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An estimated 1.3 million Salmonella infections and 420 deaths occur annually in the United States, with an estimated economic burden of $3.7 billion. More than 50% of US swine operations test positive for Salmonella according to the National Animal Health Monitoring System, and 20% of Salmonella from swine are multidrug resistant (resistant to ≥3 antimicrobial classes) as reported by the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System. This review on Salmonella in swine addresses the current status of these topics by discussing antimicrobial resistance and metal tolerance in Salmonella and the contribution of horizontal gene transfer. A major challenge in controlling Salmonella is that Salmonella is a foodborne pathogen in humans but is often a commensal in food animals and thereby establishes an asymptomatic reservoir state in such animals, including swine. As food animal production systems continue to expand and antimicrobial usage becomes more limited, the need for Salmonella interventions has intensified. A promising mitigation strategy is vaccination against Salmonella in swine to limit animal, environmental, and food contamination. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 10 is February 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Objective The objective of the current study was to investigate the influences of conventional and deep litter systems on antimicrobial resistance in fecal Escherichia coli. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out to detect antimicrobial resistance to E. coli in swine fecal samples in conventional (CO) and deep litter (DE) systems located in western and northeastern Thailand. Individual rectal swab samples were taken only from healthy pigs. A total of 215 individual and healthy pigs were randomly selected for isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility test of E. coli by the disc diffusion method. The test panel included amoxicillin (AMX), colistin (COL), doxycycline (DOX), enrofloxacin (ENR), gentamicin (GEN), kanamycin (KAN), neomycin (NEO), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT). Results There were significant (p

Aflatoxins are toxic and carcinogenic secondary metabolites, produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which contaminate food and feed and threaten human and animal health. To assess the prevalence of aflatoxins in Tanzania, 180 groundnut and 200 maize samples were collected from 9 and 10 districts, respectively. Aflatoxin contamination was quantified using high performance liquid chromatography. Aflatoxins were detected in samples collected from all districts and prevalence ranged from 92 to 100% for groundnuts and 10 to 80% for maize. The mean aflatoxin level for groundnuts was 6.37 μg/kg and the highly contaminated sample had 40.31 μg/kg. For maize, the mean aflatoxin level was 12.47 μg/kg and the highly contaminated sample had 162.40 μg/kg. The estimated average probable daily intake (APDI) of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) from groundnuts consumption was 1.88 ng/kg body weight/day, while for maize, it ranged between 151.98-272.89 ng/kg body weight/day. The APDI for both groundnut and maize exceeded the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) of AFB1 for adults (1 ng/kg body weight/day), bringing about health concerns for populations in Tanzania. Another alarming finding was that 75% of the farmers who provided samples for analysis were not aware of aflatoxins or the negative health impacts from consuming contaminated products. Results reported in this paper show that aflatoxin contaminated staple crops are widely distributed in Tanzania and that the risk of human exposure is high due to diet preferences. Awareness campaigns are required to inform and protect farmers and consumers.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:48:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-09-21 Hospital infections are of great relevance in human and animal health, and fomites are important in the spread of pathogens in hospital units. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of enterobacteria in the operating room of a veterinary hospital, the potential cross-contamination of samples, and to characterise the susceptibility profile of the isolates to antimicrobials. Sixty-five samples were collected from five different surgical procedures. These samples came from the hands and cell phones of the surgical team and pet owners, operating tables, and patients. Species detection was performed through polymerase chain reaction, genetic diversity by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and susceptibility to antimicrobials through an antibiogram. Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis isolates were obtained from eight samples, from the hands of the anaesthesiologist, the pet owner, and the surgeon; the surgeon's, the nurse's and the anaesthesiologist's cell phones, and two surgical tables. Furthermore, PFGE showed high genetic diversity among the isolates, which showed multidrug resistance. The identification of multidrug-resistant E. coli and P. mirabilis on cell phones of the surgical team is a major concern and, although no direct correlation was found, the isolation of these bacteria inside the clean area of the operating room shows the possibility of nosocomial transmission from cell phones to susceptible patients. Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane ,s/n Department of Veterinary Pathology Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP) Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane ,s/n Department of Veterinary Pathology Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP)

Background and Aim: Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is an important foodborne pathogen with worldwide distribution. Data regarding its presence, distribution, virulence, and antimicrobial susceptibility among various animal species and humans in Jordan are lacking. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to isolate and characterize EHEC from human and animal diarrhea fecal samples and ground beef samples. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 and 270 diarrhea fecal samples from humans and animals, respectively, were collected. In addition, 40 ground beef meat samples were collected from retail markets. EHEC was positively identified by detecting Shiga toxins (stx1 and stx2) genes using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were determined using the disk diffusion test. Beta-lactamase production was detected using the double disk diffusion test and the extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) were identified by detection of blaTEM, blaSHV, and OXA-1 genes using multiplex PCR. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to investigate the relatedness of EHEC isolates from different sources. Results: Out of 410 samples, 194 E. coli isolates were positively identified, of which 57 isolates (29%) were classified as EHEC. Thirty-five (61%) of EHEC isolates were serotyped as O157 (19: O157:H7 and 16: O157:NM). The stx1 gene was detected only among the sheep and goats isolates at a rate of 7.6% and 5.2%, respectively, while the stx2 gene was detected in only one ground beef meat sample. EHEC isolates showed high resistance patterns against amoxicillin, gentamycin, cephalexin, and doxycycline. Twenty-four out of 32 EHEC isolates were determined as ESBL producers, among which 14 isolates expressed the blaSHV gene and 19 isolates expressed the blaTEM while four expressed both genes. PFGE analysis revealed two clusters with high similarity (92%) originated from ground beef meat and cattle fecal samples. No similarities were found between human and animal E. coli isolates. Conclusion: Results of this study indicate widespread ESBL EHEC among humans, animals, and ground beef meat samples. These results represent an important alarm that requires the implementation of appropriate preventative measures by both human and animal health sectors to prevent the transmission of this important foodborne pathogen.

Climate change is seen as a significant threat to the sustainability of many species, ecosystems and livestock production systems in many parts of the world. With the rise of average temperatures at the global level, a number of effects occur. These effects lead to different changes in climate, regionally and globally. Livestock sector in Turkey is the leading sector that is most affected by the global climate change due to the predomination of rural economic structure and industries based on developing livestock breeding. Health and welfare in animal production are an integral part of environmental sustainability. Extreme events and seasonal fluctuations affect the welfare of the animals and cause a decline in yield and reproductive performance. Sheep and goat are animals that can make the best use of pasture and use it in every season of the year. In addition to the effects of climate change on ecosystems, it is inevitable that it will create important problems on the natural resources that form the basis of animal production. Climatic characteristics such as temperature and precipitation patterns have a significant impact on the availability of pasture and other resources throughout the year of animals. In this study, it was aimed to reveal the effects of climate change on animal husbandry and especially on sheep and goat breeding.

