Animals

12 pages, 5785 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Concurrent Persistent Truncus Arteriosus and Left Atrial Diverticulum in a Domestic Short-Haired Cat

by Irina Constantin, Alexandra Cofaru, Raluca Murariu, Iuliu Călin Scurtu and Flaviu-Alexandru Tăbăran

Animals 2025, 15(6), 899; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060899 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 199

Abstract

A 2-year-3-month-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was presented for cardiological evaluation at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, with a history of dyspnea, open-mouth breathing, cyanosis, and exercise intolerance. Physical examination identified a grade 4/6 systolic murmur, [...] Read more.

A 2-year-3-month-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was presented for cardiological evaluation at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, with a history of dyspnea, open-mouth breathing, cyanosis, and exercise intolerance. Physical examination identified a grade 4/6 systolic murmur, cyanosis, and mild dyspnea, with no abdominal abnormalities. Echocardiography revealed right ventricular hypertrophy, severe right atrial dilation, a thickened tricuspid valve, and a large nonrestrictive ventricular septal defect with a left-to-right shunt, consistent with persistent truncus arteriosus (PTA), confirmed postmortem. During necropsy, in addition to the clinically confirmed diagnoses, bilateral myxomatous degeneration of the A-V valves, and associated anomalies such as an atrial diverticulum and splenopancreatic fusion were observed and confirmed histologically. This case emphasizes the clinical and morphological complexity of congenital heart defects in felines, highlighting the importance of advanced diagnostic and histopathological techniques for accurate diagnosis and characterization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

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18 pages, 4107 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Calf Behavior Recognition Based on Improved Lightweight YOLOv8 in Farming Scenarios

by Ze Yuan, Shuai Wang, Chunguang Wang, Zheying Zong, Chunhui Zhang, Lide Su and Zeyu Ban

Animals 2025, 15(6), 898; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060898 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 265

Abstract

In order to achieve accurate and efficient recognition of calf behavior in complex scenes such as cow overlapping, occlusion, and different light and occlusion levels, this experiment adopts the method of improving the YOLO v8 model to recognize calf behavior. A calf daily [...] Read more.

In order to achieve accurate and efficient recognition of calf behavior in complex scenes such as cow overlapping, occlusion, and different light and occlusion levels, this experiment adopts the method of improving the YOLO v8 model to recognize calf behavior. A calf daily behavior dataset containing 2918 images is selected as the test benchmark through video frame extraction; a P2 small-target detection layer is introduced to improve the resolution of the input scene, which significantly improves the model recognition accuracy, and reduces the computational complexity and storage requirements of the model through the Lamp pruning method. Comparisons are made with the SSD, YOLOv5n, YOLOv8n, YOLOv8-C2f-faster-EMA, YOLO v11n, YOLO v12n, and YOLO v8-P2 advanced models. The results show that the number of parameters, floating point operations (FLOPs), model size, and mean average precision (mAP) of the model after introducing the P2 small-target detection layer and pruning with the Lamp strategy are 0.949 M, 4.0 G, 2.3 Mb, and 90.9%, respectively. The significant improvement in each index effectively reduces the model size and improves the accuracy of the network. The detection results in complex environments with different light and shading levels show that the mAP in daytime (exposure) and nighttime environments is 85.1% and 84.8%, respectively, and the average mAP in the three kinds of shading cases (light, medium, and heavy) is 87.3%, representing a lightweight, high-precision, real-time, and robust model. The results of this study provide a reference for the real-time monitoring of calf behaviors all day long in complex environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)

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19 pages, 1190 KiB

Open AccessArticle

FASN, SCD, and PLAG1 Gene Polymorphism and Association with Carcass Traits and Fatty Acid Profile in Hanwoo Cattle

by Jia Yu, Sajida Naseem, Sungkwon Park, Sunjin Hur, Yoonbin Choi, Teahyung Lee, Xiangzi Li and Seongho Choi

Animals 2025, 15(6), 897; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060897 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 164

Abstract

Genetic polymorphisms have a great impact on enhancing quantitative traits in cattle. In this study, Fatty acid synthase (FASN) g. 16024 (A>G), Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) g. 10329 (C>T), and pleomorphic adenoma gene (PLAG1) g. 25003338 (C>G) genotypic [...] Read more.

Genetic polymorphisms have a great impact on enhancing quantitative traits in cattle. In this study, Fatty acid synthase (FASN) g. 16024 (A>G), Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) g. 10329 (C>T), and pleomorphic adenoma gene (PLAG1) g. 25003338 (C>G) genotypic and allelic polymorphisms were evaluated, along with their associations with fatty acid composition, adipogenic gene expression, and carcass characteristics (carcass weight, yield grade, backfat thickness, and marbling score) in Hanwoo steers. A total of 128 Hanwoo steers were selected for this study and the Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used to identify polymorphism of these genes. The AG genotype and G allele in FASN g. 16024 (A>G), CT genotype and T allele in SCD g. 10329 (C>T), and GG genotype and G allele in PLAG1 g. 25003338 (C>G) showed higher frequency and positively correlated with carcass traits, yield, and quality grades. Fatty acid composition results indicate that C18:3n-6, C20:1, and C20:2n-6 were significantly higher in the AA genotype of FASN gene, C14:1 and C18:3n-6 in the CC genotype, and C16:1 in the TT genotype of SCD gene. C12:0, C14:0, C16:1, C18:0, and C20:0 were higher in the CC genotype of PLAG1 gene. Furthermore, RT-qPCR analysis of adipogenesis-related genes (AMP-activated protein kinase-α (AMPKα), Carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1β (CPT1), G-coupled protein receptor-43 (GPR43), and SCD) across different SNP genotypes suggests a systemic interaction between genetic factors and adipogenesis in beef cattle. This study emphasizes the significance of FASN g. 16024 (A>G), SCD g. 10329 (C>T), and PLAG1 g. 25003338 (C>G) SNPs for genetic selection to enhance beef quality and elucidate lipid metabolic pathways in Hanwoo cattle. Full article

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

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20 pages, 19539 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Riverine Realities: Evaluating Climate Change Impacts on Habitat Dynamics of the Critically Endangered Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) in the Indian Landscape

by Imon Abedin, Hilloljyoti Singha, Shailendra Singh, Tanoy Mukherjee, Hyun-Woo Kim and Shantanu Kundu

Animals 2025, 15(6), 896; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060896 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 591

Abstract

The endemic and critically endangered gharial, Gavialis gangeticus, experienced a severe population decline in its range. However, conservation efforts, notably through the implementation of “Project Crocodile” in India, have led to a significant recovery of its population. The present study employs an ensemble [...] Read more.

