Phytochemical analysis and anthelmintic activity of Combretum mucronatum leaf extract against infective larvae of soil-transmitted helminths including ruminant gastrointestinal nematodes.

BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infect more than a quarter of the world's human population. In the absence of vaccines for most animal and human gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), treatment of infections primarily relies on anthelmintic drugs, while resistance is a growing threat. Therefore, there is a need to find alternatives to current anthelmintic drugs, especially those with novel modes of action. The present work aimed to study the composition and anthelmintic activity of Combretum mucronatum leaf extract (CMLE) by phytochemical analysis and larval migration inhibition assays, respectively. METHODS: Combretum mucronatum leaves were defatted with petroleum ether and the residue was extracted by ethanol/water (1/1) followed by freeze-drying. The proanthocyanidins and flavonoids were characterized by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). To evaluate the inhibitory activity of this extract, larval migration assays with STH and GIN were performed. For this purpose, infective larvae of the helminths were, if necessary, exsheathed (Ancylostoma caninum, GIN) and incubated with different concentrations of CMLE. RESULTS: CMLE was found to be rich in flavonoids and proanthocyanidins; catechin and epicatechin were therefore quantified for standardization of the extract. Data indicate that CMLE had a significant effect on larval migration. The effect was dose-dependent and higher concentrations (1000 µg/mL) exerted significantly higher larvicidal effect (P < 0.001) compared with the negative control (1% dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO) and lower concentrations (≤ 100 µg/ml). Infective larvae of Ascaris suum [half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 5.5 µg/mL], Trichuris suis (IC50 = 7.4 µg/mL), and A. caninum (IC50 = 18.9 µg/mL) were more sensitive to CMLE than that of Toxocara canis (IC50 = 310.0 µg/mL), while infective larvae of Toxocara cati were largely unaffected (IC50 > 1000 µg/mL). Likewise, CMLE was active against most infective larvae of soil-transmitted ruminant GIN, except for Cooperia punctata. Trichostrongylus colubriformis was most sensitive to CMLE (IC50 = 2.1 µg/mL) followed by Cooperia oncophora (IC50 = 27.6 µg/mL), Ostertagia ostertagi (IC50 = 48.5 µg/mL), Trichostrongylus axei (IC50 = 54.7 µg/mL), Haemonchus contortus (IC50 = 145.6 µg/mL), and Cooperia curticei (IC50 = 156.6 µg/mL). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that CMLE exhibits promising anthelmintic properties against infective larvae of a large variety of soil-transmitted nematodes.

Application of the SeDeM system for the preparation of antiparasitic tablets from mesquite flour for use in sheep.

The use of herbal medicine to treat various diseases is becoming increasingly important as an alternative therapy. Numerous plants have been traditionally used for different purposes, including antiparasitic in humans and animals. Diseases caused by gastrointestinal parasites in ruminants, especially by the nematode Haemonchus contortus, cause large economic losses to the producers, whether by complications of the diseases or the cost of treatment. The main way of handling nematodiasis is by administering anthelmintic drugs, but their excessive use has the disadvantage of causing drug resistance; therefore, an alternative is the use of herbal medicine for this purpose. Mesquite (Prosopis spp.) has been used in Mexico to treat gastrointestinal diseases attributed to helminths. The present study aimed to characterize the rheological properties of mesquite flour using the SeDeM Expert System to determine its suitability for tablet production by direct compression. Direct compression technology facilitates the tableting process by reducing manufacturing costs. The results of the present study indicate that mesquite flour can be processed by direct compression. The latter could allow the manufacturing of economic tablets to treat infections by H. contortus in ruminants.

Enteric methane emission reduction potential of natural feed supplements in ewe diets.

