This study evaluated whether the complexity and temporal dynamics of environmental enrichment during the nursery phase are associated with piglets’ threat-related responses and affective state using a multimodal approach. We combined an Attentional Bias Test (ABT) with bioacoustic measures, Qualitative Behavior Assessment (QBA), and biomarkers (hair cortisol and serum BDNF). In a commercial nursery setting, 675 piglets were allocated to three treatments: UNI (single continuous item: chains), ALT (chains plus an additional object rotated weekly), and SIM (continuous simultaneous provision of multiple objects). A subsample of 32 piglets underwent the ABT (UNI, n = 10; ALT, n = 11; SIM, n = 11). Most ABT measures related to threat-directed attention and space use showed no detectable treatment differences under the present protocol, and feeding latency was affected by stimulus exposure but not by treatment. In contrast, treatments differed in coping-related responses: UNI showed a higher frequency of excretions, ALT showed a longer standing-inactive duration, and SIM showed more escape attempts. Vocalizations were restricted to harsh grunts, with ALT showing longer harsh-grunt duration and higher total vocal output. QBA and biomarkers further differentiated treatments: SIM showed calmer/less tense expressive profiles, whereas UNI showed higher post-exposure hair cortisol and lower serum BDNF than the more complex conditions. Overall, enrichment-related differences were more consistently detected in coping-related behavior, QBA, and biomarkers than in ABT attentional measures, suggesting that enrichment implementation (stable vs. rotational) shapes partially dissociable behavioral and physiological adaptation profiles, and that both more complex strategies showed a more favorable biological profile than UNI.

Dietary supplementation with tryptophan in sows is a promising strategy for optimizing both performance and animal welfare. In addition to its role in protein synthesis, this essential amino acid is a precursor of serotonin and melatonin, which are bioactive compounds that influence appetite, social behavior, and stress regulation. However, the reported effects on reproductive outcomes and maternal metabolism remain inconsistent. This systematic review evaluated the evidence of tryptophan supplementation as a modulator of behavior and productivity in sows. Searches were conducted in Scopus and Web of Science databases. Experimental peer-reviewed studies that assessed tryptophan supplementation across different physiological phases (gestation and lactation), dietary levels, and environmental contexts were included. This review followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 guidelines, and the protocol was preregistered. Screening and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers, and the risk of bias was assessed using the SYRCLE′s (Systematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation) risk of bias tool. Eleven studies met the eligibility criteria of this review. Tryptophan supplementation consistently reduced aggressiveness in group-housing systems and supported piglet survival and growth. However, the effects on reproductive performance and maternal metabolism vary depending on the dose, parity, and environmental conditions. The heterogeneity of the study designs and the absence of a meta-analysis due to data variability were identified as the main limitations. Overall, tryptophan supplementation demonstrated potential benefits for sow welfare and productivity, but the results remained context dependent. Long-term and standardized studies are required to clarify its impact, particularly on reproductive efficiency and maternal physiology.

The intensification of dairy production has increased environmental and sanitary concerns related to low nitrogen utilization efficiency and nitrate water contamination. In this context, Milk Urea Nitrogen (MUN) emerges as a metabolic biomarker capable of integrating productive efficiency, environmental sustainability, and public health. Under the One Health perspective, MUN monitoring allows for understanding the interface between animal physiology, milk quality, and water resource security. This study aims to analyze the role of MUN as a bio-strategic indicator at the One Health interface, investigating its relationship with animal metabolic efficiency, milk stability, and environmental impact through nitrate leaching. An integrative literature review was conducted using the Scopus database, focusing on studies that link nitrogen management in dairy farming to environmental sustainability, milk quality, and public health. Evidence demonstrates that MUN is a diagnostic tool with moderate heritability, enabling the selection of "environmentally friendly" animals that exhibit higher nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) and lower urinary residue loads. Dietary interventions with bioactive compounds and alternative forages proved effective in reducing MUN and, consequently, the gray water footprint, which can reach up to 11,110 liters of water per liter of milk in high-intensification scenarios. MUN monitoring transcends nutritional adjustment, acting as a sentinel indicator for aquifer preservation and drinking water safety. The integration of genetics and precision nutrition based on MUN is indispensable to decouple dairy production from ecosystem degradation, promoting animal, environmental, and public health in an integrated manner.

