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This study focuses on the development and analysis of a group of high-order implicit-explicit (IMEX) Runge–Kutta (RK) methods that are suitable for discretizing gradient flows with nonlinearity that is Lipschitz continuous. We demonstrate that these IMEX-RK methods can preserve the original energy dissipation property without any restrictions on the time-step size, thanks to a stabilization technique. The stabilization constants are solely dependent on the minimal eigenvalues that result from the Butcher tables of the IMEX-RKs. Furthermore, we establish a simple framework that can determine whether an IMEX-RK scheme is capable of preserving the original energy dissipation property or not. We also present a heuristic convergence analysis based on the truncation errors. This is the first research to prove that a linear high-order single-step scheme can ensure the original energy stability unconditionally for general gradient flows. Additionally, we provide several high-order IMEX-RK schemes that satisfy the established framework. Notably, we discovered a new four-stage third-order IMEX-RK scheme that reduces energy. Finally, we provide numerical examples to demonstrate the stability and accuracy properties of the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Runge–Kutta algorithms with adaptive step size control provide reliable tools for the solution of initial value problems with diagonally implicit Runge‐Kutta (DIRK) methods as the most common approach. In this contribution, the new low‐order explicit last‐stage diagonally implicit Runge–Kutta (ELDIRK) methods are investigated, combining implicit schemes with an additional explicit evaluation as an explicit last stage. This results in Butcher tableaus with two solutions of different convergence orders suitable for embedded methods, where the higher‐order solution is achieved by additional explicit evaluations. Thus, the iterative solution of non‐linear systems is omitted for the additional stage, presenting a major reduction in computational cost for the determination of a local error estimate. The key contribution is the application of the novel Butcher tableaux to phase‐field problems, solved with the finite‐element method, leading to substantial numerical investigations with an efficient approach for DIRK schemes. The most important aspects are the investigations of stability properties which lead to the novel class of A‐stable ELDIRK methods. In accordance, the study of the convergence orders is presented. A local error estimator is presented, such that adaptive step size control for the new low‐order embedded schemes based on an empirical approach for error estimation is achieved. A suitable parallel algorithm is presented with conclusive two‐dimensional phase‐field simulations based on a Kobayashi‐Warren‐Carter model. The higher‐order convergence suggested by the novel schemes is confirmed, and their effective results are demonstrated, resulting in a valuable semi‐explicit addition to the family of Runge–Kutta time integration schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Meat processing is among the most extensive industries globally. However, data on the effects of occupational exposure on the pulmonary health of slaughterhouse workers is limited. Ascertaining the impact of the slaughterhouse atmosphere on the breathing habits of laborers exposed to it and the inflammatory markers associated with it was the aim of the current investigation. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 82 non-smoker subjects of 41 male workers working in one of the major slaughterhouses in Cairo, Egypt, matched to 41 controls of administrative personnel. An elaborate questionnaire encompassing medical and occupational history was administered to each participant in the research. General and local systemic examinations and ventilatory function tests were carried out, and serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured. Results: Respiratory symptoms were more prevalent with a statistically significant decline in ventilatory function parameters (FVC%, FEV1%, FEV1/FVC, FEF 25%, FEF 50%, FEF 75%, and PEF%) among the exposed group compared to those of control. In addition, there was a significantly higher serum level of inflammatory markers (IL-6 and hsCRP) among the exposed group compared to the control group, with a negative correlation with ventilatory functions. Moreover, there was a positive association between levels of serum IL-6 and hsCRP and the age and duration of employment of workers. Conclusion: There was a notable increase in the prevalence of respiratory disorders and inflammatory markers among slaughterhouse workers. Additionally, there was a substantial decrease in ventilatory function parameters, which could be attributed to the bioaerosols they encountered in the workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Swine dysentery, caused by Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, is a severe pig disease. Resistance to tylosins is common and resistance to tiamulin has been reported since the 1990s. Still, dysentery is not notifiable to authorities. The disease therefore escapes control from an overall population perspective. In Sweden, a program that aimed to control dysentery at national level was initiated in 2020, mainly due to the unexpected diagnosis of tiamulin resistant Brachyspira hyodysenteriae in 2016. Results: Through joint efforts of a network including farmers, government, animal health organisations and abattoirs it was concluded that outbreaks of dysentery had taken place in 25 herds between 2016 and 2019. By 1 January 2020, nine of these herds were still not declared free from the disease. From that date, the network decided that Brachyspira hyodysenteriae was to be cultured whenever dysentery could be suspected. Thus, 148, 157 and 124 herds were scrutinised for Brachyspira hyodysenteriae in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively, whereof five, three and two new herds were confirmed positive. By 31 December 2022, four herds were judged as impossible to sanitise. However, they posed no problem since they were identified by the network, pigs to and from these enterprises could be transported without jeopardising other herds. When Brachyspira hyodysenteriae was diagnosed in fattening herds purchasing growers, Brachyspira hyodysenteriae could not be detected in the delivering herds. That result, together with other observations, indicated that Brachyspira hyodysenteriae ought to be regarded as ubiquitous, although at a low level in healthy pigs. Conclusions: Eradication of dysentery contributed to substantial welfare and financial improvements in affected herds. Dysentery was controlled successfully at national level through the united efforts from competing stake holders, such as different abattoirs and animal health organisations. However, as Brachyspira hyodysenteriae was assumed to be ubiquitous, although at a low level in healthy pigs, the duration of the successful control of dysentery was concluded to only be transient. Without permanent monitoring for Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, the knowledge of the national status will rapidly decline to the level prior to the initiation of the control program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anthrax is the most prioritized zoonotic disease in Kazakhstan due to its threatening potential to the public health and agricultural sector. Sporadic anthrax outbreaks are being reported annually among human and livestock populations throughout the country, with the highest frequency occurring in West Kazakhstan. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted using a survey‐based face‐to‐face interview. From January to May 2022, 489 randomly selected participants were surveyed in 6 districts of the Baiterek province in West Kazakhstan oblast to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding anthrax among community members. This is the first KAP study conducted relating to outbreaks of anthrax in Kazakhstan. Results: In this study, most participants (74%) surveyed were males, and 40% of respondents had a secondary level education. Overall, 91% of the community respondents were engaged in agriculture and livestock rearing. Among these community members, cattle rearing was the most common (67%) occupation compared to other livestock species. Additionally, over a 50% of the population studied had no knowledge about the zoonotic nature of the disease, and about 82% and 87% of respondents were unaware of any animal and human anthrax symptoms, respectively. About 70% of the respondents were interested in vaccinating their livestock against anthrax. Individuals aged 45–54 displayed notably higher animal vaccination rates (45%; 95% CI: 38.4–52.0; p < 0.025) compared to those aged 25–34 and 65–74. Respondents residing in the Beles district (20%; 95% CI: 17.1–24.7; p < 0.005) exhibited a significantly higher level of awareness concerning the fatality of anthrax in contrast to participants from Bolashak. Roughly 61% of respondents held the belief that anthrax is a lethal disease. An overwhelming majority of the survey participants (99%) affirmed their non‐participation in the slaughter of infected animals. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that KAP among community members relating to anthrax is low and requires swift implementation of education programmes in building awareness of anthrax under the One Health approach, especially in anthrax prone regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ELDIRK methods are defined to have an Explicit Last stage in the general Butcher array of Diagonal Implicit Runge-Kutta methods, with the consequence, that no additional system of equations must be solved, compared to the embedded RK method. Two general formulations for second- and third-order ELDIRK methods have been obtained recently in Mahnken [21] with specific schemes, e.g. for the embedded implicit Euler method, the embedded trapezoidal-rule and the embedded Ellsiepen method. In the first part of this paper, we investigate some general stability characteristics of ELDIRK methods, and it will be shown that the above specific RK schemes are not A-stable. Therefore, in the second part, the above-mentioned general formulations are used for further stability investigations, with the aim to construct new second- and third-order ELDIRK methods which simultaneously are A-stable. Two numerical examples are concerned with the curing for a thermosetting material and phase-field RVE modeling for crystallinity and orientation. The numerical results confirm the theoretical results on convergence order and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study investigated the repeatability of feed efficiency and its association with carcass traits in Hanwoo steers during the entire growing and fattening periods. Methods: The growth and intake of thirty-six Hanwoo steers (259±19.7 kg; nine months) were monitored throughout five periods, including two growing periods (GP) and three fattening periods (FP). The steers were fed two types of concentrate mixes with varying nutrient compositions until they reached a target weight of 800 kg for slaughter. For each period, steers were categorized into three classes based on their feed efficiency rankings using residual feed intake (RFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Feed efficiency repeatability was assessed using the Spearman correlation coefficient, decomposition of random errors, and the Theil segregation index (TSI). The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between feed efficiency and carcass traits. Results: The results demonstrated a significant and high correlation with RFI, but not FCR, during the growing or fattening stages (r>0.5; p<0.01). When steers were classified according to their feed efficiency rankings, 58% of the animals in the high RFI class (low efficient) initially (GP 1) remained in the same class by the last period (FP 3), whereas steers were randomly distributed based on FCR. The repeatability, assessed by the decomposition of random errors, was higher for RFI (0.61) than for FCR (0.15). The TSI also indicated that RFI rankings, rather than FCR rankings, are more likely to be maintained. Moreover, a weak association was observed between feed efficiency and carcass traits. Conclusion: In conclusion, RFI repeatability throughout the GP and FP surpassed that of the FCR, with steers classified as high RFI during the GP more likely to remain in the same class during the FP. Feed efficiency was weakly correlated with carcass traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Girsu, the modern site of Tello (southern Iraq), represents one of the earliest known urban centres of the ancient world, along with Uruk, Eridu, and Ur. During the 3rd millennium BCE (3000–2000 BCE), Girsu was revered as the sanctuary of the Sumerian heroic deity Ningirsu, who fought with supernatural beasts and made possible the introduction of irrigation and agriculture in Sumer. While much is known about the gods, their roles, and rituals inside the temples, there is little textual or archaeological evidence concerning the rituals that took place in the large open-air plazas adjacent to the temples. These areas within the sacred precinct were where the general population would gather to participate in festivals and ceremonies to honour the gods. To better understand the ancient cultic realm in southern Mesopotamia, an in-depth investigation of a favissa (ritual pit) discovered within the sacred precinct at Girsu was undertaken. The excavations recovered a large quantity of ceramics and animal remains that had been used for ritual purposes. Through the study of archaeological remains of cultic spaces at Girsu, information on ritual behaviour such as sacrificial animal slaughtering and consumption for the purpose of feasting, the types of libations provided to quench the thirst of the gods, and the distance travelled to take part in the annual festivals to pay homage to the patron god of their sacred city were explored. Analysis of the associated ceramics, cuneiform texts, and zooarchaeological remains (including stable isotope data), allowed a multi-faceted and integrative approach to better understand ceremonial behaviour and ritual feasting in this sacred city. New insights into communal and performative participation in ceremonies, especially by non-elite individuals, are generated. These data increase our knowledge not only of how Girsu's citizens organised their sacred spaces and religious festivals, but also of how they behaved in order to satisfy the ever-demanding needs of their gods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This paper reviews key issues regarding the spread of diseases that affect both humans and animals, known as zoonotic diseases. These diseases, which make up about 70% of all new and existing diseases, are increasingly interconnected with factors like the environment, society, and economics. The term "zoonoses" is discussed beyond just veterinary medicine, emphasizing its complex nature influenced by human activities and climate change. Bioethical principles and strategies for preventing these diseases are proposed. A case study on animal slaughter during disasters highlights ethical challenges in how we manage health across species, leading to discussions on "zoonoethics". The paper also explores how these diseases emerge and the ethical and political issues around antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with recommendations for tackling AMR. The management of these diseases will require the adoption and acceleration of the "One Health" approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness and interdependence between human, animal, and environmental health. This paper presents a critical review of key issues related to the emergence of new networks for the spread of zoonotic diseases amid the mass extinction of species. Zoonotic and infectious diseases account for approximately 70% of new and existing diseases affecting humans and animals. The initial section argues that the term "zoonoses" should not be confined to single-cause events within veterinary medicine. Instead, zoonoses should be viewed as complex, systemic phenomena shaped by interrelated factors, including environmental, sociocultural, and economic elements, influenced by anthropogenic climate change. The second section presents bioethical principles and potential strategies for those engaged in zoonotic disease prevention. The third section uses the slaughter of animals in disaster settings as a case study to illustrate the need for further clarification of normative and interspecies justice conflicts in One Health ethics. This section concludes with an outlook on "zoonoethics". Section four develops the analysis of the interlinked elements that trigger zoonoses and examines antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from an ethical and political standpoint, concluding with policy recommendations for addressing AMR. Section five offers a critical reflection, integrating contributions from zoonoethics, human ecology, and the ecotheological turn. Finally, section six concludes with a call to action and policy recommendations for an inclusive, intercultural, and gender-sensitive One Health approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ciencia y Educación (2707-3378) is the property of Duanys Miguel Pena Lopez and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Summary: The aim of this study was to estimate the molecular infection prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep liver tissues destined for human consumption. A total number of 224 liver tissues were collected from slaughtered sheep in Sejnane slaughterhouse (Northwest Tunisia). PCR was used to detect T. gondii DNA in liver tissues followed by phylogenetic analysis of amplicons. The phylogenetic tree was then constructed to compare the partial sequences of the ITS1 gene with GenBank sequences. The overall molecular prevalence of T. gondii in sheep livers was 25% (56/224). The highest molecular prevalence of T. gondii was recorded in sheep aged of less than one year old (27.3%; 52/190). Infection prevalence was significantly higher in Noire de Thibar breed (33%; 17/51) compared to other breeds (p = 0.023). There were no differences depicted according to sheep's gender. The T. gondii sequences obtained in the present study (GenBank accession numbers: OR509829 and OR509830) were 98.40–100% homologous to T. gondii sequences published in the GenBank. These results highlight a high level of T. gondii contamination of tissues destined for human consumption. Further studies are needed to improve our knowledge on different genotypes of T. gondii that infect Tunisian sheep population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fasciola hepatica is a parasitic liver trematode that causes fasciolosis in humans and dairy animals. Traditional detection of infection is based on a microscopic examination with low sensitivity. Therefore, this study was carried out to develop an accurate and rapid method to detect F. hepatica in Alborz province. In this cross-sectional study, 386 samples were collected from livers of cattle and sheep in three slaughterhouses of Alborz. DNA was extracted, and nested-PCR was carried out based on the F. hepatica ITS-2 sequence. DNA amplification showed first and second PCR products with expected size of 336 and 208 bp respectively, as unique for F. hepatica. The results showed no cross-reaction with the negative control. Thirty-five liver samples were positive for this parasitic infection. Totally, the prevalence of F. hepatica in the slaughterhouses of Alborz, Iran was 9.07%. This is the first study of the molecular detection of F. hepatica using nested-PCR in Alborz. It is a sensitive and rapid method that will help evaluate the prevalence rate of F. hepatica infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastroenteritis caused by Campylobacter represents the most common reported foodborne bacterial illness worldwide, followed by salmonellosis. Both diseases are often caused by the consumption