Cattle Distribution Research Articles

Spatial Distribution and Hierarchical Behaviour of Cattle Using a Virtual Fence System.

Interest in virtual fencing has increased due to its flexibility for agriculture and rewilding. However, systems like Nofence© require large financial investments, and the need for individual collars complicates large-scale use. If cattle herds maintain cohesive groups around leading individuals, fewer collars could be used, thereby enhancing cost efficiency. This study investigates the pattern in spatial distribution in a herd of 17 Angus cows on Fanø in Denmark with GPS locations, using a Nofence© system. The aim of this paper is to determine how individuals position themselves in a herd, spatially, and identify a pattern in ranks. The method used in this study examines the distances between an individual to the rest of the herdmates using nearest neighbour and descriptive statistics. Contrary to expectations, this study did not reveal a distinct pattern in herd distribution. While some tendencies in spatial distribution patterns were observed, only a low concordance could be found (W=0.15,p<0.001), indicating great variability in the cattle's ranks. A cumulative curve of the ranks estimated over the entire periods, however, allowed a rough estimation of the hierarchy and allowed identification of the highest-ranked cows, making the use of a cumulative curve a possible solution to finding the high-ranked cows. This research underscores the complexity of cattle social structures and highlights the need for extended observation periods and alternative methodologies to enhance the cost-effectiveness and scalability of virtual fencing in agricultural and rewilding contexts.

Gene Expression Level and Immunohistochemical Localization of Cannabinoid and Cannabinoid-Related Receptors in The Small Intestine of Holstein Bulls (Bos Taurus Taurus)

Abstract The gastrointestinal tract plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption, secretion, and motility, ensuring proper digestion and overall homeostasis. Regulation of this complex system involves the coordination of various communication pathways, including neural and humoral mechanisms. One such mechanism is the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a signaling network comprising endogenous cannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes involved in the regulation of physiological processes in mammals and non-mammalian species. While extensive research has been conducted on the ECS in monogastric animals, limited information is available on its presence and distribution in cattle. This study aimed to investigate the distribution and localization patterns of cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1R) and type 2 (CB2R) and transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) in the bovine small intestine. The study included immunohistochemical analysis of intestinal tissue samples from Polish Holstein-Friesian breed bulls. Gene expression levels of CNR1, CNR2, and TRPV1 genes, encoding CB1R, CB2R, and TRPV1, respectively, were quantified using qPCR analysis. The results showed that all three receptors were expressed in the bovine small intestine, with TRPV1 exhibiting a significant upregulation in the jejunum compared to the duodenum and ileum. Immunoreactivity for CB1R and CB2R was predominantly observed in neurons of the enteric plexuses, while TRPV1 immunolabeling was detected in both enteric neurons and duodenal Brunner’s glands. These findings may establish an anatomical foundation for further investigations, lending support to the potential therapeutic efficacy of cannabinoid receptor agonists in alleviating gastrointestinal motility disorders associated with bovine enteropathies and optimizing milk production in dairy cattle.

Survey of Strongyloides infection in Maiduguri cattle abattoir, Nigeria

Gastro-intestinal infection constitutes major constraint to viable livestock industries. The study revealed information on the prevalence of Strongyloides infection in cattle in Maiduguri and environs with reference to sex, age and breeds of cattle in the study area. The result revealed the prevalence of 51 (25.5%) cases after examining 400 faecal samples using faecal sedimentation technique. The result of Strongyloides species infection recorded according to sex of cattle was higher in females with a prevalence of 40 (20.0%) compared to males with a prevalence of 11 (5.5%). The prevalence of infection based on age of cattle revealed higher percentage of 14 (7.0%) after examining 48 cattle in the age bracket of seven (7) years. A lower prevalence of 5 (2.5%) was recorded in cattle within the age bracket of 4 years after examining 36 samples. Breed-wise distribution of infected cattle indicated that Abore was more susceptible, followed by Ambala and Bakoloji breeds with prevalence of 20.5%, 4.5% and 0.5% respectively after examining 150, 36 and 11 faeces from respective breeds. Wadara appeared non-susceptible and therefore had no records of infection after examining low number of three samples from the breed. Bovine Strongyloides infection in Maiduguri and environs was established as a common finding and farmers should therefore be educated on proper use of antihelmintics and with emphasis on strategic antihelmintic medication. Good management practices including improved general hygiene and supplementary feeding of animals during periods of low grazing will have immunity boosting role in control of the parasite.

