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Ruminant Health: Management, Challenges, and Veterinary Solutions
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Ruminant Health: Management, Challenges, and Veterinary Solutions

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Clinical Studies".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 22 August 2025 | Viewed by 6592

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Dimitrios Gougoulis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Trikalon 224, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
Interests: animal health; clinical veterinary practice; livestock health management; antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary medicine; bovine health; caprine and ovine medicine; sheep health; goat health; disease control; animal husbandry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue, which focuses on health management and veterinary medicine development in ruminants. The field of veterinary medicine for ruminants is crucial due to its direct impact on animal health, productivity, and overall farm profitability. Advances in health management practices and veterinary interventions are essential to address the challenges posed by diseases, nutritional deficiencies, and other health-related issues in ruminant populations. Research in this area not only enhances our understanding of animal health but also contributes to the development of sustainable and efficient farming practices that ensure food security and improve the livelihoods of farmers.

This Special Issue aims to compile innovative research and comprehensive reviews that address key aspects of health management and veterinary medicine for ruminants. By exploring various health management strategies, disease prevention techniques, and veterinary advancements, this Special Issue seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state and future directions in this field. The topics covered will align with the scope of Animals, specifically within the domain of veterinary clinical studies. Our objective is to contribute significantly to the body of knowledge in this area. Also, we would like to offer an invaluable resource for researchers and practitioners alike.

Suggested themes and article types for submissions

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Health management strategies;
  • Disease prevention and control;
  • Antimicrobial use and resistance;
  • Nutrition and health;
  • Reproductive health;
  • Welfare practices.

We encourage submissions in the form of original research articles, reviews, communications, commentaries, and case reports. These contributions will help advance our understanding of ruminant health and veterinary medicine, promoting the development of more effective and sustainable practices.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Dimitrios Gougoulis
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • veterinary medicine
  • ruminant health management
  • cattle
  • small ruminants
  • sheep
  • goats
  • disease prevention
  • antimicrobial resistance
  • reproductive health
  • animal welfare

