Animal Food Research Articles

Longevity records for bird species from the central Monte desert, Argentina

ABSTRACT Longevity is a key life-history parameter of bird species, highly relevant for the development of evolutionary biology, the study of ecological patterns and conservation planning. However, there is a marked paucity of data for Neotropical birds, mainly because estimating longevity requires long-term studies that are very scarce in temperate South America. We report data on the longevity of 25 bird species obtained in an 8-year long-term capture–recapture programme carried out in the Monte desert in Argentina and evaluate the influence of diet and migratory status on this life-history trait. The maximum value recorded was 105 months for Microspingus torquatus and the minimum was 13 months for Synallaxis albescens. Resident birds had higher average longevity than migratory birds, while species consuming mainly plant material had higher longevity values than those consuming mainly animal foods. Our results are similar to the few published records from temperate South America, although more data are needed to assess the impact of diet and migratory behaviour on longevity of Neotropical species.

Changes in the Diet of an Invasive Predatory Crab, Chionoecetes opilio, in the Degrading Benthic Community of an Arctic Fjord.

The introduction of a new species can lead to substantial changes in a new ecosystem. Local and introduced species' survival depends on their ability to adapt to the new environment. Studying such adaptations is often hindered by multiple factors affecting the ecosystem. The introduction of a large predatory snow crab, Chionoecetes opilio, into the Kara Sea, is a unique invasive species affecting an otherwise undisturbed ecosystem. The crab has caused drastic changes in the macro- and megabenthic taxonomic structure, abundance, and biomass of the most common species in an Arctic fjord, Blagopoluchiya Bay. Stomach content and stable isotope analysis were applied to study crabs' feeding habits. As the abundance of the most common prey items diminished, the crabs switched to other less accessible food. Prior to substantial changes in benthic communities, the diet of the snow crabs was similar to that of other invaded and native areas, where animal food predominates. However, with the degradation of the ecosystem, detritus contribution has substantially increased. The changes in prey items did not change the crab's trophic status, and they continued to feed within the same trophic niche. In the depleted benthic communities of Blagopoluchiya Bay, the snow crab is forced to use all available food sources.

Beneficial Effects of Nutraceuticals, Especially Polyphenols on Canine Health

The use of nutraceuticals, mainly phytogenics, is increasingly widespread in animal nutrition, especially in dogs. The materials typically used to provide these very diverse natural compounds come from plants, but lately algae and fungi have also been used. In animal nutrition, these compounds are applied to obtain better results in the production and stability of feed and also as biofunctional substances with benefits for animal health. Polyphenols are natural compounds from the secondary metabolism of plant matter present in animal food (e.g., seeds and nuts, fruits, vegetables, herbs/aromatic plants, spices, cereals, and vegetable oils, among others). Most of the biological effects of these compounds associated with health benefits have been attributed to their antioxidant potential because they can protect cellular elements against oxidative injury, reducing the risk of dysfunctions and diseases associated with oxidative processes. Polyphenols are constituted by multiple families of substances with wide applications in pet therapy and nutrition. In this work, we review the most relevant phytogenic polyphenols, exploring their characteristics, sources, and implications for canine health. Our focus includes the effects on gastrointestinal functions and its microbiota, as well as aspects such as obesity, diabetes, and fat metabolism. Additionally, we examine their impact on cardiovascular, neurological, and immunological systems, along with their potential anti-oncogenic role. Finally, we discuss the overall role of polyphenols in dog diets and their future implications.

Describing the Accumulation, Concentration, and Amplification Effects of MPs Through the Food Chain

Microplastics (MP) are new pollutants that threaten the ecological environment and, therefore, human and animal health. Given the extensive utilization of plastics across various domains, MPs are commonly detected in the atmosphere, water bodies, terrestrial regions, and living organisms. Important accumulation points of MPs are air, soil, and water ecosystems. This study aims to summarize how animals are exposed to environmental MPs, identify the specific organs where these MPs accumulate, and assess the risks associated with different foods. The urrent research on MP pollution in ecosystems generally focuses on organisms living in water and soil, but unfortunately, there are significant deficiencies in the transmission routes of MPs in the food chain from soil to table. MPs build up in animals across the food chain, and their presence in animal- derived food products intensifies during processing and packaging. The transfer of MPs to food-producing animals has been understudied, particularly with regard to the important role of livestock in converting plant nutrients into proteins required for human consumption. It is understood that more research is needed, especially for contamination in animal foods. Conducting comprehensive risk assessments of MPs throughout the entire food chain is extremely important for food safety.

