Cattle Feces Research Articles

Phenotype analysis of growth traits of KUB chickens fed with fermented cattle feces

Phenotype analysis of growth traits of KUB chickens fed with fermented cattle feces

Transmission Dynamics of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in New Zealand Cattle from Farm to Slaughter.

Cattle are asymptomatic carriers of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichiacoli (STEC) strains that can cause serious illness or death in humans. In New Zealand, contact with cattle feces and living near cattle populations are known risk factors for human STEC infection. Contamination of fresh meat with STEC strains also leads to the potential for rejection of consignments by importing countries. We used a combination of PCR/matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to evaluate the presence and transmission of STEC on farms and in processing plants to better understand the potential pathways for human exposure and thus mitigate risk. Animal and environmental samples (n = 2,580) were collected from six farms and three meat processing plants in New Zealand during multiple sampling sessions in spring of 2015 and 2016. PCR/MALDI-TOF analysis revealed that 6.2% were positive for "Top 7" STEC. Top 7 STEC strains were identified in all sample sources (n = 17) tested. A marked increase in Top 7 STEC prevalence was observed between calf hides on farm (6.3% prevalence) and calf hides at processing plants (25.1% prevalence). Whole-genome sequencing was performed on Top 7 STEC bacterial isolates (n = 40). Analysis of STEC O26 (n = 25 isolates) revealed relatively low genetic diversity on individual farms, consistent with the presence of a resident strain disseminated within the farm environment. Public health efforts should focus on minimizing human contact with fecal material on farms and during handling, transport, and slaughter of calves. Meat processing plants should focus on minimizing cross-contamination between the hides of calves in a cohort during transport, lairage, and slaughter.IMPORTANCE Cattle are asymptomatic carriers of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) strains, which can cause serious illness or death in humans. Contact with cattle feces and living near cattle are known risk factors for human STEC infection. This study evaluated STEC carriage in young calves and the farm environment with an in-depth evaluation of six farms and three meat processing plants over 2 years. An advanced molecular detection method and whole-genome sequencing were used to provide a detailed evaluation of the transmission of STEC both within and between farms. The study revealed widespread STEC contamination within the farm environment, but no evidence of recent spread between farms. Contamination of young dairy calf hides increased following transport and holding at meat processing plants. The elimination of STEC in farm environments may be very difficult given the multiple transmission routes; interventions should be targeted at decreasing fecal contamination of calf hides during transport, lairage, and processing.

Antibiotic resistance among Escherichia coli and Salmonella isolated from dairy cattle feces in Texas.

In several developing countries, studies on antimicrobial resistance among bacteria from food animals are rare mostly because of under-resourced laboratories. The objective of this study was to develop and field-test a low cost protocol to estimate the isolate- and sample-level prevalence of resistance to critically important antibiotics among Escherichia coli and Salmonella isolated from dairy cattle feces. Using a predesigned protocol, fecal samples were collected to isolate non-type-specific E. coli and Salmonella using selective media without antibiotic supplements. Besides, samples were screened for E. coli and Salmonella isolates not susceptible to third-generation cephalosporins and quinolones using selective media supplemented with cefotaxime (1.0 μg/mL) and ciprofloxacine (0.5 μg/mL), respectively. All bacterial isolates were further tested for antibiotic susceptibility using disk diffusion. Bacterial isolates not susceptible to third-generation cephalosporins were tested for extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) phenotype using the combination disk test. Molecular methods were performed on selected bacterial isolates to identify and distinguish genetic determinants associated with the observed phenotypes. Among 85 non-type-specific E. coli isolated from MacConkey agar without antibiotics, the isolate-level prevalence of resistance to tetracycline was the highest (8.2%). Among 37 E. coli recovered from MacConkey agar with cefotaxime, 56.8% were resistant ceftriaxone. Among 22 E. coli isolates recovered from MacConkey agar with ciprofloxacin, 77.3% and 54.5% were resistant to nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin, respectively. Sixteen Salmonella were isolated and only one demonstrated any resistance (i.e., single resistance to streptomycin). Among E. coli isolates not susceptible to ceftriaxone, an AmpC phenotype was more common than an ESBL phenotype (29 versus 10 isolates, respectively). Whole genome sequencing showed that phenotypic profiles of antibiotic resistance detected were generally substantiated by genotypic profiles. The tested protocol is suited to detecting and estimating prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria isolated from food animal feces in resource-limited laboratories in the developing world.

