Animal Well-being Research Articles

Nanofiber Peptides for Bacterial Trapping: A Novel Approach to Antibiotic Alternatives in Wound Infections.

The pervasive employment of antibiotics has engendered the advent of drug-resistant bacteria, imperiling the well-being and health of both humans and animals. Infections precipitated by such multi-resistant bacteria, especially those induced by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), pervade hospital settings, constituting a grave menace to patient vitality. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have garnered considerable attention as a potent countermeasure against multidrug resistant bacteria. In preceding research endeavors, an insect-derived antimicrobial peptide is identified that, while possessing antimicrobial attributes, manifested suboptimal efficacy against drug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. To ameliorate this issue, this work enhances the antimicrobial capabilities of the initial β-hairpin AMPs by substituting the structural sequence of the original AMPs with variant lengths of hydrophobic amino acid-hydrophilic amino acid repeat units. Throughout this endeavor, this work has identified a number of peptides that possess highly effective antibacterial characteristics against a wide range of bacteria. Additionally, some of these peptides have the ability to self-assemble into nanofibers, which then build networks in a distinctive manner to capture bacteria. Consequently, they represent prospective antibiotic alternatives for addressing wound infections engendered by drug-resistant bacteria.

Leisure Ex Machina: The Leisure Lives of Digital Minds

Humans may soon succeed in the creation of sentient artificial intelligence (SAI) that experiences human-like consciousness. Such SAI would have a claim to the same rights and moral considerations afforded to biological humans, including a right to leisure. Particular to this special issue, I explore the implications of such a development from the context of leisure studies; specifically, I apply utilitarian moral theory and the concept of a “utility monster,” as an analytical framework to consider the potential for SAI to degrade the wellbeing of humans and non-human animals through their leisure experiences. Throughout this essay, my overarching goal is to provide a thought provoking argument that serves as the context for fruitful reflection and discussion in the field of leisure studies. Due to their potentially superhuman efficiency in deriving benefits (“utility”) from experiences, SAI may become a “utility monster,” or a being with superior moral claim to scarce resources. As SAI will (a) likely be “human-like,” and (b) exist independent of the physiological needs/limits inherent to biological humans, it is likely that a large proportion of the experiences chosen by SAI would be categorizable as leisure. Following a utilitarian logic that the only morally acceptable action is the one that raises net utility by the greatest amount, other beings would be morally compelled to transfer all available resources to satisfy the leisure preferences of the SAI utility monster. I examine the implications of this moral quandary for leisure studies and wider society, and discuss three potential paths forward: total transfer of resources to a leisure-focused SAI utility monster; strict limits on the development of SAI; and a middle path where the interests of SAI and humans align. Although the topic of artificial intelligence is increasingly relevant in discussions within our broader society, and specific to the field of leisure studies, to date that conversation has largely focused on how technological advances in artificial intelligence will impact humans, and how that technology can be used in an ethical fashion; this essay refocuses the conversation to the implications for a potential SAI that may look and feel very much like we do.

The comparative plastisphere microbial community profile at Kung Wiman beach unveils potential plastic-specific degrading microorganisms.

Plastic waste is a global environmental issue that impacts the well-being of humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms. Microplastic contamination has been previously reported at Kung Wiman Beach, located in Chanthaburi province along with the Eastern Gulf of Thailand. Our research aimed to study the microbial population of the sand and plastisphere and isolate microorganisms with potential plastic degradation activity. Plastic and sand samples were collected from Kung Wiman Beach for microbial isolation on agar plates. The plastic samples were identified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Plastic degradation properties were evaluated by observing the halo zone on mineral salts medium (MSM) supplemented with emulsified plastics, including polystyrene (PS), polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and bis (2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). Bacteria and fungi were identified by analyzing nucleotide sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, respectively. 16S and ITS microbiomes analysis was conducted on the total DNA extracted from each sample to assess the microbial communities. Of 16 plastic samples, five were identified as polypropylene (PP), four as polystyrene (PS), four as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), two as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and one sample remained unidentified. Only 27 bacterial and 38 fungal isolates were found to have the ability to degrade PLA or BHET on MSM agar. However, none showed degradation capabilities for PS or PVC on MSM agar. Notably, Planococcus sp. PP5 showed the highest hydrolysis capacity of 1.64 ± 0.12. The 16S rRNA analysis revealed 13 bacterial genera, with seven showing plastic degradation abilities: Salipiger, Planococcus, Psychrobacter, Shewanella, Jonesia, Bacillus, and Kocuria. This study reports, for the first time of the BHET-degrading properties of the genera Planococcus and Jonesia. Additionally, The ITS analysis identified nine fungal genera, five of which demonstrated plastic degradation abilities: Aspergillus, Penicillium, Peacilomyces, Absidia, and Cochliobolus. Microbial community composition analysis and linear discriminant analysis effect size revealed certain dominant microbial groups in the plastic and sand samples that were absent under culture-dependent conditions. Furthermore, 16S and ITS amplicon microbiome analysis revealed microbial groups were significantly different in the plastic and sand samples collected. We reported on the microbial communities found on the plastisphere at Kung Wiman Beach and isolated and identified microbes with the capacity to degrade PLA and BHET.

