Veterinary Sciences

14 pages, 2305 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of γ-Aminobutyric Acid on Growth Performance, Immunity, Antioxidant Capacity, and Intestinal Microbiota of Growing Minks

by Yalin Li, Shibo Zhen, Fengxue Sun, Lin Cao and Lihua Wang

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(9), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11090398 - 29 Aug 2024

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Abstract

The present experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the growth performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiota of growing minks. One hundred minks were evenly allocated across five groups, with each group consisting of 10 males and [...] Read more.

The present experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the growth performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiota of growing minks. One hundred minks were evenly allocated across five groups, with each group consisting of 10 males and 10 females. The minks in these groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at 0 (control), 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg/kg of diet, respectively. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. The results showed that GABA significantly affected immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiota (p < 0.05). Compared to the control minks, minks in 20, 30, and 40 mg/kg GABA group had greater total protein quantitative (TP), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM) content, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in serum as well as interleukin-4 (IL-4) level in jejunal mucosa (p < 0.05), and had less serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) content (p < 0.05). Furthermore, compared with the control, the supplementation of GABA at 30 mg/kg of diet improved average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p < 0.05), increased immunoglobulin G (IgG) content in serum, interleukin-10 (IL-10) and secreted immunoglobulin A (SIgA) levels in jejunal mucosa, and decreased jejunal mucosal interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-12 (IL-12), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels (p < 0.05). The weight and feed intake of males were higher than females, and the feed/gain ratio (F/G) was lower than females (p < 0.05). Males also had greater serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and GSH-Px activities, and jejunal mucosa IL-2, IL-4, IL-12, SIgA, and IFN-γ levels (p < 0.05), and males had less serum IgA, IgM, and T-AOC contents, and jejunal mucosal tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level (p < 0.05). The results suggest that the supplementation of GABA at 30 mg/kg of diet can improve immune status and antioxidant capacity, and modulate the intestinal microbiota abundance of growing minks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases in Veterinary Medicine)

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12 pages, 16877 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Exogenous Regulation of PPARγ on Ovine Oocyte Maturation and Embryonic Development In Vitro

by Hengbin Yu, Yue Zhang, Yidan Zhang, Shuaitong Chen, Zhenghang Li, Wenhui Pi, Weibin Zeng and Guangdong Hu

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(9), 397; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11090397 - 28 Aug 2024

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Abstract

Lactating oocytes consume a lot of energy during maturation, a large part of which comes from lipid metabolism. PPARγ is a key regulator of lipid metabolism. In this study, rosiglitazone (RSG), an activator of PPARγ, was added to a mature medium to investigate [...] Read more.

Lactating oocytes consume a lot of energy during maturation, a large part of which comes from lipid metabolism. PPARγ is a key regulator of lipid metabolism. In this study, rosiglitazone (RSG), an activator of PPARγ, was added to a mature medium to investigate its effects on the levels of spindle and the chromosome arrangement, lipid deposition, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and glutathione (GSH) levels, oocyte secretion factors, apoptosis and lipid metabolism-related gene expression, and subsequent embryonic development during the maturation of sheep oocytes. The oocyte secretion factor affects gene expression related to apoptosis and lipid metabolism and subsequent embryonic development. The results showed that the proportion of spindle and normal chromosome arrangements increased in the 5 μM RSG treatment group, the lipid content increased after cell maturation, the ROS level decreased, and the GSH level increased. The expressions of oocyte secretion factor (GDF9 and BMP15), anti-apoptosis gene (BCL2), and lipid metabolism-related genes (ACAA1, CPT1A, PLIN2) were increased in the 5 μM treatment group. Finally, the development of blastocysts was examined. After the oocytes were treated with 5 μM RSG, the blastocyst rate and the gene expression of the totipotency gene (OCT4) were increased. It was concluded that increasing PPARγ activity during ovine oocyte maturation could promote lipid metabolism, reduce oxidative stress, and improve the ovine oocyte maturation rate and subsequent embryo development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanisms of Reproductive Control in the Animals)

