Effects of Supplemental Mannanoligosaccharides on Growth Performance, Faecal Characteristics and Health in Dairy Calves

Twenty Holstein calves were used to investigate the effects of mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) supplementation in the whole milk on growth performance, faecal score, faecal pH, selected faecal bacterial populations and health during the preweaning period. Healthy calves selected by clinical examination were allocated to one of the two groups (control [CG] and experimental [EG]) at 5 days old. Each group consisted of 5 male and 5 female calves. Each calf in EG was supplemented with 7 g/d of a MOS product (Celmanax) from 5 days to 56 days of age. MOS supplement was mixed with the whole milk once in the morning and administered to the calves in EG via nipple bottle, whereas the calves in CG were fed the whole milk without MOS. Calves were weaned at 56 days of age. The final body weight, average daily weight gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were statistically similar (p>0.05) but were higher by 3.70%, 6.66%, and 10.97%, respectively, in MOS than in control calves. Feed efficiency (ADG/ADFI) was also similar in two calves group. While faecal scores did not differ on day 5, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 49, and 56 between groups, EG had a higher faecal score (p = 0.05) than CG on day 35. Faecal concentration of Lactobacillus was lower (p0.05) in faecal concentrations of Bifidobacterium, Clostridium perfringens, and Escherichia coli were found between groups. Although there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the incidence of diarrhoea, treatment days for diarrhoea and the costs associated with diarrhoea treatments between groups, collectively, the observed reductions in treatment days and the cost of diarrhoea treatments accompanying increases in final body weight, ADG and ADFI for EG may indicate potential benefit of MOS in treatment of diarrhoea

Plasma amylin concentration in suckling goat neonates and its relationship with C-reactive protein, selected biochemical and hormonal indicators

Amylin is a recently discovered neuropeptide hormone that belongs to the calcitonin gene-related peptide family. It is co-secreted with insulin in response to feed intake. In goat kids, neonatal mortality and morbidity seems to be relatively higher than in other farm species. This high mortality and morbidity in goat kids may be associated with underdeveloped metabolism and immune system during the first week of life. The main objectives of this study were to determine amylin concentration and its relationship with some hormones, biochemical indicators and with a general inflammatory marker, CRP (C-reactive protein) in goat neonates. Blood samples were collected from 30 Saanen goat neonates at 20–35 days of age. Plasma amylin and other hormone concentrations were measured by ELISA, whereas serum biochemical indices were analysed by spectrophotometry. The mean values of plasma amylin concentrations were 9.07 ± 0.25 pmol/l. Plasma amylin concentrations were positively correlated with plasma non-esterified fatty acids, CRP, prolactin, cortisol, insulin; however, a negative correlation was determined between plasma amylin and serum triglyceride concentrations. The current study suggests that amylin contents are strongly associated with circulating concentrations of some hormones and with those of CRP in Saanen goat kids

Molecular Characterization and Antibacterial Resistance Determination of <i>Escherichia coli</i> Isolated from Fresh Raw Mussels and Ready-to-Eat Stuffed Mussels: A Major Public Health Concern

Our study focused exclusively on analyzing Escherichia coli (E. coli) contamination in fresh raw mussels and ready-to-eat (RTE) stuffed mussels obtained from authorized and regulated facilities. However, it is critical to recognize that such contamination represents a significant public health threat in regions where unauthorized harvesting and sales practices are prevalent. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the prevalence, molecular characteristics, and antibacterial resistance profiles of E. coli in fresh raw mussels and RTE stuffed mussels. E. coli counts in fresh raw mussel samples ranged from 1 to 2.89 log CFU/g before cooking, with a significant reduction observed post-cooking. RTE stuffed mussel samples predominantly exhibited negligible E. coli presence (E. coli isolates, notably showing resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, and cefotaxime. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESβL) production was rare, with only one positive isolate detected. A variety of antibacterial resistance genes, including tetB and sul1, were identified among the isolates. Notably, virulence factor genes associated with pathogenicity were absent. In light of these findings, it is imperative to maintain rigorous compliance with quality and safety standards at all stages of the mussel production process, encompassing harvesting, processing, cooking, and consumption. Continuous monitoring, implementation of rigorous hygiene protocols, and responsible antibacterial drug use are crucial measures in mitigating food safety risks and combating antibacterial resistance. Stakeholders, including seafood industry players, regulatory agencies, and healthcare professionals, are essential to ensure effective risk mitigation and safeguard public health in the context of seafood consumption

