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Effects of Zilpaterol Hydrochloride with a Combination of Vitamin D3 on Feedlot Lambs: Growth Performance, Dietary Energetics, Carcass Traits, and Meat Quality Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-26 Karla H. Leyva-Medina, Horacio Dávila-Ramos, Jesús J. Portillo-Loera, Omar S. Acuña-Meléndez, Adriana Cervantes-Noriega, Jaime N. Sánchez-Pérez, Gamaliel Molina-Gámez, Javier G. Rodríguez-Carpena, Mario A. Mejía-Delgadillo, Juan C. Robles-Estrada
This study evaluated the impact of supplementing ZH in combination with D3 on the growth performance, energy efficiency, carcass traits, and meat quality of feedlot lambs. Thirty-two Dorper × Katahdin cross lambs (37.3 ± 5.72 kg) were utilized in a 29 d experiment in a completely randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial structure consisting of two levels of ZH for 26 d (0 and 0.20 mg/kg PV−1)
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A Retrospective Descriptive Study of Staphylococcus Species Isolated from Canine Specimens Submitted to a Diagnostic Laboratory in South Africa, 2012–2017 Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-26 Themba Sigudu, Daniel Qekwana, James Oguttu
There is a scarcity of published studies on the occurrence of Staphylococcus spp. Among dogs in South Africa. The objective of the study was to characterise the Staphylococcus spp. Isolated from dog samples submitted to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in South Africa in terms of time, place, and person. This study utilised a dataset of 1627 positive Staphylococcus isolates obtained from a veterinary
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A Pilot Study of the Role of Selected Biomarkers of Kidney Injury in Dogs with Dilated Cardiomyopathy Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-26 Karolina Wrześniewska, Jacek Madany, Dawid Tobolski, Beata Żylińska, Andrzej Milczak, Aleksandra Sobczyńska-Rak
Heart and kidney diseases are among the most frequent medical conditions diagnosed in small animals. Due to the functional interconnection between these organs, the concept of the cardio–renal axis has been developed. In this context, renal disease or dysfunction often occurs secondary to heart diseases, such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). DCM is the most common cardiomyopathy and a leading cause
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Ovarian Fibrothecoma in a Mare—Case Report Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-26 Raimonda Tamulionytė-Skėrė, Nomeda Juodžiukynienė, Renata Gruodytė, Paulina Rimkutė, Iveta Duliebaitė, Akvilė Savickytė
Ovarian tumors in mares are uncommon in comparison to other neoplasms and are classified into three categories: gonadal stromal tumors, coelomic epithelium surface tumors, and germinal cell tumors. Some ovarian neoplasms histologically show a mixture of multiple cell types in the same tumor, such as fibrothecoma; therefore, the differentiation between fibroma and thecoma is often difficult. According
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Effects of the Marek’s Disease Vaccine on the Performance, Meat Yield, and Incidence of Woody Breast Myopathy in Ross 708 Broilers When Administered Alone or in Conjunction with In ovo and Dietary Supplemental 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-26 Seyed Abolghasem Fatemi, Ayoub Mousstaaid, Christopher J. Williams, Joshua Deines, Sabin Poudel, Ishab Poudel, Elianna Rice Walters, April Waguespack Levy, Edgar David Peebles
The effects of the Marek’s disease vaccine (MDV) on the live performance, breast meat yield, and incidence of woody breast myopathy (WBM) of Ross 708 broilers were investigated when administered alone or in conjunction with in ovo and dietary supplemental 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD3). At 18 d of incubation (doi), four in ovo injection treatments were randomly assigned to live embryonated Ross
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Validation of Bos taurus SNPs for Milk Productivity of Sahiwal Breed (Bos indicus), Pakistan Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-26 Asma Younis, Imtiaz Hussain, Syeda Nadia Ahmad, Amin Shah, Iram Inayat, Muhammad Ali Kanwal, Sadia Suleman, Muhammad Atif Kamran, Saima Matloob, Khawaja Raees Ahmad
The aim of the present study was the validation of the already reported Bos taurus SNPs in the Sahiwal breed. A total of nine SNPs of the casein gene were studied. Out of nine, seven Bos taurus SNPs of casein protein genes were found to be significantly associated with milk productivity traits. The genomic DNA was extracted from the mammary alveolar endothelial cells of a flock of 80 purebred Sahiwal
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Ten Years of Mediterranean Monk Seal Stranding Records in Greece under the Microscope: What Do the Data Suggest? Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-26 Maria Solanou, Aliki Panou, Irida Maina, Stefanos Kavadas, Marianna Giannoulaki
This paper presents the results of an analysis of stranding events of the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus over a decade. The analysis involved categorization according to the cause of stranding and seasonality, the identification of hotspot stranding areas and an assessment of possible correlations between stranding events and environmental/climatic patterns using time series analysis. Moreover
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Variations in Genetic Diversity of Invasive Species Lithobates catesbeianus in China Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-25 Jiaqi Zhang, Chunxia Xu, Supen Wang, Siqi Wang, Yiming Li
