First Steps into Ruminal Microbiota Robustness.

Despite its central role in ruminant nutrition, little is known about ruminal microbiota robustness, which is understood as the ability of the microbiota to cope with disturbances. The aim of the present review is to offer a comprehensive description of microbial robustness, as well as its potential drivers, with special focus on ruminal microbiota. First, we provide a briefing on the current knowledge about ruminal microbiota. Second, we define the concept of disturbance (any discrete event that disrupts the structure of a community and changes either the resource availability or the physical environment). Third, we discuss community resistance (the ability to remain unchanged in the face of a disturbance), resilience (the ability to return to the initial structure following a disturbance) and functional redundancy (the ability to maintain or recover initial function despite compositional changes), all of which are considered to be key properties of robust microbial communities. Then, we provide an overview of the currently available methodologies to assess community robustness, as well as its drivers (microbial diversity and network complexity) and its potential modulation through diet. Finally, we propose future lines of research on ruminal microbiota robustness.

Locally Grown Crops and Immunocastration in Fattening Heavy Pigs: Effects on Performance and Welfare.

This study aimed to explore dietary replacement soybean meal (SBM) with local pea seeds (PS-L) and the effects of surgically castrated (CM) or immunocastration (IM) in heavy male pigs, on growth performance, feeding behaviour, and tail and ear lesions. Four treatments were arranged factorially (2 × 2), with two sexes and two dietary treatments (96 pigs in eight pens). The inclusion of PS-L was 25%, 30%, and 40% during three phases (40−80 kg, 80−110 kg, and 110−140 kg, respectively). No difference in average daily feed intake (ADFI) and body-weight (BW) between PS-L and SBM could be demonstrated (p > 0.05), but PS-L diet decreased the average daily gain (ADG) at 110−140 kg of BW (p < 0.001) and increased feed conversion rate (FCR) (p < 0.05). The ADG was higher (p < 0.01) in IM than CM in all fattening periods, and the FCR in IM was lower (p < 0.05) than in barrows. IM pigs had lower dressing percentage than CM (p < 0.01). Pigs fed a PS-L diet ate faster but increased their passive behaviour compared with those fed SBM. In conclusion, the PS-L diet did not reduce BW and improved passive behaviour, and IM grew more efficiently, regardless of diet.

Minimum Effects of Sampling Time on the Apparent Digestibility of Nutrients and Blood Protein Catabolites in Light Lambs.

This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of sampling time on organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and phosphorous (P) apparent digestibility and plasma urea and creatinine concentration in growing and finishing male Ripollesa lambs fed different CP concentrations in the diet. Twenty-four male Ripollesa lambs with 14.5 kg body weight (BW) were randomly assigned to two groups differing in CP content in the growing (14 to 19 kg of BW) and finishing (19 to 25 kg of BW) phases (20% vs. 18% CP and 19% vs. 17% CP, respectively). Faeces collected from the rectum and blood samples collected from the jugular vein were taken at 8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. During the growing period, the OM, CP and P apparent digestibility were higher in the lower CP diet (p < 0.05), but only P was affected by the sampling time, being highest at 8:00 a.m. (p < 0.05) compared to other sampling hours. During the finishing period, there were no differences in these digestibility coefficients between diets or sampling times (p > 0.05). Sampling time did not affect (p > 0.05) plasma urea concentrations either in the growing or finishing period. Plasma creatinine concentrations did not differ (p > 0.05) between lambs receiving 18% or 20% CP diets, but during the finishing period, it was lower at 4:00 p.m. in lambs fed 17% CP (p < 0.05) than those offered 19% CP. Overall, the results suggest that the collection schedule to evaluate the protein nutritional status can be shortened through one spot sample of faeces or blood in the morning.

Effect of Dietary Crude Protein on Productive Efficiency, Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Metabolites and Gastrointestinal Immune Markers in Light Lambs.

This study hypothesized that reducing the level of crude protein (CP) in lambs' feed may improve nutrient utilization and did not negatively affect their productive efficiency, blood metabolites, oxidative status (OS) or intestinal immune barrier function. A total of 120 weaned male Ripollesa lambs (45-60 days old and 15.0 ± 1.5 kg of body weight) were used. Four feed concentrates were formulated for two different phases (growing and finishing): CP20/19 group (20% and 19% of CP on dry matter basis, for each phase, respectively) and CP18/17 group (18% and 17% of CP on dry matter basis, for each phase, respectively). Lambs were randomly assigned to feeding treatments by balancing initial body weight between groups. The reduction of dietary CP level did not impair their growth performance parameters, while it did improve the apparent digestibility of organic matter. Furthermore, the lambs of the CP18/17 group showed lower plasma urea levels with no effect on OS (malondialdehyde levels) or gastrointestinal immunity markers (gene expression of interleukin 10 (IL10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFA) and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGFB)).

