Animals

21 pages, 2337 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Genetic Link Between Coat Colour and Morphological Traits: The Case of Peruano de Paso Horse

by Ayelen Karlau, Florencia Azcona, Antonio Molina, Pablo Trigo, Juan Pablo Sánchez-Serrano and Sebastián Demyda-Peyrás

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2720; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182720 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

The Peruano de Paso is a horse breed renowned for its smooth gait, traditionally selected based on breeders’ empirical knowledge. Recently, the frequency of chestnut horses, a recessive trait, has increased substantially within the official studbook. This study evaluated whether preference for chestnut [...] Read more.

The Peruano de Paso is a horse breed renowned for its smooth gait, traditionally selected based on breeders’ empirical knowledge. Recently, the frequency of chestnut horses, a recessive trait, has increased substantially within the official studbook. This study evaluated whether preference for chestnut coat colour has influenced morphological traits and genetic diversity within the breed. A total of 8376 records of seven morphological traits, collected by the Peruano de Paso Breeders Association over eight years, were analysed, along with a pedigree including 41,357 individuals. Morphological traits were studied through univariate genetic models that considered potential heterogeneity of additive genetic variance between chestnut and non-chestnut horses. Results indicated moderate to high heritability estimates across traits. No significant differences were observed between groups, except for croup width, with heritability of 0.28 ± 0.08 in chestnuts and 0.44 ± 0.08 in non-chestnuts. Genetic correlations between groups could not be precisely estimated due to limited data. The main effect of selection for chestnut coat colour was a reduction in genetic variability, an increase in inbreeding and relatedness. However, this selection has had little impact on morphology, indicating that the traits valued by breeders remain almost unaffected despite the loss of diversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Equids)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 4301 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Do Peri-Urban Areas Act as Refuges for the European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.)?

by Ana Cabrera, Cristina Mata and Juan E. Malo

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2719; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182719 - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a key species in many Mediterranean ecosystems, especially as prey for numerous Iberian predators. Due to its population decline and spatially heterogeneous recovery following different diseases, there is a need to understand the factors driving [...] Read more.

The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a key species in many Mediterranean ecosystems, especially as prey for numerous Iberian predators. Due to its population decline and spatially heterogeneous recovery following different diseases, there is a need to understand the factors driving local abundance, and a potential refuge effect of anthropized sites has been speculated. In this study, 18 peri-urban areas in Central Spain were selected and a rabbit abundance index was measured in those areas and in parallel controls. Urban occupation and vegetation cover around sampling points were measured, as well as distance to roads, forest patches, and rivers, as factors which can drive rabbit abundance. Linear models were built to unravel general trends in data, from the perspectives of vegetation vs. human occupation and larger landscape-scale effects on rabbit abundance. Negative effects of urban development, distance to roads and proportion of pastures on rabbit abundance were identified, in addition to a positive effect of distance to large forest patches. Regarding urbanization, differences were found among urban types, with a significant negative effect of single-family residential occupation in comparison with multi-family and commercial/industrial occupation. In short, urbanization affects rabbit density, but it does not produce a generalized refuge area surrounding human settlements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Wildlife Insights: Exploring the Behavior and Adaptations of Animals in Urban Environments)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 952 KB

Open AccessArticle

Association Analysis of the FTO Gene Polymorphisms with Growth and Carcass Traits of Heying Black Chicken and Tissue Expression Profile

by Hao Ding, Lan Chen, Can Chen, Tao Zhang, Weilin Chen, Genxi Zhang, Jinyu Wang and Kaizhou Xie

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2718; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182718 - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

Fat volume and obesity-related genes (e.g., the FTO gene) are important candidate genes affecting energy metabolism. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FTO gene are associated with carcass, growth and meat quality traits of pigs, cattle, sheep, rabbits and ducks. The purpose of [...] Read more.

