Veterinarijos Akademija (VA)

Background/Objectives: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) develops through inflammation-driven preneoplastic alterations characterized by epidermal hyperplasia, dysplasia, and increased proliferative activity. C-phycocyanin (C-PC) possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its topical potential to attenuate a tumour-promoting cutaneous microenvironment is limited by poor skin penetration. This study evaluated the effects of C-PC-loaded transfersomes in a 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse model of skin carcinogenesis. Methods: Male BALB/c mice were assigned to six groups (n = 10 per group). Carcinogenesis was initiated with a single topical application of DMBA, followed by twice-weekly TPA application for 16 weeks. C-PC-loaded transfersomes (1 mg/mL or 10 mg/mL) were applied topically. Histopathological assessment included epidermal thickness, rete ridge depth, mitotic activity, mast cell density, and semi-quantitative scoring of hyperplasia, dysplasia, and inflammation. Ki-67 immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate basal and suprabasal proliferation. Results: Carcinogen exposure induced marked epidermal thickening, severe dysplasia, increased mitotic activity, elevated Ki-67 expression, and pronounced dermal inflammation. Treatment with C-PC-loaded transfersomes significantly reduced epidermal thickness, rete ridge depth, mast cell density, mitotic counts, and suprabasal Ki-67 index. The 1 mg/mL concentration demonstrated the most consistent attenuation of dysplasia severity and inflammatory changes. No adverse histopathological alterations were observed in internal organs. Conclusions: These findings indicate that transfersome-mediated topical delivery of C-PC attenuates early inflammation-driven epidermal remodelling and tumour-promoting alterations in experimental skin carcinogenesis, supporting its potential as a topical preventive strategy.

The transition toward sustainable and circular food systems has increased interest in valorizing underutilized dairy by-products. This study focuses on Kyrgyz Chobogo, a by-product of clarified butter (Sary-Mai) production, with the aim of transforming it into a value-added ingredient within the dairy production cycle. Despite its cultural importance and growing consumption, Chobogo remains underexplored in scientific literature. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis was conducted to evaluate its physicochemical properties, nutritional composition, fatty acid and amino acid profiles, sensory attributes, and microstructure. Results indicate that Chobogo is a highly concentrated dairy product, with high total solids (90.99 g/100 g) and energy density (620 kcal/100 g). Lipids are the predominant component (53.10 g/100 g). Notably, a wide range of essential and conditionally essential amino acids was preserved despite thermal processing, suggesting maintained protein quality. The fatty acid profile showed a balance between saturated (68.85%) and monounsaturated fatty acids (25.50%). Sensory evaluation revealed high overall acceptability, supported by microstructural analysis, which showed a porous and heterogeneous matrix formed through heat-induced transformations. These findings demonstrate that Chobogo should not be considered merely a by-product, but rather a nutritionally valuable and economically beneficial dairy ingredient. Its valorization aligns with circular economy principles by promoting efficient use of milk resources and reducing waste. This study provides a scientific foundation for future standardization, safety assessment, and integration of Chobogo into modern food systems as a sustainable and culturally significant dairy component.

This study investigates complexity matching pattern between daily milk yield in dairy cows and variations in Schumann resonance frequency bands. The analysis uses 895 days of data from a dairy herd in Lithuania and examines five low-frequency bands that overlap with canonical mammalian brainwave ranges: delta (0–3.5) Hz, theta (3.5–7) Hz, alpha (7–15) Hz, beta (15–32) Hz, and gamma (32–65) Hz. A matrix-based approach using Hankel matrix and Perfect Matrix of Lagrange Differences was applied in order to identify the temporal complexity matching between the milk yield and Schumann resonance magnetic field signals. Statistical validation was also performed using Spearman rank correlations. The results indicate the complexity matching across all frequency bands, with the strongest associations observed for the alpha band. Although the correlations are modest, the findings suggest that variations in the Earth’s natural electromagnetic environment may coincide with fluctuations in dairy cow productivity.

Veterinarijoje vis daugiau dėmesio skiriama ankstyvai ligų prevencijai. Tam padeda boliusai, aprūpinantys gyvulius reikalingomis medžiagomis ir padedantys palaikyti fiziologinę pusiausvyrą intensyviame pieno ūkyje.

