Search Results (818)

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) remains endemic in southern Italy, particularly in Sicily, posing challenges for disease control and eradication. This study evaluated the diagnostic agreement between the intradermal tuberculin test (IDT), interferon-gamma release assay (IFN-γ), and post-mortem lesion detection in 1801 cattle from 44 herds in the province of Palermo during 2024–2025. Diagnostic agreement between IDT and IFN-γ was substantial in 2024 (κ = 0.731; 95% CI: 0.64–0.82; n = 991) and decreased to moderate in 2025 (κ = 0.453; 95% CI: 0.33–0.57; n = 572), reflecting a higher proportion of IFN-γ positive and inconclusive animals. An increase in inconclusive results for IFN-γ was observed in 2025, but the available data did not allow investigation of the factors underlying this difference. Agreement between ante-mortem tests and post-mortem lesion detection was poor in a selected subgroup of slaughtered animals, potentially subject to verification bias, highlighting the limitations of single diagnostic tools and the need for a complementary approach combining immunological and pathological methods. These findings support the interpretation of the complementary roles of IDT and IFN-γ within herd-level bTB surveillance, highlight the need for standardized protocols to manage inconclusive IFN-γ results, and underline the complementary contribution of post-mortem inspection within integrated surveillance strategies in endemic settings. Official confirmation of bovine tuberculosis relies on an integrated evaluation combining diagnostic results, post-mortem findings, and epidemiological investigations. Given the absence of a validated gold standard applicable to all animals in this observational dataset, the study was designed as a diagnostic agreement study rather than a formal accuracy assessment. Full article

Broiler litter quality is an important determinant of animal welfare, environmental conditions, and production efficiency. This study evaluated the effects of incorporating a biodegradable superabsorbent polymer (SAP) into chopped straw (CS) litter on broiler welfare, production performance, litter characteristics, environmental conditions, and meat quality. A total of 1000 Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly allocated to four treatments: a control group (CON) and three groups receiving SAP at 30, 60, or 100 g/m² in the pen (H30, H60, or H100). Birds were reared for 42 days under commercial conditions. Growth performance, welfare indicators, gaseous emissions, litter characteristics, slaughter traits, and breast muscle quality were assessed. SAP supplementation had no adverse effects on body weight, feed conversion ratio, mortality, slaughter performance, or meat quality. Although litter dry matter content was lower in the H60 and H100 due to the water-retention capacity, NH₃ concentration at the bird level was significantly reduced. SAP supplementation also improved selected animal welfare indicators, particularly by increasing the proportion of birds with score 0 of footpad dermatitis (FPD) from 46–59% to 69–79%. These findings indicate that biodegradable SAPs represent a promising litter amendment for improving broiler welfare and housing conditions without compromising production performance or meat quality. Full article

This study focused on dietary supplementation with flaxseed in fattening pigs to observe health benefits and important biological findings, including cell membrane integrity, proliferation, and angiogenesis. Animals received flaxseed for 6 or 3 weeks prior to slaughter. Pigs were divided into a control group (standard diet) and experimental groups F6 (6 weeks) and F3 (3 weeks), which received flaxseed in the feed. Spectroscopy followed by an electrophoretic method was used to study the levels of basic biochemical parameters, including LDH. Subsequently, gas chromatography revealed fatty acid concentrations in the pigs’ livers, and finally, immunohistochemical analysis was used to detect CD31 and PCNA antigens in the liver and jejunum. The highest weight gain was measured in the F6 group. After slaughter, blood samples revealed a decreased glucose level in the F6 group, maintained levels of basic biochemical parameters, and decreased concentrations of LDH in blood, heart, liver, and skeletal muscle extracts, thus improving cell membrane integrity. A long-term supplementation period led to better utilization of essential fatty acids, an improved n-6:n-3 ratio, and other atherogenic indices related to cardiovascular health. Flaxseed also affected the expression of CD31 and PCNA proteins in the liver and jejunum, mainly in the F6 group. Full article

