BMC Veterinary Research最新文献

{"title":"Complaints filed with the Veterinary Disciplinary Board in Sweden - a thematic analysis.","authors":"Ida Svanberg, Agneta Egenvall, Karolina Brunius Enlund","doi":"10.1186/s12917-026-05540-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-026-05540-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study examined complaints submitted to the Veterinary Disciplinary Board for Animal Health Staff in Sweden to identify reporting reasons, case outcomes, and recurring themes. A quantitative compilation and qualitative thematic analysis were conducted on 500 disciplinary cases processed 2021, 2022 and 2023 (n = 86, n = 227, n = 187).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 500 cases, 87% did not lead to sanctions, of which 21% (n = 106) were fully dismissed. The sanctions were admonitions (n = 48; less severe), warnings (n = 7; more severe), probations (n = 3) and revoked licence (n = 1). Veterinarians accounted for the majority of reported animal health staff (522/608). Thematic analysis identified three overarching reasons for reporting: clinical errors and quality of care (such as perceived mistakes in diagnostics, treatment, or examination), professionalism and ethics (including e.g. perceived lack of empathy towards owners or animals), and communication and information (including e.g. perceived loss of autonomy). These themes illustrate that while clinical competence is central, non-medical aspects play a critical role in owners' perceptions of care. A limitation of thematic analysis is its subjectivity; different researchers may identify different themes in the same data due to interpretative differences.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In conclusion, prominent sub-themes were linked to non-medical issues, underscoring the need for effective communication and professionalism to prevent conflicts and build trust between veterinary staff and animal owners.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":"22 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147855812","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}

{"title":"Serologic and molecular evidence of avian metapneumovirus subtypes A and B in unvaccinated broiler breeder flocks in Egypt (2024-2025).","authors":"Omar S Saeed, Mirna Akram Labib, Mahmoud Gamal, Basem M Ahmed, Ayman H El-Deeb, Haitham M Amer","doi":"10.1186/s12917-026-05459-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-026-05459-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) is an economically significant respiratory pathogen of poultry that affects performance, egg production, and fertility of breeder flocks. Despite its impact, aMPV continues to be ill-defined in Egypt with no integrated surveillance studies conducted in breeder flocks. Therefore, the current study was designed to provide the first integrated molecular and serological evaluation of aMPV circulation in broiler breeders in Egypt.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Between 2024 and 2025, a total of 6,000 serum samples and 800 tracheal swabs were collected from 60 unvaccinated broiler breeder flocks across twelve Egyptian governorates. Sera were obtained at 16 weeks (rearing phase) and 35 weeks (production phase) of age and screened for aMPV subtypes A and B by ELISA. Tracheal swabs collected during the production phase were pooled into 80 composite samples and tested for the viral RNA by reverse transcription quantitative real time PCR (RT-qPCR).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Serological analysis revealed widespread aMPV exposure, with governorate-level seroprevalence ranging between 64.4% (Luxor) and 89% (Giza). Antibody titers increased between 16 and 35 weeks of age, reflecting cumulative viral exposure. Molecular testing detected aMPV RNA in 67 (83.75%) of pooled swab samples. Subtype B was the predominant genotype detected solely in 65 (81.25%) sample pools and in co-detection with subtype A in 2 pools (2.5%). Serological and molecular findings were generally aligned, with flocks positive for aMPV RNA often exhibiting higher antibody titers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings indicate that aMPV, particularly subtype B, is likely endemic across the Egyptian broiler breeder flocks. The study highlights critical knowledge gaps and emphasizes the need for viral isolation, sequencing, and controlled evaluation of biosecurity and vaccination strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147855884","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}

