Recent ucd_animalscience items

Widespread thiamine deficiency in California salmon linked to an anchovy-dominated marine prey base

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Thiamine (vitamin B₁) deficiency in marine systems is a globally significant threat to marine life. In 2020, newly hatched Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) fry in California's Central Valley (CCV) hatcheries swam in corkscrew patterns and died at unusually high rates due to a lack of this essential vitamin. We subsequently investigated the impacts and causes of thiamine deficiency in California's anadromous salmonids. Our laboratory studies defined the relationship between thiamine concentrations in Chinook salmon eggs and early life-stage survival in offspring; we used these data to develop a model that estimated 26 to 48% thiamine-dependent fry mortality across consecutive years (2020-2021) for winter-run Chinook salmon. We established an egg surveillance effort that found widespread thiamine deficiency in CCV Chinook salmon in 2020 and 2021, and emerging thiamine deficiency in Klamath River and Trinity River coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)...

The influence of stochastic temperature fluctuations in shaping the physiological performance of the California mussel, Mytilus californianus

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Climate change is forecasted to increase temperature variability and stochasticity. Most of our understanding of thermal physiology of intertidal organisms has come from laboratory experiments that acclimate organisms to submerged conditions and steady-state increases in temperatures. For organisms experiencing the ebb and flow of tides with unpredictable low tide aerial temperatures, the reliability of reported tolerances and thus predicted responses to climate change requires incorporation of environmental complexity into empirical studies. Using the mussel Mytilus californianus, our study examined how stochasticity of the thermal regime influences physiological performance. Mussels were acclimated to either submerged conditions or a tidal cycle that included either predictable, unpredictable or no thermal stress during daytime low tide. Physiological performance was measured through anaerobic metabolism, energy stores and cellular stress mechanisms just before low tide, and...

Invasion stress mitigates climate stress in a brackish marsh amphipod

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract Organisms in coastal brackish ecosystems face not only highly variable environmental conditions, but the intensity and stochasticity of these environmental conditions are anticipated to increase due to climate change. While environmental changes are often presented unilaterally as stressors, there are some anthropogenic environmental transformations, such as the introduction of habitat forming plant species, that may mitigate physiological stress imposed by warming. In Suisun Marsh in the California Delta, native plant canopies allow light and heat to penetrate to the understory yet the canopies of the introduced Phragmites australis reed block out sunlight and heat for organisms living below. We set out to understand the physiological performance of mud‐dwelling invertebrates in this context: can invasion stress mitigate climate stress? We raised field collected Gammarus amphipods in the laboratory under simulated ‘native canopy’ and ‘ Phragmites canopy’ temperature/light...

Challenging 10 misconceptions in conservation physiology

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Relative to other subdisciplines of conservation science, conservation physiology remains somewhat nascent. Although there is a growing number of successes where physiological concepts, knowledge and tools have informed conservation decisions and management actions, there also remain a number of challenges. We argue that there is a set of misconceptions that serve as de facto barriers to realizing the full potential of conservation physiology as a mission-oriented area of scholarly inquiry and practice. However, we also suggest that those misconceptions can be easily dispelled. In this paper, we identify and dispel 10 'myths' in conservation physiology: (i) conservation physiology subsumes other disciplines and has no unique goals; (ii) the toolbox is too invasive; (iii) tools are too specialized; (iv) the field relies too heavily on surrogates and captive studies; (v) physiological information cannot be scaled from the individual level to the population level; (vi) baseline...

Turbidity and temperature effects on growth and gene transcription of threatened juvenile Longfin Smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Longfin Smelt (LFS, Spirinchus thaleichthys) population within the San Francisco Estuary, California, has experienced a substantial reduction, diminishing to <1% of their historical abundance. This decline has culminated in their classification as a threatened species under the purview of the California Endangered Species Act. Understanding their physiology and stress response in relation to varying environmental conditions, such as temperature and turbidity, is crucial for LFS culturing, management, and conservation. In this study, we assessed juvenile LFS (age range during exposure: 181 to 228 days post hatch, dph) performance as measured by growth and gene expression following four weeks at two temperatures (11 °C and 14 °C) and three turbidity levels (1, 4, and 11 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU)). At the end of the 4-week exposure period, we conducted assessments encompassing fork length, wet weight, condition factor, and examined alterations in the...

Warming, not CO2-acidified seawater, alters otolith development of juvenile Antarctic emerald rockcod (Trematomus bernacchii)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The combustion of fossil fuels is currently causing rapid rates of ocean warming and acidification worldwide. Projected changes in these parameters have been repeatedly observed to stress the physiological limits and plasticity of many marine species from the molecular to organismal levels. High latitude oceans are among the fastest changing ecosystems; therefore, polar species are projected to be some of the most vulnerable to climate change. Antarctic species are particularly sensitive to environmental change, having evolved for millions of years under stable ocean conditions. Otoliths, calcified structures found in a fish’s inner ear used to sense movement and direction, have been shown to be affected by both warming and CO2-acidified seawater in temperate and tropical fishes but there is no work to date on Antarctic fishes. In this study, juvenile emerald rockcod (Trematomus bernacchii) were exposed to projected seawater warming and CO2-acidification for the year 2100 over...

Understanding the role of low tide habitat, thermal predictability, and food availability in shaping the thermal performance of the California mussel

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Recent climate change models indicate that there will be an increase in thermal unpredictability and the frequency and intensity of hot days. How thermal unpredictability operates in intertidal low tide habitats with different habitat media, such as tidepool (submerged in water) or tidally exposed (circatidal exposure to air and water) environments is poorly understood, especially when coupled with other important determinants of physiological performance, such as food availability. We examined how acclimation to different levels of thermal predictability with either high or low food availability shapes performance during an acute thermal ramp in the California mussel Mytilus californianus in 2 low tide habitat treatments: tidepool and tidally exposed. Mussels were warmed at a rate of 6.5°C h -1 for 6 h in their respective habitat medium (water or air). Cardiac performance, glycogen, and Hsp/Hsc70 were determined during the heat ramp. We found that low tide habitat was the largest...

Bridging animal personality with space use and resource use in a free-ranging population of an asocial ground squirrel

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Consistent individual differences in behaviour, or personality, likely influence patterns of space use and resource use in wild animals. However, studies on personality-dependent space use in natural ecosystems remain rare due to the difficulty of obtaining paired data sets on spatial dynamics and repeated personality measures from marked animals. We used repeated standardized assays (open field, mirror image stimulation, flight initiation distance and behaviour in trap) to perform the first characterization of personality in a free-ranging population of golden-mantled ground squirrels, Callospermophilus lateralis. We then used multilevel modelling to determine whether personality influenced 95% home range size, 50% core area size, movement speed or use of a preferred resource (‘perches’, vision-enhancing prominences such as rocks, which enhance survival) in nature. Data collected over 3 years showed that individual squirrels consistently differed in activity, sociability, boldness...

Susceptibility to columnaris disease in Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha offspring from thiamine-deficient and thiamine-replete females.

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Nutrient deficiency can cause increased susceptibility to infectious diseases in fish, thus leading to high rates of morbidity and mortality. Thiamine deficiency complex (TDC) in fish can lead to low reproductive success and high mortality rates. Columnaris disease in salmonids, caused by Flavobacterium columnare, has resulted in devastating losses in aquaculture production and wild populations of Pacific salmon particularly associated with climate change and high water temperatures. There is growing awareness that both TDC and columnaris are emerging diseases of salmonids on the west coast of North America; however, it is unknown whether fish that survive from low/intermediate thiamine level eggs will experience latent mortality due to susceptibility to infectious diseases like columnaris. To investigate the interaction of TDC survivors and columnaris, Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha fry reared from either thiamine-deficient (n = 120) or thiamine-replete (n = 120) eggs...

Sirtuin-dependent recovery from aerial heat shock: The effects of food ration, thermal history, and sirtuin inhibition on clearance rates and valve gape activity of the California mussel, Mytilus californianus (Conrad)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Intertidal mussels regularly experience seasonal fluctuations in food availability and heat stress over the course of a tidal cycle, yet little is known about the biochemical mechanisms linking food ration and thermal tolerance, despite evidence that food enhances stress tolerance at the organismal level. We hypothesized that sirtuins (food-dependent protein regulators of cellular homeostasis), which may regulate the cellular stress response of mytilids during heat stress, also affect organismal performance during recovery from heat stress. As part of a broader study, we investigated the effects of acclimation food ration, acclimation emersion (air) temperature, and sirtuin inhibitors on the feeding behavior of the California mussel, Mytilus californianus, during recovery from acute aerial heat shock. Mussels were acclimated for 3 wk. to either a low (0.25% algae·g mussel dry wt−1) or high (1.5% algae·g mussel dry wt−1) algal ration and low (20 °C) or high (30 °C) emersion...

Co-production and conservation physiology: outcomes, challenges and opportunities arising from reflections on diverse co-produced projects

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

As a relatively nascent discipline, conservation physiology has struggled to deliver science that is relevant to decision-makers or directly useful to practitioners. A growing body of literature has revealed that co-produced research is more likely to generate knowledge that is not only relevant, but that is also embraced and actionable. Co-production broadly involves conducting research collaboratively, inclusively, and in a respectful and engaged manner-spanning all stages from identifying research needs to study design, data collection, interpretation and application. This approach aims to create actionable science and deliver meaningful benefits to all partners involved. Knowledge can be co-produced with practitioners/managers working for regulators or stewardship bodies, Indigenous communities and governments, industry (e.g. fishers, foresters, farmers) and other relevant actors. Using diverse case studies spanning issues, taxa and regions from around the globe, we explore...

Remodeling pedagogical evaluation tools to incorporate student self‐efficacy and sense of belonging in scientific research

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Curated undergraduate research experiences have been widely used at colleges and universities for decades to build student interest, technical preparation, and confidence in the pursuit of scientific careers. Educators often employ standardized survey instruments to evaluate learning outcomes for research experiences, but many of these assessments consider only technical skill development and career interests and are not rooted in discrete pedagogical theories. As higher education aims to create inclusive and equitable learning experiences for students, we argue that pedagogical assessment tools for undergraduate research experiences need to expand to consider outcomes such as increased science literacy, confidence in relational "soft" skills, and a sense of belonging to a community that values scientific inquiry. We report on and critique a survey instrument that uses validated metrics to evaluate student sense of belonging and the relational skills developed during an undergraduate...

