Effects of dietary supplementation with purple garlic powder and oregano essential oil on intestinal health in post-weaning piglets from commercial farms.

This work studied the effects of the inclusion of Purple Garlic Powder (PGP) and Oregano Essential Oil (OEO) in the feed, at different doses and combinations, on intestinal health and the growth performance of 140 and 3000 piglets, respectively, weaned at 21 days of age. Seven dietary treatments were used: a negative control group (basal diet), a positive control group with ZnO (3000 mg/Kg of feed), two groups with OEO at 0.4% and 1.2% respectively, two groups with PGP at 0.4% and 2% respectively and one group with OEO at 1.2% combined with PGP at 2%. Only the positive control group received ZnO in the diet. Each group of piglets received the treatment for seven weeks, from weaning, and were later sacrificed to obtain jejunum and ileum samples for counting of goblet cells, intraepithelial lymphocytes, and IgA-producing cells. The growth performance were measured at the beginning and at the end of the seven weeks. In jejunum and ileum, the number of goblet cells increased in the groups with ZnO, PGP 2%, OEO 1.2% and PGP 2% + OEO 1.2%, presenting significant differences with the rest of the groups. The results obtained for the intraepithelial lymphocyte count were in line with those obtained for the count of goblet cells. Regarding IgA-producing cells, the groups that showed significantly favourable results in the jejunum and ileum were OEO 1.2%, PGP 2% and their combination, but the groups that showed the most similar means to ZnO were the OEO 0.4% and the PGP 0.4%. Regarding the growth performance, PGP 2%, OEO 1.2% and their combination had similar results to ZnO. The intestinal health of piglets could be improved, without harming the growth performance, by means of the supplementation of PGP 2%, OEO 1.2% and PGP 2% + OEO 1.2% offering a natural alternative to the use of ZnO.

Antimicrobial Resistance of Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis Commensal Isolates from Laying Hen Farms in Spain.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat for human and animal health. Few studies have been carried out in laying hens. We evaluated the antimicrobial susceptibility of commensal Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis isolates in Spanish laying hens in 2018. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was used to identify any AMR of the studied isolates by means of a broth microdilution method. C. jejuni was highly resistant to the B category antimicrobials, and 52% of the isolates were susceptible to all the antimicrobials tested. E. coli showed medium and high percentages of resistance to the B and A antibiotic categories, respectively, and 33.33% of the isolates were susceptible to all antimicrobials. The E. faecalis resistance to A category antimicrobials was variable, and 4.62% of the isolates were susceptible to all antimicrobials. In our work, novel data on AMR in laying hen commensal isolates in Spain is provided, and the AMR levels differ from those reported for poultry in the EU. A high resistance to key drugs for human medicine was found, representing a public health risk.

Resistance patterns to C and D antibiotic categories for veterinary use of Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. commensal isolates from laying hen farms in Spain during 2018.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a global threat for human and animal health. Few studies have been carried out on laying hens. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility of commensal Campylobacter spp., E. coli, and Enterococcus spp. isolates in Spanish laying hens in 2018. Samples were collected from 39 laying hen farms. The microorganisms of interest were isolated and confirmed by PCR. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) to antimicrobials of C and D categories were determined. 195 E. coli, 195 Enterococcus spp. and 25 Campylobacter spp. isolates were obtained. E. coli isolates showed high resistance to D category antimicrobials (sulfamethoxazole 76.41 %, tetracycline 62.05 %, trimethoprim 50.77 %, ampicillin 30.77 %) and lower resistance to C category (azithromycin 30.26 %, gentamicin 12.31 %, chloramphenicol 4.62 %). A 10.26 % of E. coli isolates were susceptible to all antimicrobials tested, Multi Drug Resistance (MDR) to 3 antimicrobial families was found in 23.08 % of the isolates and 13.85 % were MDR to 4 families, being Erythromycin-Sulfamethoxazole-Tetracycline the most common resistance profile (10.77 %). Enterococcus spp. showed very high resistance to D category tetracycline (78.47 %) and C category erythromycin (76.42 %). The 11.79 % of Enterococcus spp. isolates were susceptible to all antimicrobials and 53.33 % were resistant to 2 families, being Erythromycin-Tetracycline the most common AMR profile (51.79 %). Regarding Campylobacter spp., resistance to tetracycline (48 %) was higher than resistance to C category antimicrobials (erythromycin 28 %, streptomycin 24 %, gentamicin 16 %). There was a 52 % sensitivity to all tested antimicrobials and 24 % showed MDR to aminoglycosides, macrolides and tetracyclines (Gentamicin-Streptomycin-Erythromycin-Tetracycline MDR profile). Novel data on AMR in laying hen commensal isolates in Spain was provided. High resistance to several antimicrobials was found, especially to key drugs for the treatment of zoonosis, which represents a public health risk. Better surveillance and careful regulation of antimicrobial use is required in laying hen production.

The Combined Effect of Mediterranean Shrubland Pasture and the Dietary Administration of Sage By-Products on the Antioxidant Status of Segureña Ewes and Lambs.

