Search

Precision dietary interventions (e.g., altering proportions of dietary protein fractions) has significant implications for the efficiency of nutrient use in ruminants, as well as lowering their environmental footprint, specifically nitrogen (N) emissions. Soluble protein (SP) is defined as the protein fraction that is rapidly degraded in the rumen (e.g., non-protein N and true protein), and our previous study found that regulating SP levels could improve N efficiency in Hu sheep. Thus, the present study was conducted to explore in vitro how protein fractions with different SP levels modulate the rumen microbial community and its association with N metabolism. Four dietary treatments with different SP proportions and similar crude protein (CP) content (~14%) were formulated (% of CP): 20 (S20), 30 (S30), 40 (S40) and 50 (S50). Results showed that NH3-N content increased with increasing SP levels at 4, 12 and 24 h; TVFA, acetate, propionate and valerate were higher in S30 and S40 (p < 0.05) and had quadratic effects (p < 0.05). Moreover, dry matter digestibility (DMD) and N digestibility (ND) were all decreased with S20 and S50 (p < 0.05). The S30 and S40 treatments increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Prevotella (Prevotella_ruminicola) but decreased the abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria (p < 0.05). Bacterial pathways related to amino acid and fatty acid metabolism also were enriched with S30 and S40. The abundance of Entodinium was increased with S30 and S40 and had a positive correlation with Prevotella, and these two genera also played an important role in N metabolism and VFA synthesis of this study. In conclusion, bacterial and protozoal communities were altered by the level of SP (% of CP), with higher SP levels (~50% of CP) increasing the microbial diversity but being detrimental to rumen N metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Balantidiasis, caused by Balantidium coli (syn. Neobalantidium coli or B. coli), represents a neglected parasitic infection of zoonotic significance affecting a variety of hosts, including domestic pigs that are the main reservoir. B. coli has a direct life cycle with a fecal-oral route transmission that occurs mainly by the ingestion of food and water contaminated with cysts. The ingestion of meat contaminated during inappropriate slaughtering processes may represent a new potential route of transmission. Only a few studies have investigated the prevalence of B. coli in domestic pigs in Italy, despite its high prevalence and zoonotic significance. This study aimed to improve the knowledge on B. coli prevalence in domestic swine reared both in intensive and "en plein air" breeding systems in the south of Italy. Materials and Methods: The infection rate of B. coli in pigs bred in 15 different pig farms and regularly slaughtered in South Italy, in the Calabria region, was investigated. From 2017 to 2019, 177 terminal parts of the rectums of pigs, of which 91 commercial hybrids and 86 autochthonous (Nero Calabrese), reared, respectively, in intensive and "en plein air" breeding system, were tested for parasite detection. After the slaughtering, the terminal part of the rectum was sampled and transported to the laboratories and immediately processed. For the detection of trophozoites, fresh smears of feces were examined at light microscopy. Moreover, flotation was performed using a sodium chloride solution, then smears of feces were dispersed on microscope slides and examined at light microscopy. The observed parasites were identified at the species level using morphological characteristics. Results: B. coli was detected in a total of 83 (i.e., 46.89%) pigs, with a significantly higher prevalence (p

The development of the functional rumen in calves involves a complex interplay between the host and host-related microbiome. Attempts to modulate rumen microbial community establishment may therefore have an impact on weaning success, calf health, and animal performance later in life. In this experiment, we aimed to elucidate how rumen liquid inoculum from an adult cow, provided to calves during the pre-weaning period, influences the establishment of rumen bacterial, archaeal, fungal, and ciliate protozoan communities in monozygotic twin calves (n = 6 pairs). The calves were divided into treatment (T-group) and control (C-group) groups, where the T-group received fresh rumen liquid as an oral inoculum during a 2–8-week period. The C-group was not inoculated. The rumen microbial community composition was determined using bacterial and archaeal 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene, protozoal 18S rRNA gene, and fungal ITS1 region amplicon sequencing. Animal weight gain and feed intake were monitored throughout the experiment. The T-group tended to have a higher concentrate intake (Treatment: p < 0.08) and had a significantly higher weekly weight gain (Treatment: p < 0.05), but no significant difference in volatile fatty acid concentrations between the groups was observed. In the T-group, the inoculum stimulated the earlier establishment of mature rumen-related bacterial taxa, affecting significant differences between the groups until 6 weeks of age. The inoculum also increased the archaeal operational taxonomic unit (OTU) diversity (Treatment: p < 0.05) but did not affect the archaeal quantity. Archaeal communities differed significantly between groups until week 4 (p = 0.02). Due to the inoculum, ciliate protozoa were detected in the T-group in week 2, while the C-group remained defaunated until 6 weeks of age. In week 8, Eremoplastron dilobum was the dominant ciliate protozoa in the C-group and Isotricha sp. in the T-group, respectively. The Shannon diversity of rumen anaerobic fungi reduced with age (Week: p < 0.01), and community establishment was influenced by a change of diet and potential interaction with other rumen microorganisms. Our results indicate that an adult cow rumen liquid inoculum enhanced the maturation of bacterial and archaeal communities in pre-weaning calves' rumen, whereas its effect on eukaryotic communities was less clear and requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the functional rumen in calves involves a complex interplay between the host and host-related microbiome. Attempts to modulate rumen microbial community establishment may therefore have an impact on weaning success, calf health, and animal performance later in life. In this experiment, we aimed to elucidate how rumen liquid inoculum from an adult cow, provided to calves during the pre-weaning period, influences the establishment of rumen bacterial, archaeal, fungal, and ciliate protozoan communities in monozygotic twin calves (n = 6 pairs). The calves were divided into treatment (T-group) and control (C-group) groups, where the T-group received fresh rumen liquid as an oral inoculum during a 2–8-week period. The C-group was not inoculated. The rumen microbial community composition was determined using bacterial and archaeal 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene, protozoal 18S rRNA gene, and fungal ITS1 region amplicon sequencing. Animal weight gain and feed intake were monitored throughout the experiment. The T-group tended to have a higher concentrate intake (Treatment: p < 0.08) and had a significantly higher weekly weight gain (Treatment: p < 0.05), but no significant difference in volatile fatty acid concentrations between the groups was observed. In the T-group, the inoculum stimulated the earlier establishment of mature rumen-related bacterial taxa, affecting significant differences between the groups until 6 weeks of age. The inoculum also increased the archaeal operational taxonomic unit (OTU) diversity (Treatment: p < 0.05) but did not affect the archaeal quantity. Archaeal communities differed significantly between groups until week 4 (p = 0.02). Due to the inoculum, ciliate protozoa were detected in the T-group in week 2, while the C-group remained defaunated until 6 weeks of age. In week 8, Eremoplastron dilobum was the dominant ciliate protozoa in the C-group and Isotricha sp. in the T-group, respectively. The Shannon diversity of rumen anaerobic fungi reduced with age (Week: p < 0.01), and community establishment was influenced by a change of diet and potential interaction with other rumen microorganisms. Our results indicate that an adult cow rumen liquid inoculum enhanced the maturation of bacterial and archaeal communities in pre-weaning calves’ rumen, whereas its effect on eukaryotic communities was less clear and requires further investigation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of Mallotus philippensis (local name 'Kamela') leaf meal on rumen ciliate protozoal population, enzyme profile and fermentation characteristics in growing crossbred calves. Ten growing crossbred (Jersey — Tharparker) calves with an average body weight of 91.8±1.37 kg were divided in to two equal groups (G1 and G2) and fed individually under stall feeding for 140 days on a mixed ration containing paddy straw and concentrate mixture in 50:50 ratio. Two types (C1 and C2) of isonitrogenous concentrate mixtures were prepared. Wheat bran in concentrate mixture (C2) of test group (G2) was partially replaced (4 parts w/w) with sun dried ground Mallotus philippensis leaf meal. Experimental calves of test group (G2) were fed Mallotus philippensis leaf meal @ 2% of the diet. No significant differences were noticed between the two groups for daily dry matter intake while nutrient digestibility, i.e. organic matter and cellulose digestibility were higher in Mallotus philippensis leaf fed calves (G2). However, rumen pH, ammonia nitrogen concentration and total rumen protozoal as well as holotrich and spirotrich protozoal population decreased while ruminal TVFA and propionic acid production increased due to supplementation of Mallotus philippensis leaf. Activities of rumen fibre degrading enzymes e.g. carboxymethyl cellulase, xylanase and β-glucosidase enzyme activities were also higher in Mallotus philippensis leaf meal fed calves (G2). It is concluded that supplementation of Mallotus philippensis leaf have a potential for reducing rumen protozoal population and ammonia nitrogen concentration with improving rumen fibre degrading enzyme activities and nutrient digestibility in growing crossbred calves.

