 Subjects -> ANIMAL WELFARE (Total: 103 journals)
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- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 974: A Longitudinal Study with a Laser Methane
Detector (LMD) Highlighting Lactation Cycle-Related Differences in Methane
Emissions from Dairy Cows
Authors: Ana Margarida Pereira, Pedro Peixoto, Henrique J. D. Rosa, Carlos Vouzela, João S. Madruga, Alfredo E. S. Borba
First page: 974
Abstract: Reversing climate change requires broad, cohesive, and strategic plans for the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions from animal farming. The implementation and evaluation of such plans demand accurate and accessible methods for monitoring on-field CH4 concentration in eructating breath. Therefore, this paper describes a longitudinal study over six months, aiming to test a protocol using a laser methane detector (LMD) to monitor CH4 emissions in semi-extensive dairy farm systems. Over 10 time points, CH4 measurements were performed in dry (late gestation) and lactating cows at an Azorean dairy farm. Methane traits including CH4 concentration related to eructation (E_CH4) and respiration (R_CH4), and eructation events, were automatically computed from CH4 measured values using algorithms created for peak detection and analysis. Daily CH4 emission was estimated from each profile’s mean CH4 concentration (MEAN_CH4). Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model, including breed, lactation stage, and parity as fixed effects, and cow (subject) and time point as random effects. The results showed that Holsteins had higher E_CH4 than Jersey cows (p < 0.001). Although a breed-related trend was found in daily CH4 emission (p = 0.060), it was not significant when normalized to daily milk yield (p > 0.05). Methane emissions were lower in dry than in lactation cows (p < 0.05) and increased with the advancement of the lactation, even when normalizing it to daily milk yield (p < 0.05). Primiparous cows had lower daily CH4 emissions related to R_ CH4 compared to multiparous (p < 0.001). This allowed the identification of periods of higher CH4 emissions within the milk production cycle of dairy cows, and thus, the opportunity to tailor mitigation strategies accordingly.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060974
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 975: Correction: van Lent et al. Kittens That
Nurse 7 Weeks or Longer Are Less Likely to Become Overweight Adult Cats.
Animals 2021, 11, 3434
Authors: Denise van Lent, Johannes C. M. Vernooij, Marcellina M. Stolting, Ronald Jan Corbee
First page: 975
Abstract: The authors would like to make the following corrections to the publication [...]
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060975
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 976: Bovine Colostrum Supplementation Modulates
the Intestinal Microbial Community in Rabbits
Authors: Stella Agradi, Paola Cremonesi, Laura Menchetti, Claudia Balzaretti, Marco Severgnini, Federica Riva, Bianca Castiglioni, Susanna Draghi, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Marta Castrica, Daniele Vigo, Silvia Clotilde Modina, Valentina Serra, Alda Quattrone, Elisa Angelucci, Grazia Pastorelli, Giulio Curone, Gabriele Brecchia
First page: 976
Abstract: BC is a nutraceutical that can modulate intestinal microbiota. This study investigates the effects of BC diet supplementation on luminal and mucosa-associated microbiota in the jejunum, caecum, and colon of rabbits. Twenty-one New Zealand White female rabbits were divided into three experimental groups (n = 7) receiving a commercial feed (CTRL group) and the same diet supplemented with 2.5% and 5% BC (2.5% BC and 5% BC groups, respectively), from 35 (weaning) to 90 days of age (slaughtering). At slaughter, the digestive tract was removed from each animal, then both content and mucosa-associated microbiota of jejunum, caecum, and colon were collected and analysed by Next Generation 16SrRNA Gene Sequencing. Significant differences were found in the microbial composition of the three groups (i.e., beta-diversity: p < 0.01), especially in the caecum and colon of the 2.5% BC group. The relative abundance analysis showed that the families most affected by the BC administration were Clostridia UCG-014, Barnesiellaceae, and Eggerthellaceae. A trend was also found for Lachnospiraceae, Akkermansiaceae, and Bacteroidaceae. A functional prediction has revealed several altered pathways in BC groups, with particular reference to amino acids and lactose metabolism. Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio decreased in caecum luminal samples of the 2.5% BC group. These findings suggest that BC supplementation could positively affect the intestinal microbiota. However, further research is needed to establish the optimal administration dose.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060976
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 977: Hepatopancreas Proteomic Analysis Reveals Key
Proteins and Pathways in Regulatory of Ovary Maturation of Macrobrachium
nipponense
Authors: Sufei Jiang, Hui Qiao, Hongtuo Fu, Zemao Gu
First page: 977
Abstract: A TMT-based (Tandem Mass Tag) liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) proteomics approach was employed to explore differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and KEGG pathways in hepatopancreas of 5 ovary stages. In total, 17,999 peptides were detected, among which 3395 proteins were identified. Further analysis revealed 26, 24, 37, and 308 DEPs in HE-I versus HE-II, HE-II versus HE-Ⅲ, HE-Ⅲ versus HE-Ⅳ, and HE-Ⅳ versus HE-Ⅴ, respectively (HE-I, HE-II, HE-III, HE-IV, and HE-V means hepatopancreas sampled from ovary stage I to V.). Gene ontology (GO) analysis indicated that DEPs were significantly enriched in “catalytic activity”, “metabolic process”, and “cell” of 4 comparison groups in turn. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment results showed that in hepatopancreas, as the ovaries developed to maturation, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lysosome played important roles in turn. The mRNA expression of 15 selected DEPs were consistent with proteome results by qPCR analysis. Further mRNA expression investigation results suggested 4 proteins (fatty acid-binding protein, NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 1, Serine hydroxymethyltransferase, and Crustapin) were involved in ovary maturation. These results enhance the understanding of the regulatory role of hepatopancreas in M. nipponense ovary maturation and provide new insights for understanding the crustacean regulation mechanisms.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060977
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 978: The Use of Sand Substrate Modulates Dominance
Behaviour and Brain Gene Expression in a Flatfish Species
Authors: Maria Mafalda Almeida, Elsa Cabrita, Elvira Fatsini
First page: 978
Abstract: Physical complexity adds physical enrichment to rearing conditions. This enrichment promotes fish welfare and reduces detrimental characteristics that fish develop in captivity. Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) is an important species for European aquaculture, where it is reared in intensive conditions using fibreglass tanks. However, reproductive dysfunctions present in this species do not allow it to complete its life cycle in captivity. Recently, dominance behaviour has been studied to try to solve this problem. The present study aimed to assess the effect of sand as environmental enrichment in the dominance behaviour and brain mRNA abundance of Senegalese sole juveniles. Four tanks of sole (n = 48 fish in total) were established in two different environments (with and without sand). Juveniles were subjected to dominance tests of feeding and territoriality. Behaviours analysed by video recordings related to the distance from the food delivered and harassment behaviour towards other individuals (e.g., resting of the head on another individual). In both environments, dominant sole were the first to feed, displayed more head-resting behaviour and dominated the area close to the feeding point, where the events were reduced in fish maintained in the sand. mRNA expression related to differentiation of dopamine neurons (nr4a2) and regulation of maturation (fshra) were significantly upregulated in dominant fish in the sand environment compared to dominants maintained without sand. The use of an enriched environment may affect Senegalese sole dominance, enhance welfare and possibly advance future maturation.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060978
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 979: Comparative Analysis of Olfactory Receptor
Repertoires Sheds Light on the Diet Adaptation of the Bamboo-Eating Giant
Panda Based on the Chromosome-Level Genome
Authors: Chuang Zhou, Yi Liu, Guangqing Zhao, Zhengwei Liu, Qian Chen, Bisong Yue, Chao Du, Xiuyue Zhang
First page: 979
Abstract: The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is the epitome of a flagship species for wildlife conservation and also an ideal model of adaptive evolution. As an obligate bamboo feeder, the giant panda relies on the olfaction for food recognition. The number of olfactory receptor (OR) genes and the rate of pseudogenes are the main factors affecting the olfactory ability of animals. In this study, we used the chromosome-level genome of the giant panda to identify OR genes and compared the genome sequences of OR genes with five other Ursidae species (spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), American black bear (Ursus americanus), brown bear (Ursus arctos), polar bear (Ursus maritimus) and Asian black bear (Ursus thibetanus)). The giant panda had 639 OR genes, including 408 functional genes, 94 partial OR genes and 137 pseudogenes. Among them, 222 OR genes were detected and distributed on 18 chromosomes, and chromosome 8 had the most OR genes. A total of 448, 617, 582, 521 and 792 OR genes were identified in the spectacled bear, American black bear, brown bear, polar bear and Asian black bear, respectively. Clustering analysis based on the OR protein sequences of the six species showed that the OR genes distributed in 69 families and 438 subfamilies based on sequence similarity, and the six mammals shared 72 OR gene subfamilies, while the giant panda had 31 unique OR gene subfamilies (containing 35 genes). Among the 35 genes, there are 10 genes clustered into 8 clusters with 10 known human OR genes (OR8J3, OR51I1, OR10AC1, OR1S2, OR1S1, OR51S1, OR4M1, OR4M2, OR51T1 and OR5W2). However, the kind of odor molecules can be recognized by the 10 known human OR genes separately, which needs further research. The phylogenetic tree showed that 345 (about 84.56%) functional OR genes were clustered as Class-II, while only 63 (about 15.44%) functional OR genes were clustered as Class-I, which required further and more in-depth research. The potential odor specificity of some giant panda OR genes was identified through the similarity to human protein sequences. Sequences similar to OR2B1, OR10G3, OR11H6 and OR11H7P were giant panda-specific lacking, which may be related to the transformation and specialization from carnivore to herbivore of the giant panda. Since our reference to flavoring agents comes from human research, the possible flavoring agents from giant panda-specific OR genes need further investigation. Moreover, the conserved motifs of OR genes were highly conserved in Ursidae species. This systematic study of OR genes in the giant panda will provide a solid foundation for further research on the olfactory function and variation of the giant panda.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060979
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 980: Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 (BMP-15)
Improves In Vitro Mouse Folliculogenesis
Authors: Jakree Jitjumnong, Pin-Chi Tang
First page: 980
Abstract: Multilayered secondary follicles were encapsulated in a 0.5% alginate matrix and cultured in a 3D culture system supplemented with bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP-15; 15 ng/mL) for 12 days. The in vitro development of ovarian follicles was evaluated. On day 12, the follicle diameter, follicle survival rate, and antrum formation rate were significantly higher for follicles cultured in BMP-15-supplemented medium than those cultured in regular medium. The percentage of ovulated metaphase II oocytes retrieved from follicles cultured in BMP-15-supplemented medium was greater than that of oocytes retrieved from follicles cultured in regular medium. The secretion of P4 was significantly higher on days 6, 8, and 10 in follicles cultured in BMP-15-supplemented medium. The result for E2 tended toward significance on day 12. Intracellular reactive oxygen species levels were higher and glutathione levels were lower in mature oocytes from the in vitro culture than in mature oocytes from an in vivo control. A 3D culture system using an alginate matrix and supplemented with BMP-15 effectively improves the outcomes of in vitro ovarian follicle culture.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060980
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 981: High Frequency of Apodemus Mice Boosts
Inverse Activity Pattern of Bank Voles, Clethrionomys glareolus, through
Non-Aggressive Intraguild Competition
Authors: Remo Probst, Renate Probst
First page: 981
Abstract: Sympatric animals with similar requirements can separate their ecological niches along the microhabitat, food and time axes. There may be alternative reasons for an interspecific different activity pattern, such as intraspecific social constraints, predator avoidance or physical conditions such as temperature, precipitation and illumination. We investigated the importance of intraguild competition in a 2-year study in an inner-alpine mixed forest, using small forest rodents as our model species. Apodemus mice were the physically superior, and bank voles, Clethrionomys glareolus, the inferior competitor. We predicted that bank voles would exhibit increased diurnal activity when frequencies of the almost exclusively nocturnal Apodemus mice were high during a seed mast year. To investigate this, we recorded 19,138 1 min videos. Controlling for confounding variables, bank vole diurnal activity was significantly related to the frequency of Apodemus mice. We assume that at high densities of Apodemus mice, a purely nocturnal separation in the niche dimensions of time, habitat and microhabitat is no longer sufficient, and therefore an inverse activity pattern by the bank voles is reinforced. Our videos showed, however, that this does not require persistent aggressive meetings and we explain this by the long co-evolution of the taxa under study.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060981
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 982: Molecular Cloning, Screening of Single
Nucleotide Polymorphisms, and Analysis of Growth-Associated Traits of igf2
in Spotted Sea Bass (Lateolabrax maculatus)
Authors: Sigang Fan, Pengfei Wang, Chao Zhao, Lulu Yan, Bo Zhang, Lihua Qiu
First page: 982
Abstract: The insulin-like growth factor 2 gene (igf2) is thought to be a key factor that could regulate animal growth. In fish, few researchers have reported on the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in igf2 and their association with growth traits. We screened the SNPs of igf2 from the spotted sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus) by Sanger sequencing and made an association between these SNPs with growth traits. The full-length complementary (c) DNA of igf2 was 1045 bp, including an open reading frame of 648 bp. The amino acid sequence of Igf2 contained a signal peptide, an IGF domain, and an IGF2_C domain. Multiple sequence alignment showed that the IGF domain and IGF2_C domain were conserved in vertebrates. The genome sequence of igf2 had a length of 6227 bp. Fourteen SNPs (13 in the introns and one in one of the exons) were found in the genome sequence of igf2. Four SNPs located in the intron were significantly associated with growth traits (p < 0.05). These results demonstrated that these SNPs could be candidate molecular markers for breeding programs in L. maculatus.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060982
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 983: Chemometric Approaches to Analyse the
Composition of a Ewe’s Colostrum
Authors: Massimo Todaro, Giuseppe Maniaci, Riccardo Gannuscio, Daniela Pampinella, Maria Luisa Scatassa
First page: 983
Abstract: Colostrum is a major source of immunity in lambs and, in general, in all newborn ruminants. It allows the transfer of antibodies from the ewe to the lamb, and it becomes the exclusive source of nutrients for a newborn. Among the most significant Pearson correlations, the positive correlation between the Brix refractive index (Brix) and protein (0.90) should be noted. Both parameters (protein percentage and Brix) were then positively correlated with the percentage of fat (0.38 and 0.41), urea (0.81 and 0.67), calcium (0.39 and 0.29), and magnesium (0.58 and 0.59), as well as the yellowness (0.78 and 0.75). Somatic cell count (SCC) and pH, parameters which are indicators of subclinical mastitis, were positively correlated (0.49), and SCC was positively correlated with sodium (0.37) and negatively correlated with potassium (−0.28). Among the macroelements in colostrum—calcium, potassium, magnesium, and sodium—the correlations were largely positive. With respect to the colour parameters, yellowness was negatively correlated with lightness (−0.41) and redness (−0.45). The factor analysis split the total of variance into three latent factors. The first factor was named “Colostrum quality of grazing sheep” because it was positively correlated primarily with SCC, pH, Poly Unsatured Fatty Acids (PUFA), and the sum of the omega-3 Fatty Acids (FAs). The second factor, named “Good quality colostrum”, was positively correlated primarily with the refractive index, protein and fat percentages, urea content, phosphorus, Mono Unsatured Fatty Acids (MUFA), and yellowness. The third factor was positively correlated primarily with calcium, potassium, magnesium, and sodium, and it was therefore termed “Mineral component of colostrum”. Stepwise discriminant analysis showed that the protein percentage, calcium, and magnesium were able to explain more than 85% of the Brix refractive index, which remains a good parameter for simply evaluating the nutritional quality of sheep colostrum at the level of a farm.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060983
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 984: Cats Did Not Change Their Problem-Solving
Behaviours after Human Demonstrations
Authors: Minori Arahori, Ayano Kimura, Saho Takagi, Hitomi Chijiiwa, Kazuo Fujita, Hika Kuroshima
First page: 984
Abstract: Humans learn by observing the behaviour of others, which can lead to more efficient problem-solving than by trial-and-error learning. Numerous studies have shown that animals, other than humans, are also capable of social learning. Dogs, as humans’ closest companion animals, can learn to obtain rewards following behavioural demonstrations by humans. However, it is not known whether cats, who also live with humans, can learn how to solve problems by observing human behaviours. Three experiments were used to investigate whether cats could change their behaviour and gain rewards efficiently by observing a human demonstrating how to obtain food. In Experiment 1, a human demonstrated how to open a transparent drawer and take out the reward inside, but cats did not significantly follow the same method as the human. In Experiment 2a, a transparent tube device was used to make the operation easier for cats. However, cats were not influenced by the human behaviour. As the devices used in these experiments were transparent, meaning that the cats could see the food inside directly, they might have required strong inhibitory control. Therefore, in Experiment 2b the tube device was made opaque, and cats again observed the human demonstration. Nevertheless, the cats were not influenced by the human’s behaviour. The results of these experiments indicate a lack of social learning, including imitation, from human behaviours in cats, at least in these experimental settings with food rewards. Other than their inherent ability, cats’ biological characteristics and the experimental context may have contributed towards the negative results.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060984
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 985: Red Blood Cell Distribution Width as a Novel
Parameter in Canine Disorders: Literature Review and Future Prospective
Authors: Arianna Miglio, Carlotta Valente, Carlo Guglielmini
First page: 985
Abstract: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a quantitative laboratory parameter applied for the measurement of anisocytosis and is a reliable and inexpensive method for clinical classification of anemia. An increased RDW reflects a great heterogeneity in the size of red blood cells typical of regenerative and iron-deficiency anemia. In humans, numerous and recent studies have shown a relationship between increased RDW and the risk of morbidity and mortality in patients with various disorders. In particular, a strong association has been established between changes in RDW and the risk of adverse outcome in humans with diseases affecting different organs or systems. Following the human literature, some studies have recently been conducted trying to clarify the clinical role of RDW in various animal disorders, particularly in dogs. In this review, we summarize and critically evaluate the results of the studies based on the measurement of RDW in dogs. We also emphasize the need for further and more extensive studies on the use of this simple and inexpensive parameter in animals.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060985
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 986: Isolation of Potential Probiotic Bacillus
spp. from the Intestine of Nile Tilapia to Construct Recombinant Probiotic
Expressing CC Chemokine and Its Effectiveness on Innate Immune Responses
in Nile Tilapia
Authors: Chatsirin Nakharuthai, Surintorn Boonanuntanasarn, Jirawadee Kaewda, Pimpisut Manassila
First page: 986
Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the potential probiotic Bacillus spp. from the intestine of Nile tilapia in order to construct a recombinant probiotic for the enhancement of the Nile tilapia immune response. One hundred bacterial isolates from the intestine of Nile tilapia were characterized for species identification using the 16s ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Only Bacillus isolates with exhibited antagonistic activity were investigated for their biological functions, which included protease-producing capacity, bile salts and pH tolerance, antibiotic susceptibility, and pathogenicity tests. According to the best results, Bacillus isolate B29, as closely related to B. subtilis, was selected to construct a recombinant probiotic for the delivery of CC chemokine protein (pBESOn-CC). The existence of recombinant probiotics was confirmed by Western blotting before the feeding trial. In addition, the CC chemokine mRNA level was quantified in the intestine of fish fed probiotics after 30 days of feeding. Total immunoglobulin, lysozyme activity, alternative complement 50 activity (ACH50), and phagocytic activity of fish fed either wild-type or recombinant probiotics were significantly increased, indicating that probiotics could stimulate the Nile tilapia immune system through different processes. Interestingly, the dietary supplementation of recombinant probiotics has a stronger immune response enhancement than the wild-type strain.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060986
