Using probiotics to improve nutrient digestibility and gut-health of weaned pigs: a comparison of maternal and nursery supplementation strategies.

Maternal probiotic supplementation has been found to have a positive impact on the gut health of piglets, not only during the lactation period, but also after weaning. Providing probiotics to nursery pigs is also a common strategy for supplementation. The goal of this study was to evaluate which would be the most effective strategy to improve nutrient digestibility, energy metabolism, and intestinal health in weaned pigs considering the maternal or nursery options. A total of 32 newly weaned pigs were randomly split into a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement considering maternal probiotic supplementation (with or without) in gestation-lactation and probiotic supplementation in the nursery period (with or without). After weaning, experimental diets were provided for 22 days. Total fecal and urine collection was performed from day 15 to 21. Blood samples were collected from all pigs on days 3 and 22 of the experiment to assess serum biochemistry and intestinal permeability. All pigs were euthanized on day 22 for intestinal tissue collection. Pigs born from probiotic-fed sows had greater (p < 0.05) total tract digestibility of dry matter (+1%) and gross energy (+1.3%), and greater (p < 0.05) metabolizable energy coefficient (+1.3%), which resulted in a 46 kcal/kg increase (p < 0.05) in the metabolizable energy content of the diet. Nitrogen intake (p = 0.035), uptake (p = 0.007), and retention (p = 0.012) were all increased in these pigs. Fecal moisture was reduced in pigs born from probiotic-fed sows and pigs fed the probiotic diet only in the nursery (p < 0.05). Pigs born from probiotic-fed sows had reduced intestinal permeability by 16% (p < 0.05), whereas pigs fed the probiotic diet in the nursery only tended to improve this response (p < 0.10). The villus:crypt ratio of pigs born from probiotic-fed sows was greater compared to the control (p < 0.05), while serum levels of alanine aminotransferase were lower (p < 0.05). Pigs born from probiotic-fed sows had increased nutrient digestibility and improved gut health. Therefore, it is concluded that supplementing the sow diets with probiotics rather than just providing diets in the nursery phase is an advantageous strategy.

Stability of vitamin A at critical points in pet-feed manufacturing and during premix storage.

The objective of this research was to assess and quantify the potential vitamin A losses that occur during the manufacturing of pet feed and premix, as well as during their extended storage periods. This trial was conducted at a commercial feeder mill that utilized a standard commercial dog feed along with a corresponding vitamin-mineral premix. The calculated amount of vitamin A supplemented in the feed, in addition to the endogenous vitamins present in the ingredients, was adjusted to 18,000 IU/kg of feed. Five 500 g feed samples were collected at each of the predefined critical points throughout the manufacturing process (after mixing, milling, preconditioner, and extrusion/drying processes) to verify the stability of vitamin A during feed production. Additionally, various samples were collected at regular intervals of 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 days during the storage of the premix to assess the stability of vitamin A. Vitamin A analyses in the samples were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The variables were assessed for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test, followed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test to compare the differences between the manufacturing process and premix shelf life. The statistical significance was set at 95%. The vitamin losses during the pre-conditioning process were 26%, and during the extrusion-drying processes, the losses were 34% when compared to the initial analyzed value. However, no differences were observed in other processes. There were no significant differences observed in recovered vitamin levels in the premix during its shelf-life (p = 0.484). The study indicated that the primary vitamin A losses in pet feed manufacturing processes occur during the pre-conditioning and drying/extrusion steps. However, it is worth noting that no significant losses of vitamin A were found during the premix storage phase.

Dietary supplementation with ß-mannanase and probiotics as a strategy to improve laying hen performance and egg quality.

