Veterinary and Animal Science最新文献

{"title":"Salmonella in pigs slaughtered in Ecuador: prevalence, serotypes, genotypes and antibiotic resistance","authors":"M. Cevallos-Almeida ,&nbsp;C. Gómez ,&nbsp;B. Cajas ,&nbsp;A. Almachi ,&nbsp;V. Rose ,&nbsp;M. Denis ,&nbsp;A. Kerouanton","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100548","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100548","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Salmonella enterica</em> subsp. <em>enterica</em> (<em>S. enterica</em>) is a leading foodborne pathogen worldwide, and pork products are major sources of infection. Given the lack of data on <em>S. enterica</em> infection in pigs slaughtered in Ecuador, this study aimed to determine its prevalence, as well as the serotypes, genotypes and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of isolates from cecum contents (CCs) and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) sampled from 365 pigs at the evisceration step at a slaughterhouse in Quito city. <em>Salmonella</em> spp. in the samples was detected by culture (ISO 6570–1 method). Strains were serotyped (ISO 6579–3 method), tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using the disk diffusion method, and genotyped by macrorestriction of chromosomal DNA. <em>Salmonella enterica</em> was detected in 56 of the 365 pigs sampled (15.3 %), in CCs (11.2 %) or MLNs (11.2 %) but never in both. The 56 isolates (one per positive sample) belonged to 12 serotypes, mainly the monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium (mST) (28.5 %) and <em>S</em>. Uganda (26.7 %). Twenty-two <em>Xba</em>I PFGE profiles were identified, with higher genetic diversity for <em>S</em>. Infantis and <em>S</em>. Uganda. A high percentage of isolates showed antimicrobial resistance to tetracycline (71.4 %) and streptomycin (62.5 %). Twelve antimicrobial multi-resistant patterns were observed, particularly associated with S. Typhimurium isolates, <em>S</em>. Infantis and mST. The present study constitutes the first investigation of <em>S. enterica</em> prevalence in a large-scale slaughterhouse in Ecuador. The findings will contribute to a better assessment of the epidemiology of <em>S. enterica</em> in the pork industry and of the associated public health risk.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100548"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145624094","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":"Prediction of body weight in indigenous sheep using random forest regression, support vector regression, and classification and regression trees algorithms","authors":"Ashenafi Getachew Megersa ,&nbsp;Fikrineh Negash ,&nbsp;Abebe Hailu ,&nbsp;Awoke Melak ,&nbsp;Abraham Assefa ,&nbsp;Tesfalem Aseged ,&nbsp;Seble Sinkie","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100517","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100517","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to develop predictive models for estimating the body weight (BW) of indigenous sheep in Ethiopia using morphometric traits, comparing the performance of random forest regression (RFR), support vector regression (SVR), and classification and regression trees (CART) algorithms. Data were collected from 306 mature sheep (249 ewes and 57 rams) in Tahtay Maichew district of Tigray region, including BW and 16 linear body measurements (LBMs). Descriptive statistics indicated low to moderate variability in BW and key LBMs, with heart girth (HG) and body length (BL) showing the strongest correlations with BW (<em>r</em> = 0.61 and 0.46, respectively). Among the models evaluated, RFR demonstrated superior predictive accuracy, achieving the highest <em>R²</em> values (0.809 training, 0.477 validation) and the lowest root mean square error (RMSE: 1.650 training, 2.825 validation). SVR performed well in training but had lower generalizability in validation, while CART showed the weakest performance overall. Variable importance analysis identified HG as the most influential predictor across all models, contributing 40.90 % in RFR, 16.30 % in SVR, and 68.76 % in CART, often followed by BL and height at withers (HAW). The findings highlight the potential of RFR as a robust tool for BW prediction in resource-limited settings where weighing scales are unavailable. The study provides practical insights for smallholder farmers and breeding programs, enabling improved genetic selection and management practices based on easily measurable morphometric traits, particularly HG. Future research should validate these models with larger, more diverse datasets to enhance their applicability across different agroecological zones and sheep populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100517"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145220832","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":"Reproductive status effects on intraocular pressure in Mares","authors":"Sara Binesh,&nbsp;Hamid Ghasemzadeh-nava,&nbsp;Afshin Raoofi,&nbsp;Seyed Mehdi Rajaei","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100542","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100542","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the potential relationship between intraocular pressure (IOP) and serum progesterone (SP) concentrations in seven clinically healthy, non-pregnant mares. Measurements of IOP and SP were taken at various stages of the estrous cycle and during the anestrous season, using randomized testing for each eye through rebound tonometry (Tono-Vet® tonometer, iCare). Reproductive evaluations included abdominal palpation per rectum and ultrasonography to determine estrous cycle stages. Analysis revealed moderate to strong positive correlations between SP concentrations and IOP, with the right eye showing a moderate correlation (≈0.467) and the left eye a stronger one (≈0.609). These findings suggest that the reproductive status of mares influences IOP, indicating a potential role of progesterone in IOP variations throughout the estrous cycle in mares.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100542"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145579048","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":"Comparative evaluation of feed intake and blood metabolites in goats fed different vetch varieties","authors":"NH Msiza,&nbsp;KE Ravhuhali,&nbsp;HK Mokoboki,&nbsp;S Mavengahama,&nbsp;GM Chelopo","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100537","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100537","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>One way to evaluate the value of a feed is by comparing the actual intake based on its nutritional value. Annual legumes are considered significant protein supplements to ruminants. The objective of this study was to assess the feed intake, and blood parameters of goats offered different vetch varieties. Each of the five male Boer goats was provided with four feeding troughs, containing four different feeds (<em>Cenchrus ciliaris</em> grass hay) and three legumes (<em>Vicia sativa</em> - Common vetch, Volga vetch, and <em>Vicia villosa</em> Roth - Haymaker plus vetch). Vetch varieties were also analysed for chemical composition. The feeds were used as treatments, with goats as replicates in a completely randomised design (CRD). For blood metabolites, blood samples were collected from each of the five male Boer goats at the commencement and the end of the experiment. Haymaker plus vetch had the highest (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) CP, K, Cu, Zn, Mn, total phenols and condensed tannins with the lowest (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) ADL. Common and Volga vetch exhibited the highest (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) intake. Cholesterol, lymphocytes, neutrophils, globulin, and phosphorus levels were higher (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) in goats exposed to vetch varieties. Given the high crude protein observed in all vetch varieties, these forages may serve as a protein supplement for low roughage grasses, potentially enhancing the productivity of these ruminants. Due to lower intake observed on the tanniferous Haymaker plus vetch, an amelioration strategy can be introduced to enhance its feeding value. Further metabolic experiments can be conducted to determine the optimal inclusion level of vetch forages.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100537"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145579046","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":"Pilot study on the effects of dapagliflozin on echocardiographic parameters in dogs with symptomatic myxomatous mitral valve disease","authors":"Nakkawee Saengklub ,&nbsp;Anusak Kijtawornrat ,&nbsp;Robert L. Hamlin","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100510","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100510","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common valvular heart disease in geriatric small-to medium-sized dogs. Dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT-2i), has shown promise in managing heart failure in human patients. This pilot study aimed to explore the short-term effects of dapagliflozin, when added to conventional therapy in symptomatic MMVD dogs. In a prospective, randomized, single-blind study, five dogs with stage C MMVD received dapagliflozin (0.31 mg/kg, PO, q24h) alongside pimobendan, furosemide, and ramipril. A control group (<em>n</em> = 7) received conventional therapy without dapagliflozin. Echocardiographic, electrocardiographic, blood pressure, blood glucose, NT-proBNP, and urinary glucose data were collected at baseline (D0) and follow-up (D28, D84, and D140). Compared to the control group, dogs receiving dapagliflozin showed significant reductions in the percent change from baseline for left atrial to aortic root ratio, left ventricular internal diameter in diastole normalized to body weight, end-diastolic volume, end-diastolic volume index, end-systolic volume, and end-systolic volume index (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Additionally, ejection fraction significantly increased in the dapagliflozin group (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Glucosuria was consistently present only in the dapagliflozin group. These findings suggest that dapagliflozin, when added to conventional therapy, may promote reverse remodeling and improve cardiac function in dogs with stage C MMVD. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are warranted to validate the cardioprotective effects of dapagliflozin in veterinary patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100510"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145118394","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":"Impacts of dietary sodium alginate as a prebiotic on the oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense): A comprehensive analysis of growth, physiology, immunity, antioxidant, and metabolism","authors":"Mohammad Ettefaghdoost,&nbsp;Hossein Haghighi","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100516","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100516","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The effects of dietary sodium alginate supplementation on <em>Macrobrachium nipponense</em> were evaluated over a 60-day feeding trial, with emphasis on growth, hematological, immune-physiological responses, and metabolic characteristics. Juvenile prawns with an initial average weight of 1.47 ± 0.05 g were assigned to diets containing 0.0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, or 4.0 g/kg sodium alginate. Among all the examined water quality indicators, dissolved oxygen (DO) was the only parameter that showed a statistically significant rise with increasing levels of sodium alginate supplementation, with the 4.0 g/kg group showing the maximum value of DO concentration (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, growth metrics and survival rates (SR) were significantly enhanced in prawns receiving 2.0 and 4.0 g/kg sodium alginate compared to other treatments (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Hemato-biochemical indices generally decreased following sodium alginate supplementation, whereas levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were elevated (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Most immune parameters and antioxidant enzyme activities demonstrated positive modulation in response to the dietary intervention (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), although glutathione peroxidase (GPx), acid phosphatase (ACP), and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities did not differ significantly among groups (<em>P</em> &gt; 0.05). Diets supplemented with 4.0 g/kg sodium alginate notably enhanced digestive enzyme activities, promoted beneficial intestinal microbiota, and improved body composition (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Additionally, sodium alginate intake influenced the expression of genes associated with growth, immune function, and metabolism (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Overall, these findings support the dietary inclusion of 4.0 g/kg sodium alginate to optimize growth, physiological condition, and metabolic health in <em>M. nipponense</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100516"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145220833","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":"Role of triptorelin and single fixed-time artificial insemination on productive and reproductive performance of hyperprolific sows","authors":"María Victoria Falceto ,&nbsp;David Reyero ,&nbsp;María Teresa Tejedor ,&nbsp;Paul Renaud ,&nbsp;Ana Mateu ,&nbsp;Antonio Lafuente ,&nbsp;Cristina Bonastre ,&nbsp;Alicia Laborda ,&nbsp;Ana Maria Garrido ,&nbsp;Olga Mitjana","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100505","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100505","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Single fixed-time artificial insemination (SFTAI) provides a streamlined approach to improving reproductive management. We evaluated the impact of incorporating triptorelin acetate (GnRH agonist) into a SFTAI protocol on a commercial farm. Hyperprolific sows not in estrus by day 4 post-weaning were randomly assigned to two groups. Group-1 (G1; <em>n</em> = 243) received no triptorelin treatment and daily post-cervical artificial inseminations (PCAI) based on estrus detection (2.59±0.034 inseminations/sow). Group-2 (G2; <em>n</em> = 249) received a single intravaginal dose of triptorelin (0.2 mg) at 96 ± 2 h post-weaning, then one PCAI 22 ± 2 h later. No significant differences (<em>P</em> &gt; 0.05) between groups in conception rate (G1: 98.8 %; G2: 97.6 %), farrowing rate (G1:95.1 %; G2: 94.4 %) or litter characteristics (total born, live-, stillborn and mummified piglets). Both groups showed similar delivery batch durations (<em>P</em> = 0.414). Distribution of deliveries during the delivery period was similar (<em>P</em> = 0.455). Induction of labor was need more frequently in G1 (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). G2 had a higher proportion of sows with shorter gestations (112–115 days: 166/235, 70.6 %) compared to G1 (112–115 days: 82/231; 35.5 %, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). A significantly higher proportion of G2 piglets received longer lactation (27 - 33 days) compared to G1 (2210/3023=73.1 % vs 2774/4395=63.1 %; <em>P</em> = 0.032). G1 had a higher proportion of low-weight piglets (≤4.0 kg; 716/43950= 16.3 % vs.435/3023= 14.4 %; while G2 had more heavy piglets (≥6.5 kg; 1228/3023=40.5 % vs.1675/4395= 38.1 %) (<em>P</em> = 0.027). Observed differences in lactation length could be responsible for these weaning weight differences, rather than triptorelin treatment itself. This protocol did not worsen productive and reproductive performances.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100505"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144933365","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":"Effect of encapsulated Averrhoa carambola L. leaf extract on the growth performance, haemato-biochemical parameters, gut health, and antioxidant activity in broiler chickens","authors":"Binti Ma’rifah,&nbsp;Edjeng Suprijatna,&nbsp;Dwi Sunarti,&nbsp;Luthfi Djauhari Mahfudz,&nbsp;Sri Kismiati,&nbsp;Teysar Adi Sarjana,&nbsp;Rina Muryani,&nbsp;Hanna Dzawish Shihah,&nbsp;Nur Maulida Wahyuni,&nbsp;Sugiharto Sugiharto","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100504","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100504","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to evaluate the effect of encapsulated <em>Averrhoa carambola</em> L<em>.</em> leaf extract (EAC) as a phytobiotic feed additive on the growth performance, haemato-biochemical parameters, gut health, and antioxidant activity in broiler chickens. A total of 280 one-day-old chicks were allocated to four treatments with seven replicates and 10 broilers per replicate (CON: control group/basal diet; EAC1: basal diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg EAC; EAC2: basal diet supplemented with 1000 mg/kg EAC; EAC3: basal diet supplemented with 1500 mg/kg EAC. Growth performance was significantly enhanced (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), as evidenced by increased body weight gain (days 15–21) and feed efficiency (days 15–35) in all treatment group compared with the control group. Haemato-biochemical parameters were positively influenced, with leukocytes and lymphocyte levels being significantly lower (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) in the EAC2 group than in the control group. The uric acid concentration was significantly reduced (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) in EAC1 and EAC3 groups compared to the control group. Gut health indicator improved, including the relative weight of the small intestine, liver, abdominal fat, length of duodenum and jejunum, weight and length ratio of the jejunum and ileum, ileum crypt depth, and lactic acid bacteria count in the ileum, were significantly higher (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) in the EAC1 group than in the others groups. In conclusion, the encapsulated <em>Averrhoa carambola</em> L. leaf extract is beneficial for enhancing growth performance, haemato-biochemicals parameters, and gut health in broiler chickens.