Animals

23 pages, 7700 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ontogenetic Development of Sexual Dimorphism in Body Mass of Wild Black-and-White Snub-Nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti)

by Yan-Peng Li, Zhi-Pang Huang, Yin Yang, Xiao-Bin He, Ru-Liang Pan, Xin-Ming He, Gui-Wei Yang, Hua Wu, Liang-Wei Cui and Wen Xiao

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1576; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091576 - 8 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3688

Abstract

Sexual dimorphism exists widely in animals, manifesting in different forms, such as body size, color, shape, unique characteristics, behavior, and sound. Of these, body mass dimorphism is the most obvious. Studies of evolutionary and ontogenetic development and adaptation mechanisms of animals’ sexual dimorphism [...] Read more.

Sexual dimorphism exists widely in animals, manifesting in different forms, such as body size, color, shape, unique characteristics, behavior, and sound. Of these, body mass dimorphism is the most obvious. Studies of evolutionary and ontogenetic development and adaptation mechanisms of animals’ sexual dimorphism in body mass (SDBM), allow us to understand how environment, social group size, diet, and other external factors have driven the selection of sexual dimorphism. There are fewer reports of the ontogenetic development of sexual dimorphism in body mass in Rhinopithecus. This study explores the ontogenetic development pattern of SDBM in wild black-and-white snub-nosed monkeys (R. bieti), and the causes resulting in extreme sexual dimorphism compared to other colobines. A significant dimorphism with a ratio of 1.27 (p < 0.001) appears when females enter the reproductive period around six years old, reaching a peak (1.85, p < 0.001) when males become sexually mature. After the age of eight, the SDBM falls to 1.78, but is still significant (p < 0.001). The results also indicate that males had a longer body mass growth period than females (8 years vs. 5 years); females in larger breeding units had a significantly higher SDBM than those in smaller ones (2.12 vs. 1.93, p < 0.01). A comparative analysis with other colobines further clarifies that Rhinopithecus and Nasalis, which both have multilevel social organization, have the highest degree of SDBM among all colobines. The large SDBM in R. bieti can be explained through Bergman’s and Rensch’s rules. Overall, environmental adaptation, a distinctive alimentary system, and a complex social structure contribute to R. bieti having such a remarkable SDBM compared to other colobines. In addition, we found that females’ choice for males may not be significantly related to the development of SDBM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Mammals)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

7 pages, 779 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Children’s Relationships with a Non-Vertebrate Animal: The Case of a Giant African Land Snail (Achatina fulica) at School

by Katharina Hirschenhauser and Lisa Brodesser

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1575; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091575 - 8 May 2023

Viewed by 2107

Abstract

Employing living animals in educational settings is popular and may assist learning. Human-animal relationships are considered fundamental for the effects of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) on successful learning. Key studies on AAI emphasize dogs, or other large-brained vertebrates, while AAI with non-vertebrate species is [...] Read more.

Employing living animals in educational settings is popular and may assist learning. Human-animal relationships are considered fundamental for the effects of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) on successful learning. Key studies on AAI emphasize dogs, or other large-brained vertebrates, while AAI with non-vertebrate species is a yet rather unexplored field. However, bringing non-vertebrate species to school has ethical and practical advantages. In an exploratory study, we tested whether seven-years-old children would form caregiving relationships with a Giant African land snail (Achatina fulica). Prior to the survey, the snail had been kept inside a terrarium in the classroom for seven months. We employed a questionnaire for measuring children’s pet attachment to assess the children’s relationships with the snail. The observed relationship scores with the snail were intermediate to high and did not differ from same-aged children’s attachment scores with their dogs, cats, and rabbits. No differences due to gender were observed. Children potentially developed caregiving attitudes and empathy towards the snail, and thus, the presented results indicate potential benefits from employing a non-vertebrate species in educational settings, as well as for animal-assisted therapy. The specific features of A. fulica are discussed in the frame of human-animal interactions, learning, and anthropomorphism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animals Assisted Therapy and the Interactions between Human and Animals)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3435 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Equine Behavioural and Physiological Responses to Auditory Stimuli in the Presence and Absence of Noise-Damping Ear Covers

by Clare Hole, Rachel Murray, David Marlin and Paul Freeman

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1574; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091574 - 8 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5064

Abstract

Despite numerous studies investigating responses to visual perception, there is limited research into how horses respond to different auditory stimuli. Although ‘noise-damping’ ear covers are frequently used on sport horses to minimise distraction from external auditory stimuli, the effectiveness of ear covers has [...] Read more.

Despite numerous studies investigating responses to visual perception, there is limited research into how horses respond to different auditory stimuli. Although ‘noise-damping’ ear covers are frequently used on sport horses to minimise distraction from external auditory stimuli, the effectiveness of ear covers has not been established. This study aimed to (i) investigate the responses of horses to different sounds commonly present in a competition environment, and (ii) compare these responses in the presence and absence of ear covers. A total of 18 horses were presented with 5 sounds commonly heard in competition or stable environments both with and without ear covers, in a randomised order crossover design. Behavioural and heart rate responses were recorded. Responses were compared between sounds and with/without ear covers. Differences in physiological and behavioural responses to different complex auditory stimuli were shown. An overall difference in physiological and behavioural responses with and without ear covers was detected, although the only difference in heart rate between ear covers and no ear covers that individually achieved significance was the feed sound. These findings suggest that horses can discriminate sounds and alter their responses based on the individual stimulus, and these responses are reduced when wearing ear covers with varying effectiveness for different sounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Equine Physiology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 3578 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Association Analysis Identifies Genomic Regions and Candidate Genes for Growth and Fatness Traits in Diannan Small-Ear (DSE) Pigs

by Mei Liu, Qun Lan, Long Yang, Qiuchun Deng, Taiyun Wei, Heng Zhao, Peiya Peng, Xiaoding Lin, Yuhan Chen, Haiming Ma, Hongjiang Wei and Yulong Yin

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1571; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091571 - 8 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2045

Abstract

In the livestock industry, the growth and fatness traits are directly related to production efficiency and economic profits. As for Diannan small-ear (DSE) pigs, a unique indigenous breed, the genetic architecture of growth and fatness traits is still elusive. The aim of this [...] Read more.

In the livestock industry, the growth and fatness traits are directly related to production efficiency and economic profits. As for Diannan small-ear (DSE) pigs, a unique indigenous breed, the genetic architecture of growth and fatness traits is still elusive. The aim of this study was to search the genetic loci and candidate genes associated with phenotypic traits in DSE pigs using GWAS based on the Geneseek Porcine 50K SNP Chip data. A total of 22,146 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected in 265 DSE pigs and used for Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) analysis. Seven SNPs were found to be associated with back height, chest circumference, cannon bone circumference, and backfat thickness at the suggestive significance level. Based on gene annotation results, these seven SNPs were, respectively, mapped to the following candidate genes, VIPR2, SLC10A2, NUCKS1, MCT1, CHCHD3, SMOX, and GPR1, which are mainly involved with adipocyte differentiation, lipid metabolism, skeletal muscle development, and average daily weight gain. Our work offers novel insights into the genetic architecture of economically important traits in swine and may play an important role in breeding using molecular markers in the DSE breed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms Affecting Important Traits of Pigs)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1617 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Zinc Amino Acids on Immunity, Antioxidant Capacity, and Gut Microbiota Composition in Calves

by Pengxia Hou, Bo Li, Yan Wang, Dan Li, Xiaoyu Huang, Wenyang Sun, Xiaojun Liang and Enping Zhang

