Search Results (3,563)

Reproductive biotechnologies, such as embryo transfer (ET) and fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI), are increasingly adopted to enhance genetic progress in tropical cattle production systems. However, the high prevalence of reproductive infectious diseases in tropical regions may compromise reproductive outcomes. This study evaluated the impact of eight reproductive pathogens (Neospora caninum, Leptospira spp., Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Trypanosoma spp., BVDV, IBR, and BLV) on pregnancy success, embryonic loss, and abortion in 296 bovine females subjected to ET and FTAI in Huila, Colombia. Animals were classified into six genetic groups and monitored for pregnancy at 45 and 90 days post-treatment. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between disease prevalence and reproductive outcomes. Neospora caninum emerged as the most detrimental pathogen, significantly reducing pregnancy rates (OR = 0.443; p = 0.034) and increasing both embryonic loss (OR = 7.35; p = 0.073) and abortion risk (ET: OR = 20.3; p = 0.0002; FTAI: OR = 3.95; p = 0.0436). Leptospira spp. and BLV were also associated with increased embryonic losses, whereas Babesia spp. and IBR were linked to a reduced risk of embryo resorption because of enhanced care, monitoring, or vaccination. Creole cattle showed lower disease susceptibility than crossbred or commercial breeds. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive disease control, targeted vaccination, and reproductive planning to improve biotechnology outcomes in tropical cattle systems. Full article

Zootechnical practices such as tail docking are still in use in dairy sheep farming, performed in the first week of life, mainly by rubber ring and only rarely by surgical methods. In this study, we evaluated the impact of caudectomy on ovine stress levels, inflammation, and health status by comparing tail docking carried out using rubber rings or surgical amputation. Twenty-one lambs were randomly selected and equally allocated into three groups: controls (n = 7), lambs with tail cut by rubber rings (n = 7), and lambs with caudectomy performed by surgical practice (n = 7). Several biochemical parameters and inflammatory markers were monitored at different times post-caudectomy, as well as wool levels of the stress marker cortisol. Our data revealed that lambs that underwent tail docking by rubber rings, but not by surgical procedure, presented inflammation and stress, as well as a moderate increase in muscular damage markers. These results are useful for the evaluation of animal welfare in dairy sheep that underwent caudectomy, highlighting the need to re-evaluate this procedure, as well as the ways in which it is performed. Full article

Influenza D virus (IDV), belonging to the Orthomyxoviridae family, was first discovered in 2011 in pigs. Surveys in humans and animals have been carried out to decipher IDV ecology. In this seroepidemiological study, we investigated the circulation of IDV lineages across Italy in livestock and wildlife animals. A total of 1038 animal serum samples (from 246 bovines, 249 swine, 98 equines, and 445 wild boars) were tested using hemagglutination inhibition and virus neutralization assays. The results confirm bovines as the primary reservoir for IDV, with high seroprevalence for both D/660 (87%) and D/OK (80%) strains. Swine and equines demonstrated limited exposure, suggesting they are infrequent spillover hosts. Notably, wild boars showed high seroprevalence, especially for the D/660 lineage (80%), indicating their potential role in a wildlife transmission cycle. Continuous surveillance in both livestock and wildlife is essential to monitor the spread and evolution of IDV. Full article

Small ruminant production is a significant sector of agricultural industry in Texas, USA. Heat stress has a negative effect on productivity and animal health. Cholecalciferol, a form of vitamin D₃, may enhance the function of immune cells and help ensure healthy immune function in farm animals exposed to heat stress. Practical applications of vitamin D₃ against infectious diseases can benefit from the protective effects of a delivery system comprised of soy protein isolate and stachyose in emulsion gel. The prebiotic oligosaccharide stachyose has shown to have a great potential as a substrate for beneficial intestinal bacteria, which are thought to modulate the immune system. Cellular and humoral immunity are both impaired in dairy animals under heat stress. The delivery of vitamin D₃ embedded within the soy protein isolate-stachyose emulsion gel resulted in a marked increase in 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ [25-(OH)-D₃] concentration in blood serum. Chicken egg albumin (OVA)-immunized goats produced low anti-OVA immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses. In contrast, OVA-immunized goats fed vitamin D₃ within the soy protein isolate-stachyose emulsion gel diet strongly stimulated antibody production. These results show that anti-OVA IgG responses can be modulated in dairy goats using vitamin D₃, particularly if this vitamin is delivered in the form of emulsion gel. The results seem to depend on the highly hydrated gel matrix of soy protein isolate-stachyose at the low pH of the stomach as monitored by oxygen-17 (¹⁷O) and proton (¹H) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). In addition, the prebiotic nature of stachyose may boost beneficial gut bacteria, most notably for immune health and reducing the risk of infectious diseases. Full article

