Topic Editors

Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
1. CECAV-Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
2. Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
3. Veterinary Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal

New Perspectives on Metabolism and Metabolic Disease in Wildlife, Domestic, and Exotic Pets and Livestock

Abstract submission deadline
3 May 2027
Manuscript submission deadline
3 July 2027
Viewed by
9525

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Metabolic processes are fundamental to animal health and productivity. They encompass the biochemical reactions that sustain life, including energy production, growth, and reproduction. Recent advancements in animal science have provided new insights into the complexity of these metabolic pathways and their implications for animal health. One significant area of focus is identifying and understanding metabolic diseases, which arise when these processes are disrupted. Conditions such as ketosis, acidosis, and fatty liver disease are of particular concern in livestock and companion animals, leading to reduced productivity, compromised health, and economic losses. Innovative research explores the genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors contributing to metabolic disorders. Genomic studies have begun to unravel the genetic predispositions that make certain animals more susceptible to these diseases. Concurrently, advancements in nutrition science are identifying specific dietary components and feeding strategies that can mitigate the risk of metabolic disorders. Environmental management practices also play a crucial role in maintaining metabolic health. Stress reduction, proper housing, and management of feeding practices are essential to minimize the incidence of metabolic diseases. Additionally, using biomarkers for the early detection of metabolic imbalances is becoming increasingly important, allowing for timely intervention and management. Furthermore, new perspectives on the metabolism of birds and reptiles are shedding light on their unique metabolic adaptations and disease susceptibilities. With their high metabolic rates and unique nutritional requirements, birds face challenges such as fatty liver syndrome and gout. Reptiles with a slower metabolism and different thermoregulatory needs can suffer from conditions such as metabolic bone disease and hepatic lipidosis. Research into species-specific dietary needs and environmental management is crucial for preventing these diseases and promoting overall health. Integrating these new perspectives—genetics, nutrition, and environmental management—offers promising strategies to enhance animal health and well-being. These insights improve animal welfare and contribute to the sustainability and profitability of animal production systems.

Dr. Filipe da Costa Silva
Dr. Isabel Pires
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • metabolism disease
  • livestock
  • wildlife
  • exotic
  • reptiles
  • birds
  • nutrients management

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Agriculture
agriculture
4.5 7.8 2011 17.4 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Animals
animals
3.2 5.5 2011 15.7 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Applied Biosciences
applbiosci
4.3 5.3 2022 25.3 Days CHF 1200 Submit
Dairy
dairy
3.0 5.4 2020 31.2 Days CHF 1400 Submit
Metabolites
metabolites
4.5 8.1 2011 12.6 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Pets
pets
- 1.3 2024 23.5 Days CHF 1000 Submit
Physiologia
physiologia
2.1 - 2021 22.2 Days CHF 1200 Submit

