Condition Score Research Articles

Genomic Prediction and Genome-Wide Association Studies for Productivity, Conformation and Heat Tolerance Traits in Tropical Smallholder Dairy Cows.

Genomic selection (GS) and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have not been investigated in Vietnamese dairy cattle, even for basic milk production traits, largely due to the scarcity of individual phenotype recording in smallholder dairy farms (SDFs). This study aimed to estimate heritability (h2) and test the applicability of GS and GWAS for milk production, body conformation and novel heat tolerance traits using single test day phenotypic data. Thirty-two SDFs located in either the north (a lowland vs. a highland) or the south (a lowland vs. a highland) of Vietnam were each visited for an afternoon and the next morning to collect phenotype data of all lactating cows (n = 345). Tail hair from each cow was sampled for subsequent genotyping with a 50K SNP chip at that same visit. Milk production traits (single-test day) were milk yield (MILK, kg/cow/day), energy corrected milk yield adjusted for body weight (ECMbw, kg/100 kg BW/day), fat (mFA, %), protein (mPR, %) and dry matter (mDM, %). Conformation traits were body weight (BW, kg) and body condition score (BCS, 1 = thin to 5 = obese). Heat tolerance traits were panting score (PS, 0 = normal to 4.5 = extremely heat-stressed) and infrared temperatures (IRTs, °C) at 11 areas on the external body surface of the cow (inner vulval lip, outer vulval surface, inner tail base surface, ocular area, muzzle, armpit area, paralumbar fossa area, fore udder, rear udder, forehoof and hind hoof), assessed by an Infrared Camera. Univariate linear mixed models and a 10-fold cross-validation approach were applied for GS. Univariate single SNP mixed linear models were applied for the GWAS. Estimated h2 (using the genotype information to build relationships among animals) were moderate (0.20-0.37) for ECMbw, mFA, mPR, mRE, BW, BCS and IRT at rear udder; low (0.08-0.19) for PS and other IRTs; and very low (≤ 0.07) for MILK, ECM and mDM. Accuracy of genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) was low (≤ 0.12) for MILK, ECM, mDM and IRT at hind hoof; and moderate to high (0.32-0.46) for all other traits. The most significant regions on chromosomes (BTA) associated with milk production traits were 0.47-1.18 Mb on BTA14. Moderate to high h2 and moderate accuracies of GEBVs for mFA, mPR, ECMbw, BCS, BW, PS and IRTs at rear udder and outer vulval surface suggested that GS using single test day phenotypic data could be applied for these traits. However, a greater sample size is required to decrease the bias of GEBVs by GS and increase the power of detecting significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) by GWAS.

Effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CBT LP3 and Bifidobacterium breve CBT BR3 supplementation on weight loss and gut microbiota of overweight dogs

The prevalence of obesity in dogs is increasing worldwide. This study evaluated the effects of a mixed probiotic formula on the weight, body condition score (BCS), blood metabolite profiles, and gut microbiota of overweight and obese dogs over a 12-week supplementation period to determine the anti-obesity effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CBT LP3 and Bifidobacterium breve CBT BR3. This was a community-based, randomized study that sampled 41 overweight and obese dogs with a veterinarian-determined BCS of 6 or more. The physical activity of all the subjects was measured using a pedometer designed exclusively for dogs. The food intake was measured using the developed application. Only the treatment group received the mixed probiotic formula twice daily (3 g per dose). A significant decrease in body weight (p < 0.0001), BCS (p < 0.0001), serum TG (p < 0.0001), serum TC (p = 0.0400), and serum leptin (p = 0.0252), and a significantly increased serum adiponectin levels (p = 0.0007) were observed in the treatment group compared with the values in the control group. Microbiota analysis showed that Lactiplantibacillus increased and Erysipelatoclostridium, Staphylococcus, and Gemella decreased more significantly in the treatment group than in the control group. These results suggested that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CBT LP3 and Bifidobacterium breve CBT BR3 may be effective in alleviating obesity in dogs.