The endemic and critically endangered gharial, Gavialis gangeticus, experienced a severe population decline in its range. However, conservation efforts, notably through the implementation of “Project Crocodile” in India, have led to a significant recovery of its population. The present study employs an ensemble Species Distribution Model (SDM) to delineate suitable habitats for G. gangeticus under current and future climatic scenarios to understand the impact of climate change. The model estimates that 46.85% of the area of occupancy is suitable under the present scenario, with this suitable area projected to increase by 145.16% in future climatic conditions. States such as Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam are projected to experience an increase in habitat suitability, whereas Odisha and Rajasthan are anticipated to face declines. The study recommends conducting ground-truthing ecological assessments using advanced technologies and genetic analyses to validate the viability of newly identified habitats in the Lower Ganges, Mahanadi, and Brahmaputra River systems. These areas should be prioritized within the Protected Area network for potential translocation sites allocation. Collaborative efforts between the IUCN-SSC Crocodile Specialist Group and stakeholders are vital for prioritizing conservation and implementing site-specific interventions to protect the highly threatened gharial population in the wild. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolution, Diversity, and Conservation of Herpetofauna: Second Edition)

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12 pages, 498 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Potential of the Inclusion of Prosopis farcta Extract in the Diet on the Growth Performance, Immunity, Digestive Enzyme Activity, and Oxidative Status of the Common Carp, Cyprinus carpio, in Response to Ammonia Stress

by Morteza Yousefi, Hossein Adineh, Basim S. A. Al Sulivany, Ebrahim Gholamalipour Alamdari, Sevdan Yilmaz, Heba H. Mahboub and Seyyed Morteza Hoseini

Animals 2025, 15(6), 895; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060895 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 236

Abstract

Herbal feed additives have benefits in aquaculture, as they can improve growth performance, welfare, and stress resistance. Hence, the effects of dietary Prosopis farcta extract (PFE) on the growth parameters, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant defense, innate immunity responses, and resistance to ammonia stress [...] Read more.

Herbal feed additives have benefits in aquaculture, as they can improve growth performance, welfare, and stress resistance. Hence, the effects of dietary Prosopis farcta extract (PFE) on the growth parameters, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant defense, innate immunity responses, and resistance to ammonia stress in the common carp, Cyprinus carpio, were studied. Fish (15.14 ± 0.72 g) were fed on diets without the PFE (PFE0) or those fortified with 0.5% (PFE0.5), 1% (PFE1), or 2% (PFE2) PFE for 60 days and then subjected to ammonia stress for 24 h. The growth rate, feed efficiency, and amylase-, lipase-, and protease-specific activities in the PFE1 and PFE2 treatments showed significant elevations compared to these values in PFE0. The intestinal protease-specific activity significantly increased in all of the PFE treatments compared to that in the PFE0 treatment. Serum total protein and immunoglobulin significantly increased in the PFE1 treatment, whereas serum albumin and alternative complement activity significantly increased in the PFE2 treatment compared to these values in the PFE0 treatment. The PFE2 treatment significantly mitigated post-stress elevations in serum cortisol, glucose, malondialdehyde levels, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase activities. The PFE1 treatment significantly mitigated post-stress elevations in CAT activity and decreases in SOD and lysozyme activity. In conclusion, 1–2% dietary PFE supplementation can improve the growth performance, health, and resilience to environmental stressors of the common carp. Full article

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

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16 pages, 3399 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pet Owners’ Perceptions of Key Factors Affecting Animal Welfare During Veterinary Visits

by Andrei-Sebastian Csiplo and Silvana Popescu

Animals 2025, 15(6), 894; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060894 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 631

Abstract

Over the past decade, the number of companion dogs and cats has grown significantly, leading to an increase in veterinary visits. These visits can be stressful for animals, potentially affecting their long-term physical and emotional well-being. The aim of this study was to [...] Read more.

Over the past decade, the number of companion dogs and cats has grown significantly, leading to an increase in veterinary visits. These visits can be stressful for animals, potentially affecting their long-term physical and emotional well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate how dog and cat owners perceive the factors influencing their pets’ behavior and welfare during veterinary visits. After completing a veterinary visit, dog and cat owners filled a survey assessing their pets’ behavioral responses at different stages of the consultation. A total of 94 dog and cat owners participated in this study. The findings revealed that perceived stress levels were the highest right after entering the practice but declined significantly after about 10 min in the waiting room. The owners’ observations, based on their familiarity with their pets’ typical behavior, were considered a useful tool for assessing the stress levels in their companion animals during the veterinary visits. Although they had the possibility to choose terms from a list of behaviors, no ethogram was provided previously or during the data collection. In conclusion, while stress remains a key concern for animal welfare, the most critical period identified was immediately before and after entering the veterinary practice. Further research is needed to better understand this crucial phase and its implications for the health and welfare of dogs and cats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pet Behavioral Medicine)

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23 pages, 13041 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Sheep Behavior Recognition Approach Based on Improved FESS-YOLOv8n Neural Network

by Xiuru Guo, Chunyue Ma, Chen Wang, Xiaochen Cui, Guangdi Xu, Ruimin Wang, Yuqi Liu, Bo Sun, Zhijun Wang and Xuchao Guo

Animals 2025, 15(6), 893; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060893 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 239

Abstract

Sheep are an important breed of livestock in the northern regions of China, providing humans with nutritious meat and by-products. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the health status of sheep. Research has shown that the individual and group behaviors of sheep can [...] Read more.

