Animals

13 pages, 815 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Maternal Omega-3 Supplementation, Sex, and Strain on Chick Behaviour During Social Isolation

by Rosie H. Whittle, Elijah G. Kiarie and Tina M. Widowski

Animals 2026, 16(12), 1852; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121852 (registering DOI) - 16 Jun 2026

Omega-3 fatty acids transferred from breeder hens to their developing offspring via the egg may affect the offspring’s emotional reactivity and fearfulness. In one experiment, broiler (meat) parent flocks were fed flaxseed or control diets during rearing, laying, or both. In a second [...] Read more.

Omega-3 fatty acids transferred from breeder hens to their developing offspring via the egg may affect the offspring’s emotional reactivity and fearfulness. In one experiment, broiler (meat) parent flocks were fed flaxseed or control diets during rearing, laying, or both. In a second experiment, ISA Brown and Shaver White layer (egg) parent flocks were fed flaxseed or control diets throughout rearing and laying. Male and female broiler offspring and female layer offspring underwent a five-minute social isolation test at 4–6 days of age. Vocalisations, escape attempts, and freezing (immobility) durations were recorded. In the broiler experiment, maternal laying diet and sex interacted to affect vocalisation frequency (χ² = 5.57, p = 0.02). Male broiler chicks from the flaxseed maternal laying diet vocalised most frequently (p < 0.04). An interaction between the rearing diet, laying diet, and sex affected escape attempts in broiler offspring (χ² = 6.03, p = 0.01). Control-control males made the fewest escape attempts. In the layer experiment, no maternal diet effects were observed in any offspring, but Brown chicks vocalised substantially more than White chicks (χ² = 4.56, p = 0.03), and White chicks spent more time frozen (χ² = 5.86, p = 0.02). We found sex-specific effects of maternal flaxseed diets on measures of anxiety and fear of broiler chickens in social isolation. Genetic strain-dependent effects in layer chickens suggest differing behavioural responses to isolation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Poultry Welfare—Behavioural Assessment of Affective State)

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18 pages, 1169 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

LC-MS/MS Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of GS-441524 in Serum and Various Compounded Formulations to Improve the Treatment of Feline Infectious Peritonitis

by Riccardo Masti, Angela Marin, Luca Magna, Francesca Maria Bertolini and Tommaso Furlanello

Animals 2026, 16(12), 1851; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121851 (registering DOI) - 16 Jun 2026

Abstract

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) has been transformed from a fatal disease to a treatable condition following the introduction of GS-441524, a nucleoside analogue targeting feline coronavirus replication. However, the widespread use of unregulated compounded formulations and the absence of validated analytical tools for [...] Read more.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) has been transformed from a fatal disease to a treatable condition following the introduction of GS-441524, a nucleoside analogue targeting feline coronavirus replication. However, the widespread use of unregulated compounded formulations and the absence of validated analytical tools for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) represent critical gaps in clinical FIP management. This study describes the development and full ICH M10-compliant validation of a high-throughput LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of GS-441524 in feline serum, incorporating an automated protein precipitation protocol and a PBS-BSA surrogate matrix in accordance with 3Rs principles. The method met all acceptance criteria across validated parameters, including linearity (0.1–50 µg/mL), accuracy (bias within ±12.5%), precision (CV ≤ 10.9%), selectivity, extraction recovery (87.5–107.9%), and stability under clinically relevant storage conditions. Matrix equivalence between PBS-BSA and authentic feline serum was confirmed, enabling routine calibration without animal-derived materials. The validated method was applied to clinical TDM in cats undergoing GS-441524 treatment for FIP, providing preliminary evidence of inter-individual pharmacokinetic variability. The compounded formulations administered to the TDM cohort were independently verified by LC-MS/MS, confirming drug content within ±15% of labelled claims and excluding pharmaceutical quality as a confounding factor in the interpretation of serum drug concentrations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Veterinary Pharmacology: Improving Treatment Modalities for Animal Pathology)

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26 pages, 1462 KB

Open AccessReview

Strategies for Reducing Antimicrobial Use in Cattle Through Gut Microbiome Modulation: A Systematic Review of Alternatives to Antibiotics

by Zanoxolo Ntsongota, Olusegun Oyebade Ikusika, Mthunzi Mndela and Ishmeal Festus Jaja

Animals 2026, 16(12), 1850; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121850 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026

Abstract

The escalating global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has intensified efforts to identify safe, effective, and sustainable alternatives to in-feed antibiotics in livestock production. The bovine gastrointestinal microbiome plays a central role in host immunity, nutrient utilization, and disease resilience, positioning microbiome-modulating interventions [...] Read more.

The escalating global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has intensified efforts to identify safe, effective, and sustainable alternatives to in-feed antibiotics in livestock production. The bovine gastrointestinal microbiome plays a central role in host immunity, nutrient utilization, and disease resilience, positioning microbiome-modulating interventions as promising candidates for antimicrobial stewardship. Despite growing experimental interest, a systematic synthesis of the available evidence in cattle is lacking. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of microbiome-modulating interventions, including probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, phytogenic feed additives, essential oils, organic acids, and native rumen microbial supplements, as strategies to reduce antimicrobial use in cattle, and to characterize their effects on gut microbial diversity, fermentation characteristics, and host health and performance outcomes. A systematic search of Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost (including Academic Search Ultimate, MEDLINE with full text, and CAB Abstracts with Full text) was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies were eligible if they used cattle (dairy cattle, beef cattle, calves, or mixed production systems), employed a microbiome-modulating intervention, and reported at least one microbiological or host outcome. Seventeen peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2025 were included after full-text screening. Risk of bias was assessed using an adapted SYRCLE tool, which identified moderate overall study quality; the majority of included studies were randomized controlled trials or controlled experiments, though reporting of allocation concealment and blinding was inconsistent across studies. Across the 17 included studies, five broad categories of interventions were evaluated: probiotics (n = 5 studies), prebiotics (n = 2), postbiotics and organic acids (n = 4), phytogenic additives and essential oils (n = 4), and native rumen microbial supplements (n = 2). Animals spanned neonatal dairy calves, weaned Holstein calves, dairy heifers, lactating dairy cows, and Bos indicus feedlot beef cattle. Probiotics and organic acids most consistently improved growth performance: benzoic acid supplementation increased average daily gain by 8.4% (p < 0.05) and fructo-oligosaccharide prebiotics elevated body weight at weaning by 6.7% (p < 0.01). Native rumen microbial supplements improved energy-corrected milk yield by up to 3.1% without increasing dry matter intake. Polyphenols and bile acids demonstrated the strongest immunological and disease-preventive effects, reducing calf mortality by approximately 40% and disease severity by approximately 35%, respectively. Microbiome analyses revealed intervention-dependent increases in microbial diversity and shifts toward taxa associated with improved fermentation efficiency, including enrichment of propionate-producing Prevotellaceae, butyrate-associated Ruminococcus, and hindgut Bifidobacterium. Rumen fermentation outcomes included reductions in the acetate:propionate ratio and ammonia-N concentrations and improvements in fiber digestibility of 3.6–4.4 percentage units in dairy cows. Phytogenic additives preserved microbial diversity without inducing broad-spectrum suppression, functioning primarily as microbiome stabilizers rather than direct antimicrobial replacements. This systematic review provides evidence that gut microbiome modulation may enhance growth performance, improve fermentation efficiency, and reduce disease susceptibility in cattle, thereby supporting antimicrobial use reduction across dairy, beef, and mixed production systems. Effect magnitudes varied substantially across intervention categories and production contexts, and study quality was moderate, underscoring the need for larger, pre-registered trials with standardized outcome reporting and direct antibiotic comparator arms. Probiotics, prebiotics, and bile acid metabolites showed the greatest potential as components of integrated antimicrobial stewardship strategies in cattle production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives for Farm Animals: Gut Microbiome, Metabolism, Neuroendocrine Regulation, and Product Quality)

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18 pages, 14911 KB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Basis of Color Variation in Taiwanese Loach Revealed by Early Developmental Transcriptome Analysis

by Benhe Ma, Yan Hu, Aijun Ma, Tao Hu, Ruiyu Deng, Zhihui Huang and Haihua Wang

Animals 2026, 16(12), 1849; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121849 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background: The Taiwanese loach (Paramisgurnus dabryanus ssp. Taiwan, Dabry de Thiersant, 1872.) is an economically important aquaculture species in East Asia, and its body color directly affects its ornamental and market value. Our research group recently discovered a golden-red mutant, named “Gan [...] Read more.

Background: The Taiwanese loach (Paramisgurnus dabryanus ssp. Taiwan, Dabry de Thiersant, 1872.) is an economically important aquaculture species in East Asia, and its body color directly affects its ornamental and market value. Our research group recently discovered a golden-red mutant, named “Gan Hong No. 1” (MR), within a wild-type (WT) population. During embryogenesis, MR individuals exhibit almost no melanophore deposition, and after hatching, xanthophores and erythrophores appear sequentially, suggesting that the body color variation likely originates from alterations in the gene regulatory network during early development. Objective: To systematically compare the transcriptomes of WT and MR-Taiwanese loach during early development, to identify the key regulatory pathways underlying red body color formation from a temporal perspective, to test whether the classical melanin synthesis pathway is impaired, and to provide a theoretical basis for selective breeding of body color traits. Methods: High-throughput transcriptome sequencing was performed on eight early developmental stages (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 23, 28 and 43 h post-fertilization) of both loach types. Differential expression analysis, time-series trend analysis, and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were used to systematically characterize gene expression dynamics. Transcriptomic data validation was performed using real-time PCR. Results: In MR, the core transcription factor mitfa was significantly downregulated, whereas the expression of melanin synthesis genes such as kita and dct showed no significant difference, indicating that the impairment of melanogenesis is caused by mitfa downregulation. Trend analysis and pathway enrichment revealed that in MR embryos, pathways related to oxidative stress, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, C-type lectin receptor signaling, p53 signaling, and apoptosis were significantly activated, while the thyroid hormone synthesis pathway was markedly upregulated. In WT, these pathways showed the opposite trend. qRT-PCR results were consistent with the transcriptome data. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that downregulation of mitfa serves as the initial trigger for red body color variation in the Taiwanese loach. This mutation impedes melanin synthesis and concurrently activates a coordinated regulatory network involving oxidative stress, immune inflammation, and thyroid hormone signaling. Accumulation of unsaturated fatty acids alleviates oxidative damage and supports carotenoid deposition, while immune signals eliminate aberrant melanocytes and promote compensatory generation of red and yellow chromatophores. The upregulated thyroid hormone further fine-tunes pigment cell differentiation. For the first time in a cobitid species, this study elucidates the mitfa-mediated, multi-pathway synergistic molecular mechanism driving the transition from melanin-based to carotenoid/pteridine-based red coloration in fish, thereby providing a theoretical reference for molecular breeding of body color in aquaculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Genetic Improvement of Aquacultural Species)

