Animals

14 pages, 1644 KB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Metabolic Pathways and Hub Genes Associated with Ultrasound Subcutaneous Fat and Muscle Depth of the Longissimus Muscle in Cull Beef Cows Using Gene Co-Expression Analysis

by Harshraj Shinde, Kyle R. McLeod and Jeffrey W. Lehmkuhler

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2636; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172636 - 8 Sep 2025

Viewed by 298

Abstract

Beef production is an important component of the world’s food supply, with production being near 59 million tons in 2023 (USDA, 2023). Enhancing our understanding of the factors influencing metabolism will lead to improvements in production efficiency. Using RNA-seq and WGCNA of longissimus [...] Read more.

Beef production is an important component of the world’s food supply, with production being near 59 million tons in 2023 (USDA, 2023). Enhancing our understanding of the factors influencing metabolism will lead to improvements in production efficiency. Using RNA-seq and WGCNA of longissimus muscle samples, gene expression and metabolic pathway analyses were performed to examine relationships with ultrasound and body mass variables. In this study, body weight (BW), ultrasound back fat (BF), ultrasound muscle depth (MD), and body condition score (BCS) were traits recorded for 18 cull beef cows. As expected, all production-related traits monitored (WT, BF, MD, and BCS) in this study exhibited a positive correlation with each other. Large-scale transcriptome analyses were performed using RNA extracted from longissimus dorsi muscles. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to associate changes in traits with gene expression. In WGCNA, the dark-green module demonstrated a positive correlation (cor) with all traits, with the highest observed for BF (cor = 0.45, p = 0.07) and MD (cor = 0.45, p = 0.07). Functional analysis of the dark-green module highlighted olfactory transduction (p = 0.03) and RNA processing as significantly correlated (p = 0.08) with production traits. Additionally, the hematopoietic cell lineage pathway was reported as the most significant negative correlation with muscle depth (cor = −0.71, p = 0.001). We identified four hub genes (i.e., SEPTIN9, NONO, CCDC88C, and CACNA2D3) showing relationships with the traits measured. These findings provide further understanding of the molecular mechanisms influencing muscle and fat accretion in cull beef cows. Full article

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

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15 pages, 662 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Salinity, Temperature, Photoperiod, and Isochrysis galbana Microalgal Cell Density on the Growth of the Marine Copepod Oithona nana

by Jordan I. Huanacuni, Margaret Jennifer Nieto-Rojas, Renzo Pepe-Victoriano, Juan Zenón Resurrección-Huertas and Luis Antonio Espinoza-Ramos

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2635; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172635 - 8 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Copepods play a critical role in aquatic food chains and are a key source of food in aquaculture, so optimizing their culture conditions is essential for their large-scale production. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal culture parameters of the [...] Read more.

Copepods play a critical role in aquatic food chains and are a key source of food in aquaculture, so optimizing their culture conditions is essential for their large-scale production. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal culture parameters of the copepod Oithona nana as a function of total population growth and the different stages of its life cycle. To this end, four experiments were carried out in quadruplicate, evaluating the effects of temperature, salinity, photoperiod and optimal microalgal concentration of Isochrysis galbana. Each experiment lasted 15 days. Temperatures of 20, 24, 28 and 32 °C were tested; salinity levels of 20, 25, 30 and 35 PSU; photoperiods of 12L:12D, 16L:8D and 24L:0D; and concentrations of I. galbana of 1 × 10⁴, 5 × 10⁴, 10 × 10⁴, 15 × 10⁴ and 20 × 10⁴ cells/mL. Results indicated that the optimal temperature for the culture of O. nana, with significant differences compared to the other treatments, was 28 ± 1 °C. Regarding salinity, the optimal level for the total development of the population was 25 ± 2 PSU, while to maximize the percentage of copepodites, the most appropriate levels were 30 and 35 PSU. The light-dark regimen of 16L:8D promoted the highest total density of individuals, while 12L:12D and 16L:8D favored development of nauplii and copepodites. Finally, optimal concentrations of I. galbana that generated the highest densities of O. nana at all stages of its life cycle were 15 × 10⁴ and 20 × 10⁴ cells/mL. These findings provide key information for the development of optimized cultures of O. nana, which can improve its availability as a food source in aquaculture systems and favor the success of larval cultures in species of commercial interest. Full article

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13 pages, 10110 KB

Open AccessCase Report

First Case Report of Choledochoenterostomy in a Cat with Biliary Obstruction Due to Cholangiohepatitis and Papillary Stenosis

by Nicole Diana Wolf, Juliette Bénédicte Burg-Personnaz, Jennifer Stéphanie Eiermann and Simona Vincenti

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2634; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172634 - 8 Sep 2025

Viewed by 159

Abstract

A 2-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat was presented with a 12-month history of anorexia, weight loss, vomiting, polyuria, and polydipsia. Physical examination revealed a responsive but debilitated cat with icteric mucous membranes and a low body-condition score. Laboratory tests showed mild macrocytic [...] Read more.

A 2-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat was presented with a 12-month history of anorexia, weight loss, vomiting, polyuria, and polydipsia. Physical examination revealed a responsive but debilitated cat with icteric mucous membranes and a low body-condition score. Laboratory tests showed mild macrocytic anemia, elevated liver enzymes, hyperproteinemia with hypoalbuminemia, hyperbilirubinaemia, and a decreased vitamin B12 level. Abdominal ultrasound revealed marked dilation of the common bile duct (CBD) and gallbladder, consistent with suspected extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction, as well as secondary pancreatic and intrahepatic duct distension. Cytological and bacteriological analyses confirmed bacterial cholangiohepatitis due to a mixed infection with Escherichia coli and Peptostreptococcus canis. Despite initial conservative management, the cat’s clinical condition remained unchanged, prompting exploratory laparotomy. Intraoperative findings confirmed the ultrasonographic suspicions and revealed severe pancreatitis. Based these findings, a cholecystectomy, choledochoenterostomy, and placement of a cholecystostomy tube as well as an abdominal drain and jejunal feeding tube were performed. Postoperatively, the cat initially showed improvement but subsequently developed signs of sepsis requiring intensive care. Although temporary stabilization was achieved, the cat died suddenly ten days after surgery due to unknown causes. This case report highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with bacterial cholangiohepatitis secondary to biliary obstruction in cats and documents the first clinical application of choledochoenterostomy—a surgical procedure previously only described hypothetically in this species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Small Animal Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Diseases)

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20 pages, 2959 KB

Open AccessArticle

Niche Competition and Overlapping Area Dynamics of Two Sympatric Ants Jointly Indicate Strong Adaptive and Dispersal Ability of Yellow Crazy Ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes)

by Yulin Yuan, Changqi Chen, Ying Zhang, Jinlu Zhang, Zhouyang Liao, Fang Liu, Zachary Y. Huang and Yuan Zhang

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2633; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172633 - 8 Sep 2025

Viewed by 149

Abstract

Global climate change, coupled with the escalating severity of species invasions, has profoundly impacted and continues to influence species distribution patterns across multiple spatial scales. The invasive ant species Anoplolepis gracilipes (yellow crazy ants) and the dominant species Oecophylla smaragdina (weaver ants) share [...] Read more.

