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Animals
Volume 13
Issue 10
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Animals, Volume 13, Issue 10 (May-2 2023) – 144 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Northern mammals withstand harsh winter conditions with profound seasonal acclimatization of physiology and behavior. We corroborated with an experimental study that red deer reduce energy expenditure during winter to about half of the summer level, accomplished to a large degree by tolerating a lower body temperature. The comprehensive change into a thrifty winter phenotype is mainly controlled by the photoperiod. The nutritional supply of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids had only weak modulating effects, in contrast to the expectations derived from studies of hibernators. View this paper
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14 pages, 500 KiB  
Article
The Timing of the Maternal Recognition of Pregnancy Is Specific to Individual Mares
by John R. Newcombe, Juan Cuervo-Arango and Sandra Wilsher
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1718; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101718 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2901
Abstract
The present experiment aimed at determining whether the timing of the maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) was specific to individual mares by determining when luteostasis, a failure to return to oestrus, reliably occurred in individuals following embryo reduction. Singleton (n = 150) and [...] Read more.
The present experiment aimed at determining whether the timing of the maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) was specific to individual mares by determining when luteostasis, a failure to return to oestrus, reliably occurred in individuals following embryo reduction. Singleton (n = 150) and synchronous twin pregnancies (n = 9) were reduced in 10 individuals (5–29 reductions/mare) at pre-determined time points within days 10 (n = 20), 11 (n = 65), 12 (n = 47), 13 (n = 12) or 14 (n = 15) of pregnancy. Prior to embryo reduction, the vesicle diameter was measured in 71% (106/150) of the singleton pregnancies. The interovulatory interval (IOI) was recorded on 78 occasions in seven of the mares in either non-pregnant cycles (n = 37) or those in which luteolysis followed embryo reduction (n = 41). The earliest time post-ovulation at which the embryo reduction resulted in luteostasis in an individual was 252 h (mid-Day 10). Consistency in luteostasis following embryo reduction showed individual variation between mares (272–344 h). Binary logistic regression analysis showed an individual mare effect (p < 0.001) and an effect of the interval post-ovulation at which embryo reduction was undertaken (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant effect of vesicle diameter at the time of embryo reduction (p = 0.099), nor a singleton or twin pregnancy (p = 0.993), on the dependent of luteolysis or luteostasis. The median IOI between individual mares varied significantly (p < 0.05) but was not correlated to the timing of MRP. The timing of MRP varied between the mares but was repeatable in each individual. The factors and mechanisms underlying the individuality in the timing of MRP were not determined and warrant further study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Equine Fertility: Embryo-Maternal Communication and Embryo Loss in the Mare)
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13 pages, 2226 KiB  
Article
Assessing Genomic Diversity and Signatures of Selection in Chinese Red Steppe Cattle Using High-Density SNP Array
by Mingyue Hu, Hao Jiang, Weining Lai, Lulu Shi, Wenfeng Yi, Hao Sun, Chengzhen Chen, Bao Yuan, Shouqing Yan and Jiabao Zhang
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1717; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101717 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2169
Abstract
Chinese Red Steppe Cattle (CRS), a composite cattle breed, is well known for its milk production, high slaughter rate, carcass traits, and meat quality. Nowadays, it is widely bred in Jilin and Hebei Province and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous region. However, the population [...] Read more.
Chinese Red Steppe Cattle (CRS), a composite cattle breed, is well known for its milk production, high slaughter rate, carcass traits, and meat quality. Nowadays, it is widely bred in Jilin and Hebei Province and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous region. However, the population structure and the genetic basis of prominent characteristics of CRS are still unknown. In this study, we systematically describe their population structure, genetic diversity, and selection signature based on genotyping data from 61 CRS individuals with GGP Bovine 100 K chip. The results showed that CRS cattle had low inbreeding levels and had formed a unique genetic structure feature. Using two complementary methods (including comprehensive haplotype score and complex likelihood ratio), we identified 1291 and 1285 potentially selected genes, respectively. There were 141 genes annotated in common 106 overlapping genomic regions covered 5.62 Mb, including PLAG1, PRKG2, DGAT1, PARP10, TONSL, ADCK5, and BMP3, most of which were enriched in pathways related to muscle growth and differentiation, milk production, and lipid metabolism. This study will contribute to understanding the genetic mechanism behind artificial selection and give an extensive reference for subsequent breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)
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12 pages, 27391 KiB  
Article
Radio Tracking Reveals the Home Range and Activity Patterns of Nutria (Myocastor coypus) in the Macdo Wetland in South Korea
by Maniram Banjade, Pradeep Adhikari, Sun-Hee Hong and Do-Hun Lee
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1716; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101716 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2037
Abstract
Nutria (Myocastor coypus) are semi-aquatic rodents that were introduced in South Korea for commercial farming but significantly damaged aquatic ecosystems. Understanding nutria ecological behavior is essential for developing effective control and eradication strategies to mitigate their impacts. Thus, this study aimed [...] Read more.
Nutria (Myocastor coypus) are semi-aquatic rodents that were introduced in South Korea for commercial farming but significantly damaged aquatic ecosystems. Understanding nutria ecological behavior is essential for developing effective control and eradication strategies to mitigate their impacts. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the home range and activity patterns of 24 nutria (12 males and 12 females) in the Macdo wetland in South Korea from 2015–2016 through radio tracking. The average minimum convex polygon home range of the nutria was 0.29 ± 0.55 km2, with a 95% kernel density estimation (KDE) home range of 0.43 ± 0.85 km2 and a 50% KDE home range of 0.05 ± 1.1 km2. The home range of males was larger than that of females; however, the winter home range of females was as large as that of males. The home range also varied seasonally, with the smallest observed in winter. The nutria showed crepuscular and nocturnal activity patterns throughout the year, with no significant difference between sexes. The activities in spring, summer, and autumn showed no significant differences, but the activity in winter was significantly different from that in the other seasons. This study may serve as a basis for developing appropriately timed and scaled management strategies to mitigate the impacts of nutria on ecosystems. In conclusion, several environmental and biological factors contribute to the behavior of nutria in South Korea. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behavioural Ecology, Conservation and Management of Wildlife and Fish)
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14 pages, 344 KiB  
Article
Effect of THI on Milk Production, Percentage of Milking Cows, and Time Lying in Holstein Cows in Northern-Arid Mexico
by Rafael Rodriguez-Venegas, Cesar Alberto Meza-Herrera, Pedro Antonio Robles-Trillo, Oscar Angel-Garcia, Martín Alfredo Legarreta-Gonzalez, Humberto Filemón Sánchez-Vocanegra and Rafael Rodriguez-Martinez
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1715; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101715 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2351
Abstract
The possible effect of heat stress (HS), measured with the temperature–humidity index (THI) across seasons of the year (SY) upon milk production (MP), feed-to-milk efficiency (FME), and cow comfort (CC) was assessed in Holstein–Friesian cows in northern-arid Mexico. Data from 2467 cows (2146 [...] Read more.
