Antimicrobial resistance profile of bacteria isolated from canine and feline samples at the Preventive Veterinary Laboratory of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) - Brazil

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat. In small animals such as dogs and cats, antimicrobials are most commonly prescribed for skin and genitourinary diseases; therefore, the AMR of bacteria involved in these infections should be monitored. In addition, the results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) may be interpreted as a local epidemiological history of AMR. The Preventive Veterinary Medicine Laboratory (PVML) received clinical samples from dogs and cats for bacterial isolation and AST. Thus, this study aimed to assess the AMR of bacteria isolated from the samples of dogs and cats received at the Preventive Veterinary Medicine Laboratory (PVML). Materials, Methods & Results: Data from bacteriological examinations performed at the PVML of the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) during 5 years were analyzed. Skin and ear canal samples were inoculated in 5% sheep blood agar, and urine samples were streaked on CHROMagar™ orientation. After incubation at 36±1°C for up to 72 h, identification and AST were performed according to routine protocols. Of 1,534 samples submitted to the PVML, 1,086 (70.8%) were collected from dogs and 29.2% from feline patients. Otological swabs (n = 533, 49.1%) were the most frequent samples from dogs, while cat urine samples (n = 384, 84.8%) predominated by far. Considering the canine samples, no bacterial growth (NBG) was observed in 443 (40.8%) samples, while only one colony type was noted in 516 (47.5%) samples. Gram-positive bacteria (n = 298) were more frequent than gram-negative bacteria (n = 77) in the skin. In urine samples, gram-negative bacteria (n = 94) were isolated more frequently than gram-positive bacteria (n = 47). In feline samples, a high number of NBG (n = 308, 68%) was observed. Gram-positive (n = 22) was predominant in comparison to gram-negative bacteria (n = 9) in cultures from the ear and skin swabs. Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli were the most frequently identified bacteria in urine samples. Among the Staphylococcus sp. strains of any origin, AMR frequency varied from 4.22% (amikacin) to 50.70% (sulfa/trimethoprim). Enterococcus spp. showed AMR frequencies from 12.5% (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) to 62.06% (enrofloxacin). Among the gram-negative genera, E. coli presented AMR frequencies from 10.20% (gentamicin) to 60.0% (neomycin). The frequency of AMR was stable over time, and a profile of much higher resistance to fluoroquinolones in comparison to beta-lactams was observed. Discussion: The recurrence of skin and urinary infections implies the need for frequent treatment with antibiotics, which exerts selection pressure for resistance and multidrug resistance. In this study, the frequency of multidrug resistance was low, and the resistance to the tested antimicrobials showed high variation. However, a trend of high resistance to the fluoroquinolone group was observed in contrast to the low resistance to beta-lactams. This trend was consistent among the isolated bacteria, regardless of the type of sample or origin. The overprescription of fluoroquinolones in small animal practices has been widely documented in several countries. However, this class of antimicrobials, is highly prioritized for the treatment of infections in humans. Therefore, the selection of resistant strains has gained special emphasis, especially when considering the possibility of the transmission of resistant bacteria between pets and humans. In summary, the results of bacteriological tests conducted at the PVML-Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul confirmed that ubiquitous bacteria predominate in clinical samples of dogs and cats. The high frequency of resistance to the fluoroquinolone group, while a predominance of susceptible strains in the first-choice drugs such as amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, may indicate excessive and empirical use of the second-choice drugs in clinical practice.

Antimicrobial resistance profiles in Escherichia coli isolated from whole-chicken carcasses from conventional, antibiotic-free, and organic rearing systems / Perfil de resistência em Escherichia coli isoladas de carcaças de frango provenientes de sistemas de produção convencional, livre de antibióticos e orgânico

