Pig Feed Research Articles

Fodder Mixture Evaluation for the Feeding of Growing-fattening Guinea Pigs in the Quijos Canton of the Province of Napo

It is known that increasing the productivity of any animal species involved in human nutrition is a permanent challenge to overcome. Consequently, the objective addressed was to evaluate the productive behavior of guinea pigs in the stage of growth-fattening, when forage mixture is used in their daily diet. It was carried out in Bellavista Farm, Santa Lucia de Bermejo, Cosanga Parish located in Quijos in Napo Province. The treatments were: T1(honey grass 25%, blue grass 25%, and concentrated 50%), T2(honey grass 25%, ryegrass 25%, and concentrated 50%), T3 (blue grass 25%, ryegrass 25%, and concentrated 50%) versus control T0 (local weeds). We used 64 guinea pigs, 32 females and 32 males improved line aged 15 days and an average weight of 339.17, using a completely random design in a combinatorial arrangement of two factors: where factor A corresponds to the forage mixture and factor B to the sex of the animals. The results were tabulated for better statistical understanding, and the separation of means was performed using the Tukey’s test with a significance level of 0.05. The results indicate that the use of the forage mixture made up of honey grass and concentrated blue grass, presents higher responses of forage consumption (2371,13 g/MS) and total food consumption (3 669,81g/MS), exceeding the results of the control treatment. In the economic evaluation, it was established that the T2 obtains the highest cost-benefit, with a nominal value of $1.13. It is concluded that no significant differences were observed when evaluating the productive parameters; in the meantime in the variables: weight gain, forage consumption, total food consumption, and food conversion, present highly significant differences. It is recommended to use fodder mixture of blue grass plus honeygrass, as part of a diet, in the stages of gestation and lactation. Keywords: zootechnics, blue grass, honey grass, ryegrass, final weight, feed conversion, total feed consumption. Resumen Se conoce que elevar la productividad de cualquier especie animal que interviene en la alimentación humana es un reto permanente para superar; en consecuencia, el objetivo aboradado fue evaluar el comportamiento productivo de los cuyes en la etapa de crecimiento engorde cuando en su alimentación diaria se utiliza una mezcla forrajera. Este estudio se llevó a cabo en la finca Bellavista, sector Santa Lucia de Bermejo, parroquia Cosanga, ubicado cantón Quijos de la provincia de Napo. Los tratamientos fueron: T1 (pasto miel 25 % + pasto azul 25 % + concentrado 50 %), T2 (pasto miel 25 % + ryegrass 25 % + concentrado 50 %), T3 (pasto azul 25 % ryegrass 25 % + concentrado 50 %) frente al control T0 (malezas de la zona); se utilizaron 64 cuyes, 32 hembra y 32 machos de la línea mejorada de 15 días de edad y un peso promedio de 339,17 g; utilizando un diseño completamente al azar en un arreglo combinatorio de dos factores: donde el factor A corresponde a la mezcla forrajera y B al sexo de los animales. Los resultados fueron tabulados para su mejor comprensión estadística, y para la separación de medias se realizó mediante la prueba de Tukey con un nivel de significancia del 0,05. Los resultados indican que la utilización de la mezcla forrajera conformada por pasto miel + pasto azul + concentrado, presenta respuestas más altas, de consumo de forraje (2 371,13 g/MS); y consumo total de alimento (3 669,81 g/MS), superando a los resultados del tratamiento testigo. En la evaluación económica se estableció que el T2 obtiene mayor beneficio costo, con un valor nominal de $ 1,13. Se concluye que al evaluar los parámetros productivos no existe diferencias significativas, mientras tanto en las variables: ganancia de peso, consumo de forraje; consumo de alimento total y la conversión alimenticia, presentan diferencias altamente significativas. Se recomienda utilizar mezcla forrajera de pasto azul más pasto miel, como parte de una dieta, en las etapas de gestación y lactancia. Palabras Clave: zootecnia, pasto azul, pasto miel, ryegrass, peso final, conversión alimenticia, consumo total de alimento.

