Animals

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptome Profile in Dairy Cows Resistant or Sensitive to Milk Fat Depression

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Animals 2023, 13(7), 1199; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071199 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2023

Abstract

Feeding linseed to dairy cows results in milk fat depression (MFD), but there is a wide range of sensitivity among cows. The objectives of this study were to identify target genes containing SNP that may play a key role in the regulation of [...] Read more.

Feeding linseed to dairy cows results in milk fat depression (MFD), but there is a wide range of sensitivity among cows. The objectives of this study were to identify target genes containing SNP that may play a key role in the regulation of milk fat synthesis in cows resistant or sensitive to MFD. Four cows were selected from a dairy farm after a switch from a control diet to a linseed-rich diet; two were resistant to MFD with a high milk fat content in the control (4.06%) and linseed-rich (3.90%) diets; and two were sensitive to MFD with the milk fat content decreasing after the change from the control (3.87%) to linseed-rich (2.52%) diets. Transcriptome and SNP discovery analyses were performed using RNA-sequencing technology. There was a large number of differentially expressed genes in the control (n = 1316) and linseed-rich (n = 1888) diets. Of these, 15 genes were detected as key gene regulators and harboring SNP in the linseed-rich diet. The selected genes MTOR, PDPK1, EREG, NOTCH1, ZNF217 and TGFB3 may form a network with a principal axis PI3K/Akt/MTOR/SREBP1 involved in milk fat synthesis and in the response to diets that induced MFD. These 15 genes are novel candidate genes to be involved in the resistance or sensitivity of dairy cows to milk fat depression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Advances in Dairy Cow Nutrition)

Open AccessCommunication

Contamination of Zophobas morio Larvae Rearing Substrate with Listeria monocytogenes: A Preliminary Study

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Animals 2023, 13(7), 1198; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071198 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2023

Abstract

The interest in edible insects is continuously increasing due to their environmental, nutritional, and productive features. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects and survival of Listeria monocytogenes in Zophobas morio rearing, using two different bacterial loads (2 and 6 [...] Read more.

The interest in edible insects is continuously increasing due to their environmental, nutritional, and productive features. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects and survival of Listeria monocytogenes in Zophobas morio rearing, using two different bacterial loads (2 and 6 log CFU/g). We also considered the effect of washing, fasting, and cooking treatments on the larvae. During the experimental trial, no mortality was observed among the larvae. The L. monocytogenes loads decreased over time, and it was below the detection limit for crates inoculated with 2 log CFU/g, while the substrate inoculated with 6 log CFU/g reached loads of 4.26 (without larvae) and 2.83 log CFU/g (with larvae). Due to the absence of L. monocytogenes in the larvae on day seven, it was not possible to assess the fasting treatment or the washing and the cooking. However, when looking at the total microbial count, significant effects were revealed for all treatments. The unfasted larvae showed no effect of washing, while the total microbial counts decreased after washing in the fasted larvae. This proves that fasting is a good treatment in terms of hygiene assurance for the consumer. Full article

Open AccessArticle

A New Species of the Pythonomorph Carentonosaurus from the Cenomanian of Algora (Guadalajara, Central Spain)

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Alberto Cabezuelo-Hernández

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Adán Pérez-García

Animals 2023, 13(7), 1197; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071197 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2023

Abstract

The Cenomanian (lowermost Upper Cretaceous) faunal assemblages are of high interest in understanding the turnovers that took place between the Early and the Late Cretaceous, resulting in significant differences. In this context, the analysis of the association of reptiles found in the Algora [...] Read more.