Influence of geographical location on the distribution of heavy metals in dairy cattle feeds sourced from two South African provinces.

The contamination of feed and food by heavy metals represents a significant concern for the health of both animals and humans. This study investigates the impact of geographical location on heavy metal distribution in dairy cattle feeds sourced from Free State and Limpopo, South Africa (SA). A total of 70 feed samples (40 from Free State and 30 from Limpopo) were collected from 2018 to 2019 and analyzed for heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr), using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Our findings revealed the presence of Cr, Cu, and Zn in the feeds, but at levels below the FAO/WHO permissible limits. Additionally, As, Cd, and Pb concentrations in the feeds were below the Limit of Detections (LODs). Generally, Cr concentrations (0.032-0.454 mg/kg) identified in the Free State samples were lower than those found in Limpopo (0.038-1.459 mg/kg), while the levels of Cu (0.092-4.898 mg/kg) and Zn (0.39-13.871 mg/kg) recorded in the Free State samples were higher than those from Limpopo [(0.126-3.467 mg/kg) and (0.244-13.767 mg/kg), respectively]. According to independent sample t-tests, Cu and Zn levels were substantially higher (p ≤ .05) in Free State feeds compared to Limpopo, while Limpopo feeds exhibited significantly higher (p ≤ .05) Cr concentrations than Free State feeds. Despite the low recorded heavy metal levels, regular monitoring of these elements in cow diets across all SA provinces is essential for ensuring the well-being of animals and humans.

Consistent individual differences in cattle grazing patterns

Cattle grazing patterns can have a significant impact on the economic and environmental sustainability of rangelands and cattle production. Grazing patterns appear to be driven by consistent individual differences in cattle, deemed ‘grazing personalities’. Optimal distribution of cattle on rangelands can be manipulated by alteration of the environment, like adding water, supplement, or fencing to targeted sites, but few studies address how these management tools are impacting grazing patterns of individual cattle. Our study sought to fill this gap in knowledge by investigating consistency of grazing patterns among fifty cattle, fitted with GPS collars, across two years given the addition of a water site at higher elevation prior to year two. We used Bayesian multivariate mixed models to evaluate consistency, evidenced by among-individual correlations across years with confidence intervals that do not cross 0. We found that cattle were consistent in all rangeland use metrics across years after the addition of the new water site: elevation (Estimate = 0.38, CI = [0.07,0.64]), slope (Estimate = 0.59, CI = [0.21,0.86]), distance to water (Estimate = 0.38 CI = [0.03,0.67]), distance to supplement (Estimate = 0.42, CI = [0.04,0.72]), distance to loafing sites (Estimate = 0.68, CI = [0.24,0.95]), except for distance traveled (Estimate = 0.16,CI = [−0.18, 0.48]). Cows that ventured higher on rangeland in year one (Estimate = 0.84 CI = [0.59,0.98]) and year two (Estimate = 0.93 CI = [0.79,0.99]) and further from watering sites in year two (Estimate = 0.72 CI = [0.41,0.92]) also had more within-individual variability in their grazing patterns than those that stayed at lower elevation and closer to water. These results indicate differences in plasticity or variability can be linked to grazing personalities. There was strong evidence that temperature affected grazing distribution such that on hotter days, cows clumped closer to water and loafing sites, were found at lower elevation, and traveled less far, not reaching supplement sites that were placed at the higher elevations. Based on results of this study, ranchers should consider the effectiveness of management tools on individual cattle and conduct cost-benefit analyses of tools implemented for specific behavior types of cattle. Cattle with behavior types demonstrating more within-cow variability and more ‘hill-climbing’ will impact how cattle graze especially patchy landscapes where resources are distributed across elevation, thus ranchers could potentially match cattle types to rangeland characteristics.

