Animals

16 pages, 1224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison of Methods to Maintain the Equine Cecal Microbial Environment In Vitro Utilizing Cecal and Fecal Material

by Jennifer L. MacNicol, Simone Renwick, Caroline M. Ganobis, Emma Allen-Vercoe, Jeffery Scott Weese and Wendy Pearson

Animals 2022, 12(15), 2009; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12152009 - 08 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1458

Abstract

The equine gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota is intimately related to the horse. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the microbiome and metabolome of cecal inoculum maintained in an anaerobic chamber or chemostat batch fermenter, as well as the fecal slurry maintained [...] Read more.

The equine gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota is intimately related to the horse. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the microbiome and metabolome of cecal inoculum maintained in an anaerobic chamber or chemostat batch fermenter, as well as the fecal slurry maintained in an anaerobic chamber over 48 h. Cecal and fecal content were collected from healthy adult horses immediately upon death. Cecal fluid was used to inoculate chemostat vessels (chemostat cecal, n = 11) and vessels containing cecal fluid (anaerobic cecal, n = 15) or 5% fecal slurry (anaerobic fecal, n = 6) were maintained in an anaerobic chamber. Sampling for microbiome and metabolome analysis was performed at vessel establishment (0 h), and after 24 h and 48 h of fermentation. Illumina sequencing was performed, and metabolites were identified via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Alpha and beta diversity indices, as well as individual metabolite concentrations and metabolite regression equations, were analyzed and compared between groups and over time. No differences were evident between alpha or beta diversity in cecal fluid maintained in either an anaerobic chamber or chemostat. The microbiome of the fecal inoculum maintained anaerobically shifted over 48 h and was not comparable to that of the cecal inoculum. Metabolite concentrations were consistently highest in chemostat vessels and lowest in anaerobic fecal vessels. Interestingly, the rate of metabolite change in anaerobic cecal and chemostat cecal vessels was comparable. In conclusion, maintaining an equine cecal inoculum in either an anaerobic chamber or chemostat vessel for 48 h is comparable in terms of the microbiome. However, the microbiome and metabolome of fecal material is not comparable with a cecal inoculum. Future research is required to better understand the factors that influence the level of microbial activity in vitro, particularly when microbiome data identify analogous communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Equids)

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9 pages, 490 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Aspects of Corneal Sequestra in a Population of Persian, Himalayan and Exotic Cats

by Tom Schipper, Goedele Storms, Gerlinde Janssens, Sabine Schoofs, Eveline Capiau, Dieter Verdonck, Pascale Smets, Luc J. Peelman and Bart J. G. Broeckx

Animals 2022, 12(15), 2008; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12152008 - 08 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1677

Abstract

Corneal sequestra are ophthalmic lesions that are remarkably common in Persian, Himalayan and exotic cats. In this study, the genetic aspects of this disease were investigated in a population of cats originating from a single cattery. Odds ratios were calculated for parents with [...] Read more.

Corneal sequestra are ophthalmic lesions that are remarkably common in Persian, Himalayan and exotic cats. In this study, the genetic aspects of this disease were investigated in a population of cats originating from a single cattery. Odds ratios were calculated for parents with affected offspring. The heritability of (owner-reported) corneal sequestra was estimated with a Markov chain Monte Carlo procedure. Well-phenotyped cases and controls were used for a genome-wide association study. Data from 692 cats originating from the cattery, of which 61 were affected, were used. Cats from two specific mothers had significantly higher odds of developing corneal sequestra, but no significant effect of the fathers was found (after correction for the mothers). The heritability of corneal sequestra was estimated to be 0.96. A genome-wide association study with 14 cases and 10 controls did not reveal an associated chromosomal region. The large effect that genetic factors had on the development of corneal sequestra in this study suggests that selective breeding could be an effective way to reduce the prevalence of this condition in these cat breeds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Epi) Genetic Disorders in Companion Animals)

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13 pages, 1608 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Long-Term Protein Restriction on Meat Quality and Muscle Metabolites of Shaziling Pigs

by Jie Zheng, Yehui Duan, Jiayi Yu, Fengna Li, Qiuping Guo, Tiejun Li and Yulong Yin

Animals 2022, 12(15), 2007; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12152007 - 08 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1457

Abstract

Background: It has been demonstrated that low-protein diets can improve the meat quality of pork. This study aimed to investigate the effects of long-term protein restriction from piglets to finishing pigs for 24 weeks on meat quality and muscle metabolites of Shaziling pigs. [...] Read more.

Background: It has been demonstrated that low-protein diets can improve the meat quality of pork. This study aimed to investigate the effects of long-term protein restriction from piglets to finishing pigs for 24 weeks on meat quality and muscle metabolites of Shaziling pigs. Results: Compared to the control group, reducing dietary protein levels by 20% reduced the L* value (p < 0.05), increased the a* value (p < 0.01), and tended to decrease pressing loss (p = 0.06) of longissimus thoracis muscle (LTM). Furthermore, compared to the control group, the −20% group had significantly lower levels of muscular danazol, N,N-dimethyl-Safingol, and cer(d18:0/14:0) (p < 0.05), all of which were positively associated with the L* value and negatively associated with the a* value (p < 0.05). Therefore, danazol, N,N-dimethyl-Safingol, and cer(d18:0/14:0) might be potential biomarkers for meat color. Conclusions: These results indicated that reducing dietary crude protein by 20% for 24 weeks could improve meat quality and alter muscular metabolites of Shaziling pigs, and the improvement in meat quality might be ascribable to decreased danazol, N,N-dimethyl-Safingol and cer(d18:0/14:0). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pork Production: Precision Feeding and Management)

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20 pages, 372 KiB

Open AccessReview

Accuracy to Predict the Onset of Calving in Dairy Farms by Using Different Precision Livestock Farming Devices

by Ottó Szenci

Animals 2022, 12(15), 2006; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12152006 - 08 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2218

Abstract

Besides traditional methods such as evaluation of the external preparatory and behavioral signs, which even presently are widely used also in large dairy farms, there are several new possibilities such as measuring body (intravaginal, ventral tail-base surface, ear surface, or reticulo-ruminal) temperature, detecting [...] Read more.