The Cenomanian (lowermost Upper Cretaceous) faunal assemblages are of high interest in understanding the turnovers that took place between the Early and the Late Cretaceous, resulting in significant differences. In this context, the analysis of the association of reptiles found in the Algora fossil site (Guadalajara Province, Central Spain) is of great interest since it represents the first European Cenomanian site with a high concentration of macrovertebrate remains. A new pythonomorph ‘lizard’ from Algora, Carentonosaurus algorensis sp. nov., is described here. It is the second representative of this European genus. Its microanatomical study reveals that an extreme pachyosteosclerosis affected at least its dorsal vertebrae, suggesting adaptations for slow-swimming habits in shallow-water environments. Consequently, this new taxon is interpreted as a slow swimmer, hovering near the bottom of near-shore marine environments of the Late Cretaceous European Archipelago and, more specifically, along the shores of the larger Iberian Island for that period. This is in concordance with the high diversification of ‘pachyostotic’ pythonomorphs recorded during the Cenomanian, allowing the subsequent adaptation of this lineage to open marine environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Herpetology)

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Open AccessReview

Peste Des Petits Ruminants in the Middle East: Epidemiological Situation and Status of Control and Eradication Activities after the First Phase of the PPR Global Eradication Program (2017–2021)

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Camilla T. O. Benfield

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Animals 2023, 13(7), 1196; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071196 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2023

Abstract

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a burdensome viral disease primarily affecting small ruminants, which is currently targeted for eradication by 2030 through the implementation of a Global Control and Eradication Strategy (PPR GCES). The PPR GCES, launched in 2015, has strongly encouraged [...] Read more.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a burdensome viral disease primarily affecting small ruminants, which is currently targeted for eradication by 2030 through the implementation of a Global Control and Eradication Strategy (PPR GCES). The PPR GCES, launched in 2015, has strongly encouraged countries to participate in Regional PPR Roadmaps, designated according to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) regions and epidemiological considerations, with each targeted by dedicated meetings and activities. Following the conclusion of the first phase of the PPR Global Eradication Program (PPR GEP) (2017–2021), the present work focuses on the disease situation and status of the eradication campaign in the fourteen countries of the PPR GCES Middle Eastern Roadmap as well as Egypt. PPR is endemic to or suspected to be present in most of the region, except for Bahrain, which, as of 2021, is preparing to apply for official recognition as being free of PPR. Some substantial shortcomings are observed in surveillance and disease reporting, as well as in the implemented control strategies, most notably vaccination. Since many of these limitations are shared by many of the investigated countries, the international cooperation and harmonization of control efforts appears crucial to making PPR eradication attainable in the Middle East. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pestes des Petits Ruminants: Five Years Implementation of Its Global Eradication Programme)

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Open AccessArticle

Overexpression of DGAT2 Regulates the Differentiation of Bovine Preadipocytes

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Animals 2023, 13(7), 1195; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071195 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2023

Abstract

Triacylglycerols (TAGs) are a major component of intramuscular fat. Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2(DGAT2) expression determines the rate of TAG synthesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of DGAT2 in the differentiation of Yanbian cattle preadipocytes and lipid metabolism-related [...] Read more.

Triacylglycerols (TAGs) are a major component of intramuscular fat. Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2(DGAT2) expression determines the rate of TAG synthesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of DGAT2 in the differentiation of Yanbian cattle preadipocytes and lipid metabolism-related signalling pathways. Bovine preadipocytes were infected with overexpression and interfering adenovirus vectors of DGAT2. The effects on the differentiation of Yanbian cattle preadipocytes were examined using molecular and transcriptomic techniques, including differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. DGAT2 overexpression significantly increased (p < 0.05) intracellular TAG, adiponectin, and lipid droplet (LD) contents. Moreover, it upregulated (p < 0.05) peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α, and fatty acid binding protein 4 mRNA expression. In contrast, DGAT2 knockdown reduced intracellular TAG and LD content and downregulated (p < 0.05) C/EBPβ, mannosyl (alpha-1,3-)-glycoproteinbeta-1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase, lipin 1,1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase 4, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha mRNA expression. Between DGAT2-overexpressing preadipocytes and normal cells, 208 DEGs were identified, including 106 upregulated and 102 downregulated genes. KEGG pathway analysis revealed DEGs mainly enriched in PPAR signalling and AMP-activated protein kinase pathways, cholesterol metabolism, and fatty acid biosynthesis. These results demonstrated that DGAT2 regulated preadipocyte differentiation and LD and TAG accumulation by mediating the expression of adipose differentiation-, lipid metabolism-, and fatty acid synthesis-related genes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Application of Reproductive and Genomic Biotechnologies for Livestock Breeding and Selection)

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Open AccessArticle

Transcriptomic Analysis of Liver in Silver sillago, Sillago sihama Fed with High-Level Low-Gossypol Cottonseed Meal in Replacement of Fishmeal Diet

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Animals 2023, 13(7), 1194; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071194 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2023

Abstract

Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in adaptation to alternate diets has become a significant concern, as increasing amounts of fishmeal (FM) protein in aquafeeds are being substituted with plant protein. Thus, the goal of this study was to assess growth performance, quality, and [...] Read more.

Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in adaptation to alternate diets has become a significant concern, as increasing amounts of fishmeal (FM) protein in aquafeeds are being substituted with plant protein. Thus, the goal of this study was to assess growth performance, quality, and liver function of juvenile Sillago sihama (S. sihama) through growth indices, whole-body composition, histology of the liver, and RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), after they were fed a formulated diet with 64% low-gossypol cottonseed meal (LCSM) for 56 days, compared to those fed a traditional FM-based diet. Indicators of growth, including final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and condition factor (CF), were considerably lower in the 64% LCSM (R64) group than in the FM diet group. In the R64 diet, the whole crude lipid was significantly lower than in the FM diet. The hematoxylin–eosin section showed that dietary high levels of LCSM resulted in diffuse lipid vacuolation in the liver of S. sihama. According to a liver transcriptome analysis, high LCSM intake in the diet significantly impacted lipid synthesis and catabolism, elevated pathways for cholesterol synthesis, blocked several amino acid metabolic pathways, and adversely affected hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycolysis. The findings of this study indicate that feeding high levels of LCSM in S. sihama is harmful to the growth of the organism and can harm the liver’s structural integrity, as well as obstruct the normal metabolism of amino acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. Therefore, it is not recommended to substitute LCSM for high levels of FM in the diet of S. sihama. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection A Sustainable Approach to Non-Conventional Feeding Resources and Rearing Strategies)

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Open AccessArticle

Importance of Mid-Infrared Spectra Regions for the Prediction of Mastitis and Ketosis in Dairy Cows

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Animals 2023, 13(7), 1193; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071193 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2023

Abstract

Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy is routinely applied to determine major milk components, such as fat and protein. Moreover, it is used to predict fine milk composition and various traits pertinent to animal health. MIR spectra indicate an absorbance value of infrared light at 1060 [...] Read more.

Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy is routinely applied to determine major milk components, such as fat and protein. Moreover, it is used to predict fine milk composition and various traits pertinent to animal health. MIR spectra indicate an absorbance value of infrared light at 1060 specific wavenumbers from 926 to 5010 cm⁻¹. According to research, certain parts of the spectrum do not contain sufficient information on traits of dairy cows. Hence, the objective of the present study was to identify specific regions of the MIR spectra of particular importance for the prediction of mastitis and ketosis, performing variable selection analysis. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) along with three other statistical methods, support vector machine (SVM), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and random forest (RF), were compared. Data originated from the Austrian milk recording and associated health monitoring system (GMON). Test-day data and corresponding MIR spectra were linked to respective clinical mastitis and ketosis diagnoses. Certain wavenumbers were identified as particularly relevant for the prediction models of clinical mastitis (23) and ketosis (61). Wavenumbers varied across four distinct statistical methods as well as concerning different traits. The results indicate that variable selection analysis could potentially be beneficial in the process of modeling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Challenges of Animal Science Diversity in Times of Climate and Technological Change)

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Open AccessArticle

Spatial Overlap and Habitat Selection of Corvid Species in European Cities

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Farah Abou Zeid

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Federico Morelli

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Juan Diego Ibáñez-Álamo

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Marja-Liisa Kaisanlahti-Jokimäki

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Animals 2023, 13(7), 1192; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071192 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2023

Abstract

Understanding habitat and spatial overlap in sympatric species of urban areas would aid in predicting species and community modifications in response to global change. Habitat overlap has been widely investigated for specialist species but neglected for generalists living in urban settings. Many corvid [...] Read more.