Monieziasis Distribution of Cattle in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic

The article shows the peculiarities of distribution, intensity and extensiveness of cattle infestation with moniezias, associated with natural-climatic, ecological and anthropogenic factors. In the territory of Nakhchivan AR were detected 2 species of moniezias of cattle: Moniezia expansa and M. benedeni. In the lowland zone of Autonomous Republic, the rate of infection of cattle with monieziasis is more 36,2%, in the foot-hill zone is 42,7% and in the mountain zone is 23,6%. The intensiveness of infection of cattle was from 3 to 28 specimens.

A Retrospective Analysis of Major Reportable Cattle Disease Outbreaks From 2017 to 2023 In Chinaksen District, East Hararge Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Background: In Ethiopia, the most important endemic animal diseases that compromise the productivity of the livestock sector were LSD, CBPP, FMD, HS, Blackleg and Anthrax. There was no comprehensive surveillance data quantifying occurrence and distribution of cattle disease outbreaks in Chinaksen wereda, East Hararge, Oromia, Ethiopia. Objective: To identify major reportable cattle disease outbreaks and to assess the trend, distribution, vaccination coverage and burden of disease. Method: A retrospective study was conducted from May 2023 to August 2023 at Chinaksen Wereda. Result: A total of 31 cattle disease outbreaks with 1081 cases and 94 deaths were documented. The highest outbreaks was reported in 2021 (32.3%) and the lowest in 2017, 2019 and 2023 3 (9.7%). Disease outbreaks occurred in all the seasons of the year; however, highest outbreaks were recorded in long rainy season; whereas, the lowest in short rainy season &amp; dry/hot season. All age groups of cattle were affected but the disease was more common in adult animals above 3 years (22.6%). Conclusion: Results of this study provide valuable information on the most priority reportable cattle disease outbreaks occurrence and distribution. As well, serve as a baseline for further epidemiological studies for the development of sustainable programs for the control of cattle disease outbreaks in the study area.

Grid grazing: A case study on the potential of combining virtual fencing and remote sensing for innovative grazing management on a grid base

Sustainable utilisation of the available grazing area acts to increase the profitability and productivity of livestock grazing and should consider animals and grass sward. The labour-intensive and time-consuming tasks of fencing, animal monitoring, and controlling forage availability on pasture are general obstacles to the wider implementation of grazing. Virtual fencing (VF) opens up new opportunities by reducing fencing labour and increasing flexibility. In this study, we investigated and validated the potential of animal monitoring via VF collars and combined this with Unmanned-Aerial-Vehicle (UAV) data to monitor animals and pasture continuously. 32 Fleckvieh heifers were equipped with VF collars (Nofence®, Batnfjordsøra, Norway) and divided equally into four groups. Each group was assigned to a 2-ha pasture divided into four paddocks, each grazed for three to four days. For all heifers, GPS data were logged by the VF collars and used to evaluate walking distance, lying time, and spatial pattern of movement. Lying time measured by the VF collars was validated via a confusion matrix by using observational data as a reference. Our results suggest that relevant information on basic animal behaviours can be extracted from VF collars. UAV campaigns were carried out pre-and post-grazing on each paddock. 3D reconstructions, which allowed the calculation of digital orthomosaics and digital surface models were created from UAV imagery. On that basis, the Red-Green-Blue Vegetation Index (RGBVI), the change of the RGBVI, which was used to determine herbage on offer changes pre- and post-grazing and the height change between surveys were calculated and analysed on a polygon grid (2.5 × 2.5 m²) per paddock. RGBVI detected herbage on offer changes were validated by using ground truthing data (R²=0.51). A random forest model to analyse animal active time (lying time excluded) spent per polygon grid cell as derived from RGBVI and height changes provided a mean R² of 0.43. In addition, we used generalised linear mixed effect models to evaluate the impact of day on pasture on cattle behaviour. Lying time decreased, walking distance increased, while the distribution of cattle became more even by day on pasture. These results appeared to reflect the forage decrease from pre- to post-grazing. We conclude that behavioural and UAV-based spatial pasture utilisation analyses in addition to the fencing functions of the VF system have the capacity for sustainable, fine-scale decision-support in grassland management on a polygon grid base (‘grid grazing’).

Novel pathologic findings and viral antigen distribution in cattle and buffalo calves naturally infected with Foot-and-Mouth disease virus

The Foot-and-Mouth disease is highly contagious acute viral disease of livestock inflicting huge economic loss to the farmers. The limited knowledge regarding the pathological lesions vis-a-vis distribution of the FMDV in lesser explored endocrine glands and important vital organs other than the target organs of infected calves prompted us to take the present investigation to have detailed insight into the pathogenesis. The systematic necropsy of 37 dead calves (cattle-28 and buffalo-9) was conducted, and thin representative tissue pieces from the affected organs were collected in 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) for pathological and immunohistochemical investigations. The genomic detection and its serotyping were done by RT-PCR and multiplex-PCR, respectively. Necropsy examination in all cases showed myocardial lesions resembling ‘tigroid heart appearance’. Other organ specific lesions include vesiculo-ulcerative stomatitis, edema of the lungs, petechial hemorrhages, edema of the endocrines, and gastroenteritis. Histopathological examination showed varying sizes of vesicles and ulcerations in stratified squamous epithelium of the tongue, acute necrotizing myocarditis, lymphoid depletion in lymphoid tissues, hepatitis, pancreatitis, thymic hyperplasia, thyroiditis, adrenitis, and enteritis. Positive immunolabeling for viral antigens was observed in endocrine glands, lymphoid organs, lungs, liver, kidneys, and intestine, in addition to other typical locations. The thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas, in addition to the tongue and heart, are the tissue of choice for sampling in the field during epidemics. Further, the viral genome and serotype A was confirmed in the affected tissues. This study provides insights into novel tissue tropism and pathogenesis in young calves naturally infected with FMDV.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Giardia duodenalis in dairy cattle in Central Inner Mongolia, Northern China

Giardia duodenalis is a gastrointestinal protozoan ubiquitous in nature. It is a confirmed zoonotic pathogen, and cattle are considered a source of giardiasis outbreaks in humans. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and multilocus genotype (MLG) of G. duodenalis in dairy cattle in Central Inner Mongolia. This study was based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), triosephosphate isomerase (tpi), and beta-giardin (bg) genes of G. duodenalis. DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and sequence analysis were performed on 505 dairy cattle fecal samples collected in 2021 from six sampling sites and four age groups in Central Inner Mongolia to determine the prevalence and MLG distribution of G. duodenalis. The PCR results of SSU rRNA revealed that the overall prevalence of G. duodenalis was 29.5% (149/505) and that the overall prevalence of the diarrhea and nondiarrhea samples was 31.5% (46/146) and 28.5% (103/359), respectively; the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). SSU rRNA sequence analysis revealed that G. duodenalis assemblage E (91.1%, 133/146) was primarily detected and that assemblage A (8.9%, 13/146) was detected in 13 samples. The G. duodenalis—positive samples were PCR amplified and sequenced for gdh, tpi, and bg, from which 38, 47, and 70 amplified sequences were obtained, respectively. A combination of G. duodenalis assemblages A and E were detected in seven samples. Multilocus genotyping yielded 25 different assemblage E MLGs, which formed six subgroups. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report regarding G. duodenalis infection in dairy cattle in Inner Mongolia, China. This study revealed that Inner Mongolian cattle pose a risk of giardiasis transmission to humans and that the distribution of local cattle G. duodenalis assemblage E MLGs is diverse. The findings of this study can bridge the knowledge gap in the molecular epidemiological investigation of giardiasis in Central Inner Mongolia.