This study investigated age- and sex-related variations in pituitary gonadotroph morphometry and serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations in 90 clinically healthy dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). Animals were grouped into three age categories (2–4, 5–10, and ≥11 years), with equal representation of males and females. The precise reproductive status of the female camels (e.g., estrous stage or pregnancy status) was not determined and should be considered when interpreting the endocrine findings. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed significant age- and sex-related differences in gonadotroph number and morphometric characteristics (p < 0.05). Gonadotroph counts were 8.3 ± 0.4, 9.4 ± 0.5, and 8.1 ± 0.4 cells in the 2–4, 5–10, and ≥11-year age groups, respectively, with males showing a higher overall count than females (9.1 ± 0.4 vs. 8.2 ± 0.3; p < 0.05). Overall cell size, cell area, cell volume, nucleus area, and nucleus volume were also greater in males than females (p < 0.05). The largest nucleus size, nucleus area, and nucleus volume were observed in camels ≥11 years of age, with values of 4.7 ± 0.1 µm, 18.5 ± 0.8 µm², and 60.3 ± 4.1 µm³, respectively. Ultrastructural analysis further showed a significant sex difference in granule size (58.0 ± 0.7 vs. 52.2 ± 0.8 nm) and granule percentage (56.2 ± 3.6 vs. 43.5 ± 3.3% in males and females, respectively; p < 0.05). Serum FSH concentrations were higher in males than females (4.8 ± 0.1 vs. 4.2 ± 0.1 µIU/mL; p < 0.05), whereas LH concentrations were 1.2 ± 0.1 and 1.2 ± 0.1 µIU/mL in males and females, respectively. LH concentration was highest in 5–10-year-old males (1.3 ± 0.2 µIU/mL), while FSH concentration was highest in ≥11-year-old males (4.8 ± 0.2 µIU/mL). Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated significant positive associations between gonadotroph morphometric parameters and circulating gonadotropins, with correlations ranging from 0.52 to 0.74 for cell/nuclear measurements with LH and FSH. Overall, the findings demonstrate marked age- and sex-associated differences in gonadotroph morphology, ultrastructure, and circulating gonadotropin concentrations in dromedary camels, with males generally exhibiting greater gonadotroph dimensions and secretory granule characteristics. These structural and endocrine differences provide evidence of age- and sex-related variation in pituitary gonadotrophic activity, although the findings should be interpreted in light of the cross-sectional design and the undetermined reproductive status of female camels. Overall, these findings demonstrate pronounced age- and sex-associated differences in pituitary gonadotroph morphology, ultrastructure, and endocrine activity, with males generally exhibiting greater cellular and secretory characteristics. The findings provide novel morphological and endocrine evidence of reproductive aging and sexual dimorphism in the dromedary camel pituitary and may contribute to improved understanding of reproductive function across different life stages. However, interpretation should consider the cross-sectional design and the inability to determine the precise reproductive stage of female camels before slaughter. Full article

Introduction: Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) poses a significant health threat and is an acute, potentially fatal tick-borne disease. The disease is endemic in Oman, and is characterized by periods of increased case numbers, particularly linked to specific times of the year and high-risk activities. We review the epidemiology of CCHF in Oman and propose future strategies to address it. Methods: A retrospective descriptive epidemiological method was used to assess all confirmed national surveillance cases of CCHF reported in Oman between January 2017 and December 2024. Quantitative data were analyzed to generate frequencies, percentages, incidence, and case-fatality rates. Results: A total of 64 confirmed cases of CCHF were reported between 2017 and 2024. CCHF incidence fluctuated, peaking in 2019 (0.411 per 100,000 population) and reaching a low in 2021 (0.044 per 100,000 population), before rising again in 2024 (0.16 per 100,000 population). The overall case-fatality rate was 20.8%. There was a male predominance (87.5%), with 56% of the cases occurring in the 30–44 age group, and 65% of infections in 2022 linked to animal slaughter during Eid al-Adha. Conclusions: The rise in CCHF underscores specific preventive strategies, such as enhanced surveillance, utilization of personal protective equipment, regulation of slaughter practices, and public awareness initiatives during periods of elevated risk. Full article