Sheep are an important breed of livestock in the northern regions of China, providing humans with nutritious meat and by-products. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the health status of sheep. Research has shown that the individual and group behaviors of sheep can reflect their overall health status. However, as the scale of farming expands, traditional behavior detection methods based on manual observation and those that employ contact-based devices face challenges, including poor real-time performance and unstable accuracy, making them difficult to meet the current demands. To address these issues, this paper proposes a sheep behavior detection model, Fess-YOLOv8n, based on an enhanced YOLOv8n neural network. On the one hand, this approach achieves a lightweight model by introducing the FasterNet structure and the selective channel down-sampling module (SCDown). On the other hand, it utilizes the efficient multi-scale attention mechanism (EMA)as well as the spatial and channel synergistic attention module (SCSA) to improve recognition performance. The results on a self-built dataset show that Fess-YOLOv8n reduced the model size by 2.56 MB and increased the detection accuracy by 4.7%. It provides technical support for large-scale sheep behavior detection and lays a foundation for sheep health monitoring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Small Ruminants)

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12 pages, 1211 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Determination of Sex from Down and Feather in Wild and Reared Monomorphic and Dimorphic Birds at Juvenile Age

by Antonio Ciro Guaricci, Mario Cinone, Salvatore Desantis, Giovanni Michele Lacalandra and Maria Albrizio

Animals 2025, 15(6), 892; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060892 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 198

Abstract

The inability to distinguish males from females in young birds is a major obstacle for pair formation in reintroduction–restocking programs and commercial–amateur breeding. Several techniques are employed to address this problem, but not all of them are suitable for juvenile subjects. Among the [...] Read more.

The inability to distinguish males from females in young birds is a major obstacle for pair formation in reintroduction–restocking programs and commercial–amateur breeding. Several techniques are employed to address this problem, but not all of them are suitable for juvenile subjects. Among the various tests applied for sex determination, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is one of the genetic tools that seems to be most effective (rapid, not invasive and cheaper). In this study, DNA was extracted from down and feathers to make the procedure less stressful for nestlings. The DNA was amplified by PCR, and the amplicon was subjected to the restriction endonucleases procedure when the gender was not clearly identified by PCR alone. One hundred and fifty-three avian species were sexed using this procedure, including 27 for the first time. In all the nestlings and juveniles tested, sex was correctly identified; in fact, all pairs that reached sexual maturity during this study gave offspring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Recent Advance in Wildlife Conservation)

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4 pages, 152 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Rethinking Animal Welfare in a Globalised World: Cultural Perspectives, Challenges, and Future Directions

by Sarah Oxley Heaney, Michelle Szydlowski, Kristine Hill and Jes Hooper

Animals 2025, 15(6), 891; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060891 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 489

Abstract

In an increasingly interconnected world, human and other-than-human-animal welfare has emerged as a significant global concern [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Welfare from a Cross-Cultural Perspective)

21 pages, 246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Reduction in Dietary Amino Acids and Energy on Growth Performance and Economic Return of Cobb 700 and Ross 708 Broilers

by Bo Zhang, Shengyu Zhou, Wei Zhai and Yang Zhao

Animals 2025, 15(6), 890; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060890 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 169

Abstract

This study examined how reducing dietary amino acids (AAs) and apparent metabolizable energy (AME) affects broiler growth and economic return. Two trials were conducted with Cobb 700 and Ross 708 broilers using a randomized design with 12 diet treatments. A 30% AA reduction, [...] Read more.

This study examined how reducing dietary amino acids (AAs) and apparent metabolizable energy (AME) affects broiler growth and economic return. Two trials were conducted with Cobb 700 and Ross 708 broilers using a randomized design with 12 diet treatments. A 30% AA reduction, compared to the high breeder recommendations for Cobb 700 and Ross 708 strains, reduced body weight in Cobb 700 broilers before 41 days and in Ross 708 broilers at 64 days, while feed efficiency declined in both strains from 0 to 41 days. A 16% AME reduction increased feed intake and worsened feed efficiency in Cobb 700 broilers before 41 days and in Ross 708 broilers from 55 to 64 days. At 55 days, reducing AAs by 20–30% or AME by 8–16% decreased feed cost per kilogram of body weight and improved economic return. However, a 30% AA reduction reduced overall profitability per bird in Cobb 700 broilers at 41 days, while a 16% AME reduction did not. In conclusion, both 30% AA and 16% AME reductions impaired growth, but only excessive AA reduction negatively affected profitability. These findings help optimize feeding strategies for cost-effective broiler production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Amino Acid Nutrition in Poultry: 2nd Edition)

19 pages, 3070 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hair Cortisol and Fe-BARQ: Evaluating Chronic Stress and Behavior in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease

by Ga-Hee Kim, Kyuyoung Lee, Han-Sol Choi, Jin Soo Han and Sun-A Kim

Animals 2025, 15(6), 889; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060889 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 382

Abstract

This study used hair cortisol concentration (HCC) and the Feline Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire as indicators of chronic stress status and behavioral changes in cats, respectively. Few studies have simultaneously employed both indices to examine cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This [...] Read more.

This study used hair cortisol concentration (HCC) and the Feline Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire as indicators of chronic stress status and behavioral changes in cats, respectively. Few studies have simultaneously employed both indices to examine cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to evaluate HCC and questionnaire data from control group cats (n = 21) and those with CKD (n = 21). Additionally, we investigated the correlation between HCC and living environment. For this study, hair samples were collected from the cats’ abdomens and analyzed for HCC. Owners completed questionnaires to provide information on their cats’ behavior, demographics, environmental factors, and household characteristics over 3 months. Cats in the late-stage CKD group had significantly higher HCC levels than those in the early-stage CKD and control groups. We observed different associations between behavioral patterns, living environments, and HCC depending on the stage of CKD progression. The consistency between the HCC findings and questionnaire results, including the higher HCC levels in the late-stage CKD group and behavioral changes in the CKD group, suggests the possibility of a complex interaction between CKD progression and chronic stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Companion Animals)

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19 pages, 2409 KiB

Open AccessReview

Management of Coexistence and Conflicts Between Humans and Macaques in Japan

by Léane Depret and Cédric Sueur

Animals 2025, 15(6), 888; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060888 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 300

Abstract

Conflicts between humans and Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) have intensified due to urban and agricultural expansion, reducing natural habitats and pushing macaques into human settlements. This review examines strategies for managing human–macaque coexistence in Japan. Since the 1970s, urbanisation and deforestation [...] Read more.

