Animals

13 pages, 497 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Active Dry Yeast Supplementation in In Vitro and In Vivo Nutrient Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, and Bacterial Community

by Haitao Liu, Fei Li, Zhiyuan Ma, Miaomiao Ma, Emilio Ungerfeld, Zhian Zhang, Xiuxiu Weng, Baocang Liu, Xiaoyu Deng and Liqing Guo

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2916; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192916 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1061

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of active dry yeast (ADY) on nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation, using both in vitro and in vivo experiments with lambs. In vitro, ADYs were incubated with rumen fluid and a substrate mixture to assess gas production, pH, [...] Read more.

This study assessed the impact of active dry yeast (ADY) on nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation, using both in vitro and in vivo experiments with lambs. In vitro, ADYs were incubated with rumen fluid and a substrate mixture to assess gas production, pH, volatile fatty acid (VFA) profiles, and lactate concentration. In vivo, Hu lambs were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments: a control group and four groups receiving one of two dosages of either Vistacell or Procreatin7. Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation parameters, and bacterial community composition were measured. Pro enhanced the propionate molar proportion while it decreased the n-butyrate molar proportion. Vis reduced the lactate concentration in vitro. In the in vivo experiment, Vis increased the propionate molar proportion and the Succinivibrionaceae_UCG-001 abundance while it decreased the n-butyrate molar proportion and the Lachnospiraceae_ND3007 abundance. Additionally, Vis showed a greater impact on improving the NDF digestibility and total VFA concentration in vivo compared to Pro. Overall, the effects of ADYs on rumen fermentation were found to vary depending on the specific ADY used, with Vis being the most suitable for lamb growth. It was observed that Vis promoted propionate fermentation and Succinivibrionaceae_UCG-001 abundance at the expense of reduced n-butyrate fermentation and Lachnospiraceae_ND3007 abundance. Importantly, differences were noted between the outcomes of the in vitro and in vivo experiments concerning the effects of ADYs on rumen fermentation, highlighting the need for caution when generalizing batch culture results to the in vivo effects of ADYs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nutritional Manipulation of Rumen Fermentation)

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13 pages, 853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urolithiasis as a Husbandry Risk to Yaks in the Swiss Alps

by Michael Hässig, Natascha Biner, Christian Gerspach, Hubertus Hertzberg, Michaela Kühni, Claude Schelling and Annette Liesegang

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2915; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192915 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1396

Abstract

Background: Between 2006 and 2014, 10 cases of urolithiasis in yaks with calcium carbonate uroliths were confirmed in Switzerland, and at the same time, a sixfold calcium overhang in roughage in an affected farm was evident. The purpose of this study was the [...] Read more.

Background: Between 2006 and 2014, 10 cases of urolithiasis in yaks with calcium carbonate uroliths were confirmed in Switzerland, and at the same time, a sixfold calcium overhang in roughage in an affected farm was evident. The purpose of this study was the question of whether urolithiasis in yaks in the alpine regions of Switzerland poses a husbandry risk. The hypothesis was that elevated calcium levels in roughage led to hypercalcemia and, thus, the formation of calcium carbonate stones. Methods: Blood samples from 99 animals from 10 farms were examined (n = 6 problem farms; n = 4 control farms). Several metabolites were analyzed in the blood and urine. In addition, roughage, soil, and water samples were analyzed. The farms were distributed within different regions of Switzerland. Results: This study revealed different Ca:P ratios, from 1.56 to 7.74:1, in the forages and mild hypercalcemia in the animals of the problem farms. In a univariate analysis of the problem versus control farms, about 20 other significant factors emerged. Multivariate analysis showed that altitude, CP (crude protein), P, Mg, NDF, and ADF in the diet are important factors. Based on analysis of the pedigree, there was no evidence of an obvious genetic background of urolithiasis. Limitations: A limitation of this study is the small number of yaks in Switzerland. Conclusions: The question of whether urolithiasis in yaks in alpine Switzerland poses a husbandry risk can be answered affirmatively. Calcium-rich forages play a crucial role in this multifactorial process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

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15 pages, 2696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thyme and Oregano Oil Potential Therapeutics against Malathion Toxicity through Biochemical, Histological, and Cytochrome P450 1A2 Activities in Male Wistar Rats

by Fatimah A. Al-Saeed and Montaser Elsayed Ali

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2914; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192914 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 801

Abstract

The widespread use of malathion may offer several hazards to humans and animals; additionally, many medicinal plants provide what is known as a broad antitoxicity treatment. This study was carried out to investigate hazardous biochemical and histological reactions to MOP and evaluate the [...] Read more.

The widespread use of malathion may offer several hazards to humans and animals; additionally, many medicinal plants provide what is known as a broad antitoxicity treatment. This study was carried out to investigate hazardous biochemical and histological reactions to MOP and evaluate the effectiveness of TEO and OEO essential oils in restoring normal physiological conditions after MOP exposure by measuring enzyme-specific activity for Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2). One hundred and twenty rats were divided into six groups of twenty animals each: (i) C − MOP served as the control group, (ii) C + MOP treated with 5 mg/kg/BW of Malathion-D10, (iii) TEO treated with 100 mg/kg/BW of oregano essential oil, (iv) TEO treated with 100 mg/kg/BW of thyme essential oil, (v) MOP + OEO treated with 5 mg/kg/BW of Malathion-D10 and 100 mg/kg/BW of oregano essential oil, and (vi) MOP + TEO treated with 5 mg/kg/BW of Malathion-D10 and 100 mg/kg/BW of thyme essential oil. The results indicated the protective effects of OEO and TEO against MOP-induced weight loss. Additionally, there was a significant improvement in ALT, AST, and ALK-Ph after being treated with OEO and TEO, either alone or after MOP exposure. Also, treatment with OEO and TEO ameliorated these oxidative stress parameters, indicating their antioxidative properties. A histopathological examination of liver tissues showed reduced hepatocellular damage and improved liver architecture in the OEO and TEO, both alone and in combination with MOP, and protective effects were more pronounced in the TEO-treated groups. However, the results indicated that TEO was more effective than OEO in increasing CYP1A2 expression and alleviating MOP-induced toxicity. Specifically, TEO showed higher protein expression and therapeutic action in reducing liver damage. In conclusion, these findings suggest that OEO and TEO may be potent therapeutic agents against MOP toxicity, offering protective effects by enhancing CYP1A2 activity and mitigating organ damage. Such knowledge would be an important step toward developing potentially unique treatment options for natural antitoxins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Development of New Technologies in Breeding Healthy and Animals Resilience: Precision Livestock Farming, Genomics and Their Interaction Can Contribute to Sustainable Management of the Livestock Sector)

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Schematic diagram showing the experimental protocol for thyme and oregano oils’ potentially therapeutic effects against malathion toxicity through biochemical, histological, and cytochrome P450 1A2 activities. Full article ">Figure 2
Effect of the thyme and oregano oils as potential therapeutics against malathion toxicity on histopathological changes in liver tissues stained with H&E (magnification ×100 and ×400) in the male rats. (A): Liver tissue from C − MOP group showing normal hepatic architecture. (B): Liver tissue from C + MOP group showing hepatic fibrosis, necrosis, and inflammation. (C): Liver tissue from OEO group showing hepatic steatosis and mild fibrosis. (D): Liver tissue from TEO group showing hepatocellular enlargement and mild inflammation. (E): Liver tissue from MOP + OEO group showing reduced hepatocellular damage and inflammation. (F): Liver tissue from MOP + TEO group showing significant improvement in hepatic architecture and reduced fibrosis. Dotted black circles: normal hepatic nodules. Black arrow: Sinusoids contained numerous Kupffer cells. Yellow arrow: hepatic macrophages. Blue arrow: Bowman’s capsules. Black star: hexagonal lobules, each with a central vein at its core. Full article ">Figure 3
Effect of the thyme and oregano oils as potential therapeutics against malathion toxicity on cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) gene expression in the male rats. Full article ">Figure 4
Effect of the thyme and oregano oils as potential therapeutics against malathion toxicity on identity matrix data based on the alignment data of the cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) gene sequences in the male rats. Full article ">Figure 5
Effect of the thyme and oregano oils as potential therapeutics against malathion toxicity on phylogenetic tree based on cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) gene sequences in the male rats. BLAST searches were used to obtain the sequences from the NCBI and UniProt databases. The JTT evolutionary model was used to produce a maximum-likelihood tree, and ancestors were inferred using GRASP’s joint reconstruction technique. Full article ">Figure 6
Effect of the thyme and oregano oils as potential therapeutics against malathion toxicity on the phylogenetic tree based on the SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis results of the protein profiles of the male rats. Full article ">Figure 7
Effect of the thyme and oregano oils as potential therapeutics against malathion toxicity on phylogenetic tree based on visual Cyp1a2 tree phylogenetic analysis of the male rats. Full article ">

15 pages, 5546 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Pathological Changes and Sodium Rhodizonate Test as Tools for Investigating Gunshot Wounds in Veterinary Forensic Pathology

by Giuseppe Piegari, Ilaria d’Aquino, Giovanni Valerio Salanti, Vittoria Romano, Gianluca Miletti, Emanuela Sannino, Evaristo Di Napoli, Lorenzo Riccio, Davide De Biase and Orlando Paciello

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2913; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192913 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 915

Abstract

Gunshot wound morphology and gunshot residues (GSRs) evaluation have been poorly investigated in veterinary forensic pathology. The aims of the present study were to assess the gunshot wound morphology in animals and evaluate the detectability of lead deriving from GSRs using colorimetric techniques. [...] Read more.

