Quality of Eggs, Concentration of Lysozyme in Albumen, and Fatty Acids in Yolk in Relation to Blue Lupin-Rich Diet and Production Cycle

In recent years, the interest in lupin seeds as a source of protein in poultry nutrition has increased. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of table eggs produced by hens that were fed diets containing pea seeds and various levels of narrow-leafed lupin as a substitute for soybean meal. The share of lupin seeds in the treatment groups was 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%. Egg morphology, the fatty acid profile in egg yolk and the amount and activity of lysozyme in egg white were analysed. Results show that using 10-20% lupin seeds in feed in the diet of laying hens in intensive farming does not result in a change in weight or egg structure, their physical properties or their morphological composition. Increasing the share of lupin seeds in feed for laying hens increases the saturation of the colour of egg yolks, which is a desirable feature among consumers. The use of lupin seeds in feed for laying hens does not adversely affect the chemical properties of egg proteins, as expressed by the amount and activity of lysozyme. In feed for laying hens, replacing soybean meal with lupin seeds has a positive effect on the fatty acid profile in egg yolk (omega-3 and -6 polyunsaturated acids and hypocholesterolemic acids).

Circadian rhythmicity of body temperature and metabolism

This article reviews the literature on the circadian rhythms of body temperature and whole-organism metabolism. The two rhythms are first described separately, each description preceded by a review of research methods. Both rhythms are generated endogenously but can be affected by exogenous factors. The relationship between the two rhythms is discussed next. In endothermic animals, modulation of metabolic activity can affect body temperature, but the rhythm of body temperature is not a mere side effect of the rhythm of metabolic thermogenesis associated with general activity. The circadian system modulates metabolic heat production to generate the body temperature rhythm, which challenges homeothermy but does not abolish it. Individual cells do not regulate their own temperature, but the relationship between circadian rhythms and metabolism at the cellular level is also discussed. Metabolism is both an output of and an input to the circadian clock, meaning that circadian rhythmicity and metabolism are intertwined in the cell.

Canine collars: an investigation of collar type and the forces applied to a simulated neck model

BACKGROUND

Dog collars have the potential to cause harm when the dog pulls on the lead. This study aimed to determine the effects of collar type and force applied using the lead on the pressure on a simulated neck model.

METHODS

Seven collars and a slip lead were tested on a canine neck model. This consisted of a plastic cylinder 'neck', with a pressure sensor beneath the collar. A range of forces were applied to the lead representing different interactions: firm pull (40 N), strong pull (70 N) and jerk (mean force 141 N). Contact area of the collar and pressure on the neck were recorded.

RESULTS

Collars exerted a pressure of between 83 kPa and 832 kPa on the model neck. There was a significant effect of collar type (F(7)=25.69, P<0.001) and force applied (F(2)=42.60, P<0.001) on the pressure exerted on the neck. Collar type (χ(7)=64.94, P<0.001), but not force applied (χ(2)=3.20, P=0.202), affected the contact area that the pressure was exerted over.

CONCLUSION

Variation in the pressures exerted on the neck may have implications on comfort and the potential to cause injury. No single collar tested provided a pressure considered low enough to mitigate the risk of injury when pulling on the lead.

Developing an Animal Welfare Assessment Protocol for Livestock Transported by Sea

Australian livestock industries face increased scrutiny from animal welfare groups and society, and the long-distance transport of livestock by sea has recently gained particular attention. Other than non-compliance with broad regulatory standards and voyage mortality rates, there is minimal information to ascertain the welfare of exported livestock. There is currently no standardised, validated animal welfare assessment protocol for livestock on-farm prior to live export or when undergoing transport. This study describes a novel assessment protocol suitable for use on live feeder and slaughter animals exported by sea from Australia. Health and welfare indicators for use in the livestock export supply chain were identified by reviewing three internationally recognised animal welfare assessment protocols for livestock; Welfare Quality®, AWIN and AssureWel, as well as consulting with industry compliance standards and guidelines. This paper proposes a welfare protocol designed to assess sheep and beef cattle exported by sea from Australia, and incorporates environmental-, resource-, management- and animal-based measures. In collaboration with industry, this welfare protocol can be tested on commercial livestock consignments, and be used for ongoing management, for increased transparency and to provide feedback to operators for continuous improvement.

Serological and molecular detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Thoroughbred horses from Chilean racecourses

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the causative agent of equine granulocytic anaplasmosis (EGA). This study aimed to perform serological and molecular surveys of A. phagocytophilum in thoroughbred horses from racecourses in Chile. Additionally, hematological findings related to A. phagocytophilum molecular positivity were addressed, and phylogenetic analysis of selected positive samples was performed. Complete blood count and msp2 gene real-time PCR were performed in 457 thoroughbred horses from three racecourses located in three different cities of Chile (Santiago, Viña del Mar and Concepción). Sera from horses in two racecourses (Santiago and Vina del Mar) were tested by Indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) to detect IgG antibodies against A. phagocytophilum. The occurrence of A. phagocytophilum by real-time PCR was 13.6 % (62/457, 95 % CI: 10.8-16.3 %), with the highest occurrence observed in Santiago (26.5 %), followed by Concepción (9%), and the lowest in Viña del Mar (5%). The overall frequency of IgG antibodies to A. phagocytophilum was 7.9 % (23/290, 95 % CI: 4.8-12.7 %), with 9.9 % in Santiago and 6.5 % in Viña del Mar. Only three animals from Santiago Racecourse were positive in both real-time PCR and serology. PCR-positive horses from Santiago racecourse presented significantly lower hemoglobin, mean corpuscular value (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (CHCM), and higher eosinophil counts. Phylogenetic analysis based on the msp2 gene showed that A. phagocytophilum sequences found in the present study were closely related with A. phagocytophilum sequences from the USA and Europe. Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA is detected for the first time in Chile.

Prevalence and risk factors of trematode infection in swamp buffaloes reared under different agro-climatic conditions in Java Island of Indonesia

Background and Aims:

This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and intensity and to identify the associated risk factors and impact of trematode infection in swamp buffaloes reared under different agro-climatic conditions in Java, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 580 fecal samples were collected from swamp buffaloes in five different agro-climatic areas in Banten and Central Java Provinces, Indonesia. The fecal samples were examined using the Danish Bilharziasis Laboratory Technique to determine the prevalence and intensity of trematode infection. The risk factors for infection were determined from an in-depth interview of owners/keepers, and the results were analyzed using Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression. The infection was also correlated with swamp buffalo production parameters (body weight and body condition score [BCS]).

Results:

From all fecal samples, the overall prevalence of trematode infection was 64.83%, which comprised Fasciola spp. (16.03%; mean eggs per gram [EPG]±SD: 1.02±0.43) and Paramphistomatidae (62.93%; mean EPG±SD: 1.01±0.66). The main risk factor for trematode infection was feeding animals with rice straw (odds ratio [OR]: 40.124); the risk of trematode infection was 40.142 times higher in buffaloes that consumed rice straw. Other risk factors included the frequency of anthelmintic treatment (OR: 4.666), age (OR: 0.449), and drinking water source (OR: 0.358). Trematode infection did not significantly affect the body weight or BCS of swamp buffaloes.

Conclusion:

Although the prevalence of trematode infection was high in swamp buffaloes, the intensity of infection was low, and the infection did not affect the animals’ physical parameters.

