Animals

24 pages, 2508 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Equine Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review of Clinical and Experimental Evidence

by Jorge U. Carmona and Catalina López

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2647; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182647 - 9 Sep 2025

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of equine lameness, with few effective disease-modifying treatments. This systematic review, conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, evaluated the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for equine OA by analyzing 11 [...] Read more.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of equine lameness, with few effective disease-modifying treatments. This systematic review, conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, evaluated the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for equine OA by analyzing 11 studies (6 clinical, 5 experimental) identified through Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed (2000–2024). The screening process identified 252 records, of which 136 were duplicates and 105 were excluded based on predefined criteria. The analysis showed that intra-articular PRP injections are generally safe, with transient synovial inflammation occurring mainly when PRP was activated with bovine thrombin. Both leukocyte-rich (L-PRP) and leukocyte-poor (P-PRP) formulations exhibited comparable efficacy, though optimal platelet concentrations (423–658 × 10³/μL) and dosing regimens remain undefined. A PRISMA-based quality assessment highlighted substantial variability in study design, with clinical trials constrained by small sample sizes and high risk of bias. Experimental studies confirmed PRP’s biological activity but showed inconsistencies in preparation methods. The findings indicate that PRP activation is unnecessary and may even be pro-inflammatory, that multiple injections could improve outcomes, and that reporting of cellular composition is inconsistent across studies. The PRISMA framework identified critical evidence gaps, particularly regarding long-term efficacy and protocol standardization. These results emphasize the need for PRISMA-compliant randomized controlled trials featuring standardized PRP protocols, validated outcome measures, and extended follow-up periods to establish evidence-based guidelines for managing equine OA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Application of Platelet-Derived Products for Tissue Regeneration in Companion and Farm Animals)

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22 pages, 37519 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

S_T_Mamba: A Novel Jinnan Calf Diarrhea Behavior Recognition Model Based on Sequence Tree Mamba

by Wangli Hao, Yakui Xue, Hao Shu, Bingxue Lv, Hanwei Li, Meng Han, Yanhong Liu and Fuzhong Li

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2646; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182646 - 9 Sep 2025

Abstract

The efficient and precise recognition of diarrhea-related behaviors in Jinnan calves is crucial for ensuring their healthy development. Nevertheless, conventional behavior recognition techniques are often limited by a notable decline in performance when distinguishing between similar behavioral patterns. This paper proposes a novel [...] Read more.

The efficient and precise recognition of diarrhea-related behaviors in Jinnan calves is crucial for ensuring their healthy development. Nevertheless, conventional behavior recognition techniques are often limited by a notable decline in performance when distinguishing between similar behavioral patterns. This paper proposes a novel behavior recognition model for Jinnan calf diarrhea, named S_T_Mamba (Sequence Tree Mamba). Specifically, S_T_Mamba incorporates a sequence processing strategy and a tree state space module (TreeSSM). The sequence processing strategy utilizes sequence as inputs to capture the temporal dependencies underlying the video. Additionally, the tree state space module is designed to extract and aggregate long-range pixel association features from video frames, enabling the effective recognition of subtle distinctions between similar behaviors. Therefore, the proposed model significantly enhances the performance of calf diarrhea behavior recognition. Experimental results indicate that the S_T_Mamba model achieves state-of-the-art performance in Jinnan calf diarrhea behavior recognition. Specifically, S_T_Mamba achieves 99.78% accuracy, outperforming existing popular models by 0.59% to 1.99%. Full article

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

10 pages, 472 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rickettsia parkeri Strain Atlantic Rainforest in Archived Amblyomma geayi from Three-Toed Sloth (Bradypus tridactylus) in Manaus, Brazil

by Rafaela Moreira, Guilherme Moreira, Mahima Hemnani, Carlos Augusto Rodrigues do Nascimento, Sergio Luís Gianizella, João Rodrigo Mesquita and Patrícia Ferreira Barradas

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2645; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182645 - 9 Sep 2025

Abstract

In the Brazilian Amazon biome, there has been a rise in human spotted fever cases, but still significant knowledge gaps regarding the diversity and epidemiology of the tick–host–Rickettsia relationship. In the herein study, rickettsiae were investigated in ticks from captured live wild [...] Read more.

