Pig Feces Research Articles

Characteristics of a Colistin-Resistant Escherichia coli ST695 Harboring the Chromosomally-Encoded mcr-1 Gene.

Enterobacteriaceae having chromosomally-encoded mcr-1 is rarely reported. In this study, we recovered a chromosomal mcr-1 carrying Escherichia coli, designated HeN100, from the feces of a diarrheal pig in China. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that HeN100 was resistant to three aminoglycosides, twelve β-lactams including three carbapenems, one phenicol, two tetracyclines, two fluoroquinolones, nitrofurantoin, and colistin tested. Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencing revealed that the complete genomes of the multidrug resistant (MDR) HeN100 consisted of a single circular chromosome and five circular plasmids. Bioinformatical analysis determined HeN100 as ST695 and it contained many acquired resistance genes responsible for its MDR phenotypes, including colistin resistance mcr-1 and the carbapenem resistance blaNDM-1, and most of these genes were located on plasmids. However, the mcr-1 was found on the chromosome, and it was located between an IS30-like element ISApl1 and a PAP2-like encoding gene. These three genes consisted of an “ISApl1-mcr-1-orf” segment and inserted in high AT-rich regions. Finally, we found the blaNDM-1 was carried on an IncFII type conjugative plasmid. The conjugation frequency of this plasmid was 7.61 ± 2.11 × 10−5 per recipient, and its conjugation conferred resistance to carbapenems and other β-lactams, as well as aminoglycosides. The spread of this mcr-1/blaNDM-1-carrying E. coli ST695 represents a great concern of public health.

Absicoccus porci gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family Erysipelotrichaceae isolated from pig faeces.

An obligately anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive and coccus-shaped bacterium, designated strain YH-panp20T, was isolated from pig faeces. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that the isolate belongs to the family Erysipelotrichaceae, and is most closely related to Catenisphaera adipataccumulans KCTC 15517T (93.5 % sequence similarity), followed by Faecalitalea cylindroides KCTC 5815T (92.2 %), Faecalicoccus acidiformans KCTC 15521T (90.2 %) and Holdemanella biformis KCTC 5969T (89.6 %). Average nucleotide identity values between YH-panp20T and its closest relatives were lower than 71 %. The G+C content of the isolate was 38.4 mol%, and its cell-wall peptidoglycan was found to be of A1γ type and contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant fatty acids were C18 : 1 cis 9, C18 : 0 DMA and C16 : 0. The major end-products of glucose fermentation were lactate, acetate and formate. Therefore, based on the phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic properties, a novel genus and species, Absicoccus porci gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed for isolate YH-panp20T (=KCTC 15747T=JCM 32769T).

The fungal community and its interaction with the concentration of short-chain fatty acids in the faeces of Chenghua, Yorkshire and Tibetan pigs.

SummaryDespite their important roles in host nutrition and metabolism, and potential to cause disease, our knowledge of the fungal community in the mammalian gut is quite limited. To date, diversity and composition of fungi in swine gut still remains unknown. Therefore, the first internal transcribed spacer of fungi in faecal samples from three breeds of pigs (10 pigs for each breed) was sequenced based on an Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform, and the relationship between the fungal community and the concentrations of main short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was also analysed. Results indicated that Chenghua (local, higher body fat rate), Yorkshire (foreign, higher lean meat and growth rate) and Tibetan (plateau, stronger disease resistance) pigs harboured distinct fungal community. The Basidiomycota and Ascomycota presented as the two predominant phyla, with Loreleia, Russula and Candida as the top three genera in all samples. Network analysis revealed a total of 35 correlations among different fungal genera, with 27 (77.14%) positive and 8 (22.86%) negative pairwise interactions. Canonical correspondence analysis suggested that fungi in the faeces of pigs were more correlated to the concentration of acetate and butyrate rather than propionate. Spearman’s correlation further showed that Tomentella was positively correlated to both acetate and butyrate, and Loreleia was positively correlated to propionate (P < 0.05), while Nephroma and Taiwanofungus were negatively correlated to acetate and propionate (P < 0.05). These findings expanded our knowledge on the intestinal fungi in pigs with different genotypes and phenotypes, indicating that fungi may play an indispensable role during the metabolism of host and the maintenance of intestinal health. The cross‐feeding between fungi and other microorganisms may be crucial during the digestion of dietary carbohydrates and the associated physiological processes, which is worthy to be further studied.

Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Rumput Odot (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) pada Tanah Entisol di Lahan Kering Akibat Pemberian Pupuk Organik Cair Berbahan Feses Babi Dengan Volume Air Berbeda

This study aims to examine the growth and production of odot grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) on entisol soils with different amounts of water volume in Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF) made of pig feces. This research was carried out for 5 months in the feed garden of Noelbaki Village and State Agricultural Polytechnic of Kupang. The study used completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments consisting of P0 (without LOF), P1 (LOF without water), P2 (LOF 1 L with 2 L water solvent), P4 (LOF 1 L with 4 water solvent) L), and P6 (LOF 1 L with 6 L water solvent) repeated 4 times. The observed variables were plant height increase, number of buds, chlorophyll content (mg/mL), absorption of nitrogen (g/polybag), fresh and dried production. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and Duncan Multiple Range Test. The results showed that dilution of LOF used different water volumes had a non-significant effect (P&gt;0.05) on the number of buds (average of 0.27 buds/week), but had a significant effect (P&lt;0.05) to increase plant height (average of 4.45 cm/week), chlorophyll content (average of 20.42 mg/mL), absorption of nitrogen (average of 0.16 g/polybag), fresh production (average of 40.09 g/polybag) and dried production (average of 10.83 g/polybag). The best level was 1 L POC which was diluted in 2 L water.

Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Rumput Odot (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) pada Tanah Entisol di Lahan Kering Akibat Pemberian Pupuk Organik Cair Berbahan Feses Babi Dengan Volume Air Berbeda

This study aims to examine the growth and production of odot grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) on entisol soils with different amounts of water volume in Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF) made of pig feces. This research was carried out for 5 months in the feed garden of Noelbaki Village and State Agricultural Polytechnic of Kupang. The study used completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments consisting of P0 (without LOF), P1 (LOF without water), P2 (LOF 1 L with 2 L water solvent), P4 (LOF 1 L with 4 water solvent) L), and P6 (LOF 1 L with 6 L water solvent) repeated 4 times. The observed variables were plant height increase, number of buds, chlorophyll content (mg/mL), absorption of nitrogen (g/polybag), fresh and dried production. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and Duncan Multiple Range Test. The results showed that dilution of LOF used different water volumes had a non-significant effect (P0.05) on the number of buds (average of 0.27 buds/week), but had a significant effect (P0.05) to increase plant height (average of 4.45 cm/week), chlorophyll content (average of 20.42 mg/mL), absorption of nitrogen (average of 0.16 g/polybag), fresh production (average of 40.09 g/polybag) and dried production (average of 10.83 g/polybag). The best level was 1 L POC which was diluted in 2 L water.

Lactic Acid Treatment of Cereals and Dietary Phytase Modified Fecal Microbiome Composition Without Affecting Expression of Virulence Factor Genes in Growing Pigs.

Besides the major nutrients, phosphorus (P) is an essential mineral for both the host animal and the porcine gut microbiota. Different strategies including phytase supplementation and more recently lactic acid (LA) are used to enhance the P availability from cereals in pig diets; however, their impact on the gut microbiota has been rarely related to fecal shedding of opportunistic pathogens. The present study investigated the effect of phytase supplementation and the treatment of dietary cereals with 2.5% LA on the fecal microbiome composition of metabolic active bacteria and expression of virulence factor genes of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens in growing pigs. Phytase supplementation reduced the fecal abundance of the most abundant Lactobacillaceae family, whereas the LA-treatment of cereals had a stronger impact on the bacterial community, reducing amylolytic, pullulanolytic and hemicellulolytic Lactobacillaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae as well as the fecal bacterial species richness (Chao1) and diversity (Shannon index). Mainly the family Clostridiaceae benefited from the decline in the aforementioned families, being enriched by both dietary treatments. Multigroup data integration using sparse partial least squares-discriminant analysis showed that among the most discriminative operational taxonomic units (OTU) especially two unclassified Clostridiaceae-OTUs, one Prevotella copri-like OTU and one OTU within the vadinCA11 group were associated with calcium and P levels but were negatively linked with complex carbohydrates in feces. Heat-stable toxin A (Sta) of enterotoxigenic E. coli and Stx2e of Shiga-toxin producing E. coli were expressed in feces but were similar among feeding groups. Without modifying the total bacterial gene copies and virulence factor expression of E. coli, both dietary phytase supplementation and LA-treatment of cereals drastically altered the bacterial community composition in pig feces. Results thereby allowed for the characterization of bacterial nutrient dependencies, indicating a link between fecal P availability, complex carbohydrate composition and alterations in the predominant genera.

