Implications For Animal Health Research Articles

Re-emergence of Bagaza virus in wild birds from southern Spain

Bagaza virus (BAGV; Orthoflavivirus bagazaense) is an emerging vector-borne flavivirus affecting avian species with severe implications for animal health, and whose zoonotic potential has also been suggested. The aim of the present study was to monitor the epidemic outbreak of BAGV in wild birds from Spain in 2021. BAGV cases were confirmed in game bird species, including red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) and common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) from 24 hunting areas. Suspected cases (clinical signs and/or mortality compatible with BAGV infection but without molecular confirmation) were also detected in 11 additional hunting areas. The outbreaks showed a seasonality mainly restricted to July and August. Estimated morbidity [25.8 % (95 %CI: 11.3–40.3) in partridges and 8.7 % (95 %CI: 0.0–18.0) in pheasants] and mortality rates [27.3 % (95 %CI: 12.5–42.1) in partridges and 13.0 % (95 %CI: 1.9–24.1) in pheasants] were found in the affected hunting areas. In addition, 215 non-game birds belonging to 46 different species were sampled by passive surveillance upon admittance to rehabilitation centres during 2021. BAGV infection was detected for the first time in green woodpecker (Picus viridis), spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia), white stork (Ciconia ciconia) and cynereous vulture (Aegypius monachus), expanding the host range of this emerging pathogen. In contrast to other species, game birds showed distinct BAGV related lesions, primarily myocarditis and encephalitis in addition to inflammatory infiltrates and necrosis in the liver and kidney. Molecular analyses revealed a homology of 97.4–98.0 % and 92.5–92.7 % between the BAGV sequences obtained in the present study (492 bp) and those isolated in 2010 and 2019 in southern Spain, respectively. These results allow to hypothesise about the likely silent and endemic circulation of BAGV since 2010 in this European region, although repeated virus reintroduction from neighbouring territories cannot be ruled out. Our findings evidence the sanitary, ecological and conservation implications of the re-emerged BAGV for wild birds, also emphasising the need to increase surveillance for monitoring and early detection of flavivirus dynamics in high-risk areas.

Comparative Prevalence and Intensity of Endoparasites in a Dynamic Boreal Ungulate Community

Surveillance of endoparasites at the host community level is rarely reported for ungulates. Yet, changes in the composition and abundance of species in ungulate assemblages, coupled with environmental and climate change, bring into focus the need for baseline data on endoparasite occurrence in host species at the community level. We investigated the prevalence and intensity of eggs of endoparasites in feces of a dynamic boreal ungulate community in Yukon, Canada, that included reintroduced bison (Bison bison), as well as introduced elk (Cervus canadensis), naturally colonizing mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), and resident populations of caribou (Rangifer tarandus), moose (Alces americanus), and thinhorn sheep (Ovis dalli). We also examined the change in endoparasite prevalence and intensity in bison fecal samples collected eight years apart. The prevalence of eggs detected in feces differed across species for most endoparasite groups. We also provide new records of several endoparasites in novel hosts or new geographic records. We detected a substantially greater prevalence and intensity of trichostrongyle-type eggs in bison feces between samples collected eight years apart. Our data emphasize the need for targeted pathogen surveillance programs to monitor the movement of various ungulate and associated endoparasites. This is particularly pertinent since our data potentially supports evidence for the continued northward expansion and host switching of protostrongylid species, which may have health implications for animals at a new interface.

Sports and sustainable development: the troubling absence of meat sourcing policies in the sports sector.

The excessive use of antibiotics in industrial meat production in the U.S. incurs severe health implications for animals, humans, and the environment, thereby threatening the integrated health of the ecosystem and sustainable development. While the consumption of meat, including hot dogs, chicken wings, and hamburgers, is a hallmark of attending professional sports events in North America, the sourcing policies for meat in the realm of professional sports remain relatively obscure. We conducted a content analysis case study on the four major sports leagues in North America, their teams and stadium practices. Our objective was twofold: first, to investigate existing sustainability initiatives at the league, team, and stadium levels; and second, to examine whether there are any food sourcing programs, specifically meat sourcing policies that might encourage the consumption of meat produced without the use of antibiotics, in the sports sector that are designed to mitigate ecological ramifications of meat consumption within sports contexts. Results show that existing sustainability initiatives at the three levels are focused primarily on reducing carbon emissions and waste. There is, however, a notable neglect of food sourcing policies, which is concerning given that industrial animal agriculture is a leading cause of antibiotic resistance and environmental degradation. This suggests that meat sourcing policy is a missing piece in current sustainability initiatives. The major sports leagues should therefore consider incorporating pertinent policies, such as procuring meat-based products produced without the use of antibiotics to help strengthen their existing efforts in achieving their sustainable development goals.

