Abstract:The thyroid axis is a master regulator of metabolism, development, and homeostasis in mammals. However, the diversity of endocrine strategies employed by species adapted to extreme environments remains incompletely understood. Camelids, particularly the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius), represent an exemplary model of physiological resilience, thriving in arid deserts characterized by thermal extremes, water scarcity, and poor-quality forage. In stark contrast, human thyroid physiology is calibrated for metabolic stability within a comparatively narrow homeostatic range. This review synthesizes the current state of knowledge on the comparative thyroid endocrinology of camels and humans. We examine species-specific differences in the anatomical organization of the thyroid gland, the regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) axis, and the peripheral metabolism of thyroid hormones. A central theme is the camel’s remarkable endocrine plasticity, characterized by a controlled, reversible downregulation of thyroid function in response to environmental stress. This includes a significant reduction in circulating triiodothyronine (T3) levels during dehydration and heat exposure, which lowers metabolic rate, conserves body water, and minimizes endogenous heat production. This adaptive hypometabolic state contrasts sharply with the pathophysiology of non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) in humans, where similar hormonal profiles are associated with critical illness and poor prognosis. We discuss the controversies and knowledge gaps in the field, such as the precise molecular mechanisms governing deiodinase enzyme activity in camels and the interplay between the thyroid and other endocrine axes in coordinating desert adaptation. By juxtaposing the divergent thyroid strategies of these two species, this review provides critical insights for veterinary diagnostics and management of camelids and offers a unique translational perspective on metabolic resilience, stress endocrinology, and the evolution of homeostatic control systems.
Abstract:Background: Sequential doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide (AC) followed by paclitaxel is a commonly used chemotherapy regimen in breast cancer and is associated with cumulative systemic toxicity. Routine laboratory biomarkers may provide an accessible means of tracking hematologic, hepatic, and electrolyte changes during treatment.\nObjective: To quantitatively characterize cumulative and phase-specific changes in a broad panel of routine laboratory biomarkers during sequential AC followed by paclitaxel chemotherapy.\nMethods: A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted in 29 female breast cancer patients treated with four cycles of AC followed by four cycles of paclitaxel, yielding eight sequential treatment time points. After data cleaning, linear mixed models were used to evaluate overall biomarker trajectories across all time points and the effects of treatment phase, cycle within phase, and their interaction on 25 hematologic, hepatic, and electrolyte parameters. P-values were adjusted using the Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate method.\nResults: Significant progressive changes were observed across the 8-cycle treatment course. Hematologic indices showed sustained declines in RBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit (all overall trend FDR p<0.001), with hemoglobin declining from 12.75 ± 1.20 g/dL at AC Cycle 1 to 11.21 ± 1.13 g/dL at Paclitaxel Cycle 4. Significant phase-by-cycle interactions for hemoglobin (FDR p=0.005) and hematocrit (FDR p<0.001) indicated a steeper decline during the AC phase with relative stabilization during paclitaxel. MCH, MCHC, and RDW increased progressively (all overall trend FDR p<0.001), suggesting evolving erythropoietic stress. MPV declined significantly over the treatment course (FDR p<0.001). Among hepatic markers, GGT showed significant phase, cycle, and phase-by-cycle effects (all FDR p≤0.002), indicating a distinct phase-dependent trajectory. Electrolyte changes included a significant overall decline in potassium (FDR p=0.005) and a significant phase-by-cycle interaction for calcium (FDR p=0.026).\nConclusion: Sequential AC followed by paclitaxel chemotherapy is associated with cumulative, progressive, and phase-specific alterations in routine hematologic, hepatic, and electrolyte biomarkers. The observed trajectories of hemoglobin, RDW, GGT, potassium, and calcium suggest that routinely collected laboratory parameters may help characterize the systemic toxicity profile of this regimen and may serve as practical candidates for future prospective validation studies.
Abstract:Open feedlots expose heifers to radiant load before summer peaks. We compared three shade geometries paired with elevated bedding pads in a replicated pen trial. Respiration rate, rectal temperature at peak solar angle, and daily gain were recorded for twenty-eight days. East-west oriented shade with side baffles lowered black-globe-adjusted heat indices more than simple roof extensions. Average daily gain improved modestly with fewer panting hours. Costing notes help producers prioritize retrofit sequences when steel prices fluctuate.
Abstract:Dual-purpose farms balance milk and calf sales under rainfall uncertainty. We modeled split-calving calendars against historical forage gaps and milk price seasonality for sixty-five households. Partial budgeting included labor for extra heatsynch visits and calf mortality risk. Farms that shifted twenty percent of calvings to the short rainy window improved cash flow stability without large herd expansion. Sensitivity analysis showed benefits hinge on access to conserved forage and timely artificial insemination services rather than genetics alone.
Abstract:Automated body condition scoring often fails under mixed natural and fluorescent lighting. We trained a compact model on hip and pin bone landmarks from phone video collected on eight farms. Augmentations simulated glare, shadows, and partial occlusion from headlocks. Compared with technician scores, the model achieved acceptable agreement on a five-point scale after farmer-guided recalibration each lactation stage. Deployment used on-device inference to limit data costs. Practical guidance covers camera height, lane markings, and when to reshoot clips after facility changes.
Abstract:Brucellosis control depends on coordinated animal vaccination and human risk communication. We developed short modules for community health workers covering pasteurized milk myths, abortion storms in cattle, and referral cues. Modules were piloted alongside district veterinary campaigns in two woredas. Post-training surveys showed improved symptom recognition and higher reported use of protective gloves during calving assistance. Integration with existing vaccination calendars increased attendance at joint human-animal health fairs. Sustainability will rely on refresher drills and simplified job aids in local languages.
Abstract:Heat-humidity stress and mudding increase environmental mastitis risk but are unevenly monitored on low-input farms. We combined public weather indices with monthly somatic cell trends from bulk tanks across forty-two villages. Simple thresholds triggered text alerts to encourage bedding refresh and milking hygiene checks. During the warm season, herds that acted on at least half of alerts showed slower cell count drift than matched controls. The approach avoids expensive barn sensors while keeping recommendations actionable for family labor routines.
Abstract:Tropical silage faces spoilage from aerobic instability after opening. Farmers co-designed paired farm trials comparing commercial homofermentative inoculants with a blended culture under identical packing density targets. Dry matter recovery, pH profiles, and aerobic heating after feed-out were tracked for forty-five days. Blended treatments improved stability in six of nine stacks when face management was consistent. Results emphasize that inoculant choice interacts strongly with face opening rates and shading of bunkers in humid climates.
Abstract:Smallholder cooperatives struggle to document batch movements for export-oriented buyers. We prototyped a permissioned ledger workflow tied to weighing slips and vaccination booklets in three associations. Cooperative staff entered events on low-cost tablets with intermittent connectivity. Auditors could verify chain-of-custody summaries without exposing private farm data. Pilots cut dispute resolution time and clarified premium eligibility rules. Lessons highlight training intensity and the need for backup paper trails when power is unreliable.
Abstract:Subclinical ketosis remains costly in pasture-based dairies where daily yarding is limited. We evaluated a lightweight rumen bolus that streams temperature and activity proxies to a farm gateway across twenty herds in the Eastern Cape. Alerts were tuned against weekly milk ketone spot checks and fresh cow health records for sixteen weeks. The system reduced missed cases relative to visual screening alone while keeping false positives manageable when farmers adjusted concentrate in response to early warnings. Findings support targeted supplementation protocols without adding heavy labor during calving peaks.