Gunshot wound morphology and gunshot residues (GSRs) evaluation have been poorly investigated in veterinary forensic pathology. The aims of the present study were to assess the gunshot wound morphology in animals and evaluate the detectability of lead deriving from GSRs using colorimetric techniques. To these aims, cadavers were divided into four different groups. Group A comprised eight animals who died from firearm-related injuries, while groups B and C included dog limbs shot using different shooting ranges; group D comprised dog limbs stabbed with a screwdriver. Morphological analysis was performed on all entry gunshot wounds. Lead residues were investigated using a Bullet Hole Testing Kit (BTK) and Rhodizonate Sodium histochemical staining (NaR-s). Gunshot wounds in group A showed an abrasion ring associated with hemorrhages and tissue necrosis. Groups B and C showed injuries related to the shooting range. NaR-s showed positive results in both animals that died from gunshot wounds and experimentally shot limbs. However, the number of positive cases and the pattern of lead distribution varied with the shooting range. Positive results by BTK were limited to close-contact shots in group B limbs. Our results suggest that both pathological examination and NaR tests represent valid tools for investigating gunshot wounds in veterinary pathology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forensic Toxicology and Pathology in Veterinary Medicine)

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11 pages, 1307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Renal Sugar Metabolites and mRNA Expression of Glucose Transporters in Meat-Type Chickens with Differing Residual Water Intake

by Marie C. Milfort, Ahmed F. A. Ghareeb, Oluwatomide W. Ariyo, Josephine Kwakye, Evan Hartono, Selorm Sovi, Bikash Aryal, Alberta L. Fuller, Mohamed I. El Sabry, Farid Stino, Romdhane Rekaya and Samuel E. Aggrey

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2912; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192912 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 896

Abstract

Molecular differences exist between birds with high residual water intake (HRWI) compared to those with low residual water intake (LRWI). Residual water intake (RWI) is defined as the difference between the water intake of a bird and the expected water intake corrected for [...] Read more.

Molecular differences exist between birds with high residual water intake (HRWI) compared to those with low residual water intake (LRWI). Residual water intake (RWI) is defined as the difference between the water intake of a bird and the expected water intake corrected for metabolic body weight, feed intake, and body weight gain. Tissue metabolomic analysis revealed significantly increased kidney glucose, fructose, and arabitol in the LRWI group compared to the HRWI group. mRNA expression analysis of apical sodium glucose cotransporters SGLT1, SGLT4, SGLT5, and SGLT6 showed decreased expression of SGLTs 1, 5, and 6 in LRWI birds (p < 0.05), whereas SGLT4 expression was increased compared with HRWI birds (p < 0.01). An analysis of basal glucose transporters GLUT1, GLUT2, GLUT5, and GLUT9 showed significantly increased GLUT2 expression in LRWI birds compared with HRWI birds (p < 0.01). We postulate that SGLT4 is the main apical transporter in chicken kidneys and that its increased expression reduces these birds’ need for water, resulting in less drinking. This is balanced by the increased expression of the basal transporter GLUT2, indicating better glucose retention, which may partly explain the physiological mechanism behind why these birds drink less water. Innately driven broiler water intake could therefore be influenced by the expression of kidney solute transporters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Poultry)

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15 pages, 1375 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Fermented Mulberry Leaves on Gut Health of Finishing Pigs

by Su Peng, Yiyan Cui, Miao Yu, Min Song, Zhimei Tian, Dun Deng, Zhichang Liu and Xianyong Ma

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2911; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192911 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1114

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementing fermented mulberry leaves (FML) on intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, and immune function in the gut of finishing pigs. Eighteen 132-day-old healthy crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) male castrated pigs were randomly divided [...] Read more.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementing fermented mulberry leaves (FML) on intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, and immune function in the gut of finishing pigs. Eighteen 132-day-old healthy crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) male castrated pigs were randomly divided into two treatment groups with nine replicates per group. The control (CON) group was fed the basal diet, and the FML group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 10% FML. The experiment lasted 69 days. The results showed that 10% FML improved gut health. The apparent total tract digestibility in dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, acidic detergent fiber, ether extract, and crude ash increased in the 10% FML group of finishing pigs compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). Duodenal, jejunal, and ileal intestinal morphology, such as villus height and villus-height-to-crypt-depth ratio, increased in the 10% FML group compared to the CON group, whereas crypt depth decreased in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum (p < 0.05). Total antioxidant capacity increased in the ileum of the 10% FML group compared with the CON group (p < 0.05). The FML supplementation improved the contents of duodenal immunoglobulin A, jejunal interleukin-1β, interleukin-8, ileal interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, interferon-γ, and immunoglobulins A and M compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, FML downregulated the mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α in the duodenum, Toll-like receptor 4, nuclear factor-κ B-P65, and myeloid differentiation factor 88 in the jejunum, and Toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor-κ B-P65 in the ileum (p < 0.05). The FML also upregulated Montrose uniting church 1 in the duodenum and claudin 2 in the ileum (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 10% FML improved the gut health of finishing pigs and FML is a potential feed ingredient for pig breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pigs)

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12 pages, 1196 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predictive Factors of Canine Malignant Hepatic Diseases with Multifocal Hepatic Lesions Using Clinicopathology, Ultrasonography, and Hepatobiliary Ultrasound Scores

by Aphinan Phosri, Pinkarn Chantawong, Niyada Thitaram, Kidsadagon Pringproa and Atigan Thongtharb

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2910; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192910 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1177

Abstract

Multifocal hepatic lesions in dogs arise from various benign and malignant liver diseases. Diagnosing these lesions is challenging because clinical signs, hematological data, and serum biochemistry are not definitive indicators. Ultrasound is utilized as a diagnostic imaging tool to evaluate liver parenchyma and [...] Read more.

Multifocal hepatic lesions in dogs arise from various benign and malignant liver diseases. Diagnosing these lesions is challenging because clinical signs, hematological data, and serum biochemistry are not definitive indicators. Ultrasound is utilized as a diagnostic imaging tool to evaluate liver parenchyma and detect hepatic lesions. This study aims to investigate the predictive factors that differentiate between benign and malignant multifocal hepatic lesions by examining ultrasound characteristics, blood tests, and serum biochemistry. In total, 43 dogs with multifocal hepatic lesions were included in this study. All dogs were classified into benign hepatic diseases (n = 32) and malignant haptic diseases (n = 11). For all dogs, their liver characteristics, lesion characteristics, and hepatobiliary ultrasound score by ultrasound were evaluated and we collected individual clinicopathological data for analysis. The findings of the univariate analysis revealed significant differences in four hematological and blood chemical parameters (hematocrit, white blood cell count, aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) and six ultrasonographic parameters (liver parenchymal echogenicity, lesion homogeneity, lesion echogenicity, maximum lesion dimension, average lesion dimension, and hepatobiliary ultrasound score). Using multivariate analysis, only two parameters, hepatobiliary ultrasound score and lesion homogeneity, showed significant differences (p-value < 0.001 and p-value = 0.011, respectively). Additionally, these parameters demonstrated high accuracy in predicting malignant multifocal liver lesions, with accuracy rates of 97.67% and 93.02%, respectively. Therefore, the hepatobiliary ultrasound score and lesion homogeneity are considered effective parameters for screening malignant multifocal liver lesions in dogs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

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25 pages, 51247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CECS-CLIP: Fusing Domain Knowledge for Rare Wildlife Detection Model

by Feng Yang, Chunying Hu, Aokang Liang, Sheng Wang, Yun Su and Fu Xu

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2909; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192909 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1421

Abstract

Accurate and efficient wildlife monitoring is essential for conservation efforts. Traditional image-based methods often struggle to detect small, occluded, or camouflaged animals due to the challenges posed by complex natural environments. To overcome these limitations, an innovative multimodal target detection framework is proposed [...] Read more.

Accurate and efficient wildlife monitoring is essential for conservation efforts. Traditional image-based methods often struggle to detect small, occluded, or camouflaged animals due to the challenges posed by complex natural environments. To overcome these limitations, an innovative multimodal target detection framework is proposed in this study, which integrates textual information from an animal knowledge base as supplementary features to enhance detection performance. First, a concept enhancement module was developed, employing a cross-attention mechanism to fuse features based on the correlation between textual and image features, thereby obtaining enhanced image features. Secondly, a feature normalization module was developed, amplifying cosine similarity and introducing learnable parameters to continuously weight and transform image features, further enhancing their expressive power in the feature space. Rigorous experimental validation on a specialized dataset provided by the research team at Northwest A&F University demonstrates that our multimodal model achieved a 0.3% improvement in precision over single-modal methods. Compared to existing multimodal target detection algorithms, this model achieved at least a 25% improvement in AP and excelled in detecting small targets of certain species, significantly surpassing existing multimodal target detection model benchmarks. This study offers a multimodal target detection model integrating textual and image information for the conservation of rare and endangered wildlife, providing strong evidence and new perspectives for research in this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances and Innovation in Wildlife Population Estimation)

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17 pages, 2022 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diagnostic Utility of Canine C-Reactive Protein, Haptoglobin, and 25-Hydroxyvitamin-D in Dogs with Nasal Cavity Disease

by Sarah Rösch, Julia Woitas and Gerhard Ulrich Oechtering

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2908; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192908 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 987

Abstract

In this prospective blinded study, canine C-reactive protein (c-CRP), haptoglobin (HPT), and 25-hydroxyvitamin-D (25(OH)D) were investigated for their diagnostic value in 55 dogs with nasal cavity disease (ND). After comprehensive diagnostics including a culture-dependent microbiological examination (ME) of nasal swabs, 17 dogs were [...] Read more.

