BACKGROUND:Serum lipase activity has not been compared with ultrasonographic and clinical findings in cats. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES:Interpret serum lipase activity in sick cats using unsupervised, data-driven clustering. ANIMALS:Five hundred sixty-three hospitalized client-owned cats with serum lipase activity > 30 U/L (reference intervals, 8-26 U/L). METHODS:Retrospective study. Unsupervised k-means clustering of serum lipase activity (k = 3, chosen by elbow and silhouette diagnostics) grouped cats into 3 ranges. Least squares mean (LSmean) lipase values were: cluster 1: 53 U/L (range, 30-125 U/L); cluster 2: 229 U/L (range, 147-411 U/L); and cluster 3: 778 U/L (range, 441-1613 U/L). Clinical (n = 563), laboratory (n = 563), and ultrasonographic (n = 318) findings were compared across clusters using general linear models and Fisher's exact tests with multiplicity correction (Bonferroni). RESULTS:Ultrasonographic diagnosis of pancreatitis (USDx) was significantly (P = .0021) more common in cluster 2 (64%) compared to cluster 1 (47%). Pancreatic enlargement (59%), hypoechogenicity (56%), and hyperechoic mesentery (49%) were significantly more common in cluster 2 compared to cluster 1, but 40%-50% of cluster 2 cats and 25%-66% of cluster 3 cats did not have these US abnormalities. Only lethargy was significantly more common in cluster 2 cats. Significant differences in laboratory values were found for urea (highest in cluster 3), triglycerides (highest in cluster 2), and protein (lowest in cluster 3). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE:Despite marked hyperlipasemia, approximately 50% of cats have no ultrasonographic pancreatic abnormalities or changes insufficient for an USDx. Future routine pancreatic size assessment might help detect subtle changes. Abdominal pain is not significantly more common at higher lipase activities.

BACKGROUND:Pancreatitis-associated protein (PAP-1) is synthesized during acute pancreatitis (AP) and chronic enteropathy in people. Serum PAP-1 concentration (PAP-1) has not been measured prospectively in dogs. OBJECTIVES:Evaluate whether PAP-1 differentiates suspected AP (sAP) diagnosed by abnormal DGGR-lipase activity from non-pancreatic acute gastrointestinal disease (aGId) diagnosed by normal DGGR-lipase activity. ANIMALS:Twenty-six dogs with sAP, 48 dogs with aGId based on signs of acute gastrointestinal disease, lipase activity > 450 U/L (reference interval [RI],17-156 U/L) and maximally 20 U/L > RI, respectively. Forty healthy control dogs. METHODS:Prospective daily assessment included a simplified modified canine activity index (MCAI). PAP-1, lipase activity, C-reactive protein concentration (CRP) were measured daily. PAP-1 assay validation comprised precision, interferences, linearity, and RI establishment. RESULTS:Lower/upper PAP-1 quantification limits were 0.2 and 6.0 μg/mL, linearity was excellent (R2 0.999) at high, acceptable (R2 0.966) at low PAP-1 concentrations. Intra-, inter-run precision was ≤5%, ≤22%, PAP-1 remained stable for 15 days (room temperature), no interferences were found. Duration of hospitalization and clinical disease severity did not differ between groups. At admission, PAP-1 above RI in 50% and 48 % of sAP and aGId dogs, respectively (sAP median, range 1.88 μg/mL, 0.2-6.0 vs. aGId 1.57 μg/mL, 0.2-6.0; RI, <1.9 μg/mL). PAP-1 did not differ significantly between groups irrespective of observation time points. PAP-1 correlated significantly with CRP in sAP (rs = 0.623) and aGId (rs = 0.483). PAP-1 correlated significantly with lipase activity (rs = 0.474) in sAP, with MCAI (rs = 0.342) in aGId. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE:Serum PAP-1 reflects inflammation rather than underlying disease processes, and does not differentiate sAP from aGId.

