Search Results (227)

Reproductive and growth traits are key economic traits in sheep. This study aims to identify key single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and candidate genes associated with reproductive and growth traits in Tianmu polytocous sheep through a genome-wide association study (GWAS). The findings are expected to provide both a theoretical foundation for molecular breeding in this breed and novel insights into the genetic basis of ovine reproductive and growth performance. This study took 483 adult Tianmu polytocous ewes as the research subjects, collected their lambing records, measured their phenotypic values of growth traits (3 weight and 11 body size traits), and collected their blood samples for whole-genome resequencing to identify SNPs in the Tianmu polytocous sheep genome. The results identified a total of 9,499,019 (3× coverage) and 27,413,216 (30× coverage) high-quality SNPs in the Tianmu polytocous sheep genome. Subsequently, the association analysis between SNPs and reproductive and growth traits was conducted using a mixed linear model. A total of 92, 66, 18, 28, 6, 42, 3, 3, 6, 1, 12, 3, 22, 8, 6, and 3 SNPs were found associated with litter size at first parity, litter size at second parity, litter size at third parity, litter size at fourth parity, birth weight, weaning weight, body height, withers height, body length, head length, head width, cannon bone circumference, forelimb height, chest girth, chest depth, and withers width, respectively. Further, based on SNP annotation, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, candidate genes associated with the reproductive and growth traits were identified. Among these genes, 11 LOC, DEPTOR, GNG12, GRM7, PTH, PTH2R, WWOX, INHA, and NRG3 are candidate genes associated with litter size at first parity or litter size at third parity. These genes are involved in the G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway, G protein-coupled receptor activity, ovarian tissue development, and hormone secretion. Additionally, TFRC and NTN1 are candidate genes associated with birth weight, while five UGT1A and CASR are candidate genes associated with weaning weight. These candidate genes are primarily involved in lipid metabolism. Finally, the following genes were identified as candidates associated with specific traits: DLG2, TMEM126A, and TMEM126B with body height; DSCAM and SCN8A with body length; BARX1 with cannon bone circumference; four LOC genes with forelimb height; EPHA4 with chest depth; and MRS2 with withers width. Full article

There is limited information regarding orthopaedic injuries in dressage horses. This study assessed the prevalence of injuries in a mixed referral and first opinion population of 272 horses training and competing in dressage, 238 of which were followed up one to five years after injury. Warmblood (55.8%) and Iberian (38.6%) breeds predominated. The median age was 8 years (interquartile range [IQR] 5,11; range 1,21). Horses were examined due to lameness (85.3%) or poor performance (14.7%). The median lameness grade was 2/5 (IQR 2,4; range 0,4). Forelimb lameness was more prevalent than hindlimb lameness (p < 0.001). Unilateral lameness (55.2%) was more common than multilimbed lameness (44.9%). Hypermetria (14.3%), hypermetria and weakness (2.2%) or weakness alone (1.1%) did not affect follow-up outcome compared with horses without neurological gait dysfunction. Soft tissue injuries were more common in Iberian horses than in Warmbloods (p = 0.006), but considering all injuries there was no difference in outcome between breeds. Injury type (soft tissue, osseous, osteoarthritis, developmental disease) did not influence follow-up outcome. Following targeted treatment and tailored rehabilitation programs, 42% of 238 horses returned to the same level of work as pre-injury or higher, 45% returned to work at a lower level and 13% were retired due to orthopaedic injury. In-depth clinical assessment and diagnostic anaesthesia are important for the identification of all problems and development of the most appropriate treatment and management protocols. Full article