Understanding habitat and spatial overlap in sympatric species of urban areas would aid in predicting species and community modifications in response to global change. Habitat overlap has been widely investigated for specialist species but neglected for generalists living in urban settings. Many corvid species are generalists and are adapted to urban areas. This work aimed to determine the urban habitat requirements and spatial overlap of five corvid species in sixteen European cities during the breeding season. All five studied corvid species had high overlap in their habitat selection while still having particular tendencies. We found three species, the Carrion/Hooded Crow, Rook, and Eurasian Magpie, selected open habitats. The Western Jackdaw avoided areas with bare soil cover, and the Eurasian Jay chose more forested areas. The species with similar habitat selection also had congruent spatial distributions. Our results indicate that although the corvids had some tendencies regarding habitat selection, as generalists, they still tolerated a wide range of urban habitats, which resulted in high overlap in their habitat niches and spatial distributions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feral Birds and Urbanization)

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Open AccessArticle

Habituation to Livestock Trailer and Its Influence on Stress Responses during Transportation in Goats

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Animals 2023, 13(7), 1191; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071191 - 29 Mar 2023

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of habituation to livestock trailers on stress responses in goats transported for long periods. Intact male Spanish goats (12-month old; BW = 31.6 ± 0.34 kg; N = 168) were separated into two treatment (TRT) [...] Read more.

This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of habituation to livestock trailers on stress responses in goats transported for long periods. Intact male Spanish goats (12-month old; BW = 31.6 ± 0.34 kg; N = 168) were separated into two treatment (TRT) groups and maintained on two different paddocks. Concentrate supplement was fed to one group inside two livestock trailers (5.0 × 2.3 m each; habituated group, H), while the other group received the concentrate supplement, but not inside the trailers (non-habituated, NH). After 4 weeks of habituation period, goats were subjected to a 10-h transportation stress in four replicates (n = 21 goats/replicate/TRT). Blood samples were collected by a trained individual by jugular venipuncture into vacutainer tubes before loading (Preload), 20 min after loading (0 h), and at 2-h intervals thereafter (Time) for analysis of stress responses. There was a tendency for a TRT effect (p < 0.1) on tyramine and metanephrine concentrations. Phenylethylamine and 5-methoxytryptamine concentrations were significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the H group compared to the NH group. Both dopamine and 5-methoxytryptamine concentrations decreased (p < 0.05) with transportation time; however, TRT × Time interaction effects were not significant. Habituation to trailers may be beneficial in mood and energy stabilization in goats during long-distance transportation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvements to Animal Welfare in Transport)

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Open AccessArticle

Measurement of Calprotectin (S100A8/A9) in the Saliva of Pigs: Validation Data of A Commercially Available Automated Assay and Changes in Sepsis, Inflammation, and Stress

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María José López-Martínez

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Silvia Martínez-Subiela

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Edgar García Manzanilla

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Peter David Eckersall

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Fernando Tecles

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Damián Escribano

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Alberto Muñoz-Prieto

Animals 2023, 13(7), 1190; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071190 - 29 Mar 2023

Abstract

Calprotectin (CALP, S100A8/A9), also named myeloid-related protein 8/14, is a dimer complex of S100A8 and S100A9 that belongs to the S-100 protein family. It is involved in inflammation and has a wide range of proinflammatory functions, such as cytokine production and regulation of [...] Read more.

Calprotectin (CALP, S100A8/A9), also named myeloid-related protein 8/14, is a dimer complex of S100A8 and S100A9 that belongs to the S-100 protein family. It is involved in inflammation and has a wide range of proinflammatory functions, such as cytokine production and regulation of leukocyte adhesion, migration, and phagocytosis. In humans, CALP traditionally can be measured in faeces, serum, and saliva as a biomarker of inflammation and sepsis. The objective of this study was to validate an automated assay for CALP measurements in the saliva of pigs, having the advantage of the use of a non-invasive sample that is easy to collect. The assay was precise and accurate. CALP in saliva measured by this assay showed significant changes depending on the hour of the day. It also showed significant increases in the saliva of pigs after the administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and showed a rise, although with increases of lower magnitude, after a stressful stimulus. Further studies should be made to gain knowledge about the possible practical applications of the measurements of CALP in the saliva of pigs as a biomarker to evaluate the animals’ health and welfare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious Disease Control in Swine in Different Husbandry Systems)

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Open AccessArticle

Abundance of Amino Acid Transporters and mTOR Pathway Components in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Lactating Holstein Cows

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Animals 2023, 13(7), 1189; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071189 - 29 Mar 2023

Abstract

Data from non-ruminants indicate that amino acid (AA) transport into cells can regulate mTOR pathway activity and protein synthesis. Whether mTOR is expressed in the ruminant gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and how it may be related to AA transporters and the AA concentrations in [...] Read more.

