Animals

15 pages, 1943 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Effect of Variable-Pitch Headless Compression Screws and Cortical Screws on Interfragmentary Compression: An In Vitro Polyurethane Foam Block Model

by Brendan R. Castellino, Daniel J. Wills, Christopher J. Tan, Max J. Lloyd and William R. Walsh

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1126; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071126 - 7 Apr 2026

Viewed by 519

Abstract

Articular fractures require precise anatomical reduction and rigid fixation to heal appropriately. In veterinary cases that involve fracturing of the lateral humeral condyle, cortical bone screws inserted in lag fashion with Kirschner wire are the preferred method for surgical fixation. However, relatively high [...] Read more.

Articular fractures require precise anatomical reduction and rigid fixation to heal appropriately. In veterinary cases that involve fracturing of the lateral humeral condyle, cortical bone screws inserted in lag fashion with Kirschner wire are the preferred method for surgical fixation. However, relatively high complication rates associated with cortical lag screws (CLSs) highlights the need to investigate alternate screw designs. Variable-pitch headless compression screws (VPHCSs) are unique as they advance beneath the cortical surface. Although the use of VPHCSs are widely utilised in human orthopaedics, the current use in veterinary orthopaedics is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the peak interfragmentary force (PIF) and area of compression (AOC) generated by a 3.5 mm self-tapping cortical screw placed in lag fashion and a 3.5 mm VPHCS inserted to four depths. PIF and AOC were measured using a pressure-sensitive film placed between two blocks of polyurethane foam (0.24 g/cm³), simulating a transverse fracture. CLSs were inserted by hand into predrilled 2.5 mm pilot holes. PIF and AOC were measured at full insertion. VPHCSs were placed into predrilled 2.5 mm pilot holes, followed by a 3.5 mm tapered countersink. The screw was inserted until the head was level with the surface. PIF and AOC were measured between the two blocks. The screw was continued until the head was at a depth of 2, 5, and 9 mm below the surface, and the PIF and AOC were measured again at each stage. There was no detectable difference in PIF and AOC between CLSs and VPHCSs countersunk to −2 mm (PIF–CLS: Mean = 12.886, SD = 2.370; 2 mm: Mean = 17.301, SD = 8.858, p = 0.319; AOC–CLS: Mean = 0.936, SD = 0.291; 2 mm: Mean = 0.925, SD = 0.447, p = 0.872). VPHCSs countersunk to −5 mm and −9 mm produced significantly greater PIF compared to CLSs (5 mm: Mean = 16.086, SD = 6.799, p = 0.002; 9 mm: Mean = 34.987, SD = 4.015, p < 0.001). VPHCSs countersunk to −5 and −9 mm produced significantly greater PIF and AOC compared to CLSs in this model. Further investigation is required to produce recommendations for clinical use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Veterinary Orthopaedics—Companion Animal)

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17 pages, 1356 KB

Open AccessArticle

Chilean Honey as Alternative Antibacterial: In Vitro Activity Against Multidrug-Resistant Canine Bacterial Pathogens

by Mirelly Venecia Mireles-Villanueva, Jesús Humberto Reyna-Fuentes, María de la Luz Vázquez-Sauceda, María Belén Vargas, Javiera Cornejo, Mariella Neira, Ruben Alberto Muñoz-Sánchez and Lisette Lapierre

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071125 - 7 Apr 2026

Viewed by 775

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance is an emerging challenge in veterinary medicine, particularly in dogs, where bacterial skin infections are highly prevalent. Honey and its bioactive extracts have emerged as potential natural alternatives to conventional antimicrobials. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of methanolic extracts from [...] Read more.

Antimicrobial resistance is an emerging challenge in veterinary medicine, particularly in dogs, where bacterial skin infections are highly prevalent. Honey and its bioactive extracts have emerged as potential natural alternatives to conventional antimicrobials. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of methanolic extracts from four honey types collected in Central Chile against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial isolates from canine patients, including Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pasteurella multocida, and Enterobacter cloacae. Antimicrobial potency was assessed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity were quantified. All extracts inhibited bacterial growth, with E. coli, E. faecium and S. aureus being the most susceptible (MIC 3.13% w/v), while Gram-negative bacteria such a P. aeruginosa, P. multocida, and E. cloacae required higher concentrations (MIC 12.5% w/v). Secondary metabolite analysis revealed seasonal and apiary-related variations, with apiary 2 honey showing significantly higher phenolic (195.58 ± 4.28 mg GAE/100 g) and flavonoid (65.46 ± 4.35 mg QE/100 g) contents in summer. In contrast, antioxidant capacity (FRAP) did not differ significantly. These findings indicate that honey’s antimicrobial properties are closely related to its bioactive composition and influenced by season and floral origin, reinforcing its potential as a sustainable alternative to antibiotics in veterinary medicine under the One Health approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antimicrobial Resistance and Antibiotics Development in Companion Animals)

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10 pages, 485 KB

Open AccessArticle

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone and Thyroxine Concentrations in Young Healthy Equids: Species Differences and Seasonal Variations

by Natalia Siwińska, Agnieszka Żak-Bochenek, Paulina Jawor, Aleksandra Pietrzak, Oliwia Kutermak, Malwina Słowikowska-Łoś and Beata Kaczmarek

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1124; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071124 - 7 Apr 2026

Viewed by 600

Abstract

Due to growing interest in endocrine diseases, more studies aim to interpret the baseline concentrations and reference intervals of hormone values like adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and thyroxine (T4) in horses. Most studies available in the literature focus on evaluating ACTH and thyroid hormone [...] Read more.

Due to growing interest in endocrine diseases, more studies aim to interpret the baseline concentrations and reference intervals of hormone values like adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and thyroxine (T4) in horses. Most studies available in the literature focus on evaluating ACTH and thyroid hormone values in adult and geriatric horses, with only a few considering younger donkeys and ponies. This study aimed to measure ACTH and T4 in autumn and spring in younger equids. The study included 42 young equids, which were divided into three groups: horses, ponies, and donkeys. The concentration of T4 was significantly higher in autumn than in spring in all the animals (p = 0.049) and significantly higher in donkeys than in horses (p = 0.0046). The concentration of ACTH was significantly higher in autumn than in spring in all animals (p = 0.00015) and significantly higher in donkeys than in horses and ponies (p = 0.001). The study results underscore the importance of utilizing seasonal hormone reference ranges specifically adapted for ponies and donkeys to accurately assess hormone secretion patterns in young animals. Reliance on reference values established for horses may lead to overinterpretation of hormone concentrations and misdiagnosis of endocrine disease in healthy donkeys or ponies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Equids)

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13 pages, 259 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Broiler Performance and Intestinal Morphology and Increasing Nutritional Availability via Microbial Muramidase Supplementation

by Akram El Kadi, Radmila Marković, Dejan Perić, Sladjan Nešić, Nataša Glamočlija, Aurélia A. Séon Simon and Dragan Šefer

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071123 - 7 Apr 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 658

Abstract

An experiment was conducted in a commercial broiler farm to evaluate birds’ growth performance, intestinal morphology (IM), and total blood carotenoid levels when adding different inclusion rates of microbial muramidase (MUR) to broilers’ feed formula. A total of 336-day-old broilers from Ross 308 [...] Read more.

