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Since several modified Strange Situation Procedures (SSP) have been used to investigate dog-to-owner attachment, in this study two different samples of dog-owner dyads underwent two modified versions of the SSP. Dogs&rsquo, attachment style to the owner was assessed based on a novel adaptation of the attachment pattern classification used for infant-caregivers. Dogs&rsquo, behavioral data were collected using continuous sampling and, in the second protocol, also with a scoring system for greeting and social play. In both studies, secure and avoidant dogs&rsquo, behavior was compared using the Mann Whitney test, while differences within each group across episodes were analyzed using the Wilcoxon paired sample test. The classification seemed to be effective at identifying both avoidant and secure attachment patterns in dogs. As expected, differences in key attachment behaviors, such as proximity/contact seeking toward the caregiver, between secure and avoidant dogs were more evident in the final episodes of the test. Differently from secure dogs, avoidant dogs did not show an increase in proximity/contact seeking behavior with the caregiver in any of the procedures. Further studies with larger samples are needed to support the effectiveness of this classification and investigate on the remaining attachment styles.

An accurate morphological description and analysis based on reliable data are unavailable for the geographically isolated population of M. crassicaudata in Sri Lanka. This study provides the most updated morphological description of M. crassicaudata with special reference to body measurements directly obtained from 27 specimens collected island-wide. Morphological parameters were recorded under three age classes that were defined based on their body weight (BW) and total body length (TBL), juvenile (BW: &lt, 4.3 kg TBL: &lt, 56.0 cm), subadult (BW: 4.3&ndash, 7.3 kg TBL: 56&ndash, 101 cm), and adult (BW: &gt, 7.3 kg TBL: &gt, 101 cm) and gender to reveal sexual dimorphism based on morphometric parameters. The TBL of adult males ranged between 137 and 177 cm while body weight ranged between 20.4 and 48.8 kg. The average count of body scales was 511 &plusmn, 21. The body scales were found arranged in 13 longitudinal rows with the highest number of scales observed on the vertebral scale row (16 &plusmn, 1). Three major scale morphs were identified, broad rhombic scales, elongated kite-shaped scales, and folded shaped scales. Broad rhombic shaped scales was the dominant scale type (80.49%) on the body (405 &plusmn, 7). The tail-length to body-length ratio of an Indian pangolin was 0.87. The tail length of an Indian pangolin is a reliable predictor of the TBL and has potential implications in quick field data gathering.

(1) Background: Nutritional strategies to enhance gut function and reduce the piglet diarrhea rate are critical to increase the growth performance of piglets. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether dietary fat types and/or fat microencapsulation techniques are involved in regulating the fatty acid transport system and the mechanical and immunological barriers of the small intestine. (2) Methods: Three hundred twenty-four weaning piglets were randomly divided into three groups fed a soybean oil diet (SBO, control group, 6.0% soybean oil), palm oil diet (PO, 6.0% palm oil), or encapsulated palm oil diet (EPO, 7.5% encapsulated palm oil). (3) Results: A significantly lower mRNA expression of the claudin was observed in the duodenum and jejunum of the PO group than in the SBO group (p &lt, 0.05). However, the mRNA expression and protein abundance of claudin and ZO-1 in the jejunum of the EPO group were higher (p &lt, 0.05) than in the PO group. Porcine &beta, defensin (pBD) secretion was not significantly different between the SBO and PO groups (p &gt, 0.05), while the pBD-2 levels were significantly different (p &lt, 0.05). Compared with the PO group, the EPO group exhibited a significantly increased secretion of pBD-2 and pBD-129 in the small intestine (p &lt, 0.05) and pBD-1 in the jejunum and ileum (p &lt, 0.05). The protein abundances of apolipoprotein AIV (Apo AIV) and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) were significantly lower in the PO group than in the SBO group (p &lt, 0.05). Simultaneously, the protein abundances of fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP4), fatty acid translocase (CD36), and I-FABP were higher in the EPO group than in the PO group. Furthermore, the low digestibility of palm oil (PO group) might negatively regulate intestinal tight junctions, fatty acid transporters, lipoproteins, and &beta, defensin through the activation of the AMPK/mTORC1 and AMPK/Sirt1/NF-&kappa, B pathways. (4) Conclusions: In summary, microencapsulation techniques might alleviate the negative effects of palm oil and help to improve the intestinal fatty acid transport system and barrier function.

In this study, the yak&rsquo, s TLR4 gene alternative spliceosomes were investigated using PCR amplification and cloning to improve disease-resistance in yak and promote efficient utilization of yak&rsquo, s resources. qRT-PCR was used to determine the expression levels of two alternatively spliced transcripts of the TLR4 gene in seven distinct tissues. To predict the function of proteins expressed by each TLR4 spliceosome, bioinformatic analysis of yak&rsquo, s TLR4 protein structure and function was performed, which led to the identification of two alternative spliceosomes of yak&rsquo, s TLR4 gene. The TLR4-X1 sequence length was 2526 bp, and it encoded full-length TLR4 protein (841 amino acids). The sequence length of the exon-2 deleted TLR4-X2 sequence was 1926 bp, and it encoded truncated TLR4 protein (641 amino acids). TLR4-X2 sequence was consistent with the predicted sequence of the TLR4 gene in GenBank. Each tissue showed significantly different expression levels of these two alternative spliceosomes. As per the bioinformatic analysis of the structure and function of TLR4 protein, deletion of exon-2 in the TLR4 gene resulted in frameshift mutations of the reading frame in the corresponding protein, which altered its ligand-binding and active sites. Besides, biological property such as substrate specificity of truncated TLR4 protein was also altered, leading to altered protein function. This study has laid a theoretical foundation for exploring the role of two variants of the TLR4 gene in yak&rsquo, s disease resistance. Besides, this study&rsquo, s data could be analyzed further to explore the molecular mechanism associated with disease-resistance in the yak.

The study aimed at determining the effect of different zinc (Zn) supplementation forms on Zn accumulation, activities of Zn-containing enzymes, gene expression of metallothionein (MT), and Zn transporters in piglets. Eighteen piglets were randomly divided into three groups: (a) a basal diet supplemented with 150 mg/kg Zn from Zn methionine (Zn-Met) in the feed (Zn-Met group), (b) a basal diet supplemented with 150 mg/kg Zn from Zn sulfate (ZnSO4) in the feed (ZnSO4, feed group), and (c) a basal diet supplemented with the same dose of Zn as in ZnSO4,feed group but in water (ZnSO4, water group). The results showed that Zn-Met added in feed and ZnSO4 dissolved in drinking water significantly improved (p &lt, 0.05) the Zn concentration in liver and jejunum and the apparent digestibility of Zn in comparison with the ZnSO4 added in feed. In addition, dietary Zn supplementation as Zn-Met significantly increased (p &lt, 0.05) the activity of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) in the jejunum of piglets in comparison with the ZnSO4, feed group. Furthermore, the Zn-Met and ZnSO4, water groups showed an improved total superoxide dismutase activity (T-SOD) in the ileum as compared to the ZnSO4, feed group. Meanwhile, the qPCR and western blot results showed that Zn-Met and ZnSO4 dissolved in drinking water increased the expression of MT in the jejunum in comparison with the ZnSO4 added in the piglets&rsquo, feed. However, different Zn supplementation forms had no effect on the mRNA expressions of Zip4 and ZnT1 transporters. In conclusion, Zn-Met added in feed and ZnSO4 dissolved in drinking water had higher bioavailability in piglets.

Confinement can be stressful for some dogs and this can lead to behavioural issues and poor welfare. A key component of the stress response is behavioural arousal, characterised by increased alertness and sensory sensitivity. This makes behavioural observations a useful tool to assess stress, as they provide insight into an animal&rsquo, s internal state. Auditory enrichment has been shown to reduce arousal-related behaviour in dogs, but it is not clear if specific characteristics of a music track, such as tempo and/or pitch, produce these effects. The aim of this study was to compare behavioural responses of dogs to music tracks played with different characteristics (high pitch, low pitch, fast tempo, and slow tempo), as well as white noise and a control. Pitch and tempo modifications were applied to ten piano music songs and the six treatments (four different treatment-song combinations, white noise, and control) were presented daily, for ten minutes each, to ten dogs over ten days. Behavioural changes seemed to be driven by low-pitch tracks, which increased the level of alertness of the dogs. These findings could be related to the Morton&rsquo, s motivations-structural rules: harsh, low frequency vocalisations signal aggressive motivations in mammals. Dogs may have perceived low-pitch tracks as more unsettling and were therefore more active and alert when listening to them.

Simple Summary The risk of transmission of pathogen-infected ticks by dogs and cats transported by humans has increased substantially in recent decades due to the rise in tourist and economic migration rates. Therefore, we highlight the role of companion animals, mainly dogs, travelling with their owners or importation of these animals in the transmission of ticks and tick-borne diseases to non-endemic areas. The brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus, which is a vector of numerous pathogens causing diseases in animals and humans, is imported most frequently to many European countries from endemic areas in the Mediterranean region or from other parts of the world. Additionally, alien tick species with high epizootic and epidemiological importance can be imported while attached to dog skin to Europe from other continents. Companion animals play an even greater role in the spread of autochthonous tick species and transmission of pathogens to other animals and humans. Before travelling to endemic areas of tick-borne diseases, tourists should be acquainted with prophylaxis methods to protect themselves and their companion animals against tick attacks. Abstract Increased human mobility elevates the risk of exposure of companion animals travelling with their owners or imported from other regions to tick attacks. In this study, we highlight the potential role of dogs and cats taken for tourist trips or imported animals in the spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. The Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, which is a vector of numerous pathogens causing diseases in animals and humans, is imported most frequently from endemic areas to many European countries. Additionally, alien tick species with high epizootic and epidemiological importance can be imported on dogs from other continents. Companion animals play an even greater role in the spread of autochthonous tick species and transmission of tick pathogens to other animals and humans. Although the veterinary and medical effects of the parasitism of ticks carried by companion animals travelling with owners or imported animals are poorly assessed, these animals seem to play a role in the rapid spread of tick-borne diseases. Development of strategies for protection of the health of companion animals in different geographic regions should take into account the potential emergence of unknown animal tick-borne diseases that can be transmitted by imported ticks.

