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Search Results (185)

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Keywords = horse domestication

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17 pages, 1187 KiB  
Article
Obesity-Associated Metabolomic and Functional Reprogramming in Neutrophils from Horses with Asthma
by Alejandro Albornoz, Beatriz Morales, Valentina Bernal Fernandez, Claudio Henriquez, John Quiroga, Pablo Alarcón, Gabriel Moran and Rafael A. Burgos
Animals 2025, 15(13), 1992; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15131992 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 509
Abstract
Equine asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterised by neutrophilic inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and impaired pulmonary function. Obesity, increasingly prevalent among domestic horses, has been identified as a potential risk factor for exacerbating inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to explore whether obesity modifies [...] Read more.
Equine asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterised by neutrophilic inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and impaired pulmonary function. Obesity, increasingly prevalent among domestic horses, has been identified as a potential risk factor for exacerbating inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to explore whether obesity modifies neutrophil metabolism and inflammatory responses in horses affected by asthma. Six asthmatic horses in clinical remission were categorised into two groups: obese and non-obese, based on body condition score. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and peripheral blood neutrophil counts were significantly higher in obese horses, indicating a heightened systemic inflammatory state. Neutrophils from obese horses displayed a stronger oxidative burst following zymosan stimulation and elevated IL-1β gene expression in response to lipopolysaccharide, suggesting a hyperinflammatory phenotype. Metabolomic profiling of neutrophils identified 139 metabolites, with notable differences in fatty acids, branched-chain amino acids, and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed significant alterations in fatty acid biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, and glutathione-related pathways. Elevated levels of itaconate, citraconic acid, and citrate in obese horses indicate profound metabolic reprogramming within neutrophils. These results suggest that obesity promotes a distinct neutrophil phenotype marked by increased metabolic activity and heightened responsiveness to inflammatory stimuli. This altered profile may contribute to the persistence or worsening of airway inflammation in asthmatic horses. The findings underscore the importance of addressing obesity in the clinical management of equine asthma and open avenues for further research into metabolic-targeted therapies in veterinary medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Equids)
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56 pages, 750 KiB  
Review
The Role of Hematophagous Arthropods, Other than Mosquitoes and Ticks, in Arbovirus Transmission
by Bradley J. Blitvich
Viruses 2025, 17(7), 932; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17070932 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 443
Abstract
Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) significantly impact human, domestic animal, and wildlife health. While most arboviruses are transmitted to vertebrate hosts by blood-feeding mosquitoes and ticks, a growing body of evidence highlights the importance of other hematophagous arthropods in arboviral transmission. These lesser-known vectors, while [...] Read more.
Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) significantly impact human, domestic animal, and wildlife health. While most arboviruses are transmitted to vertebrate hosts by blood-feeding mosquitoes and ticks, a growing body of evidence highlights the importance of other hematophagous arthropods in arboviral transmission. These lesser-known vectors, while often overlooked, can play crucial roles in the maintenance, amplification, and spread of arboviruses. This review summarizes our understanding of hematophagous arthropods, other than mosquitoes and ticks, in arboviral transmission, as well as their associations with non-arboviral viruses. Thirteen arthropod groups are discussed: bat flies, blackflies, cimicids (bat bugs, bed bugs, and bird bugs), Culicoides midges, fleas, hippoboscid flies, lice, mites, muscid flies (including horn flies and stable flies), phlebotomine sandflies, tabanids (including deer flies and horse flies), triatomines, and tsetse flies. Some of these arthropods are regarded as known or likely arboviral vectors, while others have no known role in arbovirus transmission. Particular attention is given to species associated with arboviruses of medical and veterinary significance. As the burden of arboviruses continues to grow, it is critical not to overlook the potential contribution of these lesser-known vectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Invertebrate Viruses)
11 pages, 2392 KiB  
Opinion
Transmission Dynamics of Trichomonas tenax: Host and Site Specificity, Zoonotic Potential, and Environmental Factors
by Maurice Matthew, Jennifer Ketzis, Samson Mukaratirwa and Chaoqun Yao
Microorganisms 2025, 13(7), 1475; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13071475 - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 485
Abstract
Trichomonas tenax is an anaerobic flagellate usually found in the oral cavity of humans and domestic animals. It is very likely to be transmitted through kissing, sharing saliva, contaminated utensils, and water. However, research on its transmission dynamics is scarce. Hence, there is [...] Read more.