The introduction and subsequent range expansion of the American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is part of a rising trend of troublesome biological invasions happening in China. This detrimental amphibious invasive species has strong adaptability. After its introduction and spread, it established its own ecological niche in many provinces of China, and its range has continued to expand to more areas
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Increasing Population Status of Broad-Snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris) Based on Sustainable Use Strategies in a Managed Protected Area in Santa Fe, Argentina Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-25 Pablo Ariel Siroski, Hernán Ciocan, Samuel Hilevski, Alejandro Larriera
People and crocodilians have engaged in interactions since the earliest human settlements. After many years of escalating non-regulated use, coupled with emerging threats such as habitat modification, environmental pollution, and the exponential growth of human populations, natural crocodilian populations have been pushed to the brink of extinction. To prevent this, various initiatives have implemented
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β-Sitosterol Reduces the Content of Triglyceride and Cholesterol in a High-Fat Diet-Induced Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Model Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-25 Peng Zhang, Naicheng Liu, Mingyang Xue, Mengjie Zhang, Zidong Xiao, Chen Xu, Yuding Fan, Junqiang Qiu, Qinghua Zhang, Yong Zhou
Objective: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is strongly associated with hyperlipidemia, which is closely related to high levels of sugar and fat. β-sitosterol is a natural product with significant hypolipidemic and cholesterol-lowering effects. However, the underlying mechanism of its action on aquatic products is not completely understood. Methods: A high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD zebrafish
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Differential Gene Expression in Porcine Lung Compartments after Experimental Infection with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-25 Rubén S. Rosales, David Risco, Obdulio García-Nicolás, Francisco J. Pallarés, Ana S. Ramírez, José B. Poveda, Robin A. J. Nicholas, Francisco J. Salguero
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhyo) is the causative agent of porcine enzootic pneumonia (EP), as well as one of the main pathogens involved in the porcine respiratory disease complex. The host–pathogen interaction between Mhyo and infected pigs is complex and not completely understood; however, improving the understanding of these intricacies is essential for the development of effective control strategies
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Role of Maternal Antibodies in the Protection of Broiler Chicks against Campylobacter Colonization in the First Weeks of Life Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-25 Kristof Haems, Diederik Strubbe, Nathalie Van Rysselberghe, Geertrui Rasschaert, An Martel, Frank Pasmans, An Garmyn
Thermophilic Campylobacter species are the most common cause of bacterium-mediated diarrheal disease in humans globally. Poultry is considered the most important reservoir of human campylobacteriosis, but so far, no effective countermeasures are in place to prevent the bacterium from colonizing broiler flocks. This study investigated maternal antibodies’ potential to offer protection against Campylobacter
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Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of Bovine Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-25 Vitali V. Maldonado, Sriya Pokharel, Jeremy G. Powell, Rebekah M. Samsonraj
Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are increasingly trialed in cellular therapy applications in humans. They can also be applied to treat a range of diseases in animals, particularly in cattle to combat inflammatory conditions and aging-associated degenerative disorders. We sought to demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining MSCs from adipose tissue and characterizing them using established assays
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Responses of Protozoan Communities to Multiple Environmental Stresses (Warming, Eutrophication, and Pesticide Pollution) Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-25 Guoqing Yuan, Yue Chen, Yulu Wang, Hanwen Zhang, Hongxia Wang, Mixue Jiang, Xiaonan Zhang, Yingchun Gong, Saibo Yuan
To explore the impacts of multiple environmental stressors on animal communities in aquatic ecosystems, we selected protozoa—a highly sensitive group of organisms—to assess the effect of environmental change. To conduct this simulation we conducted a three-factor, outdoor, mesocosm experiment from March to November 2021. Changes in the community structure and functional group composition of protozoan
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Increasing the Understanding of Nutrient Transport Capacity of the Ovine Placentome Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-25 Cathrine Erichsen, Axel Heiser, Neville Haack, Paul Maclean, Cathy Mary Dwyer, Sue McCoard
Placental nutrient transport capacity influences fetal growth and development; however, it is affected by environmental factors, which are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to understand the impact of the ovine placentome morphological subtype, tissue type, and maternal parenteral supplementation of arginine mono-hydrochloride (Arg) on nutrient transport capacity using a gene expression
