The aim of the present study was to: (1) evaluate the impact of lambing order (Ewe age) on the reproductive performance and productivity of fourth-generation (G4) crossbred ewes, with 62.5% D'man (D) blood and 37.5% Ouled Djellal (OD) blood; and (2) to compare the performance of G4 (all parity levels combined) with that of previous generations (G1-G3). Ninety (90) crossbred ewes were used, including 21 females from the first lambing order (1st L), 20 females from the second order (2nd L), 26 females from the third order (3rd L) and 23 females from the fourth order (4th L). All females underwent heat synchronization through ram effect and were mated with purebred OD rams. At G4, the results obtained show an improvement in the fecundity of crossbred ewes in the 4th L (147.83±12.37%; p=0.051) of 55%, 41% and 28%, in numerical productivity (116.67±15.54%; p=0.048) by 88%, 56% and 38%, and weight productivity (18.66±1.49 kg/ewe; p=0.001) by 94%, 7% and 62% compared to the first, second and third lambing. In addition, an improvement in reproductive and productive performance was observed for the four generations (G1-G4), particularly in G2 (50% OD blood and 50% D blood), compared to the values reported in the literature for purebred OD ewes raised under Algerian conditions. The notable improvement recorded in the 4th L ewes of G4 highlights the importance of this factor in the strategies for the second phase of multiplication and selection in this crossbreeding programme, with a view to increase sheep production in Algeria.
Saponins are bioactive compounds known for modulating potential inflammatory metabolites produced by the gut microbiome, including ammonia. This study evaluated the effects of the saponin sources, Yucca schidigera (7% saponins) and Gleditsia amorphoides (21% saponins), on intestinal functionality, antioxidant, and inflammatory markers in adult dogs. Eighteen Beagle dogs (10 males and eight females), with 12.20 ± 1.33 kg body weight were randomly divided into three groups: Control (no saponins), 200 g Yucca schidigera/ton of diet (Yucca), and 200 g Gleditsia amorphoides/ton of diet (Gleditsia), totaling six replications per treatment. Dogs were fed experimental diets for 20 days. Fresh fecal samples were collected on day 20 to analyze: dry matter, score, pH, ammonia, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA), and biogenic amines. Blood was also collected on day 20 to analyze inflammatory cytokines, antioxidant enzymes, and liver enzymes. Preliminary results showed that the Gleditsia group had higher fecal propionate concentrations and lower histamine concentrations (P < 0.05). Both the Yucca and Gleditsia groups presented lower fecal concentrations of ammonia and spermine than the Control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the Yucca and Gleditsia groups showed lower lipid peroxidation and higher catalase activity, whereas only the Gleditsia group showed lower alkaline phosphatase activity than the Control group (P<0.05). In conclusion, Yucca and Gleditsia can modulate fecal fermentative metabolites and improve the antioxidant status of dogs. These findings also showed the safety of using Yucca and Gleditsia during the experimental period. Key-words: Ammonia, Propionate, Saponin extracts.