Nesfatin-1 expression and blood plasma concentration in female dogs suffering from cystic endometrial hyperplasia and pyometra and its possible interaction with phoenixin-14

BackgroundNesfatin-1 is a neuropeptide that regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and may play a role in uterus function. It is co-expressed with other peptides, such as phoenixin, which can influence sex hormone secretion. Our previous research has confirmed that phoenixin-14 is involved in the development of cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and pyometra in dogs. Therefore, based on the similarities and interactions between these neuropeptides, we hypothesized that nesfatin-1 might also regulate the reproductive system in dogs. This study aimed to determine the expression of nesfatin-1 and its interaction with phoenixin-14 in dogs with CEH or pyometra compared to healthy females, and concerning animals’ body condition score (BCS 4–5/9 vs. BCS > 5/9).ResultsThe analysis of nesfatin-1 in the uterus of bitches consisted of qPCR, western blot and immunofluorescence assays, and ELISAs. The results showed significantly higher nesfatin-1 encoding gene, nucleobindin-2 mRNA (Nucb2) and nesfatin-1 protein expression in overweight females and those suffering from CEH or pyometra compared to healthy animals. The immunoreactivity of nesfatin-1 was elevated in the uteri of bitches with higher BCS > 5/9. Moreover, nesfatin-1 blood concentrations increased in all examined overweight bitches. In the case of phoenixin signals, we found opposite results, regardless of the female body condition score.ConclusionThe etiology of CEH and pyometra are not fully known, although we have expanded the level of knowledge with respect to the possible interaction of nesfatin-1 and phoenixin in female dogs’ uteri. They interact oppositely. With increasing female body weight, the expression of nesfatin-1 in the uterus and its peripheral blood concentration increased. However, for female dogs affected by CEH and pyometra, a decreased level of phoenixin-14, irrespective of their body condition score is characteristic. This knowledge could be crucial in the development of biomarkers for these conditions, which may lead to earlier recognition.

Efeito do uso da Promixalicina no controle de verminose e parâmetros sanguíneos de ovelhas

Sheep producers are increasingly looking for strategies to tackle the problem of worms in animals, as well as to improve the functioning of the animals' immune system. Therefore, two experiments were carried out, in two different properties (with high and low challenges in relation to verminosis) with the objective of, in both, evaluating the effect of using Ovine Promixalicin on OPG (Eggs per gram of Feces) and blood parameters of pregnant and non-pregnant sheep, on two different properties. The indication for use of the product is to, among others, contribute to the control of verminosis. The animals evaluated on the properties came from a pasture production system, with the use of concentrated and/or roughage supplementation if necessary. The animals used were of the Dorper, Texel, Ile de France and Sulfolk breed. The parameters evaluated were OPG, Famacha©, Body Condition Score and blood parameters (lymphocytes, leukocytes and erythrocytes). In relation to experiment one, with a low challenge in relation to worms, the use of Promyxalicin significantly helped to reduce worms and animal well-being, thus helping the herd to increase productive parameters such as weight gain and fertility. In experiment 2, a system with a high challenge in terms of verminosis, the animals remained uniform and controlled by the use of Promyxalicin, including beneficial results in relation to blood parameters, which did not increase during its use. Therefore, the use of Ovine Promixalicin does not alter the consumption of food by animals, as well as being effective in controlling verminosis, including Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colobriformis, Oesophagostomum columbianum e Strongyloides papillosus, promoting well-being and maintenance of the immune system, especially in pregnant animals, bringing benefits to the sheep production system.

Characterization of bone lesions and bone mineral density of roadkilled wild animals in the Brazilian semi-arid

Highways are one of the anthropogenic factors that have the greatest impact on terrestrial biodiversity. Barriers, depletion effects, and roads are the most common locations of wild animal roadkill, leading to biodiversity loss in wild vertebrates. However, the corpses of these animals can be used as opportunistic samples, an excellent source of information on topics such as population dynamics, which is one of the aims of road ecology. Nonetheless, there are only a few studies on injuries in roadkilled wild animals. Between 2018 and 2021, road monitoring was performed around three Federal Conservation Units in Brazil. Twenty-four animals, including birds, reptiles, and mammals, were collected. This study aims to characterize the lesions in wild animals that were roadkilled on roads in the Brazilian semi-arid region using necropsy and quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Also, the bone mineral density was measured using QCT and compared with the number of lesions and body condition score. Four types of bone lesions were found in 13 different bones, with an average of 3.25 lesions per bird and 3.75 lesions per reptile and mammal, with no statistical difference between the means (p &amp;gt; 0.05). Providing a database on the main injuries found in wild animals that are frequently roadkilled serves as an aid to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation professionals who contribute to the conservation of species. In addition, the data on road ecology serves as a basis for the implementation of mitigation measures against wildlife roadkills, also contributing to the conservation of species.