The extent to which genetics and lean grade affect fatty acid profiles and volatile compounds in organic pork.

Niche production is intended to produce premium pork, but several husbandry factors may affect the meat fatty acid composition and aroma. Fatty acid profile (by GC-FID) of raw meat and volatile compounds (by SPME-GC-MS) of cooked meat were analysed in loin samples from two pig genetic types-75% Duroc (Du) and 50% Pietrain (Pi) rossbreds that were slaughtered at different weights (90 kg and 105 kg, respectively) to achieve similar target carcass fatness, and the outcome carcasses were balanced for lean grade groups (<60% or ≥60% lean) within genotypes. Genetic type did not affect fatty acids (FA) profile of meat. The leaner meat had lower C12:0 and C20:3n - 3, lower saturated fatty acids (SFA) and higher MUFA/SFA ratio content than the fattier meat. Short-chain alcohols were lower in Pietrain and in leaner pork compared to the samples from Duroc crossbreds and fattier pork. A greater amount of hexane,2,4,4-trimethyl (an aliphatic hydrocarbon) but lower carbon disulphide (sulphur compound) content was detected in pork from leaner compared to fattier pork. Higher aromatics hydrocarbons were exclusively associated with Duroc crossbreds, and lower aliphatic hydrocarbons with pigs classified as fattier. Most of the volatile compounds detected in the present study came from lipid oxidation.

Effects of maternal subnutrition during early pregnancy on cow hematological profiles and offspring physiology and vitality in two beef breeds.

This experiment evaluated the effects of subnutrition during early gestation on hematology in cows (Bos Taurus) and on hematological, metabolic, endocrine, and vitality parameters in their calves. Parda de Montaña and Pirenaica dams were inseminated and assigned to either a control (CONTROL, 100% requirements) or a nutrient-restricted group (SUBNUT, 65%) during the first third of gestation. Dam blood samples were collected on days 20 and 253 of gestation, and calf samples were obtained during the first days of life. Pirenaica dams presented higher red series parameters than Parda de Montaña dams, both in the first and the last months of gestation. During early pregnancy, granulocyte numbers and mean corpuscular hemoglobin were lower in Pirenaica-SUBNUT than in Pirenaica-CONTROL cows. Calves from the SUBNUT cows did not show a physiological reduction in red series values in early life, suggesting later maturation of the hematopoietic system. Poor maternal nutrition affected calf endocrine parameters. Newborns from dystocic parturitions showed lower NEFA concentrations and weaker vitality responses. In conclusion, maternal nutrition had short-term effects on cow hematology, Pirenaica cows showing a higher susceptibility to undernutrition; and a long-term effect on their offspring endocrinology, SUBNUT newborns showing lower levels of IGF-1 and higher levels of cortisol.

Prevalence of individual and bulk tank milk antibodies of bovine herpesvirus type 1 and its relation to milk quality parameters on dairy farms in Catalonia (north-east Spain).

Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) is the causative agent for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis and infectious pustular vulvovaginitis in cows or balanoposthitis in bulls. In this study, individual and bulk tank milk (BTM) samples from 5 Catalan dairy farms with different control strategies against BoHV-1 were analysed during the course of a year for milk quality parameters and glycoprotein E (gE) antibodies. Detection of gE antibodies was carried out with ELISA techniques. Prevalence of BoHV-1 varied between farms, and was stable during the study in individual and BTM samples. Comparing the antibody results of samples with milk quality parameters, positive samples with higher levels of antibodies corresponded to lower lactose and to higher percentages of fat and somatic cells.

The importance of the nutritive value of old bones in the diet of Bearded vultures Gypaetus barbatus.

