Comprehensive Postnatal Anatomical, Histological and Geometric Morphometric Analysis of Thymus Development in Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius).

The thymus, a primary lymphoid organ, plays a critical role in T lymphocyte development and adaptive immunity. This study focuses on the anatomical, histological and geometric morphometric characteristics of the thymus in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) during postnatal development. Thymus samples were collected from camels aged approximately 4, 8, 12 and 16 months. Using photogrammetry and 3D modelling, the samples were analysed to generate landmarks and conduct geometric morphometry with the 3D Slicer and ALPACA algorithm. Principal component analysis (PCA) was then performed to evaluate shape variations. Histologically, the samples underwent Haematoxylin and Eosin and Masson's trichrome staining. Image analysis using QuPath software quantified trabeculae, adipose tissue and Hassall's corpuscles. The results revealed significant anatomical and histological changes in the thymus across the different age groups. Notable variations in tissue composition and structural integrity were observed, with the PCA highlighting distinct morphometric patterns associated with age-related development. These findings provide a deeper understanding of thymus maturation in dromedaries and offer valuable data for comparative anatomy and veterinary medicine. This comprehensive analysis enhances our knowledge of species-specific immune development, with important implications for the health and resilience of these animals in arid environments.

Developmental three-dimensional examination of the pelvic cavity of Hamdani crossbred sheep fetuses (Ovis aries) in the last two periods of gestation.

BACKGROUND: Türkiye is a country in the world ranking in terms of sheep breeding. Hamdani crossbred sheep breed is one of the sheep breeds that can adapt to the difficult conditions in our country. In addition, the sentence may be corrected as 'Especially in the southeastern part of the Türkiye, crossbreeding is preferred by breeders to increase the yield characteristics of sheep'. OBJECTIVES: In our study, it was aimed to perform a pelvimetric analysis of Hamdani crossbred sheep fetuses in the second and third trimesters by three-dimensional modelling method. METHODS: For this purpose, a total of 40 second-trimester (10 females, 10 males) and third-trimester (10 females, 10 males) fetuses were used. The pelvises of the fetuses were imaged with CT and 3D models were created. Sixteen pelvimetric measurements were performed from the models. The results obtained were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: The study found statistically significant differences between male and female fetuses in terms of vertical diameter (VD) and foramen obturatum width (FOW) measurement parameters in the second trimester. In the third trimester, there were statistically significant differences between genders in acetabulum (AC) (p < 0.01), medial ischial tuberosities (MIT), and ischiatic arch (IA) (p < 0.05) parameters. As a result of the correlation analysis, it was determined that the pelvis length (PL) measurement parameter was positively correlated with different parameters in varying degrees in both periods, while the IA parameter did not show significant correlations with the other parameter in the last two periods of pregnancy. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the data obtained will be useful in pelvimetric evaluations of human and animal fetuses, anatomy education, zooarchaeology and taxonomy studies.

Head of Zebu cattle (Bos Taurus indicus): sectional anatomy and 3D computed tomography.

The research was designed to use computed tomography (CT) with 3D-CT reconstruction imaging techniques and the various anatomical sections-plana transversalia, frontalis, and dorsalia-to describe the anatomical architecture of the Zebu cattle head. Our study used nine mature heads. The CT bone window created detailed images of cranial bones, mandibles, teeth, and hyoid bones. All of the head cavities were evaluated, including the cranial, orbital, oral, auricular, and nasal cavities with their paranasal and conchal sinuses. The septum nasi, attached to the vomer and maxillary bones, did not reach the nasal cavity floor caudally at the level of the second premolar teeth, resulting in a single median channel from the choanae to the nasopharynx. The positions, boundaries, and connections of the paranasal sinuses were clearly identified. There were four nasal conchal sinuses (that were named the dorsal, middle, ethmoidal, and ventral) and five paranasal sinuses that were described as the following: sinus frontalis, maxillaris, palatinorum, and lacrimalis, as defined in the different anatomical sections and computed tomographic images. The complicated sinus frontalis caused the pneumatization of all bones that surrounded the cranial cavity, with the exception of the ethmoidal and body of basisphenoid bones. The sinus maxillaris was connected to the sinus lacrimalis and palatinorum through the maxillolacrimal and palatomaxillary openings, and to the middle nasal meatus through the nasomaxillary opening. Our findings provide a detailed anatomical knowledge for disease diagnosis to internal medicine veterinarians and surgeons by offering a comprehensive atlas of the Zebu cattle anatomy.

