Search Results (525)

Introduction: Given the impact of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) on patients’ health, preclinical research is substantial to understand its pathophysiology and improve treatment strategies, which necessitates reliable and comprehensive animal models. Traditionally, aSAH models utilize iliac or subclavian access for angiography, requiring invasive procedures that are associated with significant risks and animal burden. This pilot study explores a less invasive method of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) by using the auricular artery (AA) as an alternative access point. Our aim was to demonstrate the feasibility of this refined technique, with the intention of reducing procedural risks, providing shorter operation times with enhanced neurological recovery, and simplifying the process for both researchers and animals. Materials and Methods: In this study, six female New Zealand white rabbits (3.2–4.1 kg body weight) underwent experimental induction of aSAH via a subclavian-cisternal shunt. The initial steps of this procedure followed traditional techniques, consisting of subclavian access through microsurgical preparation, followed by DSA to analyze retrograde filling of the basilar artery (BA). To evaluate the alternative method, on day 3 after induction of aSAH, DSA was performed via the AA instead of the traditional subclavian or femoral access. A catheter was placed in the AA to allow retrograde filling of the BA. This approach aimed to simplify the procedure while maintaining comparable imaging quality. Results: All rabbits survived until the study endpoint. Postoperatively, two rabbits showed signs of hemisyndrome, which significantly improved by the time of follow-up. No additional morbidities were observed. Upon euthanasia and necropsy, all animals showed clear subarachnoid bleeding patterns. DSA via the AA produced strong contrasting of the BA comparable to the traditional method. Conclusions: This technical note presents an initial evaluation of AA access as a feasible and potentially advantageous method for DSA in a rabbit model of blood shunt subarachnoid hemorrhage. The method shows promise in reducing invasiveness and procedural complexity, but further studies are required to fully establish its efficacy and safety. Future research should focus on expanding the sample size, refining the anatomical understanding of the AA, and continuing to align with ethical considerations regarding animal welfare. Full article

Environmental enrichment is essential for promoting species-specific behaviors and enhancing the welfare of zoo-housed animals. This study examined the behavioral responses of two juvenile male binturongs (Arctictis binturong) at the Minnesota Zoo to three enrichment stimuli: lavender oil (olfactory), thawed fish (olfactory and dietary), and hard-boiled egg (olfactory and dietary). Their behaviors were recorded using scan sampling before and after enrichment exposure, focusing on locomotion, foraging, resting, and visitor visibility. Food-based enrichments, particularly the hard-boiled egg, significantly increased foraging behavior, while lavender oil and thawed fish produced minimal behavioral changes. Locomotion and visibility remained stable across the conditions, although a slight increase in resting was observed with lavender oil. No evidence of scent-marking disruption was noted, and individual differences appeared to influence inactivity levels. These findings highlight the potential of biologically relevant, food-based enrichment to stimulate natural behaviors in binturongs and emphasize the importance of species-specific enrichment strategies. Future research should explore a broader range of olfactory cues, assess long-term behavioral responses, and incorporate physiological measures to further evaluate enrichment impacts on binturong welfare. Full article

As dogs are often required to be leashed in public, guardians need to choose between various restraint devices. While using collars typically considered aversive (such as choke, prong, or electric collars) is generally discouraged due to welfare concerns, guidance is less clear when it comes to selecting among other devices such as collars, harnesses, and head collars. This review examined 21 full-text articles and two abstracts on the effects of commonly used restraint devices, aiming to offer practical guidance for guardians and identifying areas for future research. The impact of these devices was examined in terms of walking kinematics, pressure distribution on the body, and behavioural signs of stress. The findings suggest there is no one-size-fits-all device, and selection should consider the individual needs of guardian and dog. For dogs that pull, non-tightening front-clip harnesses appear to offer the best balance between discomfort and reduction in pulling. Tightening harnesses, martingale collars, and head collars can pose greater discomfort and should be used with caution. For brachycephalic breeds or when pulling is not a concern, back-clip harnesses are suitable, especially chest-strap or Y-shaped ones. Flat collars are also appropriate for dogs that do not pull as they produce the least body restriction. Full article

