Biology and Life Sciences

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

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

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

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

Abstract: Heat stress (HS) figures at the top of the challenges facing modern dairy production, with annual losses according to global projections, under high-emission scenarios, reaching US$14.7–40.0 billion until the end of the century. This review emphasizes in three interconnected topics which account for most of the proportion of the productive and reproductive losses during HS. First, the physiological consequences of HS are reviewed, with emphasis on the pair fed thermal neutral (PFTN) paradigm, which established that reduced dry matter intake (DMI) accounts for only 35–50% of the observed milk yield decline, the remainder arising from tissue-level effects of hyperthermia on mammary function, metabolism, and reproductive performance. Second, HS-induced microbiome disruption is examined as an active pathophysiological amplifier, whereby rumen dysbiosis compromises intestinal barrier integrity and drives systemic endotoxaemia, chronically amplifying the immune suppression already imposed by the thermal insult. Third, we focus on the integration of multi-omics platforms as a management approach, since single-omics analyses capture only a fraction of the biological complexity underlying the HS response. As the available datasets expand in coverage and scale, their integration through AI-driven analytical frameworks will replace the current fragmented picture, creating a systems-level model of thermal stress. Evidence-based mitigation strategies spanning environmental cooling, targeted nutritional supplementation, and genomic selection are critically evaluated within this framework, with emphasis on equity of access to evidence-based solutions across global dairy production systems.

Abstract: The impact of dietary inert digestibility markers on gut microbiota and intestinal fermentation remains poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) supplementation at 4 kg/ton feed, representing a typical dose used in animal nutrition studies, on fermentation dynamics and microbial composition in broiler chickens using combined ex vivo and in vivo approaches. Ex vivo fermentations were conducted using ileal and caecal microbiota and substrates collected from 32-day-old broiler chickens, with direct TiO₂ supplementation, with gas production and volatile fatty acid (VFA) profiles as main measurements. In parallel, 392 broiler chickens were fed diets with or without TiO₂ for 32 days, and ileal and caecal digesta were analysed for fermentation end-products and microbial composition using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. A second ex vivo experiment was performed using microbiota adapted to dietary TiO₂. In the first ex vivo model, TiO₂ reduced gas production and acetic acid concentration in the ileum (p < 0.05), whereas in the caecum it increased gas production, total eubacterial counts, and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA) (p < 0.05). In vivo, TiO₂ did not affect growth performance or organ development but significantly increased isobutyric acid and total BCFA concentrations in the caecum (p < 0.05). Metagenomic analysis revealed increased caecal alpha diversity (Shannon index) and enrichment of taxa associated with amino acid metabolism, including Massilicoli timonensis, Blautia merdavium, Rubneribacter badeniensis, and Mediterraneibacter caccavium. The second ex vivo experiment showed similar trends, with increased gas and BCFA production. Collectively, these findings indicate that TiO₂ can modulate intestinal fermentation and microbial composition in a segment-specific manner, suggesting that dietary markers may not be biologically inert.