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1570; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091570 - 8 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1806

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with zinc (Zn) amino acids at different concentrations on immunity, antioxidant capacity, and gut microbiota composition in calves. Twenty-four one-month-old healthy Angus calves of comparable body weight were randomly divided [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with zinc (Zn) amino acids at different concentrations on immunity, antioxidant capacity, and gut microbiota composition in calves. Twenty-four one-month-old healthy Angus calves of comparable body weight were randomly divided into three groups (four males and four females in each group) based on the amount of Zn supplementation added to the feed the animals received: group A, 40 mg/kg DM; group B, 80 mg/kg DM; and group C, 120 mg/kg DM. The experiment ended when calves reached three months of age (weaning period). The increase in dietary Zn amino acid content promoted the growth of calves, and the average daily weight gain increased by 36.58% (p < 0.05) in group C compared with group A. With the increase in the content of dietary Zn amino acids, the indexes of serum immune functions initially increased and then decreased; in particular, the content of immunoglobulin M in group A and group B was higher than that in group C (p < 0.05), whereas the content of interleukin-2 in group B was higher than that in the other two groups (p < 0.05). In addition, the content of superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity in the serum of calves in group B was higher than that in group C (p < 0.05), and the MDA level was lower than in group C (p < 0.05). Moreover, alpha diversity in the gut microbiota of calves in group B was higher than that in group A and group C (p < 0.05); the dominant phyla were Firmicutes and Bacteroidota, whereas the dominant genera were Unclassified-Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcus. Linear discriminant analysis showed that the relative abundance of Bacteroides in the gut microbiota of calves in group B was higher than that in group A, and the relative abundance of Prevotellaceae-UCG-003 was higher compared to that in experimental group C. Thus, dietary supplementation of 80 mg/kg of Zn amino acids to calves could improve the immune function and antioxidant capacity, as well as enrich and regulate the equilibrium of gut microbiota, thus promoting the healthy growth of calves. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Physiology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2210 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Silirum^®-Based Vaccination Programs on Map Fecal Shedding and Serological Response in Seven French Dairy Herds

by Fabien Corbiere, Dorra Guellouz, Christian Tasca, Laurent Foures, Emma Dubaux and Gilles Foucras

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1569; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091569 - 8 May 2023

Viewed by 1855

Abstract

(1) Background: paratuberculosis is an important disease in ruminants, causing worldwide economic losses to the livestock industry. Although vaccination is known not to prevent transmission of the causative agent Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map), it is considered an effective tool for paratuberculosis in [...] Read more.

(1) Background: paratuberculosis is an important disease in ruminants, causing worldwide economic losses to the livestock industry. Although vaccination is known not to prevent transmission of the causative agent Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map), it is considered an effective tool for paratuberculosis in infected herds. The objectives of this controlled field study were to evaluate the effects of the whole-cell heat-killed Silirum^® vaccine on Map fecal shedding and serological status in dairy herds infected with paratuberculosis. (2) Methods: The serological status (ELISA) and fecal shedding (qPCR) of 358 vaccinated cows were assessed over 3 years in 7 infected dairy herds in the Meuse department, France. Within each herd, cows from the last non-vaccinated birth cohort (n = 265) were used as controls. The probability and level of Map fecal shedding and the serological status were modeled using multivariable mixed general linear regression models. (3) Results: Overall, 34.7% of cows tested positive at least once on fecal qPCR, with significant differences between herds, but high shedding levels were observed in only 5.5% of cows. Compared to non-vaccinated seronegative cows, a statistically significant reduction in the probability of Map shedding was found only in cows vaccinated before 4 to 5 months of age that tested negative for Map antibodies throughout the study period (odds ratio = 0.5, 95% confidence interval: 0.3–0.9, p = 0.008), but no significant effect of vaccination on the amount of Map shedding could be evidenced. Finally, the younger the cows were when vaccinated, the less they tested positive on the serum ELISA. (4) Conclusions: a beneficial effect of vaccination on Map fecal shedding may exist in cows vaccinated before 4 to 5 months of age. The variability of the serum ELISA response in vaccinated cows remains to be investigated. Full article

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

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 5559 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of a Brief Synchronization Treatment after Weaning, Combined with Superovulation, Has Moderate Effects on the Gene Expression of Surviving Pig Blastocysts

by Henar Gonzalez-Ramiro, Maria A. Gil, Cristina Cuello, Josep M. Cambra, Alejandro Gonzalez-Plaza, Juan M. Vazquez, Jose L. Vazquez, Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez, Alejandro Lucas-Sanchez, Inmaculada Parrilla, Cristina A. Martinez and Emilio A. Martinez

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1568; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091568 - 8 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1850

Abstract

The combination of estrus synchronization and superovulation (SS) treatments causes alterations in ovarian and endometrial gene expression patterns, resulting in abnormal follicle and oocyte growth, fertilization, and embryo development. However, the impact of combined SS treatments on the transcriptome of the surviving embryos [...] Read more.

The combination of estrus synchronization and superovulation (SS) treatments causes alterations in ovarian and endometrial gene expression patterns, resulting in abnormal follicle and oocyte growth, fertilization, and embryo development. However, the impact of combined SS treatments on the transcriptome of the surviving embryos remains unidentified. In this study, we examined gene expression changes in day 6 blastocysts that survived a brief regimen of synchronization treatment combined with superovulation. The sows were included in one of three groups: SS7 group (n = 6), sows were administered Altrenogest (ALT) 7 days from the day of weaning and superovulated with eCG 24 h after the end of ALT treatment and hCG at the onset of estrus; SO group (n = 6), ALT nontreated sows were superovulated with eCG 24 h postweaning and hCG at the onset of estrus; control group (n = 6), weaned sows displaying natural estrus. Six days after insemination, the sows underwent a surgical intervention for embryo collection. Transcriptome analysis was performed on blastocyst-stage embryos with good morphology. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between groups were detected using one-way ANOVA with an un-adjusted p-value < 0.05 and a fold change </> 1.5. The effect of SO treatment on the number of altered pathways and DEGs within each pathway was minimal. Only four pathways were disrupted comprising only a total of four altered transcripts, which were not related to reproductive functions or embryonic development. On the other hand, the surviving blastocysts subjected to SS7 treatments exhibited moderate gene expression changes in terms of DEGs and fold changes, with seven pathways disrupted containing a total of 10 transcripts affected. In this case, the up-regulation of certain pathways, such as the metabolic pathway, with two up-regulated genes associated with reproductive functions, namely RDH10 and SPTLC2, may suggest suboptimal embryo quality, while the down-regulation of others, such as the glutathione metabolism pathway, with down-regulated genes related to cellular detoxification of reactive oxygen species, namely GSTK1 and GSTO1, could depress the embryos’ response to oxidative stress, thereby impairing subsequent embryo development. The gene expression changes observed in the present study in SS7 embryos, along with previous reports indicating SS7 can negatively affect fertilization, embryo production, and reproductive tract gene expression, make its use in embryo transfer programs unrecommendable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Management of Farm Animals)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2571 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Elevational Gradient of Bird Beta Diversity in the Meili Snow Mountains, Yunnan Province, China

by Shunyu Yao, Luming Liu, Pengfei Shan, Xiaojun Yang and Fei Wu

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1567; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091567 - 8 May 2023

Viewed by 1705

Abstract

Understanding the elevational patterns of beta diversity in mountain regions is a long-standing problem in biogeography and ecology. Previous research has generally focused on the taxonomy facet on a large scale, but was limited with regard to multi-facet beta diversity. Accordingly, we constructed [...] Read more.