The possible effect of heat stress (HS), measured with the temperature–humidity index (THI) across seasons of the year (SY) upon milk production (MP), feed-to-milk efficiency (FME), and cow comfort (CC) was assessed in Holstein–Friesian cows in northern-arid Mexico. Data from 2467 cows (2146 milking and 321 dry) were recorded across SY [spring (SP), summer (SM), autumn (AT), and winter (WN)] between 2016 and 2019 in an intensive dairy farm located in the Comarca Lagunera (25° NL) with large fluctuations regarding ambient temperature and solar radiation. The THI was stratified into four classes: non-HS, <68; light HS, 68–71; moderate HS, 72–76; and intense HS, ≥77. The considered response variables were Milk production: both on a farm basis (totMP) and on a cow basis (cowMP); Nutritional efficiency: dry matter intake (DMI, kg); Feed conversion efficiency (FCE, kg) and energy-corrected milk (ECM, kg); Percentage of milking cows: (MC%); and Cow comfort: lying time (LT, h). Analyses of variance for unbalanced data were performed through “R”. Both totMP and cowMP differed (p < 0.05) as HS increased; the largest values (i.e., 77,886 L and 35.9 L) occurred at lower THIs (i.e., <68 and 68–71) while the milk production fell (i.e., 66,584 L and 31.7 L) with the highest THIs (i.e., ≥77). Not only feed-to-milk efficiency (i.e., DMI, FCE, and ECM) but also the MC% exhibited a similar trend; a visible drop (p < 0.05) occurred from a THI of 68–71 onwards. Furthermore, the LT declined as the THI augmented, from 10.6 h at <68 to 8.5 h at ≥77. Moreover, differences (p < 0.05) also arose across seasons; TotMP, cowMP, DMI, FCE, and ECM revealed their largest (p < 0.05) values in WN and SP, halfway ones in AT, with the lowermost figures in SM. In the same way, cow comfort differed (p < 0.05) among seasons, with diverse lying times (h); WT, 10.5; AT, 10.20; SP, 9.3 h; and 8.8 in SM. Finally, the potential economic burden that HS caused at the producer (USD 233.2 million) and industry-market levels (USD 311.1 M), as well as its impact upon nutrient and alimentary security at the society level (i.e., 311 M milk liters and 195,415.82 Gcal), were also quantified. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Heat Stress on Livestock and Adaptation Methods)
23 pages, 5226 KiB  
Article
Effects of a 15° Variation in Poll Flexion during Riding on the Respiratory Systems and Behaviour of High-Level Dressage and Show-Jumping Horses
by Paula Tilley, Joana Simões and José Paulo Sales Luis
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1714; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101714 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 9512
Abstract
From previous studies, the International Society for Equitation Science has advised that further research be conducted on the physiological/psychological effects of less-exacerbated poll flexion angles. We aimed to evaluate the effects of two riding poll flexion positions with a difference of only 15° [...] Read more.
From previous studies, the International Society for Equitation Science has advised that further research be conducted on the physiological/psychological effects of less-exacerbated poll flexion angles. We aimed to evaluate the effects of two riding poll flexion positions with a difference of only 15° on the respiratory systems and behaviour of horses through an evaluation of dynamic airway collapse via over-ground endoscopy, the pharyngeal diameter, pleural pressure, arterial oxygenation and lactate, HR/RR, and the occurrence of conflict behaviours. Twenty high-level dressage and twenty show-jumping horses underwent a 40 min ridden test at a ground angle of 85°; 3 weeks later, they underwent a ridden test at a 100° ground angle (the angle between the ground and the line from the forehead to the muzzle) and in a cross-over design. Using a mixed model for repeated measures, Wilcoxon/Friedman tests were carried out according to the experimental design and/or error normality. For both groups, at 100°, conflict behaviours and upper airway tract abnormalities were significantly more frequent, and the pleural pressure was higher, and the pharyngeal diameter was lower. At 85°, relaxation behaviours were significantly more frequent. Lactate was significantly higher at 100° only in the dressage horses. Compared to the first test at 85°, the HR/RR were significantly lower at the beginning of the second test (at 100°) but higher at the end. The significant differences identified in these dressage and show-jumping horses support the idea that an increase of just 15° in riding poll flexion can have negative effects on the respiratory system and behaviour of a horse and therefore on its welfare. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Equine Upper Respiratory Tract Dynamics)
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27 pages, 8280 KiB  
Article
An Efficient Method for Monitoring Birds Based on Object Detection and Multi-Object Tracking Networks
by Xian Chen, Hongli Pu, Yihui He, Mengzhen Lai, Daike Zhang, Junyang Chen and Haibo Pu
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1713; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101713 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3340
Abstract
To protect birds, it is crucial to identify their species and determine their population across different regions. However, currently, bird monitoring methods mainly rely on manual techniques, such as point counts conducted by researchers and ornithologists in the field. This method can sometimes [...] Read more.
To protect birds, it is crucial to identify their species and determine their population across different regions. However, currently, bird monitoring methods mainly rely on manual techniques, such as point counts conducted by researchers and ornithologists in the field. This method can sometimes be inefficient, prone to errors, and have limitations, which may not always be conducive to bird conservation efforts. In this paper, we propose an efficient method for wetland bird monitoring based on object detection and multi-object tracking networks. First, we construct a manually annotated dataset for bird species detection, annotating the entire body and head of each bird separately, comprising 3737 bird images. We also built a new dataset containing 11,139 complete, individual bird images for the multi-object tracking task. Second, we perform comparative experiments using a state-of-the-art batch of object detection networks, and the results demonstrated that the YOLOv7 network, trained with a dataset labeling the entire body of the bird, was the most effective method. To enhance YOLOv7 performance, we added three GAM modules on the head side of the YOLOv7 to minimize information diffusion and amplify global interaction representations and utilized Alpha-IoU loss to achieve more accurate bounding box regression. The experimental results revealed that the improved method offers greater accuracy, with [email protected] improving to 0.951 and [email protected]:0.95 improving to 0.815. Then, we send the detection information to DeepSORT for bird tracking and classification counting. Finally, we use the area counting method to count according to the species of birds to obtain information about flock distribution. The method described in this paper effectively addresses the monitoring challenges in bird conservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Ecology, Management and Conservation of Vertebrates)
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11 pages, 2136 KiB  
Article
Troglonectes canlinensis sp. nov. (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae), a New Troglomorphic Loach from Guangxi, China
by Shu-Jing Li, Jia-Kai Ge, Chun-Yan Bao, Li-Na Du, Fu-Guang Luo and Tong-Xiang Zou
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1712; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101712 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1857
Abstract
A new species of the genus Troglonectes is described based on specimens from a karst cave in Andong Town, Xincheng County, Liuzhou City, Guangxi, China. Troglonectes canlinensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congener species by the following combination of characteristics: eye [...] Read more.
