Mineral and potentially toxic element profiles in the soil-feed-animal continuum: Implications for public, environmental, and livestock health in three pasture-based sheep farming systems.

Grazing livestock derive most of their mineral requirements from foraging. The presence of toxic elements in soils has become a significant concern for food safety and ecosystem services. Understanding the mineral content profiles in soil and forage is crucial for assessing animal health, predicting potential transfers of minerals or heavy metals into the food-chain, and assessing threats to the environment and human health. In this study, Na, Mg, P, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb were measured to determine the mineral status of three different pasture-based farming systems (with grazing sheep livestock) in a Spanish region of significant economic importance. A risk assessment evaluation of animal, environmental, and human health was performed on soil, forage, feed, serum, milk, and wool. Notably, traces of Pb, and As were identified in pastures in all farms. Our calculation of pollution indices revealed moderate levels of contamination by various elements, including Co, Cu, Zn, Se, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb. The two farms with more intense agrosystem practices showed a significant potential ecological risk, characterized by high soil levels of Hg and Cd. Animals from these farms also had high concentrations of these metals in wool. Although the target Hazard Quotient derived from milk consumption suggests that dairy products from this area are safe for consumption for adults, only milk from a dehesa farm (mix of woodland and pastureland) was free of potential health concerns related to Pb exposure. Our assessment of mineral profiles reveals a cohesive relationship between soil quality and derived animal products, particularly of the Merino sheep breeding and farming system. The results reveal the importance of adopting and reinforcing strategies to preserve dehesas as a sustainable and environmentally friendly agrosystem in the western Mediterranean region.

Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: Observational Study in 30 Cases.

Reverse sneezing (RS) is a frequent reason for veterinary consultation, but there is scarce clinical information. The aim of this study was to describe clinical characteristics in a cohort of 30 dogs with RS. Signalment, clinical features, results of diagnostic tests, final diagnosis, and evolution were retrospectively evaluated. Sex and neuter status were equally distributed into diagnosis categories. A significantly higher representation of toys (<5 kg, 50%) and small-sized dogs (5−15 kg, 27%), in comparison to medium (15−30 kg, 17%) and large-sized dogs (>30 kg, 7%), was found. RS was the main owner concern in many of the cases (67%). Many cases presented chronic RS (60%, > 3 months), with more than one episode a week (60%). Most cases had an additional clinical respiratory sign (63%) and an unremarkable physical examination (63%). Inflammatory airway disorders were present in 57% of the cases, followed by anatomical−functional disorders (27%), and nasal/nasopharyngeal foreign bodies (10%). Two dogs (7%) remained as open diagnoses. Episodes of RS were persistent despite the treatment in 61% of the dogs with follow-up. Although some dogs manifest infrequent episodes of RS, being otherwise normal, RS should be considered a marker of potential irritation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa and should always be sufficiently investigated.