Over the last decades, the population of pet rabbits in Europe has increased significantly, but to date studies into feeding management of these species have been mainly conducted in production animals. This study aimed to evaluate the feeding practices of both pet rabbit owners and hobby breeders in Germany and how these may affect animal health. For this purpose, a survey was conducted from July to August 2020 to collect data regarding breeding, nutritional management and animal health: 431 participants replied. Results obtained from the questionnaires highlighted several differences. Based on our results, hay is provided in large amounts by almost all participants, meeting the rabbits' need for high fibre intake. However, rabbit breeders typically provide less hay and fresh food (e.g. grass, herbage, forage plants, vegetables, fruit), and more concentrates (e.g. pellets, muesli, commercial mixes, cereals) than pet rabbit owners. Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases were common in both groups. A link was noted between feeding practices and health conditions like diarrhoea, constipation, being overweight, dental problems and the development of urolithiasis. Although recent data on rabbit obesity indicate an increasing prevalence of this condition, most breeders and owners consider their animals' body condition to be normal. Nevertheless, in this study, obesity was associated with individual housing, which is more used by hobby breeders. Results from this study suggest that owners and breeders manage rabbit feeding differently and that these choices may impact animal health.

This study analysed gene expression profiles in white adipose and skeletal muscle tissues of cats genetically predisposed to obesity and wildtype cats to uncover molecular mechanisms regulating obesity. It also examined how these profiles altered after change in body fat through changes in the amount of food. For this purpose, 3 female cats with phenotype lean (GL) and 3 female cats with phenotype obese (GO) were included in the study. Fat and muscle samples were obtained twice from these cats (T1 = all cats lean, T2 = after ad libitum feeding GL still lean, GO obese). In addition Body Conditions Score (BCS) was measured at both time points, body fat content was determined using DEXA and blood samples were taken to measure glucose levels. BCS revealed a significant positive linear regression with body fat content. Comparing BCS and blood glucose level, no significant difference was observed. The study found distinct gene expression changes in muscle and adipose tissues when comparing obese and lean cats at two time points (T1 and T2). In muscle tissue, group differences between obese and lean cats were detected in three downregulated and four upregulated genes when all cats were lean, while only two genes were upregulated when one group of cats became obese (T2). For adipose tissue, fewer differences were observed, with minimal changes in gene expression between the two groups, especially at T2, where lean cats showed only one downregulated gene and obese cats showed no change. The regulated genes identified are mainly involved in tissue maintenance and cellular turnover, either specific to the tissue studied or with broader roles. No clear phenotypic trend in gene expression was observed. Differences emerged mainly within the obese group over time, reflecting adaptive feeding responses, while tissue-specific differences in the transcriptome were most prominent. Overall, phenotype had no distinct effect on gene expression patterns.

A blend of essential oils (eugenol, geranyl acetate, coriander oil, and geraniol) has been earlier shown to improve dairy cow productivity by means of reduced methanogenesis. Thus far, no data is available for beef cattle and a transfer of lessons learned from dairy cows to bulls is difficult. Thirty young bulls (Swiss AA hybrids; 213 +/- 32 kg; similar to 167 d of age) were assigned to three pens according to live weight. Subsequently, bulls from each pen were randomly assigned to one of two feeding groups receiving 80% maize silage, 20% grass silage, and concentrate according to stage of fattening (up to 2.5 kg/animal*d-1). The control group received 30 g/kg DM of ground wheat as placebo while the treatment group received 30 g/kg DM of a mixture of ground wheat and essential oil product (200 mg product/100 kg of live weight). Live weight, feed intake and feed:gain were monitored weekly for each individual animal. Furthermore, live weight at slaughter, days until slaughter at 500 kg live weight, carcase weight, and carcase quality (CHTAX system) were assessed in the end of the trial. Time (p <= 0.0005) but not feeding group (p >= 0.26) exerted significant effects on repeated measures. Endpoints measures were also not different between groups (p >= 0.14). This outcome conflicts with several earlier reports on positive effects in dairy cows and thereby questions the suitability of the product for beef fattening under the simulated conditions. Further studies including dose-response setups and considering different roughage:concentrate ratios are urgently needed.

