Animals

12 pages, 821 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Based on Immunoglobulin Y Antibodies for the Evaluation of Humoral Immunity Against Flavobacterium oreochromis in Colossoma macropomum: A Preliminary Study

by Maria Vitória Lobo Corado, Elcimara Cardoso Pereira, Taísa Freitas Botinelly, Juliane Corrêa Glória, Rafael Luckwu de Sousa, André de Lima Guerra Corado, Antônio Alcirley da Silva Balieiro, Luís André Morais Mariúba, Silvia Umeda Gallani and Guilherme Campos Tavares

Animals 2025, 15(6), 869; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060869 - 18 Mar 2025

Abstract

Infections with Flavobacterium oreochromis pose risks to the production of Colossoma macropomum. Since no therapeutic treatment exists for this disease in this aquatic host, prophylaxis through vaccination is one method for disease control. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is widely used in [...] Read more.

Infections with Flavobacterium oreochromis pose risks to the production of Colossoma macropomum. Since no therapeutic treatment exists for this disease in this aquatic host, prophylaxis through vaccination is one method for disease control. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is widely used in aquaculture to assess animal immunity and, mainly, to validate vaccination protocols. The method based on the use of immunoglobulin Y (IgY) is an alternative to mammalian antibodies that should be considered due to its advantages over antibodies produced by small mammals. This study aimed to standardize an indirect ELISA (iELISA) protocol to validate the immunization of C. macropomum against F. oreochromis. For this, a hen and fish were immunized to obtain anti-C. macropomum and anti-F. oreochromis antibodies, respectively, which were used to standardize the test. Fish were inoculated with bacterin + adjuvant, bacterin alone, adjuvant alone, or phosphate-buffered saline, subjected to blood sampling, and monitored for up to 60 days. The iELISA was composed of the inactivated bacteria in the coating step, C. macropomum anti-Flavobacterium oreochromis as the primary antibody, and anti-C. macropomum IgY as the secondary antibody. The results demonstrate that the highest antibody titers were found in the organisms immunized with bacterin + adjuvant and bacterin. The iELISA enabled the detection of antibodies produced by C. macropomum, which were mediated by IgY specificity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial and Viral Diseases in Aquatic Animals)

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22 pages, 28652 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PredictingDairy Calf Body Weight from Depth Images Using Deep Learning (YOLOv8) and Threshold Segmentation with Cross-Validation and Longitudinal Analysis

by Mingsi Liao, Gota Morota, Ye Bi and Rebecca R. Cockrum

Animals 2025, 15(6), 868; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060868 - 18 Mar 2025

Abstract

Monitoring calf body weight (BW) before weaning is essential for assessing growth, feed efficiency, health, and weaning readiness. However, labor, time, and facility constraints limit BW collection. Additionally, Holstein calf coat patterns complicate image-based BW estimation, and few studies have explored non-contact measurements [...] Read more.

Monitoring calf body weight (BW) before weaning is essential for assessing growth, feed efficiency, health, and weaning readiness. However, labor, time, and facility constraints limit BW collection. Additionally, Holstein calf coat patterns complicate image-based BW estimation, and few studies have explored non-contact measurements taken at early time points for predicting later BW. The objectives of this study were to (1) develop deep learning-based segmentation models for extracting calf body metrics, (2) compare deep learning segmentation with threshold-based methods, and (3) evaluate BW prediction using single-time-point cross-validation with linear regression (LR) and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and multiple-time-point cross-validation with LR, XGBoost, and a linear mixed model (LMM). Depth images from Holstein (n = 63) and Jersey (n = 5) pre-weaning calves were collected, with 20 Holstein calves being weighed manually. Results showed that You Only Look Once version 8 (YOLOv8) deep learning segmentation (intersection over union = 0.98) outperformed threshold-based methods (0.89). In single-time-point cross-validation, XGBoost achieved the best BW prediction (R

^{2}

= 0.91, mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) = 4.37%), while LMM provided the most accurate longitudinal BW prediction (R

^{2}

= 0.99, MAPE = 2.39%). These findings highlight the potential of deep learning for automated BW prediction, enhancing farm management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)

15 pages, 10874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of eCG on Terminal Follicular Growth and Corpus Luteum Development and Blood Perfusion in Estrous-Synchronized White Lamphun Cattle

by Molarat Sangkate, Punnawut Yama, Atsawadet Suriard, Wichayaporn Butmata, Setthawut Thammakhantha, Noppanit Daoloy, Anukul Taweechaipaisankul, Chih-Jen Lin, Pin-Chi Tang, Tossapol Moonmanee and Jakree Jitjumnong

Animals 2025, 15(6), 867; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060867 - 18 Mar 2025

Abstract

Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) has been shown to improve reproductive performance in cattle by stimulating terminal follicular growth. This study was designed to assess the effects of 400 IU of eCG on TFG and its consequences for luteal development in indigenous cows undergoing [...] Read more.

Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) has been shown to improve reproductive performance in cattle by stimulating terminal follicular growth. This study was designed to assess the effects of 400 IU of eCG on TFG and its consequences for luteal development in indigenous cows undergoing ovulation synchronization. Specifically, we investigated the follicular and luteal dynamics following eCG treatment using structural markers (follicular and luteal diameters and luteal area) and functional markers (P4 profiles and luteal blood perfusion) to evaluate CL development. A total of twelve cows were assigned into two groups: an untreated control group and an eCG-treated group (n = 6 in each). Ultrasonography was used to scan the ovaries and monitor the development of TFG and ovulation from day 0 to ovulation. The diameter in TFG was measured daily, and the terminal follicle (TF) was identified as the preovulatory follicle throughout the study period. Ovulation was defined by the disappearance of the TF. Following ovulation, the progression of CL development in both groups was observed on days 5–6, and the mid-stage CL was identified between days 9 and 12 post-ovulation. The results indicated a faster increase in the terminal follicular diameter (TFD). From day 4 to ovulation, the eCG-treated group showed a significantly greater terminal follicular growth rate (TFGR) compared to that in the untreated control group. This enhanced follicular growth in the eCG-treated group was associated with more robust CL blood perfusion and maturation. The Doppler imaging assessments revealed a significant increase in the blood perfusion within the CL, which corresponded with the accelerated TFG. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed strong positive relationships between follicular growth, luteal function, and CL blood perfusion, underscoring the interconnectivity of these processes. In conclusion, our results highlighted the key role that eCG administration has in TFG and CL development and function in White Lamphun cattle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Reproduction)

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15 pages, 1142 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioavailability of Tryptophan Biomass for Laying Hens

by Stéphane Cristyne O. Estevão, Gabriel Henrique Nacamura da Silva, Livia Rastoldo R. Oliveira, Larissa Oliveira dos Santos, Erikson Kadoshe M. Raimundo, Rita Brito Vieira, Tiago A. Rodrigues, Bernardo Rocha F. Nogueira, Eliane Aparecida da Silva, Lizandra Amoroso, Michele Bernardino de Lima and Edney Pereira da Silva

Animals 2025, 15(6), 866; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060866 - 18 Mar 2025

Abstract

Two concurrent assays were conducted with the objective of evaluating the bioequivalence and determining the relative bioavailability value (RBV) of L-tryptophan biomass 60% for laying hens. In both assays, L-tryptophan 98% was used as the reference source. A total of 216 hens were [...] Read more.

Two concurrent assays were conducted with the objective of evaluating the bioequivalence and determining the relative bioavailability value (RBV) of L-tryptophan biomass 60% for laying hens. In both assays, L-tryptophan 98% was used as the reference source. A total of 216 hens were used in the two assays. The first assay was performed using the direct comparison method to assess bioequivalence between the sources. In the second assay, the slope ratio method was used to determine the RBV. The variables analyzed were feed intake, tryptophan intake, egg production, egg weight, daily egg mass, feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency, yolk weight, shell weight, albumen weight, albumen height, eggshell thickness, Haugh unit, body protein weight, body lipid weight, body water weight, and body ash weight. The data from both assays were submitted to analysis of variance, and we only applied linear regression to variables from the data obtained using the slope ratio method that were significant at 0.05. The results obtained via the direct comparison method showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the L-tryptophan sources when using ANOVA. In the slope ratio method, the treatments only affected the egg production and daily tryptophan intake responses of the hens and linear equations were adjusted. No differences (p > 0.05) were found for egg quality. When we applied the slope ratio in adjusted equations, we found that the RBV = 100%. The results showed that the utilization of L-tryptophan biomass 60% in the diet of laying hens was bioequivalent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)

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19 pages, 5083 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Stalk and 1B Domains Are Required for Porcine Deltacoronavirus Helicase NSP13 to Separate the Double-Stranded Nucleic Acids, and the Deletion of the ZBD Impairs This Activity

by Chengcheng Wu, Lihan Tao, Quanyong Zhou, Fanfan Zhang and Yanbing Zeng

Animals 2025, 15(6), 865; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060865 - 18 Mar 2025

Abstract

The nonstructural protein 13 (NSP13) of PDCoV is a highly conservative helicase and plays key roles in viral replication. NSP13 contains a zinc-binding domain (ZBD), a helical Stalk domain, a beta-barrel 1B domain, and a core helicase domain. However, the specific functions of [...] Read more.

