Animals

18 pages, 5031 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Integrated Bioinformatics Approach to Identify Network-Derived Hub Genes in Starving Zebrafish

by Amin Mortazavi, Mostafa Ghaderi-Zefrehei, Mustafa Muhaghegh Dolatabady, Mahdi Golshan, Sajad Nazari, Ayeh Sadat Sadr, Saeid Kadkhodaei, Ikhide G. Imumorin, Sunday O. Peters and Jacqueline Smith

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2724; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192724 - 10 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1926

Abstract

The present study was aimed at identifying causative hub genes within modules formed by co-expression and protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks, followed by Bayesian network (BN) construction in the liver transcriptome of starved zebrafish. To this end, the GSE11107 and GSE112272 datasets from the [...] Read more.

The present study was aimed at identifying causative hub genes within modules formed by co-expression and protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks, followed by Bayesian network (BN) construction in the liver transcriptome of starved zebrafish. To this end, the GSE11107 and GSE112272 datasets from the GEO databases were downloaded and meta-analyzed using the MetaDE package, an add-on R package. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified based upon expression intensity N(µ = 0.2, σ² = 0.4). Reconstruction of BNs was performed by the bnlearn R package on genes within modules using STRINGdb and CEMiTool. ndufs5 (shared among PPI, BN and COEX), rps26, rpl10, sdhc (shared between PPI and BN), ndufa6, ndufa10, ndufb8 (shared between PPI and COEX), skp1, atp5h, ndufb10, rpl5b, zgc:193613, zgc:123327, zgc:123178, wu:fc58f10, zgc:111986, wu:fc37b12, taldo1, wu:fb62f08, zgc:64133 and acp5a (shared between COEX and BN) were identified as causative hub genes affecting gene expression in the liver of starving zebrafish. Future work will shed light on using integrative analyses of miRNA and DNA microarrays simultaneously, and performing in silico and experimental validation of these hub-causative (CST) genes affecting starvation in zebrafish. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrative Omics Technologies and Machine Learning Approaches in Animal Production)

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10 pages, 683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Serological Analysis of IgG and IgM Antibodies against Anaplasma spp. in Various Animal Species of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

by Jinchao Zhang, Hejia Ma, Jingkai Ai, Tongsheng Qi, Ming Kang, Jixu Li and Yali Sun

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2723; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192723 - 10 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1358

Abstract

Anaplasma genus infects the blood cells of humans and animals by biting, causing zoonotic anaplasmosis. However, limited data are available on carrier animals for Anaplasma spp. antibodies in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau Area. Therefore, a serological indirect ELISA diagnostic method based on the major [...] Read more.

Anaplasma genus infects the blood cells of humans and animals by biting, causing zoonotic anaplasmosis. However, limited data are available on carrier animals for Anaplasma spp. antibodies in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau Area. Therefore, a serological indirect ELISA diagnostic method based on the major surface protein 5 (MSP5), derived from Anaplasma phagocytophilum, was developed in this study to analyze both IgG and IgM antibodies of Anaplasma spp. in a total of 3952 animals from the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, including yaks (Bos grunniens), cows (Bos taurus), cattle (Bos taurus domesticus), Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries), horses (Equus ferus caballus), pigs (Sus domesticus), chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), donkeys (Equus asinus), stray dogs (Canis sp.), and stray cats (Felis sp.). The results showed that recombinant MSP5 protein was expressed and was successfully used to establish the indirect ELISA methods. The overall positivity for Anaplasma IgG and IgM antibodies was 14.6% (578/3952) and 7.9% (312/3952), respectively, and a total of 123 animals (3.1%) were both IgG- and IgM-positive. Moreover, the most prevalent Anaplasma IgG positivity was exhibited by donkeys (82.5%), followed by stray dogs, Tibetan sheep, pigs, chickens, horses, yaks, cows, cattle, and stray cats. The analysis for IgM antibody positivity revealed that IgM positivity was the most prevalent in the stray dogs (30.1%), followed by horses, yaks, Tibetan sheep, cows, stray cats, and cattle. Moreover, the results revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) at different altitudes in Anaplasma-specific IgG in the yaks, Tibetan sheep, and horses, and in IgM in the yaks and Tibetan sheep. In conclusion, this study is the first to demonstrate that yaks, cows, cattle, Tibetan sheep, horses, donkeys, stray dogs, stray cats, pigs, and chickens living in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau are carrier animals for Anaplasma spp. IgG or IgM antibodies. The current findings provide valuable current data on the seroepidemiology of anaplasmosis in China and for plateau areas of the world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tick-Borne Diseases in Animals)

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16 pages, 1144 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Drivers of Three Most Charismatic Mammalian Species Distribution across a Multiple-Use Tropical Forest Landscape of Sumatra, Indonesia

by Dede Aulia Rahman, Yanto Santosa, Intan Purnamasari and Aryo Adhi Condro

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2722; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192722 - 10 Oct 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2303

Abstract

Tropical Rainforest Heritage sites of Sumatra are some of the most irreplaceable landscapes in the world for biodiversity conservation. These landscapes harbor many endangered Asiatic mammals all suffering multifaceted threats due to anthropogenic activities. Three charismatic mammals in Sumatra: Elephas maximus sumatranus, [...] Read more.

Tropical Rainforest Heritage sites of Sumatra are some of the most irreplaceable landscapes in the world for biodiversity conservation. These landscapes harbor many endangered Asiatic mammals all suffering multifaceted threats due to anthropogenic activities. Three charismatic mammals in Sumatra: Elephas maximus sumatranus, Pongo abelii, and Panthera tigris sumatrae are protected and listed as Critically Endangered (CR) within the IUCN Red List. Nevertheless, their current geographic distribution remains unclear, and the impact of environmental factors on these species are mostly unknown. This study predicts the potential range of those species on the island of Sumatra using anthropogenic, biophysical, topographic, and climatic parameters based on the ensemble machine learning algorithms. We also investigated the effects of habitat loss from current land use, ecosystem availability, and importance of Indonesian protected areas. Our predictive model had relatively excellent performance (Sørensen: 0.81–0.94) and can enhance knowledge on the current species distributions. The most critical environmental predictors for the distribution of the three species are conservation status and temperature seasonality. This study revealed that more than half of the species distributions occurred in non-protected areas, with proportional coverage being 83%, 72%, and 54% for E.m. sumatranus, P. abelii, and P.t. sumatrae, respectively. Our study further provides reliable information on places where conservation efforts must be prioritized, both inside and outside of the protected area networks, to safeguard the ongoing survival of these Indonesian large charismatic mammals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ecology and Conservation)

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14 pages, 316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Oat Hull as a Source of Insoluble Dietary Fibre on Changes in the Microbial Status of Gastrointestinal Tract in Broiler Chickens

by Patrycja Wróblewska, Tomasz Hikawczuk, Kamil Sierżant, Andrzej Wiliczkiewicz and Anna Szuba-Trznadel

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2721; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192721 - 10 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1629

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of the addition of oat hull (0–3%) and high amounts of cereal grains to the diet of broiler chickens in terms of the development of the upper gastrointestinal tract, individual microbial counts in the crop and [...] Read more.

