Ruminant Health Research Articles

Growth Performance, Ruminal Volatile Fatty Acids, Health Status and Profitability in Calves Fed with Milk Supplemented with Probiotics

Growth Performance, Ruminal Volatile Fatty Acids, Health Status and Profitability in Calves Fed with Milk Supplemented with Probiotics

Diagnosis of fasciolosis in cattle slaughtered at the slaughterhouse of the urban commune of Dédougou in Burkina Faso

Fasciolosis is a major zoonosis of ruminants which causes great economic losses to breeders. Given the economic and public health importance of this pathology, it is necessary to establish the current situation in a perspective of animal and ruminant meat consumer health protection. Therefore, the present study was conducted at the slaughterhouse of Dédougou in order to identify the species of fluke that caused this pathology in the Boucle du Mouhoun region and to estimate the prevalence, the risk factors and the economic losses associated with this pathology. For this purpose, 820 cattle and 6360 small ruminants were diagnosed through post-mortem examination over a five-month period from March to August 2018. Out of the 6360 small ruminant livers examined, no cases of infestation were observed unlike cattle in which the prevalence of infestation was 2.07%. These infestations were all due to Fasciola gigantica. Regarding the risk factors, a slight effect of the month and a high influence of animals' origin were observed. March, with a prevalence of 0.25%, was the most favorable infestation month (P-value=0.05) and Sourou (19.51%), was the highest infestation risk area (P-value<0.0001). The estimated financial loss associated with the infestations was XOF 22,200.29 per infested animal. The situation is particularly worrying insofar as some populations, especially rural populations, consume meat from uncontrolled slaughter areas. Appropriate precautions should therefore be taken to ensure both consumer and animal health, given the zoonotic nature of the disease.

Fecal Microbiota Dynamics Reveal the Feasibility of Early Weaning of Yak Calves under Conventional Grazing System.

Simple SummaryYak (Bos grunniens) is the most economically and culturally important domestic bovine species adapted to the extreme ecological environment of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP), which provides milk, meat, transportation, fuel (yak dung), and wool for local nomads as well as major sources of income. Calves are an important part of the sustainable development of the yak industry on the QTP, and the quality of calf rearing directly determines the production performance of adult animals. Under the traditional grazing management, late weaning (>180 days) of yak calves seriously affects the improvement of their production performance. A comparative study of fecal microbiota dynamics of yak and cattle (Bos taurus) calves in different months after weaning will help to understand the changes in intestinal microbiota structure, and will aid in in improving growth rate and survivability of early weaned calves. Our research will contribute to the development of appropriate strategies to regulate the gut microbiome and thus improve the growth and health of the grazing ruminants on the QTP.Background: The gut microbiota plays an important role in the health and production of animals. However, little information is available on the dynamic variations and comparison of intestinal microbiota in post-weaning yak calves living on the QTP. Methods: We explored the fecal bacterial microbiota succession of yak calves at different months after early weaning (60 d) compared with cattle calves by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and functional composition prediction. Results: We found no significant difference in blood biochemical parameters related to glucose and lipid metabolism between yaks and calves in different months after weaning. The core fecal bacterial microbiota from both species of calves was dominated by Ruminococcaceae, Rikenellaceae, and Bacteroidaceae. The fecal microbial community has a great alteration within the time after weaning in both cattle and yak calves, but cattle showed a larger change. After five months, the microbiota achieves a stable and concentrated state. This is also similar to the functional profile. Conclusions: Based on the exploration of dynamic changes in the fecal microbiota at an early stage of life, our results illustrated that there were no negative effects of intestinal microbiota succession on yak calves when early weaning was employed.

Comparison of X-ray absorption spectra from copper-loaded bovine and ovine livers

BackgroundCopper toxicity and hepatic copper accumulation pose a serious risk to ruminant health and production. Differences in the copper-handling mechanisms of cattle and sheep have been noted, not only in comparison to each other, but also in comparison to ‘copper-tolerant’ monogastric species. Ruminants appear less able to cope with rising liver copper concentration than monogastric counterparts, with sheep in general less able to cope with elevated copper intake than cattle. MethodsX-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) was used to investigate the differences between the livers of these species at high copper status. ResultsThe X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra indicated that the hepatic copper compound is most likely to be bound to metallothionein; consistent with monogastric species. ConclusionAlthough, most likely stored as copper-metallothionein, there may be a role for glutathione as a short-term, intermediate copper buffer which may have more relevance to sheep than cattle. The potential that thiomolybdate bound copper can be stored in the liver could not be ruled out.