The nonstructural protein 13 (NSP13) of PDCoV is a highly conservative helicase and plays key roles in viral replication. NSP13 contains a zinc-binding domain (ZBD), a helical Stalk domain, a beta-barrel 1B domain, and a core helicase domain. However, the specific functions of these domains of PDCoV NSP13 remain largely unknown. Here, we expressed and purified the wild-type NSP13^WT and various mutants with domain deletions, and the activities of these proteins were analyzed using multiple methods. We found that NSP13^ΔZBD possessed the abilities to hydrolyze ATP and unwind double-stranded nucleic acids, but the unwinding efficiency was lower than that of NSP13^WT. In contrast, NSP13^ΔZBD-Stalk, NSP13^Δ1B, and NSP13^{ΔZBD-Stalk-1B} all lost their unwinding activity, but not their ATPase activity. These results revealed that the deletion of the ZBD impaired the unwinding activity of PDCoV helicase NSP13, and the Stalk and 1B domains were critical for NSP13 to separate the duplexes. The identification of the roles of each domain in this study was helpful to gain an in-depth understanding of the overall functions of helicase NSP13, providing a theoretical basis for the development of antiviral drugs targeting helicase. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pigs)

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14 pages, 780 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploring the Use of Helminthophagous Fungi in the Control of Helminthoses in Horses: A Review

by Tábata Alves do Carmo, Júlia dos Santos Fonseca, Fabio Ribeiro Braga, Adolfo Paz-Silva, Ricardo Velludo Gomes de Soutello and Jackson Victor de Araújo

Animals 2025, 15(6), 864; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060864 - 18 Mar 2025

Abstract

Equine farming faces growing challenges with helminthoses, aggravated by the indiscriminate use of anthelmintics without technical criteria. This practice favors resistance to these drugs, generates residues in animal products, compromises food safety and human health, and, when excreted in large quantities, negatively impacts [...] Read more.

Equine farming faces growing challenges with helminthoses, aggravated by the indiscriminate use of anthelmintics without technical criteria. This practice favors resistance to these drugs, generates residues in animal products, compromises food safety and human health, and, when excreted in large quantities, negatively impacts environmental health by affecting invertebrates and fecal microorganisms. This highlights the importance of the One Health approach. A promising alternative is biological control with nematophagous or helminthophagous fungi such as Duddingtonia flagrans, Pochonia chlamydosporia, Arthrobotrys oligospora, Monacrosporium thaumasium, Mucor circinelloides and Purpureocillium lilacinum. Due to their different mechanisms of action, ovicidal and predatory fungi, when used together, can act in a complementary and synergistic way in the biological control of helminths, increasing their effectiveness in reducing parasitic infections. The use of these fungi through biosynthesized nanoparticles from fungal filtrates is also emerging as a new approach to nematode control. It can be administered through feed supplementation in commercial formulations. The aim of this review is to explore the use of helminthophagous fungi in the control of helminthiases in horses, highlighting their potential as a biological alternative. It also aims to understand how these fungi can contribute effectively and sustainably to parasite management in horses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Parasitic Infections in Animals)

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15 pages, 1327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Vachellia tortilis Leaf Meal and Sunflower Oil Inclusion in Supplementary Diets of Lambs on In Vitro Short-Chain Fatty Acid and Gas Production and In Vivo Growth Performance

by Mahlogonolo Daniel Serumula, Bulelani Nangamso Pepeta, Mehluli Moyo, Terence Nkwanwir Suinyuy and Ignatius Verla Nsahlai

Animals 2025, 15(6), 863; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060863 - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

This study examined the effect of dietary Vachellia tortilis leaf meal and sunflower oil inclusion in supplementary diets on in vitro short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and gas production and the in vivo growth performance of lambs. Four concentrate dietary treatments comprising control (CL), [...] Read more.