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Strategic Challenges to the Eradication of African Swine Fever Genotype II in Domestic Pigs in North Italy Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-25 Silvia Pavone, Silvia Bellini, Carmen Iscaro, Marco Farioli, Mario Chiari, Antonio Lavazza, Luigi Ruocco, Davide Lelli, Giorgia Pintus, Paola Prati, Francesco Feliziani
African swine fever (ASF) is a severe viral disease characterized by high lethality in suids and caused by the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV). The ASF genotype I virus was introduced to Europe in 1957, marking the onset of the first European epidemic wave. In 2007, ASFV genotype II was detected in Georgia, affecting domestic pigs and wild boars before spreading to various European and extra-European
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Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Exposure to Human-Relevant Mixtures of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Zebrafish Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-25 Lina Birgersson, Sanne Odenlund, Joachim Sturve
Fish models used for chemical exposure in toxicological studies are normally kept in barren tanks without any structural environmental enrichment. Here, we tested the combined effects of environmental enrichment and exposure to two mixtures of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in zebrafish. Firstly, we assessed whether developmental exposure to an EDC mixture (MIX G1) combined with rearing the
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Dissecting the Effects of Cephenemyia stimulator on the Olfactory Turbinates and Nasopharynx of Roe Deers (Capreolus capreolus) Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-25 Irene Ortiz-Leal, Mateo V. Torres, Ana López-Beceiro, Pablo Sanchez-Quinteiro, Luis Fidalgo
Nasopharyngeal myiasis in European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) is a pathological condition caused by the larval stages of Cephenemyia stimulator, a fly from the Oestridae family. These larvae reside in the host’s upper respiratory tract for months, inducing significant tissue damage and clinical symptoms. The lifecycle of Cephenemyia stimulator is complex, involving three larval stages before maturation
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Alginate Oligosaccharide Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Apoptosis and Inflammatory Response of Rumen Epithelial Cells through NF-κB Signaling Pathway Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-25 Xiaoyuan Qiu, Fuquan Yin, Chunmei Du, Jian Ma, Shangquan Gan
AOS alleviates inflammatory responses; however, whether it exerts an effect on the rumen or regulates rumen inflammatory reaction remains unknown. In this study, firstly, the ovine ruminal epithelial cells (ORECs) were treated with 0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 µg/mL AOS, hoping to explore whether AOS hurt cell health. The results showed that compared with the AOS-0 group, the AOS-400 group could significantly
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Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Bile Acids on Growth, Glucose Metabolism, and Intestinal Health of Spotted Seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-25 Yongping Liu, Xiao Li, Jibin Lin, Kai Song, Xueshan Li, Ling Wang, Chunxiao Zhang, Kangle Lu
An 8-week feeding trial was performed to investigate the effects of dietary bile acids on growth, glucose metabolism, and intestinal health in spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) reared at high temperatures (33 °C). The fish (20.09 ± 1.12 g) were fed diets supplemented with bile acids: 0 (Con), 400 (BA400), 800 (BA800), and 1200 (BA1200) mg/kg, respectively. The results showed that the growth was
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Current State of Canine Heartworm in Portugal Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-25 Joana Esteves-Guimarães, Jorge Isidoro Matos, Beatriz Leal-Sousa, Pedro Oliveira, Luís Lobo, Ana Cristina Silvestre-Ferreira, Carla S. Soares, Iván Rodríguez-Escolar, Elena Carretón, Rodrigo Morchón, Ana Patrícia Fontes-Sousa, José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
The favourable geo-climatic conditions in Portugal have made it highly conducive to the development of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs, leading to its identification as an endemic region. This nematode is rapidly spreading across Europe, particularly in northeastern countries. The objective of this study was to provide an updated assessment of the prevalence of this disease in Portuguese dogs, analysing
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Antimicrobial Resistance and Biofilm Formation of Bordetella bronchiseptica in Central China, with Evidence of a Rare Heteroresistance Strain to Gentamicin Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-25 Li Yi, Haoran Fan, Shuo Yuan, Rishun Li, Haikun Wang, Yingying Quan, Hui Zhang, Yuxin Wang, Yang Wang
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a significant contributor to respiratory disease in pigs, leading to substantial economic losses in the swine industry worldwide. We isolated 52 B. bronchiseptica strains from 542 samples collected from pigs with atrophic rhinitis and bronchopneumonia in central China. Multi-locus sequence typing identified two prevalent sequence types: ST6 (69.23%) and ST7 (30.77%). PCR-based
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Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma in a Dog Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-25 Luisa Vera Muscatello, Federico Massari, Paola Roccabianca, Giuseppe Sarli, Cinzia Benazzi, Marco Luigi Bianchi
