Animals

12 pages, 1970 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Bilateral Change in Vertical Hoof Force Distribution in Horses with Unilateral Forelimb Lameness before and after Successful Diagnostic Anaesthesia

by Johanna R. Hoffmann, Florian Geburek, Jenny Hagen, Kathrin Büttner, Antonio M. Cruz and Michael Röcken

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2485; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182485 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1635

Abstract

Kinetic examinations of horses with induced lameness as well as the effect of perineural anaesthesia in sound horses have shown promise, but clinical studies regarding the effect of diagnostic anaesthesia during the different stance phases are rare. Fourteen horses with unilateral forelimb lameness [...] Read more.

Kinetic examinations of horses with induced lameness as well as the effect of perineural anaesthesia in sound horses have shown promise, but clinical studies regarding the effect of diagnostic anaesthesia during the different stance phases are rare. Fourteen horses with unilateral forelimb lameness were examined with the Hoof™ System during trot to assess vertical force distribution (in kg) affecting both front hooves before and after diagnostic anaesthesia during landing, midstance, and breakover. For statistical analysis, a covariance analysis with repeated measurements regarding the limb (lame/sound) as well as anaesthesia (before/after) and the covariable body weight was performed. The p-values for the pairwise comparisons were adjusted using the Bonferroni–Holm correction (p < 0.05). For all phases of the stance, a significant interaction between the factors limb and anaesthesia was shown. Before diagnostic anaesthesia, vertical force was significantly reduced on the lame limb compared to the sound limb during landing (−25%, p < 0.001), midstance (−20%, p < 0.001) and breakover (−27%, p < 0.001). After anaesthesia, the difference between both forelimbs was not significant anymore for all phases. The vertical force on the lame limb increased significantly after positive anaesthesia during the whole stance phase, with breakover being most affected (+27%, p = 0.001). Pressure measurements with the Hoof™ System can be used to evaluate the effect of diagnostic anaesthesia in a clinical setting with pain-related vertical force asymmetries being neutralised after diagnostic anaesthesia. Breakover is the main event influenced by lameness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Medicine and Animal Rehabilitation)

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14 pages, 1380 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Environmental Temperature and Humidity on Milk Composition, Microbial Load, and Somatic Cells in Milk of Holstein Dairy Cows in the Northeast Regions of Iran

by Abdolhakim Toghdory, Taghi Ghoorchi, Mohammad Asadi, Mostafa Bokharaeian, Mojtaba Najafi and Jalil Ghassemi Nejad

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2484; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182484 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3115

Abstract

The present study aims to examine the relationships between temperature and humidity and milk composition, microbial load, and somatic cells in the milk of Holstein dairy cows. For this purpose, the temperature–humidity index, ambient temperature, and relative humidity data were obtained from the [...] Read more.

The present study aims to examine the relationships between temperature and humidity and milk composition, microbial load, and somatic cells in the milk of Holstein dairy cows. For this purpose, the temperature–humidity index, ambient temperature, and relative humidity data were obtained from the nearest weather stations. Production data were obtained from four dairy farms in Golestan province, Iran, collected from 2016 to 2021. The traits investigated were protein, fat, solids-not-fat (SNF), microbial load, and somatic cell count (SCC) in milk. The effects of the environmental temperature, humidity, month, and season on the milk composition, microbial load, and somatic cells were analyzed through analysis of variance. The effects of environmental temperature, humidity, month, and season on the milk composition, microbial load, and somatic cell composition were analyzed using a mixed procedure with a restricted maximum likelihood model. Although our findings revealed that there were significant differences in fat, protein, SNF, and SCC among the different months of the year (p < 0.01), no significant difference was observed in the total microbial count in milk. Environmental temperature presented significant impacts on fat, protein, SNF, SCC, and total microbial count within various temperature ranges (p < 0.01). When the temperature increased from 6.2 °C to 31.3 °C, the milk protein, fat, SNF, and somatic cell count significantly decreased, by approximately 4.09%, 5.75%, 1.31%, and 16.8%, respectively; meanwhile, the microbial count in milk significantly increased, by approximately 13.7%. Humidity showed an influence on fat, protein, non-fat solids, somatic cells, and total microbial count within different temperature ranges (p < 0.01). When the humidity increased from 54% to 82%, the milk protein, fat, SNF, and SCC significantly increased, by approximately 3.61%, 4.84%, 1.06%, and 10.2%, respectively; meanwhile, the microbial count in milk significantly decreased, by approximately 16.3%. The results demonstrate that there is a negative correlation between different months of the year, temperature, and the humidity of the environment, in terms of milk components and SCC. Our findings demonstrate that the optimum performance, in terms of milk composition, occurred in the first quarter of the year. As temperature increases and humidity decreases, milk quality decreases. Therefore, the adverse effects of environmental conditions on agricultural profits are not negligible, and strategies to better deal with the negative environmental effects are needed in order to improve milk quality in dairy cows. Full article

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

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10 pages, 1932 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Sulfamethoxazole on Fertilization and Embryo Development in the Arbacia lixula Sea Urchin

by Valentina Lazzara, Manuela Mauro, Monica Celi, Gaetano Cammilleri, Aiti Vizzini, Claudio Luparello, Paola Bellini, Vincenzo Ferrantelli and Mirella Vazzana

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2483; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182483 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1287

Abstract

To date, drugs released into the aquatic environment are a real problem, and among antibiotics, sulfamethoxazole is the one most widely found in wastewater; thus, the evaluation of its toxicity on marine organisms is very important. This study, for the first time, investigates [...] Read more.

To date, drugs released into the aquatic environment are a real problem, and among antibiotics, sulfamethoxazole is the one most widely found in wastewater; thus, the evaluation of its toxicity on marine organisms is very important. This study, for the first time, investigates the in vitro effects of 4 concentrations of sulfamethoxazole (0.05 mg/L, 0.5 mg/L, 5 mg/L, 50 mg/L) on the fertilization and development of the sea urchin Arbacia lixula. The gametes were exposed to drugs in three different stages: simultaneously with, prior to, and post-fertilization. The results show a significant reduction in the percentage of fertilized oocytes at the highest drug concentrations. Moreover, an increase in anomalies and delays in embryo development following the treatment with the drug was demonstrated. Therefore, the data suggest that this antibiotic can alter the development of marine organisms, making it urgent to act to reduce their release and to determine the concentration range with the greatest impact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Aquatic Animals)

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12 pages, 3681 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Inference of the Evolution of Immune Traits as Constrained by Phylogeny: Insight into the Immune System of the Basal Diapsid

by Jorge E. López-Pérez, Brian I. Crother and Christopher M. Murray

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2482; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182482 - 19 Sep 2022

Viewed by 1274

Abstract

Among vertebrates, some of the most vulnerable taxa to emergent fungal pathogens are members of Reptilia. In light of the growing threat of emergent fungal pathogens affecting wildlife, it is important to broaden the current understanding of immune system function, development, and evolution. [...] Read more.

