Abstract

Introduction

The Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus), an endangered scavenger, plays an important role in ecosystem health and corpse decomposition processes. However, populations have been declining throughout the Indian subcontinent, mainly due to anthropogenic influences. The present study explores how human activities affect the scavenging ecology and feeding behavior of Egyptian vultures in Gonda District, Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, India.

Methods

The observations were conducted from January to June 2025. Systematic field observations were conducted at certain dumping locations. Point count sampling techniques were used to capture information on interspecific interactions, food type, feeding duration, and frequency of foraging.

Results

The findings showed that vultures relied extensively on manmade food sources, mainly animal carcasses (57%), poultry waste (25%), and market rubbish (10%). Feeding activity peaked in the morning (08:00-11:00 hrs), coinciding with carcass disposal times at dump sites. Feral dogs, cattle egrets, and crows frequently engaged in interspecific conflict, limiting feeding time and food availability. Dependence on human-mediated food sources demonstrates both adaptation and susceptibility—adaptability in exploiting alternative resources, but vulnerability due to potential exposure to toxins, diminished food supply, and habitat disruption.

Conclusions

The study underlines the critical need for better waste management techniques, construction of vulture feeding zones, and public awareness campaigns to support the long-term conservation of Egyptian Vultures in human-modified environments.

The reproduction efficiency of rams has a strong impact on flock productivity, and the fertility of a flock is very diverse even when it is exposed to similar environmental and management conditions. There is no clear information on how these differences are caused by biological factors, especially in the heat stress seasons such as summer. There is also emerging evidence that the seminal microbiome can have an effect on the reproductive performance of the male, although the interactions between the seminal microbiome and hormonal profiles and testicular characteristics in rams has not been well established. It is important to clarify this critical gap in order to identify reliable fertility biomarkers and enhance the choice of superior breeding males. Of note, this experiment investigated the relationships among seminal microbiome composition, testicular morphometry, and reproductive parameters in rams during summer. A total of 386 ewes and 9 rams were used in an entirely randomized study, and rams were categorized and grouped based on the level of superior, good, and acceptable fertility according to the rate of pregnancy. The microbiome was characterised through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Clostridiaceae was positively associated with fertility status, and the relative abundance of Clostridiaceae was 98.38%, 87.03%, and 59.57% in superior, good, and acceptable fertility categories, respectively. Superior-fertility rams had a higher concentration of testosterone (3343.75 pg/ml) than acceptable-fertility rams did (1242.72 pg/ml, P < 0.0001). Specific bacterial signatures were found to be fertility-specific, with some families specific to certain fertility groups. The results form a basis for establishing microbiome-based strategies for enhancing ram reproductive performance.

Mutual interdependence and intersection between animal abuse and interpersonal human violence is demonstrated by empirical research across disciplines (Rojas,2022;Munro & Thrusfield, 2001;McGuinness et. al., 2005;Simmons & Lehmann, 2007;Walton-Moss et al., 2005;Newberry, 2017;Benetato et. al., 2011). Animals are frequently harmed or threatened as tools of coercion, intimidation, and control, and early exposure to animal cruelty correlates with later violent behaviour (Ascione, 1998; DeGue & DiLillo, 2009; Flynn, 2012). Such environments are associated with repeated injury, chronic stress, and compromised welfare outcomes for animals.

This study, using an interdisciplinary, analytical and comparative approach, examines the intersection of human violence and animal abuse through a One Welfare lens (FAO & WOAH and UNODC guidance), treating law as tool/governance mechanism that can enable or hinder animal welfare protection, connecting behavioural and physiological indicators with systematic intervention and providing better protection of animals. The study seeks to address how do existing legal and institutional frameworks recognise animal abuse occurring in violent human environments, and how can they be structured to improve early detection, prevention, and welfare outcomes for animals, building on earlier studies? Studying selected jurisdictions of the United States (mandatory cross-reporting statutes and pet protection orders), the United Kingdom (Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act, 2021), and India (Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and domestic violence law/ constitutional provisions), the study highlights that despite recognition of the scientific correlation between human violence and animal abuse, law across jurisdictions fails to incorporate appropriate and practical interventions such as mandatory cross-reporting through Veterinarians and ethologists, protective measures for companion animals in domestic violence cases, and the incorporation of animal-assisted interventions, affecting welfare. The study also identifies repeated unexplained injuries, chronic stress markers (fear, hypervigilance, withdrawal) and abnormal aggression or learned helplessness due to such intersection and need for including human violence and animal abuse as important parameter, particularly by animal welfare scientists.