Mechanisms, Impacts, and Mitigation for Thiamine Deficiency and Early Life Stage Mortality in California’s Central Valley Chinook Salmon

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Mechanisms, Impacts, and Mitigation for Thiamine Deficiency and Early Life Stage Mortality in California’s Central Valley Chinook Salmon

Divergent exploratory‐avoidant behavioural strategies may drive niche differentiation in juvenile Antarctic fishes

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

We used an ecological niche theory framework integrating physiological and behavioural ecology to understand interspecific differentiation of juveniles of four Antarctic fishes: Trematomus bernacchii, Trematomus pennellii, Trematomus nicolai and Pagothenia borchgrevinki. We focused on basal metabolic traits and the exploration-avoidance axis of behaviour, two key dimensions of species fitness and drivers of niche differentiation. Metabolic metrics included routine metabolic rate (RMR) to understand resting energy requirements and Fulton's condition factor (CF) as a proxy for energy stores; together, these metrics give a baseline understanding of the energetic status of a species. Behavioural assays included the novel object test (NOT) and the novel tank test (NTT) to assess exploratory activity and anxiety. We found relatively low interspecific differentiation in basal metabolic demands-RMR did not differ across species and only T. nicolai exhibited higher CF than the other species....

Characterizing the stress response in juvenile Delta smelt exposed to multiple stressors

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Delta Smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus), once an abundant fish endemic to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Estuary, is now on the brink of extinction. Due to the high sensitivity of this species, knowledge of their stress response will be vital to their future survival and sustainability. Understanding the magnitude and kinetics of cortisol induction in Delta Smelt will provide valuable information when interpreting the degree of environmentally relevant stressors, such as warming and predator exposure. As little is known about the primary stress response and cortisol dynamics in Delta Smelt, the first aim of this study was to measure basal and maximal whole-body cortisol prior to and following exposure to a sublethal and significant netting stress at 17 and 21 °C. Our findings reveal that juvenile Delta Smelt held at 21 °C display an exacerbated stress response and a reduction in available energy compared to fish held at 17 °C. There was no evidence of the secondary...

Understanding the Metabolic Capacity of Antarctic Fishes to Acclimate to Future Ocean Conditions

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Antarctic fishes have evolved under stable, extreme cold temperatures for millions of years. Adapted to thrive in the cold environment, their specialized phenotypes will likely render them particularly susceptible to future ocean warming and acidification as a result of climate change. Moving from a period of stability to one of environmental change, species persistence will depend on maintaining energetic equilibrium, or sustaining the increased energy demand without compromising important biological functions such as growth and reproduction. Metabolic capacity to acclimate, marked by a return to metabolic equilibrium through physiological compensation of routine metabolic rate (RMR), will likely determine which species will be better poised to cope with shifts in environmental conditions. Focusing on the suborder Notothenioidei, a dominant group of Antarctic fishes, and in particular four well-studied species, Trematomus bernacchii, Pagothenia borchgrevinki, Notothenia rossii,...

Responses and adaptations to the environment: An introduction

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Fishes live in diverse and highly variable environments. These environments, over evolutionary (many generations) and lifetime (within a single generation) time scales, have shaped the biochemical and physiological mechanisms that allow fish to not only survive but thrive in their environments. Fishes offer a remarkable group of study organisms in which to understand how environmental signals are transduced through the organisms to ultimately shape physiological performance through both phenotypic plasticity and evolutionary adaptations. For fish physiologists, our experimental frameworks are grounded in the comparative physiology framework where we can study closely related fishes that live across a diversity of environments to understand what physiological and biochemical mechanisms are important to live in a particular environment. In addition, by examining responses to environment over different biological scales (from the molecular to the physiological level and beyond to...

Editorial Comment on the Highlight Article “Ontogenetic changes in digestive enzyme activity and biochemical indices of larval and post larval European lobster (Homarus gammarus, L)” by Renata Goncalves et al.

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Editorial Comment on the Highlight Article “Ontogenetic changes in digestive enzyme activity and biochemical indices of larval and post larval European lobster (Homarus gammarus, L)” by Renata Goncalves et al.

Author Correction: A roadmap for equitable reuse of public microbiome data

Fri, 5 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Correction to: Nature Microbiologyhttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-025-02116-2, published online 26 September 2025. In the version of this article initially published, in the first paragraph of the “Survey on data reuse” section, a note on participant consent, confidentiality and institutional review was missing and has now been inserted in the HTML and PDF versions of the article.

Parentage analysis reveals reproductive behaviors in a wild population of White Sturgeon

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

ABSTRACT Objective Reproductive activity is rarely observed directly in the White Sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus because spawning generally occurs over benthic habitats in fast-flowing rivers. Aspects of reproductive ecology have been inferred from indirect lines of evidence, with results often being imprecise. Here we performed parentage analysis within the population of the upper Columbia River, associating adults with offspring that had been collected from multiple years and locations, to precisely characterize spawning periodicity across years, spawning duration within years, and spawning site fidelity across locations. Methods We identified parent–offspring relationships by integrating Mendelian-mismatch-based exclusion, likelihood-based assignment, and relationship coefficient analysis, using tetrasomic single-nucleotide polymorphism genotypes that were produced through genotyping-in-thousands by sequencing. The thresholds for each approach were determined from known...

Onset of feeding behavior in intensively housed dairy calves

Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Development of early feed and water intake is not well documented in dairy calves, and little is known about how traditional, intensive feeding management influences the development of species-specific behaviors, such as rumination. Our first objective was to describe grain, water, and hay intake in calves from birth. Our second objective was to evaluate whether early access to hay influenced the likelihood of reaching biologically relevant thresholds of grain and water intake (grain: 50, 100, 250, 500, 900 g; water: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 L), and rumination (5%, 10%, 15%, 20% of a 24-h d) compared with grain alone. Our third objective was to evaluate if hay provision affected the age at which calves reached these thresholds. We enrolled 49 Holstein heifer calves over 2 yr (2018: 22; 2019: 27) that were housed individually and fed milk replacer via a bottle (2018: 5.7-8.4 L/d; 2019: 3.8-5.6 L/d), as is common in the United States. Calves received ad libitum water and grain (Control: n...

Cognitive performance and variability in dromedary camels: insights from a comparative psychometric approach

Wed, 6 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Contemporary research in animal cognition has expanded our understanding of non-human intelligence, yet behavioural and cognitive traits in dromedary camels remain largely unexplored. This study pioneers the empirical assessment of cognitive performance and variability in dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius) using a comparative psychometric framework adapted from human and animal cognition protocols. A total of 130 Canarian dromedaries were evaluated across thirteen cognitive traits, with individual performance indices calculated through a mental age-based model. Results revealed substantial interindividual variability in cognitive performance, with key modulating factors including group dependence, docility, and concentration. Animals with higher herd affiliation displayed above-average scores, suggesting the presence of a collective intelligence (c-factor), while independent individuals exhibited better memory and perseverance but lower attentional stability. Additional influences...

Movement Ecology and Disease Exposure in Free-Roaming Donkeys in California, USA

Wed, 6 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Feral donkeys (Equus asinus) are well adapted to arid ecosystems and are found in large populations in the deserts of Australia and the Americas. We assessed resource selection and seasonal home range size of female donkeys in southern California between 2020 and 2022 based on telemetry data. We also examined whether dyads with greater encounter rates were more likely to test positive for asinine herpesvirus 5 (AHV-5) and/or Streptococcus equi zooepidemicus (SEZ). Donkey home ranges were non-significantly larger in the cool/wet season (November through March; mean 318.37 ± sd 417.65 km2) than in the hot/dry season (April through October; mean 159.35 ± 212.43 km2). Donkeys selected flatter areas closer to water year-round but selected greater herbaceous cover during the cool/wet season and lower heat loads during the hot/dry season. Individuals testing positive for SEZ selected lower elevations during the wet season and closer distances to water during the dry season; donkeys testing...

Hematological and Biochemical Profiles in Mule and Horse Neonates from Birth to 30 Days of Age: A Comparative Study with Clinical Perspectives

Wed, 6 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated hematological and biochemical parameters in mule foals, and neonatal reference data remain limited. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: To compare hematological and biochemical parameters in mule and horse neonates up to 30 days of life. METHODS: Mule (n=15) and horse (n=16) neonates were evaluated at birth, 12 and 24h, and at 7 and 30d of age. RESULTS: Mules had higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (g/dL; 33.85 ± 0.18; P=0.04), platelets (× 10³/µL; 342,179 ± 15,691; P=0.0051), albumin (g/dL; 3.24 ± 0.05; P=0.0039), calcium (mg/dL; 12.27 ± 0.14; P=0.03), chloride (mmol/L; 100.78 ± 0.52; P=0.03), and magnesium (mmol/L; 0.82 ± 0.01; P=0.02). Iron (µg/dL; 35.01 ± 2.48; P=0.04), total leukocytes (× 10³/µL; 6,311 ± 260; P=0.0014), segmented neutrophils (cells/µL; 3,784 ± 193; P=0.0013), lymphocytes (cells/µL; 2,221.88 ± 94.11; P=0.0014), neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (1.74 ± 0.10; P<0.0001), fibrinogen (mg/dL; 152.38 ± 10.81; P=0.01), total/direct/indirect...

A variant in RESF1 is associated with Addison’s disease and multiple autoimmune syndrome in young Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers

Fri, 1 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Addison’s disease (AD) results in glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficiencies and is often immune-mediated. While AD is uncommon in dogs, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers (NSDTRs) exhibit increased incidence, suggesting genetic predisposition. Detailed clinical evaluation of 24 juvenile-onset cases revealed that while all dogs presented with adrenal insufficiency, at least 10 dogs (41.7%) had concurrent autoimmune conditions. This suggests juvenile-onset AD in NSDTRs represents part of a broader multiple autoimmune syndrome (MAS) with variable expressivity. Strikingly, NSDTRs affected by juvenile-onset AD had severely decreased lifespans, with a median survival of 2 years despite appropriate treatment. Genome-wide association identified a significant association on chromosome 27 (chr27:29,724,286, p = 6.96 × 10− 13). Whole-genome, short-read sequencing identified a recessive missense variant in RESF1 (Chr27:29,736,795). The variant exhibited 76% penetrance for early-onset...