Helminth Infections in Cattle and Goats in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, with Focus on Strongyle Nematode Infections.

Gastrointestinal helminths are major enteric parasites affecting the health of important livestock ruminants, such as cattle and goats. It is important to routinely survey these animals for helminth infections to allow effective management and control programs to be implemented. A cross-sectional helminth survey carried out in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand, revealed the infection rate of gastrointestinal helminths in cattle (n = 157) and goats (n = 117) to be 35.7% and 88%, respectively, by microscopic fecal examination, and a 100% herd prevalence was observed in goats. Eggs of strongyle nematodes, Strongyloides spp., Trichuris spp., Capillaria spp., Paramphistomum spp., and Moniezia spp. were detected, with a relatively high rate of strongyle nematode infection in both cattle (28.7%) and goats (86.3%). Mixed infections were observed in 14.3% and 35.9% of egg-positive samples from cattle and goats, respectively. Risk factor analysis showed that dairy cattle were 5.1 times more likely to be infected with strongyles than meat cattle. In contrast, meat goats were 9.3 times more likely to be infected with strongyles than dairy goats. The inverse findings in cattle and goats are discussed. Female gender was associated with a higher risk of strongyle infection in goats. DNA sequencing and in-house semi-nested PCR with primers specific to a region in the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) were successfully used to identify strongyle genera in randomly selected egg-positive cattle (n = 24) and goat (n = 24) samples. Four strongyle genera, i.e., Cooperia spp., Haemonchus spp., Oesophagostomum spp., and Trichostrongylus spp. were identified by DNA sequencing. By semi-nested PCR, Cooperia spp. were detected as a major parasite of cattle (70.8%), whereas Haemonchus spp. were abundant in goats (100%). The majority of samples from cattle (58.3%) and goats (95.8%) were found to coinfect with at least two strongyle genera, suggesting that coinfection with multiple strongyle genera was more common than single infection in these animals.

Influence of microbial probiotics on ruminant health and nutrition: sources, mode of action and implications

Globally, ruminant production contributes immensely to the supply of the highest quality and quantity of proteins for human consumption, sustenance of livelihoods, and attainment of food security. Nevertheless, the phasing out of antibiotics in animal production has posed a myriad of challenges, including poor growth, performance and nutrient utilization, pathogen colonization, dysbiosis, and food safety issues in ruminants. Probiotics (direct-fed microbials), comprising live microbial strains that confer health and nutritional benefits to the host when administered in appropriate quantities, are emerging as a viable, safe, natural and sustainable alternative to antibiotics. Although the mechanisms of action exerted by probiotics on ruminants are not well elucidated, dietary probiotic dosage to ruminants enhances development and maturation, growth and performance, milk production and composition, nutrient digestibility, feed efficiency, pathogen reduction, and mitigation of gastrointestinal diseases. However, the beneficial response to probiotic supplementation in ruminants is not consistent, being dependent on the microbial strain selected, combination of strains, dose, time and frequency of supplementation, diet, animal breed, physiological stage, husbandry practice, and farm management. Nonetheless, several studies have recently reported beneficial effects of probiotics on ruminant performance, health and production. This review conclusively re-iterates the need for probiotics inclusion for the sustainability of ruminant production. Considering the role that ruminants play in food production and employment, global acceptance of sustainable ruminant production through supplementation with probiotics will undoubtedly ensure food security and food safety for the world. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Cross-tissue single-cell transcriptomic landscape reveals the key cell subtypes and their potential roles in the nutrient absorption and metabolism in dairy cattle