The Profound Influence of Gut Microbiome and Extracellular Vesicles on Animal Health and Disease.

The animal gut microbiota, comprising a diverse array of microorganisms, plays a pivotal role in shaping host health and physiology. This review explores the intricate dynamics of the gut microbiome in animals, focusing on its composition, function, and impact on host-microbe interactions. The composition of the intestinal microbiota in animals is influenced by the host ecology, including factors such as temperature, pH, oxygen levels, and nutrient availability, as well as genetic makeup, diet, habitat, stressors, and husbandry practices. Dysbiosis can lead to various gastrointestinal and immune-related issues in animals, impacting overall health and productivity. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly exosomes derived from gut microbiota, play a crucial role in intercellular communication, influencing host health by transporting bioactive molecules across barriers like the intestinal and brain barriers. Dysregulation of the gut-brain axis has implications for various disorders in animals, highlighting the potential role of microbiota-derived EVs in disease progression. Therapeutic approaches to modulate gut microbiota, such as probiotics, prebiotics, microbial transplants, and phage therapy, offer promising strategies for enhancing animal health and performance. Studies investigating the effects of phage therapy on gut microbiota composition have shown promising results, with potential implications for improving animal health and food safety in poultry production systems. Understanding the complex interactions between host ecology, gut microbiota, and EVs provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying host-microbe interactions and their impact on animal health and productivity. Further research in this field is essential for developing effective therapeutic interventions and management strategies to promote gut health and overall well-being in animals.

Impact of Pediococcus acidilactici GLP06 supplementation on gut microbes and metabolites in adult beagles: a comparative analysis.

There is growing interest in the potential health benefits of probiotics for both humans and animals. The study aimed to investigate the effects of feeding the canine-derived probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici GLP06 to adult beagles by analysing the microbiome and metabolome. Twenty-four healthy adult beagles were randomly assigned to four groups. The CK group received a standard diet, while the three probiotic groups, the LG group (2 × 108 CFU/day/dog), MG group (2 × 109 CFU/day/dog), and HG group (2 × 1010 CFU/day/dog), received the standard diet supplemented with varying amounts of probiotics. The results show that, compared to the CK group, total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased in the MG and HG groups (p < 0.05), and superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly increased in the HG group (p < 0.05). Compared to the CK group, malondialdehyde and blood urea nitrogen content were significantly decreased in the MG and HG groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, secretory immunoglobulin A activity was significantly increased in the HG group compared to the CK and LG groups (p < 0.05), and immunoglobulin G activity was significantly increased in the HG group compared to the CK, LG, and MG groups (p < 0.05). In addition, compared with the CK group, the abundance of Faecalitalea and Collinsella increased in the LG group, and the relative abundance of Tyzzerella and Parasutterella increased in the MG group. The α diversity and the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria (Faecalibacterium, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A1316, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005) were higher in the HG group than in the CK group. Furthermore, acetic acid content was significantly increased in the HG group compared to the CK, LG, and MG groups (p < 0.05). Butyric acid, isobutyric acid, and the total SCFA content were significantly increased in the HG group compared to the CK group (p < 0.05). Moreover, metabolome analysis revealed 111 upregulated and 171 downregulated metabolites in the HG group. In conclusion, this study presents evidence that supplementing with P. acidilactici GLP06 can have a positive impact on antioxidant activity, immunoproteins, SCFAs, and gut microbiota in adult beagles. These findings highlight the potential of probiotics as a dietary intervention to enhance gut health and overall wellbeing in companion animals.