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern in human and animal health. Public discussions on these issues have contributed to an increased demand for antibiotic-free food. Studies comparing the antimicrobial resistance profiles of bacteria in foodstuffs originating from farming systems with restrictions on the use of antimicrobials are scarce. This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial resistance profiles of generic Escherichia coli isolated from whole chickens originating from farming systems with and without restrictions on the use of antimicrobials. For this purpose, three groups of E. coli strains were formed: (GC) from chickens reared in conventional production systems, without restriction on the use of antimicrobials (n=72); (GL) from chickens reared in farming systems certified as free of any antibiotic use (n=72); and (GO) from chickens from an organic farming system (n=72). Whole chicken units were individually rinsed as recommended by ISO 17604:2015, and E. coli was isolated from the rinse suspension. To evaluate the resistance profile, E. coli strains were tested against 12 antimicrobials using broth microdilution or disk diffusion tests. Eighty strains (40.7%) were found to be fully susceptible to the tested antimicrobials, and 23.6% were multidrug resistant. The highest frequencies of resistance were observed to tetracycline (GC=37,5%; GL=34,7%; GO=25%) and trimethoprim (GC=27,8%; GL=34,7%; GO=22,2%). In the case of multidrug resistant strains, GC presented 32% (n=23) of strains with multidrug resistance characteristics whereas the GL and GO groups presented 22% (n=16) and 17% (n=12), respectively. As for the totally susceptible strains, a frequency of 56% of Tsus strains was observed in the organic group, whereas this frequency was 33% in the GC and GL groups. Using GC as a reference, the Poisson regression model showed a higher occurrence of fully susceptible E. coli strains, as well as lower frequencies of multidrug resistance and resistance to ampicillin and nalidixic acid in GO. The GL group exhibited the lowest frequency of ampicillin resistance. These observations suggest that the lower selection pressure for antimicrobial use in the farming system may be reflected in the resistance profile of bacteria present in foodstuffs purchased by consumers.(AU)

A resistência antimicrobiana (AMR) é uma preocupação crescente para a saúde humana e animal. A discussão pública dessas questões tem contribuído para o aumento da demanda por alimentos produzidos sem o uso de antibióticos. No entanto, estudos que comparem os perfis de resistência antimicrobiana de bactérias em alimentos oriundos de sistemas agrícolas com restrição ao uso de antimicrobianos ainda são escassos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o perfil de resistência antimicrobiana em Escherichia coli genérica isolada de carcaças de frangos inteiros oriundos de sistemas de criação com e sem restrições ao uso de antimicrobianos. Para tanto, três grupos de cepas de E. coli foram formados: (GC) isolados de carcaças de frangos criados no sistema convencional - sem restrição de uso de antimicrobianos (n=72); (GL) isolados de frangos de sistemas certificados sem uso de antimicrobianos (n=72); (GO) de frangos originados de produção orgânica (n=72). As unidades de frango inteiro foram submetidas à lavagem conforme recomendado pela ISO 17604: 2015 e E. coli foi isolada da suspensão de enxágue. Para avaliar o perfil de resistência, as cepas de E. coli foram testadas frente à 12 antimicrobianos pelos testes de microdiluição em caldo ou difusão em disco. Oitenta cepas (40,7%) foram totalmente suscetíveis aos antimicrobianos testados e 23,6% multirresistentes. As maiores frequências de resistência foram observadas frente a tetraciclina (GC=37,5%; GL=34,7%; GO=25%) e trimetoprima (GC=27,8%; GL=34,7%; GO=22,2%). No caso de cepas multirresistentes, GC apresentou 32% (n=23) das cepas com características de multirresistência enquanto os grupos GL e GO apresentaram 22% (n=16) e 17% (n=12), respectivamente. Quanto às cepas totalmente suscetíveis, foi observada uma frequência de 56% de cepas Tsus no grupo orgânico enquanto tal frequência foi de 33% nos grupos GC e GL. Utilizando GC como referência, o modelo de regressão de Poisson demonstrou maior ocorrência de cepas de E. coli totalmente suscetíveis, bem como menores frequências de multirresistência e resistência à ampicilina e ácido nalidíxico no GO. Em GL, apenas a frequência mais baixa de resistência à ampicilina pôde ser demonstrada. Essas observações sugerem que a menor pressão de seleção do uso de antimicrobianos no sistema de cultivo pode se refletir no perfil de resistência das bactérias presentes nos alimentos adquiridos pelo consumidor.(AU)

Survival assessment of Salmonella enterica in inoculated pork salami / Avaliação da sobrevivência de Salmonella enterica inoculada em salame de carne suína