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of ß-mannanase and probiotic on the performance, serum biochemistry, gut morphometric traits, and fresh egg quality of laying hens. A total of 120 cages, housing light-weight laying hens (36 weeks old), were randomly assigned to four different treatments. These treatments included a control group fed non-supplemented diets; diets supplemented with 300 g/ton of beta-mannanase; diets supplemented with 50 g/ton of probiotic; or diets containing both 300 g/ton of ß-mannanase and 50 g/ton of probiotics. The trial spanned a duration of 26 weeks and was divided into three productive phases, each lasting 28 days. The inclusion of ß-mannanase resulted in a significant improvement in the laying rate by 11% (p < 0.05) compared to the control treatment. Similarly, the addition of probiotics also enhanced the laying rate by 7% (p < 0.05), as well as the supplementation with combined additives (11.5%). Combined additives showed an increase in egg masses, and additive association improved by 13.9% (p < 0.001) in contrast to the control treatment. Overall, ß-mannanase and combined additives used during the supplementation period resulted in improvements in the weight of fresh eggs. These benefits were observed after a period of 14 weeks without supplementation (p < 0.05). Furthermore, significant differences were observed in the serum biochemistry and egg masses of birds that were fed diets containing both additives (ß-mannanase + probiotics) compared to the control group. Parameters such as uric acid, total cholesterol, and triglycerides displayed notable variations. The villi height: crypt depth showed differences with combined additives (ß-mannanase + probiotics). The ß-mannanase improved specific gravity, yolk height, length, and pH, and yolk color traits compared to the control treatment. The use of probiotics helped to improve yolk height, pH, and color score. Besides, combined additives (ß-mannanase + probiotics) improve yolk height, length, weight, pH, and better traits in yolk color. Hence, incorporating ß-mannanase and probiotics into laying hen diets proves to be a highly effective strategy for enhancing laying rate and overall health status, while simultaneously elevating certain quality attributes of fresh eggs.

Can the Inclusion of a Vegetable Biocholine Additive in Pig Feed Contaminated with Aflatoxin Reduce Toxicological Impacts on Animal Health and Performance?

(1) Background: This study's objective was to determine whether adding vegetable biocholine (VB) to pigs' diets would minimize the negative effects caused by daily aflatoxin (B1 + B2) intake. (2) Methods: We used seventy-two whole male pigs weaned at an average of 26 days and divided them into four groups with six replicates each (2 × 2 factorial). The treatments were identified as Afla0VB0 (negative control, without aflatoxin and without VB); Afla500VB0 (positive control, 500 µg/kg of aflatoxins; Afla0VB800 (800 mg/kg of VB); and Afla500VB800 (500 µg/kg of aflatoxin +800 mg/kg of VB). (3) Results: In the first 20 days of the experiment, only the pigs from Afla500VB0 had less weight gain and less feed consumption, different from the 30th to 40th day, when all treatments had lower performance than the negative control. In the liver, higher levels of oxygen-reactive species and lipid peroxidation were observed in Afla500VB0, associated with greater activity of the enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. In the jejunum, oxidative stress was associated with nitrous stress in Afla500VB0. An increase in splenic glutathione S-transferase activity in the Afla500VB800 animals was observed. (4) Conclusions: Consuming a diet contaminated with 500 µg/kg of aflatoxin influences the health and performance in the nursing phase in a silent way; however, it generates high economic losses for producers. When VB was added to the pigs' diet in the face of an aflatoxin challenge, it showed hepatoprotective potential.

Dietary supplementation with ß-mannanase and probiotics as a strategy to improve laying hen's welfare.