This study aimed to determine the effect of soaking broiler eggs into boiled water of melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) leaves with different concentrations on the total microbial shell and Specific Gravity of broiler eggs. This research was conducted at the Laboratory of Animal Husbandry, Department of Animal Husbandry, University of Bengkulu and UPTD Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health at the Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health Bengkulu Province. The research used was a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments and each design consisted of 4 replications. P0: Control chicken eggs without soaking in boiled water of melinjo leaves (ARDM). P1: (ARDM) 15%. P2: (ARDM) 30%. P3: (ARDM) 45%. The variables observed in this study were the percentage change in egg weight, the percentage of egg shell weight, specific gravity and TPC (Total Plate Count) of broiler eggs. The results showed that broiler eggs soaked with boiled water from melinjo leaves at a concentration of 15% - 45% had a significant effect (P0.05) on the proportion of shell weight, specific gravity and TPC (Total Plate Count) of broiler eggshells. Immersion of broiler eggs using boiled water of melinjo leaves was not able to reduce the number of egg shells, but was able to distinguish differences in egg weight, shell weight and could produce 21 days of storage compared to eggs without air soaking boiled melinjo leaves (control). Keywords: broiler eggs, melinjo leaves, Specific gravity, TPC (Total Plate Count)

La presencia de aflatoxinas en el ensilaje y en granos que se destinan para la alimentación de los rumiantes en lactación representa un problema para la salud animal y la inocuidad de la leche. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar el contenido de aflatoxina B1 en alimentos consumidos por cabras procedentes de cuatro unidades de producción de leche caprina del altiplano mexicano (APM). Un total de 47 muestras de concentrados y 29 muestras de ensilados procedentes de cuatro unidades de producción de leche caprina del Altiplano Mexicano (APM). Se analizaron 47 muestras de concentrados y 29 muestras de ensilados por Cromatografía de Líquidos de Alta Resolución (HPLC), empleando una columna de fase reversa y detección por fluorescencia previa derivatización de las aflatoxinas. Los resultados mostraron que el 38.29 % y 31.02 % de las muestras de concentrados y ensilados respectivamente presentaron niveles de AFB1 superiores al límite máximo permisible establecido por la Unión Europea (UE) (0.05 µg/kg); mientras el 29.78 % y 10.34 % para concentrados y ensilados respectivamente presentaron valores superiores a los 20 µg/kg propuesto por la norma oficial mexicana. Los resultados obtenidos corroboran la problemática actual de la presencia de aflatoxinas en la alimentación de las cabras lactantes, al poder metabolizarse esta toxina en aflatoxina M1 y afectar la inocuidad de la leche y derivados de encontrarse la misma.

Occurrence of mycotoxins in agricultural products represents a risk for human and animal health. Therefore, there is a requirement of strategies to mitigate their harmful impacts. This study investigated the effects of phytic acid (IP6) on the immunological response of pro-(interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, interferon (IFN)-γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines and β-defensins 1 (pBD-1) and 2 (pBD-2) in porcine jejunal explants exposed to deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisin B1 (FB1). The explants were exposed to the following treatments: control, DON (10 μM), DON plus IP6 2.5 mM or 5 mM, FB1 (70 μM), FB1 IP6 plus 2.5 or 5 mM. The expression levels of the cytokines were measured by RT-qPCR. The exposure to FB1 and DON induced intestinal lesions. The presence of 2.5 and 5 mM IP6 inhibited the morphological changes induced by the mycotoxins. The explants exposed to DON showed an increase in the expression of IL-1β and IL-8 and a decrease in the levels of IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-10 and pBD-2. IP6 (5 mM) decreased the expression of IL-8 and increased the expression in pBD-1 and 2 compared to DON alone. FB1 induced a significant decrease in the levels of most of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-10 and pBD-1, and an increase in IL-1β expression. The addition of IP6 5 mM induced significant increase in TNF-α expression compared to FB1. Taken together, the results suggest IP6 modulates immunological changes induced by DON and FB1 on intestinal mucosa resulting in beneficial effects that contribute to intestinal homeostasis and health.

Bauhinia thonningii is a woody leguminous tree species, which is endowed with enormous soil improvement, medicinal, nutritional, and socio-ecological benefits in African. The current study was carried out to systematically review and document findings on the multiple benefits of B. thonningii and thereby identify gaps and opportunities for further comprehensive studies. A systematic and manual search was conducted to retrieve relevant articles published from 1974 to June 2021. Electronic databases of PubMed (Medline), Google Scholar, and grey literature were employed to access the studies. Accordingly, 100 articles and 2 thesis papers were finally included in this study. The study shows B. thonningii tree species improve soil fertility and its abundant litter accumulated from the leaves of B. thonningii trees contributed to increased organic carbon and total nitrogen content. The plant parts are used in several traditional medicine to treat different human and animal ailments. The pods and seeds of the plant contained a lot of important nutrients and nutritional value, beneficial to human as well as animal health. The plant plays a key role in biomass production and carbon sequestration potential. Owing to its multiple benefits, there is an urgent need to facilitate the scaling-up of the use of the tree by using various approaches. The findings will serve as a useful reference for further in depth investigations on the multifunctional uses of the plant across different ecozone as well as supporting the scale up of the benefits of the species.

Skeletal abnormalities in farmed fish are one of the main problems that negatively affect the production enterprises in terms of economic, biological and animal health. Fish with skeletal deformities in hatcheries are considered as non-economic individuals and are therefore detected and removed manually from the production tanks, which is a time consuming and laborious work for the facilities. Since the formation of abnormalities in the skeletal structure of the fish during the early growth period cause reduced swimming ability or speed that prevent fish to compete during feeding. Further, since deformed fish has no market value, even the share of a small amount of feed among deformed fish will reduce the feed conversion for the market targeted individuals within the culture tank that in terms may increase the production cost per fish. Therefore, in culture conditions it is important to remove the deformed fish from the tank environment by quickly determining those fellows at the early stage of growth. The present study evaluates the effects of water velocity on swimming behavior of juvenile seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and provides a solution for a rapid identification -and mechanical removal of deformed fish from the culture environment by using swimming speed slowdown -and behavioral differences as an indicator of deformation.

Background and Aim: Sheep production plays a crucial role in the economy of Lesotho by increasing economic state of the rural poor. However, gastrointestinal parasites infection is the most limiting factor in sheep productivity and has a highly detrimental effect on the sheep industry. Therefore this study aimed to evaluate farmers' awareness and understanding of controlling gastrointestinal parasites of merino sheep in four Lesotho agro-ecological zones. Materials and Methods: Data were collected using a simple random sampling of 106 farmers in the lowlands, foothills, mountains, and Senqu river valley. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 20.00). Descriptive statistics were employed with cross-tabulations and tested with Chi-square and post hoc tests. Results: The majority of farmers (80%) were aware of the gastrointestinal parasites. Most farmers (70%) reported a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and associated it with lamb mortality in summer and autumn. Farmers use anthelmintics for treating gastrointestinal parasites in animals, and 93% of them reported the effectiveness of the drugs. However, more than 80% of farmers routinely use anthelmintics. The results revealed that 81.5%, 66.7%, 80%, and 66.7% of farmers from the lowlands, foothills, mountains, and Senqu river valley, respectively, keep sheep in non-roofed enclosures cleaned only after rains to avoid mud. Communal grazing is used as the main source of animal feeding where different livestock species share the same rangelands. Most farmers (more than 70%) believed that grazing lands were the main source of gastrointestinal parasites transmission. Conclusion: Farmers in Lesotho are aware of gastrointestinal parasites and apply control methods to combat the gastrointestinal parasites in merino sheep. However, a need still exists for them to be empowered with skills for improving management systems and the knowledge on how the gastrointestinal parasites behave at different times of the year and in different agro-ecological zones. This will assist them in adhering to the dosing schedule designed by animal health experts.

