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Volume 14
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Animals, Volume 14, Issue 13 (July-1 2024) – 172 articles

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11 pages, 452 KiB  
Article
Effect of Heat Stress on Subsequent Estrous Cycles Induced by PGF2α in Cross-Bred Holstein Dairy Cows
by Passawat Thammahakin, Adisorn Yawongsa and Theera Rukkwamsuk
Animals 2024, 14(13), 2009; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14132009 (registering DOI) - 8 Jul 2024
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effect of heat stress (HS) on reproductive parameters (calving to first service (CTFS) and the first-service conception rate (FSCR)) and general physiological responses (rectal temperature (RT) and respiratory rate (RR)) in tropical cross-bred Holstein dairy cows raised [...] Read more.
This study aimed to determine the effect of heat stress (HS) on reproductive parameters (calving to first service (CTFS) and the first-service conception rate (FSCR)) and general physiological responses (rectal temperature (RT) and respiratory rate (RR)) in tropical cross-bred Holstein dairy cows raised in Ratchaburi province, Thailand. HS was determined using the temperature–humidity index (THI), calculated from temperature and humidity inside the barns, and was classified as moderate HS (THI: 80.67 ± 0.79) and mild HS (THI: 77.81 ± 1.09) in this study. Cows with detected corpus luteum were defined as cyclic cows and were injected with PGF2α at the beginning of the experimental period. Reproductive and physiological parameters were recorded. Cows showed significantly lower RT and RR in the mild HS group (38.47 ± 0.21 °C and 41.04 ± 4.55 bpm, respectively) than in the moderate HS group (38.87 ± 0.15 °C and 51.17 ± 10.52 bpm). The percentage of cows that ovulated after being induced by PGF2α and showed estrus signs was higher in the mild than the moderate HS groups (54.55% vs. 18.18%). Furthermore, the FSCR of cows under mild HS tended to be higher than that in the moderate HS group (42.11% and 15%, respectively) (p = 0.06), while the average CTFS interval was significantly shorter under mild HS than moderate HS (69.47 ± 18.18 and 84.60 ± 27.68 days, respectively). These results indicate that moderate HS impairs reproductive performance in crossbred Holstein cows, compared to mild HS conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Reproduction)
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2 pages, 175 KiB  
Correction
Correction: Otgontamir et al. Assessing Changes in the Distribution Patterns of the European Wildcat in Hungary. Animals 2024, 14, 785
by Chimed Otgontamir, Ádám Fehér, Gergely Schally, Miklós Heltai, László Szabó, Róbert Lehoczki, Davaa Lkhagvasuren and Zsolt Biró
Animals 2024, 14(13), 2008; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14132008 (registering DOI) - 8 Jul 2024
Abstract
In the original publication [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mammals)
12 pages, 1066 KiB  
Article
Population Morphometry of Conger myriaster (Anguilliformes: Congridae) along the Coast of China: Implications for Population Structure and Fishery Management
by Peiyi Xiao and Tianyan Yang
Animals 2024, 14(13), 2007; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14132007 (registering DOI) - 7 Jul 2024
Viewed by 120
Abstract
In this study, the traditional morphometry method was applied to analyze the standardized measurements together with the meristic counts so as to provide supplementary information for fishery biology, population assessment, and fishery resources protection of C. myriaster. The results of one-way analysis [...] Read more.
In this study, the traditional morphometry method was applied to analyze the standardized measurements together with the meristic counts so as to provide supplementary information for fishery biology, population assessment, and fishery resources protection of C. myriaster. The results of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the greatest divergence was observed between the Dalian and Qingdao populations, whereas the smallest difference was found between the Lianyungang and Zhoushan populations. Statistical difference in tail length (TAL) was detected between all populations. The morphological traits with high C.D values were mostly related to body weight (BW), confirming greater potential variations of these weight-related traits. Principal component analysis (PCA) extracted 7 principal components (PCs) with eigenvalues greater than 1, and the cumulative contribution rate was 72.790%. The results of cluster analysis, together with the PCA and DFA, supported separating the populations into three groups linked with their geographic distribution and their specific environment localization. Considering the particularity of the natural environment of the Bohai Sea and the sophisticated oceanic circulations of the Shandong Peninsula, the relationships of C. myriaster populations in the northwest Pacific Ocean along the China coast were closely related to their geographical distributions and oceanic circulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Morphological and Physiological Research on Fish)
16 pages, 11098 KiB  
Article
Screening of Reference Genes for Quantitative Real-Time PCR Analysis in Tissues and during Testis Development, and Application to Analyze the Expression of kifc1 in Hemibarbus labeo (Teleostei, Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae)
by Xinming Gao, Siqi Liu, Yaoping Lv, Qingmin Dai, Ling Zhu, Zehui Hu, Junkai Lu, Haidong Zhou and Jing Jin
Animals 2024, 14(13), 2006; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14132006 (registering DOI) - 7 Jul 2024
Viewed by 140
Abstract
The selection of proper reference genes is vital for ensuring precise quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assays. This study evaluates the stability of the expression of nine candidate reference genes in different tissues and during testicular development in H. labeo. The results show [...] Read more.
The selection of proper reference genes is vital for ensuring precise quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assays. This study evaluates the stability of the expression of nine candidate reference genes in different tissues and during testicular development in H. labeo. The results show that eef1a is recommended as a reference gene for qPCR analysis in tissues and during testicular development. Furthermore, we evaluated the optimal number of reference genes needed when calculating gene expression levels using the geomean method, revealing that two reference genes are sufficient. Specifically, eef1a and rps27 are recommended for analysis of gene expression in tissues, whereas eef1a and actb are advised for evaluating gene expression during testicular development. In addition, we examined the expression pattern of kifc1, a kinesin involved in the reshaping of spermatids. We detected peak expression levels of kifc1 in testes, with its expression initially increasing before decreasing throughout testicular development. The highest expression of kifc1 was observed in stage IV testes, the active period of spermiogenesis, suggesting a possible role for kifc1 in the regulation of the reshaping of spermatids and hence testicular development. This study represents the first investigation of reference genes for H. labeo, providing a foundation for studying gene expression patterns and investigating gene expression regulation during testicular development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Physiology)
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15 pages, 8651 KiB  
Article
Molecular and Serological Surveillance for Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis in Wild Red Squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) from Scotland and Northern England
by Zijie Zhou, Anouk van Hooij, Gaby N. Wassenaar, Emma Seed, Els M. Verhard-Seymonsbergen, Paul L. A. M. Corstjens, Anna L. Meredith, Liam A. Wilson, Elspeth M. Milne, Katie M. Beckmann and Annemieke Geluk
Animals 2024, 14(13), 2005; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14132005 (registering DOI) - 7 Jul 2024
Viewed by 216
Abstract
Leprosy is a poverty-associated infectious disease in humans caused by Mycobacterium leprae or M. lepromatosis, often resulting in skin and peripheral nerve damage, which remains a significant public health concern in isolated areas of low- and middle-income countries. Previous studies reported leprosy [...] Read more.
