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Item Open Access Non-pharmacological interventions for the treatment of canine cognitive dysfunction: A scoping review(Elsevier BV, 2023) Taylor, T.L.; Fernandez, E.J.; Handley, K.N.; Hazel, S.J.Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a neurodegenerative disease, likened to Alzheimer’s, most commonly seen in dogs over the age of 10 years. CCD is difficult to diagnose and there is no cure, consequently research efforts are focused on maintaining a good quality of life for these dogs for as long as possible. Our scoping review aimed to identify, critically appraise, and map the existing literature on the impact of non-pharmacological treatments for CCD. We followed a systematic approach and utilised established tools to assess the literature. Thirty-one papers were extracted for full review. Of these, 29 investigated supplements or diets as their intervention, with the most common a combination of antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids, which are known for their neuroprotective qualities. There were almost twice as many experiments conducted on laboratory dogs than on pet dogs. The inclusion and exclusion criteria for each study varied widely and was often not well-defined, making comparisons between treatments difficult. This scoping review highlights the need for an accepted measure to determine the presence of CCD, standardised testing methods for cognitive ability in senior canines that translates between laboratory and pet dog populations, and a broader view of non-pharmacological interventions that go beyond supplements or diets.Item Metadata only Antimicrobial and healing promoting properties of animal and plant oils for treatment of infected wounds(Cambridge Media, 2019) Tahlia, K.; Mashtoub, S.; Howarth, G.; Allison, C.; Kopecki, Z.Chronic wounds are a serious medical problem both in the hospital and community setting. The healing of chronic wounds is often compromised by colonisation of different bacterial pathogens leading to life-threatening infections. Bacterial infections are a critical contributing factor to chronic wounds and can lead to biofilm formation and inhibition of innate inflammatory responses, including the reduction of acute inflammation. Concerningly, the overuse of systemic antibiotics and the use of traditional therapeutics, including topical antimicrobials – iodine, chlorhexidine and silver – have both greatly contributed to the development of a global increase in antimicrobial resistance. This has therefore led to a renewed interest in natural and alternative antimicrobial treatment strategies in wound care for the treatment of infected wounds. This review summarises the pre-clinical and clinical evidence that exists for the use of natural remedies, namely essential and animal oils, as adjunctive therapeutic approaches for the treatment of infected wounds. It also discusses novel approaches in nanotechnology that are being used for the development of natural remedies aimed at improving the healing of infected chronic wounds.Item Open Access Diagnostic approaches, aetiological agents and their associations with short-term survival and laminitis in horses with acute diarrhoea admitted to referral institutions(Wiley, 2024) Gomez, D.; Arroyo, L.G.; Schoster, A.; Renaud, D.L.; Kopper, J.J.; Dunkel, B.; Byrne, D.; Mykkanen, A.; Gilsenan, W.F.; Pihl, T.H.; Lopez, G.; Tennent-Brown, B.S.; Hostnik, L.D.; Mora-Pereira, M.; Marquez, F.; Gold, J.R.; DeNotta, S.L.; Desjardins, I.; Stewart, A.J.; Kuroda, T.; et al.Background: An international description of the diagnostic approaches used in different institutions to diagnose acute equine diarrhoea and the pathogens detected is lacking. Objectives: To describe the diagnostic approach, aetiological agents, outcome, and development of laminitis for diarrhoeic horses worldwide. Study design: Multicentre retrospective case series. Methods: Information from horses with acute diarrhoea presenting to participating institutions between 2016 and 2020, including diagnostic approaches, pathogens detected and their associations with outcomes, were compared between institutions or geographic regions. Results: One thousand four hundred and thirty-eight horses from 26 participating institutions from 4 continents were included. Overall, aetiological testing was limited (44% for Salmonella spp., 42% for Neorickettsia risticii [only North America], 40% for Clostridiodes difficile, and 29% for ECoV); however, 13% (81/633) of horses tested positive for Salmonella, 13% (35/262) for N. risticii, 9% (37/422) for ECoV, and 5% (27/578) for C. difficile. C. difficile positive cases had greater odds of non-survival than horses negative for C. difficile (OR: 2.69, 95%CI: 1.23–5.91). In addition, horses that were positive for N. risticii had greater odds of developing laminitis than negative horses (OR: 2.76, 95%CI: 1.12–6.81; p = 0.029). Main limitations: Due to the study's retrospective nature, there are missing data. Conclusions: This study highlighted limited diagnostic investigations in cases of acute equine diarrhoea. Detection rates of pathogens are similar to previous reports. Nonsurvival and development of laminitis are related to certain detected pathogens.Item Open Access "Chemobrain" in childhood cancer survivors - the impact on social, academic, and daily living skills: a qualitative systematic review(Springer, 2023) Semendric, I.; Pollock, D.; Haller, O.; George, R.; Collins-Praino, L.; Whittaker, A.Purpose: To examine children’s experiences of chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment––colloquially “chemobrain”–– and the impact on children’s social, academic, and daily living skills via a qualitative systematic review. Experiencing chemotherapy as a child, when the brain is still developing, may cause lifelong detriment to survivors’ lives. There is a significant gap in understanding their lived experience, including the self-identified barriers that children face following treatment. Such a gap can only be fully bridged by listening to the child’s own voice and/or parent proxy report through an exploration of the qualitative research literature. Methods: A search of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases was conducted. Inclusion criteria were qualitative studies with a focus on children (0–18 years) during and/or following chemotherapy treatment and explored children’s experiences of chemobrain. Results: Two synthesized findings were identified from six studies. (1) Chemobrain has an academic and psychosocial impact, which may not be understood by education providers. (2) Children and their parents have concerns about their reintegration and adaptation to school, social lives, and their future selves as independent members of society. Children’s experiences primarily related to changes in their academic and social functioning. Conclusion: This review highlights two important considerations: (1) the lived experiences of pediatric childhood cancer survivors guiding where future interventions should be targeted, and (2) a need to perform more qualitative research studies in this area, as well as to improve the quality of reporting among the existing literature, given that this is a current gap in the field.Item Open Access Dominance of Escherichia coli sequence types ST73, ST95, ST127 and ST131 in Australian urine isolates: a genomic analysis of antimicrobial resistance and virulence linked to F plasmids(Microbiology Society, 2023) Li, D.; Elankumaran, P.; Kudinha, T.; Kidsley, A.K.; Trott, D.J.; Jarocki, V.M.; Djordjevic, S.P.Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) are the most frequent cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) globally. Most studies of clinical E. coli isolates are selected based on their antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotypes; however, this selection bias may not provide an accurate portrayal of which sequence types (STs) cause the most disease. Here, whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on 320 E. coli isolates from urine samples sourced from a regional hospital in Australia in 2006. Most isolates (91%) were sourced from patients with UTIs and were not selected based on any AMR phenotypes. No significant differences were observed in AMR and virulence genes profiles across age sex, and uro-clinical syndromes. While 88 STs were identified, ST73, ST95, ST127 and ST131 dominated. F virulence plasmids carrying senB-cjrABC (126/231; 55%) virulence genes were a feature of this collection. These senB-cjrABC+ plasmids were split into two categories: pUTI89-like (F29:A- :B10 and/or >95% identity to pUTI89) (n=73) and non-pUTI89-like (n=53). Compared to all other plasmid replicons, isolates with pUTI89-like plasmids carried fewer antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), whilst isolates with senB-cjrABC+/non-pUTI89 plasmids had a significantly higher load of ARGs and class 1 integrons. F plasmids were not detected in 89 genomes, predominantly ST73. Our phylogenomic analyses identified closely related isolates from the same patient associated with different pathologies and evidence of strain-sharing events involving isolates sourced from companion and wild animals.Item Open Access Molecular characterization and pathogenicity evaluation of enterovirus G isolated from diarrheic piglets(American Society for Microbiology, 2023) Ibrahim, Y.M.; Zhang, W.; Wang, X.; Werid, G.M.; Fu, L.; Yu, H.; Wang, Y.; He, B.Four enterovirus G (EV-G) strains were isolated from diarrheic piglets that were negative for common swine enteric viruses. The spherical enterovirus particles of roughly 30-nm diameter were observed under transmission electron microscopy by using plaque-purified enterovirus. The complete genome sequence analysis revealed that each of four enteroviruses contained a papain-like cysteine protease (PLCP) gene between the 2C and 3A junction regions of the viral genome. This insertion encoded a predicted protease similar to the PLCP of porcine torovirus. The phylogenetic analysis based on complete genome with and without PLCP gene revealed that the four isolated EV-G strains were grouped together with global enterovirus G1-PLCP strains, and more closely related to EV-G/PLCP strains previously detected in China, Japan, and Korea (90.3%–92.2% similarities based on nucleotides). The cell susceptibility test demonstrated that the isolated EV-G could infect and replicate in cell lines from various host species. Furthermore, pathogenicity evaluation showed that the isolated EV-Gs induced mild diarrhea, pyrexia, and reduced body weight in infected piglets. The epidemiological investigation revealed a high prevalence of EV-G in swine herds. Together, our findings demonstrate that the isolated EV-G is pathogenic in piglets and may be advantageous in providing more trustworthy data on the evolution and pathological properties of EV-G.Item Open Access Defining and unpacking the core concepts of pharmacology: a global initiative(Wiley, 2024) Guilding, C.; White, P.; Cunningham, M.; Kelly-Laubscher, R.; Keonig, J.; Babey, A.-M.; Tucker, S.; Kelly, J.; Gorman, L.; Aronsson, P.; Hawes, M.; Ngo, S.; Mifsud, J.; Werners, A.; Hinton, T.; Khan, F.; Aljofan, M.; Angelo, T.Background and Purpose: Development of core concepts in disciplines such as biochemistry, microbiology and physiology have transformed teaching. They provide the foundation for the development of teaching resources for global educators, as well as valid and reliable approaches to assessment. An international research consensus recently identified 25 core concepts of pharmacology. The current study aimed to define and unpack these concepts. Experimental Approach: A two-phase, iterative approach, involving 60 international pharmacology education experts, was used. The first phase involved drafting definitions for core concepts and identifying key sub-concepts via a series of online meetings and asynchronous work. These were refined in the second phase, through a 2-day hybrid workshop followed by a further series of online meetings and asynchronous work. Key Results: The project produced consensus definitions for a final list of 24 core concepts and 103 sub-concepts of pharmacology. The iterative, discursive methodology resulted in modification of concepts from the original study, including change of ‘drug–receptor interaction’ to ‘drug–target interaction’ and the change of the core concept ‘agonists and antagonists’ to sub-concepts of drug–target interaction. Conclusions and Implications: Definitions and sub-concepts of 24 core concepts provide an evidence-based foundation for pharmacology curricula development and evaluation. The next steps for this project include the development of a concept inventory to assess acquisition of concepts, as well as the development of case studies and educational resources to support teaching by the global pharmacology community, and student learning of the most critical and fundamental concepts of the discipline.Item Open Access Oral administration of a 2-aminopyrimidine robenidine analogue (NCL195) significantly reduces Staphylococcus aureus infection and reduces Escherichia coli infection in combination with sub-inhibitory colistin concentrations in a bioluminescent mouse model(American Society for Microbiology, 2023) Nguyen, H.T.; Venter, H.; Woolford, L.; Young, K.A.; McCluskey, A.; Garg, S.; Sapula, S.S.; Page, S.W.; Ogunniyi, A.; Trott, D.J.; Leggett, J.E.We have previously reported promising in vivo activity of the first-generation 2-aminopyramidine robenidine analogue NCL195 against Gram-positive bacteria (GPB) when administered via the systemic route. In this study, we examined the efficacy of oral treatment with NCL195 (± low-dose colistin) in comparison to oral moxifloxacin in bioluminescent Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli peritonitis-sepsis models. Four oral doses of 50 mg/kg NCL195, commencing immediately post-infection, were administered at 4 h intervals in the S. aureus peritonitis-sepsis model. We used a combination of four oral doses of 50 mg/kg NCL195 and four intraperitoneal doses of colistin at 0.125 mg/kg, 0.25 mg/kg, or 0.5 mg/kg in the E. coli peritonitis-sepsis model. Subsequently, the dose rates of four intraperitoneal doses of colistin were increased to 0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, or 2 mg/kg at 4 h intervals to treat a colistin-resistant E. coli infection. In the S. aureus infection model, oral treatment of mice with NCL195 resulted in significantly reduced S. aureus infection loads (P < 0.01) and longer survival times (P < 0.001) than vehicle-only treated mice. In the E. coli infection model, co-administration of NCL195 and graded doses of colistin resulted in a dose-dependent significant reduction in colistin-susceptible (P < 0.01) or colistin-resistant (P < 0.05) E. coli loads compared to treatment with colistin alone at similar concentrations. Our results confirm that NCL195 is a potential candidate for further preclinical development as a specific treatment for multidrug-resistant infections, either as a stand-alone antibiotic for GPB or in combination with sub-inhibitory concentrations of colistin for Gram-negative bacteria.Item Open Access Fission-fusion dynamics in sheep: the influence of resource distribution and temporal activity patterns(Royal Society, The, 2023) Della Libera, K.; Strandburg-Peshkin, A.; Griffith, S.C.; Leu, S.T.Fission-fusion events, i.e. changes to the size and composition of animal social groups, are a mechanism to adjust the social environment in response to short-term changes in the cost-benefit ratio of group living. Furthermore, the time and location of fission-fusion events provide insight into the underlying drivers of these dynamics. Here, we describe a method for identifying group membership over time and for extracting fission-fusion events from animal tracking data. We applied this method to high-resolution GPS data of free-ranging sheep (Ovis aries). Group size was highest during times when sheep typically rest (midday and at night), and when anti-predator benefits of grouping are high while costs of competition are low. Consistent with this, fission and fusion frequencies were highest during early morning and late evening, suggesting that social restructuring occurs during periods of high activity. However, fission and fusion events were not more frequent near food patches and water resources when adjusted for overall space use. This suggests a limited role of resource competition. Our results elucidate the dynamics of grouping in response to social and ecological drivers, and we provide a tool for investigating these dynamics in other species.Item Open Access Meta-Analysis on the Global Prevalence of Tetracycline Resistance in Escherichia coli Isolated from Beef Cattle(MDPI AG, 2023) Messele, Y.E.; Werid, G.M.; Petrovski, K.Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an emerging global concern, with the widespread use of antimicrobials in One Health contributing significantly to this phenomenon. Among various antimicrobials, tetracyclines are extensively used in the beef cattle industry, potentially contributing to the development of resistance in bacterial populations. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the association between tetracycline use in beef cattle and the development of tetracycline resistance in Escherichia coli isolates. A comprehensive search was conducted using multiple databases to gather relevant observational studies evaluating tetracycline use and tetracycline resistance in Escherichia coli isolates from beef cattle. The rate of tetracycline resistance from each study served as the effect measure and was pooled using a random-effects model, considering possible disparities among studies. The meta-analysis of 14 prospective longitudinal studies resulted in a 0.31 prevalence of tetracycline resistance in Escherichia coli in non-intervention (no exposure), contrasting numerically elevated resistance rates in the intervention (exposed) groups of 0.53 and 0.39 in those receiving tetracyclines via feed or systemically, respectively. Despite the observed numerical differences, no statistically significant differences existed between intervention and non-intervention groups, challenging the conventional belief that antimicrobial use in livestock inherently leads to increased AMR. The findings of this study underscore the need for additional research to fully understand the complex relationship between antimicrobial use and AMR development. A considerable degree of heterogeneity across studies, potentially driven by variations in study design and diverse presentation of results, indicates the intricate and complex nature of AMR development. Further research with standardized methodologies might help elucidate the relationship between tetracycline use and resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from beef cattle.Item Open Access Relative diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care tests to rule-in Dirofilaria immitis infection in clinically suspect dogs: A systematic review and meta-analysis(Elsevier BV, 2023) Atkinson, P.J.; O'Handley, R.; Nielsen, T.; Caraguel, C.G.Canine heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, can cause severe disease and sometimes death of the host. Associated clinical signs, lack of preventative usage and regional endemicity are unlikely sufficient by themselves to reach a definitive diagnosis. Several point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tests are commercially available to aid in-clinic diagnosis, however, there is variable diagnostic accuracy reported and no synthesis of published evidence. This systematic review aims at meta-analysing the likelihood ratio of a positive result (LR+) to inform the selection and interpretation of POC tests in practice to rule-in heartworm infection when there is clinical suspicion. Three literature index interfaces (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus) were searched on November 11th, 2022, for diagnostic test evaluation (DTE) articles assessing at least one currently commercialised POC test. Risk of bias was assessed adapting the QUADAS-2 protocol and articles with no evidence of high risk of bias were metaanalysed if deemed applicable to our review objective. Substantial between DTE heterogeneity was investigated including potential threshold or covariate effects. A total of 324 primary articles were sourced and 18 were retained for full text review of which only three had low risk of bias in all four QUADAS-2 domains. Of the nine heartworm POC tests evaluated, only three, IDEXX SNAP (n DTEs = 6), Zoetis WITNESS (n DTEs = 3) and Zoetis VETSCAN (n DTEs = 5) could be analysed. Both WITNESS and VETSCAN DTEs showed substantial heterogeneity due to a putative threshold effect and no summary point estimates could be reported. SNAP DTEs showed acceptable heterogeneity, and a summary LR+ was estimated at 559.0 (95%CI: 24.3–12,847.4). The quality and heterogeneity of heartworm POC test DTEs was highly variable which restricted our summary of the diagnostic accuracy to only the SNAP test. A positive result from the SNAP test provides strong evidence of the presence of an infection with adult heartworm(s) in a dog patient and this test is warranted to rule-in clinical suspicion(s) in clinics. However, our review did not appraise the literature to assess the fitness of SNAP test, or any other POC tests, to rule-out heartworm infection in dogs without clinical suspicion or following heartworm therapy.Item Open Access Assessment of Pain and Inflammation in Domestic Animals Using Infrared Thermography: A Narrative Review(MDPI, 2023) Whittaker, A.L.; Muns, R.; Wang, D.; Martínez-Burnes, J.; Hernández-Ávalos, I.; Casas-Alvarado, A.; Domínguez-Oliva, A.; Mota-Rojas, D.Pain assessment in domestic animals has gained importance in recent years due to the recognition of the physiological, behavioral, and endocrine consequences of acute pain on animal production, welfare, and animal model validity. Current approaches to identifying acute pain mainly rely on behavioral-based scales, quantifying pain-related biomarkers, and the use of devices monitoring sympathetic activity. Infrared thermography is an alternative that could be used to correlate the changes in the superficial temperature with other tools and thus be an additional or alternate acute pain assessment marker. Moreover, its non-invasiveness and the objective nature of its readout make it potentially very valuable. However, at the current time, it is not in widespread use as an assessment strategy. The present review discusses scientific evidence for infrared thermography as a tool to evaluate pain, limiting its use to monitor acute pain in pathological processes and invasive procedures, as well as its use for perioperative monitoring in domestic animals.Item Open Access SNP associations and genetic-parameter estimation for nose and hoof pigmentation in Corriedale sheep(CSIRO Publishing, 2023) Aldersey, J.E.; Khatkar, M.S.; Blackwood, P.J.; Blackwood, C.E.; Pitchford, J.M.; Gordon, H.; Welsh, S.C.; Pitchford, W.S.; Hatcher, S.Context. Quantity and quality of both meat and wool are important for selection programs of the dual-purpose Corriedale sheep. In Corriedales, black pigmentation of nose skin and hooves is preferred as part of the breed standard. However, within the breed, pigmentation can vary from none to complete pigmentation. Aims. The aim was to discover single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genes associated with nose and hoof pigmentation and to estimate genetic parameters of nose and hoof pigmentation, wool traits and meat traits. Methods. The phenotype and genotype data on Corriedale lambs (n = 764) produced from 44 sires (12 studs) and 300 ewes in 2017–2019 were used in this study. Lambs were slaughtered at 6–7 months of age. Nose pigmentation and hoof pigmentation were scored on a five-point scale, where no pigmentation was scored 0 and complete pigmentation was scored 5. Wool-and meat-quality traits were measured, including greasy fleece weight, fibre diameter, weaning weight, hot standard carcass weight and intramuscular fat percentage. The lambs were genotyped with the GGPOvine50K SNP chip. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted. Genetic parameters and bivariate analyses were estimated using ASReml-R. Results. The lambs had a mean nose-pigmentation score of 3.69 and hoof-pigmentation score of 4.12. The nose pigmentation (h2 = 0.58) and hoof pigmentation (h2 = 0.51) were highly heritable and highly correlated (rG = 0.73). The GWAS identified a genome-wide significant SNP (OAR19_33278780.1) associated with nose pigmentation (q-value = 0.04). This SNP is positioned in a known pigmentation gene, melanocyte-inducing transcription factor (MITF ). The same SNP was the sixth-most associated SNP for hoof pigmentation but did not reach significance level. OAR19_33278780.1 also had a significant effect on back conformation and weaning weight. Conclusions. The results of these analyses have provided information and an understanding of the genetics for pigmentation of nose and hooves in Corriedale sheep. Implications. Nose and hoof pigmentation are highly genetically correlated with each other, but with no negative effects on production traits.Item Open Access The power of effective study design in animal Experimentation: Exploring the statistical and ethical implications of asking multiple questions of a data set(Elsevier BV, 2023) Ankeny, R.A.; Whittaker, A.L.; Ryan, M.; Boer, J.; Plebanski, M.; Tuke, J.; Spencer, S.J.One of the chief advantages of using highly standardised biological models including model organisms is that multiple variables can be precisely controlled so that the variable of interest is more easily studied. However, such an approach often obscures effects in sub-populations resulting from natural population heterogeneity. Efforts to expand our fundamental understanding of multiple sub-populations are in progress. However, such stratified or personalised approaches require fundamental modifications of our usual study designs that should be implemented in Brain, Behavior and Immunity (BBI) research going forward. Here we explore the statistical feasibility of asking multiple questions (including incorporating sex) within the same experimental cohort using statistical simulations of real data. We illustrate and discuss the large explosion in sample numbers necessary to detect effects with appropriate power for every additional question posed using the same data set. This exploration highlights the strong likelihood of type II errors (false negatives) for standard data and type I errors when dealing with complex genomic data, where studies are too under-powered to appropriately test these interactions. We show this power may differ for males and females in high throughput data sets such as RNA sequencing. We offer a rationale for the use of alternative experimental and statistical strategies based on interdisciplinary insights and discuss the realworld implications of increasing the complexities of our experimental designs, and the implications of not attempting to alter our experimental designs going forward.Item Metadata only Assessing Pain in Laboratory Species(Elsevier, 2023) Whittaker, A.; Brown, C.; Jirkof, P.; Lofgren, J.; Pang, D.Pain recognition, prevention and alleviation in research animals is important from an animal welfare, ethical and legal standpoint. The ideal pain assessment tool would be reliable, sensitive, valid, practical, easily applicable and generalisable. Whilst there are a number of physiological and behavioural markers available, the latter is more likely to be applicable in clinical decision making. Therefore, the use of animal-based indices and pain-specific behaviours is widespread as a method of pain assessment. There are many challenges in selection of an appropriate pain assessment strategy, including for example species and strain differences in pain-related behaviors. Tools may also be complex, require prior training and experience, or be non-generalisable. Good record maintenance and referral to records aids in the achievement of objectivity in assessment, as well as transparency in decision-making.Item Open Access An investigation of pathways for rebuilding Australia’s sheep flock(CSIRO Publishing, 2023) Brien, F.D.; Pitchford, R.L.; Vogt, S.P.; Koopman, D.J.; Hatcher, S.Context. A significant opportunity remains to further increase the supply of premium sheepmeat products to Australia’s customers, which requires a more rapid rebuilding of the national sheep flock. To help meet this challenge, developing relevant information for sheep producers to assist them to achieve a profitable flock-rebuilding outcome is viewed as highly desirable. Aims. (1) Develop flock-rebuild scenarios that track inventory, cashflow, profit and loss, and the overall balance sheet over a 5-year projection. (2) Model the impact on flock-rebuilding pathways of exposure to variation in supplementary-feed costs, purchase of stock and price received for sale animals and flock structure. (3) Model variation in benefits and costs for a range of production zones, enterprise types and flock-age profiles. Methods. Fourteen flock-rebuilding pathways were assessed for up to nine flock types, using a spreadsheet model that tracked inventory, cashflow, profit and loss, and the overall balance sheet over 5 years. Key results. The top four pathways for profitability and capacity to rapidly rebuild flock numbers include retention of more older ewes, purchasing young ewes, purchasing older ewes (mostly 5–6-year olds) in Merino and Merino-cross flock types only and joining ewe lambs in Maternal and Cleanskin flock types only. These pathways were not sensitive to variation in the cost of supplementary feed, stock prices or flock structure, although joining Merino ewe lambs became one of the top four pathways when feed costs were lower. Conclusions and implications. The well established practices of retaining ewes for longer and purchasing ewes, especially young ewes, have the most potential to both rapidly and profitably rebuild flock numbers. However, joining ewe lambs, particularly in Maternal and Cleanskin flocks, can also profitably contribute to rapid flock rebuilding. While reducing reproductive wastage or increasing reproductive potential were mostly profitable, they could not rapidly rebuild flock numbers. In contrast, accelerated lambing systems can rapidly rebuild flock numbers, but are only marginally profitable.Item Metadata only Sero-Prevalence of Chicken Anaemia Virus (CAV) in Layer Poultry Flocks in Different Parts of India(Jakraya Publications, 2016) Baksi, S.; Savaliya, B.F.; Rao, N.; Khan, M.Now-a-days, Chicken Infectious Anaemia (CIA) gained worldwide importance as it is an emerging viral disease of poultry industry. Mostly it is a disease of chicken but earlier study showed that it can affect all ages of birds. Investigation on sero-prevalence of Chicken Anaemia Virus (CAV) has been performed in India. The study regarding sero-prevalence of CAV was found very less and therefore study was carried out in the states where maximum poultry population exists. A sum of 422 serum samples was collected from Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamilnadu and Telangana. The samples were also categorized according to different age groups and then ELISA was performed to know the antibody titre against CAV. Overall sero-prevalence in India was found to be 39.33%. Results also showed significant effects (p<0.05) of age on occurrence of CIA that means the disease is dependent on the age of birds. The study indicates that disease is highly prevalent in birds aging between 30 to 50 weeks. The infection was found to be less in the birds aging up to 10 weeks. Out of six different states of India highest prevalence of CAV was observed in Telangana state while lower prevalence was observed in Maharashtra.Item Open Access Veganism and animal welfare, scientific, ethical, and philosophical arguments(Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-árido, 2023) Mota-Rojas, D.; Whittaker, A.L.; de la Vega, L.T.; Ghezzi, M.; Lezama-García, K.; Domínguez-Oliva, A.; Falcón, I.; Casas-Alvarado, A.; Alonso-Spilsbury, M.The justification for this review article is to understand the position of vegans and those individuals who consume food of animal origin from an unbiased perspective but with a grounding in scientific evidence. This will provide people who eat meat with scientific and ethical arguments to defend their alimentary autonomy in the context of the moral conflict that has emerged in societies regarding the consumption of meat and animal products, which is criticized –sometimes even attacked– by activists, ovolactovegetarians, or vegetarians with alimentary habits that stress ethical and moral respect for animals. These individuals refuse to eat meat and animal products but sometimes show disrespect for those who do. In recent decades, veganism and vegetarianism have reached an apogee in some western societies where they are often considered a healthy option for humans that simultaneously fosters animal and environmental welfare. While those diets may provide numerous benefits, they can also entail health risks by failing to provide balance and necessary dietary supplements. Various researchers concur that they are not appropriate for pregnant women, children, or carnivorous or omnivorous pets. Our review of scientific articles in favor and against dietary regimens that lack protein of animal origin leads to the conclusion that these dietary changes, on their own, do not reduce animal suffering or the contamination generated by the meat, dairy, and poultry industries. Finally, it is important to consider that, despite the popular opinion that vegetarianism and veganism are healthy diet alternatives, the diet must be individualized and well-balanced according to each stage of their life cycle.Item Open Access Controversial Topics in Animal Welfare in Latin America: A Focus on the Legislation Surrounding the Human-Companion Animal Relationship and Animals Used for Recreational Practices(MDPI AG, 2023) Mota-Rojas, D.; Strappini, A.; Whittaker, A.L.; Ghezzi, M.; Gonçalves Titto, C.; Calderón-Maldonado, N.; Mora-Medina, P.; Domínguez-Oliva, A.; Gómez-Prado, J.; Hernández-Ávalos, I.; José-Pérez, N.; Casas-Alvarado, A.; Orihuela, A.Animal welfare is a societally relevant issue that is globally attracting increased attention. This is in addition to the importance placed on welfare for the animals themselves. However, the content and application of laws protecting animals’ welfare vary across countries. In Latin America, there are a range of common practices or activities involving certain animal species, many of which are legal, that can impair an animal’s quality of life. These include the performance of aesthetic surgical procedures; bull-, cock-, and dog fighting; and the existence of circuses that exhibit animals. The extent and impact of these practices being dependent on the socioeconomic, cultural, territorial, and regulatory landscape of each country. Particularly, Ibero-American regions face welfare challenges that might be influenced by traditions and relevant legal gaps. The objective of this article is to review controversial practices carried out in companion and entertainment animals in Latin America, with a focus on legal aspects, as well as the current efforts being made to address and incorporate global welfare standards into domestic and wild animal practice and regulation.Item Open Access How Well Does Australian Animal Welfare Policy Reflect Scientific Evidence – a Case Study Approach Based on Lamb Marking(MDPI AG, 2023) Johnston, C.; Richardson, V.; Whittaker, A.The development and substance of animal welfare policy is subject to a range of social, cultural, economic, and scientific influences that commonly vary within and between countries. Discrepancies in policy can create confusion and mistrust among stakeholders and consumers and limit the ability to create a uniform minimum level of requirements to safeguard animal welfare, as well as create a level ‘playing field’ for farmers when trading with other jurisdictions. The livestock sector is receiving growing scrutiny globally for real and perceived violations of animal welfare, for example, the practice of mulesing in Australia. This article explores animal welfare legislation within Australia and how it reflects the scientific evidence surrounding routine husbandry practices in sheep, including tail docking, castration, and mulesing. While there is some variation between state and territory legislation, the most notable concern is the lack of enforceable recommendations surrounding the evidence-based use of analgesia and anaesthesia for painful husbandry procedures. The age at which these procedures are recommended to be performed is relatively consistent across Australian jurisdictions, but there is a marked difference compared to international legislation. The global context of animal welfare legislation, public perception, and producer perception of these procedures are also discussed, highlighting the difficulty of creating robust animal welfare legislation that promotes a good standard of welfare that is respected worldwide whilst being practical in an Australian setting given our unique geography and climatic conditions.