Examination of 3D sella turcica models in three species of ruminants.

Sella turcica is an important anatomical structure that contains the pituitary gland. Changes observed on the sella turcica facilitate the identification of diseases such as Down syndrome, Seckel syndrome and tuberculum sellae meningioma in humans. Therefore, studies in this region are critical for a better understanding of sella turcica. The crania of six adult male tuj sheep, five adult male hair goats and five adult male gazelles were used in the study. Cross-sectional images of the cranium were captured using computed tomography. Cross-sectional images were used to model the sella turcica region in 3D, and the region was analysed morphologically and morphometrically. It was observed in the study that fossa hypophysialis, dorsum sella and processus clinoideus caudalis were clearly observed on the sella turcica. The processus clinoideus caudalis in some animals was not split into two. In morphometric analysis, the sella turcica length and sella turcica height (rostral border) parameters were statistically significant between the groups (p < 0.05). Consequently, this study morphological and morphometric examinations were carried out on the sella turcica of different ruminant species, and the differences between the groups were discussed. This study is expected to contribute to the very limited number of related studies, taxonomy and clinical studies in this field.

Shape variations of pelvis in different classes of dogs using geometric morphometry.

The ossa coxae are the bones that connect the hindlimbs to the axial skeleton. The right and left os coxae join at the median plane to form the pelvis. In this study, variations in pelvis shape and the asymmetric structure of the pelvis were investigated across different classes of dogs. To achieve this, computed tomography images of the pelvis were obtained from 35 dogs, and 3D modelling of the pelvis was created. Subsequently, 45 landmarks were identified on these models. As a result of the Principal Component Analysis, the shape variation was observed in the pelvic canal and crista iliaca. Directional asymmetry between Principal Component 1 and Principal Component 2 accounted for 33.84% of the total variation, while fluctuating asymmetry contributed 23.66%. Canonical variate analysis revealed that canonical variate (CV) 1 explained 56.56% of the total variation between groups, with CV 2 explained 28.98%. Male dogs exhibited greater pelvic variation than females. Procrustes ANOVA indicated that the greatest proportion of shape variation corresponds to the effect of differences among individuals. While directional asymmetry was statistically significant, fluctuating asymmetry was not. Male dogs displayed more pronounced pelvic shape asymmetry, typically towards the right. Gundogs had a narrower pelvic canal and a wide crista iliaca, whereas terriers had a wider pelvic canal and smaller crista iliaca in shape. Geometric morphometry enables statistical analysis and the derivation of average shapes from samples, making it a vital tool in veterinary anatomy. This study provides insights into pelvic geometric morphometry across different classes of dogs.

Comparing hoof dimensional measurements in cows based on 3D image creation and manual measurement.

In this study, the accuracy of using 3D measurements from a 3D image creation application (3DICA) as a potential tool for measuring hoof dimensions in cattle was determined. Fifty distal limbs of cattle obtained from a slaughterhouse were included after the data was trimmed by the functional hoof trimming method. The lengths of six dimensional variables determined by manual measurements served as the true values. Then, the images of these hooves were captured with the 3DICA, and the same variables were determined by the measurement function in the 3DICA. A strong positive correlation was obtained between the 3D and manual measurements for five of the six points, and the mean difference was within 2 mm at all six points. However, the limits of agreement varied at three of the six points. In conclusion, compared with manual measurements, the 3D measurements provided approximately equivalent measurements for the hoof dimensions. However, these findings are preliminary, and further investigations are needed.

Feed intake in housed dairy cows: validation of a three-dimensional camera-based feed intake measurement system.

