Horse Feces Research Articles

Genomic convergence between Akkermansia muciniphila in different mammalian hosts

BackgroundAkkermansia muciniphila is a member of the human gut microbiota where it resides in the mucus layer and uses mucin as the sole carbon, nitrogen and energy source. A. muciniphila is the only representative of the Verrucomicrobia phylum in the human gut. However, A. muciniphila 16S rRNA gene sequences have also been found in the intestines of many vertebrates.ResultsWe detected A. muciniphila-like bacteria in the intestines of animals belonging to 15 out of 16 mammalian orders. In addition, other species belonging to the Verrucomicrobia phylum were detected in fecal samples. We isolated 10 new A. muciniphila strains from the feces of chimpanzee, siamang, mouse, pig, reindeer, horse and elephant. The physiology and genome of these strains were highly similar in comparison to the type strain A. muciniphila MucT. Overall, the genomes of the new strains showed high average nucleotide identity (93.9 to 99.7%). In these genomes, we detected considerable conservation of at least 75 of the 78 mucin degradation genes that were previously detected in the genome of the type strain MucT.ConclusionsThe low genomic divergence observed in the new strains may indicate that A. muciniphila favors mucosal colonization independent of the differences in hosts. In addition, the conserved mucus degradation capability points towards a similar beneficial role of the new strains in regulating host metabolic health.

Equine Intestinal O-Seroconverting Temperate Coliphage Hf4s: Genomic and Biological Characterization.

Tailed bacteriophages constitute the bulk of the intestinal viromes of vertebrate animals. However, the relationships between lytic and lysogenic lifestyles of phages in these ecosystems are not always clear and may vary between the species or even between the individuals. The human intestinal (fecal) viromes are dominated mostly by temperate phages, while in horse feces virulent phages are more prevalent. To our knowledge, all the previously reported isolates of horse fecal coliphages are virulent. Temperate coliphage Hf4s was isolated from horse feces, from the indigenous equine Escherichia coli 4s strain. It is a podovirus related to the Lederbergvirus genus (including the well-characterized Salmonella bacteriophage P22). Hf4s recognizes the host O antigen as its primary receptor and possesses a functional O antigen seroconversion cluster that renders the lysogens protected from superinfection by the same bacteriophage and also abolishes the adsorption of some indigenous equine virulent coliphages, such as DT57C, while other phages, such as G7C or phiKT, retain the ability to infect E. coli 4s (Hf4s) lysogens. IMPORTANCE The relationships between virulent and temperate bacteriophages and their impact on high-density symbiotic microbial ecosystems of animals are not always clear and may vary between species or even between individuals. The horse intestinal virome is dominated by virulent phages, and Hf4s is the first temperate equine intestinal coliphage characterized. It recognizes the host O antigen as its primary receptor and possesses a functional O antigen seroconversion cluster that renders the lysogens protected from superinfection by some indigenous equine virulent coliphages, such as DT57C, while other phages, such as G7C or phiKT, retain the ability to infect E. coli 4s (Hf4s) lysogens. These findings raise questions on the significance of bacteriophage-bacteriophage interactions within the ecology of microbial viruses in mammal intestinal ecosystems.

Probiotic potential of Lactobacillus isolated from horses and its therapeutic effect on DSS-induced colitis in mice