Impact of nematode infestation in livestock production and the role of natural feed additives – A review

Abstract Efforts to mitigate production losses in small stock due to nematode infestation have birthed the emergence of several control methods as alternatives to chemical-based anthelmintics or to complement them. This results from the recent development of multiple resistance by many parasitic nematodes to anthelmintic drugs. Many of these complementary alternatives, such as breeding resistance, grazing land management, use of predators, and vaccines, have shown the potential to alleviate this menace. Still, some are expensive or require a lot of technicalities. Controlling nematode infestation using natural feed additives has demonstrated effectiveness on the disease under natural conditions. Natural feed additives are environmentally friendly and often do not have health implications for animals and humans. They are readily available, especially to poor-resource farmers; some could be relatively cheap. Therefore, this article reviews the use of naturally available alternative anthelmintics such as plant extracts, clay, microbes, herbs, spices, and organic acids in mitigating the impacts of nematode infestations in small ruminant production.

Garbage consumption by Arctic terrestrial predators in one of the most pristine land areas on Earth

Garbage may cause substantial environmental perturbations, in part because of its consumption by wildlife. Such consumption may have direct health implications for animals and may also influence trophic relationships. Even in pristine Arctic ecosystems, wildlife feeding in marine environments consume garbage in the form of plastic debris transported by ocean currents. We show that Arctic wildlife in pristine terrestrial environments may also ingest garbage or food items derived from abandoned camp sites. We found the remains of a chocolate wrapper and a milk powder bag in two Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) scats and a piece of cloth in an Arctic wolf (Canis lupus arctos) scat collected near Nares Strait, northern Greenland, one of the most pristine terrestrial wilderness regions on Earth. Found on Washington Land and associated with long-abandoned camp sites, these three scats were among 657 Arctic fox scats and 92 wolf scats collected as part of a larger study. Our study demonstrates that these two highly opportunistic predators managed to consume garbage despite the almost complete lack of human activity in this High-Arctic region. Our results highlight that abandoned anthropogenic material in the High Arctic may function as a source of garbage for local terrestrial wildlife over extended time periods, and that garbage consumption may become a potential issue if human activity in remote Arctic regions increases.

Functionalized Bioadsorbent Application on Methylene Blue Removal From Wastewater—A Review

There are many pollutants present in wastewater that require urgent remediation. Methylene blue (MB) has become the most undesirable pollutant. Various industries such as petroleum, pharmaceuticals, textiles and households have been responsible for releasing MB into the environment. Its toxicity and acute health implications for animals and humans have suggested several technological applications for its removal. Biological methods using plant‐based wastes have been identified to be the most effective material for removing MB and other dye pollutants. Previous research studies have employed biological adsorbents to eliminate MB and were reviewed. The purpose of the study was to determine the removal efficiency gap of MB using biological wastes. In this present review, various biological wastes and their functionalization were explored. The study proved that chemically modified bioadsorbents were favourable in removing MB. Its ability to produce secondary pollutants from chemical agents has made it undesirable. Several factors such as pH, dosage of catalyst, contact time and temperature have also been reviewed to influence biosorption. The best data representations to describe the biosorption of MB were the Langmuir and pseudo‐second‐order models.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Tract Parasites in Dairy Cattle in Tehsil Gagra District Buner Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites pose a significant threat to dairy cattle health, affecting both animal welfare and agricultural productivity. In regions like Tehsil Gagra, District Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, where dairy farming is a crucial part of the economy, understanding the prevalence and types of these parasites is essential. The potential zoonotic impact of these parasites also raises concerns for human healthcare, emphasizing the importance of a One Health approach. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and types of gastrointestinal parasites in dairy cattle in Tehsil Gagra, District Buner, and to understand their implications for animal health, agricultural practices, and potential zoonotic risks to human health. Methods: A comprehensive analysis was conducted from July 2021 to July 2022. A total of 150 fecal samples from dairy cattle were collected and examined at the Veterinary Research and Disease Investigation Center, District Swat, and the Department of Zoology, University of Buner. The samples were tested using direct smear, sedimentation, and sugar flotation methods. The study also considered environmental factors and seasonal variations in its analysis. Results: Of the 150 samples examined, 99 (66%) were positive for gastrointestinal parasites. Nematodes were the most prevalent (51.33%), followed by Protozoa (12%), Trematodes (2%), and Cestodes (0.67%). The most common parasitic species identified were Trichostrongylus (24.67%), Ostertagia ostertagi (22.67%), and Eimeria bovis (8%). Area-wise, Rega showed the highest prevalence at 80%, while Gagra recorded 46.67%. Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of GI parasites in dairy cattle in Tehsil Gagra, District Buner, emphasizing the need for improved veterinary care and farm management practices. The results highlight the importance of regular parasite control measures and suggest potential zoonotic risks, underscoring the necessity for integrated animal and human health approaches.