In small ruminants, up to 40% of fertilized ova are lost during early gestation due to inadequate progesterone, thus affecting uterine environment and embryo survival. Progesterone supplementation has been proposed to improve early pregnancy maintenance; however, results have been inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of progestogen supplementation post-embryo transfer on pregnancy rate and embryo, fetal, and neonatal survival in goats. A total of 207 thawed Angora embryos were semi-surgically transferred into 111 Criolla Neuquina goats (day 0 = embryo transfer). All procedures were conducted under standardized conditions with the same operators and genetic material. At embryo transfer, recipients were randomly assigned to two treatments: progestogen supplementation (intravaginal sponges containing 60 mg MAP, replaced every 17 days for 68 days; n= 37) or non-progestogen supplementation (Control; n= 74). Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography on days 28 and 78 post-transfer to assess embryo and fetal survival. Pregnancy rate was calculated as pregnant recipients per total recipients, embryo survival as viable embryos per transferred embryos, fetal survival as viable fetuses per viable embryos, and neonatal survival as kids born alive per viable fetuses. Pregnancy and embryo survival rates did not differ between treatments (15/37; 41% and 24/67; 36% in progestogen-supplemented vs. 32/74; 43% and 43/140; 31% in non-supplemented goats; P>0.05; Fisher´s exact test). In contrast, both fetal and neonatal survival were identical for each treatment and significantly lower in the progestogen-supplemented group (7/24; 29%) compared with the non-supplemented group (43/43; 100%; P<0.05). Laboratory analyses ruled out Brucella melitensis, CAEV, and Toxoplasma gondii in affected fetuses and dams. Possible mechanisms postulated in fetal losses comprise a sharp decline in progesterone after sponge removal or increased oxytocin and prostaglandin due to vaginal mechanical stimulation, inducing luteolysis. In conclusion, progestogen supplementation via intravaginal sponges is not recommended for recipient goats in embryo transfer programs.

Reproductive biotechnologies, such as in vitro fertilization, are efficient alternatives in both human and animal contexts, enabling couples to achieve pregnancy and contributing to genetic improvements in animals, respectively. However, the excessive production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in the in vitro environment compromises sperm integrity and reduces fertilizing potential. In light of this challenge, anethole, a phenolic compound with recognized antioxidant activity, has been investigated as a supplement capable of attenuating oxidative stress. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of anethole supplementation on sperm viability.

The experimental protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee for Animal Use (CEUA/UECE). Epididymal spermatozoa from Wistar rats (N = 6) were collected by diffusion and incubated for 1 hour in α-MEM medium supplemented with 1.25 mg of BSA in the presence of ascorbic acid (50 µg/mL; positive control) and anethole at concentrations of 30 µg/mL and 300 µg/mL. Both antioxidants were used individually or combined with H₂O₂ (negative control). Sperm viability was assessed using eosin–nigrosin staining and was expressed as the percentage of live cells. The results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA in the GraphPad Prism software using P<0.05%.

After 1 hour of incubation, both anethole concentrations maintained sperm viability similar to the fresh control and the other treatments, including ascorbic acid (P>0.05). No differences were observed among the other groups tested (P>0.05).

Anethole supplementation proved to be safe for the in vitro culture of Wistar rat spermatozoa, maintaining viability and showing no cellular toxicity. These findings reinforce the potential of anethole as an antioxidant substitute to ascorbic acid in commercial formulations of media in reproductive protocols. However, its potential beneficial effects on embryo production still need to be investigated.

Introduction: The effective management of free-roaming cat populations depends on the robust monitoring of population size and welfare. This study compared two approaches, direct Mark–Resight patrol surveys and a virtual Mark–Resight method using camera traps, to evaluate a sterilized free-roaming cat population in a defined area.

