Cattle Feces Research Articles

Gold Nanoparticle-Based Plasmonic Detection of Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Campylobacter jejuni, and Listeria monocytogenes from Bovine Fecal Samples.

Current diagnostic methods for detecting foodborne pathogens are time-consuming, require sophisticated equipment, and have a low specificity and sensitivity. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and plasmonic/colorimetric biosensors like gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are cost-effective, high-throughput, precise, and rapid. This study aimed to validate the use of MNPs and GNPs for the early detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica spp., Campylobacter jejuni, and Listeria monocytogenes in bovine fecal samples. The capture efficiency (CE) of the MNPs was determined by using Salmonella Typhimurium (ATCC_13311) adjusted at an original concentration of 1.5 × 108 CFU/mL. One (1) mL of this bacterial suspension was spiked into bovine fecal suspension (1 g of fecal sample in 9 mL PBS) and serially diluted ten-fold. DNA was extracted from Salmonella Typhimurium to determine the analytical specificity and sensitivity/LOD of the GNPs. The results showed that the CE of the MNPs ranged from 99% to 100% and could capture as little as 1 CFU/mL. The LOD of the GNPs biosensor was 2.9 µg/µL. The GNPs biosensor was also tested on DNA from 38 naturally obtained bovine fecal samples. Out of the 38 fecal samples tested, 81.6% (31/38) were positive for Salmonella enterica spp., 65.8% (25/38) for C. jejuni, 55.3% (21/38) for L. monocytogenes, and 50% (19/38) for E. coli O157:H7. We have demonstrated that MNP and GNP biosensors can detect pathogens or their DNA at low concentrations. Ensuring food safety throughout the supply chain is paramount, given that these pathogens may be present in cattle feces and contaminate beef during slaughter.

Low-frequency transmission and persistence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and genes from livestock to agricultural soil and crops through compost application.

Livestock excrement is composted and applied to agricultural soils. If composts contain antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB), they may spread to the soil and contaminate cultivated crops. Therefore, we investigated the degree of transmission of ARB and related antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and, as well as clonal transmission of ARB from livestock to soil and crops through composting. This study was conducted at Rakuno Gakuen University farm in Hokkaido, Japan. Samples of cattle feces, solid and liquid composts, agricultural soil, and crops were collected. The abundance of Escherichia coli, coliforms, β-lactam-resistant E. coli, and β-lactam-resistant coliforms, as well as the copy numbers of ARG (specifically the bla gene related to β-lactam-resistant bacteria), were assessed using qPCR through colony counts on CHROMagar ECC with or without ampicillin, respectively, 160 days after compost application. After the application of the compost to the soil, there was an initial increase in E. coli and coliform numbers, followed by a subsequent decrease over time. This trend was also observed in the copy numbers of the bla gene. In the soil, 5.0 CFU g-1 E. coli was detected on day 0 (the day post-compost application), and then, E. coli was not quantified on 60 days post-application. Through phylogenetic analysis involving single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and using whole-genome sequencing, it was discovered that clonal blaCTX-M-positive E. coli and blaTEM-positive Escherichia fergusonii were present in cattle feces, liquid compost, and soil on day 0 as well as 7 days post-application. This showed that livestock-derived ARB were transmitted from compost to soil and persisted for at least 7 days in soil. These findings indicate a potential low-level transmission of livestock-associated bacteria to agricultural soil through composts was observed at low frequency, dissemination was detected. Therefore, decreasing ARB abundance during composting is important for public health.

Detection of Escherichia coli and Associated Shiga Toxin Genes in Feces of Cattle and Sheep Reared in Egyptian Research Farm

Detection of Escherichia coli and Associated Shiga Toxin Genes in Feces of Cattle and Sheep Reared in Egyptian Research Farm

Effect of cattle and horse feces storage methods on Nematode egg viability and sensitivity for egg hatch test

