Livestock Animals Research Articles

Myiasis in a Backyard Pig: A Case Report

Background: Myiasis is a parasitic infestation of livestock animals caused by dipteran larvae. The presence of wounds, lack of hygiene on the farm, and temperate climatic conditions contribute to myiasis. Swine can be infested by myiasis if injured pigs are not treated properly and failure to treat myiasis in time may cause the culling or death of the pigs, resulting in huge economic loss to the farmers. But like humans and other farm animals, pigs also deserve to be treated and cured of any suffering or disease. Therefore, this study is documented on pig myiasis and its management because to date a few cases have been reported on it. Case presentation: This case report documented the successful management of neck myiasis in a male, 9-month-old, 12-kg-weighing backyard pig. The wound site was cleaned using antiseptics and maggots were removed. The site was treated with turpentine oil, and ivermectin at 0.2 mg/kg B.W. and S/C. A combination of streptomycin (12.5 mg/kg B.W.) and penicillin (20000 IU/kg B.W.) was used IM daily for 5 days to prevent secondary bacterial infection. The wound was dressed regularly on every alternate day until the complete removal of maggots and the formation of granulation tissue. Conclusion: Through proper therapeutic management, the backyard pig’s neck myiasis wound was successfully healed in 10 days without any complications.

Preferences for livestock bedding as a development substrate of the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans L. (Diptera: Muscidae), and potential application of entomopathogenic nematodes for controlling stable fly larvae.

The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans L. (Diptera: Muscidae), is a significant insect pest with global veterinary implications due to its capacity to both cause nuisance and transmit disease-causing pathogens to livestock. This study aimed to determine the livestock bedding preferred for use as a development substrate by S. calcitrans larvae and field-collected adults. The result showed that S. calcitrans larvae exhibited a preference (26.7%) for 7-day-old cow manure. Gravid females displayed a pronounced preference (55.0%) for fresh cow manure. As there were eight choices, indifference would result in 12.5% for each bedding substrate. Furthermore, the efficacy of four entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), namely Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Poinar), Heterorhabditis indica Poinar, Karunakar & David (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae), Steinernema siamkayai Poinar, Karunakar & David and Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae), against S. calcitrans larvae and the persistence after application to livestock bedding substrates were evaluated under laboratory conditions. In filter paper bioassays, all four EPNs caused 76.7%-100.0% mortality in the second instar larvae of S. calcitrans when applied at 50 and 100 infective juveniles (IJs)/cm2 within 5 days after exposure. For the third instar larvae of S. calcitrans, only H. indica induced high mortalities of 86.6% when applied at 100 IJs/cm2 within 5 days after exposure, while the other EPNs resulted in mortalities of less than 70%. The data further demonstrated that H. bacteriophora, H. indica and S. siamkayai remained present in the substrates linked to S. calcitrans larvae for as long as 7 days after the application of EPNs. This study demonstrates the potential of EPNs as a biologically based control agent against larvae of S. calcitrans, a serious pest and significant vector for various livestock animals.

Therapeutic potential of probiotics to counter Campylobacter infections: An In vitro and In vivo evaluation in mice

Probiotics, including Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), have gained considerable attention due to their potential health benefits for humans and animal livestock. This research aimed to isolate probiotic bacteria of human origin and explore their therapeutic potential against Campylobacter strains, which are recognized as the leading bacterial cause of human gastroenteritis worldwide. A collection of 230 LAB isolates from human stools were screened for the ability of cell free supernatants to inhibit the growth of three strains of C. jejuni and a C. coli. Co-culture and agar-well diffusion assays identified seven isolates with inhibitory activity against Campylobacter ssp., which were characterized as probiotic strains by their tolerance to pH 2 and bile salts, and then identified as Enterococcus spp. using 16S rRNA gene sequencing E. faecalis NM231, E. faecium NM234, E. faecium NM233, E. faecium NM113, E. durans NM232, E. faecalis NM235, and E. faecium NM236. In vivo evaluation was undertaken by the oral administration of selected probiotics to groups of mice prior to challenge with C. jejuni. Histopathological examinations showed challenge groups receiving either mixed probiotics or E. faecium NM234 were protected against C. jejuni-induced jejunal, colonic, ovarian and uterine tissue damage. Immunohistochemical detection of the challenged mice revealed the presence of C. jejuni antigen in jejunal, colonic, ovarian and uterine sections but was absent in mice receiving either mixed probiotics or E. faecium NM234. This study introduces E. faecium NM234 as a promising probiotic against Campylobacter.