Surveillance and Risk Analysis for Bovine Babesiosis in England and Wales to Inform Disease Distribution

Babesia divergens is a zoonotic piroplasm that infects both cattle and humans in Europe. Disease transmission occurs through Ixodes ricinus tick bites, a species that is increasing in abundance and distribution across Europe in response to climate and land-use changes. Developments in agri-environment policy and changing consumer demands may also have unintended consequences on tick-borne disease rates. Currently, B. divergens surveillance in British cattle is limited, rendering temporal trend analysis and the detection of potential zoonotic hotspots impossible. The objective of this study was to assess syndromic surveillance as a means of determining babesiosis distribution in British cattle, and to evaluate the intrinsic disease risk factors in order to respond to disease threats posed by changing environments. Samples from 95 clinically affected cattle on 70 unique holdings were screened for Babesia spp., using established blood smear examination techniques and a B. divergens-specific PCR method, between April and December 2021. B. divergens was detected in 45/95 animals (47.4%), with PCR offering the advantage of identification at species level. Infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in 19/95 animals (20%). Co-infection was detected in five animals. The cases were recorded across multiple geographic regions and throughout the sampling period. Univariate logistic regression analysis failed to identify any statistically significant risk factors for B. divergens presence. This study demonstrates that bovine babesiosis is geographically widespread throughout England and Wales, placing a large proportion of the cattle population at risk of infection, with the potential for zoonotic transmission to humans.

Adaptive, multi-paddock, rotational grazing management alters foraging behavior and spatial grazing distribution of free-ranging cattle

Sustainable management of grazinglands depends upon understanding how management practices influence livestock movements in space and time. We conducted a ranch-scale (2,600-ha) social-ecological experiment to examine how foraging behavior of cattle differs between a single large herd rotated adaptively among paddocks (collaborative, adaptive rangeland management; CARM) versus continuous, season-long grazing of paddocks by small non-rotational herds (traditional rangeland management; TRM). We analyzed how differences in cattle movement patterns may be linked to reductions in cattle growth rates and diet quality in the CARM treatment, relative to TRM. Cattle in the CARM treatment exhibited more linear grazing pathways, moved at lower velocity while grazing, and exhibited longer grazing bouts early in the growing season compared to TRM cattle. Grazing time within any given 10 × 10 m area was distributed more unevenly across TRM vs. CARM paddocks in years with average or above-average precipitation, but not in dry years. In all years, areas of high and low grazing intensity were more spatially clustered in TRM than CARM paddocks. Movement patterns of cattle managed using adaptive, multi-paddock rotations at high stock density (CARM) are consistent with less selective foraging. Such cattle form a “grazing front” that moves across the paddock and distributes grazing pressure in a more spatially homogeneous fashion. In years with substantial forage production, TRM cattle spent more time than CARM cattle in preferred areas of the paddock and foraged in more circular patches. In dry years, however, both treatments resulted in similarly even grazing distribution, likely due to limited intra-paddock variation in forage quality and quantity. At the ranch scale, these different intra-paddock movement patterns led to reductions in animal growth rates and no overall effect of grazing management on forage production.

Cattle Disease Studies Via Geographical Information System in Bowi Subur Village, Masni District, Manokwari Regency, West Papua Province

Geographical Information System(GIS) and remote sensing provide real-timedata to stakeholders.GIS is new and modern tool that are essential for mapping, monitoring, and surveillance of animal diseases.This study aims to provide a digital map of cattlepopulation and diseasedistribution. Usingsatellite imaging as mapping apparatus, this study map the distribution of cattle diseases.Animal health is key to livestock production and productivity. This study can be used as prevention and treatment measures efficiently and effectively.Based on theresults of the study, the cattle population in Bowi Subur Village was 455 heads. About 78% of respondents grazetheir cattle extensively in a forage land while the other 22% keeptheir cattle intensively in the barn,31 respondents (31%) stated that their cattle had health problems.The study showed that cattle diseases, such as helminth infestation, external parasite infestation, dystocia, and abortus, are varied. Both primary and secondary data showed that helminth infestation was the most common case. Bowi Subur Village has great potential for animal husbandry development especially ruminantsin Manokwari Regency.