The aim of the present study was to validate methods of stool sample conservation for the egg hatch test (EHT). This study involved the use of a bovine naturally infected predominantly by Cooperia spp. and one equine naturally infected predominantly by cyathostomins characterized as susceptible to benzimidazoles in the EHT. Fecal samples were submitted to three treatments: aerobic methods (anaerobic storage in plastic bottles, anaerobic storage in vacuum-sealed bags or aerobic storage in plastic bags), under two temperature conditions (room temperature and refrigeration) analyzed at four different assessment times (48, 72, 96 and 120 h). As the standard test, an assay was also performed within 3 h. The tests were performed in triplicate for each drug concentration and with three experimental repetitions at one-week intervals. Two criteria were used for the storage methods: hatchability in the negative control group and sensitivity of the eggs to thiabendazole, comparing the EC50 and 95% confidence interval for each treatment to those of the standard test and the other repetitions. Bovine samples can be stored for up to 96 h and refrigerated vacuum storage can be used, ensuring hatchability of the negative control and sensitivity of the eggs to thiabendazole. For equine samples, no forms of storage were indicated due to the variation among the repetitions and the reduction in the sensitivity of the eggs to thiabendazole, which could result in a false positive detection of resistance.

Detection and antibiogram profile of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli isolated from two abattoir settings in northwest Ethiopia: a one health perspective

BackgroundDiarrheagenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a zoonotic pathogen that contaminates abattoir workers, slaughter environments, slaughter equipment, and carcasses during abattoir processing. Infection with E. coli is associated with the consumption of contaminated food and water, and it is a potential threat to the health and welfare of both humans and animals. Hence, this study aimed to detect diarrheagenic E. coli and assess its antibiogram profile in two abattoir settings, in one health lens.MethodsA cross-sectional study in one health approach was conducted from December 2020 to June 2021. A total of 384 samples from abattoir workers’ hands, carcasses, knives, cattle feces, abattoir water and effluents were collected. Bacterial culture and biochemical tests were conducted to isolate E. coli, while conventional polymerase chain reaction was performed to identify virulence genes. The antibiogram of diarrheagenic E. coli was tested against nine antimicrobials using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method.ResultsA total of 115 (29.95%) E. coli were isolated from the 384 samples, and from these isolates, about 17 (14.8%) were confirmed to be diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC). Among the DEC pathotypes, nine (52.94%), five (29.4%), and three (17.65%) were Shiga toxin-producing, enterohemorrhagic, and enterotoxigenic E. coli, respectively. While 14 (82.35%) DEC isolates harbored the stx2 gene, five (29.41%) the eae gene, five (29.41%) the hlyA gene and three (17.65%) harbored the st gene. All the DEC isolates were resistant to erythromycin and vancomycin; whereas, they were susceptible to ampicillin, nalidixic acid and norfloxacin. Furthermore, 64.7% of DEC isolates showed resistance to both ceftazidime and kanamycin and 88.24% of the isolates showed multidrug resistance.ConclusionThis study detected DEC isolates having different virulence genes, which showed single and multiple antimicrobial resistance. Given the existing poor hygienic and sanitary practices along the abattoir-to-table food chain, coupled with the habit of raw meat consumption, this result indicates a potential public and animal health risk from the pathogen and antimicrobial resistance.

Microdiversity of Salmonella Kentucky During Long-Term Colonization of a Dairy Herd.

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Kentucky was repeatedly isolated from a commercial dairy herd that was enrolled in a longitudinal study where feces of asymptomatic dairy cattle were sampled intensively over an 8-year period. The genomes of 5 Salmonella Kentucky isolates recovered from the farm 2 years before the onset of the long-term colonization event and 13 isolates collected during the period of endemicity were sequenced. A phylogenetic analysis inferred that the Salmonella Kentucky strains from the farm were distinct from poultry strains collected from the same region, and three subclades (K, A1, and A2) were identified among the farm isolates, each appearing at different times during the study. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, three separate lineages of highly similar Salmonella Kentucky were present in succession on the farm. Genomic heterogeneity between the clades helped identify regions, most notably transcriptional regulators, of the Salmonella Kentucky genome that may be involved in competition among highly similar strains. Notably, a region annotated as a hemolysin expression modulating protein (Hha) was identified in a putative plasmid region of strains that colonized a large portion of cows in the herd, suggesting that it may play a role in asymptomatic persistence within the bovine intestine. A cell culture assay of isolates from the three clades with bovine epithelial cells demonstrated a trend of decreased invasiveness of Salmonella Kentucky isolates over time, suggesting that clade-specific interactions with the animals on the farm may have played a role in the dynamics of strain succession. Results of this analysis further demonstrate an underappreciated level of genomic diversity within strains of the same Salmonella serovar, particularly those isolated during a long-term period of asymptomatic colonization within a single dairy herd.

