Works presented

Summary
Strychnine is an extremely poisonous substance of the indole type. It has historically been used as a rodenticide, in pest management and in the regulation of unwanted wildlife. Although it was outlawed in 1994 due to its high danger to animals, people and the environment, it is still found illegally, affecting a non-target species and producing a negative impact on biodiversity and ecosystems. This study analyzes the toxicokinetic and action processes of strychnine, emphasizing its clinical impacts in animals, diagnostic procedures and treatment protocols for its management. Likewise, epidemiological factors and related legal frameworks are analyzed, emphasizing the importance of more rigorous regulations and training about their impact on the environment to reduce their effects.

Direction
HERNANDEZ BERMUDEZ, JOAQUIN RICARDO (Tutorships)

Court
PANADERO FONTÁN, ROSARIO (Chairman)
CARDELLE COBAS, ALEJANDRA (Secretary)
LOMBARDERO FERNANDEZ, MATILDE (Member)

Summary
The domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) is one of three carnivorous mammals domesticated by humans. Nowadays, it´s one of the most common pets. The aim of this study was to understand the perception of the guardians regarding the welfare and management of ferrets as pets in Spain through the development and application of an online questionnaire. A total of 293 surveys were obtained: 50.3% about females and 49.7% about males, most (42.2%) between 13 and 36 months old. Many ferrets arrived at their homes when they were less than four months old. Data show that almost all ferrets were vaccinated, dewormed and implanted within the last year. Virtually all the guardians took their ferrets to a specialist exotic veterinarian and had check-ups every year or six months. At the time of answering the questionnaire, almost all ferrets were healthy: 79.2% didn´t have behavioral problems and 73.5% didn´t have medical problems. Regarding welfare and management, the data showed that almost all ferrets lived with their guardians inside the home. Most of them lived in cages that remained open all day, although others also had a room set up for them and/or had access to the entire house. In addition, ferrets had a wide variety of environmental enrichment objects (hammocks, ramps, tunnels and toys, among others) and utensils for excrement, feeding and rest. When ferrets misbehave, half of them (52.2%) are never punished. However, when asked about ways to correct the animals, it´s perceived that many guardians don´t consider corrections as punishment.

Direction
SAINZ OSES, MARIA JESUS (Tutorships)
GONZALEZ MARTINEZ, ANGELA (Co-tutorships)

Court
PANADERO FONTÁN, ROSARIO (Chairman)
CARDELLE COBAS, ALEJANDRA (Secretary)
LOMBARDERO FERNANDEZ, MATILDE (Member)

Summary
Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious viral disease caused by feline parvovirus (FPV), which affects cats worldwide. Its impact is particularly significant in feline populations, especially in young, unvaccinated cats, reaching mortality rates of up to 90%. Due to its environmental stability and resistance to common disinfectants, vaccination is the primary control strategy. However, concerns exist regarding whether currently available vaccines remain effective against the circulating strains. This study aimed to molecularly characterize FPV strains circulating in cats from Galicia, comparing them to those present in commercial vaccines available in Spain. Additionally, a phylogenetic analysis was conducted to evaluate the genetic similarity between the strains detected in this study, vaccine strains, and others previously reported. To achieve this, 28 fecal samples were analyzed from cats with symptoms consistent with panleukopenia. DNA extraction and VP2 gene amplification by PCR were performed, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Of the samples analyzed, 24 tested positive, of which seventeen were successfully sequenced. It was found that sixteen samples were compatible with FPV, while one corresponded to CPV-2b, a canine-origin parvovirus, confirming the possibility of cross-species transmission. Another significant finding was the detection of FPV in vaccinated cats. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis suggests a possible genetic divergence between circulating strains and current vaccines, which could potentially impact their effectiveness. Additionally, the identification of CPV-2b in a cat confirms the presence of this variant in cats within our community, with potential epidemiological implications. These results highlight the importance of molecular surveillance and monitoring the evolution of field strains to optimize prevention and disease control strategies.

