monfardini, Giovanni Libralato, Loredana Manfra, Daniela Berto, Federico Rampazzo, Giorgia Gioacchini, Giulia Chemello, Raffaella Piermarini, Cecilia Silvestri, Marco Matiddi
First page: 2212
Abstract: Increasing plastic contamination poses a serious threat to marine organisms. Microplastics (MPs) ingestion can represent a risk for the organism itself and for the ultimate consumer. Through the analysis of the gastrointestinal tract, coupled with stable isotope analysis on the muscle tissue, this study provides insights into the relationship between MPs pollution and ecology in two commercial marine species caught in the Central Tyrrhenian Sea: Aristaeomorpha foliacea and Parapenaeus longirostris. Stable isotope analysis was conducted to determine the trophic position and the trophic niche width. The gastrointestinal tracts were processed, and the resultant MPs were analysed under FT-IR spectroscopy to estimate the occurrence, abundance, and typology of the ingested MPs. The trophic level of the species was similar (P. longirostris TP = 3 ± 0.10 and A. foliacea TP = 3.1 ± 0.08), with an important trophic niche overlap, where 38% and 52% of P. longirostris and A. foliacea has ingested MPs, respectively. Though species-level differences may not be evident regarding MP’s abundance per individual, a high degree of dissimilarity was noted in the typologies of ingested particles. This research provides valuable insights into how MPs enter marine trophic webs, stressing that isotopic niche analysis should be combined with other methods to explain in detail the differences in MPs ingestion.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-30
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152212
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2213: Complete Thoracic Ectopia Cordis in Two
Lambs
Authors: Liz de Albuquerque Cerqueira, Isabel Luana de Mâcedo, Davi Emanuel Ribeiro de Sousa, Haiane Arruda Luz Amorim, José Renato Junqueira Borges, Fábio Henrique Bezerra Ximenes, Antonio Carlos Lopes Câmara, Márcio Botelho de Castro
First page: 2213
Abstract: Cardiac congenital defects related to inheritance and teratogenesis have been reported in veterinary species and humans worldwide. Among these, ectopia cordis (EC), characterized by an externalized heart through a cleft, is extremely rare in sheep. This report presents the diagnostic features of two cases of complete thoracic EC in newborn lambs. Clinical findings in the lambs, aside from the EC, were unremarkable. Both animals exhibited exteriorized hearts without pericardial coverage, delineated in the thoracic cleft by a fibrous ring of the pericardium and adjacent skin. Histologically, the epicardium was thickened by fibrous tissue in both lambs, with one animal also showing marked edema, hemorrhage, and neutrophilic inflammatory infiltration. The prognosis of EC in the lambs of this study was poor, with fatal outcomes despite attempts at surgical correction.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-30
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152213
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2214: Resveratrol Enhances Antioxidant and
Anti-Apoptotic Capacities in Chicken Primordial Germ Cells through m6A
Methylation: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Yanzhao Qiao, Gengsheng Xiao, Xiaohua Zhu, Jun Wen, Yonghui Bu, Xinheng Zhang, Jie Kong, Yinshan Bai, Qingmei Xie
First page: 2214
Abstract: Avian primordial germ cells (PGCs) are essential in avian transgenic research, germplasm conservation, and disease resistance breeding. However, cultured PGCs are prone to fragmentation and apoptosis, regulated at transcriptional and translational levels, with N6-methyladenosine (m6A) being the most common mRNA modification. Resveratrol (RSV) is known for its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties, but its effects on PGCs and the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. This study shows that RSV supplementation in cultured PGCs improves cell morphology, significantly enhances total antioxidant capacity (p < 0.01), reduces malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.05), increases anti-apoptotic BCL2 expression, and decreases Caspase-9 expression (p < 0.05). Additionally, RSV upregulates the expression of m6A reader proteins YTHDF1 and YTHDF3 (p < 0.05). m6A methylation sequencing revealed changes in mRNA m6A levels after RSV treatment, identifying 6245 methylation sites, with 1223 unique to the control group and 798 unique to the RSV group. Combined analysis of m6A peaks and mRNA expression identified 65 mRNAs with significantly altered methylation and expression levels. Sixteen candidate genes were selected, and four were randomly chosen for RT-qPCR validation, showing results consistent with the transcriptome data. Notably, FAM129A and SFRP1 are closely related to apoptosis, indicating potential research value. Overall, our study reveals the protective effects and potential mechanisms of RSV on chicken PGCs, providing new insight into its use as a supplement in reproductive stem cell culture.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-30
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152214
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2215: Exploring Evolutionary Adaptations and
Genomic Advancements to Improve Heat Tolerance in Chickens
Authors: Ali Hassan Nawaz, Phatthawin Setthaya, Chungang Feng
First page: 2215
Abstract: Climate change poses a significant threat to the poultry industry, especially in hot climates that adversely affect chicken growth, development, and productivity through heat stress. This literature review evaluates the evolutionary background of chickens with the specific genetic characteristics that can help chickens to cope with hot conditions. Both natural selection and human interventions have influenced the genetic characteristics of the breeds used in the current poultry production system. The domestication of chickens from the Red junglefowl (Gallus gallus) has resulted in the development of various breeds with distinct genetic differences. Over the past few years, deliberate breeding for desirable traits (such as meat production and egg quality) in chickens has resulted in the emergence of various economically valuable breeds. However, this selective breeding has also caused a decrease in the genetic diversity of chickens, making them more susceptible to environmental stressors like heat stress. Consequently, the chicken breeds currently in use may possess a limited ability to adapt to challenging conditions, such as extreme heat. This review focuses on evaluating potential genes and pathways responsible for heat tolerance, including heat shock response, antioxidant defense systems, immune function, and cellular homeostasis. This article will also discuss the physiological and behavioral responses of chicken varieties that exhibit genetic resistance to heat, such as the naked neck and dwarf traits in different indigenous chickens. This article intends to review the current genomic findings related to heat tolerance in chickens that used methods such as the genome-wide association study (GWAS) and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, offering valuable insights for the sustainability of poultry in the face of global warming.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-30
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152215
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2216: Effects of Personality and Behavioral
Syndromes on Competition for Social Hierarchical Status in Anemonefish
Amphiprion clarkii
Authors: Lisheng Wu, Shunyun Deng, Wei Tang, Sipeng Zhang, Feng Liang, Shaoxiong Ding
First page: 2216
Abstract: In this study, the behavioral ethogram of Amphiprion clarkii during the growth phase prior to sexual differentiation was summarized based on behavioral observations in three social environments. These behaviors can be classified into four categories: in addition to normal behaviors, the other three categories of behaviors—threatening, agonistic, and appeasing behaviors—represent different intentions in interactions with other individuals. Subsequently, the personalities of each individual were assessed by testing their reactions to intruders. These individuals mainly exhibited two distinct personality types: bold-aggressive and shy-submissive. In pairing experiments, the interactive behaviors of the anemonefish were observed in pairing combinations of different body sizes and personalities. The impact of personality on the establishment of a stable social hierarchy was confirmed by significant differences in the success rates of different pairing combinations, with the frequency of appeasing behaviors being the main factor influencing the success rate. Our results suggested that in natural waters, when juvenile individuals migrate among host anemones, shy-submissive individuals are more likely to be accepted due to their appeasing behaviors towards larger individuals, thus avoiding the risk of being attacked and bitten, and benefiting the survival of the individual. Conversely, bold-aggressive individuals are more likely to be driven away to another host anemone due to their unwillingness to settle for a lower-ranked status, thereby contributing to population dispersal and increasing opportunities for gene exchange between populations.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-30
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152216
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2217: Affective Implications of Human–Animal
Relationship on Pig Welfare: Integrating Non-Linear Heart Rate Variability
Measures
Authors: Javiera Calderón-Amor, Belén Zuleta, Maria Camila Ceballos, Daniel Cartes, Christopher J. Byrd, Benjamin Lecorps, Rocío Palomo, Sergio A. Guzmán-Pino, Daniela Siel, Daniela Luna
First page: 2217
Abstract: The human–animal relationship is crucial for animal welfare. Gentle handling enhances pigs’ comfort while rough handling causes fear and stress. This study examined how different human–animal relationship qualities affect the behavior and heart rate variability (linear and non-linear parameters) of 36 nursery pigs. Over six weeks, pigs experienced positive (n = 12), minimal (n = 12), or negative (n = 12) human handling. Their responses to handlers were then assessed in an experimental arena with four phases: habituation, exposure to the handler standing and sitting, and forced interaction. Pigs subjected to negative handling exhibited increased fear-related behaviors, spending less time in contact with the handler. They also exhibited heightened stress responses, with greater LF/HF ratio and Lmean values compared with positively handled pigs. Conversely, gently handled pigs displayed affiliative behaviors, accepting more strokes, and higher parasympathetic activation, indicated by greater RMSSD/SDNN and SampEn values, suggesting a more positive affective state. Minimally handled pigs exhibited some behavioral similarities to gently handled pigs, although physiological data indicated that the interaction was likely more rewarding for the gently handled pigs. These results emphasize the impact of human–animal relationships on pig welfare and highlight the value of incorporating non-linear heart rate variability parameters in such evaluations.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152217
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2218: A Retrospective Study of Sildenafil
Administration in 55 Cats with Cardiopulmonary Disease (2009–2021)
Authors: Jasmine Huynh, Samantha Dolan, Emily T. Karlin, Lisa M. Freeman, Elizabeth A. Rozanski, John E. Rush
First page: 2218
Abstract: Sildenafil is a drug used to successfully manage a variety of cardiopulmonary disorders in people and dogs, but there is limited information on its use in cats. The objective was to review the medical records of cats that received sildenafil as part of their clinical management. Medical records and pharmacy databases were searched for cats that received sildenafil for ≥24 h between 2009 and 2021, and data were collected from medical records. Fifty-five cats received sildenafil for ≥24 h and were included in the study: 43 with primary cardiac disease (acquired, n = 28; congenital, n = 15) and 12 with primary respiratory disease. Side effects possibly attributed to sildenafil were identified in two cats (systemic hypotension, n = 1; polydipsia, n = 1), and sildenafil was discontinued in the cat with hypotension. Sildenafil was discontinued in an additional three cats due to a lack of improvement in clinical signs. No cat was documented to develop worsening pulmonary edema within 72 h of starting sildenafil. Median duration of sildenafil administration was 87 days (range, 2–2362 days). Sildenafil administration in cats appeared to be generally well-tolerated. Studies are needed to determine whether sildenafil administration to cats with cardiopulmonary disease improves the quality of life or survival times.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152218
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2219: The Influence of Selected Environmental
Factors on the Number of Somatic Cells in Cistern and Alveolar Milk of
Polish Holstein-Friesian Cows
Authors: Piotr Guliński, Michał Kacper Kroszka
First page: 2219
Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the milking phase on somatic cell count (SCC) in milk obtained from the cisternal and alveolar parts of udders of selected Polish Holstein-Friesian cows. The study also assessed the impact of other genetic and environmental factors on SCC variability in cisternal and alveolar milk, including: the individual cow, lactation stage, age of cow, production level, milking speed, fat-to-protein ratio, and milking type. The research included 15 cows of Polish Holstein-Friesian breed at different ages, lactation stages, and with varying daily milk yield. A total of 210 milk observations were conducted, including 105 for 1 min milking and 105 for 8 min milking. The results obtained in the study indicated that milk obtained during two different milking phases exhibited similar SCC levels (F for LOGSCC = 0.79). The average actual SCC in milk produced by 15 cows in 105 observations for 1 min milking was 219,000 cells/mL, while for 8 min milking it was 229,000 cells/mL. The results were inconclusive, suggesting that SCC in cisternal and alveolar milk must be influenced by factors other than the milking phase. The analysis of variance conducted for this purpose provided the basis for stating a highly statistically significant effect of the individual cow (F for LOGSCC = 147.9), lactation stage (F for LOGSCC = 54.64), age of cow (F for LOGSCC = 12.39), daily production level (F for LOGSCC = 34.49), milking speed (F for LOGSCC = 17.56), and fat-to-protein ratio (F for LOGSCC = 22.99) on the variability of characteristics defining SCC in milk. In summary, SCC is characterized by high variability, influenced by a range of environmental and genetic factors such as the individual cow, lactation stage, age of cow, milking speed, and dietary fat-to-protein ratio. The influence of milking phase (1 min or 8 min) and milking type (morning or evening) should be considered inconclusive based on the entire population studied. For half of the cows, SCC in cisternal milk was higher than in alveolar milk, while for the other half, the situation was reversed. Further observations are required to confirm the hypothesis regarding the extent to which cows’ immunological response to bacterial infections is concentrated in the cisternal or alveolar part of the udder under national environmental conditions.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152219
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2220: Mitochondrial Genomes of Streptopelia
decaocto: Insights into Columbidae Phylogeny
Authors: Jiangyong Qu, Xiaofei Lu, Xindong Teng, Zhikai Xing, Shuang Wang, Chunyu Feng, Xumin Wang, Lijun Wang
First page: 2220
Abstract: In this research, the mitochondrial genome of the Streptopelia decaocto was sequenced and examined for the first time to enhance the comprehension of the phylogenetic relationships within the Columbidae. The complete mitochondrial genome of Streptopelia decaocto (17,160 bp) was structurally similar to the recognized members of the Columbidae family, but with minor differences in gene size and arrangement. The structural AT content was 54.12%. Additionally, 150 mitochondrial datasets, representing valid species, were amassed in this investigation. Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) phylogenetic trees and evolutionary time relationships of species were reconstructed based on cytb gene sequences. The findings from the phylogenetic evaluations suggest that the S. decaocto was classified under the Columbinae subfamily, diverging from the Miocene approximately 8.1 million years ago, indicating intricate evolutionary connections with its close relatives, implying a history of species divergence and geographic isolation. The diversification of the Columbidae commenced during the Late Oligocene and extended into the Miocene. This exploration offers crucial molecular data for the S. decaocto, facilitating the systematic taxonomic examination of the Columbidae and Columbiformes, and establishing a scientific foundation for species preservation and genetic resource management.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152220
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2221: Genetic Diversity and Population Structure
of Dülmen Wild, Liebenthal and Polish Konik Horses in Comparison with
Przewalski, Sorraia, German Draught and Riding Horses
Authors: Silke Duderstadt, Ottmar Distl
First page: 2221
