Health Status Of Animals Research Articles

Seroprevalencija virusa mačje leukemije i mačje imunodeficijencije u kućnih mačaka iz Pereire, Risaralda, Kolumbija

In Colombia, the increase in the population of domestic cats is directly related to outbreak diseases and associated with risks to domestic and wild animal health. Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are two retroviral agents representing the most significant cause of feline morbimortality. Since they can be easily transmitted between cats through body fluids, these viruses can cause neoplastic and non-neoplastic alterations, immunosuppression, non-specific chronic diseases, and infections by opportunistic microorganisms. In order to improve animal health status and prevent these diseases from spreading, a timely and reliable diagnosis is necessary to detect these infectious agents. However, due to factors such as the distribution, size, mobility, and growth of the population of domestic felines, the prevalence and possible risk factors associated with the presentation of these viruses are currently unknown. This research was a descriptive cross-sectional study in which 100 domestic felines were sampled. The simultaneous diagnosis of the viruses was performed using whole blood samples for feline leukaemia and blood plasma for feline immunodeficiency and analysed by the Uranotest FeLV-FIV immunochromatographic dual method. The presence of infectious agents was correlated with study variables such as gender, age, origin, and feline habits. A prevalence of 14% for FIV and only 6% for FeLV was observed, with a 2% incidence of coinfection. Correlations were observed between infection and the age of the animals and their place of origin. The results allow us to know the current state of the spread of these infectious agents, which is essential for making decisions about animal health departmental prevention plans.

Development of a Decision Support System for Animal Health Management Using Geo-Information Technology: A Novel Approach to Precision Livestock Management

Livestock management is challenging for resource-poor (R-P) farmers due to unavailability of quality feed, limited professional advice, and rumor-spreading about animal health condition in a herd. This research seeks to improve animal health in southern Africa by promoting sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), a nutraceutical forage legume. An automated geospatial model for precision agriculture (PA) can identify suitable locations for its cultivation. Additionally, a novel approach of radio-frequency identifier (RFID) supported telemetry technology can track animal movement, and the analyses of data using artificial intelligence can determine sickness of small ruminants. This RFID-based system is being connected to a smartphone app (under construction) to alert farmers of potential livestock health issues in real time so they can take immediate corrective measures. An accompanying Decision Support System (DSS) site is being developed for R-P farmers to obtain all possible support on livestock production, including the designed PA and RFID-based DSS.

Haematological and Serum Biochemical Responses of Yankasa Rams Supplemented Cinnamon Powder

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of cinnamon supplements on Yankasa Rams' growth performance, nutrient digestibility, haematology and serum biochemical profile. A total number of sixteen (16) Yankasa grower rams with an average live weight of 20kg each was randomly allotted into four dietary treatments comprised of four replicates consisting of four animals per treatment in a completely randomized design (CRD), where data obtained in this study were analyzed using General Linear Model of Statistical Analysis Software and Means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. The haematological variables demonstrated that packed cell volume was significantly (P<0.05) affected by an increased level of cinnamon Significant (P<0.05) differences were also recorded in white blood cells, neutrophils, basophils and haemoglobin while others were not significantly (P>0.05) changed. With the exception of plasma potassium level, there were no significant (P>0.05) differences in all other serum biochemistry with the supplementation of cinnamon. Cinnamon supplementation plays a vital role in improving the haematological profile. No significant considerable changes were observed in the serum biochemical profile as a result of cinnamon supplements in Yankasa rams. It is therefore recommended that cinnamon powder can be incorporated into ruminant animal diet up to 15g/kg without detrimental effect in animal health status. However further studies were encouraged.

Use of drone technology in animal health and management

In recent years, drone technology has become an important tool in animal health and management. In this study, the use of drone technology in animal health and management is analyzed and prominent applications are discussed. Drones have been observed to be useful in various fields such as monitoring the health status of animals, early diagnosis of diseases, monitoring grazing areas, search and rescue, animal census and inventory management. However, some challenges and limitations still need to be overcome for the effective application of drone technology. In conclusion, although the positive effects of drone technology on animal health and management are evident, further steps are needed to expand the application areas and to fully utilize the potential of the technology.