Global climate change, coupled with the escalating severity of species invasions, has profoundly impacted and continues to influence species distribution patterns across multiple spatial scales. The invasive ant species Anoplolepis gracilipes (yellow crazy ants) and the dominant species Oecophylla smaragdina (weaver ants) share a significant overlapping distribution in tropical Asia and Oceania. The changes in their distribution areas, particularly in the overlapping regions, under future climate change scenarios remain inadequately explored. By integrating field behavioral experiments conducted on two ant species with climate and topographic datasets, we evaluated the extent of overlapping ranges and predicted the future dynamics of both species. Our results show that yellow crazy ants are more efficient at finding food and mobilizing workers, indicating stronger collaborative abilities than weaver ants. Under food and water deprivation conditions, yellow crazy ants exhibit a higher survival rate than weaver ants. Climatic factors exert a greater influence on the potential distribution of yellow crazy ants compared to topographic factors. Regions with consistently high suitability for yellow crazy ants primarily include southern China, Myanmar, India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Australia. The potential distribution area for weaver ants has constricted due to climate change, while that for yellow crazy ants has expanded. Initially, these two ant species had highly overlapping suitable habitats. However, this overlap is projected to diminish under future climate conditions. Mitigating future climate change could substantially reduce the expansion of yellow crazy ants. This discovery underscores the importance of monitoring and managing the dynamic changes in the distribution areas of both invasive and native species against the backdrop of climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ecology and Conservation)

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17 pages, 2114 KB

Open AccessArticle

Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Study of Neoplastic Cell Heterogeneity in Early and Advanced Ovine Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma

by Raúl A. Reséndiz-Pozos, Jose María González-Saínz, Aurora Ortín, Javier Asin, María Climent, Luis Borderías and Marcelo De las Heras

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2632; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172632 - 8 Sep 2025

Viewed by 266

Abstract

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is a naturally occurring lung neoplasia in sheep caused by jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV). JSRV infects alveolar type II pneumocytes (ATII) and club cells (CC), and the expression of viral oncoproteins induces a lung adenocarcinoma. The gross pathology of [...] Read more.

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is a naturally occurring lung neoplasia in sheep caused by jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV). JSRV infects alveolar type II pneumocytes (ATII) and club cells (CC), and the expression of viral oncoproteins induces a lung adenocarcinoma. The gross pathology of OPA exhibits differences in the anatomical patterns known as classical and atypical forms. Thirty natural OPA tumors, divided equally into early OPA tumors (Group A, GA), atypical tumors (Group B, GB), and classical tumors (Group C, GC), were obtained from adult sheep (2–9 years old). Tumor heterogeneity was studied comparing the histopathology (growth patterns, local invasion, mitotic figures, myxoid nodules), together with immunohistochemistry (IHC) using markers of JSRV-ENV, epithelial cells (ATII cells, CC, ki67), progenitor-stem epithelial cells (K5, p63, CD44), and the anterior grade protein 2 (AGR2). Papillary pattern was predominant in all groups. Lepidic pattern was also relevant in GA, and acinar pattern was relevant in GB. Low proliferation indexes and local invasion were observed in all groups. Myxoid nodules were few. IHC showed that all samples were positive for JSRV-ENV. Cell markers demonstrated that GA was different when compared to GB and GC, showing significantly the highest levels of CC, K5, and p63 positive tumor cells. There were no significant differences between GB and GC. The heterogeneity analysis of OPA tumors revealed that in early tumors, repair is important but is not reflected in classical or atypical different anatomical OPA forms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious Diseases in Small Ruminants – Updates on Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Prevention)

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25 pages, 19989 KB

Open AccessArticle

FSCA-YOLO: An Enhanced YOLO-Based Model for Multi-Target Dairy Cow Behavior Recognition

by Ting Long, Rongchuan Yu, Xu You, Weizheng Shen, Xiaoli Wei and Zhixin Gu

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2631; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172631 - 8 Sep 2025

Viewed by 203

Abstract

In real-world dairy farming environments, object recognition models often suffer from missed or false detections due to complex backgrounds and cow occlusions. In response to these issues, this paper proposes FSCA-YOLO, a multi-object cow behavior recognition model based on an improved YOLOv11 framework. [...] Read more.

In real-world dairy farming environments, object recognition models often suffer from missed or false detections due to complex backgrounds and cow occlusions. In response to these issues, this paper proposes FSCA-YOLO, a multi-object cow behavior recognition model based on an improved YOLOv11 framework. First, the FEM-SCAM module is introduced along with the CoordAtt mechanism to enable the model to better focus on effective behavioral features of cows while suppressing irrelevant background information. Second, a small object detection head is added to enhance the model’s ability to recognize cow behaviors occurring at the distant regions of the camera’s field of view. Finally, the original loss function is replaced with the SIoU loss function to improve recognition accuracy and accelerate model convergence. Experimental results show that compared with mainstream object detection models, the improved YOLOv11 in this section demonstrates superior performance in terms of precision, recall, and mean average precision (mAP), achieving 95.7% precision, 92.1% recall, and 94.5% mAP—an improvement of 1.6%, 1.8%, and 2.1%, respectively, over the baseline YOLOv11 model. FSCA-YOLO can accurately extract cow features in real farming environments, providing a reliable vision-based solution for cow behavior recognition. To support specific behavior recognition and in-region counting needs in multi-object cow behavior recognition and tracking systems, OpenCV is integrated with the recognition model, enabling users to meet the diverse behavior identification requirements in groups of cows and improving the model’s adaptability and practical utility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)

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13 pages, 396 KB

Open AccessArticle

Potential for Using Beetles (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) as Model Organisms to Determine Nutrient Bioavailability for Companion Animal Foods: A Pilot Study

by Mollie Toth, Charles G. Aldrich and Thomas W. Phillips

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2630; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172630 - 8 Sep 2025

Viewed by 241

Abstract

Pet owners have become more aware of how their pet’s nutrition can influence the pet’s life expectancy, wellness, and energy. Evaluating the new ingredients claiming better pet health for nutrient contributions requires significant investment and targeted animal commitment while current research aims to [...] Read more.

Pet owners have become more aware of how their pet’s nutrition can influence the pet’s life expectancy, wellness, and energy. Evaluating the new ingredients claiming better pet health for nutrient contributions requires significant investment and targeted animal commitment while current research aims to find alternative approaches. Research on pet foods in universities is overseen by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, which has restrictions on the use of vertebrates in testing but places no restrictions on the use of insects. The research reported here studied three species of beetles (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), Trogoderma variabile (Ballion), Trogoderma inclusum (LeConte), and Dermestes maculatus (DeGeer) as potential model organisms to evaluate pet food nutrient bioavailability. The larvae of all three species were fed a balanced pet food diet under various laboratory conditions to determine their protein efficiency ratios (PERs) over a 144 h period. Results suggested that D. maculatus larvae reared at 27 °C, 60–65% R.H. (relative humidity), and a photoperiod of 16:8 L:D were the most efficient at converting ingested protein into weight gain with an average protein efficiency ratio (PER) of 1.439. Further experiments were conducted using only D. maculatus larvae with shorter time windows of 48 h and 24 h. The 24 h feeding time was successful and yielded an average PER of 2.476. These findings suggest that D. maculatus larvae may be a useful model organism for pet food bioavailability studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)

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17 pages, 4614 KB

Open AccessArticle

Screening of circRNAs Associated with Secondary Wool Follicle Development in Fine-Wool Sheep and Construction of Their ceRNA Network

by Yu Luo, Binpeng Xi, Yufang Song, Tong Xiao, Zengkui Lu, Jianbin Liu, Chao Yuan and Tingting Guo

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2629; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172629 - 8 Sep 2025

Viewed by 232

Abstract

Various signalling molecules and pathways critical for wool production and quality regulate wool secondary follicle (SF) development. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) regulate SF morphogenesis through a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism; these novel cyclic non-coding RNAs are not known to regulate the development of [...] Read more.