This trial was conducted to assess the impact of medium-chain &alpha, monoglycerides, glycerol monolaurate (GML) supplementation on the growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility coefficient (AID%) of amino acids, intestinal histomorphology, and blood biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. Three-day-old chicks (76.82 g &plusmn, 0.40, n = 200) were haphazardly allocated to four experimental groups with five replicates for each (10 chicks/replicate). The treatments consisted of basal diets supplemented with four glycerol monolaurate levels, 0, 1, 3, or 5 g kg&minus, 1 (GML0, GML1, GML3, and GML5, respectively). Growth performance was determined at three periods (starter, grower, and finisher). Dietary GML had no significant effect on the growth performance parameters (body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio) through all the experimental periods. GML1 diet increased the AID% of leucine and decreased the AID% of arginine. GML1 diet increased the duodenal and jejunal villous height and the jejunal muscle thickness. GML3 and GML5 diets increased the goblet cell count in the duodenum. GML supplementation increased the serum level of high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. GML5 diet increased the serum levels of IgM and interleukin 10 compared to the control group. We could conclude that dietary supplementation of glycerol monolaurate can supplement broiler chicken diets up to 5 g kg&minus, 1 to enhance the immune status and intestinal histomorphology of birds with no improving effect on growth performance.

Simple Summary This commentary addresses the zoonotic and epidemiological aspects of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-Cov-2) pandemic that is affecting the whole world with a contagion curve that continues to grow. This work aims to highlight the role that animals might play in the epidemiology of the disease. As knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 has progressed, most of the scientific information confirms that animals cannot transmit the virus to humans. There is evidence that people who have tested positive for COVID-19 can infect pets, farm animals, and wild animals. However, very recently, a SARS-Cov-2 variant related to minks has been found in mink workers in Denmark with a disease severity that is similar to those infected with non-mink-related variants. Further studies are therefore necessary. The concept of “One Health” recognizes the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health, and aims to improve public health outcomes through the understanding and prevention of risks that originate at the interfaces between humans, animals, and their environments. It is therefore important that veterinarians share information with public health officers to assess the risks of transmission from people infected with COVID-19 to animals, or to determine when animals could spread pandemic viruses. Abstract Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) belongs to the Beta-coronavirus genus. It is 96.2% homologous to bat CoV RaTG13 and 88% homologous to two bat SARS-like coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2 is the infectious agent responsible for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which was first reported in the Hubei province of Wuhan, China, at the beginning of December 2019. Human transmission from COVID-19 patients or incubation carriers occurs via coughing, sneezing, speaking, discharge from the nose, or fecal contamination. Various strains of the virus have been reported around the world, with different virulence and behavior. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 shares certain epitopes with some taxonomically related viruses, with tropism for the most common synanthropic animals. By elucidating the immunological properties of the circulating SARS-CoV-2, a partial protection due to human–animal interactions could be supposed in some situations. In addition, differential epitopes could be used for the differential diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. There have been cases of transmission from people with COVID-19 to pets such as cats and dogs. In addition, wild felines were infected. All These animals were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and recovered spontaneously. Experimental studies showed cats and ferrets to be more susceptible to COVID-19. COVID-19 positive dogs and felines do not transmit the infection to humans. In contrast, minks at farms were severely infected from people with COVID-19. A SARS-Cov-2 variant in the Danish farmed mink that had been previously infected by COVID-19 positive workers, spread to mink workers causing the first case of animal-to-human infection transmission that causes a moderate decreased sensitivity to neutralizing antibodies. Thus, more investigations are necessary. It remains important to understand the risk that people with COVID-19 pose to their pets, as well as wild or farm animals so effective recommendations and risk management measures against COVID-19 can be made. A One Health unit that facilitates collaboration between public health and veterinary services is recommended.

Optimizing gut health has a large impact on nutrient digestibility and bioavailability, and super-dosing feed enzymes may be one solution to achieve this. A 42-day grow-out trial was conducted using 192 Ross 308 broilers to determine if super-dosing Natuzyme at 0 g/t, 350 g/t, 700 g/t, and 1000 g/t dose rates could improve the gut morphology, alter the cecal microbial profile, enhance bone mineralization, and improve nutrient digestibility of a wheat&ndash, corn&ndash, soybean diet (six replicates per treatment, eight birds per pen). One bird per pen was slaughtered at day 42 and gut morphology, cecal microbial profile, and nutrient digestibility were studied. The addition of enzymes tended to increase the villus height in the duodenum, villus height, width, and crypt depth in the jejunum, and villus width and the number of goblet cells in the ileum. Microbial profiling revealed diverse communities, however, they did not significantly differ between treatment groups. Yet, 700 g/t Natuzyme promoted microbes belonging to the genus Romboutsia and Ruminococcus gauvreauii, while 1000 g/t Natuzyme promoted Barnesiella species. The nutrient digestibility demonstrated a significant improvement in all enzyme doses compared to the control. In conclusion, based on the outcomes of this study, a dose rate of 700 g/t Natuzyme is recommended to improve gut morphology and nutrient digestibility, and promote unique microbes which aid in feed efficiency.

This study tested the hypothesis that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain H57 (H57) improves preference by reducing the development of microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) in feed pellets. Sixteen bull calves were, for 4 weeks, provided equal access to a panel of 8 automated feed bunks in a single paddock with some hay. Each bunk contained pellets with (H57) or without (Control) the H57, each aged for 4 months at either ambient or chiller temperature. Each treatment was changed to a new bunk pair position weekly. Relative preference was determined according to weight of pellets remaining per hour per treatment bunk pair per 24 h. Pellets were analysed for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the concentrations tested for correlation with relative preference. Calves showed the lowest preference (p &lt, 0.0001) for the Control/Ambient treatment whereas preference for all other treatments (H57/Ambient, H57/Chiller, Control/Chiller) was similar. The Control/Ambient treatment odour profile grouped differently to the other 3 treatments which grouped similarly to each other. Up to 16 mVOCs were determined to have potential as pre-ingestive signals for the extent of microbial spoilage. Further studies are required to find which combination of these mVOCs, when added to pellets, results in feed aversion.

Simple Summary Dietary methionine is closely related to oxidative stress metabolism. Lambs were treated with methionine restriction and subsequent methionine re-feeding. The relationship among dietary methionine pattern, methionine metabolism, and antioxidant reactions was studied by detecting methionine metabolite content and antioxidant expression in order to provide theoretical basis for amino acid nutrition and healthy feeding of lambs. Abstract Our objective was to investigate the effect of methionine restriction and resuming supply on liver antioxidant response in lambs. The concentrations of methionine and its metabolites and the expression of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a redox sensitive factor, were detected after methionine restriction treatment for 50 days and methionine supply recovery for 29 days. The expression of glutathione (GSH) S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were characterized at the level of transcription and translation. Methionine restriction can directly change the content of methionine and its metabolites in plasma and liver, and affect the redox state of lambs by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Liver tissue can adapt to oxidative environment by upregulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes such as GSH-Px and SOD. Moreover, it was found that there was a lag effect in the recovery of metabolism after methionine supplementation.

Zebrafish have become a popular alternative to higher animals in biomedical and pharmaceutical research. The development of stable mutant lines to model target specific aspects of many diseases, including diabetes, is well reported. However, these mutant lines are much more costly and challenging to maintain than wild-type zebrafish and are simply not an option for many research facilities. As an alternative to address the disadvantages of advanced mutant lines, wild-type larvae may represent a suitable option. In this review, we evaluate organ development in zebrafish larvae and discuss established methods that use wild-type zebrafish larvae up to seven days post fertilization to test for potential drug candidates for diabetes and its commonly associated conditions of oxidative stress and inflammation. This provides an up to date overview of the relevance of wild-type zebrafish larvae as a vertebrate antidiabetic model and confidence as an alternative tool for preclinical studies. We highlight the advantages and disadvantages of established methods and suggest recommendations for future developments to promote the use of zebrafish, specifically larvae, rather than higher animals in the early phase of antidiabetic drug discovery.

Simple Summary Although pullorum disease is endemic in many parts of the world, this avian disease responsible for high economic and commercial losses has been eliminated from organized poultry production in Europe and North America. However, it may still remain in backyards and reappear sporadically on conventional poultry farms. This study presents in detail a recurrent outbreak of pullorum disease on a quail farm. In this case report, we present how epidemiological and bacteriological investigations using molecular sequencing tools were carried out in order to identify the source of contamination. Finally, we identify high-risk sanitary practices, and propose recommendations to manage and control this poultry disease, which has become rare in European countries. Given the development of outdoor farms and the increase in self-consumption family farms, a resurgence of pullorum disease cannot be excluded in the coming years. It is essential to develop effective sanitary barriers to prevent transmission between the two coexisting populations of commercial and non-commercial poultry and to raise awareness among all those involved in the poultry industry to be able to detect any outbreak quickly. Abstract An outbreak of pullorum disease causing septicemia and high mortality was diagnosed in 2019 on a quail farm in western France. An initial episode had been detected in another building at the same site eight months earlier. Given the exceptional nature and the extent of the potential economic consequences of pullorum disease, epidemiological and bacteriological investigations using molecular sequencing tools were carried out. Salmonella Gallinarum and Salmonella Infantis were isolated (using the NF U 47-101 reference method) from samples taken from birds at the infected site. A resurgence of the initial episode by horizontal transmission of S. Gallinarum is the most likely hypothesis, supported by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of the strains isolated during the two episodes. Risk health practices have been identified, including the rearing of animals of different ages and species on the same site. Recurrence is explained by the probable persistence of reservoirs of the pathogen on the site (manure, lesser mealworm beetles). The article also highlights the importance of decontamination measures, including pest control, as a key element in the success of the disease control protocol.