A new species of the genus Troglonectes is described based on specimens from a karst cave in Andong Town, Xincheng County, Liuzhou City, Guangxi, China. Troglonectes canlinensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congener species by the following combination of characteristics: eye degenerated into a black spot; whole body covered by scales, except for the head, throat, and abdomen; incomplete lateral line; forked caudal fin; 8–10 gill rakers on the first gill arch; 13–14 branched caudal fin rays; 8–9 branched dorsal fin rays; 5–6 anal fin rays; 9–10 pectoral fin rays; upper adipose keel depth mostly 1/2 of the caudal peduncle depth; and caudal fin forked. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Fauna Biodiversity and Conservation)
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21 pages, 4593 KiB  
Article
Spatial and Temporal Movements of Free-Roaming Cats and Wildlife in Two Local Government Areas in Greater Sydney, Australia
by Isabella J. L. Davey, Mark E. Westman, Dominique Van der Saag, Gemma C. Ma and Brooke P. A. Kennedy
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1711; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101711 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2408
Abstract
Free-roaming cats pose a risk to their own health and welfare, as well as to the health and welfare of wildlife and humans. This study aimed to monitor and quantify area-specific free-roaming cat movement. Two local government areas (LGAs) in Greater Sydney were [...] Read more.
Free-roaming cats pose a risk to their own health and welfare, as well as to the health and welfare of wildlife and humans. This study aimed to monitor and quantify area-specific free-roaming cat movement. Two local government areas (LGAs) in Greater Sydney were included, Campbelltown (CT) and the Blue Mountains (BM). Motion-capture cameras were installed on 100 volunteer properties (50 per LGA) to indirectly capture animal movements over two months. Transect drives were completed eight times (four per LGA) to directly observe roaming cats in residential areas. The cameras and transects both identified higher free-roaming cat numbers in CT (density of 0.31 cats per ha, resulting in an estimated abundance of 361 cats in the 1604 ha of residential area) than the BM (density of 0.21 cats per ha, resulting in an estimated abundance of 3365 cats in the 10,000 ha of residential area). More wildlife events were captured in the BM (total = 5580) than CT (total = 2697). However, there was no significant difference between CT and the BM for cat events (p = 0.11) or wildlife events (p = 0.32) observed via the cameras. Temporally, cats were observed via the cameras throughout the entire day with peaks at 9:30 am and 8:00 pm in the BM, and 7:00 am and 12:00 pm in CT. Overlaps in activity times were recorded for free-roaming cats with bandicoots (BM), possums (BM), and small mammals (BM and CT). This study demonstrates that camera monitoring on private property and transect drives are useful methods to quantify free-roaming cat abundance to inform cat management interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Companion Animals)
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19 pages, 2656 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Profile of the Yak Mammary Transcriptome during the Lactation Cycle
by Wei Xia, Yili Liu, Juan J. Loor, Massimo Bionaz and Mingfeng Jiang
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1710; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101710 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1541
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the transcriptome of the mammary tissue of four yaks during the whole lactation cycle. For this purpose, biopsies of the mammary gland were performed at −30, −15, 1, 15, 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240 [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to assess the transcriptome of the mammary tissue of four yaks during the whole lactation cycle. For this purpose, biopsies of the mammary gland were performed at −30, −15, 1, 15, 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240 days relative to parturition (d). The transcriptome analysis was performed using a commercial bovine microarray platform and the results were analyzed using several bioinformatic tools. The statistical analysis using an overall false discovery rate ≤ 0.05 for the effect of whole lactation and p < 0.05 for each comparison identified >6000 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) throughout lactation, with a large number of DEGs observed at the onset (1 d vs. −15 d) and at the end of lactation (240 d vs. 180 d). Bioinformatics analysis revealed a major role of genes associated with BTA3, BTA4, BTA6, BTA9, BTA14, and BTA28 in lactation. Functional analysis of DEG underlined an overall induction of lipid metabolism, suggesting an increase in triglycerides synthesis, likely regulated by PPAR signaling. The same analysis revealed an induction of amino acid metabolism and secretion of protein, with a concomitant decrease in proteasome, indicating a major role of amino acid handling and reduced protein degradation in the synthesis and secretion of milk proteins. Glycan biosynthesis was induced for both N-glycan and O-glycan, suggesting increased glycan content in the milk. The cell cycle and immune response, especially antigen processing and presentation, were strongly inhibited during lactation, suggesting that morphological changes are minimized during lactation, while the mammary gland prevents immune hyper-response. Transcripts associated with response to radiation and low oxygen were enriched in the down-regulated DEG affected by the stage of lactation. Except for this last finding, the functions affected by the transcriptomic adaptation to lactation in mammary tissue of yak are very similar to those observed in dairy cows. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)
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18 pages, 3145 KiB  
Article
Simultaneous Occurrence of Hypospadias and Bilateral Cleft Lip and Jaw in a Crossbred Calf: Clinical, Computer Tomographic, and Genomic Characterization
by Simona Marc, Alexandru Eugeniu Mizeranschi, Cristina Paul, Gabriel Otavă, Jelena Savici, Bogdan Sicoe, Iuliu Torda, Ioan Huțu, Călin Mircu, Daniela Elena Ilie, Mihai Carabaș and Oana Maria Boldura
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1709; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101709 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2614
Abstract
Congenital abnormalities in animals, including abnormalities of the cleft lip and jaw and hypospadias have been reported in all domesticated species. They are a major concern for breeders due to the increased economic loss they entail. In this article, we described a congenital [...] Read more.
Congenital abnormalities in animals, including abnormalities of the cleft lip and jaw and hypospadias have been reported in all domesticated species. They are a major concern for breeders due to the increased economic loss they entail. In this article, we described a congenital bilateral cheilognathoschisis (cleft lip and jaw) with campylognathia in association with penile hypospadias and preputial hypoplasia with failure of preputial fusion in a Bos taurus crossbred Piedmontese × Wagyu calf. Clinical examination, computed tomography, and whole genome sequencing were performed to describe and identify a possible cause of the abnormalities. Clinical examination revealed a bilateral cheilognathoschisis of approximately 4 cm in length and 3 cm in width in the widest part, with computer tomography analyses confirming the bilateral absence of the processus nasalis of the incisive bone and the lateral deviation of the processus palatinus towards the left side. Genomic data analyses identified 13 mutations with a high impact on the products of the following overlapped genes: ACVR1, ADGRA2, BHMT2, BMPR1B, CCDC8, CDH1, EGF, F13A1, GSTP1, IRF6, MMP14, MYBPHL, and PHC2 with ADGRA2, EGF, F13A1, GSTP1, and IRF6 having mutations in a homozygous state. The whole genome investigation indicates the involvement of multiple genes in the birth defects observed in this case. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)
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16 pages, 4148 KiB  
Article
The Linear-Logistic Model: A Novel Paradigm for Estimating Dietary Amino Acid Requirements
by Christian D. Ramirez-Camba and Crystal L. Levesque
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1708; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101708 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1753
Abstract
This study aimed to determine whether current methods for estimating AA requirements for animal health and welfare are sufficient. An exploratory data analysis (EDA) was conducted, which involved a review of assumptions underlying AA requirements research, a data mining approach to identify animal [...] Read more.