Effects of Boron Supplementation in Dairy Cow Close-Up Rations on Colostrum Quality and Certain Blood Metabolites in Calves.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of boron supplementation to the diet during the close-up period and the first postpartum day on postpartum colostrum quality, immunoglobulin levels in colostrum, and certain calf blood parameters in dairy cattle (n = 21). Two experimental groups and one control (C) group were formed. Boron at 300ppm (T-300) and 600ppm (T-600) was added to the experimental rations. The daily dry matter intake (DMI), body condition score (BCS) of dairy cattle, and body weight (BW) of calves were recorded. Colostrum samples were collected during the first 2 postpartum milkings, and their components were determined. Blood samples were collected from calves at 24 and 48hours after colostrum feeding. The addition of boron to rations during the close-up dry period increased the DMI of cows and the BW of calves born to the T-600 group (p < 0.05). The addition of boron to the rations changed the total protein (TP) and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) values in the calf blood samples taken 48hours after birth from those of the control group (p < 0.05). The differences between the blood boron values of the experimental and control groups at 24 and 48hours after colostrum and colostrum feeding were significant (p < 0.05). At the first milking after birth, the colostrum DM value and density were highest in the T-600 group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, due to the high density value of colostrum according to the quality classification of colostrum in the first postpartum milking and the increase in calf blood IgG levels at 48 hours compared to the control group, it may be considered to add up to 600 ppm boron to the rations of cows close-up period in order to improve calf health and prevent calf losses due to colostrum quality.

Success of Artificial Insemination in Rural Area Cows

Biotechnologies of reproduction like artificial insemination were identified as a mean to intensify the local production. Therefore, some factors are still responsible to the failure of their applications in rural area. This survey was conducted from April to June 2023, to evaluate the effects of age, body weight, body condition score (BCS), calving rank, postpartum to artificial insemination interval and feed complementation on the success rate of artificial insemination in females Goudali. Thus, activities took place at two peri-urban livestock farms in the town of Ngaoundéré, in the Adamaoua region of Cameroon where 34 cows were concerned. The selected cows have an average of 8.21±2.41 years old, a body weight of 343±52.28 kg, a body condition score of 3.23±0.55, a calving rank of 2.21±1.22 and a postpartum to insemination interval of 4.39±1.40 months. The induction and synchronization of estrus were carried out based on the PRID-PGF2α-PMSG protocol which allowed to obtain a synchronization rate of 97.06% and the insemination were done 56-57 hours after the previous operation, with an imported semen of Brahman bull. During rectal palpation and early pregnancy diagnosis based on progesterone level measurement, the result shown that, 20 cows out of 33 inseminated were pregnant. The success rate of artificial insemination recorded was 60.6%. Amongst all the studied factors, analysis shown no significant (P&amp;gt; 0.05) effect on the success rate after artificial insemination. Thus, recommendations were made to popularize the use of artificial insemination and early pregnancy diagnosis test as a mean to improve reproductive performances of local farms. However, studies must be done to evaluate the cost of their applications in rural areas.

Interobserver variability of assessing body condition scores and muscle condition scores in a population of 43 active working explosive detection dogs

Interobserver variability of assessing body condition scores and muscle condition scores in a population of 43 active working explosive detection dogs

Where do all the ewes go? Ewe culling and mortality in 34 sheep flocks in New Zealand