Staphylococcus aureus frequently causes intramammary infections in dairy cows (bovine mastitis), which impair animal welfare, milk yield, and food safety. This study determined the prevalence and genetic diversity of S. aureus in bulk tank milk (BTM) samples from community-based Alpine dairy pastures in Tyrol, a major milk-producing region in Austria. Throughout the 2023 Alpine season (May–September), 60.3% (94/156) of BTM samples tested positive for S. aureus at least once over the course of up to four samplings. A total of 140 isolates collected from the 94 S. aureus-positive community-based Alpine dairy pastures revealed 33 distinct spa types, with t2953 (n = 33), t529 (n = 12), t267 (n = 11), and t024 (n = 10) being the most common. Selected isolates representing the different spa types were characterised by DNA microarray-based genotyping, multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Isolates with spa types associated with bovine-adapted CC8 (CC8bov/GTB) were identified as the most common subtype, being detected in BTM samples from 35.3% (55/156) of the pastures. This emphasises the high prevalence of this subtype in dairy herds across European Alpine countries. Other common bovine-associated subtypes were also detected, including CC97, CC151, and CC479. While antimicrobial resistance was rare, enterotoxin-producing genes were detected in all CC8bov-associated spa types. Overall, these findings underscore the importance of rigorous hygiene practices in dairy farming, particularly in community-based Alpine dairy pastures, where the risk of transmission is particularly high. It also emphasises the need for continued surveillance and subtyping to improve animal health, ensure food safety, and promote sustainable milk production. Full article

Reproductive efficiency is a critical determinant of productivity and profitability in sheep farming. Traditional selection methods have largely relied on phenotypic traits and historical reproductive records, which are often limited by subjectivity and delayed feedback. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), including video tracking, wearable sensors, and machine learning (ML) algorithms, offer new opportunities to identify behavior-based indicators linked to key reproductive traits such as estrus, lambing, and maternal behavior. This review synthesizes the current research on AI-powered behavioral monitoring tools and proposes a conceptual model, ReproBehaviorNet, that maps age- and sex-specific behaviors to biological processes and AI applications, supporting real-time decision-making in both intensive and semi-intensive systems. The integration of accelerometers, GPS systems, and computer vision models enables continuous, non-invasive monitoring, leading to earlier detection of reproductive events and greater breeding precision. However, the implementation of such technologies also presents challenges, including the need for high-quality data, a costly infrastructure, and technical expertise that may limit access for small-scale producers. Despite these barriers, AI-assisted behavioral phenotyping has the potential to improve genetic progress, animal welfare, and sustainability. Interdisciplinary collaboration and responsible innovation are essential to ensure the equitable and effective adoption of these technologies in diverse farming contexts. Full article

The Argentine Campero-INTA slow-growing chicken, a widely used breed in family poultry farming, faces high coccidiosis prevalence, impairing productivity. Control often relies on management and drugs due to vaccination costs. This pilot study assessed the breed’s susceptibility to local Eimeria and the impact of good animal welfare practices (AWPs) and an organic fermented additive, locally produced, combined with AWPs (OF-AWPs). Two trials evaluated productive (body weight gain and feed conversion), infection (oocyst excretion and lesion score), and histopathological parameters (villus height and crypt depth). The productivity (PI) and anticoccidial (ACI) indexes were calculated. Metagenomic analysis of the additive was also conducted. Mild to moderate coccidiosis significantly reduced PI (7.99–16.83 vs. 29.29 in unchallenged controls). In the second trial, AWPs showed good anticoccidial efficacy (ACI 173.9), while OF-AWPs demonstrated high efficacy, especially in birds of 28 days (ACI 180.6), improving productive parameters, reducing oocyst shedding, and enhancing the villus height to crypt depth ratio. Over a 75-day cycle, the OF-AWP increased the PI by 24.44% compared to untreated chickens (108.8 vs. 87.43). Lactic acid bacteria were the main component of the organic fermented additive. This research highlights the potential of an agroecological strategy to manage coccidiosis in Campero-INTA chickens. Full article

Rural agricultural markets face unique challenges, yet neuromarketing applications in this sector are understudied. This systematic review investigates how neuroscience has been applied to shape marketing narratives for rural agricultural producers. The objectives were to catalog relevant studies, identify key themes using inductive thematic synthesis, and derive practical implications for rural marketing strategy and future research. We systematically searched English-language, peer-reviewed studies published between 2016 and 2024 across multiple academic databases, following PRISMA guidelines. Two independent reviewers screened the records, resulting in the inclusion of 20 studies. Key data from each study were extracted and synthesized using an inductive thematic analysis approach. The synthesis revealed several recurrent findings. First, in terms of social and community context, farmers showed greater trust and engagement with familiar local buyers than with distant corporations, indicating that local relationships strongly influence producer behavior. Second, regarding product and narrative attributes, marketing narratives that emphasized local provenance, organic or sustainable production, and ethical values such as animal welfare and environmental sustainability resonated strongly with rural consumers. Third, sensory and emotional cues particularly visual elements and storytelling techniques including color, imagery, and packaging design consistently enhanced consumer attention and engagement. Overall, these neuroscience-informed themes suggest that marketing narratives emphasizing authenticity, trust-building, and community values can effectively strengthen rural agricultural marketing. This review provides neuroscience-informed interpretations of key rural marketing challenges, drawing on dual-process theory and consumer decision models for applying neuromarketing insights in this context. Practically, rural producers can leverage these findings by designing marketing messages and packaging that highlight local identity and ethical values, thereby building consumer trust and loyalty. The review also highlights gaps such as the need for more field-based neuromarketing studies and suggests directions for future research, offering guidance for both scholars and practitioners working at the intersection of neuroscience and rural consumer behavior. Full article