This study investigated the effects of high dietary Ca supplementation during the final 21 d antepartum on Ca and bone homeostasis in dairy sheep and goats, and the growth response of their suckling offspring. Multiparous dairy sheep (n = 5/group, 10 animals total) and goats (n = 6/group, 12 animals total) were randomly assigned to 2 experimental groups. Feeding occurred restrictively (2.3 kg DM/d per animal antepartum for both species; 2.9 and 3.1 kg DM/d per animal for sheep and goats postpartum, respectively) according to recommendations, except for Ca during antepartum feeding: 1 group received the basal diet based on hay and concentrate with extra CaCO3 (1.3% Ca in DM; 2.49-fold the recommendations) for 3 wk antepartum, whereas the other group received only the basal diet (0.6% Ca in DM; 1.15-fold the recommendations). Experimental feeding ended with parturition, and animals were henceforth fed according to Swiss recommendations for lactating sheep and goats and kept together with their suckling offspring. The observation period spanned from 21 d antepartum to 56 d postpartum. Animals were under continuous veterinary surveillance and were monitored for signs of milk fever. Data collection comprised quantitative and functional parameters of Ca and bone homeostasis, as well as birth weights and daily weight gain of suckling lambs and kids. Data were analyzed using repeated measures and endpoint mixed models. The response of quantitative markers indicated that high dietary Ca antepartum significantly increased fecal Ca concentrations until parturition, suggesting efficient physiological mechanisms to manage Ca overload through increasing fecal excretion. No significant differences were observed in serum Ca levels, urinary Ca excretion, or bone mineral density between the antepartum Ca feeding groups at any point during the observation period, indicating stable Ca homeostasis, despite the dietary challenge. Differences in quantitative markers were noted between sheep and goats, including variations in serum and colostral Ca levels and bone mineral density, which largely aligned with results from earlier comparative studies. Serum 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D (calcitriol) as well as markers of bone formation and resorption were monitored, revealing significant increases in serum osteocalcin postpartum in both goats and sheep fed high Ca antepartum. However, all other serum markers, including calcitriol, remained unaffected by the feeding regimen but differed between sheep and goats, consistent with previous findings. All repeated measures were significantly affected by time, except for urinary Ca and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase activity in serum. Suckling offspring of sheep and goats in the high Ca group exhibited significantly reduced average daily weight gain compared with those in the group that received 0.6% in DM Ca, despite similar birth weights. We conclude that although dairy sheep and goats effectively managed high dietary Ca intake without overt signs of hypocalcemia or milk fever under these experimental conditions, the observed effects on offspring growth and potential long-term physiological effects warrant further investigation. These findings contribute to the understanding of mineral nutrition in late-gestating dairy goats and sheep and highlight the need for further research on balanced dietary strategies to optimize health and productivity of dairy sheep and goats and their offspring.

While corticosteroids affect bile acid metabolism in humans and dogs, their impact on serum bile acids in cats is unknown. Moreover, the early effects of corticosteroids on liver enzyme activity in cats are not well understood. We prospectively studied seven healthy cats (4–7 years) treated with oral prednisolone (1.1–1.5 mg/kg, median 1.28 mg/kg PO daily) for 7 days. Serum bile acids and liver enzyme activities (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT) were measured before treatment (day 0) and at days 2, 3, 8, 10, and 14. Statistical analysis used the Friedman test with post hoc comparisons to baseline. At baseline, bile acids were within reference interval (1–6.5 μmol/L) (median 2.1 μmol/L, range 1–3.2) and increased significantly during treatment with prednisolone to a median of 5.3 μmol/L (range 1.8–8.7) at d8, but remained below clinically abnormal levels. In contrast, AST, ALT, and ALP activities decreased significantly during prednisolone administration. GGT activities were undetectable at all times. We conclude that, although prednisolone significantly affected bile acids, the effect is likely of limited clinical relevance, as increases were minimal and remained below thresholds considered abnormal. Unexpectedly, transaminase and alkaline phosphatase activities decreased in the first days after administration. The reasons for this remain unclear.