Animal drug shortages limit veterinary therapeutic options and introduce artifacts in antimicrobial sales reporting.

Supply chain issues disrupt veterinary care and cause downstream consequences that alter the practice of veterinary medicine. Antimicrobials are just 1 class of pharmaceuticals that have been impacted by supply chain issues over the last couple of years. Since February 2021, 2 sponsors/manufacturers of penicillin products have reported shortages in the active pharmaceutical ingredient. With the release of the 2021 Summary Report on Antimicrobials Sold or Distributed for Use in Food-Producing Animals by the FDA, a key finding was a 19% decrease in penicillin sales and distribution from 2020 to 2021. Herein, we provide our clinicians' professional perspective regarding how drug shortages, specifically that of penicillin, might contribute to misconstrued patterns in antimicrobial use and what can be done by veterinarians and the FDA to minimize the impact of an antimicrobial drug shortage on animal health and well-being.

Review on Automatic Pet Feeding System

Abstract: Automatic pet feeding systems have gained popularity in recent years due to the convenience they offer to pet owners in ensuring regular and timely feeding of their pets. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of automatic pet feeding systems, including their design, functionality, benefits, and potential drawbacks. The study examines various types of automatic pet feeding systems available in the market, ranging from basic gravity-fed dispensers to more advanced programmable devices with portion control and scheduling capabilities. Furthermore, the paper discusses the technological aspects of automatic pet feeding systems, such as the use of sensors to detect food levels, timers for scheduling feedings, and remote access features for monitoring and controlling feeding sessions. The benefits of automatic pet feeding systems, including the ability to maintain feeding routines, prevent overfeeding, and reduce the risk of obesity in pets, are also highlighted. Moreover, the study addresses potential drawbacks of automatic pet feeding systems, such as technical malfunctions, reliance on electricity or batteries, and the lack of human interaction during feeding times. Recommendations for pet owners considering investing in an automatic pet feeding system are provided, emphasizing the importance of choosing a system that suits their pet's dietary needs, size, and feeding habits. Overall, this paper serves as a valuable resource for pet owners, veterinarians, and researchers interested in understanding the functionality and implications of automatic pet feeding systems in enhancing the well-being and health of companion animals.

Smart Pig Farming—A Journey Ahead of Vietnam

Vietnam heavily relies on pork as its primary source of animal protein. Traditional farming methods, characterized by small-scale operations, dominate the industry. However, challenges such as rising feed costs, disease outbreaks, and market volatility are prompting many farmers to abandon their businesses. Recognizing the pivotal role of the swine sector in both economic development and nutrition, authorities must intervene to prevent its collapse. In developed nations, smart pig farming, utilizing technologies like sensors and cameras for data collection and real-time decision-making, has significantly improved health and productivity. These technologies can detect subtle indicators of animal well-being, enabling prompt intervention. This review aims to analyze the drivers of Vietnam’s swine farming, identify existing production system flaws, and explore innovative precision farming methods worldwide. Embracing precision farming promises to enhance Vietnam’s competitiveness in export markets and bolster consumer confidence. However, reliance solely on expensive foreign technologies may benefit large-scale farms, leaving smaller ones behind. Therefore, fostering local innovation and validating cost-effective solutions will be crucial for the sustainable growth of small- and medium-scale pig farming in Vietnam.

Preliminary studies on parasites in faecal samples scavenged from open markets in parts of Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, Ogun State, South-West Nigeria

Parasites are a global health problem that endanger the total well-being of humans and animals. This survey was conducted to assess parasites in faecal samples sourced from two open markets (Olabisi Onabanjo Market and Oke-Aje Market) in Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria. A total of 121 samples were obtained and examined for parasites using the sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin method. The collected data were entered into an Excel spreadsheet and the prevalence of parasites was calculated. Chi square was used to assess the relationship between the location of markets in the study area and the parasites detected in them, with a significance level set at 0.05. Results revealed that out of 121 faecal samples scavenged, 65(53.7%) were from Oke-Aje market, with faeces from humans 34(28.1%) being the most common. Overall, 74 (61.2%) samples were positive for parasites, with 44 (67.7%) being from Oke-Aje Market. Of the ten (10) parasites detected, Eimeria spp. 20(16.5%) had the highest prevalence with 11(19.6%) isolated from Oke-Aje Market. The least common parasite was Entamoeba histolytica with a prevalence of 1(1.5%). There was no significant relationship between the parasites found in the faecal samples collected and the Market locations (p&gt;0.05). In conclusion, traders should endeavor to engage in daily sanitation in or around the environment of their marketplaces as faeces found in their surroundings could be parasite-infected.

Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Stress and Welfare in Laboratory Animals

Purpose: The general purpose of this study was to examine the effects of environmental enrichment on stress and welfare in laboratory animals.&#x0D; Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.&#x0D; Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the effects of environmental enrichment on stress and welfare in laboratory animals. Preliminary empirical review revealed that that enriching their living environments significantly improved their well-being. They found that interventions such as physical, social, cognitive, and sensory enrichment reduced stress levels, promoted natural behaviors, and enhanced cognitive function. Tailoring enrichment programs to specific species' needs and considering factors like environmental complexity and novelty proved crucial. Moreover, these interventions not only benefited animal welfare but also improved research outcomes by reducing stress and enhancing the validity of preclinical studies. Overall, the research underscored the importance of implementing evidence-based enrichment strategies to ensure the ethical treatment of laboratory animals and enhance the reliability of scientific research.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Biophilia Hypothesis, Optimal Stimulation theory and Stress Inoculation theory may be used to anchor future studies on stress and welfare in laboratory animals. The study made significant contributions to theory, practice, and policy in the field of laboratory animal welfare. It provided valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of environmental enrichment's influence on animal well-being, contributing to existing theoretical frameworks such as the Biophilia Hypothesis, Optimal Stimulation Theory, and Stress Inoculation Theory. Additionally, the study offered practical recommendations for implementing evidence-based enrichment programs tailored to the needs of different animal species. These findings informed policy development by guiding the establishment of standards for enrichment in laboratory animal facilities, enhancing the protection and welfare of laboratory animals across institutional and national levels.&#x0D; Keywords: Environmental Enrichment, Laboratory Animals, Stress, Welfare, Mechanisms, Biophilia Hypothesis, Optimal Stimulation Theory, Stress Inoculation Theory, Implementation, Standards, Well-Being

Beef, Beans, or Byproducts?

Flexitarianism was one of the top food trends of the summer in 2020. Characterizing reductions in meat eating as representative of the reflections on personal and societal health that were taking place at the time, Canada’s largest food retailer, Loblaw situated the company’s expanded plant-based offerings as a response to a “new us” that was emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. This article explores the protein pathways that Loblaw opens and closes by promoting “flexitarian choices for our changing lifestyles”. Focussing on reduced beef consumption as a target of flexitarian intervention, I situate flexitarianism in relation to calls for a “protein transition”, which would address the risks the dominant beef industry poses to animal, human, and planetary wellbeing. Drawing from a larger case study on beef shopping at Loblaw supermarkets, I consider the extent to which the version of flexitarianism on display at Loblaw supermarkets might support the status quo in the dominant beef industry. As a flexible framework, flexitarianism holds potential to respond contextually to the needs of varying food networks in Canada. As a defined consumer demographic, however, flexitarianism is poised to reroute this flexibility away from diverse food systems toward adaptable investments, which would insulate financial portfolios from the risks of intensive animal agriculture without requiring meaningful changes within those industries.

Review—Nanosystems-Enhanced Electrochemical Biosensors for Precision in One Health Management

One Health is a comprehensive and cohesive strategy that seeks to effectively manage and enhance the well-being of people, animals, and ecosystems in a sustainable manner. Electrochemical biosensors are indispensable vectors for One Health management, with diverse applications across industrial process control, environmental monitoring, healthcare, microbiology, and quality assurance. The integration of nanotechnology has propelled innovative sensing algorithms, enhancing the efficiency and precision of biosensors. Nanoscale material integration amplifies their ability to detect molecules and single biomolecules with nano-biosensors utilizing nanoparticles, nanowires, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), nanorods, and quantum dots. Nanomaterials, distinguished by surface functionalities, tunability of physical/chemical properties, high detection sensitivity, large surface area, stability, and thermal/electrical conductivity, are instrumental in architecting nano-biosensors. The main limitations in current times are scalability, cross-sensitivity, complex immobilization pathways, and the toxicity factor of nanosensors, which are hazardous for the ecosystem as well as humans. This review explores the fundamentals of nanotechnology-enabled electrochemical biosensors, encompassing their composition, manufacturing materials, and diverse applications, highlighting their necessity in advancing biosensor technology to control environmental contamination/human diseases in order to manage One Health.