Identifying farmer trait preferences is fundamental to designing participatory breeding programs adapted to local agroecological constraints, yet such data remain scarce for Algeria’s arid zones. This study investigated sheep trait preferences and their socioeconomic determinants among male sheep keepers in El Oued Province, southeastern Algeria. A mixed-method approach combining structured questionnaires and qualitative interviews was applied to 200 randomly selected male sheep keepers registered in the 2023 national sheep census, covering eight municipalities across the province. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and chi-square tests were used to assess the influence of age, education, experience, and occupation on trait prioritization. For rams, breed identity (27%), body conformation (12.5%), and apparent health status (12%) emerged as the most valued selection criteria. For ewes, breed (22%), drought tolerance (16%), and udder size (10%) were ranked highest, reflecting the paramount importance of environmental adaptability and reproductive functionality under arid conditions. Locally adapted breeds, particularly Ouled Djellal, were strongly favored. A significant three-way interaction among education, experience, and occupation (Pillai’s Trace = 0.070, p = 0.009) indicated that farmers with higher education, greater experience, and full-time breeding status prioritized long-term resilience traits, while less experienced or less educated keepers favored readily observable morphological attributes. Farmer age and education level were independently associated with drought tolerance preference in ewes (p = 0.036 and p = 0.004, respectively). These findings provide a socio-ecological evidence base to support the design of context-specific, participatory breeding programs targeting genetic resilience and sustainable livestock production in North African drylands
Extracts from Musa x paradisiaca inflorescences were chemically characterized and tested in vitro on ruminant parasite egg hatch (EHT) and larval migration (LMT) tests. The aqueous (EHW-I) and hydroalcoholic (EOH-I) extracts of the plant were analyzed by using colorimetric assays, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). EHW-I and EOH-I had similar phenolic contents. However, EOH-I had a higher flavonoid content than EHW-I. Both extracts presented low contents of condensed tannins. HPLC analysis showed that EHW-I contained phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid ˃ coumaric acid > ferulic acid), other than rutin (glycosylated flavonoid). EOH-I contained rutin as the predominant compound. EHW-I and EOH-I showed an inhibitory effect on EHT, reaching almost 100% at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL. The inhibitory concentration of 50% (IC50) of egg hatching was 62.58 and 137.79 µg/mL of EHW-I and EOH-I, respectively. Based on the quantification data of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in the extracts, chlorogenic acid and rutin were selected for the EHT. Chlorogenic acid presented high activity, with an IC50 of 17.55 µg/mL. Rutin, however, did not affect egg hatching under the conditions tested. It can be inferred that chlorogenic acid may be a candidate with ovicidal activity. EHW-I and EOH-I did not affect the migration of third-stage nematode larvae, which may be related to the low tannin content. The inflorescences of Musa x paradisiaca can be further explored to develop a plant-derived anthelmintic product for ruminants and other animals.
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has transformed routine diagnostic microbiology by enabling rapid, accurate, and cost-effective identification of microorganisms from cultured isolates. This qualitative narrative review critically synthesizes evidence on the use of MALDI-TOF MS in veterinary microbiology published between January 2000 and January 2026, focusing on principles, diagnostic applications, performance, limitations, and future perspectives. An active literature search was conducted in SciELO, PubMed, Virtual Health Library (VHL), Scopus, and Web of Science using controlled descriptors and free keywords in English, Spanish, and Portuguese related to MALDI-TOF MS, veterinary microbiology, microbial identification, and One Health. Overall, 162 records were retrieved; after deduplication and screening, 46 articles were assessed in full text and 24 met eligibility criteria for qualitative synthesis. The included studies were categorized by microorganism group (bacteria, yeasts, filamentous fungi), animal host (companion animals, livestock, wildlife, exotic species), geographic region, and diagnostic application. Evidence indicates that MALDI-TOF MS is most robust for bacterial identification, frequently achieving high species-level accuracy with substantially reduced turnaround time compared with conventional biochemical methods, and supporting high-throughput workflows relevant to clinical practice, food safety, and antimicrobial resistance surveillance. Yeast identification also shows favorable performance when supported by curated spectral libraries, whereas filamentous fungi remain more technically challenging due to extraction and database constraints. Adoption is geographically uneven, with most studies originating from Europe and North America, while implementation in underrepresented regions remains limited. Continued expansion of veterinary-specific databases, protocol standardization, and integration with molecular approaches are essential to maximize global diagnostic and One Health impact.