ABSTRACT Aims To describe rates of and reasons for culling and mortality of ewes between breeding and mid-lactation on New Zealand sheep farms; to investigate associations of these variables with farm demographic variables; and to describe rates of and reasons for culling of ewes at weaning. Methods Participants were a convenience sample of 34 farms from across New Zealand. Demographic data were initially collected for each farm via a questionnaire administered in-person to the flock owner or manager. During approximately 8 months from breeding to mid-lactation, ewe tally, culling and mortality data were collected and used to calculate various parameters related to flock performance and to investigate associations. During the main ewe-culling event at weaning, ewe-culling data were collected from 29/34 flocks participating in the study. Results There was considerable variation between flocks, but the between-flock mean replacement percentage was 29.2 (SD 5.0)%. Overall, a between-flock mean of 10.5 (SD 4.6)% of ewes presented for breeding were culled or dead/missing by mid-lactation and thus did not rear any lambs. Additionally, from 27 flocks that reported data on ewes’ success at rearing lambs, a between-flock mean of 3.9 (SD 2.5)% of ewes that remained alive at mid-lactation failed to rear any lambs, resulting in an overall between-flock mean loss of 23.1 (SD 6.3) potential lambs per 100 ewes. Two-thirds of ewe mortalities between breeding and mid-lactation occurred during the lambing period. Model results showed flocks with higher pregnancy scanning percentages had lower rates of culling and mortality between breeding and mid-lactation. However, apart from farm contour, from breeding to mid-lactation there were no associations for culling and mortality with farm size, flock size, number of ewes per labour unit, whether ewe hoggets (7–9 months of age) were presented for breeding, or duration of the breeding period. A between-flock mean of 16.5 (SD 8.3)% of ewes present at weaning were culled, and among mixed-age ewes, the most common reasons for culling at this time were age, incisor teeth defects and udder defects. Conclusions To reduce unnecessary ewe culling and mortality, attention should be focused on maximising conception rates, ensuring judicious culling decisions, optimising body condition score, and identifying farm-specific causes of death over the lambing period to facilitate targeted intervention strategies. Clinical relevance Identifying why and when ewes exit flocks, and comparing it with the data presented here, will facilitate the development of flock-specific interventions to reduce ewe culling and mortality. Abbreviations BCS: Body condition score; NI: North Island; SI: South Island

Effect of Vaccination Against E. coli, C. perfringens Type A/C on Piglet Productive and Clinical Parameters Under Field Conditions.

Background: One of the main strategies to control neonatal porcine diarrhoea (NPD) is through vaccination of the sows. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of two commercial vaccination schemes under field conditions on a farm where a C. perfringens type A cpb2-positive strain was implicated in NPD. Methods: This study was performed in a farrow-to-wean herd with 5500 sows, already using an E. coli and C. perfringens vaccine but still suffering NPD. Where the presence of a C. perfringens type A cpb2-positive strain was confirmed, Enteroporc Coli AC® (Ceva) was administrated to the sows in group A according to the manufacturer's instructions. Sows in group B were vaccinated using two other combined commercial vaccines. In each group, piglets from 10 litters were ear-tagged and individually weighed at birth and at 8 and 22 days of age. The incidence of diarrhoea, general piglet body condition, and antimicrobial treatment were recorded within 10 consecutive days after birth. Results: A total of 234 piglets (119 in group A and 115 in group B) were included. The mean weight gain of piglets from birth to 22 days of age was significantly higher in group A (4.99 kg) than in group B (4.66 kg) (p = 0.039). The rest of the recorded parameters such as the presence of diarrhoea, the piglet's body condition score, and the number of days with antimicrobial treatment did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions: This study confirmed the efficiency of the Enteroporc Coli AC® vaccine in reducing clinical symptoms of diarrhoea in piglets, which was comparable with the other vaccines used in the study. The positive effect on piglets' productive performance during the lactation phase was observed.

Associations between Ornithodoros spp. Ticks and Mojave Desert Tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) Obtained from Health Assessment Documents.

