Inhibition of multidrug-resistant Staphylococci by sodium chlorate and select nitro- and medium chain fatty acid compounds.

AIMS: Determine the antimicrobial effects of 5 µmol ml-1 sodium chlorate, 9 µmol ml-1 nitroethane or 2-nitropropanol as well as lauric acid, myristic acid and the glycerol ester of lauric acid Lauricidin® , each at 5 mg ml-1 , against representative methicillin-resistant staphylococci, important mastitis- and opportunistic dermal-pathogens of humans and livestock. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and two methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci were cultured at 39°C in 5 µmol ml-1 nitrate-supplemented half-strength Brain Heart Infusion broth treated without or with the potential inhibitors. Results revealed that 2-nitropropanol was the most potent and persistent of all compounds tested, achieving 58-99% decreases in mean specific growth rates and maximum optical densities when compared with untreated controls. Growth inhibition did not persist by cultures treated solely with chlorate or nitroethane, with adaptation occurring by different mechanisms after 7 h. Adaptation did not occur in cultures co-treated with nitroethane and chlorate. The medium chain fatty acid compounds had modest effects on all the staphylococci tested except the coagulase-negative Staphylococcus epidermidis strain NKR1. CONCLUSIONS: The antimicrobial activity of nitrocompounds, chlorate and medium chain fatty acid compounds against different methicillin-resistant staphylococci varied in potency. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Results suggest that differential antimicrobial activities exhibited by mechanistically dissimilar inhibitors against methicillin-resistant staphylococci may yield potential opportunities to combine the treatments to overcome their individual limitations and broaden their activity against other mastitis and dermal pathogens.

Isolation and characterization of yeasts from fermented apple bagasse as additives for ruminant feeding

Abstract Solid-state fermentation can be used to produce feeds for ruminants, which can provide an enriched population of yeasts to improve ruminal fermentation. Fermentation of apple bagasse was performed to obtain a yeast-rich product, with the objective of isolating, identifying, and characterizing yeast strains and testing their capability to enhance in vitro ruminal fermentation of fibrous feeds. Yeasts were isolated from apple bagasse fermented under in vitro conditions, using rumen liquor obtained from cannulated cows and alfalfa as a fibrous substrate. A total of 16 new yeast strains were isolated and identified by biochemical and molecular methods. The strains were designated Levazot, followed by the isolate number. Their fermentative capacity was assessed using an in vitro gas production method. Strain Levazot 15 (Candida norvegensis) showed the greatest increase in gas production (p < 0.05) compared with the yeast-free control and positively affected in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters of alfalfa and oat straw. Based on these results, it was concluded that the Levazot 15 yeast strain could be potentially used as an additive for ruminants consuming high-fiber diets. However, further studies of effects of these additives on rumen digestion, metabolism, and productive performance of ruminants are required.

Isolation and characterization of yeasts from fermented apple bagasse as additives for ruminant feeding.

Solid-state fermentation can be used to produce feeds for ruminants, which can provide an enriched population of yeasts to improve ruminal fermentation. Fermentation of apple bagasse was performed to obtain a yeast-rich product, with the objective of isolating, identifying, and characterizing yeast strains and testing their capability to enhance in vitro ruminal fermentation of fibrous feeds. Yeasts were isolated from apple bagasse fermented under in vitro conditions, using rumen liquor obtained from cannulated cows and alfalfa as a fibrous substrate. A total of 16 new yeast strains were isolated and identified by biochemical and molecular methods. The strains were designated Levazot, followed by the isolate number. Their fermentative capacity was assessed using an in vitro gas production method. Strain Levazot 15 (Candida norvegensis) showed the greatest increase in gas production (p<0.05) compared with the yeast-free control and positively affected in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters of alfalfa and oat straw. Based on these results, it was concluded that the Levazot 15 yeast strain could be potentially used as an additive for ruminants consuming high-fiber diets. However, further studies of effects of these additives on rumen digestion, metabolism, and productive performance of ruminants are required.

Particle size distribution and chemical composition of total mixed rations for dairy cattle: water addition and feed sampling effects.

Four dairy farms were used to determine the effects of water addition to diets and sample collection location on the particle size distribution and chemical composition of total mixed rations (TMR). Samples were collected weekly from the mixing wagon and from 3 locations in the feed bunk (top, middle, and bottom) for 5 mo (April, May, July, August, and October). Samples were partially dried to determine the effect of moisture on particle size distribution. Particle size distribution was measured using the Penn State Particle Size Separator. Crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber contents were also analyzed. Particle fractions 19 to 8, 8 to 1.18, and <1.18 mm were judged adequate in all TMR for rumen function and milk yield; however, the percentage of material>19 mm was greater than recommended for TMR, according to the guidelines of Cooperative Extension of Pennsylvania State University. The particle size distribution in April differed from that in October, but intermediate months (May, July, and August) had similar particle size distributions. Samples from the bottom of the feed bunk had the highest percentage of particles retained on the 19-mm sieve. Samples from the top and middle of the feed bunk were similar to that from the mixing wagon. Higher percentages of particles were retained on >19, 19 to 8, and 8 to 1.18 mm sieves for wet than dried samples. The reverse was found for particles passing the 1.18-mm sieve. Mean particle size was higher for wet than dried samples. The crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber contents of TMR varied with month of sampling (18-21, 40-57, and 21-34%, respectively) but were within recommended ranges for high-yielding dairy cows. Analyses of TMR particle size distributions are useful for proper feed bunk management and formulation of diets that maintain rumen function and maximize milk production and quality. Water addition may help reduce dust associated with feeding TMR.