{"title":"Alpaca's stress and welfare from behavioral and physiological perspectives.","authors":"Monika Budzyńska, Joanna Kapustka","doi":"10.1055/a-2632-2386","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2632-2386","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Alpacas' welfare needs a multidisciplinary approach, combining applied ethology, animal husbandry and veterinary science. This article reviews issues such as key sources of alpacas' stress, their responses in stressful situations from behavioral and physiological perspectives and possibilities to develop positive human-animal relationships as well as improve well-being of alpacas kept in the European conditions and used for fiber production and tourism. The review was divided into 3 main areas: (i) stress regulation and assessment in alpacas, (ii) alpacas' welfare and Five Freedoms, (iii) the importance of behavioral knowledge to improve alpacas' welfare. Besides many potential factors inducing alpacas' stress response and decreasing quality of life in these animals, there is a number of possibilities to optimize their welfare and increase behavioral comfort. Proper alpaca care should be based on knowledge about this species' behavioral repertoire and rules of animal management practice as they could help optimize their welfare level. Keeping the duration of routine husbandry procedures short, ensuring sufficient space in the area with access to species-appropriate feed and contact with conspecifics, as well as using positive training techniques can significantly benefit animals. It can improve the quality of their life.</p>","PeriodicalId":23115,"journal":{"name":"Tieraerztliche Praxis Ausgabe Grosstiere Nutztiere","volume":" ","pages":"47-55"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145496844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"[Pigmentation disorders in the nasal vestibule of horses with nasal discharge].","authors":"Helena Kremer, Babett Bartling","doi":"10.1055/a-2710-4022","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2710-4022","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The nasal vestibule of numerous horses is pigmented. In the ventral part of the nasal vestibule, this pigmentation is often disturbed resulting in a clearly depigmented area. As nasal discharge passes this area, our study aimed at the practical quantification of the depigmented area in the nasal vestibule of horses and the analysis of its relation to nasal discharge and other parameters.This study included 74 horses (59 warmblood horses, 15 ponies) with pigmented nasal vestibule. When a depigmentation was found to be present in the ventral part, this area was photographed and quantified by use of a software. In addition, we recorded the horses' general parameters including the presence of nasal discharge (amount, consistency, basal microbiology).The median area of depigmentation was found to be larger in warmblood horses than in ponies (1.6 cm<sup>2</sup> in total for both nasal vestibules <i>vs</i>. 0.5 cm<sup>2</sup>). Separate evaluations of the warmblood horses indicated a clear association with age and presence of nasal discharge at the time of inspection. In this regard, the depigmentation was increased with higher age and with the presence of nasal discharge (1.4 cm<sup>2</sup> in horses without nasal discharge <i>vs</i>. 2.5 cm<sup>2</sup> in horses with nasal discharge, each with a positive age correlation). Ponies only showed a clear dependency on nasal discharge (0.1 cm<sup>2</sup> in ponies without nasal discharge <i>vs</i>. 1.3 cm<sup>2</sup> in ponies with nasal discharge, and no age correlation). Further dependencies could not be identified.Increasing age of horses and nasal discharge contribute the depigmentation in the ventral part of the nasal vestibule. Therefore, an estimation of the degree of dermal depigmentation in this area seems to be useful to acquire further information concerning airway disorders with nasal discharge.</p>","PeriodicalId":23115,"journal":{"name":"Tieraerztliche Praxis Ausgabe Grosstiere Nutztiere","volume":"54 1","pages":"38-46"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146195545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anton Schulte Zu Sundern, Florian Lohkamp, Sabine Aboling, Christian Visscher