Effects of Cricket Powder on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Pork Quality, Physicochemical, and Sensory Analyses of Finishing Swine

Feeding pigs, a balanced diet is an important factor to promote growth performance and results in higher yield and quality pork. Alternative ingredients such as cricket powder (CP) can be used as a substitution to provide high-quality protein for swine. Therefore, this experiment was investigated the effects of cricket powder on growth performance, carcass traits, pork quality, physicochemical, and sensory analyses of finishing swine. Eight finishing hogs (Hampshire cross) were allotted to two treatments: 1) control (0% CP) and 2) control + 2% CP (CP replaced SBM), for 34 days. All treatments were analyzed for growth and carcass performance (ADG, ADFI, G: F, LEA, BF, HCW, and DP), sensory evaluation (9-point hedonic scale with 14 trained panelists), physicochemical (nutrition content, pH, moisture (%), ash content, color (L*, a*, b*), lipid oxidation (TBARS)), and microbiological analysis (aerobic heterotrophs (AH), E. coli, Enterobacteriaceae). Pork loin samples coated with 2% CP were used for all treatments, except the control treatment. Each treatment was prepared and stored at 3°C for 9 days. The results showed that the control diet pigs outgained pigs fed 2% CP 1.03 kg/d vs. 0.62 kg/d. There was no difference (p>0.05) in ADFI or G: F regardless of treatment. Pigs fed 2% CP tended to have greater DP (80.10% vs. 78.21%). The 2% CP treatment obtained the highest scores for all sensory attributes, acceptability (85.71%), and purchase intent (71.43%). Adding 2% CP improved the crude fiber (4.44%), iron (13.60 ppm), and zinc contents (21.50 ppm). Pigs fed 2% CP had increased (p<0.05) a* redness (10.51), pH value (5.91), and moisture content (73.03%). No E. coli and Enterobacteriaceae were detected in this experiment. In addition, samples with 2% CP increased redness values, decreased lipid oxidation, and decreased aerobic heterotrophs counts compared to the control treatment. Thus, our results suggest that adding cricket powder in swine production can be used to promote sustainability, enhance meat color, decrease undesirable microorganism growth, and prolong the shelf-life of pork loin.

Detection of group-housed pigs feeding behavior using deep learning and edge devices

Abstract The detection of feed behavior at pig farms is essential in monitoring the welfare and health of pigs. Addressing the low automation level of feeding behavior detection in group-housed pig farming, this study proposes a lightweight feeding behavior detection model, GAB-YOLO, based on YOLOv8s. The model employs GhostNet with a Convolution and Self-Attention Mixed Module (ACMix) as the back-bone, enhancing feature extraction capability while reducing parameters. Wise-IoU is utilized as the bounding box loss function to improve sensitivity to piglets. To integrate features of pigs with different body types, a Feature Fusion Module called Bi-directional Multi Feature Pyramid Network (BMFPN) is proposed as the neck part of the model. Experimental results demonstrate that the improved model achieves detection accuracies of 98.40% for drinking behavior and 98.66% for eating behavior in group-housed pigs, representing improvements of 2.79% and 2.99%, respectively, over the original YOLOv8s algorithm, with a 14.5% reduction in parameters. The Deep Simple Online and Realtime Tracking (DeepSORT) algorithm is integrated into the improved model to address the issue of inaccurate video behavior judgment by YOLO, forming the lightweight model GAB-YOLO-DeepSORT. Finally, GAB-YOLO-DeepSORT is deployed on the NVIDIA Jetson Nano. The practical operation on the Jetson Nano shows that the proposed model can track multiple targets for pigs of different sizes and varieties in a group-housed environment, thus ensuring the accuracy of pig feeding behavior recognition and providing support for the subsequent establishment of pig health systems.