Abstract: The objective of the present study was to analyze the genetic diversity, individual-based assessment of population structure, and admixture in the Dülmen wild horse population in comparison to warmblood, coldblood, and primitive horse populations. The Dülmen wild horse is kept as a unique horse population in the Merfelder Bruch near Dülmen in Westphalia, Germany, and since 1856 has been managed by the Dukes of Croÿ. The Dülmen wild horse population is exposed to the natural conditions of the Merfelder Bruch all year round without human interventions for feeding and veterinary care. In the present study, genetic diversity was estimated for 101 Dülmen wild horses using multilocus genotypic information from a set of 29 autosomal microsatellites and compared with 587 horses from 17 different horse populations. Dülmen wild horses maintained a high degree of genetic diversity, with an average observed heterozygosity of 0.68, a mean number of 6.17 alleles, and heterozygote deficit of −0.035. Pairwise genetic distances (FST, Nei’s standard, and Cavalli-Sforza distances) were closest to German coldblood breeds, Polish Konik, and Icelandic horses and most divergent from Sorraia and Przewalski’s horses. Neighbor joining dendrogram and PCA plots showed a clear distinction of Dülmen wild horses from other populations, particularly from Przewalski horses. Posterior Bayesian analysis confirmed clear differentiation from other horse populations without an admixture pattern and a high membership index (0.92). It was possible to distinguish Dülmen wild horses from Dülmen and Polish Konik horses. In conclusion, Dülmen wild horses show a notable separation from other German horse breeds and primitive horse populations and may serve as a resource to study evolution of equine domestication.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152221
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2222: Epidemiology and Genetic Characterization of
Porcine Parvovirus 7 Recovered from Swine in Hunan, China
Authors: Dongliang Wang, Qing He, Naidong Wang, Jinhui Mai
First page: 2222
Abstract: Porcine parvovirus 7 (PPV7) was first discovered in swine in 2016, and PPV7 infection has been detected in aborted pig fetuses and in sows that experienced reproductive failure. The objective of this study was to report the prevalence and genetic characterization of PPV7 in Hunan, China. Seventy of the four hundred and twenty-two (16.6%) serum, semen, and tissue samples collected from pigs were positive for PPV7. One complete PPV7 strain and eighteen complete cap gene sequences were obtained; nucleotide and amino acid identity among the nineteen Cap sequences were 88.1–99.4% and 88.1–100%, respectively. They shared identity with previously discovered sequences ranging from 86.6 to 98.9% and 83.7 to 99.8% at the nucleotide- and amino acid-level, respectively. The phylogenetic tree analysis exhibited that PPV7 strains had two major groups based on the presence or absence of five amino acid (181–185) insertions on the Cap protein. Analysis of the Cap protein demonstrated that PPV7 Cap had significant variability, implying that PPV7 evolved at high substitution rates. Substantial variations of that PPV7 Cap may enable the emergence of newly mutated capsid profiles due to its viral adaptation to host responses. Furthermore, antigenic alteration owing to PPV7 Cap protein amino acid mutations at immune epitopes may enable viruses to escape from the host’s immune system. This study determined the prevalence and genetic characteristics of PPV7 circulating in swine in Hunan, China, and provided the impetus and basis to further investigate the pathogenicity and epidemiology of PPV7.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152222
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2223: The Royal Zoological Society of
Scotland’s Approach to Assessing and Promoting Animal Welfare in
Collaboration with Universities
Authors: Kristine M. Gandia, Jo Elliott, Simon Girling, Sharon E. Kessler, Hannah M. Buchanan-Smith
First page: 2223
Abstract: Good zoos have four aims—to conserve species, educate the public, engage in research, and provide recreation—all of which can only be achieved when underpinned by high animal welfare standards. In this paper, we share the approach that The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park take to animal welfare. We highlight the role that animal welfare research, in collaboration with universities, has had in enabling the zoo to take an evidence-based approach to welfare and to put findings into practice. We share the collaborative process through which we developed and piloted the current animal welfare assessment tools, how they were validated, and how they were tested for reliability as part of a long-term collaboration between the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and the University of Stirling: (1) the RZSS Welfare Assessment Tool, a 50-question animal welfare assessment adapted from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Toolkit; and (2) the Stirling Toolkit, a package of evidence-based resources for behavioural-data collection. Our aim is to facilitate standardised, evidence-based approaches to assessing animal welfare which, when finalised, can be used collaboratively across zoos.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152223
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2224: Serological and Molecular Survey of
Rickettsial Agents in Wild Boars (Sus scrofa) from Midwestern Brazil
Authors: Nicolas Jalowitzki de Lima, Gracielle Teles Pádua, Ennya Rafaella Neves Cardoso, Raphaela Bueno Mendes Bittencourt, Mariana Avelar Tavares, Warley Vieira de Freitas Paula, Lucianne Cardoso Neves, Carlos Damian Segovia, Gabriel Cândido dos Santos, Maria Carolina de Azevedo Serpa, Denise Caroline Toledo, Lívia Mendonça Pascoal, Marcelo Bahia Labruna, Alexander Welker Biondo, Felipe da Silva Krawczak
First page: 2224
Abstract: Wild boars (Sus scrofa L.) are considered among the most harmful invasive species worldwide, causing irreversible ecosystem damage, acting as zoonotic spreaders and reservoirs, threatening human and animal health, and having an important economic impact. Accordingly, the present study has assessed the rickettsial exposure, tick infestation of wild boars, and rickettsial DNA presence in ticks from infested animals from the Cerrado biome in midwestern Brazil. Anti-Rickettsia spp. antibodies were detected in serum samples of wild boars by immunofluorescence assay. Overall, 106/285 (37.2%) wild boar serum samples from 13 to 18 (72.2%) municipalities showed seroreactivity to at least one of the four Rickettsia spp. antigens tested, the largest number of wild boars serologically tested to Rickettsia spp. in this type of study. Among the 106 seroreactive animals, 34 showed possible homologous reactions between R. parkeri, R. amblyommatis, and R. bellii, with endpoint titers between 128 and 512. A sample of 45 ticks collected from four culled wild boars was identified as Amblyomma sculptum, and all tested negative for rickettsial DNA presence. In conclusion, this study has provided a reliable sampling seroprevalence and indicated high exposure of wild boars to rickettsial agents, with a potential interaction with Rickettsia spp. from the spotted fever group within the Cerrado biome from midwestern Brazil.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152224
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2225: Research Progress on the Regulating Factors
of Muscle Fiber Heterogeneity in Livestock: A Review
Authors: Yufei Wang, Donghao Zhang, Yiping Liu
First page: 2225
Abstract: The type of muscle fiber plays a crucial role in the growth, development, and dynamic plasticity of animals’ skeletal muscle. Additionally, it is a primary determinant of the quality of both fresh and processed meat. Therefore, understanding the regulatory factors that contribute to muscle fibers’ heterogeneity is of paramount importance. Recent advances in sequencing and omics technologies have enabled comprehensive cross-verification of research on the factors affecting the types of muscle fiber across multiple levels, including the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome. These advancements have facilitated deeper exploration into the related biological questions. This review focused on the impact of individual characteristics, feeding patterns, and genetic regulation on the proportion and interconversion of different muscle fibers. The findings indicated that individual characteristics and feeding patterns significantly influence the type of muscle fiber, which can effectively enhance the type and distribution of muscle fibers in livestock. Furthermore, non-coding RNA, genes and signaling pathways between complicated regulatory mechanisms and interactions have a certain degree of impact on muscle fibers’ heterogeneity. This, in turn, changes muscle fiber profile in living animals through genetic selection or environmental factors, and has the potential to modulate the quality of fresh meat. Collectively, we briefly reviewed the structure of skeletal muscle tissue and then attempted to review the inevitable connection between the quality of fresh meat and the type of muscle fiber, with particular attention to potential events involved in regulating muscle fibers’ heterogeneity.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152225
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2226: Effects of a Nutraceutical Treatment on the
Intestinal Microbiota of Sled Dogs
Authors: Benedetta Belà, Paolo Emidio Crisi, Giulia Pignataro, Isa Fusaro, Alessandro Gramenzi
First page: 2226
Abstract: Dog sledding is the main discipline of working dogs on snow, consisting of a team of dogs pulling a sled under the guidance of the owner. To carry out this sport, dogs must have adequate nutrition and vitamin and antioxidant supplementation to ensure that the physical effort is optimal. The present study evaluated the effect that sporting activity and stress have on the canine intestinal microbiota by dividing the dogs into two groups: a control group that did not take any nutraceutical products and the treated group to which a nutraceutical product was administered. The nutraceutical administered in this study is used in all cases of canine intestinal dysbiosis in which it is essential to quickly restore a balanced intestinal microbiota. The results obtained show that in dogs not taking the nutraceutical, there is an increase in bacteria, such as Streptococcus spp. and E. coli, considered enteropathogenic to the detriment of beneficial bacterial species such as Faecalibacterium spp., Turicibacter spp., Blautia spp., Fusobacterium spp., and Clostridium hiranonis. Instead, the group of dogs treated with nutraceutical displays a lower amount of enteropathogenic bacteria and a great increase in the other bacterial species considered beneficial for the animal’s health. The results obtained in the present study show that Microbiotal cane® can be used in dogs subject to intense sporting activity by preventing severe alterations at intestinal ecosystem levels by maintaining intestinal bacterial composition as balanced as possible.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152226
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2227: Methionine Improves Boar Sperm Quality by
Promoting Mitochondrial Translation during Liquid Storage
Authors: Meiling Tan, Yuting Zhao, Li Ren, Chenxuan Li, Jiangxue Cai, Bin He
First page: 2227
Abstract: Boar sperm quality serves as an important indicator of reproductive efficiency, playing a direct role in enhancing the output of livestock production. It has been demonstrated that mitochondrial protein translation is present in sperm and plays a crucial role in regulating sperm motility, capacitation and in vitro fertilization rate. The present study aimed to determine whether methionine supplementation enhances mitochondrial translation in boar sperm, thereby improving sperm quality. The results showed a significant elevation in the abundance of mitochondrial methionyl-tRNA formyltransferase (MTFMT), a crucial enzyme for mitochondrial protein translation, and mitochondrial DNA-encoded cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) in boar sperm exhibiting high motility. Both amino acids and methionine supplementation significantly enhanced boar sperm motility during storage. Moreover, methionine supplementation mitigates the loss of acrosomal integrity, enhances the expression of COX1, and boosts mitochondrial activity. Furthermore, the positive impact of methionine was negated in the presence of the mitochondrial translation inhibitor chloramphenicol. Together, these findings suggest that boar sperm may utilize methionine as a protein translation substrate to enhance sperm motility by stimulating mitochondrial protein translation. The supplementation of methionine may enhance the quality of boar sperm, thereby providing guidance for the optimization of diluent formulations for liquid storage and the identification of physiological regulators that regulate sperm motility.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152227
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2228: Influence of Different Feed Particle Sizes
on the Growth Performance and Nutrition Composition in Crayfish,
Procambarus clarkii Larvae
Authors: Qingqing Jiang, Silei Xia, Zhiqiang Xu, Zhigang Yang, Lu Zhang, Guoxing Liu, Yu Xu, Aqin Chen, Xiaoru Chen, Fei Liu, Wenping Yang, Yebing Yu, Hongyan Tian, Yanmin Wu, Wuxiao Zhang, Aimin Wang
First page: 2228
Abstract: A suitable feed size has a positive effect on animal feeding. For aquatic larvae, the correct feed size is very important for their growth. This experiment analyzed and compared the effect of different particle sizes of feed for larval stages on the growth performance, whole body composition, and muscle amino acid and fatty acid composition of crayfish. Five larval crayfish diets of different particle sizes, namely < 0.40 mm (Group A, control group), 0.40–0.50 mm (Group B), 0.71–0.85 mm (Group C), 0.90–1.00 mm (Group D) and 1.5 mm (Group E), were fed to 2000 crayfish (initial weight 0.0786 ± 0.0031 g) for 100 d. The results showed that as the particle size increased, final weight, weight gain (WG, p = 0.001) and specific growth rate (SGR, p = 0.000) of the crayfish tended to increase and then leveled off, with the control group being the lowest. The feed conversion ratio (FCR, p = 0.000) showed a decreasing and then equalizing trend with increasing particle size, but there was no significant difference between the groups except the control group. Broken-line regression analysis showed that the critical values for the appropriate particle feed size for crayfish larvae were 0.55 mm and 0.537 mm using SGR and FCR as indicators. Groups B, C and D had the highest crude protein content and were significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.001). Group E had the highest umami amino acid (UAA) and was significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.026). The content of isoleucine (Ile, p = 0.038) and phenylalanine (Phe, p = 0.038) was highest in group C and significantly higher than in the control group. Through principal component analysis, groups C and D were shown to contain leucine (Leu), glutamic (Glu), methionine (Met), valine (Val), histidine (His), Phe, and Ile levels significantly induced. The content of linoleic acid (C18:2n6, p = 0.000), linolenic acid (C18:3n3, p = 0.000), saturated fatty acid (SFA, p = 0.000), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA, p = 0.001), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA, p = 0.000) and n-6 PUFA (p = 0.000) in group C was the highest and significantly higher than the control group. Principal component analysis showed that group C significantly induced the levels of C18:2n6, C18:3n3, DHA, EPA, n-3 PUFA and n-6 PUFA in muscle. Therefore, our results suggest that appropriate feed particle size can improve the growth performance and nutrient composition of crayfish. Based on the broken-line regression analysis of SGR and FCR, the critical values of optimal particle size for crayfish are 0.55 mm and 0.537 mm, and when the particle size exceeds these critical values (not more than 1.5 mm commercial feed), growth performance and FCR of the crayfish are no longer changed. Nevertheless, group C has high protein and low lipid content, as well as better nutrition with amino acids and fatty acids. Overall, combined with growth performance and nutrient composition, it is recommended that the particle size of the diet at the larval stage for crayfish is between 0.71 and 0.85 mm.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152228
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2229: Effects of Herd Establishment Time and
Structure on Group-on-Individual Aggression Intensity in Farm Pigs
Authors: Zhen Wang, Zhengxiang Shi, Hao Li, Hui Liu, Zhaowei Xiao, Hao Wang, Shihua Pu
First page: 2229
Abstract: Aggression in farm animals affects welfare. Although one-on-one aggression was studied, group-on-individual aggression remains unresolved. This study aimed to examine how herd establishment times and structures influence aggression intensity (AI) of herds towards unfamiliar pigs. Six groups of pigs were established, with a new pig added every three days. AI was measured by skin lesion severity on the new pigs. A parabolic model based on the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm and conjoint analysis identified factors influencing AI. Results show AI was not significantly affected by herd size but was significantly influenced by the number of pens (p < 0.01). AI showed a significant association with elevated time (T) since the establishment of the herd in six pig herds (Kendall’s tau-τ = 0.976, p < 0.001). The effect of T on the AI became stronger as T increased, which was consistently validated in six pig herds. Furthermore, the interaction effect indicates a significant difference in AI between herds formed with two pens and those with more than two pens when T ≤ 12 (p < 0.05). However, as T increased beyond 12, the number of pens used to form the herd did not significantly affect AI. These findings highlight the complex interactions between herd establishment time and structural composition in shaping aggression intensity towards unfamiliar pigs.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152229