Leprosy is a poverty-associated infectious disease in humans caused by Mycobacterium leprae or M. lepromatosis, often resulting in skin and peripheral nerve damage, which remains a significant public health concern in isolated areas of low- and middle-income countries. Previous studies reported leprosy in red squirrels in the British Isles, despite the fact that autochthonous human cases have been absent for centuries in this region. To investigate the extent of M. leprae and M. lepromatosis presence in wild red squirrels in the northern UK, we analyzed 220 blood/body cavity fluid samples from opportunistically sampled red squirrels (2004–2023) for specific antibodies against phenolic glycolipid-I, a cell wall component specific for these leprosy bacilli. Additionally, we assessed bacillus-derived DNA by real-time PCR (qPCR) in 250 pinnae from the same cohort. M. lepromatosis and M. leprae DNA were detected by qPCR in 20.4% and 0.8% of the squirrels, respectively. No cases of co-detection were observed. Detectable levels of anti-PGL-I antibodies by UCP-LFA were observed in 52.9% of animals with the presence of M. lepromatosis determined by qPCR, and overall in 15.5% of all animals. In total, 22.6% (n = 296) of this UK cohort had at least some exposure to leprosy bacilli. Our study shows that leprosy bacilli persist in red squirrels in the northern UK, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing molecular and serological monitoring to study leprosy ecology in red squirrels, gain insight into potential zoonotic transmission, and to determine whether the disease has a conservation impact on this endangered species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Infectious Diseases of Wildlife: A Threat for Biodiversity and Global Health)
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4 pages, 358 KiB  
Editorial
Evolution, Diversity, and Conservation of Herpetofauna
by Wei Zhu, Bin Wang and Jianping Jiang
Animals 2024, 14(13), 2004; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14132004 (registering DOI) - 7 Jul 2024
Viewed by 137
Abstract
Amphibians and reptiles play a critical role in the evolution of Tetrapoda, showcasing significant diversity in terms of their genetics, species, morphology, life history traits, and evolutionary functions [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolution, Diversity, and Conservation of Herpetofauna)
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11 pages, 492 KiB  
Article
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 (registering DOI) - 7 Jul 2024
Viewed by 168
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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10 pages, 1211 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Male Biostimulation on Cloacal Anatomy and Egg-Laying Behavior in Young Female Muscovy Ducks (Cairina moschata forma domestica)
by Martin Linde, Axel Wehrend and Abbas Farshad
Animals 2024, 14(13), 2002; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14132002 (registering DOI) - 7 Jul 2024
Viewed by 158
Abstract
The importance of Muscovy ducks in industrial poultry production is growing; however, little is known about the physiology of their reproductive cycles. This study investigated the influence of male biostimulation on female ducks before the commencement of the laying phase. A total of [...] Read more.
The importance of Muscovy ducks in industrial poultry production is growing; however, little is known about the physiology of their reproductive cycles. This study investigated the influence of male biostimulation on female ducks before the commencement of the laying phase. A total of 30 muscovy ducks, hatched in the same year at 289–341 days of age, were divided into two groups of 15 birds each and kept with and without contact with a male duck until the day of first egg-laying—319 ± 14 and 335 ± 13, respectively. Before reaching egg-laying maturity, the cloacae of 29 adult ducks were subjected to daily clinical assessments. The evaluations yielded four unique categories of outcomes, determined by assessing factors such as the degree of redness and protrusion of the mucous membrane, the moisture level, and swelling of the cloacal sphincter muscle. The results of this study on biostimulation revealed that, on average, female ducks that had contact with males laid their first egg 16 days earlier, weighing 78.7 ± 3.0 g, compared to the isolated female ducks, weighing 79.1 ± 7.0 g. Furthermore, there was no significant difference observed in the mean initial egg weight between the groups (p = 0.841). The cloacal morphology indicated significant morphological changes 25–26 days before laying. Efforts to improve Muscovy production and develop biotechnological techniques to modify these ducks’ reproductive cycle will benefit from these advancements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Poultry)
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18 pages, 3767 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Ammonia Concentrations and Climatic Conditions in Calf Housing Using Stationary and Mobile Sensors
by Julia Moser, Samuel Kohler, Jérémy Hentgen, Mireille Meylan and Gertraud Schüpbach-Regula
Animals 2024, 14(13), 2001; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14132001 (registering DOI) - 7 Jul 2024
Viewed by 200
Abstract
In calf fattening, housing climate conditions are essential for optimal performance and welfare. Validated methods to measure the long-term housing climate are lacking. The present study investigated climate parameters for 14 weeks in Swiss calf fattening housing with two different ammonia (NH3 [...] Read more.
In calf fattening, housing climate conditions are essential for optimal performance and welfare. Validated methods to measure the long-term housing climate are lacking. The present study investigated climate parameters for 14 weeks in Swiss calf fattening housing with two different ammonia (NH3) sensors: six stationary sensors (Dräger Polytron 8100) were installed at animal level and four mobile sensors (Dräger x-AM 5100) were attached to the calves’ heads. Temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations were recorded by two stationary data loggers (testo 160 IAQ). Data were analyzed descriptively, and 4 h mean values of maximum NH3 concentrations of mobile and stationary sensors were compared using the Wilcoxon test for paired data. The 4 h mean values of temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 concentrations and the 4 h mean values of maximum NH3 concentrations of stationary and mobile sensors were analyzed by ANOVA in two linear models. The overall 4 h mean of maximum NH3 concentrations ranged between 5.9–9.4 ppm for measurements of stationary sensors and between 11.3–14.7 ppm for measurements of mobile sensors. The NH3 concentrations measured by mobile sensors showed significantly higher peak values and more fluctuations. Additionally, an interaction effect was observed between the NH3 concentrations measured by either sensor and CO2 concentrations (p < 0.01 (mobile sensors); p < 0.0001 (stationary sensors), temperature values (p < 0.0001 (both sensors)), and relative humidity (p < 0.0001 (both sensors)). The measurements of the implemented method showed that corresponding housing climate parameters fluctuated strongly, and NH3 reached high peak values. Validated measurement methods might allow for a detailed assessment of the housing climate in practice, and for further research on suitable management methods for housing climate optimization in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)
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15 pages, 1124 KiB  
Article
Proteomic Identification and Quantification of Basal Endogenous Proteins in the Ileal Digesta of Growing Pigs
by Iris Elisa Ávila-Arres, Elba Rodríguez Hernández, Sergio Gómez Rosales, Tércia Cesária Reis de Souza and Gerardo Mariscal-Landín
Animals 2024, 14(13), 2000; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14132000 (registering DOI) - 7 Jul 2024
Viewed by 217
Abstract
The accurate estimation of basal endogenous losses (BEL) of amino acids at the ileum is indispensable to improve nutrient utilization efficiency. This study used a quantitative proteomic approach to identify variations in BEL in the ileal digesta of growing pigs fed a nitrogen-free [...] Read more.