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25 pages, 714 KB

Open AccessArticle

Early-Phase Response of Broiler Breeders to 25-Hydroxyvitamin D₃ and Canthaxanthin with or Without Copper and Gluco-Oligosaccharides (30 to 41 Weeks)

by Patrick Tamatey, John W. Boney and Dervan D. L. S. Bryan

Animals 2026, 16(12), 1848; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121848 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25-OH-D3), canthaxanthin (Cx), copper (Cu), and gluco-oligosaccharides (GO) on performance, egg quality, fertility, and hatchability of broiler breeder hens during early production (30 to 41 weeks of age). A total of [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25-OH-D3), canthaxanthin (Cx), copper (Cu), and gluco-oligosaccharides (GO) on performance, egg quality, fertility, and hatchability of broiler breeder hens during early production (30 to 41 weeks of age). A total of 210 breeder hens and 21 males were allocated to three dietary treatments. Birds were fed a standard broiler breeder diet (control) or the same diet in which 0.5 kg/MT of an additive premix replaced sand. This premix supplied 16.6–17.7 mg/kg canthaxanthin (Cx) and 3700–4700 IU/kg 25-OH-D3 in Treatment 1, and 9.2–11.1 mg/kg Cx and 4100–4700 IU/kg 25-OH-D3 in Treatment 2. Treatment 2 also included Cu and GO (≥44 mg/g within the additive), with Cu provided at industry-standard levels. Each treatment consisted of seven replicates, with birds housed in floor pens containing 10 females and 1 male per replicate. Hen performance was recorded weekly, while egg quality was assessed at 30, 35, and 41 weeks. Fertility and hatchability were evaluated at 30 and 41 weeks. Treatment 2 improved lay rate, albumen height, Haugh unit, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) at selected time points. Both supplemented diets consistently produced darker yolk color compared with the control. Supplementation consistently enhanced yolk color, whereas effects on albumen height, Haugh unit, shell thickness, and FCR were observed only at specific ages or weeks. Lay rate differed among treatments only at week 40, with a trend observed at week 41. Fertility and hatchability were not significantly affected by dietary treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Poultry)

17 pages, 2280 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spring Zooplankton Community Structure and Its Relationship with Water Quality Gradients in Representative Nearshore Systems of the Beibu Gulf, China

by Shengjie Wang, Mingben Xu, Jun Zeng, Wengang Xu, Zhuheng Li, Shelei Li and Vincent Tai

Animals 2026, 16(12), 1847; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121847 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study integrated two surveys—one conducted in August 2021 in the Maowei Sea–Beilun Estuary (14 stations) and another in spring 2023 in Qinzhou Bay (16 stations)—to delineate four functional zones (MWS, BLE, WJ, WW). We systematically analysed zooplankton communities and water quality factors [...] Read more.

This study integrated two surveys—one conducted in August 2021 in the Maowei Sea–Beilun Estuary (14 stations) and another in spring 2023 in Qinzhou Bay (16 stations)—to delineate four functional zones (MWS, BLE, WJ, WW). We systematically analysed zooplankton communities and water quality factors and used Structural Equation Modelling SEM to break down the effects of eutrophication on zooplankton into direct and indirect pathways. The results showed that sixteen zooplankton species belonging to six major taxonomic groups were recorded. Copepoda dominated the community, accounting for 50% of the total recorded species. Parvocalanus crassirostris reached a dominance index (Y) of 0.54, higher than historical records (0.35–0.40), indicating increased community homogenization. Salinity increased from 2.0 to 29.6 psu, resulting in community homogenization, and DIN decreased from 1.282 to 0.19 mg/L. Ei averaged 13.49 (MWS) and 12.80 (BLE). Zooplankton biomass rose nearly 7-fold (125 to 880 mg/m³, p < 0.05). SEM revealed a direct inhibitory pathway from eutrophication (−0.36), an indirect pathway via phytoplankton food-quality degradation (−0.14), and one via community high evenness compression (−0.06), for a total of −0.56 (Bootstrap 95% CI significant). The heavy-metal total effect (−0.18) was much weaker. The SEM fit was excellent (CFI = 0.976, RMSEA = 0.038, R2 = 0.68). This study is the first to quantify dual-indicator management thresholds (salinity < 10 psu and DIN > 0.8 mg/L) for early risk warnings in nearshore aquaculture in this region. Full article

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

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21 pages, 18669 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Fattening Periods on Slaughtering Performance, Meat Quality, and Muscle Histochemical Characteristics of Yanbian Cattle

by Depeng Sun, Yuankuo Sun, Zhen Liu, Jinliang Quan, Baide Mu, Chunxiang Piao and Guanhao Li

Animals 2026, 16(12), 1846; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121846 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study aimed to elucidate the effects of different fattening stages on slaughtering performance, meat quality, muscle fiber characteristics, connective tissue properties, and intramuscular fat deposition in Yanbian cattle. A total of 40 eighteen-month-old castrated male Yanbian cattle were raised together under identical [...] Read more.

