Husbandry Research Articles

Hydrogeological and hydrochemical study of groundwater aquifer in Wasit Governorate, Eastern Iraq

The main aim of groundwater studies is to assess the physical and chemical characterizations of water-bearing layers as a goal for assessing their suitability for various purposes Wasit Governorate, which is located in eastern Iraq, is an important area in terms of agriculture and poultry and livestock husbandry. The area mainly depends on groundwater, especially on the Iraqi-Iranian border. The area was investigated (40) wells inventoried during the field study and used to demonstrate the hydrogeological and hydrochemical properties. The groundwater aquifer is composed of Quaternary deposits and Mukdadiyah formation. The mean thickness, transmissivity, and maximum yields were 53 meters, 114 m2/day, and 600 m3/day, respectively. The groundwater moved partially to the western parts and mainly towards the southern parts of the area towards Shuwaicha Marsh, which is located outside the study area. The salinity map showed a regular decrease in salinity concentrations towards the central and southwestern parts of the area due to groundwater recharge from infiltrated surface water. The groundwater is brackish to saline, with two dominant calcium and sodium sulphate types. The central area between Zurbatia and Badra towns can be a qualified location to increase well drilling due to salinity decreasing as the transmissivity and maximum yields increase.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Sertoli Cells Adapting Through Redox and Metabolic Pathways Under Heat Stress in Goats

Background/Objectives: Climate change-induced temperature elevations pose significant challenges to livestock reproduction, particularly affecting testicular function in small ruminants. This study investigates the acute heat-stress response in goat Sertoli cells (SCs), aiming to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying heat-induced damage to male reproductive tissues. Methods: SCs were isolated from testes of 4-month-old black goats and exposed to heat stress (44 °C for 2.5 h). We employed transcriptome sequencing, CCK-8 assay, electron microscopy, ROS measurement, autophagy detection, Western blot analysis, and lactate concentration measurement. Bioinformatics analyses including Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, and protein–protein interaction network analyses were performed on the transcriptome data. Results: Heat stress significantly reduced SC viability, induced oxidative stress and autophagy, and altered gene expression profiles. We identified 1231 significantly differentially expressed genes, with significant enrichment in membrane-related processes and metabolic pathways. Metabolism-related genes, including PKLR, ACOT11, and LPCT12, were significantly downregulated. Protein–protein interaction network analysis revealed ten hub genes potentially crucial in the heat-stress response: HSP90AA1, HSPA5, BAG3, IGF1, HSPH1, IL1A, CCL2, CXCL10, ALB, and CALML4. Conclusions: This study provides comprehensive insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying goat SC response to heat stress. The identified genes and pathways, particularly those related to metabolism and stress response, offer potential targets for developing strategies to mitigate heat-stress effects on livestock reproduction. These findings contribute to our understanding of climate change impacts on animal husbandry and may inform the development of heat-stress resistant livestock lines.

Addition of Carrot Juice (Daucus carota) to the Shelf Life and Organoleptic of Turkey Meatballs

Turkey is a type of poultry with characteristics and tastes similar to chicken meat, so turkey has the potential to be a raw material for meatballs. Carrots are also a source of natural antioxidants, the use of carrots so far has only been for vegetables and juice. Utilization in a fresh state has limitations because fresh carrots are prone to deterioration in quality. This study aims to determine the effect of adding carrot juice on the shelf life and organoleptic of turkey meatballs. This research was conducted in April 2024 at the Production Laboratory, Animal Husbandry Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara. The design used in this study was RAL (Completely Randomized Design) with 4 treatments, namely P0 = 0 ml, P1 = 50 ml, P2 = 100 ml, P3 = 150 ml and 5 replications. The parameters used were shelf life and organoleptic color, taste, texture and aroma. The results of this study indicate that the addition of carrot juice can extend the shelf life of turkey meatballs. The best shelf life is in P3 with the addition of 150 ml of carrot juice with a shelf life of 5 days and the lowest shelf life is 1 day

Differential Effects of Reproductive Hormones on the Developmental Potential of Oocytes in Hainan Black Lambs/Goats

Background: The study elucidated the effects of reproductive hormones on the developmental potential of oocytes in Hainan lamb/adult goats by analyzing the changes in the concentrations of reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, 17β-E2) in Hainan lamb/adult goat serum. Methods: The experiment used radioimmunoassay to detect follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), oestradiol (17β-E2), concentrations in the serum of Hainan goats (3-month-old/18-month-old) during different oestrous cycles and to analyze the changing pattern of hormones. Result: The results showed that the number of follicles obtained in lambs was significantly higher than in adult goats (P less than 0.05), but the quality of follicles in lambs was poor and the number of available oocytes in them was lower than in adult goats. During the estrous cycle, adult black goats exhibit peak serum concentrations of FSH and LH on the 13th day, reaching 2.73 ng/mL and 5.69 ng/mL, respectively. In lamb goats, FSH reaches its peak concentration on the 15th day at 2.56 ng/mL, while LH peaks on the 13th day at 5.13 ng/mL. On the 15th day, both adult black goats and lamb goats experience the lowest serum concentrations of 17β-E2, at 4.42 ng/mL and 7.63 ng/mL, respectively. The serum concentrations of FSH and 17β-E2 in adult black goats are significantly higher than those in lamb goats (P less than 0.05) In summary, FSH and 17β-E2 can promote the maturation and development of oocytes in Hainan 3-month-old lamb goats, which can be injected with the corresponding concentration of hormones on the 15th day during the synchronized estrus in Hainan 3-month-old lamb goats, to improve the quality and quantity of oocytes, to better utilize the in vitro embryonic production performance of the young animals and to accelerate the acquisition of good livestock breeds.

Prediction of Agricultural Carbon Emission Based on Improved BP Neural Network with Optimized Sparrow Search Algorithm

The accurate forecasting of agricultural carbon emissions is essential for formulating strategies to achieve carbon peak and neutrality objectives within the agricultural sector. However, existing methodologies for predicting agricultural carbon emissions have notable limitations. To address these shortcomings, Shanghai farm was considered as a case study to conduct research utilizing a neural network approach. Agricultural carbon emissions from the Shanghai farm from 2011 to 2021 were computed using the emission-factor method. Subsequently, a Back Propagation （BP） neural network model was developed to predict carbon emissions, employing the GDP of the planting, animal husbandry, and fishery sectors as input variables. The model was further improved through the application of an optimized sparrow search algorithm, which was then employed to forecast the future carbon emissions of the farm. The results show that the BP neural network improved via the optimized sparrow search algorithm demonstrated a prediction accuracy of 96.14%, a root mean square error （RMSE） of 12 100 t·a-1 and a correlation coefficient （R2） of 0.995 2. These metrics underscored the superior performance of the enhanced model. Compared with the multiple running results of pre-improved models, the neural network improved by the optimized sparrow search algorithm enhanced both the accuracy and stability of carbon emission prediction significantly, with the prediction accuracy consistently approaching approximately 95%, the root mean square error remaining below 20 000 t·a-1, and the correlation coefficient exceeding 0.99. Predictive analysis of future carbon emissions from the Shanghai farm indicated a predominant contribution from the animal husbandry sector to the total carbon emissions, suggesting that effective management of the scale of animal husbandry operations could significantly mitigate overall carbon emissions.

Transition Between Two Worlds: Morphological Continuity in Iron Age Cattle, Pig, and Sheep Populations (800–50 bc) of the Rhône Valley (France)

ABSTRACTThe Rhône valley is an important contact point between the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. In Iron Ages (800–50 bc), it was an area of circulation between different material and cultural worlds, where different practices and cultures met. In this particular context, archeozoological studies can offer a different view of these questions of exchange and potential influence, by approaching the issues of food and animal husbandry. This study seeks to approach this question through the prism of animal morphology, the result of a selection of morphotypes by breeders, notably cattle, pig, and sheep, the most common species in the region at the time. Thanks to the log size index method, a certain stability can be demonstrated in pig and cattle morphology over time and space, as well as a slow homogenization of their sizes, which is really visible at La Tène D (125–50 bc). Sheep show a specific pattern with a notable high increase during La Tène C (250–125 bc). Comparison with data from other parts of the Mediterranean world would suggest that the development of local morphotypes owes little or nothing to the influence of Mediterranean breeding practices.

Carnosic acid prevents heat stress-induced oxidative damage by regulating heat-shock proteins and apoptotic proteins in mouse testis.