This study aimed to determine the effect of the addition of oat hull (0–3%) and high amounts of cereal grains to the diet of broiler chickens in terms of the development of the upper gastrointestinal tract, individual microbial counts in the crop and ileum, and the effect of dietary fibre fractions on microbial changes from the beak to the ileum. In the 28 d trial, 162 one-day-old Hubbard Flex male chickens with an average body weight of 44.5 g were randomly allocated to 27 metabolic cages. The experiment consisted of a randomised, one factorial ANCOVA design composed of a covariate with two ANOVA factorial designs containing nine treatments (3 × 3): three sources of cereal grains (maize, wheat, and barley, with a minimum amount of 500 g · kg⁻¹, each with nine replications) and three levels of oat hull (0, 1, and 3%, each with nine replications). At the end of the study, 81 chickens (9 in each treatment) were slaughtered to determine the weight of the individual organs and characterise the intestinal microbiota. The application of 3% oat hull to the cereal diets increased the weight of the proventriculus and the gizzard (6.3 and 27.3 g, respectively) in comparison to diets without the addition of this structural component (6.0 and 23.7 g). Higher crop counts of total aerobic microbes (6.29 log CFU · g⁻¹) and Lactobacillus spp. (4.05 log CFU · g⁻¹) were observed in diets containing wheat grain compared with maize (4.62 and 3.55 log CFU · g⁻¹, respectively). The main reason for the microorganism’s growth (p < 0.05) was the amount of soluble dietary fibre and hemicelluloses present in the diet: total aerobic microbial count (respectively r = 0.918 and r = 0.816) and Lactobacillus spp. (respectively r = 0.416 and r = 0.442). Barley diets decreased (p < 0.05) E. coli counts in the ileum (2.69 log CFU · g⁻¹) vs. maize and wheat diets (3.41 and 3.45 log CFU · g⁻¹, respectively), mainly due to the increase in the amount of insoluble dietary fibre in the diet (r = −0.462). Reduced total yeast and mould counts in the ileum were also observed (p < 0.05) in connection with the presence of soluble dietary fibre and hemicelluloses in diets (r = −0.397 and −0.398, respectively). Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)

13 pages, 2492 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Full-Length Genome of the Equine Influenza A Virus Subtype H3N8 from 2019 Outbreak in Saudi Arabia

by Fanan A. Alaql, Ali N. Alhafufi, Samy Kasem, Yousef M. O. Alhammad, Hassan Albaqshi, Ameen Alyousaf, Faisal M. Alsubaie, Ahmed N. Alghamdi, Ahmed S. Abdel-Moneim and Sulaiman A. Alharbi

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2720; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192720 - 10 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1668

Abstract

Equine influenza is a major cause of respiratory infections in horses and can spread rapidly despite the availability of commercial vaccines. This study aimed to screen the incidence of equine influenza virus (EIV) and molecularly characterize the haemagglutinin and neuraminidase from positive EIV [...] Read more.

Equine influenza is a major cause of respiratory infections in horses and can spread rapidly despite the availability of commercial vaccines. This study aimed to screen the incidence of equine influenza virus (EIV) and molecularly characterize the haemagglutinin and neuraminidase from positive EIV field samples collected from Saudi Arabia. Six-hundred twenty-one horses from 57 horse barns were screened for the presence of the clinical signs, suggestive for equine influenza, from different parts of Saudi Arabia. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from each horse showing respiratory distress. Samples from the same horse barn were pooled together and screened for the presence of the influenza A virus using quantitative real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Selective positive samples were subjected to full-length genome sequencing using MiSeq Illumina. Out of the total 57 pools, 39 were found positive to EIV using qRT-PCR. Full-length gene sequences were compared with representative EIV strains selected from the GenBank database. Phylogenetic analysis of the HA and NA genes revealed that the identified virus strains belong to H3N8 clade 1 of the Florida sublineage and were very similar to viruses identified in USA in 2019, with no current evidence for reassortment. This is one of the first reports providing detailed description and characterization of EIVs in Saudi Arabia. Detailed surveillance and genetic information sharing could allow genetic evolution of equine influenza viruses to be monitored more effectively on a global basis and aid in refinement of vaccine strain selection for EIV. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animals Viruses)

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13 pages, 2984 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clostridium butyricum and Its Culture Supernatant Alleviate the Escherichia coli-Induced Endometritis in Mice

by Cholryong Mun, Jiapei Cai, Xiaoyu Hu, Wenlong Zhang, Naisheng Zhang and Yongguo Cao

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2719; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192719 - 10 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1597

Abstract

Endometritis is a disease with a high incidence in dairy cows and causes great economic loss to milk production. This study examined the therapeutic effects of Clostridium butyricum and its culture supernatant on Escherichia coli-induced endometritis in mice. The results showed that [...] Read more.

Endometritis is a disease with a high incidence in dairy cows and causes great economic loss to milk production. This study examined the therapeutic effects of Clostridium butyricum and its culture supernatant on Escherichia coli-induced endometritis in mice. The results showed that Clostridium butyricum and its culture supernatant effectively suppressed inflammatory responses of uterine tissues, such as uterine morphological changes, pathological damage, and the production of inflammatory cytokines. Clostridium butyricum and its culture supernatant significantly decreased uterine microbial loads. In addition, Clostridium butyricum and its culture supernatant restored reproduction outcomes in Escherichia coli-induced endometritis mice. Western blot analysis showed that Clostridium butyricum and its culture supernatant suppressed the NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Clostridium butyricum and its culture supernatant may occur through the anti-bacterial activity and regulation of the expression of NF-κB in the uterus. The anti-inflammatory effect of the culture supernatant of C. butyricum was slightly better than that of viable C. butyricum. Therefore, our experimental results showed that Clostridium butyricum culture supernatant may be an effective drug for treating endometritis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

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18 pages, 2963 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anthelmintic Activity, Cytotoxicity, and Phytochemical Screening of Plants Used to Treat Digestive Parasitosis of Small Ruminants in Benin (West Africa)

by Esaïe Tchetan, Pascal Abiodoun Olounladé, Erick Virgile Bertrand Azando, Hafiz Abdul Khaliq, Sergio Ortiz, Alban Houngbeme, Géorcelin Goué Alowanou, Bossima Ivan Koura, Guénolé Coovi Akouedegni, Marcel Romuald Benjamin Houinato, Sylvie Mawule Hounzangbe-Adote, Fernand Ahokanou Gbaguidi and Joëlle Quetin-Leclercq

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2718; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192718 - 10 Oct 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1949

Abstract

Medicinal plants continue to be used alone or in combination with veterinary drugs to treat animal ailments, especially in developing countries where livestock farmers often lack access to modern veterinary services and drugs. In addition, digestive parasitosis remain a major constraint for small [...] Read more.

Medicinal plants continue to be used alone or in combination with veterinary drugs to treat animal ailments, especially in developing countries where livestock farmers often lack access to modern veterinary services and drugs. In addition, digestive parasitosis remain a major constraint for small ruminant livestock. The objective of this study was to screen the anthelmintic activity of the main plants used in the treatment of the digestive parasitosis of small ruminants in Benin. A total of 40 extracts were prepared using the successive maceration of 10 plants in four solvents of increasing polarity. The phytochemical screening of the plants was performed, and the anthelmintic activity of the extracts was evaluated on L3 larvae of Haemonchus contortus. The cytotoxicity of the 40 extracts was determined on WI38 noncancerous fibroblast cells using the MTT assay, and the total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and condensed tannin content (CTC) were quantified in the most effective extracts using colorimetric methods. The results show that the plants contained tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids which may, in part, justify their anthelmintic activities. All plants gave active extracts at the highest concentration tested (1200 µg/mL). Methanol (MeOH) extracts were, in general, more effective than the hexane (HEX), dichloromethane (DCM), and aqueous (H₂O) ones in inhibiting larval migration, with the MeOH extracts of Terminalia leiocarpa, Adansonia digitata, and Momordica charantia being the most effective. Nevertheless, the MeOH extract of M. charantia was highly cytotoxic at the concentration of 100 µg/mL. The anthelmintic activity of M. charantia, Vitex doniana, and Caesalpinia bonduc was studied on H. contortus for the first time. These results provide scientific information that can be used for better valorization of the anthelmintic potential of the studied plants and to initiate the process of the identification of new anthelmintic molecules. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Small Ruminants)