Effects of short-term climatic conditions on the risk of bovine respiratory disease in preweaned calves on California dairies

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) significantly impacts dairy calf health and economics, yet the relationship between short-term weather patterns and BRD risk remains poorly understood, particularly across different seasons and regions in California. We explored the effects of short-term climatic conditions on BRD in preweaned dairy calves using machine learning approaches. Data from 11,470 calves across five California dairy farms were analyzed using tree-based models to investigate associations between BRD status and climate variables, including temperature, humidity, and temperature-humidity index (THI) over one to three days prior to diagnosis. The gradient boosting model achieved the best performance with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.720 (sensitivity: 0.71, specificity: 0.73). Maximum relative humidity two days prior and maximum THI three days before BRD diagnosis were the most important short-term climatic predictors of BRD risk along with...

Novel genetic association with migratory diapause in Australian monarch butterflies.

Sat, 7 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background

Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are a charismatic and culturally important North American butterfly species famous for their unique, dramatic migratory life history. While non-migratory populations of the species are widespread and apparently stable, migratory populations in North America have recently seen declines, prompting concern that the migratory phenomenon in North America may be at risk of disappearing. In contrast, a relatively recently-established monarch population in Australia has rapidly re-acquired a migratory life history following hundreds of generations of residency and successive bottlenecks as the species island-hopped across the Pacific during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The process by which migration re-emerged in Australian monarchs is not currently known.

Results

We raised and sequenced individuals from Queensland, Australia under environmental conditions associated with migration initiation and found strong variance...

Drone methods and educational resources for plant science and agriculture

Wed, 7 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Technological advances have made drones (UAVs) increasingly important tools for the collection of trait data in plant science. Many costs for the analysis of plant populations have dropped precipitously in recent decades, particularly for genetic sequencing. Similarly, hardware advances have made it increasingly simple and practical to capture drone imagery of plant populations. However, converting this imagery into high-precision and high-throughput tabular data has become a major bottleneck in plant science. Here, we describe high-throughput phenotyping methods for the analysis of numerous plant traits based on imagery from diverse sensor types. Methods can be flexibly combined to extract data related to canopy temperature, area, height, volume, vegetation indices, and summary statistics derived from complex segmentations and classifications including using methods based on artificial intelligence (AI), computer vision, and machine learning. We then describe educational and...

Impact of dietary supplementation of Bacillus subtilis on the metabolic profiles and microbial ecology of weanling pigs experimentally infected with a pathogenic Escherichia coli

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

BackgroundOur previous study demonstrated that dietary supplementation of Bacillus subtilis enhanced growth performance and intestinal integrity in weaned pigs challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). Therefore, this study aimed to explore the impact of Bacillus subtilis on gut health and its role in modulating host–microbe interactions in post‐weaning pigs.ResultsETEC infection disrupted key metabolic pathways in distal colon, including glutathione, beta-alanine, and pyrimidine metabolism, indicating increased oxidative stress, impaired nucleotide balance, and amino acid catabolic stress. Bacillus subtilis supplementation induced distinct metabolomic and microbiome profiles in colon digesta of weaned pigs challenged with ETEC. Bacillus subtilis-treated pigs under ETEC challenge exhibited significant enrichment in amino acid- and energy-related pathways such as arginine biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis. ETEC infection induced...

Evolutionary relationships of Fish Lake Valley Tui Chub Siphateles obesus ssp. (Teleostei, Cypriniformes, Leuciscidae) and a new genus of leuciscid minnows from the Alvord Basin, western United States

Tue, 9 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Tui Chubs, Siphateles spp., are found widely across the Great Basin and in some adjacent regions. Nearly all diversity of Siphateles has been consolidated under the name S. bicolor and there are numerous isolated populations of Tui Chubs of uncertain taxonomic standing and therefore unclear conservation priority. The Fish Lake Valley Tui Chub (FLVTC) has been recognized informally as S. bicolor ssp. 4 with a limited natural distribution in Fish Lake Valley in southwest Nevada. Considering that a rigorous examination of the phylogenetic relationships of the FLVTC and other Tui Chubs has not been conducted, the FLVTC is placed in a taxonomic framework by first applying a species delimitation method to S. bicolor sensu lato using mitochondrial data and then conducting phylogenetic analyses of genome-wide SNP data. Siphateles bicolor is better characterized by seven species, all with existing names, which here are considered to be valid...

Temporal establishment of the colon microbiota in Angus calves from birth to post-weaning

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

During the peri- and early post-partum period, the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of the calf is colonised by a diverse microbiota. In the colon, this microbial community contributes to digestive activities, immune modulation, and overall calf health and productivity. However, the current knowledge of temporal microbial establishment in the neonatal hindgut is limited. This study focused on the ontogeny of colon microbiota establishment in Aberdeen Angus cross beef calves located across two farms, from birth through to post-weaning. Colon digesta samples were obtained from calves euthanised on days D0 (n = 7), D7 (n = 7), D14 (n = 5), D21 (n = 7), D28 (n = 5), and D96 (n = 7) of life. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was used to determine prokaryotic community composition. The alpha (α) and beta (β) diversity were assessed with age and farm included as fixed effects. Bacterial α-diversity increased significantly with age, showing changes in relative abundance between D7 and later stages,...

Memory and cognition behavior in the miniature donkey (Equus asinus)

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of the present study was to explore memory and spatial cognition abilities in a group of miniature donkeys, seeking to broaden the knowledge about this species, improving its welfare and handling practices. Twelve individuals under the same treatment went through a memory test and a detour task. The memory test consisted of two phases: ten trials in which individuals had to recall the location of a hidden object for thirty seconds, followed by ten trials where they had to remember the same location for one minute longer. For the detour task, the donkeys had to walk around a U-shaped barrier to reach a food reward. This test consisted of three phases with three levels of asymmetry of the barrier. The side chosen, and the latency of the detour where registered. Results confirmed that miniature donkeys understand the concept of object permanence and have short-term memory of at least one minute and thirty seconds. During the detour task, laterality was more influential than...

Genetic parameter and breeding value estimation of donkeys' problem-focused coping styles

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Donkeys are recognized therapy or leisure-riding animals. Anecdotal evidence has suggested that more reactive donkeys or those more easily engaging flight mechanisms tend to be easier to train compared to those displaying the natural donkey behaviour of fight. This context brings together the need to quantify such traits and to genetically select donkeys displaying a neutral reaction during training, because of its implication with handler/rider safety and trainability. We analysed the scores for coping style traits from 300 Andalusian donkeys from 2013 to 2015. Three scales were applied to describe donkeys' response to 12 stimuli. Genetic parameters were estimated using multivariate models with year, sex, husbandry system and stimulus as fixed effects and age as a linear and quadratic covariable. Heritabilities were moderate, 0.18 ± 0.020 to 0.21 ± 0.021. Phenotypic correlations between intensity and mood/emotion or response type were negative and moderate (-0.21 and -0.25, respectively)....

Reference intervals for hematological and blood biochemistry reference values in healthy mules and hinnies

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Little scientific information is known regarding mules and even less is known about hinnies. Due to increased popularity of both as recreational animals which are still commonly found as working equids, there is a need for such basic information for practitioners and owners. The purpose of this study was to begin to establish reference ranges for hematological and biochemical parameters of clinically healthy mules and hinnies compared to those of their sires and dams (horses and donkeys of similar genotype, phenotype within species) used for hybrid offspring production. Such information will contribute to our understanding and attempts to improve management and disease diagnosis of hinnies and mules. Eighty-one healthy equids (n = 30 hinnies, 20 mules, 20 donkeys, and 11 horses) were sampled. Clinical data recorded age, gender, BCS, and temperature. Two 10-mL blood samples were collected by venipuncture of the jugular vein, using “vacutainer” plain and EDTA tubes. These samples...

Genetic parameter estimation and implementation of the genetic evaluation for gaits in a breeding program for assisted-therapy in donkeys

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Genetic analyses in donkeys are likely to face compromises in terms of sample size and population structure. This study aims at implementing a suitable model to estimate breeding values and genetic parameters for gaits in Andalusian donkeys. Empirical observation revealed that ambling donkeys (showing a slightly uneven, non-isochronous 1–2, 3–4 lateral sequence gait) did not walk (i.e. presented an isochronous, even 1-2-3-4 sequence gait) and vice versa. However, the two donkey groups could trot, equally. In this study, 2700 gait records were registered from 300 donkeys. The sample included 1350 gait records from 169 ambling/trotting donkeys and 1350 gait records from 131 walking/trotting donkeys. Fixed effects included year, season, sex, farm/owner, husbandry system, weather, ground type and appraisers. Weight and age were included as covariates. MTDFREML software was used to estimate (co)variance components, genetic parameters and predict breeding values and their accuracies...

Determining factors and interspecific modeling for serum amyloid a concentrations in working horses, donkeys, and mules

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute phase protein and α-globulin that is produced in the liver in response to inflammatory cytokines. Considered a major acute phase protein in most domestic species, its concentrations rapidly decrease after resolution of inflammation, making SAA measurement a useful tool for monitoring the course of inflammation in an individual animal. The objective of this study was to compare SAA values in working equids including mules, donkeys and horses as well as values for different diseases at various times of the year. Samples were collected from 77 equids; 13 mules, 17 donkeys and 47 horses from sick or injured animals who presented to the clinic. Twenty-eight disease clinical diagnoses were compared with most cases being acute colitis. A highly significant differences between species was found when comparing SAA concentrations of mules to horses (P < .001) using Dunn comparison pairwise test. A difference (P < .05) was found between donkeys and...

Behavioural-type coping strategies in leisure dromedary camels: factors determining reactive vs. proactive responses

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Domestic animals use a varied set of strategies (behavioural- and physiological-type) to cope with aversive situations at rearing systems. Camels, although widely used as an animal model for the study of strategies to cope with heat stress and dehydration in desert-type natural habitats, remain disregarded for their coping styles in response to social stressors at man-made environments, in which they are progressively gaining presence for their sustainability traits. In this scenario, the present paper has explored the concept of coping with social stressors from a behavioral perspective in leisure dromedary camels kept at human-driven settings. By means of a multivariate statistical analysis, those animal-dependent factors that exert significant influence (p<0.05) on the type of behavioural-type coping styles (proactivity and reactivity) displayed by leisure dromedaries in response to social stressors at man-made environments have been identified. Negative reinforcement strategies,...

