Animals

13 pages, 3916 KB

Open AccessArticle

No Effect of a Commercially Used Odor Repellent for Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) Protection During Meadow Harvest

by Jan Cukor, Klára Matějka Košinová, Rostislav Linda, Vlastimil Skoták, Richard Ševčík, Tereza Červená, Kateřina Brynychová and Zdeněk Vacek

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2932; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192932 - 9 Oct 2025

Viewed by 311

Abstract

In Central Europe, the fawning season of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) directly overlaps with meadow and alfalfa harvest, typically from late May to early June. During these operations, tens or more likely hundreds of thousands of fawns are mutilated by agricultural [...] Read more.

In Central Europe, the fawning season of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) directly overlaps with meadow and alfalfa harvest, typically from late May to early June. During these operations, tens or more likely hundreds of thousands of fawns are mutilated by agricultural machinery. To mitigate this unethical mortality, wildlife managers often deploy odor repellents to drive roe deer individuals from high-risk fields before mowing. Therefore, we evaluated repellent efficacy in a paired design. The abundance of roe deer was quantified by drones equipped with thermal cameras before and after repellent application and then compared with untreated control meadows. Results showed high adult abundance that did not differ significantly among treatments. The highest median was paradoxically observed on meadows “after application” (8.25 ind./10 ha), followed by “not treated” meadows (7.92 ind./10 ha), and “before application” (5.72 ind./10 ha). For fawns, differences between treated and untreated plots were likewise non-significant. Their numbers increased over time after application, consistent with the peak of parturition in the second half of May. Overall, the study confirms that the tested odor repellent, when applied according to the manufacturer’s protocol, did not reduce roe deer presence on meadows. This underscores the need to consider alternative approaches, such as the use of thermal-imaging drones combined with the subsequent translocation of detected fawns to safe locations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ecology and Conservation)

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26 pages, 7513 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Advances in the Diagnosis of Reproductive Disorders in Male Camelids

by Abdelmalek Sghiri, Muhammad Salman Waqas, Michela Ciccarelli, Abelhaq Anouassi and Ahmed Tibary

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2931; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192931 - 9 Oct 2025

Viewed by 233

Abstract

Male fertility is important to ensure herd health and productivity. The camelid male breeding soundness examination (BSE) is strongly recommended because natural mating remains the primary breeding method due to the challenges in semen cryopreservation and artificial insemination. Guidelines for the BSE have [...] Read more.

Male fertility is important to ensure herd health and productivity. The camelid male breeding soundness examination (BSE) is strongly recommended because natural mating remains the primary breeding method due to the challenges in semen cryopreservation and artificial insemination. Guidelines for the BSE have been proposed but not adopted in practice. The investigation of male reproductive failure includes history, general health examination, examination of the genitalia, semen evaluation, and testing for contagious diseases. Difficulties in ejaculate collection and semen viscosity are challenges in camelid male fertility investigation. This review summarizes the outcomes of BSE in our practice on South American camelids (SACs) and camels. The results and discussion are presented under four main categories: congenital defects, impotentia coeundi, impotentia generandi, and male reproductive emergencies. There is a difference between camels and SACs in the incidence of various disorders. Congenital defects are common in SACs in particular cryptorchidism, testicular hypoplasia and rete testis cysts. Orchitis is more common in camels, particularly in areas where brucellosis is prevalent. Testicular degeneration occurs in all camelids and has been associated with heat stress, aging, systemic diseases and overuse of anabolic steroids. Precise diagnosis of fertility impairment may require disease testing, testicular biopsy, cytogenetics and endocrine evaluation. A significant proportion of males are referred because of reproductive emergencies, due to poor management, which results in loss of genetic potential. Implementation of regular BSE is possible in SACs but can be difficult in dromedaries because of the large variation in breed characteristics and management systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Camelid Reproduction)

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18 pages, 2685 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Identification of the Bovine KLF Gene Family and Its Functional Regulation in Muscle Development: Insights from Single-Nuclei Transcriptomics

by Fengying Ma, Le Zhou, Lili Guo, Chencheng Chang, Dan Dan, Yanchun Bao, Guiting Han, Mingjuan Gu, Lin Zhu, Risu Na, Caixia Shi, Jiaxin Zhang and Wenguang Zhang

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2930; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192930 - 9 Oct 2025

Viewed by 172

Abstract

The Krüppel-like factor (KLF) family of transcription regulators plays pivotal roles in adipogenesis, myogenesis, and metabolism. While comprehensively studied in humans and mice, its characterization in cattle remains limited, especially within the skeletal muscle niche. This study aimed to systematically characterize [...] Read more.

The Krüppel-like factor (KLF) family of transcription regulators plays pivotal roles in adipogenesis, myogenesis, and metabolism. While comprehensively studied in humans and mice, its characterization in cattle remains limited, especially within the skeletal muscle niche. This study aimed to systematically characterize the KLF family in Bos taurus and elucidate its role in breed-specific muscular development. We employed an integrated approach of comparative genomics and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) on longissimus dorsi muscle from Angus (ANG, beef breed) and Holstein (HST, dairy breed) cattle. Phylogenomic analysis identified 14 KLF genes, revealing evolutionary conservation and potential functional divergence. snRNA-seq delineated 11 distinct cell populations and uncovered cell-type-specific expression patterns of KLFs. Further machine learning based analysis pinpointed KLF6, KLF9, KLF10, and KLF12 as key global drivers of transcriptional differences between breeds, while KLF6 was identified as a major cell-type-specific contributor in lymphatic endothelial cells. Our work provides a foundational resource for understanding the KLF family in cattle and identifies promising candidate genes for improving meat production traits through molecular breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Advances in Cattle Breeding, Genetics and Genomics)

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25 pages, 5883 KB

Open AccessArticle

Microbiota–Metabolite–Host Crosstalk Mediates the Impact of Dietary Energy Levels on Colonic Homeostasis in High-Altitude Ruminants

by Qinran Yu, Ning Li, Pengjia Bao, Chun Huang, Qingbo Zheng, Tong Wang, Chaofan Ma, Jingying Deng, Fengtao Jiang, Jianlei Jia and Ping Yan

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2929; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192929 - 9 Oct 2025

Viewed by 244

Abstract

The colon plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and intestinal health of ruminants during various physiological stages. Plateau ruminants have long been subjected to extreme environments characterized by hypoxia, cold, and nutritional scarcity, which makes their dependence on energy metabolism particularly pronounced. [...] Read more.

