Frontiers in Veterinary Science最新文献

{"title":"Supplementation of bee pollen in high concentrate diets enhances the health status and production performance of goats.","authors":"Zehao Tan, Lizhi Wang, Zhisheng Wang, Bai Xue, Quanhui Peng, Rui Hu, Jianxin Xiao","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1780550","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1780550","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigated the effects of supplementing bee pollen (BP) in high-concentrate diets (HCD) on the health status and production performance of goats. Twenty Jintang Black goats, similar age and weighing 33.36 ± 1.34 kg, were randomly assigned to the CON group (basal diet) and the BP group (basal diet + 0.5% BP) for a 30-day feeding trial. Results indicated that BP supplementation significantly increased average daily gain by 36.55% (<i>p</i> < 0.05), and decreased Feed-to-Gain ratio (<i>p</i> < 0.05) of goats. Apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber was also significantly improved (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Regarding rumen fermentation parameters, BP significantly increased valeric acid concentration, reduced acetate-to-propionic acid ratio, and elevated microbial protein production. From the perspective of rumen microbial community, BP increased the diversity and evenness of rumen microbial. The relative abundance of Actinobacteriota, Fibrobacterota, <i>Olsenella</i>, <i>Fibrobacter</i>, <i>Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group</i>, and <i>Succiniclasticum</i> was significantly higher in the BP group than in the CON group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). In terms of metabolism, BP exerted positive effects on indicators related to hepatocyte damage, muscle injury, lipid metabolism, protein metabolism, and endotoxin levels. For immune function, BP enhanced immune responses by reducing interleukin (IL)-1β and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) levels (<i>p</i> < 0.05) and increasing immunoglobulin levels (<i>p</i> < 0.05), thereby improving overall immunity. Moreover, BP significantly enhanced the body's antioxidant capacity by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that major acute-phase protein, TNF-α, and IL-1β all exhibited significant negative correlations with certain differential microorganisms (<i>p</i> < 0.05). In conclusion, 0.5% BP supplementation in HCD improves goat production performance by optimizing rumen fermentation and microbial community, enhancing immunity and antioxidant capacity, and regulating metabolic function, providing a theoretical basis for BP application in ruminant production under high-concentrate feeding conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1780550"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13143628/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ferroptosis contributes to boar sperm deterioration during liquid semen storage.","authors":"Mubashrah Mahmood, Tyler Weide, Karl Kerns","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1816003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1816003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death characterized by labile iron accumulation, glutathione depletion, mitochondrial dysfunction, and lipid peroxidation. Although ferroptosis has been linked to impaired spermatogenesis and male infertility <i>in vivo</i>, its occurrence and functional relevance in ejaculated spermatozoa during liquid semen storage at 17 °C has not been established. This study evaluated how ferroptosis inducers and inhibitors modulate boar sperm function during liquid semen storage at 17 °C and determined whether ferroptosis contributes to spontaneous sperm deterioration over time. Semen samples from five Duroc boars were treated with ferroptosis inducers: Erastin (system Xc^- antagonist) and RSL-3 (GPX4 inhibitor), inhibitors: Ferrostatin-1 and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and vehicle/untreated controls. Sperm motility was assessed by computer-aided sperm analysis, and comprehensive ferroptosis-associated biomarkers were quantified using spectral flow cytometry with a 7-fluorophore panel including sperm identification (Hoechst 33342), labile ferrous iron (FerroOrange), glutathione (monochlorobimane), reactive oxygen species (DCFDA), lipid peroxidation (BODIPY 581/591 C11), mitochondrial membrane potential (MitoTracker Deep Red), and plasma membrane integrity (propidium iodide). RSL-3 induced declines in total and progressive motility accompanied by elevated Fe²⁺ accumulation, glutathione depletion, mitochondrial depolarization, and membrane disruption by day 3 (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Erastin produced similar but delayed effects, reaching maximum ferroptotic markers by day 7. Both Ferrostatin-1 and NAC mitigated oxidative injury and preserved motility and cellular integrity relative to inducers. Critically, untreated controls exhibited time-dependent increases in all ferroptosis-associated biomarkers over 7 days of liquid storage, indicating spontaneous ferroptotic activity independent of chemical induction. These findings establish ferroptosis as a mechanistically relevant contributor to sperm.