A 5-year-old spayed female Breton dog was referred for a thyroid nodule. A total body CT scan evidenced multifocal hepatic nodules. Cytological liver samples were hemodiluted and non-diagnostic. Following a thyroidectomy, the histology was consistent with a follicular-compact thyroid carcinoma. On laparoscopy, most hepatic lobes had multifocal dark-red nodules that were biopsied for histology. Microscopically
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Effects of Palm Oil Deodorizer Distillate on the Ruminal Environment of Sheep Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-24 Diego Assis das Graças, Eziquiel de Morais, Alyne C. S. Lima, Shirley M. de Souza, Luciano F. Sousa, Diego C. Franco, Artur L. C. Silva, André G. Maciel e Silva
This study aimed to assess the impact of palm oil deodorizer distillate (POD) on the ruminal environment, including (i) microbial community, (ii) ruminal degradability, and (iii) apparent digestibility in sheep. The data used were derived from twenty rumen-cannulated sheep fed five isoproteic and isofiber diets based on elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Roxo) silage supplemented with
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Spectral Profiling (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and Machine Learning for the Recognition of Milk from Different Bovine Breeds Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-24 Anna Antonella Spina, Carlotta Ceniti, Rosario De Fazio, Francesca Oppedisano, Ernesto Palma, Enrico Gugliandolo, Rosalia Crupi, Sayed Haidar Abbas Raza, Domenico Britti, Cristian Piras, Valeria Maria Morittu
The Podolica cattle breed is widespread in southern Italy, and its productivity is characterized by low yields and an extraordinary quality of milk and meats. Most of the milk produced is transformed into “Caciocavallo Podolico” cheese, which is made with 100% Podolica milk. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is the technique that, in this research work, was applied together with machine
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Cadaveric Study on Comparison of Neck Extension Angles for Endotracheal Intubation in Rabbits Using a Rigid and Flexible Endoscope Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-24 Nicharee Luevitoonvechakij, Nithidol Buranapim, Witaya Suriyasathaporn, Pakkanut Bansiddhi, Kanawee Warrit, Veerasak Punyapornwithaya, Wanna Suriyasathaporn
Endotracheal intubation in rabbits is always challenging due to the unique anatomical conformation. To improve endotracheal intubation success, this study determined the relationship between head placement angles guided by endoscope-assisted visualization techniques and the endotracheal intubation success rate. Thirty-two rabbit cadavers were used in the study. Six veterinary practitioners who had
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Diagnosis of Canine Tumours and the Value of Combined Detection of VEGF, P53, SF and NLRP3 for the Early Diagnosis of Canine Mammary Carcinoma Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-24 Ning-Yu Yang, Hui-Hua Zheng, Chao Yu, Yan Ye, Guang-Hong Xie
The average life of a dog is generally maintained at ten to fifteen years, and tumours are the predominant reason that leads to the death of dogs, especially canine mammary carcinoma. Therefore, early diagnosis of tumours is very important. In this study, tumor size, morphology, and texture could be seen through general clinical examination, tumor metastasis could be seen through imaging examination
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Effect of Dietary Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Fatty Acid Supplementation during the Last Month of Gestation on Fatty Acid Metabolism and Oxidative Status in Charolais Cows and Calves Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-24 Diana Brozić, Kristina Starčević, Marina Vranić, Krešimir Bošnjak, Maja Maurić Maljković, Tomislav Mašek
Fatty acids (FAs) are of utmost importance in the peripartal period for the development of the central nervous and immune systems of the newborn. The transport of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) through the placenta is considered to be minimal in ruminants. Nevertheless, the cow’s FAs are the main source of FAs for the calf during gestation. This research aimed to investigate the influence of low-dose
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Comparative Cranial Geometric Morphometrics among Wistar Albino, Sprague Dawley, and WAG/Rij Rat Strains Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-24 Duygu Küçük Ağaç, Burcu Onuk, Ozan Gündemir, Murat Kabak, Nicoleta Manuta, Buket Çakar, Maciej Janeczek, Denise Amber Crampton, Tomasz Szara
This research utilizes geometric morphometrics to investigate shape variation in the skull, mandible, and teeth among three rat strains: Wistar Albino (WA), Sprague Dawley (SD), and WAG/Rij (WR). Through the analysis of 48 rats using 2D geometric morphometric techniques, significant differences in their skull morphology were identified. This study indicates a shift from a rectangular to an oval cranial
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SLC34A2 Targets in Calcium/Phosphorus Homeostasis of Mammary Gland and Involvement in Development of Clinical Mastitis in Dairy Cows Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-24 Xueying Wang, Bohao Zhang, Weitao Dong, Yu Zhao, Xingxu Zhao, Yong Zhang, Quanwei Zhang
