Search Results (396)

Laboratory mice are the most widely used model organisms in biomedical and behavioral research, yet growing concerns regarding reproducibility and translational validity have highlighted the substantial influence of housing and husbandry conditions on experimental outcomes. Although domestication is often assumed to have rendered laboratory mice fully adapted to artificial environments, evidence from ethology indicates that many core behavioral and physiological needs remain conserved. As a result, standard laboratory housing may generate chronic stress, alter behavior, and introduce systematic bias into experimental data. This narrative review critically examines how ethological constraints persisting after domestication interact with key environmental factors, social housing, environmental enrichment, ambient temperature, and lighting regimes to shape welfare and experimental validity in laboratory mice. Rather than providing an exhaustive overview of mouse behavior, the review adopts a problem-oriented and solution-focused approach, highlighting specific welfare-related mechanisms that can distort behavioral and physiological readouts. Particular attention is given to social isolation and aggression in male mice, the role of nesting material in mitigating thermal stress, and the effects of circadian disruption under standard and reversed light–dark cycles. By integrating ethological theory with laboratory animal welfare research, this review argues that housing conditions should be regarded as integral components of experimental design rather than secondary technical variables. Addressing welfare-related bias through evidence-based refinement strategies is essential for improving reproducibility, enhancing data interpretability, and strengthening the scientific validity of mouse-based research. Full article

Respiratory diseases remain one of the most significant health challenges in modern swine production, leading to substantial economic losses, compromised animal welfare, and increased antimicrobial use. In recent years, advances in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning and deep learning, have enabled the development of non-invasive, continuous monitoring systems based on pig vocalizations. Among these, audio-based technologies have emerged as especially promising tools for early detection and monitoring of respiratory disorders under real farm conditions. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of AI-driven audio classification approaches applied to pig farming, with focus on respiratory health and welfare monitoring. First, the biological and acoustic foundations of pig vocalizations and their relevance to health and welfare assessment are outlined. The review then systematically examines sound acquisition technologies, feature engineering strategies, machine learning and deep learning models, and evaluation methodologies reported in the literature. Commercially available systems and recent advances in real-time, edge, and on-farm deployment are also discussed. Finally, key challenges related to data scarcity, generalization, environmental noise, and practical deployment are identified, and emerging opportunities for future research including multimodal sensing, standardized datasets, and explainable AI are highlighted. This review aims to provide researchers, engineers, and industry stakeholders with a consolidated reference to guide the development and adoption of robust AI-based acoustic monitoring systems for respiratory health management in swine. Full article

Intensive broiler chicken farming is one of the most important livestock sectors globally. However, intensive production systems raise concerns about farm sustainability, as well as ensuring animal welfare and product quality. For this reason, identifying novel, high-value-added feed ingredients is crucial. Winery by-products (WBPs) are a valuable source of bioactive compounds and can be utilized as functional feed ingredients. This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with grape seed meal and grape pomace meal in diets for broilers up to 42 days of age. Three dietary treatments were formulated—grape seed meal (3% and 6%), grape pomace meal (3% and 6%), and a combination (3% seed meal + 3% pomace meal)—along with a standard diet (control). The proximal composition (moisture, protein, fatty acid profile, fats, ash), antioxidant parameters (ROS, GSH, NO, POV), free radical scavenging activity (DPPH and ABTS^•+), and total phenolic content of the meat and physical characteristics (color) were assessed. While proximal composition of meat was not significantly influenced by the dietary treatment, some parameters, such as total phenolic content, PUFA levels, and antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity, were improved. These results demonstrate enhanced favorable traits improving chicken meat quality and confirm the potential of WBPs as functional feed ingredients, promoting a more sustainable production model aligned with the principles of the circular economy. Full article

Horse flies (Tabanidae) negatively affect livestock by reducing productivity, compromising animal welfare, and serving as mechanical vectors of pathogens. However, the spatial processes shaping their community organization in southern Brazil’s Coastal Plain of Rio Grande do Sul (CPRS) remain poorly understood. To address this, we conducted standardized Malaise-trap surveys and combined them with historical–contemporary comparisons to examine distance–decay patterns in community composition. We evaluated both abundance-based (Bray–Curtis) and presence–absence (Jaccard) dissimilarities using candidate models. Across sites, Tabanus triangulum emerged as the dominant species. Dissimilarity in community structure increased monotonically with geographic distance, with no evidence of abrupt thresholds. The square-root model provided the best fit for abundance-based data, whereas a linear model best described presence–absence patterns, reflecting dispersal limitation and environmental filtering across a heterogeneous coastal landscape. Sites within riparian forests and conservation units displayed higher diversity, emphasizing the ecological role of protected habitats and the importance of maintaining connected corridors. Collectively, these findings establish a process-based framework for surveillance and landscape management strategies to mitigate vector, host contact. Future directions include integrating remote sensing and host distribution, applying predictive validation across temporal scales. Full article