Fat volume and obesity-related genes (e.g., the FTO gene) are important candidate genes affecting energy metabolism. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FTO gene are associated with carcass, growth and meat quality traits of pigs, cattle, sheep, rabbits and ducks. The purpose of this study was to detect the single nucleotide polymorphisms in the chicken FTO gene coding region by DNA sequencing and analyze its association with the carcass and growth traits of Heying black chickens. We detected polymorphisms in exons 5, 7, 8 and 9, respectively, g.57337C>A, g.64757T>G, g.97213G>A and g.220985G>A, which are synonymous mutations. g.57337C>A mutation site CA and AA genotype individuals were significantly higher than CC genotype individuals in live weights, head weights, breast muscle weights and leg muscle weights (p < 0.05), AA genotype individuals were significantly higher than CC genotype individuals in slaughter live weights and liver weights (p < 0.05) and CA and AA genotype individuals were significantly higher than CC genotype individuals in heart weights (p < 0.01). In terms of growth traits, the weights of individuals with genotype CA at 8 weeks were significantly higher than that of individuals with genotype CC (p < 0.05), and the weights of individuals with genotype AA and CA at 10 weeks and 16 weeks were significantly higher than that of individuals with genotype CC (p < 0.05). For the g.64757T > G mutation, individuals with the TT genotype exhibited significantly higher values (p < 0.05) than those with the TG genotype across multiple traits, including slaughter weight, live weight, eviscerated weight and semi-eviscerated weight. Individuals with GG genotypes were significantly higher than individuals with TG genotypes (p < 0.05) in slaughter weights and wing weights. In terms of growth traits, the 16-week-old body weight of individuals with TT genotype was significantly higher than that of individuals with TG genotype (p < 0.01). The GA genotype exhibited significantly higher slaughter weights in the g.97213G>A variant compared to the GG genotype (p < 0.01), and in live weights, eviscerated weights, semi-eviscerated weights, leg muscle weights and wing weights, GA genotype was significantly higher than in GG genotype (p < 0.05). In terms of growth traits, GA genotype was significantly higher in individuals 8 weeks old, 10 weeks old and 16 weeks old than GG genotype (p < 0.05). g.220985G>A was significantly higher in individuals with GG genotype than GA genotype (p < 0.05). In terms of growth traits, the weight of GG genotype was significantly higher than that of GA genotype (p < 0.05). The results showed that the FTO gene may be a candidate gene related to chicken growth and slaughter traits and lays a foundation for Heying black chicken assisted breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Poultry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 1885 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Elbow Contracture Secondary to Congenital Shoulder Luxation in a Dog: Surgical Management with Elbow Muscle Release and Circular Osteotomy-Based Shoulder Arthrodesis

by Changhun Ryu, Haebeom Lee, Youngjin Jeon, Jaemin Jeong and Jongpil Yoon

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2717; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182717 - 16 Sep 2025

Abstract

A 10-month-old Poodle was presented with intermittent non-weight-bearing lameness of the left thoracic limb. Orthopedic and radiographic examinations revealed medial shoulder luxation and markedly reduced elbow extension. A two-stage surgical approach was performed. In the first stage, selective myotomy of periarticular structures, including [...] Read more.

A 10-month-old Poodle was presented with intermittent non-weight-bearing lameness of the left thoracic limb. Orthopedic and radiographic examinations revealed medial shoulder luxation and markedly reduced elbow extension. A two-stage surgical approach was performed. In the first stage, selective myotomy of periarticular structures, including the biceps brachii–brachialis complex and the extensor carpi radialis muscle, was conducted via medial and lateral approaches. A trans-articular external skeletal fixator was applied to maintain elbow extension. Elbow extension improved from 105° preoperatively to 142°. After confirming functional recovery of the elbow joint, the second stage involved shoulder arthrodesis using a circular osteotomy technique with a radial saw, which enabled fine-tuned intraoperative adjustment of limb alignment based on the contralateral limb posture. At nine months postoperatively, the patient exhibited a symmetrical gait, full weight-bearing, and no evidence of discomfort on range of motion assessment. This case highlights the clinical relevance of secondary elbow contracture associated with congenital shoulder instability and suggests that a combination of targeted muscle release and adjustable arthrodesis may offer favorable outcomes in managing complex joint dysfunction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 695 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Utility of the Surgical Toggle-Pin Suture Technique for Left Displacement of the Abomasum in Pregnant Cattle

by Hideo Iso, Fumikazu Uchiyama, Kouki Yamashita, Rina Kuba and Takeshi Tsuka

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2716; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182716 - 16 Sep 2025

Abstract

Although one-step laparoscopic abomasopexy is a highly effective method for correcting left displacement of the abomasum (LDA) in pregnant cows, it is not accessible to all veterinarians because of the need for expensive equipment and substantial experience. This study aimed to evaluate the [...] Read more.