Novel Phytogenics’ Impact on Weaned Pigs’ Growth Performance, Heamatology and Serum Biochemical Indicators

This experiment was carried out to investigate a novel phytogenics’ (PCCPR) an acronym for (peppermint, celery, coriander, parsley and rosemary leaf meal mixture) impact on weaned pigs’ performance, heamato-biochemical indicators. A total of forty cross bred weaned male pigs (Large white × Landrace) with an initial body weight of 7.33 ± 0.38 weaned at 28 days of age were individually housed in an open sided pen were randomly divided into four treatment group of six pigs each. Basal diet were adequate in all nutrients (NRC, 2012). The animals were fed as follows; basal diet with antibiotics (neomycin – 1.5 g/kg) in treatment one, treatment two, three and four were fed basal diet supplemented with PCCPR at 5 g, 10 g and 15 g/kg respectively. The experiment lasted for two months and all necessary management practices were observed. Average daily weight gain and average daily feed intake were similar in diet three and four compared to the other groups (P˂0.05). Dietary supplementation of PCCPR resulted in a numerical increase in pack cell volume, haemoglobin and red blood cell, white blood cell and its differentials (monocytes, eosinophils, basophils and leucocytes) and a remarkable improvement in mean corpuscular volume mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentrations. All the serum biochemical parameters were significantly affected by the treatments (P˂0.05). However, all values were within the normal physiological range for healthy pigs. It was concluded that the use of PCCPR up to 15 g/kg could boost swine productivity at weaned stage without causing any negative impact on the health status of animals.

Effects of carnosine combined with Lactobacillus on the antioxidant capacity of liver and kidney in normal or stressed mice

Massive secretion of glucocorticoids or excessive use of dexamethasone (Dex) can cause oxidative stress and negatively affect the health status of animals. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the use of Lactobacillus (LAB) or/and carnosine (CAR) can effectively improve the antioxidant capacity of the liver and kidneys of normal or dexamethasone-induced stress mice and its potential mechanisms. 48 ICR mice were randomly divided into eight groups: Control, LAB, CAR, LAB + CAR, Dex, Dex + LAB, Dex + CAR, and Dex + LAB + CAR. The results indicated that carnosine and Lactobacillus rhamnosus had a complementary effect on antioxidant stress. The combination of the two could better improve the increased serum ALT activity and CRE content, increased liver index, decreased kidney index, and changes in liver and kidney tissue morphology induced by dexamethasone in mice. Part of the involved mechanisms were: Carnosine combined with Lactobacillus rhamnosus promoted the expressions of downstream antioxidant genes SOD1, SOD2, GSH-Px1, and HO-1 by increasing Nrf2 expression in liver and kidney tissues. It also increased the contents of activated antioxidant enzymes SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, and HO-1, thereby reducing ROS and MDA levels and alleviating liver and kidney oxidative damage caused by dexamethasone.

Serum Biochemistry Parameters of the Endangered Miranda's Donkey Breed: Reference Intervals and the Influence of Gender and Age.

Miranda's donkey is an endangered, autochthone breed from Northern Portugal. Understanding the physiological and pathological conditions of Miranda's donkey is crucial for the conservation of the breed. Our study aimed to establish reference intervals (RIs) for blood biochemistry parameters and to evaluate the influence of gender and age on these parameters. Blood samples from 75 clinically healthy animals were analyzed for 21 blood biochemistry parameters using Respons® 920 and Start® 4-Diagnostica-Stago. RIs were calculated according to the ASVCP guidelines, utilizing Reference Advisor software V. 2.1 and the statistical program SPSS version 29 to analyze the effects of gender and age. Significant gender-related differences (p < 0.05) were observed in cholesterol, chlorine, creatinine (CREA), glucose (GLU), sodium, and triglycerides (with higher values in females) and in aspartate aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase (CK), gamma-glutamyl transferase, potassium, magnesium (Mg), and urea (with higher values in males). Age-related differences (p < 0.05) were noted for alkaline phosphatase, CK, fibrinogen, GLU, and phosphorus (higher in young animals) and for globulin, Mg, and total protein (higher in adults). The RIs described here are invaluable for assessing and monitoring the health status of individual animals and herds. Our study highlights the importance of considering gender and age in the interpretation of biochemical parameters, providing critical insights for the conservation and management of this endangered breed.

Immunoinformatics-guided recombinant polypeptide-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for seromonitoring of laboratory animals for minute virus of mice and Kilham rat virus.

