Veterinary and Animal Science最新文献

{"title":"Characterization of the internal quality of turkey eggs according to their commercial grading","authors":"José Ignacio Salgado Pardo ,&nbsp;Antonio González Ariza ,&nbsp;José Manuel León Jurado ,&nbsp;Juan Vicente Delgado Bermejo ,&nbsp;María Esperanza Camacho Vallejo","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100470","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100470","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study aimed to determine the influence of egg weight and shape index on the internal quality of turkey eggs. To this aim, a total of 197 turkey eggs were measured including external and internal egg quality traits. Different egg categories were built attending to the weight terciles of the sample and the commercial shape index standards. A Discriminant Canonical Analysis (DCA) was performed using these categories as dependent variables, while the internal quality attributes acted as explanatory variables. The yolk percentage was the only variable reporting multicollinearity and was therefore removed from further analysis. The Pillai’s trace criterion was significative (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) and validated the performance of the DCA. Moreover, the cross-validation test reported a high accuracy of correct assignments (95.88 %), which validated the applicability of the statistic model. The diameter and lightness of the yolk, the proportion of shell in the overall weight, and the height and pH of the albumen were the variables reporting discriminatory ability across weight and shape index groups. Similar associations between the internal quality and egg weight were found in the literature, while the connections with the shape index were less frequent. The present work eases the efficient determination of increased-quality eggs from their external appearance. However, quality perception varies with the consumer preferences of each market. Therefore, heavier eggs will offer larger yolks and reduced shell percentage in weight, while lighter and rounder eggs will tend to present darker yolks, with taller albumen and lower gas exchange during storage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100470"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144338898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular characterization and expression of Spata22 in testes of the sterile male cattle-yak","authors":"Robert Niayale ,&nbsp;Yan Cui ,&nbsp;Si-Jiu Yu ,&nbsp;Libin Wang ,&nbsp;Jian Zhang ,&nbsp;Bo Liao ,&nbsp;Shijie Li ,&nbsp;Qian Zhang ,&nbsp;Hongwei Xu ,&nbsp;Pengfei Zhao ,&nbsp;Pengqiang Wei","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100471","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100471","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The male hybrid of cattle and yak is sterile, while the female is fertile. This is caused by aberrations with the process of spermatogenesis. SPATA22 plays a critical role in the pairing of homologous chromosomes, synapsis, DNA repair, and meiotic recombination; dysregulation of which can disrupt these processes, resulting in meiotic arrest and male sterility in mammals. The expression and molecular characterization of <em>Spata22</em> have not been studied in the sterile hybrid cattle-yak. This study isolated, sequenced and characterised the coding sequence of the <em>Spata22</em> gene of the cattle-yak, and compared the relative mRNA and protein expression. There was a remarkable reduction in <em>Spata22</em> mRNA and protein expression in the cattle-yak compared to the yak and cattle. The SPATA22 protein was located in the adluminal compartment of the tubules. Thirteen mutation sites consisting of ten amino changes and 3 insertions were found in the cattle-yak sequence. The cattle-yak protein sequence contains motifs which are potential binding sites for genes that play a crucial role in meiotic recombination and DNA repair. Histological evaluation revealed no advanced-stage germ cells, except a few spermatogonia, spermatocytes and Sertoli cells. These findings give an insight into the role of <em>Spata22</em> in the hybrid sterility of cattle-yak and pave the way for more future research into genetic engineering involving the construction of a functional <em>Spata22</em> gene copy into the genome of sterile male cattle-yak to restore normal spermatogenesis in the sterile hybrid. This will help improve desirable traits in the yak through hybridization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100471"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144330697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The blood biochemical parameters intervals and dynamics in modern broiler chickens","authors":"Dana Zálešáková,&nbsp;Jakub Novotný,&nbsp;Michal Řiháček,&nbsp;Lucie Horáková,&nbsp;Eva Mrkvicová,&nbsp;Ondřej Šťastník,&nbsp;Leoš Pavlata","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100465","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100465","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Blood biochemistry in poultry is an understudied area, requiring the establishment of reference intervals (RIs) to monitor health and metabolism effectively across different life stages. To broaden and complete the spectrum of parameters encountered in animal medicine, we pursued two main objectives: first, to establish the comprehensive spectrum of blood RIs for Ross 308 male chickens, and