In the Brazilian Amazon biome, there has been a rise in human spotted fever cases, but still significant knowledge gaps regarding the diversity and epidemiology of the tick–host–Rickettsia relationship. In the herein study, rickettsiae were investigated in ticks from captured live wild hosts in the Amazon biome by PCR targeting a partial sequence of ompB and gltA genes. All 343 ticks were morphologically identified as belonging to five species of the genus Amblyomma. Amblyomma varium (n = 24, 7%) were collected from a Rhinella marina and a Bradypus tridactylus. Amblyomma geayi (n = 51, 15%) were collected from two Bradypus tridactylus. Amblyomma goeldii (n = 116, 34%) were collected from three Tamandua tetradactyla. Amblyomma dissimile (n = 131, 38%) were collected from two Boa constrictor. Amblyomma humerale (n = 21, 6%) were collected from a Chelonoidis spp. Four A. geayi ticks (one female and three males) collected from a three-toed sloth (B. tridactylus) in 2015 were found to be positive for Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic Rainforest. The molecular findings herein have confirmed that R. parkeri spotted fever may occur in the Amazon Rainforest associated with A. geayi, expanding the geographical distribution of the R. parkeri strain to the Central Amazon Rainforest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Wildlife Parasitology: Impacts on Health, Biodiversity, and Ecosystems)

13 pages, 724 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Prevalence of Tail Alterations on German Dairy Farms

by Rieke Claussen, Roswitha Merle, Marina Volland, Stephanie Magnus and Kerstin-Elisabeth Müller

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2644; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182644 - 9 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study aimed to determine herd prevalence of tail alterations (deviated and shortened tails) on farms in Germany. In total, 86,355 cows on 765 dairy farms in three regions (North, South, East) were assessed for presence or absence of deviated and shortened tails. [...] Read more.

This study aimed to determine herd prevalence of tail alterations (deviated and shortened tails) on farms in Germany. In total, 86,355 cows on 765 dairy farms in three regions (North, South, East) were assessed for presence or absence of deviated and shortened tails. Mean herd prevalence of deviated tails was 10.00% with a median of 7.89%. The mean herd prevalence of shortened tails was 1.07% with a median of 0%. Herd size, energy-corrected milk yield (ECM), and husbandry system were associated with herd prevalence rates of tail deviations and shortened tails. Herd prevalence increased with herd size (Spearman’s ρ = 0.586) and median ECM (ρ = 0.404. 28.10% farms had a herd prevalence <5% tail alterations, while 26.41% had a herd prevalence of >15%. Our findings plead for including monitoring of tail alterations in animal welfare assessments of dairy farms. The National Dairy FARM Program in New Zealand aims to achieve a herd prevalence of less than 5%. A herd prevalence of >15% tail alterations is regarded as the critical threshold requiring clarification and elimination of causes. It is imperative that all dairy farms strive to achieve a herd prevalence of less than 5% and welfare protocols are duly adjusted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)

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23 pages, 4701 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Dietary Threonine Levels on Growth Performance, Biochemical Parameters, Muscle Quality, and Intestinal Microflora of Rice Field Eel (Monopterus albus)

by Denghang Yu, Yujia Liu, Jiaxiang Chen, Jincheng Wan, Jiaqi Zhang and Chi Zhang

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2643; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182643 - 9 Sep 2025

Abstract

To evaluate the effects of dietary threonine levels on rice field eels (Monopterus albus), six experimental diets were formulated with graded threonine supplementation: 0 g/kg (T1), 3 g/kg (T2), 6 g/kg (T3), 9 g/kg (T4), 12 g/kg (T5), and 15 g/kg [...] Read more.