Effect of combination of beef cattle feces, dairy waste water solid, and organic kitchen waste as maggot growth media (Black soldier flies) on maggot population weight and density

The livestock industry is closely associated with waste. On-farm waste such as beef cattle feces and off-farm waste in the form of dairy waste water solids can have detrimental effects on the environment if left untreated. The high nutrient content of livestock industry waste can be effectively utilized to prevent environmental pollution. However, the large amount of organic waste poses a significant challenge due to population density and the lack of land for waste storage or processing, which are unresolved issues. This waste can be processed through bioconversion, with the use of Black Soldier Flies (BSF) larvae representing a new method of organic waste treatment. This research was conducted at the Beef Cattle Teaching Farm and the Laboratory of Microbiology and Animal Husbandry Waste Handling, Faculty of Animal Science, Padjadjaran University. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of combining beef cattle feces, dairy waste water solids, and kitchen organic waste on the weight and density of maggot populations. The experimental method employed four treatments with five replications each: 100% kitchen organic waste (P0), 50% kitchen organic waste and 50% beef cattle feces (P1), 50% kitchen organic waste and 50% dairy waste water solids (P2), and 33.4% kitchen organic waste, 33.4% beef cattle feces, and 33.4% dairy waste water. The conclusion drawn from this study is that the combination of kitchen organic waste and beef cattle feces contributes to an increase in maggot population density.

Antimicrobial Properties and Cytotoxicity of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Melia azedarach Leaf Extract Against Diarrhoeal Pathogens

AbstractThe high mortality and morbidity resulting from an increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance among pathogens highlight a crucial need for the development of novel alternative therapy. In the quest for alternative therapy, this study was conducted to synthesise nanoparticles (NPs) from ferric chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3.6H2O) via Melia azedarach L. (Meliaceae) leaf extract and evaluate their antibacterial properties against multidrug resistant pathogenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Vibrio cholerae. Multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria were isolated from cattle faeces and characterised by whole genome sequence analysis. The extracts from M. azedarach leaves were used as reducing, capping, and stabilising agents on the precursor metal (FeCl3.6H2O) to produce NPs. The biosynthesised NPs were characterised by ultraviolent visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The NPs were tested against multidrug-resistant bacteria to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and rate of kill. In this study, WGS analysis confirmed the bacteria (E. coli, V. cholerae, and S. enterica) isolates to be multidrug-resistant pathogen and NP that has a spherical shape with an average particle size of 49.75 nm was successfully biosynthesised. The NPs displayed significant antimicrobial activities with MIC of 62, 31, and 62 mg/mL, MBC of 500, 250, and 500 µg/mL, and the lowest killing times of 4, 2, and 3 h against E. coli, V. cholerae, and S. enterica, respectively. Interestingly, the concentrations of the NPs required to inhibit the growth of E. coli, V. cholerae, and S. enterica were not toxic to HEK293 cells. Based on the promising antimicrobial activities of the biosynthesised NPs in this study, they could be useful in important therapeutic applications aimed at combating multidrug-resistant pathogens.

Antibiogram of Escherichia coli Isolated from Dairy Cattle and in-Contact Humans in Selected Areas of Central Ethiopia.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat to public and animal health. Escherichia coli is considered an indicator organism for monitoring AMR among gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae in humans and animals. The current study aims to assess the antibiogram profile of E. coli isolated from dairy cattle and in-contact humans in central Ethiopia and to identify risk factors associated with multidrug resistance (MDR). A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 58 farms were recruited from selected districts of central Ethiopia. E. coli was isolated using standard bacteriological techniques. A total of 200 representative isolates (140 from cattle and 60 from humans in contact) were randomly selected and tested for susceptibility to a panel of 13 antimicrobials using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay. The highest rate of resistance was observed for sulfamethoxazole+trimethoprim (58.6%, 82/140) and amoxicillin+clavulanic acid (70.0%, 42/60) among E. coli isolates from cattle and hmans, respectively. In contrast, resistance rates in isolates from in contact humans with the cattle were 30%, 33.3%, and 66.7%, respectively. Resistance to tetracycline (p=0.02), streptomycin (p=0.03), and sulfamethoxazole+trimethoprim (p=0.007) was significantly high in E. coli isolated from cattle on commercial dairy farms than in those isolated from cattle on smallholder farms. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the rate of resistance between E. coli isolated from in contact humans with smallholder and commercial dairy farms. Antimicrobial use for treatment purpose (p=0.04) and non-compliance with the drug withdrawal period (p=0.03) were significantly associated with the farm-level occurrence of MDR. A high rate of resistance was detected in E. coli isolated from the feces of dairy cattle and in-contact humans. This necessitates an effective intervention through a one-health approach and further molecular studies are required to establish source attribution.

