Animals Of Different Ages Research Articles

Peculiarities of breeding work with red foxes obtained as a result of dominant color mutations

The proportion of the silver-black breed population in the fox gene pool by 2019 was 89.3%, the Vyatka ognevka accounted for 9.9%, so only 0.8% remained for the entire colored population. However, it is no secret that the market does not tolerate uniformity. One of the most effective ways to increase sales of any product, including fur products, is to expand the assortment. The fox industry has something to offer the consumer: in the niche of fur farming by the variety of colorful forms with it can be compared only with mink. Unfortunately, despite the fact that the history of "color" fox breeding dates back to the 30s of the last century, at present there is a lack of systematized information in Russian on various aspects of breeding mutant color forms of the fox. This work is devoted to determining the optimal breeding methods for obtaining the maximum number of young foxes of original coloration obtained as a result of dominant mutations. Research objective is to reveal and generalize the peculiarities of breeding work with foxes of snow, white-marbled, platinum and marbled colors. To this end, the following tasks have been set: to analyze the reproduction rates of female and male foxes of the above colors; to compare the results of reproduction depending on age; to identify the most productive type of crossbreeding for the breeding of the foxes presented. The article presents the results of various interbreeding of silver-black, snow, marbled and red foxes. Analysis of mating of animals of different ages has been carried out. The optimal combinations of parental pairs are revealed.

Age-Related Individual Behavioural Characteristics of Adult Wistar Rats.

Simple SummaryRats are considered adults from 2 to 5 months. During this period, they are used for experimentation in physiology and pharmacology. Adult rats, depending on their age, can be in a different physiological state, which can influence the results of experiments carried out on them. Despite this, age-related changes in adult rats have not yet been examined. Our results showed that as male and female rats progressed from 2 to 5 months of age there was a decrease in the level of motor and exploratory activities, and an increase in the level of anxiety-like behaviour. Age-related changes were dependent upon initial individual characteristics of behaviour. For example, animals that demonstrated high motor activity at 2 months become significantly less active by 5 months, and animals that showed a low level of anxiety at 2 months become more anxious by 5 months. Low-activity and high-anxiety rats did not show any significant age-related changes from 2 to 5 months of age. The results of this work should be taken into account when choosing the age of rats for conducting behavioural experiments.The aim of this work was to study age-related changes in the behaviour of adult Wistar rats using the open field (OF) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. Behavioural changes related to motor activity and anxiety were of particular interest. Results showed that as male and female rats progressed from 2 to 5 months of age, there was a decrease in the level of motor and exploratory activities and an increase in their level of anxiety. Age-related changes were dependent upon initial individual characteristics of behaviour. For example, animals that demonstrated high motor activity at 2 months become significantly less active by 5 months, and animals that showed a low level of anxiety at 2 months become more anxious by 5 months. Low-activity and high-anxiety rats did not show any significant age-related changes in OF and EPM tests from 2 to 5 months of age, except for a decrease in the number of rearings in the EPM. Thus, the behaviour of the same adult rat at 2 and 5 months of age is significantly different, which may lead to differences in the experimental results of physiological and pharmacological studies using adult animals of different ages.

Возраст выбытия коров из стада в зависимости от генетических и паратипических факторов

Abstract. The purpose of the research is to study the age of retirement of cows from the herd, depending on various genetic and paratypical factors. Methods. The research was carried out according to the data of a black-and-white breed dairy herd of the Chelyabinsk region. The studied animals of different ages were divided into groups relative to the live weight at the first fruitful insemination, the age of retirement of mothers and bulls-producers of Holstein lines. The paper analyzes data for the period from 2003 to 2019 on 9247 heads of cows. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the analysis of genetic and paratypical factors affecting the increase in the age of retirement of dairy cows from the herd. As a result, it was found that the age of retirement of animals from the herd of the studied cows was 3.4 lactation. But only 29.0 % of cows were eliminated from the herd at the age of 5 lactations and older. At the early stages of economic use (before the 2nd lactation), animals were rejected due to diseases of the genital organs (1.5 lactation), respiratory organs (1.0–1.25 lactation), surgical diseases (1.5–1.8 lactation) and limb injuries (1.8 lactation). The shortest period of economic use, equal to 3.5 lactation, was observed in animals that were first fruitfully inseminated at the age of 18 months and older with a live weight of more than 400 kg. Long-lived mothers (older than 7 lactations) weakly transmitted their signs of productive longevity to their daughters, whose retirement age was 3.57–3.75 lactation. The daughters of the bulls-producers of the line Reflection Sovering 198998 had a longer period of use – an average of 5.1 lactations. Genetic and paratypical factors affect the age of retirement of cows. The study of this issue, as well as the competent application of the results obtained, make it possible to increase the period of production use of the dairy herd to 5 lactations or more.

The first serological evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in horses in Slovakia.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the causative agent of granulocytic anaplasmosis. It affects humans and several wild and domesticated mammals, including horses. The aim of our study was a preliminary survey of the occurrence of these re-emerging pathogens in horses in Slovakia. The sera from 200 animals of different ages and both sexes were tested for the presence of A. phagocytophilum antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence assay. Subsequently, detection of the 16S rRNA gene fragment of A. phagocytophilum was attempted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in each blood sample. Our results confirmed the presence of specific antibodies in 85 out of 200 individuals (42.5%), but no significant changes were found between the animals of different ages and sexes. However, the PCR analysis did not detect any positive animals. Our data represent one of the highest values of seropositivity to A. phagocytophilum in horses in Central Europe. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the circulation of A. phagocytophilum in this region, thus indicating a potential risk to other susceptible species.

Characterisation of Jhari cattle—A new cattle germplasm from Telangana

In the present study, an attempt has been made to characterize and evaluate Jhari cattle of the state. For characterization of Jhari cattle, surveys were conducted in 17 villages of 4 districts. Physical characteristics and morphometric traits were recorded for 193 animals of different age and sex. Production and reproduction performance and socio-economic parameters were recorded from 73 farmers of different villages. Animals were reared on extensive system of management, i.e. grazing only. Few farmers provided supplement feeds to the bullocks only at home during the working days. Animal houses were open with wooden stick and separated from the owner residence (82%). Jhari cattle were gray or white (90%) in body colour. Body was small, compact and in cylindrical shape. Face was convex and longer as compared to other cattle populations of the state which is the differentiating trait of Jhari cattle. Udder was not developed and mostly bowl shaped. Temperament was docile. Birth weight ranged from 12 to 18 kg in female calves and 14-24 kg in male calves. The average daily milk yield was 1.52 kg and ranged from 1.0 to 3.0 kg. Lactation length varies from 100 to 180 days with an average of 152 days. Calving interval ranged from 340 to 610 days. A pair of bullocks may plough 1 acre of land in 6-8 h. It was observed that Jhari cattle are physically distinct from the other cattle populations of the region like Kamma, Vandharvi and Thurupu. Face is the major character for differentiating with other cattle population, i.e. longer and convex type. The other differentiating characters is horns, longer and thin at the base as compared to Ongole or its grades. Keeping in view its significant contribution in livelihood of the farmers and physical traits Jhari cattle population may be registered as a distinct breed.

Impact of Poly I:C induced maternal immune activation on offspring's gut microbiome diversity – Implications for schizophrenia