Probiotic Validation of a Non-native, Thermostable, Phytase-Producing Bacterium: Streptococcus thermophilus

Phytate-linked nutritional deficiency disorders have plagued poultry for centuries. The application of exogenous phytases in poultry feed has served as a solution to this problem. However, they are linked to certain limitations which include thermal instability during prolonged feed processing. Therefore, in this study, Streptococcus thermophilus 2412 based phytase stability was assessed at higher temperatures up to 90 °C. This was followed by probiotic validation of the same bacterium in an in vitro intestinal model. Bacterial phytase showed thermostability up to 70 °C with a recorded activity of 9.90 U. The bacterium was viable in the intestinal lumen as indicated by the cell count of 6.10 log(CFU/mL) after 16 h. It also showed acid tolerance with a stable cell count of 5.01 log(CFU/mL) after 16 h of incubation at pH 2. The bacterium displayed bile tolerance yielding a cell count of 6.36 log(CFU/mL) in the presence of 0.3% bile. Bacterial susceptibility was observed toward all tested antibiotics with a maximum zone of 20 mm against clindamycin. The maximum antagonistic activity was observed against Staphylococcus aureus, Serratia marcescens, and Escherichia coli with inhibition zone diameters up to 10 mm. The above characteristics prove that S. thermophilus 2412 can be used as an effective phytase-producing poultry probiotic.

A critical review on antibiotics and hormones in swine wastewater: Water pollution problems and control approaches

Swine wastewater (SW) is an important source of antibiotics and hormones (A&H) in the environment due to their large-scale application in swine industry. A&H in SW can be released into the water environment through the direct discharge of SW, effluent from SW treatment plants, and runoff and leaching from farmland polluted by swine wastes. The presence of A&H in the water environment has become an increasing global concern considering their adverse effects to the aquatic organism and human. This review critically discusses: (i) the occurrence of A&H in global water environment and their potential risks to water organisms and human; (ii) the management and technical approaches for reducing the emission of A&H in SW to the water environment. The development of antibiotic alternatives and the enhanced implementation of vaccination and biosecurity are promising management approaches to cut down the consumption of antibiotics during swine production. Through the comparison of different biological treatment technologies for removing A&H in SW, membrane-based bioprocesses have relatively higher and more stable removal efficiencies. Whereas, the combined system of bioprocesses and AOPs is expected to be a promising technology for elimination and mineralization of A&H in swine wastewater. Further study on this system is therefore necessary.

Molecular Detection of Multidrug Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Bovine Mastitis Milk in Bangladesh

The current study was conducted to isolate and identify multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MDR-SA) from mastitis milk samples and to determine their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. A total of 48 bovine mastitis (BM) milk samples were collected from different parts of the Rangpur division, Bangladesh. After the collection of milk samples, mastitis was confirmed using the California mastitis test. Isolation and identification of Staphylococcus aureus were performed using conventional cultural and biochemical tests as well as using molecular methods of PCR. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the 23S rRNA gene of Staphylococcus aureus was determined. The antibiogram of the isolated bacteria was conducted using the disc diffusion method. Phylogenetic analysis of 23S rRNA was done using MEGA 7, ClustalW multiple sequence alignment, and NCBI-BLAST tools, where the sequence of the isolate showed 98% to 99% identity. Antibiogram test using 15 antimicrobial agents showed that all of the Staphylococcus aureus isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR). It was found that the isolates were resistant to tetracycline, novobiocin, methicillin, vancomycin, and cephradine, and the isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, norfloxacin, levofloxacin, gentamicin, and amoxicillin. The detection of MDR-SA in mastitis milk is alarming and represents a great public health concern. The findings of the present study help identify Staphylococcus aureus at the molecular level using 23S rRNA gene sequencing and will help select the appropriate and effective antimicrobial agent to control BM in the northern part of Bangladesh.

The Expression of Selected Factors Related to T Lymphocyte Activity in Canine Mammary Tumors

Crosstalk between neoplastic and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) influences the progression of disease in human and canine cancer patients. Given that canine mammary tumors are a useful model to study breast cancer biology, we aimed to evaluate the expression of genes associated with T lymphocyte activity in benign, malignant, and metastatic canine mammary tumors. Interestingly, metastatic tumors exhibit increased expression of CXCR3, CCR2, IL-4, IL-12p40, and IL-17. In particular, we focused on IL-17, a key interleukin associated with the Th17 lymphocyte phenotype. Th17 cells have been shown to play a contradictory role in tumor immunity. Although IL-17 showed a high expression in the metastatic tumors, the expression of RORγt, a crucial transcription factor for Th17 differentiation was barely detected. We further investigated IL-17 expression using immunohistochemistry, through which we confirmed the increased expression of this interleukin in malignant and metastatic mammary tumors. Finally, we compared the plasma levels of IL-17 in healthy and malignant mammary tumor-bearing dogs using ELISA but found no differences between the groups. Our data indicate that the IL-17 in metastatic tumors may be produced by other cell types, but not by Th17 lymphocytes. Overall, our results broaden the available knowledge on the interactions in canine mammary tumors and provide insight into the development of new therapeutic strategies, with potential benefits for human immune oncology.

Factors affecting the results of food preference tests in cats

The aim of this study was to (i) gain an overview of the protocols of food preference tests in cats through a systematic review, (ii) assess the effects of test duration, time of day, and sex, and (iii) propose a statistical approach based on power analysis to determine sample size and analyze the results. The manuscripts included in this review had marked variations in the number of days (2-56), sample size (9-60 cats), feeding times (2.5-1440 min), and number of meals per day (1-2) during the test. Additionally to the literature review, three palatability tests (lasting 10 days each) were conducted with 40 cats (22 males and 18 females, 1.8 ± 0.16 years, 3.73 ± 0.90 kg) to assess the effects of test duration, time of day, and gender on the results. From the second day of the test, the sensitivity of the results was higher, because on the first day the results in one of the tests differed from the others (p = .0058). There was no difference (p > .05) between times of day (morning vs afternoon) or gender (males vs females) on the results of the feed intake ratio. For a SD of 0.20, p < .05, and delta of 0.10, the minimum number of cats for two-bowl assays is 23 (test power higher than 0.75).The sample size and test duration are critical factors in the decision making by the investigators about the design of food preference tests in cats. The use of a power test is recommended upon planning a food preference test protocol in cats.

Effects of Different Dietary Levels of Blue Lupine (Lupinus angustifolius) Seed Meal With or Without Probiotics on the Performance, Carcass Criteria, Immune Organs, and Gut Morphology of Broiler Chickens

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different dietary levels of blue lupine (Lupinus angustifolius) seed meal with or without probiotics (Bacillus subtilis) in broiler diets on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, internal and immune organs, and gut morphology. Three experimental diets containing 0, 20, and 30% of blue lupine, with or without probiotics, were formulated and fed to 144 day (d)-old Ross 308 broiler chickens. Overall, chicks fed blue lupine meal diets, especially at the 30% rate, showed improved growth, feed performance parameters, and carcass characteristics in comparison to chicks fed a soybean meal-based diet. For example, a 30% blue lupine diet resulted in a significant increase in the duodenum length percentage of 35 d-old broilers; the addition of probiotics had no—effects on the dressing, thigh, and leg percentages of 21- and 35 d-old broilers and the drumstick and leg percentages of 35 d-old broilers. In conclusion, a 30% blue lupine seed diet with the addition of probiotics could provide a cheap source of protein without negative effects on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, immune organs and gut morphology of broilers.

Remotely Sensed Imagery for Early Detection of Respiratory Disease in Pigs: A Pilot Study

Respiratory diseases are a major problem in the pig industry worldwide. Due to the impact of these diseases, the early identification of infected herds is essential. Computer vision technology, using RGB (red, green and blue) and thermal infrared imagery, can assist the early detection of changes in animal physiology related to these and other diseases. This pilot study aimed to identify whether these techniques are a useful tool to detect early changes of eye and ear-base temperature, heart rate and respiration rate in pigs that were challenged with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. Clinical observations and imagery were analysed, comparing data obtained from animals that showed some signs of illness with data from animals that showed no signs of ill health. Highly significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between sick and healthy pigs in heart rate, eye and ear temperature, with higher heart rate and higher temperatures in sick pigs. The largest change in temperature and heart rate remotely measured was observed around 4-6 h before signs of clinical illness were observed by the skilled technicians. These data suggest that computer vision techniques could be a useful tool to detect indicators of disease before the symptoms can be observed by stock people, assisting the early detection and control of respiratory diseases in pigs, promoting further research to study the capability and possible uses of this technology for on farm monitoring and management.

