Copper beads in pig feed reshape swine gut microbiome
Copper is a natural antimicrobial material that, when added to pig feed, may promote the growth and health of the animals. Since pigs can tolerate high levels of the metal, researchers at Texas Tech University in Amarillo recently investigated whether copper might be used to promote their gut health and reduce the shedding of microbes to the environment.
This week in Microbiology Spectrum, the researchers report that small beads containing copper, when added to pig feed, effectively deliver the metal to the animal gut.
From Stand-Up to Surgery: The Comedy Vet's Journey Will Leave You in Stitches!
Discover the captivating tale of Dr. Frank Bozelka, the ER vet with a knack for comedy and a passion for saving lives. Join us as we delve into his whirlwind journey, filled with laughter, love, and lifesaving adventures.
Revolutionizing Feline Care: Say Goodbye to Cat Anxiety with Bonqat®
Discover Bonqat®, the groundbreaking anxiety solution for cats by Zoetis. Learn how this innovative medication is transforming feline care, easing travel and vet visit stress. Say goodbye to cat anxiety with Bonqat® - the ultimate solution every pet owner needs!
Breaking Barriers: Starr Hutcherson's Journey to Diversity and Excellence in Veterinary Medicine!
Uncover the inspiring story of Starr Hutcherson, a senior veterinary student at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, as he blazes a trail towards diversity and inclusivity in the field. From balancing two jobs to spearheading extracurricular activities, Starr's dedication knows no bounds. With his eyes set on becoming a board-certified neurologist, he's on a mission to inspire positive change. Click now to learn more about Starr's remarkable journey!
Studies uncovered why urine sprayed by cats emits a pungent odor
Cats communicate with others through their scents. One of their scent marking behaviors is spraying urine on vertical surfaces such as walls and furniture. Although spraying plays an essential role in the feline world, it often poses challenges for pet owners because of its strong and pungent odor. Consequently, the website is overflowing with posts discussing the issue of cat spraying. Notably, sprayed urine has a more pungent odor on the human nose than normal urine in their litter boxes. While it is believed that sprayed urine contains additional chemicals possibly derived from anal sac secretions, scientific evidence supporting this remains unclear. Japanese researchers examined why the sprayed urine had distinctive smell compared to the normal urine.
Dogs provide new insights into aging and cognition
The quest to understand intelligence and unravel the workings of the mind has always been considered the holy grail of natural sciences. While we're still uncovering many mysteries, animals can provide valuable insights into the origins and organisation of both mind and intellect. In their latest, study researchers at the Department of Ethology at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) discovered that dogs may possess a key component of intelligence known as the 'g factor'. Importantly, this factor shares many characteristics with its human counterpart, including its ageing patterns. These findings could bring us closer to understanding how dog (and human) cognition is organised, and how cognitive decline progresses with age.