The accurate estimation of basal endogenous losses (BEL) of amino acids at the ileum is indispensable to improve nutrient utilization efficiency. This study used a quantitative proteomic approach to identify variations in BEL in the ileal digesta of growing pigs fed a nitrogen-free diet (NFD) or a casein diet (CAS). Eight barrow pigs (39.8 ± 6.3 kg initial body weight (BW)) were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 crossover design. A total of 348 proteins were identified and quantified in both treatments, of which 101 showed a significant differential abundance between the treatments (p < 0.05). Functional and pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the endogenous proteins were associated with intestinal metabolic function. Furthermore, differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) in the digesta of pigs fed the NFD enriched terms and pathways that suggest intestinal inflammation, the activation of innate antimicrobial host defense, an increase in cellular autophagy and epithelial turnover, and reduced synthesis of pancreatic and intestinal secretions. These findings suggest that casein diets may provide a more accurate estimation of BEL because they promote normal gastrointestinal secretions. Overall, proteomic and bioinformatic analyses provided valuable insights into the composition of endogenous proteins in the ileal digesta and their relationship with the functions, processes, and pathways modified by diet composition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Precision Feeding and Management of Farm Animals, 2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 1445 KiB  
Article
Are Users Good Assessors of Social Dominance in Domestic Horses?
by Ewa Jastrzębska, Marta Siemieniuch, Adriana Bizio, Julia Pietruszka and Aleksandra Górecka-Bruzda
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1999; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131999 (registering DOI) - 7 Jul 2024
Viewed by 166
Abstract
Horse users and caretakers must be aware of the risks of mixing social groups. The current study investigated whether eight equine practitioners can assess the social dominance rank of 20 horses. The horses’ feeding time and agonistic/aggressive and submissive behaviours were observed during [...] Read more.
Horse users and caretakers must be aware of the risks of mixing social groups. The current study investigated whether eight equine practitioners can assess the social dominance rank of 20 horses. The horses’ feeding time and agonistic/aggressive and submissive behaviours were observed during the feed confrontation test, and the dominance index (DI) was calculated. Kendal’s W, Spearman correlations and factor analysis were applied to test the raters’ agreement, the relationship between dominance ranks and the behavioural variables, and to determine the clustered behaviours. The agreement between all raters in the classification of dominance order ranged from moderate to perfect. The ranking by every rater was strongly and negatively correlated with the time of eating in feed confrontation tests and with the DI, evidencing shorter feeding times for more submissive horses. The withdrawal of the horse when threatened was the behavioural variable that was most often correlated with raters’ ranking. The current study confirmed the abilities of practitioners to categorise the horses under their care according to their social interactions. Additionally, rolling when denied access to feed was proposed as frustration-releasing (redirected) behaviour. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Welfare)
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15 pages, 2828 KiB  
Article
Transcriptional Signatures of Domestication Revealed through Meta-Analysis of Pig, Chicken, Wild Boar, and Red Junglefowl Gene Expression Data
by Motoki Uno and Hidemasa Bono
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1998; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131998 (registering DOI) - 6 Jul 2024
Viewed by 271
Abstract
Domesticated animals have undergone significant changes in their behavior, morphology, and physiological functions during domestication. To identify the changes in gene expression associated with domestication, we collected the RNA-seq data of pigs, chickens, wild boars, and red junglefowl from public databases and performed [...] Read more.
Domesticated animals have undergone significant changes in their behavior, morphology, and physiological functions during domestication. To identify the changes in gene expression associated with domestication, we collected the RNA-seq data of pigs, chickens, wild boars, and red junglefowl from public databases and performed a meta-analysis. Gene expression was quantified, and the expression ratio between domesticated animals and their wild ancestors (DW-ratio) was calculated. Genes were classified as “upregulated”, “downregulated”, or “unchanged” based on their DW-ratio, and the DW-score was calculated for each gene. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that genes upregulated in pigs were related to defense from viral infection, whereas those upregulated in chickens were associated with aminoglycan and carbohydrate derivative catabolic processes. Genes commonly upregulated in pigs and chickens are involved in the immune response, olfactory learning, epigenetic regulation, cell division, and extracellular matrix. In contrast, genes upregulated in wild boar and red junglefowl are related to stress response, cell proliferation, cardiovascular function, neural regulation, and energy metabolism. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of the domestication process and highlight potential candidate genes for breeding applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biotechnology and Bioinformatics in Livestock)
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15 pages, 763 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Butorphanol, Methadone, and Pethidine in Combination with Alfaxalone for Premedication in Isoflurane-Anesthetized Cats Undergoing Ovariectomy
by Giulia Moretti, Irene Mattiuzzi, Lisa Garofanini, Eleonora Monti, Benedetta Serni, Antonello Bufalari and Sara Nannarone
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1997; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131997 (registering DOI) - 6 Jul 2024
Viewed by 193
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare three different anesthetic protocols administered intramuscularly (IM) in cats undergoing elective ovariectomy, while evaluating the quality of sedation, antinociceptive, isoflurane-sparing effect, and analgesia in the intra-operative and post-operative phases. A total of 71 female cats [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to compare three different anesthetic protocols administered intramuscularly (IM) in cats undergoing elective ovariectomy, while evaluating the quality of sedation, antinociceptive, isoflurane-sparing effect, and analgesia in the intra-operative and post-operative phases. A total of 71 female cats were sedated IM with alfaxalone (3 mg/kg) combined with either butorphanol (0.3 mg/kg), methadone (0.3 mg/kg), or pethidine (5 mg/kg). During surgery, vital parameters were constantly monitored; at the end of the procedure, the quality of recovery was assessed through a specific form and each cat was scored for perceived pain using the UNESP-Botucatu scale for 5 days, and rescue analgesia was provided with buprenorphine IM when indicated. Moreover, differences between two different post-operative resting regimens (hospital kennels vs. home) were also assessed. A significant difference emerged for the amount of IM dexmedetomidine required to achieve an adequate level of sedation for intravenous catheterization, highlighting a greater need in the pethidine group (p = 0.021). There was no significant difference between opioid groups for the requirement of intra-operative rescue analgesia, and the clinical parameters were kept within physiological ranges regardless of the opioid used in premedication. Lastly, differences between the UNESP-Botucatu scores were detected from day 3 to day 5 post-operatively, with lower scores in cats with home resting regimens compared to the hospitalized animals, likely due to the presence of an unfamiliar condition and the absence of a cat-friendly environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Animals Anesthesia, Analgesia and Pain Management during Gonadectomy)
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12 pages, 1740 KiB  
Article
Using Thermal Signature to Evaluate Heat Stress Levels in Laying Hens with a Machine-Learning-Based Classifier
by Isaac Lembi Solis, Fernanda Paes de Oliveira-Boreli, Rafael Vieira de Sousa, Luciane Silva Martello and Danilo Florentino Pereira
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1996; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131996 (registering DOI) - 6 Jul 2024
Viewed by 200
Abstract
Infrared thermography has been investigated in recent studies to monitor body surface temperature and correlate it with animal welfare and performance factors. In this context, this study proposes the use of the thermal signature method as a feature extractor from the temperature matrix [...] Read more.
