Bettina A. Weber, Aline Zimmermann, Irene M. Häfliger
et al.
Genetic neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) are characterized by progressive skeletal muscle degeneration and weakness. In Brown Swiss (BS) cattle, three recessive variants have been associated with NMDs. This study aimed to (1) describe the phenotype of BS cattle affected by a novel form of postural proprioceptive deficits, (2) identify a candidate genetic variant using whole-genome sequencing (WGS), and (3) estimate its prevalence in the Swiss BS population. A first BS heifer (case 1) showing ataxia underwent clinical and hematological examination, followed by WGS of the heifer and its sire. Variants were filtered and compared against 5577 controls. Candidate variants were evaluated in silico for predicted pathogenicity, genotyped in national breeding cohorts, and clinically assessed in additional homozygous animals. A rare homozygous missense variant in LIPC (chr10:51715800G>C; NM_001035410.1:c.924C>G; p.Phe308Leu; omia.variant:1842) was identified and in-silico predictions classified this variant as deleterious. Population-level genotyping of over 20.000 BS cattle revealed a variant allele frequency of 17% with significant deviation from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (p-value=1.14 × 10⁻20), suggesting possible lethality in homozygotes. Case 1, as well as 11 additional LIPC-homozygous BS females (mean age 2.4 ± 0.2 years), exhibited consistent neurological signs, including postural deficits and subconscious proprioceptive ataxia. Biochemical profiles revealed hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and decreased HDL cholesterol, suggesting dyslipidemia. Pedigree analysis identified a shared ancestor and inbreeding loops, supporting recessive inheritance. This study describes a novel autosomal recessive LIPC-related juvenile-onset NMD in BS cattle characterized by postural proprioceptive deficits with a tendency towards dyslipidemia. More research is needed to better understand the effects of the identified variant and prove that it is the cause.
Nathalia Cristina Soares Sarges , Adriano Silva, Igor Roberlando Alves dos Santos
et al.
O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi avaliar o potencial fitobiótico dos óleos de Copaifera langsdorffii (copaíba), Carapa guianensis (andiroba), Attalea speciosa (babaçu), Mauritia flexuosa (buriti) e Caryocar brasiliense (pequi), além de dois tipos de extrato aquoso de Terminalia catappa (amendoeira), como alternativas ao uso de antibióticos com princípios ativos em enrofloxacino ou oxitetraciclina na piscicultura continental. Para isso, foram selecionados cinco patógenos espécie-específicos de elevada ocorrência e disseminação em sistemas de produção piscícola continental. O potencial de virulência das cepas foi avaliado por meio de testes de Gram, catalasee atividade hemolítica, seguido de teste de halo de inibição para os potenciais fitobióticos. Todas as cepas selecionadas apresentaram atividade de virulência in vitro e prosseguiram para a avaliação de inibição, na qual foram mensuradas as zonas inibitórias dos produtos testados, além de analisar seus efeitos bactericida ou bacteriostáticos. Dos produtos avaliados, apenas A. speciosa não apresentou halo inibitório frente aos patógenos analisados, já os óleos de C. brasiliense, M. flexuosa, C. guianensis, C. langsdorffii e o extrato a quente de T. catappa apresentaram efeito bactericida, com resultados superiores (P > 0,05) em comparação ao controle positivo com oxitetraciclina. Os óleos de M. flexuosa e C. langsdorffii mostraram-se competitivos in vitro em comparação ao uso dos antibióticos com princípio ativo de enrofloxacino ou oxitetraciclina, demonstrando ação antibactericida contra Aeromonas hydrophila, A. cavie, A. jandaei e Streptococcus agalactiae.
Kiran Basava, Md Nafis Ul Alam, Liam Roberts
et al.
Abstract Socially transmitted behaviors are widespread across the animal kingdom, yet there is a lack of comprehensive datasets documenting their distribution and ecological significance. Knowledge of animal behavioral traditions could be essential for understanding many species’ responses to anthropogenic disturbances and further enhancing conservation efforts. Here, we introduce the first open-access database that synthesizes data on animal cultural behaviors and traditions. The Animal Culture Database (ACDB) contains descriptions of 128 behaviors including forms of vocal communication, migration, predator defense, foraging practices, habitat alteration, play, mating displays, and other social behaviors for a sample of 61 species. In addition to offering an open-access resource for researchers, educators, and conservationists, the ACDB represents a step toward recognizing the role of social learning in animal populations.
Lucrezia Forte, Pasquale De Palo, Giuseppe Natrella
et al.
