Search Results (408)

Differences in metabolic traits between traditional and modern pig breeds may influence their physiological responses to stress hormones. This study evaluated the in vivo metabolic effects of an acute adrenaline challenge in Iberian (obese, slow-growing) and Landrace (lean, fast-growing) pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus). Four Iberian and five Landrace barrows (≈50 kg body weight; BW) fitted with a carotid catheter received an injection of adrenaline (3 µg/kg BW), and serial blood samples were collected for 105 min. Adrenaline transiently increased plasma glucose (p < 0.001) and lactate (p < 0.001) concentrations, both peaking at 5 min post-injection. Iberian pigs showed higher plasma lactate (1.26 vs. 1.03 mM; p = 0.002), triglycerides (0.34 vs. 0.27 mM; p < 0.001), and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA; 0.38 vs. 0.29 mM; p = 0.021), but lower glucose (4.80 vs. 5.03 mM; p = 0.010) than Landrace pigs, while cholesterol remained unaffected (p > 0.10). No breed × time interaction was detected for any metabolite. The relative increase in glucose reached +47% in Iberian and +27% in Landrace pigs, whereas lactate rose +140% and +113%, respectively, indicating stronger glycolytic activation in Iberian pigs. Despite the limited sample size, the results provide physiologically relevant evidence supporting increased metabolic flexibility in Iberian pigs, characterized by a heightened sensitivity to adrenergic stimulation and associated with enhanced lipolytic and glycolytic responses; however, these conclusions should be interpreted within the specific experimental conditions under which the study was conducted. These findings demonstrate that Iberian pigs have higher metabolic sensitivity to adrenergic stimulation, with enhanced lipolytic and glycolytic activity. In conclusion, breed-dependent differences in stress-related metabolism suggest that Iberian pigs are furnished with increased metabolic flexibility to face short-term stress. Full article

Understanding how species share resources (niche dynamics) and associate with each other is crucial for maintaining stable ecological communities. Using infrared camera traps, we constructed spatial association networks for an isolated Asian elephant population. The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), a keystone species in tropical forests, faces significant threats from habitat fragmentation and human disturbances, particularly in the isolated population of Nangunhe National Nature Reserve, Yunnan, China. Using infrared camera trapping, niche analysis, and interspecific association models, we examined the ecological role of Asian elephants and their sympatric species networks in fragmented habitats. We identified 44 species, including 11 species with higher relative abundance showing significant ecological correlations with elephants. Asian elephants exhibited the broadest spatial distribution, consistent with their role as ecological engineers due to high environmental tolerance and diverse resource utilization. Sympatric herbivores exhibited moderate spatial co-occurrence. Wild boars (Sus scrofa), red-bellied squirrels (Callosciurus erythraeus), northern pig-tailed macaques (Macaca leonina), and red junglefowl (Gallus gallus) demonstrated significant spatial associations with elephants. Lambda coefficient analysis revealed asymmetric associations reflecting spatial reliance of red-bellied squirrels and wild boars on elephant activity zones. Temporally, Asian elephants exhibited a stable bimodal activity pattern at dawn and dusk. Despite varying degrees of diel overlap with sympatric species, no significant temporal avoidance was detected, suggesting fine-scale coexistence mechanisms beyond the temporal dimension. We argue that conservation strategies are in urgent need of a transformation from single-species protection to the preservation of ecological interaction networks. This study clarifies the dominant position of Asian elephants in the community by mapping the spatial association networks between Asian elephants and sympatric species, and its findings hold substantial guiding significance for the recovery and protection of isolated Asian elephant populations. Full article

Outdoor recreational activities, particularly cycling and mountain biking, are rapidly expanding in forested landscapes, raising concerns about their effects on wildlife. Although bike trails are increasingly common, their ecological impacts on large mammals remain insufficiently studied. We investigated how bike trail use influences the abundance and spatial behaviour of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) in three contrasting forest environments in the Czech Republic. We surveyed roe deer raking and bedding sites and wild boar rooting along 734 transects positioned perpendicular to bike trails, monitored cyclist activity using automated counters, and recorded habitat characteristics. Generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate the effects of trail proximity, cycling intensity, and vegetation structure. Cycling intensity did not influence overall species abundance; however, roe deer consistently avoided resting close to trails, leading to a measurable loss of potential resting habitat. Roe deer raking decreased with higher cycling intensity at the most remote site, while wild boar rooting was driven primarily by vegetation structure. These findings demonstrate that even low-intensity recreation can alter wildlife behaviour. We recommend maintaining unmanaged buffer zones along trails to provide refuge and reduce disturbance. Our results offer guidance for sustainable trail planning in forest ecosystems. Our conclusions are based on sign surveys collected during one growing season and quantify spatial responses up to 100 m from trails; diel activity, detectability, and seasonal variation were not directly assessed. Full article