Although one-step laparoscopic abomasopexy is a highly effective method for correcting left displacement of the abomasum (LDA) in pregnant cows, it is not accessible to all veterinarians because of the need for expensive equipment and substantial experience. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of a surgical toggle-pin suture (s-TPS) technique, inspired by the principles of one-step laparoscopic abomasopexy, in five pregnant cows with LDA. In the s-TPS technique, a commercial eyeleteer was used to secure the suture component of a toggle-pin suture device outside the ventral abdominal wall. This was achieved after guiding the device to the left-displaced abomasum through a surgical incision made in the left flank of the standing animals. The average surgical time for the sTPS technique was 17.2 ± 2.3 min. All cows treated with this method survived for more than two years postoperatively. The sTPS technique appears to be a practical and effective option for correcting LDA during pregnancy, as it allows a physically smaller surgeon to perform the procedure on standing pregnant cows, eliminating the need for dorsal recumbency required by the conventional (blind) toggle-pin suture method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 16152 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Omics Insights into Postnatal Skeletal Muscle Development in Duroc Pigs

by Kaiming Wang, Xin Li, Xibing Liu, Sui Liufu, Lanlin Xiao, Bohe Chen, Wenwu Chen, Jun Jiang, Yan Liu and Haiming Ma

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2715; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182715 - 16 Sep 2025

Abstract

Skeletal muscles, accounting for 40% of mammalian body mass, exhibit pronounced heterogeneity due to their distinct anatomical locations. Animal husbandry has focused excessively on longissimus dorsi (LDM) development while neglecting other muscles. In this study, we integrated Bulk RNA Sequencing (bulk RNA-seq) and [...] Read more.

Skeletal muscles, accounting for 40% of mammalian body mass, exhibit pronounced heterogeneity due to their distinct anatomical locations. Animal husbandry has focused excessively on longissimus dorsi (LDM) development while neglecting other muscles. In this study, we integrated Bulk RNA Sequencing (bulk RNA-seq) and Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses of Soleus (SOL), Gastrocnemius (GAS), and Psoas major muscles (PMM) across three key stages in Duroc pigs. We identified nine critical genes (S100A1, MBOAT2, CA3, GYG2, ACTN3, ENO3, SLC3A2, SLC16A10, and GAPDH) and eight metabolites potentially involved in regulating both skeletal muscle development and fiber-type transformation. The heterogeneity between SOL and GAS was low at birth but increased gradually during development. In contrast, PMM exhibited higher heterogeneity than SOL and GAS from birth. Notably, expression levels of MYH7, MYH1, and MYH4 displayed stage-specific and muscle type-dependent variations. Moreover, we observed a developmental shift from the MAPK signaling pathway (1–21 d) to the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton (21–120 d). Pairwise comparisons between the SOL, GAS, and PMM revealed that the signaling pathways were enriched in muscle fiber-type switching. Collectively, through the integration of bulk RNA-seq and LC-MS data, this study provides novel molecular breeding strategies for the genetic improvement of meat-producing animals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Molecular Genetics and Breeding of Cattle, Sheep, and Goats)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 4649 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genomic Characterization of the Kazakh Fat-Tailed Coarse-Wool Sheep Breed Using ROH Analysis

by Altynay Kozhakhmet, Zhanerke Akhatayeva, Kairat Dossybayev, Marina Yermekova, Tilek Kapassuly, Kanagat Yergali, Aibyn Torekhanov, Utepbergen Bissenov, Xianyong Lan and Beibit Kulataev

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2714; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182714 - 16 Sep 2025

Abstract

Sheep breeding is an important sector of livestock production in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Kazakh fat-tailed coarse-wool sheep holds a prominent position among local breeds due to its high meat productivity, resilience to extreme climatic conditions, and efficient use of pasture resources. [...] Read more.