Technical Evaluation of the Utilization of Moringa Leaf Flour in Substituting Commercial Feed for Pigs

Technical Evaluation of the Utilization of Moringa Leaf Flour in Substituting Commercial Feed for Pigs

Design, Fabrication and Performance Analysis of a Mixed Mode Solar Dryer for Black Soldier Fly Larvae

The use of black soldier fly (BSF) for organic waste conversion and as an alternative source of animal feeds is sustainable and gaining momentum. The flies are easy to rear and the larvae is a rich source of crude protein, fatty acids, amino acids and vitamins that are important components in poultry, pig and fish feed. Prior to processing, the larvae must be dried up. This research is focused on the design, fabrication and performance analysis of a mixed mode solar dryer for black soldier fly (BSF) larvae. The mixed mode solar dyer constitutes two main parts: solar collector, and drying chamber with three trays was fabricate for the purpose and used. A sample containing 750g of BSF larvae were immobilized and dried to a constant mass of 302 g on the dryer. The maximum drying temperature attained during the drying process was 61oC, which corresponds to the highest intensity of solar radiation (833W/𝑚ଶ ) recorded at the experiment site 12.00 noon. The highest efficiency of the solar collector was 57.58% at 12.00 pm while the lowest collector efficiency was 33.9 % at 9:00 am

Black soldier fly as a target for pig feed production

Black soldier fly as a target for pig feed production

Variability in Distillers' Co-Product Compositions and Their Nutritional Availability for Pigs: Insights from a Systematic Literature Review.

This study aimed to examine the nutritional diversity of distillers' co-products in pigs. Two distinct databases were used in this study. The first was compiled through a systematic review of previous scientific publications that have evaluated the chemical composition and nutritional availability of these ingredients for pigs. The final database included information collected from 49 studies published between 2003 and 2022. Most of the studies focused on distillers' co-products produced from corn (90%) and assessed dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS; 92%). A wide variety of nutritional compositions was observed in the selected studies, with coefficients of variation of 8% for gross energy and 13% for crude protein in dried distillers grains (DDGs). In the general database, half of the studies were published from 2003 to 2015 and the other half from 2015 to 2022. Greater variability in the net energy content and standardized ileal digestible lysine concentrations from 2015 to 2022 were the main concerns. The second database included information on high-protein dried distillers grains (HP-DDGs) collected directly from several feed mills and was built using the results of chemical analyses. These results suggest that the nutritional matrix of co-products should be assessed for each processing plant. Nevertheless, a coefficient of variation of up to 6% was found for crude protein and up to 20% for ether extract. Variability in nutritional composition is an important challenge of using distillers' co-products in pig feed.

Joint Design and Pricing Problem for Symbiotic Bioethanol Supply Chain Network: Model and Resolution Approach

To fight climate change, the Province of Quebec, Canada, has set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing fossil fuel consumption and integrating biofuel content into gasoline and diesel fuel. Motivated by a real-world case study, this paper presents a novel distributed decision model for designing a symbiotic supply chain network and supporting pricing decisions. A distributed decision-making problem is formulated as a game theoretic approach considering a Stackelberg–Nash equilibrium. A novel mathematical model is proposed to support the decisions of four actors: corn farms, processing depots, pig farms, and biorefineries. In addition to the configuration of a biofuel-based industrial symbiosis, the model offers the possibility of setting purchase prices and supply levels for biomass (corn stover supplied by farms), as well as determining sales prices and production levels for the main product (the cellulosic sugar used for the bioethanol production) and a coproduct (pig feed sold to pig farmers). A three-step optimization process involving the user is proposed to address the computational challenges posed by large design problem instances. The case study of the Province of Quebec is used to evaluate the performance of the proposed resolution approach.

Environmental microplastic and phthalate esters co-contamination, interrelationships, co-toxicity and mechanisms. A review.

Plastics have been pervasive in society for decades, causing extensive environmental contamination. The co-occurrence of microplastics (MPs) and phthalate esters (PAEs) in the environment has significant implications for the global population. This review focuses on the simultaneous presence of MPs and PAEs, exploring co-pollution, leaching, adsorption, correlation, and co-toxicity. Both MPs and PAEs are found in various environmental compartments, including water, sediments, aquatic organisms, pig feed, masks, gloves, and liquid waste from garbage infiltration. Factors such as time, temperature, UV light exposure, and the type of MPs can influence the leaching and adsorption of PAEs onto MPs. The correlation between MPs and PAEs allows for the use of PAEs as indicators for the presence of MPs. However, current constraints, like limited data availability and regional coverage, impede the feasibility of comprehensive tracking. Additionally, the combined effects of MPs and PAEs demonstrate synergistic toxicity, leading to adverse health effects such as reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and other toxicities, primarily mediated by oxidative stress processes. Consequently, the findings provide valuable insights for future researchers and regulatory bodies, enabling the development of more effective strategies to address the simultaneous presence of microplastics and PAEs and mitigate their harmful impacts on human health.