Background: Adult neurons in the central nervous system often fail to regenerate after spinal cord injury (SCI). Regenerative gene therapies could potentially promote corticospinal axon regeneration, restoration of motor circuitry, and functional improvement after SCI, but translational methods for targeted gene delivery to corticospinal neurons are needed. AAV2retro is an engineered variant of the adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) capsid that demonstrates greatly enhanced retrograde transduction of projection neurons. When injected into spinal gray matter, AAV2retro retrogradely transduces neurons in the sensorimotor cortex that project to the injected spinal level. Methods: We initially hypothesized that injection of AAV2retro into the dorsal column white matter immediately rostral of a mouse cervical spinal injury would target transected axons and broadly transduce both forelimb and hindlimb corticospinal neurons. We tested this hypothesis by comparing four groups of mice treated with AAV2retro carrying the tdTomato reporter gene by (1) injection into intact C4 gray matter, (2) injection into intact C4 dorsal column white matter, (3) injection into C4 gray matter bordering a C5 dorsal column lesion, and (4) injection into C4 dorsal column white matter bordering a C5 dorsal column lesion. Results: After injection of AAV2retro into intact C4 dorsal column white matter, we observed extensive transduction of corticospinal neurons throughout both the forelimb and hindlimb sensorimotor cortical regions, and large numbers of transduced hindlimb corticospinal axons in the lumbar spinal cord. Dorsal column injections did not detectably damage the white matter beyond a narrow injection track. In contrast, after injection of intact C4 gray matter, we observed minimal labeling of neurons in the hindlimb sensorimotor cortex or corticospinal axons in the lumbar spinal cord. Conclusions: We conclude that AAV2retro can enter axons of passage in the dorsal column white matter of the spinal cord, and that injecting the cervical dorsal columns can efficiently target both forelimb and hindlimb corticospinal neurons in mice. This new approach for targeted gene delivery to corticospinal neurons could improve the safety and specificity of regenerative gene therapies for spinal cord injury. Full article

This study investigates the mechanical performance of two prosthetic forelimb designs for dogs—one with a solid structure and the other with a perforated structure—using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Both models were analyzed under static loading conditions representing approximately 60% of a dog’s body weight, the typical load borne by the forelimbs. The prosthetics were modeled with ABS plastic, a widely used 3D printing material, and evaluated for Von Mises stress, total deformation, elastic strain, and factor of safety. The analysis showed that both models remained within the elastic limit of the material, indicating that no permanent deformation would occur under the applied loads. The Solid Model demonstrated a significantly higher factor of safety (14) and lower deformation, confirming its structural strength but also highlighting excessive rigidity, increased material use, and higher cost. In contrast, the Perforated Model exhibited slightly higher localized stresses and a lower factor of safety (3.01), yet it still met essential safety requirements while providing greater compliance, flexibility, and material efficiency. These attributes are desirable for comfort, adaptability, and practicality in veterinary applications. Although its long-term durability requires further evaluation, the Perforated Model strikes a more effective balance between safety, comfort, and sustainability. Based on these findings, the perforated design is considered the more suitable option for canine prosthetic development. Future work will extend the analysis to dynamic loading scenarios, such as walking and running, to better simulate real-world performance. Full article

Background: Chestnuts are keratinized skin structures found on equine limbs, but their characteristics in donkeys remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize chestnut morphology and histology in Dezhou donkeys and examine correlations with phenotypic traits. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 347 Dezhou donkeys (0.3–15 years, 79–419 kg). Chestnut dimensions were measured using precision calipers, and correlations were analyzed with age, body weight, limb measurements, and thoracolumbar vertebral counts. Histological analysis compared chestnut tissue with adjacent normal skin using standard H&E staining protocols. Results: Donkeys exclusively possessed chestnuts on forelimbs, predominantly showing regular geometric configurations. Histologically, chestnut tissue exhibited marked hyperkeratosis (>30 cellular layers vs. 4–6 in normal skin), widespread melanocyte distribution throughout the epidermis, and complete absence of cutaneous appendages. In group A, strong positive correlations were observed between chestnut width and age (r = +0.527, p < 0.01), body weight (r = +0.538, p < 0.01), and limb measurements (r > +0.589 p < 0.01). No significant correlations existed with vertebral numbers. In group B Dezhou donkeys older than 2 years, the length and width of the forelimb chestnuts showed the strongest significant correlation with right forelimb measurements, while no significant correlations were observed with other variables (age, body weight, and hindlimb measurements). Conclusions: Chestnuts in Dezhou donkeys represent specialized integumentary structures with unique histological features and strong correlations with somatic development. These findings support their potential utility as biometric markers for individual identification and indicate coordinated developmental regulation with overall growth patterns. Full article

