Animals

11 pages, 947 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Thyme and Oregano Essential Oils Dietary Supplementation on Broiler Health, Growth Performance, and Prevalence of Growth-Related Breast Muscle Abnormalities

by Ahmed Zaazaa, Samer Mudalal, Ibrahim Alzuheir, Maen Samara, Nasr Jalboush, Adnan Fayyad and Massimiliano Petracci

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3065; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213065 - 07 Nov 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2890

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of thyme and oregano essential oils (as growth promotors), individually and in combination, on the health, growth performance, and prevalence of muscle abnormalities in broiler chickens. Six hundred day-old Cobb 500 hybrid chickens [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of thyme and oregano essential oils (as growth promotors), individually and in combination, on the health, growth performance, and prevalence of muscle abnormalities in broiler chickens. Six hundred day-old Cobb 500 hybrid chickens were randomized into four dietary treatment groups with three replicates each. Chicks in the control group (C) received a basal diet, while the experimental treatment groups received basal diets containing 350 mg/kg of thyme oil (T1), 350 mg/kg of oregano oil (T2), and 350 mg/kg of thyme and oregano oil (T3). Growth performance parameters were evaluated at 14, 28, and 42 days. The broilers in treatments T1 and T2 had significantly higher body weights than the control group. The feed conversion ratio was the lowest in chicks who received oregano oil, followed by those fed thyme oil. The overall prevalence of growth-related breast muscle abnormalities (including white striping and white striping combined with wooden breast) in groups receiving essential oils (T1, T2, and T3) was significantly higher than in the control group (C). The thyme and oregano oil diets showed no significant differences in antibody titers against Newcastle disease or interferon-γ (INF-γ) serum levels. In conclusion, thyme and oregano oils had a positive impact on the growth performance of broiler chickens but increased the incidence of growth-related breast muscle abnormalities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Comparative Animal Nutrition and Metabolism)

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11 pages, 2313 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immunohistochemical Characterization of Immune System Cells in Lymphoid Organs from Roe and Fallow Deer

by Niccolò Fonti, Francesca Parisi, Francesca Millanta, Maria Irene Pacini, Marcello Periccioli and Alessandro Poli

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3064; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213064 - 07 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1778

Abstract

Roe and Fallow deer are common wild ruminants widely distributed in Italy. Infectious diseases of these species can potentially pose health risks to domestic animals and humans. However, few studies have been conducted in which immune system cells in these species were phenotyped. [...] Read more.

Roe and Fallow deer are common wild ruminants widely distributed in Italy. Infectious diseases of these species can potentially pose health risks to domestic animals and humans. However, few studies have been conducted in which immune system cells in these species were phenotyped. The aims of this study were to determine the cross-reactivity of a wide anti-human panel of commercial antibodies on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples and to describe the distribution of roe and fallow deer main immune cell subsets in the lymph nodes and spleen. Twenty retromandibular lymph nodes (RLNs) and spleen samples were collected from 10 roe deer and 10 fallow deer and were tested by a panel of 12 commercial anti-human antibodies. The CD79a, CD20, CD3, Iba-1, MAC387, and AM-3K antibodies were successfully labeled cells in cervine tissue, while the Foxp3 and the CD68 did not show suitable immunostaining. This study supplies the first immunohistochemical description of immune cell subpopulations in non-pathological spleen and RLNs from roe and fallow deer and provides an easily repeatable manual IHC protocol to immunolocalize cervine B-, T-cells, and macrophages subsets in FFPE tissue samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Wildlife)

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11 pages, 1094 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Age and Post-Prandial Variations on Selected Metabolites in Dairy Calves Fed Different Liquid Diets

by Amanda Moelemberg Cezar, Sophia Cattleya Dondé, Cristiane Regina Tomaluski, Ana Paula da Silva, Ariany Faria de Toledo, Marina Gavanski Coelho, Gercino Ferreira Virgínio Júnior and Carla Maris Machado Bittar

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3063; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213063 - 07 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1514

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the age and post-prandial variations in selected metabolite concentration that may indicate a shift in metabolism, from pre- to functional ruminant, according to the liquid diet fed to dairy calves. Sixteen newborn Holstein calves were [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the age and post-prandial variations in selected metabolite concentration that may indicate a shift in metabolism, from pre- to functional ruminant, according to the liquid diet fed to dairy calves. Sixteen newborn Holstein calves were included in the study in a randomized complete block experimental design. The calves were individually housed and fed 6 L/d with whole milk (WM) or milk replacer (MR). Blood samples were collected weekly at 0 h (before feeding), 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, and 8 h after morning feeding to evaluate glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), fructosamine, total protein, and albumin. Calves fed WM had higher performance (p < 0.01) than did calves fed MR. The different liquid diets did not affect the average concentrations of plasma glucose. However, BHB was higher for WM-fed calves (p < 0.01). The concentration of plasma glucose reached the highest concentration at 1 and 4 hours after feeding WM or MR, respectively. Thus, these would be the most appropriate sampling times to study the glycemic status of calves according to the liquid diet fed. Fructosamine did not prove to be an informative metabolite to understand the shift in metabolism, as a function of rumen development, due to a small reduction as a function of age and a sampling time effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Life Nutrition in Ruminants)

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13 pages, 951 KiB

Open AccessReview

Insights into the Role of Natural Products in the Control of the Honey Bee Gut Parasite (Nosema spp.)

by Hesham R. El-Seedi, Aida A. Abd El-Wahed, Yahya Al Naggar, Aamer Saeed, Jianbo Xiao, Hammad Ullah, Syed G. Musharraf, Mohammad H. Boskabady, Wei Cao, Zhiming Guo, Maria Daglia, Abeer El Wakil, Kai Wang and Shaden A. M. Khalifa

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3062; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213062 - 07 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2437

Abstract

The honey bee is an important economic insect due to its role in pollinating many agricultural plants. Unfortunately, bees are susceptible to many pathogens, including pests, parasites, bacteria, and viruses, most of which exert a destructive impact on thousands of colonies. The occurrence [...] Read more.

The honey bee is an important economic insect due to its role in pollinating many agricultural plants. Unfortunately, bees are susceptible to many pathogens, including pests, parasites, bacteria, and viruses, most of which exert a destructive impact on thousands of colonies. The occurrence of resistance to the therapeutic substances used against these organisms is rising, and the residue from these chemicals may accumulate in honey bee products, subsequently affecting the human health. There is current advice to avoid the use of antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, and other drugs in bees, and therefore, it is necessary to develop alternative strategies for the treatment of bee diseases. In this context, the impact of nosema diseases (nosemosis) on bee health and the negative insults of existing drugs are discussed. Moreover, attempts to combat nosema through the use of alternative compounds, including essential oils, plant extracts, and microbes in vitro and in vivo, are documented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Apiculture and Challenges for Future)

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11 pages, 2207 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Alpine Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster) Adjusts to a Human-Dominated Semi-Arid Mountain Ecosystem

by Lixun Zhang, Zhangyun Sun, Bei An, Dexi Zhang and Liuyang Chen

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3061; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213061 - 07 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1753

Abstract

Comprehension of whether human and livestock presence affects wildlife activity is a prerequisite for the planning and management of humans and livestock in protected areas. Xinglong Mountain Nature Reserve (XMNNR) in northwest China, as a green island in a semi-arid mountain ecosystem, is [...] Read more.

