Animals

11 pages, 672 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effects of Dietary Lysolecithin Supplementation during Late Gestation and Lactation on Sow Reproductive Performance, Sow Blood Metabolic Parameters and Piglet Performance

by Georgios A. Papadopoulos, Alexandra L. Wealleans, Georgios A. Delis, Geert P. J. Janssens, Mauro di Benedetto and Paschalis Fortomaris

Animals 2022, 12(5), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12050623 - 01 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2484

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of lysolecithin in sows’ diets during the last three weeks of the gestation period and throughout the lactation period on performance and metabolic parameters. In total 60 sows were [...] Read more.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of lysolecithin in sows’ diets during the last three weeks of the gestation period and throughout the lactation period on performance and metabolic parameters. In total 60 sows were allocated to two treatments: (a) CG (control group): the sows were fed commercially control diets; (b) LLG (lysolecithin group): the sows were fed the control diets supplemented with 750 g/t of feed supplemented with lysolecithin (Lysoforte Booster Dry^TM, Kemin Europa N.V., Herentals, Belgium). Backfat was lower in LLG than CG at end of gestation and at weaning (p = 0.030 and 0.044, respectively), while the CG sows mobilized more backfat between day 14 to weaning (p = 0.006). Litter weight at weaning was higher in the LLG (p = 0.027). Fasted glucose levels at day 14 of lactation tended to be lower in LLG compared to CG (p = 0.074). Urea concentrations were higher in LLG than CG at day 14 (p = 0.002). Lysolecithin supplemented sows compared to the control mobilized less tissue during lactation to support lactation demands. In conclusion, lysolecithin supplementation in sows resulted in improved litter weight at weaning without an excessive catabolism of backfat tissue, most probably due to an efficient nutrient utilization, which warrants further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)

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9 pages, 527 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Case Distribution, Sources, and Breeds of Dogs Presenting to a Veterinary Behavior Clinic in the United States from 1997 to 2017

by Katherine H. Anderson, Yufan Yao, Pamela J. Perry, Julia D. Albright and Katherine A. Houpt

Animals 2022, 12(5), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12050576 - 25 Feb 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2703

Abstract

The purpose of this retrospective case study was to evaluate trends over time in case distribution, sources, and breeds of dogs presenting to the behavioral medicine service at a veterinary college referral hospital in the United States. For case distribution and sources, the [...] Read more.

The purpose of this retrospective case study was to evaluate trends over time in case distribution, sources, and breeds of dogs presenting to the behavioral medicine service at a veterinary college referral hospital in the United States. For case distribution and sources, the available records from the behavior service (n = 1923) from 1997 to 2017 were evaluated. Breeds of dogs presenting to all services (n = 51,052) were compared to behavior cases (n = 822) from 2007 to 2016. Over twenty years, 72.2% of dogs presented for aggression, 20.1% for anxieties/fears/phobias, and 7.4% for miscellaneous behavioral problems. Dogs acquired from breeders decreased and dogs from shelters, rescues, or adopted as a stray increased over twenty years (p < 0.0001). The Herding (p = 0.0124) and Terrier (p < 0.0001) groups were overrepresented for behavior problems as compared to all other services over ten years. Variations in terminology and diagnostic approach made comparisons with earlier studies difficult, which underscores a need for a more consistent methodology in veterinary behavioral medicine. Understanding trends in sources of dogs could direct resources aimed at guiding owners when acquiring a pet dog and preventing behavioral problems. Findings related to breeds could help guide research focused on the genetic contributions to behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pet Behavioral Medicine)

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14 pages, 770 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Animal-Human Interface in Farm Animal Production: Animal Fear, Stress, Reproduction and Welfare

by Rutu Y. Acharya, Paul H. Hemsworth, Grahame J. Coleman and James E. Kinder

Animals 2022, 12(4), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12040487 - 16 Feb 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 40686

Abstract

A negative human-animal relationship (HAR) from the perspective of the animal is a limiting factor affecting farm animal welfare, as well as farm animal productivity. Research in farm animals has elucidated sequential relationships between stockperson attitudes, stockperson behaviour, farm animal fear behaviour, farm [...] Read more.

A negative human-animal relationship (HAR) from the perspective of the animal is a limiting factor affecting farm animal welfare, as well as farm animal productivity. Research in farm animals has elucidated sequential relationships between stockperson attitudes, stockperson behaviour, farm animal fear behaviour, farm animal stress physiology, and farm animal productivity. In situations where stockperson attitudes to and interactions with farm animals are sub-optimal, through animal fear and stress, both animal welfare and productivity, including reproductive performance, can be compromised. There is a growing body of evidence that farm animals often seek and enjoy interacting with humans, but our understanding of the effects of a positive HAR on stress resilience and productivity in farm animals is limited. In this review, we explore the pathways by which stress induced by human-animal interactions can negatively affect farm animal reproduction, in particular, via inhibitory effects on the secretion of gonadotrophins. We also review the current knowledge of the stockperson characteristics and the nature of stockperson interactions that affect fear and physiological stress in farm animals. The contents of this review provide an insight into the importance of the HAR on farm animal welfare and reproduction while highlighting the gap in knowledge regarding the effects of a positive HAR on farm animals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Animal–Human Interfaces in Physiology of Reproduction: The Research to Improve Performance, as well as Animal and Human Health)

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10 pages, 635 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Improvement of Albendazole Bioavailability with Menbutone Administration in Sheep

by Raquel Diez, M. Jose Diez, Juan J. Garcia, Jose M. Rodríguez, Cristina Lopez, Nelida Fernandez, Matilde Sierra and Ana M. Sahagun

Animals 2022, 12(4), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12040463 - 14 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3060

Abstract

The pharmacokinetic interaction between a benzimidazole (albendazole, ABZ) and a choleretic drug (menbutone, MEN) was evaluated in sheep. The plasma disposition of albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSO, active metabolite) and albendazole sulfone (ABZSO₂, inactive metabolite) was investigated following an oral administration of albendazole [...] Read more.

The pharmacokinetic interaction between a benzimidazole (albendazole, ABZ) and a choleretic drug (menbutone, MEN) was evaluated in sheep. The plasma disposition of albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSO, active metabolite) and albendazole sulfone (ABZSO₂, inactive metabolite) was investigated following an oral administration of albendazole (ABZ) (5 mg/kg) alone or with menbutone (MEN) (intramuscular, 10 mg/kg). Blood samples were collected over 3 days post-treatment, and drug plasma concentrations were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). ABZSO was measured from 0.5 to 48 h, and ABZSO₂ from 2 to 60 h. No parent drug was detected at any sampling time. Mean maximum plasma concentration (C_max) and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) were 12.8% and 21.5% higher for ABZSO when ABZ and MEN were administered together, which indicates a significant increase in the amount absorbed. The rate of absorption was not modified, with similar values for the time to reach C_max (t_max) (11.5 h with ABZ + MEN and 10.7 h with ABZ treatment), although no significant differences were observed for these latter pharmacokinetic parameters. Regarding ABZSO₂, C_max, AUC and t_max values were similar after both treatments (ABZ or ABZ + MEN). The results obtained indicate that co-administration of ABZ and MEN may be an interesting and practical option to increase the efficacy of this anthelmintic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Knowledge of Efficacy and Prudent Use of Antimicrobials and Anthelmintics)

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13 pages, 293 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Chemical Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of the Pectoralis major Muscle in Broiler Chickens Fed Diets with Full-Fat Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal

by Tomasz Daszkiewicz, Daria Murawska, Dorota Kubiak and Jolanta Han

Animals 2022, 12(4), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12040464 - 14 Feb 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3076

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of full-fat Hermetia illucens (HI) larvae meal used as a substitute for 50%, 75% and 100% of soybean meal (SBM) in diets fed to male Ross 308 broiler chickens on the [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of full-fat Hermetia illucens (HI) larvae meal used as a substitute for 50%, 75% and 100% of soybean meal (SBM) in diets fed to male Ross 308 broiler chickens on the proximate chemical composition and fatty acid profile of the Pectoralis major (PM) muscle. The muscles of chickens fed HI larvae meal were characterized by a higher (p < 0.05) total concentration of pigments and lower (p < 0.05) ash content. At the lowest dietary inclusion rate (50%) of HI larvae meal, the PM muscle had a lower (p < 0.05) content of fat and collagen, compared with the remaining treatments. An analysis of the fatty acid profile of the PM muscle revealed that the total concentrations of saturated fatty acids increased (p < 0.05) and the total concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased (p < 0.05) with increasing inclusion levels of HI larvae meal. The changes in the fatty acid profile of muscles in birds receiving HI larvae meal led to a decrease in the nutritional value of fat. The present findings indicate that the ≥50% inclusion rate of full-fat HI larvae meal as a protein source alternative to SBM in broiler chicken diets is too high due to its negative effect on the fatty acid profile of meat. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)

10 pages, 421 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Race-Level Reporting of Incidents during Two Seasons (2015/16 to 2016/17) of Harness Racing in New Zealand

by Michaela J. Gibson, Fernando J. Roca Fraga, Charlotte F. Bolwell, Erica K. Gee and Chris W. Rogers

Animals 2022, 12(4), 433; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12040433 - 11 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1828

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe the incident and non-incident reporting of harness racing in New Zealand, the primary injury and reporting outcomes, and to examine horse- and race-level variables associated with the odds of these outcomes. Retrospective stipendiary stewards’ reports [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to describe the incident and non-incident reporting of harness racing in New Zealand, the primary injury and reporting outcomes, and to examine horse- and race-level variables associated with the odds of these outcomes. Retrospective stipendiary stewards’ reports of race day events during the 2015/16 to 2016/17 racing seasons were examined. The number of incident and non-incident events and binomial exact 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated per 1000 horse starts. Most reports were for non-incidents and an examination was requested for poor performance (11.06 per 1000 starts (95% CI = 10.23–11.89). Races with more than eight participants were 1.9 (95% CI = 1.13–3.4) times more likely to have an incident than races with eight or less participants. The low incidence of significant injuries such as fractures (0.13 per 1000 starts (95% CI = 0.03–0.23) reflects the lower risk of injury in harness racing compared to Thoroughbred racing. The high incidence of poor performance reports highlights the steward’s role in maintaining animal welfare to a high standard. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Equids)

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11 pages, 254 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Automated Tracking Systems for the Assessment of Farmed Poultry

by Suresh Neethirajan

Animals 2022, 12(3), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12030232 - 19 Jan 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5921

Abstract

The world’s growing population is highly dependent on animal agriculture. Animal products provide nutrient-packed meals that help to sustain individuals of all ages in communities across the globe. As the human demand for animal proteins grows, the agricultural industry must continue to advance [...] Read more.

The world’s growing population is highly dependent on animal agriculture. Animal products provide nutrient-packed meals that help to sustain individuals of all ages in communities across the globe. As the human demand for animal proteins grows, the agricultural industry must continue to advance its efficiency and quality of production. One of the most commonly farmed livestock is poultry and their significance is felt on a global scale. Current poultry farming practices result in the premature death and rejection of billions of chickens on an annual basis before they are processed for meat. This loss of life is concerning regarding animal welfare, agricultural efficiency, and economic impacts. The best way to prevent these losses is through the individualistic and/or group level assessment of animals on a continuous basis. On large-scale farms, such attention to detail was generally considered to be inaccurate and inefficient, but with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technology individualised, and per-herd assessments of livestock became possible and accurate. Various studies have shown that cameras linked with specialised systems of AI can properly analyse flocks for health concerns, thus improving the survival rate and product quality of farmed poultry. Building on recent advancements, this review explores the aspects of AI in the detection, counting, and tracking of poultry in commercial and research-based applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Precision Livestock Farming: Technologies for Improving Animal Health, Welfare and Production)

11 pages, 280 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of Grape Marc Added Diet on Live Weight Gain, Blood Parameters, Nitrogen Excretion, and Behaviour of Sheep

by Huichu Wu, Pangzhen Zhang, Fan Zhang, Md Safiqur Rahaman Shishir, Surinder S. Chauhan, Innocent Rugoho, Hafiz Suleria, Guangyong Zhao, Brendan Cullen and Long Cheng

Animals 2022, 12(3), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12030225 - 18 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2628

Abstract

A 39-day field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of grape marc (GM) feeding on sheep productivity, health, and environmental sustainability. Forty merino sheep were divided into two dietary groups, each having five replications (n = 4 sheep/replication). Experimental diet consisted [...] Read more.

