Synergistic interaction of nanoparticles and probiotic delivery: A review.

Nanotechnology is an expanding and new technology that prompts production with nanoparticle-based (1-100 nm) organic and inorganic materials. Such a tool has an imperative function in different sectors like bioengineering, pharmaceuticals, electronics, energy, nuclear energy, and fuel, and its applications are helpful for human, animal, plant, and environmental health. In exacting, the nanoparticles are synthesized by top-down and bottom-up approaches through different techniques such as chemical, physical, and biological progress. The characterization is vital and the confirmation of nanoparticle traits is done by various instrumentation analyses like UV-Vis spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, annular dark-field imaging, and intracranial pressure. In addition, probiotics are friendly microbes which while administered in sufficient quantity confer health advantages to the host. Characterization investigation is much more significant to the identification of good probiotics. Similarly, haemolytic activity, acid and bile salt tolerance, autoaggregation, antimicrobial compound production, inhibition of pathogens, enhance the immune system, and more health-beneficial effects on the host. The synergistic effects of nanoparticles and probiotics combined delivery applications are still limited to food, feed, and biomedical applications. However, the mechanisms by which they interact with the immune system and gut microbiota in humans and animals are largely unclear. This review discusses current research advancements to fulfil research gaps and promote the successful improvement of human and animal health.

Toxicity of cigarette butts (CBs) leachate on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): Blood biochemical parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers, and metabolic profile.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the toxic effects of different concentrations of cigarette butt leachate (CBL) (0.0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2.0 µL L-1) on blood biochemistry, oxidative stress biomarkers, and the biochemical profile of the liver and muscle of Nile tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) after 21 days. Increased activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in plasma, and decreased activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in fish exposed to CBL, indicated cytotoxicity. Elevated cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels, coupled with reduced total protein, albumin, and globulin levels in the plasma, indicated impaired liver function in the fish. An increase in creatinine showed kidney damage. Increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activities, along with the decrease in liver glutathione (GSH) content and total antioxidant capacity in the hepatocytes of fish exposed to CBL, indicated the occurrence of oxidative stress. Malondialdehyde (MDA) elevation indicated heightened lipid peroxidation in CBL-exposed fish hepatocytes. Raman spectroscopy revealed altered biochemical profiles in fish liver and muscle post-CBL exposure. The results demonstrated that exposure to CBL led to a decrease in phospholipid levels, collagen destruction, changes in phenylalanine levels, and a decrease in the levels of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids in fish liver and muscle tissue. Furthermore, the metabolites and compounds of cigarette butt juice were detectable in the liver and muscle tissue of fishes. In conclusion, this study showed that exposure to CBL can have adverse effects on fish health.

Hospitalization disrupts the daily rhythm of tear production in cats.

OBJECTIVE: The exposure to constant light during the hospitalization was investigated to verify its influence on the daily rhythmicity of Schirmer tear test I (STT I) in the Felis catus. ANIMAL STUDIED: One group (HG-hospitalized group) was consisted of 10 owned-cats hospitalized to perform a sterilization procedure and was exposed to a 24/0 light/dark (L/D) cycle; the cat control group (CG) was consisted of 10 staff-owned cats living in an indoor environment (12/12 L/D cycle). PROCEDURE: The STT I values was performed at 4 h intervals over a 48 h period (starting at 8:00 a.m. on Day 1 and finishing at 8:00 a.m. on Day 3) on the left (LE) and right (RE) eyes into two cat groups. A 35 x 5 mm commercial tear test strip was used to record tear production in millimeters wetting per minute (mm/min). RESULTS: Multivariate for repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a statistically significant effect of time. No difference was found between LE and RE tear production, and between the two experimental conditions. Robust daily rhythmicity was exhibited by the STT I in both eyes during the entire monitoring period in control cats and only during the Day 1 in hospitalized cats. CONCLUSIONS: These data are a starting point for evaluating the imbalance of ocular physiology observed in hospitalized cats. Further studies on larger sample size and exposing the animals to various hospitalization procedures are needed to establish whether these alterations are caused by hospitalization procedures or by the light/dark schedules.

