Announcements

Animal sciences is a multi-disciplinary and dynamic field dedicated to understanding the biology, management, and sustainable utilization of animals. This discipline encompasses the study of diverse animal species, including livestock, companion animals, wildlife, and aquatic organisms; it also focuses on investigating their physiology, genetics, nutrition, behavior, and health. It also delves into the complex interactions between animals and their environment, exploring their vital roles within ecosystems. By integrating knowledge from various fields such as biology, genetics, nutrition, veterinary medicine, and ecology, animal sciences aims to optimize animal production, improve animal welfare, and address critical challenges related to food security, conservation, and the responsible management of animal populations within the context of a healthy and functioning ecosystem.

MDPI’s animal sciences cluster is designed to be a dynamic hub for cutting-edge research, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the animal kingdom and its vital role in our world. Our mission extends beyond simply publishing; we aim to accelerate the dissemination of discoveries that drive advancements in animal health, welfare, sustainable management, and conservation. This cluster offers authors diverse publishing options, ensuring their research finds the most relevant and impactful audience within the diverse landscape of animal sciences.

The nine participating journals include:

• Animals focuses on any field of study that involves animals, including zoology, ethnozoology, animal science, animal ethics, and animal welfare. Animals is led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Clive J. C. Phillips (¹ Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Estonia; ² Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute, Australia);
• Arthropoda focuses on arachnids (mites, scorpions, spiders), myriapods (millipedes, centipedes and allied taxa), pycnogonids, horseshoe crabs and crustaceans. Arthropoda is led by Editor-in-Chief Dr. Sammy De Grave (Oxford University Museum of Natural History, UK);
• Birds focuses on any field of study that involves wild birds, with special emphasis on bird ecology, communities, conservation, and behavioral ecology. Birds is led by Editor-in-Chief Dr. Jukka Jokimäki (Arctic Centre, University of Lapland, Finland);
• Insects focuses on the biology, physiology, behavior, and management of arthropods, as well as their interactions with human societies, plants, and ecosystem services. Insects is led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Brian T. Forschler (Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, USA);
• Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens includes all aspects of botanical gardens, zoological gardens, natural sciences museums, and other similar institutions. Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens is led by Editor-in-Chief Dr. Kevin Cianfaglione (Faculté de Gestion, Economie et Science (FGES), Université Catholique de Lille, France);
• Pets focuses on all aspects of companion animals, including but not limited to their health and disease, veterinary care, nutrition, genetics and genomics, behavior, welfare, and interactions and relations with humans. Pets is led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Jan S. Suchodolski (Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, USA);
• Poultry is a multi-disciplinary journal on the poultry industry throughout the world. Poultry covers a broad spectrum of subjects influencing poultry animals' health, welfare, and productivity. Poultry is led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Michael Hess (Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria);
• Ruminants focuses on any field of study that involves ruminants, including cattle, all domesticated and wild bovines, goats, sheep, giraffes, deer, gazelles, and antelopes. Ruminants is led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Brian J. Leury (Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia);
• Veterinary Sciences focuses on any field of veterinary sciences, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, disorder, and injury in animals. With a strong emphasis on the One Health approach, the journal also explores the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health. Veterinary Sciences is led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Patrick Butaye (¹ Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium; ² Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, China).

MDPI’s Mission and Values:

As a pioneer of academic open access publishing, MDPI has served the scientific community since 1996. We aim to foster scientific exchange in all forms across all disciplines. MDPI's guidelines for disseminating open science are based on the following values and guiding principles:

• Open Access—All of our content is published in open access and distributed under a Creative Commons License, providing free access to science and the latest research, allowing articles to be freely shared and content to be re-used with proper attribution;
• Timeliness and Efficiency—Publishing the latest research through thorough editorial work, ensuring a first decision is provided to authors in under 32 days and papers are published within 7-10 days upon acceptance;
• Simplicity—Offering user-friendly tools and services in one place to enhance the efficiency of our editorial process;
• High-Quality Service—Supporting scholars and their work by providing a range of options, such as journal publication at mdpi.com, early publication at preprints.org, and conferences on sciforum.net to positively impact research;
• Flexibility—Adapting and developing new tools and services to meet the research community's changing needs, driven by feedback from authors, editors, and readers;
• Rooted in Sustainability—Ensuring long-term preservation of published papers and supporting the future of science through partnerships, sponsorships, and awards.

By adhering to these values and principles, MDPI remains committed to advancing scientific knowledge and promoting open science practices.

Selected Topics:

• Precision Feeding and Management of Farm Animals, 3rd Edition;
• Research on Companion Animal Nutrition;
• Advances in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases of Animals.

Selected Articles:

Animals
“Effects of Nutritional Factors on Fat Content, Fatty Acid Composition, and Sensorial Properties of Meat and Milk from Domesticated Ruminants: An Overview”
Animals 2024, 14(6), 840; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060840

Arthropoda
“How Urban-Tolerant Are They? Testing Prey–Capture Behavior of Introduced Jorō Spiders (Trichonephila clavata) Next to Busy Roads”
Arthropoda 2024, 2(1), 55-65; https://doi.org/10.3390/arthropoda2010004

Birds
“Nest Design and Breeding Success: Replicability of Methodologies and Research Findings in Secondary Hole Nesting Passerines”
Birds 2024, 5(2), 278-307; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5020019

Insects
“Mosquito-Borne Diseases and Their Control Strategies: An Overview Focused on Green Synthesized Plant-Based Metallic Nanoparticles”
Insects 2023, 14(3), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14030221

Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens
“Cetacean Sanctuaries: Do They Guarantee Better Welfare?”
J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2025, 6(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg6010004

Pets
“The Effects of Dog Behavioural Problems on Owner Well-Being: A Review of the Literature and Future Directions”
Pets 2024, 1(1), 53-69; https://doi.org/10.3390/pets1010007

Poultry
“Impact of Heat Stress on Broiler Chicken Production”
Poultry 2024, 3(2), 107-128; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry3020010

Ruminants
“Impact of Lameness on Brush Use in a Loose-Housed Dairy System”
Ruminants 2024, 4(3), 375-386; https://doi.org/10.3390/ruminants4030027

Veterinary Sciences
“Infection and Coinfection of Porcine-Selected Viruses (PPV1 to PPV8, PCV2 to PCV4, and PRRSV) in Gilts and Their Associations with Reproductive Performance”
Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(5), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11050185