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 987: A Preliminary Study on “Personalised
Treatment” against Varroa destructor Infestations in Honey Bee (Apis
mellifera) Colonies
Authors: Rajmund Sokół, Maria Michalczyk
First page: 987
Abstract: The requirement for the protection of bee colonies against Varroa destructor invasions has been noted by many breeders and is included as an aspect of the development of beekeeping. This research aimed to check the effect of the development of a colony exposed to laying eggs (brood surface) by queen bees with similar chemical potential (sisters) on the effect of a preparation combating V. destructor depending on the number of mites found in a given colony. We chose this as a standard model of conduct that treats each bee colony as one organism subjected to individual parasite control. For this purpose, we created a bee colony with a mother-of-one breeding line and fertilised drones from one colony. Infection with V. destructor occurred naturally and uncontrollably. Without interfering with the colony’s development, the frame insulator helped each colony’s brood (mothers’ reproductive potential) and the initial and final individuals from the mites themselves. The study was carried out in four species (two control species and two species with up to 20 and over 21 mites, respectively). Treatments with amitraz to combat damage were divided into four treatment subgroups: two treatments every four days or four treatments every two days. We observed the number of individuals that were protected in all subgroups in the average brood area. The reproductive potential of the sisters’ mothers did not change after the treatments with amitraz, which indicated that amitraz did not affect the delegation of egg laying. The invasion rate was also tracked relative to the control group, which allowed us to conclude that a two-time treatment with amitraz reduced the frequency of mites and a four-time treatment checked the effectiveness. Tailoring the control of V. destructor in bee colonies may be an effective measure in the fight against this parasite.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060987
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 988: Natural Behaviour Is Not Enough: Farm Animal
Welfare Needs Modern Answers to Tinbergen’s Four Questions
Authors: Marian Stamp Dawkins
First page: 988
Abstract: Despite the many scientific objections that have been raise to it, ‘natural behaviour’ is widely used as an indication of good welfare by the food industry. The supposed link between welfare and natural behaviour derives, however, from a now outdated view of animals becoming frustrated if they cannot perform their natural instinctive behaviour. On the 60th anniversary of its publication, Niko Tinbergens’ Four Questions framework is used to show why there is no necessary link between natural behaviour and welfare and why, therefore, reliance on natural behaviour in commercial farming may not result in the claimed improvements in welfare. Used on its own without supporting evidence, ‘natural behaviour’ lacks the most essential criterion for good welfare—whether it matters to the animals themselves. There are now a number of well-established methods for demonstrating what animals value, including choice tests and, particularly, what animals will work and pay a cost to obtain. Some of the evidence on what animals value is already available in published papers but some will require collaborative research between scientists and commercial farming to find practical and commercially viable ways of providing animals with what they value.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060988
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 989: Influence of an Automatic Enrichment Device
on Laying Hen Behavior and Plumage Condition
Authors: Anna Riedel, Meryem Canci, Birgit Spindler, Nicole Kemper
First page: 989
Abstract: Feather pecking and cannibalism are prominent problems in modern laying hen husbandry. Among the various approaches to address this issue, environmental enrichment plays a crucial role. In this on-farm study, four winter gardens of an organic farm henhouse were equipped with an automatic enrichment device. Different quantities of downpipes dosing grain on rough-coated pecking plates (PPs) were tested. One group served as a control (CG) without an automatic enrichment device, while the others were offered different numbers of PPs, with one equipped with a doubled amount of PPs (DEG) compared to the other two groups (SEG). Video analyses of the hens’ duration of stay and behaviors in the recorded winter garden area and around the PPs were performed, and regular assessments of the plumage condition were conducted. By the end of the production cycle, no hens with intact plumage were found, with hens in the CG and DEG showing worse scores and earlier deterioration in the plumage condition than in the SEG. The offer of PPs showed a significant influence on the duration of stay in the filmed area. Hens in the DEG stayed significantly longer (mean: 129 s, SD: 126 s) than those in the CG (mean: 79 s, SD: 91 s; p < 0.05) and SEG (mean: 75 s, SD: 83 s; p < 0.005). On the performed behavioral bouts per hen and minute (CG mean bouts/minute (SD): 5.47 (2.92); SEG mean (SD): 5.33 (2.76); SEG mean (SD): 5.81 (3.24)), no significant influences were detected. Environmental pecking was the behavior most frequently observed in all winter gardens, where, particularly around the PPs, pecking at the device was observed. Therefore, the enrichment device can be assessed as well accepted by the hens in winter gardens. The effect of the device on the plumage condition remains unclear, with external factors probably showing a greater influence than the enrichment.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060989
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 990: Fluorescence Microscopy and Flow-Cytometry
Assessment of Substructures in European Red Deer Epididymal Spermatozoa
after Cryopreservation
Authors: Anna Dziekońska, Marek Lecewicz, Agnieszka Partyka, Wojciech Niżański
First page: 990
Abstract: Thawed spermatozoa, sampled post mortem from the fresh epididymides of European red deer and epididymides stored for up to 12 h at 2–4 °C, were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy (FM) and flow cytometry (FC). The sperm samples were extended and cryopreserved. The sperm motility (CASA), sperm viability (SYBR+/PI-), acrosome integrity, mitochondrial activity, apoptotic changes, and chromatin stability were assessed. Sperm were analyzed by FM before cryopreservation, and by FM and FC after thawing. Epididymal storage time (for 12 h) had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on the examined variables before cryopreservation. After thawing, the storage variants differed (p ˂ 0.05) in the percentage of apoptotic sperm (FM and FC) and DNA integrity (FC). The results of FM and FC differed (p ˂ 0.05) in all the analyzed parameters, excluding SYBR+/PI. Significant correlations (p ˂ 0.01) were observed between the sperm viability, acrosome integrity, and the percentage of non-apoptotic spermatozoa, regardless of the applied technique. In FM, the above parameters were also significantly correlated with mitochondrial activity. The study demonstrated that European red deer spermatozoa stored in the epididymides at 2–4 °C for 12 h can be used for cryopreservation. Both techniques were equally reliable, but FM was better suited for evaluating mitochondrial activity whereas FC was more useful in the evaluation of DNA fragmentation.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060990
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 991: Reproductive Performance of Tunisian Arabian
Stallions: A Study on the Variance and Estimation of Heritability
Authors: Mariem Jlassi, Bayrem Jemmali, Hadda Imen Ouzari, Faten Lasfer, Belgacem Ben Aoun, Abderrahmane Ben Gara
First page: 991
Abstract: A consistently high level of stallion fertility plays an economically important role in modern horse breeding. To better understand the factors affecting variation in stallion fertility, we have performed a statistical analysis study on some breeding factors: year of breeding, stud farm, age of the stallion, number of covered mares per stallion, reproduction methods, and age of the mare. This work was conducted on 94 purebred Arabian stallions in four different regions of Tunisia. The results showed an increase in the number of stallions during the study period, ranging from 11.33% in 2011 to 13.29% in 2018. Sidi Thabet’s stud farm contained the highest number of purebred Arabian stallions. The majority of stallions were between 15 and 21 years old and had covered 1 to 20 mares; 95.19% of stallions were used in natural mating (Nat); 50.36% had low fertility, 17.69% had medium fertility, and 32.3% had excellent fertility according to fertility standards. Depending on the year and stud, there was a variation in fertility per cycle (FERPCE) and end-of-season fertility (FERPSE) of the stallions. The highest average FERPCE and FERPSE values were obtained using artificial insemination with fresh semen (AIF). Analysis of FERPCE and FERPSE showed that the model used in our study explained 40.21% of total variability observations for FERPCE and 42.1% for FERPSE. The used statistical model showed that the breeding year, the stud, the age of the stallion, the number of covered mares by stallions and the method of reproduction significantly affected both FERPCE and FERPSE (with p = 0.001). Low to moderate heritability estimations for FERPCE (hs2 = 0.08) and FERPSE (hes2 = 0.36) were obtained.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-09
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060991
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 992: Identification of Candidate Genes and
Functional Pathways Associated with Body Size Traits in Chinese Holstein
Cattle Based on GWAS Analysis
Authors: Ismail Mohamed Abdalla, Jiang Hui, Mudasir Nazar, Abdelaziz Adam Idriss Arbab, Tianle Xu, Shaima Mohamed Nasr Abdu, Yongjiang Mao, Zhangping Yang, Xubin Lu
First page: 992
Abstract: Body size is one of the most economically important traits of dairy cattle, as it is significantly associated with cow longevity, production, health, fertility, and environmental adaptation. The identification and application of genetic variants using a novel genetic approach, such as genome-wide association studies (GWASs), may give more insights into the genetic architecture of complex traits. The identification of genes, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and pathways associated with the body size traits may offer a contribution to genomic selection and long-term planning for selection in dairy cows. In this study, we performed GWAS analysis to identify the genetic markers and genes associated with four body size traits (body height, body depth, chest width, and angularity) in 1000 Chinese Holstein cows. We performed SNPs genotyping in 1000 individuals, based on the GeneSeek Genomic Profiler Bovine 100 K. In total, we identified 11 significant SNPs in association with body size traits at the threshold of Bonferroni correction (5.90 × 10−7) using the fixed and random model circulating probability unification (FarmCPU) model. Several genes within 200 kb distances (upstream or downstream) of the significant SNPs were identified as candidate genes, including MYH15, KHDRBS3, AIP, DCC, SQOR, and UBAP1L. Moreover, genes within 200 kb of the identified SNPs were significantly enriched (p ≤ 0.05) in 25 Gene Ontology terms and five Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. We anticipate that these results provide a foundation for understanding the genetic architecture of body size traits. They will also contribute to breeding programs and genomic selection work on Chinese Holstein cattle.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060992
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 993: Supplementary Feed Additives Can Improve Lamb
Performance in Terms of Birth Weight, Body Size, and Survival Rate
Authors: Leila Ahmadzadeh-Gavahan, Ali Hosseinkhani, Valiollah Palangi, Maximilian Lackner
First page: 993
Abstract: To evaluate the effects of supplementation of feed additives in the last trimester of pregnancy on placental characteristics and offspring performance, this study was conducted with 48 estrous-synchronized Ghezel ewes that had randomly been assigned to one of the following six groups (n = 8): ad libitum feeding (AL); feed restriction (RF; 60% of ad libitum intake); feed restriction + propylene glycol (PG); feed restriction + propylene glycol + monensin sodium (MS); feed restriction + propylene glycol + rumen-protected choline chloride (RPC); feed restriction + propylene glycol + monensin sodium + rumen-protected choline chloride (PMC). Birth weight, body size, and rectal temperature of lambs were determined within 24 h of birth. The presence of lambs at 87 days of age was used as an index of survival to weaning. The outcome of this study was that the average placental weight of ewes in the AL and MS groups was the highest and lowest, respectively, among the treatment groups (p < 0.01). RPC ewes presented higher placental efficiency compared to AL, RF, and MS ewes (p < 0.05). The largest and smallest crown-to-rump lengths (CRLs) were observed in PMC and RF lambs, respectively (p < 0.01). In addition, lambs born from PMC, RPC, and PG ewes had a longer curved crown-to-rump length (CCRL) than those born from AL and RF ewes (p < 0.01). The concurrent administration of propylene glycol and rumen-protected choline chloride resulted in the highest birth weight among treatment groups (p < 0.01). Lambs born to PMC and RPC ewes had a higher survival rate and rectal temperature than those born to RF ewes (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that although dietary restriction does not have adverse effects on lambs’ performance compared with ad libitum intake, the combined administration of propylene glycol and rumen-protected choline chloride in the ewes’ restricted diet can improve placental characteristics and subsequently amend lambs’ birth weight and body size. Therefore, the combined administration of these additives can be practiced during feed restriction.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-08
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060993
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 994: The Colonization of Rumen Microbiota and
Intervention in Pre-Weaned Ruminants
Authors: Kenan Li, Binlin Shi, Renhua Na
First page: 994
Abstract: In pre-weaned ruminants, the microbiota colonizes rapidly in the rumen after birth and constantly interacts with the host to sustain health and metabolism. The developing microbial community is more malleable, so its manipulation may improve ruminant health and productivity as well as may have long-term effects on ruminants. Hence, understanding the process of rumen microbiota establishment is helpful for nutritional interventions of rumen microbiota in pre-weaned ruminants. This paper reviews the latest advances in the colonization of rumen microbiota while providing insights into the most suitable time for manipulating rumen microbial colonization in early life. In addition, different factors that affect rumen microbiota establishment during the pre-weaned ruminants are discussed in the current manuscript. The purpose of this review is to aid in the development of guidelines for manipulating rumen microbiota to improve animal productivity and health.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-09
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060994
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 995: Effect of Controlling Light on Cashmere
Growth and Harmful Gas Parameters in Shanbei White Cashmere Goats
Authors: Wenyuan Cui, Changlong Lin, Yuyang Liu, Zhixin Qiu, Wenrui Gao, Chunxin Wang, Yulin Chen, Yuxin Yang
First page: 995
Abstract: The quality and yield of cashmere closely affect the economic benefits of cashmere goat farming. Studies have shown that controlling light can have an important impact on cashmere but can also affect the concentration of harmful gases. In order to explore the impact of a short photoperiod on the growth of cashmere and harmful gases in goat houses, 130 female (non-pregnant) Shanbei white cashmere goats, aged 4–5 years with similar body weights, were randomly divided into a control group and a treatment group, with 65 goats in each group. The dietary nutrition levels of the experimental goats were the same, and completely natural light was used in the control group; the light control group received light for 7 h every day (9:30–16:30), and the rest of the time (16:30–9:30 the next day) they did not receive light. The light control treatment was carried out in a control house, and the gas content was analyzed. It was found that a shortened period of light exposure could increase the annual average cashmere production by 34.5%. The content of each gas has a certain functional relationship with the measurement time period, but at the same time, we found that the content of NH3 also changes seasonally. In summary, the use of shortened light periods when raising cashmere goats can significantly increase cashmere production and quality, but at the same time, it will increase the concentration of harmful gases in the goat barn, and ventilation should be increased to ensure the health of the goats and the air quality in the barn.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-09
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060995
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 996: Microbiome–Metabolome Reveals the
Contribution of the Gut–Testis Axis to Sperm Motility in Sheep (Ovis
aries)
Authors: Mingming Wang, Chunhuan Ren, Penghui Wang, Xiao Cheng, Yale Chen, Yafeng Huang, Jiahong Chen, Zhipeng Sun, Qiangjun Wang, Zijun Zhang
First page: 996
Abstract: A close association exists among testicular function, gut microbiota regulation, and organismal metabolism. In this study, serum and seminal plasma metabolomes, and the rumen microbiome of sheep with significant differences in sperm viability, were explored. Serum and seminal plasma metabolomes differed significantly between high-motility (HM) and low-motility (LM) groups of sheep, and 39 differential metabolites closely related to sperm motility in sheep were found in seminal plasma metabolomes, while 35 were found in serum samples. A 16S rRNA sequence analysis showed that the relative abundance of HM and LM rumen microorganisms, such as Ruminococcus and Quinella, was significantly higher in the HM group, whereas genera such as Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Lactobacillus were enriched in the mid-LM group. Serum hormone assays revealed that serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and MT levels were significantly lower in the LM group than in the HM group, whereas serum glucocorticoid (GC) levels were higher in the LM group than in the HM group, and they all affected sperm motility in sheep. Ruminococcus and other rumen microorganisms were positively correlated with sperm motility, whereas Lactobacillus was negatively correlated with FSH and GCs levels. Our findings suggest that rumen microbial activity can influence the host metabolism and hormone levels associated with fertility in sheep.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-09
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060996
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 997: Antimicrobial Growth Promoters Altered the
Function but Not the Structure of Enteric Bacterial Communities in Broiler
Chicks ± Microbiota Transplantation
Authors: Colten R. Hodak, Danisa M. Bescucci, Karen Shamash, Laisa C. Kelly, Tony Montina, Paul B. Savage, G. Douglas Inglis
First page: 997
Abstract: Non-antibiotic alternatives to antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) are required, and understanding the mode of action of AGPs may facilitate the development of effective alternatives. The temporal impact of the conventional antibiotic AGP, virginiamycin, and an AGP alternative, ceragenin (CSA-44), on the structure and function of the broiler chicken cecal microbiota was determined using next-generation sequencing and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR)-based metabolomics. To elucidate the impact of enteric bacterial diversity, oral transplantation (±) of cecal digesta into 1-day-old chicks was conducted. Microbiota transplantation resulted in the establishment of a highly diverse cecal microbiota in recipient chicks that did not change between day 10 and day 15 post-hatch. Neither virginiamycin nor CSA-44 influenced feed consumption, weight gain, or feed conversion ratio, and did not affect the structure of the cecal microbiota in chicks possessing a low or high diversity enteric microbiota. However, metabolomic analysis of the cecal contents showed that the metabolome of cecal digesta was affected in birds administered virginiamycin and CSA-44 as a function of bacterial community diversity. As revealed by metabolomics, glycolysis-related metabolites and amino acid synthesis pathways were impacted by virginiamycin and CSA-44. Thus, the administration of AGPs did not influence bacterial community structure but did alter the function of enteric bacterial communities. Hence, alterations to the functioning of the enteric microbiota in chickens may be the mechanism by which AGPs impart beneficial health benefits, and this possibility should be examined in future research.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-09
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060997
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 998: Towards a Futureproof Zoo
Authors: Jozef Keulartz
First page: 998
Abstract: To develop an adequate ethical framework for a futureproof zoo, we have to employ what I would call a ‘bifocal’ view, in which zoo animals are seen simultaneously as individuals in need of specific care and as members of a species in need of protection. From such a bifocal view, the zoo’s policy should aim to strike a fair, morally acceptable balance between its effort to ensure the welfare of individual animals and its obligation to contribute to species conservation. I will argue that the prospects of the zoo to achieve such a balance are promising. Since early 21st century, zoos have made serious and sustained efforts to ensure and enhance animal welfare. The zoo’s huge animal welfare concerns are reflected in the development of animal enrichment programs and the increased use of training technics. At the same time, the zoo’s contribution to species conservation has also improved considerably. Zoos have found solutions for the problems created by their lack of space, such as innovative enclosure designs, specialization, regional and global cooperation, the interactive exchange of in situ and ex situ populations, and the shift away from large charismatic mammals towards smaller species. Zoos have also improved their conservation performance by broadening their conservationist role to include research, training, education, awareness campaigns, and direct financial and technical support for in situ projects. I will occasionally illustrate certain developments using examples drawn from ARTIS Zoo, the fifth oldest zoo in the world, located in the centre of my hometown Amsterdam.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-09
