Animals

17 pages, 2525 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus subtilis, a Lignocellulolytic Enzyme System, and Their Combination on the Fermentation Profiles, Chemical Composition, Bacterial Community, and In Situ Rumen Digestion of Fresh Waxy Corn Stalk Silage

by Jiaqi Su, Ye Xue, Kunlun Zhang, Zihan Liu, Jingyi Lv, Qi Yang, Zhongqiu Li, Chunlong Liu and Hangshu Xin

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3442; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233442 (registering DOI) - 28 Nov 2024

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus subtilis, and a lignocellulolytic enzyme system on the nutritional value, fermentation profiles, rumen digestion, and bacterial community of fresh waxy corn stalk silage. Fresh waxy corn stalks [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus subtilis, and a lignocellulolytic enzyme system on the nutritional value, fermentation profiles, rumen digestion, and bacterial community of fresh waxy corn stalk silage. Fresh waxy corn stalks harvested after 90 days of growth were treated with no additives (CON), compound multiple lactobacilli (ML, comprising Lactobacillus plantarum at 1.0 × 10⁵ cfu/g fresh weight and Bacillus subtilis at 1.0 × 10⁵ cfu/g fresh weight), a lignocellulolytic enzyme system (LE, at 500 g/t), and a combination of the lignocellulolytic enzyme system and multiple lactobacilli (MLLE). Throughout the fermentation process, the contents of dry matter (DM) and water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), as well as the counts of lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and mold, continuously decreased with the extension of the fermentation time. In contrast, the concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, and ammonia N progressively increased over time. Notably, the pH initially decreased and then increased as fermentation progressed, while the lactic acid concentration first increased and then decreased with the extension of the fermentation time. After 45 days of fermentation, the DM contents of LE and MLLE were significantly lower than that of CON, while the WSC content of MLLE was significantly higher than that of CON. LE most effectively increased the ED of DM and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Compared to ML and LE, MLLE showed a greater increase in the “a” value of DM and NDF. The DM content in LE and MLLE was lower than in CON, with a higher WSC content. Both ML and MLLE produced more lactic acid than CON and LE, resulting in a lower pH in these groups. Additionally, the acetic acid content and ammonia N content were lower in ML and MLLE compared to CON and LE. The counts of lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and mold declined over the fermentation period, dropping below detectable levels on the seventh and fifth days, respectively. Relative to CON, the three additives reduced the relative abundance of Weissella and Klebsiella and increased that of Lactobacillus. In conclusion, LE improved the nutritional value and rumen digestion of the silage, ML enhanced its fermentation profiles and bacterial community, and MLLE significantly improved the nutritional value, rumen digestion characteristics, fermentation profiles, and bacterial community of the fresh waxy corn stalk silage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adapting Novel Nutritional Practices to Enhance Product Quality and Environmental Sustainability in Ruminant Livestock Sector)

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15 pages, 447 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Awareness of Poultry Farmers of Interconnected Health Risks: A Cross-Sectional Study on Mycotoxins, Biosecurity, and Salmonellosis in Jimma, Ethiopia

by Tadele Kabeta, Tadele Tolosa, Alamayo Nagara, Ilias Chantziaras, Siska Croubels, Filip Van Immerseel and Gunther Antonissen

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3441; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233441 (registering DOI) - 28 Nov 2024

Abstract

Poultry farming in Ethiopia is crucial for food security and income, but it faces significant challenges due to gaps in farmer awareness. A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Biocheck.UGent™ biosecurity scoring system and a questionnaire to evaluate poultry farmers’ basic and practical [...] Read more.

Poultry farming in Ethiopia is crucial for food security and income, but it faces significant challenges due to gaps in farmer awareness. A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Biocheck.UGent™ biosecurity scoring system and a questionnaire to evaluate poultry farmers’ basic and practical knowledge concerning salmonellosis and mycotoxins. The questionnaire revealed substantial gaps in basic and practical knowledge regarding Salmonella spp infections and mycotoxin among 38 poultry farmers in Jimma. About 68.4% of farmers were unaware of the impact of salmonellosis on both poultry and human health. Moreover, 78.9% had limited basic knowledge of how salmonellosis affects production and the economy. Farmers also showed limited practical knowledge of farm management and hygiene practices essential for preventing Salmonella spp. infections. Regarding mycotoxins, 63.2% of farmers lacked awareness of poultry feed management, 60.5% were unaware of the health risks mycotoxins pose, and 73.7% did not recognize signs of mycotoxin contamination. Although 55.3% of farmers demonstrated acceptable practical knowledge of strategies to reduce the impact of mycotoxin contaminations, there are still concerns, particularly since 65.8% and 55.3% only showed moderate practical knowledge of feed storage and mycotoxin prevention, respectively. The overall biosecurity scores of poultry farms were below the global average, with a score of 41.7 compared to the worldwide average of 64. The overall mean score for external biosecurity was 44.9, below the global average of 63. All 3 scoring platforms and biosecurity parameters indicated that internal biosecurity was the weakest aspect, with a score of 31.6, well below the global standard of 64. The results showed a weak correlation (rₛ = 0.06) between farmers’ basic and practical knowledge scores about Salmonella spp. infections and mycotoxins. Similarly, there was a weak correlation between the poor biosecurity score of poultry farms and the basic and practical knowledge of poultry farmers on Salmonella spp. infections (rₛ = 0.17) and mycotoxins (rₛ = 0.25). In conclusion, the study found that poultry farmers in Jimma had poor basic and practical knowledge scores on Salmonella, mycotoxins, and biosecurity measures. Thus, awareness creation is paramount to improve these gaps to reduce the impact of mycotoxin contamination and poultry diseases and consequently to improve food security and food safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal System and Management)

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13 pages, 932 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolomic Profiling and Functional Characterization of Biochar from Vine Pruning Residues for Applications in Animal Feed

by Serena Reggi, Sara Frazzini, Maria Claudia Torresani, Marianna Guagliano, Cinzia Cristiani, Salvatore Roberto Pilu, Martina Ghidoli and Luciana Rossi

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3440; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233440 (registering DOI) - 28 Nov 2024

Abstract

Biochar has gained interest as a feed ingredient in livestock nutrition due to its functional properties, circularity, potential to reduce environmental impact, and alignment with sustainable agro-zootechnical practices. The in vivo effects of biochar are closely tied to its physical characteristics, which vary [...] Read more.

Biochar has gained interest as a feed ingredient in livestock nutrition due to its functional properties, circularity, potential to reduce environmental impact, and alignment with sustainable agro-zootechnical practices. The in vivo effects of biochar are closely tied to its physical characteristics, which vary depending on the biomass used as feedstock and the production process. This variability can result in heterogeneity among biochar types used in animal nutrition, leading to inconsistent outcomes. The aim of this study was to characterize the metabolomic and functional properties of an aqueous biochar extract from vine pruning waste, in order to predict its potential in vivo effects as a functional feed ingredient. A metabolomic analysis of the biochar extracts was conducted using quadrupole time-f-light (QQTOF) high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC MS/MS). Antimicrobial activity against E. coli F18+ and E. coli F4+ was assessed using standard growth inhibition assays, while quorum sensing in E. coli exposed to biochar extracts was evaluated using real-time PCR. Prebiotic activity was assessed by exposing selected Lactobacillus strains to the biochar extract, monitoring growth patterns to determine species-specific responses. The metabolomic profile revealed several distinct molecular classes, including multiple peaks for phenolic compounds. The extract significantly inhibited the growth of both E. coli pathotypes, reducing growth by 29% and 16% for the F4+ and F18+, respectively (p < 0.001). The relative expression of the genes involved in quorum sensing (MotA, FliA for biofilm formation, and FtsE, HflX for cell division) indicated that the observed inhibitory effects likely resulted from interference with flagellar synthesis, motility, and reduced cell division. The biochar extract also showed species-specific prebiotic potential. In conclusion, biochar derived from vine pruning waste represents a valuable feed ingredient with functional properties that may help to reduce antibiotic use in livestock production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal System and Management)

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17 pages, 3482 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Rapid Visual Detection Assay for Duck Tembusu Virus Using RT-LAMP-CRISPR/Cas12a

by Jimin Chen, Dagang Tao, Fan Yang, Chengfu Pan, Xinguo Bao, Shengsong Xie, Ping Gong, Changzhi Zhao and Ruiyi Lin

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3439; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233439 - 27 Nov 2024

Abstract

Duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) is an emerging flavivirus that has inflicted significant economic losses on China’s poultry industry. Rapid and accurate detection of DTMUV is crucial for effective prevention and control measures. In this study, we developed a novel, rapid visual detection assay [...] Read more.

Duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) is an emerging flavivirus that has inflicted significant economic losses on China’s poultry industry. Rapid and accurate detection of DTMUV is crucial for effective prevention and control measures. In this study, we developed a novel, rapid visual detection assay that combines reverse transcriptase loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) with the CRISPR/Cas12a system for on-site detection of DTMUV. Our results demonstrate that this assay can sensitively and specifically detect the specific DNA plasmids containing the DTMUV NS3 gene within 100 min, with a limit of detection as low as 19.3 copies/μL. We successfully applied the RT-LAMP-CRISPR/Cas12a assay to diagnose DTMUV in eight duck embryos and 11 chicken embryonic fibroblast samples, and the results obtained with direct visualization by the naked eye were consistent with those obtained using real-time RT-PCR. Overall, our RT-LAMP-CRISPR/Cas12a assay is a reliable, sensitive, specific, and user-friendly method that holds great promise for early on-site detection of DTMUV in clinical samples, facilitating timely interventions and improved disease management in the poultry industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Poultry)

16 pages, 1529 KiB

Open AccessArticle

First Report of Polymorphisms and Genetic Characteristics of Prion-like Protein Gene (PRND) in Cats

by Min-Ju Jeong, Yong-Chan Kim and Byung-Hoon Jeong

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3438; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233438 - 27 Nov 2024

Abstract

Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders caused by the misfolding of the normal cellular prion protein (PrP^C) into its infectious isoform (PrP^Sc). Although prion diseases in humans, sheep, goats, and cattle have been extensively studied, feline spongiform encephalopathy (FSE) [...] Read more.

Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders caused by the misfolding of the normal cellular prion protein (PrP^C) into its infectious isoform (PrP^Sc). Although prion diseases in humans, sheep, goats, and cattle have been extensively studied, feline spongiform encephalopathy (FSE) remains poorly understood. Genetic factors, particularly polymorphisms in the prion protein gene (PRNP) and prion-like protein gene (PRND), have been linked to prion disease susceptibility in various species. However, no studies have yet investigated the PRND gene in cats with respect to prion diseases. Therefore, we investigated polymorphisms in the feline PRND gene and analyzed their genetic characteristics. We sequenced the coding region of the PRND gene using samples from 210 domestic cats and determined the genotype and allele frequencies of PRND polymorphisms. We identified thirteen novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including six non-synonymous variants and one insertion/deletion (InDel) in the feline PRND gene. Four of the non-synonymous SNPs were predicted to have deleterious effects on the Doppel protein’s structure and function. Notably, the SNP c.97A>G (I33V) showed potential structural clashes, and the others formed additional hydrogen bonds. The LD analysis revealed strong genetic associations between the PRND SNPs and the PRNP InDel, suggesting linkage between these loci in cats. This study identifies novel PRND polymorphisms in domestic cats and provides new insights into the genetic factors underlying feline susceptibility to prion diseases. The strong genetic linkage between PRND and PRNP polymorphisms, coupled with predictions of detrimental effects on Doppel protein structure, suggests that PRND gene variants could influence prion disease progression in cats. These findings provide a foundational framework for future studies on the functional implications of PRND polymorphisms in FSE. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report on the genetic characteristics of PRND polymorphisms in cats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Genomics and Genetics in Animal Prion Diseases)

15 pages, 1136 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal Changes in Faecal Microbiota Composition and Diversity in Dairy Cows Supplemented with a Lactobacillus-Based Direct-Fed Microbial

by Bronwyn E. Campbell, Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan, Robert J. Moore, Timothy Olchowy, Shahab Ranjbar, Martin Soust, Orlando Ramirez-Garzon, Rafat Al Jassim and John I. Alawneh

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3437; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233437 - 27 Nov 2024

Abstract

The rumen microbiota of dairy cows plays a crucial role in fermenting fibrous material, essential for nutrient extraction and overall productivity, detoxification of anti-nutritional toxic compounds, synthesis of vital nutrients, and is essential for optimal animal health. This study investigated the impact of [...] Read more.

The rumen microbiota of dairy cows plays a crucial role in fermenting fibrous material, essential for nutrient extraction and overall productivity, detoxification of anti-nutritional toxic compounds, synthesis of vital nutrients, and is essential for optimal animal health. This study investigated the impact of Lentilactobacillus-, Lactocaseibacillus-, and Lacticaseibacillus-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) supplementation on dairy cows’ faecal microbial composition and diversity. The study was carried out on a commercial dairy farm using 50 Holstein-Friesian cows randomly assigned into control (CON) and treatment (TRT) groups. Faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum every two months from September 2021 to January 2023. The bacterial 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS-1 regions were amplified, sequenced, and analysed. Microbial diversity was assessed through alpha- and beta-diversity metrics. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) was performed to identify which taxa were driving the changes seen in the microbiota over time and treatment. Bacteroidaceae were the most prevalent bacterial family, followed by Lachnospiraceae and Muribaculaceae in both CON and TRT cows. Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mucoromycota were the dominant three fungal phyla in the faeces of both CON and TRT cows. Bacterial genera Fructilactobacillus was abundant in the CON and Absicoccus in the TRT groups. Fungal taxa Chaetothryriales_incertae_sedis and Pseudomentella were absent in the faeces of TRT cows. Significant temporal and specific taxonomic differences were observed between the CON and TRT groups. The study’s findings underscore the dynamic nature of microbial communities and the importance of targeted dietary interventions. Further research is necessary to elucidate these microbial shifts, long-term impacts, and functional implications, aiming to optimise ruminant nutrition and enhance dairy cow performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)

16 pages, 499 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal Manipulation During the Embryonic Stage and the Post-Hatch Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

by Ana Patrícia Alves Leão, Alexandre Vinhas de Souza, Daniella Rabelo Barbosa, Carina Fernanda Gomes da Silva, Renata Ribeiro Alvarenga, Itallo Conrado Sousa de Araújo, Adriano Geraldo, Carla Oliveira Resende and Márcio Gilberto Zangeronimo

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3436; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233436 (registering DOI) - 27 Nov 2024

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of thermal manipulation during incubation on the hatchability, the performance, the carcass characteristics, the intestinal villi, the nutrient metabolizability, and some physiological parameters in broiler chickens. Ross eggs were randomly distributed into four [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of thermal manipulation during incubation on the hatchability, the performance, the carcass characteristics, the intestinal villi, the nutrient metabolizability, and some physiological parameters in broiler chickens. Ross eggs were randomly distributed into four commercial automatic incubators. The treatments were as follows: incubator kept at 37.5 °C throughout the incubation period (Ctrl—control), and incubator temperature increased to 39 °C on days 16, 17, and 18 of incubation for 3 (T_3h), 12 (T_12h), or 24 h (T_24h). The chicks were housed in an experimental performance barn and kept until 42 days of age under standard rearing conditions. The hatchability was lower when T_24h was used. During the time after hatching, T_3h caused higher levels of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in the liver, a faster breathing rate, and a drop in the cloacal temperature and hematocrit. T_12h increased the respiratory rate. T_24h decreased the hematocrit, the weight gain, and the feed intake. The thermal manipulation during incubation did not affect the carcass characteristics, intestinal villi, or metabolizability of nutrients. It was concluded that raising the incubator temperature for 3 h during late incubation may be beneficial for thermoregulation, but raising it for 24 h during this period impairs animal performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Poultry)

16 pages, 5717 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of In Ovo Supplementation of Slab51 Probiotic Mixture, Associated with Marek’s Disease Vaccine, on Growth Performance, Intestinal Morphology and Eimeria spp. Infection in Broiler Chickens

by Lucia Biagini, Livio Galosi, Adolfo Maria Tambella, Alessandra Roncarati, Danilo De Bellis, Stefano Pesaro, Anna-Rita Attili, Sara Berardi and Giacomo Rossi

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3435; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233435 - 27 Nov 2024

Abstract

The interest for in ovo feeding has grown in the last decades mainly concerning probiotics, live microorganisms that can actively interact with the embryo. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a multi-strain probiotic diluted in Marek’s disease vaccine [...] Read more.

The interest for in ovo feeding has grown in the last decades mainly concerning probiotics, live microorganisms that can actively interact with the embryo. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a multi-strain probiotic diluted in Marek’s disease vaccine (MDV) on zootechnical performances, intestinal morphology and Eimeria spp. infection. One hundred and twenty eggs of Ross 308 broiler chickens were incubated until 18 d, when 105 fertilised and vital eggs were randomly allocated into three groups. A control group (C) was inoculated with MDV; two treated groups (P1 and P2) were inoculated with MDV and different concentrations of probiotics: 1 × 10⁵ CFU/100 μL in P1 and 1 × 10⁶ CFU/100 μL in P2. After hatching, chickens were separated into three replicates (10/replicate). Zootechnical parameters were determined. At the end of the cycle (35 d), chickens were slaughtered, and the intestine was collected for morphological analysis from nine chickens per group (three/replicate). Eimeria spp. oocyst shedding was determined weekly, and parasitic lesions were analysed on the histological sample. In ovo treatment with probiotic did not influence hatching rate but significantly improved body weight and positively influenced intestinal morphometric data compared to C. Oocyst shedding in faeces resulted in an increase in C, with significant differences at sampling performed at 14, 21 and 28 d of age. These results suggest that the tested probiotic compound is safe for in ovo supplementation and effectively improves zootechnical performances and coccidian resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Poultry Production Systems and Nutritional Interventions)

24 pages, 3204 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal Spatio-Temporal Model Improves Refined Stock Assessment and Management of Japanese Sardine (Sardinops melanostictus) in the Northwest Pacific Ocean

by Yongchuang Shi, Qingpeng Han, Shengmao Zhang, Shenglong Yang, Tianfei Cheng, Wei Fan, Guoqing Zhao, Haibin Han and Heng Zhang

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3434; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233434 - 27 Nov 2024

Abstract

Accurate estimation of fish stock abundance and exploitability is critical for effective fishery management; however, fishery-dependent data are often affected by temporal and spatial heterogeneities due to the seasonal migration of fish, posing challenges for refined stock management. Previous studies have largely ignored [...] Read more.

