Research in veterinary science最新文献

{"title":"Wild UK deer as carriers of livestock lameness associated pathogens","authors":"Simon R. Clegg ,&nbsp;Andrew S. Cooke ,&nbsp;Elektra Poluha ,&nbsp;Stefan H. Millson ,&nbsp;Joseph W. Angell ,&nbsp;Nicholas J. Evans","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106042","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106042","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lameness is one of the major diseases on UK farms and worldwide and can be caused by environmental damage and/or infection. The pathogens associated with infectious lameness, namely <em>Fusobacterium necrophorum</em>, <em>Dichelobacter nodosus</em> and pathogenic <em>Treponema</em> species are responsible for substantial economic losses. The lack of knowledge on reservoirs of these pathogens is concerning and wild deer may pose a potential risk for livestock infection. This study investigated the prevalence of lameness associated bacteria on the feet of culled wild deer using molecular methods and subsequent isolation to characterise bacteria and allow comparison to livestock pathogens. With the exception of <em>Treponema medium</em>, all the other pathogens were detected on deer feet with sika deer carrying the fewest pathogens and muntjac and roe carrying the most. Muntjac deer were significantly more likely than other deer species to carry <em>F. necrophorum</em>. Body condition score was a significant factor associated with pathogen carriage, with a higher body condition score leading to lower pathogen carriage. Identical treponemes based on 16S rRNA genes were isolated to those found in cattle and sheep. The assessment of the antimicrobials which the <em>Treponema</em> isolates were susceptible to, showed a high similarity to those previously reported in livestock, thus further suggesting carriage of similar bacteria. This study shows that wild deer within the UK are carriers for lameness bacteria but are asymptomatic. The infection risk which these wild ruminant ungulates pose to livestock species requires further research. This study begins to suggest a potential wildlife reservoir for lameness associated bacteria.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"200 ","pages":"Article 106042"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145878884","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dietary nano‑chromium picolinate enhances interferon-gamma expression in heat-stressed broilers vaccinated against Newcastle disease","authors":"Farhad Hajializadeh ,&nbsp;Alireza Talebi ,&nbsp;Raziallah Jafari Jozani","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106044","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106044","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Poultry immunity is negatively impacted by heat stress (HS), resulting in reduced efficacy of vaccines. In this study, we determined whether dietary chromium (III) picolinate (CrPic) and the nano formulation (Nano-CrPic) could help alleviate the negative effects of HS on cellular immunity in vaccinated broilers against Newcastle disease (ND). Ross 308 broilers were subjected to continuing heat exposure and received supplementations of either CrPic or Nano-CrPic at 500, 1000, or 1500 ppb. Following ND vaccination, we quantified the expression of IFN-γ mRNA from splenic tissues. Importantly, IFN-γ expression increased between about 2.5–4 fold in vaccinated versus control broilers at 3 days after vaccination. In addition, under HS conditions, Nano-CrPic at 500 and 1000 ppb increased IFN-γ expression by 35–50 % compared to broilers in the HS Controls (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01) and 20–30 % compared to broilers fed traditional CrPic at comparable levels of supplementation. On the other hand, no significant change in IFN-γ expression was observed following either CrPic or Nano-CrPic supplementation in non-vaccinated birds. Supplementation with Nano-CrPic at the highest-level of 1500 ppb had diminished enhancements on IFN-γ expression, suggesting a non-linear dose-response pattern. The findings indicate that dietary supplementation using Nano-CrPic at 500–1000 ppb provides a practical means of improving cellular immunity responses that are generated after vaccination, particularly in heat-stressed broilers, thereby improving potential vaccination response under heat stress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"200 ","pages":"Article 106044"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145864842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Emergence of a novel subgenotype 2.4 of classical swine fever virus in India","authors":"Sharanagouda Shiddanagouda Patil ,&nbsp;Jayaramareddy Harish ,&nbsp;Kothapete Ramakrishna Ganesh,&nbsp;Kuralayanapalya Puttahonnappa Suresh,&nbsp;Jagadish Hiremath,&nbsp;Shivasharanappa Nayakvadi","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106031","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106031","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Classical Swine Fever Virus (CSFV) remains a major constraint to pig production worldwide, despite vaccination and control efforts. This study investigated the genetic diversity, phylogeography, and population structure of CSFV using E2 gene sequences from 53 Indian isolates spanning 18 states and union territories and 85 global isolates from 28 countries. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Indian CSFV strains predominantly belong to genotype 2, with subgenotype 2.2 as the dominant and widely distributed lineage across India, reflecting long-term endemic circulation. Subgenotype 2.4, restricted mainly to Northeast India, clustered closely with Southeast Asian strains, suggesting regional evolution and transboundary transmission, while subgenotype 1.1 persisted as an older lineage alongside genotype 2 viruses. Global analysis demonstrated extensive genetic structuring, with genotype 2 exhibiting the highest diversity and broader geographic spread compared to other genotypes. Haplotype analysis identified high haplotype diversity in both Indian (Hd = 0.9853) and global (Hd = 0.9871) datasets, characterized by numerous region-specific haplotypes and limited shared haplotypes indicative of localized evolution punctuated by occasional long-distance dissemination. Shared haplotypes among Indian states and between countries highlight the role of animal movement and trade in CSFV spread. Overall, the combined phylogenetic and population genetic analyses underscore the complex evolutionary dynamics of CSFV in India and globally, emphasizing the need for continuous molecular surveillance and region-specific control.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"200 ","pages":"Article 106031"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145820538","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating attitudes toward piglet euthanasia among Spanish-speaking animal caretakers on U.S. commercial swine farms: A comparison of CO₂ and non-penetrating captive bolt methods","authors":"Brooke Kitting ,&nbsp;Faby Hernandez ,&nbsp;Pablo Lamino ,&nbsp;John J. McGlone ,&nbsp;Heidi Villalba ,&nbsp;Allen Jimena Martinez Aguiriano ,&nbsp;Miguel Alejandro Hernandez Corrales ,&nbsp;Daniela Sofia Lima Alvarez ,&nbsp;Arlene Garcia","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106023","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106023","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The use of a non-penetrating captive bolt (NPCB) gun to euthanize suckling pigs may be visually challenging and stressful to animal caretakers, influencing their ability to make timely euthanasia decisions. The objective of this study was to utilize a survey to characterize the emotional and practical challenges of Spanish-speaking animal caretakers (<em>n</em> = 257) employed on commercial swine farms in the United States, as they transitioned from carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas euthanasia to NPCB as the primary method of euthanasia in suckling piglets. The survey results indicated concerns primarily centered on perceived inhumaneness and potential pain inflicted on piglets, particularly with the NPCB method. Caretakers expressed concerns about the psychological impact of CO₂, but felt it was a more humane alternative than NPCB. Male caretakers were less likely than females to dislike euthanizing piglets (<em>p</em> = 0.013). Animal caretakers who were aware of the Common Swine Industry Audit (CSIA; <em>p</em> = 0.010), animal caretakers with a college degree (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05), and those who decided when to euthanize an animal and conducted the procedure themselves preferred to have someone else perform the task of euthanasia (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01). These findings highlight how demographics and knowledge of the CSIA influence animal caretakers' decisions and preferences regarding piglet euthanasia. These findings also emphasize a challenge with animal caretakers' reluctance to accept science-based animal welfare practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"200 ","pages":"Article 106023"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145792140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development and evaluation of recombinant protective antigen (rPA)-based indirect-ELISA for sero-monitoring of anthrax-specific antibodies in sheep","authors":"Sripada Sairam ,&nbsp;Roopa Anandamurthy Hemanth ,&nbsp;Suresh