Abstract: Background. The main protease (Mpro/3CLpro) of coronaviruses (CoVs) is an essential enzyme involved in viral replication and represents an attractive target for antiviral drug discovery. Based on the similar binding pocket residues within the Mpro of different CoVs, the study aimed to identify potential inhibitors of Mpro from PDB ID 6M2N, using inte-grated computational approaches. Methods. Structure-based pharmacophore modeling, virtual screening, molecular docking, MM-GBSA binding energy calculation, and molecu-lar dynamics (MD) simulation were performed using BIOVIA Discovery Studio. The vali-dated pharmacophore model was utilized to screen the ZINC database, followed by dock-ing and 100 ns MD simulation analyses of the top-ranked compounds. Results. The pharmacophore model 01 demonstrated favourable predictive performance (AUC = 0.781). Virtual screening identified 483 compounds, from which 21 compounds were selected for docking studies. Among them, ZINC95473654 (Lig-1), ZINC95473725 (Lig-2), and ZINC08792368 (Lig-3) exhibited strong binding affinity toward Mpro. Lig-1 demonstrated the best docking score and binding free energy along with stable interactions with key cat-alytic residues HIS41, CYS145, and GLU166. MD simulation analyses further confirmed that Lig-1 and Lig-2 maintained stable conformations and persistent intermolecular inter-actions throughout the 100 ns simulation period. Conclusion. The findings suggest that Lig-1, followed by Lig-2, may serve as promising CoVs Mpro inhibitors and warrant fur-ther experimental validation. Further experimental validation are required to consolidate the identified compounds as universal inhibitors of the CoVs-Mpro enzyme.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of partially replacing wheat bran with poplar wood composite fiber (PWCF) on growth performance, immune status, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), and gut microbial composition in growing pigs. A total of 140 healthy crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) growing pigs with an initial body weight of 47.25 ± 0.49 kg were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments, with five replicates per treatment and fourteen pigs per replicate. The control (CT) group was fed a corn–soybean meal–based diet, whereas the experimental group re-ceived the same diet in which 2% wheat bran was replaced by PWCF. The experiment lasted for 60 days. Compared with the CT group, replacing wheat bran with PWCF did not affect body weight, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, or average daily gain on days 30 or 60 (P > 0.05). In addition, no negative effects were observed on ATTD of nutrients and serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG, and IgM levels at either time point, indicating that PWCF can serve as a suitable partial substitute for wheat bran in growing pig diets. However, it could regulate nitrogen metabolism by reducing blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration and the BUN/creatinine ratio, as well as decreasing total free amino acids in serum (P < 0.05). In addition, the antioxidant capacity can be improved by increasing catalase activity. Gut microbiota analysis showed that the re-placement significantly increased the relative abundances of Treponema, Lachnospi-raceae_XPB1014_group, Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, Prevotellaceae_UCG-003, Prevotel-laceae_UCG-004, and norank_f_Oscillospiraceae (P < 0.05). These changes suggest that PWCF modulates gut microbiota and enriches fiber-degrading bacterial populations. Overall, substituting wheat bran with PWCF did not impair growth performance, im-munity, or digestibility, while altering microbial community composition. These find-ings support the potential application of PWCF as an alternative fiber source, contrib-uting to greater diversity in feed formulation.

Abstract: Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) is a recent minimally invasive method of managing mitral regurgitation (MR) in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). The goal of interventions is to minimize MR severity. The objective of this study was to determine the association between reduced MR and changes in myocardial work indices after TEER in dogs. Client-owned dogs with moderate-to-severe MR were enrolled in the study. TEER performance was completed with multimodal imaging guidance in all 10 dogs. Before and after the procedure, myocardial work was analyzed. MR severity, transmitral pressure gradients, left atrial and ventricular measurements, and index of myocardial work (GWI, GCW, GWW, and GWE) were calculated. TEER significantly reduced MR severity in the majority of dogs. MR decrease was associated with a greater efficiency of myocardial work, more constructive work, and less wasted energy. No significant negative associations of moderate post-procedure gradients with short-term clinical outcomes emerged. TEER-mediated reduction of MR improves myocardial function in dogs. However, long-term studies are also needed to examine the effects of residual MR and transmitral gradients on cardiac function and clinical outcome.

Abstract: Coordinated responses of intestinal epithelial and immune cells are essential for maintaining barrier integrity and immune homeostasis in dogs, yet mechanistic understanding of probiotic‑derived metabolites remains limited due to reliance on non‑canine experimental models. Here, we investigated metabolites derived from Limosilactobacillus reuteri strain ATCC PTA6127 (Lr6127), delivered as cell-free supernatants (CFS), using canine epithelial MCA-B1 cells and macrophage-like DH82 cells subjected to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–induced inflammatory stress. Lr6127 CFS significantly reduced epithelial permeability, decreasing FITC‑dextran leakage to 94.9 ± 1.9% relative to LPS-treated controls normalized to 100% (P < 0.001), despite no detectable transcriptional changes in tight junction, adherent junction, or mucin genes. Barrier effects were instead associated with changes in markers of cellular stress re-sponses, with heme oxygenase expression reduced from 0.9 ± 0.1 to 0.7 ± 0.1 (P < 0.05). In DH82 immune cells, Lr6127-derived metabolites suppressed LPS-induced stress and inflammatory signaling, enhanced anti-apoptotic responses as reflected by increased BCL2 expression (1.4 ± 0.1 vs. 1.0 ± 0.0; P < 0.01) and elevated BCL2/BAX ratios (P < 0.01), and reduced pro-inflammatory mediators including IL-6 and CCL2 (P < 0.05–0.001). Proteomic analysis corroborated reduced abundance of inflammatory and STAT-associated signaling proteins under LPS challenge while promoting immune readiness under resting conditions. Collectively, these results suggest that Lr6127‑derived metabolites may support epithelial barrier integrity and immune re-balancing potentially through modulation of cellular stress and inflammatory path-ways.