Modern pig production must balance efficiency, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability while embracing circular bioeconomy principles. This review critically examines the scientific literature from the past decade, focusing on the environmental impacts of pig farming, animal welfare considerations, and circular bioeconomy strategies. Key challenges include the ethical treatment of pigs, regulatory frameworks, and the sector’s contribution to climate change through emissions and resource use. Sustainable pig farming relies on innovative housing systems, welfare-oriented management practices, and legislative measures that improve animal welfare. Moreover, integrating circular bioeconomy strategies, which include manure management for biogas production, alternative feed ingredients, and wastewater recycling, enhances resource efficiency while reducing environmental footprints. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies provide insight into the environmental impacts of different production systems, guiding policymakers and producers toward more sustainable practices. Despite these advances, further research is needed to optimize feed alternatives, improve manure treatment technologies, and explain how to improve animal welfare standards. This review highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in achieving sustainable pig farming and underscores the need for continued innovation in aligning productivity and environmental aims. Full article

Animal health strategies in rural Colombia face significant challenges due to a gap between institutional technical approaches and the sociocultural contexts of local communities. This study examines the social representations of animal health and welfare among small- and medium-scale livestock producers in rural Huila. Through a qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews were applied and focus groups were conducted in different municipalities with the objective of contrasting and enriching the findings obtained in the interviews. In total, the perceptions, knowledge, and practices of 263 small and medium livestock producers from 23 municipalities in Huila were explored with respect to animal vaccination campaigns and healthcare in rural settings. Findings indicate that health management is shaped not only by technical protocols but also by cultural values, collective imaginaries, and symbolic relationships with animals. Representations of animal welfare are diverse—ranging from emotional and economic to preventive and communal perspectives—and often diverge from scientific–technological frameworks. These differences influence the level of community adherence to national animal health programs. The study highlights the limitations of top–down approaches and underscores the need to incorporate local knowledge and practices into policy design. It concludes that promoting sustainable livestock farming requires acknowledging these varied representations, fostering intercultural dialogue, and adopting a territorial approach to integrated health. Recognising the sociocultural dimensions of animal care is essential for developing effective, inclusive, and context-sensitive animal health strategies. Full article

The buffalo species (Bubalus bubalis) is crucial for the global economy, supplying high-nutritional-value animal proteins vital for children’s growth. These animals efficiently convert fiber into energy and thrive in various harsh environments, from frigid climates to hot, humid areas, including wetlands. They produce milk and meat while supporting the sustainability of ecosystems that other ruminants cannot inhabit. Buffalo offers a unique opportunity to supply resources for both rural communities and larger farms located in specific regions, such as marshlands and humid savannahs. They also thrive on extensive pastures and family farms, thus preserving biodiversity, habitats, and cultural practices. Intensive farming brings distinct challenges and is often criticized for its negative effects on climate change. To counter these impacts, multiple strategies have been researched and implemented. These include enhancing livestock genetics, adopting sustainable agricultural practices, optimizing local feed resources (including by-products), managing manure (with an emphasis on renewable energy), and improving animal health and welfare. This review explores various buffalo farming system applications in different global contexts. It is based on the hypothesis that the adaptable traits of buffalo, as well as the environmental and economic challenges that must be addressed for sustainability, are the key factors in determining the viability of such enterprises. Full article

The issue of stray cats and dogs is a global concern with considerable implications for animal welfare and public health. This review aims to provide an updated and comprehensive analysis of non-surgical contraceptive methods tested in studies controlled in vivo in feline and canine females. Immunocontraception via vaccination against gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), the luteinizing hormone receptor, zona pellucida proteins, and sperm, or use of viral-vectored delivery, is yet developing. Hormonal treatment (progestins, androgens, or GnRH) analogs act directly to block the reproductive axis. However, it produced essential side effects. Analogs of kisspeptin, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs such as firocoxib, and delivery of cytotoxins to the pituitary have shown non-conclusive results. Additional methods have also been tested, such as intraovarian injection of necrosing compounds or intravaginal and intrauterine devices. At present, neither of these methods offers permanent sterility that can replace surgical sterilization techniques. To our knowledge, none are currently authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for contraceptive methods or sterilization of cats or dogs. Therefore, it is necessary to continue the development of a compound that warrants the sterility of cats and dogs. Full article