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14 pages, 2730 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory and Regenerative Effects of Autologous Conditioned Serum from Dogs with Osteoarthritis

by Sirikul Soontararak, Piyathida Ardaum, Napaporn Senarat, Sarawut Yangtara, Chalermpol Lekcharoensuk, Iyarath Putchong, Narudee Kashemsant, Monchanok Vijarnsorn, Lyndah Chow, Steven Dow and Porntippa Lekcharoensuk

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2717; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192717 - 10 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2272

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is mostly incurable and non-regenerative with long-term complications. Autologous conditioned serum (ACS), which is enriched in Interleukin 1 receptor antagonists (IL-1RA) and growth factors, could be an alternative treatment to accelerate the positive therapeutic effects. ACS is proposed to alleviate inflammation [...] Read more.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is mostly incurable and non-regenerative with long-term complications. Autologous conditioned serum (ACS), which is enriched in Interleukin 1 receptor antagonists (IL-1RA) and growth factors, could be an alternative treatment to accelerate the positive therapeutic effects. ACS is proposed to alleviate inflammation by blocking IL-1 receptors. However, to date, there is no report focusing on the cell-mediated anti-inflammation and regenerative effect caused by ACS, especially the ACS from patients. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of ACS generated from dogs with spontaneous OA, focusing on its promising anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties in vitro compared to the matched plasma. We found that ACS prepared from ten OA dogs contained significant concentrations of IL-1RA, vascular endothelial growth factor, and transforming growth factor beta, which are key cytokines in anti-inflammation and angiogenesis. Furthermore, we found that ACS suppressed T cell activity by reducing proliferation of effector T cells and simultaneously expanding numbers of immune suppressive FOXP3⁺ T cells. Lastly, we showed that ACS enhanced the proliferation of osteocytes and fibroblasts and promoted extracellular matrix gene expression in primary chondrocyte culture. Therefore, these studies indicate that ACS prepared from dogs with OA is active as an immunomodulatory and regenerative strategy for use in OA management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regenerative Medicine in Animal Wound Healing and Musculoskeletal Disorders)

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25 pages, 2514 KiB

Open AccessReview

Extracellular Vesicles in Veterinary Medicine

by Valentina Moccia, Alessandro Sammarco, Laura Cavicchioli, Massimo Castagnaro, Laura Bongiovanni and Valentina Zappulli

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2716; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192716 - 10 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2917

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived membrane-bound vesicles involved in many physiological and pathological processes not only in humans but also in all the organisms of the eukaryotic and prokaryotic kingdoms. EV shedding constitutes a fundamental universal mechanism of intra-kingdom and inter-kingdom intercellular communication. [...] Read more.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived membrane-bound vesicles involved in many physiological and pathological processes not only in humans but also in all the organisms of the eukaryotic and prokaryotic kingdoms. EV shedding constitutes a fundamental universal mechanism of intra-kingdom and inter-kingdom intercellular communication. A tremendous increase of interest in EVs has therefore grown in the last decades, mainly in humans, but progressively also in animals, parasites, and bacteria. With the present review, we aim to summarize the current status of the EV research on domestic and wild animals, analyzing the content of scientific literature, including approximately 220 papers published between 1984 and 2021. Critical aspects evidenced through the veterinarian EV literature are discussed. Then, specific subsections describe details regarding EVs in physiology and pathophysiology, as biomarkers, and in therapy and vaccines. Further, the wide area of research related to animal milk-derived EVs is also presented in brief. The numerous studies on EVs related to parasites and parasitic diseases are excluded, deserving further specific attention. The literature shows that EVs are becoming increasingly addressed in veterinary studies and standardization in protocols and procedures is mandatory, as in human research, to maximize the knowledge and the possibility to exploit these naturally produced nanoparticles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Physiology)

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13 pages, 1690 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Machine Learning-Based Co-Expression Network Analysis Unravels Potential Fertility-Related Genes in Beef Cows

by Wellison J. S. Diniz, Priyanka Banerjee, Soren P. Rodning and Paul W. Dyce

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2715; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192715 - 09 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1746

Abstract

Reproductive failure is still a challenge for beef producers and a significant cause of economic loss. The increased availability of transcriptomic data has shed light on the mechanisms modulating pregnancy success. Furthermore, new analytical tools, such as machine learning (ML), provide opportunities for [...] Read more.

Reproductive failure is still a challenge for beef producers and a significant cause of economic loss. The increased availability of transcriptomic data has shed light on the mechanisms modulating pregnancy success. Furthermore, new analytical tools, such as machine learning (ML), provide opportunities for data mining and uncovering new biological events that explain or predict reproductive outcomes. Herein, we identified potential biomarkers underlying pregnancy status and fertility-related networks by integrating gene expression profiles through ML and gene network modeling. We used public transcriptomic data from uterine luminal epithelial cells of cows retrospectively classified as pregnant (P, n = 25) and non-pregnant (NP, n = 18). First, we used a feature selection function from BioDiscML and identified SERPINE3, PDCD1, FNDC1, MRTFA, ARHGEF7, MEF2B, NAA16, ENSBTAG00000019474, and ENSBTAG00000054585 as candidate biomarker predictors of pregnancy status. Then, based on co-expression networks, we identified seven genes significantly rewired (gaining or losing connections) between the P and NP networks. These biomarkers were co-expressed with genes critical for uterine receptivity, including endometrial tissue remodeling, focal adhesion, and embryo development. We provided insights into the regulatory networks of fertility-related processes and demonstrated the potential of combining different analytical tools to prioritize candidate genes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms Affecting Reproduction and Fertility in Cattle)

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11 pages, 1018 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Birds as Antimicrobial Resistance Sentinels: White Storks Showed Higher Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Levels Than Seagulls in Central Spain

by Bárbara Martín-Maldonado, Pablo Rodríguez-Alcázar, Aitor Fernández-Novo, Fernando González, Natalia Pastor, Irene López, Laura Suárez, Virginia Moraleda and Alicia Aranaz

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2714; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192714 - 09 Oct 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2098

Abstract

The presence of AMR bacteria in the human–animal–environmental interface is a clear example of the One Health medicine. Several studies evidence the presence of resistant bacteria in wildlife, which can be used as a good indicator of anthropization level on the ecosystem. The [...] Read more.

The presence of AMR bacteria in the human–animal–environmental interface is a clear example of the One Health medicine. Several studies evidence the presence of resistant bacteria in wildlife, which can be used as a good indicator of anthropization level on the ecosystem. The fast increase in AMR in the environment in the last decade has been led by several factors as globalization and migration. Migratory birds can travel hundreds of kilometers and disseminate pathogens and AMR through different regions or even continents. The aim of this study was to compare the level of AMR in three migratory bird species: Ciconia ciconia, Larus fuscus and Chroicocephalus ridibundus. For this purpose, commensal Escherichia coli has been considered a useful indicator for AMR studies. After E. coli isolation from individual cloacal swabs, antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed by the disk-diffusion method, including 17 different antibiotics. A total of 63.2% of gulls had resistant strains, in contrast to 31.6% of white storks. Out of all the resistant strains, 38.9% were considered multi-drug resistant (50% of white storks and 30% of seagulls). The antibiotic classes with the highest rate of AMR were betalactamics, quinolones and tetracyclines, the most commonly used antibiotic in human and veterinary medicine in Spain. Full article

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15 pages, 3011 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ultrasonography and Infrared Thermography as a Comparative Diagnostic Tool to Clinical Examination to Determine Udder Health in Sows

by Sebastian Spiegel, Florian Spiegel, Matthias Luepke, Michael Wendt and Alexandra von Altrock

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2713; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192713 - 09 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1356

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine whether the use of infrared thermography and ultrasonography can complement or replace the clinical examination of the sows’ mammary glands for pathological alterations. Sows of different parities with inconspicuous udders on palpation before and after [...] Read more.