{"title":"Genetic and biological characterization of H9N2 avian influenza viruses isolated from swine in China.","authors":"Yuzhong Zhao, Chang Liu, Yingchao Li, Yu Wang, Bingyu Hou, Hongyan Gao, Zhong Liu, Xiaotong Wu, Man Lu, Yang Shen, Pingping Yang, Hongjie Yuan, Yanmeng Hou, Yihong Xiao","doi":"10.1186/s12917-026-05501-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-026-05501-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) has been circulating in poultry in China for decades and are undergoing adaptation to mammals, posing potential pandemic risks. To investigate the prevalence of H9N2 AIVs in swine, we conducted surveillance in Shandong Province from 2021 to 2023.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two H9N2 influenza virus strains, A/swine/Shandong/417/2021(Sw/SD/417/21) and A/swine/Shandong/662/2022 (Sw/SD/662/22), were successfully isolated from swine and genetically characterized. Phylogenetic analyses showed that both isolates were reassortants containing gene segments from multiple H9N2 AIV lineages and closely related to currently circulating H9N2 AIV. Key molecular marker analysis revealed that both isolates carried mammalian-adaptive residues in the HA receptor-binding sites (183 N, 190 V, 226 L), a novel HA cleavage site variant (PSKSSRGL), PB2 mutations (A588V, E627V), and the M2 S31N substitution, suggesting potential adaptation to mammalian hosts and resistance to adamantane antivirals. Mice infection experiments demonstrated efficient viral replication in the respiratory tract, particularly in the lungs, but only mild histopathological changes were observed, with no significant weight loss or mortality, indicating low pathogenicity in mice. Serological surveillance of 3,172 swine serum samples showed a low prevalence of H9N2 influenza virus infection (0.44%), with positive samples sporadically distributed across regions and years.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In summary, although H9N2 AIV infection in swine is rare and generally mild, the presence of mammalian-adaptive markers and reassortant genomes highlights the potential risk of cross-species transmission and subclinical adaptation. Continuous avian-swine-human influenza surveillance is therefore essential to mitigate the potential threat posed by H9N2 AIV.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147855848","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}

{"title":"Molecular detection and characterization of Anaplasma phagocytophilum-related strains and Hepatozoon spp. in domestic cats in eastern Türkiye.","authors":"Omer Akgul, Bekir Oguz","doi":"10.1186/s12917-026-05542-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-026-05542-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Tick-borne pathogens are increasingly recognized as important threats to veterinary and public health. However, the epidemiological role of cats in the transmission of Anaplasma phagocytophilum-related strains and Hepatozoon spp. remains unclear. In Türkiye, A. phagocytophilum-like 1 (AP-like 1) has been reported in ruminants and ticks; however, molecular evidence in feline hosts has not been documented. This study aimed to investigate the molecular prevalence and genetic diversity of A. phagocytophilum-related strains and Hepatozoon spp. in domestic cats from eastern Turkey.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Blood samples from 93 domestic cats from animal shelters in Van and Batman provinces were screened using PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene of Anaplasma spp. and the 18S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon spp. Positive samples were characterized by restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing, followed by phylogenetic analysis using the Maximum Likelihood method.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Anaplasma DNA was detected in 78.5% (73/93) of cats, and RFLP analysis indicated that all positive samples were consistent with AP-like 1, representing the first molecular evidence of this variant in domestic cats in Türkiye. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the feline isolates clustered with ruminant-derived strains, suggesting shared transmission cycles and low host specificity. Hepatozoon spp. DNA was detected in 8.6% (8/93) of the samples. Based on sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of a subset of positive samples, the isolates were identified as Hepatozoon felis genotype I. The absence of other variants in the sequenced subset may suggest regional differences; however, this finding should be interpreted cautiously due to the limited number of sequences analyzed.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings demonstrate a high prevalence of AP-like 1 and support the circulation of Hepatozoon felis genotype I in domestic cats from eastern Türkiye, highlighting the potential role of feline hosts in regional transmission dynamics. This study expands current knowledge of the host range and epidemiology of A. phagocytophilum-related strains and Hepatozoon spp. and underscores the importance of integrated molecular surveillance and vector control strategies within the One Health framework.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147855895","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}