Research into the potential use of various dietary feed supplements to reduce methane (CH4) production from ruminants has proliferated in recent years. In this study, two 8-wk long experiments were conducted with mature ewes and incorporated the use of a variety of natural dietary feed supplements offered either independently or in combination. Both experiments followed a randomized complete block design. Ewes were offered a basal diet in the form of ad libitum access to grass silage supplemented with 0.5 kg concentrates/ewe/d. The entire daily dietary concentrate allocation, incorporating the respective feed supplement, was offered each morning, and this was followed by the daily silage allocation. In experiment 1, the experimental diets contained 1) no supplementation (CON), 2) Ascophyllum nodosum (SW), 3) A. nodosum extract (EX1), 4) a blend of garlic and citrus extracts (GAR), and 5) a blend of essential oils (EO). In experiment 2, the experimental diets contained 1) no supplementation (CON), 2) A. nodosum extract (EX2), 3) soya oil (SO), and 4) a combination of EX2 and SO (EXSO). Twenty ewes per treatment were individually housed during both experiments. Methane was measured using portable accumulation chambers. Rumen fluid was collected at the end of both experiments for subsequent volatile fatty acid (VFA) and ammonia analyses. Data were analyzed using mixed models ANOVA (PROC MIXED, SAS v9.4). Statistically significant differences between treatment means were considered when P < 0.05. Dry matter intake was not affected by diet in either experiment (P > 0.05). Ewes offered EO tended to have an increased feed:gain ratio relative to CON (P < 0.10) and SO tended to increase the average daily gain (P < 0.10) which resulted in animals having a higher final body weight (P < 0.05) than CON. Ewes offered EX1 and SO emitted 9% less CH4 g/d than CON. The only dietary treatment to have an effect on rumen fermentation variables relative to CON was SW, which enhanced total VFA production (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the A. nodosum extract had inconsistent results on CH4 emissions whereby EX1 reduced CH4 g/d while EX2 had no mitigating effect on CH4 production, likely due to the differences in PT content reported for EX1 and EX2. SO was the only dietary feed supplement assessed in the current study that enhanced animal performance whilst mitigating daily CH4 production.

Reducing methane emissions from agriculture is vital to minimize the effects of global warming and to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets set by EU policy. In this experiment, a range of natural feed supplements were offered to mature ewes through the concentrated portion of their diet. Soya oil and brown seaweed extract reduced daily methane emissions by 9% when offered independently of each other; however, no reduction in methane was observed when combined. Additionally, inclusion of soya oil improved animal weight gain. Results from the current experiment may contribute to the development of a targeted dietary strategy to reduce methane emissions from livestock.

Can freshwater plants and algae act as an effective feed supplement to reduce methane emissions from ruminant livestock?

Methane production by livestock is a substantial component of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. The marine red algae, Asparagopsis taxiformis, has been identified as a possible supplement in livestock feeds due to its potent inhibition of methane production but currently is unable to be produced at scale. Finding additional taxa that inhibit methane production is therefore desirable. Here we provide foundational evidence of methanogenesis-inhibiting properties in Australian freshwater plants and algae, reviewing candidate species and testing species' chemical composition and efficacy in vitro. Candidate plant species and naturally-occurring algal mixes were collected and assessed for ability to reduce methane in batch testing and characterised for biochemical composition, lipids and fatty acids, minerals and DNA. We identified three algal mixes and one plant (Montia australasica) with potential to reduce methane yield in in vitro batch assay trials. All three algal mixes contained Spirogyra, although additional testing would be needed to confirm this alga was responsible for the observed activity. For the two samples that underwent multiple dose testing, Algal mix 1 (predominantly Spirogyra maxima) and M. australasica, there seems to be an optimum dose but sources, harvesting and storage conditions potentially determine their methanogenesis-inhibiting activity. Based on their compositions, fatty acids are likely to be acting to reduce methane in Algal mix 1 while M. australasica likely contains substantial amounts of the flavonoids apigenin and kaempferol, which are associated with methane reduction. Based on their mineral composition, the samples tested would be safe for livestock consumption at an inclusion rate of 20%. Thus, we identified multiple Australian species that have potential to be used as a feed supplement to reduce methane yield in livestock which may be suitable for individual farmers to grow and feed, reducing complexities of supply associated with marine alternatives and suggesting avenues for investigation for similar species elsewhere.

Challenges and opportunities for reducing anthelmintic use in ruminant livestock systems: Insights from a sheep farmer survey in France.

Today's level of anthelmintic use in livestock production is a major threat to both the livestock industry and the environment. In this context, the research community is looking for ways to equip farmers with preventive and treatment strategies that can decrease livestock-industry dependence on anthelmintics. Production practices for a sustainable control of parasites have been advocated for almost forty years, but farmers' uptake of these practices has been too slow to address the issues at stake. In this paper, we examine the rationales behind the under-adoption of sustainable worm control practices in grassland-based livestock systems. This research builds on 25 semi-structured interviews with dairy sheep farmers in southwestern France. The interview material was analysed via qualitative discourse analysis. We highlight farmers' social representations and rationales underpinning adoption or non-adoption of the 'low anthelmintics use' strategy. We identify six profiles for nematode control according to the way each farmer included treatment and coprology in their on-farm practice. We identify that the low-use strategy has low adoption potential due to its low perceived relative advantage; low perceived trialability; unclear compatibility with previous experiences, needs, and values; and higher complexity than the status quo option. We show that holistic, pro-environmental, and collaborative attitudes are associated with adoption of the low-use strategy. We then discuss ways to improve uptake, such as increased communication, trainings, and farm visits involving farmers, extension agents and veterinarians.