Researchers are increasingly engaged in studies to determine and correct negative welfare consequences of animal husbandry and behaviour modification procedures, not least in response to industries’ growing need to maintain their social licence through demonstrable welfare standards that address public expectations. To ensure that welfare recommendations are scientifically credible, the studies must be rigorously designed and conducted, and the data produced must be interpreted with full regard to conceptual, methodological, and experimental design limitations. This commentary provides guidance on these matters. In addition to, and complementary with, the ARRIVE guidelines that deal with animal studies in general, there is a need for additional specific advice on the design of studies directed at procedures that alter behaviour, whether through training, handling, or restraint. The COMPASS Guidelines offer clear direction for conducting welfare-focused behaviour modification research. They stand for the following: Controls and Calibration, emphasising rigorous design, baseline measures, equipment calibration, and replicability; Objectivity and Open data, ensuring transparency, validated tools, and data accessibility; Motivation and Methods, with a focus on learning theory, behavioural science, and evidence-based application of positive reinforcers and aversive stimuli; Precautions and Protocols, embedding the precautionary principle, minimising welfare harms, listing stop criteria, and using real-time monitoring; Animal-centred Assessment, with multimodal welfare evaluation, using physiological, behavioural, functional, and objective indicators; Study ethics and Standards, noting the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement), welfare endpoints, long-term effects, industry independence, and risk–benefit analysis; and Species-relevance and Scientific rigour, facilitating cross-species applicability with real-world relevance and robust methodology. To describe these guidelines, the current article is organised into seven major sections that outline detailed, point-by-point considerations for ethical and scientifically rigorous design. It concludes with a call for continuous improvement and collaboration. A major purpose is to assist animal ethics committees when considering the design of experiments. It is also anticipated that these Guidelines will assist reviewers and editorial teams in triaging manuscripts that report studies in this context. Full article

Flock uniformity is a critical factor influencing productivity, production efficiency, animal welfare, and overall economic outcomes in broiler production. Despite its importance, uniformity is often overlooked in commercial settings, where production goals typically focus on maximizing average BW and overall flock performance rather than minimizing variation among individual birds. This review aims to summarize the diverse factors that affect flock uniformity in broilers. Under standard conditions between days 14 and 49, flock uniformity typically reaches approximately 90%. Both intrinsic factors, such as genetics, initial BW, age, sex, and rearing method, and extrinsic factors, including housing, management, and vaccination practices, have been shown to influence uniformity. Environmental and management challenges, such as heat stress, nutrient deficiencies, microbial infections, high stocking density, feed form, and mixed-sex rearing, can further reduce uniformity by 2.5–15%. These findings highlight the high sensitivity of flock uniformity to multiple stressors, which may interact rather than act independently. Moreover, these findings highlight the need to consider both baseline and challenging factors in broiler production and support the development of targeted management and environmental strategies to improve flock uniformity and enhance overall production efficiency. Full article

Mastitis remains a prevalent and economically detrimental disease within the dairy industry, profoundly affecting animal welfare, milk quality, and overall production output. Nowadays, Somatic Cell Count (SCC) is widely recognized as the gold-standard indicator for the detection of mastitis; however, its limitations in pathogens discrimination and the lack of early-stage characterization of mastitis highlight the need for complementary diagnostic approaches. This review synthesizes recent research into the development and validation of novel biomarkers for the early and accurate identification of mastitis in dairy cows. The investigation encompasses a range of biological molecules for improving mastitis diagnosis. Biomarkers such as lactoferrin (LTF), β-defensin 4 (DEFB4), vitronectin, paraoxonase 1 (PON1), and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAGase) show promise in distinguishing between cows not susceptible and cows susceptible to mastitis. Concurrently, nucleic acid-based biomarkers are emerging as a particularly promising frontier. While mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has demonstrated insufficient specificity, microRNAs (miRNAs) are gaining attention as highly stable and sensitive indicators of intramammary inflammation, potentially enabling the detection of subclinical infections before they become clinically apparent. Despite these advances, significant challenges related to specificity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness currently hinder the widespread practical application of any single biomarker. Therefore, future research should be directed towards the validation of a synergistic panel of multiple biomarkers to improve mastitis management in dairy cow farms. Full article