High-resolution livestock seasonal distribution data on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in 2020

Incorporating seasonality into livestock spatial distribution is of great significance for studying the complex system interaction between climate, vegetation, water, and herder activities, associated with livestock. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) has the world’s most elevated pastoral area and is a hot spot for global environmental change. This study provides the spatial distribution of cattle, sheep, and livestock grazing on the warm-season and cold-season pastures at a 15 arc-second spatial resolution on the QTP. Warm/cold-season pastures were delineated by identifying the key elements that affect the seasonal distribution of grazing and combining the random forest classification model, and the average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the model is 0.98. Spatial disaggregation weights were derived using the prediction from a random forest model that linked county-level census livestock numbers to topography, climate, vegetation, and socioeconomic predictors. The coefficients of determination of external cross-scale validations between dasymetric mapping results and township census data range from 0.52 to 0.70. The data could provide important information for further modeling of human-environment interaction under climate change for this region.

How ractopamine binds to bovine serum albumin at the drug site 1

ABSTRACT Ractopamine (RAC) is a common -agonist often used as a feed additive to improve muscle mass in farm animals. However, RAC has been banned in several countries due to its toxicity. To date, no clear evidence shows pharmacological and poisonous adverse effect of RAC in farm animals. In beef cattle, although RAC can be carried by bovine serum albumin (BSA) at drug site I, its effect on BSA structure and function remains unclear. Thus, in this work, Molecular Dynamics (MD) Simulations were employed to explore the binding interactions of RAC to BSA. Seemingly, RAC causes the high flexibility of domains I and III and importantly induces the large expansion of drug site II’s cavity which can interfere the drug-binding ability of drug site II. RAC binds to drug site I close to subdomain IIA, which is the same naproxen-binding site. Like naproxen, a polar moiety of RAC interacts with R194, R198 and W213. Our results reveal the RAC intrusion into the fatty acid site 6 (FA6) which implies the connection between drug site I and FA6 site. An insight into the RAC-BSA binding here can act as a base to better understand a drug distribution and bioavailability in cattle.

Spatial Distribution and Management of Muturu Cattle in Southwest Nigeria: Implications for genetic conservation

This study aimed to identify the production locations of the Muturu breed of cattle which is an indigenous breed in Nigeria. The breed is endangered as the population has been reducing with time. To reverse this trend and enhance its conservation and renew production, its distribution and production constraints need to be documented. A survey was conducted in sixteen communities in Southwest Nigeria where sixty-eight Muturu cattle farmers were interviewed using structured questionnaire. Data obtained were analyzed using simple statistics. Results revealed that the age range of the rearers was between 31 and 60 years and majority of them are males (88.2%) with over 20 years experience. Many of the farmers had no formal training in cattle rearing and management while 4.4% had training in cattle production. The primary occupation of the rearers (63.9%) is farming while 36.1% had other vocations apart from Muturu cattle farming. The farmers (55.8%) flock-mate their cattle while 27.9% of the farmers tether-mated their cattle. Average herd size was four, a low figure in relation to the few farmers rearing the Muturu breed in Southwest Nigeria. In order for this endangered cattle breed not to go extinct, efforts must be made towards its genetic conservation.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Cette étude visait à identifier les lieux de production de la race bovine Muturu qui est une race indigène au Nigeria. La race est en voie de disparition car la population a diminué avec le temps. Pour inverser cette tendance et améliorer sa conservation et renouveler sa production, ses contraintes de distribution et de production doivent être documentées. Une enquête a été menée dans seize communautés du sud-ouest du Nigeria où soixante-huit éleveurs de bétail Muturu ont été interrogés à l'aide d'un questionnaire structuré. Les données obtenues ont été analysées à l'aide de statistiques simples. Les résultats ont révélé que la tranche d'âge des éleveurs se situait entre 31 et 60 ans et que la majorité d'entre eux étaient des hommes (88,2 %) ayant plus de 20 ans d'expérience. Beaucoup d'agriculteurs n'avaient aucune formation formelle en élevage et gestion de bétail tandis que 4,4% avaient une formation en production bovine. L'occupation principale des éleveurs (63,9%) est l'agriculture tandis que 36,1% ont d'autres vocations en dehors de l'élevage bovin Muturu. Les agriculteurs (55,8 %) s'accouplent avec leur bétail tandis que 27,9 % des agriculteurs s'accouplent avec leur bétail. La taille moyenne des troupeaux était de quatre, un chiffre faible par rapport aux quelques agriculteurs élevant la race Muturu dans le sud-ouest du Nigeria. Pour que cette race bovine menacée ne disparaisse pas, des efforts doivent être faits pour sa conservation génétique.