Accurate estimation of fish stock abundance and exploitability is critical for effective fishery management; however, fishery-dependent data are often affected by temporal and spatial heterogeneities due to the seasonal migration of fish, posing challenges for refined stock management. Previous studies have largely ignored these spatio-temporal dynamics, assuming static populations. This study develops a seasonal spatio-temporal model for Japanese sardine (Sardinops melanostictus) in the Northwest Pacific Ocean (NPO), using fishery-dependent data from 2014 to 2022. Seasonal standardized abundance indices (spring, summer, autumn, and an overall average) were generated and integrated with the abundance maximum sustainable yield (AMSY) method for stock assessment. The performance of the AMSY method using a spatio-temporal index was compared with the conventional model-based index, showing the superiority of the spatio-temporal approach. Results indicate a gradual increase in sardine abundance, with a significant shift in the center of gravity toward the northeast. The stock is in a sustainable state with a 94.8–99% probability of recovery. Although the stock is recovering, careful management is advised to prevent future declines. This framework offers a novel approach for assessing distant water and coastal fishery resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Aquatic Animals)

16 pages, 4788 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Habitat Type-Based Assemblage and Distribution Prediction of Small Mammals and Chigger Mites (Acari: Trombiculidae) in Chuncheon City, Republic of Korea

by Kiyoon Kim, Jusun Hwang, Kyungmin Kim, Kwangbae Yoon, Daehyun Oh and Yungchul Park

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3433; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233433 - 27 Nov 2024

Abstract

While urbanization leads to habitat loss for medium and large mammals, small mammals can survive in fragmented habitats. As they are known to be the primary hosts of chigger mites (Acari: Trombiculidae) that transmit scrub typhus, their habitat can be considered the primary [...] Read more.

While urbanization leads to habitat loss for medium and large mammals, small mammals can survive in fragmented habitats. As they are known to be the primary hosts of chigger mites (Acari: Trombiculidae) that transmit scrub typhus, their habitat can be considered the primary distribution area for chigger mites. This study aims to examine the distribution of small mammals and chigger mites in four habitat types and analyzed species richness, mean intensity (MI), dominance, and infestation rate (IR). A total of six small mammal species were captured, 76.8% of which were identified as Apodemus agrarius. Species richness of small mammals was highest in forests, followed by ecotones, grasslands, and agricultural lands. Apodemus agrarius accounted for 61% of the captures in forests, 80% in ecotones, 84% in grasslands, and 50% in agricultural lands, highlighting its varying dominance across habitat types. The MI of chigger mites was higher in grasslands (215.41 ± 20.70) and ecotones (171.67 ± 30.33) and lower in forests (76.67 ± 32.11). The MI of chigger mites was higher in the fall than that in the spring, and according to the MaxEnt model, they had a narrow, dense distribution in the fall and a wide distribution in the spring. These results suggest that inducing increased species richness of small mammalian hosts by habitat management and vegetation diversification may contribute to a reduction in the MI of chigger mites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Interactions Between Mites and Vertebrates)

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10 pages, 2516 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contamination Survey of Insect Genomic and Transcriptomic Data

by Jiali Zhou, Xinrui Zhang, Yujie Wang, Haoxian Liang, Yuhao Yang, Xiaolei Huang and Jun Deng

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3432; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233432 - 27 Nov 2024

Abstract

The rapid advancement of high-throughput sequencing has led to a great increase in sequencing data, resulting in a significant accumulation of contamination, for example, sequences from non-target species may be present in the target species’ sequencing data. Insecta, the most diverse group within [...] Read more.

The rapid advancement of high-throughput sequencing has led to a great increase in sequencing data, resulting in a significant accumulation of contamination, for example, sequences from non-target species may be present in the target species’ sequencing data. Insecta, the most diverse group within Arthropoda, still lacks a comprehensive evaluation of contamination prevalence in public databases and an analysis of potential contamination causes. In this study, COI barcodes were used to investigate contamination from insects and mammals in GenBank’s genomic and transcriptomic data across four insect orders. Among the 2796 WGS and 1382 TSA assemblies analyzed, contamination was detected in 32 (1.14%) WGS and 152 (11.0%) TSA assemblies. Key findings from this study include the following: (1) TSA data exhibited more severe contamination than WGS data; (2) contamination levels varied significantly among the four orders, with Hemiptera showing 9.22%, Coleoptera 3.48%, Hymenoptera 7.66%, and Diptera 1.89% contamination rates; (3) possible causes of contamination, such as food, parasitism, sample collection, and cross-contamination, were analyzed. Overall, this study proposes a workflow for checking the existence of contamination in WGS and TSA data and some suggestions to mitigate it. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)

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Figure 1
Overview of the workflow used to scan Insecta-origin and Mammalia-origin contamination. Two steps (1–2) for filtering the contamination are marked red. (1) was to filter taxonomic assignments with a strict confidence score of at least 0.8; and (2) was to identify the best top bitscore subject, with threshold values of 70% coverage and 80% identity. Full article ">Figure 2
The overview of downloaded data (a) and the contamination rates between WGS and TSA in four orders (b). Full article ">Figure 3
The number of contaminants across different orders within the class Insecta (a) and the distribution of Insecta-origin contamination among four insect orders (b). The number of contaminants across different orders within the class Mammalia (c) and the distribution of Mammalia-origin contamination across four mammalian orders (d). The number of assemblies involved in each contamination order as a proportion of the total number of assemblies contaminated in each category. The asterisk (*) indicates the contamination order with the highest proportion in each category. Full article ">Figure 4
The distribution of contaminated superfamilies in four orders (including Insecta-origin and Mammalia-origin contamination). Full article ">Figure 5
The distribution of contaminated superfamilies in four orders (including Insecta-origin and Mammalia-origin contamination). Full article ">

14 pages, 3052 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Deciphering Seasonal Patterns in Animal Feeding: A Mechanistic Approach to Analyzing the Restricted Growth of Iberian Pigs

by Fernando Sánchez-Esquiliche, Chelo Ferreira, Rosa Nieto, Luisa Ramírez, Gema Matos and Ana Muniesa

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3431; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233431 - 27 Nov 2024

Abstract

The growth of animals is influenced by various factors including genetics, nutrition, and environmental conditions. This study focuses on understanding the traditional growth phases of Iberian pigs raised in semi-free-range environments prior to the finishing period within the Mediterranean forest. Using a comprehensive [...] Read more.

The growth of animals is influenced by various factors including genetics, nutrition, and environmental conditions. This study focuses on understanding the traditional growth phases of Iberian pigs raised in semi-free-range environments prior to the finishing period within the Mediterranean forest. Using a comprehensive dataset of 5329 pigs, we evaluated the abilities of several mathematical models to predict growth patterns during the early growing and pre-finishing phases. The Gompertz model demonstrated the best fit for the age–weight relationship, indicating its effectiveness in characterizing growth dynamics in these animals. A novel compartmental mathematical model was developed, which integrates age-based estimations for certain body components (protein, water, and ash) with linear body weight predictions for fat. Our findings indicate that this mechanistic model serves as an effective tool for understanding and optimizing management strategies and enhancing growth predictions in traditional pig breeds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Improvement in Pigs)

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17 pages, 5567 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preliminary Evaluation of an Advanced Ventilation-Control Algorithm to Optimise Microclimate in a Commercial Broiler House

by Kehinde Favour Daniel, Lak-yeong Choi, Se-yeon Lee, Chae-rin Lee, Ji-yeon Park, Jinseon Park and Se-woon Hong

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3430; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233430 - 27 Nov 2024

Abstract

This study aims to improve the microclimate conditions in a mechanically ventilated broiler house by proposing and evaluating a ventilation-control algorithm based on heat-energy balance analysis. The new algorithm is designed to optimise the ventilation-rate requirement and thereby improve control of the indoor [...] Read more.

