Domestic Animal Production Research Articles

Quantifying the transfer of radionuclides to food products from domestic farm animals

Databases have been compiled to derive parameter values relevant to the transfer of radionuclides from feedstuffs to domestic animal products to provide a revision to the IAEA Handbook on transfer parameters TRS 364. Significant new data inputs have been incorporated into the databases from an extensive review of Russian language information and inclusion of data published since the early 1990s. Fractional gastrointestinal absorption in adult ruminants presented in the revised handbook are generally similar to those recommended for adult humans by the ICRP. Transfer coefficient values are presented in the handbook for a range of radionuclides to farm animal products. For most animal products, transfer coefficient values for elements additional to those in TRS 364 are provided although many data gaps remain. Transfer coefficients generally vary between species with larger species having lower values than smaller species. It has been suggested that the difference is partly due to the inclusion of dietary dry matter intake in the estimation of transfer coefficient and that whilst dietary intake increases with size nutrient concentrations do not. An alternative approach to quantifying transfer by using concentration ratios (CR), which do not consider dietary intake, has been evaluated. CR values compiled for the handbook vary considerably less between species than transfer coefficient values. The advantage of the CR approach is that values derived for one species could be applied to species for which there are no data. However, transfer coefficients will continue to be used as few studies currently report CR values or give data from which they can be estimated.

Arable land requirements based on food consumption patterns: Case study in rural Guyuan District, Western China

In comparison with all data for rural China, deficiencies of animal protein and fat intake were identified using the method of Gerbens-Leenes et al. ([Gerbens-Leenes, P.W., Nonhebel, S., Iven, W.P.M.F., 2002. A method to determine land requirements relating to food consumption patterns. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 90: 47–45]) in examining food consumption patterns and arable land requirements of Guyuan District, a remote rural area of western China. Population growth and rapid economic development have increasingly been reducing the land available for primary production, creating potentially serious risks for China's food security. Land required to produce food is determined by population size, consumption patterns, land resource endowment – or “agro-ecological” conditions and the level of farm intensification. Per capita land requirements in Guyuan District were identified to meet basic consumption needs, and to evaluate nutritional conditions related to current consumption patterns. Data used for this analysis were obtained from surveys of household food consumption. Food consumption involved only meeting basic requirements for sustenance, with grains, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, and plant oils being the most commonly consumed foods. Per capita intake of calories totaled 11.1 MJ·day − 1 , matching the recommended level for China to meet basic health requirements. Daily protein intake was 66.8 g·person − 1 ·day − 1 , being below the recommended standard of 77 g·person − 1 ·day − 1 . Of this total, protein from animal meat accounted for only 7.5% of total protein. Fat intake totaled only 47.4 g·person − 1 ·day − 1 , being far below the standard of 70 g·person − 1 ·day − 1 . Yet, farmers must sell their limited livestock to earn enough income to meet their daily consumption needs. This expenditure accounted for nearly 33% of mean annual household income, so only 28% of domestic animal products were consumed locally. Benchmark data is provided to assist with improving living standards of rural people.

Managing genetic diversity and society needs

2 Embrapa Recursos Geneticos e Biotecnologia ABSTRACT - Most livestock are not indigenous to Brazil. Several animal species were considered domesticated in the pre-colonial period, since the indigenous people manage them as would be typical of European livestock production. For over 500 years there have been periodic introductions resulting in the wide range of genetic diversity that for centuries supported domestic animal production in the country. Even though these naturalized breeds have acquired adaptive traits after centuries of natural selection, they have been gradually replaced by exotic breeds, to such an extent, that today they are in danger of extinction To avoid further loss of this important genetic material, in 1983 Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology decided to include conservation of animal genetic resources among its priorities. In this paper we describe the effort to genetically characterize these populations, as a tool to ensure their genetic variability. To effectively save the threatened local breeds of livestock it is important to find a niche market for each one, reinserting them in production systems. They have to be utilized in order to be conserved. And there is no doubt that due to their adaptive traits, the Brazilian local breeds of livestock can play an important role in animal production, to meet society needs.

Microbial balance index — A view on the intestinal microbiota

Abstract The aim of the Finnish Research Programme is to characterise the intestinal microbiota of the production animals and learn to modulate animals' intrinsic microbiota in order to support productivity. For a simplified and better description of the complex microbiota, Microbial Balance Index (MBI) counted from the proportions of several bacterial groups present in intestinal samples was developed. In piglet and pig feeding trials MBI was observed to associate with animal growth ( r = 0.68, P ≤ 0.01). In addition, the effect of hydrolysed brewery yeast on intestinal balance and daily weight gain was studied. The findings indicate that the intestinal microbiota is an essential factor affecting animal productivity and well being. We suggest that monitoring of intestinal microbiota should be better taken into account when developing domestic animal production.

