The influence of copper levels on in vitro ruminal fermentation, bacterial growth and methane production.

BACKGROUND: Copper (Cu) is an essential microelement to the health and proper functioning of metabolic processes in animals, but the particular function of Cu in fermentation processes and the formation of methane (CH4 ) in the rumen have been poorly analyzed. The innovative aspect of this study was to investigate the effects of high doses of Cu as copper sulfate on in vitro ruminal degradation, fermentation patterns, and CH4 production. RESULTS: There was a decrease (P < 0.04) on in vitro dry matter (DM) and organic matter degradability from 60 to 100 µg Cu/g DM. Ammonia concentration decreased drastically with increasing Cu levels (linear effect, P < 0.01). Total bacteria and volatile fatty acids (quadratic effect, P < 0.02) were reduced with 80 and 100 µg Cu/g DM. Methane production (milliliters per gram digestible organic matter) was decreased when dosages of Cu were increased (linear effect, P < 0.003). CONCLUSION: Overall, the addition of increasing levels of Cu to 40 µg Cu/g DM did not have an adverse impact on ruminal bacteria growth and decreased CH4 production, without affecting the ruminal kinetics. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Growth performance and health of nursing lambs supplemented with inulin and Lactobacillus casei.

OBJECTIVE: This experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of Agave tequilana inulin and Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) on growth performace, hematological variables, serum metabolites, and total coliforms in nursing lambs. METHODS: The experimental design was completely randomized; treatments were T1, control (pre-starter concentrate, PC), T2: T1+2% inulin, and T3: T1+2% inulin+L. casei; treatments were compared with Tukey test (p≤0.05); and 45 new born Kathadin×Dorset lambs (4.8±0.8 kg birth weight) were the experimental units (15 per treatment). The variables were daily weight gain (DWG), dry matter intake and diarrheas incidence (%) during 56 d. Twenty-four hours after birth and at the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected to evaluate hematological variables and serum metabolites. Besides, the populations of total coliforms and lactobacilli were estimated in fecal samples. RESULTS: Addition of agave inulin and L. casei increased (p≤0.05) DWG 356, 384, and 415 g/d, weaning weight 24.92, 26.18, and 28.07 kg, as well as lactobacilli population 5.79, 6.32, and 6.48 Log10 cfu/g, for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Lambs fed L. casei had decreased (p≤0.05) populations of total coliforms (T1 = 6.18, T2 = 5.77, and T3 = 5.07 Log10 cfu/g), diarrheas incidence (T1 = 11.67%, T2 = 8.33%, and T3 = 5.0%), and serum cholesterol concentration (11% in T2 and 13% in T3, compared to control). CONCLUSION: The combination of Agave tequilana inulin and L. casei increases weight gain and improves intestinal health by reducing coliforms and diarrheas incidence in Katahdin× Dorset lambs during the pre-weaning period.

Effect of waste mango silage on the in vitro gas production, in situ digestibility, intake, apparent digestibility, and ruminal characteristics in calf diets.

Background and Aim: Mexico is the fifth largest producer of mangoes in the world. For the conservation of agro-industrial waste and crop residues, the ensiling technique has shown good results. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing the level of mango silage (86% waste mango and 14% pangola grass hay) in calf diets on in vitro gas production, in situ digestibility, intake, apparent digestibility, and ruminal characteristics. Materials and Methods: The diets contained 0 (T0), 30 (T1), 45 (T2), and 60% (T3) mango silage. The partial (24, 48, and 72 h) and cumulative (72 h) biogas, CH4 production, and degradation were determined in the in vitro evaluation. In situ digestibility and estimators of fermentation kinetics of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) were determined. Intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, and rumen parameters of calves (200 kg) were evaluated in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Response to increased mango silage was calculated by linear and quadratic orthogonal contrasts. Results: In vitro partial and cumulative biogas production decreased linearly (p < 0.05), and the partial and cumulative CH4 production did not show linear or quadratic contrast (p > 0.05); in vitro DM degradation, in vitro neutral detergent fiber degradation, and in vitro acid detergent fiber degradation showed a linear increase (p < 0.05). In situ dry matter digestibility (DMDis), in situ organic matter digestibility (OMDis), b, a + b, c, and effective digestibility (ED) of DMDis, a, a + b, c, and ED of OMDis increased linearly (p < 0.05). Dry matter intake, OM intake, and crude protein intake showed a linear increase (p < 0.05); NDF intake and ADF intake presented a quadratic behavior (p < 0.05). Apparent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, and hemicellulose, pH, N-NH3, total bacterial count, acetate, propionate, butyrate, volatile fatty acids, acetate: propionate ratio, cellulolytic bacteria, and protozoa did not present a linear or quadratic orthogonal effect (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The in vitro, in situ, and in vivo variables demonstrated that up to 60% mango silage can be used for the intensive fattening of calves in confinement.

