{"title":"Pleiotropic Genes Affecting Milk Production, Fertility, and Health in Thai-Holstein Crossbred Dairy Cattle: A GWAS Approach.","authors":"Akhmad Fathoni, Wuttigrai Boonkum, Vibuntita Chankitisakul, Sayan Buaban, Monchai Duangjinda","doi":"10.3390/ani15091320","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15091320","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Understanding the genetic basis of economically important traits is essential for enhancing the productivity, fertility, and health of dairy cattle. This study aimed to identify the pleiotropic genes associated with the 305-day milk yield (MY305), days open (DO), and milk fat-to-protein ratio (FPR) in Thai-Holstein crossbred dairy cattle using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach. The dataset included 18,843 records of MY305 and milk FPR, as well as 48,274 records of DO, collected from first-lactation Thai-Holstein crossbred dairy cattle. A total of 868 genotyped animals and 43,284 informative SNPs out of 50,905 were used for the analysis. The single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) effects were evaluated using a weighted single-step GWAS (wssGWAS), which estimated these effects based on genomic breeding values (GEBVs) through a multi-trait animal model with single-step genomic BLUP (ssGBLUP). Genomic regions explaining at least 5% of the total genetic variance were selected for candidate gene analysis. Single-step genomic REML (ssGREML) with a multi-trait animal model was used to estimate components of (co)variance. The heritability estimates from additive genetic variance were 0.262 for MY305, 0.029 for DO, and 0.102 for milk FPR, indicating a moderate genetic influence on milk yield and a lower genetic impact on fertility and milk FPR. The genetic correlations were 0.559 (MY305 and DO), -0.306 (MY305 and milk FPR), and -0.501 (DO and milk FPR), indicating potential compromises in genetic selection. wssGBLUP showed a higher accuracy than ssGBLUP, although the improvement was modest. A total of 24, 46, and 33 candidate genes were identified for MY305, DO, and milk FPR, respectively. Pleiotropic effects, identified by SNPs showing significant influence with more than trait, were observed in 14 genes shared among all three traits, 17 genes common between MY305 and DO, 14 genes common between MY305 and milk FPR, and 26 genes common between DO and milk FPR. Overall, wssGBLUP is a promising approach for improving the genomic prediction of economic traits in multi-trait analyses, outperforming ssGBLUP. This presents a viable alternative for genetic evaluation in dairy cattle breeding programs in Thailand. However, further studies are needed to validate these candidate genes and refine marker selection for production, fertility, and health traits in dairy cattle.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12071107/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143966667","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}
AnimalsPub Date : 2025-05-02DOI: 10.3390/ani15091319
Idoia Claver, Verónica Estaca, María de Andrés-Herrero, Darío Herranz-Rodrigo, David Álvarez-Alonso, José Yravedra
{"title":"Uncovering Human Tooth Marks in the Search for Dog Domestication: The Case of Coímbre Cave.","authors":"Idoia Claver, Verónica Estaca, María de Andrés-Herrero, Darío Herranz-Rodrigo, David Álvarez-Alonso, José Yravedra","doi":"10.3390/ani15091319","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15091319","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The domestication of the dog (<i>Canis lupus familiaris</i>) is one of the oldest and most complex processes of interaction between humans and animals. This phenomenon may have begun sometime between 30 and 15 ky calBP. Archaeological and genetic studies have provided valuable insights into dog domestication, although the precise geographic location and origin of this process remain controversial and under debate. New methodologies, such as taphonomic analyses, offer opportunities to deepen our understanding of past human-dog interactions. In this context, the present study examines tooth marks found on some bone remains from the Upper Magdalenian site (15,500-13,200 cal BP) of Coímbre Cave (Peñamellera Alta, Asturias, Spain). The low incidence of carnivores at the site has raised the possibility that the tooth marks may have been produced by canids. However, a detailed taphonomic analysis combining geometric morphometrics with robust statistical methods-including MANOVA with post-hoc permutation tests-revealed that the marks identified at the site do not significantly differ from tooth marks produced by humans (<i>p</i> = 0.086). In contrast, tooth marks produced by other carnivores, such as <i>Canis lupus signatus</i> and <i>Canis lupus familiaris</i>, showed significant differences (<i>p</i> < 0.003). Although our study could not confirm the presence of domesticated dogs at the Magdalenian levels of Coímbre Cave, it has documented taphonomic processes that are rarely identified in the archaeological record. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential of tooth mark analysis as a key tool for future research on human-animal interactions in archaeological contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12070903/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143963010","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}
AnimalsPub Date : 2025-05-02DOI: 10.3390/ani15091322
Luis Antonio Espinoza-Ramos, Ydelsa Puma-Vilca, Jordan I Huanacuni, Renzo Pepe-Victoriano