This study aimed to elucidate the effects of different fattening stages on slaughtering performance, meat quality, muscle fiber characteristics, connective tissue properties, and intramuscular fat deposition in Yanbian cattle. A total of 40 eighteen-month-old castrated male Yanbian cattle were raised together under identical conditions. At 24, 28, 32, and 36 months of age, 10 animals were randomly selected and slaughtered. Increased fattening periods, slaughter performance of Yanbian cattle improved steadily, carcass weight and meat weight increased significantly (p < 0.05). Dressing percentage and lean meat percentage reached their maxima at 32 months, which were 60.09% and 46.96% respectively. Cooking loss and centrifugal loss decreased with fattening time (p < 0.05), with the 32- and 36-month-old groups showing the best water-holding capacity. Intramuscular fat content increased significantly during fattening (p < 0.05), with no significant difference between the 32- and 36-month-old groups (p > 0.05). However, Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF) was significantly higher at 32 and 36 months than at 24 and 28 months (p < 0.05), indicating reduced tenderness with prolonged fattening. The endomysial collagen network at 32 months maintained a compact yet filamentous structure, whereas by 36 months it had transformed into a dense sheet-like configuration. In conclusion, fattening to 32 months achieves a compromise among marbling, collagen maturity, water-holding capacity, slaughtering efficiency, and the onset of increased toughness. Therefore, 32 months is recommended as the fattening endpoint when balancing meat production and quality traits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)

12 pages, 862 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Prevalence and Genetic Characterization of Giardia duodenalis and Blastocystis sp. in Horses in Shanxi Province, North China

by Xun-Zhi Liu, Nan Su, Wen Li, Dong-Yang Wang, Ze-Dong Zhang, Xing-Quan Zhu and Wen-Wei Gao

Animals 2026, 16(12), 1845; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121845 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026

Abstract

Giardia duodenalis (synonyms G. lamblia and G. intestinalis) and Blastocystis sp. are prevalent zoonotic intestinal protozoans with significant public health and economic importance. Both parasites infect various hosts, including humans and most livestock. G. duodenalis can cause infections ranging from asymptomatic carriage [...] Read more.

Giardia duodenalis (synonyms G. lamblia and G. intestinalis) and Blastocystis sp. are prevalent zoonotic intestinal protozoans with significant public health and economic importance. Both parasites infect various hosts, including humans and most livestock. G. duodenalis can cause infections ranging from asymptomatic carriage to clinical manifestations such as acute diarrheal disease, growth stunting and malabsorption, whereas Blastocystsi sp. infection is often asymptomatic and its pathogenicity remains debated. Following the rapid expansion of modern equine industries (horse racing, equestrian sports, production, and tourism), concern about the spread of parasitic diseases caused by human–horse contact has gradually increased. In this study, 631 horse fecal specimens were collected from three geographical localities in Shanxi Province, North China. The prevalence and genetic characteristics of the two parasites were determined by amplification of multiple genetic loci (tpi, triosephosphate isomerase; gdh, glutamate dehydrogenase; bg, beta-giardin) for G. duodenalis and the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene for Blastocystis sp. Overall, the prevalence of G. duodenalis and Blastocystis sp. in horses in Shanxi Province was 7.9% and 0.8%, respectively. Sequence analysis identified three assemblages (A, B, and E) of G. duodenalis and two subtypes (ST1 and ST5) of Blastocystis sp. in horses; assemblage B and subtype ST1 were detected more frequently than the other types (subtypes) in this data set. This study is the first to report G. duodenalis and Blastocystis sp. infections in horses in Shanxi Province, and these findings provide baseline molecular epidemiological data for horses in Shanxi Province and support continued hygiene management to reduce potential zoonotic transmission. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Parasites at the Human-Animal Interface: Advances in Epidemiology, Transmission, Diagnosis, and Treatment)

24 pages, 655 KB

Open AccessReview

A Hypothesis-Based Framework for Chicken Meat Palatability: Proposing Indirect Roles of Arachidonic Acid and Lipid Oxidation

by Hideaki Takahashi

Animals 2026, 16(12), 1844; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121844 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026

Abstract

Chicken meat palatability is shaped by what the meat contains (e.g., intramuscular fat and fatty-acid composition), what happens to those components during storage and cooking (including oxidation and transfer into soups or meat juices), and how tastebud signaling integrates the resulting stimuli. Chicken [...] Read more.

Chicken meat palatability is shaped by what the meat contains (e.g., intramuscular fat and fatty-acid composition), what happens to those components during storage and cooking (including oxidation and transfer into soups or meat juices), and how tastebud signaling integrates the resulting stimuli. Chicken sold in Japan as “Jidori” (premium native-line products) is often described as having a richer flavor that lingers longer than that of standard broiler chicken, and published poultry work, including reports by the author and their colleagues, has linked this phenotype to higher arachidonic acid (AA) levels in the meat; however, the mechanistic basis remains under debate and has not been overturned. In addition, intact AA is a highly hydrophobic long-chain fatty acid that partitions poorly into aqueous phases, making a direct “AA-as-tastant” mechanism unlikely. This review develops a hierarchical interpretation that separates food-level associations from tastebud mechanisms and reframes AA as a primarily downstream lipid substrate. Two complementary routes are proposed: (i) a food-chemistry route in which cooking and storage oxidation generate low-molecular-weight, water-accessible lipid-oxidation products that partition into soups, meat juices, and cooking loss, and (ii) a receptor-centered route in which kokumi-related signaling pathways, particularly those involving the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), amplify taste intensity, continuity, and aftertaste within tastebuds. This framework emphasizes how these routes can be linked experimentally by combining matrix/phase manipulations with targeted carbonyl profiling, fractionation–reconstitution, and pathway-perturbation assays in tastebud readouts. Overall, the model is intended to support mechanism-focused study designs beyond single-compound explanations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Meat Quality Through Genetic and Nutritional Insights)