Pilot Study: Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability Indices in Mules Evaluated by 24-Hour Electrocardiogram

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Mules and donkeys are the 5th largest equine population in the U.S., yet basic information such as heart rate and arrhythmia prevalence in mules has not been described. Analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) provides valuable insight into physiologic and autonomic differences between mules, horses, and donkeys. We aimed to pilot the evaluation of heart rate and variability in a healthy population of mules using a 24 h electrocardiogram. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory electrocardiogram (aECG) recordings were collected from an athletic population of seven privately owned healthy mules in Northern California. Vision 5 Holter Analysis Software was utilized for ECG review and analysis. An average heart rate of 32-42 bpm, with a mean of 36 ± 3 bpm for 23.8 ± 0.2 h, was recorded. Minimum heart rate was 16-24 bpm, and maximum was 70-156 bpm. Individual mules had supraventricular complexes, sinoatrial heart block, and second-degree atrioventricular block during the observation period. Electrocardiographic...

Nonparametric analysis of noncognitive determinants of response type, intensity, mood, and learning in donkeys (Equus asinus)

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Operant conditioning and quantitative and Qualitative Behavioral Assessment synergism can provide valuable information about animals' extinction/learning and emotional status. In this study, we tested operant conditioning with 300 donkeys using six different reinforcers. Simultaneously, we studied the effects 15 animal-inherent, environment and location, and test-related factors had on the response type and intensity, mood, and extinction/learning ability variables. We sought to test three hypotheses using nonparametric categorical analyses. First, we studied which of the 15 noncognitive factors could explain the variability of the 4 behavioral variables and their explanatory power. Second, we assessed the frontal and lateral ear positions donkeys displayed when each reinforcement treatment was implemented to study the correlations between the ear position and twelve mood Qualitative Behavioral Assessment categories. Third, we assessed which reinforcement treatment was more suitable...

The Effect of Stress on Equine Reproduction and Welfare

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Stress originating from various sources such as physical, metabolic, immunological, and psychological factors can interact with and impair reproduction at all levels, from central systems in the brain to the functioning of reproductive organs. Though these effects have been demonstrated in both males and females in a range of species, stallions, and mares are still constantly exposed to stressful experiences and procedures, which may negatively affect their performance and predispose future offspring to negative health and behavioral outcomes. In donkeys, stress may relate to jacks not wanting to breed and dystocia in jennies. In this chapter, the effects of stress on stallions and mares’ reproductive physiology, fetal programming, and development of foals’ health and behavior will be discussed, along with prevention or possible approaches to minimize these factors prior to and during breeding procedures, foaling, and weaning processes.

Physiological and Behavioral Responses of Stabled Horses (Equus caballus) to Three Types of Environmental Enrichment

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Small stalls and regulated feedings restrict horses' natural foraging and locomotion, increasing risks to welfare. Environmental enrichment may promote more naturalistic behavioral time budgets, yet little is known about how enrichment type or timing affects physiology and behavior. This study examined nine stabled Quarter Horses provided with hay feeders, activity balls, or mirrors across randomized trials. Each trial included 30 min observations, four times per day, with enrichment removed between sessions and 5-day washouts between trials. Nightwatch^® Smart Halters™ recorded heart and respiration rates, while behaviors were video-scored using instantaneous scan sampling. Observers were not blind to the treatments. Enrichment effects, item type, time of day, and possible interactions for each variable were tested using a GLMM; Tukey's HSD multiple comparison procedure was used for post hoc comparisons (at p ≤ 0.05). Enrichment significantly increased heart...

Improving working donkey (Equus asinus) welfare and management in Mali, West Africa

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Working conditions for cart donkeys in West Africa are often harsh. In collaboration with the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad, we conducted 3 studies and a welfare assessment. In the first study, we compared behavioral and physiological measures of donkeys (n = 10) driven in 2 standard Malian ways (1 = halter and reins, 2 = no halter and with a stick). In a second study, we assessed pressure associated with harness and cart quality. Pressure was measured according to several different parameters, including type of harness (satisfactory or unsatisfactory), type of cart (satisfactory or unsatisfactory), and weight (no weight or 200 kg of weight). Because education likely plays an important role in enhancing working equid welfare, we conducted a third study aimed at educating paraprofessionals about donkey husbandry (n = 82). We also conducted a welfare assessment on a donkey population in Segou, Mali (n = 54). Among training methods, no significant difference was found...

Donkey and Mule Behavior

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Donkeys and mules often are misunderstood because of their behavioral differences compared with horses. Working with these animals requires more patience and ability to notice the slightest changes in behavior to diagnose disease. Mules and donkeys form strong bonds and trust with familiar people and other equids. Training mules and hinnies from an early age is key to modifying behavior and acceptance of unfamiliar people. Reproductive behavior is different from that of horses and requires more patience when collecting jacks. Practitioners working with mules and donkeys should take a methodological approach and get to know the animal before performing examinations.

Efectos de la endogamia en los rasgos fenotípicos en el caballo Hispano-Árabe

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Our study investigates the influence of genetic parameters related to inbreeding in the Hispano-Arabian horse, focusing on coat color patterns. A total of 11,010 horses born between 1900 and 2019 were analyzed. Fourteen coat colors were studied: Chestnut/Sorrel, Black, Bay, Dun, Grey, Isabelline, Overo, Palomino, Cremello, Pearl, Piebald, Roan, Smokey Cream, and White. These coats were categorized into two groups: pure coats (Chestnut/ Sorrel, Bay and Black) and diluted coats (Dun, Grey, Isabelline, Cremello, Overo, Palomino, Pearl, Piebald, Roan, Smokey Cream, and White). Using Bayesian analysis, we determined that inbreeding levels are higher in pure coat colors compared to diluted ones. The highest average inbreeding value was found in the bay coat (4.5%), while the lowest values were observed in white and piebald coats (0%). These findings highlight the need for careful management of breeding programs to preserve genetic diversity and minimize inbreeding in the Hispano-Arabian...

Characterization of the thermophilic xylanase Fsa02490Xyn from the hyperthermophile Fervidibacter sacchari belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 10

Tue, 7 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Fervidibacter sacchari is an aerobic hyperthermophile belonging to the phylum Armatimonadota that degrades a variety of polysaccharides. Its genome encodes 117 enzymes with one or more annotated glycoside hydrolase (GH) domain, but the roles of these putative GHs in polysaccharide catabolism are poorly defined. Here, we describe one F. sacchari enzyme encoding a GH10 domain, Fsa02490Xyn, that was previously shown to be active on Miscanthus, oat β-glucan, and beech-wood xylan, with optimal activity at 90-100 °C. We show that Fsa02490Xyn is also active on birch-wood xylan and gellan gum. The pH range on beech-wood xylan was 4.5 to 9.5 (pH_opt 7.0-8.0). Fsa024940Xyn had a K_m of 2.375 mm, V_max of 1250 μm·min^-1, and k_cat/K_m of 1.259 × 10⁴ s^-1·m^-1 when using a para-nitrophenyl-?-xylobioside assay. A phylogenetic analysis of GH10 family enzymes revealed a large clade of enzymes from diverse...

241 Metoclopramide induces low-level hyperprolactinemia to increase milk production in sows

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract Inadequate milk production by sows often limits the growth rate of piglets. A successful lactation requires prolactin (PRL)-induced differentiation of the alveolar epithelium within the mammary glands of sows between gestation days 90–110 (G90-110). We hypothesized that late gestational hyperprolactinemia in primiparous sows induced by feeding the dopamine antagonist metoclopramide (MET) would enhance mammary epithelial differentiation, milk yield, and piglet growth rate, and that these effects would carry over into a subsequent lactation. Twenty-six gilts were randomly assigned to receive either MET (n = 13, 0.8mg/kg) or vehicle (CON, n = 13) twice daily from G90-110. On G90, circulating PRL levels peaked 45 min after MET dosing (P < 0.001) then returned to baseline 3 h later. This response occurred daily out to G104 (P < 0.05). Treated gilts had increased alveolar lumen diameter on G110 (P < 0.05), though feed intake, body weight, and carcass...

An epithelial cell culture model for sturgeon integument responds sensitively to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin exposure

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sturgeon species are threatened or endangered worldwide due to habitat loss and increasing pollution. An epithelial cell culture model promises to help investigate hazardous environmental exposures. Stratified squamous integument of green and white sturgeons (Acipenser medirostris and transmontanus, respectively) and cells cultured from their epithelia expressed substantial levels of TGM1-like transglutaminases, types I and II keratins and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) proteins analogous to those in mammalian integument. Epithelial cells cultured from the rim of the mouth, oral cavity and ampullae of Lorenzini exhibited dramatic growth suppression upon exposure to environmentally relevant levels of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), a model compound for ubiquitous environmental combustion products that activate the AHR. The rho kinase inhibitor Y27632 markedly increased cell growth in culture and, surprisingly, prevented growth suppression by TCDD. Thus, these epithelial...

Variation in the coding and 3′ untranslated regions of the porcine prolactin receptor short form modifies protein expression and function

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The actions of prolactin (PRL) are mediated by both long (LF) and short isoforms (SF) of the PRL receptor (PRLR). Here, we report on a genetic and functional analysis of the porcine PRLR (pPRLR) SF. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within exon 11 of the pPRLR-SF give rise to four amino acid haplotypes of the intracellular domain. We identified the dimorphic insertion of a short interspersed repetitive DNA element (PRE-1) along with 32 SNPs and four other insertion/deletion sites within the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of pPRLR-SF. The PRE-1 element reduced protein translation in vitro by 75%, whereas the combination of 10 SNPs and one insertion/deletion decreased translation by 50%. Full-length cDNAs for all four haplotypes of pPRLR-SF were cloned behind the elongation factor 1-alpha promoter and functionally analyzed in vitro. None of the haplotypes could initiate transcription from the ß-casein promoter, whereas all four were dominant negatives against PRL-activation...

Abstract LB-086: Combination therapy of immune checkpoint and nuclear exporter inhibitors in a renal cell carcinoma mouse model

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract LB-086: Combination therapy of immune checkpoint and nuclear exporter inhibitors in a renal cell carcinoma mouse model

Author Correction: A high-throughput screening platform for Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) drug repurposing utilizing murine and human ADPKD cells

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The original version of this Article contained an error in the spelling of the author Alexey Zakharov which was incorrectly given as Alexey Zahkarov. The original Article and accompanying Supplementary Information 1 file have been corrected.