Discrimination of different feed additives and poly-herbal formulations based on their untargeted phytochemical profiles.

INTRODUCTION: Feed additives represents a valid tool in animal nutrition to improve animal performance and livestock productivity under a sustainable perspective; however, there is a paucity of information about their comprehensive metabolomic and bioactive profiles. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we tested the ability of an untargeted metabolomics approach to discriminate nine commercial feed additives and unique blends of botanical extracts used in both ruminant and non-ruminant nutrition, according to their phytochemical profiles and different in vitro bioactive properties. METHODS: An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Orbitrap mass spectrometry and multivariate statistics were combined to search for potential markers, in order to better discriminate the different commercial samples. RESULTS: Several phytochemicals were identified, namely alkaloids, phenolics, organosulfurs, and terpenoids. The polyherbal formulation Zigbir was the best source of phytochemicals, accounting for a cumulative total content of phytochemicals equal to 3.03 mg Eq./g, being particularly abundant in terpenoids, stilbenes, phenolic acids, and small-molecular-weight phenolics. Multivariate statistics allowed to group the different products in 2 bioactive subclusters. The diterpenoid andrographolide recorded the highest abundance in Zigbir and Sangrovit. The most predictive biomarkers were: piperine, isoquercitrin, 6-methylthiohexyldesulfoglucosinolate, 6-methylumbelliferone, benzoic acid, (+)-(1R,2R)-1,2-diphenylethane-1,2-diol, and piperitenone. Flavonoids were highly correlated with both in vitro antioxidant and enzyme inhibition assays. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide new insights into the comprehensive phytochemical composition of commercial feed additives and blend of botanical extracts used for both ruminant and non-ruminant nutrition. A great importance of polyphenols in relation to the biological activities was detected.

Interventions to change antimicrobial use in livestock: A scoping review and an impact pathway analysis of what works, how, for whom and why.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a public health threat responsible for 700,000 deaths per year worldwide. Antimicrobial use (AMU) in livestock contributes to AMR in animal and public health. Therefore, it is essential to implement effective interventions towards better AMU in livestock. However, there is a lack of evidence to inform decision-makers of what works, how, for whom and why and how effective interventions can be adapted to different contexts. We conducted a scoping review and an impact pathway analysis to systematically map the research done in this area and to inform evidence-based and context-appropriate policies. We followed the PRISMA-ScR requirements and searched Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus databases to identify studies in English or French languages, in open access and published between 2000 and 2022. We selected thirty references addressing twenty-eight different interventions that were successful in changing AMU in livestock. We used an impact pathway logic model as an analytic framework to guide the technical aspects of the scoping review process and to identify the complex relationships between outputs, outcomes, impacts and contextual factors. A majority of interventions managed to improve AMU by changing herd and health management practices (ni=18). We identified intermediate outcomes including change in the veterinarian-farmer relationship (ni=7), in knowledge and perception (ni=6), and in motivation and confidence (ni=1). Twenty-two studies recorded positive impacts on animal health and welfare (ni=11), technical performances (ni=9), economic performances (ni=4) and AMR reduction (ni=4). Interventions implemented different strategies including herd and health management support (ni=20), norms and standards (ni=11), informational and educational measures (ni=10), economic support (ni=5). Studies were mainly in European countries and in pig and large ruminants farming. Most interventions targeted farmers or veterinarians but we identified other major and influential actors including authority and governmental organizations, academics and research, organization of producers or veterinarians, herd advisors and technicians, laboratories, and public opinion. Key success factors were knowledge and perception (ni=14), social factors (ni=13), intervention characteristics (ni=11), trajectory and ecosystem of change (ni=11), economic factors (ni=9), herd and health status (ni=8), data access and monitoring (ni=4). This review describes a paucity of impact assessment of interventions towards better AMU in livestock. There is no one-size-fits-all transition pathway but we inform decision-makers about the most successful interventions that work, how, for whom and why. The impact pathway analysis provided a holistic view of the successful change processes and the complex relationships between outputs, outcomes, impacts and contexts.

Modulation of feed digestibility, nitrogen metabolism, energy utilisation and serum biochemical indices by dietary Ligularia virgaurea supplementation in Tibetan sheep.