Among vertebrates, some of the most vulnerable taxa to emergent fungal pathogens are members of Reptilia. In light of the growing threat of emergent fungal pathogens affecting wildlife, it is important to broaden the current understanding of immune system function, development, and evolution. The homologous condition of a trait is necessary in order to study its evolution, as such, homology is necessary in the study of immunological evolution. Here, we explore the evolution of toll-like receptors (TLRs), a series of homologous receptors crucial to the initial immune response. The homologous condition of TLR genes provides a unique system in which to explore the evolution of the TLR; using a Reptilian phylogeny, we elucidate the immune condition of the basal diapsid. Our analysis revealed that the basal diapsid may have had an immune system that lacked two receptors: TLR 15, a receptor uniquely present in Reptilia, and TLR 13, a receptor important in the recognition of nucleic acid motifs. Additionally, our analysis showed multiple losses and convergences for various TLRs, likely attributed to redundancies in receptor function. Further exploration into the immune condition of extinct taxa may shed light on the evolution of the reptilian immune system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Herpetology)

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15 pages, 1637 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Practicability of a Time-Limited Welfare Assessment Protocol for Pasture-Based Dairy Farms, and a Preliminary Assessment of Welfare Outcome Thresholds

by Sujan Sapkota, Richard Laven, Kristina Ruth Müller and Nikki Kells

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2481; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182481 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1279

Abstract

This study assessed a new time-limited protocol developed for pasture-based cows across 23 dairy farms. The process started prior to milking with a questionnaire, followed by an assessment of resources (16 farms only) and behavioural observation of cows at pasture. Remaining animal-based measures [...] Read more.

This study assessed a new time-limited protocol developed for pasture-based cows across 23 dairy farms. The process started prior to milking with a questionnaire, followed by an assessment of resources (16 farms only) and behavioural observation of cows at pasture. Remaining animal-based measures were assessed during milking, usually by two assessors (one parlour based and one outside). The protocol proved to be practical and feasible with limited changes needed, except for the assessment of water availability and behaviour. As most cows could access only one water trough, distance between troughs was not a measure of water availability, while the observation of a large numbers of cows at pasture for 30 min resulted in few observations and an uncertain denominator (effective number of observed cows). Further research is needed to determine the best way of assessing water availability and cow behaviour in a time-limited assessment of pasture-based cows. Three animal-based measures (broken tails, dirtiness, and coughing) had mean values higher than the author-determined acceptable thresholds, while <50% of farms met trough cleanliness and track condition targets, and none met the criteria for shelter and shade. This was a sample of farms based on convenience, so more data are required to establish the representativeness of these results. Such testing should involve assessment of the repeatability and reliability of the measures in our protocol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Welfare)

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12 pages, 1996 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oregano Oil Combined with Macleaya Cordata Oral Solution Improves the Growth Performance and Immune Response of Broilers

by Cheng Zhang, Weihao Li, Ligong Chen, Zhaoliang Chen, Xuejing Wang, Qianqian Xu, Hailong Zhang, Huan Chen and Juxiang Liu

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2480; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182480 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1613

Abstract

The abuse of AGPs in animal husbandry has led to severe problems such as drug resistance and ecological, and environmental destruction, which seriously threaten human health and public health security. In recent years, extracts of oregano oil and macleaya cordata have become a [...] Read more.

The abuse of AGPs in animal husbandry has led to severe problems such as drug resistance and ecological, and environmental destruction, which seriously threaten human health and public health security. In recent years, extracts of oregano oil and macleaya cordata have become a hot spot in the research and application of AGP substitutes for their safety and high efficiency. This study is the first to report the effect of oregano oil combined with macleaya cordata oral solution on broiler growth performance. A total of 960 one-day-old broiler chickens were randomly divided into four treatment groups (240 chickens per group). Each treatment group was divided into six replicate groups (40 birds per replicate group). There were four groups in this study: the solvent control group, the oregano essential oil combined with macleaya cordata extract oral solution group (OS group), the oregano essential oil oral solution group (OEO group), and the macleaya cordata extract oral solution group (MCE group). Two chickens from each replicate group were collected and mixed into a composite sample. Six composite samples were obtained for each treatment group. The results showed that the oregano oil combined with macleaya cordata oral solution significantly improved the growth performance of broiler chickens. At the same time, serum biochemical indices, serum antioxidant indices, serum immune indices, serum cytokines, and intestinal morphology were significantly improved by the OS group. This study shows that oregano oil combined with macleaya cordata oral solution has substantial potential to be an alternative to AGPs for broilers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diseases in Poultry: Advances in Nutrition and Vaccines)

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9 pages, 980 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of the Administration of a Nutraceutical Supplement in Racehorses with Lower Airway Inflammation

by Luca Stucchi, Chiara Maria Lo Feudo, Giovanni Stancari, Bianca Conturba and Francesco Ferrucci

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2479; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182479 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1470

Abstract

Mild–moderate equine asthma (MEA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the lower airways of the horse, characterized by tracheal mucus accumulation, cough and poor performance. The therapeutic approach is based on pharmacological treatment and environmental management. Moreover, the efficacy of the administration of [...] Read more.

Mild–moderate equine asthma (MEA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the lower airways of the horse, characterized by tracheal mucus accumulation, cough and poor performance. The therapeutic approach is based on pharmacological treatment and environmental management. Moreover, the efficacy of the administration of antioxidant molecules has been reported. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the administration of a commercial nutraceutical supplement, composed of several herbal extracts, on lower airway inflammation in racehorses. Twelve Thoroughbreds affected by MEA were selected. All horses underwent a clinical examination with assignment of a clinical score, airway endoscopy and cytological examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In seven horses, the supplement was administered for 21 days in association with environmental changes, while in five horses only environmental changes were performed. All procedures were repeated at the end of the study. Data concerning the clinical score, the endoscopic scores and the cytology at the beginning and at the end of the study were statistically compared. Data showed a significant reduction (p < 0.0156) of the clinical score and a significant reduction (p < 0.0156) of the tracheal mucus score. The results showed the beneficial effect of the supplement on mild–moderate lower airway inflammation, probably due to its antioxidant activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Equine Respiratory Medicine and Cardiology)

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11 pages, 1356 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Feed Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectra as Predictors of Methane Emissions from Ruminants

by Xuezhao Sun, David Pacheco, Grant Taylor, Peter H. Janssen and Natasha M. Swainson

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2478; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182478 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1670

Abstract

Feed chemical composition is associated with methane (CH₄) formation in the rumen, and thus CH₄ yields (Y_m; CH₄ emitted from per unit of dry matter intake) could be predicted using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) of feeds fed [...] Read more.

Feed chemical composition is associated with methane (CH₄) formation in the rumen, and thus CH₄ yields (Y_m; CH₄ emitted from per unit of dry matter intake) could be predicted using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) of feeds fed to ruminants. Two databases of NIRS data were compiled from feeds used in experiments in which CH₄ yields had been quantified in respiration chambers. Each record in the databases represented a batch of feed offered to a group of experimental animals and the mean CH₄ yield for the group. A near-infrared reflectance spectrum was obtained from each feed, and these spectra were used to generate a predictive equation for Y_m. The predictive model generated from brassica crops and pasture fed at a similar feeding level (n = 40 records) explained 53% of the variation in Y_m and had a reasonably good agreement (concordance correlation coefficient of 0.77). The predictive ability of the NIRS calibration could be useful for screening purposes, particularly for predicting the potential Y_m of multiple feeds or feed samples, rather than measuring Y_m in animal experiments at high expenses. It is recommended that the databases for NIRS calibrations are expanded by collecting feed information from future experiments in which methane emissions are measured, using alternative algorithms and combining other techniques, such as terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Feeds and Feed Additives in Ruminants-Increasing Productivity and Reducing Environmental Pollution)

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20 pages, 1877 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence and Population Diversity of Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Dairy Cattle Farms in the Cantabria Region of Spain

by Athanasia Varsaki, Sagrario Ortiz, Patricia Santorum, Pilar López, Victoria López-Alonso, Marta Hernández, David Abad, Jorge Rodríguez-Grande, Alain A. Ocampo-Sosa and Joaquín V. Martínez-Suárez

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2477; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182477 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2259

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic pathogen that is widely distributed in the environment. Here we show the prevalence and transmission of L. monocytogenes in dairy farms in the Cantabria region, on the northern coast of Spain. A total of 424 samples was collected [...] Read more.

Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic pathogen that is widely distributed in the environment. Here we show the prevalence and transmission of L. monocytogenes in dairy farms in the Cantabria region, on the northern coast of Spain. A total of 424 samples was collected from 14 dairy farms (5 organic and 9 conventional) and 211 L. monocytogenes isolates were recovered following conventional microbiological methods. There were no statistically significant differences in antimicrobial resistance ratios between organic and conventional farms. A clonal relationship among the isolates was assessed by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis and 64 different pulsotypes were obtained. Most isolates (89%, n = 187) were classified as PCR serogroup IVb by using a multiplex PCR assay. In this case, 45 isolates of PCR serogroup IVb were whole genome-sequenced to perform a further analysis at genomic level. In silico MLST analysis showed the presence of 12 sequence types (ST), of which ST1, ST54 and ST666 were the most common. Our data indicate that the environment of cattle farms retains a high incidence of L. monocytogenes, including subtypes involved in human listeriosis reports and outbreaks. This pathogen is shed in the feces and could easily colonize dairy products, as a result of fecal contamination. Effective herd and manure management are needed in order to prevent possible outbreaks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses)

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16 pages, 918 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Environmental Factors Affecting the Reproductive Efficiency of Italian Simmental Young Bulls

by Francesca Corte Pause, Martina Crociati, Susy Urli, Maurizio Monaci, Lorenzo Degano and Giuseppe Stradaioli

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2476; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182476 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1714

Abstract

The objectives of the study aimed to evaluate the effect of weather conditions and scrotal circumference (SC) on standard semen characteristics of Italian Simmental young bulls (n = 577), all raised in the same performance station and sampled by the artificial vagina [...] Read more.

The objectives of the study aimed to evaluate the effect of weather conditions and scrotal circumference (SC) on standard semen characteristics of Italian Simmental young bulls (n = 577), all raised in the same performance station and sampled by the artificial vagina (AV) method. Considering the increasing SC, the results showed a significant increase in quantitative semen parameters (p < 0.05 and p < 0.0001, for sperm concentration and total number of spermatozoa, respectively); for every extra centimeter of SC, 17.5 × 10⁶ spermatozoa/mL and 0.102 × 10⁹ of total spermatozoa were produced. The age of the animal at semen collection (395 and 465 days) had similar positive effects. The effect of the average temperature humidity index (THI limits ≤ 40 and ≥70) in the previous 60, 30, and 10 days before the semen collection was also considered. Sixty days before the semen collection, the increasing THI increased both primary (p < 0.0001) and secondary (p < 0.0001) abnormalities while the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa decreased (p < 0.0001). Thirty and ten days before collection, the same effect on morphological traits was maintained, but total and progressive motility was also influenced (p < 0.01) with an unexpected increasing pattern. Thus, environmental conditions can influence semen quality during the entire spermatogenesis and results can guide future research on this breed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sperm Quality and Fertility of Livestock Animals)

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21 pages, 2449 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Efficacy of a 3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Inhibitor for the Termination of Mid-Term Pregnancies in Dogs

by Firdevs Binli, İpek İnan, Fatih Büyükbudak, Aykut Gram, Duygu Kaya, Narin Liman, Selim Aslan, Murat Fındık and Serhan Serhat Ay

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2475; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182475 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2026

Abstract

Progesterone (P4) is the only hormone needed to maintain pregnancy in dogs. Therefore, a competitive inhibitor of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) could be a safe and effective option to terminate pregnancy by inhibiting P4 synthesis. To address this hypothesis, we investigated the efficacy of [...] Read more.

Progesterone (P4) is the only hormone needed to maintain pregnancy in dogs. Therefore, a competitive inhibitor of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) could be a safe and effective option to terminate pregnancy by inhibiting P4 synthesis. To address this hypothesis, we investigated the efficacy of trilostane (TRL), a competitive inhibitor of 3β-HSD, in terminating pregnancy in dogs. Twenty-one dogs between days 30 and 38 of pregnancy were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups (trilostane (TRL) and aglepristone (AGL)) and an untreated control (CON) group (n = 7 dogs each). Fetal heart rates (FHRs) (measured at 12 h intervals) and serum P4 concentrations (measured at 6 h intervals) were evaluated. The pregnancy termination rates were 0% and 100% in the TRL and AGL groups, respectively. The decrease in the FHR in the TRL and AGL groups was significantly lower than that observed in the CON group. There was a marked decrease in P4 concentrations in the TRL group 6, 54, and 102 h after the initiation of treatment. The luteal expression of StAR appeared to be weaker in the AGL group than the CON group. In conclusion, although a treatment-induced decrease was observed in plasma P4 concentrations, a seven-day TRL treatment alone was not effective in terminating pregnancies. Further studies are needed on the effects of the prolonged administration of TRL with varying doses and frequencies for the termination of mid-term pregnancy in dogs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulation of Reproductive Function, Fertility and Infertility in Female and Male Dogs)

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15 pages, 2081 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Characterization of LKB1 of Triploid Crucian Carp and Its Regulation on Muscle Growth and Quality

by Anli Zuo, Yonghua Zhou, Yingjie Li, Yu Zhang, Zilin Yi, Yangbo Xiao, Mei Zou, Shenping Cao, Fufa Qu, Jianzhou Tang and Zhen Liu

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2474; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182474 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1646

Abstract

Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1) is a serine/threonine kinase that can regulate energy metabolism and skeletal muscle growth. In the present study, LKB1 cDNA of triploid crucian carp (Carassius auratus) was cloned. The cDNA contains a complete open reading frame (ORF), with [...] Read more.

Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1) is a serine/threonine kinase that can regulate energy metabolism and skeletal muscle growth. In the present study, LKB1 cDNA of triploid crucian carp (Carassius auratus) was cloned. The cDNA contains a complete open reading frame (ORF), with a length of 1326 bp, encoding 442 amino acids. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the LKB1 amino acid sequence of the triploid crucian carp had a high sequence similarity and identity with carp (Cyprinus carpio). Tissue expression analysis revealed that LKB1 was widely expressed in various tissues. LKB1 expressions in the brain were highest, followed by kidney and muscle. In the short-term LKB1 activator and inhibitor injection experiment, when LKB1 was activated for 72 h, expressions of myogenic differentiation (MyoD), muscle regulatory factor (MRF4), myogenic factor (MyoG) and myostatin 1 (MSTN1) were markedly elevated and the content of inosine monophosphate (IMP) in muscle was significantly increased. When LKB1 was inhibited for 72 h, expressions of MyoD, MyoG, MRF4 and MSTN1 were markedly decreased. The long-term injection experiment of the LKB1 activator revealed that, when LKB1 was activated for 15 days, its muscle fibers were significantly larger and tighter than the control group. In texture profile analysis, it showed smaller hardness and adhesion, greater elasticity and chewiness. Contrastingly, when LKB1 was inhibited for 9 days, its muscle fibers were significantly smaller, while the gap between muscle fibers was significantly larger. Texture profile analysis showed that adhesion was significantly higher than the control group. A feeding trial on triploid crucian carp showed that with dietary lysine-glutamate dipeptide concentration increasing, the expression of the LKB1 gene gradually increased and was highest when dipeptide concentration was 1.6%. These findings may provide new insights into the effects of LKB1 on fish skeletal muscle growth and muscle quality, and will provide a potential application value in improvement of aquaculture feed formula. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Growth, Health and Quality of Fish and Other Marine Products)

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11 pages, 295 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Hydrolyzed Yeast on Growth Performance, Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, and Hematology in Growing Beef Cattle

by Nirawan Gunun, Ittipol Sanjun, Chatchai Kaewpila, Suban Foiklang, Anusorn Cherdthong, Metha Wanapat, Sineenart Polyorach, Waroon Khota, Thachawech Kimprasit, Piyawit Kesorn, Nipa Milintawisamai and Pongsatorn Gunun

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2473; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182473 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2243

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to assess the effect of hydrolyzed yeast (HY) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and hematology in growing crossbred Bos indicus cattle. Twenty crossbred beef cattle with an initial body weight (BW) of 142 ± 12 kg were [...] Read more.

This experiment was conducted to assess the effect of hydrolyzed yeast (HY) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and hematology in growing crossbred Bos indicus cattle. Twenty crossbred beef cattle with an initial body weight (BW) of 142 ± 12 kg were randomly assigned to one of four treatments for 90 d in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) having five blocks based on a homogenous subpopulation of sex and BW. Cattle were fed with a total mixed ration (TMR) and supplemented with HY at 0, 1, 2, and 3 g/kg dry matter (DM), respectively. Supplementation with the HY did not change average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), and gain to feed ratio (G:F) (p ≥ 0.06). The addition of HY did not adversely affect nutrient intake (p ≥ 0.48), while the digestibility of crude protein (CP) increased quadratically (p= 0.03) in the cattle receiving HY. The addition of HY did not affect rumen pH, but NH₃-N concentration increased linearly (p = 0.02) in the cattle. The total volatile fatty acid (total VFA) increased quadratically (p= 0.03) when cattle were fed with HY supplementation. The proportion of acetate decreased cubically (p= 0.03) while propionate increased cubically (p= 0.01), resulting in a decrease in the acetate to propionate ratio (p= 0.01) when cattle were fed with HY supplementation. In addition, acetate was the lowest, but total VFA and propionate were the highest in cattle fed the HY at 2 g/kg DM. Butyrate increased cubically (p = 0.02) with the addition of HY. The protozoal and fungal populations were similar among treatments (p ≥ 0.11), but the bacterial population increased linearly (p < 0.01) with the addition of HY. Supplementation of HY did not influence blood urea nitrogen (BUN), red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cells (WBC), lymphocytes, or eosinophils (p≥ 0.10). However, monocytes and neutrophils increased linearly (p = 0.04 and p = 0.01, respectively) by HY supplementation. In conclusion, supplementation of HY at 2 g/kg DM promotes CP digestibility, rumen fermentation efficiency, and hematology but does not affect the growth performance of growing beef cattle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition in Tropical Areas)

15 pages, 312 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a Novel Gel Formulation of Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) on Behavioral and Physiological Stress Responses in Dogs Undergoing Clinical Examination

by Ivana Puglisi, Marisa Masucci, Alessandro Cozzi, Eva Teruel, Michele Navarra, Santa Cirmi, Maria Grazia Pennisi and Carlo Siracusa

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2472; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182472 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2470

Abstract

The veterinary visit is necessary for safeguarding the health of dogs, but it can be stressful and threaten both the welfare of the patient and the accuracy of the examination. This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study aims at evaluating how dog appeasing pheromone [...] Read more.

The veterinary visit is necessary for safeguarding the health of dogs, but it can be stressful and threaten both the welfare of the patient and the accuracy of the examination. This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study aims at evaluating how dog appeasing pheromone (DAP) in a novel gel formulation influences the behavioral and physiological stress responses of 28 dogs undergoing a standardized clinical examination, while staying in the waiting room (WR) and visited in the examination room (ER). Behavioral responses were studied through behavioral categories and subjective scales (WR and ER). Autonomic response considered heart rate (WR and ER), blood pressure (WR and ER), respiratory rate (ER), and rectal temperature (ER). Neuroendocrine response considered salivary cortisol (WR and ER). In the waiting room, the use of DAP was associated with a significant reduction of lip licking (p = 0.0189), an increase in panting (p = 0.0276), and a reduction close to significance (p = 0.0584) of low body postures. No significant differences were observed within the physiological responses. In the examination room, neither behavioral nor physiological differences were found. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Welfare)

10 pages, 2160 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Silencing TUBB3 Expression Destroys the Tegument and Flame Cells of Echinococcus multilocularis Protoscoleces

by Qiqi Shi, Congshan Liu, Lele Huo, Yi Tao and Haobing Zhang

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2471; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182471 - 19 Sep 2022

Viewed by 1379

Abstract

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by infection with the larvae of Echinococcus multilocularis, is a neglected tropical disease and zoonosis that causes remarkable morbidity in humans and has economic importance in the livestock industry worldwide. The growth of this parasite resembles the invasion [...] Read more.

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by infection with the larvae of Echinococcus multilocularis, is a neglected tropical disease and zoonosis that causes remarkable morbidity in humans and has economic importance in the livestock industry worldwide. The growth of this parasite resembles the invasion and proliferation of malignant tumours. Microtubules, especially the β-tubulin subunit in the exposed end, are the targets of many antitumour drugs. However, the role of TUBB3, which is the most studied isotype in solid tumours and is also a marker of biological aggressiveness associated with the modulation of tumour metastatic abilities in the growth and development of platyhelminths, is unknown. In this study, protoscoleces (PSCs) are cultivated in monophasic medium in vitro. Using electroporated short interfering RNA (siRNA), EmTUBB3 knockdown was performed with two EmTUBB3-specific siRNAs (siRNA-1 and siRNA-2). qRT–PCR was performed to detect the expression of TUBB3. PSCs viability and the evagination rate and number of body contractions were quantified under a light microscope. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to observe the ultra-morphological changes of the parasites. After siRNA interference, the EmTUBB3 expression in E. multilocularis PSCs was significantly reduced. Reduced viability, a decreased evagination rate and a decreased number of body contractions were also documented. In particular, shrinkage and roughness of the tegument were observed. Ultrastructural changes included marked damage to flame cells, cracked cilia structures enclosed in the cell body and ruptured microtubule structures. EmTUBB3 possibly plays a crucial role in tegument and flame cell integrity in E. multilocularis PSCs. Novel drugs targeting this specific beta-tubulin isotype in E. multilocularis are potential methods for disease control and deserve further attention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

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18 pages, 2535 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Vegetation Habitats and Bird Communities in Urban Mountain Parks

by Weizhen Xu, Jiao Yu, Peilin Huang, Dulai Zheng, Yuxin Lin, Ziluo Huang, Yujie Zhao, Jiaying Dong, Zhipeng Zhu and Weicong Fu

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2470; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182470 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2428

Abstract

The coastal areas of southeast China have typical high-density urbanization characteristics, and urban mountain parks are important green spaces in these urban green space systems. Our study was conducted in five typical urban mountain parks in Fuzhou, China. The bird survey was carried [...] Read more.

