Biology and Life Sciences

Abstract: Polysaccharides from edible fungi are increasingly recognized as bioactive macromolecules with potential relevance to animal nutrition, intestinal health, and stress resilience. Lyophyllum decastes polysaccharides (LDPs) have recently attracted attention because of their reported immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, microbiota-modulating, and intestinal barrier-related activities. Available studies indicate that LDPs are structurally heterogeneous preparations whose biological properties are influenced by raw material source, extraction method, purification level, molecular weight distribution, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic linkage pattern, branching architecture, and associated non-polysaccharide components. Evidence from in vitro assays and rodent models suggests that selected LDP preparations may interact with innate immune signaling pathways, regulate oxidative and inflammatory responses, resist complete upper gastrointestinal digestion, undergo microbial fermentation, promote short-chain fatty acid production, alter gut microbiota composition, and improve intestinal barrier-related indices. These properties provide a biologically plausible basis for poultry-oriented investigation, particularly in broilers and laying hens exposed to heat stress, enteric challenge, intestinal dysbiosis, oxidative burden, or antibiotic-reduced production systems. However, the current evidence base remains largely pre-translational. Most findings are derived from chemical assays, macrophage models, simulated digestion, fecal fermentation, or murine disease models rather than controlled poultry trials. Therefore, LDPs should not yet be regarded as established feed additives for poultry. This review summarizes current knowledge on the extraction, structural features, biological activities, safety considerations, and translational prospects of LDPs, with emphasis on poultry nutrition. Key research priorities include standardized preparation and reporting, structure–function mapping, endotoxin and contaminant control, chicken-relevant mechanistic validation, target-animal safety assessment, dose–response feeding trials, challenge models, and evaluation of feed-scale feasibility. Overall, LDPs represent promising candidate functional materials for poultry nutrition, but their practical application requires rigorous poultry-specific validation.

Abstract: Nicholson et al. (2026) have established the first adult stem cell-derived chicken lung organoid system and validated it for in vitro modelling of avian influenza virus replication, representing a landmark advance in respiratory avian biology. The model is derived exclusively from White Leghorn chickens, a single commercially selected genotype that sits at one extreme of the phenotypic and genomic diversity of Gallus gallus domesticus. Indigenous African chicken breeds, which constitute 70–80% of sub-Saharan poultry production and represent the primary interface between endemic avian influenza viruses and unvaccinated smallholder flocks, are entirely unrepresented. This short communication argues that extension of the organoid platform to indigenous African breeds is scientifically urgent for One Health surveillance, outlines the molecular basis for anticipating meaningful breed-level transcriptomic divergence particularly at the ANP32A locus and proposes three tractable protocol adaptations required for indigenous breed organoid derivation: biosafety characterisation of non-SPF donor animals, variant-aware transcriptomic alignment to account for indigenous breed allelic diversity, and experimental designs that accommodate within-breed genetic heterogeneity.

