Pet Feed Research Articles

Automated Pet Feeding and Hydration System Using IoT and Voice Control

One of the rather complex aspects of owning a pet is the provision of day-to-day feeding and watering, in a manner that guarantees consistency. This challenge is especially prevalent with pet owners having hectic schedules or when they leave on business trips very frequently. If there were such a thing as smart solutions or capabilities to automate the process, it would greatly relieve many pet owners of these burdens. For this reason, the Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly becoming that solution for automating pet care. In this work, we propose an innovative IoT-based and voice-controlled pet-feeding-and-watering automation system that serves pet owners remotely so they can be anywhere while this exercise is implemented in real time. This research dwells extensively on the design, development, implementation, and experimentation of the system and at the end demonstrates how automation and smart technology can change the face of pet care as we understand it today.

Individual and combined occurrences of the prevalent mycotoxins in commercial feline and canine food.

Mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins (FBs), ochratoxin A (OTA), T-2 toxin (T-2), and zearalenone (ZEN), can contaminate animal feeds and pose risks to animal health and production performance. These mycotoxins are commonly found in cereals and grains, with the increased use of cereals in pet food, there is a rising concern about mycotoxin contamination among pet owners. To address this, we analyzed imported brands of feline and canine food from the Chinese market produced in 2021-2022. Ninety-three samples were analyzed, comprising 45 feline food and 48 canine food samples. Among them, 14 were canned food and 79 were dry food. The results indicate that AFB1, DON, FBs, OTA, T-2, and ZEN occurred in 32.26%, 98.92%, 22.58%, 73.12%, 55.91%, and 7.53% of the samples, respectively. The most prevalent mycotoxin was DON, followed by OTA, T-2, AFB1, and FBs, whereas ZEN was less frequently detected. The mean concentrations of the six mycotoxins in pet feed samples were 3.17μg/kg for AFB1, 0.65mg/kg for DON, 2.15mg/kg for FBs, 6.27μg/kg for OTA, 20.00μg/kg for T-2, and 30.00μg/kg for ZEN. The levels of mycotoxins were generally below the limits of the Pet Feed Hygiene Regulations of China and the EU. Notably, a substantial majority of the pet food samples (88 out of 93) were contaminated by two or more mycotoxins. AFB1, FBs, OTA, and ZEN occurred slightly more often in feline food than in canine food. Except for OTA, the contamination rates for the other five mycotoxins in canned food were lower than those in dry food. Moreover, except for AFB1, the levels of the other five mycotoxins in canned foods were lower than those in dry foods. This study highlights the widespread contamination of pet foods with mycotoxins, which poses a significant risk to pets from continuous exposure to multiple mycotoxins.

Optimization of Inorganic fertilization for plantain (Plantago major L.) cultivation as a nutrient-rich feed for herbivorous small pets

Optimization of Inorganic fertilization for plantain (Plantago major L.) cultivation as a nutrient-rich feed for herbivorous small pets

Effect of Rosemary on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Fatty Acid Content, Intestinal Flora, and Antioxidant Capacity of Broilers.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is a natural spice plant with an aromatic flavor and antioxidant properties that can help enhance the flavor and texture of food, as well as be used as an antioxidant source in pet feed. This study explored the effect of rosemary on the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens. In total, 144 healthy 1-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into four groups: The control group was fed a basic diet, while the positive control group was fed a basic diet supplemented with 30 mg/kg kitasamycin, and the treatment groups were fed a basic diet supplemental with 0.5% rosemary, or 2% rosemary. The average daily feed intake of broilers fed with 0.5% and 2% rosemary in 1-42 days was higher than that in the basal diet group (p < 0.05). The pH was lower in the rosemary groups than in the 30 mg/kg kitasamycin group as measured in the thigh muscle tissue (p < 0.05), and the monounsaturated fatty acid C17:1 heptadecanoic acid content of the 2% rosemary group was higher than that of the other groups (p < 0.05). With 0.5% rosemary supplementation, the activities of the serum and liver antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) increased (p < 0.05); malondialdehyde content decreased (p < 0.05). The serum activities of CAT, total superoxide dismutase, and T-AOC increased with 2% rosemary supplementation (p < 0.05). The relative expression of liver antioxidant genes, the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2, glutathione catalase 1, and superoxide dismutase 1 increased (p < 0.05) with 0.5% rosemary supplementation. The addition of rosemary resulted in higher intestinal lactobacilli counts and lower E. coli counts. In summary, adding 0.5% or 2% rosemary to the diet improved the growth performance of Arbor Acres broilers and increased the number of intestinal probiotics, and supplementing with 0.5% rosemary yielded better results than adding 2% rosemary. This study provides valuable insights into the broader application of plant-derived antioxidants in promoting sustainable and health-focused animal farming practices.

