Domesticated Animals

More selective breeding might help flat-faced dogs to breathe easier

Hanyang University ERICA researchers trace chicken domestication on the Korean Peninsula

Researchers analyzed bone collagen peptides from avian remains found at the Gungok-ri site in South Korea, identifying the presence of chickens and their management during the Proto-Three Kingdoms period. The study's findings provide insights into Korean food culture, agriculture, and animal domestication.

African swine fever: a novel model for assessing transmission between domestic pigs and wild boar

Researchers developed an innovative multi-host epidemiological model to study African swine fever (ASF) transmission between domestic pigs and wild boars. The model found that inter-farm transmission was the primary driver sustaining outbreaks, while nearby infected wild boar populations played a significant role in ASF spread.

Oregano, rosemary and ‘time’: Long-term swine study shows natural-compound benefits

A long-term public study found that phytochemicals from oregano and rosemary supported favorable gut health and growth performance in weaned pigs, preserving microbial diversity to improve nutrient utilization. The natural agents outperformed antibiotic growth promoters in terms of final body weight and gain-to-feed ratio.

Dog owners might struggle to recognize subtle signs of pain in their pets, with barely half of owners identifying symptoms such as nighttime restlessness and clinginess as likely indicating pain, in survey study

A survey study found that dog owners have difficulty recognizing subtle signs of pain in their pets. Only about half of owners correctly identified symptoms such as nighttime restlessness and clinginess as likely indicating pain.

Pets can help older adults’ health & well-being, but may strain budgets too

A new poll finds that pets contribute to healthy aging benefits for older adults, including increased sense of purpose and reduced stress. However, 31% of pet owners aged 50+ report that owning a pet strains their budget, mainly due to financial costs.

The ideal scent detection dog is confident, persistent and resilient, without insecurities or neuroticism, according to a study featuring Dutch police dog handlers

A study by Dutch police dog handlers revealed that confident, persistent, and resilient dogs with no insecurities are most suited for professional deployment. The research aimed to explore the ideal characteristics of scent detection dogs for successful police work.

Dog behavioral traits are linked with salivary hormone cortisol and neurotransmitter serotonin

Research finds a correlation between dog behavioral traits and salivary hormone cortisol and neurotransmitter serotonin levels. Well-behaved dogs tend to have lower cortisol levels and higher serotonin levels, suggesting a link between canine temperament and physiological concentrations of hormones and neurotransmitters.

Are cats ‘vegan’ meat eaters? Study finds why isotopic fingerprint of cat fur could trick us into thinking that way

Research found cats' hair and whisker nitrogen isotope values resemble those of vegans, indicating high efficiency in protein processing. This challenges the long-held assumption that carnivore isotopic signatures can determine diet.

The smell of fear influences horse behavior

Research found that horses exhibit fearful behavior when exposed to human fear odors, adopting the emotional state of fear. This suggests a mechanism of emotional contagion through chemical cues between humans and horses.

Hearing angry or happy human voices is linked to changes in dogs’ balance

A study found that dogs experience changes in balance when hearing angry or happy human voices. Angry voices were most strongly associated with destabilization, while happy voices led to both stabilization and destabilization in some cases. The research suggests that emotional arousal may play a role in the dogs' responses.

1 in 5 surveyed UK adults who have experienced the death of a pet report it as more distressing than experienced human deaths, with significant rates of prolonged grief disorder symptoms also being reported following pet loss

A recent study found that approximately 1 in 5 surveyed UK adults who experienced the death of a pet report it as more distressing than experiencing human deaths. The study also discovered significant rates of prolonged grief disorder symptoms following pet loss.

Your pet's flea treatment could be destroying the planet

A recent study found that common flea and tick control medications used in dogs and cats can contaminate ecosystems with toxic chemicals. Isoxazoline antiparasitic drugs, used globally since 2013, may harm dung-feeding insects, including flies and butterflies, which are crucial for nutrient cycling and soil health.

Novel kirkovirus may be associated with colitis in horses

Researchers at North Carolina State University have identified a novel kirkovirus associated with colitis and small colon impactions in horses. The study found that the virus was present in 24% of horses with colitis, suggesting it may be a potential culprit in some cases.