Effects of Gas Production Recording System and Pig Fecal Inoculum Volume on Kinetics and Variation of In Vitro Fermentation using Corn Distiller's Dried Grains with Solubles and Soybean Hulls.

Simple SummaryVarious in vitro methodologies have been developed and used to estimate the digestibility of feed ingredients, such as corn distillers dried grains with solubles (cDDGS) and soybean hulls (SBH) which contain high concentrations of dietary fiber. This study evaluated two in vitro gas production recording systems (manual vs. automated) and two initial fecal inoculum volumes (30 vs. 75 mL) on the parameters of in vitro fermentation of cDDGS and SBH. The results showed that the use of 75-mL inoculum volume with 0.5 g substrate tended to reduce the variation of measurements compared to the 30-mL inoculum volume with 0.2 g substrate regardless of the gas production recording system. These findings suggest that using larger inoculum volume with more substrate increases the precision of measurements. Furthermore, the automated system decreases labor for conducting the assay.An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of inoculum volume (IV), substrate quantity, and the use of a manual or automated gas production (GP) recording system for in vitro determinations of fermentation of corn distillers dried grains with solubles (cDDGS) and soybean hulls (SBH). A 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used and included the factors of (1) ingredients (cDDGS or SBH), (2) inoculum volume and substrate quantity (IV30 = 0.2 g substrate + 30 mL inoculum or IV75 = 0.5 g substrate + 75 mL inoculum), and (3) GP recording system (MRS = manual recording system or ARS = automated recording system). Feed ingredient samples were pre-treated with pepsin and pancreatin, and the hydrolyzed residues were subsequently incubated with fresh pig feces in a buffered mineral solution. The GP recording was monitored for 72 h, and the kinetics were estimated by fitting data using an exponential model. Compared with SBH, cDDGS yielded less (p < 0.01) maximal gas production (Gf), required more time (p < 0.02) to achieve half gas accumulation (T/2), and had less (p < 0.01) fractional rate of degradation (µ) and in vitro fermentability of dry matter (IVDMF). Using the ARS resulted in less IVDMF (p < 0.01) compared with MRS (79.0% vs. 81.2%, respectively). Interactions were observed between GP recording system and inoculum volume and substrate quantity for Gf (p < 0.04), µ (p < 0.01), and T/2 (p < 0.04) which implies that increasing inoculum volume and substrate quantity resulted in decreased Gf (332 mL/g from IV30 vs. 256 mL/g from IV75), µ (0.05 from IV30 vs. 0.04 from IV75), and T/2 (34 h for IV30 vs. 25 h for IV75) when recorded with ARS but not MRS. However, the recorded cumulative GP at 72 h was not influenced by the inoculum volume nor recording system. The precision of Gf (as measured by the coefficient of variation of Gf) tended to increase for IV30 compared with IV75 (p < 0.10), indicating that using larger inoculum volume and substrate quantity (IV75) reduced within batch variation in GP kinetics. Consequently, both systems showed comparable results in GP kinetics, but considering convenience and achievement of consistency, 75 mL of inoculum volume with 0.5 g substrate is recommended for ARS.

Detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Shiga toxin 2a gene in pork, pig feces, and clean water at Jagalan slaughterhouse in Surakarta, Central Java Province, Indonesia.