Various signalling molecules and pathways critical for wool production and quality regulate wool secondary follicle (SF) development. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) regulate SF morphogenesis through a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism; these novel cyclic non-coding RNAs are not known to regulate the development of SFs in the foetal period of fine-wool sheep. Here, we analysed circRNA expression profiles in the foetal skin of Gansu Alpine fine-wool sheep at 10 developmental stages (E87, E90, E93, E96, E99, E102, E105, E108, E111, and E138) using RNA sequencing. Among the differentially expressed circRNAs (DE circRNAs), 173 were significantly enriched in signalling pathways related to hair follicle (HF) development, such as Wnt/β-catenin, transforming growth factor-β/Smad, Notch, and mitogen-activated protein kinase. Six HF-development-related circRNAs were expressed at different stages and potentially regulated SF development through the ceRNA network. In total, 16 DE circRNAs and their targets, 44 miRNAs, and 65 mRNAs were screened, and 88 ceRNA regulatory network pathways related to SF development were constructed. These key DE circRNAs could be candidate genes for further exploration of the molecular HF development mechanism, providing an important theoretical basis for unravelling the regulatory network of SF development in fine-wool sheep and genetic wool trait improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Molecular Genetics and Breeding of Cattle, Sheep, and Goats)

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31 pages, 1216 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tracking Epidermal Cortisol and Oxytocin in Managed Bottlenose Dolphins as Potential Non-Invasive Physiological Welfare Indicators

by Clara Agustí, Oriol Talló-Parra, Enrique Tejero-Caballo, Daniel Garcia-Parraga, Marina López-Arjona, Teresa Álvaro-Álvarez, José Joaquín-Cerón and Xavier Manteca

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2628; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172628 - 8 Sep 2025

Viewed by 440

Abstract

Growing concern over cetacean welfare has highlighted the need for rigorous, science-based assessment methods. Within this context, epidermal cortisol (ECC) and oxytocin (EOC) concentrations have emerged as potentially valuable physiological indicators. In this study, we first validated the analytical measurement of ECC and [...] Read more.

Growing concern over cetacean welfare has highlighted the need for rigorous, science-based assessment methods. Within this context, epidermal cortisol (ECC) and oxytocin (EOC) concentrations have emerged as potentially valuable physiological indicators. In this study, we first validated the analytical measurement of ECC and EOC in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) using AlphaLISA assays. Subsequently, weekly ECC and EOC levels were measured over an extended period in five managed dolphins and analyzed alongside aggregated environmental and welfare-related variables, using various time lags to account for delays between physiological activity and hormone deposition in the epidermis. ECC was negatively associated with mild weight loss and diazepam administration, exhibiting seasonal variability. In contrast, EOC was negatively associated with negative welfare indicators and COVID-19 park closures but positively associated with diazepam administration and peak visitor seasons, also showing seasonal variability. However, the interpretation of EOC remains complex due to a limited understanding of the cetacean oxytocin system and its dual role in positive and negative affective states. Overall, ECC and EOC show promise as non-invasive biomarkers for monitoring long-term welfare changes in cetaceans, although further research is necessary to validate these biomarkers across broader populations and contexts and to clarify their temporal dynamics in the epidermis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Best Practices for Zoo Animal Welfare Management)

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14 pages, 470 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reproductive Diseases Are Key Determinants Influencing the Success of Embryo Transfer and Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination in Cattle

by William O. Burgos-Paz, Erly Carrascal-Triana and Sergio Falla-Tapias

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2627; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172627 - 8 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Reproductive biotechnologies, such as embryo transfer (ET) and fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI), are increasingly adopted to enhance genetic progress in tropical cattle production systems. However, the high prevalence of reproductive infectious diseases in tropical regions may compromise reproductive outcomes. This study evaluated the [...] Read more.

Reproductive biotechnologies, such as embryo transfer (ET) and fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI), are increasingly adopted to enhance genetic progress in tropical cattle production systems. However, the high prevalence of reproductive infectious diseases in tropical regions may compromise reproductive outcomes. This study evaluated the impact of eight reproductive pathogens (Neospora caninum, Leptospira spp., Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Trypanosoma spp., BVDV, IBR, and BLV) on pregnancy success, embryonic loss, and abortion in 296 bovine females subjected to ET and FTAI in Huila, Colombia. Animals were classified into six genetic groups and monitored for pregnancy at 45 and 90 days post-treatment. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between disease prevalence and reproductive outcomes. Neospora caninum emerged as the most detrimental pathogen, significantly reducing pregnancy rates (OR = 0.443; p = 0.034) and increasing both embryonic loss (OR = 7.35; p = 0.073) and abortion risk (ET: OR = 20.3; p = 0.0002; FTAI: OR = 3.95; p = 0.0436). Leptospira spp. and BLV were also associated with increased embryonic losses, whereas Babesia spp. and IBR were linked to a reduced risk of embryo resorption because of enhanced care, monitoring, or vaccination. Creole cattle showed lower disease susceptibility than crossbred or commercial breeds. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive disease control, targeted vaccination, and reproductive planning to improve biotechnology outcomes in tropical cattle systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Reproduction)

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13 pages, 1519 KB

Open AccessArticle

Supplementary Feeding Regulates Muscle Development of Oula Sheep (Tibetan Sheep, Ovis aries) Through Glucose Metabolism Pathway

by Yumeng Li, Yanhao Wang, Mingyi Yan, Sen Wu, Meng Liu and Sayed Haidar Abbas Raza

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2626; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172626 - 8 Sep 2025

Viewed by 352

Abstract

To investigate the genetic regulatory mechanism of supplementary feeding on muscle development in Oula sheep, we employed transcriptomic analysis to explore the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the longissimus dorsi muscle of Oula sheep at different ages under conditions of supplementary feeding and [...] Read more.

To investigate the genetic regulatory mechanism of supplementary feeding on muscle development in Oula sheep, we employed transcriptomic analysis to explore the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the longissimus dorsi muscle of Oula sheep at different ages under conditions of supplementary feeding and non-supplementary feeding, as well as the significantly enriched Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathways of DEGs. Moreover, by combining with the method of weighted gene co-expression network analysis, we screened for the potential hub genes that might play crucial roles. The results demonstrated that the CD4 and ICAM1 genes and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway might exert important functions during the lamb stage. At the growth stage, the AGL, PGM2L1, PRKAA2, NEDD4, and GBE1 genes might serve as core genes to regulate the growth of skeletal muscle in Oula sheep after supplementary feeding through signaling pathways such as starch and sucrose metabolism and insulin signaling pathway. This outcome provides a molecular-level interpretation of the regulatory mechanism of supplementary feeding on muscle growth and development in Oula sheep at different ages, offering a theoretical basis for the further improvement of the meat quality of Oula sheep and the enhancement of the quality of livestock products in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Physiology)

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18 pages, 2941 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Forage Sources on Growth Performance, Blood Biochemistry, Hormone Concentrations, and Intestinal Microbiota in Alpacas

by Zhihui Chen, Yang Zhao, Liangmei Xu, Teng Teng and Deying Ma

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2625; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172625 - 8 Sep 2025

Viewed by 402

Abstract

Alpaca farming has received increasing attention in China in recent years. However, Australian alfalfa remains the main choice of forage for alpacas. China has abundant forage resources, including oat grass, Leymus chinensis, and corn straw, which are widely distributed across the country. [...] Read more.