Infrared thermography has been investigated in recent studies to monitor body surface temperature and correlate it with animal welfare and performance factors. In this context, this study proposes the use of the thermal signature method as a feature extractor from the temperature matrix obtained from regions of the body surface of laying hens (face, eye, wattle, comb, leg, and foot) to enable the construction of a computational model for heat stress level classification. In an experiment conducted in climate-controlled chambers, 192 laying hens, 34 weeks old, from two different strains (Dekalb White and Dekalb Brown) were divided into groups and housed under conditions of heat stress (35 °C and 60% humidity) and thermal comfort (26 °C and 60% humidity). Weekly, individual thermal images of the hens were collected using a thermographic camera, along with their respective rectal temperatures. Surface temperatures of the six featherless image areas of the hens’ bodies were cut out. Rectal temperature was used to label each infrared thermography data as “Danger” or “Normal”, and five different classifier models (Random Forest, Random Tree, Multilayer Perceptron, K-Nearest Neighbors, and Logistic Regression) for rectal temperature class were generated using the respective thermal signatures. No differences between the strains were observed in the thermal signature of surface temperature and rectal temperature. It was evidenced that the rectal temperature and the thermal signature express heat stress and comfort conditions. The Random Forest model for the face area of the laying hen achieved the highest performance (89.0%). For the wattle area, a Random Forest model also demonstrated high performance (88.3%), indicating the significance of this area in strains where it is more developed. These findings validate the method of extracting characteristics from infrared thermography. When combined with machine learning, this method has proven promising for generating classifier models of thermal stress levels in laying hen production environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Poultry Housing in 21st Century: Improving Production, Health and Welfare)
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18 pages, 1961 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Subclinical Ketosis on the Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Inflammatory Response and Its Crosstalk with Depot-Specific Preadipocyte Function in Dairy Cows
by Hunter R. Ford, Ty M. Mitchell, Tanner Scull, Oscar J. Benitez and Clarissa Strieder-Barboza
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1995; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131995 (registering DOI) - 6 Jul 2024
Viewed by 189
Abstract
During the periparturient period, cows undergo heightened energy demands at lactation onset, paired with reduced dry matter intake, leading to negative energy balance (NEB). Excessive lipolysis-driven adipose tissue remodeling, triggered by NEB, significantly contributes to ketosis in periparturient dairy cows. However, the role [...] Read more.
During the periparturient period, cows undergo heightened energy demands at lactation onset, paired with reduced dry matter intake, leading to negative energy balance (NEB). Excessive lipolysis-driven adipose tissue remodeling, triggered by NEB, significantly contributes to ketosis in periparturient dairy cows. However, the role of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the pathogenesis of ketosis and in modulating adipose tissue function remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated how ketosis affects the transcriptional profile and secretome of PBMCs and its influence on preadipocyte function in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). Twenty-one postpartum Holstein dairy cows were categorized as either subclinical ketosis (SCK; BHB ≥ 1.0 mM) or control (CON; BHB < 0.8 mM) based on blood beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration screening. Blood samples were collected intravenously for the isolation of PBMCs and serum metabolic profiling. Ketosis elevated circulating NEFA and BHB levels but reduced total WBC and neutrophil counts. Isolated PBMCs were evaluated for gene expression and used to produce conditioned media (PBMC-CM), during which PBMCs were stimulated with 10 ng/mL LPS. The overall phenotype of PBMCs was largely consistent between SCK and CON cows, with minimal differences detected in immunomodulatory cytokine expression and PBMC-CM composition following stimulation. Preadipocytes isolated from non-ketotic cows were treated with PBMC-CM to assess the effect of PBMC secretomes on adipose cell function. Preadipocytes treated with SCK PBMC-CM showed reduced lipid accumulation compared to those treated with CON PBMC-CM regardless of the depot. SAT preadipocytes had heightened expression of lipid metabolism-related genes, including DGAT1, LIPE, and FASN, compared to VAT when treated with SCK PBMC-CM. Preadipocytes treated with CM from PBMC stimulated by LPS exhibited upregulation in IL1B and IL6 regardless of the depot or source of PBMCs. Together, these results indicate that although PBMC profiles showed minimal differences, preadipocytes treated with PBMC-CM may be influenced by additional factors, leading to altered preadipocyte function and gene expression that may contribute to adipose cellular dysfunction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modulating Immunometabolism in Transition Dairy Cows)
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12 pages, 2732 KiB  
Article
Relationship between Indel Variants within the JAK2 Gene and Growth Traits in Goats
by Xian-Feng Wu, Qian Xu, Ao Wang, Ben-Zhi Wang, Xian-Yong Lan, Wen-Yang Li and Yuan Liu
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1994; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131994 (registering DOI) - 6 Jul 2024
Viewed by 170
Abstract
Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) plays a critical role in myoblast proliferation and fat deposition in animals. Our previous RNA-Seq analyses identified a close association between the JAK2 gene and muscle development. To date, research delving into the relationship between the JAK2 [...] Read more.
Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) plays a critical role in myoblast proliferation and fat deposition in animals. Our previous RNA-Seq analyses identified a close association between the JAK2 gene and muscle development. To date, research delving into the relationship between the JAK2 gene and growth traits has been sparse. In this study, we sought to investigate the relationship between novel mutations within the JAK2 gene and goat growth traits. Herein, two novel InDel (Insertion/Deletion) polymorphisms within the JAK2 gene were detected in 548 goats, and only two genotypes were designated as ID (Insertion/Deletion) and DD (Deletion/Deletion). The results indicate that the two InDels, the del19008 locus in intron 2 and del72416 InDel in intron 6, showed significant associations with growth traits (p < 0.05). Compared to Nubian and Jianzhou Daer goats, the del72416 locus displayed a more pronounced effect in the Fuqing breed group. In the Nubian breed (NB) group, both InDels showed a marked influence on body height (BH). There were strong linkages observed for these two InDels between the Fuqing (FQ) and Jianzhou (JZ) populations. The DD-ID diplotype was associated with inferior growth traits in chest width (ChW) and cannon circumference (CaC) in the FQ goats compared to the other diplotypes. In the NB population, the DD-DD diplotype exhibited a marked negative impact on BH and HuWI (hucklebone width index), in contrast to the other diplotypes. In summary, our findings suggest that the two InDel polymorphisms within the JAK2 gene could serve as valuable molecular markers for enhancing goat growth traits in breeding programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Analysis of Important Traits in Domestic Animals)
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11 pages, 2269 KiB  
Article
First Feeding of Cuttlefish Hatchlings: Pioneering Attempts in Captive Breeding
by Francesca Maradonna, Andrea Pessina, Ghasem Ashouri, Emilio Notti, Giulia Chemello, Giulia Russo, Giorgia Gioacchini and Oliana Carnevali
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1993; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131993 (registering DOI) - 6 Jul 2024
Viewed by 238
Abstract
In the last few decades, the cuttlefish market has grown to approximately 14% of the world’s fisheries, and operators have begun to express concerns about the decline of this resource. In this context, the production of cuttlefish through aquaculture could offer a diversifying [...] Read more.