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060998
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 999: Prevalence of Chronic Progressive Lymphedema
in the Rhenish German Draught Horse
Authors: Johanna Sievers, Ottmar Distl
First page: 999
Abstract: Chronic progressive lymphedema (CPL) is a common disease in Rhenisch German draught horses. The objective of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of this disease and its progression with age in 493 Rhenish German draught horses from different regions in Germany. We employed generalized linear models with binomial, multinomial, and normal distributions to analyse the effects of breeding association, coat colour, sex and age within sex, time of examination, limb on which CPL was recorded, and farm-related factors on disease scores. The occurrence and severity of CPL were significantly influenced by breeding area, sex, coat colour, and interaction of age by sex. Males had significantly higher CPL-scores than geldings (1.92-fold) and females (5.02-fold) as well as a faster (1.85-fold) disease progression per year of life than females (1.44-fold) and geldings (1.25-fold). Regression on age within sex was still significant when age was restricted to a minimum of 7 years in the analysis. Bay horses exhibited 1.77-fold and 2.19-fold higher CPL-scores than chestnut and black horses. Keeping horses on pasture and keeping bedding clean reduced CPL-scores, whereas feeding of hay silage and concentrates during winter increased CPL-scores. Our analysis revealed significant regression coefficients of cannon bone circumference on CPL-scores. Relationships with hoof measures and skinfold diameter at the neck were not found. In conclusion, differences among breeding districts and sexes by age had the largest impact on CPL prevalence and scores. Disease progression was evident up to a mean age of 16 years in males and 20 years in females. The identification of risk factors and their effects on CPL should help to reduce the occurrence and progression of CPL.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-09
DOI: 10.3390/ani13060999
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1000: Influence of Dietary Phytase Inclusion Rates
on Yolk Inositol Concentration, Hatchability, Chick Quality, and Early
Growth Performance
Authors: Carlos Alexandre Granghelli, Carrie Louise Walk, Gilson Alexandre Gomes, Tiago Tedeschi dos Santos, Paulo Henrique Pelissari, Brunna Garcia de Souza Leite, Fabricia Arruda Roque, Mário Henrique Scapin Lopes, Lúcio Francelino Araujo, Cristiane Soares da Silva Araujo
First page: 1000
Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of dietary phytase in breeder hens on yolk nutrients, hatchability, chick quality, and growth rate of their progeny, and their subsequent performance to 42 d post-hatch when fed diets with the same phytase concentrations. Breeder hens (n = 216) were divided into 3 groups receiving nutrient-adequate diets with reduced calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) (by 0.16% and 0.15%, respectively), supplemented with either 500, 1500, or 4500 FTU/kg phytase from 27 to 50 weeks of age. Eggs were collected at 38 weeks of age and incubated. On the day of hatch, the chick quality and hatchability were determined, and 18 chicks/group were euthanized for yolk sac collection and the determination of inositol and glycerol concentrations. The remaining chicks were divided into three groups, receiving different diets with reduced Ca and P (by 0.16% and 0.15%, respectively), supplemented with 0, 500, or 1500 FTU/kg phytase to 42 d post-hatch. Increasing the phytase concentration in the breeder hen diet linearly (p < 0.05) increased the number of early embryo deaths and decreased the number of late deaths and pips. The inositol concentration in the yolk sac at day of hatch increased (quadratic; p < 0.05) as the phytase dose increased in the breeder hen diet. The breeder hen diet (p < 0.05) influenced the body weight (BW), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) up to 21 days of age. The supplementation of breeder hen diets with 1500 FTU/kg phytase increased the concentration of sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) in the yolk sac. The inclusion of phytase doses up to 4500 FTU/kg appeared to influence embryo mortality, chick feed intake, and BW gain to 21 days and the FCR throughout the entire production phase.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-09
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061000
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1001: Restoration of Developmental Competence in
Low-Quality Porcine Cumulus–Oocyte Complexes through the
Supplementation of Sonic Hedgehog Protein during In Vitro Maturation
Authors: Pil-Soo Jeong, Hyo-Gu Kang, Bong-Seok Song, Sun-Uk Kim, Bo-Woong Sim, Sanghoon Lee
First page: 1001
Abstract: The sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway is an important signaling pathway for mammalian ovarian folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation. A previous study demonstrated that low-quality porcine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) have low developmental competence, with lower SHH signaling protein expression before and after in vitro maturation (IVM) than high-quality COCs. However, there is no reported evidence on the restorative effects of SHH protein supplementation during the IVM of low-quality porcine COCs. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of SHH protein supplementation on the IVM of low-quality porcine COCs, as assessed by brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) staining. To examine this, we designed four groups: (i) BCB− (low-quality), (ii) BCB− + SHH, (iii) BCB+ (high-quality), and (iv) BCB+ + SHH. While the supplementation of SHH protein with high-quality COCs had no effect, supplementation with low-quality COCs significantly improved cumulus cell expansion, metaphase II rate, and subsequent embryo development following parthenogenetic activation. Our results provide the first evidence that the low developmental competence of low-quality porcine COCs can be improved by supplementation with the SHH protein. These results indicate that an active SHH signaling pathway is required for the acquisition of developmental competence in porcine COCs.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-09
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061001
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1002: Advancing DNA Barcoding to Elucidate
Elasmobranch Biodiversity in Malaysian Waters
Authors: Kar-Hoe Loh, Kean-Chong Lim, Amy Yee-Hui Then, Serena Adam, Amanda Jhu-Xhin Leung, Wenjia Hu, Chui Wei Bong, Aijun Wang, Ahemad Sade, Jamil Musel, Jianguo Du
First page: 1002
Abstract: The data provided in this article are partial fragments of the Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 mitochondrial gene (CO1) sequences of 175 tissues sampled from sharks and batoids collected from Malaysian waters, from June 2015 to June 2022. The barcoding was done randomly for six specimens from each species, so as to authenticate the code. We generated barcodes for 67 different species in 20 families and 11 orders. DNA was extracted from the tissue samples following the Chelex protocols and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the barcoding universal primers FishF2 and FishR2. A total of 654 base pairs (bp) of barcode CO1 gene from 175 samples were sequenced and analysed. The genetic sequences were blasted into the NCBI GenBank and Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD). A review of the blast search confirmed that there were 68 valid species of sharks and batoids that occurred in Malaysian waters. We provided the data of the COI gene mid-point rooting phylogenetic relation trees and analysed the genetic distances among infra-class and order, intra-species, inter-specific, inter-genus, inter-familiar, and inter-order. We confirmed the addition of Squalus edmundsi, Carcharhinus amboinensis, Alopias superciliosus, and Myliobatis hamlyni as new records for Malaysia. The establishment of a comprehensive CO1 database for sharks and batoids will help facilitate the rapid monitoring and assessment of elasmobranch fisheries using environmental DNA methods.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-09
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061002
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1003: Effects of Processing Methods and Inclusion
Levels of Dried Garlic on In Vitro Fermentation and Methane Production in
a Corn Silage-Based Substrate
Authors: Juan Vargas, Federico Tarnonsky, Araceli Maderal, Ignacio Fernandez-Marenchino, Federico Podversich, Wilmer Cuervo, Camila Gomez-Lopez, Tessa Schulmeister, Nicolas DiLorenzo
First page: 1003
Abstract: Garlic (Allium sativum) contains secondary compounds that are known to modify rumen fermentation parameters and decrease methane (CH4) emissions. The objective was to evaluate the effects of increasing the inclusion levels and processing methods of garlic on in vitro fermentation and CH4 production. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with a 2 × 3 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement, where the main factors were the initial condition of garlic (intact or smashed), drying process (freeze-dried, oven-dried, or autoclaved), and garlic proportion in the diet (2.5 and 5%) and one control (without garlic supplementation). Incubations were conducted using corn silage and cotton-gin trash (80:20, respectively) as basal substrates on three different days. Final pH, the concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), total gas production, and CH4 concentration were determined after 24 h. Initial garlic condition or drying processing neither modify (p > 0.05) the in vitro fermentation nor the CH4 production. However, increasing garlic inclusion linearly increased (p < 0.05) IVOMD, the concentration of the total VFA, and the proportion of propionate. Also, the concentration of NH3-N and the proportion of acetate increased quadratically (p < 0.05) with greater garlic inclusions. Finally, garlic inclusion did not affect (p > 0.05) gas and CH4 production. In conclusion, increasing garlic levels, but not the processing methods, improved in vitro fermentation but did not modify CH4 emissions under in vitro conditions.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-09
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061003
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1004: Administration of Beta-Nerve Growth Factor
during the Preovulatory Stage Improves Endocrine and Luteal Function in
Dairy Heifers
Authors: Gonzalo Gajardo, Luis Paiva, Cesar Ulloa-Leal, Ximena Valderrama, Gerardo López, Albert Carrasco, Alejandra Isabel Hidalgo, Mauricio E. Silva, Patricio I. Palma, Marcelo H. Ratto
First page: 1004
Abstract: The neurotrophin beta-nerve growth factor (NGF), which is present in the semen of different mammals, elicits potent ovulatory and luteotrophic actions in llamas following systemic administration. Here, we determine if purified NGF given intramuscularly (IM) during the preovulatory stage affects the corpus luteum (CL), hormone production, endometrial gene expression, and pregnancy rate of dairy heifers. Holstein-Friesian heifers were estrus-synchronized using estradiol benzoate (EB) plus an intravaginal progesterone (P4) device (DIB). After eight days, the device was removed and cloprostenol was given IM; the next day (day 9), heifers received EB IM plus one of the following: (i) 1 mg of NGF (NGF D9 group), (ii) 1 mg of NGF 32 h after EB (NGF D10 group), or (iii) phosphate buffer saline (control group). To measure pregnancy rates, heifers were treated similarly, then artificially inseminated with sexed semen 48–52 h after DIB removal, then an ultrasound was conducted 30 days after insemination. The females given NGF along with EB (NGF D9) showed significantly higher luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations, larger CL vascular areas, and higher plasma P4 concentrations than the NGF D10 and control animals. Downregulation of the P4 receptor (PGR), and upregulation of both lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and Solute Carrier Family 6 member 14 (SLC6A14) endometrial genes, were detected in NGF D9 heifers. Furthermore, these heifers had a 10% higher pregnancy rate than the control group. We conclude that the higher P4 output, in response to the early NGF administration, led to the enhanced gene expression of transcripts related to uterine receptivity that may result in enhanced pregnancy rates.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-09
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061004
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1005: Effects of Chia Seeds on Growth Performance,
Carcass Traits and Fatty Acid Profile of Lamb Meat
Authors: Selene Uribe-Martínez, Juan Antonio Rendón-Huerta, Verónica Guadalupe Hernández-Briones, Alicia Grajales-Lagunes, Juan Ángel Morales-Rueda, Gregorio Álvarez-Fuentes, Juan Carlos García-López
First page: 1005
Abstract: The aim of this work was to supplement a diet with chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) based on the requirements of finishing lambs for meat, and to analyze biometric parameters and fatty acid profiles in meat. Eighteen male Rambouillet lambs with a bodyweight of 25 kg were used. Animals were kept in individual pens with water and feed provided ad libitum. Three finishing diets were designed with the inclusion of 0, 50 and 100 g dry matter chia seeds and divided among the animals (n = 6). The experimental period lasted 60 days. The weights of the individual lambs were recorded every 14 days. At the end of the experiment, the animals were slaughtered and the weights of the hot carcasses and non-meat components were registered. In addition, an analysis of the fatty acid composition was carried out in the muscles (Longissimus thoracis). The total weight gain and average daily gain displayed significant differences (p < 0.05). Initial and final bodyweights, such as the dry matter intake, did not display differences. The fatty acid profile of the meat tended to decrease the SFA (stearic acid) and increase MUFA (oleic acid) (p < 0.0001) when chia seeds were added to the lamb diets. In conclusion, chia seed supplementation did not increase meat production or other biometric parameters; however, it modified the fatty acid profile in L. thoracis.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-09
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061005
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1006: Effects of Compound Probiotics on Cecal
Microbiota and Metabolome of Swine
Authors: Jie Li, Hongyue Li, Yi Zhou, Hongwei Xiang, Muze Lv, Bo Ruan, Zongyi Bo, Haixiao Shen, Fazhi Xu, Yafeng Huang, Liang Li, Pei Sun
First page: 1006
Abstract: Complex probiotics are made from various single probiotics mixed in scientific formula. The long-term intake of different probiotics is beneficial to maintain the intestinal microecological balance, inhibiting harmful pathogenic flora and facilitating organism health. Based on the limited research on intestinal flora and related metabolites after the long-term intake of the probiotic complex, in this study, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics were used to further investigate the effects of the probiotic complex on the intestinal flora and metabolome of pigs. The results demonstrated that the content of flora in the intestinal tract or metabolites of pigs varied greatly and was related to cellular metabolic pathways after the long-term feeding of complex probiotics. This study provides a valuable theoretical basis for farmers to raise pigs scientifically and healthily.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-10
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061006
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1007: The Naked Neck Gene in the Domestic Chicken:
A Genetic Strategy to Mitigate the Impact of Heat Stress in Poultry
Production—A Review
Authors: Elisabete Fernandes, Anabela Raymundo, Luisa Louro Martins, Madalena Lordelo, André M. de Almeida
First page: 1007
Abstract: The poultry sector is one of the most important food industries in the world. Poultry production generates high-value protein products (meat and eggs) that are produced efficiently without the need for large areas. In poultry production, especially in the tropics, environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, play a major role. Heat stress (HS) causes behavioral, physical, and physiological changes in poultry, with severe financial impacts. Therefore, it is important to find strategies to minimize it. The naked neck (Na) is an autosomal, incompletely dominant gene. Compared with normal feathered birds, these animals are known for their ability to adapt, perform, and reproduce under hot and humid climate conditions. Due to the absence of feathers on the neck, these animals increase heat dissipation, alleviating adverse heat effects, especially on productive performance. Genetic improvement of heat tolerance may provide a low-cost solution, of particular interest for developing countries in the tropics. The focus of this review is to evaluate the impact of HS in poultry with a special emphasis on the advantages of using the Na gene.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-10
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061007
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1008: Influence of the Season on the Nutritive
Value and Gas Production of Opuntia ficus-indica and Agave americana L. in
Ruminant Feed
Authors: Cristiana S. A. M. Maduro Dias, Helder P. B. Nunes, Carlos F. M. Vouzela, João S. Madruga, Alfredo E. S. Borba
First page: 1008
Abstract: Using invasive plants in animal production can provide an economical and eco-sustainable competitive advantage in a globalized market. The Opuntia ficus-indica and the Agave americana L. are invasive plants historically used by Azorean farmers as an alternative ruminant water source in the summer. This study aims to better understand their properties and how they vary throughout the year, so their use to complement animal diets can be optimised. Six samples of each species were collected on the Terceira Island during 2 growth seasons: winter (January 2021) and summer (September 2021), and their chemical composition, in vitro digestibility, and gas production, were determined. Significant (p < 0.05) differences were found in all parameters between the summer and the winter, with larger variations in both fibre (NDF and ADF) and digestibility parameters found between the Opuntia and the Agave. Gas production was greater in the summer for Opuntia and in the winter for Agave. Even though the digestibility was lower in the summer, we found that both plants offer a viable ruminant feed complement in both seasons, providing a cheap and eco-sustainable alternative water source, that can be associated to dry forage and compound feeding stuff with a high crude protein content when designing ruminant diets.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-10
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061008
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1009: Hematology, Biochemistry, and Protein
Electrophoresis Reference Intervals of Western European Hedgehog
(Erinaceus europaeus) from a Rehabilitation Center in Northern Portugal
Authors: Sofia Rosa, Ana C. Silvestre-Ferreira, Roberto Sargo, Filipe Silva, Felisbina Luísa Queiroga
First page: 1009
Abstract: The Western European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) can work as a bioindicator of environmental pollution and be a host for multiple zoonotic agents, making it relevant in terms of One Health studies. It is essential to deepen the knowledge on this species and calculate reference intervals (RIs) for the usual hematological and biochemical parameters. For this retrospective study (2017–2022), the archives of the Clinical Pathology Laboratory (LPC) of University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD) Veterinary Teaching Hospital were analyzed. Data of hematology, clinical biochemistry, and protein electrophoresis from 37 healthy hedgehogs of the Wild Animal Rehabilitation Center at UTAD, Northern Portugal, were included. It was possible to calculate RIs for almost all of the variables in the study, using Reference Value Advisor V2.1. Moreover, sex and age effects were investigated: alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.012, higher in males); total proteins (p = 0.034, higher in adults); mean cell volume (p = 0.007) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (p = 0.010) (both higher in juveniles); and red blood cell distribution width (p = 0.021, higher in adults). Our study allowed for the first time to define RIs for a population of hedgehogs in Portugal, having a potentially relevant impact on species conservation and in the human–animal health interface.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-10
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061009
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1010: A Monogenean Gill Parasite within the Genus
Haliotrema (Ancyrocephalidae) Infecting Argyrops filamentosus Fish:
Morphology and Molecular Studies
Authors: Rewaida Abdel-Gaber, Masheil Alghamdi, Saleh Al Quraishy, Esam M. Al-Shaebi, Manal F. Elkhadragy, Saeed El-Ashram, Mohamed A. Dkhil
First page: 1010
Abstract: Due to the presence of different parasite taxa and other disease-causing agents, all fish species are extremely prone to dangers. As a result, the current study focused on some of the monogenean parasites that infect one of the economically important fish species, the soldier bream Argyrops filamentosus, from the Red Sea coast of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Following that, thirty A. filamentosus fish specimens were examined for monogenean parasites. The parasitic species were isolated and morphologically and molecularly studied. The presence of one monogenean species of Haliotrema susanae (F: Ancyrocephalidae) infecting gills was observed in 50% of the investigated fish species. The ancyrocephalid species Haliotrema susanae is characterized by having all generic features within the genus Haliotrema. It could be distinguished from other species within this genus by the male copulatory organ including a copulatory tube with no accessory piece and a haptor made up of two pairs of anchors, two bars, and seven pairs of marginal hooks. As ectoparasitic taxa of the investigated sparid fish, the current study of Haliotrema species constitutes the first report of this genus. A molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the partial 28S rRNA gene region was analyzed to investigate the phylogenetic affinity of this parasite with the genus Haliotrema belonging to Ancyrocephalidae. This study considers the addition of a new genetic sequence for this parasite species.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-10