We evaluated the clinical aspects and feeding behavior of cattle with subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) caused by short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Ten healthy Nelore heifers were subjected to an adjusted SARA induction protocol using citrus pulp (CP). Clinical examinations were performed at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 h intervals after induction, with ruminal fluid, blood, and feces sampling. The animals&rsquo, feeding behavior was evaluated on, before, and for 3 days after SARA by observing the animals every 5 min for 24 h. The dry matter intake (DMI) was recorded daily. The ruminal pH during SARA was always lower than baseline, with an acidotic duration of 547 &plusmn, 215 min, a minimum pH of 5.38 &plusmn, 0.16, and an average pH of 5.62 &plusmn, 0.1. SARA was mainly caused by SCFAs (maximum 118.4 &plusmn, 9.3 mmol/L), with the production of l-lactic acids (7.17 mmol/L) and d-lactic acids (0.56 mmol/L) 6 h after the experiment began. The DMI was reduced by 66% and 48% on days 1 and 2, respectively, and returned to normal levels on day 3. SARA caused a reduction in feed intake and rumination time, as well as an increase in the time spent in decubitus on days 1 and 2. These results were influenced by the ruminal pH, ruminal movement, and osmolarity. Furthermore, SARA caused different degrees of depression, which became more pronounced with higher ruminal lactic acid concentrations.

Initial COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in the United Kingdom (23rd March&ndash, 12th May 2020) prompted lifestyle changes for many people. We explored the impact of this lockdown phase on pet dogs using an online survey completed by 6004 dog owners, who provided information including dog management data for the 7 days prior to survey completion (4th&ndash, 12th May 2020), and for February 2020 (pre-lockdown). We explored associations between potential predictors and four outcomes relating to changes pre-/during lockdown (reduction in number and duration of walks, increased frequency of play/training, and provision of toys). Most owners (79.5%) reported their dog&rsquo, s routine had changed compared to pre-lockdown. There was a four-fold increase in the proportion not left alone for &gt, 5 min on any day during a weekly period (14.6% pre-lockdown, 58.0% during lockdown), with the proportion being left for &ge, 3 h at a time decreasing from 48.5% to 5.4%. Dogs were walked less often and for less time daily during lockdown, with factors related to the dog, owner, household, and home location associated with changes to walking practices. Many dogs had more play/training sessions and were given toys more frequently during lockdown. Decreased walk duration was associated with increased odds of play/training opportunities and toy provision. These changes to dog management have the potential for immediate and longer-term welfare problems.

The aim of the study was to compare the morphology and developmental potential of oocytes obtained from adult and prepubertal domestic cats (Felis catus) and wild cats (Lynx lynx, Leptailurus serval, Felis manul, Panthera tigris altaica). The average number of oocytes obtained from an adult domestic cat was 23 &plusmn, 11, which was significantly lower than from kittens (43 &plusmn, 29). A similar number of oocytes was derived from adult Pallas&rsquo, s cats (28 &plusmn, 8), and serval (30). The lowest number of oocytes was collected from the lynx (5 &plusmn, 3). No oocytes were obtained from newborn Amur tiger while in the case of older domestic and Pallas&rsquo, s cat and lynx kittens (1&ndash, 3 months) 43, 48 and 41 oocytes were collected, respectively. Significant differences (p &lt, 0.001) were observed between the number of oocytes with dark cytoplasm from adult and prepubertal animals of all analyzed species. The diameter of oocytes from adult and prepubertal animals was similar in all species, and was on average 161 &plusmn, 4 &micro, m for oocytes with dark cytoplasm and 150 &plusmn, 18 &micro, m for oocytes with light cytoplasm. In all species, oocytes with light cytoplasm were significantly smaller (p &lt, 0.05) than dark ones, and their population was more diverse. Results of in vitro maturation of the domestic and wild cat&prime, s oocytes obtained from adult and prepubertal females were similar (47&ndash, 52%). The cleavage rate after in vitro fertilization (IVF) was lower for prepubertal than adult domestic cats (42 vs. 51%, p &lt, 0.05%). Moreover, we observed differences in the quantity (28 vs. 39%, 0.05) and quality of blastocysts and even greater problems with hatching blastocysts from prepubertal kittens (8 vs. 19%, 0.001). More blastomeres were detected in blastocysts of adult cats. They also demonstrated significantly higher number of inner cell mass (ICM) (p &lt, 0.001) and higher number of trophoblast cells (TE) (p &lt, 0.05).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of supplementing a corn-wheat-soybean meal-based diet with a multicarbohydrase and phytase complex (MCPC) on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, carcass traits, and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 300 pigs (Duroc × Large White × Landrace, body weight = 25.3 ± 0.7 kg) were randomly allotted to three groups with 10 replicates of 10 pigs each. Pigs from three groups were fed positive control (PC) or negative control (NC), without or with MCPC diets, respectively. The MCPC supplied at least 1800, 1244, 6600, and 1000 units of xylanase, β-glucanase, α-arabinofuranosidase, and phytase per kilogram of diet, respectively. The NC diet was the PC diet but reduced in net energy (NE), digestible amino acids (dig. AA), digestible P (dig. P), and Ca by 74 kcal/kg, 7.0%, 0.134, and 0.119 percentage points, respectively. The diets were fed in 4 growth phases based on body weight (BW): phase 1: 25–50 kg, phase 2: 50–75 kg, phase 3: 75–100 kg, and phase 4: 100–135 kg. Compared to the PC, the NC diet decreased (p &lt, 0.05) body weight gain, feed intake, and(or) feed to gain ratio during the growing/finishing phases 1, 2, 3, and 4. It also reduced (p &lt, 0.05) the ATTD of crude protein, crude fat, P, and Ca of pigs. MCPC supplementation improved (p &lt, 0.05) the body weight gain, feed intake, and(or) feed to gain ratio in phases 2, 3, and 4 and the ATTD of crude protein, crude fat, ash, P, and Ca for the NC diet. Additionally, dietary treatment had no effects on carcass traits and meat quality with the exception that the loin eye area in the NC plus MCPC diet was higher (p &lt, 0.05) than the NC diet. In conclusion, the addition of MCPC to a corn-soybean meal-wheat-based diet reduced in energy and nutrients improved the growth performance and nutrient digestibility but had little effect on carcass traits and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs.

The Brazilian Guzerá population originated from a few founders introduced from India. These animals adapted well to the harsh environments in Brazil, were selected for beef, milk, or dual-purpose (beef and milk), and were extensively used to produce crossbred animals. Here, the impact of these historical events with regard to the population structure and genetic diversity in a Guzerá meta-population was evaluated. DNA samples of 744 animals (one dairy, nine dual-purpose, and five beef herds) were genotyped for 21 microsatellite loci. Ho, He, PIC, Fis, Fit, and Fst estimates were obtained considering either farms or lineages as subpopulations. Mean Ho (0.73) and PIC (0.75) suggest that genetic diversity was efficiently conserved. Fit, Fis and Fst values (95% CI) pointed to a low fixation index, and large genetic diversity: Fit (Farms = 0.021–0.100, lineages = 0.021–0.100), Fis (Farms = –0.007–0.076, lineages = −0.014–0.070), and Fst (Farms = 0.0237–0.032, lineages = 0.029–0.038). The dual-purpose herds/selection lines are the most uniform subpopulation, while the beef one preserved larger amounts of genetic diversity among herds. In addition, the dairy herd showed to be genetically distant from other herds. Taken together, these results suggest that this Guzerá meta-population has high genetic diversity, a low degree of population subdivision, and a low inbreeding level.

Simple Summary Leisure horse riding is a leading branch of the equine industry worldwide, thus, horses are used for pleasure and in riding schools represent a much larger group than sports horses. Nevertheless, still little is known about the physiological demands and the nature of the exercise metabolism in school horses. The exercise capacity in sport horses is routinely monitored using blood tests including hemogram parameters and selected biochemical indicators. This study aimed to measure the physical activity-dependent blood indicators during the leisure type of work in riding schools in order to compare them with endurance and race horses’ effort-dependent profiles. The similarities between school and race horses in a high level of erythrogram parameters after effort as well as between school and endurance horses in a high level of white blood cell count and high activity of creatine phosphokinase after effort were demonstrated. However, the fluctuations in physical activity-dependent blood indicators were lower in school than in professional equine athletes. The exception was the lactic acid profile, which achieved higher values than in endurance horses and lower than in race horses. Limiting the school horses monitoring to only the endurance or racing blood profile may result in the omission of significant changes in hematological and biochemical parameters. Abstract Blood testing is one of the most important ways to improve performance, facilitate recovery and monitor the training of endurance and race horses. However, little is known about the physical activity-dependent changes of blood parameters in horses used for pleasure and in riding schools. This study aimed to perform routine blood tests for training monitoring of sport horses in three different horse types of use. Then the values of blood indicators were compared between school, endurance and race horses to find similarities in the physical activity-dependent profile. The study was carried out on 15 endurance, 15 race and 15 school healthy horses who underwent the typical effort for their disciplines. The hemogram parameters, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood lactate (LAC), and total serum protein (TSP) concentrations were measured using the same protocol and equipment. Measurements of main hematological and biochemical physical activity-dependent parameters were conducted before, immediately after and 30 min after training. In school horses, the physical activity-dependent increase of WBC (40.9%) and CPK (76.4%) was similar to endurance horses, whereas an increase of RBC (19.1%), HGB (18.6%) and HCT (19.4%) were more similar to race horses. The moderate effort-dependent increase of LAC concentration (2775%) was lower than in race horses (7526%) and higher than in endurance horses (390%). Limiting the training or work monitoring assessment of school horses to only the endurance or racing blood profile may result in the omission of significant changes in hematological and biochemical parameters.

Simple Summary Near Brindisi (Apulia, S-E Italy), a substantial amount of cash compensation claims for damages reported by local farmers and attributed to starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) has been registered. This led us to conduct this study in order to quantify the starling population wintering in the Apulia region and to assess the potential damage to crop production. Our analysis was conducted over three years, to determine species abundance, their movements, and their preferred areas and crops. The study showed a loss, in terms of gross profitable production, of around 550,000 euros per year, concentrated mainly in a few limited areas. Results on species behaviour, damage quantification, and mapping are useful elements aimed to activate trade-off measures to preserve production and protection objectives, and to allow policymakers to address enforcement interventions and to establish parameters for financial compensation. Abstract The presence of wildlife in areas with a high concentration of farming activities can create a conflict between conservation objectives and productive purposes. Near Brindisi (Apulia, S-E Italy), a substantial amount of cash compensation claims for damages reported by local farmers and attributed to starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) has been registered. The aim of this study was to quantify the starling population wintering in the Apulia region, in order to assess the potential damage to crop production caused by this species. Our analysis was conducted over three years and included three main activities: a study of starling abundance and movements, the identification of areas and crops affected by damages, and a determination of the damage to the agricultural system in terms of quantity and concentration (heatmap). The study showed a loss of expected production that was coherent with the eating capacity of starlings wintering in the region. This means a loss, in terms of gross profitable production, of around 550,000 euros concentrated in a few narrow areas close to the roosts. Results on species behavior, damage quantification, and mapping are useful elements aimed to activate trade-off measures to preserve production and protection objectives, and to allow policymakers to address enforcement interventions and to establish parameters for financial compensation.