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1816003"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13143747/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837067","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>Ageratina adenophora</i> aqueous extract impairs <i>Ascaris suum</i> egg embryonation and infectivity via disruption of metabolic and detoxification pathways.","authors":"Luyang Wang, Wenya Wang, Junjun He, Fanfan Shu, Jun Ma, Jianfa Yang, Fengcai Zou","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1789026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1789026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Ageratina adenophora</i> is a globally invasive perennial herb that poses a significant threat to biodiversity. However, recent studies highlight its potential for ecological utilization, demonstrating antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and insecticidal properties. Research on its effect on <i>Ascaris suum</i> eggs and the underlying molecular mechanisms remains limited. This study investigated the impact of <i>A. adenophora</i> aqueous extract on <i>A. suum</i> egg development and explored key responsive pathways and genes via RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). <i>A. suum</i> eggs were treated <i>in vitro</i> with various concentrations (0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 1.00%, 2.50%, 5.00%) of the extract. Embryonation rates decreased dose-dependently, with the 5.00% treatment showing the strongest inhibition (34.24%). Eggs treated with 2.50% and 5.00% extract caused significantly less severe pulmonary lesions and lower larval counts in infected mice, indicating reduced infectivity. Transcriptome analysis of control (WH), 0.10% (EH), and 0.50% (MH) treated eggs identified 281 and 1,083 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for EH vs. WH and MH vs. WH, respectively. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that DEGs were primarily involved in transmembrane transport, catalytic activity, carbohydrate metabolic processes, the drug metabolism-cytochrome P450 pathway, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. Key genes, including CYP44A1, CYP4V2, CYP4C3, and GST-4, were significantly downregulated. qRT-PCR validated the RNA-Seq results. These findings suggest that <i>A. adenophora</i> extract inhibits <i>A. suum</i> egg development, potentially by disrupting energy metabolism and xenobiotic detoxification pathways. This study provides a theoretical basis for developing <i>A. adenophora</i>-based agents targeting the egg stage of <i>A. suum</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1789026"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13147474/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837228","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of cotton straw and apple pomace mixed ensilage on growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, rumen microbiota and metabolome of Xinjiang Brown cattle.","authors":"Ruohui Li, Shengjie Zhang, Qikai Liu, Bao Wang, Shihong Mi, Chengcheng Wang, Xiaoping Chen, Kang He, Yuan Lv, Xuelian Gao, Yuanhao Fan, Jiaru Tang, Dengke Hua, Xinfeng Wang","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1796588","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1796588","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to investigate the effects of replacing traditional corn silage with cotton straw and apple pomace mixed ensilage feed on the growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, rumen microbiota and metabolome of Xinjiang Brown Cattle. Twenty 22-month-old Xinjiang Brown Cattle with similar body conditions were randomly divided into a control group (Con, corn silage) and an experimental group (Tre, cotton straw and apple pomace mixed ensilage). The experiment lasted for 180 days, during which growth performance was evaluated. At the end of the experiment, 6 cattle were randomly selected from each group for slaughter to determine slaughter performance and meat quality. Meanwhile, rumen fluid samples were collected to analyze the rumen microbial community structure using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and rumen fluid metabolites were analyzed with untargeted metabolomics (LC-MS) technology. The results showed that there were no significant differences in growth performance (average daily gain and final weight) between the two groups. However, compared to the Con group, the carcass weight, dressing percentage and drip loss of the Tre group were significantly decreased (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Rumen fermentation results indicated that the rumen pH value of the Tre group was significantly increased (<i>p</i> < 0.05), while the acetic acid content was significantly decreased (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Microbiome analysis showed that the <i>α</i>-diversity (<i>Shannon</i> and <i>Chao1</i> indices) of rumen microbiota in the Tre group was significantly higher, and there was a significant difference in <i>β</i>-diversity (<i>p</i> < 0.05); the relative abundance of fiber-degrading bacteria such as <i>Fibrobacter</i> in the Tre group was significantly increased. LC-MS analysis revealed that the contents of beneficial metabolites such as N-Acetyl-L-methionine and Resveratrol were increased in the Tre group. In conclusion, cotton straw and apple pomace mixed ensilage feed can be used as an effective substitute for corn silage, modulating the rumen microbial community structure and altering the metabolite profile, thereby improving meat juiciness. This study provides theoretical support for the resourceful and high-value utilization of agricultural by-products such as cotton straw and fruit pomace in Xinjiang.