A 39-day field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of grape marc (GM) feeding on sheep productivity, health, and environmental sustainability. Forty merino sheep were divided into two dietary groups, each having five replications (n = 4 sheep/replication). Experimental diet consisted of: (i) control: 55% lucerne hay + 40% wheat grain + 5% faba bean; (ii) GM treatment: control diet with 20% replaced by GM on a dry matter (DM) basis. The GM treatment contained 2–10% higher phytochemical contents than the control. The DMI from the GM treatment was 15% higher than the control (p < 0.001). No difference was found in sheep live weight gain, behaviour, and quality between groups (p > 0.05). No difference was found in total faecal production, faecal organic matter, and nitrogen contents (p > 0.05) and parasitic egg count. The GM treatment led to higher nitrogen intake (23.1 vs. 27.2 g/d) and faecal nitrogen excretion (6.3 vs. 8.7 g/d) compared to the control. Urinary creatinine, allantoin, and purine derivatives were lower in the GM treatment than control (p < 0.05). However, both groups had similar purine derivatives/DMI (i.e., indicator of rumen microbial protein synthesis efficiency; p > 0.05). Overall, the results showed that GM can replace 20% of the control ration to maintain sheep productivity, health, and environmental sustainability. Full article

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

16 pages, 1131 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Partial Vaginectomy, Complete Vaginectomy, Partial Vestibule-Vaginectomy, Vulvo-Vestibule-Vaginectomy and Vulvo-Vestibulectomy: Different Surgical Procedure in Order to Better Approach Vaginal Diseases

by Daniele Zambelli, Simona Valentini, Giulia Ballotta and Marco Cunto

Animals 2022, 12(2), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12020196 - 14 Jan 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5948

Abstract

Total or partial vulvo-vaginectomy or vaginectomy are not routinely performed due to the complexity of the techniques and because they are considered radical treatments. Little information can be found in the literature, as the same technique is often named in a different way [...] Read more.

Total or partial vulvo-vaginectomy or vaginectomy are not routinely performed due to the complexity of the techniques and because they are considered radical treatments. Little information can be found in the literature, as the same technique is often named in a different way by different authors, confusing the reader. Therefore, the aim of this essay is to describe five different surgical techniques: partial vaginectomy, complete vaginectomy, partial vestibule-vaginectomy, vulvo-vestibule-vaginectomy and vulvo-vestibulectomy. All techniques are described on the basis of the correct identification of the anatomical nomenclature related to structures involved in surgery, in order to give a more precise and unambiguous description and execution of surgical techniques. Moreover, possible intraoperative and perioperative complications and the authors’ clinical experience in 33 dogs are described. All techniques are well tolerated and could be curative in case of benign or malignant tumours that have not yet metastasized and palliative in other cases. Moreover, they are also useful for therapeutic purposes for chronic vaginitis, severe vaginal cysts or congenital abnormalities. It is our opinion that having five different available techniques to approach vaginal disease is useful to perform the best surgery according to the clinical findings, patient’s characteristics, technique invasiveness and whether it is palliative or not. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

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9 pages, 1300 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

RNA Sequencing Reveals circRNA Expression Profiles in Chicken DF1 Cells Infected with H5N1 Influenza Virus

by Li Chen, Guoqin Li, Yong Tian, Tao Zeng, Wenwu Xu, Tiantian Gu and Lizhi Lu

Animals 2022, 12(2), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12020158 - 10 Jan 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2210

Abstract

H5N1, a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus that is prevalent in Asia, seriously harms the poultry industry and global public health. However, its pathogenesis is still not well understood. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a newly identified type of RNA, reportedly play crucial roles in [...] Read more.

H5N1, a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus that is prevalent in Asia, seriously harms the poultry industry and global public health. However, its pathogenesis is still not well understood. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a newly identified type of RNA, reportedly play crucial roles in various pathogenic processes. In this study, RNA sequencing was performed to analyze the expression profile of circRNAs in H5N1-infected chicken embryo fibroblast (DF1) cells. A total of 14,586 circRNAs were identified. The expression profiles of infected cells changed more significantly, relative to uninfected cells, as the infection period was extended; namely, 261, 626, and 1103 circRNAs exhibited differential expression in cells infected for 6 h, 12 h, and 20 h, respectively. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed significant enrichment of the parental genes of the differentially expressed circRNAs for viral replication and immune response-related pathways, such as positive regulation of transcription from the RNA polymerase II promoter, positive regulation of I-kappaB kinase/NF-kappaB signaling, innate immune response, and ubiquitin protein ligase activity. In conclusion, we identified the expression profile of circRNAs in H5N1-infected chicken DF1 cells. Bioinformatic analyses of the dysregulated circRNAs suggest that circRNAs might play important roles in the pathogenesis of H5N1 infection, offering new insights into the mechanisms underlying H5N1–host interaction. Full article

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

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13 pages, 1573 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Concerted and Independent Evolution of Control Regions 1 and 2 of Water Monitor Lizards (Varanus salvator macromaculatus) and Different Phylogenetic Informative Markers

by Watcharaporn Thapana, Nattakan Ariyaraphong, Parinya Wongtienchai, Nararat Laopichienpong, Worapong Singchat, Thitipong Panthum, Syed Farhan Ahmad, Ekaphan Kraichak, Narongrit Muangmai, Prateep Duengkae and Kornsorn Srikulnath

Animals 2022, 12(2), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12020148 - 08 Jan 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2626

Abstract

Duplicate control regions (CRs) have been observed in the mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of most varanids. Duplicate CRs have evolved in either concerted or independent evolution in vertebrates, but whether an evolutionary pattern exists in varanids remains unknown. Therefore, we conducted this study to [...] Read more.

Duplicate control regions (CRs) have been observed in the mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of most varanids. Duplicate CRs have evolved in either concerted or independent evolution in vertebrates, but whether an evolutionary pattern exists in varanids remains unknown. Therefore, we conducted this study to analyze the evolutionary patterns and phylogenetic utilities of duplicate CRs in 72 individuals of Varanus salvator macromaculatus and other varanids. Sequence analyses and phylogenetic relationships revealed that divergence between orthologous copies from different individuals was lower than in paralogous copies from the same individual, suggesting an independent evolution of the two CRs. Distinct trees and recombination testing derived from CR1 and CR2 suggested that recombination events occurred between CRs during the evolutionary process. A comparison of substitution saturation showed the potential of CR2 as a phylogenetic marker. By contrast, duplicate CRs of the four examined varanids had similar sequences within species, suggesting typical characteristics of concerted evolution. The results provide a better understanding of the molecular evolutionary processes related to the mitogenomes of the varanid lineage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reptile Evolution and Genetics - Special Issue Dedicated to the Memory of Prof. Teresa Capriglione)

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8 pages, 3493 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceCase Report

Hemorrhagic Meningoencephalomyelitis Due to Ectopic Localization of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in a Cat: First Case Report

by Fernanda Viola Tinoco, Simone Morelli, Marilene de Farias Brito, Gabriela Oliveira Pereira, Mariana Correia Oliveira, Anastasia Diakou, Mariasole Colombo, Antonio Frangipane di Regalbono and Donato Traversa

Animals 2022, 12(2), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12020128 - 06 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2148

Abstract

The lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is one of the main causes of respiratory diseases in cats worldwide. This report describes the unusual case of a kitten infected with A. abstrusus and presented to a veterinary clinic in Brazil with lethargy, dysphagia, non-ambulatory tetraplegia, and [...] Read more.

The lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is one of the main causes of respiratory diseases in cats worldwide. This report describes the unusual case of a kitten infected with A. abstrusus and presented to a veterinary clinic in Brazil with lethargy, dysphagia, non-ambulatory tetraplegia, and pelvic limbs bilateral myoclonus. The clinical picture of the kitten worsened with generalized flaccid tetraplegia and death a few days after hospitalization. At necropsy, hemorrhagic necrosis and subarachnoid hemorrhages were detected in several areas of the central nervous system. Nematode stages were found at post-mortem histological examinations in lungs, cerebellum, subarachnoid space of the brain and spinal cord. Microscopic and molecular (PCRs-coupled-sequencing protocols) examination showed the presence of A. abstrusus in histological samples. This study describes the first neurological aelurostrongylosis due to ectopic localization of adult worms in the central nervous system of a cat, causing acute hemorrhagic multifocal meningoencephalomyelitis. Further studies are necessary to elucidate whether unusual localizations and the migration of A. abstrusus are more frequent than expected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

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16 pages, 660 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effects of Dietary Cereal and Protein Source on Fiber Digestibility, Composition, and Metabolic Activity of the Intestinal Microbiota in Weaner Piglets

by Carola Ellner, Anna G. Wessels and Jürgen Zentek

Animals 2022, 12(1), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12010109 - 04 Jan 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2534

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of fiber-rich rye and rapeseed meal (RSM) compared to wheat and soybean meal (SBM) on fiber digestibility and the composition and metabolic activity of intestinal microbiota. At weaning, 88 piglets were allocated to four feeding groups: [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of fiber-rich rye and rapeseed meal (RSM) compared to wheat and soybean meal (SBM) on fiber digestibility and the composition and metabolic activity of intestinal microbiota. At weaning, 88 piglets were allocated to four feeding groups: wheat/SBM, wheat/RSM, rye/SBM, and rye/RSM. Dietary inclusion level was 48% for rye and wheat, 25% for SBM, and 30% for RSM. Piglets were euthanized after 33 days for collection of digesta and feces. Samples were analyzed for dry matter and non-starch-polysaccharide (NSP) digestibility, bacterial metabolites, and relative abundance of microbiota. Rye-based diets had higher concentrations of soluble NSP than wheat-based diets. RSM-diets were higher in insoluble NSP compared to SBM. Rye-fed piglets showed a higher colonic and fecal digestibility of NSP (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). RSM-fed piglets showed a lower colonic and fecal digestibility of NSP than SBM-fed piglets (p < 0.001). Rye increased jejunal and colonic concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) compared to wheat (p < 0.001, p = 0.016, respectively). RSM-fed pigs showed a lower jejunal concentration of SCFA (p = 0.001) than SBM-fed pigs. Relative abundance of Firmicutes was higher (p = 0.039) and of Proteobacteria lower (p = 0.002) in rye-fed pigs compared to wheat. RSM reduced Firmicutes and increased Actinobacteria (jejunum, colon, feces: p < 0.050), jejunal Proteobacteria (p = 0.019) and colonic Bacteroidetes (p = 0.014). Despite a similar composition of the colonic microbiota, the higher amount and solubility of NSP from rye resulted in an increased fermentative activity compared to wheat. The high amount of insoluble dietary fiber in RSM-based diets reduced bacterial metabolic activity and caused a shift toward insoluble fiber degrading bacteria. Further research should focus on host–microbiota interaction to improve feeding concepts with a targeted use of dietary fiber. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Nutrition on Swine Gastrointestinal Tract Health and Microbiota)

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12 pages, 1424 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Effect of Rumination Time on Milk Performance and Methane Emission of Dairy Cows Fed Partial Mixed Ration Based on Maize Silage

by Robert Mikuła, Marcin Pszczola, Katarzyna Rzewuska, Sebastian Mucha, Włodzimierz Nowak and Tomasz Strabel