An experiment was conducted in a commercial broiler farm to evaluate birds’ growth performance, intestinal morphology (IM), and total blood carotenoid levels when adding different inclusion rates of microbial muramidase (MUR) to broilers’ feed formula. A total of 336-day-old broilers from Ross 308 were assigned to three groups and were fed from day 1 to day 42. Treatment 1 (T1), the control treatment, was a basal corn soybean meal diet that followed Aviagen nutrient specifications; Treatment 2 (T2) was the control treatment + 350 g MUR per ton of feed; Treatment 3 (T3) was the control treatment + 450 g MUR per ton of feed. Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), the feed conversion ratio (FCR), carotenoid levels (CLs), and IM from samples of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were evaluated on day 42. MUR significantly outperformed the control diet in terms of body weight (BW), resulting in BWs of 2513 g (p = 0.005) and 2463 g with T3 and T2, respectively, versus 2377 g with T1. Daily weight gain (DWG) was 58.77 g and 57.58 g in T3 and T2 (p = 0.0004), respectively, versus 55.54 g in T1. The Daily Feed Intake (DFI) on day 42 was higher in T3 compared to T1 (98.90 g p < 0.0001 versus 97.72 g). The morphology results show higher effects in the duodenum with T3 versus T2 and T1. In addition, the results were significantly higher in the jejunum when using T2 and T3 compared to T1. Goblet cells were not influenced by MUR use in the diets. The broilers’ blood carotenoid levels were significantly higher in T3 (1.75 mg/L p = 0.0026) compared to T1 (1.02 mg/L). These results shed light on broilers’ performance, intestinal health, and nutrient availability when using MUR at different inclusion rates in broiler feed for broilers raised under near-commercial conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Paradigm Shift—Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Management, and Alternative Poultry Feed Ingredients Using Novel Feed Processing Methods: Second Edition)

16 pages, 1973 KB

Open AccessArticle

Replacing up to 50% of Corn Silage with Triticale Silage Alters the Fecal Microbiome but Not Milk Yield or Composition in Mid-Lactation Holstein Cows

by Erlong Wang, Xiaoxia Han, Weidong Sun, Chen Zheng and Wenhua Du

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1122; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071122 - 7 Apr 2026

Viewed by 542

Abstract

Diversifying forage sources may improve the sustainability and flexibility of dairy production. In a 60 d feeding trial, 72 mid-lactation Holstein cows were assigned to three treatments (24 cows/group) and fed a total mixed ration in which corn silage represented 41.16% of dietary [...] Read more.

Diversifying forage sources may improve the sustainability and flexibility of dairy production. In a 60 d feeding trial, 72 mid-lactation Holstein cows were assigned to three treatments (24 cows/group) and fed a total mixed ration in which corn silage represented 41.16% of dietary dry matter in the control diet; 25% or 50% of this corn silage fraction was replaced with triticale silage (TS) on a dry matter basis. The study evaluated whether partial TS substitution could maintain lactational performance while affecting fecal fermentation and microbiota. Replacing corn silage with TS did not affect milk yield, 4% fat-corrected milk, major milk components, or metabolic indicators. However, 50% replacement increased fecal bacterial richness and diversity, as reflected by ACE, Chao1, and Shannon indices, and altered the overall microbial community structure. This treatment also changed fecal volatile fatty acid profiles, including increasing the proportions of branched-chain volatile fatty acids. Overall, TS can replace up to 50% of the corn silage fraction in the ration of mid-lactation cows without compromising milk production or composition, while modifying hindgut microbial ecology and fermentation patterns, thereby offering greater ration flexibility when corn silage availability is limited or costly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Welfare-Oriented, Efficient, and High-Quality Ruminant Production: Mechanisms and Practices)

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12 pages, 2805 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of the FGF8 Gene on the Proliferation and Differentiation of Preadipocytes in Sheep

by Wei Han, Huan Zhang, Fengyi Gao, Liming Tian, Zhaohua He, Guan Wang, Shuhong Zhang, Tenggang Di, Menghan Chang, Shaobin Li, Fangfang Zhao and Guangli Yang

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1121; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071121 - 7 Apr 2026

Viewed by 599

Abstract

The growth and development of adipose tissue in sheep tails are closely associated with adipocyte proliferation and differentiation. However, the functional role and regulatory mechanisms of the FGF8 gene in sheep preadipocytes remain incompletely understood. In this study, liposome-mediated transfection was employed to [...] Read more.

The growth and development of adipose tissue in sheep tails are closely associated with adipocyte proliferation and differentiation. However, the functional role and regulatory mechanisms of the FGF8 gene in sheep preadipocytes remain incompletely understood. In this study, liposome-mediated transfection was employed to overexpress the FGF8 gene and assess its effects on the proliferation and differentiation of sheep preadipocytes. The results of the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay indicated that the overexpression of FGF8 promoted preadipocyte viability of preadipocytes. Subsequently, this was verified by RT-qPCR analysis, which showed significant upregulation of proliferation marker genes, including CyclinB (p < 0.001) and Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) (p < 0.01), while CyclinD mRNA expression increased compared with the control group, though the increase was not statistically significant. During adipogenic induction, the mRNA expression levels of differentiation markers, such as Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARγ), CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein Alpha (C/EBPα), Adipocyte type Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 (FABP4), and Adiponectin, initially increased and then decreased. The expression of all four markers peaked on day 10 of induction, exceeding levels observed in the control group. In vitro experiments showed that FGF8 affected the proliferation and differentiation of sheep preadipocytes and may be involved in the regulation of tail fat deposition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epigenetic Signatures in Domestic Animals)

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17 pages, 537 KB

Open AccessArticle

Insights into Public Perception Towards Poultry Welfare, Egg Labelling, and Willingness to Pay Among Young Adults in Ghana

by Daniel Baba Abiliba, Emmanuel Nyamekye, Emmanuel Dongbataazie Piiru, Jacob Achumboro Ayang, Richard Dogbatse, Prince Nana Takyi and Benjamin Obukowho Emikpe

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1120; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071120 - 7 Apr 2026

Viewed by 672

Abstract

Animal welfare in farmed animals is increasingly being identified as an integral part of ethical meat production; yet in most developing nations, including Ghana, little attention is being paid to this area of interest. The demand for chicken meat and egg products in [...] Read more.

Animal welfare in farmed animals is increasingly being identified as an integral part of ethical meat production; yet in most developing nations, including Ghana, little attention is being paid to this area of interest. The demand for chicken meat and egg products in Ghana has also increased because of rapid urbanisation and development; hence, public perception of poultry welfare is paramount in policy formulation and development in Ghana. This study investigates public perception of poultry welfare in Ghana, particularly laying hen farming. The study used a cross-sectional study and surveyed 1275 respondents aged 17 and older in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale by collecting data in-person, and the questionnaire was administered using tablets or mobile devices. The study found that 69.1% of respondents poorly perceived farmed animal welfare, while 30.9% positively perceived farmed animal welfare in Ghana. There was a significant difference in perception levels among respondents in Accra and Kumasi, and those in Tamale, where respondents in Tamale indicated a slightly positive perception compared to those in Accra and Kumasi. Furthermore, 53.7% of respondents supported state intervention in farmed animal welfare, while 52.0% showed reluctance to pay a premium price for cage-free and free-range egg production in Ghana. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Product Excellence in Poultry: Key Factors Influencing Egg and Meat Quality)

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21 pages, 9880 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Investigating Intraspecific Attacks in Brown Bears (Ursus arctos) Using a Forensic Approach: Evidence from Northern Italy

by Cristina Marchetti, Roberto Guadagnini, Rosanna Di Lecce, Luca Ferrari, Gennaro Carrozzo, Sofia Guadagnini and Andrea Mazzatenta

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1119; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071119 - 6 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1305

Abstract

Fatal intraspecific aggression in brown bears (Ursus arctos) remains poorly documented, yet elucidating its dynamics is critical in order to understand species’ physiology, informing management strategies, and advancing wildlife forensic science applications, which are useful in cases where a natural or [...] Read more.

