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Effects of Season and Hygienic Factors on Milk Microbiological and Physicochemical Characteristics in Livestock Communities of Ayacucho, Peru
Get PDFClimatic changes can influence milking practices and the dairy production chain, thereby influencing the microbiological safety and physicochemical quality of raw bovine milk (RBM), with potential implications for public health. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of seasonal variability on the hygienic factors and characteristics of RBM produced in livestock communities in the Socos district, Ayacucho, Peru. For mesophilic aerobic bacteria (MAB) and total coliform bacteria (TCB), the compact dry plate method was used. Sixty random samples were collected during the rainy season (RS) and the dry season (DS). Samples were taken from milkers' hands (six in the RS and six in the DS), rags (six in the RS and six in the DS), buckets (six in the RS and six in the DS), receiving tanks (eight in the RS and eight in the DS), and distribution centers (four in the RS and four in the DS). To evaluate physicochemical characteristics, including density, fat, protein, total solids, lactose, pH, and mineral salts, eight samples of Brown Swiss cattle RBM were collected directly from the tanks (four in the RS and four in the DS) of two distribution point centers. The present results indicated that the MAB count for hygienic factors was lower in the DS than in the RS, except in the milker's hands and distribution centers. For the TCB count related to hygienic factors, the values were lower in the DS than in the RS, except in receiving tanks and distribution centers. In the RS, the physicochemical qualities complied with the Peruvian Technical Standard (PTS), except for protein content and mineral salt levels. In the DS, the physicochemical quality did not comply with the PTS; however, these properties were within acceptable limits in the receiving tanks for MAB and on the milker's hands for TCB. As a result, the bacterial load on inert surfaces and the characteristics of RBM were lower in the DS compared to the RS. Still, contamination during milking and at distribution centers was greater
ESTIMATION OF CRUDE FIBER CONTENT OF A FEED FROM ITS ADF VALUE WHERE THERE IS NO LABORATORY SERVICE
No full textBecause of the cost and inaccessibility of laboratory facilities, animal feed formulation at the farm level, in many parts of Ethiopia, is based on feed database information. However, nowadays many laboratories are phasing out the Weende crude fiber (CF) method of analysis. The fiber content of feeds available in most feed databases (including the sub-Saharan Africa feeds composition database) are a result of detergent method analysis (NDF, ADF and lignin). However, CF is still used in poultry feed formulation and forage analysis for horses, in addition to the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) fraction for determining fiber in different countries. Since there is a statistically (P<0.01) difference between the CF and acid detergent fiber (ADF) value of a feed, ADF can’t be used directly in place of CF. Therefore, this work aims to formulate a regression equation that could roughly estimate the CF level of a feed from its NDF and ADF values. Considering the strong multicollinearity between NDF and ADF, this study developed separate models for ADF and NDF and compared them based on R2 and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), and the ADF-based model provided a better fit. The equations 0.79×ADF-0.46, 0.01+0.79×ADF, and 1.37+0.62×ADF have effectively predicted CF for cereal grains and beans, pulses and byproducts, and also oilseed meals and cakes, respectively. For grass forages, the equation 3.38+0.76×ADF, tested on 10 forages, showed potential but remains unreliable due to its R2 value below 0.8. Finally, it is concluded that this approach provides a practical alternative for estimating CF where laboratory services or database information are unavailable. Open Access: This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. © The Author(s) 202
EFFECTIVENESS OF Lactobacillus fermentum CMUL-54 AND Lactobacillus fermentum B978 AS PROBIOTIC CANDIDATES PRODUCING MANNANASE, CELLULASE AND PROTEASE ACTIVITIES FOR POULTRY
No full textThe present research investigated the potential of Lactobacillus fermentum strains CMUL-54 and B978 as a probiotic candidates with mannanase, cellulase, and protease activities. The materials used in this research included L. fermentum CMUL-54, L. fermentum B978, MRS Broth containing oxgall, and various equipment and chemicals for analyzing probiotic candidates, mannanase, cellulase, and protease activities. This study utilized quantitative analysis conducted using a paired two-sample t-test with ten replications. The results revealed that L. fermentum CMUL-54 could be significantly (P<0.01) used as a probiotic candidate, showing resistance to temperatures of 42°C (9.9x109±0.71 CFU/ml), gastric pH (72.35±0.80), bile salt resistance (87.69±3.66), and hydrophobicity test to the intestine (92.40±0.30). Lactobacillus fermentum CMUL-54 also exhibited significant inhibitory zones against lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli (13.27±0.13mm), Salmonella enteritidis (13.91±0.13mm), Staphylococcus aureus (17.75±0.24mm), high activity mannanase (12.36±0.61U/ml), cellulase (12.42±0.24U/ml) and protease (11.30±0.08U/ml). It is concluded that L. fermentum CMUL-54 exhibited superior probiotic properties compared to L. fermentum B978, thus positioning it as a more promising candidate for improving broiler performance through enhanced digestion and overall health. © The Author(s) 202
