Abstract:

This study evaluated effects of straw particle size (short or long) and corn physical form (ground or whole) in diets on growth performance, rumen fermentation and fecal score in calves. Sixty female newborn calves were randomly assigned to one of the four treatments: 90% pelleted starter and 10% short straw (PSS); 70% pelleted starter, 20% whole corn and 10% short straw (PWCSS); 90% pelleted starter and 10% long straw (PLS); 70% pelleted starter, 20% whole corn and 10% long straw (PWCLS). In PSS and PLS treatments, all amount of corn was within pelleted starter. Calves were weaned at 68 days of age. Body weight (BW), wither height and heart girth were measured at 3 and 68 days of age. Feed intakes and fecal scores were measured daily. Rumen fluid and blood samples were collected for rumen pH, rumen volatile fatty acid (VFA) and blood β-hydroxy butyrate (BHB) measurements at 68 days of age. Weaning BW, average daily weight gain (ADG) and weaning wither height were significantly lower in PLS compared to other treatments. Weaning heart girth was significantly lower in PSS and PLS than PWCSS and PWCLS. Feed intake was significantly higher for PWCSS than PWCLS. PWCLS had a significantly lower feed efficiency (starter feed intake/ADG) than PLS. No significant differences were observed for ruminal pH, ruminal acetate and blood BHB among the treatments. In the diets including short straw, ruminal propionate, butyrate and total VFA concentrations were significantly higher for PWCSS than PSS. In the diets including long straw, ruminal propionate level was significantly greater for PLS than PWCLS and ruminal butyrate and total VFA concentrations were not different for PLS and PWCLS. This study indicated that the effect of corn physical form (ground or whole) on ruminal propionate, butyrate and total VFA concentrations could vary depending on straw particle size. Fecal score was significantly lower in PSS compared to other treatments. In conclusion, long straw combined with pelleted concentrate reduced growth performance in pre-weaning calves. Whole corn inclusion in the diets with long straw increased ADG and weaning BW and improved feed efficiency.

Abstract: Dog assisted interventions (DAIs) are an established procedure to support military staff but their implementation during active warfare has not yet been systematically studied. Alongside, the welfare of therapy dogs participating in DAIs during war remains unexplored. Therapy dogs may develop clinically relevant emotional disorders, including trauma-related stress responses, analogous to human psychopathologies. The present study sought to monitor physiological arousal in therapy dogs performing DAI sessions with their handlers in two Ukrainian military hospitals (Vinnyzja and Kyiv). Thus, biomarkers of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity including salivary, urinary and hair cortisol concentrations in Ukrainian (UA) therapy dogs were assessed to capture their acute and long-term stress responses. Moreover, cortisol levels from German (GE) therapy dogs, performing similar DAIs under peaceful conditions were gathered to compare cortisol levels between dogs. Results suggest that GE dogs exhibited significantly higher urinary and hair cortisol levels and significantly lower salivary cortisol concentrations, reflecting alterations in longer-term glucocorticoid secretion that is possibly caused by war-related stimulation in the UA cohort. In contrast, no significant differences in salivary cortisol emerged as a consequence of performing DAIs. The present findings suggest an environmental impact on therapy dogs’ cortisol secretion rather than involvement in DAIs.

Abstract: Introduction of livestock into tropical and subtropical forest areas has displaced the orig-inal forest vegetation. Posterior surge of secondary vegetation has served as a source of al-ternative forage to cattle during scarcity periods. The objective of the study was to determine the botanical composition of the diet (BCD) and the productive performance of lac-tating Brown Swiss cows during the dry season. The BCD was determined through microhistological analysis of fecal samples of grazing cows. Grazing areas were sampled to determine morphological and botanical composition (BCP). Forages were sampled to determine their chemical composition. Cow's productive variables were recorded during March, April, and May of 2012. The BCP and BCD consisted of Cynodon plectostachyus and the woody species were Vachellia farnesiana, with smaller proportions of Pithecellobium dulce, Guazuma ulmifolia, and Ficus sp. These forages contributed with 63, 48, and 47% of the dry matter, metabolizable energy, and metabolizable protein requirements of the cows. Therefore, it is concluded that alternative forages contributed significantly to the nutri-tional requirements during periods of pasture scarcity. Understanding the botanical composition of the diet of grazing cows allows for the development of management strat-egies based on the efficient use of local resources.

Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool in biodiversity conservation, offering the potential to revolutionize ecological data collection, analysis, prediction, and decision-making processes. This literature review synthesizes insights from recent scholarship on AI applications, with a particular focus on the design, implementation, and governance of AI-driven frameworks. It concludes by proposing principles and research directions for the responsible and effective integration of AI in the service of global biodiversity.

Abstract: Maize silage is widely used due to its high fermentability but requires protein supplementation, commonly from soybean meal (SBM). Rising costs have driven interest in alternative protein sources, while microbial inoculants are used to improve silage fermentation and stability. This study evalu-ated the effects of partially replacing SBM with marula oilcake (MOC), with or without bacterial inoculants, on maize silage fermentation characteristics, nutrient preservation, aerobic stability, and in vitro digestibility. Whole-crop maize (< 38% dry matter) was supplemented with SBM or MOC, treated with either Lalsil Fresh or Sil-All 4x4®, and ensiled anaerobically for 90 days. Post-ensiling analyses included chemical composition, fermentation end-products, microbial populations, aerobic stability, volatile fatty acid profiles, gas production, and in vitro digestibility. Fermentation quality, nutrient composition, and aerobic stability differed significantly among treatments (P < 0.05). SBM-based silages exhibited greater lactic acid production, higher crude protein and digestibility, but also elevated butyric and branched-chain volatile fatty acids, indicating increased proteolysis. In contrast, MOC-based silages showed lower lactic acid concentrations and digestibility but reduced butyric fermentation, suggesting improved protein preservation. Microbial inoculants enhanced fermentation parameters more effectively in SBM than in MOC silages. These results indicate that protein source and inoculation strategy markedly influence maize silage fermentation outcomes, highlighting the need for further processing of alternative protein supplements to optimize silage quality.

Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance [AMR] is a silent yet intensifying global threat, with particularly severe consequences in tropical and subtropical ecosystems, where high ecological connectivity, widespread antimicrobial use, and inadequate sanitation create ideal conditions for the persistence and spread of antimicrobial resistance genes [ARGs]. Within the One Health framework, migratory birds warrant special attention because they traverse tropical AMR hotspots, linking contaminated aquatic, agricultural, and peri-urban environments along established flyways. Evidence from tropical regions demonstrates that migratory birds frequently carry clinically meaningful ARGs, including extended-spectrum β-lactamases [ESBLs], carbapenemases, and colistin resistance [mcr] genes, highlighting their role as biological connectors that redistribute resistant bacteria between human-dominated and natural ecosystems and contribute to the expansion of the global resistome. Addressing the complex interface among AMR, migratory birds, and ARGs requires integrative surveillance strategies that explicitly incorporate wildlife into existing health systems. Genomic and metagenomic monitoring of migratory bird populations, combined with cross-sectoral data sharing, can provide early warning signals of emerging resistance patterns and inform evidence-based interventions. Understanding the ecological role of migratory birds in tropical ecosystems is therefore essential for designing effective One Health strategies to curb transboundary AMR dissemination and preserve the long-term efficacy of antimicrobial therapies.

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Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) are classified as Vulnerable and listed in Appendix I of CITES, making the investigation of stranding and mortality causes essential for their conservation. This study describes the post-mortem findings of five Humboldt penguins stranded along the Chilean coast during 2025, focusing on renal and ureteral lesions associated with trematode infection. Gross examination revealed multifocal to coalescing renal lesions, including intrapelvic whitish purulent material and marked thickening of the ureteral walls. Histopathological analysis demonstrated moderate to severe renal and ureteral damage characterized by intratubular and intraureteral trematodes associated with tubular degeneration, interstitial inflammation and fibrosis, vascular alterations, occasional glomerular changes, and severe ureteritis. Morphological and morphometric analyses of adult trematodes and their eggs were performed, and mean values with standard deviations were obtained. Clinical evaluation of live-stranded penguins did not reveal overt signs of renal disease, highlighting the subclinical nature of this condition. These findings confirm the presence of trematode-associated nephropathy and ureteropathy in Humboldt penguins. To our knowledge, this is the first report worldwide linking renal and ureteral parasitosis to disease in this species. Further molecular analyses are required to achieve definitive etiological identification and to support the recognition of this condition as an emerging disease relevant to conservation strategies for Humboldt penguins.