Methods: Monitoring was conducted once every five weeks for one year. Each monitoring series included two consecutive days with surveys at sunrise and sunset (four observation events per series). In routine patrols, observers followed a standardized route at a fixed pace, recording encountered cats and identifying individuals using natural markings (coat pattern, scars, facial shape). In the camera trap method, two motion-activated cameras and an automatic feeder at a structured feeding station collected images via motion trigger and time-lapses. Images were reviewed post hoc to identify individuals. For each physical or photographic encounter, sex, age class (adult/young), sterilization status (indicated by surgical ear-tip removal), body condition score (BCS), and injury score were recorded. Population size was estimated per series using the Lincoln–Petersen Mark–Resight model, averaging morning and evening estimates.

Results: Routine patrols detected significantly more cats than camera traps throughout the study (32.5±1.6 vs. 15.8±0.09;P<0.0001). Both methods showed higher detection at sunset vs. sunrise (camera traps P=0.0119; patrols P=0.0002). Camera traps detected a higher proportion of young cats (P<0.0001) and showed a slightly better identification of sterilization status (P=0.0045). In patrols, young cats had lower BCS than adults (P=0.0058), with a similar trend in camera traps (P=0.0858). Variance in BCS and injury scores was greater in patrols (BCS: P=0.0163-0.0184; injuries:P=0.0517-0.0593), indicating superior sensitivity for welfare assessment.

Conclusions: Each method demonstrated distinct strengths: patrol surveys more accurately captured total population size and welfare indicators, while camera traps improved the detection of young cats and sterilization status. The combined use of both methods provides a more comprehensive framework for monitoring urban free-roaming cat populations.

Di-Ethyl-Phthalate (DEP) is an industrial chemical widely used as a plasticizer to improve the flexibility of plastic products. DEP does not covalently bind with plastics, causing its leaching into feed and water. Exposure of DEP has been reported to have adverse effects on livestock and human reproduction. The aim was to investigate the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in mitigating ovarian dysfunction caused by Di-Ethyl-Phthalate. Assessment of ovarian dysfunction was evaluated by histopathological, biochemical, and hormonal assays. Twenty female adult albino rats were divided into four groups of five rats each. Group A (rats were orally administered with 0.5 ml of olive oil to serve as the control), Group B (rats received 100 mg/kg body weight oral N-acetylcysteine), Group C (administered DEP 500 mg/kg per day body weight suspended in 0.5 ml olive oil, orally), and Group D: (DEP + NAC-treated group) were treated with DEP concomitantly with NAC at the same previous doses for (7) days. The histopathological results of this study revealed that DEP caused degeneration of the granulosa cells, with severe vascularization and mild congestion of the ovarian stroma, while Group D showed improved ovarian connective tissues and interstitial cells. The results of the biochemical assays revealed that DEP slightly increased the lipid peroxidation level and slightly reduced glutathione content (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and catalase activity, which was ameliorated in Group D. The hormonal assay results showed a slight decrease in the levels of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Estrogen in Group C, which improved significantly in Group D. Conclusion: Treatment with NAC can protect against DEP-induced ovarian dysfunction by decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress and maintaining optimum hormonal levels. This provides a potential justification for the inclusion of antioxidants in livestock and human diets to reduce the reproductive side-effects caused by exposure to plastic chemicals.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of factors related to reproductive management on the conception rate of Girolando cows. Data were collected from a commercial dairy farm located in Patrocínio, Minas Gerais, Brazil, using the Ideagri software. The dataset extracted from farm reports included reproductive information from 145 Girolando cows of different breed compositions recorded between January 2020 and August 2025. The number of females subjected to reproduction, number of inseminations performed, and conception rates were obtained. Inseminations were carried out under two conditions (natural estrus or reproductive protocol) and three reproductive protocols: 1—two doses of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH); 2—natural estrus + prostaglandin (PG); and 3—pre-synchronization with a progesterone implant followed by a protocol consisting of d0: implant + GnRH + estradiol, d7:PG; d9: estradiol + PG, and d10: insemination with sexed semen. Semen from 46 Holstein bulls born between 1989 and 2024 was used, originating from two artificial insemination centers. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test (χ²) at a 5% significance level in SAS software. When expected frequencies were below 5, Fisher’s exact test was applied. Significant associations were found between the conception rate and the variable insemination condition, type of protocol, insemination center and year of bull birth (p<0.0001). Cows subjected to reproductive protocols showed higher conception rates than those inseminated during natural estrus (40.59% vs. 31.88%). Similarly, animals in protocols 1 and 3 presented higher conception rates compared with protocol 2 (40.63% and 40.00% vs. 31.88%, respectively). Insemination center 1 outperformed center 2 (36.40% vs. 28.29%). Conversely, the highest and lowest conception rates were observed when semen from bulls born in 2010 and 2019 was used, respectively (52.27% vs. 26.62%). It can be concluded that the insemination condition, type of protocol, insemination center, and bull year of birth affect the conception rate of Girolando cows.