A modern look at the molecular-biological mechanisms of breast tumours in dogs

High morbidity and increase in the number of registrations of breast tumours in dogs, their wide application as biological models, discussion of numerous questions of oncogenesis, and the lack of a uniform/unified methodological approach to the study of molecular and biological mechanisms of treatment of cancer determine the relevance of the problem of cancer both in humans and in our domestic companions. The analysis of publications allowed us to establish the following patterns of carcinogenesis. The peculiarities of the biological behaviour of breast tumours depend on their pathomorphological structure. Genetic predisposition to breast cancer is characteristic only in the single breed aspect. Environmental factors are of critical relevance to carcinogenesis : chemical pollutants initiate oncogenesis indirectly – by altering the expression of several receptors, impaired endocrine balance and direct mutagenic effects. Reproductive status plays a key role in the initiation and progression of breast tumours by reducing the expression of estrogen, progesterone and prolactin receptor genes. The inflammatory response that accompanies the neoplasia process is characterized by increased production of cytokines, cyclooxygenase-2, interleukins (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8), vascular endothelial growth receptors, and impaired hemostatic status (oxidative stress), which promotes progression of disease. In breast cancer in dogs, genomic instability leads to genomic aberrations, and subsequently, mutations that support the proliferation, survival and dissemination of neoplastic cells. The initiation and progression of mammary gland tumours is provided by cancer stem cells by disrupting the regulation of precursor cell self-renewal, which also predispose to resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, radiation, and hormonal cancer therapy. The analysis of the publications revealed the major markers of carcinogenesis that could potentially be used as biological targets for the design of modern diagnostic strategies and high-performance therapeutic protocols.

Antimicrobial use on Italian Pig Farms and its Relationship with Husbandry Practices

The analysis of antimicrobial use (AMU) data in livestock allows for the identification of risk factors for AMU, thereby favoring the application of responsible AMU policies on-farm. Herewith, AMU in 36 finishing pig farms in northern Italy from 2015-2017 was expressed as defined daily doses for Italian pigs (DDDita) per population correction unit (DDDita/100kg). A retrospective analysis was then conducted to determine the effects of several husbandry practices on AMU. Overall, AMU ranged between 12 DDDita/100kg in 2015 and 8 DDDita/100kg in 2017, showing no significant trends, due to the large variability in AMU between farms. However, a 66% AMU reduction was observed in 19 farms during 2015-2017. Farm size, number of farm workers, air quality, average pig mortality, and presence of undocked pigs on the farm had no significant effects on AMU. Rather, welfare-friendly farms had 38% lower AMU levels (p < 0.05). In conclusion, animal welfare management seems to be relatively more important than farm structure and other managerial characteristics as drivers of AMU in finishing pig farms.

Phylogenetic Diversity and Effect of Temperature on Pathogenicity of Colletotrichum lupini

Although lupin anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum lupini is a significant threat for spring and winter lupin crops, it has been poorly studied so far. This study aimed at characterizing the (i) phylogenetic, (ii) morphological, and (iii) physiological diversity of collected isolates from anthracnose-affected lupins. The genetic identification of representative isolates (n = 71) revealed that they were all C. lupini species, further confirming that lupin anthracnose is caused by this species. However, multilocus sequencing on these isolates and 16 additional reference strains of C. lupini revealed a separation into two distinct genetic groups, both of them characterized by a very low genetic diversity. The diversity of morphological characteristics of a selected subset of C. lupini isolates was further evaluated. To the best of our knowledge, microsclerotia production observed for some isolates has never been reported so far within the Colletotrichum acutatum species complex. Finally, the modeling of growth responses of a subset of C. lupini strains revealed the capacity of some strains to grow in vitro at 5°C. This ability was also evidenced in planta, because C. lupini DNA was detectable in plants from 14 days postinoculation at 5°C onward, whereas symptoms began to appear a week later, although at a very low level. Since lupin crops are planted during winter or early spring, growth studies in vitro and in planta demonstrated the capability of the species to grow at temperatures ranging from 5 to 30°C, with an optimum close to 25°C. In this study, C. lupini-specific primers were also designed for real-time quantitative PCR on fungal DNA and allowed the detection of C. lupini in asymptomatic field samples. These results open perspectives to detect earlier and limit the development of this pathogen in lupin crops.

How antibiotics are used in pig farming: a mixed-methods study of pig farmers, feed mills and veterinarians in Thailand

Background

Rising global concern about antimicrobial resistance has drawn attention to the use of antibiotics in livestock. Understanding the current usage of antibiotics in these animals is essential for effective interventions on the optimisation of antibiotic use. However, to date few studies have been conducted in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to explore the use of antibiotics and estimate the total amount of antibiotics used in pig production in Thailand.

Methods

This was a mixed-methods study including a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey of 84 pig farmers, secondary analysis of data from a survey of 31 feed mills to estimate the amount of antibiotics mixed in pig feed and interviews with five veterinarians involved in the feed mill industry to gain an understanding of medicated feed production.

Findings

Half of the farmers reported using antibiotics for disease prevention. Use was significantly associated with farmers' experience in raising pigs, farm income, having received advice on animal health and belonging to a farm cooperative. The estimated total amount of active ingredients mixed into medicated feed for pigs for the whole country was 843 tonnes in 2017. Amoxicillin was the most commonly used antibiotic reported by both pig farms and feed mills. The use of Critically Important Antimicrobials including colistin was common, with one-third of farmers reporting their use as oral or as injectable medication, and accounting for nearly two-thirds of antibiotics contained in medicated feed.

Conclusion

A majority of antibiotics used in Thai pig farms belonged to the category of Critically Important Antimicrobials. Progressive restriction in the use of antibiotics in pigs is recommended through using prescriptions to control the distribution of certain antibiotics. The government should strengthen veterinary services to improve access of farmers to animal health advice and explore alternative interventions.

Global prevalence of Toxocara infection in dogs

Dogs serve as the most important definitive hosts for Toxocara canis-a causative agent of human toxocariasis and one of the most widespread zoonotic helminth worldwide. The present study was undertaken to assess the global prevalence of T. canis infection in dogs. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE and SciELO were searched to identify relevant studies. A random-effects model was used to estimate the overall and the subgroup-pooled prevalences across studies, and heterogeneity was assessed via the I² test. The data were categorized according to WHO-region, different types of dogs, risk factors and environmental variables. From a total of 4370 peer-reviewed publications, 229 articles that studied 13,010,004 dogs in 60 countries met the final inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of Toxocara infection in dogs was 11.1% (95% CI, 10.6-11.7%). The estimated prevalence in the different WHO-regions ranged from 6.4% to 19.2%: Eastern Mediterranean (19.2%, 13.7-25.5%), Africa (18.5%, 13.7-23.9%), South-East Asia (11.9%, 6.8-18.2%), North America (11.1%, 10.6-11.7%), South America (10.9%, 7.6-14.6%), Europe (10.8%, 8.9-12.9%) and Western Pacific (6.4%, 3.3-10.2%). Young (<1 year of age), stray, rural and male dogs had a significantly (P<0.001) higher prevalence of infection than older, pet, urban or female dogs. The prevalence was higher in low income countries and regions at a low geographical latitude, close to the equator, characterized as having tropical climates. From this review, it is estimated that ≥100 million dogs are infected with Toxocara around the world. This highlights the need for an increased focus on implementing affordable, appropriate control programs to reduce the public health threat of toxocariasis as a zoonosis of global importance.