The colon plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and intestinal health of ruminants during various physiological stages. Plateau ruminants have long been subjected to extreme environments characterized by hypoxia, cold, and nutritional scarcity, which makes their dependence on energy metabolism particularly pronounced. However, existing research on the regulatory effects of dietary energy levels on the colonic function of plateau ruminants is still quite limited. This study involved 60 healthy male Pamir yaks with consistent body conditions, which were randomly divided into three groups: a low-energy diet group (YG, Neg 1.53 MJ/kg), a medium-energy diet group (QG, Neg 2.12 MJ/kg), and a high-energy diet group (RG, Neg 2.69 MJ/kg). Each yak was provided with 5 kg of mixed feed daily over a 170-day feeding trial. The results indicated that a high-energy diet enhanced growth performance in yaks (p < 0.05). However, it also induced local colonic inflammation, decreased levels of immune factors (IgA, IgG, and IL-10), and increased the abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria, such as Klebsiella and Campylobacter (p < 0.05). Conversely, a medium-energy diet fostered the proliferation of beneficial bacteria such as Bradymonadales, Parabacteroides, and Mogibacterium (p < 0.05), and preserved immune homeostasis. Additionally, multi-omics analysis revealed that the QG group was significantly enriched in key metabolic pathways, including pyruvate metabolism and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism and panto-thenate and CoA biosynthesis pathways, among others (p < 0.05), demonstrating a synergistic regulatory effect among the microbiome, metabolism, and host. In summary, a moderate-energy diet can promote the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the extreme environment of the plateau. By regulating pathways such as Amino acid, Nucleotide, and Lipid metabolism, it coordinates the expression of key host genes and metabolite levels, effectively balancing immune signals and energy metabolism. This interaction establishes a beneficial microbial-metabolism-host pattern that supports colon health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)

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25 pages, 3002 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Monitoring Night-Time Activity Patterns of Laying Hens in Response to Poultry Red Mite Infestations Using Night-Vision Cameras

by Sam Willems, Hanne Nijs, Nathalie Sleeckx and Tomas Norton

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2928; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192928 - 9 Oct 2025

Viewed by 201

Abstract

The poultry red mite (PRM) feeds on hens’ blood at night, disrupting sleep, harming welfare, and reducing productivity. Effective control may lie in dynamic Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which relies on routine monitoring and adaptation to farm conditions. This study investigated how PRM [...] Read more.

The poultry red mite (PRM) feeds on hens’ blood at night, disrupting sleep, harming welfare, and reducing productivity. Effective control may lie in dynamic Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which relies on routine monitoring and adaptation to farm conditions. This study investigated how PRM infestations affect the night-time activity of hens. Three groups of eight hens, housed in enriched cages, were monitored with night-vision cameras over a two-month period, both before and after artificial PRM introduction, while PRM levels were simultaneously recorded. To quantify changes in behaviour, we developed an activity-monitoring algorithm that extracts both group-level and individual night-time activity patterns from video recordings. Group activity between 18:00 and 03:00 was analyzed hourly, and individual activity between 21:00 and 00:00 was classified into four activity categories. Before infestation, group activity declined after 19:00, remained low from 20:00 to 01:00, and peaked just before the end of the dark period. After infestation, activity remained elevated with no anticipatory activity peak towards the end of the dark period. Individual data showed an increase in time spent in the most active activity category from 24% to 67% after infestation. The rise in calculated activity was supported by a nearly 23-fold increase in annotated PRM-related behaviours, specifically head shaking and head scratching. These findings suggest that PRM mostly disrupted sleep from two hours after lights-off to two hours before lights-on and may have acted as a chronic stressor. Automated video-based monitoring could strengthen dynamic IPM in commercial systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Poultry Housing in the 21st Century: Improving Production, Health and Welfare: Second Edition)

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19 pages, 24139 KB

Open AccessArticle

EnhancedMulti-Scenario Pig Behavior Recognition Based on YOLOv8n

by Panqi Pu, Junge Wang, Geqi Yan, Hongchao Jiao, Hao Li and Hai Lin

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2927; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192927 - 9 Oct 2025

Viewed by 318

Abstract

Advances in smart animal husbandry necessitate efficient pig behavior monitoring, yet traditional approaches suffer from operational inefficiency and animal stress. We address these limitations through a lightweight YOLOv8n architecture enhanced with SPD-Conv for feature preservation during downsampling, LSKBlock attention for contextual feature fusion, [...] Read more.

Advances in smart animal husbandry necessitate efficient pig behavior monitoring, yet traditional approaches suffer from operational inefficiency and animal stress. We address these limitations through a lightweight YOLOv8n architecture enhanced with SPD-Conv for feature preservation during downsampling, LSKBlock attention for contextual feature fusion, and a dedicated small-target detection head. Experimental validation demonstrates superior performance: the optimized model achieves a 92.4% mean average precision (mAP@0.5) and 87.4% recall, significantly outperforming baseline YOLOv8n by 3.7% in AP while maintaining minimal parameter growth (3.34M). Controlled illumination tests confirm enhanced robustness under strong and warm lighting conditions, with performance gains of 1.5% and 0.7% in AP, respectively. This high-precision framework enables real-time recognition of standing, prone lying, lateral lying, and feeding behaviors in commercial piggeries, supporting early health anomaly detection through non-invasive monitoring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pigs)

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14 pages, 417 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Parenteral Copper and Zinc Administration on Reproduction, Inflammation, and Antioxidant Responses of Bos indicus Beef Heifers

by Luana Gomes da Silva, Marcelo Vedovatto, Juliana Ranches, Edilane Costa Martins, Matheus Fellipe Ferreira, Eduardo de Assis Lima, Luiz Carlos Louzada Ferreira, Willian Vaniel Alves dos Reis and Gumercindo Loriano Franco

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2926; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192926 - 9 Oct 2025

Viewed by 264

Abstract

Two experiments evaluated the effects of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) injection on body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), pregnancy rate, ovarian traits, and antioxidant and inflammatory responses of beef heifers. In Exp. 1, 29 heifers were assigned to having saline or [...] Read more.

Two experiments evaluated the effects of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) injection on body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), pregnancy rate, ovarian traits, and antioxidant and inflammatory responses of beef heifers. In Exp. 1, 29 heifers were assigned to having saline or CuZn (a solution containing 15 and 50 mg/mL of Cu and Zn) subcutaneously injected (5 mL/heifer) 9 days before artificial insemination. Exp. 2 was conducted to increase the statistical power to evaluate pregnancy rate, and 283 heifers were assigned to either the saline or CuZn group. In Exp. 1, CuZn heifers tended (p ≤ 0.10) to gain more BW and to have greater corpus luteum size and plasma concentration of glutathione peroxidase. No effects of treatment were detected (p ≥ 0.18) for BCS; estrus score; serum concentration of Cu, Zn, and cortisol; and plasma concentration of haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, and superoxide dismutase. In Exp. 2, CuZn heifers had greater (p < 0.01) BW and serum Cu. The CuZn heifers with low BCS had greater (p ≤ 0.05) estrus scores and tended (p = 0.10) to have greater pregnancy rates. Thus, injecting CuZn may be an effective strategy to enhance growth, reproductive performance, and antioxidant responses in heifers, especially when their BCS is below 5. Full article

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

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16 pages, 2830 KB

Open AccessArticle

Efficiency of Recurrent Genomic Selection in Panmictic Populations

by José Marcelo Soriano Viana, Jean Paulo Aparecido da Silva and Paulo Sávio Lopes

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2925; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192925 - 9 Oct 2025

Viewed by 207

Abstract

Simulation-based studies can support breeders’ decisions inexpensively, since there is no need to perform a new procedure. The objective was to assess the efficiency of recurrent genomic selection in panmictic population under additive–dominance and additive–dominance with epistasis models. We assumed two broiler chicken [...] Read more.