Despite its global distribution, the impacts of wild pigs on the environment are poorly understood. However, wild boar (Sus scrofa) is recognized as a pest species, causes extensive damage to agriculture, biodiversity, and forests, and contributes to motor vehicle accidents. This study investigates the causes and mechanisms underlying the demographic explosion of wild boar in Italy. The analysis is based exclusively on official datasets from Italian governmental institutes, allowing quantitative correlations between population dynamics, culling rates, and economic impacts. By integrating historical data, population biology, reproductive physiology, and chemical communication, the study reveals that anthropogenic pressures, counterintuitively driven by wildlife management practices, have significantly contributed to population growth. A shift from a K-strategy to an r-strategy in reproductive behavior, induced by sustained control pressure, has led to increased birth rates and accelerated expansion. Disruptions in species homeostasis trigger harmful changes in ecosystem structure and functionality, delineating a model of environmental damage. These findings highlight the urgency of adopting an integrated wildlife management approach that combines conservation biology and physiological principles with targeted operational interventions to prevent further degradation affecting both the species and the ecosystem. Full article

Background: Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) remains one of the most important pathogens that infects swine, causing considerable economic losses worldwide. PCV2 vaccines are commercially available, and the development of experimental vaccines that could confer better protection against emerging genotypes is underway. The expression of virus-like particles (VLPs) carrying different PCV2 capsid (Cap) peptides in E. coli was recently reported. These chimeric particles were adjuvated with an oil-in-water emulsion with polymer and induced different titers of serum IgG in BALB/c mice after a single subcutaneous injection. The aim of this study was to assess the immune response and protective efficacy elicited by VLPs carrying the PCV2b Cap carboxy-terminal peptide in the target species. Methods: Domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) were immunized intramuscularly with 25 μg of adjuvated chimeric VLPs on days 0 and 14 and challenged on day 28 with a PCV2b Mexican isolate. PCV2 peptide-specific IgG seroconversion, serum cytokines, viral load in nasal swabs and organs, and histopathological score were determined. Results: IgG levels peaked 28 days post-immunization. Interleukin-12 and -18 and interferon-gamma increased 21 days after immunization. In addition, genomic material of PCV2 was detected in nasal swabs from one specimen on day 7, two specimens on day 14, and two specimens on day 21 following viral challenge. Finally, histological lesions were not less severe in immunized specimens compared to non-vaccinated/challenged specimens. Conclusions: These results suggest that immunization with chimeric VLPs could contribute to controlling viral shedding in pig herds where a PCV2b genotype is most prevalent. Full article

Background/Objectives: African swine fever (ASF) causes massive global swine industry losses with no effective vaccine available. This study constructed T7 phages displaying key ASFV proteins to evaluate their potential as an ASF vaccine by assessing viral shedding and immune responses in pigs. Methods: Five ASFV proteins were displayed on T7 phages to form VLPs (ASFV-SC-T7 group), with soluble proteins (ASFV-SC group) and PBS as controls; 9 piglets were immunized, boosted at 28 days, challenged with virulent ASFV, and assessed via ELISA, flow cytometry, and real-time PCR. Results: ASFV-SC-T7 induced more high-titer antibodies and elevated monocytes/CD8⁺ T cells, but all groups developed ASF lesions, with ASFV-SC-T7 having higher lung/mesenteric lymph node viral loads and no survival improvement (only delayed fever). Conclusions: T7 phage-displayed ASFV proteins activate strong immunity, confirming T7 phages as a viable delivery platform, but failed to protect against virulent ASFV, requiring future optimization of antigens and regimens. Full article