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2230: Age Estimation in Sepia officinalis Using
Beaks and Statoliths
Authors: Blondine Agus, Stefano Ruiu, Jacopo Cera, Andrea Bellodi, Viviana Pasquini, Danila Cuccu
First page: 2230
Abstract: Establishing the age of cephalopods is crucial for understanding their life history, which can then be used for assessment and management. This is particularly true for the common cuttlefish Sepia officinalis (Linnaeus, 1758), one of the most important resources for coastal fisheries. For this reason, an age analysis of S. officinalis was performed for the first time in the Mediterranean, using beaks and statoliths from 158 wild specimens (55–222 mm mantle length; 23–1382 g total weight) at different maturity stages (immature to mature). Growth increments were counted in the lateral wall of the upper beaks and the lateral dome of statoliths. In both cases, a good relationship was found between the counts and the sizes of the animals. The low values of coefficients of variation between the readings obtained for beaks (3.96 ± 1.87%) and statoliths (4.00 ± 1.89%) showed a high level of precision and accuracy in the readings. However, the analysis was simpler for beaks, which were all successfully analyzed, while it was more complex for statoliths, with 69% being lost due to rejection or overgrinding. Based on daily increments previously validated in statoliths, the beaks were cross-verified by comparing their counts with those from statoliths extracted from the same 83 specimens, obtaining a statistically significant relationship between the two counts, confirmed by the ANOVA test. Absolute growth rates that were assessed using both beaks and statoliths indicated that the two sexes had a higher growth rate at 122 and 182 days, which subsequently declined in older specimens. Due to the relative simplicity of its processing method, the beak was finally proposed as a suitable hard structure to study the age of S. officinalis. We also confirmed the good readability of increments in the lateral wall of the beak, which could be considered a valid alternative to the rostrum surface.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152230
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2231: Use of Bedinvetmab (Librela®) for Canine
Osteoarthritis in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK: Quantitative
Analysis of Veterinarian Satisfaction and Real-World Treatment Patterns
Authors: Edwina Gildea, Cyndy North, Kate Walker, Francis Adriaens, Benedict Duncan X. Lascelles
First page: 2231
Abstract: Bedinvetmab (Librela®) represents a new class of canine osteoarthritis pain therapy. The aim of this study was to understand patient selection, usage behaviours, and satisfaction amongst veterinarians using bedinvetmab. Overall, 1932 patient record forms (PRF) were collected from 375 veterinarians across five countries in Europe. Veterinarians were asked to provide 5–7 PRF representing an average patient prescribed bedinvetmab. Veterinarian satisfaction with bedinvetmab usage averaged 8.0 out of 10.0 across all countries. Dissatisfaction as a reason for discontinuation was less than 1% for veterinarians. Veterinarians prescribed bedinvetmab broadly, across patient severity stages, weights, and ages. Adherence to monthly dosing per the product label was over 99%, and compliance with bedinvetmab treatment regimens was 85%. Following initiation of bedinvetmab, the proportion of patients requiring multiple pharmacological therapies for osteoarthritis pain fell from 47% to 31% (p < 0.05). After initiation of bedinvetmab, the mean total number of pharmacological therapies per patient across the population was 1.3, a reduction from 1.9 pre-treatment (p < 0.05). This investigation provides evidence on the benefit of bedinvetmab use post-launch in a broad population of dogs across the five most populous countries in western Europe. Compliance and satisfaction appear high and the use of other analgesic therapies to treat osteoarthritis pain is reduced in most cases following administration of bedinvetmab.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152231
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2232: Breeding Value Estimation Based on
Morphological Evaluation of the Maremmano Horse Population through Factor
Analysis
Authors: Andrea Giontella, Maurizio Silvestrelli, Alessandro Cocciolone, Camillo Pieramati, Francesca Maria Sarti
First page: 2232
Abstract: Morphological scoring is a common evaluation method for domestic animals. The National Association of Maremmano Breeders (ANAM) has provided a dataset containing the records of 600 horses, four metric measurements (cm) and 24 traits with a continuous evaluation scale, each one with 15 classes. Moreover, a body condition score (BCS) with five classes is included. In this study, factor analysis was conducted to create a small number of informative factors (3) obtained from these traits, and a new BLUP-AM-MT index was established. The New Estimated Breeding Value (NEBV1) of each horse was computed by adding the genetic indexes of the three factors, with each one multiplied using a coefficient indicated by ANAM. The practical feasibility of the NEBV1 was evaluated through Spearman correlations between the rankings of the NEBV1 and the rankings of the BLUP-AM-MT, estimated through the four biometric measures and the morphological score (MS) assigned to each horse by the ANAM judges. The factorial analysis was used to estimate three factors: the “Trunk Dimension”, “Legs” and “Length”. As the explained variance was only 32%, the model was rotated, and the heritability of the three factors were 0.51, 0.05 and 0.41, respectively. After rotation, the estimated correlations between the new NEBV1 and the biometric measures were improved. These results should encourage breeders to adopt a breeding value index that takes into consideration the factors derived from all the variables observed in the morphological evaluation of the Maremmano. In this way, breeders can use it to select the best animals for breeding.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152232
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2233: Mechanobiological Strategies to Enhance
Ovine (Ovis aries) Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Tendon Plasticity for
Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Arlette A. Haidar-Montes, Annunziata Mauro, Mohammad El Khatib, Giuseppe Prencipe, Laura Pierdomenico, Umberto Tosi, Guy Wouters, Adrián Cerveró-Varona, Paolo Berardinelli, Valentina Russo, Barbara Barboni
First page: 2233
Abstract: Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) hold promise for tendon repair, even if their tenogenic plasticity and underlying mechanisms remain only partially understood, particularly in cells derived from the ovine animal model. This study aimed to characterize oADSCs during in vitro expansion to validate their phenotypic properties pre-transplantation. Moreover, their tenogenic potential was assessed using two in vitro-validated approaches: (1) teno-inductive conditioned media (CM) derived from a co-culture between ovine amniotic stem cells and fetal tendon explants, and (2) short- (48 h) and long-term (14 days) seeding on highly aligned PLGA (ha-PLGA) electrospun scaffold. Our findings indicate that oADSCs can be expanded without senescence and can maintain the expression of stemness (Sox2, Oct4, Nanog) and mesenchymal (CD29, CD166, CD44, CD90) markers while remaining negative for hematopoietic (CD31, CD45) and MHC-II antigens. Of note, oADSCs’ tendon differentiation potential greatly depended on the in vitro strategy. oADSCs exposed to CM significantly upregulated tendon-related genes (COL1, TNMD, THBS4) but failed to accumulate TNMD protein at 14 days of culture. Conversely, oADSCs seeded on ha-PLGA fleeces quickly upregulated the tendon-related genes (48 h) and in 14 days accumulated high levels of the TNMD protein into the cytoplasm of ADSCs, displaying a tenocyte-like morphology. This mechano-sensing cellular response involved a complete SOX9 downregulation accompanied by YAP activation, highlighting the efficacy of biophysical stimuli in promoting tenogenic differentiation. These findings underscore oADSCs’ long-term self-renewal and tendon differentiative potential, thus opening their use in a preclinical setting to develop innovative stem cell-based and tissue engineering protocols for tendon regeneration, applied to the veterinary field.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152233
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2234: Societal Perception of Animal Videos on
Social Media—Funny Content or Animal Suffering' A Survey
Authors: Alina Stumpf, Swetlana Herbrandt, Leia Betting, Nicole Kemper, Michaela Fels
First page: 2234
Abstract: On social media, numerous animal videos are uploaded and viewed every day. However, these videos, which are apparently funny for humans, are often associated with animal suffering. In this study, 3246 participants of an online survey were asked about their personal perception of animal videos on social media, about recognising animal suffering in these videos, and about their respective reactions. A total of 98.5% of participants who used social media already saw animal videos. Participants most frequently viewed informative videos (52.9%), followed by funny/entertaining animal videos (41.8%). For 45.8% of participants, animal suffering was often recognisable in animal videos. Female participants were more likely to recognise animal suffering than male participants (p < 0.001), and participants living in a rural residence were more likely to recognise it than those from an urban residence (p = 0.017). Furthermore, 62.5% of participants had left a critical comment or disliked a video with animal suffering. Animal videos seem to be highly popular on social media, but animal suffering may go unnoticed in funny videos. The fact that 91.8% of participants want a warning label for animal suffering in videos shows that social media users would like to see animal welfare be given more prominence on social media.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152234
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2235: When Implementing the Presynch-11/Ovsynch
Reproductive Management Program, the Fertility of Lactating Dairy Cows
Improved When They Received Timed Artificial Insemination Compared with
the Inclusion of Estrus Detection
Authors: Jaimie Marie Strickland, João Paulo Nascimento Martins, Lou Neuder, James R. Pursley
First page: 2235
Abstract: Artificial insemination 12 h following observed standing estrus is a standard estimate of the fertility levels of cattle. The main objective of this study was to determine if controlling ovarian development with a fertility program could alter the fertility of lactating dairy cows. Lactating dairy cows (n = 1356) 60–66 days in milk (DIMs) were randomly assigned to receive timed AI following Presynch-11/Ovsynch (Presynch-11) or a combination of estrus detection and timed AI using the Presynch-11/Ovsynch program (Estrus + TAI). Cows in standing estrus, following the first two cloprostenol sodium (CLO) injections, in the Estrus + TAI group were artificially inseminated using the AM/PM rule. Cows in this group that were not observed in standing estrus received Ovsynch and TAI beginning 11 d after the second CLO injection. Cows in the Presynch-11 group received two injections of 500 mg CLO 14 d apart but were not observed for estrus. The first GnRH (100 mg) of Ovsynch was administered 11 d following the second CLO injection. All cows in the Presynch-11-Ovsynch group received TAI following Ovsynch. Cows in this treatment were then assigned randomly to receive either CLO or dinoprost 7 d following the first GnRH of Ovsynch. The final GnRH of Ovsynch was administered 56 h later and TAI 16 h after the final GnRH. Pregnancies/AI (Ps/AI) were greater (p < 0.001) for the Presynch-11 group compared with the Estrus + TAI group (45 vs. 31%). Primiparous cows had greater fertility following observed standing estrus compared with multiparous cows. Days in milk at the first AI were greater (p < 0.01) in the Presynch-11 group vs. the Estrus + TAI group (98 vs. 80) but less variable (p < 0.01). The range of DIMs at the first AI was 95 to 101 in the Presynch-11 group and 60 to 101 in the Estrus + TAI group. Within the Presynch-11 group, there were no differences in the rate of luteolysis or P/AI for the prostaglandin type at the final PGF2α of Ovsynch. Multiparous cows treated with Presynch-11 had >60% chance of pregnancy compared with multiparous cows receiving AI following standing estrus. In summary, lactating dairy cows receiving timed AI following the Presynch-11/Ovsynch program had improved fertility compared with a group of cows that received AI following standing estrus or, if not observed in estrus, timed AI. This comparison indicated that controlling ovarian development with GnRH and PGF2α positively impacted the fertility of lactating dairy cows.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152235
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2236: Temporal Dynamics of Plasma Catecholamines,
Metabolic and Immune Markers, and the Corticosterone:DHEA Ratio in Farmed
Crocodiles before and after an Acute Stressor
Authors: Andre A. Swanepoel, Christoff Truter, Francois P. Viljoen, Jan G. Myburgh, Brian H. Harvey
First page: 2236
Abstract: Commercial crocodilian farms face significant economic and livestock losses attributed to stress, which may be linked to their adopted husbandry practices. The development of appropriate and modernized husbandry guidelines, particularly those focused on stress mitigation, is impeded by the limited understanding of the crocodilian stress response. Fifteen grower Nile crocodiles were subjected to simulated acute transport stress, with blood samples collected at various intervals post-stress. Plasma levels of corticosterone (CORT), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), adrenaline, and noradrenaline were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Glucose and lactate were measured using portable meters and the heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (HLR) was determined via differential leucocyte counts. Significant differences were elicited after the stressor, with acute fluctuations observed in the fast-acting catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) when compared to the baseline. Downstream effects of these catecholamines and CORT appear to be associated with a persistent increase in plasma glucose and HLR. Lactate also showed acute fluctuations over time but returned to the baseline by the final measurement. DHEA, which is used in a ratio with CORT, showed fluctuations over time with an inverted release pattern to the catecholamines. The study highlights the temporal dynamics of physiological markers under acute stress, contributing to our understanding of crocodilian stress and potentially informing improved farming practices for conservation and sustainable management.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152236
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2237: Comparative Study on the Sperm Proteomes of
Horses and Donkeys
Authors: Hong Ren, Xin Wen, Qianqian He, Minna Yi, Manglai Dugarjaviin, Gerelchimeg Bou
First page: 2237
Abstract: The reproductive performance of horse sperm and donkey sperm has been reported to differ. Sperm proteins play a crucial role in sperm viability and fertility. Although differences between species are known, no prior study has investigated disparities in the sperm proteome between horses and donkeys. Therefore, this study characterized and compared the sperm proteomes of horses and donkeys using 4D-DIA mass spectrometry technology. We identified 3436 proteins in horse sperm and 3404 proteins in donkey sperm. Of these, 3363 proteins were expressed in both horse and donkey sperm, with 73 proteins being specifically expressed in horse sperm, and 41 in donkey sperm. According to data analysis, donkeys exhibited a greater percentage of motility and progressive movement in straight-line sperm than horses, as well as lower percentages of static and slow sperm than horses. Joint analysis of the results from the horse and donkey sperm proteomes and their CEROS II-read parameters demonstrated a possible association between sperm proteins and their sperm viability patterns. These findings suggest that there are discrepancies in the expression levels and protein compositions of horse and donkey sperm and that certain specific proteins may be responsible for the differences in performance between these two species.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152237
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2238: Advances in Donkey and Mule Research
Authors: Ana Martins-Bessa, Amy K. McLean
First page: 2238
Abstract: Donkeys (Equus asinus) and mules represent approximately 50% of the entire domestic equine population in the world and play an essential role in the lives of thousands of people, primarily in developing countries [...]