This study aims to evaluate the effects of ageing time (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 weeks) and of two different ageing techniques (dry and wet ageing) on the rheological, colorimetric, oxidative, volatile, and sensory attributes of meat (hind limbs) sourced from culled Rossa Mediterranea breed goats. Twenty-four goats were involved in the trial. The hind limbs were divided in the two experimental groups: the right ones were subjected to dry ageing and the left ones to wet ageing. Dry-aged (DA) meat showed higher water-holding capacity (WHC) and lower cooking loss (CL) after ageing compared to wet aged (WA) meat (p < 0.05). Among the colorimetric parameters, only lightness showed to be affected by ageing time, decreasing at week 4 (p < 0.05), with lower values in DA then WA (p < 0.05). Warner Bratzler shear force (WBSF) decreased at week 1 of DA and at week 2 of WA (p < 0.05), with no further changes probably due to the water loss during ageing. Hexanal was the most produced volatile compound, with higher amount in DA meat from 1 to 3 weeks of ageing (p < 0.01) The first two weeks of dry ageing led to an enhancement in sensory and instrumental tenderness, along with an improvement in flavour, characterised by a heightened release of aldehydes and ketones. However, it is noteworthy that beyond this initial phase, dry ageing has led to a substantial decline in the overall quality.
This paper presents the results of an analysis of stranding events of the Mediterranean monk seal <i>Monachus monachus</i> over a decade. The analysis involved categorization according to the cause of stranding and seasonality, the identification of hotspot stranding areas and an assessment of possible correlations between stranding events and environmental/climatic patterns using time series analysis. Moreover, Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) were applied to explore the effects of the size of small-scale fishing grounds, the number of species sightings, and the occurrence of reproduction sites on “human-related” strandings. Finally, special focus was put on the central part of the eastern Ionian Sea for the assessment of stranding hotspot areas by means of the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach, based on different kinds of spatial information such as anthropogenic pressures and the location of breeding sites and feeding grounds. Time series analysis results revealed that oscillation indices, during the first half of the year, and sea surface temperature (SST) in the Mediterranean from October to December were positively correlated with monk seal stranding events. GAMs underlined that areas combining extended small-scale fishery grounds and a higher number of sightings were more likely to cause more strandings. Regarding spatial analyses, the central Aegean Sea was highlighted as a hotspot for “human-related strandings”, while the MCDA approach emphasized that the southern coasts of Cephalonia and the gulf between Lefkada and mainland Greece were susceptible to subadult strandings.
Enrico Panichi, Sara Sassaroli, Giorgio Maria Ciccarese
et al.
An 8-month-old male American Staffordshire terrier was referred for a no-weightbearing lameness of the right pelvic limb, hyperthermia, lethargy and inappetence. Two months before, endocarditis was diagnosed and treated in another veterinary hospital. Orthopedic, radiographic and tomographic examinations revealed a bone sequestrum of 4 × 1.4 cm and active periosteal reaction of the caudo-lateral cortical in the metaphysis and the distal third of the right femoral diaphysis, medullary osteolysis and interruption of the cranio-medial cortical profile, with involvement of the femoral trochlea leading to a secondary medial patella luxation. Hematogenous osteomyelitis was the suspected diagnosis. Once skeletally mature, after 4 months from surgical debridement and aggressive antibiotic therapy against Klebsiella oxytoca revealed by a bacteriological exam, the patient underwent prosthetic surgery for the application of a custom-made patellar groove replacement (PGR) to fill the bone defect and restore the femoral trochlea surface. Despite the serious injury that afflicted the right pelvic limb, the surgery had satisfactory outcomes until the last 18-month postoperative follow up.
Pei-Hua Wang, Amina Nawal Bahoussi, Pir Tariq Shah
et al.
Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) is a porcine coronavirus that threatens animal health and remains elusive despite years of research efforts. The systematical analysis of all available full-length genomes of TGEVs (a total of 43) and porcine respiratory coronaviruses PRCVs (a total of 7) showed that TGEVs fell into two independent evolutionary phylogenetic clades, GI and GII. Viruses circulating in China (until 2021) clustered with the traditional or attenuated vaccine strains within the same evolutionary clades (GI). In contrast, viruses latterly isolated in the USA fell into GII clade. The viruses circulating in China have a lower similarity with that isolated latterly in the USA all through the viral genome. In addition, at least four potential genomic recombination events were identified, three of which occurred in GI clade and one in GII clade. TGEVs circulating in China are distinct from the viruses latterly isolated in the USA at either genomic nucleotide or antigenic levels. Genomic recombination serves as a factor driving the expansion of TGEV genomic diversity.