Isolation, molecular characterization and antibiogram of Lactic acid bacteria from dairy cattle sources of Mizoram, India

A total of 250 samples of dairy cattle sources comprised of 100 cattle faeces, 75 raw milk, and 75 fermented milk samples which were randomly collected from different areas of Aizawl district of Mizoram that have been analyzed bacteriologically for enumeration and isolation of Lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The 90 phenotypically positive LAB isolates were further analyzed molecularly by 16S-rRNA gene analysis and 42 isolates were found positive. A total of 20 PCR positive LAB isolates were randomly selected and sequenced, out of which 11 isolates were positive for LAB after sequence analysis, belonging to six species of LAB, namely Lactibantibacillus plantarum (4), Lactobacillus fermentum (2), Lactobacillus brevis (2), Bacillus coagulance (1), Enterococcus faecium (1) and Weissella cibaria (1). The phylogenetic tree was constructed to check the relatedness of the strains with other referral LAB strains from NCBI gene bank. These 11 isolates were further analyzed for antibiogram. All 11 LAB strains tested for antibiotic sensitivity were 100% resistant to kanamycin, whereas intermediate resistance was shown by Lactobacillus brevis FM046 to clindamycin and three strains namely Lactobacillus fermentum FM011, Bacillus coagulans FM033 and Lactobacillus brevis FM046 to penicillin. All the 11 LAB strains were 100% sensitive to most of the tested antibiotics namely amikacin, ampicillin, azithromycin, cefoxitin, cefpodoxime, ceftriaxone, erythromycin, gentamicin and rifampicin. The LAB strains detected from the dairy cattle sources of Mizoram with sensitive antibiogram might be further studied for their probiotic potential.

Performance evaluation and application of host-specific Bacteroidales and mitochondrial DNA markers to identify sources of fecal contamination in river water in Japan

Microbial source tracking (MST) using host-specific Bacteroidales and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers is an efficient tool to identify the sources of fecal contamination in environmental water. This study evaluated and updated the previously reported performances of seven host-specific Bacteroidales markers (three human-, two cattle-, and two pig-specific). Additionally, the performance of a cattle-specific Bovine mtDNA and a pig-specific Swine mtDNA marker were evaluated and then applied to MST of river water samples collected in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. We collected 48 fecal-source samples, including raw sewage, secondary-treated sewage, an effluent of a domestic wastewater treatment tank, pig feces, pig wastewater, and cattle feces, which were quantitatively analyzed using host-specific Bacteroidales and mtDNA markers. BacHum and gyrB markers (human-specific), BacR and Bovine mtDNA markers (cattle-specific), and Pig2Bac and Swine mtDNA markers (pig-specific) were judged the best-performing markers. Then, these selected markers were applied to MST to identify the sources of fecal contamination in 59 river water samples collected at 21 sites. Of them, 20 (95%), 21 (100%), and 16 (76%) sites were positive for at least one human, cattle, and pig marker, respectively, indicating the need for immediate action and monitoring to control fecal pollution.

Anticipatory surveillance for detection of Escherichia coli from fresh fruits and vegetables using DuPont BAX System

Escherichia coli is a foodborne pathogen that causes severe illnesses in humans worldwide. Cows are a source of E. coli O157:H7, and raw products contaminated with cattle faeces are typical carriers of the pathogen. The consumption of unhygienic fresh fruits and vegetables provides a potential risk factor for microbial contamination-related infections. In this context, the present work was performed to investigate the prevalence rate of E. coli in fresh fruits and vegetables that were commonly distributed and consumed in Zakho City, Iraq. In addition, the present work also aimed to detect the incidence rate of pathogenic strain E. coli O157:H7, thereafter suggesting the best and most efficient sanitiser for the decontamination of fruits and vegetables. A total of 172 samples, comprising various types of fruits and vegetables, were randomly collected for this cross-sectional study from retail markets in Zakho City. A number of laboratory tests, including DuPont BAX System PCR, microbiological, and biochemical-based techniques were performed for the isolation and identification of E. coli microbial contamination. Out of the 172 samples collected, 32 (18.6%) tested positive for E. coli using traditional enrichment and selective media. The DuPont BAX system technique confirmed that all isolates were E. coli, and none of the isolates were identified as E. coli O157:H7 strain. Furthermore, peracetic acid was found to be a more effective sanitiser than aqueous chlorine for cleaning leafy green vegetables. Despite the absence of the pathogenic strain E. coli O157:H7, the present work highlighted the potential health risk to the community due to E. coli contamination of leafy green vegetables.

