Ruminant Health Research Articles

Assessment of Theileriosis Prevalence in Goat: A Study in the Central Areas of Khost Province, Afghanistan

‌Background: Theileriosis, a tick-borne hemoprotozoan disease, poses a substantial economic threat to goat farming. Small ruminants, especially goats, play a significant role in the economy of poor farmers in Afghanistan. Parasites are known as an important risk factor for the health and production of small ruminants, which cause important economic losses in the developed and developing countries of the world. Parasitic diseases that are transmitted by insects affect the health of animals, causing low production due to malnutrition in animal. This study aims to assess the prevalence of theileriosis in goats and to reduce the mortality and morbidity rate within the central areas of Khost province. Materials and Methods: All the data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA-SPSS) which is described by Sen Decor and Cochran (1967). the sample size was calculated using Martine formula (n = 1.962pq/r2), where 1.96 is the 95% confidence interval (CI), p is the cumulative prevalence of theileriosis in goats of Baluchistan (9.70%) is 1-p and r is the accepted error (5%). Findings: This study demonstrated varying prevalence rates, with theileriosis prevalence recorded at 9.6% in male animals, 14.1% in females, 15.4% in non-mature animals, and 11.5% in matured. Statistical analyses substantiated the significance of gender-based prevalence (P<0.05) and age-based trends (P<0.05), emphasizing the heightened prevalence in females and young animals. Conclusion: In conclusion, generally the prevalence of theileriosis exhibited gender-based disparities, with higher rates in females, and age-dependent variations, showcasing elevated prevalence in young animals. The study underscores the imperative for targeted management strategies, especially for female and young goat populations, to mitigate the economic impact of theileriosis in the central areas of Khost province, Afghanistan.

Selection of Molecules with Immunological Potential from Excretory and Secretory Products from the Nematode Haemonchus placei by Cell Proliferation and Gene Expression Assays.

The nematodeHaemonchus placeiis a pathogenic parasite, the most seriously affecting ruminant's health and being responsible for enormous economic losses all over the world. The present protocol describes different in vitro techniques to select potential candidate antigens with immune-protective activity from excretory and secretory products (ESP) fromH. placeitransitory infective larvae (xL3). ESP from xL3were obtained from the in vitro infective larvae (L3) maintained in Hank's medium at 37 °C with 5% CO2for 48 h. Then, the presence of ESP proteins was confirmed by SDS-PAGE to be used in an in vitro proliferation assay with bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The ESP were exposed to the PBMCs during two different periods (24 and 48 h). Genes associated with immune response against the nematode were analyzed using relative gene expression and bioinformatic tools. These are simple, economic, and helpful tools to identify potential immune-protective molecules under in vitro conditions for confirming the efficacy of future in vivo assays. Graphical overview.

Does in Vitro and in Vivo Exposure To Medicinal Herbs Cause Structural Cuticular Changes in Haemonchus Contortus?

The health and production of small ruminants in constantly menaced by parasitic infections, especially those caused by the blood-sucking gastrointestinal nematode Haemonchus contortus. The aim of this study was to assess the structural cuticular changes in adult H. contortus induced by the use of extracts from local medicinal plants and to examine their ovicidal activity. Previous studies have confirmed the beneficial effect of herbal mixtures in preventing haemonchosis in lambs by lowering fecal egg production and improving immunocompetence. We exposed adult H. contortus to Herbmix (a mixture of medicinal plants) under in vivo and in vitro conditions for observation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For the in vivo observations, adult worms were isolated from the abomasa of experimentally infected lambs from a Herbmix group and a control group. Surface structure did not differ significantly between the exposed and control groups. The ovicidal activity of an aqueous Herbmix extract was assessed in vitro, establishing the inhibition of hatching with an ED50 of 6.52 mg/mL. Adult worms for in vitro examination were isolated from experimentally infected lambs and incubated in Herbmix aqueous extracts for 24 h. SEM observations indicated that none of the worms had prominent ultrastructural changes on their cuticles. This study suggests that previously demonstrated antiparasitic effects of medicinal plants did not negatively affect adult parasites by damaging their external structures.