Major human impacts on New Zealand’s ecology began about 800 years ago with immigration firstly from Polynesia, then Europe starting a few centuries later. The humans cleared habitat, hunted species to extinction, and introduced biota, including plants, birds, fish, invertebrates, and mammals. Over the last 70 years, government-funded campaigns have been waged against some of the introduced mammals that became considered harmful to native biota. These campaigns spread poisonous food baits from aircraft to kill and suppress target animals (mainly brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) and rats (Rattus spp.)) over large areas. Increased intensity, frequency, and scale of poisoning are being trialled under a new conservation strategy (Predator Free 2050) to eradicate several mammalian species. The present study investigates the opportunity for a paradigm shift in conservation, emphasizing the rationales for transitioning from spreading of pesticides to a more targeted approach. NZ’s poison- and predator-focused ecological management has been criticized internationally as cruel and unnecessary, while independent NZ ecologists have called for, and outlined, a new system of conservation management based on ecological knowledge, which embraces all threats to native biota. A central tenet of proposed new methods is the engagement of all relevant stakeholders. Efficient management tools include remote monitoring, and smart, self-resetting kill traps for targeted small mammal control. Ecology-driven, commercially sound, targeted, monitored, relatively humane management can be implemented to protect the remnants of NZ’s natural heritage. Full article

Illegal wildlife trade is a major global driver of biodiversity loss, shaped by high consumer demand, transboundary networks, and uneven enforcement. In the Middle East, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, factors such as high purchasing power, cultural traditions (e.g., falconry, prestige pets), and expanding digital marketplaces sustain both legal and illegal flows. We present a nine-year (2017–2025) assessment based on weekly, repeated field surveys at the Friday Market, adjacent pet shops, and private farms, complemented by systematic monitoring of online advertisements on Haraj.com.sa. We recorded 1063 individual animals across 88 species, birds (39.4%), reptiles (52.0%), and mammals (8.6%), and analyzed prices, conservation status, and venue-specific patterns. The most frequently recorded taxa included the white-eared bulbul (Pycnonotus leucotis), common slider (Trachemys scripta), and Egyptian mastigure (Uromastyx aegyptia). Mammals, though fewer in number, commanded the highest prices, particularly cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and lions (Panthera leo). About 26% of species were IUCN-listed as threatened, with CITES Appendix I taxa fetching higher prices. Findings underscore the need for real-time monitoring, targeted enforcement, and cross-border collaboration to address escalating trade in rare and protected species. Full article

Various accelerometers offer to monitor sleep efficiency in dogs, but the underlying proprietary algorithms are not usually revealed. The aim of this pilot study was to achieve insights on the performance of an omnidirectional accelerometer to document sleeping and resting periods in dogs with a simple binary cut-off (0 cpm; ≥1 cpm) and the interference of movements. All data were acquired with a neck collar-mounted accelerometer (Actical^®; Philips Respironics Inc., Murrysville, PA, USA) that provides access to raw data. Ten privately owned dogs (6 dogs with and 4 dogs without movements during sleep) were monitored shortly before, during and after their sleeping and resting periods. Experienced observers documented any visible movement and the corresponding behavioral state continuously for each minute as apparent sleep (eyes closed, regular breathing pattern), rest (eyes open), awake and alert. Total observation time was 2633 min, and 32 sleeping and resting periods were monitored. Zero accelerometer counts per minute documented the combined sleeping and resting periods with a sensitivity of 94.0% and specificity of 96.1% but could not differentiate between apparent sleeping and resting with eyes closed or open. Mild movements during sleep did not interfere with the recordings. The pilot data obtained in this study supports further investigation of this approach to document sleeping and resting periods over prolonged periods in individual dogs. Full article

Aminoglycoside antibiotics (AGs) are widely used in medicine and animal husbandry, but they pose significant risks due to residual toxicity and antibiotic resistance. In this study, a novel chemical sensor based on the laccase-like activity of CH₃COOAg was developed for the selective detection of AGs. CH₃COOAg exhibited varying degrees of laccase-like activity in different buffers (MES, HEPES, and NaAc) and H₂O, and five AGs showed distinct intensities of the inhibitory effect on the laccase-like activity of CH₃COOA in different buffers and H₂O. Therefore, a four-channel colorimetric sensor array was constructed in combination with the use of principal component analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) for the efficient identification of five AGs (0.02–0.3 μM) in environment samples like tap and lake water. In addition, a colorimetric method was developed for kanamycin (KAN) detection in a honey sample with a linear range of 10–100 nM (R² = 0.9977). The method has excellent sensitivity with a limit of detection of 3.99 nM for KAN. This work not only provides a rapid and low-cost detection method for AG monitoring but also provides a reference for the design of non-copper laccase mimics. Full article