Astaxanthin: a powerful antioxidant used in aquaculture for coloration with aquatic animal health implications

Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll with unique properties that make it a potent antioxidant and photoreceptor. It is synthesized in lower trophic level organisms, such as microalgae, yeast, and some other microbes. It is also synthetically manufactured. The use of astaxanthin for pigmentation in aquaculture is well documented, as are the numerous benefits for humans from the consumption of astaxanthin. However, little research has been conducted on its potential health benefits to aquatic species. Astaxanthin has recently been identified as a semi-essential nutrient for some common aquaculture species, such as crustaceans and salmonids, but its effectiveness as a health supplement in aquatic species is unclear. This review aims to summarize the varied current uses of astaxanthin in aquaculture, as well as the potential effects of astaxanthin on the aquatic animal species which receive it.

The role of vitamin A in non-ruminant immunology

Vitamin A (retinol) is an essential micronutrient with a crucial role in the immune system of non-ruminant animals, such as swine and poultry. It includes three chemical compounds with distinct properties and functions in the body: retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid. In monogastric feed, vitamin A is primarily present in the form of retinyl esters. The metabolism of dietary vitamin A esters involves their conversion to retinol, which is then transported to different tissues and cells for further metabolism into active forms such as retinoic acid. These active forms of vitamin A have been found to play a crucial role in regulating both innate and adaptive immune responses. Specifically, they are involved in the differentiation, proliferation, and function of immune cells such as T and B lymphocytes, as well as dendritic cells. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to impaired cellular immunity, reduced antibody production, and consequently an increased susceptibility to infections. In swine and poultry, hypovitaminosis A can also affect gut-associated lymphoid tissues, leading to gut-related health problems and compromised growth performance. On the other hand, vitamin A supplementation has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects on non-ruminant immune responses. By administering or supplementing retinol, immune cell proliferation, antibody production, and cytokine secretion can be enhanced, which can ultimately result in improved immune function and disease resistance. Therefore, vitamin A has potential applications as an immuno-micronutrient for improving health and preventing diseases in swine and poultry. However, the optimal dosage and timing of vitamin A supplementation need to be carefully determined based on the specific requirements of different non-ruminant species and their production stages. Overall, a better understanding of the role of vitamin A in non-ruminant nutritional immunology could have significant implications for animal health and productivity and could inform the development of effective dietary strategies to optimize immune function and prevent diseases in swine and domestic fowl. This review paper aims to offer valuable insights into the role of vitamin A in the nutritional immunology of non-ruminants while also emphasizing the current gaps in knowledge and potential areas for further research.

Comparison of carcass condemnation causes in two broiler hybrids differing in growth rates

Experimental studies concluded that genetic factors enabling fast growth rate might negatively affect broiler health and welfare. Recently, the proportion of slower-growing broilers has been increasing. However, studies of health in broilers with different growth rates in commercial systems are still scarce. This repeated cross-sectional study aimed to describe causes of carcass condemnations in two broiler hybrids with different growth rates, Ross 308, and Hubbard JA787, and to estimate the effect of hybrid. The study sample consisted of 63,209,415 broilers slaughtered in 4295 batches from 139 farms. All broilers were slaughtered from January 1st, 2015, to June 22nd, 2021, by the same company (Norsk Kylling). All causes of condemnation, except fractures, were more prevalent in Ross 308. The five most common causes (ascites, discolouration, hepatitis, small and skin lesions) were investigated in greater detail, and the effect of hybrid was assessed using mixed effects negative binomial models with the condemnation codes as outcome variables. For the five selected causes, variation in prevalence between slaughter batches was considerable for Ross and minor for Hubbard. The notable differences between hybrids in prevalence and causes of condemnation have important implications for animal health, welfare, economy, and sustainability in broiler production.