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-01
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152238
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2239: Quill Mites of the Subfamily Syringophilinae
(Acariformes: Syringophilidae) Parasitising Starlings (Passeriformes:
Sturnidae)
Authors: Iva Marcisova, Maciej Skoracki, Milena Patan, Martin Hromada, Bozena Sikora
First page: 2239
Abstract: Quill mites of the family Syringophilidae are widely distributed parasites of birds inhabiting the interior of feather quills. In this paper, we provide detailed information on the host spectrum and distribution for six previously described species of syringophilines associated with starlings with new host and locality records. Additionally, we describe three new species: Aulonastus indonesianus Marcisova, Skoracki, and Patan sp. n. from the Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa Linnaeus in Indonesia (Java) and the White-necked Myna Streptocitta albicollis (Vieillot) in Indonesia (Celebes); Aulonastus anais Skoracki and Patan sp. n. from the Golden Myna Mino anais (Lesson) in Papua New Guinea; and Syringophiloidus poeopterus Skoracki and Patan sp. n. from the Abbott’s Starling Poeoptera femoralis (Richmond) in Tanzania. Finally, we explore the host–parasite interactions within the system comprising starlings and syringophiline mites.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-01
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152239
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2240: Impact of Personality Trait Interactions on
Foraging and Growth in Native and Invasive Turtles
Authors: Lin Gan, Shufang Zhang, Ruyi Zeng, Tianyi Shen, Liu Tian, Hao Yu, Ke Hua, Yue Wang
First page: 2240
Abstract: Animal personalities play a crucial role in invasion dynamics. During the invasion process, the behavioral strategies of native species vary among personalities, just as the invasive species exhibit variations in behavior strategies across personalities. However, the impact of personality interactions between native species and invasive species on behavior and growth are rarely illustrated. The red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) is one of the worst invasive species in the world, threatening the ecology and fitness of many freshwater turtles globally. The Chinese pond turtle (Mauremys reevesii) is one of the freshwater turtles most threatened by T. scripta elegans in China. In this study, we used T. scripta elegans and M. reevesii to investigate how the personality combinations of native and invasive turtles would impact the foraging strategy and growth of both species during the invasion process. We found that M. reevesii exhibited bolder and more exploratory personalities than T. scripta elegans. The foraging strategy of M. reevesii was mainly affected by the personality of T. scripta elegans, while the foraging strategy of T. scripta elegans was influenced by both their own personality and personalities of M. reevesii. Additionally, we did not find that the personality combination would affect the growth of either T. scripta elegans or M. reevesii. Differences in foraging strategy may be due to the dominance of invasive species and variations in the superficial exploration and thorough exploitation foraging strategies related to personalities. The lack of difference in growth may be due to the energy allocation trade-offs between personalities or be masked by the slow growth rate of turtles. Overall, our results reveal the mechanisms of personality interaction effects on the short-term foraging strategies of both native and invasive species during the invasion process. They provide empirical evidence to understand the effects of personality on invasion dynamics, which is beneficial for enhancing comprehension understanding of the personality effects on ecological interactions and invasion biology.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-01
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152240
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2241: Combined Injection for Control of
Iron-Deficiency Anemia and Coccidiosis in Piglets Decreases Stress at
Management Time
Authors: Daniel Sperling, María Rodríguez, Laura de Frutos, Joaquín Morales
First page: 2241
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to assess the short-term behavioral and physiological responses of piglets to different treatment protocols for the control of iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and cystoisosporosis. Piglets were treated with either (1) an injection of iron combined with an oral application of toltrazuril (TLZ) by drenching or (2) a combination injection of TZL + gleptoferron; the behavior of the piglets was then evaluated. For this study, 288 piglets were divided into three experimental groups: 96 piglets were kept untreated (control group); 96 piglets received an oral administration of a generic TZL-based anticoccidial agent (20 mg/kg BW) along with intramuscular administration of iron dextran (200 mg/mL; 1 mL/piglet) at the same handling (oral + parenteral group, O + P); and 96 piglets received an intramuscular application of the combination product (parenteral group, P). For each treated piglet, the total handling time, flight reaction, and the intensity and frequency of vocalizations were determined using the methodology described by Scollo et al. (2020). Piglets in the O + P group were found to emit more screams during treatment administration than animals in the P group (21.05% vs. 8.42% of animals; p < 0.05). Piglets in the O + P group reacted worse to manipulation and oral administration because a higher percentage of animals continued to fidget even after handling (32.63% vs. 12.63%; p < 0.05). Differences in growth performance between the groups were not observed in our study (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the administration of a combination product reduced stress during administration, as indicated by reduced vocalizations and reactions to manipulation.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-01
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152241
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2242: Contents of Macro- and Microelements in
Blood Serum and Breast Muscle of Turkey Subjected to Pre-Slaughter
Transport for Various Distances
Authors: Janusz F. Pomianowski, Anna Wójcik, Janina Sowińska, Dorota Witkowska, Daria Murawska, Tomasz Mituniewicz
First page: 2242
Abstract: In this study, the effect of pre-slaughter handling on the content of macro- and micronutrients in blood serum and in the breast muscle of turkeys was assessed. Four different variants of pre-slaughter handling were used in the research: no transport (N-T), transport for a distance of 100 km (T-100), transport for a distance of 200 km (T-200), and transport for a distance of 300 km (T-300). In each of them, 30 female and 30 male turkeys were used. Blood was collected from the birds before slaughter, and samples of the pectoral muscle were collected after slaughter. In the obtained biological material, the content of Mg, P, Ca, Fe, Na and K was analyzed. On the basis of the obtained research results, it can be concluded that the pre-slaughter handling negatively affects the content of macro- and microelements both in the blood serum and in the pectoral muscles of experimental turkeys. Additionally, differences due to the sex of birds were observed.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-01
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152242
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2243: Neonatal α-Ketoglutaric Acid Gavage
May Potentially Alleviate Acute Heat Stress by Modulating Hepatic Heat
Shock Protein 90 and Improving Blood Antioxidant Status of Broilers
Authors: Vaishali Gupta, Akshat Goel, Chris Major Ncho, Chae-Mi Jeong, Yang-Ho Choi
First page: 2243
Abstract: This study investigated the effect of neonatal α-ketoglutaric acid (AKG) gavage feeding on broilers. The first experiment was conducted to determine the effect of AKG on day-old broilers. A total of seventy-two-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were divided into four treatment groups: (i) Two groups of chicks with gavage feeding of 0.6 mL of distilled water (DDW) for four consecutive days (CON); (ii) chicks fed with 0.6 mL of 0.1% AKG dissolved in DDW on the day of hatch (AL) followed by 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4% for three consecutive days; and (iii) chicks fed with 0.6 mL of 0.2% AKG dissolved in DDW on the day of hatch (AH) followed by 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8% for three consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the first gavage feeding, six birds per treatment were slaughtered to study the organ development. Chicks fed with AKG showed higher absolute (p = 0.015) and relative (p = 0.037) weights of the gizzard. The AH group had higher absolute (p = 0.012) and relative (p = 0.035) heart weights. The second experiment was carried out to determine the effect of AKG on 15-day-old broilers under acute heat stress (AHS) for 3.5 h at 33 ± 1 °C. Forty-eight birds (12 per treatment) were raised until 15 days of age, divided into four treatments with equal numbers (n = 12), and given one of the following four treatments: (i) CON group reared at standard temperature (25 ± 1 °C) (CON-NT); (ii) CON group subjected to AHS (33 ± 1 °C) for 3.5 h (CON-HT); (iii) AL group subjected to AHS (33 ± 1 °C) for 3.5 h (AL-HT); and (iv) AH group subjected to AHS (33 ± 1 °C) for 3.5 h (AH-HT). There was a significant reduction in the change in BW (ΔBW, p = 0.005), an increase in the final rectal temperature (RTf) (p = 0.001), and a decreased final body weight (BWf) for all the treatments under AHS. Further, AHS led to an increased expression of hepatic heat shock protein (HSP)70 (p = 0.009), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen oxidase (NOX)1 (p = 0.006), and NOX4 (p = 0.001), while nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NRF2), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) remained significantly unaffected. Hepatic expression of HSP90 decreased in the AL-HT treatment as compared to CON-HT (p = 0.008). Plasma antioxidant status measured by malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and antioxidant balance (AB) improved linearly (p = 0.001) as the concentration of AKG increased. Neonatal gavage feeding of AKG could potentially alleviate heat stress in broilers by enhancing plasma antioxidant levels and modulating HSP90 expression in the liver.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-01
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152243
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2244: Treatment of Canine Leishmaniasis with
Meglumine Antimoniate: A Clinical Study of Tolerability and Efficacy
Authors: Serena Digiaro, Alessandra Recchia, Antonella Colella, Sara Cucciniello, Beatrice Greco, Dora Buonfrate, Paola Paradies
First page: 2244
Abstract: Antimoniate therapy, in association with allopurinol, is one of the first-line treatments of canine leishmaniasis (CanL). This study evaluates the potential adverse effects associated with aNm in the treatment of CanL through both a retrospective analysis and a long-term prospective study also aimed to investigate its efficacy. The retrospective study reviewed records of 87 dogs with CanL with at least one follow-up available during or at the end of therapy with aNm (Glucantime®) at a dose of 50 mg/kg administered subcutaneously twice a day in association with allopurinol. In total, 29.8% of dogs showed adverse effects during treatment as local reactions at the injection site (n = 6), severe systemic reaction to pain (originating from the inoculation site) with depression and anorexia (n = 4), systemic disease due to renal function worsening (n = 4), acute pancreatitis (n = 1), diarrhea (n = 5), vomiting (n = 3) and severe idiosyncratic skin reactions (n = 3). Of these dogs, 13 (14.9%) required treatment suspension. The prospective study included 16 dogs, selected among the LeishVet stages II and III CKD IRIS stage 1 (International Renal Interest Society staging of canine Chronic Kidney Disease) and treated with the same aNm plus allopurinol protocol as in the retrospective study and observed for 360 days; 2 dogs were excluded for severe reactions at the injection site. Mild and transient adverse events were reported in the other 4 dogs. The criteria used to evaluate the efficacy of treatment with aNm were as follows: a reduction in the clinical score and improvement and/or normalization of laboratory parameters, negativization of PCR on the bone marrow samples and disease-free interval time. The proportion of reduction in the clinical score reached 91.9% at D180. No animals showed clinical laboratory relapse during the whole study duration and interestingly, the PCR results showed complete negativity between D0 and D60 in 78.5% of animals. Veterinarians must be vigilant regarding the potentially serious adverse effects associated with aNm and promptly stop drug administration if unexpected clinical manifestations occur. On the other hand, they should not discard its use for CanL treatment since it is confirmed that aNm in association with allopurinol is highly effective in controlling CanL.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-01
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152244
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2245: Evolving Dairy Cattle Systems in Chile:
Structural Shifts and Adaptation Strategies
Authors: Paula Toro-Mujica, Raúl Vera-Infanzón
First page: 2245
Abstract: This study examines the structural and geographical changes in Chile’s dairy cattle systems from 1997 to 2021, using data from agricultural censuses. It focuses on variables like animal stocks, herd sizes, pasture utilization, and stocking rates, analyzed through descriptive statistics, multivariable analysis, and geographical mapping. The findings show a significant decrease in dairy farms (−69%) and dairy cattle stocks (−25.4%), with regional disparities: southern farms increased in importance while central farms declined. There is a trend towards intensification, with higher stocking rates and larger herd sizes. Grassland utilization shifted, with a decrease in natural pastures and an increase in improved and sown pastures. The study identifies four typological groups based on stocking rates, dimensions, and pasture use, reflecting distinct evolutionary paths influenced by climate change, land use, economic dynamics, and technology. Geographical analyses highlight regional variations. This research provides insights into the dynamics of Chile’s dairy farming sector and its sustainability challenges and opportunities amidst changing environmental and socioeconomic conditions.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-01
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152245
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2246: A Dynamic Tool to Describe Lamb Growth and
Its Use as a Decision Support System
Authors: Rafael Marzall Amaral, Marcelo Teixeira Rodrigues, Erica Beatriz Schultz, Cristiano Eduardo Rodrigues Reis
First page: 2246
Abstract: A dynamic model has been developed to simulate aspects of feedlot lamb growth and body composition, including energy and protein requirements, growth rate, composition of gain, and body mass. Model inputs include initial body mass (kg), standard final mass (kg), age (days), and dietary energy concentration (Mcal·kg−1). The model was assessed as a decision support tool using a dataset of 564 individual measures of final body mass and diet energy. The simulations provide graphical and numerical descriptions of nutrient requirements, composition of gain, and estimates of animal performance over time. The model is accurate and precise, with a root mean squared error of 7.79% of the observed final body mass and a coefficient of determination of 0.89 when simulating the same variable. The model can be used as a reliable decision support tool to estimate final body mass and the days on feed required to reach a certain final mass with precision and accuracy. Moreover, the dynamic model can also serve as a learning tool to illustrate practical principles of animal nutrition, nutrient requirement relationships, and body composition changes. This model holds the potential to enhance livestock management practices and assist producers in making informed decisions about feedlot lamb production.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-02
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152246
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2247: Behavior and Activity Patterns of the
Critically Endangered Mangshan Pit Viper (Protobothrops mangshanensis)
Determined Using Remote Monitoring
Authors: Zeshuai Deng, Xiangyun Ding, Bing Zhang, Linhai Li, Dejia Hou, Yue Cao, Jun Chen, Daode Yang
First page: 2247
Abstract: This study focuses on understanding the behavior and activity patterns of the critically endangered Protobothrops mangshanensis in China in order to better provide scientific data for upcoming artificial breeding and propagation efforts. We conducted a long-term observation of 15 Mangshan pit vipers at different sites in Hunan Province during the summer and autumn of 2021. Our methods involved analyzing the influence of environmental factors such as temperature, relative humidity, and light condition on the snakes’ day and night activity and behaviors. The results revealed that the wild behaviors of Protobothrops mangshanensis include resting, sunbathing, crawling, and exploring, with distinct rhythms in their diel behavior. The snakes’ diel activity exhibits three peak periods which may be related to food activity and sunbathing. This study also highlights the complex interplay of environmental factors on the activity of Protobothrops mangshanensis. Relative humidity was identified as a critical factor accounting for the difference in activity between observation groups. There was little inter-individual variation among the 15 Protobothrops mangshanensis, even though these snakes used terrestrial and arboreal habitats under different environmental conditions. These findings enhance our understanding of Protobothrops mangshanensis behavior and provide a basis for effective conservation measures for this rare and critically endangered species.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-02
