Synergistic Interaction Effect of Artemisia cina n-hexane Extract and Tagetes lucida Ethyl Acetate Extract on Haemonchus Contortus.

PURPOSE: We analysed the possible synergistic activity among active extracts from Artemisia cina and Tagetes lucida combinations on Haemonchus contortus, a nematode parasitising sheep. METHODS: The work was carried out in vitro on eggs and infective larvae (L3) of H. contortus. The results were analysed with SAS 9.1, applying the ANOVA and Tukey test, and the lethal concentration (LC) values LC50 and LC90 were determined with regression analysis, employing Proc Probit of SAS 9.1. Additionally, the lethal concentration (LC) was calculated with LC50 and LC90 to determine the synergistic effect. RESULTS: The results demonstrated a high efficacy of the two plants studied on both nematode eggs and L3 larvae as well as of their combinations. The highest egg hatching inhibition was obtained with a 50/50 combination, and the best larvae mortality was obtained with 25% A. cina and 75% T. lucida at 10 mg/mL. Additionally, this combination showed a synergistic effect. CONCLUSION: The two plant species studied here can be applied as natural anthelmintic alternatives due to their high bioactive effect and synergistic response.

Peste des petits ruminants virus infection induces endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis via IRE1-XBP1 and IRE1-JNK signaling pathways.

BACKGROUND: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a contagious and fatal disease of sheep and goats. PPR virus (PPRV) infection induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated unfolded protein response (UPR). The activation of UPR signaling pathways and their impact on apoptosis and virus replication remains controversial. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of PPRV-induced ER stress and the IRE1-XBP1 and IRE1-JNK pathways and their impact on apoptosis and virus replication. METHODS: The cell viability and virus replication were assessed by 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay, immunofluorescence assay, and Western blot. The expression of ER stress biomarker GRP78, IRE1, and its downstream molecules, PPRV-N protein, and apoptosis-related proteins was detected by Western blot and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. 4-Phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) and STF-083010 were respectively used to inhibit ER stress and IRE1 signaling pathway. RESULTS: The expression of GRP78, IRE1α, p-IRE1α, XBP1s, JNK, p-JNK, caspase-3, caspase-9, Bax and PPRV-N were significantly up-regulated in PPRV-infected cells, the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly down-regulated. Due to 4-PBA treatment, the expression of GRP78, p-IRE1α, XBP1s, p-JNK, caspase-3, caspase-9, Bax, and PPRV-N were significantly down-regulated, the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly up-regulated. Moreover, in PPRV-infected cells, the expression of p-IRE1α, p-JNK, Bax, and PPRV-N was significantly decreased, and the expression of Bcl-2 was increased in the presence of STF-083010. CONCLUSIONS: PPRV infection induces ER stress and IRE1 activation, resulting in apoptosis and enhancement of virus replication through IRE1-XBP1s and IRE1-JNK pathways.

A compendium of ruminant gastrointestinal phage genomes revealed a higher proportion of lytic phages than in any other environments.

BACKGROUND: Ruminants are important livestock animals that have a unique digestive system comprising multiple stomach compartments. Despite significant progress in the study of microbiome in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) sites of ruminants, we still lack an understanding of the viral community of ruminants. Here, we surveyed its viral ecology using 2333 samples from 10 sites along the GIT of 8 ruminant species. RESULTS: We present the Unified Ruminant Phage Catalogue (URPC), a comprehensive survey of phages in the GITs of ruminants including 64,922 non-redundant phage genomes. We characterized the distributions of the phage genomes in different ruminants and GIT sites and found that most phages were organism-specific. We revealed that ~ 60% of the ruminant phages were lytic, which was the highest as compared with those in all other environments and certainly will facilitate their applications in microbial interventions. To further facilitate the future applications of the phages, we also constructed a comprehensive virus-bacteria/archaea interaction network and identified dozens of phages that may have lytic effects on methanogenic archaea. CONCLUSIONS: The URPC dataset represents a useful resource for future microbial interventions to improve ruminant production and ecological environmental qualities. Phages have great potential for controlling pathogenic bacterial/archaeal species and reducing methane emissions. Our findings provide insights into the virome ecology research of the ruminant GIT and offer a starting point for future research on phage therapy in ruminants. Video Abstract.

