On-farm use of a water hardness test kit to assess total blood calcium level in dairy cattle.

In this Research Communication we report the measurement of total blood calcium concentration with a water hardness test kit (WHTK) in dairy cattle and compare the results to a reference method. The study was carried out on 107 Holstein Friesian cows from three commercial dairy farms in Sardinia (Italy). Blood samples were collected ≤7 d from calving and total serum calcium concentration was determined using a biochemical analyzer and a WHTK. The relationship between the laboratory results and the WHTK results was investigated using Spearman's rank correlation test and simple linear regression was determined. Sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values, intra and inter-assay coefficient of variation were also calculated. The test values were highly correlated with the laboratory values (R2 = 0.72, P < 0.001). Sensitivity and specificity were respectively 88 and 83% for the WHTK and intra and inter-assay coefficients of variation were 7.3 and 11.3% respectively. The WHTK was identified as a potential on-farm tool for monitoring early postpartum Ca concentrations at herd level.

Association between left-displaced abomasum corrected with 2-step laparoscopic abomasopexy and milk production in a commercial dairy farm in Italy.

BACKGROUND: Left displacement of the abomasum (LDA) is a condition of dairy cows that causes huge economic losses. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of LDA after on-farm correction by the 2-step laparoscopic abomasopexy on milk production based on 305-d milk yield on a commercial dairy farm in Italy.The study was performed between January 2011 and January 2014 on 58 Holstein Friesian cattle with left displacement of the abomasum in a commercial dairy farm in the farmland of Ozieri, Sardinia (Italy). Each cow underwent a 2-step laparoscopic abomasopexy performed by the same veterinarian. Each case was matched with a control herdmate by age, parity and calving date. Cows with LDA and healthy control cows also had a similar 305-d milk yield in the previous lactation. Data on milk production were collected using a dairy herd management software programme (Afimilk®, Afimilk Ltd., Israel). The 305-d lactation yield was obtained from the sum of daily milk yields for each cow. An unpaired Student's t-test was used to compare changes in milk production, mean fat and protein percentage of cases and controls before and after surgical procedure. RESULTS: Data from 4 cows were excluded from the analysis due to post-surgical complications. 54 cases and 54 control cows participated in the study. We found that milk production significantly decreased from a baseline of 12,295 ± 1690 kg to 11,165 ± 1989 kg in the affected lactation. Conversely, a significant increase was observed for mean fat and protein percentage during lactation in case cows. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study cows with left displacement of the abomasum corrected with 2-step laparoscopic abomasopexy produced less milk than their control herdmates. Each case and control pair in the present study came from the same farm in order to eliminate farm to farm differences in management, housing, season, etc. However, this limits the validity of our data to the specific situation described here.

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.

The presence of animals in hospital facilities: A preliminary study on the opinion of doctors, healthcare workers, and students in Sardinia.

Introduction: Contact with pets within healthcare settings is considered worldwide an added value to assistance both in the case of animal-assisted interventions and also when pets are visiting hospitalized owners, due to the special emotional relationship between them and their pets. The goal of this work was to analyze local experiences on access of pets to healthcare facilities using a survey sent to doctors, veterinarians, and students in the region of Sardinia (Italy). Methods: The online survey consisted of 17 questions, with the objective to evaluate knowledge and interest of study participants on some aspects of human-animal interaction with particular reference to potential access of pets to hospitals facilities and nursing homes and to promote an initial social judgment in the medical and healthcare environment. A total of 2484 subjects were invited to participate to the survey through an email explaining the purpose of the study. Statistical analysis on the survey results was conducted by comparing the characteristics of respondents with their answers to animal-assisted-intervention-related questions. Results: Results showed that over 70% of the participants owned an animal; almost 80% of responses showed that survey participants were in favor of animal presence in hospitals; furthermore, the responses showed how the concept of One Health seems not only scarcely established, but also barely known. The large majority of respondents (over 80%) positively responded on questions around the role of animals as co-therapists. Conclusions: On the one hand, this study showed lack of knowledge on the concept of One Health, whose essence is too often unknown and, on the other hand, it confirmed that women may be more inclined to show empathy and sensitivity toward animals. Regarding the profession, students seem more concerned about the introduction of animals into hospitals than healthcare workers.