Simulation-based studies can support breeders’ decisions inexpensively, since there is no need to perform a new procedure. The objective was to assess the efficiency of recurrent genomic selection in panmictic population under additive–dominance and additive–dominance with epistasis models. We assumed two broiler chicken populations with contrasting linkage disequilibrium (LD) levels, 38,500 SNPs, and 1000 genes controlling feed conversion ratio. We applied recurrent genomic selection over seven cycles. The genomic selection efficacy, expressed as realized total genetic gain, was proportional to the LD level and genotypic variance. Genomic selection required model updating to achieve a higher efficacy. The training set size required by genomic selection can be as low as 10%/generation. Under this low-cost scenario, the genomic selection efficacy was slightly lower than the maximum efficacy. There is no difference between genetic evaluation methods regarding the decrease in the genotypic variance due to selection. In general, additive value prediction accuracies and realized genetic gains were highly correlated. The accumulated inbreeding level was not high due to avoidance of sib cross. The genomic inbreeding coefficient over generations was close to zero. Except for dominant epistasis, the efficacy of genomic selection was 4.1 to 46.2% lower than the efficacy under no epistasis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomic Prediction in Livestock)

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24 pages, 3398 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Histological and Proteomic Approaches to Assessing the Adrenal Stress Response in Common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis)

by Claudia Medina Santana, Orla Slattery, Jim O’Donovan and Sinéad Murphy

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2924; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192924 - 9 Oct 2025

Viewed by 471

Abstract

The adrenal glands are central to the stress response in cetaceans, yet their morphological and molecular changes under chronic stress remain poorly described. We investigated adrenal histology and protein composition in stranded common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) to assess whether post-mortem material [...] Read more.

The adrenal glands are central to the stress response in cetaceans, yet their morphological and molecular changes under chronic stress remain poorly described. We investigated adrenal histology and protein composition in stranded common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) to assess whether post-mortem material can provide insights into stress physiology. Adrenal glands from 58 dolphins recovered along the Irish coast during a period of reported nutritional stress in the species were analyzed for adrenal mass, cortex-to-medulla (C:M) ratios, and cortical cell density. Additionally, two archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues were included in a pilot trial to assess the feasibility of protein extraction and mass spectrometry analysis. While adrenal mass did not differ significantly between stress types, chronically stressed dolphins exhibited significantly higher C:M ratios and cortical mass, consistent with cortical hypertrophy. Protein extraction from FFPE tissues was feasible, with the in-gel digestion method yielding more proteins (136) than the filter-aided sample preparation method (22). These findings demonstrate that histological and proteomic approaches can detect stress-related signatures in dolphins and highlight the potential of archival tissues for retrospective biomarker discovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Aquatic Animals)

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11 pages, 623 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Cryptorchidism in Equid: A Retrospective Study on Diagnostic Approach, Anaesthesia Management, Surgical Treatment and Outcomes

by Irene Nocera, Rebecca Moroni, Diana Fanelli, Alessandra Rota, Chiara Di Franco, Camilla Ungari, Caterina Puccinelli, Marco Gandini, Gessica Giusto and Iacopo Vannozzi

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2923; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192923 - 9 Oct 2025

Viewed by 242

Abstract

Over the years, various diagnostic and surgical techniques have been developed to recognise and treat cryptorchidism in equid. This study retrospectively analysed cases of cryptorchidism referred to two centres between 2012 and 2025. Clinical data collected included species, breed, age, gender, location of [...] Read more.

Over the years, various diagnostic and surgical techniques have been developed to recognise and treat cryptorchidism in equid. This study retrospectively analysed cases of cryptorchidism referred to two centres between 2012 and 2025. Clinical data collected included species, breed, age, gender, location of retained testis, diagnostic approach, anaesthesia plan and surgical treatment, perioperative medical treatment, intra-operative complications and outcomes. A total of 37 clinical cases were included, 1/37 was a donkey and 1/37 was an intersex female. Most of the horses were three years old and belonged to western riding horse breeds. Ultrasound examination correctly identified the location of the retained testis in 87% of cases. The anaesthesia plan includes a local anaesthesia block, mainly a local injection for the infiltration of the retained testis. The laparoscopic standing flank technique was the main approach, performed in 82% of cases. Complications were encountered in 9% of cases, and the median discharge time was 2 days. In our study, Quarter Horse-type horses were overrepresented, and three horses were sons of the same Quarter Horse stallion, suggesting a genetic component in aetiology. The use of ultrasound might confirm cryptorchidism in both abdominal and inguinal locations. Standing flank laparoscopy was the most frequently chosen procedure, over recumbent laparoscopy and inguinal open orchiectomy. The outcome reported a low rate of intra-operative complications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Veterinary Laparoscopic Surgery: Techniques, Applications, and Outcomes)

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26 pages, 1369 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Free and Conjugated Methionine on Growth, Meat Quality, Mineral Profile, and Shell Strength in Garden Snails (Cornu aspersum)

by Anna Rygało-Galewska, Klara Piotrowska, Magdalena Matusiewicz, Damian Bień, Monika Łukasiewicz-Mierzejewska, Zbigniew Skibko, Andrzej Borusiewicz and Tomasz Niemiec

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2922; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192922 - 8 Oct 2025

Viewed by 407

Abstract

The present study examined the impact of adding methionine (Met) and its conjugated form (Met-Met) on Cornu aspersum snails. The primary focus was on the animals’ growth performance, the chemical composition of their carcass (whole body without the shell), the mineral profile, and [...] Read more.

The present study examined the impact of adding methionine (Met) and its conjugated form (Met-Met) on Cornu aspersum snails. The primary focus was on the animals’ growth performance, the chemical composition of their carcass (whole body without the shell), the mineral profile, and the mechanical properties of their shells. In two experiments conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, diets supplemented with varying levels of Met addition (0.3, 0.6, 1.4 g/kg feed) were used, and the effects of free methionine, Met-Met and their mixture (1.4 g/kg feed) were compared. The study incorporated measurements of body weight, shell width, and mortality of snails. Analyses encompassing protein, fat, sulphur amino acids, glutathione levels, oxidative stress indices (DPPH, TAC, TBARS), and macro- and micronutrient content of carcass and shells were conducted. The findings demonstrated that adding 1.4 g Met/kg feed significantly enhanced the shells’ weight gain (+56% vs. Control), shell weight (+56%) and crushing force (+135%). Furthermore, an increase in the Met content of the carcass was observed (+18%), along with elevated carcass Ca (+28%) and P (+30%) and higher shell Ca (+12%) and Zn (+87%), alongside reduced carcass Fe (−38%) and Cu (−19%). In Experiment II, the Met-Met group exhibited the highest carcass weight (+16% vs. Control), the greatest carcass-to-body weight ratio, and the highest proportion of mature individuals (+27%). Moreover, Met-Met supplementation improved Cu absorption and retention in the carcass (+19%). Also, the results suggest that the conjugated form of methionine may improve Cu absorption and storage in the carcass (+19%). The study’s findings indicate that methionine addition, especially in Met-Met form, can substantially impact the efficiency of C. aspersum farming, enhancing both the productivity outcomes and the quality of the product. That is particularly important in increasing the shell’s mechanical resistance and the carcass’s nutritional value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)

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14 pages, 38533 KB

Open AccessArticle

Features of the Liver Microstructural Organization of the Bactrian Camel

by Lyalya Musina, Anna Lebedeva, Ludmila Drozdova, Alexey Prusakov and Vladimir Ponamarev

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2921; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192921 - 8 Oct 2025

Viewed by 293

Abstract

Camels have developed unique adaptive mechanisms, one of which is the active accumulation of lipids. This metabolic feature has a direct influence on the liver ultrastructure. Its analysis reveals how exactly the hepatocytes have evolved to effectively store fat and neutralize toxins, which [...] Read more.