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli with Multidrug Resistance in Cattle from Mexico

Mexico is an important producer/exporter of cattle and cattle products. In the last decade, an increase in antibiotic resistance in E. coli pathotype strains from livestock environments has been reported. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of E. coli pathotype strains from the feces of beef or dairy cattle reared in the states of Aguascalientes (AG, central) and Nuevo Leon (NL, northeastern) in Mexico. One hundred and ten fecal samples were collected (beef cattle-AG = 30; dairy cattle-AG = 20; beef cattle-NL = 30; dairy cattle-NL = 30). From these, E. coli was isolated using selective/differential media and confirmed on chromogenic media. Multiplex PCR was used to identify diarrheagenic E. coli, and the Kirby–Bauer technique was used to determine the antimicrobial susceptibilities. All the animals harbored E. coli, and pathotypes were found in 34 animals from both, beef and dairy cattle, mainly from Aguascalientes. Of the positive samples, 31 harbored a single E. coli pathotype, whereas three samples harbored two different pathotypes; EHEC was the most prevalent, followed by EPEC, ETEC, and EIEC or the combination of two of them in some samples. Most pathotype strains (19/37) were isolated from beef cattle. Neither the animals’ productive purpose (beef or dairy cattle) (r = 0.155) nor the geographic regions (Aguascalientes or Nuevo Leon) (r = −0.066) had a strong positive correlation with the number of E. coli pathotype strains. However, animals reared in Aguascalientes had up to 8.5-fold higher risk of harboring E. coli pathotype strains than those reared in Nuevo Leon. All pathotype strains were resistant to erythromycin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and all dairy cattle pathotype strains were further resistant to five β-lactams (χ2, P = 0.017). The existence of these pathotypes and multidrug-resistant pathogens in the food chain is a risk to public health.

Using Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) to Identify a Myriad of Carbapenemase Genes in Fresh Cow Dung in Bangladesh.

Introduction The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is driven by the selection pressure of frequent uses of antimicrobial agents in healthcare, the food chain, agriculture, fishery, and the food animal industry, which poses a serious health risk for transmission-linked humans and the surrounding environment. Livestock, particularly cattle, play an essential role in the food sector in Bangladesh. The food-animal chains can be the potential routes of exposure to AMR-microorganisms for every domain of one health. Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) can impart a reservoir of AMR within the food supply chain, even without pathogenic microorganisms. This study investigated the history of infection for the last six-month period of antimicrobials utilized in cattle farms and the distribution of selected carbapenemase resistance genes, namely, bla-KPC, bla-IMP, bla-VIM, bla-NDM-1, bla-SIM, bla-GIM, bla-SPM, andbla-SME, in cattle feces in Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional study was designed to analyze ARGs in fresh cow dung samples collected from commercial farms and individual houses in four Bangladesh districts, namely, Dhaka, Gazipur, Manikganj, and Tangail. Types of cattle breeds, their existing diseases, recent antimicrobial uses, and vaccine uses were recorded. DNA was extracted from each cow dung sample using commercial kits (Qiagen GmbH, Germany). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed to assess the eight carbapenem resistance genes in the extracted DNA.The eight carbapenem resistance genes in the extracted DNA were assessed byRT-qPCR using the qTOWER3 thermal cycler (Analytik Jena GmbH, Konrad-Zuse-Straße 1, 07745 Jena, Germany). Results Group A carbapenemase, bla-KPC, was detected in 66.7% of the samples. However, no bla-SME was identified in all of the test samples. Group B metallo carbapenemase, bla-IMP, bla-NDM-1, bla-VIM, bla-SIM, bla-GIM, andbla-SPM, were in 66.7% (80/120), 49.2% (59/120), 48.3% (58/120), 68.3% (82/120), 58.3% (70/120), and 12.5% (15/120), respectively. Only 8.3% of the tested samples contained no MBL gene; 10% carried a single-type carbapenemase gene; and the remaining 81.7% carried two or more carbapenemase genes concurrently. Co-carriage of four or more genes was found in over 59% of samples. As many as seven genes were found together in 6.7% of samples. ARG detection in commercial cattle samples and household feces is not statistically significant. Conclusions Substantial carbapenem-resistance ARGs were detected in commercially farmed cow dung and household cattle samples. Frequent use of antibiotics for cattle for treatment and prophylactic purposes may influence the high acquisition of ARGs. Bangladeshi cattle farms are reservoirs and routes of AMR, posing a significant threat to the country's public health.