Abstract: The establishment of a reference population for genomic selection in Korean beef cattle is an ongoing process. There is a high likelihood of sex-specific differences in the composition of the reference and test populations. This study evaluates the accuracy of Genomic Estimated Breeding Values (GEBVs) for carcass traits in Hanwoo cattle, specifically investigating the efficacy of cow-based reference populations. The effectiveness of genomic selection (GS) is heavily dependent on the composition and size of the reference population. Utilizing genotype data from a Hanwoo 50k SNP chip and phenotypic data from 19,168 steers and 6,233 cows, the study estimated GEBV accuracies for carcass weight (CWT), eye muscle area (EMA), backfat thickness (BF), and marbling score (MS) using the GBLUP method. Results demonstrate that steer-based reference populations achieved the highest accuracy (0.64–0.88), averaging 0.78, likely due to standardized management and higher trait heritability (0.39–0.51) compared to cows. In contrast, cow-based reference populations exhibited prediction accuracies (0.55–0.75) in four traits using adjusted residual phenotype, averaging 0.64, but remained highly practical alternatives. While growth traits (CWT and EMA) showed significant bias in cross-sex predictions, fat deposition traits (BF and MS) remained stable across sexes. The study concludes that although steer-based populations provide optimal accuracy, incorporating cows into the reference population is strategically vital in Hanwoo.

Abstract: This study investigated the feasibility of using blood feather transcriptomics to detect sex-differences and gene response to physiological changes in chickens. The identification of molecular markers associated with metabolism in poultry typically requires invasive sampling of tissues, such as liver. Feathers represent a promising non-invasive biological source of RNA: the quill pulp of growing feathers contains living cells capable of active transcription. Growing feathers were collected from 150-day-old male and female chickens (Bionda Piemontese, slow-growing breed) raised under a free-range system and fed two finishing diets differing in lipid content: low-lipid (LL, ether extract 3.6%) and high-lipid (HL, ether extract 9.3%). RNA was extracted from quill pulp and subjected to whole RNA-Seq analy-sis. Differential gene expression and functional enrichment analyses were performed us-ing the RaNA-Seq platform. A total of 17,360 transcripts were detected and used for downstream analyses. Across all individuals, three genes associated with ether lipid metabolism (PLA2G10, PLA2G4F, and ENPP6) were consistently upregulated in chickens fed the HL diet. Sex-specific responses were also observed. In roosters, HL feeding significantly affected genes involved in lipid transport and metabolic regulation within the PPAR signaling pathway, including APOA1 and SLC27A4. In contrast, hens showed differential expression primarily in pathways related to apelin signaling, extracellular matrix remodeling, and cardiovascular function rather than classical lipid metabolism pathways. These findings demonstrate differential responses to dietary treatments between males and females and reveal metabolic differences, confirming the need for sex-specific anal-yses in this local breed. In conclusion, feather RNA-Seq successfully captured diet-induced molecular responses and revealed sex-specific metabolic adaptations to dietary lipid levels. This study demon-strates that quill pulp represents a practical and ethically favorable alternative to tradi-tional tissue sampling and may support future nutrigenomic and genetic improvement studies. The findings support the development of non-invasive biomarkers applicable to genetic selection and precision nutrition, ultimately supporting more sustainable poultry production.

Abstract: Canine periodontal disease is a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory condition with a multifactorial etiology, influenced by host factors and complex subgingival bacterial communities; however, evidence from populations in underrepresented regions remains limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between host factors (age, diet, and cranial morphology) and the presence and severity of periodontal disease, as well as to characterize the subgingival bacterial profile using culture-based methods in an urban clinical population in Ecuador. A cross-sectional, analytical, observational study was conducted on 100 dogs treated at veterinary clinics in Loja. Periodontal status was classified according to AVDC criteria, defining the outcomes as the presence of periodontal disease (stages 1–4 vs. 0) and advanced periodontitis (stages 2–4 vs. 0–1). Subgingival samples were collected using sterile paper points and processed under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, with analyses performed individually. Periodontal disease was present in 68.0% of dogs, with 37.0% in advanced stages. Age was the only factor independently associated with both the presence (OR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.02–1.36; p = 0.021) and severity (OR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.05–1.41; p = 0.009), while diet, sex, and cranial morphology showed no significant associations (p > 0.05). The bacterial profile was polymicrobial (3.86 positive isolates per individual), and no taxon showed a significant association after FDR correction. Taken together, these results support a multifactorial and polymicrobial model, highlighting age as the main associated factor and emphasizing the need for molecular approaches in future studies.