Haematochemical Profile of Healthy Dogs Seropositive for Single or Multiple Vector-Borne Pathogens.

BACKGROUND: the present study aimed to investigate the immunological response to common vector-borne pathogens and to evaluate their impact on haematochemical parameters in owned dogs. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 400 clinically healthy dogs living in an endemic area (Sardinia Island, Italy). All dogs were serologically tested for VBDs and divided into groups based on their negative (Neg) or positive response towards Ehrlichia (Ehrl), Rickettsia (Rick), Leishmania (Leish), Borrelia (Borr), Anaplasma (Anapl), and Bartonella (Barto). A Kruskall-Wallis's test, followed by Dunn's post hoc comparison test, was applied to determine the statistical effect of negativity and single or multiple positivity on the studied parameters. RESULTS: the group of dogs simultaneously presenting antibodies towards Leishmania, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia showed higher values of total proteins, globulins, creatine phosphokinase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and amylase than dogs that tested negative or dogs with antibodies toward a single pathogen investigated herein. CONCLUSIONS: Our results seem to suggest that exposure to more vector-borne pathogens could lead to greater liver function impairment and a greater inflammatory state. Further investigations are needed in order to better clarify how co-infections affect haematochemical patterns in dogs living in endemic areas of VBDs.

Assessing the Peripheral Levels of the Neurotransmitters Noradrenaline, Dopamine and Serotonin and the Oxidant/Antioxidant Equilibrium in Circus Horses.

Due to the paucity of information on circus management effects on the welfare of horses, this study investigated the plasma concentrations of noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin, known to be indices of mental status, as well as the reactive oxygen metabolites (d-Roms) and the biological antioxidant potential (BAP), likely to denote the oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium of organisms, in horses managed in different Italian circuses. For the study, 56 circus horses of different breeds and ages were enrolled and divided into six groups according to the horses' management (circus management, groups G1-G5; classic riding management representing the control group, CG). From each horse, blood samples were collected in order to assess the concentration of selected parameters. One-way ANOVA showed no differences (p > 0.05) in serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, d-Roms and BAP values between circus and control horses. No differences related to the breed of the horses enrolled in the study were found in the values of all investigated parameters (p > 0.05). Furthermore, neurotransmitters showed overlapping levels between the different age classes of investigated horses (p > 0.05); contrariwise, the age of the horse displayed a significant effect on BAP values, with the oldest horses (16-21 age class) exhibiting lower BAP values compared to 4-5, 6-10 and 11-15 age classes (p < 0.05), whereas the d-Roms showed similar values in horses of different age classes (p > 0.05). The results gathered in the present study suggest that the mental status of horses under circus management was not compromised; however, better attention and care in the management of older horses is advocated, as they showed a lower biological antioxidant potential than younger horses; thus, they could be more susceptible to oxidative stress.

The groundbreaking impact of digitalization and artificial intelligence in sheep farming.

The integration of digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has marked the onset of a new era of efficient sheep farming in multiple aspects ranging from the general well-being of sheep to advanced web-based management applications. The resultant improvement in sheep health and consequently better farming yield has already started to benefit both farmers and veterinarians. The predictive analytical models embedded with machine learning (giving sense to machines) has helped better decision-making and has enabled farmers to derive most out of their farms. This is evident in the ability of farmers to remotely monitor livestock health by wearable devices that keep track of animal vital signs and behaviour. Additionally, veterinarians now employ advanced AI-based diagnostics for efficient parasite detection and control. Overall, digitalization and AI have completely transformed traditional farming practices in livestock animals. However, there is a pressing need to optimize digital sheep farming, allowing sheep farmers to appreciate and adopt these innovative systems. To fill this gap, this review aims to provide available digital and AI-based systems designed to aid precision farming of sheep, offering an up-to-date understanding on the subject. Various contemporary techniques, such as sky shepherding, virtual fencing, advanced parasite detection, automated counting and behaviour tracking, anomaly detection, precision nutrition, breeding support, and several mobile-based management applications are currently being utilized in sheep farms and appear to be promising. Although artificial intelligence and machine learning may represent key features in the sustainable development of sheep farming, they present numerous challenges in application.

