Sato S., Kanno C., Hoshi Y., Yamato O., Ijiri M., Miura H., Ono H.K., Takahashi F., Kawaguchi H. . HACCP-compatible ear acupuncture using biodegradable starch-based needles mitigates transport2026 · 記述言語： 日本語 出版者・発行元： Veterinary World Background and Aim: Transportation is an unavoidable management practice in cattle production and is a major source of physiological, endocrine, and oxidative stress, leading to impaired welfare, immunity, and productivity. Drug-free and food-safety-compatible interventions to alleviate transport stress remain limited. Acupuncture has shown stress-reducing effects in livestock; however, conventional metal needles are incompatible with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems. Recently developed biodegradable starch-based Circular transdermal needles (CTNs) offer a novel HACCP-compliant alternative. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ear acupuncture using starch-based CTNs on transport-induced stress responses and oxidative status in calves. Materials and Methods: Five clinically healthy male Holstein calves (3–4 months old) were subjected to a crossover experimental design involving a short-distance transport challenge (2 h 20 min). Calves received either ear acupuncture at the Jisen acupoints using starch-based CTNs or no treatment (control), with a washout period between treatments. Heart rate and rectal temperature were recorded, and blood samples were collected prior to transport (PRE), immediately after transport (POST1), and 2 days after transport (POST2). Serum stress markers (cortisol, catecholamines, oxytocin), oxidative stress indices (derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites [d-ROMs], biological antioxidant potential [BAP], and BAP/d-ROMs ratio), and biochemical parameters were analyzed. Data were expressed as relative changes between time points and statistically evaluated at p < 0.05. Results: Acupuncture treatment suppressed post-transport increases in heart rate and rectal temperature compared with controls. Cortisol responses were attenuated in the acupuncture group, while oxytocin levels were consistently higher, indicating enhanced stress tolerance. Importantly, the BAP/d-ROMs ratio was significantly higher in acupuncture-treated calves at POST1 and POST2, reflecting improved oxidative balance and reduced oxidative stress. Although serum amyloid A increased slightly after acupuncture, no local inflammation or adverse reactions were observed at needle insertion sites. Conclusion: Ear acupuncture using biodegradable starch-based CTNs effectively mitigated physiological, endocrine, and oxidative stress responses associated with short-distance transport in calves. This HACCP-compatible, drug-free approach represents a novel and practical strategy to enhance animal welfare and stress resilience in cattle production systems. DOI： 10.14202/vetworld.2026.380-388 Scopus PubMed
Mizuno M., Kiyotake S., Matsubayashi M., Kaneko T., Hatai H., Fujimoto Y., Ijiri M., Kawaguchi H., Matsui T., Matsuo T. . Potential Development Ability of Residual Zoites, a Second-Generation2026 · 記述言語： 日本語 出版者・発行元： Acta Parasitologica Purpose: Coccidiosis caused by eimerian parasites results in lethal watery or bloody diarrhea in hosts, and markedly impairs the growth of and feed utilization by host animals. We previously investigated detailed the life cycle of Eimeria krijgsmanni as a mouse eimerian parasite. Only second-generation meronts, as an asexual stage, were morphologically detected in the epithelium of the host cecum for at least 8 weeks after infection, even though oocyst shedding finished approximately 3 weeks after infection. The presence of zoites was of interest because infection by eimerian parasites is considered to be self-limited after their patent period. Methods: To clarify the significance of residual second-generation meronts in E. krijgsmanni infection, we performed infection experiments using immunocompetent mice under artificial immunosuppression and congenital immunodeficient mice. Results: The number of oocysts discharged and the duration of oocyst discharge both increased in immunosuppressed mice. In immunodeficient mice, numerous oocysts were shed over a markedly longer period, and oocyst discharge did not finish until 56 days after inoculation. Conclusions: The present results suggest that the second-generation meronts survived in the epithelial cells of the cecum after the patent period, thereby contributing to extended infection as an asexual stage. The results obtained on E. krijgsmanni indicate that infections by Eimeria spp. are not self-limited and potentially continue for a long period of time. DOI： 10.1007/s11686-024-00910-2 Scopus PubMed
