Search Results (1,364)

In vitro capacitation of boar spermatozoa remains highly variable among laboratories due to differences in media composition, incubation conditions, and previous semen handling. Since capacitation is a dynamic process, identifying how different media modulate specific sperm responses over time is crucial to improving the standardization of porcine in vitro fertilization protocols. This study evaluated the temporal dynamics of membrane lipid disorder, acrosomal integrity, mitochondrial activity, and motility patterns in response to different media. Commercial boar semen doses were centrifuged and resuspended in a non-capacitating control solution or in three capacitation media differing mainly in bicarbonate, caffeine, and energy substrate composition, and evaluated every 15 min using flow cytometry and computer-assisted semen analysis at 38 °C for up to 2 h. Media containing higher bicarbonate and caffeine concentrations induced rapid membrane lipid destabilization and increased acrosomal exocytosis during the initial incubation period. Subsequently, these changes were accompanied by a more rapid decline in cell viability over time. In contrast, the medium containing lower bicarbonate together with lactate and pyruvate preserved higher viability, mitochondrial activity, and a more sustained, linear movement pattern (higher linearity and straightness). Interestingly, training-associated responses were detected immediately at time 0, suggesting that semen storage conditions may prime spermatozoa before incubation. Overall, medium composition and pre-treatment handling conditions should both be considered when standardizing porcine reproductive technologies. Full article

Background: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease causing substantial economic losses in livestock. Conventional intramuscular (IM) vaccination is widely used for FMD control but may be associated with transient reductions in milk production. This study evaluated whether intradermal (ID) vaccination could induce comparable immune responses and protection while minimizing potential impacts on productivity. Methods: In cattle, the immunogenicity of an experimental bivalent ID vaccine was compared with that of a commercially available IM vaccine by measuring antibody responses for up to 140 days post-vaccination (dpv). Milk production was monitored for 7 dpv in a separate cohort of lactating cattle. Protective efficacy was evaluated in goats following ID vaccination and challenge with a 2025 Republic of Korea serotype O field isolate (O/ME-SA/Ind-2001). Results: ID vaccination induced humoral immune responses comparable to those elicited by IM vaccination throughout the 140-day observation period. Although no statistically significant difference in milk production was observed, the ID group showed a smaller numerical reduction in milk yield. Following viral challenge, ID-vaccinated goats developed rapid neutralizing antibody responses, exhibited no clinical signs, and showed lower viral RNA levels than unvaccinated controls. Conclusions: Intradermal vaccination induced long-lasting immune responses comparable to conventional IM vaccination, was associated with a smaller numerical reduction in milk yield, and protected goats against challenge with a contemporary FMDV field isolate. These findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the potential of ID vaccination as an alternative strategy for FMD control in ruminants and warrant further comparative studies with conventional IM vaccination. Full article

Tail inflammation and necrosis in dairy cows are increasingly reported, yet the early stages of their development and dynamics remain unclear. We conducted a longitudinal study to characterize the macroscopic pathogenesis of tail lesions throughout the entire lactation period to identify the initial stages and vulnerable phases of lactation. Fifty-one cows were examined weekly. We scored the distal spineless tail for bloody lesions. Change point analysis and first-order Markov chains were used to describe the timing and transitions probabilities. Overall, 60.8% of the cows developed at least one bloody lesion, with 49.0% experiencing lacerations and 25.5% undergoing autoamputation. On average, autoamputation shortened tails by 4.0 cm. Three progression types were identified: laceration with healing and preservation of the tip, autoamputation after laceration and spontaneous autoamputation. Regarding the frequency of occurrence, 65.5% began as bloody lacerations and healed in 93.2% of cases. Of these, 4.0% progressed to autoamputation, 12.7% underwent spontaneous autoamputation from an intact tip. Significant changes in lesion severity occurred in lactation weeks 8 and 40. These patterns are consistent with an endogenous microcirculatory mechanism and support the hypothesis that tail inflammation and necrosis may represent a manifestation of Bovine Inflammation and Necrosis Syndrome. Full article