In this prospective blinded study, canine C-reactive protein (c-CRP), haptoglobin (HPT), and 25-hydroxyvitamin-D (25(OH)D) were investigated for their diagnostic value in 55 dogs with nasal cavity disease (ND). After comprehensive diagnostics including a culture-dependent microbiological examination (ME) of nasal swabs, 17 dogs were excluded due to additionally detected systemic diseases or steroid pre-treatment. Included were 25 dogs with malignant ND (13 carcinomas and 12 sarcomas) and 30 dogs with benign ND (7 benign tumors, 13 idiopathic rhinitis (IR), and 10 others), as well as 10 controls. In none of the 72 dogs with ND was primary bacterial rhinitis diagnosed. Although within the reference interval, compared to the controls, c-CRP was significantly higher in dogs with ND in general and in every subgroup except for benign tumors. Serum HPT concentrations were not different among groups. Compared to the controls, 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly lower (p = 0.041) in malignant ND and sarcomas (p = 0.025). Despite pre-treatment with antibiotics (40/54; 74.1%), in 23/51 (45%) dogs, the ME was positive. Cultivated bacteria did not differ significantly between nasal diseases. The serum markers were not significantly different regarding the positivity of ME. In conclusion, the investigated serum markers were not clinically useful for the reliable detection of canine ND, as was the ME. Because of the low number of dogs with IR and positive or negative ME, further studies regarding c-CRP are needed in a larger group of IR dogs without concomitant diseases to reliably evaluate its utility in IR dogs with suspected secondary bacterial nasal infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Respiratory Diseases of Companion Animals)

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Serum concentrations of c-CRP [mg/L] and 25(OH)D [nmol/L] in 55 dogs with nasal cavity disease and control group (CG). The gray marked area in all four boxplot diagrams shows the reference intervals of the respective parameter shown (c-CRP up to 15 mg/L, 25(OH)D 50–350 nmol/L). (A,B) Serum c-CRP was significantly increased in dogs with both benign (p = 0.006; B–ND) and malignant nasal cavity diseases (p = 0.002; M-ND) compared to the CG. This significant difference was due to significantly increased c-CRP levels in dogs with carcinomas (Cs) and idiopathic rhinitis (IR) but also in dogs with sarcomas (Ss) or other nasal diseases (Os), when compared to CG. Canine CRP values of dogs with benign tumors (BTs) were not significantly different from those in the CG. (C,D) Concentration of 25(OH)D was significantly decreased only in dogs with malignant neoplasia (M-ND) when compared to control animals (p = 0.041), with a particularly strong difference observed for dogs with sarcomas (p = 0.025). Data are shown in box and whisker plots. Upper and lower boxes represent the 25th and 75th percentiles (lower whiskers = minimum, upper whiskers = maximum values), respectively, and the line represents the median. The asterisks indicate the statistical significance with * = p ≤ 0.05, ** = p ≤ 0.01. Full article ">Figure 2
Results of culture-dependent microbiological examination (ME) in 51 dogs with nasal cavity diseases in contrast to the dogs of the control group (CG). (A) Despite pre-treatment with antimicrobials (AB), a positive culture-dependent ME was detected in 11/21 dogs (44%) with malignant nasal diseases (M-NDs; sarcomas and carcinomas; n = 25; 3 not performed and 1 only pre-reported negative) and 8/13 dogs (61.5%) with idiopathic rhinitis (IR). Only 1/7 dogs (14.3%) with a benign tumor (BT) had a positive ME, and only 3/10 dogs (30%) in the others group (in 2/3 dogs with Aspergillus spp. infections ME was negative). AB = antibiotic; BP = before presentation. In (A), the antibiotic pre-treatment is split into treatment less than 4 weeks before presentation (<4 weeks BP) and/or antibiotic treatment carried out before that time (>4 weeks BP). In one dog with carcinoma, no antibiotic history could be discovered. (B–D) Results of culture-dependent ME show non-significantly different cultivated bacteria. Graphs modified from Rösch et al., 2019 [<a href="#B2-animals-14-02908" class="html-bibr">2</a>]. Full article ">Figure 3
Serum c-CRP depending on positivity of culture-dependent microbiological examination (ME) in nasal cavity disease (ND) and depending on size of nasal tumors (T-categories according to Adams et al. [<a href="#B22-animals-14-02908" class="html-bibr">22</a>]). (A) There were no significant differences between c-CRP concentrations in dogs with different nasal cavity diseases and positivity of culture-dependent ME (e.g., IR dogs: median c-CRP in positive ME 4.6 mg/L [IQR: 2.13–16.88] with highest values in dogs with lymphoplasmacytic inflammation/rhinitis and Pasteurella multocida and S. aureus; median c-CRP in negative ME 7.9 mg/L [IQR: 1.05–8.8]; malignant nasal disease (M-ND): median c-CRP in positive ME 4.5 mg/L [IQR: 3–10.3] with the highest value in Streptococcus canis; median c-CRP in negative ME 2.75 mg/L [IQR: 0.8–12.98]). (B) Canine CRP values in dogs with carcinomas, sarcomas, and benign tumors (BTs) with size of T1–T3 categories (6 carcinomas, 8 sarcomas, and 7 BT) are displayed versus dogs of T4 category with lysis of the cribriform plate (7 carcinomas and 3 sarcomas). There was no significant difference between c-CRP concentrations in different T-categories in dogs with different malignant tumors. (A,B) The dashed lines in both graphs indicate the upper reference interval of c-CRP at 15 mg/L. Full article ">Figure 4
Histopathological examination results in dogs with different kinds of rhinitis. (A) Rhinitis with different predominant inflammatory cells was detected. The main cell type communicated by the external laboratory was used for grouping as follows: lymphoplasmacytic, necrotizing, neutrophilic, plasmacytic, mycotic, and chronic rhinitis. The latter was defined as inflammatory lesions in combination with remodeling processes (fibrosis, bone remodeling, hyperplasia of the glands, or follicle formation). SNA = sinonasal aspergillosis. (B) Canine CRP (c-CRP) in correlation to different types of inflammation of nasal mucosa in dogs with idiopathic rhinitis is shown. The dashed line indicates the upper reference interval of c-CRP at 15 mg/L. In neutrophilic rhinitis, c-CRP values were not higher than in other types of rhinitis. Graph A modified from Rösch et al., 2019 [<a href="#B2-animals-14-02908" class="html-bibr">2</a>]. Full article ">

14 pages, 1480 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Net Energy Requirements for Maintenance Based on Indirect Calorimetry and Heart Rate Monitoring in Gestating Sows

by Zhe Li, Wenjun Gao, Huangwei Shi, Song Xu, Zhengcheng Zeng, Fenglai Wang, Changhua Lai and Shuai Zhang

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2907; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192907 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 966

Abstract

The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the net energy requirements for the maintenance of gestating sows based on indirect calorimetry, and (2) to explore the feasibility of predicting the net energy requirements for the maintenance of gestating sows based on [...] Read more.

The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the net energy requirements for the maintenance of gestating sows based on indirect calorimetry, and (2) to explore the feasibility of predicting the net energy requirements for the maintenance of gestating sows based on daily heart rate monitoring. In Exp. 1, six Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred reproductive sows with an initial body weight of 229.5 ± 14.9 kg at d 56 of gestation were randomly assigned to six diverse energy feeding levels using a 6 × 6 Latin square design. The experimental diet was formulated using corn, soybean meal, and wheat bran as major ingredients, and the six feeding levels were set as 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, and 2.2 times metabolizable energy for maintenance (100 kcal ME/kg BW^0.75·d⁻¹), respectively. The animal trial lasted for six periods with 9 days per period, encompassing 5 days of adaptation, 3 days of calorimetry in fed state, and 1 day of calorimetry in fasting state. In Exp. 2, six Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred pregnant sows with an initial body weight of 232.5 ± 12.5 kg at d 64 were fed a corn–soybean meal diet. All sows were tested in a respiratory calorimetry chamber for a 4 day calorimetry test. The heat production of the gestation sows was measured every 5 min using indirect calorimetry, and the heart rate of the gestating sows was recorded every minute using a belt-shape monitor. The results showed that the net energy requirements for the maintenance of gestating sows significant increased as the gestational stage progressed (p < 0.05), and a linear regression model revealed the average net energy requirement for the maintenance of gestating sows was 410 kJ/BW^0.75 d⁻¹ during late gestation (days 70–110). Moreover, the average heart rate of the gestating sows was 84 bpm, and the mathematical model developed to predict the net energy requirements for the maintenance of gestating sows was

{N E}_{m} (k c a l / h) = \frac{1990}{1 + e x p [\frac{136 - H R (b p m)}{43}]}

. In conclusion, the average net energy requirement for the maintenance of sows during late gestation was 410 kJ/BW^0.75 d⁻¹, and the utilization of the heart rate monitoring method was found to provide a relevant, accurate prediction for the net energy requirements of sows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pigs)

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18 pages, 2430 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity and Host Specificity of Avian Haemosporidians in an Afrotropical Conservation Region

by Mduduzi Ndlovu, Maliki B. Wardjomto, Tinotendashe Pori and Tshifhiwa C. Nangammbi

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2906; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192906 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 760

Abstract

Afrotropical regions have high bird diversity, yet few studies have attempted to unravel the prevalence of avian haemosporidia in conservation areas. The diversity and host specificity of parasites in biodiversity hotspots is crucial to understanding parasite distribution and potential disease emergence. We test [...] Read more.