Ciliate protozoa are key members of the microbial community of the rumen. Their study is important to the health and productivity of cattle, which are their hosts. However, there have been persistent challenges in culturing this microbial group in the laboratory. This review will sum up recent advances along with these persistent challenges. Protozoa have been maintained in three types of cultures (ex vivo , in vitro batch, in vitro continuous). Ex vivo cultures are prepared readily from rumen contents by washing away contaminating cells (e.g., bacteria). They have been useful in making basic observations of metabolism, such as which types of fermentation products protozoa form. However, these cultures can be maintained for only short periods (minutes or hours). In vitro batch and in vitro continuous cultures can be used in longer experiments (weeks or longer). However, it is not currently possible to maintain protozoa in these cultures unless bacteria are also present. We conclude the review with a protocol for preparing ex vivo cultures of protozoa. Our protocol has been standardized and used successfully across animal diets, users, and institutions. We anticipate this review will prepare others to culture rumen ciliate protozoa and reach new insights into this important microbial group. • Ciliate protozoa are key microbes of the rumen of cattle. • Both ex vivo and in vitro techniques have been developed to culture protozoa. • A protocol for ex vivo culturing of protozoa is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight ruminally-fistulated wethers were used to examine the temporal effects of afternoon (PM; 1600h) v. morning (AM; 0800 h) allocation of fresh spring herbage from a perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)-based pasture on fermentation and microbial community dynamics. Herbage chemical composition was minimally affected by time of allocation, but daily mean ammonia concentrations were greater for the PM group. The 24-h pattern of ruminal fermentation (i.e. time of sampling relative to time of allocation), however, varied considerably for all fermentation variables (P⩽0.001). Most notably amongst ruminal fermentation characteristics, ammonia concentrations showed a substantial temporal variation; concentrations of ammonia were 1.7-, 2.0- and 2.2-fold greater in rumens of PM wethers at 4, 6 and 8h after allocation, respectively, compared with AM wethers. The relative abundances of archaeal and ciliate protozoal taxa were similar across allocation groups. In contrast, the relative abundances of members of the rumen bacterial community, like Prevotella 1 (P=0.04), Bacteroidales RF16 group (P=0.005) and Fibrobacter spp. (P=0.008) were greater for the AM group, whereas the relative abundance of Kandleria spp. was greater (P=0.04) for the PM group. Of these taxa, only Prevotella 1 (P=0.04) and Kandleria (P

The objective of this study was to evaluate promising tree pods for feeding to the livestock particularly for the small ruminants. Out of eight tested tree pods, seven tree pods, i.e. White siris (Albizia procera), Siris (Albizia lebbeck), White kheri (Acacia senegal), Babul (Acacia arabica), Khejri (Prosopis cineraria), Vilayati babul (Prosopis juliflora) and Sajna (Moringa oleifera) were collected from semiarid region of Rajasthan while one tree pods e.g., Jungle jalebi (Enterolobium timoba) was collected from Dehradun, Uttrakhand, India. Most of the tree pods were rich in CP content. On an average, OM, CP, EE, NDF, ADF and cellulose content of these tree pods were found to be 91.1, 16.7, 2.5, 43.3, 34.7 and 25.4% on DM basis, respectively. Rumen protozoal number decreased due to inclusion of Enterolobium timoba tree pods in the incubation media. The TVFA and propionate production were higher for Acacia Senegal, Acacia arabica tree pods followed by Moringa oleifera tree pods while ammonia nitrogen concentration was lower due to inclusion of Enterolobium timoba tree pods in the incubation media. All the tested tree pods had no effect on xylanase, β-glucosidase and amylase enzyme activity. However, specific activity of carboxymethyl cellulase enzyme reduced due to addition of Enterolobium timoba tree pods in the incubation medium. Highest IVDMD was observed for Acacia arabica tree pods followed by Acacia senegal and Moringa oleifera tree pods. The results indicated that Acacia arabica, Acacia senegal and Moringa oleifera are good tree pods for feeding to the animals.