Dog ownership is associated with a stronger sense of community, likely in part because it fosters neighborhood-based connections, per Japanese study

A Japanese study discovered dog ownership strengthens community ties through neighborhood interactions. The study compared dog owners with friends and acquaintances, finding a significant difference in social connections.

Preempting a flesh-eating fly’s return to California

Researchers are tracking the New World screwworm's potential return to California, deploying traps baited with a lure that attracts the fly. Early detection is critical to preventing an outbreak, particularly among farm animals vulnerable to wounds. The project aims to raise awareness and prevent infestations if the fly were to reappear.

Probiotics and prebiotics offer safer alternatives to antibiotics in animal agriculture

A study by Shinshu University researchers highlights the potential of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics to enhance livestock gut health, immunity, and growth while reducing dependence on antibiotics. The findings support sustainable livestock management and contribute to reducing antimicrobial resistance risks.

Most people struggle to spot pain in horses - study

Research found that most people are poor at recognizing pain in horses, but those with more experience are better equipped to identify subtle cues. Higher levels of social anxiety also influenced pain recognition, particularly in humans, highlighting the need for education and training on equine welfare.

Study finds high rates of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in raw milk

A study found high rates of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in raw milk, with 95% of isolated strains resistant to penicillin and erythromycin. The presence of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis in raw milk highlights the urgent need for responsible antibiotic use and improved hygiene practices.

The growing crisis of chronic disease in animals

A new study introduces a conceptual model for improving animal disease surveillance, highlighting the link between genetic predisposition and environmental exposures. The findings show that human-driven ecological change exacerbates chronic diseases in animals, such as obesity and cancer, with potential implications for human health.

Sniffer dogs tested in real-world scenarios reveal need for wider access to explosives, study finds

A new study found that sniffer dogs' performance in real-world scenarios is highly variable and dependent on factors like region, day, and explosive type. The research suggests that limited access to explosive training materials is a primary challenge for teams, highlighting the need for wider access to improve detection performance

“What’s with the long face?”: a new study looks at horses and how we can recognize their pain

A new study at Bournemouth University found that people with horse experience were more accurate at recognizing pain in horse faces, while those with social anxiety were better at detecting pain in human faces. The findings aim to improve animal welfare by helping owners recognize changes indicating pain in horses.

Raising money for a charity? Don't bark up the wrong tree.

A Dartmouth study found that people without pets donate more than cat owners, who in turn give more often and diversely. The researchers analyzed over $70 billion in donations from approximately 63 million donors, suggesting that personality traits may play a role in philanthropic behavior.

Getting a puppy poses mental health challenges alongside benefits for U.K. families

A new study reveals that puppy ownership can bring joy to parents and children, but also presents mental health challenges, including child-puppy interactions and caregiver responsibilities. To mitigate these risks, researchers recommend discussing dog-care responsibilities with children and attending safety training classes.

Humans get attached to horses as they do to pets

A new study using a validated survey has found that most people form an emotional attachment to their horses, similar to human-pet relationships. The Horse Attachment Questionnaire, adapted from a pet questionnaire, measured anxiety and avoidance in horse owners across 21 countries.

The pandemic may have influenced the trainability of dogs, as reported by their owners

A survey of nearly 50,000 dog owners found that dogs became harder to train during the pandemic, with improvements noted once restrictions were lifted. Factors like age, breed, and size also influenced behavior, with mixed-breed dogs showing more fear, aggression, and need for attention.

Wired for voices: Conserved brain responses in mammals

A new study reveals that humans, dogs, and pigs share similar brain responses to vocal sounds and calls from their own species, indicating an evolutionarily ancient mammalian heritage. This discovery sheds light on the deep roots of voice perception and highlights the value of studying companion animals to better understand human biology.

Plant-based dog foods not nutritionally complete, but may suffice with supplements

A UK study found that plant-based dog foods did not meet nutritional guidelines for iodine and B-vitamins, but experts say supplements or formulation changes can address these gaps. The research analyzed 31 dry dog foods, including meat-based and veterinary options, and found none met European Pet Food Industry Federation standards.

People who recently adopted pets often struggled to access vet care

A recent study found that pet owners who recently adopted pets often struggled to access veterinary care, particularly those working from home and having children. The researchers analyzed an online survey of 751 US residents and discovered that 20% of all pet owners faced difficulties accessing basic veterinary services.

Some dog breeds are more likely to get diarrhea

A study found that six breeds are significantly more likely to get diarrhea than generic crossbreeds, while two breeds are less likely. Most dogs recover quickly from diarrhea, but around 38% require antibiotic treatment.

A California dairy tried to capture its methane. It worked

A new study from the University of California, Riverside shows that sealing manure ponds at a Central Valley farm can dramatically reduce atmospheric methane emissions. The researchers found that this method can achieve an 80% reduction in emissions, comparable to California state officials' climate planning estimates.

Study provides evidence pigs were domesticated from wild boars in South China

A new study provides evidence that pigs were domesticated from wild boars in South China approximately 8,000 years ago. The researchers analyzed molar teeth of 32 pig specimens and found starch granules, human parasite eggs, and other signs of human interaction, indicating that pigs ate cooked foods, human waste, and scavenged food fro...

The purrfect gene

A study published in PLOS One reveals that cats' purring behavior is linked to genetic variation, specifically the short-type androgen receptor gene. Cats with this gene exhibit higher owner-assessed purring scores than those with the long-type gene.

Cats recognize their owner’s scent

A study published in PLOS One found that domestic cats can discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar humans based on their odor. Cats spend longer sniffing the odor of a stranger than that of their owner, suggesting they can identify human scent patterns.

Upcoming book nature’s greatest success presents new paradigm of domestication

The book argues that domestication began as a natural process, with humans unintentionally influencing the evolution of plants and animals through habitat creation. This perspective has significant implications for conservation initiatives today.

Road traffic accidents leading cause of pet cat deaths in the UK, Bristol Cats study finds

New research by the University of Bristol and Cats Protection reveals that road traffic accidents are the leading cause of death in UK pet cats under 8 years old. The study found that younger cats are at higher risk of death due to RTAs, while older cats are more likely to die from disease-related causes.

Microplastics detected in cat placentas and fetuses during early pregnancy

A small study found 19 types of microplastic particles in cat placentas and fetuses during early pregnancy. The researchers suggest that microplastics may accumulate in cat placentas and potentially impact fetal health, highlighting the need for limits on plastic use and mitigation strategies.

In Denmark, rural cat owners are neutering their cats and allowing them indoor access

A Danish study found that rural cat owners are increasingly managing their cats similarly to urban owners, leading to fewer unwanted kittens. The change reflects a growing human attachment to owned cats and a diminishing divide between rural and urban life.

Machine learning maps animal feeding operations to improve sustainability

Researchers developed a machine learning model that predicts the presence of animal feeding operations with high accuracy, filling a data gap crucial for managing their environmental impacts. The model uses predictors such as surface temperature and phosphorus levels to identify locations without relying on aerial images.

Pandemic puppy owners reported a greater burden of dog ownership

Researchers found that pandemic puppies, bought during the COVID-19 pandemic, had a greater burden of dog ownership, with higher costs and emotional challenges. Owners who reported problem behaviors, such as separation anxiety or aggression, also experienced a greater burden.

Children who grow up with pets or on farms may develop allergies at lower rates because their gut microbiome develops with more anaerobic commensals, per fecal analysis in small cohort study

A small cohort study found that children raised on farms or with pets tend to have a lower risk of developing allergies due to the diversity of their gut microbiome. The study analyzed fecal samples from children and discovered more anaerobic commensals, which may contribute to this reduced allergy risk.

Scientists trained AI to detect faces in pain. In goats

Researchers trained an AI model on goat faces in pain, achieving 62-80% accuracy. This technology may help clinicians treat pain effectively in patients who cannot speak. The goal is to develop a more generalizable system for pain assessment in animals and eventually humans.

Oriental hornets are the only animals able to drink unlimited amounts of alcohol

A new study reveals that Oriental hornets are the only animals capable of consuming high concentrations of alcohol chronically without ill effects. The research found that the hornets metabolize alcohol rapidly and show no signs of intoxication or illness, even after consuming high amounts.

Center for Genomic Diagnostics receives first USDA grant

The Center for Genomic Diagnostics at the University of Illinois will develop sensitive and rapid biosensors to detect African swine fever virus. The grant aims to improve on-farm detection and surveillance, providing timely control measures.

