Rabbit Feces Research Articles

Ecological Characteristics of Culturable Myxobacteria in the Rhizosphere Soil of Saline-Tolerant Plants in the Ebinur Saline Wetlands

T his study investigated the ecological distribution of myxobacteria in the saline environment of the Ebinur Lake Wetland, in China, which provides a unique microecological environment for their survival. Culturable myxobacteria were isolated using traditional methods including Escherichia coli DH5α, rabbit feces, and filter paper flakes as food sources. Molecular identification along with physiological, biochemical assays and morphological characterization was carried out for the classification and identification of myxobacteria. Associations between soil environmental factors and myxobacterial diversity were analyzed using redundancy analysis. This study involved collecting rhizosphere soil from 15 species of salt-tolerant plants, ultimately yielding 15 strains of myxobacteria from eight of these species. Fifteen strains of myxobacteria were taxonomically placed by analyzing 16S rRNA homology, seven strains were closely related to Myxococcus virescens, six strains were closely related to Myxococcus fulvus and two strains were closely related to Myxococcus xanthus. Myxococcus virescens, the dominant cultivable species of myxobacteria in the Ebinur Lake Wetland, was isolated from various sampling sites using traditional methods. Analysis of antibiotic resistance revealed that myxobacterial strains M2, M6, M9, M13, and M15 are resistant to gentamicin. Furthermore, predation assays demonstrated that myxobacterial strain M14 exhibits the broadest spectrum of predation against both bacterial and fungal prey. The limited culturable myxobacterial diversity observed in the Ebinur Lake Wetland could potentially result from variations in soil physicochemical properties, vegetation type, and employed isolation methods. These findings enhance our comprehension of the myxobacterial resources within this specific salt desert ecosystem.

Two-step pH regulating ethanol production through continuous CO/CO2 gas fermentation by mixed bacteria from rabbit faeces

Mixed bacterial syngas fermentation is a promising carbon-neutral method for producing acetic acid and ethanol. However, the bacterial community and metabolic pathways were different in the growth and ethanol production stages, whereas the activity of the bacterial community greatly depended on the pH of the culture. In this study, the effect of pH on syngas fermentation performance and microbial community composition under continuous gas supply was investigated. The mixed bacteria grew fastest at a pH of 7, while a constant pH of 6 led to the highest ethanol concentration of 5.15 g L−1, which was 160 % higher than that at pH 7. Based on this, a two-step pH regulation method was proposed in this study to improve the ethanol production. Initially, the culture pH was maintained at 7 to create optimal growth conditions. Once bacterial density stabilized, it was then changed to a pH 6 to promote ethanol production. By doing this, compared with the control group, the maximum ethanol concentration (5.85 g L−1) increased by 148.9 %, the ethanol production rate (2.41 g L−1 d−1) increased by more than 8 times. This two-step pH regulation method ensured a high bacterial density and effectively stimulated ethanol production during syngas fermentation.

Lactic acid bacteria reduce bacterial diarrhea in rabbits via enhancing immune function and restoring intestinal microbiota homeostasis.

Numerous previous reports have demonstrated the efficacy of Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in promoting growth and preventing disease in animals. In this study, Enterococcus faecium ZJUIDS-R1 and Ligilactobaciiius animalis ZJUIDS-R2 were isolated from the feces of healthy rabbits, and both strains showed good probiotic properties in vitro. Two strains (108CFU/ml/kg/day) were fed to weaned rabbits for 21 days, after which specific bacterial infection was induced to investigate the effects of the strains on bacterial diarrhea in the rabbits. Our data showed that Enterococcus faecium ZJUIDS-R1 and Ligilactobaciiius animalis ZJUIDS-R2 interventions reduced the incidence of diarrhea and systemic inflammatory response, alleviated intestinal damage and increased antibody levels in animals. In addition, Enterococcus faecium ZJUIDS-R1 restored the flora abundance of Ruminococcaceae1. Ligilactobaciiius animalis ZJUIDS-R2 up-regulated the flora abundance of Adlercreutzia and Candidatus Saccharimonas. Both down-regulated the flora abundance of Shuttleworthia and Barnesiella to restore intestinal flora balance, thereby increasing intestinal short-chain fatty acid content. These findings suggest that Enterococcus faecium ZJUIDS-R1 and Ligilactobaciiius animalis ZJUIDS-R2 were able to improve intestinal immunity, produce organic acids and regulate the balance of intestinal flora to enhance disease resistance and alleviate diarrhea-related diseases in weanling rabbits.

