The German Shorthair Pointer Dog Breed (Canis lupus familiaris) : Genomic Inbreeding and Variability

The German Shorthaired Pointer (GSHP) is a breed worldwide known for its hunting versatility. Dogs of this breed are appreciated as valuable companions, effective trackers, field trailers and obedience athletes. The aim of the present work is to describe the genomic architecture of the GSHP breed and to analyze inbreeding levels under a genomic and a genealogic perspective. A total of 34 samples were collected (24 Italian, 10 USA), and the genomic and pedigree coefficients of inbreeding have been calculated. A total of 3183 runs of homozygosity (ROH) across all 34 dogs have been identified. The minimum and maximum number of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) defining all ROH are 40 and 3060. The mean number of ROH for the sample was 93.6. ROH were found on all chromosomes. A total of 854 SNPs (TOP_SNPs) defined 11 ROH island regions (TOP_ROH), in which some gene already associated with behavioral and morphological canine traits was annotated. The proportion of averaged observed homozygotes estimated on total number of SNPs was 0.70. The genomic inbreeding coefficient based on ROH was 0.17. The mean inbreeding based on genealogical information resulted 0.023. The results describe a low inbred population with quite a good level of genetic variability

Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) supplementation on healthy cat performance

Background The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the probiotic strain Lactobacillusacidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) on nutritional condition and faecal quality in cats. Methods Ten healthy adult cats from the same cattery were included (aged >9 months; male:female sex ratio=3:7). The animals were randomly assigned to a control group (CTR; n=5; male:female=1:4; room 1: 16 m 2) and to a treated group (LACTO; n=5; male:female=2:3; room 2: 16 m 2) receiving the same commercial dry diet. The LACTO group diet was supplemented with the probiotic (5 x 10 9 cfu/kg feed at least). A five-week experimental period was applied, and nutritional status was monitored by bodyweight (BW) and body condition score (BCS). Faecal quality was evaluated using faecal score (FS) and faecal moisture (FM) parameters. Plate counts of some faecal bacteria species were carried out. The data obtained were analysed using MIXED, GLM and NPAR1WAY procedures (SAS V.9.4; P 640.05). Results The two groups did not show differences in BW and BCS data. A clear effect of the probiotic supplementation on FM was recorded (LACTO 44 per cent v CTR group 46 per cent; P=0.04). FS in the LACTO group (3.35) was close to ideal values (2-3) in comparison with the CTR group (3.75). Positive effects of Lacidophilus D2/CSL have been recorded in terms of increase in faecal lactobacilli counts and reduction in faecal coli counts. Conclusions This study's preliminary results describe how inclusion of Lacidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) probiotic strain in cats' diets could effectively improve faecal quality parameters and consequently gut health in adult healthy cats

Effects of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) on the nutritional and health status of boxer dogs

Background The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) probiotic strain on nutritional status and faecal and microbiological parameters in a group of purebred boxers. Methods Forty healthy adult boxer dogs were randomly assigned to a treated (LACTO) group receiving a commercial diet supplemented with L acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) to a final concentration of 5.0 x 109 colony-forming unit/kg of food, and a control (CTR) group receiving the same diet but without the probiotic (placebo). Nutritional status (body weight, skinfold thickness, body condition score) and faecal quality parameters were analysed. Results No differences in body weight and skin thickness were found during the whole experimental period. Dogs in the LACTO group showed a significantly higher body condition score than those in the CTR group (4.86\ub10.55 v 4.65\ub10.65), and no significant differences were recorded in body weight and skinfold thickness. The LACTO group showed a significantly lower faecal moisture (in per cent) compared with the CTR group (0.67\ub10.007 v 0.69\ub10.007). Faecal hardness (in kg) was higher in the LACTO group than in the CTR group (0.86\ub10.047 v 0.70\ub10.051), and faecal score also improved in the LACTO group (3.78\ub10.95 v 4.25\ub10.91). A significant difference in total Escherichia coli counts as well as in lactobacilli counts between the CTR and LACTO groups was only detected at 28 days. Conclusion Supplementation of L acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) significantly improved the nutritional status and faecal parameters of dogs