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a refractory disease that endangers both humans and animals. In recent times, Lactobacillus have been used to treat animal diseases. It may be a good choice to try to isolate Lactobacillus with probiotic potential to treat IBD. Equine, as a kind of hindgut fermentation animal has rich intestinal microflora, but data regarding this is scarce. The isolation of Lactobacillus with probiotic potential from equine may become a new method for the treatment of IBD.Four isolates of Lactobacillus were isolated from fresh feces of healthy male adult horses and analyzed their biological characteristics. According to the phylogenetic analysis, A2.5 and A7.1 were identified as Pediococcus pentosaceus, A3 as Lactobacillus plantarum, and B8.2 as Weissella cibaria. All four isolates showed tolerance to the environment of acid, bile salt concentration and simulated artificial gastrointestinal fluid. The hydrophobic rate and self-aggregation rate of A3 were close to 100%, and the adhesion rate was 28.85 ± 0.74%. Four isolates were negative in hemolysis test and sensitive to common antibiotics and different isolates had different sensitivity to antibiotics. The four isolates had antibacterial and antioxidant activities which can reflect their probiotic potential. Furthermore, they could regulate the LPS (Lipopolysaccharides) stimulated Caco-2 cells. We chose A3 as the treatment strain to intervene Dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced mice. The results showed that compared with DSS group, DSS + A3 group exhibited reduced Disease activity index (DAI), increased colon length, reduced pathological score and regulated cytokine secretion at the level of gene expression. In this study, four isolates of Lactobacillus with probiotic potential were isolated, and Lactobacillus plantarum A3 with reduced ulcerative colitis in mice was screened. It might provide a potential treatment for IBD.

Assessment on In Vitro Probiotic Attributes of Lactobacillus plantarum Isolated From Horse Feces

This study was designed to assess in vitro probiotic attributes of potent bacterium isolated from the feces of healthy horse. Initially, a total of eight bacteria were isolated from the feces and evaluated their antibacterial activities against indicator bacterial pathogens using agar well diffusion assay. Results showed significant (P < .05) antibacterial property of Lactobacillus plantarum strain LF4 against pathogens tested with maximum growth inhibitory activity of 320.16 ± 3.4 AU/mL against Staphylococcus aureus. Further, in vitro probiotic properties of strain LF4 were determined using standard methodologies. Strain LF4 maintained its viability towards acidic condition (pH 2.0) and simulated gastric juice (pH 2.0) with total cell counts of 1.6 ± 0.18 and 1.7 ± 0.18 log cfu/mL, respectively. Moreover, the strain was observed resistant to oxgall (0.5% w/v) up to 36 hours. The isolate showed significant (P < .05) hydrophobicity property (60.3 ± 1.6%), auto-aggregation trait (41.31 ± 1.5%), and moderate proteolytic activity. Strain LF4 revealed significant (P < .05) rate of DPPH scavenging (15.3 ± 1.3-69.7 ± 1.3%) and hydroxyl radical scavenging (11.3 ± 1.3 to 56.4 ± 1.3%) in a concentration dependent manner. Additionally, the isolate was observed susceptible to all the conventional antibiotics tested, thereby indicating its safer utilization. In conclusion, findings suggested the colossal applications of L. plantarum strain LF4 as an ideal probiotic bacterium in equine industries.

Detection of pathogens in blood or feces of adult horses with enteric disease and association with outcome of colitis.

BackgroundRates of detecting ≥1 potential enteric pathogens (PEP) or toxins (PEP‐T) in feces, blood, or both of horses ≥6 months of age with enteric disease and impact of multiple detections on outcome of horses with colitis has not been reported.ObjectiveTo determine detection rates of PEP/PEP‐T in feces, blood, or both of horses with enteric disease and effect of detecting multiple agents on outcome of horses with colitis.AnimalsThirty‐seven hundred fifty‐three fecal samples submitted to IDEXX Laboratories and 239 fecal and blood samples submitted to Michigan State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MSUVDL).MethodsRetrospective evaluation of PEP/PEP‐T testing results was performed to determine rates of detection of 1 or more PEP/PEP‐T. Impact of detecting multiple agents on outcome was assessed in 239 horses hospitalized for colitis.ResultsOne or more PEP/PEP‐T was detected in 1175/3753 (31.3%) and 145/239 (60.7%) of samples submitted to IDEXX Laboratories and MSUVDL, respectively. In a hospitalized cohort, survival to discharge was lower (76%) in horses with 1 agent, compared to horses with either no (88%) or multiple (89%) agents. There was no difference (P = .78) in days of hospitalization between horses with 0 (1–17), 1 (1–33), and > 1 positive (1–20) result. There was no difference in cost of hospitalization (P = .25) between horses with 0 ($2357, $1110‐15 553), 1 ($2742, $788‐11 005), and >1 positive ($2560, $1091‐10 895) result.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceDetection rates of PEP/PEP‐T in horses with colitis vary with cohorts and tests performed. Detection of more than 1 PEP or PEP‐T did not affect outcome.