This study aimed to determine whether current methods for estimating AA requirements for animal health and welfare are sufficient. An exploratory data analysis (EDA) was conducted, which involved a review of assumptions underlying AA requirements research, a data mining approach to identify animal responses to dietary AA levels exceeding those for maximum protein retention, and a literature review to assess the physiological relevance of the linear-logistic model developed through the data mining approach. The results showed that AA dietary levels above those for maximum growth resulted in improvements in key physiological responses, and the linear-logistic model depicted the AA level at which growth and protein retention rates were maximized, along with key metabolic functions related to milk yield, litter size, immune response, intestinal permeability, and plasma AA concentrations. The results suggest that current methods based solely on growth and protein retention measurements are insufficient for optimizing key physiological responses associated with health, survival, and reproduction. The linear-logistic model could be used to estimate AA doses that optimize these responses and, potentially, survival rates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)
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10 pages, 894 KiB  
Article
Seasonal Variation and Factors Affecting Trypanosoma theileri Infection in Wild Sika Deer (Ezo Sika Deer Cervus nippon yesoensis) in Eastern Hokkaido
by Yujon Hong, Keisuke Suganuma, Yuma Ohari, Mitsunori Kayano, Kenji Nakazaki, Shinya Fukumoto, Shin-ichiro Kawazu and Noboru Inoue
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1707; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101707 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1633
Abstract
Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) spp. are isolated from domestic and wild ruminants, including deer, worldwide. The prevalence of trypanosomes in mammals is influenced by a number of factors such as host age and vector abundance. However, the seasonal variation of and factors affecting [...] Read more.
Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) spp. are isolated from domestic and wild ruminants, including deer, worldwide. The prevalence of trypanosomes in mammals is influenced by a number of factors such as host age and vector abundance. However, the seasonal variation of and factors affecting trypanosome infection in the wild deer population remain elusive. In this study, we analyzed the seasonal variation in trypanosome prevalence and the factors that affect Trypanosoma theileri Laveran, 1902, infection in wild sika deer (Ezo sika deer) Cervus nippon yesoensis (Heude, 1884) in Eastern Hokkaido through a two-year survey. Seasonal variation in the prevalence of trypanosome infection in the deer population ranged from 0 to 41% as per hematocrit concentration and 17 to 89% as per PCR results. In general, the prevalence of T. theileri by PCR in 2020 was higher than that in 2019. Moreover, the prevalence was significantly higher in the aged population than among the younger population. These findings may explain why individual conditions and sampling season were associated with trypanosome prevalence. This is the first study to investigate the seasonal variation in and risk factors affecting trypanosome infection in wild deer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacteria and Parasites in Wildlife)
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14 pages, 1855 KiB  
Article
Seasonal Changes in the Antioxidant Activity and Biochemical Parameters of Goat Milk
by Oksana A. Voronina, Sergei Yu. Zaitsev, Anastasia A. Savina, Roman A. Rykov and Nikita S. Kolesnik
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1706; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101706 - 21 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1472
Abstract
Goats are ubiquitous, including in hot and dry regions, while also being very sensitive to climate fluctuations, expressed in temperature differences. This affects their productivity and milk quality. Adaptation to heat requires high energy costs, affects “neurohumoral” regulation and is accompanied by oxidative [...] Read more.
Goats are ubiquitous, including in hot and dry regions, while also being very sensitive to climate fluctuations, expressed in temperature differences. This affects their productivity and milk quality. Adaptation to heat requires high energy costs, affects “neurohumoral” regulation and is accompanied by oxidative stress with the increased production of free radicals. The aim was to study the main biochemical parameters of goat milk and its antioxidant activity depending on the season of the year. Sampling was carried out in April, June, August and October. Analysis of the biochemical components and antioxidant activity of goat milk was performed using modern analytical systems. From spring to autumn, the mass fraction of true or crude proteins in goat milk increased by 14.6–63.7% or by 12.3–52.1%, and the mass fraction of caseins also increased by 13.6–60.6%. For vitamin C level and the total amount of water-soluble antioxidants, a pronounced gradual decrease from spring to autumn was observed. In the summer period, a small increase in the carotene level in milk (by 3.0–6.1% compared to April) was established. Vitamin A content increased by 86.5% (June) or by 70.3% (October) compared to April. Thus, the numerous significant changes in the major parameters of goat’s milk depending on the season were revealed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Products)
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11 pages, 762 KiB  
Article
Effects of Melatonin and Silymarin on Reactive Oxygen Species, Nitric Oxide Production, and Sperm Viability and Motility during Sperm Freezing in Pigs
by Sang-Hee Lee and Seunghyung Lee
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1705; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101705 - 21 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1727
Abstract
Sperm during the freezing and thawing process is damaged by oxidative stress. Thus, its antioxidant scavenger is essential for sperm survival and death in frozen–thawed semen. We used melatonin and silymarin in experiments after the dose-dependent experiment. Our study aimed to identify the [...] Read more.
Sperm during the freezing and thawing process is damaged by oxidative stress. Thus, its antioxidant scavenger is essential for sperm survival and death in frozen–thawed semen. We used melatonin and silymarin in experiments after the dose-dependent experiment. Our study aimed to identify the effect of melatonin and silymarin on the motility and viability of sperm, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitric oxide (NO) production in frozen–thawed boar semen. Melatonin and silymarin were treated alone and cotreated in the fresh boar semen. Boar semen was collected using the gloved-hand method from ten crossbred pigs, and samples were used in the experiments. We evaluated sperm viability using SYBR-14 and PI kit, and ROS and NO production were detected by DCF-DA and DAF-2, respectively. The sperm motility was not significantly different between non-treatment and treatment. ROS and NO production in frozen–thawed sperm were decreased by melatonin and silymarin. Moreover, silymarin significantly reduced NO production more than melatonin. Melatonin and silymarin enhanced the viability of sperm. We suggest that melatonin and silymarin are essential antioxidants in semen cryopreservation for protecting sperm damage and maintaining sperm viability. Melatonin and silymarin may be useful antioxidants in freezing boar sperm. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances on the Role of Melatonin in Animal Reproduction)
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18 pages, 1744 KiB  
Article
Dietary Fishmeal Can Be Partially Replaced with Non-Grain Compound Proteins through Evaluating the Growth, Biochemical Indexes, and Muscle Quality in Marine Teleost Trachinotus ovatus
by Zeliang Su, Yongcai Ma, Fang Chen, Wenqiang An, Guanrong Zhang, Chao Xu, Dizhi Xie, Shuqi Wang and Yuanyou Li
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1704; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101704 - 21 May 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2023
Abstract
In the context of human food shortages, the incorporation of non-grain feedstuff in fish feed deserves more research attention. Here, the feasibility and appropriate ratio of non-grain compound protein (NGCP, containing bovine bone meal, dephenolized cottonseed protein, and blood cell meal) for dietary [...] Read more.