European Brown hare (Lepus europaeus) as a source of emerging and re-emerging pathogens of Public Health importance: A review

European brown hare (Lepus europaeus, EBH) is probably the most important game animal in Europe throughout its historical distribution. The decline in its populations across its geographic range in Europe have been attributed to factors such as reproductive rate and the ability for adaptation, climate, feed availability, predators, anthropogenic factors and diseases. Apart from common diseases of hares with a high impact on their mortality such as European Brown hare Syndrome, EBH has been involved in the epidemiology of pathogens with zoonotic potential. In this work, the role of EBH as a source of Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), Hepatitis E virus (HEV), Yersinia spp., Brucella spp., Francisella tularensis, Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania infantum is discussed. Hares may significantly contribute to the epidemiology of important emerging zoonotic pathogens through maintenance of high endemicity levels as in the case of CCHFV, as a reservoir of important pathogens such as Yersinia spp., B. suis, F. tularensis and L. infantum and as a potential source of T. gondii for other animals, especially for carnivores but also for humans. However, EBH may also be a host of minor importance as in the case of HEV. The continuous surveillance of hare populations will enable the collection of information on the population health status and the pathogens currently circulating in the area posing risk for wildlife, domestic animals and humans. The possible live animal translocations of infected hares, the fact that this species acts as a host of vectors (fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and sandflies) and the prey of carnivores and omnivores that travel in great distances getting into contact with domestic animals and humans, further highlights the need to be included in surveillance studies. Besides, the hunter‐harvested EBH population is an excellent indicator for recent pathogen transmission due to its short lifespan.

The present review provides an overview of the role of European Brown Hare as a source of Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), Hepatitis E virus (HEV), Yersinia spp., Brucella spp., Francisella tularensis, Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania infantum aiming to highlight the contribution of this species to the epidemiology of important emerging zoonotic pathogens.

Cats with thermal burn injuries from California wildfires show echocardiographic evidence of myocardial thickening and intracardiac thrombi

Recent increases in the prevalence and severity of wildfires in some regions have resulted in an increased frequency of veterinary burn patients. Few studies exist regarding diagnostics and management of burn wounds in veterinary patients and current knowledge is extrapolated from human literature and research models. Post-burn cardiac injury is a common finding and predictor of mortality in human patients and echocardiography is an important tool in monitoring response to therapy and predicting outcome. We describe the notable findings from cats naturally exposed to California wildfires in 2017 and 2018. Domestic cats (n = 51) sustaining burn injuries from the Tubbs (2017) and Camp (2018) wildfires were prospectively enrolled and serial echocardiograms and cardiac troponin I evaluations were performed. Echocardiograms of affected cats revealed a high prevalence of myocardial thickening (18/51) and spontaneous echocardiographic contrast and thrombi formation (16/51). Forty-two cats survived to discharge and 6 died or were euthanized due to a possible cardiac cause. For the first time, we describe cardiovascular and coagulation effects of thermal burn and smoke inhalation in cats. Further studies in veterinary burn victims are warranted and serve as a translational research opportunity for uncovering novel disease mechanisms and therapies.

Inline Reticulorumen pH as an Indicator of Cows Reproduction and Health Status

Our study hypothesis is that the interline registered pH of the cow reticulum can be used as an indicator of health and reproductive status. The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship of pH, using the indicators of the automatic milking system (AMS), with some parameters of cow blood components. The following four main groups were used to classify cow health status: 15-30 d postpartum, 1-34 d after insemination, 35 d after insemination (not pregnant), and 35 d (pregnant). Using the reticulum pH assay, the animals were categorized as pH < 6.22 (5.3% of cows), pH 6.22-6.42 (42.1% of cows), pH 2.6-6.62 (21.1% of cows), and pH > 6.62 (10.5% of cows). Using milking robots, milk yield, fat protein, lactose level, somatic cell count, and electron conductivity were registered. Other parameters assessed included the temperature and pH of the contents of reticulorumens. Assessment of the aforementioned parameters was done using specific smaX-tec boluses. Blood gas parameters were assessed using a blood gas analyzer (EPOC (Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Erlangen, Germany). The study findings indicated that pregnant cows have a higher pH during insemination than that of non-pregnant ones. It was also noted that cows with a low fat/protein ratio, lactose level, and high SCC had low reticulorumen pH. They also had the lowest blood pH. It was also noted that, with the increase of reticulorumen pH, there was an increased level of blood potassium, a high hematocrit, and low sodium and carbon dioxide saturation.

Prevalence and characterisation of methicillin-resistant staphylococci from bovine bulk tank milk in England and Wales

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of methicillin-resistant staphylococci on dairy farms in England and Wales including zoonotic MRSA.

METHODS

Bulk tank milk was sampled from 363 dairy farms in 2015-2016 and methicillin-resistant staphylococci were isolated by salt broth enrichment and plating on MRSA Brilliance selective agar. Isolates were characterised through antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing.

RESULTS

Methicillin-resistant staphylococci were isolated from ∼5% of dairy farms and belonged to six different species, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus lentus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus fleurettii and Staphylococcus sciuri. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a large variety of antimicrobial resistance genes and SCCmec elements were present, including mecA and mecC alleles. Potentially zoonotic methicillin-resistance S. aureus were found at a low prevalence (0.83% of sampled dairy farms). Whole-genome sequencing also provided evidence for the mobility of a primordial mec gene complex, independently of a SCCmec element, which appears to have been acquired by S. saprophyticus from S. fleurettii.

CONCLUSIONS

These data give new insight into the epidemiology of veterinary methicillin-resistant staphylococci to inform future surveillance and zoonotic risk evaluation. Our data indicate that MRSA has likely decreased in prevalence since earlier survey work in England and Wales during 2011-12 and highlights the diversity of methicillin resistance and other resistance determinants among bovine-associated staphylococci with implications for veterinary and human medicine.

Evaluation of Yellow Mealworm Meal as a Protein Feedstuff in the Diet of Broiler Chicks

Yellow mealworm meal (MWM) as a protein feedstuff in the broiler diet was investigated based on the growth performance, hematological characteristics, carcass, and meat quality of broiler chicks. A total of 700 one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were assigned to five dietary MWM treatments containing 0%, 2%, 4%, and 8% dried MWM or 10.48% fresh mealworm (corresponding to 4% dried MWM). For each treatment, there were seven pens with 20 chicks each. The nutritional profile of dried MWM is comparable to all conventional protein feedstuffs. MWM significantly increased BW and ADG (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05), and FCR was best at 4% MWM inclusion level (quadratic, p < 0.10) for broiler chicks during the starter phase. The predicted MWM levels for optimal starter BW and ADG were 4.13% and 3.84%. Hematological characteristics of broiler chicks fed on the MWM diet did not differ or showed small change within the physiological range. A fresh 10.48% mealworm diet significantly reduced the blood LZM for the grower. Broiler Chicks fed on fresh 10.48% mealworm had a significantly reduced abdominal fat percentage compared to the 4% dried MWM counterparts. MWM did not significantly affect meat quality. Taken together, MWM inclusion in broiler diet is acceptable as a protein feedstuff, and a 4% level could stimulate early growth in the starter phase.

Gonadotropin priming before OPU: What are the benefits in cows and calves?

Oocyte pick up (OPU) coupled with IVP produce over 1 million cattle embryos per year and has been most successful in Bos indicus derived breeds that contain large numbers of antral follicles on their ovaries. More recently, this technology has been applied on a large scale to Bos taurus cattle, where hormone manipulation is generally employed to improve the developmental competence of the COCs. Hormone manipulation, and specifically the use of FSH priming before OPU, has been strategically used in the intensively managed dairy cow, where genomic evaluation and juvenile IVP can produce additional significant genetic gains.