Prevalence of extended-spectrum cephalosporin-, carbapenem-, and fluoroquinolone-resistant members of the family Enterobacteriaceae isolated from the feces of horses and hospital surfaces at two equine specialty hospitals.

To estimate the prevalence of extended-spectrum cephalosporin-, carbapenem-, and fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae in the feces of hospitalized horses and on hospital surfaces. Fecal and environmental samples were collected from The Ohio State University Galbreath Equine Center (OSUGEC) and a private referral equine hospital in Kentucky (KYEH). Feces were sampled within 24 hours after hospital admission and after 48 hours and 3 to 7 days of hospitalization. Fecal and environmental samples were enriched, and then selective media were inoculated to support growth of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria that expressed resistance phenotypes to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, carbapenems, and fluoroquinolones. 358 fecal samples were obtained from 143 horses. More samples yielded growth of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria that expressed resistance phenotypes (AmpC β-lactamase, OR = 4.2; extended-spectrum beta-lactamase, OR = 3.2; and fluoroquinolone resistance, OR = 4.0) after 48 hours of hospitalization, versus within 24 hours of hospital admission. Horses hospitalized at KYEH were at greater odds of having fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria (OR = 2.2). At OSUGEC, 82%, 64%, 0%, and 55% of 164 surfaces had Enterobacteriaceae bacteria with AmpC β-lactamase phenotype, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase phenotype, resistance to carbapenem, and resistance to fluoroquinolones, respectively; prevalences at KYEH were similarly distributed (52%, 32%, 1%, and 35% of 315 surfaces). Results indicated that antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacteriaceae may be isolated from the feces of hospitalized horses and from the hospital environment. Hospitalization may lead to increased fecal carriage of clinically important antimicrobial-resistance genes.

PRODUKTIVITAS CACING SUTRA ( Tubifex sp ) DALAM SUBSTRAT YANG BERBEDA

Cultivation of silk worms has not much done by community although the need of silk worm’s cultivation has incresed continuesly time by time. In Fact, the process of cultivation relatively easy and also media for slik worm’s habitat is overfolwing. Therefore, the use of several substrate as media silk worm’s habitat is needed todo. The research was conducted at perum Green Hill Blok B8 for 5 weeks, starts from May until June 2019. This research was aimed to analysing the influence of silidity and the grade of silk worm’s protein after being given some different substrates, by using experimental method and randomized grup designed (RGD) wiht 4 treatments and 3 grup. P1 (control), treatment A (using goat feces), treatment B (using horse feces), treatment C(using cow feces). From those treatments, it can be concluded that different substrat showed a significant effect to absolute weight and the grade of silk worm’s protein. The highest score of absolute weight was resulted from treatment C for 6,7 gram’s and the lowest score was resulted from P1 (control) for 2,9 grams. Mean while. The highest protein content was resulted from treatment C 9,2%. It’s on cow feces

Prevalence and degree of gastrointestinal nematode infection of horses (Equus caballus) used as public transport in Mataram city, Indonesia

Horses of Equus caballus species which are used as public transportation in the form of Cidomo (traditional horse cart) in Mataram City need to be considered about their welfare and health. A common problem in horses is gastrointestinal nematode worms that can induce negative health effects on horses. Furthermore, the infective larvae of nematodes can survive in the environment under optimum conditions of temperature and humidity. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and degree of infection of gastrointestinal nematodes in horses used as public transportation (Cidomo) in Mataram City. The cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2020 to collect feces of Cidomo horses at 8 traditional markets in Mataram City. A total of 131 feces of horses as Cidomo were taken directly from the rectum of Cidomo horses by the purposive method. The Morphology, prevalence of nematode egg, and Egg per gram (EPG) for a degree of infection were used examined using the floating McMaster technique. Morphological data and the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes in horses (Equus caballus) as Cidomo were presented descriptively, and the EPG value was analyzed by the Anova test, while the degree of infection has been categorized as low, medium, and high levels. The eggs of gastrointestinal nematodes (Trichosstrongylus spp, Strongylus spp, and Capillaria spp) have been found in feces of horses as Cidomo at 8 traditional markets in Mataram City with a prevalence of 74.04% (97/131). The EPG value of the gastrointestinal nematode of feces of horses as Cidomo between 8 traditional markets in Mataram City showed no significant difference with p > 0.05 (p-value = 0.227). Overall the degree of infection of gastrointestinal nematodes in horses (Equus caballus) as Cidomo in Mataram City was a medium level with a mean value of EPG = 547.628 ± 82.059 The results showed that the gastrointestinal nematodes have been infected horses as Cidomo in 8 traditional markets in Mataram City with a medium level of infection degree.

