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The indiscriminate and massive antibiotic use in the clinical practice and in agriculture or cattle during the past few decades has produced a serious world health problem that entails high morbidity and mortality: the antibiotic multi-drug resistance. In 2017 and 2019, the World Health Organization published a list of urgent threats and priorities in the context of drug resistance, which only included Gram-negative bacteria and specially focused on carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as carbapenem and third generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. This scenario emphasizes the need of developing and testing new antibiotics from different families, such as new beta-lactams, highlighting cefiderocol and its original mechanism of action; new beta-lactamase inhibitors, with vaborbactam or relebactam among others; new quinolones such as delafloxacin, and also omadacycline or eravacycline, as members of the tetracycline family. The present work reviews the importance and impact of Gram-negative bacterial infections and their resistance mechanisms, and analyzes the current therapeutic paradigm as well as the role of new antibiotics with a promising future in the era of multi and pan-drug resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of processed secondary data for health monitoring of fattening pigs has been established in various areas, such as the use of antibiotics or in the context of meat inspection. Standardized scores were calculated based on several sources of production data and can be used to describe animal health in a large collective of pig units. In the present study, the extent to which these scores are related to different farm characteristics and management decisions were investigated. In addition, slaughter scores were compared with the results of a veterinary examination on the farms. Results: The comparison of the results of the uni- and multifactorial analyses revealed that almost all of the examined factors play a role in at least one of the scores when considered individually. However, when various significant influencing factors were taken into account at any one time, most of the variables lost their statistical significance due to confounding effects. In particular, production data such as production costs or daily feed intake remained in the final models of the scores on mortality, average daily gain and external lesions. Regarding the second part of the investigation, a basic technical correlation between the slaughter scores and the on-farm indicators could be established via principal component analysis. The modelling of the slaughter scores by the on-farm indicators showed that the score on external lesions could be represented by equivalent variables recorded on the farm (e.g., lesions caused by tail or ear biting). Conclusions: It has been demonstrated that the examined health scores are influenced by various farm and management characteristics. However, when several factors are taken into account, confounding occurs in some cases, which must be considered by consultants. Additionally, it was shown that on-farm examination content is related to the scores based on equivalent findings from slaughter pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the concern regarding antibiotic use in food-animal production and the detection of antibiotics in "raised without antibiotics" (RWA) cattle which emphasizes the need to ensure the integrity of labeling claims. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) needs to rigorously verify RWA claims according to the law, as USDA-approved labels give RWA claims credibility and value in the marketplace.

Enzyme supplementation with a β-mannanase to degrade β-mannan fibers present in the diet has been shown to restore and improve performance in swine. The current study was conducted on a farm which had historical episodes of post-weaning diarrhea. In total, 896 newly weaned piglets were enrolled in two consecutive trials. Each trial consisted of 32 pens of 14 piglets housed in one large post-weaning compartment. Piglets at the same feeder were randomly assigned to the two treatment groups. The study compared the performance of post-weaned piglets fed either a commercial 3-phase nursery diet (Control) or an adapted diet supplemented with a β-mannanase (Hemicell HT; Elanco) (Enzyme), with some of the more expensive proteins replaced by soy bean meal in phase 1 and 2, and net energy (NE) content reduced by 65 kcal/kg in phase 3. All data analyses were performed using R version 3.6.3 (R Core Team, 2020). All tests were performed at the 5% level of significance. When multiple testing was involved, the nominal 5% Familywise Error Rate (FWER) was used. The study showed similar performance on the alternative diet with β-mannanase and the common commercial diets (P > 0.05). However, the Enzyme treated group had a significantly better general clinical score. Moreover, the number of individual treatments was a factor exp(0.69441) or 2 (CI 95% [1.46; 2.74]) higher (P < 0.001) in the Control group as compared to the Enzyme treated group. The number of treated animals was a factor exp(0.62861) or 1.87 (CI 95% [1.43; 2.53]) higher (P < 0.001) and the number of pigs with a repeated treatment was a factor exp(0.9293) or 2.53 (CI 95% [1.26; 5.09]) higher (P = 0.009) in the Control group as compared to the Enzyme treated group. In total, 7 (1.56%) piglets died in the Control group, whereas only 2 (0.45%) piglets died in the Enzyme treated group. The hazard ratio for mortality in the Control group relative to the Enzyme treated group was and estimated as 1.74 (CI 95% [0.51; 5.96]). Thus, the Control group had a non-significantly (P = 0.375) increased mortality. In conclusion, the results suggest that the use of an exogenous heat-tolerant β-mannanase allowed reduced levels of expensive protein sources to be used in the first two diets fed post-weaning, and 65 kcal/kg lower net energy content to be used in the third diet without adverse effects on intestinal health or overall performance. In fact, the occurrence of PWD and number of individual treatments during the post-weaning period were significantly reduced on the β-mannanase supplemented diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally aquaculture contributes 8% of animal protein intake to the human diet, and per capita consumption is increasing faster than meat and dairy consumption. Reports have documented antimicrobial use in the rapidly expanding aquaculture industry, which may contribute to the rise of antimicrobial resistance, carrying potential consequences for animal-, human-, and ecosystem-health. However, quantitative antimicrobial use across a highly diversified aquaculture industry is not well characterized. Here, we estimate global trends in antimicrobial use in aquaculture in 2017 and 2030 to help target future surveillance efforts and antimicrobial stewardship policies. We estimate antimicrobial use intensity (mg kg−1) for six species groups though a systematic review of point prevalence surveys, which identified 146 species-specific antimicrobial use rates. We project antimicrobial use in each country by combining mean antimicrobial use coefficients per species group with OECD/FAO Agricultural Outlook and FAO FishStat production volumes. We estimate global antimicrobial consumption in 2017 at 10,259 tons (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 3163–44,727 tons), increasing 33% to 13,600 tons in 2030 (UI 4193–59,295). The Asia–Pacific region represents the largest share (93.8%) of global consumption, with China alone contributing 57.9% of global consumption in 2017. Antimicrobial consumption intensity per species group was: catfish, 157 mg kg−1 (UI 9–2751); trout, 103 mg kg−1 (UI 5–1951); tilapia, 59 mg kg−1 (UI 21–169); shrimp, 46 mg kg−1 (UI 10–224); salmon, 27 mg kg−1 (UI 17–41) and a pooled species group, 208 mg kg−1, (UI 70–622). All antimicrobial classes identified in the review are classified as medically important. We estimate aggregate global human, terrestrial and aquatic food animal antimicrobial use in 2030 at 236,757 tons (95% UI 145,525–421,426), of which aquaculture constitutes 5.7% but carries the highest use intensity per kilogram of biomass (164.8 mg kg−1). This analysis calls for a substantial scale-up of surveillance capacities