Animals最新文献

{"title":"Characteristics of Large Antlers Reveal Key Features to Reach Full Genetic Potential.","authors":"Tomás Landete-Castillejos, Irene Arroyo, Martina Pérez-Serrano, Dainis Paeglitis, Mara Paeglite, Louis Chonco, Andrés J García","doi":"10.3390/ani15091303","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15091303","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Antlers are costly bone structures that grow every year. Thus, in addition to the genetic potential, its full potential size depends on the physiological state and food availability. Our aim was to examine antler characteristics related to genetic potential (burr perimeter) with final antler investment (antler weight) and how they relate with antler structural characteristics: beam length, circumference at mid and upper parts of the beam, and length of first (brow) and midbeam (third) tines. We measured 206 antlers from the University of Castilla-La Mancha experimental farm (UCLM) and from 203 top size antlers from Latvian International Antler Competition (LIAC). The results show that UCLM and LIAC had antlers of similar length (4.6% difference), but LIAC had 47% heavier antlers. The body growth explained that correlations of antler measurements with age were higher in males of 3 or more years, but much weaker in fully grown males (5 years or older). Weight reflected investment in antlers, as it showed the greatest correlation with all measurements, but length had weaker correlations. A large burr cross-section seems to reflect genetic potential, because it is necessary but not sufficient to grow large antlers. The results could be a useful tool for deer breeders.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12071101/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143973723","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":"Human-Elephant Conflict in Thailand over the Past Decade (2014-2023): Occurrence, Geographical Distribution, and Temporal Trends.","authors":"Jarawee Supanta, Chaithep Poolkhet, Marnoch Yindee, Wallaya Manatchaiworakul, Tuempong Wongtawan","doi":"10.3390/ani15091304","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15091304","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The endangered Asian elephant, Thailand's national symbol, is increasingly affected by human-elephant conflict (HEC), now a critical conservation and socio-economic concern. This study examined 341 HEC occurrences in 34 out of 77 Thai provinces between 2014 and 2023, based on data from official and private sources. These events resulted in both human and elephant casualties and property damage. Occurrences peaked in 2018 and 2023, with significant associations found between conflict rates, regions, and periods. The Eastern region and the July-to-October period (the rainy season) emerged as key high-risk areas, likely related to additional factors such as high elephant densities and abundant crop production. Most HECs occurred in agricultural land, where elephants searched for food. The findings suggest that the July-to-October period requires heightened surveillance and additional preventive actions. The Eastern region remains a priority for intervention due to its ongoing vulnerability and the movement of elephants across provincial boundaries. Furthermore, the rise of the Northeastern region as a new hotspot underlines the need for proactive measures to prevent escalation.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12071072/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143952277","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":"Estradiol Alleviates Elevated Temperature-Induced Damage in Yak Oviductal Epithelial Cells by Maintaining Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Homeostasis.","authors":"Xiaolin Ye, Meng Wang, Shantong Qiu, Yangyang Pan, Yan Cui, Sijiu Yu","doi":"10.3390/ani15091305","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15091305","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The oviduct is an organ that participates in multiple critical reproductive processes and provides essential nutritional support while maintaining a specialized microenvironment. It is particularly vulnerable to damage following heat stress-induced hyperthermia. Therefore, mitigating heat-induced damage to oviduct epithelial cells while preserving their physiological integrity under hyperthermia represents a critical therapeutic goal.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to simulate the cellular damage state in yak oviduct epithelial cells (YOECs) under thermal challenge by increasing the incubation temperature of cultured cells, while observing changes in cellular injury upon supplementation with 17β-estradiol (E₂), in order to explore the underlying cellular regulatory mechanisms involved.