A Bayesian inference approach to quantify average pathogen loads in farmyard manure and slurry using open-source Irish datasets

Farm-to-fork quantitative microbial risk assessments (QMRA) typically start with a preliminary estimate of initial concentration (Cinitial) of microorganism loading at farm level, consisting of an initial estimate of prevalence (P) and the resulting pathogen levels in animal faeces. An average estimation of the initial concentration of pathogens can be achieved by combining P estimates in animal populations and the levels of pathogens in colonised animals' faeces and resulting cumulative levels in herd farmyard manure and slurry (FYM&S). In the present study, 14 years of data were collated and assessed using a Bayesian inference loop to assess the likely P of pathogens. In this regard, historical and current survey data exists on P estimates for a number of pathogens, including Cryptosporidium parvum, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), Salmonella spp., Clostridium spp., Campylobacter spp., pathogenic E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes in several species (cattle, pigs, and sheep) in Ireland. The results revealed that Cryptosporidium spp. has potentially the highest mean P (Pmean) (25.93%), followed by MAP (15.68%) and Campylobacter spp. (8.80%) for cattle. The Pmean of E. coli is highest (7.42%) in pigs, while the Pmean of Clostridium spp. in sheep was estimated to be 7.94%. Cinitial for Cryptosporidium spp., MAP., Salmonella spp., Clostridium spp., and Campylobacter spp. in cattle faeces were derived with an average of 2.69, 4.38, 4.24, 3.46, and 3.84 log10 MPN g −1, respectively. Average Cinitial of Cryptosporidium spp., Salmonella spp., Clostridium spp., and E. coli in pig slurry was estimated as 1.27, 3.12, 3.02, and 4.48 log10 MPN g −1, respectively. It was only possible to calculate the average Cinitial of Listeria monocytogenes in sheep manure as 1.86 log10 MPN g −1. This study creates a basis for future farm-to-fork risk assessment models to base initial pathogen loading values for animal faeces and enhance risk assessment efforts.

Evaluation of two Fasciola hepatica faecal egg counting protocols in sheep and cattle

Fascioliasis causes significant economic losses and is a constant challenge to livestock farmers globally. Fluke faecal egg counts (flukeFECs) are a simple, non-invasive method used to detect the presence of patent liver fluke infection. Many flukeFEC techniques exist but they vary in complexity, precision and accuracy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the egg recovery capabilities of two simple flukeFEC methods at different egg concentrations in two ruminant species, using artificially spiked faecal samples. We added Fasciola hepatica eggs to sheep and cattle faeces at 2, 5 10 and 20 epg and utilised the Flukefinder® (FF) and a simple sedimentation method (referred to as the Becker method) to investigate the effects of methods, species and egg density on egg recovery. We calculated the proportion of fluke eggs recovered using each technique, and determined the lowest reliable egg detection threshold of each flukeFEC method. The performance of the flukeFEC methods were also compared using faecal samples collected from naturally infected animals. The egg-spiking study revealed that both FF and the Becker sedimentation method are significantly more likely to recover eggs from cattle faeces than sheep (P < 0.001). Overall, FF recovered more eggs than the Becker method (P < 0.001), and importantly has a reliable low egg detection threshold of 5 epg in sheep and cattle. The kappa coefficient indicated a substantial agreement between FF and the Becker method in naturally infected faecal samples collected from cattle (0.62, P < 0.05) and a moderate agreement in sheep (0.41, P < 0.05). This study demonstrated that FF has a low egg detection threshold and therefore has promising potential for the future of on-farm liver fluke diagnostics.

