Genetic selection for higher productivity increased dairy sheep susceptibility to diseases and environmental stressors, challenging their health and welfare status and production efficiency. Improving resilience to such stressors can enhance their ability to face these challenges without compromising productivity. Our objective was to estimate genomic heritability and perform genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to detect SNPs and candidate genes associated with three proxy traits for resilience (milk somatic cell count-SCC, lactation persistency-LP, body condition score-BCS) of Chios and Frizarta dairy ewes. We used genome-wide genotypes of 317 Chios and 346 Frizarta ewes. Individual records of milk yield and BCS, and milk samples were collected monthly for two consecutive milking periods; samples were analyzed to determine SCC. The LP was calculated as the regression coefficient of daily milk yield on days from lambing. Within breed, variance components analyses and GWAS were performed using genomic relatedness matrices in single-trait animal linear mixed models. Genomic-based heritability estimates were relatively high (BCS: h2 = 0.54 and 0.55, SCC: h2 = 0.25 and 0.38, LP: h2 = 0.43 and 0.45, for Chios and Frizarta ewes, respectively), compared to previous pedigree-based studies. The GWAS revealed 7 novel SNPs associated with the studied traits; one genome-wide and two suggestive significant SNPs for SCC (Frizarta: rs403061409, rs424064526 and rs428540973, on chromosomes 9, 1 and 12, respectively), one suggestive significant SNP for BCS (Chios: rs424834097 on chromosome 4) and three suggestive significant SNPs for LP (Frizarta: rs193632931 and rs412648955 on chromosomes 1 and 6, Chios: rs428128299 on chromosome 3). Nineteen candidate genes were detected: two for BCS (Chios: POT1, TMEM229A), thirteen for SCC (Frizarta: NTAQ1, ZHX1, ZHX2, LOC101109545, HAS2, DERL1, FAM83A, ATAD2, RBP7, FSTL1, CD80, HCLS1, GSK3B) and four for LP (Frizarta: GRID2, FAIM, CEP70-Chios: GRIP1). Present results show that resilience in the studied dairy sheep breeds is heritable and advance existing knowledge on the genomic background of SCC, LP, and BCS. Future research will quantify effects of different alleles of significant SNPs on the studied traits and search for possible correlations among traits to facilitate their effective incorporation in breeding programs aiming to improve resilience.

Measuring trace element concentrations in tissue can be a valuable approach to monitor animal health status. Temporal variation in the absorption, transport, and storage of elements between different tissues can, however, complicate the assessment of element-health relationships. Here, we measured concentrations of selected essential (copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se)) and non-essential (arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb)) trace elements within blood, liver, kidney, and hair of fallow deer (Dama dama; N=20) and red deer (Cervus elaphus; N=21). Using multivariate regression and structural equation models, we estimated direct and indirect linkages between tissue-specific trace element profiles and long- (body condition) and short-term (serum protein biomarkers for acute inflammation, infection, and malnutrition) health indicators. Trace element concentrations varied markedly and were weakly correlated among tissues, with the exception of Se. After accounting for sex- and site-differences in trace element concentrations, body condition of red deer was directly, and positively, associated to trace element status in liver and hair, but not in kidney. For both deer species, trace element status in blood was directly linked to serum protein status with an indirect positive association to deer body condition. For fallow deer, no direct association between trace element status and body condition was detected in any of the tissues, possibly because of elemental homeostasis, and because all individuals were in good clinical health. This study shows that hair can serve as an effective, non-invasive, biomarker in deer health assessments, yet, to fully uncover trace element-health relationships a variety of sample matrices is preferred.