Elements in Serum, Muscle, Liver, and Kidney of Rabbits Fed Macroalgae-Supplemented Diets.

The addition of marine macroalgae to animal feed has garnered interest due to the demonstrated benefits of gut health in many livestock species. Most macroalgae have a higher mineral content than terrestrial vegetables, making them an attractive, sustainable source of minerals. However, some macroalgae contain elevated concentrations of iodine and arsenic, which may be transferred to the meat of livestock fed with macroalgae. This study evaluated the mineral profile of rabbit serum, muscle, liver, and kidney of rabbits fed diets supplemented with different marine macroalgae, with the goal of improving post-weaning gut health and reducing reliance on antibiotics. We found increased deposition of iodine in muscle, liver, and kidney due to macroalgae supplementation, which is particularly promising for regions with low iodine endemicity. Higher, though relatively low arsenic concentrations, compared to those in other animal meats and food sources, were also detected in the muscle, liver, and kidney of macroalgae-fed rabbits. The absence of apparent interactions with other micronutrients, particularly selenium, suggests that the inclusion of macroalgae in rabbit diets will not affect the overall mineral content. Enhanced bioavailability of elements such as phosphorus and iron may provide additional benefits, potentially reducing the need for mineral supplementation.

Concentrations of Essential Trace and Toxic Elements Associated with Production and Manufacturing Processes in Galician Cheese.

The objective of this study was to determine the trace element composition and the toxic metal residues in Galician cow's milk cheese produced in different systems (artisan, industrial, and organic). Fourteen elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, I, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) were determined in 58 representative samples of Galician cheeses by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The toxic elements were present at low concentrations, similar to those reported for other unpolluted geographical areas. The essential elements were also within the normal range in cheeses. There were no statistically significant differences between smoked and unsmoked cheeses for any of the elements. Chemometric analyses (principal component analysis and cluster analysis) revealed that the industrial cheeses produced in Galicia using the milk from intensive dairy farms were different, in terms of elemental content, from artisan and organic cheeses, in which the elemental contents were similar.

Seasonal Variation of the Proximate Composition, Mineral Content, Fatty Acid Profiles and Other Phytochemical Constituents of Selected Brown Macroalgae.

The main objective was to determine the chemical, phytochemical, fatty acid and mineral profiles of three commercially relevant brown macroalgae (Laminaria digitata, Laminaria hyperborea and Ascophyllum nodosum) collected each season for two years off the west coast of Ireland. All the chemical, phytochemical, fatty acid and minerals analysed varied significantly depending on the macroalgal species, season and year of collection. Overall, the protein contents of macroalgae were negatively correlated with carbohydrate content. Protein (2-11%) was at its highest during winter and/or spring, decreasing to a minimum during summer and/or autumn. The three macroalgal species analysed in this study had clearly differentiated fatty acid profiles. The concentration of fatty acids was higher in A. nodosum compared with both Laminaria species. The mineral profile of the three macroalgal species was rich in essential metals, particularly Ca, Mg and P, while the levels of I were approximately 9- to 10-fold higher in both Laminaria spp. compared with A. nodosum. The levels of toxic metals (Cd, Hg and Pb) in all the macroalgal species studied were low in the current study; while the levels of total As were high (49-64 mg/kg DW macroalgae) compared with previous reports.

Breed performance in organic dairy farming in Northern Spain.

Organic farm management combines best environmental practices, a high level of biodiversity, preservation of natural resources and high animal welfare standards. To meet these criteria, farmers must have livestock well adapted to local organic conditions and information about how different breeds and crosses perform under different conditions. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of different pure breeds and cross-breeds of cattle in organic dairy systems in Northern Spain. The data analysed were obtained from monthly records kept between 2010 and 2016 on organic farms registered in the regional milk recording system. Analysis of various traits indicated that the Holstein-Friesian breed suits the organic production system in the study region. Although the reproductive performance of Holstein-Friesian cows was poorer (in terms of number of services per conception) than that of cross-breed and Brown Swiss cows, the Holstein-Friesian produced more milk and lived longer. In addition, there was no difference in calving type or calving ease between the different breed groups. The better milk fat and protein yields produced by the crosses may be useful traits for farmers interested in milk transformation. The advantage of continuing to use Holstein-Friesian cattle is that the breed is predominant worldwide, and the genealogy is well documented. If Holstein-Friesian cattle continue to be used, the main priority will be to search for well-adapted bulls (particularly for pasture-based conditions) and to elaborate a genetic merit index for organic and pasture-based systems with the aim of predicting and minimizing genotype × environment interactions.

