Animals

25 pages, 6222 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Effects of Crude Extracts and Bioactive Compounds from Bidens pilosa and Bidens alba on Nonspecific Immune Responses and Antibacterial Activity Against Vibrio sp. in Coculture with Lactic Acid Bacteria in Hybrid Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂)

by Ari Widodo, Huai-Ting Huang, Novi Rosmala Dewi, Bo-Ying Chen, Yu-Sheng Wu, Yeh-Fang Hu and Fan-Hua Nan

Animals 2024, 14(20), 2990; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202990 - 16 Oct 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of substances on nonspecific immune responses of head kidney leukocytes, the antimicrobial activity against Vibrio sp., as well as the time-kill of Vibrio sp. by combining the substances with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Pediococcus sp. The substances [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effect of substances on nonspecific immune responses of head kidney leukocytes, the antimicrobial activity against Vibrio sp., as well as the time-kill of Vibrio sp. by combining the substances with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Pediococcus sp. The substances are B. pilosa hot water extract, B. pilosa powder extract, B. pilosa methanol extract, B. pilosa ethanol extract, B. alba hot water extract, B. alba powder extract, B. alba methanol extract, B. alba ethanol extract, and bioactive compounds, namely cytopiloyne, flavonoid, phenol, ethyl caffeate, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, butein, and linoleic acid. The results showed that some of them were nontoxic to the head kidney leukocytes, which can increase the phagocytic rate, phagocytic index, and respiratory burst. These substances were able to inhibit the growth of Vibrio sp.; they can even completely kill the pathogenic bacteria. The largest of the inhibition zone formed from the EC group at a concentration range of 5–50 µg/mL against V. parahaemolyticus, V. alginolyticus, and V. harveyi with a value of 19.7 ± 0.56, 19.3 ± 1.53, and 20.6 ± 1.53 mm. Furthermore, the time-kill studies showed that the LAB and P. acidilactici can completely kill the Vibrio sp. at 6 h incubation time, mainly in the group of combination with EC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Aquatic Animals)

15 pages, 949 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regional Variations in and Key Predictors of Feline Tumor Malignancy: A Decade-Long Retrospective Study in Korea

by Byung-Joon Seung, Min-Kyung Bae and Jung-Hyang Sur

Animals 2024, 14(20), 2989; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202989 - 16 Oct 2024

Abstract

Feline cancer is increasingly recognized as a major cause of mortality, yet data on tumor prevalence and behavior in cats, particularly in non-Western regions, remain limited. This study analyzed a decade of feline tumor data in Korea from 2012 to 2022, focusing on [...] Read more.

Feline cancer is increasingly recognized as a major cause of mortality, yet data on tumor prevalence and behavior in cats, particularly in non-Western regions, remain limited. This study analyzed a decade of feline tumor data in Korea from 2012 to 2022, focusing on age, breed, and anatomical location as predictors of malignancy. Data were collected from 683 cats, with regression analysis applied to determine significant associations. Older cats exhibited a markedly higher risk of malignancy, particularly in mast cell and mammary tumors. Tumors in the mammary gland and alimentary tract had malignancy rates exceeding 90%, underscoring the need for early detection in these regions. Interestingly, squamous cell carcinoma was rare in the skin, in stark contrast to Western studies, likely reflecting differences in environmental exposure. While breed was not a statistically significant predictor, certain breeds, including Persians and Russian Blues, showed a higher frequency of malignancy. These findings highlight the importance of regional tumor research in cats and the need for larger, multicenter datasets that incorporate environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors. Understanding these influences will help refine veterinary care and improve cancer treatment outcomes in feline populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Companion Animals)

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14 pages, 1864 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Thymol Supplementation Promotes Antioxidant Responses and Thermal Stress Resistance in Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

by Morteza Yousefi, Seyyed Morteza Hoseini, Yury Anatolyevich Vatnikov, Arfenya Karamyan and Evgeny Vladimirovich Kulikov

Animals 2024, 14(20), 2988; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202988 - 16 Oct 2024

Abstract

Rainbow trout fingerlings were fed, in triplicate, diets supplemented with 0 (CTL), 50 (50 TM), 100 (100 TM), 200 (200 TM), 400 (400 TM) and 800 (800 TM) mg/kg of thymol, followed by 48 h of thermal stress. Growth performance and humoral immunological [...] Read more.

Rainbow trout fingerlings were fed, in triplicate, diets supplemented with 0 (CTL), 50 (50 TM), 100 (100 TM), 200 (200 TM), 400 (400 TM) and 800 (800 TM) mg/kg of thymol, followed by 48 h of thermal stress. Growth performance and humoral immunological parameters showed no significant responses to dietary thymol concentrations. Fish fed 50–400 mg/kg thymol diets had significantly higher survival after heat stress. Plasma cortisol, glucose, hepatic glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and erythrocyte catalase significantly increased after thermal stress, whereas total plasma antioxidant capacity, ascorbate, and hepatic/erythrocyte reduced-glutathione significantly decreased. There were significant elevations in plasma ascorbate and hepatic glutathione reductase in the 50 TM, 100 TM and 200 TM groups; plasma total antioxidant capacity in the 100 TM and 200 TM groups; hepatic glutathione peroxidase in the 200 TM group; and hepatic-reduced glutathione in the 100 TM, 200 TM and 400 TM groups, compared to CTL. The highest hepatic superoxide dismutase and lowest hepatic malondialdehyde were observed in the 100 TM group before heat stress. These parameters significantly increased after thermal stress in the treatment groups, except in the 100 TM and 200 TM groups. Hepatic catalase showed no significant difference among the treatment groups before thermal stress. Hepatic catalase significantly increased after heat stress in all treatment groups, except in the 100 TM group. Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase significantly increased in the 100 TM group before heat stress, whereas erythrocyte malondialdehyde significantly decreased in the 100 TM and 200 TM groups after thermal stress. Based on the results, 100 mg/kg of thymol can promote antioxidant power and thermal stress resistance in rainbow trout. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological Responses of Fishes to Nutrition Management and Environmental Stresses)