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) on milk production efficiency of Holstein cows naturally exposed to high temperature and humidity conditions. The study was conducted in 2 commercial farms in Mexico from July to October 2020 and included 1 wk covariate period, 3 wk adaptation, and 12 wk data collection. Cows [n = 1,843; ≥21 d in milk (DIM) and <100 d carried calf] were enrolled and assigned to the study pens (n = 10) balanced for parity, milk yield, and DIM. Pens were fed a total mixed ration diet either without (CTRL) or with SCFP (19 g/d, NutriTek, Diamond V). Milk yield, energy-corrected milk (ECM), milk components, linear somatic cell score, dry matter intake (DMI), feed efficiency (FE; Milk/DMI and ECM/DMI), body condition score, and the incidence of clinical mastitis, pneumonia, and culling were monitored. Statistical analyses included mixed linear and logistic models accounting for repeated measures (when applicable; multiple measurements per cow within treated pens) with pen as the experimental unit and treatment, time (week of study), parity (1 vs. 2+), and their interactions as fixed and pen nested within farm and treatment as random effect. Parity 2+ cows within pens fed SCFP produced more milk than cows within CTRL pens (42.1 vs. 41.2 kg/d); there were no production differences between groups of primiparous groups. Cows within SCFP pens had lower DMI (25.2 vs. 26.0 kg/d) and greater FE (1.59 vs. 1.53) and ECM FE (1.73 vs. 1.68) than cows within CTRL pens. Milk components, linear somatic cell score, health events, and culling were not different between groups. At the end of the study (245 ± 54 DIM), SCFP cows had greater body condition score than CTRL (3.33 vs. 3.23 in the first parity; 3.11 vs. 3.04 in 2+ parity cows). Feeding Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products to lactating cows exposed to high temperature and humidity conditions improved FE.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of season on the body condition score (BCS), the characteristics of the estrous cycle (luteal phase [LPL], follicular phase [FPL], estrous cycle [ECL] lengths, and the start of the luteal phase [SLP] and follicular phase [SFP]), and progesterone levels (baseline and peak) of eight captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Thailand. From 2014 to 2019, blood samples were collected weekly for serum progesterone enzyme immunoassays (EIAs). Estrous cycles (n = 70), including the luteal and follicular phases, and BCS (n = 70) were recorded. Based on the BCS, the LPL, FPL, and ECL were assigned to the following two groups: normal (BCS = 3.0-4.0, n = 38) and overweight (BCS = 4.5-5.0, n = 32). The findings demonstrated that there was no difference in LPL between the groups. However, in the normal group, the ECL was one week longer (14.9 ± 1.7 vs. 13.9 ± 1.7 weeks; p < 0.05), and the FPL also tended to be one week longer (7.2 ± 1.7 vs. 6.4 ± 1.5 weeks; p = 0.06) than in the overweight group. The mean progesterone level during the rainy, hot, and cool seasons was not statistically different. Based on the yearly averaged BCS from three seasons, the baseline and peak levels of progesterone were classified into the normal (n = 16) and overweight (n = 12) groups. Females with a normal BCS tended to exhibit higher progesterone peak levels (p = 0.08). The majority of peaks appeared during the rainy season (53.57%). The BCS was highest during the hot (4.47) and rainy (4.38) seasons, but not during the cool (4.12) season. The LPL, FPL, and ECL were not affected by the season in which the luteal phase occurred. On the other hand, the rainy season had a significant effect on the SFP, resulting in a longer LPL (p < 0.05) and ECL (p = 0.01); both were the longest during the rainy season. In conclusion, the effects of season on BCS may be related to characteristics of the estrous cycle and peak progesterone levels. Ultimately, these findings provide ground knowledge to assist elephant managers and owners in planning breeding activities using seasonal effects and BCS measurements in tropical climates.

In beef cattle breeding, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) arrays can reveal many loci of various production traits, such as growth, productivity, and meat quality. With the development of genome sequencing technologies, new opportunities are opening up for more accurate identification of areas associated with these traits. This article aims to develop a novel approach to the lifetime evaluation of cattle by 3-D visualization of economic-biological and genetic features. The purpose of this study was to identify significant variants underlying differences in the qualitative characteristics of meat, using imputed data on the sequence of the entire genome. Samples of biomaterial of young Aberdeen-Angus breed cattle (n = 96) were the material for carrying out genome-wide SNP genotyping. Genotyping was performed using a high-density DNA chip Bovine GPU HD BeadChip (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA, USA), containing ~150 thousand SNPs. The following indicators were selected as phenotypic features: chest width and chest girth retrieved by 3-D model and meat output on the bones. Correlation analysis showed a reliable positive relationship between chest width and meat output on the bones, which can potentially be used for lifetime evaluation of meat productivity of animals.