Understanding the elevational patterns of beta diversity in mountain regions is a long-standing problem in biogeography and ecology. Previous research has generally focused on the taxonomy facet on a large scale, but was limited with regard to multi-facet beta diversity. Accordingly, we constructed a multi-dimensional (taxonomic/phylogenetic/functional) framework to analyze the underlying mechanisms of beta diversity. Within an approximately 2000 m altitudinal range (from 2027 m to 3944 m) along the eastern slope of the Meili Snow Mountains in Deqin County, Yunnan Province, China, we performed field surveys of breeding and non-breeding birds in September/2011 and May/2012, respectively. In total, 132 bird species were recorded during the fieldwork. The results indicated that taxonomic beta diversity contributed 56% of the bird species diversity, and its turnover process dominated the altitudinal pattern of taxon beta diversity; beta phylogenetic diversity contributed 42% of the bird phylogenetic diversity, and its turnover process also appeared to be stronger than the nestedness. For both taxonomy and phylogeny, the null models standardized measures (SES.β_sim/SES.β_sne/SES.β_sor) of paired dissimilarities between elevation zones all showed statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) and were higher than expected (SES.β > 0). However, standardized functional beta diversity showed convergence along the elevational gradient with no significant change. Moreover, the functional beta diversity contributed 50% of the bird functional diversity; there was no significant difference between the turnover and the nestedness-resultant component. Based on these results, we discerned that taxonomic and phylogenetic beta diversity patterns among the elevational zone were overdispersed, which indicated that limiting similarity dominated the turnover process among the bird species and phylogenetic communities in the Meili Snow Mountains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Birds)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 3626 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Distribution of Skin Microorganisms in Donkeys at Different Ages and Various Sites of the Body

by Qingshan Ma, Yunshuang Yue, Xiyan Kou, Wanting Hou, Mingyu Wang, Xihao Yang, Guiqin Liu, Yan Li and Changfa Wang

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1566; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091566 - 7 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1912

Abstract

Considerable evidence suggests that the skin microbiota is not only important and complex in humans and other mammals but also critical for maintaining health and skin homeostasis. To date, studies on the skin microorganisms of donkeys are surprisingly rare. To investigate the dynamic [...] Read more.

Considerable evidence suggests that the skin microbiota is not only important and complex in humans and other mammals but also critical for maintaining health and skin homeostasis. To date, studies on the skin microorganisms of donkeys are surprisingly rare. To investigate the dynamic changes in commensal microbial communities on the skins of healthy donkeys throughout the growing period, skin and soil samples were collected from 30 healthy Dezhou donkeys (ranging from 1, 6, 12, 24 to 48 months of age) and their corresponding breeding sheds on the farm. All samples were analysed for high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA and ITS to characterize the skin microbiota of healthy donkeys and compare the differences in skin microbiota among donkeys of different ages. There were notable differences in the proportions of various genera (including bacteria and fungi) between dorsal and abdominal skin with increasing age. The comparison of the skin microbial communities among these groups revealed that Staphylococcus was mainly enriched in the early growing stage (1 and 6 months), while the relative abundance of Streptococcus was higher in both the 1- and 48-month-old age groups. Moreover, some bacteria and commensal fungi, such as Staphylococcus and Trichosporon, were found to be positively correlated between the skin and the environment. This is the first study to investigate the dynamic changes in skin microbiota diversity and composition in donkeys of different ages and at different sites of the body. Furthermore, this study provides insights into the dynamic alterations in skin microbes during a donkey’s growth and characterizes the profiles of bacterial and fungal communities across a donkey’s body regions (dorsal and abdomen). Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Research Advances in Donkey and Mule Science and Medicine)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 834 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of PRRS Eradication Program on the Production Parameters of the Hungarian Swine Sector

by István Szabó, Imre Nemes, László Búza, Ferenc Polyák, Ádám Bálint, Gábor Fitos, Derald J. Holtkamp and László Ózsvári

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1565; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091565 - 7 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2063

Abstract

Background: The Hungarian national eradication program of PRRS was successfully completed between 2014 and 2022. There were doubts about the efficiency of the eradication program in Hungary from the beginning to the tune that it might only be carried out efficiently through depopulation–repopulation [...] Read more.

Background: The Hungarian national eradication program of PRRS was successfully completed between 2014 and 2022. There were doubts about the efficiency of the eradication program in Hungary from the beginning to the tune that it might only be carried out efficiently through depopulation–repopulation of the infected herds, which is a very costly procedure. In our study, we investigated the impact of the depopulation–repopulation procedure, which played a prominent role in the PRRS eradication program on the productivity of the Hungarian swine sector–namely, on the number of slaughter pigs per sow per year and the total live slaughter weight per sow per year. Material and Methods: Since 2014, we monitored the evolution of the PRRS eradication through the depopulation–repopulation approach on the large-scale breeding herds in Hungary. Most producers replaced their herds with animals that were free of PRRS and other infectious diseases (mycoplasmosis, actinobacillosis, swine dysentery, atrophic rhinitis, etc.). On this basis, we evaluated the change in the number of slaughter pigs per sow per year as a consequence of depopulation–repopulation of the herds being carried out. In the statistical analysis linear regression was used. Conclusions: The results of our study demonstrate that the PRRS eradication program with the herd depopulation–repopulation approach led to a considerable improvement of the productivity of Hungarian pig farming. This result also demonstrates that, independent of the PRRS eradication, it is still necessary to consider investments into the individual production units to increase efficiency, and to carry out herd depopulation–repopulation in cases where the current genetics limits improvements in productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pigs)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1100 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Supplementation with Putrescine Improves Growth Performance and Meat Quality of Wenchang Chickens

by Qi Qi, Chengjun Hu, Haojie Zhang, Ruiping Sun, Quanwei Liu, Kun Ouyang, Yali Xie, Xiang Li, Wei Wu, Yuhang Liu, Guiping Zhao and Limin Wei

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1564; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091564 - 7 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2047

Abstract

This study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with putrescine on the growth performance and meat quality of chickens. A total of 480 eighty-day-old female Wenchang chickens were randomly assigned into four groups, with 8 replications per group and 15 animals [...] Read more.