Calicophoron daubneyi (Paramphistomidae) in deer of the Sumava National Park, Czech Republic - Consequence of prevalent rumen fluke infection in cattle.

A substantial parallel increase in prevalence and geographical spread of the rumen fluke, Calicophoron daubneyi, in livestock in western and central Europe has been recognized in the recent past. In the course of the examination of rectum feces of 471 red deer (Cervus elaphus) and one sika deer (Cervus nippon) from the Fascioloides magna endemic Sumava National Park in the years 2021 and 2022, rumen fluke eggs were detected in four red deer (0.8%) and the sika deer and identified as eggs of C. daubneyi by molecular analysis. Subsequent examination of rectal fecal samples of 247 beef cattle from 22 herds of 14 farms located in or nearby the national park revealed rumen fluke eggs in 53 samples (21.5%) originating from 16 herds of 11 farms, molecularly identified as C. daubneyi eggs as well. One C. daubneyi egg positive red deer and three C. daubneyi egg positive cattle samples also contained fasciolid eggs, respectively, which were detected in 9.5% or 3.6% of the total samples from red deer or cattle, respectively. Results of this investigation reveal the first finding of C. daubneyi in sika deer worldwide and in red deer in mainland Europe and add to the growing number of reports on C. daubneyi in livestock in Europe. Considering that the ratio of cattle excreting rumen fluke eggs exceeded that of deer substantially, it can reasonably be assumed that the C. daubneyi infections in deer are a consequence of the prevalent infection in cattle, illustrating a pathogen spillover event from livestock into wildlife.

Development of a Predictive Model for Iron Levels in Bovine Muscle Tissue Using Hair as a Predictor.

The assessment of iron levels in cattle muscle tissue is crucial for livestock management because it influences both animal health and meat quality, key factors in sustainable development. This study aimed to develop an optimal model for noninvasively predicting the iron content in Hereford cattle muscle tissue, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the animals' elemental status. The research involved the atomic absorption analysis of muscle tissue and hair samples from cattle. A regression model was constructed using the least squares method to identify the most effective approach. These findings have ecological applications, aiding in evaluating environmental health and establishing acceptable iron thresholds for animals. The proposed mathematical model utilizing biomarkers (levels of Mg, K, Fe, Al, Cr in hair) will allow for the assessment of iron levels in cattle muscle tissue throughout the period of productive use, with the possibility of adjustment and tracking the changes in elemental status over time. The utilization of the developed method will enable the diagnosis of animal elementosis and assessment of the iron level burden. Subsequently, this will allow for the improvement of the qualitative characteristics of the final product. Thus, the obtained data contribute to fundamental knowledge regarding the content and variability of iron levels in the muscle tissue of cattle.

Global and regional seroprevalence of coxiellosis in small ruminants: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Coxiellosis is a neglected zoonosis for occupationally exposed people in many parts of the world. Sheep and goats are two important small ruminants that act as reservoirs for human contamination; however, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the epidemiological aspects of coxiellosis in sheep and goats at regional and global levels. The aim of this study was to systematically review the available articles on seroprevalence of coxiellosis in sheep and goats and estimate the overall seroprevalence in different regions. METHODS: A systematic search strategy was performed in five electronic repositories for articles published until December 2021. Relevant data were extracted from the selected articles based on the inclusion criteria. A random effect meta-analysis model was used to analyse the data. Results are presented as the prevalence of seropositivity as a percentage and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The global pooled seroprevalence of coxiellosis in sheep was 17.38% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.59%-19.17%). Overall, the regional level pooled prevalence estimates in sheep ranged from 15.04% (95% CI: 7.68%-22.40%) to 19.14% (95% CI: 15.51%-22.77%), depending on region. The global pooled seroprevalence of coxiellosis in goats was 22.60% (95% CI: 19.54%-25.66%). Overall, the regional level pooled prevalence estimates in goats ranged from 6.33% (95% CI: 2.96%-9.71%) to 55.13% (95% CI: 49.61%-60.65%), depending on the region. The prevalence estimates also varied significantly in both sheep and goats depending on age, sex, and rearing systems of the animals (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Seroprevalence of coxiellosis in both sheep and goats is considerable. Routine monitoring of the sheep and goat populations is needed to prevent spillover infection in other livestock and humans.

