Climate change and intensive genetic selection for greater productivity have increased the need for breeding livestock with better adaptive capacity, supported by microbiome–host interactions that promote resilience. The gut microbiota plays a key role in maintaining host homeostasis under thermal and oxidative stress, yet the genomic regulation underlying microbiota resilience remains poorly understood. In this context, the main objective of this study was to investigate host genetic variants associated with bacterial genera linked to adaptive and metabolic resilience in pigs. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using genotypes from a commercial 50K SNP chip and microbial profiles obtained by 16S rRNA sequencing of cecal and fecal samples (ASV level, 10% prevalence). These data were integrated with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) derived from RNA-seq (TPM-normalized) across brain, liver, and muscle tissues of 72 immunocastrated Large White males fed diets containing soybean, fish, or canola oil. Both cis (≤1 Mb) and trans (>1 Mb) eQTL were considered (FDR < 0.05). Thirty-seven bacterial genera were associated with eQTL, among which Monoglobus, Intestinimonas, Fournierella, Helicobacter, Coprococcus, Anaerostipes, Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, and Oscillospira were linked to metabolic and physiological pathways that support host resilience. These include short-chain fatty acid metabolism, mucin utilization, immune modulation, and neuroendocrine regulation. Most associations involved fecal microorganisms linked to trans-eQTL in the brain. Thirty-eight host genes were identified across cis- and trans-regulatory regions. Associated loci covered genes involved in epithelial barrier integrity and mucosal protection, including tight junction claudins (CLDN17 locus) and TFF2, as well as stress-response candidates such as CASP2, indicating a genomic contribution to microbiota-mediated resilience under environmental challenges. The identified microbial groups play a crucial role in maintaining metabolic stability and intestinal homeostasis during physiological challenges, suggesting that host regulation of microbial diversity may help sustain good welfare and adaptive capacity in intensive production environments.

The aim of this work was to evaluate different rearing diet strategies with r-zeta® additive in heifers (192.6 ± 19.0 kg body weight, (BW)). The additive formulation includes flavorings that regulate intake, enzymes, microorganisms that modulate the gut microbiota, liver protectants, and anti-inflammatories. The treatments were HR+CS (hay roll (HR) and control supplementation at 1% BW—80% whole corn grain and 20% pelleted protein concentrate); HR+Sr-zeta® (HR and balanced pellet r-zeta® supplementation at 1% BW); HR+SFr-zeta® (HR and self-feeding balanced pellet r-zeta®) and SFr-zeta® (self-feeding balanced pellet r-zeta®). In treatments with the additive and self-feeding, food was offered ad libitum from the first day. Whole-blood samples were collected on days 0, 28, 56 and 83 to evaluate metabolic biomarkers (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), uremia and glycemia). Continuous variables were analyzed using repeated measures (α = 0.05). All treatments showed similar values ​​of LDH (1200 to 1400 mU/mL; p= 0.0713). The different feeding alternatives affected uremia (p= 0.0143). The animals fed SFr-zeta® had higher values ​​on day 28 compared to supplemented groups. Furthermore, both self-feeding groups showed higher values on day 56​​ in comparison to the supplemented groups. In relation to the reference values ​​(20 to 40 mg/dl), the supplemented animals showed even lower values, which could be considered an insufficient supply of nitrogen compounds in the diet. The self-feeding groups showed normal urea levels throughout the study (30 to 40 mg/dl). A lower value was observed in the blood glucose levels in HR+CS treatment on day 28 compared to the HR+SFr-zeta® group on day 56 (p= 0.0174). For the remaining sampling times, all groups showed similar means. Only the HR+CS group had the range established by other authors (60 to 80 mg/dL), while all groups fed with r-zeta® were above the reference values. The results demonstrate that there was no negative effect on the metabolic variables studied when the additive was included in self-feeding diets without adaptation protocols.