Characterization of Escherichia coli and Other Enterobacterales Resistant to Extended-Spectrum Cephalosporins Isolated from Dairy Manure in Ontario, Canada.

Extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs) resistance genes, such as blaCTX-M, blaCMY, and blaSHV, have been found regularly in bacteria from livestock. However, information on their distribution in dairy cattle in Canada and on the associated genome sequences of ESC-resistant Enterobacterales is sparse. In this study, the diversity and distribution of ESC-resistant Escherichia coli throughout manure treatments in six farms in Southern Ontario were assessed over a one-year period, and their ESC-resistance plasmids were characterized. The manure samples were enriched using selective media. The resulting isolates were screened via polymerase chain reaction for blaCTX-M, blaCMY, and blaSHV. No E. coli carrying blaSHV were detected. Escherichia coli (n = 248) carrying blaCTX-M or blaCMY underwent whole-genome sequencing using an Illumina MiSeq/NextSeq. These isolates were typed using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and their resistance gene profiles. A subset of E. coli (n = 28) were sequenced using Oxford Nanopore Technologies. Plasmids were assembled using Unicycler and characterized via the resistance genes pattern, replicon type, plasmid MLST, phylogenetic analysis, and Mauve alignments. The recovery of ESC-resistant Enterobacterales (18 species, 8 genera) was drastically reduced in manure outputs. However, multiple treatment stages were needed to attain a significant reduction. 62 sequence types were identified, with ST10, ST46, ST58, ST155, ST190, ST398, ST685, and ST8761 being detected throughout the treatment pipeline. These STs overlapped with those found on multiple farms. The ESC-resistance determinants included CTX-M-1, -14, -15, -17, -24, -32, -55, and CMY-2. The plasmids carrying blaCTX-M were more diverse than were the plasmids carrying blaCMY. Known "epidemic plasmids" were detected for both blaCTX-M and blaCMY. IMPORTANCE The increase in antimicrobial resistance is of concern for human and animal health, especially when resistance is conferred to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, which are used to treat serious infections in both human and veterinary medicine. Bacteria carrying extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistance genes, including blaCTX-M and blaCMY, are frequently found in dairy manure. Manure treatment influences the loads and diversity of bacteria, including those carrying antimicrobial resistance genes, such as Enterobacterales and Escherichia coli. Any bacteria that survive the treatment process are subsequently applied to the environment. Enterobacterales carrying blaCTX-M or blaCMY can contaminate soil and crops consumed by humans and animals, thereby increasing the potential for antimicrobial resistance genes to integrate into the human gut microflora through horizontal gene transfer. This furthers the dissemination of resistance. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the effects manure treatments have on ESC-resistance in environmentally applied manure.

Distribution of the 23-bp polymorphism of the prion protein gene in Jersey cattles in Turkey