Abstract: Our first objective was to quantify the associations between health-related events (HRE) before insemination, the relative increase in estrus intensity (REI) at insemination, and the probability of pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) in organic dairy cows. Quanti-fying these associations may aid on-farm decision-making, such as setting the voluntary waiting period, choice of type of semen, do-not-breed and culling decisions. A second ob-jective was to develop predictive models to estimate P/AI based on readily available data, and present common goodness-of-fit results also used in the machine learning community. All data were collected from a certified organic dairy farm in the western USA from 2019 to 2021. Health-related and reproduction data were obtained through DRMS (Raleigh, NC, USA). Activity data were collected using pedometers (IceRobotics, Stirling, UK) mounted on the rear legs. The REI, defined as walking steps per hour before insemination divided by the cow’s baseline steps per hour, was available for 17,238 inseminations from 4,759 cows. The REI was categorized as ≤200% (6,999 inseminations), >200-400% (4,685), >400-600% (2,929), or >600% (2,625). The HRE were available for 65,684 inseminations from 13,365 cows. The HRE was categorized as mastitis (prior to 9,114 inseminations), metabolic (displaced abomasum, ketosis, milk fever; 1,941), reproductive disease (metritis, endometritis, pyometra, retained fetal membranes; 4,907), lameness (4,058), 2 different diseases (4,022), ≥3 different diseases (813), or as healthy (none of these diseases prior to insemination; 40,829). Combinations (COMBO) between REI categories and 0, 1, or ≥2 HRE were also created for 16,415 inseminations in 4,647 cows. Data were split into training and test sets. The training data were used to fit 3 logistic regression models that included either HRE, or REI, or COMBO. Each of the 3 models also included the covariates of prior 3-mo herd P/AI and days in milk (DIM), and the fixed effects of parity, insemination season, days after the previous insemination or days to 1st insemination. A random effect ac-counted for repeated inseminations within cow. Parameter estimates, odds ratios, and the least-square means of the estimated P/AI of the fixed effects were obtained from the logistic regression models. The models’ estimates were applied to the test datasets, and discrimi-nation and calibration statistics were calculated to judge goodness-of-fit. Unadjusted mean P/AI were 31%, 28% and 28% for the HRE, REI and COMBO training datasets. For the HRE model, estimated P/AI ranged from 20% (≥3 different HRE) to 30% (healthy). The estimated P/AI associated with the 4 REI categories were not different from 27% in the REI model. The estimated P/AI associated with the combinations of HRE and REI in the COMBO model varied from 18% after ≥2 HRE and >200-400% REI, to 30% when insemina-tions were in healthy cows with REI >600%. Inseminations in older cows, in the spring, and outside 18-24 d after the previous insemination were also associated with lower esti-mated P/AI. The area underneath the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve ranged from 0.57 (COMBO) to 0.60 (HRE) for the test data, indicating fair discrimination ability of the models. The Brier score ranged from 0.19 to 0.21, indicating moderate performance of the prediction models. Calibration plots showed that the prediction models produced unbi-ased estimated P/AI. In conclusion, the results showed no conclusive evidence of greater estimated P/AI related to greater REI as a measure of estrus activity. More health-related events were associated with lower estimated P/AI. Combinations of low REI and more HRE were associated with notably decreased estimated P/AI. The logistic regression mod-els produce unbiased estimated P/AI. These predictive models may inform insemination and culling decisions in organic dairy cows. A variety of goodness of fit statistics were calculated to allow comparisons of the current logistic regression analyses with future analyses made by other machines learning techniques.

Abstract: The PPR Global Research and Expertise Network (GREN) plays a central role in identifying research priorities supporting the Global Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) Eradication Programme (GEP). A scoping review of PPR epidemiological research published between 2015 and 2025 was conducted to assess progress and remain gaps across research domains relevant to GREN priorities. A total of 670 PPR-related publications were retrieved. Epidemiological research constituted 46.9% of the PPR literature, pathogenesis 19.1%, diagnostics 15.6%, then vaccinology 9.5%, and immunology 7.9%. From the 273 epidemiological studies, most originated from Africa (53.1%) and Asia (37.7%). The epidemiological studies were categorized into seven domains. Molecular epidemiology and strain analysis represented the largest proportion of published studies (40.0%), followed by surveillance and disease monitoring (23.8%), transmission dynamics and risk modelling (12.5%), vaccination epidemiology (10.6%), analytical and risk factor epidemiology (8.4%), control strategy evaluation (2.9%), and socioeconomic research (1.8%). Progress towards GREN research priorities was variable. Molecular epidemiology and surveillance demonstrated the greatest methodological advancement, supported by widespread application of phylogenetics, serological surveillance, and expanding sequencing capacity across endemic settings. Transmission dynamics and risk modelling also showed increasing analytical sophistication through spatial modelling, network analysis, ecological suitability modelling, and dynamic simulation approaches, although applications remained geographically concentrated and only partially integrated into operational decision-support systems. In contrast, vaccination epidemiology, comparative evaluation of control strategies, and socioeconomic research remained limited in volume and operational integration. Across domains, important gaps persisted in implementation-focused evaluation, integrated surveillance systems, and translation of research evidence into adaptive eradication planning and policy development. Overall, the findings demonstrate substantial growth in the global PPR epidemiological evidence base over the past decade but also reveal a persistent imbalance across research domains and geographies. While major advances have been achieved in molecular characterization and descriptive surveillance, greater integration of epidemiological, operational, modelling, and socioeconomic evidence is needed to strengthen adaptive eradication planning and improve alignment between research priorities and policy implementation. Research and policy need to be better integrated, with policy needs driving research focus, with research findings then informing policy.