Conflicts between humans and Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) have intensified due to urban and agricultural expansion, reducing natural habitats and pushing macaques into human settlements. This review examines strategies for managing human–macaque coexistence in Japan. Since the 1970s, urbanisation and deforestation have led to increased macaque migration into populated areas, resulting in property damage, crop loss, and, in some cases, aggressive encounters. The growing macaque population underscores the urgency of effective management programmes. Strategies include preventive measures, such as weeding to limit food sources, habitat modification, and community-based interventions to reduce attractants. Non-lethal deterrents, including visual and auditory scare tactics, trained guard animals, and electric fences, have been implemented to discourage macaques from entering human spaces. Physical barriers, such as fences and buffer zones, provide long-term mitigation but require maintenance and community cooperation. Fertility control, including sterilisation and hormonal contraception, offers a long-term population management solution but presents logistical challenges. Lethal control and capture-relocation, though controversial, remain options for particularly problematic individuals. Additionally, integrating One Health and One Conservation approaches into macaque management allows for a holistic strategy that considers disease risks, ecological balance, and ethical implications. A balanced management plan that incorporates multiple strategies, community participation, and continuous monitoring is crucial for mitigating conflicts and fostering sustainable coexistence between humans and macaques. 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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18 pages, 3805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Biomarkers for Meat Quality in Sichuan Goats Through 4D Label-Free Quantitative Proteomics

by Rui Zhang, Mengling Xu, Rui Xu, Ting Bai, Dayu Liu, Xinhui Wang, Daodong Pan, Yin Zhang, Lin Zhang, Shifeng Pan and Jiamin Zhang

Animals 2025, 15(6), 887; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060887 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 212

Abstract

The Nanjiang Yellow Goat (NJYG), Jintang Black Goat (JTBG), and Jianzhou Da’er Goat (JZDEG) are representative local goat breeds for meat production in Sichuan Province, China. This study conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the meat quality of the longissimus dorsi muscle of three [...] Read more.

The Nanjiang Yellow Goat (NJYG), Jintang Black Goat (JTBG), and Jianzhou Da’er Goat (JZDEG) are representative local goat breeds for meat production in Sichuan Province, China. This study conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the meat quality of the longissimus dorsi muscle of three goat breeds. Variations in meat quality were observed in terms of meat pH, color, ash and fat content, water activity, and muscle fiber structure. Quantitative proteomics analysis was employed to identify biomarkers for goat meat quality, revealing hundreds of differentially expressed proteins among three goat breeds. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed enriched pathways including oxidative phosphorylation, thermogenesis, citrate cycle (TCA cycle), fatty acid degradation and metabolism, as well as valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation. Moreover, weighted protein co-expression network analysis and protein–protein interaction analysis uncovered valuable biomarkers, including GSTM3, NDUFS, OGDH, ACO2, HADH, ACAT1, ACADS, ACAA2, HSPG2, ITGA7, PARVB, ALDH9A1, ADH5, and LOC102190016, for assessing goat meat quality. This investigation highlighted the disparities in meat quality among local goat breeds in Sichuan, China, and provided insights into underlying biological pathways and valuable biomarkers for goat meat quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Products)

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15 pages, 521 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Dandelion Flavonoid Extract on the Accumulation of Flavonoids in Layer Hen Meat, Slaughter Performance and Blood Antioxidant Indicators of Spent Laying Hens

by Yuyu Wei, Jingwen Zhang, Yiming Zhang, Dingkuo Liu, Chunxue You, Wenjuan Zhang, Chaoqi Ren, Xin Zhao, Liu’an Li and Xiaoxue Yu

Animals 2025, 15(6), 886; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060886 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 245

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different supplemental amounts of dandelion flavonoid extracts (DFE) in diets on nutrients in chicken, slaughtering performance, blood biochemical indexes and antioxidant capacity of spent laying hens. A total of 180 560-day-old spent Hy-Line Brown laying [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different supplemental amounts of dandelion flavonoid extracts (DFE) in diets on nutrients in chicken, slaughtering performance, blood biochemical indexes and antioxidant capacity of spent laying hens. A total of 180 560-day-old spent Hy-Line Brown laying hens were randomly divided into five groups. The control group was fed the basal diet, while the experimental groups were supplemented with DFE at levels of 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 mg/kg (as T1, T2, T3, and T4 group) in the basal diet, respectively. The variables measured included the content of dandelion flavonoids in layer hen thigh meat and breast meat, slaughter performance, blood biochemical indexes, and antioxidant capacity. Data were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) to assess the impact of DFE supplementation compared to the control group on study outcomes. The results showed that dietary supplementation with DFE can increase the content of dandelion flavonoids in layer hen meat. The contents of rutin in layer hen breast meat of groups T1, T2, T3, and T4 were 1.37, 4.41, 16.26, and 36.03 ng/g, respectively, and the contents of quercetin was 2.58, 1.36, 4.98, 12.48 ng/g. In layer hen thigh meat of groups T1, T2, T3, and T4, the contents of rutin were 11.48, 15.98, 44.43, 122.32 ng/g, and the contents of quercetin were 9.96, 13.14, 23.15, 38.09 ng/g, respectively. The addition of DFE increased the total phenol content of the feed and highly significantly elevated the total phenol content of layer hen meat (p < 0.01), and the total phenol content of chicken meat was strongly and positively correlated with the total phenol content of the feed. DFE supplementation significantly decreased abdominal fat percentage (p < 0.05) and increased crude fat content in chicken (p < 0.05). The addition of DFE reduced aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities (p < 0.05), decreased triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL-C), glucose (GLU), and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents (p < 0.05), and increased the content of albumin (ALB), total antioxidant (T-AOC) capacity and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity (p < 0.05). Dietary supplementation of DFE at different concentrations could significantly increase the content of dandelion flavonoids in the muscle of spent laying hens, reduce the abdominal fat rate in hens, effectively reduce blood lipid levels, effectively increase crude fat content in thigh muscle, and enhance the body’s antioxidant capacity and liver function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Poultry)

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22 pages, 4456 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Systematic Literature Review of Mitochondrial DNA Analysis for Horse Genetic Diversity

by Ayman Agbani, Oumaima Aminou, Mohamed Machmoum, Agnes Germot, Bouabid Badaoui, Daniel Petit and Mohammed Piro

Animals 2025, 15(6), 885; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060885 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 307

Abstract

This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) consolidates current research on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis in horses, focusing on genetic variation, maternal lineage tracing, and haplogroup identification. The article selection process screened 1380 articles, with 76 fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Data extraction covered sampling techniques, [...] Read more.