The equine reproductive microbiota has emerged as an important factor influencing reproductive health and fertility in both mares and stallions. Traditionally, the equine uterus was considered sterile, and microbial presence was interpreted primarily in the context of infection. However, sequencing-based studies have demonstrated that the reproductive tract, including the uterus and semen, contains detectable microbial communities or microbial DNA signatures, challenging this traditional paradigm. In mares, the vaginal microbiota is consistently dominated by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria, whereas the uterine environment represents a low-biomass niche in which interpretation is complicated by contamination risk and the inability of sequencing-based methods to distinguish viable from nonviable microorganisms. Culture-based studies consistently identify opportunistic pathogens such as Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in association with endometritis and persistent breeding-induced endometritis, while sequencing-based studies suggest broader community-level dysbiosis rather than simple pathogen presence. In stallions, semen is not sterile and commonly contains taxa such as Porphyromonas, Corynebacterium, Peptoniphilus, and other opportunistic bacteria that may influence sperm quality and microbial transmission to mares during breeding. However, most reported associations remain correlative, and direct longitudinal evidence for persistent stallion-to-mare microbial transmission is limited. This review synthesizes current evidence on microbial composition, hormonal influences, dysbiosis, and reproductive implications of the equine reproductive microbiota, integrating culture-based and sequencing-based findings while emphasizing methodological limitations associated with low-biomass samples. Improved understanding of these microbial ecosystems may support more evidence-based reproductive diagnostics and microbiome-informed fertility management in horses.

Eye cosmetic products are widely used and applied in close proximity to the ocular surface, making their microbiological safety particularly important. The aim of this study was to assess bacterial contamination in used eye cosmetic products, characterize the antimicrobial resistance profiles of the isolated bacteria, and perform molecular genotypic analysis. A total of 71 samples, including mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow, were analyzed. Microbiological analysis revealed that Bacillus spp. and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were the predominant microorganisms, while no major pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa were detected. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated high susceptibility of isolates to gentamicin, vancomycin, and linezolid, whereas resistance to benzylpenicillin and clindamycin was observed among Staphylococcus spp. Molecular identification based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed the presence of Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus warneri, with sequences showing high similarity to globally distributed strains. Although the detected microorganisms were predominantly opportunistic, their presence in products applied near the eyes suggests a potential risk of microbial transfer to the ocular surface. These findings highlight the importance of proper hygiene practices, regular product replacement, and effective quality control measures to minimize microbial contamination and associated health risks.

Essential oil-based feed additives have been proposed as a practical strategy to mitigate enteric methane emissions in ruminants, but their effects are not always consistent. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with an essential oil blend on in vitro methane production, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality in Lithuanian Blackface lambs. We hypothesized that supplementation would induce measurable changes in in vitro methane production and selected rumen fermentation variables, while growth performance and technological meat quality would remain comparable between treatments. Sixty Lithuanian Blackface lambs were allocated to control (C) and treatment (T) groups (30 lambs per group). The C group received a basal diet, and the T group received the same diet supplemented with an essential oil blend, Agolin Ruminant, at a dose rate of 0.1 g/animal/day, consisting of linalool, eugenol, geranyl acetate, and geraniol. An in vitro rumen fermentation assay was performed using rumen fluid pooled within both dietary groups from multiple lambs and incubated as a single batch with four replicate fermentation flasks per treatment (n = 4 fermenters per group) to quantify methane production and in vitro nutrient digestibility. In vivo apparent nutrient digestibility was evaluated in a dedicated sub-trial (n = 6 animals per group). Growth performance in the main trial was analyzed using the pen as the experimental unit (n = 3 pens per group), and slaughter-based measurements—including slaughter and carcass traits, rumen volatile fatty acids and protozoal counts, and Longissimus dorsi meat quality and intramuscular fatty acids—were determined in 10 lambs per treatment (n = 10 animals per group). In vitro methane production did not differ between groups (p = 0.366); in vitro crude fiber digestibility showed a tendency to increase with supplementation (p = 0.066). Fermentation end-products were largely unchanged, although propionate tended to be higher (p = 0.063), and the acetate:propionate ratio was lower (p = 0.043) in the supplemented group; protozoal counts were not different between groups. In vivo apparent nutrient digestibility was comparable between treatments. Growth performance was lower in the supplemented group, resulting in an overall mean ADG 19.0% lower. Slaughter and carcass traits were comparable between treatments. Meat proximate composition, cholesterol concentration, pH, color, water losses, and instrumental texture/shear parameters were not affected by supplementation. Intramuscular lauric (C12:0), myristic (C14:0), and pentadecanoic (C15:0) fatty acids were lower (p < 0.05), while C14:1 n-7 tended to decrease (p = 0.050); however, total saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids and nutritional ratios were unchanged. Overall, under the study conditions and dose used, the essential oil blend did not significantly reduce in vitro methane production and elicited only limited rumen fermentation responses; ADG was 19.0% lower in the supplemented group, whereas carcass traits and technological meat quality were unaffected, and only specific intramuscular fatty acids were altered.

Background: Early lactation is widely recognized as a particularly demanding period for dairy cows, during which milk synthesis accelerates while feeding behaviour and daily activity patterns adjust to increasing metabolic requirements (1). Continuous and non-invasive monitoring tools have become an integral part of precision dairy farming, allowing production and behaviour to be assessed at the individual cow level without disrupting routine farm management (2). Lactose, as the main osmotic regulator of milk secretion, is a key determinant of milk volume and has been closely associated with milk yield dynamics in early lactation (3). When combined with intraruminal sensor technologies, in-line milk analysis enables concurrent monitoring of milk yield, composition, and sensor-derived physiological and behavioural traits, thereby supporting a more refined, data-driven approach to digital phenotyping and management of dairy cows during this critical period (4). Aim: To compare digitally recorded milk production, milk composition traits, and sensor-derived physiological and behavioural indicators between early-lactation Holstein cows grouped according to in-line measured milk lactose concentration, to identify distinct production profiles based solely on automated monitoring data. 14) Methods: The study was conducted in clinically healthy Holstein cows (n = 28) during early lactation (9–59 days in milk). Milk yield and milk composition parameters, including lactose, fat, and protein, were continuously recorded at each milking using a Brolis HerdLine in-line milk analyser integrated into a robotic milking system. Behavioural and physiological variables, including reticulorumen temperature, rumination time, physical activity, and water intake, were continuously monitored using SmaXtec intraruminal boluses. Based on average milk lactose concentration, cows were allocated into two groups: low lactose (<4.70%; n = 14 and high lactose (≥4.70%; n = 14). Group comparisons were performed using independent samples t-tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Cows with higher milk lactose concentration (≥4.70%) demonstrated significantly greater milk yield compared with cows in the low-lactose group (37.82 ± 1.01 vs. 33.54 ± 1.34 kg/day), representing an increase of 12.76% (p < 0.05). Sensor-recorded water intake was also markedly higher in the high-lactose group (130.23 ± 3.14 vs. 112.81 ± 6.59), corresponding to a 15.44% increase (p < 0.01). In contrast, cows with lower milk lactose exhibited significantly higher milk fat percentage (4.42 ± 0.10 vs. 4.03 ± 0.05; p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed between groups for reticulorumen temperature, rumination time, or physical activity. Conclusion: The combined use of in-line milk lactose monitoring and intraruminal sensor data effectively differentiated early-lactation cows with higher milk yield and increased water intake from those exhibiting higher milk fat concentration. Milk lactose, recorded automatically during routine milking, proved to be a valuable digital biomarker linked to production intensity and drinking behaviour. These findings highlight the potential of integrated precision monitoring systems to support real-time, data-driven management decisions in early-lactation dairy cows.