This study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with putrescine on the growth performance and meat quality of chickens. A total of 480 eighty-day-old female Wenchang chickens were randomly assigned into four groups, with 8 replications per group and 15 animals per replicate. The chickens in the control group (Con) were fed a basal diet; the 3 experimental groups were fed a basal diet with 0.01%, 0.03%, and 0.05% putrescine, respectively. The experiment lasted for 40 days. The results showed that dietary supplementation with 0.05% putrescine increased (p < 0.05) the final body weight and average daily weight gain, and decreased the ratio of feed intake to the body weight gain of Wenchang chickens. Dietary supplementation with putrescine decreased the concentrations of putrescine, spermidine, and spermine in serum (p < 0.05). The contents of methionine, phenylalanine, lysine, aspartic acid, tyrosine, total essential amino acids, and total amino acids in breast muscle were higher (p < 0.05) in 0.03% and 0.05% groups than those in Con group. However, the contents of undecanoic acid, lauric acid, tridecanoic acid, myristic acid, pentadecanoic acid, arachidic acid, docosanoic acid, tricosanic acid, lignoceric acid, erucic acid, cis-11,14,17-eicosatrienoate, linoleic acid, and total n-6 monounsaturated fatty acids in breast muscle were lower (p < 0.05) in 0.03% and 0.05% groups than those in Con group. In addition, putrescine supplementation decreased (p < 0.05) the ratio of n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in breast meat. Overall, dietary supplementation with 0.05% putrescine enhanced the growth performance and meat quality of Wenchang chickens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Broiler Nutrition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 825 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Canine Mammary Tumor Histopathological Image Classification via Computer-Aided Pathology: An Available Dataset for Imaging Analysis

by Giovanni P. Burrai, Andrea Gabrieli, Marta Polinas, Claudio Murgia, Maria Paola Becchere, Pierfranco Demontis and Elisabetta Antuofermo

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1563; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091563 - 6 May 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4159

Abstract

Histopathology, the gold-standard technique in classifying canine mammary tumors (CMTs), is a time-consuming process, affected by high inter-observer variability. Digital (DP) and Computer-aided pathology (CAD) are emergent fields that will improve overall classification accuracy. In this study, the ability of the CAD systems [...] Read more.

Histopathology, the gold-standard technique in classifying canine mammary tumors (CMTs), is a time-consuming process, affected by high inter-observer variability. Digital (DP) and Computer-aided pathology (CAD) are emergent fields that will improve overall classification accuracy. In this study, the ability of the CAD systems to distinguish benign from malignant CMTs has been explored on a dataset—namely CMTD—of 1056 hematoxylin and eosin JPEG images from 20 benign and 24 malignant CMTs, with three different CAD systems based on the combination of a convolutional neural network (VGG16, Inception v3, EfficientNet), which acts as a feature extractor, and a classifier (support vector machines (SVM) or stochastic gradient boosting (SGB)), placed on top of the neural net. Based on a human breast cancer dataset (i.e., BreakHis) (accuracy from 0.86 to 0.91), our models were applied to the CMT dataset, showing accuracy from 0.63 to 0.85 across all architectures. The EfficientNet framework coupled with SVM resulted in the best performances with an accuracy from 0.82 to 0.85. The encouraging results obtained by the use of DP and CAD systems in CMTs provide an interesting perspective on the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in cancer-related research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Veterinary and Comparative Reproductive Pathology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3757 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genomic Characterizations of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Viruses (PEDV) in Diarrheic Piglets and Clinically Healthy Adult Pigs from 2019 to 2022 in China

by Binghui Feng, Chen Li, Yuejia Qiu, Wenhao Qi, Ming Qiu, Jixiang Li, Hong Lin, Wanglong Zheng, Jianzhong Zhu and Nanhua Chen

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1562; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091562 - 6 May 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2450

Abstract

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a major causative pathogen of diarrheic disease. In this study, the prevalence and evolution of PEDV was evaluated using intestinal samples collected from six provinces of China in 2019–2022. PEDV could not only be detected in diarrheic [...] Read more.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a major causative pathogen of diarrheic disease. In this study, the prevalence and evolution of PEDV was evaluated using intestinal samples collected from six provinces of China in 2019–2022. PEDV could not only be detected in diarrheic piglets but also in adult pigs without enteric diseases. The complete genomes of five temporal and geographical representative PEDV strains were determined. Genome-based phylogenetic analysis indicated that XJ1904-700 belongs to the G2-a subgroup, while the other strains are clustered within the S-INDEL subgroup. Recombination analyses supported that JSNJ2004-919 is an inter-subgroup recombinant from SD2014-like (G2-b), CHZ-2013-like (G2-b) and CV777-like (G1-b) isolates, while FJFZ2004-1017 is an intra-subgroup recombinant from XM1-2-like (S-INDEL) and LYG-2014-like (S-INDEL) isolates. Both JSNJ2004-919 and FJFZ2004-1017 were from adult pigs, providing evidence that adult pigs may also serve as the host of PEDV reservoirs for virus evolution. Overall, this study provides new insights into PEDV’s prevalence and evolution in both diseased piglets and clinically healthy adult pigs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevalence and Diagnosis of Viral Diseases in Pig Production)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bull Semen Obtained on Beef Farms by Electroejaculation: Sperm Quality in the First Two Hours of Storing with Different Extenders and Holding Temperatures

by Santiago Pernas, Aitor Fernandez-Novo, Clara Barrajon-Masa, Patricia Mozas, Natividad Pérez-Villalobos, Bárbara Martín-Maldonado, Agustín Oliet, Susana Astiz and Sonia S. Pérez-Garnelo

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1561; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091561 - 6 May 2023

Viewed by 4707

Abstract

Sperm quality decreases over time, so bull semen may need to be preserved after field collection. However, the effect of handling such semen samples from commercial farms and placing them in very short–term storage has not been elucidated. Therefore, ejaculate from 25 bulls [...] Read more.

Sperm quality decreases over time, so bull semen may need to be preserved after field collection. However, the effect of handling such semen samples from commercial farms and placing them in very short–term storage has not been elucidated. Therefore, ejaculate from 25 bulls from 1 dairy and 14 beef cattle farms were collected under farm conditions and evaluated for semen quality during the first two hours after collection. Two commercial extenders (AndroMed^® and BIOXcell^®) and two different storage temperatures (5 °C and room temperature) were used to evaluate the influence on semen quality and sperm kinetics in ejaculates grouped into three evaluation times, based on time since collection (Time 1: <75 min, n = 7; Time 2: 75–105 min, n = 11; and Time 3: 105–120 min, n = 7). Classical semen parameters, sperm motion kinetics by CASA and colony-forming units were assessed. The differences between both extenders in curvilinear and straight–line velocities (VCL and VSL) for the different time groups (Time 2 and Time 3) were statistically significant for p < 0.05. AndroMed^® showed lower VSL, straightness and linearity in sperm compared to BIOXcell^® (p < 0.05). In conclusion, AndroMed^® induced more curvilinear movement, while BIOXcell^® stimulated straighter motility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of Biotechnologies Applied to Animal Reproduction)

15 pages, 1171 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Dietary Organic Selenium on Growth Performance, Gut Health, and Coccidiosis Response in Broiler Chickens

by Samiru S. Wickramasuriya, Inkyung Park, Youngsub Lee and Hyun S. Lillehoj

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1560; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091560 - 6 May 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2944

Abstract

A total of 252 one-day-old Ross broilers were randomly allocated to one of six treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with respective Eimeria challenges (non-infection and infection) and three different selenium (Se) diets. Dietary treatments were as follows: (1) Se un-supplemented [...] Read more.