Trichomonas tenax is an anaerobic flagellate usually found in the oral cavity of humans and domestic animals. It is very likely to be transmitted through kissing, sharing saliva, contaminated utensils, and water. However, research on its transmission dynamics is scarce. Hence, there is a need to identify potential knowledge gaps in T. tenax transmission for future research and emphasize the importance of the One Health approach in controlling the spread of this flagellar protozoan. Trichomonas tenax has been found in humans, dogs, cats, horses, and birds at various body sites, including the lungs and the urogenital tract, in addition to the oral cavity. Its transmission is influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and socioeconomic factors such as age, income, smoking, and public awareness, along with poor oral hygiene and systemic diseases. Direct host-to-host transmission also plays an important role; however, transmission through fomites or contaminated water still needs to be scientifically proven to gain a better understanding of these mechanisms. More studies on this flagellate are warranted, especially using animal models and epidemiological studies, to better understand its transmission dynamics. Prioritizing research in these areas could result in a more comprehensive understanding of T. tenax transmission dynamics and the factors that influence it, ultimately aiding in the development of effective control and prevention strategies. It is also recommended to encourage collaboration between medical and veterinary professionals in addressing this zoonotic protozoan, recognizing that it aligns with the One Health approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Public Health Microbiology)
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18 pages, 10811 KiB  
Article
Compositional Analysis of Cultic Clay Objects from the Iron Age Southern Levant
by David Ben-Shlomo
Religions 2025, 16(6), 661; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16060661 - 22 May 2025
Viewed by 556
Abstract
Compositional analysis conducted on pottery and other ceramic items can shed light on their place of production and in certain cases, on technological aspects of the production sequence. The methods used, petrography and chemical analysis, can also be employed on cultic terracotta such [...] Read more.
Compositional analysis conducted on pottery and other ceramic items can shed light on their place of production and in certain cases, on technological aspects of the production sequence. The methods used, petrography and chemical analysis, can also be employed on cultic terracotta such as figurines, cult stands, models, or other clay objects. Several studies of such analyses of items from various periods in the Southern Levant have been published, mostly from temple contexts. This paper focuses particularly on two groups of items: clay models from the favissa at Yavneh and pillar figurines and other (mostly horse) figurines from Jerusalem and Tell en-Nasbeh in Iron Age Judah. These two groups are both roughly dated to the time span between the 9th and 7th centuries BCE. While the former group is of objects representing a temple context in Philistia, the latter is likely related to a domestic cult in Judah. The analysis of these objects is also examined against the background of a robust compositional analysis of regular pottery from the sites. The compositional analysis can indicate whether these objects were locally produced or imported from various regions (thus possibly brought by pilgrims), as well as whether they were “mass-produced” in a single workshop. The results can shed light on aspects of religious and cultic conducts in these occasions as well as compare domestic and temple-related cultic behaviors. Full article
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18 pages, 7355 KiB  
Article
Zooarchaeology of the Pre-Bell Beaker Chalcolithic Period of Barrio del Castillo (Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, Spain)
by Verónica Estaca-Gómez, Mónica Major-González, Jorge Cañas-Martínez and José Yravedra
Heritage 2025, 8(5), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8050181 - 19 May 2025
Viewed by 557
Abstract
This article presents the first results of the zooarchaeological analysis of Chalcolithic levels of the Barrio del Castillo site (Torrejón de Ardoz), located within the Aldovea complex, which also contains evidence from other prehistoric periods. The Barrio del Castillo sector reveals an occupation [...] Read more.