Effects of mulberry leaf enrichment with Lepidium sativum L. seed powder suspension on the economic parameters of Bombyx mori L

The phytochemicals of high nutritional and functional properties in Lepidium sativum L. (garden cress) seeds have nominated their seed powder (regardless of the concentration used) for enrichment of mulberry leaves in order to enhance Bombyx mori L. larval feeding, and consequently to gain ground in sericulture industry. As expected, B. mori larval feeding on L. sativum-enriched mulberry leaves showed not only a remarkable increase in mean values of certain economic parameters of B. mori, such as cocoon weight, cocoon shell weight, pupal weight, and egg yield, compared with the control group, but also showed a phenomenal increase in egg counts (on average, ca. 958–1256 eggs laid per female moth) and a significant increase in egg size (measured as egg surface area and egg volume). Male or female moth larval diet has significantly influenced the reproductive performance or fitness of both sexes of B. mori in terms of large-sized moths (measured as forewing, hind femur, and hind tibia lengths) and highly fecund moths (i.e., increased fecundity and spermatophore counts per female moth, and large-sized eggs). On the basis of B. mori female moth reproductive index, the female moths from L. sativum-fed larvae proved to have a lower reproductive index compared to their corresponding value for females of the control group, indicating more efficient utilization of larval resources for B. mori reproduction. Quantification of the three main physiological resources viz., protein, lipid and carbohydrate in the internal reproductive tract of B. mori female moths at death has nominated the female moth abdomens, or simply their bodies, as being a reasonable natural source of protein, lipid, and carbohydrate, to be involved in certain manufactures (e.g., pet feed formulations) instead of discarding them as a source of environmental pollution. Evidently, the L. sativum seed powder is of considerable interest because it remarkably improves the performance of such an economically important insect, B. mori. This is the first study for evaluating the efficacy of L. sativum seed powder in sericulture field to enhance B. mori productivity parameters.

ANALYSIS OF THE STATE OF THE POULTRY INDUSTRY AND HIDDEN OPPORTUNITIES

Today, both producers and consumers of fodders are aware that achieving high productivity of animals and poultry, as well as optimal quality of final products, is impossible without the use of complete and nutritionally balanced feed. Requirements for the quality of compound feeds continuously grow and change, as new, more productive animal breeds and poultry crosses appear. It is proved that the COVID-19 pandemic, the full-scale war in Ukraine, climate variability and the global economic crisis are seriously undermining efforts to fight hunger and improve food security and nutrition. In the countries of Europe and Central Asia, the number of people who face problems in accessing adequate nutrition, including quality and safe products, has increased by 25.5 million people. According to FAO estimates, by 2050 we will have to increase the production of food and animal protein, including by 60%, to provide food for the world's 9.3 billion people. It has been established that poultry products are the most common and available source of animal protein to meet the needs of the world's population. The dynamics of changes in the feed production volume in 2018-2023 according to the data of the annual Agri-Food Outlook are presented. The top 10 leading countries in the feed production in 2022 are listed. They consume 64% of the world's compound feed, and half of the world's compound feed consumption is concentrated in four countries (China, USA, Brazil and India). A comparative analysis of the structure of compound feed production by types of agricultural animals and poultry for 2021-2023 shows that there is a growth trend for almost all types. The production of compound feed for pigs has been negatively affected by ASF all over the world. The greatest growth is observed in the field of compound feed for pets. It has been proven that a third of consumers prefer poultry products due to their availability and quality. In Ukraine, the industry is developing rapidly even in the conditions of a full-scale war, personnel shortages, power outages, inflation and disruption of logistics chains. The volume of global poultry production from 2012 to 2023 is shown. It is constantly increasing, caused by the increase in demand for affordable and relatively cheap animal protein. As a result of the analysis of the dynamics of poultry meat production by country in 2022-2023, it was established that the USA remains the leader in the production of poultry meat in the world for many years. Brazil and China remain in second and third place. Brazil has the largest growth during the reporting period. High competition in the field of breeding of laying hens and broilers stimulates the development of niche industries, such as guinea fowl breeding. Guinea fowls are raised for meat, eggs and fluff. This can be a very profitable business, especially for small poultry farms, due to the speed of payback of small investments and the unpretentiousness of the bird

