Carcass Samples Research Articles

Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Campylobacter isolated from camel at municipal abattoirs in eastern Ethiopia

Campylobacteriosis is an infectious zoonotic disease caused by the genus Campylobacter. The disease is transmitted from animals to humans predominantly through the consumption of contaminated food and water. However, the lack of information on the status of Campylobacter makes it difficult to quantify the role of camel meat in the dissemination of the pathogen. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2022 to August 2023 to investigate the occurrence of Campylobacter and associated risk factors and to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Campylobacter species from camels slaughtered at municipal abattoirs in the towns of Harar, Babile, Jigjiga and Dire Dawa in eastern Ethiopia. A total of 324 (146 carcass swabs, 146 camel feces and 32 abattoir environmental swab samples) were collected and analyzed using TaqMan real-time PCR and culture techniques following standard procedures. In addition, antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed using the disk diffusion method for eight antimicrobial agents according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute. The overall prevalence of Campylobacter was 7.7%. Campylobacter was more frequently detected from carcasses and surface contact environmental swabs. We isolated Campylobacter at the genus level from approximately half of the PCR-positive samples, representing 54.2% (13 out of 24) of the total. The isolation levels of C. jejuni and C. coli were also 5.56% and 2.2%, respectively, which varied significantly (p = 0.037) based on sample type and site. The odds of occurrence of C. jejuni in samples collected from abattoir environments was 7.52 times greater than those in carcass and fecal samples. We detected resistance to chloramphenicol (78.6%), followed by amoxicillin (71.4%). However, 93%, 78.6%, and 71.4% of the isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and nalidixic acid, respectively. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was detected in 60% of the isolates. Of these MDR isolates, 9 (75%) were C. jejuni and 3 (25%) were C. coli. This study revealed that a considerable proportion of multidrug-resistant Campylobacter species circulate in both camel meat and abattoir environments. This indicates possible carcass cross-contamination by Campylobacter during slaughtering that can pose a threat to humans and limit therapeutic options, which could be prevented by applying good hygienic practices at abattoirs. Therefore, abattoir workers need to be aware of abattoir hygienic standard operating procedures. Regular coordinated actions should be implemented for the rational use of veterinary and medical drugs at the national level, together with training and awareness of hygienic practices.

Escherichia coli Occurrence and Antimicrobial Resistance in a Swine Slaughtering Process.

The swine production chain can be a reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli, which transfers resistance genes to other bacteria, serving as an important biomarker in the One Health approach. This study aimed to identify the frequency and antimicrobial resistance profile of E. coli in the swine production chain, assess the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL), and compare resistance profiles across different sample types. A total of 622 samples of swine carcasses from various points of the slaughter process (n = 400), swine feces (n = 100), commercial cuts (n = 45), environment (n = 67), and feces from employees (n = 10) of a pig slaughterhouse certified by the Federal Inspection Service, located in São Paulo state, Brazil, were collected. A total of 1260 E. coli isolates were obtained from the samples, with 73.6% of the samples testing positive. The agar disk diffusion test was performed with 10 different classes of antimicrobials. To confirm the production of ESBLs, the isolates were submitted to a double-disk synergism test using cefotaxime, ceftazidime, and amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. Of the total isolates, 80.71% were multidrug resistant. All ESBL-producing isolates were multidrug resistant and resistant to amoxicillin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol. Isolates from human feces samples had less chance of being multidrug resistant than samples from other sources. The diversity of resistance profiles was verified in the samples, not clustering according to the sources, except for human feces isolates that clustered, evidencing lower antimicrobial resistance variability of these samples. Antimicrobial resistance is significantly present in the pork production chain, necessitating a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to effectively mitigate risks within the One Health framework.

Multiple antibiotic resistance of Salmonella Infantis in the Peruvian poultry production chain: detection in birds, the farming environment, and chicken carcasses.