This article presents the first results of the zooarchaeological analysis of Chalcolithic levels of the Barrio del Castillo site (Torrejón de Ardoz), located within the Aldovea complex, which also contains evidence from other prehistoric periods. The Barrio del Castillo sector reveals an occupation pattern characterized by pit and silo fields, a common phenomenon in the Tagus Middle Valley’s Prehistory. This study focuses on the Chalcolithic phase, which exhibits two types of faunal accumulations: one linked to domestic activities (referred to as domestic assemblages), and another with a more symbolic character, involving the burial of articulated or semi-articulated animals, mainly dogs, designated as ritual deposits. The first type of accumulation is dominated by domestic species like caprines (sheep and goats) and cattle. Other domestic species, like pigs and dogs, alongside wild species, like horses and deer, appear in smaller quantities. On the other hand, ritual deposits are largely dominated by dogs in the Chalcolithic phase. This paper emphasizes the marked contrast between the two types of accumulations, domestic and ritual, and highlights the implications that these might have toward a better understanding of the world of the first metallurgical communities of the inner Iberian Peninsula. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analysis of Bioarchaeology, Skeletal Biology and Evolution)
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9 pages, 1118 KiB  
Case Report
Laboratory Diagnosis of Animal Tuberculosis in Tracing Interspecies Transmission of Mycobacterium bovis
by Ewelina Szacawa, Nina Kozieł, Sylwia Brzezińska, Ewa Augustynowicz-Kopeć, Marcin Weiner, Krzysztof Szulowski and Monika Krajewska-Wędzina
Pathogens 2025, 14(5), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14050459 - 7 May 2025
Viewed by 1275
Abstract
Mycobacterium is one of the most dangerous pathogens of both animals and humans. Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a disease caused by mycobacteria belonging to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), which spreads mainly among domestic cattle but also to mammals other than cattle. The [...] Read more.
Mycobacterium is one of the most dangerous pathogens of both animals and humans. Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a disease caused by mycobacteria belonging to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), which spreads mainly among domestic cattle but also to mammals other than cattle. The transmission of MTBC between different species requires research and epidemiological investigations to control its spread. When multiple species are a reservoir of infection, it poses a significant public health and veterinary concern. In this study, the diagnosis of alpaca, cattle, horses, dogs, a sheep and a cat from one farm suspected of bovine tuberculosis was performed. The animals (except for one horse, the dogs and the cat) were euthanised after the intradermal tuberculin tests. Mycobacterial isolation from animal tissue samples was performed. The obtained Mycobacterium strains were genotyped using spoligotyping and mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit–variable number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) methods. The isolates from a horse, two cows, a sheep and an alpaca were classified as Mycobacterium (M.) bovis. The single M. bovis spoligotype SB0666 pattern was isolated, and the MIRU-VNTR results presented the same 222632237401435 patterns. The molecular investigation uncovered information on the relationship of Mycobacterium bovis. Full article
12 pages, 763 KiB  
Article
Circulation and Spillover of pdmH1N1 Influenza A Virus at an Educational Swine Farm in Chile, 2019–2023
by Soledad Ruiz, Constanza Díaz-Gavidia, María Antonieta González, Pablo Galdames, Cristóbal Oyarzún, Cecilia Baumberger, Camila Rojas, Christopher Hamilton-West, Bridgett Sharp, Shaoyuan Tan, Stacey Schultz-Cherry and Pedro Jimenez-Bluhm
Viruses 2025, 17(5), 635; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17050635 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 709
Abstract
Educational farms provide students with hands-on experience in agricultural and animal practices. However, the close contact between humans and farm animals creates a significant interface for zoonotic disease transmission, yet research on infectious diseases in such settings remains limited. This study investigates the [...] Read more.
