Animals, Volume 15, Issue 4

Compared to the negative effect of directional selection on genetic diversity, balancing selection acts oppositely and maintains variability across the genome. This study aims to articulate whether balancing selection leads to heterozygosity-rich reg...

An important aspect in improving the efficiency of apiary production is knowledge of factors stimulating the condition of colonies. In view of climate change, one important factor is bee behavior associated with meteorological conditions. Studying th...

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) contamination poses a significant environmental threat due to its widespread distribution and persistence. However, the hepatotoxic effects of PFOS on key aquatic species, such as crucian carp, remain understudied. Th...

Accurate target detection in natural environments is an important function of the visual systems of vertebrates and has a direct impact on animal survival and environmental adaptation. Existing studies have shown that the mammalian prefrontal cortex...

This study investigates the genetic structure of Belgian Red (BR), Belgian Red and White (BWR), and Qinchuan (QinC) cattle, with a focus on identifying genes associated with reproductive functions, growth, and development. A total of 270 Belgian catt...

Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) have become increasingly popular, with horses being one of the most commonly used species. While the effects of equine-assisted interventions (EAIs) have been widely studied in humans, research focusing on animals...

The authors would like to make the following corrections in the original publication [...]

This article used an intersectional feminist analytic framework to theorize the role of anthropomorphizing human–equine interactions in the HERD Institute’s modality for practitioners of Equine-facilitated learning and equine-facilitated...

Pigs are essential agricultural animals, and among the various breeds, the Meishan pig, a native breed of China, is renowned for its high reproductive performance. This breed has been introduced to many countries to enhance local pig breeding program...

Tonic immobility (TI) serves as an indicator of innate stress response recovery in poultry. Broilers with different TI phenotypes exhibit varying levels of aggressive behavior, which can significantly impact their welfare. However, the influences of...

This study analysed stocking density as a major stress factor for laying hens and assessed its impact on selected behavioural and physiological traits of the birds. The study population included 142 birds of the Green-legged Partridge breed (12 males...

Intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) is a common neurological condition in veterinary medicine, with chondrodystrophic breeds being particularly susceptible. Studies have compared breed-related risks and clinical characteristics, but here, we investi...

To develop safe and effective management policies, it is important to understand the physiologic effects of fishing interactions and scientific research methods on endangered marine species. In the present study, validated assays for plasma corticost...

Egg yolk, commonly employed as a cryoprotectant in semen cryopreservation, contains large particle matter that can diminish semen quality post thaw and complicate its quality assessment. For this reason, we designed a centrifugal treatment of chicken...

This study investigated the effects of a phytochemical–Lactobacilli blend (PEL) on the performance and health of late-pregnant does. Thirty Zaraibi does (30.9 ± 0.37 kg body weight, 3–3.5 years old, 90 days pregnant) were ra...

The study aimed to determine the effect of intra-vaginal bio-stimulation with a modified penis-like device (mPLD) or artificial penis and clitoral massage subsequent to artificial insemination (AI) to increase the pregnancy rate of water buffaloes. T...

Tannins are secondary metabolites naturally present in various plants as a defense mechanism. In animal nutrition, they play a dual role, acting as both antinutritional factors and bioactive agents, with potential benefits in nutrient metabolism and...

Understanding the corpus luteum (CL) and its role in cattle reproduction is crucial, particularly as it is a progesterone source for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Reduced oxygen levels significantly impact these processes. This stud...

This study investigated the effects of adding a blend of essential oils, tannins, bioflavonoids (ANAVRIN^®, VetosEurope, Lugano, Switzerland), monensin, and their combination on the daily gain, feed conversion, and rumen fermentation of finishing...

Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) is an important mariculture fish in China, and female individuals present a growth advantage. However, genetic females (ZW) can sex reverse to phenotypic males, designated pseudomales. The pseudomale shows...

The welfare of shelter dogs is a growing concern, particularly in regions like Taiwan, where public animal shelters (PASs) often face overcrowding. This study aimed to identify and prioritise welfare conditions (WCs) affecting shelter dogs in Taiwan&...

This review aims to examine the effects of the photoperiod on farm animals and to provide insights into how lighting management can optimize production performance, reproduction, and welfare. The production performance of farm animals is influenced b...

Stifle joint diseases present a significant challenge in companion animals that often lead to hind limb lameness, with osteoarthritis being a prevalent degenerative condition causing pain and reduced mobility. Regenerative medicine offers a promising...

The successful application of primordial germ cells (PGCs) is an ideal method for generating gene-edited birds. However, barriers to efficient DNA transfection in PGCs lead to low transfection efficiency, limiting the generation of genetically modifi...

Early recognition and rapid appropriate antimicrobial treatment is essential for survival of sepsis. To date, it is unclear which sepsis score should be used for an early diagnosis in calves. The objective of this study was to evaluate two existing s...

