Veterinary Medicine Commons^™

Artificial Insemination And Fetal Programming In Beef Production Systems, Dempster M. Christenson

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Pregnancy to artificial insemination and late gestation fetal programming of the next calf crop are central to genetic development, reproductive longevity, calf crop productivity, and efficiency of cow/calf ranching. The purposes of this research are to find methods to improve pregnancy rate to artificial insemination, the growth and reproductive health of pregnant heifers, and the productivity of their offspring. In the first of four studies we found that extending the period of progesterone administration in an estrus synchronization protocol did not significantly hasten estrus response or increase pregnancy rate to artificial insemination, but timing of estrus within the melengestrol acetate …

Cat Color Theory: Can Cat Color Being Accurately Used To Predict Behavior, Emily Mears

Honors Theses

Is there scientific backing for "Tortie-tude" or "Orange Cat Behavior"? Many cat owners swear by these claims. Can coat color predict cat personality? If coat color is an accurate way to predict personality, the cat adoption process could be smoother. Also, veterinarians can be better prepared to avoid cat scratches and bites if they know a color is more likely aggressive. We made and distributed two surveys to determine the perception of personality by color and the actual personalities of cats. The first survey, "Cat Perception," was given to people who work with cats and, therefore, have interacted with a …

Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome In Canine Patients, Morgan Powell

Honors College Theses

Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS) is a perplexing and debilitating ocular condition that affects canine patients primarily in the form of the sudden onset of total vision loss. Veterinary literature will be reviewed to discuss the basic anatomy of the canine eye and retina, as well as to investigate various diagnostic techniques to evaluate ophthalmic function and hypotheses of the pathogenesis of SARDS. The complexity of this disease and the absence of research leads to veterinarians and clients grappling with unanswered questions. This research surveys veterinarians to gain a perspective of the rareness of the disease, the most frequent …

Cocoa Polyphenols Modulate The Fecal Microbiome In A Mouse Model Of Colitis, Independent Of Basal Diet And Colon Inflammation, Abby D. Benninghoff

Browse all Datasets

Chronic inflammation increases the risk of developing multiple chronic diseases, including cancer. The risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) specifically is increased in individuals who suffer from colitis, a characteristic of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Diet is another risk factor for developing CRC, particularly an inflammation-promoting Western-type diet. Thus, supplementing a Western diet with functional foods containing anti-inflammatory polyphenols is a potential approach to decreasing CRC risk by reducing gut inflammation and altering gut microbiome profile. This study aimed to determine the effects of cocoa polyphenol (CP) supplementation on inflammation status and microbiome profile before, during, and after colitis when …

Cross-Sectional Study Of Personal Protective Equipment Use, Training And Biosafety Preparedness Among Healthcare Workers During The First Months Of The Sars-Cov-2 Pandemic In Brazil, Kerstin Muner, Julia Kilgour, Tatiana Ometta, Ana Perola Drulla Brandao, Andrea Pires Dos Santos, Ana Marcia Sa Guimaraes

Purdue University Libraries Open Access Publishing Fund

Objectives Brazil has high rates of COVID-19 and tuberculosis among healthcare workers (HCWs). Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for their protection. We aimed to evaluate PPE use, training, and preparedness among HCWs in the early months of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Brazil.

Methods A cross-sectional study was performed using questionnaires available to HCWs through a website created to provide PPE guidelines. χ2 test and robust Poisson regression identified factors associated with HCWs treating COVID-19 patients (TCOVID-19), lack of training on PPE use and N95 respirator reuse. The speech content of open-ended questions was analysed.

Results We analysed 1410 questionnaires …

Cocoa Polyphenols Modulate The Gut Microbiome In A Site-Specific Manner In Mice, Marcus Hayden

Student Research Symposium

Gut Health and the Microbiome

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers in the United States; early-onset CRC is also on the rise [1].
• Colitis-associated CRC is defined as CRC that arises from inflammation of the colon.
• A Western-type diet has been shown to exacerbate colitis.
• Metabolites of the gut microbiome contain anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties [2].
• Diet is a key factor in the gut microbiome composition.
• Polyphenols in cocoa may restore the gut microbiome composition from pre-existing dysbiosis.
• More research is needed to study how dietary cocoa supplementation modulates the microbiome across several sites of the …

Characterizing The Roles Of Bacterial And Viral Agents In House Crickets (Acheta Domesticus) At Commercial Rearing Facilities In The United States, Kimberly L. Boykin

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Feeder insects, and in particular crickets, are becoming more popular as food for humans and domesticated animals. However, disease outbreaks continue to decimate commercial populations. The goals of this dissertation were to characterize the epidemiology of different viral and bacterial pathogens affecting the survival of European house crickets (Acheta domesticus) being raised under mass rearing conditions and identify methods to reduce the impact of these pathogens.