BackgroundImmunopathological concepts have been intensively discussed for schizophrenia. The polyriboinosinic–polyribocytidylic (PolyI:C) mouse model has been well validated to invasively study this disease. The intestinal microbiome exhibits broad immunological and neuronal activities. The relevance of microbiome alterations in the PolyI:C model to human schizophrenia should be explored.MethodsFeces of offspring from mice mothers, who were administered to PolyI:C or NaCl (controls) at ED 9, were collected at PND 30 and 180 (PolyI:C and control mice (N = 32 each; half males and females). This was analyzed for bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) using a gut microbiome polymerase chain reaction (PCR) microarray tool.ResultsDifferences were found in species richness of microbiome between animals of different ages (PND 30 and 180), but also between offspring from PolyI:C vs. NaCl treated mothers. In female mice at PND 30, the abundance of Prevotellaceae and Porphyromonadaceae was lower and that of Lactobacillales was higher, whereas in male mice at the same time point the abundance of four families of the Firmicutes phylum (Clostridia vadinBB60 group, Clostridiales Family XIII, Ruminococcaceae and Erysipelotrichaceae) was increased relative to the control group.LimitationsNo further analyses of cell types or cytokines involved in autoimmune gut and brain processes.ConclusionsThese finding seem to be similar to microbiome disturbances in patients with schizophrenia. The differential bacterial findings at day 30 (i.e., similar to the prodromal phase in patients with schizophrenia) correspond to the tremendous activation of the immune system with a strong increase in microglial cells which might be responsible for neuroplasticity reduction in cortical areas in patients with schizophrenia.

Skeleton Growth in Guinea Pigs and Humans

Every animal has a skeleton made up of many different bones. Bones are vital. Without bones we would not be able to move, protect our internal organs, store important minerals, or even make some cell types! When we are young, in addition to growing, our bones must develop into specific shapes. This article describes how and why bones grow and heal in humans and guinea pigs. Using a special imaging technique called micro-computed tomography, we will show you the unique structure of some guinea pig bones and how animals of different ages have important bone variations. We will also discuss how the fascinating discovery of a hole in a bone, called a supratrochlear foramen, was described for the first time in a species. We will also answer questions, such as “how can you keep your bones healthy” and “what happens to astronauts’ skeletons in space?”

Ультраструктурні зміни меланотропних клітин проміжної частки аденогіпофіза у віковому аспекті

In modern theoretical and practical biology and medicine, the key problem of research is to reveal the patterns of structural and functional organization of the human and animal body at different stages of development. Literature sources provide very limited data on the organization of the intermediate lobe of the adenohypophysis in humans, leaving insufficiently studied the ultrastructural state and activity of melanotropic cells of the intermediate lobe of the adenohypophysis in animals of different ages, including rats. The issues of the intermediate pituitary gland functioning remain important and little studied, especially in the period of the beginning of the optic-thalamic system. The purpose of the research was to study the ultrastructural changes of melanotropic cells of the intermediate lobe of the adenohypophysis in rats of different ages in the norm. Material and methods. In accordance with the purpose of the study we conducted the experiment on 30 nonlinear white male rats of different ages: 14-, 45- and 90-day-old. The animals were kept in the vivarium in equivalent conditions. The keeping and using of animals was carried out in accordance with the provisions of the "General Ethical Principles of Animal Experiments", approved by the IV National Congress of Bioethics. While examining the intermediate pituitary gland of intact rats on the electron microscope, the material was fixed in 2.5% solution of glutaraldehyde on phosphate buffer with fixation in 1% solution of osmium tetroxide according to Caulfield. It was dehydrated in alcohols of increasing concentration (70%, 80%, 90%, 100%) and acetone, poured into a mixture of epon-araldite. Semi-thin sections were made from the obtained blocks, which were stained with toluidine blue. Results and discussion. At the ultrastructural level in the intermediate lobe of the adenohypophysis of 14-day-old intact rats, several cell types could be identified that differed in the number and size of secretory granules. The ultrastructure of glandular cells of 45-day-old rats had no significant differences compared with 14-day-old animals. Secretory granules of different sizes and electron densities were observed in the cytoplasm of melanotropic cells. It was often possible to see a glandular cell with numerous secretory granules in one part of the cytoplasm, while in another they were virtually absent. Most melanotropocytes were characterized by slightly compacted mitochondria, but their numbers were slightly higher than in 45-day-old rats. The nuclei of most cells were large, oval in shape with a clear structure of nucleoli and their ribosomal component. The latter represented groups of ribosomes that were collected in osmophilic complexes. The amount of heterochromatin exceeded euchromatin and it was located mainly in the membrane with areas of rarefaction in the pore area Conclusion. In 14-day-old intact male rats, the intermediate lobe of the adenohypophysis was presented as a formed functionally active organ. In the ultrastructure of the cytoplasm of melanotropes there was a moderate development of organelles, and judging by the number and size of secretory granules, as well as the density of their content, we can assume that all these cells differed from each other in their functional activity. In 45-day-old intact rats, accumulation of secretory granules was observed in the cytoplasm of melanotropes, especially near the nucleus, which indicated an increase in melanocyte-stimulating hormones synthesis with age. The ultrastructural state of the cytoplasm and nucleus also indicated an increase in functional activity. The ultrastructure of the intermediate lobe cells of the adenohypophysis of rats at the age of 90 days differed from that of younger animals by signs of different functional activity of individual melanotropic cells

The Role of Adipocyte Precursors in Development and Obesity.

Maintenance of adipocyte precursors is critical for regulating metabolism and preventing obesity related disease. These precursors have been immortalized and studied in cellular models as well as—more recently—in animal models. However, little is known about adipocyte precursors from animals of different ages. Most research has focused on adipocyte precursors during obesity. This review goes over the most recent reports of adipocyte precursors during development and in adulthood. Some of these new analyses are due to new techniques such as single cell-RNA sequencing and temporally controlled lineage tracing. With these tools, we have been able to further our understanding of adipocyte precursor lineages and their different regulatory mechanisms. As we learn more about adipocyte precursor plasticity and regulation, we can hope to use this knowledge for future clinical applications.

Mouse Models of Kidney Fibrosis.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 10% of the worldwide population and kidney fibrosis is a main driver of CKD and considered a therapeutic target. The mechanisms leading to kidney fibrosis are highly complexed and can be best studied in rodent models. Here we describe the most commonly used kidney fibrosis models in mice, the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model and the ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) model. Both models are easy to learn and can be applied in animals of different age, sex, and strain.

Free-living Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) in an Urban Area in Brazil - Biochemical and Hematological Parameters

Background: Capybaras have found favorable conditions for survival and reproduction in green urban environments. In recent years, the population of these large rodents has been increasingly abundant in several brazilian cities such as Uberlândia, a municipality of the southeastern region with a Cerrado biome. Capybaras are important in the Brazilian Spotted Fever epidemiological chain, by amplifying infection rates of the vector population. However, knowledge of this host´s physiology is scarce. Thus, the aim of this work was to describe hematological and biochemical parameters of free-living capybaras groups in urbanized areas in the city of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais State, Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: Capybaras were captured in 4 different locations of Uberlândia city, Minas Gerais state, including 1 Condominium (P1), 1 Private Market Garden (P2), 1 Private Club (P3) and 1 Municipal Park (P4). The animals were baited into an octagonal iron corral and chemically contained with anesthetic darts. After sedated, blood was collected from the femoral vein in tubes with and without EDTA. Biochemical evaluation, hematological analysis with differential leukocyte counts and search for Dirofilaria sp. were done. The blood count and biochemistry values obtained from animals of different ages, sex and sectors (P1, P2, P3 and P4) were submitted to the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, considering 95% significance. Values that had a normal distribution were subjected to ANOVA tests followed by Student's t-test. Values that did not follow normality were submitted to the Kruskal-Wallis test, to obtain a P-value, with a significance level of 95%. A total of 19 capybaras were captured: 4 in P1, 6 in P2, 4 in P3 and 5 in P4. From the 19 animals, 13 were females (68.42%) and 6 were males (31.57%), 12 adults (63.15%) and 7 juveniles (36.84%). Apart from occasional skin scars and moderate to intense Ambyomma spp. tick infestations, all captured animals were healthy on a broad examination. From 5 animals captured in P4, despite the use of anticoagulant, blood from 4 animals clotted fast. No microfilariae were found in the thick drop test in any of the 19 animals sampled, and in 2 adult female capybaras captured in P1, Kurloff cells were observed. Hematological and biochemical values presented no major differences when comparing sex and age. Nevertheless, differences in liver and kidney profile were observed between the capybara groups, including ALT, alkaline phosphorus, BUN and creatinine.Discussion: Blood from 4 animals clotted fast, despite the use of EDTA tubes. Blood clotting of samples with anticoagulant in this work could be associated with some physiological features inherent to capybaras. Many attempts were required to obtain enough blood from each individual due to the rapid hemostasis, what come in accordance with reports in literature. Kurloff cells were observed in 2 adult female capybaras captured in P1, which can be found in peripheral blood of female rodents during follicular phase of estrous cycle. Hematological and biochemical values differences in liver enzymes such as ALT and alkaline phosphorus, and kidney profile enzymes including BUN and creatinine could be associated to capture stress or dietetic variation between groups. Despite statistical relevant, the values were still in accordance with other works, although comparisons should be done with caution since various environments exert a diverse array of stimulus upon the animals such as parasitic, infective, stress, nutritional, social and undoubtedly blood parameters mirror them. In conclusion, this work contributes to the standardization of free-living capybaras' physiological parameters in urban areas.Keywords: capybaras, physiological parameters, enzymatic parameters, green urban environment, capture stress, fauna, biomes.

Pathophysiological justification of age- and gender-dependent morphological changes in the adipose tissue in rat models of metabolic syndrome

Introduction: The mechanisms of metabolic syndrome (MS) is one of the urgent issues in medicine. Regional distribution of the adipose tissue should be diagnosed at clinical examination, as the morphometric parameters of the cells of the active adipose tissue components may indicate the metabolic state. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the differences in morphological and histological parameters of the adipose tissue associated with the development of MS in animals of different ages and gender. Material and methods: An experimental study was carried out on 144 WAG/G Sto white rats, divided into three study groups. Group 1 included young immature rats, 3 months old; group 2 consisted of 48 sexually mature rats, aged 5–6 months; group 3 consisted of 48 old rats, 18 months old. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups, control and experimental, and was additionally divided according to gender. Results and discussion: The body mass indices and specific weights of mesenteric, epididymal, retroperitoneal and subcutaneous adipose tissue were determined in rats, as well as morphological characteristics of adipocytes of the adipose tissue. It was shown that histological and morphological changes in the adipose tissue of the animals were age- and gender-dependent, and that obesity is associated with chronic inflammation of the adipose tissue. Conclusions: The results of the study can be used for further determination of possible age and gender differences in the adipose tissue involvement in the development of chronic inflammation, as well as monitoring and correction of adipose tissue dysfunction in MS.

Hepatogenous Photosensitization in Steer by Brachiaria decumbens

Background: Although the etiology of hepatogenous photosensitization has not yet been fully elucidated, it is known that hepatotoxic substances (saponins) present in grasses of the genus Brachiaria spp. are responsible for intoxication of several species, causing great economic losses in the whole world. Since this grass is the source of food for the herd in Brazil, and other countries of the world, the aim of this paper is to describe the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and anatomopathological aspects of a steer with this disease.Case: A 3-year-old Nellore steer was referred to veterinary care at a property in Bahia, with a 3-week history of swelling, loss of cutaneous tissue in the ear and scrotum region, and dry faeces. The animal was raised in pasture with Brachiaria decumbens along with five animals of different age and sex; however, it was the only one to present symptoms. Although the animal had been treated at the farm, there was no clinical improvement. On clinical examination, the steer was apathetic with jaundiced mucous membranes, nasal and ocular discharge, epiphora, and ulcers on the labial and gum commissure. The steer had leukocytosis with neutrophilia, anemia, and hyperfibrinogemia. The body condition score (BCS) was 3 (BCS ranges from 1 to 9), and the skin lesions observed were bedsores, necrosis and scabs in several regions. The increase in liver enzymes (GGT, AST) indicated hepatic impairment, suggesting a case of hepatogenous photosensitization. The therapeutic protocol instituted was enteral hydration, electrolyte replacement, topical application of ointment in the injured areas. In addition, it was recommended to maintain the animal in the shade, supply of good quality grass, and a new clinical evaluation in seven days. On new examination, it was observed that there was no satisfactory clinical improvement of the animal, and persistence of laboratory changes. Despite the poor prognosis, treatment was continued for another month with the same recommendations. However, in view of the severe clinical condition and unfavorable prognosis, the animal was submitted euthanasia. Necropsy revealed extensive areas of bedsores, erythema, severe jaundice in the mucous membranes, eyeballs and opaque corneas. The liver had an enlarged volume with bulging edges and a greenish color. The kidneys had a pale brownish color, with an irregular and mottled subcapsular surface, with blackened and depressed spots. Histologically, the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes was finely vacuolated, sometimes refringent and with an abundant presence of bile pigment. It was also observed in the middle of the liver parenchyma, multiple foci of accumulation of macrophages filled with vacuoles of different sizes containing saponins and crystals of saponins inside bile ducts. Furthermore, it was possible to observe hypertrophy and hyperplasia of Kupffer cells, disarrangement of hepatocytes with individual necrosis of hepatocytes.Discussion: The diagnosis of hepatogenous photosensitization was based on history, clinical, laboratory and anatomopathological findings. Serum biochemistry was important to measure hepatic impairment and possible secondary lesions, which were confirmed by the necropsy. Although hepatogenous photosensitization is less common in adult cattle, it must be considered in the differential diagnosis of skin lesions, reduced appetite, and jaundice. Since it was a sporadic case, individual predisposition is probably a preponderant factor. Keywords: cattle, photodermatitis, intoxication, liver injury, skin lesions.

Organochlorine Pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in the Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue of Beluga Whales (Delphinapterus leucas) of the White, Kara and Bering Seas

The OCP and PCB contents in the tissues of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from the Russian Arctic have been studied for the first time. Skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue samples collected in the White, Kara, and Bering seas in 2012–2017 were analyzed for the animals of different age and sex (n = 22). 4,4'-DDE dominated among the OCPs analyzed; the main PCB congeners were PCB-138+PCB-158 and PCB-153 + PCB-168, which was also typical of other Arctic marine mammals. The highest concentrations and widest range of these compounds were found in beluga whales from the White Sea (4,4'-DDE: 3778.3 ± 4856.3 ng/g lipids; ranging as 33.2–16 007.8 ng/g lipids; PCB-138 + PCB-158: 1270.1 ± 1528.8 ng/g lipids; ranging as 127.6–4957.4 ng/g lipids; PCB-153 + PCB-168: 1144.1 ± 1230.2 ng/g lipids; ranging as 113.0–4515.2 ng/g lipids). The lowest concentration was found in the beluga whales from the Anadyr estuary of the Bering sea (4,4'-DDE: 1003.3 ± 1422.1 ng/g lipids; ranging as 186.0–3125.0 ng/g lipids; PCB-138 + PCB-158: 95.0 ± 99.2 ng/g lipids; ranging as 29.9–242.1 ng/g lipids; PCB-153 + PCB-168: 114.8 ± 118.8 ng/g lipids; ranging as 35.4–290.9 ng/g lipids). The biological parameters of the sampled animals, the features of PCB and OCP transport pathways, as well as regional environmental pollution, were considered the main reasons for the observed geographical variability of pollutant concentrations in beluga whales.

Principal component analysis on fatty acid composition of the meat deriving from calves, young bull and bull of Maremmana breed slaughtered at different age

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the performance at slaughtering of calves; young bull and bull of Maremmana breed, and compared, through Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on fatty acid composition, the characteristics of the resulting meat categories: veal, young bull meat and bull meat. The Maremmana cattle is a local endangered breed deriving from Tuscany and Latium. The animals of this study were raised under same conditions in pasture with hay and concentrate supplementations. Eighteen calves of 12-14 months, 27 young bulls of 18 months and 14 bulls of 20-24 months were slaughtered in this trial. The performances at slaughtering were considered, and on the meat samples, the chemical analysis and the fatty acid composition were carried out. Results were submitted to ANOVA and PCA, and a Heat map that considered the fatty acid distances among meat typologies was built. Slaughtering performances were better in young bulls and bulls. Chemical composition didn’t differ among meat categories. Saturated fatty acids (SFA) were similar among meats, but Monounsaturated (MUFA) and Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were lower in veal. Desirable fatty acids and Healthy Indices were better in veal. The results of PCA and Heat map confirmed that veal was quite different from other meats. Maremmana meat deriving from animals of different age has shown overall good characteristics, suitable for the diet of western country population.