This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) consolidates current research on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis in horses, focusing on genetic variation, maternal lineage tracing, and haplogroup identification. The article selection process screened 1380 articles, with 76 fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Data extraction covered sampling techniques, studied mtDNA regions, sequencing methods, and haplogroup identification. Following the methodology of the PRISMA guidelines, this review encompasses studies published since 2012, obtained from Scopus, PubMed, Research4Life, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. The major findings emphasise the use of mtDNA for tracing ancestry, validating maternal lineages, and identifying haplogroups along with their geographic distributions. This review identifies challenges, including the need to update the haplogroup classification system and potential information loss due to sequence trimming. Additionally, it examines promising avenues for future research, such as the implementation of next-generation sequencing and the merging of haplogroup data with performance traits, which could influence conservation initiatives and breeding programs. This review emphasises the necessity for standardised classification systems and further research on underrepresented breeds and regions to improve our understanding of equine genetic diversity. Full article

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

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13 pages, 4546 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ultrasound Back-Fat Thickness Association with Risk of Metabolic Disease of Dairy Cows in Early Lactation

by Filippo Fiore, Enrico Fiore, Barbara Contiero and Anastasia Lisuzzo

Animals 2025, 15(6), 883; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060883 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 200

Abstract

Ultrasound back-fat thickness (BFT) can indirectly assess the risk of metabolic disease as hyperketonemia. In this study, 129 multiparous and clinically healthy dairy cows were enrolled and examined weekly for the first 8 weeks of lactation for body-condition score (BCS), BFT, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), [...] Read more.

Ultrasound back-fat thickness (BFT) can indirectly assess the risk of metabolic disease as hyperketonemia. In this study, 129 multiparous and clinically healthy dairy cows were enrolled and examined weekly for the first 8 weeks of lactation for body-condition score (BCS), BFT, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), weekly changes (ΔBCS, ΔBFT, ΔBHB), and total changes over the study (TotalΔ_8to1BCS, TotalΔ_8to1BFT, TotalΔ_8to1BHB). Cows with BHB ≥ 1.0 mmol/L were considered to be affected by hyperketonemia (HK; n = 56), while the remaining animals were considered as controls (CTR; n = 73). Statistical analysis included mixed models, spearman correlation matrix, logistic regression, and linear regression analysis. BCS and BFT showed a strong correlation and were greater in the first weeks after calving in HK. The same group had greater BCS and BFT losses over the trial. However, weekly changes were identified only for BFT. Linear and logistic regression analysis for the disease event identified that BFT loss of 1 mm was associated with an increase in BHB (+0.36 mmol/L) and an increased risk of developing hyperketonemia over the week when the loss was between the second and first weeks (+2.5 times), third and second (+51%), and fourth and third (+58%) weeks. In conclusion, BFT can be used to identify the risk of developing hyperketonemia during early lactation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)

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8 pages, 6640 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Overkilling in a Dog: A Case Report

by Federica Pesce, Emanuela Sannino, Enza Ragosta, Laura Marigliano, Giuseppe Picazio, Mauro Esposito, Maria Dimatteo, Barbara Degli Uberti, Susanna De Luca, Noemi Di Caprio, Domenico Citarella, Renato Pinto, Giovanna Fusco, Esterina De Carlo and Gianluca Miletti

Animals 2025, 15(6), 884; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060884 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 301

Abstract

The term “overkilling” in forensic medicine is not clearly defined and is used to refer to homicides involving unusually massive injuries, far exceeding those necessary to kill the victim. This is the clinical case of a dog found in February 2023 in a [...] Read more.

The term “overkilling” in forensic medicine is not clearly defined and is used to refer to homicides involving unusually massive injuries, far exceeding those necessary to kill the victim. This is the clinical case of a dog found in February 2023 in a town near Naples, with a rope around its neck and the metacarpal region of its forelimbs. The dog was taken to the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno (IZSM, Portici, Southern Italy), where it underwent a total body radiographic study performed using the “Philosophy HF400” X-ray device (Pan Vet, Kildare Town, Ireland). Subsequently, a full autopsy was performed, and samples of the injured organs were analyzed by accredited in-house laboratories for microbiological, histological and toxicological analyses. The autopsy revealed anatomopathological lesions compatible with strangulation, which were confirmed by histological examination. The autopsy also reported serosanguineous chest effusion, food material mixed with blackish microgranules and harmful substances in the stomach and, finally, uncoagulated blood in the atrioventricular chambers of the heart. These findings raised the suspicion of poisoning, which was confirmed by the positive outcome of toxicological tests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

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11 pages, 1604 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Domestic Quarter Horse (Equus caballus) Milk Macronutrient Composition Analyses Within Micro Quantities from Two Different Geographical Locations

by Jenna C. P. Wagner, Mark Edwards, Shweta Trivedi, Larry J. Minter and Kimberly Ange-van Heugten

Animals 2025, 15(6), 882; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060882 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 455

Abstract

Microquantity laboratory procedures (<5 mL) are often used to analyze milk from non-bovid or less common species due to limited available samples and small sample sizes, unlike the large quantities of milk needed for macroquantity (~20 mL) assays standard in the commercial dairy [...] Read more.

Microquantity laboratory procedures (<5 mL) are often used to analyze milk from non-bovid or less common species due to limited available samples and small sample sizes, unlike the large quantities of milk needed for macroquantity (~20 mL) assays standard in the commercial dairy industry. To better understand microquantity milk laboratory analyses, quarter horse (Equus caballus) milk from North Carolina State University (females = 4, n = 43) and California Polytechnic State University (females = 4, n = 42) equine centers was compared to investigate differences in macronutrient composition from 4 to 130 days after parturition. All mares were healthy, but consumed different diets. Major milk macronutrients were measured at the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute using a microquantity analysis of ash, crude protein (CP), dry matter (DM), crude fat, sugar, and gross energy. Of the six measured nutrients, only CP and crude fat differed (p < 0.05) by location, while sugar and crude fat had differences among individual mares. Californian mares had greater fat concentration means on a dry matter basis (DMB) than the North Carolinian mares (ANCOVA, p = 0.003). North Carolinian mares had greater CP concentration means than Californian mares. These findings indicate that dietary differences and/or environmental factors may play a role in CP and crude fat milk macronutrient composition within horse breeds. However, despite the differences noted, the microquantity analyses for nutritional means for all eight mares were within macroquantity horses ranges available in the previous literature. The results indicate that micro versus macroassays are comparable and supports clinical and scientific research on milk from species where large sample quantities are difficult to obtain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Equids)

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18 pages, 2389 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling Spawning Habitats of Coreius guichenoti with Substrate Considerations: A Case Study of Pingdi Town in the Lower Jinsha River

by Wenchao Li, Dong Chen, Lekui Zhu, Tong Liu, Hanyue Wang, Litao Zhang, Rui Han, Zhi Yang, Jun Yan, Hongyi Yang, Anan Guo and Lei Liu

Animals 2025, 15(6), 881; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060881 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 133

Abstract

Coreius guichenoti, once widely distributed in the upper reaches of the Jinsha River, has become a nationally protected species in China due to the profound impacts of cascade reservoirs. To assess the influence of substrate on the suitability of spawning habitat for [...] Read more.