Comprehension of whether human and livestock presence affects wildlife activity is a prerequisite for the planning and management of humans and livestock in protected areas. Xinglong Mountain Nature Reserve (XMNNR) in northwest China, as a green island in a semi-arid mountain ecosystem, is one of the scattered and isolated areas for Alpine musk deer (AMD), an endangered species. AMD cohabits their latent habitat area with foraging livestock and humans. Hence, habitat management within and outside the distribution areas is crucial for the effective conservation of AMD. We applied camera traps to a dataset of 2 years (September 2018–August 2020) to explore seasonal activity patterns and habitat use and assess the impacts of AMD habits in XMNNR. We investigated AMD responses to livestock grazing and human activities and provided effective strategies for AMD conservation. We applied MaxENT modeling to predict the distribution size under current conditions. The activity patterns of the AMD vary among seasons. The optimum habitat average distance to cultivated land ranges of AMD (150~3300 m during grass period/100~3200 m during withered grass period), distances to the residential area ranges (500~5700 m during the grass period/1000~5300 m during the withered grass period), elevation ranges (2350~3400 m during the grass period/2360~3170 m during the withered grass period), aspect ranges (0~50° and 270~360°), normalized vegetation index ranges (0.64~0.72 during the grass period/0.14~0.60 during the withered grass period), and land cover types (forest, shrub, and grassland). Results present that the predicted distributions of AMD were not confined to the areas reported but also covered other potential areas. The results provide evidence of strong spatial-temporal avoidance of AMD in livestock, but gradually adjusting to human activities. These camera trap datasets may open new opportunities for species conservation in much wider tracts, such as human-dominated landscapes, and may offer guidance and mitigate impacts from livestock, as well as increase artificial forest planting and strengthen the investigation of the potential population resources of AMD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Human-Wildlife Conflict and Interaction)

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21 pages, 3725 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Artificial Water Troughs Use by the Mountain Ungulate Ovis gmelini ophion (Cyprus Mouflon) at Pafos Forest

by Nicolas-George Homer Eliades, Christos Astaras, Belle Verheggen Messios, Rob Vermeer, Kostas Nicolaou, Ilias Karmiris and Nicolaos Kassinis

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3060; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213060 - 07 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1909

Abstract

For large herbivores inhabiting arid/semi-arid environments, water can be a limiting resource affecting their distribution and abundance for periods when water requirements are not met via forage. The Cyprus mouflon (Ovis gmelini ophion) is such a species, which is endemic to [...] Read more.

For large herbivores inhabiting arid/semi-arid environments, water can be a limiting resource affecting their distribution and abundance for periods when water requirements are not met via forage. The Cyprus mouflon (Ovis gmelini ophion) is such a species, which is endemic to the mountain habitats of Cyprus. Recognizing water scarcity to be a major pressure to the mouflon, and with global warming projected to intensify hot and dry periods in the region, the Game and Fauna Service has been maintaining a network of locally designed watering troughs in Pafos Forest—the mouflon’s stronghold—since 1997. This study describes the mouflon’s use of the water troughs and examines whether visitation rates differed at the daily or weekly scale in response to environmental, climatic or anthropogenic parameters. Using camera traps, ten troughs were monitored from September 2017 to March 2018 (1,065 days; range 29–164 days per trough). Mouflon were detected at seven troughs (mean herd size 1.5 ± 1.2) during 373 independent detections (≥30 min interval between photographs), with visits peaking during late morning and midday hours. Generalized mixed-effect models showed mouflon visiting water troughs more frequently during hotter days, regardless of recent precipitation. Visits were also more frequent at water troughs located close to tar roads. Moreover, there was no evidence of mouflon avoiding water troughs used by predators (red foxes, feral dogs) at either daily or weekly scale, or during hunting days. The study supports the value of artificial water troughs for mediating, partially at least, the effects of climate change on mountain ungulates such as the Cyprus mouflon. Additional studies are proposed that will examine both mouflon drinking patterns across all seasons and ways of improving the effectiveness of the current water trough grid. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mammal Ecology and Conservation in Southeastern Europe)

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16 pages, 303 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Anionic and Zeolite Supplements and Oral Calcium Bolus in Prepartum Diets on Feed Intake, Milk Yield and Milk Compositions, Plasma Ca Concentration, Blood Metabolites and the Prevalence of Some Reproductive Disorders in Fresh Dairy Cows

by Mohammad Mahdi Masoumi Pour, Farhad Foroudi, Naser Karimi, Mohammad Reza Abedini and Kazem Karimi

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3059; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213059 - 07 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1492

Abstract

Hypocalcaemia is an important disorder associated with an increased risk of metabolic diseases, and many studies have been going on for decades. This study investigated the effects of anionic and zeolite with an oral Ca bolus in the prepartum phase on milk yields [...] Read more.

Hypocalcaemia is an important disorder associated with an increased risk of metabolic diseases, and many studies have been going on for decades. This study investigated the effects of anionic and zeolite with an oral Ca bolus in the prepartum phase on milk yields and compositions, and plasma Ca concentrations, blood metabolites and the prevalence of some reproductive disorders in dairy cows after parturition. Ninety pregnant non-lactating Holstein-Friesian cows were randomly assigned to three isoenergetic diets and their counterparts using an oral Ca bolus: (1) Control (CON): low Ca (0.44%); (2) Anionic (ANI): high Ca (1.00%); (3) Zeolite (ZEO): low Ca (0.44%). The feed and energy intakes of the CON and ZEO groups were higher than the ANI group. The raw milk yield, Pr%, and feed efficiency did not differ between the groups, while the corrected milk yield, fat% and total corrected milk yield at 305 days differed between groups. Total plasma and the ionized Ca concentration of the ANI and ZEO groups, at calving time and in 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after that, were higher than in the CON group. The frequencies of hypocalcaemia and reproductive disorders in the ANI and ZEO groups were lower than in the CON. The blood metabolite levels in the CON group were higher than in other groups. In conclusion, the ANI and ZEO diets and their counterparts supplemented with an oral Ca bolus improved the milk production traits, plasma calcium and metabolites concentration and also effectively prevented reproductive disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)

12 pages, 2428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Potential miRNA–mRNA Regulatory Network Associated with Pig Growth Performance in the Pituitaries of Bama Minipigs and Landrace Pigs

by Yingying Jiao, Linlin Hao, Peijun Xia, Yunyun Cheng, Jie Song, Xi Chen, Zhaoguo Wang, Ze Ma, Shuo Zheng, Ting Chen, Ying Zhang and Hao Yu

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3058; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213058 - 07 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1572

Abstract

Pig growth performance is one of the criteria for judging pork production and is influenced by genotype and external environmental factors such as feeding conditions. The growth performance of miniature pigs, such as Bama minipigs, differs considerably from that of the larger body [...] Read more.