This study examined the effect of dietary Vachellia tortilis leaf meal and sunflower oil inclusion in supplementary diets on in vitro short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and gas production and the in vivo growth performance of lambs. Four concentrate dietary treatments comprising control (CL), Vachellia tortilis leaf meal (VT), sunflower oil (SFO), and Vachellia tortilis leaf meal sunflower oil (VSFO) were formulated. Eight Merino lambs were blocked into two live weight blocks where animals within each block were randomly assigned to dietary treatments, making two animals per treatment. Lambs were offered a concentrate diet of 480 g/day per head, with urea-treated hay fed as a basal diet. Dietary effects were evaluated for in vitro short-chain fatty acid and gas production and 28-day growth performance of lambs over three study periods. The inclusion of VT and SFO showed no statistically significant effect on total SCFAs, acetate to propionate (A:P) ratio, methane (CH4), and carbon dioxide (CO2) production (p > 0.05), which might be attributable to low experimental units. The hourly A:P ratio and CH4 yield were the highest (p < 0.05) at 16 h of incubation. The inclusion of VT showed no statistically significant effect on growth performance and gas production due to the small sample size. Therefore, VT can be explored as a supplementary protein source in lamb diets given the impression of not showing any causative adverse effects on growth performance and in vitro gas production, although further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these findings. Full article

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

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11 pages, 2651 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Semi-Feral Horse Grazing Benefits the Grassland Diversity of Flowering Plants Including a Pollinator-Promoting Indicator Species

by Carl-Gustaf Thulin, Yufei Chen and Pablo Garrido

Animals 2025, 15(6), 862; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060862 - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

European grasslands and their biodiversity are declining rapidly due to land use changes, which highlight the need to develop effective restoration strategies. This study investigates the impact of reintroducing the Swedish national horse breed (the Gotland Russ) on grassland plant diversity and evenness [...] Read more.

European grasslands and their biodiversity are declining rapidly due to land use changes, which highlight the need to develop effective restoration strategies. This study investigates the impact of reintroducing the Swedish national horse breed (the Gotland Russ) on grassland plant diversity and evenness in abandoned agricultural landscapes in Southeast Sweden. Twelve horses were introduced into three 10–13-hectare enclosure replicates (four horses per enclosure) in a three-year (2014–2016) rewilding experiment. Plant species richness, evenness, and diversity were investigated in both grazed and un-grazed conditions. The results indicate that horse grazing significantly increased grassland plant species diversity and richness, with higher Shannon and Simpson’s diversity indices in grazed areas. In addition, the abundance of white clover (Trifolium repens), a signal species beneficial to pollinators, increased significantly in grazed areas. These findings emphasize the need for integrating large herbivore grazing into ecological restoration practices. Considering the recently enacted EU Nature Restoration Law, which aims to restore 20% of Europe’s degraded ecosystems by 2030, this research provides critical insights into scalable restoration methods. The implementation of restoration strategies that include large herbivores may enhance the resilience and biodiversity of European grasslands, thereby aligning with the EU’s restoration goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Equids)

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17 pages, 19216 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Growth Performance and Gut Health of Cold-Stressed Broilers in Response to Supplementation with a Combination of Sodium Butyrate and Vitamin D3

by Hang Gao, Yi Wang, Xingkai Zhao, Yaling Yu, Yizhe Guo, Zhendong Li and Zhenlei Zhou

Animals 2025, 15(6), 861; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060861 - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

The current experiment aimed to investigate the effects of sodium butyrate (SB) and vitamin D3 (VD3) supplementation on the growth performance, immune status, antioxidant capacity, and gut health of young broilers under cold stress. A total of 144 1-day-old Arbor Acres chicks were [...] Read more.

The current experiment aimed to investigate the effects of sodium butyrate (SB) and vitamin D3 (VD3) supplementation on the growth performance, immune status, antioxidant capacity, and gut health of young broilers under cold stress. A total of 144 1-day-old Arbor Acres chicks were randomly allotted to three treatments with 6 replicates of 8 birds: (1) basal diet; (2) basal diet + cold stress; and (3) basal diet with 1 g/kg SB and 2000 IU/kg VD3 + cold stress. Birds were exposed to cold stress at 16 ± 1 °C for 72 h (d 18–21) and 26 ± 1 °C for the control. The results indicated that the SB/VD3 diet could alleviate the reduction in average daily gain (ADG) caused by cold stress (p < 0.05). The SB/VD3 diet decreased the serum endotoxin level and ileal interleukin-1β gene expression and upregulated interleukin-10 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) gene expression compared with cold-stressed birds (p < 0.05). Furthermore, cold stress altered the composition of gut microbiota, including a decrease in Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, whereas the SB/VD3 diet prevented the reduction. In conclusion, the SB/VD3 diet mitigated the negative effects of cold stress on growth performance and the intestines by strengthening intestinal barrier function and stabilizing gut microbiota balance in broiler chicks, and these results can help to manage cold stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Poultry)

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13 pages, 2477 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterising Sex-Specific Metabolite Differences in New Zealand Geoduck (Panopea zelandica) Using LC-MS/MS Metabolomics

by Leonie Venter, Andrea C. Alfaro, Jeremie Zander Lindeque, Peet J. Jansen van Rensburg, Natalí J. Delorme, Norman L. C. Ragg and Leonardo N. Zamora

Animals 2025, 15(6), 860; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060860 - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

Geoduck aquaculture is becoming a key component in meeting international market demand, given the natural and regulatory restrictions on wild geoduck supply. Geoduck clams are not sexually dimorphic, making it practically unfeasible to distinguish between males and females prior to a spawning event. [...] Read more.