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Survival (mean ± standard deviation) of rainbow trout fed 0–800 mg/kg thymol diets over eight weeks and subjected to 48 h of thermal stress. Different letters above the bars show significant differences among the thymol treatment groups (n = 3; Duncan’s test). Full article ">Figure 2
Plasma cortisol and glucose (mean ± standard deviation) of rainbow trout fed 0–800 mg/kg thymol diets over eight weeks and subjected to a 48 h thermal stress (n = 3; Duncan test). Full article ">Figure 3
Plasma TAC and ascorbate levels (mean ± standard deviation) of rainbow trout fed 0–800 mg/kg thymol diets over eight weeks and subjected to a 48 h thermal stress. Different letters above the bars show significant differences among the thymol treatment groups (n = 3; Duncan’s test). Full article ">Figure 4
Hepatic activity of the antioxidant enzymes (mean ± standard deviation) of rainbow trout fed 0–800 mg/kg thymol diets over eight weeks and subjected to 48 h of thermal stress. Different letters above the bars show significant differences among the thymol treatment groups (n = 3; Duncan’s test). Full article ">Figure 4 Cont.
Hepatic activity of the antioxidant enzymes (mean ± standard deviation) of rainbow trout fed 0–800 mg/kg thymol diets over eight weeks and subjected to 48 h of thermal stress. Different letters above the bars show significant differences among the thymol treatment groups (n = 3; Duncan’s test). Full article ">Figure 5
Hepatic GSH and MDA concentrations (mean ± standard deviation) of rainbow trout fed 0–800 mg/kg thymol diets over eight weeks and subjected to 48 h of thermal stress. Different letters above the bars show significant differences among the thymol treatment groups (n = 3; Duncan’s test). Full article ">Figure 5 Cont.
Hepatic GSH and MDA concentrations (mean ± standard deviation) of rainbow trout fed 0–800 mg/kg thymol diets over eight weeks and subjected to 48 h of thermal stress. Different letters above the bars show significant differences among the thymol treatment groups (n = 3; Duncan’s test). Full article ">

16 pages, 1808 KiB

Open AccessReview

Molecular Factors Involved in the Pathogenesis of Pyometra in Domestic Cats (Felis catus)

by Acácia Eduarda de Jesus Nascimento, Luciano Cardoso Santos and Juneo Freitas Silva

Animals 2024, 14(20), 2987; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202987 - 16 Oct 2024

Abstract

Pyometra is a major reproductive disorder affecting female cats. Characterized by the accumulation of purulent exudate in the uterus, it can lead to severe and potentially fatal complications. This pathology primarily occurs in adult cats during diestrus, but can also affect younger felines, [...] Read more.

Pyometra is a major reproductive disorder affecting female cats. Characterized by the accumulation of purulent exudate in the uterus, it can lead to severe and potentially fatal complications. This pathology primarily occurs in adult cats during diestrus, but can also affect younger felines, often due to inappropriate administration of hormonal medications. While the etiopathogenesis of pyometra is better understood in bitches, few studies have addressed the molecular factors involved in feline pyometra. Therefore, this review aims to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive discussion of pyometra in cats, focusing on the regulation of molecular factors described in this species, including hormonal, redox, immunological, and growth factors. Understanding the regulation of these factors in pyometra is crucial for elucidating its pathogenesis in domestic cats and for improving diagnosis and identifying novel therapeutic approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproduction of Small Animals: Physiology, Pathology and Performance, Second Edition)

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Schematic representation of the domestic cat estrous cycle and pyometra development. (a) Reproductive cycle of cats. The cycle begins with proestrus, followed by estrus, characterized by male receptivity and elevated E2 levels. Without ovulatory stimulus or spontaneous ovulation (1), cats return to proestrus, potentially experiencing brief interestrus or anestrus periods. In ovulatory cycles (2 and 3), fertilization may occur, resulting in pregnancy (2), lasting 63–65 days; without fertilization (3), cats enter diestrus, a luteal phase. Post-pregnancy and lactation, or after diestrus, cats return to proestrus through interestrus intervals or seasonal anestrus. (b) Hormonal factors favoring bacterial proliferation and pyometra development. During proestrus and estrus, increased E2 causes uterine sensitization and cervical opening, while in diestrus, increased P4 results in uterine relaxation, increased glandular secretion, anti-inflammatory action, and cervical closure. (c) Photomicrographs of uterus with grade 3 pyometra. Lower magnification: uterine cross-section showing glandular hyperplasia and ectasia (arrows) and interstitial inflammatory infiltrate (arrowhead) with pus accumulation in the uterine lumen (asterisk). Higher magnification (inset): glandular (asterisk) and interstitial (arrow) infiltration of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages. E2, estradiol; P4, progesterone; scale bar = 100 μm. Full article ">Figure 2
Plasma and uterine modulation of molecular factors involved in the occurrence of pyometra in domestic cats. P4, progesterone; PR, progesterone receptor; ERα, estrogen receptor α; Kiss1, kisspeptin; kiss1r, kisspeptin receptor; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; flk-1, tyrosine kinase receptor 1; PLGF, placental growth factor; CRP, C-reactive protein; SAA, serum amyloid A protein; IL-6, interleukin 6; MIF, macrophage migration inhibitory factor; IL-10, interleukin 10; MDA, malondialdehyde; 8-OHdG, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine; SOD, superoxide dismutase; CAT, catalase; GPx, glutathione peroxidase; TAC, total antioxidant capacity; FRAP, ferric reducing ability of plasma; CUPRAC, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity; TEAC, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity. Upward arrows (↑) indicate an increase in expression or activity of the respective factors, while downward arrows (↓) indicate a decrease. Full article ">

11 pages, 803 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Circulating Endocannabinoids in Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumor

by Valentina Rinaldi, Fabiana Piscitelli, Andrea Boari, Roberta Verde, Paolo Emidio Crisi and Tiziana Bisogno

Animals 2024, 14(20), 2986; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202986 - 16 Oct 2024

Abstract

A cutaneous mast cell tumor (cMCT) is among the most common tumors in dogs. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) belong to the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which involves also cannabinoid receptors and an enzymatic system of biosynthesis and degradation. In this study, plasma levels of N-arachidonoylethanolamine [...] Read more.