Farang (Psidium guajava L.) Dried Leaf Extracts: Phytochemical Profiles, Antioxidant, Anti-Diabetic, and Anti-Hemolytic Properties for Ruminant Health and Production.

Due to its advantageous antioxidant phytochemical components, Psidium guajava L. has become an indispensable plant in pharmaceutical formulations, playing a crucial role in safeguarding human health. On ruminant animals, however, there has been limited investigation. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the phytochemical profiles and biological potential of Farang (P. guajava L.) leaf extracts for ruminant health. Methanolic and hexanoic extracts from various agricultural areas were prepared over a five-month period. By means of HPLC-DAD, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), essential oil (eugenol), tannin (gallic acid), cinnamic acids (caffeic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, and ferulic acid), and flavonoids (catechin, rutin, myricetin, quercetin, apigenin, and kaempferol) were detected and quantified. Solvent type, but not cultivation site or sampling time, explained the observed variation in phytochemical profile. Phytochemicals were found in lower concentrations in hexanoic extracts than in methanolic extracts. Catechin and sinapic acid were discovered to be the two most abundant phytochemicals in the methanolic extract of Farang leaf, followed by other phenolic compounds, essential oils, and water-soluble vitamins. Compared with the methanolic extract, the hexanoic extract of Farang leaves was less effective at scavenging oxidation in terms of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide, and superoxide, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Hexanoic extract was found to be less protective against oxidative damage in ruminant erythrocytes than methanolic extract in terms of inhibiting hemoglobin oxidation, lipid peroxidation, and hemolysis. According to the findings of this study, the leaves of Farang (P. guajava L.) are a potential source of phytochemical compounds with wellness properties for ruminant production.

Exploring the Phytochemical Profiles and Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Antihemolytic Properties of Sauropus androgynus Dried Leaf Extracts for Ruminant Health and Production

Sauropus androgynus has become an essential plant in pharmaceutical formulations due to its beneficial antioxidant phytochemical components, participating in the antioxidant defense system and playing an important role in protecting human health. However, no research has been conducted on ruminant animals. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical profiles and biological potential of S. androgynus leaf extracts for ruminant health. Methanolic and hexanoic extracts from each commercially and noncommercially cultivated site were prepared over the course of five consecutive months. By means of HPLC-DAD, vitamins (ascorbic acid), essential oils (eugenol), tannins (gallic acid), cinnamic acids (caffeic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid and ferulic acid), and flavonoids (catechin, rutin, myricetin, quercetin, apigenin, and kaempferol) were detected. Variations in phytochemical composition were depending on solvent type but not on cultivation site or sample period. Methanolic extracts contained more phytochemicals than hexanoic extracts. Ascorbic acid and rutin were discovered to be the two most abundant phytochemicals in the methanolic extract of S. androgynus leaf, followed by essential oils, cinnamic acids, and tannins. In comparison to hexanoic extract, methanolic extract of S. androgynus demonstrated to be more efficient against oxidation scavenging: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (IC50 = 13.14 ± 0.055 (mg/mL)), nitric oxide (IC50 = 55.02 ± 1.338 (mg/mL)) and superoxide (IC50 = 25.31 ± 0.886 (mg/mL)), as well as α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 9.83 ± 0.032 (mg/mL)). Similarly, methanolic was found to be more protective than hexanoic against oxidative damage in ruminant erythrocytes, with IC50 values (mg/mL) for hemoglobin oxidation, lipid peroxidation, and hemolysis of 11.96 ± 0.011, 13.54 ± 0.012, and 5.940 ± 0.005, respectively. These findings suggested that the leaves of S. androgynus are a prospective source of phytochemical substances with health-promoting qualities for ruminant production.