A total of 252 one-day-old Ross broilers were randomly allocated to one of six treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with respective Eimeria challenges (non-infection and infection) and three different selenium (Se) diets. Dietary treatments were as follows: (1) Se un-supplemented control (CON), (2) inorganic Se treatment (SS; 0.3 mg/kg as sodium selenite), and (3) organic Se treatment (SY; 0.3 mg/kg as selenized yeast). Six replicate cages were allocated per treatment. Chickens in the respective Eimeria infection groups were infected with an E. acervulina, E. tenella, and E. maxima oocyst mixture (15,000 oocysts/chicken) on day 16. Growth performance was measured on days 16, 22, and 24. On day 22, intestinal samples were collected from randomly selected chickens to evaluate gut lesion scores, antioxidant enzymes, and tight junction gene expression. Blood, breast, and liver samples were collected to analyze the Se concentrations on day 24. Dietary SY supplementation improved (p < 0.05) the growth performance of the chickens regardless of the Eimeria challenge. Moreover, independent of Eimeria infection, Se supplementation elevated (p < 0.05) the heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX-1) expression in jejunal mucosa at 6 days post-infection (dpi). Duodenal junctional adhesion molecule 2 (JAM-2) expression and jejunal occludin (OCLN) were elevated (p < 0.05) with dietary SY supplementation at 6 dpi. Among Se sources, broiler chickens fed with the SY diet showed higher (p < 0.05) Se concentrations in breast muscle and serum on 8 dpi. These results confirmed the beneficial effects of dietary Se and the efficiency of organic Se compared with inorganic Se for growth improvement and muscle Se enrichment in broiler chickens regardless of coccidiosis infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Poultry Production: Physiology and Nutrition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2342 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a High-Concentrate Diet on the Blood Parameters and Liver Transcriptome of Goats

by Yusu Wang, Qiong Li, Lizhi Wang, Yuehui Liu and Tianhai Yan

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1559; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091559 - 6 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2077

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of high-concentrate diets on the blood parameters and liver transcriptome of goats. Eighteen goats were allocated into three dietary treatments: the high level of concentrate (HC) group, the medium level of concentrate (MC) [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of high-concentrate diets on the blood parameters and liver transcriptome of goats. Eighteen goats were allocated into three dietary treatments: the high level of concentrate (HC) group, the medium level of concentrate (MC) group, and the low level of concentrate (LC) group. The blood parameters and pathological damage of the gastrointestinal tract and liver tissues were measured. In hepatic portal vein blood, HC showed higher LPS, VFAs, and LA; in jugular vein blood, no significant differences in LPS, VFAs, and LA were recorded among groups (p > 0.05). Compared to the LC and MC groups, the HC group showed significantly increased interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-10, TNF-α, and diamine oxidase in jugular vein blood (p < 0.05). Liver transcriptome analysis discovered a total of 1269 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among the three groups and most of them came from the HC vs. LC group. There were 333 DEGs up-regulated and 608 down-regulated in the HC group compared to the LC group. The gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly focused on the regulation of triacylglycerol catabolism, lipoprotein particle remodeling, and cholesterol transport. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis revealed that the liver of the HC group enhanced the metabolism of nutrients such as VFAs through the activation of AMPK and other signaling pathways and enhanced the clearance and detoxification of LPS by activating the toll-like receptor signaling pathway. A high-concentrate diet (HCD) can significantly promote the digestion of nutrients; the liver enhances the adaptability of goats to an HCD by regulating the expression of genes involved in nutrient metabolism and toxin clearance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Rumen Fermentation, Microbial Population and Digestibility in Ruminants)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 371 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of the Formal Pathogenesis of Green Liver Discoloration in Organically Reared Female Bronze Turkeys (Melleagris gallovapo)

by Ines Stegmaier, Kerstin Cramer, Larissa Cuta, Gábor Koeller, Christian Visscher, Bernd Reckels, Axel Schoeniger, Maria-Elisabeth Krautwald-Junghanns and Volker Schmidt

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1558; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091558 - 6 May 2023

Viewed by 1689

Abstract

Green liver discoloration (GL) in fattening turkeys is suspected to be a multifactorial disease complex with a compromised immune system as the key factor. This study aimed to identify the formal pathogenesis of GL and to investigate possible nutritional influences. A total of [...] Read more.

Green liver discoloration (GL) in fattening turkeys is suspected to be a multifactorial disease complex with a compromised immune system as the key factor. This study aimed to identify the formal pathogenesis of GL and to investigate possible nutritional influences. A total of 360 Bronze turkey hens out of 10 flocks from 5 fattening farms were necropsied for detection of GL during 2 consecutive trials on 2 examination dates each (70th to 75th and 120th to 127th day of fattening, respectively). At each examination date, hematological and clinical chemistry analyses, as well as determination of vitamin E and selenium concentrations in the liver, were carried out in 6 hens with (if applicable) and 6 hens without GL, representing a total of 130 individuals. Raw nutrient, energy, amino acid, bulk and trace element, and vitamin E and D₃ concentrations were analyzed in feed samples for each of the five feeding phases during each trial. The results of the hematological analyses, clinical chemistry analyses, and determination of vitamin E and selenium liver concentrations were statistically evaluated between: (i) individuals with and without GL, and (ii) individuals from flocks with and without turkeys with GL. At both fattening stages, the occurrence of GL was characterized by an inflammatory reaction. A subacute inflammatory reaction was detected in the early fattening stage, indicating a viral cause of the disease. In the late fattening stage, acute inflammation indicated a bacterial cause of the disease. The results of the feed sample analyses of the different flocks were generally quite homogeneous. However, the nutrient and energy content of the feed likely contribute to GL pathogenesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Poultry)

14 pages, 621 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Supplementation of a Multi-Carbohydrase and Phytase Complex in Diets Regardless of Nutritional Levels, Improved Nutrients Digestibility, Growth Performance, and Bone Mineralization of Growing–Finishing Pigs

by Fangyuan Chen, Lunxiang Yang, Li Zhe, Maamer Jlali, Yong Zhuo, Xuemei Jiang, Lingjie Huang, Fali Wu, Ruinan Zhang, Shengyu Xu, Yan Lin, Lianqiang Che, Bin Feng, De Wu, Aurélie Preynat and Zhengfeng Fang

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1557; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091557 - 6 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2102

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary multi-enzyme (multi-carbohydrase and phytase complex, MCPC) supplementation on digestibility, growth performance, bone mineralization, and carcass yield and traits in growing–finishing pigs fed diets with adequate or deficient net energy (NE), amino acids (AA), [...] Read more.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary multi-enzyme (multi-carbohydrase and phytase complex, MCPC) supplementation on digestibility, growth performance, bone mineralization, and carcass yield and traits in growing–finishing pigs fed diets with adequate or deficient net energy (NE), amino acids (AA), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels. A total of 576 crossbred [Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire)] barrows (~25 kg) were fed one of the six diets till live weight approached 130 kg. Basal diets included a positive control (PC), negative control 1 (NC1) and 2 (NC2), while another three diets were prepared by adding MCPC to the three basal diets. The final body weight was lower (p < 0.05) in NC2 than in NC1 and PC treatments, while overall feed intake and feed-gain ratio were higher (p < 0.05) in NC1 and NC2 than in PC treatment. The NC2 treatment showed lower (p < 0.05) carcass weight but higher (p < 0.05) lean meat percentage than the PC treatment. The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of gross energy (GE), crude protein (CP) and AA was decreased (p < 0.05) or tended (p < 0.10) to decrease in NC1 and/or NC2 diets compared with a PC diet. MCPC supplementation improved (p < 0.05) AID of Ca, P and AA (Lys, Leu, Val, Phe, Gly, Tyr and Pro), apparent total-tract digestibility (ATTD) of GE, CP, bone strength, Ca, and P retention. In conclusion, MCPC supplementation improved nutrient digestibility, bone mineralization, and growth performance of fattening pigs, regardless of the nutritional level of the basal diet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 2038 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Characterization and Functional Analysis of Hypoxia-Responsive Factor Prolyl Hydroxylase Domain 2 in Mandarin Fish (Siniperca chuatsi)

by Yang Yu, Jian He, Wenhui Liu, Zhimin Li, Shaoping Weng, Jianguo He and Changjun Guo

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1556; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091556 - 6 May 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1783

Abstract

With increased breeding density, the phenomenon of hypoxia gradually increases in aquaculture. Hypoxia is primarily mediated by the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway. Prolyl hydroxylase domain proteins (PHD) are cellular oxygen-sensing molecules that regulate the stability of HIF-1α through hydroxylation. In this [...] Read more.