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After 48 h of exposure to 41 °C, YOECs exhibited elevated HSP70 and HSP90 protein expression levels, reduced OVGP1 protein expression, and increased apoptotic cells. Compared to the 41 °C group, the E₂ + 41 °C group displayed decreased HSP70 protein levels, increased OVGP1 protein expression, and reduced apoptotic cell numbers. Additionally, changes in endoplasmic reticulum calcium ion (ER-Ca²⁺) distribution and fluorescence intensity variations in ER-Ca²⁺ regulatory proteins SERCA and IP3R3 were analyzed in the 37 °C, 41 °C, and E₂ + 41 °C groups. The ER-Ca²⁺ distribution pattern in the E₂ + 41 °C group remained similar to that of the 37 °C group. However, the fluorescence intensity levels of SERCA and IP3R3 proteins in the E₂ + 41 °C group did not recover to levels comparable to the 37 °C group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings suggest that E₂ may mitigate thermal challenge-induced cellular damage in YOECs by maintaining ER-Ca²⁺ homeostasis, thereby preserving cellular functionality under elevated temperatures.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12070912/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143953705","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":"Whole Genome Insights into Genetic Diversity, Introgression, and Adaptation of Hunan Cattle.","authors":"Yushan Li, Jianbo Li, Hongfeng Duan, Ao Sun, Renke Hu, Shuai Gao, Baizhong Zhang, Bizhi Huang, Chuzhao Lei, Kangle Yi","doi":"10.3390/ani15091287","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15091287","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hunan Province, located in Central-South China, has a hot and humid climate, which has shaped the unique characteristics of its cattle. In this study, we analyzed the genomic diversity of 110 indigenous Hunan cattle using whole-genome sequencing and found that they have a mixed ancestry of indicine and taurine. By grouping the cattle based on their collection regions (western, central, southeastern, and southern Hunan), we used an unsupervised three-component Gaussian model to classify the runs of homozygosity (ROH) and calculated the genomic inbreeding coefficient based on runs of homozygosity (FROH) to assess inbreeding levels. The results showed that western Hunan cattle had the highest level of hybridization, while southern Hunan cattle had the lowest. Through selective sweep analysis, we identified candidate genes and pathways related to environmental adaptation and homeostasis. Notably, the <i>SLC5A2</i> gene showed strong selection signals across all four regions and exhibited a distinct haplotype compared to other referenced cattle breeds. Additionally, we detected introgression from wild species into Hunan domestic cattle and analyzed their Y-chromosome haplotypes.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12071150/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143960503","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":"Trace Mineral Source Impacts Volatile Fatty Acid Profile and Rumen Trace Mineral Solubility in Feedlot Steers.","authors":"Huey Yi Loh, Octavio Guimaraes, Meghan P Thorndyke, Sam Jalali, Jerry W Spears, Jeff S Heldt, Terry E Engle","doi":"10.3390/ani15091271","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15091271","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of trace mineral (TM) source on: (1) nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation characteristics, (2) rumen TM solubility, and (3) TM binding strength on ruminal digesta. In experiment 1, twelve cannulated Angus steers were adapted to a high-concentrate diet, blocked by body weight, and randomly assigned to dietary treatments consisting of 18, 40, or 90 mg of supplemental Cu, Mn, and Zn/kg DM, respectively, from either sulfate (STM) or hydroxy (HTM) sources. Following diet adaptation, total fecal and rumen fluid were collected over a 5 d period. Nutrient digestibility was not affected (<i>p</i> > 0.15) by TM source. Steers supplemented with HTM had greater (<i>p</i> < 0.05) ruminal molar proportions of propionate and lower (<i>p</i> < 0.05) molar proportions of butyrate compared to STM-supplemented steers. In experiment 2, steers received a single pulse dose of their respective TM treatments via the cannula. Ruminal samples were obtained at 2 h intervals from -4 to 24 h post-dosing. Ruminal-soluble Cu concentrations were greater (<i>p</i> < 0.05) for STM-dosed steers. Steers receiving HTM had greater (<i>p</i> < 0.01) Cu and Zn and lower (<i>p</i> < 0.01) Mn released from digesta compared to those receiving STM.