Organic or conventional dairy farming in northern Spain: Impacts on cow reproductive performance.

Organic farming has traditionally given preference to indigenous breeds that are well adapted to local conditions; however, current trends towards increased yields may produce less robust animals with potentially low fertility. The Holstein-Friesian breed dominates dairy sector, although there is a general concern that these cows may not be well adapted to organic systems. This study aims to evaluate the reproductive performance of organic dairy herds in northern Spain, by comparing organically reared Holstein-Friesian with their counterparts reared on conventional farms and also with other organically reared breeds and crosses. Reproductive parameters were obtained for individual cows on organic, conventional pasture-based and conventional zero-grazing farms. The reproductive performance of Holstein-Friesian cows was slightly better in organic systems than in pasture-based conventional systems, but not than in zero-grazing conventional systems. The comparison of reproductive performance of Holstein-Friesian from organic and conventional systems and with other organically reared breeds and crosses enabled us to demonstrate that it is not the organic system that constrains the reproductive performance of Holstein-Friesian, but that the manifestation of oestrus is less marked than in other breeds. Breeding selection considering reproductive traits and appropriate management of oestrous detection would improve the reproductive performance of Holstein-Friesian cows.

Breeding for organic dairy farming: what types of cows are needed?

Organic farming is believed by many to be an environmentally friendly production system that promotes the use of local forage while strongly limiting the input of chemicals, including allopathic treatments. As organic dairy farming has grown, farmers have realised that many available conventional breeds of cow are not well adapted to the new situations and that more 'robust' cows, able to function well in the constraining organic environment, are needed to yield acceptable longevity and productivity. In this review paper, the current breed diversity in organic dairy farming is analysed with the aim of identifying the types of cow that would best fulfil organic breeding goals. Unlike the conventional sector, organic dairy farming is very heterogeneous and no single type of cow can adapt well to all scenarios. There are advantages and disadvantages to the use of existing breeds (rustic Holstein-Friesian, other rustic breeds and crosses), and strong genotype × environment interactions demand different strategies for very diverse situations. Organic dairy farms producing milk for systems that recompense milk volume would benefit from using higher milk yielding cows, and rustic Holstein-Friesian cows may be the best option in such cases. Although most Holstein-Friesian cows are currently selected for use in conventional systems, this situation could be reversed by the implementation of an organic merit index that includes organic breeding goals. Farms producing milk either for systems that recompense milk solids or for transformation into dairy products would benefit from using breeds other than Holstein-Friesian or their crosses. Organic farmers who focus on rural tourism, farm schools or other businesses in which marketing strategies must be taken into account could benefit from using local breeds (when possible) or other rustic breeds that are highly valued by consumers.

Is lack of antibiotic usage affecting udder health status of organic dairy cattle?

This research communication aimed to compare somatic cell count (SCC), the main marker of udder health status, in organic farms not using antibiotics (O, n = 6), organic farms using antibiotics (OA, n = 7) and conventional farms (CA, n = 5) using antibiotic treatments, all of them at pasture. SCC was statistically significantly higher in O (173780) compared to CA (93325) and OA (107152). Milk yield had a significant diluting effect on SCC and differences between groups increased with parities. Stratified analysis of SCC depending on lactation number and % of monthly SCC test with different linear scores (LS) indicated that there is no difference in udder health in the primiparous heifers from the three groups of farms, but it deteriorates in older cows because of chronic infections in O (possibly due to lack of antibiotic use). Our results suggest that the non-use of antibiotics had an effect in udder health leading to higher occurrence of clinical and subclinical mastitis. Therefore, preventive management practices for mastitis control are essential in organic farms.

Use of homeopathy in organic dairy farming in Spain.

Organic farming principles promote the use of unconventional therapies as an alternative to chemical substances (which are limited by organic regulations), with homeopathy being the most extensive. Traditionally, Spain has had little faith in homeopathy but its use in organic farming is growing. Fifty-six Spanish organic dairy farmers were interviewed to obtain what we believe to be the first data on the use of homeopathy in organic dairy cattle in Spain. Only 32% of farms use some sort of alternative therapy (16.1% homeopathy, 10.7% phytotherapy and 5.3% using both therapies) and interestingly, a clear geographical pattern showing a higher use towards the East (similar to that in the human population) was observed. The main motivation to use homeopathy was the need to reduce chemical substances promoted by organic regulations, and the treatment of clinical mastitis being the principle reason. The number of total treatments was lower in farms using homeopathy compared with those applying allopathic therapies (0.13 and 0.54 treatments/cow/year respectively) and although the bulk SCC was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in these farms (161,826 and 111,218 cel/ml, respectively) it did not have any negative economical penalty for the farmer and milk quality was not affected complying with the required standards; on the contrary homeopathic therapies seems to be an alternative for reducing antibiotic treatments, allowing farmers to meet the organic farming principles.

