Animal Farm Research Articles

The Role of Propaganda in George Orwell's Animal Farm

Animal Farm is a novel of pure propaganda. Orwell himself admits that he writes this novel in order to be a propaganda against the 'Soviet's myth', to expose Stalin's propaganda and Stalin's Communism. As propagandist, Orwell shows his ideas and opinions towards the dictatorial regimes. This study presents the outstanding role of different types and techniques of propaganda used in the novel by the characters, and how these techniques' persuasion influences are various from one another. The paper also traces the propagandists' ways and methods to make use of people's emotions by appealing to their profound fears and great dreams to befool and deceive them. Orwell gives the most devastating image of a propagandist through the character of Squealer who is crushingly effective to convince the animals and make them believe in everything he says. The paper also sheds light on Orwell's actual efforts to warn people from the tactics used by political regimes, and his attempt to show the effects of illiteracy and lack of education in supporting propagandists' purposes for exploiting people and make them victims of an evil propaganda.

A Study of Diction in the Indonesian Translation Binatangisme from George Orwell`s Animal Farm

This article examined the Indonesian translation of the novel Animal Farm by George Orwell (1945). It was translated into Binatangisme by Mahbub Djunaidi, published in 1983. The diction of the novel was highlighted because diction was one of the important elements in the acceptability and accuracy words in literary works that need to be considered. There are three categories of dictions which analyzed in this article such as translation of pronoun, translation of cultural adaptation, and translation of terms and sentencing as proposed by Newmark (1988) and Nida (1964). The qualitative method in the form of content analysis was applied to obtain information data that are objective, systematic, and descriptive quantitative about what appears in the choice of diction. The data were collected through close reading which highlighting or giving comments in the forms of monologues and dialogues as well as phrases and sentences. While the data analysis was compared between the source language and the target language. As the result, the translation was near to the target language culture. Mostly, the translator tend to describe the meaning through detailed explanation and used more specific meaning words.

An Analysis of Napoleon’s Tripartite Personality in Animal Farm from the Perspective of Psychoanalysis

Animal Farm is the masterpiece of George Orwell. It tells an allegory that animals successfully revolutionized their farm by driving out their human owners and establishing an equal animal’s society. However, the animal leader Napoleon eventually usurped the fruits of the revolution and became even more dictatorial and totalitarian rulers than their human masters. This paper will analyze the characteristics of Napoleon from the perspective of tripartite personality theory. Through the analysis on the plots of this novel, and the certain sentences about Napoleon, we can conclude that his id selfish and hypocritical, his ego is intelligent and self-willed, his superego is morally bankrupt. All his characteristics tell that Napoleon is a tyrannical but successful emperor.

Antioxidant Potentials of Blue Whiting Fish (Micromesistus poutassous) Oil Extracts in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant potentials of Blue Whiting Fish (Micromesistus poutassous) oil extracts in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.
 Study Design: An experimental study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Animal House, Department of Applied and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt and University of Port Harcourt Rivers State, Nigeria, between February 2020 and August 2020.
 Methodology: Thirty Six (36) albino rats were purchased and allowed to acclimatize for two (2) weeks in the laboratory at the animal farm house of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University. They were fed the normal rat feed (Chow feed) and water was allowed ad libitum. The rats were weighed and randomly grouped into six (6) groups with six rats in each group. Group 1 (Negative control) was placed on normal diet while groups 2 to 6 were placed on a high fat diet (HFD) prior to the induction with Streptozotocin to achieve diabetes and the animals were treated according to their groupings for four weeks by means of oral gavage. The dose of Blue Whiting Fish (Micromesistus poutassous) oil extracts administered to the rats was extrapolated from human doses. The high fat diet was prepared by mixing the animal feed (Chow diet) with margarine in a ratio of 3:1. After each period of treatments, blood samples were collected from the rats at the end of the treatments via cardiac puncture by anaesthetizing the rats with chloroform after a six (6) hour fast. Fasting blood glucose was determined using the Glucose Oxidase method, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione were analysed quantitatively and measured spectrophotometrically and the GC–MS analysis of bioactive compounds from Blue Whiting Fish (Micromesistus poutassous) oil was done using Agilent Technologies GC systems with GC-7890A/MS-5975C model. Data generated were analysed using SPSS version 22.0 of windows statistical package. Results were considered statistically significant at 95% confidence interval (p < 0.05).
 Results: After week 1 - 4 of exposure, the mean SOD (Superoxide dismutase) value of the Negative control group (NC), Positive control (PC) group, diabetic groups exposed for weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 expressed in U/ml were 299.41 ± 5.49, 217.38 ± 5.33, 220.56 ± 4.14, 240.45 ± 1.21, 258.19 ± 1.73 and 278.03 ± 1.98 respectively. The mean TAC (Total antioxidant capacity) value expressed in U/ml were 2.97 ± 0.10, 1.84 ± 0.04, 1.97 ± 0.04, 2.16 ± 0.02, 2.26 ± 0.02 and 2.46 ± 0.02 respectively. The mean GSH (Glutathione) expressed in µg/ml were 56.05 ± 0.60, 47.37 ±1.04, 47.94 ± 0.87, 50.80 ± 0.35, 53.07 ± 0.36 and 55.38 ± 0.33 respectively. The mean MDA (Malondialdehyde) expressed in nmol/l were 2.40 ± 0.13, 4.56 ± 0.28, 4.66 ± 0.06, 4.39 ± 0.01, 4.16 ± 0.03 and 3.70 ± 0.06 respectively. Comparison of different groups showed varying significant differences across groups.
 Conclusion: Hyperglycaemia induced in rats studied led to an increase in oxidative stress, depletion of antioxidant parameters was observed. However, after treatment with Blue Whiting Fish (Micromesistus poutassous) Oil extracts, it was observed that there was improvement in the overall antioxidant status of the rats.

Pesantren and the Economic Development in the Perspective of Maqashid Al-Shari’ah

Modernization to deliver the process in diversifying the socio-economic role of pesantren is undeniable things. Consequently, pesantren must take immediate action if they want to maintain their role and function. In this context, this article wants to describe the widespread mandate of a pesantren in Jember, namely Pesantren Nurul Qornain (PNQ), those takes part –not only empowerment in the field of education- but also play role in the development of economic enterprises. This is then reviewed in the perspective of maqashid al-shari’ah (the purpose of shari’a). Throughout qualitative study, this article explains that pesantren alumni and local society involved in the management of PNQ economic enterprises. Some of developed business unit in the area of agriculture, trading, animal farm, plantation, and mining. Furthermore, the main factor behind PNQ in managing economic enterprises is pesantren sovereignty. It is initiated by kiai (the leader of pesantren). According to him, pesantren can develop rapidly if they sovereign in all aspects. This sovereignty is interpreted as economic sovereignty. However, economic development is as determining factor in supporting the existence of pesantren. Additionally, the development of economic enterprises carries out by PNQ in line with the value of hifdhul maal (the maintenance of property). Hence, it is prospective benefits if it can be replicated by Islamic educational institution nowadays.

Literary Parody of Russian Communism Harmonizing to George Orwell's Two Novels "Animal Farm" and "Nineteen Eighty Four"

This Paper concerns within one of the foremost critical viewpoints in literature, where the metaphorical and mocking centrality of ‘Animal Farm’ and ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four' by George Orwell is highlighted, Through 'Animal Farm' and 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' Orwell by implication assaults Russian communism, Orwell combines political reason with a creative one to voice his critical conviction. Orwell utilized parody to grant more impact and understanding of his two books. Parody in Literature constitutes one of the viable literary strategies writers utilize in their stories to assault an individual, a thought, or behaviour that they think awful or silly. An essayist in parody employments an anecdotal character, which stands for genuine individuals to uncover and condemn their debasement, the analyst takes after the descriptive-analytic strategy. Animal Farm is ostensibly an animal story, but deep down it is a moral story, a parody around the Russian Revolution of 1917 with wrong qualities of course battle.
 To a few degrees, Nineteen Eighty-Four moreover centres on the concepts of the free venture and person flexibility, which don't really exist. There as it were remains a world of scorn. Segregation, and fear as superpowers. Eurasia and East Asia are two superpowers and Oceania, the third one, is continuously at war with one of them. By using political parody within the two books, the writer makes a consul and curiously air that influences progressing the plot in arrange to provide a clear understanding and improving its structure. In arrange to connect the investigate questions and the discoveries, a nitty-gritty clarification on the concept of the parody has been displayed as a curiously literary method; something else, peruses would not discover a relationship between the two works. At long last, Orwell actually succeeds in encoding his knead within the shape of a parody and hence peruses associated with him.

Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance in Escherichia coli and Salmonella Isolated from Flies Trapped at Animal and Poultry Farm Premises

Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance in Escherichia coli and Salmonella Isolated from Flies Trapped at Animal and Poultry Farm Premises

Genre in 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell

George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” was an eminent success although having shaky beginnings because of the message and the time of it released. Nowadays, it is a crucial part of numerous school curriculums focused on literature. When inspected as to why it was such a big a success as it was, one must resort to separate elements of the novel such as genre and form to grasp its message which is still present in today’s society. Although the book is set to be an animal fable, as Orwell originally claimed himself, it also serves as an allegory of the Russian revolution, namely the one happening in 1917 and the Stalinist era that followed. As an allegory, it blends in events from real life in a distinct Orwell manner. Just like many other books, this too features elements from real life such as laws which in the book are the ten commandments and many other parts of a regime which undoubtedly points out the cruel reality of a ruling system that is self-beneficial, hypocritical and utterly proud in their acts even if they are done at the expense of losing a life or two. The book takes elements from both the genres of allegory and animal fable to create a blend that served later on as a distinct characteristic of Orwell works. As such, characters, or rather animals in this case, inside the story were a direct counterpart of the ones in real life with a specific attention paid to the rulers such as Trotsky which is portrayed by Snowball, Stalin or Napoleon in the novel and others which were presented in fine detail concerning many of their manners and actions towards their own population of that time.

Effect of Calamari Oil on Lipid Profile of Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Calamari Oil on lipid profile levels in diabetes streptozotocin induced diabetic Rats.
 Study design: An experimental study.
 Place and duration of study: Animal House, Department of Applied and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt and University of Port Harcourt Rivers State, Nigeria, between February 2020 and August 2020.
 Methodology: Thirty Six (36) albino rats were purchased and allowed to acclimatize for two (2) weeks in the laboratory at the animal farm house of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University. They were fed the normal rat feed (Chow feed) and water was allowed ad libitum. The rats were weighed and randomly grouped into six (6) groups with six rats in each group. Group 1 (Negative control) was placed on normal diet while groups 2 to 6 were placed on a high fat diet (HFD) prior to the induction with Streptozotocin to achieve diabetes and the animals were treated according to their groupings for four weeks by means of oral gavage. The dose of Calamari Oil administered to the rats was extrapolated from human doses. The high fat diet was prepared by mixing the animal feed (Chow diet) with margarine in a ratio of 3:1. After each period of treatments, blood samples were collected from the rats at the end of the treatments via cardiac puncture by anaesthetizing the rats with chloroform after a six (6) hour fast. Fasting blood glucose was determined using the Glucose Oxidase method, lipid profile was analysed spectrophotometrically and Atherogenic coefficient (AC) and Castelli ratio index-1 level (CRI-1) were calculated. The GC–MS analysis of bioactive compounds from Calamari Oil was done using Agilent Technologies GC systems with GC-7890A/MS-5975C model. Data generated were analysed using SPSS version 22.0 of windows statistical package. Results were considered statistically significant at 95% confidence interval (p < 0.05).
 Results: The results showed that after week 1 - 4 of exposure, the mean TG (Triglyceride) value of the Negative control group (NC), Positive control (PC) group, diabetic groups exposed for weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 expressed in mg/dl were 130.89 ± 2.52, 174.94 ± 3.11, 166.64 ± 1.95, 160.61 ± 0.60, 153.37 ± 2.24 and 141.62 ± 0.99 respectively. Mean TC (Total cholesterol) value of the NC, PC group, diabetic groups exposed for weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 expressed in mg/dl were 160.93 ± 2.99, 194.96 ± 2.09, 188.18 ± 1.41, 180.63 ± 0.59, 169.96 ± 1.47 and 159.71 ± 1.43 respectively. HDL (High density lipoprotein) value of the NC, PC group, diabetic groups exposed for weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 expressed in mg/dl were 83.05 ± 2.96, 65.68 ± 1.78, 66.97 ± 1.28, 72.75 ± 0.52, 76.35 ± 0.77 and 78.94 ± 0.86. Mean LDL (Low density lipoprotein) value of the NC, PC group, diabetic groups exposed for weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 expressed in mg/dl were 51.7 ± 3.21, 94.3 ± 0.48, 88.15 ± 1.08, 75.76 ± 0.62, 62.95 ± 0.94 and 52.46 ± 0.59 respectively. The mean non- HDL cholesterol value of the NC, PC group, diabetic groups exposed for weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 expressed in mg/dl were 159.93 ± 2.99, 193.96 ± 2.09, 187.18 ± 1.41, 179.63 ± 0.59, 168.96 ± 1.47 and 158.71 ± 1.42 respectively. Also, mean cholesterol ratio value of the NC, PC groups, diabetic groups exposed for weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 expressed in mg/dl were 1.94 ± 0.07, 2.97 ± 0.06, 2.81 ± 0.04, 2.48 ± 0.02, 2.22 ± 0.01 and 2.02 ± 0.01respectively.
 Conclusion: Type 2 diabetes is associated with dyslipidemia and as such the treatment with the Calamari Oil in the treated groups had positive effect on lipid profile markers with TG, TC, LDL, AC, CRI-1 decreasing and HDL increasing with increase in duration of time.