Genomic Analysis of the Endangered Fonni's Dog Breed: A Comparison of Genomic and Phenotypic Evaluation Scores.

The Fonni's dog is an ancient Sardinian breed for livestock and property guarding. In recent years, the number of new registrations to the breeding book has slumped and, thus, this breed risks being lost forever. This work refocuses attention to the Fonni's dog, analysing its genomic makeup and comparing different phenotypical and genetic evaluation scores. Thirty Fonni's dogs were ranked by their general accordance to the breed typicality (typicality score) and to the provisional standard by official judges (judges' score). They were genotyped with a 230K SNP BeadChip and compared with 379 dogs of 24 breeds. Genomically, the Fonni's dogs placed themselves near shepherd dogs and showed a unique genetic signature, which was used to create the genomic score. This score better correlated with typicality (ρ = 0.69, p < 0.0001) than the judges' score (ρ = 0.63, p = 0.0004), which showed little variability among the included dogs. Hair texture or colour were significantly associated in the three scores. The Fonni's dog is confirmed as a well-distinguished breed, despite being selected mainly for its work abilities. The evaluation criteria used during dog expositions can be improved to increase their variability and include elements typical of the breed. The recovery of the Fonni's dog would be possible only with a shared vision between the Italian kennel club and breeders, and the support of regional programs.

A Preliminary Study on the Interplay between the Serum Levels of Neurotransmitters and Thyroid Hormones for the Evaluation of the Behavioral Phenotype of Dogs.

A total of 112 dogs (49 males and 63 females) belonging to different breeds (i.e., Boxer, Cirneco dell'Etna, Fonni's Dog, Labrador, Crossbreed, German Shepherd, Pit Bull, Shar-Pei, Yorkshire) were analyzed to compare the serum concentration of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, prolactin, beta-endorphins, thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and assess whether these parameters can be correlated with the behavioral phenotype of the investigated breeds. T4 was above or below the threshold in 61% and 14% of dogs, respectively; T3, in contrast, 41% of dogs showed values below the limit, while 26% above it. TSH was within the reference range in 58% of dogs; 94% of the dogs had prolactin in the reference range and only five animals showed values above the limit. For beta-endorphins, 49% of dogs had values above the limit, while 46% had values within the reference range. Serotonin and dopamine values below physiological limits were found in 62% and 70% of dogs, respectively. Finally, 61% of the dogs showed norepinephrine values within the reference range. The study confirmed that the assessment of the serum values of hormones and neurotransmitters in dogs could be useful to better understand the behavioral phenotype of the animal and could be useful for breeders and trainers for the selection of the most suitable subjects for specific tasks.

Molecular Survey of Hepatozoon canis Infection in Domestic Dogs from Sardinia, Italy.

