Evidence: Pet rat and mouse (Rattus norvegicus) husbandry, health & nutrition
Source: Europe PMC (Europe PubMed Central) REST search — first-hand peer-reviewed abstract records, pulled 2026-08-01. Queries covered husbandry, health/disease/parasitology, and nutrition/feeding for Rattus norvegicus. The cluster returns 12 representative studies with abstracts below. Abstract text is verbatim from source; each study is traceable by PMID.
Studies
- PMID 42521235 (2028, Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition) — Association between mid-to-late pregnancy gestational weight gain and adverse birth outcomes among women with gestational diabetes mellitus.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Background and objectives</h4>The gestational weight gain (GWG) range during mid-to-late pregnancy associated with the lowest combined risk of adverse birth outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains unclear. This study aims to examine the associations between GWG and adverse birth out-comes among women with GDM.<h4>Methods and study design</h4>This study included a cohort of 1,673 pregnant women with GDM. GWG was defined as weight gain from pre-pregnancy to a measurement between 24 and 32 gestational weeks, residualized for gestational age and standardized as z-scores. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess associations between GWG z-scores (per 1-SD increase and categories: <-1, -1 to 1 [reference], and ≥1) and small for gestational age (SGA), large for gestational age (LGA), and preterm birth. Restricted cubic splines were fitted to explore nonlinear associations.<h4>Results</h4>Each 1-SD higher in GWG z-score was associated with lower odds of SGA (odds ratio [OR], 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-0.71) and higher odds of LGA (1.48; 1.29-1.70). Compared with the reference group, women with GWG z-scores <-1 had higher odds of SGA and lower odds of LGA, whereas those with z-scores ≥1 showed the opposite pattern. No significant association was observed with preterm birth. Spline analyses indicated that a GWG z-score of approximately -0.07 (equal to 8.2 kg at 28 weeks) was associated with the lowest combined odds of SGA and LGA.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Among women with GDM, both insufficient and excessive mid-to-late pregnancy GWG were associated with adverse size-for-gestational-age outcomes.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42521235/
- PMID 42514054 (2026, Microorganisms) — Substrate-Sequence Effects on Pollutant Removal and Microbial Succession in Modular Constructed Wetlands Under Plateau Low-Temperature Habitat Conditions.. Abstract (opening): Constructed wetlands operated in plateau habitats may experience constrained biological treatment because low temperature, low atmospheric pressure, and low-carbon wastewater can jointly limit microbial metabolism. This 80-day pilot screening study evaluated three nonreplicated modular constructed wetland configurations (MCW1-MCW3) containing different sequences of zeolite, ceramsite, and quartz sand and planted with <i>Veronica anagallis-aquatica</i>. Each configuration consisted of one independent treatment train; therefore, the comparisons were interpreted as configuration-specific and exploratory rather than as statistically generalizable treatment effects. Pollutant-removal performance and microbial community succession were evaluated through repeated water-quality monitoring and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. MCW1 showed the highest observed mean NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>-N removal efficiency (88.6%), whereas MCW3 showed the highest observed mean TP and COD removal efficiencies (79.56% and 47.40%, respectively) and an NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>-N removal efficiency of 85.51%. TN removal by MCW3 remained limited at 20.49%, consistent with carbon limitation of denitrification. Under the naturally low-temperature plateau laboratory conditions, the observed COD reduction indicated partial mineralization or retention of organic pollution loads, potentially supported by substrate biofilms and cold-adapted microbial assemblages. Apparent module-contribution analysis suggested that zeolite contributed substantially to NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>-N reduction, whereas ceramsite contributed to TP and COD removal under the tested sequences. Because plant biomass and tissue nutrient contents were not measured, nitrogen and phosphorus removal could not be attributed quantitatively to hydrophyte uptake. Overall, substrate sequence influenced pollutant-removal patterns and microbial community assembly, providing preliminary evidence for habitat-adapted optimization of modular constructed wetlands for plateau domestic wastewater.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42514054/
- PMID 42505825 (2026, Insects) — <i>Salix alba</i> L. Leaf Volatiles Attract <i>Nematus hequensis</i> Xiao Adults: Sex-Specific Responses and Optimized Field Trapping Using (<i>E</i>)-2-Hexenal and O-Xylene.. Abstract (opening): Plant-derived attractants for sawfly pests are rarely available. This study evaluated field trapping of <i>Nematus hequensis</i> Xiao adults using 15 volatile compounds from <i>Salix alba</i> L. leaves, testing four concentrations, three trap types, two lure cores, two hanging heights, and two trap spacings in a randomized block design (three replicates) during the adult emergence peak in Lhasa, Tibet (2024). Optimal combinations were sex-specific: for females, large boat-shaped traps suspended at 1 m with slow-release bottle lures containing 10 μg/μL <i>o</i>-Xylene captured 62 individuals; for males, the same configuration but with 10 μg/μL (<i>E</i>)-2-Hexenal captured 265 individuals. Trap spacing (10 m vs. 15 m) did not significantly affect daily capture. These results provide a practical, environmentally friendly monitoring tool for <i>N. hequensis</i>. To our knowledge, within the genus <i>Nematus</i>, this study is the first to develop a plant-volatile attractant based on host leaf volatiles.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42505825/
- PMID 42353440 (2026, Animals : an open access journal from MDPI) — Perceived Rabbit Care Knowledge Does Not Consistently Align with Owner-Reported Husbandry Practices: A Survey of Pet Rabbit Owners in Croatia.. Abstract (opening): The welfare of pet rabbits is frequently compromised despite increasing recognition of their complex behavioural and physiological needs. Although owner knowledge is considered an important determinant of animal care, the relationship between perceived knowledge and actual husbandry practices remains poorly understood. This study aimed to (i) describe husbandry practices and owner-reported knowledge among pet rabbit owners in Croatia and (ii) assess whether higher perceived knowledge is associated with greater alignment with recommended husbandry practices. Data were collected using an online questionnaire distributed to rabbit owners (<i>n</i> = 529). The study assessed owner-reported husbandry practices and perceived knowledge but did not include direct assessments of rabbit health or welfare. Although most respondents reported high levels of knowledge regarding rabbit care (85.6%), this was not consistently reflected in implemented husbandry practices. Higher perceived knowledge was significantly associated (<i>p</i> < 0.05) with environmental enrichment, housing type, and cleaning frequency, but these associations were generally weak to moderate. In contrast, perceived knowledge showed little or no association with several key welfare-related practices, including social housing and access to free movement, while only limited associations were observed for feeding practices. These findings reveal a substantial knowledge-practice gap, suggesting that confidence in rabbit care knowledge does not necessarily translate into appropriate husbandry. Therefore, educational approaches focused solely on information provision may be insufficient to ensure the implementation of recommended husbandry practices.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42353440/
- PMID 42485506 (2026, Veterinary medicine and science) — Buffalo Breeding and Genetic Studies With a Focus on the Anatolian Buffalo, a Native Genetic Resource of Türkiye.. Abstract (opening): Buffalo typically inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, wet grasslands with abundant rainfall or water and swampy areas. Globally, buffalo husbandry represents the second most widespread livestock activity after cattle. In many countries, buffaloes are of primary economic importance for both milk and meat production. The aim of this review is to focus on global buffalo husbandry with a specific emphasis on the Anatolian buffalo, Türkiye's native genetic resource and sole buffalo breed, while providing an overview of genetically important gene regions. The review is divided into two main sections. The first section, entitled 'Buffalo Population and Husbandry', discusses global buffalo population numbers, country-specific trends over the years, buffalo species and observations and recommendations regarding husbandry practices. This is followed by an analysis of buffalo population trends and related assessments in Türkiye. The