Automatic Pet Feeder Using Assistant

Nowadays most of us fascinated to have pets at their home. But these pets have to be taken care properly. Their feeding on time is an important task as they become part of our family. But in our busy schedule we fail to pay attention on our pet thus it doesn’t get proper food on time. This paper addresses the above issue by introducing an Automatic Pet Feeding System to ensure feeding pet on frequent interval of time. In our project we used two methods to feed the Pet, one is by Camera and another by using Google Assistant. When the DC servo motor runs, the motor rotates the propeller which is in the feeding device, which drops down pet food through the pipe into perforated feeding bowl. The water pump will be kept in a tank containing water. When the water pump runs, the water is pumped into the water bowl of pet. The user in order to feed their pet have to give a command on their Smart Phones such as “Okay Google”, “Feed my Pet”, with the help of this command the machine will do its following work. The user can also specify the time to feed their pet on schedule using Google Assistant

Review on Automatic Pet Feeding System

Abstract: Automatic pet feeding systems have gained popularity in recent years due to the convenience they offer to pet owners in ensuring regular and timely feeding of their pets. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of automatic pet feeding systems, including their design, functionality, benefits, and potential drawbacks. The study examines various types of automatic pet feeding systems available in the market, ranging from basic gravity-fed dispensers to more advanced programmable devices with portion control and scheduling capabilities. Furthermore, the paper discusses the technological aspects of automatic pet feeding systems, such as the use of sensors to detect food levels, timers for scheduling feedings, and remote access features for monitoring and controlling feeding sessions. The benefits of automatic pet feeding systems, including the ability to maintain feeding routines, prevent overfeeding, and reduce the risk of obesity in pets, are also highlighted. Moreover, the study addresses potential drawbacks of automatic pet feeding systems, such as technical malfunctions, reliance on electricity or batteries, and the lack of human interaction during feeding times. Recommendations for pet owners considering investing in an automatic pet feeding system are provided, emphasizing the importance of choosing a system that suits their pet's dietary needs, size, and feeding habits. Overall, this paper serves as a valuable resource for pet owners, veterinarians, and researchers interested in understanding the functionality and implications of automatic pet feeding systems in enhancing the well-being and health of companion animals.

A Model for Consumer Acceptance of Insect-Based Dog Foods among Adult UK Dog Owners.

The use of alternative proteins is becoming more common in pet feed, and insect-based dog foods (IBDFs) are becoming more widely available. However, little research has been conducted to date in respect of the drivers for consumers' acceptance of IBDF. This study aimed to investigate the acceptance of IBDF among adult UK dog owners and the factors influencing the decision to try and buy such products. A theoretical model was developed following a review of the existing literature. An online survey of 280 participants was carried out and the results were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) to test the theoretical model. The following constructs all had a significant impact on attitudes towards IBDF and/or intentions to try and buy IBDF: food preferences for animal welfare, health and environment; attitudes towards uses of animals; beliefs about insect sentience; disgust; perceptions of benefits and risks; and social norms. Social norms had the strongest influence of any single construct. Consumer acceptance of IBDF is multi-faceted including social, cultural and ethical components, and it is likely that the better availability of information and opportunities for consumers to familiarise themselves with IBDF would help to drive consumer acceptance. In order to allow dog owners to make informed decisions in line with their ethical preferences, further research is needed to establish the overall health and welfare implications of IBDF on the animals involved in production, as well as the companion animals, who are the ultimate consumers.