BACKGROUND:It is unclear if dogs with acute pancreatitis differ clinically from dogs with non-pancreatic acute gastrointestinal disease (aGId). OBJECTIVES:Compare clinical findings in dogs with acute gastrointestinal signs suspected of having acute pancreatitis (sAP) based on increased DGGR-lipase activity versus those with presumptive aGId. ANIMALS:Twenty-six dogs with sAP, 48 dogs with aGId based on acute signs, lipase activity > 450 U/L (RI, 17-156 U/L) and within/minimally (20 U/L) > RI, respectively. METHODS:Prospective study. Clinical signs were graded using a simplified modified clinical activity index (MCAI). CBC, biochemistry, C-reactive protein (CRP), pancreatic, and gastrointestinal ultrasonographic findings were compared between groups. RESULTS:Median (range) disease duration before presentation (sAP 36 h [3-96 h], aGId 48 h [3-168 h]) did not differ. Diarrhea was significantly more frequent in aGId; MCAI did not differ between groups. Median (range) lipase activities in sAP and aGId dogs were 1280 U/L (451-6712) and 49.5 U/L (14-176), respectively. Alkaline phosphatase activity and bilirubin were significantly higher in sAP. Pancreatic ultrasonographic abnormalities were significantly more common in sAP. In aGId, a mixed-echoic (17/44, 39%), hyperechoic (9/44, 20%), hypoechoic pancreas (3/44, 7%), and hyperechoic mesentery (4/44, 9%) were found. Only a distended stomach was significantly more common in sAP. Multivariable logistic regression analysis only identified pancreatic enlargement and ultrasonographic diagnosis of pancreatitis to increase the odds of sAP. Hospitalization (median, range) did not differ (sAP 3, 1-8 days; aGId 2.5, 1-5 days). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE:Both groups do not differ in clinical severity; diarrhea is less prevalent, and mild cholestasis is more common in sAP. Pancreatic ultrasonographic changes suggestive of AP are rare in aGId.

Histological evidence of pancreatitis is commonly found in necropsy studies in cats. A clinical diagnosis of pancreatitis is challenging due to nonspecific clinical signs, a lack of diagnostic lipase cutoffs, and frequent presence of multiple diseases. It is still unknown how often pancreatitis alone is found in sick cats and how often clinicopathological evidence of pancreatitis in sick cats does not lead to a clinical diagnosis of pancreatitis. Our aims were to evaluate the extent of comorbidities in cats with suspected pancreatitis, evaluate how often sick cats with hyperlipasemia are diagnosed only with non-pancreatic diseases, and compare their clinical findings. Medical records of 563 client-owned hospitalized cats with available lipase activity measurement (LIPC Roche) > 30 U/L (RI, 6–26) were searched and medical diagnoses recorded and grouped by organ system. Clinicopathological findings were compared between cats with pancreatitis alone (PA), pancreatitis with concurrent disease (PD), and no suspected pancreatitis (NP). We found that PA was present in 33 (6%) cats, 159 cats (28%) were in the PD group, and 371 cats (66%) had no suspected pancreatitis (NP). Clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonographic findings did not differ between PA and PD cats. Lipase activities did not differ between the three groups. The most common disease categories in PD and NP cats were gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, renal/urinary, and endocrine, and renal/urinary, gastrointestinal, cardiac, and musculoskeletal, respectively. We conclude that cats are rarely hospitalized because of suspected pancreatitis alone, and PA cats did not differ clinically from PD cats. Hyperlipasemia in sick cats without a diagnosis of pancreatitis may be due to a reactive pancreatopathy or preexisting chronic pancreatitis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:Masson Pine pollen (Pinus massoniana; MP) are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat gut conditions. Early in vivo work supports this claim and suggests interaction of the material with the gastrointestinal immune system.AIM OF THE STUDY:The present study tested if and how MP material activates HD11 chicken macrophages in vitro using material from different production sites and harvest years.MATERIAL & METHODS:We applied twelve batches of MP from different Chinese production sites and harvest years. Materials were subjected to LAL tests (endotoxic activity), GC-MS (fatty acid analysis), and plate techniques (microbiological background, antimicrobial activity). Furthermore, HD11 chicken macrophages were challenged (6 h, 37 °C) with MP or LPS (E. coli O111:B4), respectively, to quantify nitric oxide (NO) production and immune gene expression (RT-qPCR).RESULTS:MP material promoted strong signals in LAL tests and contained significant amounts of 3-hydroxydodecanoic acid and 3-hydroxymyristic acid, irrespective of processing, harvest year, or origin. The pollen material activated HD11 chicken macrophages, which was confirmed by spikes of NO release and k-means cluster analysis of TLR-signaling pathway gene expression data. Response of NO production to Log2-titration of MP and LPS-treated media was in any case linear and significant. The response was reduced by polymyxin-B (PMB) and the inhibition was twice as strong for LPS than MP. No or minor microbiological background was detected on the majority of MP samples. Three samples showed presence of spoilage microorganisms and Gram-negative bacteria, but this did not correlate to LAL data or bacterial DNA counts. No antimicrobial activity of MP was evident.CONCLUSION:Pollen of the Masson Pine activated HD11 chicken macrophages in vitro, which is likely partially due to a background of bacterial LPS associated with the pollen material. However, as most of the effect (appr. 80%) could not be blocked by PMB this is certainly due to other stimuli. We hypothesize that polysaccharides and oligosaccharides of the pollen matrix have the potential to interact with certain immune receptors presented on the plasma membrane of chicken macrophages.