Agronomic characteristics and chemical composition of hydroponic maize fodder as influenced by animal waste solutions

The growing of plants hydroponically is a soilless form of growing in modern day agriculture. It helps to make feed available for animals throughout the season since it is not affected by what is faced by field grown crops. The use of animal waste, that is, their faeces, in the growth of forage was compared with commercial hydroponics solutions as a way of looking for a reduction in the cost incurred in the purchase of commercial hydroponics solutions. The study evaluated the use of organic nutrient solutions (ONS) alongside a standard/commercial nutrient solution in growing crops hydroponically on the growth, dry matter yield, water use efficiency, and chemical composition of hydroponic maize fodder. The ONS used were formulated from the dried faeces of cattle, poultry, rabbits, and swine. The prepared organic nutrient solutions with the control were used in growing the maize seeds for 10 days, and growth, yield, and chemical composition were determined. Results show the highest (196 g) dry matter yield for maize hydroponic fodder irrigated with poultry ONS. Similarly, maize irrigated with poultry ONS was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in CP content, while it was not significantly different from maize irrigated with cattle, swine, and commercial solutions. A lower water use efficiency value (0.19 kg DM/m3) was recorded for maize irrigated with cattle ONS. According to the study, irrigating maize with different organic nutrient solutions produced maize fodder with a higher yield and a similar chemical composition as the commercial nutrient solution.

Targeted Screening of Fiber Degrading Bacteria with Probiotic Function in Herbivore Feces.

Cellulolytic bacteria with probiotic functions play a crucial role in promoting the intestinal health in herbivores. In this study, we aimed to correlate the 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and fiber-degrading enzyme activity data from six different herbivore feces samples. By utilizing the separation and screening steps of probiotics, we targeted and screened high-efficiency fiber-degrading bacteria with probiotic functions. The animals included Maiwa Yak (MY), Holstein cow (CC), Tibetan sheep (TS), Southern Sichuan black goat (SG), Sichuan white rex rabbit (CR), and New Zealand white rabbit (ZR). The results showed that the enzymes associated with fiber degradation were higher in goat and sheep feces compared to cattle and rabbit's feces. Correlation analysis revealed that Bacillus and Fibrobacter were positively correlated with five types of fiber-degrading related enzymes. Notably, the relative abundance of Bacillus in the feces of Tibetan sheep was significantly higher than that of other five herbivores. A strain TS5 with good cellulose decomposition ability from the feces of Tibetan sheep by Congored staining, filter paper decomposition test, and enzyme activity determination was isolated. The strain was identified as Bacillus velezensis by biological characteristics, biochemical analysis, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. To test the probiotic properties of Bacillus velezensis TS5, we evaluated its tolerance to acid and bile salt, production of digestive enzymes, antioxidants, antibacterial activity, and adhesion ability. The results showed that the strain had good tolerance to pH 2.0 and 0.3% bile salts, as well as good potential to produce cellulase, protease, amylase, and lipase. This strain also had good antioxidant capacity and the ability to antagonistic Staphylococcus aureus BJ216, Salmonella SC06, Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli CVCC196, and Escherichia coli ATCC25922. More importantly, the strain had good self-aggregation and Caco-2 cell adhesion rate. In addition, we tested the safety of Bacillus velezensis TS5 by hemolysis test, antimicrobial susceptibility test, and acute toxicity test in mice. The results showed that the strain had no hemolytic phenotype, did not develop resistance to 19 commonly used antibiotics, had no cytotoxicity to Caco-2, and did not have acute toxic harm to mice. In summary, this study targeted isolated and screened a strain of Bacillus velezensis TS5 with high fiber-degrading ability and probiotic potency. This strain can be used as a potential probiotic for feeding microbial preparations for ruminants.