The coevolution between angiosperms and megafaunal frugivores remains poorly understood despite its importance in shaping modern plant community dynamics and dispersal systems. Platymitra macrocarpa (Annonaceae) is a Southeast Asian tree species predicted to have coevolved with extinct proboscideans. This study investigates whether the extinct Javan proboscidean Stegodon trigonocephalus served as its primary seed disperser, influencing the plant’s current restricted distribution. Data were collected from literature reviews and secondary sources, including Herbarium Bogoriense for P. macrocarpa distribution and fruit-seed dimensions, and the Sangiran Museum for Stegodon fossil localities. Statistical correlation between P. macrocarpa distribution and S. trigonocephalus fossil records across Java was analyzed using SPSS, followed by spatial mapping with ArcGIS. The logistic regression analysis revealed a strong positive correlation (Nagelkerke R² = 0.854, p < 0.05) between S. trigonocephalus fossil distribution and P. macrocarpa occurrence, with a model accuracy of 94.4%. These results support a historical ecological association between the two species. Phylogenetic evidence indicates P. macrocarpa descended from Polyalthioxylon platymitroides, a Miocene taxon that migrated from India to Southeast Asia, reinforcing its long evolutionary history with megafaunal browsers. The extinction of Stegodon likely caused dispersal limitation and population fragmentation in P. macrocarpa, a phenomenon consistent with megafaunal dispersal evolutionary anachronism. This study concludes that P. macrocarpa distribution in Indonesia is a relict of its coevolution with S. trigonocephalus, and emphasizes the ecological legacy of extinct megafauna on tropical plant biogeography.

The philosophy of effective altruism (EA) seeks to maximise achievable benefits using limited resources. When prioritising problems, it evaluates their scale, neglectedness, and solvability, and the likely impact and cost-effectiveness of proposed interventions. This study assessed nutritionally sound vegan pet diets through EA principles.

Methods

Published data concerning vegan pet diets were assessed through EA criteria.

Results

Dog and cat food consumes around 9% of all farmed land animals annually – or at least seven billion globally (even after accounting for the use of animal byproducts in pet food). As well as sparing billions of animals from slaughter each year, global implementation of nutritionally sound vegan pet diets would save more greenhouse gases than produced by the entire UK (1.5 times as much), vast amounts of land and freshwater, and sufficient food energy to feed 450 million additional people (the entire EU population) or 1.46 billion additional companion dogs and cats (1.7 times the global population). By 2026, 14 studies and one systematic review demonstrated good health in dogs and cats fed with vegan or vegetarian diets. Despite this, extremely few animal or environmental advocates are working on this issue. Large-scale surveys have shown that a sizeable minority (35-46%) of pet guardians would be willing to realistically consider alternatives to meat-based pet food, and nutritionally sound vegan pet diets are now widely available online. Despite the minimal personnel and resources invested so far, efforts to date have been highly impactful. Leading organisations such as the British Veterinary Association now endorse nutritionally sound vegan dog food. New product launches, patents, and studies are surging, and global valuations of vegan pet food have increased spectacularly from USD 10 billion in 2020 to USD 27 billion in 2024.

Conclusions

When considering EA principles, vegan pet food emerges as a leading EA issue.

The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance has prompted a reduction in antibiotic use within aquaculture, where disease outbreaks and environmental stressors continue to compromise animal health and productivity. Functional feed additives have emerged as promising alternatives, offering benefits to gut health, immunity, and performance without contributing to antimicrobial resistance. This study assessed the efficacy of an enhanced organic acids-based feed additive (Biotronic® PX Top3) as a sustainable substitute for antibiotics in Pacific white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). In total, 480 shrimp were randomly assigned to 24 tanks in a recirculating aquaculture system and fed one of four diets over 66 days (six replicates per group): (I) basal diet as control; (II) basal diet with the antibiotic Cefotaxime (0.15 g/kg feed, as a prevention dosage); (III) basal diet with Biotronic® PX Top3 at 0.5 g/kg; and (IV) at 1 g/kg. Growth performance and feed consumption were evaluated. Subsequently, a bath immersion challenge with Vibrio parahaemolyticus (1.2 × 10⁶ CFU/L) was conducted. The shrimp were fed the same experimental diets, except that the antibiotic dosage in group III was increased to 0.2 g/kg, representing the recommended treatment dose. Mortality was monitored daily for 14 days. Compared to the control, both dosages of Biotronic® PX Top3 significantly improved specific growth rate, tank yield, feed conversion ratio, and survival during the 66-day feeding period, achieving results comparable to the antibiotic group. Post-challenge mortality was lowest in the higher-dosage Biotronic® group (40.48 ± 10.75%, mean ± standard deviation), followed by the antibiotic group (57.14 ± 12.78%, p = 0.058), the lower-dosage Biotronic® group (59.52 ± 10.75%, p = 0.026), and the control (76.19 ± 7.37%, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that organic acid‑based feed additives may offer a promising and sustainable approach to supporting shrimp growth and resilience. Further studies should determine the mechanistic pathways.