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  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 1258 KiB  
Article
Associations Between Non-Steroidal and Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Use, Welfare, and Milk Production in Dairy Sheep: A Multivariate Study
by Nikolaos Tsekouras, Mathis A. B. Christodoulopoulos, Eleftherios Meletis, Christos Kousoulis, Polychronis Kostoulas, Vasileios Pantazis, Vasileios G. Papatsiros, Konstantina Dimoveli and Dimitrios Gougoulis
Animals 2025, 15(8), 1104; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15081104 - 11 Apr 2025
Viewed by 919
Abstract
This study examines the use of analgesic medications among sheep farmers, highlighting both their benefits and the significant gaps in their adoption. Our findings indicate that 26.7% of sheep farmers did not utilize any analgesics, a figure that contrasts sharply with high usage [...] Read more.
This study examines the use of analgesic medications among sheep farmers, highlighting both their benefits and the significant gaps in their adoption. Our findings indicate that 26.7% of sheep farmers did not utilize any analgesics, a figure that contrasts sharply with high usage rates among swine (over 80%) and cattle (over 85%) farmers. The low utilization of NSAIDs and corticosteroids in sheep farming may be attributed to inadequate education and the lack of approved indications for these medications in Greece. Additionally, we found a positive correlation between farm size and the use of NSAIDs, with larger farms using more NSAIDs, especially flunixin. Furthermore, farms with higher NSAID use—typically the larger ones—tended to have higher milk yields, suggesting that enhanced management practices may contribute to improved outcomes. The results underscore the need for targeted educational initiatives to improve the use of analgesics in sheep farming and address welfare concerns. Overall, this research highlights the importance of addressing gaps in pain management practices in the sheep farming sector to promote better animal welfare. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to expand our understanding of analgesic use and its implications for sheep welfare. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ruminant Health: Management, Challenges, and Veterinary Solutions)
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11 pages, 227 KiB  
Article
Colostrum Quality as an Indicator of the Immune Status of Cows and Its Association with Peripartum Disease Risk in a Grazing Dairy Herd
by Maria Jaureguiberry, Santiago G. Corva, Taiel P. Konis, Maria J. Marconi, Ana L. Migliorisi, Maria G. Salas, German A. Dominguez, R. Luzbel de la Sota, Mauricio J. Giuliodori and Laura V. Madoz
Animals 2025, 15(7), 958; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15070958 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 282
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the association between colostrum quality, as indicative of the immune status of the cows, and peripartum disease risk occurrence in a herd of grazing dairy cows. A prospective cohort study was conducted on a grazing dairy farm with [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the association between colostrum quality, as indicative of the immune status of the cows, and peripartum disease risk occurrence in a herd of grazing dairy cows. A prospective cohort study was conducted on a grazing dairy farm with 3000 Holstein milking cows from 15 March 2022 to 15 March 2023. Multivariable binary logistic models evaluated the association between colostrum quality (expressed in Brix grades as a continuous predictor) and the risk of peripartum diseases (including dystocia, stillbirth, retention of fetal membranes, metritis, and clinical endometritis). We found that colostrum quality was negatively associated with the risk of dystocia (p = 0.02), stillbirth (p < 0.01), clinical endometritis (p = 0.02), and total peripartum diseases (p < 0.01). Conversely, colostrum quality was not related to the risk of retention of the placenta (p = 0.25) or metritis (p = 0.76). Additionally, we found that the calving season affected colostrum quality (p < 0.01). Conversely, parity number, dry period length, and milk yield in previous lactation did not affect it (p > 0.10). We concluded that colostrum quality, expressed in Brix grades, is negatively associated with peripartum disease risk in dairy cows and could be a useful indicator of the immune status of the cow. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ruminant Health: Management, Challenges, and Veterinary Solutions)
17 pages, 6271 KiB  
Article
Selenium Yeast Alleviates Escherichia coli-Induced Endometritis in Goats Under High Cortisol Background
by Changning Yuan, Hanqing Li, Min Zhang, Zhihao Wang, Junsheng Dong, Luying Cui, Long Guo, Kangjun Liu, Jianji Li and Heng Wang
Animals 2025, 15(5), 693; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15050693 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 412
Abstract
During the postpartum period, domestic ruminants suffer elevated endogenous cortisol levels, which are associated with an increased risk of uterine infections. Selenium is a trace mineral nutrient with beneficial impacts on animals. The study aimed to investigate whether selenium yeast (SeY) could attenuate [...] Read more.
During the postpartum period, domestic ruminants suffer elevated endogenous cortisol levels, which are associated with an increased risk of uterine infections. Selenium is a trace mineral nutrient with beneficial impacts on animals. The study aimed to investigate whether selenium yeast (SeY) could attenuate Escherichia coli (E. coli)-induced endometrial injury in goats with high cortisol background. Goats were examined after oral SeY administration for 21 days and were treated with glacial acetic acid, E. coli, and hydrocortisone to establish an endometritis model with high cortisol background. The results showed that endometrial injury caused by E. coli was aggravated under high cortisol background. Supplementation with SeY alleviated endometrial inflammation and serum LDH content. The mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and defensin beta 2 and the phosphorylation level of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa-b (NF-κB) signaling pathways were decreased by SeY supplementation. Total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzymes activities were increased by SeY supplementation, but malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal content were decreased. Moreover, nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (NRF2) in the nucleus, heme oxygenase-1, and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 were increased by SeY supplementation. So, supplementation with SeY alleviated E. coli-induced endometritis in goats by activating the NRF2 pathway and inhibiting the activation of the MAPK and NF-κB pathways under postpartum stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ruminant Health: Management, Challenges, and Veterinary Solutions)
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22 pages, 2072 KiB  
Article
Clinical Assessment of Dairy Goats’ Udder Health Using Infrared Thermography
by Vera Korelidou, Zeljana Grbovic, Dejan Pavlovic, Isidora Simovic, Marko Panic, Anastasios Temenos and Athanasios I. Gelasakis
Animals 2025, 15(5), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15050658 - 24 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 666
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of infrared thermography (IRT) to be used for the in situ clinical assessment of udder health status across lactation in goats. Two epidemiological studies were designed, with 106 purebred Skopelos goats being prospectively monitored over one [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of infrared thermography (IRT) to be used for the in situ clinical assessment of udder health status across lactation in goats. Two epidemiological studies were designed, with 106 purebred Skopelos goats being prospectively monitored over one lactation in the first study and 132 goats of the same breed from a second farm being enrolled in the second, cross-sectional study. Goats were categorized based on the clinical status of each udder half (healthy, fibrotic, both fibrotic and asymmetric, asymmetric, swollen supra-mammary lymph nodes, and abscessed). Skin surface temperature values of teats (TSST) and udder halves (USST), as well as temperature variations between different types of abscesses, based on the stage of their development (superficial developed, superficial fully mature, drained), and the symmetrical sites of the non-affected udder halves, were evaluated. Mixed linear regression analyses indicated that fibrosis, particularly when accompanied by asymmetry, resulted in a decrease of 0.2, 0.3, and 0.3 °C (p < 0.05) and of 0.6, 0.9, and 1.4 °C (p < 0.001) in the maximum, mean, and minimum USST, respectively. Recording season significantly affected USST and TSST (p < 0.001), with both of them increasing between February and August. Additionally, TSST appeared to be an unreliable indicator of udder health status, while abscesses exhibited distinct temperature patterns based on their developmental stage. It is concluded that IRT has the potential to be used on site for the detection of temperature alterations associated with chronic udder health issues, yet future studies on a larger and more diverse population of goats with various udder health conditions is needed to confirm its extensive applicability under real-world conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ruminant Health: Management, Challenges, and Veterinary Solutions)
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20 pages, 4302 KiB  
Article
Bovine Respiratory Disease in Veal Calves: Benefits Associated with Its Early Detection by Lung Ultrasonography and Its Prompt Treatment with a Single Dose of a Fixed Combination of Florfenicol and Meloxicam
by Anastasia Lisuzzo, Damien Achard, Alessio Valenza, Barbara Contiero, Luca Cozza, Eliana Schiavon, Giacomo Catarin, Fabio Conte and Enrico Fiore
Animals 2024, 14(23), 3499; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233499 - 4 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 972
Abstract
Lung ultrasonography can facilitate bovine respiratory disease (BRD) detection and can potentially improve treatment outcomes. In this study, ninety-six veal calves were followed weekly with clinical and lung ultrasound examinations during the production cycle. Thirty-six calves had clinical signs and abnormal lung ultrasound [...] Read more.
Lung ultrasonography can facilitate bovine respiratory disease (BRD) detection and can potentially improve treatment outcomes. In this study, ninety-six veal calves were followed weekly with clinical and lung ultrasound examinations during the production cycle. Thirty-six calves had clinical signs and abnormal lung ultrasound scans (TRT, n = 36) and were promptly treated with florfenicol and meloxicam. Healthy veal calves without clinical signs and lung lesions were enrolled in the control group (CTR, n = 48), while 12 calves were excluded by the study. The clinical (Wisconsin and California scores), ultrasound and lung lesion scores, total lung consolidation area, treatment rates (success, relapse, mortality), average daily gain (ADG), carcass quality, and gross lesions of lungs at slaughterhouse were monitored. Results showed 91.7% of treatments were performed 3–28 days after arrival. Lung lesions occurred five days before the peak of clinical scores. Following treatment, lungs healed within 5 days with high treatment success rates (97.1% success rate in 45 days and 94.9% overall success rate without relapse). Finally, TRT had similar gross lung lesion prevalence, ADG, and carcass quality to CTR. These results suggest that early detection of BRD followed by a prompt treatment can lead to several key benefits for the health and the growth performances of veal calves. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ruminant Health: Management, Challenges, and Veterinary Solutions)
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Review