Background and Aim: Balantidiasis, caused by Balantidium coli (syn. Neobalantidium coli or B. coli), represents a neglected parasitic infection of zoonotic significance affecting a variety of hosts, including domestic pigs that are the main reservoir. B. coli has a direct life cycle with a fecal-oral route transmission that occurs mainly by the ingestion of food and water contaminated with cysts. The ingestion of meat contaminated during inappropriate slaughtering processes may represent a new potential route of transmission. Only a few studies have investigated the prevalence of B. coli in domestic pigs in Italy, despite its high prevalence and zoonotic significance. This study aimed to improve the knowledge on B. coli prevalence in domestic swine reared both in intensive and "en plein air" breeding systems in the south of Italy. Materials and Methods: The infection rate of B. coli in pigs bred in 15 different pig farms and regularly slaughtered in South Italy, in the Calabria region, was investigated. From 2017 to 2019, 177 terminal parts of the rectums of pigs, of which 91 commercial hybrids and 86 autochthonous (Nero Calabrese), reared, respectively, in intensive and "en plein air" breeding system, were tested for parasite detection. After the slaughtering, the terminal part of the rectum was sampled and transported to the laboratories and immediately processed. For the detection of trophozoites, fresh smears of feces were examined at light microscopy. Moreover, flotation was performed using a sodium chloride solution, then smears of feces were dispersed on microscope slides and examined at light microscopy. The observed parasites were identified at the species level using morphological characteristics. Results: B. coli was detected in a total of 83 (i.e., 46.89%) pigs, with a significantly higher prevalence (p<0.0001) found in commercial hybrid (i.e., 59/91-64.84%) pigs rather than in autochthonous ones (i.e., 24/86-27.91%). It follows that the infection was more common in pigs reared in the intensive breeding system than in "en plein air" ones (p<0.0001). The infection prevalence was higher in males than in females and lower in elder animals than in younger ones (p=0.012 and p<0.0001, respectively). Conclusion: The breeding system is likely the main discriminant for the parasite spread as well as the hygienic condition of the farms. Good manufacturing and hygiene practices along the food production chain are crucial in preventing human balantidiasis transmission by meat consumption. The high B. coli prevalence, the wide spectrum of host species, and its zoonotic significance push toward a greater public interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritional evaluation as a fodder and defaunating agent of four multipurpose tree leaves namely Ficus religiosa (Pipal), Ficus bengalensis (Bargad), Mangifera indica (Mango), Enterolobium timoba (Jungle jalebi) and two herbs namely Agave americana (Ramkanta) and Plantago major (Isafghol) was done in vitro. The mean content of OM, CP, EE, NDF, ADF, cellulose and lignin of these tree leaves and herbs were 88.6, 12.6, 2.4, 46.2, 33.5, 25.8 and 7.3% on DM basis, respectively. Enterolobium timoba leaves contained highest amount of CP (22.5%) while highest amount of ADF and lignin content was observed in Ficus bengalensis (41.1% / 12.1%) leaves. Total rumen protozoa as well as Holotrich and spirotrich protozoa number became zero due to inclusion of Agave americana and Enterolobium timoba leaves in the incubation media. Total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and propionate production was higher where as NH3–N production was lower due to addition of Agave americana leaves in the incubation media. Highest IVTDMD and IVTOMD (61.4% / 64.1%) were observed for the Agave americana followed by Enterolobium timoba (59.8% / 62.5%) and Plantago major (57.5% / 59.2%) leaves. Activity of polysaccharide degrading enzymes like carboxymethyl cellulase and xylanase improved due to addition of Agave americana and Enterolobium timoba leaves in the incubation media. However, activity of β-glucosidase enzyme was similar among all the tested tree leaves and herbs. As a defaunating agent (removal of rumen protozoa / anti ciliate protozoal activity), Agave americana leaves were more effective in comparison to Plantage major leaves. The results indicated that among the tested tree leaves and herbs, Agave americana, Enterolobium timoba and Plantago major were good tree fodder for feeding to the animals and leaves of Agave americana and Enterolobium timoba could be used as defaunating agent for reducing rumen protozoal population to improve animal productivity.

The objective of study was to look for the promising tree leaves for feeding livestock particularly the small ruminants. Ten tree leaves were collected from semiarid region of Rajasthan and evaluated for their nutritional quality in terms of chemical composition as well as in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility (IVDMD and IVOMD). Most of the tree leaves were rich in CP content. OM, CP and ADF content of these collected tree leaves varied from 87.1 to 92.5%, 9.4 to 19.8% and 22.7 to 47.9% on DM basis, respectively. Rumen protozoal number decreased due to inclusion of Sapindus mukorossi, Azadirachta indica and Prosopis cineraria tree leaves in the incubation media. IVDMD, IVOMD, TVFA and propionate production significantly higher for Ailanthus excelsa tree leaves followed by Acacia arabica and Acacia senegal tree leaves. All the tested tree leaves had no effect on β-glucosidase and amylase enzyme activity. However, specific activity of carboxymethyl cellulase and xylanase reduced significantly due to addition of Sapindus mukorossi, Azadirachta indica and Prosopis cineraria tree leaves in the incubation medium. The results indicated that among the tree leaves tested in the present study Ailanthus excelsa, Acacia arabica and Acacia senegal are good tree fodder for feeding to the ruminants.

Eight ruminally-fistulated weathers were used to examine the temporal effects of afternoon (PM; 1600h) v. morning (AM; 0800 h) allocation of fresh spring herbage from a perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)-based pasture on fermentation and microbial community dynamics. Herbage chemical composition was minimally affected by time of allocation, but daily mean ammonia concentrations were greater for the PM group. The 24-h pattern of ruminal fermentation (i.e. time of sampling relative to time of allocation), however, varied considerably for all fermentation variables (P ⩽0.001). Most notably amongst ruminal fermentation characteristics, ammonia concentrations showed a substantial temporal variation; concentrations of ammonia were 1.7-, 2.0- and 2.2-fold greater in rumens of PM weathers at 4, 6 and 8h after allocation, respectively, compared with AM weathers. The relative abundances of archaeal and ciliate protozoal taxa were similar across allocation groups. In contrast, the relative abundances of members of the rumen bacterial community, like Prevotella 1 (P =0.04), Bacteroidales RF16 group (P =0.005) and Fibrobacter spp. (P =0.008) were greater for the AM group, whereas the relative abundance of Kandleria spp. was greater (P =0.04) for the PM group. Of these taxa, only Prevotella 1 (P =0.04) and Kandleria (P <0.001) showed a significant interaction between time of allocation and time of sampling relative to feed allocation. Relative abundances of Prevotella 1 were greater at 2h (P =0.05), 4h (P =0.003) and 6h (P =0.01) after AM allocation of new herbage, whereas relative abundances of Kandleria were greater at 2h (P =0.003) and 4h (P <0.001) after PM allocation. The early post-allocation rise in ammonia concentrations in PM rumens occurred simultaneously with sharp increases in the relative abundance of Kandleria spp. and with a decline in the relative abundance of Prevotella. All measures of fermentation and most microbial community composition data showed highly dynamic changes in concentrations and genus abundances, respectively, with substantial temporal changes occurring within the first 8h of allocating a new strip of herbage. The dynamic changes in the relative abundances of certain bacterial groups, in synchrony with a substantial diurnal variation in ammonia concentrations, has potential effects on the efficiency by which N is utilised by the grazing ruminant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Parasite (1252607X) is the property of EDP Sciences 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.)

Ciliate protozoa are an integral part of the rumen microbiome and were found to exert a large effect on the rumen ecosystem itself as well as their host animal physiology. Part of these effects have been attributed to their ability to harbor a diverse ecto- and endo-symbiotic community of prokaryotic cells. Studies on the relationship between the protozoa population and their associated prokaryotic community in the rumen mainly focused on the methanogens, revealing that protozoa play a major role in enhancing methanogenesis potential. In contrast, little is known about the composition and function of the bacteria associated with rumen protozoa and the extent of this association. In this study, we characterize the prokaryotic communities associated with different protozoa populations and compare their structure to the free-living prokaryotic population residing in the cow rumen. We show that the overall protozoa associated prokaryotic community structure differs significantly compared to the free-living community in terms of richness and composition. The methanogens proportion was significantly higher in all protozoa populations compared to the free-living fraction, while the Lachnospiraceae was the most prevalent bacterial family in the protozoa associated bacterial communities. Several taxa not detected or detected in extremely low abundance in the free-living community were enriched in the protozoa associated bacterial community. These include members of the Endomicrobia class, previously identified as protozoa symbionts in the termite gut. Our results show that rumen protozoa harbor prokaryotic communities that are compositionally different from their surroundings, which may be the result of specific tropism between the prokaryotic community and protozoa.

