22421 research outputs found
Sort by
Examining complex gill disease in Scottish salmon
Full text linkIn recent years, Scotland’s salmon sector has been affected increasingly by gill health challenges. Across marine farms, inflamed and damaged gills have been observed which can lead to respiratory issues, reduced growth, emergency harvests, and significant economic losses.The cause of gill disorders in marine-farmed salmon is complicated and, often, gill disease is believed to be the result of many interacting factors. These factors include infectious agents such as amoebae, bacteria and viruses; and environmental stressors such as harmful plankton, in adverse water temperature, or poor water quality. When no single primary causative agent can be identified, the condition is known as complex gill disease By 2017, the term was being used widely but without a clear or consistent definition, making it difficult to compare data or design effective management strategies.Recognising the scale and complexity of the problem, the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) announced its funding of the ‘Gill Health in Scottish Farmed Salmon’ project, which brought together academic researchers, diagnostic experts, and industry partners from across Scotland. It aimed to produce an evidence-based understanding of gill disease from two complementary strands of work:Work Package 1: investigation of the epidemiology of CGD, identified risk factors, diagnostic performance, and prevalence.Work Package 2: characterisation of the community of microorganisms living on fish gills, or the microbiome, to understand its relationship with disease.Together, these studies sought to build the foundations for improved monitoring, diagnosis, understanding, and management of gill health in Scotland’s farmed salmon
Longitudinal study of a Scottish beef herd affected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis; monitored by faecal culture, serum ELISA and the interferon-gamma release assay
No full textParatuberculosis is a fatal, enteritis of animals caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Uptake of MAP by macrophages initiates adaptive immune responses, detected as antigen-specific Interferon- gamma (IFN-γ) release or specific antibodies in peripheral blood. MAP can subvert macrophage killing and there is often a long sub-clinical phase. Diagnosis of paratuberculosis by faecal culture or serum ELISA is problematic, particularly during the subclinical phase. Regimens which rely on these tests, may fail as animals may transmit infection for prolonged periods before their detection. Infected animals may develop early Th1 responses to MAP. Measuring IFN-γ produced in response to mycobacterial antigens may give an early indication of animals infected with MAP. Adaptation of the commercially available Bovigam™ test kit utilizing MAP-specific proteins as stimulants of the cell mediated immune (CMI) response discriminates naturally and experimentally infected animals from uninfected ones. Young animals from farms affected by paratuberculosis, exhibit high responses to purified protein derivative from Mycobacterium avium species (PPDa) and MAP–specific antigens. To determine if specific high CMI responses were diagnostic for paratuberculosis they were compared with the inferred true status of each animal in a latent class analysis. Results from this study indicate that the novel interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) test is a sensitive test of MAP infection but does not indicate which animals are likely to subsequently test positive by the established MAP tests. The IGRA test may have an application as a herd test, determining whether infection exists and to what extent it is present within the herd
Lactobacillus salivarius SNK-6 improves egg quality, yolk nutrient composition, and yolk flavor profile in laying hens via modulation of tissue metabolites and Cecal microbiomes
Full text linkThis study aimed to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus salivarius SNK-6 (L.a-SNK-6) supplementation on the laying performance, egg quality and yolk nutrition composition, including amino acid (AAs), fatty acids, and flavor profile, of Wenshang Barred hens. A total of 432 healthy 40-week-old hens were randomly assigned to three groups with 6 replicates each: control group (CON), a group supplemented with 2.0 × 10 CFU/kg L.a-SNK-6 (T1), and a group supplemented with 2.0 × 10 CFU/kg L.a-SNK-6 (T2). Compared with the CON group, both the T1 and T2 groups showed a reduction in the broken egg rate and increases in serum alkaline phosphatase, calcium (Ca) and calcitonin levels (P < 0.05). These groups also exhibited higher Haugh unit, eggshell strength and eggshell Ca content (P < 0.05). Furthermore, egg yolks from the T1 and T2 groups contained higher levels of α-linolenic acid, and oleic acid than those of the CON group. Total AAs content in the egg yolks was markedly elevated in both T1 and T2 groups, particularly the glutamic acid and aspartic acid (P < 0.05). Twenty volatile compounds that differed significantly among the three groups were identified, including d-limonene and β-pinene. Metabolomic analyses revealed 326, 237, and 108 differential metabolites in plasma, liver, and cecal content, respectively, between the T1 and CON group. These metabolites were significantly enriched in the tryptophan metabolism (map00380) pathway in both plasma and cecal content. 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that cecal microbiome diversity and abundance were higher in T1 group compared with the CON group, although the differences were not statistically significant. Combined analysis showed seventy-five host metabolite-microbiota pairs were significantly correlated (P-adjust < 0.05). Collectively, L.a-SNK-6 supplementation modulated metabolites across multiple host tissues and the cecal microbiome, leading to improved egg quality, enhanced yolk nutrient composition, and alterations in yolk volatile compounds. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2026 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Effectiveness of a minimum pricing policy for the consumption of soft drinks in Mexico