The coastal areas of southeast China have typical high-density urbanization characteristics, and urban mountain parks are important green spaces in these urban green space systems. Our study was conducted in five typical urban mountain parks in Fuzhou, China. The bird survey was carried out in 25 transects of different vegetation habitats for 10 months, and the vegetation survey was conducted in 25 habitats to investigate the characteristics of bird communities in different vegetation habitats and the causes of their differences. The results showed: (1) From 1 October 2021 to 15 July 2022, we recorded a total of 90 bird species in 8 orders, 37 families, and 64 genera, with 1879 individuals in five vegetation habitats in the urban mountain parks. (2) Abundance and diversity of trees are vegetation variables affecting bird diversity (bird species richness, abundance, and Shannon diversity) in urban mountain parks, and the average branch height under trees has a significant effect on bird evenness. (3) We found more bird species and higher bird diversity in both sparse and dense forest habitats, but fewer bird species in waterfront, shrub, and grassland habitats; (4) Average tree height (AVE_HEIt) was only present in the best model of bird abundance and evenness. However, none of the best models found a significant effect of the number of tourists and predators on bird diversity. Our results could provide a theoretical basis and guidance for the future improvement of ecological service functions of bird habitats in urban mountain parks in subtropical coastal areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Bird Diversity from Mountains and Lakes)

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6 pages, 1299 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Origins of Polynesian Pigs Revealed by Mitochondrial Whole Genome Ancient DNA

by K. Ann Horsburgh, Anna L. Gosling, Ethan E. Cochrane, Patrick V. Kirch, Jillian A. Swift and Mark D. McCoy

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2469; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182469 - 18 Sep 2022

Viewed by 2530

Abstract

Domestic pigs (Sus scrofa) were first transported to Polynesia through a series of long-distance voyages ultimately linked to the Neolithic expansion of Austronesian-speaking people out of Asia. The descendants of the founding pigs belong to a rare mtDNA group referred to [...] Read more.

Domestic pigs (Sus scrofa) were first transported to Polynesia through a series of long-distance voyages ultimately linked to the Neolithic expansion of Austronesian-speaking people out of Asia. The descendants of the founding pigs belong to a rare mtDNA group referred to as the “Pacific Clade” that may have originated in peninsular or island Southeast Asia. We report the first whole genome mtDNA from domestic pigs from any of the remote islands of the Pacific. In this brief report, we describe the close link we discovered between ancient mtDNA from archaeological specimens from across Polynesia and from that of modern pigs in northern peninsular Southeast Asia, specifically southern China’s Yunnan Province. More complete mtDNA coverage in commensal animals is necessary to improve our picture of the settlement of Polynesia (ca. 2800–700 years before the present) and specify the route, or routes, that pigs took from northern peninsular Southeast Asia. Full article

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16 pages, 4315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Uncovering the Fecal Bacterial Communities of Sympatric Sika Deer (Cervus nippon) and Wapiti (Cervus canadensis)

by Jiakuo Yan, Xiaoyang Wu, Xibao Wang, Yongquan Shang and Honghai Zhang

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2468; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182468 - 18 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1808

Abstract

Microbial symbiotic associations may be beneficial, neutral, or harmful to the host. Symbionts exploit the host space and nutrition or use hosts as carriers to spread to other environments. In order to investigate the fecal bacterial communities of wild sika deer (Cervus [...] Read more.

Microbial symbiotic associations may be beneficial, neutral, or harmful to the host. Symbionts exploit the host space and nutrition or use hosts as carriers to spread to other environments. In order to investigate the fecal bacterial communities of wild sika deer (Cervus nippon) and wapiti (Cervus canadensis), this study aimed to sequence and explore the composition of, and similarity between, the fecal microbiota of sika deer and wapiti using high-throughput sequencing. The composition and relative abundance of fecal microbiota, alpha diversity, and differences in beta diversity between the two species were analyzed. We found that no pathogenic bacteria were present in large quantities in the hosts. The dominant bacterial phyla found in the two deer species were similar and included Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Spirochaetes. Moreover, the deer also shared similar dominant genera, including the Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-010, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005, and Bacteroides. These results demonstrate that the sika deer and wapiti share a similar fecal microbiotal structure, probably due to their common diet and living environment, but there was some evidence of a difference at the species level. These analyses provide new insights into the health status of deer populations outside protected environments and offer a scientific framework for monitoring the health conditions of sika deer and wapiti. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development of Natural bioactive compounds/Products in Animal Resource and Agriculture Science)

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14 pages, 3411 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analyses of the Gut Microbiota in Growing Ragdoll Cats and Felinae Cats

by Zongjie Li, Di Di, Qing Sun, Xiaohui Yao, Jianchao Wei, Beibei Li, Ke Liu, Donghua Shao, Yafeng Qiu, Haixia Liu, Zhanjun Cheng and Zhiyong Ma

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2467; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182467 - 18 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2640

Abstract

Today, domestic cats are important human companion animals for their appearance and favorable personalities. During the history of their domestication, the morphological and genetic portraits of domestic cats changed significantly from their wild ancestors, and the gut microbial communities of different breeds of [...] Read more.

Today, domestic cats are important human companion animals for their appearance and favorable personalities. During the history of their domestication, the morphological and genetic portraits of domestic cats changed significantly from their wild ancestors, and the gut microbial communities of different breeds of cats also apparently differ. In the current study, the gut microbiota of Ragdoll cats and Felinae cats were analyzed and compared. Our data indicated that the diversity and richness of the gut microbiota in the Felinae cats were much higher than in the Ragdoll cats. The taxonomic analyses revealed that the most predominant phyla of the feline gut microbiota were Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Fusobacteriota, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Campilobacterota, and others, while the most predominant genera were Anaerococcus, Fusobacterium, Bacteroides, Escherichia-Shigella, Finegoldia, Porphyromonas, Collinsella, Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus_gnavus_group, Prevotella, and others. Different microbial communities between the Ragdoll group and the Felinae group were observed, and the compared results demonstrated that the relative abundances of beneficial microbes (such as Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Blautia, Roseburia, and so on) in the Ragdoll group were much higher than in the Felinae group. The co-occurrence network revealed that the number of nodes and links in the Felinae group was significantly higher than the Ragdoll group, which meant that the network of the Felinae group was larger and more complex than that of the Ragdoll group. PICRUSt function analyses indicated that the differences in microbial genes might influence the energy metabolism and immune functions of the host. In all, our data demonstrated that the richness and diversity of beneficial microbes in the Ragdoll group were much higher than the Felinae group. Therefore, it is possible to isolate and identify more candidate probiotics in the gut microbiota of growing Ragdoll cats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Companion Animals)

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11 pages, 293 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Paraclinical Changes Occurring in Dairy Cows with Spontaneous Subacute Ruminal Acidosis under Field Conditions

by Doru Morar, Cristina Văduva, Adriana Morar, Mirela Imre, Camelia Tulcan and Kálmán Imre

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2466; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182466 - 18 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1578

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the changes in the blood and milk biochemical parameters found in naturally occurring and long-lasting spontaneous subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA), with the aim of identifying the patterns of paraclinical changes and providing valuable data for more accurately [...] Read more.