Background: The Žemaitukai horse is an important part of Lithuania’s cultural and genetic heritage and is considered a rare native breed. Although the breed’s origin and history are well documented, there is limited scientific information about its current phenotypic characteristics and management conditions. Stud farms play a key role in the preservation and development of this breed; therefore, comparative evaluation of horses raised in different environments can provide valuable insights into their traits and management (1). Aim: This study aimed to analyse and compare the comprehensive evaluation results and management conditions of Žemaitukai horses raised in two different stud farms (A and B). Methods: The study was conducted in two Lithuanian stud farms breeding Žemaitukai horses. A total of 10 horses were evaluated (three mares and two stallions from each stud farm) with an average age of 10 years. The research followed the anatomical– morphological methodology for evaluating horse body structure and the official evaluation rules approved by the Žemaitukai Horse Breeders Association. During the study, horse conformation, body measurements, and derived indices, gait characteristics (walk and trot), temperament traits, and housing conditions were assessed. In total, 24 body measurements were recorded and used to calculate body indices according to established formulas describing body size, conformation type, and proportionality. Gait evaluation was performed while horses were led by a handler and observed from different positions, assessing stride regularity, width, and length. Temperament was evaluated using a scoring system based on observed behavioral traits. Housing conditions on both stud farms were also compared. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS (P < 0.05). Results: Conformation evaluation revealed nine statistically significant differences in body proportion means between horses from stud farms A and B. The largest difference was observed in the neck–chest connection score, which was 4.8 points higher in horses from stud farm A (P < 0.05). Analysis of body measurements and calculated indices revealed 16 statistically significant differences between the two groups. Horses from stud farm A showed higher values for several parameters, including croup height (11 cm higher) and small body length (11.4 cm higher) compared with horses from stud farm B (P < 0.05). Gait assessment showed that horses from stud farm B had slower walk and trot scores compared with horses from stud farm A (P < 0.05). Temperament evaluation indicated that horses from stud farm A were most frequently characterized by calmness and patience, while horses from stud farm B were described as calm and easy to handle. The most common negative trait observed was difficult handling. Housing conditions in both stud farms met general welfare requirements. Conclusion: The study revealed phenotypic and functional differences between Žemaitukai horses raised in two stud farms, particularly in body proportions, measurements, and gait characteristics. Despite these differences, housing conditions on both farms complied with welfare standards. These findings provide additional information about the current characteristics of Žemaitukai horses and may support further breeding and conservation efforts for this native Lithuanian breed.

Background: Tick-borne infections, including Anaplasma spp., are epidemiologically important in dogs in Europe, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum has also been detected in domestic dogs in Lithuania [1,2]. Clinical and hematological abnormalities associated with canine anaplasmosis are often non-specific, which may complicate the interpretation of routine blood findings [1,3]. Although Anaplasma spp. Infection is primarily associated with neutrophil involvement and with haematological alterations such as thrombocytopenia and anaemia [3]. Evaluation of erythrocyte morphology may provide additional information during haematological assessment [4]. Aim: This study aimed to analyse and compare erythrocyte morphological and morphometric parameters in serologically positive and serologically negative dogs for Anaplasma spp. Methods: Blood samples from 50 dogs were analysed, including 15 serologically positive and 35 serologically negative animals. Serological status was determined using the SNAP® 4Dx® Plus Test (IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.), an ELISA-based commercial serological test. Blood smears were prepared from EDTA-anticoagulated venous blood using the wedge smear method and stained with Hemacolor rapid stains according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Erythrocyte morphology was evaluated microscopically in five fields of view using a semi-quantitative approach. Morphometric analysis was performed using an Olympus DP72 microscope and Olympus CellSens Dimension software. Only clearly delineated, non-overlapping, and non-deformed cells were selected for measurement. For each smear, 80 erythrocytes were evaluated. The assessed morphometric parameters were diameter, perimeter, and calculated area. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 31.0 . Results: Erythrocyte morphological abnormalities were detected in both groups. The most frequently observed abnormalities in both serologically negative and serologically positive dogs were schistocytes, dacrocytes, acanthocytes, and echinocytes. Schistocytes were identified in 100.0% and 93.3% of blood smears, respectively, while dacrocytes were found in 88.6% and 80.0% of samples. Stomatocytes and spherocytes were relatively more frequent in serologically positive dogs; however, no statistically significant differences in erythrocyte morphological abnormalities were observed between groups (p > 0.05). Mean erythrocyte diameter was 6.24 ± 0.37 µm in serologically negative dogs and 6.05 ± 0.42 µm in serologically positive dogs (p = 0.063). Mean erythrocyte area was 30.89 ± 3.67 µm² and 29.10 ± 4.04 µm², respectively (p = 0.067), while mean erythrocyte perimeter was 23.68 ± 1.13 µm and 23.46 ± 1.44 µm, respectively (p = 0.286). Although erythrocyte morphometric values tended to be lower in serologically positive dogs, no statistically significant differences were found. In this study, seropositivity for Anaplasma spp. was not associated with significant differences in erythrocyte morphology or morphometric parameters. These findings suggest that erythrocyte changes alone may have limited diagnostic value and should be interpreted together with other haematological and clinical findings.