Reduced Animal Production Research Articles

Navigating the Landscape of Tick Diversity: Integrating Molecular Approaches for Enhanced Control Measures.

The emergence and spread of infectious diseases, particularly zoonotic diseases originating from wildlife, pose significant threats to global health and economy. This review examines the pivotal role of ticks as vectors in transmitting pathogens to humans, livestock, and wildlife and the use of molecular techniques in their identification. Tick infestations result in economic losses through reduced animal productivity, anemia, and quality deterioration of hides. Furthermore, ticks serve as reservoirs for a wide range of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes, contributing to the transmission of diseases such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, tick-borne encephalitis, and African swine fever among others. The interface between wildlife, livestock, and humans facilitates the transmission of zoonotic pathogens, exacerbated by nomadic and pastoralist lifestyles that promote interactions between wildlife and domestic animals. This movement of animals across landscapes enhances the dispersion of tick vectors, increasing the risk of pathogen exposure for diverse populations. Historically, tick identification in sub-Saharan Africa has relied on morphological characteristics despite limitations such as species overlap and variability. Molecular techniques offer a more precise means of species identification, providing critical data for effective tick and pathogen management strategies. Integrating molecular approaches into tick research enhances our understanding of tick diversity, distribution patterns, and pathogen dynamics. This knowledge is essential for developing targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of tick-borne diseases on public and veterinary health worldwide.

Isolation and molecular identification of Deoxynivalenol and Fumonisin producing genes from maize feed contaminated with Fusarium fungus in silos of dairy farms in Fars province-Iran

Mycotoxins are the toxins produced by various types of fungi, including Fusarium, which can produce different types of mycotoxins such as Deoxynivalenol (DON), Zearalenone (ZEN), T-2 toxin, and Fumonisins (FUM). Mycotoxins have the potential to reduce the quality of crops and pose health risks to both humans and animals. This can result in reduced animal production and substantial economic consequences on a global scale. Extensive research has been carried out to investigate the high incidence of contamination in grains by Fusarium fungi. In this study, 80 samples of maize from silos of dairy farms in Fars province, Iran were taken and examined for fungal contamination by Fusarium and potential production of DON and FUM. For this purpose, identification using specific primers for different genes was carried out by PCR test and gel electrophoresis with agarose (1%). Among different counties, the silos in Kharameh with 47.05% and Jahrom with 46.15% had the highest contamination rate, and the lowest contamination rate belonged to Kazeroon with 27.27%. Out of the 30 positive samples contaminated by Fusarium, 21 produced FUM, four produced DON, and five produced both toxins. Fusarium species that contaminated the maize samples were also identified, including 13, 10, and 7 samples contaminated by F. proliferatum, F. verticillioides, and F. graminearum, respectively. As a conclusion, the findings of the study indicate that 37.5% of the corn samples from dairy farm silos in Fars province were contaminated with the Fusarium fungus, which had the potential to produce the toxic mycotoxins, deoxynivalenol and fumonisins.

Cell Culture Adaptive Amino Acid Substitutions in FMDV Structural Proteins: A Key Mechanism for Altered Receptor Tropism.

The foot-and-mouth disease virus is a highly contagious and economically devastating virus of cloven-hooved animals, including cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats, causing reduced animal productivity and posing international trade restrictions. For decades, chemically inactivated vaccines have been serving as the most effective strategy for the management of foot-and-mouth disease. Inactivated vaccines are commercially produced in cell culture systems, which require successful propagation and adaptation of field isolates, demanding a high cost and laborious time. Cell culture adaptation is chiefly indebted to amino acid substitutions in surface-exposed capsid proteins, altering the necessity of RGD-dependent receptors to heparan sulfate macromolecules for virus binding. Several amino acid substations in VP1, VP2, and VP3 capsid proteins of FMDV, both at structural and functional levels, have been characterized previously. This literature review combines frequently reported amino acid substitutions in virus capsid proteins, their critical roles in virus adaptation, and functional characterization of the substitutions. Furthermore, this data can facilitate molecular virologists to develop new vaccine strains against the foot-and-mouth disease virus, revolutionizing vaccinology via reverse genetic engineering and synthetic biology.