Simple Summary Birds perceive light differently than mammals. Unlike mammals, birds’ retinas do not participate in the non-image forming, seasonal breeding aspects of light perception. Birds have deep brain photoreceptors that are involved with the seasonal increase in fertility. Until this study, it was unknown how these brain photoreceptors developed after hatching. Our novel finding is that at least one of the photoreceptors, OPN4, is expressed at high levels on the day of hatching, which suggests that this photoreceptor has functions beyond just the reproductive system. These findings could change how we light poultry barns to improve the growth, health and welfare of our poultry species. Abstract The hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis (HPG) is known to be regulated by daylength through the deep brain photoreceptor (DBP) system. The post-hatch ontogeny is not known for any of the DBPs. We set out to determine the ontogeny of OPN4 and OPN5 gene expression relative to GnRH and GnIH using qRT-PCR. Brains and serum were collected from five drakes and five hens on the day of hatching (Day 0) and again at 2, 4, 6, 10, 14, 19, 25 and 31 weeks of age and analyzed by qRT-PCR. Hen and drake serum was assayed for circulating levels of estradiol and testosterone, respectively. Data were analyzed between sexes over time using a repeated measures two-way ANOVA. Interestingly, the results show that on the day of hatching (Day 0), ducks showed adult-like levels of relative OPN4, but not OPN5, gene expression. During week 10, DBP levels increased, achieving highest relative expression levels at week 19 that maintained through week 31, typically peak fertility in ducks. GnRH mRNA levels increased following the DBP expression at the onset of puberty, and gonadal steroids increased after GnRH at week 14 while estradiol preceded testosterone. GnIH mRNA levels did not appreciably change during the time course of this experiment. These observations suggest that OPN4 may be active during the peri-hatch period and may have physiological roles beyond puberty and fertility.

Simple Summary Leptospirosis is caused by pathogenic spirochaetes of the genus Leptospira. Humans can become infected with these bacteria through direct contact with urine from infected animals or indirectly through interaction with a urine contaminated environment. Among wildlife species, rodents are considered the primary reservoir hosts for leptospirosis in rural and urban environments. Epidemiological data, regarding leptospirosis in various wild species in Europe, suggest that these animals play a different role in leptospiral persistence. Unfortunately, studies on the presence and typing of Leptospira species in wild mammals are lacking in Sardinia. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of Leptospira species in wild mammals. Kidneys collected from carcasses were analyzed by culture and molecular testing. Greater positivity was found in hedgehogs, followed by weasels and rodents. The results obtained suggest that Sardinian fauna may play a possible sentinel role in the transmission cycle of leptospirosis to humans. Gathering this information in different wildlife species is crucial for better understanding of the epidemiology of leptospirosis and for the development of appropriate prevention measures. Abstract Leptospirosis is a global zoonosis caused by pathogenic species of Leptospira that infect a large spectrum of domestic and wild animals. This study is the first molecular identification, characterization, and phylogeny of Leptospira strains with veterinary and zoonotic impact in Sardinian wild hosts. All samples collected were cultured and analyzed by multiplex real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Sequencing, phylogenetic analyses (based on rrs and secY sequences), and Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) based on the analysis of seven concatenated loci were also performed. Results revealed the detection of Leptospira DNA and cultured isolates in 21% and 4% of the samples examined, respectively. Sequence analysis of Leptospira positive samples highlighted the presence of the interrogans and borgpetersenii genospecies that grouped in strongly supported monophyletic clades. MLST analyses identified six different Sequence Types (ST) that clustered in two monophyletic groups specific for Leptospira interrogans, and L. borgpetersenii. This study provided about the prevalence of leptospires in wild mammals in Sardinia, and increased our knowledge of this pathogen on the island. Monitoring Leptospira strains circulating in Sardinia will help clinicians and veterinarians develop strategic plans for the prevention and control of leptospiral infections.

Simple Summary Fat content in the muscle mass (IMF) is one of the most important characteristics influencing the aroma, tenderness, and juiciness of the meat and therefore has high importance for both commercialization purposes and consumers. However, IMF determination currently relies on visual inspection, which is a subjective and inconsistent technique. The aim of the present study is the elaboration of a procedure capable of predicting IMF% in beef carcasses using ultrasound imaging texture analysis. Ultrasound images taken on meat samples were compared to meat composition measured by chemical extraction. Determination coefficient between the two techniques was R2 = 0.76, while Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis showed a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 90%. The results therefore suggest that the described procedure is expected to determine IMF% in muscle with good accuracy. Ultrasound imaging could be applied in routine beef grading practices. This may help to solve the issues related to subjectivity and leave to the operator only imaging acquisition. Better consistency in beef products could enhance consumers’ satisfaction and commercial standardization programs. Abstract Intramuscular fat (IMF) is a major trait in the evaluation of beef meat, but its determination is subjective and inconsistent and still relies on visual inspection. This research objective was a method to predict IMF% from beef meat using ultrasound (US) imaging texture analysis. US images were performed on the longissimus thoracis muscle of 27 Charolaise heifers. Cuts from the 12th to 13th ribs were scanned. The lipid content of the muscle samples was determined with the petrol ether (Randall) extraction method. A stepwise linear discriminant analysis was used to screen US texture parameters. IMF% measured by chemical extraction (IMFqa) was the dependent variable and the results of the texture analysis were the explanatory variables. The model highlighted seven parameters, as a predictive and a multiple regression equation was created. Prediction of IMF content (IMFpred) was then validated using IMFqa as ground truth. Determination coefficient between IMFqa and IMFpred was R2 = 0.76, while the ROC analysis showing a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 90%. Bland-Altman plot upper and lower limit were +1.34 and −1.42, respectively (±1.96 SD), with a mean of −0.04. The results from the present study therefore suggest that prediction of IMF content in muscle mass by US texture analysis is possible.

Simple Summary Mammary gland tumours are the most common canine neoplasms. They account for 25–50% of all tumors diagnosed in bitches. Metastases and recurrences develop in about 35–70% of bitches following excision. The presence of regional lymph node metastases is a relevant factor affecting prognosis and treatment in cases of mammary gland tumors. The sentinel lymph node (SLN) is the first lymph node (or nodes) in the regional lymphatic basin that receives lymphatic flow from the primary neoplasm. As mammary gland tumors mainly spread by lymphatic vessels invasion, conceptually, distant metastasis should not be present if the SLN does not have evidence of a tumor burden. In the present study, an indirect lymphography was used for sentinel lymph node mapping in a cohort of 14 adult female dogs with 24 mammary tumors involving the third to the fifth mammary gland. Contrast was injected around the mammary tumor, and lymph nodes that picked up the contrast were visible after 24 h. The results of this study indicate that the lymph drainage pattern of the neoplastic mammary gland may be different for each tumor. The knowledge of the SLN of the neoplastic mammary glands should be of high importance for the surgeon not only for performing the most adequate surgical excision but also for determining an accurate post-surgical prognosis. Abstract Mammary gland tumors are the most common canine neoplasms. They account for 25–50% of all tumors diagnosed in bitches. Metastases and recurrences develop in about 35–70% of bitches following excision. The presence of regional lymph node metastases is a relevant factor affecting prognosis and treatment in cases of mammary gland tumors. The sentinel lymph node (SLN) is the first lymph node (or nodes) in the regional lymphatic basin that receives lymphatic flow from the primary neoplasm. The aim of this study is to investigate the SLN with indirect lymphography for a mammary tumor in dogs. The knowledge of the precise drainage pattern and SLN of the neoplastic mammary glands would provide clinically relevant information to the surgeon and to the oncologist, and it would be of high importance for the surgeon not only for performing the most adequate surgical excision but also for determining an accurate post-surgical prognosis.

This study investigated the dietary effects of Moringa oleifera leaves supplementation on egg quality, laying performance, excreta ammonia concentrations and serum biochemistry of laying chickens during the late laying period. A total of 240 64-week-old Hy-Line Brown hens were assigned to four treatment diets including Moringa oleifera leaves at 0, 3, 6 or 9 g/kg, respectively, for eight weeks. The treatments had twelve replicates with five hens each. The results revealed that incremental dietary Moringa oleifera leaves significantly increased (p &lt, 0.01) egg weight, production, and mass through 64–68, 68–72 and 64–72 weeks of age. Simultaneously, feed conversion ratio was significantly improved (p &lt, 0.01) with Moringa oleifera leaves supplementation compared with the control. Haugh units and the thickness of eggshells significantly improved as a response to diets supplemented with 3, 6 and 9 g/kg Moringa oleifera leaves at 72 weeks of age. Interestingly, excreta ammonia concentrations, serum cholesterol, aspartate transaminase and alanine aminotransferase significantly decreased by Moringa oleifera leaves supplementation compared with the control group. In conclusion, introducing Moringa oleifera leaves supplementation at 3, 6 and 9 g/kg increased egg production, eggshell quality, Haugh units, and decreased serum cholesterol, triglycerides, excreta ammonia concentrations besides serum liver enzymes, uric acid and creatinine. Overall, based on the observed results, Moringa oleifera leaves supplementation was very promising and these leaves could be used as an effective feed additive in laying hens’ diet during the late laying period.