A cutaneous mast cell tumor (cMCT) is among the most common tumors in dogs. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) belong to the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which involves also cannabinoid receptors and an enzymatic system of biosynthesis and degradation. In this study, plasma levels of N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA), 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA), and N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA) were evaluated in 17 dogs with MCTs of varying histological grades and clinical stages, as well as in a control group of 11 dogs. Dogs affected by cMCT had higher plasma levels of 2-AG (p = 0.0001) and lower levels of AEA (p = 0.0012) and PEA (p = 0.0075) compared to the control group, while no differences were observed at the OEA level between healthy and cMCT dogs (p = 0.9264). The ability of eCBs to help discriminate between healthy and cMCT dogs was interrogated through the area under the ROC curve (AUC). An accuracy of 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94–1.02) was found for 2-AG, of 0.85 (95% CI, 0.71–0.99) for AEA, and of 0.81% for PEA (95% CI, 0.64–0.69). Values > 52.75 pmol/mL for 2-AG showed 94% sensitivity and 90% specificity in distinguishing cMCT. This is the first study to demonstrate alterations in plasmatic levels of eCBs in dogs affected by MCTs, suggesting the significance of these biomarkers in the tumorigenic process and their potential use as biomarkers in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Companion Animals)

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19 pages, 5406 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Automatic Movement Monitoring Method for Group-Housed Pigs

by Ziyuan Liang, Aijun Xu, Junhua Ye, Suyin Zhou, Xiaoxing Weng and Sian Bao

Animals 2024, 14(20), 2985; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202985 - 16 Oct 2024

Abstract

Continuous movement monitoring helps quickly identify pig abnormalities, enabling immediate action to enhance pig welfare. However, continuous and precise monitoring of daily pig movement on farms remains challenging. We present an approach to automatically and precisely monitor the movement of group-housed pigs. The [...] Read more.

Continuous movement monitoring helps quickly identify pig abnormalities, enabling immediate action to enhance pig welfare. However, continuous and precise monitoring of daily pig movement on farms remains challenging. We present an approach to automatically and precisely monitor the movement of group-housed pigs. The instance segmentation model YOLOv8m-seg was applied to detect the presence of pigs. We then applied a spatial moment algorithm to quantitatively summarize each detected pig’s contour as a corresponding center point. The agglomerative clustering (AC) algorithm was subsequently used to gather the pig center points of a single frame into one point representing the group-housed pigs’ position, and the movement volume was obtained by calculating the displacements of the clustered group-housed pigs’ center points of consecutive frames. We employed the method to monitor the movement of group-housed pigs from April to July 2023; more than 1500 h of top-down pig videos were recorded by a surveillance camera. The F1 scores of the trained YOLOv8m-seg model during training were greater than 90% across most confidence levels, and the model achieved an mAP50-95 of 0.96. The AC algorithm performs with an average extraction time of less than 1 millisecond; this method can run efficiently on commodity hardware. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pigs)

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14 pages, 4919 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phylogenetic Relations and High-Altitude Adaptation in Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Identified Using Genome-Wide Data

by Shiyong Fang, Haoyuan Zhang, Haoyuan Long, Dongjie Zhang, Hongyue Chen, Xiuqin Yang, Hongmei Pan, Xiao Pan, Di Liu and Guangxin E

Animals 2024, 14(20), 2984; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202984 - 16 Oct 2024

Abstract

The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) wild boar is an excellent model for investigating high-altitude adaptation. In this study, we analyzed genome-wide data from 93 wild boars compiled from various studies worldwide, including the QTP, southern and northern regions of China, Europe, Northeast Asia, and [...] Read more.

The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) wild boar is an excellent model for investigating high-altitude adaptation. In this study, we analyzed genome-wide data from 93 wild boars compiled from various studies worldwide, including the QTP, southern and northern regions of China, Europe, Northeast Asia, and Southeast Asia, to explore their phylogenetic patterns and high-altitude adaptation based on genome-wide selection signal analysis and run of homozygosity (ROH) estimation. The findings demonstrate the alignment between the phylogenetic associations among wild boars and their geographical location. An ADMIXTURE analysis indicated a relatively close genetic relationship between QTP and southern Chinese wild boars. Analyses of the fixation index and cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity between populations revealed 295 candidate genes (CDGs) associated with high-altitude adaptation, such as TSC2, TELO2, SLC5A1, and SLC5A4. These CDGs were significantly overrepresented in pathways such as the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling and Fanconi anemia pathways. In addition, 39 ROH islands and numerous selective CDGs (e.g., SLC5A1, SLC5A4, and VCP), which are implicated in glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function, were discovered in QTP wild boars. This study not only assessed the phylogenetic history of QTP wild boars but also advanced our comprehension of the genetic mechanisms underlying the adaptation of wild boars to high altitudes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)

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9 pages, 335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Suspected Cases of Chlamydia-Induced Fertility Problems in Sows: What Is the Approach of Austrian Practitioners?

by Christine Unterweger and Andrea Buzanich-Ladinig

Animals 2024, 14(20), 2983; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202983 - 16 Oct 2024

Abstract

Background: Although it is generally accepted that Chlamydia spp. can induce fertility problems in sows, many questions concerning diagnostic, therapeutic, and prophylactic approaches remain unanswered. The aim of this study was to gather information about how swine practitioners deal with these knowledge gaps. [...] Read more.

Background: Although it is generally accepted that Chlamydia spp. can induce fertility problems in sows, many questions concerning diagnostic, therapeutic, and prophylactic approaches remain unanswered. The aim of this study was to gather information about how swine practitioners deal with these knowledge gaps. Methods: Austrian swine practitioners were anonymously asked for their assessment of chlamydiosis using the Lime Survey program. Results: PCR tests are used for molecular chlamydia detection from abortion material (64.3%), vaginal swabs (40.5%), and the genital tract (postmortem slaughterhouse samples) (9.5%). Treatment mainly includes tetracyclines (95.2%), occasionally macrolides (2.4%) or other (not mentioned) antibiotic groups (7.1%). Treatment periods vary greatly, from 5 to 10 days (23.8%), from 11 to 15 days (47.6%), from 16 to 21 days (11.9%), and >21 days (9.5%). Prophylactic measures include hygiene improvement, rodent control, and herd treatments with tetracyclines. Conclusions: Serological methods are perceived as inadequate, and there is a general need for better guidance on interpreting results. Knowledge about the increased incidence of tetracycline-resistant Chlamydia suis strains is limited. Weighing up economic interests, feasibility, and animal welfare plays an important role. Further research to improve diagnosis and prevention of chlamydia-related fertility diseases in sows is urgently needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chlamydial Diseases in Animals)

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16 pages, 2842 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Ruminal Crude Protein Degradation Determined in Sacco and by Co-Incubation of Streptomyces griseus Protease and Carbohydrases

by Paul Okon, Monika Wensch-Dorendorf, Martin Bachmann, Dirk von Soosten, Ulrich Meyer, Jörg-Michael Greef, Sven Dänicke and Annette Zeyner

Animals 2024, 14(20), 2982; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202982 - 16 Oct 2024

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to examine the effect of an antibiotic solution applied in the Streptomyces griseus protease method (SGPM) and the effect of carbohydrases in SGPM on the effective crude protein (CP) degradation (ED) with reference to in sacco ED. [...] Read more.