Influence of haemolysis on blood biochemistry profiles in cattle.

Although haemolysis is the most common source of preanalytical error in clinical laboratories, its influence on cattle biochemistry remains poorly understood. The effect of haemolysis and its clinical relevance were investigated in 70 samples in which haemolysis was artificially induced (by spiking with increasing amounts of haemolysate, yielding 0.0%, 0.2%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.5%, 5.0% and 10% haemolysis degree (HD)), focusing on key parameters for bovine metabolic health assessment, including albumin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), calcium (Ca), cholesterol, creatinine, creatine kinase (CK), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), globulins, magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), total bilirubin (TBIL) and total proteins (TP). Preanalytical haemolysis significantly affected most (8 of 14) of the biochemical parameters analysed, leading to significant increases in concentrations of albumin (starting at 5% HD), cholesterol (at 5% HD) and P (at 10% HD) and to significant decreases in Ca (at 2.5% HD), creatinine (at 5% HD), globulins (at 10% HD), TBIL (at 2.5% HD) and TP (at 10% HD). Comparison of the present and previous data indicated that, for each parameter, the HD required to produce significant bias and the clinical relevance of over- and underestimation are variable and appear to depend on the analytical technique used. Therefore, different laboratories should evaluate the influence of haemolysis in their analytical results and provide advice to clinicians accordingly. Affected parameters should be interpreted together with clinical signs and other analytical data to minimize misinterpretations (false or masked variations). Finally, due to the significant impact on numerous parameters and the limited potential for correction, we recommend rejection of samples with >10% HD.

Marine macroalgae in rabbit feed - Effects on meat quality.

The addition of macroalgae to livestock diets has demonstrated to enhance the quality of meat by improving the muscle stability, antioxidant capacity and fatty acid profile. However, information regarding rabbit meat is scarce. This study evaluated the effect of adding 1.025% of different macroalgae, dehydrated and as extracts (Saccharina latissima, Himanthalia elongata and Ulva spp.) to the diet of growing rabbits. Dietary supplementation with the Ulva spp. extract increased the fat content (0.96% vs 0.33% in control group) and the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids (by 22%; P ≤ 0.022), but did not affect the moisture, protein or ash contents or the physicochemical properties of the rabbit longissiumus lumborum muscle. The antioxidant status of the meat was adequate and was not affected by the dietary supplements. The sensorial properties of the meat were also not affected, and dietary supplementation with both S. latissima and H. elongata actually enhanced the flavour and juiciness of the meat (P ≤ 0.01). Altogether, the study findings indicate that the addition of these sustainable ingredients to rabbit feed did not negatively affect meat quality, and some of them may potentially improve specific characteristics, which could make this meat more attractive to consumers.

Comparative analysis between mercury levels in fish tissues evaluated using direct mercury analyzer and inductively plasma-coupled mass spectrometer.

Recent ecotoxicological studies have indicated mercury (Hg) contamination in aquatic ecosystems in the Amazon Basin. Although Hg contamination can be associated with small-scale gold mining, the soils of the Amazon region have naturally high Hg concentrations, and can be transported to aquatic ecosystems via deforestation and mining activities. Biomagnification of Hg can pose risks to the local human population; therefore, its concentration in fish tissues must be monitored consistently. Fast and sensitive Hg determination is required for continuously monitoring ecosystems impacted by mineral exploration. The direct mercury analyzer (DMA-80) is widely used for determining total Hg levels in tissue samples; it is fast and cost-effective, without requiring sample preparation. Here, we determined the sensitivity and specificity of Hg detection accomplished using DMA-80, and whether these results are reliable compared to those obtained using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS), which is the gold standard. We obtained 106 paired dried samples of muscle tissue from fish species occupying different trophic levels in the Lower Amazon region, and analyzed them using both equipment (DMA-80 and ICP-MS). The results obtained using DMA-80 had an overall Hg mean of 1.90 ± 0.18 mg/kg which was higher (p < 0.05) than the mean of those obtained using ICP-MS (1.55 ± 0.13 mg/kg). Linear regression analysis comparing the Hg levels obtained using both devices was within the 95% prediction interval, and a high coefficient of correlation showed agreement between the devices (r = 0.979; 0.069 to 0.986, 95% CI). Bland-Altman analysis showed that DMA-80 had a positive bias of 6.5% in relation to ICP-MS, which is more evident in samples with high Hg concentrations. DMA-80 was efficient in determining whether the Hg levels exceeded the maximum allowed levels required by the European Union, USA, and Brazil, showing a specificity and sensitivity of above 95%.