In the context of human food shortages, the incorporation of non-grain feedstuff in fish feed deserves more research attention. Here, the feasibility and appropriate ratio of non-grain compound protein (NGCP, containing bovine bone meal, dephenolized cottonseed protein, and blood cell meal) for dietary fishmeal (FM) replacement were explored in golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus). Four isonitrogenous (45%) and isolipidic (12%) diets (Control, 25NGP, 50NGP, and 75NGP) were prepared. Control contained 24% FM, whereas the FM content of 25NGP, 50NGP, and 75NGP was 18%, 12%, and 6%, respectively, representing a 25%, 50%, and 75% replacement of FM in Control by NGCP. Juvenile golden pompano (initial weight: 9.71 ± 0.04 g) were fed the four diets for 65 days in sea cages. There was no significant difference between the 25NGP and Control groups in terms of weight gain, weight gain rate, and specific growth rate; contents of crude protein, crude lipid, moisture, and ash in muscle and whole fish; muscle textural properties including hardness, chewiness, gumminess, tenderness, springiness, and cohesiveness; and serum biochemical indexes including total protein, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. However, the golden pompano in 50NGP and 75NGP experienced nutritional stress, and thus some indicators were negatively affected. In addition, compared to the Control group, the expression levels of genes related to protein metabolism (mtor, s6k1, and 4e-bp1) and lipid metabolism (pparγ, fas, srebp1, and acc1) of the 25NGP group showed no significant difference, but the 4e-bp1 and pparγ of the 75NGP group were significantly upregulated and downregulated, respectively (p < 0.05), which may explain the decline in fish growth performance and muscle quality after 75% FM was replaced by NGCP. The results suggest that at least 25% FM of Control can be replaced by NGCP, achieving a dietary FM content of as low as 18%; however, the replacement of more than 50% of the dietary FM negatively affects the growth and muscle quality of golden pompano. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Feedstuffs, Functional Foods and Feed Additives for Aquatic Organisms)
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14 pages, 7298 KiB  
Article
RNAi Analysis of Potential Functions of Cyclin B3 in Reproduction of Male Oriental River Prawns (Macrobrachium nipponense)
by Shubo Jin, Zhenyu Zhou, Wenyi Zhang, Yiwei Xiong, Hui Qiao, Yongsheng Gong, Yan Wu, Sufei Jiang and Hongtuo Fu
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1703; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101703 - 21 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1442
Abstract
Cyclin B3 (CycB3) is involved in the metabolic pathway of the cell cycle, playing essential roles in the regulation of cell proliferation and mitosis. CycB3 is also predicted to be involved in the reproduction of male oriental river prawns (Macrobrachium [...] Read more.
Cyclin B3 (CycB3) is involved in the metabolic pathway of the cell cycle, playing essential roles in the regulation of cell proliferation and mitosis. CycB3 is also predicted to be involved in the reproduction of male oriental river prawns (Macrobrachium nipponense). In this study, the potential functions of CycB3 in M. nipponense were investigated using quantitative real-time PCR, RNA interference, and histological observations. The full-length DNA sequence of CycB3 in M. nipponense was 2147 base pairs (bp) long. An open reading frame of 1500 bp was found, encoding 499 amino acids. A highly conserved destruction box and two conserved cyclin motifs were found in the protein sequence of Mn-CycB3. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that this protein sequence was evolutionarily close to that of CycB3s of crustacean species. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis results suggested that CycB3 was involved in the process of spermiogenesis, oogenesis, and embryogenesis in M. nipponense. RNA interference analysis showed that CycB3 had a positive regulatory relationship with insulin-like androgenic gland hormone (IAG) in M. nipponense. In addition, sperm were rarely observed in the testis of double-stranded CycB3-injected prawns after 14 days of treatment, and sperm abundance was dramatically lower than that in the double-stranded GFP-injected prawns on the same day. This result indicated that CycB3 can regulate the testis reproduction in M. nipponense through inhibiting the IAG expressions. Overall, these results indicated that CycB3 plays essential roles in the regulation of male reproduction in M. nipponense, which may promote the studies of male reproduction in other crustacean species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanisms of Sex Determination and Reproduction in Aquatic Animals)
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15 pages, 773 KiB  
Article
Foraging and Food Selection in a Desert Rodent: Diet Shifts of the Sandy Inland Mouse between Population Booms and Busts
by Stephanie J. S. Yip and Christopher R. Dickman
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1702; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101702 - 20 May 2023
Viewed by 1495
Abstract
Seeds are commonly viewed as the mainstay of the diet of desert rodents. We describe the diet of a common Australian desert rodent, the sandy inland mouse Pseudomys hermannsburgensis, using direct observations of free-living animals and analysis of the stomach contents of [...] Read more.
Seeds are commonly viewed as the mainstay of the diet of desert rodents. We describe the diet of a common Australian desert rodent, the sandy inland mouse Pseudomys hermannsburgensis, using direct observations of free-living animals and analysis of the stomach contents of preserved specimens. Direct observations showed that animals forage mostly on the ground surface and eat seeds from a wide range of plant species, as well as invertebrates and occasional green plant material. Stomach content analysis revealed no differences in the presence or absence of these three major food groups between seasons or the sexes. However, invertebrates were more prominent in the diet of mice during prolonged, dry, population ‘bust’ periods compared with post-rain population ‘boom’ periods, with this dietary shift probably reflecting a scarcity of seeds during the busts. The results confirm that seed is an important component of the diet of P. hermannsburgensis, with 92% of stomachs containing seed. The results also support the classification of the species as omnivorous rather than granivorous, with 70% of stomachs containing invertebrates and over half the specimens analysed containing both seeds and invertebrates. We suggest that dietary flexibility is important for rodent persistence in Australia’s climatically unpredictable arid regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mammals)
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16 pages, 1213 KiB  
Article
The Economic Evaluation of Mastitis Control Strategies in Holstein-Friesian Dairy Herds
by Melina Richardet, Hernán G. Solari, Victor E. Cabrera, Claudina Vissio, Daniel Agüero, Julián A. Bartolomé, Gabriel A. Bó, Cristina I. Bogni and Alejandro J. Larriestra
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1701; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101701 - 20 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1907
Abstract
The economic evaluation of mastitis control is challenging. The objective of this study was to perform the economic evaluation of mastitis control, under different intervention scenarios, quantifying the total cost of mastitis caused by S. aureus in Holstein cows in Argentina. A model [...] Read more.
The economic evaluation of mastitis control is challenging. The objective of this study was to perform the economic evaluation of mastitis control, under different intervention scenarios, quantifying the total cost of mastitis caused by S. aureus in Holstein cows in Argentina. A model was set for a dairy herd of Holstein cows endemically infected with S. aureus. A basic mastitis control plan including proper milking procedures, milking machine test, dry cow therapy, and treatment for clinical mastitis, was compared against other more complex and costly interventions, such as segregation and culling of chronically infected cows. Sensitivity analysis was performed by modifying the intramammary infection transition probabilities, economic parameters, and efficacy of treatment strategies. The basic mastitis control plan showed a median total cost of USD88.6/cow per year, which was close to the infected cows culling scenarios outputs. However, the segregation scenario was the most efficient, in which the total cost was reduced by about 50%. Such cost was more sensitive to probabilities and efficacy than the economic parameters. The model is flexible and can be customized by producers and veterinarians according to different control and herd settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decision Models in Livestock Production Systems)
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12 pages, 1445 KiB  
Article
The Role of Empathic Concern and Gender on Interspecific Contagious Yawning in Humans
by Andrew C. Gallup and Sabina M. Wozny
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1700; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101700 - 20 May 2023
Viewed by 2637
Abstract
Interspecific contagious yawning (CY), whereby yawns from one species trigger yawning in different species, has now been reported across various taxa. This response to human yawning appears common among animals in captivity and has been interpreted as an empathic response towards human handlers/caregivers. [...] Read more.