Mechanistic Understanding of Leakage and Consequences and Recent Technological Advances in Improving Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Cereals

Although nitrogen (N) is the most limiting nutrient for agricultural production, its overuse is associated with environmental pollution, increased concentration of greenhouse gases, and several human and animal health implications. These implications are greatly affected by biochemical transformations and losses of N such as volatilization, leaching, runoff, and denitrification. Half of the globally produced N fertilizers are used to grow three major cereals—rice, wheat, and maize—and their current level of N recovery is approximately 30–50%. The continuously increasing application of N fertilizers, despite lower recovery of cereals, can further intensify the environmental and health implications of leftover N. To address these implications, the improvement in N use efficiency (NUE) by adopting efficient agronomic practices and modern breeding and biotechnological tools for developing N efficient cultivars requires immediate attention. Conventional and marker-assisted selection methods can be used to map quantitative trait loci, and their introgression in elite germplasm leads to the creation of cultivars with better NUE. Moreover, gene-editing technology gives the opportunity to develop high-yielding cultivars with improved N utilization capacity. The most reliable and cheap methods include agronomic practices such as site-specific N management, enhanced use efficiency fertilizers, resource conservation practices, precision farming, and nano-fertilizers that can help farmers to reduce the environmental losses of N from the soil–plant system, thus improving NUE. Our review illuminates insights into recent advances in local and scientific soil and crop management technologies, along with conventional and modern breeding technologies on how to increase NUE that can help reduce linked N pollution and health implications.

Fecal microbiota transplants modulate the gut microbiome of a two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus).

The microbes inhabiting an animal's gastrointestinal tracts, collectively known as the gut microbiome, are vital to animal health and wellbeing. For animals experiencing gut distress or infection, modulation of the gut microbiome, for example, via fecal microbiota transplant (FMT), provides a possible disease prevention and treatment method. The beneficial microbes present in the donor's transplanted feces can help combat pathogens, assist in digestion, and rebalance the recipient's microbiota. Investigating the efficacy of FMTs in animal health is a crucial step toward improving management strategies for species under human care. We present a case study of the use of FMTs in a two-toed sloth experiencing abnormally large, clumped, and frequent stools. We used 16 S rRNA amplicon sequencing of fecal samples to (a) compare the microbiomes of the FMT donor, a healthy, cohoused conspecific, and the FMT recipient and (b) assess the influence of multiple rounds of FMTs on the recipient's microbiome and stool consistency and frequency over time. In response to the FMTs, we found that the recipient's microbiome showed trends toward increased diversity, shifted community composition, and altered membership that more resembled the community of the donor. FMT treatment was also associated with marked, yet temporary, alleviation of the recipient's abnormal bowel movements, suggesting a broader impact on gut health. Our results provide valuable preliminary evidence that FMT treatments can augment the recipient's gut microbiome, with potential implications for animal health and management.

PSIII-A-4 Analysis of Galectin Gene Variants from Diverse Sheep and Goat Populations Genotyped with the Illumina Beadchip

Abstract Galectins are a highly conserved family of β-galactoside binding lectins encoded by lectin, galactosidebinding soluble genes (LGALS). They are found on a variety of cells and tissues of vertebrates and invertebrates. Understanding the roles of galectins in host–pathogen interaction and activation of host innate, and adaptive immunity has become an important research question. Galectins are known to play a role in parasitic infection in small ruminants. However, little is known about LGALS variants in sheep and goat breeds across the world. In this study, we investigated galectin single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants on five distinct sheep breeds from different geographical regions of Ethiopia. A total of 88 sheep (Arsi-Bale=12, Horro=24, Menz=18, Wolayita=18 and Blackhead Somali=16) were genotyped with Ovine Infinium HD SNP BeadChip (600K). An In Silico approach with Ensembl database (https://useast.ensembl.org/index.html) and SNP BeadChip (perfect matched reference SNP along with their genomic position) identified a total of nineteen SNPs from LGALS-1, -2, -3, -4, -7, -8, -9, -11 and -12 with a consequence of upstream, downstream, and missense gene variant. For all these variants, a highly variable minor allele frequency (MAF) was observed across five sheep populations. We also investigated a total of 308 Chinese goat (Qinggeli=48, Nanjiang=48, Luoping=48, Liaoning=116, and Guangfeng=48) genotyped with Illumina Goat 50K BeadChip. The goat chip only contained a SNP from LGal-4 (rs268252010) which was also found at variable MAF level across the said populations. These results have implications for animal health and production and warrant further investigation using targeted sequencing of galectin genes across different local and international sheep and goat breeds.