Abstract: The Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) is one of the most frequently admitted seabirds to wildlife rehabilitation centers in the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions. Despite its clinical relevance, detailed computed tomographic references of the coelomic cavity are lacking. The aim of this study was to describe the normal cross-sectional anatomy and computed tomographic appearance of the coelomic cavity in this species and to develop an anatomical atlas to facilitate diagnostic image interpretation. Eight adult Yellow-legged Gull carcasses were examined. Six specimens underwent computed tomography using a 16-slice helical scanner, followed by frozen transverse sectioning, while two specimens were dissected to provide detailed anatomical correlation. CT datasets were evaluated using bone, soft tissue, and pulmonary window settings, and three-dimensional volume-rendered reconstructions were generated. Anatomical dissections, cross-sectional slices, and CT images enabled identification and characterization of the principal structures of the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, as well as their spatial relationships within the coelomic cavity. The combined evaluation of gross anatomy and CT imaging allowed accurate recognition of major organs, air sacs, large vessels, and skeletal landmarks throughout the examined sections. The atlas provides a comprehensive reference for normal coelomic anatomy in L. michahellis and establishes a baseline for the interpretation of CT examinations in clinical, rehabilitation, and research settings. These findings may improve diagnostic accuracy and support future investigations of coelomic disorders in this species.

Abstract: Bats are important reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens and valuable models for studying antiviral tolerance and neuroinflammation within a One Health framework. However, chiropteran neural 2D-in vitro models remain limited. Here, we established and characterized the first chiropteran primary (CpBCs) and immortalized (CiBCs) cell lines from Hypsugo savii species. To overcome the limited lifespan of CpBCs, immor-talization strategies based on human telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and Simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen were evaluated. Electroporation-mediated transfection with SV40 successfully generated CiBCs, whereas liposome-mediated and TERT-based approaches were unsuccessful. RNA sequencing revealed marked tran-scriptional changes comparing CiBCs with CpCBs, such as upregulation of pathways related to cell cycle progression, DNA replication, and proliferation in CiBCs, together with downregulation of apoptosis, inflammatory signaling, and immune-related pathways. Immortalized cells also exhibited enrichment of neural stem cell–like and cancer-associated signatures, suggesting partial dedifferentiation induced by SV40-mediated immortalization. Overall, this study provides a novel chiropteran brain-derived 2D-in vitro platform for investigating bat neurobiology, host–pathogen interactions, viral tolerance, and neurotropic infectious diseases relevant to emerging zoonoses.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Parvovirus infection cause sever diseases in both feline and canine species, mostly affects adult cats and dogs, but cause higher risk in the kittens and puppies. This virus is known to be contagious; the simple way of spreading occurs through food and shelter as well as hands and clothing of people. The recovered species may continue to shed parvovirus in their feces for an extended period, leading to severe environmental contamination. There is no universal vaccine available that protect dogs and cats against parvovirus infections. The main goal of this study is to design a pan parvovirus multiepitope DNA based vaccine that could be administered to dog and cats. Methods: We utilized AI-machine learning incorporated server tools such as IEDB and NetMHCpan to predict B-cell and T-cell epitopes. VaxiJen and ToxinPred were used to analyze immune characteristic features and docking with feline alleles using HADdock server. Following, the immune response and stability of vaccine construct was confirmed with disulfide engineering, Normal mode analysis and molecular docking, and dynamic simulations were done with Toll like receptors of both feline and canine (TLR4 and TLR5) for 50ns. The triggered immune response was determined with immuno-simulation (ImmSim) and their activity in biological environment was reinforced with in silico cloning. Results: The B cell epitopes (NS1 - 9, NS2 - 4, VP1- 12 and VP2- 9) predicted with IEDB database were subjected to antigenicity prediction. MHC class I and IFN prediction and MHC class II and IL-4 prediction were done with IEDB and NetMHCpan. The T cell epitopes showed high binding affinities with the feline alleles. The final vaccine was designed by combining the top-ranked B-cell epitopes T- cell epitopes, filtered from high antigenic, non-allergic, non-toxic and good solubility, and with the better binding affinity score of the structural and non- structural proteins (NS1, NS2, VP1 and VP2) of feline and canine parvoviruses through linkers and adjuvants. The disulfide bond prediction and Normal mode analysis showed our vaccine construct are stable and flexible. The molecular docking analysis was performed between the designed vaccine epitopes and the TLRs (TLR4 – feline and TLR5 – canine) with Biovia Discovery Studio using Zdocker, it showed the better binding interaction with value of 22.26 (Zdock score), -47.409 (Zrank score) for feline and 16.54 (Zdock score), -134.295 (Zrank score) for canine. Conclusions: The pan multi-epitope DNA based vaccine combining the four major structural proteins (NS1, NS2, VP1 and VP2) possess dual purpose to protect both feline and canine species against the parvovirus were designed and constructed. The molecular docking and dynamic simulation analysis showed higher binding affinities and stable conformation with canine (TLR5) and feline (TLR4) toll like receptors. Though computational analysis will support us to predict the more precise top-ranked epitopes and their immuno-antigenic properties, further experimental validation will be required to be used against those viruses.