Bindu ,&nbsp;Mandrira Ramakrishna Namrutha ,&nbsp;Anand Shirisha ,&nbsp;Pillenahalli Sadashivappa Pooja ,&nbsp;Awadhesh Prajapati ,&nbsp;Revanaiah Yogisharadhya ,&nbsp;Nihar Nalini Mohanty ,&nbsp;Sandeep Kumar Singh ,&nbsp;Mohammed Mudassar Chanda ,&nbsp;Sathish Bhadravati Shivachandra","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106058","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106058","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Protective antigen (PA), a key exotoxin of <em>Bacillus anthracis</em>, is involved in the pathogenesis of anthrax, leading to ‘sudden death’ of affected herbivores. PA is also known to induce protective neutralizing antibodies following vaccination. Although an effective anthrax live spore vaccine is used to immunize susceptible animals, pre- and post-vaccination antibody titres are not regularly monitored, which is of immunological significance in endemic areas, and it is important to evaluate the vaccine efficacy at the field level. Hence, this study describes a standardized indirect-ELISA, a simple and rapid immuno-assay based on recombinant protective antigen (603 aa, ∼67 kDa) to detect anti-PA-specific IgG antibodies in sheep serum samples to assess serological evidence of exposure and/or vaccination to anthrax. Further, rPA-iELISA was used to assess prevailing antibody titers in randomly collected sheep (<em>n</em> = 1289) serum samples from three different states representing anthrax-endemic (Telangana) and non-endemic (Punjab and Haryana) geographical regions of India. A standardized rPA antigen (200 ng/well) based indirect-ELISA was found to possess an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.980 and 95 % CI of 0.932–0.992 with sensitivity of 93.7 %, and specificity of 94.9 % (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001) against an optimal cut-off criterion of &gt;25.3 PP (&gt;0.46 OD). A higher degree of sero-positivity in Telangana (&gt;66.98 %), and a lower positivity was noted in Punjab and Haryana (6.83 % and 15.95 %, respectively) among sheep. The study indicated the potential utility of rPA-iELISA for sero-monitoring of anthrax / anti-PA-specific IgG antibodies in sheep.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"201 ","pages":"Article 106058"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145940803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Active transmission of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever virus, a tick-borne disease, in Iraq: Animal host population movement dynamics and retrospective case study analysis (2018–2023)","authors":"Khalis Ahmed Hammad Ameen ,&nbsp;Ameen Saleh Alyousuf ,&nbsp;Blesa Abdulhameed Salh ,&nbsp;Hiro Mohammed Obaid ,&nbsp;Ihab Raqeeb Aakef","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106021","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106021","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study is a retrospective and descriptive cross-sectional analysis examining demographic and epidemiological data of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) in Iraq, covering confirmed cases from January 2018 to December 2023. Utilizing data from the Iraq CDC/zoonotic department, 1001 cases were analyzed and confirmed via Real-time PCR and ELISA tests at the Central Public Health Laboratory. The study highlights the climatic conditions of Iraq, with its semi-arid and semi-tropical climate influencing disease prevalence. Results indicate a significant gender disparity in CCHFV cases, with 59.4 % male and 40.6 % female patients, suggesting differing exposure and susceptibility between genders. The age distribution shows higher infection rates among individuals aged 22 to 51, potentially linked to occupational exposure and outdoor activities. A notable increase in reported cases was observed in 2022 and 2023, accounting for 38.0 % and 58.6 % of total cases, respectively. This surge may be attributed to environmental and socio-economic factors, including climate change, urbanization, and population displacement.</div><div>Geographic analysis reveals that provinces like Thiqar, Baghdad, Basra, and Misan report higher case numbers, indicating regional hotspots for CCHFV transmission. Risk factor analysis emphasizes the role of direct contact with raw meat, animal slaughtering, and tick bites as significant contributors to infection. The study also identifies key symptoms associated with poor prognosis, such as bleeding from injection sites, body orifices, and echymosis, which are significantly correlated with higher mortality rates. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions, including enhanced surveillance, vector control, and public education, particularly in high-risk regions. Understanding the epidemiology and risk factors of CCHFV is crucial for developing effective prevention and control strategies to mitigate the impact of this disease in Iraq.