Alpaca farming has received increasing attention in China in recent years. However, Australian alfalfa remains the main choice of forage for alpacas. China has abundant forage resources, including oat grass, Leymus chinensis, and corn straw, which are widely distributed across the country. This study aims to explore the feasibility of replacing Australian alfalfa entirely with these resources, thereby providing insights into the selection of forage species for alpacas. Test results showed that oat grass, when used as a fiber source for alpacas, has a significant positive effect on their growth performance, energy metabolism and intestinal microbiota. These results suggest that oat grass is a viable forage option for alpacas and is as nutritionally adequate as alfalfa. In contrast, neither corn straw nor Leymus chinensis demonstrated superior nutritional value compared to alfalfa. Therefore, we conclude that oat grass has substantial potential to serve as an alfalfa substitute in alpaca forage. Conversely, Leymus chinensis and corn straw are not suitable candidates for replacing alfalfa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Components in Animal Nutrition: Favoring Sustainability, Welfare and Safety)

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16 pages, 1754 KB

Open AccessArticle

Scopolamine-Induced Amnesia in Zebrafish: Behavioral Characterization and Pharmacological Reversal

by Myrna Déciga-Campos, Janet Siles-Guevara, Susana Alejandra Gil-López, Jennifer Pineda-Oliveros and Rolffy Rubén Ortíz-Andrade

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2624; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172624 - 8 Sep 2025

Viewed by 438

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to assess whether donepezil or haloperidol, after a 10-day training period, could inhibit inhibitory avoidance and alter learned behavior. To assess memory impairment, zebrafish were trained in a light/dark tank over a 20-day period: 10 days [...] Read more.

The main objective of this study was to assess whether donepezil or haloperidol, after a 10-day training period, could inhibit inhibitory avoidance and alter learned behavior. To assess memory impairment, zebrafish were trained in a light/dark tank over a 20-day period: 10 days without mechanical stimulation and 10 days with mechanical stimulation. Three behavioral parameters were recorded, i.e., latency to enter the dark compartment, time spent in the dark zone, and the number of entries into the dark area. Following the training phase, scopolamine was administered to induce amnesia. Donepezil and haloperidol were used as reference compounds for comparison. Subsequently, zebrafish were placed in a cylindrical tank, and spontaneous exploratory behavior was evaluated by measuring the amount of time spent in the upper region of the tank, an indicator of anxiety-related behavior. The behavioral data from the training phase were used to establish a baseline profile of zebrafish performance in the light/dark tank. Scopolamine administration significantly altered all of the measured behavioral parameters, including exploratory behavior in the cylindrical tank. Notably, donepezil or haloperidol prevented the memory-impairing effects of scopolamine, supporting the use of the light/dark tank paradigm to evaluate the efficacy of pharmacological agents in reversing scopolamine-induced amnesia in zebrafish. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Application of the 3Rs to Promote the Welfare of Animals Used in Scientific Research and Testing)

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18 pages, 2243 KB

Open AccessArticle

Temperatures of the Mouthpiece of the Bit of Carriage Horses over a Period of 11 Months

by Carina Krcal and Theresia Licka

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2623; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172623 - 7 Sep 2025

Viewed by 446

Abstract

Besides oral temperature, meteorological parameters are expected to be relevant for mouthpiece temperature, potentially influenced by the material, surface area and weight of the bit. This study measured the temperature of the mouthpieces at the corner of the mouth while they were in [...] Read more.

Besides oral temperature, meteorological parameters are expected to be relevant for mouthpiece temperature, potentially influenced by the material, surface area and weight of the bit. This study measured the temperature of the mouthpieces at the corner of the mouth while they were in use on 58 carriage horses during the four 2024 seasons. Stainless steel, copper, and copper–steel bits were tested in three shapes: Butterfly Liverpool, Liverpool, and Loose Ring Snaffle with four rings. Additionally, surface temperatures of inner thighs, the ground, and buildings were measured using infrared thermography as well as meteorological parameters. Mouthpieces of copper bits reached the highest median temperatures of all materials over all months (31.9 °C) and in August (34.5 °C). In February, the air temperature (median 12.45 °C) was cooler than mouthpiece temperatures (steel median 21.8 °C, copper median 26.4 °C). Mouthpieces of copper–steel Liverpool bits were significantly warmer than those of steel Liverpool bits (+1.1 °C, p < 0.026) at wet bulb globe temperatures > 25 °C. Maximum mouthpiece temperatures of steel Butterfly Liverpool bits showed a weaker correlation (Spearman Rho 0.8) with wet bulb globe temperature categories than both steel Liverpool bits and steel Loose Ring Snaffle bits, which demonstrated a full correlation (Spearman Rho 1). Concerning mouthpiece temperatures, bit material, shape, and weather conditions should be considered when selecting bits to ascertain impacts on equine welfare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Equine Behavior and Welfare)

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22 pages, 2661 KB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Diagnostics and Control of Zoonotic Dermatophytosis: First Detection of Trichophyton indotineae in a Dog in Africa

by Hend A. Zineldar, Wafaa M. El-Neshwy, Romeo T. Cristina, Nasser Z. Abouzeid, Mohammed I. Eisa, Florin Muselin, Eugenia Dumitrescu, Adel Abdelkhalek and Yasmine H. Tartor

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2622; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172622 - 7 Sep 2025

Viewed by 359

Abstract

Fungal skin infections caused by dermatophytes are of significant veterinary and zoonotic concern. This study investigated the prevalence, risk factors, and treatment outcomes of dermatophytosis in dogs and cats with skin lesions. A total of 140 animals (90 dogs and 50 cats) that [...] Read more.

Fungal skin infections caused by dermatophytes are of significant veterinary and zoonotic concern. This study investigated the prevalence, risk factors, and treatment outcomes of dermatophytosis in dogs and cats with skin lesions. A total of 140 animals (90 dogs and 50 cats) that presented with skin lesions (alopecia, crusts, pruritus, and scales) were examined. Identification of dermatophyte isolates relied on both phenotypic characteristics and molecular techniques. The molecular approach involved PCR and sequencing of ribosomal DNA regions (ITS1, ITS2, and 5.8S rDNA), complemented by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). Treatment regimens included topical clotrimazole, systemic itraconazole, supportive therapy, and a dermatophyte vaccine. Of the 90 dog samples examined, 47 (52.22%) were positive for fungal culture (p = 0.65). In cats, 35 samples (70%) were positive (p < 0.0001). Microsporum canis was the most significant (p < 0.0001) prevalent isolate (60%), followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (20%). This study reported the first isolation of T. indotineae in Egypt. Younger animals (<1 year) exhibited a significantly (p < 0.05) higher risk of infection compared with adults (>1 year). Indoor/outdoor housing in cats significantly reduced the risk of infection when compared with indoor housing (p < 0.0001; odds ratio = 0.05). Combination therapy using itraconazole, clotrimazole, supportive treatment, and a dermatophyte vaccine resulted in the fastest clinical recovery (p < 0.0001). These findings underscore the importance of accurate diagnosis and effective treatment strategies for managing dermatophytosis in pets and preventing zoonotic transmission. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Epidemiology of Animal-Associated Fungal and Viral Pathogens)

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30 pages, 1746 KB

Open AccessReview

Advances in the Regulation of Lipid Metabolism by Non-Coding RNAs

by Yongdong Peng, Anqi Liu, Qifei Zhu, Xiaotong Liu, Bingbing Cai, Zhiyu Yan, Jiwei Gao, Ruchang Zhu and Changfa Wang

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2621; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172621 - 7 Sep 2025

Viewed by 265

Abstract

Lipid metabolism is a fundamental biological process that ensures energy homeostasis and cellular integrity. This is an essential and complex biochemical process that is involved in energy storage and the maintaining of normal biological functions. Disorders of lipid metabolism are an urgent health [...] Read more.