Skeletons serve as the body’s fundamental structure and perform multiple vital functions, and thus even subtle modifications can lead to functional changes. However, studies on sexual shape dimorphism in the appendicular skeletons of anurans remain scarce, especially for fossorial species. Herein, we investigated the sexual differences in the external morphology and internal skeletal shape of girdles and limbs of fossorial Kaloula rugifera during the breeding season. The results reveal the following: (1) Males exhibit significantly longer forelimbs and hindlimbs, suggesting advantages in male—male competition and amplexus. (2) Males possess more curved and dilated coracoids and broader pubis-ischium regions, which may enhance forelimb contraction efficiency and hindlimb locomotor performance. (3) Males feature a more developed crista ventralis, likely enhancing forelimb flexion for tightly grasping females during mating. In contrast, females display a torsioned femur and robust hindlimb morphology, suggesting adaptations for digging and load-bearing. These findings provide insights into how anurans optimize reproductive fitness and ecological adaptations through morphological specialization. To our knowledge, this study presents the first examination of sexual shape dimorphism in anuran appendicular skeletons utilizing three-dimensional geometric morphometrics. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nanobubble water (NBW) is being studied increasingly for its potential benefits in sports nutrition. This study aimed to evaluate whether supplementation with ozone-enriched NBW (O₃-NBW) could improve integrated exercise capacity—encompassing endurance performance, muscle strength, and postexercise recovery as well as body composition and metabolic adaptations in mice. Methods: Male ICR mice (n = 24) were allocated into Control, Air-NBW, or O₃-NBW (0.2–1 mg/L ozone) groups for 4 weeks. Results: O₃-NBW treatment considerably enhanced forelimb grip strength and treadmill running endurance compared to the Control group (both p < 0.05). Analyses of body composition revealed a higher proportion of lean mass and muscle glycogen storage in NBW groups, notably with O₃-NBW. Serum markers gathered post-exercise demonstrated a reduction in ammonia and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), suggesting improved nitrogen metabolism. Levels of resting serum creatine kinase (CK) and uric acid were also lower in O₃-NBW mice, indicating potential benefits for muscle recovery. In addition, O₃-NBW treatment significantly enhanced oxygen consumption (VO₂) and reduced the respiratory quotient (RQ), signifying amplified fat oxidation, while also lowering total energy expenditure (all p < 0.05). Spontaneous wheel-running activity remained consistent across all the groups. Conclusions: Taken as a whole, these findings emphasize that O₃-NBW supplementation offers ergogenic and metabolic advantages by improving integrated exercise capacity and efficiency of gas exchange, without adverse effects. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of girth design and girth tension; six horses regularly ridden were used. Each horse underwent four experimental sessions in an unbalanced Latin-square design with two girth tensions (8 kg or 16 kg) and two girth designs (straight girth (S) or anatomical girth (A)). Pressure between the saddle and the horse was measured at 100 Hz with a pressure mat (0.5 sensels per cm²). Notably, 2D limb kinematics were determined from anatomical markers placed on the fore and hindlimbs. Video was collected at 240 fps. There was no significant effect of girth type, girth tension, or girth type*tension interaction for any of the measured variables, with the exception of carpal flexion, which was significantly greater for A8 (median: 103°, 25th–75th percentile: 100–112°) than S8 (101°, 96–106°; p = 0.043). There was no effect of girth type (A or S) on mean saddle pressure for either cranial or caudal regions (p > 0.05), but caudal average pressure was significantly lower than cranial average pressure both at 8 and 16 kg tensions (p < 0.05). For both mean and peak pressure, the ratio cranial: caudal was significantly higher with 16 kg tension (p < 0.05), indicating that as the girth tension increases, the pressures shift towards the cranial aspect. In conclusion, neither girth tension nor girth type significantly influenced 2D limb kinematics, but higher tension has shifted the load towards the cranial area significantly, which could contribute to cranial thoracic back pain or injuries. Full article