Sheep breeding is an important sector of livestock production in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Kazakh fat-tailed coarse-wool sheep holds a prominent position among local breeds due to its high meat productivity, resilience to extreme climatic conditions, and efficient use of pasture resources. This study focuses on the analysis of runs of homozygosity (ROH) to evaluate the genetic diversity level, inbreeding and to detect selection signatures in the Kazakh fat-tailed coarse-wool sheep breed. A total of 500 animals were genotyped using the OvineSNP50 BeadChip (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). As a result, a total of 41,728 ROH segments were identified, with an average length of 1.59 Mb, distributed across the entire genome. The most prominent homozygous regions were detected on chromosomes OAR10, OAR13, and OAR22, which might be associated with selection signatures. Genomic inbreeding coefficients (F_ROH and F_GRM) showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.58, p < 0.001), supporting the effectiveness of ROH-based analysis. Several candidate genes were detected, including MYF5, PRDM16, TGM3, SLC26A4 and SMAD5 which are notably involved in muscle formation, wool traits, and fat metabolism. The findings have substantial practical value for breeding programs and for managing genetic diversity in sheep farming enterprises in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Molecular Genetics and Breeding of Cattle, Sheep, and Goats)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 471 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Antimicrobial Resistance and Genetic Characterization of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus in Equines from Central Italy: Insights from a One Health Perspective

by Alessandra Alessiani, Marina Baffoni, Daniela Averaimo, Maria Chiara Cantelmi, Antonio Coccaro, Marco Rulli, Vanessa Piersanti, Cinzia Pompilii, Francesca Cito, Alexandra Chiaverini and Antonio Petrini

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2713; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182713 - 16 Sep 2025

Abstract

Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is a bacterium that primarily affects horses but can also infect other animals and humans. In 2021–2022, two SEZ outbreaks occurred in Abruzzo, Italy: one in humans linked to unpasteurized cheese (37 cases) and another in donkeys [...] Read more.

Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is a bacterium that primarily affects horses but can also infect other animals and humans. In 2021–2022, two SEZ outbreaks occurred in Abruzzo, Italy: one in humans linked to unpasteurized cheese (37 cases) and another in donkeys (4 deaths). These events led researchers to investigate SEZ in horses, donkeys, and a mule in the regions of Abruzzo and Molise, focusing on antibiotic resistance and genetic traits. A total of 490 nasal and genital swabs were collected from equids and analyzed for SEZ presence, with 61 positive samples. Isolated strains underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing to assess their resistance to various antibiotics. Genetic analysis was performed to detect antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) was used to compare SEZ strains and identify potential epidemiological links. The study found that 37.7% of SEZ strains were resistant to at least one antibiotic, with tetracycline and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole being the most common. Additionally, 8.2% of strains showed MDR. Genetic analysis identified resistance genes such as tet(W) and erm(B), along with virulence genes like Fbp54. No major genetic clusters were detected, but ST61 was identified, similar to the human outbreak. The presence of antibiotic-resistant SEZ highlights the importance of monitoring and controlling its spread under a One Health approach, considering human, animal, and environmental health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

25 pages, 367 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Reproductive Effects of Endocrine Disruptors in Domestic Ruminants: Integrating In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence

by Vasiliki G. Sapanidou, Sophia N. Lavrentiadou and Maria P. Tsantarliotou

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2712; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182712 - 16 Sep 2025

Abstract

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have raised increasing concern due to their potential effects on reproductive health. This review focuses on the impact of EDCs, particularly bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogues, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), on domestic ruminants (cattle and sheep) by [...] Read more.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have raised increasing concern due to their potential effects on reproductive health. This review focuses on the impact of EDCs, particularly bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogues, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), on domestic ruminants (cattle and sheep) by integrating findings from both in vitro and in vivo studies. The analysis highlights how exposure to EDCs affects steroidogenesis, oxidative stress responses, apoptosis, epigenetic regulation, and overall fertility markers, such as oocyte maturation, sperm motility, and embryo developmental competence. While most data originate from in vitro bovine studies, in vivo research in sheep offers valuable insights. Importantly, given the potential for EDCs to bioaccumulate in animal tissues, these findings hold significant implications for animal health, particularly regarding reproductive physiology and fertility rates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Endocrinology of Ruminants)

13 pages, 850 KB

Open AccessArticle

Turtles for Sale: Species Prevalence in the Pet Trade in Poland and Potential Introduction Risks

by Jakub Badziukiewicz, Milena Bors, Rafał Maciaszek and Wiesław Świderek

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2711; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182711 - 16 Sep 2025

Abstract

The popularity of exotic animals, including turtles, kept as pets, has grown steadily in recent decades. Limited awareness of the biological and ecological requirements of these species, combined with insufficient regulation in the pet trade, has contributed to frequent cases of release into [...] Read more.