Factors and challenges contributing to antimicrobial resistance in East African pastoral settings and importance of One Health approach

Abstract Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is acknowledged as a One Health dilemma because resistant microbial and genes are swiftly appearing and spreading worldwide across humans, animals and the environment. Livestock owners in East African pastoral regions face significant financial and socio-economic challenges owing to animal diseases that can be particularly severe in remote areas, where communities rely solely on their livestock for subsistence. Unfortunately, providing veterinary services in these regions is challenging because of the inadequate infrastructure and limited resources. Consequently, pastoralists may resort to self-medicating their animals, often using antimicrobials in ways that can contribute to the emergence of AMR. Prolonged use, overuse, or misuse of antimicrobial drugs in both human and animal populations in low-income East African pastoral settings is a significant factor that contributes to the emergence of AMR in these regions. Similarly, a significant factor contributing to the spread of AMR in pastoral regions is the disregard for withdrawal periods by pastoralists, owing to a lack of awareness about AMR. Inadequate sanitation protocols and limited access to uncontaminated water sources are additional factors contributing to the dissemination of AMR pathogens in both animals and humans. This leads to critical public health concerns that hinder effective antimicrobial treatment, reduce animal productivity, and have economic consequences for pastoralists. Addressing the challenges associated with AMR requires a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach that can facilitate the coordinated surveillance and monitoring of AMR, promote the rational use of antimicrobials, advocate for alternative disease prevention and management strategies, and raise awareness among communities and healthcare professionals in pastoral areas about the emergence of AMR. The challenges and factors contributing to AMR in pastoral settings are complex; however, the One Health approach offers a promising strategy for reducing the risk of AMR. This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of the factors and challenges associated with AMR in pastoral settings, and proposes the adoption of a One Health approach as a solution to this pressing issue. One Health impact statement The review highlights that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in East African pastoral settings is a significant issue that contributes to the emergence and spread of AMR worldwide. Prolonged use, overuse, or misuse of antimicrobials in human and animal populations is a significant factor in the emergence of AMR in these settings. The challenges and factors contributing to AMR in pastoral settings are intricate and call for a multi-faceted approach that encourages rational use of antimicrobials, promotes alternative prevention and management methods, and enhances awareness among Eastern African pastoral communities. The article highlights the significance of adopting the One Health approach in mitigating the hazards of AMR in these settings.

268 Heat Stress Impacts on Cattle Production

Abstract Heat stress (HS) compromises farm animal productivity and it is thus both an economic and food security issue. Reduced output (e.g., milk yield, muscle growth, egg production) during HS was traditionally thought to result from decreased nutrient intake (a classic biological response shared by all animals during environmental-induced hyperthermia). Utilizing pair-feeding experimental designs clearly indicate that reduced feed intake only accounts for a portion of the decreased productivity. The etiological epicenter of many (if not most) of the physiological consequences of HS is gastrointestinal tract hyperpermeability. For reasons not clearly understood, HS compromises the intestinal barrier allowing luminal antigens to infiltrate into local and systemic circulation. The invading antigens are recognized and stimulate the immune system. An activated immune system rearranges the hierarchy of nutrient partitioning, and the entire body participates in ensuring that leukocytes receive the fuel and building blocks necessary to mount an effective response. Central to this is increased insulin secretion coupled with simultaneous decreased adipose tissue and skeletal muscle insulin resistance. Activated leukocytes switch their energetic metabolism away from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis. Utilizing a LPS-Euglycemic clamp we have estimated that an intensely activated immune system can use more than 2 kg of glucose/d in lactating cows. We extended this in growing steers and pigs and the amount of glucose used is approximately 1 g/Kg BW0.75/h regardless of species and physiological state. If the heat load is severe enough, the consequences can become lethal. This is primarily explained by inflammation induced hypercoagulation, endothelial barrier dysfunction and disseminated intravascular coagulation. If the animal survives, these changes result in the reprioritization of fuel selection during HS which appears to be primarily responsible for reduced animal productivity during the warm summer months.