Data on multiple regression analysis between boron, nickel, arsenic, antimony, and biological substrates in horses: The role of hematological biomarkers.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the biomarkers of exposure to boron, nickel, arsenic, and antimony in an industrial region, evaluating the bioaccumulation in biological substrates and the correlation with biomarkers such as hematological parameters. Through indication of the accumulation of some minerals in the horse's biological substrates reflects environmental pollution. Moreover, an additional aim of the study was to show whether these contaminants have an influence on the hematological parameters in horses. Blood, serum, mane, and tail samples from 20 horses from an industrial area were analyzed to determine boron (B), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb) concentration. Hematological parameters (red blood cell [RBC], white blood cells [WBC], hemoglobin [Hb], hematocrit [Hct], mean corpuscular volume [MCV], mean corpuscular hemoglobin [MCH], mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration [MCHC], platelet [PLT]) as a biomarker of blood in relation to the bioaccumulation of these elements were analyzed also. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed and single regression analysis (Pearson) and multiple regression analysis (p < 0.05) between blood factors, As, B, Ni, and Sb concentrations, and for each mineral in different substrate, respectively. Results showed a significant correlation between tail and mane concentrations with serum and blood for boron concentration (r = -1 p < 0.05). No significant correlation between sample (feed, hay, mane, tail, and water) concentrations and As, Ni, and Sb were found. A significantly negative correlation with blood parameters (r = -1 p < 0.05) was observed in Boron concentration for mane and tail. This suggests that the mane and tail may be a potential means to investigate suspected exposure to excessive levels of trace minerals.

Diurnal variation in rectal and cutaneous temperatures of horses housed under different management conditions.

Thermoregulation is an important mechanism to ensure thermal homeostasis. In horses, different housing conditions could influence this mechanism by exposing animals to different microclimates. The circadian rhythm of body temperature is well known. For this reason, we wanted to investigate the daily rhythm of cutaneous (jugular, shoulder, inner thigh and croup) temperature in comparison to rectal temperature in athletic horses kept under two different housing conditions. Ten clinically healthy Italian Saddle horses were divided into two equal groups: the first group was housed in individual boxes, and the second group was kept in paddocks. In all horses, rectal and cutaneous temperature measurements were performed every 4 h for 48 consecutive hours during different seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter), respectively, by means of digital and infrared thermometers. Ambient temperature, relative humidity and ventilation were recorded simultaneously. A general linear model (GLM) was applied to the recorded temperature values displaying a significant effect of season, time of day, site of recording and housing condition (p < 0.001). No statistical differences were found between the two days of monitoring (p = 0.49). A trigonometric statistical model (single cosinor method) was applied to investigate the circadian rhythm of rectal and cutaneous temperatures in the two different groups. Our results showed circadian rhythmicity of rectal temperature during all seasons and in both groups. Cutaneous temperature shows daily rhythmicity that was different in the various regions and was influenced by housing conditions and seasons. Application of GLM also showed a statistically significant effect of season and site of recording (p < 0.0001) on all circadian parameters and of management condition on amplitude and robustness (p < 0.0001). No statistical differences between the two days of monitoring were observed (p = 0.68). These findings are probably due to the animals' thermoregulatory mechanisms ensuring heat exchange between the body and the environment, and that was influenced by the microclimate. In particular, the microclimate influenced the thermodispersion disrupting the daily rhythmicity of some body regions, in horses kept in boxes. Only the temperate climatic conditions observed in summer guarantee the expression of the daily rhythmicity of all body surfaces in both management conditions. These results contribute to the knowledge of the mechanisms of homeostasis and control of body temperature in the athletic horse kept in different housing conditions, with a chronophysiological interpretation that completes the proper management of thermal well-being in horses.

Applicability of the auricular temperature for the assessment of body temperature in healthy large and small domestic species, in a normal metabolic state and in controlled environmental conditions.

