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Emergence of Extended-spectrum Beta-lactamase Producer and Colistin-resistant E. coli in Animal-origin Foods in Libya
Get PDFThe increasing prevalence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection poses significant health challenges worldwide. Understanding the genetic, pathogenic, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of E. coli is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of E. coli isolated from different samples of food products from animals, with specific attention to identifying and characterizing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing isolates. The present study analyzed 92 E. coli isolates obtained from 1120 food samples, including milk, dairy products, meat, and meat products, collected randomly from retail markets in Libya. The isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, and the antibiotic resistance profiles were evaluated using 32 antibiotics from 12 different classes. Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) and antibiotic resistance index were calculated, with MAR ≥ 0.2 indicating high antibiotic resistance. Isolates were categorized as multidrug resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR), or pan drug-resistant (PDR) based on standard definitions. The ESBL production was assessed using the double-disc synergy test, and colistin resistance was tested using the agar diffusion method. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of E. coli isolates revealed 100% resistance to penicillin and cloxacillin, with high resistance rates observed against neomycin (93.4%), rifampicin (86.9%), and methicillin (75%). However, all isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol, whereas carbapenems (imipenem, meropenem, ertapenem) indicated the lowest resistance (3.2%). Cefepime demonstrated the highest effectiveness among cephalosporins, with a resistance rate of 1.08%. The MAR ranged from 0.09 to 0.6, with the highest MAR value (0.6) observed in isolates resistant to 20 antibiotics. All isolates were MDR, but no XDR or PDR strains were detected. Among the 92 isolates, 43 were confirmed as ESBL producers, primarily originating from raw milk, lben (fermented milk), and other dairy products. In addition, 83 isolates demonstrated phenotypic resistance to colistin. The present study highlighted the significant presence of MDR E. coli in food products of animal origin, particularly raw milk, fermented milk, and chicken meat in Libya, emphasizing the urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship, stronger regulatory frameworks, and integrated One Health surveillance approaches to combat AMR in Libya
The Interplay of Litter Types, Blends of L-selenomethionine, and Vitamin E in Broiler Chicken’s Performance and Health
Get PDFThe choice of litter type (LT) in broiler chicken production can significantly influence overall performance and health. Adding specific combinations of L-selenomethionine and Vitamin E (L-SeMet + V.E) to drinking water can impact broiler chickens’ health. This study aimed to explore the effects of two LT types, wood shavings (WS) and perforated plastic litter (PL) as well as water supplementation with L-SeMet + V.E, on growth performance, blood parameters, antioxidant capacity, and thyroid hormone levels in broiler chickens. A total of 312 one-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly assigned to two different LT groups (WS and PL), with 156 chicks in each. Within each LT group, the chickens were further divided into four subgroups: a control group (T0) that received plain water, and three treatment groups that received drinking water supplements. Each subgroup consisted of three replicates, with 13 broiler chickens per replicate. The water treatments involved varying levels of supplementation with L-SeMet and vitamin E: T1 (0.5 mg/L + 250 mg/L), T2 (1 mg/L + 250 mg/L), and T3 (1.5 mg/L + 250 mg/L). Chickens were assessed for growth performance, feed efficiency, and blood biochemical parameters including lipids, liver enzymes, antioxidants, and thyroid hormones. Chickens raised on PL and receiving T3 exhibited significantly enhanced performance and feed efficiency, outperforming those raised on WS and given different supplementation levels. Significant enhancements were observed in the blood lipid profile and liver enzyme levels across the different LT groups, with the highest values recorded in the PL group. Additionally, broiler chicken in the T2 group, along with the WS × T2 and PL × T3 interactions, showed a notable improvement in blood biochemical parameters. Similarly, chickens raised on PL and given T3-supplemented water, along with the interactions WS × T2 and PL × T3, showed a significant improvement in antioxidant status and thyroid hormone levels in comparison to chickens raised on WS and the other treatment combinations. The use of PL and supplemenation with L-SeMet + V.E in drinking water were found to enhance growth performance, improve blood parameters, increase antioxidant capacity, and influence thyroid hormone levels in broiler chickens
Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Chestnut tannin on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, and Meat Cholesterol in Ulu Chickens
Get PDFTannin from chestnuts has garnered interest in poultry nutrition due to its potential impact on meat quality. The current study investigated the effects of Chestnut tannins (CT) which were derived from natural chestnut wood, on poultry health and meat characteristics. The primary objective was to determine the effects of CT supplementation in commercial feed on performance, carcass, and meat cholesterol in Ulu chickens. A total of 48 one-day-old Ulu chickens were divided randomly based on a completely randomized design into four treatment groups, with four replications each, and raised until 63 days of age. The treatments consisted of varying doses of CT (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3) supplemented with a commercial diet. The parameters measured were performance, carcass traits, and meat cholesterol. The results showed that the supplementation of different levels of CT did not significantly alter performance, carcass traits, and meat cholesterol in ulu chickens. However, correlation and trend analysis indicated that the 0.3 CT treatment yielded the best growth performance, with a body weight gain of 934.85 g and a feed conversion ratio of 2.53, respectively. Conversely, the best treatment for reducing meat cholesterol was 0.2 of CT. It can be concluded that while CT supplementation did not influence the performance and carcass characteristics, it was effective in reducing meat cholesterol levels in Ulu chickens. © The Author(s) 202
Effectiveness of Guava Leaf Fraction on Phagocytosis Activity and Leukocyte Differentiation in Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Infected with Aeromonas hydrophila
Get PDFOne obstacle to the sustainability of fisheries is the bacterial infection caused by Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila). To overcome the sustainability issues posed by antibiotic use against A. hydrophila in fisheries, guava leaf (Psidium guajava L.) immunostimulants offer a promising natural alternative. The present study aimed to examine the impact of dynamic compounds derived from guava leaves on leukocyte differentiation and phagocytosis in tilapia infected with A. hydrophila. A completely randomized design was established, consisting of three treatment groups and two controls, with three replications. The groups included 150 ppm of guava leaf fraction (Group A), 125 ppm of guava leaf fraction (Group B), and 100 ppm of guava leaf fraction (Group C), which were injected into tilapia. The negative control group was infected with A. hydrophila bacteria without receiving the guava leaf fraction, and the positive control group was not infected with A. hydrophila bacteria and did not receive the guava leaf fraction. The dosage determination of the guava leaf fraction was conducted using the lethal concentration 50% test. The results demonstrated that Fraction 5 of guava leaf extract significantly enhanced the non-specific immune response of tilapia. The optimal dose of 150 ppm led to a substantial increase in lymphocyte counts and phagocytic activity following infection with A. hydrophila. Consequently, all treatment groups (100, 125, and 150 ppm) exhibited survival rates statistically equivalent to those of the positive control group, which was significantly higher than the 39% survival rate in the negative control group. Thus, guava leaf Fraction 5, particularly at 150 ppm, serves as an effective immunostimulant and natural antibiotic alternative for controlling A. hydrophila in tilapia
Obtaining a Biometric Index for Juveniles and Adults of Holothuria inornata (Semper, 1868)
Get PDFThe sea cucumber Holothuria inornata (H. inornata) is a species at risk in Mexico. To help protect this species, it is important to provide information related to biological and fisheries management. The present study aimed to predict the weight of the sea cucumber (H. inornata) using biometric measurements such as wet weight and dry weight. A total of 267 H. inornata were manually collected from El Borrego Beach in the municipality of San Blas, Nayarit, Mexico. Species identification involved characterizing calcareous ladders. Each specimen was sedated using xylazine 10%, and measurements were taken out of water with a digital scale. Multiple linear regressions were performed, with size serving as the independent variable and wet weight, dry weight, and humidity percentage as dependent variables. A general equation was developed to predict the wet weight of the H. inornata at the juvenile stage. For correlations based on dry weight, the following equations were established. In immature adults, including dry weight, the equation was 0.0019 × (length^1.6479); and in mature adults, including dry weight, it was 0.0053 × (length^1.5362). The biometric parameters used for weight estimation exhibited a high degree of correlation with actual weight. Wet weight was the biometric parameter that showed the best fit among the studied parameters. Utilizing these biometric indices facilitates the recording of wet and dry weights for interested parties, thereby supporting population and biomass evaluations within the H. inornata fishery and aquaculture sectors