Camels have developed unique adaptive mechanisms, one of which is the active accumulation of lipids. This metabolic feature has a direct influence on the liver ultrastructure. Its analysis reveals how exactly the hepatocytes have evolved to effectively store fat and neutralize toxins, which is crucial for survival in the desert. Considering the latter, the aim of this research is to establish the features of the microstructural organization of the liver of the Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus). This study was conducted using 15 liver tissue fragments from 5 healthy Bacterian camels (3 pieces from each animal) via biopsy. The sections were examined using a JEM-1011 electron microscope at magnifications of 2500–8000. Electron microscopic analysis of hepatocytes revealed a significantly larger hepatocyte diameter (25–30 µm), suggesting an adaptation for metabolites and water storage. Hepatocytes exhibited fewer, medium-sized (0.5–2 µm) lipid droplets, present in only 12–15% of cells. A high density of specialized Kupffer (15–20 cells per 10,000 µm²) and activated Ito cells was observed, indicating enhanced detoxification and immune functions. These specific ultrastructural features provide a model for studying metabolic resistance and inform veterinary diagnostics and husbandry practices for this species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Physiology)

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10 pages, 5778 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Unusual Epidemic of Tyzzer’s Disease in Commercial Rabbit Breeders: Clinical, Pathological, and Therapeutic Observations

by Benedetta Cordioli, Manuel Garbuio, Luca Palazzolo, Francesco Dorigo, Luca Zandonà, Laura Viel, Claudia Zanardello and Luca Bano

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2920; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192920 - 8 Oct 2025

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Abstract

Clostridium piliforme (Cp) is a pleomorphic spore-forming obligate intracellular bacterium and the causative agent of Tyzzer’s disease. The condition affects multiple species, including rabbits, in which the disease is sporadic in recently weaned animals. This report details a case of disease caused by [...] Read more.

Clostridium piliforme (Cp) is a pleomorphic spore-forming obligate intracellular bacterium and the causative agent of Tyzzer’s disease. The condition affects multiple species, including rabbits, in which the disease is sporadic in recently weaned animals. This report details a case of disease caused by Cp observed exclusively in breeding rabbits of a commercial farm. The clinical manifestations were a higher mortality rate in does and late-gestation abortions. We performed necropsy and further microbiological, parasitological and histopathological analyses. Anatomopathological lesions were suggestive of Tyzzer’s disease and the presence of Cp was confirmed by PCR. Parasitological analysis tested negative and standard bacteriological examination of intestines revealed a high load of Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens, which were considered secondary pathogens. Chlamydophila sp. and Toxoplasma gondii infections were excluded by PCR as causative agents of abortions. Moreover, in the months following the diagnosed outbreak, episodes of subcutaneous edema occurred in multiple does and young breeders born after the resolution of the epidemic. The constant reduction in the use of antimicrobials in recent years could make some neglected diseases emerge again. Therefore, it is crucial to suspect such uncommon pathologies in commercial rabbitries to properly manage them on farms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

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22 pages, 5772 KB

Open AccessArticle

CF-DETR: A Lightweight Real-Time Model for Chicken Face Detection in High-Density Poultry Farming

by Bin Gao, Wanchao Zhang, Deqi Hao, Kaisi Yang and Changxi Chen

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2919; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192919 - 8 Oct 2025

Viewed by 316

Abstract

Reliable individual detection under dense and cluttered conditions is a prerequisite for automated monitoring in modern poultry systems. We propose CF-DETR, an end-to-end detector that builds on RT-DETR and is tailored to chicken face detection in production-like environments. CF-DETR advances three technical directions: [...] Read more.

Reliable individual detection under dense and cluttered conditions is a prerequisite for automated monitoring in modern poultry systems. We propose CF-DETR, an end-to-end detector that builds on RT-DETR and is tailored to chicken face detection in production-like environments. CF-DETR advances three technical directions: Dynamic Inception Depthwise Convolution (DIDC) expands directional and multi-scale receptive fields while remaining lightweight, Polar Embedded Multi-Scale Encoder (PEMD) restores global context and fuses multi-scale information to compensate for lost high-frequency details, and a Matchability Aware Loss (MAL) aligns predicted confidence with localization quality to accelerate convergence and improve discrimination. On a comprehensive broiler dataset, CF-DETR achieves a mean average precision at IoU 0.50 of 96.9% and a mean average precision (IoU 0.50–0.95) of 62.8%. Compared to the RT-DETR baseline, CF-DETR reduces trainable parameters by 33.2% and lowers FLOPs by 23.0% while achieving 81.4 frames per second. Ablation studies confirm that each module contributes to performance gains and that the combined design materially enhances robustness to occlusion and background clutter. Owing to its lightweight design, CF-DETR is well-suited for deployment in real-time smart farming monitoring systems. These results indicate that CF-DETR delivers an improved trade-off between detection performance and computational cost for real-time visual monitoring in intensive poultry production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Poultry)

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14 pages, 1437 KB

Open AccessArticle

Implementing Culture of Care in Germany

by Katharina Ameli and Stephanie Krämer

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2918; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192918 - 8 Oct 2025

Viewed by 262

Abstract

The implementation of the 3Rs principles is an essential part of daily routines and structural processes in animal research. The work of Russell and Burch regarding the 3Rs has been implemented in the field over the course of decades, but since 2002, the [...] Read more.

The implementation of the 3Rs principles is an essential part of daily routines and structural processes in animal research. The work of Russell and Burch regarding the 3Rs has been implemented in the field over the course of decades, but since 2002, the concept of a Culture of Care has come more to the forefront. In the present project, 503 experts in Germany were exploratively surveyed about their individual perceptions of Culture of Care and its implementation within their institutions. Using a questionnaire with closed questions (five-point agreement scale) and open questions, the data offer insights into Culture of Care in Germany. The results allow for the initial conclusion that a Culture of Care has not been fully established yet. Further research is needed to address a holistic and critical interdisciplinary Culture of Care that focuses on the animals’ perspective in a transformative way. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Care and Well-Being of Laboratory Animals: Second Edition)

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18 pages, 1734 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Removal to Selective Control: Perspectives on Predation Management in Spanish Hunting Grounds

by José A. Torres, E. Jorge Tizado, Raquel Castillo-Contreras, Luis F. Villanueva and Carlos Sánchez-García

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2917; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192917 - 7 Oct 2025

Viewed by 295

Abstract

Historically, predator control has been a frequent practice conducted in the hunting grounds of Spain. After the approval of Law 42/2007 on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity, and the enforcement of international regulations, predator control methods are required to be selective, non-massive, and conducted [...] Read more.