Interspecific contagious yawning (CY), whereby yawns from one species trigger yawning in different species, has now been reported across various taxa. This response to human yawning appears common among animals in captivity and has been interpreted as an empathic response towards human handlers/caregivers. A recent study found that humans also display interspecific CY, though this response was not modulated by proxies of empathic processing (i.e., phylogenetic relatedness or social closeness to the animals). Here, we explored this relationship more explicitly by assessing how interspecific CY to yawns from common household pets relates to self-reported empathic concern. Participants (N = 103) completed a survey measuring empathic concern and then reported on their yawning behavior following exposure to a control condition or yawning images either from domesticated cats or domesticated dogs. The results provide further evidence for interspecific CY in humans, but empathic concern was negatively predictive of this response. There was also no sex difference in interspecific CY, though when comparing the sexes across CY conditions, women reported a higher frequency of yawning in response to dog yawns, and men reported a higher frequency of yawning in response to cat yawns. Overall, these findings do not support a strong connection between interspecific CY and empathy or emotional contagion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emotional Contagion in Animals)
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8 pages, 1659 KiB  
Brief Report
“Oops…a Beaver Again!” Eurasian Beaver Castor fiber Recorded by Citizen-Science in New Areas of Central and Southern Italy
by Giovanni Capobianco, Andrea Viviano, Giuseppe Mazza, Gianmarco Cimorelli, Angelo Casciano, Alessandro Lagrotteria, Romina Fusillo, Manlio Marcelli and Emiliano Mori
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1699; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101699 - 20 May 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2307
Abstract
The Eurasian beaver Castor fiber was once present in the Palearctic, ranging from the western Iberian Peninsula to northwestern China. In the Middle Ages, this rodent underwent a severe decline in population due to habitat loss, hunting for fur and meat, and the [...] Read more.
The Eurasian beaver Castor fiber was once present in the Palearctic, ranging from the western Iberian Peninsula to northwestern China. In the Middle Ages, this rodent underwent a severe decline in population due to habitat loss, hunting for fur and meat, and the demand for castoreum. At the beginning of 1900, the range of the Eurasian beaver was limited to scattered refugia in Eurasia. Since 1920, legal protection, reintroduction events, and natural spread triggered the recovery of the species in most of its original range. In March 2021, the presence of the Eurasian beaver in Central Italy (Tuscany and Umbria regions) was confirmed through camera trapping after the detection of unequivocal signs of presence (i.e., gnawed trunks). Recordings are located about 550 km south of the known range of this species, thus suggesting that the presence of beavers in Tuscany and Umbria might be due to a local unauthorised reintroduction. In this work, we also reported the presence of beavers in the Abruzzi region and in Southern Italy (Molise-Campania regions), over 380 km in a straight line south to the southernmost record of beaver presence in Central Italy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ecology and Conservation)
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21 pages, 2411 KiB  
Article
Abundance and Distribution of Microplastics in Invertebrate and Fish Species and Sediment Samples along the German Wadden Sea Coastline
by Laura Polt, Larissa Motyl and Elke Kerstin Fischer
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1698; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101698 - 20 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2401
Abstract
Monitoring strategies are becoming increasingly important as microplastic contamination increases. To find potentially suitable organisms and sites for biota monitoring in the German Wadden Sea, we collected invertebrates (n = 1585), fish (n = 310), and sediment cores (n = [...] Read more.
Monitoring strategies are becoming increasingly important as microplastic contamination increases. To find potentially suitable organisms and sites for biota monitoring in the German Wadden Sea, we collected invertebrates (n = 1585), fish (n = 310), and sediment cores (n = 12) at 10 sites along the coast of Lower Saxony between 2018 and 2020. For sample processing of biota, the soft tissue was digested and the sediment samples additionally underwent a subsequent density separation step. Microplastic particles were identified using Nile red and fluorescence microscopy, followed by polymer composition analysis of a subset of particles via µRaman spectroscopy. All investigated species, sediment cores, and sites contained microplastics, predominantly in the morphology class of fragments. Microplastics were found in 92% of Arenicola marina, 94% of Littorina littorea, 85% of Mytilus edulis, and 79% of Platichthys flesus, ranging from 0 to 248.1 items/g. Sediment core samples contained MPs ranging from 0 to 8128 part/kg dry weight of sediment. In total, eight polymers were identified, predominantly consisting of polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, and polyethylene terephthalate. Considering the sampling, processing, and results, the species Mytilus edulis and Platichthys flesus are suitable species for future microplastic monitoring in biota. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmentally Exposed Animals as Indicators or Sentinel Species for (Micro)plastics)
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14 pages, 2088 KiB  
Article
Comparison between the Behavior of Low-Yield Holstein-Friesian and Brown Swiss Cows under Barn and Pasture Feeding Conditions
by Grzegorz Grodkowski, Marcin Gołębiewski, Jan Slósarz, Tomasz Sakowski and Kamila Puppel
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1697; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101697 - 20 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1482
Abstract
Cow pasturing poses many logistical and nutritional problems. Animals have more difficulty accessing pasture feed and require more time to consume the equivalent amount of dry matter compared to total mixed ration (TMR) feed from a feed table. The study was conducted during [...] Read more.
Cow pasturing poses many logistical and nutritional problems. Animals have more difficulty accessing pasture feed and require more time to consume the equivalent amount of dry matter compared to total mixed ration (TMR) feed from a feed table. The study was conducted during August 2016–October 2017 on 64 Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows and 54 Brown Swiss (BS) cows. All animals were equipped with CowManager sensor devices, and the cows’ behaviors were recorded: time spent on feed intake, rumination, physical activity, and rest. In winter, cows were mainly fed hay, while in summer, they took forage from the pasture or freshly cut forage provided in the barn. The study showed that the time of day had a significant (p < 0.001) effect on the cows’ feeding behaviors. The study also showed behavioral differences between HF and BS breeds. HF cows, regardless of the location and type of feed provided, spent more time on feed intake and chewed less compared to the BS breed. These differences were observable in all studied lactation groups. Animals were most willing to take forage two hours before sunrise and two hours before sunset and showed an increased willingness to take feed immediately after leaving the milking parlor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)
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14 pages, 1160 KiB  
Review
Improving Fatty Acid Profile in Native Breed Pigs Using Dietary Strategies: A Review
by Ainhoa Sarmiento-García and Ceferina Vieira-Aller
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1696; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101696 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2209
Abstract
Meat from native-bred animals is growing in popularity worldwide due to consumers’ perception of its higher quality than meat from industrial farms. The improvement in indigenous pork has been related to increased intramuscular and unsaturated fat and a reduced saturated fat content resulting [...] Read more.
Meat from native-bred animals is growing in popularity worldwide due to consumers’ perception of its higher quality than meat from industrial farms. The improvement in indigenous pork has been related to increased intramuscular and unsaturated fat and a reduced saturated fat content resulting in a healthy product with enhanced sensorial attributes. This manuscript aims to provide an overview offering useful information about the fat content and the fatty acid profile of different autochthonous pork. Fat content and fatty acid profile are greater in native than in industrial pig breeds, even though certain factors, such as genetics, nutrition, farming system, age, or slaughter weight, may influence these variations. Among that, studies on dietary strategies to improve these parameters have been evaluated. According to the results obtained, many natural ingredients could have a positive effect on the lipid profile when added to indigenous pigs’ diets. This fact may promote autochthonous pork intake. Nevertheless, there is a wide range of potential natural ingredients to be added to the indigenous pig diet that needs to be evaluated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies for Healthy Pork Meat)
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19 pages, 1530 KiB  
Review
Old Antibiotics Can Learn New Ways: A Systematic Review of Florfenicol Use in Veterinary Medicine and Future Perspectives Using Nanotechnology
by Emilia Trif, Constantin Cerbu, Diana Olah, Sergiu Dan Zăblău, Marina Spînu, Adrian Valentin Potârniche, Emoke Pall and Florinel Brudașcă
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1695; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101695 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4379
Abstract
Florfenicol is a broad-spectrum bacteriostatic antibiotic used exclusively in veterinary medicine in order to treat the pathology of farm and aquatic animals. It is a synthetic fluorinated analog of thiamphenicol and chloramphenicol that functions by inhibiting ribosomal activity, which disrupts bacterial protein synthesis [...] Read more.