When given excess carbohydrate, certain microbial species respond by storing energy (synthesizing reserve carbohydrate), but other species respond by dissipating the energy as heat (spilling energy). To determine the importance of these responses in the rumen microbial community, this study quantified the responses of mixed ciliate protozoa vs bacteria to glucose. We hypothesized that ciliates would direct more glucose to synthesis of reserve carbohydrate (and less to energy spilling) than would bacteria. Ciliates and bacteria were isolated from rumen fluid using filtration and centrifugation, resuspended in nitrogen-free buffer to limit growth, and dosed with 5 mM glucose. Compared with bacteria, ciliates consumed glucose >3-fold faster and synthesized reserve carbohydrate 4-fold faster. They incorporated 53% of glucose carbon into reserve carbohydrate--nearly double the value (27%) for bacteria. Energy spilling was not detected for ciliates, as all heat production (104%) was accounted by synthesis of reserve carbohydrate and endogenous metabolism. For bacteria, reserve carbohydrate and endogenous metabolism accounted for only 68% of heat production, and spilling was detected within 11 min of dosing glucose. These results suggest that ciliates alter the course of ruminal carbohydrate metabolism by outcompeting bacteria for excess carbohydrate, maximizing reserve carbohydrate synthesis, and minimizing energy spilling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Saúde e Produção Animal (RBSPA) is the property of Revista Brasileira de Saude e Producao Animal (RBSPA) 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.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of Piper betle (local name ‘Pan’) leaf (Bangla variety) on rumen ciliate protozoal population, enzyme profile and fermentation characteristics in lactating crossbred cows. Twelve lactating crossbred (Jersey × Tharparker) cows with an average milk yield of 5.4 ± 0.78 kg/d were divided into equal groups (G1 and G2) and fed individually under stall feeding for 70 days on a mixed ration containing green fodder (maize) and concentrate mixture. The G1 group was supplemented with 100 g Piper betle leaves powder/animal/day along with concentrate mixture. No significant differences were noticed between the 2 groups for daily dry matter intake and nutrient digestibility. However, rumen pH, ammonia nitrogen concentration and total rumen protozoal as well as holotrich and spirotrich protozoal population decreased while ruminal TVFA and propionic acid production increased due to supplementation of Piper betle leaves. Rumen enzyme activities were similar in both the experimental group. It is concluded that supplementation of Piper betle leaves have a potential for reducing ciliate protozoal population and rumen ammonia nitrogen concentration without affecting rumen polysaccharide degrading enzyme activities and nutrient digestibility in dairy cow.

In the urine of a patient with chronic prostatitis, renal microlithiasis and acute cystitis we found the ciliate protozoa Colpoda spp., both in vegetative and cystic form. The entry point was most likely the urinary tract. Keeping in mind that only four more cases of Colpoda spp. existent in human urine have already been described, and that in the case of our patient the ciliate was present at repeated examinations of his urine, we presumed that it is not only a spurious infection of the urogenital tract. It still remains to be analyzed whether this ciliate belongs to a species of Colpoda adapted to parasitism in homeothermae and whether it can be pathogenic for humans.

In order to study the effect of pH on defaunation in the rumen, four rumen fistulated steers were fed a basal roughage diet for a 4-week adaptation period followed by 17 weeks of feeding with three diets and two feeding levels of high concentrate diet. Rumen outflow fluid rate was evaluated in both ration levels. Rumen protozoa population was monitored weekly and when animals became defaunated, protozoa were reinoculated with rumen contents from one of the faunated steers. At every two weeks, during all the experimental period, rumen pH was measured in all animals at 0, 4, 8 and 12 h after feeding. It was observed an individual animal influence on the establishment and maintenance of the rumen ciliate protozoa population. In all sampling times, mean rumen pH values were higher in faunated steers than in the defaunated ones. No differences were observed in rumen outflow fluid rates between the two ration levels. Extended periods of low rumen pH are probably more detrimental to the survival of ciliate protozoa in the rumen than other factors.Com o objetivo de estudar efeito do pH sobre a defaunação no rúmen, quatro novilhos fistulados no rúmen foram alimentados com uma dieta basal com volumoso por um período de quatro semanas, seguido de 17 semanas com três dietas e dois níveis de alimentação com dieta rica em concentrado. A taxa de passagem do líquido ruminal foi avaliada em ambos os níveis de ração. A população de protozoários do rúmen foi monitorada semanalmente e, quando os animais se tornavam defaunados, protozoários eram reinoculados com conteúdo ruminal de um dos bovinos faunados. A cada duas semanas, durante todo o período experimental, o pH ruminal foi medido em todos os animais às 0, 4, 8 e 12 horas após a alimentação. Foi observada influência individual do animal sobre o estabelecimento e a manutenção da população de protozoários ciliados no rúmen. Em todos os tempos de amostragem, as médias de valores de pH ruminal nos animais faunados foram maiores que nos animais defaunados. Não foram observadas diferenças no rúmen na taxa de passagem do líquido ruminal entre os dois níveis de ração. Longos períodos de baixo pH no rúmen provavelmente são mais prejudiciais para a sobrevivência dos protozoários ciliados no rúmen que outros fatores.