Effects of Nutritional Practices and Production Systems on Small Ruminants’ Health in Rural Households in Ekiti State, Nigeria

The study assessed the effect of nutritional practices and production systems on the health of small ruminant animals reared among rural households in Ekiti State. A total number of 120 rural households were interviewed using a multi-stage random sampling procedure to elicit information from them. About 78.32 percent were within their active age range, 50.00 percent were married with minimum household size of 5 persons, had least educational qualification and 41.66 percent reared sheep and goats. Disease outbreak (50.00%), accident (33.33%) and stillbirth (16.66%) are the common factors responsible for mortality experienced by the farmers, while diarrhea is the prevalent disease experienced by them. More than half (58.13%) of the respondents practices self-medication by purchasing antibiotics meant for humans from medicine stores and very few of them (18.33%) received intervention from the government in terms of medication. Only 33.00% of them offer supplementary feeding to their animals during the dry season. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant relationship (p=0.05) between nutritional practices and the health system of the small ruminants. Also, the Pearson Moment Product Correlation also revealed that a significant correlation (rcal= 0.927) exists between production systems and the health of small ruminants in the study area which is significant at 0.05 level of probability. The study, concludes that if animals are poorly managed and fed, they could be predisposed to diseases and injuries.

High Ca and P homeostasis ensure stable forage Ca:P following historical nitrogen inputs in a temperate steppe

AbstractCalcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) are essential nutrients for plant growth, with consequences on ruminant diet and health. Their balance in forage, as indicated by Ca:P ratio, is important for the absorption and utilisation of both elements by livestock. While nitrogen (N) deposition has been globally observed, it is declining or is projected to decline due to controls on N emissions in many countries. It is an open question whether N inputs would have legacy effects on forage Ca and P nutrition in grasslands. Here, we examine the changes of Ca and P concentrations and Ca:P ratio in plants and soils in a temperate steppe for three continuous years (2016 ~ 2018) following historically 6 years N inputs (2008 ~ 2013) with a gradient ranging from 0 to 20 g N m−2 year−1. Soil extractable Ca concentrations significantly decreased with increasing N addition rates in all the 3 years, but soil available P concentrations increased and Ca:P ratio decreased only in 2016. Ca and P nutrition varied greatly amongst the four plant functional types, but they were generally conservative across the historical N addition rates, due to the high stoichiometric homeostasis. Furthermore, plant Ca and P concentrations and Ca:P ratios at the community level showed no significant variation along the N addition gradient. Our results highlighted the role of plant Ca and P homeostasis in ensuring stable Ca and P nutrition in forage following historical N inputs in temperate grasslands.

The effects of fucoidan as a dairy substitute on diarrhea rate and intestinal barrier function of the large intestine in weaned lambs.

This paper explores the effects of fucoidan on the frequency of diarrhea, colon morphology, colon antioxidant status, cytokine content, short-chain fatty acids, and microflora of cecal contents in early weaned lambs in order to provide a reference for the intestinal health of young ruminants. Fucoidan is a natural active polysaccharide extracted from kelp and other large brown algae. It has many biological effects, such as improving immunity, nourishing the stomach and intestines, and anti-tumor properties. This study investigated the effects of fucoidan supplementation in milk replacer on the large intestine's ability to act as an intestinal barrier in weaned lambs. With six duplicate pens and one lamb per pen, a total of 24 weaned lambs (average starting body weight of 7.32 ± 0.37 kg) were randomly assigned to one of four milk replacer treatments. Four concentrations of fucoidan supplementation (0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.6% dry matter intake) were employed to investigate the effects of fucoidan on cecal fermentation and colon microbial organization. The test period lasted 37 days (1 week before the test and 1 month after the test), and lamb cecal contents and colon organization were collected for examination. In addition, the fecal status of all lambs was observed and recorded daily, allowing us to calculate the incidence of diarrhea in weaned lambs. The findings demonstrated that fucoidan may significantly increase the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (propionic acid and butyric acid) in the cecal digesta of weaned lambs. In weaned lambs, 16S rDNA testing showed that fucoidan at 0.3-0.6% (dry matter intake) was beneficial for boosting the variety of the intestinal bacteria and modifying the relative abundance of a few bacterial strains. In addition, fucoidan enhanced colon antioxidant and immune functions and decreased the diarrhea rate to relieve weaning stress. This result demonstrates that milk replacer supplementation with fucoidan contributes to the improvement in the large intestinal health of weaned lambs.