Farmed cricket (Acheta domesticus, Gryllus assimilis, and Gryllodes sigillatus; Orthoptera) welfare considerations: recommendations for improving global practice

Abstract Orthoptera, such as crickets, is currently the most reared group of hemimetabolous insects in the insects as food and feed industry, with over 370 billion individuals slaughtered and/or sold live annually. The most-farmed cricket species is Acheta domesticus, however there is growing interest in farming at least two additional species, Gryllus assimilis and Gryllodes sigillatus. Crickets are largely being explored for use as human protein, and exotic animal or pet feed – as well as, to a lesser extent, livestock and fish feed. Insect welfare is of growing interest to consumers who are considering incorporating insect protein into their diets, as well as to many producers. However, no studies have considered the welfare concerns of farmed crickets under current industry conditions. Using an established model for assessing farmed insect welfare, we assess potential welfare concerns for the three most-farmed cricket species, including: interspecific interactions (including parasites and pathogens), temperature and humidity, light cycles, electrical shocks, atmospheric gas levels, nutrition and hydration, environmental pollutants, injury and crowding, density, handling-associated stress, genetics and selection, enrichments, transport-related challenges, and stunning, anesthesia, and slaughter/depopulation methods. From our assessment of these factors, we make recommendations for improving cricket welfare now and as the industry continues to grow; in addition, we identify research directions that will improve our understanding of cricket welfare. We conclude by broadly discussing the importance of addressing the welfare challenges presented by the insects as food and feed industry for the animals and for the growth and health of the industry itself.

Stability of vitamin A at critical points in pet-feed manufacturing and during premix storage.

The objective of this research was to assess and quantify the potential vitamin A losses that occur during the manufacturing of pet feed and premix, as well as during their extended storage periods. This trial was conducted at a commercial feeder mill that utilized a standard commercial dog feed along with a corresponding vitamin-mineral premix. The calculated amount of vitamin A supplemented in the feed, in addition to the endogenous vitamins present in the ingredients, was adjusted to 18,000 IU/kg of feed. Five 500 g feed samples were collected at each of the predefined critical points throughout the manufacturing process (after mixing, milling, preconditioner, and extrusion/drying processes) to verify the stability of vitamin A during feed production. Additionally, various samples were collected at regular intervals of 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 days during the storage of the premix to assess the stability of vitamin A. Vitamin A analyses in the samples were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The variables were assessed for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test, followed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test to compare the differences between the manufacturing process and premix shelf life. The statistical significance was set at 95%. The vitamin losses during the pre-conditioning process were 26%, and during the extrusion-drying processes, the losses were 34% when compared to the initial analyzed value. However, no differences were observed in other processes. There were no significant differences observed in recovered vitamin levels in the premix during its shelf-life (p = 0.484). The study indicated that the primary vitamin A losses in pet feed manufacturing processes occur during the pre-conditioning and drying/extrusion steps. However, it is worth noting that no significant losses of vitamin A were found during the premix storage phase.

Determination of urea in pet feed: assessing the suitability of different analytical techniques using proficiency test data

The determination of urea in pet feed at contaminant levels using the spectrophotometric method described in Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009 has been reported by several EU laboratories to lack the required selectivity. Whilst urea is not authorised as an additive in pet feed, the control of urea in pet feed is of economic importance, because the addition of urea may unlawfully increase the apparent protein content. To investigate the capabilities of different analytical techniques, a proficiency test was organised where the participants (EU official control laboratories, laboratories from the academia and private laboratories) were free to use their method of choice for analysing three dog feed test materials, two samples of which were spiked with urea. Twenty-one laboratories submitted results using the following techniques: spectrophotometry (Implementing Regulation (EC) No 152/2009), LC-MS/MS, HPLC-UV, enzymatic-colorimetry, gravimetry and an ‘in-house photometric’ method. Only two laboratories that used LC-MS/MS were able to quantify urea accurately in the test material containing a mass fraction of 18.9 mg kg−1 whereas satisfactory results at the level of 258.9 mg kg−1 were obtained by one participant that used an ‘in-house photometric method’ and one that used the enzymatic method, in addition to the five participants using LC-MS/MS. The technique that provided the highest success rate across the three test materials was LC-MS/MS, whereas spectrophotometry, the enzymatic-based and HPLC-UV methods led to overestimated results in addition to a dispersion of results not suitable for compliance analysis. To address the determination of urea in pet feed at low levels, a better performing method than the one described in the legislation is required.

