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19 pages, 5595 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of DNA Methylation of HPA-Axis Genes of F1 Juvenile Induced by Maternal Density Stress on Behavior and Immune Traits in Root Voles (Microtus oeconomus)—A Field Experiment

by Shouyang Du, Guozhen Shang, Xin Tian, Zihan Liu, Yanbin Yang, Hongxing Niu, Jianghui Bian, Yan Wu and Jinyou Ma

Animals 2024, 14(17), 2467; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14172467 - 25 Aug 2024

Viewed by 760

Abstract

The literature shows that maternal stress can influence behavior and immune function in F1. Yet, most studies on these are from the laboratory, and replicated studies on the mechanisms by which maternal stress drives individual characteristics are still not fully understood in wild [...] Read more.

The literature shows that maternal stress can influence behavior and immune function in F1. Yet, most studies on these are from the laboratory, and replicated studies on the mechanisms by which maternal stress drives individual characteristics are still not fully understood in wild animals. We manipulated high- and low-density parental population density using large-scale field enclosures and examined behavior and immune traits. Within the field enclosures, we assessed anti-keyhole limpet hemocyanin immunoglobulin G (anti-KLH IgG) level, phytohemagglutinin (PHA) responses, hematology, cytokines, the depressive and anxiety-like behaviors and prevalence and intensity of coccidial infection. We then collected brain tissue from juvenile voles born at high or low density, quantified mRNA and protein expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) and measured DNA methylation at CpG sites in a region that was highly conserved with the prairie vole CRH and NR3C1 promoter. At high density, we found that the F1 had a lower DNA methylation level of CRH and a higher DNA methylation level of NR3C1, which resulted in an increase in the expression levels of the CRH mRNA and protein expression and further reduced the expression levels of the NR3C1 mRNA and protein expression, and ultimately led to have delayed responses to acute immobilization stress. Juvenile voles born at high density also reduced anti-KLH IgG levels and PHA responses, increased cytokines, and depressive and anxiety-like behaviors, and the effects further led to higher coccidial infection. From the perspective of population density inducing the changes in behavior and immunity at the brain level, our results showed a physiological epigenetic mechanism for population self-regulation in voles. Our results indicate that altering the prenatal intrinsic stress environment can fundamentally impact behavior and immunity by DNA methylation of HPA-axis genes and can further drive population fluctuations in wild animals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing the Environmental Adaptation of Wildlife and Production Animals: Applications of Physiological Indices and Welfare Assessment Tools (Volume II))

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11 pages, 492 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Heat Stress on Lactating and Non-Lactating Blackbelly Ewes under Tropical Conditions during Summer

by Edgar Valencia-Franco, Ethel Caterina García y González, Aurora Matilde Guevara-Arroyo, Fernando Torres-Agatón, José Manuel Robles-Robles, José del Carmen Rodríguez-Castillo, Marisol Paredes-Alvarado, Luis Alaniz-Gutiérrez, Maricela Ruiz-Ortega and José Luis Ponce-Covarrubias

Animals 2024, 14(13), 2003; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14132003 - 7 Jul 2024

Viewed by 676

Abstract

Two groups of ewes (10 lactating and 10 non-lactating) were used to evaluate the effect of heat stress during summer under tropical conditions. In this study, a temperature and humidity index (THI) was found that ranged between 65 and 79 (morning and afternoon). [...] Read more.

Two groups of ewes (10 lactating and 10 non-lactating) were used to evaluate the effect of heat stress during summer under tropical conditions. In this study, a temperature and humidity index (THI) was found that ranged between 65 and 79 (morning and afternoon). Likewise, a heat tolerance coefficient (HTC) of 6 units was observed. The highest breathing frequency (BF; 115.46 ± 35.25 breaths per minute (bpm)) and rectal temperature (RT; 38.95 ± 0.51 °C) were found during the afternoon in the group of lactating ewes. The means were compared by group, time of the day, and interaction, and only significant differences were found between groups for RT and udder temperature (p < 0.001). In the case of time of day, all parameters were higher during the afternoon, regardless of the group of ewes (p < 0.001). Likewise, an interaction was found in the parameters RT, right paralumbar fossa (RPF), rump, leg, and udder (p < 0.001). In conclusion, Blackbelly ewes lactating during the summer in the tropics have higher skin temperatures, and also raise BF and RT to tolerate HS in tropical climates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing the Environmental Adaptation of Wildlife and Production Animals: Applications of Physiological Indices and Welfare Assessment Tools (Volume II))

