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Animal health is affected during heat stress as a result of impaired immune responses, increased production of reactive oxygen species, and/or a deficiency of antioxidants. This leads to an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants and results in oxidative stress. Heat stress is usually measured in dairy cattle via the temperature-humidity index (THI). In the present study, we aimed at assessing the influence of incremental THI on the balance between oxidative markers and the antioxidant defence system in the plasma of Modicana cows. Twenty-four multiparous, mid-lactating dairy cows were divided into two groups on the basis of different levels of mean THI reached in the period of the previous week up until the day of blood and milk sampling (April THI 1 :55, May THI 2 :68, June THI 3 :71, July THI 4 :80). The blood samples were collected to measure reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) and antioxidant defense markers (ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), paraoxonase (PON), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), plasma thiol groups (SHp), as well as lipid-soluble antioxidant pro-vitamin (β-carotene) and vitamins (tocopherol and retinol). Milk characteristics, haematological values, and plasma biochemical metabolites were also evaluated. Results showed a significant increase in ROM ( p < 0.05) and a significant decrease in PON ( p < 0.05), AOPP ( p < 0.05), and β-carotene ( p < 0.001). Incremental THI significantly decreased levels of milk fat content, red and white blood cells, plasma glucose, and non-esterified fatty acids, while significantly increasing monocytes and the concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate and creatinine, but not fructosamine. The results of the study show that heat stress significantly affects reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant parameters. Carotenoid supplementation should be considered to alleviate the impact of these effects.

Dogs are considered the main reservoir of several zoonoses endemic to the Mediterranean Basin. In this study, a prevalence of infections and coinfections of canine vector-borne diseases was analyzed in apparently healthy dogs of different canine pure breeds in Sicily (Italy), where these diseases are endemic. The seroprevalence of Leishmania infantum , Ricketsia ricketsii , Anaplasma phagocytophilum , and Erlichia canis was assessed, as single and coinfections. Biochemical and hematological parameters were evaluated, and epidemiological factors, including sex, age, and canine breed, were recovered. The most frequent infection was L. infantum (45.61%), following R. ricketsii (36.84%), both as single, double, or triple coinfections. Coinfections change the biochemical and hematological parameters of the host, and canine breeds are related to the infection frequency and the parameters observed during infections. Changes in the complete blood count (CBC) and biochemical values also differ between canine breeds, with the Cirneco dell'Etna dogs infected with L. infantum being the animals presenting the most interesting results in our study. High values of RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, and albumin and low levels of β-2 globulin and γ-globulin were found only in this canine breed, suggesting some resistance to infection in these dogs. Future studies about the immune response of this canine breed could be interesting to determine their possible resistance to zoonotic pathogens, such as L. infantum .

The Comune di Sicilia, a local goat breed from Sicily (Italy), is currently undergoing recognition as a distinct breed. This study aims to characterize the population both phenotypically and genomically to advance its recognition process. A total of 78 subjects from two locations were enrolled, and their phenotypic data, including qualitative traits and morphometric measurements of adult animals, were recorded and statistically analyzed. The goats were genotyped using the Illumina 50 k Goat SNPchip, comparing them with 473 goats from 15 Italian breeds. Population structure, phylogenetic relationships, admixture, and genomic inbreeding were analyzed. Additionally, subjects with different morphological traits were compared using F ST and runs of homozygosity, leading to the identification of potential candidate genes associated with anotia and wattle presence in goats. The Comune di Sicilia breed exhibited distinctive genomic and phenotypic features, setting it apart from other breeds in the same region. However, moderate variability, possibly influenced by selection practices, was also observed. To ensure the breed's preservation and prevent excessive inbreeding, a comprehensive approach considering both morphology and genomic background is recommended. This study contributes valuable insights into the genetic peculiarities of the Comune di Sicilia goat, supporting its recognition as a unique and valuable breed.