Oxidative stress is closely linked to inflammation and contributes to the onset of different diseases in farm animals, thereby affecting their health, performance, welfare and productivity. Oxidative damage occurs as a result of the accumulation of free radicals and pro-oxidants that overwhelm the animal’s antioxidant defense system. This imbalance impairs growth and reproductive performance, health and welfare, leading to disease susceptibility and reduced productivity. This review highlights the relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation, the production of free radicals, their effect on animal health and welfare, as well as combating oxidative stress with bioactive compounds, minerals and vitamins. Oxidative stress can be prevented through the use of naturally occurring bioactive compounds, vitamins, minerals, appropriate management and production systems. Bioactive compounds and vitamins act by scavenging free radicals through neutralization or by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway, which upregulates antioxidant genes and promotes the production of antioxidant enzymes that convert free radicals into less reactive forms. Minerals, on the other hand, serve as co-factors for antioxidant enzymes, thereby enhancing their activity. Additionally, environmental enrichment, animal housing and proper handling can reduce the occurrence of oxidative stress, leading to improved animal health and welfare. In conclusion, oxidative stress can cause significant losses in animal production; however, its prevention through effective management practices and dietary interventions can significantly improve animal health, performance, welfare and productivity.

Air quality is important for animal welfare, especially for barn-housed broilers. Modern sensors can measure concentrations of pollutant gases such as ammonia (NH 3 ) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in short intervals but are not routinely used on broiler farms. This study investigated how fluctuations in climate parameters during individual fattening periods affect broiler welfare under practical conditions. We equipped 2 farms with sensors and recorded NH 3 and CO 2 concentrations, temperature, and relative humidity. To examine relationships between these climate parameters and animal welfare indicators, we assessed body weight, foot pad dermatitis, hock burn, plumage soiling, lesions in the cloacal region, and gait score of the broilers at the end of a fattening period. The results showed that NH 3 concentrations stayed low at the beginning of a fattening period and increased towards slaughter age, whereas CO 2 accumulated at the beginning. Fattening periods with elevated NH 3 concentrations showed altered risks for the occurrence of foot pad dermatitis and hock burn, whereas periods with elevated CO 2 concentrations tended to show altered risks of plumage soiling, foot pad dermatitis, and body weight changes. The study demonstrates that the dynamic of the 2 pollutant gases is complex. They do not have a temporal relationship in their concentration profiles, and therefore, both gases need to be monitored. Continuous monitoring offers valuable insights for improving housing conditions, such as adjusting ventilation strategies. Although a tested automated ventilation adjustment did not reduce gas concentrations, the findings underline the importance of sensor-guided climate control and farm-specific solutions to promote both animal welfare and high air quality standards.

To examine the occupational experiences and well-being of laboratory animal professionals, with particular focus on the impact of perceived animal welfare, euthanasia experiences, and other factors on job fulfillment, burnout, and life satisfaction. An online survey was distributed to members of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science from February to April 2025. The survey assessed demographics, work characteristics, euthanasia experiences, mental health impacts, organizational support, perceptions of existing regulations, perceived animal welfare, and potential adoption policies. Multiple regression analyses evaluated predictors of workplace well-being measures. Of 339 respondents, participants were predominantly White female (76%) veterinarians (38%), with a mean age of 42 years and > 11 years of experience (56%). Most participants (77%) reported envisioning long-term careers in laboratory animal research. Euthanasia conducted at least monthly was common (46%), and 57% reported negative mental health impacts from euthanasia participation. Although 69% felt well trained technically for euthanasia, only 23% felt emotionally prepared. Thirty-two percent experienced burnout, while 41% reported professional fulfillment. Perceived animal welfare and satisfaction with debriefing significantly predicted higher job fulfillment and lower burnout. Satisfaction with debriefing also predicted greater life satisfaction. Results suggest that well-conducted debriefings following critical incidents and high animal welfare standards may improve job fulfillment and reduce burnout among laboratory animal professionals. Given the emotional demands of laboratory animal work and high rates of euthanasia participation, implementing quality debriefing processes and ensuring animal welfare could significantly improve professional well-being.

Characterization of human-animal interactions among pet owners in Mexico from a One Health perspective: A cross-sectional study.