The popularity of exotic animals, including turtles, kept as pets, has grown steadily in recent decades. Limited awareness of the biological and ecological requirements of these species, combined with insufficient regulation in the pet trade, has contributed to frequent cases of release into the wild. Consequently, the risk of the introduction of non-native turtle species has increased; while not all introduced species establish viable populations or compete with native fauna, some compete for habitat and food resources, transmit pathogens and parasites, or disrupt ecosystem functioning. This study assessed the availability and prevalence of problematic turtle species in the Polish pet trade. Data were collected in 2024 from three main distribution channels: zoological fairs, pet shops, and online platforms, resulting in 1001 recorded observations. A total of 15 freshwater and 11 terrestrial turtle species were identified. The most frequently offered were members of the genus Pseudemys (49.5%) and Mauremys reevesii (13.84%)—both potentially invasive taxa already recorded in natural environments of several European countries. Additionally, species prohibited from trade in Poland, such as the pond slider Trachemys scripta and the false map turtle Graptemys pseudogeographica, were found among online listings, constituting a total of 3.03% of all observations. These results highlight a significant risk of further introduction of alien turtles into Poland’s natural environments, posing a serious threat to biodiversity, including the endangered native European pond turtle Emys orbicularis. Urgent public education and additional legal regulations are needed for the pet trade to prevent the further spread of invasive turtle species in Poland and across Europe. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Herpetology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 5213 KB

Open AccessArticle

DHEA and Cortisol in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): Effect of Sex, Sexual Maturity, and Acute Stress Exposure

by Andrea Meloni, Martina Bortoletti, Elena Negrato, Elisa Fonsatti, Giuseppe Radaelli and Daniela Bertotto

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2710; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182710 - 16 Sep 2025

Abstract

Glucocorticoids like cortisol are widely used to assess stress in fish, but their interpretation can be limited. Incorporating dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone with anti-glucocorticoid and neuroprotective effects, may provide a broader understanding of hypothalamic–pituitary–inter-renal (HPI) axis activity. As DHEA data in fish remain [...] Read more.

Glucocorticoids like cortisol are widely used to assess stress in fish, but their interpretation can be limited. Incorporating dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone with anti-glucocorticoid and neuroprotective effects, may provide a broader understanding of hypothalamic–pituitary–inter-renal (HPI) axis activity. As DHEA data in fish remain scarce, this study examined its role in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) subjected to acute stress (30 min confinement), considering sex and sexual maturity. Cortisol and DHEA were quantified by optimized radioimmunoassay (RIA) in serum, muscle, fin, and scales, and gonadal histology was performed to confirm reproductive status. Both hormones were successfully measured in all matrices, with serum DHEA levels notably higher than those reported to date in fish. As expected, serum cortisol increased markedly after stress and correlated with levels in muscle and fin but not in scales, which appears to reflect chronic rather than acute exposure. In contrast, serum DHEA showed no stress-induced changes and only minor sex- and maturity-related differences, although alternative matrices displayed variable patterns, particularly in muscle and fin. The cortisol/DHEA ratio in serum mirrored cortisol dynamics, suggesting limited utility for acute stress assessment, while tissue-specific DHEA variation may integrate longer-term influences. Further research is needed to clarify the role of DHEA under chronic stress and its potential origins in inter-renal tissue, gonads, or the brain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Morphological and Physiological Research on Fish: Second Edition)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

26 pages, 11731 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sow Estrus Detection Based on the Fusion of Vulvar Visual Features

by Jianyu Fang, Lu Yang, Xiangfang Tang, Shuqing Han, Guodong Cheng, Yali Wang, Liwen Chen, Baokai Zhao and Jianzhai Wu

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2709; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182709 - 16 Sep 2025

Abstract

Under large-scale farming conditions, automated sow estrus detection is crucial for improving reproductive efficiency, optimizing breeding management, and reducing labor costs. Conventional estrus detection relies heavily on human expertise, a practice that introduces subjective variability and consequently diminishes both accuracy and efficiency. Failure [...] Read more.