This study aims to improve the microclimate conditions in a mechanically ventilated broiler house by proposing and evaluating a ventilation-control algorithm based on heat-energy balance analysis. The new algorithm is designed to optimise the ventilation-rate requirement and thereby improve control of the indoor temperature. The analysis of one year of operational data collected at the experimental farm indicates that the current ventilation-control system successfully maintained optimal indoor temperatures for 74% of the time. In contrast, the proposed algorithm has the potential to improve this number significantly (up to 92%). The new algorithm was implemented and evaluated at two broiler houses (control and experimental) starting from day 20 to day 34 during one rearing period under high-temperature conditions. The results confirm that the new algorithm effectively reduced indoor temperatures by 1.5–2 °C during the day, which reduces heat stress significantly. Even though cooling pad usage increased to about eight times, the reduction in tunnel fan usage (to about 52%) led to significant energy savings. Furthermore, broiler mortality was reduced by 16.5%, which means there is also potential for improved productivity. The proposed ventilation control algorithm can effectively enhance microclimate conditions and energy efficiency in broiler production, though longer-term studies are required to fully assess its impact on growth performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal System and Management)

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11 pages, 1249 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sericin-Enriched Rabbit Semen Preservation: Implications for Short-Term Storage Quality and Fertility at 4 or 15 °C

by Sanan Raza, Uğur Uçan, Melih Aksoy, Güneş Erdoğan, Zahid Naseer and Komal Khan

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3429; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233429 - 27 Nov 2024

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Abstract

The influence of sericin supplementation and chilling temperatures (4 and 15 °C) on the short-term storage quality and fertility of rabbit semen was assessed over 72 h of storage. In experiment 1, pooled semen (five replications) was diluted to a concentration of 50 [...] Read more.

The influence of sericin supplementation and chilling temperatures (4 and 15 °C) on the short-term storage quality and fertility of rabbit semen was assessed over 72 h of storage. In experiment 1, pooled semen (five replications) was diluted to a concentration of 50 M mL⁻¹, and assigned to control, 0.1%, and 0.5% sericin groups, stored at 4 or 15 °C. Sperm motility, sperm kinematics, viability, and membrane and acrosome integrity were assessed at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h of storage. Experiments 2 and 3 were conducted to observe the effect of sericin on bacterial growth and in vivo fertility. The results of experiment 1 showed that sericin treatment, storage temperature, and storage duration influenced progressive and total sperm motility. The storage duration affected all sperm kinematics variables, whereas VCL, VSL, VAP, and BCF sperm kinematics altered in response to sericin treatment and storage temperature. Similarly, significant effects of sericin treatment, storage temperature, and storage duration were observed for acrosome integrity, sperm membrane integrity, and sperm viability. The results of experiment 2 indicated the antimicrobial effects of sericin when sperm were stored at 15 °C for 72 h. While promising pregnancy outcomes were observed with sericin-treated sperm for 72 h, these results were not significantly different. This study conclusively demonstrates that sericin treatment enhances the quality of rabbit semen when stored at lower temperatures for longer durations. The antimicrobial effects of sericin could be a contributing factor to the improved in vitro and in vivo fertility of rabbit sperm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Reproduction)

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14 pages, 4031 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Shifts in Antibiotic Residues and Gut Microbiome Following Tilmicosin Administration to Silkie Chickens

by Qiying Liang, Chunlin Xie, Haile Berihulay Gebreselase, Yushan Yuan, Jingyi He, Lu Xie, Chenglong Luo and Jian Ji

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3428; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233428 - 27 Nov 2024

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Abstract

Tilmicosin, an antibiotic widely used in animal husbandry to prevent and treat bacterial infections, raises concerns due to its residual accumulation, which impacts both animal health and food safety. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of tilmicosin clearance patterns in different [...] Read more.

Tilmicosin, an antibiotic widely used in animal husbandry to prevent and treat bacterial infections, raises concerns due to its residual accumulation, which impacts both animal health and food safety. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of tilmicosin clearance patterns in different tissues, assessed physiological impacts through blood biochemistry, and investigated changes in gut microbial composition with 16S rRNA sequencing of the tilmicosin-treated Silkie chickens. Initially, we observed rapid peaks in tilmicosin residues in all tissues within 1 day after treatment, but complete metabolism took longer, extending beyond 9 days. Moreover, tilmicosin treatment significantly decreased serum levels of total bile acid, blood urea nitrogen, and uric acid, while increasing the levels of direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, and glutathione peroxidase at day 3, followed by a decrease from day 5 onwards. The effects of tilmicosin use on microbial composition and diversity lasted for an extended period, with the relative abundance of Proteobacteria remaining significantly different between the control and tilmicosin-treated groups at 120 days. Additionally, correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between Mucispirillum_schaedleri and tilmicosin residue in all tissues, while Parabbacteroide_distasonis, Faecalibacterium_prausnitzii, and others exhibited negative correlations with tilmicosin residue. Overall, our study indicates a significant correlation between intestinal microbes and antibiotic residues, providing a theoretical basis for guiding the withdrawal period after antibiotic use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Poultry)

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16 pages, 2136 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maternal Undernutrition Effect on Pregnancy-Associated Glycoprotein (PAG) Concentration in Sheep Carrying Single and Multiple Fetuses

by Olimpia Barbato, Vittoria Lucia Barile, Laura Menchetti, Giovanni Ricci, Emilia Larisa Achihaei, Cristian Porcu, Francesca Daniela Sotgiu, Valeria Pasciu and Fiammetta Berlinguer

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3427; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233427 - 27 Nov 2024

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Abstract

To the best of our knowledge, no studies in the literature have reported on the relationship between the pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) concentration and undernutrition during pregnancy in sheep. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of undernutrition on the [...] Read more.

To the best of our knowledge, no studies in the literature have reported on the relationship between the pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) concentration and undernutrition during pregnancy in sheep. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of undernutrition on the blood concentration of PAGs in pregnant ewes carrying single and multiple fetuses, undergoing either dietary energy restriction or receiving 100% of their energy requirements during the period of maximal placenta growth. From d 24 to 100 of pregnancy, the ewes were fed ryegrass hay and two different iso-proteic concentrates, fulfilling either 100% of the ewes’ energy requirements (control group; n = 30, 14 singleton pregnancies, 16 multiple pregnancies) or only 50% (feed-restricted group; n = 29; 11 singleton pregnancies, 18 multiple pregnancies). Blood samples were collected from all the ewes the day before intravaginal sponge insertion (T0) and, thereafter, every 30 days starting from d 24 of gestation (T1) until d 30 after parturition (T6), to determine the PAG, progesterone, NEFA, total protein, and glucose concentrations. Our results showed that PAG concentrations are not only influenced by the number of fetuses, but also by the ewe’s diet. In particular, the PAG marginal means were higher in the feed-restricted group than in the control group (7.8 ± 0.6 and 10.8 ± 0.9 ng/mL for the control and feed-restricted groups, respectively; p = 0.040). This finding confirms that a dietary restriction between d 24 and d 100 of gestation leads to a growth in placental functions as inferred from the increase in the concentration of the PAG levels. Therefore, the measurement of PAG concentrations, in addition to serving as a marker of pregnancy, can also serve as a marker of placental functionality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Reproduction)

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Body weight (BW, panel (i)) and body condition score (BCS, panel (ii)) during pregnancy and postpartum in sheep according to the diet (control or feed restricted) and the number of lambs born (one or more than one, respectively, defined as single and multiple lambs). T0 = 2 weeks before mating; T1 to T5 = day of pregnancy: T1 = d 24, T2 = d 50, T3 = d 80, T4 = d 110, and T5 = d 140. The values are the mean and standard error. For each time point, the mean of the groups that do not share a letter are statistically different (p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 1 Cont.
Body weight (BW, panel (i)) and body condition score (BCS, panel (ii)) during pregnancy and postpartum in sheep according to the diet (control or feed restricted) and the number of lambs born (one or more than one, respectively, defined as single and multiple lambs). T0 = 2 weeks before mating; T1 to T5 = day of pregnancy: T1 = d 24, T2 = d 50, T3 = d 80, T4 = d 110, and T5 = d 140. The values are the mean and standard error. For each time point, the mean of the groups that do not share a letter are statistically different (p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 2
PAG concentrations during pregnancy and postpartum in sheep according to the diet (control or feed restricted) and the number of lambs born (one or more than one, respectively, defined as single and multiple lambs). T0 = 2 weeks before mating; T1 to T5 = day of pregnancy: T1 = d 24, T2 = d 50, T3 = d 80, T4 = d 110, T5 = d 140, and T6 = d30 postpartum. The values are the mean and standard error. For each time point, the mean of the groups that do not share a letter are statistically different (p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 3
Progesterone concentrations during pregnancy and postpartum in sheep according to the diet (control or feed restricted) and the number of lambs born (one or more than one, respectively, defined as single and multiple lambs). T0 = 2 weeks before mating; T1 to T5 = day of pregnancy: T1 = d 24, T2 = d 50, T3 = d 80, T4 = d 110, T5 = d 140, and T6= d 30 postpartum. The values are the mean and standard error. For each time point, the mean of the groups that do not share a letter are statistically different (p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 4
NEFA (panel (i)), total protein (panel (ii)), and glucose (panel (iii)) concentrations during pregnancy and postpartum in sheep according to the diet (control or feed restricted) and the number of lambs born (one or more than one, respectively, defined as single and multiple lambs). T0 = 2 weeks before mating; T1 to T5 = day of pregnancy: T1 = d 24, T2 = d 50, T3 = d 80, T4 = d 110, T5 = d 140, and T6 = d 30 postpartum. The values are the mean and standard error. For each time point, the mean of the groups that do not share a letter are statistically different (p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 4 Cont.
NEFA (panel (i)), total protein (panel (ii)), and glucose (panel (iii)) concentrations during pregnancy and postpartum in sheep according to the diet (control or feed restricted) and the number of lambs born (one or more than one, respectively, defined as single and multiple lambs). T0 = 2 weeks before mating; T1 to T5 = day of pregnancy: T1 = d 24, T2 = d 50, T3 = d 80, T4 = d 110, T5 = d 140, and T6 = d 30 postpartum. The values are the mean and standard error. For each time point, the mean of the groups that do not share a letter are statistically different (p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 5
Principal component (PC) plot in rotated space indicating the loadings of the variables (panel (i)) and the PC scores of the animals (panel (ii)), where the colors of the dots indicate the group (i.e., control and feed-restricted diet) and the number of lambs born (one or more than one, respectively, defined as single and multiple lambs). The interpretation of the variable loadings suggested the labels “Diet effect” and “Number of lambs effect” for PC1 and PC2, respectively. Full article ">

14 pages, 5106 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sex-Dimorphic Differential Expression Profiles in the Brain of the Adult Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis

by Pan Liu, Yanchao Liu, Junxian Zhu, Chen Chen, Liqin Ji, Xiaoli Liu, Xiaoyou Hong, Chengqing Wei, Xinping Zhu, Qiaoqing Xu, Jiang Zhou and Wei Li

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3426; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233426 - 27 Nov 2024

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Abstract

The Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is an economically important species in aquaculture, and its growth pattern is characterized by significant sexual dimorphism. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon have mostly been investigated in the gonadal tissues of P. [...] Read more.

The Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is an economically important species in aquaculture, and its growth pattern is characterized by significant sexual dimorphism. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon have mostly been investigated in the gonadal tissues of P. sinensis, and there are no articles on sex differentiation from the brain of P. sinensis. Here, we analyzed transcriptomes of the brains of adult male and female P. sinensis using high-throughput Illumina sequencing technology, establishing a set of differential genes and differential transcription factors. The data showed that there were 908 genes with significant differences in expression, of which 357 genes were up-regulated and 551 genes were down-regulated. We annotated using Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and screened some genes and pathways related to growth. There were 282 growth-related differential genes and 181 sex-related differential genes. We screened the genes’ growth hormone receptor (GHR) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), which may be related to the growth of P. sinensis. The pathways related to the growth and development of P. sinensis are the growth hormone synthesis, secretion, and action pathway; the MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathway; and the calcium signaling pathway. In addition, through gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), we screened out two genes, LIM homeobox protein 1 (LHX1) and fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7), which are related to both growth and sex differentiation, and through protein interaction analysis of these genes, we screened out eight genes, including LHX1, FGF7, GHR, fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4), EGFR, BMP3, GLI family zinc finger 2 (GLI2), and neuronal differentiation 1 (NEUROD1), and verified the expression levels of these eight genes in the brain of the P. sinensis by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), which supported the reliability and accuracy of our transcriptome analysis. Our study provides a solid foundation for analyzing the mechanisms of sexual-dimorphic growth of P. sinensis and even other turtles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sex Determination and Differentiation in Aquatic Animals)

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Morphological differences between male and female P. sinensis. (a) Comparison of body size in male and female individuals, (b) body weight (g), (c) carapace length (cm), (d) carapace width (cm) of nine males and nine females. Notation ** indicates significant differences between male and female individuals, p < 0.01. Full article ">Figure 2
(a) Volcano map of differential expression genes in the brains of male and female P. sinensis. Up-regulated differential genes are labeled with red dots, down-regulated differential genes are labeled with blue dots, and non-differential genes are labeled with gray dots. (b) Clustered heatmap of differential expression genes in the brains of male and female P. sinensis. Rows and columns represent genes and samples. Color bars indicate gene expression levels from low (blue) to high (red). Full article ">Figure 3
Analyses of functions and pathways of the differentially expressed genes in the brains of male and female P. sinensis. (a,b) represent the GO analysis of the differentially expressed genes and the top 20 enriched GO terms, respectively. (c,d) show the KEGG analysis of the differentially expressed genes and the top 20 enriched pathways, respectively. Full article ">Figure 4
GSEA analysis identifies growth- and sex-related genes. (a,b) represent significantly enriched plot of developmental growth and sex differentiation, respectively. (c,d) show a Venn diagram and a cluster heatmap of genes that are commonly involved in growth- and sex-related GO terms, respectively. Full article ">Figure 5
Identification and characterization of transcription factors. (a,b) represent bar charts of transcription factor family classification and differentially expressed transcription factors, respectively. (c,d) show GO analysis and KEGG analysis of differentially expressed transcription factors, respectively. Full article ">Figure 6
Protein interaction network of genes LHX1 and FGF7. Pink squares and blue circles indicate interacting transcription factors and proteins, respectively. Connecting lines indicate potential interactions. Full article ">Figure 7
Gene expression analysis of eight selected genes in the brain and pituitary gland of adult male and female P. sinensis using RNA-seq and qRT-PCR. (a) RNA-seq analysis of gene expression levels (log10(FPKM)). qRT-PCR results showing the relative expression levels of these genes in (b) the brain and (c) the pituitary gland of adult male and female turtles. Significant differences are indicated by * (p < 0.05) and ** (p < 0.01). Red and blue bars represent female and male turtles, respectively. Full article ">

34 pages, 11960 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Taxonomic Revision of Ningshan Odd-Scaled Snake, Achalinus ningshanensis (Serpentes, Xenodermidae), with Description of a New Subspecies from Western China

by Yuhao Xu, Shun Ma, Bo Cai, Diancheng Yang, Tianyou Zhang, Tianxuan Gu, Fengcheng Zhu, Song Huang and Lifang Peng

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3425; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233425 - 27 Nov 2024

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Abstract

Achalinu ningshanensis (Yang, Huang, Jiang, Burbrink, and Huang, 2022) was first described in Ningshan County, Shaanxi Province, China in 2022, based on seven female specimens. In this study, based on phylogenetic analyses using mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA (12S), 16S ribosomal RNA [...] Read more.

Achalinu ningshanensis (Yang, Huang, Jiang, Burbrink, and Huang, 2022) was first described in Ningshan County, Shaanxi Province, China in 2022, based on seven female specimens. In this study, based on phylogenetic analyses using mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA (12S), 16S ribosomal RNA (16S), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1), cytochrome b (cyt b) gene fragments, and morphological examinations of specimens, we revise the taxonomic status of A. ningshanensis, and provide additional data on this species. The molecular phylogeny indicated that A. ningshanensis is nested in a highly supported monophyletic group, forming a sister taxon to A. spinalis, and is divided into two well-supported lineages, A and B, with an uncorrected p-distance between lineages from 3.6 to 4.3% for CO1. Therefore, we proposed that Lineage B from western Sichuan and southwestern Shaanxi is a new subspecies, Achalinus ningshanensis occidentalis ssp. nov., and Lineage A from southern Shaanxi and northeastern Sichuan is allocated as Achalinus ningshanensis ningshanensis. Morphologically, the new subspecies can be distinguished from its congeners, especially from Achalinus ningshanensis ningshanensis, by the following characteristics: (1) the tail is relatively short, with a TAL/TL ratio of 0.202–0.226 in males, and 0.155–0.178 in females; (2) there are two pairs of chin-shields; (3) there are 21–22 maxillary teeth; (4) the length of the suture between internasals is significantly shorter than that between prefrontals, with an LSBI/LSBP ratio of 0.502–0.773; (5) there are six supralabials, with the fourth and fifth in contact with the eye; (6) there are five to six infralabials, and the first to third or fourth touches the first pair of chin-shields; (7) there is one hexagonal loreal, with an LorH/LorL ratio of 0.612–1.040; (8) the two anterior temporals are in contact with the eye; (9) there are 155–160 ventrals in males, and 165–174 in females; (10) there are 60–65 subcaudals in males, and 49–53 in females, which are not paired; and (11) the dorsum is iridescent and uniformly charcoal black, lacks a longitudinal vertebral line, and has a dark brown or dark gray ventral area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Herpetology)

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9 pages, 265 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Use of Chemical Tracers in Sus scrofa Population Studies—A Scoping Review

by Grzegorz Tarasiuk, Luis G. Giménez-Lirola, Marisa L. Rotolo and Jeffrey J. Zimmerman

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3424; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233424 - 27 Nov 2024

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Abstract

A highly invasive species, free-ranging Sus scrofa often negatively impact the ecosystem and are capable of spreading a number of impactful pathogens to domestic livestock. Measures taken to ameliorate these impacts and/or control population size are based on the delivery of oral baits [...] Read more.