Tick-borne protozoans of the genus Hepatozoon have been associated with infections of domestic and wild animals over the world. The occurrence of these apicomplexan agents in Sardinia has been poorly explored so far. In this study, the occurrence of Hepatozoon spp. has been investigated in domestic dogs from nine cities of Sardinia, Italy. Blood samples from each dog were collected and tested molecularly for the presence of Hepatozoon and Babesia/Theileria DNAs. Out of fifty-one dogs, nine were positive for Hepatozoon species based on the molecular detection of the parasite in blood samples. The phylogenetic relationships of strains detected here were also established. The PCR for amplification of the 18S rRNA fragment gene of Babesia/Theileria spp. did not give amplicons in any of the analyzed samples. Our results report the first molecular confirmation of Hepatozoon canis in Sardinian pet dogs and contribute to better understand the presence of these protozoans on the island. This study highlights the importance of recognizing and predicting the risk levels for the canine population, thus increasing the development of specific control measures. Also, since the distribution of hepatozoonosis is closely related to that of the definitive tick host, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, more accurate studies on Rhipicephalus ticks will be needed due to increasing the epidemiological knowledge of Hepatozoon species on the island.

Immune and Inflammatory Response of Donkeys (Equus asinus) Tested Positive to Tick-borne Pathogens.

Among infection diseases transmitted by arthropods, the equine vector-borne diseases transmitted by ticks represent an emerging problem worldwide due to their morbidity and mortality and, in some cases, to their zoonotic relevance. Understanding the host immune/inflammatory response to the pathogens is crucial to develop effective methods of diagnosis, control and treatment. This study aimed to evaluate red blood cells (RBC), hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin content (MCH), mean cell hemoglobin (MCHC), platelets (PLT), white blood cells (WBC), leukocytes populations, and serum protein pattern of Sardinian donkeys scored positive to tick-borne pathogens. Thirty donkeys were dived in five groups, six subjects each: Group 1, tested negative to pathogens (control group); Group 2, donkeys infected by Theileria equi; Group 3, donkeys infected by Ehrlichia equi; Group 4, donkeys infected by Rickettsia Rickettsii; Group 5, donkeys co-infected by T. equi, E. equi and R. Rickettsii. From donkeys blood samples were collected and haematological and serum protein profiles were assessed. One-way ANOVA showed lower red blood cells, haemoglobin, platelets, lymphocytes and neutrophils values, and higher eosinophils, basophils, serum total proteins, α2-, ß- and γ- globulins values in donkeys infected by one or more pathogens compared to control group (P < .05). The study highlighted an immune and inflammatory response of donkeys positive to E. equi, T. equi, and R. Rickettsii and represents a starting point for further investigations in the field to fill the gaps currently existing on the complex interwoven relationship between the pathogen and host immune and inflammatory response in equids.

Isolation of Leptospira interrogans Serovar Canicola in a Vaccinated Dog without Clinical Symptoms.

More than one million cases of leptospirosis occur across the globe annually, resulting in about 59,000 deaths. Dogs are one of the most important reservoirs of Leptospira species and play an important role in transmitting the pathogen to humans. Many of these infections are controlled by routine vaccination that has reduced the possible reintroduction of leptospiral serovars into the human population. However, it is still not clear how a vaccinated dog can become infected with one or more Leptospira serovars contained in the vaccine formulation and thus against which it should be immunized. Here, we present the case of an asymptomatic dog who developed leptospiral infection despite being vaccinated. This unusual case emphasizes the substantial impact of immunization on mitigating the acute signs of the disease, even while providing limited protection against infection. Further studies will be required to better understand the role of dogs in the environmental circulation of leptospiral serovars in Sardinia. Asymptomatic leptospiral infection in vaccinated dogs should be considered to allow for better diagnosis and management of the infection. This will be essential for preventing Leptospira outbreaks in the future.

Effects of Commercially Available Antioxidant-Enriched Fish- and Chicken-Based Diets on Biochemical Parameters and Blood Fatty Acid Profile of Old Dogs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two commercially available fish- (FH) and chicken (CH)-based diets and the same diets combined with antioxidant compounds, e.g., FH-AOX and CH-AOX, respectively, on biochemical parameters and blood fatty acid (FA) profile. For this purpose, 28 dogs were allocated to four groups and fed the four diets for six months. Blood samples were taken before starting the experimental period and at the end of the trial. Concerning the biochemical parameters, the animals fed CH-AOX reached the highest values for ALB compared to the animals fed CH or FH-AOX; however, the values were within the reference values for old dogs. Triglycerides and urea were significantly higher in FH compared to the CH diet; however, both FH-AOX and CH-AOX showed a marked decrease in the TRI and urea concentration with respect to FH and CH. Moreover, CH-AOX and FH-AOX increased glucose values, linoleic acid content, and polyunsaturated FA n-3 with respect to FH and CH. On the contrary, arachidonic acid was lower in the CH-AOX and FH-AOX groups. In conclusion, FH led to a better FA profile than that of the CH diet, while CH-AOX and FH-AOX improved the FA profile regardless of the basal diet.