IntroductionDairy cattle are a vitally important ruminant in meeting the demands for high-quality animal protein production worldwide. The complicated biological process of converting human indigestible biomass into highly digestible and nutritious milk is orchestrated by various tissues. However, poorly understanding of the cellular composition and function of the key metabolic tissues hinders the improvement of health and performance of domestic ruminants. ObjectivesThe cellular heterogeneity, metabolic features, interactions across ten tissue types of lactating dairy cattle were studied at single-cell resolution in the current study. MethodsUnbiased single-cell RNA-sequencing and analysis were performed on the rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum, ileum, rectum, liver, salivary gland, mammary gland, and peripheral blood of lactating dairy cattle. Immunofluorescences and fluorescence in situ hybridization were performed to verify cell identity. ResultsIn this study, we constructed a single-cell landscape covering 88,013 high-quality (500 < genes < 4,000, UMI < 50, 000, and mitochondrial gene ratio < 40% or 15%) single cells and identified 55 major cell types in lactating dairy cattle. Our systematic survey of the gene expression profiles and metabolic features of epithelial cells related to nutrient transport revealed cell subtypes that have preferential absorption of different nutrients. Importantly, we found that T helper type 17 (Th17) cells (highly expressing CD4 and IL17A) were specifically enriched in the forestomach tissues and predominantly interacted with the epithelial cell subtypes with high potential uptake capacities of short-chain fatty acids through IL-17 signaling. Furthermore, the comparison between IL17RAhighIL17RChigh cells (epithelial cells with IL17RA and IL17RC expression levels both greater than 0.25) and other cells explained the importance of Th17 cells in regulating the epithelial cellular transcriptional response to nutrient transport in the forestomach. ConclusionThe findings enhance our understanding of the cellular biology of ruminants and open new avenues for improved animal production of dairy cattle.

L-Arginine Nutrition and Metabolism in Ruminants.

L-Arginine (Arg) plays a central role in the nitrogen metabolism (e.g., syntheses of protein, nitric oxide, polyamines, and creatine), blood flow, nutrient utilization, and health of ruminants. This amino acid is produced by ruminal bacteria and is also synthesized from L-glutamine, L-glutamate, and L-proline via the formation of L-citrulline (Cit) in the enterocytes of young and adult ruminants. In pre-weaning ruminants, most of the Cit formed de novo by the enterocytes is used locally for Arg production.In post-weaning ruminants, the small intestine-derived Cit is converted into Arg primarily in the kidneys and, to a lesser extent, in endothelial cells, macrophages, and other cell types. Under normal feeding conditions, Arg synthesis contributes 65% and 68% of total Arg requirements for nonpregnant and late pregnany ewes fed a diet with ~12% crude protein, respectively, whereas creatine production requires 40% and 36% of Arg utilized by nonpregnant and late pregnant ewes, respectively. Arg has not traditionally been considered a limiting nutrient in diets for post-weaning, gestating, or lactating ruminants because it has been assumed that these animals can synthesize sufficient Arg to meet their nutritional and physiological needs. This lack of a full understanding of Arg nutrition and metabolism has contributed to suboptimal efficiencies for milk production, reproductive performance, and growth in ruminants. There is now considerable evidence that dietary supplementation with rumen-protected Arg (e.g., 0.25-0.5% of dietary dry matter) can improve all these production indices without adverse effectson metabolism or health. Because extracellular Cit is not degraded by microbes in the rumen due to the lack of uptake, Cit can be used without any encapsulation as an effective dietary source for the synthesis of Arg in ruminants, including dairy and beef cows, as well as sheep and goats. Thus, an adequate amount of supplemental rumen-protected Arg or unencapsulated Cit is necessary to support maximum survival, growth, lactation, reproductive performance, and feed efficiency, as well as optimum health and well-being in all ruminants.

Oregano Essential Oils Promote Rumen Digestive Ability by Modulating Epithelial Development and Microbiota Composition in Beef Cattle.