of contaminated, insufficiently heated poultry meat. This can result from contamination of the meat during the slaughtering processes. Food contact surfaces like stainless steel or plucking fingers contribute significantly to cross-contamination of poultry carcasses. Modification of these surfaces could lead to a reduction of the bacterial burden, as already proven by successful application in various food industry sectors, such as packaging.In this study, nanoscale silica-coated and uncoated stainless-steel surfaces and plucking fingers were compared on a pilot scale regarding attachment and detachment of Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella Enteritidis and Escherichia coli.The bacteria did not adhere less to the coated plucking fingers or stainless-steel sections than to the uncoated ones. The coating also did not lead to a significant difference in detachment of Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella Enteritidis and Escherichia coli from the investigated surfaces compared to the uncoated ones.Our study did not reveal any differences between the coated and uncoated surfaces with regard to the investigated bacteria. In order to achieve a better adaptation of the coating to slaughterhouse conditions, future studies should focus on its further development based on the investigation of specific coating parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reuse of wastewater, after treatment, is part of the country's water resource mobilization and development strategy. In irrigation and compared to conventional resources, the contribution of treated wastewater remains low, accounting for less than 1% of irrigated areas. However, the reuse of treated wastewater can be an important alternative to the use of untreated freshwater in the agricultural sector, particularly in a country like Morocco, where irrigation uses up to 90% of the consumed water. This study aims to assess the effect of treated wastewater reuse on the growth of beans (using stem length and leaf number). The experiment was conducted by irrigating bean plants with four types of water: raw slaughterhouse wastewater, biologically treated water with light, sand-filtered water, and well water used as a control. The effects of these waters on bean development and production were compared to determine the impact of different treatments. The results indicate that irrigation with treated wastewater can be a viable alternative to the use of untreated water in agriculture, particularly in Morocco, where irrigation represents a significant portion of water consumption. However, prior treatment of wastewater, especially that from slaughterhouses, is crucial to avoid negative effects on crop growth. These results highlight the importance of wastewater treatment before reuse, offering a new perspective on the sustainable management of water resources in Morocco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Horse meat consumption in Kazakhstan is a long-standing tradition, dating back to the steppe nomads' era. It has been a staple in the country's culinary heritage for centuries. The issue of the safety and nutritional value of horse meat remains a significant concern. Our research has revealed the presence of sarcocystosis in horse meat in northern Kazakhstan. Sarcocystosis affects the muscle tissue, thereby reducing the meat nutritional value. The conducted analyses results demonstrated the consequences that parasites have on the muscles of affected animals, which inevitably affect the meat quality. Molecular genetic analyses have identified two species of the aforementioned parasite. It is important to note that sarcocystosis is a dangerous disease for humans. In immunodeficient individuals, it can lead to the development of various pathological processes and, in some cases, to a lethal outcome. The findings of our investigation elucidated the prevalence of sarcocystosis in horses. The data obtained will facilitate the formulation of a plan for the implementation of preventive measures to combat sarcocystosis and the dissemination of information among veterinary professionals employed on farms. This will undoubtedly contribute to the enhancement of safety and quality control measures for meat derived from domestic animals, while simultaneously preventing human infection. Background: A total of 396 samples were taken from the hearts, oesophagi, and diaphragms of 132 horses slaughtered at slaughterhouses in 2023 for subsequent examination. Methods: The histological method revealed pathomorphological changes in the muscle tissue. The molecular method identified the pathogen species. Results: Histological examination revealed thick-walled cysts with internal septa and numerous bradyzoites, and mononuclear inflammatory cells with pericyst infiltrates. Microcyst samples were amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Molecular genetic analysis allowed for the identification of 18 sarcocysts. Phylogenetic analysis of Sarcocystis isolates revealed three separate clades of Sarcocystis bertrami and two separate clades of Sarcocystis fayeri. Comparison and phylogenetic analysis revealed a very close relationship between the identified Sarcocystis species and other equine Sarcocystis DNA sequences from China and Japan. Based on the results obtained, the epizootic situation and the parasitic level of sarcocystosis contamination of horses in the northern Kazakhstan were determined. Conclusion: This is the first histological and molecular study to identify Sarcocystis spp. isolated from microscopic forms of equine sarcocysts in the northern Kazakhstan. This research will contribute to the fight against the spread of sarcocystosis in the Republic of Kazakhstan and will allow us to develop proposals for improving the mechanisms of sarcocystosis control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Simple Summary: Poultry can be exposed to a number of adverse stimuli during the pre-slaughter handling. Noise, movement, lack of access to water and feed, change in habitat, disruption of flock hierarchy or environmental conditions can lead to adverse changes in the bird's body. A significant increase in these factors can cause disturbances in the body's homeostasis. These changes may be reflected in meat quality. Therefore, there is a need to assess the effect of pre-slaughter turnover on meat quality. In this study, the effects of pre-slaughter treatments on changes in macro- and micronutrient content were analyzed. In this study, the effect of pre-slaughter handling on the content of macro- and micronutrients in blood serum and in the breast muscle of turkeys was assessed. Four different variants of pre-slaughter handling were used in the research: no transport (N-T), transport for a distance of 100 km (T-100), transport for a distance of 200 km (T-200), and transport for a distance of 300 km (T-300). In each of them, 30 female and 30 male turkeys were used. Blood was collected from the birds before slaughter, and samples of the pectoral muscle were collected after slaughter. In the obtained biological material, the content of Mg, P, Ca, Fe, Na and K was analyzed. On the basis of the obtained research results, it can be concluded that the pre-slaughter handling negatively affects the content of macro- and microelements both in the blood serum and in the pectoral muscles of experimental turkeys. Additionally, differences due to the sex of birds were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Romance fraud uses the guise of a genuine relationship to deceive a victim into transferring often large amounts of money to an offender/s. Romance fraud has been in the top three categories of financial loss for Australian victims over the past decade, and this is a trend mirrored internationally. However, in recent years there has been a convergence of romance fraud and investment fraud approaches. Terms such as romance baiting, cryptorom and 'pig butchering' have all emerged to describe how offenders are evolving in their attempts to defraud victims through offering fake cryptocurrency investment opportunities, using a relationship as the mechanism. This article analyses this shift in romance fraud offending and its embracing of investment scheme opportunities. It highlights the underlying reasons for the success of this amalgamated approach and further demonstrates how it potentially distorts the reporting of fraud as well as prevention messaging targeting these incidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from the nares of cattle, pigs and abattoir workers, and their carriage of mecA gene as well as antibiotic resistance profile were investigated in this study. Nasal samples were collected from two municipal abattoirs in two states of Nigeria. Fifteen oxacillin-resistant S. aureus were obtained from 830 (cattle = 400, pigs = 400 and abattoir workers = 30) samples, out of which seven carried the mecA gene. Three of the oxacillin-resistant S. aureus that carried the MecA gene are from cattle, two from pigs and two from abattoir workers. They showed varying levels of antibiotic resistance, with 100% resistance observed with ceftriaxone. The presence of mecA gene in the oxacillin-resistant S. aureus suggests that cattle and pigs are potential reservoirs of resistant bacteria, and they transmit infections to human beings and the environment. This poses a great threat to public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coxiella burnetii is causing infections in both humans and animals, resulting in Q fever and Coxiellosis, respectively. Information on the occurrence of C. burnetii infection is scarce in Ethiopia. This study estimated the sero-prevalence of C. burnetii infection and associated risk factors in four common livestock species from Addis Ababa, Adama, and Modjo abattoirs and pastoral areas of Oromia, Ethiopia. Results/principal findings: Sera samples were analyzed for the presence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies using an indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay kit. Out of the 4140 serum samples tested, 777 (18.77%; 95% CI: 17.59, 19.99) were found positive for C. burnetii. The sero-prevalence estimate was 27.17% at Addis Ababa abattoir, 19.41% at Adama abattoir, 19.13% at Modjo abattoir and 12.1% in animals tested from pastoral areas. Sera analysis at the animal species level showed that cattle exhibited the lowest sero-prevalence estimate (11.83%; 95% CI, 10.27–13.53%), while the highest was observed in camels (28.39%; 95% CI, 25.16–31.80%). The sero-prevalence estimate was 21.34% (95% CI, 18.86–23.99%) in goats and 20.17% (95% CI, 17.49–23.07%) in sheep. The results of multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that species, age, sex of animals and tick infestation were important risk factors for C. burnetii infection. The odds of infection were 3.22 times higher in camels and almost twice as high in goats and sheep compared to cattle. Adult animals were infected more likely (OR = 3.23) than young ones. Interestingly, a significant difference was observed in the sero-prevalence of infection between animals that were infested with ticks (OR = 16.32) and those which were tick-free. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the sero-epidemiology of C. burnetii infection in four common livestock species at major abattoirs and pastoral areas of Ethiopia. The findings highlight the need for further studies and implementing surveillance and biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the disease in both humans and livestock to safeguard the economical and public health aspects. Author summary: Coxiella burnetii causes infections in both humans and animals, resulting in Q fever and Coxiellosis, respectively. This bacterium poses significant public health, veterinary, and economic risks worldwide due to its potential to cause severe illness and low infectious dose. Therefore, it is important to estimate the sero-prevalence of C. burnetii infection and associated risk factors in cattle, sheep, goats, and camels, respectively. The serum samples were analyzed for the presence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies using an indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (iELISA) kit. A prevalence estimate of 18.77% was observed for C. burnetii. The sero-prevalence estimate at abbatoirs and pastoral areas was found in the order of Addis Ababa (27.17%)>Adama (19.41%)>Modjo (19.13)>pastoral areas (12.1%). The risk factors were identified as animal species, age, sex, and tick infestation. Camels were more vulnerable than sheep, goats and cattle. The adults were infected more than young. The ticks may be a potential vector for the transmission of the pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION The first evidence of blood biochemical and proteomic changes in slow‐growing broiler chicken subjected to ritual slaughter like halal (HS) and jhatka (JS) without stunning and commercial slaughter with electrical stunning (ES) was decoded.Significant stress indicators like cortisol and triiodothyronine were markedly elevated in JS birds, whereas increased (P < 0.05) levels of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase were observed in JS and ES birds. Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled to MALDI‐TOF MS elucidated the overabundance of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase and l‐lactate dehydrogenase that are positively correlated with stress in JS broilers. Bioinformatic analysis explored the multifaceted landscape of molecular functions.The study has uncovered that ritual slaughter performed without stunning against commercial slaughter with ES practices elicit varying levels of stress as evident from blood biochemistry and novel protein markers. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to analyze the carcasses of bovine from employer and non-employer livestock systems. Slaughter data was collected in slaughterhouse located in the central part of the State of Rio Grande do Sul during four years. A total of 437,332 and 49,029 carcasses from employers' and non-employers' properties were evaluated, respectively. The differentiation between the livestock models was made based on the existence or not of employees. Non-employer farmers declared themselves non-employers, while employers presented documentation and regularity of employees on the farms. Data were submitted to analysis of variance to assess the effect between the production systems and their interactions with sex, months, and years, with the batch being the experimental unit. The cold carcass weight in males and females differed between the production systems, being the employer system higher than the non-employer system. At maturity, carcasses from the employer system were lower than carcasses marketed by non-employer system. The thickness of subcutaneous fat was lower in carcasses from non-employer system than in carcasses employer systems, with less use of the same the quality programs. Except for January, cold carcass weight differed (P<0.05) during the rest of the year between production systems. The finishing grade only differ (P<0.05) in the months of February and December, being higher for the employer system. The employer system produces carcasses with better quality and greater quantity of kilograms than the non-employer system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the discovery of an explicit 16-stage Runge–Kutta method that numerically satisfies the Runge–Kutta order conditions (in Butcher form) to 10th order, conjecturally improving the best-known number of stages in an explicit 10th-order Runge–Kutta method from 17 to 16. Unlike the vast majority of published Runge–Kutta methods, the method presented in this paper was not constructed via symbolic analysis or the use of simplifying assumptions, but instead by directly applying numerical optimization and root-finding algorithms to the order conditions. A naïve implementation of these algorithms would be made computationally infeasible by the considerable size and complex structure of the Butcher equations. However, we present a collection of software optimizations that greatly accelerate the evaluation of the Butcher equations and their derivatives while mitigating the effects of destructive cancellation, pushing these techniques within the realm of feasibility. While we do not have a formal proof of order, we present the results of numerical experiments to demonstrate that our method satisfies the Butcher equations to an accuracy of over 3000 decimal digits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixty years ago, Butcher (Butcher Math. Soc. 3, 185–201 1963) characterized a natural tabulation of the order conditions for Runge–Kutta methods of order p as an isomorphism from the set of rooted trees having up to p nodes and provided examples of explicit and implicit methods of several orders. Within a few years, Fehlberg (Fehlberg 1968) derived pairs of explicit methods of successive orders that could be implemented efficiently by using the difference of each pair of estimates to control the local error. Unfortunately, Fehlberg's pairs were deficient for quadrature problems. Subsequently, this author (Verner SIAM J. Numer. Anal. 15, 772–790 1978, Verner SIAM J. Numer. Anal. 16, 857–875 1979) derived parametric families of explicit Runge–Kutta pairs of increasing orders 6 to 9 that avoided this problem altogether. These, and most known explicit methods, have been derived by exploiting certain "simplifying conditions" suggested by Butcher (Butcher Math. Soc. 3, 185–201 1963, Butcher 1987 [pp. 194 f.]) that imposed constraints on subsets of the coefficients and thereby simplified the solution of the order conditions for moderate to high-order methods. "RK-Test-21", a MAPLE program developed recently by Butcher (Butcher 2021), was applied to derive known 13-stage pairs of orders 7 and 8. Unexpectedly, results of this application revealed the existence of some previously unknown pairs—i.e., some with the correct orders that satisfied most, but not all, of the previously known simplifying conditions. This present study develops formulas for directly computing exact coefficients of these new pairs together with others lying within this new parametric family of (13,7-8) pairs. While the best of these new pairs falls short of the best of pairs already known, the properties discovered might be utilized to precisely characterize recently reported higher-order methods found using other approaches by Khashin (Khashin 2009) and Zhang (Zhang 2019) and possibly lead to finding other Runge–Kutta and related yet unknown methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste management in the agri-food industry is an important technological and environmental problem. Slaughterhouse waste is particularly problematic, as it contains significant amounts of proteins and lipids, neither of which constitute a good substrate for methane production. The physical properties of mixtures of fat and polar solvents inhibit the methanogenesis process. The aim of this research was to assess the impact of the addition of fat emulsifiers and biochar on the amount of biogas produced and the level of carbon conversion per unit of waste weight. The assumed goal was achieved based on a laboratory experiment using static methane fermentation, carried out in accordance with the methodology of the DIN 38414/S8 standard. The results of the experiment indicate that the addition of fat emulsifiers increased the biogas yield from slaughterhouse waste from approximately 370 to 430 dm3 per 2 kg dry weight of waste. Each technological variant resulted in an increase in the amount of carbon that was transformed in the methanogenesis process. Although the level of carbon transformation in the methanogenesis process increased by approximately 20% in objects with emulsifier addition, the use of biochar and fat emulsifiers did not change the amount of methane production. Within the assumed system limits, therefore, the use of fat emulsifiers and biochar seems to be pointless. However, the use of the developed technology can improve the efficiency of biogas production by up to 18% and shorten the process by 5 days. Assuming the