Prevalence of subclinical abortions in cows due to mycotoxicosis

The article presents data on the distribution and seasonal dynamics of subclinical abortions in cows with mycotoxin poisoning, particularly zearalenone. Subclinical abortion is a common phenomenon among cows in dairy farms and causes significant economic losses due to multiple unsuccessful inseminations, reduced animal productivity, and premature culling. The research aimed to study the seasonal fluctuations of hidden abortions in cows and the influence of the method of keeping in the conditions of feed contamination with microscopic fungi and their toxins. To diagnose hidden abortions, cows were diagnosed with the pregnancy on the 32nd day after insemination. When pregnancy was confirmed, the animals were examined for 92 days. At the same time, if the pregnancy was not confirmed, it was considered that an abortion had occurred. Seasonal fluctuations of subclinical abortions were established - the most significant number (up to 13.6 %) was diagnosed at the end of spring, associated with many animals entering the hunt after the transit period. It is also important that at that time, the number of mycotoxins in feed reached record values, which led to abortions due to toxic effects on the organs of the reproductive system in particular and the body in general. A large number of abortions (11.2 %) in the summer season was also confirmed. At the same time, animals kept free all year received a similar diet containing mycotoxins. At the same time, a concomitant negative factor was temperature shock at this time of year. This whole complex of reasons led to subclinical abortions followed by the resorption of the fetus. Sonographically, areas of reduced echogenicity of the uterus in cows after abortions were detected, which is evidence of the development of subclinical endometritis, confirmed by the uterus's heterogeneous echogenicity. In infertile animals, the presence of follicles with cavities and small yellow bodies that did not extend beyond the surface of the ovary was established sonographically. This indicates a hypofunctional state and impaired folliculogenesis and luteogenesis.

Can cattle geolocation data yield behavior-based criteria to inform precision grazing systems on rangeland?

A key challenge of precision grazing systems is identifying behavior anomalies associated with situations of reduced animal production and wellbeing. We determined typical ranges of diel variation of movement and activity patterns of steers on rangeland to identify metrics that could serve as sensitive indicators of behavior anomalies. Seventeen Raramuri Criollo or Criollo crossbred yearling steers weighing 318 ± 9.3 kg (winter; W) or 358 ± 8.4 kg (late summer; LS) were fitted with GPS collars that recorded animal location at 5-min intervals. Steers grazed a 3,215-ha rangeland pasture for approximately 67 d in W or LS of 2016 and 2017. GPS data were used to derive 22 commonly monitored behavior variables. Means and day-to-day variation (CV%) of all behavior metrics were calculated for each animal as well as linear correlations between the CV of each behavior and ADG. Daily time spent resting or grazing exhibited the least day-to-day variation in both W and LS (CV resting =10.8 and 9.9%, respectively; CV grazing =13.8 and 14.8%, respectively); predawn area explored (CV =240.8%) and time spent at drinkers (CV =336.6%) exhibited the most daily variation in W and LS, respectively. During W, increasing day-to-day variation in daytime distance traveled and area explored, as well as daily time spent traveling were associated with increasing ADG (r = 0.56 to 0.58; P < 0.05). In LS, steers with greater CV for 24-h area explored, time spent traveling, or daytime distance traveled tended to gain less weight (r =-0.77 to -0.84; P < 0.01), while steers with more flexible 24 hour path sinuosity tended to gain more weight (r = 0.93; P < 0.01). Behavior metrics more closely associated with forage intake processes, such as daily time spent grazing or resting, exhibited lowest diel variation levels and could be used to diagnose non-normal behavior of cattle on rangeland.