Illegal wildlife trade is a multi-billion-dollar industry with profound ecological and social consequences. Recognizing that a multidisciplinary approach is essential to address this issue, this study aimed to understand the social dynamics of exotic pet consumption in Brazil, focusing on consumer preferences, motivations, and education. A cross-sectional anonymous online survey collected 1,706 responses. Results showed that 88.3% of respondents knew someone who owns or has owned an exotic pet, while 48.9% had owned or currently own one. Moreover, 63.6% expressed interest in owning an exotic pet. Men, individuals aged 30–49, and respondents with higher education were more likely to own or desire exotic pets, both legally and illegally. Among those who owned illegal pets, most reported that the animal died or was surrendered, while about 10% were released or escaped. The price gap between legal and illegal pets significantly influenced acquisition decisions: although 40% chose legal pets despite higher costs, when the gap reached tenfold, preferences split evenly. Only about 50% correctly answered questions about wildlife legislation, reflecting limited legal awareness and the cultural normalization of wildlife trade in Brazil. Findings indicate that the scarcity of affordable legal pets and the high compliance costs for breeders drive consumers toward illegal markets, while low reporting rates hinder enforcement. Strengthening environmental education, promoting legal awareness, and reducing the economic gap between legal and illegal markets may foster responsible ownership and support multidisciplinary strategies to mitigate domestic illegal wildlife trade.
This study evaluated the efficacy of autologous serum (AS) in promoting the healing of primarily closed abdominal surgical wounds in female dogs using a modified Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Too (BWAT). Thirty dogs were equally divided into Control, Treatment 1 (once-daily AS), and Treatment 2 (Twice-daily AS) groups. Wounds were assessed every other day over a 10-day postoperative period, focusing on parameters such as epithelialization, exudate, skin color, edema, necrosis, and wound edges. Findings revealed a strong positive correlation between AS application frequency and rate of epithelialization, with treatment 2 showing significant difference compared to other groups. Repeated measures ANOVA confirmed a highly significant difference among groups (p < 0.001). These results indicate that autologous serum not only accelerates wound healing but also promotes a more efficient inflammatory response without increasing the risk of complications. This study highlights Autologous Serum as biologically active, cost-effective adjunct to conventional wound management in veterinary surgery, offering practical benefits for clinical application.
Rhipicephalus microplus causa perdas anuais estimadas em dezenas de bilhões de dólares à pecuária global. O controle com acaricidas sintéticos enfrenta uma crise estrutural devido à resistência generalizada, sustentada por mutações em sítios-alvo e pela superexpressão de enzimas detoxificantes. Nesse contexto, os monoterpenos fenólicos carvacrol e timol emergem como candidatos promissores, especialmente por sua capacidade de atuar sobre múltiplos alvos biológicos - característica que pode contornar mecanismos clássicos de resistência. Esta revisão narrativa, baseada em busca estruturada nas bases de dados PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar e SciELO (2011-2026), identificou 85 estudos, dos quais 37 compuseram a análise principal da discussão mecanística. Desses, apenas oito estudos utilizaram compostos isolados e investigaram diretamente mecanismos celulares em R. microplus; os demais basearam-se em óleos essenciais complexos, em outras espécies de artrópodes ou apenas em desfechos de eficácia. A análise revela que a eficácia acaricida é multimodal: inibição da acetilcolinesterase, modulação de receptores GABAA e antagonismo de receptores de tiramina (TAR1), associados à indução de estresse oxidativo com supressão subsequente de enzimas antioxidantes (SOD, CAT, GPX e GST), resultando em peroxidação lipídica, disfunção mitocondrial e depleção de ATP. No contexto específico do carrapato, esses efeitos são amplificados pela interferência no metabolismo do heme, que catalisa reações de Fenton e estabelece um ciclo de dano oxidativo. A literatura apresenta fragilidades importantes: predominância de estudos com óleos essenciais complexos em detrimento de compostos isolados, variações metodológicas que limitam a comparabilidade entre estudos e ausência de validação integrada em nível de organismo. O avanço da área depende da consolidação de evidências mecanísticas com compostos isolados, da padronização metodológica e da integração entre abordagens fenotípicas, bioquímicas e ômicas.