To evaluate the effects of dietary threonine levels on rice field eels (Monopterus albus), six experimental diets were formulated with graded threonine supplementation: 0 g/kg (T1), 3 g/kg (T2), 6 g/kg (T3), 9 g/kg (T4), 12 g/kg (T5), and 15 g/kg (T6). Rice field eels, with an initial body weight of 18.47 ± 0.11 g, were fed for 60 days. The weight gain ratio (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) significantly increased in the T4 group, while feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly decreased. Broken-line regression analysis determined the optimal dietary threonine requirement to be 7.5–9.0 g/kg. Concomitantly, whole-body crude protein content increased, while lipid content decreased; serum GOT and GPT activities declined, indicating reduced hepatic stress, whereas hepatic CAT and SOD activities markedly increased, enhancing antioxidant capacity. Digestive enzyme capacity was enhanced, as evidenced by elevated lipase and trypsin activities. Muscle texture properties, including cohesiveness, springiness, and chewiness, were significantly improved in the T4 and T5 groups. At the molecular level, MyoG, MyoD1, and MYF5 expression peaked in T4, while MRF4 expression increased progressively. LEfSe analysis of the microbiome, coupled with KEGG functional prediction, revealed that Corynebacterium and Methylocella were positively correlated with growth metrics; these genera likely promote muscle deposition through three enriched metabolic pathways that enhance energy and amino acid availability. Collectively, dietary threonine supplementation at 7.5–9.0 g/kg promotes growth, enhances digestive function, and improves muscle quality in rice field eels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimizing Farm-Raised Fish Production: Nutritional Requirements, Precision Feed Formulations, Sustainable Feeding Strategies, and Health and Welfare)

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1 pages, 123 KB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Kapranova et al. Essential Trace Elements in the Shells of Commercial Mollusk Species from the Black Sea and Their Biotechnological Potential. Animals 2025, 15, 1637

by Larisa L. Kapranova, Juliya D. Dikareva, Sergey V. Kapranov, Daria S. Balycheva and Vitaliy I. Ryabushko

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2642; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182642 - 9 Sep 2025

Abstract

Error in Affiliation [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Aquatic Animals)

28 pages, 1823 KB

Open AccessArticle

Additional Valine and Isoleucine Impact Growth Performance, Intestinal Health, and Muscle Growth in Broilers Under Necrotic Enteritis Challenges

by Doyun Goo and Woo Kyun Kim

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2641; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182641 - 9 Sep 2025

Abstract

The current study aims to investigate the effects of additional valine and isoleucine in different necrotic enteritis (NE) challenge intensities. A total of 648 seven-day-old male Cobb 500 were allotted to nine treatments with six replicates. Two different NE intensity experiments (Exp-1 and [...] Read more.

The current study aims to investigate the effects of additional valine and isoleucine in different necrotic enteritis (NE) challenge intensities. A total of 648 seven-day-old male Cobb 500 were allotted to nine treatments with six replicates. Two different NE intensity experiments (Exp-1 and Exp-2) were conducted. The five treatments for each NE experiment were as follows: (1) non-challenged shared control (NC), (2) NE challenge (NE), (3) 130% additional valine (VAL), (4) 130% additional isoleucine (ILE), and (5) 130% valine and isoleucine (MIX). In both experiments, all NE-challenged groups had decreased body weight gain compared to the NC group (p < 0.05). The ILE group in Exp-1 had further reduced body weight compared to the NE group on day 21 (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in intestinal permeability, jejunal NE lesion score, jejunal C. perfringens colony counts, jejunal morphology, jejunal gene expression levels, breast muscle yield, and body mineral compositions among all NE-challenged groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, 130% additional valine and isoleucine hardly mitigated the negative effects of NE. Additional isoleucine may further worsen chicken growth performance, but this effect may vary depending on the intensity of the NE challenge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Poultry)

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30 pages, 6641 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cetacean Habitat Use and Occurrence in Fort-de-France Bay (Martinique)

by Coline Violo, Anatole Gros-Martial, Célia Ortolé, Marion Poupard, Morjane Safi and Benjamin de Montgolfier

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2640; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182640 - 9 Sep 2025

Abstract

While coastal species have been widely studied, active port areas in tropical island regions with intense maritime traffic remain critical, but habitats for cetaceans within the Caribbean have not been thoroughly studied. This study examines the spatial and temporal patterns of habitat use [...] Read more.