Pork salami is an embedded, cured and ripened product commonly consumed in Brazil, and the presence of Salmonella enterica has already been reported in this product. During its preparation, the microbiological safety depends on the meat quality, addition of ingredients with antimicrobial activity, hygiene during processing, pH and water activity (Aw) reduction during maturation. In Brazil, the maturation protocol has not been determined in food regulation; therefore, the objectives of this study were (a) to identify the fermentation and drying phases during salami maturation; (b) to test the survival of S. enterica during salami processing; and (c) to compare xylose lysine deoxycholate (XLD) and thin agar layer (TAL) agar for recovering Salmonella. The salami samples were prepared with a cocktail of S. enterica strains, fermented at 30°C and dried at 20°C with controlled relative humidity (RH). Periodic sampling for S. enterica quantification and Aw and pH analyses were performed during maturation, and curves were constructed. Fermentation occurred during the first 66 hours, and the pH decreased while the population of S. enterica increased over the first 21 hours. The drying step was able to reduce the bacterial population by approximately 5 log CFU after 875 hours, reaching an Aw of less than 0.78. However, elimination of S. enterica was not achieved. For Salmonella recovery, TAL agar was more efficient than XLD agar.(AU)

O salame de carne suína é um produto embutido, curado e maturado comumente consumido no Brasil no qual a presença de Salmonella enterica tem sido relatada. Durante a sua elaboração, a segurança microbiológica depende da qualidade da carne, adição de ingredientes com atividade antimicrobiana, higiene durante a produção, redução de pH e atividade de água (Aw) durante a sua maturação. O protocolo de maturação ainda não está determinado na legislação brasileira; portanto o estudo objetivou: (a) identificar as fases de fermentação e dessecação durante a maturação de salame; (b) testar a sobrevivência de S. enterica durante o processamento de salame e (c) comparar os meios de cultura xilose lisina dextrose (XLD) e thin agar layer (TAL) para recuperação de células do referido microorganismo. Os salames foram elaborados com um coquetel de S. enterica e submetidos à fermentação em 30ºC e secagem a 20ºC com umidade relativa (UR) controlada. Amostragens periódicas para quantificação de S. enterica, análises de Aw e pH foram realizadas durante a maturação e as curvas foram construídas. A fermentação ocorreu nas primeiras 66 horas, quando houve queda do pH do salame; entretanto S. enterica aumentou sua população nas primeiras 21 horas. A etapa de dessecação foi capaz de reduzir aproximadamente 5 log UFC da população bacteriana em 875 horas, alcançando Aw menor que 0,78, mas não foi capaz de eliminar o micro-organismo do alimento. Para enumeração do micro-organismo, o meio sólido TAL foi mais eficiente na recuperação das células submetidas à maturação quando comparado ao ágar XLD comumente utilizado.(AU)

In-depth genomic characterization of a meropenem-nonsusceptible Pseudomonas otitidis strain contaminating chicken carcass

Background: The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in food-animal production has a major impact on public health, particularly in terms of contributing to the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in the food-animal production chain. Although Pseudomonas species are recognized as important spoilage organisms in foodstuff, they are also known as opportunistic pathogens associated with hospital-acquired infections. Furthermore, Pseudomonas can play a role as potential reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance genes, which may be horizontally transferred to other bacteria. Considering that cephalosporins (3rd and higher generations) and carbapenems are critically important beta-lactam antimicrobials in human medicine, this study reports the occurrence and genomic characterization of a meropenem-nonsusceptible Pseudomonas otitidis strain recovered from a chicken carcass in Brazil. Materials, Methods & Results: During the years 2018-2019, 72 frozen chicken carcasses were purchased on the retail market from different regions in Brazil. Aliquots from individual carcass rinses were screened for Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria in MacConkey agar supplemented with 1mg.L-1 cefotaxime. Phenotypically resistant isolates were further tested for resistance to other antimicrobials and confirmed as ESBL-producers by means of disk-diffusion method using Müller-Hinton agar. Only one meropenen-nonsusceptible isolate was detected and submitted to whole genome sequencing (WGS) in Illumina Miseq. The strain was identified as Pseudomonas otitidis by local alignment of the 16S rRNA sequence using BLASTn and confirmed by Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) analysis using JspeciesWS database. Genes encoding for antimicrobial resistance were detected by means...