Subclinical infection of laboratory animals with one or more of several pathogens affects the results of experiments on animals. Monitoring the health of laboratory animals encompasses routine surveillance for pathogens, including several viruses. This study aimed to explore the development of an alternative assay to the existing ones for detecting infection of mice and rats with the parvoviruses minute virus of mice (MVM) and Kilham rat virus (KRV), respectively. Full-length VP2 and NS1 proteins of these parvoviruses, besides fragments containing multiple predicted epitopes stitched together, were studied for serological detection. The optimal dilution of full-length proteins and antigenic regions containing predicted epitopes for coating, test sera, and conjugate was determined using a checkerboard titration at each step. The assays were evaluated vis-à-vis commercially available ELISA kits. The results showed that an engineered fusion of fragments containing multiple predicted MVM VP2 and NS1 epitopes was better than either of the full-length proteins for detecting antibodies in 90% of the tested sera samples. For KRV ELISA, full-length VP2 was better compared to other individual recombinant protein fragments or combinations thereof for the detection of antibodies in sera. This report is the first description of an ELISA for KRV and an improved assay for MVM. Importantly, our assays could be exploited with small volumes of sera. The results also demonstrate the utility of immunoinformatics-driven polypeptide engineering in the development of diagnostic assays and the potential to develop better tests for monitoring the health status of laboratory animals.

Effects of Zoovit probiotic on faecal microbiota in cattle

The amount of pathogenic bacteria in feces is an indicator characterizing the health status of animals. This is important to protect the environment and the health of farm workers. The aim of the present study is to determine the effect of probiotic Zoovit on the microbiome of the faecal mass of Holstein cattle. In the experiment, two groups were formed - experimental and control, 30 each. A probiotic was added to the combined feed of the experimental group, but not to the control group. The food ration with the participation of probiotic is placed twice a day. To determine the microbiome in fecal matter in cattle, PCR analyzes were used for the detection of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, a species-specific PCR assay for the presence of total DNA in L. delbrueckii and L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and methods for determination of sulfite-reducing colonies. No representatives of Staphulococccua aureus and Clostridium sp were isolated in the faecal mass of the animals from both groups. For Escherichia coli and Coliforms, a significant decrease in the faecal mass of cows fed with feed containing probiotics was found. The presence of L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus in animals receiving a probiotic. Colonies with a colonial characteristic typical of L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus were isolated in the animals receiving probiotic Zoovit and in the control group, no colonies typical of Lactobacillus bulgaricus were found.

Pterocarpus Erinaceus Leaf Extracts Phytochemical Composition And Its Effect On Growth Performance And Intestinal Microbial Population of Weaned Rabbits

In Sumitra Research Institute, a total of 50 crossbred male rabbits with initial body weight of 486 ± 0.70 g and weaned at 28 days of age were individually housed in a specially constructed galvanized cage was used to examine the effect of Pterocarpus erinaceus leaf extracts (PELE) on the growth performance and intestinal microbial population of weaned rabbits. Rabbits were stratified based on their body weight and assigned to 5 groups with six animals with one animal per replicate in a completely randomized design. Experimental diet was adequate in all nutrients to meet the requirement of rabbits. Animals in group 1 was fed standard diet with 0 mL PELE while group 2, 3, 4 and 5 were fed standard diet with 0.2 mL, 0.4 mL, 0.6 mL and 0.8 mL/day respectively. Phytochemical evaluation of Pterocarpus erinaceus leaf extracts showed that it contained Flavonoids (112.61 mg/g CAE), terpenoids (87.52 mg/g CAE), phenols (106.39 mg/g GAE), alkaloids (91.53 mg/g ATE), tannins (40.88 mg/g TAE) and phytate (11.31 mg/g). Results on average daily weight gain in group 4 (1544.2 g) and 5 (1547.1 g) were similar (p&gt;0.05) but significantly higher than those in group 1 (1197.8 g), group 2 (1311.28 g) and 3 (1383.9 g). Average daily feed intake were higher (p&lt;0.05) in rabbits fed diet supplemented with PELE relative to group 1 (control). Best feed conversion ratio was recorded in group 4 (3.00) and 5 (3.00), intermediate in group 2 (3.28) and group 3 (3.20) and lower in group 1 (3.43). Microbial population of Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp were higher (p&lt;0.05) in group 1 relative to the other groups. Conversely, Lactobacillus sp count were maximum in PELE supplemented diet relative to control (group 1). It was concluded that supplementation of PELE at 0.8 mL/day can optimize the performance of rabbits as well as suppressing the activities of pathogenic organisms without compromising the health status of animal.