Ligularia virgaurea is the most widely functional native herbage in the alpine meadow pastures of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and has multiple pharmacological and biological activities. The effect of L. virgaurea as a dietary component on the digestion and metabolism of sheep was evaluated by conducting feeding trials in metabolic cages. Thirty-two Tibetan yearling rams (29 ± 1.56 kg BW) were randomly allotted to four groups included in a completely randomised design with eight animals per treatment. Sheep were fed a basal diet (freshly native pasture) without the addition of L. virgaurea (control) or with the addition of L. virgaurea (100, 200, or 300 mg/kg BW per day) for 45 days. Addition of L. virgaurea to the diet of Tibetan sheep was found to influence the average daily gain (quadratic [Q], P < 0.001), feed conversion ratio (Q, P = 0.002), CH4 emissions (linear [L], P = 0.029), DM (Q, P = 0.012), neutral detergent fibre (Q, P = 0.017), acid detergent fibre (ADF) (Q, P = 0.027), and ether extract (EE) intake (Q, P = 0.026). Apparently, different levels of L. virgaurea affected the digestibility coefficients of DM, ADF, and EE (L, P > 0.05; Q, P < 0.05). The nitrogen (N) intake (Q, P = 0.001), retained nitrogen (Q, P < 0.001), and N utilisation efficiency (L, P > 0.05; Q, P ≤ 0.001) were also affected by the dietary inclusion of L. virgaurea. Effects of L. virgaurea feeding were also witnessed on methane energy (CH4-E) (L, P = 0.029), gross energy (GE) (Q, P = 0.013), digestible energy (DE) (Q, P = 0.015), and metabolisable energy (ME) intake (Q, P = 0.015). Energy utilisation efficiency expressed as a proportion of GE intake (DE/GE intake, ME/GE intake, ME/DE intake, FE/GE intake, and CH4-E/GE intake) manifested quadratic changes (P < 0.05) with the increase in the L. virgaurea supplementation level. The addition of L. virgaurea increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (Q, P = 0.026) and glutathione peroxidase activity (Q, P = 0.039) in the serum. Overall, the greatest improvement of feed digestibility, N retention, energy utilisation, and antioxidant capacity of Tibetan sheep was yielded by the inclusion of 200 mg/kg BW per day of L. virgaurea. Therefore, the addition of an appropriate amount of L. virgaurea to the diet of Tibetan sheep is safe and natural, and may enhance the sustainability of small ruminant production systems in QTP areas.

Vitamins and Trace Minerals in Ruminants: Confinement Feedlot.

Trace minerals and vitamins are essential for optimizing feedlot cattle growth, health, and carcass characteristics. Understanding factors that influence trace mineral and vitamin absorption and metabolism is important when formulating feedlot cattle diets. Current feedlot industry supplementation practices typically exceed published trace mineral requirements by a factor of 2 to 4. Therefore, the intent of this review is to briefly discuss the functions of trace minerals and vitamins that are typically supplemented in feedlot diets and to examine the impact of dose of trace mineral or vitamin on growth performance, health, and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle.

Multi-Omics Reveals the Impact of Exogenous Short-Chain Fatty Acid Infusion on Rumen Homeostasis: Insights into Crosstalk between the Microbiome and the Epithelium in a Goat Model.

Emerging data have underscored the significance of exogenous supplementation of butyrate in the regulation of rumen development and homeostasis. However, the effects of other short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetate or propionate, has received comparatively less attention, and the consequences of extensive exogenous SCFA infusion remain largely unknown. In our study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation by infusion of three SCFAs to examine their respective roles in regulating the rumen microbiome, metabolism, and epithelium homeostasis. Data demonstrated that the infusion of sodium acetate (SA) increased rumen index while also promoting SCFA production and absorption through the upregulation of SCFA synthetic enzymes and the mRNA expression of SLC9A1 gene. Moreover, both SA and sodium propionate infusion resulted in an enhanced total antioxidant capacity, an increased concentration of occludin, and higher abundances of specific rumen bacteria, such as "Candidatus Saccharimonas," Christensenellaceae R-7, Butyrivibrio, Rikenellaceae RC9 gut, and Alloprevotella. In addition, sodium butyrate (SB) infusion exhibited positive effects by increasing the width of rumen papilla and the thickness of the stratum basale. SB infusion further enhanced antioxidant capacity and barrier function facilitated by cross talk with Monoglobus and Incertae Sedis. Furthermore, metabolome and transcriptome data revealed distinct metabolic patterns in rumen contents and epithelium, with a particular impact on amino acid and fatty acid metabolism processes. In conclusion, our data provided novel insights into the regulator effects of extensive infusion of the three major SCFAs on rumen fermentation patterns, antioxidant capacity, rumen barrier function, and rumen papilla development, all achieved without inducing rumen epithelial inflammation. IMPORTANCE The consequences of massive exogenous supplementation of SCFAs on rumen microbial fermentation and rumen epithelium health remain an area that requires further exploration. In our study, we sought to investigate the specific impact of administering high doses of exogenous acetate, propionate, and butyrate on rumen homeostasis, with a particular focus on understanding the interaction between the rumen microbiome and epithelium. Importantly, our findings indicated that the massive infusion of these SCFAs did not induce rumen inflammation. Instead, we observed enhancements in antioxidant capacity, strengthening of rumen barrier function, and promotion of rumen papilla development, which were facilitated through interactions with specific rumen bacteria. By addressing existing knowledge gaps and offering critical insights into the regulation of rumen health through SCFA supplementation, our study holds significant implications for enhancing the well-being and productivity of ruminant animals.