Heat stress impacts male reproduction in animal husbandry. Carnosic acid (CA), a potent antioxidant, mitigates oxidative stress and apoptosis. αB-crystallin, a small heat shock protein, regulates apoptosis and oxidative stress. This study examines the protective effects of CA on the testis in wild-type and αB-crystallin knockout mice under heat stress. CA pretreatment increased testosterone levels and preserved testicular structure in wild-type mice, but no changes in knockout mice. CA reduced Hsp27, Hsp70, and cleaved caspase-3 levels, while knockout mice showed increased cleaved caspase-3. These results suggest that CA protects the testis by modulating heat shock and apoptosis-related proteins.

Melatonin as a multifunctional modulator: emerging insights into its role in health, reproductive efficiency, and productive performance in livestock

Melatonin, a pleiotropic hormone plays a vital role in enhancing livestock performance not only by regulating circadian rhythms but also by exhibiting antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and metabolic regulatory effects that collectively improve resilience, fertility, and productivity. Melatonin’s synthesis is predominantly influenced by light exposure, with increased production in darkness; however, factors such as diet and health status further modulate its levels. By helping animals adapt to environmental stressors, melatonin boosts immune responses, mitigates chronic illnesses, and optimizes production efficiency. Its regulatory influence extends to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, enhancing hormone secretion, synchronizing estrous cycles, and improving embryo viability. This results in improved reproductive outcomes through the protection of gametes, increased sperm motility, and enhanced oocyte quality, all of which benefit the fertilization process. Additionally, melatonin positively impacts productive performance, promoting muscle growth, development, and optimizing milk yield and composition through its interaction with metabolic and endocrine systems. As ongoing research continues to uncover its broader physiological effects, melatonin supplementation emerges as a promising approach to improving livestock welfare, productivity, and sustainability in modern animal husbandry.

STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF ULTRAFINE PARTICLES ON MICROBIOCENOSIS OF THE BLIND INTESTINE OF BROILER CHICKENS

Introduction. Poultry farming, as the most knowledge-intensive and sustainably functioning branch of animal husbandry, makes a significant contribution to ensuring the country's food security. Considering the importance of the use of promising trace element preparations for modern poultry farming, studies have been undertaken to assess the effects of ultrafine particles of trace element metals on the poultry body. Trace elements are usually used in very small amounts in animal nutrition, but problems such as lower bioavailability, antagonism and a higher rate of excretion from the body limit their effectiveness. Recent studies have also demonstrated the modulation of intestinal health by nanoparticles by increasing the number of beneficial microbes (Lactobacillus and Faecalibacterium) and the production of short-chain fatty acids. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of ultrafine particles of copper and iron on microbiocenosis of the blind intestine of broiler chickens. Material and methods. During the experiment to assess the effect of ultrafine particles of copper and iron on growth and development, blood parameters, mineral metabolism and microbiocenosis of the blind intestine in the body of broiler chickens on a balanced diet, 105 week-old broiler chickens were selected, which were divided into 3 groups by the method of pairs of analogues (n=35). During the experiment, all the birds were in the same feeding and maintenance conditions. The duration of the main accounting period was 28 days. The poultry of the control group received an experienced diet (ED), I experimental – ED together with UP of iron at a dosage of 17 mg / kg, II experimental – ED together with UP of copper at a dosage of 1.7 mg / kg of feed. Results. The dosage of iron and copper were chosen taking into account the previously established positive effect. The additional introduction of UP copper into the diet had a growth-stimulating effect throughout the experimental study. At the end of the studies, the maximum increase in live weight was noted in the II experimental group – by 5.12%, in the I group – by 2.64%. Hematological blood parameters of broiler chickens demonstrated a change in the hemostasis system after administration of UP iron and copper. The evaluation of the data obtained indicates the variability of morphological and biochemical parameters within the physiological norm, with a tendency to decrease against the background of the introduction of ultrafine Fe and Cu particles. In the experimental group that received the UP iron preparation with food, Firmicutes (63.42%) dominated among the representatives of phylum, Bacteroidetes (17.34%) and Proteobacteria (7.43%) were also present. Ruminococcaceae (23.03%) and Lachnospiraceae (13.05%) prevailed among the families. Representatives of phylum Firmicutes (67.36%), Bacteroidetes (19.48%) and Proteobacteria (5.23%) were present in the cecum of broiler chickens treated with UP copper at a dosage of 1.7 mg/kg of feed. Among the families, the most numerous were such taxa as Ruminococcaceae (21.58%), Lachnospiraceae (18.67%) and Sphingobacteriaceae (13.10%). Conclusion. The results of our study demonstrate the need to study the bacterial diversity in the intestines of broiler chickens in order to study the effect of various feed additives on the metabolism and condition of the gastrointestinal tract of poultry.

Agroforestry-Silvopastoral Systems Suitability for the Plateau Landforms: Devrekani Plateau (Northern Turkiye)

The Devrekani Plateau, located in the Kure Mountains massif (Kastamonu-Türkiye), is a geomorphological unit with flat areas ranging between 1000 and 1300 meters in altitude. Agriculture, animal husbandry, and forestry activities are standard on the plateau. Due to environmental constraints, versatile, holistic, and sustainable land use plans are needed in such high areas. This study examines land use patterns compatible with natural environmental conditions for the Plateau Landforms. Agroforestry-silvopastoral systems where agriculture, pasture, forest lands, and recreational functions are applied together have been evaluated in the study area. Criteria that have a high relationship with land use have been identified. Using Geographic Information Systems, weighted overlay analysis was carried out with factor maps regarding Lithology, Slope, Elevation, and Actual Land Use. The model output reveals that the regions between agriculture and forest are the most suitable for the agroforestry-silvopastoral systems (outside urban areas) and recreation. The most suitable areas for mixed land use plans on the plateau are generally karst areas with sparse vegetation, located above 1200 meters, and having a 6-12% slope. The lower border of these areas is agricultural areas with flat or nearly flat slopes, commonly formed by alluviums. The upper limit consists of forest areas with steep slopes surrounded by high hills. Implementing agroforestry-silvopastoral land use models on plateau landforms can be an effective strategy for sustainable environmental management and land use.

Agroforestry-Silvopastoral Systems Suitability for the Plateau Landforms: Devrekani Plateau (Northern Turkiye)

The Devrekani Plateau, located in the Kure Mountains massif (Kastamonu-Türkiye), is a geomorphological unit with flat areas ranging between 1000 and 1300 meters in altitude. Agriculture, animal husbandry, and forestry activities are standard on the plateau. Due to environmental constraints, versatile, holistic, and sustainable land use plans are needed in such high areas. This study examines land use patterns compatible with natural environmental conditions for the Plateau Landforms. Agroforestry-silvopastoral systems where agriculture, pasture, forest lands, and recreational functions are applied together have been evaluated in the study area. Criteria that have a high relationship with land use have been identified. Using Geographic Information Systems, weighted overlay analysis was carried out with factor maps regarding Lithology, Slope, Elevation, and Actual Land Use. The model output reveals that the regions between agriculture and forest are the most suitable for the agroforestry-silvopastoral systems (outside urban areas) and recreation. The most suitable areas for mixed land use plans on the plateau are generally karst areas with sparse vegetation, located above 1200 meters, and having a 6-12% slope. The lower border of these areas is agricultural areas with flat or nearly flat slopes, commonly formed by alluviums. The upper limit consists of forest areas with steep slopes surrounded by high hills. Implementing agroforestry-silvopastoral land use models on plateau landforms can be an effective strategy for sustainable environmental management and land use.

The Influence of Light Colour on the Behaviour of Atlantic Cod in an Experimental Setting

Fishing technologies often exploit the visual sensitivity of target species to alter their behaviours. Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua Linnaeus, 1758) are an economically important species, commonly targeted by fisheries in the North Atlantic, yet the behaviour of adult Atlantic cod in reaction to the simultaneous presentation of various light stimuli has not been assessed in an isolated setting to determine if there is a preference for certain light qualities. To assess the influence that artificial light may have on the behaviour of Atlantic cod, we investigated the movement of wild-caught cod in a laboratory setting with green, blue, and white light with a blank control presented in paired choice tests. We predicted that green light would have the greatest influence on cod behaviour and that they would preferentially spend more time in proximity to that light condition. The findings show that cod behaved consistently across trials and across experimental sessions, and that the right side of the arena was preferred regardless of the colours of light presented. These findings indicate that cod do not prefer to spend more time in proximity to certain colours of light in an artificial environment, which has direct implications for animal husbandry, fisheries research, and behavioural ecology.