23 pages, 5919 KB

Open AccessReview

Male Dromedary Reproductive Emergencies: Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, Management and Prognosis

by Ahmed Ali and Derar Derar

Animals 2026, 16(12), 1843; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121843 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026

Abstract

Reproductive emergencies in male dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) threaten fertility, health, and welfare but remain poorly documented. This review consolidates knowledge on the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of acute reproductive pathologies, including traumatic injuries (testicular trauma, penile hematoma, and preputial laceration), [...] Read more.

Reproductive emergencies in male dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) threaten fertility, health, and welfare but remain poorly documented. This review consolidates knowledge on the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of acute reproductive pathologies, including traumatic injuries (testicular trauma, penile hematoma, and preputial laceration), obstructive conditions (urethral obstruction, phimosis, and paraphimosis), vascular emergencies (spermatic cord torsion, priapism), inflammatory diseases (orchitis, epididymitis, pizzle rot), congenital anomalies (persistent frenulum), iatrogenic complications, and pharmacologic-induced dysfunction. Systematic breeding soundness examination and ultrasonography are indispensable for assessing testicular perfusion and guiding intervention. Given the scarcity of camel-specific literature, this narrative clinical review integrates evidence from published camelid studies, relevant reports from other domestic species, and representative clinical observations documented by the authors to provide a practical framework for diagnosis and management. Field constraints, the stoic nature of camels, and harmful ethnoveterinary practices often delay diagnosis and compromise outcomes. Prognosis varies considerably depending on the condition and timeliness of intervention; early aggressive management can preserve reproductive function, while delayed treatment frequently results in permanent infertility or death. Given the economic and cultural importance of camels in arid regions, improving outcomes for reproductive emergencies is essential for sustaining breeding programs and enhancing animal welfare. This narrative clinical review integrates published literature with representative clinical observations and retrospective field cases to summarize the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of reproductive emergencies in male dromedary camels. It also provides a structured clinical framework to support veterinarians in managing these acute conditions and highlights critical gaps requiring further research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Clinical Pathology in Animals)

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25 pages, 15703 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Acanthus ebracteatus (Sea Holly) Aqueous Extract as a Functional Feed Additive on Growth Performance, Immune Responses, and Hepatopancreatic Histology in Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

by Wassana Prisingkorn, Pattama Wiriyapattanasub, Prasoborn Rinthong, Phadet Hongmanee, Sutee Wongmaneeprateep, Jariyavadee Suriyaphan, Apichet Pholoeng, Worapat Horjarlearn, Kanjana Thumanu, Kanokwan Kamkajon and Eakapol Wangkahart

Animals 2026, 16(12), 1842; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121842 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026

Abstract

Intensive shrimp aquaculture has led to increased disease outbreaks and a greater reliance on antibiotics, driving the need for sustainable alternatives. This study examined the phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity, and effects of Acanthus ebracteatus (AC) aqueous extract as a natural feed additive on [...] Read more.

Intensive shrimp aquaculture has led to increased disease outbreaks and a greater reliance on antibiotics, driving the need for sustainable alternatives. This study examined the phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity, and effects of Acanthus ebracteatus (AC) aqueous extract as a natural feed additive on growth performance, and health in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Phytochemical analysis of AC aqueous extracts revealed high concentrations of phenolics (162.1 ± 11.78 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (75.8 ± 2.32 mg RE/g), tannins (38.4 ± 0.78 mg TAE/g), and verbascoside (0.48 ± 0.01% w/w). Strong antioxidant capacity was confirmed with DPPH IC₅₀ of 42.6 ± 11.78 µg/mL, ABTS IC₅₀ of 2.93 ± 0.02 mg/mL, and FRAP value of 1.41 ± 0.08 mmol FeSO₄/g extract. A feeding trial was conducted over eight weeks using 300 shrimp randomly assigned to four treatments: control diet and diets supplemented with 1%, 2%, and 3% AC aqueous extract. AC 2% supplementation showed optimal results for growth performance, including improved final body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. AC 3% treatment maximally enhanced immune responses, significantly elevating catalase, lysozyme, total antioxidant capacity, and hemocyanin, and glutathione peroxidase activity showed a numerical increase in AC-supplemented groups, particularly at the 3% inclusion level, although the differences were not statistically significant. AC 2% supplementation also improved hepatopancreatic histology through oxidative stress modulation and enhanced lipid metabolism. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of AC aqueous extract by integrating phytochemical characterization, antioxidant profiling, and in vivo assessment of growth, immune response, and hepatopancreatic morphology in Pacific white shrimp. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fish Nutrition, Physiology and Management: Second Edition)

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30 pages, 14346 KB

Open AccessArticle

Xiasangju Processing Residues Improve Production Performance and Modulate Intestinal Inflammation and Gut Microbiota in Laying Hens

by Yiwei Jin, Lu Liu, Wei Wang, Pingping Li, Panpan Shi, Wei Liu and Peng Huang

Animals 2026, 16(12), 1841; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121841 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026

Abstract

With the increasing demand for sustainable animal production, the utilization of agricultural and processing by-products as functional feed ingredients has gained growing attention. However, the application of Xiasangju processing residues, a by-product generated during the industrial processing of the traditional Chinese herbal formula [...] Read more.