The influence of host genotype and gut microbial interactions on feed efficiency traits in pigs.

Feed efficiency and growth performance are economically important traits in pigs. Precious studies have been revealed that both genetics and gut microbes could influence host phenotypes, however, the mechanisms by which they affect pig growth and feed efficiency remain poorly understood. In this study, 361 crossbred Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) commercial pigs were genotyped using GeneSeek Porcine SNP50K BeadChip, and the microbiotas from fecal samples were acquired using microbial 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology to investigate the impact of host genetics and gut microorganisms on growth and feed efficiency. The results showed that the heritability and enterobacterial force ranged from 0.27 to 0.46 and 0 to 0.03, respectively. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified seven significant SNPs to be associated with growth and feed efficiency, and several genes, including AIF1L, ASS1, and QRFP were highlighted as candidates for the analyzed traits. Additionally, microbiome-genome-wide association studies GWAS revealed potential links between CCAR2, EGR3, GSTM3, and GPR61 genes and the abundance of microorganisms, such as Trueperella, Victivallis, and Erysipelatoclostridium. In addition, six microbial genera linked to growth and feed efficiency were identified as follows Lachnospiraceae_UCG-005, Prevotellaceae_UCG-003, Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, Prevotella_1, Prevotella_9, and Veillonella. Our findings provide novel insights into the factors influencing host phenotypic complexity and identify potential microbial targets for enhancing pig feed efficiency through selective breeding. This could aid in the development of strategies to manipulate the gut microbiota to optimize growth rates and feed efficiency in pig breeding.

Detection of Bombyx mori as a Protein Source in Feedingstuffs by Real-Time PCR with a Single-Copy Gene Target

The silkworm, Bombyx mori, is reared on a large scale, mainly for silk production. The waste from this silk production, like pupae, is underused. As an edible insect, B. mori is a good source of protein in human food and animal feed. In recent years, European legislation on the use of insects has evolved and a multitude of European companies have initiated the rearing of insects specifically for food and feed applications. Regarding animal feed, Commission Regulations (EU) 2021/1372 and 2021/1925 authorize eight insect species, including silkworm, as processed animal proteins for use in fish, pig, and poultry feed. The incorporation of edible insects into the human diet falls within Regulation (EU) No. 2015/2283 concerning novel foods. Implementation of authentication methods is imperative to ensure the conformity of the products. In the present study, we propose a specific real-time PCR method for the detection of silkworm (B. mori). The developed PCR test amplifies a 98 bp fragment of the cadherin gene. This gene is present in a single-copy per haploid genome, as demonstrated by experimental evidence. The qualitative method was successfully evaluated on the performance criteria of specificity, sensitivity, efficiency, robustness, and transferability. The applicability of the test was assessed on samples of B. mori from industry. Light microscopy and DNA metabarcoding approaches were used as a complement to genomic analysis as a means of providing authentication of the samples.

Nutritive Value of Some Concentrate Feedstuffs for Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus).