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13 pages, 3950 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Long-Term Cold Stress on Growth Performance, Behavior, Physiological Parameters, and Energy Metabolism in Growing Beef Cattle

by Siyuan Wang, Qi Li, Jianhao Peng and Huaxin Niu

Animals 2023, 13(10), 1619; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101619 - 12 May 2023

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3498

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a long-term cold environment on growth performance, physiological behavior, biochemical blood indexes, and hormone levels in Simmental cattle. Thirty Simmental crossbred bulls (weight = 350 ± 17 kg, 13–14 months old) were selected for two [...] Read more.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a long-term cold environment on growth performance, physiological behavior, biochemical blood indexes, and hormone levels in Simmental cattle. Thirty Simmental crossbred bulls (weight = 350 ± 17 kg, 13–14 months old) were selected for two trials at autumn suitable temperatures (A-ST) and winter cold temperatures (W-CT) (15 cattle per season). The results showed that compared with the A-ST group, dry matter intake (p < 0.05) and feed:gain (p < 0.01) of the W-CT group increased, while body weight (p < 0.01) and average daily gain (p < 0.01) significantly decreased. Long-term cold stress also increased lying time (p < 0.01), feeding time (p < 0.05), and pulse rate (p < 0.01) in the W-CT group, while the rumen volatile fatty acids content (p < 0.01) and apparent digestibility of nutrients (p < 0.05) were significantly decreased. In terms of blood indicators, long-term cold stress increased the concentrations of glucose, glucose metabolic enzymes, glucocorticoids, triiodothyronine, and tetraiodothyronine in the plasma of the W-CT group (p < 0.05), but the levels of triglycerides, β-hydroxybutyrate, propionate, insulin, and growth hormone were decreased (p < 0.01). In summary, long-term cold stress may inhibit the digestive function of Simmental cattle and enhance the body’s energy metabolism and stress hormone imbalance, ultimately damaging the normal growth and development of the body. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing the Environmental Adaptation of Wildlife and Production Animals: Applications of Physiological Indices and Welfare Assessment Tools (Volume II))

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11 pages, 286 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Measures of Adrenal and Gonadal Hormones in Relation to Biological and Management Factors among Captive Red Pandas in Indian Zoos

by Aamer Sohel Khan, Janine L. Brown, Vinod Kumar, Govindhaswamy Umapathy and Nagarajan Baskaran

Animals 2023, 13(8), 1298; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13081298 - 10 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2824

Abstract

Animals in human care are affected by stressors that can ultimately reduce fitness. When reproduction is affected, endangered species conservation programs can be severely compromised. Thus, understanding factors related to stress and reproduction, and related hormones, is important to ensure captive breeding success. [...] Read more.