Soft ticks in the genus Ornithodoros occur throughout the Mojave Desert in southern Nevada, southeastern California, and parts of southwestern Utah and northwestern Arizona, USA, and are frequently observed parasitizing Mojave desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii). However, limited research exists examining the relationship between ticks and desert tortoises. Mojave desert tortoises are listed as threatened by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and as such, their populations are monitored and individual tortoise health is routinely assessed. These health assessments document the presence and abundance of ticks present on tortoises, but detailed examination of the relationship between ticks and tortoise health has been lacking. This study analyzed the relationship between tick presence and desert tortoise health assessments as a function of season, location, age (adult vs. juvenile), foraging behavior, evidence of clinical signs of disease, body condition score, and sex. Our results indicate that more ticks were found on tortoises in the summer than in any other season. Ticks were observed more frequently on captive tortoises versus wild tortoises, and more ticks were likely to be present on adult tortoises than on juveniles. Ticks were also more likely to be observed on tortoises that lacked evidence of foraging and on tortoises with observed clinical signs of disease. These findings provide valuable insights into the biology of ticks in relation to tortoises that may be useful for management of both captive and free-living threatened tortoise populations where ticks are detected. Our study also may improve understanding of potential tick-borne disease dynamics in the Mojave desert tortoise habitat, including Borrelia sp. carried by Ornithodoros ticks, which cause tick-borne relapsing fever in people.

Revisiting Panel Data Binary Choice Models with Lagged Dependent Variables*

This paper revisits the identification and estimation of a class of semiparametric (distribution-free) panel data binary choice models with lagged dependent variables, exogenous covariates, and entity fixed effects. We provide a novel identification strategy, using an “identification at infinity” argument. In contrast with the celebrated Honoré and Kyriazidou (2000), our method permits time trends of any form and does not suffer from the “curse of dimensionality”. We propose an easily implementable conditional maximum score estimator. The asymptotic properties of the proposed estimator are fully characterized. A small-scale Monte Carlo study demonstrates that our approach performs satisfactorily in finite samples. We illustrate the usefulness of our method by presenting an empirical application to enrollment in private hospital insurance using the Household, Income and Labor Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey data.

How the technologies behind self-driving cars, social networks, ChatGPT, and DALL-E2 are changing structural biology.

The performance of deep Neural Networks (NNs) in the text (ChatGPT) and image (DALL-E2) domains has attracted worldwide attention. Convolutional NNs (CNNs), Large Language Models (LLMs), Denoising Diffusion Probabilistic Models (DDPMs)/Noise Conditional Score Networks (NCSNs), and Graph NNs (GNNs) have impacted computer vision, language editing and translation, automated conversation, image generation, and social network management. Proteins can be viewed as texts written with the alphabet of amino acids, as images, or as graphs of interacting residues. Each of these perspectives suggests the use of tools from a different area of deep learning for protein structural biology. Here, I review how CNNs, LLMs, DDPMs/NCSNs, and GNNs have led to major advances in protein structure prediction, inverse folding, protein design, and small molecule design. This review is primarily intended as a deep learning primer for practicing experimental structural biologists. However, extensive references to the deep learning literature should also make it relevant to readers who have a background in machine learning, physics or statistics, and an interest in protein structural biology.

An Alternative Approach for Treating Female Underactive Bladders with Chronic Urine Retention: A Pilot Study on Combined Transvaginal Ultrasound-Guided Botulinum Toxin A External Sphincter Injection and Transurethral Incision of the Bladder Neck.

Background: Treating an underactive bladder (UAB) is challenging. Previously, we introduced a more precise method of transvaginal ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injection into the external urethral sphincter as a treatment option for patients with UABs. Although many patients experience good results, those with an UAB and excessive residual urine still require catheterization. Therefore, we developed a new method that combines transvaginal ultrasound-guided BoNT-A injection with a transurethral bladder neck incision. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 16 patients who experienced symptoms of UAB and chronic urine retention. The treatment consisted of a combination of transvaginal ultrasound-guided BoNT-A injection and a transurethral incision of the bladder neck (TUI-BN). The primary objective was to assess the efficacy of this combined treatment in improving symptoms in women with UABs. Results: Our study demonstrated significant improvements after treatment, including increased voiding volume, decreased post-void residual (PVR) urine, and improved voiding efficiency. The frequency of clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) decreased at 1 and 3 months post-surgery, along with improvements in the AUA symptoms score and the Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) score. Conclusions: Our study showed significant improvements in the surgical treatment of UABs using a combination of transvaginal ultrasound-guided BoNT-A and TUI-BN.

Effects of fibrolytic and amylolytic compound enzyme preparation on rumen fermentation, serum parameters and production performance in primiparous early-lactation dairy cows.