Pig growth performance is one of the criteria for judging pork production and is influenced by genotype and external environmental factors such as feeding conditions. The growth performance of miniature pigs, such as Bama minipigs, differs considerably from that of the larger body size pigs, such as Landrace pigs, and can be regarded as good models in pig growth studies. In this research, we identified differentially expressed genes in the pituitary gland of Bama minipigs and Landrace pigs. Through the pathway enrichment analysis, we screened the growth-related pathways and the genes enriched in the pathways and established the protein–protein interaction network. The RNAHybrid algorithm was used to predict the interaction between differentially expressed microRNAs and differentially expressed mRNAs. Four regulatory pathways (Y-82-ULK1/CDKN1A, miR-4334-5p-STAT3/PIK3R1/RPS6KA3/CAB39L, miR-4331-SCR/BCL2L1, and miR-133a-3p-BCL2L1) were identified via quantitative real-time PCR to detect the expression and correlation of candidate miRNAs and mRNAs. In conclusion, we revealed potential miRNA–mRNA regulatory networks associated with pig growth performance in the pituitary glands of Bama minipigs and Landrace pigs, which may help to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of growth differences in pigs of different body sizes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pigs)

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13 pages, 666 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simple and Efficient Chemically Defined In Vitro Maturation and Embryo Culture System for Bovine Embryos

by María Elena Arias, Tamara Vargas, Victor Gallardo, Luis Aguila and Ricardo Felmer

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3057; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213057 - 07 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2469

Abstract

Supplementation of the culture media for in vitro production (IVP) of bovine embryos with fetal bovine serum (FBS) is associated with inconsistent outcomes. The present study sought to replace FBS and BSA by insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) [...] Read more.

Supplementation of the culture media for in vitro production (IVP) of bovine embryos with fetal bovine serum (FBS) is associated with inconsistent outcomes. The present study sought to replace FBS and BSA by insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). In Experiment 1, absence of FBS from maturation medium (MM) did not affect the rate of in vitro maturation, as assessed by the extrusion of the first polar body. However, when gonadotropins and FBS were removed from the MM, the maturation rate was significantly reduced even in the presence of growth factors. Therefore, gonadotropin-supplemented MM medium was established as the base medium for the defined maturation condition. In Experiment 2, the addition of growth factors to gonadotropin-supplemented MM medium supported similar maturation (~90%) compared to the undefined condition (FBS-carrying). In Experiment 3, the addition of growth factors to embryo culture medium showed similar in vitro competence compared to the undefined (FBS) control. In Experiment 4, completely defined conditions (absence of FBS and BSA during in vitro maturation and embryo culture) were tested. A higher cleavage was observed with FGF2 (86%) compared to EGF (77%) and the FBS control (77%), but similar blastocyst rates were observed for FGF2 (24%), EGF (19%) and the FBS control (25%). Embryo quality was similar among groups. Finally, post-thawing survival was higher for FGF2 (94%) compared to the FBS control (77%). Thus, we report a simple defined IVP system for bovine species that generates developmental outcomes and embryos of similar quality than those produced under conditions containing FBS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Reproductive Biotechnologies)

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19 pages, 1531 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of Buffalo Farming Systems in Turkey Based on a Multivariate Aggregation of Indicators: A Survey Study

by Nursen Ozturk, Omur Kocak, Arzu Peker, Lorenzo Serva, Ferhan Kaygisiz, Pembe Dilara Kecici, Hulya Yalcintan, Halil Ibrahim Kilic and Luisa Magrin

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3056; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213056 - 07 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1929

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the heterogeneity that exists in water buffalo husbandry systems in Marmara Region, Turkey. A questionnaire containing a total of 60 indicators was submitted to 52 farmers. A Principal Component Analysis was performed to reduce original variables into a [...] Read more.

This study aimed to determine the heterogeneity that exists in water buffalo husbandry systems in Marmara Region, Turkey. A questionnaire containing a total of 60 indicators was submitted to 52 farmers. A Principal Component Analysis was performed to reduce original variables into a simplified and latent structure, which was characterized by six orthogonal components: milk productivity, economic efficiency, roughage management, dual-purpose farming, concentrate supply, and fodder production. An ANOVA model was applied to the six components to investigate the effects of the province, investment levels, grazing type, milk production, and profitability. Differences in milk productivity, roughage management, concentrate supply, and fodder management were significant according to the province and grazing type, which indicated a difference in intensification levels among the cities. Economic efficiency and dual-purpose farming differed significantly for milk production levels as well as milk productivity, and economic efficiency differed for profitability levels. We found a tendency regarding the impact of roughage management on profitability. The results conclude that profitability was associated with improving the milking traits of buffaloes and roughage management of the farms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Local Dairy Farming Systems)

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19 pages, 10691 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Advanced Chicken Face Detection Network Based on GAN and MAE

by Xiaoxiao Ma, Xinai Lu, Yihong Huang, Xinyi Yang, Ziyin Xu, Guozhao Mo, Yufei Ren and Lin Li

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3055; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213055 - 07 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2010

Abstract

Achieving high-accuracy chicken face detection is a significant breakthrough for smart poultry agriculture in large-scale farming and precision management. However, the current dataset of chicken faces based on accurate data is scarce, detection models possess low accuracy and slow speed, and the related [...] Read more.

Achieving high-accuracy chicken face detection is a significant breakthrough for smart poultry agriculture in large-scale farming and precision management. However, the current dataset of chicken faces based on accurate data is scarce, detection models possess low accuracy and slow speed, and the related detection algorithm is ineffective for small object detection. To tackle these problems, an object detection network based on GAN-MAE (generative adversarial network-masked autoencoders) data augmentation is proposed in this paper for detecting chickens of different ages. First, the images were generated using GAN and MAE to augment the dataset. Afterward, CSPDarknet53 was used as the backbone network to enhance the receptive field in the object detection network to detect different sizes of objects in the same image. The

128 \times 128

feature map output was added to three feature map outputs of this paper, thus changing the feature map output of eightfold downsampling to fourfold downsampling, which provided smaller object features for subsequent feature fusion. Secondly, the feature fusion module was improved based on the idea of dense connection. Then the module achieved feature reuse so that the YOLO head classifier could combine features from different levels of feature layers to capture greater classification and detection results. Ultimately, the comparison experiments’ outcomes showed that the mAP (mean average Precision) of the suggested method was up to 0.84, which was 29.2% higher than other networks’, and the detection speed was the same, up to 37 frames per second. Better detection accuracy can be obtained while meeting the actual scenario detection requirements. Additionally, an end-to-end web system was designed to apply the algorithm to practical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Poultry)

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9 pages, 248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Imported Semen Based on Different Selection Indices on Some Production and Reproduction Traits in Iranian Holstein Cattle

by Masume Nazari, Peyman Mahmoudi, Amir Rashidi and Mohammad Razmkabir

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3054; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213054 - 07 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1329