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061010
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1011: Development of a Mobile Open-Circuit
Respiration Head Hood System for Measuring Gas Exchange in Camelids in the
Andean Plateau
Authors: Wilfredo Manuel Rios Rado, Paola Katherine Chipa Guillen, Dione Huamán Borda, Víctor Vélez Marroquín, José Ignacio Gere, Walter Orestes Antezana Julián, Carlos Fernández
First page: 1011
Abstract: Peru has the largest inventory of alpacas worldwide. Despite their importance as a source of net income for rural communities living at the Andean Plateau, data on energy requirements and methane (CH4) emissions for alpacas are particularly lacking. In 2019, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC; 2006, and Refinement 2019) outlined methods for estimating CH4 emissions from enteric fermentation and no methane (CH4) conversion factors were reported for camelids. IPCC has since updated its guidelines for estimating CH4 emissions from the enteric fermentation of livestock at a national scale. For greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory purposes, conversion factors were developed for ruminants but not for domestic South American camelids (SAC), with this category including alpacas. A mobile open-circuit respirometry system (head hood) for the rapid determination of CH4 and CO2 production, O2 consumption, and thereafter, heat production (HP) for camelids was built and validated. In addition, an experimental test with eight alpacas was conducted for validation purposes. The average HP measured by indirect calorimetry (respiratory quotient (RQ) method) was close to the average HP determined from the carbon–nitrogen balance (CN method); 402 kJ/kg BW0.75 and 398 kJ/kg BW0.75, respectively. Fasting HP was determined by the RQ method and 250 kJ/kg BW0.75 was obtained. The metabolizable energy requirement for maintenance (MEm) was calculated to be 323 kJ/kg BW0.75 with an efficiency of energy utilization of 77%. When intake was adjusted to zero energy retention by linear regression, the MEm requirement increased to 369 kJ/kg BW0.75 and the efficiency decreased up to 68%. The CH4 conversion factor (Ym) was 5.5% on average. Further research is required to gain a better understanding of the energy requirements and CH4 emissions of alpacas in conditions of the Andean Plateau and to quantify them with greater accuracy.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-10
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061011
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1012: Chicken Hypothalamic and Ovarian DNA
Methylome Alteration in Response to Forced Molting
Authors: Tongyu Zhang, Chengfeng Li, Jianwen Deng, Yaxiong Jia, Lujiang Qu, Zhonghua Ning
First page: 1012
Abstract: Epigenetic modifications play an important role in regulating animal adaptation to external stress. To explore how DNA methylation regulates the expression levels of related genes during forced molting (FM) of laying hens, the hypothalamus and ovary tissues were analyzed at five periods using Whole-Genome Bisulfite Sequencing. The results show that methylation levels fluctuated differently in the exon, intron, 5′UTR, 3′UTR, promoter, and intergenic regions of the genome during FM. In addition, 16 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) regulating cell aging, immunity, and development were identified in the two reversible processes of starvation and redevelopment during FM. Comparing DMGs with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) obtained in the same periods, five hypermethylated DMGs (DSTYK, NKTR, SMOC1, SCAMP3, and ATOH8) that inhibited the expression of DEGs were found. Therefore, DMGs epigenetically modify the DEGs during the FM process of chickens, leading to the rapid closure and restart of their reproductive function and a re-increase in the egg-laying rate. Therefore, this study further confirmed that epigenetic modifications could regulate gene expression during FM and provides theoretical support for the subsequent optimization of FM technology.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-10
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061012
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1013: Seasonal Movement Patterns of Urban Domestic
Cats Living on the Edge in an African City
Authors: Robert E. Simmons, Colleen L. Seymour, Sharon T. George, Koebraa Peters, Frances Morling, M. Justin O’Riain
First page: 1013
Abstract: Domestic cats (Felis catus) are amongst the most destructive invasive vertebrates globally, depredating billions of native animals annually. The size and seasonal variation of their geographical “footprint” is key to understanding their effects on wildlife, particularly if they live near conservation areas. Here we report the first GPS-tracking studies of free-roaming owned cats in the city of Cape Town, South Africa. A total of 23 cats was tracked (14 cats in summer, 9 in winter) using miniature (22 g) GPS locators in 2010–2011. In summer, all cats living on the urban-edge (UE: n = 7) made extensive use of protected areas, while only one of seven urban (U) cats (>150 m from the edge) did so. In winter two of four UE and two of five U cats entered protected areas. Home ranges (95% kernel density estimates) were significantly larger in summer (3.00 ± 1.23 ha) than winter (0.87 ± 0.25 ha) and cats ventured further from their homes in summer (maximum 849 m) than in winter (max 298 m). The predation risk posed by caracal (Caracal caracal) may limit the time cats spend in protected areas, but our results suggest that cat buffers around conservation areas should be at least ~600 m wide to reduce impacts to native fauna.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-10
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061013
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1014: Influence of the Slaughter Method on the
Hygienic Quality of Beef Cattle Meat and Animal Welfare Biomarkers
Authors: Said Bouzraa, Estrella I. Agüera, Francisco Requena, Inmaculada Rodríguez, Salud Serrano
First page: 1014
Abstract: The main objective of this research was to carry out a comparative study between different types of slaughter in beef cattle with and without stunning. In addition, the hygienic quality of the obtained meat was determined through microbiological analysis and the animal welfare at the time of slaughtering was assessed by means of physiological parameters. A total of 52 blood samples collected at the slaughterhouse during slaughter (10 for each type of slaughter: regular, halal, and halal with stunning; 10 at the time of resting; and 12 from rotating box slaughter) were analysed for physiological parameters indicating animal welfare status, namely, glucose, cortisol, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK). In addition, the meat from 30 of the above animals was analysed for aerobic mesophilic bacteria, enterobacteria and coliforms. Moreover, a radiological study of the possible skull damage due to the non-penetrative captive bolt used at the time of stunning in the halal rite slaughter was carried out. A significance difference (p < 0.05) in the microbiological counts per type of slaughter was observed. It was proven that the amounts of glucose, LDH, CK, and cortisol in plasma were influenced (p < 0.05) by the type of slaughter. The halal rite slaughter using stunning with a non-penetrative captive bolt resulted in the best hygienic quality of meat and obtained the lowest values for all animal welfare biomarkers.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-10
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061014
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1015: “Do Your Homework as Your Heart Takes
over When You Go Looking”: Factors Associated with Pre-Acquisition
Information-Seeking among Prospective UK Dog Owners
Authors: Rebecca Mead, Katrina E. Holland, Rachel A. Casey, Melissa M. Upjohn, Robert M. Christley
First page: 1015
Abstract: The factors influencing why and how people decide to acquire a dog are not well understood and little is known about the extent to which prospective owners undertake preparatory research. This study aimed to better understand what factors influence whether prospective dog owners in the UK conduct preparatory research. A 2019 online survey of current (n = 8050) and potential (n = 2884) dog owners collected quantitative and qualitative data. Additional qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with current (n = 166) and potential (n = 10) dog owners. Of the current owners surveyed, 54% stated that they had looked for advice or information prior to acquiring their dog. Of potential owners, 68% reported already having looked for information, while a further 14% were planning to undertake research prior to acquiring a dog. Those with previous dog ownership experience were less likely to undertake pre-acquisition research, as were those who had worked with dogs. Demographic factors were also associated with the likelihood of conducting pre-acquisition research, with younger prospective owners being more likely to have undertaken research, as well as those with formal education qualifications. Among current owners, pre-acquisition research was more likely among those who acquired their dog through a breeder; a specific breed or a mix of two breeds; or as a puppy. Qualitative data were consistent with and added additional understanding and context to these findings. Almost half of current owners did not conduct pre-acquisition research, highlighting the need for increased awareness of its importance and the development of targeted interventions to encourage this activity. Understanding the different factors that influence whether dog owners undertake research may be of interest to animal welfare and veterinary organisations, in order to inform interventions to better prepare people for dog acquisition.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-10
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061015
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1016: Morphometric Study of the Eyeball of the
Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) Using Computed Tomography (CT)
Authors: Marcos Fumero-Hernández, Mario Encinoso Quintana, Ana S. Ramírez, Inmaculada Morales Fariña, Pascual Calabuig, José Raduan Jaber
First page: 1016
Abstract: The short bibliography referring to the anatomy and pathology of the eyeball of turtles poses a challenge for veterinarians and conservationists given the increasing presence of this type of turtle in veterinary and wildlife centres. Although they nest on land, these animals spend a large part of their lives in the ocean, which entails a series of eye adaptations such as well-developed nictitating membranes, palpebral scales, highly sensitive corneas, or sclerotic rings to protect the eye. In our study, we performed a morphometric analysis of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) eyeball and its internal structures using advanced imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT). To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there have been no studies published that describe the CT intraocular measurements of presumed normal loggerhead turtle eyes.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-10
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061016
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1017: Enhancing Digestibility of Chlorella
vulgaris Biomass in Monogastric Diets: Strategies and Insights
Authors: Maria P. Spínola, Mónica M. Costa, José A. M. Prates
First page: 1017
Abstract: Microalgae, such as Chlorella vulgaris (CV), have been identified as promising animal feed sources due to their high content of essential nutrients, including proteins, total lipids, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and pigments. This study aimed to review the digestibility, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability of nutrients from CV biomass, and to analyse strategies to enhance their digestibility in monogastric animal diets. The study conducted a systematic review of the literature from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, up until the end of January 2023. The results of adding CV to poultry and swine diets were diverse and depended on a number of variables. However, pre-treatments applied to CV biomass improved nutrient digestibility and accessibility. CV biomass, produced in a cost-effective manner, has the potential to serve as a supplement or substitute for expensive feed ingredients and improve animal health, physiology, and immune status. Variations in results may be due to differences in microalgal strain, cultivation conditions, and dietary inclusion levels, among other factors. This study provides new insights and perspectives into the utilization of CV biomass in animal diets, highlighting its potential as a valuable ingredient to improve nutrient utilization.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-10
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061017
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1018: The Effect of Direct-Fed Lactobacillus
Species on Milk Production and Methane Emissions of Dairy Cows
Authors: S. Richard O. Williams, Joe L. Jacobs, Subhash Chandra, Martin Soust, Victoria M. Russo, Meaghan L. Douglas, Pablo S. Alvarez Hess
First page: 1018
Abstract: Using direct-fed microbials to mitigate enteric methane emissions could be sustainable and acceptable to both consumers and producers. Forty lactating, multiparous, Holstein-Friesian cows were randomly allocated one of two treatments: (1) a base of ad libitum vetch (Vicia sativa) hay and 7.0 kg DM/d of a grain mix, or (2) the basal diet plus 10 mL of MYLO® (Terragen Biotech Pty Ltd., Coolum Beach, Queensland, Australia) delivering 4.17 × 108 cfu of Lactobacillus per mL. Neither feed intake (25.4 kg/d vs. 24.8 kg/d) nor milk yield (29.9 vs. 30.3 kg/d) were affected by treatment. Feed conversion efficiency was not affected by treatment when expressed on an energy-corrected milk basis (1.15 vs. 1.18 kg/kg DMI). Neither methane yield (31.6 vs. 31.1 g/kg DMI) nor methane intensity (27.1 vs. 25.2 g/kg energy corrected milk) were affected by treatments. While these results are contrary to our expectations and not significant, all were numerically in a favorable direction. Given there are reports that diet and dose rate may impact the size of any effect, we recommend a dose–response study be undertaken using a basal diet that is commonly used in pasture-based dairy systems.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-10
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061018
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1019: A Survey of Calf Housing Facilities
Pre-Weaning, Management Practices and Farmer Perceptions of Calf Welfare
on Irish Dairy Farms
Authors: Sinnott, Bokkers, Murphy, Kennedy
First page: 1019
Abstract: It is unknown whether calf rearing facilities in the Republic of Ireland are fit for purpose, or if facilities sufficiently consider calf and farmer welfare. The aim of this study was to review current calf housing facilities and management practices on Irish farms to determine if calves are reared in structurally appropriate facilities with management decisions that safeguard calf and farmer welfare. Fifty-one farms located in the Munster region in the Republic of Ireland were visited twice: (1) Pre-calving (December–January) and (2) During peak calving (January–March). During visit one, herd owners completed a questionnaire regarding calf housing and management practices on-farm and each facility used to rear calves was measured (measurement of cubic air capacity, ventilation, pen area, drainage etc.) without calves being present. Visit two consisted of a short interview with the principal calf manager to validate previously asked questions and environmental based measurements of each calf house that had been recorded, with any deviation from the first visit noted (measurements of temperature, wind speed, light intensity, facility provisions in-house and in-pen; calves present). Average herd size was 254, operating a spring calving system with a median calving season length of 11.6 weeks. While most farms expanded (88%; N = 51), this did not appear to have negatively affected calf space allowances (9.9% houses overcrowded at a space allowance of 1.5 m2/calf; N = 121). Calves were most commonly housed in group sizes of < 12 (71.6% of all groupings; N = 394), with farmers moving away from individual housing for a period immediately post-birth, to grouping them immediately instead (58.8%; N = 51). The number of farmers testing colostrum was 31.4% (N = 51). Although the calving season was compact, most farmers were unconcerned about the upcoming spring workload (58.8%; N = 51). Farms appeared sufficiently prepared for spring, with most using the same number or less sheds during visit two than declared in visit one (76.5%; N = 51). To conclude, farmers made sufficient provision for calf housing and space allowances for calves that facilitated group housing post-birth. While structural and management components of rearing systems appear in line with sectoral recommendations, certain areas require attention on many farms (e.g., colostrum testing) to safeguard calf welfare and reduce the workload associated with calf rearing for farmers.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-10
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061019
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1020: Exploring Rotational Grazing and
Crossbreeding as Options for Beef Production to Reduce GHG Emissions and
Feed-Food Competition through Farm-Level Bio-Economic Modeling
Authors: Alexandre Mertens, Lennart Kokemohr, Emilie Braun, Louise Legein, Claire Mosnier, Giacomo Pirlo, Patrick Veysset, Sylvain Hennart, Michaël Mathot, Didier Stilmant
First page: 1020
Abstract: In the context of a growing population, beef production is expected to reduce its consumption of human-edible food and its contribution to global warming. We hypothesize that implementing the innovations of fast rotational grazing and redesigning existing production systems using crossbreeding and sexing may reduce these impacts. In this research, the bio-economic model FarmDyn is used to assess the impact of such innovations on farm profit, workload, global warming potential, and feed-food competition. The innovations are tested in a Belgian system composed of a Belgian Blue breeder and a fattener farm, another system where calves raised in a French suckler cow farm are fattened in a farm in Italy, and third, a German dairy farm that fattens its male calves. The practice of fast rotational grazing with a herd of dairy-to-beef crossbred males is found to have the best potential for greenhouse gas reduction and a reduction of the use of human-edible food when by-products are available. Crossbreeding with early-maturing beef breeds shows a suitable potential to produce grass-based beef with little feed-food competition if the stocking rate considers the grassland yield potential. The results motivate field trials in order to validate the findings.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-10
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061020
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1021: Dexmedetomidine Has Differential Effects on
the Contractility of Equine Jejunal Smooth Muscle Layers In Vitro
Authors: Nicole Verhaar, Susanne Hoppe, Anna Marei Grages, Kathrin Hansen, Stephan Neudeck, Sabine Kästner, Gemma Mazzuoli-Weber
First page: 1021
Abstract: α2 agonists are frequently used in horses with colic, even though they have been shown to inhibit gastrointestinal motility. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dexmedetomidine on small intestinal in vitro contractility during different phases of ischaemia. Experimental segmental jejunal ischaemia was induced in 12 horses under general anaesthesia, and intestinal samples were taken pre-ischaemia and following ischaemia and reperfusion. Spontaneous and electrically evoked contractile activity of the circular and longitudinal smooth muscles were determined in each sample with and without the addition of dexmedetomidine. During a second experiment, tetrodotoxin was added to determine if the effect was neurogenic. We found that the circular smooth muscle (CSM) contractility was not affected by ischaemia, whereas the longitudinal smooth muscle (LSM) showed an increase in both spontaneous and induced contractile activity. The addition of dexmedetomidine caused a decrease in the spontaneous contractile activity of CSM, but an increase in that of LSM, which was not mediated by the enteric nervous system. During ischaemia, dexmedetomidine also mildly increased the electrically induced contractile activity in LSM. These results may indicate a stimulatory effect of dexmedetomidine on small intestinal contractility. However, the influence of dexmedetomidine administration on intestinal motility in vivo needs to be further investigated.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-10
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061021
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1022: Mycobacterium avium Subspecies
paratuberculosis in Asymptomatic Zoo Herbivores in Poland
Authors: Małgorzata Bruczyńska, Anna Didkowska, Sylwia Brzezińska, Magdalena Nowak, Katarzyna Filip-Hutsch, Mirosław Kalicki, Ewa Augustynowicz-Kopeć, Krzysztof Anusz
First page: 1022
Abstract: Mycobacterial infections are significant issues in zoo animals, influencing animal welfare, conservation efforts, and the zoonotic potential of pathogens. Although tuberculosis is recognised to be highly dangerous, paratuberculosis can also lead to animal losses and is potentially dangerous for humans. The aim of the current study was to confirm whether Mycobacterium avium spp. paratuberculosis (MAP) infections are currently present in zoos in Poland. Faeces samples (n = 131) were collected from different animal species from eight zoos in Poland. The faeces were decontaminated and inoculated into Herrold’s Egg Yolk Media. The species was determined using commercial DNA testing. The IS900 was checked using RT-PCR. The culture was positive in seven samples: five with M. avium, one with Mycobacterium fortiatum, and one without any identified Mycobacterium species. RT-PCR confirmed MAP genetic material in nine animals. Our findings represent the first confirmation of MAP in bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus), indicating that it is present in Polish zoological gardens. Fortunately, the disease can be monitored more easily due to recent legislation (the Animal Health Law).