Progressive microbial adaptation of the bovine rumen and hindgut in response to a step-wise increase in dietary starch and the influence of phytogenic supplementation.

Microbial composition and activity in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of cattle has important implications for animal health and welfare, driving the focus of research toward ways to modify their function and abundance. However, our understanding of microbial adaption to nutritional changes remains limited. The aim of this study was to examine the progressive mechanisms of adaptation in the rumen and hindgut of cattle receiving increasing amounts of starch with or without dietary supplementation of a blended phytogenic feed additive (PFA; containing menthol, thymol and eugenol). We used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to assess the microbial composition and predicted metabolic pathways in ruminal solid and liquid digesta, and feces. Furthermore, we employed targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methods to evaluate rumen fluid metabolites. Results indicated a rapid microbial adaptation to diet change, starting on the second day of starch feeding for the particle associated rumen liquid (PARL) microbes. Solid rumen digesta- and feces-associated microbes started changing from the following day. The PARL niche was the most responsive to dietary changes, with the highest number of taxa and predicted pathways affected by the increase in starch intake, as well as by the phytogenic supplementation. Despite the differences in the microbial composition and metabolic potential of the different GIT niches, all showed similar changes toward carbohydrate metabolism. Metabolite measurement confirmed the high prevalence of glucose and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) in the rumen due to the increased substrate availability and metabolic activity of the microbiota. Families Prevotellaceae, Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae were found to be positively correlated with carbohydrate metabolism, with the latter two showing wide-ranging predicted metabolic capabilities. Phytogenic supplementation affected low abundant taxa and demonstrated the potential to prevent unwanted implications of feeding high-concentrate diet, such as reduction of microbial diversity. The inclusion of 50% concentrate in the diet caused a major shift in microbial composition and activity in the GIT of cattle. This study demonstrated the ability of microorganisms in various GIT niches to adjust differentially, yet rapidly, to changing dietary conditions, and revealed the potential beneficial effects of supplementation with a PFA during dietary adaptation.

Chlamydia buteonis in birds of prey presented to California wildlife rehabilitation facilities.

Chlamydial infections, caused by a group of obligate, intracellular, gram-negative bacteria, have health implications for animals and humans. Due to their highly infectious nature and zoonotic potential, staff at wildlife rehabilitation centers should be educated on the clinical manifestations, prevalence, and risk factors associated with Chlamydia spp. infections in raptors. The objectives of this study were to document the prevalence of chlamydial DNA shedding and anti-chlamydial antibodies in raptors admitted to five wildlife rehabilitation centers in California over a one-year period. Chlamydial prevalence was estimated in raptors for each center and potential risk factors associated with infection were evaluated, including location, species, season, and age class. Plasma samples and conjunctiva/choana/cloaca swabs were collected for serology and qPCR from a subset of 263 birds of prey, representing 18 species. Serologic assays identified both anti-C. buteonis IgM and anti-chlamydial IgY antibodies. Chlamydial DNA and anti-chlamydial antibodies were detected in 4.18% (11/263) and 3.14% (6/191) of patients, respectively. Chamydial DNA was identified in raptors from the families Accipitridae and Strigidae while anti-C.buteonis IgM was identified in birds identified in Accipitridae, Falconidae, Strigidae, and Cathartidae. Two of the chlamydial DNA positive birds (one Swainson's hawk (Buteo swainsoni) and one red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)) were necropsied, and tissues were collected for culture. Sequencing of the cultured elementary bodies revealed a chlamydial DNA sequence with 99.97% average nucleotide identity to the recently described Chlamydia buteonis. Spatial clusters of seropositive raptors and raptors positive for chlamydial DNA were detected in northern California. Infections were most prevalent during the winter season. Furthermore, while the proportion of raptors testing positive for chlamydial DNA was similar across age classes, seroprevalence was highest in adults. This study questions the current knowledge on C. buteonis host range and highlights the importance of further studies to evaluate the diversity and epidemiology of Chlamydia spp. infecting raptor populations.

The Development of Ovine Gastric and Intestinal Organoids for Studying Ruminant Host-Pathogen Interactions.