A highly invasive species, free-ranging Sus scrofa often negatively impact the ecosystem and are capable of spreading a number of impactful pathogens to domestic livestock. Measures taken to ameliorate these impacts and/or control population size are based on the delivery of oral baits containing bioactive chemicals or vaccines, e.g., classical swine fever vaccine. The efficacy of these methods depends on the rate at which inoculated baits are consumed by the pigs. Rhodamine B, tetracycline, and iophenoxic acid are commonly used to quantitate bait uptake in free-ranging pig population studies. All three are effective in this application but differ in fundamental characteristics. When used as a tracer, the effective dose of rhodamine B was established at 15 mg/kg to ensure a 12-week window of detection based on evaluation of hair samples using fluorescent microscopy. Tetracyclines are likewise effective tracers in free-ranging pigs, but the process of detection is highly invasive, i.e., requires euthanasia, and extraction of bone or teeth, followed by examination by fluorescence microscopy. Iophenoxic acid and its derivatives also highly suitable tracers and may be detected in serum for ≥9 months after exposure. Notably tracers used in free-ranging pigs are not suitable for behavioral studies in farm-raised pigs either because the detection method is highly invasive (tetracyclines) or because they are unapproved for use in meat destined for human consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pigs)

11 pages, 265 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytase Improves Zinc Utilization by Broiler Chickens

by Douglas Drebes Brunhaus Maria, Sergio Luiz Vieira, Raquel Medeiros Horn, Maria Luísa Adachi Marchi and Andre Favero

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3423; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233423 - 27 Nov 2024

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Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate phytase effects on the availability of zinc (Zn) from corn and soybean meal feeds for broiler chickens, whereas, in parallel, Zn requirements were investigated. A total of 640 Cobb × Cobb 500 male chicks were fed a Zn-deficient [...] Read more.

The study aimed to evaluate phytase effects on the availability of zinc (Zn) from corn and soybean meal feeds for broiler chickens, whereas, in parallel, Zn requirements were investigated. A total of 640 Cobb × Cobb 500 male chicks were fed a Zn-deficient diet (18.87 ± 0.87 mg/kg Zn) until 7 days of age. The experiment was a 2 × 5 factorial with 10 treatments (feeds with or without phytase × 5 increasing dietary Zn levels) with 8 replications of 8 birds each. Supplemental Zn sulfate heptahydrate was used (measurements of the Zn analyzed in the feeds were 30.1 ± 0.73, 61.6 ± 0.13, 90.4 ± 1.60, 123.6 ± 1.99, and 151.9 ± 1.84 mg/kg, respectively). There were no interactions between phytase and Zn for any evaluated response. Phytase improved broiler performance and increased plasma myo-inositol, Zn content in the liver and tibia, Zn retention, and digestible energy (p < 0.05). No significant impact of dietary Zn was found on broiler performance (p > 0.05) except for Zn excretion and tibia Zn content. Adding phytase at 4000 FYT increased the apparent ileal Zn digestibility by 98% and Zn retention by 13.7%, whereas Zn supplementation of up to 151.9 mg/kg did not impact broiler performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Poultry)

11 pages, 384 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Rearing and Adult Environment on HPA Axis Responsivity and Plumage Condition in Laying Hens

by Janicke Nordgreen, Lucille Dumontier, Tom V. Smulders, Judit Vas, Rupert Palme and Andrew M. Janczak

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3422; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233422 - 26 Nov 2024

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Abstract

The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis responsivity is influenced by early life experience and also modified by the environment an individual experiences as an adult. Because laying hens are transferred from rearing to laying farms at 16–18 weeks of age, they are well suited to [...] Read more.

The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis responsivity is influenced by early life experience and also modified by the environment an individual experiences as an adult. Because laying hens are transferred from rearing to laying farms at 16–18 weeks of age, they are well suited to study the interaction effect between early (rearing) and adult (laying) environments on physiology and behaviour. In the European Union, there is a move towards cage-free systems for laying hens, but globally, the majority of layers are kept in conventional or furnished cages. Conventional cages have no enrichment, whereas furnished cages have little enrichment. Both cage types limit the movement of birds and the expression of highly motivated behaviours. Lack of enrichment may lead to under-stimulated birds that are more sensitive to stress and fear-inducing challenges later in life. Fearfulness has been linked to feather pecking, which has negative consequences for animal welfare and productivity. Previous research has shown that birds reared in cages are more fearful and perform more poorly in a test of spatial cognition than birds reared in aviaries when tested within five weeks after transition to adult housing. However, recent results suggest that these effects might not be long-lasting. We, therefore, tested the effect of the early (rearing) (aviary vs. cage) and adult (laying) environments (standard vs. additionally enriched furnished cages) on the corticosterone response to restraint in birds that were 35 weeks into lay (i.e., 52 weeks of age) and assessed their plumage condition. We hypothesised that a lower level of enrichment, both during rearing and adulthood, would represent a lower level of stimulation, resulting in a stronger corticosterone response to restraint and poorer feather cover. Both stressed (restrained) and control birds increased their corticosterone levels from the first (baseline) to second sample (p < 0.01 for both), but the increase in the restrained group was significantly higher than in the control group (F_{1, 111} = 9.51; p = 0.003). There was no effect of the early environment, but birds housed in standard furnished cages as adults had overall higher corticosterone levels than birds housed in enriched furnished cages regardless of their early life environment (F_{1, 51} = 4.12; p = 0.048). Neither early nor adult housing influenced the feather score except for on the belly, where birds housed in enriched cages as adults had a poorer feather score, contrary to our prediction. In conclusion, no effect of the early environment on HPA axis responsivity to an acute stressor could be detected at 52 weeks of age, but adult enrichment had a favourable effect on overall corticosterone levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Welfare)

15 pages, 3694 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Curcumin Inhibits Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis Induced by H₂O₂ in Bovine Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (bADSCs)

by Enhui Jiang, Xuanbo Chen, Yi Bi, Chuanying Pan, Xiangchen Li and Xianyong Lan

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3421; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233421 - 26 Nov 2024

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Abstract

In livestock production, oxidative stress (OS) is ubiquitous, reducing animal productivity and product quality. Hence, investigating the mechanisms of oxidative stress in livestock and inhibiting oxidative stress-induced damage is crucial. Curcumin, a plant-derived bioactive compound, exhibits antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. Adipose-derived stem cells [...] Read more.

In livestock production, oxidative stress (OS) is ubiquitous, reducing animal productivity and product quality. Hence, investigating the mechanisms of oxidative stress in livestock and inhibiting oxidative stress-induced damage is crucial. Curcumin, a plant-derived bioactive compound, exhibits antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) from animal adipose tissue are easily accessible and possess multilineage differentiation potential. Therefore, this work utilized bovine ADSCs to establish an oxidative stress model and investigated the effects of curcumin on oxidative stress and apoptosis. Firstly, bovine ADSCs were isolated and cultured from fetal calf subcutaneous adipose tissue. Their surface markers were identified by immunofluorescence, confirming the expression of CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105 and Vimentin, but not CD34, indicative of mesenchymal stem/progenitor cell characteristics. Secondly, to explore the effects of curcumin on oxidative damage and apoptosis in bovine ADSCs, an oxidative stress model was induced using H₂O₂. CCK-8 assays showed significantly reduced cell viability and SOD activity, along with increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, indicating successful modeling. RT-qPCR further confirmed that 500 μM of H₂O₂ treatment for 24 h promoted apoptosis. Herein, CCK-8 assays indicated a significant reduction in cell viability at >8 μM of curcumin. Thirdly, using 4 μM and 8 μM of curcumin for pre-protection, 8 μM maintained SOD activity, reduced MDA and ROS, inhibited apoptosis-related gene changes (Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3), and suppressed apoptosis according to a TUNEL assay. Fourthly, curcumin’s autophagy-inducing potential was hypothesized, which was confirmed by increased LC3-II and decreased P62 expression upon co-treatment with 3-MA. 3-MA inhibited curcumin’s antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, suggesting that curcumin’s antioxidant and anti-apoptotic roles may involve autophagy induction. In conclusion, bovine ADSCs are abundant, easily accessible, and multipotent, making them suitable for in vitro expansion. Curcumin alleviated H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in bovine ADSCs, with curcumin also inhibiting apoptosis, likely through autophagy induction. This study validates the protective role of curcumin in bovine ADSCs, with potential applications in livestock production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)

14 pages, 527 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Retrospective Safety Evaluation of Combined Chlorambucil and Toceranib for the Treatment of Different Solid Tumours in Dogs

by Yuk-Yin Lai, Rodrigo Dos Santos Horta, Paola Valenti and Antonio Giuliano

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3420; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233420 - 26 Nov 2024

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Abstract

Chlorambucil is used in veterinary medicine for various cancers, while Toceranib, which was licenced for treating canine mast cell tumours, is now used against other solid tumours. Both drugs are generally safe, but their combined use has not been studied. This study aimed [...] Read more.

Chlorambucil is used in veterinary medicine for various cancers, while Toceranib, which was licenced for treating canine mast cell tumours, is now used against other solid tumours. Both drugs are generally safe, but their combined use has not been studied. This study aimed to investigate retrospectively the safety profile of the Chlorambucil–Toceranib combination against canine solid tumours. Thirty-eight dogs received this combination. Chlorambucil was administered at a median dose intensity of 15.1 mg/m² per week, while Toceranib was given at the median dosage of 2.5 mg/kg on a Monday–Wednesday–Friday schedule. Dosages were individually adjusted according to commercially available tablet formulation, co-morbidities, and adverse events (AEs). The resulting clinical benefit rate (CBR) and overall response rate (ORR) were 55.3% and 10.5%, respectively. The median progressive free survival (PFS) and median survival time (MST) were 45.5 (12–537) days and 259 (42–1178) days, respectively. Gastrointestinal AEs occurred in 39.5% of cases (n = 15), 15.8% (n = 6) experienced UPC elevation, while hematological and biochemistry AEs affected 13.2% (n = 5) each. Most of these AEs were grades 1–2 (G1–2). None of the dogs interrupted treatment due to AEs, and the combination appeared safe. Larger prospective clinical trials are required to confirm our findings and investigate its efficacy across various cancers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

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18 pages, 783 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Demography, Longevity and Mortality of Bullmastiffs Attending Veterinary Practices in Australia

by Abigail Carney, Peter Williamson and Rosanne M. Taylor

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3419; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233419 - 26 Nov 2024

Viewed by 164

Abstract

The Bullmastiff is a giant breed of dog, and there is evidence the breed is predisposed to cancer and musculoskeletal disorders, though the disease investigation of the breed is limited. This study reports on the demography, longevity and mortality of Bullmastiffs attending veterinary [...] Read more.