The development of implantable neural interfaces is essential for enabling bidirectional communication between the nervous system and prosthetic devices, yet their evaluation still relies primarily on in vivo models which are costly, variable, and ethically constrained. Here, we report a bio-inspired artificial nerve simulator engineered as a reproducible ex vivo platform for pre-implantation testing of plug-type electrodes. The simulator is fabricated from a conductive hydrogel composite based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO), polyaniline (PANI), agarose, sucrose, and sodium chloride, with embedded conductive channels that replicate the fascicular organization and conductivity of peripheral nerves. The resulting construct exhibits impedance values of ~2.4–2.9 kΩ between electrode needles at 1 kHz, closely matching in vivo measurements (~2 kΩ) obtained in Sus scrofa domesticus nerve tissue. Its structural and electrical fidelity enables systematic evaluation of electrode–nerve contact properties, signal transmission, and insertion behavior under controlled conditions, while reducing reliance on animal experiments. This bio-inspired simulator offers a scalable and physiologically relevant testbed that bridges materials engineering and translational neuroprosthetics, accelerating the development of next-generation implantable neural interfaces. Full article

The diet of wild boars (Sus scrofa) is highly diverse, consisting of both plant and animal materials, and their foraging behavior varies seasonally. However, limited research has investigated the composition of macrofungi in the diet of these omnivorous mammals, and relevant information remains scarce. This study aimed to assess the diversity of plant, animal, and macrofungal components in the diet of wild boars and to evaluate seasonal variations in Bukhansan National Park, Republic of Korea. Fecal samples were collected across different seasons, and DNA metabarcoding was applied to compare the taxonomic composition of dietary items. The results revealed that the wild boar diet included 54 plant genera, 9 animal genera, and 22 macrofungal genera. Among the plants, Pueraria, Quercus, and Ipomoea were the most dominant, with relative abundances of 21.3%, 18.3%, and 16.4%, respectively. The primary animal taxa consisted of Neomyia (54.7%) and Didea (39.4%), while Rhizopogon accounted for 95.3% of the macrofungal sequences detected. Overall, the study demonstrated clear seasonal variation in the diet of wild boars, reflecting their remarkable adaptability to changing environmental conditions. Full article

Oz virus, an emerging tick-borne thogotovirus, has been reported to cause fatal human infection in Japan. However, its ecology and geographic distribution remain largely unknown. In this study, we developed a double-antigen sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAgS ELISA) for detecting Oz virus antibodies in animals and used it to conduct a seroepidemiological survey of wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. Recombinant Oz virus nucleoprotein was expressed in E. coli and used as both the capture and detection antigen. Relative to the neutralization test, the DAgS ELISA showed a sensitivity of 72.2%, a specificity of 88.2%, and an overall concordance rate of 79.0%. We used this assay to examine 1045 wild boar serum samples collected between November 2022 and May 2025, finding a seroprevalence of 33.5%. The seroprevalence did not significantly differ by sex, age, or region, but showed significant seasonal variation, peaking in summer (p < 0.0001). Oz virus RNA was detected by quantitative RT-PCR in one serum sample (0.09%). Phylogenetic analysis of the partial Oz virus glycoprotein gene showed that this strain shared 98.8% nucleotide identity with the EH8 strain, which was the first Oz virus isolate obtained from ticks in Ehime Prefecture. These findings suggest that wild boars in Miyazaki are frequently exposed to Oz virus and that ticks in the region harbor the virus. However, no human cases have been reported to date. The DAgS ELISA developed in this study provides a practical tool for serological surveillance in animals. Continuous monitoring of animal populations is warranted to clarify the epidemiology of Oz virus in the region and to identify potential reservoir species. Full article

Studies on agricultural crop damage inflicted by wild boar (Sus scrofa) were conducted in hunting districts located in Lower Silesia, south-western Poland. The statistical analysis of damaged agricultural crops was based on documentation obtained via survey from hunting associations managing 81 hunting districts. For each hunting district (mean area 43.1 km²), this documentation detailed the area of damaged crops (maize, various cereals, root crops, rapeseed, grasslands, and other crops), the date of the damage, and the value of compensation paid to farmers. During three consecutive hunting seasons (2013/14–2015/16) the area of damaged farmlands was amounted to 2098.2 hectares. Maize constitutes 43.9% of the total damage area, while for various cereal crops and grasslands, the figures were 29.5% and 13.2%, respectively. The mean damage compensation per hectare amounted to €421.0, the highest being for root crops (€942.8/ha) and the lowest for grasslands (€214.8/ha). A positive correlation was shown between the wild boar harvest rate and the percentage of farmland area damaged by these animals. Between the 2015/16 and 2022/23 hunting seasons, a decline in the density of harvested wild boar from 1.99 to 1.05 individuals reduced the area of damage from 0.335 ha/km² to 0.164 ha/km² of farmland. Population density control has been suggested as the most effective method of protecting agricultural crops against wild boar. Full article