Despite their substantial contributions to herd productivity, culled sows typically receive minimal economic valorisation. This study evaluated the feasibility of finishing culled Iberian sows under free-range conditions (montanera finishing system) and assessed the effects of immunocastration on productivity, welfare, and meat quality. Thirty-six culled Iberian sows were assigned to two treatments: entire sows (n = 18) and immunocastrated sows (n = 18). Following a maintenance phase and a pre-finishing transition, animals were finished under montanera conditions with ad libitum access to acorns and pasture. Productive traits, welfare indicators, carcass traits, and meat quality parameters were evaluated. Immunocastration effectively suppressed reproductive function without compromising productive traits or meat quality in culled Iberian sows. Both groups exhibited comparable body weight evolution, carcass characteristics, and meat quality attributes consistent with Iberian standards. The results indicate a clear potential for value generation, transforming animals from minimal-value culling categories to premium montanera products. This integrated approach combining immunocastration with traditional extensive finishing systems provides a viable way to add value to culled sow valorisation within circular economy frameworks, addressing economic, environmental, and welfare challenges of sustainable livestock production. Full article

Training in bovine reproduction requires not only technical proficiency but also ethical responsibility and adherence to animal-welfare standards. Traditional instruction relies heavily on repeated practice in abattoir-collected specimens and live cattle, raising concerns about stress, variability, logistical constraints, and student anxiety. Simulation-based education (SBE) has therefore emerged as a pedagogically robust and ethically sound complement to clinical teaching, enabling learners to acquire psychomotor and cognitive skills in structured, low-risk environments. This scoping review synthesizes current evidence on validated simulators used to train bovine reproductive procedures, with particular emphasis on artificial insemination, transrectal palpation, and pregnancy diagnosis. Following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, a comprehensive search of three international databases identified 13 eligible studies that described simulator typologies, validation approaches, implementation strategies, and educational outcomes. Simulators ranged from low-cost handmade models to high-fidelity haptic and hybrid systems, each offering distinct advantages across diverse instructional contexts. Evidence consistently showed that simulator-based training improves anatomical orientation, technical performance, procedural efficiency, and learner confidence, while reducing anxiety and the need for novice practice on live cattle. However, validation standards remain inconsistent, long-term transfer to clinical practice is poorly documented, and most commercial models inadequately represent Bos indicus anatomy, limiting global applicability. Simulation can substantially strengthen competency-based animal and veterinary curricula and advance the 3Rs by replacing or refining early live-animal procedures. To fully realize this potential, future efforts should prioritize rigorous validation, greater anatomical representativeness, and improved accessibility through modular, low-cost designs. Simulation-based training thus represents both an educational innovation and an ethical imperative in modern veterinary practice. Full article

This study examines the impact of sociodemographic factors on the attitudes of EU citizens towards animal welfare and their implications for trade policy. Variations in animal welfare legislation across major commercial blocks create ethical and economic challenges, with the EU implementing stringent standards compared with other countries. Data were drawn from the Special Eurobarometer 533 survey, conducted between the 3rd and 26th March 2023, which employed a multistage, clustered sampling method across all 27 EU Member States, yielding a representative sample of 26,368 respondents. The survey collected detailed information on attitudes toward animal welfare alongside sociodemographic characteristics. The results revealed substantial public support for stricter regulations and informative labelling, with attitudes differing with age (p < 0.001), education (p < 0.001), income (p < 0.001), and political orientation (p < 0.001), according to the multinomial regression applied to each of the independent variables. These results emphasise the importance of these factors in shaping consumer expectations. The findings highlight the need for policymakers to integrate ethical and societal values into trade negotiations, ensuring that policies reflect public concerns, promote fair competition, and encourage higher animal welfare standards internationally. Additionally, understanding the perspectives and motivations of livestock industry stakeholders remains critical for implementing effective welfare strategies. By aligning EU trade policy with citizen values and stakeholder practices, it is possible to advance animal welfare globally while balancing economic and ethical considerations and promoting a fair trade. Full article

Research on barn technology, technical equipment, and related cattle welfare indicates a growing emphasis on assessing sources of animal comfort as the subject of scientific research. In practice, dairy cattle housing conditions are also assessed directly by farmers responsible for the animals’ living conditions in barns; therefore, it is worthwhile to ask farmers about their approaches to improving the housing and comfort of dairy cattle in barns. The aim of this study was to evaluate non-standard technical solutions implemented by farmers in tie-stall and loose-housing barns; the research study design included visits to and observations at 40 dairy farms, selected purposively based on prior knowledge or expectations regarding equipping barns with non-standard technical solutions. An index of non-standard solutions in livestock buildings (S_ns) was proposed based on the ratio of the number of non-standard solutions in a barn to usable floor space in the barn. The S_ns index was higher in tie-stall barns (0.0012–0.0192) than in loose-housing barns (0.00–0.0023). Non-standard technical solutions implemented by farmers were most common in barns with tie-stall housing systems, especially in feeding areas. Knowledge about non-standard technical solutions in barns can be used in practice by various stakeholders as inspiration for barn retrofits, training materials for advisors, or a starting point for targeted welfare research. Full article