Alternatives to antibiotics in veterinary medicine: considerations for the management of Johne's disease.

Antibiotic resistance has become a major health concern globally, with current predictions expecting deaths related to resistant infections to surpass those of cancer by 2050. Major efforts are being undertaken to develop derivative and novel alternatives to current antibiotic therapies in human medicine. What appears to be lacking however, are similar efforts into researching the application of those alternatives, such as (bacterio)phage therapy, in veterinary contexts. Agriculture is still undoubtedly the most prominent consumer of antibiotics, with up to 70% of annual antibiotic usage attributed to this sector, despite policies to reduce their use in food animals. This not only increases the risk of resistant infections spreading from farm to community but also the risk that animals may acquire species-specific infections that subvert treatment. While these diseases may not directly affect human welfare, they greatly affect the profit margin of industries reliant on livestock due to the cost of treatments and (more frequently) the losses associated with animal death. This means actively combatting animal infection not only benefits animal welfare but also global economies. In particular, targeting recurring or chronic conditions associated with certain livestock has the potential to greatly reduce financial losses. This can be achieved by developing novel diagnostics to quickly identify ill animals alongside the design of novel therapies. To explore this concept further, this review employs Johne's disease, a chronic gastroenteritis condition that affects ruminants, as a case study to exemplify the benefits of rapid diagnostics and effective treatment of chronic disease, with particular regard to the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of phage.

Low antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolates from two large Austrian alpine karstic spring catchments.

The increasing occurrence of antibiotic resistant bacteria poses a threat to global public health. Clinically relevant resistances also spread through the environment. Aquatic ecosystems in particular represent important dispersal pathways. In the past, pristine water resources have not been a study focus, although ingestion of resistant bacteria through water consumption constitutes a potentially important transmission route. This study assessed antibiotic resistances in Escherichia coli populations in two large well-protected and well-managed Austrian karstic spring catchments representing essential groundwater resources for water supply. E. coli were detected seasonally only during the summer period. By screening a representative number of 551 E. coli isolates from 13 sites in two catchments, it could be shown that the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in this study area is low. 3.4 % of the isolates showed resistances to one or two antibiotic classes, 0.5 % were resistant to three antibiotic classes. No resistances to critical and last-line antibiotics were detected. By integrating fecal pollution assessment and microbial source tracking, we could infer that ruminants were the main hosts for antibiotic resistant bacteria in the studied catchment areas. A comparison with other studies on antibiotic resistances in karstic or mountainous springs highlighted the low contamination status of the model catchments studied here, most likely due to the high protection and careful management while other, less pristine catchments showed much higher antibiotic resistances. We demonstrate that studying easily accessible karstic springs allows a holistic view on large catchments concerning the extent and origin of fecal pollution as well as antibiotic resistance. This representative monitoring approach is also in line with the proposed update of the EU Groundwater Directive (GWD).

Phytochemical profile and nematicidal activity of a hydroalcoholic extract from Cazahuate flowers (Ipomoea pauciflora M. Martens & Galeotti) against Haemonchus contortus infective larvae.