{"title":"Evaluation of Tricaine (MS-222) and Eugenol for Sedation of Peruvian Grunt <i>Anisotremus scapularis</i>.","authors":"Luis Antonio Espinoza-Ramos, Ydelsa Puma-Vilca, Jordan I Huanacuni, Renzo Pepe-Victoriano","doi":"10.3390/ani15091322","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15091322","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Anisotremus scapularis</i> is a commercially important species in Peru, where its cultivation and management require technological strategies to minimize stress during aquaculture and fishing practices. Fish handling and transport can induce adverse physiological responses, making anesthetic use a key tool to mitigate these effects and enhance animal welfare. However, information on optimal doses, safety margins, and induction and recovery times of anesthetics in this species remains limited. This study evaluated the effects of eugenol and tricaine (MS-222) on the sedation of <i>A. scapularis juveniles</i>. A total of 450 individuals (9-10 cm total length) were exposed to different concentrations of eugenol and MS-222 (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mg/L) via immersion. Induction and recovery times were recorded, determining that the lowest concentrations allowing an optimal induction time (<6 min) and adequate recovery (<16 min) were 20-60 mg/L for eugenol and 80 mg/L for MS-222. These results provide essential information to optimize sedation protocols for <i>A. scapularis juveniles</i>, promoting more efficient handling with minimal impact on fish welfare in production and fishery management systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12070928/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143960108","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":"D-Glucuronolactone Supplementation Enhances Production Performance, Eggshell Quality, and Liver Health in Laying Hens.","authors":"Yiru Shen, Zhiqiang Miao, Yuqi Zheng, Yuanyang Dong, Miaomiao Han, Chenxuan Huang, Rui Bai, Chengqiang Xia, Shourong Shi, Jianhui Li","doi":"10.3390/ani15091317","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15091317","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The liver of hens bears a very heavy workload in handling lipogenesis as well as carbohydrate, protein, and other nutrient metabolism to maintain a high laying rate. D-glucuronolactone (DGL) is a naturally occurring chemical metabolite produced from glucose and exhibits a hepatoprotective effect as a food ingredient. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of DGL on production performance, egg quality, and liver health in laying hens during their peak period. Four hundred and eighty Hy-Line brown hens (aged 42 weeks), with comparable high-laying performance, were randomly assigned to four groups, with each group consisting of eight replicates. The control group was fed a basal diet, while the treatment groups were supplemented with DGL at 70, 140, and 280 mg/kg in the basal diet, respectively. The results indicated that DGL supplementation significantly increases the laying rate and egg mass of hens (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The brown color of the eggshell was significantly deepened by DGL administration (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Additionally, DGL supplementation significantly decreased the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The liver index, liver fat, and triglyceride levels in the liver had also significantly decreased (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Liver histopathological results showed that the control group exhibited yellow coloration with large gaps and numerous vacuolar cells, while DGL supplementation improved the compactness of liver parenchyma. Antioxidant activity was enhanced, showing a significant increase in the activity of total antioxidant capacity and catalase in the liver (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The inflammatory response was alleviated, with a significant decrease in expressions of interleukin-β, tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8 genes in the liver (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Moreover, DGL supplementation significantly reduced cell apoptosis-related genes, including factor-related apoptosis, Caspase 7, and BCL2 associated X protein in the liver (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Overall, these findings indicate that dietary DGL enhanced the laying performance of hens by maintaining liver health, with the best results achieved at a dose of 280 mg/kg in this trial.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12071164/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143960442","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}
AnimalsPub Date : 2025-05-01DOI: 10.3390/ani15091310
Timm Konold, Laura J Phelan
{"title":"Improving Clinical Diagnosis of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies in Sheep: Which Signs Are Important?","authors":"Timm Konold, Laura J Phelan","doi":"10.3390/ani15091310","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15091310","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Scrapie is a notifiable transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) in sheep that relies on clinical examinations for reporting suspects. A short examination protocol was used in 1002 sheep to define clinical markers suggestive of scrapie. Sheep were naturally or experimentally exposed to a classical, atypical scrapie or bovine spongiform encephalopathy agent; 312 were positive for a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) by brain examination and included non-exposed controls. Assessed signs were posture, behaviour, menace, scratch and blindfolding response, wool loss and skin changes, body condition, incoordination and tremor. First, the combined occurrence of two or more clinical signs was compared between TSE-positive and negative sheep. Second, the importance of clinical markers was determined in a general classification and regression tree model. The main clinical markers to predict TSEs according to the tree model were incoordination and a positive scratch test. Test sensitivities and specificities were 70.8-81.5% and 96.1-93.0%, respectively, and predictive values above 87%. The results suggest that the short clinical protocol, which assesses the presence of certain clinical signs associated with a TSE in sheep and is quick to perform, may be useful to reach a suspect diagnosis in both naturally and experimentally generated TSEs.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143966366","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