Crickets from nine different producers across the United States were sampled during different seasons to better estimate the prevalence of three pathogenic viruses: Acheta domesticus densovirus (AdDV), Acheta domesticus volvovirus (AdVVV), and …

Alterations In Serum Thiol-Disulfide Homeostasis And Ischemia-Modified Albumin Concentrations In Clinical Canine Parvoviral Enteritis, Yasi̇n Şenel, Osman Safa Terzi̇, Erdal Kara, Özcan Erel, Sali̇m Neşeli̇oğlu, Ebubeki̇r Ceylan

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Monitoring biomarkers related to inflammation and oxidative stress is critical in dogs because parvovirus causes both inflammatory and antioxidant alterations. The aim of this study was to investigate inflammatory and antioxidant changes caused by canine parvoviral enteritis to better understand the oxidative stress process related to this disease. Thus, the total thiol, native thiol, disulfide, and ischemia-modified albumin levels of Canine parvovirus infected symptomatic puppies and healthy puppies were examined. Using the results of complete blood counts, the blood serum thiol-disulfide homeostasis and ischemia modified albumin levels of the puppies with Canine parvoviral enteritis (n = 65) and the healthy …

Phenotypic And Functional Characterization Of Bovine Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells, Vitali V. Maldonado, Sriya Pokharel, Jeremy G. Powell, Rebekah M. Samsonraj Dr.

Animal Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are increasingly trialed in cellular therapy applications in humans. They can also be applied to treat a range of diseases in animals, particularly in cattle to combat inflammatory conditions and aging-associated degenerative disorders. We sought to demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining MSCs from adipose tissue and characterizing them using established assays. Methods: Bovine adipose MSCs (BvAdMSCs) were isolated using in-house optimized tissue digestion protocols and characterized by performing a colony formation assay, cell growth assessments, cell surface marker analysis by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation, and secretion of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenease (IDO). Results: …

Growing South Dakota (Spring 2024), College Of Agriculture, Food And Environmental Sciences

Growing South Dakota (Publication of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences)

[Page] 3 Empowering the Next Generation of Agriculture
[Page] 5 Celebration of Faculty Excellence
[Page] 7 Judging Teams Provide Connection, Critical Skills
[Page] 11 Melanie Caffe: SDSU Oat Breeder Finds Motivation in Making a Difference for Farmers
[Page] 13 2024 CAFES Outstanding Seniors
[Page] 14 SDSU Celebrates Students Accepted to Veterinary Schools through Stethoscope Ceremony"
[Page] 15 New Researchers in CAFES
[Page] 17 Hitting the Mark – Shooting Sports Driving Growth in SDSU Extension 4-H Program
[Page] 19 A New Century Leads to a New Barn
[Page] 20 CAFES News & Updates
[Page] 21 Jackrabbits Now & Then
[Page] 22 …

2024 Research Day Program, Lincoln Memorial University

Research Day

This program contains abstracts and presentation summaries from LMU's 2024 Annual Research Day conference.

Pilot Study: Effects Of Whole Body Vibrational Therapy On Equine Epaxial Muscle Soreness, Riley Leibeck

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Whole body vibrational therapy (WBV) is well-studied in people, but there is a paucity of research of its effect on horses. It is suggested that WBV use in horses increases performance, aids in recovery, and stimulates nerves, bones, and muscles in ways that normal exercise does not. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if frequent WBV therapy sessions affect back soreness in horses using pressure algometry. Most sporthorses will experience back soreness in their careers, and it is regarded as one of the most common causes of poor performance in equine athletes. Five horses were measured for …