In the last few decades, the cuttlefish market has grown to approximately 14% of the world’s fisheries, and operators have begun to express concerns about the decline of this resource. In this context, the production of cuttlefish through aquaculture could offer a diversifying and valuable response to the increasing market demand and help alleviate the environmental pressure on this species. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify a dry, cost-effective, and easy-to-administer diet that can successfully support the initial phases of cuttlefish growth and provide a similar performance to a krill-based diet, which closely mimics their natural diet. To achieve this objective, cuttlefish hatchlings were distributed among different experimental tanks, each receiving one of the five different diets (namely Diets A to E). Mortality and morphological parameters were monitored until day 10 post hatching, and the two most effective diets (Diets A and B) were chosen for further trials. The results indicated that Diet B had similar survival and growth rates to Diet A, which was based on frozen krill. Histological analysis revealed a comparable degree of gut maturity between the organisms fed the two diets. Likewise, levels of amylase and trypsin enzymes and hsp70, cat, and sod mRNA did not exhibit significant differences between the two groups. In conclusion, our findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the possibility of cultivating cuttlefish in captivity using a pelleted diet, representing a promising starting point for larger-scale breeding efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Aquaculture Sustainability and Endangered Aquatic Species Conservation: Advances in Reproduction, New Aquafeed Formulations, Sustainable Farming Systems, Emerging Contaminants, and Waste Treatment and Revalorization)
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8 pages, 367 KiB  
Communication
Lack of Efficacy of Albendazole against Dicrocoelium dendriticum Infection in a Sheep Farm in France
by Julie Petermann, Christelle Grisez, Sophie Lavigne and Philippe Jacquiet
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1992; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131992 - 5 Jul 2024
Viewed by 174
Abstract
Dicrocoeliosis is a common parasitic disease in European sheep farming. The prevalence of infection by this parasite can reach almost 70% in areas where the environment is favorable to intermediate hosts. In France, only one drug is currently available for the treatment of [...] Read more.
Dicrocoeliosis is a common parasitic disease in European sheep farming. The prevalence of infection by this parasite can reach almost 70% in areas where the environment is favorable to intermediate hosts. In France, only one drug is currently available for the treatment of dicrocoeliosis: albendazole at a dose of 15 mg/kg in a single administration. However, a control coproscopy following a routine treatment led us to suspect that the efficacy of albendazole against Dicrocoelium dendriticum had diminished. Therefore, we carried out an efficacy test on 15 animals by treating them with albendazole at a dose of 15 mg/kg and performing a coproscopy on D0 and a control coproscopy 14 days later. We obtained a 39% reduction in the excretion of D. dendriticum eggs. This shows a reduction in the expected efficacy of albendazole, which is normally more than 90% in other studies involving this molecule at a dosage of 15 mg/kg. These results are of major concern as albendazole is currently the only drug available in France to treat dicrocoeliosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of Fasciolosis and Gastrointestinal Helminthiasis of Ruminants and Equids)
14 pages, 870 KiB  
Article
Effects of Steviol Glycosides on Growth Performance, Ruminal Fermentation and Microbial Diversity of Hu Sheep
by Jianeng Zhang, Xiongxiong Li, Yuzhu Sha, Zhengwen Wang, Shuai Qi, Xia Zhang, Shengguo Zhao and Ting Jiao
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1991; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131991 - 5 Jul 2024
Viewed by 212
Abstract
The experiment was conducted to investigate the potential effects of steviol glycosides on growth performance, rumen fermentation processes, and microbial diversity in Hu sheep. A single-factor design was used for the trial. Twenty healthy weaned Hu lambs, possessing comparable body weights averaging 18.31 [...] Read more.
The experiment was conducted to investigate the potential effects of steviol glycosides on growth performance, rumen fermentation processes, and microbial diversity in Hu sheep. A single-factor design was used for the trial. Twenty healthy weaned Hu lambs, possessing comparable body weights averaging 18.31 ± 1.24 kg, were randomly allocated into two distinct groups: the control group (CON) and the experimental group (STE), with each comprising 10 lambs. The CON was fed the basal diet, and the STE was supplemented with 0.07% steviol glycosides based on the basal diet. During the experimental period, variations in body weight and feed intake were closely monitored and recorded. After feeding for 90 d, blood was collected to determine blood biochemical indices, and rumen fluid samples were gathered for an in-depth analysis of rumen fermentation parameters and microbial diversity. The outcomes revealed no statistically significant differences in growth performance or serum biochemical indices between the two groups (p > 0.05). Rumen pH in STE and CON was within the normal range. The rumen ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and acetic acid (AA) content of STE decreased significantly compared with CON (p < 0.05). No significant variations were observed in the levels of other volatile fatty acids (VFAs) between the two groups (p > 0.05). The rumen microbial OTUs count, as well as the Shannon, Simpson, Chao1, and Ace indices, were notably lower in the STE group compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). Additionally, at the phylum level, the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria collectively accounted for over 97% of the total phylum composition. In comparison to the CON group, the STE group exhibited an increase in the relative abundance of Proteobacteria (p < 0.05), accompanied by a significant reduction in the relative abundance of Patescibacteria and Desulfobacteria (p < 0.05). At the genus level, there was a notable increase in the relative abundance of Prevotella_7 and Succinivibrionaceae_UCG_001 in the STE group, whereas the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group significantly decreased (p < 0.05). According to the correlation analysis between rumen microflora and VFAs, the relative abundance of Succinivibrionaceae_UCG_001 displayed a significant negative correlation with AA (p < 0.05), whereas Lactobacillus exhibited a notable positive correlation with isobutyric acid (IBA) (p < 0.05). In summary, steviol glycosides had no significant effect on the production performance and blood biochemical indexes of Hu sheep. Steviol glycosides can improve rumen fermentation parameters and rumen microflora structure of Hu sheep and have a certain effect on rumen microbial diversity and composition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Small Ruminants)
15 pages, 3304 KiB  
Article
Integrated Lipidomics and Transcriptomics Analyses Reveal Key Regulators of Fat Deposition in Different Adipose Tissues of Geese (Anser cygnoides)
by Maodou Xu, Yaoyao Zhang, Yang Zhang, Qi Xu, Yu Zhang and Guohong Chen
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1990; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131990 - 5 Jul 2024
Viewed by 180
Abstract
The fat deposition of different adipose tissues is widely recognized as correlated, with distinct effects on meat quality traits and reproductive performance in poultry. In this study, we utilized lipidomics and transcriptomics analyses to investigate the heterogeneity and regulators of intramuscular fat (IMF), [...] Read more.