Measuring feed intake accurately is crucial to determine feed efficiency and for genetic selection. A system using three-dimensional (3D) cameras and deep learning algorithms can measure the volume of feed intake in dairy cows, but for now, the system has not been validated for feed intake expressed as weight of feed. The aim of this study was to validate the weight of feed intake predicted from the 3D cameras with the actual measured weight. It was hypothesised that diet-specific coefficients are necessary for predicting changes in weight, that the relationship between weight and volume is curvilinear throughout the day, and that manually pushing the feed affects this relationship. Twenty-four lactating Danish Holstein cows were used in a cross-over design with four dietary treatments, 2 × 2 factorial arranged with either grass-clover silage or maize silage as silage factor, and barley or dried beet pulp as concentrate factor. Cows were adapted to the diets for 11 d, and for 3 d to tie-stall housing before camera measurements. Six cameras were used for recording, each mounted over an individual feeding platform equipped with a weight scale. When building the predictive models, four cameras were used for training, and the remaining two for testing the prediction of the models. The most accurate predictions were found for the average feed intake over a period when using the starting density of the feed pile, which resulted in the lowest errors, 6% when expressed as RMSE and 5% expressed as mean absolute error. A model including curvilinear effects of feed volume and the impact of manual feed pushing was used on a dataset including daily time points. When cross-validating, the inclusion of a curvilinear effect and a feed push effect did not improve the accuracy of the model for neither the feed pile nor the feed removed by the cow between consecutive time points. In conclusion, measuring daily feed intake from this 3D camera system in the present experimental setup could be accomplished with an acceptable error (below 8%), but the system should be improved for individual meal intake measurements if these measures were to be implemented.

Volumetric study on sheep brain using stereology technique.

Three-dimensional morphometric data better show the structural and functional characteristics of the brain. The objective of this study was to estimate the volume of the cerebral structures of the sheep using design-based stereology. The brains of five sheep were used, fixed in formalin 10% and embedded in agar 6%. An average of 10-12 slab was obtained from each brain. All slabs were stained using Mulligan's method and photographs were recorded. The volume of the brain and its structures were estimated using the Cavalieri's estimator and the point counting system. The total volume was 70604.8 ± 132.45 mm3. The volume fractions of the grey and white matters were calculated as 42.55 ± 0.21% and 24.23 ± 0.51% of the whole brain, respectively. The fractional volume of the caudate nucleus and claustrum were estimated at 2.39 ± 0.08% and at 1.008 ± 0.057% of total brain volume. The volumes of corpus callosum, internal capsule and external capsule were 1.24 ± 0.053%, 3.63 ± 0.22% and 0.698 ± 0.049% of total cerebral volume, respectively. These data could help improve the veterinary comparative neuroanatomy knowledge and development of experimental studies in the field.

Evaluation and 3D imaging of mineral structure changes of the rabbit (New Zealand) skull during developmental periods.

This study aimed to determine the morphometric measurements anatomically and CT images of skulls of healthy male and female rabbits during postnatal development, to analyse the data statistically and to demonstrate the structural changes in bone. A total of 40 rabbits (20 females and 20 males) were divided into four groups including prepubertal period (group I (0-1 month)), period between adolescence and adulthood (group II (3-5 month)) and later (young adult period as group III (1-3 years) and old adult period as group IV (3-5 years)), with five animals in each group. After the morphometric measurements, the surface area and volume values of the skull were calculated. The skulls were reconstructed using a 3D Slicer (5.0.2), which is used for 3D modelling. The cranial bones in each group were then crushed using a grinder so that the powdered samples were obtained for XRF (X-ray fluorescence technique). The p-value was statistically highly significant between group and gender (p < 0.001). In morphometric measurements, males were generally higher than females. Only PL, GBOC and GNB measurements were higher in females. The p-value between groups (in all measurements), between genders (in TL, GLN, FL, VL, OZB and GBN parameters) and between groups and genders (in TL, DL and VL parameters) was statistically highly significant (p < 0.001). The p-value between the groups, p-value between sexes and p-value between group and sex in Si, P, K, Ca, Ni, Zn, Sr, Sr and Ca/P elements were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Consequently, metric, volume and surface area measurements were taken through 3D modelling of skull bone in prepubertal period (group I), period between adolescence and adulthood (group II) and later (young adult period as group III and old adult period as group IV) of rabbits and the change in the mineral structure during postnatal development and effect of sex on this change were investigated. This might be the first study to assess both metric and mineral changes at four age intervals taken during the life span of rabbits.

Three-dimensional imaging to estimate in vivo body and carcass chemical composition of growing beef-on-dairy crossbred bulls.