Evaluation of anthelmintic efficacy of ethanolic leaf extract of Juglans regia L. on Ascaridia galli: a comprehensive in vitro and in vivo study.

Anthelmintic resistance in livestock animals has been spreading across the world in prevalence and severity. As a result, researchers are exploring alternative strategies to combat this issue, and one promising avenue is the utilization of medicinal plants. This study aims to investigate the anthelmintic efficacy of the crude ethanolic extract (CEE) derived from the leaves of Juglans regia against one of the most detrimental nematode parasites affecting poultry, namely Ascaridia galli (A. galli). For the in vitro studies, adult A. galli worms were collected from the naturally infected chickens and the efficacy of CEE was measured at the concentration of 25, 50, and 100mg/ml using adult worm motility inhibition (WMI) assay. In addition, levamisole (0.55mg/ml) was used as the positive control. Likewise, Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was used as the negative control. For the in vivo studies, CEE of J.regia at the doses of 500, 1000, and 2000mg/kg were evaluated in chickens experimentally infected with A. galli. The anthelmintic efficacy was monitored using faecal egg count reduction (FECR) and worm count reduction (WCR) assays. In vitro studies revealed significant (P < 0.001) anthelmintic effects of CEE of J.regia on the motility of A. galli worms at different hours post-exposure. At the concentration of 100mg/ml, CEE resulted in 96.5% inhibition of worm motility at 24h post-exposure. While the synthetic anthelmintic drug, levamisole caused the highest inhibition of worm motility (100%) at the same time period. The in vivo anthelmintic activity of CEE of J. regia demonstrated a maximum effect on day 14 post-treatment by inducing 67.28% FECR and 65.03% WCR. We observed no significant difference (P > 0.05) in worm counts between the negative control group and the chickens treated with CEE at the dosage of 500mg/kg. Together, the results of the present study suggest that CEE of J. regia leaves possess anthelmintic properties and could be a potential source of novel anthelmintic compounds for controlling helminth parasites.

Complete genome sequence of the linezolid-resistant clinical Enterococcus faecalis N23-3408 linked to a livestock lineage in Switzerland.

Here, we report the complete genome of human clinical linezolid-resistant Enterococcus faecalis N23-3408. N23-3408 harbored a 59.5 kb plasmid with antimicrobial resistance genes cat, erm(B), fexA, optrA, tet(L), and tet(M). Closely related E. faecalis harboring this plasmid was previously obtained from livestock animals and pet food in Switzerland.

Insights into the involvement of male Hyalomma anatolicum ticks in transmitting Anaplasma marginale, lumpy skin disease virus and Theileria annulata.

Ticks can transmit viruses, bacteria, and parasites to humans, livestock, and pet animals causing tick-borne diseases (TBDs) mechanically or biologically in the world. Lumpy skin disease virus, Anaplasma marginale, and Theileria annulata inflict severe infections in cattle, resulting in significant economic losses worldwide. The study investigated the potential transmissions of LSDV, A. marginale, and T. annulata through male Hyalomma anatolicum ticks in cattle calves. Two 6-month-old Holstein crossbred calves designated as A and B were used. On day 1, 15 uninfected female ticks (IIa) and infected batch of 40 male ticks (I) were attached on calf A for 11 days. Filial transmission of the infections was observed in female ticks (IIb) collected from calf A, where 8 female ticks had been co-fed with infected male ticks. The blood sample of calf B was found positive through PCR for the infections. The larvae and egg pools obtained from the infected ticks were also tested positive in PCR. The study confirmed the presence of these mixed pathogens and potential intra-stadial and transovarial transmissions of A. marginale, T. annulata, and LSDV in male and female ticks of H. anatolicum and experimental calves to establish the feasibility of infections through an in vivo approach.