This study aimed to explore the effects of oregano essential oils (OEO) on the rumen digestive ability using multi-omics sequencing techniques. Twenty-seven castrated Pingliang red cattle were randomly separated into three groups (3 cattle/pen; n = 9) and fed on a daily basal diet supplemented with 0 (Con group), 130 mg (L group), and 260 mg (H group) OEO. The finishing trial lasted for 390 days, and all cattle were slaughtered to collect rumen tissue and content samples. We found that the rumen papillae length in the H group was higher than in the Con group. Amylase concentrations were decreased in the H group than the Con group, whereas the β-glucosidase and cellulase concentrations increased. Compared to the Con group, the relative abundance of propionate and butyrate in the H group was significantly higher. Higher relative abundance of Parabacteroides distasonis and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron were observed with increasing OEO concentration. The function of rumen microbiota was enriched in the GH43_17 family, mainly encoding xylanase. Besides, metabolites, including heparin, pantetheine, sorbic acid, aspirin, and farnesene concentrations increased with increasing OEO dose. A positive correlation was observed between Parabacteroides distasonis, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, and β-glucosidase, cellulase and propionate. The abundance of Parabacteroides distasonis and Parabacteroides_sp._CAG:409 were positively correlated with sorbic acid and farnesene. In summary, OEO supplementation increased the rumen digestive ability by modulating epithelial development and microbiota composition in beef cattle. This study provides a comprehensive insight into the OEO application as an alternative strategy to improve ruminant health production.

Bioprospecting of cow's ruminal microbiota from a slaughterhouse in Ambarawa, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Murwani R, Sibero MT, Silitonga PRA, Ambariyanto A. 2021. Bioprospecting of cow's ruminal microbiota from a slaughterhouse in Ambarawa, Central Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 5030-5038. Ruminal microorganisms play essential roles in maintaining ruminant health. However, most studies focused only on ruminal lactic acid bacteria (LAB), although other ruminal microorganisms might have biological properties for biotechnological purposes. Therefore, the current study aimed to isolate ruminal bacteria (LAB and non-LAB) and fungi from ruminal material and conducted a bioprospecting study to understand their ability to produce antibacterial compounds and polysaccharide-degrading enzymes. The ruminal bacteria were isolated on MRS and ISP4 agar, while PDA was used to isolate the different fungi. The antibacterial property was tested against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica ser. Typhi. The ability to produce agarase, alginate-lyase, and carrageenase was screened. Prospective isolates were identified using DNA barcoding approach. Twelve bacteria were isolated using MRS agar, six from ISP4 agar, and four fungi from PDA. Among twelve bacteria from MRS agar, eleven were considered LAB, which consisted of Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici. Several classes of bacteria such as actinobacteria, firmicutes, ?-proteobacteria, and ?-proteobacteria were isolated during this study. In addition, three fungal classes, namely Saccharomycetes, Eurotiomycetes, and Mucoromycetes were also isolated. All bacteria from MRS agar were suggested to have potential compounds with antimicrobial activity, while all ruminal fungi exhibited potential sources of polysaccharide-degrading enzymes.

Gentiana straminea supplementation improves feed intake, nitrogen and energy utilization, and methane emission of Simmental calves in northwest China.

ObjectiveNative plants can be used as additives to replace antibiotics to improve ruminant feed utilization and animal health. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of Gentiana straminea (GS) on nutrient digestibility, methane emissions, and energy metabolism of Simmental calves.MethodsThirty-two (5-week-old) male Simmental clves, with initial body weight (BW) of 155±12 kg were fed the same basal diet of concentrates (26%), alfalfa hay (37%), and oat hay (37%) and were randomly separated into four treatment groups according to the amount of GS that was added to their basal diet. The four different groups received different amounts of GS as a supplement to their basal diet during whole experiment: (0 GS) 0 mg/kg BW, the control; (100 GS) 100 mg/kg BW; (200 GS) 200 mg/kg BW; and (300 GS) 300 mg/kg BW.ResultsFor calves in the 200 GS and 300 GS treatment groups, there was a significant increase in dry matter (DM) intake (p<0.01), average daily gain (ADG) (p<0.05), organic matter intake (p<0.05), DM digestibility (p<0.05), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility (p<0.05), and acid detergent fibre (ADF) digestibility (p<0.05). Dietary GS supplementation result in quadratic increases of DM intake (p<0.01), ADG (p<0.05), NDF intake (p<0.05), and ADF intake (p<0.05). Supplementing the basal diet with GS significantly increased nitrogen (N) retention (p<0.001) and the ratio of retention N to N intake (p<0.001). Supplementing the basal diet with GS significantly decreased methane (CH4) emissions (p<0.01), CH4/BW0.75 (p<0.05) and CH4 energy (CH4-E) (p<0.05). Dietary GS supplementation result in quadratic increases of CH4 (p<0.01) and CH4/DM intake (p<0.01). Compared with 0 GS, GS-supplemented diets significantly improved their gross energy intake (p<0.05). The metabolizable energy and digestive energy intake were significantly greater for calves in the 100 GS and 200 GS calves than for 0 GS calves (p<0.05).ConclusionFrom this study, we conclude that supplementing calf diets with GS could improve utilization of feed, energy, and N, and may reduce CH4 emissions without having any negative effects on animal health.