Abstract: This study evaluated reproductive performance, metabolic and hormonal fluctuations in Sarda rams raised under semi-extensive management conditions during the breeding season. Fourteen rams were isolated from ewes, subjected to nutritional flushing, and treated with melatonin implants (3X18 mg) before joining the flock. From June to December, body condition score (BCS), NEFA, urea, triglycerides, cholesterol, testosterone, fecal thyroid hormone metabolites (FTMs), and fecal corticosteroid metabolites (FCMs) were measured every 45 days. Ewes’ pregnancy rates (PR) and conception dates were determined by reproductive ultrasound scanning to estimate rams' reproductive performance. BCS declined (p&lt;0.05) from June (3.11 ± 0.06) to November (2.80 ± 0.06). In November, NEFA, cholesterol and FCMs concentrations peaked (p&lt;0.05), whereas triglycerides and urea reached the lowest levels (p&lt;0.05). FTMs peaked in November and June (p&lt;0.05). Testosterone concentrations were three-fold higher in June than the rest of BS (p&lt;0.05), while overall PR was stable during the BS. Despite metabolic and endocrine changes, rams maintained reproductive efficiency, indicating an interaction between metabolic status, stress response, and reproduction, and supporting the need for targeted management strategies to sustain welfare and long-term performance.

Abstract: Coccidiosis is a major parasitic disease in poultry that negatively affects intestinal health, growth performance, and production efficiency, while reliance on anticoccidial drugs raises concerns regarding resistance and residues. This study aimed to evaluate the anticoccidial efficacy of phytogenic extracts from turmeric and long pepper formulated using a solid dispersion technique to enhance bioavailability. In vitro activity was assessed using scanning electron microscopy to observe ultrastructural changes in Eimeria oocysts, while in vivo efficacy was evaluated in broiler chickens experimentally infected with Eimeria tenella. Parameters including growth performance, cecal lesion scores, and oocyst shedding were determined. The results showed that treated groups exhibited significant structural damage to oocysts, reduced lesion severity, and decreased oocyst output compared to the infected control. The optimal growth performance was observed in the group receiving long pepper extract at 6 g/kg feed (T3), whereas the strongest anticoccidial effect was associated with the combined extract treatment (T1). These effects are likely mediated through improved solubility and intestinal availability of active compounds, leading to both direct antiparasitic activity and enhanced gut health. In conclusion, solid dispersion-based phytogenic formulations represent a promising alternative strategy for coccidiosis control and may reduce reliance on conventional anticoccidial drugs in poultry production.

Abstract: Background: Reliable normalization of gene expression data is essential for accurate interpretation of molecular mechanisms underlying fat deposition in broiler chickens. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is commonly used as a reference gene; however, its stability remains uncertain in adipose tissues. Methods: A systematic review was conducted, integrating evidence from transcriptomic and quantitative PCR studies. Relevant studies were identified through structured searches, citation tracking, and relevance screening, with emphasis on tissue specificity, developmental stage, and physiological variation. Results: GAPDH expression showed considerable variability across tissues and experimental conditions, particularly in adipose tissues where metabolic activity influences transcriptional regulation. In contrast, alternative reference genes, including 18S rRNA, PPIA, RPL19, and α-tubulin, demonstrated greater stability across conditions. Studies consistently reported that failure to validate reference genes introduces bias in gene expression analysis and may compromise interpretation of adipogenesis and lipid metabolism pathways. Conclusions: GAPDH is not a universally stable reference gene for adipose tissue studies in broiler chickens. Therefore, validation of reference genes is essential, and the use of multiple stable genes is recommended to ensure accurate normalization and reproducibility in poultry genomics research.

Abstract: Feline pseudomembranous cystitis (PMC) is an infrequent condition characterized by acute urinary disturbances. This study examines the diagnostic criteria, surgical interventions, and postoperative management strategies to furnish clinical guidance. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of a 3-year-old neutered male golden tabby cat (weighing 4 kg) presenting with acute urinary retention. The diagnosis of PMC was established through clinical manifestations, abdominal ultrasonography, and laboratory tests, followed by cystotomy and targeted postoperative management. The surgical procedure lasted one hour with a blood loss of 5 mL, and spontaneous urination resumed by the fourth postoperative day. Ultrasound examination on the twelfth day revealed normal bladder mucosa, and the infection had resolved without recurrence during the follow-up period. Cystotomy with complete pseudomembrane removal effectively treats severe feline pseudomembranous cystitis. Careful preoperative assessment, precise surgery, and postoperative treatment guided by drug sensitivity greatly reduce risks and enhance outcomes. Key to recovery are thorough pseudomembrane removal and proper bladder irrigation.