The type II Na/Pi co-transporter (NaPi2b), encoded by the solute carrier (SLC) transporter 34A2 (SLC34A2), is responsible for calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) homeostasis. Unbalanced Ca/P metabolism induces mastitis in dairy cows. However, the specific role of SLC34A2 in regulating this imbalance in Holstein cows with clinical mastitis (CM) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the
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Polymorphisms of CYP7A1 and HADHB Genes and Their Effects on Milk Production Traits in Chinese Holstein Cows Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-24 Ao Chen, Qianyu Yang, Wen Ye, Lingna Xu, Yuzhan Wang, Dongxiao Sun, Bo Han
Our preliminary research proposed the cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A member 1 (CYP7A1) and hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase trifunctional multienzyme complex beta subunit (HADHB) genes as candidates for association with milk-production traits in dairy cattle because of their differential expression across different lactation stages in the liver tissues of Chinese Holstein cows and their potential
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Administration Routes and Doses of the Attenuated African Swine Fever Virus Strain PSA-1NH Influence Cross-Protection of Pigs against Heterologous Challenge Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-24 Mikhail Vlasov, Irina Sindryakova, Dmitriy Kudryashov, Sergey Morgunov, Olga Kolbasova, Valentina Lyska, Sergey Zhivoderov, Elena Pivova, Vladimir Balyshev, Sanzhi Namsrayn, Timofey Sevskikh, Alexey Sereda, Denis Kolbasov
African swine fever (ASF) is a lethal hemorrhagic disease of Suidae, i.e., domestic pigs and wild boars, caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV). The development of cross-protective vaccines against ASF is imperative for effective disease control, particularly in regions where ASF is endemic, potentially featuring multiple circulating ASFV isolates. The investigation of non-hemadsorbing naturally
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Effects of Prepartum L-Tryptophan Supplementation on the Postpartum Performance of Holstein Cows Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-24 Xuening Liu, Songyang Yao, Yunjie Liu, Huigang Han, Weijia Wang, Qi Yi, Laiqing Yan, Pengyun Ji, Lu Zhang, Guoshi Liu
The negative energy balance occurring in the periparturient period of cows will impede their health and postpartum performance. To target this issue, L-tryptophan was supplied to the prepartum cows. The results showed that L-tryptophan supplementation significantly increased the serum melatonin level and was accompanied with increases in SOD activity, IL-10 and colostrum IgA levels as well as decreases
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Arterial Blood Supply of the Stifle Joint in Horses Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-24 Hanna Schöpper, Monika Egerbacher
The vascularization pattern of the equine stifle joint is insufficiently described in the literature, even though there is a growing need for knowledge of the exact blood supply, as (i) arthroscopy and endoscopic surgery techniques are increasingly performed in horses and (ii) ex vivo models of menisci need nutrient supply that mimic the in vivo situation. The aim of this study was to describe the
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Painful Experiences in Social Contexts Facilitate Sensitivity to Emotional Signals of Pain from Conspecifics in Laboratory Rats Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-24 Satoshi F. Nakashima, Masatoshi Ukezono, Yuji Takano
Previous studies demonstrated that laboratory rats could visually receive emotional pain signals from conspecifics through pictorial stimuli. The present study examined whether a prior painful emotional experience of the receiver influenced the sensitivity of emotional expression recognition in laboratory rats. The experiment comprised four phases: the baseline preference test, pain manipulation test
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Proteomic Insights into Seminal Plasma and Spermatozoa Proteins of Small-Spotted Catsharks, Scyliorhinus canicula: Implications for Reproductive Conservation in Aquariums Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-24 Marta Muñoz-Baquero, Laura Lorenzo-Rebenaque, Ximo García-Domínguez, Jesús Valdés-Hernández, Daniel García-Párraga, Clara Marin, Francisco Alberto García-Vázquez, Francisco Marco-Jiménez
In the ex situ conservation of chondrichthyan species, successful reproduction in aquaria is essential. However, these species often exhibit reduced reproductive success under human care. A key aspect is that conventional sperm analyses do not provide insights into the functional competence of sperm. However, proteomics analysis enables a better understanding of male physiology, gaining relevance as
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The Easiest Becomes the Rule: Beliefs, Knowledge and Attitudes of Equine Practitioners and Enthusiasts Regarding Horse Welfare Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-24 Letícia Santos Maurício, Denise Pereira Leme, Maria José Hötzel
Inadequate management conditions can impair the welfare of captive-bred horses. Understanding individuals’ viewpoints and the factors influencing their decisions about adopting or avoiding certain practices may provide insights into their motivations and decision-making processes. This is particularly relevant in the equestrian community, where equine practitioners and enthusiasts often engage in harmful
