Articles tagged with Domesticated Animals
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study by Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior found that American mink can regain almost full ancestral brain size within 50 generations after escaping captivity. This reverses the long-held assumption that domestication causes permanent brain size loss in animals.
Researchers found that biting midges responsible for transmitting the virus are active on warmest days throughout the winter, contrary to previous theories. The discovery suggests that bluetongue virus transmission is likely ongoing year-round, with potential economic impacts for cattle farming.
A new study found that wild and feral cats in high-human population density areas release more Toxoplasma gondii parasites. Temperature fluctuations also played a role in parasite shedding from domestic and wild cats. The findings suggest managing feral cat populations could reduce toxoplasmosis transmission risk.
A study found that horses living in groups and large paddocks were better at following human indications than those kept in individual stables. The research showed that social interaction and space availability play a crucial role in the horses' ability to follow instructions.
Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis suggest that ancient humans may have chosen certain wild plants for domestication based on their ability to be easily 'tamed'. Plants with high plasticity, or the capacity to respond to environmental changes, can produce more yields and easier-to-sprout seeds.
Researchers found that companion dogs, but not pigs, would show their owners the location of a food reward out-of-reach. This suggests that directing humans' attention to interesting locations may not be a universal ability among domestic animals. Dogs and other visually communicative species were more likely to use this behavior.
Steaming hay kills harmful microorganisms, but damages proteins making them less digestible for horses. This can lead to impaired muscle development and nutrient deficiencies, affecting growth and coat health. Horses can be enriched with protein-rich feedstuffs to mitigate this risk.
Researchers found that habitat loss and climate-induced food shortages drive pathogen spillover, but preserving and restoring natural habitats can prevent these events. By analyzing data from Australia, the study predicts when viruses like Hendra and Nipah will spill over from bats to humans.
A study of 104 domestic pigs found that a bystander pig can intervene to reduce aggressor attacks or victim anxiety after conflict. Reconciliation behavior was more common among distantly related pigs, indicating they may prioritize social support over family ties.
A recent study found that cattle grazing with virtual fencing can create effective wildfire fuel breaks on sagebrush landscapes, reducing the risk of devastating wildfires. The technology uses collars to communicate with GPS and reception towers, forming a virtual fence to manage livestock distribution.
A new international study suggests that dog owners who spend more time exercising themselves tend to exercise their dogs more, leading to a perceived ideal body weight. The study found that feeding practices play a main role in owner perception of their dog being overweight, while exercise practices are crucial for an ideal weight.
A recent study found that US animal shelters experienced a surge in dog and cat intake following climate-linked disasters. The influx of animals lasted for up to a year, highlighting the need for preparedness and resources for affected facilities.
Researchers analyzed ancient proteins in high-status Viking graves to identify beaver fur, supporting the idea that it was a luxury item. The discovery suggests that wearing exotic fur was an obvious visual statement of affluence and social status during the Viking Age.
A new study explores relationships between domestic cats' hormone levels, gut microbiomes, and social behaviors in cohabitating groups. The research found that low testosterone and cortisol concentrations enabled cats to share space, while high oxytocin levels were associated with less affiliative behavior.
A study published in PLOS ONE analyzed the oldest domestic horse specimen from the Americas, revealing a genetic lineage linked to Southern Europe. The findings support the hypothesis that horses originated on the Iberian Peninsula and highlight the importance of ancient DNA in understanding cultural and historical processes.
The first global dataset of SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals has been published, providing a comprehensive overview of the virus's impact on animal populations worldwide. The dataset shows an increasing number of reported cases globally, with high diversity of variants detected in various species.
Researchers have discovered rare colonies of Rock Doves, the wild ancestors of common domestic and feral pigeons, on secluded Scottish and Irish islands. The findings provide valuable insights into how the domestic pigeon came to be, with varying degrees of interbreeding between the two forms of the species.
A new study finds that the quality of dog-owner relationships is similar between Canadian-born dogs and internationally sourced dogs. Owners reported equal satisfaction, attachment, and problematic behaviors, suggesting owner attitudes play a greater role than dog characteristics.
Scientists and experts are calling on governments to recognize the importance of animal welfare for sustainable development. The commentary highlights how animal agriculture contributes to climate change, infectious disease emergence, and environmental degradation.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that shelter dog hair cortisol levels increased by one-third after six weeks in the shelter, indicating elevated stress. After adoption, cortisol levels decreased, returning to pre-shelter values. The results suggest that even well-managed shelters can cause stress in dogs.