Chromatogram profile of andrographolide-glucuronate and andrographolide glycine in rabbit feces extract

Chromatogram profile of andrographolide-glucuronate and andrographolide glycine in rabbit feces extract

Kualitas Pupuk Organik Feses Ternak Kombinasi Limbah Buah Untuk Mendukung Pertumbuhan Rumput Gajah

This research was conducted to determine the nutrient content of organic fertilizers (livestock feces combined with fruit waste) and its application to elephant grass. The experiment used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 4 replicates. P0 = elephant grass (control), P1 = elephant grass + (rabbit faeces and fruits waste (RFAWF) 200g/polybag, P2 = elephant grass + goat feces and (fruits waste) 200g/polybag, P3 = elephant grass + cow feces and fruits waste 200g/polybag dan P4 = elephant grass + buffalo feces and fruits waste 200g/polybag. The research results showed that nutrient content of organic fertilizer (pH, C-organic, total N, P2O5, K2O, moisture content) was in accordance with SNI for rabbit feces and cow feces. The fresh weight and dry weight of elephant grass biomass was not significantly affected by treatment. Organic fertilizers containing animal feces and fruit waste mixture effectively increases biomass production compared to control. It was concluded that the best combination of fertilizer is resulted from goat feces and mixture of fruit waste (banana peel, pineapple peel and papaya peel) is compared to other feces. 
 Key words: C/N ratio, elephant grass, fruits waste, organic fertilizer

Preslaughter feed withdrawal time and its effect on rabbit blood measures, gastrointestinal tract parameters and Longissimus lumborum glycolytic potential

This study aimed to characterise the physiological response of rabbits to feed withdrawal without stress caused by crating and transport to the slaughterhouse. A total of 72 recently weaned Grimaud rabbits were allocated into 12 cages, each with 6 rabbits (3 females and 3 males, to reflect commercial practices). A preslaughter feed withdrawal time (FWT) was randomly assigned to each of the 12 cages (t=0, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 or 24 h). Blood lactate and cortisol concentrations were measured at exsanguination. These observations did not indicate an elevated level of stress in the rabbits (P>0.05). The maximum Longissimus lumborum glycolytic potential was observed for rabbits that fasted for 3 and 6 h and was relatively stable from 127.78 to 139.04 μmol/g for rabbits with FWT longer than 12 h. As expected, gastrointestinal tract and stomach content weights were lower for rabbits with longer FWT (P<0.0001), while caecum weights did not (P=0.051). Rabbits with longer FWT had lower stomach pH and higher caecum pH (both P<0.0001). Metataxonomic 16S analysis revealed that FWT had a significant effect (all P<0.01) on microbiome beta diversity in faeces and caecum. The polymerase chain reaction analysis using specific primers revealed Enterobacteriaceae presence in the faeces of male rabbits only at 18 and 22 h. Our results suggest that the caecotrophic behaviour of rabbits allows them to be particularly resistant to hunger despite their small size. However, to limit Enterobacteriaceae shedding, the FWT should not exceed 18 h.

Investigations on the Role of Commercial Probiotics on New Zealand White Rabbits Experimentally Infected with Eimeria stiedae

Coccidiosis is a serious parasitic disease that causes severe economic losses in rabbits. Commercial probiotics are widely used as potential therapeutic replacements for weight gain and increased resistance to many diseases. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of a probiotic product called MiaClost as a liquid extract to protect animals from Eimeria stiedae infection. Thirty New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 5 equal groups. Rabbits in the first 3 groups were treated with concentrations of 107, 108, and 109 colony-forming units (CFU) per ml of MiaClost in their drinking water for 10 days before experimental infection with 1 × 104 of sporulated oocyst of E. stiedae. The last 2 groups served as positive and negative control groups. We found a significant reduction in mortality in rabbits receiving 109 CFU/ml MiaClost as well as an improvement in weight retention and food consumption ratios. Beneficial low oocyst output in feces of rabbits treated with 109 CFU/ml MiaClost led to a reduction in pathological changes in the liver and gall bladder. Our findings suggest that a liquid extract of MiaClost in concentration of 109 CFU/ml can provide protection against hepatic coccidiosis. Further research is needed to test this product against other diseases through different routes of consumption in animals.