A trend toward animal welfare improvement is observed in animal production, in addition to restrictions imposed on the use of antimicrobials. This study's objective was to evaluate whether ß-mannanase and probiotic supplementation can change hen's behavior. Light weight laying hens (36 weeks old) were housed in cages randomly allocated to one of four different treatments: control group, fed non-supplemented diets; diets supplemented with 300 g/ton of ß-mannanase; diets supplemented with 50 g/ton of probiotic; or diets containing both 300 g/ton of ß-mannanase and 50 g/ton of probiotic. The behavior of 24 birds was recorded for a week using video cameras. The frequency and time of main behaviors (eating, walking, standing, sitting, drinking, and exploring) were analyzed in three periods per day (from 09:00 to 09:15; from 01:00 to 01:15, and from 04:00 to 04:15), as well as the time of other behaviors (leg-stretching and wings, scratching, wing-flapping, aggressive and non-aggressive pecks). Frequency and lesion scores were also analyzed using a visual score of three body regions: neck, tail, and cloaca; as well as comb injuries. ß-mannanase was able to increase the frequency of feeding behavior by 49% (P < 0.05) and hens also spend 20% (P < 0.05) more time in this behavior compared to the control treatment. The use of probiotics also enhanced by 39% (P < 0.05) the frequency and 19% the time (P < 0.05) and the supplementation with combined additives was able to increase by 29% (P < 0.05) the frequency and 25% (P < 0.05) the time in feeding behavior. ß-mannanase and probiotics also increased the frequency and time spent exploring behavior (P < 0.05) and promoted a higher frequency in standing behavior (P < 0.05) and decreased the time spent on sitting behaviors (P < 0.05). The combined additives showed less frequency and time in sitting behaviors (P < 0.05), while increased wing-flapping behavior (P < 0.05). All the treatments were able to reduce pecking (P < 0.05). Therefore, the addition of ß-mannanase and probiotics to laying hen diets is an effective strategy to improve bird welfare.

Butyric acid glycerides in the diet of broilers to replace conventional growth promoters: effects on performance, metabolism, and intestinal health.

This study aimed to determine whether butyric acid glycerides can replace conventional growth promoters, favour intestinal health, and improve performance. A total of 420 birds were used, divided into four groups with seven repetitions per group (n = 15), as follows: NC, negative control (no promoter); PC, positive control (basal diet + enramycin + salinomycin); MDT-BUT, a diet supplemented with mono-, di-, and triglycerides of butyric acid; TRI-BUT, a diet supplemented with tributyrin of butyric acid glycerides. Productive performance was measured on days 1, 21, 35, and 42. Excreta were collected for counting Escherichia coli and coliforms on days 21 and 42. Blood samples were collected at 42 days of age to analyse oxidant/antioxidant status, and the intestine was removed for intestinal morphometry. From 1 to 42 days, there was greater body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion in the PC, MDT-BUT, and TRI-BUT groups than in the NC group; the production efficiency index was 21.10% higher in all groups than in the NC group (p = 0.001). At 21 days, there were lower E. coli counts of 86.8% in the TRI-BUT and 99.7% in PC groups than in the NC and MDT-BUT groups (p < 0.001), while at 42 days, lower counts were found in the PC, MDT-BUT, and TRI-BUT groups than the NC group (p < 0.001). There were lower total protein and globulin levels in the MDT-BUT and TRI-BUT groups than in the NC group (p = 0.001). Cholesterol levels were lower in the TRI-BUT group, followed by MDT-BUT and PC groups, than in the NC group (p = 0.001), while lower triglyceride levels were found in the TRI-BUT group than in the NC and PC groups (p = 0.001). There were lower levels of lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species in the TRI-BUT group, followed by the PC group than the NC group (p < 0.001); on the other hand, there were higher protein thiol levels in the TRI-BUT group than the NC group (p = 0.041). The villus:crypt ratio increase was 79.4% in the TRI-BUT group, followed by the 45.1% PC and 19.8% MDT-BUT groups than the NC (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that adding butyric acid confers antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and improves birds' production efficiency, intestinal health, and metabolism. Butyric acid glycerides are an effective alternative to conventional growth promoters.

Is the addition of spray homeopathic in feed able to change dog behavior? / A adição de spray homeopático na ração é capaz de alterar o comportamento de cães?

This study aimed to determine if the homeopathic formulation based on Natrum muriaticum, Matricaria, Chamomilla, and Ignatia amara was effective for stress control in dogs in order to prevent and/or reduce the frequency of unwanted behaviors. Ten male beagle dogs were divided into two groups, with five animals per group. The control group was animals receiving 0.5 mL/day of placebo via spray in the feed for 30 consecutive days as a preventive. The treated group received 0.5 mL/day of tested drug spray in the feed for 30 consecutive days as a preventive. Behavioral tests were performed at two time points, before and after receiving the tested drug. We performed the following behavioral tests: a) persons known and unknown in the internal and external environment; b) interaction with toys; c) interaction with an unknown dog, d) test with a leash; and e) firecracker test. There was more engagement in digging and scaling the fence in the control group than in the treatment group (P < 0.05). The animals that received homeopathic medicine sat 2.54 times longer than the control (P = 0.0269). Dogs that received homeopathic showed 4.49 times more interest in general at D30 than at D1 (P = 0.0214). Animals in the treated group showed an 83% less chance of urinating than the control group in the tests involving displacements. We conclude that the preventive addition of homeopathic medicine containing Natrum muriaticum, Chamomilla, and Ignatia amara reduced undesirable behaviors related to anxiety and increased the incidence of interest behavior.(AU)