The fat deposition of different adipose tissues is widely recognized as correlated, with distinct effects on meat quality traits and reproductive performance in poultry. In this study, we utilized lipidomics and transcriptomics analyses to investigate the heterogeneity and regulators of intramuscular fat (IMF), abdominal fat (AF), and subcutaneous fat (SF) in geese. Lipidomic profiling revealed 165, 129, and 77 differential lipid molecules (DLMs) between AF vs. IMF, SF vs. IMF, and SF vs. AF, respectively, with 47 common DLMs identified between AF vs. IMF and SF vs. IMF. Transcriptomic analysis identified 3369, 5758, and 131 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between AF vs. IMF, SF vs. IMF, and SF vs. AF, respectively, with 2510 common DEGs identified between AF vs. IMF and SF vs. IMF. The KEGG results indicate that DLMs were predominantly enriched in glycerophospholipid and glycerolipid metabolism pathways, while DEGs were primarily enriched in metabolic pathways. Pearson correlation analysis identified FABP4, LPL, PLCB1, DSE, and PDE5A as potential factors influencing fat deposition. This study elucidates the heterogeneity and regulatory factors of different adipose tissues in geese, offering new insights for targeted improvements in goose meat quality and production efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Physiology)
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19 pages, 10970 KiB  
Article
Pig-Derived Probiotic Bacillus tequilensis YB-2 Alleviates Intestinal Inflammation and Intestinal Barrier Damage in Colitis Mice by Suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
by Heng Yin, Chengbi Wang, Yi Shuai, Zhuoya Xie and Jingbo Liu
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1989; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131989 - 5 Jul 2024
Viewed by 225
Abstract
The search for new probiotics has been regarded as an important approach to improving intestinal health in animals. Bacillus has many advantages, such as strong resistance to harmful external factors, wide distribution, and easy colonization of the intestine. Hence, this study aims to [...] Read more.
The search for new probiotics has been regarded as an important approach to improving intestinal health in animals. Bacillus has many advantages, such as strong resistance to harmful external factors, wide distribution, and easy colonization of the intestine. Hence, this study aims to screen for a probiotic Bacillus strain that improves animal intestinal health and to elucidate its probiotic mechanism so as to provide probiotic resources for the development of feed-using probiotic formulations. In this research, a strain of Bacillus was isolated from adult pig feces and named B. tequilensis YB-2. In vitro probiotic experiments showed that B. tequilensis YB-2 had strong acid and bile salt resistance, indicating that this strain can customize in the intestine. To further explore the effect of B. tequilensis YB-2 upon animal intestinal health, DSS-induced murine colitis models were established, and the body weight, colonic morphology, inflammatory cytokines level, and intestinal-barrier- and TLR4/NF-κB-pathway-related protein were determined. The results showed that mice receiving drinking water with 3% DSS were found to develop colitis symptoms, including body weight loss and increased disease activity index (DAI); colon length and microvilli shedding were shortened; tight junctions were disrupted; goblet cells decreased; anti-inflammatory cytokines were inhibited; and pro-inflammatory cytokines and the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway were activated. Notably, orally received B. tequilensis YB-2 alleviated symptoms of DSS-induced colitis in mice. The above results indicated that B. tequilensis YB-2 was capable of improving colitis in mice by weakening inflammation and intestinal barrier damage, and its mechanism may involve the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Overall, this research suggests that B. tequilensis YB-2 has the potential to serve as an animal feed additive to prevent intestinal inflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Application and Mechanism of Probiotics or Postbiotics on Improving Animal Gut Health)
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13 pages, 1219 KiB  
Article
Dietary Supplementation with Rumen-Protected Arginine or N-Carbamylglutamate Enhances Fetal Liver Development in Nutrient-Restricted Pregnant Hu Ewes
by Yuexia Lin, Lingwei Sun, Mengqian He, Jiehuan Xu, Caifeng Wu, Jun Gao and Jianjun Dai
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1988; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131988 - 5 Jul 2024
Viewed by 207
Abstract
This study was conducted in nutrient-restricted pregnant Hu ewes to determine whether rumen-protected arginine (RP-Arg) or N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) supplementation affects fetal liver growth and development. From 35 d to 110 d of gestation, 32 Hu ewes were randomly divided into four groups: a [...] Read more.
This study was conducted in nutrient-restricted pregnant Hu ewes to determine whether rumen-protected arginine (RP-Arg) or N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) supplementation affects fetal liver growth and development. From 35 d to 110 d of gestation, 32 Hu ewes were randomly divided into four groups: a control group (100% of the National Research Council (NRC) requirements), a nutrient-restricted group (50% of the NRC requirements), and two treatment groups (ARG and NCG, 50% of the NRC requirements, supplemented with 20 g/day RP-Arg or 5 g/day NCG, respectively). Fetal body weights, fetal liver growth performance, the capability of antioxidation, and the expression of the mRNA and proteins of apoptosis-related genes in the fetal liver were determined and analyzed at 110 d of gestation. The dry matter, water, fat, protein, and ash components of the fetal livers in the RG group were found to be lower than in the CG group, and these components were significantly higher in the NCG group than in the RG group (p < 0.05). A decrease in DNA, RNA, and protein concentrations and contents, as well as in protein/DNA ratios, was observed in the RG group in comparison to the CG group (p < 0.05). Compared with the RG group, the NCG group had higher concentrations of DNA, RNA, and protein, as well as higher protein/DNA ratios (p < 0.05). The RG group had lower concentrations of cholinesterase, nitric oxide, nitric oxide synthase, superoxide dismutase, alanine aminotransferase, and total protein than the CG group (p < 0.05). The RG group had higher levels of glutathione peroxidase, maleic dialdehyde, and aspartate aminotransferase than the CG group (p < 0.05). In the RG group, the mRNA and protein expression of p53 and Bax was significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared with the CG group, and the gene expression of FasL and Bcl-2, the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax, and the protein expression of Bcl-2 in the RG group were lower (p < 0.05) than in the CG group. It appears that RP-Arg and NCG supplementation during pregnancy could influence fetal liver growth and development. A nutrition-based therapeutic intervention to alleviate reduced fetal growth can be developed based on this study, which has demonstrated that maternal undernutrition during pregnancy induces the maldevelopment of the fetal liver. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Physiology, Feeding Management and Welfare of Ruminants in the Sustainability Era)
14 pages, 491 KiB  
Article
Influence of Fermented Broccoli Residues on Fattening Performance, Nutrient Utilization, and Meat Properties of Finishing Pigs
by Zhiwei Zhao, Jie Wu, Xiaohong Yao, Hong Sun, Yifei Wu, Hanghai Zhou, Xin Wang, Kai Guo, Bo Deng and Jiangwu Tang
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1987; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131987 - 5 Jul 2024
Viewed by 187
Abstract
The study determined the impacts of dietary fermented residues’ (FBR) inclusion on growth, nutrient utilization, carcass characteristics, and meat properties in fattening pigs. Seventy-two robust pigs were randomly assigned to two experimental groups (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, thirty-six pigs each). Each group [...] Read more.