Consistent detection of Trypanosoma brucei but not T. congolense DNA in faeces of experimentally infected cattle

Animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT) is a significant food security and economic burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Current AAT empirical and immunodiagnostic surveillance tools suffer from poor sensitivity and specificity, with blood sampling requiring animal restraint and trained personnel. Faecal sampling could increase sampling accessibility, scale, and species range. Therefore, this study assessed feasibility of detecting Trypanosoma DNA in the faeces of experimentally-infected cattle. Holstein–Friesian calves were inoculated with Trypanosoma brucei brucei AnTat 1.1 (n = 5) or T. congolense Savannah IL3000 (n = 6) in separate studies. Faecal and blood samples were collected concurrently over 10 weeks and screened using species-specific PCR and qPCR assays. T. brucei DNA was detected in 85% of post-inoculation (PI) faecal samples (n = 114/134) by qPCR and 50% by PCR between 4 and 66 days PI. However, T. congolense DNA was detected in just 3.4% (n = 5/145) of PI faecal samples by qPCR, and none by PCR. These results confirm the ability to consistently detect T. brucei DNA, but not T. congolense DNA, in infected cattle faeces. This disparity may derive from the differences in Trypanosoma species tissue distribution and/or extravasation. Therefore, whilst faeces are a promising substrate to screen for T. brucei infection, blood sampling is required to detect T. congolense in cattle.

Agronomic characteristics and chemical composition of hydroponic maize fodder as influenced by animal waste solutions

The growing of plants hydroponically is a soilless form of growing in modern day agriculture. It helps to make feed available for animals throughout the season since it is not affected by what is faced by field grown crops. The use of animal waste, that is, their faeces, in the growth of forage was compared with commercial hydroponics solutions as a way of looking for a reduction in the cost incurred in the purchase of commercial hydroponics solutions. The study evaluated the use of organic nutrient solutions (ONS) alongside a standard/commercial nutrient solution in growing crops hydroponically on the growth, dry matter yield, water use efficiency, and chemical composition of hydroponic maize fodder. The ONS used were formulated from the dried faeces of cattle, poultry, rabbits, and swine. The prepared organic nutrient solutions with the control were used in growing the maize seeds for 10 days, and growth, yield, and chemical composition were determined. Results show the highest (196 g) dry matter yield for maize hydroponic fodder irrigated with poultry ONS. Similarly, maize irrigated with poultry ONS was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in CP content, while it was not significantly different from maize irrigated with cattle, swine, and commercial solutions. A lower water use efficiency value (0.19 kg DM/m3) was recorded for maize irrigated with cattle ONS. According to the study, irrigating maize with different organic nutrient solutions produced maize fodder with a higher yield and a similar chemical composition as the commercial nutrient solution.

Enhancing Biogas Production with The Addition of Nano-catalysts

: The province of Burdur is at the forefront of the livestock industry, especially with dairy cattle. it is a necessity for Burdur province to use animal manure, convert it into methane gas, and use it as fuel. In this study, a laboratory-scale biodigester was set up to produce biogas from cattle feces taken from Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Cattle Farm. γ-Fe2O3, meso-Fe2O3, and meso-Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized and used as catalysts for biogas production. Structural characterizations of catalysts were carried out via FT-IR and XRD techniques. The TEM was used to investigate particle size distributions and morphology. The average particle sizes of the nanoparticles were determined to be in the range of 20-165 nm. The bio-digester was kept at a constant temperature of 35 °C for 20 days. It has been determined that the obtained biogas has a high methane content of 83–86%. The biogas volume was obtained to be 1.360 L/kg for γ-Fe2O3, 1.390 L/kg for meso-Fe2O3, and 625-1.250 L/kg for Co3O4.

Comparative microbiome analysis of beef cattle, the feedyard environment, and airborne particulate matter as a function of probiotic and antibiotic use, and change in pen environment.