BOARD-INVITED REVIEW: Intrauterine growth retardation: Implications for the animal sciences1

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), defined as impaired growth and development of the mammalian embryo/fetus or its organs during pregnancy, is a major concern in domestic animal production. Fetal growth restriction reduces neonatal survival, has a permanent stunting effect on postnatal growth and the efficiency of feed/forage utilization in offspring, negatively affects whole body composition and meat quality, and impairs long-term health and athletic performance. Knowledge of the underlying mechanisms has important implications for the prevention of IUGR and is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of livestock production and animal health. Fetal growth within the uterus is a complex biological event influenced by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, as well as maternal maturity. These factors impact on the size and functional capacity of the placenta, uteroplacental blood flows, transfer of nutrients and oxygen from mother to fetus, conceptus nutrient availability, the endocrine milieu, and metabolic pathways. Alterations in fetal nutrition and endocrine status may result in developmental adaptations that permanently change the structure, physiology, metabolism, and postnatal growth of the offspring. Impaired placental syntheses of nitric oxide (a major vasodilator and angiogenic factor) and polyamines (key regulators of DNA and protein synthesis) may provide a unified explanation for the etiology of IUGR in response to maternal undernutrition and overnutrition. There is growing evidence that maternal nutritional status can alter the epigenetic state (stable alterations of gene expression through DNA methylation and histone modifications) of the fetal genome. This may provide a molecular mechanism for the role of maternal nutrition on fetal programming and genomic imprinting. Innovative interdisciplinary research in the areas of nutrition, reproductive physiology, and vascular biology will play an important role in designing the next generation of nutrient-balanced gestation diets and developing new tools for livestock management that will enhance the efficiency of animal production and improve animal well being.

Health status of transgenic pigs expressing the human complement regulatory protein CD59

Microinjection of foreign DNA into pronuclei of zygotes has been the method of choice for the production of transgenic domestic animals. Following microinjection the transgene is randomly integrated into the host genome which can be associated with insertional mutagenesis and unwanted pathological side effects. Here, we evaluated the health status of pigs transgenic for the human regulator of complement activation (RCA) CD59 and conducted a complete pathomorphological examination on 19 RCA transgenic pigs at 1 to 32 months of age from nine transgenic lines. Nine wild-type animals served as controls. Expression levels of human complement regulator CD59 (hCD59) mRNA were measured by RT-PCR and distribution of hCD59 protein was determined by immunohistochemistry. Albeit variable transgene expression levels, no specific pathomorphologic phenotype associated with the presence of the transgene in all analyzed pig lines could be detected. Transgenic expression of this human RCA gene construct is not correlated with a specific pathological phenotype in pigs. This is crucial for the application of the technology and the use of transgenic pigs for biomedical and agricultural applications.

Using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and GnRH analogs to modulate testis function and enhance the productivity of domestic animals

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) controls the activity of the gonadotrope cells of the pituitary gland and, as a consequence, is a critical component of the endocrine cascade that determines the growth, development, and functional activity of testicular tissue. The use of GnRH and GnRH analogs is common in domestic animal production systems. Although GnRH and GnRH analogs are most commonly used to control the fertility and reproductive events in female animals, GnRH agonists and antagonists are increasingly used to modulate the fertility, behavior, and productivity of male animals as well. This review will focus on recent advances in this use of GnRH agonists and antagonists.

Market Hunting in the Taï Region, Côte d’Ivoire and Implications for Monkey Populations

We studied the effect of market hunting on primate species in the Tai National Park and adjacent forests in Cote d’Ivoire. We assessed the impact of hunting by comparing the calculated maximal reproduction rate with the current off-take rate. We assessed the average bushmeat consumption per capita/per year from weekly investigations on bushmeat available in 88 bushmeat restaurants and markets over a 12-mo period in 1999. We derived data on preferences for particular game species from interviews of 162 bushmeat consumers, 25 subsistence hunters and 3 groups of professional hunters. Hunting pressure was highest on the larger primate species such red colobus (Procolobus badius), black- and- white colobus (Colobus polykomos) and sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys). The amount of primate bushmeat extracted from the Tai National Park and surrounding forests was 249,229 kg in 1999. We estimated population densities using line transect surveys. By referring to current population densities we calculated the maximum production of each species using the Robinson Redford model (2001) and assuming unhunted conditions. A comparison of current harvest levels with maximum production suggests that harvest of Procolobus badius is sustainable, whereas current off-take of Colobus polykomos, Cercocebus atys, Cercopithecus diana (diana monkey) and C. campbelli (Campbell’s monkeys) exceeds sustainability by ≤3 times. We recommend that wildlife managers promote programs that encourage the production of domestic animals as a substitute for wild meat.