Educational farms provide students with hands-on experience in agricultural and animal practices. However, the close contact between humans and farm animals creates a significant interface for zoonotic disease transmission, yet research on infectious diseases in such settings remains limited. This study investigates the ongoing spillovers of human-origin influenza A virus (IAV) into swine at an educational farm in central Chile, describing IAV prevalence, outbreak dynamics, and the genomic characterization of detected strains. The Menesianos educational farm, located in Melipilla, central Chile, houses approximately 40 swine alongside other domestic animals, such as horses and cows. As part of an active IAV surveillance project, monthly nasal swab samples were collected from pigs between June 2019 and September 2023 for IAV detection via RT-qPCR targeting the M gene, with positive samples subsequently sequenced. During the study period, monthly IAV prevalence ranged from 0% to 52.5%, with a notable outbreak detected between May and June 2023. The outbreak lasted 5 weeks, peaking at 52.5% prevalence during week 3. Nine IAV strains were isolated over the study period, eight of which were obtained during weeks 2 and 3 of the outbreak. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all strains were closely related to the pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza virus, with the closest related strains being those circulating in humans in Chile during the same years. These findings highlight the importance of conducting regular IAV surveillance on educational farms, where close interactions between animals and individuals—particularly children and young people—can facilitate viral spillovers and potential reverse zoonosis events. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Viruses)
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36 pages, 1645 KiB  
Review
Towards Practical Conservation Cloning: Understanding the Dichotomy Between the Histories of Commercial and Conservation Cloning
by Ben J. Novak, Stewart Brand, Ryan Phelan, Sasha Plichta, Oliver A. Ryder and Robert J. Wiese
Animals 2025, 15(7), 989; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15070989 - 29 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3425
Abstract
Over 40 years ago, scientists imagined ways cloning could aid conservation of threatened taxa. The cloning of Dolly the sheep from adult somatic cells in 1996 was the breakthrough that finally enabled the conservation potential of the technology. Until the 2020s, conservation cloning [...] Read more.
Over 40 years ago, scientists imagined ways cloning could aid conservation of threatened taxa. The cloning of Dolly the sheep from adult somatic cells in 1996 was the breakthrough that finally enabled the conservation potential of the technology. Until the 2020s, conservation cloning research efforts yielded no management applications, leading many to believe cloning is not yet an effective conservation tool. In strong contrast, domestic taxa are cloned routinely for scientific and commercial purposes. In this review, we sought to understand the reasons for these divergent trends. We scoured peer-reviewed and gray literature and sent direct inquiries to scientists to analyze a more comprehensive history of the field than was analyzed in previous reviews. While most previous reviewers concluded that a lack of reproductive knowledge of wildlife species has hindered advances for wider conservation applications, we found that resource limitations (e.g., numbers of surrogates, sustainable funding) and widely held misconceptions about cloning are significant contributors to the stagnation of the field. Recent successes in cloning programs for the endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) and Przewalski’s horse (Equus przewalskii), the world’s first true applied-conservation cloning efforts, are demonstrating that cloning can be used for significant conservation impact in the present. When viewed alongside the long history of cloning achievements, these programs emphasize the value of investing in the science and resources needed to meaningfully integrate cloning into conservation management, especially for species with limited genetic diversity that rely on the maintenance of small populations for many generations while conservationists work to restore habitat and mitigate threats in the wild. Full article
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15 pages, 4017 KiB  
Article
Three Novel KIT Polymorphisms Found in Horses with White Coat Color Phenotypes
by Nikol A. Obradovic, Aiden McFadden, Katie Martin, Micaela Vierra, Kaitlyn McLoone, Erik Martin, Adelaide Thomas, Robin E. Everts, Samantha A. Brooks and Christa Lafayette
Animals 2025, 15(7), 915; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15070915 - 22 Mar 2025
Viewed by 944
Abstract
This paper reports three novel KIT variants likely responsible for previously unexplained white patterning phenotypes observed in three groups of horses. White spots and markings may have substantial consequences on the value and health of domesticated horses. This study aims to elucidate the [...] Read more.
