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Life
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Feature Papers in Animal Science: 3rd Edition
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Feature Papers in Animal Science: 3rd Edition

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 December 2024) | Viewed by 7991

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Einar Ringø

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Norwegian College of Fishery Science, Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway
Interests: fish; microbial ecology; lipid nutrition; electron microscopy; gut microbiota
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to collect high-quality papers related to all aspects of animal science, including anatomy, behavior, embryo manipulation, feeding, nutrition, physiology, histology, diseases, animal management, health and welfare, genetics and breeding, gut development, functional food, microbial ecology, gut microbiome, next-generation sequencing and immunology. We encourage researchers from various fields within the journal’s scope to contribute papers highlighting the latest developments in their research field, or to invite relevant experts and colleagues to do so.

Original research, reviews, communications, case reports and other types of articles are invited to improve knowledge and practice in animal science.

For previous publications, please see the links below:

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/life/topical_collections/feature_animals

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/life/special_issues/Z0T774GW1H

Prof. Dr. Einar Ringø
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Life is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • fish
  • microbial ecology
  • lipid nutrition
  • electron microscopy
  • gut microbiota
  • proteomics
  • next-generation sequencing
  • arthropod parasites
  • protease inhibitors
  • disease vectors
  • cystatin
  • serpin
  • kunitz
  • tick
  • insect
  • vector–host interaction
  • innate immunity
  • shellfish immunology
  • bivalve mollusks
  • transcriptomics
  • diseases
  • hemocytes
  • microscopy