Microbiological Safety and Functional Properties of a Fermented Nut-Based Product

Fermented nut-based products, obtained after soaking and fermentation, are gaining increasing interest as animal food substitutes because of ethical, environmental and health reasons. In these products, Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) perform the fermentation, leading to matrix acidification and contributing to controlling spoilage and pathogenic microbiota. In this work, LAB strains isolated from an artisanal product and combined with a commercial strain were added as starter cultures during nut soaking to produce a cheese-like fermented plant-based product. Three different LAB consortia were used in challenge tests at laboratory scale against Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli or Salmonella Enteritidis, inoculated in nuts at 5 log CFU/g, and monitored for pathogen survival and matrix acidification. The combination of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 82 and Leuc. carnosum 4010 resulted in faster acidification (pH value < 4.4 after 18 h instead of 48 h) and the reduction of target pathogens; L. monocytogenes was already absent after seven days from production, and the counts of E. coli or S. Enteritidis were lower with respect to other samples. Thus, this microbial consortium was used for a pilot-scale production in which, beyond safety, the fermented plant-based product was also characterized for aroma profile and phenolic compounds, parameters that are known to be affected by LAB fermentation. The results showed an enhancement of the aroma profile, with an accumulation of molecules able to confer cheese-like notes (i.e., acetoin and diacetyl) and higher phenolic content, as well as the presence of compounds (i.e., phenyllactic acid and hydroxyphenyllactic acid) that could exert antimicrobial activity. This study allowed us to set up a guided fermentation for a cheese-like vegan product, guaranteeing safety and improving aromatic and functional features.

Development of a Method for the Determination of Rifaximin and Rifampicin Residues in Foods of Animal Origin.

Rifaximin and rifampicin are good broad-spectrum antimicrobials. The irrational use of antimicrobial drugs in veterinary clinics could threaten public health and food safety. It is necessary to develop a reliable detection method of the residue for enhancing the rational supervision of the use of such drugs, reducing and slowing down the generation of bacterial resistance, and promoting animal food safety and human health. So, this study developed an LC-MS/MS method for the detection of rifaximin and rifampicin residues in animal-origin foods. The residual rifaximin and rifampicin of homogenized test materials were extracted with acetonitrile-dichloromethane solution or acetonitrile in the presence of anhydrous sodium sulfate and vitamin C, purified by dispersible solid phase extraction, determined by LC-MS/MS, and quantified by the internal standard method. The specificity, sensitivity, matrix effect, accuracy, and precision of the method were investigated in the edible tissues of cattle, swine, or chicken. In addition, the stability of the standard stock solution and the standard working solution was also investigated. The method was suitable for the muscle, liver, kidney, fat, milk, and eggs of cattle, swine, or chicken, as well as fish and shrimp. The specificity of the method was good, and the detection of the analytes was not affected by different matrices. Both the LOD and LOQ of the two analytes were 5 μg/kg and 10 μg/kg, respectively. The results of matrix effects in each tissue were in the range of 80-120%; there were no significant matrix effects. The average accuracy of rifaximin and rifampicin in different foodstuffs of animal origin was between 80% and 120%, and the method precision was below 20% (RSD). The proposed method showed good performance for determination, which could be employed for the extraction, purification, and detection of residual rifaximin and rifampicin in edible animal tissues. The pretreatment procedure of tissue samples was simple and feasible. The method was highly specific, stable, reliable, and with high sensitivity, accuracy, and precision, which met the requirements of quantitative detection of veterinary drug residues.

Negative Effects of Occurrence of Mycotoxins in Animal Feed and Biological Methods of Their Detoxification: A Review.