Fatal intraspecific aggression in brown bears (Ursus arctos) remains poorly documented, yet elucidating its dynamics is critical in order to understand species’ physiology, informing management strategies, and advancing wildlife forensic science applications, which are useful in cases where a natural or illegal cause of death needs to be discerned. In this study, we reported four confirmed cases of lethal aggression (two yearlings and two adults) in the Italian Alps. Comprehensive autopsies were performed to characterize lesion patterns and infer the aggressor identity. Claw-induced lacerations, bite marks and the aspect of hemorrhages suggested the attack sequence. Aggressor identity was investigated by using forensic odontology through inter-canine distance (I-CD) and genetic analysis of peri-lesional saliva. I-CD allowed us to plausibly hypothesize the aggressor’s species and, in the cases where it was possible, to classify the sex and/or age group of the aggressors. While genetic analysis allowed the identification of the four brown bear victims, it did not provide informative results on the aggressors. The cause and manner of death were coded according to international criteria (International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision [ICD-11], WHO). Adult fatalities, supported by gastric content analysis, reflect trophic competition regardless of the mating context and highlight the role of anthropogenic food sources in conflict emergence. These findings underscore the value of integrated approaches in wildlife investigations and provide new insights into ecophysiological factors driving lethal intraspecific aggression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wildlife Health and Medicine: Ecosystem-Based Approaches to Diagnosis, Treatment and Preventative Care)

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17 pages, 1381 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Dietary Supplementation with α-Mangostin on Oviduct Inflammation and Eggshell Quality in Aging Laying Hens

by Lu Huang, Ruixin Qin, Qianqian Yu, Qili Yan and Desheng Qi

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1118; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071118 - 5 Apr 2026

Viewed by 799

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with α-mangostin (α-Ma), a bioactive xanthone derived from mangosteen pericarp, on production performance and egg quality in late-phase laying hens. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design. In total, 576 healthy 51-week-old Beinong [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with α-mangostin (α-Ma), a bioactive xanthone derived from mangosteen pericarp, on production performance and egg quality in late-phase laying hens. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design. In total, 576 healthy 51-week-old Beinong No. 2 laying hens were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments (n = 12): a basal diet (CON) or the basal diet supplemented with 80, 120, or 160 mg/kg α-Ma. The experiment lasted for 4 weeks, after which production performance, egg quality, serum biochemical and antioxidant parameters, inflammatory markers, and uterine gene expression were evaluated. Dietary supplementation with α-mangostin, particularly at 120 mg/kg, significantly improved feed efficiency (p < 0.05), as evidenced by a reduced feed-to-egg ratio from week 2 onward, without affecting average daily feed intake or egg production rate. After 4 weeks, hens receiving 120 mg/kg α-Ma exhibited significantly greater egg weight and eggshell strength (p < 0.05). Serum and hepatic antioxidant capacities were significantly enhanced, with increased glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities, elevated total antioxidant capacity, and decreased malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, α-Ma at 120 mg/kg specifically lowered the concentration of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β in both serum and uterine tissue (p < 0.05). At the molecular level, this dosage significantly upregulated uterine genes essential for eggshell formation (p < 0.05), including calcium transporters (TRPV6, ATP2B2), the matrix protein gene OC-116, and other key genes (LYZ, CA2, SLC4A9, and ATP6V0D2). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 120 mg/kg α-Ma effectively enhances feed efficiency, strengthens antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defenses, and upregulates uterine genes involved in biomineralization, thereby improving eggshell quality in aging laying hens. These findings support α-Ma as a promising plant-based feed additive for maintaining productivity and egg quality in antibiotic-free layer production systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Feed Additives on the Health and Performance of Monogastric Animals)

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16 pages, 238 KB

Open AccessArticle

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction from the Perspective of Dog Owners: Recognition, Care, and Emotional Challenges

by Viktória Balatonfüredi and Eniko Kubinyi

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1117; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071117 - 5 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1980

Abstract

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition affecting aging dogs, characterized by impairments in learning, memory, spatial orientation, and behavior. Despite its substantial negative impact on dogs’ quality of life and owners’ emotional well-being, CCD is frequently underrecognized or diagnosed at [...] Read more.

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition affecting aging dogs, characterized by impairments in learning, memory, spatial orientation, and behavior. Despite its substantial negative impact on dogs’ quality of life and owners’ emotional well-being, CCD is frequently underrecognized or diagnosed at a late stage. This study explored how challenges in CCD recognition and veterinary communication influence dog owners’ ability to identify symptoms and make informed decisions about care. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 dog owners whose dogs were suspected of having CCD, based on elevated scores on the Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating Scale (CCDR) and owner-reported behavioral changes. Interview data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four main themes emerged: (1) difficulties in recognizing CCD-related symptoms, (2) communication challenges between owners and veterinarians, (3) owners’ adaptation to gradually emerging symptoms, and (4) the emotional and practical burden of caregiving. Owners frequently interpreted behavioral changes as normal aging or other health problems, which delayed the recognition of cognitive decline. Participants also described limited guidance from veterinary professionals regarding CCD, contributing to uncertainty, emotional distress, and challenges in end-of-life decision-making. Together, these findings suggest that owners’ experiences follow a progressive caregiving trajectory, from initial symptom uncertainty to increasing emotional and practical burden. Improving awareness of CCD, strengthening veterinary communication, and providing targeted support for caregivers may facilitate earlier recognition and more effective management of cognitive decline, ultimately benefiting both dogs and the people who care for them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Complexity of the Human–Companion Animal Bond: Second Edition)

16 pages, 5168 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multiomic Profiling Reveals the Regulation of Many Immune-Related Genes by PU.1 in Porcine Alveolar Macrophages

by Jiayao Jiang, Juan Yang, Liangliang Zhang, Yanhua Li, Chenyang Tang, Chenxi Li, Yuzhuo Li, Hairui Fan, Cui Du and Mingan Sun

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1116; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071116 - 5 Apr 2026

Viewed by 589

Abstract

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) play essential roles in maintaining homeostasis and immunity in the lung. The transcription factor PU.1, encoded by SPI1, is a core regulator in multiple immune cell lineages. However, its binding property and regulatory role in AMs remain unclear. The [...] Read more.

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) play essential roles in maintaining homeostasis and immunity in the lung. The transcription factor PU.1, encoded by SPI1, is a core regulator in multiple immune cell lineages. However, its binding property and regulatory role in AMs remain unclear. The pig serves as an important livestock species and a valuable biomedical model. Using porcine AMs (PAMs) as a model, we combined gene knockdown experiments with multiomic profiling to elucidate the regulatory role of PU.1 in AMs. By integrating the RNA-seq data before and after SPI1 knockdown, we demonstrate that disruption of PU.1 impairs the expression of numerous immune-related genes, including many crucial for innate immune responses. We further employed CUT&Tag to characterize the genome-wide occupancy of PU.1 and the active histone modification H3K27ac, and found that PU.1 primarily binds active cis-regulatory elements (CREs), including a large proportion of enhancers derived from transposable elements. Moreover, integrative analysis identifies a set of CREs and their associated genes, which are putative direct targets of PU.1. Overall, this study provides novel insights into the regulatory role of PU.1 in AMs and extends our knowledge about this core regulator in the mammalian immune system. Full article

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

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25 pages, 4164 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Tracking of Respiratory Rate and Quantitative Analysis of Heat Stress Response of Caged Broilers Based on Infrared Thermal Imaging Video Amplification Technology

by Caihua Lu, Jincheng He, Wenwan Zheng, Mengyao Wu, Sisi Hong, Fan Lin, Hongjie Su and Yuyun Gao

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1115; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071115 - 5 Apr 2026

Viewed by 709

Abstract

Broiler respiratory rate (RR) in cage systems is a core physiological indicator of health and stress. However, real-time, non-invasive continuous RR monitoring is difficult in a high-density breeding environment, thereby limiting precise poultry health management. This study developed a feasible non-contact broiler RR [...] Read more.