Determinants Influencing Calving to Service Interval in Danish Holstein Cows
Get PDFThe calving-to-first-service interval is crucial for dairy herd productivity. However, factors influencing this reproductive parameter remain understudied in modern dairy systems. The present study aimed to investigate the determinants of the calving-to-first-service interval in Danish Holstein cows, focusing on parity, age at first insemination, age at first calving, gestation length, gender of the born calf, and calving season. Data from 699 cows, managed on a single farm in Southwest Denmark, were collected and analyzed to identify risk factors associated with the calving-to-first-service interval. The mean calving-to-the-first-service interval was 87.6 ± 23.7 days. The present results indicated that parity, age at first calving, and calving season are key modifiable factors that affected the calving-to-first-service interval of the investigated Danish Holstein cows. The final multivariate linear regression model, which explained 13.7% of the variation in the calving-to-first-service interval, identified parity, age at first calving, and the gender of the born calf as significant risk factors for the interval. Parity and age at first calving were negatively related to the calving-to-first-service interval. Male calves were linked to an increased calving-to-first-service interval. Gestation length and age at the first artificial insemination indicated no association with the calving-to-first-service interval. Focusing on key factors such as parity, age at first calving, and gender of the born calf can improve reproductive success and profitability in dairy herds
Antibacterial and Sensory Impact of β-carotene and Riboflavin on Pseudomonas Biofilm in Raw Milk
Get PDFMilk is a highly nutritious yet perishable food that is susceptible to microbial contamination and spoilage, particularly by Pseudomonas species. The present study aimed to assess the antimicrobial and sensory effects of β-carotene and riboflavin as natural additives for preserving raw milk, with a specific emphasis on controlling biofilm-forming Pseudomonas strains. A total of 100 raw milk samples were collected from different markets in Gharbia, Egypt, and tested for Pseudomonas spp. Biofilm formation was assessed in isolates, followed by the detection of the quorum-sensing transcriptional regulator lasR, pellicle formation protein A (polysaccharide biosynthesis protein A) pelA, and polysaccharide synthesis locus protein A pslA genes. An in vitro trial was performed on eight groups of raw milk to evaluate the effects of β-carotene and riboflavin at concentrations of 1 µg/ml and 4 µg/ml, respectively, on Pseudomonas counts and sensory properties. The groups include positive control (G1), raw milk inoculated with Pseudomonas and fortified with β-carotene (G2), raw milk inoculated with Pseudomonas and fortified with riboflavin (G3), raw milk inoculated with Pseudomonas and fortified with a combination of β-carotene and riboflavin (G4), negative control (G5), milk fortified with β-carotene only (G6), milk fortified with riboflavin only (G7) and milk fortified with both β-carotene and riboflavin (G8). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to assess the impact of these additives on Pseudomonas, specifically on 16S rRNA and pslA gene expression. Pseudomonas spp. were found in 20% of samples, with 75% forming biofilms. The pslA gene was detected in 83.33% of these samples. β-carotene and riboflavin indicated dose-dependent antibacterial effects, with minimum inhibitory concentration values, and minimum bactericidal concentration values. Milk fortified with these compounds, particularly in G4, demonstrated the most significant reduction in Pseudomonas during a 6-day storage period. Additionally, β-carotene maintained a preferable sensory quality compared to other groups. RT-PCR confirmed the highest pslA gene suppression with the combined treatment. The current findings indicated that β-carotene at a concentration of 1 µg/ml, whether used independently or in combination with riboflavin, can serve as an effective natural preservative in dairy products