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Potential Inhibitors of Lumpy Skin Disease’s Viral Protein (DNA Polymerase): A Combination of Bioinformatics Approaches Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-24 Sabbir Zia, Md-Mehedi Sumon, Md-Ashiqur Ashik, Abul Basar, Sangjin Lim, Yeonsu Oh, Yungchul Park, Md-Mafizur Rahman
Lumpy skin disease (LSD), caused by a virus within the Poxviridae family and Capripoxvirus genus, induces nodular skin lesions in cattle. This spreads through direct contact and insect vectors, significantly affecting global cattle farming. Despite the availability of vaccines, their efficacy is limited by poor prophylaxis and adverse effects. Our study aimed to identify the potential inhibitors targeting
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Heavy Pigs Reared for Italian Dry-Cured Products: Does Immunocastration Influence the Fatty Acid Profile of Loins and Backfat? Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-24 Marta Comin, Gaia Pesenti Rossi, Lydia Lanzoni, Paraskevi Prasinou, Annalaura Lopez, Giorgio Vignola, Sara Barbieri, Emanuela Dalla Costa
The Italian pig sector requires heavy pigs (raised for at least nine months and slaughtered at >160 kg). In order to avoid boar taint and lower the impact on welfare, immunocastration provides an alternative to surgical castration. This study investigated the effects of immunocastration compared to surgical castration on the chemical composition and fatty acid profile of loins (longissimus dorsi muscle)
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Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals the Regulatory Mechanism of Probiotics on the Growth Performance of Fattening Sheep Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-24 Mingyue Wang, Mingliang Yi, Lei Wang, Shixin Sun, Yinghui Ling, Zijun Zhang, Hongguo Cao
Probiotics have been proven to improve the growth performance of livestock and poultry. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of probiotic supplementation on the growth performance; rumen and intestinal microbiota; rumen fluid, serum, and urine metabolism; and rumen epithelial cell transcriptomics of fattening meat sheep. Twelve Hu sheep were selected and randomly divided into two
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Tackling Antibiotic Resistance: Exploring 5-Fluorouracil as a Promising Antimicrobial Strategy for the Treatment ofStreptococcus suis Infection Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-24 Jing Zuo, Yingying Quan, Jinpeng Li, Yue Li, Dong Song, Xingping Li, Yuxin Wang, Li Yi, Yang Wang
Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a zoonotic pathogen with a global distribution, which causes serious diseases in both humans and animals and economic losses in the swine industry. As antibiotic resistance increases, there is an urgent imperative to explore novel antibacterial alternatives. In the present study, we selected the anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) approved by the Food and Drug Administration
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Genomic Inbreeding and Runs of Homozygosity Analysis of Cashmere Goat Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-22 Qian Zhao, Chang Huang, Qian Chen, Yingxiao Su, Yanjun Zhang, Ruijun Wang, Rui Su, Huijuan Xu, Shucai Liu, Yuehui Ma, Qianjun Zhao, Shaohui Ye
Cashmere goats are valuable genetic resources which are famous worldwide for their high-quality fiber. Runs of homozygosity (ROHs) have been identified as an efficient tool to assess inbreeding level and identify related genes under selection. However, there is limited research on ROHs in cashmere goats. Therefore, we investigated the ROH pattern, assessed genomic inbreeding levels and examined the
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Coming to Terms with the Legacies of the Pound Model in Animal Sheltering in the United States Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-23 Katja M. Guenther, Kristen Hassen
This paper examines the legacies of the emergence of the animal control and sheltering industry in the United States and their impact on contemporary public animal shelters. While decades of gradual reform have helped substantially reduce the number of animals entering shelters and being killed there, contemporary animal sheltering largely continues to follow the path set when animal sheltering developed
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Dirofilaria sp. and Blood Meal Analysis in Mosquitoes Collected in Vojvodina and Mačva, and the First Report of Setaria tundra (Issaitshikoff & Rajewskaya, 1928) in Serbia Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-23 Sara Šiljegović, Théo Mouillaud, Davy Jiolle, Dušan Petrić, Aleksandra Ignjatović-Ćupina, Ana Vasić, Christophe Paupy, Mihaela Kavran
Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens are the two most widespread and important species of mosquito-borne nematodes, posing a significant threat to veterinary health and particularly affecting canines and felines. While D. immitis causes cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis, D. repens causes subcutaneous infections in dogs and other carnivores. Despite the extensive knowledge on these parasites, little is known
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Serological Profile for Major Respiratory Viruses in Unvaccinated Cows from High-Yielding Dairy Herds Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-23 Geovana Depieri Yoshitani, Stefany Lia Oliveira Camilo, Juliana Torres Tomazi Fritzen, Marcos Vinicius Oliveira, Elis Lorenzetti, Julio Augusto Naylor Lisbôa, Alice Fernandes Alfieri, Amauri Alcindo Alfieri