Geoduck aquaculture is becoming a key component in meeting international market demand, given the natural and regulatory restrictions on wild geoduck supply. Geoduck clams are not sexually dimorphic, making it practically unfeasible to distinguish between males and females prior to a spawning event. To facilitate increased production of geoduck, a better understanding of reproductive biology and associated targeted bio-markers is required. In this study, metabolomics was utilised as a research tool to distinguish between metabolites related to male and female New Zealand geoduck (Panopea zelandica), gill and muscle samples collected from broodstock individuals housed in an experimental hatchery. A total of 17 metabolites were detected, showing significant differences between sexes. The findings indicate that metabolites associated with lipid biosynthesis were increased in female clams to support reproductive functions. An increase in carbohydrate-linked metabolic pathways was detected in male geoduck, arguably to sustain sperm production. Taurine has been reported as a biomarker to distinguish between male and female bivalves in other studies and is confirmed within this study, with significant elevation in male adductor muscle tissue. Moreover, male geoduck had increased purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis, supporting energy needs. This study provides useful sex biomarkers for future breeding strategies of P. zelandica. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research on Shellfish Aquaculture and Reproduction)

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8 pages, 215 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Blood Vitamin Concentrations in Pond Sliders (Trachemys scripta) Under Human Care in Central Europe and Possible Seasonal and Sex-Specific Influences

by Christoph Leineweber, Gregor Geisler, Sabine Öfner and Rachel E. Marschang

Animals 2025, 15(6), 859; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060859 - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

Vitamin A deficiency is common in pond sliders, and vitamin E and B1 deficiencies have also been described in carnivorous aquatic species such as crocodiles, but otherwise little is known about vitamin concentrations in the blood of reptiles, and reference intervals only exist [...] Read more.

Vitamin A deficiency is common in pond sliders, and vitamin E and B1 deficiencies have also been described in carnivorous aquatic species such as crocodiles, but otherwise little is known about vitamin concentrations in the blood of reptiles, and reference intervals only exist for a few vitamins in a few species. The aim of this study was therefore to measure vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B9, B12, and E in the heparinized whole blood and plasma of pond sliders (Trachemys scripta) (n = 188) from April to September 2022 using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectrophotometry. In addition to establishing reference intervals, possible influencing factors, including the season of blood sampling and the sex of the turtles, were evaluated. The median concentrations measured were as follows: vitamin A—0.17 mg/L, B1—59.10 µg/L, B2—693.50 µg/L, B6—2.375 µg/L, B9—16.06 ng/mL, B12—3225.00 pg/mL, and E—7.59 mg/L. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) seasonal variations were found for vitamin A, B1, and B9, and sex-specific variations were found for vitamin E. The results show that factors such as sex and the time of year play a role in vitamin levels in the blood of turtles and should be considered when interpreting blood results. The reference intervals established in the present study serve as a basis for further studies and help to control and improve the vitamin supply of the turtles, contributing to the better husbandry and nutrition of this species in human care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Management of Wildlife, Exotic and Zoo Animals Disease)

20 pages, 2796 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Distribution Shifts of Acanthaster solaris Under Climate Change and the Impact on Coral Reef Habitats

by Shangke Su, Jinquan Liu, Bin Chen, Wei Wang, Jiaguang Xiao, Yuan Li, Jianguo Du, Jianhua Kang, Wenjia Hu and Junpeng Zhang

Animals 2025, 15(6), 858; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060858 - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

Pacific crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster solaris) outbreaks pose a significant threat to coral reef ecosystems, with climate change potentially exacerbating their distribution and impact. However, there remains only a small number of predictive studies on how climate change drives changes in the [...] Read more.