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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19 pages, 8640 KB  
Systematic Review
Lipidomic Signatures in Feline Disease: A PRISMA-Guided Systematic Review
by Ana Carolina Fontes, Carolina Santos Silva, Ana Carolina Matos, Isabel Ribeiro Dias, Francisco Peixoto, Maria Manuel Oliveira, Maria Rosario Domingues and Carlos Antunes Viegas
Metabolites 2026, 16(5), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16050330 - 15 May 2026
Viewed by 987
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Lipidomics has become a key component of systems biology, enabling comprehensive characterisation of lipid species and their roles in health and disease. As regulators of membrane architecture, energy balance, inflammation, and cellular signalling, lipids offer a powerful framework for understanding metabolic [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Lipidomics has become a key component of systems biology, enabling comprehensive characterisation of lipid species and their roles in health and disease. As regulators of membrane architecture, energy balance, inflammation, and cellular signalling, lipids offer a powerful framework for understanding metabolic dysfunction. In veterinary medicine, however, lipidomics remains comparatively underdeveloped. In cats, lipid metabolism is central to disorders such as hepatic lipidosis, cystitis, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and chronic inflammatory enteropathies, yet available data remain limited. This systematic review synthesised current evidence on lipidomics and lipid-focused profiling in feline disease and identified lipid alterations with potential clinical relevance. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus were searched for original studies (1994–2026) evaluating lipidomics or lipid-focused profiling in cats. Eligible studies assessed lipid species, fatty acids, lipid mediators, or lipoproteins in disease or physiological states. Owing to methodological heterogeneity, findings were synthesised narratively. Results: Seventeen studies met inclusion criteria, covering hepatic, urinary, gastrointestinal, renal, neurological, oncological, metabolic, and pharmacologically modulated conditions. Recurring alterations involved lipoproteins, triglycerides, phospholipids, sphingolipids, fatty acids, and oxylipins. More consistent patterns emerged in hepatic lipidosis, where lipoprotein disturbances may aid diagnosis; in lower urinary tract disease, where PUFA-derived oxylipins differentiated bacterial from idiopathic cystitis; and in obesity, where phospholipid and triglyceride shifts reflected metabolic risk. Fatty acid remodelling in chronic enteropathies aligned with mucosal inflammation, while sphingolipid changes in neurological disease correlated with severity. Heterogeneity in analytical platforms, dietary control, and study design limited comparability. Conclusions: Feline lipidomics reveals biologically meaningful alterations with emerging diagnostic and prognostic value. Although still developing, lipid-focused approaches may enhance disease characterisation and support translational research. Larger, standardised studies and robust reference datasets are needed to validate lipid signatures for clinical implementation. Full article
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12 pages, 790 KB  
Article
Breed- and Parity-Associated Incidence and Manifestation of Metabolic Disorders in Holstein and Jersey Cows During the Postpartal Transition Period
by Gi-Won Park, Seungmin Ha, Tai-Young Hur, Seogjin Kang, Chan-Lan Kim, Ui-Hyung Kim, Sang-Ik Oh and Mooyoung Jung
Animals 2026, 16(6), 887; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16060887 - 12 Mar 2026
Viewed by 462
Abstract
Dairy cows commonly experience negative energy balance during the periparturient period, predisposing them to metabolic disorders such as ketosis (KET), hypophosphatemia (HP), hypocalcemia (HC), and hypomagnesemia (HM). However, comparative data on breed- and parity-related differences remain limited. Therefore, these differences were evaluated in [...] Read more.
Dairy cows commonly experience negative energy balance during the periparturient period, predisposing them to metabolic disorders such as ketosis (KET), hypophosphatemia (HP), hypocalcemia (HC), and hypomagnesemia (HM). However, comparative data on breed- and parity-related differences remain limited. Therefore, these differences were evaluated in this study during the postpartal transition period. A total of 174 cows (149 Holstein, 25 Jersey) were monitored, and blood samples were collected from calving to 21 days postpartum at 3-day intervals to measure β-hydroxybutyrate, inorganic phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium concentrations. Metabolic disorders were defined using established thresholds. Data were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test, the Mann–Whitney U test, and generalized estimating equations. HP was the most prevalent disorder in both breeds. Jerseys had 2.83 times higher odds of KET, whereas Holsteins had 4.98 times higher odds and an earlier onset of HM. Multiparous Holsteins showed higher incidences of HP, HC, and HM compared to primiparous ones, while parity effects were minimal in Jerseys. Breed and parity significantly influenced both the incidence and onset timing of postpartal metabolic disorders. These findings highlight the importance of breed- and parity-specific health management strategies in dairy cattle farms. Full article
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30 pages, 1746 KB  
Review
Advances in the Regulation of Lipid Metabolism by Non-Coding RNAs
by Yongdong Peng, Anqi Liu, Qifei Zhu, Xiaotong Liu, Bingbing Cai, Zhiyu Yan, Jiwei Gao, Ruchang Zhu and Changfa Wang
Animals 2025, 15(17), 2621; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172621 - 7 Sep 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3507
Abstract
Lipid metabolism is a fundamental biological process that ensures energy homeostasis and cellular integrity. This is an essential and complex biochemical process that is involved in energy storage and the maintaining of normal biological functions. Disorders of lipid metabolism are an urgent health [...] Read more.
Lipid metabolism is a fundamental biological process that ensures energy homeostasis and cellular integrity. This is an essential and complex biochemical process that is involved in energy storage and the maintaining of normal biological functions. Disorders of lipid metabolism are an urgent health problem, bringing about metabolic syndromes such as obesity, hepatic steatosis, adipose tissue dysfunction, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. An increasing body of research has emphasized the pivotal function of ncRNAs, particularly miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, in controlling lipid metabolism and associated diseases. To identify novel therapeutic targets, it is necessary to understand the molecular mechanisms by which ncRNAs are involved in the pathobiology of lipid-associated diseases. This review summarizes the research findings on the role of ncRNA in lipid metabolism and the underlying mechanisms, emphasizing their potential as therapeutic targets for lipid-related diseases. Full article
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14 pages, 254 KB  
Article
Hyperglycemia in Pet African Pygmy Hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris): Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, and Prognostic Indicators of Severe Hyperglycemia
by Do-Hyun Kwak, Myung-Chul Kim, Woo-Jin Song and Young-Min Yun
Animals 2025, 15(10), 1455; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15101455 - 18 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1788
Abstract
Hyperglycemia is known to negatively affect various animal species, but data on African pygmy hedgehogs remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hyperglycemia and evaluate the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of severe hyperglycemia (≥180 mg/dL) in hedgehogs. A retrospective [...] Read more.
Hyperglycemia is known to negatively affect various animal species, but data on African pygmy hedgehogs remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hyperglycemia and evaluate the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of severe hyperglycemia (≥180 mg/dL) in hedgehogs. A retrospective review of medical records from 252 hedgehogs and 579 blood test results collected between 2019 and 2021 was performed. Among the 252 hedgehogs, 28 were identified with severe hyperglycemia, indicating a prevalence of 11.1%. The frequency of hyperglycemic samples among all blood tests was 48.1%, and that of severe hyperglycemia was 11.6%. In hedgehogs with severe hyperglycemia, the mean blood glucose level was 269.1 ± 81.6 mg/dL (range, 186–522), and the mortality rate was 53.6% (15/28). The severity of anorexia on the day of diagnosis was significantly associated with mortality (p = 0.013). Hedgehogs that recovered from hyperglycemia by the next test showed favorable outcomes (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that anorexia severity and early glucose normalization may serve as potential prognostic indicators and provide baseline data for improving the clinical management of hyperglycemia in hedgehogs. Full article
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