{"title":"[Feed refusal and anorectal abscesses in fattening pigs possibly due to contamination of corn cob mix with thornapple (Datura stramonium)].","authors":"Anton Schulte Zu Sundern, Florian Lohkamp, Sabine Aboling, Christian Visscher","doi":"10.1055/a-2730-9629","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2730-9629","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In October 2022, an increased incidence of anorectal abscesses occurred within a few days in finishing pigs on a pig fattening farm in north-western Germany. The farm keeps approx. 3000 pigs. Only finishing pigs (approx. 100 kg) in various stall compartments and pens were affected. The affected pigs developed purulent-inflammatory changes in the region between rectum, anus, and base of the tail. Signs of mechanical injuries or cannibalism were not evident. The owner reported a sudden refusal to feed about two weeks prior to the appearance of the abscesses. A new batch of corn-cob-mix was used from this point onwards. The animals were given liquid feed consisting of grain (barley, wheat), corn-cob-mix and supplementary feed. Atypical black particles the size of a pinhead were found in the mixing container of the liquid feed. After consultation with the farmer who had grown the maize used for the corn-cob mix, common datura (<i>Datura stramonium</i>) was identified as a contaminant. Pigs are known to be susceptible to the antinutritive effects of datura. In addition to feed refusal, this also induces a reduction of gastrointestinal peristaltic movement. In the present case, constipation was not directly observed in the affected pigs by the farmer, however, this nevertheless appears to represent the likely cause of the dermal changes. Subsequently, the datura contamination could be involved in the pathogenesis of the described anorectal abscesses.</p>","PeriodicalId":23115,"journal":{"name":"Tieraerztliche Praxis Ausgabe Grosstiere Nutztiere","volume":" ","pages":"56-59"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12904690/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145640099","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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":"[Dutch land goats in small-scale, extensive nature conservation grazing projects].","authors":"Nils Kramer","doi":"10.1055/a-2732-4521","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2732-4521","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Dutch Land Goat (Nederlandse Landgeit) is one of Europe's oldest goat breeds, originally developed as a resilient smallholder's livestock in the Netherlands. Today, it plays an increasingly important role in conservation grazing projects, particularly on small-scale and structurally complex sites where traditional grazing animals such as sheep are of limited use. The breed is characterized by high robustness, adaptability, and a distinct browsing behavior with a preference for shrubs and woody vegetation. This makes it especially effective in controlling invasive or competitive plant species such as blackberry (<i>Rubus sect. Rubus</i>), holly (<i>Ilex</i>), and late-flowering black cherry (<i>Prunus serotina</i>).By browsing and bark-stripping, Dutch Land Goats contribute not only to maintaining open cultural landscapes but also to a long-term reduction of undesirable vegetation. Their relatively low tendency to jump, protective long coat, and strong keeper orientation facilitate practical management. Nevertheless, small-scale projects and specific conservation goals require close monitoring of health and nutrition. Key aspects include adequate mineral supplementation (e. g., selenium), claw health on moist soils, and prudent parasite management to minimize adverse effects on dung fauna.Experiences at Tierpark Nordhorn demonstrate that male groups are particularly suitable for seasonal use, as they remain more manageable than females with offspring. Mobile handling and restraining systems adapted to the goats' physical abilities are essential, while regular interactions at feeding and watering points enhance trust and facilitate veterinary care.Dutch Land Goats thus represent a valuable component of conservation grazing systems. Their specialized browsing behavior enables effective management of shrub-encroached habitats on small areas. Moreover, as a rare heritage livestock breed, they provide an important contribution to the preservation of genetic diversity.</p>","PeriodicalId":23115,"journal":{"name":"Tieraerztliche Praxis Ausgabe Grosstiere Nutztiere","volume":"53 6","pages":"389-395"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145640229","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sarah Schmid, Kerstin Brügemann, Sven König, Axel Wehrend, Henrik Wagner
{"title":"[Studies on the body condition score and on sonographically measurable back fat and back muscle thickness values in peacock goats of different ages].","authors":"Sarah Schmid, Kerstin Brügemann, Sven König, Axel Wehrend, Henrik Wagner","doi":"10.1055/a-2704-8591","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2704-8591","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sonographically measured back muscle (RMD) and back fat thickness (RFD) is used in some animal species to assess body condition as part of breeding value estimation and individual animal evaluation. Reference values are not available for domestic animal breeds that exist only in small populations, limiting the applicability of this parameter. The aims of this study are