PREVALENSI Eimeria spp. PADA TERNAK KELINCI

This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of Eimeria spp., to determine the differences in the prevalence of Eimeria spp. in rabbits of various ages and to know the species of Eimeria spp. which infect rabbits of various ages in Cilongok District, Banyumas Regency. The main objects of observation were weaning rabbits (1-5 weeks), weaning (6-24 weeks) and adults (24 weeks). The research method used is survey method with purposive sampling technique. The data were analyzed using the method of description and chi square. The sample used was rabbit feces as much as 5 grams per head with a sample of 96 rabbits in three age periods each totaling 32 rabbits. The results of the analysis showed that the prevalence of Eimeria spp. in rabbits the weaning period was 96.88%, after weaning was 96.88% and adults were 78.13%, and the prevalence of Eimeria spp. overall by 90.62%. The species Eimeria spp. that infect rabbits are Eimeria exigua, Eimeria perforans, Eimeria piriformis, Eimeria flavescens, Eimeria stiedai, Eimeria intestinalis, Eimeria media, Eimeria coecicola and Eimeria magna. P0.05 indicates that there is a difference in the prevalence of Eimeria spp. in rabbits of various ages in Cilongok District, Banyumas Regency. Prevalence of Eimeria spp. very significant effect on weaning, weaning and adult rabbits.

Effect of Compost Tea and Harvest Age on Productivity, Nutrient Content, and In vitro Digestibility Cichorium Intybus

The glass house experiment involving compost tea and harvest age was conducted to investigate the effect of giving compost tea (cricket and rabbit feces) and harvesting age on productivity, nutrient content, and in vitro digestibility value of Cichorium intybus. Compost tea (CT) is an aqueous extract from compost that can correct nutrient deficiencies during crop production and protect cultivation. The research treatment consisted of two factors, namely: the age of harvest and the dose of compost tea. The administration of compost tea consisted of three kinds of doses as follows: no compost tea (P0), 200 mL of compost tea (P1), and 400 mL of compost tea (P2). The experimental plants were harvested at different age, consisting of 25, 35 and 45 days after planting (DAP). The experimental design was Factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 6 treatments and 9 replications. The data were statictically analyzed using analisys of variance, and differences among value of each treatment were tested with the Duncan Multiple Range Test. The results indicated that compost tea dose and harvesting period treatment affected (P<0.05) leaf length, fresh leaf weight, crude protein content, dry matter digestibility (DMD), and organic matter digestibility (OMD). Meanwhile, it showed not significant effect (P>0.05) on the leaf width and root length. The results suggest that the fertilization treatment of 200 mL of compost tea and 25 DAP could increase productivity (leaf length and fresh leaf weight) of chicory, nutrient content (crude protein) of chicory, and in vitro digestibility (DMD and OMD).

Utilization of Indigofera (Indigofera zollingeriana) leaf meal in the ration on chemical meat composition, carcass and non-carcass production, and feces-derived methane yield of male growing rabbit

<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this study were to evaluate the inclusion of Indigofera leaf meal (ILM) in the ration on the carcass and non-carcass production, meat chemical composition and feces-derived methane yield of New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty eights male NZW rabbits with initial body weight of 1455.25 ± 142.41 g, and 65-70 d old were used in this study. There were four treatments namely basal feed (T0); inclusion 4% (T1); 8% (T2), and 12% of ILM (T3) in the ration. The ration was made in form of pellet, and iso-protein that containing 16% of crude protein (CP). The observed variables were carcass and non-carcass production, meat nutrient content and feces-derived methane production.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study result showed that inclusion of ILM in the rabbit ration up to 12% gave no significant effect (P>0.05) on the carcass and non-carcass production, nutrient content of the rabbit meat (CP, extract ether, moisture and ash) both in <em>Longis</em><em>si</em><em>mus dorsi</em> (LD) and <em>Bicep</em><em> </em><em>femoris</em> (BF) muscles. The moisture concentration in LD muscle showed lower than that in BF muscle, while EE content of LD was higher than that in BF muscle. The result also showed that the incorporation of ILM in the ration up to 12% gave no significant effect (P>0.05) on the methane production of rabbit feces.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The treatments gave no impact on the observed variables. Therefore, ILM can be used as a protein source in male growing rabbit ration at least up to 12%.</p><p> </p>