Lipid metabolism is a fundamental biological process that ensures energy homeostasis and cellular integrity. This is an essential and complex biochemical process that is involved in energy storage and the maintaining of normal biological functions. Disorders of lipid metabolism are an urgent health problem, bringing about metabolic syndromes such as obesity, hepatic steatosis, adipose tissue dysfunction, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. An increasing body of research has emphasized the pivotal function of ncRNAs, particularly miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, in controlling lipid metabolism and associated diseases. To identify novel therapeutic targets, it is necessary to understand the molecular mechanisms by which ncRNAs are involved in the pathobiology of lipid-associated diseases. This review summarizes the research findings on the role of ncRNA in lipid metabolism and the underlying mechanisms, emphasizing their potential as therapeutic targets for lipid-related diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Perspectives on Metabolism and Metabolic Disease in Wildlife, Domestic, and Exotic Pets and Livestock)

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16 pages, 3247 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on Light Preference in Gilts via Behavioral Pattern Analysis

by Shaojuan Ge, Haiyun Ma, Xiusong Li, Yaqiong Zeng, Baoming Li, Hao Wang and Weichao Zheng

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2620; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172620 - 7 Sep 2025

Viewed by 328

Abstract

The rational design of artificial lighting systems in pig housing can enhance animal welfare, thereby boosting gilt health and reproductive performance while improving economic metrics for swine farms. To identify the optimal light environments for gilts under artificial illumination, we conducted self-selection-based photic [...] Read more.

The rational design of artificial lighting systems in pig housing can enhance animal welfare, thereby boosting gilt health and reproductive performance while improving economic metrics for swine farms. To identify the optimal light environments for gilts under artificial illumination, we conducted self-selection-based photic preference testing, ultimately providing actionable insights for welfare-centric precision lighting protocols in modern pig production. In this study, a dynamic multi-chromatic self-selection system was developed, integrating programmable RGBW-LED arrays for spectral control, inter-compartment access channels for autonomous gilt movement, and real-time image recognition technology to investigate light color preferences. Twenty-four gilts (nulliparous female pigs) were housed for five weeks in pens with white, yellow, green, blue, or red light (100 lux), and they were given free access to all of the chromatic zones through inter-compartment channels. A YOLOv8n-based deep learning framework was used to quantify their spatiotemporal distribution, activity levels, and eating behavior. The key findings were the following: (1) a significant preference for green light environments (21.29 ± 3.77% distribution proportion) (p < 0.05), peaking at 6:00–13:00 and 18:00–20:00; (2) the average activity was the highest in a white light environment (25.49 ± 0.77%), significantly exceeding yellow (22.69 ± 0.63%) and green light (21.55 ± 0.61%) (p < 0.05); and (3) the daily feed consumption under green light was the lowest, significantly lower than that under white, blue, and red light (p < 0.05). The findings from this study offer insights into the light environment preferences of gilts, which could improve animal welfare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Livestock and Poultry Farming Technologies to Improve Comfort and Animal Welfare Levels)

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18 pages, 2138 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Park Visitors and Birds Connected by Trade-Offs and Synergies of Ecosystem Services

by Yichao Chen, Liyan Zhang, Zhengkai Zhang, Siwei Chen, Bei Yu and Yu Wang

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2619; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172619 - 6 Sep 2025

Viewed by 1273

Abstract

Parks serve as vital components of green infrastructure within urban ecosystems, providing recreational opportunities that not only enhance human well-being but also support bird diversity. However, the shared use of park spaces by both humans and birds inevitably leads to spatial overlap and [...] Read more.

Parks serve as vital components of green infrastructure within urban ecosystems, providing recreational opportunities that not only enhance human well-being but also support bird diversity. However, the shared use of park spaces by both humans and birds inevitably leads to spatial overlap and natural competition between the two groups. Consequently, addressing the diverse needs of both groups and balancing the ecosystem services provided to each has become an urgent and critical issue. In this study, we conducted bird and social surveys in an urban park and employed the SolVES and MaxEnt models to investigate the spatial patterns of cultural ecosystem services (CES), supporting ecosystem services (SES), and bird plumage color CES in the park. We then analyzed the trade-offs and synergies between different ecosystem service relationship pairs, as well as the factors influencing them, using bivariate spatial autocorrelation and geographical detectors analyses. Our results indicated a synergistic relationship between the recreational value of park CES and both park SES and bird plumage color CES. High-coverage vegetation areas along main roads promoted synergy, benefiting visitors’ appreciation of cultural services, bird roosting, and the supply of plumage color CES. Meanwhile, trade-offs were observed between the aesthetic value of park CES, park SES, and bird plumage color CES, primarily in fitness plazas where noise levels exceeded 70 dB. In contrast, visitors reacted more strongly to disturbances than birds. Furthermore, the colonization of colorful insectivorous birds enhanced the visual aesthetic value while simultaneously increasing the number of bird-feeding guilds and strengthening ecosystem stability. Our study suggests that planting tall trees, especially along park boundaries, expanding the perimeter green separation zone, and incorporating micro-water landscapes will help improve both avian CES and provide a more pleasant environment for visitors in parks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Wildlife Insights: Exploring the Behavior and Adaptations of Animals in Urban Environments)

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12 pages, 647 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of COLQ Gene Missense Mutations on Growth and Meat Traits in Leizhou Black Goats

by Jing Huang, Ke Wang, Yuelang Zhang, Jiancheng Han, Hanlin Zhou and Qinyang Jiang

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2618; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172618 - 6 Sep 2025

Viewed by 1237

Abstract

As an indigenous goat breed unique to southern China, Leizhou Black Goats (LZBGs) are highly valued for their rapid growth, high reproductive performance, and superior meat quality. However, their offspring frequently exhibit symptoms of muscle atrophy and malnutrition, suggesting potential genetic defects underlying [...] Read more.