Gentling and welfare of lambs

RiassuntoGentling e benessere dell’agnello. Al fine di valutare l’effetto delle cure dell’operatore sul benessere dell’agnello allattato artificialmente è stata effettuata una prova della durata di 7 settimane condotta su 64 agnelli di razza Comisana. Gli agnelli in allattamento artificiale e sottoposti al trattamento di gentling (AR+G) hanno evidenziato valori medi di cortisolo ematico a 15 giorni più bassi degli agnelli allevati con le madri e sottoposti al gentling (ER+G), nonché una risposta immunitaria umorale migliore degli agnelli soggetti al solo allattamento artificiale (AR) e comparabile a quella degli agnelli in allattamento naturale (ER). I risultati ottenuti suggeriscono che le cure dell’operatore assumono un ruolo di rilievo nell’allevamento dell’agnello allattato artificialmente, influenzando positivamente l’assetto immunitario e riducendo lo stress connesso alla manipolazione degli animali imposto dalle normali procedure di management aziendale. Il gentling non sembra invece contribuire a migliorare lo stato di benessere negli agnelli allattati dalle madri.

Brucellosis and international travel.

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution that mainly affects persons working with domestic animals and animal products. Despite being controlled in many developed countries, the disease remains endemic in many parts of the world, including Latin America, the Middle East, Spain, parts of Africa, and western Asia. The disease is mainly transmitted to humans through the ingestion of raw milk or non-pasteurized cheese contaminated with one of the four Brucella species pathogenic to humans. The clinical presentation can vary from asymptomatic infection with seroconversion to a full-blown clinical picture of fever, night sweats and joint manifestations; rarely, there is hepatic, cardiac, ocular or central nervous system involvement. Since travelers may be affected, travel health physicians need to know the clinical presentation of patients with brucellosis and preventive strategies.

Compounding, extralabel drug use, and other pharmaceutical quagmires in avian and exotics practice

The lack of Federal Drug Administration-approved drug products in the United States for avian and exotic animals creates daily challenges for the practitioner. The day-to-day practice of avian and exotic animal medicine requires us to meet these challenges in many ways, including by: extralabel use of domestic human and animal products; simple compounding or other manipulations in the clinical setting; using a pharmacy compounding service; using medicated feeds; and using imported pharmaceutical products. These may present legal and ethical issues to the practitioner that he or she may not be aware of. This paper will discuss some of practical and legal implications of these methods (based on U.S. laws), with an emphasis on compounding and extralabel use.

Fertility and germline transmission of donor haplotype following germ cell transplantation in immunocompetent goats.

Transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells into syngeneic or immunosuppressed recipient mice or rats can result in donor-derived spermatogenesis and fertility. Recently, this approach has been employed to introduce a transgene into the male germline. Germ-cell transplantation in species other than laboratory rodents, if successful, holds great promise as an alternative to the inefficient methods currently available to generate transgenic farm animals that can produce therapeutic proteins in their milk or provide organs for transplantation to humans. To explore whether germ-cell transplantation could result in donor-derived spermatogenesis and fertility in immunocompetent recipient goats, testis cells were transplanted from transgenic donor goats carrying a human alpha-1 antitrypsin expression construct to the testes of sexually immature wild-type recipient goats. After puberty, sperm carrying the donor-derived transgene were detected in the ejaculates of two out of five recipients. Mating of one recipient resulted in 15 offspring, one of which was transgenic for the donor-derived transgene. This is the first report of donor cell-derived sperm production and transmission of the donor haplotype to the next generation after germ-cell transplantation in a nonrodent species. Furthermore, these results indicate that successful germ-cell transplantation is feasible between immunocompetent, unrelated animals. In the future, transplantation of genetically modified germ cells may provide a more efficient alternative for production of transgenic domestic animals.

