The effect of rearing system and cooking method on the carnosine and anserine content of poultry and game meat

Poultry meat has been shown to be a rich source of carnosine and anserine (CRC) but little is known of the effects of bird species and the system under which it is reared have on the concentrations of CRC. Retail samples of breast meat from conventional chicken, free range chicken and pheasant, and breast meat from wild caught pheasant were procured and subjected to five different cooking methods: frying, grilling, boiling, microwaving and roasting. CRC were greater in uncooked pheasant than chicken (P< 0.05) and greater in free range than conventionally reared chicken (P<0.05). There were no differences in CRC between retail and wild caught pheasant. Cooking method affected CRC content; boiling and microwaving resulted in lower CRC contents than grilling, roasting or frying (P < 0.05). Pheasant is a richer source of CRC than conventionally reared chicken, although free range chicken produces meat of similar CRC content to pheasant

A systematic review of policy approaches to dairy sector Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reduction

The dairy sector is a significant source of anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The increasingly robust emission inventories allow researchers to consider mitigation. However, there is a gap in knowledge regarding the extent to which mitigation research has been implemented as policy. The authors undertook a systematic a review of national-level dairy policy of 23 countries broadly following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocols. The aim of the study was to identify international trends in dairy sector GHG emission reduction policy. Sampled countries included the 12 countries with the highest quantity of dairy sector enteric methane emission and 11 Annex I countries with the largest number of dairy cattle per capita. A total of 34 documents were collated containing 62 policies across five themes. Themes included: nutrition, manure, health, breeding and management. Thirty-one policies were identified for both the high emission nations and Annex I nations with the largest number of dairy cattle per capita. Nutrition based interventions account for 36% (n=11) of all policies identified for high emitting nations. Manure based interventions account for 48% (n=15) of all policies identified for Annex I nations with the largest number of dairy cattle per capita. Across the sample, policymakers favoured manure management strategies (n=24), particularly anaerobic digestion which accounted for 21% (n=13) of all identified policies. Nutrition based mitigation strategies were also preferred (n=17). Policies aimed at reducing sector size were largely ignored (n=4). The results indicate that significant mitigation is unlikely as manure emissions are only a small portion of total dairy sector emissions. The study concludes that policymakers are selecting the less politically sensitive mitigation strategies at the cost of emission reduction

A deterministic evaluation of heat stress mitigation and feed cost under climate change within the smallholder dairy sector

In the global South, dairying is often promoted as a means of poverty alleviation. Yet, under conditions of climate warming, little is known regarding the ability of small-scale dairy producers to maintain production and/or the robustness of possible adaptation options in meeting the challenges presented, particularly heat stress. The authors created a simple, deterministic model to explore the influence of breed and heat stress relief options on smallholder dairy farmers in Odisha, India. Breeds included indigenous Indian (non-descript), low-grade Jersey crossbreed and high-grade Jersey crossbreed. Relief strategies included providing shade, fanning and bathing. The impact of predicted critical global climate parameters, a 2°C and 4°C temperature rise were explored. A feed price scenario was modelled to illustrate the importance of feed in impact estimation. Feed costs were increased by 10% to 30%. Across the simulations, high-grade Jersey crossbreeds maintained higher milk yields, despite being the most sensitive to the negative effects of temperature. Low-capital relief strategies were the most effective at reducing heat stress impacts on household income. However, as feed costs increased the lower-grade Jersey crossbreed became the most profitable breed. The high-grade Jersey crossbreed was only marginally (4.64%) more profitable than the indigenous breed. The results demonstrate the importance of understanding the factors and practical trade-offs that underpin adaptation. The model also highlights the need for hot-climate dairying projects and programmes to consider animal genetic resources alongside environmentally sustainable adaptation measures for greatest poverty impact

Animal health challenges and veterinary aspects of organic livestock farming identified through a 3 year EU network project

From 2003-2006, an EU network project ‘Sustaining Animal Health and Food Safety in Organic Farming' (SAFO), was carried out with 26 partners from 20 EU-countries and 4 related partners from 4 candidate or new member states. The focus was the integration of animal health and welfare issues in organic farming with food safety aspects. Four very consistent conclusions became apparent: 1) The climatic, physical and socio-economic conditions vary considerably throughout Europe, leading to different livestock farming systems. This limits the possibility for technology transfer between regions, and creates several challenges for a harmonised regulation, 2) Implementing organic standards at farm level does not always ensure that animal health and welfare reach the high ideals of the organic principles, 3) To overcome these deficiencies, organic farmers and farmer organisations need to take ownership of organic values and, 4) In all participating countries, a strong need for training of farmers and in particular veterinarians in animal health promotion and organic principles was identified. The article presents a summary of papers presented at the five SAFO workshops

Effect of milk type and processing on iodine concentration of organic and conventional winter milk at retail: implications for nutrition

Milk is the largest source of iodine in UK diets and an earlier study showed that organic summer milk had significantly lower iodine concentration than conventional milk. There are no comparable studies with winter milk or the effect of milk fat class or heat processing method. Two retail studies with winter milk are reported. Study 1 showed no effect of fat class but organic milk was 32.2% lower in iodine than conventional milk (404 vs. 595 μg/L; P < 0.001). Study 2 found no difference between conventional and Channel Island milk but organic milk contained 35.5% less iodine than conventional milk (474 vs. 306 μg/L; P < 0.001). UHT and branded organic milk also had lower iodine concentrations than conventional milk (331 μg/L; P < 0.001 and 268 μg/L: P < 0.0001 respectively). The results indicate that replacement of conventional milk by organic or UHT milk will increase the risk of sub-optimal iodine status especially for pregnant/lactating women

Factors associated with antimicrobial use in Fijian livestock farms

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes in human health and livestock production are vital to tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Data on antimicrobial use (AMU), resistance, and drivers for AMU in livestock are needed to inform AMS efforts. However, such data are limited in Fiji. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between farmer (socio-economic, demographic) and livestock production and management factors with AMU. Information was collected using purposive and snowball sampling from 236 livestock farmers and managers lo-cated in Central and Western divisions, Viti Levu, Fiji. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with AMU in farms using aggregated livestock farm model. Farms that raised cattle only for dairy (farm factor) were more likely to use antibiotics and an-thelmintics (p = 0.018, OR = 22.97, CI 1.713, 308.075) compared to mixed cattle and poultry farms. Farms that maintained AMU records were more likely to use antibiotics (p = 0.045, OR = 2.65, CI 1.024, 6.877) compared to farms that did not. Other livestock production and management factors had no influence on AMU on the livestock farms. AMU in livestock farms was not influenced by the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the farmer. There were differences be-tween livestock enterprises regarding their management. The lack of association between man-agement system and AMU could be because there was so much variation in management system, levels of farmer knowledge and awareness of AMU, and in management of farm biosecurity. Future studies exploring farmers’ knowledge and awareness of AMU and livestock management are required to design AMS programmes promoting prudent AMU in all livestock farms locally

Categorisation of antimicrobial use in Fijian livestock production systems

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global threat to human and animal health. The use of antimicrobials in the livestock sector is considered to contribute to AMR. Therefore, a reduction and prudent use of antimicrobials in livestock production systems have been advocated. This cross-sectional survey aimed to investigate the extent of imprudent antimicrobial use (AMU) and to determine whether the AMU practice was affected by either farming system or species of farmed livestock in the largest island (Viti Levu) of Fiji. A total of 276 livestock enterprises were surveyed and antimicrobials were used on 309 occasions over 90 days. Overall, in 298 of 309 (96%) incidents, antimicrobials were used imprudently, comprising antibiotics, 160 of 170 (94%) and anthelmintics, 138 of 139 (99%). Prudent use of antibiotics was associated with commercial farming systems (X2=13, p=0.001), but no association was observed with anthelmintic use (p>0.05). Imprudent antibiotic use was associated with dairy (OR = 7.6, CI = 1.41,41.57, p = 0.018) followed by layer and beef (p>0.05) compared to broiler enterprises. Imprudent AMU was more common in the backyard and semi-commercial enterprises compared to commercial broiler enterprises. Poli-cies promoting the prudent use of antimicrobials in Fiji should focus on smaller livestock pro-duction systems and enterprises