Background and Aim:The feasibility assessment of food products on the market becomes one of the milestones of food safety. The quality of food safety of animal origin especially pork need to get attention and more real action from the parties related and concerned. Since pork is also a source of transmission for the contagion of foodborne disease so that the study of the existence of several agents in the pork and its products become the benchmark of safety level. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and detect the Shiga toxin 2a (stx2a) gene from Escherichia coli O157:H7 in pork, pig feces, and clean water in the Jagalan slaughterhouse.Materials and Methods:A total of 70 samples consisting of 32 pork samples, 32 pig fecal samples, and 6 clean water samples were used to isolate and identify E. coli O157:H7 and the stx2a gene. Isolation and identification of E. coli O157:H7 were performed using culture on eosin methylene blue agar and Sorbitol-MacConkey agar media and confirmed molecularly with polymerase chain reaction to amplify the target genes rfbE (317 bp) and fliC (381 bp). The isolates, which were identified as E. coli O157:H7, were investigated for the stx2a gene (553 bp).Results:The results of this study show that of the total collected samples, E. coli O157:H7 was 28.6% in Jagalan slaughterhouse and consisted of 25% of pork samples, 31.25% of pig fecal samples, and 33.3% of clean water samples. The isolates that were identified to be E. coli O157:H7 mostly contained the stx2a gene, which was equal to 75%, and consisted of seven isolates from pork samples, seven isolates from fecal samples, and one isolate from clean water samples.Conclusion:E. coli O157:H7 was found in 28.6% of pork, pig feces, and clean water in Jagalan slaughterhouse and 75% of identified E. coli O157:H7 contained the stx2a gene.

A survey on the occurrence of Brachyspira pilosicoli and Brachyspira hyodysenteriae in growing-finishing pigs

Background: The major pathogenic intestinal spirochetes affecting pigs during the growing- finishing stage of production include Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and Brachyspira pilosicoli. Infections by these pathogens, which affect the economics of pig production, can result in mortality, growth rate losses and substantial antibiotic costs. The aim of this study was to assess the current occurrence of B. hyodysenteriae and B. pilosicoli in Polish pig herds. Moreover, associations between the presence of diarrhea or other intestinal pathogens and occurrence of B. hyodysenteriae and B. pilosicoli in pigs were investigated. Methods: Between January 2017 and August 2019, a total of 401 samples of pig feces from 95 different herds were submitted to the National Veterinary Research Institute of Poland. These samples were obtained from pigs older than 7 weeks. All the received fecal samples were examined for the presence of B. hyodysenteriae, B. pilosicoli and Lawsonia intracellularis by real-time PCR. Results: For B. pilosicoli, 4.5% (95% CI, 2.5-7.0%) of samples and 13.7% (95% CI, 7.5-22.3%) of herds were positive. Out of 12 samples, B. pilosicoli was detected simultaneously with L. intracellularis, B. hyodysenteriae and B. pilosicoli were detected alone in two samples each. In terms of B. hyodysenteriae, 7.0% of samples (95% CI, 4.7-9.9%) from 18.9% of herds (95% CI, 11.6-28.3%) were positive in real time PCR. The presence of B. hyodysenteriae in fecal samples was associated with the presence of diarrhea in pigs. Conclusions: This study confirmed that B. pilosicoli infections occur in Polish pig herds, but the prevalence is at a low level and the presence of B. pilosicoli is not associated with the development of diarrhea in pigs. B. hyodysenteriae is still a common cause of diarrhea among pigs from Polish herds.

Draft Genome Sequences of Three Novel Acinetobacter Isolates from an Irish Commercial Pig Farm.

Acinetobacter species are important in the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which threatens human and animal health worldwide. Here, we present the draft genome sequences of three Acinetobacter species strains (RF14B, RF15A, and RF15B) isolated from pig feces and the floor of a pig hospital pen in Ireland.