Animals 2022, 12(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12010050 - 27 Dec 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4478

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the rumination time on milk yield and composition as well as methane emission during lactation in high-yielding dairy cows fed a partial mixed ration based on maize silage without pasture access. A [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the rumination time on milk yield and composition as well as methane emission during lactation in high-yielding dairy cows fed a partial mixed ration based on maize silage without pasture access. A total of 365 high-yielding Polish Holstein-Friesian multiparous dairy cows were included in the study covering 24 to 304 days of lactation. Methane emission, rumination time, and milk production traits were observed for the period of 12 months. Next, the data from the cows were assigned to three groups based on daily rumination time: low rumination up to 412 min/day (up to 25th rumination percentile), medium rumination from 412 to 527 min/day (between the 25th and 75th percentile), and high rumination above 527 min/day (from the 75th percentile). Rumination time had no effect on milk yield, energy-corrected milk yield, or fat and protein-corrected milk yield. High rumination time had an effect on lower fat concentration in milk compared with the medium and low rumination groups. The highest daily CH₄ production was noted in low rumination cows, which emitted 1.8% more CH₄ than medium rumination cows and 4.2% more than high rumination cows. Rumination time affected daily methane production per kg of milk. Cows from the high rumination group produced 2.9% less CH₄ per milk unit compared to medium rumination cows and 4.6% in comparison to low rumination cows. Similar observations were noted for daily CH₄ production per ECM unit. In conclusion, a longer rumination time is connected with lower methane emission as well as lower methane production per milk unit in high-yielding dairy cows fed a maize silage-based partial mixed ration without pasture access. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environment, Food Production, Health and Welfare Challenges in the Nutrition of Ruminants)

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19 pages, 312 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Genetic Parameters for Growth, Ultrasound and Carcass Traits in New Zealand Beef Cattle and Their Correlations with Maternal Performance

by Franziska Weik, Rebecca E. Hickson, Stephen T. Morris, Dorian J. Garrick and Jason A. Archer

Animals 2022, 12(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12010025 - 23 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3042

Abstract

Research has shown that enhancing finishing performance in beef cows is feasible; however, any adverse impact of selection strategies for finishing performance on the performance of the maternal herd should be taken into account. The aim of this research was to examine the [...] Read more.

Research has shown that enhancing finishing performance in beef cows is feasible; however, any adverse impact of selection strategies for finishing performance on the performance of the maternal herd should be taken into account. The aim of this research was to examine the inheritance of growth, ultrasound and carcass traits in finishing beef cattle and to evaluate their correlations with maternal performance traits. Data were collected from a nationwide progeny test on commercial New Zealand hill country farms comprising a total of 4473 beef cows and their progeny. Most finishing traits were moderately to highly heritable (0.28–0.58) with the exception of meat or fat colour and ossification (0.00–0.12). Ultrasound scan traits had high genetic correlations with corresponding traits measured at slaughter (r_g = 0.53–0.95) and may be used as a selection tool for improved genetic merit of the beef carcass. Fat content determined via ultrasound scanning in the live animal or at slaughter in finishing cattle is positively genetically correlated with rebreeding performance (r_g = 0.22–0.39) in female herd replacements and negatively correlated with mature cow live weight (r_g = −0.40 to −0.19). Low-magnitude associations were observed between the genetic merit for carcass fat traits with body condition in mature cows. Full article

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

15 pages, 314 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Short-Term Adaptation of Dairy Cattle Production Parameters to Individualized Changes in Dietary Top Dress

by Tanner P. Price, Vinícius C. Souza, Douglas M. Liebe, Mark D. Elett, Ty C. Davis, Claire B. Gleason, Kristy M. Daniels and Robin R. White

Animals 2021, 11(12), 3518; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11123518 - 10 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2586

Abstract

Immediate and short-term changes in diet composition can support individualized, real-time interventions in precision dairy production systems, and might increase feed efficiency (FE) of dairy cattle in the short-term. The objective of this study was to determine immediate and short-term effects of changes [...] Read more.

Immediate and short-term changes in diet composition can support individualized, real-time interventions in precision dairy production systems, and might increase feed efficiency (FE) of dairy cattle in the short-term. The objective of this study was to determine immediate and short-term effects of changes in diet composition on production parameters of dairy cattle fed varying amounts of top dressed commodities. A 4 × 4 replicated Latin square design was used to evaluate responses of twenty-four Holstein cows fed either no top dress (Control) or increasing amounts of: corn grain (CG), soybean meal (SBM), or chopped mixed grass hay (GH) top dressed on a total mixed ration (TMR) over four, 9-day periods. Throughout each period, top dressed commodities were incrementally increased, providing 0% to 20% of calculated net energy of lactation (NE_L) intake. Measured production responses were analyzed for each 9-d period using a mixed-effects model considering two different time ranges. Samples collected from d 3 and 4 and from d 7 and 8 of each period were averaged and used to reflect “immediate” vs. “short-term” responses, respectively. In the immediate response time frame, control fed cows had lower milk yield, milk fat yield, and milk true protein yield than CG and SBM supplemented animals but similar responses to GH supplemented animals. Milk fat and protein percentages were not affected by top dress type in the immediate term. In the short-term response time-frame, GH supplemented animals had lower DMI and milk fat yield than all other groups. Control and GH supplemented cows had lower milk yield than CG and SBM fed cows. In the immediate response time frame, FE of SBM supplemented cows was superior to other groups. In the short-term time frame, FE of GH and SBM groups was improved over the control group. Results suggest that lactating dairy cows show rapid performance responses to small (<20% NE_L) changes in dietary composition, which may be leveraged within automated precision feeding systems to optimize efficiency of production. Before this potential can be realized, further research is needed to examine integration of such strategies into automatic feeding systems and downstream impacts on individual animal FE and farm profitability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)

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21 pages, 3289 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Two Domains to Five: Advancing Veterinary Duty of Care to Fulfil Public Expectations of Animal Welfare Expertise

by Katherine E. Littlewood and Ngaio J. Beausoleil

Animals 2021, 11(12), 3504; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11123504 - 08 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5079

Abstract

Veterinarians are animal health experts. More recently, they have been conferred a leading role as experts in animal welfare. This expectation of veterinarians as welfare experts appears to stem from their training in veterinary medicine as well as professional contributions to welfare-relevant policy [...] Read more.

Veterinarians are animal health experts. More recently, they have been conferred a leading role as experts in animal welfare. This expectation of veterinarians as welfare experts appears to stem from their training in veterinary medicine as well as professional contributions to welfare-relevant policy and law. Veterinarians are ideally situated to act as animal welfare experts by virtue of their core work with animals and potential influence over owners, their roles in policy development, compliance, and monitoring, and as educators of future veterinarians. However, since its inception as a discipline over 70 years ago, animal welfare science has moved beyond a two-dimensional focus on nutrition and health (biological functioning) towards an understanding that the mental experiences of animals are the focus of welfare consideration. The Five Domains Model is a structured and systematic framework for more holistically considering conditions that contribute to the animal’s internal state and its perception of its external situation, and the resultant mental experiences. The Model can be used to better align veterinary animal welfare expertise with contemporary understanding of animal welfare science and improve welfare literacy within the veterinary profession. Improved understanding of animal welfare science is likely to lead to increased confidence, competence, and empowerment to act as experts in their daily lives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

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26 pages, 455 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Phytogenic Feed Additives in Poultry: Achievements, Prospective and Challenges

by Nedra Abdelli, David Solà-Oriol and José Francisco Pérez

Animals 2021, 11(12), 3471; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11123471 - 06 Dec 2021

Cited by 53 | Viewed by 8082

Abstract

Phytogenic feed additives have been largely tested in poultry production with the aim to identify their effects on the gastrointestinal function and health, and their implications on the birds’ systemic health and welfare, the production efficiency of flocks, food safety, and environmental impact. [...] Read more.

Phytogenic feed additives have been largely tested in poultry production with the aim to identify their effects on the gastrointestinal function and health, and their implications on the birds’ systemic health and welfare, the production efficiency of flocks, food safety, and environmental impact. These feed additives originating from plants, and consisting of herbs, spices, fruit, and other plant parts, include many different bioactive ingredients. Reviewing published documents about the supplementation of phytogenic feed additives reveals contradictory results regarding their effectiveness in poultry production. This indicates that more effort is still needed to determine the appropriate inclusion levels and fully elucidate their mode of actions. In this frame, this review aimed to sum up the current trends in the use of phytogenic feed additives in poultry with a special focus on their interaction with gut ecosystem, gut function, in vivo oxidative status and immune system as well as other feed additives, especially organic acids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Alternatives to Antimicrobial in Animal Feed)

13 pages, 3612 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Aristolochic Acid I-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Tianfu Broilers Is Associated with Oxidative-Stress-Mediated Apoptosis and Mitochondrial Damage

by Dan Xu, Lizi Yin, Juchun Lin, Hualin Fu, Xi Peng, Lijen Chang, Yilei Zheng, Xiaoling Zhao and Gang Shu

Animals 2021, 11(12), 3437; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11123437 - 02 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2158

Abstract

Aristolochic acid (AA) is a component of traditional Chinese herbs and commonly used for farm animals in China. Over-exposure of AA has been proven to be associated with hepatotoxicity; however, the mechanism of action of AA-I-induced hepatotoxicity remains unknown. In the current study, [...] Read more.

Aristolochic acid (AA) is a component of traditional Chinese herbs and commonly used for farm animals in China. Over-exposure of AA has been proven to be associated with hepatotoxicity; however, the mechanism of action of AA-I-induced hepatotoxicity remains unknown. In the current study, a subchronic toxicity test was conducted to evaluate the mechanism of AA-induced hepatotoxicity in Tianfu broilers. According to the results, AA-I-induced hepatotoxicity in Tianfu broilers was evidenced by the elevation of liver weight, levels of serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT). Furthermore, hepatocyte swelling, vesicular degeneration and steatosis were observed. Additionally, AA-I elevated the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induced oxidative stress, which further led to excessive apoptosis, characterized by mitochondrial depolarization, upregulation of Bax, and down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression. In conclusion, the mechanism of AA-I-induced hepatotoxicity was associated with oxidative-stress-mediated apoptosis and mitochondrial damage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

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12 pages, 3336 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Bibliometric Analysis and Global Trends in Fascioliasis Research: A Neglected Tropical Disease

by Tauseef Ahmad, Muhammad Imran, Kabir Ahmad, Muhammad Khan, Mukhtiar Baig, Rami H. Al-Rifai and Basem Al-Omari

Animals 2021, 11(12), 3385; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11123385 - 26 Nov 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3121

Abstract

Background: Fascioliasis is a zoonotic neglected tropical disease caused by Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica. In endemic regions, fascioliasis represents a huge problem in livestock production and significantly threatens public health. The present study was performed to assess the key bibliometric [...] Read more.