Cage-free chickens are louse-y

A recent study by University of California - Riverside researchers has discovered that lice are a significant threat to free-range chicken populations, causing skin lesions and disrupting healthy behaviors. The study's findings have implications for states like California, where all egg production is cage-free.

Texas A&M research collaboration uncovers how domestic rabbits become feral in the wild

Researchers at Texas A&M University uncovered how domestic rabbits become feral in the wild through natural selection. They found that all European, South American, and Oceania rabbits had a mix of feral and domestic DNA, explaining why they quickly adapted to living in the wild.

Human crying stresses out dogs more than pigs

Researchers found that dogs matched their emotional state with the content of human vocalizations, while pigs exhibited stress behaviors to unusual humming sounds. This suggests that domestication may have facilitated emotional contagion in dogs.

Genetic patterns of world’s farmed, domesticated foxes revealed via historical deep-dive

A team of researchers uncovered the geographical origins of farmed foxes and understood the role of genetic diversity in their domestication. The study found that every captive population originated from wild North American foxes, with greater genetic diversity observed in Eurasian populations.

Housing compatible shelter dogs together could reduce stress and might help them find homes sooner

Researchers found that housing compatible shelter dogs together can significantly reduce stress in the dogs. The study also showed that this approach may lead to faster adoption rates for the dogs.

When did the chicken cross the road? New evidence from Central Asia

Archaeologists and biomolecular scientists found evidence of chicken domestication in Central Asia, dating back to 400 BCE. The study suggests that chickens were widely raised for egg production and lost their seasonal egg-laying ability, driving dispersal across Eurasia.

Rare case of opossum infected by rabies sounds alarm regarding circulation of this virus in urban environments

A rare case of an opossum infected with rabies has been reported in Brazil, highlighting the risk of virus transmission to humans. The study found that dogs can act as vectors for the virus and that opossums are key to surveillance in urban environments.

New study reveals the profound impact of forced separation between humans and their pets

A new review of international research highlights the dangers of forced separation from pets in crisis situations like domestic violence, homelessness, or natural disasters. The study found a lack of support services puts people and animals at risk of distress and harm.

Do pets make you happier? MSU study shows they didn’t during the pandemic

A Michigan State University study of 767 people found no reliable association between pet ownership and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pet owners reported pets improved their lives, but this was not reflected in their overall happiness levels.

Wolves and dogs appear to remember where people hid food

A study involving wolves and dogs found that both species can remember where people hid food if they observed the hiding process. However, wolves outperformed dogs in finding caches, suggesting differences in traits like persistency and food-related motivation.

A trained detection dog found sea turtle nests in Florida more accurately and efficiently than humans, indicating potential for dog-assisted nest monitoring

A trained detection dog was found to be more accurate and efficient than humans in detecting sea turtle nests in Florida. The study indicates the potential of using dogs for nest monitoring, which could improve conservation efforts for three sea turtle species.

Movement sensors can detect disease in wild boar

Accelerometer sensors can detect sickness behavior in wild boar, allowing for early detection of African Swine Fever. The study found that infected boars were 10-20% less active daily than healthy ones, making this technology a potential tool for disease control and prevention.

Key human bladder cancer genes pinpointed in cats and dogs

Researchers identified common bladder cancer-related mutations across species, including TP53, FAT1, and NRAS in cats, and ARID1A and KDM6A in dogs. This study provides insights into human MIBC and aids understanding of bladder cancer biology across species.

Gray wolf recovery is a success—is that a problem?

The recovery of gray wolf populations in the United States has been broadly successful over the past 30 years, with many regions now sporting robust populations. However, these growing populations face significant threats, including fragmented habitats, barriers to dispersal, and increased encounters with humans, pets, and livestock.

Dogs with less complex facial markings found to be more expressive in their communication with humans

Researchers at George Washington University found that dogs with plain faces are more expressive in their interactions with humans. The study, which analyzed over 100 dog participants, suggests that people can better understand a dog's level of expressivity if their dog has a simpler face.

Neutering practices for owned UK cats significantly influence feral, stray populations

A mathematical model of UK cat populations suggests that neutering of owned cats affects not only their own population but also those of feral, stray, and shelter subpopulations. The model shows that lower rates of neutering of female owned cats lead to population booms within the other subpopulations, especially for stray cats.