Secondary metabolic products of molds, called mycotoxins, negatively affect animal health and production. They constitute a significant problem in veterinary and medical sciences, and their presence has been confirmed in feed all over the world. Applying appropriate agricultural practices and ensuring proper storage conditions significantly reduces the contamination of agricultural products with mycotoxins. However, this does not guarantee that raw materials are completely free from contamination. Many detoxification methods are currently used, but their insufficient effectiveness and negative impact on the quality of the raw material subjected to them significantly limits their usefulness. The positive results of eliminating mycotoxins from many products have been proven by the specific properties of microorganisms (bacteria, yeast, and fungi) and the enzymes they produce. Biological detoxification methods seem to offer the most promising opportunities to solve the problem of the presence of mycotoxins in animal food. This work, based on literature data, presents the health risks to farm animals consuming mycotoxins with feed and discusses the biological methods of their purification.

Mutagenesis selection and large-scale cultivation of non-green Chlamydomonas reinhardtii for food applications.

The green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is an accepted food ingredient in the United States of America (United States), the European Union, Singapore, and China. It can be consumed in unlimited quantities. As this alga is rich in nutrients, proteins, and rough polysaccharides and contains a balanced proportion of various amino acids, it is an excellent raw material for food production. Although various edible brown and green algae are available on the market, their color and strong grassy flavor have constrained their popularity among consumers, thereby limiting their application in food additives and animal feed. Chlorophyll-deficient C. reinhardtii mutants were developed using atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) technology. A yellow-colored C. reinhardtii variant (A7S80) cultivated in dark conditions was isolated. This light-sensitive variant has a mutation in the chlM gene, and it can grow heterotrophically using acetate as a carbon source. Compared to wild-type C. reinhardtii, A7S80 has significantly lower chlorophyll levels, reduced grassy flavor, and more diverse pigments, with considerable potential for commercial application in human and animal food production, as well as in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Association between automatic milking system parameters and intramammary infections in dairy cows at dry-off

IntroductionThe current global concern over increasing antimicrobial resistance among animal and human pathogens has motivated efforts to reduce antimicrobial drug use in food animals and its impact on antimicrobial resistance. One such strategy is to use selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) in dairy cows, which involves treating only cows with intramammary infection (IMI) at dry-off. However, efficient methods are needed to identify cows with IMI at dry-off to implement SDCT. Automatic Milking Systems (AMS) data may help farmers identify cows with IMI when individual Somatic Cell Count (SCC) is not routinely tested. This study assessed the correlation between cow-level and quarter-level AMS parameters and IMI at dry-off.Methods & ResultsA total of 733 udder quarters (comprising both Primiparous [PRIM] and Multiparous [MULT] cows) were sampled and categorized for IMI based on bacterial growth and SCC. Data were aggregated both daily and into 7-day and 15-day intervals preceding dry-off. The quarter-level prevalence of bacterial growth at dry-off was 24.28% overall. When stratified by parity, logistic regression analysis at 15 days to dry-off revealed that the average difference in mastitis detection index (MDi) in PRIM, MDi, and standard deviation milk flow rate in MULT were associated with increased odds of IMI at dry-off. Similarly, data from 7 days to dry-off revealed that average peak milk flow rate in PRIM, and MDi in MULT were associated with increased odds of IMI at dry-off. However, an increase in average milk yield was associated with decreased odds of IMI.Discussion & ConclusionOur findings underscore the significance of MDi, milk flow rate, peak milk flow rate, and milk yield in predicting IMI at dry-off. Notably, stronger associations were observed with data collected 7 days preceding dry-off. Further research is warranted to refine and validate algorithms amalgamating these variables for precise IMI prediction in cows at dry-off.

Study of transport, tissue distribution, depletion, and hepatotoxicity of Cyadox, a quinoxaline-1,4-dioxide derivative.