The complete genome and comparative analysis of the phage phiC120 infecting multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella strains.

Phages infecting Salmonella and Escherichia coli are promising agents for therapeutics and biological control of these foodborne pathogens, in particular those strains with resistance to several antibiotics. In an effort to assess the potential of the phage phiC120, a virulent phage isolated from horse feces in Mexico, we characterized its morphology, host range and complete genome. Herein, we showed that phiC120 possesses strong lytic activity against several multidrug-resistant E. coli O157: H7 and Salmonella strains, and its morphology indicated that is a member of Myoviridae family. The phiC120 genome is double-stranded DNA and consists of 186,570 bp in length with a 37.6% G + C content. A total of 281 putative open reading frames (ORFs) and two tRNAs were found, where 150 ORFs encoded hypothetical proteins with unknown function. Comparative analysis showed that phiC120 shared high similarity at nucleotide and protein levels with coliphages RB69 and phiE142. Detailed phiC120 analysis revealed that ORF 94 encodes a putative depolymerase, meanwhile genes encoding factors associated with lysogeny, toxins, and antibiotic resistance were absent; however, ORF 95 encodes a putative protein with potential allergenic and pro-inflammatory properties, making needed further studies to guarantee the safety of phiC120 for human use. The characterization of phiC120 expands our knowledge about the biology of coliphages and provides novel insights supporting its potential for the development of phage-based applications to control unwanted bacteria.

Molecular identification of tapeworms from Konik Polski horses from Biebrza National Park.

Tapeworm infections in Konik Polski horses from Biebrza National Park were investigated in this study. Faecal samples were collected 10 times: in 2012 - 1 time, in 2013 - 4 times, in 2014 - 4 times and in 2015 - 1 time. In total, 162 faecal samples were collected and tested. Faecal egg counts (FECs) method was used in the study. Positive samples with cestode eggs were noted only twice - in October 2012 and December 2013 in two adult mares (9 and 11 years old). The determined prevalence was surprisingly low comparing to other studies, 4.3% in October 2013 and 28.5% in December 2013. Parasite genomic DNA was isolated from posterior proglottids of tapeworms found in horse faeces after deworming, PCR technique was applied in order to determine the species of these tapeworms. No specific products were obtained using primers specific to rDNA sequence, whereas, a 620 bp fragment encoding mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) was amplified and sequenced. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed a 100% homology to a corresponding fragment form Anoplocephala perfoliata tapeworm originating from a horse from the Czech Republic. To our knowledge this is the first report applying molecular techniques to tapeworm identification in Konik Polski horses.

Investigations of the maintenance system of the Konik Polski horse and its effects on fecal microbiota activity during the winter and summer seasons.

Gastrointestinal microbiota play a key role in the nutrients digestion and hence maintaining animal health and welfare. The diet offered to the animals in captivity may differ considerably from that on natural pastures. In a stabled maintenance system, horses have a limited choice of habitat and feed. Time spend for feeding is relevant for equine welfare because the reduction of the time devoted for foraging may be responsible for inducing gastric inflammation and ulceration. Therefore, in the present study, it was hypothesized that fecal bacterial fermentative processes differ between free-roaming and stabled Konik Polski Horses (KPHs) with respect to microbial enzymatic activity, and thus the fecal concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which can be further utilized for assessing the feeding behavior and welfare in free-roaming versus stabled horses. The SCFA concentration and profile, as well as the extracellular and intracellular activities of selected bacterial enzymes, were characterized in horse feces collected during the winter and summer feeding seasons. The results showed higher enzymatic activity and SCFA production in the feces excreted by free-roaming versus stabled horses, especially during summer. An increase in pasture plant diversity may be beneficial for the gastrointestinal microbiota and hence for maintaining health and welfare.