Abstract: Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is a retroviral disease of equids, for which there is no vac-cine particularly adapted to American viral strains. In this work we searched for possible epitope regions for the surface proteins gp90 and gp45, rationally employing the latest available bioinformatics tools that constitute the state of the art in the field. We selected eight regions that contain numerous overlapping epitopes that have a high coverage amongst American viral strains and designed a chimeric envelope protein with those proteins fused in tandem as a novel vaccine candidate. In silico predictors were used to analyze chimeric protein physicochemical and immunogenic properties, as well as its al-lergenicity and toxicity. Protein structure was predicted and validated, and its ability to trigger cytotoxic immune responses was predicted by molecular docking to ELA alleles. The proposed sequence is predicted to be highly immunogenic and sets the base for a novel EAIV vaccine that could be used to protect against several American field strains.

Abstract: Transmissible viral proventriculitis (TVP) is an emerging disease in chickens, linked to chicken proventricular necrosis virus (CPNV), a recently identified birnavirus. Here, we describe the first molecular-confirmed case of TVP in Bangladesh, affecting both a white layer flock and a coloured meat-type parent stock (PS). Affected birds exhibited growth retardation, diarrhoea, and increased mortality, alongside hallmark gross changes of proventricular enlargement and wall thickening. From the meat-type PS, proventricular samples were collected for histopathology and molecular diagnostics. Histological analysis revealed severe glandular epithelial damage, necrosis, mononuclear infiltration, epithelial hyperplasia, and metaplasia. Using RT-PCR on nucleic acid extracted from FTA card samples, we detected CPNV, in addition to infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), and avian reovirus (ARV). The amplified CPNV VP1 fragment was sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis placed the Bangladeshi strain within clades of previously reported CPNV isolates. This study represents the first report of CPNV and TVP in Bangladesh, highlighting the need for active surveillance in commercial and breeder poultry flocks to understand the virus’s epidemiology and support the development of control strategies.

Abstract: Chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) is a globally significant immunosuppressive pathogen causing substantial economic losses to the poultry industry, with particularly severe outbreaks in China in recent years. The limitations of existing vaccines, such as the residual virulence of live attenuated vaccines, necessitate the development of novel, safer, and more effective vaccine strategies. This study aimed to develop a cost-effective subunit vaccine targeting the key viral antigens VP1 and VP2. The VP1 and VP2 genes were cloned and expressed in E. coli. A major challenge was overcome by innovating a “VP2-assisted co-refolding” strategy: VP1, which primarily formed inclusion bodies, was denatured and then refolded via gradient dialysis in the presence of soluble VP2, leveraging its natural chaperone-like function to restore conformational epitopes. The refolded VP1/VP2 protein complexes, emulsified at different ratios, were used to immunize 3-day-old SPF chickens, followed by challenge with a virulent CIAV strain. The results demonstrated that the vaccine formulation with a VP1:VP2 ratio of 1:1 provided the best protection, achieving a 71.4% (5/7) protective efficacy. This was evidenced by significantly reduced thymic atrophy, a higher thymus index. Our findings validate the feasibility of using an economical prokaryotic expression system coupled with a rational protein refolding strategy to produce a protective subunit vaccine candidate against CIAV, offering a promising alternative for disease control.

Abstract: The quality of muscle is a significant economic trait in livestock, the development of which is contingent on the coordinated regulation of both coding and non-coding genes. The Anhui White Goat is a breed that is native to central China. It is characterised by its high levels of adaptability and tolerance, which enable it to thrive under extensive management conditions. Furthermore, it is renowned for producing meat that is particularly flavourful. However, in comparison with the growth rate and meat yield of introduced breeds such as the Boer goat, the local breed exhibits a lower level of productivity. In the present study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the transcriptomes of longissimus dorsi muscle samples from Anhui White Goats and Boer Goats. We identified 490 key candidate microRNAs associated with muscle growth and development, among which 19 were differentially expressed (|log₂FC| ≥ 1.5, P &lt; 0.05), including 7 up-regulated and 12 down-regulated microRNAs. Further prediction of the target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs revealed that these miRNAs target genes such as BDNF, MAPT, MYB, STC1, and SMAD7. These target genes are primarily involved in signaling pathways including MAPK, GABAergic synapse, HIF-1, Toll-like receptor, PI3K/Akt, and cAMP. Subsequent refinement revealed five key candidate microRNAs potentially involved in this process: chi-miR-10b-5p, chi-miR-122, chi-miR-novel-7_9719, chi-miR-143-3p, and chi-miR-424-3p. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for further elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle growth and development in Anhui White Goats.

Abstract: Abnormal repetitive behaviours ('ARBs') in captive animals are a heterogeneous group of troubling activities (e.g. stereotypic pacing by Carnivora; feather-plucking by poultry). To assess and improve their construct validity as welfare indicators, we reviewed their responsiveness to mood-improving drugs; links with imprisonment, stress and self-reported poor well-being in humans; and in animals, the impact of welfare-compromising (e.g. aversive) treatments. Considerable evidence links ARB development with negative moods or mood disorders, and early/prolonged/recurrent negative experiences (potentially via dose-response-like effects). Findings also indicate effects of cumulative affective experience ('cumulative stress'). Furthermore, if ARBs transiently help subjects cope, such effects are only partial. Therefore, whenever husbandry or housing causes ARB-prone phenotypes, negative affect can reliably be inferred (with more severe ARBs indicating poorer welfare). However, ARBs are rather prone to false nulls as welfare indicators: prolonged negative affect does not always cause the emergence or increase of ARBs, primarily due to threshold effects, ceiling effects, and inactivity being an alternate response. Furthermore, in ARB-prone subjects, the onset/offset of bouts appears not to reliably track moment-by-moment levels of negative emotion. Additionally, because variation in activity, behavioural flexibility and stress-response style are potential confounds, ARBs are not advised for comparing welfare across individuals, strains, species or prenatal treatments. Overall, ARBs have strong construct validity as indicators of negative moods/mood disorders; and our additional rules-of-thumb should further refine their accuracy. Future research should investigate underlying mechanisms (e.g. those suggested by human and biomedical findings), especially to clarify the boundaries and biological sub-types of ARBs.

Abstract: A nutritional supplement was formulated for hyperprolific gilts to support metabolic adaptation and reproductive performance during the peripartum period. A total of 126 gilts were randomly assigned to a control (C) or a treatment (T) group. Control gilts received standard commercial diets, whereas treatment gilts received the same diets supplemented during the last 35 days of gestation and the first 5 days of lactation. The multi-nutrient supplement contained calcium (Ca; 4.1%), sodium (Na; 4.0%), lysine (Lys; 1.96%), methionine (Met; 1.32%), vitamin B₁₂ (0.3 mg/kg), choline chloride (600 mg/kg), betaine (475 mg/kg), and L-carnitine (500 mg/kg). The treatment group showed a reduction in stillbirth rate (p = 0.001), a lower incidence of neonatal diarrhea (p < 0.001), and a lower prevalence of postpartum hypophagia (p = 0.014). In addition, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and creatinine (CREA) concentrations at day 107 of gestation were significantly lower in the T group (p < 0.001). Higher piglet body weight at birth (p = 0.011) and at 15 days of lactation (p < 0.001), as well as greater maternal backfat thickness and longissimus muscle depth at 26 days of lactation (p < 0.001), were also observed in supplemented gilts. More-over, hypophagia was associated with elevated BHBA concentrations (p < 0.001), whereas neona-tal diarrhea was associated with higher BHBA (p = 0.001) and CREA (p = 0.005) concentrations. Overall, peripartum multi-nutrient supplementation could represent a practical nutritional strategy to support reproductive efficiency and early litter performance in hyperprolific gilts.

Abstract: The continuous increase in the number of records collected and the amount of traits available for beef cattle genetic evaluations poses statistical and computational challenges when estimating the genetic and environmental covariance matrices needed to predict breeding values. Structural equation models (SEM) using either factor analysis (FA) or recursive models (REC) can be used to structure genetic and environmental covariance matrices and to obtain more parsimonious and efficient parameterizations. In this article, we use SEM to estimate parameters for growth and ultrasound carcass traits in beef cattle. Data consisted of 2,942 animals, and six traits were analyzed using standard multiple-trait mixed models with either unstructured covariance matrices (SMTM) or structured covariance matrices (SEM). For the latter, we considered FA and REC models implemented with six alternative parameterizations, in which random effects were represented as linear combinations of fewer unobservable random variables. Comparing with SMTM, all heritability estimates from 2-factor SEM for the additive genetic matrix (FA2G) and the model with six recursive effects zeroed out at the residual covariance matrix (REC1) were within one standard error of those obtained by SMTM. The correlations between estimated breeding values (EBV) for all traits and models ranged from 0.94 to 1.00. The most parsimonious model in terms of number of estimated parameters (p_D) was FA2G, with 431.2 p_D, and 25.3 p_D fewer than the traditional model SMTM. The REC1 model showed as a good alternative for this kind of dataset, as it had a smaller p_D (443.6) than the SMTM model (456.5) and a better deviance information criterion than all other models tested (e.g., 37,868.6 for REC1 and 37,874.7 for SMTM). Results from this study indicate that mixed-effects multi-trait models in beef cattle can be successfully analyzed with FA or REC models. These models offer a parsimonious representation of the underlying covariance patterns and offer an interesting option for breeding value prediction.

Abstract:

Background/Objectives: Bacterial biofilms formed by Escherichia coli pose a significant challenge in veterinary medicine due to their intrinsic resistance to antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a promising alternative. AMPs exert their bactericidal activity by binding to negatively charged phospholipids in bacterial membranes via electrostatic interactions, leading to membrane disruption and rapid cell lysis. Methods: In vitro assays included MIC determination, biofilm eradication testing (crystal violet, colony counts, CLSM), swimming motility, and EPS quantification. CRISPR/Cas9 was used to construct and complement a kduD mutant. A transposon mutagenesis library was screened for biofilm-defective mutants. In vivo, a murine excisional wound infection model was treated with CRAMP-34, with wound closure and bacterial burden monitored. Gene expression changes were analyzed via RT-qPCR. Results: The mouse-derived AMP (abbreviation CRAMP-34) effectively eradicates pre-formed biofilms of a clinically relevant, porcine-origin E.coli strain and promotes wound healing in a murine infection model. We conducted a genome-wide transposon mutagenesis screen, which identified kduD, as a critical gene for robust biofilm formation. Functional characterization revealed that kduD deletion drastically impairs flagellar motility and alters exopolysaccharide production, leading to defective biofilm architecture without affecting growth. Notably, the anti-biofilm activity of CRAMP-34 phenocopied aspects of the kduD deletion, including motility inhibition and transcriptional repression of a common set of biofilm-related genes. Conclusions: The research highlight CRAMP-34 as a potent anti-biofilm agent and unveil kduD as a previously unrecognized regulator of E.coli biofilms development, whose associated pathway is implicated in the mechanism of action of CRAMP-34.

Abstract:

A trial was carried out to profile the quality of stored eggs, at 15 °C and 75% RH until to 21 d, of 10 Italian breeds of the Veneto region with different productive purpose (egg laying purpose: Polverara nera – PO-B, Polverara bianca – PO-W, Padovana camosciata – PA-C, Padovana dorata – PA-G, Padovana argentata – PA-S; dual-purpose: Millefiori di Lonigo – MF, Pepoi – PP, Ermellinata di Rovigo – ER, Robusta Lionata – RL, Robusta Maculata – RM. All the eggs were homogeneous for the hens age and rearing system (58week-old hens, outdoor rearing). The 1-d eggs showed differences (highest vs lowest, p < 0.05) for the egg weight (ER vs PO-B), and yolk to albumen ratio (PO-B vs RL). A factorial model, breed (10 breeds) x storage time (7 d and 21 d), was used for detecting the effect of breed, storage time and interaction on the eggshell traits and internal quality (weight loss rate, albumen and yolk quality). The effect of breed was significant (highest vs lowest, p < 0.05) for shape index (MF vs ER), eggshell lightness (PO-B, PO-W, PA-C, PA-G, PA-S vs RM), and eggshell thickness (PO-W, RM vs ER). The effect of storage was significant (p < 0.05) for all the internal quality traits. According to significant (p < 0.05) effect of breed, the highest weight loss rate was shown by RM and the lowest by PA-G. The highest Haugh units were shown by PP and the lowest by PA-S. The highest yolk index was shown by RL and the lowest by PA-C. From 7 until 21 d of storage, significant (p < 0.05) changes of the egg internal quality occurred according to the breed, as the thick albumen height and the yolk height decreased in all groups, with exception of PA-C and MF, probably for changes earlier than those of the other groups, whereas the yolk diameter did not change, with exception of PP. The results indicate that the natural decline of egg quality throughout storage varies differently between the breeds and more study is needed for understanding the changes of each egg component.

Abstract: Background Generative AI (genAI) has the capacity to create realistic and convincing animal videos, however, it must simplify and reduce behavioural variation to do so, possibly leading to misinformation. Methods We categorised 29 videos in the press release for a specific video genAI engine. Twelve featured animals. We mapped each video to the Five Domains and categorised behaviour and welfare within. Results Negative welfare was rarely seen, ranging from 8% (n = 1) for Nutrition, to 42% (n =5) for Behavioural Interactions. By contrast, Mental State, Environment, and Behavioural Interactions appeared positive in >42% (n = 5) of the videos featured. However, videos were often misleading or did not represent accurate animal behaviour. Limitations This work was limited to a press-release of data and does not explore user experience. Conclusions GenAI videos pose a new route for client confusion and veterinarians need to incorporate genAI misinformation combatting in their practice.

Abstract: The global poultry industry continues to face significant challenges due to Salmonella infections, which pose severe public health concerns and economic losses. Recently, the reemergence of antimicrobial resistance has led to the restriction of antibiotic use in poultry, especially as growth promoters thus accelerating the search for sustainable alternatives. Among these, probiotics have gained attention as potential candidates for improving poultry health and mitigating Salmonella colonization in the gut. This review summarizes the key mechanisms through which probiotics exert anti-Salmonella effects, including competitive exclusion, production of antimicrobial substances, reinforcement of the intestinal barrier, and modulation of host immune responses. Commonly used probiotic strains in poultry such as Lactobacillus and Bacillus are discussed, alongside emerging candidates derived from non-poultry hosts that may offer additional functional benefits. Despite encouraging findings, the use of probiotics in poultry faces several challenges, including strain-specific efficacy, variation in results across studies, environmental influences, and regulatory limitations. Therefore, we further explore future directions that are aimed at improving probiotic application in poultry production, such as microbiome-guided strain selection, advanced delivery systems, and combination therapies. Advancing our understanding of probiotic-pathogen-host interactions will be essential for optimizing probiotic use to enhance poultry health, reduce zoonotic transmission of Salmonella, and contribute to safer and more sustainable food systems.

Abstract: Background: Oxidative stress contributes to the development and progression of epilepsy and is connected with neuroinflammation during epileptic seizures. Cholinesterase has a modulatory role, and oxytocin has antiepileptic properties. The purpose of this study was to assess selective inflammatory (CRP) and oxidative stress markers (PON1, CUPRAC, FRAP), cholinesterase, and oxytocin in serum and CSF samples of dogs with different types of epilepsy. Methods: There were four groups of dogs; A: healthy controls; B: idiopathic epilepsy receiving antiepileptic medication; C: idiopathic epilepsy without antiepileptic medication; and D: structural epilepsy. CRP, PON1, CUPRAC, and cholinesterase were evaluated in serum and PON1, CUPRAC, FRAP, cholinesterase and oxytocin were evaluated in CSF samples. Group differences were evaluated using ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis tests, followed by post-hoc analyses. Results: Fifty-one serum and 26 CSF samples were analyzed. CSF PON1 was significantly different in group D compared to groups A and C (p=0.044 and p=0.008, respectively). CSF cholinesterase was significantly different in group D compared to groups A, B and C (p=0.003, p=0.025, p=0.033, respectively). Conclusions: Structural epilepsy may influence PON1, CUPRAC and cholinesterase levels in CSF samples. Compared to CSF, serum was not the most suitable biological material to investigate oxidative stress and inflammatory markers.

Abstract: Food allergy is an exaggerated immune response, mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) or by cells, to food antigens. Dogs and cats may present with both dermatological and gastrointestinal manifestations, although non-seasonal pruritus is the most com-mon clinical sign. Despite advances in understanding the immunopathogenesis of this condition, the elimination–provocation trial remains the gold standard for diagnosis. However, new diagnostic approaches, like molecular allergen macroarrays and lym-phocyte proliferation assays, may complement traditional strategies, opening new perspectives for accurate diagnosis. For long-term management, strict avoidance of of-fending allergens is essential, but emerging therapeutic interventions, including im-munotherapy using food components and targeted modulation of the gut–skin axis, are promising for improving clinical outcomes. This review summarizes current knowledge and highlights innovative approaches that can transform the diagnosis and manage-ment of food allergy in companion animals.