The dynamics of cattle body chemical composition during growth and fattening periods determine animal performance and beef carcass quality. The aim of this study was to estimate the empty body (EB) and carcass chemical composition of growing beef-on-dairy crossbred bulls (Brown Swiss breed as dam with Angus, Limousin or Simmental as sire) using three-dimensional (3D) imaging. The 3D images of the cattle's external body shape were recorded in vivo on 48 bulls along growth trajectory (75-520 kg BW and 34-306 kg hot carcass weight [HCW]; set 1) and on 70 bulls at target market slaughter weight, including 18 animals from set 1 (average 517 ± 10 kg BW and 289 ± 10 kg HCW; set 2). The linear, circumference, curve, surface and volume measurements on the 3D body shape were determined. Those predictive variables were used in partial least square regressions, together with the effect of the sire breed whenever significant (P < 0.05), with leave-one-out cross-validation to estimate water, lipid, protein, mineral and energy mass or proportions in the EB and carcass. Mass and proportions were determined directly from postmortem grinding and chemical analyses (set 1) or indirectly using the 11th rib dissection method (set 2). In set 1, bulls' BW and HCW were estimated via 3D imaging, with root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 12 kg and 6 kg, respectively. The EB and carcass chemical component proportions were estimated with RMSEP from 0.2% for EB minerals (observed mean 3.7 ± 0.2%) to 1.8% for EB lipid (11.6 ± 4.2%), close to the RMSEP found for the carcass. In set 2, the RMSEP for estimation via 3D imaging was 9 kg for BW and 6 kg for HCW. The EB energy and protein proportions were estimated, with RMSEP of 0.5 MJ/kg fresh matter (10.1 ± 0.8 MJ/DM) and 0.2% (18.7 ± 0.7%), respectively. Overall, the estimations of chemical component proportions from 3D imaging were slightly less precise for both sets than the mass estimations. The morphological traits from the 3D images appeared to be precise estimators of BW, HCW as well as EB and carcass chemical component masses and proportions.

Utilizing 3-dimensional models to assess keel bone damage in laying hens throughout the lay cycle.

The global egg industry is rapidly transitioning to cage-free egg production from conventional cages. Hens housed in cage-free systems have an increased prevalence of keel damage that could lead to reduced egg production and compromised well-being. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of n-3 fatty acids and vitamin D3 on keel damage in hens housed in multi-tier aviary systems (AV). Brown hens were placed in 4 AV system rooms after rearing at 17 wk of age (woa) with each room containing 576 birds. At 12 woa, rooms were randomly assigned to a dietary treatment of flaxseed oil, fish oil, vitamin D3, or control. Focal birds (36 per treatment) were longitudinally examined for keel damage using quantitative computed tomography (QCT) at nine timepoints from 16 to 52 woa. Three-dimensional digital twins of the keels were created from the QCT scans and visually assessed for damage. An overall keel severity score was recorded as well as the location, direction, and severity of each deviation or fracture. Severity was ranked on a 0 to 5 scale with 0 being no damage and 5 being severe. Damage scores were analyzed utilizing odds ratios with main effects of age and treatment. At 16 woa, 80% of hens had overall keel scores of 0 and 20% had scores of 1. At 52 woa, all hens had damage, with 31% having a score of 1, 61% scored 2 to 3, and 8% scored 4 to 5. Most fractures were not observed until peak lay. Dietary treatments did not affect likelihood of fracture incidences, but younger birds had lower odds of incurring keel fractures than older birds (P < 0.0001). The initial incidences of keel deviations occurred earlier than fractures, with most birds obtaining a keel deviation by 28 woa. Keel damage was not able to be prevented, but the age at which keel fractures and deviations initiate appear to be different, with deviations occurring during growth and fractures during lay.

Structural analysis of the female reptile reproductive system by micro-computed tomography and optical coherence tomography†.

Volumetric data provide unprecedented structural insight to the reproductive tract and add vital anatomical context to the relationships between organs. The morphology of the female reproductive tract in non-avian reptiles varies between species, corresponding to a broad range of reproductive modes and providing valuable insight to comparative investigations of reproductive anatomy. However, reproductive studies in reptilian models, such as the brown anole studied here, have historically relied on histological methods to understand the anatomy. While these methods are highly effective for characterizing the cell types present in each organ, histological methods lose the 3D relationships between images and leave the architecture of the organ system poorly understood. We present the first comprehensive volumetric analyses of the female brown anole reproductive tract using two non-invasive, non-destructive imaging modalities: micro-computed tomography (microCT) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Both are specialized imaging technologies that facilitate high-throughput imaging and preserve three-dimensional information. This study represents the first time that microCT has been used to study all reproductive organs in this species and the very first time that OCT has been applied to this species. We show how the non-destructive volumetric imaging provided by each modality reveals anatomical context including orientation and relationships between reproductive organs of the anole lizard. In addition to broad patterns of morphology, both imaging modalities provide the high resolution necessary to capture details and key anatomical features of each organ. We demonstrate that classic histological features can be appreciated within whole-organ architecture in volumetric imaging using microCT and OCT, providing the complementary information necessary to understand the relationships between tissues and organs in the reproductive system. This side-by-side imaging analysis using microCT and OCT allows us to evaluate the specific advantages and limitations of these two methods for the female reptile reproductive system.