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of the liver trematodes Fasciola spp. and Dicrocoelium dendriticum in cattle and sheep slaughtered in Siirt Province using fecal sedimentation and postmortem liver examination to compare their detection performance, and to estimate the sensitivity of fecal sedimentation relative to postmortem examination. A total of 2211 animals, comprising 374 cattle and 1837 sheep, slaughtered during the study period, were included in the study. Fecal samples were collected rectally before slaughter, and after slaughter, the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts were examined macroscopically. Fecal samples were analyzed using sedimentation; postmortem examination was the reference method. Based on postmortem examination, Fasciola spp. and D. dendriticum were detected in 26.2% (98/374) and 7.2% (27/374) of cattle, and in 14.8% (271/1837) and 5.9% (108/1837) of sheep, respectively. Fecal examination detected significantly fewer infections for both parasites in both hosts (McNemar test, p < 0.001 for all comparisons). The sensitivity of fecal sedimentation was 80.6% for Fasciola spp. and 29.6% for D. dendriticum in cattle, and 86.7% and 73.1%, respectively, in sheep. The prevalence of Fasciola spp. was significantly higher in cattle than in sheep (OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.58–2.67; p < 0.001), whereas the difference in D. dendriticum prevalence between cattle and sheep was not statistically significant (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 0.80–1.92; p = 0.274). In cattle, age older than two years was significantly associated with Fasciola spp. (adjusted OR = 15.82, 95% CI: 8.12–30.84; p < 0.001) and D. dendriticum infection (adjusted OR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.36–7.96; p = 0.008). In sheep, the Morkaraman breed had lower odds of Fasciola spp. infection (adjusted OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.32–0.56; p < 0.001) and D. dendriticum infection (adjusted OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.14–0.38; p < 0.001) than the Akkaraman breed, while age was significantly associated only with D. dendriticum infection (adjusted OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.25–2.71; p = 0.002). These findings demonstrate that liver trematode infections were common among slaughtered animals in Siirt. Reliance on fecal sedimentation may considerably underestimate prevalence, particularly for D. dendriticum in cattle. Age- and breed-related associations should be considered in surveillance and control programs. From a public health perspective, awareness of zoonotic fasciolosis and risks associated with consuming raw aquatic plants from potentially contaminated areas should be increased. Full article

Preserving the Apulo-Calabrese (AC), an endangered Italian autochthonous pig breed, requires sustainable nutritional strategies that improve pork quality without compromising productive performance. This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with extruded linseed, alone or combined with grape pomace powder, rich in antioxidants, on growth performance and carcass traits in purebred Apulo-Calabrese (AC) pigs and Apulo-Calabrese × Goland (AC × G) crossbred pigs. Two independent feeding trials were conducted using three dietary treatments: a control diet (CTR), a diet containing 5% extruded linseed (SL), and a diet containing 5% extruded linseed plus 0.2% grape pomace powder rich in polyphenols (SLXI). Thirty-six purebred AC pigs reared outdoors, and 30 AC × G crossbred pigs reared indoors were included in the study. Body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) were recorded throughout the trials, while hot carcass weight (HCW), carcass yield (CY), pH45, pH24, and backfat thickness (BF) were evaluated at slaughter. Data were analyzed separately for the two trials using Linear Mixed Models. Feed intake was complete in all groups, indicating good diet palatability. In purebred AC pigs, dietary treatment significantly affected overall ADG, with CTR pigs showing higher ADG than SLXI animals, while SL displayed intermediate values not significantly different from either CTR or SLXI. BW and carcass traits were not significantly influenced by diet. In addition, a significant Diet × Time interaction was detected for ADG (p = 0.010), indicating diet-dependent growth patterns over time. Sex did not significantly affect BW, ADG, or carcass traits in purebred pigs. In crossbred AC × G pigs, dietary treatments could not be evaluated inferentially due to the lack of pen-level replication; therefore, growth and carcass data are presented descriptively. However, Sex significantly affected carcass yield, with males showing higher CY than females (p = 0.004), while BW, ADG, and the remaining carcass traits were not influenced by Sex. The results suggest that extruded linseed, alone or combined with low-dose grape pomace powder, can be included in diets for purebred and crossbred pigs without compromising growth performance or basic carcass traits. These findings support the use of powdered grape pomacein feeding strategies aimed at the valorization and conservation of Apulo-Calabrese pig genetic resources. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of these dietary strategies on meat fatty acid composition, oxidative stability, sensory quality, and shelf life. Full article