The objectives of the study were to examine the effect of an antibiotic solution applied in the Streptomyces griseus protease method (SGPM) and the effect of carbohydrases in SGPM on the effective crude protein (CP) degradation (ED) with reference to in sacco ED. For this purpose, the ruminal CP degradation of rapeseed meal, dried distillers’ grains with solubles, wheat grain, corn grain, corn silage, grass silage and partial crop field pea silage was determined in sacco using three rumen-fistulated dairy cows and in vitro using SGPM. The impact of the antibiotic solution on CP degradation by S. griseus protease was investigated by supplementing SGPM with Penicillin–Streptomycin solution to reduce microbial mass proliferation during incubation. The carbohydrase α-amylase or Viscozym^® L (cell wall-degrading enzyme mixture) was added to the SGPM at four different doses simultaneously as a co-incubation to improve feed protein accessibility. For most feedstuffs, ED was lower when the antibiotic solution was used in SGPM (p < 0.05). The use of an antibiotic solution in the SGPM is recommended to standardize the SGPM. The in sacco ED values were significantly underestimated by the SGPM and by the SGPM with co-incubated carbohydrase (p < 0.05). Co-incubation of S. griseus protease and carbohydrase was not successful in reducing the differences to the in sacco CP degradation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)

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22 pages, 3502 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Immune and Antioxidant Defense Mechanisms in the Eriocheir japonica sinensis after Exposure to Ammonia

by Xi-Rong Zhu, Ye Jin, Xue Zhang, Qiu-Ning Liu and Bo-Ping Tang

Animals 2024, 14(20), 2981; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202981 - 16 Oct 2024

Abstract

As a key species in freshwater aquaculture, Eriocheir japonica sinensis was subjected to ammonia stress to assess its impact on the hepatopancreas. A total of 4007 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between control and treatment groups, comprising 1838 upregulated and 2169 downregulated [...] Read more.

As a key species in freshwater aquaculture, Eriocheir japonica sinensis was subjected to ammonia stress to assess its impact on the hepatopancreas. A total of 4007 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between control and treatment groups, comprising 1838 upregulated and 2169 downregulated genes. Following exposure to 300 mg/L of ammonia, the oxidative phosphorylation pathway was activated, while the lysosomal pathway was suppressed, thereby influencing immune functions. Thirteen DEGs from these pathways were further validated via qRT-PCR, revealing gene expression changes of one- to two-fold. Both acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) levels in the hepatopancreas and hemolymph initially increased and then decreased, indicating a disruption in immune functionality. Additionally, alanine transaminase (ALT) and triglyceride (TG) levels were measured, alongside catalase (CAT) activity, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, all of which showed an upward trend, signifying oxidative stress and tissue damage. These results offer critical insights into the antioxidant and immune mechanisms of E. j. sinensis in ammonia-enriched environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)

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16 pages, 5063 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Porcine Getah Virus from Diarrheal Piglets in Jiangxi Province, China: Prevalence, Genome Sequence, and Pathogenicity

by Jianhui Lan, Mengtao Fang, Leilei Duan, Zhong Liu, Guanggao Wang, Qi Wu, Ke Fan, Dongyan Huang, Yu Ye, Gen Wan, Yuxin Tang and Deping Song

Animals 2024, 14(20), 2980; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202980 (registering DOI) - 16 Oct 2024

Abstract

Getah virus (GETV) is a mosquito-borne virus belonging to the genus Alphavirus in the family Togaviridae. Its infection poses an increasing threat to animals and public health in China. In this study, an epidemiological survey of GETV on 46 pig farms in [...] Read more.

Getah virus (GETV) is a mosquito-borne virus belonging to the genus Alphavirus in the family Togaviridae. Its infection poses an increasing threat to animals and public health in China. In this study, an epidemiological survey of GETV on 46 pig farms in Jiangxi Province, China, was performed; GETV isolation and characterization were carried out, including a complete sequence determination and phylogenetic analysis; and pathogenicity of the GETV was experimentally investigated by inoculating newborn piglets with the isolated GETV strain. Epidemiological studies conducted on the organs of infected pigs, aborted piglets, and the blood of aborted sows sampled from pig farms in Jiangxi Province, China, demonstrated that 44 out of the 46 pig farms were positive for GETV, which is a positivity rate of 95.65% (44/46). Of the 411 samples tested, 47.93% (197/411) were found positive for GETV. A GETV strain called GETV-JX-CHN-22 was obtained, which showed stable proliferation in Vero cells. One-step growth curve results showed that the GETV-JX-CHN-22-P7 (passage 7) isolate reached a peak titer of 10^8.3 TCID₅₀/mL at 24 hpi. An analysis of the whole-genome sequencing results showed that GETV-JX-CHN-22 (prototype) and GETV-JX-CHN-22-P7 shared nucleotide sequence similarities of 95.3% to 99.6% with 73 reference strains of GETV in GenBank. Genetic evolution analysis revealed that GETV-JX-CHN-22 and GETV-JX-CHN-22-P7 belonged to the GIII group, the same group members of most strains were reported in China. Animal inoculation experiments indicated that piglets exhibited typical symptoms and pathological changes of GETV infection after 24 h inoculation, which reproduced the pathogenicity of GETV field strain infections in piglets. To our knowledge, this study is the first report on the detection and isolation of porcine GETV associated with diarrhea from pig farms in Jiangxi Province, China. It is of great importance to study the infection spectrum, transmission mechanism, and public health significance of GETV. The results provide foundations for the genomic and biological (pathogenic) characteristics of the circulating GETV in Jiangxi Province, China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pigs)