The aim of the study was to examine whether the use of infrared thermography and ultrasonography can complement or replace the clinical examination of the sows’ mammary glands for pathological alterations. Sows of different parities with inconspicuous udders on palpation before and after birth (n = 35) and sows at the time of weaning (n = 107) were examined. Thermal images were taken from both sides of the udder, while ultrasound pictures were taken from four sides of the respective mammary glands. Within three weeks before birth, a statistically significant increase in the average surface temperature of the glands of about 1.54 °C and of the thickness of the parenchyma of about 1.39 cm could be observed. After weaning, in 10.3% of the examined sows, roundish hyperechogenic nodules were detected sonographically in the glands´ parenchyma. The average skin temperature above the nodules was 1.24 °C lower compared to the total skin area of the altered complex. However, scratches on the udder skin showed similar temperature changes. In two sows, the nodules remained undetected during the clinical examination. Therefore, sonography seems to be superior compared to clinical and thermographic investigations, although it proved to be very time-consuming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pigs)

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10 pages, 1583 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Visual and Rapid Detection of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) Using Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Method

by Chunhua Li, Jieling Liang, Dan Yang, Qi Zhang, Denian Miao, Xizhong He, Yanan Du, Wanjing Zhang, Jianping Ni and Kai Zhao

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2712; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192712 - 09 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1935

Abstract

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) can cause severe infectious porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) and infect different ages of pigs, resulting in sickness and death among suckling pigs. For PEDV detection, finding an effective and rapid method is a priority. In this study, we [...] Read more.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) can cause severe infectious porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) and infect different ages of pigs, resulting in sickness and death among suckling pigs. For PEDV detection, finding an effective and rapid method is a priority. In this study, we established an effective reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) method for PEDV detection. Three sets of primers, specific for eight different sequences of the PEDV N gene, were designed in this study. The optimized RT-LAMP amplification program was as follows: 59 min at 61.9 °C and 3 min at 80 °C. The RT-LAMP results were confirmed with the addition of SYBR Green I fluorescence dye and with the detection of a ladder-like band by conventional gel electrophoresis analysis, which demonstrated a significant agreement between the two methods. The LOD of PEDV by RT-LAMP was 0.0001 ng/μL. Compared with RT-LAMP, the traditional RT-PCR method is 100-fold less sensitive. The RT-LAMP results had no cross-reaction with porcine parvovirus (PPV), porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1), porcine pseudorabies virus (PRV), porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), rotavirus (RV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Consequently, the newly developed RT-LAMP method could provide an accurate and reliable tool for PEDV diagnosis. Full article

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

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14 pages, 5488 KiB

Open AccessArticle

F1 Male Sterility in Cattle-Yak Examined through Changes in Testis Tissue and Transcriptome Profiles

by Mengli Cao, Xingdong Wang, Shaoke Guo, Yandong Kang, Jie Pei and Xian Guo

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2711; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192711 - 09 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1980

Abstract

Male-derived sterility in cattle-yaks, a hybrid deriving from yak and cattle, is a challenging problem. This study compared and analyzed the histomorphological differences in testis between sexually mature yak and cattle-yak, and examined the transcriptome differences employing RNA-seq. The study found that yak [...] Read more.

Male-derived sterility in cattle-yaks, a hybrid deriving from yak and cattle, is a challenging problem. This study compared and analyzed the histomorphological differences in testis between sexually mature yak and cattle-yak, and examined the transcriptome differences employing RNA-seq. The study found that yak seminiferous tubules contained spermatogenic cells at all levels, while cattle-yak seminiferous tubules had reduced spermatogonia (SPG) and primary spermatocyte (Pri-SPC), fewer secondary spermatocytes (Sec-SPC), an absence of round spermatids (R-ST) and sperms (S), and possessed large vacuoles. All of these conditions could have significantly reduced the volume and weight of cattle-yak testis compared to that of yak. RNA-seq analysis identified 8473 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; 3580 upregulated and 4893 downregulated). GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) enrichment evaluations for DEGs found their relation mostly to spermatogenesis and apoptosis. Among the DEGs, spermatogonia stem cell (SSCs) marker genes (Gfra1, CD9, SOHLH1, SALL4, ID4, and FOXO1) and genes involved in apoptosis (Fas, caspase3, caspase6, caspase7, caspase8, CTSK, CTSB and CTSC) were significantly upregulated, while differentiation spermatogenic cell marker genes (Ccna1, PIWIL1, TNP1, and TXNDC2) and meiosis-related genes (TEX14, TEX15, MEIOB, STAG3 and M1AP) were significantly downregulated in cattle-yak. Furthermore, the alternative splicing events in cattle-yak were substantially decreased than in yak, suggesting that the lack of protein subtypes could be another reason for spermatogenic arrest in cattle-yak testis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Reproduction)

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14 pages, 2241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

gga-miR-449b-5p Regulates Steroid Hormone Synthesis in Laying Hen Ovarian Granulosa Cells by Targeting the IGF2BP3 Gene

by Xing Wu, Na Zhang, Jing Li, Zihao Zhang, Yulong Guo, Donghua Li, Yanhua Zhang, Yujie Gong, Ruirui Jiang, Hong Li, Guoxi Li, Xiaojun Liu, Xiangtao Kang and Yadong Tian

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2710; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192710 - 09 Oct 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1658

Abstract

MiRNAs have been found to be involved in the regulation of ovarian function as important post-transcriptional regulators, including regulators of follicular development, steroidogenesis, cell atresia, and even the development of ovarian cancer. In this study, we evaluated the regulatory role of gga-miR-449b-5p in [...] Read more.

MiRNAs have been found to be involved in the regulation of ovarian function as important post-transcriptional regulators, including regulators of follicular development, steroidogenesis, cell atresia, and even the development of ovarian cancer. In this study, we evaluated the regulatory role of gga-miR-449b-5p in follicular growth and steroid synthesis in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) of laying hens through qRT-PCR, ELISAs, western blotting and dual-luciferase reporter assays, which have been described in our previous study. We demonstrated that gga-miR-449b-5p was widely expressed in granulosa and theca layers of the different-sized follicles, especially in the granulosa layer. The gga-miR-449b-5p had no significant effect on the proliferation of GCs, but could significantly regulate the expression of key steroidogenesis-related genes (StAR and CYP19A1) (p < 0.01) and the secretion of P4 and E2 (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). Further research showed that gga-miR-449b-5p could target IGF2BP3 and downregulate the mRNA and protein expression of IGF2BP3 (p < 0.05). Therefore, this study suggests that gga-miR-449b-5p is a potent regulator of the synthesis of steroid hormones in GCs by targeting the expression of IGF2BP3 and may contribute to a better understanding of the role of functional miRNAs in laying hen ovarian development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Reproduction)

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17 pages, 28214 KiB

Open AccessReview

Phytoestrogens: A Review of Their Impacts on Reproductive Physiology and Other Effects upon Grazing Livestock

by Jessica Wyse, Sajid Latif, Saliya Gurusinghe, Jeffrey McCormick, Leslie A. Weston and Cyril P. Stephen

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2709; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192709 - 09 Oct 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3541

Abstract

Legume crops and pastures have a high economic value in Australia. However, legume species commonly used for grazing enterprises have been identified to produce high concentrations of phytoestrogens. These compounds are heterocyclic phenolic, and are similar in structure to the mammalian estrogen, 17β-estradiol. [...] Read more.