Choice heuristics and livestock farmers' preference heterogeneity for Rift Valley fever vaccines in Uganda

Rapid spread and erratic outbreaks of Rift Valley fever (RVF) disease across the African continent continues to pose serious threat to animal, public health, and regional livestock trade. Failure to institute timely control measures will have serious implications on food security and livelihoods. Among existing control options for the disease, vaccines are reported to be the most cost-effective. However, no RVF vaccines are currently registered for use in Uganda. Prior to approval, reservations exist concerning the uptake of vaccines by farmers as they have to weigh in several features and associated risks before acceptance. This study utilizes data from 444 livestock farming households in Uganda to elicit farmers’ preference heterogeneity and the influence of choice heuristics on their preferences for RVF vaccines. The empirical results reveal that two livestock farmer segments exist with respect to RVF vaccine preference. The single dose vaccine attribute is the most highly valued by farmers. Further, livestock farmers’ conditional perceptions and risk attitudes play a major role in vaccine choice decisions. The paper highlights the need for careful consideration of livestock farmers’ preference heterogeneities and intrinsic motivations such as risk attitudes and conditional perceptions when designing policy instruments for the promotion of RVF vaccination programmes.

Attitudes of South Korean consumers toward the prudent use of antimicrobials in livestock animals

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock is a complicated and multi-sectoral risk that threatens public health in the interactions between humans, animals, and environment. Through their increased awareness of AMR issues, consumers can make a significant impact on regulations and strategies to reduce or eliminate the use of antimicrobials use. This study aims to provide evidence-based data for promoting the prudent use of antimicrobials (PUA) in the livestock industry to reduce the risk of AMR and increase animal welfare by identifying consumers' intentions to support PUA practices in livestock farming. An online survey was conducted on 1000 respondents in South Korea to examine their intention to pay more for PUA practices in livestock farming at state and individual levels against their pro-animal attitude, risk perception of antimicrobial overuse, trust in antimicrobial overuse control, and perceived value of PUA practices. The survey data was analyzed using multiple linear regression to identify the determinants of Korean consumers' support for PUA practices. Approximately 86.3% of the respondents supported government-level spending for PUA in livestock farming, and the same portion of respondents intended to pay more for livestock products that complied with the PUA principle. The four attitudinal variables—pro-animal attitude, consumers' risk perception, trust in antimicrobial resistance control, and perceived value of PUA—positively affected both state- and individual-level support. Overall, our findings highlight the Korean consumers' demand for reducing the risk of AMR and their perceived universal value of PUA for humans and animals.

Laminin as a Key Extracellular Matrix for Proliferation, Differentiation, and Maturation of Porcine Muscle Stem Cell Cultivation.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins play a crucial role in culturing muscle stem cells (MuSCs). However, there is a lack of extensive research on how each of these proteins influences proliferation and differentiation of MuSCs from livestock animals. Therefore, we investigated the effects of various ECM coatings-collagen, fibronectin, gelatin, and laminin-on the proliferation, differentiation, and maturation of porcine MuSCs. Porcine MuSCs, isolated from 14-day-old Berkshire piglets, were cultured on ECM-coated plates, undergoing three days of proliferation followed by three days of differentiation. MuSCs on laminin showed higher proliferation rate than others (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the mRNA expression levels of PAX7, MYF5, and MYOD among MuSCs on laminin, collagen, and fibronectin (p>0.05). During the differentiation period, MuSCs cultured on laminin exhibited a significantly higher differentiation rate, resulting in thicker myotubes compared to those on other ECMs (p<0.05). Also, MuSCs on laminin showed higher expression of mRNA related with maturated muscle fiber such as MYH1 and MYH4 corresponding to muscle fiber type IIx and muscle fiber type IIb, respectively, compared with MuSCs on other ECM coatings (p<0.05). In summary, our comparison of ECMs revealed that laminin significantly enhances MuSC proliferation and differentiation, outperforming other ECMs. Specifically, muscle fibers cultured on laminin exhibited a more mature phenotype. These findings underscore laminin's potential to advance in vitro muscle research and cultured meat production, highlighting its role in supporting rapid cell proliferation, higher differentiation rates, and the development of mature muscle fibers.