Regulation and localization of vascular endothelial growth factor within the mammary glands during the transition from late gestation to lactation

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The vascular network within the developing mammary gland (MG) grows in concert with the epithelium to prepare for lactation, although the mechanisms coordinating this vascular development are unresolved. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) mediates angiogenesis and vascular permeability in the MG during pregnancy and lactation, where its expression is upregulated by prolactin. Given our previous finding that late-gestational hyperprolactinemia induced by domperidone (DOM) increased subsequent milk yield from gilts, we sought to establish changes in vascular development during late gestation and lactation in the MGs of these pigs and determine whether DOM altered MG angiogenesis and the factors regulating it. Gilts received either no treatment (n = 6) or DOM (n = 6) during late gestation, then had their MG biopsied from late gestation through lactation to assess microvessel density, VEGF-A distribution and messenger RNA expression, and aquaporin (AQP) gene expression....

Determination of Hormonal Growth Promotants in Beef Using Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Hormonal growth promotants (HGPs) are a class of pharmaceutical agents commonly administered to cattle in the United States to improve growth rates of the animal, alter behavior, or to improve the desired characteristics of retail cuts of meat. There is a concern that low residual concentrations of HGPs may remain in tissue after slaughter, and consumption of tissues containing these compounds may increase the risk of adverse health outcomes, including cancer. Sensitive and selective methods are necessary to assess exposure of HGPs by populations that consume meat products from animals that may have been administered HGPs. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated to detect the low-level presence of HGPs including estradiol, testosterone, estradiol benzoate, melengestrol, melengestrol acetate, progesterone, testosterone propionate, trenbolone, trenbolone acetate, and α-zearalanol in retail cuts of meat following a liquid-liquid extraction...

Comparative genomics reveals tissue-specific regulation of prolactin receptor gene expression

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Prolactin (PRL), acting via the PRL receptor (PRLR), controls hundreds of biological processes across a range of species. Endocrine PRL elicits well-documented effects on target tissues such as the mammary glands and reproductive organs in addition to coordinating whole-body homeostasis during states such as lactation or adaptive responses to the environment. While changes in PRLR expression likely facilitates these tissue-specific responses to circulating PRL, the mechanisms regulating this regulation in non-rodent species has received limited attention. We performed a wide-scale analysis of PRLR 5' transcriptional regulation in pig tissues. Apart from the abundantly expressed and widely conserved exon 1, we identified alternative splicing of transcripts from an additional nine first exons of the porcine PRLR (pPRLR) gene. Notably, exon 1.5 transcripts were expressed most abundantly in the heart, while expression of exon 1.3-containing transcripts was greatest in the kidneys...

Chronic Elevation of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Suppresses Lactation via Downregulation of Lipoprotein Lipase

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Chronic Elevation of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Suppresses Lactation via Downregulation of Lipoprotein Lipase

Estimated human intake of endogenous and exogenous hormones from beef in the United States

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

BackgroundEndogenous and exogenous hormones may be present in beef. Human consumption of hormones has been linked to adverse health effects.ObjectiveTo estimate daily intake of hormonal growth promotants (HGP) from beef consumed by the US population.MethodsWe combined self-reported beef consumption information from a nationally-representative survey with concentrations of 12 HGP measured in 397 samples of retail beef/fat purchased in California. We defined typical, high, and maximum intake scenarios assuming self-reported consumed beef contained the mean, 95th percentile, and maximum concentrations of each HGP, respectively. We estimated distributions of usual (i.e., long-term) daily intake and short-term daily intake (µg/kg/day). We calculated the hazard quotient (HQ), or ratio of estimated intake to the World Health Organization’s acceptable daily intake (ADI) for the HGP.ResultsThe highest estimated HQs were found for melengestrol acetate (MGA). For usual daily intake under...

The prolactin receptor: A cross‐species comparison of gene structure, transcriptional regulation, tissue‐specificity, and genetic variation

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The conserved and multifaceted functions of prolactin (PRL) are coordinated through varied distribution and expression of its cell-surface receptor (PRLR) across a range of tissues and physiological states. The resultant heterogeneous expression of PRLR mRNA and protein across different organs and cell types supports a wide range of PRL-regulated processes including reproduction, lactation, development, and homeostasis. Genetic variation within the PRLR gene also accounts for several phenotypes impacting agricultural production and human pathology. The goal of this review is to highlight the many elements that control differential expression of the PRLR across tissues, and the various phenotypes that exist across species due to variation in the PRLR gene.

Metoclopramide induces preparturient, low-level hyperprolactinemia to increase milk production in primiparous sows

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Inadequate milk production by sows often limits the growth of piglets. A successful lactation requires prolactin (PRL)-induced differentiation of the alveolar epithelium within the mammary glands of sows between days 90-110 of gestation. We hypothesized that induction of late gestational hyperprolactinemia in primiparous sows by oral administration of the dopamine antagonist metoclopramide (MET) would enhance mammary epithelial differentiation, milk yield, and piglet growth rate and that these effects would carry over into a subsequent lactation. Twenty-six gilts were assigned to receive either MET (n = 13, 0.8 mg/kg) or vehicle (CON, n = 13) twice daily from days 90-110 of gestation. The same sows were followed into their second lactation without additional treatment. On day 90 of gestation, circulating PRL concentrations peaked 45 min after feeding MET (P < 0.001) and then returned to baseline 3 h later. This response occurred daily out to day 104 of gestation...

Unique Transcriptomic Changes Underlie Hormonal Interactions During Mammary Histomorphogenesis in Female Pigs

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Successful lactation and the risk for developing breast cancer depend on growth and differentiation of the mammary gland (MG) epithelium that is regulated by ovarian steroids (17β-estradiol [E] and progesterone [P]) and pituitary-derived prolactin (PRL). Given that the MG of pigs share histomorphogenic features present in the normal human breast, we sought to define the transcriptional responses within the MG of pigs following exposure to all combinations of these hormones. Hormone-ablated female pigs were administered combinations of E, medroxyprogesterone 17-acetate (source of P), and either haloperidol (to induce PRL) or 2-bromo-α-ergocryptine. We subsequently monitored phenotypic changes in the MG including mitosis, receptors for E and P (ESR1 and PGR), level of phosphorylated STAT5 (pSTAT5), and the frequency of terminal ductal lobular unit (TDLU) subtypes; these changes were then associated with all transcriptomic changes. Estrogen altered the expression of approximately...

Alcohol intake stimulates epithelial proliferation in an authentic model of the human breast

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The voluntary consumption of alcohol by humans is a modifiable lifestyle factor that has been consistently linked to a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. We have used an animal model that closely recapitulates breast development in humans to study the effect of alcohol intake on breast growth and morphology. Pubertal female pigs were fed alcohol for 4-5 weeks at 19-21% of total caloric intake, which led to average blood alcohol concentrations of 115-130mg/dL. Alongside increased liver mass, alcohol intake promoted the formation of distended ductules within lobular units in association with increased epithelial proliferation. Alcohol consumption also increased phosphorylation of the transcription factor STAT5 in the mammary epithelium, but did not lead to any evidence of precocious lactogenesis. In conclusion, feeding alcohol to female pigs having a similar physiology and mammary gland morphology to humans during a reproductive state equivalent to human adolescence leads...

Genetic Engineering of Livestock: The Opportunity Cost of Regulatory Delay

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Genetically engineered (GE) livestock were first reported in 1985, and yet only a single GE food animal, the fast-growing AquAdvantage salmon, has been commercialized. There are myriad interconnected reasons for the slow progress in this once-promising field, including technical issues, the structure of livestock industries, lack of public research funding and investment, regulatory obstacles, and concern about public opinion. This review focuses on GE livestock that have been produced and documents the difficulties that researchers and developers have encountered en route. Additionally, the costs associated with delayed commercialization of GE livestock were modeled using three case studies: GE mastitis-resistant dairy cattle, genome-edited porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus-resistant pigs, and the AquAdvantage salmon. Delays of 5 or 10 years in the commercialization of GE livestock beyond the normative 10-year GE product evaluation period were associated with...

A high-throughput screening platform for Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) drug repurposing utilizing murine and human ADPKD cells

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is one of the most common inherited monogenic disorders, characterized by a progressive decline in kidney function due in part to the formation of fluid-filled cysts. While there is one FDA-approved therapy, it is associated with potential adverse effects, and all other clinical interventions are largely supportive. Insights into the cellular pathways underlying ADPKD have revealed striking similarities to cancer. Moreover, several drugs originally developed for cancer have shown to ameliorate cyst formation and disease progression in animal models of ADPKD. These observations prompted us to develop a high-throughput screening platform of cancer drugs in a quest to repurpose them for ADPKD. We screened ~8,000 compounds, including compounds with oncological annotations, as well as FDA-approved drugs, and identified 155 that reduced the viability of Pkd1-null mouse kidney cells with minimal effects on wild-type cells. We found...

Animal Health and Food Safety Analyses of Six Offspring of a Genome-Edited Hornless Bull

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Animal Health and Food Safety Analyses of Six Offspring of a Genome-Edited Hornless Bull

Hormone-Sensitive Gene Signatures in the Mammary Epithelial Cells of Lactating Women With Persistent Low Milk Production

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Hormone-Sensitive Gene Signatures in the Mammary Epithelial Cells of Lactating Women With Persistent Low Milk Production

Pilot testing an ethanol cornual nerve block as a long-term analgesic for calf disbudding

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Disbudding prevents horn growth in calves through thermal or chemical cauterization and causes damage that is painful for weeks following the procedure. Current pain management strategies are only effective from 1 to 2 h (local anesthetic) to 1 to 3 d (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). A potential practical solution for addressing longer-term pain may be to administer ethanol as a cornual nerve block. When administered at a high concentration, ethanol damages the functionality of peripheral nerves, promoting localized long-lasting analgesia. It is also thought to be painful, thus ethanol may be combined with lidocaine, as a mixed solution or administered beforehand. We tested the use of an ethanol cornual nerve block for anesthesia around the horn bud in 2 pilot studies. We used different concentrations and amounts of ethanol (100% and 70%) in combination with different ratios of lidocaine in our attempt to identify an effective block. In pilot 1, 14 nondisbudded calves were...

