Effect of probiotics and acidifiers on feed intake, egg mass, production performance, and egg yolk chemical composition in late-laying quails.

Background and Aim: Probiotics can be used as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters because antibiotics are prohibited worldwide. This study investigated the potential combination of probiotics and acidifiers to improve feed intake, productive performance, egg mass, and egg yolk chemical composition of late-laying quail for the health of humans who consume quail products. Materials and Methods: One hundred laying quails were divided into 4 × 5 treatments, with each group consisting of five replications. The adaptation period was 2 weeks, and the treatment was continued for 4 weeks. Probiotics and acidifiers were added to drinking water and incorporated into the diet. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Treatment duration (1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 4 weeks) and additional feed treatment (control, probiotic 2% + 0.5% acidifier, probiotic 2% + 1% acidifier, probiotic 4% + 0.5% acidifier, and probiotic 4% + 1% acidifier, respectively). Results: Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in feed intake, quail day production, feed efficiency, egg mass in laying quails, and the chemical composition of egg yolk with probiotics and acidifiers in late-laying quails. Conclusion: The combination of probiotics and acidifiers can improve feed intake, production performance, egg mass, and egg yolk chemical composition in late-laying quails.

Designing one-step reverse transcriptase loop-mediated isothermal amplification for serotype O foot-and-mouth disease virus detection during the 2022 outbreak in East Java, Indonesia.

Background and Aim: Various methods can detect foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in cows, but they necessitate resources, time, costs, laboratory facilities, and specific clinical specimen submission, often leading to FMD virus (FMDV) diagnosis delays. The 2022 FMD outbreak in East Java, Indonesia, highlighted the need for an easy, inexpensive, rapid, and accurate detection approach. This study aims to devise a one-step reverse transcriptase loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) technique and phylogenetic analysis to detect the serotype O FMDV outbreak in East Java. Materials and Methods: Swab samples were collected from the foot vesicles, nasal secretions, and saliva of five suspected FMDV-infected cows in East Java between June and July 2022. The RT-LAMP design used hydroxy naphthol blue dye or SYBR Green I dye, with confirmatory analysis through reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting 249 base pairs. PCR products underwent purification, sequencing, and nucleotide alignment, followed by phylogenetic analysis. Results: The RT-LAMP method using hydroxy naphthol blue dye displayed a positive reaction through a color shift from purple to blue in the tube. Naked-eye observation in standard light or ultraviolet (UV) light at 365 nm, with SYBR Green I stain, also revealed color change. Specifically, using SYBR Green I dye, UV light at 365 nm revealed a color shift from yellow to green, signifying a positive reaction. Nucleotide alignment revealed mutations and deletion at the 15th sequence in the JT-INDO-K3 isolate from the East Java FMDV outbreak. Despite differing branches, the phylogenetic tree placed it in the same cluster as serotype O FMDV from Malaysia and Mongolia. Conclusion: JT-INDO-K3 exhibited distinctions from Indonesian serotype O FMDV isolates and those documented in GenBank. Then, the RT-LAMP method used in this study has a detection limit 10 times higher latter than the conventional RT-PCR limit, without any cross-reactivity among strains.

Molecular identification of blaTEM and blaCTX-M genes in multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli found in milk samples from dairy cattle farms in Tulungagung, Indonesia.