This study aims to determine the serological profile of high-yielding dairy cows for four main viruses (bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoAHV1), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (BPIV3), and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV)) related to bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in cattle herds worldwide. In this survey, 497 blood serum samples were collected from non-vaccinated
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Bacterial Community Influences the Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus on Lipid Metabolism, Immune Response, and Antioxidant Capacity in Dogs Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-23 Aipeng Mao, Xiaoli Chen, Weigang Zhao, Weixiao Nan, Yao Huang, Yalong Sun, Haihua Zhang, Chao Xu
Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus), the most prevalent probiotic, has demonstrated the ability to improve the relative abundance of intestinal microorganisms and boost immunity. However, the underlying mechanisms of these effects remain unclear. This study evaluated body weight, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum indices, and bacterial communities in Chinese rural dogs from a L. acidophilus
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Single-Cell Transcriptome Sequencing Reveals Molecular Expression Differences and Marker Genes in Testes during the Sexual Maturation of Mongolian Horses Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-23 Yuanyi Liu, Ming Du, Xinyu Li, Lei Zhang, Bilig Zhao, Na Wang, Manglai Dugarjaviin
This study aimed to investigate differences in testicular tissue morphology, gene expression, and marker genes between sexually immature (1-year-old) and sexually mature (10-year-old) Mongolian horses. The purposes of our research were to provide insights into the reproductive physiology of male Mongolian horses and to identify potential markers for sexual maturity. The methods we applied included
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Rumen Development of Tianhua Mutton Sheep Was Better than That of Gansu Alpine Fine Wool Sheep under Grazing Conditions Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-23 Dengpan Li, Zhanjing Liu, Xinming Duan, Chunhui Wang, Zengping Chen, Muyang Zhang, Xujie Li, Youji Ma
The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the differences in rumen tissue morphology, volatile fatty acid content, and rumen microflora between Tianhua mutton sheep and Gansu alpine fine wool sheep under the same grazing conditions. Twelve 30-day-old lambs were randomly selected from two different flocks in Duolong Village and grazed together for a period of 150 days. The rumen tissue was fixed
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Seasonal Hair Glucocorticoid Fluctuations in Wild Mice (Phyllotis darwini) within a Semi-Arid Landscape in North-Central Chile Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-23 Joseline Veloso-Frías, Mauricio Soto-Gamboa, Gabriela Mastromonaco, Gerardo Acosta-Jamett
Mammals in drylands face environmental challenges exacerbated by climate change. Currently, human activity significantly impacts these environments, and its effects on the energy demands experienced by individuals have not yet been determined. Energy demand in organisms is managed through elevations in glucocorticoid levels, which also vary with developmental and health states. Here, we assessed how
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Gut Microbiota Analysis in Silkworms (Bombyx mori) Provides Insights into Identifying Key Bacterials for Inclusion in Artificial Diet Formulations Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-23 Lei Xin, Yazhen Chen, Wantao Rong, Yingcan Qin, Xiaodong Li, Delong Guan
The gut microbiome significantly influences the health and productivity of silkworms (Bombyx mori), the cornerstone of sericulture. With the increasing use of cost-effective artificial diets in sericulture, it is crucial to understand how these diets impact the silkworm gut microbiomes. Here we employed 16S rRNA sequencing to delineate the impact of three distinct dietary regimens on the silkworm gut
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Effects of Parity and Somatic Cell Count Threshold on Udder Morphology, Milkability Traits, and Milk Quality in Canarian Goats Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-23 Mario Salomone-Caballero, María Fresno, Sergio Álvarez, Alexandr Torres
The effects of parity and somatic cell count in milk (SCC) threshold on the udder morphology, milkability traits, and milk composition was evaluated in 41 Canarian goats in mid-lactation. The animals were divided according to parity (1st, 2nd, and 3rd), and a SCC threshold of 2000 × 103 cells/mL in milk was set to evaluate the effect of this factor on the different measured parameters. Results showed
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ProAKAP4 as Indicator of Long-Lasting Motility Marker in Post-Thaw Conditions in Stallions Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-23 Marta Dordas-Perpinyà, Iván Yánez-Ortiz, Nicolas Sergeant, Vincent Mevel, Jaime Catalán, Jean-François Bruyas, Jordi Miró, Lamia Briand-Amirat
ProAKAP4, a precursor of AKAP4 (A-kinase anchor protein) found in the flagellum of mammalian and non-mammalian spermatozoa, serves as a structural protein with established correlations to motility parameters across diverse species. This study aimed to determine the proAKAP4 level evolution in thawed stallion semen over a 3 h period, examining its correlation with motility descriptors and mitochondrial
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Programmed Grooming after 30 Years of Study: A Review of Evidence and Future Prospects Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-23 Michael S. Mooring