Florfenicol is a broad-spectrum bacteriostatic antibiotic used exclusively in veterinary medicine in order to treat the pathology of farm and aquatic animals. It is a synthetic fluorinated analog of thiamphenicol and chloramphenicol that functions by inhibiting ribosomal activity, which disrupts bacterial protein synthesis and has shown over time a strong activity against Gram-positive and negative bacterial groups. Florfenicol was also reported to have anti-inflammatory activity through a marked reduction in immune cell proliferation and cytokine production. The need for improvement came from (1) the inappropriate use (to an important extent) of this antimicrobial, which led to serious concerns about florfenicol-related resistance genes, and (2) the fact that this antibiotic has a low water solubility making it difficult to formulate an aqueous solution in organic solvents, and applicable for different routes of administration. This review aims to synthesize the various applications of florfenicol in veterinary medicine, explore the potential use of nanotechnology to improve its effectiveness and analyze the advantages and limitations of such approaches. The review is based on data from scientific articles and systematic reviews identified in several databases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Nanotechnology in Animal Science)
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15 pages, 1826 KiB  
Article
Immunohistochemical and Molecular Genetic Analysis of Canine Digital Mast Cell Tumours
by David Conrad, Alexandra Kehl, Tobias Müller, Robert Klopfleisch and Heike Aupperle-Lellbach
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1694; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101694 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3172
Abstract
Grading, immunohistochemistry and c-kit mutation status are criteria for assessing the prognosis and therapeutic options of canine cutaneous mast cell tumours (MCTs). As a subset, canine digital MCTs have rarely been explored in this context. Therefore, in this retrospective study, 68 paraffin-embedded canine [...] Read more.
Grading, immunohistochemistry and c-kit mutation status are criteria for assessing the prognosis and therapeutic options of canine cutaneous mast cell tumours (MCTs). As a subset, canine digital MCTs have rarely been explored in this context. Therefore, in this retrospective study, 68 paraffin-embedded canine digital MCTs were analysed, and histological grading was assessed according to Patnaik and Kiupel. The immunohistochemical markers KIT and Ki67 were used, as well as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for mutational screening in c-kit exons 8, 9, 11 and 14. Patnaik grading resulted in 22.1% grade I, 67.6% grade II and 10.3% grade III tumours. Some 86.8% of the digital MCTs were Kiupel low-grade. Aberrant KIT staining patterns II and III were found in 58.8%, and a count of more than 23 Ki67-positive cells in 52.3% of the cases. Both parameters were significantly associated with an internal tandem duplication (ITD) in c-kit exon 11 (12.7%). French Bulldogs, which tend to form well-differentiated cutaneous MCTs, had a higher proportion of digital high-grade MCTs and ITD in c-kit exon 11 compared with mongrels. Due to its retrospective nature, this study did not allow for an analysis of survival data. Nevertheless, it may contribute to the targeted characterisation of digital MCTs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tumors in Companion Animals: Epidemiology, Biology and Comparative Features)
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20 pages, 6499 KiB  
Article
Morphological Assessment of Concomitant Lesions Detected in Goat Herds Naturally Infected with Paratuberculosis (Johne’s Disease)
by Elena Plamenova Stefanova, Óscar Quesada-Canales, Yania Paz-Sánchez, María José Caballero, María del Pino Quintana-Montesdeoca, Antonio Espinosa de los Monteros, Miguel Antonio Rivero, Ayoze Castro, Valentín Pérez and Marisa Andrada
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1693; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101693 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3874
Abstract
Paratuberculosis (PTB), caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), causes significant financial losses in the ruminant industry. The aim of this study is to describe the concomitant pathological findings as well as PTB-induced lesions in 39 naturally infected goats (15 vaccinated and 24 [...] Read more.
Paratuberculosis (PTB), caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), causes significant financial losses in the ruminant industry. The aim of this study is to describe the concomitant pathological findings as well as PTB-induced lesions in 39 naturally infected goats (15 vaccinated and 24 non-vaccinated). All animals exhibited MAP-induced microscopic lesions affecting target organs, although only 62% of those were detected grossly. Mainly concomitant inflammatory pathologies were recognized affecting the hemolymphatic, respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Non-vaccinated animals exhibited both moderate and marked granulomatous enteritis in contrast with vaccinated ones which presented mild intestinal affection. Our results demonstrate that non-vaccinated animals presented pneumonia in all age groups studied (from 12 up to >48 months old). A significantly higher prevalence of ileocecal valve PTB lesions was detected in non-vaccinated animals with pneumonic lesions (p = 0.027). Furthermore, a reduction of gastrointestinal non-PTB processes was described in vaccinated goats. In conclusion, a PTB infected goat herd can be affected by a wide range of concomitant pathologies, mostly inflammatory in origin. Anatomic pathology is of crucial importance for correct herd diagnosis and histopathology is an indispensable tool for lesion detection. Additionally, anti-MAP vaccination could have a beneficial effect on the reduction of respiratory and gastrointestinal non-PTB diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycobacterium avium Subspecies Paratuberculosis Infection in Ruminants—Agent, Disease, Diagnosis, and Control)
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16 pages, 2359 KiB  
Article
Road Infrastructure and Primate Conservation: Introducing the Global Primate Roadkill Database
by Laura C. Praill, Timothy M. Eppley, Sam Shanee, Pamela M. K. Cunneyworth, Fernanda D. Abra, Néstor Allgas, Hassan Al-Razi, Marco Campera, Susan M. Cheyne, Wendy Collinson, Giuseppe Donati, Birthe Linden, Sophie Manson, Marjan Maria, Thais Q. Morcatty, K. A. I. Nekaris, Luciana I. Oklander, Vincent Nijman and Magdalena S. Svensson
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1692; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101692 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5023
Abstract
As road infrastructure networks rapidly expand globally, especially in the tropics, previously continuous habitats are being fragmented, resulting in more frequent wildlife–vehicle collisions (WVC). Primates are widespread throughout many sub-/tropical countries, and as their habitats are fragmented, they are increasingly at risk of [...] Read more.