This research communication reports the effects of a compound enzyme preparation consisting of fibrolytic (cellulase 3500 CU/g, xylanase 2000 XU/g, β-glucanase 17 500 GU/g) and amylolytic (amylase 37 000 AU/g) enzymes on nutrient intake, rumen fermentation, serum parameters and production performance in primiparous early-lactation (47 ± 2 d) dairy cows. Twenty Holstein-Friesian cows in similar body condition scores were randomly divided into control (CON, n = 10) and experimental (EXP, n = 10) groups in a completely randomized single-factor design. CON was fed a basal total mixed ration diet and EXP was dietary supplemented with compound enzyme preparation at 70 g/cow/d. The experiment lasted 4 weeks, with 3 weeks for adaptation and then 1 week for measurement. Enzyme supplementation significantly increased diet non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) content as well as dry matter intake (DMI) and NFC intake (P < 0.05). EXP had increased ruminal butyrate and isobutyrate percentages (P < 0.01) but decreased propionate and valerate percentages (P < 0.05), as well as increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity and albumin concentration (P ≤ 0.01). Additionally, EXP had increased milk yield (0.97 kg/d), 4% fat corrected milk yield and energy corrected milk yield, as well as milk fat and protein yield (P < 0.01). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with a fibrolytic and amylolytic compound enzyme preparation increased diet NFC content, DMI and NFC intake, affected rumen fermentation by increasing butyrate proportion at the expense of propionate, and enhanced milk performance in primiparous early-lactation dairy cows.

Respiratory Intervals and Swimming Speed as Remotely Sensed Health Metrics in Free-Ranging Killer Whales (Orcinus orca).

Respiratory rate (mean number of breaths per minute) and respiratory interval (mean time between breaths) can offer insight into a diving mammal's activity state, metabolic rate, behavior, and synchronization due to social cohesion. Also, respiratory rate can reflect an individual animal's health and has the potential to be an informative remotely assessed health metric for monitoring individual animal health in endangered whale species and populations such as southern resident killer whales (Orcinus orca). Using data collected from noninvasive, land-based theodolite tracking, we analyzed swimming speed and surfacing intervals (i.e., mean dive time or mean time between breaths) from 20,613 surfacings of 98 individuals from two populations of the fish-eating, resident killer whale ecotype, namely, one growing (northern resident) and one declining and endangered (southern resident) population. Focal animal sampling was used to measure behavior of individuals of known age and sex in various activity states. Our objective was to evaluate variability and generate normal ranges for respiratory intervals and swimming speeds for killer whales of the Northeast Pacific Ocean resident, fish-eating ecotype to identify baseline respiratory intervals. We found that median respiratory intervals for fish-eating killer whales were between 26 and 29 s for all activity states and that swimming speeds varied by activity state. Median swimming speeds were similar for foraging and traveling (1.6 and 1.7 m/s, respectively), but were significantly slower during resting (1.1 m/s) and social activity (1.3 m/s) states. Three southern resident killer whales in poor body condition (had body condition scores in the lowest 20th percentile of the population) swam at reduced speeds and had shorter median respiratory intervals than outwardly healthy whales of similar age and sex. Respiratory rates, respiratory intervals, and swimming speeds are valuable remotely sensed metrics of health for free-swimming killer whales, especially when combined with other metrics as is the standard in veterinary examinations.

Investigating the impact of biochar on methane gas emissions and its effect on enteric fermentation

This study aims to evaluate the impact of biochar on methane gas emissions and to investigate its effect on enteric fermentation. Methane gas emissions from Naeemi ewes' ruminants were measured, with animals divided into two groups, each containing 14 ewes. The treatment group was fed a combination of biochar and a basal ration, while the control group received the basal ration alone. The results demonstrate that the initial gas emission for both animal groups at day 0 was 1082 ppm, and the inclusion of biochar in the diet significantly (P < 0.05) reduced CH4 gas emissions by 65.58 %–78.39%. Furthermore, feeding Naeemi sheep with biochar and the basal ration led to a significant (P < 0.05) increase in body weight (63.66 kg) and growth rate (length: 79.3 cm, waist: 81.75 cm, and height: 99.76 cm) compared to the control group. Additionally, it raised the average body condition score (BCS) to 3.56, in contrast to the control group's score of 2.83, primarily due to the positive impact of biochar on fat gain. The study revealed that biochar enhances nutrient utilization, improves feed efficiency, and significantly reduces methane gas emissions in livestock. When incorporated into the sheep's diet, biochar can modify digestive processes and promote better nutrient absorption.