Differences in horseshoe materials may have effects on gait that could change perceived esthetic qualities. Objective information regarding effects of shoeing on gait characteristics of horses is scant. The aim of this study was to determine differences in gait characteristics for horses under various experimental shoeing conditions (barefoot, aluminum shoes, steel shoes) on two surfaces (asphalt and soft footing) using body- and hoof-mounted sensors. We hypothesized that shoeing would affect hoof arc height during early (arc height a) and late (arc height b) swing phases but would not affect other gait variables. Twelve healthy, adult, client-owned horses were evaluated at a trot on asphalt and soft footing under the three experimental shoeing conditions. No significant (p < 0.05) effects of shoeing were detected for gait symmetry (Q score), mediolateral hoof deviation, stride length, or midstance, breakover, swing, and landing stride phase times. Hoof arc height a was significantly (p < 0.001) lower for aluminum versus steel shoes for right and left forelimbs on asphalt and soft footing. Hoof arc height b was significantly higher for aluminum versus steel shoes on soft footing for left (p < 0.001) and right (p = 0.02) forelimbs. Findings indicate that shoe weights affect early and late swing phase hoof heights differently. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether measured hoof arc height changes affect subjective esthetics of gait. Full article

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) are non-pharmacological techniques employed in humans for chronic pain, but their veterinary application is unexplored. This pilot study evaluated clinical effects of RFA and PRF in twenty-four horses with chronic distal forelimb lameness. Ultrasound-guided RFA (N = 8; 60–90 °C, 2–8 min) or PRF (N = 16; 42 °C; 12 min) was applied to palmar digital nerves. Lameness was scored (American Association of Equine Practitioners scale) at baseline and monthly for six months (T1-T6). At T2, partial- and non-responders in both groups received PRF. Complications and return to previous work were recorded. At T2, the PRF group had significantly lower lameness scores (1, 0–3) than the RFA group (3, 2–4; p < 0.001) and significantly improved from baseline (3, 2–4; p < 0.01). RFA caused more complications (N = 6) than PRF (N = 1; p < 0.001), including increased lameness and allodynia. Sixteen horses (RFA: N = 7; PRF: N = 9) were retreated at T2. Overall, lameness significantly improved from T2 (2, 0–4) to T6 (0, 0–3; p < 0.001). At T6, 83% (19/23) of horses resumed previous work. RFA was ineffective and caused complications, whereas PRF appeared safer and more effective. Two PRF treatments yielded better outcomes with fewer side effects and may help manage lameness and associated pain for up to six months. Full article

Background: Exercise-induced fatigue arises primarily from energy substrate depletion and the accumulation of metabolites such as lactate and ammonia, which impair performance and delay recovery. Emerging evidence implicates gut microbiota modulation—particularly via probiotics—as a means to optimize host energy metabolism and accelerate clearance of fatigue-associated by-products. Objective: This study aimed to determine whether live or heat-inactivated Lacticaseibacillus paracasei NB23 can enhance exercise endurance and attenuate fatigue biomarkers in a murine model. Methods: Forty male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were randomized into four groups (n = 10 each) receiving daily gavage for six weeks with vehicle, heat-killed NB23 (3 × 10¹⁰ cells/human/day), low-dose live NB23 (1 × 10¹⁰ CFUs/human/day), or high-dose live NB23 (3 × 10¹⁰ CFUs/human/day). Forelimb grip strength and weight-loaded swim-to-exhaustion tests assessed performance. Blood was collected post-exercise to measure serum lactate, ammonia, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatine kinase (CK). Liver and muscle glycogen content was also quantified, and safety was confirmed by clinical-chemistry panels and histological examination. Results: NB23 treatment produced dose-dependent improvements in grip strength (p < 0.01) and swim endurance (p < 0.001). All NB23 groups exhibited significant reductions in post-exercise lactate (p < 0.0001), ammonia (p < 0.001), BUN (p < 0.001), and CK (p < 0.0001). Hepatic and muscle glycogen stores rose by 41–59% and 65–142%, respectively (p < 0.001). No changes in food or water intake, serum clinical-chemistry parameters, or tissue histology were observed. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that both live and heat-treated L. paracasei NB23 may contribute to improved endurance performance, increased energy reserves, and faster clearance of fatigue-related metabolites in our experimental model. However, these results should be interpreted cautiously given the exploratory nature and limitations of our study. Full article