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Biological characteristics of GETV-JX-CHN-22-P7. (A) Cytopathic effects (CPEs) in Vero-81 cells (100× magnification) at 36 hpi observed in a microscope and IFA. (B) Plaques formed in Vero-81 cells after inoculation with 10−4, 10−5, and 10−6 dilutions of GETV-JX-CHN-22-P7. (C) Growth situation of GETV-JX-CHN-22-P7 at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.01 on Vero-81 cells. Viral titers were determined as TCID50, and all values are presented as mean ± SD from three independent experiments. Full article ">Figure 2
Phylogenetic analyses of complete genome (11,210 nt from ORF1 start codon to ORF2 stop codon, excluding 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions) of GETV. The phylogenetic tree was constructed using the p-distance-based neighbor-joining method with the MEGA v11 software. Bootstrap values (based on 1000 replicates) for each node are provided if they are >60%. The strain isolated in this study is labeled by a circle ●. Full article ">Figure 3
Clinical evaluation of piglets challenged with GETV strain GETV-JX-CHN-22-P7. (A) lethargy, (B) diarrhea, and (C) body temperature changes. Full article ">Figure 4
Gross lesions in piglets. Lesions in challenged piglets displayed petechial hemorrhages in the liver (A), pulmonary atrophy (B), splenic enlargement with hemorrhages (C), and colonic edema (D). The necropsies of the control group (E) revealed no significant abnormalities. Full article ">Figure 5
Virus load in blood (A), viral shedding in feces (B), and virus distribution in tissues at 96 hpi (C) of piglets challenged with GETV-JX-CHN-22-P7. Full article ">Figure 6
Clinical assessment of piglets challenged with GETV strain GETV-JX-CHN-22-P7. (A,D) Histologic view of brain tissues in control piglets. The scale bar indicates 100 µm. (B,E) Brain tissues showing congestion. (C,F) Higher magnification view of lesions boxed in panels B and E showing inflammatory cell infiltration in a vessel (arrows) and necrosis, along with mild neuronal degeneration. (G,J) Histopathologic examination of the brain and liver of control piglets revealed extensive inflammatory cell infiltration around the central veins, hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis with ballooning degeneration, and capillary rupture with hemorrhage (H,I,K,L). The scale bar in panels (A,B,D,E,G,H,J,K) indicates 100 µm, while the scale bar in panels (C,F,I,L) indicates 20 µm. Full article ">Figure 7
Clinical assessment of piglets challenged with GETV strain GETV-JX-CHN-22-P7. Histologic views of the lung, kidney, spleen, and ileum from control piglets (A,D,G,J) and challenged piglets (B,E,H,K). The scale bar indicates 100 µm. (C,F,I,L) Magnification of pathological changes in lung, kidney, spleen, and ileum in infected piglets, respectively. The scale bar in panels (A,B,D,E,G,H,J,K) indicates 100 µm, while the scale bar in panels (C,F,I,L) indicates 20 µm. Full article ">

24 pages, 3125 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stability of Gastric Fluid and Fecal Microbial Populations in Healthy Horses under Pasture and Stable Conditions

by Rebecca C. Bishop, Ann M. Kemper, Lindsay V. Clark, Pamela A. Wilkins and Annette M. McCoy

Animals 2024, 14(20), 2979; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202979 - 16 Oct 2024

Abstract

Equine gastrointestinal microbial communities vary across the gastrointestinal tract and in response to diet or disease. Understanding the composition and stability of gastric fluid microbiota in healthy horses is a prerequisite to understanding changes associated with the development of disease. The objective of [...] Read more.

Equine gastrointestinal microbial communities vary across the gastrointestinal tract and in response to diet or disease. Understanding the composition and stability of gastric fluid microbiota in healthy horses is a prerequisite to understanding changes associated with the development of disease. The objective of this study was to describe microbial communities in the gastric fluid and feces of healthy horses longitudinally. Horses were maintained on pasture (6 weeks), stabled (5 weeks), then returned to pasture. A consistent forage diet was provided throughout. Native gastric fluid and feces were collected weekly for full-length 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing and microbial profiling analysis. Fewer taxa were identified in the gastric fluid (770) than in the feces (5284). Species richness and diversity were significantly different between sample types (p < 0.001), but not between housing locations (p = 0.3). There was a significant effect of housing and horse on the Bray–Curtis compositional diversity of gastric (p = 0.005; p = 0.009) and fecal (p = 0.001; p = 0.001) microbiota. When horses moved from pasture to stable, the relative proportions of gastric fluid Lactobacillaceae increased and Streptococcaceae decreased, while fecal Firmicutes increased and Bacteriodota decreased. Within each housing condition, there was no significant week-to-week variation in gastric (p = 0.9) or fecal (p = 0.09) microbiota. Overall, these findings support the maintenance of stable gastric and fecal microbial populations under each management condition, providing a basis for further investigation of gastric fluid microbiota in diseases of the foregut. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Gut Health in Horses: Current Research and Approaches)

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15 pages, 20599 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Ultrasound-Guided Deep Serratus Plane Block in Cat Cadavers (Felis catus): A Description of Dye and Contrast Media Distribution

by Gonzalo Polo-Paredes, Marta Soler, Francisco Gil, Francisco G. Laredo, Amalia Agut, Sara Carrillo-Flores and Eliseo Belda

Animals 2024, 14(20), 2978; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202978 (registering DOI) - 16 Oct 2024

Abstract

The serratus plane block is an ultrasound-guided anaesthetic technique that aims to provide analgesia to the lateral thoracic wall cranial to the 8th rib. This block can be performed in a superficial (between the latissimus dorsi and the serratus ventralis thoracis (SVT) muscles) [...] Read more.