This study evaluated the effects of different umbilical cord care techniques in newborn piglets. A total of 212 piglets from 15 sows were allocated in a randomized block design. Treatments included: No Intervention (NI) – no intervention was performed in the cord at birth; Tying and Cutting (TC) – the cord was tied onto itself and cut below the knot; and String, Cutting, and Iodine (SCI) – the cord was tied with string, cut, and immersed in 10% iodine solution. The following variables were analyzed: colostrum intake, incidence of hemorrhage, healing time, incidence of umbilical hernias, growth performance and economic viability. No treatment effects were found among treatments for colostrum intake, performance, incidence of hemorrhage, or umbilical hernia occurrence. Piglets in the TC group showed a slightly shorter healing time than those in the NI and SCI groups (P = 0.035). Birth and weaning weights were negatively correlated with healing time—lighter piglets exhibited slower healing, whereas faster-healing piglets achieved higher weaning weights. In conclusion, additional umbilical care such as iodine application did not improve umbilical healing and performance. Under the conditions of this study, additional procedures such as iodine application did not prove extra benefits compared with a simple tying technique
Feather-damaging behavior (FDB) is a frequent condition in psittacines under human care, with implications for animal welfare and post-rehabilitation evaluation. This case study documents behavioral, clinical, hematological, and sex-related patterns in 10 Aratinga auricapillus individuals held at the Wild Animal Screening Center in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil. Birds were housed under standardized conditions and assessed using feather condition scoring, molecular sexing, leukocyte profiling, pathogen screening, and open-field tests. Five individuals exhibited plumage damage consistent with self-inflicted feather picking, predominantly affecting the chest, back, and legs. All feather-damaged individuals were female; all males presented intact plumage. Microscopy confirmed structural feather degradation, and no ectoparasites or infectious agents were detected. Feather-damaged birds showed modestly higher heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratios, suggesting increased physiological stress. However, these differences were modest and did not show statistical support for an association with feather condition. Temperament profiles (shy vs. bold) were evenly distributed and showed no apparent relation to feather condition. These findings suggest a sex-biased expression of FDB in A. auricapillus and reinforce the utility of integrated clinical, behavioral, and physiological assessments in triage routines. Although preliminary, the present study provides baseline reference data for future evaluations of confiscated psittacines, offering practical guidance for rehabilitation and release programs, based on the presented index of feather degradation.
Brazil has a significant population of equids, which makes the equine industry an important contribution on the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Parasitic diseases are prevalent, particularly those affecting the gastrointestinal tract, which can cause colic, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, result in fatality. Among these diseases, the protozoan Eimeria leuckarti, a parasite of the small intestine in horses, mules, and zebras, predominantly affects foals. When E. leuckarti causes clinical disease, symptoms such as acute and chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, colic, and urticaria may occur, although it often presents asymptomatically. The present study analyzed 247 foals from eight stud farms located in the Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais (ZMM) region, encompassing the cities of Coimbra, Guaraciaba, Ponte Nova, Ervália, São Geraldo, Ubá, Teixeiras, and Viçosa. Data were collected through questionnaires administered to owners regarding the animals' production history and characteristics, and coproparasitological examinations were conducted using the Sheather technique at the Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases of the Veterinary Department of the Federal University of Viçosa. The collected data were organized into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and subjected to statistical analysis using IBM SPSS Statistics software, version 25, applying Measures of Association tests and Yates-corrected Chi-Square tests, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. The prevalence of E. leuckarti in the ZMM region was 7.3%, and silage feeding was identified as a risk factor for eimeriosis in foals (p < 0.01). Other factors, such as feed type, housing conditions, and fecal disposal, did not show statistically significant differences.