PSXII-27 Effects of Sericea lespedeza on methane emission and health status in grazing Boer goat wethers

Abstract The objective was to determine effects of feeding 12 yearling Boer goat wethers Sericea lespedeza as supplemental pellets or grazed forage on ruminal methane emission and health status compared with grazing grass-based pasture and supplemental forage-concentrate pellets. There were 4 5-wk periods in the late spring and summer. Periods 1–3 were on a 0.7-ha native grass pasture and period 4 was on a 1.1-ha pasture of Sericea lespedeza. A forage-concentrate pellet was supplemented in period 1 (CON1), 3 (CON2), and 4 (SL-P), and pelleted Sericea lespedeza (Sims Brothers Inc., Union Springs, AL) was given in period 2 (SL-S). Pellets were supplemented and ruminal methane emission was measured with a small ruminant GreenFeed unit (C-Lock, Rapid City, SD). Pellets were dispensed up to 30 times daily, with 6 sessions of 5-9-g bait drops and a 2.5-h session interval. Body weight at the end of periods generally increased as period advanced (35.7, 38.8, 37.9 and 41.1 kg for CON1, SL-S, CON2, and SL-P, respectively; SEM=1.08). Sericea lespedeza decreased methane emission (P &amp;lt; 0.05), with pasture grazing having greater effect than pellet supplementation (43.7, 36.2, 40.9, and 32.5 g/d for CON1, SL-S, CON2, and SL-P, respectively; SEM=0.84). Likewise, SL consumption decreased FAMACHA score (P &amp;lt; 0.05), with a similar effect for both SL forms (3.28, 2.95, 3.21, and 2.86 for CON1, SL-S, CON2, and SL-P, respectively; SEM=0.061). Body condition score was similar among periods (2.65, 2.64, 2.68, and 2.67 for CON1, SL-S, CON2, and SL-P, respectively; SEM=0.022). In conclusion, the effect of consumption of SL on methane emission probably relates to condensed tannins and greater impact of SL-P could involve a higher dietary level. Similarly, inclusion of SL in meat goat diets has potential to decrease the parasite load and thereby improve health status, also presumably because of bioactive condensed tannins.

Seasonal and Spatial Variations of Iron and Zinc Values in Meadows with a Semi-Arid Climate

Seasonal changes in the climate, as well as in plants and species living in this environment, which causes serious problems. Current work was carried out to evaluate the seasonal impact on the concentration of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in soil, forages and animals. A semi arid dry climatic area of Pakistan was selected to find out the seasonal effects on soil and availability of Zn and Fe, and its translocation to forages and animals. Twenty seven forages were collected and 320 ruminant samples collected from two sites in four seasons. Effect of spatial-temporal variations were studied on the ruminants of four physiological stages (Does, Bucks, Wether and Juvenile). Different sources from goats including blood, feces and urine were collected for the analysis of Zn and Fe. Results showed that both elements in soil were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) affected by season and site x season. In forages, only site showed significant effect on Fe and Zn, while Zn was affected non-significantly (P &gt; 0.05) by season and site x season. Zn and Fe in goats were non-significantly affected by season and source x stages, while significantly affected by sites and sources. All values of both elements were in safe limits except deficiency of Fe (1.69 to 2.33 mg/L) in blood. Results of health indices were also in the limits. Current work encircles the spatio- temporal effects on mineral availability in the food chain and also concern the health effects related to ruminant health.&#x0D;

Evaluation of different cooling management strategies for lactating Holstein × Gir dairy cows.