Аналіз вітчизняного ринку ветеринарних інсектоакарицидних засобів

The main condition for ensuring the economic efficiency of agricultural livestock rearing is the maintenance of wellbeing of farm animals, which is characterized by high productive qualities and the necessary reproductive capacity. At the same time, outbreaks of diseases of various etiologies, including parasitic, are often the cause of reduced productivity of animals. Pest insects control is important in the conditions of intensive animal husbandry, when at big farms and complexes animals are concentrated in large numbers. This increases the risk of reproduction and rapid spread of many insects that parasitize farm animals and are carriers of infectious and invasive diseases and cause economic damage due to reduced animal productivity and quality of raw materials. Protection of animals from ecto- and endoparasites requires the development and creation of highly effective antiparasitic drugs, because providing the necessary range of means to combat diseases of animals, inexpensive in price, in user-friendly forms is a way to further development of animal husbandry. Recent years mark a development of the domestic market of medicines for veterinary use, an increase in the number of registered drugs, the development of enterprises producing medicines, an increase in the number of companies engaged in pharmaceutical activities in both wholesale and retail. All this speaks of the prospects of the market of medicines for veterinary use. Specialists working in the field of production and sale of medicines need immediate, objective and reliable information on the state of the pharmaceutical market. This information has a significant volume and dynamism. Identifying the peculiarities of the formation of the market of veterinary goods at the state level should contribute to the improvement of management methods in this sphere, and the development of veterinary entrepreneurship. Therefore, the reorientation of domestic pharmaceutical companies to the principles of marketing will ensure the search, development and production of effective and competitive drugs, which will meet the pressing needs of customers. The aim of the work was to study the structure of the domestic pharmaceutical market, namely veterinary insectoacaricides. Our research focused on such tasks as studying the nomenclature of veterinary insectoacaricides of foreign and domestic manufacturers by the following indicators: manufacturers, species, forms of release and means of administration. The study of imported products also focused on the country of manufacture according to the State Register of Medicines. The study uses the methods of survey, analysis, comparison, generalization to get the required information. Statistical method was used to process the obtained data. Insectoacaricides are a significant share of the domestic pharmaceutical market. The study group is represented by 186 drugs of domestic and foreign manufacture, which is about 3% of the total number of all registered drugs. Of the 186 registered drugs, 35.5% (66) are imported and 64.5% (120) are domestic. Among insectoacaricides of foreign manufacture, the largest market share is occupied by Merial and KRKA, d.d., Novo mesto – 10.6% each (7 drugs each), KVP Pharma and Veterinar-Product GmbH – 9.1% (6 drugs), and among domestic companies the products of TOV “UKRBIONIT”; VK “KRUG”; TOV “NOVA PLUS” comprises 14.2% (17 drugs), TOV “Vetsintez” and TOV “NOVA PLUS” - 10.8% (13 drugs each), TOV “MEDIPROMTEK”, TOV company “Product”, TOV “NVP “SUZIRIA” – 8.3% (10 drugs each). The implementation of marketing activities which includes the research of the pharmaceutical market, allows companies to better adapt to market economy conditions, determine tactics of competitive behavior, adapt to change, improve strategy, change the production process according to consumer requirements and needs.

Identification of an orally active carbazole aminoalcohol derivative with broad-spectrum anti-animal trypanosomiasis activity

Animal trypanosomiasis, caused by the members of subgenus Trypanozoon (Trypanosoma brucei brucei, T. evansi and T. equiperdum), has reduced animal productivity leading to significant negative economic impacts in endemic regions. Due to limited drug discovery and the emergence of drug-resistance over many recent decades, novel and effective compounds against animal trypanosomiasis are urgently required. This study was conducted to evaluate the antitrypanosomal potential of a batch of carbazole aminoalcohol derivatives. Among them, we found that the most effective compound was H1402, which exhibited potent trypanocidal efficacy against the bloodstream-form of T. b. brucei (EC50 = 0.73 ± 0.05 µM) and presented low cytotoxicity against two mammalian cell lines with CC50 > 30 µM. Using a murine model of acute infection, oral administration with H1402 demonstrated a complete clearance of T. b. brucei and all the infected mice were cured when they were treated twice daily for 5 days at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Furthermore, parasites were not detected in mice infected with T. evansi and T. equiperdum (the causative agents of surra and dourine, respectively, in animals) within 30 days following the same regimen with H1402. In addition, H1402 caused severe morphological and ultrastructural destruction to trypanosomes, as well as causing phosphatidylserine externalization, which are suggested to be the most likely cause of cell death. Overall, the present data demonstrated that H1402 could be promising as a rapid, safe and orally active lead compound for the development of new chemotherapeutics for animal trypanosomiasis.