The accelerated growth of older adults (the over-65s) in Italy fits within the context of the complex, hybrid nature of the pension system and the welfare benefits financed by tax revenues, which often overlap. As a result, older adults are experiencing growing inequalities in living and health conditions across the three Italian macro-areas (the North, Centre, and South and Islands), as well as between genders. This study aims to examine the sustained growth of older adults in Italy, with a particular emphasis on their most vulnerable segment—i.e., the over-85s. Drawing on mortality trends and the consequent increases in life expectancy at advanced ages, through indicators of mortality and life expectancy, the analysis explores how variations in the structure and distribution of pension benefits have produced significant territorial disparities. These disparities have, in turn, contributed to widening inequalities in household living conditions, especially regarding access to social assistance and long-term care services. Full article

Rising global temperatures driven by climate change have markedly increased the incidence of heat stress (HS) in monogastric livestock, posing critical challenges to animal welfare, health and productivity. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the physiological and metabolic responses to HS in species such as poultry and swine. It details both the rapid thermoregulatory adaptations, including increased respiratory rate and peripheral vasodilation, and the sustained activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis that elevates stress hormone levels. Chronic heat exposure disrupts immune function, induces oxidative stress via excessive reactive oxygen species production, and shifts metabolic balance from anabolic to catabolic processes, thereby impairing muscle development and compromising carcass composition. In response, a range of nutritional and management interventions, including antioxidant and osmolyte supplementation, dietary adjustments, enhanced housing designs, and genetic selection for heat tolerance, have been explored to mitigate these adverse effects. By integrating these multidisciplinary strategies, producers can improve animal welfare, sustain productivity, and preserve meat quality under escalating thermal challenges. The review further emphasizes the need for advanced monitoring technologies and precision livestock farming approaches to develop resilient, adaptive production systems in an era of climate uncertainty. Full article

The sustainable growth of finfish farming relies heavily on reducing the high ecological footprint of sourcing and producing fish feeds that accounts for almost 50% of the total ecological footprint of finfish farming. Sustainable alternatives to fishmeal often pose challenges due to the presence of antinutritional factors and nutrient imbalances that impair fish health and growth. Screening for alternative nutrient sources and adapting to global commodity fluctuations requires modern tools that can predict the physiological responses of fish early and reliably. The present study explores for the first time the potential of fish red blood cell (RBC) transcriptome as a minimally invasive biomarker of physiological responses in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) fed either a fishmeal-based (FM) or a plant-protein-based (PP) diet. Blood samples were collected at multiple time points (15, 20, and 30 days post-diet initiation) from genetically diverse full-sib families reared under commercial conditions, integrating transcriptomic analysis with long-term growth assessments. Differential gene expression analysis revealed significant dietary effects on oxidative phosphorylation, ribosomal capacity, and lipid metabolism pathways, highlighting metabolic plasticity and cellular adaptations to plant-based feeds. The downregulation of oxidative phosphorylation genes suggests a metabolic shift in response to altered nutrient composition, while ribosomal pathway modulation indicates potential constraints on protein synthesis. These transcriptomic shifts, conserved across two independent experiments, reinforce the utility of RBCs as a real-time indicator of fish physiological status, offering a tool for monitoring dietary impacts and optimizing feed formulations. Such insights are essential for advancing sustainable, nutritionally balanced aquaculture feeds that support fish welfare and productivity. The minimally invasive sample collection respects the 3Rs (Reduce, Refine, Replace) principle in animal experimentation and allows for frequent screening and generation of refined data. Full article

Gastrointestinal health is critical to the productivity and welfare of pigs. The transition from milk to plant-based feeds represents an intestinal challenge at wean that can result in dysbiosis and pathogen susceptibility. Prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) are non-digestible carbohydrates that can reach the hind gut to promote gut health, either by enhancing the abundance of beneficial members of the intestinal microbiota or via direct interaction with the gut epithelium. Amongst the changes in the intestinal microbiota, GOS and XOS promote populations of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria of the genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus. SCFAs benefit the host by providing nutritional support for the gut, enhance intestinal barrier function and regulate inflammatory responses. By modifying the indigenous microbiota, prebiotics offer a sustainable alternative to the use of antimicrobial growth promoters that have led to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance and represent a growing threat to public health. This review examines microbial and cellular mechanisms whereby prebiotic feed supplements can support the development of a diverse and robust microbiota associated with a healthy and productive digestive system over the lifetime of the animal, and which is in sharp contrast to the development of dysbiosis often associated with existing antimicrobial treatments. The application of prebiotic feed supplements should be tailored to their modes of action and the developmental challenges in production, such as the provision of GOS to late gestational sows, GOS and XOS to pre-weaning piglets and GOS and XOS to growing/fattening pigs. Full article