Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.2
2.7
Journals
Animals
Special Issues
Reproductive Diseases in Ruminants
share announcement

Reproductive Diseases in Ruminants

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 7790

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Sergio Gastón Caspe

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
Interests: veterinary medicine; reproductive disease in ruminants; veterinary pathology; veterinary microbiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I am glad to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue of Animals entitled ‘Reproductive Diseases in Ruminants’. Reproductive efficiency is the basis for ruminant livestock production, influencing the sustainability and profitability of dairy, beef, and small ruminant systems worldwide.

However, reproductive diseases are currently far from being controlled. The main reason may be that these diseases, often multifactorial, are caused by infectious agents but influenced by other factors such as nutritional imbalances, environmental stressors, and genetic predispositions, emphasising the complexity of their management and prevention. Understanding the infectious agents and the pathogenicity related to their infection contributes to mitigating reproductive diseases in ruminants.

This Special Issue aims to contribute to the interaction and diffusion of knowledge on reproductive diseases in ruminants. I am pleased to invite you to contribute your research with different science foci, including biology, pharmacology, epidemiology, biochemistry, microbiology, and genetics, to provide tools for a better understanding.

For this Special Issue, original research articles, case reports, short communications, and reviews are welcome for submission. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following: the discovery of new species, emerging threats, advances in diagnostic tools, immunology and pathology studies, diagnostic techniques, novel vaccines, alternative treatments, innovations in preventive strategies, host/pathogen interaction, epidemiological studies, risk factors, and economic impacts.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Sergio Gastón Caspe
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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

  • abortion
  • ruminants
  • stillbirth
  • dystocia
  • congenital abnormalities
  • epididymitis
  • placentitis
  • endometritis
  • metritis

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • 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.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