The effect of maize silage (MS) supplemented with sunflower oil (SO) on the rumen fermentation parameters, growth of ciliate population and fatty acid outputs was investigated for 72 hours using a batch culture fermentation technique. The rumen fluid from ruminally fistulated sheep was mixed with McDougall's buffer (1:1) and added (35 ml) to fermentation bottles containing 1.5 g (0.38 g of DM) of MS with or without SO (30 g/kg of DM). Four types of MS were used: uninoculated (MS) or inoculated with Lactobacillus plantarum CCM 4000 (MS+LP), Lactobacillus fermentum LF2 (MS+LF) or Enterococcus faecium CCM 4231 (MS+EF) in simultaneous incubations at 39 ± 0.5°C for 72 h in vitro. Total gas production was decreased by SO (by 16-17%) in MS and all inoculated MS. Methane production was not significantly influenced by SO. The concentration of total volatile fatty acids, molar proportions of acetate, propionate and n-butyrate were influenced by SO (P < 0.05; P < 0.01; P < 0.001). SO had no significant effect on the total ciliate number and growth of the examined ciliate species Entodinium spp., Dasytricha ruminantium, Polyplastron multivesiculatum, Enoploplastron triloricatum and Diplodinium denticulatum. The number of Dasytricha ruminantium with MS+LP was higher (P < 0.01) as compared to MS. Outputs of trans vaccenic acid (TVA), linoleic acid, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and α-linolenic acid were influenced by SO (P < 0.05; P < 0.01; P < 0.001). However, the output of CLA was increased only in MS+LF (P < 0.001). It can be concluded that the supplementation of sunflower oil into maize silage is not effective as dietary antiprotozoal agents in a short-time interval, but it might positively affect the rumen bacterial population and activities. Sunflower oil with inoculated and uninoculated maize silage could be effective for an increase of TVA in the rumen fluid of sheep.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of Piper betle (local name 'Pan') leaf (Bangla variety) on rumen ciliate protozoal population, enzyme profile and fermentation characteristics in lactating crossbred cows. Twelve lactating crossbred (Jersey × Tharparker) cows with an average milk yield of 5.4 ± 0.78 kg/d were divided into equal groups (G1 and G2) and fed individually under stall feeding for 70 days on a mixed ration containing green fodder (maize) and concentrate mixture. The G1 group was supplemented with 100 g Piper betle leaves powder/animal/day along with concentrate mixture. No significant differences were noticed between the 2 groups for daily dry matter intake and nutrient digestibility. However, rumen pH, ammonia nitrogen concentration and total rumen protozoal as well as holotrich and spirotrich protozoal population decreased while ruminal TVFA and propionic acid production increased due to supplementation of Piper betle leaves. Rumen enzyme activities were similar in both the experimental group. It is concluded that supplementation of Piper betle leaves have a potential for reducing ciliate protozoal population and rumen ammonia nitrogen concentration without affecting rumen polysaccharide degrading enzyme activities and nutrient digestibility in dairy cow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multivariate dispersion is a powerful approach to determine the variability in species composition of a fauna or a flora and has been considered as a broad β-diversity in global ecological research. To explore the availability of the dispersions based on species composition data for assessing water quality, a dataset of ciliated protozoa in a basin ecosystem, northern China, was studied. Samples were collected from five sampling stations, within a significant heterogeneity of environmental stress. The homogeneity of multivariate dispersions in species composition of the ciliate assemblages represented a clear spatial pattern in response to the environmental stress. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the spatial variation in species composition of the ciliate was significantly correlated with the changes of environmental variables, especially the nutrients, in combination with the salinity and pH, or alone. Furthermore, the dispersion measure was found to be significantly related to the nutrient. Based on our data, we suggest that multivariate dispersion measures based on species presence/absence data might be used as a potential bioindicator of water quality in marine ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this in vitro study was to compare fermentation patterns of seven selected traditional medicinal plants and investigate the effects of medicinal plant mixture (MPM) supplements and a high-concentrate diet (lucerne hay and barley grain, LH+BG, 40:60) on rumen fermentation and fatty acid composition. An MPM of Taraxacum officinale L., Acorus calamus L., Calendula officinalis L., Hypericum perforatum L., Achillea millefolium L., Urtica dioica L. and Cichorium intybus L. was used. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of medically active compounds (tannins, phenols, steroids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids and glycosides). The counts of total protozoan did not differ across medicinal plant fermentations and were positively correlated with the total SCFA concentration (P=0.002), methane production (P=0.001) and n-butyrate (P=0.011). Substitution of LH by MPM in proportions of 10%, 50% and 100% resulted in increased in vitro dry matter digestibility (by 6%) and decreased methane production (by 1%) in comparison with a diet without MPM. Only 100% supplementation with MPM increased the content of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, whereas the content of saturated fatty acids decreased in comparison with the diet without MPM. The results point to the promising beneficial effects of MPM in a high concentrate diet, with minimal adverse effect on rumen fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the urine of a patient with chronic prostatitis, renal microlithiasis and acute cystitis we found the ciliate protozoa Colpoda spp., both in vegetative and cystic form. The entry point was most likely the urinary tract. Keeping in mind that only four more cases of Colpoda spp. existent in human urine have already been described, and that in the case of our patient the ciliate was present at repeated examinations of his urine, we presumed that it is not only a spurious infection of the urogenital tract. It still remains to be analyzed whether this ciliate belongs to a species of Colpoda adapted to parasitism in homeothermae and whether it can be pathogenic for humans.

Protozoa species were identified in rumen contents of four domestic sheep (Ovis aries) from South Africa. All animals were fed a forage diet which consisted of 50% lucerne and 50% teff hay. Ten new host records were identified, bringing the total number of species and forms observed in sheep in South Africa to 30. The occurrence and geographic distribution of ciliate protozoa in both domestic and wild sheep from around the world are summarised. It was found that 15 genera and 131 species occur in domestic sheep globally.

The aim of this experiment was to ascertain how different feeding strategies affect the rumen function of reindeer after nutritional deprivation. Rumen adaptation to various diets, after restricted feeding, was studied in 44 eight-month-old semi-domesticated female reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus). All animals were initially fed a simulated winter diet based on lichens (lichen diet). A control group, continuously offered the lichen diet ad libitum, was compared to four groups of reindeer that were first restrictively fed (half the ad libitum ration) for eight days followed by one day without feed. The rumen content of restrictively fed animals had higher pH, lower dry matter content and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration, a changed composition of VFAs, and lower counts of bacteria compared to that of the control group. The effect was less dramatic than previously reported for reindeer starved for several days. On day 10, the four restrictively fed groups were introduced to different diets. One group was re-fed the lichen diet ad libitum and did not differ from the control group when the experiment ended after five weeks of feeding. Two groups were fed grain-based reindeer feed (pellets) combined with either lichens or grass silage, and one group was fed silage with a gradually increased addition of pellets. Diarrhoea and so called “wet belly” occurred initially in the three latter groups. After five weeks of feeding, the reindeer in the three pellet-fed groups had an altered composition of VFAs and higher counts of protozoa, and also tended to have higher total VFA concentration in the rumen, compared to the control animals and those re-fed the lichen diet. Only small changes were observed in the size of rumen papillae and these could be associated with energy intake. Protozoa decreased over time on the lichen diet. This study confirmed that rumen function was significantly affected by a relatively short period of restricted feed intake. The experiment also revealed a clear difference in rumen function between reindeer adapted to a lichen-based diet and those adjusted to basically grain-based diets. Bacteria that were utilising lichens were drastically reduced when the diet lacked lichens; consequently these bacteria may be regarded as a substrate-specific group. Abstract in Swedish / Sammandrag: Vomfunktionen hos ren (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) efter begränsat födointag och påföljande utfodring Ett försök utfördes med syfte att ta reda på hur olika utfodringsstrategier påverkar vomfunktionerna hos ren (Rangifer t. tarandus) efter en period med lågt näringsintag. Vommens anpassning till olika dieter studerades hos 44 åtta månader gamla honkalvar Alla renarna gavs initialt en simulerad vinterdiet baserad på lav (lavdiet). En kontrollgrupp, som fick äta fritt av lavdieten under hela försöket, jämfördes med fyra grupper renar, som först utfodrades restriktivt med lavdieten (halva fodergivan jämfört med fri utfodring) under åtta dagar och sedan var helt utan foder under en dag. Vominnehåll från de restriktivt utfodrade renarna hade högre pH, lägre torrsubstans, lägre koncentration av flyktiga fettsyror (VFA), förändrad sammansättning av VFA och mindre mängd bakterier än vad som uppmättes i kontrollgruppen. Effekten var inte så dramatisk som den som tidigare rapporterats för renar som svultit flera dagar. Dag 10 sattes de fyra restriktivt utfodrade grupperna på olika dieter. En grupp utfodrades åter med lavdieten i fri mängd, och skiljde sig inte från kontrollgruppen när försöket avslutades efter fem veckors utfodring. Två grupper gavs spannmålsbaserat renfoder (pellets) kombinerat med antingen lav eller ensilage gjort på gräs, och en grupp gavs först enbart ensilage och därefter pellets i gradvis ökande mängd. Flera renar i de tre senare grupperna drabbades av diarré och så kallad ”blöt buk”. Efter fem veckors utfodring hade renarna i de tre pelletsutfodrade grupperna en ändrad sammansättning av VFA och mer protozooer, och tenderade även att ha högre total VFA-koncentration, än de två grupper som fick lavdiet. Endast små förändringar observerades i storleken på vompapiller, och dessa kunde kopplas till energiintag. Protozooerna minskade med tiden på lavdieten. Denna undersökning bekräftar att vomfunktionerna påverkas signifikant av en relativt kort period med minskat födointag. Undersökningen visar också en klar skillnad i vomfunktion mellan renar anpassade till lavdiet och dem som är anpassade till en i huvudsak spannmålsbaserad diet. Bakterier som växte på lav minskade drastiskt när laven uteslöts ur dieten; dessa bakterier kunde följaktligen betraktas som en substrat-specifik grupp.