Abstract: We report the first in situ confirmation and developmental characterization of pregnancy in a free-swimming oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) using underwater, contactless ultrasonography. Conducted in Revillagigedo National Park, Mexico, the study enabled visualization of foetal morphology and characterization of developmental stages, including one mid-stage individual and two late-stage pregnancies. External abdominal and dorsal distension were absent in the mid-stage case but were detectable in later stages, although these features were not always evident in standard video imagery. These findings demonstrate that underwater ultrasonography provides a feasible, non-lethal tool for improving pregnancy detection and refining reproductive parameters in wild manta ray populations.

Abstract: Accurate estrus detection is essential for optimizing artificial insemination timing, but visual detection is constrained by labor demands, intermittent observation, short estrus duration, and variable behavioral expression. Although inertial measurement unit (IMU) systems can capture dynamic acceleration and rotational movement, phase-specific IMU-derived activity and posture-related changes during natural estrus remain insufficiently characterized. Therefore, this study evaluated these variables across an ovulation-anchored six-phase framework using video-derived behavioral observations and ultrasound-confirmed ovulation as biological reference standards. In this observational study, 285,337 observations from eleven natural estrus cycles of five cows were analyzed. Cow movement was recorded at 10-s intervals using neck-mounted tri-axial accelerometers and gyroscopes, while posture states, estrus-related behaviors, and ovulation timing were determined from continuous video recordings and 6-h transrectal ultrasonography. Extracted variables included signal vector magnitude, vectorial dynamic body acceleration (VeDBA), gyroscope magnitude (Gyro_mag), baseline-adjusted activity features, posture proportions, lying bout characteristics, and an exploratory Combined Activity Index summarized at the cycle-phase level. VeDBA was highest during standing estrus, whereas Gyro_mag, baseline-adjusted activity features, and the Combined Activity Index were elevated during pre-estrus and standing estrus. Standing estrus was characterized by reduced lying proportion, increased standing and walking proportions, and shorter mean lying bout duration. These findings support IMU-derived activity and posture-related variables as promising candidate features for standing-estrus differentiation and insemination-timing support.