Maintaining an appropriate balance between energy and protein in feedlot diets is crucial to ensure productive performance while preserving animal health. This study aimed to evaluate the body development of lambs fed whole-corn diets supplemented with extruded protein concentrates containing different protein levels. The project was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Uberlândia (protocol no. 092/16). A total of 22 crossbred (Dorper × Santa Inês) lambs, with an initial body weight of 21.46 ± 6.36 kg and aged 3 ± 1 months, were used. The animals were housed in collective pens for 70 days in a randomized block design and assigned to four experimental groups differing in the crude protein content of the extruded supplements (20%, 24%, 28%, and 32%). Feeding was carried out three times daily at 08:00, 12:00, and 16:00. Biometric measurements and body condition scores (BCSs) of the animals were assessed every two weeks. For body growth evaluation, in vivo biometric measurements were taken using a measuring tape by the same evaluator to minimize subjectivity. BCS was assessed by three trained evaluators through palpation of the 12th and 13th lumbar vertebrae using a 1–5 scale. The mean of the three evaluators was used to improve data accuracy. The data were tested for variance assumptions using SAS software and analyzed by contrast tests to evaluate the linear and quadratic effects of protein levels (PLs), considering significance at p≤0.05. There was no effect of PL on biometric measurements (p>0.05). However, a negative quadratic effect was observed for BCS (p=0.05), with the quadratic response indicating a minimum value of 3.42 at a 28% PL. It was concluded that the protein level of the extruded supplement in high-grain diets for lambs affects body condition score without influencing body development measurements.

Introduction

Appropriate surveillance programs and early detection are essential to minimize the consequences of the transmission and spread of zoonotic agents. In this context, Wildlife Recovery Centres (WRCs) can contribute to the monitoring of infectious diseases, playing a significant role as epidemiological observatories. The study presented was conducted from 2022 to 2024 by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), assessing the importance of the early detection of zoonotic pathogens in selected WRCs in NW Italy.

Methods

An Operational Protocol was developed with technical sampling instructions for Influenza A virus, West Nile and Usutu viruses, Coronavirus, and Chlamydia in wildlife. Approximately 2,300 samples were collected through active monitoring (cloacal and/or oropharyngeal swabs on live/hospitalized animals) and passive monitoring (target organ samples from deceased or euthanized animals). Biomolecular investigations were carried out using standardized and regulated methods: RT Real-Time PCR for viral agents and Real-Time PCR for Chlamydia.

Results

Positivity for Influenza A virus (HPAI H5N1 and H13N2) emerged in 2023 only in the Piedmont region. Chlamydia psittaci was detected in 2.6% of samples, underlining the importance of the surveillance of this zoonotic agent. The discovery of samples positive for WNV and USUV in October and November 2022 highlighted how warmer winters can influence the active season for mosquitoes and increase the window of time for viral transmission. PCR screening for Coronavirus identified 17 positive samples amongst those collected from 285 birds.

Conclusions

The findings expand knowledge on the spread and potential transmission of zoonoses, laying the foundation for implementing effective early detection systems.

Concerning Avian Influenza, for instance, clade 2.3.4.4b A(H5N1) viruses have recently displayed an increased capability to infect mammalian species, due to an unusual capability for these viruses to evolve towards more efficient mammalian transmission. The establishment of a surveillance system to monitor the genetic and pathobiological characteristics of these influenza viruses is essential.