Under large-scale farming conditions, automated sow estrus detection is crucial for improving reproductive efficiency, optimizing breeding management, and reducing labor costs. Conventional estrus detection relies heavily on human expertise, a practice that introduces subjective variability and consequently diminishes both accuracy and efficiency. Failure to identify estrus promptly and pair animals effectively lowers breeding success rates and drives up overall husbandry costs. In response to the need for the automated detection of sows’ estrus states in large-scale pig farms, this study proposes a method for detecting sows’ vulvar status and estrus based on multi-dimensional feature crossing. The method adopts a dual optimization strategy: First, the Bi-directional Feature Pyramid Network—Selective Decoding Integration (BiFPN-SDI) module performs the bidirectional, weighted fusion of the backbone’s low-level texture and high-level semantic, retaining the multi-dimensional cues most relevant to vulvar morphology and producing a scale-aligned, minimally redundant feature map. Second, by embedding a Spatially Enhanced Attention Module head (SEAM-Head) channel attention mechanism into the detection head, the model further amplifies key hyperemia-related signals, while suppressing background noise, thereby enabling cooperative and more precise bounding box localization. To adapt the model for edge computing environments, Masked Generative Distillation (MGD) knowledge distillation is introduced to compress the model while maintaining the detection speed and accuracy. Based on the bounding box of the vulvar region, the aspect ratio of the target area and the red saturation features derived from a dual-threshold method in the HSV color space are used to construct a lightweight Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) classification model for estrus state determination. The network was trained on 1400 annotated samples, which were divided into training, testing, and validation sets in an 8:1:1 ratio. On-farm evaluations in commercial pig facilities show that the proposed system attains an 85% estrus detection success rate. Following lightweight optimization, inference latency fell from 24.29 ms to 18.87 ms, and the model footprint was compressed from 32.38 MB to 3.96 MB in the same machine, while maintaining a mean Average Precision (mAP) of 0.941; the accuracy penalty from model compression was kept below 1%. Moreover, the model demonstrates robust performance under complex lighting and occlusion conditions, enabling real-time processing from vulvar localization to estrus detection, and providing an efficient and reliable technical solution for automated estrus monitoring in large-scale pig farms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Precision Farming in Pig Systems)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1808 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Fragmentation to Recovery: Hydropower Impacts on River Connectivity and Fish Diversity Conservation in China’s Dongjiang River

by Huifeng Li, Yuefei Li, Lin Wang, Kun Cao, Shuli Zhu, Jinghua Luo, Jie Li and Xin Su

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2708; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182708 - 16 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study quantified the Habitat Connectivity Index (DCI) of cascade dams in the mainstream of the Dongjiang River, revealing the non-linear relationship between dam passability (p) and connectivity restoration. Results showed that DCI increased slowly when p < 0.6 (with the magnitude of [...] Read more.

This study quantified the Habitat Connectivity Index (DCI) of cascade dams in the mainstream of the Dongjiang River, revealing the non-linear relationship between dam passability (p) and connectivity restoration. Results showed that DCI increased slowly when p < 0.6 (with the magnitude of increase not exceeding 10.41), whereas an exponential response emerged when p > 0.8 (specifically, DCI rose by 16.53 as p increased from 0.8 to 0.9). Time-series analysis indicated that the number of dams increased from 3 to 16 between 1970 and 2020, which plunged the natural-state DCI (set at 100) to 9.01 (representing a 90.99% decrease); notably, 78.14% of the total connectivity loss occurred during the 2000–2010 period. Spatial heterogeneity analysis demonstrated that enhancing the passability of Jiantan Dam increased DCI by 4.68 (under the baseline condition of p = 0.8), whereas the same intervention on Sulei Dam only led to a 0.58 increase in DCI. This finding highlights the importance of key nodes for connectivity restoration and provides a scientific basis for prioritizing the enhancement of connectivity at such nodes in subsequent ecological governance. A 2024 fish community survey found that 84.2% of the recorded species were native (64 out of 76), while only 18.8% of the total individuals (617 individuals) were migratory; the dominant species were identified as generalist residents, including Oreochromis zillii, Cirrhinus molitorella, and Hemiculter leucisculus. This study identifies 0.8 as a critical threshold for connectivity restoration and provides a spatial decision-making framework for prioritizing the restoration of key dams. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Embracing Nature's Guidance: Conservation in Wildlife)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3855 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Red-Colored Oddball—A New Ladybird Spider with Unusual Coloring from Morocco, Eresus rubrocephalus sp. nov. (Araneae: Eresidae)

by János Gál, Gábor Kovács, Zoltán Vincze, Gergő Keve, Barna Páll-Gergely, Richárd Bagyó, Enikő Fehér, Krisztina Bali and Eszter Kaszab

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2707; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182707 - 16 Sep 2025

Abstract

According to our current knowledge, the prothorax of male spiders belonging to the genus Eresus is covered with black hairs. However, during our collection activities in Morocco, we found male specimens showing habitus that can be clearly distinguished from the previously known species [...] Read more.