Prevention of Colibacillosis and Its Impact on Broiler Chickens' Heart with Javanese Cardamom and Turmeric
Get PDFColibacillosis represents a major threat to vital organs, particularly the heart, in broiler chickens. Concerns over rising antibiotic resistance have prompted interest in alternative therapies utilizing active compounds such as 1,8-cineole from Javanese cardamom essential oil (JCEO) and curcumin from turmeric ethanol extract (TEE), both known for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the histopathological effects of JCEO and TEE and to determine the optimal dosage for reducing heart tissue damage caused by colibacillosis in broiler chickens. A total of 72 Cobb-strain day-old chicks (DOCs) were randomly allocated into eight groups (three chickens per group, three replications). The groups included a negative control (no E. coli infection or treatment), a positive control (E. coli infection without treatment), and six treatment groups including E. coli + JCEO (0.06 ml/kg BW) + TEE (400 mg/kg feed), E. coli + JCEO (0.1 ml/kg BW) + TEE (400 mg/kg feed), E. coli + JCEO (0.06 ml/kg BW), E. coli + JCEO (0.1 ml/kg BW), E. coli + TEE (400 mg/kg feed), and E. coli + ciprofloxacin (10 mg/kg BW). Colibacillosis was induced via intraperitoneal injection of E. coli strain O78 at four weeks of age, and herbal treatments were administered orally via drinking water from day 7 to week 5. Histopathological evaluation of heart tissues was conducted, scoring lesions as mild, moderate, or severe. The positive control group exhibited the highest total lesion score, indicating extensive heart damage, while the group treated with JCEO (0.1 ml/kg BW) + TEE (400 mg/kg feed) showed the lowest lesion score, suggesting strong protective effects. Severe lesions were notably observed in the ciprofloxacin and TEE-only groups. The combination of JCEO (0.1 ml/kg BW) + TEE (400 mg/kg feed) proved most effective in minimizing heart tissue damage, outperforming both single-agent treatments and ciprofloxacin, likely due to synergistic antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions
CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS STATUS OF GOATS GRAZING IN NORTHWEST MOROCCAN FOREST
No full textIn the present study, leaves and twigs from 17 shrubs and trees consumed by the west-north Moroccan indigenous goats were collected and evaluated for their calcium and phosphorus (Ca and P) content. The potential mineral needs of adults and young goats of both sexes (male and female) from three localities were estimated to assess their mineral deficiency. This assessment was based on their weight and the diet composition determined through direct observation and the bites method. The browse species had a higher Ca content than P (1.79 vs 1.57 g/kg DM). The adult female goats had the highest P intake (2.04 g/day) with the highest deficit compared to the male adult (-29 vs -26) of their daily requirements. Young kids (males and females) had the lowest Ca intake (0.81 and 0.75 g/day, respectively) and recorded the lowest deficit (-17 vs -19) , respectively. Goats also showed a higher Ca deficit than P. In conclusion, the present results offer valuable information about the main mineral intake of the goats in the forest pasture of this region. Supplementing these two minerals is essential for enhancing goat performance in the traditional semi-extensive goat farming system that relies on forest pastures in the western-northern region of Morocco. © The Author(s) 202
Review of Geopolymer Concrete: Reaction Mechanisms, Mechanical Behavior, and Environmental Benefits
No full textGeopolymer concrete (GPC) presents itself as a sustainable construction material that replaces traditional Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) concrete by reducing carbon emissions while preserving structural strength and durability. Its strength derives from geopolymerization a chemical reaction in which aluminosilicate-rich industrial by-product (such fly ash, GGBFS, and metakaolin) react with alkaline activators (sodium or potassium hydroxide and silicate solutions) to create a strong three-dimensional aluminosilicate network. This process known as alkali activation transforms raw materials into a strong three-dimensional aluminosilicate network, which consists of silicon and aluminum atoms bonded through oxygen atoms, imparting high strength and chemical stability. The development of gel structure and reaction kinetics depends heavily on the precursor composition, as well as activator concentration, curing regime, and mix design parameters. Nanomaterials such as nano-silica enhance matrix densification and improve early-age strength by filling