Thiacloprid Induced Developmental Neurotoxicity via ROS-Oxidative Injury and Inflammation in Chicken Embryo: The Possible Attenuating Role of Chicoric and Rosmarinic Acids.

Insecticides are widely employed in agriculture to control pests and as major factors for enhancing crop productivity. Thiacloprid (TH) is one of the most-used insecticides worldwide. In this study, the negative impact of TH on the brain tissue of developing chicken embryo models and the modulatory effect of chicoric (CA) and rosmarinic (RA) acids were investigated. The eggs were injected in ovo with different doses of TH (0.1, 1, 10, and 100 µg/egg). TH significantly increased the oxidative damage in the brain of exposed embryos in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). TH significantly elevated the oxidative stress markers; protein carbonyl, malondialdehyde content, and DNA damage (p < 0.05). Myeloperoxidase activity and nitric oxide significantly increased with overexpression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-1 beta) and stress-related and apoptotic genes (NF-KB, Caspase-3) in the brain tissue on both biochemical and molecular levels (p < 0.05), while downregulating the expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2. Co-treatment of CA and RA with TH markedly decreased the insecticide-induced toxicity with a prominent synergistic effect (p < 0.05). In conclusion, TH is suggested to be a possible neurotoxic to embryos of vertebrates including human. The study also revealed the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, genoprotective, and antiapoptotic property of CA and RA against TH toxicity.

Diurnal Body Temperature and Rate of Passage of Loggers in Lions.

The documentation of diurnal patterns in body temperature in lions could be important because disruption of circadian patterns can be a useful measure of distress. This study quantified changes in body temperature of seven African lions (Panthera leo) at 5 min intervals during cold conditions from noon until the ingested body temperature loggers were expelled the next day. Thirteen loggers were fed to 11 lions during their daily noon feeding, while ambient temperatures were also recorded using six data loggers. The lions had continuous access to their dens and exercise pens during the day but were restricted to their heavily bedded dens that also contained a heat lamp from 23:00 until 08:00 the next day. Body temperatures averaged 37.95 ± 0.42 °C at 15:50, and 36.81 ± 0.17 °C at 06:50 the next day, 30 min before the first loggers passed from a lion, and were significantly different (t-test, t = 8.09, df = 6, p < 0.0003). The mean duration for the time of passage was 22 ± 2.69 (h ± SD), so future studies using the noninvasive feeding of temperature loggers need to consider that time frame.

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress in Dairy Cows with Left Displacement of Abomasum.

Left Displacement of the Abomasum (LDA) is a condition that occurs in high-producing postpartum dairy cows and it causes economic losses. Studies performed in the last decade indicate that adult dairy cows experience oxidative stress. Increasing interest in the role of oxidative status in ruminant medicine has emphasized the need to develop reliable methods to assess it. A few studies have evaluated the relationship between LDA and oxidative status, mostly through the determination of single parameters of oxidation and the determination of antioxidant status separately, with contrasting results. The aim of this study was to assess the oxidative status by the measurement of Reactive Oxygen Metabolites with d-ROMs and Biological Antioxidant Potential BAP and the calculation of the Oxidative Status index in 74 multiparous dairy cows with LDA. Each case was matched with a control herdmate. The amount of free oxygen radicals in plasma samples was determined using the d-ROMs test, the concentration of antioxidants was measured using the BAP test and the Oxidative Status index was also calculated. The concentration of d-ROMs was significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (179 ± 37.7 U CARR and 158 ± 23.0 U CARR, respectively), while the concentration of BAP was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (2156 ± 98.1 µmol/L vs. 2558 ± 108.5 µmol/L). The Oxidative Status index value was significantly higher in cows with LDA than in healthy cows (8.3 ± 1.51 vs. 6.2 ± 0.76). The results of this study indicated that an inbalance between oxidants and antioxidants occurred in cattle with LDA.