{"title":"Synergistic protection of chilled canine spermatozoa by apigenin and N-acetylcysteine amide through enhanced antioxidant defense and mitochondrial function.","authors":"Soroush Heidari, Ali Soleimanzadeh, Reza Mirzaie","doi":"10.1186/s12917-026-05538-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-026-05538-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Semen preservation is a critical aspect of assisted reproductive technologies in canine breeding programs; however, oxidative stress during chilled storage negatively affects sperm quality by impairing motility, membrane integrity, and mitochondrial function. This study investigated the protective effects of apigenin and N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA), individually and in combination, on the quality, antioxidant defense system, and mitochondrial activity of canine spermatozoa stored at 5 °C for 72 h.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Semen samples collected from five healthy mixed-breed dogs with proven fertility were pooled and diluted in a Tris-egg yolk extender supplemented with apigenin (0.2 or 0.4 mM), NACA (0.5 or 1 mM), or a combination of both (0.4 mM apigenin + 1 mM NACA). Sperm motility, membrane functionality, viability, DNA integrity, oxidative/antioxidant biomarkers, and mitochondrial parameters were evaluated at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both antioxidants significantly improved all parameters compared with the control, with the combined treatment exhibiting the most pronounced and synergistic effects: motility and kinematic parameters approximately twofold higher, antioxidant enzyme activities markedly enhanced, lipid/protein oxidation reduced, and mitochondrial integrity and ATP production preserved after 72 h.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In conclusion, the synergistic combination of apigenin and N-acetylcysteine amide significantly improves the quality and longevity of chilled canine spermatozoa, offering a promising strategy for optimizing semen extenders in canine breeding programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147855901","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}

{"title":"A novel recombinant ALV-K carrying ALV-J-derived LTR, pol, and 3'UTR from Chinese indigenous chicken breeds exhibits enhanced replication and increased hemangioma-associated pathogenicity.","authors":"Jinqun Li, Wanyi Zhou, Hongmei Wang, Xinjie Luo, Huilin Chen, Xueli Shu, Yilin Yuan, Ming Liao, Weisheng Cao","doi":"10.1186/s12917-026-05530-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-026-05530-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Avian leukosis virus (ALV) is a prototypical alpharetrovirus that can induce various tumors and cause serious immunosuppression, posing severe threats to the poultry industry. ALVs isolated from chickens are classified into seven subgroups (A to E, J, and K). In 2024, a novel ALV-K strain designated GD24LHB130 was isolated from Qingyuan Partridge chickens in Guangdong Province, China. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that GD24LHB130 is a recombinant ALV-K strain harboring the LTR, pol, and 3'UTR regions of ALV-J. In vitro infection assays and LTR promoter activity analysis demonstrated that GD24LHB130 exhibits significantly enhanced replicative capacity compared to classical ALV-K strains, with the recombination of the ALV-J LTR region strongly associated with this replication advantage. In vivo pathogenicity experiments confirmed that GD24LHB130 causes significant growth retardation, immune organ damage, persistent viremia and viral shedding, and hemangioma-like lesion formation in infected chickens. This is the first report of a recombinant ALV-K strain capable of inducing hemangioma-like lesions, which exhibits enhanced replication capacity and pathogenic potential. These findings not only expand the epidemiological knowledge of ALV but also provide critical insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying ALV-K pathogenesis.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147833204","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}