Poultry can act as a reservoir of Salmonella enterica serotype Infantis (S. Infantis) of clinical and epidemiological importance because it triggers foodborne disease outbreaks and presents antibiotic multiresistance. The present study aimed to determine antimicrobial resistance in S. Infantis isolates from poultry livers, litter and chicken carcasses from Lima, Peru, during 2022 - 2023. S. Infantis was isolated from 10.1% (27/267), 4.7% (4/86), and 8% (2/25) of the bird, litter and carcass samples, respectively. All isolates showed resistance to nalidixic acid (NA). In addition, 94%, 76%, 70%, 48%, and 45% of the isolates showed resistance to tetracycline (TET), amoxicillin (AMX), chloramphenicol (C), gentamicin (GEN) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TS), respectively. All isolates showed susceptibility to imipinem and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Of the isolates, 93.9% displayed multidrug resistance. The most frequent resistance pattern was C-AMX-NA-GEN-TET (24.2%, n=8), determined even from carcass isolates, followed by C-AMX-NA-TET (18.2%, n=6), and C-AMX-NA-GEN-TS-TET (12.1%, n=4). The presence of these multidrug-resistant S. Infantis isolates is a threat to food safety and public health.

Risk investigation and diversity of microbial contamination during slaughter processing of yellow-feathered broiler

The cleanliness of slaughter process is very pivotal to ensure the safety of broiler products, and slaughter process is prone to cause microbial contamination since it involves a highly collaborative system including different operations. The procedures in slaughter processing are primary sources of bacterial contamination, and it is crucial for poultry industry to maximize product safety and quality by understanding the connection between bacterial diversity on chicken carcasses. The commercial yellow-feathered broiler plant was investigated to analysis the risk of microbial contamination. In this study, 16S rRNA sequencing was used to evaluate microbial diversity and microbial contamination was investigated by collecting 910 samples from different processing steps. Generally, total count of bacteria colonies ranged from 3.14 log CFU/cm2 to 5.68 log CFU/cm2, and the microbial load at yellow-feathered broiler carcass samples was significantly higher than that at environmental samples; moreover, the cutting areas were the high-risk areas of cross-contamination. In addition, the relative abundance of Actinobacteria (9.61%) at water samples was significantly higher than that at contact surfaces samples. This paper provides a valuable theoretical insight into the diversity and changes in the bacterial community during slaughter beneficial for enterprise managers further enhancing yellow-feathered chicken quality.

The genetics of the European polecat in the Iberian Peninsula

AbstractVolunteer‐based roadkill monitoring schemes, including road carcass sampling, can represent considerable advances with respect to classical methods employed in conservation biology. We studied the genetic diversity, structure, and dynamics of the European polecat (Mustela putorius) across the Iberian Peninsula. We used samples of road carcasses collected by volunteers because this carnivore is an elusive species otherwise difficult to monitor with standard field protocols. We gathered 238 samples obtained from 2004 to 2022 from 13 different areas (8–31 samples/area). Using microsatellite loci, we identified 4 genetic units with gene flow among 3 of them in the Iberian Peninsula. The genetic variability was steadily low in 1 of the areas (Girona) for all the parameters evaluated. This area is also genetically isolated from the other studied areas. The inbreeding coefficient was significant in the north‐ and south‐Iberia units, and we did not detect a bottleneck signature in any of the 4 genetic units. Future conservation actions should consider the genetic dissimilarity among detected units and elucidate the ecological factors that have led to the observed genetic patterns.

Microbiome mapping in beef processing reveals safety-relevant variations in microbial diversity and genomic features

The microbiome of surfaces along the beef processing chain represents a critical nexus where microbial ecosystems play a pivotal role in meat quality and safety of end products. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of the microbiome along beef processing using whole metagenomics with a particular focus on antimicrobial resistance and virulence-associated genes distribution. Our findings highlighted that microbial communities change dynamically in the different steps along beef processing chain, influenced by the specific conditions of each micro-environment. Brochothrix thermosphacta, Carnobacterium maltaromaticum, Pseudomonas fragi, Psychrobacter cryohalolentis and Psychrobacter immobilis were identified as the key species that characterize beef processing environments. Carcass samples and slaughterhouse surfaces exhibited a high abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), mainly belonging to aminoglycosides, β-lactams, amphenicols, sulfonamides and tetracyclines antibiotic classes, also localized on mobile elements, suggesting the possibility to be transmitted to human pathogens.We also evaluated how the initial microbial contamination of raw beef changes in response to storage conditions, showing different species prevailing according to the type of packaging employed. We identified several genes leading to the production of spoilage-associated compounds, and highlighted the different genomic potential selected by the storage conditions.Our results suggested that surfaces in beef processing environments represent a hotspot for beef contamination and evidenced that mapping the resident microbiome in these environments may help in reducing meat microbial contamination, increasing shelf-life, and finally contributing to food waste restraint.