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152247
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2248: Coxiella burnetii: A Brief Summary of the
Last Five Years of Its Presence in the Abruzzo and Molise Regions in Italy
Authors: Alessandra Alessiani, Marco Di Domenico, Daniela Averaimo, Cinzia Pompilii, Marco Rulli, Antonio Cocco, Laura Lomellini, Antonio Coccaro, Maria Chiara Cantelmi, Carmine Merola, Elga Ersilia Tieri, Gianfranco Romeo, Barbara Secondini, Cristina Marfoglia, Giovanni Di Teodoro, Antonio Petrini
First page: 2248
Abstract: Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever. The main reservoirs for this bacterium, which can lead to human infection, in our region are typically cattle, goats, and sheep. In animals, C. burnetii infection is often detected due to reproductive problems. European Member States are required to report confirmed cases annually, but the lack of uniform reporting methods makes the data rather inconsistent. The Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise is involved in official controls to identify the causes of abortions, monitor suspected or positive herds, evaluate suspected infections in pets and humans, monitor the spread in wildlife, etc. In this paper, we summarize the presence of C. burnetii over the last five years (2019–2023). Additionally, a detailed overview of C. burnetii infection in wild and domestic animals is provided. Five hundred sixty animals—including cattle; goats; sheep; wild animals, such as deer, boars, wolves, roe deer, owls, and otters; buffalo; dogs; horses; cats; and a donkey—and six human samples were tested by real-time PCR on the transposase gene IS1111 to detect C. burnetii. The MST profile was identified in some of the samples. Outbreaks of C. burnetii occurred in four herds. In one of them, it was possible to follow the outbreak from inception to eradication by evaluating the effect of vaccination on real-time PCR Ct values. A total of 116 animals tested positive for C. burnetii, including 73 goats, 42 sheep, and one bovine. None of the other samples tested positive. The strains for which the ST was performed were identified as ST79, a strain that has been present in the area for more than ten years. The effect of vaccination on the reduction of positive samples and the variation of real-time PCR Ct values was evaluated in strict correlation.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-02
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152248
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2249: Evaluation of Stress Scores of Healthy Adult
Cats during Barometric Whole-Body Plethysmography and Its Correlation with
Measurement Parameters
Authors: Petra Benz, Yury Zablotski, Bianka Schulz
First page: 2249
Abstract: Barometric whole-body plethysmography (BWBP) is considered to be a particularly gentle method of assessing lung function in cats. However, there have been no studies to date investigating the stress experienced by cats during measurements. The prospective study included 48 healthy adult cats. Each cat was measured in the plethysmographic chamber for a total of 30 min and stress levels were determined every 10 min using a stress ethogram. At the beginning of measurements, 75% of cats were assessed as tense. Over the three time periods, a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in the total stress score was observed. In addition, all measurement parameters correlated significantly with the stress score, with the exception of enhanced pause and tidal volume. It can therefore be assumed that cats will initially experience stress during examination in the plethysmographic chamber, but stress will decrease significantly over time. As the stress level correlates with many measurement parameters, this should be taken into account when interpreting the results.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-02
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152249
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2250: The Effects of Intra-Articular Triamcinolone
and Autologous Protein Solution on Metabolic Parameters in Horses
Authors: Allen E. Page, Mackenzie Johnson, Jordan L. Parker, Olivia Jacob, Rachel Poston, Amanda A. Adams, Emma N. Adam
First page: 2250
Abstract: Intra-articular corticosteroids are a popular treatment choice for joint-associated pain and inflammation in horses despite recent work on the metabolic effects of these drugs. The goal of this project was to compare metabolic effects between intra-articular (IA) triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and an autologous protein solution (APS). Five mixed-breed geldings (4–9 years) were utilized for this project. Three identical and consecutive 28-day treatment blocks were used, with metacarpophalangeal IA treatments consisting of equal volumes of saline, a commercially available APS, or 9 mg of TA. Regular plasma and serum samples were collected for ACTH, cortisol, glucose, insulin, and thyroid hormone analysis, in addition to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and oral sugar tests (OSTs). Significant treatment effects of IA TA were present at 48 h post-injection in both the TRH and the OST. There was also significant suppression by IA TA of baseline ACTH and cortisol between 2 h and 96 h post-treatment, hyperglycemia between 12 h and 48 h, and hyperinsulinemia at 32 h post-treatment. There were no treatment effects with respect to any measured thyroid hormones, nor were there any significant treatment effects of APS noted. Results suggest at least 2 days and up to 7 days should elapse between a single 9 mg IA TA treatment and OST and/or TRH testing. This study found that TA exhibits significant effects on ACTH, cortisol, glucose, and insulin, while the APS does not.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-02
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152250
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2251: Zoonotic Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ticks from
Vegetation and Alpine Ibex (Capra ibex) in the Maritime Alps, Italy
Authors: Arianna Menzano, Paolo Tizzani, Marisa Diana Farber, Aitor Garcia-Vozmediano, Laura Martinelli, Luca Rossi, Laura Tomassone
First page: 2251
Abstract: In the Maritime Alps (northwestern Italy), we collected ticks from vegetation and Alpine ibex (Capra ibex). Ixodes ricinus was the most abundant species in the study area, questing up to 1824 m a.s.l. and infesting 28 out of 72 ibexes. Haemaphysalis punctata, H. sulcata and Dermacentor marginatus were also collected. The abundance of questing ticks significantly decreased with altitude, with beechwoods being the preferred habitat. By PCR, we identified Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. in questing I. ricinus (28.3%; 95%CI: 19.4–38.6) but not in specimens collected from animals. Rickettsia spp. infected both questing (20.6%; 95%CI: 12.9–30.3) and on-host (30.2%; 95%CI: 21.2–40.4) I. ricinus. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in 4.3% (95%CI: 1.2–10.8) of questing I. ricinus and in 45.3% (95%CI: 34.6–56.4) of I. ricinus collected from ibex. Female I. ricinus collected on animals were significantly more infected with A. phagocytophilum than females collected from vegetation (OR = 11.7; 95%CI: 3.8–48.1). By amplifying and sequencing a fragment of the groEL gene, we identified 13 groEL haplotypes, clustering with ecotypes I and II; ecotype I, prevalent in our sample, is considered zoonotic. Our study demonstrates the presence of different tick-borne zoonotic agents in the study area, encompassing a wide altitudinal range, as confirmed by the ticks found on ibex, a typical mountain-dwelling mammal. The results also confirm the altitudinal range expansion of ticks and associated pathogens in the Alps and suggest that Alpine ibex may act as a reservoir for A. phagocytophilum, as do other wild ungulate species.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-02
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152251
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2252: Emergency Standing Laparoscopic Treatment of
Uncontrolled Post-Castration Hemorrhage in Two Geldings
Authors: Delvescovo, McOnie, Pearson, Pugliese, Hackett
First page: 2252
Abstract: Background: Persistent hemorrhage of testicular vessels is a potentially life-threatening complication of equine castration. Frequently, general anesthesia is required to retrieve and ligate the bleeding vasculature when standing wound packing and retrieval of the spermatic cord are unsuccessful. We propose standing laparoscopic ligation of the testicular arteries via the paralumbar fossa as a rapid, effective means of halting hemorrhage while avoiding castration site trauma as well as the cardiovascular and recovery risks of general anesthesia. Methods: Two geldings, 6 and 9 months old, presented for emergency treatment of severe post-castration hemorrhage of 10 and 24 h durations, respectively. Both geldings underwent standing laparoscopy under light sedation and the testicular vessels were ligated using a bipolar vessel-sealing device. Results: Testicular vessel sealing was successfully performed in both geldings by standing laparoscopy and resulted in immediate cessation of hemorrhage. In one case, a left paralumbar fossa approach allowed coagulation of both the left and right spermatic vessels. The procedure time was 25 and 35 min. No complications occurred, and both geldings recovered uneventfully. Conclusions: Standing, laparoscopic ligation of the testicular arteries is a feasible emergency treatment in young geldings and can be applied in cases of uncontrolled post-castration hemorrhage.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-02
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152252
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2253: Transcriptome Analysis of
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis Reveals circRNAs Related to Egg
Production of Bian Chicken
Authors: Li, Zhang, Chu, Ren, Wu, Zhang
First page: 2253
Abstract: The hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian (HPO) axis plays a pivotal role in the regulation of egg production in chickens. In addition to the traditional understanding of the HPO axis, emerging research highlights the significant role of circRNAs in modulating the functions of this axis. In the study, we collected hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovarian tissues from low-yielding and high-yielding Bian chickens for transcriptome sequencing. We identified 339, 339, and 287 differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs with p_value < 0.05 and log2 (fold change) ≥ 1 in hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovarian tissues. The Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis for the source genes of DE circRNAs has yielded multiple biological process (BP) entries related to cell development, the nervous system, and proteins, including cellular component morphogenesis, cell morphogenesis, nervous system development, neurogenesis, protein modification process, and protein metabolic process. In the top 30 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, we observed the enrichment of the GnRH signaling pathway in both the hypothalamus and the pituitary, solely identified the GnRH secretion pathway in the pituitary, and discovered the pathway of oocyte meiosis in the ovary. Furthermore, given that circRNA primarily functions through the ceRNA mechanism, we constructed ceRNA regulatory networks with DE circRNAs originating from the GnRH signaling pathway, GnRH secretion, ovarian steroidogenesis, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and the estrogen signaling pathway. Finally, several important ceRNA regulatory networks related to reproduction were discovered, such as novel_circ_003662-gga-let-7b/miR-148a-3p/miR-146a-5p/miR-146b-5p and novel_circ_003538-gga-miR-7464-3p-SLC19A1. This study will contribute to advancements in understanding the involvement of circRNAs in the HPO axis, potentially leading to innovations in improving egg production and poultry health.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-02
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152253
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2254: Effect of High Dietary Iron on Fat
Deposition and Gut Microbiota in Chickens
Authors: Ting Yang, Shihao Chen, Lingling Qiu, Qixin Guo, Zhixiu Wang, Yong Jiang, Hao Bai, Yulin Bi, Guobin Chang
First page: 2254
Abstract: To meet the demand of consumers for chicken products, poultry breeders have made improvements to chickens. However, this has led to a new problem in the modern poultry industry, namely excessive fat deposition. This study aims to understand the effects of dietary iron supplementation on fat deposition and gut microbiota in chickens. In this study, we investigated the effects of iron on the growth performance, fat deposition, and gut microbiota of silky fowl black-bone chickens. A total of 75 7-week-old silky fowl black-bone chickens were randomly divided into three groups (five replicates per group, five chickens per replicate) and fed them for 28 days using a growing diet (control group), a growing diet + 10% tallow (high-fat diet group, HFD group), and a growing diet + 10% tallow + 500 mg/kg iron (HFDFe500 group), respectively. We detected the effects of iron on the growth performance, fat deposition, and gut microbiota of silky fowl black-bone chickens using the growth performance index test, oil red O staining, and HE staining, and found that the high-fat diet significantly increased liver and serum fat deposition and liver injury, while the addition of iron to the diet could reduce the fat deposition caused by the high-fat diet and alleviate liver injury. In addition, 16S rDNA sequencing was used to compare the relative abundance of gut microbiota in the cecal contents in different feeding groups. The results showed that the high-fat diet could induce gut microbiota imbalance in chickens, while the high-iron diet reversed the gut microbiota imbalance. PICRUSt functional prediction analysis showed that dietary iron supplementation affected amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, cofactors, and vitamin metabolism pathways. In addition, correlation analysis showed that TG was significantly associated with Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota (p < 0.05). Overall, these results revealed high dietary iron (500 mg/kg) could reduce fat deposition and affect the gut microbiota of silky fowl black-bone chickens, suggesting that iron may regulate fat deposition by influencing the gut microbiota of chickens and provides a potential avenue that prevents excessive fat deposition in chickens by adding iron to the diet.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-03
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152254
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2255: Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae Serotypes by
Multiplex PCR Identification and Evaluation of Lung Lesions in Pigs from
Piedmont (Italy) Farms
Authors: Matteo Cuccato, Sara Divari, Silvia Ciaramita, Alessandra Sereno, Domenico Campelli, Pier Giuseppe Biolatti, Bartolomeo Biolatti, Francesco Meliota, Enrico Bollo, Francesca Tiziana Cannizzo
First page: 2255
Abstract: Porcine pleuropneumonia (PPP) is one of the main causes leading to massive losses in the pig industry, with high economic impacts. Among different etiological agents, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) is responsible for severe fibrinous-necrotizing pleuropneumonia. A total of 19 different APP serotypes are currently recognized. This study aimed to identify APP serotypes isolated from pneumonic lesions in naturally infected and dead pigs in the Piedmont Region and to describe lesions. A total of 107 dead pigs with a suspected PPP diagnosis were included in this study. Lungs were evaluated using gross-pathology scoring systems, histopathology, and APP isolation and serotypes identification by multiplex PCR were conducted. Gross lung lesions were mainly represented by fibrinous pneumonia and pleuropneumonia. APP was isolated in 20/107 (18.7%) samples. PCR indicated APP DNA presence in 53/107 (49.5%) of lung samples. The most observed serotypes were serotype 2 in 24/53 (45.3%) and serotype 6 in 13/53 (24.5%) samples. Moreover, multiplex PCR results suggested a coinfection of different serotypes in five samples. This study emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach, utilizing various techniques, such as gross- and histopathology, and bacteriological culture and PCR, to enhance the diagnosis of APP infections.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-03
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152255
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2256: Metagenomics-Metabolomics Exploration of
Three-Way-Crossbreeding Effects on Rumen to Provide Basis for
Crossbreeding Improvement of Sheep Microbiome and Metabolome of Sheep
Authors: Haibo Wang, Jinshun Zhan, Haoyun Jiang, Haobin Jia, Yue Pan, Xiaojun Zhong, Junhong Huo, Shengguo Zhao
First page: 2256