continuous operation of the biogas plant, the use of the developed technology will increase the efficiency of biogas production from slaughterhouse waste in the long term by over 30% without the need to modify the infrastructure in the biogas plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rift Valley fever (RVF), a mosquito-borne transboundary zoonosis, was first confirmed in Rwanda's livestock in 2012 and since then sporadic cases have been reported almost every year. In 2018, the country experienced its first large outbreak, which was followed by a second one in 2022. To determine the circulating virus lineages and their ancestral origin, two genome sequences from the 2018 outbreak, and thirty-six, forty-one, and thirty-eight sequences of small (S), medium (M), and large (L) genome segments, respectively, from the 2022 outbreak were generated. All of the samples from the 2022 outbreak were collected from slaughterhouses. Both maximum likelihood and Bayesian-based phylogenetic analyses were performed. The findings showed that RVF viruses belonging to a single lineage, C, were circulating during the two outbreaks, and shared a recent common ancestor with RVF viruses isolated in Uganda between 2016 and 2019, and were also linked to the 2006/2007 largest East Africa RVF outbreak reported in Kenya, Tanzania, and Somalia. Alongside the wild-type viruses, genetic evidence of the RVFV Clone 13 vaccine strain was found in slaughterhouse animals, demonstrating a possible occupational risk of exposure with unknown outcome for people working in meat-related industry. These results provide additional evidence of the ongoing wide spread of RVFV lineage C in Africa and emphasize the need for an effective national and international One Health-based collaborative approach in responding to RVF emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring the quality and safety of meat from slaughter animals is a matter of global concern. Among the factors that must be taken care of are the activities that generate stress to the animal during antemortem handling (transport, rest, and stunning), postmortem carcass handling (aging and storage), and hygiene practices in facilities and staff. This work aimed to characterize sheep slaughter units within the municipality of Capulhuac de Mirafuentes, State of Mexico, based on current Mexican regulations. For this, a principal component (PC) analysis was carried out, highlighting that those that represented the highest variability in the slaughter centers were the price of the carcasses and their products, place of marketing, slaughter volume, sex of the animal, and safety of the carcasses, which represented 50.4 % of the explained variance. A cluster analysis was also carried out, which represented the integration of four groups of slaughter descriptors (P<0.05). As a result, it was found that 65 % of animals are slaughtered in commercial premises and houses that do not comply with the technification described in the regulations; they also present deficient antemortem and postmortem handling of animals; it was also observed that 98.3 % of the establishments use a slaughter method called "descabellado" (pithing), not reported in NOM-033-SAG/ZOO/2014, coupled with the lack of knowledge of the staff on animal welfare issues. This affects the quality and safety of meat and puts consumers' health at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a widely prevalent zoonotic protozoan parasite in humans and warm‐blooded animals worldwide. Infection of humans by this parasite can result in severe clinical symptoms, particularly in individuals with congenital toxoplasmosis or immunocompromised patients. Contamination mainly occurs through foodborne routes, especially the consumption of raw or undercooked meat from animals. Objectives: The aim of this study was to use PCR to detect T. gondii in tissues and organs of buffaloes and cattle slaughtered at Tabriz slaughterhouse, in Iran. Methods: Fifty grams of heart, thigh, diaphragm and tongue from 50 buffaloes and 100 cattle slaughtered at the Tabriz industrial slaughterhouse were selected for sampling using a combination of convenience sampling. The samples were tested using a previously published PCR method. Results: Out of the 150 animal samples, T. gondii was detected in 10 (6.7%, 95%CI: 3.2–11.9), including one buffalo (2%, 95%CI: 0.1–10.6) and nine cattle (9%, 95%CI: 4.2–16.4). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of T. gondii infection among cattle based on age and sex (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The results indicated a potential risk of T. gondii transmission to humans through the consumption of infected meat. Therefore, appropriate and effective preventive measures should be taken to limit the transmission of this parasite to humans, and the consumption of raw and undercooked meat should be discouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pig butchering is an escalating cybersecurity threat that exploits social engineering to build trust and execute financial fraud. The relevance of this research problem lies in the growing incidence and sophistication of these scams, which have severe financial and psychological impacts on victims. The main purpose of this research is to uncover the methods used in pig butchering scams and their impact on individuals and businesses. The research focuses on digital platforms such as social media, dating apps, and professional networking sites, chosen for their wide user bases and the ease of establishing personal connections. The study period encompasses recent developments from the past five years to capture the evolving nature of these scams. The research utilizes a qualitative literature review as its primary method, drawing on academic articles, industry reports, and case studies. The study's statistical basis includes data from law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity firms, and victim reports. Key findings confirm the effectiveness of proactive cybersecurity measures, such as continuous education and specialized services, in mitigating pig butchering scams. The research hypothesis, stating that these measures can significantly reduce scam success rates, is supported by the data. Results indicate that enhancing cybersecurity protocols and training programs is crucial for protecting against such threats. Future research should focus on developing predictive models and integrating AI and machine learning for better detection and prevention. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, cybersecurity professionals, and educators, highlighting the need for international cooperation and advanced technological defenses to combat this pervasive threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcosporidiosis is a common parasitic disease due to protozoa of the Sarcocystis genera. This study, conducted in the Tiaret region of Algeria from September 2018 to April 2019, aimed to determine the global frequency of macrocyst esophageal localization, identify risk factors such as sex and age, and conduct a histopathological study to identify the involved species. The infection's global frequency was 22.77%, the majority of which were sheep over 3 years of age. The females were the most infested compared to the males at 25.13% against 12.20%; the degree of infection was important at 9.31 cysts per infested case. The histopathological study revealed that S. gigantea, whose definitive host is cat, was the causative species of macroscopic Sarcosporidiosis. However, another species with a microscopic character has been revealed during this study; it's S. tenella. The association between the two species was 31%. To conclude, more control is needed in order to reduce this infection in the study region through the destruction of seizures at the slaughterhouse level and hygiene at the farm level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bovine paramphistomosis is one of cattle's most important parasitic diseases, causing mortality and economic losses in various parts of Ethiopia. Objectives: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Fedis District from April 2019 to October 2020 to determine the prevalence of Paramphistomum and its associated factors in cattle killed at Boko slaughterhouse. Methods: A total of 384 slaughtered cattle were selected by systematic random sampling. Then, a post-mortem examination of the rumen and reticulum was conducted to check the presence or absence of adult Paramphistomum. The parasite was examined macroscopically and microscopically to study the morphology of adult flukes. Results: Of 384 examined cattle, Paramphistomum was found in 156(40.6%). Of the 156 positive samples, 52.34%, 33.06%, and 14.6% were infected with Paramphistomum clavula, Paramphistomum cervi, and mixed infection, respectively. In this study, the highest infection rate was recorded in the wet season. Among assessed factors, body condition and origin of animals had significant correlations (P<0.05) with infection. Conclusion: This finding indicated the highest infection of Paramphistomum was recorded in cattle. Therefore, the farmers should practice mass deworming of animals using selected anthelmintic therapy for flukes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a common disease caused by an apicomplexian protozoa, Toxoplasma gondii; one of the potential sources of human zoonotic infection is meat handling and consumption. Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of T. gondii in the blood of butchers and slaughtered cattle by using the B1 gene and demonstrate the role of slaughtered cattle in transmitting toxoplasmosis to humans. Methods: The study involved 100 blood samples collected randomly from butchers (male) and 100 from cattle before slaughtering from September 2022 to September 2023 and examined by real-time PCR technique. Results: The results revealed total infection rates of 28% and 12% in butchers and cattle, respectively, with the highest rate recorded in butchers aged 18-30 years old and the lowest at age >40 years. While in cattle, the highest rate is seen at age (2-4 years) and the lowest at age (1-2 years) without significant differences. Calves reported a higher infection rate (14.28%) compared with cows (8.10%), with a significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusion: Cattle are an important source of zoonotic transmission of T. gondii infection to humans by handling meat and consuming raw or uncooked meat. We recommended a control program by awareness of butchers during meat handling, avoiding consuming raw or uncooked meat, and appropriate heat treatments for beef. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aeration is crucial for the biological decomposition of organic compounds in wastewater treatment. However, it is a highly energy-intensive process in traditional activated sludge systems, accounting for 50% to 75% of a plant's electricity consumption and making it a major cost driver for wastewater treatment plants. Nanobubbles (NBs), characterized by their tiny size with diameters less than 200 nm, have emerged as a potential alternative to the low efficiency of aeration and high sludge production in aeration systems. NBs proved effective in removing COD and other pollutants from wastewater. For example, when applied in flotation, aeration, and advanced oxidation, NBs achieved up to 95%, 85%, and 92.5% COD removal, respectively. Considering the recent advancements in wastewater treatment, a compelling need arises for a thorough investigation of the effectiveness and mechanisms of nanobubbles in this field. This systematic review summarizes recent advancements in understanding nanobubbles (NBs) and their unique properties that enhance physical, chemical, and biological water and wastewater treatment processes. Moreover, this study reviews various methods for generating NBs and provides an in-depth review of their applications in wastewater treatment, with a particular focus on poultry slaughterhouse wastewater (PSW) treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate three forages as a source of fiber in the diets of fattening rabbits. Design/Methodology/Approach: Whole grain diets with forage oat, mesquite pod, and alfalfa were used. Thirty-six weaned male rabbits were randomly distributed into three treatments (T1, forage oat diet; T2, mesquite pod diet; T3, alfalfa diet). Feed consumption, daily weight gain, total weight gain, and feed conversion were recorded. The animals were slaughtered to evaluate carcass yield. The data were statistically evaluated by analysis of variance and Tukey’s test. Results: T1 recorded greater fattening than both T2 and T3 (P<0.05) and the last treatment surpassed T2 in daily weight gain, total weight gain, and feed digestibility. Regarding feed conversion, T1 and T3 had lower results than T2. In carcass yield, T1 was higher than T2 and T3 —which, on its turn, surpassed T2. Finally, no differences were observed in feed consumption between treatments (P>0.05). There were also no significant differences in growth. Study Limitations/Implications: Mexicans have a low consumption of rabbit meat. The mesquite pod could be a viable alternative due to its low cost and availability in semi-arid areas. Findings/Conclusions: Forage oat recorded the best productive parameters, followed by alfalfa and mesquite pod; however, the latter had a greater economic advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study analyzed the state of broiler production in Senegal after nearly two decades of poultry import restrictions. It provides a synopsis of the Senegalese broiler value chain and evaluates the performance and economics of different broiler farm types. Design/methodology/approach: A multi-stakeholder workshop and interviews were conducted with key informants to investigate the structure and activities of the Senegalese broiler value chain. The typical farm approach (TFA) was used to construct and analyze "typical" farms that represent the most common broiler production systems in Senegal. Findings: The current situation in the Senegalese broiler value chain is favorable for hatcheries, feed mills, producers and poultry traders. However, the slaughterhouses are not faring well. The farm economic analysis demonstrates that typical medium-scale broiler farms are performing well, due to the use of high-quality feed, chicks and good husbandry. Additionally, the analysis revealed that feed and day-old chick (DOC) costs are the most significant in conventional broiler production in Senegal. Despite the high costs of feed and DOCs, broiler production is profitable for typical farms. Research limitations/implications: Athough this study provides detailed insights into broiler farm economics in Senegal, it does not include typical integrated large-scale broiler farm-types. Based on our findings, we can predict that such farm types may be more efficient and have lower production costs due to the use of high-quality inputs (chicks and feed), and economies of scale. However, future studies will need to verify this prediction. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, only a few unpublished studies on broiler farm economics in Senegal exist. These studies only provide a basic analysis of the cost of production and profitability, with little consideration of various production systems. Contrastingly, this study provides a detailed economic analysis of different types of conventional broiler farms in key production regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A close study of the twelfth-century Delight of the Mind's (Mānasollāsa's) section on cooking called "The Enjoyment of Food" reveals that meat dominated the royal menu in medieval South India. The valuable recipes in this Sanskrit royal encyclopedia's section of 258 verses on food detail primarily how to prepare wild fish and game, but also meat from tortoise, bandicoot, ram (mutton), other domesticated animals, and an array of delectable foods of the period. Consuming almost all animals that moved in the kingdom formed part of Western Chalukyan emperor Someśvara´s assertion of royal dominion, yet investigation into this recipe collection's textual history as well as that of other royal recipe collections suggests that the once abundant meat recipes have often been removed from the record, leaving the false impression of more vegetarian dietary practice than really pertained to South Asia's past. This later "veggie-washing" concerns Hindu ideologies of nonviolence and the disavowal of animal slaughter in ritual sacrifice, both of which originated in Jain and Buddhist ideologies yet have become attached to Hindu ideals of vegetarianism, forming part of a new moral culinary imperative that has advanced over roughly the second millennium of the Common Era. Exploring this topic using the lens of power and politics as they relate to food and dining allows the reader to observe shifts in royal culinary writing as these texts became permeated with religious ideals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ethiopia has a rapidly growing small ruminant sector, which faces low productivity due to husbandry practices and poor health condition of the animals. A study was conducted in Ethiopia's largest municipal abattoir with the objective to assess the health problems of sheep and goats presented for slaughter using standard ante-mortem and post-mortem methodology. Methods: A cross-sectional study using systematic random sampling was conducted on 384 sheep and 384 goats from January to July 2014. Results: Soiled skin (69.1%), poor body condition (24.3%), and nostril discharge (19.5%) were common among both species at ante-mortem examination. Gross lesions were frequent in livers (39.7%) and lungs (37.2%), while pneumonia (18.1%) and adhesions (13.8%) were frequent in the lungs of sheep and goats, indicating stress-related illness. Parasitic lesions, especially fasciolosis (19.3%) and hydatid cysts (8.1%) were significantly more common in sheep livers (p 0.05). The direct financial loss from lesions in both species was 1,077,015 ETB or 53,851 USD per year, most of which was estimated to occur from carcass bruising. Discussion: The findings indicate that reducing parasite burden and preventing carcass bruising through improved handling could significantly increase the profitability of the small ruminant meat sector in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study quantitatively analyzed the synergistic effects of co-digestion of slaughterhouse waste (SHW) with cattle manure (CM) and pig manure (PM) on methane production by applying statistical methods. The biochemical methane potential of volatile solid concentration-based mixtures showed that the biodegradability (BD) of the co-substrates was improved as the mixing proportion of the highly biodegradable SHW increased. Furthermore, mathematical analysis using the modified Gompertz model showed that an increase in the SHW mixture ratio shortened the lag phase at the initial period by more than 58%. The synergy index (SI) analysis revealed that co-digestion of CM and SHW mixed at an equal ratio of 1:1 in sample S4 resulted in a higher SI of 1.18 compared to 1.10 for PM and SHW in sample S5. An overlay plot based on BD and SI identified the optimal mixture ratio as 26.9:31.0:42.1 (CM/PM/SHW), where both BD and SI reached their maximum values. The study successfully demonstrated that co-digestion of SHW with livestock manure enhances BD through a synergistic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Osteomyelitis is a significant cause of economic losses in swine production. The present study analysed the data collected in a Portuguese abattoir for finishing pigs. Total carcass condemnations, tail-biting lesions, husbandry invasive procedures, and several other factors were considered. The main cause of total carcass condemnation was osteomyelitis, with most cases being present in the skull and posterior region. Osteomyelitis in the skull was mainly located in the mandibular bone. Pigs with clipped teeth were associated with a higher occurrence of osteomyelitis. Tail-biting lesions and pleurisies were also linked to a higher occurrence of osteomyelitis. Improvements in