Heat stress negatively impacts production, reproduction, and health of ruminants and strategies to alleviate these losses are warranted. Therefore, four experiments evaluated different cooling strategies on vaginal temperature (VT) of Holstein × Gir cows. Experiment 1 compared different amounts of water (2- or 4-L) over a 1-hour period from 1000 to 1100 h and 1600 to 1700 h. Experiment 2 evaluated the effects of sprinkling duration (in hours; 1- or 2-H), whereas Experiment 3 evaluated the effects of water amount (4- or 8-L) applied for 1- or 2-H. Lastly, the effects of a cooling strategy on specific hours of the day, starting at either 0700 (T-1) or 1100 h (T-2; Experiment 4), were evaluated. In all experiments, 12 Holstein × Gir cows were used in a 2 × 2 Latin Square Design containing two periods of 6 days each. Temperature and humidity index (THI) were recorded hourly and VT was recorded every 10-min throughout the experiments. As expected, an hour effect was observed for THI (P < 0.0001), which peaked early in the afternoon. In Experiment 1, a treatment × hour interaction was observed (P < 0.0001) for VT, as animals assigned to receive 4-L had a reduced VT at 1100, 1600, 1700, and 2300 h (P ≤ 0.03). During the cooling applications, cows receiving 4-L for 1 h had a reduced VT from 60 to 150 min (P ≤ 0.04). In Experiment 2, a treatment × hour interaction was observed (P < 0.0001) for VT, as animals assigned to receive 4-L of water for 2-H had a reduced VT at 1200 h (P = 0.05). Moreover, during the cooling process, VT was reduced for 2-H cows from 140 to 170 min after the beginning of the cooling process (P ≤ 0.05). In Experiment 3, animals assigned to receive 4-L + 2H had a reduced VT at 1200, 1700, 1800, and 1900 h (P < 0.001). A treatment × hour interaction was observed (P < 0.0001), as VT was reduced for 4-L + 2-H cows from 130 to 180 min after the beginning of the cooling process (P ≤ 0.05). In Experiment 4, by the time when the first cooling cycle of T-1 was applied (0700 h), T-1 cows consistently had (P ≤ 0.05) a reduced VT up to the hottest hours and greatest THI of the day (1400 and 1500 h). This pattern was maintained until the end of the last cooling cycle, whereas T-2 cows had a reduced VT. In summary, 4 L of water over a 5-min cycle for a period of 2 hours twice a day maintained VT of Holstein × Gir cows at lower levels. Moreover, the hour at which the first cooling cycle starts also should be considered when evaluating the efficacy of a cooling strategy for an entire day.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Anaplasma spp. in German Small Ruminant Flocks.