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12070979/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143961840","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":"Population Dynamics and Survival Strategies of Two Endangered Ungulates in a Low Water-Availability Site of the Maya Forest of Mexico.","authors":"Rafael Reyna-Hurtado, Jonathan O Huerta-Rodríguez, Alan Duarte-Morales, Itzel Poot-Sarmiento, Lizzi Valeria Martínez-Martínez, Manuel Alejandro Jiménez-Sánchez","doi":"10.3390/ani15091307","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15091307","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>White-lipped peccary (<i>Tayassu pecari</i>) and Central American tapir (<i>Tapirus bairdii</i>) are two endangered ungulates that inhabit the Maya Forest in Southern Mexico. These species need water sources almost every day to fill their ecological and physiological needs. How have they survived in a landscape like the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve where the water is very scarce and temporal? We analyzed 10 years of data for both species, collected through the intensive use of camera traps located in 18 ephemeral ponds of the Mexican side of the Maya Forest. These data in combination with occasional data on individual movements of both species collected with radiotelemetry allowed us to describe changes in occupancy, abundance, and movements that show the different strategies these species must cope with during dry periods. The white-lipped peccary population passed through cycles and disappeared from periods of water scarcity, and later, they appeared and stayed close to a few sources of water while the tapir population remained constant and occupied almost all sources of water throughout the years. This contribution increases the ecological knowledge and survival strategies of two endangered tropical ungulates of Mesoamerican Forests that have been disappearing at alarming rates in other forests of the region.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12071126/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143969226","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":"Diversity, Endemism, and Conservation Status of the Herpetofauna of the Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico with Comparison to Neighboring Biogeographic Provinces.","authors":"Geoffrey R Smith, Julio A Lemos-Espinal","doi":"10.3390/ani15091278","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15091278","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Sierra Madre Occidental (SMO) is a biogeographic province of Mexico that serves as a corridor for the northward expansion of subtropical species, while also acting as a barrier for the movement of species between western and eastern Mexico. The SMO houses 57 species of amphibians and 160 species of reptiles, representing 19.4% of the total number of amphibian and reptile species found in Mexico. Ten amphibian and thirteen reptile species are endemic to the SMO, and >50% of amphibian and reptile species found in the SMO are endemic to Mexico. Five amphibian species and three reptile species are listed in a category of conservation concern in the IUCN Red List. Specific threats include habitat loss, logging, mining, pollution, and climate change. The SMO shares a significant percentage of its species with neighboring provinces. In the cluster analysis for amphibians, a group comprising the SMO, the Pacific Lowlands, and the Chihuahuan Desert is linked to the Transvolcanic Belt. For reptiles, two distinct groups emerge: one including the SMO and the Chihuahuan Desert and one including the Transvolcanic Belt and the Pacific Lowlands. In conclusion, the rich biodiversity of the SMO, along with its role as both a corridor and barrier for species distribution, highlights the importance of targeted conservation efforts to mitigate the various threats facing this biogeographically significant province.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12070909/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143965155","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":"Weaning as Stressor for Calf Welfare.","authors":"Cecilia Guasco, Martina Moriconi, Nicoletta Vitale, Francesca Fusi, Dáša Schleicherová, Elisabetta Razzuoli, Mario Vevey, Stefania Bergagna","doi":"10.3390/ani15091272","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15091272","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Weaning is a critical period for calves, affecting their well-being, health, and productivity. The present study analyzed 61 calves to evaluate the effects of weaning as a stress factor by monitoring hematological, biochemical, and immune parameters. Blood samples were collected at the start of weaning at 130-135 days (T0), 3 (T1) and 7 (T2) days later, and finally at 150 days of age. The results showed changes in the levels of cortisol, inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, INF-γ and IL-8) and acute-phase proteins. Alterations in white blood cells were also observed, such as neutrophilia and lymphopenia, which are typical signs of an adverse stress response. Biochemically, the switch from milk to solid food caused imbalances in protein, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, indicating a relevant metabolic adaptation. Serum electrophoresis showed a decrease in albumin and an increase in γ-globulins, a sign of immune maturation. The results suggest that weaning is one of the most important stressors for calves, with both physiological and immune effects. However, this practice is necessary