to present the method of measuring back fat and back muscle thickness in the peacock goat, analyze factors influencing these measurements and to publish initial values for this breed.The RFD and RMD as well as the body condition score (BCS) of peacock goats were determined ultrasonographically on 2 farms over a period of 3 years. Additional, data on pregnancy and lactation status as well as gastrointestinal strongyles were recorded.458 examinations were performed on 84 goats (4.1±3.1 years). The RFD is significantly (p<0.05) higher in male animals than in female animals. A similar trend was also observed for RMD (p<0.05). Animals under 2 years of age have significantly lower RMD and RFD compared older animals (p<0.05). The higher the BCS of the animals, the higher the RFD (p<0.05) and RMD (p<0.05), with the exception of BCS 1.0. Farm (Management) (p<0.05), lactation status (p<0.05) and duration (p<0.05) as well as the time interval since the last lambing (p<0.05) also exerted a significant influence on RFD. Gestation (p<0.05) had a significant influence on RMD. Neither the presence of a clinically relevant strongyle infestation nor the intensity of infestation had any impact on RFD or RMD. However, BCS was significantly lower (p<0.05) in animals with a treatment-worthy infestation (2.4±0.1) compared to those without (2.5±0.1). As orientation values for the peacock goat (from 2 years of age), an RMD of 20.5±3.8 mm and an RFD of 3.3±0.8 mm can be given for females. For males, the RMD is 24.4±4.8 mm and the RFD is 3.8±0.7 mm.It was possible to determine guideline values for RFD and RMD in the peacock goat and to analyze factors influencing these, so that these parameters may be used for this goat breed.The measurement of RFD and RMD provides a quick and objective method for evaluating body condition, which can be used for breeding value estimation and individual animal assessment.</p>","PeriodicalId":23115,"journal":{"name":"Tieraerztliche Praxis Ausgabe Grosstiere Nutztiere","volume":"53 6","pages":"379-388"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145640226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"[Ein holistisches Projekt zur Erhaltung alter Nutztierrassen Zoo Ark Warder - A holistic project for the conservation of old livestock breeds].","authors":"Kai Frölich, Stefanie Pöpken","doi":"10.1055/a-2681-2196","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2681-2196","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ark Warder Zoological Park is the world's largest center for rare and endangered domestic animal breeds. The park houses 87 breeds and 7 ancestral forms (wild animal species) across a 40 ha landscape park and 19 satellite stations (150 ha), providing a comprehensive impression of the once-extensive-agro-biodiversity. The park's scenic landscape as well as the newly established Domesticaneum science center form the foundation for intensive, close human-animal-contact, environmental education, immersive nature experiences, and the conveyance of domestic animals' significance in human cultural history. Furthermore, Ark Warder is based as a scientific institution. This holistic approach based on the following 6 core principles can be regarded as a unique concept: (1) Conservation breeding, (2) Establishment of satellite stations, (3) Education, (4) Networking, (5) Research, (6) Preservation of native biodiversity. This concept will be presented in this publication.</p>","PeriodicalId":23115,"journal":{"name":"Tieraerztliche Praxis Ausgabe Grosstiere Nutztiere","volume":"53 6","pages":"396-399"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145640261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Johanna Küper, Kai Frölich, Rupert Stäbler, Wilhelm Jaeger, Dennis Junkmann, Matthias Upmann, Andreas R Schaubmar, Corinna Kehrenberg
{"title":"Comparison of meat quality and various clinical parameters from pigs in free-range husbandry.","authors":"Johanna Küper, Kai Frölich, Rupert Stäbler, Wilhelm Jaeger, Dennis Junkmann, Matthias Upmann, Andreas R Schaubmar, Corinna Kehrenberg","doi":"10.1055/a-2712-8469","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2712-8469","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this study was to compare the fattening performance and pork quality of 10 pigs from the endangered breed Bentheim Black Pied (BBS) with 30 F<sub>1</sub> pigs from the widely used Danish hybrid pig (Large White x Danish Landrace) crossed with BBS (BHP), all fattened up under free-range conditions.A total of 40 pigs were fattened up under a restrictive feeding regime on a 1.28ha pasture and weighed monthly. Subsequently, the pigs were slaughtered, carcass traits were assessed, and samples from <i>M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL)</i> and back-fat were collected for laboratory analysis.Fattening performance differed significantly between the groups: BHP pigs were