Este estudo visou determinar se a formulação homeopática baseada em Natrum muriaticum, Matricaria, Chamomilla, e Ignatia amara foi eficaz para o controle de stress em cães, a fim de prevenir e/ou reduzir a frequência de comportamentos indesejados. Dez cães beagle machos foram divididos em dois grupos, com cinco animais por grupo. O grupo controle recebeu 0,5 mL/dia de placebo via spray na ração durante 30 dias consecutivos, como preventivo. O grupo tratado recebeu 0,5 mL/dia de homeopático via spray na ração durante 30 dias consecutivos, como preventivo. Os testes comportamentais foram realiza-dos em dois momentos, antes e depois de receber o fármaco testado. Foram realizados os seguintes testes comportamentais: a) pessoas conhecidas e desconhecidas no ambiente interno e externo; b) interação com brinquedos; c) interação com um cão desconhecido, d) teste com a guia; e teste com fogos de artifício. Houve um aumento nos comportamentos cavar e escalar a grade no controle (P < 0,05). Os animais que receberam o homeopático sentaram-se 2,54 vezes mais do que o grupo con-trole (P = 0,0269). Os cães que receberam homeopático mostraram 4,49 vezes mais interesse em geral no D30 do que no D1 (P = 0,0214). Os animais do grupo tratado mostraram uma probabilidade 83% menor de urinar do que o grupo controle nos testes envolvendo deslocamento. Concluímos que a adição preventiva de medicamentos homeopáticos contendo Natrum muriaticum, Chamomilla, e Ignatia amara reduziu os comportamentos indesejáveis relacionados com a ansiedade e aumentou a incidência de comportamentos de interesse.(AU)

Uso de secnidazol y homeopatía para el control de giardiasis en perros / Use of secnidazole and homeopathy for giardiasis control in dogs

RESUMEN Los perros con infecciones por Giardia tienen diarrea que persiste durante días, incluso después del tratamiento. Manejamos la giardiasis canina usando dos enfoques distintos: tratamiento con el secnidazol antiprotozoario solo; y secnidazol más un producto homeopático indicado para el control de la diarrea en perros. Tratamiento I: Diez perros beagle mostraron signos clínicos de diarrea severa. Sus heces revelaron una gran cantidad de quistes compatibles con Giardia sp. Por lo tanto, tratamos a los perros con secnidazol (10 mg/kg, dosis única) por vía oral. Cinco días después del tratamiento, todos los perros fueron negativos para Giardia spp. Tratamiento II: Tres meses después, los mismos diez Beagles nuevamente presentaron diarrea. Se recogieron las heces, revelando Giardia sp. en todos los perros. Esta vez, los tratamos con un antiprotozoo (secnidazol, dosis de 10 mg/kg) combinado con un medicamento homeopático comercial para el control de la diarrea (dosis de 3 g/animal a intervalos de 12 h). Descubrimos que se necesitaban de tres a cinco dosis homeopáticas para lograr puntajes fecales normales en todos los perros. Después de 5 días de tratamiento, las muestras de heces tuvieron una consistencia normal y fueron negativas para Giardia. Este es el primer registro de uso de secnidazol para el control de la giardiasis canina asociado con homeopáticos para evitar la diarrea.