A 12-year longitudinal study in Israel reveals that controlling stray cat populations requires continuous and intensive neutering of at least 70% of street cats. The study also suggests implementing a policy to control cat food resources, ensuring cats are properly fed before neutering, to mitigate rebound effects.
A new study found that dogs and cats are exposed to potentially toxic aromatic amines in their homes, which have been linked to cancer. The chemicals were detected in over 38% of urine samples from pets, with cats showing higher concentrations than dogs.
Researchers develop detailed canine gait analysis method to evaluate harnesses, providing a more accurate fit for dogs. The new method could lead to improved comfort and safety for dogs wearing harnesses.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that flat-faced breeds like Neapolitan mastiffs and English bulldogs are disproportionately affected by the condition. The study suggests that breed-specific characteristics may contribute to the development of cherry eye.
A recent study by Colorado State University researchers found that COVID-19 can evolve and spread rapidly among animal species after infection from humans. The team analyzed mutation types occurring in cats, dogs, ferrets, and hamsters, discovering a broad range of viral variants that emerged and became prevalent.
In an experiment, pet cats were found to track their owner's location using the sound of their voice. Researchers discovered that cats can mentally map the location of their owners based on the unique acoustic characteristics of their voices.
Researchers have established that the Pontic-Caspian steppes and northern Caucasus are the center of horse domestication in Eurasia. The study reveals that domesticated horses spread throughout Asia at the same time as spoke-wheeled chariots and Indo-Iranian languages.
Researchers identified a bacterium on healthy cats that produces antibiotics against severe skin infections in humans and pets. The discovery may lead to new treatments for MRSP infections in dogs and potentially other inflammatory skin diseases.
A new study by Oxford academics found that approximately 20% of flies and cockroaches carry carbapenem resistance, while 70-80% carry extended spectrum cephalosporin resistance. Climate change could lead to a doubling of insect populations and an increase in the global spread of antibiotic resistance.
A new study reveals that the Early Bronze Age Yamnaya pastoralists adopted milk drinking, leading to vast steppe expansions across Europe and Asia. Analysis of ancient tartar samples identified a strong correlation between dairy consumption and expansion, with 94% of individuals showing evidence of milk drinking
Researchers found that dogs respond differently to food rewards withheld intentionally versus unintentionally. Dogs waited longer in the 'unwilling' condition, indicating they can differentiate between purposeful and accidental actions.
A new study from the University of California - Davis found that domestic cats overwhelmingly choose freely available food over food puzzles, contrary to expected contrafreeloading behavior. Cats spent more time at the tray and made more first choices to eat from it than the puzzle, suggesting a preference for easy access to food.
A new model calculates maximum running speeds for animals of any size, revealing that medium-sized animals achieve top speed due to their body shape and leg structure. Larger or heavier animals are limited by the weight and stiffness of their bones, resulting in lower top speeds.
A new surveillance system has been developed using data from wildlife rehabilitation organizations across California, enabling the detection of unusual patterns of illness and death in near real-time. The system has identified several key events, including domoic acid poisoning in seabirds and canine distemper in raccoons.
A recent study using computer modelling found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus binds more tightly to human cells than any other tested animal species, including bats and pangolins. The results suggest that the virus may have adapted to become an effective human pathogen through convergent evolution or genetic recombination.
A survey of 656 students from six countries found that over a third were unaware of zoonotic risks and One Health concept. Education on these topics is crucial to prevent pandemics.
Researchers at Goethe University and University of Bristol discovered beeswax residues in 3500 year-old Nok culture pottery, revealing the oldest direct evidence of honey collecting in Africa. The analysis of chemical compounds in potsherds sheds new light on the diet and daily life of prehistoric people.
Researchers have updated a pig brain atlas, increasing its resolution and adding a new atlas for adolescent pigs. The updated atlases will enable more precise studies of brain development and the impact of nutritional interventions on human infants. With improved detail, researchers can now study brain development in pigs up to adulthood.
A study published in PLOS Genetics identified the RORB gene as necessary for rabbits to perform their characteristic jumping gait. The researchers used a rare breed of domesticated rabbit with a developmental defect to pinpoint the cause, finding a specific mutation in the RORB gene that disrupts the animal's ability to jump.
A study published in eLife found that domestication has a consistent effect on the gut microbiota of animals, similar to the effects of industrialisation in human populations. The research highlights the flexibility of the gut microbiota and its ability to respond to ecological changes.