This study aimed to determine the impact of age on the fecal microbiota in the genetic nucleus of cattle, with a focus on microbial richness, composition, functional diversity, and correlations with blood parameters. Fecal and blood samples from 21 cattle were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Older cattle exhibited greater bacterial diversity and abundance, with significant changes in alpha diversity indices (p < 0.05). Beta diversity analysis revealed significant variations in microbial composition between age groups and the interaction of age and sex (p < 0.05). Correlations between alpha diversity, community composition, and hematological values highlighted the influence of microbiota on bovine health. Beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria, such as Ruminococcaceae, were more abundant in older cattle, suggesting a role in gut health. Functional diversity analysis indicated that younger cattle had significantly more abundant metabolic pathways in fermentation and anaerobic chemoheterotrophy. These findings suggest management strategies including tailored probiotic therapies, dietary adjustments, and targeted health monitoring to enhance livestock health and performance. Further research should include comprehensive metabolic analyses to better correlate microbiota changes with age-related variations, enhancing understanding of the complex interactions between microbiota, age, and reproductive status.

Alpacas, important genetic resources in the Andean region of Peru, are vulnerable to diarrhea caused by pathogenic parasites such as Eimeria lamae and Giardia sp., which can be fatal, especially in neonates, due to their physiological immaturity and limited adaptability. The study investigated the diversity and abundance of intestinal fungi and protists in alpacas infected with Eimeria lamae and Giardia sp. compared to healthy alpacas. A total of 19 alpacas, aged between one and two months, were included. They were divided into two groups, one with pathological conditions (nine) and the other healthy (ten). Parasitological analyses for the detection of parasites and subsequent molecular analysis were performed on the collected fecal samples. The results revealed a greater diversity and abundance of protists in infected alpacas in comparison with healthy alpacas, while the fungal composition did not show significant changes. Therefore, parasitic infections affect the protist component of the alpaca gut microbiota. Also, it was observed that Blastocystis was identified in all healthy alpacas, serving as a possible marker of the health of the intestinal microbiota; in addition, Prussia and Pichia are beneficial fungi that help control diseases. This groundbreaking study in neonatal alpacas is the first to explore potential changes in the intestinal microbiota during an infectious state, underscoring the importance of further research to comprehend its effects on alpaca health and immune responses.

This study investigates gender-based differences in the gut microbiota of Simmental cattle, focusing on bacterial, archaeal, and fungal communities. Fecal samples were collected and analyzed using high-throughput sequencing, with taxonomic classification performed through the SILVA and UNITE databases. Alpha and beta diversity metrics were assessed, revealing significant differences in the diversity and composition of archaeal communities between males and females. Notably, females exhibited higher alpha diversity in archaea, while beta diversity analyses indicated distinct clustering of bacterial and archaeal communities by gender. The study also identified correlations between specific microbial taxa and hematological parameters, with Treponema and Methanosphaera showing gender-specific associations that may influence cattle health and productivity. These findings highlight the importance of considering gender in microbiota-related research and suggest that gender-specific management strategies could optimize livestock performance. Future research should explore the role of sex hormones in shaping these microbial differences.

Objective: To determine the proximate chemical composition of donkey meat (Equus asinus) considering the variables of animal class (young and adult) and commercial cut (shoulder, rib and leg) with the purpose of nutritionally assessing it as an alternative source of red meat. Theoretical Framework: Donkey meat is characterized by a low intramuscular fat content and could be used as a valid alternative to other species of red meat such as beef and sheep in the Puno region, Peru. However, little is known about the nutritional quality of meat from donkeys that are slaughtered at the main equine slaughterhouse in southern Peru. Method: Muscle tissue samples were taken from the following muscles: deltoid, Longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris representing the commercial cuts of shoulder, rib and leg, respectively. Chemical analysis (moisture, protein, fat and ash) was performed following the protocols established for meat by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), in the Bromatology Laboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics of UNA-Puno. Data analysis was performed in a randomized complete block design (DBCA) and the LSD significance test (α=0.05). Results and Discussion: The proximate chemical composition of donkey meat is as follows: moisture 73.79%, protein 19.23%, fat 4.53% and ash 1.20%. The animal class (young and adult) and the commercial cut (shoulder, rib and leg) have a significant effect on the moisture and fat content (p≤0.05), with an inverse relationship between the two; but there is no effect on the protein and ash content (p>0.05). Implications of the research: It was possible to demonstrate that the meat of donkeys from the Puno region has a similar composition to the red meat of other domestic species, so it can be a good alternative to replace red meat. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by knowing the chemical composition of donkey meat from the Puno region, Peru for consumption purposes as a substitute for red meat or for the preparation of meat by-products.

Diarrhea in alpaca crias significantly impacts livestock health in high-altitude regions, with Escherichia coli as a common pathogen. This study analyzed 10 E. coli isolates from diarrheic and healthy alpacas using whole-genome sequencing to assess genetic diversity, virulence factors, and antibiotic resistance. Predominant sequence types (ST73, ST29), serotypes (O22:H1, O109:H11), and phylogroups (B2, B1, A) were identified. Virulence profiling revealed ExPEC-like and EPEC pathotypes, while resistance genes for β-lactams (blaEC-15), fosfomycin (glpT_E448K), and colistin (pmrB) were prevalent. These findings highlight the need for genomic surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship to manage E. coli infections in alpacas and reduce public health risks.