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1796588"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13139175/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837146","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A comparative study of gut microbiota and metabolites in Tibetan sheep during cold and warm seasons.","authors":"Qi-Tala An, Wenhao Li, Yaxiong Ren, Xia Liu, Liangwei Yao, Yuan Li, Xingxu Zhao, Yong Zhang, Peijian Feng, Xiaohua Du","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1768985","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1768985","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Tibetan sheep, a vital livestock species adapted to the extreme hypoxia, low temperatures, and intense radiation of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, rely on gastrointestinal microbiota for ecological balance and host nutrition, metabolism, and immunity. However, the possible associations of gut microbiota and metabolites with seasonal phenology remain unclear. Integrating biochemical, metagenomic, and metabolomic analyses, this study investigated seasonal variations in serum indices, microbial communities, and metabolites to inform enhanced breeding strategies. Analysis of forage nutritional composition showed that warm-season forages had significantly higher concentrations of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE) (<i>p</i> < 0.01), whereas cold-season forages were characterized by significantly greater levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (<i>p</i> < 0.01). Correspondingly, serum analysis revealed significantly higher warm-season concentrations of alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol, creatinine, and urea nitrogen compared with the cold season (<i>p</i> < 0.01). Gut microbiota composition shifted seasonally, with <i>Bacteroides</i> dominating in warm seasons and <i>Bacillus</i> predominating in cold seasons. Functional metagenomics indicated cold-season enrichment in pathways related to carbon metabolism, ABC transporters, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, pyruvate metabolism, DNA replication, and methane metabolism (<i>p</i> < 0.01). Metabolomics identified elevated warm-season microbial metabolites (His-Met, leucylleucine, luteolin 7-glucoside, ursolic acid; <i>p</i> < 0.05) and higher cold-season compounds (melatonin, glabrol, prostaglandin E2; <i>p</i> < 0.05), with KEGG enrichment linking these to steroid hormone biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, bile acid synthesis, and propanoate pathways. These findings suggest possible associations between seasonal extremes and: (1) modulation of nutrient metabolism (e.g., secondary bile acids and short-chain fatty acids); (2) activation of stress-response pathways (e.g., pentose phosphate pathway, ABC transporters, and DNA replication); and (3) immune regulation mediated by bioactive metabolites. Cold-season enrichment in DNA repair and energy-production pathways may be associated with responses to oxidative stress, whereas warm-season shifts in lipid metabolism are consistent with increased nutrient availability. Fluctuations in key metabolites-such as elevated melatonin in cold seasons and elevated ursolic acid in warm seasons-likely reflect adaptations related to thermoregulation and antioxidant defense. This work provides foundational insights into microbiota-host interactions under extreme environmental conditions, supporting the optimization of supplementation, probiotic use, and sustainable husbandry on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1768985"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13140854/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837175","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Retrospective multicenter analysis of causes of death in wild mammals in Southern Germany (2019-2023).","authors":"M Nowak, V Herschmann, A Blutke, B Blazey, B Boehm, U Fischer, A M Gager, A Gangl, C Gangl, E Großmann, P Hernando, W Huber, E Kappe, M Mueller, D Nobach, J Reichert, K Rigbers, B Schade, I Schwabe, B Strobel, M Suchowski, M Suntz, T Thiele, J Tyczka, K Yen, K Zetzmann, K Feld, N Kolb","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1805419","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1805419","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Wild mammals are important indicators of ecosystem health, zoonotic risks, and anthropogenic pressures. Systematic necropsies provide valuable insights into mortality patterns, yet regionally structured evaluations in Central Europe remain scarce.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 2,118 complete necropsy reports of wild mammals submitted to public veterinary investigation authorities in southern Germany between 2019 and 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Data were categorized according to species, age, sex, season, and cause of death. Mortality causes were classified using the WHO ICD-11 system to enable standardized reporting and international comparability.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The most frequently examined species were European hare <i>(Lepus europaeus)</i>, red fox <i>(Vulpes vulpes)</i>, roe deer <i>(Capreolus capreolus)</i> and wild boar <i>(Sus scrofa)</i>. Infectious diseases were the leading cause of death, with tularemia and European brown hare syndrome predominantly affecting European hares, rabbit hemorrhagic disease occurring mainly in European rabbits and canine distemper virus representing the major infectious cause of death in red foxes, often showing distinct regional clustering. Trauma was the second most common cause of death, with road traffic collisions as the predominant factor. A pronounced seasonal mortality peak was observed in spring, particularly among adults.