Gastrointestinal (GI) infections in sheep have significant implications for animal health, welfare and productivity, as well as being a source of zoonotic pathogens. Interactions between pathogens and epithelial cells at the mucosal surface play a key role in determining the outcome of GI infections; however, the inaccessibility of the GI tract in vivo significantly limits the ability to study such interactions in detail. We therefore developed ovine epithelial organoids representing physiologically important gastric and intestinal sites of infection, specifically the abomasum (analogous to the stomach in monogastrics) and ileum. We show that both abomasal and ileal organoids form self-organising three-dimensional structures with a single epithelial layer and a central lumen that are stable in culture over serial passage. We performed RNA-seq analysis on abomasal and ileal tissue from multiple animals and on organoids across multiple passages and show the transcript profile of both abomasal and ileal organoids cultured under identical conditions are reflective of the tissue from which they were derived and that the transcript profile in organoids is stable over at least five serial passages. In addition, we demonstrate that the organoids can be successfully cryopreserved and resuscitated, allowing long-term storage of organoid lines, thereby reducing the number of animals required as a source of tissue. We also report the first published observations of a helminth infecting gastric and intestinal organoids by challenge with the sheep parasitic nematode Teladorsagia circumcincta, demonstrating the utility of these organoids for pathogen co-culture experiments. Finally, the polarity in the abomasal and ileal organoids can be inverted to make the apical surface directly accessible to pathogens or their products, here shown by infection of apical-out organoids with the zoonotic enteric bacterial pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. In summary, we report a simple and reliable in vitro culture system for generation and maintenance of small ruminant intestinal and gastric organoids. In line with 3Rs principals, use of such organoids will reduce and replace animals in host-pathogen research.

Meta-analysis to predict the effects of temperature stress on meat quality of poultry

Temperature stress (TS) is a significant issue in poultry production, which has implications for animal health and welfare, productivity, and industry profitability. Temperature stress, including both hot (heat stress) and cold conditions (cold stress), is associated with increased incidence of meat quality defects such as pale, soft, and exudative (PSE) and dark, firm, and dry (DFD) meat costing poultry industries millions of dollars annually. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effect of ambient TS on meat quality parameters of poultry. Forty-eight publications which met specific criteria for inclusion were identified through a systematic literature review. Temperature stress was defined by extracting 2 descriptors for each treatment mean from the chosen studies: (1) temperature imposed for the experimental treatments (°C) and duration of temperature exposure. Treatment duration was categorized for analysis into acute (≤24 h) or chronic (>24 h) treatments. Meat quality parameters considered were color (L*-a*-b* scheme), pH (initial and ultimate), drip loss, cooking loss, and shear force. Linear mixed model analysis, including study as a random effect, was used to determine the effect of treatment temperature and duration on meat quality. Model evaluation was conducted by performing a k-fold cross-validation to estimate test error, and via assessment of the root mean square prediction error (RMSPE), and concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). Across both acute and chronic durations, treatment temperature was found to have a significant effect on all studied meat quality parameters. As treatment temperature increased, meat demonstrated characteristics of PSE meat and, as temperature decreased, meat demonstrated characteristics of DFD meat. The interaction between treatment temperature and duration was significant for most traits, however, the relative impact of treatment duration on the studied traits was inconsistent. Acute TS had a larger effect than chronic TS on ultimate pH, and chronic stress had a more considerable impact on color traits (L* and a*). This meta-analysis quantifies the effect of ambient TS on poultry meat quality. However, quantitative effects were generally small, and therefore may or may not be of practical significance from a processing perspective.

Individual differences in behaviour and gut bacteria are associated in collared peccary (Mammalia, Tayassuidae).

We tested the hypothesis that the behaviour of an individual is associated with the diversity of its gut bacteria, using the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) as a model. In all, 24 adult male collared peccaries received either low- (n = 12) or high-fibre diet (n = 12) to induce contrasting gut fermentation profiles. They were submitted to three short-term challenges, allowing us to rate the animals in a coping-style dimension named 'calmness'. At the end of the experimental period, we collected samples of peccaries' forestomach contents to characterize bacterial diversity. We found a significant positive association between individual 'calmness' z-scores and the bacterial evenness index in gut bacteria (and a similar trend with the Simpson's diversity index), suggesting a more homogeneous bacterial community of calmer individuals. We also found a positive association between fibres digestibility and gut bacterial diversity in the peccaries' forestomach, but no effect of the dietary fibre level. Gut bacteria evenness increases with 'calmness' z-scores, suggesting a more homogeneous bacterial community of calmer individuals, compared with the more heterogeneous of the most distressed ones. Our results also suggest associations between the digestibility of ADF with the gut bacterial diversity indices and with the relative abundance of the Actinobacteria phylum. Our data showed that the hosts' individual behavioural differences are potentially aligned with gut bacterial diversity. The behaviour-microbiota link is correlated with host feed efficiency and, ultimately, may have implications for animal health and welfare of farm animals.