Tatiane V. Silva, Jobson Filipe P. Cajueiro, Nivan A.A. Silva
et al.
ABSTRACT: A reticular diaphragmatic hernia is a congenital or acquired alteration resulting from protrusion of the reticulum into the thoracic cavity. In ruminants, lesions to the diaphragmatic muscle, due to penetration of sharp metallic objects, is the most common cause of this disease. Therefore, given the low number of reports on this disease in the bovine species, the current study aims to describe the clinical, laboratory, and anatomopathological findings, with special emphasis on the ultrasound diagnosis of five cattle with reticular diaphragmatic hernia. The laboratory data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, and clinical, ultrasound, and pathological findings were evaluated using descriptive statistics. Clinically the animals exhibited varying degrees of dehydration, abdominal distension, tympany, and alterations in ruminal motility, in addition to cardiorespiratory alterations such as murmur, dyspnea, and muffling of lung sounds. The laboratory examination showed neutrophilic leukocytosis and hyperfibrinogenemia. The ultrasonographic images demonstrated reticulum inside the thoracic cavity adjacent to the lung and heart, although no reticular motility was observed. The pathological lesions confirmed the findings of the ultrasound exams. Thus, the current study demonstrated that ultrasonography was efficient in diagnosing reticular diaphragmatic hernia in the bovine species.
Vinod Kumar, Shyamalima Buragohain, Parag Jyoti Deka
et al.
The pygmy hog (<i>Porcula salvania</i>), until recently was classified as a critically endangered suid facing the threat of extinction due to habitat degradation. Efforts are being made to protect the pygmy hog from extinction and breed them in captivity under the Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme (PHCP). However, very little information is available on the reproductive physiology of pygmy hogs. Therefore, the present study aims to standardize enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for monitoring pregnancy and reproductive status using progesterone and testosterone metabolites. A total of 785 fecal samples were collected from five females and two males over a period of one year from the PHCP Research and Breeding Centre, Guwahati, Assam. High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed the presence of immunoreactive progesterone and testosterone metabolites in feces. Mating was observed in all five females, and four of them gave birth successfully. We were able to detect pregnancy using fecal progesterone metabolites. The mean gestation period, based on mating and parturition, was estimated to be 153.25 days from the four females studied. The breeding center recorded 172 births between 1996 and 2000 and found strong seasonal patterns in the birth rate, with most of the births occurring between May and June. In the males, fecal testosterone metabolites were significantly higher in the breeding season than in the non-breeding season. This is the first study on the subject and will help with future breeding programs in other captive breeding centers and with reproductive monitoring of reintroduced populations.
ABSTRACT: This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) or Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis) on growth performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and the cecal microflora in broiler chickens. In total, 360 male, 1-day-old Cobb 500 birds were randomly divided into 3 groups: the control group was fed a basal diet; the B. subtilis group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 1.5 × 109 CFU/kg B. subtilis; the B. licheniformis group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 1.5 × 109 CFU/kg B. licheniformis. Results showed that chickens supplemented with either B. subtilis or B. licheniformis had comparatively higher (P < 0.05) body weight and average daily gain, whereas no difference (P > 0.05) was observed in feed efficiency. Concentrations of serum IgA, IgY, and IgM, as well as anti-inflammatory IL-10 were significantly increased (P < 0.05), and proinflammatory IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) by B. subtilis or B. licheniformis supplementation. Moreover, chickens fed with diets supplemented by either B. subtilis or B. licheniformis had greater antioxidant capacity, indicated by the notable increases (P < 0.05) in glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, along with decrease (P < 0.05) in malondialdehyde. Compared to the control group, levels of SCFA, excluding acetic and propionic acid, in cecal content had improved (P < 0.05) by adding B. licheniformis, and significant increase (P < 0.05) in acetic and butyric acid was observed with B. subtilis supplementation. Microbial analysis showed that both B. subtilis or B. licheniformis supplementation could increase butyrate-producing bacteria such as Alistipes and Butyricicoccus, and decrease pathogenic bacteria such as the Synergistetes and Gammaproteobacteria. In summary, dietary supplemented with B. subtilis or B. licheniformis improved growth performance, immune status, and antioxidant capacity, increased SCFA production, and modulated cecal microbiota in chickens. Moreover, B. licheniformis was more effective than B. subtilis with the same supplemental amount.