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12 pages, 1050 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Pleth Variability Index as a Guide to Fluid Therapy in Dogs Undergoing General Anesthesia: A Preliminary Study

by Caterina Vicenti, Noemi Romagnoli, Marzia Stabile, Carlotta Lambertini, Claudia Piemontese, Francesca Spaccini, Armando Foglia, Luca Lacitignola, Antonio Crovace and Francesco Staffieri

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(9), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11090396 - 27 Aug 2024

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Abstract

The aim of this prospective, randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the use of the pleth variability index (PVi) to guide the rate of intraoperative fluid therapy compared to a traditional fixed-fluid-rate approach in ASA 1–2 dogs undergoing surgery. Twenty-seven dogs met the [...] Read more.

The aim of this prospective, randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the use of the pleth variability index (PVi) to guide the rate of intraoperative fluid therapy compared to a traditional fixed-fluid-rate approach in ASA 1–2 dogs undergoing surgery. Twenty-seven dogs met the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to the conventional fluid management group (CFM, n = 12) or the PVi-guided group (PVi, n = 15). The CFM group received a fixed rate of 5 mL kg⁻¹ h⁻¹ of crystalloid solution, while in the PVi group the rate was continuously adjusted based on the PVi: PVi < 14% = 3 mL kg⁻¹ h⁻¹; 14% ≤ PVi ≥ 20% = 10 mL kg⁻¹ h⁻¹; and PVi > 20% = 15 mL kg⁻¹ h⁻¹. Hypotension (MAP < 65 mmHg) in the CFM was treated with a maximum of two fluid boluses (5 mL kg⁻¹ in 10 min) and in the case of no response, dobutamine (1–3 mcg kg⁻¹ min⁻¹) was administered. In the PVi group, the treatment of hypotension was similar, except when the PVi > 14%, when dobutamine was started directly. Total fluid volume was significantly lower in the PVI group (0.056 ± 0.027 mL kg⁻¹ min⁻¹) compared to the CFM group (0.132 ± 0.115 mL kg⁻¹ min⁻¹), and the incidence of hypotension was lower (p = 0.023) in the PVi group (0%) compared to the CFM group (41%). The mean arterial pressure (MAP) was significantly higher in the PVi group during surgery. Dobutamine was never administered in either group. Preliminary data suggest that the PVi may be considered as a potential target to guide fluid therapy in dogs; larger studies are needed, especially in cases of cardiovascular instability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Small-Animal Anaesthesia and Analgesia)

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20 pages, 6557 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Carbonate Buffer Mixture in Preventing Hoof Lamella Injury Associated with Subacute Ruminal Acidosis in Dairy Goats

by Maimaiti Tuniyazi, Ruibo Tang, Xiaoyu Hu, Naisheng Zhang and Peng Shen

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(9), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11090395 - 27 Aug 2024

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Abstract

Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is a prevalent metabolic disorder in highly productive dairy cows that results in serious issues, including hoof lamellar injuries. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a carbonate buffer mixture (CBM) in preventing hoof lamella injury in dairy [...] Read more.

Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is a prevalent metabolic disorder in highly productive dairy cows that results in serious issues, including hoof lamellar injuries. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a carbonate buffer mixture (CBM) in preventing hoof lamella injury in dairy goats, a species also susceptible to SARA due to similar feeding practices over a 17-week period. Twenty-four healthy dairy goats were randomly assigned to three groups: control, SARA, and CBM groups. The control group received a standardized diet, whereas the SARA and CBM groups were subjected to a high-grain feeding regimen to induce SARA. The CBM group received a daily supplement of 10 g CBM mixed with their diet. Clinical assessments, including body temperature, rumen pH, inflammatory markers, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and hoof lamellar injuries, were monitored throughout the study. The results showed that the CBM group maintained a more stable rumen pH and had lower levels of inflammatory markers than the SARA group did. The incidence of hoof lamellar injury was slightly lower in the CBM group. These findings suggest that long-term CBM supplementation may mitigate SARA-associated hoof lamella injury in dairy goats by regulating the rumen environment, fostering the growth of healthy bacterial communities, and by reducing the production of harmful metabolites. The use of CBM as a dietary supplement may have significant implications in improving the health, welfare, and productivity of dairy animals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases in Veterinary Medicine)