Cyadox (CYA) is a derivative of quinoxaline 1,4-dioxide and a safe and effective synthetic antibacterial agent. This study aimed to explore the drug transport in blood, distribution, depletion and hepatotoxicity of drugs in animals. The transport of CYA in blood was studied using fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD) and molecular docking methods. Tissue distribution and depletion of CYA in rats were evaluated following oral administration of [3H]-CYA at different doses. Hepatotoxicity of drugs evaluated by transcriptomics. During transport in the bloodstream, the drug binds to bovine serum albumin (BSA) by hydrogen bonding and has only one binding site. Hydrogen bonds were formed between O (2) of CYA and ARG208, O (3) of CYA and LEU480, VAL481. The secondary protein conformation of BSA changed after binding with an increase in α-helix and a decrease in β-strand. After a single oral administration of [3H]-CYA, it was excreted rapidly within 7days, with 34.81% from the urine and 60.25% from the feces. Higher and sustained levels of radioactivity were detected in the liver during the post-dose period, suggesting that the drug may concentrate in the liver. The transcriptomic data indicates that CYA exhibits low hepatotoxicity. However, there are indications that it may have an impact on steroid biosynthesis. This study could serve as a basis for conducting further studies on the use of CYA in food animals and improving the pharmacologic, pharmacokinetic, and toxicologic effects of CYA on food animals.

Combatting stunting: The vital role of animal protein in early childhood nutrition

Stunting is a global issue that significantly affects the quality of human resources and a nation's future competitiveness. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the role of animal protein in preventing stunting in early childhood using an exploratory approach. The procedures were carried out using a qualitative descriptive design by conducting a literature review and collecting secondary data. The results showed that animal foods (eggs, milk, and meat) contained bioactive compounds and essential amino acid profiles (valine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, lysine, histidine, methionine, and threonine), indicating the ability to provide the required nutrients and prevent stunting. In addition, optimizing nutrition in the first 1000 days of life starting from the conception phase until the age of 2 years by consuming a variety of nutritious foods containing animal protein at every meal was expected to prevent the condition. The results also revealed that providing sufficient animal foods that were physically and economically accessible to all individuals in society was a major challenge. Therefore, efforts were needed from the government to realize the goal of reducing stunting in Indonesia. Keywords: Stunting, Early Childhood, Animal Foods, Protein

Dietary patterns among children and adolescents in Germany consuming vegetarian, vegan or omnivore diets: results of the VeChi Youth Study

PurposeTo identify dietary patterns of vegetarian, vegan and omnivore children and adolescents in Germany and to examine associations with nutrient intake.MethodsFirst, three principal component analyses based on 17–22 food groups were used to identify dietary patterns among vegetarians (n = 145, 3-day weighed dietary records), vegans (n = 110) and omnivores (n = 135) from the cross-sectional Vegetarian and Vegan Children and Youth (VeChi Youth) Study (2017–2019, 6–18 years, 57% girls). Secondly, these patterns were correlated (Spearman correlations) with energy and nutrient intakes.ResultsAmong vegetarians, 3 dietary patterns were identified (“Animal foods”, “Vegetables and fruits”, “Meat alternatives and potatoes”) accounting for 32.7% of the variance in food group intake. In the vegan group, 4 patterns were identified (“Vegetables and legumes”, “Refined carbohydrates”, “Meat alternatives and juices”, “Fruits and convenience foods”) accounting for 43.2% of the variance. Among omnivores, 5 (“Flexitarian”, “Vegetables and fruits”, “Dairy Products”, “meat and convenience foods”, “Refined grains and juices”) patterns accounting for 43.0% of the variance could be identified. Regardless of diet group, both more favorable dietary patterns (“Vegetables and fruits”, “Meat alternatives and potatoes”, “Vegetables and legumes”, “Fruits and convenience food”, “Flexitarian”) correlated with higher micronutrient density and less favorable dietary patterns (“Animal foods”, “Refined carbohydrates”, “Meat alternatives and juices”, “Dairy products”, “Meat and convenience food”, “Refined grains and juices”) with unfavorable nutrient profiles were found.ConclusionVarious dietary patterns exist within omnivore, vegetarian, and vegan diets of children and adolescents, which differ in their contribution to nutrient intake. It is therefore necessary to distinguish between different dietary patterns, also within the vegetarian and vegan diet.