Hygienic status of beef butcher shop facilities and antibiotic resistance profile ofSalmonella enterica in Ethiopia.

The microbiological quality of meat is influenced by the conditions of hygiene prevailing during production and handling.Thus, thisstudy aimed to assess the prevalence ofSalmonella entericaand its antimicrobial resistance, load of hygiene indicator bacteria including E. coli(ECC), coliforms (CC), total coliform (TCC), Enterobacteriaceae(EB) and aerobic plate count (APC), and meat handler's food safety knowledge and hygiene practices in butcher shops in two cities, Addis Ababa and Hawassa in Ethiopia, during 2020 and 2021. A total of 360 samples of beef carcasses (n = 120), knives (n = 60), chopping boards (n = 60), weighing balance (n = 60), and personnel's hands (n = 60) were randomly collected for microbial analysis. Besides, 120 participants were selected to participate in a food safety knowledge and hygiene practices assessment. TheS. entericaisolates were identified by agglutination test followed by qPCR targeting invA gene. Phenotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles ofS. entericawere determined using disk diffusion assays as described in CLSI. TheECC, CC, TCC, EB, and APC populations were quantified by plating ontopetrifilmplates.A structured questionnaire was used to determine food safety knowledge and hygiene practices of participants. Overall prevalence of S. enterica was 16.7% (95% CI, 8.3-26.7) and location seems to have no effect (p = 0.806).Only 20% of the S. entericawere resistant to ampicillin and tetracycline. However, the majority (80%) ofS. entericaisolates were susceptible to the panel of 11 antimicrobials tested.The overall mean ± SD (log CFU/cm2) of ECC, CC, TCC, EB, and APCwere 4.31 ± 1.15; 4.61 ± 1.33; 4.77 ± 1.32; 4.59 ± 1.38 and 5.87 ± 1.52,respectively.No significant difference (p = 0.123) in E. coli contamination was observed between samples of beef carcasses and chopping boards. The EB contamination showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) among sample sources. The APC contamination levels on beef carcass were significantly higher (p > 0.05) than other sample sources. A total of 56% (95% CI: 46.7 - 65.0) of the participants had poor knowledge and 65% (95% CI: 56.7 - 73.3)had poor hygiene practices towards food safety. This study highlighted the poor hygiene status of butcher facilities with a potential risk of beef safety. Thus, appropriate food safety control strategies and inspection is needed at retail establishments.

The ARIMA model approach for the biofilm-forming capacity prediction of Listeria monocytogenes recovered from carcasses

The present study aimed to predict the biofilm-formation ability of L. monocytogenes isolates obtained from cattle carcasses via the ARIMA model at different temperature parameters. The identification of L. monocytogenes obtained from carcass samples collected from slaughterhouses was determined by PCR. The biofilm-forming abilities of isolates were phenotypically determined by calculating the OD value and categorizing the ability via the microplate test. The presence of some virulence genes related to biofilm was revealed by QPCR to support the biofilm profile genotypically. Biofilm-formation of the isolates was evaluated at different temperature parameters (37 °C, 22 °C, 4 °C and − 20 °C). Estimated OD values were obtained with the ARIMA model by dividing them into eight different estimation groups. The prediction performance was determined by performance measurement metrics (ME, MAE, MSE, RMSE, MPE and MAPE). One week of incubation showed all isolates strongly formed biofilm at all controlled temperatures except − 20 °C. In terms of the metrics examined, the 3 days to 7 days forecast group has a reasonable prediction accuracy based on OD values occurring at 37 °C, 22 °C, and 4 °C. It was concluded that measurements at 22 °C had lower prediction accuracy compared to predictions from other temperatures. Overall, the best OD prediction accuracy belonged to the data obtained from biofilm formation at -20 °C. For all temperatures studied, especially after the 3 days to 7 days forecast group, there was a significant decrease in the error metrics and the forecast accuracy increased. When evaluating the best prediction group, the lowest RMSE at 37 °C (0.055), 22 °C (0.027) and 4 °C (0.024) belonged to the 15 days to 21 days group. For the OD predictions obtained at -20 °C, the 15 days to 21 days prediction group had also good performance (0.011) and the lowest RMSE belongs to the 7 days to 15 days group (0.007). In conclusion, this study will guide in using indicator parameters to evaluate biofilm forming ability to predict optimum temperature-time. The ARIMA models integrated with this study can be useful tools for industrial application and risk assessment studies using different parameters such as pH, NaCl concentration, and especially temperature applied during food processing and storage on the biofilm-formation ability of L. monocytogenes.