Introduction: Escherichia coli is an opportunistic bacteria that can grow easily, produce toxins, and resist antibiotics. The phenomenon of E. coli developing multidrug resistance is currently the subject of extensive research. The objective of this study was to molecularly identify blaTEM and blaCTX-M genes in multidrug-resistant E. coli found in milk samples from dairy cattle farms in Tulungagung, Indonesia. Material and Methods: One hundred and ten milk samples were collected from 45 dairy cattle farms in Tulungagung, Indonesia. Indole, methyl red, Voges-Proskauer and in citrate tests and triple iron sugar agar tests were used to identify E. coli. Multidrug resistance was determined in isolates through antibiotic sensitivity tests using tetracycline, streptomycin, trimethoprim, chloramphenicol and aztreonam. Extended-spectrum beta lactamase enzyme production was confirmed by double-disc synergy test (DDST). Molecular identification was performed to confirm the blaTEM and blaCTX-M genes. Results: One hundred and one (91.82%) E. coli strains were isolated from the samples. The antibiotic sensitivity test showed four (3.96%) multidrug-resistant (MDR) and one (0.99%) ESBL-positive E. coli by DDST confirmation. There were three (77.78%) blaTEM genes and one (0.99%) blaCTX-M gene discovered in the MDR E. coli isolates using PCR for molecular identification. Conclusion: The findings of the blaTEM and blaCTX-M genes encoding ESBL E. coli in dairy cattle milk in Tulungagung, Indonesia is concerning and argues for prompt action to stop the emergence of antibiotic resistance which has an impact on public health.

Influence of microbiota inoculum as a substitute for antibiotic growth promoter during the initial laying phase on productivity performance, egg quality, and the morphology of reproductive organs in laying hens.

Background and Aim: Antibiotics that increase growth have long been employed as a component of chicken growth. Long-term, unchecked usage may lead to microbial imbalance, resistance, and immune system suppression. Probiotics are a suitable and secure feed additive that may be provided as a solution. The objective of this research was to ascertain the effects of dietary multistrain probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium spp., and Lactobacillus plantarum) on the morphology (length and weight) of reproductive organs and productivity performance of laying hens during the early stage of laying. Materials and Methods: One hundred ISA Brown commercial layer chicks of the same body weight (BW) that were 5 days old were divided into five treatments, each with four replicates and four chicks in each duplicate. There were five different dietary interventions: (T1) 100% base feed; (T2) base feed with 2.5 g of antibiotic growth promoter/kg feed; (T3) base feed plus probiotics; (T4) base feed at 1 mL/kg with probiotics; and (T5) base feed with probiotics, 3 mL/kg feed, 5 mL/kg of feed. The parameters observed were performance, internal and exterior egg quality, and the morphology (length and weight) of laying hens' reproductive organs. Results: Probiotic supplementation (L. acidophilus, Bifidobacterium, and L. plantarum) significantly affected the BW, feed intake, egg weight, yolk index, albumin index, Haugh unit, egg height, egg width, and morphology (length and weight) of laying hens' reproductive organs compared to the control group (basic feed). In addition, there was no discernible difference between treatment groups in theeggshell weight and thickness variables across all treatment groups. Conclusion: When laying hens were between 17 and 21 weeks old, during the early laying period, microbiota inoculum supplements (L. acidophilus, Bifidobacterium, and L. plantarum) increased growth, the quality of the internal and external layers' eggs, and the morphology of the laying hens' reproductive organs.

Practical Application of a Urinary Zearalenone Monitoring System for Feed Hygiene Management of a Japanese Black Cattle Breeding Herd-Relevance to Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Serum Amyloid A Clarified from a Two-Year Survey.

In this study, a herd of Japanese Black (JB) breeding cattle with sporadic reproductive disorders was continuously monitored for an additional year to assess the effects of the urinary zearalenone (ZEN) concentration and changes in parameters (AMH and SAA) with time-lag variables and herd fertility (reproductive performance). This herd had high (exceeded the Japanese dietary feed regulations) urinary ZEN and rice straw ZEN concentrations (1.34 mg/kg). Long-term data of the herd with positive ZEN exposure revealed a decreasing ZEN concentration in urine and a gradual decrease in the AMH level with age. The AMH level was significantly affected by the ZEN value 2 months earlier and the AMH level in the previous month. The changes in ZEN and SAA values were significantly affected by the ZEN and SAA values in the previous month. Additionally, calving interval data between pre-monitoring and post-monitoring showed a significantly different pattern. Furthermore, the calving interval became significantly shorter between the time of contamination (2019) and the end of the monitoring period (2022). In conclusion, the urinary ZEN monitoring system may be a valuable practical tool for screening and detecting herd contamination in the field, and acute and/or chronic ZEN contamination in dietary feeds may affect herd productivity and the fertility of breeding cows.

Antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli from the milk of Ettawa crossbred dairy goats in Blitar Regency, East Java, Indonesia.

Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance, especially antibiotic resistance, is one of the most severe public health challenges. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria avoid and fight the mechanism of action of antibiotic drugs. This study aimed to determine the resistance of Escherichia coli from the milk of Ettawa crossbreed dairy goat at Blitar Regency, East Java, Indonesia, with the antibiotics streptomycin, sulfonamides, and trimethoprim. Materials and Methods: A total of 34 milk samples of Ettawa crossbreed dairy goats were used in this study. The initial stages of this research included tests of the physical properties, isolation, and identification of E. coli. Then, the E. coli isolates were tested for antibiotic resistance using the Kirby-Bauer method. Results: The results showed that all samples were positive for E. coli. The physical properties of milk, namely, color, odor, flavor, and consistency, were normal. The results of the alcohol test showed normal acidity, and the specific gravity of goat milk met the criteria, with an average specific gravity of 1.0295 g/mL. The results of the antibiotic resistance test showed that 4 (12%) samples were resistant to streptomycin, 5 (15%) to sulfonamide, and 3% to trimethoprim. Conclusion: The prevalence of E. coli from Ettawa crossbreed dairy goats in Blitar Regency, East Java, Indonesia, was 100%. Furthermore, this E. coli isolate exhibited resistance to antibiotics streptomycin, sulfonamides, and trimethoprim. The use of antibiotics in the dairy goat industry in Indonesia should be controlled to prevent the spread of resistant E. coli from animals to humans through the food chain and prevent the emergence of multidrug-resistant E. coli.

Association of melatonin receptor 1 A with litter size in sheep: A review.

Sheep are a valuable livestock species worldwide, providing meat, milk, and various dairy products. This article aims to review the latest literature on the melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene as a potential candidate gene associated with reproductive traits, particularly the litter size trait in sheep, by searching various databases for available literature. Studies have shown that different parts of the MTNR1A gene play various roles in sheep. By identifying marker genes associated with reproductive traits in MTNR1A polymorphisms linked to the litter size trait, breeders can achieve a faster selection response in sheep breeding by recognizing the genomic region where these genes are located and understanding their physiological functions. Therefore, highlighting the literature on these functions and their association with reproductive traits may contribute to improving the genetic makeup during sheep breeding.

Practical Application of Urinary Zearalenone Monitoring System for Feed Hygiene Management of a Japanese Black Cattle Breeding Herd-The Relationship between Monthly Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Serum Amyloid A Concentrations.

This study addresses an advantageous application of a urinary zearalenone (ZEN) monitoring system not only for surveillance of ZEN exposure at the production site of breeding cows but also for follow-up monitoring after improvement of feeds provided to the herd. As biomarkers of effect, serum levels of the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations were used. Based on the results of urinary ZEN measurement, two cows from one herd had urinary ZEN concentrations which were two orders of magnitude higher (ZEN: 1.34 mg/kg, sterigmatocystin (STC): 0.08 mg/kg in roughages) than the levels of all cows from three other herds (ZEN: not detected, STC: not detected in roughages). For the follow-up monitoring of the herd with positive ZEN and STC exposure, urine, blood, and roughage samples were collected from five cows monthly for one year. A monitoring series in the breeding cattle herd indicated that feed concentrations were not necessarily reflected in urinary concentrations; urinary monitoring assay by ELISA may be a simple and accurate method that reflects the exposure/absorption of ZEN. Additionally, although the ZEN exposure level appeared not to be critical compared with the Japanese ZEN limitation in dietary feeds, a negative regression trend between the ZEN and AMH concentrations was observed, indicating that only at extremely universal mycotoxin exposure levels, ZEN exposure may affect the number of antral follicles in cattle. A negative regression trend between the ZEN and SAA concentrations could also be demonstrated, possibly indicating the innate immune suppression caused by low-level chronic ZEN exposure. Finally, significant differences (p = 0.0487) in calving intervals between pre-ZEN monitoring (mean ± SEM: 439.0 ± 41.2) and post-ZEN monitoring (349.9 ± 6.9) periods were observed in the monitored five cows. These preliminary results indicate that the urinary ZEN monitoring system may be a useful practical tool not only for detecting contaminated herds under field conditions but also provides an initial look at the effects of long-term chronic ZEN/STC (or other co-existing mycotoxins) exposure on herd productivity and fertility.

Increasing Quantity and Internal Quality of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) Eggs by Shooting Laser Puncture at Reproductive Acupuncture Points.

This study aims to determine the effect of laser puncture shooting on the reproductive acupuncture points of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) egg quantity (egg production) and internal egg quality (Haugh unit, yolk index, and yolk colour). This research was conducted for 30 days using a sample of Japanese quail aged 4 weeks because for the first 2 weeks, the quail did not produce and it was in production in the last 2 weeks. There were 4 treatments and 25 replications each. So, there were a total of 100 quails. Laser puncture shooting was carried out at 3-day intervals at the Ova point and 6-day intervals at Hu Men, Bei Ji, and Wei Gen points. So, on the first day, laser puncture shooting was carried out at 4 points, on the 4th day, only at 1 point, and then, on the 7th day, it returned to 4 points. And so, it was carried out for 4 weeks. T0 (-) was considered as a negative control because quails are not given laser puncture shooting; T0 (+) was considered as a positive control because quails are treated with laser puncture shooting which is deactivated or a dose of 0 Joule; T1 was a group treated with laser puncture shooting at a dose of 0.2 Joule, and T2 was a group treated with laser puncture shooting at a dose of 0.5 Joule. Then, the research results were analyzed using Analysis of Variance and followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test. Laser puncture shooting at the reproductive acupuncture point of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) can increase the quantity of eggs (p < 0.05). While the results of the egg internal quality in the form of the Haugh unit value and the yolk index increased (p < 0.05), the value of the yolk colour did not change compared to the control (p > 0.05). Laser puncture shooting at the reproductive acupuncture point of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) can increase egg quantity (egg production) and internal egg quality (Haugh unit and yolk index) with the best dose of 0.5 Joule.

The Effect of Acidifier-Dextrose against Hen Day Production and Feed Conversion Ratio in Laying Hens Infected with Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli.

Colibacillosis in Indonesia until now still appears frequently, so the case of colibacillosis laying hens cannot reach the peak of egg production; the egg production period is delayed and easily infected with other diseases. The purpose of this research is that the acidifier-dextrose combination is expected to be able to suppress the development of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) bacteria in laying hens so that, in the end, the case of colibacillosis can be controlled in Indonesia. A total of 240 heads of laying hens were divided into 6 treatments and each consisted of 40 replications. The results of this research state that a combination of acidifier-dextrose can increase Hen Day Production (p < 0.05) and decrease Feed Conversion Ratio (p < 0.05) in laying hens infected with APEC. The Hen Day Production results of the treatment group infected with APEC showed the lowest results, amounting to 65.75% whereas the other treatments are still above 90%. Furthermore, the highest Feed Conversion Ratio results were on treatments infected with APEC, which amounted to 2.17 while other treatments of the Feed Conversion Ratio results are still below 1.80. In general, the use of a combination of acidifier and dextrose with the lowest dose, that is, 1 g/3.75 liters of drinking water can still give good results to Hen Day Production and Feed Conversion Ratio for laying hens infected with APEC. Giving combination of acidifier-dextrose can increase Hen Day Production and decrease Feed Conversion Ratio in laying hens infected with APEC. The recommended dosage of acidifier-dextrose combination in laying hens based on this research is 1 g/3.75 liters of drinking water.