In clinical practice, an important aspect of animal health status evaluation is the body temperature recording obtained using different methods. Within them, the non-contact and non-invasive infrared thermometer can provide an accurate estimation of body temperature improving the quality of care and medical decision. To evaluate the use of the monitoring of auricular temperature to improve the quality of care and medical decision. To evaluate the use of the monitoring of auricular temperature as indices of body temperature, as well as rectal temperature in eleven clinically healthy mixed bred cats, eleven Rottweiler dogs, and eleven Italian saddle horses temperature values were obtained by means of an infrared thermometer in the left and right ears and by means of a digital thermometer in the rectum. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated a statistically higher rectal temperature value than the temperature recorded in the left and right ears (P<0.001). In all species, no differences between the right and left ear were recorded (p>0.05). Cats and dogs showed a statistically higher auricular (p<0.001) and rectal (p<0.01) temperature compared to horses. No differences were observed between cats and dogs (p>0.05). Auricular and rectal temperature agreement was shown by the Bland-Altman test. Between the two methods, the average difference was 1.6 °C for cats, 1.4 °C for dogs, and 3.3 °C for horses. In dogs, rectal and auricular temperature showed a positive correlation (r2=0.78). In conclusion, only in healthy dogs maintained in controlled conditions the monitoring of auricular temperature reflects the clinical practice gold standard of core body temperature measurement represented by rectal temperature. The lower value of about 1.5 °C must be taken into consideration when this technique is used.

Simultaneous recording of subcutaneous temperature and total locomotor activity in Bos taurus and Bos indicus raised in a subtropical region of Argentina.

The aim of this study was to evaluate some physiological parameters as total locomotor activity and subcutaneous temperature in two different bovine breeds under tropical environment. In this study, total locomotor activity and subcutaneous temperature were evaluated in 18 clinically healthy female cows. All cows were divided into 3 groups: group A1 was constituted by 6 Holstein Bos taurus, group A2 was constituted by 6 female Herford Bos taurus cows, and group B was constituted by 6 female Bradford Bos indicus cows. Data recording of total locomotor activity (TLA) and subcutaneous temperature (ST) was performed by means of a subcutaneous thermometer (Thermocron) and an actimeter ACTIWATCH® (Cambridge Neurotechnology Ltd.) based on accelerometer technologies equipped on all subjects to record TLA. At the same time, thermal and hygrometric recording were carried out, considering the subtropical climate of Santa Fe. The application of GLM for statistical analysis showed a significant effect (P < 0.05) on statistical model and time of the day on TLA and ST for all groups; no significative effects on animal parameters were found for ST and TLA except for group B. Circadian parameters have been evaluated according to the single cosinor procedure of ST that showed a diurnal daily rhythmicity for all investigated groups and TLA which is focused almost during the photophase for groups A1 and A2 and during scotophase for group B. Considering different species and breeds, and different environmental conditions, this study suggested that some subjects may be much more able to adapt themselves to environmental stress than others. During their evolution from Bos taurus, zebu cattle (Bos indicus) have acquired genes that confer thermotolerance. Subjects from Bos indicus breeds are better able to regulate body temperature in response to heat stress than Bos taurus subjects.

Comparison between two preventive treatments for hyperketonaemia carried out pre-partum: effects on non-esterified fatty acids, ß-hydroxybutyrate and some biochemical parameters during peripartum and early lactation.

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of two different preventive protocols, on serum ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration and liver health indices pre-partum and during early-lactation in high-yielding Holstein dairy cows. One hundred cows were randomly divided into three groups: control group (CTRL, n = 20, without preventive treatment), second group (SUPP, n = 40 animals treated with a compound based on acetyl-methionine, inositol, cyanocobalamin, l-alanine, l-arginine, l-threonine, l-glutamic acid supplementation and α-lipoic acid) and third group (MON, n = 40 animals treated with monensin). Blood samples were collected from all cows at on 3 occasions pre-partum and 3 occasions post-partum. Body condition (BCS) score was evaluated and glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), BHB, triglycerides, total cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), total bilirubin, total proteins, globulins, albumin and urea concentrations were assessed. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was applied. Statistically significant differences among the three experimental groups were found in the values of all studied parameters (P < 0.05). Our results confirm the established beneficial effect of MON treatment in decreasing BHB levels and increasing glucose availability after calving. Serum biochemical analysis revealed the expected post-partum alterations attributable to adaptations that influenced the metabolism and liver function in CTRL, whereas these alterations were reduced or absent in SUPP and MON. Results from the present study suggest that both preventive protocols, but in particular SUPP, could positively affect selected indicators of energy metabolism reducing the risk of hyperketonaemia and increase of liver function in Holstein dairy cows, both pre- and post-partum.