Full text linkThe government of Mexico introduced the sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax and energy-dense tax in 2014 to help addressing the overweight and obesity problem. The literature suggests that the tax has led to a 4–10% reduction in SSB consumption. However, noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes and ischemic heart disease are still the leading causes of death in Mexico, accounting for approximately 59% of deaths in 2021. In other sectors, such as alcohol and cigarettes, several studies have provided evidence that minimum pricing outperforms value-added and excise taxes. Such a policy, however, has not been applied in the food and non-alcoholic drinks sector. The aim of this study is to simulate the minimum price (post-SSB tax) required to achieve a policy target of a 20% reduction in soft drink consumption. For this purpose, an Exact Affine Stone Index demand model was estimated using the 2022 National Survey on Households Income and Expenditures (ENIGH in Spanish) to compute expenditure and price elasticities, which were later used to derive shadow prices for soft drinks. The results show that a policy target of a 20% reduction in soft drink consumption would require a minimum increase in the current price by 16%; however, the increase would be different for urban and rural households. Additionally, the policy would increase the demand for fruits, vegetables, fruit juices and fish and seafood. Finally, the results indicate that although both uniform excise taxes and minimum price policies are effective, the latter with a policy target in place would have a greater impact on soft drink demand than the former.</p
Welfare Indicators for Aquaculture Research: Toolboxes for Five Farmed European Fish Species
Full text linkRefining approaches to measuring, monitoring and appraising animal welfare in aquaculture research is key to (i) protecting and optimizing it, (ii) documenting the severity of how and when it deviates, and (iii) ensuring good scientific quality, reliable results and reproducibility, amongst other factors. However, different fish species and life stages can have varying welfare needs and assessing their welfare can be challenging. An array of welfare indicators (WIs) can be utilized when documenting fish welfare, and there is currently little consensus on which WIs are most applicable to the key fish species used in European aquaculture research. The aim of this review is to propose updated, fit for purpose and comprehensive WI toolboxes for aquaculture research involving Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ), rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ), European seabass ( Dicentrarchus labrax ), gilthead seabream ( Sparus aurata ), and the common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ). Where possible, these toolboxes will also include life‐stage considerations. It also provides information on utilizing WIs in deciding humane end‐points as well as information on how to sample different types of indicators. The review closes with information on how digitalization can affect the collection, collation and analysis of WI data in aquaculture research, including both practical and theoretical considerations. The toolboxes incorporate a range of WIs that go beyond those required for legally safeguarding fish welfare in both laboratory and operational experimental facilities in the current European 2010/63/EU Directive on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes and its amendment, the Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2024/1262
Effectiveness of a minimum pricing policy for the consumption of soft drinks in Mexico
Full text linkThe government of Mexico introduced the sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax and energy-dense tax in 2014 to help addressing the overweight and obesity problem. The literature suggests that the tax has led to a 4–10% reduction in SSB consumption. However, noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes and ischemic heart disease are still the leading causes of death in Mexico, accounting for approximately 59% of deaths in 2021. In other sectors, such as alcohol and cigarettes, several studies have provided evidence that minimum pricing outperforms value-added and excise taxes. Such a policy, however, has not been applied in the food and non-alcoholic drinks sector. The aim of this study is to simulate the minimum price (post-SSB tax) required to achieve a policy target of a 20% reduction in soft drink consumption. For this purpose, an Exact Affine Stone Index demand model was estimated using the 2022 National Survey on Households Income and Expenditures (ENIGH in Spanish) to compute expenditure and price elasticities, which were later used to derive shadow prices for soft drinks. The results show that a policy target of a 20% reduction in soft drink consumption would require a minimum increase in the current price by 16%; however, the increase would be different for urban and rural households. Additionally, the policy would increase the demand for fruits, vegetables, fruit juices and fish and seafood. Finally, the results indicate that although both uniform excise taxes and minimum price policies are effective, the latter with a policy target in place would have a greater impact on soft drink demand than the former.</p
Holding on or heading up? The roosting preferences of brown- and white-feathered laying hen pullets