Simple Summary The entrapment of the left large colon in the nephrosplenic space is a common cause of colic in horses but not in miniature horses and pony breeds. Different techniques have been proposed to prevent this problem, such as colopexy, large colon resection or nephrosplenic space (NSS) ablation. The most recent methods involve closing the NSS with a minimally invasive technique with the horse standing. Multiple techniques have been described for laparoscopic NSS ablation, among which are ablation with a barbed suture and ablation with prosthetic mesh. Although these two methods have been proposed as valid and effective, no direct comparison has yet been made between them. In this study, the two techniques are compared in terms of duration of surgery, short- and long-term complications, and costs. Abstract Nephrosplenic space (NSS) ablation has been demonstrated to be an effective technique for prevention of left dorsal displacement of the large colon and multiple laparoscopic techniques, among which ablation with mesh or with a barbed suture, have been proposed. Our objective was to compare two laparoscopic techniques for closure of the NSS in twenty-eight horses diagnosed with nephrosplenic entrapment. Medical records of horses that had laparoscopic NSS ablation in two referral centers between 2017–2019 were retrieved. Duration of surgery, complications, and short- and long-term follow-up information were collected and compared. Costs were also calculated and compared. All horses met the inclusion criteria: 9 had NSS ablation with a mesh implant (group M), 19 with barbed suture material (group B). One horse in group B had recurrent colic after discharge. At control laparoscopy after 5 months, the NSS resulted in still not being ablated because of a failure of the suture. In group M, three horses had recurrent colic. One was successfully treated medically, one died of unknown causes and the third required a second laparoscopic suturing at 3–6 months because of failure of the mesh implant. The mean time of surgery and costs were lower in group B compared to group M. The barbed suture technique was faster, more cost-effective and had a lower complication rate than the mesh implant.

A total of 160 1-day-old medium-growing male chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus) were raised for 120 days in a certified organic farming system. A total of two strains were studied (Coloryield, CY, RedBro, RB). Overall, two weather periods were considered based on the outdoor temperature, being S1 colder than S2. In total, 40 chicks per strain were assigned to each period (n = 80). Chickens were fed ad libitum with the same organic feeds. In the first month, chickens were kept indoors and, from day 30, they had access to the pasture. Slaughter live weight (LW), average daily gains, (ADG), the feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality rates did not differ between the two strains. LW was (p &lt, 0.05) higher in the S1 and a trend (p = 0.084) was observed for ADG, which was higher in S1. No differences were found for feed intake, FCR, and mortality rates between weather periods. There were no differences for coefficient of variation (CV) between the strains studied, nevertheless, CV for LW in S2 was increased. Differences in the productive performance between these strains raised in organic production systems were slight. However, chickens raised in S1 had a better performance. It would be preferable to raise chickens in these weather conditions whenever possible.

Effect of the gestational day (GD) 7 embryo quality grade (QG) and subclinical endometritis (SCE) on mRNA and protein expressions of candidate genes [Interferon-τ (IFNT), IFN stimulated genes (ISG15, CTSL1, RSAD2, SLC2A1, CXCL10, and SLC27A6), Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARA, D, and G), Retinoid X receptors (RXRA, B, and G), and Mucin-1 (MUC1)] in GD16 conceptus and corresponding endometrium were evaluated. After screening of performance records (n = 2389) and selection of repeat breeders (n = 681), cows with SCE (≥6% polymorphonuclear neutrophils—PMN, n = 180) and no-SCE (&lt, 6%PMN, n = 180) received GD7 embryos of different QGs. Based on GD16 conceptus recovery, cows with SCE (n = 30) and No- SCE (n = 30) that received GD7 embryos QG1 (good, n = 20), 2 (fair, n = 20), and 3 (poor, n = 20) were included for gene analysis. mRNA and protein expressions (IFNT, ISG15, CXCL10, PPARG, RXRG, SLC2A1, and SLC27A6) differed between SCE and embryo QG groups. All genes but MUC1 and all proteins but MUC1 expression was greater in filamentous conceptus and corresponding endometrium vs. tubular conceptus and matching endometrium in SCE and embryo QG groups. In conclusion, disrupted embryo-uterine communication by altered expression of candidate genes in SCE cows, and in cows following the transfer of poor embryo negatively programs the conceptus development and plausibly affects conceptus survival.

Simple Summary Melatonin improves the quality and in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes under heat stress. Melatonin treatment counteracts the adverse effects induced by heat stress (HS), such as the poor survival rate and maturation rate, distribution of α-tubulin and F-actin, expression of NRF2 and GDF9 mRNA. However, HS and melatonin have similar effects on increasing expression of HSP70 and NRF2 mRNA. Furthermore, HS inhibits expression of GDF9 mRNA. Abstract Melatonin enhances the quality and in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes under heat stress (HS), but the mechanism of melatonin in reducing HS injury on oocytes is not fully understood. In this study, porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were randomly divided into three groups. The COCs of the control group were cultured at 38.5 °C for 42 h, and the COCs of the HS group were cultured at 41.5 °C for 4 h, and then transferred into 38.5 °C for 38 h. The COCs of the HS + melatonin group were cultured with 10−9 M melatonin under the same conditions as the HS group. The survival rate, maturation rate, distribution of α-tubulin and F-actin of the oocytes were assessed. In addition, the expression profiles for genes related to the oocyte maturation, including heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR. The results showed that HS decreased the survival rate and maturation rate, distribution of α-tubulin and F-actin, but melatonin treatment could partly counteract these adverse effects. In addition, HS increased expression of HSP70 and NRF2 mRNA, and melatonin treatment had a similar effect on HSP70 expression, but had a contrary effect on NRF2 expression. Furthermore, HS inhibited expression of CDK1 and GDF9 mRNA, but melatonin treatment could weaken the effect on GDF9 expression induced by HS. In summary, melatonin treatment could attenuate the unfavorable effects induced by HS to enhance developmental competence of porcine oocytes during IVM.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a long-acting selenium (Se) preparation administered to sheep. The experiment was conducted on 30 dams and 36 lambs divided into three equal groups of 10 dams and 12 lambs each: Control—C, and two experimental groups—E (Se administered to pregnant ewes) and EI (Se administered directly to lambs after the colostral period). The Se preparation (Barium Selenate Injection, BVP Animal Care, 50 mg/mL) was administered by injection at 1 mL/50 kg (1 mg Se/kg) body weight (BW) to group E ewes in the third month of pregnancy (between 70 and 90 days) and to group EI lambs between 4 and 7 days of age. The following parameters were determined: Se concentration in the blood of ewes, milk yield, milk composition, Se concentration in milk, hematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters and Se concentration in the blood of lambs, growth rate and in vivo measurements of lean meat and fat content in lambs. Barium selenate significantly improved the Se status of dams and lambs, regardless of whether it was administered to pregnant ewes or directly to lambs in the first week of their life. The milk of ewes receiving the Se preparation was characterized by higher concentrations of fat and dry matter. The Se preparation induced significant changes in immunological parameters, thus enhancing defense mechanisms in lambs. The Se preparation exerted more stimulatory effects on humoral and cellular immune responses when administered directly to lambs after the colostral period (group EI) than to pregnant ewes (group E). The results of this study indicate that the long-acting Se preparation delivers benefits to sheep by boosting their immunity and, therefore, improving performance.

Simple Summary Population and health management of dogs and cats in remote communities is challenging due to limited access to veterinary services and high reproductive rates. Financial support for companion animal management within communities is limited and programs delivered by external providers rarely achieve sustainable outcomes. An alternative approach, whereby community participation is enlisted from the beginning before implementing any interventions, may help to achieve sustainable improvements in animal populations and to improve animal health. To this end, stakeholders were interviewed and it was determined that dog overpopulation was the overarching issue. Focus group discussions were then conducted with three of the four same stakeholder groups to uncover the main causes of this issue, followed by solutions being generated that the community could undertake to address the issue. Similar causes were discussed and multiple solutions were developed, with education and training prioritised as the top solutions by all three groups. These will require transformational social adaptations to build the capacity of the local community to implement the solutions. Abstract Companion animal management in Australian remote Aboriginal communities (rAcs) is a complex problem with multiple stakeholders involved, with differing needs, knowledge, power and resources. The Comm4Unity (Cycle of Multiple Methods for Unity—For Community) approach was designed to address such problems. This study represents the second step of the Comm4Unity framework, where a causal loop analysis (CLA) was adapted and tested as a tool to address the issue of dog overpopulation in Wurrumiyanga, and in particular the systemic causes of the problem and necessary transformational management solutions. Ten focus group discussions (FGDs) were held amongst three of the four stakeholder groups identified during the first step in the analysis. The CLA identified 13 positive feedback loops, which drive vicious cycles and perpetuate the dog overpopulation issue. All three groups agreed and developed 22 solutions to address the causes of dog overpopulation. Despite the differences in the framings of the three groups, “training” and “education” were both the top priority solutions for all three groups. The majority of the solutions discussed by the groups were not only transformational but also social, requiring collaboration. This study was successful in so far as transformational actions were co-developed by all FGDs, which may have also built capacity and agency amongst the local community to implement them as a cohesive group.

Simple Summary Toxoplasma gondii is a significant pathogen affecting humans and animals. Rodents are known to be reservoir hosts of T. gondii and therefore play a significant role in the dissemination of this parasite. We conducted seromonitoring for T. gondii in four sylvatic rodent species in Poland. We report an overall seroprevalence of 5.5% (3.6% for Myodes glareolus and 20% for other vole species). Seroprevalence in bank voles varied significantly between host age and sex. Our results, therefore, make a significant contribution to the understanding of the role of wild rodent populations in the maintenance and dissemination of T. gondii and identify key factors that affect the magnitude of seroprevalence in specific host populations. Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular Apicomplexan parasite with a broad range of intermediate hosts, including humans and rodents. Rodents are considered to be reservoirs of infection for their predators, including cats, felids, pigs, and wild boars. We conducted a multi-site, long-term study on T. gondii in northeastern Poland. The study aimed to monitor the seroprevalence of T. gondii in the four abundant vole species found in the region (Myodes glareolus, Microtus arvalis, Microtus agrestis, and Alexandromys oeconomus) and to assess the influence of both extrinsic (year of study and study site) and intrinsic (host sex and host age) factors on seroprevalence. A bespoke enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect antibodies against T. gondii. We examined 577 rodent individuals and detected T. gondii antibodies in the sera of all four rodent species with an overall seroprevalence of 5.5% [4.2–7.3] (3.6% [2.6–4.9] for M. glareolus and 20% [12–30.9] for M. arvalis, M. agrestis, and A. oeconomus). Seroprevalence in bank voles varied significantly between host age and sex. Seroprevalence increased with host age and was higher in females than males. These results contribute to our understanding of the distribution and abundance of T. gondii in voles in Poland and confirm that T. gondii also circulates in M. glareolus and M. arvalis, M. agrestis and A. oeconomus. Therefore, they may potentially play a role as reservoirs of this parasite in the sylvatic environment.

