Effect of Maca aqueous extract addition to a freezing extender for canine semen.

This study investigated the effect of the addition of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) to the freezing extender on the post-thaw quality of dog semen. Ten canine ejaculates were frozen following a two-step protocol using a tris-glucose-citrate egg yolk extender with or without the addition of 10 µl/mL of aqueous extract of Maca (Maca and ctrl groups, respectively). Prior to (fresh semen) and after freezing (T0) sperm motility, kinetic parameters, viability and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), as well as the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated. In addition, sperm motility, kinetic parameters, viability and MMP were examined up to 2 h of incubation of 37 °C after thawing (T1 and T2) to evaluate thermo-resistance. The addition of Maca reduced MDA concentration at T0 (p < 0.05) and increased total motility, the percentage of sperm with medium velocity and WOB at T1. Progressive motility decreased (p < 0.05) at T1 in the ctrl group, whereas it was not affected in Maca group at any time point. In addition, the percentage of hyperactivated spermatozoa remained constant at T1 in the ctrl, while in the Maca group an increase (p < 0.05) of this parameter was recorded. Although no differences were found for MMP between groups at any time points, a decrease of viable sperm with low MMP was observed in ctrl group between T0 and T1 and in Maca group between T1 and T2. The addition of Maca prior freezing reduced the extent of lipid peroxidation and activated canine sperm motility and hyperactivation after thawing.

Hemp Seed Cake as a Novel Ingredient for Dog's Diet.

In the last few years, the popularity of industrial hemp and its products is increased. From a nutritional point of view, hemp and its products are rich in protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and useful minerals. Nowadays, the European Commission authorizes the use of hempseed and hempseed oil co-products in animal nutrition. This study is aimed to evaluate the use of hempseed cake in dogs' nutrition, comparing the effect of the supplementation of two lipid sources: swine tallow (T-diet) and hempseed cake (H-diet). A double-blind nutritional trial was performed at a municipal kennel located in Naples. Eight crossbreed neutered dogs recognized in good health were recruited and divided into two homogeneous groups (T- vs. H-group). Both diets were analyzed for chemical composition and fatty acid profile. Blood count and biochemical profile were evaluated at recruitment (T0) and the end of the trial (T30). Oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids were the most representative fatty acids in both diets; however, the H-diet contains more than double concentration of linoleic and α-linoleic acids compared to the T-diet (p < 0.01). The H-diet has shown significantly (p < 0.01) higher peroxidation index as the only negative aspect, which could compromise its shelf-life. After 30 days of administration, the H-group has shown a significant (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) reduction of liver and renal markers [aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and creatinine] and cholesterol, due to the healthier fatty acid profile. Hempseed cake seems a suggestable source of polyunsaturated fatty acids for dogs considering these preliminary results.

Exosomes in Dogs and Cats: An Innovative Approach to Neoplastic and Non-Neoplastic Diseases.

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles with a diameter between 40 and 120 nm, which are derived from all types of cells and released into all biological fluids, such as blood plasma, serum, urine, breast milk, colostrum, and more. They contain proteins, nucleic acids (mRNA, miRNA, other non-coding RNA, and DNA), and lipids. Exosomes represent a potentially accurate footprint of the miRNA profile of the parental cell and can therefore be proposed as potential and sensitive biomarkers, both in diagnosing and monitoring a variety of diseases in humans and animals. Liquid biopsy offers itself as a non-invasive or minimally invasive, pain-free, time-saving alternative to conventional tissue biopsy. Exosomes in both human and veterinary medicine find their major application in neoplastic diseases, but applications in the field of veterinary cardiology, nephrology, reproduction, parasitology, and regenerative medicine are currently being explored. Exosomes can therefore be used as diagnostic, prognostic, and, in some cases, therapeutic tools for several conditions. The aim of this review was to assess the current applications of exosomes in veterinary medicine, particularly in dog and cat patients.