This study was undertaken to investigate the changes in the blood and milk biochemical parameters found in naturally occurring and long-lasting spontaneous subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA), with the aim of identifying the patterns of paraclinical changes and providing valuable data for more accurately identifying SARA in cows under field conditions. The study was conducted on a dairy herd with a history of the occurrence of SARA-associated clinical signs. Twelve cows, between 20 and 150 days in milk, were randomly selected and subsequently subjected to venous blood, milk, and ruminal fluid collection. The mean pH value of the ruminal fluid was 5.56 ± 0.32, and 58% (7/12) of the tested cows were SARA positive (ruminal pH ≤ 5.5). The albumin, calcium, and phosphorus serum concentration values were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the SARA group than in the group of healthy cows. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) activity were significantly higher in the SARA cows (p < 0.05) than in the group of healthy cows. The mean values of milk fat, milk protein content, and milk fat-to-protein ratio were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the tested cows of the SARA group than in the healthy group of cows. In conclusion, the results of the current study indicate that long-term SARA triggered by a high-concentrate diet is associated with clinically significant changes in both the blood composition (hypoalbuminemia, hypocalcemia, and increased serum AST and GLDH activity) and the milk composition (decreased fat and protein percentage and milk fat-to-protein ratio). Altogether, the obtained results provide a more reliable pattern of paraclinical changes and useful insights for detecting SARA in dairy cows under field conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Quality Assessment in Milk and Dairy Products)

12 pages, 1532 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Chitosan Oligosaccharide on Production Performance, Egg Quality and Ovarian Function in Laying Hens with Fatty Liver Syndrome

by Wenjing Tao, Feng Jin, Qiwen Fan, Na Zhao, Geng Wang, Encun Du, Fang Chen, Wanzheng Guo, Shaowen Huang, Mingxin Chen and Jintao Wei

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2465; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182465 - 18 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1974

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the role of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) as an additive in the feed of laying hens with fatty liver syndrome (FLS). Effects on production performance, egg quality as well as ovarian function were determined. A total of 360 Lohmann [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the role of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) as an additive in the feed of laying hens with fatty liver syndrome (FLS). Effects on production performance, egg quality as well as ovarian function were determined. A total of 360 Lohmann Pink-shell laying hens (28 weeks old) were randomly assigned to 5 groups (6 replicates × 12 birds). Hens were fed with a basal diet and a high-energy low-protein (HELP) diet supplemented with 0, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg COS. COS reversed the lowered laying rates, increased feed-to-egg ratios and decreased albumen heights and Haugh units induced by the HELP diet. Additionally, COS improved the ovarian morphologies damaged by the HELP diet. Furthermore, COS enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced malonaldehyde levels and downregulated the mRNA expressions of nuclear factor kappa B, pro-inflammation cytokine genes and pro-apoptosis-related genes, while it upregulated the mRNA expression of anti-apoptosis-related genes in the ovaries of HELP-diet-fed hens. These findings suggested that dietary COS supplementation could improve production performance and egg quality in laying hens with FLS, and these beneficial effects were linked to improved ovarian morphology, which was attributed to decreased oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in the ovaries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Poultry)

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11 pages, 880 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Hematologic and Biochemical Parameters for Healthy Commercial Pigs in China

by Shuo Zhang, Bo Yu, Qing Liu, Yongjin Zhang, Mengjin Zhu, Liangyu Shi and Hongbo Chen

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2464; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182464 - 18 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1771

Abstract

Hematologic and biochemical data are useful for indicating disease diagnosis and growth performance in swine. However, the assessment of these parameters in healthy commercial pigs is rare in China. Thus, blood samples were collected from 107 nursery pigs and 87 sows and were [...] Read more.

Hematologic and biochemical data are useful for indicating disease diagnosis and growth performance in swine. However, the assessment of these parameters in healthy commercial pigs is rare in China. Thus, blood samples were collected from 107 nursery pigs and 87 sows and were analyzed for 25 hematologic and 14 biochemical variables. After the rejection of the outliers and the detection of the data distribution, the correlations between the blood parameters were analyzed and the hematologic/biochemical RIs were preliminarily established using the 95% percentile RI. Correlation analysis showed that albumin was the hub parameter among the blood parameters investigated, and genes overlapping with key correlated variables were discovered. Most of the hematologic and biochemical parameters were significantly different between nursery pigs and sows. The 95% RIs of white blood cells and red blood cells were 7.18–24.52 × 10⁹/L and 5.62–7.84 × 10¹²/L, respectively, for nursery pigs, but 9.34–23.84 × 10⁹/L and 4.98–8.29 × 10¹²/L for sows. The 95% RIs of total protein and albumin were 43.16–61.23 g/dL and 19.35–37.86 g/dL, respectively, for nursery pigs, but 64.96–88.68 g/dL and 31.91–43.28 g/dL for sows. In conclusion, our study highlights the variability in blood parameters between nursery pigs and sows and provides fundamental data for the health monitoring of commercial pigs in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pigs)

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15 pages, 2801 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Implication of Serum Autoantibodies in Prognosis of Canine Mammary Tumors

by Stephen Hsien-Chi Yuan, Shih-Chieh Chang, Pei-Yi Chou, Youngsen Yang and Hao-Ping Liu

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2463; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182463 - 18 Sep 2022

Viewed by 1559

Abstract

Canine mammary tumor (CMT) is the most prevalent neoplasm in female dogs. Tumor recurrence and metastasis occur in malignant CMT (MMT) dogs after surgery. Identification of serum prognostic biomarkers holds the potential to facilitate prediction of disease outcomes. We have identified CMT-associated autoantibodies [...] Read more.

Canine mammary tumor (CMT) is the most prevalent neoplasm in female dogs. Tumor recurrence and metastasis occur in malignant CMT (MMT) dogs after surgery. Identification of serum prognostic biomarkers holds the potential to facilitate prediction of disease outcomes. We have identified CMT-associated autoantibodies against thymidylate synthetase (TYMS), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP5), hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1 (HAPLN1), and anterior gradient 2 (AGR2), i.e., TYMS-AAb, IGFBP5-AAb, HAPLN1-AAb, and AGR2-AAb, respectively, by conducting serological enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Herein we assessed serum AAb levels in 11 MMT dogs before and after surgery, demonstrating that IGFBP5-AAb and HAPLN1-AAb significantly decrease at 3- and 12-months post-surgery (p < 0.05). We evaluated the correlation between the presurgical AAb level and overall survival (OS) of 90 CMT dogs after surgery. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis reveals that IGFBP5-AAb^HIgh and TYMS-AAb^High are significantly correlated with worse OS (p = 0.017 and p = 0.029, respectively), while AGR2-AAb^Low is correlated with somewhat poorer OS (p = 0.086). Areas under a time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of IGFBP5-AAb and TYMS-AAb in predicting OS of MMT dogs are 0.611 and 0.616, respectively. Notably, MMT dogs presenting TYMS-AAb^High/IGFBP5-AAb^High/AGR2-AAb^Low have worst OS (p = 0.0004). This study reveals an association between the serum AAb level and CMT prognosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prognostic Factors and Immune Response in Small Animal Oncology and Surgery)