Besides traditional methods such as evaluation of the external preparatory and behavioral signs, which even presently are widely used also in large dairy farms, there are several new possibilities such as measuring body (intravaginal, ventral tail-base surface, ear surface, or reticulo-ruminal) temperature, detecting behavioral signs (rumination, eating, activity, tail raising) or detecting the expulsion of the device inserted into the vagina or fixed to the skin of the vulva when allantochorion appears in the vulva to predict the onset of the second stage of calving. Presently none of the single sensors or a combination of sensors can predict the onset of calving with acceptable accuracy. At the same time, with the exception of the iVET^® birth monitoring system, not only the imminent onset of calving could be predicted with high accuracy, but a significantly lower prevalence rate of dystocia, stillbirth, retained fetal membranes, uterine diseases/clinical metritis could be reached while calving-to-conception interval was significantly shorter compared with the control groups. These results may confirm the use of these devices in dairy farms by allowing appropriate intervention during calving when needed. In this way, we can reduce the negative effect of dystocia on calves and their dams and improve their welfare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dairy Cattle Reproduction)

18 pages, 361 KiB

Open AccessReview

Of Elephants and Other Mammals: A Comparative Review of Reproductive Tumors and Potential Impact on Conservation

by Lisa M. Abegglen, Tara M. Harrison, Anneke Moresco, Jared S. Fowles, Brigid V. Troan, Wendy K. Kiso, Dennis Schmitt, Amy M. Boddy and Joshua D. Schiffman

Animals 2022, 12(15), 2005; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12152005 - 08 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 8973

Abstract

Reproductive tumors can impact conception, pregnancy, and birth in mammals. These impacts are well documented in humans, while data in other mammals are limited. An urgent need exists to understand the reproductive impact of these lesions in endangered species, because some endangered species [...] Read more.

Reproductive tumors can impact conception, pregnancy, and birth in mammals. These impacts are well documented in humans, while data in other mammals are limited. An urgent need exists to understand the reproductive impact of these lesions in endangered species, because some endangered species have a documented high prevalence of reproductive tumors. This article documents that the prevalence of both benign and malignant neoplasia differs between African and Asian elephants, with Asian elephants more frequently diagnosed and negatively affected by both. The prevalence of these tumors across mammalian species is compared, and impact plus treatment options in human medicine are reviewed to inform decision making in elephants. Evidence suggests that reproductive tumors can negatively impact elephant conservation. Future studies that document reproductive outcomes, including the success of various treatment approaches in elephants with tumors will benefit conservation efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Elephant Reproduction and Conservation)

12 pages, 1396 KiB

Open AccessArticle

De Novo Whole-Genome Sequencing and Assembly of the Yellow-Throated Bunting (Emberiza elegans) Provides Insights into Its Evolutionary Adaptation

by Tingli Hu, Guotao Chen, Zhen Xu, Site Luo, Hui Wang, Chunlin Li, Lei Shan and Baowei Zhang

Animals 2022, 12(15), 2004; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12152004 - 08 Aug 2022

Viewed by 1510

Abstract

Yellow-throated bunting is a small migratory songbird unique to the Palearctic region. However, the genetic studies of this species remain limited, with no nuclear genomic sequence reported to date. In this study, the genomic DNA from the bird was sequenced in long reads [...] Read more.

Yellow-throated bunting is a small migratory songbird unique to the Palearctic region. However, the genetic studies of this species remain limited, with no nuclear genomic sequence reported to date. In this study, the genomic DNA from the bird was sequenced in long reads using Nanopore sequencing technology. Combining short-read sequencing, the genome was well-assembled and annotated. The final length of the assembly is approximately 1.14 Gb, with a scaffold N50 of 28.94 Mb. About 15,868 protein-coding genes were predicted, and 16.62% of the genome was identified as having repetitive elements. Comparative genomic analysis showed numerous expanded gene families and positively selected genes significantly enriched in those KEGG pathways that are associated with migratory behavior adaptation and immune response. Here, this newly generated de novo genome of the yellow-throated bunting using long reads provide the research community with a valuable resource for further studies of population genetic diversity and genome evolution in this species. Full article

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

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18 pages, 2565 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Home Range and Movement Patterns of Reintroduced White Lions (Panthera leo melanochaita) in the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve, South Africa

by Jason A. Turner, Emma J. Dunston-Clarke, Inger Fabris-Rotelli and Hans de Iongh

Animals 2022, 12(15), 2003; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12152003 - 08 Aug 2022

Viewed by 2533

Abstract

White lions are a colour variant of the African lion Panthera leo melanochaita and disappeared from the wild due to anthropogenic factors until their reintroduction to the Greater Kruger Park Region of South Africa in 2006. Natural home range behaviour is an index [...] Read more.

White lions are a colour variant of the African lion Panthera leo melanochaita and disappeared from the wild due to anthropogenic factors until their reintroduction to the Greater Kruger Park Region of South Africa in 2006. Natural home range behaviour is an index of reintroduction success. Therefore, the home range and movement of a pride of reintroduced white lions and a constructed pride consisting of reintroduced white lions and translocated wild tawny lionesses in small, fenced reserves was assessed. GPS data from collared adults were collected for the white lion pride between 2010–2011 and 2018–2020 for the constructed pride. Home ranges were estimated using kernel density estimation and minimum convex polygon, with minimum daily distance tested for differences between sex, season, and pride. Home ranges were small and average daily movements restricted for both prides (white lion pride: 5.41 km² and 10.44 ± 4.82 km; constructed pride: 5.50 km², 11.37 ± 4.72 km) due to the small reserve size of 7 km². There was no difference between prides for annual and seasonal home range size, male and female home ranges, minimum daily distance travelled, or habitat selection. White lions from both prides established territories and displayed natural home ranging behaviour, suggesting that their reintroduction was successful, in the absence of anthropogenic threats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anthropogenic Threats to Wild and Captive Lions and How to Mitigate Them)

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22 pages, 3573 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health Status of Bycaught Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima) from the Western Baltic Sea

by Luca A. Schick, Peter Wohlsein, Silke Rautenschlein, Arne Jung, Joy Ometere Boyi, Gildas Glemarec, Anne-Mette Kroner, Stefanie A. Barth and Ursula Siebert

Animals 2022, 12(15), 2002; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12152002 - 08 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1610

Abstract

The Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) inhabits the entire northern hemisphere. In northern Europe, the flyway population reaches from the southern Wadden Sea to the northern Baltic coast. The European population is classified as endangered due to declines in Common Eider numbers [...] Read more.

The Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) inhabits the entire northern hemisphere. In northern Europe, the flyway population reaches from the southern Wadden Sea to the northern Baltic coast. The European population is classified as endangered due to declines in Common Eider numbers across Europe since 1990. In this study, we assessed 121 carcasses of Common Eiders, captured incidentally in gillnets in the Western Baltic between 2017 and 2019. The most common findings were parasitic infections of the intestine by acanthocephalans in 95 animals, which correlated with enteritis in 50% of the cases. Parasites were identified as Profilicollis botulus in 25 selected animals. Additionally, oesophageal pustules, erosions, and ulcerations, presumably of traumatic origin, were frequently observed. Nephritis and hepatitis were frequent, but could not be attributed to specific causes. Lung oedema, fractures and subcutaneous haemorrhages likely resulted from entangling and drowning. Two Common Eiders had mycobacterial infections and in one of these, Mycobacterium avium subspecies (ssp.) avium was identified. This study gives an overview of morphological changes and infectious diseases from one location of the European flyway population. It contributes to future health studies on Common Eiders in the Baltic and Wadden Seas by providing baseline information to compare with other areas or circumstances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Birds Ecology: Monitoring of Bird Health and Populations)

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16 pages, 1100 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Duration of High-Grain Feeding on Chewing, Feeding Behavior, and Salivary Composition in Cows with or without a Phytogenic Feed Supplement

by Raul Rivera-Chacon, Sara Ricci, Renée M. Petri, Andreas Haselmann, Nicole Reisinger, Qendrim Zebeli and Ezequias Castillo-Lopez

Animals 2022, 12(15), 2001; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12152001 - 08 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1586

Abstract

Switching diets from forage to a high-grain (HG) diet increases the risk of rumen fermentation disorders in cattle. However, the effects of the duration of the HG feeding, after the diet switch, on animal behavior and health have received considerably less attention. This [...] Read more.