significantly heavier at the end of the fattening period (128.3 kg BHP vs. 102.5 kg BBS), with significantly higher average daily weight gain. Significant differences were observed in carcass characteristics (carcass length, cutlet weight, carcass yield). However, BBS pigs showed a more favourable fatty acid profile, notably with higher levels of the essential α-linolenic acid. Water-holding capacity was lower in BHP pigs, with significantly higher drip losses during cold storage at 2°C, while grill- and thawing-losses did not differ significantly. Sensory analysis revealed that untrained panellists were able to distinguish between meat of both groups. BBS meat was rated as more tender, which was also confirmed by significantly lower shear force measurements.The study showed that crossbreeding BBS and Danish hybrid pigs can compensate for performance deficits of the traditional breed -such as slower growth- while partially retaining beneficial traits, such as a nutritionally superior fatty acid composition. Overall, the results are in line with the expectations for F<sub>1</sub> crossbred pigs, when 2 breeds with different performance parameters are used. These findings are relevant for veterinary practitioners involved in sustainable pig production, the conservation of rare breeds, and the development of alternative outdoor husbandry systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":23115,"journal":{"name":"Tieraerztliche Praxis Ausgabe Grosstiere Nutztiere","volume":"53 6","pages":"363-371"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145640239","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"[Antibiotic reporting for stage 2 animal species will begin in 2026 - What is important?]","authors":"Kristina Strecker, Sarah Bolda","doi":"10.1055/a-2708-9357","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2708-9357","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly antibiotic resistance, is an increasingly significant threat to human and veterinary health. Monitoring systems are essential for establishing targeted measures to reduce AMR and for measuring the success of these measures. The European obligation to record antibiotic consumption is entering the next stage. In order to implement Article 57 of Regulation (EU) 2019/6, data on the volume of antibiotic use in sheep, goats, horses (including non-slaughter animals), geese, ducks, rabbits intended for food production and fish (Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, gilthead seabream, sea bass and carp) must be collected nationally by 1 January 2026. This data must then be reported by veterinarians to the HI-Tier veterinary medicine database (TAM-DB) by 14 January 2027.</p>","PeriodicalId":23115,"journal":{"name":"Tieraerztliche Praxis Ausgabe Grosstiere Nutztiere","volume":"53 6","pages":"408-413"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145640126","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Arne Ludwig, Ronja Biermann, Kai Frölich, Anabell Jandowsky, Christoph Langner, Dietmar Lieckfeldt, Katharina Tschann, Monika Reissmann
{"title":"A SLC45A2 mutation is strongly associated with the cream dilution in Baroque donkeys.","authors":"Arne Ludwig, Ronja Biermann, Kai Frölich, Anabell Jandowsky, Christoph Langner, Dietmar Lieckfeldt, Katharina Tschann, Monika Reissmann","doi":"10.1055/a-2712-8607","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2712-8607","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Domestic Baroque donkeys are popular animals in many European parks and zoos. Although their cream coat color is very charismatic, the underlying genetics is still undiscovered. Addressing this question, a candidate approach was used to search for the causative mutation.Considering the knowledge from domestic horses, the <i>Solute Carrier Family 45 Member 2</i> (<i>SLC45A2</i>) was identified as the most promising candidate. Samples from 77 domesticated donkeys, 11 wild equids, 1 mule and 2 domestic horses were included in comparison. All exons and the flanking intron sequences of the <i>SLC45A2</i> were sequenced (2774bp).Sequence comparison revealed that a mutation found exclusively in exon 7 transmembrane region 11 (c.1457C>T; p.Ala486Val) is very likely responsible for the charismatic coat color phenotype in Baroque donkeys. Family studies produced evidence for an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Since the coat color in Baroque donkeys varies from almost white to gold, the question remains whether the base coloration, which in mammals is regulated by the <i>ASIP</i> and <i>MC1R</i> genes, also have an impact but no remarkable mutations were found in Baroque donkeys.</p>","PeriodicalId":23115,"journal":{"name":"Tieraerztliche Praxis Ausgabe Grosstiere Nutztiere","volume":"53 6","pages":"372-378"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145640236","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}