{"title":"Dry nettle (Urtica dioica) as a feed additive: impacts on duck growth, meat quality, gut morphology, gene expression, and microbiota.","authors":"Sebastian Wlaźlak, Konrad Edwartowski, Weronika Krajniak, Zofia Siuta, Natalia Pawlikowska, Nikola Piotrowska, Nikola Śmiłowicz, Konrad Pilarski, Jakub Bielec, Sebastian Knaga, Patrycja Reszka, Iwona Zaremba, Aleksandra Dunisławska, Mirosław Banaszak, Marek Adamski, Jakub Biesek","doi":"10.1186/s12917-026-05537-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-026-05537-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study evaluated the effects of dried nettle (Urtica dioica) supplementation on broiler ducks. A total of 180 Cherry Valley ducks were assigned to three groups: control, 1% nettle, and 3% nettle. Growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, intestinal morphology, digesta viscosity, liver gene expression, and cecal microbiota were assessed. During rearing, the ducks' body weight, growth, feed intake, and conversion ratio were controlled and calculated. After slaughter, carcass composition, meat quality, duodenum and jejunum morphology, liver gene expression, and intestinal microbiota composition were analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nettle supplementation did not influence body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, European Broiler Index, carcass yield, organ weights, or meat quality parameters. However, notable improvements in intestinal structure were observed, especially in ducks receiving 3% nettle, which showed increased duodenal villus width and surface area, as well as higher jejunal villus height. Digesta viscosity was significantly reduced in the jejunum of the 3% nettle group. Gene expression analysis revealed significant upregulation of CYP7A1 in the 1% nettle group and ALB in the 3% group. Antioxidant-related genes (SOD1 and SOD2) were significantly upregulated, and GPX2 downregulated, only in the 3% nettle group, with no significant changes observed in the 1% group. Although beneficial bacterial populations were unchanged, a marked reduction in Fusobacterium nucleatum was detected in the 3% group, indicating a selective antimicrobial effect.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Dried nettle at 3% improved gut morphology and antioxidant responses without affecting growth or meat quality, supporting its potential as a functional feed additive.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147833168","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}

{"title":"Identification of Ctenocephalides felis felis and the detection and characterization of associated Wolbachia endosymbiont in Pakistan.","authors":"Nadia Nadia, Muhammad Numan, Ahmad H Khan, Sudais Rahman, Sidra Batoool, Zhihua Sun, Asma F Alotaibi, Mashal M Almutairi, Abid Ali, Alanoud T Aljasham","doi":"10.1186/s12917-026-05466-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-026-05466-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fleas are holometabolous, blood-feeding ectoparasites capable of transmitting diverse pathogens of significant veterinary and public health concerns. Their occurrence and abundance within a given habitat depend on environmental factors and the availability of suitable hosts. In Pakistan, research on flea fauna and their associated pathogens has been neglected. To date, no reports have documented the molecular characterization of Ctenocephalides felis felis and their associated bacteria in Pakistan. In the present study, three hundred and eighty morphologically identified C. felis felis specimens-comprising 184 collected from free roaming (stray) dogs (n = 69) and 196 from cats (n = 86), were subjected to DNA extraction followed by amplification of the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1) and citrate synthase gene (gltA) for flea identity confirmation and screening for the presence of associated bacteria, respectively. Amplicons of appropriate base pair sizes were sequenced and submitted to BLASTn and subsequently subjected to phylogenetic analyses. The obtained cox1 sequence from the morphologically identified C. felis felis in this study showed 100% identity and phylogenetically clustered with C. felis felis sequences from India, Australia, Thailand, China, and Laos in GenBank. Similarly, gltA sequences showed 100% identity with the Wolbachia endosymbiont of C. felis reported from the United Kingdom. This study provides the first genetic characterization of C. felis felis infesting dogs and cats, and their associated Wolbachia endosymbiont in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. These findings provide baseline molecular data and highlight the need for systematic surveillance and management measures to mitigate any potential veterinary and public health threats.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147833179","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}