Extending Knowledge On Biosecurity In Small-Scale And Backyard Systems In The United States, Juliette Di Francesco, Amber Itle, Craig Mcconnel, Ragan Adams, Roselle Busch, Richard Van Vleck Pereira, Terry W. Lehenbauer, Beatriz Martínez-López, Alda F. A. Pires

Journal of Extension

The number of small-scale and backyard operations has increased in the United States during the past decade, but there is currently a lack of outreach efforts and readily-available educational materials targeting these farming systems. We developed a webinar series on biosecurity to provide training for small-scale and backyard producers, and training tools that can be used by local veterinarians and extension educators to disseminate knowledge and consistent recommendations more effectively. Fewer people attended the webinars than registered, suggesting a gap between interest in biosecurity and commitment to the topic. Participants in the webinar series reported a high level of satisfaction …

Identification Of Novel Small Molecule Inhibitors Of Twin Arginine Translocation (Tat) Pathway And Their Effect On The Control Of Campylobacter Jejuni In Chickens, Loïc Deblais, Mary Drozd, Anand Kumar, Janet Antwi, James Fuchs, Rahul Khupse, Yosra A. Helmy, Gireesh Rajashekara

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Introduction: Control of Campylobacter from farm to fork is challenging due to the frequent emergence of antimicrobial-resistant isolates. Furthermore, poultry production systems are known reservoirs of Campylobacter. The twinarginine translocation (Tat) pathway is a crucial bacterial secretion system that allows Campylobacter to colonize the host intestinal tract by using formate as the main source of energy. However, Tat pathway is also a major contributing factor for resistance to copper sulfate (CuSO₄).

Methods: Since mammals and chickens do not have proteins or receptors that are homologous to bacterial Tat proteins, identification of small molecule (SM) inhibitors …

Histories, Cultural Contexts, Health Status, Wildlife Contact Characteristics, And Perception Towards Covid-19 Of The Urak Lawoi Ethnic Group In Koh Lanta District, Krabi Province Of Thailand: A Qualitative Study, Kanokwan Suwannarong, Paisit Boonyakawee, Thanomsin Ponlap, Kannika Thammasutti, Phitsanuruk Kanthawee, Nisachon Bubpa, Chularat Boonyakawee, Vittaya Pulkird, Junsri Changnum

Journal of Health Research

Background: The Urak Lawoi ethnic group is an indigenous community residing in the Andaman Sea of southern Thailand and are engaged in various activities related to wild animals. This qualitative study was conducted from November 2022 to February 2023 to collect information on wildlife contact characteristics and determine the level of awareness and understanding of zoonotic diseases and COVID-19 risks among this ethnic group in Koh Lanta district, Krabi province.

Methods: This qualitative study collected data through key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). The study respondents included 29 Urak Lawoi village health volunteers (VHVs), To Mo …

Effect Of A Microencapsulated Phyto/Phycogenic Blend Supplementation On Growth Performance, Processing Parameters, Meat Quality, And Sensory Profile In Male Broilers, Garrett J. Mullenix, Elizabeth S. Greene, Alison Ramser, Clay Maynard, Sami Dridi

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Powered by consumer taste, value, and preferences, natural products including phytogenics and algae are increasingly and separately used in the food systems where they have been reported to improve growth performance in poultry and livestock. The present study aimed to determine the effects of a new feed additive, microencapsulated NUQO© NEX, which contains a combination of phytogenic and phycogenic, on broiler growth performance, blood chemistry, bone health, meat quality and sensory profile. Male Cobb500 chicks (n = 1,197) were fed a 3-phase feeding intervals; 1–14d starter, 15–28d grower, and 29–40d finisher. The dietary treatments included a corn-soy basal Control …

Metagenomic Analysis Unravels Novel Taxonomic Differences In The Uterine Microbiome Between Healthy Mares And Mares With Endometritis, Aeknath Virendra, Sarita U Gulavane, Zulfikar A Ahmed, Ravi Reddy, Ravindra J Chaudhari, Sandeep M Gaikwad, Raju R Shelar, Shailesh D Ingole, Varsha D Thorat, Afroza Khanam, Firdous A Khan

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: The application of high throughput technologies has enabled unravelling of unique differences between healthy mares and mares with endometritis at transcriptomic and proteomic levels. However, differences in the uterine microbiome are yet to be investigated.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was aimed at evaluating the differences in uterine microbiome between healthy mares and mares with endometritis.