The body condition score (BCS) is a popular method used to assess the body condition of dogs. However, owner-misperception of canine body condition has shown to persist even after being guided by a BCS chart. We compared the BCS assessments performed by the owners of 95 large-sized, purebred dogs without and with the guidance of a 5-point BCS chart. Initially, only 23 of 95 dog owners accurately assessed the BCS of their dogs and the correct assessments significantly increased after being guided by a BCS chart (50/95, p < 0.001). In addition, initially there was only a poor agreement between the owners and the primary investigator (κ = 0.14) that improved significantly after the owners were guided by a BCS chart (κ = 0.6). The present findings suggest that BCS charts are useful for reducing owner-misperception on canine body condition in large-sized, purebred dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiology of veterinary care in canine trauma patients prior to presentation to a Veterinary Trauma Center (VTC).
METHODS: Retrospective observational cross-sectional study.
METHODS:  Retrospective descriptive analysis from 22,998 canine case records from the Veterinary Trauma Registry from September 2013 through April 2018. Analysis was focused on the type of injury, care provider, and care provided prior presentation to a VTC (pre-VTC care). A log-likelihood ratio test was used to test for association of outcome and pre-VTC care. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare modified Glasgow Coma Scale and Animal Trauma Triage (ATT) scores between pre-VTC and non-pre-VTC care groups.
RESULTS: Pre-VTC care was provided in 5636 out of 22,998 dogs (24.5%) by veterinarians (81%), owners (19.6%), and first responders (0.03%). The most common nonveterinary interventions included wound care and bandaging in 42% and 39% of the patients, respectively. Mortality was higher in the pre-VTC care group (8.7% vs 7.5%); dogs receiving pre-VTC care were 1.5 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-1.88) more likely to die and 1.2 times (95% CI, 1.07-1.37) more likely to be euthanized. The ATT scores were significantly higher in dogs receiving pre-VTC care (mean = 2.53 vs 1.78; p < 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that the majority of more severely injured dogs receiving pre-VTC care obtained care by a veterinarian. Dogs receiving pre-VTC care possessed a greater mortality rate but also a greater ATT score; therefore, mortality rate is more likely related to severity of trauma rather than reception of pre-VTC care. We propose that these data should prompt further research and education about prehospital care in veterinary medicine.

The study was carried out on 27 healthy primiparous Holstein heifers (620 ± 50 kg) kept in a commercial dairy herd. The animals were divided into two groups taking into account the body condition score (BCS) index: BCS < 3.5, n = 12; BCS > 3.5 n = 15. The study period started one month before calving (BC), and ran until one month after calving (AC). Venous blood samples were collected 1 month and 1 week BC, and 1 week and 1 month AC. This study had two objectives: (i) to assess whether a higher or lower BCS affected total milk production and its quality; (ii) to assess changes in the internal fluid (venous pH; partial pressure of CO2, ppCO2; bicarbonate; total CO2, TCO2; base excess, BE; electrolytes Na+, K+, Cl-; and anion gap, AG) that occur during this phase depending on the BCS. We can conclude that the BCS at calving does not affect the productive status during lactation, both in terms of the quantity and quality of milk produced. The excess of crude protein (CP) added through the ration in the lactation phase can trigger a tendency to an alkalotic state, in this case compensated by respiratory buffering mechanisms, as reflected by the TCO2. The changes in electrolytes are a reflection of the movement of free water for milk production, where a balance between measurable anions and cations is observed.

BACKGROUND: Lower levels of tryptophan (TRP) have been identified in people with inflammatory bowel disease and in dogs with protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). No data on serum amino acids (AAs) but some on plasma in canine immunosuppressant-responsive enteropathy (IRE) are available. The aim of this study is to compare serum AAs between healthy and IRE dogs, considering clinicopathological variables and follow-up.