Infrared methodologies for the assessment of skin temperature daily rhythm in two domestic mammalian species.

To assess the accuracy of infrared methodologies for daily rhythm monitoring of skin temperature, five clinically healthy Italian Saddle gelding horses, and five not pregnant and not lactating Camosciata goats, were monitored every 4 h over a 48 h period. The horses were housed in individual boxes, while the goats in two indoor pens, under natural photoperiod and natural environmental temperature. In each animal, skin temperature was recorded with the use of a digital infrared camera and a non-contact infrared thermometer, in five regions: neck, shoulder, ribs, flank and croup. Recorded values were compared with the well-established daily rhythm of rectal temperature. Rectal temperature was recorded at the same time by means of a digital thermometer. In horses, a lower value of skin temperature was recorded using the infrared thermometer for the croup region compared to shoulder and flank; a lower value of skin temperature was recorded using thermography for the croup region compared to the shoulder. In goats, a lower value of skin temperature was recorded using the infrared thermometer for the croup region compared to the flank. In both species, higher values of rectal temperature were observed, compared to the temperature recorded at the skin regions using the other two methodologies. Cosinor rhythmometry showed a daily rhythm of rectal and skin temperature recorded using both methodologies in all the examined regions. General linear model (GLM) showed statistically significant effect of breed on all rhythmic parameters; of day of monitoring on amplitude; of site of recording (rectal vs skin regions) on mesor, amplitude and acrophase; and no effect of methodologies used. The results of this study show the differences in rhythmicity of various body regions temperature and their differences in comparison with daily rhythm rectal temperature. The use of infrared methodologies was inaccurate in assessing body core temperature, but its use could be considered for the evaluation of inflammation in the different body sites.

Flow cytometry and micro-Raman spectroscopy: Identification of hemocyte populations in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (Bivalvia: Mytilidae) from Faro Lake and Tyrrhenian Sea (Sicily, Italy).

Immunological and structural characteristics of hemocyte populations in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (Bivalvia: Mytilidae), going from two different Sicilian habitats (Faro Lake and Tyrrhenian sea), was investigated by means of two different techniques (flow cytometric and micro-Raman spectroscopy analyses). For this purpose, three hundred and sixty mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis were analyzed during November 2017. They were divided into two equal groups (triplicate sample) on the basis of the site of collection (n = 60 caught in Faro Lake - group A, and n = 60 caught in Tyrrhenian Sea - group B). Some several differences between the species of Faro Lake and Tyrrhenian Sea are observed and ascribed to the disruption of immune parameters induced by the variations of some qualitative water parameters (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonium 10, free chlorine, total chlorine, total phosphate, orthofhosphate) recorded in the two habitats. This study is relevant for monitoring the conditions of the sea and Faro Lake, which is strongly influenced by the currents of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Faro lake is well known for the cultivation of mussels and this is part of a coastal habitat of particular interest, consisted of a peculiar biocenotic complex. Further, for the first time, significant different arrangement in the mussels cell structural organization was evidenced by simply following their highly reproducible Raman biomolecular signatures.

Serum haptoglobin and protein electrophoretic fraction modifications in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) around calving and during early lactation.

Serum protein distribution and concentration can be affected by different physiological and pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the concentration of serum protein fractions and haptoglobin in clinically healthy dairy buffaloes during late pregnancy and early lactation. Blood and milk samples were collected from 30 buffaloes at around 7 d before expected calving (blood only) and 7, 30 and 50 d after calving. In serum samples, the total protein, haptoglobin, albumin, α1-, α2-, ß1-, ß2-, γ-globulins, and albumin/globulin ratio (A/G) values were evaluated. In milk, fat%, protein%, lactose%, somatic cell score (SCS) were assessed, along with milk yield (MY) and daily milk production (DMP). The peripartum period significantly influenced (P < 0.005) total protein, albumin, haptoglobin, α2-, ß2- and γ-globulins (P < 0.005). Milk yield, DMP and fat% changed significantly throughout the monitoring period (P < 0.005). Milk yield and DMP were positively correlated with total protein, albumin, ß2-globulins and A/G ratio, and negatively correlated with haptoglobin and α2-globulins. These results provide new knowledge about the serum protein electrophoretic pattern in Italian Mediterranean Buffaloes during the last phase of pregnancy and early stages of lactation.

Nocturnal activation of melatonin receptor type 1 signaling modulates diurnal insulin sensitivity via regulation of PI3K activity.

Recent genetic studies have highlighted the potential involvement of melatonin receptor 1 (MT1 ) and melatonin receptor 2 (MT2 ) in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Here, we report that mice lacking MT1 (MT1 KO) tend to accumulate more fat mass than WT mice and exhibit marked systemic insulin resistance. Additional experiments revealed that the main insulin signaling pathway affected by the loss of MT1 was the activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K). Transcripts of both catalytic and regulatory subunits of PI3K were strongly downregulated within MT1 KO mice. Moreover, the suppression of nocturnal melatonin levels within WT mice, by exposing mice to constant light, resulted in impaired PI3K activity and insulin resistance during the day, similar to what was observed in MT1 KO mice. Inversely, administration of melatonin to WT mice exposed to constant light was sufficient and necessary to restore insulin-mediated PI3K activity and insulin sensitivity. Hence, our data demonstrate that the activation of MT1 signaling at night modulates insulin sensitivity during the day via the regulation of the PI3K transcription and activity. Lastly, we provide evidence that decreased expression of MTNR1A (MT1 ) in the liver of diabetic individuals is associated with poorly controlled diabetes.

Ultrasonographic measurement of liver, portal vein, hepatic vein and perivisceral adipose tissue in high-yielding dairy cows with fatty liver during the transition period.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential for diagnosis of fatty liver by means of ultrasonographic measurement of liver and perivisceral adipose tissue as an alternative to blood indicators of lipomobilization and liver biopsy in periparturient high-yielding dairy cows. Thirty cows were enrolled and divided into two groups. The evaluation of body condition score (BCS), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), liver and perivisceral adipose tissue ultrasonographic measurement and histological liver lipid content (GdL) was performed at 15 ± 5 d prepartum (T0), 10 ± 2 d postpartum (T1), 30 ± 2 d postpartum (T2) and 50 ± 2 d postpartum (T3). Mesenteric fat thickness (the thickness of the perivascular adipose tissue) measured on ultrasound was shown to be an independent determinant of fatty liver. The cut-off of the ultrasonographic evaluation of the liver may be useful as a first and practical approach in identifying fatty liver. In conclusion, a non-invasive and reliable diagnostic method for predicting the risk of fatty liver in high yielding dairy cows has been demonstrated.

Monitoring changes in body surface temperature associated with treadmill exercise in dogs by use of infrared methodology.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of moderate treadmill exercise session on body surface and core temperature in dog measured by means of two infrared instruments. Ten Jack Russell Terrier/Miniature Pinscher mixed-breed dogs were subjected to 15min of walking, 10min of trotting and 10min of gallop. At every step, body surface temperature (Tsurface) was measured on seven regions (neck, shoulder, ribs, flank, back, internal thigh and eye) using two different methods, a digital infrared camera (ThermaCam P25) and a non-contact infrared thermometer (Infrared Thermometer THM010-VT001). Rectal temperature (Trectal) and blood samples were collected before (T0) and after exercise (T3). Blood samples were tested for red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct). A significant effect of exercise in all body surface regions was found, as measured by both infrared methods. The temperature obtained in the eye and the thigh area were higher with respect to the other studied regions throughout the experimental period (P<0.0001). RBC, Hb, Hct and Trectal values were higher at T3 (P<0.05). Statistically significant higher temperature values measured by infrared thermometer was found in neck, shoulder, ribs, flank, back regions respect to the values obtained by digital infrared camera (P<0.0001). The results obtained in this study showed that both internal and surface temperatures are influenced by physical exercise probably due to muscle activity and changes in blood flow in dogs. Both infrared instruments used in this study have proven to be useful in detecting surface temperature variations of specific body regions, however factors including type and color of animal hair coat must be taken into account in the interpretation of data obtained by thermography methodology.