Switching diets from forage to a high-grain (HG) diet increases the risk of rumen fermentation disorders in cattle. However, the effects of the duration of the HG feeding, after the diet switch, on animal behavior and health have received considerably less attention. This experiment primarily aimed to assess the effects of the duration of an HG diet on the chewing, eating, and lying behavior and salivation dynamics in a control group (CON) and a group of cows receiving a phytogenic feed supplement (TRT) at 0.04% (DM basis), which included L-menthol, thymol, eugenol, mint oil, and cloves powder. The experiment was a crossover design with nine non-lactating cows, and two experimental periods with an intermediate washout of four weeks. In each period, the cows were first fed a forage diet for a week to collect baseline measurements representing week 0; then, the diet was switched over a week to HG (65% concentrate), which was fed for four continuous weeks (week 1, week 2, week 3, and week 4 on an HG diet, respectively). The cows were divided in two groups of four and five animals and were randomly allocated to CON or TRT. The data analysis revealed that at the start of the HG feeding, the dry matter intake and the cows’ number of lying bouts increased, but the eating time, rumination time, and meal frequency decreased, resulting in a greater eating rate. We also found that an advanced duration on an HG diet further decreased the rumination time, total chewing time, chewing index, and sorting in favor of short feed particles, with the lowest values in week 4. The feed bolus size increased but feed the ensalivation decreased in week 4 compared to week 0. The dietary switch increased salivary lysozyme activity, and the advanced duration on the HG diet increased salivary pH, but salivary phosphate decreased in weeks 1 and 2 on the HG diet. Supplementation with TRT increased sorting in favor of physically effective NDF (peNDF) in week 2 and increased salivary pH in week 4 on an HG diet. Overall, the negative effects of the HG diet in cattle are more pronounced during the initial stage of the HG feeding. However, several detrimental effects were exacerbated with the cows’ advanced duration on feed, with host adaptive changes still observed after 3 and 4 weeks following the diet switch. The TRT mitigated some of the negative effects through the temporal improvement of the salivary properties and the intake of peNDF, which are known to modulate rumen fermentation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animals’ Tenth Anniversary)

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16 pages, 3518 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Technology for Improving Street Dog Welfare and Capturing Data in Digital Format during Street Dog Sterilisation Programmes

by Amit Chaudhari, George Brill, Indira Chakravarti, Tim Drees, Shrikant Verma, Nidhi Avinash, Abhinandan Kumar Jha, Sitaram Langain, Narendra Bhatt, Sanjit Kumar, Satyanarayan Choudhary, Parvinder Singh, Subhash Chandra, Anju Murali and Katherine Polak

Animals 2022, 12(15), 2000; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12152000 - 08 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4246

Abstract

Street dogs survive on food handouts provided by individuals, or the wider community yet typically receive limited to no veterinary care. They can also carry a variety of zoonotic diseases such as rabies, posing a significant risk to human and dog population health. [...] Read more.

Street dogs survive on food handouts provided by individuals, or the wider community yet typically receive limited to no veterinary care. They can also carry a variety of zoonotic diseases such as rabies, posing a significant risk to human and dog population health. Dog sterilisation is one of the most humane and effective methods available to control street dog populations. Dog sterilisation programmes, particularly those operating at a large-scale, often face a variety of challenges including limited resources, staffing, and less-than-ideal facilities. Recordkeeping is often a challenge as well, which can complicate the return of a sterilised dog to their location of capture. Street dogs are territorial, and the return of a dog to an incorrect location is fraught with various welfare issues, as well as an increased risk of postoperative complications, including death. Humane Society International developed a mobile phone-based application called ‘HSIApps’ drawing on years of field experience and data collection in street dog location recording, as well as clinical and postoperative treatment. HSIApps facilitates the return of dogs back to their exact captured location, which ensures dog welfare, and generates reports of a variety of useful data variables to maximise the efficacy and reliability of sterilisation programmes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Sustainability and Animals: Welfare, Policies and Technologies)

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11 pages, 818 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rapid Nucleic Acid Extraction for Aquatic Animal DNA Virus Determination Using Chelex 100 Resin via Conventional PCR and Digital Droplet PCR Detection

by Xi Hu, Nan Jiang, Yiqun Li, Yong Zhou, Yuding Fan, Mingyang Xue, Lingbing Zeng, Wenzhi Liu and Yan Meng

Animals 2022, 12(15), 1999; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151999 - 08 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2090

Abstract

Molecular diagnostic testing for viral pathogens is crucial in aquaculture. The efficient and convenient preparation of pathogenic microbial nucleic acids is the basis of molecular diagnosis. Here, we developed a simplified deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction method from aquatic animal DNA viruses using the [...] Read more.

Molecular diagnostic testing for viral pathogens is crucial in aquaculture. The efficient and convenient preparation of pathogenic microbial nucleic acids is the basis of molecular diagnosis. Here, we developed a simplified deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction method from aquatic animal DNA viruses using the Chelex 100 resin. The nucleic acid was extracted from infected tissues and cell culture for the detection of three common aquatic viral pathogens (CEV, CyHV-2, and GSIV). We compared the extraction effects of a current commercial kit extraction method and the Chelex 100 resin extraction method according to nucleic acid concentration, conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and digital droplet PCR (ddPCR). The results indicated that both extraction procedures could obtain high-quality nucleotide samples. Extracting DNA using the Chelex 100 resin led to better detective efficiency for ddPCR molecular diagnostic testing. The whole process took less than 20 min, and only Chelex 100 resin solution was added to the tissues or cells without multiple tubes being transferred several times. The extracted DNA concentration and the detection sensitivity were high. These results indicated that the Chelex 100 resin solution has the advantages of speed, efficiency, and economy compared to the commercial kit. In addition, the higher pH value (10–11) of the Chelex 100 resin solution markedly improved the detection sensitivity compared to a lower pH value (9–10). In conclusion, the comparison of the Chelex 100 Resin and commercial viral DNA extraction kits revealed the good performance of the Chelex 100 resin solution at pH 10–11 in DNA extraction for PCR amplification from aquatic animal viral samples of tissues and cells in molecular diagnostic testing. It is both rapid and cost-effective. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rapid Detection of Animal Virus)

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24 pages, 2100 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comprehensive Study of the Quality of Fat-Tailed Sheep Carcasses in Greece

by Angeliki Argyriadou, Anestis Tsitsos, Ioanna Stylianaki, Sotiria Vouraki, Theodoros Kallitsis, Vangelis Economou and Georgios Arsenos

Animals 2022, 12(15), 1998; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151998 - 07 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1987

Abstract

Sheep farming in Greece is focused on milk production. Meat is considered a by-product and consists mainly light carcasses of undefined quality. The main challenge of the sector is to ensure sustainability, and hence efforts are towards efficient use of available resources, including [...] Read more.