Vultures are central-place foragers and need to optimize their foraging behaviour to offset travel costs by increasing their energy gain. This process is more obvious in certain vulture species that do not feed their young by regurgitation and so must carry food items back to the nest. The Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus is the only species with a bone-diet based. We analysed the chemical composition of bones and the age-related changes in their nutritive value to assess the differences in energy content between bones of differing age, body part and species. We found differences between specific anatomical parts, species and the age of the bones. Fresh bones contain 108% as much energy as fresh meat and, interestingly, dry bones retain 90% of the protein found in fresh bones. Dry femurs weighing 140 g retain enough protein to be comparable to 111 g of fresh meat, in energy terms. Compared to meat-eating species, the specialized osteophagous diet of the Bearded Vulture seems to have certain advantages. A better understanding of nutrient levels in food remains could help to improve theoretical foraging models, assist in conservation management, and even improve our understanding of the use of bones by early hominids.

Tobacco and end stage renal disease: a multicenter, cross-sectional study in Argentinian Northern Patagonia.

BACKGROUND: Smoking and chronic kidney disease are major public health problems with common features -high prevalence and mortality, high cardiovascular risk, gender differences and high prevalence in low income people-, but the link between them is poorly recognized. Our objectives were to investigate the exposure of dialysis patients to tobacco and to know their smoking behavior. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, cross-sectional study in nine dialysis units in the Argentinian Northern Patagonia. We investigated smoker status, lifetime tobacco consumption, current tobacco use, breath carbon monoxide and % carboxyhaemoglobin. Fagerström and Richmond tests were performed for active smokers. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: one way ANOVA and Tukey's test for post hoc test. For exploratory analysis, frequency tables through chi-square distribution and single correspondence analysis were performed. RESULTS: Six hundred thirty six patients (60.9 % males, 39.1 % females) were interviewed. Almost 70 % of them had had tobacco exposure. Excluding light smokers, the lifetime consumption was significantly different (p = 0.0052) between sexes (33.1 ± 2.4 pack/years in males and 18.2 ± 2.1 pack/years in females) The distribution of etiologies changed significantly (χ (2) p < 0.0001) with smoker status and the dose of tobacco smoking, with an increase in the diagnosis of nephrosclerosis in patients with high and very high lifetime consumption (from 16.1 % in non-smokers to 28.2 and 27 % respectively), and in passive smokers (from 16.1 to 27.3 %). The male preponderance of end-stage renal disease disappeared when only non-smokers were considered and grew with the increase in the lifetime consumption. Active smokers have small consumption, both low CO level and % COHb, low dependence and a good motivation to quit, but a high lifetime consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure of dialysis patients to tobacco is high and could be related to the progression to the final stage of the renal disease. It seems that tobacco renal damage is mostly hidden in the diagnosis of nephrosclerosis. The gender difference observed in these patients could also have a nexus with the men's higher tobacco exposure. Active smokers have a low current consumption but a high lifetime tobacco dose.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Tabaquismo y enfermedad renal crónica son importantes problemas de salud pública que comparten: alta prevalencia, alta morbi-mortalidad, alto riesgo cardiovascular, diferencias de género y mayor prevalencia en personas de bajos ingresos. Sin embargo, el nexo entre ellas es poco reconocido. Objetivos: mensurar la carga tabáquica de los enfermos en diálisis y conocer su patrón de consumo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Participaron nueve unidades de diálisis de la Norpatagonia Argentina. Investigamos condición de fumador, carga tabáquica y, en fumadores activos, consumo actual, tests de Richmond y Fagerström, monóxido de carbono en aire espirado y % de carboxihemoglobina. Análisis estadístico: ANOVA de una vía y test de Tukey para análisis post hoc. En el análisis exploratorio, utilizamos tablas de frecuencias a través de la distribución Ji cuadrado y análisis de correspondencia simple. RESULTADOS: Seiscientos treinta y seis pacientes (60.9 % varones, 39.1 % mujeres) fueron encuestados. Casi un 70 % de ellos había estado expuesto al tabaco. Excluyendo los fumadores leves, la carga tabáquica (CT) fue 33 ± 2.4 paquetes/año en hombres y 18.2 ± 2.1 paquetes/año en mujeres (p = 0.0052). La distribución de las etiologías de ingreso a diálisis cambió significativamente (χ2p < 0.0001) según el estado de fumador y la CT, con aumento en el diagnóstico de nefroesclerosis en fumadores pasivos (de 16.1 % en no fumadores a 27.3 %) y en pacientes con elevadas CT (de 15.2 y 16 % en CT leve y media a 28.2 y 27 % en CT alta y muy alta). La preponderancia masculina de la población desapareció en no fumadores y creció con el incremento en la CT (χ2p < 0.0001). Los fumadores activos tienen bajo consumo, bajo nivel de CO y carboxihemoglobina, baja dependencia y están bien motivados para dejar, pero tienen una elevada CT. CONCLUSIONES: La alta CT de los enfermos en diálisis podría generar o contribuir a la progresión de la enfermedad renal crónica. El daño renal por tabaco se esconde principalmente en el diagnóstico de nefroesclerosis y se relaciona con la CT. La diferencia de género de estos pacientes podría relacionarse con su exposición al tabaco. Los fumadores activos tienen bajo consumo pero elevada CT.