The objective of this work was to ascertain the nutritive value of six concentrate feedstuffs commonly used in guinea pig feed manufacturing through the substitution method. Six test diets were obtained by replacing the corresponding basal mixture with 40% corn, 50% barley, 45% wheat bran, 35% soybean meal, 30% pigeon pea, or 30% Leucaena leaf meal. Sixty-three guinea pigs were randomly assigned to one of the nine experimental diets (three basal diets and six test diets, with seven animals per diet). The animals were housed in individual cages and provided with feed and water ad libitum. Following a ten-day adaptation period, the feed intake and faeces excretion were monitored for a further five days. The digestible energy content, expressed as kcal/kg dry matter (±standard error), was 3857 ± 83 for corn, 3454 ± 68 for barley, 2911 ± 110 for wheat bran, 3855 ± 81 for soybean meal, 3105 ± 79 for pigeon pea, and 2972 ± 72 for Leucaena leaf meal. The apparent total tract digestibility of crude protein, expressed as % (±standard error) was 73.8 ± 4.9 for corn, 69.5 ± 4.6 for barley, 76.4 ± 3.6 for wheat bran, 88.4 ± 1.0 for soybean meal, 62.1 ± 1.9 for pigeon pea, and 68.0 ± 1.8 for Leucaena leaf meal. Further research is required to increase knowledge about these and other feedstuffs for guinea pigs.

RURAL PIG FARMERS: A CASE STUDY ON WELL-BEING PERCEPTION IN TEPETLÁN, VERACRUZ, MEXICO

Rural pig farming (Sus domesticus Erxleben) is a major agricultural activity in Veracruz, Mexico. Given the controversies surrounding pig farming, the perception of well-being was studied along with the impact of this activity in Vicente Guerrero, in Tepetlán, Veracruz, Mexico. Twenty-six pig farms were characterized to understand their dynamics and profiles. Then, seven farmers were selected to conduct a case study on the location. A triangulation was carried out with other family members, local authorities, and a former farmer in the community. The segment interviewed was all female, with an average age of 48 years. Pig farming is the second most important economic activity in households and the main source of income for women. Production systems are traditional, with pared floors; 62.9 % are carried out in a space smaller than 1000 m2. On average, each farmer has 21 animals and 53.9 m2 of pigsties, and 96.2 % of farmers do not treat the waste generated by this activity. The interviewees relate well-being to the economy and health. The pig farming business does not currently satisfy the economic needs of the farmers. To generate more income, it is required to decrease the cost of pig feed and raise the sale price. Additionally, this activity affects the well-being of other members of the community.

Nutrient content of tamarind seed hydroponic fodder due to different watering frequencies

Limited feed for pigs encourages using alternative feed such as tamarind seeds using hydroponic fodder technology. The research aimed to examine the nutrient content of tamarind seed hydroponic fodder due to different watering frequencies. The research was conducted in Kolhua Village, Kupang City from April-September 2023. The research used tamarind seeds originating from the Lembata city. The research used a Completely Randomized Design, with 3 watering frequency treatments, namely R0 = 1 watering (07.00 WIT), R1 = 2 times (07.00 and 19.00), R2 = 3 times (07.00, 15.00 and 23.00 Wita) and 8 repetitions. There were 100 seeds per container. Variables include tamarind seed fodder's nutrient content (organic matter, crude protein, crude fiber, crude fat, and ash). Analysis used Analysis of Variance and Duncan's advanced test. The research results showed that watering frequency had a very significant effect (P<0.01) on the nutrient levels of tamarind seed hydroponic fodder except for ash content and the watering frequency that produced the best nutrient levels was twice/day. In conclusion, the germination percentage and nutrient content of tamarind seed hydroponic fodder are influenced by watering frequency twice/day with 30 ml being the best frequency.

Performance analysis of biodiesel derived from pork fat of swill and concentrate-fed pigs

With the escalating demand for sustainable energy solutions, unconventional sources are gaining attention, including the utilisation of pork fat for biodiesel production. This study investigates the influence of different pig feeding systems, namely swill and concentrate, on the characteristics and performance of biodiesel derived from pork oil. Twelve Large White Yorkshire piglets were divided into two treatments: one following standard feeding practices (T1), and the other exclusively fed with swill (T2). The pigs were slaughtered, and their fat was processed into biodiesel through transesterification. The fuel properties of the biodiesel were analysed, including kinematic viscosity, flash point, fire point, gross calorific value, and low-temperature fuel properties. Additionally, engine performance and exhaust emissions of a biodiesel blend (B20) derived from pork oil were evaluated and compared to commercial diesel fuel using a Kirloskar single-cylinder diesel engine connected to an eddy current dynamometer. Results indicate that both T1 and T2 B20 biodiesel exhibit favourable characteristics comparable to diesel, with promising fuel density, injection duration, mass flow rate, brake-specific fuel consumption, and brake thermal efficiency across various load conditions. Moreover, critical factors such as cetane number and gross calorific value suggest suitable ignition qualities and energy content, highlighting the potential of pork oil-derived biodiesel as a sustainable alternative fuel source. Keywords: Biodiesel, pork fat, swill, concentrate feeding systems

Enhanced endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling disrupts porcine sertoli cell function in response to Bisphenol A exposure

Bisphenol A (BPA), a pervasive substance in our daily lives and livestock excreta, poses significant threats due to its infiltration into foods and water sources. BPA has adverse impacts on male reproductive function, particularly affecting the critical Sertoli (ST) cells that play a pivotal role in the process of spermatogonia differentiating into spermatozoa. In this study, we examined the prevalence of BPA within the pig industry and delved into the impact of BPA exposure on the motility of boar sperm, the function of pig ST cells, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. This study revealed spatial disparities in the global distribution of BPA and its analogue contamination, utilizing data compiled from 130 comprehensive studies. The average concentration of BPA found in pig feed ranges from 9.7 to 47.9 μg/kg, while in serum, it averages between 55.1 and 75.6 ng/L. The BPA concentration in feed exhibits a negative correlation with sperm viability and the percentage of progressive motile spermatozoa. Exposure to BPA reduced sperm motility in boar and ST cell activity at both 6 and 24 h. The transcriptome analysis revealed that, compared to untreated control cells, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related genes were upregulated in ST cells exposed to BPA at 6 and 24 h. This activation of ERS in ST cells was mediated by receptor protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring protein-1α (IRE1α), and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6). Additionally, BPA exposure triggered oxidative stress and a proinflammatory response mediated by the transcription factor NF-κB, accompanied by an increase in downstream proinflammatory cytokines. BPA exposure also led to apoptosis in ST cells and upregulated the expression levels of pro-apoptosis proteins. However, inhibiting ERS activity with 4-PBA attenuated the BPA-induced inflammatory response and apoptosis in ST cells. Our findings suggest that BPA induced apoptosis and inflammatory response in porcine ST cells through persistent activation of ERS, thereby compromising the normal function of these cells.

Feeding of bakery products as replacement of cereal grains alter fecal microbiome and improve feed efficiency in fattening pigs

The re-integration of former foodstuffs, such as bakery products (BP), into pig feed reduces the feed-food competition and increases the sustainability of pig production. Nevertheless, there are concerns about the altered fatty acid profile in BP compared to standard diets and their effects on meat quality and the intestinal microbiome. The present study investigated the effects of replacing 30% cereal grains with BP in the diet on performance, microbiome composition and metabolites in feces of fattening pigs, economic aspects and meat quality characteristics. A total of 132 pigs (Large White × Piétrain; 11 weeks of age) were fed two diets containing 0 or 30% BP until reaching slaughter weight in three replicate batches. Fecal samples were collected for 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing after 6 weeks, whereas body fat samples were collected after 9 weeks on the diet. The results showed that BP can replace cereals in pig diets by up to 30% without impairing animal performance, while improving feed efficiency and reducing feed costs by 9% compared to the control. Additionally, pigs fed the BP diet had a 50%-higher n-3 fatty acid content in the neck and abdominal fat compared to the control. The improved feed efficiency in BP-fed pigs may be related to positive effects on the fecal microbiome, such as a higher alpha diversity and a reduction of fungi and yeasts. Our study provides valuable insights into the benefits of including BP in diets of fattening pigs, which should be investigated in future studies on other BP types.