METHODS: Low-volume lavage (LVL) samples were collected from the uterus of 30 mares classified into healthy (n = 15) and endometritis (n = 15) based on their reproductive history, intrauterine fluid accumulation, gross appearance of LVL samples, endometrial cytology and bacterial culture. The samples …

Can Steam Be Usable As A "Plus" For Ventilation Shutdown?, A. V. Mendoza, S. Weimer, Z. Williams

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), preferred depopulation methods (i.e., foam, containerized gassing, and mechanical methods) can be challenging when depopulating cage and aviary commercial laying hen houses for multiple reasons. When preferred methods are not feasible or resources are unavailable, ventilation shutdown plus (VSD+) heat and/or carbon dioxide (CO₂) is approved for emergency situations. Both recognized “pluses” work but can have issues as VSD+ heat typically causes a decrease in environmental humidity and can affect PVC structures, while CO₂ can be a human safety concern and has procurement problem during emergencies. …

Energetic Trade-Offs In Migration Decision-Making, Reproductive Effort And Subsequent Parental Care In A Long-Distance Migratory Bird, Alexander R Schindler, Anthony D Fox, Christopher K Wikle, Bart M Ballard, Alyn J Walsh, Seán B A Kelly, Lei Cao, Larry R Griffin, Mitch D Weegman

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Migratory species trade-off long-distance movement with survival and reproduction, but the spatio-temporal scales at which these decisions occur are relatively unknown. Technological and statistical advances allow fine-scale study of animal decision-making, improving our understanding of possible causes and therefore conservation management. We quantified effects of reproductive preparation during spring migration on subsequent breeding outcomes, breeding outcomes on autumn migration characteristics and autumn migration characteristics on subsequent parental survival in Greenland white-fronted geese (

Isothiocyanates Potentiate Tazemetostat-Induced Apoptosis By Modulating The Expression Of Apoptotic Genes, Members Of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2, And Levels Of Tri-Methylating Lysine 27 At Histone 3 In Human Malignant Melanoma Cells, Ioannis Anestopoulos, Ioannis Paraskevaidis, Sotiris Kyriakou, Lambrini E. Giova, Dimitrios T. Trafalis, Sotiris Botaitis, Rodrigo Franco, Aglaia Pappa, Mihalis L. Panayiotidis

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

In this study, we utilized an in vitro model consisting of human malignant melanoma as well as non-tumorigenic immortalized keratinocyte cells with the aim of characterizing the therapeutic effectiveness of the clinical epigenetic drug Tazemetostat alone or in combination with various isothiocyanates. In doing so, we assessed markers of cell viability, apoptotic induction, and expression levels of key proteins capable of mediating the therapeutic response. Our data indicated, for the first time, that Tazemetostat caused a significant decrease in viability levels of malignant melanoma cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner via the induction of apoptosis, while non-malignant keratinocytes were …

Probiotic Limosilactobacillus Reuteri Dsm 17938 Changes Foxp3 Deficiency-Induced Dyslipidemia And Chronic Hepatitis In Mice, Erini Nessim Kostandy, Ji Ho Suh, Xiangjun Tian, Beanna Okeugo, Erin Rubin, Sara Shirai, Meng Luo, Christopher M Taylor, Kang Ho Kim, J Marc Rhoads, Yuying Liu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 produces anti-inflammatory effects in scurfy (SF) mice, a model characterized by immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, and X-linked inheritance (called IPEX syndrome in humans), caused by regulatory T cell (Treg) deficiency and is due to a Foxp3 gene mutation. Considering the pivotal role of lipids in autoimmune inflammatory processes, we investigated alterations in the relative abundance of lipid profiles in SF mice (± treatment with DSM 17938) compared to normal WT mice. We also examined the correlation between plasma lipids and gut microbiota and circulating inflammatory markers. We noted a significant upregulation of plasma lipids …

Determination Of Antibiotic Resistance In Salmonella Typhimurium And Salmonella Kentucky Serotypes Of Animal Origin Using Conventional And Molecular Methods, Zeynep Şik, Mehmet Akan

