Animal Diseases in Agricultural Production Systems, 2nd Edition

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The focus of the Topic is on diseases in farm animals and companion animals, encompassing not only orthopaedic and surgical aspects but also addressing issues related to pathophysiological mechanisms, treatment, and pharmacology. The aim of the topic is to adopt a holistic approach to animal health, considering both diagnosis and effective therapeutic strategies.

The Topic delves into the pathophysiological mechanisms of various diseases in animals, aiming to better understand their origin and development. Additionally, contributions that explore the development of diagnostic methods for early disease detection and effective therapeutic intervention planning are highly encouraged.

The Topic extends beyond surgery and orthopaedics to encompass various aspects of treatment, including the utilization of modern pharmacological methods. Research on different pharmaceutical substances and their impact on animal health, with the goal of seeking innovative therapeutic solutions, is a key focus of the Topic.

Additionally, the Topic includes the potential application of natural and synthetic antimicrobial peptides (AMP) in animals as therapeutics and in  feed industry.

The Topic's interests span a wide range of veterinary fields, integrating knowledge from surgery, pathophysiology, and pharmacology to effectively combat animal diseases and enhance their overall health, especially in such important problems as osteomyelitis and intraoperative infections.

Within this Topic, experimental studies are also published, with the primary aim of delving into the pathomechanisms associated with various health issues in animals. The research encompasses areas focused on improving the overall health status of animals, with a specific emphasis on supplements, additives, and innovative solutions in this field.

Prof. Dr. Ewa Tomaszewska
Prof. Dr. Beata Łebkowska-Wieruszewska
Dr. Tomasz Szponder
Dr. Joanna Wessely-Szponder
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Agriculture agriculture	3.3	4.9	2011	20.2 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Animals animals	2.7	4.9	2011	16.1 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Veterinary Sciences vetsci	2.0	2.9	2014	20.9 Days	CHF 2100	Submit
Antibiotics antibiotics	4.3	7.3	2012	14.7 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Zoonotic Diseases zoonoticdis	-	-	2021	25.5 Days	CHF 1000	Submit

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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All Agriculture Animals Veterinary Sciences Antibiotics Zoonotic Diseases

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Open AccessReview

Review of the Current Status on Ruminant Abortigenic Pathogen Surveillance in Africa and Asia

by George Peter Semango and Joram Buza

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(9), 425; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11090425 - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

Ruminant abortion events cause economic losses. Despite the importance of livestock production for food security and the livelihoods of millions of people in the world’s poorest communities, very little is known about the scale, magnitude, or causes of these abortions in Africa and [...] Read more.

Ruminant abortion events cause economic losses. Despite the importance of livestock production for food security and the livelihoods of millions of people in the world’s poorest communities, very little is known about the scale, magnitude, or causes of these abortions in Africa and Asia. The aim of this review was to determine the current status of surveillance measures adopted for ruminant abortigenic pathogens in Africa and Asia and to explore feasible surveillance technologies. A systematic literature search was conducted using PRISMA guidelines for studies published between 1 January 1990 and 1 May 2024 that reported epidemiological surveys of abortigenic pathogens Africa and Asia. A meta-analysis was used to estimate the species-specific sero-prevalence of the abortigenic agents and the regions where they were detected. In the systematic literature search, 39 full-text manuscripts were included. The most prevalent abortigenic pathogens with sero-prevalence greater than 10% were BHV-1, Brucella, Chlamydia abortus, Neospora caninum, RVFV, and Waddlia chondrophila in cattle, BVDV in sheep, and RVFV and Toxoplasma gondii in goats in Africa. In Asia, Anaplasma, BHV-1, Bluetongue virus, Brucella, and BVDV were prevalent in cattle, whereas Mycoplasma was important in goats and sheep. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Animal Diseases in Agricultural Production Systems, 2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 2465 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Comparative Full-Length Genome Characterization of African Swine Fever Virus Detected in Thailand

by Muhammad Salman, Dhithya Venkateswaran, Anwesha Prakash, Quynh Anh Nguyen, Roypim Suntisukwattana, Waranya Atthaapa, Angkana Tantituvanont, Tapanut Songkasupa, Taweewat Deemagarn, Kultyarat Bhakha, Nuttun Pengpetch, Janya Saenboonrueng, Theeradej Thaweerattanasinp, Anan Jongkaewwattana and Dachrit Nilubol

Animals 2024, 14(17), 2602; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14172602 - 6 Sep 2024

Abstract

African swine fever virus (ASFV) has been responsible for the globally devastating epidemics in wild and domesticated pigs. Of the 24 identified ASFV genotypes, genotype II is the primary cause for the pandemic occurring in Europe and Asia since its emergence in Georgia [...] Read more.

African swine fever virus (ASFV) has been responsible for the globally devastating epidemics in wild and domesticated pigs. Of the 24 identified ASFV genotypes, genotype II is the primary cause for the pandemic occurring in Europe and Asia since its emergence in Georgia in 2007. The current study aimed to characterize the full-length genomic pattern of the ASFV strain from Thailand, TH1_22/CR (Accession No. PP915735), which was then compared with genomic diversity across other Asian isolates using Georgia 2007/1 (Accession No. FR682468) as the reference. Viral DNA was isolated from the pig spleen sample following library preparation and paired-end sequencing using the MiSeq Illumina platform. The sequenced TH1_22/CR isolate spanned 189,395 nucleotides encoding 193 open reading frames (ORFs), exhibiting maximum nucleotide similarity (99.99%) with Georgian (Georgia 2007/1) and Chinese (Wuhan 2019-1 and China HLJ) isolates. Based on phylogenetic analysis, the TH1_22/CR isolate (Accession No. PP915735) was characterized as genotype II, serogroup 8, and IGR-II due to the presence of three tandem repeat sequences (TRSs). Genetic variations including SNPs and single and polynucleotide indels were identified in TH1_22/CR in agreement with other Asian isolates. For comprehensive analysis, the genome was divided into four regions (I–IV) based on gene location. Overall, the TH1_22/CR isolate demonstrated eight SNPs and indels in its genome. Two unique SNPs were reported in the coding regions of the TH1_22/CR isolate, out of which, a C-591-T substitution was seen in MGF 360-4L and a C-297-T was found in A238L, and four unique SNPs were reported in non-coding regions (NCRs). Furthermore, a 29 bp deletion was observed in the IGR between MGF 110-13La and MGF 110-13Lb, as well as 52 bp deletion in the ASFV G ACD 00350 gene. This comparative analysis establishes the foundational information for future studies on the diversity and phylogeography of this regionally significant genetic sub-group of ASFV. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Animal Diseases in Agricultural Production Systems, 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 2495 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Discrete Homogeneous and Non-Homogeneous Markov Chains Enhance Predictive Modelling for Dairy Cow Diseases

by Jan Saro, Jaromir Ducháček, Helena Brožová, Luděk Stádník, Petra Bláhová, Tereza Horáková and Robert Hlavatý

Animals 2024, 14(17), 2542; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14172542 - 1 Sep 2024

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Abstract

Modelling and predicting dairy cow diseases empowers farmers with valuable information for herd health management, thereby decreasing costs and increasing profits. For this purpose, predictive models were developed based on machine learning algorithms. However, machine-learning based approaches require the development of a specific [...] Read more.

Modelling and predicting dairy cow diseases empowers farmers with valuable information for herd health management, thereby decreasing costs and increasing profits. For this purpose, predictive models were developed based on machine learning algorithms. However, machine-learning based approaches require the development of a specific model for each disease, and their consistency is limited by low farm data availability. To overcome this lack of complete and accurate data, we developed a predictive model based on discrete Homogeneous and Non-homogeneous Markov chains. After aggregating data into categories, we developed a method for defining the adequate number of Markov chain states. Subsequently, we selected the best prediction model through Chebyshev distance minimization. For 14 of 19 diseases, less than 15% maximum differences were measured between the last month of actual and predicted disease data. This model can be easily implemented in low-tech dairy farms to project costs with antibiotics and other treatments. Furthermore, the model’s adaptability allows it to be extended to other disease types or conditions with minimal adjustments. Therefore, including this predictive model for dairy cow diseases in decision support systems may enhance herd health management and streamline the design of evidence-based farming strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Animal Diseases in Agricultural Production Systems, 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 2326 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Anticoccidial In Vitro Effects and Antioxidant Properties of Several Plants Traditionally Used for Coccidiosis in Togo

by Ferdinand Grégoire Tchodo, Hervé Brice Dakpogan, Sabrina Sanvee, Benjamin Adjei-Mensah, Claude Cocou Kpomasse, Simplice Karou, Wéré Pitala, Kokou Tona and Batomayena Bakoma

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(8), 345; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11080345 - 31 Jul 2024

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Abstract

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease that often affects livestock. Identifying plants with inhibitory effects on the development of the parasite could help in finding new natural treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the anticoccidial potentials of extracts from Azadirachta indica leaves (AILs), Combretum [...] Read more.

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease that often affects livestock. Identifying plants with inhibitory effects on the development of the parasite could help in finding new natural treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the anticoccidial potentials of extracts from Azadirachta indica leaves (AILs), Combretum micranthum leaves (CMLs), Carica papaya seeds (CPSs), Sarcocephalus latifolius roots (SLRs), and Vernonia amygdalina leaves (VALs). The in vitro anticoccidial efficacy of the extracts was evaluated through oocyst sporulation inhibition and sporozoite viability inhibition assays of Eimeria oocysts. The setup was examined for 72 h (every 24 h) of incubation. The DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power were used to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the extracts. Among the tested extracts, the SLR, CPS, and AIL extracts exhibited the maximum oocyst sporulation inhibition (75.85 ± 1.21%, 74.53 ± 1.65%, and 71.58 ± 0.24%, respectively) at a concentration of 75 mg/mL of plant extracts against the Eimeria species. The Sarcocephalus latifolius root extract showed the highest radical scavenging capacity (76.25 ± 0.53) and reducing power (86.21 ± 4.28). The biochemical screening of the selected plant extracts revealed the presence of antioxidant compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and carbohydrates. The SLR extract contained the highest amounts of phenols (56.11 ± 0.33 µg/mL) and flavonoids (36.65 ± 1.85 µg/mL). In conclusion, the selected hydro-ethanolic extracts from these plants possess excellent anticoccidial and antioxidant activities, which can be attributed to the presence of medicinally important phytochemicals. Further research is needed to identify and isolate the active anticoccidial compounds from these plants, which could be utilized in the development of drugs against coccidiosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Animal Diseases in Agricultural Production Systems, 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 2807 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence Study of Trichomonas gallinae in Domestic Pigeons in Northeastern Beijing and Experimental Model of Trichomoniasis in White King Squabs Measuring In Situ Apoptosis and Immune Factors in Crop and Esophagus

by Aixin Ni, Yunlei Li, Adamu Mani Isa, Panlin Wang, Lei Shi, Jing Fan, Pingzhuang Ge, Linlin Jiang, Yanyan Sun, Hui Ma and Jilan Chen

Animals 2024, 14(13), 1869; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131869 - 25 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1030

Abstract

Trichomonas gallinae (T. gallinae) is a flagellated protozoan and the causative agent of trichomoniasis, or canker, in birds. In the current study, the prevalence of T. gallinae was firstly investigated in five breeds. According to the results of the prevalence study, [...] Read more.

Trichomonas gallinae (T. gallinae) is a flagellated protozoan and the causative agent of trichomoniasis, or canker, in birds. In the current study, the prevalence of T. gallinae was firstly investigated in five breeds. According to the results of the prevalence study, White King pigeons were selected as the experimental animals. A total of 135 White King squabs at one day of age were randomly divided into two groups and raised in separate isolators. The challenged group (N = 100) was challenged intranasally with 5 × 10⁶ parasites/mL of the T. gallinae strain, and the control group (N = 35) was intranasally administered medium of equivalent volume. At 1, 2, 3 and 5 days post infection (DPIs), the crops and esophagi were collected for RNA extraction and formaldehyde fixation. The results showed that prevalence of T. gallinae in the five breeds ranged from 27.13% (White Carneau) to 43.14% (White King). After the challenge, mild microscopic lesions were observed in both tissues. Apoptosis rates were higher in the challenged group than in the control group at 2 and 5 DPIs in the crop and at 1, 2 and 7 DPIs in the esophagus. For both tissues, relative expression of IL-1β increased dramatically at the beginning and decreased at 5 DPIs, and TGF-β increased stably in the challenged group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Animal Diseases in Agricultural Production Systems, 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 923 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Rearing Management and Its Impact on Caseous Lymphadenitis in Sheep

by Nora El Khalfaoui, Bouchra El Amiri, Jean-François Cabaraux, Mouad Chentouf, Marianne Raes, Tanguy Marcotty and Nathalie Kirschvink

Animals 2024, 14(10), 1504; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14101504 - 18 May 2024

Viewed by 818

Abstract

Two surveys were conducted to assess the prevalence and risk factors of ovine caseous lymphadenitis (CL) and explore the association between its superficial and visceral forms in Sardi sheep in Settat province, Morocco. A total of 1521 sheep, including 318 lambs < 6 [...] Read more.

Two surveys were conducted to assess the prevalence and risk factors of ovine caseous lymphadenitis (CL) and explore the association between its superficial and visceral forms in Sardi sheep in Settat province, Morocco. A total of 1521 sheep, including 318 lambs < 6 months, 572 young sheep aged 6–24 months, and 631 adult sheep > 24 months, were examined from 57 flocks. Superficial CL prevalence levels were as follows: 69/318 in lambs, 292/572 in young sheep, and 114/631 in adult sheep. Additionally, 2124 sheep, including 1813 young and 311 adult sheep, were inspected in slaughterhouses ante- and post-mortem. Among all infected animals, the prevalence of visceral abscesses was notably higher in adult sheep (83%, OR = 9.8, 95% CI = 5.5–17.2) compared to young sheep (35%). Data on flock size, sex, age, body condition score, rearing methods, and hygienic measures were collected. Suspected CL cases were confirmed using quadruplex-PCR. Poor barn ventilation, lack of abscess control, and younger age were identified as key risk factors for CL. Additionally, a high percentage (89%) of animals with thoracic abscesses did not display superficial lesions. While age and abscess control have been reported in previous studies, barn ventilation appears to be a new, but important, risk factor. In conclusion, the identified risk factors in Settat province are linked to breeding management practices. Implementing regular abscess control measures and improving barn ventilation are essential for CL prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Animal Diseases in Agricultural Production Systems, 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 3192 KiB  

Open AccessMore Editor’s choice articles in journal Antibiotics.">Editor’s ChoiceArticle

Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate (BMD) Treatment Affects Spleen Proteome in Broiler Chicks Infected with Salmonella enteritidis

by Adedeji Adetunji, Theresa Casey, Uma K. Aryal, Tunde Ogundare, Jackeline Franco and Yewande Fasina

Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 414; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050414 - 1 May 2024

Viewed by 1468

Abstract

Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate (BMD), as a feed additive to poultry diets, enhances digestion, prevents Salmonella enteritidis (SE) colonization, and treats current infections. The objective of this study was to utilize a quantitative proteomic approach to determine the effect of BMD feed additive on [...] Read more.

Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate (BMD), as a feed additive to poultry diets, enhances digestion, prevents Salmonella enteritidis (SE) colonization, and treats current infections. The objective of this study was to utilize a quantitative proteomic approach to determine the effect of BMD feed additive on broiler chickens challenged with SE in the spleen proteome. At 1 d of age, chicks were randomly allocated into four groups: control with and without SE challenge (CON, n = 60; CON-SE, n = 60), BMD with and without SE challenge (BMD, n = 60; BMD-SE, n = 60). Birds in the CON-SE and BMD-SE treatment were administered SE inoculum by oral gavage. On day three and day seven post-gavage, the spleen was collected aseptically from birds in each treatment group (CON, n = 4/day; CON-SE, n = 4/day; BMD, n = 4/day; BMD-SE, n = 4/day). Proteomic analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) showed an increased abundance of 115 proteins and decreased of 77 due to the BMD. Proteins that decreased in abundance were enriched for fibrinogen complex and extracellular space, whereas proteins that increased in abundance were enriched for proteasome-mediated ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolic process and mitochondrion. Analysis of the interaction between BMD and the Salmonella challenge found 230 differentially abundant proteins including proteins associated with RNA binding, spliceosome, protein transport, and cell adhesion among the upregulated proteins, and those associated with protein folding, carbon metabolism, biosynthesis of nucleotide sugars, response to oxidative stress, positive regulation of NIK/NF-kappaB signaling, and inflammatory response among the downregulated proteins. The impact of BMD treatment on spleen proteome indicates an anti-apoptotic effect. BMD also modified the response of the spleen to the SE challenge with a marked decrease in proteins that prompt cytokine synthesis and an increase in proteins involved in the selective removal of unfolded proteins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Animal Diseases in Agricultural Production Systems, 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 3215 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The In Vitro Effects of Carprofen on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation in Dairy Cows

by Jianbo Zhi, Kaixi Qiao, Lei Xie, Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini, Geert Opsomer and Qiang Dong

Animals 2024, 14(6), 985; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060985 - 21 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1257

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop an in vitro model that mimics inflammatory reactions and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in dairy cows. This model was used to examine the effect of carprofen (CA) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to develop an in vitro model that mimics inflammatory reactions and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in dairy cows. This model was used to examine the effect of carprofen (CA) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NETs formation and expression of inflammatory factors. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 24 Holstein cows (3–11 days postpartum) and PMNs were isolated. In three replicates, PMNs were exposed to various treatments to establish an appropriate in vitro model, including 80 μg/mL of LPS for 2 h, followed by co-incubation for 1 h with 60 μmol/L CA and 80 μg/mL LPS. The effects of these treatments were evaluated by assessing NETs formation by extracellular DNA release, gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the expression of NETs-related proteins, including histone3 (H3), citrullinated histone (Cit-H3), cathepsin G (CG), and peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4). The assessment of these parameters would elucidate the specific mechanism by which CA inhibits the formation of NETs through the PAD4 pathway instead of modulating the Nox2 pathway. This highlights CA’s effect on chromatin decondensation during NETs formation. Statistical analyses were performed utilizing one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction. The results demonstrated that LPS led to an elevated formation of NETs, while CA mitigated most of these effects, concurrent the PAD4 protein level increased with LPS stimulating and decreased after CA administration. Nevertheless, the intracellular levels of ROS did not change under the presence of LPS. LPS supplementation resulted in an upregulation of H3 and Cit-H3 protein expression levels. Conversely, the CA administration inhibited their expression. Additionally, there was no change in the expression of CG with either LPS or LPS + CA co-stimulation. The gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor -α, interleukin (IL)-18, IL-1β, and IL-6) upregulated with LPS stimulation, while the treatment with CA inhibited this phenomenon. In conclusion, CA demonstrated a pronounced inhibitory effect on both LPS-induced NETs formation as well as the associated inflammatory response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Animal Diseases in Agricultural Production Systems, 2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 1408 KiB  

Open AccessReview

The Complex Interplay of Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Inflammation in Transition Dairy Cows

by Kaixi Qiao, Renjiao Jiang, Genaro Andres Contreras, Lei Xie, Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini, Geert Opsomer and Qiang Dong

Animals 2024, 14(6), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060832 - 8 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2994

Abstract

During the transition period, dairy cows exhibit heightened energy requirements to sustain fetal growth and lactogenesis. The mammary gland and the growing fetus increase their demand for glucose, leading to the mobilization of lipids to support the function of tissues that can use [...] Read more.