Simple SummaryAnaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma ovis, tick-borne pathogens with zoonotic potential, have been detected in small ruminants in Europe and North America in the past. These intracellular bacteria cause tick borne fever and ovine anaplasmosis, respectively. The most common clinical signs of infection are fever, lethargy and anaemia. To date, little is known about the distribution of these pathogens in sheep and goats from Germany. Therefore, 3178 serum samples of small ruminants from 71 farms distributed in five German federal states (Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria) were examined for IgG antibodies to Anaplasma species by a cELISA based on the MSP5 antigen. In 70 flocks, antibodies to Anaplasma spp. were detected in both sheep and goats. Furthermore, a risk factor analysis was carried out by means of a questionnaire answered by the farmers. Older animals and females were more likely to have antibodies to Anaplasma spp. Moreover, sheep had a higher probability of becoming seropositive than goats. Using flocks for landscape conservation and the presence of cats and dogs on the farm increased the risk of having more than 20% seropositive animals within the flock significantly. Since antibodies to Anaplasma spp. have been detected in almost all flocks (70/71), it can be assumed that Anaplasma spp. might be underdiagnosed in small ruminants from Germany.Knowledge about the distribution of Anaplasma spp. in small ruminants from Germany is limited. Therefore, serum samples were examined from 71 small ruminant flocks (2731 sheep, 447 goats) located in the five German federal states: Schleswig-Holstein (SH), Lower Saxony (LS), North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Baden-Wuerttemberg (BW) and Bavaria (BAV). Antibodies to Anaplasma spp. were determined by a cELISA based on the MSP5 antigen. A risk factor analysis at animal and flock level was also performed. Antibodies to Anaplasma spp. were detected in 70/71 flocks without significant difference in the intra-flock prevalence (IFP) between the federal states. The mean antibody levels from sheep were significantly lower in northern Germany (LS, SH) compared to west (NRW) and south Germany (BW, BAV). Sheep had a 2.5-fold higher risk of being seropositive than goats. Females and older animals (>2 years) were more likely to have antibodies to Anaplasma spp. in one third and one quarter of cases, respectively. Flocks used for landscape conservation had a five times higher risk of acquiring an IFP greater than 20%. Cats and dogs on the farms increased the probability for small ruminant flocks to have an IFP of above 20% 10-fold and 166-fold, respectively. Further studies are necessary to assess the impact of Anaplasma species on the health of small ruminants in Germany.

Differences in burden of gastrointestinal nematode infestations in indigenous does foraging in grassland and forestland vegetation types.

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infestations remain a major challenge to the health, productivity and reproductive performance of small ruminants. A longitudinal study was conducted to assess the effect of vegetation type, season and parity on the burden of GIN in indigenous does that were foraging in grassland and forestland vegetation types. Body condition scores (BCS), packed cell volume (PCV), FAMACHA score and faecal egg counts (FEC) were determined in Xhosa lob-eared does (n = 165) during the cool-dry, hot-wet and post-rainy seasons in both vegetation types. Faecal samples were collected from the rectum and analysed using the modified McMaster technique. There was a significant association between vegetation type and season on the recorded BCS, body weight (BW), FEC, PCV and FAMACHA scores. Xhosa lob-eared does in the forestland had higher (P < 0.05) BCS as compared to those in grassland. Higher FEC (P < 0.05) were observed in Xhosa lob-eared does in the grassland vegetation compared to those in forestland. Body condition scores, FEC and FAMACHA scores were significantly higher in the hot-wet season than cool-dry and post-rainy seasons, while PCV was significantly higher during the cool-dry compared to hot-wet season in forestland. Strongyles and Strongyloides eggs were higher in does grazing in the grassland than those in the forestland during the hot-wet season. Strategies for the effective control of GIN in goats should consider that infestation levels differ with vegetation type, season and parity. Controlling of GIN in goats, therefore, requires an integrated control strategy that should consider the vegetation type that the goats are reared on.

Effect of high proportion concentrate dietary on Ashdan Yak jejunal barrier and microbial function in cold season

The intestinal health of ruminants plays a vital role in absorbing and metabolizing nutrients. In order to explore the jejunal barrier and microbiota dysfunction of Ashdan yaks, animals were fed with a high proportion of concentrated feeds in cold season. In present study, twelve Ashdan male yaks were arbitrarily separated into two categories, namely FF and CF. Compositional and functional differences in their jejunum barrier and microbiota between the FF and CF yaks were compared using metagenomics and proteomics methods. The results showed that the activity of jejunum digestive protease and microbe metabolite of forage-fed yaks were more conducive to healthy cultivation than the concentrate-fed yaks. 57 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were recognized using label-free MS, those could conclude to 2 principal classes: structural proteins and inflammatory factors, and 14 proteins were relatively active in those principal classes. Firmicutes were the dominant bacterial phylum in the jejunum microbiota of both the forage-fed group (24.33%) and concentrate-fed group (23.16%). As compared to forage-fed group, the concentrate-fed group showed enhanced alpha diversity and reduced beta diversity of the jejunal microbiota. The long-term high-proportion concentrate feeding inhibited the growth of Actinobacteria, Proteo-bacteria, Ascomycota, Bacteroidetes and stimulated the growth of Streptophyta, Cyanobacteria, Fusobacteria and Chlamydiae. The concentrate-fed group showed increase in the abundance of immune system process, along with decrease in the metabolic process, especially the binding process. Interestingly, the proteomics and metagenomics results were both inclined to the enrichment of jejunum mechanical barrier and inflammatory response. Overall, the study suggested that the long-term high-proportion concentrate feeding affected the expressions of specific jejunum proteins and composition of microbiota, which damaged the jejunum barrier and the function of microbiota in yaks.