A nutraceutical diet based on Lespedeza spp., Vaccinium macrocarpon and Taraxacum officinale improves spontaneous feline chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease is characterized by structural and/or functional impairment of one or both kidneys persisting for more than 3 months. In cats, chronic kidney disease can frequently occur in animals aged over 9 years with an incidence of approximately 10%. Thirty-four client-owned, neutered cats, suffering from stage II-III chronic kidney disease and diagnosed according to the International Renal Interest Society guidelines were randomly assigned to receive either a control diet (n = 17) or a nutraceutical diet (ND; n = 17) for 90 days. Both diets were commercialized for management of CKD symptoms. The diets were identical except that the ND contained tablets that consisted of 60-80% hydrolysed proteins, 20-40% minerals and active substances, that are, Lespedeza spp. 0.0588%, Vaccinium macrocarpom 0.0371%, and Taraxacum officinale 0.0231%. No adverse effects were reported during this study. Both diets resulted in an improvement in CKD symptoms. After a 90-day evaluation, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, total proteins, and aspartate aminotransferase significantly decreased in cats that received the ND. A significant decrease was also observed in urine turbidity score, color score, and total proteins in cats that received the ND. We have found that a ND based on Lespedeza spp., Vaccinium macrocarpon, and Taraxacum officinale improves key indicators of renal failure in cats affected by chronic kidney disease.

Adverse food reactions in dogs due to antibiotic residues in pet food: a preliminary study.

In the last decades, adverse food reactions have increased considerably in dogs and cats. In this study we report on the possible onset of food intolerances symptoms, including otitis, diarrhoea, generalised anxiety, and dermatitis in a cohort of 8 dogs consuming commercial diets. All dogs received an organic chicken-based diet for 15 days. We performed analysis of blood biochemical parameters, kibble composition, and oxytetracycline (OTC) serum concentration before and after 15 days of organic chicken-based diet supplementation. We hypothesised that a chronic intake of contaminated food enhanced by the presence of nanoparticle aggregates might be at the base of the onset of pharmacologic or idiopathic food intolerances. At the end of the evaluation period, an overall significant reduction of otitis, diarrhoea, generalised anxiety, and dermatitis was observed. Biochemical analyses indicate a significant increase in the alkaline phosphatase, from 41 to 52.5 U/L, after 15 days (••p <0.01), while a significant decrease in Gamma-glutamyl transferase and urea, from 9.37 to 6.25 U/L and from 32.13 ± 8.72 to 22.13 ± 7.8 mg/dL, respectively, was observed (•p <0.05). A significant decrease, from 0.22 to 0.02 µg/mL, in mean OTC serum concentration was also observed (••p <0.01). Composition analysis revealed the presence of OTC, calcium, aluminium, silicon, and phosphorous nanoparticle aggregates. Further research on a wider sample size would help to confirm the hypothesis proposed here.

Studies of modern Italian dog populations reveal multiple patterns for domestic breed evolution.