This paper reports three novel KIT variants likely responsible for previously unexplained white patterning phenotypes observed in three groups of horses. White spots and markings may have substantial consequences on the value and health of domesticated horses. This study aims to elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying depigmented coat colors to aid in producing prosperous herds. Aligned whole genome sequences were manually screened to identify three polymorphisms in a family of Anglo-Arabian horses (N = 7), a family of Warmblood horses (N = 5), and a single stock-type mare with unexplained white markings. Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of the variants, and in silico predictive programs were used to predict the functional impacts of each. We propose to term the novel variants W37, W38, and W39, respectively, per convention. The W37 polymorphism was always observed in the presence of one W35 allele, suggesting complete linkage. All three variants were predicted to alter or remove the KIT protein active domain, repressing typical protein folding and impacting pathways that upregulate pigmentation. The severe predicted impact on biological function suggests that these variants may cause increased white spotting, providing a possible explanation for the depigmentation phenotypes observed in affected individuals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Equine Genetics and Breeding)
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11 pages, 1604 KiB  
Article
Domestic Quarter Horse (Equus caballus) Milk Macronutrient Composition Analyses Within Micro Quantities from Two Different Geographical Locations
by Jenna C. P. Wagner, Mark Edwards, Shweta Trivedi, Larry J. Minter and Kimberly Ange-van Heugten
Animals 2025, 15(6), 882; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060882 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 881
Abstract
Microquantity laboratory procedures (<5 mL) are often used to analyze milk from non-bovid or less common species due to limited available samples and small sample sizes, unlike the large quantities of milk needed for macroquantity (~20 mL) assays standard in the commercial dairy [...] Read more.
Microquantity laboratory procedures (<5 mL) are often used to analyze milk from non-bovid or less common species due to limited available samples and small sample sizes, unlike the large quantities of milk needed for macroquantity (~20 mL) assays standard in the commercial dairy industry. To better understand microquantity milk laboratory analyses, quarter horse (Equus caballus) milk from North Carolina State University (females = 4, n = 43) and California Polytechnic State University (females = 4, n = 42) equine centers was compared to investigate differences in macronutrient composition from 4 to 130 days after parturition. All mares were healthy, but consumed different diets. Major milk macronutrients were measured at the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute using a microquantity analysis of ash, crude protein (CP), dry matter (DM), crude fat, sugar, and gross energy. Of the six measured nutrients, only CP and crude fat differed (p < 0.05) by location, while sugar and crude fat had differences among individual mares. Californian mares had greater fat concentration means on a dry matter basis (DMB) than the North Carolinian mares (ANCOVA, p = 0.003). North Carolinian mares had greater CP concentration means than Californian mares. These findings indicate that dietary differences and/or environmental factors may play a role in CP and crude fat milk macronutrient composition within horse breeds. However, despite the differences noted, the microquantity analyses for nutritional means for all eight mares were within macroquantity horses ranges available in the previous literature. The results indicate that micro versus macroassays are comparable and supports clinical and scientific research on milk from species where large sample quantities are difficult to obtain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Equids)
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17 pages, 2032 KiB  
Article
Tracking the Track: The Impact of Different Grazing Strategies on Managing Equine Obesity
by Lorna Cameron, Meg Challinor, Sophie Armstrong, Abigale Kennedy, Sarah Hollister and Katharine Fletcher
Animals 2025, 15(6), 874; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060874 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 2877
Abstract
Horses evolved to live in herds, continuously moving and foraging. Domestic horses often have limited social contact and movement, with high calorific intake, contributing to obesity. “Track grazing” is an increasingly popular management system, but evidence of its impact on weight management, behaviour, [...] Read more.