Extended spectrum beta-lactamase activity and multidrug resistance of Salmonella serovars isolated from chicken carcasses from different regions of Turkey

This research was conducted to investigate the extended spectrum beta-lactamase activity and multidrug resistance of Salmonella serovars isolated from chicken carcasses. For this purpose, 99 Salmonella isolates from 930 chicken carcasses were tested against 12 different antimicrobials. The resistance rates of Salmonella isolates to antimicrobials were as follows: 35.3% (35/99) to ampicillin, 33.3% (33/99) to tetracycline, 29.2% to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, 18.1% (18/99) to nalidixic acid, 17.1% (17/99) to chloramphenicol, 16.1% (16/99) to aztreonam, 12.1% (12/99) to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, 4% (4/99) to gentamicin, 1.0% (1/99) to ceftazidime. Of the isolates 46.4% (46/99) were found to be resistant to two or more antimicrobials as a multidrug resistance. Extended spectrum beta-lactamase activity was detected in 1.0% (1/99) of the isolates. Furthermore, S. Typhimurium 26.2% (28/99), S. Infantis 16.1% (16/99), S. Hadar 12.1% (10/99) and S. Branderburg 9.0% (9/99) were found to be the predominant serovars. In conclusion, antimicrobial resistance and also multidrug resistance rates of Salmonella isolates in this study, indicated that monitoring of antimicrobial resistance profiles is important for Salmonella infections to plan treatment strategies

Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance in Salmonella serotypes isolated from chicken carcasses in Turkey

Quinolones have been extensively used for treatment of a variety of invasive and systemic infections of salmonellosis. Widespread use of these agents has been associated with the emergence and dissemination of quinolone-resistant pathogens. The quinolone resistance and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinants (qnrA, qnrB, qnrS and aac(6’)-Ib-cr) of 85 Salmonella isolates from chicken carcasses were investigated in this study. Isolates were serotyped according to the Kauffman-White-Le Minor scheme, and broth microdilution method was used to determine quinolone resistance. Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes were investigated by real-time PCR and positive results were confirmed by sequencing. Among the Salmonella isolates, 30/85 (35%) and 18/85 (21%) were found to be resistant to enrofloxacin (MIC ≥ 2 mg/ml), and danofloxacin (MIC ≥ 2 mg/ml), respectively. All the isolates were negative for qnrA, qnrB and aac(6’)-Ib-cr genes, nevertheless 2% (S. Brandenburg and S. Dabou) were positive for qnrS (qnrS1 determinant). This study is the first and unique investigating the plasmid- mediated quinolone resistance determinants of Salmonella isolated from chicken carcasses in Turkey

Effects of a short-term supplementation with liquid oligofructose-enriched inulin on faecal characteristics and selected serum metabolites of healthy saanen kids

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a short-term supplementation with liquid oligofructose-enriched inulin on faecal characteristics and selected serum metabolites of healthy Saanen kids. Twenty-four kids (44 days of age) were allotted to a control (CG) or an experimental (EG) group. Each group consisted of 12 kids. Each kid in EG was supplemented with 0.8 and 1.6 g/d of oligofructose-enriched inulin from day 1 to 5 and from day 6 to 15, respectively. Liquid oligofructose-enriched inulin supplementation did not affect faecal score and pH (P > 0.05). Faecal acetate, propionate and total SCFA concentrations did not differ (P > 0.05) between CG and EG, whereas faecal butyrate concentration was higher (P 0.05). Daily dose of oligofructose-enriched inulin tended to increase serum glucose concentrations (P 0.05). Serum total protein and globulin levels were lower in EG compared with CG (P 0.05)