Cymbopogon citratus Essential Oil in Controlling of Bacteria Associated with Oral Cavity of Dogs In Vitro and Dry Pet Feed.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil against bacteria isolated from the oral cavity of dogs and applied directly to artificially contaminated feed. The commercial dry dog feed received the inoculum of the bacteria prevalent in the oral cavity of the dogs where C. citratus was deposited in the feed by spray. In total, 42 isolates were obtained, 38 Gram-positive and 4 Gram-negative. Staphylococcus spp. was the most prevalent bacteria in the oral cavity of dogs (76.2%). The isolates showed high levels of resistance to different antimicrobials. The minimum inhibitory concentration capable of inhibiting oral bacteria was 0.38 mg/mL. C. citratus essential oil showed positive results with a significant bacterial reduction when applied to feed, signaling the need for further studies to enable its use in the control of pathogens transmitted by animal feed.

Automatic solar-based pet food dispenser system

For the majority of people, having a pet is always simple, but caring for it will always be a pain in the neck since pet owners must devote a whole time to meeting the pet’s demands, which include food, shelter, medical care, love and attention. Nowadays, feeding is one of the most frequent issues that pet owners’ encounter due to heavy work schedule. As a result, the automatic solar-powered pet food dispenser system is useful for assisting pet owners in caring for their pet’s needs when they are away from home or on the road. This automatic pet feeder proposes a simple automatic pet food dispenser controlled using the Arduino as the main controller. DS3231 Real Time Clock (RTC) module that can assist in automatically giving the pets the right mealtime was employed. This helps the food dispensing process without the owner’s presence, which is unlike the manual pet feeding product. The project ensures that the pets are fed on schedule and that the amount of food released is controlled appropriately. Also, this project will employ solar energy as a green energy source for sustainable development. This project can feed the pets 20 grams or less pet food in a single meal, according to the servo motor rotation setting activated by the Arduino.

OVERVIEW OF THE PET FOOD MARKET IN UKRAINE

The article defines the peculiarities of the development of the world pet food market. The current state of the pet food market in Ukraine and the world is analyzed, the main market participants and their advantages are highlighted. The results of a sociological survey of Ukrainians on the question of which pets they keep are presented. It was found that 79% of respondents keep cats as pets, and 61% - dogs. The characteristics of the 5 leaders according to the "Top 101 manufacturers of pet food" according to the results of 2020-2021 are given. Mars, Nestle, Ralston Purina, H. J. Heinz, Hill's, etc. are the largest suppliers of compound feed for pets on the world and Ukrainian markets. Data on the dynamics of the global feed market and growth rates based on the results of 2020-2023 are presented. Experts predict that the growth of the compound feed market for pets is facilitated by the stable economic growth predicted in many developed and developing countries, by 2027 the volume will already reach $534.36 billion with an average annual growth of 7.6%. Among the domestic producers of pet food, the main producer is the company "Kormotekh", which produces both dry and wet compound feed for pets. The main advantages and disadvantages of wet compound feed for pets are given. Analyzed changes in the cost of the main fodder and additives for the production of compound feed for pets for the years 2020-2023, as well as the average prices for wet compound feed for pets depending on the class as of 2023, which are within the range of UAH 124...470/kg. The main factors affecting the formation of a solid base for the production of fodder for animals of domestic origin are highlighted. The trends were analyzed and the main directions of further development were determined. It was determined that the existence of many unanswered questions creates an objective necessity for the study of the domestic pet food market and the formation of demand for it. It has been established that the development of a proposal for the formation of a market portfolio of domestic producers of pet food will contribute not only to improving the level of competitiveness of existing enterprises in the industry, but also to the emergence of new domestic enterprises.