Trace element status in canine endocrine diseases.

A balanced trace element status is essential for the optimal functioning of all organisms. However, their concentrations are often altered in diverse medical conditions. This study investigated the trace element profiles in plasma samples of dogs with endocrine diseases and used chemometric techniques to explore their associations with biochemical data. Thirteen elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn) were measured in 40 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC), 29 dogs with diabetes mellitus (DM), 11 dogs with hypothyroidism (HT) and 30 control dogs using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Statistically significant differences were observed for As, Cu, Mo, Se and Zn. In comparison with the control group, the HT patients had higher As and lower Se levels, while the HAC group had higher concentrations of Mo. All three disease groups had higher Cu and Zn concentrations than the control group, with the DM group having higher Cu concentrations and the HAC group higher Zn concentrations than the other endocrinopathy groups. The chemometric analysis revealed distinctive association patterns for discriminating each pathology group and the control group. Moreover, the analysis revealed the following associations: Mo with glucose levels and Cu with fructosamine levels in the DM group, As with cortisol levels in the HAC group, and Se with TT4 levels and As with TSH levels in the HT group. The study findings provide valuable insights into the complex relationships between trace elements and endocrinopathies, elucidating the associations with biochemical markers in these diseases. Larger-scale studies are necessary to fully understand the observed relationships and explore the potential clinical applications.

Assessment of the feed additive consisting of Lentilactobacillus buchneri (formerly Lactobacillus buchneri) DSM 22501 for all animal species for the renewal of its authorisation (Chr. Hansen A/S).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the assessment of the application for renewal of the authorisation of the additive consisting of Lentilactobacillus buchneri DSM 22501 as a technological feed additive to improve ensiling of fresh material for all animal species. The applicant has provided evidence that the additive currently on the market complies with the existing conditions of authorisation. There is no new evidence that would lead the FEEDAP Panel to reconsider its previous conclusions. Thus, the Panel concludes that the additive remains safe for all animal species, consumer and the environment under the authorised conditions of use. Regarding user safety, the additive is not irritant to skin and eye, but owing to its proteinaceous nature it should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. No conclusions could be drawn on the skin sensitisation potential of the additive. There is no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation.

Safety of feed additives consisting of microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose for all animal species (International Cellulosics Association).

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose as technological feed additives for all animal species. In its previous opinions on the safety and efficacy of the products, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on proper identification and characterisation as required for a feed additive. The occurrence of potential toxic impurities could also not be assessed. Based on the new data provided, the feed additives microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose were properly identified and characterised and were shown to meet the specifications set for their use as food additives. Therefore, the conclusions of the safety reached in the previous opinions for microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose meeting the food additive specifications apply to the microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose under assessment as feed additives. The additives are considered safe for all animal species, the consumer and the environment. In the absence of data, the FEEDAP Panel is not in the position to conclude on the safety for the user.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Enterococcus lactis NCIMB 11181 (Lactiferm®) for chickens for fattening or reared for laying, other poultry species for fattening or reared for laying, and ornamental birds (Chr. Hansen A/S).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Enterococcus lactis NCIMB 11181 (Lactiferm®) as a zootechnical additive (gut flora stabiliser) for chickens for fattening, chickens reared for laying, other poultry species for fattening or reared for laying, and ornamental birds. The additive is available in two formulations: Lactiferm WS200 and Lactiferm Basic 50. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of the additive is safe for chickens for fattening or reared for laying, other poultry species for fattening or reared for laying, and ornamental birds. The Panel also concluded that the use of the feed additive is safe for consumers, and the environment. Lactiferm WS200 is not irritant to skin or eyes. Owing to the proteinaceous nature of the active agent, both formulations of the additive are considered respiratory sensitisers. It was not possible, however, to conclude on the irritancy potential for skin and eyes of the Lactiferm Basic 50 formulation or on the potential of both formulations of the additive to cause skin sensitisation. The efficacy studies submitted did not allow to draw a conclusion on the efficacy of the additive for the target species. Lactiferm® is considered compatible with the coccidiostats monensin sodium and decoquinate.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Bacillus velezensis ATCC PTA-6737 (PB6) for the renewal of the authorisations in weaned piglets, weaned minor porcine species and sows and the extension of use to all Suidae (Kemin Europe N.V).