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-10
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061022
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1023: Effects of Trehalose Supplementation on
Lipid Composition of Rooster Spermatozoa Membranes in a Freeze/Thaw
Protocol
Authors: Olga I. Stanishevskaya, Yulia Silyukova, Elena Fedorova, Nikolai Pleshanov, Anton Kurochkin, Vera M. Tereshina, Elena Ianutsevich
First page: 1023
Abstract: The plasma membrane of spermatozoa plays an important role in the formation and maintenance of many functions of spermatozoa, including during cryopreservation. As a result of chromatographic analysis, the content of lipids and fatty acids in the membranes of spermatozoa of roosters of two breeds was determined under the influence of cryoprotective media containing trehalose LCM-control (0 mM), Treh20 (9.5 mM), and Treh30 (13.4 mM). The use of the cryoprotective diluent Treh20 made it possible to maintain a dynamic balance between the synthesis and degradation of phospholipids and sterols in the plasma membranes of frozen/thawed spermatozoa, close to that of native spermatozoa. This contributed to an increase in the preservation of frozen/thawed spermatozoa membranes from 48.3% to 52.2% in the egg breed and from 30.0% to 35.1% in the meat- and-egg breed. It was also noted that their kinetic apparatus (mobility indicators) remained at the level of 45.6% (egg breed) and 52.4% (meat-and-egg breed). An increase in the concentration of trehalose to 13.4 mM in a cryoprotective diluent for rooster sperm resulted in a decrease in the morphofunctional parameters of frozen/thawed spermatozoa.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-10
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061023
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1024: The Impact of Beehive Proximity, Human
Activity and Agricultural Intensity on Diptera Diversity in a
Mediterranean Mosaic of Agroecosystems, with a Focus on Pest Species
Authors: Barbara Sladonja, Ivana Tlak Gajger, Mirela Uzelac, Danijela Poljuha, Clara Garau, Nediljko Landeka, Miroslav Barták, Giovanni Bacaro
First page: 1024
Abstract: Diptera, with their participation in pollination, significantly contribute to the maintenance of plant diversity, and they also have great potential for assessing habitat health and preserving it. A decline in their abundance and diversity has been recorded worldwide as a consequence of biotic, abiotic, and anthropic alterations. In addition to pollinators, these orders include agricultural and forestry pests, which are a threat to both cultivated and wild plants that are very important to the economy. Many pests have escaped from their native areas, and it is important to monitor their spread to implement sustainable means of control. Our study provides baseline information on Diptera and Vespidae diversity in the Mediterranean mosaic of agroecosystems, giving information on the importance of human influence on insect diversity. We carried out an insect inventory in Istria, Croatia, using a set of traps placed in the proximity of beehives. This study was also important in determining the presence of pests and newly introduced species. A total of 94 species from 24 families were recorded—7 important agricultural pests of Diptera and 17 new records for Croatia. The correlation between species diversity and environmental and anthropogenic factors leads to the conclusion that total insect species richness, pest species richness, and the first findings depend on human activities. The number of honeybee colonies negatively correlated with species richness, while anthropic influence positively affected total and pest species richness.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-10
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061024
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1025: Differences in the Natural Swimming Behavior
of Schizothorax prenanti Individual and Schooling in Spatially
Heterogeneous Turbulent Flows
Authors: Minne Li, Min Chen, Weixiong Wu, Jia Li, Ruidong An
First page: 1025
Abstract: Spatially heterogeneous turbulent flow refers to nonuniform flow with coexisting multiple flow velocities, which is widely distributed in fish natural or husbandry environments, and its hydraulic parameters affect fish swimming behavior. In this study, a complex hydrodynamic environment with three flow velocity regions (low, medium, and high) coexisting in an open-channel flume was designed to explore volitional swimming ability, the spatial-temporal distribution of fish swimming trajectories, and the range of preferred hydrodynamic parameters of Schizothorax prenanti individual and schooling (three fish). The results showed that the swimming speed of individual fish during upstream migration was significantly higher than that of fish schools (p < 0.05). The swimming trajectories of fish schooling showed that they spent more time synchronously exploring the flow environment during upstream migration compared with individual fish. By superimposing the fish swimming trajectories on the environmental flow field, the range of hydrodynamic environments preferred by fish in complex flow fields was quantified. This research provides a novel approach for investigating the natural swimming behavior of fish species, and a theoretical reference for the restoration of fish natural habitats or flow enrichment of husbandry environments.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-10
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061025
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1026: Individualized Housing Modifies the
Immune–Endocrine System in CD1 Adult Male Mice
Authors: Iván Ortega-Saez, Alina Díez-Solinska, Roger Grífols, Cristina Martí, Carolina Zamora, Maider Muñoz-Culla, Oscar Vegas, Garikoitz Azkona
First page: 1026
Abstract: In the last years, different research groups have made considerable efforts to improve the care and use of animals in research. Mice (Mus musculus) are the most widely used animal species in research in the European Union and are sociable and hierarchical creatures. During experiments, researchers tend to individualize males, but no consideration is given to whether this social isolation causes them stress. The aim of this study was, therefore, to explore whether 4 weeks of social isolation could induce changes in different physiological parameters in adult Crl:CD1(ICR) (CD1) males, which may interfere with experimental results. Body weight, blood cells, and fecal corticosterone metabolites levels were the analyzed parameters. Blood and fecal samples were collected at weeks 1 and 4 of the experimental procedure. Four weeks of single housing produced a significant time-dependent decrease in monocytes and granulocytes. Fecal corticosterone metabolite levels were higher in single-housed mice after 1 week and then normalized after 4 weeks of isolation. Body weight, red blood cells, and platelets remained unchanged in both groups during this period. We can, therefore, conclude that social isolation affects some immune and endocrine parameters, and that this should be taken into account in the interpretation of research data.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-10
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061026
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1027: How Do Dogs Behave When Presented with
Situations of Different Emotional Valences'
Authors: Paulo Souza, Kun Guo, Daniel S. Mills, Briseida Resende, Natalia Albuquerque
First page: 1027
Abstract: Dogs are good models for studying behaviour and cognition as they have complex social capabilities. In the current study, we observed how human emotional valences (positive, neutral and negative) affected aspects of dogs’ behaviour. We expected that dogs would exhibit more approaching behaviours in the positive condition and more signs of avoidance in the negative one. We analysed videos of 70 adult pet dogs of various breeds taken from an experiment in which one of two actors expressed an emotion and dogs could freely explore the environment for 30 s. Our results show that dogs exhibit differential behaviour when presented with different emotional valences. Two behaviours arose that might be linked to a reciprocal positive emotional state in dogs: tail raised between 90° and 180° and physical contact during sniffing. These behaviours are associated with an active search for information. In the positive conditions, dogs were more willing to explore the social environment and gather information from the actors.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-11
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061027
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1028: Shrews Under-Represented in Fruit Farms and
Homesteads
Authors: Linas Balčiauskas, Vitalijus Stirkė, Andrius Garbaras, Laima Balčiauskienė
First page: 1028
Abstract: Shrews are a less studied group of small mammals than rodents. Between 2018 and 2022, we surveyed 23 sites in Lithuania, including natural and anthropogenic habitats, with the aim to assess the proportion of Soricidae in small mammal communities and their diet based on stable isotope analysis. The average representation of Soricidae was 3.1%, about half the long-term average in other habitats in the country. The highest proportions were in meadows and farmsteads, at 4.9% and 5.0% respectively. Shrews were not trapped on farms or in young orchards, and their relative abundance was very low in intensively managed orchards (0.006 individuals per 100 trap days). Neomys fodiens and N. anomalus were unexpectedly found in homesteads, including in outbuildings. Sorex araneus and S. minutus had similar diets. The trophic carbon/nitrogen discrimination factor between invertebrates and shrew hair was 2.74‰/3.98‰ for S. araneus, 1.90‰/3.78‰ for S. minutus in the orchards. The diet of N. fodiens and N. anomalus at the homesteads requires further investigation. We propose that the under-abundance of shrews may be due to contamination by plant protection products and a lack of invertebrates under intensive agricultural practices.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-11
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061028
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1029: Molecular and Biochemical Evidence of the
Toxic Effects of Terbuthylazine and Malathion in Zebrafish
Authors: Ihab Khatib, Oksana Horyn, Oksana Bodnar, Oleh Lushchak, Piotr Rychter, Halina Falfushynska
First page: 1029
Abstract: Our research sought to determine the molecular and biochemical effects of environmentally relevant exposure to commonly used chloro-s-triazine herbicide terbuthylazine and organophosphate insecticide malathion on zebrafish. To this aim, mature zebrafish were exposed to 2 and 30 µg L−1 terbuthylazine and 5 and 50 µg L−1 malathion alone and in combination for 14 days. Aside from the accumulation of TBARS and protein carbonyls, a decrease in antioxidants and succinate dehydrogenase activity, an increase in oxidized glutathione, and enhanced apoptosis via Caspase-3 and BAX overexpression were observed. Furthermore, terbuthylazine and malathion induced mitochondrial swelling (up to 210% after single exposure and up to 470% after co-exposure) and lactate dehydrogenase leakage (up to 268% after single exposure and up to 570% after co-exposure) in a concentration-dependent manner. Significant upregulation of ubiquitin expression and increased cathepsin D activity were characteristics that appeared only upon terbuthylazine exposure, whereas the induction of IgM was identified as the specific characteristic of malathion toxicity. Meanwhile, no alterations in the zebrafish hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis was observed. Co-exposure increased the adverse effects of individual pesticides on zebrafish. This study should improve the understanding of the mechanisms of pesticide toxicity that lead to fish impairment and biodiversity decline.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-11
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061029
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1030: Double-Fermented Soybean Meal Totally
Replaces Soybean Meal in Broiler Rations with Favorable Impact on
Performance, Digestibility, Amino Acids Transporters and Meat Nutritional
Value
Authors: Sherief M. Abdel-Raheem, El Said Yehia Mohammed, Rania Elsaid Mahmoud, Mahmoud Fathy El Gamal, Hend S. Nada, Waleed Rizk El-Ghareeb, Mohamed Marzok, Ahmed M. A. Meligy, Mohamad Abdulmohsen, Hesham Ismail, Doaa Ibrahim, Asmaa T. Y. Kishawy
First page: 1030
Abstract: Inclusion of microbial fermented soybean meal in broiler feed has induced advantageous outcomes for their performance and gastrointestinal health via exhibiting probiotic effects. In this study, soybean meal (SBM) was subjected to double-stage microbial fermentation utilizing functional metabolites of fungi and bacteria. In broiler diet, DFSBM replaced SBM by 0, 25, 50 and 100%. DFSBM was reported to have higher protein content and total essential, nonessential and free amino acids (increased by 3.67%, 12.81%, 10.10% and 5.88-fold, respectively, compared to SBM). Notably, phytase activity and lactic acid bacteria increased, while fiber, lipid and trypsin inhibitor contents were decreased by 14.05%, 38.24% and 72.80%, respectively, in a diet containing 100% DFSBM, compared to SBM. Improved growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility, including phosphorus and calcium, and pancreatic digestive enzyme activities were observed in groups fed higher DFSBM levels. In addition, higher inclusion levels of DFSBM increased blood immune response (IgG, IgM, nitric oxide and lysozyme levels) and liver antioxidant status. Jejunal amino acids- and peptide transporter-encoding genes (LAT1, CAT-1, CAT-2, PepT-1 and PepT-2) were upregulated with increasing levels of DFSBM in the ration. Breast muscle crude protein, calcium and phosphorus retention were increased, especially at higher inclusion levels of DFSBM. Coliform bacteria load was significantly reduced, while lactic acid bacteria count in broiler intestines was increased with higher dietary levels of DFSBM. In conclusion, replacement of SBM with DFSBM positively impacted broiler chicken feed utilization and boosted chickens’ amino acid transportation, in addition to improving the nutritional value of their breast meat.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-11
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061030
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1031: Sock and Environmental Swabs as an
Authors: Kathrin Lillie-Jaschniski, Christoph Wähner, Miriam Viehmann, Silke Hauf, Christina Gale, Judith Rohde, Isabel Hennig-Pauka
First page: 1031
Abstract: Salmonellosis is the second most reported gastrointestinal infection in humans after campylobacteriosis and a common cause of foodborne outbreaks in the European Union (EU). In addition to consumption of contaminated animal-based foods, such as poultry, beef and eggs, pork is an important source of human salmonellosis outbreaks; therefore, Salmonella (S.) control should start in the early stages of pig production. To be able to implement effective control measures to reduce the risk of pigs being infected by Salmonella, it is important to identify the serovars circulating on farm within the different stages of production, including as early as sow and piglet breeding. The aim of the present study was to assess the Salmonella status of sow farms either producing their own finishers or delivering piglets to fattening farms with a known high serological prevalence identified within the QS Salmonella monitoring system. Overall, 97 (92.4%) of 105 investigated piglet-producing farms across Germany tested positive in at least one sample. Salmonella was detected in 38.2% of the sock and 27.1% of the environmental swab samples. S. Typhimurium was the most frequent serovar. In conclusion, sock and environmental swab samples are well suited for non-invasive Salmonella detection in different production units in farrowing farms. To establish a holistic Salmonella control program, all age classes of pig production should be sampled to enable intervention and implementation of countermeasures at an early stage if necessary.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-11
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061031
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1032: Ante-mortem and Post-mortem Inspection and
Relationship between Findings in a North Albanian Pig Slaughterhouse
Authors: Egon Andoni, Sonila Cocoli, Dino Miraglia, Claudia M. Balzaretti, Gabriele Brecchia, Bizena Bijo, Laura Menchetti, Laura Musa, Giulio Curone, Stella Agradi, Ilirian Kumbe, Pellumb Zalla, Edison Gjoni, Xhilola Bixheku, Marta Castrica
First page: 1032
Abstract: In June 2014, Albania was granted EU candidate status, thus starting a process of compliance with the membership criteria. In this context, a modern meat inspection approach in line with the European legislation was applied to a pig slaughterhouse in northern Albania in order to investigate the ante-mortem (AM) and post-mortem (PM) conditions and the relationship between these findings. For this purpose, 3930 pigs divided into 35 batches were evaluated over a 3-month period. The most frequent AM conditions recorded were tail lesions and dyspnea (9.1%), followed by skin (8.9%) and ear lesions (8.5%), while in the PM inspections, pleuritis was the most frequently observed condition (10.2%), followed by pneumonia (8.5%), liver alterations (5.7%), milk spot liver (3.8%), and pericarditis (3.3%). With the exception of liver alterations, the other PM lesions mentioned were positively associated with lesions on the ears (OR = 1.036; p < 0.001) and skin (OR = 1.026; p = 0.011) and dyspnea (OR = 1.021; p = 0.005), confirming the link between these variables and the health and welfare conditions of pigs on farms. Overall, the evidence that emerged from this Albanian slaughterhouse can be considered in line with other European contexts, especially in light of the considerable variability in the data present in the literature.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-12
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061032
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1033: Evolutionary and Genomic Diversity of True
Polyploidy in Tetrapods
Authors: Marcello Mezzasalma, Elvira Brunelli, Gaetano Odierna, Fabio Maria Guarino
First page: 1033
Abstract: True polyploid organisms have more than two chromosome sets in their somatic and germline cells. Polyploidy is a major evolutionary force and has played a significant role in the early genomic evolution of plants, different invertebrate taxa, chordates, and teleosts. However, the contribution of polyploidy to the generation of new genomic, ecological, and species diversity in tetrapods has traditionally been underestimated. Indeed, polyploidy represents an important pathway of genomic evolution, occurring in most higher-taxa tetrapods and displaying a variety of different forms, genomic configurations, and biological implications. Herein, we report and discuss the available information on the different origins and evolutionary and ecological significance of true polyploidy in tetrapods. Among the main tetrapod lineages, modern amphibians have an unparalleled diversity of polyploids and, until recently, they were considered to be the only vertebrates with closely related diploid and polyploid bisexual species or populations. In reptiles, polyploidy was thought to be restricted to squamates and associated with parthenogenesis. In birds and mammals, true polyploidy has generally been considered absent (non-tolerated). These views are being changed due to an accumulation of new data, and the impact as well as the different evolutionary and ecological implications of polyploidy in tetrapods, deserve a broader evaluation.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-12
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061033
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1034: Dairy Cows Are Limited in Their Ability to
Increase Glucose Availability for Immune Function during Disease
Authors: Jonas Habel, Albert Sundrum
First page: 1034
Abstract: Shortages of energy and glucose have been hypothesized to play a key role in the development of and responses to production diseases in dairy cows during early lactation. Given the importance of glucose for immune functions, we used a recently established method for the estimation of glucose balance (GB) to evaluate glucose availability during disease phases. A dataset comprising ration analyses as well as individual daily milk yields (MY), dry matter intake (DMI), body weights, and health records of 417 lactations (298 cows) was used to calculate individual daily GB and energy balance (EB). The magnitude and dynamics of MY, DMI, GB, and EB were evaluated in the weeks before, at, and after diagnoses of inflammatory diseases in different stages of early lactation from week in milk 1 to 15. Diagnoses were categorized as mastitis, claw and leg diseases, and other inflammatory diseases. Mixed linear models with a random intercept and slope term for each lactation were used to evaluate the effect of diagnosis on MY, DMI, GB, and EB while accounting for the background effects of week in milk, parity, season, and year. When unaffected by disease, in general, the GB of cows was close to zero in the first weeks of lactation and increased as lactation progressed. Weekly means of EB were negative throughout all lactation stages investigated. Disease decreased both the input of glucose precursors due to a reduced DMI as well as the output of glucose via milk due to a reduced MY. On average, the decrease in DMI was −1.5 (−1.9 to −1.1) kg and was proportionally higher than the decrease in MY, which averaged −1.0 (−1.4 to −0.6) kg. Mastitis reduced yield less than claw and leg disease or other diseases. On average, GB and EB were reduced by −3.8 (−5.6 to −2.1) mol C and −7.5 (−10.2 to −4.9) MJ in the week of diagnosis. This indicates the need to investigate strategies to increase the availability of glucogenic carbon for immune function during disease in dairy cows.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-12
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061034
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1035: Metabolic Rates of Japanese Anchovy
(Engraulis japonicus) during Early Development Using a Novel Modified
Respirometry Method
Authors: Dong In Kim
First page: 1035
Abstract: The allometric relationship between metabolic rate (VO2) and body mass (M) has been a subject of fascination and controversy for decades. Nevertheless, little is known about intraspecific size-scaling metabolism in marine animals such as teleost fish. The Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus is a planktotrophic pelagic fish with a rapid growth and metabolic rate. However, metabolic rate measurements are difficult in this species due to their extremely small body size after hatching. Herein, the metabolic rate of this species during its early developmental stage was measured for 47 individuals weighing 0.00009–0.09 g (from just after hatching to 43 days old) using the micro-semi-closed method, a newly modified method for monitoring metabolism developed specifically for this study. As a result, three distinct allometric phases were identified. During these phases, two stepwise increases in scaling constants occurred at around 0.001 and 0.01 g, although the scaling exponent constant remained unchanged in each phase (b^ = 0.683). Behavioral and morphological changes accompanied the stepwise increases in scaling constants. Although this novel modified respirometry method requires further validation, it is expected that this study will be useful for future metabolic ecology research in fish to determine metabolism and survival strategy.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-12
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061035
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1036: HV1 mtDNA Reveals the High Genetic Diversity
and the Ancient Origin of Vietnamese Dogs
Authors: Quan Ke Thai, Thanh-Cong Nguyen, Cong-Trieu Le, Anh-Dung Chung, Tran Minh-Ly Nguyen, Quoc-Dung Tran, Peter Savolainen, Quoc-Dang Quan, Dai-Long Tran, Hoang-Dung Tran
First page: 1036