The benefits of probiotics for the improvement of animal health status have been of great interest in recent years. For this reason, in this study was aimed at assessing a strain with probiotic potential to be added to the feed. Therefore, the objective of this trial is to use a strain with probiotic potential isolated from the intestinal microbiota of Helix aspersa Müller to subsequently add it to the feed of this species to improve its health status. So, the strain is characterized, and its probiotic potential is demonstrated. Finally, with the aim of preserving the probiotic strain by freeze-drying so that it can later be added to the feed, different cryoprotectants were studied that could give it a higher survival rate over time. The cryoprotectant that gives the best result with strain survival rate is trehalose 15%.

Background Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungal species that colonize cereal crops and, consequently, contaminate them with these toxic compounds, either in the field or in post-harvest commodities. Maize (Zea mays L.), one of the most prominent crops worldwide, is a great example of infected cultivars with severe impacts mostly affecting farmer and livestock workers, with direct losses in crops, production profitability, animal health and product safety. Scope and approach This review aims at describing and evaluating published occurrence studies from 2005 to 2020, regarding the identification and quantification of regulated, masked, and emerging mycotoxins throughout the several stages of the complex food chain of maize. An overview of global occurrence surveys and small-scale studies in individual countries is performed, being the use of LC-MS/MS as the analytical approach for characterizing the mycotoxic profile a crucial selection factor. Key findings and conclusions Deoxynivalenol and zearalenone are the most prevalent mycotoxins encountered at the primary level of the maize chain for both grain-maize and whole maize plants. Maize silage, a major component of dairy feed, is a main source of aflatoxin B1, and, also, of deoxynivalenol and zearalenone. Maize grains for feed or food, have the highest values of fumonisins, and, in certain worldwide regions, of aflatoxins. Emerging mycotoxins are highly present in the overall feed and food chain. Co-contamination patterns were very frequent in all studies, which presents itself as important data to re-evaluate the current legal maximum limits established.

The main aim of this study was to determine the levels of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in commercial canned and pouched cat foods (salmon, tuna, liver, fish, and other aquatic products) and assess the potential health risks to kitten (≤ 1 years old) and adult cats (≥ 1 years old) associated with the recommended average consumption rate of labels. The study was also aimed to adapt the health risk assessment method to animal health and to support clinical prevention and diagnosis. The detected levels of the metals were below the data from other studies, except the mean Fe in all and Pb levels in salmon and kitten foods. Target hazard quotient (THQ) and total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) values did not exceed 1. That means the studied metals do not pose a health risk for adult cats and kittens. Dietary Hg and Cd should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of cases with clinical or postmortem findings, especially regarding neurological, kidney, and liver tissues. In conclusion, although canned/pouched consumption does not pose a health risk with regard to metals, further studies of health risk assessment for other pollutants by this first adaptation method will be necessary.

Context Safe and effective capture methods are crucial for improving our understanding and management of many wildlife species. The adaptation of established capture methods to novel situations requires critical evaluation because differences in environmental conditions and species’ susceptibility to trauma and capture myopathy can produce unexpected outcomes. Helicopter net-gunning has been a valuable tool for capturing wild deer in New Zealand and the Americas, but there are no practical records of its use in Australia and only one report of it being used to capture three fallow deer (Dama dama) elsewhere. Aims The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a helicopter-based net-gun capture technique for wild fallow deer by quantifying the efficacy of the technique and the frequency of injuries and deaths. Methods We captured fallow deer over two 3-day operations at a 135 km2 site in eastern Australia. We collected data on operational efficiency and variables expected to affect animal health and welfare, such as injuries and the duration of stressful procedures. We used GPS tracking collars with an accelerometer and a mortality-sensing function to monitor post-release survival and activity of fallow deer. Key results In total, 127 deer were targeted for capture, with nets fired at 64 deer (50%) and 27 deer captured (21%). Mortality within 30 days of capture was zero. Mean chase time was 2 min 46 s and mean total time from start of chase until release was 11 min 19 s. No animals were severely injured or euthanased, but hyperthermia was observed in 33% of captured animals. Conclusions Helicopter net-gunning was an effective and safe method for capturing wild fallow deer when compared with alternative methods. Implications We recommend that researchers consider using helicopter net-gunning to capture fallow deer in Australia and elsewhere, and other deer species in Australia.

Body temperature is an important parameter for assessing animal health and physiological function. An iButton thermometer was used to measure the body temperatures of three Chinese pangolins (Manis pentadacyla) and three Sunda pangolins (M. javanica). The body temperature of Chinese pangolins was 33.2 ± 0.95°C (30.6–34.2°C, n = 3) and that of Sunda pangolins was 32.8 ± 0.48°C (31.7–34.2°C, n = 3). The daily variation in body temperature was 1.0–2.9°C in three Chinese pangolins and 1.2–1.9°C in three Sunda pangolins. The body temperature of Sunda pangolins tended to rise at night, with the highest body temperatures occurring mostly at night. This study provides valuable body temperature data for Chinese and Sunda pangolins and lays the foundation for future research on their mechanisms of body temperature regulation., The body temperatures of Chinese pangolin and Sunda pangolin were 33.2 ± 0.95°C (30.6–34.2°C) and 32.8 ± 0.48°C (31.7–34.2°C). The daily variation of Chinese pangolin body temperature was up to 2.9°C, while the Sunda pangolin body temperature fluctuated between 1.2°C and 1.9°C. The body temperature of Sunda pangolins tended to rise at night, and the highest body temperature mostly appeared at night.

Vector-borne pathogens, such as Bourbon virus (BRBV), Heartland virus (HRTV), West Nile virus (WNV), and Trypanosoma cruzi (TCZ) are a great threat to public health and animal health. We developed a panel of TaqMan real-time PCR assays for pathogen surveillance. PCR targets were selected based on nucleic acid sequences deposited in GenBank. Primers and probes were either designed de novo or selected from publications. The coverages and specificities of the primers and probes were extensively evaluated by performing BLAST searches. Synthetic DNA or RNA fragments (gBlocks) were used as PCR templates in initial assay development and PCR positive controls in subsequent assay validation. For operational efficiency, the same thermocycling profile was used in BRBV, HRTV, and WNV reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays, and a similar thermocycling profile without the initial reverse-transcription step was used in TCZ qPCR. The assays were optimized by titrating primer and probe concentrations. The analytical sensitivities were 100, 100, 10, and 10 copies of gBlock per reaction for BRBV (Cq = 36.0 ± 0.7), HRTV (Cq = 36.6 ± 0.9), WNV (Cq = 35.5 ± 0.4), and TCZ (Cq = 38.8 ± 0.3), respectively. PCR sensitivities for vector genomic DNA or RNA spiked with gBlock reached 100, 100, 10, and 10 copies per reaction for BRBV, HRTV, WNV, and TCZ, respectively. PCR specificity evaluated against a panel of non-target pathogens showed no significant cross-reactivity. Our BRBV, HRTV, WNV, and TCZ PCR panel could support epidemiologic studies and pathogen surveillance.