Sheep farming in Greece is focused on milk production. Meat is considered a by-product and consists mainly light carcasses of undefined quality. The main challenge of the sector is to ensure sustainability, and hence efforts are towards efficient use of available resources, including undervalued carcasses of local fat-tailed sheep. The objective here was twofold: (i) to assess the carcass quality of fat-tailed sheep slaughtered at different live weights and (ii) to compare them with carcasses from thin-tailed sheep. In total, 146 fat-tailed and 97 thin-tailed dairy sheep were used. They belonged to five live-weight categories (LWC), representing 25%, 35%, 50%, 70% and 100% of mature body weight. Carcass length/weight/yield/pH and wither height were recorded. Muscle fiber minimum Feret’s diameter and meat color/tenderness/moisture/lipid and protein content were determined. Sex and LWC differences in fat-tailed sheep were assessed. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used to compare with thin-tailed sheep, considering the effects of LWC, sex and their interactions with sheep population (fat-tailed/thin-tailed). Most traits were significantly different (p < 0.05) between groups of fat-tailed sheep. Carcass yield of fat-tailed sheep was significantly higher compared to thin-tailed (p < 0.01). Interactions of sheep population with LWC or sex affected wither height, carcass pH, meat color and tenderness (p < 0.05). Fat-tailed sheep meat quality is equal or higher compared to thin-tailed. Finishing weights corresponding to 50 and 70% LWC may improve capitalization of fat-tailed carcasses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Small Ruminants)

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11 pages, 1066 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Bruises on Carcasses of Beef Cattle and Transport-Related Factors

by Emanuela Zanardi, Silvio De Luca, Giovanni Loris Alborali, Adriana Ianieri, Maria Olga Varrà, Claudia Romeo and Sergio Ghidini

Animals 2022, 12(15), 1997; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151997 - 07 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2294

Abstract

The assessment of bruises on carcasses at the slaughterhouse has been lately indicated as a valid method to evaluate cattle welfare. However, little is known about the prevalence and the causes of bruises of cattle slaughtered in Italy. The aim of this study [...] Read more.

The assessment of bruises on carcasses at the slaughterhouse has been lately indicated as a valid method to evaluate cattle welfare. However, little is known about the prevalence and the causes of bruises of cattle slaughtered in Italy. The aim of this study was to collect information concerning the prevalence of bruises on the carcasses of beef cattle slaughtered in an Italian abattoir and to determine a relationship between fresh bruises and transport-related factors. In total, 1265 animals were included in this study, with 21.6% of them being positive for at least one bruise, either fresh or old. In most cases, the bruising was mild, with lesions exclusively located in one area of the carcass. Most of the bruised animals (63%) showed at least one red lesion. Occurrence of such red, fresh bruises varied significantly depending on the body parts (p < 0.0001), with the flank being the most affected area (39.5%), followed by the butt (36.0%) and the front (23.8%). The probability of fresh bruising varied significantly depending on the category of each animal (p < 0.0001), with steers showing fewer red bruises than both heifers and veal. Finally, animals transported in conditions of a high density had a lower probability of bruising (p = 0.0003). These findings support the use of a monitoring scheme based on the presence of bruises to assess cattle welfare at the abattoir level in order to provide feedback to farmers and to implement procedures carried out during transport. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Welfare)

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15 pages, 467 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Effect of Storage Time on ROTEM S^® Parameters in Healthy and Ill Dogs

by Nicole Weingand, Johanna Vuille-dit-Bille, Rahel Jud Schefer, Annette P. N. Kutter, Martina Stirn, Katja-Nicole Adamik and Nadja E. Sigrist

Animals 2022, 12(15), 1996; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151996 - 07 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1465

Abstract

Viscoelastic testing as a bedside test to assess global haemostasis has gained popularity in the past decade, with rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) and thromboelastography (TEG) being the two commonly used devices. TEG studies suggest analysis 30 min after blood sampling. However, the reproducibility of [...] Read more.

Viscoelastic testing as a bedside test to assess global haemostasis has gained popularity in the past decade, with rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) and thromboelastography (TEG) being the two commonly used devices. TEG studies suggest analysis 30 min after blood sampling. However, the reproducibility of results over time for ROTEM analysis using lyophilized samples in dogs has not been established. In this study, we investigated the influence of time on viscoelastic testing, using 33 healthy staff-/client-owned dogs for blood sampling and repeated measurements of ROTEM tracings at three different time points after blood collection. Additionally, a group of 21 hospitalized patients with suspected coagulation disorders were included to investigate whether stability over time was comparable between healthy and ill dogs. We demonstrated a significant difference of ROTEM tracings over time, with a tendency towards hypocoagulability over time. These changes do have a clinical relevance as they exceed reference intervals and could therefore lead to erroneous conclusions about a patient’s coagulation status. Therefore, time-specific reference intervals are proposed and presented in this publication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coagulopathies in Dogs and Cats: Diagnosis, Pathomechanisms and Treatment)

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16 pages, 8475 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Andrographolide and Deoxyandrographolide Inhibit Protease and IFN-Antagonist Activities of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus 3C^pro

by Sirin Theerawatanasirikul, Varanya Lueangaramkul, Nattarat Thangthamniyom, Penpitcha Chankeeree, Ploypailin Semkum and Porntippa Lekcharoensuk

Animals 2022, 12(15), 1995; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151995 - 07 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1877

Abstract

Foot-and mouth-disease (FMD) caused by the FMD virus (FMDV) is highly contagious and negatively affects livestock worldwide. The control of the disease requires a combination of measures, including vaccination; however, there is no specific treatment available. Several studies have shown that plant-derived products [...] Read more.

Foot-and mouth-disease (FMD) caused by the FMD virus (FMDV) is highly contagious and negatively affects livestock worldwide. The control of the disease requires a combination of measures, including vaccination; however, there is no specific treatment available. Several studies have shown that plant-derived products with antiviral properties were effective on viral diseases. Herein, antiviral activities of andrographolide (AGL), deoxyandrographolide (DAG), and neoandrographolide (NEO) against FMDV serotype A were investigated using an in vitro cell-based assay. The results showed that AGL and DAG inhibited FMDV in BHK-21 cells. The inhibitory effects of AGL and DAG were evaluated by RT-qPCR and exhibited EC50 values of 52.18 ± 0.01 µM (SI = 2.23) and 36.47 ± 0.07 µM (SI = 9.22), respectively. The intracellular protease assay revealed that AGL and DAG inhibited FMDV 3C^pro with IC50 of 67.43 ± 0.81 and 25.58 ± 1.41 µM, respectively. Additionally, AGL and DAG significantly interfered with interferon (IFN) antagonist activity of the 3C^pro by derepressing interferon-stimulating gene (ISGs) expression. The molecular docking confirmed that the andrographolides preferentially interacted with the 3C^pro active site. However, NEO had no antiviral effect in any of the assays. Conclusively, AGL and DAG inhibited FMDV serotype A by interacting with the 3C^pro and hindered its protease and IFN antagonist activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Alternatives to Conventional Antimicrobials: Implications on Livestock, Aquaculture, and Poultry Production)