to monitor global trends in antimicrobial use. Current evidence, while subject to considerable uncertainties, suggests that for some species groups antimicrobial use intensity surpasses consumption levels in terrestrial animals and humans. Acknowledging the fast-growing nature of aquaculture as an important source of animal nutrition globally, our findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced antimicrobial stewardship in a high-growth industry with broad links to water and ecosystem health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between humans and elephants dates back thousands of years. Throughout this history, much has been learned about the management of these giants, especially in terms of behavior, health, nutrition, among other basic needs that contribute to their well-being. This made it go from being a simple tool to part of a working team. One of the main problems that can be seen in elephants kept in captivity are the skin lesions caused during their daily activities. Today, there are several works and manuals that describe the steps to follow when handling a skin wound, especially with regard to recurrent wounds in these animals, whose skin has very particular characteristics. The protocols are based on surgical procedures and systemic antibiotic therapies. The problem that arises with these procedures is the difficulty of finding suitable personnel to carry out these procedures and the drugs indicated for this purpose. The objective of this work is not only to show that there is an alternative therapy to the management of cutaneous wounds in elephants, based on the use of peloids, the main component of which is diatoms but to highlight the importance of adapting to the natural behavior of the animal so that the therapy has positive results as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics in poultry as growth promoters have the perspective of products acceptability and human health concern. Plant extracts have been used as alternatives to antibiotics but dosage varies and reducing agents in the chicken gut in-activates most of the potential compounds. This research aimed to determine the antibacterial activity, acute toxicity in mice and the effect of Garlic and Onion Chitosan Nanoparticles on growth indices in Rainbow Rooster Chicken. Study involved two treatments, treatment 1 consisted of Chitosan Nanoparticles prepared from aqueous of Garlic (Allium sativum) and Onion (Allium cepa L.) (CHIAGO) whilst treatment 2 was Chitosan Nanoparticles prepared from total Phenol and Ajoene rich extract (CHITPA). Products were characterized by pH sensitivity, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Disc diffusion method was used to test for activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) with Fosbac as the positive control. Acute toxicity in mice through oral administration of the nanoparticles solution at dosage of 5% and 10%. Nanoparticles and chitosan solution were administered orally to chicken at dosage of 5% and 10%. The treatments against E. coli gave resistance zone of inhibition (≤ 12), an intermediate zone of inhibition (13 to 15) while against S. aureus gave resistance zone of inhibition (≤ 12), an intermediate zone of inhibition (13 to 15) and susceptible zone of inhibition (≥ 16). Alanine aminotransferase and urea had no significant changes (p > 0.05) but significant differences in PCV in mice (p < 0.05). There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in chicken's body weight gain, growth rate, feed conversion ratio, villi height, width, and villi surface area with no significant increase (p > 0.05) observed in crypt depth and PCV% when compared with the contolled chicken. Garlic and Onion Chitosan Nanoparticles can act as alternative to antibiotics as growth promoters in poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three month old Labrador Retriever puppy was presented to Referral Veterinary Polyclinic (RVP), Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) with the history of anorexia, lethargy, difficulty in breathing, icteric mucus membrane, conjunctiva and skin. Haematological, serological and blood smear examination showed critically low haemoglobin, increased bilirubin level and morula of Ehrlichia canis (E. canis) respectively. The dog was treated with emergency blood transfusion and later on with antibiotics and supportive therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic use has been limited in U.S. swine production. Therefore, the objective was to determine whether supplementing l -glutamine at cost-effective levels can replace dietary antibiotics to improve piglet welfare and productivity following weaning and transport. Based on previous research, we hypothesized that withholding dietary antibiotics would negatively affect pigs while diet supplementation with 0.20% l -glutamine (GLN) would have similar effects on pig performance and health as antibiotics. Mixed sex piglets (N = 480; 5.62 ± 0.06 kg BW) were weaned (18.4 ± 0.2 d of age) and transported for 12 h in central Indiana, for 2 replicates, during the summer of 2016 and the spring of 2017. Pigs were blocked by BW and allotted to 1 of 3 dietary treatments (n = 10 pens/dietary treatment/replicate [8 pigs/pen]); antibiotics (A ; chlortetracycline [441 ppm] + tiamulin [38.6 ppm]), no antibiotics (NA), or GLN fed for 14 d. On days 15 to 34, pigs were provided common antibiotic-free diets in 2 phases. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS 9.4. Day 14 BW and days 0 to 14 ADG were greater (P = 0.01) for A (5.6% and 18.5%, respectively) and GLN pigs (3.8% and 11.4%, respectively) compared with NA pigs, with no differences between A and GLN pigs. Days 0 to 14 ADFI increased for A (P < 0.04; 9.3%) compared with NA pigs; however, no differences were detected when comparing GLN with A and NA pigs. Once dietary treatments ceased, no differences (P > 0.05) in productivity between dietary treatments were detected. On day 13, plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was reduced (P = 0.02) in A (36.7 ± 6.9 pg/mL) and GLN pigs (40.9 ± 6.9 pg/mL) vs. NA pigs (63.2 ± 6.9 pg/mL). Aggressive behavior tended to be reduced overall (P = 0.09; 26.4%) in GLN compared with A pigs, but no differences were observed between A and GLN vs. NA pigs. Huddling, active, and eating/drinking behaviors were increased overall (P < 0.02; 179%, 37%, and 29%, respectively) in the spring replicate compared with the summer replicate. When hot carcass weight (HCW) was used as a covariate, loin depth and lean percentage were increased (P = 0.01; 4.0% and 1.1%, respectively) during the spring replicate compared with the summer replicate. In conclusion, GLN supplementation improved pig performance and health after weaning and transport similarly to A across replicates; however, the positive effects of A and GLN were diminished when dietary treatments ceased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic use has been limited in U.S. swine production. Therefore, the objective was to determine whether supplementing l -glutamine at cost-effective levels can replace dietary antibiotics to improve piglet welfare and productivity following weaning and transport. Based on previous research, we hypothesized that withholding dietary antibiotics would negatively affect pigs while diet supplementation with 0.20% l -glutamine (GLN) would have similar effects on pig performance and health as antibiotics. Mixed sex piglets (N = 480; 5.62 ± 0.06 kg BW) were weaned (18.4 ± 0.2 d of age) and transported for 12 h in central Indiana, for 2 replicates, during the summer of 2016 and the spring of 2017. Pigs were blocked by BW and allotted to 1 of 3 dietary treatments (n = 10 pens/dietary treatment/replicate [8 pigs/pen]); antibiotics (A ; chlortetracycline [441 ppm] + tiamulin [38.6 ppm]), no antibiotics (NA), or GLN fed for 14 d. On days 15 to 34, pigs were provided common antibiotic-free diets in 2 phases. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS 9.4. Day 14 BW and days 0 to 14 ADG were greater (P = 0.01) for A (5.6% and 18.5%, respectively) and GLN pigs (3.8% and 11.4%, respectively) compared with NA pigs, with no differences between A and GLN pigs. Days 0 to 14 ADFI increased for A (P < 0.04; 9.3%) compared with NA pigs; however, no differences were detected when comparing GLN with A and NA pigs. Once dietary treatments ceased, no differences (P > 0.05) in productivity between dietary treatments were detected. On day 13, plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was reduced (P = 0.02) in A (36.7 ± 6.9 pg/mL) and GLN pigs (40.9 ± 6.9 pg/mL) vs. NA pigs (63.2 ± 6.9 pg/mL). Aggressive behavior tended to be reduced overall (P = 0.09; 26.4%) in GLN compared with A pigs, but no differences were observed between A and GLN vs. NA pigs. Huddling, active, and eating/drinking behaviors were increased overall (P < 0.02; 179%, 37%, and 29%, respectively) in the spring replicate compared with the summer replicate. When hot carcass weight (HCW) was used as a covariate, loin depth and lean percentage were increased (P = 0.01; 4.0% and 1.1%, respectively) during the spring replicate compared with the summer replicate. In conclusion, GLN supplementation improved pig performance and health after weaning and transport similarly to A across replicates; however, the positive effects of A and GLN were diminished when dietary treatments ceased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to study the effects of glucose oxidase (GOD) supplement on the growth performance, gut function, and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens from 1 to 42 d, and further evaluate the use of GOD as an antibiotic substitution. A total of 525 1-d-old healthy Arbor Acres broilers were randomly assigned to five treatments, including control group, antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) supplement group, and three GOD supplement groups, with seven replicates per treatment and 15 birds per replicate. Growth performance, gut function including digestive ability and gut barrier, and cecal microbiota were determined. Compared with the control group, the increased daily body weight gain, improved meat quality, and enhanced digestive ability that indicated from the nutrients apparent digestibility and digestive enzymes were identified in GOD supplement groups, which could have a similar effect with the AGP supplement. The content of secreted immunoglobulin A and the transepithelial electrical resistance were also increased with the GOD supplement, which indicated an enhanced gut barrier. Additionally, 16S rRNA gene of cecal contents was sequenced by high-throughput sequencing. Sequencing data indicated that the Firmicutes phylum, Ruminococcaceae and Rikenellaceae families, Faecalibacterium genus, and F. prausnitzii species were significantly altered. Especially, combined with previous studies, our results indicated that the significantly increased F. prausnitzii, Ruminococcaceae, and Firmicutes could be involved in the effect of GOD on gut function and growth performance of broilers. Our results indicated that dietary GOD supplement could improve the growth performance of broilers in two main ways: by enhancing the digestive function of gut, which concluded from the improved nutrients apparent digestibility and digestive enzyme, and by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacterium, such as F. prausnitzii, Ruminococcaceae, and Firmicutes, which could be further served as an important regulator to improve the growth performance and the gut health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic growth promoters have been widely used in poultry to improve overall performance. The emergence of antibiotic resistance has resulted in sanctions imposed on the use of antibiotics in poultry diets, and alternatives such as herbal extracts are being considered to improve growth performance. The aim of this study was to compare the performance and feed digestibility of the feed supplement Novacid, which contains organic acids, glucomannan, and phytochemicals, with that of the antibiotic growth promoter bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) in commercial broiler chickens. Six hundred 1-d-old Ross × Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly and equally assigned to six treatment groups with five replicates each (20 chicks per replicate). The chicks were fed a corn–soybean meal basal diet, and divided into two groups: unchallenged and challenged with E. coli (400 mg/kg Escherichia coli inoculation). Each of these groups was divided into three study groups: untreated, treated with 0.05% Novacid, and treated with 400 mg/kg BMD. At day 42, inclusion of Novacid or BMD significantly (P < 0.05) improved the performance in the unchallenged groups relative to the control group. However, in E. coli -challenged groups, Novacid and BMD did not improve performance. Ileal digestibility of crude fat, crude protein, and gross energy were reduced in the Novacid group (P < 0.05). BMD and Novacid were equally effective in controlling ileal nutrient digestibility and feed coliform count (P < 0.05). Novacid reduced cecal E. coli and Salmonella count compared to BMD and control. Thus, a phytochemical feed supplement with organic acids and glucomannan could be an effective substitute for antibiotic growth promoters in broiler diets, but cannot replace antibiotics to counter potent infectious agents such as E. coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study focused on the occurrence of seventeen veterinary antibiotics and six resistant bacterias in soils from the vegetable farms fertilized with animal manure in China. Seventeen veterinary antibiotics, including sulfonamides, quinolones, tetracyclines, macrolides and amphenicols, were detected by high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometer in all the 53 soil samples collected in four provinces during August 2016. The concentrations of target antibiotics in the soil samples ranged from not detectable to 415.00 μg/kg dry weight with the mean residual levels of the five classes followed order: tetracyclines (82.75 μg/kg) > quinolones (12.78 μg/kg) > macrolides (12.24 μg/kg) > sulfonamides (2.61 μg/kg) > amphenicols (0.06 μg/kg). Moreover, the highest antibiotic levels were found mainly in soil from organic vegetable farms. Risk assessment by using the methods of risk quotient, suggested that oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline, enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin could pose severe ecological risk in sampled soils. Resistant strains were isolated in 30 samples, with Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia found the dominant bacterial hosts with resistance genes. Antibiotic resistance genes, including tetA, tetB, qnrS, oqxA, sul1, sul2, ermA and floR , were detected in the strains resistant to: tetracyclines, quinolones, sulfonamides, macrolides and amphenicols resistance, respectively. Overall, there was a correlation between the results of antibiotic risk assessment with the detection of resistance genes from isolated strains in the soils. Highlights • Seventeen veterinary antibiotic (VAs) residues were widely detected in vegetable farm soils fertilized with animal manures. • High concentrations of (VAs) were found in organic vegetable farm soils. • The oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline, ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin had the severe environmental ecological risks. • Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia were the dominant bacterial hosts for ARGs in vegetable farm soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Amoxicillin (AMX) alters nitrogen transformation and release relative to control. • AMX raised NH 4 +-N content and lowered NO 2 −-N and NO 3 −-N content versus control. • AMX delays compost maturation and alters bacterial community makeup and succession. • AMX reduced Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and improved Proteobacteria relative abundance. • AMX inhibits ammoniated and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, boosts denitrifying bacteria. Abstract This study systematically analyzed the effects of amoxicillin (AMX) on the nitrogen transformation and its corresponding functional bacterial communities by conducting two aerobic composting experiments, and AMX impact on bacterial community succession was also evaluated. It provides theoretical and methodological support for harmless composting treatment of large quantities of manure containing AMX in China and for the high-quality compost products. The results showed that AMX exerted several effects on basic physicochemical and biological compost parameters. Notably, temperature changes typically