Full text linkAlthough laying hens are known to be motivated to roost as high as possible and to use a perch that allows them to grasp, little is known about how these behaviours develop in young birds. We investigated relative preferences of laying hen pullets for roosting on round perches versus platforms and whether elevation affected their preference using three strain groups and two treatments over four periods of time. 120 DeKalb White and 120 Bovans Brown chicks were housed in groups of 10 in 24 floor pens, grouped as only white pullets (n = 8), only brown pullets (n = 8) or mixed strains (n = 8). Each pen was fitted with round metal perches (PERCH) and wire platforms (PLAT) installed on opposite sides of the pen, all accessible by wire ramps (RAMP). Over four 4-week long periods from 3 to 19WOA, platforms and perches were systematically offered in a manner such that the pullets were required to choose between type of structure versus elevation. In HiPlat treatment, PLAT was the highest available structure, and in HiPerch treatment, PERCH was the highest. Video recordings were used to count the number of birds on PERCH, PLAT, and RAMP. Images were taken of the pullets’ feet grasping a perch starting at 6WOA to measure the average length of the pullet’s foot wrapped around the perch. Overall, more birds chose to roost on PLAT than PERCH, and both were used more than RAMP. Brown-only pullets used the structures less than white. Structure use increased with age, with PLAT use highest at 12-14WOA, and PERCH use increasing at 16-18WOA. In HiPlat treatment more birds roosted on PLAT than PERCH whereas in HiPerch, birds were more evenly distributed between PLAT and PERCH. White birds had significantly longer feet than browns across all ages. Foot size was associated with the use of perches but not with use of platforms. Overall, pullets’ preference for roosting on the platform outweighed their preference for elevation and for grasping a round perch. This suggests that elevated platforms are important structural elements for growing pullets
The influence of market access on grain legume adoption and intensity in African small-holder households
Full text linkContextGrain legumes have been promoted to support nutrition, soil quality and income growth. However, uptake is generally low across African smallholders and a number of studies have identified lack of market access for legumes as a main constraint. ObjectiveThe study employs a cross-sectional dataset of 20,218 smallholder households across 10 African countries to explore the level of legume intensity and the characteristics and determinants of adoptionlMethods An indicator of grain legume intensity is derived on individual plot areas. To accommodate both the high amounts of non-adoption and the differences in the distribution of intensity observed by country we employ a zero-inflated beta regression. Results and Conclusions There is little diversity in grain legume species planted, though Kenya has the most diversity in legumes grown. Mean legume cultivation intensity ranges from 8% of total cropping area to over 25% in Zambia and Ethiopia. The influence of market access for legumes is a strong and significant predictor of intensity. Conversely, we find the presence of markets for cash crops reduces the incentive to adopt legumes.SignificanceDevelopment strategies should combine household-level interventions with broader market-oriented approaches, as improving legume market access is essential for scaling legume production and enhancing food security, income diversification, and ecological resilience across the region. By analysing a large sample of households across diverse agro-ecological zones, we provide generalizable evidence that complements localized studies. Estimating the decision to both cultivate and intensify legumes within the same model reveals a duality that emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to strengthen legume markets.<br/
A study of associations between the salivary metabolite composition, pH, and gastric ulcers in lactating sows
Full text linkGastric ulcers are highly prevalent in the pig industry and are likely to cause discomfort or pain. However, there are no validated non-invasive methods to diagnose gastric ulcers in living pigs. Such diagnostics may help improve our understanding of gastric ulcers and promote control measures. Saliva protects the buccal mucosa and may play a role in the health of the pars oesophagea (located at the entrance of the stomach). Hence, changes in saliva characteristics could be linked to the occurrence of gastro-oesophageal ulcers. The aim of this feasibility study was to explore two tools that could help with gastric ulcer detection using non-invasive methods in the living pig: salivary metabolite composition and salivary pH. Twenty-six gilts and sows (hereafter sows) designated for culling due to repopulation management participated in this trial. Sows were followed through lactation until weaning to check their general health status. Sows were saliva-sampled prior to euthanasia, which occurred immediately after weaning (at 26 ± 1.5 days after farrowing, mean ± SD). To identify metabolites, global metabolomics and pathway enrichment analysis were performed on individual saliva samples. The salivary pH was measured. Stomachs were assessed postmortem, and stomach integrity was evaluated by assessing the pars oesophagea using two separate scoring systems: (1) a conventional scoring system that assesses the worst lesion present (overall stomach score) and (2) a scoring system that describes each type of lesion present in the pars oesophagea separately (lesion score). All sows had moderate to severe changes in the pars oesophagea, and 69.2% had at least one ulcer. The salivary pH was not related to stomach integrity. Metabolomic analysis identified metabolites that increased or decreased with changes in the pars oesophagea. The pathway enrichment analysis identified various metabolites as part of different metabolic pathways. L-histidine and lipoxin A4, which have been identified in saliva before and may be related to gastric ulceration, were detected. To conclude, this feasibility study identified a small number of salivary metabolites as potential biomarkers of gastric ulceration in lactating sows worthy of investigation in a larger, controlled study. However, the boxplots did not indicate changes in salivary pH with changes in the stomach integrity in these sows. Additionally, this study adds to the existing evidence of gastric ulcers in sows and suggests that it could be an important ‘hidden’ welfare problem.</p
Database of Community Right to Buy Applications in Scotland 2003 to 2025.
No full textDatabase of Scottish Community Right to Buy applications under Parts 2, 3, and 3a of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act (as amended), and Part 5 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 (as amended). Information provided on a range of social characteristics, including postcode, rural classification and Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation. Partial information on size of land (to 2015)