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

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 5084 KB  
Article
Development and Evaluation of Multiple Droplet Digital PCR Method for Specific Detection and Differentiation of Brucella melitensis and Brucella abortus
by Jiwen Li, Jihui Jin, Yuning Liu, Mingjun Sun, Jiaqi Li, Mengkun Huang, Xiangxiang Sun, Mengda Liu, Haobo Zhang, Wenlong Nan, Weixing Shao, Shufang Sun, Xin Yan, Baoxu Huang and Xiaoxu Fan
Animals 2026, 16(4), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16040566 - 12 Feb 2026
Viewed by 413
Abstract
Brucellosis remains a major global public health concern, with B. melitensis and B. abortus being the primary causative agents in China. This study describes the development of a multiplex droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of B. melitensis [...] Read more.
Brucellosis remains a major global public health concern, with B. melitensis and B. abortus being the primary causative agents in China. This study describes the development of a multiplex droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of B. melitensis and B. abortus. The assay employs TaqMan probes targeting the bcsp31 gene (genus-specific), a transposase gene (B. melitensis-specific) and an autotransporter-associated beta strand repeat-containing protein gene (B. abortus-specific), each labeled with distinct fluorophores (FAM, HEX, ROX). The optimized assay exhibited no cross-reactivity with other pathogens and exhibited significantly higher sensitivity than both qPCR and conventional PCR, with detection limits as low as 2.54–3.11 copies/reaction. Repeatability was excellent, with intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation below 9%. When validated on a panel of clinical nucleic acid samples, the ddPCR assay showed strong agreement with qPCR (kappa = 0.85), with a sensitivity of 100% (79.42%~100%, 95%CI) and specificity of 95.96% (92.08%~99.84%, 95%CI). These findings establish the multiplex ddPCR as a rapid, sensitive, and highly specific diagnostic platform that improves brucellosis detection accuracy and supports targeted control strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Diseases in Ruminants)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 3688 KB  
Article
Microbial Distribution and Biofilm-Forming Capacity in the Reproductive Tract of Farm Ruminants
by Charinya So-In, Natchaporn Piamalung, Aomsab Kongkaew, Phiyakorn Sriarun, Benyapa Kammungkun, Sawarod Phongchaiwasin, Bongkodkanok Somwaeng, Wichayada Haputon, Thanchanok Wadmuang, Surasak Khankhum and Nuchsupha Sunthamala
Animals 2026, 16(1), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16010133 - 2 Jan 2026
Viewed by 975
Abstract
Reproductive problems in farm ruminants are often linked to imbalances in the microorganisms living in the reproductive tract and their ability to form biofilms. This study examined the presence of bacteria and their biofilm-forming capacity in cows (n = 35), water buffaloes [...] Read more.
Reproductive problems in farm ruminants are often linked to imbalances in the microorganisms living in the reproductive tract and their ability to form biofilms. This study examined the presence of bacteria and their biofilm-forming capacity in cows (n = 35), water buffaloes (n = 25), and goats (n = 33) in Northeastern Thailand. Samples collected from the vulva, urethral opening, and vagina were analyzed using bacterial culture, PCR, and a microtiter biofilm assay. Ten bacterial species were identified. H. trogontum and B. ovis were most common in water buffaloes and goats, while cows showed higher levels of beneficial bacteria such as B. longum and L. acidophilus. Biofilm testing showed mostly weak or non-adherent biofilms, with mean absorbance values remaining low across species. Weak biofilms were especially common in goats, whereas cows showed predominantly non-adherent patterns. Biofilm-associated genes (icaA, icaD, opp3AB) were more frequently detected in cows and buffaloes and were moderately correlated with weak biofilm formation. Overall, the results show that each ruminant species has a distinct microbial profile and biofilm behavior within its reproductive tract. These differences may influence susceptibility to reproductive infections and can guide future strategies for improving reproductive health and disease prevention in farm animals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Diseases in Ruminants)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 4165 KB  
Article
Cytokine Expression and Haptoglobin Levels in Bovine Fetuses Spontaneously Aborted by Intracellular Infectious Agents and by Probable Infectious Etiology
by Emiliano Sosa, Natalia Pla, Dadin Prando Moore, Juan Agustín García, Lucía María Campero, María Andrea Fiorentino, Evangelina Miqueo, Erika González Altamiranda, Fermín Lázaro, Karen Morán, María Guillermina Bilbao, Silvina Quintana, Maia Solange Marín and Germán José Cantón
Animals 2025, 15(19), 2878; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192878 - 1 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1645
Abstract
Intracellular pathogens such as Neospora caninum, Brucella abortus, and Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) are major contributors to bovine abortions, yet many cases remain without a definitive etiological diagnosis despite inflammatory evidence. This study aimed to characterize the immune response in [...] Read more.
Intracellular pathogens such as Neospora caninum, Brucella abortus, and Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) are major contributors to bovine abortions, yet many cases remain without a definitive etiological diagnosis despite inflammatory evidence. This study aimed to characterize the immune response in bovine fetuses aborted due to these intracellular agents, comparing them with fetuses showing inflammatory lesions of probable infectious origin and with negative controls. We analyzed cytokine expression (IFN-γ, TNFα, IL-4, IL-8, IL-12) and haptoglobin levels in mid- and late-gestation fetuses. Mid-gestation fetuses infected with intracellular agents exhibited elevated IFN-γ and IL-8 expressions, suggesting a Th1-type immune response, while late-gestation fetuses showed decreased of these cytokines, indicating a shift toward a Th2-type response. Probable infectious abortions at late gestation also showed downregulation of IFN-γ. No significant differences were observed in TNF-α and IL-12 expressions. Additionally, haptoglobin levels were lower in mid-gestation infected fetuses compared to controls. These findings highlight gestational age-dependent immune modulation in response to intracellular infections and suggest that other unidentified pathogens may contribute to abortions with inflammatory lesions but no confirmed etiology. This study enhances our understanding of fetal immune responses in bovine abortions and may support improved diagnostic approaches for reproductive losses in cattle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Diseases in Ruminants)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

19 pages, 1232 KB  
Review
Selected Pathologies of the Male Genital Organs in Bulls, Including Frequency, Significance, and Risk Factors: A Review
by Aleksander F. Butkiewicz, Maciej Zdun and Jędrzej M. Jaśkowski
Animals 2025, 15(19), 2804; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192804 - 25 Sep 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3880
Abstract
Bulls can develop various conditions affecting the penis, testicles, and associated structures that reduce fertility, spread disease, and increase costs for farmers. This review synthesizes data from farm fertility examinations and slaughterhouse findings to illustrate the prevalence of these conditions, their causes (including [...] Read more.
Bulls can develop various conditions affecting the penis, testicles, and associated structures that reduce fertility, spread disease, and increase costs for farmers. This review synthesizes data from farm fertility examinations and slaughterhouse findings to illustrate the prevalence of these conditions, their causes (including inherited defects, infections, and injuries), their impacts on breeding, and potential interventions. Conditions discussed include orchitis, testicular hypoplasia, testicular degeneration, testicular hydrocele, malignant tumors, spermatocele, penile papillomatosis, and penile hematoma. Lameness and systemic illnesses can also impair a bull’s breeding ability. Regular fertility examinations assessing overall health, testicle size, semen motility, and sperm morphology, coupled with timely medical or surgical treatment, can improve reproductive outcomes. Maintaining national records of birth defects and health histories could aid in preventing the transmission of deleterious traits. Reducing these disorders enhances animal welfare, protects herd fertility and the food supply, and supports the economic viability of cattle producers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Diseases in Ruminants)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop