Francesca Aragona

To advance technological applications in animal welfare assessment, this study evaluated resting activity as a component of total locomotor activity (TLA) in horses using two different accelerometer devices: a collar-mounted device containing a single-axis accelerometer that records physical movement, and a three axes accelerometer that classifies the measured physical activity into nine different activities. Ten clinically healthy Italian saddle horses were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups on the basis of their lifestyle. Group A consisted of regularly trained horses housed continuously in boxes, Group B comprised retired horses turned out in paddocks during the day and stabled in boxes at night. TLA was simultaneously monitored for 48 consecutive hours using both devices, in each horse. Two-way ANOVA applied to the one-axis and three-axis data showed a significant effect of group (p < 0.0001) and day in group A (p < 0.0001), with higher intensity values during day 1 compared to day 2 (p < 0.0001). A significantly greater amount of time spent in the “Lying/sitting rest” (recumbency) position was observed in group A (3.37 h ± 1.19 h) compared to group B (1.88 h ± 0.06 h), in both days of monitoring (p < 0.0001). A greater amount of time spent in the “Lying/sitting rest” (recumbency) position was observed during day 1 (4.16 h) compared to day 2 (2.58 h), in group A (p < 0.0001). Both devices detect the same qualitative pattern of group and day differences. Different amounts of activity were observed in trained and retired horses, with more rest periods in trained than in retired horses.

Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is a major cause of reproductive loss in mares. This cross-sectional field study evaluated serum concentrations of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interferon-alpha (IFN-α), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), together with the IL-10/IL-2 and IFN-γ/IL-10 ratios, in 26 vaccinated pregnant Thoroughbred mares. The analytical cohort comprised healthy, EHV-1 PCR-negative mares (HM, n = 10), EHV-1 PCR-positive mares sampled within 4 h after fetal expulsion at approximately the sixth month of gestation (AM, n = 9), and EHV-1 PCR-positive pregnant mares without clinically relevant signs (WCS, n = 7). EHV-1 DNA was detected using an EHV-1-specific real-time PCR assay, and serum cytokine concentrations were measured using equine-specific ELISA kits. Serum IFN-α, IFN-γ, and IL-2 concentrations were significantly higher in both AM and WCS mares than in HM mares (all Holm-adjusted p < 0.001), whereas no statistically significant differences in these cytokines were observed between the AM and WCS groups. IL-10 concentrations were significantly higher in WCS mares than in both HM and AM mares (both adjusted p < 0.01), and HM and AM mares did not differ significantly. The IL-10/IL-2 ratio was highest in HM mares, intermediate in WCS mares, and lowest in AM mares, with significant differences among all pairwise comparisons (adjusted p ≤ 0.019). Conversely, the IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio was highest in AM mares, intermediate in WCS mares, and lowest in HM mares, again with significant differences among all pairwise comparisons (adjusted p ≤ 0.044). These findings indicate substantial antiviral immune activation in both EHV-1-positive groups, with a comparatively stronger regulatory immune component in WCS mares and a predominantly pro-inflammatory profile in mares sampled after abortion.

Introduction: Exposure to harmful trace elements can lead to their accumulation in various biological substrates, resulting in the development of acute and chronic diseases in humans and animals. The knowledge of bioaccumulation of trace elements in different biological substrates could provide important information on exposure to trace elements through the use of sentinel animals. The aim of this research was to study the potential bioaccumulation of various trace elements (Arsenic-As, Cobalt-Co, Nickel-Ni, Lead-Pb, Mercury-Hg and Titanium-Ti) in goat blood and hair and their relationship with haematological biomarkers. Methods: Hair was collected from 25 non-pregnant and non-lactating clinical healthy goats aged between 2 and 3 years reared in Sicily, to determine trace elements concentration by means of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Blood in duplicate was collected at the same time to determine trace element concentration and haematological profile. A paired t -test and multiple regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship among As, Co, Ni, Pb, Hg and Ti and blood and hair, together with their relationship with haematological parameters, respectively. Results and discussion: Statistical analysis showed a significant higher concentration of As ( p < 0.0001) and Pb ( p < 0.0001) in blood compared to hair and higher concentration of Co ( p < 0.0001), Ni ( p < 0.0001), Hg ( p < 0.0001), and Ti ( p < 0.0001) in hair compared to blood. Blood As and Ti showed a positive correlation with HGB ( r = 0.48; p < 0.01; r = 0.52; p < 0.01). Blood Pb and Ti showed a positive correlation with HCT ( r = 0.52; p < 0.01; r = 0.52; p < 0.01) and a negative correlation was observed for blood Co and WBC ( r = −0.45; p < 0.01). The analysis of the results clearly indicates a strong correlation between the bioaccumulation of certain trace elements and some haematological parameters. These results should be examined thoroughly in goats to understand the significance of haematological factors in productive and reproductive activities.

Weaning represents a major developmental milestone for foals, especially when 4- to 7-month-old foals are abruptly separated from their dams. Studies have shown that the post-weaning period is associated with physiological and psychological stress, which may affect immune function. The present study aimed to describe and analyze the pattern of blood inflammatory biomarkers related to the innate immune system. A gradual foal–dam separation procedure was chosen, which included post-weaning social buffering by a familiar adult horse. Twelve Thoroughbred foals (six fillies, six colts) aged 4–6 months were enrolled and divided into a colt and a filly group, and after weaning, were kept as such. Blood samples were collected before and up to 7 days after weaning. Serum cortisol and cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ) were quantified using equine-specific ELISA kits. Routine descriptive statistics were used to present the data, and inferences were drawn using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results showed significant differences in the concentrations of IL-10 (p < 0.001), IFN-γ (p < 0.01), and TNF-α (p < 0.01) on various days post-weaning. An apparent significant sex effect was not shown, but IL-10 peaked on day 3 in fillies. IFN-γ decreased significantly by day 5 in both sexes. Conversely, TNF-α levels increased significantly by day 5. No significant changes were observed for cortisol.

The production and reproduction of small ruminants, such as sheep and goats, living under extensive range-grazing conditions may be influenced by the availability of nutrients and the mineral content of forage. This study evaluated the biodistribution of calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na) and zinc (Zn) in whole blood, serum, blood clots, plasma, plasma sediments and hair in sheep and goats. Forty clinically healthy, nonpregnant female sheep and goats were enrolled in the study. Hair and blood samples were performed in duplicate to assess mineral concentration in biological substrates using a Thermo Scientific iCAP- Q ICP-MS spectrometer (Omaha, Ne, USA). Higher levels of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, and Na were observed in blood and blood clots than in serum, plasma, plasma sediments and hair in sheep and goats. A significant effect of species was observed for all the bioactive element concentrations in the investigated substrates (p < 0.05). The results revealed positive correlations between serum and plasma for all investigated elements in sheep (p < 0.0001) and for Mn and Na in goats (p < 0.001), as well as between serum and blood for Ca, Fe, Mg and Mn in sheep (p < 0.0001) and for Ca and Mn in goats (p < 0.001). Plasma and blood showed a positive correlation for Ca, Fe, and Mn (p < 0.001) in sheep, and for Fe, Mn, Na, and Zn (p < 0.0001) in goats. These findings elucidate differences in biodistribution between sheep and goats, offering valuable insights for livestock production.

Hybrid striped bass (HSB), a cross between white bass (Morone chrysops) and striped bass (Morone saxatilis), has garnered attention in aquaculture due to its adaptability, rapid growth, and high market value. This study investigates the morphometric, nutritional, and blood characteristics of HSB reared in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) in Sicily, Italy, over a 22-month grow-out period. The fish were managed under standardized feeding and water quality protocols, with weekly monitoring of the physicochemical parameters. A total of 21 clinically healthy fish, averaging 571.33 ± 129.32 in body weight, were randomly sampled in the spring season from a commercial RAS facility equipped with biological filtration, UV sterilization, and seasonally regulated water parameters. The results revealed strong positive correlations between the morphometric parameters and blood indices, such as red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and hematocrit (Hct), highlighting their importance as health indicators. The proximate composition revealed an average moisture content of 75.55 ± 1.49, crude protein at 20.29 ± 0.26, total lipid at 4.25 ± 0.97, and ash content at 1.69 ± 0.17. Additionally, statistical analyses, including a principal component analysis (PCA), identified relationships between body size, nutritional content, and blood parameters, emphasizing the role of body size in influencing nutritional and health outcomes. The findings of this study are crucial for optimizing farming protocols and improving the health and productivity of HSB in RAS under Mediterranean conditions.

Introduction: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of time of day and physical exercise on some inflammatory biomarkers (white blood cell count-WBCs, leukocyte subpopulation CD4 + and CD8 + cells, total proteins, Interleukins IL-6, IL-1β and Tumor Necrosis Factor TNFα) in trained saddle horses.Methods: Blood samples were collected from 10 horses before, immediately (following 5 min) and 1 h after the training session in the morning (am) and afternoon (pm).Results and discussion: Statistical analysis showed increasing value of WBCs immediately and 1 h after exercise (p < 0.01: p < 0.01) at am compared to rest. Lower CD4 + oncentration was observed immediately and 1 h after exercise (p < 0.01; p < 0.01) at pm compared to rest and decreased levels 1-h post-exercise at pm compared to am (p < 0.001). CD8 + exhibited significant lower value at pm compared to am at each time point (before: p < 0.01; immediately: p < 0.01; 1 h after: p < 0.001). IL-6 showed increasing value post-exercise at pm (p < 0.01). IL-6 and IL-1β levels were markedly elevated at pm compared to am at each time point (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001). This information is essential for formulating suitable training regimens, considering performance in connection to possible daily risk for infection, illness, and inflammation to which the horse may be vulnerable.

Among physiological parameters, total locomotor activity (TLA) and heart rate (HR) are used as physiological indicators in animal welfare evaluations. The present study aimed to simultaneously record for 24 h the TLA and HR of ten clinically healthy horses housed in conventional individual boxes subjected to a natural photoperiod and temperature. An actigraphy-based data logger was placed on the headstall, and an equine HR monitor was placed around the chest to monitor TLA and HR, respectively. Activity was monitored with 5 min sampling intervals and HR with 5 s intervals. To make the data points uniform, the means of 5 min intervals were calculated. Both investigated parameters showed a daily rhythmicity with a diurnal acrophase (locomotor activity 17:05 ± 1:15 arbitrary unit; heart rate 16.40 ± 0.30 beats/min). Robustness of the rhythm was 17.95 ± 10.53% and 37.05 ± 0.63% for the TLA and HR. A positive correlation was observed between the two investigated parameters in each horse, r = 0.48 ± 0.07, p < 0.0001. Change in TLA is a good index for success of management. Its positive correlation with daily HR monitoring confirms the use of these two physiological parameters for an objective on-farm welfare assessment. The application of new technologies for the simultaneous recording of physiological indexes of animals’ welfare can be a useful instrument.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the influence of daily rhythms on the immune and inflammatory systems in horses, considering white blood cell count (WBCs), leukocyte subpopulations (neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes), CD4+, and CD8+ lymphocyte populations, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Ten Italian Saddle horses (7–12 years old, body weight 480 ± 30 kg) underwent blood sampling every 4 h over a 24-h period. The COSINOR method was used to identify rhythms and their parameters. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to identify the differences in acrophase and robustness, and a multiple correlation analysis model (Pearson) was used to evaluate the relationships among the investigated parameters. WBCs, leukocyte subpopulations, CD4+, CD8+, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα exhibited daily rhythmicity. In particular, white WBCs, lymphocytes, IL-1β, and IL-6 reached their acrophases during the dark phase, while neuthrophils, CD4+, CD8+, and TNFα showed a diurnal acrophase. One-way ANOVA showed a statistical difference in the acrophase among the investigated parameters (p < 0.0001). The Pearson correlation matrix showed positive and negative relationships among the parameters. Circadian rhythms should be taken into consideration with the daily fluctuations in immune and inflammatory biomarkers to develop good management practices and improve welfare in horses.