veterinary inspection should be made to better correlate welfare and management factors with osteomyelitis in pig carcasses. Osteomyelitis is the leading cause of total carcass condemnation in finishing pigs in Portugal, causing significant economic losses in swine production. The present study sought to determine a possible link between osteomyelitis in pig carcasses, pre-slaughter factors, and concomitant post-mortem inspection findings. For this purpose, meat inspection data were collected from 100,489 finishing pigs slaughtered in a northern Portuguese abattoir. Information regarding total carcass condemnation, slaughter season, origin, sex, tail-biting lesions, and husbandry invasive procedures (tail docking and teeth resection) was collected. The main cause of total carcass condemnation was osteomyelitis (61.03%). A total of 36.16% of osteomyelitis cases were present in the anterior region and 52.20% in the posterior region. In the anterior region, 94.78% of osteomyelitis cases were in the mandibular bone. Pigs with clipped teeth and carcasses with pleurisies were associated with a higher occurrence of osteomyelitis (p = 0.00262 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Second- and third-grade tail-biting lesions were also linked to a higher occurrence of osteomyelitis (p = 0.00128 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Slaughter inspection and monitoring procedures should be revised to better assess welfare factors and correlate management practices with the occurrence of osteomyelitis in pig carcasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chilled and cut chicken is preferred by consumers for its safeness and readiness to cook. To evaluate the quality characteristics of various chilled chicken products, differences in volatile organic components (VOCs) of six different cut parts (breast, back, leg, heart, liver, and gizzard) of Lueyang black chicken were characterized through gas chromatography–ion mobility spectroscopy (GC-IMS) combined with stoichiometry. A total of 54 peaks in the signal of VOCs were detected by GC-IMS, and 43 VOCs were identified by qualitative analysis. There were 22 aldehydes (20.66–54.07%), 8 ketones (25.74–62.87%), 9 alcohols (4.17–14.69%), 1 ether (0.18–2.22%), 2 esters (0.43–1.54%), and 1 furan (0.13–0.52%), in which aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols were the main categories. Among the six cut parts, the relative content of aldehydes (54.07%) was the highest in the gizzard, and the relative content of ketones (62.87%) was the highest in the heart. Meanwhile, the relative content of alcohols (14.69%) was the highest in the liver. Based on a stable and reliable predictive model established by orthogonal partial least squares–discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), 3-hydroxy-2-butanone (monomer and dimer), acetone, 2-butanone monomer, hexanal (monomer and dimer), isopentyl alcohol monomer, and n-hexanol monomer were picked out as characteristic VOCs based on variable importance in projection (VIP value > 1.0, p < 0.05). Principal component analysis (PCA) and the clustering heatmap indicated that the characteristic VOCs could effectively distinguish the six cut parts of Lueyang black chicken. The specific VOCs responsible for flavor differences among six different cut parts of Lueyang black chicken were hexanal (monomer and dimer) for the gizzard, 2-butanone monomer and hexanal dimer for the breast, hexanal monomer for the back, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone monomer for the leg, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone (monomer and dimer) for the heart, and acetone and isopentyl alcohol monomer for the liver. These findings could reveal references for quality assessment and development of chilled products related to different cut parts of Lueyang black chicken in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthy cattle, sheep, and goats can be reservoirs for gastrointestinal pathogenic fecal enterococci, some of which could be multidrug-resistant to antimicrobials. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and diversity of Enterococcus species in healthy sheep, goat, and cattle carcasses, as well as to analyze the antimicrobial resistance phenotype/genotype and the virulence gene content. During 2019–2020, carcass surface samples were collected from 150 ruminants in a slaughterhouse. A total of 90 enterococci, comprising five species, were obtained. The overall prevalence of enterococci was found to be 60%, out of which 37.7% were identified as Enterococcus (E.) hirae, 33.3% as E. casseliflavus, 15.5% as E. faecium, 12.2% as E. faecalis, and 1.1% as E. gallinarum. Virulence-associated genes of efaA (12.2%) were commonly observed in the Enterococcus isolates, followed by gelE (3.3%), asaI (3.3%), and ace (2.2%). High resistance to quinupristin-dalfopristin (28.8%), tetracycline (21.1%), ampicillin (20%), and rifampin (15.5%) was found in two, four, four, and five of the Enterococcus species group, respectively. The resistance of Enterococcus isolates to 11 antibiotic groups was determined and multidrug resistant (MDR) strains were found in 18.8% of Enterococcus isolates. Characteristic resistance genes were identified by PCR with an incidence of 6.6%, 2.2%, 1.1%, 1.1%, 1.1%, and 1.1% for the tetM, ermB, ermA, aac(6ʹ)Ie-aph(2")-la, VanC1, and VanC2 genes in Enterococcus isolates, respectively. Efflux pump genes causing multidrug resistance were detected in Enterococcus isolates (34.4%). The results showed that there were enterococci in the slaughterhouse with a number of genes linked to virulence that could be harmful to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the reasons why between 1979 and 2020 the number of abattoirs licenced to slaughter red blood livestock species in Great Britain fell from 1146 to 200, average throughput per abattoir increased, larger abattoirs specialised in the species slaughtered, and family owned abattoirs have been replaced by international companies owning multiple slaughterhouses and food processing factories. The study combines abattoir sector survey data with findings from a national survey of small abattoirs. Larger abattoirs have exploited economies of size and location to achieve the throughput necessary to supply multiple retailers and/or wholesale markets. Smaller abattoirs have exploited economies of scope to develop the bespoke butchering services needed to supply private kill customers. The high rate of closure of smaller abattoirs suggests the future of small-scale, locally based supply chains in which private kill services supply is threatened. The recently introduced Small Abattoir Fund offers grants towards the purchase of new equipment which will offer some relief. But smaller abattoirs must support their private kill customers by organising collection points for onward transport of livestock to the abattoir and local redistribution centres for meat and carcases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Insects, because of their protein content and environmental advantages, have been considered a promising alternative to other traditional protein sources. The black soldier fly (BSFL) is one of the most studied insects given its use as an alternative feed for farmed animals (mammals, poultry, and fish). This study investigated the effect of the method of slaughter (freezing, blanching, Melacide® + freezing, and liquid nitrogen slaughter) and drying temperature (50, 70, and 90 °C) on the protein digestibility, proximal composition, and organic matter digestibility of BSFL meal. The results show that the best slaughter methods were slaughtering with liquid nitrogen and blanching, and 70 °C was the drying temperature that showed the best digestibility results while maintaining good hygienic–sanitary conditions. In recent years, the potential of insects as a sustainable protein alternative to feed the growing world population has been explored. Differences in the ways insects are processed can affect their proximate composition and digestibility. This work studied the effects of the combination of different types of slaughter methods and drying temperatures on the proximate composition, organic matter digestibility (OMd), hydrolysis degree (DH/NH2 and DH/100 g DM), total hydrolysis (TH), and hygienic and sanitary characteristics of BSFL (black soldier fly larvae) meal. Four types of slaughter methods were used including freezing (F), blanching + freezing (B), Melacide® + freezing (M), and liquid nitrogen slaughter (N). Each of these was used with three drying temperatures (50, 70, and 90 °C). A negative correlation between the acid detergent fiber (ADF) and protein digestibility parameters was obtained. The most suitable drying temperature was 70 °C, as it produced higher values of protein digestibility (DH and TH), resulting in hygienic and sanitary conditions suitable for food use. Slaughtering with liquid nitrogen and blanching was more conducive to achieving high protein digestibility results than traditional freezing or the use of Melacide®. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Abattoir lung lesion scoring is a common practice to assess the impact of respiratory diseases in pig production, but whether the information obtained could be used to optimize antimicrobial stewardship programs has rarely been investigated. In this study, lung and pleural scores collected at slaughter from Italian heavy pigs were compared with on-farm antimicrobial use during the six months prior to slaughtering. Lung scores were positively associated with the past use of antimicrobials considered critical for human medicine, suggesting that batches with worse scores may have been unsuccessfully treated with first-choice antimicrobials. This result emphasizes the role of abattoirs as strategic observatories for pig respiratory diseases, which may also be helpful for antimicrobial stewardship. The information obtained could provide useful feedback aiding the identification of gaps in biosecurity or inadequate vaccination plans, thus helping to reduce on-farm antimicrobial use. Respiratory diseases significantly affect intensive pig finishing farms, causing production losses and increased antimicrobial use (AMU). Lesion scoring at slaughter has been recognized as a beneficial practice to evaluate herd management. The integrated analysis of abattoir lesion scores and AMU data could improve decision-making by providing feedback to veterinarians and farmers on the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments, thus rationalizing their use. This study compared lung and pleural lesion scores collected at Italian pig slaughterhouses with on-farm AMU, estimated through a treatment index per 100 days (TI100). Overall, 24,752 pig carcasses, belonging to 236 batches from 113 finishing farms, were inspected. Bronchopneumonia and chronic pleuritis were detected in 55% and 48% of the examined pigs, respectively. Antimicrobials were administered in 97% of the farms during the six months prior to slaughter (median TI100 = 5.2), notwithstanding compliance with the mandatory withdrawal period. EMA category B (critical) antimicrobials were administered in 15.2% of cases (median TI100 = 0.06). The lung score was not associated with the total AMU, but significant, positive associations were found with the past use of critical antimicrobials (p = 0.041) and macrolides (p = 0.044). This result highlights the potential of abattoir lung lesion monitoring to rationalize antimicrobial stewardship efforts, contributing to AMU reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This article discusses how to plan the transport of fattened pigs from farms to the abattoir efficiently when the farms are coordinated with the abattoir operation. In contrast to the papers published to date that have been concerned with the farmer's profit, this paper adopts the slaughterhouse perspective. Coordination with growers should help to better plan the collection of pigs by establishing the best routes for the trucks to ensure the optimal functioning of the abattoir. Starting from a real scenario, the study delves into a complex Team Orienteering Problem, taking into account factors such as stochastic production and maximum truck workload. The paper adopts the PJS heuristic and compares it with exact methods, revealing the computational infeasibility of the latter. Through scenario analysis, the study unveils insights into practical solutions, highlighting a positive relationship between the exploration of alternative routes, the number of trips, transport costs, and maximum reward. In particular, greater variability in the number of pigs to be collected presents opportunities for a more efficient mix of loads, especially if one truck can visit at least one more farm. These results offer valuable insights for optimizing the pig transport logistics, potentially improving the profitability and sustainability. In the context of pig farming, this paper addresses the optimization problem of collecting fattened pigs from farms to deliver them to the abattoir. Assuming that the pig sector is organized as a competitive supply chain with narrow profit margins, our aim is to apply analytics to cope with the uncertainty in production costs and revenues. Motivated by a real-life case, the paper analyzes a rich Team Orienteering Problem (TOP) with a homogeneous fleet, stochastic demands, and maximum workload. After describing the problem and reviewing the related literature, we introduce the PJS heuristic. Our approach is first compared with exact methods, which are revealed as computationally unfeasible. Later, a scenario analysis based on a real instance was performed to gain insight into the practical aspects. Our findings demonstrate a positive correlation between the number of alternative routes explored, the number of trips, the transportation cost, and the maximum reward. Regarding the variability in the number of pigs to collect, when a truck can visit more than one farm, better solutions can be found with higher variability since the load can be combined more efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Environmental enrichment for pigs in the pre-slaughter room aims to provide a more comfortable and stimulating environment for the animals during the period before slaughter. This can help reduce the stress of transport and improve pig welfare, which can also have positive impacts on reducing the number of animal injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of environmental enrichment and lairage of pigs in the slaughterhouse on behavioral responses and number of skin lesions. The main results proved that environmental enrichment did not influence skin lesion score or behavioral responses, while the lairage time at slaughter did not influence the number of lesions on the animals. We concluded that environmental enrichment during lairage in a commercial slaughterhouse did not significantly reduce skin lesions or influence the behavior of pigs; that is, the use of simple metal chains as environmental enrichment is not efficient in improving animal welfare in slaughterhouses. Different resources, such as environmental enrichment, are being evaluated in order to minimize animal stress and promote better conditions during the life cycle of animals, as consumers are increasingly concerned about animal welfare issues. Lairage represents an important stage in the swine production chain and is directly related to animal welfare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lairage time in the slaughterhouse and environmental enrichment on the level of skin lesions and behavioral responses in pigs. A total of 648 finishing pigs of both sexes were assessed before and after lairage at the slaughterhouse with a five-point scale (0 = none, to 4 = ≥16 superficial lesions or >10 deep lesions). After lairage (after slaughter), lesions were also classified according to their source (mounting, fighting, and handling). Pigs were distributed into two treatments groups during lairage: with environmental enrichment (EE) on the pen, with hanging metal chains, and with no enrichment (NE). Behavior was monitored during the first four hours of lairage. Proportional odds, mixed linear model for longitudinal data, and non-parametric Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to analyze the relation between treatments, skin lesions, and behavior. The simple metal chains did not affect skin lesion score or pigs' behavior (p > 0.05), whereas lairage duration influenced standing (SA), sitting (S), lying (L), idleness (I), and drinking water (D) (p < 0.001). The main source of skin lesions was handling, which did not differ between treatments (EE and NE) (p > 0.05). It was observed that the severity of the lesions (highest scores of 3, 4, and 5) increased in the different anatomical regions of the pigs when compared before and after slaughter, with the exception of the frontal area, which was the same (p = 0.7547). Lairage time has a proportional relation with skin lesions, and hanging chains at the slaughterhouse pens was not enough to reduce the number of lesions and to change pig behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two most common animal-based indicators used to evaluate leg health in broiler chickens are footpad dermatitis (FPD) and gait scoring, but these indicators are less explored in broiler breeders. This study is the first to investigate FPD and gait scoring in broiler breeders during their lifespan from rearing to end of life. In total, eight flocks were monitored (four Ross and four Hubbard) at five different timepoints, in rearing (5 and 15 weeks of age), during the production period (25 and 45 weeks of age) and at the end of the production period (approximately 60 weeks of age). At each visit, 50 hens and 25 roosters were gait scored (six-point scale) and footpads from another 50 hens and 25 roosters were evaluated (five-point scale) (total n = 3000 breeders, 2000 hens and 1000 roosters). Litter quality and air quality were measured at each visit. The results showed that the overall prevalence of FPD in rearing was low and that it increased towards the end of the production, with a mean FPD score of 2 out of a maximum 4 in the hens, indicating moderate lesions and 1.5 in the roosters. In all houses, the litter was dry and loose. FPD was not related to the litter quality, but to air quality, especially the ammonia concentration (P < 0.001). Overall, the gait score were good, and increased with age in both hens (P < 0.001) and roosters of both hybrids (P < 0.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the applicability and efficiency of sequential coagulationflocculation (CF) and electrooxidation (EO) processes for cattle slaughterhouse wastewater by evaluating treatment efficiency and total operating cost values together. The effect of two different coagulant dosages (FeCl3 and alum) in the CF process and operating parameters such as current density (5 to 30 mA/cm² ), wastewater flow rate (0.9 to 3.6 L/h), and supporting electrolyte concentration (1 to 3 g NaCl/L) in the EO process on chemical oxygen demand (COD) and turbidity removal were investigated. During the first part of the study, the FeCl3 coagulant dosage worked better than other coagulants, eliminating 50% of the COD and 68% of the turbidity. Due to the insufficient removal efficiencies of COD and turbidity, a secondary treatment was required. In the second part of the study, a boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode was used to treat the coagulated effluent in a continuous EO reactor. The COD and turbidity removal efficiency under optimum treatment conditions (j = 30 mA/cm², Q = 0.9 L/h, pH = 8.5, SE = 3.0 g NaCl/L, and hydraulic retention time = 1 hour) were calculated as 97.2% and 99.9%, respectively. At these optimum conditions, the energy consumption and total operating cost were calculated as 91.1 kWh/m³ (73.5 kWh/kg COD) and 3.50 US $/m³ (1.5 US $/kg COD), respectively. As a result, combined coagulation-flocculation and electrooxidation processes have proven to be very successful and cost-efficient for treating cattle slaughterhouse wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]