Serological prevalence of the Schmallenberg virus in domestic and wild hosts worldwide: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is an arthropod-borne virus that emerged recently in northwestern Europe in 2011 that affects domestic and wild ruminants and induces abortion, stillbirth, and newborns with congenital anomalies. Since its discovery, SBV has spread very rapidly to too many countries in the world. The overall serological investigation of SBV is needed to improve modeling predictions and assess the overall impact on ruminant animals, which helps to design interventions for control and prevention strategies. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the overall serological assay of SBV in both domestic and wild ruminants around the world. This systematic review was conducted as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. International databases were employed To search for relevant articles. The pooled prevalence with a 95% confidence interval was calculated with a random effects model. The Cochran's Q test, τ2, and I2 were used to assess the sources of heterogeneity. In the current meta-analysis, a total of 41 articles were included. The overall pooled proportion of SBV in domestic and wild ruminants was 49 and 26%, respectively. Substantial heterogeneity was observed in studies on domestic ruminants (I2 = 99.7%; p < 0.01) and studies on wild ruminants (I2 = 97.9%; p < 0.01). The pooled prevalence of SBV was significantly associated with publication time, detection techniques, and species of animals. According to the subgroup analysis, the highest pooled prevalence of SBV was reported in cattle (59%), followed by sheep (37%) and goat (18%). In addition to the subgroup analysis based on publication year, the pooled prevalence of SBV infection has become endemic since 2013 (49%) among domestic animals in the world. Of the diagnostic tests used, the highest anti-SBV antibodies (66%) were detected by a virus neutralization test. In this meta-analysis, the major wild animals that were infected by SBV were red deer, roe deer, fallow deer, mouflon, and wild boar. The highest sub-pooled prevalence of SBV was found in roe deer (46%), followed by fallow deer (30%), red deer (27%), mouflon (22%), and wild boar (11%). In general, the prevalence of SBV was high in cattle among domestic ruminants and in roe deer among wild animals. According to the current information provided by this meta-analysis, evidence-based risk management measures should be established to restrict SBV spread in both domestic and wild ruminants.

Effect of dietary inclusion of Pennisetum purpureum (Napier) grass on growth performance, rumen fermentation and meat quality of feedlot sussex red steers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth performance, fermentation indices and meat quality of Sussex steers fed totally mixed rations that composed of graded inclusion levels of Napier grass (NP). Three experimental diets designated as diet 1 (0.0 g kg-1 NP: Control), diet 2 (300 g kg-1 NP grass) and diet 3 (600 g kg-1 NP) were formulated. Twenty-four male steers aged 8 months with an average body weight of 185.0 ± 30 kg were used. In a completely randomized design, the animals were allocated to the diets and fed for 120 days. Dietary NP inclusion reduced (P < 0.05) the animals' average daily gain and increased the feed efficiency. The steers' daily feed intake and final body weight decreased (P < 0.05) with a 600 g kg-1 inclusion level. The fermentation indices were not affected (P > 0.05) by the inclusion. While the inclusion reduced (P < 0.05) warm muscle temperature, it had no effect (P > 0.05) on carcass dressing percentage, warm and cold initial and ultimate pH. However, 600 g kg-1 inclusion level reduced (P > 0.05) warm and cold carcass weights. Meat physical attributes, moisture characteristics and tenderness were not affected (P > 0.05) by dietary treatments, except for the 7-days aged meat thaw loss, which increased at 600 g kg-1 inclusion level. Inclusion of 300 g kg-1 increased meat protein and fat, but dry and organic matter contents decreased with increasing inclusion levels. Dietary inclusion of NP grass up to 300 g kg-1 in steers' diets improved feed intake, carcass traits and yielded meat high in protein and fat.