As an indigenous goat breed unique to southern China, Leizhou Black Goats (LZBGs) are highly valued for their rapid growth, high reproductive performance, and superior meat quality. However, their offspring frequently exhibit symptoms of muscle atrophy and malnutrition, suggesting potential genetic defects underlying these adverse phenotypes. As a unique extracellular matrix component, collagen Q (COLQ) is specifically enriched within the synaptic basal lamina at vertebrate neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), where it anchors acetylcholinesterase (AChE) to facilitate efficient acetylcholine hydrolysis, ensuring precise neuromuscular signaling. The current investigation sought to characterize the spectrum of genetic polymorphisms within the COLQ gene and assess their correlation with key production traits, including growth performance and meat quality parameters, in the LZBG population. Previously, through whole-genome sequencing and transcriptome sequencing analyses of an LZBG population, we identified four SNPs in the COLQ gene, namely, two missense mutations (SNP1: p.238A/S and SNP3: p.47G/S), one intronic variant (SNP2), and one synonymous mutation (SNP4: p.101P/P). Population genetic analysis revealed strong linkage disequilibrium between SNP1 and SNP2. Computational modeling of protein structures predicted that the identified missense mutations may lead to alterations in protein conformation. Association analyses demonstrated significant correlations of SNP1 and SNP3 with growth and meat quality traits (p < 0.05), where SNP3 reduced COLQ expression by 0.64-fold in homozygotes. Association analysis revealed that both SNP1 and SNP3 showed significant correlations with growth and meat quality traits in LZBGs (p < 0.05). Notably, SNP3 (p.47G/S) was found to regulate COLQ gene expression, reducing its levels by 0.64-fold in homozygous individuals, suggesting its potential as a genetic marker for selecting goats with superior growth performance and muscular development characteristics. The identified genetic variants establish a foundation for marker-assisted selection in LZBG breeding programs with particular relevance to growth performance enhancement, while also advancing the understanding of COLQ’s functional mechanisms in muscle development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Molecular Genetics and Breeding of Cattle, Sheep, and Goats)

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18 pages, 2950 KB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Insights into Intramuscular Unsaturated Fatty Acid Deposition in Lambs Through Multi-Omics Profiling

by Xuewen Han, Xudong Liu, Yu Fu, Jinlin Chen, Cuiyu Lai, Xiaofan Yang, Xuesong Shan, Yang Chen and Huaizhi Jiang

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2617; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172617 - 6 Sep 2025

Viewed by 394

Abstract

Unsaturated fatty acids are key contributors to the nutritional and sensory quality of lamb meat. To investigate the molecular basis of intramuscular unsaturated fatty acid variation, we selected lambs with divergent fatty acid profiles and performed integrated transcriptomic and untargeted metabolomic analyses of [...] Read more.

Unsaturated fatty acids are key contributors to the nutritional and sensory quality of lamb meat. To investigate the molecular basis of intramuscular unsaturated fatty acid variation, we selected lambs with divergent fatty acid profiles and performed integrated transcriptomic and untargeted metabolomic analyses of the longissimus dorsi muscle. The high unsaturated fatty acid group exhibited distinct gene expression patterns in pathways related to lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, and immune responses. Metabolomic profiling revealed significant enrichment of metabolites involved in both the biosynthesis and degradation of fatty acids. Among the differentially expressed genes, MYH7 was markedly upregulated in lambs with higher unsaturated fatty acid content, suggesting a potential regulatory role in energy metabolism or lipid homeostasis. These findings provide new molecular insights into the mechanisms underlying unsaturated fatty acid deposition in lamb and identify MYH7 and other candidates as potential targets for improving meat quality through breeding or nutritional strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Molecular Genetics and Breeding of Cattle, Sheep, and Goats)

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23 pages, 344 KB

Open AccessArticle

Risk Factors for Intramammary Infections on Bavarian Dairy Farms—A Herd-Level Analysis

by Klara Kalverkamp, Wolfram Petzl and Ulrike S. Sorge

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2616; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172616 - 6 Sep 2025

Viewed by 449

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to (a) determine the apparent prevalence of mastitis pathogens and (b) to identify risk factors for intramammary infections (IMIs) at the herd level in dairy herds in Bavaria, Germany. A stratified random sample of 305 herds was selected based [...] Read more.

This cross-sectional study aimed to (a) determine the apparent prevalence of mastitis pathogens and (b) to identify risk factors for intramammary infections (IMIs) at the herd level in dairy herds in Bavaria, Germany. A stratified random sample of 305 herds was selected based on herd size, administrative district, and season. During the farm visits between July 2023 and July 2024, management data were recorded, quarter milk samples (QMSs) from 14,700 lactating cows were collected aseptically and analyzed, and the somatic cell count (SCC) at the quarter level was determined. Risk factors for the within-herd prevalence of Staphylococcus (S.) aureus, Streptococcus (Strep.) uberis, Strep. dysgalactiae, and non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) were analyzed by negative binomial regression, while risk factors for the presence of Escherichia (E.) coli and Strep. agalactiae IMIs on dairy farms were identified by logistic regression. The most frequently detected pathogens were NAS, found in 5.0% of all QMSs (n = 57,251), followed by Strep. uberis (1.9%) and S. aureus (1.8%), Strep. agalactiae (0.2%), and E. coli (0.1%). At the herd level, NAS, Strep. uberis, S. aureus, and Strep. dysgalactiae were found in 92%, 69%, 67%, and 57% of farms, respectively. Risk factors for increased within-herd prevalence included automated milking systems (NAS), organic production (Strep. uberis, S. aureus), straw bedding (Strep. uberis), and lack of bedding or mattress cubicles (Strep. dysgalactiae). The odds for a herd to be positive were increased with audible liner slips (E. coli) and the irregular cleaning of water troughs (Strep. agalactiae), and without a maintenance agreement for milking equipment (Strep. agalactiae). These results provide valuable insights into options for the targeted prevention of IMI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal System and Management)

17 pages, 9712 KB

Open AccessArticle

Super-Enhancer Drives THBS3 Expression to Regulate the Proliferation and Differentiation of Bovine Muscle Stem Cells

by Han Huang, Yongwang Zhang, Kehe Cen, Chaoxia Zou, Leyi Wang, Jiaqi Lu, Haiming Mai, Jinquan Ding, Junbo Pan, Zeyang Zhao, Junming Li, Yanfei Deng, Jingwei Wei, Deshun Shi, Yingming Wei and Ruimen Zhang

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2615; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172615 - 6 Sep 2025

Viewed by 341

Abstract

Skeletal muscle, the primary meat-producing tissue in bovines, is regulated by a complex transcriptional network during development. The role of Thrombospondin 3 (THBS3) and its associated super-enhancer (SE) in this process remains largely unknown. Here, by integrating multi-omics data, we identified [...] Read more.

Skeletal muscle, the primary meat-producing tissue in bovines, is regulated by a complex transcriptional network during development. The role of Thrombospondin 3 (THBS3) and its associated super-enhancer (SE) in this process remains largely unknown. Here, by integrating multi-omics data, we identified THBS3 as a novel core regulator of myogenesis, orchestrated by a cognate super-enhancer (THBS3-SE). Functional assays demonstrated that THBS3 knockdown significantly promoted the proliferation and myogenic differentiation of bovine muscle stem cells (MuSCs) and accelerated their commitment to a fast-twitch fiber fate. Transcriptomic analysis linked THBS3 function to key signaling pathways controlling muscle growth, especially the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. Mechanistically, we found that distal enhancers within the THBS3-SE loop to the THBS3 promoter drive its transcription, and CRISPR-based interference of these enhancers recapitulated the pro-myogenic effects of THBS3 knockdown. Collectively, our findings unveiled a THBS3-SE-mediated regulatory axis that critically governed bovine MuSCs’ fate. Targeting this axis may offer a novel strategy for improving beef production efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Breeds and Muscle Growth Potential: Opportunities for Sustainable Farming)

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14 pages, 1813 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamics of Biochemical Parameters, Inflammatory and Stress Markers in Lambs Undergoing Caudectomy Using Two Different Methods

by Giovannantonio Pilo, Giuseppe Tedde, Angelo Peli, Pier Attilio Accorsi, Gavina Carta, Loredana Secchi, Giulia Franzoni and Paola Nicolussi

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2614; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172614 - 6 Sep 2025

Viewed by 276

Abstract

Zootechnical practices such as tail docking are still in use in dairy sheep farming, performed in the first week of life, mainly by rubber ring and only rarely by surgical methods. In this study, we evaluated the impact of caudectomy on ovine stress [...] Read more.