Socialising kitties: A quantitative survey of US cat owner attitudes towards kitten and adult cat socialisation programmes

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Socialisation is important for normal social and behavioural development in companion animals. However, little research has focused on kitten socialisation or owner attitudes towards kitten socialisation programmes. Thus, we used a quantitative online survey to describe US cat owner attitudes towards kitten socialisation and elucidate aspects of socialisation programmes deemed important by owners. Questions (n = 45) included participant demographics, participant experiences with socialisation, information regarding participants' cats (Felis catus), where participants receive socialisation information, and rating the importance of socialisation components. Participants were recruited via advertisements posted on social media and an online news article. Of the 2,238 responses, participants were most frequently women (74.7%), owning two cats (38.0%), who had not worked with cats professionally (72.9%). Most participants had not heard of socialisation programmes for kittens...

Limited effects of tannin supplementation on the dairy cattle fecal microbiome with modulation of metabolites

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Tannins are plant secondary metabolites that bind organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), potentially altering substrate bioavailability for enteric fermentation in ruminants. This interaction may reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and influence nitrogen partitioning. Given tannins' resistance to ruminal degradation and persistence through the gastrointestinal tract, this study investigated the effects of a tannin-based feed additive on fecal microbial diversity, fecal chemical composition, and GHG emissions. Twenty-four early- to mid-lactation dairy cows were randomized to receive either a tannin-based feed additive (TRT; containing condensed and hydrolyzable tannins from Schinopsis quebracho-colorado [Schltdl.]) or a control diet (CON) for 64 days. Cows were blocked by parity, dry matter intake, milk yield, body weight, and days in milk. Fecal samples were collected on days 0, 16, 32, and 64 and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Fecal C, N, and indole-3-lactate...

Author Correction: Genome-guided isolation of the hyperthermophilic aerobe Fervidibacter sacchari reveals conserved polysaccharide metabolism in the Armatimonadota

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Correction to: Nature Communicationshttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-53784-3, published online 4 November 2024 In the version of this article initially published, Table 1 did not include the properties of the taxa being proposed or refer directly to another location in the main manuscript describing the properties. As such, the original manuscript did not comply with Rule 27 (2)(c) of the ICNP. Also, Table 1 listed the order Fervidibacterales as the nomenclatural type for the class Fervidibacteria, which violates latest emended version of Rule 15 stating that the nomenclatural type for a class must be a genus. Below we provide a modification of Table 1 containing protologues with these errors corrected. We have also changed the order of the taxa in the table to meet the most common ordering. (Table presented.) Taxon names proposed under the ICNP Proposed taxon Etymology Description Genus Fervidibacter Fer.vi.di.bac’ter. L. masc. adj. fervidus, hot, steaming; N.L....

Detection and Characterization of Extended‐Spectrum Beta‐Lactamase‐Producing Escherichia coli in Raw Seafood From the Coastal Area of Bangladesh

Fri, 4 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) in seafood represents a significant public health concern. In this study, we screened 102 raw seafood samples, comprising shrimp (n = 42), sea fish (n = 36), and crabs (n = 24), to detect ESBL-EC. E. coli was isolated and identified through culture-based methods, staining procedures, biochemical assays, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. The AMR properties of E. coli isolates were evaluated using the disc diffusion test, while ESBL-EC was identified phenotypically through the double-disc synergy test and confirmed at the genetic level using PCR. PCR analysis revealed that 42.2% (43/102) of the samples were contaminated with E. coli, with sea fish showing the highest (p < 0.05) prevalence (63.9%, 23/36), followed by crabs (37.5%, 9/24) and shrimp (26.2%, 11/42). All the isolates exhibited phenotypic resistance to ampicillin, followed by...

The Farm Animal Genotype–Tissue Expression (FarmGTEx) Project

Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Genetic mutation and drift, coupled with natural and human-mediated selection and migration, have produced a wide variety of genotypes and phenotypes in farmed animals. We here introduce the Farm Animal Genotype–Tissue Expression (FarmGTEx) Project, which aims to elucidate the genetic determinants of gene expression across 16 terrestrial and aquatic domestic species under diverse biological and environmental contexts. For each species, we aim to collect multiomics data, particularly genomics and transcriptomics, from 50 tissues of 1,000 healthy adults and 200 additional animals representing a specific context. This Perspective provides an overview of the priorities of FarmGTEx and advocates for coordinated strategies of data analysis and resource-sharing initiatives. FarmGTEx aims to serve as a platform for investigating context-specific regulatory effects, which will deepen our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying complex phenotypes. The knowledge and insights provided...

Evaluating video telemedicine for providing virtual health care for cats via mock spay recheck examinations

Wed, 7 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Cat caregivers face many potential barriers when accessing veterinary care, such as cat-related challenges with carriers, travel, and the clinic environment, as well as time away from home and/or work, distance to the veterinary clinic, and costs of veterinary care. A potential solution to overcoming some of these barriers may be the use of video telemedicine: using video technology to deliver health and behavior care, education, and information remotely. This study recruited companion cat caregivers and their cats (n = 30) to participate in two mock spay re-check examinations: an in-clinic appointment and a virtual video telemedicine appointment. During the mock examinations, cat behavioral and physiological responses were assessed. Order of appointment was counterbalanced, and caregivers completed a pre- and post- appointment questionnaire to assess attitudes and experience with the in-clinic versus video appointments before and after participation. The study results show that...

Incorporating video telehealth for improving at-home management of chronic health conditions in cats: a focus on chronic mobility problems

Wed, 7 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction

Feline degenerative joint disease (DJD), commonly referred to as feline arthritis, is one of the most prevalent chronic health conditions in companion cats. DJD results in chronic mobility-related pain and difficulties that require long-term at-home management by the caregiver. Common mitigation strategies include pain control and client education about in-home modifications to make the living environment more comfortable. Cats with chronic mobility problems should receive regular veterinary appointments to monitor the cat's condition; however, it is well recognized that many caregivers do not bring their cat to see a veterinarian on a routine basis. A possible solution to reducing accessibility barriers, improving compliance, and increasing access to pet education is veterinary video telehealth.

Methods

The current study used video visits to assess the impact of telehealth on caregiver education and home care of cats living with chronic mobility difficulties....

The effect of Rumin8 Investigational Veterinary Product—a bromoform based feed additive—on enteric methane emissions, animal production parameters, and the rumen environment in feedlot cattle

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The livestock sector plays a crucial role in mitigating global climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with enteric fermentation as the largest source. Although various approaches have been proposed to decrease enteric methane (CH₄) emissions, feed additives containing bromoform (CHBr₃) have shown promise with minimal impact on animal production parameters. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two Rumin8 Investigational Veterinary Products (IVP) containing synthetic CHBr₃ on enteric gas emissions, animal production parameters, and the rumen environment. Twenty-four Angus beef steers were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: Control, Oil (8 mL Rumin8 oil IVP/kg DMI), and Powder (1.2 g Rumin8 powder IVP/kg DMI). The Rumin8 oil IVP treatment resulted in a CHBr₃ intake of 32.2 mg/kg DMI, while the Rumin8 powder IVP provided a CHBr₃ intake of 2.0 mg/kg DMI during weeks 1-8....

Correction: A Ketogenic Diet in Combination with Gemcitabine Increases Survival in Pancreatic Cancer KPC Mice

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.CRC-22-0256.][This corrects the article DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.CRC-22-0256.].

Influence of low-level tannin supplementation on comparative growth performance of Holstein and Angus × Holstein cross calf-fed concentrate-based finishing diets for 328 d

Thu, 3 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of tannin and monensin supplementation in feedlot diets and breed (Holstein vs. Angus × Holstein) on growth performance, energetic efficiency, and carcass characteristics. Eighty purebred Holstein calves (HOL; initial body weight (BW) = 130 ± 5 kg) and 80 Angus × Holstein calves (AXH; initial BW = 129 ± 6 kg) were blocked by initial BW and randomly assigned to 40 pens. Dietary treatments consisted of a steam-flaked corn-based diet supplemented with (1) no feed additive (CON); (2) 30 mg of monensin/kg of dry matter (DM; MON; Rumensin 90, Elanco, Greenfield, IN); (3) 1.5 g tannin)/kg of DM (TAN; ByPro, 70% condensed tannin, SilvaFeed, Indunor, S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina); (4) M + T, the combination of MON plus TAN dietary treatments. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement of treatments, using pens as experimental units. There were no interactions (P > 0.05)...

Energy requirements of growing small ruminants raised for meat production in contrasting climatic regions: a meta-analysis

Thu, 3 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The objective of this meta-regression was to evaluate the influence of ruminant species, sex, and climatic regions on the metabolizable energy (ME) requirements for maintenance (MEm) and weight gain (MEg) in growing small ruminants raised for meat production across different climatic regions. Data included 655 and 337 treatment means from 173 and 99 studies on sheep and goats, respectively. Metabolizable energy intake (MEI; MJ/kg^^0.75) was regressed against average daily gain (ADG; g/kg^^0.75), with the study included as a random effect. The analysis found that MEm was not affected by species (P = 0.50), but MEg (MJ/g ADG) was significantly different between species (P = 0.02), with sheep requiring 0.032 (± 0.002) and goats 0.026 (± 0.002) MJ/g ADG. Sex did not affect MEm in either species (P ≥ 0.32). However, in goats, intact males had a greater MEg (P = 0.02) than females (0.030 ± 0.003 vs. 0.013 ± 0.006...

Primed bovine embryonic stem cell lines can be derived at diverse stages of blastocyst development with similar efficiency and molecular characteristics.

Wed, 2 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this study, we established bovine embryonic stem cell (bESC) lines from early (eBL) and full (BL) blastocysts to determine the efficiency of bESC derivation from an earlier embryonic stage and compare the characteristics of the resulting lines. Using established medium and protocols for derivation of primed bESCs from expanded blastocysts, we derived bESC lines from eBLs and BLs with the same efficiency (4/12 each, 33%). Regardless of original blastocyst stage, bESC lines had a similar phenotype, including differentiation capacity, stable karyotype, and pluripotency marker expression over feeder-free transition and long-term culture. Transcriptome and functional analyses indicated that eBL- and BL-derived lines were in primed pluripotency. We additionally compared RNA-sequencing data from our lines to bovine embryos and stem cells from other recent reports, finding that base medium was the predominant source of variation among cell lines. In conclusion, our results show that...