The objective of this study was to determine if the combined effect of ewe grazing and the incorporation of sage by-products in the lamb feed enhances the Segureña ewe and lamb antioxidant status. For that, the endogenous (related to blood antioxidant enzymes) and exogenous (plasma antioxidant activity) antioxidant systems of ewes and lambs were studied at the physiological stages of lactation, after weaning and at the end of the fattening period. Major results indicated that grazing improved the enzymatic antioxidant defense of ewes during the stressful period of lamb weaning, and also, the antioxidant status of the ewe plasma at both physiological stages: lactation and after lamb weaning. With regards to the lambs, ewe grazing stimulated the antioxidant enzymatic defense during lactation, but not the antioxidant capacity of the plasma. At the end of the fattening period, the inclusion of sage by-products in the lamb diet (10% w/w) enhanced both the enzymatic cascade and antioxidant capacity of the lamb plasma. The antioxidant capacity of the lamb meat was also studied and the benefits of sage were detected in samples from the deltoideus muscle. Thus, Mediterranean grazing stimulated the antioxidant defense in ewes, while the inclusion of sage by-products in the lamb diets enhanced the antioxidant status of both blood and meat.

Dietary supplementation of 11 different plant extracts on the antioxidant capacity of blood and selected tissues in lightweight lambs.

BACKGROUND: Due to the growing public concern regarding the addition of chemical antioxidants to foods, focus has shifted towards natural alternatives. Because of their antioxidant potential, culinary herbs and spices have long been used to extend the shelf-life of foods. However, a better understanding of the fate of these products following intake is required to assess their use in lamb diets. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty-eight Rasa Aragonesa male lambs (70 days old) were supplemented (5.0 g kg-1 compound feed) with bay, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, thyme, turmeric, cumin, caraway, dill, cinnamon and nutmeg extracts for 14 days before slaughter. Dietary supplementation with plant extracts had no effect on intake, growth performance or antioxidant activity in blood (TEAC values). In muscle, nutmeg supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the radical-scavenging capacity (TEAC), whereas a decrease in the radical-scavenging capacity was found for lambs supplemented with oregano, dill, cinnamon and nutmeg (ORAC values). In liver, nutmeg supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the antioxidant capacity (TEAC), whereas bay (ORAC), turmeric, cinnamon and nutmeg (DPPH• values) decreased (P < 0.05) the radical-scavenging capacity of the tissue. In kidney, a lower (P < 0.05) radical-scavenging capacity (TEAC values) was found in lambs supplemented with oregano, cumin and caraway, whereas, turmeric, cumin, caraway, cinnamon and nutmeg increased (P < 0.05) the antioxidant capacity (ORAC values) in kidney. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of lamb diets with plant extracts affected radical-scavenging activity in muscle, liver and kidney. However, due to the divergent results of the different assays for the same tissue, it is not advisable to discriminate plant extracts using this approach. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Validation of an assay for quantification of alpha-amylase in saliva of sheep.

The objective of this study was to develop a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay (TR-IFMA) for quantification of salivary alpha-amylase in sheep. For that purpose, after the design of the assay, an analytical and a clinical validation were carried out. The analytical validation of the assay showed intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation (CVs) of 6.1% and 10.57%, respectively and an analytical limit of detection of 0.09 ng/mL. The assay also demonstrated a high level of accuracy, as determined by linearity under dilution. For clinical validation, a model of acute stress testing was conducted to determine whether expected significant changes in alpha-amylase were picked up in the newly developed assay. In that model, 11 sheep were immobilized and confronted with a sheepdog to induce stress. Saliva samples were obtained before stress induction and 15, 30, and 60 min afterwards. Salivary cortisol was measured as a reference of stress level. The results of TR-IFMA showed a significant increase (P < 0.01) in the concentration of alpha-amylase in saliva after stress induction. The assay developed in this study could be used to measure salivary alpha-amylase in the saliva of sheep and this enzyme could be a possible noninvasive biomarker of stress in sheep.

L'objectif de la présente étude était de développer un test immunofluorométrique en temps résolu (TIMF-TR) pour la quantification de l'alpha-amylase salivaire chez le mouton. À cette fin, suite au design du test, une validation analytique et clinique fut effectuée. La validation analytique du test a montré des coefficients de variation (CV) intra- et inter-tests de 6,1 % et 10,57 %, respectivement, et une limite de détection analytique de 0,09 ng/mL. Le test a également montré un haut niveau de précision, tel que déterminé par la linéarité suite aux dilutions. Pour la validation clinique, un modèle de test de stress aigu a été mené afin de déterminer si des changements significatifs attendus de l'alpha-amylase étaient détectés dans le nouveau test développé. Dans ce modèle, 11 moutons étaient immobilisés et confrontés avec un chien de berger afin d'induire le stress. Des échantillons de salive ont été obtenus avant l'induction du stress et 15, 30, et 60 min par la suite. Le cortisol salivaire a été mesuré à titre d'indicateur de référence du stress. Les résultats du TIMF-TR ont montré une augmentation significative (P < 0,01) de la concentration d'alpha-amylase dans la salive après l'induction du stress. Le test développé au cours de cette étude pourrait être utilisé afin de mesurer l'alpha-amylase salivaire dans la salive de mouton et cet enzyme pourrait être un biomarqueur non-invasif du stress chez le mouton.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Validation of an automated method for salivary alpha-amylase measurements in pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) and its application as a stress biomarker.

The aim of the current study was to validate an automated spectrophotometric method for salivary alpha-amylase measurement in pigs and evaluate its possible application as a noninvasive stress biomarker. The analytical validation included intra- and interassay precision, linearity under dilution, and limit of detection. In addition, to study the possible use of salivary alpha-amylase as a possible stress marker, 12 crossbred growing pigs of 3-4 months of age were subjected to restraint stress by a nasal snare for at least 1 min, and saliva samples were obtained at different time points. The results of analytical validation indicated that the method was precise and able to measure alpha-amylase in a linear manner. The results obtained in the stress test showed a significant increase in salivary alpha-amylase activity. Although other factors influencing this enzyme activity should be studied, these preliminary results indicate that salivary alpha-amylase could be a reliable biomarker of stress in pigs.

Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella infections in free-range pigs.

The prevalence of Salmonella spp. infection was determined in 67 free-range pig herds in southern Spain. Microbiological assessment was performed on ileocolic lymph nodes collected at slaughter according to ISO 6579:2002 procedures. Overall, 33% of herds were infected and the prevalence of infection was 5.3%. Salmonella spp. serovars most frequently isolated were Anatum and Typhimurium, although uncommon serovars such as Hessarek and Mikawasima were also detected. Isolates were tested against 16 antimicrobial agents and exhibited resistance to streptomycin (46%), tetracycline (30%), sulphonamides (25%) and ampicillin (23%) by the break-point method. Multi-drug resistance, defined as resistance to ≥ 4 antimicrobials, was 36%.

Producción de materia seca y calidad forrajera de leguminosas anuales de clima mediterráneo / Dry matter yield and quality of some mediterranean annual legumes

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la producción y calidad forrajera de variedades locales de algarroba(Vicia monanthos), almorta (Lathyrus sativus), guisante forrajero (Pisum sativum), veza común (Vicia sativa),alverjón (Vicia narbonensis) y yero (Vicia ervilia). El estudio se realizó en tres localidades de la provincia deAlbacete, España, durante tres años consecutivos de cultivo. Los muestreos se realizaron en abril, junio y julioy en cada muestra se determinaron los parámetros cualitativos, materia seca (% MS), proteína bruta (% PB),fi bra ácido detergente (% FDA), fi bra neutro detergente (% FDN) y energía metabolizable (Mcal) y a partir deellos la producción (kg MS/ha). En el muestreo de abril la especie de mayor rendimiento (P ≤ 0,05) fue el yero(1.127 kg MS/ha, 20,98% PB y 2,327 Mcal/kg MS) seguido de veza común (924 kg MS/ha, 23,01% PB 2,498Mcal/kg MS). En el muestro de junio las especies de mayor rendimiento (P ≤ 0,05) fueron vicia común (1.895kg MS/ha, 20,01% PB y 2,247 Mcal/kg MS) y el yero (1.802 kg MS/ha, 16,12% PB y 2,033 Mcal/kg MS). Enjulio también fueron el yero (2.880 kg MS/ha, 13.98 % PB y 1,906 Mcal/kg MS) y la veza común (2.777 kgMS/ha, PB 14,97% y 2,043 Mcal/kg MS) las especies de mayor rendimiento (P ≤ 0.05). Nuestros resultadosindican que en las condiciones de del estudio el yero y la veza común fueron las especies de más productivas ypor tanto de mayor interés como forraje, desde el fi nal del período vegetativo hasta la plena madurez(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the forage yield and quality of local varieties of Bard vetch (Viciamonanthos), Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus), Field pea (Pisum sativum), Common vetch (Vicia sativa), Narbonvetch (Vicia narbonensis) and Bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia). The trial was carried out in three locations over three consecutive years of harvest. Quantitative (kg DM/ha) and qualitative variables (dry mater (%DM), crudeprotein (%PB), acid detergent fi ber (%FAD), neutral detergent fi ber (%FND) and metabolizable energy (Mcal)were determined for April, June and July. Highest yield in the April sampling was Bitter vetch (1.127 kg DM/ha, 20,98 %PB and 2,327 Mcal/kg DM), followed by Common vetch (924 kg DM/ha, 23,01 %PB 2,498 Mcal/kg DM). In the June, the highest yield species were Common vetch (1.895 kg DM/ha, 20,01 %PB and 2,247Mcal/kg DM) and Bitter vetch (1.802 kg DM/ha, 16,12 %PB and 2,033 Mcal/kg DM). For July, the highestyield was for Bitter vetch (2.880 kg DM/ha, 13,98 %PB and 1.906 Mcal/kg DM), followed by Common vetch(2,777 kg DM/ha, 14.97 %PB and 2,043 Mcal/kg DM). Our results sown that, under the conditions of our study,Common vetch and Bitter vetch were the spices of greater interest as fodder for ruminants from the end of thevegetative period to the crop attained full ripeness(AU)