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY: A PANACEA FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK REFORMS IN OUR COMMUNITY AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Livestock production plays a vital role in ensuring food security, economic stability, and social wellbeing in many communities worldwide. However, traditional livestock practices often face numerous challenges, such as unsustainable resource management, conflict arising from resource scarcity, limited access to information and support systems. This paper explores the potential of digital technology as a panacea for sustainable livestock reforms and conflict resolution in our community. Digital technology offers transformation opportunities to address these challenges and promote sustainable livestock practices. The intergration of digital tools, precision agriculture, data analytics, internets of things (10T), and artificial intelligence, enables the collection and analysis of real-time data on animal health, nutrition, and environmental conditions. These advancements facilitate evidence-based decision-making, optimize resource allocation, and enhance productivity while reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, digital platforms and mobile application provide accessible and user-friendly interfaces for livestock farmers, extension workers and community members. Moreover digital technology can contribute to conflict resolution within the livestock sector. By enabling transparent and traceable supply chains. Block chain technology helps prevent fraud, reduce theft, ensures fair market transactions, enhance security and mitigate conflicts related to land use, grazing area and resource allocation. However the successful implementation of digital technology for sustainable livestock reforms and conflict resolution will ensure equitable access to digital infrastructure, addressing the digital divide, fostering digital literacy, and considering the specific needs and contexts of different communities. In conclusion, digital technology holds immense potential as a panacea for sustainable livestock reforms and conflict resolution in our community. Embracing digital tools and fostering digital inclusion will pave the way for a resilient and thriving livestock industry that contributes to sustainable development and community well-being.

Bronchoscopic deployment and implantation of Diffusing alpha-emitters Radiation Therapy into the lung and mediastinum for treatment of lung cancer: a pre-clinical safety and feasibility study.

Radiotherapy is a standard treatment modality in cancer therapy, particularly for lung cancer. Diffusing alpha-emitters Radiation Therapy sources (hereafter, "Alpha DaRTs") are fixed with Ra-244 (half-life =3.6 days) that releases alpha-emitting atoms into the tumor tissue to an effective range of a few millimeters. The feasibility, usability, and safety of Alpha DaRTs deployment and implantation via bronchoscopy into the lung parenchyma and mediastinum in a big animal model of healthy swine was studied in two phases: (I) inert and (II) active Alpha DaRTs deployment. The Alpha DaRTs were inserted in both individual and cluster patterns based on a predefined plan. Swine health was monitored throughout the study. The usability of bronchoscopic deployment and implantation was evaluated using a user questionnaire. The movement and migration of the Alpha DaRTs were assessed. Necropsy was performed, and lungs were evaluated via gross pathology and histopathology. A total of 158 Alpha DaRTs were inserted successfully in the lung parenchyma and mediastinum of five swine in two phases. It was possible to deliver and place the Alpha DaRTs in clusters of no more than 4 mm distance between the Alpha DaRTs. No adverse event or change in the health and general condition of animals was observed. Hematologic evaluation did not show any clinically significant abnormality related to the Alpha DaRTs. Histopathology demonstrated local mild inflammatory changes, minimal fibrosis, and dystrophic mineralization with giant cells. Minimal movement and no migration of Alpha DaRTs were observed. Bronchoscopic deployment of Alpha DaRTs in the lung parenchyma and mediastinum of the porcine animal is feasible, precise, and safe.

Evaluating swine disease occurrence on farms using the state-space model based on meat inspection data: a time-series analysis

BackgroundData on abnormal health conditions in animals obtained from slaughter inspection are important for identifying problems in fattening management. However, methods to objectively evaluate diseases on farms using inspection data has not yet been well established. It is important to assess fattening management on farms using data obtained from slaughter inspection. In this study, we developed the state-space model to evaluate swine morbidity using slaughter inspection data.ResultsThe most appropriate model for each disease was constructed using the state-space model. Data on 11 diseases in slaughterhouses over the past 4 years were used to build the model. The model was validated using data from 14 farms. The local-level model (the simplest model) was the best model for all diseases. We found that the analysis of slaughter data using the state-space model could construct a model with greater accuracy and flexibility than the ARIMA model. In this study, no seasonality or trend model was selected for any disease. It is thought that models with seasonality were not selected because diseases in swine shipped to slaughterhouses were the result of illness at some point during the 6-month fattening period between birth and shipment.ConclusionEvaluation of previous diseases helps with the objective understanding of problems in fattening management. We believe that clarifying how farms manage fattening of their pigs will lead to improved farm profits. In that respect, it is important to use slaughterhouse data for fattening evaluation, and it is extremely useful to use mathematical models for slaughterhouse data. However, in this research, the model was constructed on the assumption of normality and linearity. In the future, we believe that we can build a more accurate model by considering models that assume non-normality and non-linearity.