accompanying compost maturation were delayed in AMX compost, reflecting altered compost maturation kinetics and bacterial community structure. Moreover, relative to control, AMX inhibited growth and reproduction of dominant bacterial phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, with respective reductions of 17.8–26.1% and 0–7.76% in relative abundance (RA) and significantly increased Proteobacteria RA by 1.9–24.8%. Thus, AMX altered both compost bacterial community structure and succession. From the perspective of various nitrogen content changes, AMX has a significant effect on nitrogen conversion and release. Simultaneously, AMX may inhibit ammoniated and ammonia-oxidizing bacterial activity, while significantly increasing the RA of denitrifying bacteria. Indeed, during early composting with AMX, the RA of denitrifying bacteria was 1361.9–1435.0% of control, highlighting differences in nitrogen transformation and release between groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amongst the current, most important, international priorities in public health is the issue of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. This issue is due to the wide misuse and overuse of these drugs, both in human and veterinary medicine. Veterinarians fulfil a very important role as guardians of animal health and as public health actors; if they do not use antimicrobials judiciously, animal health and welfare as well as public health will be severely compromised. Therefore it is of particular importance to study the professional ethos of veterinarians as regards the delivery of antibiotics for animals. In Europe laws and practices regarding the delivery of antimicrobial drugs for animals differ from state to state. In some states, veterinarians are not allowed to sell drugs, they only prescribe, and pharmacists deliver the drugs. In other states, including France, veterinarians are allowed to deliver the drugs they prescribe. In France, veterinarians have thus been accused of conflict of interest; of overprescribing to sell more antibiotics and thus earn more money. Therefore, it appeared particularly accurate to not only study the ethos of veterinarians regarding the delivery of antibiotics to animals, but to also compare this ethos to that of pharmacists. To the authors' knowledge, such a study has never been carried out in any country. Veterinarians' and pharmacists' professional literature was studied and compared using qualitative and quantitative content analysis. A sample of comparable journals was selected for both professions. The study was carried out over a relevant five year period extending from the beginning of 2008 till the end of 2012. All papers dealing with antimicrobial resistances as well as the prescription and delivery of antibiotics for animals were objectively and comprehensively searched and collected using keywords. The selected papers were subsequently independently coded by a multidisciplinary team of coders using conventional, inductive, thematic analysis. The final coding grid was obtained after consensus meetings were held in order to ensure reliability and validity of the data. The results showed that the veterinarians' professional literature studied reflected a primary concern for ethics whereas the pharmacists' professional literature primarily focused on marketing. Half of the veterinary continuing education papers dealt with different aspects of ethics; the other half focused on the scientific aspects of antimicrobial resistances. Amongst other papers, more than 30% tackled ethical questions in relation with the delivery of antibiotics for animals. Conversely, in the pharmacists' literature, half of the continuing education papers concentrated on marketing; the other half described the pharmacology of drugs. Amongst other papers, 60% addressed marketing issues. Ethical questions per se were not approached in the pharmacists' professional literature studied. In conclusion, veterinary ethos for prescription ethics, good antibiotic use and animal welfare seems to be a feature of the profession. According to this research, the claim that veterinarians are responsible for antibiotic resistances because of conflict of interest is not true. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the great public scrutiny about using antibiotics as growth promoters in commercial poultry industry, researchers evaluate bioactive compounds of plant extracts as growth promoters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary addition of whole plant, leaves and a powder aqueous extract of Larrea tridentata on growth, organ weights and serum hepatic enzymes of broilers. The hypothesis was that antioxidant capacity of secondary compounds of L. tridentate improve growth. The experimental design was completely randomized with four treatments and 5 cages each. A commercial concentrate was the basal diet to which 20 g t-1 of L. tridentate (LT) were added (treatments): control (no LT), whole plant, leaves and a powder aqueous extract of LT; these treatments were randomly assigned to 200 Cobb broilers one d old. Feed intake, body weight and organs weight were recorded. Blood serum was collected and hepatic enzyme activity (alkaline phosphatase EC 3.1.3.1, alanine aminotransferase EC 2.6.1.2, and aspartate aminotransferase EC 2.6.1.1) were quantified. Broilers fed LT whole plant, leaves or powder aqueous extract had higher (⩽0.05) body weight and daily weight gain than control. Because feed intake decreased, and total weight gain increased by whole LT plant, leaves and powder aqueous extract added to diet as compared to control, the feed conversion was reduced (⩽0.05) in all groups of broilers fed LT. Powder aqueous extract of LT reduced crop, gizzard and liver weights (⩽0.05) as compared to control, whole plant and leaves. Broilers fed powder aqueous extract of LT had the lowest (⩽0.05) serum hepatic enzyme concentration as compared to control and those fed whole plantand leaves. Powder LT aqueous extract could be an alternative to growth promoter in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an experiential activity organised around a contemporary socio-scientific controversy about the use of antibiotics in livestock. Such controversies can help students develop skills to engage in evidence-based discussions about modern societal challenges. Even though the activity was initially set up and tested with in-service science teachers, it can be customised so that it is appropriate for use with secondary school students. The goal of the activity was to help teachers appreciate how different stakeholder opinions give rise to controversy, and for them to experience how students might engage in democratic dialogue with others, while respecting their right to hold differing viewpoints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have reported the effect of absorption of procyanidins and their contribution to the small intestine. However, differences between dietary interventions of procyanidins and interventions via antibiotic feeding in pigs are rarely reported. Following 16S rRNA gene Illumina MiSeq sequencing, we observed that both procyanidin administration for 2 months (procyanidin-1 group) and continuous antibiotic feeding for 1 month followed by procyanidin for 1 month (procyanidin-2 group) increased the number of operational taxonomic units, as well as the Chao 1 and ACE indices, compared to those in pigs undergoing antibiotic administration for 2 months (antibiotic group). The genera Fibrobacter and Spirochaete were more abundant in the antibiotic group than in the procyanidin-1 and procyanidin-2 groups. Principal component analysis revealed clear separations among the three groups. Additionally, using the online Molecular Ecological Network Analyses pipeline, three co-occurrence networks were constructed; Lactobacillus was in a co-occurrence relationship with Trichococcus and Desulfovibrio and a co-exclusion relationship with Bacillus and Spharerochaeta. Furthermore, metabolic function analysis by phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states demonstrated modulation of pathways involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, energy, and nucleotides. These data suggest that procyanidin influences the gut microbiota and the intestinal metabolic function to produce beneficial effects on metabolic homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the ban of synthetic antibiotics as antimicrobial agents and growth promoters, poultry nutritionists are now trying to find antibiotic substitutes. Agro-industrial by-products are abundant in tropical countries and have been used as the alternatives to conventional feedstuffs in poultry rations. These by-products are also known to contain several bioactive compounds such as oligosaccharides, phenolic compounds, certain fatty acids, vitamins, etc. The compounds may serve as antimicrobial agents, antioxidants and immune- modulators for poultry. Owing to this, agro-industrial by-products have a potential to become functional feeds that can promote the health and well-being of poultry. The potentials of some tropical agroindustrial by-products (e.g., palm kernel meal, rice bran, cassava meal, copra meal, banana peel meal, orange peels and pulp) and their derivative products as functional feeds for poultry are elaborated in the present review, and the possible mechanisms through which agro-industrial by-products may improve the health status of poultry will also be discussed. Future studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of agroindustrial residues and their derivative products in substituting the use of synthetic antibiotics in poultry rations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria combined with regulatory pressure and consumer demands for foods produced without antibiotics has caused the agricultural industry to restrict its practice of using antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in food animals. The poultry industry is not immune to this trend, and has been actively seeking natural alternatives to AGP that will improve the health and growth performance of commercial poultry flocks. Bacillus probiotics have been gaining in popularity in recent years as an AGP alternative because of their health-promoting benefits and ability to survive the harsh manufacturing conditions of chicken feed production. This review provides an overview of several modes of action of some Bacillus direct-fed microbials as probiotics. Among the benefits of these direct-fed microbials are their production of naturally synthesized antimicrobial peptides, gut flora modulation to promote beneficial microbiota along the gastrointestinal tract, and various immunological and gut morphological alterations. The modes of action for increased performance are not well defined, and growth promotion is not equal across all Bacillus species or within strains. Appropriate screening and characterization of Bacillus isolates prior to commercialization are necessary to maximize poultry growth to meet the ultimate goal of eliminating AGP usage in animal husbandry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish size and mass information during different growth stages is important for precise feeding regime management, oxygen consumption calculations, antibiotic prescription and improving fish welfare, but also to facilitate decisions on grading, harvesting and time to harvest. The main purpose of this study was to develop an automatic system to estimate fish mass using fish dorsal geometrical features and machine learning algorithms such as random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM). To develop the model, Kinect as a RGB-D camera was used to acquire depth map and top view images of 295 farmed seabass ( Dicentrarchus labrax, L. ) of different sizes. Eight dorsal geometric features were extracted and used for model development. Ten-fold cross validation was used to optimize and validate the models. Comparison of models was made in term of the coefficient of determination ( R cv 2 ) and Root Mean Square Error of prediction (RMSEP) of cross validation. Both models exhibited significant prediction, however, SVM algorithm with R cv 2 of 0.872 ( p  < 0.01) and RMSE of 0.13 gave a slightly better prediction of weight compared to RF with R cv 2 of 0.868 ( p  < 0.01) and RMSE of 0.13 was the highest R 2 . Subsequently, Infrared reflection system (IREF) which is composed of a NIR range camera with an external illuminator, was also used in this study to acquire 20 fish dorsal images inside the tank. Like validation results, both algorithms had the significant prediction, however, despite the validation results, RF with R 2 = 0.84 p < 0.01 and RMSE = 0.12 was better in comparison to SVM with R 2 = 0.72 ( p < 0.01 ) and RMSE = 0.16. The study demonstrated that seabass geometrical dorsal features together with machine learning algorithms could be used for mass predictions. Furthermore, the IREF system can be used as a reliable, inexpensive, stress-free and accurate sensor for monitoring and estimating fish mass during cultivation within the tank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of an additive derived from the nature as an alternative of dietary antibiotic in Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica. Six experimental diets were formulated to contain no antibiotics or additive (yellow loess/YL) (control/CON), three graded levels of yellow loess at 5 (YL5), 10 (YL10) and 20 g/kg (YL20), oxytetracycline at 5 (OTC) and amoxicillin at 10 g/kg amoxicillin (AMX) of diet. Weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) from fish fed CON or YL5 diets were significantly lower than those of fish fed YL20 or OTC diets. Among non‐specific enzyme, lysozyme activity of fish fed YL20, OTC or AMX was detected to be significantly higher than that from fish fed CON or YL5 diets, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of the fish fed CON was significantly lower than that for fish fed other experimental diets. Challenge test with bacteria, Edwardsiella tarda, showed improved disease resistance among the fish fed different levels of natural additive without any statistical difference from those fed antibiotics (OTC and/or AMX) supplemented diets. Therefore, these results demonstrated the potential of natural feed additive, yellow loess to replace oxytetracycline and/or amoxicillin in Japanese eel, A. japonica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Veterinary antibiotics (VAs) are used worldwide in animal farming as drugs to treat or prevent diseases and serve as feed additives. VAs are usually poorly sorbed in the animal gut, and the majority are excreted unchanged or as their recalcitrant metabolites in feces and urine. More importantly, animal wastes are frequently employed in agriculture as a supplement to fertilizer, raising a major international concern about the potential impacts of VAs on agro-ecosystems. Increasing use of these manures in agriculture is thus posing a threat in the form of rapid increase in antibiotic resistance. The current review critically summarizes available literature on the global consumption, exposure pathways, occurrence, fate and environmental effects of VAs in manure-fertilized agricultural soils. Recognizing the importance of the issue of VA resistance in the environment, we focused on the increased abundance and transferability of VA resistance determinants, highlighting details as to how they contribute to the change in human microbiome. Notably, existing regulations and research gaps in association with the spread of VAs and their resistance due to manure application in agricultural fields are also outlined. Finally, we highlight the areas that future research should prioritize and propose certain strategies that could help curtail VAs occurrence and the danger they pose to agro-ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic use in animal husbandry has raised concerns on the spread of resistant bacteria. Currently animal products are traded globally with unprecedented ease, which has been challenging the control of antimicrobial resistance. This study aims to detect and characterize extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae from imported and locally produced poultry products sold in Ghana. Local and imported chicken meat was collected from 94 stores and markets throughout Kumasi (Ghana) and cultured on selective ESBL screening agar. Phenotypic ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates were confirmed by combined disc test and further characterized by antibiotic susceptibility testing, amplification of the bla CTX-M , bla TEM and bla SHV genes as well as multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and linked