Simple Summary In order to develop strategies to monitor and mitigate high incidences of hyperketonemia in dairy herds, the factors associated with the fluctuations of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration during early lactation need to be assessed. Body condition score (BCS), as well as the change in BCS during the late dry period are elements that are highly related to the mobilization of body reserves, and the proper adaptation during the transition period of dairy cattle. Our objective was to describe the pattern of blood BHB concentration and the development of hyperketonemia during the first 14 days of lactation on the basis of both a single measurement of BCS (−21 d) and the change in BCS during the late dry period. Additionally, we aimed to characterize the association between changes in BCS and milk yield and milk composition in the first monthly test. Our results suggest that changes in BCS are associated with fluctuations in BHB concentration during early lactation. In addition, we observed that cows with a loss in BCS greater than 0.5 units during the late dry period have a higher risk of having elevated BHB concentrations and incidence of hyperketonemia than cows with no change in BCS in the late dry period. Moreover, these cows also experienced lower milk production at the first monthly milk test. Abstract Monitoring the body condition score (BCS) of dairy cows is a management strategy that can assist dairy producers in decision-making. The BCS and its variations reflect the level of body fat reserves and fat mobilization throughout the different stages of lactation. Cows that mobilize excessive amounts of fat reserves in response to the increased energy requirements of the transition period are more likely to have higher beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration in blood, leading to a higher incidence of hyperketonemia postpartum. In this study, our main objective was to evaluate how both BCS (at 21 d prior to the expected calving date, −21 BCS) and change in BCS during the late dry period (−21 d to calving, ∆BCS) are associated with temporal patterns of blood BHB concentrations during the first two weeks of lactation. Our secondary objective was to characterize the relationship between the change in BCS in the late dry period, and milk yield and milk composition in the first milk test postpartum. In this retrospective cohort study, we assessed BCS at 21 (±3) days before the expected calving date and within three days after calving. Blood BHB concentration was measured at days 3 (±1), 7 (±1), and 14 (±1) postpartum. Hyperketonemia (HYK) was defined as blood BHB ≥ 1.2 mmol/L. To evaluate how −21 BCS and ∆BCS during the late dry period were associated with BHB in early lactation, linear mixed-effects regression models with an unstructured covariate matrix were performed. The association between ∆BCS and incidence of postpartum HYK were determined using a multivariable log-binomial model. A linear regression model was used to evaluate the association between ∆BCS and milk yield and milk composition in the first monthly test-day. Covariates used for model adjustment include parity, season, and baseline BCS. We observed that cows with BCS ≥ 4.0 at 21 d before their expected calving date had the highest BHB concentration postpartum, but no evidence that BCS ≥ 4.0 at 21 d was associated with fluctuations of BHB over time. Cows that experienced a large BCS loss (larger than 0.5 units) during the late dry period had a 61% (95% CI: 1.04, 2.50) higher risk of developing HYK in early lactation and had higher BHB concentrations during early lactation compared with cows with no ∆BCS prepartum. These associations were observed independently of the BCS at −21 d prepartum (baseline). In addition, cows that lost more than 0.5 BCS unit in the late dry period produced 3.3 kg less milk (95% CI: −7.06, 0.45) at the first milk test compared to cows that had no ∆BCS during the late dry period. No evidence of an association between −21 BCS and ∆BCS in the late dry period and milk composition was observed in our study. These results suggest that dynamic measures of BCS during the late dry period, such as ∆BCS, are better at evaluating blood BHB patterns in early lactation than BCS measured at a single time point. Cows with larger BCS loss during the late dry period and with greater parity are more likely to have higher concentrations of blood BHB postpartum, with the highest concentrations reported at 7 d post-calving.

In autumn calving dairy herds, treatment of cattle not observed in estrus prior to the breeding season is common. Routinely, a single prostaglandin or a modified Ovsynch (MOFT) protocol are used—without evidence of their relative effectiveness. This study compares the effects on conception, associated timing, and profitability of administering cows with prostaglandin or MOFT treatment. A hundred and ninety-two Holstein-Friesian cows from three herds without an observed estrus within 28-days before mating start date were randomly treated with d-cloprostenol (PGOD) or an 8-day MOFT protocol. The association of treatment and calving-breeding start-date interval (CBSI) on the risk of conception were investigated. Partial budget, sensitivity analysis, and Monte Carlo simulation was used to assess economic performance, identify critical input variables, and explore the effects of input uncertainties on model output. There was a significant association between MOFT treatment and conception during 21 and 84 days after mating start date, compared to PGOD. MOFT treatment was associated with a mean net benefit of £58.21 (sd £19.42) and £27.29 (sd £17.75) per cow for herds with a fixed or variable dry-off date, respectively. The relative profitability of an MOFT protocol is dependent on its effects on barren rate and herd dry-off strategy.

This In Vitro study was conducted to investigate the impact of plant-bioactives extract (PE), a combination of garlic powder and bitter orange extract, on methane production, rumen fermentation, and digestibility in different feeding models. The dietary treatments were 1000 g grass/kg ration + 0 g concentrate/kg ration (100:0), 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, and 20:80. The PE was supplemented at 200 g/kg of the feed. Each group consisted of 6 replicates. The experiment was performed as an In Vitro batch culture for 24 h at 39 °C. This procedure was repeated in three consecutive runs. The results of this experiment showed that supplementation with PE strongly reduced methane production in all kinds of feeding models (p &lt, 0.001). Its efficacy in reducing methane/digestible dry matter was 44% in the 100:0 diet, and this reduction power increased up to a 69.2% with the inclusion of concentrate in the 20:80 diet. The PE application significantly increased gas and carbon dioxide production and the concentration of ammonia-nitrogen, but decreased the pH (p &lt, 0.001). In contrast, it did not interfere with organic matter and fiber digestibility. Supplementation with PE was effective in altering rumen fermentation toward less acetate and more propionate and butyrate (p &lt, 0.001). Additionally, it improved the production of total volatile fatty acids in all feeding models (p &lt, 0.001). In conclusion, the PE combination showed effective methane reduction by improving rumen fermentation characteristics without exhibiting adverse effects on fiber digestibility. Thus, PE could be used with all kinds of feeding models to effectively mitigate methane emissions from ruminants.

Simple Summary Working equids play an essential role in the livelihoods of millions of families around the world. The way people, especially their caretakers, perceive them affects attitudes towards them and consequently their welfare. This study aimed to understand the perceptions and attitudes of soldiers towards the mules they work with. For this, psychological constructs, such as empathy and pain perception, and discourse analysis were used. The results show that soldiers’ empathy towards animals is positively associated with their perception of pain and empathy towards humans. Soldiers prefer to work with mules over donkeys and horses, and perceive mules as intelligent and with the best aptitudes for pack work in the mountains, although they perceive them as aggressive. The text analysis shows that soldiers have a good understanding of mules’ nutritional, environmental and health needs but require a better understanding of their behavioral and emotional needs. Finally, they see mules as strong and noble animals, valuable to work under difficult field conditions and an essential component that supports army logistics in the mountain. Future selection and training strategies for soldiers should include behavior and welfare concepts to facilitate the soldier–mule relationship and improve mules’ welfare. Abstract Mules are essential for pack work in mountainous areas, but there is a lack of research on this species. This study intends to assess the perceptions, attitudes, empathy and pain perception of soldiers about mules, to understand the type of human–mule relationship. For this, a survey was applied with closed-ended questions where the empathy and pain perception tools were included and later analyzed through correlations. Open-ended questions were analyzed through text mining. A total of 73 soldiers were surveyed. They had a wide range of ages and years of experience working with equids. Significant positive correlations were found between human empathy, animal empathy and pain perception. Soldiers show a preference for working with mules over donkeys and horses. Text mining analysis shows three clusters associated with the mules’ nutritional, environmental and health needs. In the same line, relevant relations were found for the word “attention” with “load”, “food”, and “harness”. When asked what mules signify for them, two clusters were found, associated with mules’ working capacity and their role in the army. Relevant relations were found between the terms “mountain”, “support”, and “logistics”, and also between “intelligent” and “noble”. To secure mules’ behavioral and emotional needs, future training strategies should include behavior and welfare concepts.

Simple Summary Nematode infections may increase mortality and welfare problems in laying hens. The two ascarid worms, Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum, are highly prevalent in laying hens kept in non-cage housing systems worldwide. The ability of a host to expel pathogens is a component of resistance to diseases. The molecular basis of differences between different host animals in their efficiency to expel worms is, however, not well understood. Therefore, we performed a detailed analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in two chicken genotypes (Lohmann Brown Plus (LB), Lohmann Dual (LD)), each with a lower or higher infection intensity level of A. galli and H. gallinarum. Our data showed significant upregulation of Guanylate Binding Protein 7 (GBP7) in LD hens. Gene ontology analysis revealed higher transcriptome activity related to “response to external stimulus” in LB hens, implying a higher stress response in this genotype. In contrast, LD hens showed higher transcriptomic expression of genes associated with a higher tolerance to infections. Abstract Here, we describe the first transcriptomic investigation of the peripheral blood of chickens exposed to Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum infections. We investigated differentially expressed gene (DEG) patterns in two chicken genotypes with either a higher (Lohmann Brown Plus, LB) or lower (Lohmann Dual, LD) laying performance level. The hens were experimentally coinfected with A. galli and H. gallinarum, and their worm burdens and infection parameters were determined six weeks post infection. Based on most representative infection parameters, the hens were clustered into lower- and higher-infection intensity classes. We identified a total of 78 DEGs contributing to infection-related phenotypic variation in the two genotypes. Our data showed significant upregulation of Guanylate Binding Protein 7 (GBP7) in LD hens, making it a promising candidate for tolerance to ascarid infections in chickens. Gene ontology analysis revealed higher transcriptome activity related to biological processes such as “response to external stimulus” in LB hens, implying a higher stress response in this genotype. In contrast, LD hens showed higher transcriptomic expression of genes related to ontology classes that are possibly associated with a higher tolerance to infections. These findings may help explain why lower-performing genotypes (i.e., LD) are less sensitive to infections in terms of maintaining their performance.