Three-dimensional magnetic resonance cholangiography is superior to two-dimensional single-shot magnetic resonance cholangiography for visualization and image quality of the feline and canine biliary tract: A postmortem study.

Magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) is an established diagnostic tool for noninvasive assessment of the biliary tract in humans. It has also been found to be feasible in companion animals, but no published studies have compared MRC sequences in veterinary medicine. The present study is part of a prospective, observational, analytical investigation on MR cholangiopancreatography performed on the donated bodies of 12 cats and eight dogs. The main aim of this study was to compare the images of 2D-SSh-TSE-MRC and 3D-TSE-MRC sequences for visualization and image quality of the feline and canine biliary tract. Both sequences are T2-weighted and noncontrast. Three independent readers scored the visibility of four segments of the biliary tract, namely the gallbladder (GB), cystic duct, common bile duct (CBD), and extrahepatic ducts, and the image quality of the two MRC sequences using five-point Likert scales. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the scores between the MRC sequences separately for cats and dogs. Inter- and intraobserver agreements were measured using Gwet's AC2 with linear weighting. The 3D-TSE-MRC images were scored significantly higher than the 2D-SSh-TSE-MRC for both visibility and image quality (P < .001-.016 for cats, P = .008-.031 for dogs); the only exception was GB in dogs. In both cats and dogs, interobserver agreement for segment visibility and image quality ranged from slight to substantial in 2D-SSh-TSE-MRC and from poor to almost perfect in 3D-TSE-MRC. Most of the assessments (73% for segment visibility and 66% for image quality) had substantial to almost perfect intraobserver agreement. Findings from the current study support the use of 3D-TSE-MRC over 2D-SSh-TSE-MRC for evaluation of the feline and canine biliary tract, but further studies on live animals are warranted.

CT based 3D reconstruction of the forefoot's blood supply in a white rhinoceros.

BACKGROUND: The white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) is close to extinction, listed as "Near Threatened", with a decreasing population on the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. In at least 50% of the specimens in captivity, podiatric diseases, such as osteitis, osteomyelitis, chip fractures, enthesophytes, fractures and osteoarthritis were found during necropsy. These osteal deformations cause further pathogenic alterations in the soft tissues, particularly in the digital cushion. The literature provides good description of the skeleton of the rhino's limbs, but similar for the vascular system is non-existent. In order to recognize the symptoms in an early state and for a successful surgical treatment, precise knowledge of the vascular anatomy is essential. The purpose of our study was to provide detailed anatomical description of the blood supply of the digits and that of the digital cushion. RESULTS: The blood supply of the distal foot, digits and digital cushions were perfectly visible on the reconstructed and coloured 3D models. The deep palmar arch provided not only the blood supply to the digits but had a palmaro-distal running branch which developed a trifurcation proximal to the proximal sesamoid bones of the third digit. Two of its branches participated in the blood supply of the digits' proximal palmar surface, while the major branch supplied the digital cushion from proximal direction. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show a unique blood supply: the main vessels of the digital cushion stem both directly from the deep palmar arch and from the digits' own arteries. The detailed description of vessels may be useful in planning surgery of the region and also in cases where the veins of the ear are not accessible.

Comparison of craniometric measurements of New Zealand rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) using three-dimensional scanner with digital calliper measurements: A methodological study.