Data from non-ruminants indicate that amino acid (AA) transport into cells can regulate mTOR pathway activity and protein synthesis. Whether mTOR is expressed in the ruminant gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and how it may be related to AA transporters and the AA concentrations in the tissue is unknown. Ruminal papillae and the epithelia of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum collected at slaughter from eight clinically healthy Holstein in mid-lactation were used. Metabolites and RNA were extracted from tissue for liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and RT-qPCR analysis. The glycine and asparagine concentrations in the rumen were greater than those in the intestine (p < 0.05), but the concentrations of other AAs were greater in the small intestine than those in the rumen. Among the 20 AAs identified, the concentrations of glutamate, alanine, and glycine were the greatest. The mRNA abundances of AKT1 and MTOR were greater in the small intestine than those in the rumen (p < 0.05). Similarly, the SLC1A1, SLC6A6, SLC7A8, SLC38A1, SLC38A7, and SLC43A2 mRNA abundances were greater (p < 0.05) in the small intestine than those in the rumen. The mRNA abundances of SLC1A5, SLC3A2, and SLC7A5 were greater in the rumen than those in the small intestine (p < 0.05). Overall, the present study provides fundamental data on the relationship between mTOR pathway components and the transport of AAs in different sections of the gastrointestinal tract. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)

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Open AccessArticle

Genetic Parameters for a Weighted Analysis of Survivability in Dairy Cattle

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Animals 2023, 13(7), 1188; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071188 - 28 Mar 2023

Abstract

The genetic parameters for the survival of Holstein cows, analysed in nine consecutive time periods during the first three calving intervals, were estimated. The earlier the animals are culled, the more they are informationally underestimated. This undervaluing can be remedied by using a [...] Read more.

The genetic parameters for the survival of Holstein cows, analysed in nine consecutive time periods during the first three calving intervals, were estimated. The earlier the animals are culled, the more they are informationally underestimated. This undervaluing can be remedied by using a weighted analysis that balances the amount of information. If the method of estimating breeding values changes, the genetic parameters will also change. The Holstein cattle dataset from 2005 to 2017 used in this study included 1,813,636 survival records from 298,290 cows. The pedigree with three generations of ancestors included 660,476 individuals. Linear repeatability models estimated genetic parameters for overall and functional survivability. Due to weights, heritability increased from 0.013 to 0.057. Repeatability with weights was 0.505. The standard deviations of breeding values were 1.75 and 2.18 without weights and 6.04 and 6.20 with weights. Including weights in the calculation increased the additive variance proportion and the breeding values’ reliabilities. We conclude that the main contribution of the weighted method we have presented is to compensate for the lack of records in culled individuals with a positive impact on the reliability of the breeding value. Full article

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

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Open AccessArticle

RNA-Seq Study on the Longissimus thoracis Muscle of Italian Large White Pigs Fed Extruded Linseed with or without Antioxidants and Polyphenols

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Animals 2023, 13(7), 1187; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071187 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2023

Abstract

The addition of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) to the swine diet increases their content in muscle cells, and the additional supplementation of antioxidants promotes their oxidative stability. However, to date, the functionality of these components within muscle tissue [...] Read more.