Coreius guichenoti, once widely distributed in the upper reaches of the Jinsha River, has become a nationally protected species in China due to the profound impacts of cascade reservoirs. To assess the influence of substrate on the suitability of spawning habitat for C. guichenoti, this study develops a substrate-inclusive habitat model using fuzzy logic based on expert knowledge. Taking the Pingdi Town section of the lower Jinsha River—a historical spawning site for C. guichenoti—as a case study from March to July 2020, we simulated changes in the spawning habitat suitability index (HSI) and compared the results with those from traditional models that exclude substrate factors. The results showed that in the first and second halves of May, Weighted Usable Area (WUA) and Overall Suitability Index (OSI) increased by 42.31% and 38.73%, respectively, while MSP exhibited dramatic increases of 236.04% and 614.56%. These improvements were primarily observed along the riverbanks, where HSI increased by approximately 0.25. From a management perspective, the HSI results provide a scientific basis for optimizing ecological flow regulation. Incorporating substrate factors into spawning habitat models offers a more objective and comprehensive assessment of habitat quality. Habitat restoration measures, such as targeted substrate improvement in key riverbank areas, may further increase habitat suitability, providing additional opportunities for conservation planning in regulated rivers. Full article

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17 pages, 3010 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Do We Recognize the Effects of Dairy Cattle Activity in the Lying Area? A Case Study in Free-Stall Barns

by Marek Gaworski

Animals 2025, 15(6), 880; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060880 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 136

Abstract

Dairy cattle kept in barns with a free-stall system have contact with the structural elements of the stalls in the lying area. As a result of the cattle entering the lying stall, lying down, and standing up, shiny surfaces appear on the neck [...] Read more.

Dairy cattle kept in barns with a free-stall system have contact with the structural elements of the stalls in the lying area. As a result of the cattle entering the lying stall, lying down, and standing up, shiny surfaces appear on the neck rails and partitions. These shiny surfaces can be a source of information about the activity of the animals in the lying stalls over a long period of time. This case study aimed to assess the diversity of shiny spots on the neck rails and partitions in the lying area of barns with a free-stall system. The length of the shiny surfaces and their locations on the neck rails and partitions were measured in three barns (on one dairy farm) containing a total of 512 lying stalls. The differences in the lengths of the shiny surfaces on the left and right partitions were assessed, and their locations on the partitions and neck rail were compared. Identifying the interactions between animals and metal elements of the lying stalls could contribute to improving the welfare of dairy cattle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Techniques for Efficient and Sustainable Cattle Production: Precision Farming, Feed Ingredients and Efficiency and Rumen Health)

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25 pages, 1957 KiB

Open AccessReview

Chlorella vulgaris as a Livestock Supplement and Animal Feed: A Comprehensive Review

by Ishaya Usman Gadzama, Saraswati Ray, René Méité, Isaac Maina Mugweru, Takudzwa Gondo, Md Atikur Rahman, Md Rahat Ahmad Redoy, Md Fazle Rohani, Ahmed Eid Kholif, Md Salahuddin and Andre F. Brito

Animals 2025, 15(6), 879; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060879 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 986

Abstract

This review explores the potential of Chlorella vulgaris (CLV) as an alternative supplement in animal feed. CLV is rich in essential nutrients including fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, as well as bioactive compounds such as antioxidants, which contribute to its health-promoting [...] Read more.

This review explores the potential of Chlorella vulgaris (CLV) as an alternative supplement in animal feed. CLV is rich in essential nutrients including fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, as well as bioactive compounds such as antioxidants, which contribute to its health-promoting properties. The nutritional composition of CLV can vary depending on factors such as cultivation methods, nutrient availability, light intensity, temperature, water pH, strain, and processing techniques. The rigid cell wall of the microalga limits nutrient accessibility, particularly in monogastric animals. However, processing techniques such as enzymatic treatments can disrupt the cell wall, enhancing nutrient bioavailability and improving its utility as a feed ingredient. Research across livestock species has demonstrated the positive effects of CLV supplementation. For instance, CLV has improved milk production and composition in ruminants, modulated rumen microbiota, enhanced lamb growth, and elevated blood immunoglobulin levels. Moreover, the impact of CLV on ruminal fermentation is dose-dependent, with higher inclusion rates exhibiting more pronounced effects, and it may also play a role in mitigating methane emissions. In poultry, CLV supplementation leads to better growth, feed conversion ratios, immune responses, and meat and egg quality. Similarly, studies on pigs suggest that CLV can benefit immune response and fatty acid profiles, while in rabbits, CLV has been found to reduce oxidative stress and improve immune responses. Additionally, CLV has shown promise in aquaculture, improving feed utilization, immunity, and disease resistance in various fish species. While CLV shows considerable potential, the variability in animal responses and the need for optimized inclusion levels necessitate further species-specific research to elucidate the long-term implications of its inclusion in animal diets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)

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14 pages, 245 KiB

Open AccessReview

Developments in Chinese Attitudes to Animal Welfare

by Clive J. C. Phillips

Animals 2025, 15(6), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060878 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 292

Abstract

China has strong traditions of respect for animals, but momentous changes in recent history have changed society dramatically, and it cannot be assumed that animal welfare is always good. Farm animal production is being intensified rapidly, which can reduce resources offered to animals, [...] Read more.