Folate Deficiency Inhibits Development of the Mammary Gland and its Associated Lymphatics in FVB Mice

Tue, 1 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND: Folate is essential for DNA synthesis, DNA repair, cell proliferation, development, and morphogenesis. Folic acid (FA) is a nutritional supplement used to fortify human diets. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effects of dietary FA on early mammary gland (MG) development and hyperplasia. METHODS: Study 1: nulliparous female FVB wild-type (WT) mice were fed control (Con; 2 mg FA/kg), deficient (Def; 0 mg FA/kg), excess (Ex; 5 mg FA/kg), or super excess (S-Ex; 20 mg FA/kg) diets for 8 wk before mating to WT or heterozygous FVB/N-Tg[mouse mammary tumor virus long terminal repeat (MMTV)-polyomavirus middle T antigen (PyVT)]634Mul/J (MMTV-PyMT+/-) transgenic males. Dams were fed these diets until they weaned WT or MMTV-PyMT+/- pups, which were fed the dam's diet from postnatal day (PND) 21 to 42. Tissues were collected from female progeny at PNDs 1, 21, and 42. Study 2: Con or Def diets were fed to WT intact females and males from PND 21 to 56, or to ovariectomized...

The history and future of the cornual nerve block for calf disbudding

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The history and future of the cornual nerve block for calf disbudding

Enriched atlas of lncRNA and protein-coding genes for the GRCg7b chicken assembly and its functional annotation across 47 tissues

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Gene atlases for livestock are steadily improving thanks to new genome assemblies and new expression data improving the gene annotation. However, gene content varies across databases due to differences in RNA sequencing data and bioinformatics pipelines, especially for long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) which have higher tissue and developmental specificity and are harder to consistently identify compared to protein coding genes (PCGs). As done previously in 2020 for chicken assemblies galgal5 and GRCg6a, we provide a new gene atlas, lncRNA-enriched, for the latest GRCg7b chicken assembly, integrating "NCBI RefSeq", "EMBL-EBI Ensembl/GENCODE" reference annotations and other resources such as FAANG and NONCODE. As a result, the number of PCGs increases from 18,022 (RefSeq) and 17,007 (Ensembl) to 24,102, and that of lncRNAs from 5789 (RefSeq) and 11,944 (Ensembl) to 44,428. Using 1400 public RNA-seq transcriptome representing 47 tissues, we provided expression evidence for 35,257 (79%)...

Physiological response of longfin smelt to changing temperatures and turbidities

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Coastal estuaries globally, including the San Francisco Estuary (SFE), are experiencing significant degradation, often resulting in fisheries collapses. The SFE has undergone profound modifications due to population growth, industrialization, urbanization and increasing water exports for human use. These changes have significantly altered the aquatic ecosystem, favouring invasive species and becoming less hospitable to native species such as the longfin smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys). With longfin smelt abundance declining to <1% of historical numbers, there is a pressing need for laboratory-based experiments aimed at investigating the effects of varying environmental conditions on their stress response and physiology. This study explored the impact of temperature (11 and 14°C) and turbidity maintained with algae (1, 4 and 11 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU)) on the physiological condition of juvenile longfin smelt. Fish were sampled after 2 and 4 weeks in experimental...

Conservation aquaculture of wild-origin offspring preserves genetic diversity in an endangered population of white sturgeon

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Conservation aquaculture programs that release fish to supplement wild populations can potentially capture greater genetic diversity by collecting offspring as embryos and larvae from wild spawning events than by producing them conventionally from broodstock. A conservation aquaculture program for the endangered white sturgeon population of the Upper Columbia River initially utilized wild broodstock for 14 years before fully transitioning to rearing wild-origin offspring in 2014. Here we evaluated the performance of this program in capturing the wild population’s genetic diversity since transitioning to wild-origin offspring. We analyzed genotypes of 325 tetrasomic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in more than 5,000 offspring reared from 2014 to 2020 and over 1,000 wild adults from the population. Genetic diversity statistics were highly similar between each offspring year class and the wild adult population. We inferred sibship structure to estimate the total number...

Single generation epigenetic change in captivity and reinforcement in subsequent generations in a delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) conservation hatchery

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A refugial population of the endangered delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) has been maintained at the Fish Conservation and Culture Laboratory (FCCL) at UC Davis since 2008. Despite intense genetic management, fitness differences between wild and cultured fish have been observed at the FCCL. To investigate the molecular underpinnings of hatchery domestication, we used whole-genome bisulfite sequencing to quantify epigenetic differences between wild and hatchery-origin delta smelt. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified from 104 individuals by comparing the methylation patterns in different generations of hatchery fish (G1, G2, G3) with their wild parents (G0). We discovered a total of 132 significant DMRs (p < .05) between G0 and G1, 132 significant DMRs between G0 and G2, and 201 significant DMRs between G0 and G3. Our results demonstrate substantial differences in methylation patterns emerged between the wild and hatchery-reared fish in the early generations...

Prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli in urban and peri-urban garden ecosystems in Bangladesh

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In the past decade, there has been a notable rise in foodborne outbreaks, prominently featuring Escherichia coli as a primary pathogen. This bacterium, known for its prevalence in foodborne illnesses and as a reservoir of antimicrobial resistance, was isolated from raw vegetables, soil, and water samples collected from rooftop and surface gardens in urban (Dhaka North City Corporation; DNCC and Dhaka South City Corporation; DSCC) and peri-urban (Gazipur City Corporation; GCC) areas of Bangladesh. In this study, 145 samples including vegetables (n = 88), water (n = 27) and soils (n = 30) from DNCC (n = 85), DSCC (n = 30), and GCC (n = 30) were analyzed to assess the prevalence of E. coli using culture, biochemical tests, and PCR targeting the malB gene. E. coli was detected in 85 samples, indicating an overall prevalence of 58.62% (95% CI: 50.48-66.31). In urban areas (DNCC and DSCC), the prevalence rates were 44.70% and 80.0%, respectively, with surface gardens showing higher...

Isolation of Cutibacterium acnes AP1, a rumen bacterium that forms trans-10,cis-12-conjugated linoleic acid

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Some microbes in the rumen form trans-10,cis-12 (t10,c12)-conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid that depresses synthesis of milk fat in dairy cattle and other lactating animals. Despite their importance to milk fat depression, the microbes responsible have been difficult to identify, and no laboratory strain is currently available for study. Here we describe the isolation of Cutibacterium acnes AP1, a bacterium that forms t10,c12-CLA at fast rates. It was isolated from rumen contents of a heifer by using medium containing lactate and metronidazole. It formed t10,c12-CLA from linoleic acid, a result confirmed by a combination of 3 methods (spectrophotometry, thin-layer chromatography, and GC). The initial rate of formation was 67% faster than for Cutibacterium acnes DSM 1897, the type strain from human skin. The availability of this isolate and its ability to rapidly form t10,c12-CLA make...

3-Nitrooxypropanol substantially decreased enteric methane emissions of dairy cows fed true protein- or urea-containing diets

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Methane is a potent but short-lived greenhouse gas targeted for short-term amelioration of climate change, with enteric methane emitted by ruminants being the most important anthropogenic source of methane. Ruminant production also releases nitrogen to the environment, resulting in groundwater pollution and emissions of greenhouse gas nitrous oxide. We hypothesized that inhibiting rumen methanogenesis in dairy cows with chemical inhibitor 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) would redirect metabolic hydrogen towards synthesis of microbial amino acids. Our objective was to investigate the effects of 3-NOP on methane emissions, rumen fermentation and nitrogen metabolism of dairy cows fed true protein or urea as nitrogen sources. Eight ruminally-cannulated cows were fed a plant protein or a urea-containing diet during a Control experimental period followed by a methanogenesis inhibition period with 3-NOP supplementation. All diets were unintentionally deficient in nitrogen, and diets supplemented...

Fecal microbiota changes associated with pathogenic and non-pathogenic diarrheas in foals

Mon, 3 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

ObjectivesDiarrhea is a common disease that could threaten the welfare of newborn foals. While there are several forms of foal diarrhea, the etiologies can be considered known pathogenic or non-pathogenic in nature. Moreover, there are likely differences in the composition of microbial populations in the gastrointestinal tracts of foals depending upon the etiology of diarrhea. Our study aims to examine the microbial population in the feces of foals with both pathogenic and non-pathogenic diarrheas to discern differences in their microbial compositions.ResultsFoal diarrhea samples tested positive or negative for common equine neonatal diarrhea pathogens by diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which allowed for samples to be segregated as pathogenic or non-pathogenic. Pathogenic samples tested positive for combinations of Clostridium perfringens and/or Clostridioides difficile toxins. As a result, significantly higher alpha diversity was seen in the non-pathogenic samples...

Dietary supplementation of blend of organic acids and monoglycerides alleviated diarrhea and systemic inflammation of weaned pigs experimentally infected with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F18

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

BackgroundThe emergence of antibiotic resistant microorganisms associated with conventional swine production practices has increased interest in acid-based compounds having antimicrobial properties and other biological functions as nutritional interventions. Despite the interest in organic acids and monoglycerides, few studies have examined the effects of the combination of these acid-based additives in weaned pigs under disease challenge conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with blend of organic acids and/or medium-chain fatty acid monoglycerides on intestinal health and systemic immunity of weaned pigs experimentally infected with an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F18 at 4-week of age.ResultsDietary supplementation of organic acids, monoglycerides, or both organic acids and monoglycerides (combination) reduced (P < 0.05) the diarrhea frequency of ETEC F18-infected pigs throughout the experimental period (d −7...

Exploring the impact of grazing on fecal and soil microbiome dynamics in small ruminants in organic crop-livestock integration systems

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In integrated crop-livestock systems, livestock graze on cover crops and deposit raw manure onto fields to improve soil health and fertility. However, enteric pathogens shed by grazing animals may be associated with foodborne pathogen contamination of produce influenced by fecal-soil microbial interactions. We analyzed 300 fecal samples (148 from sheep and 152 from goats) and 415 soil samples (272 from California and 143 from Minnesota) to investigate the effects of grazing and the presence of non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) or generic E. coli (gEc) in fecal and soil microbiomes. We collected samples from field trials of three treatments (fallow, a cover crop without grazing (non-graze CC), and a cover crop with grazing (graze CC)) grazed by sheep or goats between 2020 and 2022. No significant differences in non-O157 STEC prevalence were found between pre- and post-grazing fecal samples in either sheep or goats. However, gEc was more prevalent in graze CC...