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of imported semen of Holstein bulls from different countries on the economic traits of their daughters using the Lifetime Net Income (LNI) index in various climates of Iran. The data included the [...] Read more.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of imported semen of Holstein bulls from different countries on the economic traits of their daughters using the Lifetime Net Income (LNI) index in various climates of Iran. The data included the first lactation records of 274,057 Holstein cows collected during 1993 to 2017 by the Animal Breeding Center of Iran from 10 large dairy farms located in various provinces of Iran. The investigated traits included milk, fat and protein yields, calving age and calving interval. Breeding values of progenies were predicted by the Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) method under the multi-trait animal model using DMU software. The genetic-economic merit of the progenies was estimated by the LNI index. There were significant differences between the estimated breeding values (EBVs) of sire groups (based on bull semen origin) for milk, fat and protein yields, calving age and calving interval in each climate (p < 0.01). The obtained results showed that the highest least-square means of LNI index in semi-cold, moderate and warm climates belonged to the daughters of French sires; however, daughters of German sires were estimated to have the highest least-square means in the cold climate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Genetic and Nongenetic Factors on Functional and Milk Production Traits in Livestock)

20 pages, 3605 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Timing of Vertical Head, Withers and Pelvis Movements Relative to the Footfalls in Different Equine Gaits and Breeds

by Marie Rhodin, Ineke H. Smit, Emma Persson-Sjodin, Thilo Pfau, Vikingur Gunnarsson, Sigridur Björnsdóttir, Ebba Zetterberg, Hilary M. Clayton, Sarah J. Hobbs, Filipe Serra Bragança and Elin Hernlund

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3053; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213053 - 07 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2221

Abstract

Knowledge of vertical motion patterns of the axial body segments is a prerequisite for the development of algorithms used in automated detection of lameness. To date, the focus has been on the trot. This study investigates the temporal synchronization between vertical motion of [...] Read more.

Knowledge of vertical motion patterns of the axial body segments is a prerequisite for the development of algorithms used in automated detection of lameness. To date, the focus has been on the trot. This study investigates the temporal synchronization between vertical motion of the axial body segments with limb kinematic events in walk and trot across three popular types of sport horses (19 Warmbloods, 23 Iberians, 26 Icelandics) that are known to have different stride kinematics, and it presents novel data describing vertical motion of the axial body segments in tölting and pacing Icelandic horses. Inertial measurement unit sensors recorded limb kinematics, vertical motion of the axial body at all symmetrical gaits that the horse could perform (walk, trot, tölt, pace). Limb kinematics, vertical range of motion and lowest/highest positions of the head, withers and pelvis were calculated. For all gaits except walk and pace, lowest/highest positions of the pelvis and withers were found to be closely related temporally to midstance and start of suspension of the hind/fore quarter, respectively. There were differences in pelvic/withers range of motion between all breeds where the Icelandic horses showed the smallest motion, which may explain why lameness evaluation in this breed is challenging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Veterinary Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine)

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9 pages, 846 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microchromosome BAC-FISH Reveals Different Patterns of Genome Organization in Three Charadriiformes Species

by Marcelo Santos de Souza, Suziane Alves Barcellos, Michelly da Silva dos Santos, Ricardo José Gunski, Analía del Valle Garnero, Edivaldo Herculano Corrêa de Oliveira, Rebecca E. O’Connor, Darren K. Griffin and Rafael Kretschmer

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3052; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213052 - 06 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1730

Abstract

Microchromosomes, once considered unimportant elements of the genome, represent fundamental building blocks of bird karyotypes. Shorebirds (Charadriiformes) comprise a wide variety of approximately 390 species and are considered a valuable model group for biological studies. Despite this variety, cytogenetic analysis is still very [...] Read more.

Microchromosomes, once considered unimportant elements of the genome, represent fundamental building blocks of bird karyotypes. Shorebirds (Charadriiformes) comprise a wide variety of approximately 390 species and are considered a valuable model group for biological studies. Despite this variety, cytogenetic analysis is still very scarce in this bird order. Thus, the aim of this study was to provide insight into the Charadriiformes karyotype, with emphasis on microchromosome evolution in three species of shorebirds—Calidris canutus, Jacana jacana, and Vanellus chilensis—combining classical and molecular approaches. Cross-species FISH mapping applied two BAC probes for each microchromosome, GGA10–28 (except GGA16). The experiments revealed different patterns of microchromosome organization in the species investigated. Hence, while in C. canutus, we found two microchromosomes involved in chromosome fusions, they were present as single pairs in V. chilensis. We also described a new chromosome number for C. canutus (2n = 92). Hence, this study contributed to the understanding of genome organization and evolution of three shorebird species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vertebrate Chromosome Organization and Evolution: From Conventional Staining to Chromosomics)

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18 pages, 853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Consumer Preferences for Animal Welfare in China: Optimization of Pork Production-Marketing Chains

by Yaoming Liang, Yu Cheng, Yanjie Xu, Gengrong Hua, Zijian Zheng, Hui Li and Li Han

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3051; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213051 - 06 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2291

Abstract

Consumption demands for pork produced by farms that employ strategies to improve animal welfare (“animal welfare pork”) will be an important indicator for predicting domestic pig feeding standards and pork industry development. This paper analyzes consumer preferences for animal welfare pork based on [...] Read more.

Consumption demands for pork produced by farms that employ strategies to improve animal welfare (“animal welfare pork”) will be an important indicator for predicting domestic pig feeding standards and pork industry development. This paper analyzes consumer preferences for animal welfare pork based on the choice experiment data of 1274 pork consumers in Guangdong province, China. The results show that consumers had a significant preference for animal welfare pork and that they were willing to pay a premium of 2.359–10.477 CNY/500 g (5.27–23.39%) on average. There is heterogeneity in consumer preferences regarding age, education level, and income. Producers of animal-derived products can not only adjust the mix of production conditions to improve pig welfare and innovate contractual arrangements for industry chain stakeholder groups, but they can also develop differentiated marketing strategies for animal welfare products to meet consumer demands for animal welfare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Welfare)

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14 pages, 2370 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Analysis of E-Cadherin, N-Cadherin, Vimentin, HER-2, CEA, CA15-3 and SF Expression in the Diagnosis of Canine Mammary Tumors

by Chao Yu, Huihua Zheng, Xiangyu Liu and Guanghong Xie

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3050; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213050 - 06 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2000

Abstract

Canine mammary tumors (CMTs) are one of the most common tumors in female dogs, and they are associated with a poor prognosis owing to their high rate of recurrence and metastasis rates, which make their diagnosis especially important in clinical veterinary medicine. In [...] Read more.