A low-fiber diet requires a longer adaptation period before collecting feces of pigs compared with a high-fiber diet in digestibility experiments using the inert marker method

The objective was to determine a minimum adaptation period in total tract digestibility experiments using the inert marker method for pigs fed a low- or high-fiber diet. Eight barrows with an initial body weight of 81.5 kg (standard deviation = 5.1) were assigned to 2 dietary treatments in a crossover design. A low-fiber diet was formulated based on ground corn, cornstarch, and soybean meal to contain 50 g/kg amylase-treated neutral detergent fiber. A high-fiber diet was prepared based on ground corn, corn distillers dried grains with solubles, and corn cobs to contain 296 g/kg amylase-treated neutral detergent fiber. In both diets, chromic oxide was included at 5 g/kg as an indigestible inert marker. Daily feed allowance was approximately 2.4% of initial body weight. Equal meals were provided at 0800 and 1700 h. After feeding diets without supplemental chromium (Cr) for 4 days, experimental diets with supplemental Cr were provided to pigs for 8 days. Total fecal collection was conducted during the 8 days with 24-h intervals. Daily Cr concentrations in feces increased linearly and quadratically (P < 0.001) in both low- and high-fiber diet groups as the collection days passed. The break point for fecal Cr concentration in the low-fiber diet group and high-fiber diet group was day 5.46 (SE = 0.145, P < 0.001) and day 3.49 (SE = 0.098, P < 0.001), respectively, based on a one-slope broken-line analysis. Coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility values of energy and nutrients (dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein) on day 3 and day 4 were lower (P < 0.001) than those on day 6–8 in the low-fiber diet. In pigs fed the high-fiber diet, the coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility of energy and nutrients on day 3 was lower (P < 0.001) than those on day 4–8. In conclusion, the minimum adaption period to achieve a constant inert marker concentration in feces is longer in a low-fiber diet compared with a high-fiber diet. We suggest an adaptation period of at least 6 days before grab sampling of feces when dietary fiber concentration is low.

Drastic decline of hepatitis E virus detection in domestic pigs after the age of 6months, Corsica, France.

Suidae is an important reservoir of hepatitis E virus (HEV) and a source of transmission to humans (direct contact or via consumption of meat products). Our goal was to characterize the epidemiology of HEV infecting domestic pigs in Corsica Island, a French region hyperendemic for HEV. In Corsica, traditional extensive (or semi-extensive) outdoor pig farming system is common. Sixteen farms were selected according to location and breeding system. Individual pig faeces samples were collected and qRT-PCR for detecting HEV RNA was performed. Nucleic acids from HEV-positive samples were amplified using specific ORF2 genotyping system. The genotype and subtype of the Corsican HEV sequences were determined by phylogenetic analysis. Among the 919 porcine faeces samples tested 9.2% (n=85) were positive. The presence of viral RNA was correlated with (a) age (>6months) Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) 0.25 [0.068-0.90] p=.032; 3-4months AOR=4.94 [2.30-10.62] p=.000043) with the logistic regression model with a random effect at the farm level. Among the 85 positive samples, 83 belonged to genotype 3c and two to genotype 3f. The highest prevalence was observed in the 3-4months age group and older age (>6months) was negatively related to HEV infection and this suggests that traditional breeding with a late slaughter age may limit the risk of transmission to humans. A kinetic study of pigs from birth to slaughtering would allow to ensure that the type of traditional breeding reported here is very favourable to the absence of the virus in slaughtered pigs and in pork products.

Dried Pig Feces: Impacts on Growth, Haematology and Histology of Clarias gariepinus

Aims: Improper utilization and disposal of pig faeces in pig farms have been a great concern due to their hazards and risks they constitute to the environment. This situation calls for effective utilization of pig Feces for fish feed. This project was designed to provide information on safe level of Dried Pig Feces (DPF) on growth, histology and haematology of Clarias gariepinus.&#x0D; Study Design: A twelve week feeding trial experiment was conducted using one hundred and fifty samples of C. gariepinus juveniles. The fish meal was replaced at different graded levels of DPF (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) and was coded T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Growth parameters, histology of vital organs and haematology of the fish samples were determined according to standard methods. Data obtained were analysed using ANOVA and Duncan multiple range test was used to separate the means.&#x0D; Results: The Mean Weight Gain (MWG) revealed a significant (P&lt;0.05) value in T3 (69.40 g), while 100% inclusion exhibited lowest MWG (21.07%). The Packed Cell Volume, Haemoglobin and Red Blood Cell values obtained decreased with increase in DPF inclusions, while an increase was observed in T4 (26.50%). White Blood Cell count was significant (P&lt;0.05) in T3 (16,150±2.07 g/l) and decreased in T4(15,800±1.01 g/l) and T5(12,650±0.85 g/l) respectively. Histological results confirmed the absence of lesions in the heart, gills and the intestine of fish samples. Lesions in the liver were severed in T4 and T5.&#x0D; Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed that 50% inclusion of DPF is the safe level for growth of C. gariepinus. Since the histological results revealed no lesions in all the vital organs, except the liver that had severe lesions, DPF can be recommended as an alternative feed ingredient.