With the increasing demand for sustainable animal production, the utilization of agricultural and processing by-products as functional feed ingredients has gained growing attention. However, the application of Xiasangju processing residues, a by-product generated during the industrial processing of the traditional Chinese herbal formula Xiasangju, in poultry nutrition remains poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional composition, bioactive components, and potential functional effects of Xiasangju processing by-products as a dietary supplement for late-laying hens. Chemical composition was characterized using LC-MS and conventional nutritional analysis, while potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms were predicted via network pharmacology. A total of 288 Jingfen laying hens (55 weeks old) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments supplemented with 0, 0.5%, 1.0%, or 1.5% Xiasangju processing by-products for 56 days. Results showed that 11 major active compounds were identified, including relatively high levels of linarin and rosmarinic acid, along with abundant crude protein, fiber, minerals, and amino acids. Dietary supplementation at 1.5% was associated with higher egg production rate, egg weight, and yolk color without obvious adverse effects on organ indices or serum biochemical parameters. This treatment was also associated with lower inflammatory gene expression, including IL-6 and COX-2 in the ileum and NF-κB, IL-6, COX-2, and TNF-α in the cecum. No significant effects were observed on antioxidant status in yolk or liver, or intestinal morphology. Integrated analyses using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro COX-2 inhibition suggested that anti-inflammatory-related responses may involve COX-2-related pathways, while 16S rRNA sequencing indicated changes in gut microbiota composition. In conclusion, Xiasangju processing by-products may serve as a potential functional feed ingredient for late-laying hens, with 1.5% inclusion showing favorable overall performance under the conditions of this study. These effects may be associated with the combined contribution of residual nutrients and bioactive compounds in the residues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)

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14 pages, 2144 KB

Open AccessReview

The Salivary Microbiota–Host Nexus: Unraveling Opportunities for Non-Invasive Monitoring of Health and Productivity in Farm Animals

by Jing Ge, Kehui Ouyang, Mingren Qu and Qinghua Qiu

Animals 2026, 16(12), 1840; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121840 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026

Abstract

Salivary microbiota constitutes complex microbial assemblages and acts as a source of reliable non-invasive biomarkers for evaluating growth, metabolism, and health status of farm animals. This review explores the research value of saliva and its resident microbes in livestock health monitoring. We summarize [...] Read more.

Salivary microbiota constitutes complex microbial assemblages and acts as a source of reliable non-invasive biomarkers for evaluating growth, metabolism, and health status of farm animals. This review explores the research value of saliva and its resident microbes in livestock health monitoring. We summarize saliva composition, physiological functions, and sampling protocols for pigs, cattle, sheep, and goats. Core microbial taxa of monogastric and ruminant species are outlined, together with their roles in digestion, rumen fermentation, growth, and stress responses. We also present classic salivary diagnostic indicators and the impacts of oral bacteria on common livestock diseases. Current research is limited by undefined causal relationships, low diagnostic specificity, and heterogeneous technical standards, and thus fails to support accurate diagnosis at the individual animal level. Future studies should elucidate microbial interaction mechanisms, standardize experimental protocols, and establish multi-index evaluation models. This review advances theoretical research and promotes the practical application of salivary microbiota in precision livestock farming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Welfare)

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20 pages, 2535 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Patterns of Suitable Wintering Habitats for the White-Naped Cranes Under Climate and Land-Use Change

by He Xiao, Mingqin Shao and Zeng Jiang

Animals 2026, 16(12), 1839; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121839 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026

Abstract

The White-naped Crane (Antigone vipio), a first-class national protected bird species in China, exhibits a declining global population. To investigate the spatiotemporal patterns and drivers of wintering habitat suitability, data from 71 valid distribution sites were collected from 2015 to 2025 [...] Read more.

The White-naped Crane (Antigone vipio), a first-class national protected bird species in China, exhibits a declining global population. To investigate the spatiotemporal patterns and drivers of wintering habitat suitability, data from 71 valid distribution sites were collected from 2015 to 2025 during the wintering period. Using the MaxEnt model, current and future (2050 and 2070) potential suitable habitat distributions were simulated under three climate scenarios: SSP126 (low emissions), SSP245 (medium emissions), and SSP585 (high emissions). The modeling yielded an average AUC value of 0.984, indicating high predictive accuracy. Key environmental variables influencing the wintering distribution of the White-naped Cranes include elevation, distance to major water, precipitation of the driest month, slope, temperature seasonality, and mean temperature of the wettest quarter. The current high-suitable area for the White-naped Cranes spans 5.64 × 10⁴ km² and is primarily distributed in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and in coastal wetlands along the North China. Among these, Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, and Anhui provinces contain relatively concentrated high-suitable areas for the species. Primarily influenced by elevation, distance to major water, precipitation of the driest month, and land-use classification, the suitable wintering habitat of the White-naped Cranes is projected to undergo significant contraction, shifting predominantly to the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. The most severe contraction is projected under the SSP585 scenario by 2070, with a reduction of 4.11 × 10⁵ km². Contraction areas are primarily concentrated along the Bohai and Yellow Sea coasts and in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, while minimal expansion occurs in Hubei, Anhui, and Zhejiang. The overall southwestward shift in the species’ distribution centroid may be associated with changes in elevation and distance to major water. Finally, habitat conservation strategies for the White-naped Cranes are proposed, providing a scientific basis for population protection and habitat management under future climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Wildlife)