Between 2016 and 2018, the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, experienced its most significant yellow fever (YF) outbreak in 80 years. Yellow fever virus (YFV) circulation persisted afterward, with continued non-human primate (NHP) epizootics and, recently, human cases. In June 2024, YFV RNA was detected in a dead marmoset (Callithrix penicillata) in an urban square in Belo Horizonte (BH), prompting a field investigation in an adjacent park to assess infection in potential mosquito vectors and NHPs. A total of 250 mosquitoes representing nine species were collected at ground and canopy level, of which Aedes fluviatilis and Aedes scapularis comprised 78.8% of the specimens. Haemagogus spp. and Sabethes spp. mosquitoes were not collected, possibly due to the short sampling window during the dry season. No active YFV infection was detected in any of the mosquito pools tested. Eight marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) were captured and tested for arboviral infections. Five out of eight sera, representing both adult and juvenile (less than 17 months old) animals, tested positive for anti-YFV IgM. Interestingly, two adults recaptured in later expeditions revealed seroconversion. One was IgM-positive in July 2024 but negative by September 2024, consistent with the expected decline in IgM levels. The other, initially IgM-negative (as of July 2024), tested positive in April 2025, indicating recent exposure to YFV. These findings provide evidence for the ongoing, low-level circulation of YFV among urban NHPs, posing a continued risk of viral spillover to humans. Moreover, these results highlight the importance of active surveillance in detecting recent infections that would likely be missed by passive monitoring. This integrated approach enhances our understanding of local YF epidemiology and supports early, evidence-based public health interventions to prevent future human outbreaks. Full article

Managing transition cows and preventing diseases related to this period is challenging due to the latter’s multifactorial nature. The aim of this applied observational case study is to illustrate and discuss the different aspects involved and provide an approach to analysis and the resulting management solutions using a real-life case within a 500-cow herd. The initial assessment, involving the collection of data on the level of production, animal health and behaviour, and metabolic indicators, as well as management and housing key indicators, revealed key risk factors, including overcrowding, suboptimal feeding strategies, inadequate water supply, and insufficient disease monitoring. These factors contributed to increased cases of metabolic disorders such as hypocalcemia (annual incidence 7.8%), excessive lipomobilisation, and displaced abomasum (annual incidence 5.2%). A holistic approach combining feeding adjustments, disease monitoring, facility improvements, and long-term management strategies was implemented to address these challenges. Short-term interventions, such as optimizing the dietary cation–anion balance and enhancing disease detection protocols, led to noticeable improvements. However, structural constraints and external factors, such as extreme weather conditions (heat stress) and economic limitations, created significant hurdles in achieving immediate and sustained success. The farm ultimately opted for infrastructural improvements, including a new transition cow facility, to provide a long-term solution to these recurring issues. This case highlights the complexity of transition cow management, demonstrating that long-term success depends on continuous monitoring, interdisciplinary collaboration, and adaptability in response to evolving challenges in dairy production. Full article

For monitoring animal adaptation when facing environmental challenges, and more specifically when addressing the impacts of global warming—particularly responses to heat stress and short-term fluctuations in osmotic regulations in the different organs influencing animal physiology—there is an increasing demand for digital tools to understand and monitor a range of biomarkers. Microneedle arrays (MNAs) have recently emerged as promising devices minimally invasively penetrating human skin to access dermal interstitial fluid (ISF) to monitor deviations in physiology and consequences on health. The ISF is a blood filtrate where the concentrations of ions, low molecular weight metabolites (<70 kDa), hormones, and drugs, often closely correlate with those in blood. However, anatomical skin differences between human and farm animals, especially large animals, as well as divergent tolerances of such devices among species with behavior specificities, motivate new MNA designs. We addressed technological challenges to design higher microneedles for farm animal (pigs and cattle) measurements. We designed microneedle arrays composed of 37 microneedles, each 2.8 mm in height, using dextran-methacrylate, a photo-crosslinked biocompatible biopolymer-based hydrogel. The arrays were characterized geometrically and mechanically. Their abilities to perforate pig and cow skin were demonstrated through histological analysis. The MNAs successfully absorbed approximately 10 µL of fluid within 3 h of application. Full article

Western Pará, northern Brazil, is a significant region for mineral exploration, leading to the deposition of potentially toxic elements in soils and water basins. This study evaluated concentrations of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in cattle muscle tissue from three municipalities: Oriximiná, Itaituba, and Monte Alegre. Metal concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The estimated daily intake (EDI) of toxic metals via beef consumption (71 g/person/day) was below oral reference doses values (RfDo). Target hazard quotient (THQ) and total THQ (TTHQ) values for all metals were below 1, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic health risk. Monte Alegre exhibited the highest THQ for As and Pb, Oriximiná for Cd, and Itaituba for Hg. Although the overall assessment suggests low risk, elevated Hg concentrations were detected in 10% of the samples, with at least one animal from each municipality exceeding the European Union maximum residue limit (0.01 mg/kg). These findings indicate localized contamination and potential mercury bioaccumulation. Given the rising anthropogenic activities (such as mining and deforestation), continued monitoring of heavy metal levels in animal tissues is recommended to ensure long-term food safety and public health. Full article