Truncated recombinant metallothionein GST–fusion protein has been successfully expressed in Escherichia coli. The previously identified novel Cd-inducible metallothionein ( TMCd1) gene from the locally isolated ciliate, Tetrahymena tropicalis lahorensis, was inserted into a pET-41a vector, in frame with a sequence encoding an N-terminal glutathione- S-transferase (GST) tail. Truncated recombinant GST fusion protein has been purified by affinity column chromatography using glutathione sepharose. After enzymatic cleavage of GST tail with enterokinase, the truncated TMCd1 MT shows molecular weight of 11.5 kDa, corresponding to the expected value. This is the first successful report of expression of cadmium metallothionein gene of a ciliate, T. t. lahorensis, reported from this part of the world, in E. coli. This study will further help in characterization of metallothionein protein of this ciliate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examined how sun dried brewer's spent grain with soluble (DBSG) supplementation affects rumen fermentation, enzyme profile, ciliate protozoal population, and dry matter degradability in paddy straw-based diet in vitro. The number of total ciliate protozoa as well as holotrich and spirotrich protozoa increased with intensified DBSG level. In vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility of paddy straw/incubating substrate enhanced with DBSG supplementation.

The article investigates the effect of kalmegh, neem, bamboo, kesuti, kanchan leaves and akanda bark on methane production, ciliate protozoal population and rumen fermentation. Results show that the inclusion of kalmegh, neem and akanda results in lower production of gas and methane and in the reduction of holotrich and spirotrich protozoal number. Neem, kanchan and kesuti were found to have no effect on the enzyme activity of carboxymethyl cellulase, xylanase and beta-glucosidase.