The current study evaluated the effects of different levels of inclusion of ensiled pomegranate by-product (PS: 0, 5, 10, and 15% DM) into the diet of lactating dairy goats on production performance and metabolic status. Seventy-two Murciano-Granadina goats were used and balanced split into the four treatments (18 goats/treatment × 4 treatments) and also distributed into two homogeneous batches per treatment to record diet and water ingestion at batch level, according to individual variables (milk yield, body weight, SCC, and parity) obtained in a pre-experimental sampling, when all the variables at the individual (milk yield and composition, body weight, blood) and batch level (DM and water intake) were recorded. Later, the feeding trial was started and conducted for 8 weeks, with body weight, milk yield, and milk composition—fat, crude protein, lactose, milk urea, somatic cell count (SCC)—recorded biweekly. Water intake (WI) and dry matter intake (DMI) were registered weekly over 2 consecutive days. Physiological and oxidative status were reviewed through hemogram, serum biochemical profile, and plasma antioxidant activity at the last sampling. Individual level variables were analyzed using mixed linear models with repeated measures, including diet, sampling, and their interaction as fixed effects, the covariate in the pre-experimental sampling, and the animal and the batch nested to diet as the random effects (PROC GLIMMIX, SAS v9.4). Additionally, observed means and standard deviations of WI and DMI were recorded. The results showed that milk yield and its composition were not significantly (p > 0.05) affected by up to 15 PS inclusion. The statistical differences observed in the hematological and plasma biochemical profiles, as well as in the antioxidant activity, had no practical relevance, as all measured values remained within the established physiological reference ranges. In conclusion, PS can be added to dairy goats diet up to 15% with no evidence of negative effects on production and animal physio-metabolic response during the study period, although longer trials considering complete lactation periods are needed to corroborate these findings. Full article

Background: Tetranectin (TN) is a protein that plays a role in tissue remodeling. In adults with heart failure, TN has a better prognostic value compared to B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). We aimed to examine changes in TN in neonates following the Norwood operation and explore its prognostic value. Methods: Retrospective observational pilot cohort study in a tertiary pediatric cardiac intensive care unit. Neonates who underwent the Norwood procedure and had stored plasma samples in our biorepository were screened for inclusion. TN and BNP levels were measured by ELISA at five different time points in relation to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in 26 neonates who met the inclusion criteria. The primary outcomes were time to lactate clearance and duration of inotropic support. Results: Univariate analysis showed that higher TN levels at 0 and 4 h were associated with a longer duration of inotropic support. Logistic regression analyses comparing TN levels at different time points with duration of inotropic support showed that TN level at 4 h post-CPB was a significant predictor (p = 0.04) for a longer duration of inotropic support with an AUC of 0.876. Conclusions: In this pilot cohort, higher observed TN concentrations in the early post-operative period were associated with longer duration of inotropic support. TN was not found to be significantly associated with time to lactate clearance. These exploratory findings require validation in larger prospective studies before TN can be considered for clinical prognostication. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of precision dietary crude protein (CP) reduction through corn dust substitution for soybean meal on lactational performance, milk fatty acid composition, and antioxidant status in mid-lactation dairy cows. Six Holstein Friesian cows were assigned to a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with three 28-day periods and fed total mixed rations containing 17.40% (TMR17), 16.29% (TMR16), or 15.18% CP (TMR15). Forage was maintained at 40% of dietary dry matter. Dry matter intake and plasma metabolites were unaffected by dietary treatment (p > 0.05). However, apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein declined significantly (p < 0.05), while acid detergent fiber digestibility showed a linear downward tendency (p = 0.06). Actual milk yield, lactose yield, and solids-not-fat (SNF) yield were unaffected by treatments (p > 0.05), but milk protein percentage decreased linearly (p = 0.01) as dietary CP declined. Body weight change also tended to decline (p = 0.09), suggestive of possible increased body reserve mobilization, although this was not confirmed with body condition score or direct metabolic indicators. Milk urea nitrogen decreased linearly (p = 0.05), which suggested improved nitrogen utilization. Plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, GSH-Px activity, and total antioxidant capacity were not significantly modified (p > 0.05); however, plasma DPPH radical scavenging capacity increased linearly with higher protein levels (p = 0.01; Trt: p = 0.02). Conversely, TMR15 improved milk lipid quality by significantly increasing monounsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.03; Trt: p = 0.05), particularly oleic acid (p = 0.05), whereas total saturated fatty acids remained unchanged (p = 0.55). Overall, reducing dietary CP improved MUFA proportions and nitrogen efficiency but decreased milk protein percentage and plasma DPPH antioxidant protection, highlighting a trade-off between production performance, animal health, and milk quality. Full article