The study determined the impacts of dietary fermented residues’ (FBR) inclusion on growth, nutrient utilization, carcass characteristics, and meat properties in fattening pigs. Seventy-two robust pigs were randomly assigned to two experimental groups (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, thirty-six pigs each). Each group was subjected to a 52-day trial, during which they received either a corn–soybean meal-based diet or diet enhanced with a 10% addition of FBR. Consequently, adding 10% FBR caused a significant decrease in the digestive utilization of crude dietary components in fattening pigs (p < 0.05) but showed no significant impact on the growth performance. Additionally, FBR inclusion increased the marbling scores (p < 0.05) and total antioxidant functions (p < 0.05) of muscle tissues, indicating improved meat quality. Gender affected backfat depth, with barrows showing thicker backfat depth. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 10% FBR in finishing pigs influenced the meat quality by improving the marbling score and antioxidant performance while reducing digestibility without compromising growth performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)
19 pages, 3500 KiB  
Article
Arginine Promoted Ovarian Development in Pacific White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei via the NO-sGC-cGMP and TORC1 Signaling Pathways
by Xin Zhang, Yanan Yin, Haitao Fan, Qicun Zhou and Lefei Jiao
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1986; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131986 - 5 Jul 2024
Viewed by 179
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of arginine (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5% arginine supplementation levels were selected) on the ovarian development of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). The analyzed arginine supplementation levels in each diet were 2.90%, 3.58%, [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of arginine (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5% arginine supplementation levels were selected) on the ovarian development of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). The analyzed arginine supplementation levels in each diet were 2.90%, 3.58%, 4.08%, 4.53%, 5.04%, and 5.55%, respectively. A total of 540 shrimp (an initial weight of approximately 14 g) with good vitality were randomly distributed into six treatments, each of which had three tanks (300 L in volume filled with 200 L of water), with 30 shrimp per duplicate. Shrimp were fed three times a day (6:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 6:00 p.m.). The results showed that after the 12-week raring cycle, shrimp fed with 4.08% and 4.53% Arg achieved better ovary development, which was identified by ovarian stage statistics, ovarian morphology observation, serum hormone levels (methylfarneside (MF); 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT); estradiol (E2); and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)), gene expression (DNA meiotic recombinase 1 (dmc1), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (pcna), drosophila steroid hormone 1 (cyp18a), retinoid X receptor (rxra), and ecdysone receptor (ecr)). Further in-depth analysis showed that 4.08% and 4.53% Arg supplementation increased the concentration of vitellogenin in hepatopancreas and serum (p < 0.05) and upregulated the expression level of hepatopancreatic vg and vgr (p < 0.05), which promoted the synthesis of hepatopancreas exogenous vitellogenin and then transported it into the ovary through the vitellogenin receptor and further promoted ovarian maturation in L. vannamei. Meanwhile, compared with the control group, the expression level of vg in the ovary of the 4.53% Arg group was significantly upregulated (p < 0.05), which indicated endogenous vitellogenin synthesis in ovarian maturation in L. vannamei. Moreover, the expression of genes related to the mechanistic target of the rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway and protein levels was regulated by dietary arginine supplementation levels. Arginine metabolism-related products, including nitric oxide synthase (NOS), nitric oxide (NO), and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), were also affected. RNA interference was applied here to study the molecular regulation mechanism of arginine on ovarian development in L. vannamei. A green fluorescent protein (GFP)-derived double-stranded RNA (dsGFP) is currently commonly used as a control, while TOR-derived dsRNA (dsTOR) and NOS-derived dsRNA (dsNOS) were designed to build the TOR and NOS in vivo knockdown model. The results showed that the mTORC1 and NO-sGC-cGMP pathways were inhibited, while the vitellogenin receptor and vitellogenin gene expression levels were downregulated significantly in the hepatopancreas and ovary. Overall, dietary arginine supplementation could enhance endogenous and exogenous vitellogenin synthesis to promote ovary development in L. vannamei, and the appropriate dosages were 4.08% and 4.53%. The NO-sGC-cGMP and mTORC1 signaling pathways mediated arginine in the regulation of ovary development in L. vannamei. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)
31 pages, 732 KiB  
Review
The Welfare of Dogs as an Aspect of the Human–Dog Bond: A Scoping Review
by Peter Verbeek, Chase Alan Majure, Laura Quattrochi and Stephen James Turner
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1985; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131985 - 5 Jul 2024
Viewed by 229
Abstract
The close bond that can exist between humans and their dogs is an important aspect of the evolutionary, economic, and social connections between the two species. There is a need for a better understanding of the place of the dog within the human–dog [...] Read more.
The close bond that can exist between humans and their dogs is an important aspect of the evolutionary, economic, and social connections between the two species. There is a need for a better understanding of the place of the dog within the human–dog bond and on ways the human–dog bond affects dog welfare. We conducted a scoping review to investigate to what extent and in what ways dog welfare is addressed in the research literature on the human–dog bond. We identified 706 publications on the human–dog bond from across the globe that were published from 2012 to 2023. We found that 246 of these 706 publications had a focus on dog welfare. Our review showed that the interplay of characteristics and backgrounds of owners/handlers and their dogs was linked to dog welfare in multiple, both positive and negative, ways. Our review is limited by the fact that most of the research that we reviewed involved pet dogs and in majority came from Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic (WEIRD) societies. There is a need for a better understanding of how the human–dog bond affects the welfare of working, assistance, and service dogs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dog–Human Relationships: Behavior, Physiology, and Wellbeing)
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16 pages, 2980 KiB  
Article
Schooling Fish from a New, Multimodal Sensory Perspective
by Matz Larsson
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1984; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131984 - 5 Jul 2024
Viewed by 166
Abstract
The acoustic hypothesis suggests that schooling can result in several benefits. (1) The acoustic pattern (AP) (pressure waves and other water movements) produced by swimming are likely to serve as signals within fish shoals, communicating useful spatial and temporal information between school members, [...] Read more.
The acoustic hypothesis suggests that schooling can result in several benefits. (1) The acoustic pattern (AP) (pressure waves and other water movements) produced by swimming are likely to serve as signals within fish shoals, communicating useful spatial and temporal information between school members, enabling synchronized locomotion and influencing join, stay or leave decisions and shoal assortment. (2) Schooling is likely to reduce the masking of environmental signals, e.g., by auditory grouping, and fish may achieve windows of silence by simultaneously stopping their movements. (3) A solitary swimming fish produces an uncomplicated AP that will give a nearby predator’s lateral line organ (LLO) excellent information, but, if extra fish join, they will produce increasingly complex and indecipherable APs. (4) Fishes swimming close to one another will also blur the electrosensory system (ESS) of predators. Since predators use multimodal information, and since information from the LLO and the ESS is more important than vision in many situations, schooling fish may acquire increased survival by confusing these sensory systems. The combined effects of such predator confusion and other acoustical benefits may contribute to why schooling became an adaptive success. A model encompassing the complex effects of synchronized group locomotion on LLO and ESS perception might increase the understanding of schooling behavior. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Morphology and Adaptations of Aquatic Life)
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17 pages, 1851 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Association Study for Weight Loss at the End of Dry-Curing of Hams Produced from Purebred Heavy Pigs
by Sara Faggion, Valentina Bonfatti and Paolo Carnier
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1983; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131983 - 5 Jul 2024
Viewed by 210
Abstract
Dissecting the genetics of production traits in livestock is of outmost importance, both to understand biological mechanisms underlying those traits and to facilitate the design of selection programs incorporating that information. For the pig industry, traits related to curing are key for protected [...] Read more.