Ruminant gut microbiota are critical in ecological adaptation, evolution, and nutrition utilization because it regulates energy metabolism, promotes nutrient absorption, and improves immune function. To study the functional roles of key gut microbiota in sheep and goats, it is essential to construct reference microbial gene catalogs and high-quality microbial genomes database. A total of 320 fecal samples were collected from 21 different sheep and goat breeds, originating from 32 distinct farms. Metagenomic deep sequencing and binning assembly were utilized to construct a comprehensive microbial genome information database for the gut microbiota. We successfully generated the largest reference gene catalogs for gut microbiota in sheep and goats, containing over 162 million and 82 million nonredundant predicted genes, respectively, with 49 million shared nonredundant predicted genes and 1138 shared species. We found that the rearing environment has a greater impact on microbial composition and function than the host’s species effect. Through subsequent assembly, we obtained 5810 medium- and high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), out of which 2661 were yet unidentified species. Among these MAGs, we identified 91 bacterial taxa that specifically colonize the sheep gut, which encode polysaccharide utilization loci for glycan and mucin degradation. By shedding light on the co-symbiotic microbial communities in the gut of small ruminants, our study significantly enhances the understanding of their nutrient degradation and disease susceptibility. Our findings emphasize the vast potential of untapped resources in functional bacterial species within ruminants, further expanding our knowledge of how the ruminant gut microbiota recognizes and processes glycan and mucins.

Carvacrol and thymol (CAT) have been widely recognized for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, yet their specific effects on colitis and the mechanisms involved remain insufficiently understood. This study establishes a causative link between CAT administration and colitis mitigation, primarily through the enhancement of Bifidobacterium pseudolongum abundance in the colon. This increase promotes the production of secondary bile acids, particularly hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA) and 12-ketodeoxycholic acid (12-KCAC), which exert anti-inflammatory effects. Notably, CAT does not alleviate colitis symptoms in germ-free mice, indicating the necessity of gut microbiota. This research uncovers a novel regulatory mechanism where HDCA and 12-KCAC inhibit colonic inflammation by reducing the expression of transmembrane guanylate cyclase 1A in the colonic epithelium. This downregulation elevates intracellular Ca2+ and cGMP levels, activating protein kinase G (PKG). Activated PKG subsequently suppresses the mTOR signaling pathway, thereby ameliorating dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colonic damage. These findings highlight potential metabolites and therapeutic targets for preventing and treating colitis. Bifidobacterium pseudolongum, HDCA, and 12-KCAC emerge as promising candidates for therapeutic interventions in colitis and related disorders characterized by impaired tight junction function.