Historically, predator control has been a frequent practice conducted in the hunting grounds of Spain. After the approval of Law 42/2007 on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity, and the enforcement of international regulations, predator control methods are required to be selective, non-massive, and conducted by trained specialists when traps are used; however, there is a lack of research on the current status of predator management. Data was gathered from 16 regional wildlife departments and from 373 questionnaires from hunting grounds targeting the conservation of small game species. Seven predatory species were included in the regional game species lists, the most frequently controlled being the red fox (Vulpes vulpes, 90.4%), wild boar (Sus scrofa, 78.3%), and Eurasian magpie (Pica pica, 51.5%), with control intensity differing among regions. In total, 87% of the questionnaire respondents declared controlling at least one predator species, while 49.3% employed gamekeepers to perform the control. In all surveyed regions, shooting was authorized, and it was the most frequent control method in hunting grounds for the aforementioned species (ranging from 76 to 100%), while the use of approved restraint methods was allowed in 11 regions but only used in 7 for foxes (8%) and magpies (25%). The control intensity (animals culled/km²) for foxes was higher when conducted by full-time keepers, while for magpies and wild boars, it was higher when conducted by hunters. The implementation of habitat management (agricultural and forest measures) that helps to reduce predation was higher in hunting grounds not conducting predator control. Based on our results, we propose a national predation management framework focused on controlling rather than removing predators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Wildlife)

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13 pages, 1846 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Dietary Potassium Diformate Supplementation on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Gastrointestinal pH, Jejunal Morphology, Digestive Enzyme Activity, and Antioxidant Status in Weaned Piglets

by Lina Zhang, Yong Cheng, Li Lu, Songtao Zhong, Tiande Zou, Mingren Qu and Jun Chen

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2916; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192916 - 7 Oct 2025

Viewed by 270

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of dietary potassium diformate supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gastrointestinal pH, jejunal morphology, digestive enzyme activity, and antioxidant status of weaned piglets in a 28-day trial. Twenty-four weaned piglets were selected and, after a 4-day adaptation period, [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary potassium diformate supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gastrointestinal pH, jejunal morphology, digestive enzyme activity, and antioxidant status of weaned piglets in a 28-day trial. Twenty-four weaned piglets were selected and, after a 4-day adaptation period, randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups (n = 6). The dietary treatments included a control diet (basal diet) and 3 diets supplemented with 0.6%, 1.2%, or 1.8% potassium diformate in the basal diet. The results indicated that the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of piglets was reduced by all three potassium diformate supplementation levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the FCR was decreased in piglets fed the 1.8% potassium diformate-supplemented diet compared to those fed the 1.2% potassium diformate-supplemented diet (p < 0.05). Piglets fed the three potassium diformate-supplemented diets exhibited higher apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter and crude protein than the control group (p < 0.05). The 1.8% potassium diformate groups also showed increased ATTD of calcium and phosphorus compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Supplementation with 1.2% or 1.8% potassium diformate reduced the digesta pH in the proximal stomach, distal stomach, and duodenum, while increased jejunal villus height (VH), VH/crypt depth (VH/CD) ratio, and catalase and total superoxide dismutase activities in the jejunal mucosa compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The 1.2% potassium diformate group showed higher α-amylase activity than the control group (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that FCR negatively correlated with ATTD of dry matter, crude protein, calcium, phosphorus, and jejunal VH, while positively correlating with digesta pH in the proximal stomach (p < 0.05). The ATTD of dry matter negatively correlated with digesta pH in the proximal stomach, distal stomach, and duodenum, and positively correlated with jejunal VH/CD ratio and catalase activity (p < 0.05). The ATTD of crude protein negatively correlated with digesta pH in the proximal stomach, distal stomach, and duodenum (p < 0.05). Collectively, dietary supplementation with 1.8% potassium diformate reduced FCR of weaned piglets, which was associated with enhanced nutrient digestibility, reduced pH in the anterior gastrointestinal tract, and improved jejunal morphology. Full article

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

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17 pages, 3701 KB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Assessment of Sow Pain During Farrowing Using Grimace Scores

by Lucy Palmer, Sabrina Lomax and Roslyn Bathgate

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2915; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192915 - 7 Oct 2025

Viewed by 358

Abstract

Reproduction is one of the most important considerations for the livestock industry, presenting significant economic and animal health and welfare pressures for producers. Parturition, the process of giving birth, is known to be highly painful in many mammalian species, but the understanding of [...] Read more.

Reproduction is one of the most important considerations for the livestock industry, presenting significant economic and animal health and welfare pressures for producers. Parturition, the process of giving birth, is known to be highly painful in many mammalian species, but the understanding of parturient pain in sows is limited. Farrowing, the process of parturition in pigs, is understudied compared to other livestock species, with very little research available specifically regarding pain. Pain can be detrimental to animal wellbeing; hence, it is vital for it to be reliably detected and managed in such a way that improves both sow and piglet health and welfare. Grimace scales have been developed as a method for pain detection and quantification in animals via observations of facial expression changes in response to painful stimuli. This presents a unique opportunity for improved pain assessment during farrowing, increasing the current understanding of farrowing dynamics and potentially enhancing farrowing management decisions to prioritise sow welfare. This review synthesises and critically analyses the current knowledge on sow parturient pain and the ability for the application of facial grimace scoring to measure pain severity. Grimace scoring was found to be an effective, simple and feasible method of pain assessment in a number of domestic species, and its recent application to farrowing is a promising development in the understanding and management of sow welfare during parturition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Health and Welfare Assessment of Pigs)

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14 pages, 1246 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Nasal Microbial Communities of Beef Calves During Pre-Weaning Outbreak of Bovine Respiratory Disease

by Amy N. Abrams, Larry A. Kuehn, John W. Keele, Michael G. Gonda and Tara G. McDaneld

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2914; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192914 - 7 Oct 2025

Viewed by 302

Abstract

Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in pre-weaned calves, yet the role of commensal nasal microbiota in outbreak severity remains poorly understood. This study characterized nasal bacterial communities during two BRDC outbreaks of differing severity (moderate [...] Read more.

Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in pre-weaned calves, yet the role of commensal nasal microbiota in outbreak severity remains poorly understood. This study characterized nasal bacterial communities during two BRDC outbreaks of differing severity (moderate vs. severe) and at ~30 days post-treatment. Nasal swabs were collected from calves and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing (V1–V3 regions, Illumina MiSeq) and quantitative PCR targeting three major BRDC pathogens. Microbial community profiles differed between outbreak groups and across timepoints. Calves in the severe outbreak group exhibited lower microbial diversity compared to those in the moderate outbreak. In both groups, diversity significantly increased from outbreak to post-treatment. At the time of disease, nasal communities were dominated by the genera Mycoplasmopsis, Mesomycoplasma, and Caviibacter, with qPCR confirming Mycoplasma bovirhinis as the predominant species. These findings indicate that BRDC outbreaks in pre-weaned calves are associated with reduced microbial diversity and the dominance of pathogenic Mycoplasma species, with recovery characterized by greater bacterial diversity. Shifts in nasal microbiome composition between outbreak and post-treatment may reflect pathogen-driven disruption during disease and subsequent microbial community rebalancing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Cattle Diseases)

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18 pages, 1192 KB

Open AccessArticle

Do Protein Supplementation Levels Influence the Performance of Male Nellore Calves Under a Grazing System at Pre-Weaning?

by Marcos Rocha Manso, Luciana Navajas Rennó, Edenio Detmann, Mário Fonseca Paulino, Sidnei Antônio Lopes, Nicole Stephane de Abreu Lima, Deilen Paff Sotelo Moreno and Román Maza Ortega

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2913; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192913 - 7 Oct 2025

Viewed by 331

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sequential supplementation with different crude protein levels and periods on performance, nutritional and metabolic characteristics, and efficiency of nitrogenous compounds use in grazing male Nellore calves at pre-weaning. Fifty male Nellore calves during pre-weaning were [...] Read more.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sequential supplementation with different crude protein levels and periods on performance, nutritional and metabolic characteristics, and efficiency of nitrogenous compounds use in grazing male Nellore calves at pre-weaning. Fifty male Nellore calves during pre-weaning were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The strategies were as follows: Supplementation period in the initial pre-weaning was 1–78th experimental day and in the final pre-weaning was 79–156th experimental day. The Low and high protein levels in the supplement were 150 g CP/kg) and 300 g CP/kg, respectively. All animals received 6 g/kg BW of supplement. Protein levels in the supplement did not affect intake of forage DM, and neutral detergent fiber in the animals. However, a higher CP intake and the CP to DOM ratio (p-value < 0.05) was evidence for the high calves compared with low calves. Supplementation strategies did not affect the blood concentrations of IGF-1, glucose, and total protein. Likewise, protein levels in the supplement did not affect the ADG and number and diameter of muscle fibers. In conclusion, the decrease in protein levels in the supplement from 300 to 150 g CP/kg DM does not detrimentally affect performance and nutritional and metabolic characteristics in male beef calves under a grazing system at pre-weaning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)

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13 pages, 451 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of Genetic Parameters for Test-Day Egg Production in Four Thai Native Synthetic Chicken Lines Under Heat Stress

by Doungnapa Promket, Khanitta Pengmeesri, Vibuntita Chankitisakul and Wuttigrai Boonkum

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2912; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192912 - 7 Oct 2025

Viewed by 272

Abstract

This study evaluated genetic parameters for test-day egg production in four Thai native synthetic chicken lines—Soi Nin, Soi Pet, Kaen Thong, and Kaimook e-san—under heat stress in Thailand. A total of 11,887 monthly test-day egg records from 1134 hens, collected between January 2023 [...] Read more.

This study evaluated genetic parameters for test-day egg production in four Thai native synthetic chicken lines—Soi Nin, Soi Pet, Kaen Thong, and Kaimook e-san—under heat stress in Thailand. A total of 11,887 monthly test-day egg records from 1134 hens, collected between January 2023 and July 2025, were analyzed using a repeatability test-day model with the temperature–humidity index (THI) as an environmental covariate. THI thresholds from 70 to 80 were evaluated, and the THI1 equation provided the best model fit with the highest coefficient of determination (R²) and the lowest mean squared error (MSE). With increasing THI, heritability estimates declined from 0.255–0.323 at THI 70 to 0.173–0.236 at THI 80, a 26.9–32.2% decrease reflecting reduced additive genetic variance and consequent lower genetic expression under heat stress. Genetic correlations between egg production and heat stress were positive at low THI (0.250–0.600) but became negative at THI ≥ 73, suggesting antagonism between productivity and thermotolerance under severe stress. The rate of decline in egg production increased with increasing THI, from −0.35 to −0.45 eggs/bird/THI at THI 73, −0.80 to −1.22 at THI 76, and −1.76 to −2.35 at THI 80. The ranges of heritability and decline rates reflect the variation observed among the four Thai native synthetic chicken lines examined in this study. Kaimook e-san consistently showed the steepest decline in egg production, whereas Soi Nin exhibited the smallest, indicating greater resilience. These findings reveal significant genetic variation in heat tolerance among Thai native synthetic lines and underscore the need to consider both productivity and environmental sensitivity in breeding programs to sustain egg production under future climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding Advances in Poultry Health and Production: 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 1405 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Abies sibirica Essential Oil on Growth Performance, Digestive Enzymes, Skin Mucus Immunological Parameters, and Response to Heat Stress in Rainbow Trout

by Morteza Yousefi, Hossein Adineh, Yury Anatolyevich Vatnikov, Evgeny Vladimirovich Kulikov, Olesya Anatolyevna Petrukhina, Elena Dmitriyevna Sotnikova, Alena Igorevna Telezhenkova and Seyyed Morteza Hoseini

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2911; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192911 - 7 Oct 2025

Viewed by 317

Abstract

Climate change and global warming are concerning issues impacting various industries. In the aquaculture industry, these issues are more important in coldwater species, like rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Hence, strategies to control these negative effects are worthy of study. Herbal feed additives [...] Read more.

Climate change and global warming are concerning issues impacting various industries. In the aquaculture industry, these issues are more important in coldwater species, like rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Hence, strategies to control these negative effects are worthy of study. Herbal feed additives are reliable tools to increase fish growth and health, thereby mitigating the drawbacks of climate change on fish. In this study, three diets containing 100 (100EO), 200 (200EO), and 400 (400EO) mg/kg essential oil of Abies sibirica (SBF) along with a control diet (CTL; unsupplemented) were fed to triplicate groups of fish for 60 days. Then the fish were exposed to a 96 h heat stress (25 °C) to monitor their survival and biochemical responses. The results showed that growth performance, feed efficiency, heat stress resistance, intestinal activity of digestive enzymes, and skin mucus immunological parameters significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the SBF essential oil treatments, and the highest increases were observed in the 100EO treatment, followed by the 200EO group. Dietary supplementation with SBF essential oil significantly (p < 0.05) mitigated heat stress-induced increases in plasma cortisol and glucose. Moreover, dietary SBF essential oil significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced immunological parameters such as plasma and intestinal lysozyme and immunoglobulin levels, and improved hepatic antioxidant defenses (including catalase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, and reduced glutathione), while reducing lipid peroxidation. These effects were most pronounced in the 100EO and 200EO treatments, with the highest performance being observed in the former group. In conclusion, dietary SBF essential oil at 100 mg/kg is capable of augmenting growth performance, immunity, and antioxidant capacity, and suppressing physiological stress, thereby augmenting fish resilience against heat stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Additives in Fish Stress: Comparative Endocrine and Physiological Responses)

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15 pages, 802 KB

Open AccessReview

Complementary Effects of Essential Oils and Organic Acids on Rumen Physiology as Alternatives to Antibiotic Feed Additives

by Rumbidzai Blessing Nhara and Joseph Jimu Baloyi

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2910; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192910 - 7 Oct 2025

Viewed by 442

Abstract

The investigation into the complementary roles of essential oils (EOs) and organic acids in enhancing rumen physiology is increasingly gaining recognition within the field of animal nutrition. Essential oils are known for their antimicrobial effects, which can specifically target certain microbial populations in [...] Read more.