Quantifying cost of disease in livestock: a new metric for the Global Burden of Animal Diseases

Increasing awareness of the environmental and public health impacts of expanding and intensifying animal-based food and farming systems creates discord, with the reliance of much of the world's population on animals for livelihoods and essential nutrition. Increasing the efficiency of food production through improved animal health has been identified as a step towards minimising these negative effects without compromising global food security. The Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) programme aims to provide data and analytical methods to support positive change in animal health across all livestock and aquaculture animal populations. In this study, we present a metric that begins the process of disease burden estimation by converting the physical consequences of disease on animal performance to farm-level costs of disease, and calculates a metric termed the Animal Health Loss Envelope (AHLE) via comparison between the status quo and a disease-free ideal. An example calculation of the AHLE metric for meat production from broiler chickens is provided. The AHLE presents the direct financial costs of disease at farm-level for all causes by estimating losses and expenditure in a given farming system. The general specification of the model measures productivity change at farm-level and provides an upper bound on productivity change in the absence of disease. On its own, it gives an indication of the scale of total disease cost at farm-level. The AHLE is an essential stepping stone within the GBADs programme because it connects the physical performance of animals in farming systems under different environmental and management conditions and different health states to farm economics. Moving forward, AHLE results will be an important step in calculating the wider monetary consequences of changes in animal health as part of the GBADs programme. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, EU Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme.

Reverse Zoonotic Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and Monkeypox Virus: A Comprehensive Review.

Reverse zoonosis reveals the process of transmission of a pathogen through the human-animal interface and the spillback of the zoonotic pathogen. In this article, we methodically demonstrate various aspects of reverse zoonosis, with a comprehensive discussion of SARS-CoV-2 and MPXV reverse zoonosis. First, different components of reverse zoonosis, such as humans, different pathogens, and numerous animals (poultry, livestock, pets, wild animals, and zoo animals), have been demonstrated. Second, it explains the present status of reverse zoonosis with different pathogens during previous occurrences of various outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics. Here, we present 25 examples from literature. Third, using several examples, we comprehensively illustrate the present status of the reverse zoonosis of SARS-CoV-2 and MPXV. Here, we have provided 17 examples of SARS-CoV-2 reverse zoonosis and two examples of MPXV reverse zoonosis. Fourth, we have described two significant aspects of reverse zoonosis: understanding the fundamental aspects of spillback and awareness. These two aspects are required to prevent reverse zoonosis from the current infection with two significant viruses. Finally, the One Health approach was discussed vividly, where we urge scientists from different areas to work collaboratively to solve the issue of reverse zoonosis.

Beyond probiotics, uses of their next-generation for poultry and humans: A review.

The production of healthy food is one of the basic requirements and challenges. Research efforts have been introduced in the human's food industry to reduce the microbial resistance and use safe and healthy alternatives with a high durability. However, the conducted work about these issues in the field of livestock animal production have been started since 2015. Inappropriate and extensive use of antibiotics has resulted in the increase of antimicrobial resistance, presence of drug residues in tissues, and destruction of the gut microbiome. Therefore, discovering and developing antibiotic substitutes were urgent demands. Probiotic compounds containing living micro-organisms are important antibiotic alternative that have been beneficially and extensively used in humans, animals, and poultry. However, some probiotics show some obstacles during production and applications. Accordingly, this review article proposes a comprehensive description of the next-generation of probiotics including postbiotics, proteobiotics, psychobiotics, immunobiotics and paraprobiotics and their effects on poultry production and human's therapy. These compounds proved great efficiency in terms of restoring gut health, improving performance and general health conditions, modulating the immune response and reducing the pathogenic micro-organisms. However, more future research work should be carried out regarding this issue.