Water treadmill (WT) exercise is used for horses’ rehabilitation and training. Given that each training needs to be individualized for each horse, the goal is to assess whether infrared thermography (IRT) can serve as a non-invasive tool for daily monitoring of individual training and rehabilitation progress in horses undergoing WT exercise. Fifteen Polish Warmblood school horses were subjected to five WT sessions: dry treadmill, fetlock-depth water, fetlock-depth water with artificial river (AR), carpal-depth water, and carpal-depth water with AR. IRT images, collected pre- and post-exercise, were analyzed for the mean temperature (Tmean) and maximal temperature (Tmax) across 14 regions of interest (ROIs) representing the body surface overlying specific superficial muscles. While on a dry treadmill, Tmean and Tmax increased post-exercise in all ROIs; wetting of the hair coat limited surface temperature analysis in ROIs annotated on limbs. Tmax over the m. brachiocephalicus, m. trapezius pars cervicalis, m. triceps brachii, and m. semitendinosus increased during walking in carpal-depth water, which therefore may be suggested as an indirect indicator of increased activity related to forelimb protraction and flexion–extension of the limb joints. Tmax over the m. latissimus dorsi and m. longissimus increased during carpal-depth WT exercise with active AR mode, which may be suggested as an indicator of increased workload including vertical displacement of the trunk. Full article

The saddle’s adaptability to the rider–horse pair’s biomechanics is essential for equestrian comfort and performance. However, approaches to dynamic evaluation of saddle fitting are still limited in equestrian conditions. The purpose of this study is to propose a method of quantifying saddle adaptation to the rider–horse pair in motion. Eight rider–horse pairs were tested using four similar saddles with small modifications (seat depth, flap width, and front panel thickness). Seven inertial sensors were attached to the riders and horses to measure the active range of motion of the horses’ forelimbs and hindlimbs, stride duration, active range of motion of the rider’s pelvis, and rider–horse interaction. The results reveal that even small saddle changes affect the pair’s biomechanics. Some saddle configurations limit the limbs’ active range of motion, lengthen strides, or modify the rider’s pelvic motion. The temporal offset between the movements of the horse and the rider changes depending on the saddle modifications. These findings support the effect of fine saddle changes on the locomotion and synchronization of the rider–horse pair. The use of inertial sensors can be a potential way for quantifying the influence of dynamic saddle fitting and optimizing saddle adaptability in stable conditions with saddle fitter constraints. Full article

Orthotics are often used to support the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPj) in horses recovering from soft tissue injury; however, their effect on the MCPj biomechanics remain largely underexplored. The MCPj moves primarily in the sagittal plane, flexing during the swing phase and extending during the stance phase. The suspensory ligament and flexor tendons act as biological springs resisting MCPj extension. Injuries to these structures are common and, although early mobilization promotes their healing, controlled loading may be beneficial during rehabilitation. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a semirigid orthotic in limiting the MCPj extension and the MCPj range of motion, and its influence on the MCPj kinematics. Twelve healthy horses were equipped with portable inertial sensors on the distal limb. The MCPj extension and the MCPj range of motion were assessed during walking and trotting without the orthotic (S0) and with the orthotic using two different support settings (S1 and S4). Data were evaluated for normality and homoscedasticity. A Student t-test was used to compare the MCPj angle pattern of the two forelimbs of each horse at the baseline. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA to compare the mean values across conditions, followed by paired t-tests for post-hoc comparison (significance set at p < 0.05). The results showed significant reductions in both the MCPj extension and the MCPj range of motion, with the greatest restriction occurring at the highest support setting. These results suggest that the semirigid orthotic limits the MCPj movement in the sagittal plane and consequently the load on the suspensory ligament and flexor tendons. Therefore, this orthotic device is an effective tool during rehabilitation for forelimb tendon and ligament injuries. Full article

Samotherium boissieri is a giraffid typical of the Pikermian biome, well documented at Samos and occurring in the late Miocene of the Greco-Iranian paleobioprovince. The species has been also recorded at Cessaniti in Calabria (Southern Italy), in a faunal association including other Pikermian species as well as species of Eurasian and African affinity. In this paper, Calabrian specimens are studied and compared to Samos ones. Morphological and biometrical data fall within the variability of Samotherium boissieri and clearly differ from the co-occurring giraffid, Bohlinia attica. Two partially complete forelimbs, probably referring to the same individual, permit the first full description of the manus bones for the species, carpals in particular. The occurrence of Samotherium boissieri in Calabria contributes to the wide discussion on paleobiogeographical assessments of the central Mediterranean in the late Miocene, still not well-understood. Full article