Abstract: In this study, samples from 429 dog individuals across three main regions of Vietnam (Southern Vietnam (SVN), Central Vietnam (CVN), and Northern Vietnam (NVN)) were collected to analyze the 582 bp region mtDNA HVI, so as to study the genetic diversity and to screen the rare haplotype E in the Vietnamese village dog population. Nine new haplotypes A, two new haplotypes B, and three haplotypes C were unique to Vietnam dogs, in which the new haplotypes An3, An7, Cn1, and Cn3 concerned mutations at new polymorphism sites (15,517, 15,505, 15,479, and 15,933, respectively) which have not been previously reported. The detection of haplotypes A9 and A29, and the appearance of haplotype A200 in the two individual dogs sampled support that the Southeast Asian dog is the ancestor of today’s Australian dingo and Polynesian dog. The two rare haplotypes E (E1 and E4) were reconfirmed in Vietnamese dogs and discussed. This study also contributes to strengthening the theory of domestication of dogs to the south of the Yangtze River and the Southeast Asian origin of the dingo.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-12
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061036
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1037: Serotonin and Dopamine Blood Levels in
ADHD-Like Dogs
Authors: Ángela González-Martínez, Susana Muñiz de Miguel, Noemi Graña, Xiana Costas, Francisco Javier Diéguez
First page: 1037
Abstract: As with humans, dogs can suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder-like (ADHD-like) behaviors naturally and exhibit high levels of hyperactivity/impulsivity and attention deficit problems, making the domestic dog a potential animal model for ADHD. ADHD has a very complex pathophysiology in which many neurotransmitters are involved, such as serotonin and dopamine. The aim of the study was to evaluate serum serotonin and dopamine levels in dogs with ADHD-like symptomatology. Fifty-eight dogs were studied, of which, thirty-six were classified as ADHD-like after physical and behavioral assessments. Additionally, the dogs’ owners performed a series of scientifically validated questionnaires which included C-BARQ, the Dog Impulsivity Assessment Scale, and the Dog-ADHD rating scale. Serum from every animal was collected after the behavioral assessments and analyzed with commercial ELISA tests for serotonin and dopamine determination. Kruskal–Wallis tests and Lasso regressions were applied to assess the relationships between both neurotransmitters and the ADHD-like behaviors (as assessed by clinical evaluation and through the different questionnaires). The dogs clinically classified as ADHD-like showed lower serotonin and dopamine concentrations. Further, serotonin and dopamine levels were also linked to aggression, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Decreased serotonin concentrations were also related to fear, attachment, and touch sensitivity. Finally, it must be noted that our data suggested a strong relationship between serotonin and dopamine and ADHD-like behaviors.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-13
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061037
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1038: Not All Puppies and Sunshine: How Dog
Keepers Cope with Dog-Related Problems in Dutch Society
Authors: Susan Ophorst, Noelle Aarts, Bernice Bovenkerk, Hans Hopster
First page: 1038
Abstract: Zoonoses, biting incidents, hereditary problems, and other issues can threaten the welfare of both humans and dogs. The Dutch government and animal welfare organizations seem to have little effect in their campaigns to influence the behavior of (potential) dog keepers, who can experience dissonance when faced with these campaigns and use coping strategies to relieve the dissonance instead of changing their behavior. In this study, in focus group discussions, dog keepers with pedigree dogs, high-risk dogs, foreign shelter dogs, and dogs purchased at puppy farms shared their experiences with opinions on dogs and were confronted with negative opinions on their dogs. The data were analyzed using a coping strategies framework. Most coping strategies were found in all groups, but were used in response to different dilemmas, with different manifestations. These differences should be kept in mind when behavior change in dog keepers is opportune. Special attention should be given to differentiating target groups, as use of the detachment coping strategy suggests that boundaries might be set differently than expected. Broad attention on problems with and for dogs can address perceived dissonance and prompt behavior change. In dialogue with dog keepers, in influential campaigns and in policy formulation, the chances of success are greater if initiators are aware of the strategies that they may encounter.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-13
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061038
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1039: Diet and Plastic Ingestion in the Blackmouth
Catshark Galeus melastomus, Rafinesque 1810, in Italian Waters
Authors: Giorgia Zicarelli, Chiara Romano, Samira Gallo, Carmen Valentino, Victor Pepe Bellomo, Francesco Luigi Leonetti, Gianni Giglio, Alessandra Neri, Letizia Marsili, Concetta Milazzo, Caterina Faggio, Cecilia Mancusi, Emilio Sperone
First page: 1039
Abstract: Galeus melastomus is the most common Pentanchidae in the Mediterranean Sea. A scavenger and opportunistic feeder, and despite the wide distribution, little is known about its feeding habits in Italian waters. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the diet of the blackmouth catshark by analysing the stomach contents. The specimens analysed were obtained from five populations of the Tyrrhenian and of the Ionian Seas, collected from a depth between 40 and 700 m. A total of 259 stomachs were analysed. The stomach contents were grouped into macro-categories and identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible. Crustaceans such as Parapenaeus longirostris, the Cephalopods Heteroteuthis dispar and Onychoteuthis banksii, and Osteichthyes, mostly Myctophidae, were identified. Plastic debris was also found among the stomach contents and classified according to its colour and shape. Osteichthyes represent the most abundant item (44%), above all the Myctophidae family, except for the catshark population from Tuscany, in which the most frequent species were Cephalopods, such as Abralia veranyi and Heteroteuthis dispar. Differences in the plastic debris contents were also observed between the Tuscany population and other populations. These could be explained as a probable consequence of the different depths at which the blackmouth catshark populations were sampled.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-13
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061039
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1040: Exploration of Social Proximity and Behavior
in Captive Malayan Tigers and Their Cubs
Authors: Aimee Holland, Elena Giulia Galardi, Martina Fabbroni, Anita Hashmi, Jerome Catinaud, Richard Preziosi, James Edward Brereton, Giovanni Quintavalle Pastorino
First page: 1040
Abstract: The survival of endangered felids is becoming increasingly dependent on the successful management and breeding of reserve populations in captivity. While most felid species are reported to be solitary in the wild, increasing evidence suggests that some big cats have greater social plasticity than is currently acknowledged. This social plasticity allows felids to be sometimes socially housed in environments such as zoos and rescue centers. While the effects of such shared enclosures remain in question, many reports provide evidence of several welfare benefits of maintaining these large carnivores in pairs or even groups. Since 2019, Le Parc des Félins has housed a breeding pair of Malaysian tigers (Panthera tigris jacksoni) alongside their offspring. The purpose of this study was to quantify the social affiliation between the male tiger and his cubs and to investigate the female’s tolerance toward him. The data were collected using video recordings in the outdoor enclosure when social interactions were observed. The data were coded and categorized in the open-source software BORIS, from which behavioral activity budgets were calculated. Data were analyzed using the chi-squared test for association to determine differences in affiliative frequency, with directed and undirected sociograms created to visualize individual relationships. Overall, the male regularly engaged in affiliative behaviors with the cubs, with no significant difference found in the frequency of interactions with them compared to the female. No physical aggression was directed by the male toward the cubs. Although the female maintained a stronger bond with the cubs compared to the male, he displayed a greater range of affiliative behaviors toward them than male tigers are thought to exhibit. Both adults showed a high degree of tolerance toward their conspecifics, suggesting that maintaining breeding pairs with their offspring is a viable management strategy in zoological collections. This study could therefore improve husbandry and conservation practices by developing our understanding of felid sociality and the potential welfare benefits of social housing, allowing for evidence-based captive management decisions.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-13
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061040
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1041: Maslinic Acid Supplementation during the In
Vitro Culture Period Ameliorates Early Embryonic Development of Porcine
Embryos by Regulating Oxidative Stress
Authors: Ting-Ting Yang, Jia-Jia Qi, Bo-Xing Sun, He-Xuan Qu, Hua-Kai Wei, Hao Sun, Hao Jiang, Jia-Bao Zhang, Shuang Liang
First page: 1041
Abstract: As a pentacyclic triterpene, MA exhibits effective free radical scavenging capabilities. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of MA on porcine early-stage embryonic development, oxidation resistance and mitochondrial function. Our results showed that 1 μM was the optimal concentration of MA, which resulted in dramatically increased blastocyst formation rates and improvement of blastocyst quality of in vitro-derived embryos from parthenogenetic activation (PA) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Further analysis indicated that MA supplementation not only significantly decreased the abundance of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and dramatically increased the abundance of intracellular reductive glutathione (GSH) in porcine early-stage embryos, but also clearly attenuated mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibited apoptosis. Moreover, Western blotting showed that MA supplementation upregulated OCT4 (p < 0.01), SOD1 (p < 0.0001) and CAT (p < 0.05) protein expression in porcine early-stage embryos. Collectively, our data reveal that MA supplementation exerts helpful effects on porcine early embryo development competence via regulation of oxidative stress (OS) and amelioration of mitochondrial function and that MA may be useful for increasing the in vitro production (IVP) efficiency of porcine early-stage embryos.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-13
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061041
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1042: Effects of Low-Phosphorus Diets Supplemented
with Phytase on the Production Performance, Phosphorus-Calcium Metabolism,
and Bone Metabolism of Aged Hy-Line Brown Laying Hens
Authors: Yuechang Ren, Yaping Liu, Kexin Jiang, Linkui Li, Ning Jiao, Zhengqi Zhu, Kaiying Zhang, Shuzhen Jiang, Weiren Yang, Yang Li
First page: 1042
Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of phytase supplementation in low-phosphorus diets on the production performance, phosphorus–calcium metabolism, and bone metabolism in laying hens from 69 to 78 weeks of age. Hy-Line Brown laying hens (n = 1350) were assigned randomly to six treatments with five replicates of 45 birds. A corn–soybean meal-based diet with no inorganic phosphates was formulated to contain 0.12% non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) and 1470 FTU/kg phytase (Released phytate phosphorus content ≥ 0.1%). Inorganic phosphorus (dicalcium phosphate) was supplemented into the basal diet to construct five test diets (level of NPP supplementation = 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%, 0.25%, and 0.30%). The level of calcium carbonate was adjusted to ensure that all six experimental diets contained the same calcium percentage (3.81%). The feeding trial lasted 10 weeks (hens from 69 to 78 weeks of age). Upon supplementation with phytase (1470 FTU/kg), supplemental inorganic phosphates (dicalcium phosphate) had no significant effects (p > 0.05) on the production performance or egg quality. Significant differences in serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc, or manganese were not detected across treatments (p > 0.05). Hens fed NPP (0.15%, 0.20%, 0.25%, and 0.30%) had higher levels (p < 0.0001) of tibial ash, calcium, and phosphorus than those not fed inorganic phosphates. The tibial breaking strength of the group without inorganic phosphates was significantly lower than that of the other groups (p < 0.01). Dietary supplementation with inorganic phosphates had no effect (p > 0.05) on serum levels of calcitonin (CT) and 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3). Hens that did not receive supplementation with inorganic phosphates had higher serum levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteoprotegerin (OPG), type-I collagen c-telopeptide (CTX-I), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b) compared with those in the other groups (p < 0.01). Serum levels of CTX-I and TRACP-5b were significantly lower in the NPP-supplementation groups of 0.25% and 0.30% than in the 0.10% NPP-supplementation group (p < 0.01). Dietary supplementation with inorganic phosphates had no effect (p > 0.05) on serum levels of bone-alkaline phosphatase (BAP), osteocalcin (OCN), or osteopontin (OPN). Hens not fed inorganic phosphate had the highest renal expression of phosphorus transporter type IIa Na/Pi cotransporter (NaPi-Ⅱa). Renal expression of NaPi-Ⅱa was increased significantly in NPP-supplementation groups of 0.10–0.20% compared with that in NPP-supplementation groups of 0.25% and 0.30% (p < 0.0001). The results indicated that a reduction in NPP supplementation to 0.15% (dietary NPP level = 0.27%) with phytase inclusion did not have an adverse effect on the production performance or bone health of laying hens from 69 to 78 weeks of age, which might be attributed to renal phosphorus reabsorption and bone resorption. These findings could support the application of low-phosphorus diets in the poultry industry.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-13
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061042
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1043: Susceptibility of Ovine Bone Marrow-Derived
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Spheroids to Scrapie Prion Infection
Authors: Adelaida Hernaiz, Paula Cobeta, Belén Marín, Francisco José Vázquez, Juan José Badiola, Pilar Zaragoza, Rosa Bolea, Inmaculada Martín-Burriel
First page: 1043
Abstract: In neurodegenerative diseases, including prion diseases, cellular in vitro models appear as fundamental tools for the study of pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapeutic compounds. Two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cell culture systems are the most used cell-based assays, but these platforms are not able to reproduce the microenvironment of in vivo cells. This limitation can be surpassed using three-dimensional (3D) culture systems such as spheroids that more effectively mimic in vivo cell interactions. Herein, we evaluated the effect of scrapie prion infection in monolayer-cultured ovine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (oBM-MSCs) and oBM-MSC-derived spheroids in growth and neurogenic conditions, analyzing their cell viability and their ability to maintain prion infection. An MTT assay was performed in oBM-MSCs and spheroids subjected to three conditions: inoculated with brain homogenate from scrapie-infected sheep, inoculated with brain homogenate from healthy sheep, and non-inoculated controls. The 3D conditions improved the cell viability in most cases, although in scrapie-infected spheroids in growth conditions, a decrease in cell viability was observed. The levels of pathological prion protein (PrPSc) in scrapie-infected oBM-MSCs and spheroids were measured by ELISA. In neurogenic conditions, monolayer cells and spheroids maintained the levels of PrPSc over time. In growth conditions, however, oBM-MSCs showed decreasing levels of PrPSc throughout time, whereas spheroids were able to maintain stable PrPSc levels. The presence of PrPSc in spheroids was also confirmed by immunocytochemistry. Altogether, these results show that a 3D culture microenvironment improves the permissiveness of oBM-MSCs to scrapie infection in growth conditions and maintains the infection ability in neurogenic conditions, making this model of potential use for prion studies.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-13
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061043
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1044: Do Feed Plants Provide Sufficient Sodium,
Calcium and Magnesium to Sika Deer in Japan' An Analysis Using Global
Plant Trait Data
Authors: Taiki Mori, Sho Iwagami, Hiromi Yamagawa, Kei K. Suzuki
First page: 1044
Abstract: Deficient minerals in overabundant populations could act as an attractant to cull sika deer (Cervus nippon). Because selective culling of female deer is reported to be effective in reducing sika deer populations, it is particularly important to clarify the differences in mineral requirements between males and females. Here, using global plant trait data and a published list of sika deer feed plants in Japan, we estimated whether feed plants provide sika deer sufficient sodium (Na), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), and compared the results between males and females. An analysis of 191 feed plant species suggested that feed plants can provide sufficient Mg, whereas sufficient Na and Ca is not always provided, especially when the intake is small or the deer large. Na deficiency was more intense for lactating females than males, suggesting that Na can be an effective attractant for selectively culling female deer. In summary, this study demonstrated that sika deer in Japan might require extra Na and Ca sources in addition to feed plants, and therefore these minerals could be useful for developing effective culling methods.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-13
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061044
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1045: The Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Box
Tree Moth Cydalima perspectalis and Insights into Phylogenetics in
Pyraloidea
Authors: Yichang Gao, Jie Zhang, Qinghao Wang, Qiuning Liu, Boping Tang
First page: 1045
Abstract: To resolve and reconstruct phylogenetic relationships within Pyraloidea based on molecular data, the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) was widely applied to understand phylogenetic relations at different taxonomic levels. In this research, a complete mitogenome of Cydalima perspectalis was recorded, and the phylogenetic position of C. perspectalis was inferred based on the sequence in combination with other available sequence data. According to the research, the circular mitochondrial genome is 15,180 bp in length. It contains 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), 13 typical protein-coding genes (PCGs), and a non-coding control region. The arrangement of a gene of the C. perspectalis mitogenome is not the same as the putative ancestral arthropod mitogenome. All of the PCGs are initiated by ATN codons, except for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene, which is undertaken by CGA. Five genes have incomplete stop codons that contain only ‘T’. All tRNA genes display a typical clover–leaf structure of mitochondrial tRNA, except for trnS1 (AGN). The control region contained an ‘ATAGG(A)’-like motif followed by a poly-T stretch. Based on the mitochondrial data, phylogenetic analysis within Pyraloidea was carried out using Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) analyses. Phylogenetic analysis showed that C. perspectalis is more closely related to Pygospila tyres within Spilomelinae than those of Crambidae and Pyraloidea.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-14
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061045
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1046: PDZK1-Interacting Protein 1(PDZKIP1)
Inhibits Goat Subcutaneous Preadipocyte Differentiation through Promoting
Autophagy
Authors: Dingshuang Chen, Yanyan Li, Tingting Hu, Chengsi Gong, Guangyu Lu, Xiaotong Ma, Yong Wang, Youli Wang, Yaqiu Lin
First page: 1046
Abstract: PDZK1IP1 is highly expressed in tumor tissue and has been identified as a tumor biomarker. However, the role of PDZK1IP1 in goat subcutaneous preadipocyte differentiation remains largely unknown. The molecular mechanism of autophagy in regulating the differentiation of goat subcutaneous preadipocytes has not been clarified yet. In our study, PDZK1IP1 gain of function and loss of function were performed to reveal its functions in preadipocyte differentiation and autophagy. Our results showed that the overexpression of PDZK1IP1 inhibited the differentiation of goat subcutaneous preadipocytes, whereas it promoted autophagy. Consistently, the knockdown of PDZK1IP1 demonstrated the opposite tendency. Next, we investigated whether PDZK1IP1 inhibited the differentiation of goat preadipocytes by regulating autophagy. We found that inhibiting autophagy can rescue the PDZK1IP1-induced differentiation restraint in goat subcutaneous preadipocytes. In conclusion, PDZK1IP1 acts as a regulator of adipogenesis, and inhibits goat subcutaneous preadipocyte differentiation through promoting autophagy. Our results will contribute to further understanding the role and mechanism of PDZK1IP1 in controlling adipogenesis.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-14
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061046
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1047: Evaluation of Rumen Degradation Kinetics of
Low-Lignin Alfalfa ‘Hi-Gest® 360’ in Saskatchewan Canada
Authors: Daalkhaijav Damiran, Bill Biligetu, Herbert Lardner
First page: 1047
Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine rumen degradation kinetics of new low-lignin alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cv. Hi-Gest®360 (HiGest) in comparison with conventional alfalfa cv. AC Grazeland (Grazeland) in monoculture and binary mixtures at different maturity stages. Two cultivars of alfalfa (HiGest, and AC Grazeland) and their binary mixtures with hybrid bromegrass (HBG; cv. AC Success), grown in 2019 at two locations (Saskatoon and Lanigan), were cut at three maturity stages of alfalfa (1 = 10% bloom; 2 = 40% bloom; and 3 = 100% bloom). Rumen degradation characteristics, including rapidly degradable fraction (S), potentially degradable fraction (D), undegradable fraction (U), degradation rate (Kd), lag time (T0), and effective degradability (ED) of each component were determined using in situ technique and were analyzed by a first-order kinetic equation described by Ørskov and McDonald with lag time. Generally, in alfalfa monoculture, S or D were decreased and U was increased without affecting Kd and T0, resulting in decreased ED fraction with increasing stage of maturity. In binary mixtures, plant maturity stages have negligible effects on rumen degradation characteristics of CP. HiGest had higher effective degradability of DM (EDDM) as well as of NDF (EDNDF) than Grazeland. In conclusion, HiGest had greater DM and NDF rumen degradation potential relative to Grazeland. HiGest and Grazeland were different in DM and CP degradation patterns, with HiGest having higher EDDM and EDCP than Grazeland.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-14
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061047
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1048: First Description of the Underwater Sounds
in the Mediterranean Monk Seal Monachus monachus in Greece: Towards
Establishing a Vocal Repertoire
Authors: Isabelle Charrier, Chloé Huetz, Léa Prevost, Panagiotis Dendrinos, Alexandros A. Karamanlidis
First page: 1048