Spatiotemporal niche differentiation plays a critical role in facilitating mutual adaptation and sustaining coexistence among sympatric species. We investigated these patterns in sympatric ungulates through an infrared camera trap survey conducted in the Kazila Mountain region of southwestern China from July 2023 to May 2025. A total of seven species were recorded across 54 camera sites, with tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus) being the most frequently detected, while forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) and Chinese goral (Naemorhedus griseus) were the least. Nocturnality indices (β > 0.54 indicating nocturnal, β < 0.54 indicating diurnal, and β = 0.54 indicating no distinct diel preference) revealed significant differences in activity patterns among the five species. Tufted deer (β = 0.415), alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) (β = 0.438), and wild boar (Sus scrofa) (β = 0.234) were predominantly diurnal. In contrast, sambar (Rusa unicolor) (β = 0.571) was nocturnal, while the Chinese serow (Capricornis milneedwardsii) (β = 0.534) showed no strong diel preference. Nine of ten species pairs exhibited significant diel rhythm differences, with the exception of sambar-Chinese serow, and these rhythms showed marked seasonal variation, particularly in tufted deer, Chinese serow, and sambar. Temporal overlap was generally higher in the cold season for seven species pairs, suggesting that such overlap may be related to resource availability and increased interspecific competition under harsher conditions. Pianka’s overlap index (Oik) (ranging from 0 to 1, where 0 indicates no overlap and 1 indicates complete overlap) was used to assess spatial niche overlap, with values ranging from 0.16 (alpine musk deer–wild boar) to 0.86 (tufted deer–wild boar). Spatial autocorrelation and clustering analysis showed that tufted deer exhibited significant positive spatial autocorrelation, indicating a clustered high-value distribution, while the other species were randomly distributed. Spatial hotspot analysis revealed substantial overlap between tufted deer and wild boar, while the remaining species showed higher levels of spatial segregation. Collectively, these results suggest that seasonal variation in activity patterns, coupled with spatial segregation, mitigates interspecific competition and supports the stable sympatric coexistence of ungulates in this montane ecosystem. Full article

Fengjing pigs are a Chinese native breed known for their high reproductive ability. Runs of homozygosity (ROHs) have emerged as an effective tool for evaluating inbreeding levels and identifying relevant genes in selection. However, the declining population of Fengjing pigs in recent years has raised concerns about inbreeding. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the ROH patterns, estimate genomic inbreeding levels, and identify candidate genes associated with economic traits using whole-genome resequencing data from 105 Fengjing pigs. A total of 2448 ROHs were identified, with an average of 23.31 ROHs per individual and an average length of 9.50 Mb. The inbreeding coefficient, based on ROHs, was 0.098. Additionally, three genomic regions with a high frequency of ROHs were identified. These regions contained 64 unique genes, including 14 genes associated with important economic traits. Moreover, six overlapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and four candidate genes (HSPG2, CDC42, EPHB2, and GRHL3) were identified on Sus scrofa chromosome (SSC) 6. These QTLs are associated with birth traits (health and reproductive efficiency) and meat development traits (meat quality and growth). This study identified many candidate genes and QTLs that overlapped with ROHs and are associated with economically significant traits. These findings can be used in future breeding, conservation, and utilization of specific Chinese native pig breeds. Full article