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The present study highlights the multifactorial nature of wildlife mortality in southern Germany, with anthropogenic drivers playing a central role. It represents the first comprehensive regional overview of wildlife mortality in Germany based on complete necropsy datasets from all public veterinary investigation authorities in southern Germany. The ICD-11 classification proved useful for structuring mortality data and supports international comparability. These findings underline the value of necropsy-based surveillance as an important tool in One Health, informing conservation planning, wildlife management and public health risk assessment.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1805419"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13139095/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>Haemonchus contortus</i> infection alters parasitological, hematological, and colostrum profiles with metabolomic and lipidomic signatures in Florida cracker ewes during the peripartum period.","authors":"Sola J Ikuejamoye-Omotore, Makenzie Harrison, John O Adebayo, Anijia Mills-Widemon, Uchenna Y Anele, Andrea Gentry-Apple, Zaira M Estrada-Reyes, Scott Bowdridge, Ibukun M Ogunade, Andres A Pech-Cervantes, Thomas H Terrill, Alexis Ruiz-González","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1770252","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1770252","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluated for the first time the effects of <i>H. contortus</i> infection on hematological and parasitological parameters, as well as on the composition, metabolomic, and lipidomic profiles of colostrum in periparturient Florida Cracker ewes. Twenty pregnant Florida Cracker ewes were allocated to infected (INF, <i>n</i> = 10) or control (CTL, <i>n</i> = 10) groups at 90 days of pregnancy. Then, at 120 days of gestation, the INF group received an oral dose of 10,000 L3 <i>H. contortus</i> larvae, while the CTL group received 3 mL of distilled water. Fecal egg counts (FEC) and FAMACHA scoring were performed before infection (-1 h), and at 7-, 14-, 21-, 28- and 35- days post-infection (pi). Blood was collected by jugular venipuncture before infection (-1 h) and at 3-, and 6-h, and at 7-, 14-, 21- and 28-days pi from all ewes for full hematology analysis. Colostrum samples were collected at lambing from each ewe. The FEC data was log transformed [log₁₀(FEC + 100)] for analysis (LFEC). A mixed-effects model with repeated measures was used to analyze the hematological and parasitological data. Colostrum chemical composition was analyzed using a <i>t</i>-test, while metabolomic and lipidomic data were processed using MetaboAnalyst 5.0. Parasitological analysis revealed significant differences for LFEC and FAMCHA score, at 21-, 28- and 35-days pi and at 14-21-, 28- and 35-days pi, respectively. For hematological data, significant differences (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.05) were observed for white blood cell count (WBC), lymphocyte count (LYM), neutrophil count (NEU), monocyte count (MON) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). No significant differences were observed for the chemical composition of colostrum. For colostrum metabolomics, 23 differentially abundant metabolites (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.05, FC ≥ 1.5 or ≤ 0.67) were observed between the experimental groups. Lipidome analysis identified 4,702 lipid species in the colostrum samples. Biomarker analysis identified 3 lipid species (FA 15:1; O, MG 20:5, PE 41:6) as potential biomarkers between the INF and CTL groups. These lipids support cellular integrity and energy biogenesis. These findings highlight the impact of <i>H. contortus</i> infections on colostrum composition in Florida Cracker ewes, suggesting the need for further research to understand how these changes impact the metabolism and performance of lambs.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1770252"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13139189/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837192","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Probiotics as antioxidant, antistress, and growth-enhancing agents in monogastric animals: a narrative review.","authors":"Victory Osirimade Sumanu, Kennedy Ejebhiare Osuidia, Ifeanyichukwu Chukwuemeka Egbuniwe, Vinny Naidoo, Marinda Oosthuizen, Joseph Panashe Chamunorwa, Lyndy Joy McGaw","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1815504","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1815504","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Probiotics, defined as living microorganisms that confer health benefits when administered in adequate amounts, have demonstrated significant potential in enhancing productivity and physiological resilience in monogastric animals, including poultry, companion animals, and swine. This narrative review synthesizes recent evidence on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antistress, and growth-promoting functions of commonly studied probiotic genera, such as <i>Lactobacillus</i>, <i>Bifidobacterium</i>, <i>Bacillus</i>, and <i>Saccharomyces</i>. Probiotics improve physiological homeostasis through multiple mechanisms. As antioxidants, they enhance endogenous enzyme activities including catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase resulting in 15-40% increases in enzyme activity and 20-45% reductions in lipid peroxidation markers, indicating improved oxidative balance. Antistress effects are mediated via modulation of the gut-brain axis, lowered corticosterone levels, and immune regulation through cytokine changes (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10). Additionally, probiotics support intestinal integrity, reduce pathogenic load, and enhance nutrient utilization, contributing to 5-12% improvements in feed efficiency under