Pacific crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster solaris) outbreaks pose a significant threat to coral reef ecosystems, with climate change potentially exacerbating their distribution and impact. However, there remains only a small number of predictive studies on how climate change drives changes in the distribution patterns of A. solaris, and relevant assessments of the impact of these changes on coral reef areas are lacking. To address this issue, this study investigated potential changes in the distribution of A. solaris under climate change and its impact on Acropora coral habitats. Using a novel two-step framework, we integrated both abiotic and biological (Acropora distribution) predictors into species distribution modeling to project future shifts in A. solaris habitats. We created the first reliable set of current and future global distribution maps for A. solaris using a comprehensive dataset and machine learning approach. The results showed significant distribution shifts under three climate change scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5), with expanded ranges under all scenarios, and the greatest expansion occurring near 10° S. Asymmetry in the latitudinal shifts in habitat boundaries suggests that the Southern Hemisphere may face a more severe expansion of A. solaris. Regions previously unsuitable for A. solaris, such as parts of New Zealand, might experience new invasions. Additionally, our findings highlight the potential increase in predatory pressure on coral reefs under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, particularly in the Western Coral Triangle and Northeast Australian Shelf, where an overlap between A. solaris and Acropora habitats is significant. This study provides critical insights into the ecological dynamics of A. solaris in the context of climate change, and the results have important implications for coral reef management. These findings highlight the need for targeted conservation efforts and the development of mitigation strategies to protect coral reefs from the growing threat posed by A. solaris. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Aquatic Animals)

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15 pages, 3735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Wildlife in Huangshan Scenic Area, Anhui Province, China

by Yuting Lu, Yaqiong Wan, Lanrong Wang, Dapeng Pang, Yinfan Cai, Yijun Wu, Mingxia Tang, Jiaqi Li and Baowei Zhang

Animals 2025, 15(6), 857; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060857 - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

Human activities impact ecosystems globally, and understanding human–wildlife coexistence is crucial for species conservation. This study analyzed trends in local wildlife populations before and during the COVID-19 pandemic to assess their response to human disturbance. From 2017 to 2022, 60 camera sites were [...] Read more.

Human activities impact ecosystems globally, and understanding human–wildlife coexistence is crucial for species conservation. This study analyzed trends in local wildlife populations before and during the COVID-19 pandemic to assess their response to human disturbance. From 2017 to 2022, 60 camera sites were monitored, and seven species with the largest population size—excluding rodents—were selected for analysis. The results revealed that the presence of humans (p = 0.025) and domesticated animals (cats and dogs, p = 0.002) significantly decreased during the pandemic. Conversely, five species (except the Tibetan macaque and mainland serow) showed habitat expansion and population growth (p < 0.05), which may be related to their avoidance of human presence or artificial structures such as roads and tourism facilities. In addition, the analysis showed that most species, except the Tibetan macaque and wild boar, adjusted their activity patterns, showing increased diurnal activity when human disturbances were reduced (RR > 0). These findings suggest that species may adapt their behaviors to avoid human presence. This study highlights the negative impacts of human activities on local wildlife and emphasizes the need for stronger conservation and management efforts to mitigate human disturbances in scenic areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human—Wildlife Coexistence: Insights and Strategies for Sustainable Harmony)

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19 pages, 776 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Behaviors of Shelter Dogs During Harnessing and Leash Walks: Prevalence, Demographics, and Length of Stay

by Betty McGuire, Bailey Guy, Miles Garland and Alexandra Jackson

Animals 2025, 15(6), 856; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060856 - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

Length of stay is an important metric for animal shelters, and studies have identified physical characteristics of dogs, and some behaviors, that predict length of stay. Although many shelters include leash walks when introducing dogs to potential adopters, it is unknown whether behaviors [...] Read more.

Length of stay is an important metric for animal shelters, and studies have identified physical characteristics of dogs, and some behaviors, that predict length of stay. Although many shelters include leash walks when introducing dogs to potential adopters, it is unknown whether behaviors during harnessing and walking influence length of stay. During 707 walks of 120 dogs at a New York shelter, we recorded excitable behaviors, such as jumping on handlers, grabbing the leash, and pulling on the leash, whose measures of prevalence were largely unknown for shelter dogs. We also examined whether dog demographic characteristics predicted behaviors and whether behaviors predicted length of stay. During harnessing, jumping on handlers had the highest prevalence (45%), while during walking, pulling on the leash was most prevalent (86%). Dog age was the most common demographic predictor of behaviors, with jumping on handlers and total pulls/walk decreasing with age. Grabbing the leash predicted length of stay, with longer stays for dogs that displayed this behavior. These two findings suggest that it would be beneficial for shelter staff and volunteers to focus training efforts on younger dogs and those that grab the leash. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Companion Animals)

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10 pages, 740 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Evaluation of Three Pisum sativum L. Varieties to Partially Replace Soybean and Corn Meal in Dairy Cow Diet

by Maria Ferrara, Emanuele D’Anza, Teresa Montefusco, Piera Iommelli, Barbara Piccirillo, Alessio Ruggiero and Alessandro Vastolo

Animals 2025, 15(6), 855; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060855 - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds are valuable feed ingredients due to their high-quality protein and starch digestibility, making them a viable alternative to soybean meal and corn grain. This study evaluated the nutritional value of three commercial pea varieties (Ganster, Peps, and [...] Read more.