Epidemiology and phylogeny of Haemonchus contortus through internal transcribed spacer 2 gene in small ruminants.

Introduction: Haemonchus contortus (H. contortus) is a blood-feeding nematode causing infectious disease haemonchosis in small ruminants of tropical and subtropical regions around the world. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and phylogeny of H. contortus in small ruminants using the internal transcribed spacer-2 (ITS-2) gene. In addition, a comprehensive review of the available literature on the status of H. contortus in Pakistan was conducted. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from sheep and goats (n = 180). Microscopically positive samples were subjected to DNA extraction followed by PCR using species-specific primers. Results: The overall prevalence of H. contortus was 25.55% in small ruminants. The prevalence of H. contortus was significantly associated with months and area. The highest occurrence of haemonchosis was documented in July (38.70%), whereas the lowest occurred in December (11.11%), with significant difference. The prevalence was highest in the Ghamkol camp (29.4%) and lowest in the arid zone of the Small Ruminant Research Institute (17.5%) (p = 0.01). The results of the systematic review revealed the highest prevalence of haemonchosis (34.4%) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (p = 0.001). Discussion: Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship between H. contortus and isolates from Asia (China, India, Iran, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Mongolia) and European countries (Italy and the United Kingdom). It has been concluded that H. contortus is prevalent in small ruminants of Kohat district and all over Pakistan, which could be a potential threat to food-producing animals, farmers, dairy, and the meat industry. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that H. contortus isolates share close phylogenetic relationships with species from Asia and Europe.

Gastrointestinal anthelmintic plants used on small ruminants in Benin: Traditional use and scientific results - Review.

In Benin, livestock breeders frequently use medicinal plants to treat gastrointestinal diseases in small ruminants. The aim of this review is to list the plants traditionally used in this context and to present the scientific findings on the efficacy of these plants. An extensive search was carried out using PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Biomed Central and Google Scholar databases to collect data, with combinations of relevant french and english keywords such as "ethnobotanical survey", "anthelmintic properties", "medicinal plants", "gastrointestinal parasites", "digestive strongyles", "Haemonchus", "Trichostrongylus", "small ruminants", "sheep", "goats" and "Benin". A total of 45 published articles met the eligibility criteria. This review listed 123 plants used by breeders to treat gastrointestinal ailments in small ruminants. The most commonly used parts are leaves and barks, and the most common forms are decoction, maceration and powder. Scientific studies have demonstrated the anthelmintic properties of 18 plants, including Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides, Newbouldia laevis, Mitragyna inermis and Combretum glutinosum. The powders or leaf extracts of these plants showed in vivo significant reductions of over 50% in egg excretion, larval establishment, viability and fertility of gastrointestinal strongyles in small ruminants. Extracts of these plants also revealed in vitro inhibitory activity of over 50% on egg hatching, larval migration and motility of gastrointestinal strongyles. This manuscript highlights the traditional use of anthelmintic plants in small ruminants in Benin and provides scientific results supporting the efficacy of these plants.

Review of yeast culture concerning the interactions between gut microbiota and young ruminant animals.

