Use of Antibiotics in Equines and Their Effect on Metabolic Health and Cecal Microflora Activities

Functional analysis of microorganisms and metabolites in the cecum of different sheep populations and their effects on production traits

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of intestinal microbiota on the growth and production performance of different groups of sheep, focusing on the role of cecal microbiota in regulating intestinal function, enhancing digestion and absorption, and improving feed utilization. The production performance of MG × STH (Mongolia × Small Tailed Han) F1 hybrids and purebred STH (Small Tailed Han) sheep by measuring various factors, including enzyme activities and VFAs (volatile fatty acids), to analyze changes in cecal fermentation parameters across different sheep groups. Metagenomic and metabolomic sequencing combined with bioinformatics to analyze the cecal contents of the two sheep populations. The study findings indicated that the MG × STH F1 hybrids outperformed the purebred STH in terms of body weight, height, oblique body length, and VFAs (p < 0.05). Additionally, the MG × STH F1 higher levels of protease and cellulase in the cecum compared to the purebred sheep (p < 0.05). Metagenomic analysis identified 4,034 different microorganisms at the species level. Five differential organisms (Akkermansiaceae bacterium, Escherichia coli, unclassified p Firmicutes, Streptococcus equinus, Methanobrevibacter millerae) positively regulated sheep performance. Metabolomics identified 822 differential metabolites indoleacetaldehyde, 2-aminobenzoic acid, phenyl-Alanine, enol-phenylpyruvate and n-acetylserotonin were associated with improved performance of sheep. The combined results from the metagenomic and metabolomic studies suggest a positive correlation between specific microbes and metabolites and the performance of the sheep. In conclusion, the MG × STH F1 hybrids demonstrated superior growth performance compared to the purebred STH sheep. The identified microorganisms and metabolites have promising roles in positively regulating sheep growth and can be considered key targets for enhancing sheep performance.

Antimicrobial Resistance in Equines: A Growing Threat to Horse Health and Beyond-A Comprehensive Review

The equine industry holds substantial economic importance not only in the USA but worldwide. The occurrence of various infectious bacterial diseases in horses can lead to severe health issues, economic losses, and restrictions on horse movement and trade. Effective management and control of these diseases are therefore crucial for the growth and sustainability of the equine industry. While antibiotics constitute the primary treatment strategy for any bacterial infections in horses, developing resistance to clinically important antibiotics poses significant challenges to equine health and welfare. The adverse effects of antimicrobial overuse and the escalating threat of resistance underscore the critical importance of antimicrobial stewardship within the equine industry. There is limited information on the epidemiology of antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections in horses. In this comprehensive review, we focus on the history and types of antimicrobials used in horses and provide recommendations for combating drug-resistant bacterial infections in horses. This review also highlights the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in horses, emphasizing the public health significance and transmission dynamics between horses and other animals within a One Health framework. By fostering responsible practices and innovative control measures, we can better help the equine industry combat the pressing threat of AMR and thus safeguard equine as well as public health.

Changes in the Diversity and Composition of Gut Microbiota of Red-Crowned Cranes (Grus japonensis) after Avian Influenza Vaccine and Anthelmintic Treatment

Gut microbiota homeostasis is important for host health and well-being; however, drugs may affect the composition and function of the gut microbiota. Red-crowned cranes are a vulnerable species. Treatment of red-crowned cranes with avian influenza vaccines and anthelmintics has played pivotal roles in therapeutic management in zoos. To investigate the changes in the diversity and composition of gut microbiota after the avian influenza vaccine and anthelmintic treatment, we used 16S rRNA sequencing to obtain and compare the bacterial community composition before and after the treatment. The alpha diversity of the gut microbiota of red-crowned cranes decreased on the day of the treatment and then fluctuated over time. The composition of gut microbiota tended to be similar in the short term after the treatment, as supported by the beta diversity hierarchical cluster analysis. Only 3, 8, and 72 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of the three individuals were shared among the five groups before and after treatment. The relative abundance of Firmicutes significantly increased to 99.04% ± 0.28% on the day of the treatment, in which the relative abundance of Lactobacillus was 93.33% ± 5.85%. KEGG pathways analysis indicated that the main function of the gut microbiota is involved in metabolism, and the present study indicates that the gut microbiota of red-crowned cranes is resilient to the avian influenza vaccine and anthelmintic, even disordered in the short term, and could recover over time. More individual experimentation and functional potential in metabolism are needed in the future to support animal disease control and optimal management in the zoo.