In the urine of a patient with chronic prostatitis, renal microlithiasis and acute cystitis we found the ciliate protozoa Colpoda spp., both in vegetative and cystic form. The entry point was most likely the urinary tract. Keeping in mind that only four more cases of Colpoda spp. existent in human urine have already been described, and that in the case of our patient the ciliate was present at repeated examinations of his urine, we presumed that it is not only a spurious infection of the urogenital tract. It still remains to be analyzed whether this ciliate belongs to a species of Colpoda adapted to parasitism in homeothermae and whether it can be pathogenic for humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of the dry sugar cane yeast (DSCY) protein addition on the intake, digestibility and rumen microbial population (bacteria, protozoa, and fungi) in zebu steers fed cotton seed processing residue (CSPR). Six Nellore steers, with rumen and duodenal cannulae were used. Data were analyzed according to a randomized block design, each one with three treatments: 0.0, 4.0 and 8.0% of DSCY as a percentage of supplied dietary dry matter. Parameters evaluated were: intake, digestibility and ruminal protozoa populations. In addition, the most probable numbers of rumen fungal and bacteria populations were estimated. The DM, OM, EE, NDF and ADF intakes and digestibilities were not influenced by different levels of DSCY, possibly because of the high value of the nitrogen C fraction of the CSPR (44.5% DM). Low levels of undegradable protein fraction from yeast did not provide an expected optimized synchronization energy/nitrogen in order to enhance the degradation rate. The presence of 4.0% DSCY in the diet significantly reduced fungal rumen population. There were no significant changes in fungal populations between the 4.0% and the 8.0% treatments. However, bacterial populations showed an increase when submitted to 8.0% DSCY compared to 4.0% in the diet. Protozoal populations did not vary significantly among the treatments. It was concluded that supplementation of DSCY to zebu steers did not affect the intake, digestibility and microbiological rumen populations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Balantidium coli, a large, ciliated pathogen, is known to cause balantidiasis in humans. We report a case of B. coli infection in a 37-year-old male with tuberculosis and presenting with fever, anorexia, mild abdominal pain, and episodes of loose stools for 1 week. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruminal methanogens, bacteria and ciliate protozoa of Svalbard reindeer grazing natural pastures in October (late fall) and April (late winter) were investigated using molecular-based approaches. The appetite of the Svalbard reindeer peaks in August (summer) and is at its lowest in March (winter). Microbial numbers, quantified by real-time PCR, did not change significantly between October and April, when food intakes are at similar levels, although the numbers of methanogens tended to be higher in October ( P=0.074), and ciliate numbers tended to be higher in April ( P=0.055). Similarly, no change was detected in the bacterial and protozoal population composition by rRNA gene-based denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis. Dominant methanogens were identified using a 16S rRNA gene library (97 clones) prepared from pooled PCR products from reindeer on October pasture ( n=5). Eleven of the 22 distinct operational taxonomic units (OTUs) generated exhibited a high degree of sequence similarity to methanogens affiliated with Methanobacteriales (eight OTUs), Methanomicrobiales (one OTU) and Methanosarcinales (two OTUs). The remaining 11 OTUs (53% of the clones) were associated with a cluster of uncultivated ruminal archaea. This study has provided important insights into the rumen microbiome of a high-arctic herbivorous animal living under harsh nutritional conditions, and evidence suggesting that host type affects the population size of ruminal methanogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rumen contents obtained from 10 adult domestic sheep (Ovis ammon aries L.) at a slaughterhouse in Lapethos-Kyrenia (Girne), Northern Cyprus were surveyed for entodiniid ciliate protozoa. As a result of our survey 27 species, including 33 forms, were identified. An unusual form of Entodinium was observed in 2 sheep and is described as a new species, E. cypriensis sp. nov. Its relationship to similar Entodinium species is discussed. This study also reports new host records for E. imai, E. oektemae, E. ogimotoi, E. quadricuspis, E. rectangulatum f. dubardi, and E. rostratum. Furthermore, we report for the second time the presence of E. biconcavum, E. costatum, E. dalli f. rudidorsospinatum, E. protuberans, E. rectangulatum f. lobosospinosum, E. simulans f. lobosospinosum, E. triacum f. dextrum, E. williamsi f. williamsi, and E. w. f. turcicum in sheep hosts. All species detected in this study are first reports in Cypriot sheep hosts. The entodiniid ciliate fauna of Cypriot domestic sheep appears to have greater diversity compared to those of sheep in different geographical locations (Turkey, China, Japan, Scotland, USA, Canada, and Alaska). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This experiment assayed the influence of the inclusion of dried Azardirachta indica, Albizzia lebbek or Ailanthus excelsa leaves in pearl millet stover-based complete feed block diets on feed intake, nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation characteristics, ciliate protozoa population and blood biochemical constituents in adult Malpura sheep. Complete feed blocks were formulated to have roughage-to-concentrate ratio of 70:30. Pearl millet stover (PMS) was used as basal roughage; 30 parts of pearl millet stover was replaced with dried leaves either of Azardirachta indica (NL), Albizzia lebbek (SL) or Ailanthus excelsa (AL). Twelve hogget Malpura rams, divided into four equal groups, were offered one of the four dietary treatments. A feeding-cum-metabolic trial was conducted to assess nutrient utilization. Rumen liquor samples were collected at 0, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24h post-feeding to assess rumen fermentation pattern and ciliate protozoa population. Inclusion of dried leaves in PMS-based diets improved CP and DCP content. Dietary DCP was low (P <0.01) in PMS (8.52%) compared to tree leaves (9.77–11.59%) diets. AL and NL diets had higher (P <0.05) DCP than the SL diet. The inclusion of tree leaves did not influence organic matter, crude protein or cellulose digestibility, but depressed dry matter, NDF, ADF and energy digestibility. DE content was also lower in tree leave diets. Inclusion of tree leaves improved CP and DCP intake, but DE intake and nitrogen utilization did not change. The pH of rumen liquor (SRL) was low (6.99, P <0.05), but total nitrogen (52.9mg/dl SRL) and NH3-nitrogen (9.34mg/dl SRL) concentrations were higher (P <0.01) in the AL diet. TVFA concentrations and ciliate protozoa population were similar on the four diets. Animals in the four groups had the desired concentration of rumen metabolites required for fibrous diets. Complete feed-block feeding provided a constant nutrient supply to rumen microbes that optimise rumen fermentation. Blood biochemical constituents did not change due to the inclusion of tree leaves. Therefore, tree leaves can be included with roughage-based feeding to improve the protein nutrition status of ruminants. Further studies are required to assess the negative influence of tree leaves on digestibility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The efficiency of sodium lauryl sulfate as a defaunating agent and effect of rumen protozoa on nutrient utilization, fermentation characteristics and enzyme profile were evaluated in adult sheep maintained on a mixed ration containing 65:35% Pala (Ziziphus numularia) leaf: concentrate. Twenty-one adult Malpura sheep divided into three equal groups (DF, RF and F) were either defaunated by oral administration of sodium lauryl sulfate at the rate of 8g/100kg body weight (DF), or defaunated and again refaunated (RF), or maintained faunated (F). Daily dry matter intake was similar in defaunated, refaunated and faunated sheep. However, digestibility of cell wall and cell wall contents (NDF, ADF and cellulose) were lower (P <0.01) in defaunated than refaunated and faunated sheep. Irrespective of the presence or absence of rumen protozoa, daily intake of DCP and DE were similar in the three experimental groups. Even with similar DM, DCP and DE intake, N-retention, blood glucose level, ruminal concentration of total VFA and total-N were higher (P <0.01), while rumen pH and NH3-N concentration were lower (P <0.01) in defaunated sheep. Ruminal activity of amylase, xylanase, protease and urease enzymes were not influenced by presence or absence of ciliate protozoa. However, carboxymethyl cellulase enzyme activity was lower (P <0.01) in the rumen of defaunated sheep. The total and differential counts of rumen protozoa were similar in refaunated and faunated sheep indicating lack of residual toxic effect of sodium lauryl sulfate. It is concluded that absence of ciliate protozoa increased ruminal TVFA, total-N with lower NH3-N concentration and fibre digestibility in sheep. Moreover, sodium lauryl sulfate was fully effective for complete removal of rumen ciliate protozoa and successfully defaunated the sheep. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Protozoan and hydrozoan epibionts on the hermit crab Pagurus bernhardus and its shell, collected near Cumbrae Island (Scotland) were studied. The epibionts found were the following: (1) protozoans: the suctorian ciliates Ephelota plana, Acineta compressa, Conchacineta constricta, Corynophrya anisostyla; the peritrich ciliates Cothurnia mobiusi and Zoothamnium plumula; the chonotrich ciliate Chilodochona quennerstedti; and (2) hydrozoans: the species Leuckartiara sp. and Clytia sp. The morphological characteristics of the epibionts were analysed, as well as their taxonomic position. The distribution of epibionts on the crab surface and its shell was studied, and the density and biomass of epibionts were calculated on each anatomic unit. There was a differential distribution according to the type of epibiont: hydrozoans dominated in biovolume and were present mainly on the shell, meanwhile protozoans represented the highest fraction of density and they were found exclusively on the crab (principally on eyes, antennulae, antennae, maxillipeds, pereopods and uropods). The anterior area of the cephalothorax was the most colonized. On this area, the maxillipeds and second pereopods showed the highest densities. The location of each epibiont species was described. There was a correlation between the length of the crab and the total number of hydrozoans. There was a significant correlation between the right and the left units of the crab, taking into consideration the mean densities of epibionts on each anatomical unit. The shell was colonized by the same species of hydrozoa that appeared on the crab, although in a much higher density (mean 3024.38 per shell; 6.9 per crab). There was a significant difference between both species of hydrozoan epibionts with respect to the mean densities on the different areas of the shell. The zone of the shell more occupied by Clytia sp. was the apical zone of the shell, while the highest densities of Leuckartiara sp. were registered near the aperture