Afrotropical regions have high bird diversity, yet few studies have attempted to unravel the prevalence of avian haemosporidia in conservation areas. The diversity and host specificity of parasites in biodiversity hotspots is crucial to understanding parasite distribution and potential disease emergence. We test the hypothesis that biodiverse regions are associated with highly diverse parasites. By targeting the cytochrome b (Cytb) gene, we molecularly screened 1035 blood samples from 55 bird species for avian haemosporidia infections to determine its prevalence and diversity on sites inside and adjacent to the Kruger National Park. Overall infection prevalence was 28.41%. Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Plasmodium presented prevalences of 17.39%, 9.24%, and 4.64%, respectively. One hundred distinct parasite lineages were detected, of which 56 were new lineages. Haemoproteus also presented the highest diversity compared to Leucocytozoon and Plasmodium with varying levels of specificity. Haemoproteus lineages were found to be specialists while Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon lineages were generalists. We also found a positive relationship between avian host diversity and parasite diversity, supporting an amplification effect. These findings provide insight data for host–parasite and co-evolutionary relationship models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasites and Parasitic Diseases in Small Animals)

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Geographic location of sampling sites inside and outside Kruger National Park. Full article ">Figure 2
Rarefaction and extrapolation curves of the sampled birds against the haemosporidian parasite diversity. Full article ">Figure 3
Relationship between bird diversity and parasite lineage diversity indices across the nine sampling sites inside and adjacent to Kruger National Park. Fitted linear regression: y = 2.028x – 1.805; r = 0.866; F = 21.059; p = 0.0025. Full article ">Figure 4
Phylogenetic relationship between Plasmodium parasite lineages (479 bp mitochondrial cytochrome b) detected inside and adjacent to Kruger National Park, as determined by the Maximum Likelihood (ML) method. ML bootstrap values >50% are indicated next to the branch nodes. The closest described species match from the NCBI BLAST search, for each cluster, is included in the tree. GenBank accession numbers are included in brackets. Full article ">Figure 5
Phylogenetic relationship of Leucocytozoon parasite lineages (479 bp mitochondrial cytochrome b lineages) detected inside and adjacent to Kruger National Park, as determined by Maximum Likelihood (ML) method. ML bootstrap values >50% are indicated next to the branch nodes. GenBank accession numbers are included in brackets. Full article ">Figure 6
Phylogenetic relationship of Haemoproteus parasite lineages (479 bp mitochondrial cytochrome b lineages) detected inside and adjacent to Kruger National Park, as determined by the Maximum Likelihood (ML) method. ML bootstrap values (>50%) from 1000 replications are indicated next to the branch nodes. The closest described species match from the NCBI BLAST search for each cluster is shown. GenBank accession numbers are included in brackets. Full article ">

7 pages, 188 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Allogenic Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Infusion for the Management of Acute-Onset Pancreatitis in Dogs: A Pilot Study

by Harry Cridge and Valerie Johnson

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2905; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192905 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 910

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have significant anti-inflammatory properties and are beneficial in rodent models of pancreatitis. The safety and efficacy of MSCs is unknown in dogs with acute pancreatitis (AP). Dogs with AP who were treated with MSCs (n = 4) were [...] Read more.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have significant anti-inflammatory properties and are beneficial in rodent models of pancreatitis. The safety and efficacy of MSCs is unknown in dogs with acute pancreatitis (AP). Dogs with AP who were treated with MSCs (n = 4) were identified prospectively for this pilot study from an academic hospital. Serum Spec cPL and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were measured on the day of MSC administration and 2 days later. The clinical severity, via the Modified Clinical Activity Index (MCAI), was also calculated. Two dogs received MSCs shortly after AP diagnosis, while the remaining dogs received MSCs due to clinically refractory disease. Changes in Spec cPL, CRP, and MCAI in the MSC-treated dogs were compared to a control population (n = 7) receiving the standard-of-care treatment for AP. No significant differences were noted between the populations for changes in Spec cPL (p = 0.79), CRP (p = 0.67), or MCAI (p = 0.91). However, subjective clinical improvements were noted within 24 h of MSC infusion in the two dogs with previously refractory disease. MSC infusions appear safe in the management of AP in dogs and may be considered in refractory disease. However, given the nature of this pilot study and its limitations, larger randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to truly evaluate the efficacy of MSC infusions in dogs with AP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diseases of the Small and Large Intestine, Liver and Pancreas in Small Animals: Second Edition)

19 pages, 7489 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Influence of Sires on Population Substructure in Dülmen Wild Horses

by Silke Duderstadt and Ottmar Distl

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2904; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192904 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 893

Abstract

The objectives of the present study were to analyze the influence of the stallions employed in the Dülmen wild horses on the genetic diversity and population substructure using Bayesian cluster analysis. The Dülmen wild horse is maintained as a unique horse population exposed [...] Read more.

The objectives of the present study were to analyze the influence of the stallions employed in the Dülmen wild horses on the genetic diversity and population substructure using Bayesian cluster analysis. The Dülmen wild horse is maintained as a unique horse population exposed to the natural conditions all year round in the Merfelder Bruch near Dülmen in Westphalia, Germany. Stallions selected for breeding have to prove their abilities to survive under this harsh environment. We used multilocus genotypic information from a set of 29 autosomal microsatellites to determine the paternity of 185 male foals sired by nine stallions. As females could not be sampled, we could not make inferences on all yearlings and test whether there are differences in the genetic population parameters between both sexes. The mean number of progeny was 19.92 with a range of 2–32, caused by the length of the service period per stallion. The average observed and unbiased expected heterozygosity was 0.688 and 0.631, the mean number of alleles was 4.448, and Wright’s F_IS was −0.173. Pairwise genetic distances (F_ST and Nei’s unbiased genetic distances) were significant and varied between 0.038 to 0.091 and 0.085 to 0.290, respectively. Neighbor-joining dendrogram plots clustered a large proportion of the paternal progeny groups in different branches. Posterior Bayesian analyses using seven paternal half-sib groups with 10–74 members supported a maximum of six clusters, with two paternal progeny groups not differing, and a median of five clusters, with two groups of two sires each falling into the same clusters. When sires were employed in non-consecutive years, progeny from these different years of the same sires were grouped in the same cluster, whereas the progeny of one sire from two consecutive years were in different clusters. We were able to distinguish male progeny from Dülmen wild horse stallions and to show the effects of stallion use on the genetic substructure in the Dülmen wild horse herd. In conclusion, the analyses showed the genetic potential of the Dülmen wild horse stallions to maintain a high genetic diversity and also the effects in which breeding seasons and for how long stallions are used to sire foals. The selection of stallions may be sensitive for the further development of genetic diversity and preserve this closed population as a valuable resource for further studies on the evolution of the horse. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Wildlife)

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11 pages, 232 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Predicting Microbial Protein Synthesis in Cattle: Evaluation of Extant Equations and Steps Needed to Improve Accuracy and Precision of Future Equations

by Michael L. Galyean and Luis O. Tedeschi

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2903; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192903 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 968

Abstract

Predictions of microbial crude protein (MCP) synthesis for beef cattle generally rely on empirical regression equations, with intakes of energy and protein as key variables. Using a database from published literature, we developed new equations based on the intake of organic matter (OM) [...] Read more.

Predictions of microbial crude protein (MCP) synthesis for beef cattle generally rely on empirical regression equations, with intakes of energy and protein as key variables. Using a database from published literature, we developed new equations based on the intake of organic matter (OM) and intakes or concentrations of crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). We compared these new equations to several extant equations based on intakes of total digestible nutrients (TDN) and CP. Regression fit statistics were evaluated using both resampling and sampling from a simulated multivariate normal population. Newly developed equations yielded similar fit statistics to extant equations, but the root mean square error of prediction averaged 155 g (28.7% of the mean MCP of 540.7 g/d) across all equations, indicating considerable variation in predictions. A simple approach of calculating MCP as 10% of the TDN intake yielded MCP estimates and fit statistics that were similar to more complicated equations. Adding a classification code to account for unique dietary characteristics did not have significant effects. Because MCP synthesis is measured indirectly, most often using surgically altered animals, literature estimates are relatively few and highly variable. A random sample of individual studies from our literature database indicated a standard deviation for MCP synthesis that averaged 19.1% of the observed mean, likely contributing to imprecision in the MCP predictions. Research to develop additional MCP estimates across various diets and production situations is needed, with a focus on developing consistent and reliable methodologies for MCP measurements. The use of new meta-omics tools might improve the accuracy and precision of MCP predictions, but further research will be needed to assess the utility of such tools. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)

18 pages, 3555 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Landscape Homogeneity May Drive the Distribution of Koala Vehicle Collisions on a Major Highway in the Clarke-Connors Range in Central Queensland, Australia

by Rolf Schlagloth, Flavia Santamaria, Michael Harte, Marie R. Keatley, Charley Geddes and Douglas H. Kerlin

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2902; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192902 - 8 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1300

Abstract

After the loss and fragmentation of habitat, vehicle collisions are one of the main threats to the long-term survival of wild koalas. Koala road strike data were analysed for a section of the Peak Downs Highway between Nebo and Spencer’s Gap, west of [...] Read more.

After the loss and fragmentation of habitat, vehicle collisions are one of the main threats to the long-term survival of wild koalas. Koala road strike data were analysed for a section of the Peak Downs Highway between Nebo and Spencer’s Gap, west of Mackay, Queensland, Australia. The analysis was carried out on 345 records (October 2014 to November 2023), and results suggested the spatial distribution of koala road strike followed a random pattern along this section of the highway, assuming a Poisson point pattern on a linear network. An analysis of the candidate predictors of koala vehicle collisions, including habitat and road variables, found that the amount of high-quality koala habitat (as defined by the local koalas’ tree species preference) present and the driver visibility were the only significant predictors. The relative homogeneity of landuse and vegetation across this landscape may mean that koalas do not concentrate at specific crossing points. More research, including detailed habitat mapping, is needed into this population, which currently lacks government and conservation attention, to inform mitigation efforts and reduce mortality rates for this potentially nationally significant population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Wildlife)

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The study site follows the Peak Downs Highway over the Clarke-Connors Range between Spencer’s Gap and Nebo, west of Mackay in Central Queensland. Black circles represent recorded locations of koala vehicle collisions between October 2014 and November 2023. Insert shows study site (red dot) in relation to the state of Queensland. Full article ">Figure 2
Detections of koala vehicle strikes from October 2014 to November 2023. Full article ">Figure 3
Heatmapping of koala vehicles collisions using kernel density estimation finds high densities of vehicles strike across the study site. Note that identification of hotspots assumed WVC locations were distributed in one dimension (along the study site) rather than in two dimensions. Insert shows study site (red dot) in relation to the state of Queensland. Full article ">Figure 4
Estimation of the linear K function for a point pattern on a linear network ([<a href="#B46-animals-14-02902" class="html-bibr">46</a>]; black line). The observed linear K function is compared to 1000 simulation results assuming a homogeneous Poisson process (grey shading, with the red line indicating the theoretical expected value for the simulation results). Results suggest a random distribution of vehicle strikes at scales less than 6 km, but some evidence of clustering at greater distance scaling. Full article ">Figure 5
Chainage points utilised for analysis. A 2.5 km buffer was placed around each chainage point, and koala vehicle strikes within each buffer were enumerated. Brown shading indicates mapped areas of high-quality koala habitat values. Koala vehicle strikes were associated with greater areas of high-quality koala habitat; however, these were not sufficiently clustered to represent hotspots. Insert shows study site (red dot) in relation to the state of Queensland. Full article ">

24 pages, 1942 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Genetic Characteristics of FT-MIRS-Predicted Milk Fatty Acids in Chinese Holstein Cows

by Chunfang Li, Yikai Fan, Dongwei Wang, Chu Chu, Xiong Shen, Haitong Wang, Xuelu Luo, Liangkang Nan, Xiaoli Ren, Shaohu Chen, Qingxia Yan, Junqing Ni, Jianming Li, Yabin Ma and Shujun Zhang

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2901; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192901 - 8 Oct 2024

Viewed by 953

Abstract

Fourier Transform Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-MIRS) can be used for quantitative detection of milk components. Here, milk samples of 458 Chinese Holstein cows from 11 provinces in China were collected and we established a total of 22 quantitative prediction models in milk fatty acids [...] Read more.

Fourier Transform Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-MIRS) can be used for quantitative detection of milk components. Here, milk samples of 458 Chinese Holstein cows from 11 provinces in China were collected and we established a total of 22 quantitative prediction models in milk fatty acids by FT-MIRS. The coefficient of determination of the validation set ranged from 0.59 (C18:0) to 0.76 (C4:0). The models were adopted to predict the milk fatty acids from 2138 cows and a new high-throughput computing software HiBLUP was employed to construct a multi-trait model to estimate and analyze genetic parameters in dairy cows. Finally, genome-wide association analysis was performed and seven novel SNPs significantly associated with fatty acid content were selected, investigated, and verified with the FarmCPU method, which stands for “Fixed and random model Circulating Probability Unification”. The findings of this study lay a foundation and offer technical support for the study of fatty acid trait breeding and the screening and grouping of characteristic dairy cows in China with rich, high-quality fatty acids. It is hoped that in the future, the method established in this study will be able to screen milk sources rich in high-quality fatty acids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)

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The spectra of cow’s milk(lines of different colors represent different samples). (a) The original spectra of all reference samples. (b) The average spectra of all reference samples. (c) The D1 preprocessing spectra of all reference samples. (d) The D2 preprocessing pretreated spectra of all reference samples. Full article ">Figure 2
Multraits-QQplot and Circular Manhattan for C6:0. (a) The quantile–quantile plot based on the GLM, MLM, and FarmCPU methods. The red line represents x = y. The grey shaded place represents the 0.95 confidence interval (b) The cyclic Manhattan plot based on the GLM, MLM and FarmCPU methods combined with chip density. Full article ">Figure 3
Seven validated SNPs significantly related to fatty acid content.‘*’ means p-Value Bonferroni < 0.05, and ‘**’ means p-Value Bonferroni < 0.01. (a) Difference and significance of C6:0 among three genotypes of ARS-BFGL-NGS-22276 gene; (b) Difference and significance of C8:0 among three genotypes of ARS-BFGL-NGS-33001 gene; (c) Difference and significance of C10:0 among three genotypes of Bovine HD 0100019865 gene; (d) Difference and significance of C14:0 among three genotypes of Bovine HD 3000029498 gene; (e) Difference and significance of C14:1,cis-9 among three genotypes of Bovine HD 1600000152 gene; (f) Difference and significance of C18:3,n3 cis-9/12/15 among three genotypes of ARS-BFGL-NGS-15402 gene; (g) Difference and significance of LCFA among three genotypes of ARS-BFGL-NGS-15402 gene. Full article ">

13 pages, 590 KiB

Open AccessReview

Morphological and Metabolic Features of Brain Aging in Rodents, Ruminants, Carnivores, and Non-Human Primates

by Gianluca Lepore, Sara Succu, Maria Grazia Cappai, Adele Frau, Alice Senes, Marco Zedda, Vittorio Farina and Sergio D. Gadau

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2900; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192900 - 8 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1254

Abstract

Brain aging in mammals is characterized by morphological and functional changes in neural cells. Macroscopically, this process, leading to progressive cerebral volume loss and functional decline, includes memory and motor neuron deficits, as well as behavioral disorders. Morphologically, brain aging is associated with [...] Read more.

Brain aging in mammals is characterized by morphological and functional changes in neural cells. Macroscopically, this process, leading to progressive cerebral volume loss and functional decline, includes memory and motor neuron deficits, as well as behavioral disorders. Morphologically, brain aging is associated with aged neurons and astrocytes, appearing enlarged and flattened, and expressing enhanced pH-dependent β-galactosidase activity. Multiple mechanisms are considered hallmarks of cellular senescence in vitro, including cell cycle arrest, increased lysosomal activity, telomere shortening, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. The most common markers for senescence identification were identified in (i) proteins implicated in cell cycle arrest, such as p16, p21, and p53, (ii) increased lysosomal mass, and (iii) increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) expression. Finally, dysfunctional autophagy, a process occurring during aging, contributes to altering brain homeostasis. The brains of mammals can be studied at cellular and subcellular levels to elucidate the mechanisms on the basis of age-related and degenerative disorders. The aim of this review is to summarize and update the most recent knowledge about brain aging through a comparative approach, where similarities and differences in some mammalian species are considered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Neuroscience)

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25 pages, 3527 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pathohistological Findings after Bilateral Ovariectomy in Mares with Behavioral Problems

by Nadine Wolf, Joachim A. Hahn, Ingrid Walter, Yury Zablotski, Holm Zerbe and Tanja S. Witte

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2899; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192899 - 8 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1300

Abstract

Behavioral problems in reproductively healthy mares are a challenging issue that is successfully treated with bilateral ovariectomy (BO). This laparoscopic procedure represents an alternative to conservative treatment for mares not intended for breeding and results in high owner satisfaction regarding behavioral improvement. However, [...] Read more.

Behavioral problems in reproductively healthy mares are a challenging issue that is successfully treated with bilateral ovariectomy (BO). This laparoscopic procedure represents an alternative to conservative treatment for mares not intended for breeding and results in high owner satisfaction regarding behavioral improvement. However, a pathohistological explanation to justify surgical ovarian removal regarding animal welfare is lacking. Therefore, the objective of this study was to pathohistologically evaluate bilaterally removed, clinically unremarkable ovaries of mares with behavioral problems (bOE, n = 20) and to compare them with pathohistologically confirmed granulosa cell tumors of mares with neoplastic ovaries (GCT-uOE, n = 10). A complete data set including preliminary presentation, clinical examination, and serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and testosterone was further analyzed in both groups. Both hormones were significantly higher in GCT-uOE compared with bOE. Immunohistochemical expression of Ki-67, AMH, aromatase, epidermal growth factor receptor, calretinin, and epithelial cadherin in granulosa cells of large follicular structures in bOE did not differ from neoplastic granulosa cells in GCT-uOE. Ultrasonographically nondetectable early neoplastic changes were pathohistologically evaluated in 15% of mares and anovulatory-like follicles in 30% of mares in bOE and might be one explanation for the high success rate of BO in 85% of bOE in this study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Reproduction)

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Comparison of serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations between bilaterally ovariectomized mares (bOE, n = 20) and mares with granulosa cell tumors (GCT-uOE, n = 10). Mann–Whitney U (Wilcoxon rank-sum) nonparametric test was used due to not-normally distributed data (Shapiro–Wilk normality test). p-value < 0.001 shows very strong evidence for the (rank-sum) difference in serum AMH concentrations between bOE and GCT-uOE. Rank biserial correlation coefficient of −1.00 with 95% confidence interval indicates a very large effect size of serum AMH concentrations between the two groups. The red bullets show the median AMH concentrations; the green bullets show AMH concentrations of single cases. nobs = total number of tested mares; x-axis: analyzed different groups, bOE = mares with bilaterally removed, clinically unremarkable ovaries, n = 20; GCT-uOE = mares with unilaterally removed granulosa cell tumors, n = 10; y-axis: measured serum AMH concentrations in pmol/L of each case with a range of 0.4–150 pmol/L. Full article ">Figure 2
Ovarian gross sections of bilaterally ovariectomized mares (bOE, (A)) and mares with granulosa cell tumors (GCT-uOE, (B)). (A1,A2) Ovary after fixation with preantral and tertiary follicles. (A3) Ovary with a corpus luteum (CL). (B1) Fragmented 5 kg granulosa cell tumor (GCT) immediately after removal via laparotomy. (B2,B3) GCT with typical multicystic appearance. Full article ">Figure 3
Early neoplastic changes (ENCs) in different ovaries of bilaterally ovariectomized mares (bOE, Case 29 and Case 10): (A) Gross section of a clinically unremarkable ovary with a pale area (red circle) near the ovulation fossa suspicious for ENCs (Case 29). (B) Immunohistochemical evaluation of this area in aromatase (AR) staining in different magnifications (B1,B2); note the granulosa cell (GC) nests with AR-positive cells resembling Leydig-like cells (LLCs) in between (asterisk), defined as ENC; Bars 200 µm, 100 µm. (C) Pathohistological findings in a clinically unremarkable ovary with detected ENCs (Case 10): spindle-shaped, neoplastic GCs with polyhedral, foamy cells in the theca interna cell layer resembling LLC. Figures are presented in hematoxylin and eosin (HE, (C1)) and different immunohistochemical staining with Ki-67 (Ki67, (C2)), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH, (C3)), AR (C4), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR, (C5)), and calretinin (CAL, (C6)); bars 100 µm; GCs = granulosa cells, T = theca cell layer, Ti = theca interna cells. Full article ">Figure 4
Antral follicles in ovaries of bilaterally ovariectomized mares (bOE) in different immunohistochemical staining with hematoxylin (HE (A1,B1)), Ki-67 (Ki67 (A2,B2)), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH (A3,B3)), aromatase (AR (A4,B4)), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR (B5)), calretinin (CAL (A5,B6)), and epithelial cadherin (E-Cad (A6,B7)): (A) Tertiary follicle with oocyte, granulosa cell (GC) layer, and theca cell layer (T); note the positive E-Cad staining of the zona pellucida (A6, arrow). (B) Preovulatory follicle with GC, theca interna (Ti), and theca externa cell layer (Te) and stroma (S); note the polyhedral cells with foamy cytoplasm in the theca interna cell layer (asterisks); bars 100 µm; GCs = granulosa cells, O = oocyte, S = stroma. Full article ">Figure 5
Large follicular structures in ovaries of bilaterally ovariectomized mares (bOE; (A,D)) compared with cyst-like structures in two different granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) of unilaterally ovariectomized mares (GCT-uOE; (B,C)) in hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and different immunohistochemical staining with Ki-67 (Ki67), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), aromatase (AR), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and calretinin (CAL). (A) Preovulatory follicle with granulosa cell (GC) layer, theca interna, and theca externa cell layer. (B) GCT with a multiple GC layer and numerous Leydig-like cells in the theca interna cell layer, some show an invasive growing character (asterisk). (C) GCT with microfollicular pattern of the GC layer. (D) Anovulatory-like follicle with a multiple GC layer, poorly developed theca interna, and theca externa cell layer; bars 100 µm; GCs = granulosa cells, Ti = theca interna cell layer, Te = theca externa cell layer, LLCs = Leydig-like cells. Full article ">

18 pages, 2856 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Relationship between the Infrared Eye Temperature of Beef Cattle and Associated Biological Responses at High Environmental Temperatures

by Musadiq Idris, Megan Sullivan, John B. Gaughan and Clive J. C. Phillips

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2898; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192898 - 8 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1227

Abstract

Cattle in regions with high ambient temperatures are at risk of heat stress. Early detection is important to allow action to be taken to minimise the risks to cattle exposed to thermal stress. This study aimed to investigate the impact of heat stress [...] Read more.

Cattle in regions with high ambient temperatures are at risk of heat stress. Early detection is important to allow action to be taken to minimise the risks to cattle exposed to thermal stress. This study aimed to investigate the impact of heat stress on IRT-Eye temperature and its association with the behavioural and physiological responses of heat-stressed Angus steers (n = 24) on finisher and or substituted diets. Overall, 2 cohorts of 12 Angus steers were individually housed in a climate-controlled facility to examine responses to heat stress when fed on a standard finisher diet, based on a high percentage of cereal grains, and on a substituted diet in which 8% of the grains were replaced by an isoenergetic amount of lucerne hay. Exposing feedlot cattle to hot environmental conditions increased IRT-Eye temperature, which had a strong association with behaviour and physiology. There was no evidence of differences between the different dietary cohorts. The cattle with increased IRT-Eye temperature showed stress-related responses, including a downward-facing head, ears directed backwards, and other indicators of heat stress such as increased panting, standing, and increased rumen temperature. The strong association of IRT-Eye temperature with stress-related behaviours, as well as with rumen temperature and panting behaviour, highlights the potential for IRT-Eye to be utilised as a non-invasive tool to assess cattle responses in hot conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infrared Thermography as a Tool for Assessing Animal Welfare and Its Usefulness in Veterinary Research)

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14 pages, 1563 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Scan for Copy Number Variations in Chinese Merino Sheep Based on Ovine High-Density 600K SNP Arrays

by Yuezhen Tian, Jing An, Xinning Zhang, Jiang Di, Junmin He, Ayinuer Yasen, Yanpin Ma, Gaohaer Sailikehan, Xixia Huang and Kechuan Tian

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2897; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192897 - 8 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1012

Abstract

Sheep are a vital species in the global agricultural economy, providing essential resources such as meat, milk, and wool. Merino sheep (Junken type) are a key breed of fine wool sheep in China. However, research on fine wool traits has largely overlooked the [...] Read more.

Sheep are a vital species in the global agricultural economy, providing essential resources such as meat, milk, and wool. Merino sheep (Junken type) are a key breed of fine wool sheep in China. However, research on fine wool traits has largely overlooked the role of SNPs and their association with phenotypes. Copy number variations (CNVs) have emerged as one of the most important sources of genetic variation, influencing phenotypic traits by altering gene expression and dosage. To generate a comprehensive CNVR map of the ovine genome, we conducted genome-wide CNV detection using genotyping data from 285 fine wool sheep. This analysis revealed 656 CNVRs, including 628 on autosomes and 28 on the X chromosome, covering a total of 43.9 Mbs of the sheep genome. The proportion of CNVRs varied across chromosomes, from 0.45% on chromosome 26 to 3.72% on chromosome 10. Functional annotation through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses highlighted significantly enriched GO terms, including odorant binding, ATP binding, and sulfuric ester hydrolase activity. The KEGG analysis identified involvement in pathways such as neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, axon guidance, ECM–receptor interaction, the one-carbon pool by folate, and focal adhesion (p < 0.05). To validate these CNVRs, we performed quantitative real-time PCR experiments to verify copy number predictions made by PennCNV software (v1.0.5). Out of 11 selected CNVRs with predicted gain, loss, or gain–loss statuses, 8 (IDs 68, 156, 201, 284, 307, 352, 411, 601) were successfully confirmed. This study marks a significant step forward in mapping CNVs in the ovine genome and offers a valuable resource for future research on genetic variation in sheep. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)

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28 pages, 1291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interdisciplinary Animal Research Ethics—Challenges, Opportunities, and Perspectives

by Marcel Mertz, Tatiana Hetzel, Karla Alex, Katharina Braun, Samuel Camenzind, Rita Dodaro, Svea Jörgensen, Erich Linder, Sara Capas-Peneda, Eva Ingeborg Reihs, Vini Tiwari, Zorana Todorović, Hannes Kahrass and Felicitas Selter

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2896; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192896 - 8 Oct 2024

Viewed by 3417

Abstract

Can nonhuman animals be used for the benefit of humans in a scientifically and morally justified manner and, if yes, how? Based on our own experiences as scholars from various academic backgrounds, we argue that this question can only be answered as an [...] Read more.

Can nonhuman animals be used for the benefit of humans in a scientifically and morally justified manner and, if yes, how? Based on our own experiences as scholars from various academic backgrounds, we argue that this question can only be answered as an interdisciplinary and international endeavor, considering insights from research ethics and animal ethics as well as scientific and legal aspects. The aim of this article is to contribute to the foundation of the emerging field of animal research ethics. In doing so, we describe the following seven phases of animal research experiments: ethical, legal and social presumptions (phase 0), planning (phase I), review (phase II), conduct of experiments (phase III), publication/dissemination (phase IV), further exploitation of results (phase V), and evaluation (phase VI). In total, 20 key ethical, legal, and practical challenges that an ethical framework for the use of animals in research needs to address are identified and analyzed. Finally, we characterize the following four meta-challenges and opportunities associated with animal research ethics as a field: (1) moral pluralism, (2) the integration of views and positions outside the laboratory, (3) international plurality of conduct, standards, and legal norms, and (4) interdisciplinary education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Ethics)

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17 pages, 4023 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Technology of Rumen-Protected Bypass Lysine Encapsulated in Lipid Matrix of Beeswax and Carnauba Wax and Natural Tannin Blended for Ruminant Diets

by Claudiney Felipe Almeida Inô, José Morais Pereira Filho, Roberto Matheus Tavares de Oliveira, Juliana Felipe Paula de Oliveira, Edson Cavalcanti da Silva Filho, Ariane Maria da Silva Santos Nascimento, Ronaldo Lopes Oliveira, Romilda Rodrigues do Nascimento, Kevily Henrique de Oliveira Soares de Lucena and Leilson Rocha Bezerra

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2895; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192895 - 8 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1135

Abstract

Tannins are compounds present in forage plants that, in small quantities in the diet of ruminants, produce protein complexes that promote passage through the rumen and use in the intestine. This study tested the hypothesis that beeswax (BW) and carnauba wax (CW) lipid [...] Read more.

Tannins are compounds present in forage plants that, in small quantities in the diet of ruminants, produce protein complexes that promote passage through the rumen and use in the intestine. This study tested the hypothesis that beeswax (BW) and carnauba wax (CW) lipid matrices are effective encapsulants for creating bypass lysine (Lys) for ruminants, with tannin extracted from the Mimosa tenuiflora hay source enhancing material protection. Microencapsulated systems were made using the fusion–emulsification technique with a 2:1 shell-to-core ratio and four tannin levels (0%, 1%, 2%; 3%). The following eight treatments were tested: BWLys_0%, BWLys_1%, BWLys_2%, BWLys_3%, CWLys_0%, CWLys_1%, CWLys_2%, and CWLys_3%. Tannin inclusion improved microencapsulation yield and efficiency. CWLys_3% had the highest microencapsulation efficiency and retained Lys. Lysine in BW and CW matrices showed higher thermal stability than in its free form. Material retention was greater in BW than CW. Rumen pH and temperature remained unaffected, indicating that BW and CW as the shell and tannin as the adjuvant are efficient encapsulants for Lys bypass production. The formulation CWLys_3% is recommended as it is more efficient in protecting the lysin amino acid from rumen degradation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Protein and Amino Acid Digestion, Metabolism, and Utilization in Ruminants)

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13 pages, 1131 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Oviductal and Uterine Fluid Supplementation on the In Vitro Development and Quality of Cloned Sheep Embryos

by José Roberto Vazquez-Avendaño, César Cortez-Romero, Demetrio Alonso Ambríz-García, José Luis Rodríguez-Suástegui, José Ernesto Hernández-Pichardo and María del Carmen Navarro-Maldonado

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2894; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192894 - 8 Oct 2024

Viewed by 926

Abstract

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has great potential for the replication of high-commercial-value animals, threatened wild species for conservation purposes, and transgenic animals for biomedical purposes. However, SCNT has a low success rate due to intrinsic factors of the technique itself, which leads [...] Read more.