The Effect of Crumb Rubber and Ceramic Waste Filler on the Performance of Hot Mix Asphalt
No full textIn curtailing the effects of scrap tires and ceramic waste in the environment, this study evaluates the effect of crumb rubber as bitumen modifier and ceramic waste as filler on the performance of hot mix asphalt. Bitumen was modified with crumb rubber in increasing percentages of 0%, 6%, 9%, 12% and 15%, by the weight of bitumen, while limestone filler was replaced with ceramic filler at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% proportions by the weight of total filler. Five asphalt mix types were produced and evaluated, based on Marshall mix design method for heavy traffic. The physical and chemical characterization of crumb rubber and ceramic filler showed that their properties were within the specified range and could be potentially applied in hot mix asphalt. In comparison to other variations, the modified mix which contained 6% crumb rubber and 25% replacement of limestone filler with ceramic filler, gave better resistance to deformation and rutting, cracking and moisture susceptibility, from the obtained Marshall flow of 2.92 mm, stability of 32.57 KN, Marshall quotient of 11.15 KN/mm, indirect tensile strength (dry) of 884.2 KN and tensile strength ratio of 90.36 % KN/m2. The combination of 6% crumb rubber and 25% ceramic filler effectively enhanced the performance of hot mix asphalt, thereby offering as a sustainable approach for recycling these waste materials
Effect of dietary Spirulina platensis supplementation on growth, carcass composition, and haematological parameters of pabda (Ompok pabda)
No full textThe study was conducted to find out the effects and optimum level of dietary Spirulina platensis (Spirulina) supplementation on growth and haematological parameters of pabda (Ompok pabda). Five experimental diets were prepared containing 33% protein. Different levels of Spirulina (0% as control or S0, S2.5%, S5%, S7.5% and S10%) were supplemented at the expense of fish meal (FM), respectively. Up to 10% of the total dietary protein (33%) in the control diet was replaced by Spirulina protein in the experimental diets. The feeding experiment was carried out in five treatments with three replications for 10 weeks. The water quality parameters viz. ammonia, dissolve oxygen, pH, and temperature were within the suitable range for pabda culture. The best growth performance was observed in the fish fed with 10% Spirulina supplemented feed followed by 7.5%, 5% and 2.5% Spirulina supplemented diet (P ˂ 0.05). Maximum survival rate (98%) and hepatosomatic index (1.37) of pabda was also found in S10% Spirulina group. But the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with the increasing level of Spirulina supplementation which indicated better feed utilization. In case of carcass composition of pabda, the highest percentage of crude protein and ash were observed in fish fed with 10% followed by 7.5%, 5%, 2.5% S. platensis supplemented diet (P ˂ 0.05). Likewise, haematological condition in fish fed with 10% Spirulina supplemented diet resulted better in this study. Therefore, it could be concluded that dietary supplementation of 10% S. platensis protein with FM protein may significantly improve the growth and the haematological parameters of O. pabda
Detection of the Zygote arrest 1 Gene in Oocytes, Zygotes, and Embryos of Pesisir Cattle with the Addition of IGF-1 within the In Vitro Maturation Media
Get PDFZygote arrest 1 (ZAR 1) is a maternal gene that plays a crucial role in the oocyte-to-embryo transition. The present study aimed to investigate the presence or absence of the ZAR 1 gene in oocytes, zygotes, and embryos of Pesisir Cattle. Ovaries were collected from cattle at slaughterhouses, and oocytes were retrieved at the Biotechnology Laboratory. The collected oocytes were matured in a maturation medium supplemented with Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) at a concentration of 10 µg/ml or without IGF-1 for 24 hours in a CO₂ incubator maintained at 38.5°C. Following maturation, the oocytes were fertilized for 18 hours, and the resulting embryos were cultured for 48 hours in a CO₂ incubator at 38.5°C. The samples were then subjected to PCR analysis. The amplification results revealed the presence of the ZAR 1 gene band at the target size of 228 bp in oocytes matured with and without IGF-1. A comparative analysis of oocytes and embryos showed differences in the gene bands, particularly in samples supplemented with IGF-1. These findings suggest that IGF-1 supplementation during oocyte maturation significantly influences ZAR 1 gene expression in embryos. The observed variations in ZAR 1 gene expression across the oocyte, zygote, and embryo stages highlight the gene's pivotal role in reprogramming post-fertilization and maintaining early embryonic development