Glucagon-like peptide 2 function in domestic animals

Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) is a member of family of peptides derived from the proglucagon gene expressed in the intestines, pancreas and brain. Tissue-specific posttranslational processing of proglucagon leads to GLP-2 and GLP-1 secretion from the intestine and glucagon secretion from the pancreas. GLP-2 and GLP-1 are co-secreted from the enteroendocrine L-cells located in distal intestine in response to enteral nutrient ingestion, especially carbohydrate and fat. GLP-2 secretion is mediated by direct nutrient stimulation of the L-cells and indirect action from enteroendocrine and neural inputs, including GIP, gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and the vagus nerve. GLP-2 is secreted as a 33-amino acid peptide and is rapidly cleaved by dipeptidylpeptidase IV (DPP-IV) to a truncated peptide which acts as a weak agonist with competitive antagonistic properties. GLP-2 acts to enhance nutrient absorption by inhibiting gastric motility and secretion and stimulating nutrient transport. GLP-2 also suppresses food intake when infused centrally. The trophic actions of GLP-2 are specific for the intestine and occur via stimulation of crypt cell proliferation and suppression of apoptosis in mucosal epithelial cells. GLP-2 reduces gut permeability, bacterial translocation and proinflammatory cytokine expression under conditions of intestinal inflammation and injury. The effects of GLP-2 are mediated by a G-protein-linked receptor that is localized to the intestinal mucosa and hypothalamus. The intestinal localization of the GLP-2R to neural and endocrine cells, but not enterocytes, suggests that its actions are mediated indirectly via a secondary signaling mechanism. The implications of GLP-2 in domestic animal production are largely unexplored. However, GLP-2 may have therapeutic application in treatment of gastrointestinal injury and diarrheal diseases that occur in developing neonatal and weanling animals.

The value of wildlife

The value of wildlife has been widely ignored or under-rated in the past by the international community. At most, wildlife was considered from the limited aesthetic and touristic aspects. This situation has changed somewhat. In the majority of the veterinary profession, which is largely livestock-oriented, wildlife is increasingly considered in terms of wild animal production and occupies just as relevant a position as domestic animal production. Some economists are now trying to quantify the informal nature of a large portion of the wildlife sector. The importance of wildlife to local communities is now globally recognised in community-based or participatory natural resources management programmes. The authors highlight not only the economic importance of wildlife (which amounts to billions of United States dollars world-wide), through consumptive and non-consumptive uses, but also the present and potential nutritional value, the ecological role as well as the socio-cultural significance of wildlife for human societies of both the developed and the developing worlds. Also addressed in this chapter is a discussion on one of the main threats to wildlife conservation which consists of the reduction or even retrieval of the different values wildlife can offer.

The extirpation of large mammals and implications for montane forest conservation: the case of the Kilum-Ijim Forest, North-west Province, Cameroon

A review was carried out of the mammalian fauna of the Kilum-Ijim forest in the mountains of northwest Cameroon. The purpose was to examine the loss of species, particularly of larger mammals, and the implications of this for forest ecology. Information was collected by direct observation, hunter interviews and a literature review. The forest is the largest remaining representative fragment of the West African montane forest habitat. Seventy-seven species of mammal have been recorded in the forest over the last 50 years. Most are small, especially rodents, bats and insectivores. Seven species are endemic to the Kilum-Ijim area. The process of species extirpation probably began over 100 years ago with the loss of the mega-fauna, possibly beginning with elephant Loxodonta africana (several generations ago), and certainly with buffalo Syncerus caffer (at least 20 years ago), and other large mammals. Remaining large mammal population densities are very low and many species are close to regional extinction. The long-term consequences of these extinctions is uncertain but, as many tree species are monkey- or ruminant-dispersed, severe ecosystem damage has probably already occurred. Human population density in the area is around 300 people per sq km, and no sustainable offtake of wild animals will ever be possible that would provide more than a few grams of meat per person per year from the forest. The protein requirements of the communities of the area will have to continue to be supplied from domesticated stock. Since 1987 the Kilum-Ijim Forest Project of BirdLife International has been working to conserve the remaining forest, using a community forestry approach in collaboration with traditional and local authorities and the government of Cameroon. The project is investigating ways to improve the production of domestic animals outside the forest boundary.

The extirpation of large mammals and implications for montane forest conservation: the case of the Kilum-Ijim Forest, North-west Province, Cameroon

AbstractA review was carried out of the mammalian fauna of the Kilum-Ijim forest in the mountains of northwest Cameroon. The purpose was to examine the loss of species, particularly of larger mammals, and the implications of this for forest ecology. Information was collected by direct observation, hunter interviews and a literature review. The forest is the largest remaining representative fragment of the West African montane forest habitat. Seventy-seven species of mammal have been recorded in the forest over the last 50 years. Most are small, especially rodents, bats and insectivores. Seven species are endemic to the Kilum-Ijim area. The process of species extirpation probably began over 100 years ago with the loss of the mega-fauna, possibly beginning with elephant Loxodonta africana (several generations ago), and certainly with buffalo Syncerus caffer (at least 20 years ago), and other large mammals. Remaining large mammal population densities are very low and many species are close to regional extinction. The long-term consequences of these extinctions is uncertain but, as many tree species are monkey- or ruminant-dispersed, severe ecosystem damage has probably already occurred. Human population density in the area is around 300 people per sq km, and no sustainable offtake of wild animals will ever be possible that would provide more than a few grams of meat per person per year from the forest. The protein requirements of the communities of the area will have to continue to be supplied from domesticated stock. Since 1987 the Kilum-Ijim Forest Project of BirdLife International has been working to conserve the remaining forest, using a community forestry approach in collaboration with traditional and local authorities and the government of Cameroon. The project is investigating ways to improve the production of domestic animals outside the forest boundary.