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds are valuable feed ingredients due to their high-quality protein and starch digestibility, making them a viable alternative to soybean meal and corn grain. This study evaluated the nutritional value of three commercial pea varieties (Ganster, Peps, and Poseidon) through in vitro trials. Each variety was incorporated into an experimental diet (GNS, PES, and PNS) for dairy cows, partially replacing soybean and corn meals. These diets were compared to a control diet containing only soybean and corn meals. All diets were incubated anaerobically for 120 h with dairy cow rumen liquor. Results showed that GNS and PES diets enhanced protein degradability (p < 0.05) and fermentation kinetics (p < 0.001). Additionally, all experimental diets reduced ammonia production (p < 0.001), while the PES diet increased (p < 0.001) volatile fatty acid production. Among the tested varieties, Peps demonstrated the greatest potential by improving protein metabolism and volatile fatty acid production. These findings suggest that pea grains can be a suitable alternative in dairy cow diets, supporting efficient ruminal fermentation and nutrient utilization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Protein Sources for Animal Feeds)

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13 pages, 1601 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Preliminary Study: Evaluation of Oral Trazodone as a Strategy to Reduce Anesthetic Requirements in Bitches Undergoing Ovariectomy

by Nerea Cambeiro-Camarero, Silvia Fernández-Martín and Antonio González-Cantalapiedra

Animals 2025, 15(6), 854; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060854 - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of trazodone as part of premedication in routine surgical procedures. A prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical study was conducted on 16 adult female dogs undergoing elective ovariectomy. Behavioral responses were assessed after oral administration [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of trazodone as part of premedication in routine surgical procedures. A prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical study was conducted on 16 adult female dogs undergoing elective ovariectomy. Behavioral responses were assessed after oral administration of trazodone (5 mg/kg) in eight dogs and compared with a control group (n = 8). Sedation levels at the time of induction and the required dose of propofol were recorded. Additionally, intraoperative fentanyl IV boluses (2.5 µg/kg) administered in response to surgical pain, along with heart rate (HR) and non-invasive arterial pressure (NIAP), were compared between groups. Dogs receiving trazodone exhibited significantly lower stress scores on the Clinic Dog Stress Scale (CDSS) and fewer episodes of vomiting after premedication, and they required lower doses of both propofol and intraoperative analgesia. These findings suggest that oral trazodone administration two hours before hospital arrival may help reduce preoperative stress in dogs undergoing elective ovariectomy. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these results and fully evaluate the role of trazodone in preoperative protocols. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Animals Anesthesia, Analgesia and Pain Management during Gonadectomy)

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22 pages, 11556 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Methodology and Experimental Research for Caged Chicken Counting Based on YOLOv8

by Zhenlong Wu, Jikang Yang, Hengyuan Zhang and Cheng Fang

Animals 2025, 15(6), 853; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060853 - 16 Mar 2025

Abstract

Accurately counting chickens in densely packed cages is a major challenge in large-scale poultry farms. Traditional manual counting methods are labor-intensive, costly, and prone to errors due to worker fatigue. Furthermore, current deep learning models often struggle with accuracy in caged environments because [...] Read more.

Accurately counting chickens in densely packed cages is a major challenge in large-scale poultry farms. Traditional manual counting methods are labor-intensive, costly, and prone to errors due to worker fatigue. Furthermore, current deep learning models often struggle with accuracy in caged environments because they are not well-equipped to handle occlusions. In response, we propose the You Only Look Once-Chicken Counting Algorithm (YOLO-CCA). YOLO-CCA improves the YOLOv8-small model by integrating the CoordAttention mechanism and the Reversible Column Networks backbone. This enhancement improved the YOLOv8-small model’s F1 score to 96.7% (+3%) and average precision_50:95 to 80.6% (+2.8%). Additionally, we developed a threshold-based continuous frame inspection method that records the maximum number of chickens per cage with corresponding timestamps. The data are stored in a cloud database for reliable tracking during robotic inspections. The experiments were conducted in an actual poultry farming environment, involving 80 cages with a total of 493 chickens, and showed that YOLO-CCA raised the chicken recognition rate to 90.9% (+13.2%). When deployed on a Jetson AGX Orin industrial computer using TensorRT, the detection speed increased to 90.9 FPS (+57.6 FPS), although the recognition rate slightly decreased to 93.2% (−2.9%). In summary, YOLO-CCA reduces labor costs, improves counting efficiency, and supports intelligent poultry farming transformation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Real-Time Sensors and Their Applications in Smart Animal Agriculture)