Dairy calf nutrition is traditionally one of the most overlooked aspects of dairy management, despite its large effect on the efficiency and profitability of dairy operations. Unfortunately, among all animals on the dairy farm, calves suffer from the highest rates of morbidity and mortality. These challenges have catalyzed calf nutrition research over the past decade to mitigate high incidences of disease and death, and improve animal health, growth, welfare, and industry sustainability. However, major knowledge gaps remain in several crucial stages of development. The purpose of this review is to summarize the key concepts of nutritional physiology and programming from conception to puberty and their subsequent effects on development of the calf, and ultimately, future performance. During fetal development, developmental plasticity is highest. At this time, maternal energy and protein consumption can influence fetal development, likely playing a critical role in calf and heifer development and, importantly, future production. After birth, the calf's first meal of colostrum is crucial for the transfer of immunoglobulin to support calf health and survival. However, colostrum also contains numerous bioactive proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates that may play key roles in calf growth and health. Extending the delivery of these bioactive compounds to the calf through a gradual transition from colostrum to milk (i.e., extended colostrum or transition milk feeding) may confer benefits in the first days and weeks of life to prepare the calf for the preweaning period. Similarly, optimal nutrition during the preweaning period is vital. Preweaning calves are highly susceptible to health challenges, and improved calf growth and health can positively influence future milk production. Throughout the world, the majority of dairy calves rely on milk replacer to supply adequate nutrition. Recent research has started to re-evaluate traditional formulations of milk replacers, which can differ significantly in composition compared with whole milk. Transitioning from a milk-based diet to solid feed is critical in the development of mature ruminants. Delaying weaning age and providing long and gradual step-down protocols have become common to avoid production and health challenges. Yet, determining how to appropriately balance the amount of energy and protein supplied in both liquid and solid feeds based on preweaning milk allowances, and further acknowledging their interactions, shows great promise in improving growth and health during weaning. After weaning and during the onset of puberty, heifers are traditionally offered high-forage diets. However, recent work suggests that an early switch to a high-forage diet will depress intake and development during the time when solid feed efficiency is greatest. It has become increasingly clear that there are great opportunities to advance our knowledge of calf nutrition; yet, a more concentrated and rigorous approach to research that encompasses the long-term consequences of nutritional regimens at each stage of life is required to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of the global dairy industry.

Objective: This study explored the mechanism of the Kelch-like erythroid cell-derived protein with CNC homology-associated protein 1 (Keap1)–nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway under conditions of zearalenone (ZEA)-induced oxidative stress in the duodenum of post-weaning gilts. Methods: Forty post-weaning gilts were randomly allocated to four groups and fed diets supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 mg/kg ZEA. Results: The results showed significant reductions in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and increases the malondialdehyde content with increasing concentrations of dietary ZEA. Immunohistochemical analysis supported these findings by showing a significantly increased expression of Nrf2 and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) with increasing concentrations of ZEA. The relative mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2, GPX1 increased linearly (p

Rangifer tarandus, the northern species including both reindeer and caribou, is a pillar of northern ecosystems and the lives of northern peoples. As the only domestic cervid, reindeer are important not only to the herders and hunters who presently interact with them, but also to zooarchaeologists and palaeontologists tracing their histories. Unfortunately, limited anatomical information on Rangifer tarandus muscles is available beyond descriptions of the large muscle groups. The lower limb and hoof in particular is poorly documented. This is problematic, as this important body part has the potential to be informative in zooarchaeological analyses of habitual activity, especially in regards to historical animal health, movement, and habitual activity. Better understanding of the hoof can additionally be useful to herders and veterinarians seeking to provide veterinary care for living animals. This study has used dissections and comparisons of the reindeer hoof with other domestic ungulates to document both the common and unique structures in Rangifer tarandus hooves, including the presence and attachment points of these structures. As these structures have proved unique, especially in regards to the dewclaw, it is important that other ungulates not be used exclusively in the analysis of Rangifer tarandus remains.

The proper diagnosis of gastrointestinal parasites of small ruminants requires the development of multivalent techniques characterized by high sensitivity, specificity, precision, reproducibility, and the ability to quickly detect and monitor infections that pose risks to animal health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of Mini-FLOTAC technique and McMaster egg counting (gold standard) in the detection of gastrointestinal parasites of goats and sheep. A total of 789 fecal samples were analyzed (401 of sheep and 388 of goats). From those, nematode eggs were detected in 80.86% (638/789), being 72.57% (291/401) from sheep and 89.43% (347/388) from goats. The Mini-FLOTAC technique presented a better performance to detect helminth eggs in both goats (88.40%; 343/388) and sheep (71.57%; 287/401) (?2 = 10.358; p < 0.0001). Kappa analysis revealed a weak concordance between techniques for goats (k = 0.342; p < 0.001) and sheep (k = 0.281; p < 0.001). Data herein reported suggests that the Mini-FLOTAC is a technique more sensitive than the McMaster egg counting, therefore its use might be adopted for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal infection in small ruminants.

Introduction The aim of the study was to carry out epizootic assessment of male roe deer to detect the presence of Cephenemyia stimulator larvae and determine the influence of the parasite on the carcass and antler weight in animals living in different habitats. Material and Methods The investigations were based on post-mortem analysis of Cephenemyia stimulator infestations of the nasal passages and throat of 177 male roe deer culled between May 11 and September 30, 2020 in hunting districts of the Lublin region in Poland. The individual quality of the animals was assessed by weighing the gutted carcasses after cooling, and the antlers were weighed after dissection and their total weight was determined. Results The parasite prevalence ranged from18 to 48% according to habitat type, with a mean value of 33%. The highest prevalence was detected in bucks living in grassland ecosystems. The presence of the parasites exerted influence on the individual condition of the animals, which was reflected in reduced carcass and antler weight. The differences were found both in young individuals and in somatically fully developed animals, but they were not statistically significant in all age groups. Conclusion Although the parasitic infestations impaired the individual condition traits, their parametric values in most cases were not lower than those reported from other regions of Poland. Despite the Cephenemyia stimulator infestation, male roe deer from the Lublin region are characterised by high carcass and antler weight.

Objective: Weaning is an important stage in the life of young mammals, which is associated with intestinal inflammation, gut microbiota disorders, and even death. β-Carotene displays anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which can prevent the development of inflammatory diseases. However, whether β-carotene can affect intestinal microbiota remains unclear. Methods: Twenty-four piglets were distributed into four groups: the normal suckling group (Con), the weaning group (WG), the weaning+β-carotene (40 mg/kg) group (LCBC), and the weaning+β-carotene (80 mg/kg) group (HCBC). The serum, jejunum, colon, and faeces were collected separately from each group. The effects of β-carotene on the phenotype, overall structure, and composition of gut microbiota were assessed in weaning piglets. Results: The results showed that β-carotene improved the growth performance, intestinal morphology and relieved inflammation. Furthermore, β-carotene significantly decreased the species from phyla Bacteroidetes and the genus Prevotella, and Blautia, and increased the species from the phyla Firmicutes and the genera p-75-a5, and Parabacteroides compared to the WG group. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed that Prevotella and Blautia were positively correlated, and Parabacteroides and Synergistes were negatively correlated with the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), while p-75-a5 showed negative correlation with IL-6 in serum samples from piglets. Conclusion: These findings indicate that β-carotene could alleviate weaning-induced intestinal inflammation by modulating gut microbiota in piglets. Prevotella may be a potential target of β-carotene in alleviating the weaning-induced intestinal inflammation in piglets.