Microbial pathogen contamination of waterholes in old Oyo national park: possible wildlife and animal health implications

Surface water quality is an important module of the aquatic ecosystem which is crucial to wildlife and environmental health. The term water quality is sometimes extended to include biodiversity of waters and biological indicators or ecological health. Microbiological examination of water is an essential tool to investigate the presence of microorganisms that might constitute a hazard to both animal and public health. Microbiological examination of waterholes in national parks is thus crucial in assessing ecosystem health. The study therefore aimed at assessing the bacteriological and mycological characteristics of perennial waterholes in Old Oyo National Park (OONP), Nigeria. Coliform test was performed using the most probable number (MPN) technique and heterotrophic plate count (aerobic) by Pour Plate method while fungi count was done using the direct plate and dilution plate methods. Microbial populations were expressed as colony forming units per milliliter (cfu/ml). Different species of microflora were observed in the sampled waterholes includes Bacillus sp, Aspergillus spp, Actinobacter sp, Pseudomonas sp, Penicillium sp, Enterobacter sp, Klebsiella sp, Salmonella sp, Flavobacter sp, Seratia sp and Shigella sp. The presence of Escherichia coli observed in the study is an indication of recent faecal contamination. The mean values of microbial counts of the water samples were higher during the dry season with increased water concentration and more drinking from animals a probable cause. The presence of the various microflora observed in the study could pose a serious threat to both wildlife and public health. The study gave an insight to the health of the animals over seasons in the park and how it can affect health and population and a source of contaminants to all animals. There is need for continuous assessment of water quality in waterholes in OONP as a means of ensuring good ecological health.

Identifying challenges to manage body weight variation in pig farms implementing all-in-all-out management practices and their possible implications for animal health: a case study

BackgroundManaging body weight (BW) variation is a challenge in farrow-to-finish farms implementing all-in/all-out (AIAO) production systems due to the lack of “off-site” facilities to segregate slow growing pigs (SGP). This case study investigated different approaches to managing BW variation in a farrow-to-finish commercial pig farm with a self-declared AIAO management and the possible implications for animal health.Case presentationA total of 1096 pigs (1047 pigs born within 1 week plus 49 pigs born 1 week later) were tracked until slaughter as they moved through the production stages. Piglets were individually tagged at birth and their location on the farm was recorded on a weekly basis. In total, 10.3% of pigs died during lactation. Four main cohorts of pigs were created at weaning and retrospectively identified: cohort 1 = pigs weaned at 21 days (4.5%); cohort 2 = pigs weaned at 28 days (81.0%), which was sub-divided at the end of the first nursery stage into sub-cohort 2a = pigs split at 3 weeks post-weaning (29.7%); sub-cohort 2b = pigs split at 3 weeks post-weaning from cohort 2a and split again 5 weeks post-weaning (35.5%) and sub-cohort 2c = remaining smaller size pigs from cohort 2b (10.9%); cohort 3 = pigs weaned at 35 days (2.7%) and cohort 4 = pigs weaned at 49 days (1.5%) that were later mixed with SPG, delayed pigs from other cohorts and sick/injured pigs that recovered. Four strategies to manage BW variation were identified: i) earlier weaning (cohort 1); ii) delayed weaning of SGP (cohort 3 and 4); iii) re-grading pens by BW (sub-cohorts 2a, 2b and 2c) and, iv) delayed movement of SGP to the next production stage (several pigs from all cohorts). A higher percentage of delayed pigs presented pericarditis, pleurisy and enzootic pneumonia like lesions at slaughter compared with pigs under other strategies.ConclusionA variety of management practices were implemented to minimise BW variation during the production cycle. However, several cohorts of pigs were created disrupting AIAO management. Earlier weaning should only be practiced under specific circumstances where optimal animal health and welfare are guaranteed. Delayed weaning of SGP and delaying pigs to move to the next production stage could negatively affect animal health and should be avoided.