Cultured meat aims to manufacture genuine animal tissue from cells in vitro, displacing the environmental and ethical liabilities of livestock slaughter. Because the final product must reproduce the fibre architecture, fat marbling, and nutrition of conventional meat, the cell—its identity, proliferative ceiling, and differentiation fidelity—is the central determinant of feasibility. This review consolidates the stem cell biology of cultured meat from a tissue engineering perspective. We first compare the principal cell sources: muscle satellite cells, which offer authentic myogenicity but limited expansion; pluripotent stem cells, which are effectively immortal but require directed differentiation; and mesenchymal, adipogenic, and fibro-adipogenic progenitors that supply fat and connective tissue. We then examine how myogenic and adipogenic commitment is controlled through growth-factor and small-molecule signalling, serum-free medium design, and co-culture strategies that recreate the multicellular composition of meat. We next survey biomaterial scaffolds—edible microcarriers, hydrogels, and decellularized plant matrices—that organize stem cells into anisotropic, perfusable, macroscale constructs, drawing on scaffold-design principles from regenerative medicine. Finally, we address bioreactor scale-up, medium cost, cell-line stability, and regulatory translation. We argue that cultured meat will advance fastest when cell source, differentiation protocol, and scaffold architecture are co-designed rather than optimized in isolation. Full article

Tibial fractures in beef cattle are a significant clinical challenge, particularly in animals weighing over 300 kg, where surgical treatment is often discouraged due to poor prognosis. This study evaluated the use of full limb double transfixation pin casting (TPC) in field settings for treating tibial fractures in 11 beef cattle weighing between 260 and 480 kg. All animals received the same surgical approach, involving pin placement both proximal and distal to the fracture site, followed by application of a fiberglass cast encompassing the entire limb. The short-term outcome was positive in 90.9% of cases, with two animals not surviving to cast removal. A long-term positive outcome—defined as completing the production cycle and reaching slaughter weight—was achieved in 72.7% of cases. All surviving animals exhibited some residual lameness, but none experienced functional limitations or carcass devaluation. These results support the feasibility and effectiveness of a full limb cast with double transfixation pinning for tibial fracture repair in heavy cattle under field conditions, offering a cost-effective and practical alternative to internal fixation or Thomas splint casts. Further studies are encouraged to confirm these findings and better assess outcomes in open fracture cases. Full article

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) represents one of the most severe transboundary animal diseases globally. Although considered endemic in Ghana, recent data on circulating serotypes are limited. This study investigated and characterized FMD outbreaks occurring between July and December 2024, assessed the occurrence of the infection in seemingly healthy cattle imports, and explored alternative methods to enhance early diagnosis in livestock; using probang Sera, epithelial tissue and oral mucosal swabs were obtained from cattle exhibiting signs suggestive of FMD from farms, livestock markets and a slaughter facility. This was followed by a cross-sectional survey at two major points of entry (POE) to Ghana to obtain oropharyngeal samples using probang from healthy cattle to assess the possible role of imported cattle in the outbreaks in the northern and southern regions of the country. Samples were analysed for FMD virus (FMDV) and non-structural protein (NSP) antibodies to assess infection and exposure from the outbreak foci and POE. Positive samples were sequenced to characterize the virus serotypes. Outbreaks were reported in 38 kraals, three livestock markets, and one slaughter facility across 14 districts in nine regions. Morbidity rates ranged from 8% to 100% (median = 50%), with fatalities occurring in three kraals. Of the 247 samples from outbreak locations, FMD virus was detected in 49.4% (122/247). A majority of cattle (66.03%, 140/212) tested seropositive for FMD NSP antibodies. From healthy cattle at POE, 250 oropharyngeal (probang) samples were collected, with 62.4% testing positive, distributed between the north and south. Only 1.6% of the samples had FMDV RNA detected using PCR. Phylogenetic analysis identified serotypes O, A, and SAT2. These findings confirm the co-circulation of multiple FMDV serotypes in Ghana and highlight the necessity for enhanced molecular surveillance and coordinated cross-border control measures. Full article