The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a highly adaptable species that has spread into urban-proximate areas, consequently intensifying human–wildlife conflicts in South Korea. Understanding the range and environmental preferences of this species is crucial for efficient population management. Therefore, we investigated wild boar occupancy in Bukhansan National Park (BNP), a protected area near Seoul. We deployed camera traps at 24 locations from March to May 2022 to investigate spring season habitat use patterns. We used single-season, single-species occupancy modeling to explore the impact of environmental and anthropogenic factors on the distribution of wild boar. During 2208 trap nights, we recorded wild boars at 14 sites, with an average occupancy probability (Ψ) of 0.67 ± 0.03. The distance to human settlements was the best predictor of occupancy, with wild boars avoiding regions near human activity sites. In contrast, proximity to puddles significantly increased detection and occupancy probabilities, indicating the importance of water sources for drinking and wallowing. Wild boars also showed a preference for areas near agricultural lands but exhibited behavioral avoidance of direct human presence. Our spring season findings suggest the need for targeted management strategies that prioritize population control in areas far from settlements but adjacent to water and agricultural boundaries. This study provides critical insights into the spatial ecology of wild boars in urban-proximate landscapes and provides science-based measures for mitigating conflicts and disease risks. We recommend long-term monitoring for the assessment of seasonal variations and efficacy of management interventions. Full article

Wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a widespread invasive species in Poland and may act as a reservoir for various pathogens, including those associated with the porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC). As data on bacterial respiratory pathogens in wild boar populations, particularly co-infections, in Poland and other European countries remain limited, the main goal of our study was to examine the frequency of selected bacterial respiratory agents and their co-occurrence in lung samples collected from culled wild boars during hunting. Two hundred and fifty-three lung samples were analysed for the presence of genetic material of A. pleuropneumoniae, M. hyopneumoniae, M. hyorhinis, and G. parasuis. In total, 159 out of the 253 (62.8%; 95% CI: 56.6–68.8) wild boars were infected with at least one pathogen. In general, 73 (28.9%; 95% CI: 23.3–34.9) of wild boar lung samples tested positive for G. parasuis, 106 (41.9%; 95% CI: 35.7–48.2) were positive for M. hyopneumoniae, and 10 (4%; 95% CI: 1.9–7.1) were positive for M. hyorhinis. No evidence of A. pleuropneumoniae infection was detected in any of the examined lung samples. Infection with a single pathogen was detected in 129 (51%; 95% CI: 44.6–57.3) of sampled wild boars, whereas co-occurrence of two infectious bacterial agents was revealed in 30 animals (11.9%; 95% CI: 8.1–16.5). Among single-pathogen infections, the highest positivity rate was observed for M. hyopneumoniae (31.6%; 95% CI: 25.9–37.7), whereas the most frequent co-infection involved M. hyopneumoniae and G. parasuis (9.1%; 95% CI: 5.8–13.3). This investigation indicated that wild boar in the study area are potential hosts for bacterial agents associated with PRDC. It is worth highlighting that wild boars can contribute to the maintenance and/or dissemination of bacterial pathogens to humans (especially hunters) and domestic animals, and it is essential to maintain active surveillance of these infectious agents. Full article

Background: Giardia duodenalis is one of the most prevalent protozoan pathogens, commonly infecting a wide range of hosts including humans, livestock, companion animals, and wildlife globally. The Bamaxiang pig (Sus scrofa domesticus), a native livestock variety from China’s Guangxi region, holds significant importance in Bama Yao Autonomous County. This breed not only supports regional meat production systems but also fulfills dual roles as human companions and valuable subjects for biomedical investigations. The aim of present study was to investigate the prevalence of G. duodenalis and assess its genetic characteristics. A total of 311 fresh fecal samples were collected from three farms in Bama Yao Autonomous County. The presence and genetic diversity of G. duodenalis were determined by nested PCR and sequence analysis of the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), β-giardin (bg) and triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) genes. Results: The total occurrence rate of G. duodenalis in Bamaxiang Pigs was 17.36% (54/311). Among different age groups, suckling piglets exhibited the highest infection rate at 24.29% (17/70). The infection rates in the sows, fattening pigs, and weaned piglets were 20.88% (19/91), 14.10% (11/78), and 9.72% (7/72), respectively (p < 0.05). Phylogenetic analysis of sequences from three genetic loci identified two G.duodenalis genetic assemblages, namely assemblages A and E. Among them, assemblage A (n = 31) was the predominant genotype across the three farms, followed by the assemblage E (n = 21) and mixed assemblage A/E (n = 2) infections. Conclusions: This study represents the first report demonstrating that G. duodenalis infection is prevalent in Bamaxiang pigs, with variable positivity rates across different growth stages. The zoonotic assemblage A was the predominant assemblage, suggesting a potential risk of transmission to humans through close contact with this specific pig breed. The results provide basic data for controlling infections in Bamaxiang pigs. Full article