second section, 'Buffalo Genetics, Genetic Studies, and Gene Regions', begins with a brief overview of general buffalo genetics and genetic diversity (characterization) studies. It then introduces gene regions that are central to buffalo production traits, specifically meat and milk, highlighting any reported significant alleles. Subsequently, genetic studies conducted on the Anatolian buffalo targeting these gene regions are summarized. To illuminate the breed's distinctive characteristics, attention has been given to the provinces from which samples were collected. For ease of comparison, the headings for gene regions in buffalo husbandry have been maintained in the section dedicated to the Anatolian buffalo.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42485506/
- PMID 42289680 (2026, Microbial cell factories) — Identification and characterization of a novel leaderless bacteriocin toyoncin T35 from Bacillus toyonensis.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Background</h4>Antibiotics residues and antibiotics resistance have become a serious threat to human health. There is an urgent need for the development of antibiotic alternatives. Bacteriocins are considered one of the alternative to antibiotics because of their different antimicrobial mechanisms from antibiotics. Therefore, mining novel bacteriocins is of great significance for the development of antibiotic alternatives.<h4>Results</h4>A novel aureocin A53-like leaderless bacteriocin, toyoncin T35, was identified in B. toyonensis T35. Toyoncin T35 was composed of 48 amino acid residues and its molecular weight was 5491.9950 Da. Toyoncin T35 exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens B. cereus (MIC, 0.71 µM), L. monocytogenes (MIC, 0.35 µM) as well as pathogenic bacteria S. suis (MIC, 2.84 µM). In addition, toyoncin T35 could inhibit B. cereus spore outgrowth, and possessed broad acid-base adaptability (pH 2-10) along with high heat tolerance (below 100 °C). Toyoncin T35 has no hemolysis activity and cytotoxicity even at a high concentration of 91.00 µM.<h4>Conclusions</h4>The novel leaderless bacteriocin toyoncin T35 has the potential to become an antibiotic alternative for treating diseases caused by foodborne pathogens B. cereus, L. monocytogenes, and pathogenic bacteria S. suis.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42289680/
- PMID 42360640 (2026, Journal of chemical ecology) — Two Fatty Acids From Host Plant Leaves Are Attractive to Soritia leptatina Adults.. Abstract (opening): Quercus aquifolioides is an ecologically important oak species on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau that experiences significant damage from Soritia leptatina. To clarify the behavioral response of S. leptatina to leaf volatiles of Q. aquifolioides, we analyzed leaf-associated volatile organic compounds using solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS), measured electrophysiological and behavioral responses of adult S. leptatina to selected leaf volatiles using electroantennography (EAG) and Y-tube olfactometer assays, and evaluated the field-trapping potential of bioactive volatiles. The detected leaf-associated profile included C6 green-leaf-volatile derivatives, long-chain fatty acids and fatty-acid esters, terpenes, and aromatic compounds. Unmated male and female adults showed strong EAG responses to leaf acetate, palmitic acid, and myristic acid, with the highest response recorded for 10 µg/µL leaf acetate (0.97 mV). Y-tube assays indicated that leaf acetate, myristic acid, and naphthalene elicited significant behavioral attraction at specific concentrations (P < 0.05), whereas palmitic acid did not show significant attraction in this assay. Field trapping experiments further showed that palmitic acid and myristic acid increased adult captures, with 100 µg/µL myristic acid producing the highest catch (137 individuals). These results suggest that myristic acid and palmitic acid may be useful for monitoring, early warning, and environmentally friendly management of S. leptatina, although their behavioral roles should be interpreted according to assay type and concentration.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42360640/