Microorganisms inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants and regulate body metabolism by maintaining intestinal health. The state of gastrointestinal health is influenced not only by the macro-level factors of optimal development and the physiological structure integrity but also by the delicate equilibrium between the intestinal flora and immune status at the micro-level. Abrupt weaning in young ruminants causes incomplete development of the intestinal tract resulting in an unstable and unformed microbiota. Abrupt weaning also induced damages to the microecological homeostasis of the intestinal tract, resulting in the intestinal infections and diseases, such as diarrhea. Recently, nutritional and functional yeast culture has been researched to tackle these problems. Herein, we summarized current known interactions between intestinal microorganisms and the body of young ruminants, then we discussed the regulatory effects of using yeast culture as a feed supplement. Yeast culture is a microecological preparation that contains yeast, enriched with yeast metabolites and other nutrient-active components, including ß-glucan, mannan, digestive enzymes, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and some other unknown growth factors. It stimulates the proliferation of intestinal mucosal epithelial cells and the reproduction of intestinal microorganisms by providing special nutrient substrates to support the intestinal function. Additionally, the ß-glucan and mannan effectively stimulate intestinal mucosal immunity, promote immune response, activate macrophages, and increase acid phosphatase levels, thereby improving the body's resistance to several disease. The incorporation of yeast culture into young ruminants' diet significantly alleviated the damage caused by weaning stress to the gastrointestinal tract which also acts an effective strategy to promote the balance of intestinal flora, development of intestinal tissue, and establishment of mucosal immune system. Our review provides a theoretical basis for the application of yeast culture in the diet of young ruminants.

Comparative disposition kinetics of oral deracoxib in sheep and goats.

This study investigates the pharmacokinetics (PK) of deracoxib (DX), a selective COX-2 inhibitor, in sheep and goats following a single oral dose. DX, approved for dogs, holds potential as an alternative NSAID in small ruminants, particularly in light of heightened concern regarding abomasal ulceration. The study employed an oral administration of DX at a dose of 150 mg/head (sheep and goats), and plasma concentrations were determined after validating a high-performance liquid chromatography method, coupled to a UV detector. The PK parameters, including maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time to reach Cmax (Tmax), elimination half-life (t1/2), and area under the curve (AUC), were evaluated through non-compartmental analysis. Results showed detectable DX in plasma up to 48 h, with no observed adverse effects. No significant differences in any PK parameters were noted between sheep and goats. Notably, t1/2 values were relatively long, at 16.66 h for sheep and 22.86 h for goats. Despite the fact that both species exhibited comparable drug exposure, high individual variability was noted within each species, suggesting to take into account individual variations in response to DX treatment, rather than species-specific considerations. Additional research involving pharmacodynamics and multiple-dose studies is warranted to comprehensively assess the profile of DX in these species.

First molecular identification of Haemonchus contortus (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae), a blood-sucking gastric nematode of artiodactyles, in the ground beetle Carabus granulatus (Coleoptera: Carabidae).

Among gastrointestinal nematodes, Haemonchus contortus (Rudolphi) Cobb (order Strongylidae; family Trichostrongylidae) is one of pathogenic and economic importance in domestic and wild ruminants, including the European bison, Bison bonasus Linnaeus (order Cetartiodactyla; family Bovidae); a species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species. Carabus granulatus Linnaeus (order Coleoptera; family Carabidae) is one of the most prevalent species of ground beetle, inhabiting a wide range of terrestrial ecosystems in Poland. Twenty-six ground beetles of this species inhabiting the Bialowieza Primeval Forest in eastern Poland were screened for the presence of DNA of pathogenic gastrointestinal nematodes of ruminants. Extracted DNA was sequenced and compared to reference sequences. In six insects, the presence of H. contortus DNA was detected. The obtained nucleotide sequences were homologous to each other and to the majority of the published DNA sequences of H. contortus isolates. The sequences were also identical to a sequence of H. contortus isolated from European bison in Poland. The study provides the first molecular evidence of the presence of H. contortus DNA in C. granulatus. The finding suggests that ground beetles may play a role in the transmission dynamics of this parasite.

Complete genome sequence of Chlamydia psittaci АМК-16, isolated from a small ruminant in the Middle Volga Region, Russia.

We report the complete genome sequence of the Chlamydia psittaci АМК-16, recovered from the aborted caprine fetus during a case of chlamydia infection. This 1,152,497-bp genome with 7,552-bp cryptic plasmid provides novel insights into the genetic diversity of chlamydia agent strains particularly those causing the infection in small ruminants.