Background: The Greek black pig is an autochthonous breed of notable historical, cultural, and agricultural importance. Renowned for its adaptability to extensive farming systems and high-quality meat, it represents a valuable genetic resource within European pig populations. Despite its significance, its genomic landscape remains largely unexplored. To address this, we performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of Greek black pigs and wild boars from Greece, aiming to uncover genomic variation, identify functional divergence, and highlight genes and pathways that may be shaped by domestication and environmental adaptation. Materials and Methods: Blood-derived DNA from both populations underwent WGS. Following bioinformatic analysis, missense single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and indels were extracted due to their potential functional impact. Per-gene SNP and indel density was calculated. A comparative analysis was conducted to identify genes with unique or shared variants between populations. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed to explore the biological significance of the findings. Results: Distinct sets of missense variants and indels were identified across the two groups. In wild boars, genes such as KRTAP22-1, LCE7A, and TAS2R1 showed high variant density, with functions related to keratin structure and sensory perception. GO and KEGG analyses revealed enrichment in muscle contraction and immune-related pathways. In contrast, Greek black pigs exhibited increased SNP density in genes like TAS2R39, OR5L1Q1, and OR4K2, reflecting alterations in olfactory and taste receptor families. Enriched pathways included calcium signaling and various metabolic processes, potentially linked to domestication and diet. Conclusions: This comparative genomic analysis highlights divergent selection pressures in the studied populations of wild boars and black pigs, offering insights into adaptation, domestication, and the unique genetic profile of the Greek black pig. The results support conservation and sustainable use of local genetic resources.

The outbreak of infectious diseases is one of the major challenges in the farming and aquaculture industries, causing significant economic losses. Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies have provided detailed analyses of how these diseases affect host animals at multiple molecular levels. Multi-omics approaches allow for a comprehensive investigation of complex interactions, providing a holistic view of the interrelationships between the biomolecules and their functions. The integration and analysis of these heterogeneous datasets are essential steps towards generating knowledge in the framework of precision livestock and aquaculture. This research focused on studies that use multi-omics data integration rather than those that apply multiple omics approaches separately without integration. Moreover, it summarises recent publications addressing the application of integrative multi-omics techniques in economically relevant livestock species such cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, and aquatic organisms affected by diverse pathogens (virus, bacteria, and fungi, among others). This study provides an up-to-date overview of the integration methods used in this field, the omic tools available for different species, and the molecular mechanisms underlying host responses to infection. Our findings highlight the fact that multi-omics integration improves our understanding of disease mechanisms. However, this approach presents challenges due to inconsistent methodology and a lack of rigour and standardization in statistical analysis, particularly in farming and aquaculture studies.

