Anogenital distance (AGD) in cattle is the measurement from the anus to the genitalia. It is a sexually dimorphic trait, meaning it differs between males and females, with males generally having a longer AGD. In other species and humans is AGD is a non-invasive indicator of prenatal hormone exposure, particularly androgens, which influence reproductive development and future fertility performance. In cattle, AGD is being studied as a potential marker for fertility, reproductive health, and selection in breeding programs. Since reproductive efficiency is critical in livestock production, AGD provides a simple, cost-effective measurement that may help predict future breeding performance and improve herd productivity.

We compared the Tumor MicroEnvironment (TME) of 13 low grade and 25 high grade canine mast cell tumors (MCT) by immunohistochemistry targeting IBA-1 (pan-macrophages), CD163 (pro-tumoral macrophages), CD3 (T-lymphocytes), CD20 (B-cells) and MCH-II (CD4- associated antigen-presenting cells). Our research highlights significant differences in TME between low and high-grade canine MCTs, particularly regarding antigen presenting (MHC-II) but also concerning macrophage polarization. Markers for CD8+ lymphocytes, CD8-associated antigen presentation and immune checkpoint inhibitors should be investigated to further understand the TME of canine MCT’s. This knowledge is crucial for developing targeted immunotherapies and improving treatment strategies for this common canine cancer.

Mitral valve degeneration (MMVD) is the most common heart disease in dogs. Because, until now, there was no simple, standardised score based on echocardiography to assess its severity, the new MINE score (Mitral Insufficiency Echocardiographic score) was developed. In this study, we apply this score to the population of dogs presented at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Ghent. This score combines four echocardiographic parameters to objectively assess the severity of mitral insufficiency. The application of this score is useful in the later stages of the disease, where we see a clear difference in survival time.

In surgical oncology, fluorescence imaging enables real-time visualisation of tumor tissue amid healthy surroundings. The targeted tracer 7D12-s775z, a fluorescently labeled anti-EGFR Nanobody, has shown promising results in preclinical tumor delineation studies in murine models. To improve surgical margins, two applications were explored in this study: ex vivo margin assessment in human samples and fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) in dogs with spontaneous cancer - a valuable complementary model between mouse and human studies.

Advanced maternal age reduces fertility, as live birth rates decline even with assisted reproductive technologies. Follicular fluid (FF) supports oocyte maturation, cumulus expansion, and ovulation, but aging disrupts post-transcriptional regulation, impairing FF function and oocyte quality. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable non-coding RNAs regulating transcription and translation, influencing granulosa cells and follicular signaling. This study provides the first comprehensive full-length circRNA profile in equine FF, revealing age-related differences. Total RNA from FF of 5 young and 5 old equines was extracted with Trizol, quality-checked using NanoDrop and Bioanalyzer, libraries prepared for Oxford Nanopore sequencing, circRNAs will identified and analyzed for differential expression, and will validation performed with RT-qPCR, Sanger sequencing, and RNase R treatment. These circRNAs may serve as biomarkers for reproductive aging.

Aleurone has been shown to modulate host metabolism and gut microbiota, but its effects across the equine gastrointestinal tract remain unclear. This study aimed to characterize aleurone-derived metabolite profiles using an in vitro fermentation model with digesta from three equine GI compartments (jejunum, cecum, colon) to examine how aleurone affects metabolite profiles. Three substrates (control feed, aleurone-containing feed, pure aleurone) were incubated over 72h. Twenty-one metabolites showed significant changes. Artificial Intelligence-based classification models (>90% accuracy) were used to distinguish substate type profiles and identify candidate aleurone-specific biomarkers. The findings highlight aleurone’s functional role in modulating fermentation and overall host metabolism.

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) are crucial antiviral white blood cells that produce massive amounts of antiviral molecules, such as interferons. We investigated how two chemical compounds work together to activate these cells. Exposure of white blood cells to 2’3’-cGAMP and 4h later to CpG resulted in a much stronger antiviral response by pDC compared to adding either compound alone. This boost did at least partly depend on soluble factors produced by monocytes in response to 2’3’-cGAMP. These findings reveal a novel strategy to hyperactivate pDC that has the potential to improve cellular immune responses to virus vaccines.

My PhD thesis quantifies biosecurity and antimicrobial use on broiler chicken farms, assessing their impact on animal health and production. Through field surveys, data analysis, and risk assessments, I evaluated biosecurity practices and antimicrobial usage patterns across diverse farm systems. Key findings highlight correlations between robust biosecurity measures and reduced antimicrobial reliance, alongside identifying critical control points for improving farm management. This research provides actionable insights for enhancing poultry health, reducing resistance risks, and promoting sustainable farming practices, contributing to industry standards and veterinary public health.