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20 pages, 970 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feeding Dairy Ewes with Fresh or Dehydrated Sulla (Sulla coronarium L.) Forage. 2. Effects on Cheese Enrichment in Bioactive Molecules

by Marialetizia Ponte, Giuseppe Maniaci, Antonino Di Grigoli, Riccardo Gannuscio, Mansour Rabie Ashkezary, Margherita Addis, Marianna Pipi, Marco Alabiso, Massimo Todaro and Adriana Bonanno

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2462; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182462 - 18 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1463

Abstract

Sulla is a tanniferous legume species largely used as fresh or preserved forage in the ruminants’ diets. Due to its content in polyphenols with antioxidant activity, especially condensed tannins (CT), fresh sulla forage (FSF), when eaten by ruminants, is able to enrich animal [...] Read more.

Sulla is a tanniferous legume species largely used as fresh or preserved forage in the ruminants’ diets. Due to its content in polyphenols with antioxidant activity, especially condensed tannins (CT), fresh sulla forage (FSF), when eaten by ruminants, is able to enrich animal products with antioxidant molecules and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that are beneficial for consumers’ health. Dehydration represents a valid alternative to haymaking to preserve these properties also in periods when FSF is unavailable. In this research, the effects of ewes’ diets based on sulla hay (SH), pelleted dehydrated sulla forage (DSF) or FSF were evaluated on cheese physico-chemical traits, including fatty acid (FA) profile, vitamins A and E, polyphenols, antioxidant capacity and oxidative stability. The individual daily milk from 10 first lambing (FL) and 10 third lambing (TL) Valle del Belìce ewes at about 60 days in milk, divided homogeneously into 5 groups fed different diets in a partial 5 × 2 Latin square design with 2 phases, and the bulk milk of farming ewes fed only on natural pasture, were used in 2 sessions of micro cheese-making to manufacture cheeses, sampled at 48 h of ripening. The experimental diets were: SHL = SH ad libitum; DSF2 = 2 kg/day DSF per head plus SH ad libitum; FSF2 = 2 kg/day FSF per head plus SH ad libitum; FSF4 = 4 kg/day FSF per head plus SH ad libitum; FSFL = FSF ad libitum. Concentrate was supplied at the amount of 0.8 or 1.2 kg/day per head for FL and TL, respectively. Cheese health properties greatly improved with FSFL diet, based on the exclusive use of fresh forage, that induced the increase in the content of molecules with antioxidant activity, as vitamin A, vitamin E and polyphenols, enhancing the oxidative stability, and the level of PUFA as rumenic acid (C18:2 c9t11) and α-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3n-3). Cheeses from the DSF2 group showed levels of vitamin A, vitamin E and PUFA higher than SHL cheeses and comparable to those of FSF4 cheeses, whereas their ALA content was not different from that of FSFL cheeses. Evaluating those molecules affected by the level of fresh forage in the diet for their ability to trace the animals’ feeding regime, ALA and its ratio with linoleic acid (LA, C18:2n-6) (LA/ALA) exhibited an effective role as biomarker in discriminating cheese from animals fed fresh forage-based diets. The results showed how dehydrated sulla pellets, as an alternative to hay in periods of limited availability of fresh forage, can preserve the nutritional and health properties of dairy products with regards to their antioxidant capacity and FA profile. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Products)

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16 pages, 912 KiB

Open AccessReview

The World of Organoids: Gastrointestinal Disease Modelling in the Age of 3R and One Health with Specific Relevance to Dogs and Cats

by Georg Csukovich, Barbara Pratscher and Iwan Anton Burgener

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2461; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182461 - 18 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2889

Abstract

One Health describes the importance of considering humans, animals, and the environment in health research. One Health and the 3R concept, i.e., the replacement, reduction, and refinement of animal experimentation, shape today’s research more and more. The development of organoids from many different [...] Read more.

One Health describes the importance of considering humans, animals, and the environment in health research. One Health and the 3R concept, i.e., the replacement, reduction, and refinement of animal experimentation, shape today’s research more and more. The development of organoids from many different organs and animals led to the development of highly sophisticated model systems trying to replace animal experiments. Organoids may be used for disease modelling in various ways elucidating the manifold host–pathogen interactions. This review provides an overview of disease modelling approaches using organoids of different kinds with a special focus on animal organoids and gastrointestinal diseases. We also provide an outlook on how the research field of organoids might develop in the coming years and what opportunities organoids hold for in-depth disease modelling and therapeutic interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers in Canine and Feline Gastrointestinal Disease)

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13 pages, 1465 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Prevalence of Salmonella and Campylobacter on Broiler Meat at Different Stages of Commercial Poultry Processing

by Hudson T. Thames, Courtney A. Fancher, Mary G. Colvin, Mika McAnally, Emily Tucker, Li Zhang, Aaron S. Kiess, Thu T. N. Dinh and Anuraj T. Sukumaran

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2460; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182460 - 17 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2231

Abstract

In poultry processing, Salmonella and Campylobacter contaminations are major food safety concerns. Peracetic acid (PAA) is an antimicrobial commonly used in commercial poultry processing to reduce pathogen prevalence so as to meet the USDA-FSIS performance standards. The objective of this study was to [...] Read more.

In poultry processing, Salmonella and Campylobacter contaminations are major food safety concerns. Peracetic acid (PAA) is an antimicrobial commonly used in commercial poultry processing to reduce pathogen prevalence so as to meet the USDA-FSIS performance standards. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Salmonella and Campylobacter on broiler meat in various steps of commercial poultry processing in plants that use PAA. Post-pick, pre-chill, post-chill, and drumstick chicken samples were collected from three processing plants and mechanically deboned meat (MDM) was collected from two of the three plants. Each plant was sampled thrice, and 10 samples were collected from each processing step during each visit. Among the 420 samples, 79 were contaminated with Salmonella and 155 were contaminated with Campylobacter. Salmonella and Campylobacter contamination on the post-pick samples averaged 32.2%. Significant reductions in Salmonella and Campylobacter were observed in pre-chill to post-chill samples, where the prevalence was reduced from 34% and 64.4% to nondetectable limits and 1.1%, respectively (p < 0.001). Salmonella and Campylobacter remained undetectable on the drumstick samples in all three processing plants. However, the prevalence of Salmonella and Campylobacter on MDM was similar to the post-pick prevalence, which suggests substantial cross-contamination from post-chill to MDM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Poultry)

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17 pages, 1103 KiB

Open AccessReview

Role of Topical Anaesthesia in Pain Management of Farm Animals, a Changing Paradigm

by Peter Andrew Windsor

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2459; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182459 - 17 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2478

Abstract

Field evidence indicates that livestock producers are motivated by access to products that readily deliver pain management during husbandry interventions and, more recently, viral epidermal infectious diseases, including FMD. There has been impressive adoption in Australia of a farmer-applied spray-on topical anaesthetic wound [...] Read more.