China has strong traditions of respect for animals, but momentous changes in recent history have changed society dramatically, and it cannot be assumed that animal welfare is always good. Farm animal production is being intensified rapidly, which can reduce resources offered to animals, in particular space for comfortable living. However, amongst workers in the animal industries, there is little optimism about their ability or need to improve animal welfare. Nevertheless, there is growing attention to animal welfare science in China, which is focused on remote sensing and technological approaches. The Chinese government currently has relatively little involvement in supporting good animal welfare standards, although legislation is in place. Attitudes are influenced by many factors, including the law, age, experience, occupation, and gender. The relatively strong involvement of women in caring for farm animals is encouraging as they tend to have more empathetic attitudes toward animals. It is concluded that attitudes are changing rapidly, but so are animal production systems, which make the development and improvement of animal welfare on farms especially important. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Ethics)

19 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pain in Dairy Cattle: A Narrative Review of the Need for Pain Control, Industry Practices and Stakeholder Expectations, and Opportunities

by Steven Roche, Julia Saraceni, Laura Zehr and David Renaud

Animals 2025, 15(6), 877; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060877 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 323

Abstract

Pain is an adverse experience causing distress and decreased production in dairy cattle. Pain, and its associated distress, is also undesirable from an animal welfare standpoint. Consumers consider animal welfare an important issue; therefore, ensuring proper pain management, and by extension good welfare, [...] Read more.

Pain is an adverse experience causing distress and decreased production in dairy cattle. Pain, and its associated distress, is also undesirable from an animal welfare standpoint. Consumers consider animal welfare an important issue; therefore, ensuring proper pain management, and by extension good welfare, is important to maintain the social acceptability of dairy production. However, while some painful procedures and diseases can be avoided, some are inevitable. When this is the case, it is important to provide pain mitigation where possible. Various dairy quality assurance programs provide guidance on pain management practices for producers; however, guidelines differ across countries and jurisdictions. This narrative review covers common painful conditions and procedures, including disbudding and dehorning, castration, calving and dystocia, surgeries, disease conditions, and lameness. Further, this paper reviews evidence of the necessity and efficacy of pain management in these cases, current uptake of pain management, and quality assurance program standards for addressing pain in dairy cattle. Overall, there are clear advantages to providing pain mitigation for some conditions and procedures. For others, gaps still exist in understanding the best methods for pain control. Further attention should be paid to understanding and reducing the barriers to adoption of pain management strategies, as it is crucial to minimizing pain in animals and ensuring productive and sustainable dairy production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Welfare)

17 pages, 6291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CTNNB1 and CDH1 Regulate Trophoblast Cell Adhesion and Junction Formation in Yak Placental Tissue at Different Gestational Stages

by Bohao Zhang, Chen Song, Bin Zhou, Junjun Zhang, Weitao Dong, Yong Zhang, Xingxu Zhao and Quanwei Zhang

Animals 2025, 15(6), 876; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060876 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 234

Abstract

Yaks (Bos grunniens), which are distributed across the Tibetan Plateau and other high-altitude regions, are vital livestock that provide essential resources for local herders and have significant economic and ecological value [...] Full article

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

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17 pages, 633 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Mini-Review on Multi-Hurdle Control of Salmonella Along Poultry Production Continuum

by Eniola Betiku, T. Tiwa Ogundipe, Tanmaie Kalapala and Tomi Obe

Animals 2025, 15(6), 875; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060875 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 326

Abstract

This mini-review presents common strategies for controlling Salmonella in poultry, addressing combined pre-harvest and post-harvest interventions to create a multi-hurdle approach. The goal is to highlight integrated approaches that enhance overall food safety and sustainability within the poultry industry. Current pre-harvest and post-harvest [...] Read more.

This mini-review presents common strategies for controlling Salmonella in poultry, addressing combined pre-harvest and post-harvest interventions to create a multi-hurdle approach. The goal is to highlight integrated approaches that enhance overall food safety and sustainability within the poultry industry. Current pre-harvest and post-harvest strategies are discussed, including industry practices and regulatory frameworks. Emphasis is placed on the implementation of biosecurity measures, vaccination, feed management, and environmental control in pre-harvest settings, as well as processing plant interventions such as antimicrobials for carcass decontamination, sanitation, and quality control measures. Pre-harvest strategies that have shown promise include enhanced biosecurity protocols, selective vaccinations for pathogenic Salmonella strains, and advanced feeding regimens. Post-harvest interventions, such as antimicrobial application for decontamination, have improved sanitation practices, and pathogen reduction technologies are also critical in reducing Salmonella prevalence. An integrated approach that combines both pre-harvest and post-harvest measures is essential for an effective Salmonella control program. Implementing a continuum of control strategies for Salmonella in poultry production is vital for ensuring food safety and protecting public health. Collaborative efforts between researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers are necessary to address emerging issues and enhance overall effectiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intervention Strategies to Control Foodborne Pathogens in Poultry)

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17 pages, 2032 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tracking the Track: The Impact of Different Grazing Strategies on Managing Equine Obesity

by Lorna Cameron, Meg Challinor, Sophie Armstrong, Abigale Kennedy, Sarah Hollister and Katharine Fletcher

Animals 2025, 15(6), 874; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060874 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 1496

Abstract

Horses evolved to live in herds, continuously moving and foraging. Domestic horses often have limited social contact and movement, with high calorific intake, contributing to obesity. “Track grazing” is an increasingly popular management system, but evidence of its impact on weight management, behaviour, [...] Read more.

Horses evolved to live in herds, continuously moving and foraging. Domestic horses often have limited social contact and movement, with high calorific intake, contributing to obesity. “Track grazing” is an increasingly popular management system, but evidence of its impact on weight management, behaviour, and welfare is limited. Horses (n = 19) resident at HorseWorld (UK) were observed July to October 2023, monitoring bodyweight (kg), Body Conditions Score (BCS), hoof health, behaviour, and welfare indicators. Horses on track grazing systems lost significantly more bodyweight (kg) (F(1,15) = 8.752, p = 0.010) than their restricted grazing counterparts, although this was not supported by BCS findings which may be ineffective for subtle body weight changes. Horses on track grazing systems lost (mean ± S.D.) 10.67 ± 9.9 kg from their starting weight, whereas those on the traditional paddock systems gained 6.8 ± 13.7 kg. Hoof health and general welfare assessment scores were maintained. More behaviours in “positive”, “negative”, and “neutral” categories were observed in paddock system horses than those on the track grazing system, although these differences were not statistically significant. These findings suggest that horses prone to bodyweight gain can be managed effectively using track grazing systems whilst maintaining health and welfare. Full article

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

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18 pages, 1467 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Habits of the Wolf in a Low-Density Territory in the Northeast of Trás-os-Montes (Portugal)

by Samuel Lemos, Luis Llaneza, Armando Pereira and Aurora Monzón

Animals 2025, 15(6), 873; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060873 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 538

Abstract

The study of carnivores’ diets is an important conservation tool, which can minimize conflicts with different stakeholders and provide proper substantiations for management measures. The main aim of this study was to understand the diet of a small, isolated pack named Mogadouro Sul, [...] Read more.