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35 pages, 1623 KiB

Open AccessReview

One Health Ethics and the Ethics of Zoonoses: A Silent Call for Global Action

by Jeyver Rodriguez

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(9), 394; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11090394 - 27 Aug 2024

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Abstract

This paper presents a critical review of key issues related to the emergence of new networks for the spread of zoonotic diseases amid the mass extinction of species. Zoonotic and infectious diseases account for approximately 70% of new and existing diseases affecting humans [...] Read more.

This paper presents a critical review of key issues related to the emergence of new networks for the spread of zoonotic diseases amid the mass extinction of species. Zoonotic and infectious diseases account for approximately 70% of new and existing diseases affecting humans and animals. The initial section argues that the term “zoonoses” should not be confined to single-cause events within veterinary medicine. Instead, zoonoses should be viewed as complex, systemic phenomena shaped by interrelated factors, including environmental, sociocultural, and economic elements, influenced by anthropogenic climate change. The second section presents bioethical principles and potential strategies for those engaged in zoonotic disease prevention. The third section uses the slaughter of animals in disaster settings as a case study to illustrate the need for further clarification of normative and interspecies justice conflicts in One Health ethics. This section concludes with an outlook on “zoonoethics”. Section four develops the analysis of the interlinked elements that trigger zoonoses and examines antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from an ethical and political standpoint, concluding with policy recommendations for addressing AMR. Section five offers a critical reflection, integrating contributions from zoonoethics, human ecology, and the ecotheological turn. Finally, section six concludes with a call to action and policy recommendations for an inclusive, intercultural, and gender-sensitive One Health approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Health Challenges and Opportunities—Animals, Humans and Their Interconnected Ecosystems)

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23 pages, 5941 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Resistance of Varroa destructor against Oxalic Acid Treatment—A Systematic Review

by Yvonne Kosch, Christoph Mülling and Ilka U. Emmerich

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(9), 393; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11090393 - 26 Aug 2024

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Abstract

As Varroa destructor is one of the most important pathogens of Apis mellifera, there are numerous treatment methods, including pharmaceutical and biotechnological approaches. However, the rapid development of resistance to synthetic acaricides by Varroa destructor has become a significant concern. To date, [...] Read more.

As Varroa destructor is one of the most important pathogens of Apis mellifera, there are numerous treatment methods, including pharmaceutical and biotechnological approaches. However, the rapid development of resistance to synthetic acaricides by Varroa destructor has become a significant concern. To date, there have been no investigations into the development of resistance to organic acids. This review examines the potential risk of oxalic acid resistance development by evaluating literature sources from the past 30 years following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Median annual efficacies are calculated and reviewed over time for several application methods. An efficacy higher than 70% is determined as not resistant. Independent of the method of application, no resistance development can be observed, although there are some outliers of the annual median. These outliers can be explained by brood status or study setting. However, the result is limited by the low number of efficacy values, and further standardised studies are needed. Full article

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9 pages, 2006 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Let-7f-5p Modulates Lipid Metabolism by Targeting Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein 2 in Response to PRRSV Infection

by Dongfeng Jiang, Liyu Yang, Xiangge Meng, Qiuliang Xu, Xiang Zhou and Bang Liu

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(9), 392; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11090392 - 26 Aug 2024

