Modelling growth allows nutritionists and poultry researchers to predict dynamic or daily nutrient needs more precisely than using fixed requirements. This study evaluated the monomolecular model and artificial neural network (ANN) to describe the relationship between metabolizable energy (ME) intake and body weight gain (BWG) in commercial strains of different egg-type pullets. A multi-layer feed-forward perceptron neural network structure was used to construct the ANN model. The best-fitted network on input data to predict BWG from ME intake in all egg-type pullets' strains was obtained with one neuron in the input layer, three neurons in the first hidden layer, two neurons in the second hidden layer and one neuron in the output layer, which was written as 1-3-2-1. The relationship between ME intake and BWG in different egg-type pullet strains was predicted with very high accuracy by both ANN (R2 adj = 99.47-99.99) and the monomolecular model (R2 adj = 98.48-99.72). The maintenance energy requirements (134.2-165.8kcal/kg BW) and efficiencies of NE utilization for growth (2.23-4.00kcal/g of BW) estimated by the monomolecular model are consistent with previously reported values for poultry. Meta-analysis of the parameters estimated by the monomolecular model (a, b and c) revealed significant differences among strains (p < 0.01), suggesting that these strain-specific growth responses may be linked to genetic diversity. This study demonstrated that both the monomolecular model and ANN approaches effectively described the relationship between ME intake and BWG in egg-type pullets.

The gut microbiota of avian species is influenced by a diverse array of factors, encompassing host genetics, environmental conditions, physiological states, dietary patterns and age, among others. With the advent of high-throughput sequencing technology, research into avian gut microbiota has gained momentum. The artificial lake within the zoo serves as a unique nexus between the natural and captive environments. Despite this, our understanding of the gut microbiota of waterbirds residing in such an artificial habitats remains limited. In this study, we focused on three distinct species of waterbird kept in the artificial lake and traditional enclosures. We used high-throughput sequencing technology to determine the faecal microbiome of 25 waterbirds from three species, including bar-headed goose (Anser indicus), ruddy shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) and black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis). Our objective was to elucidate the composition and community structure of their gut microbiota, while exploring the nexus between dietary habits and gut microbiota. Our findings revealed that the dietary patterns and gut microbiota of ruddy shelducks and bar-headed geese exhibited similar traits. On the other hand, black-necked cranes, whose food primarily consists of fish and meat, possessed a gut microbiota optimized for the digestion of protein and fat. Notably, artificial lakes may support higher microbial diversity compared to cage feeding. The results underscore the significance of diet as the primary determinant of gut microbiota variation among the captive waterbird. This study provides implications for promoting the healthy growth and well-being of wild waterbird in captivity.

Although adrenal gland tumours are among the most common neoplasms in hamsters, few cases have been reported. A 2-year-old intact female pet golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) was initially presented with marked non-pruritic alopecia of the hindquarters. Physical examination and ultrasonography revealed a large, unilateral, right-sided abdominal mass measuring 2cm in diameter. A complete blood count, serum biochemistry, urinary cortisol-to-creatinine ratio (UCCR) and fine-needle aspiration of the mass were subsequently performed. Cytological examination revealed an epithelial tumour with endocrine differentiation, and both the biochemical profile and UCCR suggested the possibility of a corticosteroid-secreting tumour. Due to the location and invasive nature of the mass, complete excision was not feasible. Postmortem histopathology confirmed an adrenocortical adenocarcinoma with chronic, marked, diffuse atrophic dermatosis. Antemortem diagnosis was achieved using laboratory testing and diagnostic imaging, although such procedures are rarely performed in this species.

Traumatic and surgical wounds are common in cats, but their management is often challenging due to anatomical factors, delayed presentation, behavioural issues and frequent bacterial colonization. This prospective, single-arm study aimed to evaluate feasibility and tolerance, and to describe changes in TIME wound scores and bacterial findings during a standardized FLE protocol in cats with surgical or traumatic skin lesions. FLE's potential had been shown in dogs but was previously unexplored in feline wound care. A total of 17 cats with various skin lesions were included in the trial. Each cat received three weekly FLE sessions. Before each session (T0, T1 and T2), skin swabs were collected for microbiological analysis. No systemic or topical antibiotics were administered. Wound healing was assessed using the TIME (tissue, inflammation, moisture and epithelialization) scoring system at baseline (T0), Day 7 (T1) and Day 14 (T2). Significant improvements in all TIME parameters (p<0.01) were observed. The composite wound score decreased by 73% from baseline. At T2, 82% of cats had no necrotic tissue, 65% showed complete inflammation resolution, and epithelialization had improved in 41% of cases. While multidrug-resistant bacteria were found in 41% of cases, their presence did not prevent healing, and five cats achieved negative bacteriological results. No adverse effects were observed. This pilot study suggests that FLE is a feasible and well-tolerated strategy in cats with surgical or traumatic wounds, with consistent improvement in TIME scores observed over the study period. Controlled studies are needed to determine comparative efficacy.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of a one-shot oral administration of pentoxifylline on semen parameters in normospermic and oligospermic dogs. Twenty-nine dogs were categorized as normospermic or oligospermic based on baseline sperm concentration. After 10 days from the first semen evaluation, each dog received 10mg/kg of pentoxifylline orally, given 40 min prior to ejaculation. Semen was evaluated using a Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) system and Eosin-Nigrosin staining for vitality. Compared with baseline, pentoxifylline treatment resulted in a statistically significant increase in sperm concentration and progressive motility (p<0.01), most notably in oligospermic dogs. These findings highlight the beneficial effects of pentoxifylline and confirm its potential as an adjunct therapy for improving semen quality in subfertile male dogs.

Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis) is an opportunistic zoonotic pathogen that can be mutually transmitted with humans (Homo sapiens); knowledge on P. mirabilis infection in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) remains limited. To isolate and characterize the diarrhoeal pathogen from a cynomolgus monkey; a bacterial strain MF103012 was isolated from the faeces of a diarrhoeal cynomolgus monkey. P. mirabilis was identified via morphology, biochemical profiling and 16S rRNA sequencing. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect key virulence genes. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion using 24 antibiotics of P. mirabilis. Pathogenicity was assessed by intraperitoneal injection in mice. In our study, we successfully isolated and identified P. mirabilis from the faeces of diarrhoeal cynomolgus monkey. The isolated strain carried ureC, zapA, rsmA, hpmA, fliL, ucaA and atfA virulence genes. Strain MF103012 was susceptible to 19 antibiotics but resistant to vancomycin and erythromycin, and it induced morbidity and one case of mortality in mice. Endowed with the trait of cross-species transmission, P. mirabilis has become an opportunistic pathogen that requires focused attention in both the prevention and control of zoonoses and clinical anti-infective therapy. The results of this study improve our understanding of the isolated and identified P. mirabilis from the intestinal tract of diarrhoeal cynomolgus monkeys, and also lays groundwork for diagnosis and treatment of P. mirabilis in primate colonies.

ABSTRACTA 10‐year‐old intact male Rottweiler was presented with a large, rapidly growing subcutaneous mass on the right thoracic limb. Physical examination revealed a firm, raised, non‐ulcerated mass extending from the proximal scapula to the distal humerus. Cytological evaluation identified a highly cellular population of vacuolated cells with marked anisocytosis and anisokaryosis, consistent with a lipid‐rich mesenchymal neoplasm. Histopathology of incisional biopsies confirmed a well‐differentiated, low‐grade subcutaneous liposarcoma. The owner declined therapeutic and surgical treatments. The dog died 3 months after diagnosis, with clinical signs suggestive of metastatic disease. This case highlights the importance of comprehensive tumour assessment for accurate grading, staging and effective management of canine soft tissue sarcomas, including liposarcomas. Liposarcoma should be considered a differential diagnosis for subcutaneous masses in the proximal limbs of dogs. Early diagnosis, accurate grading, complete staging and prompt surgical intervention, including limb amputation if warranted, are critical even for histologically well‐differentiated, low‐grade variants.

ABSTRACTThis case series assessed CT findings of pulmonary lymphoma in a dog and two cats. The dog (Case 1) showed defined consolidation and nodules with enlarged sternal and mediastinal lymph nodes. Air bronchogram and distinct pulmonary vessels were observed within the lesion. Several nodules were also found in the kidneys. Pulmonary and kidney lesions were diagnosed as B cell lymphoma. One cat (Case 2) showed well‐defined consolidation with an enlarged tracheobronchial lymph node. Air bronchogram and distinct pulmonary vessels were also observed in the lesion. No additional lesions were detected. The pulmonary lesion was diagnosed as B cell lymphoma. Another cat (Case 3) showed a nasopharyngeal mass and multiple well‐defined pulmonary nodules without lymphadenomegaly. Pulmonary nodules and the nasopharyngeal mass were diagnosed as lymphoma. In Case 3, T/B classification was not performed. Of three pulmonary lymphoma cases, the distinguishing imaging feature was a well‐defined lesion with distinct air bronchograms, pulmonary vessels and homogeneous enhancement.

ABSTRACTBackgroundPet‐associated zoonoses represent a relatively neglected area compared to food‐borne zoonoses, but the close contact between household pets and people offers favourable conditions for transmission, either through direct or indirect contact.ObjectivesThis study assesses the community's knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding pet contact–associated zoonoses in Mekelle City.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted among 395 pet‐owning households from November 2024 to May 2025. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using STATA with descriptive and logistic regression analysis.ResultsOverall, 59.5%, 74.2% and 43.3% of respondents had good knowledge, attitudes and practices, respectively. Though the majority of the respondents (99.0%) had heard of zoonoses, gaps existed in understanding transmission and prevention. Higher education was strongly associated with better knowledge and practices. Risky practices included poor hand washing and feeding raw meat.ConclusionsAlthough knowledge and attitude were relatively good among respondents with higher education, practices remain inadequate. Therefore, strengthening public awareness through formal and informal education is essential to reduce zoonotic disease risks.

ABSTRACTBackgroundBats are critical reservoirs of coronaviruses, including zoonotic strains, yet gaps remain in understanding coronavirus diversity within Ethiopia's understudied bat populations. This study investigated coronavirus prevalence and genetic diversity in bats from Afar and Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted from November 2015 to June 2016 in purposively selected sites of Afar and Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, where bats were captured using 12 × 3‐m mist nets. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) was screened by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) targeting the RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene, with confirmatory PCR for the open reading frame 1a (ORF1a) region.ResultsA total of 141 bats were captured, including 129 Chaerephon pumilus, 11 Epomophorus labiatus and 1 Mops condylurus, from which 278 oropharyngeal swabs, rectal swabs, and urine specimens were collected. Coronaviruses were detected in eight bats (5.7%): five C. pumilus, two E. labiatus and one M. condylurus. Of these, three were detected from rectal swabs, three from oral swabs and two from urine samples. A higher proportion of adult bats (6.7%, 6/89) carried the virus compared to juveniles, with similar proportions of males (5.5%, 3/55) and females (5.8%, 5/86) testing positive. Sequencing revealed six Alphacoronaviruses (75%) and two Betacoronaviruses (25%; lineage D).ConclusionThe study contributes important baseline data on coronavirus diversity in the area. Continued genomic surveillance, including full‐genome sequencing and broader ecological sampling, is essential to advance understanding of coronavirus evolution and maintenance within bat populations.