Zootechnical practices such as tail docking are still in use in dairy sheep farming, performed in the first week of life, mainly by rubber ring and only rarely by surgical methods. In this study, we evaluated the impact of caudectomy on ovine stress levels, inflammation, and health status by comparing tail docking carried out using rubber rings or surgical amputation. Twenty-one lambs were randomly selected and equally allocated into three groups: controls (n = 7), lambs with tail cut by rubber rings (n = 7), and lambs with caudectomy performed by surgical practice (n = 7). Several biochemical parameters and inflammatory markers were monitored at different times post-caudectomy, as well as wool levels of the stress marker cortisol. Our data revealed that lambs that underwent tail docking by rubber rings, but not by surgical procedure, presented inflammation and stress, as well as a moderate increase in muscular damage markers. These results are useful for the evaluation of animal welfare in dairy sheep that underwent caudectomy, highlighting the need to re-evaluate this procedure, as well as the ways in which it is performed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Welfare)

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18 pages, 2117 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Patterns of Fish Diversity in the Waters Around the Five West Sea Islands of South Korea: Integrating Bottom Trawl and Environmental DNA (eDNA) Methods

by Young-Ji Yoo, So-Yeon An, Seung-Hwan Lee, Soo-Jeong Lee and Woo-Seok Gwak

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2613; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172613 - 5 Sep 2025

Viewed by 359

Abstract

The waters surrounding the Five West Sea Islands of South Korea are ecologically important but challenging to survey due to their location within a strategic military zone, strong tidal currents, and significant tidal variation. To assess the fish community in this region, we [...] Read more.

The waters surrounding the Five West Sea Islands of South Korea are ecologically important but challenging to survey due to their location within a strategic military zone, strong tidal currents, and significant tidal variation. To assess the fish community in this region, we conducted Korea’s first parallel investigation combining traditional bottom trawl surveys with environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding. Sampling was performed at 10 stations in March, May, and August 2023, and the relationship between fish species occurrence and environmental variables (water temperature, salinity, and depth) was examined. Dominant trawl-caught species included Engraulis japonicus, Johnius grypotus, Coilia nasus, and Okamejei kenojei, each showing seasonal migration and spawning patterns associated with temperature changes. eDNA analysis detected nine additional species absent from trawl catches, such as Ilisha elongata and Thamnaconus modestus, demonstrating its sensitivity in identifying both migratory and sedentary taxa. Our findings confirm that eDNA surveys can complement traditional sampling, improving biodiversity assessment in regions with limited accessibility and complex oceanographic conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics and Conservation Genetics of Wildlife)

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24 pages, 404 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enforcing the Canadian Prohibition of Overcrowding Livestock in Transit Without Resorting to Science

by Terry L. Whiting

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2612; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172612 - 5 Sep 2025

Viewed by 298

Abstract

Administrative law is about articulating norms and promoting the adoption and enforcement of human behaviour practices in areas where individual choice conflicts with the public good. Law must fairly describe to the citizenry what is allowed and what is conditionally restricted by administrative [...] Read more.

Administrative law is about articulating norms and promoting the adoption and enforcement of human behaviour practices in areas where individual choice conflicts with the public good. Law must fairly describe to the citizenry what is allowed and what is conditionally restricted by administrative law and what is prohibited in criminal law. The conditional use of animals in industrial production of food and fibre for human consumption is allowed (non-criminal), but the conditions which are considered acceptable by society are changing. Humane transportation of livestock is a public concern and the temptation of transporters to load as many animals as possible is an easily understood risk to animal welfare. Livestock hauling has been regulated in Canada since 1857 and is currently regulated by the Health of Animals (Act) Regulations Part XII and enforced nationally by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. After over 30 years of challenging industry consultation, a major revision to the humane transport provisions was proclaimed in 2020. Surprisingly, the revision failed to articulate numerical thresholds that clearly indicate an overcrowding violation. This paper reviews 20 cases from 2004 to 2024 where transporters appealed a penalty for overcrowding livestock transported by land. The paper describes the decision to penalize transporters where there is no bright line definition of an offence. The paper suggests both regulator and regulated choose to work in an intentionally inefficient institutional arrangement, preferring opacity to clarity in what constitutes a violation in law, because “that’s the way we like it”. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Public Policy, Politics and Law)

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23 pages, 2148 KB

Open AccessArticle

Real-Time Pig Weight Assessment and Carbon Footprint Monitoring Based on Computer Vision

by Min Chen, Haopu Li, Zhidong Zhang, Ruixian Ren, Zhijiang Wang, Junnan Feng, Riliang Cao, Guangying Hu and Zhenyu Liu

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2611; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172611 - 5 Sep 2025

Viewed by 304

Abstract

Addressing the carbon footprint in pig production is a fundamental technical basis for achieving carbon neutrality and peak carbon emissions. Only by systematically studying the carbon footprint can the goals of carbon neutrality and peak carbon emissions be effectively realized. This study aims [...] Read more.

Addressing the carbon footprint in pig production is a fundamental technical basis for achieving carbon neutrality and peak carbon emissions. Only by systematically studying the carbon footprint can the goals of carbon neutrality and peak carbon emissions be effectively realized. This study aims to reduce the carbon footprint through optimized feeding strategies based on minimizing carbon emissions. To this end, this study conducted a full-lifecycle monitoring of the carbon footprint during pig growth from December 2024 to May 2025, optimizing feeding strategies using a real-time pig weight estimation model driven by deep learning to reduce resource consumption and the carbon footprint. We introduce EcoSegLite, a lightweight deep learning model designed for non-contact real-time pig weight estimation. By incorporating ShuffleNetV2, Linear Deformable Convolution (LDConv), and ACmix modules, it achieves high precision in resource-constrained environments with only 1.6 M parameters, attaining a 96.7% mAP50. Based on full-lifecycle weight monitoring of 63 pigs at the Pianguan farm from December 2024 to May 2025, the EcoSegLite model was integrated with a life cycle assessment (LCA) framework to optimize feeding management. This approach achieved a 7.8% reduction in feed intake, an 11.9% reduction in manure output, and a 5.1% reduction in carbon footprint. The resulting growth curves further validated the effectiveness of the optimized feeding strategy, while the reduction in feed and manure also potentially reduced water consumption and nitrogen runoff. This study offers a data-driven solution that enhances resource efficiency and reduces environmental impact, paving new pathways for precision agriculture and sustainable livestock production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal System and Management)

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13 pages, 24261 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Five Pig Breeds from Chongqing, China

by Xi Long, Lidan Zhang, Yu Pan, Liang Zhang, Zhi Tu, Lijuan Zhang, Qing Wang, Hongmei Pan and Zongyi Guo

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2610; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172610 - 5 Sep 2025

Viewed by 270

Abstract

Five pig breeds have been developed in Chongqing and are economically important livestock resources in this region: Hechuan Black pigs (HC), Luopanshan pigs (LP), Penzhou Mountain pigs (PZ), Quxi pigs (QX), and Rongchang pigs (RC). Understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of [...] Read more.