Effect of combined acetylmethionine, cyanocobalamin and α-lipoic acid on hepatic metabolism in high-yielding dairy cow.

The aim of the study reported in this Research Communication was to investigate the effect of a combined acetylmethionine, cyanocobalamin and α-lipoic acid treatment, on some metabolic parameters of early lactating high-yielding dairy cows. Thirty cows were randomly divided into two groups: experimental group (EG, n = 20) and control group (CG, n = 10). EG received 20 ml of treatment and CG received 20 ml of placebo. The treatments were administered for seven times every 2 d. Blood samples were collected from all cows at 3 time points: 10 ± 2, 30 ± 2 and 50 ± 2 d postpartum. Glucose, ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamiltransferase (GGT), total bilirubin (TB), conjugated bilirubin (CB), total proteins (TP), globulins, albumin and urea concentrations were determined. Two-way repeated measure analysis of variance was applied. Significant differences in the values of glucose, BHB, NEFA, triglycerides, TC, AST and urea were found between EG and CG. Moreover, the increased glucose, TC, ALT, GGT, TP and globulins, and the reduced BHB, NEFA, AST, triglycerides, TB, CB and urea concentrations were evident in both groups, but the changes were more pronounced in EG. Our findings indicate that our treatment positively influenced liver metabolism in high-yielding dairy cows.

Age-related changes of serum mitochondrial uncoupling 1, rumen and rectal temperature in goats.

Thermoregulatory processes are induced not only by exposure to cold or heat but also by a variety of physiological situations including age, fasting and food intake that result in changes in body temperature. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the differences in serum mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), rumen temperature (TRUMEN) and rectal temperature (TRECTAL) values between adult and kids goats. Ten adult male Maltese goats aged 3-5 years old (Group A) and 30 male kids, raised for meat, were enrolled in this study. The kids were equally divided into 3 groups according to their age: Group B included kids aged 3 months, Group C included kids aged 4 months and Group D included kids aged 5 months. Blood samples and measurements of TRUMEN and TRECTAL were obtained from each animal. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to evaluate the effect of age on the studied parameters. Statistically significant higher serum UCP1 levels (P<0.001) were found in Group A as compared to Groups B, C and D. Higher TRUMEN values (P<0.001) were found in Group A than in Groups B, C and D, and in Group B than in Groups C and D. Group A showed lower TRECTAL values (P<0.001) than Groups B, C and D. The Pearson's Correlation test was applied to assess significant relationship among studied parameters showing a statistically significant negative correlation between the values of TRECTAL and serum UCP1 in all studied Groups (P<0.001). These results indicate that goats have good control of body temperature suggesting that further details about the thermogenic capacity and the function of UCP1 in kids and adult goats are worth exploring.

Application of a combined global positioning and heart rate monitoring system in jumper horses during an official competition - A preliminary study.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a combined global positioning system (GPS)/heart rate (HR) monitoring system is a valuable tool to assess, step by step, the physiological response of HR and its relationship with speed in healthy horses competing in an official show jumping class. Six mares performing a standardised warm-up and jumping course were monitored using a HR/GPS device. Venous blood lactate (BL), assessed before and after exercise, showed a significant increase (P = 0.0004) following the physical effort. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant changes in HR throughout the experimental period. The analysis of HR data recorded during the warm-up jumping stage showed significantly higher HR (P = 0.001) in the recovery period compared to the related jumping phase. Shifting the fence height from 100 cm to 125 cm during the warm-up jumps was also found to cause a significant increase (P = 0.016) in HR. According to these preliminary results, the simultaneous logging of heart rate and speed has the potential to be a reliable and powerful technique for field testing that can help in the monitoring of the horse's response to jumping effort during training and competition.