Identifying physiological changes during the transition period is essential for improving the health and productivity of dairy goats. This study evaluated hematological, biochemical, hormonal, oxidative stress, and molecular alterations in Shami goats during the pre-pregnancy, late pregnancy, and early lactation periods. Eighty clinically healthy goats were examined, and blood samples were analyzed for hematological indices, metabolic and hormonal profiles, oxidative stress biomarkers, and relative expression of genes associated with energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, inflammation, and autophagy. Late pregnancy was characterized by significant (p < 0.05) increases in red blood cell count (RBCs), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), neutrophils, albumin, globulin, urea, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I), and malondialdehyde (MDA), accompanied by decreased glucose, cholesterol, total protein (TP), antioxidant markers, total leukocyte count, packed cell volume, and monocytes. Early lactation was associated with higher non-esterified fatty acid, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) levels. Genes involved in lipid mobilization and oxidation, ketogenesis, inflammation, cellular stress, and autophagy; sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARA), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (CPT1A), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme a synthase 2 (HMGCS2), cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), lipase E (LIPE), protein kinase amp-activated catalytic subunit alpha 1 (PRKAA1), solute carrier family 2 member 1 (SLC2A1), haptoglobin (HP), interleukin 6 (IL6), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), beclin 1 (BECN1), and autophagy-related protein 5 (ATG5) were significantly upregulated, whereas antioxidant- and glucose transport-related genes nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), catalase (CAT), thioredoxin (TXN), and solute carrier family 2 member 4 (SLC2A4) were downregulated during the transition period. The results indicate well-orchestrated metabolic and molecular adaptations that can be employed as biological indicators to track the physiological status of Shami goats. These findings fulfilled the study objective and identified potential biomarkers of the transition period in Shami goats. Full article

This study evaluated the impact of fermented palm kernel meal (FPKM) on the lactation performance, blood biochemical indices, rumen microbiota, and metabolic functions of Holstein dairy cows, aiming to enhance the nutritional value of palm kernel meal (PKM) through solid-state fermentation. A 3 × 3 Latin square design was used, involving 12 multiparous Holstein cows (parity = 3; body weight = 625 ± 25.8 kg; days in milk = 103 ± 19.6 day(s); milk yield = 32.6 ± 1.58 kg/d) over three 28-day periods. Cows were randomly assigned to three isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets: a basal diet with wheat bran (WB group), a diet with wheat bran replaced by PKM (PKM group), and a diet with wheat bran replaced by FPKM (FPKM group). Solid-state fermentation improved PKM’s nutritional profile by reducing fiber and β-mannan content while increasing protein availability and ruminal degradability. Compared to the WB group, the PKM group showed lower dry matter intake, milk yield, and nutrient digestibility. In contrast, the FPKM group had higher DMI and milk yield than the PKM group, improved nutrient digestibility, and the highest energy-corrected milk yield due to increased milk protein and lactose production. The FPKM group also had higher concentrations of total volatile fatty acids, propionate, acetate, and microbial protein synthesis than the PKM group. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-8) were elevated in the PKM group but were reduced to levels similar to the WB group in the FPKM group. Plasma immunoglobulin G levels were higher in both the FPKM and WB groups compared to the PKM group. The FPKM group also showed increased relative abundances of Prevotella, Fibrobacterota, and Verrucomicrobiota, while Bacillota and Ruminococcus were reduced compared to the WB group. Metabolomic profiling revealed that FPKM upregulated energy metabolism and inflammation-related pathways, increasing metabolites such as riboflavin and adenine and decreasing succinic acid and guanine compared to the PKM group. In conclusion, FPKM improved the feeding value of PKM-based material and showed more favorable responses than PKM, with generally comparable responses to WB, supporting its potential as an alternative feed ingredient for lactating dairy cows. Full article