Interactions between fish larvae and bacteria in marine aquaculture

Modern aquaculture provides effective means for intensive seafood production under “controllable” conditions. This rapidly growing industry, however, has experienced relatively severe disease problems owing to lack of control of the microbiota in rearing systems. Disease control is an inherent part of any intensive animal production system; however, in the aquatic environment, the intimate relationship between bacteria and their host and the frequent use of open production systems adds to this challenge. The use of antibiotics in aquatic ecosystems is presently kept to a minimum, and fortunately, vaccines and other health control means have so far kept most diseases under relative control. Various organisms, however, may not respond to vaccines, and new diseases or variants are a constant challenge to the industry. In aquaculture, eggs are kept in incubators with a microflora that differs considerably from that in the sea, and become heavily overgrown with bacteria within hours after fertilisation. Fish larvae ingest bacteria by drinking and are, thus, primed with antigens before active feeding commences. This may result in the formation of an indigenous larval microflora; however, at present, we know little about this process. The microflora of marine invertebrates may harbour bacteria that are pathogenic to other organisms and, thus, invertebrate co-inhabitants or food organisms in aquaculture may serve as vectors for transfection of fish pathogens. In intensive egg production and larviculture, the numbers of bacteria are kept low by various forms of water treatment and disinfection. These approaches, however, may disturb the balance between microbial communities, or favour proliferation of opportunistic bacteria or unpredictable development of bacterial communities. Thus, there is a need for better microbial control during intensive larval production. The use of probiotics has proven advantageous in domestic animal production, and microbial management may also have a potential in aquaculture. Better control of host–microbe interactions is a prerequisite for stable production of marine larvae in intensive systems.

Genetic manipulation of sex differentiation and phenotype in domestic animals

In mammals, a gene based sex determination system ensures that approximately 50% of offspring will be of the male sex and 50% will be of the female sex. In domestic animal production systems, this ratio is not always ideal. Recent advances in our understanding of the molecular biology of sex determination and differentiation, as well as in the control of gene expression and the direct modification of animal genomes, allows us to consider methods for the direct genetic manipulation of sexual phenotype.

Leaf nitrogen concentration of wheat subjected to elevated [CO 2] and either water or N deficits

Leaf N concentration is important because it is associated with the CO 2 assimilatory capacity of crops, and in grasslands, it is an important determinant of forage nutritive value. Consequently, the productivity of both domestic and native animals in future global environments may be closely linked to possible changes in leaf N concentration of grasses. Since grasslands are frequently subjected to water-deficit or N-deficit conditions, it is important to investigate the interactive responses between elevated [CO 2] and these stress conditions. Therefore, this 4-year research program was undertaken with wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) as a model system for forage grasses, to document the potential changes in leaf N concentration in response to global environment changes. Wheat crops grown under field conditions near Phoenix, AZ, USA, were subjected to elevated [CO 2] and either water-deficit or N-deficit treatments using large Free Air Carbon dioxide Enrichment (FACE) arrays. Surprisingly, the elevated [CO 2] treatment under optimum conditions resulted in little change in leaf N concentration. Therefore, no change in the nutritive value of forage from highly managed pastures would be expected. Further, water-deficit treatment had little influence on leaf N concentration. To some extent, the lack of response to the water-deficit treatment resulted because severe deficits did not develop until late in the growing seasons. Only on one date late in the season was the water-deficit treatment found to result in decreased leaf N concentration. The low N treatment in combination with elevated [CO 2], however, had a large influence on leaf N concentration. Low levels of applied N resulted in decreased leaf N concentration under both [CO 2] treatments, but the lowest levels of leaf N concentration were obtained under elevated [CO 2] through much of the growing season. These results point to a potential problem with grasslands in that the nutritive value of the forage consumed by animals will be decreased under future global environment changes.

Application of cloning techniques to domestic animal production and the ethical evaluation

Application of cloning techniques to domestic animal production and the ethical evaluation