Popular myths and beliefs have played a significant role in how various species are perceived by society, directly influencing their conservation. Among these species, the barn owl (Tyto furcata) is often associated with superstitions linking it to omens of death and misfortune, resulting in persecution and threats to its survival. The present study aimed to understand how popular myths and beliefs influence public perception, human behavior, and consequently the well-being of barn owls. An online questionnaire was administered to 139 participants from different regions of Brazil, addressing knowledge about the species, exposure to associated myths, and perceptions regarding the role of environmental education in conservation. Most respondents (54.7%) reported having heard the myth that owls are associated with death or bad omens. It was observed that 79.9% believe these myths influence the way the birds are treated in their habitats. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between having heard the myth and believing that it influences the treatment of owls (χ2 = 9.83; p = 0.018; V = 0.29). The results indicate that popular beliefs still exert a strong cultural and symbolic influence, potentially compromising the species' conservation. Therefore, the importance of continuous and region-specific educational actions aimed at demystifying these birds is emphasized.

Dietary fiber plays an important role in animal nutrition by influencing gut health, feed intake, and metabolism. In swine production, studies suggest that fibers may also affect reproductive traits, but findings remain inconsistent, especially in adult boars. This study evaluated the effects of partially fermentable insoluble fiber (PFIF) on semen quality, behavior, and general health of adult boars. Thirty animals were assigned to a completely randomized design with two treatments: (1) CON: no fiber supplementation, and (2) PFIF: fiber supplementation (35 g/animal/day). Fiber was provided once daily for 120 consecutive days. During the period, semen was collected weekly and analyzed macroscopically and microscopically using the Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) system. Behavior was recorded weekly, one and three hours after feeding, based on a pre-established ethogram. Feed intake, perineal, and fecal scores were also evaluated. Fiber supplementation did not affect total motility, progressive motility, sperm concentration, fecal or perineal scores, or behavior. However, improvements were observed in sperm kinematics, with higher straight-line distance (DSL), linearity (LIN), and straightness (STR), as well as a tendency for increased straight-line velocity (VSL) and wobble (WOB). Conversely, a higher incidence of proximal cytoplasmic droplets was recorded in the fiber group, indicating more sperm maturation defects. Supplemented animals also showed reduced feed intake compared with controls, suggesting a satiety effect of the fiber. In conclusion, PFIF supplementation (35 g/animal/day offered once daily) in adult boars produced mixed outcomes, with improved sperm kinematics but increased maturation defects and only minor changes in feeding behavior, indicating a limited and inconsistent physiological response.

Dairy farming requires technical tools that assist in decision-making regarding nutritional management, milk quality, and environmental sustainability. This study aimed to evaluate metabolic-nutritional milk indicators as support instruments for Technical Assistance and Rural Extension (TARE) carried out through university extension programs on farms located in the São Francisco do Caramuri community, in the transition zone between the municipalities of Manaus, Rio Preto da Eva, and Itacoatiara, Amazonas. Individual milk samples from 67 dairy cows (Girolando and crossbred) kept in extensive grazing systems were analyzed, as well as buffalo herds assisted by the extension action. Milk urea nitrogen (MUN), protein, fat, and somatic cell count (SCC) levels were determined. Cattle showed an average MUN of 18.54 mg/dL, situated at the upper limit of the reference range (10–18 mg/dL), while buffaloes showed an average of 31.03 mg/dL, indicating a possible imbalance in the dietary protein:energy ratio. Milk protein remained at 3.04% in cattle and 3.09% in buffaloes. Fat averaged 2.03% in cattle and 5.00% in buffaloes. SCC remained below the legal limit in both species. The results allowed for guiding producers on adjusting protein supplementation and continuous monitoring of quality indicators, strengthening evidence-based technical decision-making. It is concluded that the use of laboratory indicators in the context of rural extension contributes to greater nutritional efficiency, environmental sustainability, and qualification of production management in dairy systems.