Canine mammary tumors (CMTs) are one of the most common tumors in female dogs, and they are associated with a poor prognosis owing to their high rate of recurrence and metastasis rates, which make their diagnosis especially important in clinical veterinary medicine. In this study, the characteristics of tumors were observed in dogs suffering from CMTs, and clinical diagnosis and histopathology were used to identify tumors. Furthermore, the expression levels of tumor markers for CMTs were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Upon clinical examination, dogs with CMTs displayed a distinct and irregular mass in the mammary gland, and X-ray (Latero-lateral and ventro-dorsal views) and ultrasonography of the abdomen revealed a moderately echogenic mass at the mammary gland with slightly stronger density than the surrounding tissue. A total of 30 tumors were identified by histopathology, 11 benign and 19 malignant. Changes in some indicators in dogs suffering from CMTs and healthy dogs suggested that there were multiple direct or paraneoplastic changes associated with tumors that could be detected/suspected by hematological examination, and ELISA revealed the HER-2 serum concentrations were significantly different between healthy animals and those with malignant tumors. qPCR indicated that tumor markers N-cadherin, Vimentin, HER-2, CEA, CA15-3 and SF were higher in dogs with malignant tumors than healthy dogs, with a low level of E-cadherin in malignant tumors. This study verified that serological tests and molecular biological tests were essential to the early diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of dogs with tumors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Canine Mammary Tumors)

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9 pages, 235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recycling of Citric Acid Waste for Potential Use as Animal Feed through Fermentation with Lactic Acid Bacteria and a Mixture of Fibrolytic Enzymes

by Sirisak Tanpong, Sawitree Wongtangtintharn, Anusorn Cherdthong, Rittikeard Prachumchai, Bundit Tengjaroenkul, Pin Chanjula, Chanon Suntara and Chalong Wachirapakorn

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3049; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213049 - 06 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2003

Abstract

Once improperly managed, the citric acid production industry generates waste, which contributes to pollution and other environmental issues. We proposed that, with sufficient quality improvement, citric acid by-product (CAP) might be used for animal feed, thereby reducing the environmental impact. The aim of [...] Read more.

Once improperly managed, the citric acid production industry generates waste, which contributes to pollution and other environmental issues. We proposed that, with sufficient quality improvement, citric acid by-product (CAP) might be used for animal feed, thereby reducing the environmental impact. The aim of the present study was to ferment citric acid by-product (CAP) by inoculation with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and a fibrolytic enzyme mixture for quality improvement and crude fiber reduction in the waste products. LAB inoculants were L. casei TH14, and the additive enzyme used was a fibrolytic enzyme mixture (glucanase, pectinase, and carboxymethylcellulase) of a small-scale fermentation method. The seven treatments employed in this study were as follows: (1) control (untreated), (2) CAP-inoculated L. casei TH14 at 0.01% DM, (3) CAP-inoculated L. casei TH14 at 0.05% DM, (4) CAP-inoculated enzymes at 0.01% DM, (5) CAP-inoculated enzymes at 0.05% DM, (6) CAP-inoculated L. casei TH14 at 0.01% DM with enzymes at 0.01% DM, and (7) CAP-inoculated L. casei TH14 at 0.05% DM with enzymes at 0.05% DM. The samples were taken on days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 of ensiling, both before and after. Four replications were used. The results of the chemical composition of the CAP before and after ensilage inoculated with L. casei TH14 did not show any differences in crude protein, ether extract, ash, or gross energy, but the enzymes significantly (p < 0.05) decreased crude fiber and increased nitrogen-free extract. The combination was especially effective at improving the characteristics of CAP, with a reduction in crude fiber from 21.98% to 22.69%, of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) from 16.01% to 17.54%, and of acid detergent fiber (ADF) from 13.75% to 16.19%. Furthermore, the combination of L. casei TH14 and the enzyme increased crude protein from 1.75% to 2.24% at 28 days of ensiling. Therefore, CAP-inoculated L. casei TH14 did not change in chemical composition, while crude fiber, NDF, and ADF decreased when CAP was inoculated with enzyme. The combination of L. casei TH14 and the enzyme is more effective at improving chemical composition and reducing crude fiber and enhancing carbohydrate breakdown in the CAP. Finally, by enhancing the CAP’s quality, it may be possible to use it in animal feed and minimize its impact on the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Evaluation for Animal Health and Product Quality)

9 pages, 1071 KiB

Open AccessCommentary

Home Range and Habitat Use of the Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides L. 1758) during Wintering in the Seocheon Tidal Flat, South Korea, Using GPS-Based Telemetry

by Sungbae Joo, Yu-Seong Choi and Sang-Yeon Lee

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3048; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213048 - 06 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1256

Abstract

The Seocheon Tidal Flat is an important staging and wintering site for the Far East Russian population of Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides) in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. However, rapid environmental changes for tourism in this area can threaten the survival of [...] Read more.

The Seocheon Tidal Flat is an important staging and wintering site for the Far East Russian population of Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides) in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. However, rapid environmental changes for tourism in this area can threaten the survival of this vulnerable population by hindering sufficient rest and wintering; therefore, establishing protection strategies based on Swan Goose behavioral characteristics is necessary. Here, we estimated Swan Goose core home ranges and habitat use based on GPS tracking data collected at the Seocheon Tidal Flat in South Korea from 2017–2018. The home range of Swan Geese was estimated to be an area from Yubu Island in the south to Janggu Bay in the north; however, the core home range and habitat use characteristics differed significantly between daytime and nighttime (Day: 59.9 km², Night: 40.3 km², on average, 100% MCP). During the day (08:00–18:00), Swan Geese mostly spent time resting or feeding on tidal flats, especially those around tidal channels or paddy fields near Janggu Bay, whereas they mostly rested on sand dunes near Yubu Island along with the mudflats at Janggu Bay at night. Our results provide practical information on the habitat use of wintering Swan Geese population over time and indicate that Yubu Island is an important resting place. Hence, these results can contribute to evaluating threats to Swan Geese and establishing management and protection strategies for the Seocheon Tidal Flat, a major wintering site for the Far East Russian population of Swan Geese. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bird Flight and the Atmosphere)

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29 pages, 16015 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Equine Stomach Development in the Foetal Period of Prenatal Life—A Histological and Histometric Study

by Dominik Poradowski and Aleksander Chrószcz

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3047; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213047 - 06 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1484

Abstract

Histological and morphometrical analysis of the stomach wall was performed during the foetal period divided into three age groups (4th–11th month of gestation). The material was taken from non-glandular (the blind ventricular sac) and glandular parts (the plicated edge margin/cardiac part, the body [...] Read more.

Histological and morphometrical analysis of the stomach wall was performed during the foetal period divided into three age groups (4th–11th month of gestation). The material was taken from non-glandular (the blind ventricular sac) and glandular parts (the plicated edge margin/cardiac part, the body of stomach and the pyloric part) of the stomach. It was preserved and prepared according to the standard protocol. The histological slides were stained (H-E, Masson-Goldner and PAS). The analyses were performed using the light microscope. All measurements were statistically elaborated. The crown-rump length growth rate was estimated as isometric. The blind ventricular sac growth rate was lower than CRL (negative allometric) and the partition of stomach mucosa into non-glandular and glandular part occurred in the 1st age group. The plicated edge margin/cardiac part and the pyloric part shoved similar tendencies. Only the body of stomach demonstrated a higher growth rate than CRL (positive allometric), which can be explained due to the strongest development of fundic glands. Moreover, comparing the adult reference group to the three parts of the foetal period, all metric values were lower than those achieved prenatally. The blind ventricular sac was covered with the multiple plane epithelium. The glandular parts of stomach that formed the superficial concave areas were covered with the simple columnar epithelium in the 1st age group, which developed to the cardiac, fundic, and pyloric glands in the 2rd and 3rd age groups. The propria mucosae was built with the mesenchyme, which differentiated later to the loose connective tissue. The muscular layer of mucosa was not clearly distinguishable in the 1st age group. The muscular layer of the stomach wall was formed with myoblasts in the 1st age group and later in the 2nd and the 3rd age groups built with fusiform myocytes divided into internal and external layers. The non-differentiated cells of glandular epithelium transformed into the parietal and chief cells. The first were visible in the gastric glands of the 2nd age group. Both of them were present in the 3rd age group gastric mucosa. The PAS staining proved a moderate PAS-positive reaction in the 2rd age group, while it was estimated as intense Pas-positive in the gastric glands in the 3rd age group and was comparable to postnatal observation (the adult reference group). Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Equids)