A novel defective recombinant porcine enterovirus G virus carrying a porcine torovirus papain-like cysteine protease gene and a putative anti-apoptosis gene in place of viral structural protein genes

Enterovirus G (EV-G) belongs to the family of Picornaviridae. Two types of recombinant porcine EV-Gs carrying papain-like cysteine protease (PLCP) gene of porcine torovirus, a virus in Coronaviridae, are reported. Type 1 recombinant EV-Gs are detected in pig feces in Japan, USA, and Belgium and carry the PLPC gene at the junction site of 2C/3A genes, while PLPC gene replaces the viral structural genes in type 2 recombinant EV-G detected in pig feces in a Chinese farm. We identified a novel type 2 recombinant EV-G carrying the PLCP gene with flanking sequences in place of the viral structural genes in pig feces in Japan. The ~0.3 kb-long upstream flanking sequence had no sequence homology with any proteins deposited in GenBank, while the downstream ~0.9 kb-long flanking sequence included a domain having high amino acid sequence homology with a baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat superfamily. The pig feces, where the novel type 2 recombinant EV-G was detected, also carried type 1 recombinant EV-G. The amount of type 1 and type 2 recombinant EV-G genomes was almost same in the pig feces. Although the phylogenetic analysis suggested that these two recombinant EV-Gs have independently evolved, type 1 recombinant EV-G might have served as a helper virus by providing viral structural proteins for dissemination of the type 2 recombinant EV-G.

Organic farms conserve a dung beetle species capable of disrupting fly vectors of foodborne pathogens

Produce can be contaminated with enteric bacteria when livestock or wildlife feces are deposited in vegetable fields. Coprophagous beetles and flies might mitigate this threat as they feed but could also transmit pathogens if they contact plants. Improved food safety will result only from farming practices that enhance coprophage benefits and limit harms. On 49 mixed-vegetable farm fields across the western US states of Oregon and California, we found differences in coprophagous fly community composition under organic versus conventional management practices. While dung beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) community assemblages did not differ significantly based on farm management system, organic farms fostered populations ofOnthophagus taurus, a dung beetle species that is a known antagonist of human-pathogenicEscherichia coli. We examined the possible implications for food safety of interactions between O. taurus and a common fly species on the farms, Calliphora vomitora, in microcosms containing pig (Sus scrofa) feces inoculated with human pathogenicE. coliO157:H7 and placed near broccoli (Brassica oleracea) plants. In the absence of dung beetles, Calliphora vomitorareadily acquired the bacteria and transmitted them to broccoli foliage. In the presence of the dung beetleO. taurus, however,E. coliin the soil and fly survivorship were reduced, and the pathogen was rarely recovered from foliage. Altogether, our results suggest the potential for O. taurus to both directly suppress enteric pathogens in vertebrate feces and to indirectly reduce the spread of these bacteria by co-occurring flies. The beneficial beetle O. tauruswas common only on organic farms, suggesting these benefits of beetle-fly interference for food safety could be more likely under this farming regime. Future research that investigates interactions between the many other common dung beetle and fly species on these farms would help fully delineate any net benefit of these species-rich coprophage communities, and the farming systems that shape them, for food safety.