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13 pages, 248 KB

Open AccessArticle

Could Different Eubiotics Improve Gut Health, Growth Performance, Carcass Yield, and Skin Pigmentation in Broilers Fed Sorghum–Soybean-Based Diets?

by Osiris Napoleón Pérez-Segura, Arturo Cortés-Cuevas, Gabriela Gómez-Verduzco and Ernesto Avila-González

Animals 2026, 16(12), 1838; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121838 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate different commercial eubiotics. The eubiotics were evaluated individually and in combination on growth performance, carcass traits, and gut structure in broilers fed sorghum–soybean meal diets. A total of 1000 Ross 308 male broilers were randomly [...] Read more.

The objective of this research was to evaluate different commercial eubiotics. The eubiotics were evaluated individually and in combination on growth performance, carcass traits, and gut structure in broilers fed sorghum–soybean meal diets. A total of 1000 Ross 308 male broilers were randomly allocated to one of five dietary treatments with eight replicates of 25 broilers each. The experimental treatments were: 1. CON (basal diet), 2. ENR (basal diet + Enradin^® 100 g/ton), 3. PF (basal diet + Probion-forte© 300 g/ton), 4. PF+ EB (basal diet + Probion-forte© and EndoBan FT^® 250 and 250 g/ton, respectively), 5. CPP (basal diet + CRINA^® Poultry Plus 300 g/ton). Broilers fed with eubiotic-supplemented diets showed significantly ameliorated growth performance compared with the control group (CON p < 0.05). Carcass weight was also significantly higher in broilers fed with eubiotics than those fed CON (the basal diet, p < 0.05). Gut structure analysis showed an increased villus height and mucosal thickness in the duodenum of eubiotic-treated groups (p < 0.05). The mixed supplementation of Probion-forte© and EndoBan^®(PF-EB) induced greater villus height and mucosal thickness in the jejunum and ileum (p < 0.05). Additionally, supplementation with PPR (CRINA^® Poultry Plus) increased crypt depth in the duodenum and jejunum (p < 0.05), whereas PF (Probion-forte©) improved the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio in the duodenum and ileum (p < 0.05). Consequently, dietary supplementation with these commercial eubiotics, individually and in combination, could ameliorate productive performance, carcass yield, skin pigmentation, and gut structure in broilers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Poultry Industry)

15 pages, 1370 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enzymatically Hydrolyzed Porcine Blood Meal as a Potential Iron Source in Canine Diets: Effects on Digestibility and Antioxidant Properties

by Yu-Jeong Na, Jun Hwang, Woo-Young Son, Eun Ju Jeong, Eui-Cheol Shin, Kyeong Soo Kim, Kwang Il Park, Ju Lan Chun, Korawan Sringarm, Chaiwat Arjin, Orranee Srinual and Hyun-Wook Kim

Animals 2026, 16(12), 1837; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121837 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026

Abstract

Porcine blood meal is a protein and iron-rich animal by-product, but its use in companion animal diets is often limited by poor solubility and variable digestibility caused by thermal processing. This study evaluated whether enzymatic hydrolysis could improve the physicochemical properties, digestibility, iron-related [...] Read more.

Porcine blood meal is a protein and iron-rich animal by-product, but its use in companion animal diets is often limited by poor solubility and variable digestibility caused by thermal processing. This study evaluated whether enzymatic hydrolysis could improve the physicochemical properties, digestibility, iron-related characteristics, and antioxidant capacity of porcine blood meal for potential use in canine diets. Porcine blood meal was hydrolyzed using alcalase or pepsin under controlled conditions, and the resulting hydrolysates were characterized by degree of hydrolysis, electrophoretic peptide profiles, techno-functional properties, in vitro digestibility using a simulated canine gastrointestinal model, heme and non-heme iron fractions, and antioxidant activities. Alcalase treatment produced a higher degree of hydrolysis and more extensive peptide fragmentation than pepsin. Consistent with these structural changes, the alcalase hydrolysate exhibited significantly higher in vitro apparent digestibility. Enzymatic hydrolysis increased extractable heme iron while reducing ferrozine-reactive non-heme iron, suggesting changes in iron binding forms after proteolysis. Hydrolyzed samples also showed enhanced radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing capacity, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity decreased following hydrolysis. These findings indicate that controlled enzymatic hydrolysis, particularly with alcalase, could improve apparent digestibility and non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity of porcine blood meal, supporting its potential as an iron-containing ingredient in canine diets. Further in vivo studies would be required to confirm iron availability and nutritional efficacy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplement in Companion Animals)

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15 pages, 7563 KB

Open AccessArticle

Notoginsenoside R1 Inhibits Porcine Deltacoronavirus Infection In Vitro by Restoring SERCA2-Mediated Calcium Homeostasis

by Jialu Zhang, Yuqian Liu, Wenzhe Liu, Zhouyuan Wang, Hanlu Wang, Xuejing Xia, Lianci Peng, Tingting Chen and Rendong Fang

Animals 2026, 16(12), 1836; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121836 (registering DOI) - 14 Jun 2026

Abstract

Porcine coronavirus is one of the prevalent enteric coronaviruses in pigs, causing watery diarrhea and even death in suckling piglets and resulting in giant losses to the pig industry. However, effective antiviral strategies against PDCoV remain limited. Notoginsenoside R1 (NG-R1), a saponin extracted [...] Read more.