Analysis of the Intestinal and Faecal Bacterial Microbiota of the Cervidae Family Using 16S Next-Generation Sequencing: A Review.

The Cervidae family has a wide distribution due to its adaptation to numerous ecological environments, which allows it to develop a diverse microbial community in its digestive tract. Recently, research has focused on the taxonomic composition and functionality of the intestinal and faecal microbiota of different cervid species worldwide, as well as their microbial diversity and variation under different associated factors such as age, sex, diet, distribution, and seasonal variation. In addition, there is special interest in knowing how cervids act as reservoirs of zoonotic pathogenic microorganisms, which represent a threat to public health. This review provides a synthesis of the growing field of microbiota determination in cervids worldwide, focusing on intestinal and faecal samples using 16S next-generation sequencing. It also documents factors influencing microbial diversity and composition, the microorganisms reported as pathogenic/zoonotic, and the perspectives regarding the conservation of these species. Knowing the interactions between bacteria and cervid health can drive management and conservation strategies for these species and help develop an understanding of their evolutionary history and the interaction with emerging disease-causing microorganisms.

Effect of Supranutritional Dosage Selenium in Neonatal Goat Kids on Productive Performance, Physicochemical Profiles in Meat, Selenium Levels in Tissues, and Histopathological Findings.

Selenium (Se) is an essential element and antioxidant that catalyzes the destruction of hydrogen peroxide formed during cellular oxidative metabolism. Doses of Se as selenomethionine (SeMe) by oral route are 0.1-0.3 mgSe/kg DM, while the dose by parenteral route with sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) is 0.1 mgSe/BW. The effects of supranutritional Se supplementation on normal kids have rarely been studied. The objective of the study was to evaluate both Se sources on growth performance, Se in tissues, histopathological findings, and meat characteristics. Forty-five kids of the Pastoreña breed with 25-day age were distributed (4.7 ± 1.13 kg) in three treatments: a) control group, C: consumption with goat milk (GM: containing 0.135 mgSe/g); b) NaSe: GM plus Na2SeO3 injectable, 0.25 mgSe/kg BW; c) SeMe: GM plus oral dosage, 0.3 mgSe as SeMe daily. Fifteen animals per treatment were slaughtered at 7, 14, and 21 days. Feed conversion improved (P < 0.05) with Se supplement (P < 0.05) at 7 and 14 days. SeMe had higher protein and fat meat content (P < 0.05). SeMe increased Se liver at 14 and 21 days. NaSe and SeMe had higher (P < 0.05) levels of Se kidney. SeMe-21d showed 42% mononuclear and periportal cell infiltration lesions. In conclusion, Se administered through milk in goat kids was insufficient to prevent nutritional muscular dystrophy. The supranutritional dose of 0.25 mg/kg as NaSe was sufficient to maintain the Se level in tissues. SeMe increased Se liver and kidney efficiently. Both Se sources improved the bioavailability of the mineral in kids.

Uso de disacáridos y carbón activado para preservar consorcios de bacterias ruminales celulolíticas liofilizadas / Use of disaccharides and activated carbon to preserve cellulolytic ruminal bacterial consortiums lyophilized