Combined use of monensin and virginiamycin to improve rumen and liver health and performance of feedlot-finished steers.

Monensin and virginiamycin are included in beef cattle finishing diets as prophylaxis to minimize the incidence of ruminal acidosis and liver abscesses. Due to different and probably complementary modes of action, this study aimed to determine the effects of a combination of monensin and virginiamycin, both included in the diet at recommended doses, on ruminal health, the occurrence of liver abscesses, and growth performance of feedlot-finished cattle. One hundred and forty-four steers (6 animals/pen) were fed 1 of 3 corn-based finishing diets containing 30 mg of monensin (MN), 25 mg of virginiamycin (VM), or 30 and 25 mg of monensin and virginiamycin (MN + VM), respectively, per kilogram of dry matter. Ruminal pH probes were inserted into two animals per pen and set to record pH every 10 min. On d 100, animals were slaughtered, and rumens and livers were recovered, on which occurrence and degree of ruminal damage, prevalence and number of liver abscesses, and liver scores (A-: livers with no more than two small abscesses; A+: livers with at least one large abscess or more than four medium abscesses; A: any other abscessed liver) were determined. Simultaneous inclusion of monensin and virginiamycin resulted in a 4.3% decrease (P < 0.04) in dry matter intake (DMI; 8.8, 9.2, and 9.2 ± 0.19 kg/d for MN + VM, MN, and VM-fed animals, respectively) and similar (P > 0.13) average daily body weight gain (ADG; 1.49 ± 0.021 kg/d) and hot carcass weight (HCW; 269 ± 1.7 kg), compared with feeding diets containing one additive or the other. Therefore, in terms of ADG, a 9.4% improvement (P < 0.01) in feed efficiency was observed in MN + VM-fed animals. Backfat thickness (5.6 ± 0.08 mm) and ribeye area (69.9 ± 0.53 cm2) remained unaffected (P ≥ 0.74), as well as the minimum (4.98 ± 0.047), mean (6.11 ± 0.037), and maximum ruminal pH (7.23 ± 0.033) values and the time (125 ± 22.3 min/d), area (57.67 ± 12.383 pH × h), and episodes (22 ± 3.8 bouts) of pH below 5.6 (P ≥ 0.12). Overall, prevalence (24 ± 3.4%) and the number of liver abscesses (1.6 ± 0.14 abscesses/abscessed liver), liver scores (20 ± 3.1% of A- and 4 ± 1.8% of A livers), and prevalence (67 ± 3.5%) and degree of damage to the ruminal epithelium (2.5 ± 0.22% affected surface) were similar (P ≥ 0.18) across treatments; however, the occurrence of ruminal lesions tended (P ≤ 0.07) to be associated with that of liver abscesses and reduced ADG when feeding monensin alone.

352 Awardee Talk: Opportunities for Antioxidants and Plant-Derived Polyphenols to Improve Ruminant Health and Productivity

Abstract Plants have been used throughout history for their medicinal properties. This use has often focused on human health but plants have also been applied in animal health management and methane mitigation. Recent interest has focused on the extraction and concentration of plant bioactives for use as dietary additives, in particular as essential oils, polyphenols or antioxidants. Recent research has demonstrated that dietary antioxidants can reduce the impact of heat stress (HS) and other stressors on oxidative stress (OS). However, delivery of antioxidant supplements in extensive grazing systems is problematic and so efforts have been directed at providing antioxidant activity using forage crops high in antioxidants and polyphenols. Polyphenols are a group of compounds with antioxidant properties that can be found in various parts of plants including seeds, roots, leaves and flowers. Polyphenols have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that prevent OS by reducing production of reactive oxygen species. For example, sugar cane-derived polyphenols reduce OS and improve growth performance in chickens. Also, polyphenols can act as hormones and growth regulators and enzyme modulators. The aim of this review is to discuss the effects of dietary antioxidants on HS in ruminants and the potential of plant-derived polyphenols to deliver similar benefits.

329 Effectiveness of Virginiamycin Administration on Animal Health and the Observed Impacts on Growth, Development, and Intake Dynamics in Growing and Finishing Calves

Abstract Virginiamycin (VM) is an antibiotic that possesses antimicrobial properties due to its ability to block protein synthase in Gram-positive bacteria. It reduces lactic acidosis and the incidence of liver abscesses. Animal growth and development is brought about because of improved ruminal health, and animal health and welfare. This study evaluated the continuous or intermittent provision of VM during the growing and finishing phases on 120 Angus-crossbred steers (291 ± 28 kg) in 20 pens equipped with a Calan gate feed system from which animals received VM (240 mg/d) as follow: no VM (T000); VM in the last 50 d (T001); VM for the last 100 d (T011); VM in the first 50 d (T100); VM in the first 100 d (T110); and VM for 150 d (T111). Data were analyzed using a random coefficients model with the pen as a random effect and animals within treatment as the subject. The T011 tended (0.075 ≥ P ≥ 0.052) to have a greater carcass, final shrunk body weight compared with T110. Empty body fat (EBF; %) tended (0.080 ≤ P ≤ 0.050) to be less for animals that consumed VM regardless of the period or length of feeding. Dry matter intake (DMI) was lesser for T111 compared with T000, and greater for T011 compared with T110 (P ≤ 0.028), which resulted in greater average daily gain (ADG) with no difference in feed efficiency (P = 0.015 and 0.225, respectively). ADG-adjusted metabolizable energy (aME) content increased by 3.08% for T111 compared with T000. This study indicated that daily supplementation of 240 mg VM during the whole feeding phase increased feed efficiency and paME, whereas when withdrawn during the end of the finishing phase (T110) can impair DMI and ADG.

Administering an Appeasing Substance to Improve Performance, Neuroendocrine Stress Response, and Health of Ruminants.

Simple SummaryStress is present in several management activities of beef and dairy cattle, leading to health and productive losses to the herd. Therefore, strategies are warranted to reduce any losses related to these stressful situations, and bovine appeasing substance (BAS) is arising as a potential technology in livestock production settings. Several peer-reviewed publications have evaluated BAS in different production settings, such as weaning, feedlot entry, castration, transport to the slaughterhouse, and pre-weaning dairy cattle. Altogether, performance, health, and carcass traits have been positively impacted by BAS administration, demonstrating the efficacy of this technology for ruminants.The present review demonstrates the main attributes of stress-related responses in ruminants, and the potential interaction with the immune system of the host is also presented, demonstrating that alternatives that reduce the response to stressful situations are warranted to maintain adequate health and performance of the herd. In this scenario, pheromones and their modes of action are presented, opening space to a recent technology being used for ruminants: bovine appeasing substance (BAS). This substance has been used in different species, such as swine, with positive behavioral, health, and performance results. So, its utilization in ruminants has been reported to improve performance and inflammatory-mediated responses, promoting the productivity and welfare of the livestock industry.