ABSTRACT Dogs with Giardia infections have diarrhea that persists for days, even after treatment. We managed canine giardiasis using two distinct approaches: treatment with the antiprotozoan secnidazole alone; and secnidazole plus a homeopathic product that is indicated for control of diarrhea in dogs. Treatment I: Ten beagle dogs showed clinical signs of severe diarrhea. Their feces revealed large numbers of cysts consistent with Giardia sp. Therefore, we treated the dogs with secnidazole (10 mg/kg, single dose) given orally. Five days after treatment, all dogs were negative for Giardia spp. Treatment II: Three months later, the same ten Beagles again presented with diarrhea. Feces were collected, revealing Giardia sp. in all dogs. This time, we treated them with an antiprotozoan (secnidazole, 10 mg/kg dose) combined with a commercial homeopathic drug for diarrhea control (3 g dose/animal at 12 h interval). We found that three to five homeopathic doses were needed to achieve normal fecal scores in all dogs. After 5 days of treatment, stool samples had normal consistency and were negative for Giardia. This is the first record of using secnidazole to control canine giardiasis associated with homeopathic drugs to prevent diarrhea.

Gastrointestinal protozoa in dairy calves: identification of risk factors for infection / Protozoos gastrointestinales en terneros lecheros: identificación de factores de riesgo para la infección

ABSTRACT Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of gastrointestinal protozoa in dairy calves and to identify potential risk factors for this type of infection. Materials and methods. For this purpose, 243 fecal samples were collected from calves up to 60 days of age in 43 dairy farms located in the West region of Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Samples were examined by centrifugal-flotation technique. Results. As a result, Giardia was present in 26.75% (65/243) of all samples, Eimeria in 21.81% (53/243), and Cryptosporidium in 20.99% (51/243). Additionally, 46.50% (113/243) of the samples were negative for any protozoa, while 39.10% (95/243) and 14.40% (35/208) showed single and mixed infections, respectively. There was a higher association between Cryptosporidium and Giardia (6.99%) in cases of mixed infections. However, the triple protozoa association had the lowest prevalence in mixed infections (2.06%). Epidemiologically, a questionnaire was applied to determine risk factors for these parasitic infections. Based on the statistical model applied, some risk factors for Cryptosporidium infections were identified, highlighting feeding management, period of time that calves stayed with their mothers (cows), and contact with dogs; the risk of contracting Giardia increased according to the milk source, while the floor type bedding, and age were appointed as risks factors for Eimeria. Conclusions. Therefore, it is possible to confirm that Giardia, Cryptosporidium and Eimeria may infect dairy calves, and the knowledge of some risk factors associated to their infection in calves.

RESUMEN Objetivo. El objetivo evaluar la ocurrencia de protozoos gastrointestinales en terneros lecheros y de identificar posibles factores de riesgo para infección. Materiales y métodos. Se recogieron 243 muestras de heces de terneros de hasta 60 días de edad en 43 granjas lecheras ubicadas en la región del oeste del estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Las muestras fueron examinadas por la técnica de centrifugación-flotación. Resultados. Como resultado, Giardia estaba presente en 26.75% (65/243) de todas las muestras, Eimeria en 21.81% (53/243), y Cryptosporidium en 20.99% (51/243). Además, 46.50% (113/243) de las muestras fueron negativas para cualquier protozoos, mientras que 39.10% (95/243) y 14.40% (35/208) mostraron infecciones simples y mixtas, respectivamente. Hubo una mayor asociación entre Cryptosporidium y Giardia (6.99%) en los casos de infecciones mixtas. Sin embargo, la asociación de triple protozoos tenía la menor prevalencia de infecciones mixtas (2.06%). Epidemiológicamente, se aplicó un cuestionario para determinar los factores de riesgo para estas infecciones parasitarias. Se han identificado algunos factores de riesgo de infecciones por Cryptosporidium, destacando manejo de la alimentación, periodo de tiempo que los terneros permanecieron con sus madres (vacas), y el contacto con los perros; el riesgo de contraer Giardia incrementado en función de la fuente de la leche, mientras que el tipo de suelo de las camas, y la edad fueron nombrados como los riesgos de factores de Eimeria. Conclusiones. Es posible confirmar que Giardia, Cryptosporidium y Eimeria pueden infectar a terneros lecheros, y el conocimiento de algunos factores de riesgo asociados a la infección en terneros.