to the country of origin. Out of 200 meat samples, 71 (36%) samples revealed 81 ESBL-producing isolates (46 E. coli and 35 K. pneumoniae ), with 44% (30/68) of local poultry and 31% (41/132) of imported products being contaminated. Most ESBL-producing isolates harboured the bla CTX-M-15 gene (61/81, 75%) and the dominant Sequence Types (ST) were ST2570 (7/35, 20%) among K. pneumoniae and ST10 (5/46, 11%) among E. coli . High numbers of ESBL-producing bacteria, particularly on local but also imported poultry meat, represent a potential source for human colonization and infection as well as spread within the community. Surveillance along the poultry production-food-consumer chain would be a valuable tool to identify sources of emerging multidrug resistant pathogens in Ghana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feed and water supplementation with powdered hydrolyzable tannins from chestnut represents a valuable alternative strategy to antibiotics in animal nutrition. In this study, we evaluated the effects and safety of a water-soluble form of chestnut tannin (WST) in an in vitro model of chicken small intestinal epithelial cells (CSIEC). A chicken cell culture was established, and WST in concentrations of 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2% were tested for cytotoxicity, cell proliferation, metabolic activity, production of reactive oxygen species, intracellular antioxidative potential, genotoxicity, and influence on the epithelia cell cycle. The tested concentrations showed a significant (P < 0.05) greater proliferative effect on CSIEC than the control medium (maximal proliferation at 0.1% WST as determined by optical density measurements). The 0.2% concentration of WST was cytotoxic, causing significantly higher (P < 0.05) nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide production but with no short-term genotoxicity. Although increasing the concentration caused a decline in the metabolism of challenged cells (the lowest at 0.1% WST), metabolic activity remained higher than that in control cells. The antioxidant potential was 75% better and significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the 0.1% WST cultured cells compared to control. In conclusion, the cultured CSIEC are useful tools in basic and clinical research for the study of intestinal physiology, as they retain physiological and biochemical properties and epithelial morphology close to the original tissue and, in many ways, reflect the in vivo state. Our results indicate that WST exert a beneficial effect on intestinal epithelia, since they: i) stimulate proliferation of enterocytes; ii) increase antioxidative potential; iii) have no genotoxic effect; and iv) do not affect cellular metabolism. Our results reinforce the importance of WST as promising candidates for further evaluation and use in commercial broiler farm production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous ethical issues have emerged from the industrialization of animal agriculture. Those issues ultimately rest in large measure upon overuse of antibiotics. How this has occurred is discussed in detail in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In last decade, the uncontrolled use of antibiotics as growth promoter for livestock has led to the appearance of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and increased risk of infectious diseases. This situation has triggered intensive research efforts to find safe alternative strategies. Certainly, the plants and vegetables and their derivatives as natural safe substances could be good candidates in this respect. There is huge information on the immunostimulatory properties of herbal plans in human, and may contribute considerably to the improvement of the health and immune response and prevention of certain diseases in animals including poultry. Garlic (Allium sativum) is an herbal plant that has traditionally been used for the healing a number of human diseases and has in recent years been revealed to have immunostimulatory, anticardiovascular disease, antitumour, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The scientific evidences suggest that allicin and other active components of garlic have also some positive effects for livestock, including hypocholesterolemic, growth promoting, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 160 Escherichia coli strains isolated from calves during one year period were investigated for verotoxigenicity, integron 1 and antibiotic resistance. Selected 30 verotoxigenic or integron 1 positive E. coli isolates were studied for antibiotic resistance genes, including the detection of extended-spectrum ß-lactamases and plasmid replicon profiling. Resistances to ampicillin, streptomycin and tetracycline were the most frequent detected and followed by resistance to neomycin, cotrimoxazol, chloramphenicol, florfenicol and enrofloxacin. Two ceftiofur resistant strains were positive for CTX-M 1 with plasmid of FIB incompatibility group. B/O and F1B plasmids were the most frequently carried replicons in VTEC. Majority of strains belonged to commensal phylogenetic group A. In conclusion, commensal Escherichia coli of calves are a reservoir of ESBL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate probable herb-drug interaction between silymarin extract and doxycycline and their effect on some biochemical serum parameters in Japanese quails. 120 14-day-old male Japanese quails were equally divided into 4 groups: control group without treatment (n = 30), group, treated with doxycycline (at a dose 10 mg.kg-1 bw, via drinking water for four days, started 30 days after hatching, n = 30), third group, treated with doxycycline and silymarin 0.5% (started 14 days after hatching, via feed, for twenty days, n = 30) and group, treated with doxycycline and silymarin 1% as described above (n = 30). Water and food were supplied ad libitum. Blood samples were collected on 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 24, 98, 100 and 102 h from the beginning of the treatment. The feed consumption and the body weight of the quails were registered. Growth and FCR were calculated. Silymarin supplementation provoked a tendency to slightly decrease in serum concentrations of the antibiotic with the time of the treatment compared to doxycycline only treated quails, suggested probable herb-drug interaction. Silymarin administration did not lead to better feed conversion ratio (FCR). The values of triglycerides and ASAT were significantly changed in doxycycline treated groups vs controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two comparative in vitro and in vivo experiments were accomplished to assess the effects of Moringa oleifera root bark (MRB) and ionophore antibiotic monensin as dietary feed additives for ruminants' diets. In the in vitro experiment, the effects of graded levels of MRB (0, 25 and 50 g/kg DM) and monensin (40 mg/kg DM) on ruminal fermentation and degradability parameters were evaluated using the semi-automatic gas production (GP) system. Results were subjected to regression analysis (dose-response analysis) and ANOVA to select the MRB effective dose. In the in vivo experiment, eighteen Barki lambs (BW; 25 ± 3.1 kg) were randomly allotted into three dietary treatments (n = 6/treatment) as: control (basal diet without additive), monensin (40 mg/kg DM) and MRB (25 g/kg DM). The experiment lasted for 70 days to collect ruminal samples and evaluate lamb performance, while the subsequent 7 days were assigned for the nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance trial. The GC–MS analysis of MRB showed that the most abundant phytochemicals were organosilicons, alkaloids and benzoic acid ester. Results of the in vitro assay showed that both MRB doses inhibited (P < 0.01) CH 4 production (ml/g DM) without adverse effects on GP and degradability compared to control. Diet supplemented with 25 g MRB/kg DM resulted in the highest increase (P = 0.03) of propionate compared to control. Ammonia concentration was decreased (P < 0.01) by monensin, while protozoal counts were not affected by all experimental diets. The in vivo effects of MRB on ruminal fermentation profile were different from those of in vitro assay. MRB enhanced (P < 0.05) the total short chain fatty acids, acetate production and nutrients digestibility, while monensin enhanced propionate (P < 0.01) compared to