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7 pages, 203 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Herd Size with Stillbirth and Dystocia Rates in Japanese Black Cattle

by Moe Misaka, Mizuho Uematsu, Go Kitahara, Takeshi Osawa and Yosuke Sasaki

Animals 2022, 12(15), 1994; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151994 - 06 Aug 2022

Viewed by 1252

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of herd size on stillbirth and dystocia rates; the relationships between herd size, calving season, parity, and gestation length in Japanese Black cattle were also explored. Data were collected for 41,184 calvings from [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of herd size on stillbirth and dystocia rates; the relationships between herd size, calving season, parity, and gestation length in Japanese Black cattle were also explored. Data were collected for 41,184 calvings from 15,512 animals on 905 farms between 2006 and 2010. In this study, herds were classified into three groups based on size: small (1–10 cows), medium (11–50 cows), and large (≥51 cows). Herd size had an effect on the dystocia rate (p < 0.05) but not the stillbirth rate. Additionally, interactions between herd size and gestation length were associated with the dystocia rate (p < 0.05), and the dystocia rate was the highest in small herds, followed by medium and large herds for cows with a gestation length of 281–300 days, which is considered a pregnancy of normal duration. In summary, in Japanese Black cattle, there were different effects of herd size on the stillbirth rate and dystocia rates, as herd size was associated with the dystocia rate but not with the stillbirth rate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Minimizing Pregnancy Loss and Calving Difficulty in Cattle)

21 pages, 1919 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Locally Injected Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Improves Cutaneous Wound Healing in Cats

by Vasileia Angelou, Dimitra Psalla, Chrysostomos I. Dovas, George M. Kazakos, Christina Marouda, Kyriakos Chatzimisios, Zacharenia Kyrana, Evangelia Moutou, Maria Karayannopoulou and Lysimachos G. Papazoglou

Animals 2022, 12(15), 1993; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151993 - 06 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3222

Abstract

Cutaneous defects in cats are commonly encountered in clinical practice, and healing can be accomplished by first or second intention. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is characterized by a plasma concentration containing a large number of platelets in a small volume of plasma. The objective [...] Read more.

Cutaneous defects in cats are commonly encountered in clinical practice, and healing can be accomplished by first or second intention. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is characterized by a plasma concentration containing a large number of platelets in a small volume of plasma. The objective of the present study was to record the efficacy of PRP infiltration in open wounds in laboratory cats. Six wounds were created in the dorsal midline of eight laboratory cats, with the wounds of one side designated as the PRP group and the wounds of the other side as the control group. Wound healing was evaluated by daily clinical examination, planimetry, laser Doppler flowmetry, and histologic examination on days 0, 7, 14, and 25, and by measurement of metalloproteinases (MMPs)-2 and -9 and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 on days 0, 14, and 25. Based on the results of the present study, the mean time for full coverage with granulation tissue was shorter in the PRP group, the mean contraction and total wound healing percentage were increased compared to the control group, and finally, the perfusion measured with laser Doppler flowmetry was higher in the PRP group during all examination days. In conclusion, this is the first study focusing on the topical application of PRP in the treatment of open wounds in laboratory cats, and our results are encouraging—showing a more rapid healing in the PRP group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

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15 pages, 1456 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Farmers’ Risk Perception on Climate Change: Transhumance vs. Semi-Intensive Sheep Production Systems in Türkiye

by Sezen Ocak Yetisgin, Hasan Önder, Uğur Şen, Dariusz Piwczyński, Magdalena Kolenda, Beata Sitkowska and Ceyhun Yucel

Animals 2022, 12(15), 1992; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151992 - 06 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2065

Abstract

Sheep farmers’ perceptions of climate change and its impacts and the adaptation strategies they consider to address these risks are of great importance in ensuring the resilience of farming practice. This study focused on sheep farmers’ perception of climate change and the risks [...] Read more.

Sheep farmers’ perceptions of climate change and its impacts and the adaptation strategies they consider to address these risks are of great importance in ensuring the resilience of farming practice. This study focused on sheep farmers’ perception of climate change and the risks and actions taken to mitigate these impacts. A total of 68 surveys were carried out among sheep farmers (39 transhumance and 29 semi-intensive farmers) by two different representative production systems in Türkiye. Variables regarding the socio-economic profile, climate change impacts, and adaptation strategies were identified and analyzed. Principal component analysis and a Pearson Chi-square test were used to evaluate the data. Both farmers’ groups accepted and perceived climate change, showing good awareness and perception. The farmers’ attitudes towards adaptation to climate change were associated with production systems. Transhumance farmers had limited adaptation and coping strategies compared to semi-intensive farmers. Transhumance farmers focused mainly on selling livestock (mostly to cope with degraded natural grassland/feed deficiency) as an adaptive strategy. In contrast, semi-intensive farmers focused on modifying their farm management and feed operations, such as changing the feed ratio and supplement use, improving water and feed storage, and considering crop feed production. The knowledge obtained from this study could be helpful for farmers and policymakers who develop long-term small ruminant production strategies that consider the effects of climate change and adapt them to different farming systems in the Türkiye. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extreme Weather Event Impacts on Animal Health and Productivity)

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13 pages, 5801 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Data on Pterygodermatites (Pterygodermatites) plagiostoma Wedl, 1861 (Nematoda, Rictulariidae) Parasite of the Algerian Hedgehog Atelerix algirus Linnaeus, 1758 (Eulipotyphla: Erinaceidae) from the Canary Islands

by Jordi Miquel, Alexis Ribas, Román Pino-Vera, Elena Izquierdo-Rodríguez, Natalia Martín-Carrillo, Carlos Feliu and Pilar Foronda

Animals 2022, 12(15), 1991; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151991 - 05 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1553

Abstract

A redescription of the rictulariid nematode Pterygodermatites (Pterygodermatites) plagiostoma Wedl, 1861, is made by means of light and scanning electron microscopy, including the first data on male specimens. The morphologic study was based on specimens recovered from two Algerian hedgehogs ( [...] Read more.