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on Bacillus velezensis ATCC PTA-6737 as a zootechnical additive (functional group: gut flora stabilisers) in regard to the renewal of the authorisation for weaned piglets, weaned minor porcine species, sows and minor reproductive Suidae species, and its extension of use for all Suidae. The applicant provided evidence that the additive currently in the market complies with the conditions of the authorisation. The Panel concluded that there is no new evidence that would lead it to reconsider the previous conclusions; the additive is safe for the target species, consumers and the environment under the authorised conditions of use. This conclusion also applies to the target species/categories for which a request for an extension of use is made. The Panel concluded that B. velezensis ATCC PTA-6737 is not irritant to skin or eyes but should be considered a respiratory sensitiser due to its proteinaceous nature. No conclusions could be drawn on the skin sensitisation potential of the additive. The Panel concluded that the additive has the potential to be efficacious in all growing Suidae (suckling, weaned and fattening Suidae) at the minimum inclusion level of 1 × 107 CFU/kg of complete feed and in sows and minor reproductive Suidae species at 1 × 108 CFU/kg complete feed.

Efficacy of a feed additive consisting of ferrous lysinate sulfate for all animal species (Phytobiotis Futterzusatzstoffe GmbH).

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the efficacy of ferrous lysinate sulfate (Plexomin® L-Fe) for all animal species. The additive has not been previously authorised as a feed additive in the European Union (EU). The safety of the additive for the target species, consumer, user and the environment has already been assessed in previous opinions. However, the efficacy remained inconclusive due to the absence of evidence of the bioavailability of the iron contained in the additive in the trials submitted either with chickens for fattening or with weaned piglets. For the present assessment, the applicant submitted a recalculation of the previous data on weaned piglets, which did not show evidence of bioavailability. Therefore, in the absence of adequate data, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the efficacy of ferrous lysinate sulfate for all animal species.

Consumer safety of feed additives containing selenium.

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety for the consumer of products from animals fed diets with feed additives containing selenium as an active substance. Based on the limited data set available and the several uncertainties, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of organic selenium at the currently maximum authorised use level of 0.2 mg supplemented selenium from organic sources/kg complete feed (within a maximum of 0.5 mg total selenium/kg complete feed) leads to an exceedance of the UL for all the population categories (except elderly and very elderly), suggesting a concern for consumer safety. It was not possible to conclude on the safety of the currently maximum use level of 0.5 mg total selenium/kg complete feed for all consumer categories. Additional data from studies specifically designed to measure deposition of selenium in tissues and products from animal origin resulting from the use of the different sources of selenium would be required to perform a proper risk assessment.

Assessment of the feed additive consisting of Saccharomyces cerevisiaeMUCL 39885 (Biosprint®) for cattle for fattening for the renewal of its authorisation (Prosol SPA).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the assessment of the application for renewal of the authorisation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae MUCL 39885 (Biosprint®) as a feed additive for cattle for fattening (category: zootechnical; functional group: gut flora stabiliser). The applicant provided evidence that the additive currently in the market complies with the conditions of authorisation. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) confirmed that the use of Biosprint® under the current authorised conditions of use remains safe for the target species, the consumers and the environment. Taking into account the nature of the additive, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that the additive should be considered as a potential skin and respiratory sensitiser, and any exposure through skin and respiratory tract is considered a risk. The additive is not a skin/eye irritant. There is no need to assess the efficacy of Biosprint® in the context of the renewal of the authorisation.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of lanthanum carbonate octahydrate for dogs (Porus GmbH).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of lanthanum carbonate octahydrate as a zootechnical feed additive for dogs. The additive is already authorised for use in feed for cats. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive lanthanum carbonate octahydrate is safe for adult dogs at the maximum recommended level of 7500 mg/kg complete feed. The additive is not irritant to skin or eyes, is not a skin sensitiser and exposure by inhalation is considered to be unlikely. The Panel also concluded that lanthanum carbonate octahydrate is efficacious in the reduction of phosphorus bioavailability in adult dogs at the minimum inclusion level of 1500 mg/kg complete feed.