Parasites cause damage to the health of pets and can affect human health. This study aimed to investigate the frequency and diversity of parasites in dogs domiciled in the city of Chapecó, Santa Catarina. The collections took place from October to December 2018, in three neighborhoods of the city. One animal per household was included in the sample, totaling 150. For the evaluation of ectoparasites, the semiological means of investigation were used. Fresh animal feces were collected to search for endoparasites. The samples were conducted and evaluated at the Unochapecó Zoology and Parasitology Laboratory. To process the samples, two techniques were used: floating (Millis-Molay) and sedimentation (Dennis Stones). The study also included a survey with animal tutors about their welfare and health care conditions. In all, 23 dogs (15.3%) presented ectoparasites specie of Ctenocephalides canis (Curtis, 1826). The endoparasites found were Trichuris vulpis (6% by flotation technique and 3.3% by sedimentation) and Ancylostoma spp. (4.7%) by the flotation technique. The frequency of animals affected by parasites highlights the importance of broader and systematic animal health care. Los parásitos causan daños a la salud de las mascotas y pueden afectar la salud humana. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la frecuencia y diversidad de parásitos en perros domiciliados en la ciudad de Chapecó, Santa Catarina. Las investigaciones se llevaron a cabo de octubre a diciembre de 2018, en tres barrios de la ciudad. En la muestra se incluyó un animal por residencia, totalizando 150. Para la evaluación de ectoparásitos se utilizaron medios de investigación semiológicos. Se recogieron heces frescas de los animales para la búsqueda de endoparásitos. Las muestras fueron evaluadas en el Laboratorio de Zoología y Parasitología de Unochapecó. Para el procesamiento de las muestras se utilizaron dos técnicas: flotación (Millis-Molay) y sedimentación (Dennis Stones). El estudio también incluyó una encuesta con tutores de animales sobre su bienestar y condiciones de atención médica. En total, en 23 perros (15,3%) se encontraron ectoparásitos de la especie Ctenocephalides canis. Los endoparásitos Trichuris vulpis (6% por la técnica de flotación y 3,3% por sedimentación) y Ancylostoma spp. (4,7%) utilizando la técnica de flotación. La frecuencia de animales afectados por parásitos destaca la importancia de una atención más amplia y sistemática para la salud de los animales. Parasitos causam danos à saúde de animais de companhia e podem afetar a saúde humana. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a frequência e a diversidade de parasitoses em cães domiciliados no município de Chapecó, Santa Catarina. As coletas ocorreram nos meses de outubro a dezembro de 2018, em três bairros da cidade. Um animal por residência foi incluído na amostra, totalizando 150. Para a avaliação de ectoparasitas foram utilizados os meios semiológicos de investigação. Foram coletadas fezes frescas dos animais para a busca por endoparasitas. As amostras foram conduzidas e avaliadas no Laboratório de Zoologia e Parasitologia da Unochapecó. Para o processamento das amostras foram utilizadas duas técnicas sendo a de flutuação (Millis-Molay) e sedimentação (Dennis Stones). O estudo contou ainda com um inquérito junto aos tutores dos animais sobre as condições de bem estar e cuidados com a saúde dos mesmos. Ao todo, em 23 cães (15,3%) foram encontrados ectoparasitas da espécie Ctenocephalides canis. Foram observados os endoparasitas Trichuris vulpis (6% pela técnica de flutuação e 3,3% por sedimentação) e Ancylostoma spp. (4,7%) pela técnica de flutuação. A frequência de animais acometidos por parasitos destaca a importância de cuidados mais amplo e sistemático com a saúde dos animais.

Erinaceus europaeus is a cosmopolitan mammalian species broadly distributed in Europe, from natural to suburban areas. Due to its ecological role and susceptibility to distinct zoonotic agents, E. europaeus could be a suitable sentinel candidate for many global problems that negatively affect human and animal health. Hedgehogs can work as bioindicators to environmental contamination and can be hosts for multiple tickborne zoonotic agents. Thus, people who directly or indirectly make physical contact with this species are exposed to a variety of threats. Moreover, it has also been studied as an indicator for antibiotic resistance, which was already confirmed for tetracyclines. Additionally, it was also reported as a reservoir for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). More recently, hedgehogs have been recently recognised as potential reservoirs of MERS-CoV-like strains. Among other animals, this species can possibly represent an intermediate reservoir for SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this review is to briefly expose the scientific attainments about hedgehog health, namely agents, diseases, and threats that significantly affect general health concerns and that contribute to achieve One Health principles.

In this study, the effects of alkaline stress on germination growth of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) were investigated. As plant material landraces 2006, 4403 and 1603 and the registered varieties GAP Blue and Iptas were used. Alkali stress was generated using Na2CO3 and applied at 6 concentrations 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 ve 50 mM). The study was arranged as split plot design with 3 replications, and 20 seeds from each genotype were placed in a petri dish and 10 ml of Na2CO3 solution was added to the petri dishes. Then, the petri dishes were tightly covered with parafilm and allowed to germinate in the dark environment at 20 ± 1 ° C for 7 days in the climate room. In the experiment, germination speed, germination rate, root length, shoot length, root fresh and dry weights, seedling vigour index and ODAP content were examined. it was determined that 1603 local populations respond well to alkali stress as well as varietie in terms of the investigated traits. The 1603 local populations responded well to alkali stress as well as varietie in terms of the investigated traits. It was observed that the plants had an acceptable germination development even at 20 mM alkali doseBesides, it was determined that the ODAP content decreased with increasing doses and was below the level that would adversely affect animal health in all genotypes and doses. Accordingly, it was determined that the grass pea was positively affected by mild alkali stress, and the results obtained from the study shed light on future studies.

Determining the health of animals is important. So, acute-phase proteins consider as important markers of animal health. The acute-phase response is characterized by increased circulating levels of acute-phase proteins released by the liver. In addition, pneumonia is an emerging problem in dromedary camels, with no data available on the diagnostic significance of the markers of acute phase proteins in pneumonic camels. In this report, 44 pneumonic camels were diagnosed by histopathologic analysis of lung tissue from a total of 65 camels. In addition, five healthy camels were used as control groups. Interstitial pneumonia and fibrinous bronchopneumonia were revealed by histopathology. Blood samples were collected from both groups for determination of haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen. The result revealed highly significant elevations in haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen (1.00±0.06 g/l, 13.49±0.16mg/l, and 5.47±0.47g/l respectively) in case of interstitial pneumonia, and also the result revealed highly significant elevations in haptoglobin, C-reactive protein and fibrinogen (1.04±0.05g/l, 13.64±0.21mg/l, and5.25±0.33g/l respectively) in case of fibrinous bronchopneumonia than in controls. The present study concluded that haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen that serve as diagnostic parameters for pneumonia in camels.