Broiler respiratory rate (RR) in cage systems is a core physiological indicator of health and stress. However, real-time, non-invasive continuous RR monitoring is difficult in a high-density breeding environment, thereby limiting precise poultry health management. This study developed a feasible non-contact broiler RR measurement method to address this gap. The proposed method integrates infrared thermal imaging and phase-based video magnification (PBVM). Using cage-reared white-feathered broilers as subjects, we selected the thoracodorsal and tail regions as regions of interest (ROI), applied PBVM to amplify subtle respiratory-related body surface movements, and extracted RR features via the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). Two validation experiments were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions. One was an RR dynamic monitoring experiment covering the entire life cycle (4 to 36 days), which analyzed video data of 198 individual quiet broilers. The other was a multi-gradient heat stress experiment with temperature increases of +2 °C, +4 °C, and +5 °C, and analyzed video data of 162 individual quiet broilers. The method achieved favorable measurement accuracy: in the whole-life-stage experiment, the mean absolute error (MAE) was 0.036 Hz, the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) was 4.461%, and the coefficient of determination (R²) reached 0.961; in the heat stress experiment, the MAE was 0.042 Hz, the MAPE was 3.270%, and the R² reached 0.928. Linear regression analysis confirmed that healthy broiler RR decreased linearly with increasing age, and verified that RR showed a stepwise response to thermal challenge with a positive correlation between RR increase and temperature increment, accompanied by growth stage specificity. This study provides a feasible non-invasive approach for broiler RR monitoring, offering preliminary reference data for early heat stress detection and sustainable poultry production. Full article

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

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23 pages, 1155 KB

Open AccessReview

Evidence-Based Clinical Management of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome: Diagnostic Algorithms, Practical Guidelines, Critical Appraisal of Biomarkers and Translational Limitations

by Maurizio Dondi, Ezio Bianchi, Paolo Borghetti, Valentina Buffagni, Rosanna Di Lecce, Giacomo Gnudi, Chiara Guarnieri, Francesca Ravanetti, Roberta Saleri and Attilio Corradi

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1114; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071114 - 4 Apr 2026

Viewed by 2224

Abstract

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting older dogs that shares many pathological mechanisms with human Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although it is common in geriatric dogs, CCDS is often underdiagnosed in veterinary medicine. Both CCDS and AD involve a [...] Read more.

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting older dogs that shares many pathological mechanisms with human Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although it is common in geriatric dogs, CCDS is often underdiagnosed in veterinary medicine. Both CCDS and AD involve a gradual decline in cognitive functions such as memory, learning and executive abilities. From a pathological perspective, dogs with CCDS show brain changes similar to those seen in AD, including cerebral atrophy, loss of neurons and accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques. CCDS is diagnosed by exclusion, meaning that other medical or neurological conditions that could cause similar behavioural signs must first be ruled out. Clinical evaluation mainly relies on structured questionnaires completed by owners. Magnetic resonance imaging is used to confirm cerebral atrophy and, at the same time, to exclude other brain disorders, such as cerebrovascular accidents and neoplasia. Current research focuses on identifying fluid biomarkers, such as amyloid-beta, neurofilament light chain and glial fibrillary acidic protein, to support an early and objective diagnosis. The most effective management combines pharmacological therapy, targeted nutrition and non-pharmacological strategies, including environmental enrichment and behavioural support. Early intervention, ideally during mild cognitive impairment, is crucial to slow disease progression and maintain quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cognitive Dysfunction and Neurodegenerative Diseases in Dogs and Cats)

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11 pages, 785 KB

Open AccessArticle

Conservation Education: The Signage Used in Eleven Swedish Zoos

by Elin Torgersson, Lina S. V. Roth and Maria Andersson

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1113; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071113 - 4 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1040

Abstract

Education is one of the core roles of modern zoos, alongside research and conservation. In recent years, increasing emphasis has been placed on the importance of conservation within zoo education, and the term conservation education has become more widely used. Swedish zoos report [...] Read more.

Education is one of the core roles of modern zoos, alongside research and conservation. In recent years, increasing emphasis has been placed on the importance of conservation within zoo education, and the term conservation education has become more widely used. Swedish zoos report using a variety of educational activities; however, systematic evaluations remain scarce. The aim of the present study was to analyse the content of species signage (n = 404) at 11 zoos in Sweden. A predetermined evaluation protocol was applied, including items related to conservation, animal biology, behaviour, ecology, and animal welfare, assessed using binary (“yes/no”) criteria. The signage analysis revealed that majority of signs provided basic species information, such as body size (88% of signs), lifespan (59%), geographical distribution (86%), diet (84%), and number of offspring (75%). In contrast, only 68% of signs included conservation status, 44% described specific threats, and just 17% provided information on actions visitors could take to support conservation. Information related to animal welfare was rare: 4% of signs mentioned enclosure design, 2% referred to enrichment, and only 1% included animal training. Overall, while Swedish zoos generally provided information on species ecology and, to some extent, conservation, guidance on how visitors could actively contribute to conservation was limited. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Zoo Animals)

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18 pages, 3091 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Multi-Omics Epigenetic Landscape Unveils Regulatory Mechanisms Underlying Heterosis in Sheep Muscle Development

by Jiangbo Cheng, Dan Xu, Huibin Tian, Xiaoxue Zhang, Liming Zhao, Runan Zhang, Jianlin Wang, Jinyu Xiao, Fadi Li, Weimin Wang and Deyin Zhang

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1112; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071112 - 4 Apr 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 948

Abstract

Hybridization effectively enhances breeding efficiency and significantly boosts sheep productivity. However, the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the superior production performance of crossbreds remain largely elusive. In this study, Hu sheep were crossbred with Suffolk rams used as the paternal line. We integrated RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, [...] Read more.

Hybridization effectively enhances breeding efficiency and significantly boosts sheep productivity. However, the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the superior production performance of crossbreds remain largely elusive. In this study, Hu sheep were crossbred with Suffolk rams used as the paternal line. We integrated RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and CUT&Tag (H3K4me3, H3K4me1, H3K27ac, and H3K27me3) techniques to characterize epigenetic regulatory differences in the longissimus dorsi muscle between Hu sheep (HU) and crossbred progeny (SH). Phenotypic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that SH crossbred sheep exhibited superior growth performance (p < 0.05), and the upregulated genes in the Apelin signaling pathway were significantly correlated with eye muscle area (p < 0.05). Utilizing a Hidden Markov Model, we annotated 15 distinct chromatin states in both HU and SH sheep, systematically characterizing the dynamic epigenomic landscapes across the two breeds. In contrast to SH sheep, the genome of HU sheep exhibited enrichment of repressive chromatin modifications typified by H3K27me3. Strong active enhancers (EnhA) were significantly enriched within upregulated genes in SH. A total of 1862 SH-specific and 691 HU-specific EnhA elements were characterized in this study. Motif analysis revealed that SH-specific EnhA were enriched for myogenic MEF2 family motifs (p < 0.05), which promote muscle and vascular development. By integrating multi-omics data, we constructed a putative regulatory network potentially modulated by SH-specific enhancers, identifying CMKLR1, PPARGC1A, and TLE3 as the core hub genes. Collectively, this study provides a robust data resource, identifying candidate genes and regulatory elements associated with crossbreeding-related muscle phenotypes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epigenetic Signatures in Domestic Animals)

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13 pages, 421 KB

Open AccessArticle

Perturbations in Dairy Cows: Impact of Heat Stress, Lameness, and Mastitis on Milk Yield and Feeding Behavior

by Anita Cabbia, Matteo Braidot, Eleonora Florit, Mirco Corazzin and Alberto Romanzin

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1111; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071111 - 4 Apr 2026

Viewed by 983

Abstract

Dairy cows typically respond to stressors by altering their behavior, such as reducing eating time (ET) and rumination time (RT). Although declines in milk yield (MY) have been extensively studied, models to quantify perturbations in ET and RT are still lacking. This study [...] Read more.