Animals in human care are affected by stressors that can ultimately reduce fitness. When reproduction is affected, endangered species conservation programs can be severely compromised. Thus, understanding factors related to stress and reproduction, and related hormones, is important to ensure captive breeding success. Red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) are endangered, and populations in the wild are threatened with extinction. A global captive breeding program has been launched to conserve the species with the goal of reintroduction. However, there is little information on how stressors impact physiological aspects of the species. This study measured fecal glucocorticoid (fGCM), progestagen (fPM), and androgen (fAM) metabolite concentrations in 12 female and 8 male red pandas at 3 zoos in India to determine predictors of adrenal and gonadal steroid activity, and the influence of fGCM on reproduction. Based on the generalized linear mixed model (GLMM), fGCM concentrations were positively correlated with the number of visitors, number of nests and enclosure areas, and negatively related to frequency of feedings, log density, and social time, while fPM concentrations were negatively associated with enclosure areas. A confounder for enclosure areas and number of nests was the fact that these spaces were relatively barren, with limited hiding spaces, compared to the smaller enclosures. By contrast, no significant relationships were found for fAM, perhaps due to the smaller sample size. A negative relationship between fGCM and fPM was observed, indicating increasing adrenal hormones may decrease reproductive function among female red pandas. Results suggest that zoo management should consider increasing feeding frequency, providing larger enclosures with more enrichment and more nests in larger spaces, and regulating visitor numbers to support good welfare and potentially improve reproductive fitness of red pandas in captivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing the Environmental Adaptation of Wildlife and Production Animals: Applications of Physiological Indices and Welfare Assessment Tools (Volume II))

11 pages, 1004 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Evanescent Bouquet of Individual Bear Fingerprint

by Andrea Mazzatenta, Serena Fiorito, Roberto Guadagnini, Salvatore Genovese, Alberto Valentini, Federica Bonadiman, Sofia Guadagnini, Francesco Epifano and Adriano Mollica

Animals 2023, 13(2), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13020220 - 6 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1655

Abstract

The evanescent and invisible communication carried by chemical signals, pheromones, or signature mixtures or, as we prefer, the pheromonal individual fingerprint, between members of the same species is poorly studied in mammals, mainly because of the lack of identification of the molecules. The [...] Read more.

The evanescent and invisible communication carried by chemical signals, pheromones, or signature mixtures or, as we prefer, the pheromonal individual fingerprint, between members of the same species is poorly studied in mammals, mainly because of the lack of identification of the molecules. The difference between pheromones and the pheromonal individual fingerprint is that the former generate stereotyped innate responses while the latter requires learning, i.e., different receivers can learn different signature mixtures from the same individual. Furthermore, pheromones are usually produced by a particular gland, while the pheromonal individual fingerprint is the entire bouquet produced by the entire secreting gland of the body. In the present study, we aim to investigate the pheromonal individual fingerprint of brown bears in northern Italy. We collected the entire putative pheromone bouquet from all production sites in free-ranging bears and analyzed the entire crude extract to profile the individual fingerprint according to species-, sex- and subjective-specific characteristics. We were able to putatively characterize the brown bears’ pheromonal individual fingerprints and compare them with the partial pheromone identifications published by other studies. This work is a step forward in the study of the complexity of chemical communication, particularly in a solitary endangered species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing the Environmental Adaptation of Wildlife and Production Animals: Applications of Physiological Indices and Welfare Assessment Tools (Volume II))

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10 pages, 466 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological, Immune Response, Antioxidant Capacity and Lipid Metabolism Changes in Grazing Sheep during the Cold Season

by Yanmei Zhang, Yabo Zhao, Changqing Li, Li Wang, Feng Tian and Hai Jin

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2332; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182332 - 7 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1879

Abstract

Mongolian sheep are characteristically cold-tolerant. However, their cold adaptive processes, such as the physiological feedback adjustments that occur during the cold season, remain unexplored. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the physiological adaptations of Mongolian sheep in cold plateau environments. A comparative [...] Read more.

Mongolian sheep are characteristically cold-tolerant. However, their cold adaptive processes, such as the physiological feedback adjustments that occur during the cold season, remain unexplored. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the physiological adaptations of Mongolian sheep in cold plateau environments. A comparative analysis of the serum biochemical parameters, immune response, antioxidant capacity, and glucose and lipid metabolism of grazing Mongolian sheep in the cold and warm seasons was conducted. The results showed that in the cold season, the glucose and lipid metabolism and thermogenesis of the grazing Mongolian sheep were notably enhanced. Moreover, the immune responses were stimulated by increased levels of cytokines, such as IL-2, IL-1β, and IL-6, during the cold season. However, the antioxidant defense system was damaged; this damage was mainly characterized by decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes and an increased level of MDA during the cold season. Overall, glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, thermogenesis, and immune responses were stimulated to meet the requirements of organismal metabolic regulation to enable grazing Mongolian sheep to physiologically adapt to cold climatic conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing the Environmental Adaptation of Wildlife and Production Animals: Applications of Physiological Indices and Welfare Assessment Tools (Volume II))