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22 pages, 8910 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification and Evolutionary Analysis of Ionotropic Receptors Gene Family: Insights into Olfaction Ability Evolution and Antennal Expression Patterns in Oratosquilla oratoria

by Wen-Qi Yang, Ge Ding, Lin-Lin Wang, Chi-Jie Yin, Hai-Yue Wu, Hua-Bin Zhang, Qiu-Ning Liu, Sen-Hao Jiang, Bo-Ping Tang, Gang Wang and Dai-Zhen Zhang

Animals 2025, 15(6), 852; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060852 - 16 Mar 2025

Abstract

Olfaction plays a crucial role in crustaceans for essential activities such as foraging and predator evasion. Among the components involved in olfactory perception, Ionotropic Receptors (IRs) are particularly important. Oratosquilla oratoria, a perennial crustacean of substantial economic and ecological value, [...] Read more.

Olfaction plays a crucial role in crustaceans for essential activities such as foraging and predator evasion. Among the components involved in olfactory perception, Ionotropic Receptors (IRs) are particularly important. Oratosquilla oratoria, a perennial crustacean of substantial economic and ecological value, serves as an ideal model for studying olfactory mechanisms. Identifying the IR chemosensory genes in O. oratoria enhances our understanding of its olfactory recognition system. Based on the whole-genome data of O. oratoria, we identified and analyzed 50 members of the IR gene family (OratIRs) through bioinformatics approaches. These genes were classified into subfamilies of co-receptor IRs and tuning IRs. The physicochemical properties of the encoded proteins exhibit marked variability, indicating distinct roles. The motif types and conserved domains among these subfamilies display certain similarities, but their gene structures differ markedly. Furthermore, we found that OratIR25a, OratIR07629, and OratIR14286 are key nodes in protein–protein interaction networks, coordinating organisms’ responses to signals like temperature and acids. We utilized fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to find that OratIR75-1 and OratIR8a demonstrated robust expression signals in the antennae of the O. oratoria. These findings lay a foundation for further investigations and elucidate the functional roles of olfactory receptor genes in crustaceans. Full article

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18 pages, 1398 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Even Low Amounts of Amorphous Lignocellulose Affect Some Upper Gut Parameters, but They Do Not Modify Ileal Microbiota in Young Broiler Chickens

by Valéria Farkas, András Mayer, Judit Poór, Eszter Péterné Farkas, Kesete Goitom Tewelde, Brigitta Kiss, Nikoletta Such, László Pál, Gábor Csitári and Károly Dublecz

Animals 2025, 15(6), 851; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060851 - 16 Mar 2025

Abstract

A feeding trial was carried out using 576 Ross 308 male chickens to test the effects of an amorphous lignocellulose (LC) product (Arbocel). Three dietary treatments (control, 0.5% LC (LC 0.5), and 0.8% LC (LC 0.8) were used, and the diets were fed [...] Read more.

A feeding trial was carried out using 576 Ross 308 male chickens to test the effects of an amorphous lignocellulose (LC) product (Arbocel). Three dietary treatments (control, 0.5% LC (LC 0.5), and 0.8% LC (LC 0.8) were used, and the diets were fed in eight replicate pens of 24 chickens. The LC treatments did not modify the weight gain of the chickens, but they tended to decrease the feed intake and FCR in the grower phase. The high swelling characteristics of LC resulted in lower dry matter (DM) contents in the crop (p < 0.002) and gizzard (p < 0.047) on day 14 and day 24, respectively. The lower pH in the gizzard and duodenum of LC diets suggests longer retention time and more HCl secretion in the proventriculus and gizzard. Except for α-amylase on day 24, the treatments did not modify the digestive enzyme content of the jejunum. The microbiota diversity and microbiota composition of ileal contents were affected only by the age of birds. The results suggest that the LC product can exert its potential positive effects mainly in the upper part of the digestive tract due to its special physical characteristics. LC can slow down the passage rate in the gizzard and modify the digestion and the dynamics of water absorption from the jejunum and ileum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Feed Additives in Livestock and Poultry Nutrition)

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