Background: Fascioliasis is a zoonotic neglected tropical disease caused by Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica. In endemic regions, fascioliasis represents a huge problem in livestock production and significantly threatens public health. The present study was performed to assess the key bibliometric indicators, plot the global research outcome, and strive to find the research frontiers and trends in fascioliasis. Methods: A descriptive bibliometric and visualized study was conducted. The data were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. The WoSCC was searched using key terms covering a wide range of synonyms related to the causative agent (Fasciola) and the disease (fascioliasis). The database search was performed for the period from the inception of WoSCC until 3 October 2021. The downloaded data were exported into VOSviewer software version 1.6.17 for Windows to construct co-authorship countries, keywords co-occurrence, bibliographic coupling sources, and citation and documents network visualization. Results: A total of 4165 documents were included in this bibliometric analysis. The included documents were published between the years 1913 and 2021 from 116 countries, mainly from the United States of America (USA) (n = 482, 11.6%). The most prolific year was 2018 (n = 108). The journal that attracted the most publications was Veterinary Parasitology (n = 324), while the most productive author in this area was Rondelaud D (n = 156). In terms of total link strength (TLS), the most influential country was Spain (TLS = 236), followed by the USA (TLS = 178). Conclusion: This study is of value for veterinarians, doctors, and researchers to explore insights into research frontiers and trends in research on fascioliasis. The number of publications on fascioliasis has increased over time. Above 35% of publications have been produced by the USA, France, England, and Spain. “Fasciola hepatica” and “cattle” were the most dominant and widely used keywords. Research collaboration should be established among the researchers from developing countries with developed countries to learn new advancements and effective control strategies for fascioliasis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

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17 pages, 310 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Raw Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) as a Substitute of Soybean Meal in Compound Feed for Broiler Chickens: Effects on Growth Performance, Lipid Metabolism, Fatty Acid Profile, Antioxidant Status, and Dietary Value of Muscles

by Anna Danek-Majewska, Małgorzata Kwiecień, Anna Winiarska-Mieczan, Małgorzata Haliniarz and Agata Bielak

Animals 2021, 11(12), 3367; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11123367 - 24 Nov 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2438

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of substitution of 50% of soybean meal protein with 310–350 g/kg diet of raw chickpea seed protein on the chemical composition, fatty acid profile, dietary value, and antioxidant status of breast and thigh [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of substitution of 50% of soybean meal protein with 310–350 g/kg diet of raw chickpea seed protein on the chemical composition, fatty acid profile, dietary value, and antioxidant status of breast and thigh muscles, as well as the antioxidant status of blood serum, in Ross 308 male broilers. In the 42-day experiment, one-day-old male broiler chicks were assigned to two nutritional groups (n = 100 in each, 20 birds in each group, and 5 replications). In the control group, 100% of protein in the feed was derived from soybean meal. In the experimental group, 310–350 g/kg protein from raw chickpea seeds was introduced. Data with a normal distribution were analyzed using the Student t-test, and the relationships between the traits were assessed with the use of Pearson’s correlation coefficients. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The replacement with chickpea protein did not exert an impact on the final body weight, feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. However, it induced changes in the color of the breast muscles (increased L* and b* values), and reduced the cholesterol content. The addition of chickpea seeds improved the fatty acid profile, mainly in the breast muscle. A decrease in the total SFA content and a higher level of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), UFAs/saturated fatty acids (SFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3, and omega-6 were observed in the experimental group. Additionally, the chickpea-supplemented group exhibited better values of meat quality indicators (atherogenic index-AI; thrombogenic index–TI, ratio of saturated fatty acids to unsaturated fatty acids-S/P, n-6/n-3, hypocholesterolemic/Hypercholesterolemic ratio-h/H). It can be concluded that raw chickpea seeds are a good source of protein in broiler chicken nutrition, and can replace the traditionally used protein source (soybean meal), simultaneously exerting a positive effect on the dietary value of poultry meat and an expected enhancing impact on consumer health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal-Based Food Products - Nutritional Impact on the Quality and Safety of Animal Products)

15 pages, 1223 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Estimating Amino Acid Requirements in Real-Time for Precision-Fed Pigs: The Challenge of Variability among Individuals

by Aline Remus, Luciano Hauschild, Marie-Pierre Létourneau-Montminy and Candido Pomar

Animals 2021, 11(12), 3354; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11123354 - 24 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2522

Abstract

This study aimed to measure protein deposition (PD) in pigs fed with daily tailored diets where either dietary lysine (Lys) or threonine (Thr) were provided at independent levels (ignoring an ideal ratio). A total of 95 growing pigs (35 kg body weight (BW)) [...] Read more.

This study aimed to measure protein deposition (PD) in pigs fed with daily tailored diets where either dietary lysine (Lys) or threonine (Thr) were provided at independent levels (ignoring an ideal ratio). A total of 95 growing pigs (35 kg body weight (BW)) with electronic ear tags granting them access to automatic feeders were randomly assigned to treatments. The setup was an unbalanced 2 × 5 factorial arrangement with Lys and Thr provided at five levels (i.e., 60%, 80%, 100%, 120%, and 140% of the estimated individual requirements of Lys and Thr), resulting in 25 treatments for 21 days. The observed PD variation to Lys and Thr provisions was large, with Lys and Thr intake explaining only 11% of the variation. Cluster analysis discriminated pigs with low (167 g/d, n = 16), medium (191 g/d, n = 38), and high (213 g/d, n = 37) PD, but with a similar amino acid intake. Differences in PD were associated with differences in nutrient efficiency of utilization. Providing Lys and Thr in a factorial mode, ignoring an ideal ratio, did not decrease the variability in PD. Future research efforts should focus on identifying and investigating the sources of interindividual variability—a necessary step before final recommendations can be made for AA in precision-fed pigs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies to Improve Feed Efficiency in Monogastric Animals towards Environmental Sustainability)

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12 pages, 267 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sweet vs. Salty Former Food Products in Post-Weaning Piglets: Effects on Growth, Apparent Total Tract Digestibility and Blood Metabolites

by Alice Luciano, Marco Tretola, Sharon Mazzoleni, Nicoletta Rovere, Francesca Fumagalli, Luca Ferrari, Marcello Comi, Matteo Ottoboni and Luciano Pinotti

Animals 2021, 11(11), 3315; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113315 - 19 Nov 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2477

Abstract

Former food products (FFPs) have a great potential to replace conventional feed ingredients. This study aimed to investigate the possibility to partially replace standard ingredients with two different types of FFPs: bakery (FFPs-B) or confectionary (FFPs-C) FFPs and their effects on growth performances, [...] Read more.

Former food products (FFPs) have a great potential to replace conventional feed ingredients. This study aimed to investigate the possibility to partially replace standard ingredients with two different types of FFPs: bakery (FFPs-B) or confectionary (FFPs-C) FFPs and their effects on growth performances, feed digestibility and metabolic status in post-weaning piglets. Thirty-six post-weaning piglets were randomly assigned to three experimental diets (n = 12 per diet) for 42 days: a standard diet (CTR), a diet where 30% of standard ingredients were replaced by confectionary FFPs (FFPs-C) and a diet where 30% of standard ingredients were replaced by bakery FFPs (FFPs-B). Individual body weight and fecal dry matter were measured weekly. Feed intake (FI) was determined daily. Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated. Fecal samples were collected daily for three days/week to determine apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter (ATTD). At day 0, 21 and 42, blood samples were collected from all the piglets. No significant differences (p > 0.05) between groups were found in growth performances and metabolic profile. However, ATTD in FFPs-B group was lower (p < 0.05) compared to the CTR group at the end of the experiment. This study confirmed the possibility to formulate homogeneous diets integrated with 30% of both categories of FFPs. Further investigations are needed to clarify the effects of bakery former food products on the digestibility of the diet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)

23 pages, 722 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Impact of Antibiotic Therapies on Resistance Genes Dynamic and Composition of the Animal Gut Microbiota

by Tony Rochegüe, Marisa Haenni, Stanislas Mondot, Chloé Astruc, Géraldine Cazeau, Tristan Ferry, Jean-Yves Madec and Agnese Lupo

Animals 2021, 11(11), 3280; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113280 - 16 Nov 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3117

Abstract

Antibiotics are major disruptors of the gastrointestinal microbiota, depleting bacterial species beneficial for the host health and favoring the emergence of potential pathogens. Furthermore, the intestine is a reactor of antibiotic resistance emergence, and the presence of antibiotics exacerbates the selection of resistant [...] Read more.

Antibiotics are major disruptors of the gastrointestinal microbiota, depleting bacterial species beneficial for the host health and favoring the emergence of potential pathogens. Furthermore, the intestine is a reactor of antibiotic resistance emergence, and the presence of antibiotics exacerbates the selection of resistant bacteria that can disseminate in the environment and propagate to further hosts. We reviewed studies analyzing the effect of antibiotics on the intestinal microbiota and antibiotic resistance conducted on animals, focusing on the main food-producing and companion animals. Irrespective of antibiotic classes and animal hosts, therapeutic dosage decreased species diversity and richness favoring the bloom of potential enteropathogens and the selection of antibiotic resistance. These negative effects of antibiotic therapies seem ineluctable but often were mitigated when an antibiotic was administered by parenteral route. Sub-therapeutic dosages caused the augmentation of taxa involved in sugar metabolism, suggesting a link with weight gain. This result should not be interpreted positively, considering that parallel information on antibiotic resistance selection was rarely reported and selection of antibiotic resistance is known to occur also at low antibiotic concentration. However, studies on the effect of antibiotics as growth promoters put the basis for understanding the gut microbiota composition and function in this situation. This knowledge could inspire alternative strategies to antibiotics, such as probiotics, for improving animal performance. This review encompasses the analysis of the main animal hosts and all antibiotic classes, and highlights the future challenges and gaps of knowledge that should be filled. Further studies are necessary for elucidating pharmacodynamics in animals in order to improve therapy duration, antibiotic dosages, and administration routes for mitigating negative effects of antibiotic therapies. Furthermore, this review highlights that studies on aminoglycosides are almost inexistent, and they should be increased, considering that aminoglycosides are the first most commonly used antibiotic family in companion animals. Harmonization of experimental procedures is necessary in this research field. In fact, current studies are based on different experimental set-up varying for antibiotic dosage, regimen, administration, and downstream microbiota analysis. In the future, shotgun metagenomics coupled with long-reads sequencing should become a standard experimental approach enabling to gather comprehensive knowledge on GIM in terms of composition and taxonomic functions, and of ARGs. Decorticating GIM in animals will unveil revolutionary strategies for medication and improvement of animals’ health status, with positive consequences on global health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

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25 pages, 561 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Condensed Tannins as Antioxidants in Ruminants—Effectiveness and Action Mechanisms to Improve Animal Antioxidant Status and Oxidative Stability of Products

by David Soldado, Rui J. B. Bessa and Eliana Jerónimo

Animals 2021, 11(11), 3243; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113243 - 13 Nov 2021

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3086

Abstract

Condensed tannins (CTs) are widely distributed in plants, and due to their recognized antioxidant activity are considered as possible natural antioxidants for application in ruminant diets. A wide range of CT-rich sources has been tested in ruminant diets, and their effects on animal [...] Read more.

Condensed tannins (CTs) are widely distributed in plants, and due to their recognized antioxidant activity are considered as possible natural antioxidants for application in ruminant diets. A wide range of CT-rich sources has been tested in ruminant diets, and their effects on animal antioxidant status and oxidative stability of their products are reviewed in the present work. Possible mechanisms underlying the CT antioxidant effects in ruminants are also discussed, and the CT chemical structure is briefly presented. Utilization of CT-rich sources in ruminant feeding can improve the animals’ antioxidant status and oxidative stability of their products. However, the results are still inconsistent. Although poorly understood, the evidence suggests that CTs can induce an antioxidant effect in living animals and in their products through direct and indirect mechanisms, which can occur by an integrated and synergic way involving: (i) absorption of CTs with low molecular weight or metabolites, despite CTs’ poor bioavailability; (ii) antioxidant action on the gastrointestinal tract; and (iii) interaction with other antioxidant agents. Condensed tannins are alternative dietary antioxidants for ruminants, but further studies should be carried out to elucidate the mechanism underlying the antioxidant activity of each CT source to design effective antioxidant strategies based on the use of CTs in ruminant diets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Opportunities and Challenges for the Use of Tannin Sources in Ruminant Nutrition)

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15 pages, 1268 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

High Prevalence of Antibiotic-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolates from Retail Poultry Products in Spain

by Beatriz García-Béjar, Izan García de Blas Martín, María Arévalo-Villena and Ana Briones Pérez

Animals 2021, 11(11), 3197; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113197 - 09 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1997

Abstract

The prevalence of Escherichia coli was analysed in poultry products from different Spanish retailers and determined its antibiotic resistance capability by phenotypic (ampicillin, amoxicillin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, imipenem, cefotaxime, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim, and colistin) and genotypic assays. A total of 30 samples (hindquarters or [...] Read more.