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has great potential for the replication of high-commercial-value animals, threatened wild species for conservation purposes, and transgenic animals for biomedical purposes. However, SCNT has a low success rate due to intrinsic factors of the technique itself, which leads to low rates of embryonic development and epigenetic alterations in cloned embryos. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of OF–UF on the intracellular concentrations of ROS and GSH and the development of cloned and parthenogenetic Ovis aries embryos. The results do not show a beneficial effect on the development of parthenogenetic and cloned embryos at concentrations of 0.5% OF–UF. Furthermore, at 1% OF–UF, an adverse effect was observed in cloned embryos at the blastocyst stage and 2% OF and UF in parthenogenetic embryos during the first divisions. Decreases in ROS and GSH levels were observed in the parthenogenetic blastocysts treated with 1% OF–UF, but not in the clones, in which a higher concentration of GSH and a similar concentration of ROS were observed. No effect of OF–UF was observed on embryonic development and redox balance in sheep embryos cloned via handmade cloning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Limitations of In Vitro Embryo Production Technologies in Small Ruminants)

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19 pages, 3702 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Role of Metabolomics and Metagenomics in the Replacement of the High-Concentrate Diet with a High-Fiber Diet for Growing Yushan Pigs

by Min Xie, Dan Fei, Yelan Guang, Fuguang Xue, Jun Xu and Yaomin Zhou

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2893; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192893 - 8 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1087

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the regulatory effects of a high-fiber content feed on the productive performance, meat quality, and fat acid composition. A total of 18 120-day-old Yushan pigs with similar initial body weight were randomly allotted into high-concentrate [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to investigate the regulatory effects of a high-fiber content feed on the productive performance, meat quality, and fat acid composition. A total of 18 120-day-old Yushan pigs with similar initial body weight were randomly allotted into high-concentrate diet (high energy, HE) and high-fiber diet (low energy, LE) treatments for the determination of regulatory effects on productive performance, meat quality, and fatty acid content. Further, blood metabolomic, gut microbiota, and liver energy-related gene expression measurements were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Results showed that the LE treatment significantly increased ADFI while decreasing carcass weight, fat percentage, and IMF. Metabolomic results showed that the high-fiber treatment significantly down-regulated metabolites that participated in lipid metabolism such as cyclic ADP-ribose and hippuric acid, while up-regulated metabolites were mainly enriched in nitrogen metabolism such as DL-arginine and propionylcarnitine (p < 0.05). Microbial results showed relative abundances of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are significantly proliferated in the high-fiber feeding treatments (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic results showed that genes mainly enriched into the lipid metabolism are significantly up-regulated under the high-fiber dietary treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusion: higher dietary fiber significantly reduced dietary energy provision, effectively decreased the backfat and abdominal fat content of Yushan pigs through proliferating intestinal fiber-degradable bacteria, and up-regulating the hepatic lipolysis-related gene expression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Feed Quality and Composition on Pig Production, Physiological and Health Parameters)

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Integrative differential analysis of the plasma metabolic contents between HE and LE treatments. (A) Principal component analysis of plasma metabolites between the HE and LE treatment Yushan pig. (B) Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) on plasma metabolites between the HE and LE treatment Yushan pig. HE = low-fiber content (high energy) treatment, LE = high-fiber content (low energy) treatment. Full article ">Figure 2
Functional enrichment analysis of differential metabolites between the high- and low-energy treatment Yushan pigs. Full article ">Figure 3
KEGG pathway analysis of differential metabolites between the high- and low-energy treatment Yushan pigs. Full article ">Figure 4
Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) on community structures of the cecal microbiota between high- and low-energy treatment Yushan pigs. HE = low-fiber content (high energy) treatment, LE = high-fiber content (low energy) treatment. Full article ">Figure 5
Tax4Fun functional prediction analysis of the differential abundant bacterial communities between high- and low-energy treatment Yushan pigs. HE = low-fiber content (high energy) treatment, LE = high-fiber content (low energy) treatment. Full article ">Figure 6
Correlation analysis between the significantly differential gut bacteria and blood metabolites. The red color represents a positive correlation, while the green color represents a negative correlation. “*” means a significant correlation (|r| > 0.55, p < 0.05). “**” means an extraordinary significant correlation (|r| > 0.75, p < 0.01). Full article ">Figure 7
q-RT-PCR analysis of the significantly differentially expressed genes between high- and low-energy treatment Yushan pigs. HE = low-fiber content (high energy) treatment, LE = high-fiber content (low energy) treatment. Symbols of a,b, means a significant differential expression of the measured gene between LE and HE treatments. Full article ">Figure 8
KEGG pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes between high- and low-energy treatment Yushan pigs. HE = low-fiber content (high energy) treatment, LE = high-fiber content (low energy) treatment. (A) Pathway analysis of up-regulated genes of low-energy treated livers compared with high-energy treated Yushan pigs. (B) Pathway analysis of down-regulated genes of low-energy treated livers compared with high-energy treated Yushan pigs. Full article ">

12 pages, 639 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Comparison of Citrated Whole Blood to Native Whole Blood for Coagulation Testing Using the Viscoelastic Coagulation Monitor (VCM Vet™) in Horses

by Jessica R. Vokes, Amy L. Lovett, Max C. de Kantzow, Chris W. Rogers, Pamela A. Wilkins and Benjamin W. Sykes

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2892; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192892 - 8 Oct 2024

Viewed by 5711

Abstract

Viscoelastic monitoring of horse coagulation is increasing due to its advantages over traditional coagulation testing. The use of a point-of-care viscoelastic coagulation monitor (VCM Vet™) has been validated for use in horses using native whole blood (NWB) but has not been assessed using [...] Read more.

Viscoelastic monitoring of horse coagulation is increasing due to its advantages over traditional coagulation testing. The use of a point-of-care viscoelastic coagulation monitor (VCM Vet™) has been validated for use in horses using native whole blood (NWB) but has not been assessed using citrated whole blood (CWB), a technique that might have advantages in practicality and precision. Blood was collected from 70 horses, tested in duplicate immediately using NWB (T0), and stored at room temperature as CWB for testing in duplicate at 1 (T1) and 4 (T4) hours after venipuncture for comparison to NWB. Of these horses, 20 were classified as clinically healthy and used to determine reference intervals for CWB at 1 and 4 h post-collection. There were clinically relevant differences in all measured viscoelastic parameters of CWB compared to NWB meaning that they cannot be used interchangeably. These differences were not consistent at T1 and T4 meaning the resting time of CWB influences the results and should be kept consistent. The use of CWB in this study also resulted in more machine errors when compared to NWB resulting in measurements that might not be interpretable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Equids)

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21 pages, 5103 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Morphology of Larger Salivary Glands in Peccaries (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758)

by Carlos Magno Oliveira Júnior, Hélio Noberto de Araújo Júnior, Moisés Dantas Tertulino, Ricardo Romão Guerra, Luciana Diniz Rola, Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva, Carlos Eduardo Bezerra de Moura and Moacir Franco de Oliveira

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2891; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192891 - 8 Oct 2024

Viewed by 2996

Abstract

This work aims to study the major salivary gland morphology of peccaries during their growth. The glands were analyzed using macroscopic description, light microscopy, electron microscopy, histochemistry, and immunohistochemistry. Topographically, the salivary glands resemble other animals, including domestic animals and pigs. During growth, [...] Read more.

This work aims to study the major salivary gland morphology of peccaries during their growth. The glands were analyzed using macroscopic description, light microscopy, electron microscopy, histochemistry, and immunohistochemistry. Topographically, the salivary glands resemble other animals, including domestic animals and pigs. During growth, the parotid enlarges and mandibular gland loses weight. Histologically, the parotid has serous production, and sublingual has mucous production, resembles most species, however, mandibular gland produces mucous, unlike other animals, including pigs, which produce seromucous secretion. Histochemically, parotid produces more acidic mucins than pigs and it undergoes maturation during development; mandibular, and especially the sublingual gland, produce more acidic and basic mucopolysaccharides than pigs. The results found with transmission and scanning electron microscopy techniques corroborate the histological and histochemistry findings. The major salivary glands were positive to different lecithins (Com-A, BSA-I-B₄, WGA and PNA), which were also more positive than in pigs and sheep. We conclude that collared peccaries have a salivary secretion that facilitates the digestion of carbohydrates, and biometric characteristics and positivity to lecithins that facilitate adaptation to foods with antinutritional factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Wildlife)