Design and application of an efficient cellulose-degrading microbial consortium and carboxymethyl cellulase production optimization

Microbial consortia with high cellulase activities can speed up the composting of agricultural wastes with high cellulose contents and promote the beneficial utilization of agricultural wastes. In this paper, rabbit feces and sesame oil cake were used as feedstocks for compost production. Cellulose-degrading microbial strains were isolated from compost samples taken at the different composting stages and screened via Congo red staining and filter paper degradation test. Seven strains, Trichoderma reesei, Escherichia fergusonii, Proteus vulgaris, Aspergillus glaucus, Bacillus mycoides, Corynebacterium glutamicum, and Serratia marcescens, with high activities of carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase), filter paper cellulase (FPase), and β-glucosidase (β-Gase) were identified and selected for consortium design. Six microbial consortia were designed with these strains. Compared with the other five consortia, consortium VI composed of all seven strains displayed the highest cellulase activities, 141.89, 104.56, and 131.18 U/ml of CMCase, FPase, and β-Gase, respectively. The single factor approach and response surface method were employed to optimize CMCase production of consortium VI. The optimized conditions were: culture time 4.25 days, culture temperature 35.5°C, pH 6.6, and inoculum volume 5% (v/v). Under these optimized conditions, the CMCase activity of consortium VI was up to 170.83 U/ml. Fermentation experiment of rabbit feces was carried out by using the consortium VI cultured under the optimal conditions. It was found that the application effect was better than other treatments, and the fermentation efficiency and nutrient content of the pile were significantly improved. This study provides a basis for the design of microbial consortia for the composting of agricultural wastes with high cellulose contents and provides a support for beneficial utilization of agricultural wastes.

Viromic analysis of feces from laboratory rabbits reveals a new Circovirus

BackgroundMembers of the genus Circovirus with the family Circoviridae are responsible for fatal diseases that can affect mammals and birds. Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) is responsible for fatal diseases that could affect birds, causing the psittacine beak and feather disease. The current study discovered a new Circovirus from feces of laboratory rabbits and name it RabCV, which shows close relationship to BFDVs. ResultsWe investigated the feces virome of 10 laboratory rabbits using the viral metagenomic method. In these samples, we detected a new rabbit-associated Circovirus (RabCV) and performed phylogenetic analysis based on replication-associated (Rep) protein. The result showed that the RabCV was closely clustered with BFDVs, sharing the identity of 56.7%–57.2% with them based on the whole genome sequence. PCR screening in a cohort of 38 laboratory rabbits showed that 3 out of the 38 rabbits were positive for this new rabbit-associated Circovirus. ConclusionA new Circovirus was discovered from feces of rabbits, which showed low prevalence in the healthy laboratory rabbits. BFDV is responsible for fatal diseases that could affect birds, which suggested that the potential threat of the new rabbit-associated Circovirus to the health of laboratory rabbits needs further study.

Effect of Feeding Insoluble Fiber on the Microbiota and Metabolites of the Caecum and Feces of Rabbits Recovering from Epizootic Rabbit Enteropathy Relative to Non-Infected Rabbits.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of feeding insoluble fiber on the microbiota and metabolites of the caecum and feces of rabbits recovering from epizootic rabbit enteropathy relative to non-infected rabbits. Rabbits that had either recovered from epizootic rabbit enteropathy or ones that had never had epizootic rabbit enteropathy were fed on a diet of 32% or 36% neutral detergent fiber until they were 70 days of age. At this point, the short-chain fatty acid and ammonia levels were measured in caecotroph and fecal samples and compared using 2 × 2 ANOVA. The microbial composition of the samples was also analyzed using next-generation sequencing and compared by PERMANOVA. Caecotrophic samples from previously affected rabbits on lower fiber diets had higher short-chain fatty acid contents and higher species diversity index values for some indices (p < 0.05), although the fecal samples showed lower species diversity levels (p < 0.05). In addition, the PERMANOVA analyses demonstrated that differences were detected in the microbial composition of both fecal and caecotrophic samples, depending on the disease status at the outset of the experiment (p < 0.05). The results of this work show that, although there is some potential in the use of high-fiber diets for the treatment of rabbits that have had epizootic rabbit enteropathy, they are not able to produce the same digestive tract properties as those seen in rabbits that have never had the condition. This is true even after the rabbits have recovered from epizootic rabbit enteropathy.