(1) Background: Intra-articular injection is a fundamental technique in preclinical research for evaluating therapeutics and inducing joint disease models in rodents. However, the absence of standardized and validated protocols compromises reproducibility and translational validity. (2) Methods: This study establishes and experimentally validates a refined protocol for precise intra-articular injection in the knee of adult male Wistar rats. The comprehensive procedure specifies anatomical landmarks (medial border of the patellar tendon), instrumentation (27 G needle, 100 µL Hamilton syringe), a maximum volume of 35 µL, and operative verification criteria based on tactile feedback. Experimental validation was performed by administering a suspension of wear particles (2.35 mg/mL) generated from tribocorrosion tests of CoCr surfaces biofunctionalized with graphene oxide-hyaluronic acid (GO-HA) into the left knee of five rats. (3) Results: Histological analysis using the cutting–grinding technique and Toluidine Blue staining confirmed the exclusive intra-articular localization of particles in all injected animals (5/5 success rate). Qualitative assessment revealed abundant particulate distribution within the synovial space, with numerous individual particles and multiple aggregates observed per high-power field, without evidence of extravasation in any case. (4) Conclusions: The protocol demonstrated high intra-operator repeatability and provides a reliable, ethically refined tool for precise intra-articular administration of nanomaterials and for generating robust joint disease models, thereby enhancing reproducibility and animal welfare in preclinical research. Full article

Dog overpopulation poses serious challenges to public health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. While surgical castration remains the most commonly used method for controlling reproduction in dogs, it carries risks and limitations, including surgical complications and long-term behavioral or physiological side effects. This review examines the potential of immunocastration—vaccination targeting gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)—as an alternative approach. Immunocastration has been shown to suppress reproductive hormones, reduce gonadal function, and decrease behaviors such as roaming, aggression, and sexual mounting in dogs. The review also includes evidence from other species (e.g., pigs, cattle, and horses) to contextualize effectiveness and welfare implications. While behavioral effects are more variable and less frequently studied than physiological outcomes, recent findings suggest immunocastration may have fewer negative emotional side effects (e.g., anxiety and stress-related behaviors) than surgical sterilization. The review highlights the mechanisms, applications, and behavioral outcomes of immunocastration, including its reversibility, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for mass implementation. Overall, immunocastration offers a promising addition to dog population management strategies, particularly in regions with limited surgical infrastructure. Future research should focus on standardizing vaccine protocols and assessing long-term behavioral and welfare outcomes in diverse dog populations. Full article

Low-dose psychedelics have shown potential in modulating chronic pain in humans, yet their application in veterinary medicine remains unexplored. This study protocol proposes to investigate the therapeutic potential of low-dose oral administration of 1-cyclopropionyl-D-lysergic acid diethylamide (1cp-LSD), a legal LSD analogue in certain countries, for the management of chronic pain in privately owned dogs with osteoarthritis. The study will employ a randomized, placebo-controlled design with caregivers blinded to treatment allocation. A cohort of about 24 dogs previously diagnosed with osteoarthritis, will orally receive sub-perceptual, intermittent doses of 1cp-LSD over a 30-day period, while maintaining their standard analgesic regimens to safeguard animal welfare. Outcome measures will include the Canine Brief Pain Inventory and caregiver-reported assessments, including the Treatment Expectation Questionnaire (TEX-Q), to evaluate both pharmacological efficacy and the influence of caregiver expectations as an indirect indicator of placebo effects as a secondary aim. The study anticipates a reduction in pain scores among treated dogs, potentially modulated by caregiver expectations. However, the sustained effect of 1cp-LSD in osteoarthritis remains uncertain due to interactions with inflammatory mediators. Limitations include the lack of established dose–response relationships, small cohort size, and variability in caregiver perceptions, which will be analyzed descriptively. The protocol establishes a comprehensive and methodologically framework to evaluate both the pharmacological therapeutic effects of low-dose psychedelics in managing chronic osteoarthritic pain and the psychological factors that may influence perceived outcomes. Full article

The study of cognitive processes in sheep (Ovis aries) has gained interest in recent years, particularly for their potential as a model species in translational medicine. This scoping review aimed to identify, classify, and describe cognitive tasks developed to assess executive functions in sheep. A literature search followed PRISMA guidelines and used CAB Abstracts, PubMed, and Scopus to identify studies on cognitive tasks in sheep from 1 January 2010, to 4 August 2025. The search yielded 2873 records; after removing duplicates and applying inclusion criteria, 20 studies were analyzed. Data on animal categories, test methods, and timing were collected. The selected studies were grouped by cognitive domain: memory and flexibility (13), sensory discrimination (6), and problem-solving (6). All studies describe specific testing apparatuses tailored to assess distinct cognitive functions, detailing materials, apparatus dimensions, and the importance of pre-test periods, as well as the necessity of a reward system. The review emphasizes ethical testing that minimizes animal stress, supporting welfare. Standardizing cognitive tests can improve reliability, and comparability while integrating neurobiology, ethology, and welfare knowledge advances research and livestock care. Full article