The impact of net cleaning on fecal cortisol metabolites in farmed Atlantic Salmon

Stress assessment is crucial in aquaculture to ensure and improve the health and well-being of production animals including fish. The primary objective of this study was to utilize the assessment of fecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) as a low-invasive stress determination method for farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) and to suggest an appropriate sampling timeframe for this measurement.Blood, mid-intestinal contents, and feces samples were collected before, during, and at 2 and 20 h after a stress-inducing event, namely, net cleaning. Plasma cortisol (PC) and its metabolite levels in the mid-intestinal contents (MICMs) and FCMs were assessed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The research reveals a distinctive temporal profile, with a sequential elevation in levels of PC, MICMs and FCMs in response to the effects of net cleaning. Peak FCMs levels were observed approximately 20 h after net cleaning and were significantly higher than peak PC levels (P < 0.05). The findings suggest that FCMs are a promising indicator for acute stress assessment. To enhance the understanding and improve the applicability of FCMs as stress indicators in fish farming practices the critical challenges regarding feces sampling and FCMs analyses are further discussed. Future research aimed at developing practical protocols and industry standards will emphasize method validation and include a greater number of sampling points as well as an expanded experimental period.This study signifies a crucial step toward understanding the role of FCMs as a reliable stress indicator in fish. It underscores the importance of accounting for the delayed and extended sampling patterns when assessing stress in aquatic settings. Moreover, it offers a less invasive and more labor-efficient approach for monitoring the overall health and welfare of salmonids than PC analysis, thereby promoting sustainability in this vital industry.

Phage cocktail superimposed disinfection: A ecological strategy for preventing pathogenic bacterial infections in dairy farms

Bovine mastitis (BM) is mainly caused by bacterial infection that has a highly impact on dairy production, affecting both economic viability and animal well-being. A cross-sectional study was conducted in dairy farms to investigate the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacterial pathogens associated with BM. The analysis revealed that Staphylococcus (49%), Escherichia (16%), Pseudomonas (11%), and Klebsiella (6%) were the primary bacterial pathogens associated with mastitis. A significant proportion of Staphylococcus strains displayed multiple drug resistance. The use of disinfectants is an important conventional measure to control the pathogenic bacteria in the environment. Bacteriophages (Phages), possessing antibacterial properties, are natural green and effective disinfectants. Moreover, they mitigate the risk of generating harmful disinfection byproducts, which are commonly associated with traditional disinfection methods. Based on the primary bacterial pathogens associated with mastitis in the investigation area, a phage cocktail, named SPBC-SJ, containing seven phages capable of lysing S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa was formulated. SPBC-SJ exhibited superior bactericidal activity and catharsis effect on pollutants (glass surface) compared to chemical disinfectants. Clinical trials confirmed that the SPBC-SJ-based superimposed disinfection group (phage combined with chemical disinfectants) not only cut down the dosage of disinfectants used, but significantly reduced total bacterial counts on the ground and in the feeding trough of dairy farms. Furthermore, SPBC-SJ significantly reduced the abundance of Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas in the environment of the dairy farm. These findings suggest that phage-based superimposed disinfection is a promising alternative method to combat mastitis pathogens in dairy farms due to its highly efficient and environmentally-friendly properties.

Overnight monitoring reveals the behavioral rhythms of a geriatric male elephant: an animal-centered case study of rest and stereotypy

IntroductionMonitoring overnight behavior is important in assessing the overall wellbeing of ex-situ elephant populations, with recumbent rest and stereotypy as key indicators of welfare. However, there have been few studies that address the overnight behavior of singly housed male elephants with a history of stereotypy. We conducted an opportunistic case study of the overnight behavior (i.e., rest and stereotypy) of a singly housed geriatric male Asian elephant at the Oklahoma City Zoo to identify his overnight behavioral rhythms in response to physiological (musth) and environmental changes (habitat access, automatic timed feeders) and guide management strategies.MethodsInfrared cameras were utilized to conduct continuous focal-animal sampling of the elephant’s behavior between 20:00 and 08:00 in indoor and outdoor habitats. Sampling occurred from January 2023 to October 2023, with a total of 179 overnight observations.ResultsThe elephant exhibited recumbent rest for 175.66 ± 6.80 (mean ± SE) minutes per night and was engaged in stereotypy for 175.88 ± 9.68 minutes per night. While there was no significant relationship between stereotypy and the sexual state of musth, musth was associated with reduced durations of recumbent rest. Access to both indoor and outdoor habitats was significantly related to decreased stereotypy compared to indoor-only treatments. Recumbent rest occurred most frequently between 02:00 and 05:00, and stereotypic behavior was most common between 06:00 and 08:00. Contrary to our expectations, automatic feeders did not significantly reduce stereotypy.DiscussionThe results of this study provide insight into the behavioral patterns of a geriatric male Asian elephant, demonstrating the importance of implementing an animal-centered approach to enhance animal wellbeing. As the zoo-housed Asian elephant population grows and continues to age, this case study emphasizes the importance of developing comprehensive welfare strategies for the elephants in our care.