micro-pores and refining the microstructure. The addition of fiber reinforcements including basalt, polypropylene fibers significantly increase resistance to cracking and improves the material’s ductility. Furthermore, the use of tailored aggregates optimizes particle packing, thereby contributing to the overall strength and durability. Recent research indicates that GPC can achieve compressive strength up to 50 Mpa whereas OPC concrete bearly reaches 40 Mpa. Tensile strength improves from about 4.0 to 5.5. Mpa, and flexural strength increases from 6.0 to 8.0 Mpa. Durability of GPC enhanced, with up to 20% demonstrating superior resistance against sulfate attack, chloride ingress, thermal loading, and acidic environments. The paper combines research about rheological optimization and ambient curing feasibility, and shrinkage behavior. The material demonstrates its ability to meet advanced construction needs through its applications in 3D-printed GPC, fiber-reinforced composites and carbon-enhanced formulations. Technology faces ongoing difficulties related to long-term field performance and precursor variability, as well as the absence of unified standards. The long-term field performance of GPC remains insufficiently documented, with uncertainties regarding durability, exposure, such as creep, shrinkage, and resistance to environmental cycles, which could affect the reliability, setting and mechanical properties, posing challenges for quality control and large-scale implementation. To address these issues, further research is needed on extended field trials, standardized characterization of raw materials, and the development of guidelines for mixed design and performance assessment. The review presents current GPC technology developments while identifying essential steps for standardization and scalability, and sustainable infrastructure system integration
Seismotectonics and Earthquake Hazards of the Coastal Aegean Region: A Regional Assessment
No full textThis study comprehensively examines the seismotectonic characteristics of the Coastal Aegean Region and evaluates earthquake hazard probabilities based on historical, structural, and geodynamic data. Western Anatolia and the Coastal Aegean Region represent high-seismic-risk zones characterized by a complex deformation regime, where both normal and strike-slip faults are actively influential. The research investigates local fault systems in various segments, including İzmir, Balıkesir, Aydın, Muğla, Gökova, Skyros, and Sığacık. GPS measurements, microseismic records, tomographic analyses, and field observations were integrated to perform seismic hazard assessments. The vulnerability of traditional structures and the influence of local soil conditions on structural performance were also evaluated, supported by empirical and seismic hazard analysis results. Findings indicate that the seismic hazard in the region is associated not only with major faults but also with micro-scale stress accumulation and structural weaknesses. The magnitudes, locations, and characteristics of historical earthquakes were found to be consistent with the results of seismic hazard analyses. In this context, measures such as microseismicity monitoring, tsunami and earthquake early warning systems, and the reinforcement of building stock are projected to play a significant role in reducing disaster risk
Effects of Yogurt Supplementation on Feed Efficiency, Growth Performance, and Ileal Nutrient Digestibility in Broiler Chicken
Get PDFThe use of probiotics, particularly fermented yogurt, in poultry diets has gained substantial interest due to their capacity to enhance growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, and nutrient absorption in broiler chickens. This study evaluated the effects of yogurt supplementation on broiler performance and nutrient utilization. Two hundred one-day-old Ross-308 male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments using a completely randomized design. Each treatment group included five replicates with eight chicks per replicate. The dietary treatments consisted of a control diet (without yogurt), locally prepared yogurt (5 mL/L in drinking water), yogurt fermented with Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA, 5 mL/L), yogurt fermented with Streptococcus thermophilus (ST, 5 mL/L), and yogurt co-fermented with L. acidophilus and S. thermophilus (LA+ST, 5 mL/L). The performance and ileal digestibility of nutrients were measured. Results indicated that the average daily feed intake (ADFI) significantly decreased in the LA+ST group at 0–14 days, with an 11.7 reduction compared to the control. Broilers receiving yogurt demonstrated a higher average daily gain (ADG) at 0–14 days, with the LA+ST group showing an 8 improvement over the control. At 0–28 days, the LA+ST group maintained the highest ADG, 6.8 higher than the control. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly improved with yogurt supplementation at 0–14 days. Compared to the control, FCR improved by 3.6, 7.9, 5.7, and 15.7 in the Local, LA, ST, and LA+ST groups, respectively. Additionally, yogurt fermented with specific lactic acid bacteria (LAB) significantly enhanced the ileal digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE), and total ash (TA). These findings highlight the efficacy of yogurt fermented with L. acidophilus and S. thermophilus as a dietary supplement to enhance growth performance and nutrient utilization in broiler chickens. © (2025), (Scienceline Publication). All rights reserved