In 1992, an evolutionary model for the endogenous regulation of parasite-defense grooming was first proposed for African antelope by Ben and Lynette Hart. Known as the programmed grooming model, it hypothesized that a central control mechanism periodically evokes grooming so as to remove ectoparasites before they blood feed. The programmed grooming model contrasts with a stimulus-driven mechanism,
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Tactile, Auditory, and Visual Stimulation as Sensory Enrichment for Dairy Cattle Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-23 Daniel Mota-Rojas, Alexandra L. Whittaker, Adriana Domínguez-Oliva, Ana C. Strappini, Adolfo Álvarez-Macías, Patricia Mora-Medina, Marcelo Ghezzi, Pamela Lendez, Karina Lezama-García, Temple Grandin
Several types of enrichment can be used to improve animal welfare. This review summarizes the literature on the use of mechanical brushes, tactile udder stimulation, music, and visual stimuli as enrichment methods for dairy cows. Mechanical brushes and tactile stimulation of the udder have been shown to have a positive effect on milk yield and overall behavioral repertoire, enhancing natural behavior
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The Impact of Microorganisms on Canine Semen Quality Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-23 Kinga Domrazek, Paweł Konieczny, Marcin Majka, Michał Czopowicz, Piotr Jurka
Various microorganisms, including Mycoplasma spp., have been reported in canine ejaculate. The impact of these microorganisms on semen quality remains unclear. This study included 63 male intact healthy dogs aged 1–8 years. One dog exhibited azoospermia, indicating a relatively low incidence of this condition. Interestingly, 36.5% of the examined dogs tested negative for both aerobic bacteria and mycoplasmas
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Effect of Maternal Flavour Conditioning Combined with Organic and Inorganic Iron-Supplemented Creep Feed on Piglet Performance and Haemoglobin Status Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-23 Ryan Kristen, Roslyn Bathgate, Greg M. Cronin, Evelyn Hall, Malcolm Possell, Cormac John O’Shea
Iron injections are vital but imperfect against iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). This experiment explored the effects on piglets of maternal flavour conditioning and the voluntary intake of anise flavoured, iron-supplemented creep feed compared with iron injections. The experiment was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: ±maternal exposure to dietary anise flavour and ±intramuscular injections of piglets.
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The Effects of Microbial Additive Supplementation on Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites, Fecal Microflora, and Carcass Characteristics of Growing–Finishing Pigs Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-23 Hyuk-Jun Lee, Bu-Gil Choi, Young-Ho Joo, Chang-Hyun Baeg, Ji-Yoon Kim, Dong-Hyeon Kim, Seong-Shin Lee, Sam-Churl Kim
This study aimed to assess the effects of microbial additives that produce antimicrobial and digestive enzymes on the growth performance, blood metabolites, fecal microflora, and carcass characteristics of growing–finishing pigs. A total of 180 growing–finishing pigs (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc; mixed sex; 14 weeks of age; 58.0 ± 1.00 kg) were then assigned to one of three groups with three repetitions
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Proteomics Reveals the Obstruction of Cellular ATP Synthesis in the Ruminal Epithelium of Growth-Retarded Yaks Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-22 Rui Hu, Ali Mujtaba Shah, Qiang Han, Jian Ma, Peng Dai, Yukun Meng, Quanhui Peng, Yahui Jiang, Xiangying Kong, Zhisheng Wang, Huawei Zou
Growth-retarded yaks are of a high proportion on the Tibetan plateau and reduce the economic income of farmers. Our previous studies discovered a maldevelopment in the ruminal epithelium of growth-retarded yaks, but the molecular mechanisms are still unclear. This study aimed to reveal how the proteomic profile in the ruminal epithelium contributed to the growth retardation of yaks. The proteome of
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The Impact of Excision Interval on Equine Melanoma Progression: Time Matters? Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-22 José Pimenta, Justina Prada, Isabel Pires, Mário Cotovio
Equine melanomas are a common neoplasm in gray horses. However, scientific knowledge about their progression over time is quite scarce. Some owners and veterinarians still believe that early intervention is not necessary, stating that tumors evolve very slowly and intervention could worsen the animal’s condition. This work aims to identify clinical and histological differences that may exist between
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Growth Performance of Buffalo Calves in Response to Different Diets with and without Saccharomyces cerevisiae Supplementation Animals (IF 3.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-22 Fabio Zicarelli, Piera Iommelli, Nadia Musco, Metha Wanapat, Daria Lotito, Pietro Lombardi, Federico Infascelli, Raffaella Tudisco
The aim of the present trial was to evaluate the growth performance of buffalo calves fed on diets characterized by different forage/concentrate ratios, with or without Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation (CBS 493.94, Yea-Sacc®). Twenty-four male buffalo calves (mean age of 145.1 ± 16.1 days; mean weight of 108.0 ± 18.7 kg) were assigned randomly to 4 groups, homogeneous in age, that were fed