The study of carnivores’ diets is an important conservation tool, which can minimize conflicts with different stakeholders and provide proper substantiations for management measures. The main aim of this study was to understand the diet of a small, isolated pack named Mogadouro Sul, present in the Northeast of Trás-os-Montes (Portugal). Scat analysis was the method used to determine what wolves consumed. The specific origin of all collected fecal samples (n = 78) was confirmed by molecular analysis. The results, expressed in frequency of occurrence (FO) showed that domestic animals were the most frequent food category in the wolf’s diet (78.3% FO), with a special incidence in goats (40.6% FO), although wild ungulates (roe deer and wild boar) also accounted for 21.7% FO of the diet. The study pack presented a diet diversity (H′) of 0.65 and a food niche breadth (B′) of 0.55. Food availability did not appear to be a limiting factor, and the wolf’s presence in the study area could be explained by changes in land use and increased infrastructure. This trophic behavior may threaten the conservation of this pack due to the persecution it may face. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Conservation of Large Carnivores)

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11 pages, 2518 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effectiveness of the Use of Ultrasound Methodology (Applied to Live Animals) to Assess the Quality of Meat

by Edita Meškinytė, Vigilijus Jukna, Vilma Zigmantaitė, Oksana Ilina and Audrius Kučinskas

Animals 2025, 15(6), 872; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060872 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 208

Abstract

The use of non-invasive technologies is among the most accurate methods for assessing meat quality parameters. Beef tenderness and palatability are strongly influenced by the amount of intramuscular fat, commonly referred to as marbling. Marbling is widely used in breeding programs to select [...] Read more.

The use of non-invasive technologies is among the most accurate methods for assessing meat quality parameters. Beef tenderness and palatability are strongly influenced by the amount of intramuscular fat, commonly referred to as marbling. Marbling is widely used in breeding programs to select animals with superior meat quality. In this study, we analyzed 236 Angus bulls and 22 Angus heifers from various farms in Lithuania, all aged 450 ± 112 days. Ultrasound examinations were performed using a linear transducer with a silicone standoff to evaluate the loin eye area. Key meat quality indicators, such as fat thickness, loin area and thickness, and intramuscular fat, were found to increase with the weight of bulls, ranging from 365 ± 12.70 kg to 825.57 ± 11.75 kg (p < 0.001), and heifers, ranging from 273 ± 20.71 kg to 767 ± 41.01 kg (p < 0.001). The highest intramuscular fat values were observed at 7.50 ± 0.75% (p < 0.05) to 6.9 ± 1.36% (p < 0.1) in bulls weighing 431.33–825.57 kg and 7.98 ± 0.28% (p < 0.001) in heifers weighing 603 kg. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of selecting Angus cattle for improved meat quality traits across different weight categories. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)

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12 pages, 1249 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Data on Rhinogobius chiengmaiensis and Rhinogobius mekongianus in Thailand by DNA Barcoding and Morphological Methods

by Siriluck Tuncharoen, Paiboon Panase, Nontree Panprommin, Eakapol Wangkahart, Supranee Ruenkoed, Keatipong Mongkolwit and Dutrudi Panprommin

Animals 2025, 15(6), 871; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060871 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 319

Abstract

A combination of morphological analysis and DNA barcoding (partial sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene) was used to differentiate four gobiid fish species in the family Oxudercidae. Rhinogobius chiengmaiensis and Rhinogobius mekongianus were found in Thailand, while Eugnathogobius siamensis and [...] Read more.

A combination of morphological analysis and DNA barcoding (partial sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene) was used to differentiate four gobiid fish species in the family Oxudercidae. Rhinogobius chiengmaiensis and Rhinogobius mekongianus were found in Thailand, while Eugnathogobius siamensis and Pseudogobiopsis oligactis were used for comparative purposes. Morphological identification relied on appearances, counts, and measurements. The 707-base pair COI sequences from eleven samples of four gobiid species were compared with reference sequences in public databases to confirm their scientific names. The average AT content was 51.8 ± 0.5% and the GC content was 48.2 ± 0.5%. Intraspecific genetic distances ranged from 0.00–0.28%, while interspecific genetic distances ranged from 0.86–16.63%. A neighbor-joining (NJ) phylogenetic tree depicted the relationships among the COI sequences of these species. Morphological analysis and COI sequences successfully distinguished the four gobiid species. Notably, the COI sequences of R. chiengmaiensis, R. mekongianus, and E. siamensis were previously unreported, hence, this study is the first report to add their sequences to public databases. These results can serve as valuable information for the management of aquatic resources, conservation, and aquaculture efforts. Full article

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

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16 pages, 1591 KiB

Open AccessArticle

17α-Methyltestosterone Affected Growth, Gonadal Development, and Intestinal Microbial Analysis in the Giant Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)

by Bai Liufu, Qiyao Su, Kunhao Hong, Jie Wei, Yakun Wang, Zhiqiang Han and Lingyun Yu

Animals 2025, 15(6), 870; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060870 - 18 Mar 2025

Viewed by 374

Abstract

17α-methyltestosterone (MT) is known for its ability to suppress ovaries and induce spermatogenesis; yet, its effects in crustaceans are underexplored. This study investigates the impact of varying MT concentrations on the gonadal development and intestinal microbiota of juvenile Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Feeds containing [...] Read more.

17α-methyltestosterone (MT) is known for its ability to suppress ovaries and induce spermatogenesis; yet, its effects in crustaceans are underexplored. This study investigates the impact of varying MT concentrations on the gonadal development and intestinal microbiota of juvenile Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Feeds containing different MT doses were provided, and the sex ratios, histological observations, reproductive gene expression, and intestinal microbial composition were analyzed. The results revealed short-term feeding (60 days) of 1000 mg/kg MT resulted in the highest male ratio, while long-term feeding (150 days) of 500 mg/kg MT achieved the same outcome. Conversely, long-term feeding of 1500 mg/kg MT led to the lowest male ratio and retarded male germ cell development. An intestinal microbiota analysis showed that MT supplementation significantly increased microbial abundance and altered the intestinal microbial community structure. Additionally, MT suppressed the expression of female reproductive-related genes. This study provides insights into the effects of MT on reproductive development and gut microbiota in juvenile prawns, offering a valuable reference for the application of MT in crustacean aquaculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Physiology)

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