With increased breeding density, the phenomenon of hypoxia gradually increases in aquaculture. Hypoxia is primarily mediated by the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway. Prolyl hydroxylase domain proteins (PHD) are cellular oxygen-sensing molecules that regulate the stability of HIF-1α through hydroxylation. In this study, the characterization of the PHD2 from mandarin fish Siniperca chuatsi (scPHD2) and its roles in the HIF-1 signaling pathway were investigated. Bioinformation analysis showed that scPHD2 had the conserved prolyl 4-hydroxylase alpha subunit homolog domains at its C-terminal and was more closely related to other Perciformes PHD2 than other PHD2. Tissue-distribution results revealed that scphd2 gene was expressed in all tissues tested and more highly expressed in blood and liver than in other tested tissues. Dual-luciferase reporter gene and RT-qPCR assays showed that scPHD2 overexpression could significantly inhibit the HIF-1 signaling pathway. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis showed that scPHD2 could interact with scHIF-1α. Protein degradation experiment results suggested that scPHD2 could promote scHIF-1α degradation through the proteasome degradation pathway. This study advances our understanding of how the HIF-1 signaling pathway is regulated by scPHD2 and will help in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying hypoxia adaptation in teleost fish. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological Responses of Fishes to Nutrition Management and Environmental Stresses)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1610 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Influence of PCA Pre-Treatment on Pig Face Identification with Random Forest

by Hongwen Yan, Songrui Cai, Erhao Li, Jianyu Liu, Zhiwei Hu, Qiangsheng Li and Huiting Wang

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1555; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091555 - 6 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1753

Abstract

To explore the application of a traditional machine learning model in the intelligent management of pigs, in this paper, the influence of PCA pre-treatment on pig face identification with RF is studied. By this testing method, the parameters of two testing schemes, one [...] Read more.

To explore the application of a traditional machine learning model in the intelligent management of pigs, in this paper, the influence of PCA pre-treatment on pig face identification with RF is studied. By this testing method, the parameters of two testing schemes, one adopting RF alone and the other adopting RF + PCA, were determined to be 65 and 70, respectively. With individual identification tests carried out on 10 pigs, accuracy, recall, and f1-score were increased by 2.66, 2.76, and 2.81 percentage points, respectively. Except for the slight increase in training time, the test time was reduced to 75% of the old scheme, and the efficiency of the optimized scheme was greatly improved. It indicates that PCA pre-treatment positively improved the efficiency of individual pig identification with RF. Furthermore, it provides experimental support for the mobile terminals and the embedded application of RF classifiers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Automated Monitoring of Livestock and Poultry with Machine Learning Technology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2857 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Developing a Preference Scale for a Bear: From “Bearly Like” to “Like Beary Much”

by Jennifer Vonk

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1554; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091554 - 6 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1883

Abstract

A preference scale for use by nonhuman animals would allow them to communicate their degree of liking for individual items rather than just relative preferences between pairs of items. It would also allow animals to report liking for images of objects that would [...] Read more.

A preference scale for use by nonhuman animals would allow them to communicate their degree of liking for individual items rather than just relative preferences between pairs of items. It would also allow animals to report liking for images of objects that would be difficult to directly interact with (e.g., potential mates and habitat modifications). Such scales can easily be presented using touchscreen technology. Few zoos have used touchscreen technology for species other than nonhuman primates. I present a description of efforts taken to create such a scale for use with a single zoo-housed American black bear (Ursus americanus). Although the bear did not reach a high level of proficiency with assigning preferred and non-preferred food items to categorical responses of “like” and “dislike,” she was able to learn how to use the like and dislike buttons differentially for a single preferred and less preferred food item and she selected the correct response button for the preferred item at above chance levels. These data contribute to our limited understanding of black bear cognition and suggest that conditional discriminations may be difficult for black bears. This finding can inform continued efforts to create a simpler tool for nonhumans to communicate their preferences to human caregivers in a more nuanced way than is currently possible. More generally, the current study contributes to the growing body of work supporting the use of touchscreen technology for providing enrichment to less studied species like bears. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal–Computer Interaction: Advances and Opportunities)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 9260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification and Functional Assignment of Genes Implicated in Sperm Maturation of Tibetan Sheep

by Taotao Li, Huihui Wang, Ruirui Luo, Huibin Shi, Manchun Su, Yi Wu, Qiao Li, Keyan Ma, Yong Zhang and Youji Ma

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1553; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091553 - 6 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1766

Abstract

While traveling through the epididymis, immature sheep spermatozoa undergo a sequence of processes that ultimately give them the capacity to swim and fertilize an egg. Different gene expression patterns may be found in the epididymal caput, corpus, and cauda, conferring variant or unique [...] Read more.

While traveling through the epididymis, immature sheep spermatozoa undergo a sequence of processes that ultimately give them the capacity to swim and fertilize an egg. Different gene expression patterns may be found in the epididymal caput, corpus, and cauda, conferring variant or unique biological roles during epididymis development and sperm maturation. To search for candidate genes associated with ovine sperm maturation and assess their possible modulating mechanisms, we characterized gene expression in each epididymal segment derived from pre- and post-pubertal Tibetan sheep by RNA sequencing. Compared with pre-puberty, 7730 (3724 upregulated and 4006 downregulated), 7516 (3909 upregulated and 3607 downregulated), and 7586 (4115 elevated and 3471 downregulated) genes were found to be differentially expressed in the post-pubertal caput, corpus, and cauda epididymis, respectively, and real-time quantitative PCR verified the validity of the gathered expression patterns. Based on their functional annotations, most differential genes were assigned to the biological processes and pathways associated with cellular proliferation, differentiation, immune response, or metabolic activities. As for the post-pubertal epididymis, 2801, 197, and 186 genes were specifically expressed in the caput, corpus, and cauda, respectively. Functional annotation revealed that they were mainly enriched to various distinct biological processes associated with reproduction (including the caput binding of sperm to the zona pellucida; fertilization in the caput and corpus; and meiosis in the caput and cauda) and development (such as cell differentiation and developmental maturation in the caput; cell proliferation and metabolism in the corpus; and regulation of tube size and cell division/cell cycle in the cauda). Additionally, we focused on the identification of genes implicated in immunity and sperm maturation, and subsequent functional enrichment analysis revealed that immune-related genes mainly participated in the biological processes or pathways associated with the immune barrier (such as JAM3 and ITGA4/6/9) and immunosuppression (such as TGFB2, TGFBR1, TGFBR2, and SMAD3), thus protecting auto-immunogenic spermatozoa. Additionally, sperm maturation was mostly controlled by genes linked with cellular processes, including cell growth, proliferation, division, migration, morphogenesis, and junction. Altogether, these results suggest that most genes were differentially expressed in developmental epididymal regions to contribute to microenvironment development and sperm maturation. These findings help us better understand the epididymal biology, including sperm maturation pathways and functional differences between the epididymal regions in Tibetan sheep and other sheep breeds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Physiology of Ruminants)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 2824 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microsatellite-Based Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Huacaya Alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in Southern Peru

by Deyanira Figueroa, Flor-Anita Corredor, Ruben H. Mamani-Cato, Roberto F. Gallegos-Acero, Nicoll Condori-Rojas, Richard Estrada, Lizeth Heredia, Wilian Salazar, Carlos Quilcate and Carlos I. Arbizu