Background: Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is a prion disease that is always fatal in cattle and is considered an important risk factor for human health. Genetic polymorphisms that alter prion proteins may be associated with susceptibility or resistance to infectious spongiform encephalopathy. Therefore, we investigated the distribution of the 23 bp indel variant in the prion protein (PRNP) gene in Jersey cattle in Turkey. Methods: A total of 95 unrelated Jersey cattle (79 of reproductive age and 16 of non-reproductive age) from a private farm in Izmir were included in the study. Genomic DNA was obtained from the milk of reproductive-age cattle and the saliva of non-reproductive-age cattle. A 23-bp indel polymorphism in the PRNP gene promoter region was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Results: The three genotypes of the PRNP 23-bp indel variant were classified as follows: (223 bp), I/D (both 223 and 200 bp fragments), and D/D (200 bp). The frequencies of the I/I, I/D, and D/D genotypes of the PRNP 23-bp indel variant in cattle were 22 (23.16%), 48 (50.53%), and 25 (26.32%). We then examined genotype and allele distribution according to service period. No significant difference was detected in terms of PRNP gene 23 bp-indel variant genotype and allele distribution in the groups created according to the service period (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Although the PRNP gene 23 bp-indel variant genotype and allele distribution in jersey-type cattle in Turkey did not differ according to service period, our results may benefit the understanding of the genetic characteristics of the PRNP gene in cattle breeds.

Clone Dynamics and Its Application for the Diagnosis of Enzootic Bovine Leukosis.

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection results in polyclonal expansion of infected B lymphocytes, and ~5% of infected cattle develop enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL). Since BLV is a retrovirus, each individual clone can be identified by using viral integration sites. To investigate the distribution of tumor cells in EBL cattle, we performed viral integration site analysis by using a viral DNA capture-sequencing method. We found that the same tumor clones existed in peripheral blood, with a dominance similar to that in lymphoma tissue. Additionally, we observed that multiple tumor tissues from different sites harbored the identical clones, indicating that tumor cells can circulate and distribute systematically in EBL cattle. To investigate clonal expansion of BLV-infected cells during a long latent period, we collected peripheral blood samples from asymptomatic cattle every 2 years, among which several cattle developed EBL. We found that no detectable EBL clone existed before the diagnosis of EBL in some cases; in the other cases, clones that were later detected as malignant clones at the EBL stage were present several months or even years before the disease onset. To establish a feasible clonality-based method for the diagnosis of EBL, we simplified a quick and cost-effective method, namely, rapid amplification of integration sites for BLV infection (BLV-RAIS). We found that the clonality values (Cvs) were well correlated between the BLV-RAIS and viral DNA capture-sequencing methods. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis identified an optimal Cv cutoff value of 0.4 for EBL diagnosis, with excellent diagnostic sensitivity (94%) and specificity (100%). These results indicated that the RAIS method efficiently and reliably detected expanded clones not only in lymphoma tissue but also in peripheral blood. Overall, our findings elucidated the clonal dynamics of BLV- infected cells during EBL development. In addition, Cvs of BLV-infected cells in blood can be used to establish a valid and noninvasive diagnostic test for potential EBL onset. IMPORTANCE Although BLV has been eradicated in some European countries, BLV is still endemic in other countries, including Japan and the United States. EBL causes huge economic damage to the cattle industry. However, there are no effective drugs or vaccines to control BLV infection and related diseases. The strategy of eradication of infected cattle is not practical due to the high endemicity of BLV. Furthermore, how BLV-infected B cell clones proliferate during oncogenesis and their distribution in EBL cattle have yet to be elucidated. Here, we provided evidence that tumor cells are circulating in the blood of diseased cattle. Thus, the Cv of virus-infected cells in blood is useful information for the evaluation of the disease status. The BLV-RAIS method provides quantitative and accurate clonality information and therefore is a promising method for the diagnosis of EBL.

“Patheetu”, the Distributive Character of Ethnic Societies

The people who lived in the five types of land divisions found in ancient Tamil Nadu had a wide variety of customs and cultures. The primordial man who lived in harmony with nature suffered many losses due to the nature that surrounded him. He began to live as a group to protect himself from the loss he had suffered. This collective way of life is called ethnic life. In all the five kinds of lands in ancient Tamil Nadu, the people lived this collective life, the ethnic life. The people who lived in all five types of lands had cultures according to the richness of the land in which they lived. Food was the basic necessity of the people who lived as an ethnic group. The distribution of food and food-based products was the primary activity. They divided food and food-related products. It is examined in the three spheres of the distribution of cattle lifted from enemies, the distribution of hunted material, and the distribution of gifts, and it expressed the quality of 'eating in the public' in the ethnic community.