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14 pages, 3254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparing Pears to Apples: Unlike Dogs, Cats Need Habituation before Lab Tests

by Stefania Uccheddu, Ádám Miklósi, Sarolt Gintner and Márta Gácsi

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3046; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213046 - 06 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1926

Abstract

Research on the socio-cognitive skills of different species often benefit from comparative experiments, however, the ecology of the species and development of the individuals may differently determine how they react to the same test situation. In this study, our aims were twofold: to [...] Read more.

Research on the socio-cognitive skills of different species often benefit from comparative experiments, however, the ecology of the species and development of the individuals may differently determine how they react to the same test situation. In this study, our aims were twofold: to observe and compare the spontaneous behaviour of companion cats and dogs in the same novel environment, and to habituate them (if needed) to the novel environment in the presence of their owners and an unfamiliar experimenter. The behaviour of 62 family cats, 31 experienced (which had the opportunity to meet strangers and explore unfamiliar places) and 31 inexperienced cats, and 27 family dogs was compared in an unfamiliar room. The subjects’ behaviour was coded during the first five minutes in the presence of two passive persons, their owners, and an unfamiliar experimenter. Then, based on a set of rules, first the owner, and then the experimenter tried to initiate interactions with the subjects and the subjects’ willingness to interact was evaluated. To pass the habituation test, subjects were expected to play with the experimenter or accept food from them. All dogs passed the test on the first occasion, while almost 60% of the cats failed. The cats’ experience did not play a significant role, in fact, younger cats passed more easily. We found marked differences between dogs and cats in all behavioural variables; compared to dogs, cats spent more time crouching and close to their box, while less time exploring or close to the owner. We did not find a difference in the cats’ behaviour based on their experience. Our results support the hypothesis that unlike dogs, cats need extensive habituation in a novel environment. This could partially be explained by the difference in the ecology and/or domestication process of the species, although developmental effects cannot be excluded. Our findings have fundamental consequences not only for the considerations of the testability of cats and on the interpretation of their data collected in the laboratory, but in a more general sense on developing comparative experiments. Full article

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10 pages, 853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

L-Tryptophan Differentially Regulated Glucose and Amino Acid Transporters in the Small Intestine of Rat Challenged with Lipopolysaccharide

by Bin Wang, Lili Jiang, Zhenlong Wu and Zhaolai Dai

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3045; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213045 - 05 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1418

Abstract

Tryptophan (Trp) has been shown to improve the growth and gut function of weaned piglets. Whether the growth-promoting effect of Trp is due to the improvement in nutrient transport and absorption during weaning or under conditions of inflammation has not been fully characterized. [...] Read more.

Tryptophan (Trp) has been shown to improve the growth and gut function of weaned piglets. Whether the growth-promoting effect of Trp is due to the improvement in nutrient transport and absorption during weaning or under conditions of inflammation has not been fully characterized. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Trp on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced changes in glucose and amino acid (AA) transport in the rat jejunum. Twenty-four 7-week-old Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into one of three groups: control, LPS, and Trp + LPS. Rats were supplemented with 0 or 0.1 mg Trp per gram body weight/d in drinking water for 7 days and were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (5 mg/kg BW) on day 8. After 24 h, rats were sacrificed, and jejunum samples were isolated for the analysis of glucose and AA transport using an Ussing chamber and the expression of glucose and AA transporters. The results showed that Trp alleviated the LPS-induced increase in jejunal permeability (p < 0.05) and decrease in changes in the short-circuit current of glucose, arginine, glutamine, glutamate, glycine, histidine, leucine, lysine, taurine, threonine, and Trp (p < 0.05). Trp reversed (p < 0.05) the LPS-induced downregulation of expression of the glucose transporter SGLT1 and AA transporters solute carrier family 38 member 2 (SNAT2) and solute carrier family 7 member 8 (LAT2), as well as ATPase Na⁺/K⁺ transporting subunit alpha 2 (ATP1A2). However, Trp increased (p < 0.01) the LPS-induced upregulation of acidic AA transporter solute carrier family 1 member 1 (EAAT3) expression. The above findings may help to develop nutritional interventions for the differential targeting of gut nutrient transporters, aiming to improve gut function and health in the presence of inflammation in both humans and animals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Proteins and Amino Acids: Postnatal Growth and Long-Term Health)

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13 pages, 2270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diagnostic and Treatment of Spinal Fracture and Luxation in Italian Wolves (Canis lupus italicus)

by Domenico Fugazzotto, Chiara Costa Devoti, Maria Pia Dumas, Chiara Teani, Elisa Berti and Offer Zeira

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3044; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213044 - 05 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1805

Abstract

The medical records of 14 Italian wolves (Canis lupus italicus) with a vertebral fracture or luxation (SFL) between C1 and L7 treated at Ospedale Veterinario San Michele from 2017 and 2022 were reviewed. The most common cause of SFL was “road [...] Read more.

The medical records of 14 Italian wolves (Canis lupus italicus) with a vertebral fracture or luxation (SFL) between C1 and L7 treated at Ospedale Veterinario San Michele from 2017 and 2022 were reviewed. The most common cause of SFL was “road traffic accident”. Neurological signs were graded from 0 to 6 using a modified Frankel scale. Spinal fractures occurred in C1–C5 in 1 case, in T3–L3 in 11 cases and in L4–L7 in 2 cases. Six wolves were euthanized without treatment because they presented paraplegia without deep pain perception (DPP). Two animals with motor function were treated conservatively, and later on one of them was euthanized because of neurological impairment. Six wolves were surgically treated. Seven wolves had good neurological recovery, and six of them were released into the wild. Our results suggest that wolves with DPP before surgery may have a good functional recovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic Approach and Treatment of Orthopedic Disease in Dogs and Cats)

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13 pages, 587 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Xylanase Impact beyond Performance: Effects on Gut Structure, Faecal Volatile Fatty Acid Content and Ammonia Emissions in Weaned Piglets Fed Diets Containing Fibrous Ingredients

by Waewaree Boontiam, Pheeraphong Phaenghairee, Veerle Van Hoeck, Bindhu Lakshmibai Vasanthakumari, Ingrid Somers and Alexandra Wealleans

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3043; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213043 - 05 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1672

Abstract

The addition of xylanase to piglet diets is known to improve performance and nutrient digestibility. The present study aimed to assess the impact of new xylanase on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut function of weaned piglets. A total of 144 pigs, [...] Read more.