Effects of hot melt extrusion processed nano-iron on growth performance, blood composition, and iron bioavailability in weanling pigs.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of hot melt extrusion (HME) nano-iron as an alternative for the common ferrous sulfate on iron (Fe) bioavailability, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, and intestinal microbiota of weanling pigs. A total of 200 piglets (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc) were randomly allotted to seven treatments on the basis of initial body weight (BW) and sex. Treatments were the INO100 (100 ppm Fe as FeSO4), HME-Fe levels (50, 75, and 100 ppm nano-Fe as FeSO4). ORG100 (100 ppm Fe as iron methionine). In phase 1, the HME50 pigs showed the lowest Fe content in feed and feces. Plasma Fe concentration was increased in HME100 and ORG100 pigs. In phase 2, there were significantly lower concentration of Fe in feed and feces of HME50 pigs (p < 0.01). A lower Fe concentration in the plasma and liver were observed in HME50 pigs compared with HME100 pigs. Concentration of red blood cell (RBC) was the lowest (p < 0.01) for HME50 pigs. During phase 2, the HME100, HME75, and ORG100 pigs showed a higher RBC and hemoglobin values compared with HME50 pigs. Digestibility of gross energy (GE) and crude protein (CP) were significantly higher in HME100 pigs compared with HME50 pigs. There was an increased (p < 0.01) villus height in the duodenum and jejunum of HME100 pigs compared with HME50 pigs. It is concluded that dietary Fe does not improve growth performance of weanling pigs; however, increasing the dietary iron concentration in weanling piglets increased the RBC and hemoglobin. In addition, the potential ability of HME to be used at a lower level (HME75) was observed.

Lactobacillus-based fermentation product and lactose level in the feed for weanling pigs: Effects on intestinal morphology, microbiota, gas emission, and targeted intestinal coliforms

A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement was used to investigate the interactions between lactose levels (100 g/kg versus 200 g/kg) and Lactobacillus-based fermentation product (FP; 0 and 1 × 1011 CFU Lactobacillus casei/kg) on weanling piglet performance and nutrient digestibility. Two hundred and forty weaned piglets (24 days old, 7.05 kg live weight) were blocked on the basis of live weight and assigned to one of four dietary treatments with six replicates and 10 piglets per replicate in two phases (phase 1, from d 1 to 14; phase 2, from d 14 to 28). Volatile fatty acid concentrations and bacterial counts were performed in ileal, cecal, and colonic contents. In phase Ⅰ, ADG was increased (P < 0.01) in pigs fed FP. The digestibility of DM and GE were greater (P < 0.01) in pigs offered high lactose level. The interactions between lactose level and FP were significant for the concentration of ileal acetate (P < 0.05) and propionate (P < 0.01). The concentration of propionate in the cecum and colon, as well as butyrate in the ileum, were greater (P < 0.05) in high lactose treatment. Dietary supplementation of FP decreased acetate level in the cecum. The emission of total organic carbon and ammonia in pigs feces were decreased (P < 0.01) in both high lactose and FP-supplemented diets. The interactions between lactose and FP were significant (P < 0.05) for the population of Salmonella spp. in the ileum. The pH of colon digesta was lower (P < 0.05) in pigs offered high lactose level. The abundance of Lactobacillus spp. was increased (P < 0.05) only in the cecum digesta in pigs offered high lactose diet. In phase Ⅱ, there was a significant improvement in the feed:gain in pigs fed the diet with high lactose content. The overall result showed that ADG and ADFI were increased in pigs in FP treatment. The greater digestibility of DM was observed in pigs offered FP. The concentration of butyric acid in the colon was increased in pigs fed FP. The supplementation of FP decreased ileal and cecal Escherichia coli. This study demonstrates that dietary FP improved the growth performance and DM digestibility of weanling pigs. When the dietary FP, and the lactose level were combined there was no evidence of an interaction on growth performance. However, both lactose and FP decreased the emissions of total organic carbon and ammonium.