Field evidence indicates that livestock producers are motivated by access to products that readily deliver pain management during husbandry interventions and, more recently, viral epidermal infectious diseases, including FMD. There has been impressive adoption in Australia of a farmer-applied spray-on topical anaesthetic wound formulation (TAF; Tri-Solfen^®, Medical Ethics, Australia), initially for managing pain of the breech modification ‘mulesing’ procedure that reduces susceptibility of sheep to flystrike. Over 120 million lambs have now received pain relief and cattle producers have commenced using the TAF for a range of husbandry procedures. This product has demonstrated efficacy for surgical castration and tail docking of lambs, surgical castration and dehorning of calves, surgical castration of piglets, debridement of lesions of the hoof for lame cattle and, importantly, treatment of clinical FMD lesions, including decubitus ulcerations occurring from prolonged recumbency. Multimodal use of an NSAID for improved pain management is advocated, particularly meloxicam, available by prescription from veterinarians for injection and as an oral formulation (Ilium Buccalgesic^®, Troy Laboratories, Australia), with current work assessing the potential for prolonged delivery in molasses blocks. Increased use of TAF with NSAIDs significantly reduces pain and suffering in livestock, with enhanced healing of FMD lesions, reduced viral loads from Orf infections in lambs and diminished necessity of ‘antibiotic cover’, assisting antimicrobial-resistance (AMR) stewardship. Full article

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

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19 pages, 2167 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does the Domestication Syndrome Apply to the Domestic Pig? Not Completely

by Edoardo Collarini, Marika Gioia, Giada Cordoni and Ivan Norscia

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2458; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182458 - 17 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2297

Abstract

The ‘domestication syndrome’ defines a suite of features that domesticated animals possess as the result of the artificial selection operated by Homo sapiens since the Neolithic. An interesting anthropological question is whether such features, including increased tameness and reduced aggression, apply to all [...] Read more.

The ‘domestication syndrome’ defines a suite of features that domesticated animals possess as the result of the artificial selection operated by Homo sapiens since the Neolithic. An interesting anthropological question is whether such features, including increased tameness and reduced aggression, apply to all domesticated forms. We investigated this issue in the domestic pig (Sus scrofa). We video-recorded and analysed aggression and social play (mostly play-fighting) sessions from piglets (three litters; n = 24) and wild boar hybrids (domestic pig mother x wild boar father; three litters; n = 27) from 6–50 days of age, raised in the same woodland/grassland habitat and extensive farming management (ethical farm ‘Parva Domus’, Cavagnolo, Torino). Play and aggression session structure was assessed via Asymmetry (AI; offensive/defensive pattern balance), Shannon (H′; pattern variability), and Pielou (J; pattern evenness) indices. We found that piglets played more (especially after the 20th day of life) and engaged in less variable and uniform sessions than wild boar hybrids. Compared to hybrids, piglets showed less variable but more frequent (especially when approaching weaning) and asymmetrical aggressive events. Thus, the domestication syndrome does not seem to fully apply to either social play or aggression, possibly because artificial selection has produced greater tameness of pigs towards humans than towards conspecifics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pigs)

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16 pages, 5576 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gait Analysis in Walking and Trotting Dairy Cows on Different Flooring Types with Novel Mobile Pressure Sensors and Inertial Sensors

by Daniela Fischer, Luise I. G. Friebel, Sarah Grund, William Winter, Franziska C. Wagner and Christoph K. W. Mülling

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2457; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182457 - 16 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2580

Abstract

Mechanical overburdening is a major risk factor that provokes non-infectious claw diseases. Moreover, lameness-causing lesions often remain undetected and untreated. Therefore, prevention of claw tissue overburdening is of interest, especially by analyzing harmful effects within dairy cows’ housing environment. However, objective “on-cow” methods [...] Read more.

Mechanical overburdening is a major risk factor that provokes non-infectious claw diseases. Moreover, lameness-causing lesions often remain undetected and untreated. Therefore, prevention of claw tissue overburdening is of interest, especially by analyzing harmful effects within dairy cows’ housing environment. However, objective “on-cow” methods for bovine gait analysis are underdeveloped. The purpose of the study was to apply an innovative mobile pressure sensor system attached at the claws to perform pedobarometric gait analysis. A further goal was the supplementation with accelerative data, generated simultaneously by use of two inertial measurement units (IMUs), attached at metatarsal level. IMU data were analyzed with an automatic step detection algorithm. Gait analysis was performed in ten dairy cows, walking and trotting on concrete flooring and rubber mats. In addition to the basic applicability of the sensor systems and with the aid of the automatic step detection algorithm for gait analysis in cows, we were able to determine the impact of the gait and flooring type on kinematic and kinetic parameters. For pressure sensor output, concrete was associated with significantly (p < 0.001) higher maximum and average pressure values and a significantly smaller contact area, compared to rubber mats. In contrast to walking, trotting led to a significantly higher force, especially under the medial claw. Further, IMU-derived parameters were significantly influenced by the gait. The described sensor systems are useful tools for detailed gait analysis in dairy cows. They allow the investigation of factors which may affect claw health negatively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Accelerometers and Other Bio-Logging Devices in Captive and Wild Animals)

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Open AccessArticle

Exosome miRNA Expression in Umbilical Cord Blood of High-Parity Sows Regulates Their Reproductive Potential

by Qiang Pu, Jie Chai, Li Chen, Changbao Liu, Changfeng Yang, Yongfu Huang and Jia Luo

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2456; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182456 - 16 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1262 | Correction

Abstract

The objective of modern pig breeding is to improve the genetic reproduction performance potential of sows, including the litter size and weight of piglets. During the gestation period, the umbilical cord facilitates placenta–fetal communication; thus, it plays an indispensable role in intrauterine embryonic [...] Read more.

The objective of modern pig breeding is to improve the genetic reproduction performance potential of sows, including the litter size and weight of piglets. During the gestation period, the umbilical cord facilitates placenta–fetal communication; thus, it plays an indispensable role in intrauterine embryonic development and fitness. Herein, we analyzed the molecular mechanism in declining reproductive potential in high-parity sows by assessing the changes in the umbilical cord blood. Firstly, we analyzed the reproductive characteristics data of sows, followed by histological analysis of the umbilical cord phenotype. Next, we evaluated the effect of umbilical cord blood exosomes (UCB-EXO) on angiogenesis. Finally, the miRNA expression in UCB-EXO from high-parity sows with poor reproductive performance (OS) and multiparous sows with excellent reproductive performance (MS) was assessed. Overall, the best reproductive performance was at parity 3–7, gradually decreasing after parity 8 and angiogenesis was repressed in OS. However, exosomes derived from MS (Exo-MS) exhibited pro-angiogenesis properties but were diminished in exosomes derived from OS (Exo-OS). Additionally, the angiogenesis of sows was significantly decreased, increasing the risk of disease with the increase in parity, greatly limiting the reproductive potential of the sows. At the same time, miR-188-5p expression in Exo-OS was significantly higher than in Exo-MS (p < 0.01), implying that it may play an important role in regulating the lifespan and reproductive potential of sows. These findings demonstrated that miRNAs in UCB-EXO play a central role in intrauterine development. Further, the findings suggest novel insights on reproductive potential, which provide a reference for increasing the sow reproductive efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Reproduction)

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Animals, Volume 12, Issue 18 (September-2 2022) – 180 articles

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