other diets. Both monensin and MRB exhibited similar reductions (P < 0.01) in protozoal counts, urine N excretions and estimated CH 4 produced per unit of body weight gain while enhanced (P < 0.05) the body N retention, average daily gain, and feed efficiency compared to control. These results suggested that, although MRB was less effective than monensin, it favourably modified the ruminal fermentation process and nutrients digestibility, thus it could be used as a novel dietary feed additive for ruminant diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of two mixed organic acids (OA) on performance, serum immunity, intestinal morphology and microbiota of weaned pigs in comparison with antibiotic growth promoters (AGP). A total of 144 weaned piglets [Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire), average weight 8.63 ± 1.56 kg] were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 dietary treatments with 6 replicate pens per treatment (3 barrows and 3 gilts per pen). The dietary treatments included a corn-soybean basal diet (CTR), AGP diet (CTR + 10 mg/kg zinc bacitracin, 5 mg/kg colistin sulphate and 5 mg/kg olaquindox), Organic acid 1 diet [OA1; CTR + 3000 mg/kg OA1; a synergistic blend of free and buffered short chain fatty acids (mainly formic acid, acetic acid and propionic acid) combined with medium chain fatty acids (MCFA)]. Organic acid 2 diet (OA2; CTR + 2000 mg/kg OA2; a synergistic blend of a phenolic compound, slow release C12, target release butyrate and sorbic acid, MCFA and OA). Compared with CTR, average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (FE) were improved ( P < 0.05) by OA2 in phase 2 (d 14–28) and the overall period (d 0–28), and OA1 improved ( P < 0.05) FE during the overall period, while AGP increased ( P < 0.05) ADG and FE in phase 2. Both OA1 and OA2 reduced ( P < 0.05) the incidence of diarrhea and fecal E. coli counts. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of total carbohydrates, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and phosphorus was improved ( P < 0.05) by OA2 in phase 1 (d 0–14). In phase 2, OA1 increased ( P < 0.05) ATTD of dry matter, total carbohydrates, NDF and ADF while OA2 improved ( P < 0.05) ATTD of total carbohydrates, phosphorus and ether extract. Compared with CTR, the concentration of total volatile fatty acid in feces was improved ( P < 0.01) in pigs supplemented with AGP, OA1 and OA2. The concentration of IgG, growth hormone, and total antioxidant capacity in serum tended to be higher, and the amount of hydroxyl radicals in serum was lower ( P < 0.05) in pigs supplemented with OA2 compared with CTR. Crypt depth in the jejunum for piglets fed with OA2 was lower ( P < 0.05), and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the jejunum and ileum was greater ( P < 0.05) in pigs fed with AGP, OA1 or OA2 than those of CTR. The results from the present research indicate that OA1 and OA2 can be used to replace AGP based on the positive effects on performance, serum immunity, intestinal morphology and microbiota in the weaned piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Veterinary antibiotics are available for uptake by the plants through sources such as manure, irrigation, and atmospheric interaction. The present study was conducted to estimate the half-lives of three veterinary antibiotics, chlortetracycline (CTC), enrofloxacin (ENR), and sulphathiazole (STZ), in soil and experimentally explore their uptake from contaminated soil to radish roots and leaves. Samples were extracted using a modified citrate-buffered version of the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe “QuEChERS” method followed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometric analysis (LC–MS/MS) in the positive ion mode. Good linearity was observed for the three tested antibiotics in soil and plants (roots and leaves) with high coefficients of determination ( R 2 ≥ 0.9922). The average recovery rates at two spiking levels with three replicates per level ranged between 77.1 and 114.8%, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤ 19.9% for all tested drugs. In a batch incubation experiment ( in vitro study), the half-lives of CTC, ENR, and STZ ranged from 2.0–6.1, 2.2–4.5, and 1.1–2.2 days, respectively. Under greenhouse conditions, the half-lives of the three target antibiotics in soil with and without radishes were 2.5–6.9 and 2.7–7.4; 4.7–16.7 and 10.3–14.6; and 4.4–4.9 and 2.5–2.8 days, respectively. Trace amounts of the target antibiotics (CTC, ENR, and STZ) were taken up from soil via roots and entered the leaves of radishes. The concentration of CTC was lower than 2.73%, ENR was 0.08–3.90%, and < 1.64% STZ was uptaken. In conclusion, the concentrations of the tested antibiotics decreased with time and consequently lower residues were observed in the radishes. The rapid degradation of the tested antibiotics in the present study might have only little impact on soil microorganisms, fauna, and plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is interest in the use of direct-fed microbials (DFM) as substitutes for antibiotic growth promoters in farm animal production. However, little information exists on their effects in dairy calves. The aims of this study were to: 1) determine the viability of supplemental DFM in feed and throughout the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of calves; 2) evaluate the effect of DFM on total lactobacilli population in the digestive tract and in feces of calves; and 3) examine the influence of DFM on colon histomorphology and overall calf performance. Forty eight calves (2–7 days old) were randomly allocated to four treatments as follows: 1) Control (CTRL) fed milk replacer (MR) followed by starter feed (SF); 2) CTRL supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii CNCMI-1079 (SCB; 7.5 × 10 8 colony forming units (CFU)/L MR + 3 × 10 9 CFU/kg SF); 3) CTRL supplemented with Lactobacillus acidophilus BT1386 (LA; 2.5 × 10 8 CFU/L MR + 1 × 10 9 CFU/kg SF); and 4) CTRL supplemented with antibiotics (ATB) chlortetracycline and neomycin (528 and 357 mg/L MR, respectively), and chlortetracycline (55 mg/kg SF). Four calves per treatment were euthanized on day 33 (pre-weaning) and an additional four calves per treatment on day 96 (post-weaning) to sample different sections of the GIT. The effects of treatments were analyzed following a completely randomized design with repeated measures and Tukey adjustments for multiple comparisons. The DFM (SCB and LA) remained viable in the commercial product throughout the period of the experiment. Viable SCB was recovered throughout the GIT and in the feces pre- and post-weaning. There was no effect of DFM on total lactobacilli population in the GIT of calves. However, feces of SCB-treated calves showed a greater lactobacilli population compared with CTRL (P < 0.01) around weaning. In the pre-weaning period, the distribution of lactobacilli population differed along the digestive tract (colon > ileum content > rumen > ileum mucosa; P < 0.001). The lactobacilli population was significantly reduced in all compartments (P = 0.02) post-weaning compared to pre-weaning, except in the rumen. Crypts depth and width of the colon decreased (P < 0.01) whereas number of goblet cells containing neutral mucins tended to increase (P = 0.058) while acidic mucins increased (P < 0.05) in SCB- and ATB-treated calves compared with CTRL and LA-treated calves. Overall, growth performances were not affected by treatment. Feeding SCB stimulated total lactobacilli population around weaning and altered colon morphology with potential beneficial effects during the early period of growth in calves. Our findings suggest that SCB would deserve more attention as a modulator of the gastrointestinal health in young dairy calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics have long been of great benefit for people, both in the medical treatment of human disease and in animal food where they improve the growth performance and feed utilization during animal production. Antibiotics as in-feed supplements affect all stages of pork production, including the gestation, nursing, growing, and finishing stages, although the effects show stage-dependent differences. However, the use of antibiotics in animal feed has become a worldwide concern. This review describes why sub-therapeutic levels of antibiotic additives