A redescription of the rictulariid nematode Pterygodermatites (Pterygodermatites) plagiostoma Wedl, 1861, is made by means of light and scanning electron microscopy, including the first data on male specimens. The morphologic study was based on specimens recovered from two Algerian hedgehogs (Atelerix algirus) from Tenerife and Gran Canaria islands (Canary Archipelago, Spain). The main characteristics of P. (P.) plagiostoma males are the presence of 49–53 pairs of cuticular projections, the presence of one or two midventral precloacal fans (generally one), and the size of two unequal spicules, measuring 98–123 µm (right spicule) and 185–236 µm (left spicule). The cloacal papillae are arranged according to the Ascaridida type. They include two precloacal pairs, an unpaired precloacal papilla, one pair lateral to the cloaca, six postcloacal pairs, and a pair of phasmids near the tail tip. Females are mainly characterized by the presence of 71–77 pairs of cuticular projections, with 43–46 pairs of prevulvar combs, by the differentiation from combs to spines at the level of or slightly posterior to the vulva and by the position of the vulva, located posteriorly to the esophagus–intestine junction. Clear differences were found between P. (P.) plagiostoma and related species of the subgenus P. (Pterygodermatites). Full article

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10 pages, 836 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Female Cuckoo Calls Deceive Their Hosts by Evoking Nest-Leaving Behavior: Variation under Different Levels of Parasitism

by Jiaojiao Wang, Laikun Ma, Xiangyang Chen and Canchao Yang

Animals 2022, 12(15), 1990; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151990 - 05 Aug 2022

Viewed by 1751

Abstract

The common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) is an obligate brood parasite that has evolved a series of strategies to trick its hosts. The female cuckoo has been hypothesized to mimic the appearance and sounds of several raptors to deceive the hosts into [...] Read more.

The common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) is an obligate brood parasite that has evolved a series of strategies to trick its hosts. The female cuckoo has been hypothesized to mimic the appearance and sounds of several raptors to deceive the hosts into exhibiting anti-predator behavior. Such behavior would relax the protection of the host nest and thus allow the female cuckoo to approach the host nest unopposed. Many anti-parasite strategies have been found to vary among geographical populations due to different parasitic pressures from cuckoos. However, the effect of female cuckoo calls related to different levels of parasitic pressure has not been examined. Here, we studied the effect of female cuckoo calls on the oriental reed warbler (Acrocephalus orientalis), one of the major hosts of the common cuckoo, in two geographical populations experiencing different levels of parasite pressure. Four kinds of sounds were played back to the hosts: the calls from female common cuckoos, male common cuckoos, sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus), and oriental turtle doves (Streptopelia orientalis). The results showed that the female cuckoo calls induced the hosts to leave their nests more frequently than the male cuckoo or dove calls in both populations, and two populations of the hosts reacted similarly to the female cuckoo calls, implying that the function of female cuckoo calls would not be affected by the difference in parasitism rate. This study indicates that female cuckoo calls function to distract the hosts’ attention from protecting their nests. However, we propose that such a deception by the female cuckoo call may not be due to the mimicry of sparrowhawk calls, but rather that the rapid cadence of the call that causes a sense of anxiety in the hosts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bird Culture: Diversity and Functions of Bird Vocalizations)

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14 pages, 987 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feedlot Factors Influencing the Incidence of Dark Cutting in Australian Grain-Fed Beef

by Cameron C. Steel, Angela M. Lees, Garth Tarr, Frank R. Dunshea, Des Bowler, Frances Cowley, Robyn D. Warner and Peter McGilchrist

Animals 2022, 12(15), 1989; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151989 - 05 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1768

Abstract

It has been well-established that dark cutting (DC) is a multifactorial issue that is associated with numerous animal and management factors. However, there is limited understanding of the feedlot-based factors that contribute to the influence of DC. The aim of this study was [...] Read more.

It has been well-established that dark cutting (DC) is a multifactorial issue that is associated with numerous animal and management factors. However, there is limited understanding of the feedlot-based factors that contribute to the influence of DC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of climate, animal, and feedlot factors on the incidence of pH non-compliance in Australian grain-fed cattle. For this study, feedlot and abattoir records from 142,228 individual cattle over a 1-year period were investigated. These data incorporated records from seven feedlots that consigned cattle to three abattoirs. The average incidence of DC in these carcasses was 2.8%. The production factors that were associated with increased risk of DC included feedlot, sex, hormone growth promotants (HGP), cattle health, and days on feed (DOF). Additionally, DC also increased by reduced solar radiation (SR, W/m²), lower wind speeds (WS, m/s), increased ambient temperature (T_A, °C), higher rainfall, a higher average temperature–humidity index (THI), and increased duration of time above heat-load-index threshold of 86 (HLI ≥ 86) during the 7 days prior to feedlot departure. This study identified the feedlot factors that increase the risk of DC from a feedlot-management perspective. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal System and Management)

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10 pages, 14183 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hematology, Ultrastructure and Morphology of Blood Cells in Rufous-Winged Buzzards (Butastur liventer) from Thailand

by Pornchai Pornpanom, Chaiyan Kasorndorkbua, Preeda Lertwatcharasalakul and Chaleow Salakij

Animals 2022, 12(15), 1988; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151988 - 05 Aug 2022

Viewed by 2253

Abstract

In attempt to treat injured raptors and promote conservation awareness, the Kasetsart University Raptor Rehabilitation Unit (KURRU) was established in 2007. The complete blood counts (CBCs) are a manual tool used for the screening of raptor health. These tests require knowledge of blood [...] Read more.

In attempt to treat injured raptors and promote conservation awareness, the Kasetsart University Raptor Rehabilitation Unit (KURRU) was established in 2007. The complete blood counts (CBCs) are a manual tool used for the screening of raptor health. These tests require knowledge of blood cell morphology. This study aimed to describe the preliminary information of the hematology, ultrastructure, and morphology of blood cells in rufous-winged buzzards (RWB). There were 17 RWBs admitted into the KURRU. CBCs were manually performed by veterinary technicians. The morphology and morphometry of blood cells were observed from Wright-stained blood smears. Ultrastructure was observed from uranyl acetate and lead citrate-stained sections. The hematologic values were analyzed and described from individual RWBs that were clinically healthy, negative for blood parasites, and had PCV > 0.30 L/L. Consequently, CBCs of 12 out of 17 RWBs were included for descriptive hematologic values. Heterophils were the most prevalent white blood cells in RWBs. Of these 17 RWBs, 1 non-parasitized RWB showed hypochromic erythrocytes with PCV 0.18 L/L, which indicated that anemia in RWBs resulted from non-parasitic causes. The morphology of blood cells in RWBs was similar to those in other diurnal raptors, except that the lymphocytes showed pale or colorless cytoplasm. The electron micrographs highlighted that the basophil contained two types of granules: homogeneous electron-dense granules and reticulated electron-dense granules. The photomicrographs in this report are the scientific reference for identification of blood cells in RWBs. The CBCs from non-parasitized RWBs (clinically healthy) can be used as a cage mate reference in the KURRU. Additionally, we found evidence that evaluations of blood smears together with CBC examination were important in raptors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hematology and Transfusion Medicine in Animals)

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14 pages, 948 KiB

Open AccessReview

Social Licence to Operate: What Can Equestrian Sports Learn from Other Industries?

by Janet Douglas, Roly Owers and Madeleine L. H. Campbell

Animals 2022, 12(15), 1987; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151987 - 05 Aug 2022

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 10724

Abstract

The concept of ‘social licence to operate’ (SLO) is relevant to all animal-use activities. An SLO is an intangible, implicit agreement between the public and an industry/group. Its existence allows that industry/group to pursue its activities with minimal formalised restrictions because such activities [...] Read more.