of the shell. The hydrozoan and protozoan epibiont species found on P. bernhardus in this study represent the first mention of their presence on this hermit crab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effect of feeding grainless concentrates containing different supplemental nitrogen sources along with wheat straw-based diets was studied on rumen fermentation pattern, microbial enzyme activity and protozoa population. For the purpose five fistulated 18 months aged crossbred bulls (Bos indicus×Bos taurus) were used in a 5×5 Latin square design. The animal fed the control diet, received barley 300g/kg dry matter (DM) in the concentrate mixture (CM1) as a source of grain, whereas other concentrates contained only wheat bran (CM2) or wheat bran supplemented with 25g urea (CM3), 215g groundnut cake (GNC) (CM4) or 270g mustard oil cake (MOC) (CM5)/kg DM, as a source of supplemental nitrogen. The bulls were fed concentrate mixtures at 1kg/100kg of their body weight. Each feeding period lasted 21 days followed by rumen liquor collection. Neither the presence of barley nor the nitrogen from different sources in the concentrate mixture did influence the daily dry matter intake (DMI) by the bulls. The DMI per unit of body weight was similar in all the groups. Feeding of barley-based concentrate (CM1) and GNC supplemented grainless diet (CM4) significantly decreased the rumen pH at 4–6h post-feeding. The total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration was the highest (P&#60;0.01) in animals fed CM1 and higher (P&#60;0.05) on CM4 than on CM5. However, the dietary treatments did not influence the molar proportion of acetate, propionate and butyrate. Supplementation of urea in the concentrate mixture (CM3) resulted in the highest (P&#60;0.01) ruminal ammonia-N (NH3-N) concentration. The ruminal total-nitrogen concentration was the highest (P&#60;0.01) in animals fed on CM1 and higher (P&#60;0.05) on CM4 than on CM5. In the strained rumen liquor (SRL) α-amylase activity was increased significantly when the animals fed CM1. The endoglucanase activity was significantly decreased (P&#60;0.05) in animals fed on CM4 and CM5 as compared to that of CM1 fed bulls. Supplementation of oil cakes or urea to the wheat bran-based grainless concentrates significantly increased the protease activity. Urease activity was significantly increased in response to the dietary urea. Total ciliate population did not differ in SRL of animals fed on CM1, CM2 and CM4, which were significantly higher to that of those fed on CM3 or CM5. Addition of MOC seemed to depress the overall rumen fermentation. The rumen fermentation pattern of bulls fed wheat bran-based grainless concentrate mixture with supplemental nitrogen, urea or oil cakes, was almost similar to that of those fed on grain-based concentrate at 1kg/100kg of body weight, when wheat straw used as basal roughage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The toxicity of ammonia and its effects on growth inhibition for the marine ciliate, Euplotes vannus, were measured in a conventional open system. Linear regression analysis showed that: the 2 hour median lethal concentration (LC50) was 7870.46 mg total ammonia-N l-1 (P<0.05; pH 8.2; salinity 28 ppt; temperature, 25 °C ); the threshold concentrations for growth inhibition was 100 mg total ammonia-N l-1 (P<0.05; pH 8.2; salinity 28 ppt; temperature, 25 °C); and the toxicity curve equation for 24 hours was y=113.48e-0.0005.4x (P<0.05, R=0.94; y = culture time; x = LC50), from which it is possible to predict LC50 values of a wide range of ammonia-N concentrations for almost any exposure time. The results demonstrate that the tolerance to ammonia in E. vannus is considerably higher than that of the larvae or juveniles of some metozoa, e.g. cultured prawns and oysters. In addition, the results also determine that ciliates, as bacterial predators, are likely to play a positive role in maintaining and improving water quality in aquatic environments with high-levels ammonium, such as intensive aquaculture ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fernandez-Leborans, G. Protozoan epibionts on Mysis relicta Loven, 1862 (Crustacea, Mysidacea) from Lake Lüšiai (Lithuania). —  Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 85: 101–112 Protozoan epibionts were found on specimens of the mysid Mysis relicta collected in Lake Lüšiai (Lithuania). These protozoans belong to three genera of ciliates: Vorticella, Dendrosoma and Tokophrya, and were located on the antennae, carapace, appendages and abdomen of the basibiont. The ciliates of the genus Vorticella had a bell-shaped body, with concave-type striations and a very long contractile stalk. The stalk joined the body via a truncated and overlapping zone. The macronucleus was J-shaped, and the contractile vacuole was anterolateral. Only one ciliate species of Vorticella has been found on mysids, although on species other than M. relicta, and this is therefore the first record of Vorticella on M. relicta, and the second on the order Mysidacea. The ciliates of the genus Dendrosoma had an irregular body directly attached to the substrate. Finger-like actinophores arose from the body, with a bundle of tentacles at their ends. The macronucleus ramified into branches that followed the actinophores. These ciliates were included in the species D. astaci. The presence of this ciliate represents the first record of this genus on Mysis relicta. The ciliates of the genus Tokophrya had a pyramidal body, the apical surface of which showed two conspicuous actinophores, with a short, longitudinally striated stalk joining to the body via a narrow unstriated band. The macronucleus was spherical or ovoid, centrally located, and there was an apical contractile vacuole. Only one previous study has referred to the presence of this genus on Mysis relicta, and the data contained in it were compared with those of the present study. The biometrical data and taxonomical position of the ciliate epibionts was considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antiprotozoal activity of Enterolobium cyclocarpum foliage was tested in the present study in in vitro, using a technique that measures the breakdown of [14C]-labelled Selenomonas ruminantium, and in vivo experiments. In vivo, the activity was measured in two experiments with rumen cannulated sheep fed a diet based on barley silage and barley grain. Rumen fluid samples were collected and used in both experiments for enumeration of protozoa and analysis of rumen fermentation parameters. The in vitro assay showed a 20–95% decrease in the rate of breakdown of [14C]-labelled S. ruminantium by protozoa with increased amounts of E. cyclocarpum in the incubation media, ranging from 0.5 to 10 g l−1. The results of the first in vivo experiment with sheep showed that the E. cyclocarpum supplement reduced (P<0.05) protozoal numbers during days 4–11 (by 49–75%), but the numbers gradually increased to the level of the control group by day 20. The reduction in the protozoal population was associated with a reduced (P<0.1) concentration of ammonia-N in rumen fluid. pH and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations were not affected by the treatment (P>0.05). The results of the second experiment showed that compared to day −1, there were reduced (P<0.05) protozoa concentrations in rumen fluid on almost all days during Period 1, but protozoa were reduced (P<0.05) only on days 6, 8 and 21 in Period 3. Comparison of Periods 1 and 3 resulted in lower (P<0.05) protozoal concentration means in Period 1 on days 3–6, but the rest of the days were not different (P>0.05). It was concluded that the antiprotozoal effect of the E. cyclocarpum foliage supplement was only transitory and effective only the first time it was fed to the same animals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Effects of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) inclusion on rumen fermentation characteristics and ciliate protozoal population in high concentrate-fed lambs were studied. Twenty-four weaner (90 days old) Malpura lambs divided into four equal groups (G1, G2, G3 and G4) were fed basal (25:75 roughage and concentrate) diet (G1) or basal diet supplemented with 0.75% (G2), 1.50% (G3) and 2.25% (G4) sodium bicarbonate for 90 days. Daily dry matter (DM) intake and digestibility of organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), gross energy and plane of nutrition were similar in all the groups while cellulose digestibility was higher in G4 than in G2 and G1. Ruminal pH increased (P<0.05) with increasing levels of dietary sodium bicarbonate. Concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), total nitrogen and trichloroacetic acid-precipitable nitrogen (TCA-ppt.-N) were higher while ammonia nitrogen was lower in the rumen fluid of G4 and G3 than in G2 and G1. The number of total protozoa, Isotricha, Dasytricha, large and small spirotrichs were higher (P<0.01) in the rumen of G4 and G3 than in G2 and G1. Total live weight gain and average daily gain were also higher in lambs supplemented with sodium bicarbonate. It is concluded that sodium bicarbonate inclusion at the rate of 1.50% of total ration increased cellulose digestibility, ciliate protozoal number, ruminal pH and total nitrogen concentration resulting in improved growth of lambs maintained on high concentrate diet. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nutrient utilization, feed conversion efficiency and growth performance of defaunated and faunated growing lambs maintained on complete diets containing different proportion of roughage and concentrate were evaluated in a 90-day experiment. Sixty Malpura weaner (90 days) lambs with average body weight of 13.2 kg were randomly divided into six equal groups (G1, G2, G3, G4, G5 and G6) of 10 lambs each. All lambs were defaunated by administration of sodium lauryl sulfate at the rate of 8 g/100 kg body weight as a 10% aqueous solution, infused directly into the rumen by stomach tube for two consecutive days. Six days after defaunation, all the lambs of G4, G5 and G6 groups were refaunated by inoculation of 100 ml per lamb rumen content drawn from normal faunated and fistulated rams. The lambs of G1 and G4, G2 and G5, and G3 and G6 groups were maintained on three complete diets in which the roughage and concentrate ratio were 50:50, 65:35 and 80:20, respectively. The digestibility of cell wall constituents was poor in defaunated lambs while daily intakes of digestible crude protein (DCP) and digestible energy (DE) were similar in defaunated and faunated lambs. Irrespective of the presence or absence of rumen protozoa, digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and energy increased, while digestibility of cell and cell wall constituents decreased with increase in dietary proportion of concentrate resulting in their higher daily intake of DCP and DE. Even with similar DM, DCP and DE intake during the experiment, nitrogen retention, total body weight gain, average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency were better in defaunated than faunated lambs. With decreased dietary proportion of concentrate the body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency decreased both in defaunated and faunated lambs.It is concluded from the study that with similar intake of DM, DE and DCP, the growth performance and feed conversion efficiency were better in defaunated than in faunated lambs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]