According to our current knowledge, the prothorax of male spiders belonging to the genus Eresus is covered with black hairs. However, during our collection activities in Morocco, we found male specimens showing habitus that can be clearly distinguished from the previously known species based on their pars cephalica of prosoma covered with distinct red hairs. Diagnostic drawings and digital photographs of male copulatory organs, alongside DNA and COI barcoding results, are also presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Wildlife)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

4 pages, 160 KB

Open AccessEditorial

From Biomechanics to Welfare: Integrative Advances in Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation

by Roberta Blake and David Marlin

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2706; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182706 - 15 Sep 2025

Abstract

Equine sports medicine continues to advance at pace, driven by innovations in technology, AI, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and clinical diagnostics [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Equine Sports Medicine, Therapy and Rehabilitation)

23 pages, 3745 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Development of Water Quality, Growth, and Production Efficiency of the Giant Mottled Eel (Anguillamarmorata) at Different Stocking Densities in the Indoor Media-Based Aquaponics System

by Prosun Roy, Dae Hwan Lee, Sung Min Choi, Yun Keun An and Sang Duk Choi

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2705; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182705 - 15 Sep 2025

Abstract

The sustainability of aquaponic systems, particularly regarding Anguilla marmorata productivity and water quality, is strongly influenced by stocking density. This study investigated the effects of different stocking densities on water quality, growth performance, and the proximate composition of A. marmorata in a media-based [...] Read more.

The sustainability of aquaponic systems, particularly regarding Anguilla marmorata productivity and water quality, is strongly influenced by stocking density. This study investigated the effects of different stocking densities on water quality, growth performance, and the proximate composition of A. marmorata in a media-based indoor aquaponics system cultivated with Brassica rapa var. pekinensis. The 8-week trial tested stocking densities of 10 (T₁), 15 (T₂), and 20 (T₃) eels 250 L⁻¹, each with three replicates. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in water parameters and nutrient accumulation, with higher densities linked to greater nutrient availability. Growth performance indicated that T₂ achieved the best overall results, with significantly higher weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed efficiency and the lowest feed conversion ratio of A. marmorata and enhanced plant growth (p < 0.05). T₁ showed the highest protein efficiency ratio, while T₃ yielded the highest biomass per volume. Moisture and crude protein contents were highest in T₃, whereas crude lipid and ash contents were highest in T₁ and T₂, respectively (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that a moderate stocking density (15 eels 250 L⁻¹ of water) optimizes fish and plant growth, system sustainability, and nutrient utilization in small-scale aquaponic systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Aquaculture: New Technologies, Culture Systems and Integration of Emerging Species)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 462 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exogenous hCG Reduces Fetal Losses and Increases Litter Weight in Rangeland Goats During FTAI Protocol

by Jorge A. Bustamante-Andrade, Cesar A. Meza-Herrera, Oscar Angel-García, Ma Silvia Castillo-Zuñiga, Amaury Esquivel-Romo, Angeles De Santiago-Miramontes, Silvestre Moreno-Avalos, Martín Alfredo Legarreta-González, Viridiana Contreras-Villarreal and Francisco G. Véliz-Deras

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2704; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182704 - 15 Sep 2025

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of two doses of hCG (100 and 300 IU) administered at two different times after fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) on some response variables related to early fetal loss and total litter weight in [...] Read more.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of two doses of hCG (100 and 300 IU) administered at two different times after fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) on some response variables related to early fetal loss and total litter weight in goats during the reproductive transition period. Crossbred multiparous goats (n = 40) were subjected to an estrus induction protocol, subsequently inseminated, and randomly distributed into five experimental groups (n = 8): (1). G100-7, 100 IU hCG, 7 d post FTAI; (2). G100-14, 100 IU hCG, 14 days post FTAI; (3). G300-7, 300 IU hCG, 7 d post FTAI; (4). G300-14, 300 IU hCG, 14 days post FTAI; and (5). CONT, 0.5 mL of saline solution, 7 and 14 days post FTAI. The variables of corpus luteum area, embryonic implantation rate, embryonic efficiency index 1 and 2, conception rate, fertility rate, fecundity rate, fetal losses at days 30 and 45, total fetal losses, and the total weight of the litter favored G300-14. The use of hCG (300 IU) in the reproductive transition period is an effective reproductive strategy, reducing early fetal losses, improving embryonic efficiency, and increasing total litter weight, all of which are fundamental to the reproductive success of marginal goat production systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Reproduction)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 732 KB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation of Clostridioides difficile from a Large Animal Veterinary Teaching Hospital Environment

by Alexandre S. Borges, Luiza S. Zakia, Serena Yu, Michael G. Surette and Luis G. Arroyo