Skin graft with dermis and appendages generated in vivo by cell competition

Autologous skin grafting is a standard treatment for skin defects such as burns. No artificial skin substitutes are functionally equivalent to autologous skin grafts. The cultured epidermis lacks the dermis and does not engraft deep wounds. Although reconstituted skin, which consists of cultured epidermal cells on a synthetic dermal substitute, can engraft deep wounds, it requires the wound bed to be well-vascularized and lacks skin appendages. In this study, we successfully generate complete skin grafts with pluripotent stem cell-derived epidermis with appendages on p63 knockout embryos’ dermis. Donor pluripotent stem cell-derived keratinocytes encroach the embryos’ dermis by eliminating p63 knockout keratinocytes based on cell-extracellular matrix adhesion mediated cell competition. Although the chimeric skin contains allogenic dermis, it is engraftable as long as autologous grafts. Furthermore, we could generate semi-humanized skin segments by human keratinocytes injection into the amnionic cavity of p63 knockout mice embryos. Niche encroachment opens the possibility of human skin graft production in livestock animals.

Genome-based surveillance reveals cross-transmission of MRSA ST59 between humans and retail livestock products in Hanzhong, China.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been recognized in hospitals, community and livestock animals and the epidemiology of MRSA is undergoing a major evolution among humans and animals in the last decade. This study investigated the prevalence of MRSA isolates from ground pork, retail whole chicken, and patient samples in Hanzhong, China. The further characterization was performed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and in-depth genome-based analysis to identify the resistant determinants and their phylogenetic relationship. A total of 93 MRSA isolates were recovered from patients (n = 67) and retail livestock products (n = 26) in Hanzhong, China. 83.9% (78/93) MRSA isolates showed multiple drug resistant phenotype. Three dominant livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) sequence types were identified: ST59-t437 (n = 47), ST9-t899 (n = 10) and ST398 (n = 7). There was a wide variation among sequence types in the distribution of tetracycline-resistance, scn-negative livestock markers and virulence genes. A previous major human MRSA ST59 became the predominant interspecies MRSA sequence type among humans and retail livestock products. A few LA-MRSA isolates from patients and livestock products showed close genetic similarity. The spreading of MRSA ST59 among livestock products deserving special attention and active surveillance should be enacted for the further epidemic spread of MRSA ST59 in China. Data generated from this study will contribute to formulation of new strategies for combating spread of MRSA.

Reducing climate impacts on karst groundwater resources by constructing a cave dam. A case study from Central Taurus Karst, Türkiye

Susuz karst aquifer is a mountainous and highly karstified aquifer located at the Central Taurus karst belt, Seydişehir, Türkiye. Pınarbaşı karst spring is a major water resource of the Susuz karst aquifer which drains approximately 15 million m3 of water annually, mostly between January and July. As the Pınarbaşı spring dries up for the rest of the year, local water needs frequently emerge during the dry periods, especially for animal livestock and domestic usage. However, one major problem in the karst region is the decreasing trend in the spring discharge rate and increasing length of the dry period due to the impact of climate change. For this reason, to reduce the climate impact on the karst aquifer it is essential to explore alternative engineering solutions where they are applicable. This study proposes the construction of a cave dam in the Susuz karst system to retain and store groundwater during the dry period. Based on the accumulated hydrogeological knowledge and experiences in the karst region, we first conceptualized the cave dam construction and then indicated the positive influence of the stored groundwater under changing climate considering two main climate scenarios (SSP245 and SSP585). Our findings indicate that the (proposed) cave dam potentially stores 4 million m3 of water, which represents nearly 35 % of the mean annual spring discharge under current climate conditions. This amount is expected to rise over 50 % of the total discharge in future climate conditions.