Background: Zebrafish-based drug discovery systems provide significant advantages over mammalian models for high-throughput in vivo screening. Among these, the NF-κB eGFP reporter system significantly enhances drug discovery in zebrafish by enabling real-time, high-resolution monitoring of pathway activity in live organisms, thereby streamlining mechanistic studies and high-throughput screening. Methods: We developed a novel AI (Quantifish and Orange software)-based zebrafish precision individualized 96-well ZF plates (0–7 dpf) and individualized MT tanks (8 dpf–4 mpf) protocol for the transposon-mediated transgenesis of the NFκB eGFP reporter system. Results: One-cell stage embryos were administered NFκB reporter construct and Tol2 transposase mRNA via microinjection and transferred to separate wells of a 96-well ZF plate. Bright-field and fluorescence images of each well were captured at 5 dpf in the F0, F1, and F2 generations using the automated confocal high-content imager CQ1. The Quantifish software was used for the automated detection and segmentation of zebrafish larval fluorescence intensity in specific regions of interest. Quantitative data on the fluorescence intensity and distribution patterns were measured in Quantifish, and advanced statistical and machine learning methods were applied using Orange. Imaging data with eGFP expression results were assessed to evaluate the efficiency of the transgenic protocol. Discussion: This AI-enhanced precision protocol allows for high-throughput screening and quantitative analysis of NFκB reporter transgenesis in zebrafish, enabling the efficient identification and characterization of stable transgenic lines that exhibit tissue-specific expression of the NF-κB reporter, such as lines with induced expression restricted to the retina following LPS stimulation. This approach streamlines the evaluation of regulatory elements, enhances data consistency, and reduces animal use, making it a valuable tool for zebrafish drug discovery. Full article

AlUla, a unique conservation and tourism hub in Saudi Arabia, is undergoing extensive biodiversity restoration efforts, including the reintroduction of threatened wild species. However, interactions among wildlife, domestic, and synanthropic animals in these reserves raise significant concerns about disease transmission to reintroduced species. This study aimed to assess disease risks at the domestic–synanthropic–wildlife interface and identify infectious diseases posing the greatest threat to reintroduced species. A multi-phased prioritization system was developed to guide monitoring based on transmissibility to protected wildlife, susceptibility of reintroduced species, reservoir hosts, vector-borne potential, likelihood of occurrence, and disease severity. A comprehensive expert review identified 61 diseases important to the reintroduced wildlife. From this, 11 priority pathogens were selected for monitoring. A total of 7760 samples were collected from 1367 domestic and synanthropic animals and were analyzed using Real-Time PCR and/or ELISA. All priority pathogens, or prior exposure to these pathogens, were detected. Disease presence was affected by factors such as species, location, health status, and grazing habits. Taken together, these findings underscore the need for robust preventive measures to mitigate disease transmission risks and ensure the sustainability of AlUla’s conservation initiatives. This study also offers a model approach to support reintroduction programs and guide future conservation efforts. Full article

A major cause of lameness in turkeys is reoviral arthritis, driven by turkey reovirus (TRV) infection. In the U.S., TRV was first isolated in the 1980s but re-emerged as a significant pathogen causing arthritis in 2011. Since then, TRV outbreaks have spread nationwide across turkey-producing regions and have occasionally resulted in hepatitis-associated pathotypes. The absence of a consistently effective commercial vaccine continues to hinder disease control efforts. To better understand TRV’s evolutionary trajectory and transmission dynamics, we analyzed 211 complete TRV genome sequences collected across the U.S. from 2007 to 2021. Bayesian time-scaled phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses were conducted for all ten genome segments to estimate gene flow among geographic regions, client groups, and pathotypes. The results reconstructed a coherent, decades-long history of TRV evolution, which revealed segment-specific differences in the evolutionary rates—particularly in S1c (σC protein coding region of S1) and M2—suggesting reassortment with other avian reoviruses during the 2011 emergence. Nationwide spread patterns indicated dominant transmission routes from the Eastern U.S. to Minnesota and from breeder to smallholder flocks, likely driven by inter-regional animal or feed movement via the multi-stage turkey production cycle. Pathotype transitions were more frequently observed from arthritis-associated strains to those causing hepatitis or cardiac lesions. These findings provide crucial insights to support national TRV control strategies and long-term monitoring by industry stakeholders. Full article