Chronophysiology of domestic animals.

This review highlights recent findings on biological rhythms and discusses their implications for the management and production of domestic animals. Biological rhythms provide temporal coordination between organs and tissues in order to anticipate environmental changes, orchestrating biochemical, physiological and behavioural processes as the right process may occur at the right time. This allows animals to adapt their internal physiological functions, such as sleep-wake cycles, body temperature, hormone secretion, food intake and regulation of physical performance to environmental stimuli that constantly change. The study and evaluation of biological rhythms of various physiological parameters allows the assessment of the welfare status of animals. Alteration of biological rhythms represents an imbalance of the state of homeostasis that can be found in different management conditions.

Blood and hoof biodistibution of some trace element (Lithium, Copper, Zinc, Strontium and, Lead) in horse from two different areas of Sicily.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Biological monitoring of trace element horses is a well-known tool for investigating potential bioaccumulation in urbanized and industrialized geographical areas. Some biomaterials such as hoof are considered as an important indicator of environmental pollution. Hooves can store trace elements for a long time compared to blood and this represents a scientific key to long-term monitoring of exposure to environmental pollutants. In the present study, samples of equine hoof and blood were taken from an experimental group of horses living in an industrialized area of Sicily (Italy) and from a control group of horses housed in a non-industrialized area of Sicily to evaluate the bioaccumulation of different trace elements in different substrates. METHODS: Hoof and blood mineral concentration of Li- Lithium, Cu- Copper, Zn- Zinc, Sr- Strontium and, Pb- Lead was processed by means of Thermo Scientific iCAP-Q ICP-MS spectrometer. Student T-test was applied to evaluate the differences between groups and substrates. Correlation analysis between substrates and hematological parameters was performed. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed a significant statistical difference for Li (p < 0.0001) and Pb (p < 0.0001) between blood and hoof in both groups. A statistically significant difference was observed for Li (p < 0.0001), Cu(p < 0.01), Zn (p < 0.0001) and Pb (p < 0.0001) between substrates in the experimental group. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference of blood Zn (p < 0.01) and hoof Pb (p < 0.01) concentration between groups. Our results revealed a statistically higher concentration of minerals in the blood substrate than in the hoof in both groups. Li (p < 0.0001) and Zn (p < 0.001) were positively correlated between control and experimental group in blood substrate. No correlations were found (P > .05) in hoof between groups for other elements. A positive correlation with WBC was observed in Cu concentration for hoof substrate (p < 0.02) in control group and for Zn in experimental group (p < 0.02). A positive correlation with HGB and HCT was observed for Cu hoof concentration (p < 0.02) in experimental group and PLT resulted positively correlated (p < 0.02) with Pb blood substrate in control group. CONCLUSIONS: Horses were not overexposed to these elements in the analyzed groups. The study highlights the role of a new bioaccumulation substrate such as the horse hoof identified as an analytical matrix for the monitoring of heavy metal concentrations in domestic animals.

An In-Depth Look at Fonni's Dog Behavior under Different Outdoor Conditions.

This study aimed to investigate the common social and communicative behaviors of the Fonni's Dog under different outdoor conditions. For this study, 70 adult dogs (3-7 years; 32 intact males, 38 intact females) belonging to the Fonni's breed were used. A total of 35 dogs were kept in kennels and 35 were free-ranging dogs in their sheep/goat livestock units. A behavioral repertoire was adapted from the literature and an ethogram was filled in for each dog. All dogs were evaluated in the presence of the owner. Fisher's exact test, following Bonferroni's correction, was used to test possible differences in the categorical variables (presence or absence of the behavior) between free-ranging dogs and dogs kept in kennels. The study revealed that several categories of the dogs' body language were associated with the management condition. However, the breed motivations (guarding and defense of the territory) were satisfied both in kennel and in the animals who were free in the property. The current study suggests a good behavioral balance of the Fonni's Dogs which could be attributed to correct communication between dogs and owners.