Use In Animal Husbandry Research Articles

ОСОБЕННОСТИ ГЕМАТОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО ПРОФИЛЯ ГЛУБОКОСТЕЛЬНЫХ И НОВОТЕЛЬНЫХ КОРОВ НА ФОНЕ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ БИОСТИМУЛЯТОРОВ (сообщение 2)

This article data on differentiated counting of the number of leukocytes are given, as well as the dynamics of total protein and protein fractions in the blood of animals, indicating the level of metabolic processes in a living organism, is determined. It has been established that intramuscular application of experimental biological preparations to cows 65-60, 45-40 and 25-20 days before calving stimulates the process of hematopoiesis, activates cellular factors of non-specific resistance (physiological leukocytosis, moderate eosinophilia and neutropenia with a right shift of the nucleus, lymphocytosis). The most pronounced effect was noted with three injections of the complex biological product Prevention-N-A-M. Biological preparations Prevention-N-A-M and PS-7 stimulate protein synthesis (albumins, α-, β-, γ-globulins) in the body before and after calving. The obtained results testify to the effectiveness of the tested biopreparations and make it possible to scientifically substantiate the feasibility of their use in animal husbandry as an effective way to increase the resistance of the body of cows, which can significantly improve their health and reduce the risk of diseases.

Spectrophotometric method for determining the quantity and quality of DNA in animal breeding

In animal breeding, genetic methods have become the basis of breeding work and veterinary diagnostics. Therefore, their development and improvement is an actual direction of modern science. The aim of the presented work was to study the concentration and quality of nucleic acids obtained from venous blood of cattle for further genetic studies. For this purpose, a modified method of phenolchloroform extraction, adapted for DNA extraction from blood, with subsequent spectrometric determination of DNA concentration and assessment of its quality were applied. As a result of this research, it was found that the average concentration of genetic material isolated from animal blood was 146.5±14.98 ng/µl. The main part of samples – more than 93% contained concentration of nucleic acids in the range from 50 to 200 ng/µl. At the same time, the time interval between DNA extraction and its spectrometric determination of concentration and quality of genetic material by the ratio of optical density at A260/A280 wavelengths during a year did not have significant changes on its parameters. The used method of nucleic acid extraction in 94% allowed obtaining samples of good quality suitable for further genetic studies. A correlation of 43% (P<0.001) was obtained between the concentration of genetic material and its quality. The coefficients of repetition of intra-laboratory studies of the results of extraction and spectrometric analysis were at the level of 97% (P<0.001), which indicates that this method of obtaining nucleic acids is adapted for its use in animal husbandry. The use of this method of DNA extraction allows obtaining quality material from animals with minimal economic costs for its further use in genetic research

Antimicrobial growth promoters approved in food-producing animals in South Africa induce shiga toxin-converting bacteriophages from Escherichia coli O157:H7.

In this study, four antimicrobial growth promoters, including virginiamycin, josamycin, flavophospholipol, poly 2-propenal 2-propenoic acid and ultraviolet light, were tested for their capacity to induce stx-bacteriophages in 47 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 isolates. Induced bacteriophages were characterized for shiga toxin subtypes and structural genes by PCR, DNA restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) and morphological features by electron microscopy. Bacteriophages were induced from 72.3% (34/47) of the STEC O157:H7 isolates tested. Bacteriophage induction rates per induction method were as follows: ultraviolet light, 53.2% (25/47); poly 2-propenal 2-propenoic acid, 42.6% (20/47); virginiamycin, 34.0% (16/47); josamycin, 34.0% (16/47); and flavophospholipol, 29.8% (14/47). A total of 98 bacteriophages were isolated, but only 59 were digestible by NdeI, revealing 40 RFLP profiles which could be subdivided in 12 phylogenetic subgroups. Among the 98 bacteriophages, stx2a, stx2c and stx2d were present in 85.7%, 94.9% and 36.7% of bacteriophages, respectively. The Q, P, CIII, N1, N2 and IS1203 genes were found in 96.9%, 82.7%, 69.4%, 40.8%, 60.2% and 73.5% of the samples, respectively. Electron microscopy revealed four main representative morphologies which included three bacteriophages which all had long tails but different head morphologies: long hexagonal head, oval/oblong head and oval/circular head, and one bacteriophage with an icosahedral/hexagonal head with a short thick contractile tail. This study demonstrated that virginiamycin, josamycin, flavophospholipol and poly 2-propenal 2-propenoic acid induce genetically and morphologically diverse free stx-converting bacteriophages from STEC O157:H7. The possibility that these antimicrobial growth promoters may induce bacteriophages in vivo in animals and human hosts is a public health concern. Policies aimed at minimizing or banning the use of antimicrobial growth promoters should be promoted and implemented in countries where these compounds are still in use in animal agriculture.