Dairy cows typically respond to stressors by altering their behavior, such as reducing eating time (ET) and rumination time (RT). Although declines in milk yield (MY) have been extensively studied, models to quantify perturbations in ET and RT are still lacking. This study adopts a smoothing approach to identify and characterize perturbations in MY, ET, and RT in response to the main primary stressors, heat stress (HS), lameness (L), and mastitis (M), while evaluating the influences of parity and stage of lactation. A total of 350 Italian Simmental cows were monitored in farms equipped with automatic milking systems and accelerometers. Within this population, cows with a lactation period of at least 150 days were selected. A double-curve smoothing model (λ = 100 and λ = 10,000) was applied to calculate response and recovery times and to quantify production and feeding behavior losses. The results indicate that L causes the longest (30.6 d and 28.8 d, respectively) perturbations for both MY and ET. While L caused the greatest loss in milk production (14.7 kg), HS resulted in the greatest losses regarding feeding behavior (ET: 175.2 min and RT: 210.3 min). In general, M had a lower impact, likely due to the timeliness of treatments. Primiparous cows showed faster responses to stress but slower recovery times compared to multiparous ones. However, multiparous cows exhibited greater total MY losses. The method proved effective for quantifying resilience and opens new perspectives in health monitoring, allowing for the identification of both economic loss and each animal’s capacity to cope with pathological and environmental events, improving the overall sustainability of the dairy farm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Welfare)

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19 pages, 3709 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effects of Different Feeding Modes on Growth Performance, Blood Biochemistry, and Metabolism of Yushu Yaks During the Cold Season

by Chengeng Liang, Hai Hu, Guowen Wang, Shangrong Xu, Shi Shu, Rong Huang, Changqi Fu and Wei Peng

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1110; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071110 - 3 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1509

Abstract

Yushu yaks face nutritional deficiency and poor production performance in the cold season on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, yet their metabolic responses to different feeding modes remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of traditional grazing, grazing with concentrate supplementation, and TMR stall-feeding on [...] Read more.

Yushu yaks face nutritional deficiency and poor production performance in the cold season on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, yet their metabolic responses to different feeding modes remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of traditional grazing, grazing with concentrate supplementation, and TMR stall-feeding on 90 four-year-old Yushu yaks (30 per group) during a 180-day cold-season trial, by determining body weight changes, serum biochemical parameters and plasma metabolic profiles. Stall-fed yaks had the highest average daily gain (259.05 ± 61.56 g/d), while grazing yaks showed negative gain (−279.50 ± 44.45 g/d) and supplementary-fed yaks had intermediate performance; grazing yaks had stronger antioxidant enzyme activity, and supplemented/stall-fed yaks had higher serum mineral and albumin levels. Metabolomic analysis identified 2024 plasma metabolites, with grazing yaks enriched in plateau adaptation and antioxidant pathways, stall-fed yaks in energy metabolism pathways, and supplementary-fed yaks in both growth and antioxidant pathways. Our findings confirm that gradient nutritional interventions regulate the balance between yak growth and plateau adaptability, with concentrate supplementation as the optimal cold-season feeding mode for local herders and stall-feeding suitable for intensive breeding to maximize growth efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Physiology)

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17 pages, 6132 KB

Open AccessArticle

Robust Automated Monitoring of Dairy Cow Rumination via Improved YOLOv11 and BoT-SORT in Complex Environments

by Yingjie Zhao, Longjiang Wang, Silei Tang, Qing Zhai, Ruirui Yu and Zongwei Jia

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1109; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071109 - 3 Apr 2026

Viewed by 847

Abstract

Accurate, non-contact monitoring of rumination behavior is essential for assessing dairy cow health and welfare, as well as for optimizing feeding strategies and herd management in modern precision livestock farming. However, practical deployment in commercial barns faces challenges such as occlusions, variable lighting, [...] Read more.

Accurate, non-contact monitoring of rumination behavior is essential for assessing dairy cow health and welfare, as well as for optimizing feeding strategies and herd management in modern precision livestock farming. However, practical deployment in commercial barns faces challenges such as occlusions, variable lighting, and dynamic cow movements. To address this, we developed a robust, automated vision-based framework for continuous rumination monitoring. The core of our system integrates an enhanced object detection algorithm with a robust tracking module, specifically improved to capture subtle behavioral features and maintain identity under complex conditions. Evaluated on a comprehensive dataset collected from commercial settings under various lighting and occlusion scenarios, our framework achieved high detection accuracy (mAP of 96.26%) and reliable tracking performance (multi-object tracking accuracy of 99.2%). This demonstrates its suitability for real-time, on-farm deployment. The study provides a practical, end-to-end solution for fine-grained behavioral analysis in complex environments, offering a tool that can enhance welfare assessment and support decision-making in dairy farm management. The methodological approach is also adaptable to other precision livestock monitoring tasks. Full article

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

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16 pages, 5830 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Evaluation of Immunoprotective Effects of DNA Vaccine Based on Eimeria maxima EF-1α Antigen and Chicken XCL1 Chemokine

by Xiao-Feng Lin, Xi-Ge Wang, Chang-Sheng Fu, Zhong-Sheng Zhang, Hai-Yan Wu, Pan-Pan Guo, Deng-Feng Wang, Lei Wang, Yu-Tong Yan and Guang-Wen Yin

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1108; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071108 - 3 Apr 2026

Viewed by 936

Abstract

The moderate pathogenicity coupled with high host susceptibility of Eimeria maxima has precipitated substantial economic losses in the poultry industry. Addressing challenges such as emerging drug resistance underscores the imperative for innovative vaccine strategies. This study developed a novel DNA vaccine to solve [...] Read more.

The moderate pathogenicity coupled with high host susceptibility of Eimeria maxima has precipitated substantial economic losses in the poultry industry. Addressing challenges such as emerging drug resistance underscores the imperative for innovative vaccine strategies. This study developed a novel DNA vaccine to solve this challenge by fusing E. maxima elongation factor-1α (EmEF1α) with chicken chemokine XCL1 (ChXCL1) in the pVAX1 vector. The recombinant plasmid, designated pVAX1-ChXCL1-EmEF1α, was successfully constructed and confirmed to express the ChXCL1-EmEF1α fusion protein in vitro. Immunization of chickens with this DNA vaccine elicited a robust and balanced immune response, characterized by significantly increased proportions of CD4⁺ (11.76%) and CD8⁺ (5.58%) T lymphocytes, elevated levels of Th1-associated cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-12), and strong antigen-specific IgG and IgA antibody responses. Following experimental challenge with E. maxima, vaccinated birds exhibited substantial protection: a 66.4% reduction in oocyst shedding, a 71.7% improvement in relative weight gain, marked attenuation of intestinal lesions, and an anticoccidial index (ACI) of 170. These findings demonstrate that the ChXCL1-EmEF1α DNA vaccine effectively enhances both cellular and humoral immunity. Collectively, this study validates ChXCL1 as a potent molecular adjuvant and establishes the “antigen–adjuvant” fusion DNA platform as a promising strategy for developing next-generation vaccines against avian coccidiosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coccidian Parasites: Epidemiology, Control and Prevention Strategies)

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26 pages, 4459 KB

Open AccessArticle

TMacaque-FaceNet: Automatic Facial Recognition Based on Vision Transformer for Wild Tibetan Macaques

by Qiyang Gao, Lele Zhang, He Luo, Zhao Lv and Dongpo Xia

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1107; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071107 - 3 Apr 2026

Viewed by 918

Abstract

Within the framework of behavioral ecology and conservation, individual recognition plays a critical role in the research on wild social animals at the individual level. Traditional identification methods often rely on long-term field experience or invasive physical tagging. Recent advances in deep learning [...] Read more.