Background Dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE) are typically classified into food-responsive enteropathy (FRE), antibiotic-responsive enteropathy (ARE), immunomodulator-responsive enteropathy (IRE), and nonresponsive enteropathy (NRE) based on response to therapy(ies). Reassessment of initial categorization (especially IRE and NRE) is lacking. Objectives Investigate validity of categorization scheme when reassessed at least 1 year after diagnosis. Animals Sixty client-owned with CIE. Methods Retrospective study. Clinical information was gathered from records and owners from time of diagnosis (T-D), time of initial response (T-IR), and at least 1 year after diagnosis (T->= 1y). Category change was defined as a switch between groups. Results Median disease activity index (CIBDAI) at T-D was 9 and reduced significantly to 1 at T->= 1y (P < .0001). At T-IR, dogs were categorized as: FRE 27/60 (45%, 95% binomial confidence intervals [CI], 0.32-0.58), IRE 30/60 (50%, CI 0.37-0.63), ARE 0/60 (0%), NRE 3/60 (5%, CI -0.01 to 0.11). Seventeen of 27 (63%) FRE dogs had previously had at least 1 unsuccessful diet trial. At T >= 1y, categorization changed to FRE 44/60 (73%, CI 0.62-0.85), IRE 14/60 (23%, CI 0.13-0.34), ARE 0/60 (0%), NRE 2/60 (3%, CI -0.01 to 0.08). Group changes were found for 24/60 (40%) dogs, largest change was from IRE to FRE (19/24, 79%). Immunosuppressive dosages were administered as sole treatment in 1/30 (3%) IRE dogs at T-IR. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Chronic inflammatory enteropathy categorization based on initial response to therapy needs reassessment after 1 year. Frequent change from IRE to FRE suggests that dogs initially categorized as IRE might have been initially categorized as FRE if multiple dietary trials had been performed. In our study, antibiotics were not needed to achieve satisfying clinical responses.

Plastics are ubiquitous materials in our daily lives, but their inadequate disposal has led to the widespread distribution of their micro- and nanoparticles in various ecosystems. Their detection in feed and food, as well as in livestock and human stool samples, strongly suggests a continuous circulation in the feed and food chain. The ability of plastic particles to penetrate the intestinal barrier determines their accumulation in the body and in food of animal origin. The gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome, whose fermentation activity can influence the particle size distribution of certain plastic materials and which is known to modulate the permeability of the intestinal barrier, may be a critical hub in this transfer. This review attempts to summarise research efforts to date on the interaction between microplastics (MPs) and the GI microbiome of humans, mice, chickens and aquatic animals. We have analysed the state of knowledge and identified future avenues for targeted research approaches to answer open questions regarding the interaction of plastic particles with the GI microbiome, which may help to develop predictive models for the accumulation of plastic particles from feed and food in the body and animal products, respectively.HIGHLIGHTS Microplastics (MPs) influence the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome. The microbiome may facilitate microplastic breakdown. This may influence the size distribution of plastic particles and their potential to penetrate the intestinal barrier.

Feeding raw meat is becoming increasingly common among dog owners. This feeding practice can pose a hygienic risk and can lead to health risks for dogs and their owners. Hygienically sound food rations, that are balanced in terms of all nutrients and energy, must be feed to breeding dogs. The aim of this study was to record the influence of raw feeding on the occurrence of mastitis, metritis and the survival of puppies. An online questionnaire was sent to kennel club registered dog breeders in Germany and Switzerland. A total of 531 litters were recorded and evaluated. Mastitis and/or metritis were present in 9,2 % and 2,8 % (n = 49 and n = 15, respectively) of the breeding bitches. 29 % (n = 154) of the breeders reported loss of puppies in the litter. The most common cause were stillbirths (n = 105 litters with 187 stillborn puppies), and/or early mortality (n = 50 litters with 73 puppies that died in the first 48 hours). The occurrence of puppy losses in the litter and/or a higher proportion of puppy losses in the litter was favored by increased body weight of the bitch in larger dog breeds, existing previous illnesses, previously reported gestation or postpartum problems, increasing length of the parturition phase and/or a cesarean section. A higher total number of surviving puppies was associated with increased weight and anamnestic reported health of the bitch and the use of milk powder instead of other milk substitutes. A relationship between raw feeding and the occurrence of mastitis, metritis, the total number of surviving puppies and/or the occurrence or proportion of pup losses in the litter and was not found in this study. However very few breeders in this cohort fed their bitches raw, which in turn was due to the random selection of breeders. Many years of breeding experience and the increasing parity of the bitch had a clearly positive influence on the health of the bitch.