Abstract: The objective of this experiment was to explore the effects of three-way hybridization on rumen microbes and metabolites in sheep using rumen metagenomics and metabolomics. Healthy Hu and CAH (Charolais × Australian White × Hu) male lambs of similar birth weight and age were selected for short-term fattening after intensive weaning to collect rumen fluid for sequencing. Rumen metagenomics diversity showed that Hu and CAH sheep were significantly segregated at the species, KEGG-enzyme, and CAZy-family levels. Moreover, the CAH significantly increased the ACE and Chao1 indices. Further, correlation analysis of the abundance of the top 80 revealed that the microorganisms were interrelated at the species, KEGG-enzyme, and CAZy-family levels. Overall, the microbiome significantly affected metabolites of the top five pathways, with the strongest correlation found with succinic acid. Meanwhile, species-level microbial markers significantly affected rumen differential metabolites. In addition, rumen microbial markers in Hu sheep were overall positively correlated with down-regulated metabolites and negatively correlated with up-regulated metabolites. In contrast, rumen microbial markers in CAH lambs were overall negatively correlated with down-regulated metabolites and positively correlated with up-regulated metabolites. These results suggest that three-way crossbreeding significantly affects rumen microbial community and metabolite composition, and that significant interactions exist between rumen microbes and metabolites.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-03
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152256
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2257: Effects of Substituting Cassava Pulp with
Broken Rice and Cassava Chips in Crossbred Holstein Diets: Rumen
Fermentation, Enteric Methane Emission, and Energy Utilization
Authors: Jiraporn Kabsuk, Jenwit Nusri-un, Bhoowadol Binsulong, Thidarat Gunha, Kritapon Sommart
First page: 2257
Abstract: This study evaluates the effects of substituting cassava pulp with broken rice and cassava chips in the total mixed ration silage diets of beef cattle on feed composition, ensiling quality, digestibility, and energy utilization. Fifteen Holstein Thai native crossbred (89% Bos taurus × 11% Bos indicus) steers in the fattening phase, with an average age of 2.5 ± 0.1 years and an initial body weight of 603.7 ± 14.3 kg, were used in the energy balance trial. Using a randomized complete block design with five replications, the steers received one of three treatments. The three dietary treatments included substituting cassava pulp with cassava chips and broken rice on a dry matter basis with ratios of 50:0:0, 30:20:0, or 10:20:20. The results show that broken rice is a superior nutrient source and provides greater energy balance (p < 0.01). Despite the cost implications, substituting cassava pulp and chips positively impacts the ensilage pH and reduces the acetic acid concentration (p < 0.01). There was an increase in the lactic acid bacteria count (p < 0.05) and a reduction in the rumen ammonia, propionate, and butyrate concentrations (p < 0.05) without adverse effects (p > 0.05) on digestibility, blood metabolites, or enteric methane emissions. These findings suggest that broken rice is a promising alternative grain-rich ruminant feed. Future research should explore on-farm long-term feeding and economic evaluations to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the practical implications.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-03
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152257
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2258: Effects of the Direction of Two Kirschner
Wires on Combined Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy and Tibial Tuberosity
Transposition in Miniature Breed Dogs: An Ex Vivo Study
Authors: Sanghyun Nam, Youngjin Jeon, Haebeom Lee, Jaemin Jeong
First page: 2258
Abstract: This study evaluates the impact of Kirschner wire (K-wire) insertion direction on the biomechanical properties of combined tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and tibial tuberosity transposition (TTT) procedures in small-breed dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture and medial patella luxation. Twenty-one cadaveric tibiae were divided into two groups; the specimens were divided into two groups; one underwent TPLO-TTT with a proximal pin placement (Group TTP), and the other received TPLO-TTT with a distal pin placement (Group TTD). For both pin placements, two additional subgroups were formed: one with a 0.56 mm tension band (Groups TTP0.56 and TTD0.56) and the other with a 0.76 mm tension band (Groups TTP0.76 and TTD0.76). The tensile force was applied, and failure load and mode were recorded. The distal pin direction in Group TTD0.56 exhibited a significantly higher mean failure load (380.1 N) compared to the proximal pin direction in Group TTP0.56 (302.2 N, p = 0.028). No significant differences were observed among the other groups. This study concludes that distal pin placement can provide similar or improved mechanical stability in cases with limited space for proximal pin placement during combined TPLO and TTT procedures.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-03
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152258
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2259: Effects of Dietary Chitosan on Growth
Performance, Serum Biochemical Indices, Antioxidant Capacity, and Immune
Authors: Qin Zhang, Yi Xie, Jiaqiong Tang, Liuqing Meng, Enhao Huang, Dongsheng Liu, Tong Tong, Yongqiang Liu, Zhongbao Guo
First page: 2259
Abstract: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of varying levels of dietary chitosan supplementation on mitigating cadmium stress and its influence on growth performance, serum biochemical indices, antioxidant capacity, immune response, inflammatory response, and the expression of related genes in juvenile Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT, Oreochromis niloticus). Five groups of juvenile tilapias (initial body weight 21.21 ± 0.24 g) were fed five diets with different levels (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%) of chitosan supplementation for 60 days under cadmium stress (0.2 mg/L Cd2+). The findings indicated that, compared with the 0% chitosan group, dietary chitosan could significantly increase (p < 0.05) the final weight (Wf), weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), daily growth index (DGI), and condition factor (CF), while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) expressed the opposite trend in juvenile GIFT. Dietary chitosan could significantly increase (p < 0.05) the activities (contents) of cholinesterase (CHE), albumin (ALB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), and lysozyme (LZM), while glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), and complement 3 (C3) in the serum of juvenile GIFT expressed the opposite trend. Dietary chitosan could significantly increase (p < 0.05) the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and significantly decrease (p < 0.05) the activities (contents) of glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum of juvenile GIFT. Dietary chitosan could significantly increase (p < 0.05) the activities (contents) of CAT, GST, GSH-Px, and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and significantly decrease (p < 0.05) the contents of MDA in the liver of juvenile GIFT. Dietary chitosan could significantly increase (p < 0.05) the activities (contents) of SOD, GSH-Px, T-AOC, Na+-K+-ATPase, and Ca2+-ATPase and significantly decrease (p < 0.05) the activities (contents) of CAT, GST, and MDA in the gills of juvenile GIFT. Dietary chitosan could significantly up-regulate (p < 0.05) the gene expression of cat, sod, gst, and gsh-px in the liver of juvenile GIFT. Dietary chitosan could significantly up-regulate (p < 0.05) the gene expression of interferon-γ (inf-γ) in the gills and spleen and significantly down-regulate (p < 0.05) the gene expression of inf-γ in the liver and head kidney of juvenile GIFT. Dietary chitosan could significantly down-regulate (p < 0.05) the gene expression of interleukin-6 (il-6), il-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α (tnf-α) in the liver, gills, head kidney, and spleen of juvenile GIFT. Dietary chitosan could significantly up-regulate (p < 0.05) the gene expression of il-10 in the liver, gills, head kidney, and spleen of juvenile GIFT. Dietary chitosan could significantly up-regulate (p < 0.05) the gene expression of transforming growth factor-β (tgf-β) in the liver and significantly down-regulate (p < 0.05) the gene expression of tgf-β in the head kidney and spleen of juvenile GIFT. In conclusion, dietary chitosan could mitigate the impact of cadmium stress on growth performance, serum biochemical indices, antioxidant capacity, immune response, inflammatory response, and related gene expression in juvenile GIFT. According to the analysis of second-order polynomial regression, it was found that the optimal dietary chitosan levels in juvenile GIFT was approximately 1.42% to 1.45%, based on its impact on Wf, WGR, SGR, and DGI.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-03
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152259
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2260: Cerogamasus, a New Genus of Parasitinae
Mites, with Description of Four New Species from China (Acari:
Parasitiformes: Parasitidae)
Authors: Maoyuan Yao, Jianxin Chen, Tianci Yi, Daochao Jin
First page: 2260
Abstract: The new genus, Cerogamasus gen. nov., with the type species Cerogamasus tibetensis sp. nov., is established. The new genus is easily distinguished from other genera of Parasitidae because the dorsal idiosoma in both sexes bears more than 40 pairs of setae, of which fewer than 7 pairs of podonotal setae are smooth; the seta z5 of the dorsal hexagon is similar to j5 and j6 in form (pilose or distally pilose) while different in length (z5 longer); the seta al of the palpfemur is pectinate, and al1 and al2 of the palpgenu are entire; the gnathotectum is trispinate; peritrematal shields in females are posteriorly free; and the palptrochanter in males has a pointed ventral protuberance. C. anhuiensis sp. nov., C. guizhouensis sp. nov. and C. multidentatus sp. nov. are described based on adult samples; C. tibetensis sp. nov. is described based on deutonymph and adult samples. Cycetogamasus coreanus Athias-Henriot, 1980, is transferred to Cerogamasus gen. nov. as a new combination.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-03
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152260
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2261: Physiological Auricular and Cornual
Asymmetries of the Sanmartinero Creole Bovine
Authors: Arcesio Salamanca-Carreño, Pere Miquel Parés-Casanova, Mauricio Vélez-Terranova, Germán Martínez-Correal
First page: 2261
Abstract: Asymmetric studies can indicate disturbances in the developmental process. Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) is considered an indicator of stress. The Sanmartinero (SM) creole bovine is native to the department of Meta (Colombian Orinoquia) and its adaptation process has allowed it to live in extreme tropical environments. The aim of this cross-sectional and descriptive study was to present the current state of the knowledge of asymmetries in some cephalic characters of the SM creole bovine. A total of 94 animals were studied (18 uncastrated males and 76 females) from three different farms, with an age range of 0.5–10 years. For each animal, two measurements of the ear (width and length) and two measurements of the horn (perimeter and length) were obtained in vivo. The degree of asymmetry was calculated as (R − L)/(R + L). Bilateral differences pointed towards a fluctuating asymmetry (e.g., a random variation in the trait that is expected to be perfectly symmetrical) biased towards right for ear width and horn perimeter, and towards left for ear and horn length. Since the development of these structures—ears and horns—is under the control of the same set of genes, the fluctuating asymmetry could constitute a reflection of a normal condition.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-04
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152261
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2262: Characterization of Bovine Papillomavirus
Types Detected in Cattle Rumen Tissues from Amazon Region, Brazil
Authors: Paulo Henrique Gilio Gasparotto, Igor Ribeiro dos Santos, Jerônimo Viera Dantas Filho, Mariana Soares da Silva, Fernanda dos Anjos Souza, Jennefer Caroline de Macedo Sousa, David Driemeier, Cláudio Wageck Canal, Flavio Roberto Chaves da Silva, Cíntia Daudt
First page: 2262
Abstract: The Bos Taurus Papillomavirus, commonly known as bovine papillomavirus (BPV), can cause lesions in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in cattle and induce the formation of papillomas in organs such as the pharynx, esophagus, rumen and reticulum. GIT papillomas can lead to feeding and breathing distress. Moreover, the sample collection is challenging, which reduces the BPV diagnosis in these organs. BPV can cause exophytic nodular, cauliflower-like, flat, filiform or atypical-shape papillomas at the epidermis. Histologically, the papillomas demonstrate orthokeratotic/parakeratotic hyperkeratosis and koilocytosis and, currently, BPV comprises 45 described types. The aim of this study was to carry out the genetic characterization of BPV present in rumen neoplastic lesions of cattle raised extensively in the Western Amazon region, Brazil. A total of 100 papillomatous ruminal samples were collected from animals slaughtered in Ji-Paraná and Urupá municipalities from the Rondônia state, Brazil. The samples were submitted to PCR using the primer pair FAP59/FAP64 and sequenced by the Sanger method. Histopathological analysis was performed on 24 samples, which had enough material for this purpose. As a result, samples were histologically classified as fibropapilloma and squamous papilloma. Among the samples analyzed, it was possible to identify the BPVs 2, 13 (Delta PVs) and 44, with one sample classified as a putative new subtype of BPV44. The present study could identify BPV13 and 44 types in cattle rumen tissues from the Brazilian Amazon region for the first time.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-04
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152262
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2263: Stress Responses in Horses Housed in
Different Stable Designs during Summer in a Tropical Savanna Climate
Authors: Chanoknun Poochipakorn, Thita Wonghanchao, Kanokpan Sanigavatee, Metha Chanda
First page: 2263
Abstract: Single-confinement housing can pose welfare risks to domestic horses. This study investigated horses’ stress responses when confined to single stalls in different stable designs in a tropical savanna region to address a gap in the literature. In total, 23 horses were assigned to a stable with a central corridor and solid external walls (A) (N = 8), a stable with one side corridor and solid external walls (B) (N = 6), or a stable with a central corridor and no solid external walls (C) (N = 9). Air velocity, relative humidity, air temperature, and noxious gases were measured inside the stables, and the heart rate and HRV of the horses were also determined. The relative humidity was lower in stable C than in stable A (p < 0.05), while the air temperature was higher in stable C than in stable B (p < 0.05) during the day. The airflow and ammonia levels were higher in stable C than in stables B and A (p < 0.01–0.0001). Overall, horses’ HRV in stable A was lower than in those in stables B and C (p < 0.05–0.01). Horses in stable A tended to experience more stress than those in other stables.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-04
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152263
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2264: Overview of Bovine Mastitis: Application of
Metabolomics in Screening Its Predictive and Diagnostic Biomarkers
Authors: Muyang Li, Zhongjie Li, Ming Deng, Dewu Liu, Baoli Sun, Jianying Liu, Jianchao Guo, Yongqing Guo
First page: 2264
Abstract: Bovine mastitis is an inflammatory disease of the mammary glands, and its pathogenesis and diagnosis are complicated. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis of small-molecule metabolites, the metabolomics technique plays an important role in finding biomarkers and studying the metabolic mechanism of bovine mastitis. Therefore, this paper reviews the predictive and diagnostic biomarkers of bovine mastitis that have been identified using metabolomics techniques and that are present in samples such as milk, blood, urine, rumen fluid, feces, and mammary tissue. In addition, the metabolic pathways of mastitis-related biomarkers in milk and blood were analyzed; it was found that the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle was the most significant (FDR = 0.0015767) pathway in milk fluid, and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism was the most significant (FDR = 0.0081994) pathway in blood. The purpose of this review is to provide useful information for the prediction and early diagnosis of bovine mastitis.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-04
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152264
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2265: New Myzostomids (Annelida) in Symbiosis with
Feather Stars in the Shallow Waters of the South China Sea (Hainan Island)
Authors: Alexander Isaychev, Dimitry Schepetov, Yutong Zhou, Temir A. Britayev, Viatcheslav N. Ivanenko
First page: 2265
Abstract: This research delves into the molecular and morphological characteristics of myzostomid worms associated with common shallow-water feather stars (Echinodermata: Crinoidea: Comatulidae) in the coastal waters near Sanya, Hainan Island. Through the examination of specimens collected at depths of up to 10 m using scuba diving techniques, we describe three new species (Myzostoma ordinatum sp. nov., M. scopus sp. nov., and M. solare sp. nov.) and report the first record of Myzostoma polycyclus Atkins, 1927 in the South China Sea. The absence of overlap with the seven previously documented Myzostomida species in the shallow waters of Hong Kong and Shenzhen reveals significant gaps in our understanding of marine biodiversity in the South China Sea. These findings, combined with an analysis of available molecular data, underscore the potential existence of unexplored and diverse symbiotic relationships among marine invertebrates within the region.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-04
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152265
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2266: Microbiological and Molecular Investigation
