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Swine viral diseases have the capacity to cause significant losses and affect the sector's sustainability, a situation further exacerbated by the lack of antiviral drugs and the limited availability of effective vaccines. In this context, a novel point-of-care (POC) diagnostic device incorporating photonic integrated circuits (PICs), microfluidics and information, and communication technology into a single platform was developed for the field diagnosis of African swine fever (ASF) and classical swine fever (CSF). The device targets viral particles and has been validated using oral fluid and serum samples. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated to assess the performance of the device, and PCR was the reference method employed. Its sensitivities were 80.97% and 79%, specificities were 88.46% and 79.07%, and DOR values were 32.25 and 14.21 for ASF and CSF, respectively. The proposed POC device and PIC sensors can be employed for the pen-side detection of ASF and CSF, thus introducing novel technological advancements in the field of animal diagnostics. The need for proper validation studies of POC devices is highlighted to optimize animal biosecurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Modern dairy cattle farms have intensified greatly in recent years to meet the increased global demand for fresh milk. For this reason, health and welfare risks are a great concern to the dairy industry, with mastitis still being among the most significant, as it decreases milk quality and farmer profit. In the present study, 1004 dairy cows from one farm in Greece were included in the study. Data regarding the animals were collected from the farm's database, while for each cow, health and welfare traits were recorded before collecting milk samples. Each milk sample was tested for somatic cell counts and gross milk composition, and the traits recorded were assessed as potential risk factors affecting milk quality. Higher lactation periods and teat hyperkeratosis seemed to significantly lower milk quality traits and increase somatic cell counts. Udder cleanliness and teat size also had a negative effect on protein content. These results indicate the importance of proper milking routine and hygiene and culling older cows, in improving milk quality. The relevant literature and enhanced milking and management procedures are discussed. Despite years of research devoted to bovine mastitis, the disease remains a serious problem in dairy cattle, causing economic losses to the dairy industry worldwide due to reduced milk yield, lower milk quality, drug costs and early culling of cows. The aim of this study is to determine the importance of several risk factors affecting milk quality in dairy cows, as well as to highlight proper milking techniques. A cross-sectional study was performed in one Greek dairy farm with the inclusion of a total of 1004 Holstein Friesian cows in the study. The udder and teat traits were recorded for each cow, while individual milk samples were used to estimate the somatic cell count (SCC) and gross milk composition. The traits recorded were examined as potential risk factors affecting milk quality using the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and the algorithm stepAIC to select the best linear regression model which explains the data. Overall, the prevalence of mastitis was ca. 9%. With an increase in the lactation period, the SCC increased (p ≤ 0.05) while fat (p ≤ 0.05), protein (p ≤ 0.001) and lactose (p ≤ 0.001) content decreased. Teat hyperkeratosis increased the SCC (p ≤ 0.05) and decreased P content (p ≤ 0.05). Proper husbandry management and milking procedures are considered essential to maintain milk quality of high standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study aimed to investigate the impact of two different machine milking vacuum levels on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of milk and the hygiene of mammary glands in ewes, when administered vitamin E and selenium (Se). The results indicated that the chemical composition of milk was not affected by the vacuum level, but the supplementation of vitamin E and Se had a positive influence on milk quality. Milk yield was notably increased with the 46 kPa vacuum level (high vacuum level). Furthermore, the supplementation of vitamin E and Se reduced the somatic cell count (SCC), which indicated better mammary gland health status at both vacuum levels. Significant differences in total bacterial count (TBC) between the vacuum levels were not observed, regardless of vitamin E and Se administration. In conclusion, the study suggests that increased vacuum level can improve milk yields and the supplementation of animal diets with vitamin E and Se has a positive impact on milk quality as well as on reducing SCC and improving the hygiene of machine milked ewes' mammary glands. The aim of this research was to study the effect of two machine milking vacuum levels on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of milk and mammary gland hygiene of ewes, when vitamin E and Se were administrated supplementarily. The experiment was conducted at the Vlasti Research Station in the Greek province of West Macedonia. Ninety-six ewes of the Mountainous Greek sheep breed were used. Animals were separated in four equal groups of 24 ewes per group. A 2 × 2 factorial design was applied, with two milking vacuum levels (38 kPa and 46 kPa) and two rations, one supplemented with vitamin E (300 I.U.) and Se (3 mg/kg DM feed) and one without any vitamin E and Se supplementation. Six test days were assigned (evening and morning milkings) at 14-day intervals, from April to July. Following milk yield control, milk samples were collected for chemical composition and somatic cell count (SCC) determination. At the end of milking of each lot, the milk from the terminal receiver of the milking machine was received for the evaluation of total bacterial count (TBC). The results revealed that milk yield was improved considerably in the case of 46 kPa vacuum level. Moreover, the chemical composition of milk was not influenced by vacuum level; however, the administration of vitamin E and Se appeared to have a positive effect. Moreover, the addition of vitamin E and Se decreased somatic cell counts (number and log10) at the two assessed machine milking vacuum levels. In reference to TBC and their log10, significant differences were not observed at both milking vacuum levels, regardless of vitamin E and Se administration. Statistical analysis did not indicate any interactions between the factors that were studied. Therefore, it is concluded that the quantity of vitamin E and Se supplemented to the ration has a positive effect on decreasing SCC and consequent positive action in the hygiene of the mammary glands of machine milked ewes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever (ASF) is one of the most dangerous hemorrhagic infectious diseases that affect domestic and wild pigs. Currently, neither a vaccine nor effective treatments are available for this disease. As regards the degree of virulence, ASFV strains can be divided into high, moderate, or low virulence. The main detection methods are based on the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In order to prevent an uncontrolled spread of ASF, new on-site techniques that can enable the identification of an early-stage disease are needed. We have developed a specific immunological SPR-based assay for ASFV antigen detection directly in liquid samples. The developed assay allows us to detect the presence of ASFV at the dose of 103 HAD50/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zoonoses and animal diseases threaten human health and livestock biosecurity and productivity. Currently, laboratory confirmation of animal disease outbreaks requires centralized laboratories and trained personnel; it is expensive and time-consuming, and it often does not coincide with the onset or progress of diseases. Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics are rapid, simple, and cost-effective devices and tests, that can be directly applied on field for the detection of animal pathogens. The development of POC diagnostics for use in human medicine has displayed remarkable progress. Nevertheless, animal POC testing has not yet unfolded its full potential. POC devices and tests for animal diseases face many challenges, such as insufficient validation, simplicity, and portability. Emerging technologies and advanced materials are expected to overcome some of these challenges and could popularize animal POC testing. This review aims to: (i) present the main concepts and formats of POC devices and tests, such as lateral flow assays and lab-on-chip devices; (ii) summarize the mode of operation and recent advances in biosensor and POC devices for the detection of farm animal diseases; (iii) present some of the regulatory aspects of POC commercialization in the EU, USA, and Japan; and (iv) summarize the challenges and future perspectives of animal POC testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swine viral diseases challenge the sector's sustainability by affecting productivity and the health and welfare of the animals. The lack of antiviral drugs and/or effective vaccines renders early and reliable diagnosis the basis of viral disease management, underlining the importance of point-of-care (POC) diagnostics. A novel POC diagnostic device utilizing photonic integrated circuits (PICs), microfluidics, and information and communication technologies for the detection of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and swine influenza A (SIV) was validated using spiked and clinical oral fluid samples. Metrics including sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated to assess the performance of the device. For PRRSV, the device achieved a sensitivity of 83.5%, specificity of 77.8%, and DOR values of 17.66, whereas the values for SIV were 81.8%, 82.2%, and 20.81, respectively. The POC device and PICs can be used for the detection of PRRSV and SIV in the field, paving the way for the introduction of novel technologies in the field of animal POC diagnostics to further optimize livestock biosecurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present the development of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) biosensors for the label-free detection of six emerging and endemic swine viruses, namely: African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV), Classical Swine Fever Virus (CSFV), Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PPRSV), Porcine Parvovirus (PPV), Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV2), and Swine Influenza Virus A (SIV). The optical biosensors are based on evanescent wave technology and, in particular, on Resonant Rings (RRs) fabricated in silicon nitride. The novel biosensors were packaged in an integrated sensing cartridge that included a microfluidic channel for buffer/sample delivery and an optical fiber array for the optical operation of the PICs. Antibodies were used as molecular recognition elements (MREs) and were selected based on western blotting and ELISA experiments to ensure the high sensitivity and specificity of the novel sensors. MREs were immobilized on RR surfaces to capture viral antigens. Antibody–antigen interactions were transduced via the RRs to a measurable resonant shift. Cell culture supernatants for all of the targeted viruses were used to validate the biosensors. Resonant shift responses were dose-dependent. The results were obtained within the framework of the SWINOSTICS project, contributing to cover the need of the novel diagnostic tools to tackle swine viral diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The control of several swine viral diseases relies mainly on evidence-based prevention protocols due to the lack of effective treatments or vaccines. To design these protocols, laboratory investigation of viral infections is critical to confirm their occurrence and determine their epizootiology. However, laboratory confirmation of certain swine viral diseases is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, requiring scientific personnel with relevant expertise. Point-of-Care (POC) diagnostics are tests and devices that provide clinically relevant information on-site, facilitating decision-makers to swiftly take countermeasures for disease control. In the present study, novel photonic biosensors were integrated into a single, automated POC device that can record and analyze changes in the sensors' refractive index, allowing the detection of Porcine Parvovirus (PPV) and Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV-2) in oral fluids within 75 min. The objective of this work was to validate this device using reference and field samples (oral fluids). The system was able to detect PPV and PCV-2 in oral fluid samples satisfactorily. The device can be directly deployed in farms for the fast diagnosis of these diseases, contributing to farm biosecurity. Viral diseases challenge the health and welfare of pigs and undermine the sustainability of swine farms. Their efficient control requires early and reliable diagnosis, highlighting the importance of Point of Care (POC) diagnostics in veterinary practice. The objective of this study was to validate a novel POC system that utilizes Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) and microfluidics to detect swine viral pathogens using oral fluids and Porcine Parvovirus (PPV) and Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV-2) as proofs of concept. The sensitivity and specificity of the device were calculated for both viruses, and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn. PPV had an Area Under Curve (AUC) value of 0.820 (95% CI: 0.760 to 0.880, p < 0.0001), and its optimal efficiency threshold of detection shifts was equal to 4.5 pm (68.6% sensitivity, 77.1% specificity and Limit of Detection (LOD) value 106 viral copies/mL). PCV-2 had an AUC value of 0.742 (95% CI: 0.670 to 0.815, p < 0.0001) and an optimal efficiency threshold of shifts equal to 6.5 pm (69.5% sensitivity, 70.3% specificity and LOD 3.3 × 105 copies/mL). In this work, it was proven that PICs can be exploited for the detection of swine viral diseases. The novel device can be directly deployed on farms as a POC diagnostics tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global meat industry is constantly evolving due to changes in consumer preferences, concerns and lifestyles, as well as monetary, geographical, political, cultural and religious factors. Part of this evolution is the introduction of synthetic antioxidants to increase meat and meat products' shelf-life, and reduce meat spoilage due to lipid and protein oxidation. The public perception that natural compounds are safer and healthier per se has motivated the meat industry to replace synthetic antioxidants with plant-derived ones in meat systems. Despite several promising results from in vitro and in situ studies, the effectiveness of plant-derived antioxidants against lipid and protein oxidation has not been fully documented. Moreover, the utility, usability, marketability and potential health benefits of natural antioxidants are not yet fully proven. The present review aims to (i) describe the major chemical groups of plant-derived antioxidants and their courses of action; (ii) present the application of spices, herbs and fruits as antioxidants in meat systems; and (iii) discuss the legislative framework, future trends, challenges and limitations that are expected to shape their acceptance and mass exploitation by the meat industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite years of research devoted to bovine mastitis, the disease remains a serious problem in dairy cattle, causing economic losses to the dairy industry worldwide due to reduced milk yield, lower milk quality, drug costs and early culling of cows. The aim of this study is to determine the importance of several risk factors affecting milk quality in dairy cows, as well as to highlight proper milking techniques. A cross-sectional study was performed in one Greek dairy farm with the inclusion of a total of 1004 Holstein Friesian cows in the study. The udder and teat traits were recorded for each cow, while individual milk samples were used to estimate the somatic cell count (SCC) and gross milk composition. The traits recorded were examined as potential risk factors affecting milk quality using the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and the algorithm stepAIC to select the best linear regression model which explains the data. Overall, the prevalence of mastitis was ca. 9%. With an increase in the lactation period, the SCC increased ( p ≤ 0.05) while fat ( p ≤ 0.05), protein ( p ≤ 0.001) and lactose ( p ≤ 0.001) content decreased. Teat hyperkeratosis increased the SCC ( p ≤ 0.05) and decreased P content ( p ≤ 0.05). Proper husbandry management and milking procedures are considered essential to maintain milk quality of high standards.

The aim of this research was to study the effect of two machine milking vacuum levels on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of milk and mammary gland hygiene of ewes, when vitamin E and Se were administrated supplementarily. The experiment was conducted at the Vlasti Research Station in the Greek province of West Macedonia. Ninety-six ewes of the Mountainous Greek sheep breed were used. Animals were separated in four equal groups of 24 ewes per group. A 2 × 2 factorial design was applied, with two milking vacuum levels (38 kPa and 46 kPa) and two rations, one supplemented with vitamin E (300 I.U.) and Se (3 mg/kg DM feed) and one without any vitamin E and Se supplementation. Six test days were assigned (evening and morning milkings) at 14-day intervals, from April to July. Following milk yield control, milk samples were collected for chemical composition and somatic cell count (SCC) determination. At the end of milking of each lot, the milk from the terminal receiver of the milking machine was received for the evaluation of total bacterial count (TBC). The results revealed that milk yield was improved considerably in the case of 46 kPa vacuum level. Moreover, the chemical composition of milk was not influenced by vacuum level; however, the administration of vitamin E and Se appeared to have a positive effect. Moreover, the addition of vitamin E and Se decreased somatic cell counts (number and log 10 ) at the two assessed machine milking vacuum levels. In reference to TBC and their log 10 , significant differences were not observed at both milking vacuum levels, regardless of vitamin E and Se administration. Statistical analysis did not indicate any interactions between the factors that were studied. Therefore, it is concluded that the quantity of vitamin E and Se supplemented to the ration has a positive effect on decreasing SCC and consequent positive action in the hygiene of the mammary glands of machine milked ewes.