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1552; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091552 - 5 May 2023

Viewed by 2733

Abstract

The alpaca population mostly consists of the Huacaya phenotype and is widely distributed in Southern Peru. This study aimed to estimate the genetic diversity and population structure of two Huacaya alpaca populations (Ajoyani and Quimsachata) using fourteen and twelve microsatellite markers for each [...] Read more.

The alpaca population mostly consists of the Huacaya phenotype and is widely distributed in Southern Peru. This study aimed to estimate the genetic diversity and population structure of two Huacaya alpaca populations (Ajoyani and Quimsachata) using fourteen and twelve microsatellite markers for each population, respectively. A total of 168 alpaca biological samples were outsourced to Peruvian laboratories for DNA extraction and genotyping. For genetic diversity, observed heterozygosity (H_o), expected heterozygosity (H_e), polymorphism information content (PIC), and fixation indices values were estimated. An admixture analysis was performed for the population structure analysis. Different programs were used for these estimations. In total, 133 (Ajoyani) and 129 (Quimsachata) alleles were found, with a range of 4 to 17 by locus. The mean H_O, H_E, and PIC per marker for Ajoyani were 0.764 ± 0.112, 0.771 ± 0.1, and 0.736; for Quimsachata, they were 0.783 ± 0.087, 0.773 ± 0.095, and 0.738, respectively. The population structure showed no structure with K = 2. This study provides useful indicators for the creation of appropriate alpaca conservation programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Genetic Diversity in Livestock and Companion Animals)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1693 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Animal and Human Dirofilariasis in India and Sri Lanka: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Sandani S. Thilakarathne, Nicholas K. Y. Yuen, Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan, Thishan C. Yahathugoda and Swaid Abdullah

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1551; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091551 - 5 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3380

Abstract

Dirofilariasis is an emerging vector-borne tropical disease of public health importance that mainly affects humans and dogs. Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens are the two well-documented dirofilariasis-causing filarioid helminths of both medical and veterinary concerns in India and Sri Lanka. This systematic review [...] Read more.

Dirofilariasis is an emerging vector-borne tropical disease of public health importance that mainly affects humans and dogs. Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens are the two well-documented dirofilariasis-causing filarioid helminths of both medical and veterinary concerns in India and Sri Lanka. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to describe and summarize the current evidence of dirofilariasis prevalence and distribution in India and Sri Lanka. Interestingly, D. repens is reported to circulate in both dogs (prevalence of 35.8% (95% CI: 11.23–60.69)) and humans (97% of published case reports) in India and Sri Lanka, but D. immitis is reported to be present in the dog populations in India (prevalence of 9.7% (95% CI: 8.5–11.0%)), and so far, it has not been reported in Sri Lanka. This peculiar distribution of D. immitis and D. repens in the two neighbouring countries could be due to the interaction between the two parasite species, which could affect the pattern of infection of the two worm species in dogs and thus influence the geographical distribution of these two filarial worms. In medical and veterinary practice, histopathology was the most commonly used diagnostic technique (31.3%; 95% CI 2.5–60.2%). The low specificity of histopathology to speciate the various Dirofilaria spp. may lead to misdiagnosis. It was identified in this study that several regions of India and Sri Lanka have not yet been surveyed for dirofilariasis. This limits our understanding of the geographical distribution and interspecies interactions of the two parasites within these countries. Parasite distribution, disease prevalence, and interspecies interactions between the vectors and the host should be targeted for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonoses and Wildlife - One Health Approach)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2929 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diagnostic Findings and Surgical Management of Three Dogs Affected by Osseous Metaplasia Secondary to a Salivary Mucocele

by Matteo Olimpo, Erica Ilaria Ferraris, Lorenza Parisi, Paolo Buracco, Sara Gioele Rizzo, Davide Giacobino, Andrea Degiovanni, Lorella Maniscalco and Emanuela Morello

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1550; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091550 - 5 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4526

Abstract

Saliva is an irritant of the subcutaneous tissue, thus causing the development of a non-epithelial reactive pseudocapsule. Metaplastic ossification of the pseudocapsule is a condition rarely described in the veterinary literature. The main causes of calcification are trauma, tumours, various chronic inflammatory conditions [...] Read more.

Saliva is an irritant of the subcutaneous tissue, thus causing the development of a non-epithelial reactive pseudocapsule. Metaplastic ossification of the pseudocapsule is a condition rarely described in the veterinary literature. The main causes of calcification are trauma, tumours, various chronic inflammatory conditions and fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. The aim of the present case series was to describe three dogs affected by a calcified salivary mucocele. The medical records of dogs affected by a cervical sialocele were retrospectively evaluated, and three cases met the inclusion criteria. All the dogs in this study were referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) of the Department of Veterinary Sciences of the University of Turin (Turin, Italy) for a large solid mass in the intermandibular region. The diagnosis of a mucocele was confirmed clinically by centesis and by radiography or CT. Complete excision of both the pseudocyst and the ipsilateral mandibular/monostomatic sublingual salivary gland was performed in all cases. The histological report showed large areas of bone metaplasia within the pseudocapsule and chronic sialadenitis. Based on this limited case series, complete excision of the pseudocyst and a concurrent sialoadenectomy provided an effective treatment for this rare salivary mucocele disorder. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soft Tissue Surgery and Minimally Invasive Techniques in Small Animals)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fracture Healing in 37 Dogs and Cats with Implant Failure after Surgery (2013–2018)

by Timothy L. Menghini, Georgia Shriwise and Peter Muir

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1549; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091549 - 5 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4594

Abstract

Implant failure is common in small animal orthopedics, but risk factors are rarely reported. Our objective was to determine whether abnormal fracture healing was associated with implant failure after fracture fixation in dogs and cats in a consecutive series of cases. Thirty-seven client-owned [...] Read more.

Implant failure is common in small animal orthopedics, but risk factors are rarely reported. Our objective was to determine whether abnormal fracture healing was associated with implant failure after fracture fixation in dogs and cats in a consecutive series of cases. Thirty-seven client-owned animals (thirty-two dogs, five cats) diagnosed with implant failure after fracture treatment from January 2013–September 2018 were studied. Medical and radiographic records were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients that underwent fracture fixation using open reduction and internal fixation with subsequent radiographic evidence of implant failure. Area moment of inertia (AMI), plate working length, and bone screw density were determined. Implant failure was found in 39 fractures in 37 animals, representing 23% of fracture cases during the study period. Cases of implant failure were at increased risk of delayed union, malunion, or non-union (p < 0.0001). The most common cause of implant failure was loosening (54%); the second most common was plate failure that included low AMI locking plates (28%). Major complications found in 22/39 fractures (56%) were associated with delayed union (p < 0.01). Surgical revision was performed in 49% of implant failure cases. Complications were most frequently identified after treatment of humeral fractures (26%). We conclude mechanical failure of implants increases the risk for delayed or abnormal fracture healing and often requires revision surgery. Implant AMI should be considered during preoperative planning. Locking plates are associated with implant failure if plate bending stiffness is not sufficient, based on findings from this case series. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 1341 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Measures of Oxidative Status Markers in Relation to Age, Sex, and Season in Sick and Healthy Captive Asian Elephants in Thailand

by Worapong Kosaruk, Janine L. Brown, Patcharapa Towiboon, Veerasak Punyapornwithaya, Kidsadagon Pringproa and Chatchote Thitaram

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1548; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091548 - 5 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3014

Abstract

Oxidative stress is a pathological condition that can have adverse effects on animal health, although little research has been conducted on wildlife species. In this study, blood was collected from captive Asian elephants for the assessment of five serum oxidative status markers (reactive [...] Read more.

Oxidative stress is a pathological condition that can have adverse effects on animal health, although little research has been conducted on wildlife species. In this study, blood was collected from captive Asian elephants for the assessment of five serum oxidative status markers (reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations; malondialdehyde, MDA; albumin; glutathione peroxidase, GPx; and catalase) in healthy (n = 137) and sick (n = 20) animals. Health problems consisted of weakness, puncture wounds, gastrointestinal distress, eye and musculoskeletal problems, and elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus hemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD). Fecal samples were also collected to assess glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCMs) as a measure of stress. All data were analyzed in relation to age, sex, sampling season, and their interactions using generalized linear models, and a correlation matrix was constructed. ROS and serum albumin concentrations exhibited the highest concentrations in aged elephants (>45 years). No sex differences were found for any biomarker. Interactions were observed for age groups and seasons for ROS and catalase, while GPx displayed a significant interaction between sex and season. In pairwise comparisons, significant increases in ROS and catalase were observed in summer, with higher ROS concentrations observed only in the adult female group. Lower catalase activity was exhibited in juvenile males, subadult males, adult females, and aged females compared to subadult and adult elephants (males and females) in winter and the rainy season. There was a positive association between catalase activity and fGCMs (r = 0.23, p < 0.05), and a number of red blood cell parameters were positively associated with several of these biomarkers, suggesting high oxidative and antioxidative activity covary in red cells (p < 0.05). According to health status, elephants with EEHV-HD showed the most significant changes in oxidative stress markers, with MDA, GPx, and catalase being higher and albumin being lower than in healthy elephants. This study provides an analysis of understudied health biomarkers in Asian elephants, which can be used as additional tools for assessing the health condition of this species and suggests age and season may be important factors in data interpretation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Wildlife)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 5739 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimates of Water Consumption of Growing Pigs under Practical Conditions Based on Climate and Performance Data

by Patrick Schale, Engel F. Arkenau, Armin O. Schmitt, Sven Dänicke, Jeannette Kluess and Angelika Grümpel-Schlüter

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1547; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091547 - 5 May 2023

Viewed by 2339

Abstract

The water consumption of fattening pigs was recorded under practical conditions and compared with calculated water consumption. The experiment was carried out in the summer of 2020 with 79 fattening pigs. Data loggers were used to record the climate data, such as temperature [...] Read more.

The water consumption of fattening pigs was recorded under practical conditions and compared with calculated water consumption. The experiment was carried out in the summer of 2020 with 79 fattening pigs. Data loggers were used to record the climate data, such as temperature and relative humidity. These data were used to calculate the temperature-humidity index (THI). It was found that there were sometimes considerable discrepancies between the measured and the calculated water consumption. One possible reason for this discrepancy could be the age of the existing water requirement equations, as in recent decades there has been a clear breeding development and thus a strong increase in pig performance. Based on these deviations, six new water consumption equations were established, which considered the variables body weight (BW), temperature, THI and feed consumption. It was found that the THI and BW should be included in one equation as predictor variables and the evaluation also showed good results. Its use, in practice, should also be considered. Overall, it became apparent that there is still a need for further research to make water consumption equations more precise. This would require a larger database. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 2391 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Porcupettes Management at Wildlife Rescue Centers and Liberation into the Wild: Implications for Post-Liberation Success

by Francesca Coppola, Chiara Dari, Giuseppe Vecchio, Marco Aloisi, Giorgia Romeo, Claudia Biliotti and Antonio Felicioli

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1546; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091546 - 5 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1666

Abstract

The crested porcupine is a frequent host species in wildlife rescue centers and no guidelines for its management, liberation and post-liberation monitoring are yet available. Here, captive-grown porcupines’ behavior and survival in the wild after liberation were investigated and described for the first [...] Read more.

The crested porcupine is a frequent host species in wildlife rescue centers and no guidelines for its management, liberation and post-liberation monitoring are yet available. Here, captive-grown porcupines’ behavior and survival in the wild after liberation were investigated and described for the first time. Management strategies adopted at the centers could affect porcupine adaptation to the natural environment. The detention of porcupettes in single cages and fed only human-supplied food may not ensure ethological welfare, nor a suitable behavioral development compatible with wildlife. The liberation of captive-grown porcupines should also be carefully planned to promote and increase the possibility of post-liberation success. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Importance of Sanctuaries and Rehabilitation Centres for Wildlife)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1574 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Early Growth and Development and Nonlinear Model Fitting Analysis of Ashidan Yak

by Guangyao Meng, Yongfu La, Qi Bao, Xiaoyun Wu, Xiaoming Ma, Chun Huang, Min Chu, Chunnian Liang and Ping Yan

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1545; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091545 - 5 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1822

Abstract

Understanding animal growth plays an important role in improving animal genetics and breeding. In order to explore the early growth and development law of Ashidan yak, the body weight (BW), wither height (WH), body oblique length (BL) and chest girth (CG) of 260 [...] Read more.

Understanding animal growth plays an important role in improving animal genetics and breeding. In order to explore the early growth and development law of Ashidan yak, the body weight (BW), wither height (WH), body oblique length (BL) and chest girth (CG) of 260 female Ashidan yaks were measured. These individuals grew under grazing conditions, and growth traits were measured at 6, 12, 18 and 30 months of age. Then the absolute growth and relative growth of Ashidan yak were calculated, and five nonlinear models (Logistic model, Gompertz model, Brody model, von Bertalanffy model and Richards model) were used to fit the growth curve of Ashidan yak. The fitting effect of the model was evaluated according to MSE, AIC and BIC. The results showed that the growth rate of Ashidan yak was the fastest from 12 to 18 months old, and the growth was slow or even stagnant from 6 to 12 months old. The AIC and BIC values of the Richards model were the lowest among the five models, with an AIC value of 4543.98 and a BIC value of 4563.19. The Richards model estimated body weight at 155.642 kg. In summary, the growth rate of female Ashidan yak changes with the seasons, growing faster in warm seasons and slower in cold seasons. Richards model is the best model to describe the growth curve of female Ashidan yak in five nonlinear models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Animals, Volume 13, Issue 9 (May-1 2023) – 146 articles

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI