Animals最新文献

{"title":"Comparison of Clinical Features of Intervertebral Disc Extrusions in English Cocker Spaniels, French Bulldogs and Dachshunds.","authors":"Jad Abouzeid, Nick Grapes, Sam Khan, Steven De Decker, Paul Freeman","doi":"10.3390/ani15040602","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15040602","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) is a common neurological condition in veterinary medicine, with chondrodystrophic breeds being particularly susceptible. Studies have compared breed-related risks and clinical characteristics, but here, we investigate the disease in three common chondrodystrophic breeds, the English cocker spaniel, French bulldog and dachshund, and aim to describe and compare the clinical features and anatomical distribution between them. We performed a multicentre retrospective observational study that included 465 dachshunds, 327 French bulldogs and 145 English cocker spaniels with an imaging confirmed diagnosis of IVDE. The mean age at presentation differed in all three breeds, with the French bulldog presenting youngest and English cocker spaniels presenting oldest. IVDE was most common in the thoracolumbar region in all three breeds, although French bulldogs showed the highest proportion of cervical IVDE, dachshunds the highest proportion of thoracolumbar IVDE, and English cocker spaniels the highest proportion of lumbosacral IVDE. The results of this study suggest a differing clinical presentation for IVDE between these three breeds with regard to both the age of onset and the anatomical region most likely to be affected.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11851645/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143497856","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterization of Neural Network Connectivity and Modularity of Pigeon Nidopallium Caudolaterale During Target Detection.","authors":"Zhizhong Wang, Hu Wang, Juncai Zhu, Deyu Zhao, Rui Wang, Zhuangzhuang Ma, Shaoju Zeng, Jiangtao Wang","doi":"10.3390/ani15040609","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15040609","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Accurate target detection in natural environments is an important function of the visual systems of vertebrates and has a direct impact on animal survival and environmental adaptation. Existing studies have shown that the mammalian prefrontal cortex plays an important role in target detection. However, target detection mechanisms in brain regions similar to other species, such as the avian nidopallium caudolaterale, have not been well studied. Here, we selected pigeons, known for their excellent target detection ability, as an animal model and studied the dynamic changes in the nidopallium caudolaterale neural network features while they performed a target detection task in a maze. The results showed that the average node degree increased significantly during the target detection process while modularity decreased significantly. This indicated that functional connectivity in pigeon brains was enhanced during the task execution, the frequency of brain interactions increased, and the neural network shifted from distributed processing to more efficient integrated processing. The decoding results based on the average node degree and modularity and the combination of both showed that the accuracy of target decoding corresponding to the combination of both was higher. Taken together, our results confirmed the important role of the above properties for encoding target information. We provided evidence to support the view that the NCL is critical for target detection tasks and that studying key features of its neural network provides a powerful tool for revealing the functional state of the brain.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11852068/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143497815","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Relationships Between the Quantity and Quality of Pollen and the Quantity of Capped Brood in <i>Apis mellifera carnica</i> and <i>Apis mellifera caucasica</i>.","authors":"Krzysztof Młynek, Kalina Wnorowska, Grzegorz Pawluk","doi":"10.3390/ani15040611","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15040611","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>An important aspect in improving the efficiency of apiary production is knowledge of factors stimulating the condition of colonies. In view of climate change, one important factor is bee behavior associated with meteorological conditions. Studying the effect of selected meteorological parameters on honeybee colony development can help enhance management of the apiary economy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the connections between the quantity and quality of collected pollen and the quantity of capped brood, as an indicator of the rate of development against the background of weather condition indicators. We studied colonies of two relatively old subspecies: <i>Apis mellifera carnica</i> L. (CR) and <i>Apis mellifera caucasica</i> L. (CC) colonies. It was hypothesized that the quantity of pollen gathered is dependent on meteorological conditions, while the amount of capped brood depends on the quality and quantity of pollen. The study was carried out from April to July. Until May, both groups collected similar amounts of pollen. In the second part of the study, CC collected more pollen (averaging 32.3 g more). CR bees, however, exhibited greater development potential, with 6.32 g more capped brood on average (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.05). The greatest differences were noted in the spring period, which indicates faster development in CR colonies. The capped brood weight was positively correlated (0.391, <i>p</i> ≤ 0.05) with the amount of protein in the pollen. Trends in capped brood mass indicate that CR colonies were stronger during spring development. To some extent, this can be explained by the dependency of this behavior on meteorological conditions, specifically wind speed. In comparison to the CC subspecies (-0.600, <i>p</i> ≤ 0.05), CR bees were less sensitive to this factor, as indicated by the stronger correlation between pollen collection and wind strength (-0.642, <i>p</i> ≤ 0.05). The results indicate that some of the features of the subspecies we studied may have some potential in improving colony strength management in the context of changes related to the course of spring weather in eastern Poland.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11852078/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143498019","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anthropomorphizing with Critical Reflexivity: The Danger and Potential of Anthropomorphizing in Equine-Facilitated Learning and Psychotherapy.","authors":"Kelsey Dayle John, Aviva L Vincent, Leanne O Nieforth, Jamie Schafroth","doi":"10.3390/ani15040605","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15040605","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This article used an intersectional feminist analytic framework to theorize the role of anthropomorphizing human-equine interactions in the HERD Institute's modality for practitioners of Equine-facilitated learning and equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFL/P). EFL/P is a traditionally human-centered activity which leverages anthropomorphizing equine behavior and emotions to better understand human selves and dynamics by assigning human emotions to equids and human-equine interactions. Intersectional feminist theories were used to interpret 11 in-depth interviews with EFL/P practitioners. The data analysis identified anthropomorphizing behaviors which were used as the foundation for the creation of two vignettes. The vignettes present different ethical dilemmas of anthropomorphizing that may impact equine welfare in EFL/P explicitly discussed by interlocutors. One vignette examines interpreting and assigning human injustices within equine behavior (e.g., resource guarding) and the second engages with human interpretations of equine choice versus consent in an EFL/P session. The vignettes demonstrate how anthropomorphizing may be used to develop an understanding of human dynamics or equine welfare. The researchers suggest that the use of critical reflexivity when anthropomorphizing may increase attention toward equine welfare in EFL/P settings. As such, it may be beneficial to consider the development and refinement of EFL/P training/certification and continuing education.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11851769/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143497713","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Meta-Analysis of Dietary Tannins in Small Ruminant Diets: Effects on Growth Performance, Serum Metabolites, Antioxidant Status, Ruminal Fermentation, Meat Quality, and Fatty Acid Profile.","authors":"Asma Al Rharad, Soufiane El Aayadi, Claire Avril, Alassane Souradjou, Fafa Sow, Younouss Camara, Jean-Luc Hornick, Soumaya Boukrouh","doi":"10.3390/ani15040596","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15040596","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Tannins are secondary metabolites naturally present in various plants as a defense mechanism. In animal nutrition, they play a dual role, acting as both antinutritional factors and bioactive agents, with potential benefits in nutrient metabolism and product quality. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary tannin on nutrient intake and digestibility, blood serum metabolite levels, growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in small ruminants. Ninety-seven studies were included in this meta-analysis. The effects of tannins were analyzed using a random-effects model to determine the weighted mean difference between treatments with tannins and the control (without tannins). Publication bias and heterogeneity between studies were explored, and meta-regression and subgroup analyses were performed. The results indicated that tannin significantly increased the intake of dry matter, crude protein, nitrogen (N), fecal N, and meat fatty acids (FA), such as C18:2 ω6, C18:3 ω3, C20:4 ω6, C20:5 ω3, total ω3 and ω6 FA, and total polyunsaturated FA (PUFA). However, NH₃-N, urinary N, blood urea nitrogen, cold carcass weight, subcutaneous fat thickness, drip loss, and nutrient digestibility decreased. In conclusion, tannin in small ruminants did not affect animal productivity and antioxidative status, but mainly modified nitrogen metabolism and improved the fatty acid profile of meat.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11851383/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143497781","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Performance, Ingestive Behavior, Nutrient Digestibility, Ruminal Fermentation Profile, Health Status, and Gene Expression of Does Fed a Phytochemical-<i>Lactobacilli</i> Blend in Late Pregnancy.","authors":"Amr A Gabr, Fayek Farrag, Mohamed Ahmed, Yosra A Soltan, Ahmed Ateya, Umar Mafindi","doi":"10.3390/ani15040598","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15040598","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigated the effects of a phytochemical-<i>Lactobacilli</i> blend (PEL) on the performance and health of late-pregnant does. Thirty Zaraibi does (30.9 ± 0.37 kg body weight, 3-3.5 years old, 90 days pregnant) were randomly assigned to three experimental groups, ensuring equal distribution based on body weight, parity, litter size, and previous lactation milk production. The does were fed either a control diet (no supplementation) or a PEL-supplemented diet (control diet plus 2 g or 4 g of PEL per day) for 60 days. PEL supplementation linearly improved (<i>p</i> < 0.05) feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal concentrations of acetic and propionic acids, while significantly reducing (<i>p</i> < 0.05) ruminal ammonia-N concentrations. PEL supplementation linearly reduced (<i>p</i> < 0.05) feeding and rumination times while increasing idling time. Blood hematological parameters improved (<i>p</i> < 0.05) with PEL supplementation. Serum protein, liver and kidney function indicators, lipid metabolism, cortisol, and thyroid hormone levels were significantly improved (<i>p</i> < 0.01) in a linear manner with PEL supplementation. Antioxidant status, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and immune response were enhanced both linearly and quadratically (<i>p</i> < 0.05) with PEL treatment. Gene expression analysis revealed a linear upregulation (<i>p</i> < 0.05) of growth, immune, and antioxidant-related genes with PEL supplementation. These findings suggest that supplementing pregnant does with 4 g of PEL per day can effectively enhance their performance, health, and metabolic status.