Abstract: Background: Patent ductus arteriosus is a congenital heart defect in which the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth, causing abnormal blood flow and potential heart failure. The Branham reflex, a transient slowing of the heart rate after ductus closure, has been described in transcatheter procedures and surgical ligation. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 25 dogs undergoing surgical PDA ligation under a standardized anesthetic protocol. Heart rate and arterial blood pressures were recorded at multiple time points before, during, and after surgery. The incidence of the Branham reflex and the need for cardiovascular drugs were assessed. Results: Nineteen dogs (76%) exhibited the Branham reflex, characterized by a transient decrease in heart rate and a concurrent increase in diastolic pressure, which resolved without antimuscarinic medication. The reflex was less frequent in dogs weighing more than 10 kilograms. Complications occurred in 12% of patients, with no fatalities. Conclusions: The Branham reflex is common but generally self-limiting. Careful hemodynamic monitoring is essential, especially in smaller dogs. These findings provide important guidance for veterinarians to optimize perioperative care and minimize risks during PDA surgery.

Abstract: Livestock production, encompassing both meat and dairy industries, constitutes a sector of significant global economic value, providing livelihoods for numerous families and communities worldwide. While regenerative livestock farming is gaining ground as a sustainable alternative, a significant research gap persists regarding the systematic identification of emerging technologies and the lack of specific frameworks for their technical implementation in tropical regions. This article addresses this gap by mapping the strategic frontiers of regenerative technologies using a mixed-methods approach, employing text mining software (Vantage Point V15.1) and advanced searches in specialized databases. Fifty-six high-impact publications in Scopus and ScienceDirect were analyzed, and the results identified 14 key regenerative activities, highlighting silvopastoral systems, integrated pasture management, and crop-livestock integration as the most prominent solutions. An additional analysis was applied, identifying 10 variables in regenerative livestock farming as well as their alignment with seminal authors on regenerativity issues. A crucial finding is the existing disconnect between the theoretical benefits of regeneration and its practical application in diverse geographical contexts. To mitigate this gap, the study proposes technical implementation models and a step-by-step procedural sequence specifically designed for the Colombian context, although these can be replicated in other regions, particularly in tropical zones. By synthesizing technical limitations and local adaptability, this research provides a strategic roadmap for the transition to sustainable livestock systems, offering valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers committed to regenerative innovation.

Abstract: Vaccination is one of the most important measures for infectious disease control. Recently, me-dia-generated concern about vaccine-associated adverse effects has produced a rise in both human and animal ‘anti-vaccination’ movements. This study aimed to understand factors involved in dog owner vaccination decisions and explore whether there has been an increase in titer testing. An online survey targeting dog owners received a total of 2,585 responses which showed 79% of re-spondents had their dogs vaccinated in the past 12 months. A few owners never vaccinated their dogs, and 13% of owners used titer testing prior to booster vaccinations. The factors with the strong-est positive predictors for vaccination were requirements by third party services- (e.g. kennels) and for a negative response, lack of time. For respondents that had not vaccinated the factors with the strongest predictive powers to determine if they titer-test were education/working in the veterinary industry for a positive response and not heard of negative side effects after vaccinating for a nega-tive response. Overall, no evidence was found that a rise in anti-vaccination attitudes was pervasive in dog owners, however it shows that the veterinary profession has work to do to ensure herd im-munity is maintained within dog populations.