Pengolahan Limbah Organik Pasar Menggunakan Reaktor Cacing Tanah (Lumbricus rubellus) dengan Metode Continuous Flow Bin

Market waste is the second largest waste after household waste. Vegetable and fruit waste is the largest organic waste that comes from market waste. Various waste management efforts have been carried out by the government and the community, but have not completely resolved the waste problem. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of market organic waste processing using an earthworm reactor (Lumbricus rubellus) with a modified Continuous Flow Bin method on cocoon production, biomass, and exmecat. This study used an experimental method with a completely randomized design (CRD), with three treatments of a continuous flow bin modified three types of mixed media materials to increase cocoon production, biomass, and exmecat quality. The results showed that the type of reactor had a significant effect (P ≤ 0.05) on cocoon production, the amount of biomass, biomass weight, broodstock mortality, exmecat production, media temperature, and media humidity, but had no effect on media pH. The use of reactor 2 (R2) with a mixture of 50% horse feces + 50% rice straw + feed 50 grams / day / nest box for market organic waste is the best reactor compared to reactor 1 (R1) and reactor 3 (R3). The amount of organic waste that can be processed by earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus) either as a medium or as feed is an average of 4.35 kg / nest box for 40 days of cultivation with a stocking density of 25 grams of earthworms / nest box. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the ability of earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus) to process market organic waste using the modified Continuous Flow Bin method can reach 4.35 times their body weight / day. Thus, this waste processing method can be a complete solution to solving market organic waste management problems.

PRODUKSI KOKON DAN BIOMASSA CACING TANAH Eisenia foetida PADA BERBAGAI MEDIA BUDIDAYA LIMBAH PETERNAKAN

Livestock waste has a major influence on environmental pollution, if not managed properly, because it will cause a foul odor. Efforts to manage livestock waste have not been successfully carried out completely, so new innovations are needed by utilizing the Eisenia foetida as a reactor to process it into earthworm cultivation medium. Processing of livestock waste with earthworms can produce high economic value cocoon and biomass. To find out the differences in cocoon and biomass production in five types of livestock waste, a research was carried out using a Completely Randomized Design with five treatments and five replications. The results showed that the use of feces of cattle, goats, horses, broiler chickens, and rumen contents as the medium of Eisenia foetida cultivation had a significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on cocoon and biomass production. Duncan's test results showed that the highest cocoon production of 123.0 eggs/nest box obtained on goat feces medium was significantly different (P&lt;0.05) with feces of cattle, horses, chickens and rumen contents. The highest production of earthworm biomass of 1339.0 eggs/nest box obtained in horse feces medium was significantly different (P&lt;0.05) with feces of cattle, goats, chickens, and rumen contents. The conclusion is: 1) to produce the most cocoon using goat feces; 2) to produce the most earthworm biomass using horse feces; 3) to produce the highest weight gain of earthworms using cattle feces; 4) to produce a weight size per head of earthworms using high rumen contents; and 5) the use of feces of broiler chickens is not recommended as a whole (100%) as a medium or feed in livestock waste treatment because it causes all earthworms to die, so they need to be mixed with other medium or feed ingredients.

Effect of oral administration of omeprazole on the microbiota of the gastric glandular mucosa and feces of healthy horses.