Campylobacter spp. are a major foodborne zoonosis, and poultry slaughterhouses are One Health interfaces where animal carriage, environmental reservoirs and worker exposure intersect. We performed a comprehensive systematic review and meta-regression to quantify how slaughter stages and in-plant interventions affect Campylobacter concentration and prevalence on poultry carcasses and meat. The Scopus literature search engine was accessed to collect articles that focused on observational studies and challenge tests, reporting results on Campylobacter concentrations or prevalence in both pre-stage/non-intervened and post-stage/intervened groups. From a total of 4080 studies initially retrieved, 71 were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis, yielding 1256 observations. Meta-regression models were adjusted according to the type of outcome measure: log₁₀ reduction for concentration outcomes and ln risk ratio (ln RR) for prevalence outcomes. Meta-analysis showed reductions in Campylobacter counts after scalding (0.898 log₁₀ reduction on neck skin p < 0.001), carcass rinsing with water (0.523 log₁₀, p = 0.043), and after sanitisation combined with chilling (0.692 log₁₀, p < 0.001). Although significant, chilling was found to slightly decrease Campylobacter prevalence by 8% (95% CI: 1–17%; ln RR = 0.082, p = 0.032). Intervention strategies reducing Campylobacter concentrations included processing in colder climates (autumn and winter) (1.927 log₁₀, p = 0.005), application of plant extracts (1.493 log₁₀, p = 0.008), use of organic acids (1.192 log₁₀, p < 0.001) and chemical carcass sanitisation (1.031 log₁₀, p < 0.001). Organic acids also reduced the prevalence of Campylobacter in poultry carcass slaughter groups (ln RR = 1.079, p = 0.009), whereas freezing did not reach statistical significance (0.740 log₁₀, p = 0.288). Environmental synthesis highlighted high pooled prevalence in transport crates (0.833, 95% CI 0.765–0.885) and among operators (0.732, 95% CI 0.404–0.917), supporting their role as reservoirs and vectors. Meta-regressions demonstrated that the measured effectiveness of slaughter stages and intervention strategies were driven by key moderators, namely, sample weight, type of sample, type of chemical/organic acid/extract and its concentration, mode of application and storage time. Despite substantial heterogeneity and small study effects for concentration, the evidence supports the implementation of a multi-barrier One Health strategy combining the control of incoming contamination, hygiene of equipment and personnel, and optimised rinsing/sanitisation and chilling to reduce consumer risks. Full article