in animal feed have become an integral part of animal feeding programs for more than 70 years, particularly in pork production. It also discusses the threat of the long-term use of sub-therapeutic levels of antibiotics in pork production. In recent years, the effectiveness of in-feed antibiotics has tended to decrease. This review analyzes this change from various perspectives. First, the equipment used at pig farms has improved dramatically and is more sanitary. Worldwide, more pig farms use pig farrowing crates, gestation crates, piglet nursery crates, flooring devices, piggery ventilation and cooler systems, automatic pig feeders, piggery heating equipment, and artificial insemination systems. In addition, scientists have replaced the use of antibiotics with organic acids, fermented mash, probiotics, prebiotics, minerals, oligosaccharides, enzymes, herbs/flavors, and protein/amino acids, and have improved management and husbandry techniques. In addition, animal welfare legislation has been aimed at improving the quality of the floors and living space, ensuring that animals have permanent access to fresh water, and setting a minimum weaning age. Finally, the prospects and the possibility of replacing antibiotics in pork production are described, in line with recent research results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Dutch government has set targets for reduction of antimicrobial usage in food animals, stipulating a 50% reduction in usage (on a weight basis) in 2013 as compared to 2009 and a 70% decrease in 2015. A monitoring program has been instituted to evaluate the impact on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The Dutch Ministry of Public Health Welfare and Sports has expressed the need for a summary index to present the results of the monitoring data concisely to policy makers. Methods: We use data on AMR in bacteria from randomly collected samples from broiler chickens, fattening pigs, veal calves and dairy cows. Escherichia coli was selected for resistance monitoring because they are intrinsically susceptible to the antibiotics included in the test panel (ciprofloxacin, cefotaxime, tetracycline and ampicillin) and they are present in all samples, which facilitates proper randomization and trend analysis. The AMR summary index was calculated for each animal species as a weighted average over the four antibiotics, taking into account their clinical relevance. Weights were obtained by conjoint analysis, a pairwise comparison study involving infectious diseases professionals with clinical and public health backgrounds, with data analysis by conditional logistic regression. The AMR summary index was then computed by Monte Carlo simulation, accounting for sampling and regression uncertainty. Results: The highest weights (0.35) were given to ciprofloxacin and cefotaxime followed by ampicillin (0.23) and tetracycline (0.07). Throughout the years, the AMR index was highest in broiler chickens, followed by pigs and veal calves, while the lowest values were consistently recorded in dairy cows. In all animal species, the index in 2014 was significantly lower than in 2009. Conclusions: We demonstrate that high-dimensional data on surveillance of antimicrobial resistance can be summarized in an index for evaluating trends between and within food animal species by a process involving decision makers and scientists to select and weight the most relevant antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of organic acids as an alternative to antibiotics on the performance of broiler chickens was evaluated by meta-analysis, identifying and quantifying the main factors that influence results. A total of 51,960 broilers from 121 articles published between 1991 and 2016 were used. Interactions of additives [non-supplemented group (control), organic acids, and growth promoter antibiotics] with microbial challenge (with or without inoculation of pathogenic microorganisms) were studied on performance variables. Moreover, the effects of organic acids, used individually or in blends, were evaluated. Relative values of average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were obtained in relation to control: ΔADG and ΔADFI, respectively. Analysis of variance-covariance revealed lower ADG with organic acids when compared to antibiotics (P < 0.05). There was a significant interaction between the additives and the challenge on feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.01) and on viability (P < 0.05). Without challenge, organic acids improved broilers' FCR (P < 0.01), presenting results similar to antibiotics (P > 0.05). Under challenge, the organic acids were again effective on FCR (-5.67% in relation to control, P < 0.05), but they did not match antibiotics (-13.40% in relation to control, P < 0.01). Viability was improved only under challenge conditions, and only by antibiotics (+4.39% in relation to control, P < 0.05). ADG (P < 0.05) and FCR (P < 0.01) were increased by blends of organic acids, but not by the organic acids used alone (P > 0.05). ADFI and production factor were not influenced by the treatments (P > 0.05). ΔADFI of organic-acid supplemented group showed a linear influence on ΔADG, which increases 0.64% at every 1% increase in ΔADFI. In conclusion, organic acids can be utilized as performance enhancing, but the results are lower than those found with antibiotics, particularly under microbial challenge. The blends of organic acids provide better results than the utilization of one organic acid alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pig farmers are strongly encouraged to reduce their antimicrobial usage in order to reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Herd-level intervention is needed to achieve national and European reduction targets. Alternative, especially preventive measures, have to be implemented to reduce the need for antimicrobial treatments. However, little is known about the feasibility, effectiveness and return on investment of such measures. The objective of this study was to assess, across four countries, the technical and economic impact of herd-specific interventions aiming at reducing antimicrobial usage in pig production while implementing alternative measures. An intervention study was conducted between February 2014 and August 2015 in 70 farrow-to-finish pig farms located in Belgium, France, Germany and Sweden. Herd-specific interventions were defined together with the farmer and the herd veterinarian. Farms were followed over one year and their antimicrobial usage and technical performance were compared with values from the year before intervention. Compliance with the intervention plan was also monitored. Changes in margin over feed cost and net farm profit were estimated in a subset of 33 Belgian and French farms with sufficient data, using deterministic and stochastic modeling. Following interventions, a substantial reduction in antimicrobial use was achieved without negative impact the overall farm technical performance. A median reduction of 47.0% of antimicrobial usage was achieved across four countries when expressed in terms of treatment incidence from birth to slaughter, corresponding to a 30.5% median reduction of antimicrobial expenditures. Farm compliance with intervention plans was high (median: 93%; min-max: 20; 100) and farms with higher compliance tended to achieve bigger reduction (ρ = -0.18, p = 0.162). No association was found between achieved reduction and type or number of alternative measures implemented. Mortality in suckling piglets, weaners and fatteners, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio did not significantly change over the course of the study, while the number of weaned piglets per sow per year slightly increased. The median change in net farm profit among Belgian and French farms was estimated to be €4.46 (Q25-Q75:-32.54; 80.50) and €1.23 (Q25-Q75:-32.55; 74.45) per sow per year using the detererministic and stochastic models, respectively. It was more influenced by a change in feed conversion ratio and daily weight gain than by a change in antimicrobial expenditures or intervention direct net cost. Therefore, costs of alternative measures should not be perceived as a barrier, but rather as an opportunity to optimise production practices for sustained productivity and improved animal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]