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Abstract

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) has caused substantial damage to the pig industry. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) were found to play crucial roles in modulating the pathogenesis of PRRS virus (PRRSV). In the present study, we revealed that PRRSV induced let-7f-5p to influence lipid [...] Read more.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) has caused substantial damage to the pig industry. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) were found to play crucial roles in modulating the pathogenesis of PRRS virus (PRRSV). In the present study, we revealed that PRRSV induced let-7f-5p to influence lipid metabolism to regulate PRRSV pathogenesis. A transcriptome analysis of PRRSV-infected PK15^CD163 cells transfected with let-7f-5p mimics or negative control (NC) generated 1718 differentially expressed genes, which were primarily associated with lipid metabolism processes. Furthermore, the master regulator of lipogenesis SREBP2 was found to be directly targeted by let-7f-5p using a dual-luciferase reporter system and Western blotting. The findings demonstrate that let-7f-5p modulates lipogenesis by targeting SREBP2, providing novel insights into miRNA-mediated PRRSV pathogenesis and offering a potential antiviral therapeutic target. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity, Conservation, and Innovative Breeding in Pigs)

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9 pages, 1825 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Observation of the Microstructure of Cervical Mucus in Cows during the Proestrus, Estrus, and Metestrus Stages and the Impact on Sperm Penetration Ability

by Fei Huang, Lu-Lu Zhang, Peng Niu, Xiao-Peng Li, Xue-Yan Wang, Jie Wang, Jie-Ru Wang, Jia-Jia Suo, Di Fang and Qing-Hua Gao

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(9), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11090391 - 25 Aug 2024

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Abstract

Cervical mucus not only provides energy for sperm but also forms a barrier to block sperm. This paper aims to study the microstructure of cervical mucus in dairy cows during the proestrus, estrus, and metestrus and its effect on sperm permeability. The experiment [...] Read more.

Cervical mucus not only provides energy for sperm but also forms a barrier to block sperm. This paper aims to study the microstructure of cervical mucus in dairy cows during the proestrus, estrus, and metestrus and its effect on sperm permeability. The experiment collected cervical mucus from 60 Holstein cows during these phases, then observed the different shapes of the mucus after crystallization, classified the mucus, and analyzed its proportions. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of the cervical mucus and measure the micro-pore sizes, followed by sperm permeability tests using mucus from different estrous stages and counting the number of permeated sperm. The results indicate that cervical mucus from cows in different estrous phases includes four types (L, S, P, G), with each type constituting a different proportion. During the proestrus, the L type was significantly more prevalent than the other types (p < 0.05); during estrus, the S type was significantly more prevalent than the other types (p < 0.05); and during the metestrus, the p type was significantly more prevalent than the other types (p < 0.05). The micro-pore sizes of the same type of cervical mucus did not show significant differences across different estrous phases (p > 0.05). However, within the same estrous phase, there were significant differences in the micro-pore sizes among the four types (p < 0.05). The number of sperm that permeated the cervical mucus during estrus and metestrus was significantly higher than during the proestrus (p < 0.05). This study provides data support for the research on cervical mucus in dairy cows. Full article

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10 pages, 2873 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Computed Tomographic Hepatic Volumetry in Dogs with Congenital Portosystemic Shunts

by Hitomi Kurihara, George Moore and Masahiro Murakami

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(9), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11090390 - 24 Aug 2024

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Abstract

CTHV is a non-invasive and accurate method for assessing liver volume in dogs. CTHV has not been studied in each type of extrahepatic PSS in dogs. This study aimed to use CTHV to compare liver volumes in dogs with different types of PSSs [...] Read more.

CTHV is a non-invasive and accurate method for assessing liver volume in dogs. CTHV has not been studied in each type of extrahepatic PSS in dogs. This study aimed to use CTHV to compare liver volumes in dogs with different types of PSSs that had been confirmed by computed tomography angiography. Dogs with PSSs were retrospectively included and categorized into IH, EHPC, EHPA, or EHPP shunt groups. Manual CTHV was performed, and the normalized liver volume (nLV) and the difference in nLV from the estimated liver volume calculated based on body weight (LV%diff) was calculated. The study included 57 dogs: 20 IH, 21 EHPC, 9 EHPA, and 7 EHPP. The median nLV (cm³/kg) and LV%diff (%) for each group were as follows: IH 17.3 (−40.4%); EHPC 16.9 (−60.3%); EHPA 15.1 (−56.7%); and EHPP 17.2 (−59.2%), respectively. There were no significant differences in nLV among the PSS types. However, LV%diff was significantly more pronounced in the EHPC and EHPA groups compared with the IH group. Additionally, smaller dogs exhibited more severe microhepatia, with a significant positive correlation between LV%diff and body weight (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that microhepatia severity varies by shunt type and is more severe in smaller dogs, highlighting the need for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diseases of the Gastrointestinal Tract, Liver and Pancreas in Dogs and Cats)