Horses evolved to live in herds, continuously moving and foraging. Domestic horses often have limited social contact and movement, with high calorific intake, contributing to obesity. “Track grazing” is an increasingly popular management system, but evidence of its impact on weight management, behaviour, and welfare is limited. Horses (n = 19) resident at HorseWorld (UK) were observed July to October 2023, monitoring bodyweight (kg), Body Conditions Score (BCS), hoof health, behaviour, and welfare indicators. Horses on track grazing systems lost significantly more bodyweight (kg) (F(1,15) = 8.752, p = 0.010) than their restricted grazing counterparts, although this was not supported by BCS findings which may be ineffective for subtle body weight changes. Horses on track grazing systems lost (mean ± S.D.) 10.67 ± 9.9 kg from their starting weight, whereas those on the traditional paddock systems gained 6.8 ± 13.7 kg. Hoof health and general welfare assessment scores were maintained. More behaviours in “positive”, “negative”, and “neutral” categories were observed in paddock system horses than those on the track grazing system, although these differences were not statistically significant. These findings suggest that horses prone to bodyweight gain can be managed effectively using track grazing systems whilst maintaining health and welfare. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Equine Behavior and Welfare)
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11 pages, 1067 KiB  
Article
Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Exposure in Wild and Domestic Animals in Benin
by Roland Eric Yessinou, Souaïbou Farougou, James Olukayode Olopade, Daniel Oladimeji Oluwayelu, Anise Happi, Christian Happi and Martin Groschup
Viruses 2025, 17(3), 387; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17030387 - 8 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1110
Abstract
Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne zoonotic viral disease prevalent in Africa. While infection is asymptomatic in animals, it can cause severe illness with hemorrhagic manifestations and high mortality rates in humans. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and potential risk [...] Read more.
Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne zoonotic viral disease prevalent in Africa. While infection is asymptomatic in animals, it can cause severe illness with hemorrhagic manifestations and high mortality rates in humans. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and potential risk factors of CCHF in wild (rodents, birds) and domestic (cattle, horses) animals in Benin. A cross-sectional study was carried out from 2022 to 2024 with the assistance of cattle breeders, hunters, farmers and bushmeat sellers in 15 districts found in three agroecological zones in the country. A total of 366 serum samples were analyzed, comprising 254 collected from wild animals and 112 from domestic animals. Among the wild animals tested, 1.18% (95% CI: 0.31–3.70; n = 3) were seropositive for antibodies against CCHF virus (CCHFV). The seroprevalence rates were 3.7% (95% CI: 0.19–20.89) in squirrels, 5.88% (95% CI: 0.31–30.76) in hares and 1.19% (95% CI: 0.06–7.38) in giant rats. In domestic animals, anti-CCHFV antibodies were detected in 38 of the 112 samples, resulting in an overall seroprevalence of 33.93% (95% CI: 25.42–43.56). Specifically, antibodies were identified in 34 out of 81 cattle (41.98%, 95% CI: 31.26–53.46) and 4 out of 24 horses (16.67%, 95% CI: 5.48–38.19). No positive samples were reported in pigeons. This study provides the first seroprevalence data on CCHF in wild and domestic animals in Benin. It highlights the risk and epidemiological dynamics of the disease and underscores the need for further investigations into tick vectors and human populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Hemorrhagic Disease)
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28 pages, 5549 KiB  
Review
Gut Microbiota of Ruminants and Monogastric Livestock: An Overview
by Giuseppe Tardiolo, Deborah La Fauci, Valentina Riggio, Matteo Daghio, Eleonora Di Salvo, Alessandro Zumbo and Anna Maria Sutera
Animals 2025, 15(5), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15050758 - 6 Mar 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4968
Abstract
The diversity and composition of the gut microbiota are widely recognized as fundamental factors influencing the well-being and productivity of domestic animals. Advancements in sequencing technologies have revolutionized studies in this research field, allowing for deeper insights into the composition and functionality of [...] Read more.