Abstract: The Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus is one of the most endangered pinnipeds in the world, and is classified as “Endangered” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Any additional knowledge about the species is invaluable to its effective conservation. In the present study, we deployed an autonomous underwater recorder in an important reproductive area of the Mediterranean monk seal in Greece to describe its underwater vocal repertoire. Over the 330 h of continuous recordings, 9231 vocalizations were labelled as potentially produced by Mediterranean monk seals, and 1694 good quality calls were analyzed. We defined 18 call types divided into three main call categories: harmonic, noisy, and pulsative calls. We also described the soundscape in which this endangered species lives and found that human activities around the two main pupping caves had a strong impact on the sonic environment of these seals: the noise level produced by boat traffic was high, and occurred on an hourly (25 to 50 min/hour) and daily basis (10.8 to 16.9 h/day). Such high levels of noise might not only impair the communication of the species, but also impact its survival, as chronic noise can induce physiological stress.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-14
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061048
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1049: Validation of the HHHHHMM Scale in the
Italian Context: Assessing Pets’ Quality of Life and Qualitatively
Exploring Owners’ Grief
Authors: Ines Testoni, Ciro De Vincenzo, Michela Campigli, Aljosha Caregnato Manzatti, Lucia Ronconi, Stefania Uccheddu
First page: 1049
Abstract: Witnessing a companion animal’s death can be a stressful psychological experience for human guardians, affecting their ability to grieve. The veterinary and psychological sciences offer useful tools for supporting human guardians during their companion animal’s terminal illness. Accordingly, the present study aimed to validate the HHHHMM Quality of Life Scale in the Italian context. The study followed a mixed-methods design and involved 314 participants. The Mourning Dog Questionnaire (MDQ), Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS), Pet Bereavement Questionnaire (PBQ), and open-ended questions were adopted to test the research hypotheses and qualitatively explore the grieving experience. The results showed that the model’s fit was partially adequate, with all parameters being significant and over 0.40. Moreover, human guardians’ anger levels were high when their companion animal’s quality of life was poor, and greater levels of grief were associated with higher levels of attachment. Gender differences were observed only with the LAPS, and a negative correlation with age was found with the LAPS and PBQ. A thematic qualitative analysis revealed four themes: continuing bonds, coping strategies, shared moral values, and perceived support. Thus, the research reaffirmed the importance of adequate veterinary and psychological support for human guardians experiencing the loss of companion animals.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-14
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061049
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1050: Integration of the Microbiome, Metabolome
and Transcriptome Reveals Escherichia coli F17 Susceptibility of Sheep
Authors: Weihao Chen, Xiaoyang Lv, Xiukai Cao, Zehu Yuan, Shanhe Wang, Tesfaye Getachew, Joram M. Mwacharo, Aynalem Haile, Kai Quan, Yutao Li, Wei Sun
First page: 1050
Abstract: Escherichia coli (E. coli) F17 is one of the most common pathogens causing diarrhea in farm livestock. In the previous study, we accessed the transcriptomic and microbiomic profile of E. coli F17-antagonism (AN) and -sensitive (SE) lambs; however, the biological mechanism underlying E. coli F17 infection has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, the present study first analyzed the metabolite data obtained with UHPLC-MS/MS. A total of 1957 metabolites were profiled in the present study, and 11 differential metabolites were identified between E. coli F17 AN and SE lambs (i.e., FAHFAs and propionylcarnitine). Functional enrichment analyses showed that most of the identified metabolites were related to the lipid metabolism. Then, we presented a machine-learning approach (Random Forest) to integrate the microbiome, metabolome and transcriptome data, which identified subsets of potential biomarkers for E. coli F17 infection (i.e., GlcADG 18:0-18:2, ethylmalonic acid and FBLIM1); furthermore, the PCCs were calculated and the interaction network was constructed to gain insight into the crosstalk between the genes, metabolites and bacteria in E. coli F17 AN/SE lambs. By combing classic statistical approaches and a machine-learning approach, our results revealed subsets of metabolites, genes and bacteria that could be potentially developed as candidate biomarkers for E. coli F17 infection in lambs.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-14
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061050
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1051: Follicular Atresia, Cell Proliferation, and
Anti-Mullerian Hormone in Two Neotropical Primates (Aotus nancymae and
Sapajus macrocephalus)
Authors: Deise de Lima Cardoso, Diva Anélie de Araújo Guimarães, Pedro Mayor, Maria Auxiliadora Pantoja Ferreira, Leandro Nassar Coutinho, Frederico Ozanan Barros Monteiro
First page: 1051
Abstract: This study evaluated the follicular atresia, cell proliferation, and anti-Mullerian hormone action in Aotus nancymae and Sapajus macrocephalus during three sexual phases (follicular, luteal, and gestational). Follicular quantification and immunolocalization of Caspase-3 protein, B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) were performed. A significant difference in the quantification between preantral and antral follicles, with a progressive decrease in the antrals, was identified. Protein and hormonal markers varied significantly between follicle cell types (A. nancymae p = 0.001; S. macrocephalus, p = 0.002). Immunostaining in the preantral and antral follicles was present in all sexual phases; for Caspase-3, in granulosa cells, oocytes, and stroma; for BCL-2, in granulosa cells, oocytes, and theca; and for PCNA and AMH, in oocytes and granulosa cells. The immunostaining for Caspase-3 was more expressive in the preantral follicles (follicular phase, p < 0.05), while that for BCL-2 and PCNA was more expressive in the antral follicles of the follicular phase. The AMH was more expressive in the primary and antral follicles of nonpregnant females, in both the follicular and luteal phases. Our results contribute to understanding the ovarian follicular selection, recruitment, and degeneration of these species.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-14
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061051
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1052: Tissue Tropism of H9N2 Low-Pathogenic Avian
Influenza Virus in Broiler Chickens by Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Márta Bóna, István Kiss, Lilla Dénes, Anna Szilasi, Míra Mándoki
First page: 1052
Abstract: The H9N2 subtype of low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIV) is a widespread pathogen of poultry that can also infect humans. The characterization of viral infections is a complex process, involving clinical, pathological, and virological investigations. The aim of this study was to adapt and optimize an immunohistochemical (IHC) technique developed for LPAIVs specifically for the detection of H9N2 virus antigens in infected tissues. Twenty-one-day-old broiler chickens were inoculated with three different strains of H9N2 virus by different infection routes (i.e., intranasal-intratracheal and intravenous) or co-infected with infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and observed for 11 days post infection. The suggested IHC protocol was modified: (i) DAB (diamino-benzidine) was substituted with AEC (3-amino-9-ethyl carbazole) as chromogen; and (ii) indirect two-step immune reactions of monoclonal primary and peroxidase-labeled anti-mouse secondary antibodies were used instead of avidin–biotin complexes. Avian influenza virus antigen appears as a red precipitate in the nuclei of affected cells but can also be identified in the cytoplasm. Mild hyperemia and congestion were observed in the trachea, air sac, and lungs of the challenged birds, and fibrinous exudate was found at the bifurcation in a few cases. Neither gross pathological nor IHC lesions were found in the control group. Using the optimized protocol and an associated scoring scheme, it was demonstrated that the H9N2 strains tested exhibited respiratory and urinary tract tropism irrespective of the route of inoculation. On day 5, viral antigen was detected in the respiratory tract and kidney in 30–50% of the samples. On day 11, no IHC signal was observed, indicating the lack of viral replication. Slight differences in viral antigen expression were found between the different H9N2 virus strains, but, in contrast to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), no viral antigen was detected in the brain and pancreas. Thus, IHC can be considered as an informative, visual addition to the toolkit for the characterization of H9N2 LPAIV infections.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-14
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061052
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1053: Plasma and Synovial Fluid Cell-Free DNA
Concentrations Following Induction of Osteoarthritis in Horses
Authors: Luca Panizzi, Keren E. Dittmer, Matthieu Vignes, Jennie S. Doucet, Kristene Gedye, Mark R. Waterland, Chris W. Rogers, Hiroki Sano, C. Wayne McIlwraith, Christopher B. Riley
First page: 1053
Abstract: Biomarkers for osteoarthritis (OA) in horses have been extensively investigated, but translation into clinical use has been limited due to cost, limited sensitivity, and practicality. Identifying novel biomarkers that overcome these limitations could facilitate early diagnosis and therapy. This study aimed to compare the concentrations of synovial fluid (SF) and plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) over time in control horses with those with induced carpal OA. Following an established model, unilateral carpal OA was induced in 9 of 17 healthy Thoroughbred fillies, while the remainder were sham-operated controls. Synovial fluid and plasma samples were obtained before induction of OA (Day 0) and weekly thereafter until Day 63, and cfDNA concentrations were determined using fluorometry. The SF cfDNA concentrations were significantly higher for OA joints than for sham-operated joints on Days 28 (median 1430 μg/L and 631 μg/L, respectively, p = 0.017) and 63 (median 1537 μg/L and 606 μg/L, respectively, p = 0.021). There were no significant differences in plasma cfDNA between the OA and the sham groups after induction of carpal OA. Plasma cfDNA measurement is not sufficiently sensitive for diagnostic purposes in this induced model of OA. Synovial fluid cfDNA measurement may be used as a biomarker to monitor early disease progression in horses with OA.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-14
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061053
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1054: Comparison between Standardized and Modified
EZ-DripLoss Determination Methods in Chicken Breast Meat
Authors: Ana Kaić, Zlatko Janječić, Karla Golub, Klemen Potočnik
First page: 1054
Abstract: The EZ-DripLoss method is relatively new gravimetric method that is used for the determination of excessive drip in meat. The literature reports diversity regarding the use of EZ-DripLoss methodology. In the standardized EZ-DripLoss method, drip loss is calculated as the change in the container weight, whereas in the modified EZ-DripLoss method, it is calculated as the change in sample weight. This technical note aimed to research the relationship between these two methods on chicken breast meat (40 broilers from the line Ross 308) during the measurement interval of 24, 48, and 72 h. The results showed statistically a significant positive linear increase in drip loss values regardless of the used method during all of the investigated measurement intervals. At 24, 48, and 72 h of storage, the average drip loss in the weighed samples was 0.77, 1.40, and 2.23 percentage points greater than in the not weighed samples (p < 0.0001), respectively. A strong and positive estimate of correlation coefficients between the drip loss of weighed and not weighed samples was found after 24 h (r = 0.95), 48 h (r = 0.92), and 72 h (r = 0.86). This technical report indicates that the used EZ-DripLoss methodology highly influences the drip loss in chicken breast meat and the comparisons of the EZ-DripLoss results should be performed with great caution.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-14
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061054
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1055: Short-Term Microplastic Exposure Impairs
Cognition in Hermit Crabs
Authors: Andrew Crump, Catherine Aiken, Eoghan M. Cunningham, Gareth Arnott
First page: 1055
Abstract: We tested whether acute microplastic exposure impacts information gathering and processing (cognition) in hermit crabs (Pagurus bernhardus). For five days, we kept 51 hermit crabs in tanks containing either polyethylene microspheres (n = 27) or no plastic (n = 24). We then transferred individuals into an intermediate-quality shell and presented them with two vials containing either a better or worse shell. Because touching both shell vials required an equivalent behavioural response, this design controlled for general activity. Plastic-exposed hermit crabs were less likely and slower than controls to touch the better shell vial, instead preferring the worse shell vial. Microplastics, therefore, impaired assessments and decision-making, providing direct evidence of acute microplastic exposure disrupting hermit crab cognition.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-14
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061055
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1056: Effect of Selected Micro- and Macroelements
and Vitamins on the Genome Stability of Bovine Embryo Transfer Recipients
following In Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Ewa Wójcik, Katarzyna Kępka, Mateusz Skup
First page: 1056
Abstract: Genome instability can lead to a wide variety of diseases. Many endogenous and exogenous factors influence the level of damage to genetic material. Genome integrity depends on factors such as the fidelity of DNA replication, normal DNA organization in the chromosomes, and repair mechanisms. Genome stability influences fertility, embryonic development, and the maintenance of pregnancy. In the case of in vitro fertilization, it can be an important factor determining the success of the procedure. The aim of the study was to assess the stability of the genomes of recipient cows following in vitro fertilization using cytogenetic tests and to analyze the effects of selected vitamins and micro- and macroelements on genome integrity. Genome stability was analyzed using the sister chromatid exchange, fragile site, and comet assays. The material for analysis was peripheral blood from 20 Holstein-Friesian heifers that were embryo transfer recipients. The effect of selected micro- and macroelements and vitamins on the genome stability of the cows was analyzed. Folic acid was shown to significantly influence the level of damage identified using the SCE, FS, and SCGE assays, while iron affected SCE and SCGE results, and zinc affected FS.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-14
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061056
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1057: Expression of IkappaB Family in the Ovine
Liver during Early Pregnancy
Authors: Chunjiang Cai, Ying Ren, Jianhua Cao, Shengya Fang, Leying Zhang, Ling Yang
First page: 1057
Abstract: During normal pregnancy, there is a dynamic regulation of the maternal immune system, including the liver, to accommodate the presence of the allogeneic foetus in the uterus. However, it was unclear that the expression of the IkappaB (IκB) family was regulated in the ovine maternal liver during early pregnancy. In this study, sheep livers were collected at day 16 of the oestrous cycle (NP16), and days 13, 16 and 25 of gestation (DP13, DP16 and DP25), and RT-qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis were used to analyse the expression of the IκB family, including B cell leukemia-3 (BCL-3), IκBα, IκBβ, IκBε, IKKγ, IκBNS and IκBζ. The results revealed that expression of BCL-3, IκBβ, IκBε and IKKγ peaked at DP16, and the expression of IκBα was increased during early pregnancy. In addition, the expression of IκBζ peaked at DP13 and DP16, and IκBNS peaked at DP13. IκBβ and IKKγ proteins were located in the endothelial cells of the proper hepatic arteries and portal veins, and hepatocytes. In conclusion, early pregnancy changed the expression of the IκB family, suggesting that the modulation of the IκB family may be related to the regulation of maternal hepatic functions, which may be favourable for pregnancy establishment in sheep.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-15
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061057
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1058: Characteristics and Traceability Analysis of
Microbial Assemblage in Fine Particulate Matter from a Pig House
Authors: Miao Wang, Siyi Peng, Dongru Liu, Dingbiao Long, Zuohua Liu, Shihua Pu
First page: 1058
Abstract: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can carry numerous substances and penetrate deep into the respiratory tract due to its small particle size; associated harmful microorganisms are suspected to increase health risks for humans and animals. To find out the microbial compositions of PM2.5 in piggeries, their interaction and traceability, we collected PM2.5 samples from a piggery while continuously monitoring the environmental indicators. We also identified pathogenic bacteria and allergens in the samples using high-throughput sequencing technology. We analyzed the microbial differences of PM2.5 samples at different heights and during different times of day and investigated the microbial dynamics among the PM2.5 samples. To better understand the interaction between microorganisms and environmental factors among different microbial communities, we applied the network analysis method to identify the correlation among various variables. Finally, SourceTracker, a commonly used microbial traceability tool, was used to predict the source of airborne microorganisms in the pig house. We identified 14 potential pathogenic bacteria and 5 allergens from PM2.5 in the pig houses, of which Acinetobacter was the dominant bacterium in all samples (relative abundance > 1%), which warrants attention. We found that bacteria and fungi directly affected the the microbial community. The bacterial community mainly played a positive role in the microbial community. Environmental variables mainly indirectly and positively affected microbial abundance. In the SourceTracker analysis using fecal matter and feed as sources and PM2.5 sample as sink, we found that fecal matter made the greatest contribution to both bacterial and fungal components of PM2.5. Our findings provide important insights into the potential risks of pathogens in PM2.5 to human and animal health and their main sources.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-15
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061058
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1059: Characterization and Protective Properties
of Lactic Acid Bacteria Intended to Be Used in Probiotic Preparation for
Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.)—An In Vitro Study
Authors: Aleksandra Leska, Adriana Nowak, Justyna Rosicka-Kaczmarek, Małgorzata Ryngajłło, Karolina Henryka Czarnecka-Chrebelska
First page: 1059
Abstract: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are widely used probiotics and offer promising prospects for increasing the viability of honeybees. Thus, the probiotic potential of 10 LAB strains was determined, which in our previous studies showed the most potent protective abilities. In the current study, we investigated various properties of probiotic candidates. The tested LAB strains varied in susceptibility to tested antibiotics. Isolates showed high viability in sugar syrups and gastrointestinal conditions. None of the LAB strains exhibited β-hemolytic activity, mutual antagonism, mucin degradation, hydrogen peroxide production capacity, or bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of LAB cell-free supernatants (CFS) was assessed, as well as the effect of CFS from P. pentosaceus 14/1 on the cytotoxicity of coumaphos and chlorpyrifos in the Caco-2 cell line. The viability of Caco-2 cells reached up to 89.81% in the presence of the highest concentration of CFS. Furthermore, LAB metabolites decreased the cytotoxicity of insecticides (up to 19.32%) thus demonstrating cytoprotective activity. All tested LAB strains produced lactic, acetic, and malonic acids. This research allowed the selection of the most effective LAB strains, in terms of probiosis, for future in vivo studies aimed at developing an ecologically protective biopreparation for honeybees.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-15
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061059
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1060: Integrative Analysis of Blood
Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Reveals Molecular Regulation of Backfat
Thickness in Qinchuan Cattle
Authors: Hengwei Yu, Sayed Haidar Abbas Raza, Yueting Pan, Gong Cheng, Chugang Mei, Linsen Zan
First page: 1060
Abstract: A crucial goal of reducing backfat thickness (BFT) is to indirectly improve feed conversion efficiency. This phenotype has been reported in certain papers; however, the molecular mechanism has yet to be fully revealed. Two extreme BFT groups, consisting of four Qinchuan cattle, were chosen for this study. We performed metabolite and transcriptome analyses of blood from cattle with a high BFT (H-BFT with average = 1.19) and from those with a low BFT (L-BFT with average = 0.39). In total, 1106 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 86 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were identified in the extreme trait. In addition, serum ceramide was strongly correlated with BFT and could be used as a potential biomarker. Moreover, the most notable finding was that the functional genes (SMPD3 and CERS1) and metabolite (sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P)) were filtered out and significantly enriched in the processes related to the sphingolipid metabolism. This investigation contributed to a better understanding of the subcutaneous fat depots in cattle. In general, our results indicated that the sphingolipid metabolism, involving major metabolites (serum ceramide and S1P) and key genes (SMPD3 and CERS1), could regulate BFT through blood circulation.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-15
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061060
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1061: Dog Owners’ Attitude toward Veterinary
Antibiotic Use and Antibiotic Resistance with a Focus on Canine Diarrhea
Management
Authors: Alessia Candellone, Paola Badino, Flavia Girolami, Ugo Ala, Floriana Mina, Rosangela Odore
First page: 1061
Abstract: An ad hoc questionnaire was designed in order to investigate AMR knowledge amongst Italian dog owners, owner expectations concerning pharmacological treatment of canine AD, and client attitudes towards and compliance with alternative strategies to antimicrobial administration. A total of 250 questionnaires were returned. Most of respondents were female, aged 36–70 and workers. More than a half of participants owned one dog with mixed breed, with Labrador retriever, golden retriever, dachshund, and border collie being the most represented breeds. On average, each dog was treated with an oral antibiotic 1.044 times per year. Intestinal diseases were among the main reasons (19%) for antibiotic prescription. Oral antibiotic courses without veterinary consultation (21%) and anticipated termination of the therapy (17.1%) were less common than reported elsewhere. The majority of respondents knew the meaning of AMR with a significant inverse association between the level of education and the tendency to administer antimicrobials without consulting a clinician (p = 0.004). Most of the owners expected a rapid recovery of clinical signs after a first episode of AD and accepted natural dietary supplementation for treating the condition. Ninety-five percent of the respondents believed that public funding should be spent to study AMR. Even though an acceptable degree of AMR awareness emerged, we feel that further efforts should be made to increase public AMR knowledge and to stimulate proactive measures to fight the phenomenon. On the other hand, the development of guidelines for the treatment of uncomplicated canine AD would help clinicians to rationalize antimicrobial use.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-15