Establishing anesthesia for ensuring both animal welfare and compatibility with protocols required for different areas of scientific research is vital. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are one of the most used animal models in research; however, little is known about appropriate anesthetic use in this species, especially for embryo-larval life stages. Using a combination of whole-brain functional imaging, quantification of cardiovascular performance, and behavior, we explore the efficacy and tolerability of six widely used fish anesthetics (2-phenoxyethanol, benzocaine, etomidate, MS222, isoeugenol, and quinaldine sulfate) in larval zebrafish. We show that MS222 and quinaldine sulfate are the most suitable for achieving deep anesthesia, whereas etomidate is better suited for studies focused on the cardiovascular system. Only quinaldine sulfate was found to be aversive. Our findings aid researchers to select the most suitable anesthetic compounds and concentrations for their specific research goals, and the refinement of studies using anesthesia in larval zebrafish.

Veterinarians play a crucial role in public health, animal welfare and human-animal relationships, yet their work involves increasing emotional, structural and ethical challenges. This study explored the lived experiences, perceptions, and needs of veterinary professionals in Italy to understand how these dimensions shape wellbeing and professional identity. A qualitative cross-sectional design was adopted. Twenty veterinarians were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Semi-structured online interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using the framework method. Four interconnected themes emerged: (1) structural vulnerabilities, including workload, economic pressure and contractual insecurity; (2) emotional labour and moral distress, particularly around euthanasia, client grief and ethical decision making; (3) interpersonal complexity, involving emotionally charged client relationships and team dynamics; and (4) professional identity and societal (mis)recognition, reflecting frustration with misconceptions and lack of institutional support. Communication emerged as a transversal challenge, with many participants reporting insufficient training for emotionally demanding interactions. Veterinary professionals face multifaceted challenges that affect their emotional health, job satisfaction and social recognition. Findings underscore the need for improved education, organisational restructuring and stronger institutional commitment to wellbeing. Enhancing public understanding of the veterinary role and promoting healthier human-animal relationships may support a more sustainable professional context. Despite diverse participant representation, the small, self-selected sample and predominance of female participants may have influenced findings. While not statistically generalisable, the study offers transferable insights into veterinarians' lived experiences and points towards future comparative research across contexts.

The poultry industry faces increasing demand for sustainable production aligned with meat quality and animal welfare. This study examined effects of space allowance (39 vs. 21kg/m2) and dietary fibre (DF) supplementation (control vs. DF) on broiler pectoralis major muscle using mass spectrometry-based proteomics under higher-welfare conditions. While yield characteristics were unaffected, reduced space allowance significantly increased intramuscular fat and altered the proteome, with enrichment of proteins in oxidative phosphorylation, transcriptional stress and shifts in carbohydrate metabolism. Broilers receiving DF exhibited lower physical activity and feeding behaviours, with proteomic profiles linked to glycolysis, glycogen turnover and muscle architecture, as well as with reduced drip loss regardless of space allowance. Under higher space, DF induced broader proteomic adaptations, including cytoskeletal remodelling, lipid biosynthesis regulation and vascular homeostasis. These findings highlight how husbandry factors interact to shape meat phenotypes, offering a molecular framework to support quality-focused, welfare-aligned and environmentally conscious meat production.

A cohort study of factors associated with the incidence rate of keratoconjunctivitis in dairy heifers farmed under Mediterranean climatic conditions.

This review proposes candidate animal‑based indicators of good physical health and resilience in chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) as a foundation for assessing positive animal welfare, complementing existing approaches to animal welfare assessment focused on use of iceberg indicators to detect severe health problems. We outline potential anatomical indicators involving the comb and wattles, eyes, beak, plumage, skin, footpads, claws, and overall body for rapid on-farm screening that could be automated for ease of application (e.g. using computer vision). We also identify health- and resilience-related anatomical and physiological indicators that could provide deeper, context‑dependent insights but require controlled testing conditions and/or laboratory analysis. For each indicator category, we summarize biological significance, influencing factors, and measurement methods under commercial and research settings. We classify candidate indicators according to their focus (health vs resilience) and response directionality on a scale from tolerable to optimal (whereby optimal values are highest for unidirectional measures such as plumage condition and intermediate for bidirectional measures such as claw length). We also rate potential ease of data collection (invasive, catching required, or remote sampling), on-farm applicability, and level of promise as a guide for indicator selection and prioritization for validation. Following validation and establishment of an appropriate scoring range from tolerable to optimal for each indicator depending on age, breed type, and reproductive status, we propose the use of continuous visual analogue scales or algorithms for scoring, followed by aggregation of indicator scores to obtain an overall rating of each bird's health and resilience. This narrative review thus provides a biologically grounded roadmap for developing proactive assessment tools that support thriving in poultry, as a foundation upon which affective and cognitive components of positive animal welfare can also be added.

Presence of ultrasonic noise in the housing colony affects behavior and physiology of adult Sprague Dawley rats.