While coastal species have been widely studied, active port areas in tropical island regions with intense maritime traffic remain critical, but habitats for cetaceans within the Caribbean have not been thoroughly studied. This study examines the spatial and temporal patterns of habitat use and the characteristics of groups of six cetacean species in the Bay of Fort-de-France in Martinique, an area with heavy marine traffic. Data were collected from 2018 to 2022 through systematic boat-based surveys. We analyzed standardized observations of group occurrence, size, behavior, and depth preference across different subzones of the bay. Our results reveal that Stenella attenuata and Stenella longirostris are the most frequently observed species, exhibiting distinct seasonal patterns, while other species occur more sporadically. Group sizes and behavioral patterns vary significantly across zones and depths. Larger, more interactive groups are generally observed in shallow areas. Several species’ preference for nearshore waters highlights the ecological value of the bay and the potential risks posed by anthropogenic pressures, such as noise, collisions, and habitat degradation. Our findings underscore the importance of considering cetacean habitat use in port management strategies. This study provides essential baseline knowledge to support conservation efforts and the development of mitigation measures that reconcile economic activities with the protection of marine biodiversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interactions and Relationship Between Marine Mammal Ecology and Human Activities)

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22 pages, 4010 KB

Open AccessArticle

Continuous Activity Monitoring Using a Wearable Sensor in Dogs with Osteoarthritis: An Exploratory Case Series

by Carina Sacoor, Sara Leitão, Carolina Domingues, Joana Babo, Cátia M. Sá, Ricardo Cabeças and Felisbina L. Queiroga

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2639; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182639 - 9 Sep 2025

Abstract

Canine osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, progressive disease that impacts mobility and welfare, often with subtle clinical signs that fluctuate over time. This exploratory case series evaluated the potential of a wearable sensor system (Maven Pet AI System) to detect real-time deviations in [...] Read more.

Canine osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, progressive disease that impacts mobility and welfare, often with subtle clinical signs that fluctuate over time. This exploratory case series evaluated the potential of a wearable sensor system (Maven Pet AI System) to detect real-time deviations in activity and rest patterns in dogs with OA under home-based conditions. Five client-owned dogs were monitored over periods ranging from 56 to 126 days, generating longitudinal data on activity and rest patterns. Nine clinically relevant events were identified: seven OA-related flare-ups and two non-orthopedic health issues. In eight of these events, deviations in activity profiles were temporally aligned with symptom onset, therapeutic response, or recovery. Statistically significant changes were observed in six out of nine events, particularly in the Active and Excited categories, while visual trend analysis revealed clinically relevant deviations even in the absence of statistical significance. In one case, decreased activity preceded owner recognition, suggesting potential for early detection. Sensor data also contextualized episodes of overexertion and non-orthopedic conditions, such as pruritus and gastroenteritis. Owner and clinician feedback indicated high usability and perceived clinical value. Despite the small sample, these findings suggest that continuous sensor-based monitoring may complement conventional evaluations and support earlier, more individualized OA management in real-world settings. Further studies are needed to validate and expand these preliminary observations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic Research, Epidemiology and New Therapeutic Options in Companion and Wild Animals: 2nd Edition)

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10 pages, 212 KB

Open AccessArticle

Variations in Diacron-Reactive Oxygen Metabolites and Biological Antioxidant Potential Across Reproductive Phases and Parities in Sows Reared Under Different Production Systems

by Shoichi Okada, Michiko Noguchi, Yosuke Sasaki and Reiichiro Sato

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2638; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182638 - 9 Sep 2025

Abstract

Oxidative stress is a detrimental factor affecting pig reproductive performance but has rarely been evaluated in clinical fields. We evaluated the potential of diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) as stable markers for assessing oxidative stress in breeding sows. The [...] Read more.