Through thousands of years of breeding and strong human selection, the dog (Canis lupus familiaris) exists today within hundreds of closed populations throughout the world, each with defined phenotypes. A singular geographic region with broad diversity in dog breeds presents an interesting opportunity to observe potential mechanisms of breed formation. Italy claims 14 internationally recognized dog breeds, with numerous additional local varieties. To determine the relationship among Italian dog populations, we integrated genetic data from 263 dogs representing 23 closed dog populations from Italy, seven Apennine gray wolves, and an established dataset of 161 globally recognized dog breeds, applying multiple genetic methods to characterize the modes by which breeds are formed within a single geographic region. Our consideration of each of five genetic analyses reveals a series of development events that mirror historical modes of breed formation, but with variations unique to the codevelopment of early dog and human populations. Using 142,840 genome-wide SNPs and a dataset of 1,609 canines, representing 182 breeds and 16 wild canids, we identified breed development routes for the Italian breeds that included divergence from common populations for a specific purpose, admixture of regional stock with that from other regions, and isolated selection of local stock with specific attributes.

Oxidative stress and food supplementation with antioxidants in therapy dogs.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of a long-term antioxidant-supplemented diet to regulate the oxidative stress and general health status of dogs involved in animal-assisted intervention (AAI) programs. Oxidative stress is a consequence of the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Exercise-induced oxidative stress can increase muscle fatigue and fiber damage and eventually leads to impairment of the immune system. A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical evaluation was conducted with 11 healthy therapy dogs: 6 females and 5 males of different breeds and with a mean age of 2.7 ± 0.8 y (mean ± SEM). The dogs were divided into 2 groups, 1 fed a high quality commercial diet without antioxidants (CD) and the other a high quality commercial diet supplemented with antioxidants (SD) for 18 wk. After the first 18 wk, metabolic parameters, reactive oxygen metabolite-derivatives (d-ROMs), and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) levels were monitored and showed a significant reduction of d-ROMs, triglycerides, and creatinine values in the SD group (P < 0.05) and a significant increase in amylase values in the CD group (P < 0.01). At the end of this period, groups were crossed over and fed for another 18 wk. A significant decrease in amylase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) values was observed in the CD and SD group, respectively (P < 0.05). In conclusion, a controlled, balanced antioxidant diet may be a valid approach to restoring good cell metabolism and neutralizing excess free radicals in therapy dogs.

L'objectif de la présente étude était d'évaluer la capacité d'une diète long-terme supplémentée en antioxydant à réguler le stress oxydatif et l'état de santé général de chiens impliqués dans des programmes d'intervention avec assistance animale (IAA). Le stress oxydatif est une conséquence de l'accumulation d'espèces oxygène réactive (EOR). Le stress oxydatif induit par l'exercice peut augmenter la fatigue musculaire et les dommages aux fibres et éventuellement mener à un mauvais fonctionnement du système immunitaire. Une évaluation clinique croisée, randomisée, et avec groupe témoin-placebo a été menée avec 11 chiens d'assistance en santé : 6 femelles et 5 mâles de races différentes et d'un âge moyen de 2,7 ± 0,8 ans (moyenne ± écart-type). Les chiens ont été divisés en deux groupes, un premier groupe nourri avec une diète commerciale de haute qualité sans antioxydant (DC) et l'autre groupe avec une diète commerciale de haute qualité supplémentée avec des antioxydants (DS) pour 18 semaines. Après les premières 18 semaines, les paramètres métaboliques, les métabolites dérivés d'oxygène réactive (MDOR), et les niveaux de potentiel antioxydant biologique (PAB) ont été surveillés et ont montré une réduction significative des valeurs des MDOR, des triglycérides et de la créatinine dans le groupe DS (P < 0,05) et une augmentation significative des valeurs de l'amylase dans le groupe DC (P < 0,01). À la fin de cette période, les groupes ont été croisés et nourris pour 18 semaines supplémentaires. Une diminution significative des valeurs de l'amylase et de la glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) a été obtenue dans les groupes DC et DS, respectivement (P < 0,05). En conclusion, une diète contrôlée, balancée en antioxydant pourrait être une approche valide pour restaurer un bon métabolisme cellulaire et neutraliser les radicaux libres excédentaires chez les chiens d'assistance.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).