second, to investigate potential age-specific differences in broilers from the onset of their lives. A total of 228 blood samples from 35-day-old broilers were analysed to determine RIs for key metabolism indicators, including ALT (0.0–0.4 µkat/l), AST (1.4–5.7 µkat/l), GMT (0.2–0.5 µkat/l), ALP (13.3–281.9 µkat/l), LD (14.2–112.6 µkat/l), CK (94.9–925.6 µkat/l), TBili (1.8–7.3 µmol/l), Urea (0.7–2.7 mmol/l), Creat (16.7–37.7 µmol/l), Uric Acid (140.0–594.6 µmol/l), Total protein (24.7–37.1 g/l), Albumin (13.0–21.4 g/l), Globulin (10.3–19.0 g/l), Glucose (5.8–15.1 mmol/l), Cholesterol (2.3–4.1 mmol/l), TG (0.2–1.2 mmol/l). Furthermore, we monitored mineral, nitrogen, fat, and energy metabolism parameters weekly from day 1 to day 35 of chick age to assess biochemical dynamics. Significant age-related variations were found in most parameters, particularly during the first week after hatching (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). The only stable indicators throughout the observation were creatinine and potassium (<em>P</em> &gt; 0.05). These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of broiler physiology, enhance the precision of blood testing interpretations, and offer the potential for the early detection of metabolic disorders or diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100465"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144262402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cattle recover completely from unconsciousness induced by controlled application of 150–180 kJ of 915 MHz microwave energy to the forehead","authors":"Alison Small ,&nbsp;Ian Jenson ,&nbsp;Andrew Phillips ,&nbsp;David McLean ,&nbsp;Troy Kalinowski ,&nbsp;James Ralph","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100466","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100466","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>For beef to be acceptable to consumers of Halal and Kosher meat, the animal must be alive at the point of exsanguination, undamaged and, if rendered unconscious prior to slaughter, able to recover from the unconscious state if not exsanguinated. A dielectric (electromagnetic) system, trademarked DTS: Diathermic Syncope® (DTS) has the potential to address these requirements. Seven cattle were rendered unconscious using DTS at 150–180 kJ of energy. Electroencephalography (EEG) was performed prior to and after DTS energy application in 6 of these animals, while they recovered consciousness, while the seventh was handled in accordance with commercial processing procedures, without the delays involved in collecting EEG data. Five animals (4 of which had EEG recorded) were returned to the holding pen after recovery and held for a period of 30 min, during which they explored their surroundings ate hay and rested. After the observation period, they were returned to restraint, DTS energy reapplied and the carcases processed for human consumption. Loss of consciousness, based on behavioural reactions, occurred within 10 s of the start of energy application, while EEG indicated the duration of insensibility to be 63 s (based on absence of eye reflexes) or more, with a long transition to full return of consciousness. Animals recovered fully from the induced unconsciousness and responded normally to environmental stimuli. No evidence of aversion was noted when these animals were returned to the restraint box a second time, some 30 min after recovery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100466"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144262401","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seroprevalence of influenza C and D virus infections among cattle in Japan","authors":"Kosuke Ohira ,&nbsp;Kokoro Yokoe ,&nbsp;Kaixin Li ,&nbsp;Misa Katayama ,&nbsp;Ayano Ichikawa ,&nbsp;Akiko Takenaka-Uema ,&nbsp;Wataru Sekine ,&nbsp;Emi Takashita ,&nbsp;Yasushi Muraki ,&nbsp;Shin Murakami ,&nbsp;Taisuke Horimoto","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100468","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100468","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although influenza C virus (ICV) and influenza D virus (IDV) circulate mainly among humans and cattle, respectively, recent studies in the USA have reported both viruses to be significantly related to the symptomatic bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC), which causes economic losses in cattle farming. In this study, we conducted a serosurvey of ICV and IDV infections using cattle samples collected from five prefectures in Japan during 2020–2023. Hemagglutination inhibition testing indicated that the overall seroprevalence was 27.0 % for ICV and 48.5 % for IDV, the regional seroprevalence varied from 4.0 % to 36.9 % for ICV and from 10.8 % to 57.7 % for IDV, and the annual seroprevalence varied from 3.4 % to 23.2 % for ICV and from 21.8 % to 53.5 % for IDV. These results indicate that ICV and IDV are circulating widely among cattle in Japan, suggesting their possible involvement as the causative agents of BRDC.