Yogurt as a fermented food for healthy and sustainable daily consumption. Recommendations to the population

Yogurt has been valued very positively for centuries, but the concern for food sustainability and the fact that it is a food of animal origin has raised doubts about the consumption that may be convenient. The objective of this work is to deepen the topic and establish recommendations for the population. From the nutritional point of view, yogurt is a valuable food, for its high content, quality and bioavailability of its nutrients, in a low energy content, its components together with probiotic microorganisms are provided in a matrix that helps achieve greater nutritional and health benefit. Regular consumption of yogurt has been linked to cardiovascular protection, against diabetes, excess weight, cancer, bone health. Thinking about environmental sustainability, yogurt production is not particularly dangerous, as the kg of CO2 eq (greenhouse gases) associated with their production are the lowest obtained compared to other animal foods and even lower than those associated with the production of some plant foods and the supply of nutrients per 1000 kcal, per 100 g, or per euro is one of the highest available. There is the possibility to further improve sustainability with improvements in animal feed, packaging, transport, etc. Considering this evidence, the daily consumption of yogurt / fermented milk should be included in the food guidelines, not only as one more milk option, but specifying a specific consumption such as a ration / day, this pattern can be useful from the nutritional point of view and for the improvement of public health.

Development of machine learning-based quantitative structure–activity relationship models for predicting plasma half-lives of drugs in six common food animal species

Abstract Plasma half-life is a crucial pharmacokinetic parameter for estimating extralabel withdrawal intervals of drugs to ensure the safety of food products derived from animals. This study focuses on developing a quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) model incorporating multiple machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms, and aims to predict the plasma half-lives of drugs in 6 food animals, including cattle, chickens, goats, sheep, swine, and turkeys. By integrating 4 machine learning algorithms with 5 molecular descriptor types, 20 QSAR models were developed using data from the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) Comparative Pharmacokinetic Database. The deep neural network (DNN) algorithm demonstrated the best prediction ability of plasma half-lives. The DNN model with all descriptors achieved superior performance with a high coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.82 ± 0.19 in 5-fold cross-validation on the training sets and an R2 of 0.67 on the independent test set, indicating accurate predictions and good generalizability. The final model was converted to a user-friendly web dashboard to facilitate its wide application by the scientific community. This machine learning-based QSAR model serves as a valuable tool for predicting drug plasma half-lives and extralabel withdrawal intervals in 6 common food animals based on physicochemical properties. It also provides a foundation to develop more advanced models to predict the tissue half-life of drugs in food animals.

EXAMINATION OF THE DYNAMICS OF ANALYZES PERFORMED FOR THE PRESENCE OF RADIONUCLEIDE RESIDUES IN FOOD IN THE PERIOD 2019-2023 IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

The main focus of this research is to determine the extent of analyzes performed for the presence of radionuclides in food, their dynamics, which radionuclides are present in food, and how much their radioactivity was in the period 2019-2023. The research covers the period from January 01, 2019. until December 31, 2023. The data we used to conduct this research were obtained from the Public Health Institute of R. N. Macedonia. The tests were carried out with accredited methods and by the Regulation on the maximum allowed amounts of radionuclides in food, water, air, land, products, and raw materials of animal and plant origin and objects for general use. Relative numbers and trends are used as statistical methods of work. According to the results, in the period 2019-2023, radionuclides were analyzed in 6065 samples (2711 samples from imports, and 3354 samples from domestic production). The largest amount of radioactivity analyzes were performed in the group of mushrooms (51%) and the group of grain and flour (44%). The scope of analyzes performed for the presence of radionuclide residues in food in R.N. Macedonia shows a downward trend. In the analyzed products, no radioactivity above the limit values was detected (except in 2020 when only in 1 product from the mushroom group - dry morel) detected a value for Cs-137 = 662.8 Bq/kg, and the maximum allowed value is 600 Bq/kg ). It can be concluded from the study that food is safe in terms of the presence of radionuclide residues, but work should be done to increase the volume of analyzes performed for the presence of radionuclides in food, as well as to increase the coverage of different groups of products (fruit, vegetables, coffee, tea, etc.) in which such analyzes would be performed.

Effects of antibiotic and disinfectant exposure on the mouse gut microbiome and immune function.