Irradiated animal bedding material derived from cattail leaves and rice straw with orthophosphoric acid activation for amplified ammonia absorption

This scientific study investigates the suitability of cattail leaves and rice straw as biomass materials for animal bedding. Cattail, an invasive plant species known for its ability to thrive in nutrient-rich environments, offers high cellulose content for absorption. In combination with rice straw, which is readily available and cost-effective, the aim is to achieve optimal carbon-to-nitrogen ratios that suppress the growth of microorganisms. To resist bacterial growth, the mixed cattail leaves and rice straw samples undergo treatment with orthophosphoric acid at concentration of 25%, 30%, and 35% v/v, followed by gamma irradiation at 25 kGy. A comprehensive evaluation of the materials, focusing on surface morphology, water absorption, ammonia absorption, and bacterial resistance was conducted. SEM images provide evidence of dramatic surface restructuring. Samples treated with 30% v/v orthophosphoric acid exhibit enhanced water absorption capacities, and can absorb water equivalent to 2.2 times their own weight. Also, samples containing a 1:1 ratio of cattail leaves and rice straw demonstrate superior ammonia absorptions as evidenced by gas chromatography (GC) measurements compared to other samples. After sample irradiation, less bacterial growth was observed by optical density measurements. These findings support the potential utilization of a 1:1 ratio of cattail leaves and rice straw, treated with orthophosphoric acid of 30% v/v and irradiated with gamma radiation, as an effective animal bedding material. This combination offers advantages in terms of waste absorption and microbial control, making it a promising option for use in animal husbandry and laboratory settings.

Hormone extraction from horses for use in farm animals.

Hormone extraction from horses for use in farm animals.

The opinions of farm animal veterinarians in Ireland on antibiotic use and their role in antimicrobial stewardship

BackgroundAntibiotic use and resistance in animal production are a concern to public health, and there is an urgent need to reduce antibiotic use in farm animals. To prevent blame shifting, professionals from human medicine, animal medicine and environmental backgrounds must collaborate to tackle this issue. Veterinarians are typically responsible for overseeing and prescribing antibiotic use in animals. There are currently no available studies on the opinions of Irish farm animal veterinarians on antibiotic use, reduction opportunities and their relationships with farmers. A digital survey was developed and sent out to Irish farm animal veterinarians. This paper presents the results of a cross-sectional study of Irish farm animal veterinarians’ attitudes towards antimicrobial stewardship, their prescribing behaviours, antibiotic reduction opportunities and their attitudes for the future of antibiotic use. The veterinarian-farmer relationship is examined and potential interventions to reduce antibiotic use on farms are identified.ResultsIn total, 114 complete questionnaires were received, representing approximately 11 per cent of all farm animal veterinarians in Ireland. Respondents were aware of the problem of antibiotic resistance and recognise their role in the fight against it. They realise what actions they must take to reduce antibiotic use and identify barriers that prevent their farmer clients from implementing their advice. Many of them say that they can reduce antibiotic use on farms in the future, but some remain doubtful. There was no statistical difference between veterinarians that had less experience working than those that had more experience in their attitudes towards future reduction in antibiotic use.ConclusionMost of the respondents seek to use antibiotics as judiciously as they can. The majority agree that antibiotic overuse is the main contributor to antibiotic resistance. Possible solutions to reduce antibiotic use include the development of antibiotic treatment guidelines, assigning one unique practice to each farm and compulsory CPD (Continuous Professional Development) courses.