Abstract: Carrot processing for juice generates substantial pomace residues rich in bioactive compounds, which represent both an environmental challenge and an unexploited resource. This study investigated the possible protective effects of a polyphenolic extract derived from carrot pomace (CP) against Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced damage in the IPEC-1 intestinal porcine epithelial cell line, used as an in vitro model of the intestinal epithelium. The antioxidant activity of dried CP was 110μmol Trolox equivalents/100g, and its total polyphenol content was 281mg GAE/100g. The total phenolic content of the CP methanolic extract (CPE) was 1.017 mg GAE/ml, with flavan-3-ols (epicatechin, catechin, epigallocatechin) accounting 71.3% of that value. Before being exposed to LPS (10 μg/ml) for 24 hours, the cells were pre-treated with CP extract (20.34µg and 10.17µg polyphenols/ml of extract corresponding to 1/50 and 1/100 dilution) for 4 hours. Epithelial renewal (cell viability, cell proliferation and apoptosis), monolayer/barrier integrity (TEER, FD4 permeability, LDH release), as well as epithelial functionality (synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines: TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO) production, MAPK signalling and mitochondrial morphology and function) were assessed. The results showed that CP extract had no cytotoxic effects and successfully counteracted LPS-induced loss of cell viability and proliferation. The pre-treatment with CPE at both dilutions significantly reduced LPS-induced apoptosis and cell death. Barrier integrity was preserved with TEER values maintained near baseline: -0.43% and -0.24% for 1/50 and 1/100 dilutions of CPE vs −53.47% at 72h for LPS alone, and paracellular FD4 passage was restored to control levels. At the molecular level, CP extract reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression (IL-6 by 40%, TNF-α by 50–56%) and suppressed LPS-induced MAPK activation by 62.9% and 46.5%, for 1/50 and 1/100 dilutions of CPE, respectively. The pre-treatment of cells with CP extract normalised LPS-induced ROS production and protected mitochondrial morphology and function. These findings demonstrate that CP extract exerts a multi-level protective effect on intestinal epithelial cells, acting through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and barrier-preserving mechanisms. This supports the valorisation of carrot agro-industrial by-products as functional feed additives for promoting intestinal health.

Abstract: This research aimed to determine the effects of replacing ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) with licorice residue (LR) on growth performance, slaughtering performance, meat quality, serum biochemistry and cecal flora. Five pelleted rations were formulated with different LR proportions at 0%, 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60% on a dry weight basis. One hundred and twenty 35-day old Ira rabbits with nearly uniform body weight were randomly allocated into five treatment groups, each with 24 rabbits for this experiment. The adaptation (pre-feeding) phase spanned 7 days, followed by a 49-day experimental period. The results indicated that the group receiving 15% LR achieved the highest body weight by day 49 (p < 0.05). Over the 0-49 day interval, the average daily gain (ADG) for the 15% LR group was notably greater compared to the 0%, 45%, and 60% LR groups (p < 0.05), while its feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) was significantly lower than that of the 45% and 60% groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the pre-slaughter live weight of the 15% LR group was substantially higher than all other groups (p < 0.05).The 15% LR group had a significantly lower drip loss than the 45% and 60% LR groups and a significantly higher pH value (24 h) than the 30%, 45%, and 60% LR groups (p < 0.05). The glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the 15% LR group was significantly lower than that in the 30% and 45% LR groups (p < 0.05). The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the experimental groups was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). The LR did not significantly affect the dominant microbial communities at the phylum and genus levels (p > 0.05), but it promoted the colonization of specific flora. It appears that replacing 15% of ryegrass with LR in pelleted feed was the optimal rate in making the pellet diets for rabbits to achieve a superior production performance, high-quality meat products in Ira rabbits. However, further research is needed to investigate the effect of feeding LR on growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality of other herbivorous livestock.

Abstract: Duck viral enteritis (DVE) causes significant economic losses to duck industries in endemic regions, and existing control measures, including embryonated-egg-based vaccines, are limited by batch variability and restricted scalability. In this context, the present study reports the development of a cell culture-based live attenuated duck enteritis virus (DEV) vaccine and its evaluation under both experimental and field conditions. The Holland strain of DEV was adapted to chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells and cultured through 60 serial passages, achieving a titer of 10⁶^.⁸⁸ 50% tissue culture-infective dose (TCID₅₀)/mL. Evaluation in seronegative ducklings demonstrated the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine, with no adverse clinical signs. Field evaluation in 9,000 ducklings across diverse farming systems showed consistent humoral immune responses under varying conditions. The vaccine's efficacy was further assessed under controlled-challenge conditions, where it conferred complete protection against a virulent field isolate of DEV (DP/As/Km/19). Overall, the findings indicate that the CEF-adapted live attenuated vaccine is safe, highly immunogenic, and suitable for large-scale production, highlighting its potential as a practical and scalable strategy for controlling DVE in endemic regions.

Abstract: This study evaluated the efficacy of Deinococcus radiodurans extract (DRE) on weight management, systemic metabolism, and gut microbiota. The extract was administered to high-fat diet-induced obese mice and naturally overweight felines. In mice, a 1.5% extract supplementation mitigated obesity, reduced serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels, and ameliorated hepatic steatosis. In the feline model, a 28-day intervention resulted in a 1.9% reduction in body weight, enhanced serum total antioxidant capacity by 16.1%, and reduced the systemic inflammatory marker serum amyloid A by 27.8%. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the intervention reversed obesity-associated microbial dysbiosis in both models by significantly enriching short-chain fatty acid-producing taxa, notably Oscillibacter and Blautia, while reducing opportunistic pathogens. DRE exerts comprehensive anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects by regulating lipid metabolism and reshaping the gut microbiota, highlighting its robust potential as a novel functional nutritional ingredient for metabolic health in companion animals.

Abstract: This study assessed the effect of dietary supplementation with Kluyveromyces lactis (K. lactis) hydrolysate (HKL) on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, systemic immune–antioxidant status, and fecal microbiota in weaned piglets. A total of fifty-four piglets, with an initial body weight of 6.07 ± 0.086 kg and age of 25 ± 1 days, were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments over 28 days (6 replicates per treatment; 3 piglets per replicate): a control diet (CON), CON supplemented with 5 g/kg HKL (HKL1), or CON supplemented with 10 g/kg HKL (HKL2). Throughout the trial, growth performance was monitored, apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients was determined, serum samples were collected for immune and antioxidant assessments, and fecal samples were gathered for microbiota analysis. The results indicated that compared to the CON group, both HKL1 and HKL2 groups exhibited improved growth performance, by as evidenced by increased average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) from day 0 to 28 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, HKL2 significantly enhanced ADG from day 0 to 14 and reduced the feed-to-gain ratio (F:G) during the same period (P < 0.05). Diarrhea incidence was markedly decreased by HKL supplementation at both day 14 and day 28 (P < 0.001). HKL supplementation increased the apparent digestibility of dry matter, ash, calcium and phosphorus (P < 0.05). On day 14, serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels were elevated, while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were reduced in HKL-supplemented piglets (P < 0.05). By day 28, serum total protein and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, were increased, while interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were decreased in HKL-supplemented piglets (P < 0.05), suggesting HKL possesses immunomodulatory and antioxidant regulatory capacities. HKL also enriched several health-associated commensal bacteria, including [Eubacterium]_xylanophilum_group, unclassified_f_Peptostreptococcaceae, Candidatus Saccharimonas, Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG-003, and Negativibacillus, suggesting a micro-biota-modulatory effect in weaned piglets. These results indicate that dietary supple-mentation with HKL could improve growth performance and nutrient utilization, reduce post-weaning diarrhea, and promote a more favorable immune–antioxidant status and microbial profile in weaned piglets, with the 10 g/kg dosage demonstrating greater overall efficacy. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the development of novel K. lactis products and the application of K. lactis hydrolysate in weaned piglets.