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"200 ","pages":"Article 106021"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145792138","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antimicrobial resistance and virulence-associated genes in Escherichia coli from young healthy chickens","authors":"Giulia Cagnoli ,&nbsp;Fabrizio Bertelloni ,&nbsp;Flavia Zendri ,&nbsp;Dorina Timofte ,&nbsp;Alessia Di Paolo ,&nbsp;Margherita Marzoni Fecia di Cossato ,&nbsp;Valentina Virginia Ebani","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106062","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106062","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Escherichia coli</em> is a commensal intestinal bacterium of humans and animals and is frequently associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study investigated the phenotypic and genotypic AMR and virulence factors in <em>E. coli</em> isolated from 120 young healthy chickens never treated with antibiotics and coccidiostats. The disk diffusion method employed on all 120 isolates revealed the highest resistance (11.67%) to chloramphenicol and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. All isolates were susceptible to aztreonam and gentamicin, whereas over 95% showed susceptibility to amikacin, cefoxitin, ciprofloxacin, and ertapenem. Minimum inhibition concentration test found 7 (5.83%) isolates resistant to colistin. Eight strains (6.67%) were found to be multidrug-resistant (MDR). Molecular analyses conducted on resistant and intermediate isolates showed that 11/13 penicillin-resistant strains carried the <em>blaTEM</em> gene, 12/12 tetracycline-resistant strains had <em>tet</em>A, 4/14 chloramphenicol-resistant and 1/2 chloramphenicol-intermediate strains had <em>cmlA</em>. The <em>astA</em> gene, potentially indicative of enteroaggregative <em>E. coli</em> (EAEC), was found in 15% of isolates. Virulence genes characterizing other pathotypes investigated were not detected. Chickens reared in optimal conditions and never treated with antibiotics may harbor antimicrobial-resistant and pathogenic bacterial strains that could become a public health hazard. Good farm management and hygiene are fundamental to reducing the circulation of pathogenic strains and the need for antimicrobial treatments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"201 ","pages":"Article 106062"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145966820","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of the impact of acepromazine on tissue oxygenation in horses sedated with detomidine","authors":"Amanda L. James ,&nbsp;Enzo Vettorato ,&nbsp;Raiane A. Moura ,&nbsp;Tatiana Moreira Batista P.R. Azevedo ,&nbsp;Martha F. Mallicote ,&nbsp;Ludovica Chiavaccini","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106019","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106019","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sedation with α₂-agonists can impair microcirculation and oxygen delivery. This prospective randomized crossover study investigated whether administering acepromazine maleate before detomidine hydrochloride maintains higher peripheral tissue oxygen saturation (StO₂) in sedated horses. Eight healthy adult horses randomly received intravenous detomidine (10 μg/kg) either alone (D) or in combination with acepromazine (20 μg/kg; DA), with a one-week washout. Hemoglobin concentration and central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO₂) were measured at baseline. Tissue oxygen saturation, tissue hemoglobin index (THI), sedation depth, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (<em>f</em>R), mean arterial pressure (MAP), gastrointestinal motility, and serum lactate concentrations were recorded at baseline, 5, 15, 30, 60, and 120 min after injection. Mixed-effects linear models were used to assess time and treatment effects, and correlations were analyzed using the Bland-Altman Repeated Measures correlation. Across both treatment groups, StO₂ (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.011), HR (<em>p</em> ≤ 0.007), <em>f</em>R (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.0001), MAP (<em>p</em> ≤ 0.024), and gastrointestinal motility (p &lt; 0.0001) declined significantly over time with no significant difference between groups. A negative correlation between StO₂ and serum lactate was found (<em>r</em> = −0.37, <em>p</em> = 0.0004); however, no correlation with ScvO₂ was observed. Sedation scores increased from 5 to 60 min (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), ranging between 5 and 8 regardless