F-Box proteins act as versatile substrate adapters in SCF ubiquitin ligase complexes, regulating targeted proteolysis to control eukaryotic signaling, including cell cycle and stress responses. This study comprehensively characterizes the F-Box gene family in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), identifying 70 genes across 23 autosomes and the X chromosome via HMMER and BLASTP against Pfam domains. The results of phylogenetic analysis with orthologs from Homo sapiens, Mus musculus, Bos taurus, and Bubalus bubalis classified them into four subfamilies (FBX, FBXL, FBXW, FBXO), with 58 core buffalo genes forming a cohesive cluster. MEME analysis revealed nine conserved motifs, including the F-Box domain (motifs 1–2, e.g., LPDELLLYIFSYLDA), LRR for specificity (motif 3), and WD40 repeats for scaffolding (motifs 5–7,9), validated by Pfam. Gene structures varied from 2 to 23 exons, reflecting regulatory diversity. Synteny with Bos taurus showed ~85% ortholog conservation, indicating artiodactyl heritage. Physicochemical properties included MW 18.10–133.50 kDa, pI 4.27–10.41, and negative GRAVY (-0.75 to 0.143), suggesting hydrophilic profiles. Five segmental duplications (e.g., FBXO25/FBXO32) had Ka/Ks <1 (0.144–1.194), implying a purifying selection and divergence of 147–666 MYA via Ks Poisson correction. nsSNP analysis in 20 genes using PredictSNP, PolyPhen-2, and SIFT indicated 95% benign/synonymous effects, with exceptions like FBXO16 V160T potentially impairing substrate binding. WoLF PSORT predicted 28 nuclear, 12 cytoplasmic, 11 plasma membrane, 6 mitochondrial, and 4 extracellular and dual localizations, suggesting roles in transcription, degradation, and trafficking. This atlas elucidates F-Box evolution in ruminants and nominates CRISPR targets to enhance buffalo resilience to stressors in tropical agriculture.

In this study, we conducted a GWAS analysis to further investigate the genomic regions associated with average feed intake per visit (AFIV) in Landrace pigs. Three QTL regions, located on chromosomes 12, 13, and 14, were identified based on visualizations in the Integrative Genomics Viewer (IGV). To assess the functionality of these regions, significant SNPs were compared with publicly available ATAC-Seq data from relevant tissues, including muscle, liver, cerebral cortex, and adipose tissue. All regions associated with AFIV were found to be within the “E15” chromatin state, characterized as a quiescent region with low transcriptional activity. This association suggests a potential regulatory role for these regions, which may act during specific developmental stages or in particular tissues, despite their epigenetically silent state. Our findings underscore the complexity of genetic and epigenetic regulation of feeding behavior in pigs and provide valuable insights for genetic improvement strategies targeting feed efficiency in Landrace pigs. Future functional studies are needed to clarify the role of these quiescent regions in regulating feed intake, thereby contributing to advances in genetic selection. Moreover, this work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger and Sustainable Agriculture), by promoting progress in efficient and sustainable animal production, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), by contributing to the optimization of feed resource use in pig farming.

Colostrum is vital for newborn ruminants, which are born in a state of agammaglobulinemia. Immunoglobulin G (IgG), contained in colostrum, forms the basis of protection for newborns. Studies on dairy farms have revealed that the immunoglobulin concentration in the first milking of cows is often insufficient to protect offspring, especially in first-calf heifers, where IgG levels can be below 30 g/L.

Calf mortality from diarrheal infections is often due to a deficiency of these immunoglobulins in colostrum. The study aimed to evaluate a strategy of enriching colostrum with specific IgY. Hens were hyperimmunized with an associated vaccine against bovine rotavirus, coronavirus infections, and escherichiosis. Yolk melange was prepared from the obtained eggs for subsequent colostrum enrichment. Chromatographic analysis showed that one yolk contains up to 100 mg of polyclonal immunoglobulins, of which 8% were specific antibodies against the target pathogens.

Trials were conducted on a farm with a history of diarrheal diseases. Twenty-five calves in the experimental group received 100 ml of melange (equivalent to 5 yolks) with the first and second colostrum feeding. The control group (n=25) received native colostrum.

In the experimental group, cases of diarrhea were rare and mild, requiring no medication. In the control group, diarrhea was recorded in most calves. Testing of the methodology in other farms confirmed its high preventive efficacy.

Thus, enriching colostrum with specific IgY is an effective strategy for preventing diarrheal infections in calves.