К ВОПРОСУ О ТЕРМИЧЕСКОЙ ОБРАБОТКЕ СЕМЯН РЫЖИКА ПОСЕВНОГО ДЛЯ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ В ЖИВОТНОВОДСТВЕ

Ginger seed (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) is a promising oilseed crop for use in animal husbandry. Ginger seed oil contains a large amount of fatty polyunsaturated acids, which are an indispensable component of nutrition, as they participate in many biochemical reactions of the animal body. The study of the content of fatty acids in ginger seeds after their heat treatment by micronization, which were later used in experimental feeding of dairy cows. An advanced device for heat treatment of grain and beans was used for micronization of seeds. Several processing modes were used depending on the number of halogen lamps included. A study of the quantitative composition of fatty acids in the milk of cows fed with heat-treated ginger seeds was carried out. When using one or two cassettes with halogen lamps during temperature treatment, the ratio of the total amount of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in seed oil does not change significantly. The content of palmitic acid after treatment increased by about 8%, stearic acid – by 3%, linoleic acid – by 2%. The content of oleic acid decreased by 3%, eicosenic acid – by 1%. The feeding of heat–treated ginger seeds to dairy cows as part of the feed mixture did not significantly change the species composition of fatty acids in milk, but contributed to an increase in the amount of some particularly valuable fatty acids for the body - linoleic (1.3 times) and linolenic (2.7 times).

Antibiotic responsibility and agricultural publics: diverse stakeholder perceptions of antibiotic use in animal agriculture

This paper examines diverse perspectives around the concept of responsibility concerning antibiotic use in animal agriculture. Antibiotic use in agriculture has been identified as a source of antimicrobial resistance, one of the largest public health threats today. In the United States, efforts to curb antibiotic use in farming draws on a diverse range of actors—including farmers, veterinarians, consumers, and public health advocates—and relies on a mix of industry standards and federal guidelines around responsible use. The paper selects a similarly diverse range of people and employs Q methodology to query the points of disagreement and consensus around the practices that constitute responsible antibiotic use in animal agriculture, and who is responsible for antimicrobial resistance. We find a diverse mix of actor types across three discourses, but with clear differences between farmers and public health advocates. We also argue that, in some cases, points of disagreement and agreement are often based on different interpretations of ideas, indicating points of common ground where there might appear to be disagreement, and areas of difference where there appears to be agreement. We argue that these flexible interpretations of some of the key issues around antibiotic use are nevertheless grounded in durable differences in views of what agriculture is and what it should be.

Особливості та перспективи використання рослинного білка в годівлі коропа (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758) (огляд)

Purpose. Analysis of the state and prospects of the use of vegetable proteins of various methods of manufacture in carp feeding in view of their functional and technological characteristics as well as in accordance with their impact on fish productive parameters and the functional state of the fish body. Findings. The world resources of animal and vegetable protein were characterized, a comparative analysis of nutrition, digestibility and functional characteristic data of feed components was carried out. The protein needs of carp, the main object of aquaculture in Ukraine, were examined. It is noted that vegetable proteins are widely used in carp feeding, but there are a number of limiting factors for the complete replacement of animal proteins with vegetable ones. In particular, the main such factors are the content of anti-nutrients, low digestibility and unbalanced amino acid composition of feed components of plant origin. Modern approaches to the introduction of plant proteins into the composition of feeds have been analyzed, which allows increasing the efficiency of their use in animal husbandry in general, and in fish farming in particular. The expediency of using plant proteins processed by a technical method, single-cell proteins obtained by fermentation, concentrates produced by the extraction method, hydrolysates obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis, as well as whey-purified protein isolates in feed production were characterized. The effect of their use in fish feeding on the physiological and biochemical parameters of the fish body is considered. It is noted that the composition and digestibility of vegetable proteins may differ depending on the source and processing method. A comparison of the economic feasibility of feeding vegetable and animal proteins to different types of fish was made. The expediency and prospects of using vegetable protein in the conditions of aquaculture in Ukraine and in the cultivation of carp are outlined. Practical value. Modern approaches to the use of vegetable protein in fish feeding increase its biological value and availability of nutrients, which allows obtaining additional increases in the weight of fish, reduce production costs and improve the quality characteristics of the grown products. Keywords: vegetable protein feed, animal protein feed, aquaculture, carp, feeding, biological value, digestibility, productivity.