Background Salmonella enterica is a zoonotic pathogen of substantial concern to human and animal health and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in people worldwide. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology is a new type of nucleic acid amplification technology, which has the characteristics of high specificity, high sensitivity, simple operation, convenience, and low cost. This study aims to establish a rapid detection method for Salmonella based on LAMP technology. Methods Primers were designed for Salmonella's specific conservative invA gene. Through primer screening and optimization of reaction conditions, and a LAMP method for detecting Salmonella with real-time fluorescence and visual observation results was established. The sensitivity and specificity of the method were assessed, and the accuracy was evaluated through the testing of Salmonella-contaminated and non-contaminated clinical samples. Results The optimal reaction temperature of LAMP was 60-65 °C, and the optimal reaction time was 25-30 minutes. The detection limits of real-time fluorescence and visual observation were both 1.4 pg/µL. There was no cross-reactivity observed with 22 non-Salmonella species, and the specificity was 100%. Additionally, 30 samples contaminated with Salmonella, 30 samples not contaminated with Salmonella, and 8 clinical samples identified as positive by bacterial culture and microbial mass spectrometry were tested. The positive coincidence rate of the detection system was 97.4% by real-time fluorescence and 89.5% by visual observation, the negative coincidence rate was 100%, and the total coincidence rate was 98.5% and 94.1%, respectively. Conclusions In the scene of infection, primary hospital, disaster area treatment and other scenarios, the conditions of environment, equipment and personnel was limited, therefore, the established real-time fluorescence and visual lamp method can provide a powerful means for the rapid detection of Salmonella.

With the increasing scale of farms and the correspondingly higher number of laying hens, it is increasingly difficult for farmers to monitor their animals in a traditional way. Early warning of abnormal animal activities is helpful for farmers’ fast response to the negative impact on animal health, animal welfare and daily management. This study introduces an automatic and non-invasive method for detecting abnormal poultry activities using a 3D depth camera. A typical region including eighteen Hy-line brown laying hens was continuously monitored by a top-view Kinect during 49 continuous days. A mean prediction model (MPM), based on the frame difference algorithm, was built to monitor animal activities and occupation zones. As a result, this method reported abnormal activities with an average accuracy of 84.2% and a rate of misclassifying abnormal events of 15.8% (PFPR). Additionally, it was found that the flock showed a diurnal change pattern in the activity and occupation quantified index. They also presented a similar changing pattern each week.

This article aims to present the current state of the fight against gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants from Improved Traditional Drugs (DTI). A host of scientific documents were consulted by means of search engines to gather the information useful for this synthesis. The failure of conventional treatments has led to the use of new methods to treat digestive pathologies due to internal parasitism in herds of sheep and goats. These include, among others, herbal medicine, homeopathy, aromatherapy, the mixed grazing system for small and large ruminants, ... All plant parts of plants can be used in the preparation of remedies. Several scientific studies show that plants are full of chemical compounds that cause anthelmintic effects on gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants. Literature searches have revealed that studies on DTIs in the management of gastrointestinal nematodes in small ruminants are non-existent. In addition to the forms (decocted, macerated, infused, etc.) traditionally used by breeders, there are other forms that can be used to make DTIs from plant extracts. There are capsules, capsules, tablets etc. The placing on the market of DTIs requires official authorization based on the safety and reproducibility of the products. From the documents consulted, it appears that scientific research has not yet focused on the formulation of DTIs for the treatment of gastrointestinal parasitic nematodes in small ruminants. It will be useful to manufacture them to facilitate access to veterinary care and the sustainable management of animal health. Keywords: Improved Traditional Drugs; Gastrointestinal nematodes; Small ruminants, West Africa; Central Africa.

Heat stress is one of the main obstacles to achieving efficient cattle production systems, and it may have numerous adverse effects on cattle. As the planet undergoes climatic changes, which is predicted to raise the earth's average temperature by 1.5 °C between 2030 and 2052, its impact may trigger several stressful factors for livestock. Among these, an increase in core body temperature would trigger physiological imbalance, consequently affecting reproduction, animal health, and dry matter intake adversely. Core body temperature increase is commonly observed and poses challenges to livestock farmers. In cattle farming, thermal stress severely affects milk production and weight gain, and can compromise food security in the coming years. This review presents an updated approach to the physiological and thermoregulatory responses of cattle under various environmental conditions. Strategies for mitigating the harmful effects of heat stress on livestock are suggested as viable alternatives for the betterment of production systems.

Objective This research evaluated the effects of 2 milk replacer (MR) formulations on lamb performance, morbidity, mortality, and antibiotic usage and health-associated costs of artificial lamb rearing. Materials and Methods East-Friesian male lambs (n = 206; BW = 4.9 ± 0.24 kg; 2–5 d of age) were stratified by BW and age and randomly allocated to 1 of 8 pens per treatment (10–15 lambs/pen). Lambs were artificially reared on 1 of 2 commercially available MR formulations [MR1 (100% milk protein): 25.3% protein, 26.5% milk fat, 34.9% lactose; MR2 (milk protein + hydrolyzed wheat protein): 23% protein, 24.3% vegetable oil, 30.4% lactose]. The MR was offered ad libitum via automatic feeders, mixed on-demand at 230 g/L of MR at 37°C. Lambs had free access to grass hay throughout the study. Lamb BW was recorded on entry and weekly thereafter to determine ADG and the time taken to reach a minimum of 13.5 kg of BW. Individual animal health assessments were undertaken daily for the first 4 d and weekly thereafter, and any animal health issues were recorded. All animal health interventions including antibiotic use, mortality, and labor requirements for animal health and hygiene management were recorded. Results and Discussion Lamb mortality was similar between MR1 and MR2 lambs (8 vs. 10%, P = 0.79). Overall, ADG was greater for MR1 than MR2 (mean ± SE: 296 ± 17.6 vs. 242 ± 17.7 g/d, P = 0.02). For lambs not treated with antibiotics, ADG was greater in MR1 versus MR2 lambs (331 ± 12.3 vs. 305 ± 13.5 g/d, P = 0.03) resulting in fewer days to reach a minimum of 13.5 kg of BW (target for weaning: 30 ± 1.3 vs. 33 ± 1.4 d, P = 0.03). Thus, the percentage of lambs that reached 13.5 kg without antibiotic treatment was greater in MR1 than in MR2 lambs (73 ± 4.4 vs. 48 ± 4.9%, P Implications and Applications Milk replacer formulation did not affect mortality rates; however, ADG was greater and morbidity, antibiotic use, and costs of animal health interventions were lower in lambs reared on a MR formulated from 100% milk proteins and fats compared with MR containing a combination of milk protein, hydrolyzed wheat protein, and vegetable oil.