of group allocation and were overall higher in the DA group (<em>p</em> = 0.02). These findings suggest that acepromazine enhances the sedative effect of detomidine but may not fully counteract its adverse impact on peripheral tissue oxygenation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"200 ","pages":"Article 106019"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145850671","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microsatellite-based genetic diversity and population structure of local goat breeds in Cyprus","authors":"Raziye Işık Kalpar ,&nbsp;Emel Özkan Ünal ,&nbsp;Abdullah Taner Önaldi ,&nbsp;Nazan Koluman ,&nbsp;Gönen Vurana ,&nbsp;Ersin Gözenler ,&nbsp;Bulut Olgu ,&nbsp;Ayşen Bulancak ,&nbsp;Ahmet Ince","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106033","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106033","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the genetic diversity of three economically important goat breeds, Damascus, Pisuri, and Mahari, from Cyprus, utilizing 20 heterologous microsatellite loci. A total of 200 alleles were detected, averaging 10 alleles per locus. Damascus showed the highest genetic diversity (Na = 8.5), followed by Pisuri and Mahari (Na = 8.3). The effective number of alleles ranged from 2.589 (INRA005) to 8.891 (HSC), and Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) values (0.55–0.86) confirmed high polymorphism across loci. Observed (H_O) and expected (H_E) heterozygosities ranged from 0.4118 to 0.9574 and 0.4890 to 0.9016, respectively, with Pisuri displaying the highest genetic diversity. The mean inbreeding coefficient (F_IS = 0.061) indicated moderate inbreeding. Genetic differentiation was low to moderate (F_ST = 0.0068–0.1298), with Damascus being the most distinct population. STRUCTURE and factorial analyses supported the presence of three genetic clusters, clearly separating Damascus from Pisuri and Mahari. Despite minor deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, the overall results revealed limited differentiation and high genetic diversity, particularly in Damascus. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic composition of Cyprus goat breeds and highlight their importance for conservation and selective breeding strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"200 ","pages":"Article 106033"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145820023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A genetic analysis of the causes of lamb mortality determined by an on-farm postmortem procedure","authors":"K. Hay ,&nbsp;N. Lambe ,&nbsp;J. Roden ,&nbsp;S. Jarvis ,&nbsp;C.M. Dwyer","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106032","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106032","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lamb mortality is a major challenge in sheep production with significant implications for animal welfare and farm profitability. This study investigated the causes of lamb mortality within the first three days of life in a lowland outdoor lambing flock in the Scottish Borders, UK, over three lambing seasons (2021−2023). Dead lambs were collected from the pastures during checking rounds three times a day, and simple on-farm postmortems were conducted once a day. A total of 468 lamb postmortem examinations were conducted to classify the most likely cause of death as dystocia, starvation/mismothering/exposure (SME), stillbirth, other, or unknown causes. Overall mortality to three days of age was 12 %, with SME (28 %) and stillbirth (27 %) the most common causes, followed by dystocia (13 %). Single and triplet born lambs (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01) were most likely to die from dystocia compared to other litter sizes and the risk of death from SME increased with litter size (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01). Direct lamb heritability estimates for death by dystocia and stillbirth were moderate (0.31 and 0.27, respectively), indicating potential for improvement via genetic selection. However, heritability for SME was not significant, highlighting the increased influence of environmental factors for this cause of lamb death. The findings demonstrate that the use of simple postmortems could be used to increase the accuracy of selection for lamb survival in breeding programmes, through the integration of breeding values for specific causes of death. This would be most applicable in well-recorded nucleus flocks that are well connected to the rest of the breeding programme.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"200 ","pages":"Article 106032"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145820553","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}