Dissecting the genetics of production traits in livestock is of outmost importance, both to understand biological mechanisms underlying those traits and to facilitate the design of selection programs incorporating that information. For the pig industry, traits related to curing are key for protected designation of origin productions. In particular, appropriate ham weight loss after dry-curing ensures high quality of the final product and avoids economic losses. In this study, we analyzed data (N = 410) of ham weight loss after approximately 20 months of dry-curing. The animals used for ham production were purebred pigs belonging to a commercial line. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 29,844 SNP markers revealed the polygenic nature of the trait: 221 loci explaining a small percentage of the variance (0.3–1.65%) were identified on almost all Sus scrofa chromosomes. Post-GWAS analyses revealed 32 windows located within regulatory regions and 94 windows located in intronic regions of specific genes. In total, 30 candidate genes encoding receptors and enzymes associated with ham weight loss (MTHFD1L, DUSP8), proteolysis (SPARCL1, MYH8), drip loss (TNNI2), growth (CDCA3, LSP1, CSMD1, AP2A2, TSPAN4), and fat metabolism (AGPAT4, IGF2R, PTDSS2, HRAS, TALDO1, BRSK2, TNNI2, SYT8, GTF2I, GTF2IRD1, LPCAT3, ATN1, GNB3, CMIP, SORCS2, CCSER1, SPP1) were detected. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms Affecting Important Traits of Pigs)
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19 pages, 3370 KiB  
Article
Ere, a Family of Short Interspersed Elements in the Genomes of Odd-Toed Ungulates (Perissodactyla)
by Ilia G. Ustyantsev, Sergey A. Kosushkin, Olga R. Borodulina, Nikita S. Vassetzky and Dmitri A. Kramerov
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1982; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131982 - 5 Jul 2024
Viewed by 244
Abstract
Short Interspersed Elements (SINEs) are eukaryotic retrotransposons transcribed by RNA polymerase III (pol III). Many mammalian SINEs (T+ SINEs) contain a polyadenylation signal (AATAAA), a pol III transcription terminator, and an A-rich tail in their 3′-end. The RNAs of such SINEs have [...] Read more.
Short Interspersed Elements (SINEs) are eukaryotic retrotransposons transcribed by RNA polymerase III (pol III). Many mammalian SINEs (T+ SINEs) contain a polyadenylation signal (AATAAA), a pol III transcription terminator, and an A-rich tail in their 3′-end. The RNAs of such SINEs have the capacity for AAUAAA-dependent polyadenylation, which is unique to pol III-generated transcripts. The structure, evolution, and polyadenylation of the Ere SINE of ungulates (horses, rhinos, and tapirs) were investigated in this study. A bioinformatics analysis revealed the presence of up to ~4 × 105 Ere copies in representatives of all three families. These copies can be classified into two large subfamilies, EreA and EreB, the former distinguished by an additional 60 bp sequence. The 3′-end of numerous EreA and all EreB copies exhibit a 50 bp sequence designated as a terminal domain (TD). The Ere family can be further subdivided into subfamilies EreA_0TD, EreA_1TD, EreB_1TD, and EreB_2TD, depending on the presence and number of terminal domains (TDs). Only EreA_0TD copies can be assigned to T+ SINEs as they contain the AATAAA signal and the TCTTT transcription terminator. The analysis of young Ere copies identified by comparison with related perissodactyl genomes revealed that EreA_0TD and, to a much lesser extent, EreB_2TD have retained retrotranspositional activity in the recent evolution of equids and rhinoceroses. The targeted mutagenesis and transfection of HeLa cells were used to identify sequences in equine EreA_0TD that are critical for the polyadenylation of its pol III transcripts. In addition to AATAAA and the transcription terminator, two sites in the 3′ half of EreA, termed the β and τ signals, were found to be essential for this process. The evolution of Ere, with a particular focus on the emergence of T+ SINEs, as well as the polyadenylation signals are discussed in comparison with other T+ SINEs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)
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16 pages, 2740 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Encapsulated Probiotic Lactococcus lactis A12 Viability Using an In Vitro Digestion Model for Tilapia
by Marcelo Fernando Valle Vargas, María Ximena Quintanilla-Carvajal, Luisa Villamil-Diaz, Ruth Yolanda Ruiz Pardo and Francisco Javier Moyano
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1981; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131981 - 5 Jul 2024
Viewed by 307
Abstract
Probiotics face harsh conditions during their transit through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of fish because of low-pH environments and intestine fluid. Therefore, the evaluation of probiotic viability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions is an important step to consider for probiotic supplementation in fish feed [...] Read more.
Probiotics face harsh conditions during their transit through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of fish because of low-pH environments and intestine fluid. Therefore, the evaluation of probiotic viability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions is an important step to consider for probiotic supplementation in fish feed prior to in vivo trials. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of stomach and intestinal simulated conditions on the viability of encapsulated Lactococcus lactis A12 using an in vitro digestion model for tilapia. A Box Behnken design was used to evaluate the potential effect of three factors, namely stomach pH, residence time in the stomach, and enzyme quantity, on the viability of encapsulated Lactococcus lactis A12. As the main results, low pH (4.00), long residence time (4 h), and enzyme quantity (2.68 U of total protease activity) led to lower final cell counts after the phases of the stomach and intestine. Encapsulated probiotic bacteria showed higher viability (p < 0.05) and antibacterial activity (p < 0.05) against the pathogen Streptococcus agalactiae than non-encapsulated bacteria. The results suggest that L. lactis A12 survives in GIT conditions and that the proposed in vitro model could be used to explore the viability of probiotic bacteria intended for fish feed supplementation. Full article
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14 pages, 355 KiB  
Article
Traits of Mortadella from Meat of Different Commercial Categories of Indigenous Dairy Cattle
by Cristina Giosuè, Giuseppe Maniaci, Riccardo Gannuscio, Marialetizia Ponte, Marianna Pipi, Antonino Di Grigoli, Adriana Bonanno and Marco Alabiso
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1980; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131980 - 4 Jul 2024
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Abstract
The rising interest in healthier meat options prompted the exploration of alternatives to traditional pork-based products, incorporating meat from different livestock species, feeding regimens, and functional ingredients. This study investigates the production of healthier meat products by examining the physicochemical traits, fatty acid [...] Read more.
The rising interest in healthier meat options prompted the exploration of alternatives to traditional pork-based products, incorporating meat from different livestock species, feeding regimens, and functional ingredients. This study investigates the production of healthier meat products by examining the physicochemical traits, fatty acid profile, and sensory properties of mortadella made with Cinisara meat of four young bulls and four adult cows, and four females of the Nebrodi Black Pig. All the animals were fed principally on natural resources. Nutritional analysis revealed different levels of moisture, protein, fat, and ash in raw materials, with pistachios contributing to a healthy fatty acid profile rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Formulations using cow meat exhibited higher fat content and caloric value, resulting in sensory attributes such as more intense color, improved fat cube adhesion, and pronounced odors compared to young bull and control mortadella. Fatty acid analysis demonstrated distinctive profiles influenced by the meat type used and, as expected, bovine products showed higher contents of rumenic and other conjugated linoleic acids. Pork mortadella displayed greater 6 and 3 values, with a healthier 6/3 ratio comparable to those found in cow products. Young bull mortadella showed the worse atherogenic and thrombogenic indices. The findings underscore the impact of raw materials on the nutritional and sensory attributes of mortadella, emphasizing the necessity for interventions to enhance fatty acid composition in processed meat products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influence of Environment and Management on the Animal-Origin Products)
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