Relationship between morphometric measurements and blood parameters in horses with varying adiposity levels and physiological conditions.

Understanding and finding the correlation between morphometric measurements and horse blood parameters is crucial for predicting equine metabolic issues. This study aims to analyse morphometric measurements and blood samples in horses with varying adiposity levels. Cross-sectional observational. A total of 50 horses were included in the study and categorized into groups based on their body condition score (BCS) and cresty neck score (CNS). The insulin concentration was significantly higher in overweight horses (p=0.022). Female horses exhibited higher cortisol concentrations (p=0.025) and girth circumference at the withers (p=0.004) compared to males. Lactating mares exhibited higher concentrations of serum total protein (p=0.012) and globulin (p=0.003). A positive correlation was observed between BCS and insulin concentrations (r=0.290, p=0.041). Negative correlations were found between neck circumference to height at withers and glucose (r=-0.309, p=0.029), CNS and glucose (r=-0.315, p=0.026) as well as between crest diameter and cortisol (r=-0.360, p=0.01). Increasing the sample size and conducting longitudinal studies would enhance the study's validity and reliability. Although insulin, glucose and cortisol concentrations have predictive capabilities based on signs and certain morphometric measurements, their correlations are not always strong. Therefore, this study challenges the notion that all overweight horses are unhealthy, as overweight horses can still have good metabolic health. Conversely, lean horses may also experience metabolic issues. Hence, relying solely on visual cues is insufficient to diagnose the metabolic status of horses. Other factors must also be considered to assess their health status accurately.

Evidence-Based Recommendations for Effective Enrichment to Improve the Welfare of Caged Hens Used for Research and Teaching Purposes

Currently, there are no guidelines on housing or recommendations for practical environmental enrichments for chickens used for research and teaching purposes. This study was conducted to identify optimal enrichment programs to improve the health and welfare of caged hens used for teaching and research purposes. The 24-week-old Hy-line Brown laying hens (n = 168) were allocated at random to six enrichment programs/treatments with 14 replicate cages of two birds per cage during a 5-week experiment. Hens had physical access to the following treatments: no enrichment provided (control); round, wooden perches provided (perch); scratch pads made of wood and covered with sandpaper provided (scratch pad); hanging CDs provided (hanging CD); all three enrichment forms provided (complex environment); and each enrichment form provided on a 2-week rotation (novelty). While the egg quality was consistent, the complex group had a significantly lower feed intake (p &lt; 0.001) but similar egg mass; thus, they also had a lower feed conversion ratio (p &lt; 0.001). Additionally, hens in the complex treatment group had the leanest average body weight at week 5 (p &lt; 0.01). It should be noted that while some measures of welfare did show significant differences, the biological or practical difference may be negligible, as in the case of the body condition score in this study. The results show that providing three different forms of environmental enrichment had positive effects on the welfare, health condition, and laying performance of laying hens relative to no enrichment or only one enrichment item.

Earthquake Predictability and Forecast Evaluation Using Likelihood-Based Marginal and Conditional Scores

Abstract Earthquake probability forecasts are typically based on simulations of seismicity generated by statistical (point process) models or direct calculation when feasible. To systematically assess various aspects of such forecasts, the Collaborative Studies on Earthquake Predictability testing center has utilized N- (number), M- (magnitude), S- (space), conditional likelihood-, and T- (Student’s t) tests to evaluate earthquake forecasts in a gridded space–time range. This article demonstrates the correct use of point process likelihood to evaluate forecast performance covering marginal and conditional scores, such as numbers, occurrence times, locations, magnitudes, and correlations among space–time–magnitude cells. The results suggest that for models that only rely on the internal history but not on external observation to do simulation, such as the epidemic-type aftershock sequence model, test and scoring can be rigorously implemented via the likelihood function. Specifically, gridding the space domain unnecessarily complicates testing, and evaluating spatial forecasting directly via marginal likelihood might be more promising.