- PMID 42410336 (2026, BMC microbiology) — Bacillus-based probiotic supplementation reshapes rumen bacterial and fungal communities and enhances carbohydrate-degrading functional capacity in weaned yaks.. Abstract (opening): This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with Bacillus-based probiotics on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and microbial functional capacity in weaned yaks. Twenty animals were randomly assigned to a basal diet (control group, CON) or the same diet supplemented with Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis (probiotic group, PRO) for 90 days. Probiotic supplementation increased average daily gain (P < 0.05) and tended to increase dry matter intake (P = 0.059). In addition, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre digestibility were improved (P < 0.05), suggesting improved degradation of structural carbohydrates. Rumen fermentation was altered, with increased concentrations of butyrate and isovalerate and reduced ammonia nitrogen, suggesting improved fermentation efficiency and nitrogen metabolism. Microbial analysis showed that probiotics reshaped both bacterial and fungal community structures without affecting α-diversity, indicating selective modulation of key microbial taxa. Notably, the relative abundance of carbohydrate-degrading genera, including Xylanibacter, was increased. Metagenomic analysis further demonstrated changes in microbial functional capacity, as evidenced by increased abundance of carbohydrate-active enzymes and genes associated with cellulose, hemicellulose, chitin, lignin, and starch degradation. These results indicate that Bacillus-based probiotics were associated with improved growth performance and enhanced rumen microbial functional potential related to carbohydrate degradation.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42410336/
- PMID 42353290 (2026, International journal of molecular sciences) — Multi Omics Analysis Reveals That Compound Radix Pulsatillae and Lactic Acid Bacteria Reprogram the Microbiome Metabolome Network in <i>Oat</i> Silage.. Abstract (opening): <i>Oat</i> (<i>Avena sativa</i> L.) silage fermentation often fails due to insufficient lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and low water-soluble carbohydrate content. We investigated the effects of Compound Radix Pulsatillae (CRP; 40 g/kg FM) alone or combined with a commercial LAB inoculant (containing <i>L. plantarum</i>, <i>L. buchneri</i>, and <i>Enterococcus faecium</i>, CRP_LA) on <i>oat</i> silage after 60 days. Compared to control (CK), both CRP and CRP_LA increased dry matter and water-soluble carbohydrate retention while reducing fiber components and ammonia nitrogen (<i>p</i> < 0.05). CRP_LA exhibited superior fermentation quality (lowest pH 4.82, highest lactic acid 47.83 g/kg DM). Using 16S rRNA sequencing and UPLC-MS/MS metabolomics integrated with weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we identified a brown module strongly associated with CRP_LA treatment. Six hub metabolites, belonging to flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, and nucleotide derivatives, were significantly elevated in CRP_LA silage and showed strong correlations with <i>Lactobacillus</i> abundance and fermentation quality parameters. Correlation-based network analysis revealed that these hub metabolites positively correlated with Lactobacillus abundance, lactic acid, and water-soluble carbohydrate retention, while negatively correlating with spoilage microorganisms (<i>Enterobacter</i>, <i>Acinetobacter</i>, <i>Leuconostoc</i>) and ammonia nitrogen. This multi-omics study provides a metabolite-centric molecular map of the silage microecosystem reshaped by CRP and LAB co-fermentation. The identified hub metabolites-with predicted antimicrobial, antioxidant, and plant-protective functions-represent potential quality markers for functional silage additive development. Mechanistic validation via targeted metabolite supplementation or pathway-specific gene expression analysis is warranted in future studies.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42353290/
- PMID 42353879 (2026, Genes) — THBS1 as a Key Regulator of Myoblasts: Validation of Its Inhibitory Roles in Skeletal Muscle Development.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Background</h4>Thromboxane B2 Synthase 1 (THBS1), also known as TSP-1, is a multifunctional glycoprotein involved in various cellular processes that plays a crucial role in skeletal muscle development and repair. It acts as a key physiological activator of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), both in vivo and in vitro.<h4>Methods</h4>This study aimed to investigate the effects of THBS1 on myoblast proliferation and differentiation using the mouse skeletal muscle satellite cell line C2C12 and to reveal its regulatory relationship with the TGF-β signaling pathway through a series of cellular and molecular experiments.<h4>Results</h4>Overexpression or knockout of <i>THBS1</i> in C2C12 cells regulates and upregulates the activity of the TGF-β signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the proliferation and differentiation of C2C12 cells.<h4>Conclusions</h4>These results provide a theoretical foundation for future research aimed at enhancing skeletal muscle quality in livestock and poultry and lay the groundwork for developing therapeutic strategies for skeletal muscle disorders.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42353879/