The addition of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) to the swine diet increases their content in muscle cells, and the additional supplementation of antioxidants promotes their oxidative stability. However, to date, the functionality of these components within muscle tissue is not well understood. Using a published RNA-seq dataset and a selective workflow, the study aimed to find the differences in gene expression and investigate how differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were implicated in the cellular composition and metabolism of muscle tissue of 48 Italian Large White pigs under different dietary conditions. A functional enrichment analysis of DEGs, using Cytoscape, revealed that the diet enriched with extruded linseed and supplemented with vitamin E and selenium promoted a more rapid and massive immune system response because the overall function of muscle tissue was improved, while those enriched with extruded linseed and supplemented with grape skin and oregano extracts promoted the presence and oxidative stability of n-3 PUFAs, increasing the anti-inflammatory potential of the muscular tissue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Production Strategies for High-Quality, Traditional Pig Products – 2nd Edition)

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Open AccessArticle

Effect of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae Postbiotic Feed Additive on Salmonella Enteritidis Colonization of Cecal and Ovarian Tissues in Directly Challenged and Horizontally Exposed Layer Pullets

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W. Evan Chaney

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Hannah McBride

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George Girgis

Animals 2023, 13(7), 1186; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071186 - 28 Mar 2023

Abstract

Determining the efficacy of feed-additive technologies utilized as pre-harvest food-safety interventions against Salmonella enterica may be influenced by factors including, but not limited to, mechanism of action, experimental design variables, Salmonella serovar(s), exposure dose, route, or duration in both controlled research and real-world [...] Read more.

Determining the efficacy of feed-additive technologies utilized as pre-harvest food-safety interventions against Salmonella enterica may be influenced by factors including, but not limited to, mechanism of action, experimental design variables, Salmonella serovar(s), exposure dose, route, or duration in both controlled research and real-world field observations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dietary inclusion of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation-derived postbiotic (SCFP) additive (Diamond V, Original XPC^®) on the colonization of cecal and ovarian tissues of commercial pullets directly and indirectly exposed to Salmonella Enteritidis (SE). Four hundred and eighty commercial, day-of-age W-36 chicks were randomly allotted to 60 cages per treatment in two identical BSL-2 isolation rooms (Iowa State University) with four birds per cage and fed control (CON) or treatment (TRT) diets for the duration of study. At 16 weeks, two birds per cage were directly challenged via oral gavage with 1.1 × 10⁹ CFU of a nalidixic-acid-resistant SE strain. The remaining two birds in each cage were thus horizontally exposed to the SE challenge. At 3, 7, and 14 days post-challenge (DPC), 20 cages per group were harvested and sampled for SE prevalence and load. No significant differences were observed between groups for SE prevalence in the ceca or ovary tissues of directly challenged birds. For the indirectly exposed cohort, SE cecal prevalence at 7 DPC was significantly lower for TRT (50.0%) vs. CON (72.5%) (p = 0.037) and, likewise, demonstrated significantly lower mean SE cecal load (1.69 Log₁₀) vs. CON (2.83 Log₁₀) (p = 0.005). At 14 DPC, no significant differences were detected but ~10% fewer birds remained positive in the TRT group vs. CON (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that diets supplemented with SCFP postbiotic may be a useful tool for mitigating SE colonization in horizontally exposed pullets and may support pre-harvest food-safety strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Salmonella in Poultry Production: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions)

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Open AccessArticle

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Immunoregulation of Replacing Fishmeal with Cottonseed Protein Concentrates on Litopenaeus vannamei

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Animals 2023, 13(7), 1185; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071185 - 28 Mar 2023

Abstract

Cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC) is a new non-food protein source with high crude protein, low price, and abundant resources, making it an ideal substitute for fishmeal. In this study, we investigated the effects of CPC re placing fishmeal on the immune response of [...] Read more.

Cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC) is a new non-food protein source with high crude protein, low price, and abundant resources, making it an ideal substitute for fishmeal. In this study, we investigated the effects of CPC re placing fishmeal on the immune response of Litopenaeus vannamei using transcriptome sequencing. L. vannamei (initial body weight: 0.42 ± 0.01 g) were fed four isonitrogenous and isolipid feeds for eight weeks, with CPC replacing fishmeal at 0% (control, FM), 15% (CPC15), 30% (CPC30), and 45% (CPC45), respectively. At the end of the feeding trial, the changes of the activities and expression of immune-related enzymes were consistent in L. vannamei in the CPC-containing group when compared with the FM group. Among them, the activities of ACP, PO, and LZM in the group whose diet was CPC30 were significantly higher than those in the FM group. Moreover, the activities of AKP, SOD, and CAT were significantly higher in the group containing CPC than in the FM group. Furthermore, all CPC groups had considerably lower MDA levels than the FM group. This suggests that the substitution of fishmeal with CPC leads to a significant immune response in L. vannamei. Compared with the FM group, transcriptome analysis identified 805 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (484 down and 321 up), 694 (266 down and 383 up), and 902 (434 down and 468 up) in CPC15, CPC30, and CPC45, respectively. Among all DEGs, 121 DEGs were shared among different CPC-containing groups compared with the FM group. Most of these differential genes are involved in immune-related signaling pathways. The top 20 signaling pathways enriched for differential genes contained toxoplasmosis, pathogenic Escherichia coli infection, insulin resistance, and Toll and immune deficiency (IMD) pathways, in which NF-kappa-B inhibitor Cactus were involved. In addition, trend analysis comparison of the DEGs shared by the group with CPC in the diet and the FM group showed that Cactus genes were significantly down-regulated in the group with CPC in the diet and were lowest in the CPC30 group. Consistently, the expression of antimicrobial peptide genes was significantly higher in both diet-containing CPC groups than in the FM group. In conclusion, the moderate amount of CPC substituted for fishmeal may improve the immunity of L. vannamei by suppressing the expression of Cactus genes, thereby increasing the expression of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Feedstuffs, Functional Foods and Feed Additives for Aquatic Organisms)

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Open AccessArticle

DISubNet: Depthwise Separable Inception Subnetwork for Pig Treatment Classification Using Thermal Data

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Savina Jassica Colaco

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Animals 2023, 13(7), 1184; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071184 - 28 Mar 2023

Abstract

Thermal imaging is increasingly used in poultry, swine, and dairy animal husbandry to detect disease and distress. In intensive pig production systems, early detection of health and welfare issues is crucial for timely intervention. Using thermal imaging for pig treatment classification can improve [...] Read more.

Thermal imaging is increasingly used in poultry, swine, and dairy animal husbandry to detect disease and distress. In intensive pig production systems, early detection of health and welfare issues is crucial for timely intervention. Using thermal imaging for pig treatment classification can improve animal welfare and promote sustainable pig production. In this paper, we present a depthwise separable inception subnetwork (DISubNet), a lightweight model for classifying four pig treatments. Based on the modified model architecture, we propose two DISubNet versions: DISubNetV1 and DISubNetV2. Our proposed models are compared to other deep learning models commonly employed for image classification. The thermal dataset captured by a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera is used to train these models. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed models for thermal images of various pig treatments outperform other models. In addition, both proposed models achieve approximately 99.96–99.98% classification accuracy with fewer parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence Tools to Optimize Livestock Production)

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Open AccessArticle

Oral Vaccination of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) against Largemouth Bass Ranavirus (LMBV) Using Yeast Surface Display Technology

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Animals 2023, 13(7), 1183; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071183 - 28 Mar 2023

Abstract

Largemouth bass ranavirus (LMBV) infects largemouth bass, leading to significant mortality and economic losses. There are no safe and effective drugs against this disease. Oral vaccines that directly target the intestinal mucosal immune system play an important role in resisting pathogens. Herein, the [...] Read more.

Largemouth bass ranavirus (LMBV) infects largemouth bass, leading to significant mortality and economic losses. There are no safe and effective drugs against this disease. Oral vaccines that directly target the intestinal mucosal immune system play an important role in resisting pathogens. Herein, the B subunit of Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LTB, a mucosal immune adjuvant) and the LMBV main capsid protein (MCP) were expressed using Saccharomyces cerevisiae surface display technology. The yeast-prepared oral vaccines were named EBY100-OMCP and EBY100-LTB-OMCP. The candidate vaccines could resist the acidic intestinal environment. After 7 days of continuous oral immunization, indicators of innate and adaptive immunity were measured on days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42. High activities of immune enzymes (T-SOD, AKP, ACP, and LZM) in serum and intestinal mucus were detected. IgM in the head kidney was significantly upregulated (EBY100-OMCP group: 3.8-fold; BY100-LTB-OMCP group: 4.3-fold). IgT was upregulated in the intestines (EBY100-OMCP group: 5.6-fold; EBY100-LTB-OMCP group: 6.7-fold). Serum neutralizing antibody titers of the two groups reached 1:85. Oral vaccination protected against LMBV infection. The relative percent survival was 52.1% (EBY100-OMCP) and 66.7% (EBY100-LTB-OMCP). Thus, EBY100-OMCP and EBY100-LTB-OMCP are promising and effective candidate vaccines against LMBV infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fish Immunology and Vaccination)