Broiler chicken feet are used as food and in the production of gelatin in many countries. Pododermatitis is a common disease in broiler chicken farming, which can affect the quality of broiler feet and be a perennial source of pathogenic bacteria that threaten public health. This research aimed to describe the lesion characteristics (macroscopic and histopathological) of pododermatitis in slaughtered broiler chickens, identify the associated pathogenic bacteria, and evaluate their sensitivity to acetic acid. One hundred thirty-six samples of pododermatitis lesions were subjected to morphological examination, and 129 underwent bacteriological examination to isolate and identify pathogenic bacteria using standard microbiological and biochemical tests. All isolated bacterial strains were tested for sensitivity to acetic acid using the agar dilution method. Pododermatitis samples of different scores underwent histopathological analysis. The results showed that score 4 was the most common (37.5%) for pododermatitis with an area of 2.91±2.00 cm2. Pododermatitis scores 3 and 4 showed the same microscopic lesions, including full-thickness epidermal ulcerations. Bacteriological analysis revealed that all 129 pododermatitis samples were positive, and 184 bacterial strains were isolated and identified. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated bacterium (66.30%), and the second- and third-most prevalent were Escherichia coli (19.57%) and Staphylococcus hiycus (5.98%), respectively. Acetic acid was particularly effective against all tested bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus hiycus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Shigella flexneri, and Shigella sonnei), with an average minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ≤0.08%. In conclusion, broiler pododermatitis was a dominant disease, and S. aureus was the most important pathogen associated with pododermatitis in broiler chickens. Acetic acid was an effective product for controlling the bacteria involved in pododermatitis.
The autonomic nervous system is responsible for regulating heart rate and adapting it to the metabolic and tissue needs of the organism. Heart rate variability (HRV) can be analyzed to assess cardiac autonomic activity in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), the main chronic acquired heart disease affecting this species. HRV measurement is performed through the analysis of electrocardiographic recordings and can indicate prognosis and predict the risk of death from cardiovascular diseases in animals and humans. Evaluation of different variables has shown that HRV is reduced in patients with congestive heart failure. In asymptomatic dogs with early-stage MMVD, there is still no scientific certainty regarding a reduction in HRV. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, such as exercise training, can increase cardiac autonomic modulation and parasympathetic activity in dogs with MMVD. The assessment of HRV in animals with MMVD is important for a better understanding of disease progression and determining prognosis. Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in MMVD and congestive heart failure is essential, and assessing HRV in animals with MMVD is important for a better understanding of disease progression and therapeutic interventions. Therefore, this literature review covers the variables used to evaluate HRV and its correlation with DMD in its different stages and treatments from different recent studies on the subject.
Resumo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia in vitro do limoneno sobre piolhos Bovicola ovis. Para isso, 900 piolhos foram distribuídos entre diferentes grupos experimentais e expostos às concentrações de 800, 400, 200, 100, 50, 25 e 12,5 mg/ml do limoneno. Como controle positivo (CP), foi utilizada a cipermetrina, enquanto o grupo não tratado (GNT), não recebeu tratamento. A eficácia do limoneno foi analisada utilizando o software estatístico SPSS versão 23.0. Os resultados foram expressos como média ± desvio padrão, e as concentrações efetivas para 50% (CE₅₀) e 90% (CE₉₀) foram determinadas com um intervalo de confiança de 95%. Ocorreu mortalidade dos piolhos em todos os grupos experimentais e tempos testados e a partir da primeira até a terceira hora do experimento, as concentrações de 800, 400 e 200 mg/ml demonstraram eficácia igual na eliminação dos parasitos, que foi superior em comparação com as demais concentrações testadas. As concentrações de 50, 25, 12,5mg/ml e grupo não tratado (GNT), obtiveram a menor eficácia mesmo após 24 horas de teste, e o controle positivo (GCP) demonstrou eficácia semelhante às das concentrações de 800, 400 e 200 mg/ml do limoneno, a partir da terceira hora de ação. A concentração efetiva (CE) média do limoneno foi obtida após 6 horas do experimento, e correspondeu a 170,9 mg/ml e 331,3 mg/ml para CE₅₀ e CE₉₀, respectivamente. Com isso, o limoneno demonstrou eficácia in vitro contra B. ovis, indicando seu potencial como alternativa aos ectoparasiticidas convencionais.