Oxidative stress is a detrimental factor affecting pig reproductive performance but has rarely been evaluated in clinical fields. We evaluated the potential of diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) as stable markers for assessing oxidative stress in breeding sows. The 28 sows were categorized into a low-parity group (n = 18, parity 1–2) and a high-parity group (n = 10, parity 4–6) at two commercial farms. Blood samples were collected at three stages: farrowing, weaning, and early pregnancy. At each stage, the levels of oxidative stress markers and reproductive performance parameters were statistically analyzed. The findings revealed that heightened levels of oxidative stress in sows at farrowing have negative effects on the total number of piglets at subsequent farrowing. Moreover, the farm employing a group management system demonstrated a superior total number of piglets on subsequent farrowing compared with the farm utilizing individual stall-based management. This study shows that oxidative stress can be evaluated using d-ROMs and BAP, which are associated with reproductive score. Using these parameters, the current oxidative status of sows can be evaluated, allowing for the development of countermeasures to reduce oxidative stress, which in turn may contribute to improved productivity in swine production systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Redox Modulation, Antioxidants, and Metabolites in Animals Through the One Health Concept)

16 pages, 1520 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Differences in the Gut Microbiota in Long-Term Infertile Holstein Repeat Breeder Cows and Healthy Fertile Holstein Cows

by Yui Kitagawa, Sayoko Oishi, Karen Koshimizu, Ryotaro Miura, Seizo Hamano, Hisataka Iwata and Koumei Shirasuna

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2637; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182637 - 9 Sep 2025

Abstract

Repeat breeder (RB) cows are subfertile animals and represent a major issue in the livestock industry. The influence of the gut microbiota on reproductive function and the gut microbiota–gonadal axis has garnered scientific attention. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between reproductive [...] Read more.

Repeat breeder (RB) cows are subfertile animals and represent a major issue in the livestock industry. The influence of the gut microbiota on reproductive function and the gut microbiota–gonadal axis has garnered scientific attention. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between reproductive performance and gut microbiota in Holstein cows, depending on reproductive attempts (number of artificial inseminations or embryo transfers) and subsequent pregnancy outcomes. Fecal samples were collected from Holstein cows at the time of ovulation and classified into four groups: Normal pregnancy (n = 27, ≤three reproductive attempts, subsequently fertile), Normal open (n = 25, ≤three reproductive attempts, subsequently infertile), RB pregnancy (n = 38, over four reproductive attempts, subsequently fertile), and RB open (n = 60, over four reproductive attempts, subsequently infertile). The PLS-DA analysis revealed differences in classification among groups, especially between Normal pregnancy and RB open. Regarding α- and β-diversity analyses, these indices were significantly different among the four groups (p < 0.05). Using LEfSe analysis, three genus-level bacteria (Bacillus, Ruminococcus, and Sphingobium) were identified as specific bacteria in the Normal pregnancy group, and eight genus-level bacteria (Huintestinicola, Intestinimonas, Neglecta, Oscillibacter, Zongyangia, Phocaeicola, Alistipes, and Acholeplasma) were identified as specific bacteria in both open groups (p < 0.05). KEGG analysis predicted some pathways (Apoptosis, Lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, etc.) to be enriched in both the open groups. MetaCyc analysis predicted amine and polyamine degradation/biosynthesis as the specific changing pathways in the RB open group. This study demonstrated that the composition of the gut microbiota differs between normal fertility and repeated infertility conditions. Furthermore, even with fewer reproductive attempts, differences in gut microbiota composition were observed between cows that conceived and those that failed to conceive. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)

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Animals, Volume 15, Issue 18 (September-2 2025) – 11 articles

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