Simple Summary The Animal Welfare Assessment Grid is a method for assessing quality of life, originally designed for experimental primates. This study adapts this welfare assessment tool for use in cattle and pigs, by adapting the factors included in welfare assessment for these species and including data which had been collected previously as the standard approach to monitoring these species in a research setting. The main intention is that the results presented will demonstrate how the data collected in a research environment can be improved for welfare assessment and also demonstrate the applicability of this welfare assessment tool to cattle and pigs. This paper emphasises the importance of including behavioural information when assessing welfare and not simply relying on assessment of physical condition. As a tool for assessing quality of life over a lifetime, the Animal Welfare Assessment Grid also demonstrated the potential for aiding the decision-making of when euthanasia should be performed. Abstract The Animal Welfare Assessment Grid (AWAG) is a method for assessing quality of life, originally designed for experimental primates. This study adapts the AWAG for use in cattle and pigs, by adapting the factors included for these species and including data which had been collected previously as the standard approach to monitoring these species in research. The intention is that the results presented here will allow the future data collected for experimental cattle and pigs to be optimised for inclusion in an AWAG. Data were collected from two vaccine assessment studies at the Pirbright Institute. Factors were scored for every recorded event using retrospective data and CCTV clips. There was a lack of behavioural data recorded in both studies, which limited the accuracy of assessing each animal’s welfare. This paper emphasises the importance of including behavioural information when assessing welfare and not simply relying on assessment of physical condition. Scores peaked following an exponential rise as animals reached set humane end points. This demonstrated the potential of using the AWAG to aid the decision-making of when euthanasia should be performed. Our study shows the AWAG to be a useful tool for assessing welfare, which can be used in harm:benefit assessment.

Simple Summary A digital twin can be described as a digital replica of a real-world entity. It simulates the physical state and maybe the biological state and behavior of the real-world entity based on input data. It helps in predicting, optimizing, and improving decision making. It has revolutionized the industrial world, particularly the manufacturing industry, construction and healthcare sector, smart cities, and energy industry. In this perspectives paper, we explore the development and implementation of the digital twin in modern animal farming. In addition to showcasing potential applications, this review provides in-depth insights about the potential implementation and characterization of digital twins in modern animal farming. Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and big data are consistently called upon to analyze and comprehend many facets of modern daily life. AI and ML in particular are widely used in animal husbandry to monitor both the animals and environment around the clock, which leads to a better understanding of animal behavior and distress, disease control and prevention, and effective business decisions for the farmer. One particularly promising area that advances upon AI is digital twin technology, which is currently used to improve efficiencies and reduce costs across multiple industries and sectors. In contrast to a model, a digital twin is a digital replica of a real-world entity that is kept current with a constant influx of data. The application of digital twins within the livestock farming sector is the next frontier and has the potential to be used to improve large-scale precision livestock farming practices, machinery and equipment usage, and the health and well-being of a wide variety of farm animals. The mental and emotional states of animals can be monitored using recognition technology that examines facial features, such as ear postures and eye white regions. Used with modeling, simulation and augmented reality technologies, digital twins can help farmers to build more energy-efficient housing structures, predict heat cycles for breeding, discourage negative behaviors of livestock, and potentially much more. As with all disruptive technological advances, the implementation of digital twin technology will demand a thorough cost and benefit analysis of individual farms. Our goal in this review is to assess the progress toward the use of digital twin technology in livestock farming, with the goal of revolutionizing animal husbandry in the future.

Simple Summary Heat stress is a significant threat to the pigs’ production performance as it greatly affects various body systems, particularly those that are responsible for nutrient digestion and absorption. Heat-stress-induced stressors such as oxidative stress threaten the integrity and functionality of the intestine by negatively affecting its morphology and histology through reduction of villus height, crypt depth, villus height to crypt depth ratio, mucosal surface and villi sloughing. Its protective function is also compromised as heat stress negatively influences the expression of tight junction proteins and disrupts the tight junction barrier function, leading to endotoxemia. These adverse effects of heat stress can be highly mitigated by supplementing dietary antioxidants, as these substances positively influence the intestinal integrity and function of pigs through the improvement of intestinal morphology and histology. Reduction of blood endotoxin through improved tight junction barrier function and depletion of oxidative stress with enhanced mucosal antioxidant capacity is also evident upon such supplementation. Abstract Heat stress (HS) significantly affects the performance of pigs by its induced stressors such as inflammation, hypoxia and oxidative stress (OS), which mightily strain the intestinal integrity and function of pigs. As heat stress progresses, several mechanisms in the intestinal epithelium involved in the absorption of nutrients and its protective functions are altered. Changes in these mechanisms are mainly driven by cellular oxidative stress, which promotes disruption of intestinal homeostasis, leading to intestinal permeability, emphasizing intestinal histology and morphology with little possibility of recovering even after exposure to HS. Identification and understanding of these altered mechanisms are crucial for providing appropriate intervention strategies. Therefore, it is this papers’ objective to review the important components for intestinal integrity that are negatively affected by HS and its induced stressors. With due consideration to the amelioration of such effects through nutritional intervention, this work will also look into the capability of dietary antioxidants in mitigating such adverse effects and maintaining the intestine’s integrity and function upon the pigs’ exposure to high environmental temperature.

Simple Summary Horses are susceptible to a condition known as Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), which is somewhat similar to metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes in people, and is characterized by elevated insulin levels and increased susceptibility to other adverse health outcomes. Common treatments, including change to an all-hay diet and a drug called metformin, may provide benefits through modulation of intestinal bacteria, collectively known as the gut microbiota. In the studies reported here, horses undergoing such a diet change, regardless of the presence of metformin, showed a significant expansion in their fecal microbiota of a specific, poorly characterized group of bacteria. Notably, this phylum is distantly related to the bacteria found to expand in the fecal microbiota of mice and humans following metformin administration, suggesting removal from pasture to reduce the caloric intake may exert effects on the equine microbiota similar to those seen in other host species treated with metformin. Abstract Common treatments for Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and associated conditions include removal from pasture and adoption of an all-hay diet. Pharmacological treatments for EMS include metformin, a biguanide antihyperglycemic agent also administered to people to help improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Both treatments may work, at least partially, through the gut microbiota, yet little is known regarding these effects in the equine host. To determine the influence on the fecal microbiota of this diet change and administration of metformin, six healthy horses were removed from pasture and switched to an all-hay diet, with four of those horses also receiving oral metformin for seven days. Control horses (n = 24) remaining on pasture and receiving no metformin were sampled at the beginning and end of one week. All samples were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing, and horses undergoing the diet change were subjected to an oral sugar test twice, one week apart. Characteristic changes in the microbiota following diet change included the significant expansion of the phylum Kiritimatiellaeota. As Kiritimatiellaeota are related to Verrucomicrobia, found to expand in the microbiota of mice and humans in response to metformin, this taxon may represent the cognate microbes in equine hosts.

Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has described equine endurance racing as the second largest discipline in the world, above which is only show jumping. The Žemaitukai is an ancient indigenous Lithuanian horse breed known since the 6th or 7th century. The Arabian horse breed is one of the oldest human-developed horse breeds in the world. Compared with other race horse breeds, the muscle tissue of Arabian horses is characterized by significant differences in structure—a predominance of oxidative fiber type I is observed in Arabians, making them the prevailing breed in endurance racing. The Arabian horses are recognized as the leading breed in endurance competitions. Speed, pace, and total time in the race strategy have been extensively studied in human sports, and in contrast, this strategy appears to have been virtually ignored in equestrian sport, despite the potential for contributing to performance optimization. In relation to speed and total time in the race, there are limited data on postrace physical, biochemical, and blood gas parameters of endurance horses. Thus, this study was carried out to investigate the effects of speed on the blood parameters of the Arabian and Žemaitukai horses during an endurance race. Blood samples were taken before and immediately after the exercise. Biochemical and blood gas indicators were analyzed. The study showed significant increases in mean blood gasometrical indicators, such as partial carbon dioxide pressure (8.09–15.18%, p &lt, 0.001), base excess in the extracellular fluid (14.01%, p &lt, 0.001 in the Arabian horses and 172.01% in the Žemaitukai breed, p = 0.006), decreases of the blood electrolyte ionized calcium (4.38–8.72%, p &lt, 0.001) and the hematocrit and hemoglobin values (20.05–20.12%, p &lt, 0.001 in the Arabian horses and 6.22–6.23% in the Žemaitukai breed, p = 0.003–0.004), and decreases in the base excess in the blood values (29.24–39.38%, p &lt, 0.001) and lactate (13.45–31.97%, p &lt, 0.001) in the blood of both breeds in the post-competition horses. Significant increases after competition were determined for the values of creatinine (21.34–30.82%, p = 0.001–0.004), total bilirubin (50.84–56.24%, PH &lt, 0.001), and albumin (2.63–4.48%, p = 0.048–0.001) for both breeds. For the faster Arabian horse breed, recovering after racing took half the time that the local Žemaitukai breed did.

Simple Summary The camel milk market was limited for a long time by its almost exclusive self-consumption use in nomadic camps. Significant development has been observed for the past two or three decades, including internationally, boosted by its reputation regarding its health effects for regular consumers. Such emergence has led the stakeholders in the sector to offer diversified products corresponding to the tastes of increasingly urbanized consumers, more sensitive to “modern” products. Thus, traditionally drunk in raw or naturally fermented form, camel milk has undergone unprecedented transformations such as pasteurization, directed fermentation, cheese or yoghurt processing, and manufacture of milk powder for the export market. However, the specific characteristics of this milk (composition, physical properties) mean that the technologies applied (copied from technologies used for cow milk) must be adapted. In this review, some technological innovations are presented, enabling stakeholders of the camel milk sector to satisfy the demand of manufacturers and consumers. Abstract Camel milk is a newcomer to domestic markets and especially to the international milk market. This recent emergence has been accompanied by a diversification of processed products, based on the technologies developed for milk from other dairy species. However, technical innovations had to be adapted to a product with specific behavior and composition. The transformation of camel milk into pasteurized milk, fermented milk, cheese, powder, or other products was supported, under the pressure of commercial development, by technological innovations made possible by a basic and applied research set. Some of these innovations regarding one of the less studied milk sources are presented here, as well as their limitations. Technical investigations for an optimal pasteurization, development of controlled fermentation at industrial scale, control of cheese technology suitable for standardized production, and improvements in processes for the supply of a high-quality milk powder are among the challenges of research regarding camel milk.