Prasun Roychowdhury, Mohammad Aftabuddin, Manoj Kumar Pati
Water temperature of aquatic bodies is gradually getting warmer and may pose threat for survival, health
and production of fish in future. The critical temperature maximum (CTmax) is the tool to estimate the upper limit of
thermal tolerance of fish but information on biochemical events occurring at CTmax are limited for our selected fish, Labeo
rohita. In the present study, biochemical alteration of table sized Labeo rohita (Rahu) was examined at CTmax (42.67±0.53ºC)
against fish kept at acclimation temperature (30.5±1.0ºC) by increasing water temperature continuously at the rate of
0.28°C minute-1. Significant alteration was observed for all studied biomolecules with increased glucose and triglycerides
and declined protein and cholesterol in serum at CTmax. Hormones also altered with increased value for thyroid hormones
and decreased value for cortisol, however the alteration was significant only for T4. In liver glucose, triglycerides and
cholesterol level was higher but protein was less at CTmax. Increased transaminase enzymes activities (GPT and GOT) in
liver may have increased the production of the glucose from tissue protein. At CTmax, alteration in metabolic activities
(higher amount of glucose and triglycerides in serum) for energy production and onset of heat shock responses (higher
expression of hsp70 gene in liver) were occurred in Rahu. In this study, CTmax was 42.67±0.53ºC and warming tolerance
was 12ºC indicating that Rahu can tolerate sudden increment of water temperature of a few degrees beyond present
habitat temperature, although for few moments.
Blue honeysuckle is rich in polyphenols, and recently receiving attention because of its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease that develops hepatic inflammation and metabolic syndrome. The present study aims to study the effect of blue honeysuckle extract (BHE) on fat deposition and hepatic lipid peroxidation in a high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced mouse model. Mice were fed a normal diet (ND) or a HFD containing 0.5% or 1% of BHE or not for 45 d. Liver sections were stained by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Serum lipids were measured by a clinical analyzer. Insulin was examined by ELISA, and hepatic proteins were detected by Western blotting. Dietary supplementation of BHE dose-dependently suppressed HFD-induced obesity and hepatic fat deposition. Moreover, BHE improved glucose metabolism by increasing insulin sensitivity and attenuated oxidative stress potentially by up-regulating nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2)-mediated pathway. Keywords: Blue honeysuckle, Polyphenols, Fatty liver, Lipid peroxidation, Antioxidant
A constante evolução de tecnologia na medicina veterinária exprime a busca incessante da melhoria na eficiência dos tratamentos, visando minimizar o sofrimento do paciente, a redução do tempo de tratamento, a exposição aos fármacos e por consequência a minimização do custo total do tratamento. A oxigenoterapia hiperbárica é uma terapia inovadora para pequenos animais, que são mantidos no interior de uma câmara hermeticamente fechada, com suprimento controlado de oxigênio a 100%, por períodos de tempo previamente estabelecidos e submetidos a níveis de pressão, acima de uma atmosférica. A câmara hiperbárica exerce a possibilidade de acelerar o processo cicatricial de feridas. A longevidade é um dos fatores que pode representar um empecilho ao perfeito processo de cicatrização nas espécies. O presente trabalho relata o caso de um canino macho de 14 anos com lesão necrosante no prepúcio, tratado com oxigenoterapia hiperbárica, e a total regressão da lesão em 10 sessões hiperbáricas.
Clara Morghana Pereira Silva, Gabriel Lucas Martins de Souza, Daniel de Freitas Brasil
et al.
A flora da Caatinga é uma fonte insubstituível de recursos para a entomofauna presente neste bioma, sendo o mofumbo (Combretum leprosum Mart.) uma das espécies vegetais mais presentes. Este trabalho, portanto, teve como objetivo identificar espécies de abelhas que visitam o mofumbo e seus respectivos comportamentos de pastejo. O estudo foi realizado em maio de 2016, no município de Alexandria, Rio Grande do Norte. Os dados foram coletados no decorrer de oito dias não consecutivos entre os horários das 7h10min às 17h20min, nos dez primeiros minutos de cada hora, observando-se a frequência e o tipo de recurso floral coletado. Os resultados mostraram que a abelha Apis mellifera foi o único visitante floral do C. leprosum, apresentando comportamento forrageiro de néctar ou pólen durante todos os horários observados, evidenciando assim que o mofumbo é uma importante espécie fornecedora de alimentares para abelhas Apis mellifera no semiárido brasileiro.