BACKGROUND:Dysregulation of lipid metabolism and its consequences on growth performance in young ruminants have attracted attention, especially in the context of alternative feeding strategies. This study aims to elucidate the effects of milk replacer (MR) feeding on growth, lipid metabolism, colonic epithelial gene expression, colonic microbiota composition and systemic metabolism in goat kids compared to breast milk (BM) feeding, addressing a critical knowledge gap in early life nutrition. METHODS:Ten female goat kids were divided into 2 groups: those fed breast milk (BM group) and those fed a milk replacer (MR group). Over a period of 28 d, body weight was monitored and blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. Profiling of the colonial microbiota was performed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Intestinal microbiota transplantation (IMT) experiments in gnotobiotic mice were performed to validate causality. RESULTS:MR-fed pups exhibited reduced daily body-weight gain due to impaired lipid metabolism as evidenced by lower serum and liver total cholesterol (TC) and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations. Transcriptomic analysis of the colonic epithelium revealed upregulated genes involved in negative regulation of lipid metabolism, concomitant with microbiota shifts characterized by a decrease in Firmicutes and an increase in Actinobacteria. Specifically, genera such as Bifidobacterium and Prevotella were enriched in the MR group, while Clostridium and Faecalibacterium were depleted. Metabolomics analyses confirmed alterations in bile acid and fatty acid metabolic pathways. IMT experiments in mice recapitulated the metabolic phenotype observed in MR-fed goats, confirming the role of the microbiota in modulating host lipid metabolism. CONCLUSIONS:Milk replacer feeding in goat kids disrupts lipid metabolism and gut microbiota dynamics, resulting in reduced growth rates and metabolic alterations. These findings highlight the importance of early nutritional intervention on metabolic programming and suggest that modulation of the gut microbiota may be a target for improving growth and metabolic health in ruminants. This study contributes to the understanding of nutritional management strategies in livestock and their impact on animal health and productivity.

Abstract Background Corticosteroids are among the most commonly used drugs in cats and are increasingly discussed as a treatment for feline pancreatitis. However, its effects on serum lipase in healthy cats remain unknown. Objectives To evaluate the effects of prednisolone on serum lipase activity and pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (PLI) in cats. Animals Seven clinically healthy colony cats, aged 4 to 7 years, with unremarkable CBC/biochemistry panel were studied. Methods Prospective study: Prednisolone (1.1‐1.5 mg/kg, median 1.28 mg/kg PO) was given daily for 7 consecutive days. Lipase activity (LIPC Roche; RI, 8‐26 U/L) and PLI (Spec fPL; RI, 0‐3.5 μg/L) were determined at day 1 before first treatment and at days 2, 3, 8, 10, and 14. Cats were examined daily. An a priori power analysis indicated that 6 cats were needed to find a biological relevant effect at 1‐β = 0.8. Statistical analyses comprised the Friedman test, random intercept regression, and repeated‐measures linear regression. Results Median (range) day 1 lipase activities and PLI were 22 U/L (14‐52 U/L) and 3.2 μg/L (2.3‐15.7 μg/L). One cat with abnormally high lipase activity (52 U/L) and PLI (15.7 μg/L) at day 1 continued having elevated lipase activities and PLI throughout the study. Lipase activities and PLI concentrations did not differ significantly among time points regardless of whether the cat with elevated values was included or not. All cats remained healthy throughout the study. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Administration of prednisolone in anti‐inflammatory doses does not significantly increase serum lipase activity and PLI concentration.

