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Veterinary Sciences
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Comparative and Functional Anatomy in Veterinary and Animal Sciences
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Comparative and Functional Anatomy in Veterinary and Animal Sciences

A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381). This special issue belongs to the section "Anatomy, Histology and Pathology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 2510

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Lucianna Maruccio

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, (MVPA), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Interests: zebrafish; neurotrophins; Uncaria tomentosa; Lepidium meyenii (Maca); reproduction system; digestive system; feline; Japanese quail; marine mammals; food intake
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Understanding the comparative and functional anatomy of animals is fundamental to advances in veterinary medicine, animal biology, and translational research. This Special Issue aims to highlight recent research progress in anatomical studies that deepens our knowledge of species-specific morphology, structural adaptations, and their physiological implications. We welcome original research, reviews, and case studies that explore gross and microscopic anatomy, morphometry, imaging techniques, and the anatomical basis of disease. Contributions that compare anatomical structures across domestic and wild species, relate form to function, or integrate developmental and evolutionary perspectives are particularly encouraged. Studies using innovative tools, such as 3D modeling, histological staining, or molecular markers to reveal anatomical–functional relationships, are also within the scope of this Special Issue. This Special Issue will offer a multidisciplinary platform for anatomists, veterinarians, and animal scientists to share insights and promote a comparative understanding across species.

Dr. Lucianna Maruccio
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. Veterinary Sciences 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 2100 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

  • comparative anatomy
  • functional morphology
  • veterinary science
  • animal physiology
  • morphological adaptation
  • imaging techniques
  • histology
  • evolutionary anatomy
  • species differences
  • musculoskeletal system