Haemonchus contortus (Hc) is a hematophagous parasite affecting the health and productivity of flocks. The administration of chemical anthelmintic drugs (AH) is the common method of deworming; however, generates resistance in the parasites to AH and it is a public health risk due to drug residues in milk, meat and sub-products. Natural compounds from plants are explored to diminish this parasitosis, improving their health and productivity, without the negative effects of AH. Ipomoea genus is a group of climbing plants belonging to the Convulvulaceae family possessing perennial leaves and tuberous roots. Medicinal properties has been attributed to this plant including nutritional agents, emetics, diuretics, diaphoretics, purgatives and pesticides. The objective of this study was assessing the in vitro nematocidal activity of a hydroalcoholic extract (HA-E) obtained from Ipomoea pauciflora (Cazahuate) flowers against Hc infective larvae (L3) and to identify its phytochemical profile (PhC-P). The assay was carried out using microtiter plates (MTP). Four HA-E concentrations were assessed and Ivermectin and distilled water were used as positive and negative control groups, respectively. Approximately 100 Hc L3 were deposited in each well (n=12) and incubated at 25-35°C for 7 days. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and a General Linear Model (GLM) followed by Tukey test (P<0.05). The treatments showing a concentration-dependent effect (CDE) were analyzed to identify their 50% and 90% lethal concentrations (CL50, 90) via a Probit Analysis. The highest mortality was observed at 50 mg/mL (82.64 ± 0.71%) and the lowest at 6.25 mg/mL (56.46 ± 2.49%), showing a CDE with increasing mortality from 6.25 to 50 mg/mL. The PhC-P revealed the presence of alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, tannins and triterpenes/ sterols. A HA-E from flowers of I. pauciflora will be considered to assess its potential use in the control of haemonchosis in small ruminants.

In vivo experimentally study the effect of Nigella Sativa silver nanoparticles for treatment of salmonella species causing diarrhea in ruminants.

Salmonellais one of the main etiological agents of infectious diarrhea in large and small ruminants but emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains faster rate than previously, leads to develop of MDR strains among animals needs different alternative therapeutic strategies. Our study was aimed to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa silver nanoparticles (NS AgNPs) on specific pathogen-free (SPF) Wister rats. Nigella sativa silver nanoparticles were prepared and confirmed their formation by optical observations, UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Rats in group G2 were infected experimentally with Salmonella spp and treated with ciprofloxacin orally for duration of 6 days at a dose rat 10 mg/kg. On the other hand, rats in group G1 were infected with salmonella and treated for 20 days with NS AgNPs in oral dose of (10 mg/kg rats), and the results were compared to control groups G3 which received bacterial infection without treatment and G4 control negative. The results of optical observation, UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM, and SEM revealed typical characteristics of prepared NS AgNPs. Liver, kidney function biomarkers, hematologic analysis, and histological examination the tissues of liver, kidney, and stomach of rat's model improved that NS AgNPs has antimicrobial effect and has the ability to decrease the inflammatory reaction caused by Salmonella spp infection. The results of our study indicate that NS AgNPs are effective in controlling MDR Salmonella spp in vivo without causing any adverse effects. Moreover, our findings suggest that reducing the use of antimicrobials could be a key factor in the fight against antimicrobial resistance and can provide valuable insights into identifying the most appropriate treatment strategies to tackle this issue effectively in the future.

Effects of duration of exposure, co-supplementation with iron and Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection on accumulation of trichloroacetic acid-insoluble copper in rats given molybdate in drinking water.

Thiolation can convert molybdate (MoO4) into a series of thiomolybdates (MoSxO4-x) in the rumen, terminating in tetrathiomolybdate (MoS4), a potent antagonist of copper absorption and, if absorbed, donor of reactive sulphide in tissues. Systemic exposure to MoS4 increases trichloroacetic acid-insoluble copper (TCAI Cu) concentrations in the plasma of ruminants and induction of TCAI Cu in rats given MoO4 in drinking water would support the hypothesis that rats, like ruminants, can thiolate MoO4. Data on TCAI Cu are presented from two experiments involving MoO4 supplementation that had broader objectives. In experiment 1, plasma Cu concentrations (P Cu) tripled in female rats infected with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis after only 5 days exposure to drinking water containing 70 mg Mo L-1, due largely to an increase in TCAI Cu; activities of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and plasma caeruloplasmin oxidase (CpOA) were unaffected. Exposure for 45-51 days did not raise P Cu further but TCA-soluble (TCAS) Cu concentrations increased temporarily 5 days post infection (dpi) and weakened the linear relationship between CpOA and TCAS Cu. In experiment 2, infected rats were given less MoO4 (10 mg Mo L-1), with or without iron (Fe, 300 mg L-1), for 67 days and killed 7 or 9 dpi. P Cu was again tripled by MoO4 but co-supplementation with Fe reduced TCAI Cu from 65 ± 8.9 to 36 ± 3.8 µmol L-l. Alone, Fe and MoO4 each reduced TCAS Cu in females and males when values were higher (7 and 9 dpi, respectively). Thiolation probably occurred in the large intestine but was inhibited by precipitation of sulphide as ferrous sulphide. Fe alone may have inhibited caeruloplasmin synthesis during the acute phase response to infection, which impacts thiomolybdate metabolism.