Application of a plant-tissue composition in combination with the use of an aerosol of an electrochemical activated solution of neutral anolyte in the association of respiratory tract infections and wound infections of the distal extremities of cattle

Bovine respiratory infections occupy the second place in the nosological picture after diseases of the digestive system and cause huge economic damage, which in the Russian Federation, according to our estimates, amounts to several billion rubles a year. Very often, respiratory pathologies in highly productive cows are complicated by wound infections of the distal extremities, which primarily include necrobacteriosis, streptococcosis and staphylococcosis, which also bring economic losses to farms due to reduced animal productivity and culling of highly productive cows.The primary causecontributing to the development of wound infections of the distal extremities in cattle is respiratory infections. According to our long-term observations, all farms where outbreaks of necrobacteriosis were recorded were unfavorable for bovine respiratory infections, such as infectious rhinotracheitis (IRT), viral diarrhea(VD), parainfluenza type 3 (PG-3) and respiratory syncytial infection (RSI). Comprehensive prevention of wound infectionsof the dental extremities of cattle (cattle) should include mandatory prevention of respiratory infections. For complex prevention of mixed infection, we proposed the use of an ECHO (electrochemically activated) solution of neutral anolyte (ANK+) in the form of a fine aerosol in combination with the use of a plant-tissue preparation “Vidoral”, (Patent RU 2,625,022 C2 dated 11.07.2017, copyright holder of the Federal State Budgetary Institution of Higher Education of the UralState Agrarian University ) with immunomodulatory properties.

Screening and Identification of Pathogen Box® Compounds with anti-Trypanosoma evansi Activity

The development of new drugs targeting neglected animal diseases is imperative. In Asia and South America, Trypanosoma evansi is a pathogen that affects horses and other species, causing economic losses associated with reduced animal productivity and death. In order to accelerate the identification of drugs with activity against neglected diseases, Medicines for Malaria Venture has developed Pathogen Box®, a library of 400 different molecules. The present work aimed to identify compounds present in the Pathogen Box® library, measuring in vitro activity against T. evansi. Among the 400 compounds, 5 showed anti-T.evansi activity: pentamidine, MMV688410, MMV687273, MMV022478 and auranofin. Suramin, a trypanocidal activity molecule present on the Pathogen Box® reference compound list, demonstrated no anti-T. evansi activity in the in vitro assays. MMV688410 is the most promising candidate because it induces death and reduces the number of parasites in cell culture, and mainly because its mechanism of action is probably associated with inhibition of trypanosomal reductase enzyme, an exclusive target of trypanosomatides. Further in vitro and in vivo assays are needed to determine the efficacy of the compounds identified in this work, especially by associating tissue distribution and the ability of drugs to cross the blood brain barrier, as T. evansi is able to invade the central nervous system.

The Impact of Heat Load on Cattle.

Simple SummaryIt is well known that the thermal environment has an integral role in maintaining the health and productivity of cattle. Although cold stress has been identified to negatively influence cattle comfort and productivity, the predominant focus herein has been describing the influence of heat stress on bovines. The impact of heat stress is particularly important due to the changing global environment. Global warming is likely to occur, however, the nature and magnitude of environmental changes, both climatic and non-climatic, are difficult to elucidate. Therefore a predominant focus on the impact of hot environments on cattle is warranted. This review provides an overview of the dynamic relationship that exists between the thermal environment and bovines. Heat stress and cold stress have a negative influence on cattle welfare and productivity. There have been some studies investigating the influence of cold stress on cattle, however the emphasis within this review is the influence of heat stress on cattle. The impact of hot weather on cattle is of increasing importance due to the changing global environment. Heat stress is a worldwide phenomenon that is associated with reduced animal productivity and welfare, particularly during the summer months. Animal responses to their thermal environment are extremely varied, however, it is clear that the thermal environment influences the health, productivity, and welfare of cattle. Whilst knowledge continues to be developed, managing livestock to reduce the negative impact of hot climatic conditions remains somewhat challenging. This review provides an overview of the impact of heat stress on production and reproduction in bovines.

Nutrient evaluation and ruminal degradation of dry matter and protein from amarula (Sclerocarya birrea), macadamia (integrifolia) and baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) oilcakes as dietary supplements for ruminants.