Legume crops and pastures have a high economic value in Australia. However, legume species commonly used for grazing enterprises have been identified to produce high concentrations of phytoestrogens. These compounds are heterocyclic phenolic, and are similar in structure to the mammalian estrogen, 17β-estradiol. The biological activity of the various phytoestrogen types; isoflavones, lignans and coumestans, are species-specific, although at concentrations of 25 mg/kg of dry matter each of the phytoestrogen types affect reproductive functions in grazing livestock. The impacts upon fertility in grazing livestock such as cattle and sheep, vary greatly over length of exposure time, age and health of animal and the stress stimuli the plant is exposed to. More recently, research into the other effects that phytoestrogens may have upon metabolism, immune capacity and growth and performance of grazing livestock has been conducted. Potential new benefits for using these phytoestrogens, such as daidzein and genistein, have been identified by observing the stimulation of production in lymphocytes and other antibody cells. Numerous isoflavones have also been recognized to promote protein synthesis, increase the lean meat ratio, and increase weight gain in cattle and sheep. In Australia, the high economic value of legumes as pasture crops in sheep and cattle production enterprises requires proactive management strategies to mitigate risk associated with potential loss of fertility associated with inclusion of pasture legumes as forages for grazing livestock. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges and Targets for the Reproductive Management of Farm Animals)

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17 pages, 1820 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Cranial Morphology of the Black-Footed Ferret: A Comparison of Wild and Captive Specimens

by Tyler Antonelli, Carissa L. Leischner and Adam Hartstone-Rose

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2708; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192708 - 09 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1631

Abstract

The black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), a North American mustelid species, was once found abundantly throughout the Midwest until the extreme decline in prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.), the black-footed ferret’s primary food source, brought the species to near-extinction. Subsequently, the Black-Footed [...] Read more.

The black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), a North American mustelid species, was once found abundantly throughout the Midwest until the extreme decline in prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.), the black-footed ferret’s primary food source, brought the species to near-extinction. Subsequently, the Black-Footed Ferret Recovery Program was created in the 1980s with a goal of bringing all remaining individuals of the species into captivity in order to breed the species back to a sustainable population level for successful reintroduction into the wild. While many components of the ferrets’ health were accounted for while in captivity—especially those affecting fecundity—this study aims to assess the effects that captivity may have had on their cranial morphology, something that has not been widely studied in the species. In a previous study, we showed that the captive ferrets had significant oral health problems, and here we aim to document how the captive diet also affected their skull shape. For this study, 23 cranial measurements were taken on the skulls of 271 adult black-footed ferrets and 53 specimens of two closely related species. Skulls were divided based on sex, species, captivity status and phase of captivity and compared for all measurements using stepwise discriminant analysis as well as principal component analysis derived from the combined variables. We found that there are significant differences between captive and wild specimens, some of which are larger than interspecific variation, and that a diet change in the captive specimens likely helped decrease some of these differences. The results suggest that captivity can cause unnatural cranial development and that diet likely has a major impact on cranial morphology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptations for Animal Survival: Morphological Features or Physiological Mechanisms)

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20 pages, 949 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards Large Particle Size in Compound Feed: Using Expander Conditioning Prior to Pelleting Improves Pellet Quality and Growth Performance of Broilers

by Marco Antônio Ebbing, Nadia Yacoubi, Victor Naranjo, Werner Sitzmann, Karl Schedle and Martin Gierus

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2707; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192707 - 08 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1935

Abstract

During the processing of compound feed for broilers, several changes occur that affect the physical and probably the nutritional properties of pellets, influencing animal performance. The effects of mill type, particle size (PS) and expander conditioning prior to pelleting (E + P) were [...] Read more.

During the processing of compound feed for broilers, several changes occur that affect the physical and probably the nutritional properties of pellets, influencing animal performance. The effects of mill type, particle size (PS) and expander conditioning prior to pelleting (E + P) were combined to generate pellets. A 2 × 3 × 2 factorial arrangement was designed with two mill types (a hammer mill (HM) or roller mill (RM)), three PSs (0.8, 1.2 or 1.6 mm) and two E + Ps (with or without expander processing prior to pelleting), with six replications of 12 unsexed Ross 308 broilers each. All the processing lines reduced the PS from mash to finished pellets via secondary grinding, by 2.35 times on average. However, RM grinding required less electric power (p < 0.001). The intended PS (0.8, 1.2 or 1.6 mm) did not affect this energy consumption. E + P and the PS interacted for the pellet durability index (PDI) (p = 0.006). The worst PDI in the pellets was observed when a PS of 1.6 mm without E + P was used. Only E + P positively affected starch (p < 0.001) and amino acids’ ileal apparent digestibility (p < 0.01). Organic matter (OM) (p = 0.02) and fat (p < 0.001) digestibility, as well as AME_N (p = 0.005) content, were influenced by the PS (main effect), whereas E + P and mill type interacted with these values (p < 0.005). Lower OM digestibility and AME_N content were observed when RM without E + P was used (p = 0.001). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was enhanced and feed intake (FI) was improved with E + P. The combination of the RM mill, a 1.6 mm mean PS, and E + P improved FCR (three-way interaction, p = 0.019)), showing that for a higher PS, E + P is necessary for animal performance. Carcass yield was, on average, 80.1%. No effects on commercial cuts (breast, legs and wings) were observed. In contrast, abdominal fat was affected by mill type * PS (p = 0.012) and E + P * PS (p = 0.048) in a two-way interaction. The highest abdominal fat indicated an imbalance in the amino acid (AA)-to-AME_N ratio. Coarse PS promoted heavier gizzards (p = 0.02) but E + P tended to reduce them (p = 0.057). The processing steps improved pellet quality and feed efficiency associated with RM, coarse PS and E + P, highlighting the positive effects of E + P on abdominal fat and AME_N content, which should be adjusted to AA or reduced at formulation. However, these results are for an experimental processing plant and may not necessarily apply to larger plants, so the use of these data and methods should be considered as guidelines for replication at production sites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Precision Feeding and Nutrition in Poultry Production)

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17 pages, 6735 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Relationship between Performance, Body Composition, and Processing Yield in Broilers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression

by Diego A. Martinez, Jordan T. Weil, Nawin Suesuttajit, Cole Umberson, Abdullah Scott and Craig N. Coon

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2706; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192706 - 08 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1469

Abstract

This study aims to model the relationship among performance, whole body composition, and processing yield through meta-regression. Scientific papers found in Scopus and Google Scholar were included if they reported results and variability values of an actual experiment in the three mentioned groups [...] Read more.