Indwelling robots for ruminant health monitoring: A review of elements

Maximizing the health, productivity, and sustainability of ruminant animals is an essential societal goal for a variety of reasons including food security, impact on the environment, and global nutrition; however, monitoring the metabolism of ruminant animals is currently a time-consuming and imprecise process. An indwelling robot residing within the ruminant gut would likely revolutionize metabolic monitoring in ruminants by providing a new level of detail into the complex and stratified chemistry of fermentation that goes on hour by hour. Indwelling robots could become an essential tool for ruminant health monitoring because many of the health, productivity, and sustainability challenges experienced by ruminants can be indicated and potentially influenced by changes in biomarkers within the rumen. We believe next-generation ruminant health monitoring will evolve from continuous biomarker measurement, reliable data transmission, and precise locomotion, all of which can be enabled by advances in indwelling ruminal robot design. Within this review, we summarize the requirements of and progress toward engineering advancements necessary to develop field-deployable robots for ruminant metabolic monitoring. The vital elements of an autonomous indwelling medical robot include locomotion, localization, wireless data transmission, and wireless power transfer. The state-of-the-art technologies associated with each element are articulated in this review. The comprehensive techniques of locomotion, the approaches for precise localization, as well as technologies for wireless power and data transmission that will make the indwelling robot entirely autonomous are enunciated, with a special focus on ruminants. The evaluated indices are potentially useful not only to assess the health of the ruminant but also to refine and standardize the assessment protocols. The overview presented in this article on the advances, imperative requirements, and challenges enables the deployment of the ruminal robot for health monitoring in ruminants.

Effects of various plant extracts on ruminant health for sustainable livestock development

Effects of various plant extracts on ruminant health for sustainable livestock development

Assessment of corn wet distillers grains fed to crossbred bulls on feeding behavior, rumen morphology, liver abscesses and blood parameters.

Corn ethanol production has been growing in Brazil in the last ten years, generating by-products to feedlot diets. This study evaluates the effects of the inclusion of low-fat corn wet distillers grains (LF-WDG) on feeding behavior, ruminal health, liver abscesses and blood parameters of F1 Angus-Nellore bulls feedlot finished. Our hypothesis is that evaluation of data from feeding behavior, rumen and liver health would help to explain animal performance. In this trail, one-hundred animals were fed for 129 days with diets containing amounts of 0 (control), 15, 30 and 45% of LF-WDG replacing corn grain and soybean meal. Evaluations of fluctuation of dry matter intake (DMI) were carried out. Additionally, feeding behavior data were assessed by monitoring (24-h period) the feeding, rumination, time spent eating (TSE), and time expended on other activities (resting and number of meals per day). Blood variables such as pH, bicarbonate, total CO2 content, and base excess in extracellular fluid (Beecf) were determined. After slaughter, rumen epithelium was classified according to the incidence of lesions (rumenitis) and abnormalities (papillae clumped), and samples were collected for morphology and histology evaluations. Moreover, livers were scored for severity of abscesses as follow: as unabscessed (0), one or two small abscesses (A−), two to four small active abscesses (A) or one or more large, active abscesses (A+). The DMI (kg/day) differed (P = 0.03) among treatments and there is a tendency of 15 and 30 LF-WDG (% DM) had lower %DMI fluctuation compared to 0 or 45%. The TSE increased linearly (P < 0.01) as the amounts of inclusion of LF-WDG increased. Moreover, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake, NDF consumption rate and NDF rumination efficiency increased linearly (P < 0.01) in response to LF-WDG feeding. The incidence of rumenitis tended (P = 0.08) to be greater at 45% LF-WDG, while keratin thickness decreased linearly in bulls fed LF-WDG (P < 0.01). The severity of liver abscesses (score A+) increased linearly (P = 0.02). Regarding blood parameters, only Beecf decreased linearly (P < 0.01) in response to LF-WDG feeding. Therefore, the hypothesis of the current study was confirmed. We previous reported that F1 Angus-Nellore bulls fed LF-WDG show greater weight gain (1.94 ± 0.09 kg/day) and final body weight (620 ± 18.8 kg) when compare to control (1.8 ± 0.09 kg/day and 602 ± 18.8 kg, respectively). Here, we conclude that inclusion of 15 to 30% LF-WDG in feedlot diets improved feeding behavior without impairing ruminal health and blood parameters, driving performance and weigh gain of crossbred bulls. However, bulls fed 45% LF-WDG had greater severity of liver abscesses.