Prawn morphometrics and weight estimation from images using deep learning for landmark localization

Accurate morphometric analyses and weight estimation are useful in aquaculture for optimizing feeding, predicting harvest yields, identifying desirable traits for selective breeding, grading processes, and monitoring the health status of production animals. However, the collection of phenotypic data through traditional manual approaches at industrial scales and in real-time is time-consuming, labour-intensive, and prone to errors. Digital imaging of individuals and subsequent training of prediction models using Deep Learning (DL) has the potential to rapidly and accurately acquire phenotypic data from aquaculture species. In this study, we applied a novel DL approach to automate morphometric analysis and weight estimation using the black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) as a model crustacean. The DL approach comprises two main components: a feature extraction module that efficiently combines low-level and high-level features using the Kronecker product operation; followed by a landmark localization module that then uses these features to predict the coordinates of key morphological points (landmarks) on the prawn body. Once these landmarks were extracted, weight was estimated using a weight regression module based on the extracted landmarks using a fully connected network. For morphometric analyses, we utilized the detected landmarks to derive five important prawn traits. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was also used to identify landmark-derived distances, which were found to be highly correlated with shape features such as body length, and width. We evaluated our approach on a large dataset of 8164 images of the Black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) collected from Australian farms. Our experimental results demonstrate that the novel DL approach outperforms existing DL methods in terms of accuracy, robustness, and efficiency.

Blood Biochemical Reference Intervals of Black Caimans (Melanosuchus niger) and Spectacled Caimans (Caiman crocodilus) in the Brazilian Amazon Region.

Reference intervals for physiologic parameters, crucial for assessing the health status of animals, have been documented for various crocodilian species across the globe. Nonetheless, the establishment of plasma biochemical reference intervals specific to Amazonian crocodilians remains incomplete. In an effort to address this gap, we procured blood samples from 65 black caimans (Melanosuchus niger) and 58 spectacled caimans (Caiman crocodilus) during the period of September-December 2019 within the Anavilhanas National Park in the Brazilian Amazon region We aimed to define reference intervals for 11 key plasma variables measured, namely glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, albumin, total protein, uric acid, and urea. In general, the determined blood reference intervals aligned closely with those established for other crocodilian species. Some specific measurements, such as total cholesterol, sodium, and magnesium, exhibited distinct variations based on the species. Furthermore, female black caimans showcased elevated cholesterol levels compared with their male counterparts. Within the spectacled caimans, disparities related to sex were evident solely in the case of electrolytes sodium and potassium, with males demonstrating higher levels compared with females. These reference intervals not only provide data for assessing potential fluctuations in the health of wild or captive Amazonian crocodilians but also hold value for veterinary management.

Effectiveness assessment of using water environmental microHI to predict the health status of wild fish.

Aquatic wildlife health assessment is critically important for aquatic wildlife conservation. However, the health assessment of aquatic wildlife (especially aquatic wild animals) is difficult and often accompanied by invasive survey activities and delayed observability. As there is growing evidence that aquatic environmental microbiota could impact the health status of aquatic animals by influencing their symbiotic microbiota, we propose a non-invasive method to monitor the health status of wild aquatic animals using the environmental microbiota health index (microHI). However, it is unknown whether this method is effective for different ecotype groups of aquatic wild animals. To answer this question, we took a case study in the middle Yangtze River and studied the water environmental microbiota and fish gut microbiota at the fish community level, population level, and ecotype level. The results showed that the gut microHI of the healthy group was higher than that of the unhealthy group at the community and population levels, and the overall gut microHI was positively correlated with the water environmental microHI, whereas the baseline gut microHI was species-specific. Integrating these variations in four ecotype groups (filter-feeding, scraper-feeding, omnivorous, and carnivorous), only the gut microHI of the carnivorous group positively correlated with water environmental microHI. Alcaligenaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Achromobacter were the most abundant groups with health-negative-impacting phenotypes, had high positive correlations between gut sample group and environment sample group, and had significantly higher abundance in unhealthy groups than in healthy groups of carnivorous, filter-feeding, and scraper-feeding ecotypes. Therefore, using water environmental microHI to indicate the health status of wild fish is effective at the community level, is effective just for carnivorous fish at the ecotype level. In the middle Yangtze River, Alcaligenaceae, Enterobacteriaceae (family level), and Achromobacter (genus level) were the key water environmental microbial groups that potentially impacted wild fish health status. Of course, more data and research that test the current hypothesis and conclusion are encouraged.