Inadequate availability of feed ingredients significantly contributes to reduced animal production. Nutritional evaluation of feed ingredients for potential use in feed ration is key. Triplicate samples of oil extraction by-products viz.: amarula (Sclerocarya birrea), macadamia (integrifolia) and baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) oilcakes were analysed for proximate, mineral and amino acids content. To determine the in situ rumen degradability of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) from the oilcakes, polyester bags were used to incubate triplicate subsamples of each oilcake in the ventral rumen of each of the three cannulated mid-lactating Holstein cows for 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, or 48h. Amarula oilcake (AOC) had higher (P < 0.05) CP, ether extract and essential amino acid content than macadamia (MOC) and baobab (BOC) oilcakes. Fibre fractions were higher (P < 0.05) in MOC and BOC than in AOC. While calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) concentrations were high (P < 0.05) in MOC and BOC, phosphorus (P) concentration was high (P < 0.05) in AOC. The effective degradability of DM and water-soluble, rapidly degradable fractions of DM and CP were high (P < 0.05) in AOC. Insoluble but degradable fraction of CP was high (P < 0.00) in BOC and effective degradation of CP was high (P < 0.05) in AOC and BOC. The AOC with its high CP, EE and essential AA can be used as both protein and energy source for ruminants. Seemingly, MOC and BOC can be used as supplements for fibre as well as Ca and K in ruminant diets. Hence, these non-conventional oilcakes have the potential to partially replace conventional oilcakes in ruminant diets. Evaluation of growth performance, nitrogen digestion and carcass characteristics in ruminants fed diets containing the AOC, BOC and MOC are recommended.

The Effects of Deoxynivalenol (DON) on the Gut Microbiota, Morphology and Immune System of Chicken – A Review

Abstract Feed contamination is a major cause of diseases outbreak in the poultry industry. There is a direct relationship between feeding, the intestinal microbiota and how the immune system responds to disease infestation. Cereals which form the bulk of poultry feed are mostly contaminated by mycotoxins of Fusarium origin. Adequate knowledge of mycotoxins and their effects on animals is necessary. Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a major contaminant of poultry feed. DON has the ability to bind with a large number of eukaryotic ribosomal subunits because of the presence of an epoxide group and these disrupt the activity of peptidyl transferase and the elongation or shortening of peptide chains. Deoxynivalenol has varying effect ranging from acute, overt diseases with high morbidity and death to chronic disease, decreased resistance to pathogens and reduced animal productivity. Deoxynivalenol also impairs the intestinal morphology, nutrient absorption, barrier function, and the innate immune response in chickens. This review highlights the impacts of deoxynivalenol on the immune system, intestinal microbiota composition and the morphology of chicken.

Risk factors for emergence of exotic foot-and-mouth disease O/ME-SA/Ind-2001d on smallholder farms in the Greater Mekong Subregion

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a significant endemic transboundary animal disease in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) and throughout the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). The disease has been shown to perpetuate the cycle of smallholder poverty through reduced animal production, plus limitations on market access for trading in livestock and their products. Despite significant national and multilateral efforts to control FMD over the past two decades, endemic FMD viruses (FMDVs) continue to circulate in Lao PDR. Further, the threat from new and emerging FMDVs is increasing as transboundary movements in the region intensify in response to increasing regional demand for meat. Although the economic impacts of FMD on smallholder farmers in Lao PDR are significant, studies investigating household-level risk factors for FMD are lacking. Following an outbreak of a novel FMDV (O/ME-SA/Ind2001d) in Lao PDR in 2015, a questionnaire and serological study were conducted in Naxaythong District to identify household-level risk factors associated with this outbreak, as well as endemic circulating viruses in the outbreak area. Data were analysed using a multivariable generalised estimating equation (GEE) model with a logit link function and associations were calculated as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI95%). After adjusting for other variables, the practice of quarantining new livestock for a minimum of two weeks prior to introduction to a herd was found to be a significant protective factor during the 2015 outbreak (OR 0.225, CI95% [0.06, 0.88], p-value 0.003). In addition, households owning one or more animals with titres to the non-structural proteins of FMDV, indicating prior infection, had 5.5 times the odds (CI95% [6.16, 49.11], p-value <0.001) of sharing communal grazing land with neighbouring villages. These findings indicate that implementing basic on-farm biosecurity and improved husbandry measures to minimise FMDV circulation at the household level are important and reinforce the need to enhance the education of smallholder farmers in infectious disease control.