AnimalsPub Date : 2025-05-01DOI: 10.3390/ani15091315
Nima Mohammadzadeh, Jamal Nourinezhad, Abdolvahed Moarabi, Maciej Janeczek
{"title":"Sectional Anatomy with Micro-Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Correlation of the Middle and Caudal Abdominal Regions in the Syrian Hamster (<i>Mesocricetus auratus</i>).","authors":"Nima Mohammadzadeh, Jamal Nourinezhad, Abdolvahed Moarabi, Maciej Janeczek","doi":"10.3390/ani15091315","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15091315","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The abdomen is a key region in small animal veterinary practice, with the middle and caudal sections housing various organ systems that are susceptible to dysfunction, necessitating medical intervention or surgery. Sectional imaging techniques like CT and MRI are commonly used in small mammals, but no studies have focused on rodent abdomen. This study aimed to correlate micro-CT and MRI images of the middle and caudal abdominal regions with corresponding anatomical sections in Syrian hamsters (SHs), which are popular pets and experimental models. Ten healthy male SHs were used, and anatomical structures from frozen sections were compared with corresponding MCT and MRI images. Clinically relevant structures identified in anatomical sections were discernible on MCT and MRI scans. The key findings include the presence of glandular and non-glandular stomachs, the stomach and cecum primarily located on the left side, the absence of ampulla coli, sacculus rotundus, and cecal appendix, and sacculation of the colon, as well as the jejunum, mainly on the right side. The vesicular, coagulating, and prostate glands were also present, and the right kidney did not extend to the last thoracic vertebra. The results were similar to abdominal anatomical and radiologic studies in rats, mice, and guinea pigs, regardless of the rat's and mice's sacculated cecum and the guinea pig's glandular stomach. However, significant differences were observed compared to the rabbit abdomen's sectional anatomy and CT findings. This study highlights the diagnostic value of MCT and MRI in SHs and provides a valuable reference for interpreting cross-sectional abdominal images in SHs.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12071047/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143956617","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}
AnimalsPub Date : 2025-05-01DOI: 10.3390/ani15091316
Emma Louise Davis, Andrew Douglas Wood, Julie F N Potier
{"title":"Prevalence and Progression of Resting ACTH, Insulin and Adiponectin Values as Indicators of Suspected Endocrine Diseases in Sport Horses and Ponies Compared to Non-Sport Horses, Ponies and Donkeys.","authors":"Emma Louise Davis, Andrew Douglas Wood, Julie F N Potier","doi":"10.3390/ani15091316","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15091316","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Prevalence of endocrine disease in sport horses has been sparsely reported. They often compete well into their teenage years; thus, diagnosis and control of endocrine disease could be important to maintain performance and optimise health and welfare. The aim was to compare the prevalence of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), insulin dysregulation (ID) and metabolic obesity between sport and non-sport type breeds and assess disease progression. Blood samples submitted for plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), serum insulin or adiponectin were included in this study. Horses were grouped according to their breed into sport horses, which are typically used for athletic purposes, and non-sport horses, which are less-athletic breeds typically used for leisure. Cases included 1365 non-sport horse initial samples with 1850 non-sport horse follow-up samples and 1022 sport horse initial samples with 1081 sport horse follow-up samples. PPID and metabolic obesity were found to be as prevalent in the sport horse population, but non-sport horses were more likely to have ID. Upon follow up examination PPID was more prevalent with higher median ACTH in sport horses. This was also true of metabolic obesity in sport horses at follow-up, although median adiponectin was higher, perhaps indicating that the population is less severely affected than non-sport horses. Screening for endocrinopathies should be considered in sport horses presenting with poor performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12071170/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143957244","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}
AnimalsPub Date : 2025-05-01DOI: 10.3390/ani15091311
Danilo Florentino Pereira, Irenilza de Alencar Nääs, Saman Abdanan Mehdizadeh