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100468"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144279917","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spatiotemporal cluster analysis and predicting lumpy skin disease outbreaks in cattle in selected zones of Oromia region, Ethiopia from 2008-2022","authors":"Emishaw Demisie ,&nbsp;Shihun Shimelis ,&nbsp;Michael Abdi ,&nbsp;Ambachew Motbaynor Wubaye ,&nbsp;Elias Gezahegn ,&nbsp;Biniam Mengistie ,&nbsp;Tamirat Gemechu ,&nbsp;Yihenew Getahun Ambaw ,&nbsp;Simegnew Adugna Kallu","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100469","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100469","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral infection that affects cattle, causing significant economic loss and posing a threat to food security. This is a study in the selected zones of Oromia Region, Ethiopia, spanning 15 years (2008–2022), aimed to identify spatiotemporal distribution, cluster of LSD outbreaks, and to project potential future outbreaks for the years from 2023–2027. The findings revealed 457 outbreaks, 50,025 recorded cases with 879 fatalities. The study analyzed LSD outbreak spatial cluster (Moran <em>I</em>, Getis Ord Gi and ST-model), time series data using classical additive and STL decomposition, and four forecasting models (ARIMA, SARIMA, ETS, and SL+random walk) were used. Seven hotspots emerged predominantly in the northwestern and eastern segments of the Arsi zone. The study further pinpointed two spatial and twelve spatiotemporal clusters, including all distinct temporal clusters between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2009, characterized by a relative risk (RR) of 2.68, a log likelihood ratio (LLR) of 16.23, and a <em>P</em>-value of 0.001. Seasonal trends indicate that LSD peaks during the wet months from September to December and is low in cold dry period from March to May. Among the forecasting methodologies evaluated, the SARIMA (1, 1, 1) (0, 2, 3) [12] model was best fit its counterparts, as reflected by the lowest RMSE, MA, and MASE, suggesting enhanced forecast accuracy for LSD outbreaks from 2023 to 2027. These findings provided valuable insights into the dynamics of the disease and can inform the development of effective LSD control and prevention strategies in the study zones.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100469"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144272215","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding the structure and blemishes of Australian farmed saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) leather","authors":"Rhiannon L. Slape ,&nbsp;Maxine P. Piggott ,&nbsp;Natalie L. Milic","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100467","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100467","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Australian saltwater crocodiles (<em>Crocodylus porosus</em>) are farmed to harvest their belly skin to produce high quality leather products. This is the first descriptive study to explore the structure of leather across different finishes; incrust, matte and gloss as well as variation within lesions. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and image analysis, the thickness across the belly skin leather and the differences in the gross surface were analysed. This study identified statistically significant differences between leather type, scale row down and side of the midline (<em>p</em> = 0.011), and leather type and the scale row down (<em>p</em> = 0.043). It also identified the differences in collagen arrangement in linear and foci lesions when compared to normal leather, and the impact at different depths of leather. This study noted a foci lesion with variation in the leather structure indicative of a pathogenic agent such as Kunjin strain of West Nile virus.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100467"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144308099","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tissue integrity impacts of application of 160–200 kJ of 915 MHz microwave energy, using the DTS: Diathermic Syncope® system, to the forehead of cattle, and alignment with the requirements of religious slaughter markets","authors":"Alison Small ,&nbsp;Ian Jenson ,&nbsp;Bruno Fiszon ,&nbsp;Pierre Le Neindre ,&nbsp;Andrew Phillips ,&nbsp;David McLean ,&nbsp;Joel McLean ,&nbsp;Troy Kalinowski ,&nbsp;James Ralph","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100464","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100464","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although society desires good animal welfare at slaughter, there is a tension between some religious requirements and modern commercial stunning methods. The DTS (Diathermic Syncope®) system has been designed with a vision of relieving that tension, rendering the animal unconscious within 0–5 s, by applying 160–200 kJ of 915 MHz electromagnetic energy to the forehead, while limiting damage or changes to the tissues. To investigate this latter aspect, surface temperature at the point of application was measured using fiber optic sensors in 12 animals; application point hide skin of 3 animals was examined histologically; 7 brains were inspected and palpated shortly after energy application; and four brains were examined histologically. There were no gross morphological changes to the brain, and limited evidence of changes on histological examination. Temperatures at the point of application remained close to the ambient (29.0–36.5 °C) prior to and for the first 8–12 s of energy application (max duration of application 12 s), then rose steadily to a peak, and began to fall when energy application ceased. Maximum recorded temperature was 54.27 (± 6.56) °C, which occurred after energy application had ceased. Although small numbers of animals were included in this study, they and the process used were representative of the normal operation through the commercial abattoir. Depilation and effects on forehead skin noted on carcases after bleed-out are likely to be exacerbated by post-mortem change. These findings may comply with religious slaughter requirements.