The Bullmastiff is a giant breed of dog, and there is evidence the breed is predisposed to cancer and musculoskeletal disorders, though the disease investigation of the breed is limited. This study reports on the demography, longevity and mortality of Bullmastiffs attending veterinary practices in Australia over a ten-year period. VetCompass Australia collects patient data from veterinary practices across Australia for epidemiological analysis. All patient records of Bullmastiffs available in the VetCompass Australia database during this decade period were reviewed, with demographic information on the breed inclusive of coat colour, sex, neuter status, weight and location collated. Standardised veterinary diagnostic (VeNom) codes for the most appropriate cause of death were assigned to deceased dogs. The population comprised 2771 Bullmastiffs with an overall median age of 2.8 years. Within the group, 1259 were female (45.4%), 1491 were male (53.8%), and 21 dogs (0.8%) had no recorded sex or neuter status. Dogs grew rapidly in their first year, with an average gain of approximately 1 kg every 10 days. A slower growth rate continued in their second year, and growth plateaued as adulthood was reached, with the mean body weight of adult male dogs (46.6 kg) being heavier than that of females (40.5 kg). The age at death for the group was 8.5 years. The most common causes of death in the breed were mass lesions (28.2%), old age (9.9%), musculoskeletal-related disease (9.9%) and neurological (5.3%) and behavioural disorders (4.8%). Neutering was protective against mortality from urogenital causes (OR: 0.14; CI: 0.02–0.52; p = 0.003) and had a positive effect on longevity. This study provides demographic and health information on a population of Bullmastiffs attending veterinary practices in Australia, which will benefit evidence-based veterinary decisions for this breed. Additionally, the results may assist owners and breeders in making informed decisions on health risks and breeding programmes in the population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Companion Animals)

17 pages, 4345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal Changes and Age-Related Effects on the Intestinal Microbiota of Captive Chinese Monals (Lophophorus lhuysii)

by Lijing Huang, Yanchu Zheng, Shaohua Feng, Bangyuan Wu, Li Chen, Xiaoqin Xu, Bin Wang, Wanhong Li, Caiquan Zhou and Long Zhang

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3418; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233418 - 26 Nov 2024

Viewed by 221

Abstract

The Chinese monal (Lophophorus lhuysii) is a large-sized and vulnerable (VU in IUCN) bird from southwestern China. This study applied 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing to comprehensively examine the gut microbiota of captive Chinese monals (located in Baoxing, Sichuan, China) across varying [...] Read more.

The Chinese monal (Lophophorus lhuysii) is a large-sized and vulnerable (VU in IUCN) bird from southwestern China. This study applied 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing to comprehensively examine the gut microbiota of captive Chinese monals (located in Baoxing, Sichuan, China) across varying seasons and life stages. Dominant bacterial phyla identified included Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. Significant seasonal and age-associated shifts were observed within specific bacterial groups, particularly marked by seasonal fluctuations in beta diversity. Moreover, linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) and functional predictions highlighted distinct winter signatures, indicating possible functional shifts in energy metabolism and disease resistance. In mid-aged adults, an expansion of Gamma-Proteobacteria suggested an elevated susceptibility of the gut microbiota of Chinese monals to chronic disorders and microbial imbalance. Putative pathogenic bacteria exhibited increased abundance in spring and summer, likely driven by temperature, host physiological cycles, interspecies interactions, and competition. These findings imply that the diversity, and structure of the gut microbiota in captive Chinese monals are strongly influenced by seasonal and age-related factors. The insights provided here are essential for improving breeding strategies and preventing gastrointestinal diseases in captivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Birds)

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Distribution of ASV in fecal samples of Chinese monal in different seasons (A) and ages (B). Full article ">Figure 2
The relative abundance of gut microbiota in captive Chinese monals across different seasons (A,B) and age groups (C,D) was presented at both the phylum and genus levels. Panels (A,C) illustrate microbial composition at the phylum level, while panels (B,D) depict the distribution at the genus level. Full article ">Figure 3
Seasonal and age-related variations in gut microbiota abundance in Chinese monals were assessed. LEfSe analysis, incorporating the Kruskal-Wallis test (p < 0.05) and an LDA score threshold of 4.0, was employed to detect significant microbial differences across groups. A cladogram illustrates the seasonal shifts in enriched bacterial taxa (A), while a separate cladogram highlights age-related differences in microbial abundance (B). The letters preceding ASVs denote taxonomic ranks: p = phylum, c = class, o = order, f = family, g = genus, s = species. Full article ">Figure 4
Seasonal and age-related variations in the gut microbiota of the Chinese monal were assessed through α diversity metrics. Panels (A,E) display the Shannon index, (B,F) represent the Simpson index, (C,G) illustrate the Ace index, while (D,H) depict the Chao1 index. Full article ">Figure 5
The beta diversity of the gut microbiota composition in Chinese monals was assessed across different seasons (A,B) and age groups (C,D). NMDS and PCoA were employed to evaluate the variations in gut microbiota communities, with statistical significance denoted by p values (p < 0.05). Each color corresponds to a distinct group, where proximity between samples indicates greater similarity in microbial composition and structure, while greater distance signifies increased dissimilarity. Panels (A,C) display the results from NMDS and panels (B,D) from PCoA. Full article ">Figure 6
Differences in KEGG metabolic pathways of Chinese monal in different seasons (A) and ages (B). Full article ">Figure 7
Seasonal (A,C) and age-related (B,D) variations in the SparCC heatmaps and relative abundance of potential pathogenic bacteria in the gut microbiota of Chinese monals were highlighted. Full article ">

41 pages, 15640 KiB

Open AccessReview

Neonatal Clinical Assessment of the Puppy and Kitten: How to Identify Newborns at Risk?

by Keylla Helena Nobre Pacífico Pereira, Kárita da Mata Fuchs, Júlia Cosenza Mendonça, Gleice Mendes Xavier, Diogo Ribeiro Câmara, Raíssa Karolinny Salgueiro Cruz and Maria Lucia Gomes Lourenço

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3417; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233417 - 26 Nov 2024

Viewed by 248

Abstract

Neonatal puppies and kittens have physiological and anatomical characteristics that differ from those of adult animals, which impacts the interpretation of physical examination and complementary tests. The veterinarian must be familiar with the clinical, laboratory, and imaging aspects observed in neonates. It is [...] Read more.

Neonatal puppies and kittens have physiological and anatomical characteristics that differ from those of adult animals, which impacts the interpretation of physical examination and complementary tests. The veterinarian must be familiar with the clinical, laboratory, and imaging aspects observed in neonates. It is necessary to thoroughly evaluate the litter and the mother to notice the most subtle signs of illness and advise the owner to constantly monitor the newborns, quickly sending them to specialized care. This review describes how to perform clinical assessments of newborns systematically and recognize clinical signs of neonatal changes or affections in puppies and kittens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Canine Reproductive Health: From Fertility Management to Neonatal Care)

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18 pages, 2318 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Spent Substrate of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) on Feed Utilization and Liver Serum Indices of Hu Sheep from the Perspective of Duodenal Microorganisms

by Mu-Long Lu, Guo-Hong Yuan, Chang-Chang Li, Li-Hong Hu, Xin-Wei Feng, Hui Jiang, Li-Lin Liu, Halidai Rehemujiang and Gui-Shan Xu

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3416; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233416 - 26 Nov 2024

Viewed by 129

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Pleurotus ostreatus spent mushroom substrate (P.SMS), which is characterized by high production but low utilization, on feed utilization and liver serum indices from the perspective of duodenal microorganisms. Forty-five 3-month-old Hu sheep were randomly assigned [...] Read more.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Pleurotus ostreatus spent mushroom substrate (P.SMS), which is characterized by high production but low utilization, on feed utilization and liver serum indices from the perspective of duodenal microorganisms. Forty-five 3-month-old Hu sheep were randomly assigned to five groups and fed diets in which whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) was substituted with P.SMS at levels of 0% (Con), 5% (PSMS5), 10% (PSMS10), 15% (PSMS15), or 20% (PSMS20). The results indicated that the addition of P.SMS complexly influenced the apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein, with PSMS10 showing the highest digestibility of these nutrients. P.SMS inclusion significantly affected serum alanine aminotransferase levels, with PSMS5 showing higher levels than both the Con and PSMS20 groups (p < 0.05). Importantly, the inclusion of P.SMS did not affect the richness and diversity of duodenal microorganisms. Significant differences in the phyla Verrucomicrobiota and Spirochaetota were observed between the Con and PSMS20 groups. The observed trend towards an increase in the genus Trichoderma (p = 0.057) suggests that P.SMS is susceptible to contamination by this genus, which in turn affects the structure of the intestinal flora. Furthermore, functional gene predictions indicated differences in amino acid metabolism among the groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding with 10% P.SMS resulted in the highest digestibility without adversely affecting the structure of the duodenal community or liver function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection A Sustainable Approach to Non-Conventional Feeding Resources and Rearing Strategies)

25 pages, 108807 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SMEA-YOLOv8n: A Sheep Facial Expression Recognition Method Based on an Improved YOLOv8n Model

by Wenbo Yu, Xiang Yang, Yongqi Liu, Chuanzhong Xuan, Ruoya Xie and Chuanjiu Wang

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3415; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233415 - 26 Nov 2024

Viewed by 168

Abstract

Sheep facial expressions are valuable indicators of their pain levels, playing a critical role in monitoring their health and welfare. In response to challenges such as missed detections, false positives, and low recognition accuracy in sheep facial expression recognition, this paper introduces an [...] Read more.