Direction
Prieto Lago, Alberto (Tutorships)

Court
PANADERO FONTÁN, ROSARIO (Chairman)
CARDELLE COBAS, ALEJANDRA (Secretary)
LOMBARDERO FERNANDEZ, MATILDE (Member)

Summary
Dairy cows have been highly selected for milk production, which allows them to maintain their production for a longer period of time. High milk yields are associated with a deterioration in the animal’s health and well-being, as well as a loss of fertility. To address the problems associated with high production, the possibility of applying management systems to prolong lactation has emerged, with the aim of improving the health and well-being of the animals by extending their productive cycles. Prolonged lactations help reduce the number of transition periods in the cow’s productive life, as these represent the stage of greatest risk to the animal’s health. Extending the productive cycles without drastically affecting the animal’s profitability relies on working with cows that have high lactation persistence. Persistence is the ability to continue producing milk at high levels after the peak of lactation, and it is influenced by the genetic level of the animals, the number of milkings, as well as lactation, gestation and nutrition. Extended lactations make it easier to reach drying off with productions that are compatible with a lower risk of mastitis, while also improving the cow’s well-being. On the other hand, the risk of metabolic diseases associated with calving is reduced, along with a parallel decrease in the use of medications, lowering production costs and the risk of generating microbial resistance. Fertility is enhanced by delaying the first insemination to allow the animal to recover from the negative energy balance. Additionally, by decreasing the need for rearing due to a lower replacement rate and increasing the longevity of the animals, the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock reduced. By reducing the number of productive cycles per cow, fewer calves are produced, which can affect the economic profitability of the farm due to the current market situation for beef calves. The great challenge in establishing this management system is managing the nutrition of cows in late lactation, requiring the grouping of cows into lots and providing the necessary facilities for this purpose. On the other hand, it is essential to increase the number of milkings and work with cows of high genetic value for milk production and lactation persistence.

Direction
FOUZ DOPACIO, RAMIRO ANTONIO (Tutorships)
LOPEZ NOVO, CYNTHIA (Co-tutorships)

Court
CIFUENTES MARTINEZ, JOSE MANUEL (Chairman)
ROJO MONTEJO, SILVIA (Secretary)
GONZALEZ CANTALAPIEDRA, ANTONIO (Member)

Summary
Food safety is frequently compromised due to microorganisms that can infiltrate any stage of the food chain, transmitting infections when they reach the consumer. The most common foodborne outbreaks are caused by Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli, which are associated with specific reservoirs and foods that facilitate their transmission. The symptoms they cause vary depending on the immune status of the individual, as most people experience moderate gastrointestinal signs, while immunocompromised patients face greater complications. To assess the impact of these foodborne zoonoses on the population, EFSA, in collaboration with ECDC, publishes an annual report with updated epidemiological data. In 2022, both in Europe and at the national level, it was confirmed that Campylobacter spp. was the zoonosis with the highest number of reported cases. However, Salmonella spp. led in the number of foodborne outbreaks and hospitalizations. Listeria monocytogenes, on the other hand, was less frequent but is the foodborne pathogen with the highest mortality rate in Europe, although this trend was not observed at the national level. To treat these diseases, antibiotics are used, although their inappropriate use favours the increase of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in microorganisms, compromising the treatment of these infections. Multidrug-resistant bacteria and their resistance genes can spread among humans, animals, and the environment. Likewise, they can propagate through food, further complicating their management. Some examples of this include the resistance of Campylobacter coli to ciprofloxacin, the ability of Salmonella spp. to develop multidrug resistance, and the alarming resistance of E. coli to extended-spectrum beta-lactams and carbapenems. AMR represents a global threat to public health, and its impact across various sectors demands a comprehensive One Health approach. To mitigate it, action plans are needed based on several strategic lines of surveillance, control, research, investment, training, and communication to curb its spread and reduce its impact.

Direction
MORA GUTIERREZ, AZUCENA DEL CARMEN (Tutorships)
GARCIA MENENDEZ, VANESA (Co-tutorships)

Court
CIFUENTES MARTINEZ, JOSE MANUEL (Chairman)
ROJO MONTEJO, SILVIA (Secretary)
GONZALEZ CANTALAPIEDRA, ANTONIO (Member)

Summary
Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is characterized as a malignant, highly aggressive tumor of vascular origin, primarily affecting dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats. Its diagnosis presents a clinical challenge due to nonspecific symptoms and a silent progression until advanced stages. In recent years, diagnostic imaging techniques have gained relevance by contributing to earlier detection and, when possible, improving prognosis. This study is a bibliographic review on the role of imaging techniques in the identification and evaluation of HSA in small animals. It examines the use of techniques such as ultrasound, radiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), evaluating their advantages, limitations, and characteristic findings in different tumor locations (splenic, cardiac, hepatic, among others). The analysis suggests that combining different imaging techniques significantly improves therapeutic planning. However, the exclusive use of these tools provides only preliminary guidance toward differential diagnosis without being conclusive. Therefore, histopathology remains indispensable as a confirmatory method due to the limitations of imaging techniques, such as their inability to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions.