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28 pages, 2670 KiB  
Review
Infrared Thermography as a Diagnostic Tool for the Assessment of Mastitis in Dairy Ruminants
by Vera Korelidou, Panagiotis Simitzis, Theofilos Massouras and Athanasios I. Gelasakis
Animals 2024, 14(18), 2691; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14182691 - 16 Sep 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2623
Abstract
Among the health issues of major concern in dairy ruminants, mastitis stands out as being associated with considerable losses in productivity and compromised animal health and welfare. Currently, the available methods for the early detection of mastitis are either inaccurate, requiring further validation, [...] Read more.
Among the health issues of major concern in dairy ruminants, mastitis stands out as being associated with considerable losses in productivity and compromised animal health and welfare. Currently, the available methods for the early detection of mastitis are either inaccurate, requiring further validation, or expensive and labor intensive. Moreover, most of them cannot be applied at the point of care. Infrared thermography (IRT) is a rapid, non-invasive technology that can be used in situ to measure udder temperature and identify variations and inconsistencies thereof, serving as a benchmarking tool for the assessment of udders’ physiological and/or health status. Despite the numerous applications in livestock farming, IRT is still underexploited due to the lack of standardized operation procedures and significant gaps regarding the optimum settings of the thermal cameras, which are currently exploited on a case-specific basis. Therefore, the objective of this review paper was twofold: first, to provide the state of knowledge on the applications of IRT for the assessment of udder health status in dairy ruminants, and second, to summarize and discuss the major strengths and weaknesses of IRT application at the point of care, as well as future challenges and opportunities of its extensive adoption for the diagnosis of udder health status and control of mastitis at the animal and herd levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ruminant Health: Management, Challenges, and Veterinary Solutions)
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