Association of CA repeat polymorphism at intron 1 of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) gene with circulating IGF-I concentration, growth, and fatness in swine.

Evidence is accumulating that intronic polymorphic cytosine-adenosine (CA) repeats may play a role in gene expression. In this work, we investigated whether a polymorphic CA short tandem repeat (STR) located at the first intron of the pig insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) gene influences plasma IGF-I concentration in pigs as well as phenotypic variation in growth and fatness traits. We measured plasma IGF-I levels at one to four time points from 35 to 215 days of age in 340 performance-tested Landrace and Duroc pigs previously genotyped for the IGF-I STR. Data were analyzed within breed with a linear mixed model with the number of CA repeats as a covariate. At least five alleles were segregating in each breed, differing in one to seven repeats. The results showed that in each breed, circulating IGF-I at 160 days of age increased with the length of the shortest allele, accounting for an average trend of 4.38 +/- 1.28 ng/ml of IGF-I per additional repeat (P = 0.001). Longer repeats were associated with early growth in Landrace boars (1.92 +/- 0.92 kg per CA at 160 days; P = 0.038) and with back fat thickness (-0.57 +/- 0.20 mm per CA; P = 0.005) and lean content (7.52 +/- 3.00 g/kg per CA at 105 kg; P = 0.013) adjusted for carcass weight in Duroc barrows, as expected from the effect of circulating IGF-I on these traits. The consistency of the results across populations supports the hypothesis that the length of the CA repeats at intron 1 of the IGF-I gene is associated with circulating IGF-I levels, and that this effect is not neutral with respect to growth and fatness.

Tétanos neonatal: revisión bibliográfica / Neonative tétano: bibliographical overhaul

Analiza que el tétanos neonatal constituye una enfermedad neurológica infecciosa aguda, potencialmente prevenible, no contagiosa; ocasionada por la exotoxina del bacilo tetánico, caracterizada por espasmos y contracciones musculares además de convulsiones. Si bien, la incidencia en países desarrollados no es importante, en el Ecuador constituyre un grave problema de salud pública, pues ocasiona tasas de mortalidad elevadas en menores de 28 días, especialmente en áreas rurales tropicales y subtropicales, debido a prácticas inadecuadas en el manejo del cordón umbilical y a insuficiente cobertura de vacunación en mujeres embarazadas, en mujeres en edad fértil y en niños en general. El tratamiento una vez instalada la enfermedad requiere hospitalización y manejo en unidad de cuidado intensivo con uso de antitoxina tetánica, antimicrobianos y medidas generales, que a pesar de ser realizadas adecuadaemente conllevan una elevada mortalidad.

Síndrome del opérculo torácico: revisión bibliográfica / torácico Syndrome of opérculo: bibliographical overhaul

Realiza una revisión bibliográfica de la historia, etiología, clínica, diagnóstico y tratamiento del Síndrome del Opérculo Torácico. El síndrome del Opérculo Torácico consiste en la compresión del paquete neuro-vascular de la extremidad superior a su paso por el canal de salida del tórax superior, lo que produce un cuadro clínico muy variado, que se puede agrupar en síntomas y signos vasculares, nerviosos y mixtos. Se ha encontrado que los pacientes pueden presentar: parestesias, debilidad muscular, sensación de frío, dolor, cianosis, palidez, edema, claudicación y otros. La compresión puede deberse a la prescencia de: costillas cervicales, apófisis transversas largas, anormalidades de la primera costilla, alteraciones musculares, lesiones adquiridas, anomalías en la articulación córaco-clavicular, neoplasias, biotipo constitucional, ocupación y alteraciones posturales. El diagnóstico es clínico, apoyado en exámenes de gabinete. el tratamiento de inicio siempre debe ser el conservador, dejando a la cirugía para casos extremos.