Direction
BARREIRO VAZQUEZ, JOSE DANIEL (Tutorships)

Court
CIFUENTES MARTINEZ, JOSE MANUEL (Chairman)
ROJO MONTEJO, SILVIA (Secretary)
GONZALEZ CANTALAPIEDRA, ANTONIO (Member)

Summary
Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a widespread vector-borne zoonoses caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania and transmitted by female phlebotomine sand flies. Leishmania infantum accounts for most of the cases CanL in the Iberian Peninsula, especially around the mediterranean basin, where it’s considered endemic. Galicia has been typically perceived as a low-risk area regarding leishmaniosis. However, the most recent data shows an increase in autochthonous infections, suggesting an infection pressure higher than expected. In the present study, a survey was conducted among small-animals veterinarians hoping to assess information concerning epidemiology, clinical signs, treatment and preventive measures through 30 multiple-choice questions regarding CanL. The collected data was later analysed and scored. The results obtained by the veterinarians were compared using a correlation test with the established risk of leishmaniasis, based on the number of animals diagnosed or under follow-up at each center and the risk level of the area. The risk was estimated according to the most recent literature. In addition, a multivariable regression was performed to determine if there was a relationship between the scores obtained and the risk level, using the three previous indicators (number of cases per year, number of cases under follow-up, and estimated risk level). The results showed a high level of correlation between the estimated risk based on the number of cases diagnosed per year as well as the number of cases under follow-up. Nevertheless, the correlation between these two variables and the estimated risk level was negative. Additionally, the regression revealed direct positive relationships between the number of diagnosed cases, the cases under follow-up and the total scores. Upon further analysis of the data, it was found that the epidemiological situation of leishmaniasis in Galicia is very heterogeneous, highlighting the importance of ongoing training for healthcare professionals. Such training including concepts related to the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of canine leishmaniasis.

Direction
LOPEZ SANDEZ, CEFERINO MANUEL (Tutorships)
REMESAR ALONSO, SUSANA (Co-tutorships)

Court
CIFUENTES MARTINEZ, JOSE MANUEL (Chairman)
ROJO MONTEJO, SILVIA (Secretary)
GONZALEZ CANTALAPIEDRA, ANTONIO (Member)

Summary
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of the most common heart diseases in cats. It is characterized by concentric thickening of the left ventricle. Although it is often subclinical, it can progress to cause heart failure or arterial thromboembolism. In most cases, the underlying cause is unknown. However, mutations in the MYBPC3 and MYH7 genes have been identified as associated with the condition. The most common clinical signs include respiratory distress, presenting as dyspnea and tachypnea, hind limb paralysis, and heart murmurs detected during auscultation. While echocardiography is the gold standard for diagnosis, physical examination, radiography, and the measurement of cardiac biomarkers such as NT-proBNP and cTnI can provide valuable information and help raise suspicion of the disease. The treatment of feline HCM involves a range of pharmacological options aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Treatment strategies depend on the disease stage and the clinical signs exhibited by the patient. Antiarrhythmic drugs such as ivabradine and atenolol are used to reduce heart rate and improve diastolic function. Spironolactone is employed to lower blood pressure and reduce cardiac workload, while angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) like enalapril and benazepril help decrease afterload and enhance ventricular function. From stage B2 onwards, preventing arterial thromboembolism in cats with enlarged left atria becomes critical, as thrombus formation is associated with high mortality. Anticoagulants such as clopidogrel and rivaroxaban are recommended for this purpose. In cases of congestive heart failure (stages C and D), diuretics like furosemide or torsemide are used to alleviate pulmonary edema. However, the effectiveness of certain medications remains uncertain. For example, pimobendan has shown benefits in some studies but may be harmful in cases of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) or lead to arrhythmias. Drugs such as digoxin, aspirin, verapamil, and diltiazem are no longer commonly used due to adverse effects, toxicity, or the availability of more effective alternatives. Emerging therapies, including drugs like rapamycin and aficamten, are now being explored. These treatments represent a novel approach, addressing the root cause of the disease by preventing and even reversing cardiac hypertrophy, thus opening the door to new therapeutic possibilities.