SMART LIVESTOCK FOR SCIENCE…12 months later

The fourth issue of Slovak Journal of Animal Science 2023 gives to me the opportunity to overview our scientific publishing activity after the first 12 months together. Along four issues, our Journal has been faced with many different aspects of animal farm production, among them mainly circular economy strategy, non-conventional feed resources, and community-based livestock programs. All these different aspects have a common point: boost and develop the livestock farming system, in terms of competitiveness and profitability. Looking at the different articles collected and published during this year, the incorporation of locally available novel feed resource alternatives can promote circular economy concepts, increase food security, and improve sustainable livestock production. By exploiting locally accessible resources, the inclusion of these materials in animal feed nutrition has significant potential to enhance livestock performance, lower production costs, and promote bioeconomy concepts.&#x0D; On the other hand, analysis of genomic data is an important resource for the effective management of small and endangered animal populations. The research activity of scientists has deeply been focused on developing breeding programs able to conserve animal biodiversity and monitor animal biodynamics.&#x0D; &#x0D; In the last Editorial article of 2023, I am going to introduce the contents of the articles collected and published in the fourth issue of 2023 year.&#x0D; Formelova et al. performed a study to evaluate the effect of dried hempseed cake (by-product of oil production) supplementation (5% - EG1 and 10% - EG2) to rabbit feed mixture on livestock performances, quality of meat, digestibility of nutrients and animal health status. All obtained data let Authors to recommend the inclusion of hempseed cake up to 10% in rabbit diet without any negative effect on animal welfare, livestock performance and quality of meat.&#x0D; Osaiyuwu et al. organized a study to provide useful information for the creation of sustainable breeding programmes and developing a sustainable use and conservation strategy aimed at developing highly producing Muscovy ducks in Nigeria; consequently, increasing the food security index of the nation and source of income for small-scale farmers. In general, the ducks from all seven ecogeographic locations were rather homogeneous than heterogeneous.&#x0D; Mekonnen et al., had the prime objective to survey and characterize the husbandry practices of the different indigenous sheep populations. Authors concluded the study claiming a need of feed development, shift to modern husbandry practices, access to veterinary services, indigenous sheep conservation through utilization, control of inbreeding, ram-to-ewe ratio, fattening and castration should be of future attention of farmers and stakeholders.&#x0D; Ajayi et al., to justify the use of duckweed as an alternative and novel aquatic-derived fodder in ruminants' feeding strategies, performed preliminary investigation via in vitro gas production technique. The study assessed the nutrient and mineral potential, secondary metabolites and in vitro gas production characteristics of duckweed to estimate the short-chain volatile fatty acids, metabolizable energy, organic matter digestibility and apparent in vitro dry matter degradability. In conclusion, duckweed from earthen fish ponds is fairly degradable in vitro, and the nutrient contents elucidate its forage value for ruminants.&#x0D; Editorial Team looks forward to evaluating your submitted contributions and providing all necessary support to Authors in order to best serve animal science and the scientific community, with commitment to research integrity and the highest publishing ethics. Enjoy the reading!