Fijian farmers' attitude and knowledge towards antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance in livestock production systems - a qualitative study

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health issue affecting humans and livestock. To mitigate AMR risks, responsible use of antimicrobials in livestock production systems have been advocated. Studies have reported patterns of antimicrobial use (AMU) in livestock production systems; however, there is limited information on the drivers of AMU and AMR. Therefore, this study aimed to explore and understand the attitude and knowledge of Fijian livestock farmers on AMU and AMR. Livestock farmers and managers from the Central and Western divisions of Viti Levu, Fiji were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Face-to-face one-to-one semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted. Interview questions were informed by the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Interview transcripts were analysed inductively using reflexive thematic analysis and deductively using the TPB framework. A total of 19 cattle and poultry farmers took part. Our analysis generated four themes: 1) Uninformed use of antimicrobials and unaware of AMR, 2) Safeguarding livestock and generating income source as primary motivators for using antimicrobials 3) Medicine shortage results in hoarding and self-prescribing, and 4) Farm decisions on AMU and livestock management influenced by foreign farmers and veterinarians. Livestock farmers used medicines in livestock production; however, they could not differentiate amongst different types of medicine, including antimicrobials. Antimicrobials were used to prevent diseases in livestock and promote production of food and financial security but without any awareness of the risks of AMR. Additionally, farmers hoarded and self-prescribed medicines. Farmers rationed antimicrobials by not completing the entire course of antibiotics to save them for future use. Based on past experiences, farmers expressed dissatisfaction with the veterinary services provided by the government. They sought help online and from foreign farmers and veterinarians. We propose the need for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes focused on promoting rational use of antimicrobials and awareness of AMR amongst farmers in the Fijian livestock production systems. These programmes need to consider the anthropological, socio-cultural, economic, and environmental factors driving AMU. Future studies are underway to explore the attitude and knowledge of Fijian veterinarians, para-veterinarians and pharmacists on AMU and AMR to gain a broader systems knowledge to inform the design of AMS programmes

Aquaporins in the wild: natural genetic diversity and selective pressure in the PIP gene family in five Neotropical tree species

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Tropical trees undergo severe stress through seasonal drought and flooding, and the ability of these species to respond may be a major factor in their survival in tropical ecosystems, particularly in relation to global climate change. Aquaporins are involved in the regulation of water flow and have been shown to be involved in drought response; they may therefore play a major adaptive role in these species. We describe genetic diversity in the PIP sub-family of the widespread gene family of Aquaporins in five Neotropical tree species covering four botanical families.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>PIP Aquaporin subfamily genes were isolated, and their DNA sequence polymorphisms characterised in natural populations. Sequence data were analysed with statistical tests of standard neutral equilibrium and demographic scenarios simulated to compare with the observed results. Chloroplast SSRs were also used to test demographic transitions. Most gene fragments are highly polymorphic and display signatures of balancing selection or bottlenecks; chloroplast SSR markers have significant statistics that do not conform to expectations for population bottlenecks. Although not incompatible with a purely demographic scenario, the combination of all tests tends to favour a selective interpretation of extant gene diversity.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Tropical tree PIP genes may generally undergo balancing selection, which may maintain high levels of genetic diversity at these loci. Genetic variation at PIP genes may represent a response to variable environmental conditions.</p

Garlic and its bioactive compounds: implications for methane emissions and ruminant nutrition

Methane (CH4) produced by ruminants contributes as a source of anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHG). Plant-derived bioactive compounds have been investigated for their potential to reduce CH4 emissions from ruminant livestock. Garlic contains bioactive organosulphur compounds, which have been reported to be effective in reducing CH4 emissions, but they have demonstrated inconsistent effects in reducing CH4 production in the rumen. This might be because different types of garlic-based supplements vary in their concentrations of bioactive compounds. Therefore, further investigation is needed, such as the mode of action and persistence of the bioactive compound, to determine whether these compounds can be used successfully to inhibit rumen methanogenesis. The present review discusses garlic and its potential contribution to reducing CH4 production by ruminant animals and discusses how differences in the diet and the bioactive compound concentration in garlic might contribute to these differences