Whole-genome sequencing analysis of uncommon Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli from cattle: Virulence gene profiles, antimicrobial resistance predictions, and identification of novel O-serogroups

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) are major foodborne pathogens. While many studies have focused on the “top-7 STEC”, little is known for minor serogroups. A total of 284 non-top-7 STEC strains isolated from cattle feces were subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to determine the serotypes, the presence of virulence genes and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants. Nineteen typeable and three non-typeable serotypes with novel O-antigen loci were identified. Twenty-one AMR genes and point mutations in another six genes that conferred resistance to 10 antimicrobial classes were detected, as well as 46 virulence genes. The distribution of 33 virulence genes and 15 AMR determinants exhibited significant differences among serotypes (p < 0.05). Among all strains, 81.7% (n = 232) and 14.1% (n = 40) carried stx2 and stx1 only, respectively; only 4.2% (n = 12) carried both. Subtypes stx1a, stx1c, stx2a, stx2c, stx2d, and stx2g were identified. Forty-six strains carried eae and stx2a and therefore had the potential cause severe diseases; 47 strains were genetically related to human clinical strains inferred from a pan-genome phylogenetic tree. We were able to demonstrate the utility of WGS as a surveillance tool to characterize the novel serotypes, as well as AMR and virulence profiles of uncommon STEC that could potentially cause human illness.

Colistin resistance genes mcr-1 to mcr-5, including a case of triple occurrence (mcr-1, -3 and -5), in Escherichia coli isolates from faeces of healthy pigs, cattle and poultry in Belgium, 2012–2016

Colistin is a last-resort antimicrobial used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (MDR-GNB). The emergence of colistin resistance, particularly linked to mobile genetic elements including the mcr genes, is a major threat to the management of MDR-GNB infections. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of mcr genes in a collection of 40 colistin-resistant commensal Escherichia coli isolated from healthy pigs, cattle and poultry in Belgium between 2012 and 2016. All isolates carried at least one mcr gene. The genes mcr-1 to -5 were observed in this collection. Different replicons associated with mcr genes were identified, including IncHI2/IncHI2A associated with mcr-1, IncX4 associated with mcr-1 and mcr-2, and ColE10 associated with mcr-4. While the occurrence of multiple mcr genes in a single isolate has rarely been reported elsewhere, a triple occurrence (mcr-1, -3 and -5) was found in this study. All isolates were MDR and carried between one and nine different replicons. Seventeen different sequence types were observed among the 40 E. coli isolates. In conclusion, this study revealed the presence of a reservoir of mobile colistin resistance genes (mcr-1 to -5) observed during at least 5 years (2012-2016) in the commensal gut flora of pigs, cattle and poultry in Belgium.

Identification, Shiga toxin subtypes and prevalence of minor serogroups of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in feedlot cattle feces

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are foodborne pathogens that cause illnesses in humans ranging from mild to hemorrhagic enteritis with complications of hemolytic uremic syndrome and even death. Cattle are a major reservoir of STEC, which reside in the hindgut and are shed in the feces, a major source of food and water contaminations. Seven serogroups, O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, O145 and O157, called ‘top-7’, are responsible for the majority of human STEC infections in North America. Additionally, 151 serogroups of E. coli are known to carry Shiga toxin genes (stx). Not much is known about fecal shedding and prevalence and virulence potential of STEC other than the top-7. Our primary objectives were to identify serogroups of STEC strains, other than the top-7, isolated from cattle feces and subtype stx genes to assess their virulence potential. Additional objective was to develop and validate a novel multiplex PCR assay to detect and determine prevalence of six serogroups, O2, O74, O109, O131, O168, and O171, in cattle feces. A total of 351 strains, positive for stx gene and negative for the top-7 serogroups, isolated from feedlot cattle feces were used in the study. Of the 351 strains, 291 belonged to 16 serogroups and 60 could not be serogrouped. Among the 351 strains, 63 (17.9%) carried stx1 gene and 300 (82.1%) carried stx2, including 12 strains positive for both. The majority of the stx1 and stx2 were of stx1a (47/63; 74.6%) and stx2a subtypes (234/300; 78%), respectively, which are often associated with human infections. A novel multiplex PCR assay developed and validated to detect six serogroups, O2, O74, O109, O131, O168, and O171, which accounted for 86.9% of the STEC strains identified, was utilized to determine their prevalence in fecal samples (n = 576) collected from a commercial feedlot. Four serogroups, O2, O109, O168, and O171 were identified as the dominant serogroups prevalent in cattle feces. In conclusion, cattle shed in the feces a number of STEC serogroups, other than the top-7, and the majority of the strains isolated possessed stx2, particularly of the subtype 2a, suggesting their potential risk to cause human infections.