Pet feeding habits and the microbiological contamination of dog food bowls: effect of feed type, cleaning method and bowl material

BackgroundSafe pet feeding practices and food bowl hygiene measures are important for minimising the risk of microbiological contaminations in the domestic environment. This study compares the practices reported by dog and cat caregivers, and investigates whether cleaning method, feed type or bowl material affects the microbiological contamination of dog food bowls.ResultsData from 351 dog caregivers and 186 cat caregivers were collected via an online survey. The majority of dogs (70.7%) were fed twice daily, whereas cats (43%) were mostly fed ad libitum. The most common material for dog food bowls was metal (67.1%) versus plastic (38.1%) and metal (37.6%) for cats. Dog food bowls were most frequently cleaned after each meal (35.7%); whereas for cats, 21.5% were cleaned after each meal, 22.7% once a day and 19.3% 2–3 times a week. Total mesophilic aerobic bacteria counts (TMABc), Enterobacteriaceae counts and pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Verotoxigenic E. coli [VTEC]) were assessed for 96 dog food bowls. TMABc were higher in metal vs. plastic bowls (p < 0.001) and in those used for wet food vs. dry food (p = 0.0397). Enterobacteriaceae counts were higher in bowls washed by hand vs. dishwasher (p = 0.0515), whereas no differences were found between hand washing vs. dry wiping. Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. or E. coli VTEC contaminations were not detected.ConclusionsThe surveyed Italian dog and cat caregivers reported different habits concerning feeding frequency, food bowl material and cleaning frequency. Wet food and metal bowls were associated with higher levels of microbiological contamination of dog food bowls. Furthermore, in relation to wet washing methods, contaminations were likely to be greater following hand washing than they were following the use of a dishwasher. Practical guidelines for safe feeding practices and hygiene measures are needed to minimise the risk of microbiological contaminations in domestic environments.

Effects of TmTak1 silencing on AMP production as an Imd pathway component in Tenebrio molitor

Mealworms beetles, Tenebrio molitor, are the limelight next-generation food for humans due to their high nutrient contents. Since Tenebrio molitor is used as feed for pets and livestock in addition to their ability to decompose polystyrene and plastic waste, it is recognized as an insect with an industrial core value. Therefore, it is important to study the immune mechanism related to the development and infection of mealworms for mass breeding purposes. The immune deficiency (Imd) signaling is one of the main pathways with pivotal roles in the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Transforming growth factor-β activated kinase (TAK1) is one of the Imd pathway components, forms a complex with TAK1 binding protein 2 (TAB2) to ultimately help activate the transcription factor Relish and eventually induce host to produce AMPs. Relatively, little has been revealed about TAK1 in insect models, especially in the T. molitor. Therefore, this study was conducted to elucidate the function of TmTak1 in T. molitor. Our results showed that the highest and lowest mRNA expression of TmTak1 were found in egg and young larvae respectively. The tissue-specific expression patterns were reported in the gut of T. molitor larvae and the fat bodies of adults. Systemic microbial challenge illustrated TmTak1 high expression following the fungal infection in all dissected tissues except for the whole body. However, silencing TmTak1 experiments showed that the survivability of T. molitor larvae affected significantly following Escherichia coli infection. Accordingly, AMP induction after TmTak1 knock down was mainly reported in the integument and the fat bodies.

A comparison of commercially available feeds for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus with evidence of their diet and feeding behaviour in natural habitats.