Porcine in vitro digestion and fermentation characteristics of corn wet distillers’ grains and dried distillers grains with solubles without or with multi-enzyme

Wet distillers grains (wet DG) and condensed distillers are co-products from ethanol plants, which are combined and dried into distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). Information is lacking on effects of producing DDGS from wet DG on response to fiber-degrading enzymes in terms of digestibility of DDGS for pigs. This study determined porcine in vitro digestion and fermentation characteristics of wet DG and DDGS without or with multi-enzyme that supplied 9600 U of xylanase, 1200 U of glucanase, 4000 U of cellulase, 480 U of mannanase, 5600 U of invertase, 40,000 U of protease, and 96,000 U of amylase/kilogram of feedstuff. Four gram samples were weighed into conical flasks (5 flasks per treatment) and hydrolyzed in 2 steps using pepsin and pancreatin. Subsequently, undigested residues were incubated in a buffer solution with minerals and fresh pig feces as inoculum. Gas production was measured for 72 h, and modeled to estimate kinetics of gas production. Concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) was measured in fermented solutions. On dry matter (DM) basis, the wet DG and DDGS contained 235.2 and 288.7 g/kg crude protein, and 62.5 and 109.9 g/kg ether extract, respectively. There was no interaction between feedstuff and multi-enzyme on any of the response criteria measured in this study. Coefficient of in vitro digestibility of DM (IVDDM) of wet DG (0.497) did not differ from that of DDGS (0.498). Multi-enzyme supplementation did not affect the IVDDM of wet DG or DDGS. Total gas production per unit weight of enzymatically unhydrolyzed residue for wet DG was greater (P<0.05) than that of DDGS (122.8 vs 108.9 mL/g DM). Multi-enzyme supplementation increased (P<0.05) the total gas production per unit weight of enzymatically unhydrolyzed residue for wet DG and DDGS by 4.94 and 10.33%, respectively. There was no effect of feedstuff or multi-enzyme on degradation rate and VFA production of enzymatically unhydrolyzed residue. In conclusion, the wet DG and DDGS were similar in IVDDM; however total gas production for enzymatically unhydrolyzed residue for wet DG was greater than that for DDGS, implying that wet DG is more fermentable than DDGS. The multi-enzyme product used in the current study can improve fermentability of wet DG and DDGS for pigs. Feedstuff and multi-enzyme did not interact on any response criteria measured this study, implying that the drying of wet DG into DDGS did not influence the effect of the multi-enzyme on digestibility of DDGS for pigs.

Phenology, Distribution, and Diversity of Dung Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in North Florida's Pastures and Forests.

Dung beetles are important to ecosystems as they aid in nutrient recycling and waste removal. In North Florida, there is a high diversity of dung beetles due to the intentional and accidental introduction of non-native species. Understanding patterns and processes on local scales is important for conservational planning. The aim of this study was to evaluate how dung beetle communities respond to different dung sources, forage composition, and habitat types. We surveyed for the presence and distribution of dung beetles in an open field and forest as well as in three types of pasture forage designs. In the first experiment, four transects with pitfall traps from forest to open field were established with either horse, pig, or cow feces bait. In the second experiment, three cattle grazing systems with different forage species were tested with only cow feces. In the first experiment, 16 species were identified between the field and forest sites including native and exotic species. Although the dung type had little effect on beetle distribution, a significantly different distribution of dung beetles between the field and forest was observed. Only one species, Onthophagus hecate Panzer (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) showed no preference between open field and forest habitat. During this second experiment, no difference in dung beetle distribution was found between the three types of pasture assemblages. This study supports habitat type as a driver of interspecies distribution and diversity of dung beetles in North Florida.

Identification of a Novel Plasmid Carrying mcr-4.3 in an Acinetobacter baumannii Strain in China.

Here, we identified mcr-4.3 in Acinetobacter baumannii, which had not been previously observed to carry an mcr gene. The mcr-4.3-harboring A. baumannii strain AB18PR065 was isolated from pig feces from a slaughterhouse in Guangdong Province of China. The mcr-4.3-carrying pAB18PR065 is 25,602 bp in size and could not be transferred in conjugation, transformation, and electroporation experiments, as we did not find any conjugation-related genes therein. pAB18PR065 harbors two copies of type II toxin-antitoxin systems, which are functional in plasmid stabilization and maintenance. pAB18PR065 shares similarity only with one recently identified plasmid, pAb-MCR4.3 (35,502 bp), from a clinical A. baumannii strain. It is likely that the emergence of pAb-MCR4.3 was due to the insertion of an 11,386-bp, ISAba19-based, composite transposon into pAB18PR065. These data indicate that mcr-4.3 was captured by an A. baumannii-original plasmid via horizontal gene transfer.