Current consumption of animal-based protein sources is environmentally unsustainable and poses risks to human health, animal welfare, and food security. Policymakers in many countries seek to reduce the consumption of animal-based protein sources. However, this transition is affected by many factors, and it remains unclear how they interact and what their potential is for stimulating systemic change. This study synthesized stakeholders' perspectives on factors driving the consumption of animal- and plant-based protein sources into a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD), visualiing factors and their cause-and-effect relationships. Three Group Model Building sessions with 28 stakeholders (consumers, researchers, industry representatives, policymakers, interest group members) from the Netherlands informed the CLD. The Action Scales Model was used to categorize factors into system levels (events, structures, goals, and beliefs), providing insights into their potential for systemic change. The resulting CLD reveals the complexity of protein consumption across five interconnected subsystems: 1) Individual Aspects, 2) Social Interactions & Culture, 3) Physical Food Environment, 4) Food Industry & Natural Food Environment, and 5) Politics & Regulation. The high interconnectivity indicates isolated interventions are unlikely to be sufficient for systemic change, as feedback mechanisms may counteract or neutralize their effects. Addressing multiple elements across the system is thus essential to accelerate the protein transition. This study provides a foundation for understanding the system dynamics shaping consumption of animal- and plant-based protein sources. However, further research is needed to incorporate quantitative weighting, determine the relative importance of mechanisms and identify leverage points for systemic change to guide policy development.

Assessing the impact of outdoor farming, farm size, and farm density on highly pathogenic avian influenza epidemics: A modelling study in the Netherlands.

Early separation of mother and offspring remains common in the beef cattle industry, despite several reported animal health and welfare concerns related to this practice. Public and research interest in extending the cow-calf contact period in the dairy industry is increasing. However, few published works have described weaning as a behavioural process as it occurs naturally between cows and calves towards full nutritional independence, perhaps due to this commonly practiced early separation of cow and calf. Understanding the role of domestic cow and calf behaviours towards weaning will support management of weaning in a way which is better aligned with the natural process. We aimed to 1) identify and describe suckling and cow-calf behaviour around suckling in beef cattle (Aberdeen Angus (AA), AA – White Park crosses), and 2) ascertain how the identified behaviours changed as weaning progressed. To inform our first aim, one herd of 73 AA – White Park cows and their current and past offspring was observed from October to November 2017. The herd was managed as a single group, in an extensive outdoor natural weaning system with calves left with their mothers. To inform our second aim, sixteen cow-calf dyads (mean calf age 9.9 months, range 7-11; mean parity 1.7, range 1-6) within the larger herd of 73 were observed during suckling from first light until darkness once per week for five weeks. During the behaviour identification, thirty behaviours performed by the cow, calf, or dyad were identified by focal sampling. An ethogram containing these behaviours was created, and the progression of each behaviour was tracked over time by scanning the herd until a suckling dyad was observed and subsequently carrying out focal sampling of that dyad (January – February 2018). These behaviours were grouped into seven behavioural categories for further analysis (informing aim 2); cow walk, cow still, cow move, cow stationary movement, kick calf, calf seeking, and calf move. Each of these categories were included in univariate two-level models as dependent variables. Each category was the dependent variable in two models, where the independent variables were either ‘days until calving’ or ‘days since calving’. The independent variables were selected to represent 1) weaning being driven by offspring maturity and 2) weaning being driven by gestational state of the dam. We found that behaviours related to the cow terminating the suckling bout increased and behaviours linked to the calf terminating suckling decreased as time passed from the previous until the next calving. We also found an increase in “kick calf” behaviour as the birth date of the next calf approached, and that the duration of cow’s stationary behaviour during suckling bouts increased and duration of cow’s and calf’s mobile behaviour decreased as time passed from the previous calving. Overall, few empirical works have explored the natural weaning process in domestic cattle, despite large interest in increased cow-calf contact within the cattle industry. This study presents an investigation of these behaviours as a basis for future research and application. • Natural weaning in domestic cattle is not fully described as calves are often removed early • We aimed to identify unmanaged, natural suckling and weaning behaviours and describe changes over time • Thirty behaviours performed by the cow, calf or dyad were identified • Behaviours where the cow terminated suckling increased over time • Behaviours where the calf terminated suckling decreased over time

Tarsus length as a simple and robust candidate for early sex determination in partridges across contrasting growing contexts: a case study in Rock partridge (Alectoris graeca Meisner, 1804).

Farmer-veterinarian interaction as multi-level situated learning: Negotiating health, risk, and responsibility in intensive pig farming - a scoping review.