Assessing climate vulnerabilities and adaptive strategies for resilient beef and dairy operations in the tropics

Cattle ranchers and dairy farmers operating throughout many tropical regions are experiencing major challenges associated with climate change such as higher incidence of heat stress and drought. These effects can result in reduced productivity of rangeland, shortage of nutritional feed, increased heat stress on animals, and high energy costs for cooling. High temperatures and resultant heat stress reduce animal productivity and increase the proliferation and survival of parasites and disease pathogens. Warming reduces the ability of dairy cattle to produce milk and gain weight and can also lower conception rates. This paper reviews research from the Caribbean on heat tolerant traits in bovine and presents evidence that introducing a “slick hair” gene into Holstein cows by crossbreeding with Senepols may increase thermo-tolerance and productivity. As in other parts of the tropics, principal cattle breeds in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands have been largely introduced from temperate regions. Research indicates these animals may be poorly adapted to rising temperatures, leaving them increasingly vulnerable to chronic heat stress and reduced productivity. Adaptive practices have been developed in breeding and pasture management programs including selection for more heat-resistant genotypes, silvopasturing and crop diversification in forage production, and optimizing facilities and practices to reduce heat stress. Given the nature of climate vulnerability, an integrated approach to adaptation will likely have the greatest success in reducing future risk for producers.

Seroprevalence of orf infection based on IgM antibody detection in sheep and goats from selected small ruminant farms in Malaysia

Orf is an infectious disease that affects the skin of sheep and goats resulting in lesions that reduce animal productivity. This study was aimed to determine the status of orf infection among small ruminants from selected farms in the state of the Selangor based on IgM antibody detection. Serum samples were collected from 90 goats and 90 sheep and subjected to qualitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure IgM antibodies followed by chi-square analysis of the data. The result from this study showed that 33 goats (36.7%) and 7 sheep (7.8%) were positive for orf IgM antibodies, indicating higher seroprevalence among goats as compared to sheep. The risk factors such as species, breed, farm location, and history of orf, age, gender, presence of clinical signs, and farm location were shown to significantly affect the seropositivity of IgM antibodies in these species. In conclusion, this study showed that a significant number of goat populations in Selangor, Malaysia, harbor active orf infection in comparison to sheep.

Показники забою перепелів за використання комбікормів з різними джерелами метіоніну

Methionine is one of the essential amino acids in feeding pigs and poultry and is the first limiting amino acid in poultry diets. Experts in animal nutrition can offset the need for methionine of animals in several ways: supplement to the diet raw materials with high content of amino acids or addition of synthetic amino acids. Satisfaction of animal needs in methionine due to the addition of its synthetic drug in the diet is the most economical and rational solution, since it avoids the excess level of unbalanced protein, which is often accompanied by a rise in diet and reduced animal productivity. Comparatively recently, the L-methionine, chemical form, appeared on the market of fodder, which gives grounds to assert that it is the most favorable for use in an animal's organism. Animals do not need to spend extra living resources and energy to convert part of D-methionine to L-methionine. So, the purpose of our research was to determine the influence of various sources of methionine in mixed fodders on the carcass quality of meat direction quails. The experiments were carried out in the condition of the experimental base of department of animal nutrition and feed technologies of National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine. The object of the research were growing quails (breed Pharaoh). The experiment was conducted using the group-analog method. In the one-day age, 100 head of quails were selected for each group. It was formed 3 groups – one control and two experimental. In the selection of analogues considered the breed, age and body weight. The experimental poultry was fed with full-fledged mixed fodders distributed twice a day (in the morning and in the evening), simultaneously taking into account their remains. Poultry of all groups throughout the growing period (35 days) received basic diet with the addition of various sources of methionine to correspond to experiment. The nutritional and chemical composition of the mixed fodder used in the experiment was the same for all groups and differed only in growing periods. In order to study the anatomical and morphological analysis of carcasses at the end of the scientific and economic experiment, control slaughtering of quails were carried out. The slaughter of poultry was carried out in an unilateral way. For slaughter were taken four heads (two females and two males) from each group. Poultry was selected for slaughter by live weight, which corresponded to the average value for the group. The effect of using different sources of methionine (DL-methionine, L-methionine and МНА) in mixed fodder on carcass quality of young quails was studied. It is found that the use of mixed fodder with an optimum source of methionine helps to improve the carcass quality of young quails. We have found that mixed fodder with the L-metonin contributes to increasing the mass of not gutted carcass, semi gutted carcass and gutted carcass of 12,5 (6,2%), 12,5 (6,2 %) 10,5 g (6,4 %), increases the mass of pectoral muscles and muscles of the pelvic limbs by 7,37 and 6, 49 g (18,2 % and 24,5 %) and mass of liver by 0,94 g.