{"title":"Cryoprotective effects of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin and iodixanol on ram sperm: assessment of post-thaw quality and in vitro fertilization outcomes.","authors":"Ramazan Arıcı, Ahmet Eser, Selin Yağcıoğlu, Kamber Demir, Serhat Pabuccuoğlu, Kemal Ak, Serhat Alkan","doi":"10.1186/s12917-026-05533-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-026-05533-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the effects of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin (CLC) and iodixanol, added individually or in combination to a ram semen extender, on post-thaw sperm quality, in vitro fertilization outcomes, and embryo development. Semen samples were divided into four experimental groups: Control, CLC (2 mg CLC/120 × 10⁶ spermatozoa), Iodixanol (5%, v/v), and CLC + Iodixanol. All samples were diluted with a tris-based egg yolk extender and cryopreserved. Following thawing, sperm motility and kinetic parameters were assessed using a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. A thermal stress test was applied, followed by re-evaluation via CASA. Sperm viability and acrosomal integrity were determined using fluorescence microscopy, and plasma membrane functional integrity was evaluated via the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST). Post-thaw semen samples from all groups were used for in vitro fertilization to assess cleavage and embryo development rates.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>CLC and CLC + Iodixanol significantly preserved total motility (%), acrosomal integrity (%), viability (%), and plasma membrane functionality (%) after thawing (p < 0.05). Iodixanol alone did not provide significant protection, particularly regarding membrane integrity (p > 0.05). Although both additives showed potential in supporting in vitro embryonic development (p < 0.05), their combined use did not result in a synergistic effect (p > 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin supplementation effectively enhanced post-thaw sperm quality parameters and supported in vitro embryonic development, whereas iodixanol provided limited cryoprotective benefits; however, their combination did not yield synergistic effects, indicating that further in vivo investigations are warranted to establish their practical utility in ovine reproductive biotechnology.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147833241","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}

{"title":"The effects of citrulline on horse milk components and fecal metabolism were analyzed based on LC-MS and 16s amplicon.","authors":"Yumei Ma, Pengshun Liu, Xiaobin Li, Qingsong Hu, Jianwei Lin, Fan Yang, Kailun Yang","doi":"10.1186/s12917-026-05534-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-026-05534-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The lactation period in mares is critical, as it significantly influences foal health and subsequent reproductive outcomes. Developing a precise nutritional strategy for lactating mares is a primary research focus. L-citrulline, a bioactivenon-protein amino acid and precursor to arginine, has been shown to enhance mammary blood flow and reduce oxidative stress, yielding promising results in livestock lactation studies. However, research on its effects in Equus species remains limited. There is a notable gap in data regarding its impact on lactation performance blood biochemistry, and its role in the fecal microbiota and metabolism of mares. This study, therefore, seeks to explore the effects of L-citrulline supplementation on lactation performance, foal growth, fecal microbiota, and metabolomic profiles in grazing lactating mares, aiming to establish a foundation for dietary optimization and he advancement of the horse industry.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In this study, 32 lactating mares were selected and assigned to a control group (no amino acid supplementation) and experimental groups I, II, and III (15 g/d, 30 g/d, and 45 g/d of L-citrulline respectively) under identical grazing conditions, with 8 mares per group. The results demonstrated a significant increase in milk production for mares in group II (30 g/d) (P < 0.01). Additionally, milk fat percentage, foal weight and body size were higher in all experimental groups compared to the control group. Blood levels of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase were extremely significantly lower in the experimental groups than in the control group. To further explore the effects of L-citrulline on fecal microbiota and metabolites,16 S rDNA sequencing and LC-MS/MS analysis were performed on the control group and the experimental group receiving 30 g/d (which showed the most pronounced lactation response). The microbiota level, analysis revealed Firmicutes as the dominant phylum, with significant differences in the species F082 and the genus Ruminococcaceae_bacterium_AE2021. Tax4Fun functional annotation showed the highest gene function abundance in digestive metabolism, genetic information processing and environmental information processing pathways. LC-MS/MS analysis identified differential metabolites primarily associated with biological systems and metabolism. In conclusion, L-citrulline supplementation in grazing lactating mares increased milk production, improved milk fat quality, and enhanced foal weight and body size.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>L-citrulline supplementation enhances milk production in mares, improves milk fat, quality, reduces lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase levels in the blood, and promote the growth and development of lactating foals.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147833262","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}