Variants in FtsJ RNA 2′-O-Methyltransferase 3 and Growth Hormone 1 are associated with small body size and a dental anomaly in dogs

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Domesticated dogs show unparalleled diversity in body size across breeds, but within breeds variation is limited by selective breeding. Many heritable diseases of dogs are found among breeds of similar sizes, suggesting that as in humans, alleles governing growth have pleiotropic effects. Here, we conducted independent genome-wide association studies in the small Shetland Sheepdog breed and discovered a locus on chromosome 9 that is associated with a dental abnormality called maxillary canine-tooth mesioversion (MCM) (P = 1.53 × 10^-7) as well as two body size traits: height (P = 1.67 × 10^-5) and weight (P = 1.16 × 10^-7). Using whole-genome resequencing data, we identified variants in two proximal genes: FTSJ3, encoding an RNA methyltransferase, and GH1, encoding growth hormone. A substitution in FTSJ3 and a splice donor insertion in GH1 are strongly associated with MCM and reduced body size in Shetland...

Heritability and complex segregation analysis of naturally-occurring diabetes in Australian Terrier Dogs

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Australian Terrier breed is the breed at highest risk for naturally-occurring diabetes mellitus in the United States, where it is 32 times more likely to develop diabetes compared to mixed breed dogs. However, the heritability and mode of inheritance of spontaneous diabetes in Australian Terriers has not been reported. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the heritability and mode of inheritance of diabetes in Australian Terriers. A cohort of related Australian Terriers including 383 Australian Terriers without diabetes, 86 Australian Terriers with spontaneous diabetes, and 14 Australian Terriers with an unknown phenotype, was analyzed. A logistic regression model including the effects of sex was formulated to evaluate the heritability of diabetes. The inheritance pattern of spontaneous diabetes in Australian Terriers was investigated by use of complex segregation analysis. Six possible inheritance models were studied, and the Akaike Information Criterion was...

Congenital idiopathic megaesophagus in the German shepherd dog is a sex-differentiated trait and is associated with an intronic variable number tandem repeat in Melanin-Concentrating Hormone Receptor 2

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Congenital idiopathic megaesophagus (CIM) is a gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorder of dogs in which reduced peristaltic activity and dilation of the esophagus prevent the normal transport of food into the stomach. Affected puppies regurgitate meals and water, fail to thrive, and experience complications such as aspiration pneumonia that may necessitate euthanasia. The German shepherd dog (GSD) has the highest disease incidence, indicative of a genetic predisposition. Here, we discover that male GSDs are twice as likely to be affected as females and show that the sex bias is independent of body size. We propose that female endogenous factors (e.g., estrogen) are protective via their role in promoting relaxation of the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach, facilitating food passage. A genome-wide association study for CIM revealed an association on canine chromosome 12 (P-val = 3.12x10-13), with the lead SNPs located upstream or within Melanin-Concentrating Hormone Receptor...

Functional annotation of regulatory elements in rainbow trout uncovers roles of the epigenome in genetic selection and genome evolution

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Rainbow trout (RBT) has gained widespread attention as a biological model across various fields and has been rapidly adopted for aquaculture and recreational purposes on 6 continents. Despite significant efforts to develop genome sequences for RBT, the functional genomic basis of RBT's environmental, phenotypic, and evolutionary variations still requires epigenome reference annotations. This study has produced a comprehensive catalog and epigenome annotation tracks of RBT, detecting gene regulatory elements, including chromatin histone modifications, chromatin accessibility, and DNA methylation. By integrating chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing, ATAC sequencing, Methyl Mini-seq, and RNA sequencing data, this new regulatory element catalog has helped to characterize the epigenome dynamics and its correlation with gene expression. The study has also identified potential causal variants and transcription factors regulating complex domestication phenotypic traits. This research...

Effects of partial or full replacement of soybean meal with urea or coated urea on intake, performance, and plasma urea concentrations in lactating dairy cows

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

We expected mitigation of the hypophagic effects of urea (U) with a coated urea (CU) product that aimed to partially shift urea supply to the post-ruminal gastrointestinal tract. Ruminal release and post-ruminal digestibility of CU was evaluated in vitro, followed by a randomised complete block experiment (54 Holstein-Friesian cows; 177 ± 72 days in milk). Soybean meal (SBM) was partially (PR) or fully (FR) replaced on an isonitrogenous basis by beet pulp and U or CU. Urea sources were included at 12 (U-PR, CU-PR) and 19 (U-FR, CU-FR) g/kg dietary dry matter (DM). Hypophagic effects were similar for U-PR and CU-PR (-11% vs. -7%), and for U-FR and CU-FR (-13% vs. -12%) compared with SBM (average 25.8 kg DM intake/d). Compared with SBM, U-PR and CU-PR reduced yields of milk (-8%) and protein (-12%), U-PR reduced yield of fat (-9%) and fat- and protein-corrected-milk (FPCM; -9%), and CU-PR tended to reduce FPCM yield (-5%). Compared with SBM, U-FR and CU-FR respectively reduced yields...

Cows that are less active in the chute have more optimal grazing distribution

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Individual grazing patterns among cattle can contribute to sustainability of land use, however, little is known about the consistency of these grazing patterns. To address this knowledge gap, fifty Angus x Hereford cows were observed in repeated assays: A management assay (handling procedure, narrow chute, hydraulic squeeze), a social-feed trade-off assay (SFTA; choice between social mates and feed item), and novel approach assay (choice between social mates and feed item with novel pattern). The same cattle were tracked with GPS collars over two grazing seasons (June-August 2021 and 2022) and average grazing-related metrics (e.g., elevation used, distance traveled) were calculated within each season. Cows with a more passive response in the chute were found at higher elevation (p = 0.017), further from water (p = 0.043), and closer to supplement sites (p = 0.029). Cows that had higher latency to supplement in the SFTA traveled shorter distances on rangeland (p = 0.035). Thus,...

US and Canadian cat caregiver’s ratings of cat-cat interactions: A video-based survey

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

US and Canadian caregivers (n = 6,529) of two domestic cats (Felis catus) were recruited to participate in an online cross-sectional questionnaire to assess: (1) knowledge of inter-cat behaviour; (2) the frequency of positive and negative cat-cat interactions in the home; and (3) factors associated with positive and negative cat-cat interactions in the home. The questionnaire included ten videos (five negatively valenced, five positively valenced), in which participants scored: the overall cat-cat interaction; cat 1's experience; and cat 2's experience, using a Likert scale. Participants were also asked to report how often they see each interaction in their own two cats. Cat behaviour experts (n = 5) were recruited to rate their interpretations of the videos using the same Likert scale as the cat caregiver participants. Overall, our results suggest that overt positive interactions (allo-grooming, co-sleeping) were more likely reported if cat dyads were related or spent...

Low-dose lipopolysaccharide exposure during oocyte maturation disrupts early bovine embryonic development

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Gram-negative bacteria release of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin elicits robust immune responses capable of disrupting normal ovarian function contributing to female infertility. However, effects of subclinical or non-detectable infections on oocyte competence and subsequent embryo development remain to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exposing bovine oocytes to low LPS doses on oocyte and embryo competence. Bovine oocytes were collected from slaughterhouse-derived ovaries and matured with vehicle-control or increasing doses of LPS (0.01, 0.1, and 1 μg/mL) for 21 h. Oocytes (n = 252) were evaluated for nuclear maturation. A set of embryos from LPS-matured oocytes (n = 300) were cultured for 8 d to evaluate day 3 cleavage rates and day 8 blastocyst rates along with blastocyst cell counts. A subset of oocytes (n = 153) was fertilized and cultured for time-lapse image capture and analysis...

Omics based technology application in poultry meat research

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Omics techniques, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics, analyze entire sets of biological molecules to seek comprehensive knowledge on a particular phenotype. These approaches have been extensively utilized to identify both biomarkers and biological mechanisms for various physiological conditions in livestock and poultry. The purpose of this symposium was not only to focus on how recent omics technologies can be used to gather, integrate, and interpret data produced by various methodologies in poultry research, but also to highlight how omics and bioinformatics have increased our understanding of poultry meat quality problems and other complex traits. This Poultry Science Association symposium paper includes 5 sections that cover: 1) functional annotation of cis-regulatory elements in the genome informs genetic control of complex traits in poultry, 2) mass spectrometry for proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics, 3) proteomic approaches...

Correction: The role of cGMP as a mediator of lipolysis in bovine oocytes and its effects on embryo development and cryopreservation.

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191023.].

De novo whole-genome assembly and annotation of Coffea arabica var. Geisha, a high-quality coffee variety from the primary origin of coffee

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Geisha coffee is recognized for its unique aromas and flavors and, accordingly, has achieved the highest prices in the specialty coffee markets. We report the development of a chromosome-level, well-annotated, genome assembly of Coffea arabica var. Geisha. Geisha is considered an Ethiopian landrace that represents germplasm from the Ethiopian center of origin of coffee. We used a hybrid de novo assembly approach combining 2 long-read single molecule sequencing technologies, Oxford Nanopore and Pacific Biosciences, together with scaffolding with Hi-C libraries. The final assembly is 1.03 Gb in size with BUSCO assessment of the assembly completeness of 97.7% of single-copy orthologs clusters. RNA-Seq and Iso-Seq data were used as transcriptional experimental evidence for annotation and gene prediction revealing the presence of 47,062 gene loci encompassing 53,273 protein-coding transcripts. Comparison of the assembly to the progenitor subgenomes separated the set of chromosome sequences...

Addressing the 2050 demand for terrestrial animal source food

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The high emissions intensity of terrestrial animal source food (TASF) and projected increasing demand in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) have spurred interest in the development of animal-free alternatives and manufactured food items that aim to substitute for meat, milk, and eggs with the promise of reduced environmental impact of producing food. The developing world is the source of 75% of global emissions from ruminants and will house 86% of the world's human population by 2050. The adoption of cost-effective, genetic, feed and nutrition practices, and improving livestock health in LMIC are seen as the most promising interventions to reduce emissions resulting from projected increased TASF demand though 2050. Genetic improvement is a particularly attractive approach to productivity enhancements, as such improvements are permanent and cumulative. Alternative proteins may play a role in addressing demand for affordable sources of nutrient-dense foods, however, price will...