Prevalensi dan Derajat Infeksi Helminthiasis Gastrointestinal pada Sapi Bali (Bos sondaicus) di Peternakan Rakyat Mutu Desa Sepayung Kecamatan Plampang Kabupaten Sumbawa Besar Nusa Tenggara Barat

Bali cattle is one of the cattle that are more in demand by the community, especially the people ofSumbawa Besar. Healthy cows that are in a state or physiological body functioning normally, which meansthat cattle avoid various diseases, especially Helminthiasis. The purpose of this study was to determine theprevalence and degree of gastrointestinal helminthiasis infection in Balinese cattle (Bos sondaicus) in MutuPeople's Farms in Sepayung village, Plampang sub-district, Sumbawa Besar district, NTB. This research is adescriptive study with Based on Rates or calculation of the prevalence rate and degree of GastrointestinalHelminthiasis infection in bali cattle feces at Mutu People's Farm in Sepayung Village, Plampang District,Sumbawa Besar Regency, West Nusa Tenggara. This research was conducted in February 2020 in theLaboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, West Nusa Tenggara University, examined using the McMaster method and counted the number of worm eggs per gram of feces. Based on the results of laboratorytests conducted on 37 bali cattle feces samples, found 6 samples infected with Trichostrongylus sp. and 2samples were infected with Ostertagia sp. The results of examinations that have been done, the prevalencefound in this study is Trychostrongylus 16.21% while in Ostertagia it is 5.40% with the degree of infection inTrichostrongylus moderate infections and in mild infections Ostertagia. Based on the results of laboratorytests conducted on 37 bali cattle feces samples, found 6 samples infected with Trichostrongylus sp. and 2samples were infected with Ostertagia sp. The results of examinations that have been done, the prevalencefound in this study is Trychostrongylus 16.21% while in Ostertagia it is 5.40% with the degree of infection inTrichostrongylus moderate infections and in mild infections Ostertagia. Based on the results of laboratorytests conducted on 37 bali cattle feces samples, found 6 samples infected with Trichostrongylus sp. and 2samples were infected with Ostertagia sp. The results of examinations that have been done, the prevalencefound in this study is Trychostrongylus 16.21% while in Ostertagia it is 5.40% with the degree of infection inTrichostrongylus moderate infections and in mild infections Ostertagia.

The Technology of Producing Biohumus and the Study of its Qualitative Indicators

This article presents the results from the development of a technology for producing biohumus from the feces of cattle and winter wheat straw in a biodynamic fermenter. Nitrifying agents are important for soil fertility, which is dependent on the intensity of the nitrification process. This group includes aerobic cellulose-destroying microorganisms, denitrifiers and sulfate-reducing bacteria. The ratio of these groups and their composition are changing. Therefore, the study of the quantitative ratio of microbial communities involved in the formation of biohumus was of considerable scientific interest. During the microbiological analyses, a large number of microorganisms were found to be involved in the decomposition of the organic compounds. Aminoautotrophic microorganisms represented the largest physiological group of microorganisms in the biohumus. The chemical composition of the biohumus was determined during the study and a sanitary microbiological analysis was performed. The content of gross forms of elements in the humic extract was also examined. The humic extract from the biohumus was a brown liquid with 15 g / l of humic acids, 5.0 g / l of fulvic acids, and gross forms of elements (potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen). The dry matter in the biohumus was 1.0% of the total composition and contained 0.1% nitrogen, 0.03% phosphorus P2O5 and 0.01% potassium K2O. It was found that high-quality organic fertilizer can be obtained using this technology.&#x0D; Keywords: biohumus, humic extract, chemical composition, sanitary-microbiological analysis, organic fertilizer

Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in ESBL-Producing Escherichia coli Isolates from Animals in Greece.

The prevalence of multidrug resistant, extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae is increasing worldwide. The present study aimed to provide an overview of the multidrug resistance phenotype and genotype of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates of livestock and wild bird origin in Greece. Nineteen phenotypically confirmed ESBL-producing E. coli strains isolated from fecal samples of cattle (n = 7), pigs (n = 11) and a Eurasian magpie that presented resistance to at least one class of non β-lactam antibiotics, were selected and genotypically characterized. A DNA-microarray based assay was used, which allows the detection of various genes associated with antimicrobial resistance. All isolates harbored blaCTX-M-1/15, while blaTEM was co-detected in 13 of them. The AmpC gene blaMIR was additionally detected in one strain. Resistance genes were also reported for aminoglycosides in all 19 isolates, for quinolones in 6, for sulfonamides in 17, for trimethoprim in 14, and for macrolides in 8. The intI1 and/or tnpISEcp1 genes, associated with mobile genetic elements, were identified in all but two isolates. This report describes the first detection of multidrug resistance genes among ESBL-producing E. coli strains retrieved from feces of cattle, pigs, and a wild bird in Greece, underlining their dissemination in diverse ecosystems and emphasizing the need for a One-Health approach when addressing the issue of antimicrobial resistance.

Antibiotic-Resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella from the Feces of Food Animals in the East Province of Rwanda.

Simple SummaryA paucity of information on antimicrobial resistance in animals in Rwanda prompted us to conduct this study, the objective of which was to estimate the prevalence of antibiotic resistance among Escherichia coli and Salmonella from the feces of cattle, goats, pigs, and poultry. We found that resistance to tetracycline, ampicillin, and streptomycin were the most frequent among non-type-specific E. coli isolates. Resistance to chloramphenicol, quinolone-based antibiotics, amoxicillin–clavulanic acid, and azithromycin were also observed among these bacterial isolates, but with lower percentages. Most of resistant E. coli, including multidrug-resistant strains, were isolated from poultry fecal samples. More than 30% of samples were positive for E. coli resistant to third-generation cephalosporins or quinolone-based antibiotics. All isolated Salmonella were pan-susceptible. These results give an insight into the status of antibiotic resistance in food animals in Rwanda, as well as a call for further research. Also, the findings indicated a need for antibiotic stewardship and antimicrobial resistance surveillance initiatives.In Rwanda, information on antibiotic resistance in food animals is scarce. This study was conducted to detect and phenotypically characterize antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella in feces of cattle, goats, pigs, and poultry in the East province of Rwanda. We isolated non-type-specific (NTS) E. coli and Salmonella using plain culture media. In addition, we used MacConkey agar media supplemented with cefotaxime at 1.0 μg/mL and ciprofloxacin at 0.5 μg/mL to increase the probability of detecting E. coli with low susceptibility to third-generation cephalosporins and quinolones, respectively. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion test. Among 540 NTS E. coli isolates, resistance to tetracycline was the most frequently observed (35.6%), followed by resistance to ampicillin (19.6%) and streptomycin (16.5%). Percentages of NTS E. coli resistant to all three antibiotics and percentages of multidrug-resistant strains were higher in isolates from poultry. All isolated Salmonella were susceptible to all antibiotics. The sample-level prevalence for resistance to third-generation cephalosporins was estimated at 35.6% with all third-generation cephalosporin-resistant E. coli, expressing an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase phenotype. The sample-level prevalence for quinolone resistance was estimated at 48.3%. These results provided a baseline for future research and the development of integrated surveillance initiatives.

Efficacy of solid dispersion of fenbendazole against gastrointestinal strongylatosis of young cattle

The purpose of the research is to study the efficacy of solid dispersion of fenbendazole (SDF) against nematodoses of young cattle.Materials and methods. The study of SDF, obtained by mechanochemical processing of fenbendazole substance with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) polymer, was carried out on 126 young cattle naturally infected with nematodiroses and other gastrointestinal strongylatoses. The animals were divided into 6 experimental groups of 10–11 animals each and SDF was administered once orally at doses of 2.0; 3.0 and 4.0 mg/kg of active substance (a.s.) (I-III groups) in comparison with the mechanical mixture of fenbendazole (FBZ) and PVP in a ratio of 1:9 (IV group) and substance FBZ at a dose of 3.0 mg/kg (group V) against each helminthosis. The control group of animals did not receive the drugs. Anthelmintic efficacy was evaluated in the "control test" based on the data of ovoscopic examination of feces of young cattle by flotation method before and 17 days after drugs administration.Results and discussion. SDF with PVP at a dose of 2.0; 3.0 and 4.0 mg/kg of a.s. in the form of a 10% powder showed respectively 88.4; 97.3 and 100% efficiency at nematodiroses and 89.2; 98.4 and 99.5 % activity against other types of gastrointestinal strongylates upon obtaining 32.3 and 32.4 % effect of the mechanical mixture of FBZ with PVP and 29.7 and 27.4% efficiency of the base preparation at a dose of 3.0 mg/kg. SDF showed 88.4; 97.3 and 100% of efficacy at doses of 2.0; 3.0 and 4.0 mg/kg of a.s., respectively, against nematodiroses and 89.2; 98.4 and 99.5% against other gastrointestinal strongylatoses in the form of 10% powder. It should be noted that mechanical mixture of PBZ with PVP showed 32.3 and 32.4% efficacy and the efficacy of the basic drug was 29.7 and 27.4% at a dose of 3.0 mg/kg against each helminthosis.

Surface ultrastructure of Blastocystis sp. isolated from cattle

Abstract. Widisuputri NKA, Lastuti NDR, Suprihati E, Hastutiek P, Plumeriastuti H, Mufasirin, Puspitasari H, Suwanti LT. 2021. Surface ultrastructure of Blastocystis sp. isolated from cattle. Biodiversitas 22: 1514-1518. Blastocystis sp is a protozoan parasite commonly detected in the intestinal tract of humans and various animals that causes zoonotic blastocystosis. The pathogenic potential of Blastocystis is still being evaluated, some Blastocystis sp are completely pathogenic, while others can be considered commensal and hypothetical, related to the role of the surface coat of Blastocystis sp. This study aimed to compare the surface ultrastructure of Blastocystis sp. in cattle with diarrhea and non diarrhea by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Four Blastocystis sp. isolates were selected from the faeces of four positives cattle which consisted of two diarrhea and two non-diarrhea cattle. The result showed that Blastocystis sp. in cattle appeared in round shape and reproduced by binary fission. The surface cell of Blastocystis sp. isolates from diarrhea cattle had a rough surface while organism of non diarrhea cattle isolates was very smooth. Bacteria were seen attached to the surface of Blastocystis sp. from diarrhea cattle faeces. In conclusion, the features of the surface structure of Blastocystis sp. correlated with symptomatic appearance. The surface structure of Blastocystis sp. isolates from cattle with diarrhea was rougher than non diarrhea.