Veterinary pharmaceuticals in aquaculture wastewater as emerging contaminant substances in aquatic environment and potential treatment methods

Veterinary pharmaceuticals are still unregulated and their residues in the environment have the potential to cause considerable impact on ecosystems. Water pollution due to veterinary pharmaceuticals gained worldwide attention because they deteriorate the water quality and impart a toxic effect on living organisms. Therefore, the effective aquaculture wastewater treatment for veterinary pharmaceuticals removal before releasing into the environment is necessary to prevent the risk of environmental contamination and subsequent negative health and economic impacts on both the human and aquaculture industry. This review provides an overview of currently available methods to remove veterinary pharmaceuticals available in aquaculture wastewater while reviewing some methods already studied for other types of pharmaceuticals but possible to use in aquaculture in the future and the scope of the review has been limited to aquaculture antibiotics used as veterinary medicines. Several water refinement techniques such as conventional mechanical, chemical, biological and physical wastewater treatment methods are practiced but they are not with suitable efficiency. Several studies were published covering small or special sections of water pollution by pharmaceuticals. But most of these studies have been done targeting to remove the antibiotics coming from hospital effluent, livestock or animal farm, and veterinary practices. There are very few research studies done specifically for aquaculture wastewater treatment against veterinary pharmaceuticals. Therefore, more attention and efforts must be given to this topic to be developed and to know all details concerning the toxicity of veterinary pharmaceuticals and how they can be removed from the aquaculture wastewaters.

Strategi Penerjemahan Nama Diri dan Kecenderungan Ideologi dalam Versi Terjemahan Novel Animal Farm Karya George Orwell

This paper aims to identify strategies for translating self-names (proper nouns) and ideological tendencies in translation works. The data sources used were the translated novel entitled Binatangisme (translated by Mahbub Djunaidi) as the source text and the English novel entitled Animal Farm by George Orwell as the source text. This research used the theory designed by Davies (2003) to identify translation strategies and ideological tendencies. According to Davies, there are seven translation strategies, namely preservation, addition, localization, omission, globalization, transformation and creation. The result obtained is that the translated version tends to domestication ideology. Of the 15 data analyzed, Mahbub Djunaidi's translated version has 46.67% tendencies of domestication ideology and 40% tendencies of foreignization ideology (the number is not 100% because some data using omission are considered neutral and not counted).

Classification of broiler behaviours using triaxial accelerometer and machine learning

Understanding broiler behaviours provides important implications for animal well-being and farm management. The objectives of this study were to classify specific broiler behaviours by analysing data from wearable accelerometers using two machine learning models, K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). Lightweight triaxial accelerometers were used to record accelerations of nine 7-week-old broilers at a sampling frequency of 40 Hz. A total of 261.6-min data were labelled for four behaviours – walking, resting, feeding and drinking. Instantaneous motion features including magnitude area, vector magnitude, movement variation, energy, and entropy were extracted and stored in a dataset which was then segmented by one of the six window lengths (1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 20 s) with 50% overlap between consecutive windows. The mean, variation, SD, minimum and maximum of each instantaneous motion feature and two-way correlations of acceleration data were calculated within each window, yielding a total of 43 statistic features for training and testing of machine learning models. Performance of the models was evaluated using pure behaviour datasets (single behaviour type per dataset) and continuous behaviour datasets (continuous recording that involved multiple behaviour types per dataset). For pure behaviour datasets, both KNN and SVM models showed high sensitivities in classifying broiler resting (87% and 85%, respectively) and walking (99% and 99%, respectively). The accuracies of SVM were higher than KNN in differentiating feeding (88% and 75%, respectively) and drinking (83% and 62%, respectively) behaviours. Sliding window with 1-s length yielded the best performance for classifying continuous behaviour datasets. The performance of classification model generally improved as more birds were included for training. In conclusion, classification of specific broiler behaviours can be achieved by recording bird triaxial accelerations and analysing acceleration data through machine learning. Performances of different machine learning models differ in classifying specific broiler behaviours.

Lameness in Beef Cattle: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Survey of On-Farm Practices and Approaches.

Cattle lameness is a concern to the United Kingdom (UK) cattle industry, negatively impacting upon welfare and production. Previous work involving one small study (n = 21) has identified that some UK beef farmers underestimate lameness prevalence, but also that farmers vary in their perception of the impact of lameness. Knowledge and skills of farmers were identified as a potential concern, and farmer-reported barriers were identified. However, the extent to which these views can be extrapolated is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to produce descriptive results of UK beef farmer lameness-related activities concerning lameness identification, examination, treatment, and prevention. Questionnaires were circulated online and via post. Postal questionnaires were sent to registered Approved Finishing Units (a specific cohort of beef fattening units subject to strict biosecurity measures as part of UK bovine tuberculosis control) and a stratified sample of all registered beef enterprises in England and Wales. Online questionnaires were circulated on social media and via targeted emails asking selected industry bodies and veterinary practices to distribute to farmers. Descriptive results were produced, and thematic analysis was performed on free text responses. There were 532 usable responses, with most farmers self-reporting their current lameness prevalence as zero (mean 1.2%, range 0–20%). Most respondents did not locomotion score cattle, and most reported that it was not safe to examine feet. Most farmers did not use a foot bath, but of those who did, formaldehyde was the most commonly used product. Some farmers reported use of antibiotic foot baths. Most farmers reported dealing with lame animals within 48 h, but some only dealt with severe cases, and some felt that lame animals would get better by themselves. To deal with animals that have an ongoing lameness problem, transportation to slaughter was considered an option by 35% of farmers. It is worth noting, however, that the majority of lame animals would be precluded from transport under UK legislation. Farmers reported staff shortages, as well as a lack of time, training, and knowledge as barriers to lameness prevention and control. Overall, these results suggest that farmers may be underestimating lameness. Diagnosis is likely to be challenging, with unsafe facilities for lifting feet. The reported high threshold by some farmers for attending to a lame animal is a cause for concern, negatively impacting upon animal welfare, but this is also likely to have negative consequences for animal performance and farm profitability. Many participants in this study expressed a desire for farmer training in several aspects relating to lameness prevention and control, and this represents an opportunity for further knowledge exchange regarding lameness in beef cattle.