Two in vitro anthelmintic assays of four Paraguayan medicinal plants for proof of concept of the role of polyphenols in their biological activities and LC-HRMS analysis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) control in small ruminants has relied on the systematic use of synthetic anthelmintics (AH), their effectiveness has been progressively decreasing due to the rise and diffusion of anthelmintic resistances. The most prevalent genera affecting small ruminants were Haemonchus spp., and Trichostrongylus spp. The investigation of new anthelmintics in plants is a highly studied option, especially when it is linked to ethnobotanical knowledge and phenolic compounds. THE AIMS OF OUR STUDY: Four medicinal plants mentioned in traditional medicine were selected to evaluate their anthelmintic proprieties at different stages of the life cycle of GIN, namely: Kyllinga odorata Valh., Cassia occidentalis L., Artemisia absinthium L, and Verbena litoralis Kunth and to explore the role of polyphenols in the AH activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate the anthelmintic activity in this study, two models of GIN species, namely Haemonchus contortus (Hc) and Trichostrongylus colubriformis (Tc) were selected and tested on two in vitro assays: 1) Larval Exsheathment Inhibition Assay (LEIA) and, 2) Egg Hatch Assay (EHA). To explore the role of tannins and polyphenols in AH activity by comparing the effects of LEIA and EHA with or without polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) and to characterize the phytochemical composition of the most active plants using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). RESULTS: C. occidentalis exhibited the highest activity on LEIA (EC50 = 250.42-41.80 µg/mL) and A. absinthium on egg hatching processes (EC50 = 121.70-137.34 µg/mL) in both species of GIN. The inhibition in the development of eggs was from 67.70% to 96.36% on H. contortus, and from 78.87% to 99.65% on T. colubriformis. At the maximal dose, Additionally, it was observed that the AH on eggs varies according to the GIN species: on H. contortus the extracts tested blocked the formation of larvae Ovicidal Effect (% higher OE) and on T. colubriformis they blocked the appearance of L1 larvae, Larvae Failing Eclosion (% higher LFE). After PVPP, a reduction in AH activity on LEIA and EHA was noted, especially with C. occidentalis (87.20-67.00% of larvae exsheathment, (p < 0.05) and 40.51-24.96% of egg hatching, (p > 0.05) of both parasite species. Nine putative features were identified using HRMS and MS/MS after addition of PVPP. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that C. occidentalis, A. absinthium, and K. odorata, which parts have been traditionally used as medicinal plants are a valuable source of active compounds with anthelmintic activity. The medicinal use of these plants against GIN parasites was proven by in vitro analysis. Therefore exploration of the secondary metabolites of these plant extracts and testing of isolated fractions of active compounds under in vivo experiments are planned and represent a specific challenge for alternative drug research. Regarding the PVPP, in this study we hypotheses about the standard doses it was not able to completely absorb the polyphenols of extracts of K. odorata, C. occidentalis, and A. absinthium, which would lead to more studies to evaluate the role of this product in the absorption of phenolic compounds.

Bioprospective Role of Ocimum sanctum and Solanum xanthocarpum against Emerging Pathogen: Mycobacterium avium Subspecies paratuberculosis: A Review.

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is a chronic, contagious, and typically life-threatening enteric disease of ruminants caused by a bacterium of the genus Mycobacterium, but it can also affect non-ruminant animals. MAP transmission occurs through the fecal-oral pathway in neonates and young animals. After infection, animals generate IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10, resulting in a Th2 response. Early detection of the disease is necessary to avoid its spread. Many detection methods, viz., staining, culture, and molecular methods, are available, and numerous vaccines and anti-tuberculosis drugs are used to control the disease. However, the prolonged use of anti-tuberculosis drugs leads to the development of resistance. Whereas vaccines hamper the differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals in an endemic herd. This leads to the identification of plant-based bioactive compounds to treat the disease. Bioactive compounds of Ocimum sanctum and Solanum xanthocarpum have been evaluated for their anti-MAP activity. Based on the MIC50 values, Ursolic acid (12 µg/mL) and Solasodine (60 µg/mL) were found to be suitable for anti-MAP activity.

Industrial and Ruminant Trans-Fatty Acids-Enriched Diets Differentially Modulate the Microbiome and Fecal Metabolites in C57BL/6 Mice.

Industrially originated trans-fatty acids (I-tFAs), such as elaidic acid (EA), and ruminant trans-fatty acids (R-tFAs), such as trans-palmitoleic acid (TPA), may have opposite effects on metabolic health. The objective was to compare the effects of consuming 2-3% I-tFA or R-tFA on the gut microbiome and fecal metabolite profile in mice after 7 and 28 days. Forty C57BL/6 mice were assigned to one of the four prepared formulations: lecithin nanovesicles, lecithin nanovesicles with EA or TPA, or water. Fecal samples and animals' weights were collected on days 0, 7, and 28. Fecal samples were used to determine gut microbiome profiles by 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolite concentrations by GC/MS. At 28 days, TPA intake decreased the abundance of Staphylococcus sp55 but increased Staphylococcus sp119. EA intake also increased the abundance of Staphylococcus sp119 but decreased Ruminococcaceae UCG-014, Lachnospiraceae, and Clostridium sensu stricto 1 at 28 days. Fecal short-chain fatty acids were increased after TPA while decreased after EA after 7 and 28 days. This study shows that TPA and EA modify the abundance of specific microbial taxa and fecal metabolite profiles in distinct ways.

C57bl/6 Mice Show Equivalent Taste Preferences toward Ruminant and Industrial Trans Fatty Acids.

Two distinct types of trans fatty acids (TFA) are found in the diet. Industrial TFA such as elaidic acid (EA) have deleterious effects on metabolic risk factors, and oppositely ruminant TFA including trans-palmitoleic acid (TPA) may have beneficial effects. The objective is to evaluate the taste preference between EA, TPA, lecithin or water. In this study, 24 female C57BL/6 mice were microchipped and placed in two separate IntelliCages®. Nano encapsulated TFA or lecithin were added to drinking water in different corners of the cage with normal diet. The study was carried out over 5 weeks, during which mice were exposed to water only (weeks 1 and 3), TFA or lecithin (week 2), and EA or TPA (weeks 4 and 5). Mice weights, corner visits, nose pokes (NP), and lick number were measured each week. The results demonstrated that mice consume more TFA, either EA or TPA, compared with lecithin. In addition, the mice licked more EA compared with TPA in one cage; conversely, in the other cage they licked more TPA compared with EA. However, when TFA positions were swapped, mice had equal licks for EA and TPA. In sum, mice preferred TFA, in equal matter compared with controls; therefore, the results demonstrate the potential for TFA-type substitution in diet.

Effect of dietary inclusion of tea residue and tea leaves on ruminal fermentation characteristics and methane production.

The aim of this study was to compare the differences of dietary tea leaves (TL) and tea residue (TR) inclusion on rumen fermentation characteristics and to explore whether TR could be an alternative feedstuff of ruminants. For these purposes, seven treatments consisted of two inclusion types (TL vs. TR) and three inclusion levels (g/g of dry matter basis) of 10% (TL10/TR10), 20% (TL20/TR20), and 30% (TL30/TR30) in each inclusion type, plus control group with inclusion of 0% (CON) were designed, with four replicates in each group, to conduct an in vitro ruminal fermentation test. Results showed that the contents of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber were higher in TR than TL, while TL contained more ether extract and crude ash than TR. Interaction effects between inclusion type and inclusion level were observed in concentrations of isobutyrate and microbial crude protein (MCP), as well as in gas production and digestibility of organic matter. Fermentation characteristics were significantly influenced by TL and TR depending on the inclusion level, except for the concentration of total branched-chain volatile fatty acid. These significant differences of fermentation characteristics due to inclusion level mainly focused on CON and tea inclusion, with higher values in CON than TR or TL groups. The total gas production during the 48-h incubation showed no differences among CON, TL10, and TR10. The inclusion of TR and TL decreased the production of methane. The concentration of MCP in CON, TR10 and TR30 was lower than TR20 and all TL groups. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of TR and TL possessed equivalent effect on rumen fermentation characteristics and methane production, substituting diet with TR or TL for over 10% would inhibit rumen fermentation despite positive effects in TR20 and all TL groups regarding more MCP and less methane production. This study indicates that special attention should be paid to the inclusion level of TR and TL when considering them as alternative feedstuffs of ruminants. Further in vivo study is needed to evaluate the applicability of tea residue as a feedstuff for production of ruminants.