Priming of the murine mammary gland with Staphylococcus chromogenes IM reduces bacterial growth of Streptococcus uberis: a proof-of-concept study

Streptococcus uberis is a major causative agent of bovine mastitis, an inflammation of the mammary gland with substantial economic consequences. To reduce antibiotic use in animal agriculture, alternative strategies to treat or prevent mastitis are being investigated. Bovine-associated non-aureus staphylococci are proposed in that respect due to their capacity to inhibit the in vitro growth of S. uberis. We demonstrate that priming the murine mammary gland with Staphylococcus chromogenes IM reduces S. uberis growth in comparison with non-primed glands. The innate immune system is activated by increasing IL-8 and LCN2, which may explain this decreased growth.

Antibiotic governance and use on commercial and smallholder farms in eastern China.

China is one of the largest consumers of agricultural antibiotics in the world. While the Chinese government has been tightening its regulations to control antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from animal sources in recent years, the extent of antimicrobial oversight and the practices of antibiotic use in animal agriculture in China has not yet been explored. This study describes the practices of antimicrobial management in eastern China and current scenarios of antibiotic use in commercial farms and smallholder backyard farming. 33 semi-structured interviews were conducted with government agriculture officials, veterinary drug sellers, farmers and smallholders in two contrasting areas of rural Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces, China. Interview transcripts were analyzed in NVivo12 using a thematic approach. Findings revealed that although the governance of antibiotic use has made progress, especially in controlling irrational antibiotic use in commercial farms, smallholders are under-regulated due to a lack of resources and assumptions about their marginal role as food safety governance targets. We also found that smallholders resort to human antibiotics for the treatment of backyard animals because of economic constraints and lack of access to professional veterinary services. More attention needs to be devoted to the local structural needs of farmers to reduce antibiotic misuse. Considering the extensive links of AMR exposure under the One Health framework, efforts to integrate smallholders in antibiotic governance are required to address the AMR burden systematically in China.

An Arsenal of Multiple Antimicrobial Resistance, Toxins, and Virulence Factors in Gram-Negative Bacterial Isolates from Food - A Formidable Combination!

Infectious diseases caused by pathogenic members of the family Enterobacteriaceae cause mortality and morbidity in humans. These are mediated mainly via toxins or virulence factors in combination with multiple antimicrobial resistance (MAR) against antimicrobials intended to treat infections. Resistance can be transferred to other bacteria, possibly also in association with other resistance determinants and/or virulence properties. Food-borne bacterial infections are one of the major causes of infections in humans. The level of scientific information about foodborne bacterial infections in Ethiopia is very limited at best. Bacteria were isolated from commercial dairy foods. These were cultured in appropriate media for identification at the family level (Enterobacteriaceae) based on Gram-negative, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative, and urease-negative phenotypes, followed by testing for the presence of virulence factors and resistance determinants to various antimicrobial classes using phenotypic and molecular tests. Twenty Gram-negative bacteria isolated from the foods were found to be resistant to almost all antimicrobials belonging to the phenicol, aminoglycoside, fluoroquinolone, monobactam, and β-lactam classes. All of them were multiple-drug-resistant. The resistance to the β-lactams was due to the production of β-lactamases and were also mostly resistant to some of the β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations. Some isolates also contained toxins. This small-scale study demonstrated the presence, in the isolates, of high levels of virulence factors and resistance to major antimicrobials that are in clinical use. Most treatment being empirical, there can be not only a high degree of treatment failure but also the likelihood for further development and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. Since dairy foods are animal products, there is an urgent need to control animal-food-human transmission mechanisms, restrict antimicrobial use in animal agriculture, and improve clinical treatment from the usual empirical treatment to more targeted and effective treatment.