RESULTS: Twenty-six healthy control dogs (CD) and 51 IRE dogs were included. IRE was diagnosed after the exclusion of extra-intestinal diseases and food and antibiotic responsive enteropathies. The canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index (CCECAI) was assessed at presentation and during the clinical follow-up. In CD and IRE dogs, 19 different serum AAs were measured. IRE dogs were classified into responders, partial responders and non-responders, based on CCECAI after 1 month, and divided into PLE and non-PLE, based on albumin level. IRE dogs showed lower L-Tyrosine (TYR), L-Phenylalanine (PHE) and TRP (p < 0.001) and higher L-Serine (SER), L-Glutamic acid (GLU), L-Arginine (p < 0.001), L-Threonine (p = 0.013), Proline (p = 0.044), L-Cysteine (p = 0.003), L-Valine (p = 0.018), L-Lysine (p = 0.01) and L-Isoleucine (p = 0.005) than CDs. PLE dogs showed lower L-Histidine (HIS) (p = 0.008), PHE (p = 0.005) and TRP (p = 0.005) than non-PLE dogs. In IRE dogs, median GLU was significantly lower in dogs with BCS 3/9 than BCS 5/9 category (p = 0.036). Total protein was positively correlated with PHE and TRP (both p = 0.031, r = 0.30) and albumin was positively correlated with HIS (p = 0.025, r = 0.31), PHE and TRP (both p = 0.001, r = 0.46). HIS (p = 0.041), PHE (p = 0.047) and TRP (p = 0.044) concentrations were significantly lower in non-responders than in responders and partial responders.
CONCLUSIONS: This study may suggest further investigation on serum, HIS, PHE, TRP and TYR as markers of intestinal disease and proposed HIS, PHE and TRP as prognostic marker for response to therapy.

Knowledge of risk factors for canine obesity is an important pre-requisite of effective preventative strategies. This study aimed to investigate risk factors for canine obesity in adult companion dogs across Zealand, Denmark. Client-owned dogs (>2 years of age and without chronic illness) were recruited and examined at eight companion animal veterinary practices in areas with varying socio-economic characteristics. The body condition score (BCS) of the dogs was examined by two investigators based on a 9-point scoring scheme. Dog owners answered a questionnaire that had prompts regarding: 1) dog characteristics, including neuter status, 2) owner characteristics, 3) feeding and exercise practices and 4) the owners\' attachment to the dog. The effect of these factors on BCS and the risk of being heavy/obese (BCS scores 7-9) were analysed in two separate analyses. A total of 268 dogs were included in the analysis, of which 20.5% were found to be heavy/obese. The average BCS was 5.46. In terms of dog characteristics, neutering dramatically increased both BCS and the risk of being heavy/obese in male dogs but not in bitches. BCS and the risk of being heavy/obese increased in senior bitches and decreased in senior male dogs. The risk of being heavy/obese was higher in dogs with overweight and obese owners. Regarding feeding and exercise practices, providing only one meal per day increased BCS and risk of being heavy/obese. Treats during relaxation increased the risk of dogs being heavy/obese. It also increased the dogs\' BCS, but only if the owners were overweight or obese. An increased duration of daily walking increased the risk of the dog being heavy/obese, but only if the owner was overweight or obese. Allowing the dog to run free in the garden/property decreased the risk of the dog being heavy/obese. The owners\' attachment to the dog was not associated with the dogs\' BCS or dogs\' being heavy/obese. An important and novel finding was that neutering increased the risk of being overweight or obese for male dogs while bitches were at risk irrespective of neuter status. Furthermore, a complex interaction between owners\' weight status, feeding practices and the risk of dogs being overweight or obese was found, which stresses the need to consider companion animal obesity from a One Health perspective in future prospective studies. Finally, this study was unable to confirm that canine obesity is a product of owners being too attached to their dogs.