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The high incidence of multidrug-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Kentucky isolates is a concern for human and animal health. This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance determinants of a total of 150 S. Typhimurium and S. Kentucky isolates obtained from cows, calves, lambs, and poultry. Salmonella isolates were tested against 13 different antimicrobials using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, and genotypic antimicrobial resistance determinants were investigated by polymerase chain reaction. Significant differences were detected among serovars for gentamicin, streptomycin, ampicillin, sulfonamide, nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline resistance, with the rates of resistance to these antibiotics being determined to be …

The Effect Of Artificial Insemination Catheters Covered With Protective Sheaths On Conception Rates In Heifers, Berrak Işık Soytürk, Hüseyin Erdem

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Artificial insemination is a biotechnological method widely practiced in cattle, first introduced in 1912. The present study investigated the effect of pierceable plastic sheaths used during artificial insemination of Holstein heifers on conception rates. A total of 110 heifers aged 15–18 months, detected to be in estrus based on observation, were included in the study. These heifers were randomly divided into two equal groups. The experimental group (n = 55) underwent insemination using an insemination catheter covered with a disposable, pierceable plastic sheath on day 0. Conversely, the control group (n = 55) underwent insemination using the standard conventional technique. …

Comparison Of Milk Microbiota Between Healthy And Mastitic Cows, Sibel Kizil, Fatma Esin Aydin, Cansu Önlen Güneri̇, Ufuk Ülker, Gürol Emekdaş, İbrahim Basmaci, Serkan Erat, Rıza Durmaz, Efsun Melike Çeçen, Asya Kazan

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Mammary gland infections occur due to bacterial changes in the mammary tissue. Studies conducted in recent years have reported variations in the most common bacteria differ according to geographical locations. California mastitis test (CMT), somatic cell count (SCC), and aerobic colony count (ACC) analyses were performed on approximately 50 mL of hygienically collected raw milk samples. Raw milk was also subjected to conventional bacteriological isolation and identification. Bacterial diversity and rates in raw milk were compared through metagenome analysis. Two samples, one from healthy milk and another from subclinical milk with mastitis, were independently tested to determine whether there were …

Determination Of Some Environmental Factors On Milk Yield Traits And Milk Components In Simmental Cows, Onur Şahi̇n, Mehmet İhsan Soysal, Eser Kemal Gürcan

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of various environmental factors on milk yield and milk components in Simmental cows. In the present study, 33,813 milk yield records from 1631 cows and milk samples from 233 cows were used for milk component analysis. Lactation milk yield (LMY) and 305-day yield (305-DMY) were the milk yield characteristics studied. Environmental factors considered for milk yield characteristics included province, calving year, calving month, parity, age, and lactation length. Milk components analyzed were fat percentage (FP), protein percentage (PP), lactose percentage (LP), somatic cell count (Log10SCC), and dry matter (DM). Environmental …

Investigation Of Molecular Detection Rate And Associated Risk Factors Of Psittacine Beak And Feather Disease Virus In Psittaciformes In Iran, Mojtaba Khosravi, Shoreh Alian Samakkhah, Rahem Khoshbakht

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Psittacine beak and feather disease virus (PBFDV) is a significant viral pathogen affecting the development of beak and feather cells, leading to feather abnormalities in avian species. This study aimed to investigate the molecular detection rate of PBFDV among Psittaciformes in Iran and to evaluate the influence of factors such as sex, species, season, and bird origin on PBFDV prevalence. Feather samples were collected from 1335 Psittaciformes, including Agapornis roseicollis, Pyrrhura molinae, Myiopsitta monachus, Aratinga solstitialis, Nymphicus hollandicus, Psittacula krameri, Psittacus erithacus, Poicephalus senegalus, Eos bornea, and Agapornis fischeri, and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for PBFDV detection. The …

The Effect Of Housing Environment (Deep Litter With Or Without Access To Different Plant Species Outdoor) On Welfare And Behavior Across Two Strains Of Laying Hens, Brian Tainika, Ahmet Şekeroğlu, Ahmet Akyol, Samet Hasan Abaci, Fatih Mehmet Gür

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The impact of housing environment and strain on welfare and behavior of laying hens was the focus of this study. Lohmann LSL Classic (W) and Lohmann Sandy (S) were assessed under deep litter without outdoor access (DL), deep litter with access to outdoor pens covered with either Mentha piperita (MP), Petroselinum crispum (PC) or Medicago sativa (MS). Duration of tonic immobility, feather condition, footpad dermatitis, and temperatures (comb, breast region, footpad surface, and rectal) were determined at 31, 42, and 52 weeks of age. Hen`s behaviors were observed at 32, 42, and 52 weeks of age. Blood parameters were assessed …

Experimental Sars-Cov-2 Infection Of Elk And Mule Deer, Stephanie M. Porter, Airn E. Hartwig, Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann, Jeffrey M. Marano, J. Jeffrey Root, Angela M. Bosco-Lauth

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

To assess the susceptibility of elk (Cervus canadensis) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) to SARS-CoV-2, we performed experimental infections in both species. Elk did not shed infectious virus but mounted low-level serologic responses. Mule deer shed and transmitted virus and mounted pronounced serologic responses and thus could play a role in SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology.

Antimicrobial Tolerance In Salmonella: Contributions To Survival And Persistence In Processing Environments, Tomi Obe, Aaron S. Kiess, Ramakrishna Nannapaneni

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Salmonella remains a top bacterial pathogen implicated in several food-borne outbreaks, despite the use of antimicrobials and sanitizers during production and processing. While these chemicals have been effective, Salmonella has shown the ability to survive and persist in poultry processing environments. This can be credited to its microbial ability to adapt and develop/acquire tolerance and/or resistance to different antimicrobial agents including oxidizers, acids (organic and inorganic), phenols, and surfactants. Moreover, there are several factors in processing environments that can limit the efficacy of these antimicrobials, thus allowing survival and persistence. This mini-review examines the antimicrobial activity of common disinfectants/sanitizers used …

Effects Of Environmental Enrichments On Welfare And Hepatic Metabolic Regulation Of Broiler Chickens, Seong W. Kang, Karen D. Christensen, Michael T. Kidd, Sara K. Orlowski

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

The aims of this study were to find suitable environmental enrichment (EE) and evaluate the combined effect of two EEs, variable light intensity (VL) lighting program and EH, on mental health and hepatic metabolic regulation in commercial broilers. To find the advantageous EEs for broilers, three different EEs (board, hut, and ramp) were tested in trial 1. EEs were placed and the engagement of birds to EEs, dustbathing behavior, and daily physical activity were observed. Birds treated with huts showed higher engagement than the board- or ramp-treated birds (p < 0.05). The results of dustbathing behavior and daily physical activity indicated that the environmental hut (EH) is the most favorable enrichment for broilers. In the second trial, to test the effect of EHs on mental health and hepatic metabolic conditions, the brain and liver were sampled from the four treatment birds (20 lx_Con, 20 lx_Hut, VL_Con and VL_Hut) on day 42. The lower expression of TPH2 (tryptophan hydroxylase 2) of VL_Hut birds than those of VL_Con and 20 lx_Hut treated birds suggests the combining effect of EHs with the VL lighting program on the central serotonergic homeostasis of broilers. Reduced expressions of TH (tyrosine hydroxylase), GR (glucocorticoid receptor), BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) of VL_Hut treated birds compared to those of VL_Con and 20 lx_Hut birds suggest lower stress, stress susceptibility, and chronic social stress in VL_Hut treated birds. The expression of CPT1A (carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1) increased over three-fold in the liver of VL_Con birds compared to 20 lx_Con birds (p < 0.05). EHs treatment in VL birds (VL_Hut) significantly decreased CPT1A but not in 20 lx birds (20 lx_Hut). The expression of ACCα (acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha) was significantly decreased in VL_Con birds compared to 20 lx_Con birds. There was no significant difference in the hepatic FBPase (fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase), GR, and 11β-HSD1 (11 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenease-1) expression between 20 lx_Con and VL_Con birds, but EHs significantly stimulated GR in 20 lx_Hut birds, and stimulated FBPase and 11β-HSD1 expression in the VL_Hut birds compared to 20 lx_Con birds, suggesting that the VL lighting program reduced fatty acid synthesis and increased fatty acid β-oxidation in the broilers’ liver and VL_Hut improved the hepatic de novo glucose production. Taken together, the results suggest that the stimulated voluntary activity by EHs in the light-enriched broiler house improved mental health and hepatic metabolic function of broilers and may indicate that the improved hepatic metabolic function contributes to efficient nutritional support for broilers.