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100464"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144231772","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of a Bacillus-based probiotic on feed intake and digestibility of a forage and a feedlot diet in Bos indicus steers","authors":"Karen E. Eyre,&nbsp;Liyi Pan,&nbsp;Karen Harper,&nbsp;Luis F. Prada e Silva","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100463","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100463","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ionophores are commonly used in feedlot rations to improve feed efficiency and reduce acidosis risk, particularly during the transition from forage to cereal-rich diets. With increasing concerns over non-therapeutic antibiotic use, interest in probiotics as potential alternative has grown. This study evaluated the effect of a <em>Bacillus</em>-based probiotic on feed intake and total tract nutrient digestibility in <em>Bos indicus</em> steers. Two diets were tested: a high-fibre forage diet (Rhodes grass hay, 690 g/kg neutral detergent fibre (NDF)) and a feedlot diet (20 % Rhodes grass hay, 40 % finisher pellet, 30 % peanut hull fibre pellet, 10 % ground barley, 470 g/kg NDF). Twelve steers (267 ± 7.5 kg) were blocked by body weight and randomly assigned to a control (<em>n</em> = 6) or a probiotic-supplemented group (<em>n</em> = 6) receiving 3 g per steer of <em>Bacillus licheniformis</em> 809 and <em>Bacillus subtilis</em> 810 (3.2 × 10⁹ CFU/g) for the trial duration. Each diet was fed for 34 days, followed by a 7-day sampling period for total faecal and urine collection. Probiotic supplementation increased organic matter digestibility by 7.8 % and NDF digestibility by 8.4 %, resulting in a significant increase (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) in digestible fibre intake on the forage diet. No effects on intake or digestibility were observed on the feedlot diet. Probiotic supplementation did not affect nitrogen metabolism. While intake was unchanged, improved fibre digestibility suggests Bacillus-based probiotics can enhance nutrient utilisation in forage-based diets, potentially improving performance in high-fibre diets.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100463"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144115623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Supplementation of heat-killed probiotics mixture improves intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality in broilers","authors":"Bishnu Prasad Bhattarai ,&nbsp;Fu-Yuan Cheng ,&nbsp;Yu-Cheng Xu ,&nbsp;Chi Yu ,&nbsp;Ting-Yu Lee ,&nbsp;Hsiao-Tung Chang ,&nbsp;Hsiao-Ching Lin ,&nbsp;Hsiu-Ming Weng ,&nbsp;Hsin-Hsuan Huang ,&nbsp;Jin-Seng Lin ,&nbsp;Chao-Wei Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100462","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100462","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Probiotics are widely used to improve intestinal health and production performance in the poultry industry. However, few studies have explored the effects of heat-killed probiotics. This study investigated the effects of a heat-killed probiotic mixture, comprising <em>Bacillus subtilis</em> (BS) and <em>Lactobacillus plantarum</em> 28 (LP28), on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality of broilers. A total of 300 Arbor Acres chicks were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (three replicates per group; 25 chicks per replicate): CON (basal diet), AB (basal diet + 10 ppm enramycin), LDP (basal diet + heat-killed LP28 and BS, 1.0 × 10⁸ cells/kg each), and HDP (basal diet + heat-killed LP28 and BS, 1.0 × 10⁹ cells/kg each). Feed intake was recorded daily, and body weight was recorded at the end of each growth phase. Twelve birds per treatment were used for intestinal morphology and antioxidant capacity analyses, and eight birds were used for meat quality analysis on day 35. One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test was performed to perform statistical comparison among groups at <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05. No significant intergroup difference was observed in growth performance. However, villus height and crypt depth were higher in the HDP group than in the CON and LDP groups (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). The HDP group exhibited a stronger antioxidant capacity, higher hepatic glutathione peroxidase levels in the liver, and lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels in breast meat than did the CON group (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). The HDP group also exhibited better meat quality with lower shear force and higher gumminess and chewiness than did the CON group (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). In summary, heat-killed probiotics may improve the intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality of broilers and can be utilized in the poultry industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100462"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144072122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}