Disinfectants are extensively employed across various sectors, such as the food sector. Disinfectants are widely used in various sectors, including the food processing industry, animal husbandry, households, and pharmaceuticals. Their extensive application risks environmental contamination, impacting water and soil quality. However, the effect of disinfectant exposure on the gut microbiome and the immune function of animals remains a significant, unresolved issue with profound public health implications. This highlights the need for increased scrutiny and more regulated use of disinfectants to mitigate unintended consequences on gut health and maintain immune system integrity.

Potential uses of silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori L.) in food, feed, and other industries: a systematic review.

The increasing pressures imposed on ecosystems by the growing needs of the human population are stimulus for research into innovative and unconventional sources of raw materials for different industries. This systematic review was carried out to investigate the available literature on the possible industrial uses of silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) pupae, a residue of silk production. The review was conducted using an adapted version of PRISMA. After a screening process, 105 articles were obtained and subjected to a detailed quantitative and qualitative analysis. It was found that in the last decade there has been a significant increase in the number of papers devoted to the study of the potential use of silkworm pupae in different applications, with a significantly higher number in the last three years of the scope of this review, indicating a growing interest in the subject. From the analysis of the information collected, promising uses in human and animal food, such as fish, mammalian, poultry, swine and companion animals, as well as potential uses for the pharmaceutical industry, were identified. The evaluated research identified compounds with antioxidant activity and important contents of unsaturated fatty acids, which are related to beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, diabetes control, reduction of the risk of developing certain types of cancer and inflammatory activity, among other benefits. One of the most relevant findings is that many studies report a significant concentration of α-linolenic acid in silkworm pupae oil, which is attributed with anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-obesity and neuroprotective properties, among others.

PSIX-6 Algal oil as an alternative source of docosahexaenoic acid in feline diets

Abstract The global demand for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation by humans and their necessity in companion animal foods has raised questions related to environmental sustainability and nutrient content of fish oil. The combination of reported diminishing EPA and DHA content in fish oil and the forecasting of a significant decline in global fish stocks over the next decade make it critical to consider alternative sources of omega-3 fatty acids to reduce dependence on fish harvests. Cultured algal oil has been identified as a promising and viable alternative to fish-based oils. As such, the purpose of this study was to determine the inclusion level of algal oil in cat foods necessary to deliver the same serum concentrations of DHA provided from fish oil. Cats (n = 26) were first fed a control food formulated to avoid ingredients that contain long chain omega-3 fatty acids [ɑ-linolenic (ALA), EPA, and DHA] for 5 wk, to establish a baseline serum concentrations of these fatty acids. Cats were then randomized into two groups, and fed test foods containing either fish oil or algal oil in sequential increasing levels of DHA (0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%) for 5-wk periods each. Blood was analyzed for serum DHA and EPA concentrations after each of these feeding periods. A regression analysis was used to calculate a bioequivalence factor between fish oil and algal oil inclusion levels. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in intake or body weight between cats consuming diets containing algal oil or fish oil. Analysis of serum fatty acid concentrations showed that increasing fish and algal oil had no effect (P > 0.05) on serum linolenic acid, ALA, or arachidonic acid; however, increasing fish and algal oil did have an effect on DHA such that serum DHA was increased at similar rates as fish oil (P = 0.050) and algal oil (P = 0.026) levels were increased in the diet. Although increasing levels of fish and algal oil both increased serum EPA concentrations (P < 0.001), fish oil increased serum EPA to a greater extent than algal oil when fed at all levels. Overall, these data indicate that inclusion of algal oil is a good alternative dietary source of DHA, but less of EPA, and that algal oil will need to be added to the diet in higher concentrations to achieve similar serum EPA concentrations as fish oil.