Seroprevalence and risk factors assessment of the three main infectious agents associated with abortion in dairy cattle in Isfahan province, Iran

This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and identify the risk factors associated with Neospora caninum, Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1), and Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection on industrial Holstein dairy cattle farms in Isfahan province, Central Iran. Blood samples were taken from 216 apparently healthy cattle from 16 randomly selected Holstein dairy farms in the North, South, East, and West of Isfahan in the summer of 2017. The antibodies to N. caninum, BHV-1, and BVDV were detected using a commercially available ELISA kit. The overall seroprevalence for N. caninum, BHV-1, and BVDV was 19%, 72.2%, and 52.8%, respectively. The significant major risk factors of BHV-1 in cattle were identified as farm direction, age groups, parity, and milk yield by the univariate analysis (p < 0.05). The significant major risk factors of BVDV in cattle were identified as age groups, parity, milk yield, and stage of pregnancy (p < 0.05). The only significant major risk factor of N. caninum was farm direction (p < 0.05). A significant association of concurrent infection with BVDV and BHV-1 has shown in the current study (p < 0.05). This study is the first to report the risk factors for N. caninum, BHV-1, and BVDV infection in the central part of Iran and allows us to conclude that these agents are widely distributed in this region.

Welfare of beef cattle in Australian feedlots: a review of the risks and measures

The rising global demand for animal protein is leading to intensification of livestock production systems. At the same time, societal concerns about sustainability and animal welfare in intensive systems is increasing. This review examines the risks to welfare for beef cattle within commercial feedlots in Australia. Several aspects of the feedlot environment have the potential to compromise the physical and psychological welfare of cattle if not properly monitored and managed. These include, but are not limited to, animal factors such as the influence of genetics, temperament and prior health, as well as management factors such as diet, pen design, resource provision, pregnancy management, and stock-person attitudes and skills. While current industry and producer initiatives exist to address some of these issues, continuous improvements in welfare requires accurate, reliable and repeatable measures to allow quantification of current and future welfare states. Existing measures of welfare are explored as well as proxy indicators that may signal the presence of improved or reduced welfare. Finally, potential future measures of welfare that are currently under development are discussed and recommendations for future research are made.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Associated With Antimicrobial Stewardship Among Veterinary Students: A Multi-Country Survey From Nigeria, South Africa, and Sudan

In African countries, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) issue remains pertinent. Despite this, little efforts have been made to assess the future veterinary prescribers on their knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to antimicrobial usage. This multi-country survey attempts to explore the KAP of future veterinarians on stewardship of antimicrobial and identify knowledge gaps. Eight veterinary schools participated from Nigeria, Sudan and South Africa. Data regarding perceptions and knowledge were analyzed using Chi-square χ² test, Spearman's (Rho) Rank order correlation and factor analysis using principal component factoring extraction method. Fifty-two percent of the study participants were final year veterinary students, respectively, and majority (77.2%) had no previous knowledge of biomedical sciences. Majority age were 22-27 years (24.7 ± 2.8) 79% and multiple career fields post-graduation were preferred. Overall, poor perceptions and knowledge of antimicrobial stewardship were observed with variations among countries and only 36.3% (n = 123) of the students were confident in their ability to choose the ideal antimicrobial agents for a specific patient/group of animals. The majority of the final year students were confident of their knowledge regarding AMR (68%), making of Gram staining (69.2%) and in choosing the most ideal route for administering a specific antimicrobial (74.7%). The final year students had significantly (p < 0.05) higher confidence level for knowledge compared with the pre-final year students. Tetracyclines, penicillins, and sulphonamides represent the three most abused veterinary antimicrobials with similar ranking across countries. South African (69.7 ± 20.5) and Sudanese (68.1 ± 15.4) had significantly (p < 0.0001) higher mean scores compared to the Nigerian students (44.3 ± 6.8) in the student's ability to correctly match some specific antimicrobials against their classes but Nigerian students performed better in ranking antimicrobials. This survey revealed poor to average knowledge of antimicrobial stewardship among veterinary students with significant knowledge gaps across the countries. It is recommended that the relevant regulatory and standardization authorities should make concerted efforts and interventions to regularly review curricula to ensure the delivery of targeted formative and normative training, and improved lectures on antimicrobial usage and stewardship in order to improve the awareness and behaviors of future prescribers. The identified knowledge gaps of veterinary medical students on antimicrobial stewardship must be bridge to safeguard the future.

Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and the associated risk factors in sheep and pregnant women in El-Minya Governorate, Egypt

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The cosmopolite protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii, has a significant economic and medical impact. Cats traditionally play a predominant role in the disease maintenance cycle; however, humans can be infected as a result of milk and meat consumption of Toxoplasma-infected livestock. In addition, infected pregnant women, even symptomless, can pass the disease to their unborn fetus. The limited clinical records and absence of specific national educational programs in countries like Egypt underscore the need for periodic toxoplasmosis disease evaluation. Here, we identified T. gondii seroprevalence among sheep and pregnant women and the associated risk factors in El-Minya Governorate, Egypt.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using peripheral blood, we detected T. gondii-specific antibodies in 151 sheep and 96 pregnant women sera from El-Minya Governorate using latex agglutination and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The impact of different environmental and behavioral risk factors identified with in-person interviews and serology results on acquiring toxoplasmosis was statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

The overall toxoplasmosis seroprevalence was 39.1% and 22.9% in sheep and pregnant women, respectively. Significantly higher seroprevalence was correlated with increasing sheep age and geographical location. Nonetheless, no statistical significance was found based on abortion history and pregnancy status of the examined sheep. Exposure factors important for pregnant women included pregnancy trimester, contact with cats, and the habit of eating undercooked sheep meat, which all had a statistically significant association with Toxoplasma seropositivity.

CONCLUSION

The current study confirms increased antibodies against toxoplasmosis in both sheep and pregnant women in El-Minya Governorate and a clear association between women's age, contact with cats, and the habit of eating undercooked sheep meat and seroreactivity to T. gondii. These results strongly suggest the need for a more comprehensive epidemiological study and public health awareness education for toxoplasmosis.

Human Relationships with Domestic and Other Animals: One Health, One Welfare, One Biology

Excessive human population growth, uncontrolled use of natural resources, including deforestation, mining, wasteful systems, biodiversity reduction by agriculture, and damaging climate change affect the existence of all animals, including humans. This discussion is now urgent and people are rethinking their links with the animals we use for clothing, food, work, companionship, entertainment, and research. The concepts of one health, one welfare, and one biology are discussed as a background to driving global change. Nothing should be exploited without considering the ethics of the action and the consequences. This review concerns domesticated animals, including those used for human consumption of meat, eggs, and milk; horses kept for work; and dogs kept for company. Animal welfare includes health, emotional state, and comfort while moving and resting, and is affected by possibilities to show behavior and relationships with others of the same species or with humans. We show some examples of the relations between humans and domesticated animals in the environmental context, including zoonotic diseases, and consider the consequences and the new paradigms resulting from current awareness.

Seaweeds in Pig Nutrition

Seaweeds are macroalgae, with different sizes, colors and composition. They consist of brown algae, red algae and green algae, which all have a different chemical composition and bioactive molecule content. The polysaccharides, laminarin and fucoidan are commonly present in brown seaweeds, ulvans are found in green seaweeds and, red algae contain a large amount of carrageenans. These bioactive compounds may have several positive effects on health in livestock. In order to reduce the antimicrobials used in livestock, research has recently focused on finding natural and sustainable molecules that boost animal performance and health. The present study thus summarizes research on the dietary integration of seaweeds in swine. In particular the influence on growth performance, nutrients digestibility, prebiotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities were considered. The review highlights that brown seaweeds seem to be a promising dietary intervention in pigs in order to boost the immune system, antioxidant status and gut health. Data on the use of green seaweeds as a dietary supplementation seems to be lacking at present and merit further investigation.