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100504"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145004532","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":"Therapeutic applications of IgY in common canine and feline viral diseases","authors":"Kamyar Madani ,&nbsp;Nima Neyestani ,&nbsp;Jalil Mehrzad ,&nbsp;Darioush Shirani ,&nbsp;Niloofar Zarifian","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100534","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100534","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Immunoglobulin yolk (IgY) is the major antibody in birds whose immunotherapeutic potential has been investigated in canine and feline viral diseases. Management currently focuses on supportive care (often insufficient) or prevention using vaccines (slow to develop). IgY is developed against a wide range of antigens, and commercial formulations also exist. Several therapeutic trials and case reports examine IgY as main or adjunctive treatment in feline and canine viral diseases.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To map and summarize the available evidence on IgY-based immunotherapy for viral infections of dogs and cats and assess its reported benefits and shortcomings in a scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines.</div></div><div><h3>Eligibility criteria</h3><div>Original English-language studies, focusing on the application of IgY in treating canine and feline viral diseases.</div></div><div><h3>Sources of evidence</h3><div>Six databases (Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, PubMed, ResearchGate) were searched in October 2024 using combinations of keywords related to IgY, small animals and therapy.</div></div><div><h3>Charting methods</h3><div>Data on study design, treatment protocol/dosage/outcome and OCEBM level of evidence score were extracted.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In total, 14 studies met inclusion criteria, including 7 clinical trials, 3 case series and 4 case reports; ten investigated CPV-2, while four examined feline viruses (FIV/FeLV/FIP). Most were small non-randomized clinical trials. IgY was administered orally, intravenously, and intranasally. Higher doses generally produced stronger effects. Feline studies used non-specific IgY with limited therapeutical benefit.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>IgY-based immunotherapy appeared safe, accelerated recovery and reduced mortality in most studies, but current evidence in feline viral infections is limited and non-specific. Further pathogen-specific trials are required.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100534"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145424841","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":"Effect of season, age and physiological status on body weight and blood metabolites of communal sheep","authors":"Mthi Siza ,&nbsp;Louis T Tyasi ,&nbsp;Jean Rust ,&nbsp;Segun Ikusika ,&nbsp;Mpisana Zuko ,&nbsp;Sive Tokozwayo ,&nbsp;Qokweni Luxolo ,&nbsp;Francisca Rumosa-Gwaze ,&nbsp;Mandla Yawa ,&nbsp;Soul Washaya","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100525","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100525","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study was aimed at investigating temporal changes in body weight and blood profiles of related metabolites in rangeland sheep raised under an extensive production system. Body weight measurements were taken every month using a sheep crate electronic weighing scale and pooled to represent each season. Approximately 5 ml blood samples were collected from 262 ewes for serum biochemical analysis using standard procedures. The data were analyzed by univariate ANOVA in a completely randomized design with year (2012, 2013), age (4, 6, 8 years), and season (autumn, winter, spring, summer) as fixed factors and animal as a random variable. The body weight (BW), glucose, globulin, and albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio levels varied (P&lt;0.05) between years. Older ewes (8 years) showed significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) blood glucose levels compared to younger ewes (4 and 6 years). The total protein (TP), albumin, globulin, calcium and phosphorus contents were all higher (P&lt; 0.05) in winter and spring compared to autumn or summer, while urea was high in spring and summer (P&lt;0.05). The physiological status significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced BW, glucose, TP, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, calcium, and phosphorus levels of sheep. The BW was negatively correlated to most serum components. It was concluded that autumn and summer seasons are associated with improved body weight gains due to increased forage availability and quality, while higher levels of total protein, albumin, and globulin are observed in winter and spring, reflecting the animals' metabolic adaptations to varying environmental conditions</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100525"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145424843","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}