Animals最新文献

Taiwan Country chickens are integral to Taiwanese culture and the poultry industry. By establishing a crossbreeding system, breeders must consider the growth-related traits of the dam line to achieve acceptable traits in commercial meat-type chickens. This study compared the accuracy of genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) predicted using the pedigree-based best linear unbiased prediction (PBLUP) model and the single-step genomic BLUP (ssGBLUP) model. Additionally, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with growth, shank, and body conformation traits to support marker-assisted selection (MAS). The results showed that the ssGBLUP model achieved 4.3% to 16.4% higher prediction accuracy than the PBLUP model. GWAS identified four missense SNPs and four significant SNPs associated with body weight, shank length, and shank width at 12 weeks. These findings highlight the potential of integrating the ssGBLUP model with identified SNPs to improve genetic gain and breeding efficiency and provide preliminary results to assess the feasibility of genomic prediction and MAS in Taiwan Country chicken breeding programs. Further research is necessary to validate these findings and explore their mechanisms and broader application across different breeding programs, particularly for the NCHU-G101 breed of Taiwan Country chickens.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body condition score (BCS) and reproductive recovery in Sarda dairy breed ewes, as well as its association with some hematochemical parameters, focusing on the male effect as a method to induce out-of-season ovulation. The male effect is commonly used in sheep farming as an alternative to hormonal treatments, but its success can be influenced by factors such as BCS. In this experiment, 200 healthy lactating ewes (aged 3-5 years) were divided into four groups based on BCS (2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5). BCS was measured on a 1-5 scale by touching the amounts of muscling and fat deposition in the loin region. On 15 May, 10 rams of proven fertility were introduced, and removed 50 days later. Blood samples were collected at days 15, 30, and 50 for glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, and albumin analysis, along with BCS evaluations. Lambing dates, fertility rates, litter size, and the time from ram introduction to lambing were recorded. The results showed that ewes with a higher BCS (3.0 and 3.5) had improved fertility rates, earlier lambing, and a better overall reproductive performance compared to ewes with a lower BCS (2.0 and 2.5). Higher BCS groups also exhibited higher levels of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides. The study concluded that a BCS of 3.0 is optimal for reproductive efficiency in Sarda ewes during the male effect in spring, promoting better reproductive outcomes and animal welfare without the need for hormonal treatments.

In Europe, there is a growing concern for animal welfare, encompassing both their rights and health. Consequently, identifying biomarkers that predict serious pathological conditions has become crucial in veterinary medicine. The Buccal Micronucleus Cytome (BMCyt) assay is a minimally invasive method that uses biomarkers to evaluate DNA damage and chromosomal instability, using exfoliated buccal cells. A rising frequency of anomalies, such as micronuclei formation, strongly indicates an elevated risk of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, or accelerated aging, potentially originating from exposure to genotoxins and cytotoxins. This method has been validated in humans, but very little research has been conducted on animals. This work aims to provide a detailed description of an optimized method for collecting buccal exfoliated cells in dogs and to characterize a biomarker related to genomic damage using optical and fluorescent microscopy. Samples from dogs in breeding kennels, including pregnant animals, were tested for chromosomal instability. By following procedures similar to those used in humans, we were able to detect and count major nuclear abnormalities. The percentage of micronuclei was higher compared to other studies. Technical aspects, such as avoiding artifacts and ensuring prior training of the operator, must be taken into account. This work validated the BMCyt method for collecting and processing samples in dogs, potentially enhancing the understanding of micronuclei as biomarkers for pre-pathological states in canines.

The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of intramammary infection (IMI) on N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAGase) enzyme values and to study its predictive capacity using different algorithms. To do this, 26 sheep free of intramammary infection were selected, and their somatic cell count (SCC), NAGase and bacteriological culture were monitored for 2 weeks. They were then subjected to a series of unhealthy situations (UHS) for the mammary gland, and these variables were monitored for a further 4 weeks. IMI was established in 12 of the 26 sheep. In the 4 days following infection, a very marked increase in enzyme values was observed in the infected glands. The algorithm that obtained the best result was the one that detected, in at least two of the first four days after infection, an increase in NAGase values greater than 30% compared to the average of the 3 days prior to infection, obtaining an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.90, an accuracy of 89.8%, a sensitivity of 95.2% and a specificity of 85.7%.

Pathogens and challenging conditions in fish farming are common problems that cause mortality and reduce growth performance. Phytogenic feed additives can support the immunity of fish and thereby improve performance, production, and disease resistance. Two experiments with Nile Tilapia aimed to evaluate the effects of a matrix-encapsulated phytogenic additive (Digestarom^® P.E.P. MGE) in different feed formulations, which vary in the marine meal inclusion level (5% and 12.8%), on growth performance and resistance against Streptococcus agalactiae. Fish were stocked in a recirculating aquaculture tank system per experiment and were fed with diets with or without the phytogenic supplementation for 8 weeks (six replicates per group). After an intraperitoneal injection with a sterilized saline solution and bath immersion with S. agalactiae (5 × 10⁶ CFU/mL), mortality of the fish was recorded for 20 days. Independent of the diet formulation, the supplementation with the phytogenic feed additive significantly improved the fish production; feed conversion ratio; immune response (mainly lactic acid dehydrogenase, differential blood cell counts, and the lysozyme activity in blood); and fish survival after the S. agalactiae challenge. Thus, phytogenic feed additives are promising strategies to improve Nile tilapia production by enhancing fish growth performance, health, and protection against S. agalactiae infections.