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar la fermentación in vitro de consorcios bacterianos ruminales celulolíticos (CBC) conservados por liofilización usando carbón activado, maltosa y lactosa como preservadores. Materiales y métodos. Un CBC se aisló de fluido ruminal de una búfala de agua en medios selectivos celulolíticos. Los CBC se liofilizaron con carbón activado (CA), lactosa (LA) o maltosa (MA) como preservadores y sin preservador (SP). El diseño experimental fue completamente al azar para medir biogás a diferentes intervalos de tiempo; así como, un diseño completamente al azar con arreglo factorial 4x3, los factores fueron preservadores (SP, CA, LA y MA) y tiempo de fermentación (24, 48 y 72 h) para pH, nitrógeno amoniacal (N-NH3), degradación de materia seca (DMS) y de fibra detergente neutro (DFDN), actividad enzimática celulasas y la población de bacterias totales. Resultados. LA produjo mayor biogás acumulado a las 72 h y parcial a partir de las 12 h (p≤0.05). SP no mostró diferencias (p>0.05) en celulasas, conteo de bacterias total, DMS y DFDN en los tiempos de fermentación evaluados con el resto de los preservadores. Conclusiones. La producción de biogás parcial y acumulada, el aumento en la tasa de degradación de 8.3 y 91.1 % en la DMS y DFDN de las 24 a 72 h (p≤0.05) con el preservador LA, muestran que la lactosa puede usarse como preservador de bacterias celulolíticas ruminales.

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine in vitro fermentation of cellulolytic ruminal bacterial consortia (CBC) preserved by lyophilization using activated carbon, maltose and lactose as preservatives. Materials and methods. A CBC was isolated from the ruminal fluid of a female water buffalo in selective cellulolytic media. The CBC were lyophilized without preservative (SP), activated carbon (CA), lactose (LA) o maltose (MA) as preservatives. The experimental design was completely random to measure biogas at different time intervals; as well as completely random with 4x3 factorial arrangement, factors were preservative [SP, CA, LA and MA] and fermentation time (24, 48 and 72 h) for pH, ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N), dry matter degradation (DMD), neutral detergent fiber degradation (NDFD), enzymatic activity cellulases and total bacteria population. Results. LA produced higher accumulated biogas at 72 h and partial biogas after 12 h (p≤0.05). SP did not show differences (p>0.05) in cellulases, total bacteria population, DMD and NDFD in the fermentation times evaluated with the rest of the preservative. Conclusions. The production of partial and accumulated biogas, the increase in the degradation rate of 8.3 and 91.1% in the DMD and NDFD from 24 to 72 h (p≤0.05) in the LA preservative, show that lactose can be used as a preservative of ruminal cellulolytic bacteria.

Respuesta productiva, fermentación cecal y morbilidad diarreica en conejos alimentados con complementos bacterianos de Clostridium sordellii o Peptostreptococcus tetradius / Productive response, cecal fermentation and diarrheic morbidity in rabbits fed with bacterial supplements of Clostridium sordellii or Peptostreptococcus tetradius

A bacterial strain of Clostridium sordellii and another one of Peptostreptococcus tetradius (isolated in a previous study, from the cecum of fattening rabbits) were evaluated as supplements, administered by means of food aspersion on a commercial feed for weaned fattening white New Zealand rabbits. The study was carried out in a rabbit fattening farm with 60% morbidity and 50% mortality due to unspecific diarrheas. Three experimental groups were formed: the first group was fed normal commercial feed, the second commercial feed inoculated with C. sordellii and the third, inoculated with P. tetradius. Daily weight gain, feed consumption and feed efficacy were evaluated during five weeks, and three tests of apparent digestibility were made. In addition, the mortality and the morbidity caused by unspecific diarrheas during the same period were quantified. After the rabbits were euthanized, total and cellulolytic bacteria concentration, pH and ammonium concentration were measured from samples taken from the cecal appendix, thirteenth cecal loop and colon. The results did not show significant difference (P > 0.05) between the treatments for any of the production variables measured. Statistical differences (P < 0.05) were found in pH and ammonium concentration in the cecal appendix between the group with C. sordellii and the other two groups, while in the thirteenth cecal loop differences were found (P < 0.05) in ammonium concentration between the group with P. tetradius and the other two groups. In regard to total bacteria, differences (P < 0.05) were found at the cecal appendix level between the control group and the one that received P. tetradius, and at the colon level between the group that received P. tetradius and the one that received C. sordelli. C. sordellii supplementation was associated with lower diarrheal morbidity (35%), as compared with that observed in the control group (80%), and that of the group receiving the P. tetradius supplement (80%) (P < 0.05).