Effectiveness of treatment of bedding and feces of laboratory animal with ozone.

BackgroundThe incineration and burying of the soiled bedding of laboratory animals, as well as using detergents to treat their feces, is hazardous to the environment. This highlights the need for an alternative, environmentally friendly solution for the treatment of the waste of laboratory animal facilities. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of ozone disinfection of the soiled bedding and feces of laboratory animals.MethodsTwo grams of soiled beddings were randomly sampled from the cages of mice and rats. These samples were mixed in a beaker with 40ml saline. Ozone was piped into the beaker at a concentration of 500mg/h. Samples were taken from the beaker at time 0min, 30min, 45min and 60min after ozone treatment for microbiological culturing in an incubator for 48h. Colony form unit of each plate (CFU/plate) at each time point were counted, the mean CFU/plate at each time point after ozone treatment were compared with that present at time zero. Feces of rabbits and dogs were treated and pathogens were counted the similar way as that of bedding of the mice and rats; samples being taken at 0min, 15min, 30min, 45min and 60min.ResultsPathogens were observed in beddings of both mice and rats as well as in feces of rabbits and dogs. Ozone treatment for 30min killed more than 93% of pathogens in the bedding of the two rodent species and 60min of treatment killed over 99% of pathogens. Treatment of rabbit and dog feces for 30min killed over 96% pathogens present, and 60min’s treatment killed nearly all the pathogens. Both Gram positive and Gram negative pathogens were sensitive to ozone treatment.ConclusionOzone treatment of bedding and feces is an effective and environment friendly way to deal with the waste of animal facilities, saving energy and potentially enabling their reuse as fertilizer.

Heat Stress Affects Faecal Microbial and Metabolic Alterations of Rabbits.

Heat stress can impair the rabbit immune system, induce oxidative stress, and cause many complications. These diseases are characterized by metabolic disorders, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. As a result, the current research determines the effects of HS on intestinal microorganisms in rabbits and the metabolic pathway disorders caused by HS. Twelve rabbits were randomly assigned to one of two groups: CON (22–24°C) and HS (30°C–32°C). Both the groups were treated for 15 days. Blood and fecal samples were collected on day 15. Serum immune oxidation indices were determined using a commercial ELISA kit, and the microbiome of rabbit feces was studied using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Non-targeted metabolomics was analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPC MS/MS). The findings revealed that HS significantly increased IgG and T-AOC levels in serum, whereas it decreased TNF-α and IL-10. NMDS analysis revealed a substantial difference in bacterial community composition between HS and CON groups. At the phylum level, the abundance of Firmicutes, Protobacteria, and Verrucomicrobiota was significantly higher in the HS group, whereas the abundance of Bacteriodota was reduced in the CON group. V9D2013 group, Haloplasma, Comamonas, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Ruminiclostridium, Syntrophus Lutispora, at the genus level Syntrophorhabdus, Paeniclostridium, Clostridium sensu stricto 6, Candidatus Caldatribacterium, Spirochaeta Synergistaceae, Syner-01, [Eubacterium] xylanophilum group, Cellulosilyticum, ADurb.Bin120, and Devosia were significantly upregulated in the HS group. The metabolism of the HS group was considerably upregulated compared with the metabolism of the CON group, according to principal component analysis (PCA) and least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). HS increased the concentrations of 4-pyridoxic acid, kynurenine, 20-OH-leukotriene B4, and dopamine and decreased the concentration of pyridoxal. In the rabbit gut, these compounds primarily impact the metabolic pathways of vitamin B6, tryptophan, neutrophil activation, and prolactin. 4-Pyridoxic acid, pyridoxal, kynurenine, 20-OH-leukotriene B4, and dopamine are essential inflammatory response markers and oxidative stress.