Five pig breeds have been developed in Chongqing and are economically important livestock resources in this region: Hechuan Black pigs (HC), Luopanshan pigs (LP), Penzhou Mountain pigs (PZ), Quxi pigs (QX), and Rongchang pigs (RC). Understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of pig breeds can help improve the conservation and management of their genetic resources. This study sequenced SNPs in 188 pigs from five breeds in Chongqing, China, using a 50K SNP chip. Of the 45,211 detected SNPs, 9442 were excluded after quality control, and 35,769 were included in the analysis. Among the five breeds, QX had the highest genetic diversity. Principal component analysis and phylogenetic trees showed that the five populations were phylogenetically distinct. Population structure analysis identified five subpopulations at K = 5, indicating that RC were genetically independent. RC had the fastest linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay, suggesting weaker selection pressure. In turn, HC exhibited the slowest decay, indicating stronger selection pressure and closer relatedness within this population. The analysis of genetic differentiation indices revealed that LP and HC had the highest degree of differentiation (0.1958), while QX and PZ had the lowest (0.0748). In conclusion, we found differences in population structure among breeds, providing a basis for conserving genetic diversity and improving pig breeds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pigs)

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10 pages, 227 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison Between Tracheal Wash and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Cytology for the Assessment of Airway Inflammation in Racehorses Affected by Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage

by Chiara Bozzola, Giulia Sala, Giovanni Stancari, Francesco Ferrucci and Enrica Zucca

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2609; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172609 - 5 Sep 2025

Viewed by 316

Abstract

Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH) results from alveolar capillary stress failure after strenuous exercise, leading to bleeding and pulmonary inflammation. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology is considered the gold standard for the assessment of airway inflammation; however, it is often considered more invasive compared [...] Read more.

Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH) results from alveolar capillary stress failure after strenuous exercise, leading to bleeding and pulmonary inflammation. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology is considered the gold standard for the assessment of airway inflammation; however, it is often considered more invasive compared to tracheal wash (TW). It has been demonstrated that TW is a reliable diagnostic tool that may substitute BALF to diagnose and grade the severity of EIPH in racehorses; however, no information about airway inflammation in EIPH-affected horses has been reported. This retrospective study aimed to verify the agreement between TW and BALF in assessing lower airway inflammation in racehorses with EIPH. Cytological data from 123 poorly performing racehorses regarding neutrophils, eosinophils, and mast cells percentages were reviewed. Non-parametric statistical tests were used to assess the difference and the correlation between TW and BALF, and the distribution of inflammatory patterns in BALF. A strong correlation between TW and BALF was found for neutrophils (ρ = 0.817, p < 0.001) and eosinophils percentage (ρ = 0.806, p < 0.001); while a moderate correlation was found for mast cells percentage (ρ = 0.584, p < 0.001). The eosinophilic-mastocytic inflammation was the prevalent pattern observed in our population. Based on our findings, TW cannot be considered an alternative to BALF cytology for fully characterizing lower airway inflammation in racehorses with EIPH. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Equids)

15 pages, 1034 KB

Open AccessArticle

Risk Factors Associated with Bruises in Beef Cattle Carcasses

by Fabio Martins Guerra Nunes Dias, Fredson Vieira e Silva, André Guimarães Maciel e Silva, Jonas Carneiro Araújo, Guilherme Jordão de Magalhães Rosa and José Bento Sterman Ferraz

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2608; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172608 - 5 Sep 2025

Viewed by 343

Abstract

Bruises in beef cattle carcasses are important indicators related to pre-slaughter handling and transport conditions, with implications for animal welfare and meat quality. This study analysed 19.4 million cattle carcasses transported from 42,805 farms to 38 slaughterhouses in Brazil to identify factors associated [...] Read more.

Bruises in beef cattle carcasses are important indicators related to pre-slaughter handling and transport conditions, with implications for animal welfare and meat quality. This study analysed 19.4 million cattle carcasses transported from 42,805 farms to 38 slaughterhouses in Brazil to identify factors associated with bruising. Logistic regression models were used to assess the effects of sex, age, transport distance from farm to industry, and truck class. At least one bruise was found in 33.8% of the analysed carcasses. Older animals had a greater prevalence of bruising, and females were the most affected. The relationship between transport distance and bruising varied across carcass regions, showing distinct patterns rather than a uniform trend. Compared with larger-capacity vehicles, smaller trucks increased the risk of bruising. The round, rump, and flank regions presented the greatest number of bruises. The models assessing individual effects demonstrated good overall performance, with accuracy ranging from 75% to 82% in identifying bruises. The best performance was observed for round-rump, likely due to the higher frequency of bruises in these cuts. These findings highlight the need to improve transport logistics, adopt better handling practices, and implement specific interventions to reduce bruising. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)

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16 pages, 3293 KB

Open AccessArticle

CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated TARDBP Knockout Reduces Triacylglycerol Content and Key Milk Fat Metabolism Gene Expression in MAC-T Cells

by Yaran Zhang, Qinglan Zhang, Yaping Gao, Yao Xiao, Jinpeng Wang, Chunhong Yang, Zhihua Ju, Xiaochao Wei, Xiuge Wang, Qiang Jiang and Jinming Huang

Animals 2025, 15(17), 2607; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172607 - 5 Sep 2025

Viewed by 411

Abstract

TARDBP mediates milk fat secretion in mice by binding to UG-rich sequences in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of BTN1A1 and XDH mRNA and enhancing their mRNA stability. However, its role in bovine milk lipid metabolism remains unclear. To investigate this, we generated [...] Read more.

TARDBP mediates milk fat secretion in mice by binding to UG-rich sequences in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of BTN1A1 and XDH mRNA and enhancing their mRNA stability. However, its role in bovine milk lipid metabolism remains unclear. To investigate this, we generated TARDBP knockout (KO) MAC-T cells using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, quantified triacylglycerol (TAG) levels in both cells and culture supernatant, and examined the impact of TARDBP on mRNA levels in MAC-T cells through transcriptome sequencing. We found that deletion of TARDBP reduced TAG content in both MAC-T cells and the supernatant, as well as decreased mRNA levels of CD36, FABP4, DGAT1, PPARG, and PPARGC1A. However, the expression of BTN1A1 and XDH was unaffected in bovine MAC-T cells. Sequence analysis further revealed TG-rich sequences within bovine PPARG and PPARGC1A but not in FABP4, DGAT1, CD36, or BTN1A1 and XDH. These findings suggest that TARDBP may regulate bovine lipid metabolism through a mechanism distinct from that described in mice. This study provides new insights into the molecular role of TARDBP in bovine milk fat metabolism and establishes a foundation for understanding its contribution to dairy cattle breeding and milk quality improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Genetic and Metabolic Pathways for Enhanced Milk Yield and Quality)

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Animals, Volume 15, Issue 17 (September-1 2025) – 171 articles

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