Within the framework of behavioral ecology and conservation, individual recognition plays a critical role in the research on wild social animals at the individual level. Traditional identification methods often rely on long-term field experience or invasive physical tagging. Recent advances in deep learning enable non-invasive individual recognition under natural conditions; however, the effectiveness of facial detection and identification depends on species-specific facial characteristics, environmental conditions, and dataset scale. In this study, we used 3385 images from 18 identified wild Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) to develop an individual recognition system, TMacaque-FaceNet, integrating You Only Look Once (YOLO) for face detection and a Vision Transformer (ViT) for individual classification. The results showed that the Tibetan macaque face detector achieved a mAP@0.5 of 0.971, with a precision of 0.974 and a recall of 0.931. The individual recognizer for the wild Tibetan macaque social group achieved a top-1 accuracy of 96.33% on the test set. On an event-wise (temporal holdout) validation set comprising 90 images (5 images per individual), the recognizer achieved a top-1 accuracy of 95.56%. Gradient-weighted attention rollout analyses further revealed that the model focused on biologically meaningful facial regions, supporting the interpretability of the recognition process. Our results provide a new automated facial recognition method to non-invasively monitor Tibetan macaque individuals in natural environments. It provides a practical tool to facilitate automated behavioral observation, social network analysis, and long-term population monitoring of wild non-human primates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Wildlife)

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11 pages, 1335 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Molecular and Replication Dynamic Profiling of Regionally Important Pestivirus bovis Subgenotypes from Hungary

by István Kiss, Eszter Kaszab, Krisztina Bali, Renáta Varga-Kugler, Scott Callison, Derek E. Moormeier, Liliana Cubas-Gaona, Zalán Homonnay and Krisztián Bányai

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1106; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071106 - 3 Apr 2026

Viewed by 887

Abstract

This study investigated the in vitro replication kinetics and molecular characteristics of five field isolates of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) representing subgenotypes 1b, 1d, and 1f, currently circulating in Hungary. We compared cytopathogenic (cp) and non-cytopathogenic (ncp) biotype pairs using digital PCR [...] Read more.

This study investigated the in vitro replication kinetics and molecular characteristics of five field isolates of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) representing subgenotypes 1b, 1d, and 1f, currently circulating in Hungary. We compared cytopathogenic (cp) and non-cytopathogenic (ncp) biotype pairs using digital PCR (dPCR) and virus titration. While dPCR showed higher genome copy numbers for cp isolates, virus titration revealed comparable or lower infectious titers, suggesting the accumulation of replication-incompetent viral particles during the infection cycle. Molecular analysis identified (novel) amino acid substitutions in Npro, capsid, and NS4B regions, although typical large-scale genome rearrangements were absent. These findings demonstrate that biotype differences are molecularly complex and subgenotype-dependent. Our results emphasize that relying on a few genetic markers is insufficient for biotype categorization, necessitating comprehensive characterization in BVDV surveillance programs. This complexity must be considered when designing vaccines or control programs, especially in regions with diverse circulating strains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Cattle Diseases)

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20 pages, 3418 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Diversification and Population Admixture Signatures in Yunnan Native Cattle

by Yiduan Liu, Wenbin Dao, Wenkun Xu, Xinyang Fan, Ruifei Yang and Yongwang Miao

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1105; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071105 - 3 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1074

Abstract

This study investigates the genetic diversity, population structure, and adaptive differentiation of Yunnan native cattle (YNC) using whole-genome SNP data from 457 individuals, representing eight cattle populations and two closely related bovine species (Zhongdian yak and Dulong gayal). Genetic diversity analyses revealed a [...] Read more.

This study investigates the genetic diversity, population structure, and adaptive differentiation of Yunnan native cattle (YNC) using whole-genome SNP data from 457 individuals, representing eight cattle populations and two closely related bovine species (Zhongdian yak and Dulong gayal). Genetic diversity analyses revealed a distinct latitudinal gradient from north to south, with the highest diversity observed in the northern Diqing (DQC) and Zhaotong (ZTC) populations. The observed population structure was largely consistent with geographic distribution, identifying distinct ancestral components and complex admixture patterns. Genome-wide selective sweep scans revealed several key candidate genes underlying local adaptation. Notably, GRIA4 and DUOXA2 were associated with cold tolerance in northern populations, and ST3GAL3 and MST1 were implicated in heat stress adaptation in southern populations. Genome-wide balancing selection analyses further detected significant loci, such as MGST1 and SLC36A1, where divergent haplotype frequencies reflected differential selective pressures on milk-related traits between northern and southern populations. Additionally, we detected signals of historical introgression from Zhongdian yak into DQC cattle, highlighting the introgressed gene SLIT3 as a potential candidate associated with high-altitude thermogenesis. Collectively, these results provide a comprehensive genomic framework for the management and conservation of indigenous bovine genetic resources in Southwest China. Full article

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

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24 pages, 2468 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Anuran-Based Biotic-Integrity Index for Prioritizing Wetland Conservation Sites in Rwanda

by Selina Glebsattel and J. Maximilian Dehling

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1104; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071104 - 3 Apr 2026

Viewed by 896

Abstract

We introduce an index based on the composition of amphibian communities that can be used to assess and monitor over time the biotic integrity of wetlands and to evaluate the priority of these sites for conservation. The Rwanda Anuran-based Biotic-Integrity Index (RABI) integrates [...] Read more.

We introduce an index based on the composition of amphibian communities that can be used to assess and monitor over time the biotic integrity of wetlands and to evaluate the priority of these sites for conservation. The Rwanda Anuran-based Biotic-Integrity Index (RABI) integrates three sub-indices, which reflect the conservation priority of species based on their distribution in Rwanda, their conservation status, and their susceptibility to habitat alteration. The functionality of the RABI was tested on 51 wetland sites distributed over the five ecozones of Rwanda. The wetland sites showed a wide range of RABI values, with marked differences between the different ecozones. The RABI reliably identified sites with a high number of threatened, range-restricted, and habitat-sensitive species and sites with high species richness. Although wetlands in agriculturally exploited areas often had high anuran-species numbers, their assemblages contained mostly widespread generalist species, resulting in lower RABI values compared to sites with lower species numbers but with threatened, specialized species. Wetlands within the four Rwandan national parks had particularly high RABI values, confirming that these areas require special protection. We identified five sites with high conservation value outside the national parks that should be considered for future protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation of Global Amphibian Diversity Under Climate and Environmental Change)

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25 pages, 4508 KB

Open AccessArticle

How to Apply Positive-Reinforcement-Based Training for Self-Loading and Self-Unloading in Dromedary Camels

by Naod Thomas Masebo, Asim Faraz, Maria Gaia Angeloni, Faizan Saleem, Hassan Qadir Buzdar and Barbara Padalino

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1103; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071103 - 3 Apr 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1787

Abstract

This study aimed to describe how to train dromedary camels to self-load and unload using positive-reinforcement-based training and to examine its effects on behavior and welfare. Twelve camels, six unbroken male camels (group A) and six broken mixed-gender camels (group B), underwent nine [...] Read more.