Abstract: This study investigated how different levels of dietary lysine and different ratios of amylose to amylopectin in starch affect the intestinal health of broiler chickens from 22 to 42 days of age. A total of 540 healthy male Ross 308 broilers (22 days old) were randomly assigned to nine treatments in a 3×3 factorial design consisting of three SID lysine levels (1.00%, 1.20%, and 1.40%) and three AM/AP ratios (0.19, 0.29, and 0.41), with six replicates of 10 birds each. We measured ileal morphology (villus height and crypt depth), the expression of genes related to intestinal barrier function and inflammation, and the composition of cecal microbiota. Significant interactions between lysine level and AM/AP ratio were observed for Occludin, ZO-1, and Claudin-1 expression (P < 0.05), with the highest expression in the 1.40% lysine + 0.41 AM/AP group and the lowest in the 1.00% lysine + 0.19 AM/AP group. A significant interaction was also detected for TNF-α expression(P = 0.004), with the highest expression in the 1.40% lysine +0.41 Am/AP group and the lowest in the 1.00% lysine + 0.19 AM/AP group. IL-18 and IL-10 were primarily affected by main effects of lysine (P < 0.001) and AM/AP ratio(P < 0.05). The expression levels of both IL-10 and IL-18 increased with increasing lysine level and increasing starch AM/AP ratio. The VH/CD ratio showed a significant interaction (P = 0.004), with the highest value in the 1.20% lysine + 0.19 AM/AP group and the lowest in the 1.40% lysine + 0.41 AM/AP group. Cecal microbiota analysis revealed that higher AM/AP ratio (0.41) enriched beneficial genera including Lactobacillus and Akkermansia, accompanied by increased Occludin, ZO-1, Claudin-1 expression. Dietary SID lysine level and AM/AP ratio interactively regulate intestinal barrier function, inflammatory status, morphology, and cecal microbiota in broilers. For optimal intestinal morphology in low-protein diets, a combination of 1.20% SID lysine with an AM/AP ratio of 0.19 is recommended for broilers from 22 to 42 days of age. For enhanced barrier gene expression, 1.40% lysine with 0.41 AM/AP may be beneficial, though this negatively affects villus morphology.

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of age, sex, and coat color on hair cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels as chronic stress indicators in sheltered and adopted domestic cats (Felis catus). A total of 21 cats, comprising both males and females, were enrolled and categorized into six groups based on age (2 vs. 3 years; n = 12), sex (female vs. male; n = 15), and coat color (light vs. dark; n = 9). Hair samples were collected from the shoulder region at shelter entry (Initial Hair Sample; IHS), 8 weeks later while in the shelter (Post-Sheltered Hair Sample; PHS), and 8 weeks after adoption (Post-Adopted Hair Sample; PAHS). Statistical analysis was performed using the GLM procedure of SAS software. Results revealed no significant differences in hair cortisol and DHEA levels or their ratio based on age or sex. However, cats with dark coat colors exhibited significantly higher cortisol and DHEA levels compared to light-coated cats (p < 0.05). Sheltered cats demonstrated elevated hair cortisol and DHEA concentrations over the two-month shelter period, while adopted cats showed significantly reduced levels by the end of the study period. These findings confirm that coat color and living environment (sheltered vs. adopted) are principal determinants of hair cortisol and DHEA levels in cats, whereas age and sex do not appear to play significant roles. Adoption is associated with reduced long-term stress, highlighting its pivotal role in improving feline welfare.

Abstract: We conducted whole-genome sequencing to investigate serotypes, virulence-associated genes, antimicrobial resistance determinants, and genetic relationships among Glaesserella parasuis isolates from diseased pigs in Japan, focusing on underrecognized aspects of disease epidemiology and control. Although Glässer’s disease is well recognized in swine production, its epidemiology remains incompletely understood, particularly regarding the relationship between serotype, genotype, and pathogenicity. Serotypes 5 or 12 (5/12) (28.9%) were predominant, followed by serotype 7 (10.8%). Phylogenetic analysis based on core-genome single nucleotide polymorphisms and cluster analysis classified the isolates into three genetic groups, with no clear association between serotype and genetic grouping. One genetic group tended to exhibit a lower proportion of severe clinical cases compared with the others, with a statistically significant difference observed in one comparison but not in the other. These findings provide evidence suggesting genotype-associated differences in disease severity, indicating that pathogenic potential may be more closely linked to genetic background than to serotype. These findings suggest a potential limitation of serotype-based vaccine strategies Although 86.7% of isolates lacked antimicrobial resistance genes, resistance determinants were identified on contigs predicted to be of plasmid origin. These results indicate that antimicrobial resistance, while not widespread, may be underestimated and could disseminate. Overall, our findings highlight underexplored aspects of Glässer’s disease relevant to improving control and prevention.