The concept of ‘social licence to operate’ (SLO) is relevant to all animal-use activities. An SLO is an intangible, implicit agreement between the public and an industry/group. Its existence allows that industry/group to pursue its activities with minimal formalised restrictions because such activities have widespread societal approval. In contrast, the imposition of legal restrictions—or even an outright ban—reflect qualified or lack of public support for an activity. This review discusses current threats to equestrianism’s SLO and suggests actions that those across the equine sector need to take to justify the continuation of the SLO. The most important of these is earning the trust of all stakeholders, including the public. Trust requires transparency of operations, establishment and communication of shared values, and demonstration of competence. These attributes can only be gained by taking an ethics-based, proactive, progressive, and holistic approach to the protection of equine welfare. Animal-use activities that have faced challenges to their SLO have achieved variable success in re-establishing the approval of society, and equestrianism can learn from the experience of these groups as it maps its future. The associated effort and cost should be regarded as an investment in the future of the sport. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Equine Welfare Assessment)

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8 pages, 265 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Carcass Traits of Growing Meat Goats Fed Different Levels of Hempseed Meal

by Reshma Gurung, Khim B. Ale, Frank W. Abrahamsen, Katie Moyer, Jason T. Sawyer and Nar K. Gurung

Animals 2022, 12(15), 1986; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151986 - 05 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2208

Abstract

Hempseed meal (HSM) is the byproduct of hemp seeds and is rich in crude protein and fiber, making it an ideal candidate as a feedstuff for ruminants. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effects of feeding different levels of [...] Read more.

Hempseed meal (HSM) is the byproduct of hemp seeds and is rich in crude protein and fiber, making it an ideal candidate as a feedstuff for ruminants. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effects of feeding different levels of HSM on the carcass traits of crossbred Boer goats. Forty castrated goat kids (approximately six months, 25.63 ± 0.33 kg) were assigned to one of four treatments (n = 10) in a completely randomized design. Goats were fed pelleted diets (50% forage and 50% concentrate) with additional supplementation of HSM: control with 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% of the total diets. Goats were harvested and processed after a 60-day feeding trial. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the mean values of dressing percentages, carcass weights, body wall thickness, and ribeye area among treatments. Marbling scores and percentages of moisture, fats, proteins, and collagen in the muscles showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) among the treatments. Results suggest that including up to 30% of HSM in the diet of growing meat goats does not affect their carcass traits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Feed Ingredients: Improving Health Status, Milk and Meat Quality in Small Ruminants)

24 pages, 5494 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Social Cohesion of a Translocated Pride of White Lions Integrated with Wild Tawny Lions in South Africa, Using Social Network Analysis

by Jason A. Turner, Hans de Iongh and Emma J. Dunston-Clarke

Animals 2022, 12(15), 1985; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151985 - 05 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2011

Abstract

In South Africa, lions are protected in national parks and smaller fenced reserves. Translocating lions between fenced reserves, whilst necessary to maintain genetic diversity, is disruptive and can impact survivorship and pride cohesion. Critical to translocation success is pride cohesion. White lions are [...] Read more.

In South Africa, lions are protected in national parks and smaller fenced reserves. Translocating lions between fenced reserves, whilst necessary to maintain genetic diversity, is disruptive and can impact survivorship and pride cohesion. Critical to translocation success is pride cohesion. White lions are a natural colour variant occurring in the Greater Kruger Park Region, where anthropogenic threats eliminated this population until reintroduction in 2006. Through social network analysis (SNA), the sociality of a released pride of captive-origin white and wild tawny lions was compared to two captive-origin and wild prides of tawny lions. Social interactions and pride dynamics were recorded for each pride. For all prides, cubs and subadults were central to the play network, while adults received the most social interactions. White and wild tawny adult males initiated more social interactions than captive-origin tawny males, whilst a keystone adult female was identified in each pride. For the constructed pride, social interactions were more evenly distributed, suggesting a high level of connectedness and cohesion. This is the first study to demonstrate that captive-origin white and wild tawny lions can form a socially functional pride, suggesting that white lions would survive in the wild in the absence of anthropogenic threats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anthropogenic Threats to Wild and Captive Lions and How to Mitigate Them)

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9 pages, 267 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hematological Changes in Sika Doe and Suckling Fawn Fed with Spent Mushroom Substrate of Pleurotus ostreatus

by Chongshan Yuan, Changze Li, Xinyuan Chen, Syed Muhammad Tahir, Aiwu Zhang and Min Wu

Animals 2022, 12(15), 1984; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151984 - 05 Aug 2022

Viewed by 1313

Abstract

Sika deer velvet antler is the most important animal nutraceutic in traditional Chinese medicine. Reducing the breeding cost of sika deer by looking for a low-cost diet is the main research direction at present. The purpose of this experiment was to find an [...] Read more.

Sika deer velvet antler is the most important animal nutraceutic in traditional Chinese medicine. Reducing the breeding cost of sika deer by looking for a low-cost diet is the main research direction at present. The purpose of this experiment was to find an alternative diet for sika deer and reduce the cost of the diet by using spent mushroom substrate (SMS) as a concentrate supplement. The apparent digestibility for sika doe and the hematological changes of sika doe and suckling fawn were measured by replacing 10% of the concentrate supplement with SMS of Pleurotus ostreatus (SMS-MP). Compared with the control group, the digestibility of dry matter (DM), total protein (TP), globulin (GLO), and cholesterol (CHOL) of sika doe were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and glucose (GLU), alanine (Ala), phenylalanine (Phe), and proline (Pro) of sika doe were significantly increased (p < 0.05) after the replacement of SMS-MP. Compared with the control group, the serum GLU of suckling fawn was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) and the phosphatase (ALP) was significantly increased after the replacement of SMS-MP (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the immune globulin and amino acid of suckling fawns between the two groups (p > 0.05). The present findings confirm the applicability of SMS-MP as a sika doe concentrate supplement. At the same time, using SMS, a waste resource, can not only reduce the breeding cost of sika doe, but also make full use of SMS to reduce environmental pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Novel Animal Feeds, Forage Crops, and Cultivation Strategies for Enhancing Livestock Nutrition and Ecosystem Services)

12 pages, 5829 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Deep Learning Model for Detecting Cage-Free Hens on the Litter Floor

by Xiao Yang, Lilong Chai, Ramesh Bahadur Bist, Sachin Subedi and Zihao Wu

Animals 2022, 12(15), 1983; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151983 - 05 Aug 2022

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4978

Abstract

Real-time and automatic detection of chickens (e.g., laying hens and broilers) is the cornerstone of precision poultry farming based on image recognition. However, such identification becomes more challenging under cage-free conditions comparing to caged hens. In this study, we developed a deep learning [...] Read more.