BackgroundOmeprazole administration is associated with changes in gastric and fecal microbiota and increased incidence of Clostridioides difficile enterocolitis in humans and dogs.Hypothesis/ObjectivesStudy purpose was to assess the effect of omeprazole on gastric glandular and fecal microbiota in healthy adult horses.AnimalsEight healthy horses stabled on straw and fed 100% haylage.MethodsProspective controlled study. Transendoscopic gastric glandular biopsies, gastric fluid, and fecal samples were obtained from each horse twice at a 7‐day interval before the administration of omeprazole. Samples were taken on the same horses before and after a 7‐day administration of omeprazole (4 mg/kg PO q24h). pH was assessed on fresh gastric fluid and other samples were kept at −20°C until analysis. Bacterial taxonomy profiling was obtained by V1V3 16S amplicon sequencing from feces and gastric glandular biopsies. Analysis of alpha, beta diversity, and comparison between time points were performed with MOTHUR and results were considered significant when P < .05.ResultsGastric pH increased significantly after 7 days of omeprazole administration (P = .006). Omeprazole did not induce significant major changes in composition of fecal or gastric glandular microbiota, however, after administration, certain microbial genera became more predominant in the gastric glandular mucosa (lower Simpson's evenness, P = .05). Only the genus Clostridium sensu strictu_1 had a significant shift in the glandular gastric mucosa after omeprazole administration (P = .002). No population shifts were observed in feces.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceOral administration of omeprazole could have fewer effects in gastrointestinal microbiota in the horse compared to other species.

Role of Horses as Potential Vectors of Non-Native Plant Invasion: An Overview

Non-native plant invasions can lead to staggering ecological and economic costs. Thus, land managers are concerned about vectors of seed and propagule introduction onto public lands. Because horses are one of several potential vectors of non-native seed dispersal, we summarize and interpret existing literature and identify potential impacts of horse use on non-native plant spread in natural areas. Several studies indicate non-native seeds can germinate after digestion by horses. In addition to their ability to carry viable non-native seeds in their feces, the literature indicates horses can trample native vegetation, cause soil disturbance, and increase soil nitrogen availability in some habitats. The combination of disturbance, which is known to increase invasibility, and introduction of seeds in horse feces could promote non-native plant invasions in wildlands. However, in situ studies have not demonstrated direct causal links between horses and plant invasions. More research is required to determine where, and to what extent, establishment and spread of non-natives occurs in situ as a direct result of disturbances and seed introduction by horses. Guidelines or regulations regarding horse use already exist in some recreational areas. Where none exist, we recommend development of best management practices, such as weed education programs for equestrians, use of Certified Weed Free Feed, and placement of manure bunkers at horse camps and trailheads.Lauren D. Quinn, Adda Quinn, Mietek Kolipinski, Bonnie Davis, Connie Berto, Mark Orcholski, and Sibdas Ghosh. 2010. “Role of Horses as Potential Vectors of Non-Native Plant Invasion: An Overview.” Natural Areas Journal 30(4):408-416

Trace Mineral Leaching from Equine Compost

Mineral leaching from compost can be environmentally disruptive. Little information is available regarding trace mineral leaching from equine-sourced compost. The objective of this study was to quantify the mineral content and leaching potential of compost produced from feces of horses fed different amounts and forms (organic or inorganic) of trace minerals. Nine horses were fed three treatments in a 3 × 3 replicated Latin Square design. The dietary treatments were provided as a daily pellet: CON (pellet without added trace minerals), ING (added inorganic trace minerals), and ORG (added organic trace minerals). The added trace minerals were Co, Cu, Mn, and Zn. Feces were collected from each horse after a 16-day feeding period, combined with straw, composted, and then subjected to simulated rainfall to measure mineral mobility. Concentrations of Co, Cu, Mn, and Zn were greater in ING and ORG compared to CON compost (p &lt; 0.05); additionally, ING had greater Zn than ORG compost (p &lt; 0.05). More Cu leached from ING and ORG compared to CON (p &lt; 0.05). The most Zn leached from ING, followed by ORG, and the least amount leached from CON compost (p &lt; 0.05). Dietary trace mineral intake affected the trace mineral concentration in the compost and amount available to leach during rainfall events.

Field assessment of horse-associated genetic markers HoF597 and mtCytb for detecting the source of contamination in surface waters.