This study aimed to describe how to train dromedary camels to self-load and unload using positive-reinforcement-based training and to examine its effects on behavior and welfare. Twelve camels, six unbroken male camels (group A) and six broken mixed-gender camels (group B), underwent nine days of positive reinforcement training, after an initial day of behavioral tests. The training session included six phases: loading the clicker, approaching the truck, ramp, truck, unloading, and returning to the station. Eye temperature was measured before and after training using infrared thermography, and training was recorded for further behavioral analysis. Overall, eight camels (66.7%) loaded and unloaded successfully at least once. The average total and daily training duration were 72 and 8.5 min per camel, respectively, with the fastest camel able to load taking only 30 min of total training over five days. Loading the clicker phase decreased by 41% per additional training day (p < 0.001) and was higher in camels that completed the training session compared to unsuccessful individuals (p = 0.027). Similarly, the time required to approach the truck decreased significantly across training days (p < 0.001). Training day had no effect on the duration of the ramp phase; however, this phase was overall shorter in the group of successful camels (p = 0.038). Loading inside the truck increased by 50% with each additional training day (p = 0.007). Camels in group B had significantly lower maximum eye temperatures than those in group A (p = 0.019), with no significant effect of day or time (p = 0.373). In conclusion, our study shows that training dromedary camels to self-load and unload is possible and does not increase eye temperature. It could mitigate transport stress, improving the safety of handlers and camels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Stress and Welfare During Transport and Slaughtering: Second Edition)

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21 pages, 5307 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mitochondrial Genome of Abramis brama orientalis Reveals Dominant Role of Natural Selection over Mutation Pressure in Shaping Codon Usage Bias in Leuciscinae Fishes

by Cui-Lan Hao, Yuan-Yuan Yang, Nian-Wen Wei, Jia-Qi Zhao, Cheng Yue, He Sun, Adili Abudu, Jian-Yong Hu and Yue Zhuo

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1102; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071102 - 3 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1020

Abstract

Codon usage bias (CUB) is a universal feature in both mitochondrial and ribosomal genes, shaped by the combined forces of mutation and selection, and serves as a valuable indicator of evolutionary processes and phylogenetic signals. However, comprehensive analysis of CUB is lacking in [...] Read more.

Codon usage bias (CUB) is a universal feature in both mitochondrial and ribosomal genes, shaped by the combined forces of mutation and selection, and serves as a valuable indicator of evolutionary processes and phylogenetic signals. However, comprehensive analysis of CUB is lacking in the Leuciscinae family. We sequenced and annotated the complete mitochondrial genome of Abramis brama orientalis and examined codon usage patterns in all Leuciscinae species, subsequently finding the dominant evolutionary forces and phylogenetic relationships. We performed a PR2 bias plot, neutrality plot, effective number of codons (ENC) vs. GC3, relative synonymous codon use (RSCU) clustering and Ka/Ks calculations for 22 Leuciscinae species. We constructed the phylogenetic trees of Leuciscinae using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood on concatenated mitochondrial sequences. The complete mitochondrial genome of Abramis brama orientalis was 16,607 bp, with typical vertebrate structure and high A + T bias. The codons of protein-coding genes in Leuciscinae have a preference for ending in A/C. All protein-coding genes were under strong purifying selection (Ka/Ks < 1). RSCU patterns and phylogenetic analyses showed two lines of Leuciscinae in the RSCU, with A. brama orientalis being a monophyletic group with A. brama. The results demonstrate the strong role for selection in shaping mitochondrial codon usage in Leuciscinae, despite mutational biases. The study clarified the taxonomic status of A. brama orientalis and provided a framework for understanding molecular evolution in this ecologically important freshwater fish family. Full article

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

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18 pages, 7000 KB

Open AccessArticle

Living Wild in a Mediterranean Island: Spatial and Temporal Behaviour of Free-Roaming Cats in Cyprus

by Michalis Zacharia, Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis and Savvas Zotos

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1101; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071101 - 3 Apr 2026

Viewed by 2618

Abstract

Cats are among the most beloved and affectionate companion animals to humans. Historically, they have been utilised to manage pests or offer comfort and companionship, a practice that continues today. Due to human malpractice, unowned free-roaming cats (as stray pets or feral cats) [...] Read more.

Cats are among the most beloved and affectionate companion animals to humans. Historically, they have been utilised to manage pests or offer comfort and companionship, a practice that continues today. Due to human malpractice, unowned free-roaming cats (as stray pets or feral cats) are now considered amongst the 100 worst invasive species, and are responsible for the decline and even the disappearance of many wild species worldwide. Free-roaming cats maintain their hunting instincts, causing problems for native species, which is recognised as a major issue in island biodiversity. Despite their impact, limited studies have been conducted to understand the spatial activity of free-roaming cats in the Mediterranean when they are away from their caregivers (owners who feed and care for their cats while allowing unrestricted outdoor roaming). To investigate this, we used GPS tracking collars to monitor 15 free-roaming cats on the island of Cyprus, during spring–autumn 2022. The monitored cats were active in a spectrum of different habitats, from forests and farmland to shrublands and the suburbs. We monitored cats for 5.6 days, on average, to investigate their home range sizes (KDE 95%; median: males = 55,678 m²; females = 11,377 m²), daily distance travelled (median: males = 1233 m; females = 538 m), and daily/nocturnal activity, and the factors that influence these patterns. The animals’ sex, shelter availability, and the type of coverage in an area show statistically significant differences in relation to their home range, while activity peaked during the afternoon hours, a finding that is also statistically confirmed. Although the sample size of the study is relatively small, the influence of environmental and anthropogenic factors on the home range of free-roaming cats in Cyprus is revealed. These findings offer quantitative evidence and can contribute to wildlife conservation and free-roaming cat management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ecology and Conservation)

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8 pages, 269 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Dyspnea Induced by Alpha 2-Adrenergic Agonists and Dissociative Anesthetics Combination in Dogs and Cats

by Taehoon Sung, Won-gyun Son, Junghee Yoon, Cheol-yong Hwang and Inhyung Lee

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1100; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071100 - 3 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1243

Abstract

This case report describes the potential adverse effects of the combination of alpha 2-adrenergic agonists and dissociative anesthetics and discusses its prevention. The cases of 2 dogs and 3 cats, including 4 juvenile (<7 months old) animals and 1 adult cat (2 years [...] Read more.

This case report describes the potential adverse effects of the combination of alpha 2-adrenergic agonists and dissociative anesthetics and discusses its prevention. The cases of 2 dogs and 3 cats, including 4 juvenile (<7 months old) animals and 1 adult cat (2 years old), that presented with dyspnea immediately after induction at local veterinary clinics and were referred to the Seoul National University Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital are described. Four animals were premedicated with atropine, and all were anesthetized intravenously using a combination of an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist (medetomidine or xylazine) and a dissociative anesthetic (ketamine or Zoletil^®). Both dogs developed immediate epistaxis, dyspnea, and radiographic evidence of diffuse alveolar infiltration. One dog was euthanized after experiencing seizures. All 3 cats developed anorexia followed by dyspnea within 24 to 48 h post-anesthesia, resulting in death in 2 cats, while 1 cat recovered with symptomatic treatment. The sympathomimetic effects of dissociative anesthetics and vasoconstrictive alpha 2-adrenergic agonists can cause transient hypertension, which can precipitate pulmonary edema and hemorrhage, leading to dyspnea. Either juvenile or atropine-premedicated patients may be at an increased risk, warranting dose adjustment, route selection, and careful monitoring during anesthesia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

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17 pages, 680 KB

Open AccessArticle

Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Carbon Footprint of Sheep Production Using the IPCC Tier 2 Approach

by Busra Yayli and Ilker Kilic

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1099; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071099 - 2 Apr 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1223

Abstract

Livestock production significantly contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) originating from enteric fermentation and manure management. This study quantified the GHG emissions and cumulative carbon footprint of four commercial sheep farms (SF1, [...] Read more.