Use of red pepper oil in quail diets and its effect on performance, carcass measurements, intestinal microbiota, antioxidant indices, immunity and blood constituents

Plant-derived additives are used to maintain the health and growth performance of livestock. The use of red pepper oil (RPO) has recently attracted considerable scientific interest mainly due to its potential benefits for animals and humans. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with RPO on growth performance, carcass measurements, antioxidant status and immunity of growing quails between 1 and 5 weeks of age. A total of 240 growing quails (1-week old) were distributed into 5 equal groups consisting of 48 birds (4 replicates of 12 birds each). The first group was fed a basal diet without RPO (0 g/kg diet), and the second, third, fourth and fifth groups received diets containing RPO (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6 g/kg diet, respectively). The experiment lasted for 5 weeks. At age of 5 weeks, quails were slaughtered for carcass examinations, microbiological analysis of intestine and to determine blood constituents. Data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Quails fed with 0.8 g RPO/kg diet showed 12.14%, 14.4% and 15% improvement in live BW, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio, respectively, compared with the control group. Quails that received diets with 1.2 g RPO consumed more feed than the others during the total period (1 to 5 weeks). Plasma globulin levels were significantly decreased (P = 0.0102), but albumin/globulin ratio was significantly increased (P = 0.0009) in birds fed diets containing RPO (0.4 and 1.2 g/kg) compared with those in the control group. Activity of liver enzymes in the plasma was nonsignificantly decreased in quails supplemented with 0.8 g RPO/kg diet compared with those in the control group. Activities of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione and catalase) in the group fed on diets supplemented with RPO (0.8 g/kg) were significantly higher than those in the control group. The inclusion of RPO (0.8 g/kg diet) in quail diets improved (P < 0.05) plasma lipid profile and also decreased pH of the caecal content (P = 0.0280) compared with those in the control group. The caecal bacterial population, Salmonella spp., coliform and Escherichia coli, were lowered (P < 0.05) in the groups treated with RPO (0.8, 1.2 and 1.6 g/kg) compared with those in the control group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of RPO (0.8 g/kg) can enhance the performance and antioxidant indices and decrease intestinal pathogens and thus improve the health status of Japanese quail.

Duration of the flaxseed diet promotes deposition of n-3 fatty acids in the meat and skin of Peking ducks

BACKGROUND

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly n-3, have beneficial effects on human health, and for this reason foodstuffs with increased content of n-3 PUFA are now very common and widely available.

DESIGN

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the duration of a flaxseed diet on Peking duck's growth performance, antioxidant status, gene expression, and fatty acid profile of the meat. A total of 792 12-day-old white Peking ducks were divided into four groups. In the control group, animals were provided with a basal diet. In the three experimental groups, animals were fed a 10% flax seed diet with vitamin E at 13, 23, and 33 days of age for 30, 20, and 10 days, respectively.

RESULTS

The growth performance of the ducks decreased with flaxseed diet's duration. Both body weight and body weight gain decreased linearly while Feed conversion ratios (FCR) increased in the group of ducks fed flaxseed compared to control ducks. Serum triglycerides (TG), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) linearly decreased while high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels increased by feeding flaxseed up to 30 days. The expression of lipin-1 gene (LPIN-1) and fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) linearly increased in ducks fed flaxseed for 30 days. Linolenic acid (n-3) and its long-chain metabolites like eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and total n-3 fatty acids (FA) linearly increased while the ratio of n-6 to n-3 was reduced with increased duration of flaxseed supplementation.

CONCLUSION

Overall, we found that increasing the duration of flaxseed diet with vitamin E for more than 10 days had a mild adverse effect on duck's growth performance but enrichedits meat with long-chain PUFA and decreased the n-6 to n-3 ratio, providing quality meat for health-conscious consumers. A period of 20 days is good for producing n-3 enriched Peking duck meat and skin.

Molecular Identification of Vibrio alginolyticus Causing Vibriosis in Shrimp and Its Herbal Remedy

Penaeus monodon is highly susceptible to vibriosis disease. Aims of the study were to identify the pathogen causing vibriosis in P. monodon through molecular techniques and develop a biocontrol method of the disease by application of herbal extracts. Shrimp samples were collected aseptically from the infected farm and the bacteria were isolated from the infected region of those samples. Based on phenotypic identification, several isolates were identified as Vibrio sp. 16S rRNA gene sequences of the selected isolates exhibited 100% homology with V. alginolyticus strain ATCC 17749. An in vivo infection challenge test was performed by immersion method with V. alginolyticus where these isolates caused high mortality in juvenile shrimp with prominent symptoms of hepatopancreatic necrosis. Antibiogram profile of the isolates was determined against eleven commercial antibiotic discs whereas the isolates were found resistant to multiple antibiotics. A total of twenty-one herbal extracts were screened where Emblica officinalis, Allium sativum, and Syzygium aromaticum strongly inhibited the growth of V. alginolyticus in in vitro conditions. In in vivo conditions, the ethyl acetate extracts of E. officinalis and A. sativum successfully controlled the vibriosis disease in shrimp at a dose of 10 mg/g feed. This is the first report on molecular identification and biocontrol of V. alginolyticus in shrimp in Bangladesh.

Penaeus monodon is highly susceptible to vibriosis disease. Aims of the study were to identify the pathogen causing vibriosis in P. monodon through molecular techniques and develop a biocontrol method of the disease by application of herbal extracts. Shrimp samples were collected aseptically from the infected farm and the bacteria were isolated from the infected region of those samples. Based on phenotypic identification, several isolates were identified as Vibrio sp. 16S rRNA gene sequences of the selected isolates exhibited 100% homology with V. alginolyticus strain ATCC 17749. An in vivo infection challenge test was performed by immersion method with V. alginolyticus where these isolates caused high mortality in juvenile shrimp with prominent symptoms of hepatopancreatic necrosis. Antibiogram profile of the isolates was determined against eleven commercial antibiotic discs whereas the isolates were found resistant to multiple antibiotics. A total of twenty-one herbal extracts were screened where Emblica officinalis, Allium sativum, and Syzygium aromaticum strongly inhibited the growth of V. alginolyticus in in vitro conditions. In in vivo conditions, the ethyl acetate extracts of E. officinalis and A. sativum successfully controlled the vibriosis disease in shrimp at a dose of 10 mg/g feed. This is the first report on molecular identification and biocontrol of V. alginolyticus in shrimp in Bangladesh.

Thermal injuries in Atlantic salmon in a pilot laboratory trial

Thermal delousing is a new method for removing sea lice from farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L). We investigated thermally-related tissue injuries in Atlantic salmon in a pilot laboratory trial to describe the acute effect of high water temperatures (34-38 °C). Acute tissue injuries in gills, eyes, brain and possible also nasal cavity and thymus were seen in salmon exposed to water temperatures of 34 - 38 °C in 72 to 140 s. This implies that exposing salmon to such water temperatures is a welfare risk, not only due to the direct tissue injuries that may also be dependent on exposure time, but also due to risk of thermal pain and aversion, including flight reactions.

Sulfadiazine biodegradation by Phanerochaete chrysosporium: Mechanism and degradation product identification

Antibiotic contaminants have become a severe environmental problem in recent years and finding effective ways to deal with this issue is of great importance. In this study, Phanerochaete chrysosporium was used to degrade sulfadiazine (SDZ), which is frequently detected in the culture medium of isolates from soil and surface water systems. The results demonstrate that 10 mg L^-1 SDZ can be completely degraded by P. chrysosporium under conditions of pH 5.7 and 30 °C within 6 days. The Q-Exactive-MS/MS analysis identified and confirmed several different SDZ degradation intermediates, and four proposed degradation pathways of SDZ were deduced. Moreover, enzyme activity tests revealed that manganese peroxidase and ligninolytic peroxidase played important roles in SDZ degradation. Moreover, a transcriptome analysis method was performed to explore the mechanism and pathways of SDZ degradation by P. chrysosporium in greater detail. The results of GO and KEGG analysis strongly suggest that the metabolism pathway is significantly activated and plays an important role in antibiotic degradation. Further, this is the first study to identify SDZ degradation intermediates and two main intermediates were found to be involved in possible SDZ degradation pathways. This study is also the first report results from RNA sequencing to evaluate genome-wide changes of P. chrysosporium to further explore SDZ degradation mechanism.