Currently, approximately 62 million rabbits are slaughtered annually in approved slaughterhouses across the European Union (EU) [...]

This study aimed to identify Leishmania species in small non-flying mammals captured in semi-deciduous forest fragments of the Atlantic Forest and pastures in the Southwest region of Bahia state, Northeast Brazil. A total of 445 animals belonging to...

This study aimed to evaluate the crude protein (CP) degradation kinetics and degradability (CPD) of cereal and legume fodder species grown at two geographically distant locations. Ten forage species, comprising six cereals (barley, maize, millet, oat...

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of adding Lactobacillus plantarum (LAB) to a high-starch diet on glucose and lipid metabolism, gut microbiota, and the composition of metabolites in Megalobrama amblycephala. This experiment was equipp...

At present, studies on tadpole nutrition and metabolism are scarce. This study aimed at comparing the influence of two protein sources, fishmeal (FM) and dried whole egg powder (DWEP), on tadpoles from the perspective of growth, the metamorphosis rat...

Regarding the ongoing global development of commercial ostrich husbandry, it is necessary to establish science-based recommendations for the appropriate treatment and welfare of ostriches. In this study, we determined the minimum housing area require...

N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) is one of the most abundant modifications in eukaryotic RNA molecules and mediates the functional exertion of RNA molecules. We characterized the circPAPPA and validated its potential m⁶A modification sites in secondary hair...

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) syndrome is a life-threatening emergency and its physiopathology and treatment have been studied for decades. Despite ongoing research, the mortality rate is still high. The aims of this study are to describe the tre...

Accurate estrus detection and optimal insemination timing are crucial for improving sow productivity and enhancing farm profitability in intensive pig farming. However, sows’ estrus typically lasts only 48.4 ± 1.0 h, and interference fro...

Myotis yumanensis is a small insectivorous bat distributed in Western North America and is susceptible to white-nose syndrome, a devastating fungal disease. Effective management of the disease in M. yumanensis requires an understanding of its populat...

Coccidiosis in chickens is a parasitic disease caused by Eimeria species, resulting in significant economic losses to the poultry industry. Among these species, Eimeria tenella is considered the most virulent pathogen, with its infection strongly ass...

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with increasing levels of a polyherbal phytogenic additive (PPA) on growth performance, health parameters, and blood metabolites of dairy calves. Forty female Holstein calves (43.35...

Non-invasive genetic approaches, particularly using fecal samples, are commonly used to study endangered and elusive species, as they are easy to collect with minimal permission and cause little disturbance to the subject population. However, such st...

Cautery disbudding is a painful procedure and major welfare concern in organic dairy production, which lacks effective and easily implemented methods of pain control. Willow bark (WB) has been used to treat chronic pain in humans, but there is no sci...

The northern Indian Ocean is located in a typical monsoon region that is also influenced by climate events such as the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), which makes Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis habitat highly susceptible to changes in climate and marine envir...

Lizards are ideal models for investigating animal adaptations to climate change, given their sensitivity to temperature and their significance in physiological ecology. In this study, the effects of temperature on the thermal biology and locomotor pe...

Morphine has significant clinical and analgesic effects in horses, but its impact on the gastrointestinal tract requires further understanding. This study assessed the analgesic and gastrointestinal effects of morphine in horses undergoing elective o...

Ileus attributable to compression of the small intestine describes extensive constriction of the intestine by nearby space-occupying lesions or other abdominal organs. This retrospective study describes the findings in 35 cows with ileus caused by CS...

Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) is caused by several bacteria, including Salmonella, Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., and Mycoplasma spp., and BCO is a significant animal health and welfare issue in broiler...

This study analyzes the decision making that underlies the choice of terms we use to refer to companion animals. Three focus groups were developed, including participants from different demographic backgrounds who answered questions about their exper...

Goat production in the dry forest of northern Peru is essential for rural livelihoods but remains poorly characterized regarding its productivity and sustainability. This study used multivariate techniques—a multiple correspondence analysis (MC...

In the diet of calves, the search for additives that aid in their development is essential due to the impact that these can generate throughout their lives, resulting in a relationship with their longevity and the maintenance of the herd. Yuca schidi...

Different assisted recovery techniques have been developed to enhance the safety and quality of equine recoveries. This case series evaluates the recovery of horses using an air-inflated pillow (Equi-lift^®). With owner consent, the following data...

Goats are widely recognized for their adaptability and resource efficiency, making them an excellent choice for sustainable farming. However, the Hainan Black goat (HNBG), a vital breed in southern China’s tropical regions, faces significant ch...

Mycoplasma pulmonis (M. pulmonis) is a chronic infection that can appear in laboratory animal facilities. Deviations in hemorheological parameters during many pathological processes were detected, but it is unknown to what extent M. pulmonis infectio...