L’ochratoxine A (OTA), mycotoxine produite par de nombreuses espèces d’Aspergillus et par Penicillium verrucosum, est néphrotoxique, hépato- toxique, immunotoxique et carcinogène chez les animaux et chez l’homme. La consommation d’aliments contaminés par l’OTA affecte la santé et la productivité des animaux et peut entraîner la présence d’OTA dans les produits animaux destinés à la consommation humaine. La prévalence de l’OTA dans les produits avicoles en Algérie a été déterminée à partir d’aliments, de sang et d’organes prélevés sur des volailles. La méthode d’analyse a été basée sur le coefficient de partage de l’OTA dans l’eau et les solvants organiques par ajustement du pH. La chromatographie en phase liquide à haute performance (HPLC) et la spectrofluorimétrie ont été utilisées pour la détection et la quantification. L’OTA a été présente dans une grande partie de l’aliment de volailles (poulets, poules pondeuses et dindes) à la concentration de 0,02 à 63 µg/kg. Les concentrations sériques ont été de 0,57 à 1,22 ng/ml. Bien que quelques prélèvements de sérums aient été négatifs, les organes (foie, testicules, reins) provenant des mêmes animaux contenaient de l’OTA. Les reins (concentrations de 0,02 à 9,73 ng/ml) et les testicules (concentrations de 0,12 à 2,11 ng/ ml) ont semblé être les tissus les plus contaminés. Cette étude montre qu’il serait important de proposer une recherche systématique de l’OTA sur les reins de volailles et, selon les résultats, interdire la consommation de leurs organes.
Julio I. Fernandes, Guilherme G. Verocai, Francisco A. Ribeiro
et al.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the d-phenothrin/pyriproxyfen association against Psoroptes ovis, Cheyletiella parasitivorax, and Leporacarus gibbus infestations in naturally co-infested rabbits. Twenty crossbreed (New Zealand White x California) rabbits concurrently infested by the three mite species were randomly divided in two groups. All rabbits presented with hyperemia, erythema and formation of crusts in the ear canals caused by P. ovis. Infestations by both C. parasitivorax and L. gibbus were considered asymptomatic in all animals.Ten animals were treated with a 4.4% d-phenothrin and 0.148% pyriproxyfen spray formulation until have their body surface uniformly sprayed, including external ear canals. The other ten rabbits remained untreated, serving as control group. Observations were done on days +7, +14, +21, +28, and +35 post-treatment. The d-phenothrin/pyriproxyfen association showed 100% efficacy against the three mite species and was responsible for the remission of psoroptic mange lesions on treated animals. No signs of intoxication were observed. The results indicate that d-phenothrin/pyriproxyfen spray formulation in a single application is an effective and clinically safe option for the control of different mite infestations in rabbits.
Carolina De Marco Verissimo, Vinicius Jose Maschio, Ana Paula Folmer Correa
et al.
Prolonged culturing of many microorganisms leads to the loss of virulence and a reduction of their infective capacity. However, little is known about the changes in the pathogenic strains of Acanthamoeba after long culture periods. Our study evaluated the effect of prolonged culturing on the invasiveness of different isolates of Acanthamoeba in an in vivo rat model. ATCC strains of Acanthamoeba, isolates from the environment and clinical cases were evaluated. The in vivo model was effective in establishing the infection and differentiating the pathogenicity of the isolates and re-isolates. The amoebae cultured in the laboratory for long periods were less virulent than those that were recently isolated, confirming the importance of passing Acanthamoeba strains in animal models.
Cláudio Luís Corrêa Arouca, Francisco Carlos de Oliveira Silva, Dalton de Oliveira Fontes
et al.
With the objective of evaluating available phosphorus (aP) levels in diets for barrows selected for lean meat deposition, eighty commercial hybrid pigs with initial weight of 94.05±1.05 kg were used in this experiment. Pigs were allotted in a completely randomized block design, with five treatments (0.092, 0.156, 0.220, 0,284, and 0.348% of aP), eight replicates and two pigs per experimental unit. The average daily weight gain of pigs increased and the feed conversion improved quadratically with increasing aP in the diets up to the estimated levels of 0.21 and 0.20%, respectively. There was no effect of the dietary aP on average daily feed intake. However, aP intake, bone strength and concentration of phosphorus in the bones increased linearly with increasing aP in the diets. The levels of aP did not affect carcass traits; however, the alkaline phosphatase activity was improved and the values of serum inorganic phosphorus increased quadratically up to the estimated levels of 0.26 and 0.27% of aP, respectively. The available phosphorus levels of 0.21, 0.27, and 0.35%, corresponding to daily aP intakes of 6.34, 8.13, and 10.44 g result, respectively, in greatest performance, blood and bone parameters of 95 to 120 kg barrows selected for lean gain.