Characterization of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolated from cattle and their contacts

Objective:To estimate the occurrence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) in cattle reared on farms versus those belonged to smallholders as well as their contact keepers. Design: Descriptive study. Samples: The study comprised 260 samples consisting of f ninety each of (n = 90) for each of cattle feces and milk samples that were originated either from smallholding cattle (n=30) or from farm cattle (n=60) alongside eighty stool specimens were collected from smallholders contacts (n=50) and farm workers (n=30). Procedures: All samples were examined using conventional bacteriological and molecular techniques. Results: The overall occurrence of E. coli in animal samples was 25/180 with a percentage of 13.9. In cattle feces, it was 14.4% (13/90), whereas it was 13.3% (12/90) in milk samples. In human stool samples, E. coli i isolates were also identified in smallholders’ contacts (14%, 7/50) and farm workers (16.7%, 5/30). The most prevalent serotypes obtained from farm cattle and their keepers were (O157 and O55) and from smallholders’ cattle and their contact were (O111, O157, and O11). The PCR analysis showed that stx2 wasthe most predominant genotypes followed by stx1. The recovered E. coli isolates showed high resistance to penicillin G (97.3%) and 81% (30/37) of the tested strains exhibited multidrug resistance. Conclusion and clinical relevance: the presence of Shiga toxigenic and multiple drug-resistant strains of E. coli in the study area poses a high potential risk. Hence, strict hygienic measures should be followed to reduce the risk of STEC occurrence in smallholding cattle and those in commercial farms.

Database System for Estimating the Biogas Potential of Cattle and Swine Feces in Poland

Database System for Estimating the Biogas Potential of Cattle and Swine Feces in Poland

Occurrence and Determination of Antimicrobial Resistant Escherichia coli Isolates in Fish and Vegetables as Indicator Organism of Faecal Contamination in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Escherichia coli such as E. coli O157:H7, a non-sorbitol-fermenting (NSF) E. coli, is an essential human pathogen among other common zoonotic pathogens carried by animals especially cattle. They are discharged through cattle faeces into the environment. With the increasing practice of urban farming, livestock manure is used as organic fertiliser in either fish ponds or vegetable gardens. This practice increases the risk of transmission of such pathogens to humans. This study aimed at determining the occurrence, antimicrobial resistance profiles, and genetic relatedness of E. coli isolates from manure, vegetables, and fish. Microbiological standard methods were used to isolate and identify E. coli isolates from manure, vegetable, and fish samples. Confirmed isolates on biochemical tests were tested for resistance against six antibiotics using the disc diffusion method. Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) typing method was used to generate fingerprints and determine the genetic relatedness of the E. coli isolates. Of 156 samples including 89 manure, 53 vegetables, and 16 fish, 36 (23.1%) samples were positive for E. coli from where a total of 48 E. coli different isolates were recovered that were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and genetic relatedness. Of these isolates, 25 (52.1%) were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent and 12 (48.0%) showed multidrug resistance. ERIC-PCR profiles of E. coli isolates from manure, vegetables, and fish showed genetic diversity with genetic relatedness ranging from 74.5% to 100%. Nine phylogenetic clusters (I–IX) determined at 90% threshold level of genetic relatedness were identified among the isolates. This study determined the occurrence, antimicrobial resistant patterns, and genetic diversity of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli isolates from different sources. This study showed the potential of microbial health risk to humans through contamination, and hence, it is necessary to monitor and improve husbandry practices in urban farming.

Detection of Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis in Cultures From Fecal and Tissue Samples Using VOC Analysis and Machine Learning Tools.

Analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a novel approach to accelerate bacterial culture diagnostics of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). In the present study, cultures of fecal and tissue samples from MAP-infected and non-suspect dairy cattle and goats were explored to elucidate the effects of sample matrix and of animal species on VOC emissions during bacterial cultivation and to identify early markers for bacterial growth. The samples were processed following standard laboratory procedures, culture tubes were incubated for different time periods. Headspace volume of the tubes was sampled by needle trap-micro-extraction, and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Analysis of MAP-specific VOC emissions considered potential characteristic VOC patterns. To address variation of the patterns, a flexible and robust machine learning workflow was set up, based on random forest classifiers, and comprising three steps: variable selection, parameter optimization, and classification. Only a few substances originated either from a certain matrix or could be assigned to one animal species. These additional emissions were not considered informative by the variable selection procedure. Classification accuracy of MAP-positive and negative cultures of bovine feces was 0.98 and of caprine feces 0.88, respectively. Six compounds indicating MAP presence were selected in all four settings (cattle vs. goat, feces vs. tissue): 2-Methyl-1-propanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, heptanal, isoprene, and 2-heptanone. Classification accuracies for MAP growth-scores ranged from 0.82 for goat tissue to 0.89 for cattle feces. Misclassification occurred predominantly between related scores. Seventeen compounds indicating MAP growth were selected in all four settings, including the 6 compounds indicating MAP presence. The concentration levels of 2,3,5-trimethylfuran, 2-pentylfuran, 1-propanol, and 1-hexanol were indicative for MAP cultures before visible growth was apparent. Thus, very accurate classification of the VOC samples was achieved and the potential of VOC analysis to detect bacterial growth before colonies become visible was confirmed. These results indicate that diagnosis of paratuberculosis can be optimized by monitoring VOC emissions of bacterial cultures. Further validation studies are needed to increase the robustness of indicative VOC patterns for early MAP growth as a pre-requisite for the development of VOC-based diagnostic analysis systems.

Genome Sequences of 104 Escherichia coli O157:H7 Isolates from Pigs, Cattle, and Pork Production Environments in Alberta, Canada

Genome sequences of Escherichia coli O157:H7 originating from pigs are limited in the public databases. We sequenced 104 E. coli O157:H7 isolates from pig and cattle feces and pork production environments in Alberta, Canada. The information will aid studies investigating sources of E. coli O157:H7 contaminating pork and the associated environments.

Feed utilization and rumen fermentation characteristics of Thai-indigenous beef cattle fed ensiled rice straw with Lactobacillus casei TH14, molasses, and cellulase enzymes

The slow and limited ruminal degradation of carbohydrates is the main poor feature of rice straw, which leads to decreased digestibility and feed utilization. This study aimed to examine the combined effects of molasses, cellulase enzymes, and Lactobacillus casei TH14 ensiled rice straw on feed utilization, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen balance, and the energy metabolism of Thai-indigenous beef cattle. Four male Thai-indigenous beef cattle with an initial body weight of 90 ± 5.5 kg were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Rice straw was fermented with 1) molasses 50 g/kg fresh matter (FM, as control), 2) molasses 50 g/kg FM with L. casei TH14, 3) molasses 50 g/kg FM with cellulase enzymes, and 4) a combination of molasses 50 g/kg FM with L. casei TH14 and cellulase enzymes. Ensiled rice straw by molasses with L. casei TH14 treatment and three combined additives were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in crude protein (CP) than those in the control group. The neutral detergent fiber was significantly (P < 0.01) decreased by the ensiled rice straw with L. casei TH14 and cellulase. In addition, ensiled rice straw by molasses with L. casei TH14 and three combinations of additives had significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced dry matter (DM) digestibility compared to the control treatment. Ensiled rice straw did not alter (P > 0.05) fungal zoospores and protozoal population, except for the mean values of the bacterial population, which significantly (P < 0.01) increased when the animals were fed ensiled rice straw by molasses with L. casei TH14. The propionic acid concentration significantly (P < 0.01) increased at 4 h after feeding and achieved average concentration when cattle were fed ensiled rice straw by molasses with L. casei TH14, molasses with cellulase, or three combinations of additives compared with the control treatment. Total nitrogen (N) per N excretion via beef cattle feces offered ensiled rice straw by molasses with cellulase, and the three combinations of additives were significantly lower than those received by a molasses additive (P < 0.05). In conclusion, ensiled rice straw by L. casei TH14 with molasses or L. casei TH14 with molasses and cellulase provides greater results by preventing CP during fermentation, whereas there was increased digestibility of DM, organic matter, rumen bacterial population, and propionic acid.