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12 pages, 1576 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cytological Features of Inflammatory Mammary Carcinoma in Dogs

by Adina-Mihaela Pîrvu, Mario Caniatti, Marta Pieri, Paola Roccabianca and Manuella Militaru

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(9), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11090389 - 23 Aug 2024

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Abstract

Background: Inflammatory mammary carcinoma (IMC) is the most aggressive and malignant type of mammary carcinoma. As in humans, canine IMC resembles mastitis clinically. However, IMC is highly aggressive with high incidence of metastases and common recurrence after surgery, leading to guarded prognosis and [...] Read more.

Background: Inflammatory mammary carcinoma (IMC) is the most aggressive and malignant type of mammary carcinoma. As in humans, canine IMC resembles mastitis clinically. However, IMC is highly aggressive with high incidence of metastases and common recurrence after surgery, leading to guarded prognosis and low survival rate. Given the complex morphology of canine mammary tumours, cytological examination is not performed routinely, and IMC diagnosis relies on the association of clinical features and histopathology. The purpose of this study is to describe the characteristics of canine IMC cytology, in an attempt to find possible cytological features that allow differentiation of IMC from other mammary tumour types. Methods: We analysed preoperative cytological samples from 25 dogs with IMC, later confirmed by corroborating clinical and histopathological examinations. Results: Distinct cytological features of canine IMC included scarce cellular cohesiveness, ballooning aspect of neoplastic cells, frequent multinucleation, irregularly dispersed and ropy chromatin pattern, and squamous metaplasia in some individualised cells or those in small groups. Conclusions: Our results indicate that cytological examination can contribute to the diagnosis of IMC and might help differentiate it from other mammary carcinomas, even when clinical data is not available, which is common in cytological routine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Anatomy, Histology and Pathology)

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16 pages, 1713 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Caprine Paratuberculosis Seroprevalence and Immune Response to Anti-Mycobacterium avium Subspecies paratuberculosis Vaccination on the Canary Islands, Spain

by Elena Plamenova Stefanova, Yania Paz-Sánchez, Óscar Quesada-Canales, María del Pino Quintana-Montesdeoca, Antonio Espinosa de los Monteros, Ana Sofía Ramírez, Antonio Fernández and Marisa Andrada

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(9), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11090388 - 23 Aug 2024

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Abstract

Paratuberculosis (PTB), caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), is a chronic disease with economic impact on ruminant farming worldwide. The Canary Islands count with the fourth largest goat population in Spain and are “officially free” of bovine tuberculosis. Twelve farms were included [...] Read more.

Paratuberculosis (PTB), caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), is a chronic disease with economic impact on ruminant farming worldwide. The Canary Islands count with the fourth largest goat population in Spain and are “officially free” of bovine tuberculosis. Twelve farms were included with 2774 serum samples tested by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of anti-MAP antibodies in two sessions. In the first session, an overall apparent prevalence of 18.4% (2.5% up to 61.1%) was obtained. Farms with prevalences (0–10%], (10–20%] and >20% were identified, with differences in seroconversion in the same prevalence group between farms and age ranges. Non-vaccinated (nV) and vaccinated (V) animals were included in the second sampling session. Higher levels of antibodies were detected in V animals older than 12 months, with considerable variations between age ranges and farms. Our results describe the current PTB status of the Canary Islands’ goat farming. Furthermore, new insights on the effect of the farm prevalence on seroconversion in V animals are provided, although further studies are needed to evaluate the multiple factors affecting the immune response to anti-MAP vaccination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunological Assessment of Veterinary Infectious Diseases)

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Vet. Sci., Volume 11, Issue 9 (September 2024) – 11 articles

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