Porcine coronavirus is one of the prevalent enteric coronaviruses in pigs, causing watery diarrhea and even death in suckling piglets and resulting in giant losses to the pig industry. However, effective antiviral strategies against PDCoV remain limited. Notoginsenoside R1 (NG-R1), a saponin extracted from Panax notoginseng, exhibits diverse bioactivities, but its antiviral potential has not been fully characterized. Herein, we systematically investigated the anti-PDCoV effect of NG-R1 and its underlying mechanism. NG-R1 showed no cytotoxic effect on LLC-PK1 cells and exerted antiviral ability against PDCoV infection through targeting the whole life cycle of the virus. In addition, network pharmacology analysis identified calcium signaling as a potentially relevant pathway involved in the antiviral activity of NG-R1. Further data demonstrated that PDCoV infection disrupted intracellular calcium homeostasis, whereas NG-R1 treatment partially restored calcium balance and attenuated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Moreover, NG-R1 modulated the expression of SERCA2, a key regulator of ER calcium transport. Thapsigargin, an inhibitor of SERCA2, showed similar antiviral capacity to NG-R1. Collectively, our findings suggest that NG-R1 exerts antiviral activity against PDCoV, potentially through regulation of calcium homeostasis mediated by SERCA2. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of novel antiviral agents targeting calcium signaling pathways. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diarrheal Diseases in Piglets: Pathogenic Mechanism, Prevention and Control)

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19 pages, 281 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Rehydrated Rice Husk as Ruminant Feed via Silage Additives: An In Vitro Study

by Chatchai Kaewpila, Julasinee Maensathit, Pairote Patarapreecha and Waroon Khota

Animals 2026, 16(12), 1835; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121835 (registering DOI) - 14 Jun 2026

Abstract

Rice husk is an abundant agricultural by-product with limited use in ruminant feeding due to its high lignocellulosic content and low digestibility. This study compared biological, enzymatic, and chemical additive strategies for improving the ensiling characteristics, chemical composition, and in vitro rumen fermentation [...] Read more.

Rice husk is an abundant agricultural by-product with limited use in ruminant feeding due to its high lignocellulosic content and low digestibility. This study compared biological, enzymatic, and chemical additive strategies for improving the ensiling characteristics, chemical composition, and in vitro rumen fermentation of rehydrated rice husk. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with seven treatments: Control (no additive); molasses + Lacticaseibacillus casei TH14 (MB); Acremonium cellulase (AC); laccase (LC); AC + LC; AC + LC + MB; and chemical treatment (CM). After 30 days of ensiling, CM reduced fiber contents and increased in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and total volatile fatty acid concentrations (p < 0.05). Among the biological additives, MB and AC + LC + MB significantly reduced NDF and improved ensiling quality and IVDMD (p < 0.05). Notably, AC + LC + MB resulted in the lowest methane emission intensity (44.07 mg/g IVDMD). Although CM, which was included as a chemical-disruption benchmark, was the most effective approach for substrate solubilization, AC + LC + MB improved fermentation characteristics, in vitro digestibility, and methane emission intensity per unit of digested dry matter under the present in vitro conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Local Feed Resources in Ruminants Nutrition)

15 pages, 463 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phenotypic Variability of Wool Traits in the Gentile di Puglia Sheep Breed: Implications for Conservation and Sustainable Management

by Maria Gabriela Molina, Grazia Bramante, Claudia Pierini, Medhat S. Saleh, Antonietta D’Onghia, Silverio Grande, Giuseppe Mangini, Silvia Bruno, Virginia Devoto, Elena Ciani, Francesca Maria Sarti, Pasquale De Palo and Vincenzo Landi

Animals 2026, 16(12), 1834; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121834 (registering DOI) - 14 Jun 2026

Abstract

The Gentile di Puglia sheep breed represents an important component of Southern Italy’s livestock biodiversity, yet its wool traits have not been systematically evaluated for several decades. This study aimed to provide an updated phenotypic assessment of key wool characteristics and to explore [...] Read more.

The Gentile di Puglia sheep breed represents an important component of Southern Italy’s livestock biodiversity, yet its wool traits have not been systematically evaluated for several decades. This study aimed to provide an updated phenotypic assessment of key wool characteristics and to explore the structure of their variability across production contexts. Data were collected from 3089 animals from nine farms over two consecutive years and included fibre diameter, staple length, coefficient of variation in fibre diameter, and clean yield. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and mixed-effects models were applied to evaluate phenotypic patterns and partition sources of variability. Fibre diameter and staple length showed moderate variability, with most variation occurring within farm-year units, whereas clean yield exhibited a stronger dependence on farm-year conditions. Correlations among traits were generally weak, indicating a high degree of independence. The multivariate analysis revealed a diffuse structure, with no dominant axis explaining most of the variability. Variance component analysis confirmed that production context had a greater influence on clean yield than on fibre-related traits. These results highlight the importance of both conservation and management strategies. The observed variability may provide useful opportunities for future breeding and conservation strategies, while the sensitivity of clean yield to environmental and management factors underscores the need for improved handling practices. Overall, the Gentile di Puglia breed retains a flexible phenotypic profile that supports its conservation and potential valorisation in sustainable production systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Small Ruminants)

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