Trial data of the anti-obesity potential of a high resistant starch diet for canines using Dodamssal rice and the identification of discriminating markers in feces for metabolic profiling.

INTRODUCTION: Dodamssal rice (Oryza sativa L.) includes high levels of resistant starch (RS), which is a source of dietary fiber. Recently, there has been an increase in the prevalence of obesity in canines; however, the information regarding diet treatments for such a condition is inadequate. OBJECTIVES: Targeted metabolic profiles in canine feces were performed to identify potential biomarkers of RS and demonstrate the effect and potential use of Dodamssal rice as an anti-obesity treatment. METHODS: Study canines were divided into three groups and fed either a regular diet, high-fat diet (HFD), or high-fat diet with Dodamssal rice (DoHFD). Fecal metabolites were analyzed using gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry and a gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. Multivariate analyses were used to analyze and visualize the obtained data. RESULTS: A total of 52 metabolites were detected in the canine feces. In addition, HFD group feces contained a significantly low level of C12:0. The DoHFD group feces had higher levels of 4-aminobutyric acid, glucose, and 3-hydroxybutyric acid compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: For the first time, targeted metabolic profiling in the canine feces in response to three diets was performed. This metabolic profiling approach should be a useful tool to detect discriminating markers as well as assess the effect of diet compositions for anti-obesity treatment of canines. Furthermore, Dodamssal rice may possibly be used not only for canines, but also to treat obesity in other animals and humans.

Biodigestion System Made of Polyethylene and Polystyrene Insulator for Dog Farm (on the Example of the Republic of Chile).

Anaerobic digestion is a system that can have a high environmental impact through the use of different wastes to obtain biogas and its consequent use for the generation of renewable energy. The objective of this study was to implement a polyethylene biodigester, using polystyrene for thermal insulation in a dog kennel, using canine feces collected in the same place during a period of 5 months to obtain biogas and energy. The results indicated that biogas production started on day 30 and stopped during the winter period with low temperatures; therefore, from day 54 onwards, equine manure was added to continue producing biogas. Although biogas was obtained, the biodigester did not function optimally, due to the fact that the materials used in its construction did not provide efficient insulation from the low external temperatures; the low C/N ratio of the canine feces, which led to a reduction in the processing of the methanogenic bacteria; and the low amount of feces collected for use. In general, the use of a biodigester can provide a tool for the biological processing and management of organic waste, yielding a cumulative source of renewable energy and ensuring environmental safety.

Validation of DESS as a DNA Preservation Method for the Detection of Strongyloides spp. in Canine Feces.

Strongyloides stercoralis is a gastrointestinal parasitic nematode with a life cycle that includes free-living and parasitic forms. For both clinical (diagnostic) and environmental evaluation, it is important that we can detect Strongyloides spp. in both human and non-human fecal samples. Real-time PCR is the most feasible method for detecting the parasite in both clinical and environmental samples that have been preserved. However, one of the biggest challenges with PCR detection is DNA degradation during the postage time from rural and remote areas to the laboratory. This study included a laboratory assessment and field validation of DESS (dimethyl sulfoxide, disodium EDTA, and saturated NaCl) preservation of Strongyloides spp. DNA in fecal samples. The laboratory study investigated the capacity of 1:1 and 1:3 sample to DESS ratios to preserve Strongyloides ratti in spike canine feces. It was found that both ratios of DESS significantly prevented DNA degradation compared to the untreated sample. This method was then validated by applying it to the field-collected canine feces and detecting Strongyloides DNA using PCR. A total of 37 canine feces samples were collected and preserved in the 1:3 ratio (sample: DESS) and of these, 17 were positive for Strongyloides spp. The study shows that both 1:1 and 1:3 sample to DESS ratios were able to preserve the Strongyloides spp. DNA in canine feces samples stored at room temperature for up to 56 days. This DESS preservation method presents the most applicable and feasible method for the Strongyloides DNA preservation in field-collected feces.