Resumo: O uso profilático e metafilático de antimicrobianos é comum na suinocultura brasileira. Algumas moléculas podem influenciar a resposta imunológica quando administradas com vacinas. Este estudo avaliou o impacto de antimicrobianos na resposta de anticorpos à vacina contra Lawsonia intracellularis (Porcilis® Ileitis). Foram analisados 144 leitões desmamados, divididos em 9 grupos: G1 (não vacinado), G2 (vacinado sem antimicrobianos) e sete grupos vacinados e tratados com diferentes antimicrobianos (G3 - ceftiofur; G4 - tildipirosina; G5 - tulatromicina; G6 - amoxicilina; G7 - doxiciclina; G8 - florfenicol; G9 - tiamulina). Os animais foram vacinados aos 30 dias de vida. Amostras de soro foram coletadas antes (D0) e após a vacinação (D7, D14, D21, D28 e D35) e analisadas por citometria de fluxo para medir IgG anti-L. intracellularis. A análise estatística (ANOVA de duas vias) mostrou que os níveis de IgG no D35 foram significativamente menores (p < 0,001) nos grupos tratados com ceftiofur (G3), doxiciclina (G7) e tulatromicina (G5) em comparação ao grupo G2. Em contraste, amoxicilina (G6), florfenicol (G8), tiamulina (G9) e tildipirosina (G4) não afetaram os níveis de anticorpos. O efeito negativo mais intenso (redução de 41,15% nos níveis de IgG) foi encontrado no grupo G3, tratado com ceftiofur. Nossos resultados demonstraram que o uso de alguns antibióticos durante o desenvolvimento da resposta imune humoral adaptativa pode afetar a potência sorológica de vacinas imunogênicas. Este efeito negativo pode ser especialmente importante em vacinas cuja resposta de anticorpos precisa de atingir o seu nível máximo nas fases iniciais da fase de creche.
Abstract: The development of alternative protein production systems requires strategic planning, and education plays a key role in creating new job opportunities, unlocking the potential of cellular agriculture to address various socioeconomic, environmental, and ethical objectives. This study aimed to explore the interest in learning about cellular agriculture among Brazilians. An online questionnaire was distributed between February 2022 and February 2023, yielding 387 responses from 382 participants, as five individuals responded both as professionals and students. Of the total, 201 (51.9%) were professionals and 186 (48.1%) undergraduate students, with 76 (19.6%) agrarian sciences professionals, 125 (32.2%) professionals from other fields, 138 (35.6%) agrarian sciences students, and 48 (12.4%) students in different fields. Of the total respondents, 281 (73.6%) expressed a desire to learn about cellular agriculture, motivated by the benefits of cultivated meat and the opportunity to access innovative knowledge. Interest was particularly strong among those in agrarian sciences, who saw this area as a promising career entry. Among participants, 305 (79.8%) had heard of cultivated meat, 290 (75.9%) expressed interest in trying it, and 141 (36.9%) believed that consuming it would have an impact on their personal lives. Notably, 43 (18.9%) participants expressed a willingness to adopt a diet in which cultivated meat would be the only type of meat consumed. This study highlights the growing interest in cellular agriculture among professionals and undergraduate students, including their perceptions of innovation and potential benefits of cultivated meat. It indicates a demand for a deeper understanding and new job opportunities in the field.
The stethoscope is a medical instrument used daily for physical examinations, whose capacity as a fomite remains underexplored in veterinary medicine. The objective of this study is to identify the main bacteria isolated from the stethoscopes of veterinarians in Trujillo (Peru) and to identify the factors associated with the presence of these pathogens through microbiological analysis and the application of a questionnaire. Fifty-nine stethoscopes were sampled using sterile swabs soaked in BHI broth (Brain Heart Infusion) and rubbed 4 times, at different locations in opposite directions to the previous one. The surfaces sampled were: chest pieces and ear tips. After being incubated for 24 hours at 37°C, they were cultured in Agar blood and after identification of the bacterial morphology, biochemical tests were performed. Results showed that 88% of stethoscopes were contaminated, yielding 100 isolates (8 genera). Staphylococcus aureus (35%) was the most frequently isolated species, followed by Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (34%) and Pseudomonas spp. (18%). Notably, high levels of antimicrobial resistance were observed, with S. aureus exhibiting 94.3% resistance to penicillin and 80% to tetracycline. The chest piece was the most contaminated surface (95%; 56/59). A statistical association was found between disinfection practices and bacterial presence (p<0.05), with non-disinfection identified as a risk factor (OR=1.636; 95% CI=1.132-2.366). The above shows that veterinary stethoscopes, often contaminated with bacteria linked to nosocomial infections, require effective disinfection protocols and robust antimicrobial stewardship programs to mitigate the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria, protect patient and user health, and preserve antibiotic efficacy in the long term.