Pesquisa de parâmetros microbiológicos de qualidade em leite ovino de conjunto / Research of quality microbial parameters in ewe milk

Com o objetivo avaliar a qualidade microbiológica do leite de ovelha in natura, coletaram-se mensalmente amostras de leite do tanque de expansão ou tarros, em quatro unidades produtivas (UP). Não foi evidenciada a presença de Salmonella contudo, isolaram-se E. coli (3 UP), S. aureus e L. murrayi (1 UP). Observaram-se coágulos homogêneos (38,7%) (sugestivo de bactérias láticas) e sem líquido (38,7%) (indicativo da presença de inibidores bacterianos). O teste de redutase indicou a maioria (54,8%) das amostras com qualidade muito boa e a contagem média de mesófilos foi 2x107UFC/mL e de coliformes termotolerantes de 2x106 UFC/mL. Os microrganismos isolados, assim como os resultados das provas de lactofermentação e redutase, foram indicativos da adoção de práticas de higiene ineficientes das instalações ou do sistema de ordenha, passíveis de correção por meio de manejo adequado.(AU)

Pesquisa de parâmetros microbiológicos de qualidade em leite ovino de conjunto / Research of quality microbial parameters in ewe milk

Com o objetivo avaliar a qualidade microbiológica do leite de ovelha in natura, coletaram-se mensalmente amostras de leite do tanque de expansão ou tarros, em quatro unidades produtivas (UP). Não foi evidenciada a presença de Salmonella contudo, isolaram-se E. coli (3 UP), S. aureus e L. murrayi (1 UP). Observaram-se coágulos homogêneos (38,7%) (sugestivo de bactérias láticas) e sem líquido (38,7%) (indicativo da presença de inibidores bacterianos). O teste de redutase indicou a maioria (54,8%) das amostras com qualidade muito boa e a contagem média de mesófilos foi 2x107UFC/mL e de coliformes termotolerantes de 2x106 UFC/mL. Os microrganismos isolados, assim como os resultados das provas de lactofermentação e redutase, foram indicativos da adoção de práticas de higiene ineficientes das instalações ou do sistema de ordenha, passíveis de correção por meio de manejo adequado.

Enumeration, antimicrobial resistance and typing of Salmonella enterica: profile of strains carried in the intestinal contents of pigs at slaughter in Southern Brazil

Background: Despite a strong association between Salmonella isolation and slaughter hygiene, as measured by the Enterobacteriaceae levels on pre-chill carcass surfaces, a high variation in this association was observed between sampling dayswithin the same slaughterhouse. It was hypothesised that in a scenario of high exposure on the farm, batches with a highprevalence of carrier pigs shedding a high number of Salmonella may enhance the risk of contamination on some slaughterdays. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the profile of Salmonella carried in the intestinal contents of slaughter pigs.Materials, Methods & Results: Ten pig batches slaughtered in a slaughterhouse were investigated for the presence ofSalmonella. From each pig, the following samples were taken: i. blood collected at bleeding; ii. sponges rubbed on thecarcass surface after bleeding and before chilling; iii. fragment of the ileocecal region of the intestine. Serum sampleswere subjected to a ELISA-Typhimurium test. Sponges were investigated for the presence of Salmonella and total aerobicmesophilic (TAM) and Enterobacteriaceae (EC) bacterial counts. Salmonella was enumerated in the intestinal contents.Selected Salmonella strains were subjected to an antimicrobial resistance disk diffusion test, macro-restriction with Xba-I(PFGE) and whole genome sequencing (WGS). From the 50 sampled pigs, 96% were positive in the ELISA-Typhimuriumtest and 64% were Salmonella-positive in the intestinal contents. The amount of Salmonella in the intestinal content sampleswas highly variable, and the mean log of fitted distributions of Salmonella in the batch ranged from -2.97 to 2.25 cfu.g-1.The slaughter process achieved a logarithmic reduction, ranging from 0.64 to 2.35 log cfu.cm-2 for TAM and from 0.55 to2.57 log cfu.cm-2 for EC. Salmonella was isolated from 16% of the carcasses after bleeding; this frequency decreased to8% at the pre-chill...

Enumeration, antimicrobial resistance and typing of Salmonella enterica: profile of strains carried in the intestinal contents of pigs at slaughter in Southern Brazil

Background: Despite a strong association between Salmonella isolation and slaughter hygiene, as measured by the Enterobacteriaceae levels on pre-chill carcass surfaces, a high variation in this association was observed between sampling dayswithin the same slaughterhouse. It was hypothesised that in a scenario of high exposure on the farm, batches with a highprevalence of carrier pigs shedding a high number of Salmonella may enhance the risk of contamination on some slaughterdays. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the profile of Salmonella carried in the intestinal contents of slaughter pigs.Materials, Methods & Results: Ten pig batches slaughtered in a slaughterhouse were investigated for the presence ofSalmonella. From each pig, the following samples were taken: i. blood collected at bleeding; ii. sponges rubbed on thecarcass surface after bleeding and before chilling; iii. fragment of the ileocecal region of the intestine. Serum sampleswere subjected to a ELISA-Typhimurium test. Sponges were investigated for the presence of Salmonella and total aerobicmesophilic (TAM) and Enterobacteriaceae (EC) bacterial counts. Salmonella was enumerated in the intestinal contents.Selected Salmonella strains were subjected to an antimicrobial resistance disk diffusion test, macro-restriction with Xba-I(PFGE) and whole genome sequencing (WGS). From the 50 sampled pigs, 96% were positive in the ELISA-Typhimuriumtest and 64% were Salmonella-positive in the intestinal contents. The amount of Salmonella in the intestinal content sampleswas highly variable, and the mean log of fitted distributions of Salmonella in the batch ranged from -2.97 to 2.25 cfu.g-1.The slaughter process achieved a logarithmic reduction, ranging from 0.64 to 2.35 log cfu.cm-2 for TAM and from 0.55 to2.57 log cfu.cm-2 for EC. Salmonella was isolated from 16% of the carcasses after bleeding; this frequency decreased to8% at the pre-chill...(AU)

Evaluation of microscopic protocols for somatic cell counts in milk of dairy sheep / Avaliação de protocolos do método microscópico para contagem de células somáticas no leite de ovelhas leiteiras

The somatic cell count (SCC) is a diagnostic tool that indicates the mammary gland health and can be determined by the counting of cells in the microscope. There are discussions regarding appropriate staining method to the ewes' milk. The present study aimed to identify a methodology of microscopic SCC proper to the milk of the ovine species. Therefore, glass slides for smear were manufactured with 10 µL of ewe's milk in 1 cm2, and the fixers xylol and Carnoy's solution were tested, as well as and May-Grünwald, Broadhurst-Paley, Wrigth and Panoptic stainings. Carnoy's solution was elected, because it allowed a better fixation of the dairy film to the microscope slides, and Broadhurst-Paley staining, due to its good coloration and visualization of cells, as well as the differentiation of cytoplasmic corpuscles in ewe's milk. Broadhurst-Paley coloration is a tool applicable to the somatic cell count in ovine specie's milk.(AU)

A contagem de células somáticas é uma ferramenta de diagnóstico indicativa da saúde da glândula mamária e pode ser determinada em microscópio. Sobre ela, existem discussões quanto à coloração adequada ao leite de ovelhas. O presente estudo objetivou identificar uma metodologia de preparação de lâminas para a contagem microscópica de células somáticas do leite da espécie ovina. Para tanto, confeccionaram-se lâminas de esfregaços de 10 µL de leite de ovelha em 1 cm2, testaram-se os fixadores de xilol e solução de Carnoy e as colorações de May-Grünwald, Broadhurst-Paley, Wrigth e Panótico. Elegeram-se a solução de Carnoy, pois esta permitiu melhor fixação do filme lácteo às lâminas de microscopia, e o corante Broadhurst-Paley, que propiciou boa coloração e visualização das células, bem como a diferenciação dos corpúsculos citoplasmáticos presentes no leite ovino. A coloração é uma ferramenta aplicável à contagem de células somáticas no leite da espécie ovina.(AU)

Evaluation of microscopic protocols for somatic cell counts in milk of dairy sheep / Avaliação de protocolos do método microscópico para contagem de células somáticas no leite de ovelhas leiteiras

The somatic cell count (SCC) is a diagnostic tool that indicates the mammary gland health and can be determined by the counting of cells in the microscope. There are discussions regarding appropriate staining method to the ewes' milk. The present study aimed to identify a methodology of microscopic SCC proper to the milk of the ovine species. Therefore, glass slides for smear were manufactured with 10 µL of ewe's milk in 1 cm2, and the fixers xylol and Carnoy's solution were tested, as well as and May-Grünwald, Broadhurst-Paley, Wrigth and Panoptic stainings. Carnoy's solution was elected, because it allowed a better fixation of the dairy film to the microscope slides, and Broadhurst-Paley staining, due to its good coloration and visualization of cells, as well as the differentiation of cytoplasmic corpuscles in ewe's milk. Broadhurst-Paley coloration is a tool applicable to the somatic cell count in ovine specie's milk.(AU)

A contagem de células somáticas é uma ferramenta de diagnóstico indicativa da saúde da glândula mamária e pode ser determinada em microscópio. Sobre ela, existem discussões quanto à coloração adequada ao leite de ovelhas. O presente estudo objetivou identificar uma metodologia de preparação de lâminas para a contagem microscópica de células somáticas do leite da espécie ovina. Para tanto, confeccionaram-se lâminas de esfregaços de 10 µL de leite de ovelha em 1 cm2, testaram-se os fixadores de xilol e solução de Carnoy e as colorações de May-Grünwald, Broadhurst-Paley, Wrigth e Panótico. Elegeram-se a solução de Carnoy, pois esta permitiu melhor fixação do filme lácteo às lâminas de microscopia, e o corante Broadhurst-Paley, que propiciou boa coloração e visualização das células, bem como a diferenciação dos corpúsculos citoplasmáticos presentes no leite ovino. A coloração é uma ferramenta aplicável à contagem de células somáticas no leite da espécie ovina.(AU)

Nutritional and microbiological study about organic solid residues used in pig feeding / Estudo nutricional e microbiológico de resíduos sólidos orgânicos utilizados na alimentação de suínos

Background: Finding alternative foods that the meet nutritional and energetic requirements of pigs, with less costs andwithout affecting negatively the performance of the animals, is a must in order to achieve a better production efficiencyand to maintain the market prices. In Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil there is a group of pig farmers that is part of a city hallsproject, in which organic solid waste (OSW) is reused in pig feeding. This waste is composed of leftovers from the prepreparation of food and of unused food from units preparing and serving food (USA). This study aimed at evaluating thenutritional composition of this waste for utilization in pig feeding, as well as its microbiological aspects.Materials, Methods & Results: Organic solid waste generated in 14 units of a “self service” food store from a shoppingmall were sampled. The samples were homogenized in each collection, resulting in four compound samples. Dry matter(MS), ashes (CZ), crude fat (GB), crude fiber (FB), crude protein (PB), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), organic matter(MO), nitrogen-free extract (ENN), total digestive nutrients (NDT), digestible energy (ED), metabolizable energy (EM)contents and pH were determined. In order to analyze the data, Descriptive Statistics was used and the values were compared with those found in Brazilian tables for poultry and pigs. We verified average contents of 78.76% moisture; 3.97%PB; 0.52% FB; 4.2% EE; 13.21% ENN: 0.18% Ca; 0.15% P, 924 kcal/kg ED and 756 Kcal/kg EM. It was calculated that10 kg.animal-1 OSW is necessary for the grow phase (30 to 70 kg of live weight). In the finish stage...(AU)

Nutritional and microbiological study about organic solid residues used in pig feeding / Estudo nutricional e microbiológico de resíduos sólidos orgânicos utilizados na alimentação de suínos

Background: Finding alternative foods that the meet nutritional and energetic requirements of pigs, with less costs andwithout affecting negatively the performance of the animals, is a must in order to achieve a better production efficiencyand to maintain the market prices. In Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil there is a group of pig farmers that is part of a city hall’sproject, in which organic solid waste (OSW) is reused in pig feeding. This waste is composed of leftovers from the prepreparation of food and of unused food from units preparing and serving food (USA). This study aimed at evaluating thenutritional composition of this waste for utilization in pig feeding, as well as its microbiological aspects.Materials, Methods & Results: Organic solid waste generated in 14 units of a “self service” food store from a shoppingmall were sampled. The samples were homogenized in each collection, resulting in four compound samples. Dry matter(MS), ashes (CZ), crude fat (GB), crude fiber (FB), crude protein (PB), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), organic matter(MO), nitrogen-free extract (ENN), total digestive nutrients (NDT), digestible energy (ED), metabolizable energy (EM)contents and pH were determined. In order to analyze the data, Descriptive Statistics was used and the values were compared with those found in Brazilian tables for poultry and pigs. We verified average contents of 78.76% moisture; 3.97%PB; 0.52% FB; 4.2% EE; 13.21% ENN: 0.18% Ca; 0.15% P, 924 kcal/kg ED and 756 Kcal/kg EM. It was calculated that10 kg.animal-1 OSW is necessary for the grow phase (30 to 70 kg of live weight). In the finish stage...