Putting the cart before the horse: mixed-methods participatory investigation of working equid harnessing practices in three selected towns of the Oromia national regional state in Ethiopia

BackgroundMillions of working equids provide socio-economic support for many low-income communities worldwide. With the prevalence of harness-related wounds reported as higher than 60%, this study aims to describe the equipment used by working equids in three locations of the Ethiopian national regional state of Oromia (Fiche, Bishoftu and Shashamene), and the attitudes and practices of equid owners, users and harness makers regarding work equipment. This mixed-methods study consists of cross-sectional surveying of working equids used for taxi or transport of goods or water, as well as cart-driver questionnaires and focus groups (FG) with working equid stakeholders. Activities conducted with FG included participatory ranking of equipment attributes and equipment drawing exercises. Indicators of equipment design and assembly, as well as cart-driver attitudes and practices were described quantitatively. Associations between equipment characteristics and species, work-type and cart-driver indicators were investigated through univariable logistic regression models, whereas focus group discussions were transcribed and analysed thematically.ResultsIn total, 368 working equid surveys and cart-driver questionnaires were completed and 87 participants took part in nine FG. Equipment composition and characteristics differed considerably from ideal animal draught and harnessing principles described in the literature, with none of the observed harnesses adhering to all principles and thus not considered fully adequate. Various harness compositions were used, with only saddles and breast collars present in all. Donkey equipment had fewer components than that of horses, such as swingle trees (OR 0.02; 95% CI 0.01–0.06; p < 0.001) or girths (OR 0.09; 95%CI 0.02–0.4; p = 0.002). Horse equipment was more likely to have functional elements such as breeching (OR 7.8; 95% CI 2.9–20.9; p < 0.001). Of all equipment attributes, FG participants ranked cost, design and impact on animal wellbeing as having the highest importance. Thematic analysis identified motivations and priorities regarding equipment; awareness and knowledge of design and function; barriers to using ideal equipment; and consequences of equipment design and practices as key themes.ConclusionsVarious weaknesses of design, assembly and use of equid work equipment were identified. Promoting behavioural change through awareness and training could lead to a sustainable improvement of work equipment quality, access, and prevention of equipment-related problems.

Abstract 5808: Designing arrays for delivering tumor treating fields (TTFields) to the mouse head

Abstract Introduction: Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy is an approved treatment for glioblastoma (GBM), the most abundant malignant brain tumor. TTFields therapy is delivered to patients suffering from GBM continuously by two array pairs placed on their scalp. Since arrays for TTFields application to the mouse head are lacking, and as most GBM animal models are based on mice, in vivo studies of GBM treatment with TTFields are limited. The development of such arrays is challenging due to the small dimensions and specific geometries of the mouse head, but is needed to allow continued preclinical studies to broaden the understanding of the effects of TTFields on GBM. Methods: We tested various array layouts to identify one that will be suited to the specific geometries of the mouse head. For animal well-being, the selected array was required to minimally restrict head movement. Additionally, we investigated adhesive tapes to allow on one hand good adherence of the arrays to the skin, and on the other hand easy array removal. To examine the feasibility of treating mice with these arrays, they were applied to mice for 11 days, while recording the electric currents and the actual treatment time (from which the percent usage could be calculated). To validate that the selected array layout delivers meaningful field intensity to the desired region, we performed field measurements using a floating scope. Results: To tackle the limitation of the small head size, we developed an array layout in which only two arrays were situated on the head, while the opposing arrays were located on the mouse torso. Additionally, the arrays on the head were divided into two smaller disks. We also identified a thin and transparent adhesive tape (facilitating correct arrays positioning), that offered good tackiness and allowed easy removal without leaving residual adhesive on the skin. The arrays met the minimum treatment requirements: current ≥50 mA, usage ≥75%, field intensity ≥1 V/cm RMS. At the posterior side of the mouse head, at a location more directly underneath the arrays, field intensity was higher than at the anterior position. Conclusion: TTFields could be delivered at sufficient intensities to mice heads by utilizing specifically engineered arrays. Our newly developed arrays are flexible and strongly adhering to enable efficient electric field delivery. By allowing TTFields delivery to mice heads, we will facilitate further advancing this research field. Citation Format: Sewar Zbidat, Roni Blatt, Mariell Sellevoll, Martin Gabay, Inbar Schlachet, Shay Cahal, Shiri Davidi, Itai Tzchori, Adi Haber, Moshe Giladi, Yoram Palti. Designing arrays for delivering tumor treating fields (TTFields) to the mouse head [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5808.