Exploring a novel direct-fed microbial for ruminants to mitigate in vitro Salmonella invasion and infection

Abstract Managing bacterial infections is of great importance in cattle production, particularly those caused by Salmonella enterica serovars Typhimurium or Dublin, which can impact both animal health and human food safety. Direct-fed microbial (DFM) can support gastrointestinal health and alleviate potential bacterial infections. In the present study, the capacity of a bacteria-based DFM product [BOVAMINE DEFEND Plus; BDP; Novonesis, Denmark (BDP)] containing Lactobacillus animalis, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, Bacillus licheniformis, and B. subtilis to reduce Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC14028 invasion was investigated using the HT29-MTX cell line (Exp. 1) and also to evaluate the possible antagonistic effect against S. Dublin using an in vitro agar well diffusion method (Exp. 2). Briefly, in Exp. 1, after a 30 min pre-incubation with 1.0 ×108 CFU of BDP and/or 2.5 × 106 CFU of S. Typhimurium were added to each transwell. The quantity of S. Typhimurium invading the cells was measured after 90 min of co-incubation using CFU counts. As a control, the viability of the total S. Typhimurium was assessed to confirm the mode of action of BDP targets the pathogen invasion properties. In Exp. 2, the antagonistic efficacy of BDP against S. Dublin CHCC41286, isolated from cattle, was tested by adding BDP to wells in CLED agar plates casted with the pathogen above, zones of inhibition measured after 48 h incubation. In Exp. 1, BDP significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by 80.6 % the invasion of S. typhimurium into HT-29-MTX cells as well as from 16 % the viability of the pathogen. The antagonistic properties of BDP towards S. Dublin were confirmed by clear inhibition zones (8.6 mm). These two in vitro findings set the stage for exploring the potential benefits of using a novel DFM as a promising tool and strategy to mitigate Salmonella infections in ruminants and improve animal health, food safety, and public health. Further in vivo confirmation needs to be developed to validate these preliminary in vitro results.

43 Approaches for improving nitrogen utilization efficiency and environmental sustainability of pork production systems

Abstract Nitrogen (N) is an essential element for life, but due to its inefficient utilization, N waste and emissions generated have exceeded the planetary boundaries and ability of the Earth to effectively overcome these environmentally detrimental effects. Global food animal production contributes 29 to 34% of total global N emissions, with pork supply chains contributing about 16% of these emissions. Life cycle N use efficiency (NUE) of U.S. pork production is only about 56%, which is similar to broiler (55%) and egg (50%) production, but greater than beef (10%) and milk (31%) production. However, only about 10 to 44% of dietary N is converted into edible pork products. While genetic improvement has increased NUE associated with improved lean growth rate, improvement in litter size has led to an increased proportion of low-birth-weight pigs that have reduced NUE. Although metabolic modifiers including porcine somatotropin, ractopamine, and immunocastration improve NUE, they are not feasible or acceptable to consumers in many countries. Separate sex feeding and reducing market weight can also improve NUE. Ultimately feeding program design and implementation have the greatest potential to improve NUE because feed is associated with 70% of N emissions in pork production systems. Multi-objective feed formulation using Life Cycle Assessment environmental impact data of feed ingredients, precision feed formulation and feeding practices to overcome variability in digestible nutrient content of feed ingredients and nutritional requirements of pigs fed in groups, feed processing to enhance energy and nutrient digestibility, and minimizing feed wastage offer the greatest opportunity to improve NUE and environmental sustainability. There are substantial differences in greenhouse gas emissions and embedded water and land use associated with growing-finishing feeding programs depending on the dietary proportions of corn, soybean meal, distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), and crystalline amino acids among U.S. geographic regions. Furthermore, addition of thermally processed supermarket food waste to corn-soybean meal (CSBM) diets can significantly reduce environmental impacts and diet cost without compromising growth performance and carcass composition compared with current commercial feeding programs. Although growing-finishing feeding programs using CSBM diets with minimal crystalline amino acids result in greater N intake, N retained, and urinary N excretion compared with feeding low protein, crystalline amino acid supplemented (LP) diets, and diets containing 30% DDGS, growth performance and carcass composition are optimized and impacts on climate change, marine and freshwater eutrophication, and fossil resource are reduced by feeding CSBM diets compared with feeding LP or DDGS diets. Sourcing and using feed ingredients with reduced environmental impact metrics along with precision diet formulation and feeding practices to ensure “getting the right amount of energy and nutrients in the right feed fed to the right pigs at the right time” can improve NUE and environmental sustainability of pork production systems.