Raw and fermented Astragalus membranaceus (AM) serve promising herbal additives for small ruminants, yet their integrated regulatory functions across lactating ewes and suckling lambs are insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to elucidate how dietary supplementation with raw and fermented Astragalus membranaceus modulates ruminal microbial communities, circulating metabolites, redox homeostasis, and lactation performance in postpartum Turpan black ewes, and to characterize the consequent effects on immune development and body weight gain in their offspring. The findings are intended to inform evidence-based strategies for herbal supplementation in sheep production. Forty-five postpartum Turpan black ewes were randomly allocated to three groups (n = 15): control (basal diet), AM and FAM groups. Ewe plasma, rumen fluid, milk yield, milk composition and serum antioxidant indices were sampled periodically. Lamb body weight, plasma antioxidants, immunoglobulins, growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were measured every 15 days. Rumen 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted plasma metabolomics were performed on day 45 post-partum. The group of FAM significantly increased milk yield (p < 0.05) and markedly improved total antioxidant capacity in ewes (p < 0.01). In the AM group, metabolites such as linoleic acid were significantly downregulated (p < 0.05), with enrichment in the linoleic acid metabolism pathway, while flavonoid metabolites, including quercetin 4′-isobutyrate, were strongly upregulated (p < 0.01). In the FAM group, tetradecanoic acid, palmitoleic acid, and related metabolites were significantly reduced (p < 0.05), and these differential metabolites showed significant enrichment in fatty acid biosynthesis (p < 0.05). Flavonoid compounds represented by melilotocarpan E were also significantly upregulated (p < 0.05). Rumen microbial diversity was significantly higher in the FAM group (p < 0.05). At the genus level, the FAM group showed enrichment of fiber-degrading bacteria, including Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, unclassified_Muribaculaceae, and unclassified_F082. In newborn lambs, plasma GH and IGF-1 levels increased markedly in both the FAM and AM groups (p < 0.01). In the FAM group, immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations were also markedly elevated (p < 0.01). In addition, lambs in the FAM group exhibited substantially higher plasma catalase (CAT) activity and nitric oxide (NO) concentration (p < 0.01), whereas plasma total antioxidant capacity was significantly lower (p < 0.01). In conclusion, AM and FAM supplementation increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, regulated fatty acid synthesis through modulation of plasma metabolites, enhanced antioxidant capacity in ewes, increased milk fat percentage, and improved immune function, antioxidant status, and growth performance in lambs. To provide a theoretical basis and data support for its application in ewes after lambing and for improving the growth and development of lambs. Overall, FAM produced superior effect. Full article

Background: Recovery between repeated high-intensity efforts is essential to limit fatigue and performance decline in soccer. This study examined the effects of cold water immersion (CWI), foam rolling (FR), and passive recovery during a 15 min interval between two 5 m shuttle run tests (5mSRTs) on physical performance, perceptual responses, and biochemical markers of muscle damage and inflammation. Methods: Fifteen soccer players (age: 22.6 ± 2.03 years) completed passive recovery, FR, and lower-body CWI at 15 °C in a randomized crossover design. Creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), aspartate transaminase (AST), delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and belief questionnaire scores were assessed before the first 5mSRT and immediately after, and then 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after the second 5mSRT. Results: Between the first and the second 5mSRT, TD remained unchanged following CWI (p = 0.21), whereas significant decreases were observed following passive recovery (p = 0.025) and FR (p = 0.028). Also, BD decreased after passive recovery (p = 0.03). At 48 h, CWI elicited lower CK (p = 0.01) and LDH (p = 0.003) than passive recovery, whereas FR resulted in lower AST concentrations (p = 0.01). Participants reported higher belief scores following CWI and FR than passive recovery throughout the recovery period (p < 0.05). No between-condition differences were observed for FI, PD, RPE, DOMS, or CRP (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: CWI may help preserve repeated-running performance and attenuate selected markers of muscle damage following repeated high-intensity intermittent exercise in soccer players, whereas FR demonstrated only limited physiological effects. Full article