Animal Farm—a complex artificial life 3D framework

Abstract The development of computer-generated ecosystem simulations are becoming more common due to the greater computational capabilities of machines. Because natural ecosystems are very complex, simplifications are required for implementation. This simulation environment o er a global view of the system and generate a lot of data to process and analyse, which are difficult or impossible to do in nature. 3D simulations, besides of the scientific advantages in experiments, can be used for presentation, educational and entertainment purposes too. In our simulated framework (Animal Farm) we have implemented a few basic animal behaviors and mechanics to observe in 3D. All animals are controlled by an individual logic model, which determines the next action of the animal, based on their needs and surrounding environment.

Review: Feeding fodder beet to grazing dairy cows: Is it a paradigm for reduced animal welfare and increased economic and environmental risk?

ABSTRACT Purpose This review addresses the potential animal welfare, farm profit, and environmental outcomes when fodder beet is fed to grazing dairy cows. Sources The information and data included in the review are from peer-reviewed literature. Synthesis Although large yields (>20 t of DM/ha) and high utilization (90%) of fodder beet (FB) are attractive to farmers, a combination of high establishment costs and low milk yield response may reduce profit margin from growing and feeding FB to dairy cows. The limited milk yield response may be a consequence of subacute acidosis, which reduces ruminal fermentation, feed intake, and milk production. Although FB is a low CP ( Conclusions and Applications Winter FB feeding programs may reduce animal welfare by causing a chemical imbalance leading to hypophosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, ketosis, and hepatic lipidosis, in addition to ruminal acidosis. The information available indicates that a trade-off exists between feeding levels of FB to dairy cows that reduce urinary N excretion but impair animal welfare. The high cost of establishment, variable crop yield, and low milk yield response to FB may limit positive financial outcomes when FB is grown to support lactation. Although the high yield capacity of FB will reduce wintering area and costs, animal welfare costs may be greater than currently realized, and we advise producers to proceed with caution.

Business prospects of pasteurized milk diversification in the new normal era post Covid-19 through PPUPIK

The development of dairy products such as pasteurized milk and its diversification is very much needed to fulfil the consumption of animal protein as an intake in increasing the fulfilment of community nutrition. A collaboration of livestock products, especially dairy products and the edu-tourism method, is a method of education through tourism, which is an interactive teaching method of utilizing the environment, location, objects, and animal food products that can be directly enjoyed by learners. Faculty of Animal Science Hasanuddin University has locations and objects that allow students or communities to learn about the world of animal science and its products. A survey of the business prospects for dairy product diversification in the face of the new normal post-Covid-19 and associated with educational edu-agrotourism was studied to provide an overview of the Campus Intellectual Product Unit Development Program (PPUPIK) as a form of campus empowerment for community education. The survey results indicate that dairy products and their diversification to be developed as a source of animal protein, which can be used as food to prepare during visits to animal farm edu-tourism objects, especially in the new normal post-Covid-19.

The relationship between individual characteristics and the performance of animal farm group institutions

This study aims to determine the relation between the characteristics of the breeders and the institutional performance of the groups of breeders of the district of Barru, Barru Regency. This research was conducted from August to September 2020. This research used quantitative methods. By taking the sample using the probability sampling technique that was random cluster sampling using the Slovin formula. The analytical method used in this research was Rank Spearman analysis. The results of the research on the relationship between the characteristics and the institutional performance of herder groups showed that the characteristics of the herders had a significant relationship with the institutional performance of the herders groups, namely the number of head of cattle. Meanwhile, the characteristics of pastoralists that do not have a significant relationship with the institutional performance of the groups of pastoralists are age, duration of breeding, number of family dependents and training of family members. Farmers. Indeed, breeders who have a large number of heads of cattle certainly also have significant capital to be encouraged to optimize their breeding activity. The increase in the herd will encourage herders to be more active in the institutional activities of herder groups, thus directly improving the institutional performance of the group.

Associations between Bovine Coronavirus and Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections and Productivity, Health Status and Occurrence of Antimicrobial Resistance in Swedish Dairy Herds.

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and bovine coronavirus (BCoV) affect dairy herds worldwide. In this study, effects on herd health, morbidity, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) were assessed. Herds were considered free of infection (FREE), recently infected (RI) or past steadily infected (PSI) based on antibody testing of milk from primiparous cows. Data from farm records, national databases, and AMR of fecal Escherichia coli from calves were used as outcome variables. Compared to BRSV FREE herds: BRSV PSI herds had significantly higher odds of cough in young stock, a higher proportion of quinolone-resistant E. coli (QREC), but a lower proportion of cows with fever. BRSV RI herds had significantly higher odds of diarrhea in calves and young stock, a higher proportion of QREC and higher odds of multidrug-resistant E. coli. Compared to BCoV FREE herds: BCoV PSI herds had significantly higher odds of cough in all ages, and of diarrhea in young stock and cows, and a higher proportion of cows with fever. BCoV RI herds had significantly higher odds of diarrhea in young stock and cows and of cough in all ages. The results support previous research that freedom from BRSV and BCoV is beneficial for animal welfare and farm economy and possibly also mitigates AMR.

The Root towards More Circularized Animal Production Systems: From Animal to Territorial Metabolism.

Simple SummaryThe relationship between the rates of world population growth and the consumption of natural resources is a subject of strong debate in the political and academic areas. Since the 1960s, technological progress has made it possible to achieve extraordinary increases in agricultural productivity, which was at the basis of the so-called green revolution. However, this happened at the expense of environmental sustainability. Agricultural activities impact natural resources such as water, air, biodiversity, which are crucial for future generations. The livestock sector is particularly sensitive to the problem, being responsible for an important part of the global greenhouse gas emissions. To make livestock production more sustainable, a radical rethinking of livestock production models is required. In the face of these needs, the circular economy provides a sound basis for a sustainable transition. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the crucial factors for a transition towards more “circularized” animal production systems. More precisely, our work aims to identify economic, social, and environmental factors that can boost transition, by framing it within a circular vision of livestock farming.This paper deals with a relevant topic in the literature on sustainable management of animal farms, concerning the transition towards circular methods of animal production. The paper aims to put forward an original analytical multilevel perspective overlapping different dimensions at either micro, meso, and macro level. Starting from the Malthusian analysis on depletion of natural resources, with risks of the fragility of the natural and economic systems, the paper points out the importance of moving away from intensive methods of production, by adopting more circularized approaches based on resources efficiency. The application of circular economy approaches to animal production is theorized through the concept of territorial metabolism involving not only internal resources (at the animal farm level) but also territorial resources. The paper underlines the critical points of the transition, which is labeled as a socio-technical transition in that it involves not only technical issues but also social aspects. Critical points are addressed through consumers’ acceptance of products drawn on circular approaches and political support to transition, through political tools which are boosted in recent documents of the European Union, like the Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategy.

Effects of chronic exposure of antibiotics on microbial community structure and functions in hyporheic zone sediments

Microbial communities in hyporheic zones (HZ) provide vital biogeochemical functions such as contaminant degradation for river ecosystems. Antibiotics are contaminants that have been increasingly detected in HZ sediments. In this study, sediments from different HZ locations in a contaminated river, Maozhou river, China were sampled and analyzed using qPCR and high-throughput sequencing to investigate the effect of antibiotic contamination on microbial community structures and functions in HZ sediments. Results indicated that types and concentrations of antibiotics in HZ sediments were heterogeneously distributed that were largely consistent with the distribution of antibiotic sources. Sediments near animal farm and hospital contained higher antibiotic concentrations compared with those from mainstream. The distribution of ARGs was well correlated with antibiotics. Bacterial indicator genera indicating differences between mainstream area and other sampling areas were positively correlated with antibiotics, suggesting the influences of antibiotics on reshaping microbial community structures. PICRUSt revealed positive relationships between antibiotics and predicted functional genes involved in defense, signal transduction, and recombination and repair. This imply the defensive response of microbial communities on antibiotic attack. These results indicated that antibiotic contamination in the watershed posed a potential risk on HZ microbial community structures and functions, which may further threaten river ecosystem functions.