Sheep facial expressions are valuable indicators of their pain levels, playing a critical role in monitoring their health and welfare. In response to challenges such as missed detections, false positives, and low recognition accuracy in sheep facial expression recognition, this paper introduces an enhanced algorithm based on YOLOv8n, referred to as SimAM-MobileViTAttention-EfficiCIoU-AA2_SPPF-YOLOv8n (SMEA-YOLOv8n). Firstly, the proposed method integrates the parameter-free Similarity-Aware Attention Mechanism (SimAM) and MobileViTAttention modules into the CSP Bottleneck with 2 Convolutions(C2f) module of the neck network, aiming to enhance the model’s feature representation and fusion capabilities in complex environments while mitigating the interference of irrelevant background features. Additionally, the EfficiCIoU loss function replaces the original Complete IoU(CIoU) loss function, thereby improving bounding box localization accuracy and accelerating model convergence. Furthermore, the Spatial Pyramid Pooling-Fast (SPPF) module in the backbone network is refined with the addition of two global average pooling layers, strengthening the extraction of sheep facial expression features and bolstering the model’s core feature fusion capacity. Experimental results reveal that the proposed method achieves a [email protected] of 92.5%, a Recall of 91%, a Precision of 86%, and an F1-score of 88.0%, reflecting improvements of 4.5%, 9.1%, 2.8%, and 6.0%, respectively, compared to the baseline model. Notably, the [email protected] for normal and abnormal sheep facial expressions increased by 3.7% and 5.3%, respectively, demonstrating the method’s effectiveness in enhancing recognition accuracy under complex environmental conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Small Ruminants)

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17 pages, 1796 KiB

Open AccessReview

Neurobiology and Anatomy of Facial Expressions in Great Apes: Application of the AnimalFACS and Its Possible Association with the Animal’s Affective State

by Adriana Domínguez-Oliva, Cuauhtémoc Chávez, Julio Martínez-Burnes, Adriana Olmos-Hernández, Ismael Hernández-Avalos and Daniel Mota-Rojas

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3414; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233414 - 26 Nov 2024

Viewed by 219

Abstract

The Facial Action Coding System (FACS) is an anatomically based system to study facial expression in humans. Currently, it is recognized that nonhuman animals, particularly nonhuman primates, have an extensive facial ethogram that changes according to the context and affective state. The facial [...] Read more.

The Facial Action Coding System (FACS) is an anatomically based system to study facial expression in humans. Currently, it is recognized that nonhuman animals, particularly nonhuman primates, have an extensive facial ethogram that changes according to the context and affective state. The facial expression of great apes, the closest species to humans, has been studied using the ChimpFACS and OrangFACS as reliable tools to code facial expressions. However, although the FACS does not infer animal emotions, making additional evaluations and associating the facial changes with other parameters could contribute to understanding the facial expressions of nonhuman primates during positive or negative emotions. The present review aims to discuss the neural correlates and anatomical components of emotional facial expression in great apes. It will focus on the use of Facial Action Coding Systems (FACSs) and the movements of the facial muscles (AUs) of chimpanzees, orangutans, and gorillas and their possible association with the affective state of great apes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoo Animals: How Actual Zoological Institutions Assess, Ensure, and Promote Their Animals’ Welfare?)

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17 pages, 3687 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acute Stress Effects over Time on the Gene Expression and Neurotransmitter Patterns in the Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Brain

by Constanze Pietsch, Paulina Pawlak and Jonathan Konrad

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3413; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233413 - 26 Nov 2024

Viewed by 202

Abstract

Changes in gene expression in carps’ brains over time following acute stressors has not been studied in detail so far. Consequently, a stress trial with juvenile common carp was conducted to investigate transcriptomic differences in four brain parts in response to acute negative [...] Read more.

Changes in gene expression in carps’ brains over time following acute stressors has not been studied in detail so far. Consequently, a stress trial with juvenile common carp was conducted to investigate transcriptomic differences in four brain parts in response to acute negative stressors and feed reward, focusing on appetite-related genes, serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways, and other involved systems, at 30, 60, and 90 min after treatments. The treatments showed pronounced effects on the gene expression patterns across brain parts compared to control fish. Notably, npy expression increased in the telencephalon following negative stressors and feed reward, suggesting a stress-coping mechanism by promoting food intake. Unlike zebrafish, cart expression in carp showed varying responses, indicating species-specific regulation of appetite and stress. Serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways were also affected, with alterations in the respective receptors’ expression, confirming their roles in stress and reward processing. Additionally, this study highlights the involvement of the opioid- and gamma-aminobutyric acid systems in stress and feeding regulation across brain parts. Furthermore, principal component analyses revealed that neurotransmitter levels in the different brain parts contribute to the explained variance. These findings deepen our understanding of how different fish species react to acute stress and rewards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuroendocrine Responses to Environmental Challenges: Exploring Brain–Stress Interactions in Aquatic Species)

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Overview of the gene expression profiles in the telencephalon of control fish (contr) and fish after the treatment (30 min; 60 min; and 90 min) after the different treatments as described in the Materials and Methods section: feed rewarding, feed control, chasing, confinement and air exposure, n = 6 per treatment, red = down-regulated, green = up-regulated, grey = not changed, p > 0.05). Full article ">Figure 2
Overview of the gene expression profiles in the telencephalon of control fish (contr) and fish after the treatment (30 min; 60 min; and 90 min) after the different treatments as described in the Materials and Methods section: feed rewarding, feed control, chasing, confinement and air exposure, n = 6 per treatment, red = down-regulated, green = up-regulated, grey = not changed, p > 0.05). Full article ">Figure 3
Overview of the gene expression profiles in the optic tectum of control fish (contr) and fish after the treatment (30 min; 60 min; and 90 min) after the different treatments as described in the Materials and Methods section: feed rewarding, feed control, chasing, confinement and air exposure, n = 6 per treatment, red = down-regulated, green = up-regulated, grey = not changed, p > 0.05). Full article ">Figure 4
Overview of the gene expression profiles in the rhombencephalon of control fish (contr) and fish after the treatment (30 min; 60 min; and 90 min) after the different treatments as described in the Materials and Methods section: feed rewarding, feed control, chasing, confinement and air exposure, n = 6 per treatment, red = down-regulated, green = up-regulated, grey = not changed, p > 0.05). Full article ">Figure 5
Gene expression analysis with principal component analyses (PCA) for the most contributing genes in each of the telencephalon showing their representation on the factor map as cos2 values, whereby the numbers next to Dim1 and Dim2 indicate the percentage of the variance in the datasets that is explained by the first two components of the PCA of fish 0, 30 min, 60 min and 90 min after treatment; n = 6 per treatment. Full article ">Figure 6
Gene expression analysis with Principal Component Analyses (PCA) for the most contributing genes in each of the hypothalamus showing their representation on the factor map as cos2 values, whereby the numbers next to Dim1 and Dim2 indicate the percentage of the variance in the datasets that is explained by the first two components of the PCA of fish 0, 30 min, 60 min and 90 min after treatment; n = 6 per treatment. Full article ">Figure 7
Gene expression analysis with principal component analyses (PCA) for the most contributing genes in each of the optic tectum showing their representation on the factor map as cos2 values, whereby the numbers next to Dim1 and Dim2 indicate the percentage of the variance in the data sets that is explained by the first two components of the PCA of fish 0, 30 min, 60 min, and 90 min after treatment; n = 6 per treatment. Full article ">Figure 8
Gene expression analysis with principal component analyses (PCA) for the most contributing genes in each of the rhombencephalon showing their representation on the factor map as cos2 values, whereby the numbers next to Dim1 and Dim2 indicate the percentage of the variance in the datasets that is explained by the first two components of the PCA of fish 0, 30 min, 60 min, and 90 min after treatment; n = 6 per treatment. Full article ">

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Animals, Volume 14, Issue 23 (December-1 2024) – 96 articles

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