Citizens, consumers and farm animal welfare: A meta-analysis of willingness-to-pay studies

The sustainable intensification of animal production systems is increasing as a consequence of increased demand for foods originating from animals. Production diseases are particularly endemic in intensive production systems, and can negatively impact upon farm animal welfare. There is an increasing need to develop policies regarding animal production diseases, sustainable intensification, and animal welfare which incorporate consumer priorities as well as technical assessments of farm animal welfare. Consumers and/or citizens may have concerns about intensive production systems, and whether animal production disease represent a barrier to consumer acceptance of their increased use. There is a considerable body of research focused on consumer willingness-to-pay (WTP) for improved animal welfare. It is not clear how this relates specifically to a preference for reduced animal production disease incidence in animal production systems. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to establish the publics’ WTP for farm animal welfare, with a focus on production diseases which arise in intensive systems. Systematic review methodology combined with data synthesis was applied to integrate existing knowledge regarding consumer WTP for animal welfare, and reduced incidence of animal production diseases. Multiple databases were searched to identify relevant studies. A screening process, using a set of pre-determined inclusion criteria, identified 54 studies, with the strength of evidence and uncertainty for each study being assessed. A random effects meta-analysis was used to explore heterogeneity in relation to a number of factors, with a cumulative meta-analysis conducted to establish changes in WTP over time. The results indicated a small, positive WTP (0.63 standard deviations) for farm animal welfare varying in relation to a number of factors including animal type and region. Socio-demographic characteristics explained the most variation in the data. An evidence gap was highlighted in relation to reduced WTP for specific production diseases associated with the intensification of production, with only 4 of the 54 studies identified being related to this. A combination of market and government based policy solutions appears to be the best solution for improving farm animal welfare standards in the future, enabling the diverse public preferences to be taken into consideration.

Review of the foot and mouth disease situation in North Africa and the risk of introducing the disease into Europe.

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease of cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and certain wildlife species. The disease can cause massive economic losses when introduced into countries that were free from the infection, generating negative effects due to reduced animal productivity and restrictions on international livestock trade. Following 15 years of FMD absence, Tunisia and Algeria experienced an incursion of the disease in 2014. The epidemiological situation and disease control measures in operation for FMD in the North African region are not homogeneous. The FMD virus detected in Tunisia and Algeria during the epidemic in 2014 showed 99% identity with a strain isolated in Libya in 2013. Morocco was not affected by the 2014 epidemic but it started a preventive vaccination campaign for cattle in August of that year. The relatively short distance between the North African continent and southern Europe may facilitate the introduction of pathogens, including FMD virus. The history of infectious diseases demonstrates that the Mediterranean Sea is not a sufficient barrier to viral infections. Considering the geography and the FMD situation in North African countries, strong and coordinated intervention strategies are required, including economic, political and disease control aspects, to prevent the spread of FMD to other countries in North Africa or to other regions, e.g. southern Europe. Regional platforms such as the Mediterranean Animal Health Network (REMESA) could play a crucial role in coordinating and managing animal health crises, such as the 2014 FMD epidemic.