A study was carried out to evaluate the within-session grazing dynamics on bite mass, number of bites and herbage intake in dairy cows, combining acoustic detection of prehension events with hand-plucking estimates of bite mass. Nine lactating cows were managed under a part-time grazing system, with animals allowed access to pasture for 5 h per day. Measurements were conducted on four sampling days at 15-day intervals over a 2-month period. Measurements were taken at pasture entry and after 1, 2, 3, and 4 h of grazing. The number of prehensions during grazing was automatically detected from sound recordings using a custom-developed software tool. Hourly herbage intake was estimated as the product of hourly prehension number and estimated bite mass. Daily intake was also independently calculated from the difference between pre- and post-grazing herbage biomass. All measurements were aggregated at the hourly level to ensure temporal alignment among pasture characteristics, bite mass, and acoustic data. Intake was also independently estimated from biomass disappearance. A significant decrease in biomass (p = 0.025) and herbage height (p = 0.008) was observed during the grazing session. Bite mass was significantly affected by grazing hour (p = 0.008), showing a progressive decrease over time. Grazing hour also affected (p < 0.001) the number of prehensions and herbage intake both of which decreased progressively from the beginning to the end of the grazing session. The temporal decline in intake components may reflect both the progressive reduction in available herbage and a decreasing motivation to graze as satiety developed. Mean daily intake estimated from biomass disappearance and from the acoustic approach combined with hand-plucking was 10.71 ± 1.84 and 10.50 ± 2.25 kg DM/cow, respectively. These results suggest that the combined use of acoustic detection of prehensions and measured bite mass may provide a reliable and relatively easy-to-apply method for estimating individual herbage intake in short-duration grazing systems. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Endoscopic ureterocele incision is the preferred initial treatment for ureteroceles associated with duplex collecting systems due to its capability for rapid decompression via a minimally invasive technique with generally favorable outcomes among pediatric patients. However, the postoperative trajectory in children with solitary functioning renal units remains inadequately characterized. We present a severe, yet reversible, case of postrenal acute kidney injury (AKI) following endoscopic ureterocele incision in an infant with a contralateral multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK). This case emphasizes the pathophysiological implications of failed ureterocele decompression and the vital importance of rigorous postoperative monitoring. Case Presentation: A female infant with a right MCDK and a left duplex collecting system featuring an upper pole ureterocele underwent transurethral endoscopic incision due to progressive hydronephrosis. Within 24 h following surgery, the patient exhibited oliguria, oedema, worsening hydronephrosis, hyponatremia (125 mmol/L), metabolic acidosis, and increasing serum creatinine levels, indicative of postrenal AKI. Arterial blood gas analyses indicated severe renal-driven metabolic acidosis with bicarbonate levels of 13.9 mmol/L, accompanied by respiratory compensation and normal lactate levels. Imaging studies revealed deteriorating hydronephrosis of the upper and lower poles of the left kidney. Emergency open nephrostomy placement in the lower pole, after failed jj insertion in the lower pole ureteral orifice, resulted in the immediate restoration of urinary drainage and progressive biochemical recovery. The patient required a brief period of intensive care monitoring, followed by hospitalization in pediatric and urological departments. Longitudinal imaging demonstrated persistent but stable upper pole dilatation with preserved parenchyma. Definitive management was later achieved through right nephrectomy of the non-functioning MCDK. Conclusions: In patients with solitary functioning renal units, the endoscopic ureterocele incision may result in postoperative local oedema, potentially leading to clinically significant obstructive AKI. This case underscores the necessity for intensified surveillance and individualized postoperative management strategies in anatomically complex pediatric patients. Full article