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Open AccessArticle

GeoDanceHive: An Operational Hive for Honeybees Dances Recording

by

Sylvain Galopin

,

Guillaume Touya

,

Pierrick Aupinel

and

Freddie-Jeanne Richard

Animals 2023, 13(7), 1182; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071182 - 28 Mar 2023

Abstract

Honeybees are known for their ability to communicate about resources in their environment. They inform the other foragers by performing specific dance sequences according to the spatial characteristics of the resource. The purpose of our study is to provide a new tool for [...] Read more.

Honeybees are known for their ability to communicate about resources in their environment. They inform the other foragers by performing specific dance sequences according to the spatial characteristics of the resource. The purpose of our study is to provide a new tool for honeybees dances recording, usable in the field, in a practical and fully automated way, without condemning the harvest of honey. We designed and equipped an outdoor prototype of a production hive, later called “GeoDanceHive”, allowing the continuous recording of honeybees’ behavior such as dances and their analysis. The GeoDanceHive is divided into two sections, one for the colony and the other serving as a recording studio. The time record of dances can be set up from minutes to several months. To validate the encoding and sampling quality, we used an artificial feeder and visual decoding to generate maps with the vector endpoints deduced from the dance information. The use of the GeoDanceHive is designed for a wide range of users, who can meet different objectives, such as researchers or professional beekeepers. Thus, our hive is a powerful tool for honeybees studies in the field and could highly contribute to facilitating new research approaches and a better understanding landscape ecology of key pollinators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Animal Cognition and Ethology)

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Open AccessArticle

Coordinated microRNA/mRNA Expression Profiles Reveal Unique Skin Color Regulatory Mechanisms in Chinese Giant Salamander (Andrias davidianus)

by

Yanjie Guo

,

Weini Wu

and

Xueyi Yang

Animals 2023, 13(7), 1181; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071181 - 28 Mar 2023

Abstract

The Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) has been increasingly popular in the aquaculture market in China in recent years. In the breeding process of Andrias davidianus, we found that some albino individuals were extremely rare and could not be inherited [...] Read more.

The Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) has been increasingly popular in the aquaculture market in China in recent years. In the breeding process of Andrias davidianus, we found that some albino individuals were extremely rare and could not be inherited stably, which severely limits their commercialization in the aquaculture market. In this study, we performed transcriptome and small RNA (sRNA) sequencing analyses in the skin samples of wild-type (WT) and albino (AL) Andrias davidianus. In total, among 5517 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 2911 DEGs were down-regulated in AL, including almost all the key genes involved in melanin formation. A total of 25 miRNAs were differentially expressed in AL compared to WT, of which 17 were up-regulated. Through the integrated analysis, no intersection was found between the target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs and the key genes for melanin formation. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses on DEGs showed that these genes involved multiple processes relevant to melanin synthesis and the key signal pathway MAPK. Interestingly, the transcription factors SOX10 and PAX3 and the Wnt signaling pathway that play a key role in other species were not included, while the other two transcription factors in the SOX family, SOX21 and SOX7, were included. After analyzing the key genes for melanin formation, it was interesting to note an alternative splicing form of the MITF in WT and a critical mutation of the SLC24A5 gene in AL, which might be the main reason for the skin color change of Andrias davidianus. The results contributed to understanding the molecular mechanism of skin pigmentation in Andrias davidianus and accelerating the acquisition process of individuals with specific body colors by genetic means. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Aquatic Animals)

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