The prevalence of Escherichia coli was analysed in poultry products from different Spanish retailers and determined its antibiotic resistance capability by phenotypic (ampicillin, amoxicillin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, imipenem, cefotaxime, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim, and colistin) and genotypic assays. A total of 30 samples (hindquarters or livers) were collected from supermarkets and butchers. Enterobacteriaceae counts ranged between 3.2 and 6.5 log colony-forming units (CFU)/g, and the highest values were found in livers and in samples from supermarkets. E. coli was detected in 83% of the samples tested, and the highest prevalence was observed in livers (100%) and supermarkets (91%). Regarding the antibiotic sensitivity test, 100% of the E. coli showed resistance to at least one antibiotic. The highest resistance rates were detected for colistin (87%) and gentamicin (79%), while only two antibiotics (chloramphenicol and cefotaxime) showed a resistance lower than 10%. Furthermore, the resistance genes of tetracycline and beta-lactams were analysed by multiplex PCR, revealing that tet(A) and blaTEM were the majority genes, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

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18 pages, 1665 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

An Official Outbreak Investigation of Acute Haemorrhagic Diarrhoea in Dogs in Norway Points to Providencia alcalifaciens as a Likely Cause

by Hannah Joan Jørgensen, Mette Valheim, Camilla Sekse, Bjarne Asbjørn Bergsjø, Helene Wisløff, Simen Foyn Nørstebø, Ellen Skancke, Karin Lagesen, Anita Haug Haaland, Sabrina Rodriguez-Campos, Siri Kulberg Sjurseth, Merete Hofshagen, Jorun Jarp, Ole-Herman Tronerud, Gro Skøien Johannessen, Monica Heggelund, Sasja Rygg, Ellen Christensen, Mette Boye, Britt Gjerset, Morten Sandvik, Eiril Moen Soltvedt and Cecilia Wolff Show full author list Hide full author list

Animals 2021, 11(11), 3201; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113201 - 09 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5454

Abstract

An outbreak investigation was initiated in September 2019, following a notification to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA) of an unusually high number of dogs with acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea (AHD) in Oslo. Diagnostic testing by reporting veterinarians had not detected a cause. The [...] Read more.

An outbreak investigation was initiated in September 2019, following a notification to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA) of an unusually high number of dogs with acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea (AHD) in Oslo. Diagnostic testing by reporting veterinarians had not detected a cause. The official investigation sought to identify a possible common cause, the extent of the outbreak and prevent spread. Epidemiological data were collected through a survey to veterinarians and interviews with dog owners. Diagnostic investigations included necropsies and microbiological, parasitological and toxicological analysis of faecal samples and food. In total, 511 dogs with acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea were registered between 1 August and 1 October. Results indicated a common point source for affected dogs, but were inconclusive with regard to common exposures. A notable finding was that 134 of 325 faecal samples (41%) cultured positive for Providencia alcalifaciens. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of 75 P. alcalifaciens isolates from 73 dogs revealed that strains from 51 dogs belonged to the same WGS clone. Findings point to P. alcalifaciens as implicated in the outbreak, but investigations are needed to reveal the pathogenic potential of P. alcalifaciens in dogs and its epidemiology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

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9 pages, 410 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Agreement between Feline Pancreatic Lipase Immunoreactivity and DGGR-Lipase Assay in Cats—Preliminary Results

by Magdalena Maria Krasztel, Michał Czopowicz, Olga Szaluś-Jordanow, Agata Moroz, Marcin Mickiewicz and Jarosław Kaba

Animals 2021, 11(11), 3172; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113172 - 06 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2201

Abstract

The colorimetric catalytic assay based on the use of 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid-(6′-methylresorufin) (DGGR) ester as a substrate for pancreatic lipase activity is commonly used for the diagnosis of pancreatitis in dogs and cats. Even though the assay has generally been shown to yield consistent [...] Read more.

The colorimetric catalytic assay based on the use of 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid-(6′-methylresorufin) (DGGR) ester as a substrate for pancreatic lipase activity is commonly used for the diagnosis of pancreatitis in dogs and cats. Even though the assay has generally been shown to yield consistent results with feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI) assay, the agreement may vary between assays of different manufacturers. In this study, the chance-corrected agreement between a DGGR-lipase assay offered by one of the biggest providers of diagnostic solutions in Poland and fPLI assay was investigated. The study was carried out on 50 cats in which DGGR-lipase activity and fPLI were tested in the same blood sample. The chance-corrected agreement was determined using Gwet’s AC₁ coefficient separately for the fPLI assay’s cut-off values of >3.5 μg/L and >5.3 μg/L. The DGGR-lipase activity significantly positively correlated with fPLI (R_s = 0.665; CI 95%: 0.451, 0.807, p < 0.001). The chance-corrected agreement between the fPLI assay and DGGR-lipase assay differed considerably depending on the cut-off values of the DGGR-lipase assay. When the cut-off value reported in the literature (>26 U/L) was used, it was poor to fair. It was moderate at the cut-off value recommended by the laboratory (>45 U/L), and good at the cut-off value recommended by the assay’s manufacturer (>60 U/L). The highest agreement was obtained between the fPLI assay at the cut-off value of 3.5 μg/L and the DGGR-lipase assay at the cut-off value of 55 U/L (AC₁ = 0.725; CI 95%: 0.537, 0.914) and between the fPLI assay at the cut-off value of 5.3 μg/L and the DGGR-lipase assay at the cut-off value of 70 U/L (AC₁ = 0.749; CI 95%: 0.577, 0.921). The study confirms that the chance-corrected agreement between the two assays is good. Prospective studies comparing both assays to a diagnostic gold standard are needed to determine which of them is more accurate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

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12 pages, 1864 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Genetic Variability of Methane Production and Concentration Measured in the Breath of Polish Holstein-Friesian Cattle

by Mateusz Sypniewski, Tomasz Strabel and Marcin Pszczola

Animals 2021, 11(11), 3175; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113175 - 06 Nov 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2432

Abstract

The genetic architecture of methane (CH₄) production remains largely unknown. We aimed to estimate its heritability and to perform genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for the identification of candidate genes associated with two phenotypes: CH₄ in parts per million/day (CH₄ [...] Read more.

The genetic architecture of methane (CH₄) production remains largely unknown. We aimed to estimate its heritability and to perform genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for the identification of candidate genes associated with two phenotypes: CH₄ in parts per million/day (CH₄ ppm/d) and CH₄ in grams/day (CH₄ g/d). We studied 483 Polish Holstein-Friesian cows kept on two commercial farms in Poland. Measurements of CH₄ and carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations exhaled by cows during milking were obtained using gas analyzers installed in the automated milking system on the farms. Genomic analyses were performed using a single-step BLUP approach. The percentage of genetic variance explained by SNPs was calculated for each SNP separately and then for the windows of neighbouring SNPs. The heritability of CH₄ ppm/d ranged from 0 to 0.14, with an average of 0.085. The heritability of CH₄ g/d ranged from 0.13 to 0.26, with an average of 0.22. The GWAS detected potential candidate SNPs on BTA 14 which explained ~0.9% of genetic variance for CH₄ ppm/d and ~1% of genetic variance for CH₄ g/d. All identified SNPs were located in the TRPS1 gene. We showed that methane traits are partially controlled by genes; however, the detected SNPs explained only a small part of genetic variation—implying that both CH₄ ppm/d and CH₄ g/d are highly polygenic traits. Full article

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

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12 pages, 1328 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Optimal Standardized Ileal Digestible Total Sulfur Amino Acids to Lysine REQUIREMENTS Are Increased in Nursery Pigs Raised under Antibiotic-Free Feeding Regime

by Ping Ren, Ferdinando Almeida, Uislei Orlando, Marcio Gonçalves, Deana Hancock and Mercedes Vazquez-Añón

Animals 2021, 11(11), 3143; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113143 - 03 Nov 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2416

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of increasing the standardized ileal digestible (SID) total sulfur amino acid to lysine (TSAA:Lys) on the growth performance of nursery pigs raised with or without antibiotics (AGP) and to determine the optimal SID TSAA:Lys in nursery [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of increasing the standardized ileal digestible (SID) total sulfur amino acid to lysine (TSAA:Lys) on the growth performance of nursery pigs raised with or without antibiotics (AGP) and to determine the optimal SID TSAA:Lys in nursery pigs raised without AGP. In Exp. 1, 924 nursery pigs (7.9 ± 1.3 kg), blocked by initial BW and sex, were randomly allotted to one of six treatments, with seven pens per treatment and twenty-two pigs per pen. The treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial design, with two AGP levels (0 or 50 mg/kg Carbodox) and three levels of SID TSAA:Lys (51.0, 58.5 or 66.0%). In Exp. 2, 990 weaned piglets (5.1 ± 0.9 kg), blocked by initial BW and sex, were randomly allotted to one of five dietary treatments (SID TSAA:Lys at 51, 58, 65, 72 or 79%) in the absence of AGP, with nine pens per treatment and twenty-two pigs per pen. Competing heteroskedastic models including broken-line linear (BLL), broken-line quadratic (BLQ), and quadratic polynomial (QP) were fitted for the growth performance data to estimate the optimal TSAA:Lys. In Exp. 1, AGP supplementation increased (p < 0.05) ADG and ADFI during the 21 d period. Increasing SID TSAA:Lys in the diets with AGP did not affect growth performance; however, increasing SID TSAA:Lys in the diets without AGP resulted in a linear increase (p < 0.05) in ADG and G:F. In Exp. 2, the best-fitting models for ADG and G:F from d 0 to 21 post-weaning were BLL, which yielded the optimal SID TSAA:Lys of 62% and 72%, respectively. The best-fitting models for ADG and G:F from d 21 to 42 post-weaning were BLL, which yielded the optimal SID TSAA:Lys of 59% and 58%, respectively. In conclusion, SID TSAA to Lys requirements under an antibiotic-free feeding regime during the first 21 d post-weaning were 62% and 72% in terms of ADG and G:F, respectively, whereas an SID TSAA:Lys of approximately 58% was required to maximize ADG and G:F for the late nursery phase. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)

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14 pages, 297 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Impact of Anthropogenic Climate Change on Egyptian Livestock Production

by Amira A. Goma and Clive J. C. Phillips

Animals 2021, 11(11), 3127; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113127 - 01 Nov 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3008

Abstract

Egypt is one of the hottest countries in the world, and extreme climate events are becoming more frequent, which is consistent with the warming of the planet. The impact of this warming on ecosystems is severe, including on livestock production systems. Under Egyptian [...] Read more.