Dirofilaria immitis, also known as heartworm, is a major parasitic threat for dogs and cats around the world. Because of its impact on the health and welfare of companion animals, heartworm disease is of huge veterinary and economic importance especially in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Within the animal health market many different heartworm preventive products are available, all of which contain active components of the same drug class, the macrocyclic lactones. In addition to compliance issues, such as under-dosing or irregular treatment intervals, the occurrence of drug-resistant heartworms within the populations in the Mississippi River areas adds to the failure of preventive treatments. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the disease, summarize the current disease control measures and highlight potential new avenues and best practices for treatment and prevention., Graphical abstract Image 1

Objective No antimicrobial, tilmicosin, or tildipirosin were evaluated for the control of bovine respiratory disease (BRD), and additional days on feed (DOF) were evaluated for effects on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Mexican-origin steers. Materials and Methods A split-plot design was used with 2 DOF treatments nested within 3 metaphylaxis treatments. Steers originating from Mexico (n = 4,086; 213 ± 31.2 kg) were randomly assigned to on-arrival metaphylaxis treatments: 1) no antimicrobial (CON), 2) 13.2 mg/kg tilmicosin (MIC), or 3) 4 mg/kg tildipirosin (ZUP). Ten pen replications per metaphylaxis treatment were used (30 pens). Approximately 30 to 45 d before projected slaughter date, steers were randomly assigned within each of the 30 pens to 1 of 2 DOF (sort groups) treatments shipped for slaughter 28 d apart: 1) early slaughter averaging 50 d (range: 46 to 63 d) after the sort or 2) late slaughter averaging 78 d (range: 74 to 91 d) after the sort, resulting in 60 pens. Results and Discussion Metaphylaxis with MIC (5.56%) or ZUP (3.58%) reduced (P Conclusions and Applications Metaphylaxis improved animal health compared with no metaphylaxis, and tildipirosin improved morbidity but not mortality compared with tilmicosin. Live growth slowed but live and carcass weight increased with additional DOF. Carcass characteristics indicated increased marbling and fatness occurred with additional DOF.

Ammonia emissions damage the environment and have negative consequences for human and animal health. In the German livestock sector, most ammonia emissions come from naturally ventilated dairy barns. To reduce emissions, Germany has signed the EU Directive 2016/2284 to achieve a stepwise decrease in the ammonia emissions ceiling. The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal mitigation effect of a urease inhibitor under practical conditions and provide information relating to two theoretical application scenarios in order to estimate an annual application scenario. The experimental design was conducted according to the requirements of the Verification of Environmental Technologies for Agricultural Production test protocol using the CO2 balance method to obtain the emissions. In a manual process, the inhibitor was applied to the floor surfaces of two dairy farms. The application took place once a day over three days during summer, winter and the transition period (spring/autumn). The ready-to-use liquid formulation of 1% inhibitor K dissolved in pyrrolidone was mixed with water resulting in 2.5 mg m−2 application rate of inhibitor and 50 ml m−2 water. The ammonia emissions on Farm A and Farm B were reduced by 40% and 53% in summer, 65% and 68% in winter and 64% and 54% in transition period, respectively. Thus, an annual reduction of 58% on Farm A and 57% on Farm B was observed. In a theoretical scenario where no inhibitor was applied during winter, up to 41% of the annual reduction was observed.

Livestock buildings are often contaminated with bacterial and fungal microflora. Animals living in the buildings, especially their excreta and secretions and their feed, can be a source of microorganisms, including pathogens. Significant microbial contamination occurs in pig houses, poultry houses and cowsheds. The microbes most frequently isolated from the air of these buildings are bacteria of the genera Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Bacillus, and Clostridium and of the family Enterobacteriaceae. Among fungi, the most common are Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Penicillium, Cladosporium and Alternaria. Microbes present in livestock buildings often pose a hazard to workers, in whom they can cause infectious and allergic diseases, especially respiratory disease. Bacterial endotoxins may also pose a threat to humans and animals. For this reason it is important to carry out microbiological monitoring and preventive measures on livestock farms and to maintain appropriate environmental conditions. This will reduce microbiological contamination of livestock buildings and improve both workers’ health and animal welfare.

Toxocariasis is a zoonotic parasitic infection, affecting millions of people and animals, commonly occurred, in the world. According to the seroprevalence studies, it is seen that exposure to this parasite is highly common in children living in temperate zones in the world. The geographic distribution of Toxocara canis is continuously expanded as a result of human and animal movements with global warming. Uncontrolled increase of human and animal populations in urban areas raises the importance of toxocariasis. Owned and unowned cats and dogs not administered treatment and wild animals create infection source for humans and other paratenic hosts by causing environmental contamination with eggs. Paratenic hosts like rodents, birds, and invertebrate animals play an important role in the spreading of the ascarid eggs. Infection in humans occurs in the result of consumption of larvae in the tissues of paratenic hosts (chicken, rabbit, pig and ruminants), drinking of dirty water, and close contact with contaminated soil and pet animals. Depending on these conditions stated, in the context of this review, concise knowledge was presented about the prevalence data in humans and animals of ascaridiosis in Turkey and the world, diagnosis, treatment and prevention measures.

The mushrooms have contributed to the development of active ingredients of fundamental importance in the field of pharmaceutical chemistry as well as of important tools in human and animal health, nutrition, and functional food. This review considers studies on the beneficial effects of medicinal mushrooms on the nutrition and health of humans and farm animals. An overview of the chemical structure and composition of mycochemicals is presented in this review with particular reference to phenolic compounds, triterpenoids and sterols, fatty acids and lipids, polysaccharides, proteins, peptides, and lectins. The nutritional value and chemical composition of wild and cultivated mushrooms in Italy is also the subject of this review which also deals with mushrooms as nutraceuticals and the use of mushrooms in functional foods. The nutraceutical benefits of UV irradiation of cultivated species of basidiomycetes to generate high amounts of vitamin D2 is also highlighted and the ability of the muhsrooms to inhibit glycation is analyzed. Finally, attention is paid to studies on bioactivities of some Italian wild and cultivated mushrooms with particular reference to species belonging to the genus Pleurotus. The review highlights the potential of medicinal mushrooms in the production of mycochemicals that represent a source of drugs, nutraceutical, and functional food. Graphic abstract

Un estudio del comportamiento materno-filial de ovejas y sus crías fue realizado a fin de identificar diferencias entre las actividades de aquellas de primer parto (P) y multíparas (M) y sus crías, durante el primer mes postparto, como variables que pueden afectar la sobrevivencia y crecimiento de los recién nacidos. el Laboratorio-Sección Ovinos de la Universidad Central de Venezuela, utilizando 12 ovejas (P, n=6 y M, n=6) , ubicadas en puestos individuales con sus crías. El estudio se inició a partir del momento del parto e incluyó observaciones focalizada en tres momentos del día (mañana, mediodía y tarde), apoyadas con videos de 24 horas que se tomaron a lo largo del experimento. Las actividades comportamentales fueron registradas por el mismo observador; además, se registraron los pesos vivos (PV) de las madres y sus crías semanalmente como variable productiva. El efecto del número de partos de la madre sobre el PV de la oveja y del cordero se analizó con medidas repetidas en el tiempo. Las ovejas M presentaron mayor PV que las P (P=0.0216), con pesos promedios de 41.1 y 33.3 kg, respectivamente. Las madres P balaron, descansaron, comieron, estaban de pie y rumiaron más que las M. Las actividades como balar, descansar, estar de pie, y caminar alrededor de la cría fueron realizadas en mayor proporción en horas de la mañana. En horas del mediodía estaban principalmente descansando, rumiando, lamiendo y olfateando a la cría. En la tarde las madres pasaron más tiempo comiendo y de pie. En general, la conducta y comportamiento productivo de las ovejas P fue satisfactorio, por no presentarse rechazos de sus crías. Las ovejas M resultaron más pesadas, a la vez que las P eran más activas, indicando su buena habilidad materna que las llevó a obtener corderos con tendencia a ser más pesados.