Effect of handling in pre-weaning rabbits

[EN] The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of regular daily handling on weight gain and on the fear reaction towards a new environment and human beings in domestic kits (Tonic Immobility test: TI, Emergence test: ET). Two groups in the same environment and fed the same diet were analysed: handled group and control (17 litters, 9 kits/litter per group). No differences in weight gain were recorded. During ET at 33 days of age, handled kits took less time to enter the arena than control group kits. TI duration was shorter in handled kits, which required more inductions than the control group. It was found that minimal human contact imposed before nursing reduced the fear of humans in rabbit kits. Our handling method requires minimal contact and can be used to reduce fear and improve welfare in rabbits. Moreover, the short length of the handling procedure allows stockpersons to produce tamer rabbits, reducing stress levels.This research was funded by PRIN 2005 (MUR - Roma). We would like to thank the farm “Erminia Vezzoli” located in Covo (Bergamo, Italy).Zucca, D.; Redaelli, V.; Marelli, S.; Bonazza, V.; Heinzl, E.; Verga, M.; Luzi, F. (2012). Effect of handling in pre-weaning rabbits. World Rabbit Science. 20(2):97-101. doi:10.4995/wrs.2012.1083SWORD9710120

Effect of environmental enrichment and group size on behaviour and live weight in growing rabbits

[EN] The aim of this research was to study the effects of group size and environmental enrichment on behaviour and growth of 108 hybrid growing rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). We compared the behaviour (time budget and reactions to specific behavioural tests: "tonic immobility" and "emergence test") and live weight of growing rabbits housed in cages with a different number of rabbits per cage (2, 3 and 4; same density:14 rabbits/m2). Half of the cages were enriched with a wooden stick (Robinia Pseudoacacia, length: 20 cm ¿ diameter: 6 cm, cylindrical) hanging from the ceiling of the cage. The stick and number of animals per cage had no effect on weight gain or on behavioural tests responses. Interaction with the stick was significantly higher at the beginning of the growing period. Principal component analysis performed on the data for the whole period showed significant differences according to the treatments: increasing the number of rabbits per cage and introducing a wooden stick seemed to affect locomotor activity frequency and social interactions. Rabbits housed 3 and 4 per cage showed less lying behaviour and higher locomotor activity and sitting. The larger functional space allowance enabled rabbits to perform more natural behaviours compared to smaller cages (2 rabbits/cage). Environmental enrichment seems to be related to higher allogrooming behaviour frequency, which could indicate a social behaviour related to pheromonal olfactory stimulation and mutual recognition.Zucca, D.; Marelli, S.; Redaelli, V.; Heinzl, E.; Cardile, H.; Ricci, C.; Verga, M.... (2012). Effect of environmental enrichment and group size on behaviour and live weight in growing rabbits. World Rabbit Science. 20(2):89-95. doi:10.4995/wrs.2012.1082SWORD899520

Pollo brianzolo : performance e reattività

Nell\u2019ultimo decennio, a seguito di una forte industrializzazione dell\u2019allevamento avicolo, sono emerse due questioni fondamentali: da un punto di vista etico-scientifico, la necessit\ue0 di salvaguardare la biodiversit\ue0; da un punto di vista prettamente commerciale; la richiesta da parte di un consumatore pi\uf9 attento e cosciente, di produrre carne e uova provenienti da allevamenti alternativi, pi\uf9 rispettosi dell\u2019ambiente e del benessere animale. Il pollo Brianzolo \ue8 un esempio di recupero della tradizione rurale e di un prodotto tipico. Lo scopo del presente lavoro \ue8 stato quello di caratterizzare l\u2019ibrido \u201cPollo Brianzolo\u201d dal punto di vista delle caratteristiche fenotipiche, della reattivit\ue0 e degli aspetti produttivi. Con cadenza settimanale sono stati registrati i parametri relativi alle caratteristiche quali-quantitative delle uova incubate e, in seguito alla schiusa, sono stati raccolti i dati relativi alle performance di crescita fino all\u2019et\ue0 di 6 mesi. All\u2019et\ue0 di 4 mesi, 145 animali sono stati valutati fenotipicamente per fissare lo standard di razza e su un campione di 93 soggetti scelti random, \ue8 stato effettuato il test di immobilit\ue0 tonica. I risultati della selezione fenotipica hanno consentito di fissare i caratteri somatici quali, ad esempio, forma della cresta e colore della livrea, che saranno l\u2019obiettivo della selezione. I risultati di questo lavoro, pur preliminari, sembrano mettere in evidenza le caratteristiche di buona rusticit\ue0, accrescimento lento (peso medio a 6 mesi= 2350 g; IMG=13,5 g/d) e di una reattivit\ue0 che mantiene le caratteristiche ancestrali del pollo Brianzolo. La media del numero di induzioni durante il test di immobilit\ue0 tonica \ue8 di 1,25, mentre la durata media del test \ue8 di 98,19 sec. Questi risultati preliminari verranno sottoposti ad ulteriore validazione attraverso lo studio delle generazioni successive. Accanto alle valutazioni sui parametri produttivi e riproduttivi, la reattivit\ue0 e le caratteristiche fenotipiche verranno valutate le caratteristiche qualitative della carne.Performance and reactivity in Brianzolo chicken. Unconventional rearing systems for poultry meat production greatly increased due to consumers interest in healthier and more natural food. The poor adaptability of commercial hybrid strains selected for intensive production systems and fast growing rate lead to the development of researches dealing with breed suitability for alternative productions. Brianzolo is an example of Italian chicken breed for unconventional system. The aim of this study was to characterize the hybrid \u201cBrianzolo\u201d for fenotipic caracteristics, reactivity and performance. Hatching eggs qualitative and quantitative characteristics parameters were recorded on a weekly basis and to growth performance data were collected 1 day to 6 months of age. To define the breed standard 145 animals were phenotypically tested at the age of 4 months. Tonic Immobility test was carried out on 93 subjects randomly chosen. Results of the phenotypic selection made it possible to standardize some characteristics such as, comb size and plumage colour, that will be selection objective to standardize birds morphology.The results of this study, although preliminary, showed productive performance typical for slow growing to a rural breeds adapted to alternative production systems (average weight at 6 months = 2350 g; IMG = 13.5 g / d). Regarding reactivity in this hybrid the conservation of ancestral characteristics such as man fear was evaluated through TI test for reactivity. The mean number of attempt to induce immobility was 1,25, while the mean duration was 98,19 sec. Brianpollo is a research project funded by Regione Lombardia (Italy) aimed to standardize and valorize Brianzolo chicken, a traditional Lombardy breed for non-conventional rearing systems (Ferrante et al., 2009)