The meaning of animal well-being for farmers and dairy farm employees

Dairy farms in Sweden have undergone a structural change. The number of family farms has decreased, while the number of large dairy farms with employees caring for the animals has increased. This changing situation has created a new farming landscape. From that perspective, it is crucial to gain insight into what factors contribute to the well-being of humans and animals on big dairy farms. Twenty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted on three farms. Farmers and employees were interviewed. The material was analysed using a qualitative approach inspired by qualitative content analysis. For the farmers and employees, animal well-being was central for various reasons and from different perspectives. Despite the differences, the impact of animal well-being was interlinked between the two groups. An increased and deeper understanding of the different perspectives and needs arising from the different roles of farmers and employees can provide new knowledge about factors important for improvinganimal well-being.

Minding the Minds: A Primer on Cognitive Challenge for Marine Mammals in Human Care.

The past several decades have witnessed significant improvement in the physical welfare of marine mammals in zoos and aquariums. Over that same time period, research has revealed complex cognitive abilities in at least some of these species, yet there has been comparatively little attention paid to addressing their cognitive welfare per se. Studies primarily conducted with terrestrial animals have suggested that providing appropriate cognitive challenges in managed care settings can improve animal well-being. As a step toward facilitating this practice with marine mammals, this paper discusses factors relevant for creating appropriate cognitive challenges, outlines the three major categories of cognitive challenge that have been utilized with marine mammals, along with the logistical pros and cons of each, and calls on organizations that care for marine mammals to cultivate a bias for action with respect to providing cognitive care.

A first characterization of the microbiota-resilience link in swine

BackgroundThe gut microbiome plays a crucial role in understanding complex biological mechanisms, including host resilience to stressors. Investigating the microbiota-resilience link in animals and plants holds relevance in addressing challenges like adaptation of agricultural species to a warming environment. This study aims to characterize the microbiota-resilience connection in swine. As resilience is not directly observable, we estimated it using four distinct indicators based on daily feed consumption variability, assuming animals with greater intake variation may face challenges in maintaining stable physiological status. These indicators were analyzed both as linear and categorical variables. In our first set of analyses, we explored the microbiota-resilience link using PERMANOVA, α-diversity analysis, and discriminant analysis. Additionally, we quantified the ratio of estimated microbiota variance to total phenotypic variance (microbiability). Finally, we conducted a Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) to assess the classification performance of the microbiota with indicators expressed in classes.ResultsThis study offers four key insights. Firstly, among all indicators, two effectively captured resilience. Secondly, our analyses revealed robust relationship between microbial composition and resilience in terms of both composition and richness. We found decreased α-diversity in less-resilient animals, while specific amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and KEGG pathways associated with inflammatory responses were negatively linked to resilience. Thirdly, considering resilience indicators in classes, we observed significant differences in microbial composition primarily in animals with lower resilience. Lastly, our study indicates that gut microbial composition can serve as a reliable biomarker for distinguishing individuals with lower resilience.ConclusionOur comprehensive analyses have highlighted the host-microbiota and resilience connection, contributing valuable insights to the existing scientific knowledge. The practical implications of PLS-DA and microbiability results are noteworthy. PLS-DA suggests that host-microbiota interactions could be utilized as biomarkers for monitoring resilience. Furthermore, the microbiability findings show that leveraging host-microbiota insights may improve the identification of resilient animals, supporting their adaptive capacity in response to changing environmental conditions. These practical implications offer promising avenues for enhancing animal well-being and adaptation strategies in the context of environmental challenges faced by livestock populations.7uyXcYriZkKxPgmfB9NKtxVideo