Quantitative Monitoring of Selected Groups of Parasites in Domestic Ruminants: A Comparative Review.

Parasites have had a significant impact on domestic ruminant health and production for a long time, but the emerging threat of drug resistance urgently requires an improved approach to parasite monitoring and control activities. The study reviewed the international literature to analyze the different proposals for the sampling approach and the quantitative estimation of parasite burdens in groups of animals. Moreover, the use of thresholds to decide when and which animal to treat was also investigated. The findings of the study highlighted the presence of a wide-ranging literature on quantitative monitoring for gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), while more limited data were found for coccidia, and no specific indications were reported for tapeworms. Concerning liver flukes, bronchopulmonary nematodes (BPN) and permanent ectoparasites (lice and mange mites), the diagnostic process is usually aimed at the detection of the parasite rather than at the burden estimation. The main research gaps that need further investigation were also highlighted. For some groups of parasites (e.g., GIN and coccidia) the quantitative approach requires an improved standardization, while its usefulness needs to be confirmed for others (e.g., BPN and lice). The development of practical guidelines for monitoring is also encouraged.

A novel in vivo 433 MHz radio channel indoor study targeting on power saving for ruminal health monitoring boluses

Ruminal indwelling wireless sensor node is a promising device that combines telemetry and biosensing techniques. However, lack of adequate numerical tools and mathematical models to analyze the in-to-out body radio propagation is hindering further development of such devices. In this study, a new approach to investigate the 433 MHz radio propagation channel between a ruminal sensor node and a wearable receiver is proposed. Unlike theoretical channel modeling methods, time-variant features and influences from digestive activities were modeled and examined in this study. A circadian path loss pattern was generated through continuous observation, which illustrated how radio signals from the ruminal sensor node were attenuated with the rumen-cannulated pilot cow in its normal status in the barn. Link viability across the day was confirmed while the period with excessive link margin was identified. Consequently, a power-reduction plan was proposed which would bring in over a 15% increase in battery life of the ruminal sensing device, which is crucial for long-term indwelling devices. Meanwhile, the methodology and cross-disciplinary approach proposed in this study to investigate the in-to-out body radio propagation loss for ruminal indwelling sensing nodes demonstrated its merit in the discovery of little-known radio channels.

Mapping the Spatial Distribution of the Rumen Fluke Calicophoron daubneyi in a Mediterranean Area.

Rumen flukes (Calicophoron daubneyi) represent a growing threat to the animal health, productivity and welfare of ruminants. The present study aimed to assess the spatial distribution of C. daubneyi infections in ruminants and to develop a predictive model of the environmental suitability for rumen flukes in a Mediterranean area. A cross-sectional coprological survey was conducted in 682 sheep, 73 goat and 307 cattle farms located in the Basilicata region (southern Italy). Faecal samples collected were analysed using the FLOTAC technique. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and statistical models were developed to determine environmental risk factors and to delimitate the areas at highest risk of infections in small ruminants. The results showed 7.9% (95% CI 6.05–10.27) of sheep farms, 2.7% (95% CI 0.48–10.44) of goat farms and 55.0% (95% CI 49.62–60.99) of cattle farms were infected by C. daubneyi. The areas with high predicted risk were situated in the western part of the region. The soil texture, land use and the presence of streams and brooks were the variables statistically significant (p < 0.05) in explaining the C. daubneyi distribution in the study area. The study confirms the importance of geospatial technology in supporting parasite control strategies in livestock and demonstrates that a combined use of different geostatistical techniques can improve the prediction of the C. daubneyi infection risk in ruminants.