Correlation between neurotrasmitter levels and anxietyrelated behaviours in cats

Introduction: The present study aims to evaluate the existing correlations between neurotransmitter levels and anxiety-related aggressive behaviour. Materials and methods: 22 adult cats (age > 6months; no pharmacological therapy for behaviour problems) were grouped according to three different levels of aggressive behaviour: Group 1 (N=11): rare aggressive attacks, anxiety and aggressive-related behaviour problems reported by the owner; Group 2 (N=4): frequent aggressive attacks (n attacks > 12/year); Group 3 (N=7): control, no aggressive attacks reported by the owners. An accurate questionnaire focusing on anxiety and aggressive behaviour was filled in for every subject and evaluated by a DVM certified Specialist in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine. Blood samples were collected in EDTA for all the subjects for neurotransmitters analysis (standard blood processing procedures for HPLC neurotransmitter analysis were applied). HPLC analysis was carried out for the following neurotransmitters: Dopamine precursor LDOPA, dopamine DA, noradrenalin NA, adrenalin A, serotonin SE levels in plasma and platelets; 5-hidrossiindolacetic acid HIAA (serotonin metabolite) and Homovanillic acid (dopamine metabolite) in platelets. SAS \uae statistic package was applied to data analysis: FREQ, MEAN and NPAR1WAY procedures were applied; the analysis of variance was carried out using a Kruscal-Wallis one-way ANOVA.Results: The results indicate that during the history taking session, the origin of the cat, age at weaning and human family structure are very helpful in aggressive behaviour evaluation, furthermore nervousness, shyness and fearfulness related information are closely linked to anxiety related problems. Higher levels of NA (pg/ml), DA (pg/ml), LDOPA plasma (pg/ml), LDOPA platelet (pg/ml) were found in Control group (P 640.05). A correlation between neurotransmitter concentrations and anxiety related behavioural problems has been calculated. Discussion: The obtained results suggest, in particular, that the reduction in platelet DA levels could be related to aggressive behaviour towards animals and human beings. Further analysis is needed to improve the knowledge of the complex relations between nervous system and behaviour. In addition the investigation of the genetic basis of behaviour could supply powerful tools in the understanding of anxiety and aggressiveness in companion animals

Pulsar-wind nebulae and magnetar outflows: observations at radio, X-ray, and gamma-ray wavelengths

We review observations of several classes of neutron-star-powered outflows: pulsar-wind nebulae (PWNe) inside shell supernova remnants (SNRs), PWNe interacting directly with interstellar medium (ISM), and magnetar-powered outflows. We describe radio, X-ray, and gamma-ray observations of PWNe, focusing first on integrated spectral-energy distributions (SEDs) and global spectral properties. High-resolution X-ray imaging of PWNe shows a bewildering array of morphologies, with jets, trails, and other structures. Several of the 23 so far identified magnetars show evidence for continuous or sporadic emission of material, sometimes associated with giant flares, and a few possible "magnetar-wind nebulae" have been recently identified.Comment: 61 pages, 44 figures (reduced in quality for size reasons). Published in Space Science Reviews, "Jets and Winds in Pulsar Wind Nebulae, Gamma-ray Bursts and Blazars: Physics of Extreme Energy Release