of Antimicrobial Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Western
Romanian Dairy Farms: An Epidemiological Approach
Authors: Ioan Hutu, Bianca Cornelia Lungu, Ioana Irina Spataru, Iuliu Torda, Tiberiu Iancu, Paul Andrew Barrow, Calin Mircu
First page: 2266
Abstract: Antimicrobial therapy is the most frequently used medical intervention for bovine mastitis in the dairy industry. This study aims to monitor the extent of the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) problem in Staphylococcus aureus in the dairy industry in Western Romania. Twenty farms were selected by random sampling in a transverse epidemiological study conducted across four counties in Western Romania and divided into livestock units. This study assessed the association between the resistance genes to phenotypic expression of resistance and susceptibility. Isolates of S. aureus were identified and q-PCR reactions were used to detect antibiotic resistance genes. One hundred and fifty bovine and 20 human samples were positive for S. aureus. Twenty five percent of bovine isolates (30/120) and none(0/30) of the human isolates were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). All isolates were susceptible to fosfomycin, ciprofloxacin, netilmicin, and resistant to ampicillin and penicillin. S. aureus isolates regarded as phenotypically resistant (R) were influenced by the origin of the samples (human versus bovine, χ2 = 36.510, p = 0.013), whether they were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (χ2 = 108.891, p < 0.000), the county (χ2 = 103.282, p < 0.000) and farm of isolation (χ2 = 740.841, p < 0.000), but not by the size of the farm (χ2 = 65.036, p = 0.306). The multiple antibiotic resistance index was calculated for each sample as the number regarded as phenotypically resistant (R)/total antibiotics tested (MARI = 0.590 ± 0.023) was significantly higher (p < 0.000) inmethicillin-resistant S. aureus (0.898 ± 0.019) than non-methicillin-resistant S. aureus (0.524 ± 0.024) isolates. For the antibiotics tested, the total penetrance (P%) of the resistance genes was 59%, 83% for blaZ, 56% for cfr, 50% for erm(B), 53% for erm(C), 57% for mecA and 32% for tet(K). Penetrance can be used as a parameter for guidance towards a more accurate targeting of chemotherapy. P% in S. aureus was strongly positively correlated with the multiple antibiotic resistance index (r = +0.878, p < 0.000) with the potential to use the same limit value as an antibiotic management decision criterion. Considering cow mastitis, the penetrance value combined with the multiple antibiotic resistance index suggests that penetrance could serve as a useful parameter for more precise targeting of chemotherapy for S. aureus.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-04
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152266
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2267: Impact of Dietary Variations on Kuruma
Shrimp (Penaeus japonicus) Assessed through Individual-Based Rearing and
Insights into Individual Differences
Authors: Chuanxi Chen, Chunxiang Ai, Wenzhi Cheng, Huiyang Huang, Yiling Hou, Xiaojie Deng, Siqi Li, Yue Liu, Peng Xu, Yong Mao
First page: 2267
Abstract: This study developed an individual-rearing method to compare the effects of live feed (sandworms Perinereis aibuhitensis), formulated pellet diets, and a mixture of live feed and formula feed on the Kuruma shrimp Penaeus japonicus, aiming to minimize the influence of non-dietary factors on the growth of P. japonicus, like cannibalism. Results indicated that live feed, with its higher protein, essential amino acids, and fatty acid content, led to significantly better growth and feeding performance in P. japonicus (p < 0.05) compared to pellet diets. A mixed diet resulted in a lower average daily protein intake yet maintained a growth and feeding performance comparable to live feed. The intestinal microbiota of shrimp, dominated by Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria, showed significant shifts with diet changes. Specifically, formulated feed increased the relative abundance of Vibrio and Photobacterium while decreasing Shimia and Rhodobacterales (p < 0.05), and feeding live food resulted in a more complex and stable bacterial network. Notably, individual variances in growth and feeding were observed among shrimps, with some on formulated diets showing growth comparable to those on live feed. Each shrimp’s final weight, specific growth rate, protein efficiency rate, and average daily food intake positively correlated with its initial body weight (p < 0.05), and daily intake varied cyclically with the molting cycle. These findings suggest that individual-rearing is an effective approach for detailed feed evaluation and monitoring in P. japonicus, contributing to improved feed selection, development, and feeding strategies.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-04
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152267
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2268: The Effects of Two Selected Single
Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the Fatty Acid Synthase Gene on the Fat
Content and Fatty Acid Profile of Cow’s Milk from the Polish
Holstein–Friesian Red-and-White Breed versus Two Polish
Red-and-White and Polish Red Conservation Breeds Kept in Poland
Authors: Paulina Przybylska, Marian Kuczaj
First page: 2268
Abstract: Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is a metabolic enzyme responsible for the synthesis of fatty acids in milk and meat. The SNPs g.841G/C and g.17924A/G of the FASN gene significantly influence the fat and fatty acid content of milk from cows of various breeds. Therefore, these SNPs were selected for this study. This study aimed to analyze the relationship of SNPs and their genotypes with the fat content and fatty acid profile of milk from Polish Red-and-White (ZR), Polish Red (RP), and Polish Holstein–Friesian Red-and-White (RW) cows. Milk samples were obtained during a milking trial. SNP genotyping was performed using the real-time PCR (HRM) method. It was shown that SNPs (with specific genotypes) were significantly associated with the presence of fatty acids such as C18:1n9t and C18:2n6c in milk. In addition, it was found that the milk fat from the ZR (genotypic variant A/G, AA) and RP (genotypic variant GG, A/G) breeds often exhibited a more attractive fatty acids profile than the milk fat from RW cows. This information can be used by both cattle breeders and people interested in consuming functional foods.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-04
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152268
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2269: A Legal Ban on Dog Meat Production:
Political Decision-Making for an Ethical Community
Authors: Yoojin Choi, Seola Joo, Myung-Sun Chun
First page: 2269
Abstract: For over 40 years, the human consumption of dog meat has been a controversial issue in South Korea. While some defend it as cultural tradition, others criticize the act as unethical treatment of dogs. This study examined the public perceptions and opinions driving the legislative efforts to ban dog meat through an online survey of 1000 participants assessing their experiences with dog meat, awareness of related issues, and support for institutional bans. The results revealed a widespread negative view of the dog meat industry, largely due to concerns over animal cruelty, and a negligible demand for consuming dog meat, which points to the expected demise of the industry. However, there was notable resistance to the ban from the view that it restricts personal freedom, with anthropocentric attitudes hindering progress in animal welfare. Regression analysis identified gender, political affiliations, animal experiences, and perceptions of dog meat as key predictors of support for the ban. As beloved pets, dogs influence human ethics, and the growing awareness of animal ethics has led to a ‘political turn’ enabling policymakers to enact bans. This study highlights how animal welfare benefits from political actions backed by societal consensus.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-04
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152269
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2270: Challenges of the Calgary–Cambridge
Consultation Guide in Veterinary Multicultural and Multilingual Scenarios
and the Role of Veterinary Translators
Authors: Angel Almendros, Paulo V. Steagall, Suen Caesar Lun, Jonathan Speelman, Antonio Giuliano
First page: 2270
Abstract: The Calgary–Cambridge Guide is a widely recognised framework for teaching communication skills to healthcare professionals that has become a cornerstone of communication training programs in medicine and other healthcare fields. In the context of veterinary medicine, its integration into communication training programs has become an asset improving communication, education, interaction, and quality of service, enhancing the veterinary–client–patient relationship (VCPR). In veterinary medicine, however, a more challenging consultation dynamic involves the veterinarian, the owner, and the animal. The addition of a veterinary assistant that acts as an interpreter or translator is common in Hong Kong where the native language (Cantonese) coexists with English when consultations are led by non-native language speakers. This addition converts this commonly dyadic model into a triadic communication model. The addition of an assistant interpreter influences the way consultations are conducted, how information is conveyed, and how interpersonal cues and empathy are delivered. In this report we depict challenges applying the Calgary–Cambridge Guide in multicultural and multilingual veterinary medical centres in Hong Kong and highlight the role of veterinary supporting staff in these scenarios, specifically veterinary assistant interpreters.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-04
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152270
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2271: Using Different Cage Enrichments to Improve
Rabbits’ Performance, Behavior, and Welfare
Authors: Menna Elsayed, Farid Soliman, Osama Elghalid, Karim El-Sabrout
First page: 2271
Abstract: Environmental enrichment is about improving the surroundings in which your animal lives by providing opportunities to express behavioral activity normally, which in turn has a great impact on the animal’s welfare and productivity. The aim of the present study is to investigate the impact of using different enrichment cage tools (a rubber floor, plastic-colored balls, and a mirror) on rabbits’ physiology, productivity, carcass quality, behavior, and welfare. A total of 84 weaned rabbits (V-line) were randomly and equally assigned to 4 groups, each with 7 replicates (3 rabbits/replicate). The 1st rabbit group (T1) served as a control, while the 2nd group (T2) was enriched with rubber floors. The 3rd group (T3) was enriched with plastic-colored balls, and the 4th group (T4) was enriched with mirrors. Productive traits, including the weekly body weight and feed intake, as well as the carcass characteristics, were measured. Hematological parameters and biochemical constituents were determined according to the reference’s description. Furthermore, behavioral activities, such as walking, resting, feeding, and drinking, were observed. According to the results, enriching the rabbit cages with plastic-colored balls and mirrors improved the marketing body weight and feed conversion rate. It also improved carcass quality characteristics, such as the carcass weight and dressing percentage. The T3 and T4 rabbits had higher RBCS, Hb, and hematocrit levels as well as lower WBCS levels. They also had significantly higher total protein, globulin, glucose, AST, and IgG values than other treatments. In addition, they had significantly lower corticosterone levels and fear responses. Therefore, it is recommended to use plastic-colored balls and mirrors for rabbit farming for better productivity, behavior, and welfare.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-04
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152271
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2272: Variation in the Exon 3–4 Region of
Ovine KRT85 and Its Effect on Wool Traits
Authors: Wenqiong Chai, Huitong Zhou, Hua Gong, Changfa Wang, Jon G. H. Hickford
First page: 2272
Abstract: α-keratins are structural proteins in the cortex of wool fibres and assemble in an organized fashion into keratin intermediate filaments. Variation in these keratin proteins affects the structure and characteristics of wool fibre, making keratin genes ideal candidates for the development of gene markers that describe variations in wool traits. A region of KRT85 spanning exon 3–4 (including the entire exon 3, intron 3, exon 4 and part of intron 4) was investigated. Two banding patterns defining two variant sequences (A and B) were observed in this region, and these were characterised by the presence of two single nucleotide polymorphisms. The effect of this variation in the exon 3–4 region of KRT85 on wool traits was investigated in 463 Merino × Southdown-cross lambs. The frequencies of these two variants in these sheep were 55.6% and 44.4%, respectively. Three different genotypes were observed with frequencies of 32.6%, 46.1% and 21.3% for AA, AB and BB, respectively. The presence of A was associated with an increase in greasy fleece weight and clean fleece weight, while the presence of B was associated with an increased wool prickle factor. These findings should be replicated in a broader range of sheep breeds to determine whether the associations are robust and to clarify whether the observed effects are attributable to breed differences or to gene effects themselves.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-05
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152272
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2273: Protopine-Type Alkaloids Alleviate
Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Intestinal Inflammation and Modulate the Gut
Microbiota in Mice
Authors: Jialu Huang, Meishan Yue, Yang Yang, Yisong Liu, Jianguo Zeng
First page: 2273
Abstract: In this study, we assessed the therapeutic effects of Macleaya cordata (Willd). R. Br.-derived protopine-type alkaloids (MPTAs) in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal inflammation. The experimental design involved the allocation of mice into distinct groups, including a control group, a model group treated with 6 mg/kg LPS, a berberine group treated with 50 mg/kg berberine hydrochloride and low-, medium- and high-dose MPTA groups treated with 6, 12 and 24 mg/kg MPTAs, respectively. Histological analysis of the ileum, jejunum and duodenum was performed using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining. Moreover, the quantification of intestinal goblet cells (GCs) was performed based on PAS staining. The serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while the mRNA levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, IL-6 and IL-1β were assessed using quantitative PCR (qPCR). The protein levels of TLR4, Md-2, MyD88, NF-κB p65 and NLRP3 were determined using Western blotting. Furthermore, the 16S rDNA sequences of bacterial taxa were amplified and analysed to determine alterations in the gut microbiota of the mice following MPTA treatment. Different doses of MPTAs were found to elicit distinct therapeutic effects, leading to enhanced intestinal morphology and an increased abundance of intestinal GCs. A significant decrease was noted in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α). Additionally, the protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, NLRP3 and p-p65/p65 were markedly reduced by MPTA treatment. Furthermore, 16S rDNA sequencing analysis revealed that the administration of 24 mg/kg MPTAs facilitated the restoration of microbial composition.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-05
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152273
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2274: Clinical Effects and Pharmacokinetic Profile
of Intramuscular Dexmedetomidine (10 μg/kg) in Cats
Authors: Naftáli S. Fernandes, Yanna D. B. Passos, Kathryn N. Arcoverde, Andressa N. Mouta, Thainá C. Paiva, Kalyne D. S. Oliveira, Gabriel Araujo-Silva, Valéria Veras de Paula
First page: 2274
Abstract: This study investigated the pharmacokinetic profile of and pharmacodynamic response to dexmedetomidine administered intramuscularly (IM) at a dose of 10 μg/kg in healthy cats. Nine adult cats were evaluated before and after administration of the drug, with serial collections of plasma samples. Dexmedetomidine induced deep sedation, with a rapid onset of action and a duration of one hour, reaching a peak between 20 and 30 min after administration. The half-life (T½) was 70.2 ± 48 min, with a maximum concentration (Cmax) of 2.2 ± 1.9 ng/mL and time to reach maximum concentration (Tmax) of 26.4 ± 19.8 min. The area under the curve (AUC) was 167.1 ± 149.1 ng/mL*min, with a volume of distribution (Vd) of 2159.9 ± 3237.8 mL/kg and clearance (Cl) of 25.8 ± 33.0 mL/min/kg. There was a reduction in heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) in relation to the baseline, with a slight decrease in systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), and mean (MAP) blood pressure in the first hour. Blood glucose increased after 60 min. Dexmedetomidine proved to be effective and safe, with rapid absorption, metabolization, and elimination, promoting good sedation with minimal adverse effects after IM administration in healthy cats.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-05
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152274
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2275: Immunonutrition—Contributing to the
Future of Sustainable Aquaculture by Supporting Animal Performance, Health
and Welfare
Authors: Sérgio D. C. Rocha, Cristián A. Valenzuela, Byron Morales-Lange
First page: 2275
Abstract: Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing food industries worldwide [...]
