This study analyzed the Sardo Negro breed pedigree (41,521 animals registered from 1958 to 2019) to determine its structure, evolution, and genetic variability (GV). The population genetic parameters evaluated were effective number of founders (fe) and ancestors (fa), pedigree integrity, additive genetic relationship (AGR); number of complete generations (NCG), maximum generations traced (NMGT), and equivalent complete generations (NECG); effective population size (Ne), inbreeding coefficient (F), and generation interval (GI). The average GI was 7.45 years. A total of 7,804 founders and 4,856 ancestors were identified for a fe of 185 and a fa of 97. The average and maximum values of NCG, NECG, and NMGT were 1.6 and 5.0, 2.5 and 6.5, 4.3 and 12, with Ne estimates of 15.9, 25.9, and 69.0, respectively. The increase in F, linked to Ne, ranged from 0.72% to 3.1% per generation. The average values for F and AGR were 3.6% and 1.0%, respectively. The proportion of inbred individuals was 32.0%, with F values ranging from 0.01 to 62.2% and an average of 11.3%. The rate of inbred population was 1.3% per year. The annual rate of AGR was 0.04%. For the continuity and projection of the breed, the evolution of F as a function of Ne and the possible implications of the selection schemes must be considered. The genetic variability sustained over time results from the Ne.

The emerging field of study of blood microbiota reveals the presence of bacteria in the blood of healthy animals. In endangered species such as the American bison (Bison bison), the analysis of this microbiota is crucial for conservation, as changes in these communities or the development of pathogens may affect their health and compromise herd viability. Here, we analyzed and compared the bacterial blood microbiota of healthy adult and juvenile bison in Mexico (Janos, Chihuahua), identifying those bacterial taxa with potential pathogenicity for these individuals. Blood samples were collected from 12 juvenile and 12 adult bison. The V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified, and next-generation sequencing was subsequently performed on the Illumina NovaSeq platform. The bacterial taxa observed in the blood of these individuals (Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Actinobacteria, Fusobacteriaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Oscillospiraceae, and Ruminococcaceae) have been previously reported to be abundant in the rumen and feces of bison. The most notable difference was observed for Mycoplasma wenyonii, which was significantly enriched in juveniles compared with adults. New sequencing technologies can be practically applied to improve the management and conservation of vulnerable species such as the American bison.

The aim was to determine the dietary supplementation of oregano essential oil (OEO) to male and female pigs on carcase performance, sensory characteristics and consumer acceptability of meat. A total of 48 pigs (Landrace × Yorkshire) of 18.5 ± 5.4 kg live weight were randomly allotted into one of four experimental diet groups each containing 12 pigs. Each group was fed a commercial diet supplemented with 0 ppm (control), 1000 ppm, 2000 ppm or 3000 ppm OEO. No difference (p>.05) by OEO supplementation nor by gender was observed in average daily gain (0.56 kg/d), daily feed intake (2.5 kg/d), slaughter weight (94.1 kg), and cold carcase weight (71.4 kg). Pigs receiving 2000 ppm OEO had higher (p<.05) cold carcase yield (77.4%) than the other treatments and it was higher in females (76.9%) than in males (74.3%). Pigs with 1000 and 2000 ppm OEO showed higher carcase length and carcase width. Loin yield was higher (p<.05) in pigs fed 2000 ppm (28.8%) and leg yield of pigs fed all level of OEO was lower (p<.05) than the control group. Females showed better values of carcase performance. Meat from pigs receiving 2000 ppm OEO was evaluated by the trained panellists as the best in colour and it also showed the highest consumer acceptability of colour, flavour, texture and overall liking. The supplementation of 2000 ppm OEO in pig diets is suggested to achieve good carcase performance and consumer acceptability.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of high intensity ultrasound (HIU)-assisted brining on the physicochemical characteristics and consumer preference of smoked pork loin (Longissimus dorsi, LD). LD cuts (5 × 8 × 2.5 cm, length × width × height) were randomly distributed in a 2 × 2 design of two concentration of brine (5 or 10% NaCl) and two methods of brining (static, TC; or HIU for 30 min). After brining, the samples were smoked, cooled, vacuum packed and stored for 7 d at 4 °C. Weight, pH, percentage of NaCl, water-holding capacity (WHC), shear force and colour characteristics were evaluated in post-brining and smoked samples. Sensory analysis was performed to evaluate preference in appearance, taste, and texture characteristics. Weight and NaCl increased in samples post-brining. However, smoked pork samples were not significantly different among treatments. The smoked samples became more yellow and less red. Consumers preferred TC smoked pork based on this appearance characteristic. HIU improved NaCl concentrations in cured pork meat. Under these conditions, it is necessary to consider the posterior treatment that the ultrasonicated-cured meat will undergo, since part of the weight gain was lost during the smoking process.

Environmental degradation has altered animal population dynamics, making the monitoring of parasitic communities in wildlife relevant because of their potential impact on environmental and public health. Through the compilation of ectoparasite data in three wild canids of Mexico, an updated list of ectoparasite species recorded on them in Mexico is reported. The goal is to understand the current state of knowledge about the taxonomic composition of ectoparasite communities in wild canids, specifically which taxa are currently known, locations been recorded, and sites yet to be sampled. Using electronic databases, geographical coordinates were obtained for localities with records of wild canids and their ectoparasites. The records for the canid species and their respective collected ectoparasites were mapped in Mexico. Urocyon cinereoargenteus has the greatest number of ectoparasite species, followed by Canis latrans and Vulpes macrotis. A total of 14 flea species from three families were recorded. The family Pulicidae was the most abundant, followed by Rhopalopsyllidae and Ceratophyllidae. Regarding ticks, only three species of the family Ixodidae were found. No louse records were found. It is recommended to conduct further studies on the composition and structure of ectoparasite communities in carnivores because it provides fundamental data for species conservation.