Lipid mixtures (from a liposome kit) and melatonin improve post-thawed Angora goat sperm parameters

Semen freezing and storing has been widely used in reproductive biotechnology, being applied to certain males of livestock breeds or animal species with economic value such as the Angora goat. The development of a semen extender with the cryoprotective agents can prevent the deterioration of sperm parameters after thawing. This study aimed to investigate lipid mixtures (from a liposome kit, Lps) and melatonin (Mel) at different doses to prevent the deterioration of sperm parameters and to provide the cryoprotective effects on sperm DNA. The Angora goat ejaculates were collected and pooled. They were divided into seven equal volumes, and each of them was diluted with the extenders of the experimental groups with additives (Lps 321.99 μg/mL, Lps 841.33 μg/mL, Mel 0.25 mM, Mel 1 mM, Lps 321.99 μg/mL + Mel 1 mM, Lps 841.33 μg/mL + Mel 0.25 mM) and no additives (control group). After the freeze-thawing process, motility, viability, acrosome integrity, DNA double-strand breaks, and abnormal DNA integrity were assessed for different extender groups. It was determined that the use of Lps alone at low dose or the combination of Lps and Mel had significant cryoprotective effects on motility, viability, acrosome integrity, and DNA damage in Angora goat sperm. This study will help us to understand the effects of Lps and Mel used alone or in combination at different doses and which doses give the optimum spermatological parameter rates following the freeze-thawing process, and hence it will shed light on further studies.

Biomarker-based human and animal sperm phenotyping: the good, the bad and the ugly†.

Conventional, brightfield-microscopic semen analysis provides important baseline information about sperm quality of an individual; however, it falls short of identifying subtle subcellular and molecular defects in cohorts of "bad," defective human and animal spermatozoa with seemingly normal phenotypes. To bridge this gap, it is desirable to increase the precision of andrological evaluation in humans and livestock animals by pursuing advanced biomarker-based imaging methods. This review, spiced up with occasional classic movie references but seriously scholastic at the same time, focuses mainly on the biomarkers of altered male germ cell proteostasis resulting in post-testicular carryovers of proteins associated with ubiquitin-proteasome system. Also addressed are sperm redox homeostasis, epididymal sperm maturation, sperm-seminal plasma interactions, and sperm surface glycosylation. Zinc ion homeostasis-associated biomarkers and sperm-borne components, including the elements of neurodegenerative pathways such as Huntington and Alzheimer disease, are discussed. Such spectrum of biomarkers, imaged by highly specific vital fluorescent molecular probes, lectins, and antibodies, reveals both obvious and subtle defects of sperm chromatin, deoxyribonucleic acid, and accessory structures of the sperm head and tail. Introduction of next-generation image-based flow cytometry into research and clinical andrology will soon enable the incorporation of machine and deep learning algorithms with the end point of developing simple, label-free methods for clinical diagnostics and high-throughput phenotyping of spermatozoa in humans and economically important livestock animals.

Tick Biodiversity and Lyme Disease:

Ixodid (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks are widespread, diverse, and known as carriers of several important diseases. Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness affecting humans, livestock, and domestic animals and is caused by the spirochaete Borrelia burgdorferi. It is the most common tick-borne illness reported in West Virginia with more than 100 cases per 100,000 WV residents. Ixodes scapularis ticks obtain B. burgdorferi from rodents and transmit Lyme disease to their next host during feeding. We analyzed overall tick biodiversity in north-central West Virginia from the years 2018 to 2023. In total, 1,684 individual ixodid (hard) ticks have been collected from four genera: Ixodes (58.5%), Dermacentor (31.6%), Haemaphysalis (8.7%), and Amblyomma (0.2%). Our results demonstrate an increase in tick biodiversity from 2018 to 2023. One striking change included the presence of Amblyomma americanum (Lonestar) ticks in areas where their presence had not been recorded previously. We examined all collected Ixodes ticks for the presence of Borrelia DNA which was detected through real-time quantitative PCR analysis. We tested 745 Ixodes scapularis and found a 2% infection rate. The potential rise of Lyme disease and changing tick biodiversity could pose threats towards community health, agricultural revenue, and veterinary resources. Future work should focus on additional tick-borne illnesses like Rickettsia sp. and Theileria sp. within central West Virginia tick species.