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-05
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152275
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2276: Moderate Genetic Diversity of MHC Genes in
an Isolated Small Population of Black-and-White Snub-Nosed Monkeys
(Rhinopithecus bieti)
Authors: Jibing Yan, Chunmei Song, Jiaqi Liang, Yanni La, Jiandong Lai, Ruliang Pan, Zhipang Huang, Baoguo Li, Pei Zhang
First page: 2276
Abstract: Genetic diversity is an essential indicator that echoes the natural selection and environmental adaptation of a species. Isolated small populations are vulnerable to genetic drift, inbreeding, and limited gene flow; thus, assessing their genetic diversity is critical in conservation. In this study, we studied the genetic diversity of black-and-white snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) using neutral microsatellites and five adaptive major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes. Two DQA1 alleles, two DQB1 alleles, two DRB1 alleles, two DRB5 alleles, and three DPB1 alleles were isolated from a population. The results indicate that neutral microsatellites demonstrate a high degree of heterozygosity and polymorphism, while adaptive MHC genes display a high degree of heterozygosity and moderate polymorphism. The results also show that balancing selection has prominently influenced the MHC diversity of the species during evolution: (1) significant positive selection is identified at several amino acid sites (primarily at and near antigen-binding sites) of the DRB1, DRB5, and DQB1 genes; (2) phylogenetic analyses display the patterns of trans-species evolution for all MHC loci. This study provides valuable genetic diversity insights into black-and-white snub-nosed monkeys, which dwell at the highest altitude and have experienced the harshest environmental selection of all primates globally since the Pleistocene. Such results provide valuable scientific evidence and a reference for making or amending conservation strategies for this endangered primate species.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-05
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152276
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2277: MiR-20a-5p Targeting the TGFBR2 Gene
Regulates Inflammatory Response of Chicken Macrophages Infected with Avian
Pathogenic E. coli
Authors: Xinqi Cao, Jiayi Ge, Yuyi Ma, Huan Li, Wei Han, Susan J Lamont, Hongyan Sun
First page: 2277
Abstract: Avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) causes localized and systemic infections and are a threat to human health. microRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in inflammation and immune regulation following pathogen invasion. However, the related regulatory mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the involvement of chicken microRNA-20a-5p (gga-miR-20a-5p) in host defense against APEC in chickens and the underlying mechanisms. We evaluated the expression levels of gga-miR-20a-5p in chicken tissues and cells and observed a significant decrease in expression following APEC infection. Dual luciferase reporter assays showed that gga-miR-20a-5p directly targeted transforming growth factor-beta receptor 2 (TGFBR2), specifically by binding to the 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR) of TGFBR2. Overexpression of gga-miR-20a-5p markedly reduced both the mRNA and protein levels of TGFBR2, whereas inhibition of gga-miR-20a-5p significantly increased expression. Mechanistic investigations revealed that overexpression of gga-miR-20a-5p also attenuated the expression levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL8, TNFα, IL6, and IL1β, whereas inhibition of gga-miR-20a-5p had the opposite effects. Collectively, our findings suggest that gga-miR-20a-5p regulates the immune response during APEC infection by targeting TGFBR2, thereby suppressing inflammatory cytokine production. This study provides valuable insights into the role of gga-miR-20a-5p in the host defense against APEC.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-05
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152277
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2278: Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of mRNA
and miRNA during the Development of Longissimus Dorsi Muscle of Gannan Yak
and Tianzhu White Yak
Authors: Yanmei Niu, Dashan Guo, Yali Wei, Jingsheng Li, Yanbin Bai, Zhanxin Liu, Xue Jia, Zongchang Chen, Liang Li, Bingang Shi, Xiaolan Zhang, Zhidong Zhao, Jiang Hu, Jiqing Wang, Xiu Liu, Shaobin Li
First page: 2278
Abstract: The Gannan yak, a superior livestock breed found on the Tibetan Plateau, exhibits significantly enhanced body size, weight, and growth performance in comparison to the Tianzhu white yak. MiRNAs play a pivotal role in regulating muscle growth by negatively modulating target genes. In this study, we found the average diameter, area, and length of myofibers in Gannan yaks were significantly higher than those of Tianzhu white yaks. Further, we focused on analyzing the longissimus dorsi muscle from both Gannan yaks and Tianzhu white yaks through transcriptome sequencing to identify differentially expressed (DE)miRNAs that influence skeletal muscle development. A total of 254 DE miRNAs were identified, of which 126 miRNAs were up-regulated and 128 miRNAs were down-regulated. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the target genes of these DE miRNAs were significantly enriched in signaling pathways associated with muscle growth and development. By constructing a DE miRNA- DE mRNA interaction network, we screened 18 key miRNAs, and notably, four of the candidates (novel-m0143-3p, novel-m0024-3p, novel-m0128-5p, and novel-m0026-3p) targeted six genes associated with muscle growth and development (DDIT4, ADAMTS1, CRY2, AKIRIN2, SIX1, and FOXO1). These findings may provide theoretical references for further studies on the role of miRNAs in muscle growth and development in Gannan yaks.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-05
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152278
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2279: The Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum and
Lactobacillus buchneri on the Fermentation Quality, In Vitro
Digestibility, and Aerobic Stability of Silphium perfoliatum L. Silage
Authors: Yitong Jin, Peng Wang, Fuhou Li, Meng Yu, Jiarui Du, Tianyue Zhao, Qixuan Yi, Hongyu Tang, Bao Yuan
First page: 2279
Abstract: In this experiment, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus buchneri were added individually or in combination to Silphium perfoliatum L. (SP) silage to investigate the effects of different fermentation types of lactobacilli on the fermentation quality, in vitro digestibility, and aerobic stability of SP-silage, with a view to providing a certain scientific basis and technical support for obtaining high-quality SP-silage in production. The experiment comprised a non-additive group (control), an L. plantarum group (LP), an L. buchneri group (LB), and an L. plantarum and L. buchneri mixed treatment group (LPLB). Samples were taken after 60 days of fermentation and analyzed for the fermentation quality, in vitro digestibility, and aerobic stability of the SP-silage. The results showed that the addition of LP, LB, and LPLB significantly reduced the pH and proportion of ammonia nitrogen to total nitrogen and significantly increased the lactic acid, in vitro dry matter digestibility, and in vitro crude protein digestibility in the SP-silage (p < 0.05). Compared to the control group, the dry matter and crude protein contents of the LB and LPLB groups were significantly increased, while the neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber contents were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The SP-silage supplemented with LPLB had the highest dry matter and crude protein contents. The gross and digestible energies of the SP-silage in the LB and LPLB groups were significantly higher than those in the control and LP groups (p < 0.05). The aerobic stability of the SP-silage was significantly reduced by 24.14% in the LP group and increased by 58.62% and 34.48% in the LB and LPLB groups, respectively, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). It was shown that adding a combination of LP and LB resulted in the best fermentation quality, nutritional value, and in vitro digestibility of the SP-silage. LB was effective in improving the aerobic stability of SP-silage.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-05
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152279
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2280: Impact of Heat Stress on Oocyte
Developmental Competence and Pre-Implantation Embryo Viability in Cattle
Authors: Javier A. Gómez-Guzmán, Gaspar M. Parra-Bracamonte, Miguel A. Velazquez
First page: 2280
Abstract: Rectal and vaginal temperatures are utilised in both in vivo and in vitro models to study the effects of heat stress on oocyte competence and embryo viability in cattle. However, uterine temperature increases by only 0.5 °C in heat-stressed cows, significantly lower than simulated increases in in vitro models. Temperature variations within oviducts and ovarian follicles during heat stress are poorly understood or unavailable, and evidence is lacking that oocytes and pre-implantation embryos experience mild (40 °C) or severe (41 °C) heat stress inside the ovarian follicle and the oviduct and uterus, respectively. Gathering detailed temperature data from the reproductive tract and follicles is crucial to accurately assess oocyte competence and embryo viability under realistic heat stress conditions. Potential harm from heat stress on oocytes and embryos may result from reduced nutrient availability (e.g., diminished blood flow to the reproductive tract) or other unidentified mechanisms affecting tissue function rather than direct thermal effects. Refining in vivo stress models in cattle is essential to accurately identify animals truly experiencing heat stress, rather than assuming heat stress exposure as done in most studies. This will improve model reliability and aid in the selection of heat-tolerant animals.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-05
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152280
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2281: Tibial Damage Caused by T-2 Toxin in
Goslings: Bone Dysplasia, Poor Bone Quality, Hindered Chondrocyte
Differentiation, and Imbalanced Bone Metabolism
Authors: Wang Gu, Lie Hou, Qiang Bao, Qi Xu, Guohong Chen
First page: 2281
Abstract: T-2 toxin, the most toxic type A trichothecene, is widely present in grain and animal feed, causing growth retardation and tissue damage in poultry. Geese are more sensitive to T-2 toxin than chickens and ducks. Although T-2 toxin has been reported to cause tibial growth plate (TGP) chondrodysplasia in chickens, tibial damage caused by T-2 toxin in geese has not been fully demonstrated. This study aims to investigate the adverse effects of T-2 toxin on tibial bone development, bone quality, chondrocyte differentiation, and bone metabolism. Here, forty-eight one-day-old male Yangzhou goslings were randomly divided into four groups and daily gavaged with T-2 toxin at concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg body weight for 21 days, respectively. The development of gosling body weight and size was determined by weighing and taking body measurements after exposure to different concentrations of T-2 toxin. Changes in tibial development and bone characteristics were determined by radiographic examination, phenotypic measurements, and bone quality and composition analyses. Chondrocyte differentiation in TGP and bone metabolism was characterized by cell morphology, tissue gene-specific expression, and serum marker levels. Results showed that T-2 toxin treatment resulted in a lower weight, volume, length, middle width, and middle circumference of the tibia in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Moreover, decreased bone-breaking strength, bone mineral density, and contents of ash, Ca, and P in the tibia were observed in T-2 toxin-challenged goslings (p < 0.05). In addition, T-2 toxin not only reduced TGP height (p < 0.05) but also induced TGP chondrocytes to be disorganized with reduced numbers and indistinct borders. As expected, the apoptosis-related genes (CASP9 and CASP3) were significantly up-regulated in chondrocytes challenged by T-2 toxin with a dose dependence, while cell differentiation and maturation-related genes (BMP6, BMP7, SOX9, and RUNX2) were down-regulated (p < 0.05). Considering bone metabolism, T-2 toxin dose-dependently and significantly induced a decreased number of osteoblasts and an increased number of osteoclasts in the tibia, with inhibited patterns of osteogenesis-related genes and enzymes and increased patterns of osteoclast-related genes and enzymes (p < 0.05). Similarly, the serum Ca and P concentrations and parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, and 1, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol levels decreased under T-2 toxin exposure (p < 0.05). In summary, 2.0 mg/kg T-2 toxin significantly inhibited tibia weight, length, width, and circumference, as well as decreased bone-breaking strength, density, and composition (ash, calcium, and phosphorus) in 21-day-old goslings compared to the control and lower dose groups. Chondrocyte differentiation in TGP was delayed by 2.0 mg/kg T-2 toxin owing to cell apoptosis. In addition, 2.0 mg/kg T-2 toxin promoted bone resorption and inhibited osteogenesis in cellular morphology, gene expression, and hormonal modulation patterns. Thus, T-2 toxin significantly inhibited tibial growth and development with a dose dependence, accompanied by decreased bone geometry parameters and properties, hindered chondrocyte differentiation, and imbalanced bone metabolism.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-05
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152281
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
- Animals, Vol. 14, Pages 2282: Disseminated Infection with Aspergillus
fumigatus in a Scarlet Macaw Parrot (Ara macao)—A Case Report
Authors: Oana Irina Tanase, Geta Pavel, Ozana Maria Hritcu, Mihaela Anca Dascalu, Bianca Elena Bratuleanu, Cristina Mihaela Rimbu, Florentina Daraban Bocaneti
First page: 2282
Abstract: A 3-year-old male scarlet macaw parrot (Ara macao) was presented to the Exotic Animal Clinic at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences (Iași, Romania) for its postmortem examination. According to the owner, the parrot had been raised only in captivity and after 5 days of inappetence, lethargy, and mild respiratory clinical signs, the parrot died. The post mortem examination revealed various-sized granulomas and caseous plaques in the lungs, air sacs, spleen, intestinal serosa, and liver. Microscopically, the granulomas were characterized by a necrotic center and the infiltration of numerous multinucleated giant cells and epithelioid-like cells and by the presence of hyphae typical of Aspergillus spp. Moreover, in the liver tissue, a diffuse inflammation, with numerous fungal hyphae, was noted. The fungal culture and the PCR assay allowed for the isolation and identification of Aspergillus fumigatus from the lung and liver samples. The macroscopical lesions and the histopathological findings, with the fungal isolation and molecular confirmation of Aspergillus fumigatus by nested PCR, provided the basis for the diagnosis of disseminated aspergillosis. To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first report of disseminated infection caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in a scarlet macaw parrot (Ara macao).
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2024-08-05
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152282
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 15 (2024)
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Open Access journal