As road infrastructure networks rapidly expand globally, especially in the tropics, previously continuous habitats are being fragmented, resulting in more frequent wildlife–vehicle collisions (WVC). Primates are widespread throughout many sub-/tropical countries, and as their habitats are fragmented, they are increasingly at risk of WVC. We created the Global Primate Roadkill Database (GPRD), the largest available standardized database of primate roadkill incidents. We obtained data from published papers, un-published and citizen science databases, anecdotal reports, news reports, and social media posts. Here, we describe the collection methods for the GPRD and present the most up-to-date version of the database in full. For each primate roadkill incident, we recorded the species killed, the exact location, and the year and month the roadkill was observed. At the time of publication, the GPRD includes 2862 individual primate roadkill records from 41 countries. As primates range in more than twice as many countries, the absence of data from these countries is not necessarily indicative of a lack of primate vehicular collisions. Given the value of these data for addressing both local and global research questions, we encourage conservationists and citizen scientists to contribute to the GPRD so that, together, we can better understand the impact road infrastructure has on primates and evaluate measures which may help mitigate risk-prone areas or species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ecology and Conservation)
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17 pages, 1648 KiB  
Article
Dietary Betaine Impacts Metabolic Responses to Moderate Heat Exposure in Sheep
by Kristy DiGiacomo, Sarah Simpson, Brian J. Leury and Frank R. Dunshea
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1691; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101691 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1759
Abstract
Dietary betaine supplementation can ameliorate physiological responses to heat exposure (HE) in sheep. This experiment measured metabolic responses to glucose (intravenous glucose tolerance, IVGTT), insulin (insulin tolerance test, ITT), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenges in Merino ewes (n = 36, 39.7 kg) [...] Read more.
Dietary betaine supplementation can ameliorate physiological responses to heat exposure (HE) in sheep. This experiment measured metabolic responses to glucose (intravenous glucose tolerance, IVGTT), insulin (insulin tolerance test, ITT), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenges in Merino ewes (n = 36, 39.7 kg) maintained at thermoneutral (TN, 21 °C) or HE (18–43 °C) and supplemented with either 0, 2, or 4 g/day dietary betaine (n = 6 per group). Sheep had ad libitum access to water and were pair-fed such that the intake of the TN sheep mimicked that of the HE sheep. After 21 days of treatment, sheep were fitted with jugular catheters and subjected to consecutive daily challenges (IVGTT, ITT, and ACTH, d 21–23, respectively), followed by skeletal muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsy collections for gene expression analysis (d 24). The HE-treated sheep had a greater insulin:glucose ratio (p = 0.033), a greater estimated homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMAIR; p = 0.029), and a reduced revised quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (RQUICKI; p = 0.015). Sheep fed betaine (2 + 4 g/day) had a greater basal plasma insulin (p = 0.017) and a reduced basal non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA; p = 0.036) concentration, while the RQUICKI was reduced (p = 0.001) in sheep fed betaine. The results suggested that betaine supplementation alters lipid metabolism by potentially improving insulin signaling, although these responses differ between TN and HE conditions. There was no other impact of temperature or dietary treatments on the tissue gene expressions measured. Our results support the notion that betaine, in part, acts to modify lipid metabolism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolic and Endocrine Regulation in Ruminants)
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16 pages, 2549 KiB  
Article
Dietary Lactobacillus reuteri SL001 Improves Growth Performance, Health-Related Parameters, Intestinal Morphology and Microbiota of Broiler Chickens
by Chunli Chai, Yaowen Guo, Taha Mohamed, Gifty Z. Bumbie, Yan Wang, Xiaojing Zeng, Jinghua Zhao, Huamao Du, Zhiru Tang, Yetong Xu and Weizhong Sun
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1690; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101690 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2116
Abstract
It was assumed that dietary inclusion of Lactobacillus reuteri SL001 isolated from the gastric contents of rabbits could act as an alternative to feed antibiotics to improve the growth performance of broiler chickens. We randomly assigned 360 one-day-old AA white-feathered chicks in three [...] Read more.
It was assumed that dietary inclusion of Lactobacillus reuteri SL001 isolated from the gastric contents of rabbits could act as an alternative to feed antibiotics to improve the growth performance of broiler chickens. We randomly assigned 360 one-day-old AA white-feathered chicks in three treatments: basal diet (control), basal diet plus zinc bacitracin (antibiotic), and basal diet plus L. reuteri SL001 (SL001) treatment. The results showed the total BW gain and average daily gain (ADG) of broilers in SL001 treatment increased significantly (p < 0.05, respectively) compared with the control group from day 0 to 42. Moreover, we observed higher levels of immune globulins in both the SL001 group and the antibiotic group. Total antioxidant capacity and levels of antioxidant factors were also significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05, respectively) in the SL001 treatment group, while the interleukin 6, interleukin 4, creatinine, uric acid, total cholesterol, triglyceride, VLDL, LDL and malondialdehyde were remarkably decreased (p < 0.05, respectively). In the ileum of SL001 treatment broilers, the height of villi and the ratio of villi height to crypt depth were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the crypt depth reduced (p < 0.01) and the ratio of villi height to crypt depth increased (p < 0.05) in the jejunum compared to the control. The abundance of microbiota increased in the gut of broilers supplemented with SL001. Dietary SL001 significantly increased the relative abundance of Actinobacteria in the cecal contents of broilers (p < 0.01) at the phylum level. In conclusion, L. reuteri SL001 supplementation promotes the growth performance of broiler chickens and exhibits the potential application value in the industry of broiler feeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Application of Antibiotic Alternatives in the Poultry Industry)
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15 pages, 2429 KiB  
Article
Daily and Seasonal Activity Patterns of Plateau Pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, China, and Their Relationship with Weather Condition
by Rui Zhou, Rui Hua, Zhuangsheng Tang and Limin Hua
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1689; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101689 - 18 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2040
Abstract
Exploring the activity patterns of small mammals is important for understanding the survival strategies of these animals, such as foraging and mating. The purpose of the present study was to determine the activity of free-living plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) in different [...] Read more.
Exploring the activity patterns of small mammals is important for understanding the survival strategies of these animals, such as foraging and mating. The purpose of the present study was to determine the activity of free-living plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) in different months and seasons (cold and warm seasons), with a particular emphasis on the effects of weather condition. Based on a camera-trapping survey conducted from October 2017 to September 2018, we evaluated the activity patterns and activity levels of plateau pikas inhabiting the eastern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in China. The effects of environmental factors on the activity of plateau pikas were examined using the generalized additive mixed model (GAMM). The results showed that: (1) The plateau pikas exhibited unimodal patterns of activity during the cold season (October–April). During the warm season (May–September), the activity patterns of the plateau pikas were bimodal. Their activity levels were highest in June. (2) During the cold season, their activity levels rose gradually over the course of the day to a peak near noon, and they were not significantly higher after sunrise than they were before sunset. During the warm season, their activity peaks were in the morning and afternoon, and their activity levels were substantially lower after sunrise than they were before sunset. (3) The plateau pikas were more active under conditions with lower ambient temperatures and precipitation during the cold and warm seasons. While relative air humidity was positively correlated with the activity of the plateau pikas during the warm season, wind speed was negatively correlated with the pikas’ activity during the cold season. Overall, these results collectively indicate that plateau pikas occupy habitats with cool and less windy microclimates during the cold season, and with cool and moist microclimates during the warm season. Information on the time allocation of pikas’ activity levels during different seasons should provide a baseline for understanding their potential for adaptation to climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behavioural Ecology, Conservation and Management of Wildlife and Fish)
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