PROSPECTS FOR THE USE OF CHICORY GRASS AND LEAF-EXTRACTED MEAL (<I>CICHORIUM INTYBUS</I> L.) IN THE FEEDING OF FARM ANIMALS

Medicinal plants are a source of biologically active substances of various chemical natures. Based on the Federal state budgetary scientific institution All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (FSBSI RSRIMAR), the authors researched and developed a method for obtaining dry extracts from the herb and leaves of common chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), intended for use as pharmaceutical substances of immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective action. The authors receive extracted meals when obtaining dry extracts at the extraction stage. This extracted meal is a waste that must be disposed of. However, after the extraction of the target compounds, mainly phenolic, other hydrophilic substances remain in the feed. In this regard, within the framework of the complex use of plant raw materials, our work aimed to study the implications of protein nature and total toxicity of the grass meal and chicory leaves to assess the possibility of its use in animal husbandry as a feed additive. As a result of the studies conducted by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), it was found that the meal of grass and leaves of ordinary chicory contains residual amounts of hydroxycinnamic acids such as chicory, chlorogenic, caftaric, and coumarins are also absent. The content of the sum of phenolic compounds in the grass meal was 0,75±0,03, and the leaf meal - 0,65±0,03%. At the same time, we determined the content of total nitrogen, which is 3,39±0,10 and 2,14±0,06%, complete protein - 21,19±0,64 and 13,38±0,4, amine nitrogen - 0,26±0,01 and 0,24±0,01, the sum of amino acids - 0,38±0,01 and 0,35±0,01 respectively for grass meal and chicory leaves. The protein composition of meals identified 17 amino acids, 9 of which are essential for animals and integral to their complete diet. A study of the overall toxicity of the meal confirmed the safety of its use in animal feed. The results obtained indicate the possibility of using chicory grass and leaves meals as a means of enriching the diet of farm animals.

From Awareness to Action: Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock Farming

Using antimicrobial drugs in animals is crucial for their well-being and productivity, ensuring improved food security, safety, and animal welfare. However, there's a growing concern about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), posing a threat to these advantages. Resistance, originating in one location or species, can easily spread globally, affecting both developed and developing nations. The issue of antimicrobial resistance has not received sufficient attention in South Asia, including India, and there's surprisingly little knowledge about antibiotic use in animal husbandry. Currently, AMR is a global concern demanding immediate attention. It's crucial to focus on the optimal use of antimicrobials following prescribed guidelines and action plans.

ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕ ПРЕПАРАТОВ НА ОСНОВЕ ЛЕВЗЕИ САФЛОРОВИДНОЙ В ЖИВОТНОВОДСТВЕ (ОБЗОР)

The purpose of the work is to summarize the results of our own research, as well as studies of domestic and foreign authors to study the composition, properties and issue of the use of drugs isolated on the basis of maral root in the process of growing farm animals. In connection with the adoption of a number of technical regulations, the requirements for the use of antibiotics and their lagging content in the final product have been tightened, and as a result, consumer demand for «environmental production» has increased. Literature analysis has shown that maral root is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs that is of interest to zootechnics because of its valuable anabolic, antioxidant, antistress, immunotropic and antimicrobial properties. Its popularity is caused by the increased content of biologically active substances and the wide range of effects of its drugs. Maral root has a long history of medical use, especially in infections. It has been proven that the toxicity of maral root is very low. The analysis found that current scientific research on the use of maral root in animal husbandry is limited, but can be used as a reference and rationale for use in animal husbandry to improve the well-being, productivity and immune status of various farm animal species.

Amylolytic activity of <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> isolates obtained from wildlife microbiota

At present, the study of the enzymatic potential of Bacillus subtilis bacteria is in demand due to the fact that probiotic and enzymatic preparations are created on their basis for their use in animal husbandry. The results of the study of amylolytic activity of 10 isolates of B. subtilis bacteria isolated from wildlife microbiota for amylopectin are presented. Determination of bacterial enzyme activity was performed by the Schomodi-Nelson method. The supernatants of the culture liquid of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th day cultures were taken as enzyme preparation. Isolates with high qualitative indices were examined quantitatively using a spectrophotometer. The two isolates with the best performance were selected. Protein concentration was determined by the Bradford method. In addition to studying supernatants of isolates that showed extracellular enzymatic activity, studies were performed on intracellular enzymes. Cell destruction was performed using an ultrasonic disintegrator, in which the dissolved sediment was contained in a glass vial in a flask with ice. The best qualitative indicators were found in B. subtilis 2SP and B. subtilis 5SP isolates, which had high amylopectin activity from day one, so further quantitative studies were continued with them. Protein concentrations in the above isolates progressed by the days of seeding. The specific activity also increased accordingly and on day 7, the B. subtilis 2SP isolate was 2.75 units/mg, B. subtilis 5SP 2.67 units/mg. The study of the activity of intracellular enzymes in these isolates confirmed similar qualitative indicators. Two B. subtilis isolates were selected as promising for the development of enzyme preparations isolated from the microbiota of wild animals of the Far North.

Insights into the effects of pulsed antimicrobials on the chicken resistome and microbiota from fecal metagenomes

Antimicrobial resistance has become a global problem that poses great threats to human health. Antimicrobials are widely used in broiler chicken production and consequently affect their gut microbiota and resistome. To better understand how continuous antimicrobial use in farm animals alters their microbial ecology, we used a metagenomic approach to investigate the effects of pulsed antimicrobial administration on the bacterial community, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and ARG bacterial hosts in the feces of broiler chickens. Chickens received three 5-day courses of individual or combined antimicrobials, including amoxicillin, chlortetracycline and florfenicol. The florfenicol administration significantly increased the abundance of mcr-1 gene accompanied by floR gene, while amoxicillin significantly increased the abundance of genes encoding the AcrAB-tolC multidrug efflux pump (marA, soxS, sdiA, rob, evgS and phoP). These three antimicrobials all led to an increase in Proteobacteria. The increase in ARG host, Escherichia, was mainly attributed to the β-lactam, chloramphenicol and tetracycline resistance genes harbored by Escherichia under the pulsed antimicrobial treatments. These results indicated that pulsed antimicrobial administration with amoxicillin, chlortetracycline, florfenicol or their combinations significantly increased the abundance of Proteobacteria and enhanced the abundance of particular ARGs. The ARG types were occupied by the multidrug resistance genes and had significant correlations with the total ARGs in the antimicrobial-treated groups. The results of this study provide comprehensive insight into pulsed antimicrobial-mediated alteration of chicken fecal microbiota and resistome.

Honokiol reduces cadmium-induced oxidative injury and endosomal/lysosomal vacuolation via protecting mitochondrial function in quail (Coturnix japonica) liver tissues

Cadmium (Cd) pollution in environment is toxic to birds. This study aimed to assess antagonistic effect of honokiol (HNK) on Cd-induced quail (Coturnix japonica) liver tissue damage and Cd-induced vacuolation in hepatocytes. We found that HNK alleviated Cd-induced liver pathological damage marked by elevated serum liver biochemical indicators, disordered antioxidant levels and trace elements in quails. HNK reduced Cd-induced liver cell apoptosis as assessed by western blotting and TUNEL staining. The ultrastructure of hepatocytes under transmission electron microscope revealed that Cd induced mitochondrial damage in addition to abnormal enlargement and increased vacuolar structure of cells. Mitochondrial damage and vacuolization were reduced in the HNK + Cd group. Cd induced an increase in the levels of endosomal/lysosomal-related genes, while HNK treatment reversed this effect. Finally, we demonstrated that vacuolation in buffalo rat liver 3A (BRL 3A) cells occurred primarily due to Cd-induced oxidative stress damage that reduces mitochondrial ATP content and indirectly led to dysfunction of ATP-dependent lipid kinase PIKfyve complex. In summary, we are the first to report that Cd induces abnormal enlargement of endosome/lysosomes in quail liver cells and HNK alleviated this phenomenon by reducing mitochondrial damage and increasing intracellular ATP level. This study demonstrated the toxic effect of Cd pollution on birds and how HNK mitigated these effect at the cellular level. Overall, more research on Cd pollution and HNK use in animal husbandry is warranted.

Can Infectious Disease Control Be Achieved without Antibiotics by Exploiting Mechanisms of Disease Tolerance?

Antimicrobial use in animal agriculture may be contributing to the emerging public health crisis of antimicrobial resistance. The sustained prevalence of infectious diseases driving antimicrobial use industry-wide suggests that traditional methods of bolstering disease resistance are, for some diseases, ineffective. A paradigm shift in our approach to infectious disease control is needed to reduce antimicrobial use and sustain animal and human health and the global economy. Targeting the defensive mechanisms that promote the health of an infected host without impacting pathogen fitness, termed "disease tolerance," is a novel disease control approach ripe for discovery. This article presents examples of disease tolerance dictating clinical outcomes for several infectious diseases in humans, reveals evidence suggesting a similarly critical role of disease tolerance in the progression of infectious diseases plaguing animal agriculture, and thus substantiates the assertion that exploiting disease tolerance mechanisms can positively impact animal and human health.

Crossover-Use of Human Antibiotics in Livestock in Agricultural Communities: A Qualitative Cross-Country Comparison between Uganda, Tanzania and India.

Antibiotic use in animal agriculture contributes significantly to antibiotic use globally and is a key driver of the rising threat of antibiotic resistance. It is becoming increasingly important to better understand antibiotic use in livestock in low-and-middle income countries where antibiotic use is predicted to increase considerably as a consequence of the growing demand for animal-derived products. Antibiotic crossover-use refers to the practice of using antibiotic formulations licensed for humans in animals and vice versa. This practice has the potential to cause adverse drug reactions and contribute to the development and spread of antibiotic resistance between humans and animals. We performed secondary data analysis of in-depth interview and focus-group discussion transcripts from independent studies investigating antibiotic use in agricultural communities in Uganda, Tanzania and India to understand the practice of antibiotic crossover-use by medicine-providers and livestock-keepers in these settings. Thematic analysis was conducted to explore driving factors of reported antibiotic crossover-use in the three countries. Similarities were found between countries regarding both the accounts of antibiotic crossover-use and its drivers. In all three countries, chickens and goats were treated with human antibiotics, and among the total range of human antibiotics reported, amoxicillin, tetracycline and penicillin were stated as used in animals in all three countries. The key themes identified to be driving crossover-use were: (1) medicine-providers’ and livestock-keepers’ perceptions of the effectiveness and safety of antibiotics, (2) livestock-keepers’ sources of information, (3) differences in availability of human and veterinary services and antibiotics, (4) economic incentives and pressures. Antibiotic crossover-use occurs in low-intensity production agricultural settings in geographically distinct low-and-middle income countries, influenced by a similar set of interconnected contextual drivers. Improving accessibility and affordability of veterinary medicines to both livestock-keepers and medicine-providers is required alongside interventions to address understanding of the differences between human and animal antibiotics, and potential dangers of antibiotic crossover-use in order to reduce the practice. A One Health approach to studying antibiotic use is necessary to understand the implications of antibiotic accessibility and use in one sector upon antibiotic use in other sectors.