Cardiorenal syndrome is configured as a set of disorders that affect the heart and/or kidneys, and induce a series of events that alter the entire pre-existing axis between the two systems. Accurate diagnosis and adequate monitoring of patients with cardiovascular and renal diseases have become increasingly frequent. Systems are increasingly interconnected, and paying attention to changes has become fundamental. The objective of this article is to characterize cardiorenal syndrome, highlighting its clinical, pathophysiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic management aspects. Dogs and cats are susceptible to kidney changes that alter blood flow, which can interfere with cardiac function, and the reverse may also occur, particularly if dogs/cats already have the organ affected by other diseases. Furthermore, a series of systemic events can end up interfering even more with the communication between the two systems. The monitoring and follow-up of cardiac and/or nephropathic patients are of fundamental importance in determining the best therapeutic management to be instituted, thereby avoiding complications and injuries to other organs, preventing aggravations to the patient's clinical condition, and reducing their life expectancy.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of energy and nutrient (lysine, calcium, and phosphorus) levels on animal performance and liver expression of genes related to lipid metabolism and electron transport in broilers from 22 to 42 days of age. A total of 432 male Cobb 500 broiler chickens were distributed in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments, 8 replications, and 18 birds per experimental unit. The first treatment (control) consisted of a diet based on corn and soybean meal with a metabolizable energy (ME) content of 12.70 MJ/kg. The second treatment was a high-energy (HE) diet (13.33 MJ/kg) formulated by increasing the ME value of the control diet by 0.63 MJ/kg and maintaining the same levels of digestible lysine, calcium (Ca), and available phosphorus (P). The third treatment was a high-energy and high-nutrient (HEHN) diet, providing 13.33 MJ/kg and a 5% increase in digestible lysine, Ca, and P levels in relation to the control diet. Animal performance and carcass yield were analyzed at 42 days of age. Expression levels of apolipoprotein B (APOB), NADH dehydrogenase subunit I (ND1), and cytochrome c oxidase (COX1) genes were also determined. Treatments exerted significant effects on performance but not on carcass yield. HE diets improved feed efficiency compared with the control. Furthermore, the HEHN diet enhanced weight gain compared with the control. COX1 and ND1 expression was influenced by dietary energy level. In conclusion, the results indicate that HEHN diets improve performance and alter the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism and electron transport in broiler chickens from 22 to 42 days of age but do not affect carcass yield.
Yeast extract is rich in nutrients, including amino acids, nucleic acids, and B vitamins, which can contribute to the intestinal health of dogs. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of yeast extract supplementation on diet digestibility, fecal characteristics, and intestinal fermentation metabolites in dogs. The analyses of diet digestibility, fecal concentrations of short-chain and branched-chain fatty acids and ammonia, fecal pH, score (1 = liquid and 5 = dry), dry matter (DM), and production were conducted using 12 adult Beagle dogs, randomly distributed into two diets containing 0% and 2% yeast extract (n = 6/treatment). The dogs were fed the experimental diets for 25 days of adaptation, followed by 5 days of total fecal collection. The 2% yeast extract diet reduced crude protein digestibility (P < 0.05) but did not influence other apparent digestibility coefficients (P > 0.05). However, the diet with the inclusion of 2% yeast extract increased fecal concentrations of acetate (P < 0.05) and improved fecal score (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 2% yeast extract improved fecal concentrations of acetate and fecal consistency, without affecting the digestibility of most diet fractions in dogs.
