A Method for Assessing Dogs in a Test Evaluating Dogs' Suitability for Animal-Assisted Education.

In objective behavioral rating (BR), dogs are rated for behavior based on the observations made during a behavioral test. However, behavioral definitions can differ between raters, and the definitions proposed by artificial intelligence (AI) can help standardize the applied measures. The aim of this study was to propose a new approach for assessing dogs' suitability for animal-assisted education (AAE) with the use of the BR method and the definitions of dog behaviors proposed by AI.

The Genotype and the Expression of , , and Genes in the Adipose Tissue and Brain of Rabbits Fed a Diet with Marigold Flower Extract.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of the genotype and dietary supplementation with marigold flower extract on the expression of , , and genes in the adipose tissue and brain of rabbits. The concentrations of lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene, retinol, and α-tocopherol were determined in samples collected from rabbits. Sixty young male Termond White rabbits were allocated to three groups based on their genotype at codon 248 of the gene (ins/ins, ins/del, and del/del).

The Effect of the Genotype on the Expression of Genes Related to Carotenoid, Retinol, and α-Tocopherol Metabolism in Rabbits Fed a Diet with Aztec Marigold Flower Extract.

This study investigated the effect of the genotype and the addition of Aztec marigold flower extract to rabbit diets on the expression of , , , and genes in the liver. The levels of lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene, retinol, and α-tocopherol in the liver and blood serum of rabbits, as well as plasma biochemical parameters and serum antioxidant enzyme activities were also determined. Sixty male Termond White growing rabbits were divided into three groups based on their genotype at codon 248 of the gene (ins/ins, ins/del and del/del); each group was divided into two subgroups: one subgroup received a standard diet, and the other subgroup was fed a diet supplemented with 6 g/kg of marigold flower extract.

Reasons for and Behavioral Consequences of Male Dog Castration-A Questionnaire Study in Poland.

In many Western countries, castration is the most popular surgical desexing procedure in dogs. The aim of the study was to identify the reasons for male dog castration and to determine the owners' perceptions about changes in dog behavior before and after castration. An online survey was posted on social networking sites dedicated to dogs.

Performance indicators and gastrointestinal response of rabbits to dietary soybean meal replacement with silkworm pupae and mealworm larvae meals.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of silkworm pupae meal (SPM) and mealworm larvae meal (MLM) on the production results and function of the digestive system in rabbits. Thirty male New Zealand White growing rabbits were divided into three feeding groups: control (C) (10% soybean meal [SBM] in the diet), group SPM (5% SBM and 4% SPM) and group MLM (5% SBM and 4% MLM). Compared with group C, rabbits of groups SPM and MLM, were characterised by higher final body weight and daily body weight gains.