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11851990/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143497821","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correction: Domrazek, K.; Jurka, P. Application of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Techniques for Selected Companion Animals. <i>Animals</i> 2024, <i>14</i>, 1578.","authors":"Kinga Domrazek, Piotr Jurka","doi":"10.3390/ani15040606","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15040606","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The authors would like to make the following corrections in the original publication [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11851693/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143497873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hepatotoxicity in Carp (<i>Carassius auratus</i>) Exposed to Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS): Integrative Histopathology and Transcriptomics Analysis.","authors":"Lin Tang, Guijie Hao, Dongren Zhou, Yunpeng Fan, Zihao Wei, Dongsheng Li, Yafang Shen, Haoyu Fang, Feng Lin, Meirong Zhao, Haiqi Zhang","doi":"10.3390/ani15040610","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15040610","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) contamination poses a significant environmental threat due to its widespread distribution and persistence. However, the hepatotoxic effects of PFOS on key aquatic species, such as crucian carp, remain understudied. This study systematically investigated the hepatotoxicity and underlying molecular mechanisms associated with PFOS exposure in crucian carp over a 21 day period. We determined a 96 h 50% lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of 23.17 mg/L. Histopathological and transcriptomic analyses confirmed PFOS-induced liver damage in the carp, characterized by venous congestion, nucleolar dissolution and cellular vacuolation. Transcriptomic profiling further identified 1036 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), involving critical pathways related to lipid and energy metabolism, immunity, and endocrine regulation. These pathways are integral to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Specifically, DEGs related to lipid metabolism showed significant changes, while those involved in energy metabolism indicated disrupted ATP production and mitochondrial function. Genes associated with immune response revealed an upregulation of pro-inflammatory markers, and hormone regulation genes highlighted alterations in endocrine signaling. Our findings emphasized that PFOS exhibits acute toxicity to crucian carp, potentially inducing hepatotoxicity by disrupting multiple physiological systems. This research provides a theoretical foundation for mitigating aquatic pollution and protecting eco-health, contributing to broader ecological and conservation biology discussions.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11851982/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143497991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Intra-Vaginal Bio-Stimulation and Clitoral Massage to Enhance Pregnancy Rates in Water Buffalo in Coastal Bangladesh.","authors":"Ashit Kumar Paul, Md Fakruzzaman, Md Ashadul Alam, Gautam Kumar Deb, M A M Yahia Khandoker","doi":"10.3390/ani15040597","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15040597","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The study aimed to determine the effect of intra-vaginal bio-stimulation with a modified penis-like device (mPLD) or artificial penis and clitoral massage subsequent to artificial insemination (AI) to increase the pregnancy rate of water buffaloes. The AI was performed on 160 buffalo cows after observing their estrus sign. The buffalo cows were divided into four experimental groups (group A: only AI was conducted; group B: intra-vaginal bio-stimulation with a mPLD following AI; group C: massage of the clitoris after AI; group D: both the mPLD and the clitoral massage were used following AI). Each group consisted of 40 animals. Age, parity, body weight, reproductive health status, history of previous calving difficulties, and estrus detection method were recorded. The overall pregnancy rate was found to be 41.3%. The pregnancy rate in groups A, B, C, and D were 32.5, 42.2, 37.5 and 52.5%, respectively. It was determined that both the application of intra-vaginal bio-stimulation with a mPLD and massage of the clitoris following AI (group D) showed a significant effect on pregnancy rate than the control group (group A). It is concluded that the application of a mPLD in conjugation with massage of the clitoris enhances the pregnancy rate of buffalo cows in the coastal region of Bangladesh.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11851586/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143497720","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of the Meishan Pig and Insights into Its Domestication Mechanisms.","authors":"Huipeng Du, Jianchao Hu, Zhiyan Zhang, Zhongzi Wu","doi":"10.3390/ani15040603","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15040603","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pigs are essential agricultural animals, and among the various breeds, the Meishan pig, a native breed of China, is renowned for its high reproductive performance. This breed has been introduced to many countries to enhance local pig breeding programs. However, there have been limited genomic and population genetics studies focusing on Meishan pigs. We created a chromosomal-level genomic assembly using high-depth PacBio sequencing and Illumina sequencing data collected from a Meishan pig. Additionally, we analyzed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from Chinese boars and Meishan pigs to identify domestication selection signals within the Meishan breed. The assembled genome of the Meishan pig (MSjxau) was found to be 2.45 Gb in size, with a scaffold length of 139.17 Mb. The quality value was 37.06, and the BUSCO score was 96.2%, indicating good completeness, continuity, and accuracy. We annotated transposable elements, segmental duplication, and genes in the MSjxau genome. By combining these data with 28 publicly available genomes, we provide a high-quality structural variants resource for pigs. Furthermore, we identified 716 selective sweep intervals between Chinese wild pigs and Meishan pigs, where the selected gene <i>PGR</i> may be linked to the high fertility observed in Meishan pigs. Our study offers valuable genomic and variation resources for pig breeding and identifies several genes associated with the domestication of the Meishan pig. This lays the groundwork for further investigation into the genetic mechanisms behind complex traits in pigs.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11851914/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143497782","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}