Extensive Countrywide Molecular Identification and High Genetic Diversity of Haemonchus spp. in Domestic Ruminants in Greece.

The gastrointestinal nematode parasite Haemonchus spp. is one of the most pathogenic parasites of ruminants, due to its blood-sucking activity, which causes large economic losses in the ruminant industry. The latest epizootiological data recorded an increase in the infection, not only in Greece but also in other countries, mainly attributed to climatic changes. The study of the population structure and the investigation of the phylogenetic relationships of Haemonchus spp. are essential for the understanding of its biology and epizootiology to implement appropriate control and prevention strategies. In addition, the molecular approach allows the determination of evolutionary relationships between different species of this parasite, the diverse hosts they infect, as well as the different geographic compartments from which they originate. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify the species of the sympatric populations of the genus Haemonchus, a nematode parasite infecting ruminants (sheep, goats, cattle, and buffaloes) from different regions of Greece (continental and insular) using molecular methods. At the same time, an attempt was made to identify the possible subpopulations of Haemonchus spp. in Greece, to investigate their phylogenetic relationships, as well as to determine the genetic diversity of each population. A total of 288 worms of the genus Haemonchus were processed using molecular methods; of these, 96 were collected from sheep, 96 from goats, 48 from cattle, and finally, 48 from buffaloes. A fragment of 321 base pairs of the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) sequence of nuclear DNA was amplified for species identification, and, after basic local alignment search tool (Blast) analysis, it was revealed that they belonged to H. contortus. A fragment of 820 base pairs of subunit 4 of the nicotinamide dehydrogenase (ND4) gene of mitochondrial DNA was amplified for genetic diversity analysis. The Greek mitochondrial ND4 sequences of H. contortus were classified into 140 haplotypes, and the values of the average nucleotide and haplotype diversity were lower compared to the respective values derived from Italy, Malaysia, the USA, and China. The phylogenetic analysis of the ND4 gene revealed a clear grouping of the Greek haplotypes when compared with Asian ones, and, at the same time, there was no profound grouping of the same haplotypes with regard to their different hosts and geographical origin within different regions of Greece. The aforementioned findings confirmed that H. contortus prevails in our country and can infect all species of ruminants, without geographical boundaries, when the right conditions (i.e., common grazing) are created.

A Comparative Analysis of Orexins in the Physio-Pathological Processes of the Male Genital Tract: New Challenges? A Review.

Orexins A (OXA) and B (OXB) and their specific receptors, receptor 1 (OX1R) and 2 (OX2R) for orexins, are hypothalamic peptides involved in orchestrating several functions in the central nervous system and peripheral organs, including sleep, excitement, nutrition, reward, circadian rhythm, anxiety, cognition, and reproduction. The aim of this narrative review is, in particular, to speculate the role of orexins in the male genital tract of animal species and human beings. The experimental evidence collected in recent years assumed that in the testes of the animal species here described, orexins are directly involved in steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis regulation. In the epididymis, these peptides are locally synthesized, thus suggesting their role governing the fertilizing capability of the immature male gamete. In addition to playing a physiological role, orexins are involved in numerous inflammatory and/or neoplastic pathologies too. The expression of the orexinergic system in prostate cancer suggests that they might play a potential therapeutic function. Overall, the future directions of this literature review allow us to hypothesize a role of the orexinergic complex not only as a marker for the diagnosis of certain tumors affecting the male genital tract but also for the treatment of hypo/infertility condition.

Animal Exposure Model for Mapping Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Emergence Risk.

To estimate the determinants of spatial variation in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) transmission and to create a risk map as a preventive public health tool, we designed a survey of small domestic ruminants in Andalusia, Spain. To assess CCHFV exposure spatial distribution, we analyzed serum from 2,440 sheep and goats by using a double-antigen ELISA and modeled exposure probability with environmental predictors by using generalized linear mixed models. CCHFV antibodies detected in 84 samples confirmed low CCHFV prevalence in small domestic ruminants in the region. The best-fitted statistical model indicated that the most significant predictors of virus exposure risk were cattle/horse density and the normalized difference vegetation index. Model validation showed 99.7% specificity and 10.2% sensitivity for identifying CCHFV circulation areas. To map CCHFV exposure risk, we projected the model at a 1 × 1-km spatial resolution. Our study provides insight into CCHFV ecology that is useful for preventing virus transmission.