Selecting cattle for enhanced resistance to ticks is essential for improving herd productivity and safeguarding animal welfare. In Brazilian production systems, tick resistance is a key factor influencing competitiveness in domestic and export-oriented beef chains. This study evaluated tick resistance in taurine and indicine cattle and their crossbreds in Rio Grande do Sul, a subtropical region where Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus infestation is highly prevalent and represents the only tick species parasitizing cattle. Breed-group differences in tick counts were quantified, and the potential of genomic tools to support the selection of more resistant animals was assessed. A repeated-measures mixed model was used to compare mean tick loads and to estimate direct, maternal, and heterotic effects. Nellore cattle exhibited the lowest mean tick counts (1.00 ± 0.24), followed by Angus × Nellore (3.66 ± 0.57), Nellore × Angus (4.34 ± 0.55), Caracu × Angus (8.24 ± 0.78), Angus (10.28 ± 0.94), Angus × Hereford (12.44 ± 1.37), Hereford (12.61 ± 1.38), and Hereford × Angus (12.92 ± 1.18). Heritability and repeatability for tick infestation were 0.165 ± 0.03 and 0.179 ± 0.05, respectively. A genome-wide association study identified genomic regions on chromosomes 3, 4, 5, 16, and 22 associated with variation in tick load. Candidate genes within these regions were characterized using MeSH enrichment analyses. The results reinforce the polygenic basis of tick resistance and demonstrate the relevance of genomic information for improving selection strategies in both purebred and crossbred cattle populations.

Analytical equivalence between standard and refined lethality neutralization protocols for snake antivenoms.

Small Genome-wide association study of insect bite hypersensitivity in Hucul horses.

Domestic cat overpopulation is a global concern, affecting animal welfare, biodiversity, and public health. Surgical castration remains the standard method for controlling tom reproduction, but has notable drawbacks. Gonacon, an anti-GnRH vaccine, offers a potential non-surgical alternative; however, evidence in pet toms in their natural habitats, alongside rabies vaccination, is scarce. Our objective was to evaluate the one-year safety, immunogenicity, and reproductive effects of combined Gonacon and rabies vaccination in owner-owned toms, and to compare responses between indoor and outdoor cats. Forty-two intact toms (age ≥6 months) were allocated to either Gonacon and rabies vaccination (n = 38) or surgical castration and rabies vaccination (n = 4). Toms remained under owner care in their natural habitats and were monitored at 0,3,6, and 12 months by clinical examination, testicular measurements, penile spine evaluation, serum testosterone, and owner reports. Twenty-five toms completed follow-up (22 Gonacon; 3 castration). Injection-site nodules occurred only with Gonacon (18.2 % vs. 0 %; P = 0.0410). Anti-GnRH seropositivity was detected in 77.3 %, 36.4 %, and 13.6 % of Gonacon-vaccinated toms at 3,6, and 12 months, respectively. Among responders (n = 17), 52.9 % were positive only at 3 months, 29.4 % up to 6 months, and 17.6 % throughout. Anti-GnRH levels tended to be lower in outdoor than indoor toms (P = 0.0688). Higher anti-GnRH levels were associated with reduced testosterone and penile spine regression. Rabies antibody levels remained above the protective immunity threshold (≥0.5 IU/mL) in all toms, but were lower in outdoor toms (P = 0.0228). Combined Gonacon-Rabies vaccination was safe, partially effective, and housing-dependent, offering real-world insights into feline reproductive management and preventive health.

Circulation of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) among cattle in the US as a result from spillover events from wild birds has been reported since 2024. The consequences have reduced animal welfare and milk production and increased human exposure to infections. With HPAIV detected in British sheep in March 2025 and bovine antibodies detected in Dutch dairy cow in January 2026, the threat of a wider spread in European ruminants has been underscored. To timely detect and react against the spread of HPAIV in cattle appearing in new regions, it is essential to assess the spatiotemporal risk from wild birds. We here utilised a previously developed spatiotemporal simulation model for avian influenza in birds in Denmark to assess the weekly risk of introduction to dairy herds in 10 by 10km squares. We estimated that the peak risk period for potential transmission to dairy herds is between January and March. Areas with the highest risk estimates include northern Jutland and southern Zealand, associated with a dense dairy population and the wild bird migration corridor, respectively. While these results likely represent a worst-case scenario, as many Danish herds are housed indoors during the peak risk months, the model provides a crucial benchmark for environmental infection pressure. The results can be used as a guideline for where and when to monitor for HPAIV introductions to dairy herds in Denmark.