controlled conditions. The efficacy of probiotics depends on strain specificity, dosage, delivery method, and host factors, emphasizing the need for precise formulation. In conclusion, probiotics offer a promising nutritional strategy for improving health, stress tolerance, and productivity in monogastric species. Future research should focus on elucidating molecular mechanisms, including Nrf2 signalling and gut barrier regulation, optimizing dosing strategies and exploring synergistic combinations with prebiotics and phytogenic additives. Such targeted approaches can maximize the benefits of probiotics and support sustainable, precision-driven monogastric production systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1815504"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13139146/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837125","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Case Report: Feline adrenal pheochromocytoma with a synaptophysin-positive, chromogranin A-negative immunophenotype.","authors":"Jihyun Kim, Sooa Yoon, Seungjin Lee","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1801002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1801002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pheochromocytoma is a rare adrenal medullary neoplasm in cats, with limited published cases and diagnostic challenges due to variable clinical presentation. An 8-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat presented with severe watery diarrhea, lethargy, and anorexia. Diagnostic evaluation revealed chronic kidney disease, pyelonephritis, and a large cystic right adrenal mass identified on ultrasonography and computed tomography. Endocrine testing did not support hyperadrenocorticism or hyperaldosteronism, and functional assessment of catecholamine excess was not performed. Surgical adrenalectomy was elected due to mass size and rupture risk. Histopathological examination demonstrated a medullary adrenal neoplasm composed of polygonal cells arranged in characteristic packets. Immunohistochemistry revealed synaptophysin positivity with negative chromogranin A staining, supporting a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the cat remained normotensive and clinically stable at one year, with chronic kidney disease managed medically. This case underscores the diagnostic complexity of feline pheochromocytoma and highlights the importance of integrating imaging, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry, as chromogranin A negativity does not exclude this diagnosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1801002"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13139168/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147836732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quercetin alleviates thiram induced tibial dyschondroplasia in broiler chicken through modulating oxidative stress and cecal microbiota.","authors":"Rui Jiang, Yirui Yang, Ming Chi, Shuaiying Wang, Zhengyao Sheng, Jingyu Lyu, Tengteng Liu, Kaiwen Chen","doi":"10.3389/fvets.2026.1761862","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1761862","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) is characterized by unmineralized cartilage plugs in the proximal tibial growth plate and is clinically associated with lameness and impaired growth performance in broilers. This study investigated the protective effects of quercetin, a natural flavonoid compound, against thiram-induced TD in broilers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 180 one-day-old broilers were randomly assigned to a control group, a TD group, and a quercetin (QUE) group. TD was induced in the TD and QUE groups by feeding a diet containing 100 mg/kg thiram from days 4 to 7. The QUE group additionally received 600 mg/kg quercetin from the end of the adaptation period until the end of the trial. Growth performance, clinical signs, oxidative stress parameters, growth plate vascularization, cartilage-related gene expression, and gut microbiota composition were evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared with the control group, the TD group showed significant lameness, reduced growth performance, decreased serum ALP activity, T-AOC, and SOD levels, increased MDA levels, and reduced vascularization in the growth plate. qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that the expression of antioxidant- and cartilage-related genes, including <i>Nrf2</i>, <i>HO-1</i>, <i>Col2a1</i>, and <i>ACAN</i>, was downregulated in the TD group, whereas quercetin supplementation upregulated the expression of these genes. Gut microbiota analysis further showed an increased relative abundance of Firmicutes and a decreased abundance of Proteobacteria in TD birds. Quercetin supplementation attenuated these negative changes, modulated the composition of the gut microbiota, and increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, thereby improving intestinal health via the gut-bone axis and exerting a positive effect on the growth plate.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These findings indicate that quercetin alleviates thiram-induced TD in broilers, possibly by reducing oxidative stress, regulating cartilage-related gene expression, and improving gut microbiota homeostasis. Quercetin may therefore have potential as a feed additive for the prevention of TD, although the precise mechanisms require further investigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":12772,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","volume":"13 ","pages":"1761862"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13139136/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}