Isolation, and Identification of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Recovered from Chicken Meat at Addis Ababa Slaughterhouses.

It is a growing concern that pathogenic bacteria can be found in poultry meat, and an additional problem is the ongoing rise in food-derived bacteria's resistance to antibiotics. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2021 to March 2023. This study aimed to isolate, identify and analyze E. coli in poultry meat collected from slaughterhouses in Addis Ababa. A total of 499 samples were collected from fecal content, carcass, hand and knife swab samples by using purposive and systematic random sampling methods. An overall 5.2% Escherichia coli (E. coli O157:H7) prevalence was found in this study. On average, antimicrobial susceptibility tests revealed that the sensitivities of (Escherichia coli) E. coli O157:H7 isolates from carcass swabs, fecal content, manuals, knife swabs and water samples were 62.3%, 52.5%, 53%, 60% and 60%, respectively. However, few (Escherichia coli) E. coli O157:H7 isolates have developed multidrug resistance to some antibiotics, for an overall rate of 13.8%. Knowledge and attitude assessment of the slaughterhouse workers showed that 44.2% had no wash their hands at all and that 125.6% had washed their hands before slaughter commencement. The detection of (Escherichia coli) E. coli O157:H7 isolates from all sample types had a slight prevalence of serious public health concerns. It is important to monitor antibiotic use for both human and animal health in order to make sure that it is safe and effective.

Investigation of the seasonal prevalence, phenotypic, and genotypic characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes in slaughterhouses in Burdur.

This study examined Listeria monocytogenes isolates from two slaughterhouses in Burdur province, southern Turkey, over four seasons for antibiotic resistance, serogroups, virulence genes, in vitro biofilm forming capacity, and genetic relatedness. Carcass (540) and environment-equipment surface (180) samples were collected from two slaughterhouses (S1, S2) for 1 year (4 samplings). Of the 89 (12.4%) positive isolates, 48 (53.9%) were from animal carcasses, and 41 (46.1%) from the environment-equipment surfaces. Autumn was the peak season for Listeria monocytogenes compared to summer and spring (P<0.05). In addition, the most common serotype between seasons was 1/2c. Except for plcA and luxS genes, all isolates (100%) harbored inlA, inlC, inlJ, hlyA, actA, iap, flaA genes. Listeria monocytogenes isolates were identified as belonging to IIc (1/2c-3c; 68.5%), IVb (4b-4d-4e; 29.2%), and IIa (1/2a-3a; 2.2%) in the screening using multiplex polymerase chain reaction-based serogrouping test. A total of 65 pulsotypes and 13 clusters with at least 80% homology were determined by using pulsed field gel electrophoresis on samples that had been digested with ApaI. Thirty-four (38.2%) of the isolates were not resistant to any of the 14 antibiotics tested. The antibiotic to which the isolates showed the most resistance was rifampicin (44.9%). Serotype 1/2c was the most resistant serotype to antibiotics. Despite having biofilm-associated genes (inlA, inlB, actA, flaA, and luxS), a minority (11%) of isolates formed weak biofilm. This study revealed seasonal changes prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes, particularly higher in autumn, posing a greater risk of meat contamination. Notably, Serotype 1/2c showed significant prevalence and antibiotic resistance. Indistinguishable isolates indicated cross-contamination, underscoring the importance of prioritized training for slaughterhouse personnel in sanitation and hygiene protocols.