We investigated the specificity and sensitivity of two horse-associated markers, HoF597 and Horse mtCytb, and 12 mitochondrial and bacterial markers of six animal species (human, cow, pig, bird, dog, chicken) in the faecal samples of 50 individual horses. Both horse markers were detected in 48 (96%) faecal samples. Cross-reactivity with dog (BacCan545) and pig (P23-2) occurred in 88% and 72% of horse faecal samples, respectively. Several other bacterial and mitochondrial markers of non-target hosts were also detected; however, their specificities were >80%. Analyses of samples from surface waters (n = 11) on or adjacent to properties from which horse faecal samples had been collected showed only the presence of HoF597 but not horse mitochondrial marker. Our data suggest that while bacterial and (or) mitochondrial markers of other animal species may be present in horse faeces, dog and pig markers may predominantly be present in horse faecal samples, which points to their nonspecificity as markers for microbial source tracking. Although HoF597 and Horse mtCytb are highly sensitive and specific for the detection of horse faecal pollution, because of their low numbers, mitochondrial (mtDNA) markers may not be robust for screening surface waters.

Pemanfaatan Sampah Pasar Sebagai Media Budidaya Cacing Tanah Eisenia Fetida Untuk Meningkatkan Kokon dan Biomassa

Market waste management is still a problem that cannot be solved until now. One effort that can be done is to utilize market organic waste as a media for cultivating earthworms Eisenia fetida. To find out the influence of the use of market waste as a cultivation medium to increase cocoon and biomass production, a research was carried out using a Completely Randomized Design with five treatments with three replications. Research findings show that market waste utilization has a significant effect (P &lt;0.05) on cocoon and biomass production. The 50% mixture (market waste + cattle feces) is the best medium in producing the most cocoon 207.7 grains/nest box while the 50% mixture (market waste + horse feces) is the best medium in producing the most biomass of 1,362 animals weighing 47.9 grams/nest box. The conclusion is that market organic waste used as the best medium to increase the production of Einesia foetida cocoon and biomass when mixed with cow and horse feces.

Enterocin M-Producing Enterococcus faecium CCM 8558 Demonstrating Probiotic Properties in Horses.

The effects of non-authochtonous Enterococcus faecium AL41 = CCM 8558, enterocin M-producing and probiotic strain were tested on the microbiota, phagocytic activity, hydrolytic enzymes, biochemical parameters and dry matter in horses based on its previous benefits demonstrated in other animals. E. faecium CCM 8558 sufficiently colonized the digestive tract of horses. At day 14, its counts reached 2.35 ± 0.70CFU/g (log 10) on average. The identity of CCM 8558 was confirmed by means of PCR after its re-isolation from horse faeces. The inhibition activity of CCM 8558 was demonstrated against Gram-negative aeromonads, counts of which were significantly reduced (P < 0.001). After 14days application of CCM 8558, a tendency towards increased phagocytic activity (PA) was measured; PA value was 73.13% ± 8.55 on average at day 0/1; at day 14, it was 75.11 ± 8.66%. Cellulolytic, xylanolytic and pectinolytic activity in horse faeces was significantly increased (P < 0.001) at day 14 (after CCM 8558 application) and amylolytic activity as well (P < 0.01) compared to day 0/1. Inulolytic activity increased with mathematical difference 1.378. Dry matter value reached 20.81 ± 2.29% on average at day 0/1; at day 14, it was 20.77 ± 2.59% (P = 0.9725). Biochemical parameters were influenced mostly in the physiological range. These results achieved after application of CCM 8558 in horses are original, giving us further opportunity to continue these studies, to measure additional parameters and to show the benefits of CCM 8558 application in horses.

A Simple Method for Extraction of the Horse Feces Virome DNA, Suitable for Oxford Nanopore Sequencing

Metagenomics of the viromes associated with symbiotic microbial communities is a rapidly expanding field of research. Most of the relevant studies deal with the viral communities of human or animal feces. The novel technology of long-reads sequencing from Oxford Nanopore that became available during the last years provides outstanding new possibilities for research of uncultured viral communities. However, compared to classical NGS sequencing, this technology is much more sensitive to the quantity and quality of sequenced DNA. We developed a simple, cheap, and efficient protocol for extraction of total virome DNA from horse feces yielding the DNA samples suitable for long-read sequencing. This method can be adapted for the work with other difficult objects.