Age-related changes in blood biochemical composition of Hu sheep

The blood biochemical composition is indicative of the animal's performance and health status. This study evaluated the interaction between age and blood metabolites, immunoglobulins, hormones in Hu sheep. In total 30 male lambs between 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months (M) old were used in this study. The lambs were kept with their dams and offered the total mixed ration at 7 days of age, while at 55 days of age; the lambs were weaned and transferred to individual pens. The data were analysed using the one-way ANOVA procedure of SPSS and the Pearson’s correlation coefficient between blood parameters was calculated. The 2M old lambs had significantly lower (p < 0.05) blood biochemical parameters than 1M old lambs. However, these parameters were higher in the adult sheep except the blood glucose (GLU). In contrast, the blood albumin/globulin ratio and beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) did not show significant differences. Moreover, positive correlations were observed between blood immunoglobulins, growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), globulin (GLB), and blood total protein (TP). In addition, BHBA had a positive correlation with GLB and immunoglobulins. In addition, blood albumin (ALB) had a significant positive correlation with TP, GH, and IGF-1. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was between GLU and insulin. The investigation of blood biochemical parameters in sheep of different ages from 1 to 12M could be a reliable method to detect the metabolism status and health condition through the early stage of life. HIGHLIGHTS The reduction of blood metabolites, immunoglobulins, hormones at 2 M old lambs compared with 1 M old lambs due to the dietary changes from liquid to solid could challenges ruminant health. The improvements of blood biochemical profile correspond with the development of rumen and immune functions. This study may extend our knowledge about the blood biochemical profile in Hu sheep.

Benzoic Acid Metabolism and Lipopolysaccharide Synthesis of Intestinal Microbiome Affects the Health of Ruminants under Free-Range and Captive Mode.

It is urgent to explore new ways to protect endangered wild animals and develop sustainable animal husbandry on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau due to its fragile ecological environment. Ruminants, raised in captivity and free-range, have important niches in the Plateau and are the best models to analyze the effects of different feeding modes on their health. In this study, two ruminants, yaks and goats in free-range and captive modes, respectively, were selected to study the relationship between gut microbes and ruminant health. The results showed that the gut microbial diversity of free-range ruminants was higher than those of captive ruminants. Principal co-ordinates analysis (PCoA) showed that there were significant differences in the gut microbial communities in different breeding modes. Both the captive ruminants enriched the Succinivibrionaceae family, which had a strong potential to synthesize lipopolysaccharide, and the low exercise amount of the captive animals was significantly related to this function. Meanwhile, free-range ruminants enriched Oscillospiraceae, which had the potential to degrade benzoic acid, and this potential had a significant positive correlation with resistance to parasitic infections. We offer other possibilities, such as adding benzoic acid to feed or increasing the exercise time of captive ruminants to make them healthier.

INULINA: SU USO COMO PREBIÓTICO EN LA NUTRICIÓN DE RUMIANTES

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background&lt;/strong&gt;. Prebiotics stimulate the growth and activity of the beneficial microbiota of the digestive tract, improve the health of the host and act as growth promoters. Inulin has prebiotic potential in ruminants, acts as an immunomodulator, improves intestinal health and productive behavior. However, its prebiotic effect on the ruminal microbiota is still unclear, given the little research carried out to date. &lt;strong&gt;Objective&lt;/strong&gt;. This review focuses on the prebiotic effect of inulin and the benefits on the health and productive behavior of ruminants. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology. &lt;/strong&gt;The bibliographic search was carried out in publications of international and national indexed journals, which have a strict peer review, written in English and Spanish, which included information related to inulin, its prebiotic effect, as well as the response of its use in health and ruminant performance. The scientific results of the reviewed articles were compared and contrasted. &lt;strong&gt;Main findings.&lt;/strong&gt; The research analyzed demonstrate the potential use of inulin as a prebiotic in ruminants during lactation and weaning; benefits are shown on intestinal health and reduction in the incidence of diarrhea. In addition, improvements in animal behavior are observed. Inulin improves milk production in cattle. However, the little information available to date does not allow to determine the effect of this prebiotic on the ruminal microbiota. &lt;strong&gt;Implications&lt;/strong&gt;. The information presented in this article shows that the effect of inulin as a prebiotic depends on its degree of polymerization, the age or growth stage of the ruminant, the doses used and, where appropriate, the probiotic population involved. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusions&lt;/strong&gt;. The use of inulin as a prebiotic enhances the probiotic activity of beneficial bacteria, improving intestinal health and ruminant’s performance. However, more research is required on the effect of inulin in the rumen to know its prebiotic potential on the ruminal microbial.&lt;/p&gt;

Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria-Inoculated Corn Silage on Bacterial Communities and Metabolites of Digestive Tract of Sheep

Silage is widely used as ruminant feed all over the world. Lactic acid bacteria inoculants are commonly applied in silage production to improve preservation efficiency. To investigate the effects of lactic acid bacteria-inoculated silage on the bacterial communities and metabolites of the digestive tract, twenty-four local hybrid rams (a hybrid of Small Tail Han sheep and Mongolian sheep with an average initial BW 27.8 ± 3.05 kg) were randomly divided into four groups fed with corn stalk (S), corn stalk silage, corn stalk silage treated with Lentilactobacillusplantarum (P), or corn stalk silage treated with L. buchneri (B). The results showed that compared with the control and B groups, the inoculant with P significantly increased silage dry matter (DM) content, while the pH value was significantly higher than that in group B, and the aerobic stability was significantly lower than that in group B. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the two dominant phyla of digestive tract microbiota in sheep. Compared with corn stalk, sheep fed with corn stalk silage showed a higher relative abundance of Prevotella. P-treated silage decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes at the phylum level in rumen fluid. Silage treated with P or B increased the relative abundance of Prevotella, Ruminococcus, and Fibrobacter at the genus level in the rumen. A total of 498 differential metabolites in the rumen were detected when comparing the corn stalk and corn stalk silage groups. A total of 257 and 141 differential metabolites were detected when comparing the untreated silage and silages treated with P and B, respectively. These metabolites in the sheep rumen were correlated with bacterial communities, especially Butyrivibrio, Fibrobacter, and Prevotella. In conclusion, the addition of P and B during ensiling could change the fermentation and metabolites in the rumen by influencing the bacterial community. The change induced by these inoculants might be beneficial for animals’ performance and the health of ruminants.

Temporal Changes in Fecal Unabsorbed Carbohydrates Relative to Perturbations in Gut Microbiome of Neonatal Calves: Emerging of Diarrhea Induced by Extended-Spectrum β-lactamase-Producing Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli.

Early gut microbiota development and colonization are crucial for the long-term health and performance of ruminants. However, cognition among these microbiota is still vague, particularly among the neonatal dairy calves. Here, extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing enteroaggregative E. coli (ESBL-EAEC)-induced temporal changes in diversity, stability, and composition of gut microbiota were investigated among the neonatal female calves, with the view of discerning potential biomarkers of this arising diarrhea cases in local pastures. Nearly, 116 newborn calves were enrolled in this time period study during their first 2 weeks of life, and a total of 40 selected fecal samples from corresponding calves were used in this study. The results revealed that differentiated gut microbiome and metabolome discerned from neonatal calves were accompanied by bacterial infections over time. Commensal organisms like Butyricicoccus, Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, Collinsella, and Coriobacterium, as key microbial markers, mainly distinguish “healthy” and “diarrheic” gut microbiome. Random forest machine learning algorithm indicated that enriched fecal carbohydrates, including rhamnose and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, and abundant short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) existed in healthy ones. In addition, Spearman correlation results suggested that the presence of Butyricicoccus, Faecalibacterium, Collinsella, and Coriobacterium, key commensal bacteria of healthy calves, is positively related to high production of unabsorbed carbohydrates, SCFAs, and other prebiotics, and negatively correlated to increased concentrations of lactic acid, hippuric acid, and α-linolenic acid. Our data suggested that ESBL-EAEC-induced diarrhea in female calves could be forecasted by alterations in the gut microbiome and markedly changed unabsorbed carbohydrates in feces during early lives, which might be conducive to conduct early interventions to ameliorate clinical symptoms of diarrhea induced by the rising prevalence of ESBL-EAEC.