Bioactive metabolites of Asparagopsis stabilized in canola oil completely suppress methane emissions in beef cattle fed a feedlot diet.

Asparagopsis taxiformis (Asparagopsis) has been shown to be highly efficacious at inhibiting the production of methane (CH4) in ruminants. To date, Asparagopsis has been primarily produced as a dietary supplement by freeze-drying to retain the volatile bioactive compound bromoform (CHBr3) in the product. Steeping of Asparagopsis bioactive compounds into a vegetable oil carrier (Asp-Oil) is an alternative method of stabilizing Asparagopsis as a ruminant feed additive. A dose-response experimental design used 3 Asp-Oil-canola oil blends, low, medium, and high Asp-Oil which provided 17, 34, and 51mg Asparagopsis derived CHBr3/kg dry matter intake (DMI), respectively (in addition to a zero CHBr3 canola oil control), in a tempered-barley based feedlot finisher diet, fed for 59 d to 20 Angus heifers (five replicates per treatment). On four occasions, live weight was measured and CH4 emissions were quantified in respiration chambers, and blood, rumen fluid, and fecal samples were collected. At the end of the experiment, all animals were slaughtered, with carcasses graded, and samples of meat and edible offal collected for testing of consumer sensory qualities and residues of CHBr3, bromide, and iodide. All Asp-Oil treatments reduced CH4 yield (g CH4/kg DMI, P = 0.008) from control levels, with the low, medium, and high Asp-Oil achieving 64%, 98%, and 99% reduction, respectively. Dissolved hydrogen increased linearly with increasing Asp-Oil inclusion, by more than 17-fold in the high Asp-Oil group (P = 0.017). There was no effect of Asp-Oil treatment on rumen temperature, pH, reduction potential, volatile fatty acid and ammonia production, rumen pathology, and histopathology (P > 0.10). There were no differences in animal production and carcass parameters (P > 0.10). There was no detectable CHBr3 in feces or any carcass samples (P > 0.10), and iodide and bromide residues in kidneys were at levels unlikely to lead to consumers exceeding recommended maximum intakes. Overall, Asp-Oil was found to be safe for animals and consumers of meat, and effective at reducing CH4 emissions and yield by up to 99% within the range of inclusion levels tested.

Outcomes from monitoring the fourth year of a five-year voluntary transition from hunting with lead to non-lead shotgun ammunition in Britain

The 2023/2024 shooting season was the fourth since UK shooting and rural organisations announced their intention that hunters should make a full voluntary transition from the use of lead to non-lead shotgun ammunition by 2025. The SHOT-SWITCH research project has monitored the proportions of wild-shot common pheasants Phasianus colchicus available to consumers in Great Britain that were killed using lead and non-lead shot in each of the shooting seasons since the beginning of the transition. In the study’s fourth season, 2023/2024, 93% of pheasants obtained during the usual sampling period had been killed using lead ammunition. Whilst this indicates a marginal decline in the proportion of pheasants shot using lead since the beginning of the transition, when it was over 99%, much remains to be done if the intended full voluntary transition to non-lead shotgun ammunition is to be achieved in its final season (2024/2025). Some food retailers intend to cease selling game meat products from animals killed using lead ammunition. Our study indicates that whilst all of a small sample of pheasant carcasses obtained from one of these retailers (Marks &amp; Spencer) were from birds killed using non-lead shot, a larger sample obtained from another of the retailers (Waitrose) had mostly been killed using lead shot.

A genetically related cluster of Salmonella Typhimurium cases in humans associated with ruminant livestock and related food chains, United Kingdom, August 2021-December 2022.

Following an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium in Wales in July 2021 associated with sheep meat and offal, further genetically related cases were detected across the UK. Cases were UK residents with laboratory-confirmed Salmonella Typhimurium in the same 5-single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) single-linkage cluster with specimen date between 01/08/2021-2031/12/2022. We described cases using routine (UK) and enhanced (Wales only) surveillance data. Exposures in cases in Wales were compared with non-Typhimurium Salmonella case-controls. Environmental Health Practitioners and the Food Standards Agency investigated supply chains of food premises reported by ≥2 cases. Animal, carcass, and environmental samples taken for diagnostic or monitoring purposes for gastrointestinal pathogens were included in microbiological investigations. We identified 142 cases: 75% in England, 23% in Wales and 3% in Scotland. Median age was 32years, and 59% were male. Direct contact with sheep was associated with becoming a case (aOR: 14, 95%CI: 1.4-145) but reported by few (6/32 cases). No single food item, premises, or supplier linked all cases. Multi-agency collaboration enabled the identification of isolates in the same 5-SNP single-linkage cluster from a sheep carcass at an English abattoir and in ruminant, wildlife, poultry, and environmental samples, suggesting multiple vehicles and pathways of infection.

First Outbreak of African Swine Fever in Sweden: Local Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Eradication Strategies

The first case of African swine fever (ASF) was confirmed in Sweden in September 2023. This article describes the local epidemiology, including the spatiotemporal dynamics of the outbreak and some of the factors that may have contributed to its apparently successful eradication. Upon detection of the outbreak, strict control measures were put in place in a preliminarily defined infected zone. A carcass search, including geo‐localisation, removal, sampling, and destruction of found carcasses, was initiated and a preliminary core area was defined based on the results. Six months after confirmation of the first case, 93 wild boar carcasses had been found in the infected zone, of which 62 tested positive for ASF virus (ASFV). All ASFV‐positive carcasses were found inside the core area. Based on two taphonomy methods, it was assumed that the infection was introduced between early May and late June 2023. The data also indicated that the epidemic curve peaked between mid‐August and mid‐September, with the last death occurring in late September 2023. Based on the average estimated time of death, geo‐localisation of carcasses and two‐dimensional kernel density estimation, clustering in space and time was identified. An online questionnaire with questions about hunting and the wild boar population was sent to all leaders of hunting groups in the infected zone. The results showed that the wild boar population had increased in the last 10 years but with large variations and geographical heterogeneity in space use. Disease introduction through natural wild boar movements was excluded and it was assumed that the long‐distance translocation of the virus had occurred through human activities. A municipal waste collection centre without wild boar‐proof fencing is located close to the epicentre of the outbreak, attracting many wild boar and contributing to the spread of the virus once it had been introduced to the population.

YELLOW ALERT: Persistent Yellow Fever Virus Circulation among Non-Human Primates in Urban Areas of Minas Gerais State, Brazil (2021-2023).

Yellow fever virus (YFV) is the agent of yellow fever (YF), which affects both humans and non-human primates (NHP). Neotropical NHP are highly susceptible to YFV and considered sentinels for YFV circulation. Brazil faced a significant YF outbreak in 2017-2018, with over 2000 human cases and 2000 epizootics cases, mainly in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This study aimed to investigate whether YFV circulation persisted in NHP after the human outbreak had subsided. To this end, NHP carcass samples collected in Minas Gerais from 2021 to 2023 were screened for YFV. RNA was extracted from tissue fragments and used in RT-qPCR targeting the YFV 5'UTR. Liver and lung samples from 166 animals were tested, and the detection of the β-actin mRNA was used to ensure adequacy of RNA isolation. YFV RNA was detected in the liver of 18 NHP carcasses collected mainly from urban areas in 2021 and 2022. YFV positive NHP were mostly represented by Callithrix, from 5 out of the 12 grouped municipalities (mesoregions) in Minas Gerais state. These findings reveal the continued YFV circulation in NHP in urban areas of Minas Gerais during 2021 and 2022, with the attendant risk of re-establishing the urban YFV cycle.

Virulence genes (stx1/stx2/aea) and O serogroups of Escherichia coli strains isolated from the slaughtered cattle and ground meat sold in retail markets in Dakar, Senegal