Dairy production currently faces three converging challenges: the escalation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), rising global food demand, and stricter regulatory requirements for reducing enteric methane emissions. This review evaluates probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), metagenomic tools, and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-based synthetic biology for dairy cow microbiome engineering, applying a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 1–9 framework to assess the translational maturity of each strategy. The quantitative ranges below are from individual controlled or field studies unless indicated otherwise, and they represent the variation from study to study in different breeds, feeds, and stages of lactation, as well as in management systems. A systematic literature search was conducted across five major databases for the period 2020–2026. Applying the TRL framework revealed that conventional probiotics have reached field-ready maturity (TRL 7–8), boosting milk yield by 0.5–1.5 kg/d and lowering somatic cell counts by 20–40%. Calf gut maturation was found to be two to three weeks faster when FMT was used (TRL 5–6). Controlled conditions (TRL 2–3) showed a 10–20% reduction in methane emissions using engineered rumen bacteria (CRISPR). Intervention failures primarily stem from host-microbiome misalignment rather than microbial product design. The key translational gap is shifting from uniform herd-level to precision-guided individualized dosing. Standardized data infrastructure, regulatory frameworks for engineered biologics, and integration with precision livestock farming platforms are required to reduce antibiotic use and lower methane emissions within a One Health framework. Full article

Medical cannabis use is steadily increasing worldwide, including among pregnant and breastfeeding women. This Perspective provides an overview of current evidence regarding cannabis exposure during pregnancy and lactation and its implications for clinical decision-making. The available literature indicates relatively consistent evidence linking prenatal Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exposure with adverse perinatal outcomes, including reduced birth weight, increased risk of preterm delivery, and potential neurodevelopmental effects, although the findings remain heterogeneous and often confounded. In contrast, evidence regarding cannabis exposure during breastfeeding is sparse, and long-term infant outcomes associated with postnatal exposure through breast milk remain insufficiently characterized. Data on isolated cannabidiol (CBD) exposure during pregnancy and lactation are particularly limited, and most available evidence derives from preclinical studies or pharmacokinetic modeling rather than clinical outcome studies. Current recommendations from major health organizations uniformly advise avoiding cannabis and cannabinoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This Perspective highlights the need to interpret the evidence according to cannabinoid type, exposure period, route and pattern of use, and the distinction between recreational exposure and regulated medical use. Such distinctions are particularly important because evidence is relatively stronger for prenatal THC exposure, whereas data on CBD and lactational exposure remain limited and are derived largely from indirect clinical, pharmacokinetic, and preclinical sources. Within this evidence landscape, individualized clinical interpretation may be needed when exposure has already occurred, cessation is not immediately feasible, or maternal treatment decisions remain complex, while remaining anchored in current avoidance recommendations. Full article

The peripartum period in prolific ewes is associated with increased metabolic demands, and dietary lipid supplementation may increase the energy density of the prepartum diet. This study evaluated the effects of prepartum supplementation with alternative lipid matrices on the physicochemical characteristics and comprehensive fatty acid (FA) profiles of mature and transitional sheep milk. Thirty-two pregnant Olkuska ewes were randomly assigned to four cohorts (n = 8/group): Control (basal diet), flaxseed oil (low n-3/high n-6 variety; FO), black soldier fly larvae oil (BSFL oil), and Mix oil (2:1 ratio of FO to BSFL oil). Dietary treatments exerted no significant effects (p > 0.05) on transitional milk composition or lipid quality indices. In contrast, in mature milk, BSFL oil supplementation significantly increased milk fat content (6.09%) compared to the Control group (4.70%; p < 0.01). Furthermore, all oil treatments significantly reduced total saturated FAs (p < 0.01), while the BSFL oil and Mix oil supplementation significantly increased the monounsaturated FA fraction (p < 0.01). The differences, particularly the increase in cis-9, trans-11 CLA concentration and the significant reduction in both the atherogenic and thrombogenic indices (p < 0.01), were observed exclusively in mature milk. These findings suggest that the combination of sustainable insect lipids with high-linoleic plant oils may represent a viable strategy to transform sheep milk into a functional food with potential cardiovascular health benefits for consumers. These findings additionally indicate that prepartum lipid supplementation may exert a persistent carry-over effect into early lactation, influencing the fatty acid composition of mature sheep milk. Full article