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Photographic image of the macroscopy of the major salivary glands of the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758). Mandibular gland (mg) is located ventrally to the linguofacial vein (lv). Above is part of the parotid gland (pg), which is rostrally to the sternocephalicus muscle (em). The “em” is positioned dorsally to the thymus (t). Rostrally we still find the masseter muscle (mm), surrounded dorsally by the dorsal facial nerve (dfn), and caudally by the parotid duct (pd). Full article ">Figure 2
Photomicrographs of the parotid gland of the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758). In (A,D,G,J), it can be seen that the basophilic lobes are individualized by connective tissue (black arrows). In (B,E,H,K), the connective tissue (black arrows) delimits the acini and ducts (yellow arrows). The nuclei are spherical and are strongly stained by hematoxylin (red arrows). In (C,F,I,L), it can be seen that the lobes are individualized by collagen fibers (black arrows). (A,B,D,E,G,H,J,K) Hematoxylin-Eosin staining; (C,F,I,L) Gomori Trichrome Staining. Full article ">Figure 3
Photomicrographs of the collared peccary mandibular gland (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758). In (A,D,G,J), it can be seen that the acidophilic lobes are individualized by connective tissue (black arrows). In (B,E,H,K), connective tissue (black arrows) delimits the acini. The acinar cells are organized to form the acinar lumen (blue arrows). The nuclei of these cells are spherical and stain strongly with hematoxylin (red arrows). In (C,F,I,L), the ducts (*) are individualized by collagen fibers (black arrows). (A,B,D,E,G,H,J,K) Hematoxylin-Eosin staining; (C,F,I,L) Gomori Trichrome staining. Full article ">Figure 4
Photomicrographs of the polystomatic sublingual gland of the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758). In (A,D,G,J), the acini and ducts (yellow arrows) are individualized by connective tissue (black arrows). In (B,E,H,K), the acini and ducts (yellow arrows) are individualized by connective tissue (black arrows). The acinar cells are organized to form the acinar lumen (blue arrows), the nuclei of these cells are spherical and stain strongly with hematoxylin (red arrows). In (C,F,I,L), the connective tissue (black arrows) delimited the acini and ducts (*). (A,B,D,E,G,H,J,K) Hematoxylin-Eosin staining; (C,F,I,L) Gomori Trichrome staining. Full article ">Figure 5
Photomicrographs of the monostomatic sublingual gland of the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758). In (A,D,G,J), the acini and ducts (yellow arrows) are individualized by connective tissue (black arrows). In (B,E,H,K) connective tissue (black arrows) delimit the acini and ducts (yellow arrows), the nuclei are flat, stain strongly with hematoxylin, and are in the basal region (red arrows). The acinar cells are with its apex facing the acinar lumen (blue arrows). In (C,F,I,L), the acini and ducts are individualized by collagen fiber meshes. (A,B,D,E,G,H,J,K) Hematoxylin-Eosin staining; (C,F,I,L) Gomori Trichrome staining. Full article ">Figure 6
Photomicrographs of the salivary ducts of the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758). In (A), the arrangement of the intercalated ducts is observed. There is an intimate relationship between this duct and the acini. In (B), it can be seen that the duct is made up of a single layer of cubic epithelial cells (black arrows) and its nucleus is spherical, basophilic, and located in the cell center. In (C), the duct is delimited by a thin layer of collagen fiber (yellow arrows). In (D), there is the striated duct that was larger than the intercalated duct. In (E), it is observed that the cells were columnar, and the nuclei were spherical and positioned in the center of the cell. Note that the cell base is more eosinophilic than the cell apex. In (F), a thin layer of collagen fiber (yellow arrows) can be seen delimiting the duct. In (G), the excretory duct can be seen. This duct had a lot of connective tissue around it (*) and was in the interlobular region. In (H), it is noted that the excretory duct contained more than one layer of epithelial cells, the most basal of which was cubic (black arrow) and the outermost columnar. In (I), a dense network of collagen fibers is noted surrounding the excretory duct. L = lumen. (A,B,D,E,G,H) Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. (C,F,I) Gomori Trichrome staining. Full article ">

19 pages, 854 KiB

Open AccessComment

An Update on Australian Policy around Lamb Marking with Examination of Potential Drivers. Comment on Johnston et al. How Well Does Australian Animal Welfare Policy Reflect Scientific Evidence: A Case Study Approach Based on Lamb Marking. Animals 2023, 13, 1358

by Charlotte H. Johnston, Amanda J. Errington, Mark R. Hutchinson and Alexandra L. Whittaker

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2890; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192890 - 8 Oct 2024

Viewed by 749

Abstract

This commentary provides an update and clarification on the legislative landscape surrounding mulesing in Australia since the publication of the 2023 study, “How Well Does Australian Animal Welfare Policy Reflect Scientific Evidence: A Case Study Approach Based on Lamb Marking”. The article explores [...] Read more.

This commentary provides an update and clarification on the legislative landscape surrounding mulesing in Australia since the publication of the 2023 study, “How Well Does Australian Animal Welfare Policy Reflect Scientific Evidence: A Case Study Approach Based on Lamb Marking”. The article explores legislative changes mandating the use of pain relief for mulesing in various states, emphasising Victoria’s original role, and highlighting the fragmented state-based legislative approach to animal welfare. It discusses the impact of these legislative changes on industry practices and animal welfare outcomes. The commentary highlights the complexities of policy development in this area, due in part to the diverse and often conflicting interests of stakeholders and the public. It underscores the importance of transparency, stakeholder collaboration, and scientifically informed policymaking to effectively enhance animal welfare standards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Welfare: Laws, Policy and Alternative Approaches to Drive Improvements across Animal Industries)

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7 pages, 1403 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Double Cervical Adjacent Hydrated Nucleus Pulposus Extrusion (HNPE) in a Yorkshire Terrier

by Domenico Fugazzotto, Marco Tabbì, Pilar Lorena Lozano, Giuseppe Barillaro, Francesco Macrì and Simone Minato

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2889; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192889 - 8 Oct 2024

Viewed by 904

Abstract

A 9-year-old Yorkshire terrier was brought to the emergency department for inability to maintain the correct station with acute onset. Neurological examination showed a non-ambulatory tetraparesis, spontaneous proprioceptive deficit in all limbs, and decreased flexor reflex in the forelimbs. The neurological symptoms suggested [...] Read more.

A 9-year-old Yorkshire terrier was brought to the emergency department for inability to maintain the correct station with acute onset. Neurological examination showed a non-ambulatory tetraparesis, spontaneous proprioceptive deficit in all limbs, and decreased flexor reflex in the forelimbs. The neurological symptoms suggested a cranial cervical spinal cord with suspicion of spinal shock. The clinical differential diagnoses included degenerative (intervertebral disc extrusion), vascular, inflammatory, or neoplastic disease. No pathological findings were evident in the hematobiochemical tests or in the radiograph examination. MRI examination of the cervical spine showed the presence of two adjacent hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusions at C3-C4 and C4-C5 tracts. Treatment included analgesic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory therapy; movement restriction was initially necessary, followed by physiotherapy. Follow-up at 4 weeks showed complete recovery. A telephone follow-up after 3 months with the owner confirmed the absence of symptoms. This article reports the first double cervical HNPE case in a dog, adding the possibility that the disease may present in this form and the success of conservative treatment as described in the literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

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14 pages, 3083 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Training Protocol for Nellore Cattle in Respirometry Flow Trials Using Non-Ventilated Facial Mask

by Érika Cristina Dias de Oliveira Brelaz, Gustavo André Bernado Moura, Vinícius de França Carvalho Fonsêca, Juliete Amanda Theodora de Almeida, Bruno Rodrigo Simão and Alex Sandro Campos Maia

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2888; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192888 - 8 Oct 2024

Viewed by 739

Abstract

Training is instrumental in identifying and selecting cattle that exhibit greater cooperation with experimental conditions required in flow respirometry assays, like restraint and the use of a valved facial mask. In our study, a tailored training protocol for Nellore cattle facilitated their participation [...] Read more.

Training is instrumental in identifying and selecting cattle that exhibit greater cooperation with experimental conditions required in flow respirometry assays, like restraint and the use of a valved facial mask. In our study, a tailored training protocol for Nellore cattle facilitated their participation in flow respirometry assays with a valved facial mask. Over 127 days, 30 entire Nellore males, weighing 450 ± 25 kg and averaging 32 ± 2 months, underwent training from May to September 2022. The regimen involved gradually altering the animals’ environment and providing positive reinforcement, divided into three phases. Physiological and behavioral responses to containment routines and facial mask use were meticulously assessed. Principal component analyses revealed dissimilarity patterns among the animals. Animals classified as less reactive showed increased acceptance of handling, reduced reactions to weighing, and greater tolerance of the facial mask. In the final phase, the least reactive animals tolerated wearing a valved mask for extended periods without notable changes in respiratory rate. The training protocol effectively identified and selected Nellore cattle displaying enhanced cooperation with restraint and mask use during flow respirometry assays, without apparent behavioral or physiological alterations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Practical Methods for Accommodating Behavioral Needs and Improving the Wellbeing of Both Farm Animals)

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The animals in training received positive reinforcement at the end of the evaluation; (a) squeeze chute and (b) in the arena. Full article ">Figure 2
Design of the system for thermal equilibrium evaluation, adapted from [<a href="#B39-animals-14-02888" class="html-bibr">39</a>]. Full article ">Figure 3
Bull wearing face mask connected to system. Full article ">Figure 4
Bi-plot between the first two principal components based on five reactivity responses of the animals (tail movement, displacement in the chute, movement in the chute, balance score and exit score) in the squeeze chute. Full article ">Figure 5
The bi-plot of phase 2 between the first two components of the principal component analysis is based on five reactivity responses of the animals (tail movement, movement in the chute, movement in the chute, balance score, and exit score) in the squeeze chute. Full article ">Figure 6
Respiratory frequency responses over time of the selected animals subjected to the face mask test and permanence in the squeeze chute. Full article ">

16 pages, 18737 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Female Recipient Infertility and Donor Spermatogonial Purification for Germ Cell Transplantation in Paralichthys olivaceus

by Yuqin Ren, Yuehong Tao, Zhaohui Sun, Yufen Wang, Weidong Li, Zhongwei He, Guixing Wang, Yucong Yang and Jilun Hou

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2887; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192887 - 8 Oct 2024

Viewed by 824

Abstract

Since the advent of germ cell transplantation (GCT), it has been widely used in shortening the fish breeding cycle, sex-controlled breeding and the protection of rare and endangered fish. In this study, the effectiveness of female sterile recipient preparation and donor stem cell [...] Read more.

Since the advent of germ cell transplantation (GCT), it has been widely used in shortening the fish breeding cycle, sex-controlled breeding and the protection of rare and endangered fish. In this study, the effectiveness of female sterile recipient preparation and donor stem cell isolation and purification were comprehensively evaluated for spermatogonial stem cell transplantation (SSCT) in Paralichthys olivaceus. The best way to prepare sterile recipients was found to be giving three-year-old fish four intraovarian injections of busulfan (20 mg/kg body weight) combined with exposure to a high temperature (28 °C) after the spawning season compared with the two other ways, which induced apoptosis of most of the endogenous germ cells, resulting in shrinkage of the spawning plate and enlargement of the ovarian lumen. Further analysis showed that both the gonadosomatic index and germ-cell-specific vasa expression were significantly lower than those of the natural-temperature group before treatment (p < 0.05). A high percentage (>60.00%) of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) were obtained after isolation and purification and were transplanted into the prepared recipients. After three weeks of SSCT, the numbers of PKH26-labeled SSCs were increased in the ovaries of the recipients. These findings provide a basis for the establishment of an ideal SSCT technique using P. olivaceus females as the recipients, ultimately contributing to the efficient conservation of male germplasm resources and effective breeding. Full article

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