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 1125 KB  
Article
Performance Comparison of the Prediction Models for Enteric Methane Emissions from Dairy Cattle
by Mimi Song, Yongliang Ren, Zenghui Li and Ruilan Dong
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(11), 1036; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12111036 - 27 Oct 2025
Viewed by 309
Abstract
The enteric methane (CH4) emission from dairy cattle is a significant factor contributing to anthropogenic climate change and the energy loss of animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prediction accuracy of the existing CH4 estimation models [...] Read more.
The enteric methane (CH4) emission from dairy cattle is a significant factor contributing to anthropogenic climate change and the energy loss of animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prediction accuracy of the existing CH4 estimation models from dairy cattle, and to identify the most reliable model for quantifying CH4 emission. A database was compiled from 135 treatment means obtained from 81 peer-reviewed literatures, which included data on dietary composition, energy intake, and enteric CH4 emission from dairy cattle. Forty existing dairy cattle prediction models were evaluated using this dataset based on the root mean square prediction error (RMSPE), concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), the ratio of RMSPE to standard deviation (RSR), and error decomposition indicators (ECT, ER, and ED). Results indicated that the RSR of model 38 was the lowest (0.71) but there were large prediction errors. Considering all evaluation indicators, model 21, which included dry matter intake (DMI), demonstrated the most robust predictive performance (RSR = 0.83, RMSPE = 14.41%, ECT = 3.42%, ER = 0.74%, ED = 96.75%, CCC = 0.58). Therefore, it is recommended for estimating enteric CH4 emissions from dairy cattle. Future research will need to further improve the accuracy and robustness of enteric CH4 prediction models by establishing a more comprehensive large-scale database, and expand the applicability of the model in various dairy farming systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Comparative and Functional Anatomy in Veterinary and Animal Sciences)
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13 pages, 1976 KB  
Article
Interplay Between Thyrotroph Morphometry and Circulating Thyroid Hormones in Lactating and Non-Lactating Female Camels (Camelus dromedarius)
by Shaukat Ali Shaukat Jaspal, Muhammad Mubashar Shaukat, Robina Shaukat, Tahmina Shaukat, Abdul Majeed Cheema, Rifat Ullah Khan, Shabana Naz, Babar Maqbool, Caterina Losacco, Naila Chand and Ibrahim A. Alhidary
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(9), 917; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12090917 - 22 Sep 2025
Viewed by 501
Abstract
This study investigated the morphometric characteristics of adenohypophyseal thyrotrophs and circulating thyroid hormone profiles in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in relation to age and lactation status. Clinically healthy Brela breed camels were divided into lactating female, and non-lactating female groups across [...] Read more.
This study investigated the morphometric characteristics of adenohypophyseal thyrotrophs and circulating thyroid hormone profiles in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in relation to age and lactation status. Clinically healthy Brela breed camels were divided into lactating female, and non-lactating female groups across two age categories (5–10 years and ≥11 years), with fifty animals per group. Blood samples were collected before slaughter and pituitary glands were collected post-slaughter and processed for immunohistochemical detection of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) using anti-porcine TSHβ antibody, while morphometric measurements of thyrotrophs were conducted through image analysis. Plasma concentrations of TSH, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) were quantified using validated ELISA and enzyme immunoassay kits. Group differences were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc comparisons, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Morphometric analysis revealed that lactating female camels exhibited significantly higher thyrotroph counts compared with non-lactating counterparts, whereas non-lactating females displayed larger cell and nuclear dimensions. Age influenced these patterns, with older camels showing hypertrophied thyrotrophs but reduced functional plasticity compared to younger animals. Plasma hormone assays demonstrated that non-lactating camels had higher TSH and T4 concentrations, while lactating camels maintained elevated T3 levels, suggesting enhanced peripheral conversion of T4 to T3 during milk production. Additionally, younger camels exhibited higher T3 concentrations than older animals, indicating age-related decline in thyroidal activity. These findings highlight the dynamic regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis in camels, demonstrating how lactation and age shape thyroidal morphology and function to meet diverse physiological demands. These findings not only broaden the comparative endocrinology of underexplored species but also provide physiopathological insights relevant to farm animal management, lactation efficiency, and adaptive metabolism in harsh environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Comparative and Functional Anatomy in Veterinary and Animal Sciences)
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10 pages, 613 KB  
Article
Exploring Sexual Dimorphism and Asymmetry in Quail (Coturnix coturnix) Feet Using Geometric Morphometrics
by Barış Can Güzel, Burak Ünal, Mehmet Eroğlu, Fatma İşbilir and Tomasz Szara
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(9), 871; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12090871 - 8 Sep 2025
Viewed by 592
Abstract
Understanding morphological variation and asymmetry in avian limbs provides essential insights into functional anatomy, locomotor behavior, and developmental stability. In this study, we investigated shape and size variation in the feet of quails (Coturnix coturnix) using two-dimensional geometric morphometric methods. A [...] Read more.
Understanding morphological variation and asymmetry in avian limbs provides essential insights into functional anatomy, locomotor behavior, and developmental stability. In this study, we investigated shape and size variation in the feet of quails (Coturnix coturnix) using two-dimensional geometric morphometric methods. A total of 233 animals were analyzed, representing both the left and right feet of male and female individuals. Nine homologous fixed landmarks were digitized on each foot, and configurations were subjected to Generalized Procrustes Analysis, followed by mirroring of right-side landmarks to ensure consistent orientation. Statistical analyses revealed no significant sexual dimorphism in either foot shape or centroid size. Principal Component Analysis indicated that the main shape variation was distributed individually rather than by sex and primarily affected the relative positions of toes and claws. Procrustes ANOVA confirmed that differences between sexes were not greater than expected by chance. Directional and fluctuating asymmetry were evaluated using a bilateral symmetry model to assess bilateral asymmetry. Directional asymmetry indicated consistent left–right differences, while fluctuating asymmetry reflected individual-level developmental instability and comprised the main source of variation. These findings provide a detailed morphological baseline for quail foot structure and highlight the importance of considering asymmetry in studies of avian functional morphology. The approach may also be a reference for future research into developmental stress, locomotor adaptation, or species-specific anatomical patterns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Comparative and Functional Anatomy in Veterinary and Animal Sciences)
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15 pages, 3292 KB  
Article
Morphometric and Histological Characterization of Chestnuts in Dezhou Donkeys and Associations with Phenotypic Traits
by Wenting Chen, Xiaotong Liu, Qifei Zhu, Junjie Liu, Abd Ullah, Yihong Liu, Jinjin Wei, Muhammad Zahoor Khan and Changfa Wang
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(9), 846; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12090846 - 1 Sep 2025
Viewed by 612
Abstract
Background: Chestnuts are keratinized skin structures found on equine limbs, but their characteristics in donkeys remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize chestnut morphology and histology in Dezhou donkeys and examine correlations with phenotypic traits. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on [...] Read more.
Background: Chestnuts are keratinized skin structures found on equine limbs, but their characteristics in donkeys remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize chestnut morphology and histology in Dezhou donkeys and examine correlations with phenotypic traits. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 347 Dezhou donkeys (0.3–15 years, 79–419 kg). Chestnut dimensions were measured using precision calipers, and correlations were analyzed with age, body weight, limb measurements, and thoracolumbar vertebral counts. Histological analysis compared chestnut tissue with adjacent normal skin using standard H&E staining protocols. Results: Donkeys exclusively possessed chestnuts on forelimbs, predominantly showing regular geometric configurations. Histologically, chestnut tissue exhibited marked hyperkeratosis (>30 cellular layers vs. 4–6 in normal skin), widespread melanocyte distribution throughout the epidermis, and complete absence of cutaneous appendages. In group A, strong positive correlations were observed between chestnut width and age (r = +0.527, p < 0.01), body weight (r = +0.538, p < 0.01), and limb measurements (r > +0.589 p < 0.01). No significant correlations existed with vertebral numbers. In group B Dezhou donkeys older than 2 years, the length and width of the forelimb chestnuts showed the strongest significant correlation with right forelimb measurements, while no significant correlations were observed with other variables (age, body weight, and hindlimb measurements). Conclusions: Chestnuts in Dezhou donkeys represent specialized integumentary structures with unique histological features and strong correlations with somatic development. These findings support their potential utility as biometric markers for individual identification and indicate coordinated developmental regulation with overall growth patterns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Comparative and Functional Anatomy in Veterinary and Animal Sciences)
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