The serratus plane block is an ultrasound-guided anaesthetic technique that aims to provide analgesia to the lateral thoracic wall cranial to the 8th rib. This block can be performed in a superficial (between the latissimus dorsi and the serratus ventralis thoracis (SVT) muscles) or deep plane (between the intercostales externi and the SVT muscles). This study aimed to assess the distribution and nerve staining of a mixture of 0.4 mL kg⁻¹ of methylene blue and iopromide 50:50 performing a deep serratus plane (DSP) block at the level of the 5th rib. We hypothesise that this technique would be feasible and could stain the rami cutanei laterales (RCL) of the intercostales nerves cranial to the 8th rib in cat cadavers. This study was divided into two phases. Phase 1 consisted of an anatomical study of the thoracic wall (2 cadavers). Phase 2 consisted of the ultrasound-guided injection of the aforementioned mixture and the assessment of its distribution by computed tomography and anatomical dissection (12 cadavers). Contrast media spread a median of 5.5 (2.5–7.5) intercostal spaces. The dye stained a median of 3 (0–5) RCL, affecting RCL 2 (17.39%), RCL 3 (57.17%), RCL 4 (78.26%), RCL 5 (91.30%), RCL 6 (78.26%), and RCL 7 (8.70%) within the DSP. Occasionally, the rami dorsales laterales and the thoracicus longus nerve were stained. Based on these findings, the DSP block performed with a volume of 0.4 mL kg⁻¹ of an anaesthetic could provide analgesia in the area innervated from T4 to T6. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)

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12 pages, 1754 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validation of a Remote Sampling Sensor for Measuring Urine Volume and Nitrogen Concentration in Grazing Dairy Cattle

by Mancoba C. Mangwe, Nigel Beale, Paige Beckett, Lucas Tey, Jeffery Curtis, Riki Burgess and Racheal H. Bryant

Animals 2024, 14(20), 2977; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202977 (registering DOI) - 15 Oct 2024

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to validate a urine sensor (Lincoln University PEETER V2.0, Canterbury, New Zealand) that records the time and volume of urination events for dairy cows in addition to collecting a proportional urine sample from all urination events. Sixteen [...] Read more.

The purpose of this research was to validate a urine sensor (Lincoln University PEETER V2.0, Canterbury, New Zealand) that records the time and volume of urination events for dairy cows in addition to collecting a proportional urine sample from all urination events. Sixteen multiparous Holstein × Jersey mid-lactating cows (101 ± 5 days in milk, 498 ± 24.2 kg body weight, 26.2 ± 3.07 kg/d milk yield; mean ± standard deviation) were allocated herbage diets ranging in protein and sodium content to generate a range of urine volumes and urine nitrogen (UN) concentrations. Total collection of individual urination events occurred during a 72-h measurement period where PEETER V2.0 sensors were attached to cows. A mixed model ANOVA using lme4 package (version 1.1-35.5) in R (version 4.3.3) were used to compare the means. The average urine event size was 2.65 ± 1.1 L for total collection by observers and 2.68 ± 1.1 L as recorded by the sensor (mean ± standard deviation; p = 0.730). The urine nitrogen concentration was 5.76 ± 1.2 g N/L for samples collected by observers and 5.85 ± 1.3 g N/L for the samples collected by the sensor (p = 0.583). The calculated UN excretion was 156 ± 45.1 g/day for direct measurements and 162 ± 40.0 g/day for the sensor (p = 0.539. Contrasts with simultaneously measured data were undertaken using Lin’s Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC) and a Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Correlations between the actual values and sensor values were strong, with little to moderate variability in the urine volume (CCC = 0.936, r = 0.937; n = 222), UN concentration (CCC = 0.840, r = 0.837, n = 48) and total UN excretion (CCC = 0.827, r = 0.836, n = 24). Considering the findings, the PEETER V2.0 urine sensor has the potential to reliably measure urine volumes and UN concentrations for estimations of the UN excretion of dairy cattle under grazing systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)

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20 pages, 8288 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal Changes in Jejunal and Ileal Microbiota of Broiler Chickens with Clinical Coccidiosis (Eimeria maxima)

by Katarzyna B. Miska, Philip M. Campos, Sara E. Cloft, Mark C. Jenkins and Monika Proszkowiec-Weglarz

Animals 2024, 14(20), 2976; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202976 (registering DOI) - 15 Oct 2024

Abstract

Coccidiosis in broiler chickens continues to be a major disease of the gastrointestinal tract, causing economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. The goal of this study was to generate a symptomatic Eimeria maxima (1000 oocysts) infection to determine its effect on the [...] Read more.

Coccidiosis in broiler chickens continues to be a major disease of the gastrointestinal tract, causing economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. The goal of this study was to generate a symptomatic Eimeria maxima (1000 oocysts) infection to determine its effect on the luminal and mucosal microbiota populations (L and M) in the jejunum and ileum (J and IL). Samples were taken from day 0 to 14 post-infection, and sequencing of 16S rRNA was performed using Illumina technology. Infected birds had significantly (p < 0.0001) lower body weight gain (BWG), higher feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p = 0.0015), increased crypt depth, and decreased villus height (p < 0.05). The significant differences in alpha and beta diversity were observed primarily at height of infection (D7). Analysis of taxonomy indicated that J-L and M were dominated by Lactobacillus, and in IL-M, changeover from Candidatus Arthromitus to Lactobacillus as the major taxon was observed, which occurred quicky in infected animals. LEfSe analysis found that in the J-M of infected chickens, Lactobacillus was significantly more abundant in infected (IF) chickens. These findings show that E. maxima infection affects the microbiota of the small intestine in a time-dependent manner, with different effects on the luminal and mucosal populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coccidiosis in Poultry: Current Thinking on Eimeria spp., Host–Parasite Relationships, and Potential for Advancements in Control)

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13 pages, 2131 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Fatty Acids Composition of Pasture Grass, Yak Milk and Yak Ghee from the Four Altitudes of Qinghai–Tibet Plateau: A Predictive Modelling Approach to Evaluate the Correlation among Altitude, Pasture Grass, Yak Milk and Yak Ghee

by Runze Wang, Jinfen Yang, Binqiang Bai, Muhammad Irfan Malik, Yayu Huang, Yingkui Yang, Shujie Liu, Xuefeng Han and Lizhuang Hao

Animals 2024, 14(20), 2975; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202975 (registering DOI) - 15 Oct 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of altitude on the fatty acid composition of pasture grass, yak milk, and yak ghee on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, aiming to understand how environmental factors influence the nutritional quality of these products. Samples were collected from four different [...] Read more.