During the transition period, dairy cows exhibit heightened energy requirements to sustain fetal growth and lactogenesis. The mammary gland and the growing fetus increase their demand for glucose, leading to the mobilization of lipids to support the function of tissues that can use fatty acids as energy substrates. These physiological adaptations lead to negative energy balance, metabolic inflammation, and transient insulin resistance (IR), processes that are part of the normal homeorhetic adaptations related to parturition and subsequent lactation. Insulin resistance is characterized by a reduced biological response of insulin-sensitive tissues to normal physiological concentrations of insulin. Metabolic inflammation is characterized by a chronic, low-level inflammatory state that is strongly associated with metabolic disorders. The relationship between IR and metabolic inflammation in transitioning cows is intricate and mutually influential. On one hand, IR may play a role in the initiation of metabolic inflammation by promoting lipolysis in adipose tissue and increasing the release of free fatty acids. Metabolic inflammation, conversely, triggers inflammatory signaling pathways by pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby leading to impaired insulin signaling. The interaction of these factors results in a harmful cycle in which IR and metabolic inflammation mutually reinforce each other. This article offers a comprehensive review of recent advancements in the research on IR, metabolic inflammation, and their intricate interrelationship. The text delves into multiple facets of physiological regulation, pathogenesis, and their consequent impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Animal Diseases in Agricultural Production Systems, 2nd Edition)

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12 pages, 538 KiB  

Open AccessCommunication

Equine Asthma Does Not Affect Circulating Myostatin Concentrations in Horses

by Sylwester Kowalik, Maisie O’reilly, Artur Niedźwiedź and Witold Kędzierski

Animals 2024, 14(5), 799; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14050799 - 4 Mar 2024

Viewed by 925

Abstract

(1) Background: The number of horses suffering from chronic respiratory diseases, resembling human asthma, is increasing but there is still a lack of reliable and accurate methods to detect these disorders. Numerous studies have found elevated plasma concentrations of one of the myokines, [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The number of horses suffering from chronic respiratory diseases, resembling human asthma, is increasing but there is still a lack of reliable and accurate methods to detect these disorders. Numerous studies have found elevated plasma concentrations of one of the myokines, namely, myostatin (MSTN), in people suffering from severe asthma. MSTN normally inhibits myoblast proliferation and differentiation through autocrine or paracrine signals. Therefore, given the pathogenesis of asthma, we hypothesize that MSTN could be a useful biomarker of equine asthma. Thus, this study aimed to compare the concentration of MSTN in the blood plasma of fully healthy and asthmatic horses. (2) Methods: A total of 61 horses were clinically examined to confirm or exclude the occurrence of equine asthma, including bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid cytology performed on 49 horses. This study included three groups of horses, two of which were clinically healthy, and one of which was asthmatic. (3) Results: The mean circulatory MSTN concentration determined using the ELISA method in asthmatic horses was significantly higher than that in clinically healthy young Thoroughbred racehorses (p < 0.05), but it did not differ as compared to the group of healthy, adult leisure horses. (4) Conclusions: The obtained results did not unambiguously support our original hypothesis that MSTM may be a reliable marker for the early diagnosis of equine asthma. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to analyze the plasma MSTN concentration in equine asthma patients, and therefore further studies are needed to confirm our novel findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Animal Diseases in Agricultural Production Systems, 2nd Edition)

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