Intensive beef cattle production systems are frequently implicated as a source of bacteria that can be transferred to nearby humans and animals via effluent water, manure used as fertilizer, or airborne particulate matter. It is crucial to understand microbial population dynamics due to manure pack desiccation, antibiotic usage, and antibiotic alternatives within beef cattle and their associated feedyard environment. Understanding how bacterial communities change in the presence of antibiotics can also improve management practices for reducing the spread of foodborne bacteria. In this study, we aimed to compare the microbiomes within cattle feces, the feedyard environment and artificially produced airborne particulate matter as a function of pen change and treatment with tylosin or probiotics. We utilized 16S rRNA sequencing to compare bacterial communities among sample types, study days, and treatment groups. Bacterial community diversity varied as a function of sampling day and pen change (old or new) within fecal and manure pack samples. Manure pack samples from old pens and new pens contained diverse communities of bacteria on days 0 and 84; however, by day 119 of the study these taxonomic differences were less evident. Particulate matter samples exhibited significant differences in community diversity and predominant bacterial taxa compared to the manure pack they originated from. Treatment with tylosin did not meaningfully impact bacterial communities among fecal, environmental, or particulate matter samples; however, minor differences in bacterial community structure were observed in feces from cattle treated with probiotics. This study was the first to characterize and compare microbial communities within feces, manure pack, and airborne particulate matter from the same location and as a function of tylosin and probiotic treatment, and pen change. Although fecal and environmental samples are commonly used in research studies and other monitoring programs to infer public health risk of bacteria and antimicrobial resistance determinants from feedyard environments, our study suggests that these samples may not be appropriate to infer public health risk associated with airborne particulate matter.

Targeted Screening of Fiber Degrading Bacteria with Probiotic Function in Herbivore Feces.

Cellulolytic bacteria with probiotic functions play a crucial role in promoting the intestinal health in herbivores. In this study, we aimed to correlate the 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and fiber-degrading enzyme activity data from six different herbivore feces samples. By utilizing the separation and screening steps of probiotics, we targeted and screened high-efficiency fiber-degrading bacteria with probiotic functions. The animals included Maiwa Yak (MY), Holstein cow (CC), Tibetan sheep (TS), Southern Sichuan black goat (SG), Sichuan white rex rabbit (CR), and New Zealand white rabbit (ZR). The results showed that the enzymes associated with fiber degradation were higher in goat and sheep feces compared to cattle and rabbit's feces. Correlation analysis revealed that Bacillus and Fibrobacter were positively correlated with five types of fiber-degrading related enzymes. Notably, the relative abundance of Bacillus in the feces of Tibetan sheep was significantly higher than that of other five herbivores. A strain TS5 with good cellulose decomposition ability from the feces of Tibetan sheep by Congored staining, filter paper decomposition test, and enzyme activity determination was isolated. The strain was identified as Bacillus velezensis by biological characteristics, biochemical analysis, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. To test the probiotic properties of Bacillus velezensis TS5, we evaluated its tolerance to acid and bile salt, production of digestive enzymes, antioxidants, antibacterial activity, and adhesion ability. The results showed that the strain had good tolerance to pH 2.0 and 0.3% bile salts, as well as good potential to produce cellulase, protease, amylase, and lipase. This strain also had good antioxidant capacity and the ability to antagonistic Staphylococcus aureus BJ216, Salmonella SC06, Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli CVCC196, and Escherichia coli ATCC25922. More importantly, the strain had good self-aggregation and Caco-2 cell adhesion rate. In addition, we tested the safety of Bacillus velezensis TS5 by hemolysis test, antimicrobial susceptibility test, and acute toxicity test in mice. The results showed that the strain had no hemolytic phenotype, did not develop resistance to 19 commonly used antibiotics, had no cytotoxicity to Caco-2, and did not have acute toxic harm to mice. In summary, this study targeted isolated and screened a strain of Bacillus velezensis TS5 with high fiber-degrading ability and probiotic potency. This strain can be used as a potential probiotic for feeding microbial preparations for ruminants.

Electron microscopic observation of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in cattle feces after a novel purification using liquid paraffin

We developed a novel method for purifying acid-fast bacteria from feces. The method enabled the observation of characteristic clumps of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) under electron microscopy by removing contaminants and other bacteria. Further refinement of this method will contribute to efficient and effective MAP detection.