This study examined the effects of short-term dietary zinc (Zn) and phosphorus (P) variations on the mobilizable bone Zn pool and overall Zn status in adult laying hens. Forty-eight hens (50% Lohmann Brown Classic, 50% Lohmann LSL Classic) were housed in pairs (one hen per breed per pen) across 24 pens. The pens were randomly assigned to one of two dietary P levels (0.37% or 0.84% in DM) using a high-protein corn-soybean diet (11.4 MJ AME/kg, 21.5% CP) during a 14-day acclimatization period. Following acclimatization, pens from both P groups were further randomized into four dietary treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design, varying in P levels (low vs. high) and Zn supplementation (28 vs. 131 mg/kg) over an 8-day experimental feeding phase. Performance metrics, egg production and quality, and tissue mineral concentrations (plasma, liver, bone, and eggs) were measured. Statistical analyses were performed using linear mixed models in SAS 9.4, incorporating random effects of pen nested within treatment group and fixed effects of dietary P, dietary Zn, breed, and their interactions. Tukey-corrected 95% confidence intervals were used to estimate effect differences, with significance set at P < 0.05. Performance metrics, including egg production and body weight, were unaffected by dietary treatments (P > 0.1), indicating no clinical symptoms of Zn deficiency. However, hens on low-Zn diets exhibited significant reductions in plasma Zn concentration (-0.83 mg/L; P = 0.0008) and liver Zn concentration (-6.78 mg/kg DM; P = 0.01), confirming subclinical Zn deficiency. Low-Zn diets also increased the femoral molar Ca:P ratio by 0.15 (P = 0.01), irrespective of dietary P supply. Interestingly, low-P diets led to a significant reduction in femur Zn content (-0.46 mg; P = 0.0009), regardless of Zn supplementation, following 21 days of reduced P feeding. These findings highlight the higher susceptibility of laying hens to phytate antagonism compared to broilers, as evidenced by measurable subclinical Zn deficiency under short-term Zn deprivation. Additionally, a temporary suspension of mineral P supply appeared to impair the mobilizable bone Zn pool. The underlying functional mechanisms driving these interactions remain unclear and warrant further investigation. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with gut dysbiosis and can lead to colitis-associated malignancies. Bacteroides uniformis (Bu) regulates animal intestinal homeostasis; however, the mechanism by which it alleviates colitis in mice remains unknown. We investigated the effects of B. uniformis JCM5828 and its metabolites on female C57BL/6J mice with dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS) induced colitis. Treatment with Bu considerably alleviated colitis progression and restored the mechanical and immune barrier protein expression. Additionally, Bu increased the abundance of the symbiotic bacteria Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus vaginalis while decreasing that of pathogenic Escherichia-Shigella, and modulated intestinal bile acid metabolism. Bu largely regulated the expression of key regulatory proteins of the NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in colonic tissues and the differentiation of TH17 cells. However, Bu could not directly inhibit TH17 cell differentiation in vitro; it modulated the process in the lamina propria by participating in bile acid metabolism and regulating key metabolites (alpha-muricholic, hyodeoxycholic, and isolithocholic acid), thereby modulating the intestinal immune response. Our findings suggest that Bu or bile acid supplements are potential therapies for colitis and other diseases associated with intestinal barrier dysfunction.

The maternal gut microbiome affects the duration of pregnancy, delivery, and lactation. It also coordinates the stability of maternal metabolism by regulating and modulating inflammatory cytokines and reproductive hormones. This has been shown in several species; however, the situation in ruminants remains a black box. Here, we aimed to elucidate the relationship between the hindgut microbiota, metabolism, and reproductive hormones in domestic goats (Capra hircus) during nonpregnancy, pregnancy, and lactation stages. The hindgut microbiota was altered during these three stages, with a drastic decrease in the abundance of Family_XIII_AD3011_group in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Additionally, a decline in the abundance of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group and Turicibacter was observed from the nonpregnancy stage to late gestation. Family_XIII_AD3011_group and Paeniclostridium were strongly correlated with decreased fecal estradiol and progesterone. Furthermore, we generated a metabolome atlas of the gut and serum from nonpregnancy to lactation to reveal the specific metabolic fingerprints of each physiological stage. Several specific gut metabolites, including carnitine C8:1, γ-aminobutyric acid, and indole-3-carboxylic acid, were negatively correlated with the fecal and serum estradiol concentrations. In contrast, 2'-deoxyinosine, deoxyadenosine, and 5'-deoxyadenosine were positively correlated with the fecal and serum estradiol concentrations. The levels of 2'-deoxyinosine, deoxyadenosine, and 5'-deoxyadenosine in fecal samples were positively correlated with Family_XIII_AD3011_group. Other serum metabolites, such as (±)12-HEPE (hydroxy eicosapentaenoic acid), (±)15-HEPE, (±)18-HEPE, cytidine, uracil, and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid, were negatively correlated with the serum concentrations of estradiol and progesterone. Finally, Corynebacterium and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 in the fecal samples were positively correlated with the abundance of 11,12-EET (epoxy-eicosatrienoic acid), (±)18-HEPE, (±)15-HEPE, and (±)12-HEPE in the serum. IMPORTANCE Our findings revealed that the activity of Family_XIII_AD3011_group and Corynebacterium is strongly correlated with the beneficial regulation of physiological hormones and metabolic changes during pregnancy and lactation. These findings are key for guiding targeted microbial therapeutic approaches to modulate microbiomes in gestating and lactating mammals.