{"title":"Equivalence Between Optical Flow, the Unrest Index, and Walking Distance to Estimate the Welfare of Broiler Chickens.","authors":"Danilo Florentino Pereira, Irenilza de Alencar Nääs, Saman Abdanan Mehdizadeh","doi":"10.3390/ani15091311","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15091311","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Modern poultry production demands scalable and non-invasive methods to monitor animal welfare, particularly as broiler strains are increasingly bred for rapid growth, often at the expense of mobility and health. This study evaluates two advanced computer vision techniques-Optical Flow and the Unrest Index-to assess movement patterns in broiler chickens. Three commercial broiler strains (Hybro<sup>®</sup>, Cobb<sup>®</sup>, and Ross<sup>®</sup>) were housed in controlled environments and continuously monitored using ceiling-mounted video systems. Chicken movements were detected and tracked using a YOLO model, with centroid data informing both the Unrest Index and distance walked metrics. Optical Flow velocity metrics (mean, variance, skewness, and kurtosis) were extracted using the Farnebäck algorithm. Pearson correlation analyses revealed strong associations between Optical Flow variables and traditional movement indicators, with average velocity showing the strongest correlation to walked distance and the Unrest Index. Among the evaluated strains, Cobb<sup>®</sup> demonstrated the strongest correlation between Optical Flow variance and the Unrest Index, indicating a distinct movement profile. The equipment's movement and the camera's slight instability had a minimal effect on the Optical Flow measurement. Still, its strong correlation with the Unrest Index and walking distance accredits it as an effective method for high-resolution behavioral monitoring. This study supports the integration of Optical Flow and Unrest Index technologies into precision livestock systems, offering a foundation for predictive welfare management at scale.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12070830/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143967186","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":"Relationship Between Cardiac Troponin I Concentration and Myocardial Function in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Cats With or Without Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction.","authors":"Shuji Satomi, Ryohei Suzuki, Yunosuke Yuchi, Yayoi Yoshii, Haruka Kanno, Takahiro Teshima, Hirotaka Matsumoto","doi":"10.3390/ani15091313","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15091313","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common cardiac disease in cats. HCM is classified into obstructive HCM (HOCM) and non-obstructive HCM (HNCM) forms based on the presence or absence of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). In humans, LVOTO is a known poor prognostic factor and a target for therapeutic intervention. In contrast, LVOTO has been reported not to contribute to prognosis in cats. This study demonstrated significant correlations between cTnI levels and a maximal LV outflow tract velocity (LVOTV). This finding suggests that LVOTO is associated with myocardial cell injury.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12071132/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143956539","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}
AnimalsPub Date : 2025-05-01DOI: 10.3390/ani15091314
Yumin Han, Yang Yu, Chengsong Zhang, Shihao Li, Jianbo Yuan, Fuhua Li
{"title":"Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Molecular Mechanism Involved in Carotenoid Absorption and Metabolism in the Ridgetail White Prawn <i>Exopalaemon carinicauda</i>.","authors":"Yumin Han, Yang Yu, Chengsong Zhang, Shihao Li, Jianbo Yuan, Fuhua Li","doi":"10.3390/ani15091314","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15091314","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Astaxanthin plays a vital role in pigmentation, immune function, reproduction, and antioxidation in aquatic species. To clarify the molecular mechanism of astaxanthin utilization in <i>Exopalaemon carinicauda</i> (<i>E. carinicauda</i>), we conducted a comparative transcriptome analysis on the intestine, hepatopancreas, and muscle of <i>E. carinicauda</i>, fed with an astaxanthin diet and a normal diet. A total of 144 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in three tissues between the two groups. Genes related to absorption and transport, such as <i>LDLR</i> and the vitellogenin receptor, were upregulated in the intestine after astaxanthin supplementation, while the ileal sodium/bile acid cotransporter-like gene was downregulated. In the hepatopancreas, genes involved in lipid storage and degradation were significantly altered at the transcriptional level, including Kruppel 1-like, <i>ACSBG2</i>, δ(7)-sterol 5(6)-desaturase-like, and <i>PNLIPRP2</i>. In the muscle, the expression of the <i>FABP</i> gene was significantly upregulated, while several actin and troponin genes were significantly downregulated. Furthermore, GSEA analysis on the transcriptomes of three tissues revealed that astaxanthin supplementation influenced the expression of genes related to antioxidation and growth, indicating that astaxanthin may have a positive impact on the growth, development, and resistance of organisms. The data from this research provide valuable insights into elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying astaxanthin absorption and metabolism and also offer guidance for the application of astaxanthin in the aquaculture of economically important crustaceans.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12071124/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143966490","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}