Swine Inflammation and Necrosis Syndrome (SINS) is a widespread condition in pigs and has been proposed as an early-life animal-based measure (ABM) for assessing health and welfare. However, its prognostic value for later-life outcomes under commercial conditions remains poorly understood. This study investigated the prevalence, progression, and predictive relevance of SINS in two organic pig farms in the Netherlands. Clinical SINS signs were assessed in suckling and weaned piglets and related to hematological parameters at weaning (35 weaned piglets) as well as tail integrity at slaughter. SINS lesions were highly prevalent in suckling piglets (approximately 80%) but markedly decreased after weaning. Lesion prevalence and severity differed substantially between farms and showed clear age-dependent patterns, peaking between days 3 and 5 of life. Higher SINS scores in suckling piglets were associated with systemic hematological alterations at weaning, including increased monocyte proportions, reduced platelet counts, and altered red blood cell indices. Importantly, early-life SINS was significantly associated with later tail integrity. Pigs with higher SINS scores showed a lower probability of intact tails at slaughter and subsequently a higher prevalence of tail lesions. These findings suggest that SINS may have potential as an early-life indicator of later tail outcomes; however, this hypothesis requires validation in larger studies involving a greater number of farms and production systems. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of expected progeny difference (EPD) grade and feeding system on carcass performance in Hanwoo steers using a large-scale field dataset collected under commercial production conditions. Records from 4561 steers (1466 fed total mixed fermented feed [TMF] and 3095 on a conventional separate-feeding system) across 269 farms in Korea from January 2023 to May 2025 were analyzed. Expected progeny difference grades for carcass weight (CWT), backfat thickness (BFT), ribeye area (REA), and marbling score (MBS) were classified A-D. Carcass performance significantly differed among EPD grades. Compared with grade D, grade A steers exhibited greater CWT (45.2 kg), less BFT (3.44 mm), greater REA (10.77 cm²), and greater MBS (1.57 units). Genetically superior animals reached slaughter age earlier. Steers fed TMF demonstrated higher CWT, BFT, REA, and MBS than conventionally fed steers. No significant interaction between EPD grade and feeding system was found for any carcass trait. These results indicate that EPD grades consistently predict carcass performance across different feeding environments, while TMF improves the absolute level of carcass traits. This large field dataset demonstrates that integrating Hanwoo EPD information with appropriate feeding management may support more efficient and profitable carcass production under commercial farm conditions. Full article

Contemporary English speakers often make a distinction between things that are artificial and those that are deemed natural. On the one hand are places, things, and situations that humans have altered, and on the other those that are free (or relatively free) of human influence. This concept of “nature” is an important, if problematic, one: it influences much of the modern environmental movement, where nature often has positive connotations while the artificial is valued negatively. In this paper I will be focusing on an idea found in Tibetan anti-meat literature: that there is a moral difference between eating the meat of animals that “die as a result of their karma” and animals that are slaughtered. This idea, I argue, parallels the distinction between the natural and artificial found in many English language discussions about the environment. As such, my suggestion is that this idea could, with some development, help support dialogue over environmental issues between Western and Buddhist philosophers and communities. Full article

The use of agricultural by-products as feed is essential for sustainable animal husbandry. This study assessed the effects of substituting whole-plant corn silage with a mixed silage of cotton stalks and grape pomace on growth, serum biochemistry, and jejunal metabolomics in Suffolk rams. In this experiment, 135 rams (6-mo, 30.55 kg BW) were allocated to 0%, 50%, or 100% replacement (CG, EG50, EG100) and fed for 120 d after a 15-d adaptation. Compared with the CG, average daily gain improved by 27.3% and 17.5%, and feed conversion improved by 30.8% and 15.4% in EG50 and EG100 (p < 0.01). Compared with CG, the levels of BUN, TNF-α and IL-1β in serum of EG50 and EG100 were significantly decreased. The levels of IgG, IgM, IL-4, antioxidant enzymes and total antioxidant capacity were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Subsequently, the slaughter performance and jejunal content metabolome of CG and EG50 were further detected and analyzed. The results indicated that the live weight, eye area and muscle crude protein content of EG50 were extremely significantly higher than those of CG (p < 0.01). In jejunal contents, 31 differential metabolites (EG50 vs. CG) were enriched in ABC transporters, branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis, mineral absorption, purine and biotin metabolism, and glucagon signaling. In conclusion, substituting corn silage with the mixed silage promotes growth, improves antioxidant and immune status, reduces serum urea nitrogen, enhances muscle protein deposition (EG50), modulates intestinal nitrogen, purine, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism (EG50), and supports sustainable meat sheep production. Full article