The Prevalence of Sarcocystis Affecting Slaughtered Cattle and Buffalo at Sirs-Elian Abattoir in Egypt

Abstract The importance of sarcocystis emerged from the public health point of view, as it causing zoonotic infection so, this study aimed to throw the light on the prevalence of Sarcocystis in tow economically important animals (cattle and buffalo) in order to lowering the zoonotic potential of this parasite. The study was carried-out on a total of 7470 slaughtered animals of different ages and sex represented by 3879 cattle and 2630 buffalo which examined among the routine daily postmortem examination according to the legal requirements of Egyptian abattoirs. By using macroscopic examination and measuring the prevalence, Pepsin digestion and microscopic examination, and molecular identification using PCR and Sequencing of 18SrRNA gene. The overall infection of macroscopic sarcocystis was higher incidence in female 62.73 % than in male (0.73 %) as we failed to detect macroscopic cyst in cattle. While in buffalo the incidence was 63.39% and 3.64% in female and male respectively. The higher incidences of macroscopic sarcocystis observed in esophagus 46.82% (62.80% and 3.64 %) tongue 9.3% (12.56 % and 0.52 %)forequarter 3.9% (5.09 % and 0.73 %), for female and male respectively and macroscopic sarcocystis could not detected in the examined heart.Although the overall prevalence of microscopic cyst was 87% the higher incidence was in heart 63% (88% and 38%), esophagus 56% (72% and 40%), forequarter 55%(64% and 46%),tongue 41%(36% and 46%), diaphragm 32% (26% and 38%), hindquarter 27%(30% and 24%) in cattle and buffalo respectively.Furthermore, the molecular identification showed that isolates sarcocystis were S. cruzi, S. hominis in cattle and buffalo,and S. levinei and S. sinensis buffalo comparing with published data on GenBank. So, we concluded that that using conventional PCR are more sensitive method in detection of different sarcocystis spp than both naked eye inspection and pepsin digestion method. Also, there is more than one sarcocystis spps circulating in cattle and buffalo in Egypt and further studies needed to re-confirm the host range and identities of sarcocystis spps in both cattle and buffalo in Egypt.

Epidemiological and Bacteriological Investigations Using Whole-Genome Sequencing in a Recurrent Outbreak of Pullorum Disease on a Quail Farm in France.

Simple SummaryAlthough pullorum disease is endemic in many parts of the world, this avian disease responsible for high economic and commercial losses has been eliminated from organized poultry production in Europe and North America. However, it may still remain in backyards and reappear sporadically on conventional poultry farms. This study presents in detail a recurrent outbreak of pullorum disease on a quail farm. In this case report, we present how epidemiological and bacteriological investigations using molecular sequencing tools were carried out in order to identify the source of contamination. Finally, we identify high-risk sanitary practices, and propose recommendations to manage and control this poultry disease, which has become rare in European countries. Given the development of outdoor farms and the increase in self-consumption family farms, a resurgence of pullorum disease cannot be excluded in the coming years. It is essential to develop effective sanitary barriers to prevent transmission between the two coexisting populations of commercial and non-commercial poultry and to raise awareness among all those involved in the poultry industry to be able to detect any outbreak quickly.An outbreak of pullorum disease causing septicemia and high mortality was diagnosed in 2019 on a quail farm in western France. An initial episode had been detected in another building at the same site eight months earlier. Given the exceptional nature and the extent of the potential economic consequences of pullorum disease, epidemiological and bacteriological investigations using molecular sequencing tools were carried out. Salmonella Gallinarum and Salmonella Infantis were isolated (using the NF U 47-101 reference method) from samples taken from birds at the infected site. A resurgence of the initial episode by horizontal transmission of S. Gallinarum is the most likely hypothesis, supported by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of the strains isolated during the two episodes. Risk health practices have been identified, including the rearing of animals of different ages and species on the same site. Recurrence is explained by the probable persistence of reservoirs of the pathogen on the site (manure, lesser mealworm beetles). The article also highlights the importance of decontamination measures, including pest control, as a key element in the success of the disease control protocol.

Analysis of the Antibiotic Resistance Profiles in Methicillin-Sensitive S. aureus Pathotypes Isolated on a Commercial Rabbit Farm in Italy.

The breeding of meat rabbits is an important sector in the livestock industry in Italy. The focus of this study was to describe the antibiotic resistance profile distribution among the Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus isolated in a rabbit farm. From 400 animals of different ages and three farm workers, 96 randomly selected strains isolated from various anatomical sites and lesions were analysed. According to spa typing and the resistance profiles towards veterinary and human antibiotics, 26 pathotypes were identified. The highest resistance was observed against Tetracyclines (92.3%) and Macrolides (80.8%), while almost all were susceptible to Penicillins, according to the limited use of β-lactams on the farm. In total, 92.3% of pathotypes were multidrug resistant (MDRs). Two MDR pathotypes belonging to the t2802 spa type were isolated from both farmers and rabbits. Age categories harboured significantly different pathotypes (p = 0.019), while no association was found between pathotypes and lesions (p = 0.128) or sampling sites (p = 0.491). The antibiotic resistance was observed to increase with the time spent in the farm environment (age category). The selective pressure exerted by antibiotic use acted by giving advantage to more resistant strains rather than by lowering susceptibility to various drug categories within strains.

A practical guide for managing a self-sustaining colony of Deroceras reticulatum (Müller) (Mollusca: Pulmonata)

ABSTRACT Deroceras reticulatum also known as the Grey Field Slug is a serious agricultural and horticultural pest. Integrated pest management of D. reticulatum and other pest molluscs includes the use of chemical mollusicides, crop management practices and biological control. Research into the biology and control of D. reticulatum requires animals for experiments; however, collection of wild animals for these purposes is often not feasible due to variations in seasonal availability or geographic distribution. Additionally, the use of wild animals introduced a large amount of variation in experiments due to differing health status, age and prior environmental exposure of the animals. This paper describes protocols for the establishment and maintenance of a colony of D. reticulatum in the laboratory which can provide large numbers of eggs or animals of different ages for study.

Detection and Characterization of Porcine Sapelovirus in Italian Pig Farms.

Simple SummarySapelovirus (PSV) is known to infect pigs asymptomatically but, sporadically, can cause reproductive failure and severe neurologic, enteric, or respiratory signs. Sapelovirus infections have been reported worldwide in pigs. However, information about PSV circulation in Italy is unavailable and rarely investigated across Europe. In this study, we reported the circulation of PSV in three Italian pig farms and added novel information about evolutionary heterogeneity of PSV strains showing a low genetic correlation with the other strains detected worldwide. The present study gives information about PSV circulation in intensive pig farms and highlights the need for further investigation.Porcine sapelovirus (PSV) belongs to the genus Sapelovirus of the family Picornaviridae. PSV infects pigs asymptomatically, but it can also cause severe neurologic, enteric, and respiratory symptoms or reproductive failure. Sapelovirus infections have been reported worldwide in pigs. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence and the prevalence of PSV in Italian swine farms in animals of different ages to clarify the occurrence of the infection and the genetic characteristics of circulating strains. In the present study, 92 pools of fecal samples, collected from pigs across three farms, were analyzed by Reverse Transcriptase-polymerase Chain Reaction-PCR (RT-PCR). Fecal pools from young growers (63/64) were found positive for Sapelovirus in all farms while detection in sows (4/28) was observed in only one farm. Phylogenetic analyses of the 19 partial capsid protein nucleotide sequences (VP1) (6–7 each farm) enable the classification of the virus sequences into three distinct clades and highlighted the high heterogeneity within one farm. The whole genome sequence obtained from one strain showed the highest correlation with the Italian strain detected in 2015. The study adds novel information about the circulation and heterogeneity of PSV strains in Italy and considering the movement of pigs across Europe would also be informative for other countries.