Cytochrome c is a critical protein in energy metabolism, and its structural adaptations to different temperatures play a key role in enabling species like the wild Bactrian camel (Camelus ferus) and the Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius) to thrive in their respective cold and hot environments. This study investigates the structural, thermodynamic, and dynamic properties of cytochrome c at different temperatures. Thermal Titration Molecular Dynamics (TTMD) simulations, which involve analyzing protein behaviour across a range of temperatures, were carried out using GROMACS, with each simulation running for 100 nanoseconds, at 245 K, 280 K, 303 K, 308 K, and 320 K, to evaluate stability and flexibility. Structural alterations were indicated by an increase in root mean square deviations (RMSDs) to 0.4 nm at 320 K, as opposed to lower RMSD values (0.1-0.2 nm) at 245 K and 280 K. Root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) analyses revealed modest flexibility at 245 K and 280 K (0.1-0.2 nm) but considerable flexibility (0.3-0.4 nm) at 303 K and 320 K. Principal component analysis (PCA) found that the formational space was constrained at lower temperatures but expanded at higher temperatures. Entropy peaked at 280 K (13,816 J/mol) and then fell substantially at 320 K (451.765 J/mol), indicating diminished stability. These findings highlight cytochrome c adaptations for cold stability in Camelus ferus and thermal resilience in Camelus dromedarius, showing evolutionary strategies for harsh conditions.

(1) Background: This study investigates the experiences of prisoners with serious mental disorders who participated in a two-month dog-assisted therapy program within a Spanish prison. The aim was to understand the emotional and psychosocial impacts of the program on this population. (2) Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used with purposeful sampling of sixteen prisoners (mean age 43.4) who completed the program. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes. (3) Results: Participants reported a positive emotional impact, highlighting the significance of bonding, love, and reciprocal affection with the therapy dog. They emphasized the dog's unconditional nature as a source of comfort and connection. The importance of supportive relationships with the therapists who guided the sessions was also noted. Additionally, participants reflected on their motivations for joining the program and described progressive emotional changes over the course of their participation. (4) Conclusions: Dog-assisted therapy shows potential as a psychosocial intervention to enhance the prison experience for individuals with serious mental disorders. By fostering emotional well-being and positive connections, it may contribute to improved rehabilitation outcomes and better quality of life for this population.

This study investigates Brucella ceti infection in marine mammals stranded along the Lisbon and Tagus Valley coast between 2022 and mid-2024, marking the first report of Brucella presence in Portuguese waters. Out of 59 examined marine mammals, B. ceti was isolated in three common dolphins (5.1%), a prevalence rate consistent with previous studies from other coastlines. PCR-based detection indicated a higher infection rate (23.7%), suggesting an underestimation of the prevalence of B. ceti infection in this population. Multi-locus Sequence Typing (MLST) and Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis (MLVA) revealed distinct genetic profiles and close relationships to B. ceti strains from the Atlantic, supporting the hypothesis of specific host-adapted lineages in dolphins. Virulence genes, including those for host interaction (bspE, btpB) and intracellular survival (virB7, vceA), were consistent across isolates, highlighting the pathogenic potential. Additionally, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, such as mprF and efflux proteins (bepC-G), were also identified. These findings underscore the need for further research and surveillance to understand B. ceti transmission, host range, and impacts on Atlantic cetaceans, as well as to develop effective diagnostic and management strategies to mitigate infection risks in marine environments.

Ensuring animal health and well-being requires animal-based measures for early and direct intervention at the point of care. Insight into the pathophysiology of Swine Inflammation and Necrosis Syndrome (SINS) has led to a non-invasive, clinical scoring system that can be used in daily practice. This provides information on the cause of observed lesions for direct intervention in affected herds. The aim of the current study was to re-evaluate the practicality of the SINS scoring system under field conditions. In addition, this is the first study to provide insight into the prevalence of SINS on Dutch farms. This study involved the scoring of 5958 piglets from 20 visits on 13 farms randomly selected by a veterinary practice in the Netherlands. The results showed that up to 64.1% of the piglets had visible inflammatory alterations in different body parts within the first seven days of life. Sow rectal temperature, signs of coprostasis and water intake during pregnancy were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) correlated with the prevalence of SINS in piglets. In conclusion, the SINS scoring system is an easy-to-use, non-invasive diagnostic tool that summarises animal-based observations at the point of care, providing a valuable communication tool between farmers, nutritionists and veterinarians in their efforts to improve animal health and welfare.

A 3-year-old, 10.2 kg, spayed, female mixed-breed dog was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus. The patient was administered intravenous methylprednisolone at a dose of 2 mg/kg twice daily. Over the next 24 h, the dog's heart rate dropped to 42-48 bpm, while other vital signs remained stable. A 12-lead electrocardiogram revealed sinus bradycardia without any other arrhythmia. Notably, the dog was not receiving any beta-blockers or undergoing other therapies commonly associated with sinus bradycardia. After tapering the corticosteroid dose, no further episodes of bradycardia were observed. Herein, we report the first case of sinus bradycardia in a dog following intravenous methylprednisolone therapy to improve veterinarians' understanding of corticosteroid-induced cardiac arrhythmias.