Direction
Santamarina Pernas, Germán (Tutorships)

Court
FOUZ DOPACIO, RAMIRO ANTONIO (Chairman)
VILA PASTOR, MONICA (Secretary)
AZEVEDO GOMES, ANA MANUELA DE (Member)

Summary
The occurrence of portosystemic shunts in dogs is a common clinical challenge in veterinary practice and their diagnosis and management is essential for the welfare of patients. This literature review focuses on the different types of portosystemic shunts in the canine species, from their embryological basis to therapeutic techniques. In order to understand what portosystemic shunts consist of, a detailed analysis of hepatic vascularisation is presented, including its embryonic development and the alterations that can occur during this process. In addition, the vascular changes most often involved in the formation of shunts are described, and their anatomy and classification according to location and nature are reviewed. This review also describes the diagnostic techniques available for the identification of portosystemic shunts, highlighting advanced imaging tools, and explores the therapeutic options used in daily clinical practice, both surgical and medical, highlighting their influence on patient management and prognosis.

Direction
ALEMAÑ POSADAS, NURIA VICENTA (Tutorships)
FERNANDEZ TROCONIZ REVUELTA, PATRICIA (Co-tutorships)

Court
PANADERO FONTÁN, ROSARIO (Chairman)
CARDELLE COBAS, ALEJANDRA (Secretary)
LOMBARDERO FERNANDEZ, MATILDE (Member)

Summary
The valorization of fishery by-products has gained relevance in the food industry as a sustainable strategy to reduce waste and efficiently use marine resources. Marine collagen, derived mainly from fish skins, scales and bones, has been shown to possess technological and functional properties that make it attractive for application in various industrial sectors, including food, cosmetics and biomedicine. This work reviews collagen extraction methods, highlighting traditional techniques such as acid extraction and enzymatic hydrolysis, as well as emerging methods such as ultrasound-assisted extraction and the use of supercritical fluids. The factors that influence the yield and quality of the collagen obtained are analyzed, highlighting the influence of the species of origin and the processing conditions. In addition, the applications of marine collagen in the food industry are addressed, where it is used as a functional additive for its gelling, emulsifying and stabilizing capacity. Despite its multiple benefits, challenges related to process standardization, economic viability and consumer acceptance are identified. Finally, future perspectives are presented aimed at optimizing sustainable extraction techniques and developing new products with marine collagen that respond to the growing demands of the global market.

Direction
MONDRAGON PORTOCARRERO, ALICIA DEL CARMEN (Tutorships)

Court
FOUZ DOPACIO, RAMIRO ANTONIO (Chairman)
VILA PASTOR, MONICA (Secretary)
AZEVEDO GOMES, ANA MANUELA DE (Member)

Summary
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi, especially those belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium y Fusarium. The contamination of cereal and agricultural products, particularly those intended for animal feed, can cause mycotoxicosis, compromising both animal health and productivity. These mycotoxins can be classified into two groups: emerging or unregulated, such as gliotoxin (Glio), and regulated, such as deoxynivalenol (DON). This study evaluates the effect of these two mycotoxins on the NCI-H226 lung cancer cell line. A considerable reduction in viability is observed when cells are treated with concentrations of 5 micromolar and 10 micromolar of Glio, with survival rates of 58% and 31% respectively and a inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) of 7.2 micromolar. However, DON is a significantly less powerful mycotoxin, with survival percentages of 83% with 5 micromolar and 66% at 10 micromolar. In the presence of lower concentrations of mycotoxins (0.1 micromolar, 0.5 micromolar, 1 micromolar) there is an increase in the signal in contrast to untreated cells, showing that these mycotoxins promote the proliferation of tumor cells. In order to verify whether the combination of these toxins has a synergistic, additive or antagonistic effect, cells were treated with both compounds in a 1:1 ratio and it was observed that DON´s effect is completely masked by Glio. Finally, the type of cell death induced by these mycotoxins was determined by flow cytometry, dominating early apoptosis with DON and Glio individually and late apoptosis when both are combined.

Direction
ALFONSO RANCAÑO, MARIA AMPARO (Tutorships)
ALVARIÑO ROMERO, REBECA (Co-tutorships)

Court
FOUZ DOPACIO, RAMIRO ANTONIO (Chairman)
VILA PASTOR, MONICA (Secretary)
AZEVEDO GOMES, ANA MANUELA DE (Member)

Summary
Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is a broncho-pulmonary nematode that infects domestic and wild cats, causing significant histopathological alterations in lung tissue. Despite its high prevalence, its potential role in the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and fibrosis has not been sufficiently studied. This study analyzes the pulmonary lesions caused by A. abstrusus, characterizing the presence of abnormal mesenchymal tissue in the interalveolar septa and evaluating its possible pathogenic role in PAH. Additionally, the relationship between parásitosis and anesthetic complications in infected cats is explored. A total of 46 lung samples obtained from necropsies conducted between 2021 and 2024 were analyzed using histological staining, immunohistochemistry for smooth muscle actin, morphometric analysis, PCR, and sequencing to confirm the presence of the parasite. Parasitized lungs exhibited interstitial pneumonia, granulomas, and a marked eosinophilic infiltration, along with significant thickening of pulmonary arterioles (p menor a 0.001) and neoformation of smooth muscle tissue in the interalveolar septa. PCR confirmed A. abstrusus infection. In some cases, seemingly healthy cats died during minor anesthetic procedures, suggesting a possible link between parásitosis and respiratory dysfunction. The findings suggest that A. abstrusus may induce severe vascular alterations in the lungs, contributing to PAH development. This highlights the need to improve diagnostic techniques and further investigate the long-term impact of this parasite on feline respiratory health.

Direction
LOPEZ PEÑA, MONICA (Tutorships)
PERMUY MENDAÑA, MARIA (Co-tutorships)

Court
FOUZ DOPACIO, RAMIRO ANTONIO (Chairman)
VILA PASTOR, MONICA (Secretary)
AZEVEDO GOMES, ANA MANUELA DE (Member)

Summary
Canine mast cell tumor (MCT) is the most common malignant skin tumor and it is considered one of the most common tumors in dogs in general. In the last years, an increase in the incidence of this neoplasia has been identified, attributable to a greater care for our pets. MCT is a tumor with a very diverse biological behavior and appearance, located primarily in the cutaneous tissue (cutaneous mast cell tumor or cMCT) and subcutaneous tissue (subcutaneous mast cell tumor or scMCT), but it can also be found mainly in other organs such as the spleen and liver, either solitary or as a cutaneous metastasis, or, more rarely, causing systemic mastocytosis. Generally, they are nodular and solitary lesions, but they can appear in the form of multiple lesions, of different sizes and that can be limited to a specific area of the body (trunk, head, forelimbs or hindlimbs), or appear in different regions in the form of “satellite” lesions. The diagnosis of mast cell tumor is relatively simple: although hematology or biochemistry do not present conclusive variations, which does not provide useful information to the veterinary or pathologist, cytology, using the fine needle aspiration and puncture technique (FNA), provides a definitive, quick, simple and cheap diagnosis. However, cytology does not allow us to classify or stage mast cell tumor. The staging of mast cell tumor is performed using histopathology techniques based on a biopsy of the tumor. For its classification, we count on two dominant systems in veterinary pathology that take into account the histopathological, biological and morphological characteristics of mast cell tumors and classify them: Patnaik’s system (1984), which divides mast cell tumors into grade I, II or II, and Kiupel’s system (2011) which differentiates mast cells tumors in high or low grade. Both systems are of utmost importance, since each grade or type of mast cell tumor has a different prognosis and treatment depending on its histopathological classification. Finally, and as mentioned above, depending on the mast cell tumor’s degree treatments are varied, being local treatment (surgery, radiotherapy or electrochemotherapy) enough in lower grade tumors, or may require systemic treatment (chemotherapy or tyrosine kinase inhibitors) or supportive therapy (antihistamines). All of these variable factors make canine mast cell tumor a neoplasm that is still studied nowadays, hopping for a universal and unique classification to be created in veterinary medicine’s world.

Direction
LOPEZ PEÑA, MONICA (Tutorships)
PERMUY MENDAÑA, MARIA (Co-tutorships)

Court
PEÑA MARTÍNEZ, ANA ISABEL (Chairman)
CABEZAS SAINZ, PABLO (Secretary)
MUÑOZ GUZON, FERNANDO MARIA (Member)

Summary
The vestibulo-cochlear system consists of advanced sensory structures such as the membranous and bony labyrinths located inside the inner ear, and the sensory neuronal afferences that form the vestibulo-cochlear nerve (Cranial Nerve VIII). This system is critical for two main functions: the auditory system captures and processes sound vibrations, while the vestibular system maintains balance and spatial orientation. From an evolutionary perspective, the ability to detect and discriminate acoustic and vestibular stimuli has been key in the survival of vertebrates, allowing them to anticipate and effectively react to environmental changes and communicate with conspecifics. The auditory system is particularly involved in detecting sounds related to feeding, intraspecific communication, and predator perception. Meanwhile, the vestibular system supports posture, balance, and coordination during movement and other physical activities. This study focused on the prenatal development of the auditory system in rabbits, examining the degree of differentiation within the auditory structures and nuclei responsible for sensory integration at an embryonic stage of 20 days. To this end, a serial histological study was carried out in the three anatomical planes, using complete heads of 20-day-old fetuses. The samples were embedded in paraffin and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl stains. Additionally, immunohistochemical and lectin labeling provided morpho-functional information. According to the results obtained, this period marks significant maturation of the vestibulo-cochlear system, as demonstrated by the presence of well-differentiated sensory structures and integration centers, along with neurochemical patterns that suggest operational functionality. These observations are crucial as they highlight the early functional preparedness of the auditory system, which is essential after birth for subsequent auditory processing and balance maintenance.

Direction
SANCHEZ QUINTEIRO, PABLO (Tutorships)
VAZQUEZ TORRES, MATEO (Co-tutorships)

Court
PEÑA MARTÍNEZ, ANA ISABEL (Chairman)
CABEZAS SAINZ, PABLO (Secretary)
MUÑOZ GUZON, FERNANDO MARIA (Member)

Summary
This paper presents the analysis of Mucor circinelloides, a fungus with significant biotechnological potential, and its behavior under experimental conditions typical for this species. The objectives focused on evaluating its sporulation capacity at different concentrations of used cooking oil (UCO) as a substrate, with the result that at 2%, the fungus finds a very favorable environment for its development. On the other hand, the development of M. circinelloides was assessed under different substrate concentrations to analyze the fungus's ability to adapt to a non-conventional environment. Concentrations higher than 5% were discarded because the development was inferior. The experiment also included the evaluation of the ovicidal potential of the fungus against eggs of the gastrointestinal nematodes Toxascaris leonina and Trichuris spp., which are of great importance in human and veterinary medicine. Through these studies, it was demonstrated that M. circinelloides develops completely normally in the presence of UCO at lower o equal concentrations to 5%, and its antagonistic activity is not affected.

Direction
SÁNCHEZ-ANDRADE FERNÁNDEZ, RITA (Tutorships)

Court
PEÑA MARTÍNEZ, ANA ISABEL (Chairman)
CABEZAS SAINZ, PABLO (Secretary)
MUÑOZ GUZON, FERNANDO MARIA (Member)

Summary
This work analyzes the management strategies in the rearing of dairy cattle, highlighting the importance of efficient management from the early stages of the calf's life to the last third of its first gestation. Through the experience gained at the Recría Castro SL Rearing Center and a literature review, the benefits of outsourcing rearing have been demonstrated in terms of resource optimization, animal welfare improvement, genetic potential development, and health control. Outsourcing rearing to specialized centers allows for the production of animals with healthy and well-controlled growth, ensuring the achievement of weight and age objectives at calving set by the sector (600 kg live weight and 24 months of age). Additionally, strict health control is ensured, reducing the incidence of diseases and thus improving the sustainability of dairy farms. The study shows that planned rearing positively impacts the productive and reproductive performance of future dairy cows. Key factors such as adequate nutrition, grouping by age and development, and the application of rigorous health programs are fundamental for efficient rearing. However, challenges associated with outsourcing were identified, such as the cost of the service and health risks arising from the concentration of animals from different origins, which can be mitigated with proper management. From a divulgative perspective, this paper aims to be a useful tool for farmers and industry professionals, offering a clear and evidence-based view of the best rearing practices. The transfer of this knowledge can contribute to improving the profitability and sustainability of dairy farms, especially in the Galician context, where specific structural challenges exist. In conclusion, the specialization of rearing through outsourcing emerges as a viable and beneficial alternative to optimize dairy farm management, ensuring the incorporation of well-developed and healthy animals into the herd, which will result in greater productive and reproductive efficiency in the long term.

Direction
FOUZ DOPACIO, RAMIRO ANTONIO (Tutorships)
Grille Barbeira, Rogelio (Co-tutorships)

Court
PEÑA MARTÍNEZ, ANA ISABEL (Chairman)
CABEZAS SAINZ, PABLO (Secretary)
MUÑOZ GUZON, FERNANDO MARIA (Member)