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061061
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1062: Fermented Total Mixed Ration Alters Rumen
Fermentation Parameters and Microbiota in Dairy Cows
Authors: Jiamei Song, Yuansheng Ma, Hengwei Zhang, Lijun Wang, Yonggen Zhang, Guangning Zhang
First page: 1062
Abstract: This study aimed to determine changes and interactions of ruminal microbiota and chemical parameters in dairy cows fed FTMR. Twelve multiparous Holstein dairy cows (Body weight = 616 ± 13.4 kg; day in milk = 106 ± 7.55 d; and parity = 2.31 ± 0.49; mean ± standard deviation) were divided randomly into two treatments depending on the day in milk, milk production, and parity. The two treatments were: (1) total mixed ration (TMR) and (2) FTMR. Illumina MiSeq sequencing was used to explore the changes in the ruminal microbiota. The results revealed that the bacterial and fungal diversity of the FTMR group were significantly higher than the TMR group. The predominant microbiota phyla in the bacteria and fungi showed significant differences between TMR and FTMR, as follows: Verrucomicrobia (p = 0.03) and Tenericutes (p = 0.01), Ascomycota (p = 0.04) and Basidiomycota (p = 0.04). The dominant bacterial genera in the bacteria, fungi, protozoan, and archaea that showed significant differences between TMR and FTMR were Unclassified_Bacteroidales (p = 0.02), Unclassified_RFP12 (p = 0.03), Candida (p = 0.0005), Bullera (p = 0.002), Cryptococcus (p = 0.007), and Ostracodinium (p = 0.01). LefSe analysis was performed to reveal the biomarker genera of the rumen microbiota community (bacteria, fungi, protozoan, and archaea) in the TMR and FTMR were the genera Shuttleworthia, Ruminococcus, Cryptococcus, Mycosphaerella, Bullera, Candida, and Ostracodinium. NH3-N concentration (p < 0.0001), total VFA concentration (p = 0.003), and molar proportion in total VFA of acetate (p = 0.01) were higher for the cows fed FTMR compared with the cows fed the TMR. Several bacterial genera showed significant correlations with rumen fermentation parameters. The genus Unclassified_Bacteroidales and Bullera were positively correlated with total volatile fatty acids (VFA) and acetate, whereas Candida and Ostracodinium showed negative correlations. Meanwhile, propionate was positively correlated with Candida and negatively correlated with Bullera. The PICRUSt functional profile prediction indicated that the xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism, the lipid, amino acid, terpenoids, and polyketides metabolisms of the FTMR group were significantly higher than that of the TMR group. The results imply that FTMR can increase lipid and amino acid metabolism, and modulate the rumen microbiome and improve ruminal fermentation.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-15
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061062
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1063: Seasonal Variation of Melatonin
Concentration and mRNA Expression of Melatonin-Related Genes in Developing
Ovarian Follicles of Mares Kept under Natural Photoperiods in the Southern
Hemisphere
Authors: Lia Alencar Coelho, Luciano Andrade Silva, Ana Paula Reway, Daniella Do Carmo Buonfiglio, Jéssica Andrade-Silva, Patrícia Rodrigues Lourenço Gomes, José Cipolla-Neto
First page: 1063
Abstract: This study investigated the seasonal variations in mRNA expression of FSH (Fshr), LH (Lhr) receptors, melatonin (Mt1 and Mt2) receptors, melatonin-synthetizing enzymes (Asmt and Aanat) and melatonin concentration in developing follicles from mares raised in natural photoperiods. For one year, ultrasonographic follicular aspiration procedures were performed monthly, and small (<20 mm), medium (20 to 35 mm) and large (>35 mm) follicles were recovered from five mares. One day before monthly sample collections, an exploratory ultrasonography conducted to record the number and the size of all follicles larger than 15 mm. The total number of large follicles were higher during the spring/summer (8.2 ± 1.9) than during autumn/winter (3.0 ± 0.5). Compared to autumn/winter seasons, there was an increase of Fshr and Aanat mRNA expressions in small, medium and large follicles, an increase of Lhr and Asmt mRNA expressions in medium and large follicles and an increase of Mt1 and Mt2 mRNA expressions in small and large follicles during spring/summer. The melatonin levels in follicular fluid were also higher during the spring/summer seasons. The present data show that melatonin locally upregulates the mRNA expression of Mt1 and Mt2 receptors and melatonin-forming enzymes in mare developing follicles during reproductive seasons.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-15
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061063
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1064: Genomic Characterization of Staphylococcus
aureus in Wildlife
Authors: Carmen Martínez-Seijas, Patricia Mascarós, Víctor Lizana, Alba Martí-Marco, Alberto Arnau-Bonachera, Eva Chillida-Martínez, Jesús Cardells, Laura Selva, David Viana, Juan M. Corpa
First page: 1064
Abstract: Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic multi-host pathogen that threatens both human and animal health. Animals can act as a reservoir of S. aureus for humans, but very little is known about wild animals’ epidemiological role. Therefore, in this study, we performed a genomic characterization of S. aureus isolates from wildlife, hunters, and their auxiliary hunting animals of Eastern Spain. Of 20 different species, 242 wild animals were examined, of which 28.1% were S. aureus carriers. The common genet, the Iberian ibex, and the European hedgehog were the species with the highest S. aureus carriage. We identified 30 different sequence types (STs), including lineages associated with wild animals such as ST49 and ST581, multispecies lineages such as ST130, ST398, and ST425, and lineages commonly isolated from humans, including ST1 and ST5. The hunters and the single positive ferret shared ST5, ST398, or ST425 with wild animals. In wildlife isolates, the highest resistance levels were found for penicillin (32.8%). For virulence factors, 26.2% of them carried superantigens, while 14.8% harbored the immune evasion cluster (IEC), which indicates probable human origin. Our findings suggest that wild animals are a reservoir of clinically relevant genes and lineages that could have the potential to be transmitted to humans. These data support the notion that wildlife surveillance is necessary to better understand the epidemiology of S. aureus as a pathogen that circulates among humans, animals, and the environment.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-15
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061064
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1065: The Effect of Stabling Routines on Potential
Behavioural Indicators of Affective State in Horses and Their Use in
Assessing Quality of Life
Authors: Ella Bradshaw-Wiley, Hayley Randle
First page: 1065
Abstract: Increasing interest in equine welfare has emphasised the need for objective and reliable behavioural indicators of horses’ affective state. However, research has yielded mixed results regarding behaviours suited for industry use largely because they are subject to anthropomorphic interpretation. Stabling is commonly used to manage domesticated horses despite research indicating that it can negatively impact horse welfare, but its effect on their affective state is yet to be quantified. Ten adult horses (11.8 ± 4.4 years) were observed either on a day- (DS) or night-stabling (NS) schedule over two consecutive 24 h periods. NS horses were kept confined for significantly longer (13.60 ± 0.04 h) than DS horses (7.73 ± 0.07; t7 = 5.70; p = 0.0004). Eight behaviours occurred significantly more often during NS than DS: forward ears (t7 = 3.32; p = 0.001), neutral ears (t7 = 3.47; p = 0.001), stepping forward (t7 = 2.62; p = 0.001), stepping laterally (t7 = 2.39; p = 0.001), sternal recumbency (t7 = 2.64; p = 0.001), yawning (t7 = 2.69; p = 0.001), non-nutritive chewing (t7 = 2.49; p = 0.001), and closing eyes (t7 = 2.71; p = 0.001). These behaviours may be candidates for indicators that can be used to determine the affective state in horses and subsequently be used to assess equine quality of life and to optimise individual horse welfare.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-15
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061065
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1066: Uterine Tube Resection by Vaginotomy as an
Alternative to Ovariectomy in Mature Cattle
Authors: Peter C. Irons, Bryce Mooring, Natalie Warburton, Emma Dunston-Clarke, Gavin Pensini, Shona Hay, Teresa Collins
First page: 1066
Abstract: The prevention of pregnancy is desirable for female cattle destined for sale in the northern Australian rangelands for both economic and welfare reasons. Controlled access to bulls is often not feasible, nor are any non-surgical methods currently available. Many females are therefore surgically spayed. This study describes a technique for uterine tube resection (UTR), which leaves the ovaries intact and is performed using a vaginal approach, and compares the outcomes from 70 Brahman cows subjected to the procedure with 60 heifers spayed using the dropped ovary technique. The animals were monitored for 10 days following the surgery. There were no mortalities, and two animals were treated for illnesses after the UTRs and recovered. The animals subjected to both surgical procedures showed signs of pelvic discomfort and mild inflammation during recovery. The cows gained an average of 9.3 kg (SD 14.5 kg) of weight over the 10 days of the study compared to the spayed heifers, which lost 3.5 kg (SD 13.3 kg), with 19 and 63% of the animals in each of the groups losing weight, respectively. Uterine tube resection can be considered as a viable alternative to surgical spaying.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-15
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061066
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1067: Attitudes and Beliefs of a Sample of
Australian Dog and Cat Owners towards Pet Confinement
Authors: Jacquie Rand, Zohre Ahmadabadi, Jade Norris, Michael Franklin
First page: 1067
Abstract: Most cats and dogs entering Australian animal shelters and municipal facilities are classed as strays, typically from low socio-economic areas. Contemporary practices increasingly focus on proactively reducing the number of stray animals, which requires further understanding of factors associated with straying animals, including pet confinement. Australian cat and dog owners (n = 2103) were surveyed to investigate attitudes towards four types of pet confinement and how these were influenced by social norms, demographics and concerns about pet quality of life and potential wildlife predation. Dog owners showed the strongest support for confining dogs to the owners’ property whenever unsupervised (98% agreement) and less support for confining dogs inside the house at night (54% agreement), and only 23% believed dogs had a negative impact on wildlife. Cat owners showed the strongest support for confining cats inside the house at night (89% agreement). Cat owners’ non-supportive attitudes towards cat confinement were partly because of higher concern for cat quality of life and lower concern about their cats’ predation behaviours, compared to non-cat owners. The findings provide valuable information to inform more effective strategies to reduce stray animals which would reduce shelter admissions, euthanasia, costs, nuisance issues, potential wildlife predation and negative mental health impacts of euthanasia on staff. Strategies to reduce strays include assisting low-income pet owners to install effective fencing and programs to increase identification. Informing cat owners about bedtime feeding is recommended to assist with night containment, and providing high-intensity free sterilization of owned and semi-owned cats targeted to areas of high cat impoundments is also recommended.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-15
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061067
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1068: Combined Effects of Temperature and Dietary
Lipid Level on Body Composition, Growth, and Freshness Profile in European
Seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax
Authors: Patrícia G. Cardoso, Odete Gonçalves, Thais Cavalheri, Vânia E. Amorim, Weiwei Cao, Diogo A. M. Alexandrino, Zhongjun Jia, Maria F. Carvalho, Paulo Vaz-Pires, Rodrigo O. A. Ozório
First page: 1068
Abstract: A fish trial was carried out to evaluate the combined effects of temperature and dietary lipid level on the body composition, growth performance, and freshness profile of the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Fish were kept for 56 days at 20 oC and 24 °C and fed on two diets, with 16% and 20% lipid. At the end of the trial, fish were euthanized at two temperature conditions (0.6 °C or −0.6 °C) and kept on ice for 10 days at 4 °C to evaluate their freshness condition. Findings demonstrated that fish reared at 24 °C presented a lower lipid level and a higher daily growth index than those at 20 °C. Additionally, sensory analysis (Quality Index Method—QIM) and microbiological analysis revealed that fish reared at 24 °C showed better freshness conditions than those at 20 °C. However, the 16S rRNA metabarcoding analyses revealed a higher proliferation of genera associated with fish-spoiling bacteria in the skin microbiome of fish reared at 24 °C, i.e., Vibrio and Acinetobacter, which was not observed in the skin microbiome of fish reared at 20 °C. Nevertheless, the dietary lipid level did not have any influence on fish freshness. Therefore, our data suggest that the increase in temperature to 24 °C is beneficial for the growth and freshness profile (lower QIM and lower CFUs/cm2) of this particular species. Additionally, the lower euthanasia temperature (−0.6 °C) seems to lead to higher fish freshness than the normal temperature (0.6 °C).
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-15
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061068
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1069: Effects of Dietary Vegetable Oil Mixtures
including Soybean Oil on Intestinal Oxidative Stress in Gilthead Sea Bream
(Sparus aurata)
Authors: Irene García-Meilán, Ramón Fontanillas, Joaquim Gutiérrez, Encarnación Capilla, Isabel Navarro, Ángeles Gallardo
First page: 1069
Abstract: Fish oil is commonly replaced by vegetable oils in sea bream diets, but little is known about their effects on intestinal health regarding oxidative stress biomarkers. The negative effects of lipid peroxidation on digestive mucosa could have consequences in animal nutrition and welfare. In this study, five isonitrogenous (46%) and isolipidic (22%) diets with 75% of vegetable oils inclusion were evaluated: soybean oil (S) alone or different mixtures containing soybean oil with linseed (SL), linseed and rapeseed (SLR), linseed and palm (SLP), and linseed, rapeseed, and palm (SLRP). Gilthead sea bream juveniles were fed twice a day for 18 weeks. Pyloric caeca and proximal intestine samples were collected 24 h post feeding for lipid peroxidation (LPO), antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, and GR) and gene expression analyses. Pyloric caeca presented larger unhealthy changes in oxidative status than proximal intestine. Although SL-fed fish showed the highest antioxidant activities, they were unable to cope with LPO that in pyloric caeca was 31.4 times higher than in the other groups. Instead, SLP fish presented the best oxidative status, with low LPO levels, antioxidant enzyme activities, and gene expression. In summary, between the vegetable oils dietary mixtures tested, SPL would maintain better intestinal health.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-15
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061069
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1070: Assessment of P Wave Indices in Healthy
Standardbred Horses
Authors: Rebecca White, Laura Nath, Michelle Hebart, Samantha Franklin
First page: 1070
Abstract: P wave indices are used as non-invasive electrocardiographic markers of atrial remodelling in humans. Few studies have investigated their use in animals. The aim of this study was to measure P wave duration and P wave dispersion (Pd) in healthy standardbred horses and investigate variables that might influence these measurements. A 12-lead electrocardiogram was recorded at rest and P wave indices were calculated in 53 horses. A general linear model was used to investigate the main effects: age, bodyweight, sex, resting heart rate, presence of a murmur, exercise status and the number of years raced. There were significant associations with exercise status for both the maximum P wave duration and Pd, with both values being increased in strenuously exercising versus non-active horses. Furthermore, a significant moderate positive correlation was identified between the duration of exercise (number of years raced) and both Pmax and Pd. No other significant associations were identified. These findings are similar to those reported in elite human athletes versus sedentary individuals. The increases in these P wave indices most likely occur due to prolongation and heterogeneity in atrial conduction time, which are associated with structural and electrical remodelling, and may explain the increased risk of atrial fibrillation in athletic horses.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-16
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061070
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1071: The Power of Discourse: Associations between
Trainers’ Speech and the Responses of Socialized Wolves and Dogs to
Training
Authors: Melissa Gabriela Bravo Fonseca, Heron Oliveira Hilário, Kurt Kotrschal, Friederike Range, Zsófia Virányi, Marina Henriques Lage Duarte, Laryssa Cristina Gomes Pereira, Angélica da Silva Vasconcellos
First page: 1071
Abstract: In a previous study, we found that Positive Reinforcement Training reduced cortisol of wolves and dogs; however, this effect varied across trainer–animal dyads. Here we investigate whether and how the trainers’ use of speech may contribute to this effect. Dogs’ great interest in high-pitched, intense speech (also known as Dog Directed Speech) has already been reported, but whether and how wolves respond similarly/differently to voice characteristics has never been studied before. We analyzed 270 training sessions, conducted by five trainers, with nine mixed-breed dogs and nine wolves, all human-socialized. Through Generalized Linear Mixed Models, we analyzed the effects of (a) three speech categories (nice, neutral, reprehensive) and laugh; and (b) acoustic characteristics of trainers’ voices on animals’ responses (correct responses, latency, orientation, time at less than 1 m, non-training behaviors, tail position/movements, cortisol variation). In both subspecies, tail wagging occurred more often in sessions with longer durations of nice speech, and less often in sessions with reprehensive speech. For dogs, the duration of reprehensive speech within a session was also negatively related to correct responses. For wolves, retreat time was associated with more reprehensive speech, whereas duration of nice speech was positively associated with time spent within one meter from the trainer. In addition, most dog behavioral responses were associated with higher average intonations within sessions, while wolf responses were correlated with lower intonations within sessions. We did not find any effects of the variables considered on cortisol variation. Our study highlights the relevance of voice tone and speech in a training context on animals’ performances and emotional reactions.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-16
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061071
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1072: National Dog Survey: Describing UK Dog and
Ownership Demographics
Authors: Katharine L. Anderson, Rachel A. Casey, Ben Cooper, Melissa M. Upjohn, Robert M. Christley
First page: 1072
Abstract: With dogs being the most commonly owned companion animal in the United Kingdom, knowledge about dog demographics is important in understanding the impact of dogs on society. Furthermore, understanding the demography of dog owners is also important to better target support to dogs and their owners to achieve optimal welfare in the canine population. Combining natural fluctuations in the population and unprecedented events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for an up-to-date large-scale dataset is even more paramount. In order to address this, Dogs Trust launched the ‘National Dog Survey’ to provide a large population-level dataset that will help identify key areas of concern and needs of owners and their dogs. The online survey was completed by a total of 354,046 respondents owning dogs in the UK, providing data for 440,423 dogs. The results of this study highlight dog demographics, including acquisition and veterinary factors, as well as owner demographic and household information. Finally, general trends in ownership, and more specifically those following the COVID-19 pandemic, are described. This paper’s findings provide valuable insight into the current population of dogs and their owners in the UK, allowing for the most appropriate products, services, interventions and regulations to be developed, reducing the likelihood of negative welfare outcomes such as health and behaviour issues, relinquishment or euthanasia. Furthermore, with significant changes to the dog population following the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted, this dataset serves as an up-to-date baseline for future study comparisons to continue to monitor trends and patterns of the dog population and dog owners going forwards.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-16
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061072
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Animals, Vol. 13, Pages 1073: Impact of Cold Stress on Physiological,
Endocrinological, Immunological, Metabolic, and Behavioral Changes of Beef
Cattle at Different Stages of Growth
Authors: Won-Seob Kim, Jalil Ghassemi Nejad, Hong-Gu Lee
First page: 1073
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cold stress (CS) on the physiological, blood, and behavioral parameters of beef cattle according to their growth stage. Twelve calves in the growing stages (220.4 ± 12.33 kg, male and non-castrated) and twelve steers in the early fattening stages (314.2 ± 18.44 kg) were used in this experiment. The animals were randomly distributed into three homogenized groups (four animals each) for 14 days, namely threshold, mild–moderate cold stress (MCS), and extreme cold stress (ECS), according to the outside ambient temperature. The feed and water intakes were recorded daily. The physiological parameters, blood parameters, and behavioral patterns were measured weekly. All data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis. The calves exposed to the ECS decreased (p < 0.064, tendency) their dry matter intake compared to the threshold and MCS groups. The HR and RT increased (p < 0.001) in the ECS compared to the threshold in calves and steers. Moreover, increased (p < 0.05) blood cortisol, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and time spent standing were observed after exposure to ECS in calves and steers. However, the calves exposed to the ECS had decreased (p = 0.018) blood glucose levels compared to the threshold. In conclusion, ECS affects the dry matter intake, HR, RT, blood cortisol, NEFA, and behavioral patterns in beef calves and steers. This phenomenon indicated that beef cattle exposed to CS modulated their behavior and blood parameters as well as their physiological response to maintain homeostasis regardless of the growth stage.
Citation: Animals
PubDate: 2023-03-16
DOI: 10.3390/ani13061073
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
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