- PMID 42448547 (2026, Journal of bioscience and bioengineering) — Transforming Curcuma longa leaf waste into cellulose scaffolds.. Abstract (opening): The constant dearth of transplantable tissues and organs in India required the development of substitute biomaterials for tissue engineering. Plant-based decellularized scaffolds have become attractive options because of their abundance, ethical acceptability, architectural diversity, and lower risks of zoonotic transmission. Curcuma longa leaves were investigated in this study as a possible source of cellulose-based scaffolding for use in biomedical applications. After cuticle removal, an immersion decellularization technique utilizing sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and triton-X-100 was developed to successfully remove cellular and nuclear material while maintaining leaf parenchyma architecture. Histology, DAPI staining, scanning electron microscopy, and a notable decrease in leftover DNA content all demonstrated efficient decellularization. When contrasted with native leaves, the resultant decellularized C. longa leaf scaffolds showed significant increase in porosity, water vapor transmission rate and swelling percent, and significantly lower contact angle with an optimum surface roughness promoting cell adhesion. Mechanical test manifest higher tensile strength with decreased stiffness. Fourier transform infrared spectra of leaf scaffold reveals persistence of different components except cuticle but the intensity of different peaks was decreased. The leaf scaffolds showed superior hemocompatibility and excellent compatibility with Madin-Darby canine kidney cells (MDCK) which is demonstrated by cell attachment and proliferation. MTT assay of seeded scaffold showed significantly higher metabolically active cell. In vivo subcutaneous implantation of decellularized scaffolds showed host tissue incorporation, accumulation of collagen, and neovascularization. C. longa leaf scaffolds can be utilized as cost effective and sustainable biomaterials for soft tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42448547/
- PMID 42307824 (2026, Tropical animal health and production) — Characterization of Washera sheep husbandry practices under smallholder production systems in north-west Ethiopia.. Abstract (opening): A comprehensive understanding of sheep husbandry practices in a given production environment provides essential baseline information for designing sheep breeding and development plans. This study characterized the Washera sheep husbandry practices of farmers under the smallholder production systems in north-west Ethiopia. Data were collected from a total of 480 randomly selected farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire survey. Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed using Frequency Procedures in the Statistical Package for Social Science version 22 and the General Linear Model Procedure in the Statistical Analysis System version 9.0, respectively. Sheep constituted the largest proportion (38.42%) of livestock species owned by farmers. Natural pasture (index = 0.445) was the primary feed source for sheep. Most (97.1%) farmers graze their sheep freely (84.6%) on natural pasture. The majority of farmers (84.6%) face seasonal feed shortages mainly in the dry season (74.1%). About 52.2% of the farmers conserve feed to cope with seasonal feed shortages. Rivers were the main water source for sheep in both the dry (65.4%) and wet (63.3%) seasons. Most farmers (59.2%) house their sheep in separate pens with stilted floors (72.3%). Sheep sale decisions were made jointly by male and female household heads. The main opportunities for enhancing sheep production in the area include favorable agroecology, an adaptive breed, and market access. However, production and productivity are greatly affected by feed shortages and disease occurrences, mainly linked to poor sheep husbandry practices. Therefore, the potentials and challenges of sheep production in this study need to be considered in designing future sheep breeding and improvement programs in the area.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42307824/
Source text: pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_rat_mouse_husbandry_health_2026-08-01.txt (Europe PMC first-hand abstracts, pulled 2026-08-01).