The investigation into the complementary roles of essential oils (EOs) and organic acids in enhancing rumen physiology is increasingly gaining recognition within the field of animal nutrition. Essential oils are known for their antimicrobial effects, which can specifically target certain microbial populations in the rumen, thereby impacting fermentation processes, methane output, and nutrient digestion. In addition, the integration of organic acids plays a crucial role in stabilizing rumen pH and steering the metabolic activities of bacterial populations toward propionate production, a process essential for energy metabolism in ruminants. The concurrent use of essential oils and organic acids may yield synergistic benefits that could further optimize ruminal fermentation efficiency, enhance feed conversion rates, and lower methane emissions. This systematic review used the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The literature search was meticulously designed to encompass parameters related to ruminant species, feed additives, essential oils, organic acids, synergistic effects, and rumen physiology. The efficacy of both organic acids and essential oils is highly dependent on their concentration and the specific combinations utilized. When certain essential oils are used in conjunction with selected organic acids, they may mitigate any potential negative effects on fermentation, thereby fostering a more favorable environment for the proliferation of beneficial microbial communities. Understanding the relationship between essential oils and organic acids is essential for the formulation of diets that enhance rumen health while concurrently reducing environmental pressures through diminished methane emissions. Future research should prioritize long-term in vivo investigations to gain more comprehensive insights into the interactions among these dietary components and identify the optimal combinations for ruminant feeding strategies. Full article

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

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15 pages, 1275 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

First Survey on Sea Turtles’ Interactions in Mussel Farms in Italy

by Ludovica Di Renzo, Giulia Mariani, Marco Matiddi, Cecilia Silvestri, Stefania Chiesa, Tommaso Petochi, Giovanna Marino, Federica Pizzurro, Simone Fazio, Emanuela Rossi, Giuseppe Prioli, Ike Olivotto and Giorgia Gioacchini

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2909; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192909 - 6 Oct 2025

Viewed by 402

Abstract

Sea turtles, particularly the opportunistic feeder species loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), are increasingly reported as a source of disturbance to mussel farming operations, especially in the Adriatic Sea. Despite the evident damage caused by these interactions, comprehensive national data on the [...] Read more.

Sea turtles, particularly the opportunistic feeder species loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), are increasingly reported as a source of disturbance to mussel farming operations, especially in the Adriatic Sea. Despite the evident damage caused by these interactions, comprehensive national data on the phenomenon are still lacking. This study aimed to address this gap through a survey conducted among Italian mussel farmers, combined with the analysis of gastrointestinal contents from stranded sea turtles along the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian coasts, focusing on the ingestion of Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). Survey results revealed frequent turtle sightings in the northern Adriatic (Veneto and Emilia-Romagna) during summer months (June to August), while southern regions (Molise and Puglia) reported more sightings in autumn (September to October), likely influenced by seasonal water temperatures. The Mediterranean mussel was identified as the most commonly ingested mollusk in the Adriatic, with a notable increase in presence from 2018 to 2021. Although mussels are not a targeted prey, they appear to be a consistent dietary component due to adaptive feeding behavior. These interactions are increasingly and consistently reported, leading to significant management challenges for mussel farms. Based on these findings, a broader national and international assessment is recommended to evaluate the overall impact of sea turtles on shellfish aquaculture in the Mediterranean. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Aquatic Animals)

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17 pages, 1205 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Morphostructural Characterization of Hunting Dog Packs (Rehalas) Using Multivariate Methodology

by Carlos Poderoso Martínez, Ana González-Martínez, Manuel Luque Cuesta and Evangelina Rodero Serrano

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2908; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192908 - 6 Oct 2025

Viewed by 217

Abstract

On the south–central Iberian Peninsula, big game hunting is traditionally carried out using big-game hunting under the “Montería” modality, with dog packs. Breeders of these dogs value their versatility in both chasing and capturing prey. In this context, the most popular breed is [...] Read more.

On the south–central Iberian Peninsula, big game hunting is traditionally carried out using big-game hunting under the “Montería” modality, with dog packs. Breeders of these dogs value their versatility in both chasing and capturing prey. In this context, the most popular breed is the Large-sized Podenco Andaluz, colloquially known as Podenco Campanero. In this study, we aimed to morphologically characterize the hounds of the Sierra Morena in Córdoba and evaluate their possible relationships with other Spanish hunting dog breeds. For this purpose, 255 dogs were measured to obtain sixteen morphometric measurements and eleven indices. To assess morphostructural differentiation, we applied multivariate methodologies. The Podenco Campanero exhibited pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males being significantly (p < 0.001) longer, taller, wider, and deeper than females. The morphostructural model of this breed demonstrated considerable homogeneity and harmony, and the population exhibited distinct morphostructural characteristics, with body size and regional width varying between individuals. The morphometric characteristics of the breeds used in Monterías on the central and southern Iberian Peninsula highlight that the diversity of these local genetic resources is shaped by genetic relationships and selective breeding models chosen by dog pack breeders, which depend on the hunting modality and the terrain characteristics where it is practiced. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Wildlife)

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11 pages, 746 KB

Open AccessArticle

Preanesthetic Administration of Trazodone Does Not Impact Anesthetic Recovery Scores in Horses

by Emmanuel Jerome Joseph, Lydia Love, Michelle Mayakis and Kelley Varner

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2907; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192907 - 6 Oct 2025

Viewed by 303

Abstract

Trazodone is administered to hospitalized equine patients to aid in behavioral management, but the effects on the anesthetic recovery period have not been investigated. This study sought to determine if there is an association between trazodone administration and recovery quality, recovery time, need [...] Read more.

Trazodone is administered to hospitalized equine patients to aid in behavioral management, but the effects on the anesthetic recovery period have not been investigated. This study sought to determine if there is an association between trazodone administration and recovery quality, recovery time, need for sedation, or need for reversal agent administration. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in recovery scores, recovery time, additional sedation, or reversal agent administration between horses that received preanesthetic trazodone and horses that did not. Records were reviewed to identify horses undergoing orthopedic MRI between January 2022 and January 2025. Of these horses, 19 were administered trazodone prior to anesthesia and 38 horses that did not receive trazodone were selected as case-matched controls. Signalment, anesthetic drug protocol, complications during anesthesia, duration of anesthesia, duration of recovery, recovery scores, recovery complications, sedation agents, and reversal agents administered during recovery were recorded. Trazodone administration was not associated with a significant difference in recovery scores between groups. Trazodone administration was not associated with a difference in recovery time or differences in sedation and reversal agent administration. Trazodone administration prior to anesthesia in horses undergoing orthopedic MRI did not impact the recovery period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Equids)

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15 pages, 2733 KB

Open AccessArticle

Population Genomic Survey of Hypophthalmichthys molitrix in the Yangtze River Basin: A RAD Sequencing Perspective

by Weitao Li, Xingkun Hu, Yanfu Que, Ezhou Wang, Nian Xu, Ke Shao, Guoqing Lu, Xiaolin Liao and Bin Zhu

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2906; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192906 - 5 Oct 2025

Viewed by 336

Abstract

This study examines the genetic diversity and population structure of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), an ecologically and economically important freshwater species. Samples were collected from 17 sites along the Yangtze River, including LCH, LCS, LJHK, and LXZX, as well as one [...] Read more.