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2703; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182703 - 15 Sep 2025

Abstract

In veterinary hospitals, the risk of C. difficile nosocomial acquired infections remains largely unknown, and only a few studies surveyed the environmental prevalence of C. difficile in these facilities. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of C. difficile in [...] Read more.

In veterinary hospitals, the risk of C. difficile nosocomial acquired infections remains largely unknown, and only a few studies surveyed the environmental prevalence of C. difficile in these facilities. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of C. difficile in the Ontario Veterinary College large animal hospital environment and to characterize the recovered isolates. Methods. The environment of the large animal clinic of a university veterinary hospital was tested for the presence of C. difficile. Samples were collected from 157 surface sites and cultured using selective enriched broth and selective agar media. Multiplex PCR method for the detection of C. difficile toxin A (tcdA), toxin B (tcdB) binary toxin (cdtA⁄cdtB) genes; high-resolution capillary gel-based electrophoresis PCR-Ribotyping; multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and antimicrobial resistance predictions from sequenced genome were performed. Results. Thirteen isolates were recovered from 157 (8.3%) of multiple sampled sites of the main hospital. Ten distinct ribotypes, of which 7 were positive for toxin genes A and B, and all were negative for binary toxin genes. The two most common PCR ribotypes were 014 and 010. Isolates belong to the MLST Clade 1 and were further divided into 5 different sequence types. A high prevalence of AMR genes was observed in some isolates. Conclusions. C. difficile is present in different areas of the large animal hospital environment, particularly areas of high traffic and surfaces difficult to clean. Active surveillance and biosecurity measures should be in place to maintain a low environmental contamination and prevent nosocomial infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Equids)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 4511 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a 5K Liquid-Phase Genome-Wide Breeding Chip for Xinglong Buffalo

by Yuqing Jiao, Junming Jiang, Shiyuan Li, Taoyu Chen, Xinjun Qiu, Ke Cui, Boling Li, Si Chen, Qiaoling Chen, Li Du, Churiga Man, Lianbin Li, Fengyang Wang and Hongyan Gao

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2702; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182702 - 15 Sep 2025

Abstract

The Xinglong buffalo is a local swamp buffalo breed adapted to tropical regions in China. To facilitate the protection and utilization of valuable genetic resources, we first developed the breed-specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) liquid-phase chip based on genotyping-by-target-sequencing (GBTS) technology. Whole-genome resequencing [...] Read more.

The Xinglong buffalo is a local swamp buffalo breed adapted to tropical regions in China. To facilitate the protection and utilization of valuable genetic resources, we first developed the breed-specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) liquid-phase chip based on genotyping-by-target-sequencing (GBTS) technology. Whole-genome resequencing data from 143 buffaloes, resulting in 34,757,694 SNPs, were used to identify 1208 breed-specific and 2889 background sites. This chip also incorporates 965 functional SNP sites derived from literature, including SNPs significantly associated with immunity, reproduction, growth, and production. A total of 5062 SNP sites were successfully identified for the development of a 5K liquid-phase genome-wide breeding chip for the Xinglong buffalo. The validation of the chip using 93 samples showed a high detection rate with good repeatability and consistency. In addition, the chip exhibits strong capabilities in clustering and kinship analysis. Results of kinship analysis underscored the importance of a breed-specific chip for the Xinglong buffalo. These results highlight the advantages of a low-density, cost-effective, and breed-specific SNP chip for accurate genotyping. This chip will support future endeavors in molecular breeding, conservation, and genetic evaluation of Xinglong buffalo, thereby facilitating the sustainable utilization of this valuable indigenous germplasm resource. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Cattle Breeding and Production Through Genomics, Phenotyping, Bioinformatics, and Sustainable Practices)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Description

Animals

Latest Articles

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Highly Accessed Articles

Latest Books

E-Mail Alert

News

Topics

Conferences

Special Issues

Topical Collections

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI