Avian coccidiosis remains one of the most important parasitic diseases of poultry worldwide. Resistance to conventional anticoccidials and limitations of vaccination programs have stimulated the search for natural alternatives. Essential oils (EOs) are complex mixtures of bioactive terpenoids and phenolics. They possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities that may disrupt Eimeria infection and enhance host resilience. This study aimed to quantify the efficacy of essential oil-based interventions, including individual oils, essential oil blends, and essential oil-containing multicomponent formulations, in poultry experimentally challenged with Eimeria spp. through a meta-analysis conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. For this, literature searches across major databases identified experimental trials. Eighteen eligible studies were included, reporting outcomes on BWG, feed intake, FCR, mortality, fecal oocyst counts, and serum total protein. EO supplementation was associated with a small, statistically non-significant increase in body weight gain (MD +8.08 g, 95% CI –0.08 to 16.24) and a modest improvement in feed conversion ratio (MD –0.13, 95% CI –0.24 to –0.01). Mortality was reduced (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.27-0.89), and oocyst shedding decreased (MD –18.99, 95% CI –37.91 to –0.08). No consistent effects were observed for feed intake or serum total protein. Overall, essential oils may offer anticoccidial benefits, particularly for feed efficiency, mortality, and oocyst shedding, although their effect on body weight gain remains uncertain.
This study aimed to investigate whether sequential intravesical instillation of epirubicin (EPI) followed by interleukin-15 (IL-15)/interleukin-15 receptor alpha (IL-15Rα) could integrate cytotoxic and immune-stimulatory effects for improved antitumor efficacy. EPI-induced immunogenic cell death (ICD) was assessed in MB49 cells by measuring calreticulin (CRT) exposure and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release. Cytotoxic activity of splenocytes against MB49 cells was evaluated by co-culture apoptosis assays and IFN-γ quantification. In vivo efficacy was examined in C57BL/6 mice bearing orthotopic bladder tumors. Tumor volume survival, and immune infiltration were analyzed, and CD8+ T cell depletion was performed to assess the contribution of these cells to therapeutic efficacy. EPI treatment increased surface CRT and ATP release. In co-culture assays, EPI pretreatment enhanced splenocyte-mediated MB49 cell apoptosis and IFN-γ secretion, and these effects were further augmented by IL-15/IL-15Rα. In vivo, sequential therapy significantly reduced tumor volume, prolonged survival, and promoted a favorable immune microenvironment, characterized by increased CD8+ T and NK1.1+ cell infiltration, reduced Treg population, an elevated CD8/Treg ratio, and increased IFN-γ level. Importantly, CD8+ T cell depletion attenuated these therapeutic benefits. Sequential intravesical administration of EPI and IL-15/IL-15Rα enhanced antitumor efficacy in an orthotopic bladder cancer model by promoting ICD-associated changes and cytotoxic immune responses. These findings provide preclinical evidence supporting further investigation of EPI-based chemo-immunotherapy for bladder cancer, including BCG-unresponsive or high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).
Salmonella is a major cause of diarrhea in cattle and buffaloes. This study aimed to isolate and biochemically identify Salmonella species from faeces of cattle and buffaloes, confirm and type isolated Salmonella species molecularly, determine Salmonella infection-associated risk factors, and detect selected virulence genes. A total of 123 fecal samples were collected from cattle and buffaloes from different Egyptian governorates. All samples were processed using standard culture methods, followed by biochemical identification using conventional methods and the VITEK-2 System, with confirmation by qPCR. Conventional PCR was also used for Salmonella serovar identification and detection of the virulence genes spvB, spvC, spvR, and pefA. Bacteriological examinations revealed 13 Salmonella isolates (10.57%); however, the VITEK-2 identification system detected only 12. The qPCR confirmed that 13 were positive for Salmonella. Conventional PCR demonstrated that all 13 Salmonella isolates were of the Typhimurium serovar. Salmonella isolation was significantly higher in diarrheic animals and in animals younger than 3 months (P<0.05), while species, sex, season, and geographic location had no significant effect (P>0.05). Out of 13 S. Typhimurium isolates, 8 isolates tested positive for spvC, 7 for both spvB and pefA, and 5 for spvR, suggesting their limited role in the pathogenesis of diarrhea. This study concluded that qPCR showed higher detection performance for Salmonella isolates than the VITEK-2 system.
Distinct craniofacial morphology in brachycephalic cats may alter ocular anatomy and predispose these breeds to specific ophthalmic conditions. This study evaluated the relationship between craniofacial conformation and optic nerve diameter (OND), optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), and ocular biometric parameters using high-resolution ultrasonography. Twenty-six clinically healthy cats were enrolled and categorized into brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic groups (n=13 per group). Comprehensive ophthalmic examinations, tonometry, and standardized ultrasonographic measurements -including axial globe length (AGL), lens thickness (LT), and vitreous chamber depth (VCD)- were performed. Although no statistically significant differences were detected between groups, several morphological tendencies emerged. Brachycephalic cats demonstrated shorter AGL and horizontal lens diameter, alongside increased anterior chamber depth and LT. Conversely, VCD appeared reduced in brachycephalic cats, potentially reflecting a more compact intraocular configuration associated with their craniofacial structure. By generating standardized ultrasonographic measurements, this study contributes to the establishment of morphology-specific reference intervals for OND and ONSD. Given the current scarcity of feline-specific normative data, these findings provide an essential preliminary framework to assist clinical diagnostics and neurological assessments in feline ophthalmology.
Both copper sulfate (CuSO₄) and polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) exhibit toxic effects on the male reproductive system. Notably, PS-MPs can adsorb copper ions, making their combined pollution-induced reproductive toxicity and underlying mechanisms urgent to clarify. This study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of CuSO₄ and PS-MPs co-exposure on sperm quality and testicular tissue in male mice, and to determine potential synergism, thereby providing a basis for assessing reproductive health risks. Male mice were randomly divided into control, CuSO₄, PS-MPs, and combined exposure groups, with continuous intragastric administration for 30 days. Sperm parameters, testicular histopathology, cell apoptosis, and apoptosis-related protein expressions [Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3), tumor protein p53 (p53)] were detected. Results showed that combined exposure most significantly inhibited body weight gain (P<0.05). Compared with single exposure, the combined group exhibited more severe sperm quality deterioration, severe testicular histopathological lesions, and a significant increase in Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Western blot analysis confirmed upregulated expressions of Bax, Caspase-3, and p53, and downregulated Bcl-2 in the combined group, indicating activation of the apoptotic pathway. In conclusion, CuSO₄ and PS-MPs have aggravated toxic effects on the male reproductive system, and the mechanism involves the activation of apoptotic signaling.
Optimal perioperative analgesia in dogs and cats depends on the appropriate selection and combination of analgesic agents based on pain mechanisms and accurate pain assessment. Building on the physiological and assessment principles discussed in Part I, this review focuses on therapeutic strategies for perioperative pain management in small animals. Commonly used pharmacological agents, including opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, local anesthetics, and adjunctive analgesics, are reviewed with respect to their mechanisms of action, clinical applications, and roles in perioperative care. This review is presented in two complementary parts. Part I focuses on pain pathophysiology and assessment, forming the foundation for Part II, which focuses on pharmacological analgesic modalities and the clinical application of pain management strategies ranging from unimodal techniques to pre-emptive and multimodal analgesia, with emphasis on achieving balanced intraoperative and postoperative pain control. The integration of multimodal approaches targeting different components of the nociceptive pathway is highlighted as a cornerstone of modern veterinary anesthesia, aiming to enhance analgesic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects.
Throughout history, epidemic diseases have had profound impacts on societies, causing serious problems in public health as well as adverse effects on food security and animal health. When real-time data are processed through mathematical and statistical models, it becomes possible to evaluate the course and effects of an outbreak. In this study, the progression of a disease was simulated using the SIR (Susceptible-Infectious-Recovered/Removed) mathematical model, which is one of the most widely used models for epidemic analysis, by incorporating transmission and recovery rates. For this purpose, three different simulations were performed on a herd consisting of N=1000 animals over a 10-day period, and the expected numbers of susceptible, infected, and recovered animals were obtained. Evaluation of the different simulation rates revealed that when the contact rate and recovery rate were reduced, the number of susceptible animals remained constant, while the number of infected animals increased and the number of recovered animals decreased after 10 days. This model provides a valuable preliminary assessment and decision-support tool for epidemic management and control strategies. Furthermore, the development of such models is crucial for early detection and effective intervention in future outbreaks.
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is an economically significant livestock disease in developing countries such as Pakistan, where serotypes A, Asia1, and O of Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) are prevalent. Effective disease control relies on immunization using potent vaccines, and evaluation of vaccine potency in terms of protective dose 50 (PD50) is a critical step during purified vaccine formulation. The present study aimed to prepare chromatographically purified vaccines of the three prevalent serotypes in different formulations and to determine PD50 values. Viruses were propagated in cell culture, biologically titrated, and chemically inactivated. To obtain highly purified antigens with reduced non-structural protein content and improved quantification compared with conventional methods, viral antigens were purified, and quantified using Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) with Sephacryl S-300 followed by purity check through SDS-PAGE. Five formulations of each serotype (16, 8, 4, 2, and 1 & micro;g/dose) were prepared and inoculated into five animals per concentration. Serum samples were analyzed by SPCE to identify protected animals. PD50 values were calculated for each antigen and used to formulate a trivalent vaccine. The trivalent vaccine was evaluated for structural and non-structural proteins using SPCE and 3ABC ELISA, respectively. Results demonstrated that SEC efficiently removed NSPs, as confirmed by SDS-PAGE. PD50 values for serotypes A, Asia1, and O were estimated as 2.14, 1.90, and 1.63 & micro;g/ dose, respectively. Accordingly, trivalent vaccine concentrations of 6.42, 5.70, and 4.90 & micro;g/dose (3PD50) were formulated. The trivalent purified vaccine induced protective immune responses with less than 20% NSP content in SPCE and 3ABC ELISA.
Avian coccidiosis, caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria remains one of the most economically devastating diseases in poultry production worldwide. Traditional methods of control are mostly based on the use of anticoccidial medication and vaccines; nevertheless, the growing development of drug-resistant strains of the parasites and governmental limitations on the usage of chemotherapeutics have initiated the development of alternative methods of control. Because of the rising concern of antimicrobial resistance, there is a need to develop alternative control strategies. There is an emergence of targeted prebiotics as promising functional feed additives that can be used to regulate the microbiota in the intestine, improve the strength of the mucosal immune system, and improve the integrity of the gut barrier. Prebiotics help to increase intestinal homeostasis and coccidial protection through selective stimulation of positive microbial populations. Moreover, because of better gut health, there could be reduced vulnerability to concomitant parasitic zoonotic pathogens, including Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium parvum, and Giardia duodenalis. This review investigates the application of targeted prebiotics such as fructo-oligosaccharides, mannan-oligosaccharides, inulin and (3-glucans in the reduction of Eimeria infections, poultry performance, and in sustainable poultry production and poultry food safety.
Accurate identification of malaria vectors and detection of pathogens are essential for understanding local transmission dynamics and supporting vector control strategies. In this study a total of 737 adult mosquitoes belonging to the Anopheles maculipennis complex (Diptera: Culicidae) were collected from eight ecologically diverse localities in the Aras Valley, northeastern Anatolia, Turkiye, during 2019-2020. Collections were performed using New Jersey light traps and mouth aspirators. Molecular identification was performed using a PCR assay based on ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequence variation. Electrophoretic profiles and sequence analyses showed that all examined specimens belonged to Anopheles maculipennis sensu stricto. This finding indicates that the species is the dominant and widely distributed member of the complex in the study area. To assess the potential for malaria transmission, individual DNA samples were screened for Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum using nested PCR. No Plasmodium DNA was detected in any individual analyzed. Although the present findings suggest a low level of malaria transmission risk in the Aras Valley, the extensive distribution of a competent vector species, combined with favorable environmental conditions, highlights the necessity of sustained entomological and molecular surveillance. This study updates molecular data on the Anopheles maculipennis complex in northeastern Turkiye and contributes to regional malaria risk assessment.
This study evaluated the chemical composition, in vitro fermentability, and anti-methanogenic potential of oak (Quercus spp.) (Quercus brantii, Quercus cerris, Quercus coccifera, Quercus ithaburensis subsp. macrolepis, Quercus infectoria, Quercus libani, and Quercus suber) leaves, focusing on condensed tannins and the effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) treatment. Leaves from seven species were collected, dried, and analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude ash, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and condensed tannins. Fermentation characteristics, methane production, metabolizable energy, and organic matter digestibility were assessed in vitro, with and without PEG. Chemical composition and tannin content varied significantly among species (P<0.001), with crude protein ranging from 10.25% to 17.41% and condensed tannins from 1.18% to 9.54%. PEG treatment significantly increased total gas production, methane production, metabolizable energy, and organic matter digestibility across all species (P<0.001), although methane percentage remained largely unaffected, suggesting tannins indirectly reduce methane rather than acting directly on methanogens. Among species, Q. cerris exhibited the highest gas production and digestibility after PEG, whereas Q. brantii showed the lowest fermentation efficiency. Species with higher tannin content displayed lower in vitro fermentability but greater methane suppression. Findings suggest oak leaves are a valuable feed resource that can enhance ruminant nutrition while helping control methane emissions. Utilizing tannin-rich leaves with PEG provides a dual benefit: improving feed efficiency and contributing to sustainable livestock management.
Bovine mastitis remains one of the most prevalent and economically damaging diseases of dairy herds, and Streptococcus uberis is a leading environmental pathogen implicated in both clinical and subclinical infections. In this study, we characterized S. uberis isolates from mastitis-suspected dairy cows in the Aegean Region of Turkiye using phenotypic and molecular identification, virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene profiling, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and ERIC-PCR genotyping. Overall, 167 milk samples were cultured and S. uberis was isolated from 11 samples (6.6%). Identification was performed with VITEK (R) 2 and confirmed by 16S rRNA PCR (1.400bp). Virulence genes were widely distributed, including capsule genes (hasB 91%, hasC 82%, hasA 73%) and adhesion/invasion-related loci (gapC and oppF 82% each, skc 91%, sua 64%, cfu 73%), whereas lbp showed lower prevalence (27%). AMR gene screening revealed high carriage of penicillin-binding protein genes (pbp1A, pbp2A, pbp2B 100%; pbp1B 90.9%), blaTEM (72.7%), blaZ (9.1%), ermA/ermB (100%), tetM (54.5%), and gyrA/parC (27.3% each). Phenotypically, resistance was frequent, notably to tetracycline (100%) and penicillin G (63.6%), with heterogeneous patterns to other agents, indicating multidrug resistance. ERIC-PCR demonstrated marked genetic heterogeneity, identifying two small clusters (2 and 3 isolates) and six unique profiles at a 70% similarity cut-off, consistent with multiple environmental sources rather than a single dominant clone. These findings underscore the need for improved environmental hygiene and susceptibility-guided therapy, and support further molecular surveillance of circulating strains and resistance mechanisms.
The present study evaluated the effect of glycerol concentration, treatment with cholesterol anda-tocopherol loaded into methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, and sperm cell concentration on the quality of equine spermatozoa after two cycles of cryopreservation. Two experiments were conducted. The first trial utilized 18 ejaculates collected from six stallions. Each ejaculate was evaluated initially using computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and flow cytometry (FCM), and spermatozoa were subsequently frozen in a commercial diluent (containing 2.5% glycerol: control) or in one of four experimental diluents (each supplemented with 1%, 2%, 3% or 4% glycerol). Frozen samples were thawed and evaluated again prior to a second freeze-thaw cycle. The glycerol concentration that produced the best result was further investigated in experiment 2 where spermatozoa previously frozen in 2.5% glycerol were thawed and refrozen in one of three sperm cell concentrations (1, 5, 05 10 x106 spermatozoa/mL) treated or not treated with cholesterol and a-tocopherol incorporated into methyl-beta-cyclodextrin. Semen analysis (CASA and FCM) was repeated after the second freezing and thawing. Results revealed that the 2.5% concentration of glycerol was optimal for refreezing equine spermatozoa. Centrifugation (900xg for 10 minutes) of the equine semen before refreezing resulted in a sperm loss rate of 12% but was associated with good viability and acrosomal integrity. Treatment of semen with cholesterol and a-tocopherol loaded into methyl-beta-cyclodextrin before refreezing improved (P<0.05) the post-thaw quality of spermatozoa (motility, membrane and acrosome integrity, and oxidative status) refrozen at 1 & times;106 spermatozoa/mL, thus allowing production of 100 to 300 ICSI straws from a standard 0.5 mL equine artificial insemination straw.