Se evaluó una cepa bacteriana de Clostridium sordellii y otra de Peptostreptococcus tetradius (aisladas en un trabajo previo, a partir del ciego de conejos en engorda) como complementos, suministrados mediante aspersión en alimento comercial para conejos Nueva Zelanda, blancos, recién destetados y en etapa de engorda. El trabajo se llevó a cabo en un centro de engorda cunícola en el cual se presentaba morbilidad de 60% y mortalidad de 50% a causa de diarreas inespecíficas. Se crearon tres grupos experimentales: al primero se le proporcionó alimento comercial sin inocular, al segundo se le proporcionó alimento comercial adicionado con C. sordellii y al tercero, adicionado con P. tetradius. Se evaluó ganancia diaria de peso, consumo de alimento y eficiencia alimenticia durante cinco semanas, además se realizaron tres ensayos de digestibilidad aparente. Asimismo, se cuantificó la mortalidad y la morbilidad causada por diarreas inespecíficas durante el periodo señalado. Después del sacrificio de los conejos, se midió la concentración de bacterias totales y celulolíticas, pH y amonio en muestras del apéndice cecal, treceava asa cecal y colon. Los resultados no mostraron diferencia significativa (P > 0.05) entre los tratamientos para ninguna de las variables productivas medidas. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticas (P < 0.05) en el pH y la concentración de amonio a nivel del apéndice cecal entre el grupo al que se le suministró C. sordelliiy los dos grupos restantes, mientras que a nivel de la treceava asa cecal se encontraron diferencias (P < 0.05) en la concentración de amonio entre el grupo que recibió P. tetradius y los otros dos grupos. En lo referente a bacterias totales se encontraron diferencias (P < 0.05) a nivel de apéndice cecal entre el grupo testigo y el que recibió P. tetradius, y a nivel de colón distal entre el grupo que recibió C. sordellii y P. tetradius. La administración de C. sordelli estuvo asociada a una morbilidad diarreica más baja (35%) que la observada en el caso del grupo testigo (80%) y del grupo que recibió complemento de P. tetradius (80%) (P < 0.05).

Comportamiento Productivo y Fermentación Ruminal de Corderos Suplementados con Harina de Cocoíte (Gliricidia sepium), Morera (Morus alba) y Tulipán (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) / Productive Lambs Performance and Ruminal Fermentation Using Cocoíte (Gliricidia sepium), Morera (Morus alba) and Tulipan (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) Meal as Supplement

Para conocer el efecto de suplementación con harina de tres arbustivas forrajeras tropicales, en el comportamiento productivo y fermentación ruminal de corderos en crecimiento, se realizó un estudio durante 90 días, utilizando 30 corderos con encaste de Pelibuey y Black Belly (18,29 ± 1,56 kg PV), mantenidos en pastoreo continuo en estrella africana (Cynodon plestostachyus; 75,5% FDN y 6,1% PC) de 7:00 a.m. a 4:00 p.m, posteriormente los animales fueron alojados en corraletas individuales, proporcionándoles 200 g animal-1 d-1 de suplemento de acuerdo a los tratamientos (T) evaluados: T1 = sólo pastoreo (SP), T2 = T1+concentrado comercial (CC), T3 = T1+harina de cocoíte (Gliricidia sepium; HC), T4 = T1+harina de morera (Morus alba; HM) y T5 = T1+harina de tulipán (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis; HT). Las variables registradas fueron: consumo de suplemento y pasto, ganancia diaria de peso (GDP), digestibilidad aparente de materia seca del suplemento y del pasto. En fluido ruminal se midió pH, concentración de ácidos grasos volátiles, nitrógeno amoniacal, bacterias totales y protozoarios. El CC y la HT presentaron el mejor (P < 0,05) consumo de suplemento (CC, 181,6ª; HC, 97,7c; HM, 149,7b; HT, 167,2ab g d-1), de materia seca total (SP, 789,1b; CC, 976,8ª; HT, 941,8ª g d-1) y la mejor GDP (SP, 46,1b; CC, 81,6ª; HT, 77,1ª; g d-1). El CC propició la más alta (P < 0,05) digestibilidad aparente de la materia seca (DAMS, 60,97ª); en contraste la más baja (P < 0,05) DAMS se presentó con el uso de HC (SP, 49,27ab; CC, 54,00ª; HC, 48,52C; HM, 50,47ab; HT, 50,54ab). En las variables ruminales, no se observaron diferencias entre tratamientos para pH, nitrógeno amoniacal y AGV; solamente se registraron cambios (P < 0,05) en la concentración (1 × 10(8) mL-1) de bacterias totales (SP, 45,0ª; HM, 1,1b) y de protozoarios (SP, 20,73b; CC, 96,01ª; 1 × 10(4) mL-1). La harina de tulipán mostró una respuesta similar a la del CC. La menor respuesta se obtuvo con HC. Por lo anterior se recomienda HT como sustituto de CC para corderos en pastoreo en el trópico.

A study was carried out in order to determine the effect of a commercial feed and three different meals produced by tropical forage shrubs, on productive performance, digestibility and some rumen variables, when used as supplements for grazing lambs. Thirty crossbreed (Pelibuey X Black Belly) male lambs (18.29 ± 1.56 Kg BW), were used in a 90 d study. Animals were on continuous grazing of African star (Cynodon plestostachyus; (75.5% NDF, 6.1% CP) from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. After grazing animals were housed in individual pens and fed (200 g animal-1 d-1)any of four supplements, according to treatment: T1 = grazing (G); T2 = T1 + commercial concentrate (CC); T3 = T1 + cocoite meal (Gliricidia sepium; CM); T4 = T1 + morera meal (Morus alba; MM), and T5 = T1 + tulipan meal (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis; TM). Supplement and forage intake, dry matter digestibility and daily weight gain, were measured. Volatile fatty acids (VFA), ammonia nitrogen concentration, total bacteria and protozoa were determined in rumen liquor. Differences in supplement intake (P < 0.05) (CC, 181.6ª; CM, 97.7c; MM, 149.7b; TM, 167.2ab g d-1), dry matter intake (OG, 789.1b; CC, 976.8ª; TM, 941.8ª g d-1) and daily weight gain (OG, 46.1b; CC, 81.6ª; TM, 77.1ª; g d-1) were found. The highest (P < 0.05) percentage of dry matter digestibility (DMD) was found for CC (CC, 60.97ª). Forage DMD was the lowest for CM (OG, 49.27ab; CC, 54.00ª; CM, 48.52C; MM, 50.47ab; TM, 50.54ab). No differences (P > 0.05) were found for rumen pH, ammonia nitrogen and VFA concentration among treatments. Compared with OG treatment, supplementation with MM decreased (P < 0.05) total bacteria concentration (OG, 45.0ª vs MM, 1.1b × 10(8) mL-1)whilst CC increased protozoa concentration (OG, 20.73b vs CC, 96.01ª × 10(4) mL-1). Supplementation with TM showed similar results that those observed with CC. The lowest response was observed for CM and OG. It is concluded that TM can be used as a supplement instead of CC in the tropic for grazing lambs.

Poblaciones microbianas y fermentación en el ciego de conejos en crecimiento alimentados con inóculos de bacterias cecales / Microbial populations and fermentation in the blind man of rabbits in growth fed with inóculos of bacterias cecales

Para evaluar el efecto de dos inóculos bacterianos del ciego sobre la fermentación cecal de conejos en crecimiento y la digestibilidad total del alimento, se desarrolló un ensayo de crecimiento con 60 conejos de la raza Nueva Zelanda Blanco de 38 días de edad, asignados a tres tratamientos: T1= dieta comercial (testigo); T2= T1 más inóculo a base de Clostridium Sordellii; T3= T1 más inóculo a base de Peptostreptococcus tetradius. Se utilizó una concentración de 75 x 10 bacterias xg MS. En la 3ª y 5ª semanas experimentales se evaluó la digestibilidad in vivo. A los 77 días de edad los animales fueron sacrificados y se colectaron muestras del apéndice cecal (AC), 13ª asa cecal (TAC) y colon distal (CD) para determinar la concentración de bacterias totales (BT) y celulolíticas (BC), pH, NH y ácidos grasos volátiles (AGV). No se observaron cambios (p<0,05) en el primer ensayo de digestibilidad; sin embargo, en esegundo ensayo P. tetradius incrementó (p<0,05) la digestibilidad de la materia seca (MS), fibra detergente neutro y ácido. La concentración de BC aumentó (p<0,05) en ciego y CD. El pH no fue afectado, pero el NH se redujo (p<0,05) con P. tetradius en el ciego. La concentración de AGV aumentó (p<0,01) en ciego con el uso de inúculos. Los cambios en digestibilidad de MS y fibra se relacionaron con el incremento de las poblaciones microbianas en el ciego y colon de conejos que recibieron inóculos bacterianos, lo cual explicó la reducción de NH y el incremento de AGV