Abstract: In commercial pig production systems, early weaning disrupts the coordinated maturation of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in reduced feed intake, impaired digestive capacity, altered microbial ecology and increased susceptibility to post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD). Although enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is frequently implicated, variation in disease expression is not explained by pathogen presence alone, but reflects interactions among host physiology, nutrient flow and microbial metabolism. This review examines the regulation of the gut microbiota in post-weaned pigs through the interaction between digestive capacity and dietary substrate supply. It proposes substrate flow as the organising principle linking digestive function, diet composition and microbial metabolism. Gut microbial function is regulated primarily by substrate availability, which is determined by the alignment between diet composition and host digestive capacity. When this alignment is disrupted, undigested nutrients are redistributed to the hindgut, driving a shift from saccharolytic to proteolytic fermentation. This transition generates metabolites that impair epithelial integrity, increase luminal pH and favour proliferation of opportunistic bacteria, thereby promoting intestinal dysfunction. Within this context, nutritional strategies, including optimisation of dietary protein, provision of fermentable carbohydrates and support of gastric function, act by regulating substrate flow rather than directly modifying microbial composition. Organic acids, functional ingredients and maternal influences operate through the same mechanisms, shaping nutrient digestion, microbial exposure and metabolic outcomes. The characteristic post-weaning increase in Enterobacteriaceae and reduction in microbial diversity are therefore best understood as consequences of altered substrate flow and luminal conditions, rather than primary initiating events. This interpretation provides a mechanistic basis for the design of integrated nutritional and management strategies to improve gut health and reduce antimicrobial reliance in pig production systems.

Abstract: Enteric methane emissions (EME) from grazing dairy systems in tropical regions remain poorly quantified, increasing uncertainty in national greenhouse gas inventories. This study aimed to quantify EME using electronic spirometry masks (ESM) in dairy cows in Colombian high tropics during two precipitation seasons. Six high milk yield (HMY; >30 L/d) and six low milk yield (LMY; <15 L/d) grazing kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) and supplement with concentrate feed were monitored by EME, exhaled air volume, feed intake, milk yield and composition. Data was analyzed in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (season × production level). Season affected Kikuyu chemical composition (P< 0.05) but not dry matter intake (DMI), milk production, quality, nor EME (P > 0.05). Despite HMY cows having a greater DMI (kg DM/d; P < 0.01) and EME (g/d, L/d; P < 0.05) exhibited lower methane intensity (g / kg fat-corrected milk) and gross energy intake lost as methane (P < 0.05). Positive correlations were found between EME and total dry matter intake (r = 0.638) and milk production (r = 0.726). The observed methane yield was comparable to previous studies for tropical kikuyu-based systems but lower than reports from temperate regions, suggesting seasonal-driven kikuyu quality does not translate into EME changes in high tropic regions. Animal productivity level was a key driver of EME magnitude and efficiency, effectively measured by ESM which may represent a practical tool for narrowing EME estimates for tropical pasture-based dairy systems.

Abstract: Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) is a highly contagious and systemic virus that is environmentally stable, targets leukocytes, and affects cats of all ages. Within the United States, particularly in the population-dense downstate region of New York, no molecular surveillance or strain isolation has been conducted for FPV. The main goal of this study is to conduct molecular and serological surveillance of FPV among some shelter cats in this area and to do isolation and genome mining of some of the detected isolates. We used samples (swabs and sera) from 109 shelter cats by qPCR and immunofluorescent assay (IFA) respectively. Our results show that 25.0% (29/108) of the cats tested were FPV positive by qPCR, and 39.4% (43/109) of the cats tested FPV positive by IFA. FPV Viral isolation and identification were conducted using Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) confirmed the presence of a novel FPV isolate (Accession: PZ251627) circulating within the tested shelter cat population. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the sequence of the reported FPV isolate had the highest full-length sequence similarity with isolates MH165482 at 99.3%, MN127781 at 99.2%, and MH165481 at 99.2%. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis of the VP2 genome sequence showed the following highest sequence similarities; OQ615264 at 99.2%, KT899746 at 99.1%, and PVMRFD at 99.3%. The following substitutions were noted in comparison of the isolate to the reference sequence (MN45165): Ile101Thr and Glu411Ala. Inverse distance weighting (IDW) interpolation indicated the presence of a higher occurrence of FPV-positive cats in the western region of Downstate New York, encompassing the areas of the 5 boroughs of NYC and Nassau County. Continued FPV surveillance in cats in this region is highly recommended.