Infectious bursal disease (IBD) compromises the immune system of young birds, lowering protective antibody levels. This study assessed antibody and serum interferongamma (INF-y) responses in cockerels pre-treated with Nigella sativa seed powder (NSSP) and challenged with very virulent IBD virus (vvIBDV). One hundred one-dayold Dominant Black Marshal Cockerels were assigned to five groups (A-E, 20 birds each). Groups A and B received standard feed from 1-42 days of age; groups C and D received NSSP from 21-27 days of age; group E received NSSP continuously from 1-42 days of age. All birds were vaccinated against Newcastle disease. On day 28, groups B, D, and E were orally challenged with vvIBDV. Blood samples were analyzed for IBD antibody and INF-y. Maternal antibody titres declined below protective levels by 14 days in groups A-D but remained protective in group E. Post-challenge, groups D and E showed significantly higher antibody titres, with group E maintaining the highest levels. Serum INF-y increased from 7 to 21 days of age in all groups, and from 29 to 42 days of age, group E exhibited the highest levels compared to D and B. Pre-administration of NSSP slowed maternal antibody decay and enhanced post-challenge immune responses. Dietary inclusion of NSSP may therefore provide a natural strategy to sustain IBD antibody protection and improve immune performance in poultry.
Medicinal plants play an important role in addressing global health challenges in both humans and livestock, particularly those associated with gastrointestinal parasitic infections. The present study aimed to conduct comprehensive LC-MS-based phytochemical profiling of various Cassia fistula extracts and their anthelmintic activity against gastrointestinal parasites in sheep and goats. In vitro anthelmintic efficacy of crude extracts prepared from different plant parts (leaves, stem, fruit, and root) was evaluated using two-fold serial dilutions, with 50 mg/mL as the stock concentration. Levamisole, Oxfendazole, and Albendazole were used as positive controls, and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as the negative control. Based on in vitro performance, the ethanol fruit extract and crude fruit powder were further assessed in vivo in goats (n=40) at dose rates of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight. Phytochemical characterization of all extracts was carried out using LC-MS analysis under both positive and negative electrospray ionization modes. Treatment with the crude ethanol fruit extract against Haemonchus contortus, resulted in mortality of all adult parasites within 4 h and 90.33% inhibition of egg hatching at 50 mg/mL, which was comparable and significantly higher than the positive controls (P<0.05). In case of the in vivo study at Day 21, crude fruit ethanol extract with the highest dose (1000 mg/kg) significantly reduced parasite burden of 90.78 +/- 0.55%, which was comparable to ABL (87.91 +/- 2.08%) (P>0.05). A total of 220 compounds were identified in LC-MS analysis of C. fistula including anti-parasitic constituents; quercetin, kaempferol, gallic acid, and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. These findings suggest that C. fistula fruits possess notable anthelmintic potential as a natural alternative to synthetic anthelmintics. However, further studies, including detailed toxicity assessments and dose optimization, are required to establish their safety and therapeutic applicability in livestock.
Accurate monitoring of individual productivity in quail farming is essential for maximizing economic returns and shaping effective, sustainable breeding programs. However, daily variation in egg-laying behavior across individuals presents significant challenges to consistent productivity prediction. While conventional methods often struggle to account for these irregular and long-term behavioral trends, machine learning techniques offer a promising alternative through their capacity for individualized, data-driven modeling. In this study, we propose a machine learning-based approach to forecast daily egg-laying outcomes by identifying production patterns from a longitudinal dataset comprising 193 days of continuous observations on 371 quails. The predictive feature set includes rolling averages, cumulative production metrics, and prior-day laying status engineered from each bird's historical production data. Three supervised classification models, Logistic Regression, Random Forest, and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) were employed to predict egg-laying on a daily basis. Performance was assessed using accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. Among the models, XGBoost outperformed the others, achieving an F1-score of 91.2% and a recall of 97% on the test set. Feature importance analysis identified the 7-day rolling mean as the most influential predictor. These findings underscore the value of machine learning approaches in modeling individual-level laying patterns and demonstrate their potential application in selection decisions, flock-level management, and automated performance monitoring systems in poultry production.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Maca (Lepidium meyenii) supplementation on the freezing process of ram semen. Semen samples were collected from Tuj breed rams using an electroejaculator method and subsequently pooled and divided into four equal volumes. Samples were diluted with a Tris-based extender either without Maca (control) or supplemented with Maca at concentrations of 10 & micro;L (M1), 20 & micro;L (M2), and 30 & micro;L (M3). After freezing, semen samples were thawed at 37 degrees C for 30 sec for analysis. Post-thaw evaluations included sperm motility and kinematic parameters (Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis; CASA), hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST), acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), lipid peroxidation (measured as malondialdehyde, MDA), and intracellular antioxidant status (glutathione, GSH). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test. After thawing, supplementation with 30 & micro;L of Maca significantly increased total semen motility from 36.14% to 46.21% and progressive motility from 33.56% to 43.91% (P<0.05). Maca, especially at this concentration, also significantly enhanced post-thaw motility, membrane integrity, and antioxidant status compared to the control group (P<0.05). In conclusion, it was determined that Maca added to the semen extender had a positive effect on ram semen.
A 12-year-old dog presented with neurologic signs three years after bilateral total ear canal ablation with lateral bulla osteotomy (TECA-LBO). Based on clinical history, diagnostic imaging, and cytologic findings, cholesteatoma was suspected. Medical management was ineffective, and aggressive surgical excision was performed despite neurologic risk. However, histopathology confirmed an inflammatory polyp. This case highlights that inflammatory polyps may occur within the tympanic cavity following TECA-LBO in dogs and should be included among the differential diagnoses for tympanic cavity masslike lesions, with consideration of this possibility during surgical planning.
Honeybee pests represent the most significant expense for beekeepers worldwide. While Tropilaelaps spp. has not been detected in Tiirkiye, its presence in neighboring countries poses a critical biosecurity threat. This study conducts a comprehensive risk assessment using the RiskAMP Monte Carlo simulation engine to evaluate the likelihood of introduction and the subsequent economic impact. The model, based on 1.000 iterations, indicates a mean introduction probability of 0.37 per 1.000 events per day, with risk levels ranging from 0.17 to 0.6. The primary introduction pathways identified are bee plundering and the illegal trade of infected colonies, driven by regional price disparities. Our analysis highlights that Tiirkiye's Mediterranean and Aegean coasts are particularly vulnerable due to high humidity and year-round brood-rearing cycles, which facilitate the parasite's survival. The simulated economic model projects an average annual loss of $100 million, encompassing direct colony mortality, a significant reduction in honey and wax production, and increased management labor. Additionally, a fixed cost of $9 million is estimated for mandatory chemical treatments in high-risk climate zones. These findings emphasize the urgent need for enhanced border biosurveillance and regional emergency response plans to protect Tiirkiye's 9.2 million honeybee colonies and maintain national honey production stability.
Geometric morphometric and fluctuating asymmetry investigations provide robust methodologies for elucidating the living conditions, environmental stressors, and ecological contexts of ancient species using archaeological animal remains. Prior research on Byzantine-era canine skulls discovered at the Theodosius Harbor excavations in Yenikapt, Istanbul, has indicated significant asymmetry in these specimens. This indicates that these dogs were not domesticated companions but rather feral canines (pariahs) contending with severe environmental challenges. This study aims to clarify the demographic composition, namely the sex distribution and sexual dominance, of a largely 'mesocephalic' dog community residing in the urban setting of Byzantine Constantinople. A total of 378 canine skulls from the excavation site were analysed. Sex determination was based on 'basioccipital index' values derived from the length and width measurements of the basioccipital area. The acquired data were subjected to statistical analysis utilizing ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Analysis demonstrated statistically significant differences between sexes in the examined population. Among those with determinable sex, the proportion of females (55.6%) surpassed that of males, signifying female predominance. This discovery verifies that dogs in the Byzantine capital encompassed not only working canines under human supervision but also a free-roaming, interbreeding stray population possessing its own social dynamics. The numerical predominance of females indicates their pivotal role in reproductive strategies, facilitating lineage continuity and population sustainability within the demanding urban ecology.