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Related Special Issues

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 5974 KiB  
Article
Comparative Cranial Joint Variation in Three Different Lizards: Impact of Feeding Habit
by Elif Yıldırım Caynak, Kamil Candan, Yusuf Kumlutaş, Ahmet Gökay Korkmaz, Sezen Birlik, Dudu Mertgenç Yoldaş, Serkan Gül and Çetin Ilgaz
Life 2025, 15(1), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15010090 - 13 Jan 2025
Viewed by 910
Abstract
The skull structure in vertebrates is closely related to feeding mode. This study examines the relationship between the cranial joint morphology variation among different lizard species [Eumesces schneideri (Daudin, 1802), Anguis colchica (Nordmann, 1840), and Eremias suphani (Başoğlu & Hellmich 1968)] and [...] Read more.
The skull structure in vertebrates is closely related to feeding mode. This study examines the relationship between the cranial joint morphology variation among different lizard species [Eumesces schneideri (Daudin, 1802), Anguis colchica (Nordmann, 1840), and Eremias suphani (Başoğlu & Hellmich 1968)] and their feeding habit. This study investigates the cranial anatomical correlates of distinct cranial kinesis models. Different cranial joints permitting intracranial mobility have been observed among these species using histological section and whole-mount techniques. The cranial joints are similar among species that generally exhibit cranial kinesis. The stomach contents of the species were analyzed, and E. schneideri has the highest prey diversity among the examined species, followed by E. suphani and A. colchica in that order. The study indicated that the prey preferences differ among three lizard species. While no plant material was detected in the stomach contents of E. suphani and E. schneideri, it was detected in A. colchica. The diet of the three lizards consisted of various species of small arthropods such as Arachnida, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Formicidae, and Gastropoda. Additionally, no significant differences were detected in SVL, head, and jaw size measurements between adult males and females of each species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Animal Science: 3rd Edition)
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14 pages, 1307 KiB  
Article
Effects of Marigold Extract and Carophyll Red on Growth, Body Color Development, Antioxidant Properties, and Innate Immunity in the Ornamental Fish Golden Severum (Heros efasciatus)
by Jung-Jin Park, Jun-Sung Bae, Chae-Won Lee, Chan-Young Yang, Eun-Ha Jeong, Kwan-Ha Park, Jung-Soo Seo, Mun-Gyeong Kwon and Ji-Hoon Lee
Life 2024, 14(12), 1660; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14121660 - 13 Dec 2024
Viewed by 752
Abstract
The body color state is an important determinant of the value of golden severum (Heros efasciatus)—a popular ornamental fish. The use of dietary supplements to improve the color development and health of this species is unexplored. Herein, the effects of marigold [...] Read more.
The body color state is an important determinant of the value of golden severum (Heros efasciatus)—a popular ornamental fish. The use of dietary supplements to improve the color development and health of this species is unexplored. Herein, the effects of marigold extract (MG) and carophyll red (CR) are examined on the growth, body color development, antioxidant properties, and innate immunity in golden severum. Fish were maintained under controlled water quality conditions (pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen) and fed six experimental diets containing either 0% MG and CR, 1% MG, 2% MG, 5% MG, 0.5% CR, or 2% CR for five weeks. Both MG and CR significantly decreased lipid peroxide levels in hepatic tissues. In contrast, only MG enhanced the activities of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase). Although MG and CR decreased the respiratory burst activity of splenic leukocytes, other innate immune parameters remained unchanged. Additionally, MG and CR stimulated body color development patterns in golden severum that reflect their unique coloring principles. The ROS-scavenging abilities of MG and CR appear to be related to their antioxidant activity. Hence, MG and CR at the optimal levels of 1.0% and 0.5%, respectively, can improve the body color of golden severum and protect against oxidative stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Animal Science: 3rd Edition)
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14 pages, 2242 KiB  
Article
Embryonic Development and Cranial Ossification Sequence in Two Heremites Species (Squamata: Scincidae)
by Kamil Candan, Elif Yıldırım Caynak, Kübra Oğur, Ecem Büşra Hastürk, Ahmet Gökay Korkmaz, Çetin Ilgaz, Serkan Gül and Yusuf Kumlutaş
Life 2024, 14(12), 1574; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14121574 - 30 Nov 2024
Viewed by 834
Abstract
Although embryological studies of squamates have a long history, most groups in this large clade remain poorly studied. One such group is the family Scincidae, which consists of morphologically and ecologically diverse lizards. In this study, we describe several stages of embryonic development [...] Read more.
Although embryological studies of squamates have a long history, most groups in this large clade remain poorly studied. One such group is the family Scincidae, which consists of morphologically and ecologically diverse lizards. In this study, we describe several stages of embryonic development based on cleared and stained specimens of Heremites auratus and Heremites vittatus. Our analysis indicates that the pterygoid and frontal are the first bones to be ossified at stage 34 in the skull of H. auratus. At stage 37, which was examined in both studied species, the ossified bones include the nasal, maxilla, parietal, prefrontal, premaxilla, postorbital, postfrontal, jugal, squamosal, quadrate, vomer, palatine and all mandible bones. In both species, the skull roof is relatively poorly ossified at stage 37. However, in H. auratus, the frontal and parietal bones ossify at their lateral edges at stage 37, while in H. vittatus, the frontal bones begin to ossify towards the midline. This suggests that ossification occurs later in H. auratus compared to H. vittatus, indicating a heterochronic pattern in ossification between these species. Additionally, pigmentation on the dorsal side of the body and scaling, which covered the entire body by stage 37 in H. vittatus, occur earlier compared to H. auratus. Compared to other scincid species, ossification in these lizards begins at a later stage but is completed earlier. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Animal Science: 3rd Edition)
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18 pages, 327 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Chestnut Tannins: Bioactive Compounds and Their Impact on Lamb Health
by Bogdan Cekić, Jordan Marković, Vuk Maksimović, Dragana Ružić-Muslić, Nevena Maksimović, Ivan Ćosić and Krstina Zeljić Stojiljković
Life 2024, 14(12), 1556; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14121556 - 27 Nov 2024
Viewed by 880
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to characterize the chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) tannin product, Farmatan Plus® (Tanin Sevnica d.d., Sevnica, Slovenia), and to subsequently examine its effects on the blood metabolic parameters of fattening lambs, particularly in relation to [...] Read more.