This study investigates the effect of altitude on the fatty acid composition of pasture grass, yak milk, and yak ghee on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, aiming to understand how environmental factors influence the nutritional quality of these products. Samples were collected from four different altitudes and analyzed for fatty acid profiles using gas chromatography. The analysis reveals that higher altitudes are associated with an increased prevalence of beneficial unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid (C18:1) and linoleic acid (C18:2n6c). These findings highlight the significant influence of altitude on yak lipid metabolism, ultimately enhancing the nutritional value of dairy products. This adaptation not only supports the health and resilience of yaks, but also provides vital nutritional benefits to residents in high-altitude regions. The research underscores the importance of further investigations to optimize dairy production practices, ensuring improved food security and health outcomes for residents of the plateau. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal System and Management)

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Distribution of sampling points for pasture grass, yak milk, and yak ghee sample collection. (A) Map of China; (B) Distribution of sampling points in Qinghai Province. Full article ">Figure 2
Diagram of the overall idea of the experiment (the blue area represents the proportion of saturated fatty acids, the orange area represents the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, the yellow area represents the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the green area represents the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids). Full article ">Figure 3
Correlation heat map of four fatty acids in pasture grass, yak milk, and yak ghee. P, pasture grass; M, yak milk; G, yak ghee (red indicates a positive correlation, blue indicates a negative correlation, and the darker the color, the stronger the correlation to the corresponding indicator). Full article ">Figure 4
(A) is an LDA plot based on the altitudinal gradient, (B) is an LDA plot based on the type of sample, P, pasture grass; M, yak milk; G, yak ghee. A1 was grazed on rangeland at an altitude of about 3100 m; A2 was grazed on rangeland at an altitude of about 3600 m; A3 was grazed on rangeland at an altitude of about 4100 m; A4 was grazed on rangeland at an altitude of about 4600 m. Full article ">Figure 5
Multifactorial bar chart of multivariate analysis for pasture grass-yak milk-yak ghee fatty acids, P, pasture grass; M, yak milk; G, yak ghee. A1 was grazed on rangeland at an altitude of about 3100 m; A2 was grazed on rangeland at an altitude of about 3600 m; A3 was grazed on rangeland at an altitude of about 4100 m; A4 was grazed on rangeland at an altitude of about 4600 m. Different letters on the bars indicate significant differences p < 0.05. Full article ">Figure 6
Multifactor bar chart of functional fatty acids in pasture grass-yak milk-yak ghee, M, yak milk; P, pasture grass; G, yak ghee. A1 was grazed on rangeland at an altitude of about 3100 m; A2 was grazed on rangeland at an altitude of about 3600 m; A3 was grazed on rangeland at an altitude of about 4100 m; A4 was grazed on rangeland at an altitude of about 4600 m. Different letters on the bars indicate significant differences (p < 0.05). Full article ">

18 pages, 3455 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation and Characterization of Canine Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Considerations in Translation from Laboratory to Clinic

by Michael A. Rivera Orsini, Emine Berfu Ozmen, Alyssa Miles, Steven D. Newby, Nora Springer, Darryl Millis and Madhu Dhar

Animals 2024, 14(20), 2974; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202974 (registering DOI) - 15 Oct 2024

Abstract

In allogeneic MSC implantation, the cells are isolated from a donor different from the recipient. When tested, allogeneic MSCs have several advantages over autologous ones: faster cell growth, sufficient cell concentration, and readily available cells for clinics. To ensure the safe and efficient [...] Read more.

In allogeneic MSC implantation, the cells are isolated from a donor different from the recipient. When tested, allogeneic MSCs have several advantages over autologous ones: faster cell growth, sufficient cell concentration, and readily available cells for clinics. To ensure the safe and efficient use of allogeneic MSCs in clinics, the MSCs need to be first tested in vitro. With this study, we paved the way by addressing the in vitro aspects of canine adipose-derived MSCs, considering the limited studies on the clinical use of canine cells. We isolated cAD-MSCs from canine falciform ligament fat and evaluated their viability and proliferation using an MTS assay. Then, we characterized the MSC-specific antigens using immunophenotyping and immunofluorescence and demonstrated their potential for in vitro differentiation. Moreover, we established shipping and cryobanking procedures to lead the study to become an off-the-shelf therapy. During expansion, the cells demonstrated a linear increase in cell numbers, confirming their proliferation quantitatively. The cells showed viability before and after cryopreservation, demonstrating that cell viability can be preserved. From a clinical perspective, the established shipping conditions demonstrated that the cells retain their viability for up to 48 h. This study lays the groundwork for the potential use of allogeneic cAD-MSCs in clinical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Regenerative Medicine in the Field of Veterinary Medicine)

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The proliferation of cAD-MSCs at passage 2 was assessed by MTS proliferation assay. Data were normalized using cell growth media alone as the control. Note the linear trend (R2 = 0.9477) in proliferation with time. Full article ">Figure 2
MSC surface marker expressions. Representative images of immunofluorescence show the expression of CD29 (A), CD44 (B), and CD90 (C). Cells were fixed and stained at 24 h post-seeding. Full article ">Figure 3
In vitro differentiation of cAD-MSCs. Representative images demonstrating the in vitro potential of cAD-MSCs to undergo differentiation. (A) Adipogenic differentiation was examined using Oil Red O staining. Note that the cell morphology and the Oil Red O-stained cells appear at around day 9 and continue to progress with time. (B) Osteogenic differentiation was examined using alizarin red staining. Note that the cell morphology and the alizarin red-stained cells appear as nodules around day 17 and progress with time. Nodules that are rich in calcium are the hallmark features of osteogenic differentiation. Insets show the corresponding undifferentiated control cAD-MSCs. These cells were maintained in normal growth media without any inducers. Full article ">Figure 4
Percentage of live to dead cells over a period of 75 h in shipping conditions (ambient temperature of transport vehicle). The viability of cAD-MSCs was maintained in shipping conditions for over 48 h. Viability decreases at 75 h post-preparation. Full article ">Figure 5
Extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expressions by immunofluorescence. (A) Collagen Type I. (B) Collagen Type II. (C) Fibronectin. (D) Vimentin. (E) Vinculin. (F) F-actin. Even though the ECM expressions are not the same between all these images from different proteins, they demonstrate the expression of all the ECM proteins. Full article ">

14 pages, 8195 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Application of Duck Embryonic Fibroblasts CCL-141 as a Cell Model for Adipogenesis

by Dan-Dan Sun, Xiao-Qin Li, Yong-Tong Liu, Meng-Qi Ge and Zhuo-Cheng Hou

Animals 2024, 14(20), 2973; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202973 (registering DOI) - 15 Oct 2024

Abstract

The duck embryo fibroblast cell line CCL-141, which is currently the only commercialized duck cell line, has been underexplored in adipogenesis research. (1) Background: This study establishes an experimental protocol to induce adipogenesis in CCL-141 cells, addressing the importance of understanding gene functions [...] Read more.

The duck embryo fibroblast cell line CCL-141, which is currently the only commercialized duck cell line, has been underexplored in adipogenesis research. (1) Background: This study establishes an experimental protocol to induce adipogenesis in CCL-141 cells, addressing the importance of understanding gene functions in this process. (2) Methods: Chicken serum, fatty acids, insulin, and all-trans retinoic acid were used to treat CCL-141 cells, with adipogenesis confirmed by Oil Red O staining and gene expression quantification. CRISPR/Cas9 technology was applied to knockout PPARγ, and the resulting adipogenic phenotype was assessed. (3) Results: The treatments promoted adipogenesis, and the knockout of PPARγ validated the cell line’s utility for gene function studies. (4) Conclusions: CCL-141 cells are a suitable model for investigating duck adipogenesis, contributing to the understanding of regulatory factors in this biological process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)

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Establishment of duck PPARγ-knockout pooled cells using CRISPR/Cas9 system. (A) Structure of PPARγ and location of target sequence. (B) Analysis of knockout efficiency using website analysis based on Sanger sequencing peak graph. (C) Analysis of PPARγ knockout efficiency using single cloning. Red font corresponds to target sequence. Deleted nucleotides are marked with dashes, inserted nucleotides are represented with caret “^”, mutational nucleotides are represented with lowercase letters, and protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequence is indicated with italics and underlined. Full article ">Figure 2
Inducing effects of different culture medium components on CCL-141 cells. (A) Representative images of Oil Red O staining after 72 h of induction for different culture groups: (a) EMEM with 10% FBS as control; (b) EMEM with 10% chicken serum; (c) EMEM with 10% CS, 1:100 fatty acids, and 10 ug/mL insulin; and (d) EMEM with 10% CS, 1:100 fatty acids, 10 ug/mL insulin, and 40 ug/mL all-trans retinoic acid. (B) Comparison of lipid droplet content in different groups extracted after Oil Red O staining (different lowercase letters on columns indicate significant differences, p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 3
Differential expression of marker genes for adipogenesis in differentiating groups induced by culture medium containing different components for 48 h and 72 h (different lowercase letters indicate significant differences, p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 4
Differential expression of marker genes for adipogenesis in wild-type and knockout groups before and after 72 h of induction (different lowercase letters indicate significant differences, p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 5
Differences in protein expression level and lipid deposition in wild-type (WT) and PPARγ-KO pooled cells. (A) Western blotting analysis of CCL-141. Protein samples of WT and PPARγ-KO pooled cells were extracted and Western blot analysis was performed against PPARγ antibody as per procedure described in “Materials and Methods” section. (B) Gray value analysis of protein expression level in wild-type and PPARγ-KO pooled cells (** p < 0.01). (C) Representative images of Oil Red O staining after 72 h of induction in wild-type and knockout groups. (D) Comparison of lipid droplet content in different groups extracted after Oil Red O staining (different lowercase letters indicate significant differences, p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 6
Cell proliferation curves of wild-type and knockout groups at different time points (** p < 0.01). Full article ">

14 pages, 1493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enrichments Adjusted to the Number of Litters: Simple Approach to Improve the Welfare of Weaned Piglets under Farm Conditions

by Nejc Kuri, Janko Skok, Dejan Škorjanc and Maja Prevolnik Povše

Animals 2024, 14(20), 2972; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202972 (registering DOI) - 15 Oct 2024

Abstract

Environmental enrichment is one of the methods used to reduce conflicts at weaning, which erupt when mixing unknown litters and are known to negatively affect growth and welfare of piglets. Here we aimed to test a simple approach of increasing the amount of [...] Read more.

Environmental enrichment is one of the methods used to reduce conflicts at weaning, which erupt when mixing unknown litters and are known to negatively affect growth and welfare of piglets. Here we aimed to test a simple approach of increasing the amount of existing enrichment objects to mitigate post-weaning aggression. The experiment comprised ten groups of piglets (five controls, five tests) with 3–4 litters weaned in each of them. In the control group, a red hanging plastic object (biting ring) and a piece of spruce wood (7 cm × 7 cm × 30 cm) were used for enrichment. In the test group, the enrichment was multiplied according to the number of weaned litters (one toy and one piece of wood was provided per each mixed litter). On days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 after weaning, behaviours (negative social behaviours, pen equipment-directed and enrichment-directed behaviours) and injuries (on different parts of the body, tail lesions, lameness) were recorded. On day 21 after weaning, the overall welfare status of the piglets was assessed using the Welfare Quality^® protocol for pigs. A significant (4-fold) increase in the enrichment-directed behaviours was observed in the test group (p < 0.001). Consequently, there were 3.5 times fewer negative social behaviours (p < 0.001), 38–52% fewer injuries on different body parts (p < 0.001) and higher overall welfare status of the piglets in the test group. Adjusting enrichment to the number of weaned litters proved to be an effective solution to reduce aggression at weaning and improve piglets’ welfare. The study provides important information on the use of enrichment material in commercial weaner pens and demonstrates the possibility of significantly improving pig welfare with low effort, input and cost. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Welfare)

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Enrichment objects used in the experiment (toy, wood) and an example of the test pen. Full article ">Figure 2
The effect of treatment and time on the enrichment-directed behaviours (a,b), pen equipment-directed behaviours (c,d) and negative social behaviours in piglets (e,f). Control—one set of enrichment objects (one piece of wood and one toy) provided for the whole weaning group of piglets. Test—quantity of enrichment objects adjusted to the number of litters mixed (one piece of wood and one toy provided per each litter). The effect of time was not significant in any model (p ≥ 0.05). The effect of interaction treatment group × time was not significant in any model (p ≥ 0.05). *, *** denote statistically significant differences between groups within day (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). Full article ">Figure 3
The effect of treatment and time on the incidence of injuries on ears (a,b), front part (c,d), middle-back part (e,f) and tail region (g,h) in piglets. Control—one set of enrichment objects (one piece of wood and one toy) provided for the whole weaning group of piglets. Test—quantity of enrichment objects adjusted to the number of litters mixed (one piece of wood and one toy provided per each litter). The effect of time was highly significant (p < 0.001) in all models. The effect of interaction treatment group × time was not significant in any model (p ≥ 0.05). *, **, *** denote significant differences between groups within day (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively); † denotes the tendency of significant differences between groups within day (0.05 ≤ p < 0.10); abc denote statistically significant differences between days within treatment group. Full article ">

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