The diversity and composition of the gut microbiota are widely recognized as fundamental factors influencing the well-being and productivity of domestic animals. Advancements in sequencing technologies have revolutionized studies in this research field, allowing for deeper insights into the composition and functionality of microbiota in livestock. Ruminants and monogastric animals exhibit distinct digestive systems and microbiota characteristics: ruminants rely on fermentation, while monogastrics use enzymatic digestion, and monogastric animals have simpler stomach structures, except for horses and rabbits, where both processes coexist. Understanding the gut microbiota’s impact and composition in both animal types is essential for optimizing production efficiency and promoting animal health. Following this perspective, the present manuscript review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the gut microbiota in ruminants (such as cattle, sheep, and goats) and monogastric animals (including horses, pigs, rabbits, and chickens). Full article
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24 pages, 2647 KiB  
Review
Nay to Prey: Challenging the View of Horses as a “Prey” Species
by Netzin G. Steklis, Mateo Peñaherrera-Aguirre and Horst Dieter Steklis
Animals 2025, 15(5), 641; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15050641 - 22 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 974
Abstract
This paper challenges the prevalent characterization of domesticated horses as prey species that inherently view humans as predators. Drawing on evolutionary, ethological, and cognitive evidence, we propose the “mutualistic coevolution hypothesis”, which posits that horses and humans have evolved a partnership marked by [...] Read more.
This paper challenges the prevalent characterization of domesticated horses as prey species that inherently view humans as predators. Drawing on evolutionary, ethological, and cognitive evidence, we propose the “mutualistic coevolution hypothesis”, which posits that horses and humans have evolved a partnership marked by cooperation rather than fear. We critically assess the “prey hypothesis”, emphasizing a predator–prey model, which dominates equine training and the literature, and we argue that it inadequately explains horses’ morphology, behaviors, and cognitive capacities. Comparative studies on horses’ socio-cognitive skills suggest that domestication has fostered emotional, behavioral, and cognitive adaptations supporting a human–horse bond. This review examines evidence from archaeological findings and experimental research on horses’ responsiveness to human gestures, emotions, and social cues, underscoring their complex cognition and capacity for collaboration. Furthermore, morphological and behavioral analyses reveal inconsistencies in using orbital orientation or predation-related traits as evidence for categorizing horses as prey species. By emphasizing the coevolutionary dynamics underlying human–horse interactions, we advocate for replacing traditional training models centered on fear and submission with approaches that leverage horses’ mutualistic and social nature. This perspective offers insights for enhancing horse welfare and improving human–equine relationships. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition: Research on the Human–Companion Animal Relationship)
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12 pages, 3001 KiB  
Article
Sensitization to Horse Allergens—Molecular Analysis Based on the Results of Multiparameter Tests
by Tomasz Rosada, Kinga Lis, Zbigniew Bartuzi and Natalia Ukleja-Sokołowska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(4), 1447; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26041447 - 9 Feb 2025
Viewed by 785
Abstract
The domestic horse is the third most common source of animal allergens. Currently, five equine allergens have been classified (Equ c 1, 2, 3, 4, 6). Despite the apparently low exposure to allergens, equine allergy is still of great clinical importance. The aim [...] Read more.
The domestic horse is the third most common source of animal allergens. Currently, five equine allergens have been classified (Equ c 1, 2, 3, 4, 6). Despite the apparently low exposure to allergens, equine allergy is still of great clinical importance. The aim of the study was to analyze equine allergy based on the results of ImmunoCAP ISAC and Allergy Xplorer ALEX tests. The study was retrospective. A total of 1553 patients were analyzed. Immunological tests were performed using the ImmunoCAP ISAC and Allergy Xplorer ALEX systems. From all the results, those with a positive result for at least one horse allergen were selected for further analysis. Horse allergy was found in 9% of subjects by the ImmunoCAP ISAC and in 10% by the Allergy Xplorer ALEX system. In both tests, sIgE for Equ c 1 was most frequently found. Horse allergy was very often accompanied by allergy to other animals. Monosensitization to horse was found only in the ImmunoCAP ISAC tests (0.2% of the population). In the ImmunoCAP ISAC tests, a correlation was found between Equ c 1 and Can f 1, Can f 2, Can f 5, Fel d 1, Fel d 4, Mus m1 and Can f 3; with increasing sIgE concentrations for the allergen Equ c 1, the results for the remaining correlated allergens increased. Horse allergy is a common clinical problem. Equ c 1 is the major horse allergen. Monosensitization to horse is rare. The present study is the first to present analyses of sIgE concentrations for horse allergens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Immunology)
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