Effects of the Combination of Bacillus licheniformis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on Blood Profile, Immune Organs, Carcass Characteristics, and Intestinal Health of Broiler Chickens Challenged with Escherichia coli
Get PDFThe poultry industry faces ongoing challenges from bacterial infections. Probiotics have emerged as a promising strategy to improve the performance and health of animals. The current research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of Bacillus licheniformis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on blood profile, immune organs, carcass characteristics, and intestinal health in broiler chickens exposed to Escherichia coli (E. coli). This study involved the random assignment of 100 male Cobb 500 broiler chicks aged one day, raised for 35 days, each with an average weight of 44.26 ± 1.89g, to four oral treatments. There were four groups, each group consisting of five replications, and each replication consisting of five chickens. T1, the control group, received a basal diet. T2 received B. licheniformis (5×109CFU per 2g), administered at a level of 2g per 1000g of basal diet. T3 received S. cerevisiae (1.0 ×10 10CFU per 2g), administered at a level of 2g per 1000g of basal diet. T4 received a combination of B. licheniformis (5×10 9CFU/g) and S. cerevisiae )1.0 × 1010CFU/g), with each probiotic administered at a level of 1g per 1000g of basal diet. The data of blood profile parameters, including electrolytes, leukocytes, total protein of plasma (TPP), fibrinogen, hemoglobin, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and cholesterol, indicated a notable disparity between the control group and the group receiving the combination of Bacillus licheniformis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with the control group exhibiting lower values for these parameters compared to the combination group. Total bacteria counts before and after the challenge showed fewer colonies of E. coli in the group that received the combination of Bacillus licheniformis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The weights of carcass parts (breast, wing, and thigh) and immune organs (spleen, Bursa Fabricius, and intestine) were all significantly lower in the control group compared to the group administered a combination of Bacillus licheniformis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These results indicated that the supplementation of Bacillus licheniformis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to broiler chickens exposed to E. coli increased their parameters of blood profile, immune system, carcass features, and intestinal health. © The Author(s) 2025. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
GATA4 Gene Expression Pattern and Stomach Histogenesis in White New Zealand Rabbit Fetus (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
No full textThere is a scarcity of published data regarding embryonic development in rabbits. The current study was conducted to evaluate the development of the stomach in rabbit fetuses and the expression of the transcription factor GATA4 during different stages of development. This study was conducted on 40 rabbit fetuses for morphology, histology, and GATA4 expression. The rabbits used were seemingly healthy white New Zealand pregnant females (aged 1.5-3 years and weighing 2 - 4.5 kg). The morphology and histology of rabbit fetuses’ stomachs (22 fetuses) were examined using a light microscope on days 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 26 of the rabbit’s gestation period. The expression of GATA4 in rabbit fetuses (18 fetuses) on developmental days (20, 22, and 26) was investigated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results indicated that the initial stomach appeared as a fusiform widening in the posterior part of the foregut on day 10. The mucous membrane was significantly thickened, and the formation of the gastric gland commenced on day 18. On day 22, the lining epithelium transformed into the pseudostratified epithelium, and the mucosal folds exhibited more clarity. On day 26, the lining epithelium of the stomach had changed into a simple columnar epithelium. Additionally, the mucosal folds and gastric pits were fully developed in all stomach areas. The stomach glands displayed exceptional transparency and were fully developed. Analysis of qRT-PCR data showed a significant increase in GATA4 mRNA expression in the embryonic stomach on gestational days 20, 22, and 26 as the pregnancy progressed. In conclusion, this study comprehensively described the morphological and histological development of the rabbit stomach. It demonstrated a substantial upregulation of GATA4 mRNA expression as gestation advanced, indicating its crucial role in stomach development. © The Author(s) 2025. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/