This study aims to model the relationship among performance, whole body composition, and processing yield through meta-regression. Scientific papers found in Scopus and Google Scholar were included if they reported results and variability values of an actual experiment in the three mentioned groups of variables using a single broiler genetic line. Weighted mean effect sizes were determined with a random model, the risk of bias was determined, and heterogeneity was considered an indicator of usefulness. Meta-regressions considered the effect sizes of the response variable and the percent change in one or more variables as predictors. A 78-row database was built from 14 papers, including nine factors tested on 22,256 broilers. No influencing bias was found, and the data was determined useful. Meta-regressions showed that the changes in body weight gain (BWG) are inversely related to the effects in feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.001) and that the changes in FCR and effects in protein-to-fat gain (PFG) are directly related (p < 0.001). The changes in PFG and the effects on carcass conformation or the market value of birds are directly related (p < 0.001). In conclusion, body composition predicts carcass conformation and its market value, supporting its use to predict the economic value of broilers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Poultry)

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12 pages, 757 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Value Ranges and Clinical Comparisons of Serum DHEA-S, IL-6, and TNF-α in Western Lowland Gorillas

by Ashley N. Edes, Dawn Zimmerman, Balbine Jourdan, Janine L. Brown and Katie L. Edwards

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2705; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192705 - 08 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1576

Abstract

Physiological data can provide valuable information about the health and welfare of animals. Unfortunately, few validated assays and a lack of information on species-typical levels of circulating biomarkers for wildlife make the measurement, interpretation, and practical application of such data difficult. We validated [...] Read more.

Physiological data can provide valuable information about the health and welfare of animals. Unfortunately, few validated assays and a lack of information on species-typical levels of circulating biomarkers for wildlife make the measurement, interpretation, and practical application of such data difficult. We validated commercially available kits and calculated reference intervals (herein called “value ranges”) for dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in a sample of zoo-housed western lowland gorillas due to the roles these biomarkers play in stress and immune responses. For each biomarker, we present species-specific value ranges for a sample of gorillas in human care (n = 57). DHEA-S did not vary significantly by sex or age, while IL-6 was higher in males and older gorillas and TNF-α was higher in females but not associated with age. We also compared non-clinical with clinical samples (n = 21) to explore whether these biomarkers reflect changes in health status. There was no significant difference between clinical and non-clinical samples for DHEA-S, but both IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly higher in gorillas showing clinical symptoms or prior to death. Additional work is needed to improve our understanding of normal versus clinical variation in these biomarkers, and we encourage continued efforts to identify and validate additional biomarkers that can be used to inform assessments of health and welfare in wildlife. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Physiology)

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14 pages, 1437 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Progesterone Induces Apoptosis and Steroidogenesis in Porcine Placental Trophoblasts

by Yueshuai Liu, Hongxiang Ding, Yuze Yang, Yan Liu, Xin Cao and Tao Feng

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2704; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192704 - 08 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1537

Abstract

Placentation and placental steroidogenesis are important for pregnancy and maternal–fetal health. As pregnancy progresses, the main site of progesterone (P4) synthesis changes from the corpus luteum to the placenta, in which placental trophoblasts are the main cell type for P4 synthesis. Therefore, this [...] Read more.

Placentation and placental steroidogenesis are important for pregnancy and maternal–fetal health. As pregnancy progresses, the main site of progesterone (P4) synthesis changes from the corpus luteum to the placenta, in which placental trophoblasts are the main cell type for P4 synthesis. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of P4 on apoptosis and steroidogenesis in porcine placental trophoblasts and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Porcine placental trophoblasts were treated with different concentrations of P4 for 48 h in a serum-free medium in vitro. Cell number, steroidogenesis, and relevant gene and protein expression levels were detected. A high dose of P4 (10.0 μM) significantly increased P4 (p < 0.01), androstenedione (p < 0.05), testosterone (p < 0.05), and estradiol (p < 0.05) production in porcine placental trophoblasts compared with that in control cells, while a low dose of P4 (1 × 10⁻³ μΜ) had no marked impact on steroid production. The mRNA expression of apoptosis-related genes (CASP3, CASP8, and Bax) (p < 0.05) and steroidogenesis-related genes (CYP11A1, CYP19A1, and StAR) (p < 0.01) was upregulated, and the expression of HSD3B and HSD17B4 was inhibited (p < 0.05) in the porcine placental trophoblasts treated with high doses of P4. Low doses of P4 had a lighter effect on gene expression than high doses. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins CASP3 (p < 0.05), and Bax (p < 0.01) and steroidogenesis-related proteins CYP19A1 (p < 0.05) and StAR (p < 0.01) was raised, but the proliferation-related protein CCND2 (p < 0.01) was downregulated in the pTr cells treated with high dose of P4. In comparison, a low dose of P4 inhibited the expression of Bax, CYP11A1 (all p < 0.01), and CCND2 (p < 0.05), but the expression of CASP3 (p < 0.05) and StAR (p < 0.01) was upregulated. In summary, excessive P4 can induce the apoptosis of porcine placental trophoblasts and lead to abnormal steroidogenesis in the placenta and hormone imbalance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges and Targets for the Reproductive Management of Farm Animals)

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10 pages, 2990 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gandouling Mitigates CuSO₄-Induced Heart Injury in Rats

by Shuzhen Fang, Wenming Yang, Kangyi Zhang and Chuanyi Peng

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2703; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192703 - 08 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1669 | Correction

Abstract

We assessed the protective effects of Gandouling (GDL) on copper sulfate (CuSO₄)-induced heart injuries in Sprague–Dawley rats, which were randomly divided into the control, CuSO₄, GDL + CuSO₄ and penicillamine + CuSO₄ groups. The rats received intragastric [...] Read more.

We assessed the protective effects of Gandouling (GDL) on copper sulfate (CuSO₄)-induced heart injuries in Sprague–Dawley rats, which were randomly divided into the control, CuSO₄, GDL + CuSO₄ and penicillamine + CuSO₄ groups. The rats received intragastric GDL (400 mg/kg body weight) once per day for 42 consecutive days after 56 days of CuSO₄ exposure, and penicillamine was used as a positive control. The levels of plasma inflammatory cytokines (IMA, hFABP, cTn-I and BNP) were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The histopathological symptoms were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy. To determine the underlying mechanism, Western blotting was conducted for the detection of the heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) expression. The results revealed that GDL supplementation alleviated the histopathological symptoms of the rat heart tissue, promoted Cu excretion to attenuate impairment, and significantly decreased inflammatory cytokine levels in the plasma (p < 0.01). In addition, GDL increased the HO-1 expression in the rat hepatic tissue. The protective effect of GDL on the heart was superior to that of penicillamine. Overall, these findings indicate that GDL alleviates hepatic heart injury after a Cu overaccumulation challenge, and GDL supplements can be beneficial for patients with Wilson’s disease. 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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21 pages, 1996 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Data Mining as a Tool to Infer Chicken Carcass and Meat Cut Quality from Autochthonous Genotypes

by Antonio González Ariza, Francisco Javier Navas González, José Manuel León Jurado, Ander Arando Arbulu, Juan Vicente Delgado Bermejo and María Esperanza Camacho Vallejo

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2702; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192702 - 08 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1466

Abstract

The present research aims to develop a carcass quality characterization methodology for minority chicken populations. The clustering patterns described across local chicken genotypes by the meat cuts from the carcass were evaluated via a comprehensive meta-analysis of ninety-one research documents published over the [...] Read more.