Comparative analysis of differential proteome-wide protein-protein interaction network of Methanobrevibacter ruminantium M1

A proteome-wide protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of Methanobrevibacter ruminantium M1 (MRU), a predominant rumen methanogen, was constructed from its metabolic genes using a gene neighborhood algorithm and then compared with closely related rumen methanogens Using proteome-wide PPI approach, we constructed network encompassed 2194 edges and 637 nodes interacting with 634 genes. Network quality and robustness of functional modules were assessed with gene ontology terms. A structure-function-metabolism mapping for each protein has been carried out with efforts to extract experimental PPI concomitant information from the literature. The results of our study revealed that some topological properties of its network were robust for sharing homologous protein interactions across heterotrophic and hydrogenotrophic methanogens. MRU proteome has shown to establish many PPI sub-networks for associated metabolic subsystems required to survive in the rumen environment. MRU genome found to share interacting proteins from its PPI network involved in specific metabolic subsystems distinct to heterotrophic and hydrogenotrophic methanogens. Across these proteomes, the interacting proteins from differential PPI networks were shared in common for the biosynthesis of amino acids, nucleosides, and nucleotides and energy metabolism in which more fractions of protein pairs shared with Methanosarcina acetivorans. Our comparative study expedites our knowledge to understand a complex proteome network associated with typical metabolic subsystems of MRU and to improve its genome-scale reconstruction in the future.

Sudden exposure to warm water causes instant behavioural responses indicative of nociception or pain in Atlantic salmon

Thermal treatment has become the most used delousing method in salmonid aquaculture. However, concerns have been raised about it being painful for the fish. We studied the behavioural response of Atlantic salmon acclimated to 8 °C when transferred to temperatures in the range 0-38 °C. Exposure time was 5 min or until they reached the endpoint of losing equilibrium and laying on their side, a sign of imminent death. At temperatures below 28 °C, none of the fish reached endpoint within the 5-min maximum. At 28 °C four of five fish reached endpoint, and fish reached endpoint more rapidly as temperature increased further. Fish transferred to temperatures above 28 °C had higher swimming speed immediately after transfer and maintained a high swimming speed until just before loss of equilibrium. Their behaviour was from the start characterised by collisions into tank walls and head shaking. Just before loss of equilibrium they started breaking the surface of the water, swimming in a circle pattern and in some instances displayed a side-wise bending of their body. In other words, salmon transferred to temperatures above 28 °C showed instant behavioural responses indicative of nociception or pain.

Delayed access to feed alters expression of genes associated with carbohydrate and amino acid utilization in newly hatched broiler chicks

Newly hatched chicks must transition from lipid-rich yolk to carbohydrate-rich feed as their primary nutrient source, and posthatch delays in access to feed can have long-term negative consequences on growth and metabolism. In this study, impacts of delayed access to feed at hatch on expression of genes related to nutrient uptake and utilization in two metabolically important tissues, liver and muscle, were determined in broiler (meat-type) chickens. Hatched chicks were given access to feed within 3 h (fed) or delayed access to feed for 48 h (delayed fed), and liver and breast muscle were collected from males at hatch and 4 h, 1 day, 2 days, 4 days, and 8 days posthatch for analysis of gene expression. Differential expression of carbohydrate response element-binding protein and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ in muscle and liver was observed, with results indicating a transitional delay from lipid to carbohydrate metabolism when hatched chicks were not given immediate access to feed. Extended upregulation of insulin receptor mRNA was observed in both tissues in delayed fed birds, suggesting increased sensitivity to circulating levels of the hormone. Developmental delays in expression patterns of cationic amino acid transporters 1 and 2 in both tissues and large neutral amino acid transporter 1 in muscle were also apparent when immediate feed access was prevented. These data suggest that delayed transition to carbohydrate use and altered nutrient transport and utilization within liver and breast muscle are key factors negatively affecting growth and metabolism following delayed feed access in broiler chickens.

Pup mortality in New Zealand sea lions (Phocarctos hookeri) at Enderby Island, Auckland Islands, 2013-18

New Zealand sea lions (Phocarctos hookeri) are an endemic and endangered species. Pup mortality at Enderby Island (50.5°S, 166.28°E) in the New Zealand sub-Antarctic has been well studied, with subsequent investigations yielding more intricate detail of the causes of mortality, as new diagnostic methods become available. Klebsiella pneumoniae was first reported in 2001-02 at this site, causing a pup mortality epizootic and is now known to be present at several colonies. This bacterium is a common mucosal commensal of humans and animals, however the agent found in pups at necropsy is a hypervirulent strain, readily recognised in microbial culture as being hypermucoviscous. Infection causes septicaemia with a common syndrome of subsequent meningitis and polyarthritis. This investigation uses histopathology and microbiology, with new modalities such as matrix assisted laser desorption/ionisation-time of flight mass spectrometry to show that Klebsiella septicaemia could have historically been, and continues to be, the most important cause of pup mortality, but has been previously underrepresented due to the often cryptic presentation and sometimes peracute course of disease. Hypermucoviscous K. pneumoniae should be considered a serious threat to pup survival in the species, causing on average 60.2% of pup deaths annually at Enderby Island between 2013 and 2018, with likely more continuing mortality following pup dispersal and the cessation of the summer monitoring season. Less common causes of death included starvation (14.8%), trauma/asphyxiation (9.9%) and other infections (7%). This study forms the basis for further evaluation of risk factors for pup mortality in the species, with a view to developing active mitigation.

The Development of a Hoof Conformation Assessment for Use in Dairy Goats

The assessment of hoof conformation is important due to its recognized relationship with the biomechanical functionality of the hoof. Hoof conformation can be assessed using objective measures or subjective scores. However, to date, there are limited data using either method in dairy goats. Therefore, the aims were to (1) develop a reliable method of assessing hoof conformation in dairy goats, and (2) compare two aspects of a subjective assessment against corresponding objective measures as a means of validation. A total of 1035 goats contributed photographs across 16 commercial dairy goat farms. Photographs were taken of the left front and left hind hoof in the lateral and dorsal aspect at five assessments across the goats' first two lactations. Hoof conformation was assessed using five subjective scores (toe length, heel shape, fetlock shape, claw splay, and claw shape) and two objective measures (toe length ratio and claw splay distance). Following the training of two observers, high levels of inter and intra-reliability were achieved for both the subjective scores (>0.8 weighted kappa) and objective measures (>0.8 Lin's concordance correlation coefficient). Two aspects of the subjectively assessed ordinal scores were compared with the objective measures with high levels of accuracy (>0.8). This suggests that the subjective scores may be a suitable alternative to more time-consuming objective measures when assessment is completed using photographs.

Plant protein diet suppressed immune function by inhibiting spiral valve intestinal mucosal barrier integrity, anti-oxidation, apoptosis, autophagy and proliferation responses in amur sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii)

An 8-week growth trial was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing dietary fishmeal with a plant protein blend on the growth performance, mucosal barrier integrity and the related regulation mechanism in Amur Sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii) with initial weight of 87.48 g. Three isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were prepared. A basal diet containing 540 g/kg fishmeal (P0), whereas the other two diets were formulated by replacing 50% and 100% of FM with plant protein blend (soybean protein concentrate and cottonseed protein concentrate), and named as P50 and P100, respectively. Although essential amino acids, fatty acids, and available phosphorus had been balanced according to the nutrient requirement of sturgeon, compared with the fish of P0 and P50, the full plant protein diet (P100) significantly reduced growth performance and survival, and accompanied with serious spiral valve intestinal (SVI) damage. The increased tissue necrosis and failed responses in anti-oxidation, programming apoptosis, autophagy and cell proliferation system were regulated by inhibiting ERK1 phosphorylation, which indicated that SVI hypoimmunity and functional degradation were the main reasons for the high mortality and low utilization ability of plant protein in Amur sturgeon.