for breeding productivity. Future research could investigate the role of genetics and environment in weaning resilience to further optimize breeding practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12070843/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143965353","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":"Red Blood Cell Transcriptome Reflects Physiological Responses to Alternative Nutrient Sources in Gilthead Seabream (<i>Sparus aurata</i>).","authors":"Rafael Angelakopoulos, Andreas Tsipourlianos, Alexia E Fytsili, Leonidas Papaharisis, Arkadios Dimitroglou, Dimitrios Barkas, Zissis Mamuris, Themistoklis Giannoulis, Katerina A Moutou","doi":"10.3390/ani15091279","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15091279","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The sustainable growth of finfish farming relies heavily on reducing the high ecological footprint of sourcing and producing fish feeds that accounts for almost 50% of the total ecological footprint of finfish farming. Sustainable alternatives to fishmeal often pose challenges due to the presence of antinutritional factors and nutrient imbalances that impair fish health and growth. Screening for alternative nutrient sources and adapting to global commodity fluctuations requires modern tools that can predict the physiological responses of fish early and reliably. The present study explores for the first time the potential of fish red blood cell (RBC) transcriptome as a minimally invasive biomarker of physiological responses in gilthead seabream (<i>Sparus aurata</i>) fed either a fishmeal-based (FM) or a plant-protein-based (PP) diet. Blood samples were collected at multiple time points (15, 20, and 30 days post-diet initiation) from genetically diverse full-sib families reared under commercial conditions, integrating transcriptomic analysis with long-term growth assessments. Differential gene expression analysis revealed significant dietary effects on oxidative phosphorylation, ribosomal capacity, and lipid metabolism pathways, highlighting metabolic plasticity and cellular adaptations to plant-based feeds. The downregulation of oxidative phosphorylation genes suggests a metabolic shift in response to altered nutrient composition, while ribosomal pathway modulation indicates potential constraints on protein synthesis. These transcriptomic shifts, conserved across two independent experiments, reinforce the utility of RBCs as a real-time indicator of fish physiological status, offering a tool for monitoring dietary impacts and optimizing feed formulations. Such insights are essential for advancing sustainable, nutritionally balanced aquaculture feeds that support fish welfare and productivity. The minimally invasive sample collection respects the 3Rs (Reduce, Refine, Replace) principle in animal experimentation and allows for frequent screening and generation of refined data.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12070918/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143957485","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":"Nutritional Solution for the Italian Heavy Pig Production to Improve Nitrogen Efficiency While Maintaining Productive Performance and Meat Quality.","authors":"Sujen Eleonora Santini, Elena Zanelli, Valerio Faeti, Gianni Marchetto, Maria Teresa Pacchioli, Sara Carè, Davide Bochicchio","doi":"10.3390/ani15091309","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15091309","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Italian pigs for slaughter weigh between 150 and 170 kg, and their breeding is strictly regulated by the Protected Designation of Origin. Intensive production raises environmental concerns, in particular, nitrogen (N) emissions. To address these issues, low-crude-protein diet strategies have been proposed. However, few experiments have tested the effects of very low crude protein levels on performance and nitrogen efficiency, above all, in heavy pigs. The aim of our study was to explore new feeding solutions, compared to traditional ones, in accordance with PDO regulations, from 50 kg live weight to slaughtering: (1) traditional diet based on soy and maize; (2) iso-protein diet protein that is pea-based; and (3) low-crude-protein (-24.5% vs. C and T1 diets) diet that is cereal-based. Our results show that the use of different protein sources and the very low crude protein levels did not influence the technical efficiency and quality parameters; instead, a highly significant difference (<i>p</i> < 0.01) was recorded in the nitrogen efficiency of the cereal-based diet both in terms of nitrogen excretion and efficiency, achieving -28% and +21%, respectively. These results open up very interesting scenarios regarding the future feeding of heavy pigs and the cropping systems on which this is based.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12070881/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143961132","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}