Problems and prospects for livestock industry development in the context of digitalization of the agro-industrial complex in the region (based on the materials of the Republic of Bashkortostan of the Russian Federation)

The current state and prospects of livestock breeding development in the Republic of Bashkortostan in the conditions of active digitalization of the agro-industrial complex have been analyzed. Despite the desire to introduce innovative technologies, the process faces a number of obstacles that require a comprehensive solution for sustainable development of the industry. The key problems have been highlighted, such as lack of a unified digital platform, low level of digital competencies, financial constraints, lack of a unified strategy, and resistance to digital transformation. Prospects for livestock farming digitalization development in the region have been considered, such as smart livestock farms development through automated systems for climate control, feeding, milking, and animal health monitoring, use of sensors and the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence application for data analysis, yield forecasting, feeding and treatment processes optimization, development of a single digital platform for information exchange between farmers, veterinary services, fodder suppliers, and other participants, and development of a single digital platform for the exchange of information among farmers, veterinary services, feed suppliers, and other stakeholders. The important role of the state and the regions in digital livestock farming development has been emphasized, including financial support, legal framework implementation, and infrastructure and research development. Emphasis has been placed on the fact that livestock breeding digitalization in the Republic of Bashkortostan has great potential for increasing efficiency and competitiveness of the industry, but its implementation requires comprehensive measures aimed at overcoming existing problems and creating favorable conditions for new technologies implementation.

AI Driven Animal Farming and Livestock Management System

AI-Driven Animal Farming and Livestock Management System represents a pivotal advancement in agricultural technology, promising to revolutionize traditional farming practices by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into livestock management. This abstract presents an overview of the system's multifaceted capabilities, emphasizing its role in guiding animal farmers towards optimal livestock care, enhancing marketing strategies, and offering a suite of advanced functionalities. At its core, this system employs sophisticated AI algorithms like Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to provide personalized guidance to animal farmers, ensuring they adhere to best practices in livestock care. Through real-time monitoring and data analysis, the system offers actionable insights into nutrition, health, and reproduction management, thereby maximizing the well-being and productivity of livestock. Furthermore, the System incorporates innovative features tailored to streamline marketing efforts. By analyzing market trends, consumer preferences, and supply chain dynamics, the system enables farmers to make informed decisions regarding product positioning, pricing strategies, and distribution channels, thereby enhancing market competitiveness and profitability

Socio-Economic and Environmental Interactions in the Maasai Mau Forest Kenya: A Comprehensive Household Survey Analysis

Maasai Mau Forest contains a diversity of flora and fauna, which are a source of livelihood for the local communities and provide various valuable ecosystem services. However, it is under threat from illegal subsistence farming in the Mau catchment and its surrounding areas due to anthropogenic activities leading to deforestation. The main objective of the study was to look at socioeconomic and environmental contexts of the households to inform sustainable land management (SLM) and conservation efforts. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed with a study area located in the Maasai Mau Forest region, Narok County, Kenya, which comprises of communities living within and around the Maasai Mau Forest. The study participants included Maasai communities, with a study population being mainly household-headed in the Maasai Mau Forest, which mainly depended on agriculture and animal farming for their livelihoods. A multi-stage sampling approach was also used in selecting the sampling units, such as villages, which were then further stratified into different areas or locations depending on the boundaries. The final sample size comprised of 385 households. Data were collected using semi-structured household questionnaires. Data was analyzed by the software SPSS using frequencies and percentages for nominal data and means for numeric data. About 59.5% of the respondents were women, a higher proportion compared to male-headed households of 76.1%. The major source of education of respondents was primary education (49.9%) followed by secondary education (29.6%) while only 14% had no formal education. Sources of income included crop farming (37.4%); livestock production (28.2%) followed by casual employment (15.8%). About 77.9% of the households had monthly incomes of below KES 15,000. Land ownership was freehold with 97.7% of the land in the freehold status and an average of a freehold land size at 1.4 acres. Most households kept various livestock including cattle (71.7%), poultry (12.5%) followed by other livestock kept. Crop production declined from the past years; with maize (96.4%) and beans (90.9%) being the main crops grown followed by potatoes (30.6%) and wheat (29.8%). Food security was a main concern with 54% of households indicating a downward trend in crop production over time. The survey objectives were met, showing that there are challenges with socio-economic issues, resource base, agricultural productivity and food security impacting the Maasai Mau Forest. However, there are opportunities for investing in sustainable agriculture and enhancing community involvement in conservation. The study recommended an integrated conservation approach that addressed the economic related issues, improved sustainable farming practices and enhanced community involvement, by: Improving land use planning and its management; Improving agricultural productivity and increasing market access; and Increasing food and water security to support improved sustainability of the Maasai Mau Forest Ecosystem.

Sustainable management of rice by-products: Environmental challenges, industrial applications, and circular bio-economy innovations

The agricultural sector plays an essential role in both human and economic growth, offering sustenance, employment, income, raw materials, technological progress, and sustainability. The growing awareness of the necessity to enhance agricultural production is gaining attention, primarily driven by the imperative to adequately nourish the continuously expanding global population. Diverse agricultural practices are causing harmful environmental consequences, posing a significant risk to ecological stability through issues such as soil degradation, water pollution, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline. Timely and effective agricultural waste management has become essential for preventing adverse environmental and health impacts. Biomass from rice crop harvesting and processing has been found in abundance around the world. Because of the abundance of this biomass in nature, researchers are harnessing it for various objectives, including global energy requirements, while supporting environmental sustainability. Due to this rationale, within the frameworks of emerging sustainable and circular models, the prioritization of agricultural waste valorization has gained prominence as a pivotal strategy aimed at advancing sustainable management and circular economy. This review mainly emphasizes on the rice bio-waste, its environmental and health-related issues, policies to control stubble burning, reduce pollution in the air, and sustainable management of the bio-waste into wealth using different approaches worldwide. We also investigated the potential contribution of rice-by-products wastes to bioenergy production (bioethanol, biogas, and biofuel), enzymes, nanoparticles, construction materials, animal husbandry, bioplastics, and other value-added products. We recommend that proper management of rice by-products may produce innovative bio-ingredients and biodegradable materials, and enhance green growth and a circular bioeconomy.

Protective Responses of the Intestinal Epithelial Cell Line HT-29 Cells Exposed to Dephosphorylated Salmonella Flagellin [RESEARCH NOTE

This study aimed to describe the effects of Salmonella Typhimurium flagellin (SFL) dephosphorylated by sweet potato purple acid phosphatase (PAP) on the protective responses of the intestinal epithelial cell line HT-29 cells. The enzyme was reported to display a broad substrate specificity for various organic phosphorylated conjugates and phosphoproteins. Dephosphorylation of SFL by sweet potato PAP decreased to 35% in the presence of 0.05 mM vanadate as compared with the negative control (p < 0.05). Intact SFL and the SFL treated with sweet potato PAP did not remarkably induce the activation of caspase-3 in HT-29 cells at all the tested levels of the substrate. Intact SFL maximally induced the release of IL (interleukin)-8 in HT-29 cells at 1000 ng/mL (p < 0.05). However, the SFL treated with the enzyme inhibited the release of IL-8 at over 100 ng/mL of the substrate as compared with intact SFL, resulting in an approximately 8-fold decrease even at 1000 ng/mL (p < 0.05). The SFL treated with the enzyme decreased the activation of the total ERK1/2 in the cells to 1.9 and 1.7–fold at 10 and 1000 ng/mL of the substrate, respectively, as compared with intact SFL (p < 0.05). In conclusion, sweet potato PAP could be a promising tool for controlling excessive inflammation during Salmonella infection in animal husbandry, and the enzyme could be a safe alternative that can overcome the drawbacks of chemotherapy.

Environmental Modulators on the Development of the Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis): Effects of Temperature on the Embryogenesis

Members of the Ascarididae family are common zoonotic pathogens in humans and play an economic role in domestic and livestock animal husbandry. This family includes the obligatorily parasitic nematodes of the genus Baylisascaris, with the raccoon roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis being the most well-known representative. B. procyonis uses the raccoon (Procyon lotor) as its primary host and can utilize a broad range of mammals as paratenic hosts. Sexual reproduction of the adult nematodes occurs in the small intestine. Eggs are excreted into the environment through feces, where they develop into the infectious stage under suitable conditions within a few days to weeks. Infection of primary and paratenic hosts occurs through the oral ingestion of these infectious eggs. Raccoons can also become infected by ingesting infected paratenic hosts. Humans serve as accidental hosts and can suffer significant damage to organ tissues, the visual system, and the central nervous system after ingesting infectious eggs. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of ambient temperature on embryonic development and to document the morphological changes during embryogenesis. Live specimens were collected from the raccoon intestine and incubated. Single-celled eggs were collected during this process. The eggs were decorticated and then preserved. To test the effects of ambient temperature, the eggs were incubated at 5°C, 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, and 38°C and monitored at 24-hour intervals for their developmental stages. Detailed photographic documentation of the developmental stages was conducted. An increase in ambient temperature led to a reduction in development time. The temperature range within which embryogenesis proceeded to the L1 larval stage was between 10°C and 30°C. Incubation at 5°C did not produce L1 larvae even after 11 months. Incubation at 35°C and 38°C resulted in the complete degeneration of the eggs before reaching the L1 larval stage.