A single administration of carbetocin before electroejaculation increases the insemination doses produced from each ejaculate in rams.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of carbetocin administration (a long-acting analog of oxytocin) 20 or 10 min before electroejaculation (EE) on the duration of semen collection procedure, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the ejaculate, and stress biomarkers in rams. Semen was collected from 12 Corriedale rams (age, 2.5-5.5 years old) with EE, in a Latin-square design, administrating carbetocin (0.2 mg/100 kg of body weight i.v.) 20 or 10 min before EE, or without carbetocin administration (CB-20, CB-10, and CON treatments, respectively). Each treatment was applied to different rams every 3-4 days, allowing all the rams to receive all three treatments. Carbetocin administered 20 or 10 min before EE increased the number of sperm ejaculated (P = 0.01), the semen concentration (P = 0.02), the number of insemination doses collected in a single collection (P = 0.01), and the number of insemination doses collected/electrical pulses administered (P = 0.05) compared to control rams. Carbetocin administered 20 or 10 min before semen collection prolonged the time required for EE and the number of pulses administered during EE compared to CON rams (P < 0.03 for both). The CB-10 rams required the administration of more electrical pulses during ejaculation than CON rams (P = 0.001), and CB-20 treatment tended to require more electrical pulses than CON rams (P = 0.06). The volume of the ejaculate was greater in CB-10 than in CON rams (P = 0.01), and that of CB-20 treatment tended to be greater than CON rams (P = 0.08). The percentage of sperm with intact membrane was greater in CB-20 than in CON rams (P = 0.01). Total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations were lower immediately after carbetocin administration 20 or 10 min before EE. The treatments did not affect cortisol concentration, glycemia, rectal and surface temperatures, heart rate, and facial expressions. Carbetocin administration before EE of rams improved the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the ejaculate, duplicating the number of insemination doses collected. It can be a promising treatment to obtain a greater quantity of doses to inseminate with a lower frequency of semen collections, reducing the negative impacts of EE on animal welfare.

Plasminogen activator urokinase interacts with the fusion protein and antagonizes the growth of Peste des petits ruminants virus.

Peste des petits ruminants is an acute and highly contagious disease caused by the Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV). Host proteins play a crucial role in viral replication. However, the effect of fusion (F) protein-interacting partners on PPRV infection is poorly understood. In this study, we found that the expression of goat plasminogen activator urokinase (PLAU) gradually decreased in a time- and dose-dependent manner in PPRV-infected goat alveolar macrophages (GAMs). Goat PLAU was subsequently identified using co-immunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy as an F protein binding partner. The overexpression of goat PLAU inhibited PPRV growth and replication, whereas silencing goat PLAU promoted viral growth and replication. Additionally, we confirmed that goat PLAU interacted with a virus-induced signaling adapter (VISA) to antagonize F-mediated VISA degradation, increasing the production of type I interferon. We also found that goat PLAU reduced the inhibition of PPRV replication in VISA-knockdown GAMs. Our results show that the host protein PLAU inhibits the growth and replication of PPRV by VISA-triggering RIG-I-like receptors and provides insight into the host protein that antagonizes PPRV immunosuppression.IMPORTANCEThe role of host proteins that interact with Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) fusion (F) protein in PPRV replication is poorly understood. This study confirmed that goat plasminogen activator urokinase (PLAU) interacts with the PPRV F protein. We further discovered that goat PLAU inhibited PPRV replication by enhancing virus-induced signaling adapter (VISA) expression and reducing the ability of the F protein to degrade VISA. These findings offer insights into host resistance to viral invasion and suggest new strategies and directions for developing PPR vaccines.