Microbiological stability of Hermetia illucens meal subjected to two different heat treatments

The use of processed insect proteins for poultry and pig feed has been authorized since August 2021 (Regulation EU, 2021/1372). It has been already authorized for aquaculture since 2017 (Regulation EU, 2017/893). The adoption of this Regulation has boosted the European insect industry. However, there is currently little information regarding the evaluation of the shelf-life of insect-based feeds. The present work analyzed meals of Hermetia illucens that underwent two different treatments. The first treatment involved pre-sterilization at 80 °C for 2 h, and after that the larvae were subjected to treatment at 65 °C. The second treatment consisting in a heat treatment at 65 °C without pre-sterilization. The analysis performed for specific microbiological parameters, such as presence of β-glucuronidase positive Escherichia coli, Enterobacteriaceae, colony count at 30 °C, Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, yeasts and moulds, did not reveal any concerns about bacteria counts or pathogen presence.

Human-Wildlife Conflict in Bardia-Banke Complex: Patterns of Human Fatalities and Injuries Caused by Large Mammals.

Human fatalities and injury from wildlife attacks often result in a negative attitude toward conservation. This research was undertaken to investigate the patterns and conflict-causing factors of human killing and injury by large mammals, especially by Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), common leopard (Panthera pardus), and Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) in the Bardia-Banke Complex of western Nepal. We collected human death and injury records caused by wildlife in the Bardia-Banke Complex between 2019 and 2023, based on relief applications submitted by the victim's family. Additionally, camera trap monitoring was conducted following incidents of human-tiger and human-leopard conflicts. A total of 76 incidents involving human casualties and injuries were considered for analysis. Incidents of livestock depredation, crop raiding, and property damage were excluded from the analysis. Most of the attacks on humans were caused by tigers (75%), followed by elephants (16%) and leopards (9%). Almost all incidents occurred in daytime (97%). The highest number of conflicts were recorded in 2021, with 20 incidents. Most of the cases (84%) occurred within 1 km of forest edge. Khata corridor and the western side of the Bardia National Park, i.e., Karnali River corridor, were identified as high-conflict areas. The primary causes of the conflict manifested in cattle grazing (28%), grass cutting (28%), firewood collection (11%), fishing (8%), vegetable collection (5%), sand collection (4%), during rescuing friends (3%), grazing captive elephants (3%), highway rides (3%), sleeping in Chaupadi Goth (3%), walking nearby forest areas (3%), playing nearby forest areas (1%), while feeding pig (1%), and working in agricultural lands (1%). To promote human-wildlife coexistence, community-based patrols (33%), habitat restoration (26%), electric fencing (26%), and insurance (7%) were identified as the preferred strategies. Therefore, we recommend that stakeholders and concerned bodies increase awareness among local community about the use of forest resources, wildlife behavior, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation strategies.

Examination of Salmonella Prevalence in Pigs Through Rye-Based Feeding and Coarser Feed Structure Under Field Conditions.

Salmonellosis is the second most commonly occurring bacterial zoonosis in Germany. Rye in pig feeding offers new possibilities for addressing that issue due to its high content of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs). These are fermented in the intestinal tract to specific fermentation products, which seem to have bacteriolytic effects against Salmonella. A coarse feed structure can display synergistic effects. Seven conventional pig fattening farms increased the rye content (40%-70%) while limiting the amount of fine particles (maximum of 20% ≤0.25mm). Samples from pigs were tested for Salmonella antibodies and compared with samples from 167 farms without any changes to the feed. Rye-based diets had a significant (p<0.05) impact on Salmonella antibody (percentage optical density [OD%]) detection. In this study, it became apparent that significantly fewer positive OD% values could be detected due to the increase in rye compared to farms that did not change the feed (Farm 6 P0: 35.45±36.18; P1: 15.48±16.98; P2: 9.36±8.17). An elimination of Salmonella could not be achieved, but especially farms with high antibody counts were able to strongly reduce those in both phases consecutively (Farm 5 P0: 35.17±35.53; P1: 18.56a±20.96; P2: 13.38a±18.99). That was different on farms without adapted feeding, where an increase in Salmonella antibodies was observed (P0: 17.38±22.21; P1: 20.12±25.39; P2: 18.12±25.44). By increasing the proportion of rye and limiting the proportion of fine particles in the feed, Salmonella antibodies (OD% values) in meat juice and blood can be significantly reduced, especially on farms with an initially high incidence of Salmonella. If that is implemented in feeding across the board on farms, an improvement in food safety and a decreased risk of zoonosis can be expected.