The addition of xylanase to piglet diets is known to improve performance and nutrient digestibility. The present study aimed to assess the impact of new xylanase on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut function of weaned piglets. A total of 144 pigs, weaned at 28 days (7.48 kg initial body weight, IBW), were assigned to 36 pens and 9 pens per treatment. Dietary treatments were a basal complex control diet, and the basal diet supplemented with 45,000, 90,000 and 135,000 U/kg xylanase. Performance was measured at days 0, 14 and 35. At day 35, samples were collected for assessment of intestinal histology, and volatile fatty acid and ammonia concentrations. After two weeks post-weaning, additional 12 piglets (11.34 kg IBW) were placed in metabolic crates for assessment of apparent total tract nutrient digestibility using a dietary marker. The addition of xylanase at 90,000 and 135,000 U/kg significantly improved average daily gain (333.6 g/day control, 364.86 g/day, 90,000 U/kg, 405.89 g/day, 135,000 U/kg, p < 0.05), G:F (0.557 control, 0.612 90,000 U/kg, 0.692 135,000 U/kg, p < 0.05), and reduced diarrhoea. This was driven improved nutrient digestibility and villus height in the jejunum (372.87 µm control, 432.53 µm 45,000 U/kg, 465.80 µm 90,000 U/kg, 491.28 µm 135,000 U/kg, p < 0.05). Xylanase supplementation also linearly increased faecal butyrate levels and had a quadratic relationship with propionate concentrations. 135,000 U/kg xylanase also reduced ammonia emissions. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with xylanase improved growth performance and feed efficiency in weaning piglets, likely driven by improvements to gut structure and function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)

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15 pages, 2145 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adipose Fin as a Natural “Optical Window” for Implantation of Fluorescent Sensors into Salmonid Fish

by Yaroslav Rzhechitskiy, Anton Gurkov, Nadezhda Bolbat, Ekaterina Shchapova, Anna Nazarova, Maxim Timofeyev and Ekaterina Borvinskaya

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3042; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213042 - 05 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2218

Abstract

Implantable optical sensors are emerging tools that have the potential to enable constant real-time monitoring of various internal physiological parameters. Such a possibility will open new horizons for health control not only in medicine, but also in animal husbandry, including aquaculture. In this [...] Read more.

Implantable optical sensors are emerging tools that have the potential to enable constant real-time monitoring of various internal physiological parameters. Such a possibility will open new horizons for health control not only in medicine, but also in animal husbandry, including aquaculture. In this study, we analyze different organs of commonly farmed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) as implantation sites for fluorescent sensors and propose the adipose fin, lacking an endoskeleton, as the optimal choice. The fin is highly translucent due to significantly thinner dermis, which makes the detectable fluorescence of an implanted sensor operating at the visible light range by more than an order of magnitude higher relative to the skin. Compared to the proximal parts of ray fins, the adipose fin provides easy implantation and visualization of the sensor. Finally, we tested fluorescent pH sensors inside the adipose fin and demonstrated the possibility of acquiring their signal with a simple hand-held device and without fish anesthesia. All these features will most likely make the adipose fin the main “window” into the internal physiological processes of salmonid fish with the help of implantable optical sensors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Physiological Tools to Assess the Welfare of Crustaceans, Mollusks and Fish)

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12 pages, 2179 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity and Relative Abundance of Ungulates and Other Medium and Large Mammals in Flooded Forests in the Dahomey Gap (Togo)

by Gabriel Hoinsoudé Segniagbeto, Kokouvi Gbétey Akpamou, Yawo Konko, John Kokou Toviho Gaglo, Guillaume Koffivi Ketoh, Daniele Dendi, Julia Elizabeth Fa and Luca Luiselli

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3041; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213041 - 04 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1597

Abstract

“The Dahomey Gap” is a human-derived mostly savannah region that separates the Guineo-Congolian rainforest block into two major units: the Upper Guinean and the Lower Guinean Forest blocks. Several forest patches are distributed throughout this savannah-dominated habitat. The mammal communities in the Dahomey [...] Read more.

“The Dahomey Gap” is a human-derived mostly savannah region that separates the Guineo-Congolian rainforest block into two major units: the Upper Guinean and the Lower Guinean Forest blocks. Several forest patches are distributed throughout this savannah-dominated habitat. The mammal communities in the Dahomey Gap region have been poorly studied. In this paper we analyse the species richness and abundance of, as well as conservation implications for, medium and large mammals (especially ungulates) inhabiting a complex of flooded forests near the Mono river in south-eastern Togo. We use several field methods to describe the species richness of mammals in this area, including camera-trapping, recce transects, Kilometric Index of Abundance (KIA) estimates, examination of hunters’ catches and face-to-face hunter interviews. Overall, we directly recorded 19 species that coexist in these forests. Based on interviews, nine other species were confirmed as present in the study area. Only five species were common: Cephalophus rufilatus, Tragelaphus scriptus, Chlorocebus aethiops, Atilax paludinosus and Herpestes ichneumon. The area still contains various threatened species such as Tragelaphus spekii and Hippopotamus amphibius. We stress that to ensure the protection of the Dahomey Gap mammals, it is important to seriously consider protecting not only the forest patches but also the surroundings, mainly savannah landscapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ungulate Ecology, Population Dynamics, and Conservation)

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15 pages, 3110 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Capture ELISAs for Chicken Cytokines Using Commercially Available Antibodies

by Paulina Krzysica, Loes Verhoog, Sonja de Vries, Coen Smits, Huub F. J. Savelkoul and Edwin Tijhaar

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3040; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213040 - 04 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2347

Abstract

Cytokines like interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12p40 are important biomarkers for characterizing the nature and strength of immune responses. It is important to be able to quantify the cytokines at the protein level in biological samples. Quantification of chicken cytokines [...] Read more.

Cytokines like interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12p40 are important biomarkers for characterizing the nature and strength of immune responses. It is important to be able to quantify the cytokines at the protein level in biological samples. Quantification of chicken cytokines is generally performed on the level of messenger RNA (mRNA) by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) because very few capture ELISAs for the quantification of chicken cytokine proteins are commercially available. Here, we describe the optimization and validation of capture ELISAs for chicken IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40, and IFN-γ using commercially available antibodies and reagents. First, we determined the optimal concentrations of the antibodies. We then verified the ELISAs’ performance and established that the lower limit of detection (LLOD) for all cytokines was below 32 pg/mL. The ELISAs show the same binding characteristics for recombinant and native cytokines (parallelism was <15.2% CV). Values for inter-assay variation were consistently low and mostly <20% CV. Overall, the optimized capture ELISAs are sensitive (<32 pg/mL) and reliable tools to quantify chicken cytokines. These ELISAs can easily and inexpensively be utilized in any immunological lab and may therefore have wide applicability in immunological research for poultry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Current Advances in Poultry Research)

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12 pages, 269 KiB

Open AccessReview

Socially Induced Infertility in Naked and Damaraland Mole-Rats: A Tale of Two Mechanisms of Social Suppression

by Nigel C. Bennett, Christopher G. Faulkes and Cornelia Voigt

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3039; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213039 - 04 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1775

Abstract

The naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber) and the Damaraland mole-rat (Fukomys damarensis) possess extreme reproductive skew with a single reproductive female responsible for reproduction. In this review, we synthesize advances made into African mole-rat reproductive patterns and physiology within the [...] Read more.

The naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber) and the Damaraland mole-rat (Fukomys damarensis) possess extreme reproductive skew with a single reproductive female responsible for reproduction. In this review, we synthesize advances made into African mole-rat reproductive patterns and physiology within the context of the social control of reproduction. Non-reproductive female colony members have low concentrations of luteinising hormone (LH) and a reduced response of the pituitary to a challenge with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). If the reproductive female is removed from the colony, an increase in the basal plasma LH and increased pituitary response to a GnRH challenge arises in the non-reproductive females, suggesting the reproductive female controls reproduction. Non-reproductive male Damaraland mole-rats have basal LH concentrations and elevated LH concentrations in response to a GnRH challenge comparable to the breeding male, but in non-breeding male naked mole-rats, the basal LH concentrations are low and there is a muted response to a GnRH challenge. This renders these two species ideal models to investigate physiological, behavioural and neuroendocrine mechanisms regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The recently discovered neuropeptides kisspeptin and RFamide-related peptide-3 are likely candidates to play an important role in the regulation of reproductive functions in the two mole-rat species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology and Behaviour of African Mole-Rats)

12 pages, 841 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Upregulation of Cathepsin G Is Associated with Resistance to Bovine Paratuberculosis

by Maria Canive, Gerard Badia-Bringué and Marta Alonso-Hearn

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3038; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213038 - 04 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1284

Abstract

An in silico genomic–transcriptomic combined approach allowed the identification of a polymorphism (cis-eQTL-rs41976219) in the Bos taurus genome associated with the CTSG mRNA expression in bovine blood samples, which suggests that individual genetic variation might modulate the CTSG transcriptional response. In the current [...] Read more.

An in silico genomic–transcriptomic combined approach allowed the identification of a polymorphism (cis-eQTL-rs41976219) in the Bos taurus genome associated with the CTSG mRNA expression in bovine blood samples, which suggests that individual genetic variation might modulate the CTSG transcriptional response. In the current study, a sandwich ELISA is used to measure the CTSG protein levels in supernatants of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) isolated from cows with the AA (n = 5) and AC (n = 11) genotypes for the rs41976219 and infected ex vivo with MAP. Cows with the AC genotype have significantly higher CTSG protein levels (1.85 ng/mL) in the supernatants of enriched CD14+-MDMs after 2 h of infection when compared with infected CD14+-MDMs from cows with the AA genotype (1.68 ng/mL). Statistically significant differences in the intracellular MAP load at 7 d p.i. are observed between animals with the AA (2.16 log CFUs) and AC (1.44 log CFUs) genotypes. Finally, the association between the rs41976219 allelic variants and resistance to PTB is tested in a larger cattle population (n = 943) classified according to the presence (n = 442) or absence (n = 501) of PTB-associated lesions. The presence of the two minor alleles in the rs41976219 (CC) is more frequent among healthy cows than in cows with PTB-associated lesions in gut tissues (2.2% vs. 1.4%, OR = 0.61). In agreement with this, the CTSG levels in plasma samples of cows without lesions in gut tissues and with the CC (n = 8) genotype are significantly higher than in the plasmas of cows with the AA + AC (n = 36) genotypes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycobacterium avium Subspecies Paratuberculosis Infection in Ruminants—Agent, Disease, Diagnosis, and Control)

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13 pages, 4192 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Complete Mitochondrial Genome, Genetic Diversity and Phylogenetic Analysis of Pingpu Yellow Chicken (Gallus gallus)

by Sihua Jin, Jingjing Xia, Fumin Jia, Lijun Jiang, Xin Wang, Xuling Liu, Xing Liu and Zhaoyu Geng

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3037; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213037 - 04 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1814

Abstract

In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of one female Pingpu Yellow chicken (PYC) and the D-loop sequences obtained from 60 chickens were analyzed to investigate their genetic diversity and phylogeny. The total length of the PYC mitogenome is 16,785 bp and [...] Read more.

In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of one female Pingpu Yellow chicken (PYC) and the D-loop sequences obtained from 60 chickens were analyzed to investigate their genetic diversity and phylogeny. The total length of the PYC mitogenome is 16,785 bp and that of the complete D-loop is 1231 to 1232 bp. The mitogenome comprises 22 transfer ribonucleic acids (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal ribonucleic acids (rRNAs), 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), and 1 non-coding control region (D-loop). Additionally, the total length of the 13 PCGs is 11,394 bp, accounting for 67.88% of the complete mitogenome sequence, and the PCGs region has 3798 codons. A majority of the PCGs have ATG as the start codon. The haplotype and nucleotide diversity of PYC were 1.00000 ± 0.00029 and 0.32678 ± 0.29756, respectively. In the D-Loop data set, we found 25 polymorphic sites, which determined 18 haplotypes and 3 major haplogroups (A–C). Therefore, PYC has a classical vertebrate mitogenome, with comparatively high nucleotide diversity and potentially three maternal lineages. The neighbor-joining (NJ) tree analysis results showed PYC grouped with the Luhua (MT555049.1) and Nandan chickens (KP269069.1), which indicates that PYC is closely related to these two breeds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Evolution and Trait Formation of Animals)

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21 pages, 1935 KiB

Open AccessReview

Morphological Assessment and Biomarkers of Low-Grade, Chronic Intestinal Inflammation in Production Animals

by Igor Soares, Bruna L. Belote, Elizabeth Santin, Gabriela C. Dal Pont and Michael H. Kogut

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3036; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213036 - 04 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2460

Abstract

The complex interaction between the intestinal mucosa, the gut microbiota, and the diet balances the host physiological homeostasis and is fundamental for the maximal genetic potential of production animals. However, factors such as chemical and physical characteristics of the diet and/or environmental stressors [...] Read more.

The complex interaction between the intestinal mucosa, the gut microbiota, and the diet balances the host physiological homeostasis and is fundamental for the maximal genetic potential of production animals. However, factors such as chemical and physical characteristics of the diet and/or environmental stressors can continuously affect this balance, potentially inducing a state of chronic low-grade inflammation in the gut, where inflammatory parameters are present and demanding energy, but not in enough intensity to provoke clinical manifestations. It’s vital to expand the understanding of inflammation dynamics and of how they compromise the function activity and microscopic morphology of the intestinal mucosa. These morphometric alterations are associated with the release of structural and functional cellular components into the feces and the blood stream creating measurable biomarkers to track this condition. Moreover, the identification of novel, immunometabolic biomarkers can provide dynamic and predictors of low-grade chronic inflammation, but also provide indicators of successful nutritional or feed additive intervention strategies. The objective of this paper is to review the mechanisms of low-grade inflammation, its effects on animal production and sustainability, and the biomarkers that could provide early diagnosis of this process and support studies of useful interventional strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Tract Health in Pigs)

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Animals, Volume 12, Issue 21 (November-1 2022) – 173 articles

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