Livestock production significantly contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) originating from enteric fermentation and manure management. This study quantified the GHG emissions and cumulative carbon footprint of four commercial sheep farms (SF1, SF2, SF3, and SF4) in the Bursa region of Türkiye, with flock sizes of 200, 500, 150, and 800 adult Merino sheep (mature ewes and breeding rams), respectively. Using the IPCC Tier 2 methodology, the biogenic carbon footprint was estimated at 15.6 kg CO₂-eq per kg of boneless sheep meat. However, when indirect inputs were included, the cumulative carbon footprint reached 28.8 kg CO₂-eq for ewes and 32.3 kg CO₂-eq for breeding rams. These results indicate that indirect emissions from feed production account for the primary environmental load (49.8%), while on-farm energy-related emissions represent a minor portion (0.3%) of the total impact. The results demonstrate that while enteric fermentation (32.5%) remains a critical biological factor, the environmental burden of the feed supply chain is equally significant in intensive systems. These findings highlight that excluding indirect inputs leads to a substantial underestimation of the climate impact, suggesting that mitigation strategies must integrate nutritional optimization with enteric methane reduction to decarbonize sheep production effectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Environmental Footprint of Animal Production)

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17 pages, 2108 KB

Open AccessArticle

Morphological Variation and Integration of the Ethmoidal and Prechiasmatic Regions in Sheep

by Eylem Bektaş Bilgiç, Barış Can Güzel, Fatma İşbilir, Aycan Korkmazcan, Yusuf Altundağ, Nedžad Hadžiomerović and Ozan Gündemir

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1098; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071098 - 2 Apr 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 939

Abstract

This study investigated breed- and sex-related variation in two adjacent regions of the sheep cranial base on the endocranial surface, namely the ethmoidal region (fossa ethmoidalis–crista galli complex) and the prechiasmatic region centered on the sulcus chiasmatis. We hypothesized that breed-related morphometric differences [...] Read more.

This study investigated breed- and sex-related variation in two adjacent regions of the sheep cranial base on the endocranial surface, namely the ethmoidal region (fossa ethmoidalis–crista galli complex) and the prechiasmatic region centered on the sulcus chiasmatis. We hypothesized that breed-related morphometric differences would be detectable in this cranial base region and that the ethmoidal and prechiasmatic regions would show modular separation despite substantial covariation. Three-dimensional landmark data from 113 adult Akkaraman, Morkaraman, and Zom sheep were analyzed. Whole-configuration size differed by breed and sex, ethmoidal size mainly by sex, and prechiasmatic size mainly by breed. Shape analyses showed significant breed effects in the whole configuration and in both regional modules, whereas sex effects were weaker and limited to the whole configuration and prechiasmatic region. Allometry was significant at all levels and was strongest in the two regional modules, especially the prechiasmatic region. Modularity analysis supported the separation of the ethmoidal and prechiasmatic landmarks into two modules, whereas integration analysis indicated a high degree of covariation between them (r-PLS = 0.933), with most shared covariance concentrated on the first PLS axis. These findings indicate that variation in this endocranial cranial base region is detectable in both size and shape, with shape differences identified more consistently across the whole configuration and the two regional modules, although the associated effect sizes were modest. Overall, the results highlight that variation between adjacent cranial base regions is primarily expressed through shape and covariation rather than size alone, providing a morphometric framework for future studies of cranial structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Form, Function, and Diversity in Animal Anatomy)

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24 pages, 3049 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Transcriptional Reprogramming to Fat Quality Improvement: Dietary Artemisia ordosica Krasch. Optimizes Fatty Acid Profile in Cashmere Goats

by Lianguang Jiang, Yanli Zhao, Qingyue Zhang, Shangxiong Zhang, Xiaoyu Guo, Yongmei Guo and Sumei Yan

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1097; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071097 - 2 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1113

Abstract

This experiment investigated the effects of dietary Artemisia ordosica Krasch. (AOK) supplementation on the n3-polyunsaturated fatty acid (n3-PUFA) profile of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SADT) in Arbas cashmere goats and explored the underlying transcriptional mechanisms. Forty healthy, weaned kids (120 ± 10 days of [...] Read more.

This experiment investigated the effects of dietary Artemisia ordosica Krasch. (AOK) supplementation on the n3-polyunsaturated fatty acid (n3-PUFA) profile of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SADT) in Arbas cashmere goats and explored the underlying transcriptional mechanisms. Forty healthy, weaned kids (120 ± 10 days of age; similar body weight) were randomly allocated to two groups (n = 20): a control group (CON, basal diet) and an AOK group (AOK, basal diet with 3% of the roughage replaced by AOK). The feeding trial spanned 104 days, consisting of a 14-day adaptation period and 90 days of data acquisition. Compared with the CON group, AOK significantly reduced the content of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and n6-polyunsaturated fatty acids (n6-PUFAs)/n3-PUFAs (n6/n3). In contrast, the levels of n3-PUFAs in the SADT of cashmere goats increased markedly (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, AOK exhibited significantly higher activities of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) (p = 0.027), adenylyl cyclase 2 (ADCY2) (p = 0.010), adenylyl cyclase 5 (ADCY5) (p = 0.046), cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) (p = 0.013), solute carrier family 27 member 4 (SLC27A4) (p = 0.021), and fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) (p = 0.040), along with significantly lower activities of fatty acid synthase (FAS) (p = 0.002), lipoprotein lipase (LPL) (p = 0.048), and stearoyl-coa desaturase (SCD) (p = 0.026) in SADT. Compared with the CON group, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p = 0.032), catalase (CAT) (p = 0.010), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) (p = 0.029), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p = 0.002) were significantly increased in the AOK group. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that AOK supplementation downregulated mRNA levels of ADCY2, ADCY5, LPL, FAS, SCD, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), stearoyl-CoA desaturase 2 (SCD2), glycogen synthase 1 (GYS1), acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1), solute carrier family 27 member 2 (SLC27A2), erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 4 (ERBB4), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1B (CPT1B) (p < 0.05). It also markedly induced acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) (p < 0.01) in SADT. Genes significantly enriched in the adenosine-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway included LPL, SCD1, CPT1B, and GYS1 (p = 0.010). Genes significantly enriched in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-akt (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway included GYS1 and ERBB4 (p = 0.015). CPT1B, ADCY2, and GYS1 were identified as the genes significantly enriched in the insulin resistance signaling pathway (p = 0.048). LPL was the only gene significantly enriched in the cholesterol metabolism pathway (p = 0.049). Genes showing a tendency toward significant enrichment in the peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway included ACSL4, CPT1B, SCD1, and LPL (p = 0.051). These interconnected cascades improve insulin sensitivity, stimulate triglyceride (TG) hydrolysis, and modulate n3-PUFA levels. Supplementation with AOK enhances n3-PUFA content by accelerating TG breakdown while simultaneously restraining FA oxidation in SADT. Consequently, AOK supplementation can be effectively used to enhance the nutritional value of cashmere goat meat through improved n3-PUFA deposition in SADT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Small Ruminants)

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Animals, Volume 16, Issue 7 (April-1 2026) – 131 articles

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