This study examines the genetic diversity and population structure of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), an ecologically and economically important freshwater species. Samples were collected from 17 sites along the Yangtze River, including LCH, LCS, LJHK, and LXZX, as well as one population from the United States (SV). Restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) generated 759,453 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for population genomic analyses, including genetic differentiation (F_ST), population structure, and linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay. Genetic variation was primarily found within populations (78.05%), with 21.94% among populations. Most sites exhibited low genetic differentiation (F_ST < 0.05), suggesting high admixture along the river, although a few sites displayed elevated values (F_ST > 0.15). Rapid LD decay in LCH, LCS, and LJZ indicated frequent recombination and moderate to large effective population sizes. These patterns reflect the influence of geographic and ecological factors on population structure. Conservation strategies should maintain genetic connectivity while protecting distinct genetic resources. Populations with high differentiation, such as LXZX and LWZ, warrant targeted management to preserve unique genetic diversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ecology and Conservation)

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24 pages, 2078 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Extended Photoperiod Using Blue Light Masks on Hypertrichosis, Coat Condition and General Health Parameters in Horses with Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction

by Sinead Parmantier, Panoraia Kyriazopoulou, Margaret McClendon, Amanda Adams and Barbara A. Murphy

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2905; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192905 - 5 Oct 2025

Viewed by 256

Abstract

Fifty-two horses aged >15 years, diagnosed with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), and displaying hypertrichosis were recruited via an online survey of PPID horse owners. From mid-December, group T (n = 29) wore Equilume^® light masks extending photoperiod to 15 h [...] Read more.

Fifty-two horses aged >15 years, diagnosed with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), and displaying hypertrichosis were recruited via an online survey of PPID horse owners. From mid-December, group T (n = 29) wore Equilume^® light masks extending photoperiod to 15 h daily, while group C1 (n = 23) remained under natural photoperiod. As 85% (44/52) of recruited study horses received pergolide medication, a second unmedicated PPID research herd (C2; n = 17) was recruited and remained under natural photoperiod. Hair coat samples, shedding and body condition scores were collected monthly by owners for 13 months and analysed by the research team. Data related to management, coat condition and PPID clinical signs were collected using bimonthly questionnaires (BMQ). Time (p < 0.001), group (p = 0.025) and time-by-group interaction (p = 0.005) affected hair length. Group differences were attributable to shorter hair lengths in C2, and no differences in hair length occurred between T and C1 (p > 0.05). Time affected shedding scores (p < 0.001) which was advanced by one month in T (p < 0.05). In group T, BMQ responses showed improved coat condition in April (p = 0.035), decreased fat coverage in April and June (p < 0.05), and increased energy/alertness in February (p = 0.022). Improvements in coat condition (p = 0.043), clinical signs of PPID (p = 0.018), and general quality of life (p = 0.035) were reported in T only in a final study questionnaire. Blue light treatment merits further investigation as a complementary treatment for PPID. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Physiology)

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14 pages, 2089 KB

Open AccessTechnical Note

Technical Note: Assessment of a Novel Method to Measure Water Intake in Beef Cattle and Its Application to Determining Dry Matter Intake

by Hartley J. VanGilder, Nathan E. Blake, Tylor J. Yost, K. E. ArunKumar, Matthew Walker, Ida Holásková, Jarred W. Yates and Matthew E. Wilson

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2904; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192904 - 4 Oct 2025

Viewed by 229

Abstract

Improving the efficiency, economic viability, and environmental sustainability of beef cattle production requires tools to identify resource-efficient animals. Validated tools to measure, monitor, and verify individual feed and water intake are needed. Here, we verify the validity of the Vytelle In-Pen Weighing Position [...] Read more.

Improving the efficiency, economic viability, and environmental sustainability of beef cattle production requires tools to identify resource-efficient animals. Validated tools to measure, monitor, and verify individual feed and water intake are needed. Here, we verify the validity of the Vytelle In-Pen Weighing Position to passively collect daily full body weights and assess the use of an integrated flow meter with a commercial waterer as a tool to measure daily water intake. This study involved 103 bulls (40 Charolais and 63 Angus) and 54 heifers (25 Charolais and 29 Angus). These animals were fed in a facility with feed intake nodes, In-Pen Weighing, and metered waterers. Body weights collected on the chute scale and total water usage measured by a residential water meter were used to evaluate body weight and water intake measured at the In-Pen Weighing Positions. We confirmed that In-Pen Weighing is highly correlated to chute weighing (Spearman’s correlation coefficient, ρ = 0.99, p < 0.0001). We observed high correlation of total water use measured at the In-Pen Weighing units with the facility’s total water use (ρ = 0.9999, p < 0.0001). This validates the accuracy of the in-pen water meters, but not the precision of applying water consumption to individual animals. The use of such passive monitoring equipment has the potential to help improve the sustainability of animal agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)

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15 pages, 2311 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Dietary Baicalin on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Parameters, Liver Health, Intestinal Health, and Microbiota of Yellow Catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)

by Haonan Liu, Xinru Li, Yang Fan, Yang Xiao, Yunfeng Chen, Xiaoqin Li and Xiangjun Leng

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2903; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192903 - 4 Oct 2025

Viewed by 333

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of dietary baicalin on the growth and health of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). Five diets with the addition of 0 (control), 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg of baicalin were fed to juvenile yellow catfish (11.19 [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effects of dietary baicalin on the growth and health of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). Five diets with the addition of 0 (control), 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg of baicalin were fed to juvenile yellow catfish (11.19 ± 0.07 g) for 56 days. Dietary supplementation with 200 or 400 mg/kg baicalin increased weight gain (p < 0.05) and reduced the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.05). The BA400 group exhibited higher total antioxidant capacity, catalase, superoxide dismutase activity, and lower malondialdehyde level in the liver and intestine than the control (p < 0.05). In the 400 mg/kg baicalin group, the hepatic vacuolization rate was lower (p < 0.05), and the intestinal villus width and villus height were higher than those in the control (p < 0.05). In terms of intestinal microbiota composition, the 400 mg/kg baicalin group demonstrated lower abundances of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria (phylum level) and Cetobacterium, Candidatus_Arthromitus, and Plesiomonas (genus level) than the control (p < 0.05), while the relative abundances of Fusobacteriota and Lactobacillus (ZOR0006) increased in this group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary baicalin supplementation significantly improved the growth, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal morphology and positively modulated the intestinal microbiota composition of yellow catfish. The optimal dietary supplementation level of baicalin is 400 mg/kg for yellow catfish. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Plant Extracts on Meat Quality, Intestinal Microbiota and Resistance to Diseases and Stresses of Food Animals)

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Animals, Volume 15, Issue 19 (October-1 2025) – 166 articles

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