A large variety of pet feeds is commercially available for pet herbivores; these feeds may differ in nutrient composition from the natural diet, and may trigger different feeding behaviours than observed in natural habitats. Here, we surveyed literature on the natural diet and activity budget of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus), chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) and degus (Octodon degus), as well as 260 compound feeds commercially available for these species between 1982 and 2020. The species are classified as herbivores, with available data on natural diets suggesting a crude fibre (CF) level of approximately 250 g/kg dry matter (DM), natural feeding activity at a magnitude of 4-7 h per day, with distinctively shorter feeding when fed on compound pet feeds. Only for a minority of feeds did the first 5 listed ingredients not include a starchy ingredient, or only ingredients not considered suitable for human consumption. The percentage of feeds whose CF level was less than 150 g/kg DM was 22 % for production rabbits, 18 % for pet rabbits, 26 % for guinea pigs, 18 % for chinchillas and 14 % for degus; in other words, a majority of currently marketed products have CF levels in accord with published recommendations, even if that means a discrepancy to natural diets. Screening the producers' feeding instructions suggests they should generally not be followed uncritically. No temporal trends in the CF levels of these diets was evident. There is no consensus whether only products resembling natural diet items should be included in pet feeds, or whether vegetable byproducts not edible by humans should also be included. The observed practice of pet feed composition largely did not follow either concept, questioning the general rationale of pet feed composition. Whole forage like hay is recommended as the main diet component for these species, and 76 % of pet feed products noted that hay should be fed in the feeding instructions.

Evaluation of alternative substrates for rearing the yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor (L)

Larvae of the mealworm beetle Tenebrio molitor is commonly used as feed for pets and food for humans due to its rich nutrient contents. The beetle breeds prolifically and are reared in close proximity with their diet; known as substrates. However, the most commonly used substrate, wheat bran, is expensive making the rearing out of reach to many, especially in developing countries. This study evaluated the suitability of six other potential substrates; wheat flour, maize flour, Lucerne pellets, dog food, soya four and oats in comparison to wheat bran in order to explore a cost-effective alternative rearing substrate for mealworms. To achieve this, the mealworms were reared in a climate-controlled chamber and the total numbers, weight and the fecundity were determined for each substrate. Wheat bran and wheat flour produced the most mealworms, had the highest fecundity with wheat bran, Lucerne pellets an oat producing heavier worms than all other substrates. Maize flour, wheat flour and Lucerne, were found to be the most cost-effective alternative substrates for rearing mealworms with the cost per gram at 0.07, 0.05 and 0.04 US$ respectively. Both wheat flour and maize flour are easily accessible, have a long self-life thus ideal for both large-and small-scale production.Graphical

A multi-country One Health foodborne outbreak simulation exercise: cross-sectoral cooperation, data sharing and communication.

The awareness of scientists and policy makers regarding the requirement for an integrated One Health (OH) approach in responding to zoonoses has increased in recent years. However, there remains an overall inertia in relation to the implementation of practical cross-sector collaborations. Foodborne outbreaks of zoonotic diseases continue to affect the European population despite stringent regulations, evidencing the requirement for better 'prevent, detect and response' strategies. Response exercises play an essential role in the improvement of crisis management plans, providing the opportunity to test practical intervention methodologies in a controlled environment. The One Health European Joint Programme simulation exercise (OHEJP SimEx) aimed at practicing the OH capacity and interoperability across public health, animal health and food safety sectors in a challenging outbreak scenario. The OHEJP SimEx was delivered through a sequence of scripts covering the different stages of a Salmonella outbreak investigation at a national level, involving both the human food chain and the raw pet feed industry. A total of 255 participants from 11 European countries (Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, the Netherlands) took part in national level two-day exercises during 2022. National evaluations identified common recommendations to countries aiming to improve their OH structure to establish formal communication channels between sectors, implement a common data sharing platform, harmonize laboratory procedures, and reinforce inter-laboratory networks within countries. The large proportion of participants (94%) indicated significant interest in pursuing a OH approach and desire to work more closely with other sectors. The OHEJP SimEx outcomes will assist policy makers in implementing a harmonized approach to cross-sector health-related topics, by highlighting the benefits of cooperation, identifying gaps in the current strategies and suggesting actions required to better address foodborne outbreaks. Furthermore, we summarize recommendations for future OH simulation exercises, which are essential to continually test, challenge and improve national OH strategies.