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11 pages, 453 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermoregulatory Response of Blackbelly Adult Ewes and Female Lambs during the Summer under Tropical Conditions in Southern Mexico

by Maricela Ruiz-Ortega, Ethel Caterina García y González, Pedro Enrique Hernández-Ruiz, Blanca Celia Pineda-Burgos, Mario Alberto Sandoval-Torres, José Vicente Velázquez-Morales, José del Carmen Rodríguez-Castillo, Elsa Lysbet Rodríguez-Castañeda, José Manuel Robles-Robles and José Luis Ponce-Covarrubias

Animals 2022, 12(14), 1860; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12141860 - 21 Jul 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1818

Abstract

High environmental temperatures cause heat stress in ewes, resulting in thermoregulatory problems. In this study, the thermoregulatory responses of Blackbelly adult ewes (G1, n = 14) and female lambs (G2, n = 7), during the summer under tropical conditions, in southern Mexico were [...] Read more.

High environmental temperatures cause heat stress in ewes, resulting in thermoregulatory problems. In this study, the thermoregulatory responses of Blackbelly adult ewes (G1, n = 14) and female lambs (G2, n = 7), during the summer under tropical conditions, in southern Mexico were analyzed. Different physiological variables and skin temperatures (ST) of the ewes were recorded. Breathing frequency (BF) values were similar between groups at 116.73 ± 33.598 bpm (G1) and 113.661 ± 34.515 bpm (G2) (p > 0.05). In the case of skin elasticity (SE), there were no significant differences between the time of day and the age of the ewes (p > 0.05). Significant differences were observed between groups for BF, rectal temperature (RT), and heart rate (HR) values (p < 0.05). All ST values, for both groups, were significantly higher during the afternoon (p < 0.001). In general, all Blackbelly adult ewes and female lambs during the summer present severe heat stress conditions as a result of an increase in physiological constants and ST. It is concluded that all ewes thermoregulate body temperature by modifying different physiological variables to counteract the effect of heat stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing the Environmental Adaptation of Wildlife and Production Animals: Applications of Physiological Indices and Welfare Assessment Tools (Volume II))

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14 pages, 1263 KiB

Open AccessReview

Physiological and Genetic Basis of High-Altitude Indigenous Animals’ Adaptation to Hypoxic Environments

by Pengfei Zhao, Shaobin Li, Zhaohua He and Xiong Ma

Animals 2024, 14(20), 3031; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14203031 - 19 Oct 2024

Viewed by 760

Abstract

Adaptation is one of the fundamental characteristics of life activities; humans and animals inhabiting high altitudes are well adapted to hypobaric hypoxic environments, and studies on the mechanisms of this adaptation emerged a hundred years ago. Based on these studies, this paper reviews [...] Read more.

Adaptation is one of the fundamental characteristics of life activities; humans and animals inhabiting high altitudes are well adapted to hypobaric hypoxic environments, and studies on the mechanisms of this adaptation emerged a hundred years ago. Based on these studies, this paper reviews the adaptive changes in hypoxia-sensitive tissues and organs, as well as at the molecular genetic level, such as pulmonary, cardiovascular, O₂-consuming tissues, and the hemoglobin and HIF pathway, that occur in animals in response to the challenge of hypobaric hypoxia. High-altitude hypoxia adaptation may be due to the coordinated action of genetic variants in multiple genes and, as a result, adaptive changes in multiple tissues and organs at the physiological and biochemical levels. Unraveling their mechanisms of action can provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of multiple diseases caused by chronic hypoxia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing the Environmental Adaptation of Wildlife and Production Animals: Applications of Physiological Indices and Welfare Assessment Tools (Volume II))

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