Ectoparasites of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in Germany and their health impact

BackgroundThe European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is known for high levels of ectoparasitism that not only represents a health risk for the animals themselves, but also for pet animals and humans as hedgehogs are frequently taken into human care. In the present study, patterns of ectoparasite infestation were assessed in hedgehogs taken into care at northern German animal rehabilitation centres.MethodsEctoparasites (ticks, fleas and mites) of 498 hedgehogs were collected over a period of 3 years from July 2018 to May 2021. Species were identified based on morphological characteristics and also via amplification and sequencing of the partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 (COX-2) gene for fleas of the family Ceratophyllidae. Seasonal changes in infestation patterns as well as correlations with animal age, body weight and health status were assessed using generalised linear models.ResultsInfestation with ticks, fleas and mites occurred throughout the year. Overall, 86.5% (431/498) of the examined hedgehogs were infested with ticks, 91.4% (455/498) with fleas and 17.7% (88/498) with mites.Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes hexagonus/Ixodes canisuga were the most common tick species detected, with the additional occurrence of one Ixodes frontalis. Significant seasonal changes were observed for I. ricinus, but not for I. hexagonus/I. canisuga. Additionally, I. ricinus nymph prevalence declined significantly as of 2020, probably as a consequence of the climate change-related drought as of 2018. In hedgehogs with flea infestations, Archaeopsylla erinacei, Ceratophyllus sciurorum, Nosopsyllus fasciatus and Ctenocephalides felis were identified. In all cases of mite infestation, Caparinia tripilis was detected, in addition to specimens of the family Macronyssidae and free-living mites of the family Acaridae. Statistical analyses showed correlations regarding the factors month, year, body weight and age, but no correlation was evident regarding the health status of the animals.ConclusionsWith a detected infestation rate of 98.6%, almost all of the examined hedgehogs were infested with at least one ectoparasite species. The seasonal activity patterns of the different ectoparasite species together with the complex annual cycle of hedgehogs lead to different seasonal patterns in ectoparasite prevalence and infestation intensities. Due to the risk of transmission of zoonotic pathogens as well as the possible negative impact on the host itself, hedgehogs should be treated against ectoparasites when taken into care facilities.Graphical

Analysis of fungal diversity in the gut feces of wild takin (Budorcas taxicolor).

The composition of the intestinal microbiome correlates significantly with an animal's health status. Hence, this indicator is highly important and sensitive for protecting endangered animals. However, data regarding the fungal diversity of the wild Budorcas taxicolor (takin) gut remain scarce. Therefore, this study analyzes the fungal diversity, community structure, and pathogen composition in the feces of wild B. taxicolor. To ensure comprehensive data analyses, we collected 82 fecal samples from five geographical sites. Amplicon sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rRNA was used to assess fecal core microbiota and potential pathogens to determine whether the microflora composition is related to geographical location or diet. We further validated the ITS rRNA sequencing results via amplicon metagenomic sequencing and culturing of fecal fungi. The fungal diversity in the feces of wild Budorcas taxicolor primarily comprised three phyla (99.69%): Ascomycota (82.19%), Fungi_unclassified (10.37%), and Basidiomycota (7.13%). At the genus level, the predominant fungi included Thelebolus (30.93%), Functional_unclassified (15.35%), and Ascomycota_unclassified (10.37%). Within these genera, certain strains exhibit pathogenic properties, such as Thelebolus, Cryptococcus, Trichosporon, Candida, Zopfiella, and Podospora. Collectively, this study offers valuable information for evaluating the health status of B. taxicolor and formulating protective strategies.

Baseline haematological parameters in three common Australian frog species.

Amphibians are experiencing declines globally, with emerging infectious diseases as one of the main causes. Haematological parameters present a useful method for determining the health status of animals and the effects of particular diseases, but the interpretation of differential cell counts relies on knowing the normal ranges for the species and factors that can affect these counts. However, there is very little data on either normal haematological parameters or guides for blood cell types for free-ranging frog species across the world. This study aims to 1) create a visual guide for three different Australian frog species: Litoria paraewingi, Limnodynastes dumerilii, and Crinia signifera, 2) determine the proportions of erythrocytes to leukocytes and 3) differential leukocytes within blood smears from these three species and 4) assess the association between parasites and differential counts. We collected blood samples from free-ranging frogs and analysed blood smears. We also looked for ectoparasites and tested for the fungal disease chytridiomycosis. Overall, we found that the differentials of erythrocytes to leukocytes were not affected by species, but the proportions of different leukocytes did vary across species. For example, while lymphocytes were the most common type of leukocyte across the three species, eosinophils were relatively common in Limnodynastes dumerilii but rarely present in the other two species. We noted chytridiomycosis infection as well as ectoparasites present in some individuals but found no effect of parasites on blood parameters. Our results add baseline haematological parameters for three Australian frog species and provide an example of how different frog species can vary in their differential blood cell counts. More information is needed on frog haematological data before these parameters can be used to determine the health status of wild or captive frogs.