The objective of the present study was to characterize the chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) tannin product, Farmatan Plus® (Tanin Sevnica d.d., Sevnica, Slovenia), and to subsequently examine its effects on the blood metabolic parameters of fattening lambs, particularly in relation to their health status. Thirty lambs were randomly divided into three treatment groups: a control group without added tannin and two groups that received 9.46 g of the tannin product/kg of the diet dry matter (DM) and 18.87 g of the tannin product/kg of the diet DM. Metabolic parameters such as contents of total protein, globulin, urea, and liver enzymes (AST and GGT) were measured over a trial period of 60 days to evaluate the effects of tannin supplementation. This study represents the first in-depth characterization of Farmatan Plus®, demonstrating its richness in bioactive compounds such as vescalin and castalagin. The results showed no significant adverse effects on lamb health, with all parameters remaining within normal physiological ranges (p > 0.05). These results support the safe inclusion of chestnut tannins in the diet of lambs and underline their potential as a functional feed additive that can positively influence the health and growth performance of ruminants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Animal Science: 3rd Edition)
9 pages, 3297 KiB  
Article
Development of the PD9-9 Monoclonal Antibody for Identifying Porcine Bone Marrow-Derived Dendritic Cells
by Sang Eun Kim, Young Kyu Kim, Keon Bong Oh and Jeong Ho Hwang
Life 2024, 14(9), 1054; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091054 - 23 Aug 2024
Viewed by 931
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that can identify porcine dendritic cells (DCs) that have differentiated from bone marrow progenitor cells. Hybridoma technology was used to obtain mAbs, and bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) were employed as immunogens [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to develop a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that can identify porcine dendritic cells (DCs) that have differentiated from bone marrow progenitor cells. Hybridoma technology was used to obtain mAbs, and bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) were employed as immunogens for producing antibodies. The generated PD9-9 mAbs exhibited considerable reactivity towards porcine BMDCs with applications in flow cytometry and immunostaining. The antibody was composed of heavy immunoglobulin gamma-1 chains and light kappa chains. The PD9-9 mAb recognized fully differentiated porcine BMDCs and cells undergoing DC differentiation. In contrast, bone marrow cells and macrophages were not recognized by PD9-9. In addition, the PD9-9 mAb promoted porcine DC proliferation. Consequently, the PD9-9 mAb may be a biomarker for porcine DCs and will be advantageous for investigating porcine DC biology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Animal Science: 3rd Edition)
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17 pages, 3259 KiB  
Article
Age-Dependent Changes in Protist and Fungal Microbiota in a Peruvian Cattle Genetic Nucleus
by Richard Estrada, Yolanda Romero, Carlos Quilcate, Deisy Dipaz, Carol S. Alejos-Asencio, Silvia Leon, Wuesley Yusmein Alvarez-García, Diorman Rojas, Wigoberto Alvarado, Jorge L. Maicelo and Carlos I. Arbizu
Life 2024, 14(8), 1010; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14081010 - 14 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1542
Abstract
In this research, the connection between age and microbial diversity in cattle was explored, revealing significant changes in both protist diversity and fungal microbiota composition with age. Using fecal samples from 21 Simmental cattle, microbial communities were analyzed through 18S rRNA gene sequencing. [...] Read more.
In this research, the connection between age and microbial diversity in cattle was explored, revealing significant changes in both protist diversity and fungal microbiota composition with age. Using fecal samples from 21 Simmental cattle, microbial communities were analyzed through 18S rRNA gene sequencing. Results indicated significant differences in alpha protist diversity among the three age groups, while fungal composition varied notably with age and was linked to hematological parameters. Despite the stability of fungal alpha diversity, compositional changes suggest the gut as a stable niche for microbial colonization influenced by diet, clinical parameters, and microbial interactions. All cattle were maintained on a consistent diet, tailored to meet the specific nutritional needs of each age group. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding age-related microbial dynamics to enhance livestock management and animal health, contributing to broader ecological and biomedical research. This study was limited by the lack of comprehensive metabolic analyses correlating microbiota changes with specific age-related variations, indicating a need for further research in this area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Animal Science: 3rd Edition)
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14 pages, 4366 KiB  
Article
The Use of Hydroxyapatite Polymer with Curdlan in the Treatment of Bone Defects Associated with Ectopic Tooth Extraction in Dogs—A Case Series
by Anna Misztal-Kunecka, Przemysław Prządka and Stanisław Dzimira
Life 2024, 14(7), 879; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14070879 - 15 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1422
Abstract
Ectopic teeth are an eruption disorder in which teeth are located in anatomical structures where, physiologically, they should not occur. An ectopic tooth is a very rare phenomenon, affecting approximately 0.5% of the canine population, and few descriptions of the treatment of such [...] Read more.
Ectopic teeth are an eruption disorder in which teeth are located in anatomical structures where, physiologically, they should not occur. An ectopic tooth is a very rare phenomenon, affecting approximately 0.5% of the canine population, and few descriptions of the treatment of such teeth in dogs can be found in the available literature. This article describes the diagnostic and therapeutic handling of cavities following extraction of ectopic teeth in nine dogs. The cases are subdivided into uncomplicated (when the ectopic tooth was encapsulated in the surrounding connective tissue, without lysis of the bone around the tooth) and complicated (in which, in addition to the presence of the ectopic tooth, a dentigerous cyst had formed). Four cases of complicated ectopic teeth are described in more detail. In this study, special attention was paid not only to the technique of tooth extraction itself but also to the method of securing and healing large bone defects after the extraction using hydroxyapatite curdlan polymer. Owing to the plastic properties of the bone substitute preparation, it was possible to implant the material without enlarging the bone defect created during the tooth extraction. Control radiographs showed features of bone regeneration, and clinical examination at both the early and late stages revealed no postoperative complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Animal Science: 3rd Edition)
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