Simple Summary This review attempts to provide information on the various impacts of heat stress on the production and welfare variables of goats. Goats are predominantly distributed in tropical regions, and hence they are considered a species readily able to survive and produce in these demanding environments. However, the production of goats can be compromised to a degree to survive in harsh environments. Hence, having an in-depth understanding of the various impacts of heat stress on goat production and adaptation may yield important biomarkers to assess welfare in goats. Such efforts may help in the future to breed goats, which could survive and produce optimally under harsh conditions. Abstract This review attempted to collate and synthesize information on goat welfare and production constraints during heat stress exposure. Among the farm animals, goats arguably are considered the best-suited animals to survive in tropical climates. Heat stress was found to negatively influence growth, milk and meat production and compromised the immune response, thereby significantly reducing goats’ welfare under extensive conditions and transportation. Although considered extremely adapted to tropical climates, their production can be compromised to cope with heat stress. Therefore, information on goat adaptation and production performance during heat exposure could help assess their welfare. Such information would be valuable as the farming communities are often struggling in their efforts to assess animal welfare, especially in tropical regions. Broadly three aspects must be considered to ensure appropriate welfare in goats, and these include (i) housing and environment; (ii) breeding and genetics and (iii) handling and transport. Apart from these, there are a few other negative welfare factors in goat rearing, which differ across the production system being followed. Such negative practices are predominant in extensive systems and include nutritional stress, limited supply of good quality water, climatic extremes, parasitic infestation and lameness, culminating in low production, reproduction and high mortality rates. Broadly two types of methodologies are available to assess welfare in goats in these systems: (i) animal-based measures include behavioral measurements, health and production records and disease symptoms; (ii) resources based and management-based measures include stocking density, manpower, housing conditions and health plans. Goat welfare could be assessed based on several indicators covering behavioral, physical, physiological and productive responses. The important indicators of goat welfare include agonistic behavior, vocalization, skin temperature, body condition score (BCS), hair coat conditions, rectal temperature, respiration rate, heart rate, sweating, reduced growth, reduced milk production and reduced reproductive efficiency. There are also different approaches available by which the welfare of goats could be assessed, such as naturalistic, functional and subjective approaches. Thus, assessing welfare in goats at every production stage is a prerequisite for ensuring appropriate production in this all-important species to guarantee optimum returns to the marginal and subsistence farmers.

Offspring born to dams genetically tested for resistance to fescue toxicity were separated in groups based on their dams’ resistance level (tolerant vs. susceptible). Rumen-protected niacin (RPN) is proposed as a potential alleviator for vasoconstriction produced by fescue toxicity. Complete blood count (CBC) analysis was utilized for detection of significant responses to treatments applied. Our objectives were as follows: (a) to analyze changes in CBC due to fescue toxicity, maternal resistance level, and RPN in growing offspring, and (b) to assess the effects of maternal resistance level when consuming endophyte-infected tall fescue seeds in addition to RPN in offspring performance. Body weight, average daily gain, or health status were not improved by RPN or the genetic test to detect fescue toxicity resistance. Typical signs of alkaloids intoxication and heat stress were noticed in offspring. Particularly, rectal temperature was greater for susceptible control heifers. Results showed that susceptible control offspring presented signs of anemia denoted by low mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). High levels of white blood cells (WBC) and basophils in combination to low neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio were the signs of infection or inflammation detected in the CBC analysis, especially in tolerant niacin steers. Furthermore, offspring of control heifers had a greater percentage of reticulocytes and RDW, denoting signs of anemia.

The aim of this work was to improve the growth characteristics of Murciano-Granadina (MG) kids through terminal crossbreeding of MG goats to Boer bucks. Four experiments were carried out, using a total of 354 MG goats, half of which were mated with MG bucks (n = 12) and the other half with Boer bucks (n = 12). The kids were raised in artificial rearing until slaughter weight (9 kg). The birth weight and average daily gain were recorded in crossed kids (n = 197 and 145, respectively) and purebred kids (n = 257 and 169, respectively). Crossed kids presented significant differences (p &lt, 0.001) compared to MG purebred kids in birth weight (+ 24%), mortality in artificial rearing (−37%), average daily gain (+32%) and milk powder conversion rate (−16%). However, the reproductive performance rates of MG goats mated with Boer bucks were slightly worse (pregnancy rate: 78.5% vs. 86.6%, p &lt, 0.05, kidding rate: 62.0% vs. 75.7%, p &lt, 0.01, prolificacy: 1.9 vs. 2.1 kids/parturition), especially when the matings took place in non-breeding season (experiments conducted at latitude 38–39° N). It is concluded that the terminal crossbreeding of MG goats to Boer bucks (those not used to produce replacement kids) could be an interesting option for ethical goat production.

Simple Summary Long-non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts of more than 200 nucleotides, which lack protein-coding potential. LncRNAs have been well characterized in many organisms, but their functions in insects have not been well deciphered. Advancement of high-throughput technologies has enabled the sequencing of genomes and transcriptomes of several insects, which has led to the identification of many important lncRNAs in insects. Characterization of lncRNAs and their regulatory roles in insects may provide insights of novel pest control strategies. Through this comprehensive review, we present an overview of insect lncRNAs, their identification as well as their function in insects of different orders. Toward the end of the review, we highlight the role of lncRNAs in insect developmental processes and discuss the future prospects of lncRNAs in insects. Abstract Only a small subset of all the transcribed RNAs are used as a template for protein translation, whereas RNA molecules that are not translated play a very important role as regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Besides traditionally known RNAs (ribosomal and transfer RNAs), ncRNAs also include small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The lncRNAs, which were initially thought to be junk, have gained a great deal attention because of their regulatory roles in diverse biological processes in animals and plants. Insects are the most abundant and diverse group of animals on this planet. Recent studies have demonstrated the role of lncRNAs in almost all aspects of insect development, reproduction, and genetic plasticity. In this review, we describe the function and molecular mechanisms of the mode of action of different insect lncRNAs discovered up to date.

Simple Summary In the present study, twenty microsatellite loci were tested to assess and analyze the genetic diversity between and within 17 different populations of Turkish water buffalo. The total number of animals sampled was 837, collected from six geographical regions: Marmara Region (MRM), Black Sea Region (BSR), Aegean Region (AER), Central Anatolia Region (CAR), Eastern Anatolia Region (EAR) and Southeastern Anatolia Region (SAR). All studied microsatellites markers showed allelic polymorphism. In this study, the results indicated a definite genetic diversity among the Turkish water buffalo populations which indicates the existence of at least two major clusters. Abstract The present study was aimed to investigate the genetic diversity among 17 Turkish water buffalo populations. A total of 837 individuals from 17 provincial populations were genotyped, using 20 microsatellites markers. The microsatellite markers analyzed were highly polymorphic with a mean number of alleles of (7.28) ranging from 6 (ILSTS005) to 17 (ETH003). The mean observed and expected heterozygosity values across all polymorphic loci in all studied buffalo populations were 0.61 and 0.70, respectively. Observed heterozygosity varied from 0.55 (Bursa (BUR)) to 0.70 (Muş (MUS)). It was lower than expected heterozygosity in most of the populations indicating a deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The overall value for the polymorphic information content of noted microsatellite loci was 0.655, indicating their suitability for genetic diversity analysis in buffalo. The mean FIS value was 0.091 and all loci were observed significantly deviated from Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE), most likely based on non-random breeding. The 17 buffalo populations were genetically less diverse as indicated by a small mean FST value (0.032 ± 0.018). The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) analysis indicated that about 2% of the total genetic diversity was clarified by population distinctions and 88 percent corresponded to differences among individuals. The information produced by this study can be used to establish a base of national conservation and breeding strategy of water buffalo population in Turkey.

Simple Summary Evaluation of Fogera cattle breed during the different seasons would help to determine their response to heat stress. This would assist in designing intervention strategies for the anticipated climate change. Therefore, this study aimed to determine physiological, hematological, biochemical, and growth parameters of Fogera cattle calves to heat stress in different seasons. We observed that the heart rate and respiration rate were increased by six beats per minute and four breaths per minute when the temperature-humidity index increased from 66 to 78, respectively. The positive relationship between the temperature–humidity index and physiological parameters further confirms that calves were good at thermoregulation at a temperature–humidity index value of 66. Thus, the temperature-humidity index value of 66 can be considered as optimum for high weight gain and normal physiological response to heat stress in Fogera cattle calves under their current production system. However, some more amelioration strategies such as better nutrition, availability of shade, and routine health management practice will further strengthen the resilience of the breed to heat stress in the future. Abstract Fogera cattle are among indigenous breeds of cattle in the northern part of Ethiopia. However, their response to heat stress (HS) under different seasonal variations has not been well investigated. This study was aimed to determine physiological, hematological, biochemical, and growth parameters of Fogera cattle calves to HS during dry season, short rainy, and long rainy. A total of 72 calves (24 for each season) that were 6 months of age with an equal number of males and females were evaluated for physiological, hematological, biochemical, and growth parameters. Daily ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH) were recorded two times per day during the study periods from which the daily average temperature–humidity index (THI) was calculated. The study revealed higher AT and THI during dry and short seasons while higher RH was observed during the long rainy season. Physiological parameters except rectal temperature were affected by the seasons. Hematological parameters were also affected by season except for packed cell volume. Biochemical and growth parameters were also significantly affected by the seasons. THI was positively related with physiological but negatively with growth parameters. Thus, the THI value of 66 can be considered as optimum for high weight gain and normal physiological response to HS in Fogera cattle calves under their current production system.