Determining the Relationships Between Genotype and Phenotype Using Molecular Genetic Tools in Chickens

Context: Chicken meat is one of the rich sources of protein and is considered one of the most commonly consumed meats in the world. Enhancing poultry production and its products is achievable through chicken breeding. Effective breeding projects for future genetic improvement require an understanding of the genetic potential of a given population. Evidence Acquisition: Articles were selected based on novel molecular markers related to economic traits of chicken in Animal quantitative trait loci (QTL) database, Ensemble genome browser, CorrDB, ChickVD, Galbase, and Google Scholar. These databases contain QTLs, markers, and reference genomes of chicken. Galbase provides research communities with updated possibilities to conduct thorough functional genomics research on chickens. ChickVD manages high-quality sequence variation data, variation analysis in relation to chicken genes, cDNAs, genetic markers, and QTLs. CorrDB compiles all available chicken genetic and phenotypic trait correlation data to aid in the analysis of genetic networks and facilitate systems biology research. Animal Quantitative Trait Loci Database (Animal QTLdb) gathers and compiles all existing data on trait mapping, including QTL (phenotype/expression, eQTL), candidate gene, association data (GWAS), and copy number variations (CNV) for livestock animal genomes. This comprehensive database facilitates the easier identification and comparison of discoveries within and across species. Ensemble genome browser is a powerful tool for analyzing vertebrate genomes, offering valuable insights into comparative genomics, evolutionary processes, sequence variations, and transcriptional regulation. Results: Valuating the relatedness of the studied broilers and layers is important for maintaining and improving the genetic reserves of the same population. Candidate genes (CGs) are used to determine genes related to economic traits in chickens. Molecular genetic techniques such as whole-genome re-sequencing (WGRS) can identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertion/deletion polymorphisms (indels), structural variations (SV), CNV, and simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and their chromosomal regions in terms of QTL. Recently, the pan-genome (PG) has become one of the most important tools to study genome variation and changes in important traits. The use of molecular markers and CGs can aid in evaluating the genetic relationships between phenotype and genotype of broilers and layers. Conclusions: This review introduces molecular genetic methods and new approaches to identify novel genes related to important biological pathways and significant production and reproductive traits.

Inclusion of Anti-Tick Vaccines into an Integrated Tick Management Program in Mexico: A Public Policy Challenge.

Acaricides are the most widely used method to control the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus. However, its use increases production costs, contaminates food and the environment, and directly affects animal and human health. The intensive use of chemical control has resulted in the selection of genes associated with resistance to acaricides, and consumers are increasingly less tolerant of food contamination. This scenario has increased the interest of different research groups around the world for anti-tick vaccine development, in order to reduce the environmental impact, the presence of residues in food, and the harmful effects on animal and human health. There is enough evidence that vaccination with tick antigens induces protection against tick infestations, reducing tick populations and acaricide treatments. Despite the need for an anti-tick vaccine in Mexico, vaccination against ticks has been limited to one vaccine that is used in some regions. The aim of this review is to contribute to the discussion on tick control issues and provide a reference for readers interested in the importance of using anti-tick vaccines encouraging concerted action on the part of Mexican animal health authorities, livestock organizations, cattle producers, and academics. Therefore, it is suggested that an anti-tick vaccine should be included as a part of an integrated tick management program in Mexico.