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a zoonotic pathogen that is involved in foodborne diseases worldwide. In Africa STEC is a concern for food safety, with increasing epidemiological significance. However, data are scarce in countries of sub-Saharan Africa, and particularly in Senegal. The aim of this study was to estimate STEC prevalence and to characterize serogroups and virulence factors in cattle carcasses at slaughterhouse and ground meat sold in retail markets. In total, 298 samples were collected from cattle carcasses (n = 199) and ground meat samples (n = 99). All samples were screened by multiplex PCR for the presence of shiga toxin-encoding genes and intimin. STEC strains (n = 21) identified were characterized for the presence of serogroups, by using agglutination method with specific antisera. The prevalence rates recorded in carcass samples and ground meat were 3.15% and 3.27%, respectively. The O serogroups including O26, O111 and O145 were detected. Among the cattle carcass samples, 1.47% (n = 7) and 2% (n = 8) of the strains carried stx1-stx2 and eae, respectively. Regarding ground meat samples, 2.18% (n = 4) and 1.1% (n = 2) carried stx1-stx2 and eae, respectively. No strain carrying stx/eae association or stx alone was detected in this study. The outcomes of the study shows the need to improve the processing of cattle at slaughterhouses and ground meat, but also to implement routine surveillance of food-borne pathogens throughout the food chain.

Effects of mid-to-late prepartum feed supplementation in Hanwoo beef cows on their performance, blood metabolites, and the carcass characteristics and metabolites of their neonatal calves

IntroductionThis study aimed to evaluate the implications of supplementary nutrition during the mid-to-late pregnancy on various parameters in Hanwoo cows and their subsequent neonatal calves.Materials and methodsEight Hanwoo cows in their first parity were divided into two groups. The control group (C, 100%) received 3kg of concentrate and 5kg of rice straw throughout the pregnancy period, while the treatment group (T, 150%) increased their diet during mid-to-late pregnancy. Both performance assessments and blood metabolite analyses were performed for the pregnant cows. Neonatal calves were subjected to morphometric evaluations, blood sampling, and detailed morphometric analyses of carcasses and gastrointestinal components.ResultsPerformance indices of the cows showed that both Pregnancy Period (PregP) and Body Condition Score (BCS) were significantly improved with supplemental feeding (p &amp;lt;0.05). Improvements in Body Weight (BW) and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) were not statistically significant. Blood metabolite analysis for the cows revealed decreased levels of triglycerides (TGLate), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFALate), and progesterone (P4Late), with a notable increase in glucose (GluLate) levels (p &amp;lt;0.01). In the neonatal calves, anatomical metrics of the gastrointestinal tissues showed increased Omasum Width (OmasWdth) values in the supplemented group (p =0.053). There was significant increase of papillae and villus lengths in the rumen and small intestine (p &amp;lt;0.01 and p &amp;lt;0.05, respectively). Morphometric evaluations displayed longer body lengths (BLnth) and larger chest width (ChestWdth) in the treated calves (p &amp;lt;0.05 and p &amp;lt;0.01, respectively). Carcass characteristics showed no substantial variations between the groups, while blood analysis in the calves revealed decreased GPT levels in the nutritionally supplemented group (p&amp;lt;0.05).DiscussionThe findings indicate that supplementing the diets of Hanwoo cows during mid-to-late pregnancy leads to significant changes in select maternal blood metabolites and influences specific anatomical and morphometric features in neonatal calves, all without significant shifts in carcass attributes.

397 Field Demonstration Analyzing the Implementation of Individual Animal Electronic Identification and Genetic Testing in Western Range Sheep Flocks

Abstract The lack of individual performance records derived from an extensively driven production system coupled with impracticality to utilize reproductive technologies makes commercial genetic improvement challenging in small ruminants. We collaborated with five producers throughout California to assess how Electronic ID (EID) and a genotyping panel can augment the productivity of a flock. We sought to study how the data collected from these technologies can hasten genetic improvement towards desirable operational objectives. Familiarity and use of EID tags on ranches at the start of the research varied; thus, allowing for a qualitative reflection on the perceptions of the participants of the usefulness of this technology. We partnered with Superior Farms, a slaughterhouse, to evaluate their targeted genotyping panel, Flock54. Flock54 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel containing 956 markers for assigning pedigree and includes markers linked to quantitative trait loci and/or known single gene causative markers to aid in disease management and fecundity scoring. Ear notch samples were collected from 2,963 animals for analysis. This included 305 total sires as well as their progeny, 989 female lambs and 1,669 male lambs, which were marketed. Nine lambs were positive at a fecundity marker. No other notable results were found from the Flock54 panel. Genomic data was used to ascertain prolific sires on every ranch; however, ram to ewe ratio altered the influence that a prolific sire had on a lamb crop. The lowest ram to ewe ratio was 1:10. Parentage results from this ranch reports the following progeny metrics: Average: 9.9 males (±12.5); Median: 4 males; Max: 61 males, minimum 1 male. In contrast, the greatest ram to ewe ratio was 1:50. Parentage results from this ranch reports the following progeny metrics: Average: 51.9 (± 41.7); Median: 43.5; Max: 135; Minimum: 4,524 carcass samples from terminal lambs at two ranches were processed at Superior Farms` plant and assessed with a USDA inspected camera grading system. Progeny contemporary group deviations were calculated for hot carcass weight, yield grade, ovine cutability calculation (OCC), and OCC yield. After coupling carcass metrics with USDA reported prices, we identified prolific sires within the flock that garnered significantly higher and lower dollar merit at slaughter. A two-tailed Student`s T-test was used on the dollar deviation of edible product sold to identify if there was a statistically significant difference (P-value &amp;lt; 0.05) between a given ram`s progeny and the rest of the progeny slaughtered. We found that twenty-three out of the forty-three rams with progeny from one ranch had a statistically significant dollar deviation difference with a T-value greater than 2.0167. For the other ranch, we found that nineteen out of the thirty-five rams with progeny had a statistically significant difference with a T-value greater than 2.0301.

The Quality of Meat, Carcass, and Cut Yields of Broiler Chicken Fed Diets Containing Purslane Meal Rich in Omega-3 Fats

This study aims to evaluate the feeding of broilers with ALA-rich purslane supplementation on meat and carcass quality and sensory quality. A total of 180 one-day old, unsexed Cobb broilers were used in this research, and they were divided into 30 pens, with each pen containing 6 birds. Broiler feeding was randomly divided into five treatments based on a basal corn-soybean feed. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) in one direction with five treatments and five replications. The experimental diets were a basal diet (A0) and basal diets containing 1.5% fish oil and 0% purslane meal (w / w) (A1), 6% (A2), 12% (A3), and 18% (A4). Performance parameter data were recorded and measured over a 35-day period. As many as 30 chickens (n = 6 for each treatment) were slaughtered and processed as carcass and breast meat (Pectoralis Major) samples were collected for meat quality evaluation. The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance and if there was a significant effect of the treatments then the analysis was continued using Tukey Test. The results showed that adding 12% purslane flour had no a significant effect on carcass weight and cut yields. The diet enriched with purslane flour to a level of 18% for 35 days did not change the water holding capacity (WHC), but it did increase the fat content of the meat. Purslane meal-containing diets reduced cooking losses. The tenderness of the meat produced from chickens fed with purslane meal at a level of 18% (1.93) was higher than those fed purslane meal 12% (1.12). Panelists gave the same perception of preference for meat produced from chickens fed dietary treatments. In conclusion, diets containing purslane meal up to 12% has no negative effect on carcass quality, physicochemical quality and consumer preference for broiler chicken meat.

Prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae in Camel, Cattle, and Sheep Carcasses at Slaughterhouses and Butcher Shops

Enterobacteriaceae can contaminate meat during various processing stages, including slaughter, evisceration, and b utchering, potentially causing foodborne illnesses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae in carcass samples obtained from slaughterhouses and meat cuts collected from butcher shops. A total of 120 samples of camel, cattle, and sheep meat were analyzed for microbial contamination and isolates were identified using the PCR test. Total viable count ranged from 4.91 to 5.37 Log10 CFU/g in slaughterhouses and butcher shops. E. coli dominated, with 84 out of the 120 samples (70%) contaminated, where contamination was highest in camel meat and lowest in sheep meat with 100% and 30% of contaminated samples, respectively. Salmonella was confirmed in 40% of camel, 47.5% of cattle, and 32.5% of sheep samples. In addition, twenty-five Enterobacteriaceae strains belonging to 19 different genera were detected in the meat samples. The highest occurrence was in the sheep samples with 15 different genera followed by the camels and the cattle samples with 14 different genera each. The presence of Enterobacteriaceae in camel, cattle, and sheep carcasses raises significant concerns regarding food safety. Adherence to good hygiene practices throughout animal slaughtering is crucial to minimize the risk of infection and transmission and ensure food safety.