Real-time and automatic detection of chickens (e.g., laying hens and broilers) is the cornerstone of precision poultry farming based on image recognition. However, such identification becomes more challenging under cage-free conditions comparing to caged hens. In this study, we developed a deep learning model (YOLOv5x-hens) based on YOLOv5, an advanced convolutional neural network (CNN), to monitor hens’ behaviors in cage-free facilities. More than 1000 images were used to train the model and an additional 200 images were adopted to test it. One-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD analyses were conducted using JMP software (JMP Pro 16 for Mac, SAS Institute, Cary, North Caronia) to determine whether there are significant differences between the predicted number of hens and the actual number of hens under various situations (i.e., age, light intensity, and observational angles). The difference was considered significant at p < 0.05. Our results show that the evaluation metrics (Precision, Recall, F1 and mAP@0.5) of the YOLOv5x-hens model were 0.96, 0.96, 0.96 and 0.95, respectively, in detecting hens on the litter floor. The newly developed YOLOv5x-hens was tested with stable performances in detecting birds under different lighting intensities, angles, and ages over 8 weeks (i.e., birds were 8–16 weeks old). For instance, the model was tested with 95% accuracy after the birds were 8 weeks old. However, younger chicks such as one-week old birds were harder to be tracked (e.g., only 25% accuracy) due to interferences of equipment such as feeders, drink lines, and perches. According to further data analysis, the model performed efficiently in real-time detection with an overall accuracy more than 95%, which is the key step for the tracking of individual birds for evaluation of production and welfare. However, there are some limitations of the current version of the model. Error detections came from highly overlapped stock, uneven light intensity, and images occluded by equipment (i.e., drinking line and feeder). Future research is needed to address those issues for a higher detection. The current study established a novel CNN deep learning model in research cage-free facilities for the detection of hens, which provides a technical basis for developing a machine vision system for tracking individual birds for evaluation of the animals’ behaviors and welfare status in commercial cage-free houses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Automated Monitoring of Livestock and Poultry with Machine Learning Technology)

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11 pages, 492 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Economic Burden of Chromosome Translocations and the Benefits of Enhanced Screening for Cattle Breeding

by Nicole M. Lewis, Carla Canedo-Ribeiro, Claudia C. Rathje, Rebecca L. Jennings, Maxim Danihel, Lisa M. Bosman, Giuseppe Silvestri and Darren K. Griffin

Animals 2022, 12(15), 1982; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151982 - 05 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1593

Abstract

The cattle breeding industry, through both of its derivatives (dairy and beef), provides 81% of milk and 22% of meat required globally. If a breeding bull is sub-fertile, this impacts herd conception and birth rates, and it is generally accepted that having a [...] Read more.

The cattle breeding industry, through both of its derivatives (dairy and beef), provides 81% of milk and 22% of meat required globally. If a breeding bull is sub-fertile, this impacts herd conception and birth rates, and it is generally accepted that having a proactive genetic screening programme can prevent further losses. Chromosome translocations are the leading genetic cause of infertility in livestock and, in cattle, this extends beyond the classical 1:29 to other Robertsonian translocations (RobTs) and to reciprocal translocations (RECTs). The incidence of both (collectively termed RTs) varies between breeds and herds; however, we estimate that RECTs are, most likely, at least twice as common as RobTs. The purpose of this study was to develop an industry economic model to estimate the financial impact of an RT event at the herd level. If we assume a conservative incidence rate of 0.4% for Rob1:29 with each one impacting the conception rate by 5%, we calculate that actively screening for and removing a Rob1:29 bull could benefit an impacted herd by GBP 2.3 million (approx. USD 2.8 million) over six years. A recently updated screening protocol developed in our lab for all RTs, however (with a projected combined incidence of 1.2%, impacting conception rates by 10%), could benefit an impacted herd by GBP 7.2 million (nearly USD 9 million) for each RT found. For an industry worth USD 827.4 billion (dairy) and USD 467.7 billion (beef), expanding knowledge on incidence and further dissection of the potential costs (financial and environmental) from RTs is essential to prevent further losses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dairy Cattle Reproduction)

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46 pages, 2261 KiB

Open AccessReview

Relative Bioavailability of Trace Minerals in Production Animal Nutrition: A Review

by Laurann Byrne and Richard A. Murphy

Animals 2022, 12(15), 1981; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151981 - 04 Aug 2022

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6530

Abstract

The importance of dietary supplementation of animal feeds with trace minerals is irrefutable, with various forms of both organic and inorganic products commercially available. With advances in research techniques, and data obtained from both in-vitro and in-vivo studies in recent years, differences between [...] Read more.

The importance of dietary supplementation of animal feeds with trace minerals is irrefutable, with various forms of both organic and inorganic products commercially available. With advances in research techniques, and data obtained from both in-vitro and in-vivo studies in recent years, differences between inorganic and organic trace minerals have become more apparent. Furthermore, differences between specific organic mineral types can now be identified. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, we carried out an extensive literature search on previously published studies detailing performance responses to trace minerals, in addition to their corresponding relative bioavailability values. This review covers four of the main trace minerals included in feed: copper, iron, manganese and zinc, and encompasses the different types of organic and inorganic products commercially available. Their impact from environmental, economic, and nutritional perspectives are discussed, along with the biological availability of various mineral forms in production animals. Species-specific sections cover ruminants, poultry, and swine. Extensive relative bioavailability tables cover values for all trace mineral products commercially available, including those not previously reviewed in earlier studies, thereby providing a comprehensive industry reference guide. Additionally, we examine reasons for variance in reported relative bioavailability values, with an emphasis on accounting for data misinterpretation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Minerals in Animal Production)

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15 pages, 6501 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contour-Based Wild Animal Instance Segmentation Using a Few-Shot Detector

by Jiaxi Tang, Yaqin Zhao, Liqi Feng and Wenxuan Zhao

Animals 2022, 12(15), 1980; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151980 - 04 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2731

Abstract

Camera traps are widely used in wildlife research, conservation, and management, and abundant images are acquired every day. Efficient real-time instance segmentation networks can help ecologists label and study wild animals. However, existing deep convolutional neural networks require a large number of annotations [...] Read more.

Camera traps are widely used in wildlife research, conservation, and management, and abundant images are acquired every day. Efficient real-time instance segmentation networks can help ecologists label and study wild animals. However, existing deep convolutional neural networks require a large number of annotations and labels, which makes them unsuitable for small datasets. In this paper, we propose a two-stage method for the instance segmentation of wildlife, including object detection and contour approximation. In the object detection stage, we use FSOD (few-shot object detection) to recognize animal species and detect the initial bounding boxes of animals. In the case of a small wildlife dataset, this method may improve the generalization ability of the wild animal species recognition and even identify new species that only have a small number of training samples. In the second stage, deep snake is used as the contour approximation model for the instance segmentation of wild mammals. The initial bounding boxes generated in the first stage are input to deep snake to approximate the contours of the animal bodies. The model fuses the advantages of detecting new species and real-time instance segmentation. The experimental results show that the proposed method is more suitable for wild animal instance segmentation, in comparison with pixel-wise segmentation methods. In particular, the proposed method shows a better performance when facing challenging images. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal System and Management)

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