Egypt is one of the hottest countries in the world, and extreme climate events are becoming more frequent, which is consistent with the warming of the planet. The impact of this warming on ecosystems is severe, including on livestock production systems. Under Egyptian conditions, livestock already suffer heat stress periods in summer. The predicted increases in temperature as result of climate change will affect livestock production by reducing growth and milk production because of appetite suppression and conception rate reductions and will increase animal welfare concerns. In severe cases, these effects can result in death. We review the heat stress effects on livestock behaviour, reproduction, and production in the context of predicted climate change for Egypt over the course of this century and offer alternative scenarios to achieve food security for a growing human population. As an example, we combine predictions for reduced milk production during heat stress and human population trajectories to predict that milk availability per person will decline from 61 kg/year in 2011 to 26 kg/year in 2064. Mitigation strategies are discussed and include the substitution of animal-based foods for plant-based foods and laboratory-grown animal products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environment, Food Production, Health and Welfare Challenges in the Nutrition of Ruminants)

8 pages, 1116 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Analytical Validation of a New Immunoenzymatic Method for the Measurement of Feline Parathyroid Hormone in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease

by Jari Zambarbieri, Pierangelo Moretti, Alessia Giordano and Paola Scarpa

Animals 2021, 11(11), 3100; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113100 - 29 Oct 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2086

Abstract

The determination of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in cats could be of clinical utility in many metabolic disorders, such as renal diseases, hypercalcemia, or nutritional imbalances. However, the available methods for the measurement of feline PTH are limited, not widely available, and need radioimmunoassays. [...] Read more.

The determination of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in cats could be of clinical utility in many metabolic disorders, such as renal diseases, hypercalcemia, or nutritional imbalances. However, the available methods for the measurement of feline PTH are limited, not widely available, and need radioimmunoassays. The aim of this study was to perform the analytical validation of a new immunoenzymatic method for the measurement of feline PTH. Thirty-eight cats affected with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were included. PTH was measured using a two-site immunoenzymatic method validated in humans and dogs (ST AIA-PACK^® Intact PTH, Tosoh Bioscience, Tessenderlo, Belgium). The analytical validation provided the evaluation of precision (intra-assay and inter-assay), accuracy (linearity under dilution (LUD) and spike recovery test (SRT)), and the storage stability of serum samples at 20 °C, 4 °C, and −20 °C. The method showed good precision (intra-assay CVs (coefficient of variations) 3.19–9.61%; inter-assay CVs 9.26–15.28%). In both the intra- and inter-assays, the highest imprecision was found with the low concentration pool (9.61% and 15.28%) and accuracy (LUD and SRT r² = 0.99, p < 0.001), while the stability was optimal up until 7 days at −20 °C (−7.7%). The method was successfully validated in cats, allowing its future use in diagnostic procedures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

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20 pages, 3504 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Fibropapillomatosis and Chelonid Alphaherpesvirus 5 Infection in Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles (Lepidochelys kempii)

by Annie Page-Karjian, Liam Whitmore, Brian A. Stacy, Justin R. Perrault, Jessica A. Farrell, Donna J. Shaver, J. Shelby Walker, Hilary R. Frandsen, Elina Rantonen, Craig A. Harms, Terry M. Norton, Charles Innis, Kelsey Yetsko and David J. Duffy

Animals 2021, 11(11), 3076; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113076 - 28 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4524

Abstract

Fibropapillomatosis (FP), a debilitating, infectious neoplastic disease, is rarely reported in endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii). With this study, we describe FP and the associated chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) in Kemp’s ridley turtles encountered in the United States during [...] Read more.

Fibropapillomatosis (FP), a debilitating, infectious neoplastic disease, is rarely reported in endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii). With this study, we describe FP and the associated chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) in Kemp’s ridley turtles encountered in the United States during 2006–2020. Analysis of 22 case reports of Kemp’s ridley turtles with FP revealed that while the disease was mild in most cases, 54.5% were adult turtles, a reproductively valuable age class whose survival is a priority for population recovery. Of 51 blood samples from tumor-free turtles and 12 tumor samples from turtles with FP, 7.8% and 91.7%, respectively, tested positive for ChHV5 DNA via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Viral genome shotgun sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of six tumor samples show that ChHV5 sequences in Kemp’s ridley turtles encountered in the Gulf of Mexico and northwestern Atlantic cluster with ChHV5 sequences identified in green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles from Hawaii, the southwestern Atlantic Ocean, and the Caribbean. Results suggest an interspecific, spatiotemporal spread of FP among Kemp’s ridley turtles in regions where the disease is enzootic. Although FP is currently uncommon in this species, it remains a health concern due to its uncertain pathogenesis and potential relationship with habitat degradation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncogenic Viruses in Animals)

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16 pages, 307 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceCommentary

Ethical Challenges Posed by Advanced Veterinary Care in Companion Animal Veterinary Practice

by Anne Quain, Michael P. Ward and Siobhan Mullan

Animals 2021, 11(11), 3010; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113010 - 20 Oct 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 8727

Abstract

Advanced veterinary care (AVC) of companion animals may yield improved clinical outcomes, improved animal welfare, improved satisfaction of veterinary clients, improved satisfaction of veterinary team members, and increased practice profitability. However, it also raises ethical challenges. Yet, what counts as AVC is difficult [...] Read more.

Advanced veterinary care (AVC) of companion animals may yield improved clinical outcomes, improved animal welfare, improved satisfaction of veterinary clients, improved satisfaction of veterinary team members, and increased practice profitability. However, it also raises ethical challenges. Yet, what counts as AVC is difficult to pinpoint due to continuing advancements. We discuss some of the challenges in defining advanced veterinary care (AVC), particularly in relation to a standard of care (SOC). We then review key ethical challenges associated with AVC that have been identified in the veterinary ethics literature, including poor quality of life, dysthanasia and caregiver burden, financial cost and accessibility of veterinary care, conflicts of interest, and the absence of ethical review for some patients undergoing AVC. We suggest some strategies to address these concerns, including prospective ethical review utilising ethical frameworks and decision-making tools, the setting of humane end points, the role of regulatory bodies in limiting acceptable procedures, and the normalisation of quality-of-life scoring. We also suggest a role for retrospective ethical review in the form of ethics rounds and clinical auditing. Our discussion reenforces the need for a spectrum of veterinary care for companion animals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutics and Advanced Veterinary Care)

17 pages, 809 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Cyclosporine Treatment in Cats with Presumed Chronic Pancreatitis—A Retrospective Study

by Nina Hoeyrup, Thomas Spillmann and Linda Toresson

Animals 2021, 11(10), 2993; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11102993 - 19 Oct 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5743

Abstract

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a common disease in middle-aged to older cats. Cyclosporine has been suggested as an alternative treatment when other immunosuppressive treatments are insufficient or contraindicated. However, no published studies have investigated its efficacy on feline CP. The aim of this [...] Read more.

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a common disease in middle-aged to older cats. Cyclosporine has been suggested as an alternative treatment when other immunosuppressive treatments are insufficient or contraindicated. However, no published studies have investigated its efficacy on feline CP. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of cyclosporine on supranormal serum feline pancreas-specific lipase (Spec fPL) concentrations in cats with presumed CP. Inclusion criteria were history and clinical signs suggestive of CP, serum Spec fPL concentrations above 5.3 μg/L (reference range 0–3.5 μg/L, equivocal range 3.6–5.3 μg/L) on at least two occasions and treatment with cyclosporine for at least three weeks. Serum Spec fPL was analyzed at Idexx Laboratories, Kornwestheim, Germany. Nineteen cats, aged 6.9–17.5 years (median 11.6), were included. No pancreatic biopsies were available. Median (range) serum Spec fPL concentration was 14.2 μg/L (6.1–43.3) at baseline and 6.7 μg/L (0.9–23.6) at follow-up. Cyclosporine treatment (5.0–7.9 mg/kg orally SID) was associated with a significant reduction in serum Spec fPL concentrations (p < 0.001) at follow-up after 23–206 days (median 35). Body weight decreased significantly between inclusion and follow-up (p = 0.013). Significant improvement of clinical signs could not be measured (p = 0.781). This study has several limitations, including unstandardized treatment length and dose, no control group and lack of pancreatic biopsies. Despite the limitations, our results suggest that cyclosporine treatment reduces supranormal serum Spec fPL concentrations in cats with presumed CP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Small Animal Gastroenterology)

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10 pages, 1610 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Mathematical Models for the Skin to Lumbosacral Epidural Distance in Dogs: A Cadaveric Computed-Tomography Study

by Tsim Christopher Sun, Mara Schier, Michelle Pui Yan Lau and Fernando Martinez-Taboada

Animals 2021, 11(10), 2974; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11102974 - 15 Oct 2021

Viewed by 2242

Abstract

This study aimed to validate previously published computed tomography (CT) derived mathematical equations with the true skin to lumbosacral epidural distance (SLED) in dog cadavers. Phase 1: The lumbar region of 11 dog cadavers were scanned in sternal recumbency to determine the effect [...] Read more.

This study aimed to validate previously published computed tomography (CT) derived mathematical equations with the true skin to lumbosacral epidural distance (SLED) in dog cadavers. Phase 1: The lumbar region of 11 dog cadavers were scanned in sternal recumbency to determine the effect of cranial, neutral, and caudal pelvic limb positioning on the CT derived lumbosacral epidural distance (CLED). Phase 2: The epidural space was determined using contrast epidurography, and the SLED was analysed against the mathematical equations using a body condition score (BCS) and either the cadaveric occipital-coccygeal length (OCL) (Equation (1): = 7.3 + 0.05*OCL + 16.45*BCS) or the ilium wing distance (IWD) (Equation (2): = 3.5 + 0.56*IWD + 16.6*BCS). There were no differences detected between the pelvic limb positions and the CLED. Both equations demonstrated strong correlations (Equation (1): r = 0.7196; Equation (2): r = 0.7590) with the SLED. The level of agreement was greater for Equation (1) than with Equation (2) (concordance coefficient 0.6061 and 0.3752, respectively). Equation (1) also demonstrated a closer fit to the concordance line compared with Equation (2) (bias correction factor 0.8422 and 0.4960, respectively). Further studies in live anaesthetised dogs will help to determine the usefulness of the pre-procedural knowledge when performing lumbosacral epidurals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Loco-Regional Anaesthesia in Veterinary Medicine)

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25 pages, 14567 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Factors Associated with Fatality in Ontario Thoroughbred Racehorses: 2003–2015

by Peter Physick-Sheard, Amanda Avison and William Sears

Animals 2021, 11(10), 2950; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11102950 - 13 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2497

Abstract

Ontario’s Alcohol and Gaming Commission records equine racing fatalities through its Equine Health Program. The present study examined all Thoroughbred fatalities from 2003 to 2015, inclusive, to identify associations. Official records and details of fatalities were combined in multivariable logistic regression modelling of [...] Read more.

Ontario’s Alcohol and Gaming Commission records equine racing fatalities through its Equine Health Program. The present study examined all Thoroughbred fatalities from 2003 to 2015, inclusive, to identify associations. Official records and details of fatalities were combined in multivariable logistic regression modelling of 236,386 race work-events (433 fatalities), and 459,013 workout work-events (252 fatalities). Fatality rates were 2.94/1000 race starts (all fatalities) and 1.96/1000 (breakdowns only) with an overall rate of 2.61% or 26.1 fatalities/1000 horses. Comparison with published reports reveals rates to be high. Musculoskeletal injury was the predominant complaint and there was a high incidence of horses dying suddenly. Liability was high for young horses early in the season with a differential according to sex and whether a male horse was gelded. Horses undertaking repeated workouts had a higher liability and liability was higher in workouts for horses switching from dirt/synthetic to turf racing and for young horses in sprints. Race distance was not significant but high fatality rates in some large field, distance races combined with effects of age and workload identified groups at particular risk. As field size increased, fatality liability increased for early-finishing horses. Findings suggest jockey strategy could be an important factor influencing fatalities. Probability of fatality declined over the study period. Findings indicate that rapid accumulation of workload in animals early in their preparation is likely to be damaging. Fatality fell toward the end of a season and for horses with a long career history of successful performance; however, horses not exhibiting this robustness and staying power represent the population of greatest concern. Associations may be characterised as representing sources of stress, current or cumulative, and identifying at-risk animals on this basis may be as productive as targeting specific, discrete mechanisms suspected to contribute to individual fatalities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Sustainable Equine)

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11 pages, 3015 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Modified Approach for the Ultrasound-Guided Quadratus Lumborum Block in Dogs: A Cadaveric Study

by Jaime Viscasillas, Jose Terrado, Reyes Marti-Scharfhausen, Diego Castiñeiras, Vicente Esteve, Niamh Clancy and Jose Ignacio Redondo

Animals 2021, 11(10), 2945; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11102945 - 12 Oct 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4125

Abstract

Ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is a locoregional technique described in canine cadavers. The aim of this study was to assess a modified approach to QLB to minimise potential complications such as abdominal organ puncture. Nine canine cadavers were included and were positioned [...] Read more.

Ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is a locoregional technique described in canine cadavers. The aim of this study was to assess a modified approach to QLB to minimise potential complications such as abdominal organ puncture. Nine canine cadavers were included and were positioned in lateral recumbency. An ultrasound-guided QLB was performed on each side. The probe was placed in the transverse position over the lumbar muscles just caudal to the last rib, and a needle was advanced in-plane from a dorso-lateral to a ventro-medial. A volume of 0.2 mL kg⁻¹ of a mixture of iomeprol and methylene blue was injected. Computed tomography (CT) and dissection were performed to evaluate the spreading. Success was defined as staining of the nerve with a length of more than 0.6 cm. Potential complications such as intra-abdominal, epidural, or intravascular spreading of the mixture were also assessed. The CT images showed a T13 to L7 vertebra distribution, with a median of 5 (3–6). Dissection showed staining of the nerves from T13 to L4, with a median of 3 (2–5). No complications were found. This modified approach to QLB is safe and shows similar results to the previous studies in canine carcass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Loco-Regional Anaesthesia in Veterinary Medicine)

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18 pages, 715 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Sexual Development in Non-Human Parasitic Apicomplexa: Just Biology or Targets for Control?

by Teresa Cruz-Bustos, Anna Sophia Feix, Bärbel Ruttkowski and Anja Joachim

Animals 2021, 11(10), 2891; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11102891 - 04 Oct 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5463

Abstract

The phylum Apicomplexa is a major group of protozoan parasites including gregarines, coccidia, haemogregarines, haemosporidia and piroplasms, with more than 6000 named species. Three of these subgroups, the coccidia, hemosporidia, and piroplasms, contain parasites that cause important diseases of humans and animals worldwide. [...] Read more.

The phylum Apicomplexa is a major group of protozoan parasites including gregarines, coccidia, haemogregarines, haemosporidia and piroplasms, with more than 6000 named species. Three of these subgroups, the coccidia, hemosporidia, and piroplasms, contain parasites that cause important diseases of humans and animals worldwide. All of them have complex life cycles involving a switch between asexual and sexual reproduction, which is key to their development. Fertilization (i.e., fusion of female and male cells) results in the formation of a zygote that undergoes meiosis, forming a new generation of asexual stages. In eukaryotes, sexual reproduction is the predominant mode of recombination and segregation of DNA. Sex is well documented in many protist groups, and together with meiosis, is frequently linked with transmission to new hosts. Apicomplexan sexual stages constitute a bottleneck in the life cycle of these parasites, as they are obligatory for the development of new transmissible stages. Consequently, the sexual stages represent attractive targets for vaccination. Detailed understanding of apicomplexan sexual biology will pave the way for the design and implementation of effective transmission-blocking strategies for parasite control. This article reviews the current knowledge on the sexual development of Apicomplexa and the progress in transmission-blocking vaccines for their control, their advantages and limitations and outstanding questions for the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasites and Parasitic Diseases)

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9 pages, 2425 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Species-Level Gut Microbiota Analysis after Antibiotic-Induced Dysbiosis in Horses

by Rebecca Di Pietro, Luis G. Arroyo, Mathilde Leclere and Marcio Carvalho Costa

Animals 2021, 11(10), 2859; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11102859 - 30 Sep 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3602

Abstract

All current studies have used Illumina short-read sequencing to characterize the equine intestinal microbiota. Long-read sequencing can classify bacteria at the species level. The objectives of this study were to characterize the gut microbiota of horses at the species level before and after [...] Read more.

All current studies have used Illumina short-read sequencing to characterize the equine intestinal microbiota. Long-read sequencing can classify bacteria at the species level. The objectives of this study were to characterize the gut microbiota of horses at the species level before and after trimethoprim sulfadiazine (TMS) administration and to compare results with Illumina sequencing. Nine horses received TMS (30 mg/kg) orally for 5 days twice a day to induce dysbiosis. Illumina sequencing of the V4 region or full-length PacBio sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was performed in fecal samples collected before and after antibiotic administration. The relative abundance and alpha diversity were compared between the two technologies. PacBio failed to classify the equine intestinal microbiota at the species level but confirmed Bacteroidetes as the most abundant bacteria in the feces of the studied horses, followed by Firmicutes and Fibrobacteres. An unknown species of the Bacteroidales order was highly abundant (13%) and deserves further investigation. In conclusion, PacBio was not suitable to classify the equine microbiota species but detected greater richness and less unclassified bacteria. Further efforts in improving current databanks to be used in equine studies are necessary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Equine Microbiota)

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18 pages, 875 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Systematic Review of Musculoskeletal Mobilization and Manipulation Techniques Used in Veterinary Medicine

by Kevin K. Haussler, Amie L. Hesbach, Laura Romano, Lesley Goff and Anna Bergh

Animals 2021, 11(10), 2787; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11102787 - 24 Sep 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5620

Abstract

Mobilization and manipulation techniques are often used in small animal and equine practice; however, questions remain concerning indications, dosing and efficacy. A bibliographic search was performed to identify peer-reviewed publications from 1980 to 2020 that evaluated the clinical effects of musculoskeletal mobilization and [...] Read more.

Mobilization and manipulation techniques are often used in small animal and equine practice; however, questions remain concerning indications, dosing and efficacy. A bibliographic search was performed to identify peer-reviewed publications from 1980 to 2020 that evaluated the clinical effects of musculoskeletal mobilization and manipulation techniques in dogs, cats and horses. The search strategy identified 883 papers for review. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. The clinical indications, dosages, outcome parameters, and reported efficacy within each publication were recorded and categorized for comparison with scientific quality assessed according to a standardized grading system. Fourteen articles were included in this systematic review of which 13 were equine and one was a canine study. Seven of these were cohort studies and seven were randomized controlled clinical trials. The canine study involved carpal immobilization-remobilization and all equine studies focused on the effects of passive mobilization (n = 5) or manipulation (n = 8) of the axial skeleton. Study quality was low (n = 4), moderate (n = 7), and high (n = 3) and included a wide array of outcome parameters with varying levels of efficacy and duration of therapeutic effects, which prevented further meta-analysis. Therefore, it was difficult to draw firm conclusions despite all studies reporting positive effects. Optimal technique indications and dosages need to be determined to improve the standardization of these treatment options. Full article

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

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25 pages, 120914 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Fascioliasis in Llama, Lama glama, in Andean Endemic Areas: Experimental Transmission Capacity by the High Altitude Snail Vector Galba truncatula and Epidemiological Analysis of Its Reservoir Role

by Santiago Mas-Coma, Maria Mercedes Cafrune, Ilra Renata Funatsu, Atilio Jose Mangold, Rene Angles, Paola Buchon, Maria Cecilia Fantozzi, Patricio Artigas, Maria Adela Valero and Maria Dolores Bargues

Animals 2021, 11(9), 2693; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092693 - 14 Sep 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3351

Abstract

South American camelids are definitive hosts of Fasciola hepatica. However, their capacity to participate in the transmission and epidemiology of fascioliasis has never been appropriately studied. Therefore, an F. hepatica isolate from Argentine llama is for the first time analyzed using Galba [...] Read more.

South American camelids are definitive hosts of Fasciola hepatica. However, their capacity to participate in the transmission and epidemiology of fascioliasis has never been appropriately studied. Therefore, an F. hepatica isolate from Argentine llama is for the first time analyzed using Galba truncatula lymnaeids from Bolivia. Experimental follow-up studies included egg embryogenesis, miracidial infection of lymnaeid snails, intramolluscan larval development, cercarial production, chronobiology of cercarial shedding, vector survival to infection, and metacercarial infectivity of mammal host. Shorter prepatent and patent periods were leading to markedly lower cercarial production, shorter cercarial shedding, and a higher negative impact on snail survival. The usually low liver fluke prevalences and intensities and low daily fecal outputs indicate that llamas do not substantially contribute to fascioliasis transmission. The defecating behavior in dung piles far from freshwater collections prevents lymnaeid infection by eggs shed by this camelid. All results suggest the reservoir role of the llama to be negligible and, therefore, no priority within control measures in endemic areas. However, llamas may play a disease-spreading role if used as pack animals in rural areas. In the Northern Bolivian Altiplano human hyperendemic area, neither llamas nor alpacas should be considered for control measures within a One Health action. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Host-Parasite Relationships in Veterinary Parasitology: Get to Know Your Enemy before Fighting it)

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13 pages, 222 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Dental Problems and Prophylactic Care in Cats—Knowledge and Perceptions among Swedish Cat Owners and Communication by Veterinary Care Staff

by Kristin Oskarsson, Louise Axelsson Puurtinen and Johanna Christina Penell

Animals 2021, 11(9), 2571; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092571 - 31 Aug 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3929

Abstract

Dental problems are increasingly recognised in cats although many problems are preventable by tooth brushing. However, the knowledge level and preventive measures performed by owners are unclear. Additionally, there is a shortage of information on the communication by veterinary care staff to owners [...] Read more.

Dental problems are increasingly recognised in cats although many problems are preventable by tooth brushing. However, the knowledge level and preventive measures performed by owners are unclear. Additionally, there is a shortage of information on the communication by veterinary care staff to owners on dental health and prophylaxis in cats. The aim was to describe the knowledge and perceptions among Swedish cat owners and the communication by veterinary care staff on dental problems and prevention in cats. We distributed two electronic surveys; to cat owners and care staff, respectively. Of the cat owners, n = 407, 2/3 stated that they have knowledge about dental disease, listing modified eating behaviour as the most common sign followed by gingivitis, halitosis, pain and dental calculus. The main source of information was the internet followed by veterinary care staff, and 47% of the owners reported that they perform preventive oral health measures. The single most frequently stated preventive measure was tooth brushing, which was applied by 28% of the cat owners but with low frequency (daily n = 15, every second day n = 14). Veterinary care staff, n = 179, reported that they inform (47%) or sometimes inform (42%) cat owners on prophylactic dental care, daily or 3–7 times a week (combined 39%) most frequently by oral communication, with tooth brushing as the most common measure recommended. This study suggests that cat owners have relevant knowledge on dental health in cats, but the performed preventive measures are too infrequent to support good oral health in cats. There is room to develop strategies such as improvement in education and communication to increase welfare in cats. This includes consideration of the motivation and practical options for owners of cats who may not tolerate tooth brushing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Nursing)

19 pages, 4011 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of Infant Presence on Social Networks of Sterilized and Intact Wild Female Balinese Macaques (Macaca fascicularis)

by Gwennan Giraud, Sebastian Sosa, Alain Hambuckers, Stefan Deleuze, I Nengah Wandia, Marie-Claude Huynen, Pascal Poncin and Fany Brotcorne

Animals 2021, 11(9), 2538; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092538 - 29 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3669

Abstract

Contraception is increasingly used to control wild animal populations. However, as reproductive condition influences social interactions in primates, the absence of new offspring could influence the females’ social integration. We studied two groups of wild macaques (Macaca fascicularis) including females recently [...] Read more.