The present research aims to develop a carcass quality characterization methodology for minority chicken populations. The clustering patterns described across local chicken genotypes by the meat cuts from the carcass were evaluated via a comprehensive meta-analysis of ninety-one research documents published over the last 20 years. These documents characterized the meat quality of native chicken breeds. After the evaluation of their contents, thirty-nine variables were identified. Variables were sorted into eight clusters as follows; weight-related traits, water-holding capacity, colour-related traits, histological properties, texture-related traits, pH, content of flavour-related nucleotides, and gross nutrients. Multicollinearity analyses (VIF ≤ 5) were run to discard redundancies. Chicken sex, firmness, chewiness, L* meat 72 h post-mortem, a* meat 72 h post-mortem, b* meat 72 h post-mortem, and pH 72 h post-mortem were deemed redundant and discarded from the study. Data-mining chi-squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID)-based algorithms were used to develop a decision-tree-validated tool. Certain variables such as carcass/cut weight, pH, carcass yield, slaughter age, protein, cold weight, and L* meat reported a high explanatory potential. These outcomes act as a reference guide to be followed when designing studies of carcass quality-related traits in local native breeds and market commercialization strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability Biodiversity and Welfare of Poultry and Rabbit in Alternative Productions)

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13 pages, 7210 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intelligent-Responsive Enrofloxacin-Loaded Chitosan Oligosaccharide–Sodium Alginate Composite Core-Shell Nanogels for On-Demand Release in the Intestine

by Wanhe Luo, Mujie Ju, Jinhuan Liu, Samah Attia Algharib, Ali Sobhy Dawood and Shuyu Xie

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2701; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192701 - 08 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1699

Abstract

Enrofloxacin has a poor palatability and causes strong gastric irritation; the oral formulation of enrofloxacin is unavailable, which limits the treatment of Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections via oral administration. To overcome the difficulty in treating intestinal E. coli infections, an [...] Read more.

Enrofloxacin has a poor palatability and causes strong gastric irritation; the oral formulation of enrofloxacin is unavailable, which limits the treatment of Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections via oral administration. To overcome the difficulty in treating intestinal E. coli infections, an oral intelligent-responsive chitosan-oligosaccharide (COS)–sodium alginate (SA) composite core-shell nanogel loaded with enrofloxacin was explored. The formulation screening, characteristics, pH-responsive performance in gastric juice and the intestinal tract, antibacterial effects, therapeutic effects, and biosafety level of the enrofloxacin composite nanogels were investigated. The optimized concentrations of COS, SA, CaCl₂, and enrofloxacin were 8, 8, 0.2, and 5 mg/mL, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency, size, loading capacity, zeta potential, and polydispersity index of the optimized formulation were 72.4 ± 0.8%, 143.5 ± 2.6 nm, 26.6 ± 0.5%, −37.5 ± 1.5 mV, and 0.12 ± 0.07, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that enrofloxacin-loaded nanogels were incorporated into the nano-sized cross-linked networks. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the nanogels were prepared by the electrostatic interaction of the differently charged groups (positive amino groups (-NH₃⁺) of COS and the negative phenolic hydroxyl groups (-COO⁻) of SA). In vitro, pH-responsive release performances revealed effective pH-responsive performances, which can help facilitate targeted “on-demand” release at the target site and ensure that the enrofloxacin has an ideal stability in the stomach and a responsive release in the intestinal tract. The antibacterial activity study demonstrated that more effective bactericidal activity against E. coli could have a better treatment effect than the enrofloxacin solution. Furthermore, the enrofloxacin composite nanogels had great biocompatibility. Thus, the enrofloxacin composite core-shell nanogels might be an oral intelligent-responsive preparation to overcome the difficulty in treating intestinal bacterial infections. Full article

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

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13 pages, 292 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness of an O-Alkyl Hydroxamate in Dogs with Naturally Acquired Canine Leishmaniosis: An Exploratory Clinical Trial

by Victoriano Corpas-López, Victoriano Díaz-Sáez, Francisco Morillas-Márquez, Francisco Franco-Montalbán, Mónica Díaz-Gavilán, Julián López-Viota, Margarita López-Viota, José Antonio Gómez-Vidal and Joaquina Martín-Sánchez

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2700; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192700 - 07 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1133

Abstract

Canine leishmaniosis is a challenge in veterinary medicine and no drug to date has achieved parasite clearance in dogs. Histone deacetylase inhibitors are a drug class widely used in cancer chemotherapy. We have successfully used O-alkyl hydroxamates (vorinostat derivatives) in the treatment [...] Read more.

Canine leishmaniosis is a challenge in veterinary medicine and no drug to date has achieved parasite clearance in dogs. Histone deacetylase inhibitors are a drug class widely used in cancer chemotherapy. We have successfully used O-alkyl hydroxamates (vorinostat derivatives) in the treatment of a laboratory model of visceral leishmaniasis without showing toxicity. In order to test the effectiveness of a particular compound, MTC-305, a parallel-group, randomized, single-centre, exploratory study was designed in naturally infected dogs. In this clinical trial, 18 dogs were allocated into 3 groups and were treated with either meglumine antimoniate (104 mg Sb^V/kg), MTC-305 (3.75 mg/kg) or a combination of both using a lower MTC-305 dose (1.5 mg/kg) through a subcutaneous route for 2 treatment courses of 30 days, separated by a 30-day rest period. After treatment, a follow-up time of 4 months was established. Parasite burden in bone marrow, lymph node and peripheral blood were quantified through qPCR. Antibody titres were determined through an immunofluorescence antibody test, and cytokine expression values were calculated through RT-qPCR. Treatment safety was evaluated through the assessment of haematological and biochemical parameters in blood, weight, and gastrointestinal alterations. Assessment was carried out before, between and after treatment series. Treatment with MTC-305 was effective at reducing parasite burdens and improving the animals’ clinical picture. Dogs treated with this compound did not present significant toxicity signs. These results were superior to those obtained using the reference drug, meglumine antimoniate, in monotherapy. These results would support a broader clinical trial, optimised dosage, and an expanded follow-up stage to confirm the efficacy of this drug. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

10 pages, 573 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neospora spp. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Seropositivity in Apparently Healthy Horses and Pregnant Mares

by Lea Mimoun, Amir Steinman, Ynon Kliachko, Sharon Tirosh-Levy, Gili Schvartz, Elena Blinder, Gad Baneth and Monica Leszkowicz Mazuz

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2699; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192699 - 07 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1291

Abstract

Equine Neospora infection has been linked to neurological disorders and infertility in horses. This study looked into the risk factors for infection and the exposure to Neospora spp. in horses. The study was performed in two independent populations in Israel. The first consisted [...] Read more.

Equine Neospora infection has been linked to neurological disorders and infertility in horses. This study looked into the risk factors for infection and the exposure to Neospora spp. in horses. The study was performed in two independent populations in Israel. The first consisted of apparently healthy horses, and the second consisted of mares examined during pregnancy and after parturition. Sera samples collected from horses and mares were tested for Neospora exposure by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The study revealed seroprevalence of 24% in apparently healthy horses and 66.4% and 48.6% in mares during gestation and after parturition, respectively. Among the investigated risk factors, older age (p = 0.026) and housing in both stalls and paddocks (p = 0.033) in apparently healthy horses, and Arabian breeds (p = 0.005) in pregnant mares, were found to be significantly associated with Neospora spp. seropositivity in univariable, but not multivariable, statistical analysis. This study revealed high exposure of equines to Neospora parasites, especially mares. Horse farm management, in combination with active surveillance, including serological testing and follow up, could help reduce the spread of the parasite among horses in endemic areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasite Epidemiology and Molecules Identification in Wild and Domestic Animals)

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13 pages, 1765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Delivering an Immunocastration Vaccine via a Novel Subcutaneous Implant

by Andrew K. Curtis, Douglas E. Jones, Michael Kleinhenz, Shawnee Montgomery, Miriam Martin, Mikaela Weeder, Alyssa Leslie, Balaji Narasimhan, Sean Kelly, Drew R. Magstadt, Alfredo Colina and Johann F. Coetzee

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2698; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192698 - 07 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1868

Abstract

Immunocastration relies on the vaccine-mediated stimulation of an immune response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in order to interrupt spermatogenesis. This approach offers a less painful alternative to traditional castration approaches but the current, commercially available options require multiple doses of vaccine to maintain [...] Read more.