Spatial and trophic niche of an assemblage of native and non-native herbivores of arid Argentina

Abstract The coexistence of ecologically similar species is facilitated by differential use of resources along habitat, diet, and/or temporal niche axes. We used feces of non-native rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), hare (Lepus europaeus), goat (Capra hircus), and the native plains viscacha (Lagostomus maximus) to compare the utilization of spatial and trophic resources in an arid ecosystem of Argentina. We expected herbivores to present differential responses in the use of at least one of the niche axes (habitat and/or trophic) associated with seasonal changes in resource availability and according to the origin of the species (native, non-native). We evaluated habitat use and selection through Chi-squared goodness-of-fit tests and Bonferroni confidence intervals, and factors shaping habitat selection (particular components of the habitat type) using generalized linear mixed-effects models. We analyzed the seasonal compositions of diets, breadth of trophic niches, and dietary overlaps. The assemblage of herbivores did not segregate markedly in spatial resource use, showing that hares and goats were more generalist than rabbits and plains viscacha in the utilization of different habitat types. Native and non-native herbivores overlapped markedly in the trophic niche dimension but segregated to some degree in the use of space during wet and dry seasons. The four herbivores shared a similar diet composition. Among dietary items, grasses contributed high percentages during the wet season. Under conditions of resource limitation (dry season), the native plains viscacha differed in feeding strategy from the non-native herbivores. These results deepen our understanding of likely underlying mechanisms that allow coexistence of native and non-native herbivores in an arid ecosystem.

Biological test of compost made of rabbit faeces and the addition of banana peels on the vegetative growth of Morus alba and Arachis pintoi

The purpose of this research was to determine vegetative growth performance of Morus alba and Arachis pintoi with different percentages of compost mixture (rabbit feces and kepok banana (Musa paradisiaca Linn) peels) and soil as media. The materials used was 72 Morus alba stacks, rabbit faeces, kepok banana peels, and Azotobacter culture as decomposer. This research was conducted by Completely Randomized Design with 4 treatments and 6 replications. The treatments were T0 (100% soil), T1 (20% of compost and 80% of soil), T2 (40% of compost and 60% of soil), and T3 (60% of compost and 40% of soil). The data was analysed using analysis of variance, followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) if the results are significantly different. The treatment gave higher leaves number, roots weight, and roots length (P&lt;0.05) in Morus alba. Same also on plant length, branches number and wet weight (P&lt;0.05) of Arachis pintoi. The conclusion of this research is that the application of organic compost based on rabbit manure and banana peel with Azotobacter microbial culture decomposer can improve the growth performance of Morus alba and Arachis pintoi. The best level was T1 with 20% of compost and 80% of soil.

Формирование микробиоты в химусе слепой кишки кроликов с повышенным содержанием целлюлозолитических бактерий

The aim of our study was to investigate the possibility of forming the microbiota of the cecum of rabbits with increased content of cellulolytic bacteria Butirivibrio fibrisolvens, due to the transfer of the contents of the rumen of ruminants. To solve this problem, experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups of rabbits aged 12 days were formed. In the experimental group, for 14 days the rabbits were tube-feed with a solution of cattle rumen content filtered from coarse undigested feed particles in 1-2 ml diluted 1:1 in physiological solution. To determine the level of cellulosolytic bacteria Butirivibrio fibrisolvens, feces were collected in sterile eppendorfs on day 14 of the study. The presence of cellulosolytic bacteria in cattle rumen content as well as in rabbit feces was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Real-time PCR results showed that the highest fluorescence values were in the rumen contents and at cycle 40 the fluorescence intensity was 1742.60, in the experimental group it was 1059.98 and in the control group without tube-feeding it was 664,50. Thus, it was shown that by feeding cattle rumen content in the early postnatal period in rabbits can form the gut microbiota with an increased content of cellulolytic bacteria Butirivibrio fibrisolvens.