Contraception is increasingly used to control wild animal populations. However, as reproductive condition influences social interactions in primates, the absence of new offspring could influence the females’ social integration. We studied two groups of wild macaques (Macaca fascicularis) including females recently sterilized in the Ubud Monkey Forest, Indonesia. We used social network analysis to examine female grooming and proximity networks and investigated the role of infant presence on social centrality and group connectivity, while controlling for the fertility status (sterilized N = 14, intact N = 34). We compared the ego networks of females experiencing different nursing conditions (young infant (YI) vs. old infant (OI) vs. non-nursing (NN) females). YI females were less central in the grooming network than other females while being more central in proximity networks, suggesting they could keep proximity within the group to protect their infant from hazards, while decreasing direct grooming interactions, involving potential risks such as kidnapping. The centrality of sterilized and intact females was similar, except for the proximity network where sterilized females had more partners and a better group connectivity. These results confirm the influence of nursing condition in female macaque social networks and did not show any negative short-term effects of sterilization on social integration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Use of Social Network Analysis to Evaluate Animal Welfare)

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17 pages, 628 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Genetic Parameters for Maternal Performance Traits in Commercially Farmed New Zealand Beef Cattle

by Franziska Weik, Rebecca E. Hickson, Stephen T. Morris, Dorian J. Garrick and Jason A. Archer

Animals 2021, 11(9), 2509; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092509 - 26 Aug 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3638

Abstract

Maternal performance is a major driver of profitability in cow-calf beef cattle enterprises. The aim of this research was to evaluate the inheritance of maternal performance traits and examine the intercorrelation among reproduction, live weight, hip height, body condition and maternal contribution to [...] Read more.

Maternal performance is a major driver of profitability in cow-calf beef cattle enterprises. The aim of this research was to evaluate the inheritance of maternal performance traits and examine the intercorrelation among reproduction, live weight, hip height, body condition and maternal contribution to calf weaning weight in 15-month-old heifers, 2-year-old cows and mature cows in New Zealand beef herds. Data were collected on a total of 14,241 cows and their progeny on five commercial New Zealand hill country farms. Heritabilities were low for reproductive traits in heifers and mature cows (0–0.06) but were greater in 2-year-old cows (0.12–0.21). Body condition scores were lowly (0.15–0.26) and live weights (0.42–0.48) and hip heights (0.47–0.65) highly heritable in heifers, 2-year-old cows and mature cows. Results indicate that 2-year-old cows with higher genetic potential for rebreeding ability may have greater genetic merit for live weight, hip height and body condition as heifers (r_g = 0.19–0.54) but are unlikely to be larger cows at maturity (r_g = −0.27–−0.10). The maternal genetic effect on weaning weight had a heritability of 0.20 and was negatively genetically correlated with body condition score in lactating cows (r_g = −0.55–−0.40) but positively genetically correlated with rebreeding performance (r_g = 0.48). Full article

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

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27 pages, 3338 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

DNA Multi-Marker Genotyping and CIAS Morphometric Phenotyping of Fasciola gigantica-Sized Flukes from Ecuador, with an Analysis of the Radix Absence in the New World and the Evolutionary Lymnaeid Snail Vector Filter

by Maria Dolores Bargues, Maria Adela Valero, Gabriel A. Trueba, Marco Fornasini, Angel F. Villavicencio, Rocío Guamán, Alejandra De Elías-Escribano, Ignacio Pérez-Crespo, Patricio Artigas and Santiago Mas-Coma

Animals 2021, 11(9), 2495; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092495 - 25 Aug 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4421

Abstract

Fascioliasis is a disease caused by Fasciola hepatica worldwide transmitted by lymnaeid snails mainly of the Galba/Fossaria group and F. gigantica restricted to parts of Africa and Asia and transmitted by Radix lymnaeids. Concern has recently risen regarding the high pathogenicity [...] Read more.

Fascioliasis is a disease caused by Fasciola hepatica worldwide transmitted by lymnaeid snails mainly of the Galba/Fossaria group and F. gigantica restricted to parts of Africa and Asia and transmitted by Radix lymnaeids. Concern has recently risen regarding the high pathogenicity and human infection capacity of F. gigantica. Abnormally big-sized fasciolids were found infecting sheep in Ecuador, the only South American country where F. gigantica has been reported. Their phenotypic comparison with F. hepatica infecting sheep from Peru, Bolivia and Spain, and F. gigantica from Egypt and Vietnam demonstrated the Ecuadorian fasciolids to have size-linked parameters of F. gigantica. Genotyping of these big-sized fasciolids by rDNA ITS-2 and ITS-1 and mtDNA cox1 and nad1 and their comparison with other countries proved the big-sized fasciolids to belong to F. hepatica. Neither heterozygotic ITS position differentiated the two species, and no introgressed fragments and heteroplasmic positions in mtDNA were found. The haplotype diversity indicates introductions mainly from other South American countries, Europe and North America. Big-sized fasciolids from Ecuador and USA are considered to be consequences of F.gigantica introductions by past livestock importations. The vector specificity filter due to Radix absence should act as driving force in the evolution in such lineages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Host-Parasite Relationships in Veterinary Parasitology: Get to Know Your Enemy before Fighting it)

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22 pages, 3178 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evolutionary Comparisons of Chelonid Alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) Genomes from Fibropapillomatosis-Afflicted Green (Chelonia mydas), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) and Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) Sea Turtles

by Liam Whitmore, Kelsey Yetsko, Jessica A. Farrell, Annie Page-Karjian, Whitney Daniel, Donna J. Shaver, Hilary R. Frandsen, Jennifer Shelby Walker, Whitney Crowder, Caitlin Bovery, Devon Rollinson Ramia, Brooke Burkhalter, Elizabeth Ryan and David J. Duffy

Animals 2021, 11(9), 2489; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092489 - 25 Aug 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3984

Abstract

The spreading global sea turtle fibropapillomatosis (FP) epizootic is threatening some of Earth’s ancient reptiles, adding to the plethora of threats faced by these keystone species. Understanding this neoplastic disease and its likely aetiological pathogen, chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5), is crucial to understand [...] Read more.

The spreading global sea turtle fibropapillomatosis (FP) epizootic is threatening some of Earth’s ancient reptiles, adding to the plethora of threats faced by these keystone species. Understanding this neoplastic disease and its likely aetiological pathogen, chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5), is crucial to understand how the disease impacts sea turtle populations and species and the future trajectory of disease incidence. We generated 20 ChHV5 genomes, from three sea turtle species, to better understand the viral variant diversity and gene evolution of this oncogenic virus. We revealed previously underappreciated genetic diversity within this virus (with an average of 2035 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 1.54% of the ChHV5 genome) and identified genes under the strongest evolutionary pressure. Furthermore, we investigated the phylogeny of ChHV5 at both genome and gene level, confirming the propensity of the virus to be interspecific, with related variants able to infect multiple sea turtle species. Finally, we revealed unexpected intra-host diversity, with up to 0.15% of the viral genome varying between ChHV5 genomes isolated from different tumours concurrently arising within the same individual. These findings offer important insights into ChHV5 biology and provide genomic resources for this oncogenic virus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncogenic Viruses in Animals)

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16 pages, 2370 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Improved Oral Health and Adaptation to Treatment in Dogs Using Manual or Ultrasonic Toothbrush or Textile of Nylon or Microfiber for Active Dental Home Care

by Lena Olsén, Anna Brissman, Sara Wiman, Fanny Eriksson, Camilla Kaj and Karolina Brunius Enlund

Animals 2021, 11(9), 2481; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092481 - 24 Aug 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 9022

Abstract

Poor oral health is a common problem in dogs causing pain and impaired welfare. The gold standard to maintain good oral health and prevent periodontitis is daily tooth brushing. However, many dog owners find it difficult, and dogs often show aversive behavior. There [...] Read more.

Poor oral health is a common problem in dogs causing pain and impaired welfare. The gold standard to maintain good oral health and prevent periodontitis is daily tooth brushing. However, many dog owners find it difficult, and dogs often show aversive behavior. There are several different tools available, and in this intra-subject study, four different active dental home care treatment options were examined: manual and ultrasonic toothbrush, a nylon glove, and a microfiber finger cloth. The treatments were evaluated for efficacy against gingivitis, plaque, and calculus in beagle dogs. Each dog received two treatments on the buccal sides of the teeth once daily, either two types of toothbrushes (N = 10) or two types of textiles (N = 11), on separate sides of the mouth. The dogs’ teeth were assessed before and after the five-week treatment period, with the assessor blinded by additional, similar dogs (N = 7). The study also assessed the dogs’ stress levels during treatment using a fear, anxiety, stress (FAS) protocol. All four treatments improved dog oral health, reducing gingivitis and plaque. Furthermore, the amount of calculus also decreased in some individuals. Adaptation to dental care occurred in the dogs over time. This information can be used to encourage dog owners to brush their dogs’ teeth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Nursing)

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16 pages, 1471 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Role of Two-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Early Detection of Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Dogs

by Lina Hamabe, Ahmed S. Mandour, Kazumi Shimada, Akiko Uemura, Zeki Yilmaz, Kentaro Nagaoka and Ryou Tanaka

Animals 2021, 11(8), 2361; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082361 - 10 Aug 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4594

Abstract

Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D–STE) is an advanced echocardiographic technique based on deformation imaging that allows comprehensive evaluation of the myocardial function. Clinical application of 2D–STE holds great potential for its ability to provide valuable information on both global and regional myocardial function and [...] Read more.

Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D–STE) is an advanced echocardiographic technique based on deformation imaging that allows comprehensive evaluation of the myocardial function. Clinical application of 2D–STE holds great potential for its ability to provide valuable information on both global and regional myocardial function and to quantify cardiac rotation and synchronicity, which are not readily possible with the conventional echocardiography. It has gained growing importance over the past decade, especially in human medicine, and its application includes assessment of myocardial function, detection of subclinical myocardial dysfunction and serving as a prognostic indicator. This review illustrates the fundamental concepts of deformation analysis and gives an overview of the current understanding and its clinical application of this technique in veterinary medicine, with a focus on early detection of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in dogs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Detection of Heart Failure in Animals)

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15 pages, 2682 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Calcinosis in Alpaca Crias (Vicugna pacos) Due to Vitamin D Intoxication—Clinical, Laboratory and Pathological Findings with a Focus on Kidney Function

by Matthias Gerhard Wagener, Carina Helmer, Patricia Kammeyer, Sven Kleinschmidt, Teresa Maria Punsmann, Johanna Maria Meilwes, Cornelia Schwennen, Alexandra von Altrock, Mirja Wilkens, Barbara Schwert, Nicole von Keyserlingk-Eberius and Martin Ganter

Animals 2021, 11(8), 2332; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082332 - 07 Aug 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3679

Abstract

Alpacas kept in Central Europe are often deficient in vitamin D₃, which is supplemented orally or by injection by the owners or veterinarians. Vitamin D₃ can be specified in two different units (IU and µg), which differ by a factor [...] Read more.

Alpacas kept in Central Europe are often deficient in vitamin D₃, which is supplemented orally or by injection by the owners or veterinarians. Vitamin D₃ can be specified in two different units (IU and µg), which differ by a factor of 40. By mixing up these units, an overdosage can be induced. In this study, three alpaca crias were examined after vitamin D₃ intoxication, with particular reference to kidney function. All three animals developed non-specific clinical alterations 1–2 weeks after a vitamin D₃ overdose of approximately 40 times. Plasma of the animals revealed several alterations. The main findings were severe azotemia, hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia, 15 days after treatment. Kidney function analysis (endogenous creatinine clearance) in two of the crias revealed severe glomerular damage. All crias died despite intensive treatment within 23 days after vitamin D₃ treatment. Necropsy revealed calcification in different organs, mainly the kidneys, lungs and liver. Since nine other crias in the same group were treated with comparable doses of vitamin D₃ and no clinical signs were observed in these animals, it is concluded that individual animals show different levels of sensitivity to vitamin D₃. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Clinical Pathology in Animals)

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