Negative regulation of SREBP-1/FAS signalling molecules activates the RIG-1/TBK1-mediated IFN-I pathway to inhibit BVDV replication.

For many viruses, controlling the process of infection is largely dependent on the enzymes of the fatty acid synthesis (FAS) pathway. An appealing therapeutic target in antiviral research is fatty acid synthetase (FASN), a crucial enzyme in the FAS pathway. Bovine viral diarrhea, caused by the Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), is a significant viral infectious disease posing a substantial threat to global animal husbandry. Our study revealed that BVDV infection not only upregulates the expression of FAS-related enzymes in BT cells and the blood, liver, and spleen of mice but also markedly enhances the accumulation of lipid droplets, free fatty acids, and triglycerides. The FAS pathway plays a pivotal role throughout the entire BVDV replication cycle. Additionally, administration of the FASN inhibitor C75 and Acetyl CoA carboxylase-1 (ACC-1) inhibitor TOFA significantly reduced the viral content in both serum and organs of BVDV-infected mice, exhibiting inhibitory effects across diverse viral strains. Intriguingly, We found that RIG-1/TBK1-mediated IFN-I signaling inhibits SREBP-1/FAS and reduces BVDV replication. Conversely, targeting a few essential enzymes of SREBP-1/FAS also activates IFN-I signaling. More importantly, FASN inhibitor led to heightened expression of ISGs in mouse spleens by activating the RIG-1/TBK-1 pathway. These findings highlight that FASN inhibitors inhibit BVDV replication through the activation of the RIG-1/TBK-1 pathway to induce ISGs, and offering a novel therapeutic approach for combating BVDV. Thus, it is crucial to negatively regulate SREBP-1/FAS signaling molecules in order to create novel antiviral drugs that are safe, effective, and broad-spectrum.

Comparison of frameworks for defining land occupation considering on-farm and off-farm feed production on Italian dairy farms.

Land occupation (LO) is one of the most frequently discussed aspects of livestock competition with agricultural activities. commonly In this study the area needed to produce purchased feeds for animal nutrition, was used to estimate the off-farm land occupation of dairy farms, allowing for a precise calculation of the total land occupation requirement for milk production (on-farm plus off-farm LO, expressed in m2 per unit of standardized milk). We use 4 approaches (LO1, LO2, LO3A and LO3B) to calculate the off-farm land used for milk production on dairy farms and apply them to 14 dairy farms in northern Italy as a case study. The LO1 used mass allocation of each purchased product between the fraction of DM yield of each product (main, by-products, and crop residues) derived from the whole crop. This procedure was considered as the reference. The LO2 considered only the main product as the driver of land use without considering by-products. LO3A and LO3B converted all the purchased feeds into energy, protein, and fiber equivalents. LO1 was accurate, even though it was time-consuming, whereas procedures of LO3A and LO3B showed comparable values with easier required input data. When Total LO was considered (on-farm and off-farm using LO1), the average surface to produce milk resulted in 1.47 m2/kg FPCM, however the off-farm LO1 was 0.76 m2/kg FPCM (±0.24 m2/kg). This large variability indicates that LO largely depend on farm management and adopted animal feeding strategies. Moreover, half of the milk production was linked to the purchased feeds. We found positive correlations between all off-farm LO approaches and N surplus (r = 0.45 to r = 0.73), supporting previous studies suggesting that concentrated animal agriculture, in which the fulfillment of the animal's needs has been delegated to purchased feeds, is the main source of nitrogen surplus on farmlands. LO per unit of production can be reduced-by increasing on-farm feed production, particularly protein components and, to a lesser extent, by valorizing by-products, while not increasing the on-farm N surplus and carbon footprint.