Antibody reaction of leptospirosis in asymptomatic feral boars, Thailand

AIMS

This study aimed to determine the proportion of exposure to leptospirosis and evaluate the degree of serovar antibody reaction in feral boars.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 58 sera obtained from feral boars in Khao Prathab Chang Wildlife Breeding Center, Ratchaburi, Thailand, were screened for leptospirosis exposure by microscopic agglutination test, conducted with a reference panel of 23 pathogenic serovars and a non-pathogenic serovar.

RESULTS

Overall exposure rate of 62.07% was found in the studied population. An antibody reaction presented in 18 of 24 leptospiral serovars. Among the seropositive, Ballum serovar showed predominant exposure in the feral boar population.

CONCLUSION

The results show a relatively high exposure to leptospirosis and the predominant serovar was Ballum followed by Canicola, the first finding in feral boars in Thailand. It has been revealed that feral boars act as a natural reservoir host of leptospirosis. There should be more concern about public health problems in leptospirosis arising where feral boars appear.

Enhanced anaerobic degradation of selected nitrogen heterocyclic compounds with the assistance of carboxymethyl cellulose

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a modified cellulose compound that is dispersible in water. Microbial anaerobic degradation of nitrogen heterocyclic compounds (NHCs) in wastewater treatment may be enhanced by CMC addition, but this remains uncertain due to a lack of experimental evidence. In this study, It was demonstrated that CMC is a suitable co-metabolic matrix in an enhanced anaerobic degradation of quinoline and indole in coal gasification wastewater. When the dosage of CMC was 0.5 mg/L, a reactor exhibited a high degradation efficiency on quinoline and indole, with ratios of 95.23 ± 1.99% and 94.33 ± 3.45%. The addition of CMC increased the concentration of extracellular polymeric substances in anaerobic sludge and increased the particle size of the sludge, which improved the microbial stability and sedimentation of anaerobic granular sludge. Analysis of high-throughput sequencing indicated that the addition of CMC improved the richness and diversity of bacterial and archaea communities. Acetic acid metabolism was the primary mechanism to produce methane during anaerobic degradation of NHCs wastewater.

Competitive adsorption of tetracycline, oxytetracycline and chlortetracycline on soils with different pH value and organic matter content

Antibiotics spread into the environment can cause soil and water degradation. Specifically, tetracycline antibiotics (TCs) are among those most consumed in veterinary medicine, and near 90% of the doses administered to animals are excreted as original compounds, due to poor absorption. In this study we investigated competitive soil adsorption/desorption for three tetracycline antibiotics (tetracycline: TC, oxytetracycline: OTC, and chlortetracycline: CTC), usually spread on soils by slurry fertilization, affecting to soil degradation due to chemical pollution. The study was carried out on six soils selected according to their pH values (4.49-7.06), and organic matter contents (1.07-10.92%). The competitive experiments were performed in ternary systems (adding all three TCs simultaneously, using five equal and increasing concentrations, from 17 to 200 μmol L^-1). The results were compared with those obtained in simple systems (adding individual antibiotics separately), for the same final concentration (in this case, 200 μmol L^-1) and for different concentrations (200 μmol L^-1 in the simple systems, versus 600 μmol L^-1 in the ternary systems, resulting from the sum of 200 μmol L^-1 of each of the three antibiotics). In all cases, batch-type adsorption/desorption experiments were carried out, with 24 h as contact time. Those soils with higher organic matter content adsorbed 100% of the TCs, with desorption being always lower than 3%. In soils with less organic matter, adsorption decreased as the dose of added antibiotic increased, due to competition for adsorption sites. CTC was the most retained among the three TCs (up to 20% more than the other when high doses of antibiotic were added). In the simple systems, percentage adsorption was always high (>85%) for the three TCs; however, percentage adsorption decreased in the ternary systems, reaching just 65% and 40% (for equal and different ionic strength, respectively) in soils with low organic matter contents. These results show the environmental and public health relevance of competition among the three TCs. In fact, the highest risk of entering the food chain takes place when these antibiotics are spread together on soils with low organic matter content, especially in the case of TC and CTC, which are the least adsorbed and the most desorbed molecules.

Supplementing an immunomodulatory feed ingredient to improve thermoregulation and performance of finishing beef cattle under heat stress conditions

This experiment compared physiological and productive responses in finishing beef cattle managed under heat stress conditions, and supplemented (SUPP) or not (CON) with an immunomodulatory feed ingredient (Omnigen-AF; Phibro Animal Health, Teaneck, NJ). Crossbred yearling cattle (¾ Bos taurus × ¼ Bos indicus; 64 heifers and 64 steers) were ranked by initial body weight (BW) (440 ± 3 kg) and sex, and allocated to 1 of 16 unshaded drylot pens (8 heifers or steers/pen). Pens within sex were randomly assigned to receive SUPP or CON (n = 8/treatment). Cattle received a total-mixed ration (91% concentrate inclusion and 1.21 Mcal/kg of net energy for gain; dry matter [DM basis]) during the experiment (day 0 to 106). The immunomodulatory feed was offered as a top-dress to SUPP pens (56 g/d per animal; as-fed basis) beginning on day 7. Cattle BW were recorded on day 0, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84, 98, and 106. Feed intake was evaluated from each pen by recording feed offer daily and refusals biweekly. Intravaginal temperature of heifers was recorded hourly from day 1 to 6, 29 to 41, and 85 to 97. Environmental temperature humidity index (THI) was also recorded hourly throughout the experiment, and averaged 79.8 ± 0.6. Concurrently with BW assessment, hair samples from the tail-switch were collected (3 animals/pen) for analysis of hair cortisol concentrations. Blood samples were collected on day 0, 28, 56, 84, and 106 from all animals for plasma extraction. Whole blood was collected on day 0, 56, and 106 (3 animals/pen) for analysis of heat shock protein (HSP) 70 and HSP72 mRNA expression. Cattle were slaughtered on day 107 at a commercial packing facility. Results obtained prior to day 7 served as independent covariate for each respective analysis. Heifers receiving SUPP had less (P ≤ 0.05) vaginal temperature from 1500 to 1900 h across sampling days (treatment × hour, P < 0.01; 39.05 vs. 39.19 °C, respectively; SEM = 0.04), when THI ranged from 85.3 to 90.1. Expression of HSP70 and HSP72 was less (P ≥ 0.03) for SUPP cattle on day 106 (22.6- vs. 51.5-fold effect for HSP70, SEM = 9.7, and 11.0- vs. 32.8-fold effect for HSP72; treatment × day, P ≤ 0.04). No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.22) for performance, carcass traits, plasma concentrations of cortisol and haptoglobin, or hair cortisol concentrations. Results from this study suggest that SUPP ameliorated hyperthermia in finishing cattle exposed to heat stress conditions, but such benefit was not sufficient to improve productive responses.

Invited review: Tannins as a potential alternative to antibiotics to prevent coliform diarrhea in weaned pigs

In addition to a multifactorial etiology of nutritional, social and environmental stressors, post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) in pigs is often related to infection with specific pathogens such as enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). In swine farming operations, the incidence of PWD is a global concern and is associated with an unbalanced gut status, resulting in poor performance and high antimicrobial consumption via prophylaxis and metaphylaxis. Increases in antimicrobial resistance are reinforcing an already-urgent need for sustainable, alternative solutions for maintaining optimal gut health in livestock. Tannin-rich plants and extracts contain bioactive compounds that could be of great interest in this respect. This review describes how the use of tannins around weaning could be beneficial for pigs, with special emphasis on the reduction of ETEC-related PWD. An overview of the broad chemical diversity of tannins is presented together with their physicochemical and biological properties, as well as how they may be metabolized in the digestive tract. The pharmacological effects exerted by tannins are summarized; more precisely, the possible mechanisms by which tannins can disrupt the different steps of the pathogenesis of ETEC-related PWD are highlighted. The factors affecting the bioactivity of tannins are also discussed, shedding light on the importance of chemical structure among different tannins.