As technology has developed in recent years, the use of three-dimensional (3D) scanners and printers has become widespread in the medical field. However, since this field is new, all kinds of methodological and experimental related studies gain importance. This study aimed to identify the differences between the calliper measurements by determining the craniometric data on the models constructed by scanning the crania of New Zealand Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.), preferred as experimental animals, with a three-dimensional scanner. Therefore, a total of 12 New Zealand rabbits including 6 females and 6 males were used. After the crania that comprised the study material were macerated, they were subjected to 3D scanning. After the scanning process was completed, they were craniometrically measured both on the scanned models and by using a digital calliper. Analysis of the craniometric data of the 3D scanner showed that there was a difference between sexes at the level of p < 0.05 in widest length between the external acoustic meatus (WLBEAM), skull width and Foramen magnum height (FMH) parameters and cranial index data, and at the level of p < 0.001 in the largest nasal width (LNW) parameter. A statistical difference was found between sexes in frontal length, WLBEAM, LNW and FMH parameters and cranial index values in craniometric data collected with the digital calliper (p < 0.05). Consequently, the data collected in this study were found to be close to each other in both methods, suggesting that the 3D scanner may be used in morphometric studies.

Comparison of two-dimensional imaging to three-dimensional modeling of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts using computed tomography angiography.

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is used for the diagnosis of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (IHPSS). When planning for transcatheter intervention, caudal vena cava (CVC) measurements are typically obtained from two-dimensional (2D) imaging to aid in stent selection. We hypothesized that clinically applicable three-dimensional (3D) IHPSS models can be generated, and CVC measurements will not differ between 2D images and 3D models. Computed tomography angiography datasets from client-owned dogs with IHPSS at the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 2016 to 2022 were analyzed. Materialise Mimics 25.0 and 3-matic 17.0 were used for 3D modeling. Caudal vena cava diameters were measured in 2D dorsal and transverse planes 20 mm cranial and caudal from the shunt ostium and were compared with CVC diameters from 3D models. Length was measured in the 2D dorsal plane between midpoints of each diameter and compared to the 3D model length. Data are presented as mean (SD), and intraclass correlation coefficients were performed. Three-dimensional models were generated for 32 IHPSS (15 right-, 12 left-, and five central-divisional). Two-dimensional dorsal and transverse area-associated diameter measurements were 16.7 mm (5.6) and 15.5 mm (4.2) cranial; 14.9 mm (4.2) and 14.3 mm (3.7) caudal. Three-dimensional area-associated diameter measurements were 15.3 mm (4.4) cranial and 14.0 mm (3.6) caudal. The 2D length was 61.5 mm (7.1) compared with 3D 59.9 mm (7.2). Intraclass correlation coefficients comparing 2D and 3D diameters were all >0.80, indicating very good agreement, with good agreement (>0.60) for length. Clinically applicable 3D IHPSS models can be generated using engineering software. Measurements from 3D models are consistent with 2D planar imaging. Both 2D CTA and 3D virtual models can be utilized for preprocedural planning, depending on clinician preference.

Technical note: ShinyAnimalCV: open-source cloud-based web application for object detection, segmentation, and three-dimensional visualization of animals using computer vision.

Computer vision (CV), a non-intrusive and cost-effective technology, has furthered the development of precision livestock farming by enabling optimized decision-making through timely and individualized animal care. The availability of affordable two- and three-dimensional camera sensors, combined with various machine learning and deep learning algorithms, has provided a valuable opportunity to improve livestock production systems. However, despite the availability of various CV tools in the public domain, applying these tools to animal data can be challenging, often requiring users to have programming and data analysis skills, as well as access to computing resources. Moreover, the rapid expansion of precision livestock farming is creating a growing need to educate and train animal science students in CV. This presents educators with the challenge of efficiently demonstrating the complex algorithms involved in CV. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop ShinyAnimalCV, an open-source cloud-based web application designed to facilitate CV teaching in animal science. This application provides a user-friendly interface for performing CV tasks, including object segmentation, detection, three-dimensional surface visualization, and extraction of two- and three-dimensional morphological features. Nine pre-trained CV models using top-view animal data are included in the application. ShinyAnimalCV has been deployed online using cloud computing platforms. The source code of ShinyAnimalCV is available on GitHub, along with detailed documentation on training CV models using custom data and deploying ShinyAnimalCV locally to allow users to fully leverage the capabilities of the application. ShinyAnimalCV can help to support the teaching of CV, thereby laying the groundwork to promote the adoption of CV in the animal science community.

The integration of cameras and data science has great potential to revolutionize livestock production systems, making them more efficient and sustainable by replacing human-based management with real-time individualized animal care. However, applying these digital tools to animal data presents challenges that require computer programming and data analysis skills, as well as access to computing resources. Additionally, there is a growing need to train animal science students to analyze image or video data using data science algorithms. However, teaching computer programming to all types of students from the ground up can prove complicated and challenging. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop ShinyAnimalCV, a user-friendly online web application that supports users to learn the application of data science to analyze animal digital video data, without the need for complex coding. The application includes nine pre-trained models for detecting and segmenting animals in image data and can be easily accessed through a web browser. We have also made the source code and detailed documentation available online for advanced users who wish to use the application locally. This software tool facilitates the teaching of digital animal data analysis in the animal science community, with potential benefits to livestock production systems.

Grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) beak papillae and nerves identified using novel 2-D and 3-D imaging modalities.

OBJECTIVE: The avian beak is a complex organ containing bone, neurovascular tissue, and keratinized covering (rhamphotheca). Nerve-rich papillae extend through bone into rhamphotheca providing sensory input from the beak tip. Beak trimming is a common procedure in avian species and is used for corrective, cosmetic, and behavioral modification purposes. Yet, practitioners are not well versed in complete beak anatomy, and therefore, beak trimming often disregards neurovasculature, injuring the patient and hampering recovery. Here, using comprehensive anatomical description, we aim to provide recommendations on how to safely perform beak trimming without damaging underlying sensory papillae. ANIMALS: Here, we evaluated beaks of 2 deceased grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus). PROCEDURES: In one, we used a novel stain and microcomputed tomography to visualize papillae in the upper and lower beaks. In a second, we hand isolated the upper and lower beak dermal papillae and used high-resolution photography plus traditional paraffin histology. RESULTS: Papillae and their nerves were easily identified in these 2- and 3-dimensional approaches. This allowed us to determine the approximate lengths of papillae within the upper and lower beak. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on these findings, the authors recommend lateral radiographs of the bird's head and beak to identify the location of the underlying bone relative to the overlying rhamphotheca before performing beak trims. Specifically in grey parrots, the authors recommend the upper and lower beak should not be trimmed closer than 8 to 10 mm from the underlying bone. Further work is needed to support these recommendations and provide guidelines for other species.

Students with access to 3D study materials are better able to translate spatial relationships between abdominal organs and correctly interpret abnormal radiographic images.

Previous studies have demonstrated evidence that three-dimensional (3D) visualization techniques can be helpful as learning tools. This prospective randomized control study was designed to test the hypothesis that 3D learning tools would have improved translation into interpreting normal and abnormal canine abdominal radiographic images over traditional learning tools. Sagittal and dorsal plane 3D image scenes were created from CT scans, with canine abdominal organs labeled using virtual reality and 3D visualization software tools. Eighty students from the first- and second-year veterinary classes at a single institution participated in the study. The control group studied canine abdominal anatomy from a textbook and the experimental group studied canine abdominal anatomy using the 3D learning tools for a set time. Each participant then took a three-part written examination to assess their learning for the following categories: 3D anatomy organ identification, radiographic anatomy organ identification of normal structures and radiographic anatomy organ identification of abnormal structures. All participants were also asked to identify the sex of the test patient from the 3D study. Participants from the experimental group performed statistically better than participants in the control group for all parts of the examination, with the exception of normal radiographic anatomy.

Anatomy of the rabbit inner ear using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Anatomically, the inner ear is a highly complex organ of intricate design, composed of a bony labyrinth that encases the same-shaped membranous labyrinth. It is difficult to study the three-dimensional anatomy of the inner ear because the relevant structures are very small and embedded within the petrous temporal bone, one of the densest bones in the body. The current study aimed to provide a detailed anatomic reference for the normal anatomy of the rabbit's inner ear. As a study model, ten healthy adults New Zealand White rabbit heads were used. Six heads were used for macroscopic evaluation of the bony and membranous labyrinths. The remaining four heads were evaluated radiographically, where 3D images were generated of the bony and membranous labyrinths using data sets from computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), respectively. The anatomical structures were identified and labelled according to NominaAnatomicaVeterinaria (NAV). Our study revealed that CT and MRI are the optimal cross-sectional imaging modalities for investigating such tiny and often inaccessible inner ear structures. As high-quality scanners are not readily available to veterinarians, the CT and MRI images generated by this research were of lower quality; therefore, high-quality dissections were used to identify/support structures seen in these images. In conclusion, this study provides one of the first investigations that uses multislice CT scans and MRI to study the rabbit's inner ear and its correlation with the corresponding anatomical images. Both anatomical, CT and MRI images will serve as a reference for interpreting pathologies relative to the rabbit's inner ear.