Organoids are self-organizing, self-renewing three-dimensional cellular structures that resemble organs in structure and function. They can be derived from adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells, or induced pluripotent stem cells. They contain most of the relevant cell types with a topology and cell-to-cell interactions resembling that of the in vivo tissue. The widespread and increasing adoption of organoid-based technologies in human biomedical research is testament to their enormous potential in basic, translational- and applied-research. In a similar fashion there appear to be ample possibilities for research applications of organoids from livestock and companion animals. Furthermore, organoids as in vitro models offer a great possibility to reduce the use of experimental animals. Here, we provide an overview of studies on organoids in livestock and companion animal species, with focus on the methods developed for organoids from a variety of tissues/organs from various animal species and on the applications in veterinary research. Current limitations, and ongoing research to address these limitations, are discussed. Further, we elaborate on a number of fields of research in animal nutrition, host-microbe interactions, animal breeding and genomics, and animal biotechnology, in which organoids may have great potential as an in vitro research tool.

Introduction: Rabies is a zoonotic fatal viral disease caused by the rabies virus of the genus Lyssavirus, and the family Rhabdoviridae. Challenge virus standard (CVS-11) strain of rabies virus is a key element in rabies reference laboratories, as many gold-standard tests depend on a suitable titer of this strain for interpretation of results. The present study investigated the optimal CVS-11 production in BSR cells (a clone of BHK-21). Methods: We analyzed the kinetic growth of BSR cells in a T-flask and inoculated BSR cells with different MOI of CVS-11 strain of rabies virus, and harvested the produced virus at different time points. Results: Our data showed that BSR cells had a doubling time of around 24-30 h, and at least 95% of cells kept their viability three days after culture. The virus reached the highest titer when the cells were infected at an MOI of 0.1 in DMEM medium, equal to 1.5 × 107 fluorescent focus units (FFU)/ml. Time-course analysis of CVS-11 titer showed that the highest titer was achieved around 72 h post-infection. All tests were performed in triplicate. Conclusion: Since producing the virus in mammalian cell culture is an expensive and complicated method, optimizing the virus production process may be an excellent strategy to lower the cost, save the laboratory resources and maximize productivity.

Our objectives were to evaluate the effects of prepartum monensin supplementation and dry-period nutritional strategy on the postpartum productive performance of cows fed monensin during lactation. A total of 102 Holstein cows were enrolled in the experiment (32 primiparous and 70 multiparous). The study was a completely randomized design, with randomization restricted to balance for parity, body condition score, and expected calving date. A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of prepartum treatments was used; the variables of interest were prepartum feeding strategy [controlled-energy diet throughout the dry period (CE) vs. controlled-energy diet from dry-off to 22 d before expected parturition, followed by a moderate-energy close-up diet from d 21 before expected parturition through parturition (CU)] and prepartum monensin supplementation [0 g/t (control, CON) or 24.2 g/t (MON); Rumensin; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN]. Lactation diets before and after the dry period contained monensin at 15.4 g/t. During the close-up period, cows fed CU had greater DM and NEL intakes than cows fed CE. Calf BW at birth tended to be greater for cows fed CU than for those fed CE but was not affected by MON supplementation. Diet did not affect calving difficulty score, but cows supplemented with MON had an increased calving difficulty score. We found a tendency for a MON × parity interaction for colostral IgG concentration, such that multiparous MON cows tended to have lower IgG concentration than CON cows, but colostral IgG concentration for primiparous MON and CON cows did not differ. Postpartum milk yield did not differ between diets but tended to be greater for cows supplemented with MON. Milk fat and lactose content were greater for cows fed CU than for those fed CE, and lactose content and yield were increased for cows supplemented with MON. Solids-corrected and fat-corrected milk yields were increased by MON supplementation, but were not affected by diet. Overall means for postpartum DMI did not differ by diet or MON supplementation. The CU diet decreased the concentration of nonesterified fatty acids during the close-up period but increased it postpartum. Neither diet nor monensin affected β-hydroxybutyrate or liver composition. Overall, postpartum productive performance differed little between prepartum dietary strategies, but cows fed MON had greater energy-corrected milk production. In herds fed monensin during lactation, monensin should also be fed during the dry period.

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate rSAG1-PLGA efficacy as a particulate vaccine in conferring protection against Toxoplasma gondii infection in C57BL/6 mice. In light of our previous studies, we studied mice genotype role in eliciting immune responses by rSAG1-PLGA nanoparticles in this study. Methods: Poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles loaded by rSAG1 as a subunit vaccine were prepared, and C57BL/6 mice were subcutaneously immunized twice at a 3-week interval by rSAG1-PLGA, soluble rSAG1, blank PLGA, and one group kept unvaccinated. The characteristics of PLGA nanoparticles, the amounts of produced IFN-γ, IL-10, specific anti-ToxoplasmaIgGs, and the conferred protection against infection by T. gondii RH tachyzoite were assessed. Results: rSAG1-PLGA nanoparticles shared a z-average of about 450nm with negative Zeta potential. Compared with the negative control group, the mice vaccinated with rSAG1-PLGA nanoparticles produced significantly higher amounts of IFN-γ, specific anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies and higher titer of IgG2a, which resulted in longer survival times. Conclusion: The efficiency of rSAG1-PLGA nanoparticles in inducing humoral and cellular responses and consequently partial protection against acute toxoplasmosis in C57BL/6 was confirmed.

Introduction: Dracocephalum polychaetum Bornm and Nepeta cataria L. are two plants from the Lamiaceae family with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. This study evaluated the phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and effect of aqueous extracts on the survival of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis in a simulated gastrointestinal environment. Method: The aerial parts of plants were collected at the vegetative growth stage from the Hanza-Kuhchr('39')s highlands in the Bahr Asman region of Jiroft city, Iran, in spring 2018. The total phenolic content of plants and antioxidant activity were measured using Folin–Ciocalteau and DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) methods, respectively. For investigating the survival of probiotic bacteria in a simulated gastrointestinal environment, bacterial suspension was inserted into tubes containing 0, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 ppm of extracts and then incubated in a simulated gastrointestinal environment. The probiotic bacteria were counted using an MRS agar medium at various incubation times. Results: The results showed that the amount of total phenolic compounds in the D. polychaetum Bornm extract (44.55 mg/g dry matter) was higher than that of N. cataria L. (18.37 mg/g dry matter). With increased extracts concentrations, the percentage of DPPH-free radicals increased, and D. polychaetum Bornm extract in all concentrations showed higher DPPH free radical inhibitory content compared to the N. cataria L. extract. The viability results in the same gastrointestinal environment showed that samples containing N. cataria extract had a more remarkable survival rate than the controls and D. polychaetum Bornm extract. Conclusion: Using less than 500 ppm of D. polychaetum Bornm and N. cataria L. aqueous extracts can increase probiotic bacteria growth and viability.