Immunocastration relies on the vaccine-mediated stimulation of an immune response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in order to interrupt spermatogenesis. This approach offers a less painful alternative to traditional castration approaches but the current, commercially available options require multiple doses of vaccine to maintain sterility. Thus, a series of pilot studies were conducted to determine the feasibility of a single-dose immunocastration vaccine implant. These five studies utilized a total of 44 Holstein bulls to determine the optimal vaccine composition and validate the ability of a stainless-steel subcutaneous implant to deliver a vaccine. Outcome measures included the duration of implant retention, scrotal dimensions and temperature, implant site temperature, anti-GnRH antibodies, and serum testosterone concentration. Over the course of several studies, anti-GnRH antibodies were successfully stimulated by vaccine implants. No significant treatment effects on scrotal dimensions or testosterone were detected over time, but changes in spermatogenesis were detected across treatment groups. Results indicate that a single-dose implantable immunocastration vaccine elicits a humoral immune response and could impact spermatogenesis in bulls. These findings provide opportunities for the refinement of this technology to improve implant retention over longer periods of time. Taken together, this approach will offer producers and veterinarians an alternative to physical castration methods, to improve animal welfare during routine livestock management procedures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cattle Health, Production, Population Medicine and Therapeutics)

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13 pages, 827 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioprocessing of Two Crop Residues for Animal Feeding into a High-Yield Lovastatin Feed Supplement

by Amaury Ábrego-García, Héctor M. Poggi-Varaldo, M. Teresa Ponce-Noyola, Graciano Calva-Calva, Cutberto José Juvencio Galíndez-Mayer, Gustavo G. Medina-Mendoza and Noemí F. Rinderknecht-Seijas

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2697; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192697 - 07 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1932

Abstract

This work aimed to evaluate the lovastatin (Lv) production by solid-state fermentation (SSF) from selected crop residues, considering the post-fermented residues as feed supplements for ruminants. The SSF was performed with two substrates (wheat bran and oat straw) and two A. terreus strains [...] Read more.

This work aimed to evaluate the lovastatin (Lv) production by solid-state fermentation (SSF) from selected crop residues, considering the post-fermented residues as feed supplements for ruminants. The SSF was performed with two substrates (wheat bran and oat straw) and two A. terreus strains (CDBB H-194 and CDBB H-1976). The Lv yield, proximate analysis, and organic compounds by GC–MS in the post-fermented residues were assessed. The combination of the CDBB H-194 strain with oat straw at 16 d of incubation time showed the highest Lv yield (23.8 mg/g DM fed) and the corresponding degradation efficiency of hemicellulose + cellulose was low to moderate (24.1%). The other three treatments showed final Lv concentrations in decreasing order of 9.1, 6.8, and 5.67 mg/g DM fed for the oat straw + CDBB H-1976, wheat bran + CDBB H-194, and wheat bran + CDBB H-1976, respectively. An analysis of variance of the 2² factorial experiment of Lv showed a strong significant interaction between the strain and substrate factors. The kinetic of Lv production adequately fitted a zero-order model in the four treatments. GC–MS analysis identified only a couple of compounds from the residues fermented by A. terreus CDBB H-194 (1,3-dipalmitin trimethylsilyl ether in the fermented oat straw and stearic acid hydrazide in the fermented wheat bran) that could negatively affect ruminal bacteria and fungi. Solid-state fermentation of oat straw with CDBB H-194 deserves further investigation due to its high yield of Lv; low dietary proportions of this post-fermented oat straw could be used as an Lv-carrier supplement for rumen methane mitigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New and Potential Feedstuffs and Additives in Livestock)

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11 pages, 867 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Fatty Acid Composition Impacts the Fatty Acid Profiles of Different Regions of the Bovine Brain

by Daniel C. Rule, Emily A. Melson, Brenda M. Alexander and Travis E. Brown

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2696; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192696 - 07 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1364

Abstract

Fatty acid composition across functional brain regions was determined in bovine brains collected from cattle that were provided supplements of calcium salts containing either palm or fish oil. The Angus cattle were divided into two groups, with one group offered the supplement of [...] Read more.

Fatty acid composition across functional brain regions was determined in bovine brains collected from cattle that were provided supplements of calcium salts containing either palm or fish oil. The Angus cattle were divided into two groups, with one group offered the supplement of calcium salts of palm oil and the other offered the calcium salts of fish oil (n = 5 females and n = 5 males/supplement) for 220 days. These supplements to the basal forage diet were provided ad libitum as a suspension in dried molasses. The fish oil exclusively provided eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 n-3). The functional regions were dissected from the entire brains following commercial harvest. While the cattle provided diets supplemented with the calcium salts of palm oil had increased (p < 0.01) liver concentrations of C18:1 n-9, C18:2 n-6, and arachidonic acid, the fish-oil-supplemented cattle had greater (p < 0.01) concentrations of liver EPA, DHA, and C18:3 n-3. In the brain, DHA was the most abundant polyunsaturated fatty acid. In the amygdala, pons, frontal lobe, internal capsule, and sensory cortex, DHA concentrations were greater (p < 0.05) in the brains of the cattle fed fish oil. Differences among the supplements were small, indicating that brain DHA content is resistant to dietary change. Arachidonic acid and C22:4 n-6 concentrations were greater across the regions for the palm-oil-supplemented cattle. EPA and C22:5 n-3 concentrations were low, but they were greater across the regions for the cattle fed fish oil. The effects of sex were inconsistent. The fatty acid profiles of the brain regions differed by diet, but they were similar to the contents reported for other species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Physiology)

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12 pages, 830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Analyses of Rabbit Survival and Individual Birth Weight

by Rafik Belabbas, Rym Ezzeroug, Ali Berbar, María de la Luz Garcia, Ghania Zitouni, Djamel Taalaziza, Zoulikha Boudjella, Nassima Boudahdir, Samir Diss and María-José Argente

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2695; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192695 - 07 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1333

Abstract

Genetic parameters of kit survival traits and birth weight were estimated on ITELV2006 synthetic line aimed at improving kit survival using a multiple trait linear and threshold model. Data on 1696 kits for survival at birth and at weaning, as well as individual [...] Read more.

Genetic parameters of kit survival traits and birth weight were estimated on ITELV2006 synthetic line aimed at improving kit survival using a multiple trait linear and threshold model. Data on 1696 kits for survival at birth and at weaning, as well as individual birth weight and litter size were analysed. Genetic effects of kit survival traits and birth weight were estimated based on threshold and Gaussian models, respectively, using a Bayesian approach. The statistical model included, as fixed effects, parity, lactation status, season of farrowing, nest status, cannibalism in kit, place of kit’s birth in the cage and gender, and adjustment for litter size. Posterior means of heritabilities for direct genetic effects of survival at birth and the entire nursing period, as well as birth weight, were 0.018, 0.023, and 0.088, respectively, and were increased when adjusted for litter size to 0.021, 0.027 and 0.146. Genetic correlation between survival traits was zero. Therefore, these traits can be treated genetically as different traits. Genetic correlation between direct effects of survival at birth and birth weight showed positive, but low, value (+0.134) and was increased to +0.535 when the traits were adjusted for litter size. No genetic correlation was found between survival at weaning and birth weight. These magnitudes of genetic parameter estimates suggested that there is substantial potential for the genetic improvement of kit survival at birth through selection for birth weight. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Featured Papers in the 'Animal Genetics and Genomics' Section)

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Animals, Volume 12, Issue 19 (October-1 2022) – 239 articles

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