Fasciola hepatica and Rumen Flukes - In Vitro Evaluation of Main Commercial Anthelmintics

Background: Trematode infections are of great importance as they affect the health of many species of mammals as cattle, sheep and goat. Fasciola hepatica represents the main trematode zoonosis and risks to human and cattle and paramphistomosis is one emerging parasitic diseases of ruminants widely distributed in the world. The economic expenses are incurred by the use of ineffective anthelmintics for trematode control. Besides to faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) to determine the anthelmintic efficacy, can be used in vitro assays, by this the aim of the study was to determine the lethal doses with hatching egg test of the main commercial anthelmintics used for the control of trematodes in cattle. Materials, Methods & Results: Liver and rumen were examined from cattle slaughtered in Tabasco, Chiapas and Campeche states from Mexico. F. hepatica eggs were recovered from gallbladder and rumen fluke eggs collected from adult parasites in saline solution. Subsequently, the hatching egg assays were performed placing 100 trematode eggs in distilled water in each one of 96 wells of polystyrene plates. After making the appropriate dilutions, several concentrations of commercial anthelmintics were evaluated, ranging from 0.04 to 80.63 mM for triclabendazole + 0.046 to 96.87 mM febendazole (TC+FBZ), from 0.04 to 91 mM for rafoxanide (RAFOX), from 0.02 to 43.74 mM for closantel (CLOS), from 0.036 to 76.18 mM for clorsulon + 0.002 to 3.31 mM ivermectin (CLORS+ IVM) and from 0.163 to 334.47 mM for nitroxynil (NITROX). A control group (water) was included in each plate. Lethal doses were obtained using the Probit procedure and analysis of the means with a one-way statistical design. Most drugs used against rumen fluke eggs presented a high LD50 and therefore were ineffective to cause egg mortality, such was the case of RAFOX that presented LD50 from 4,580 to 10,790 µg/mL (7 to 17 mM). CLOS presented the lowest LD50 (80 µg/mL or 0.12 mM) on rumen fluke eggs. TC+FBZ was found to be effective drug against the development of F. hepatica eggs in many samples. In the same way NITROX showed a low LD50 (37 to 63 µg/mL or 0.13 to 0.22 mM), but RAFOX presented a highest LD50 (1,450 µg/mL or 2.32 mM). Discussion: The present study focused on screen the ovicidal activity and determining in vitro lethal doses 50 of main commercial anthelmintics used to control F. hepatica and rumen fluke as rapid tests in a tropical region from Mexico. The FECRT is the main method to detect effectiveness of anthelmintic and other method is the coproantigen reduction test (CRT) by ELISA. Both tests require many infected animals depending the number of treatments and by this the egg hatch assay (EHA) represent a complementary diagnosis of effectiveness of anthelmintic products to compare between regions and even between farms, because few animals are required from the farm to collect trematode eggs, and it is possible to know the effectiveness against various anthelmintics at the same time. Efficacy studies on trematodes using egg hatching tests are scarce, although they have the advantage that they can be applied to both F. hepatica and rumen fluke. TC+FBZ was one of the most effective products in inhibiting the development of F. hepatica eggs. However, RAFOX showed low effectiveness against trematode eggs, with very high lethal doses. These results agree with a study that show low efficacy against the development of Paramphistomum cervi eggs and with the FECRT test reductions of 75% and 80.58% were obtained, in times from 7 to 84 days after treatment with RAFOX. NITROX and CLORS were drugs that had good efficacy on the development of F. hepatica eggs. A differential response between liver and rumen fluke was observed. The anthelmintics used against rumen fluke eggs show low ovicidal activity and in Fasciola hepatica TC+FBZ show the best activity. Keywords: trematodes, cattle, effectiveness, anthelmintics, ovicidal activity, egg hatching

Morphostructural variability in the Pastoreña goat in different regions of the Mixteca of Mexico: A phenotypic study to establish the racial profile

In the present study, we evaluated the morphostructural variability of the Pastoreña goat (PG) in Mixteca region of Oaxaca, Mexico. This study was carried out to evaluate five qualitative ranges and thirteen morphometric characteristics of 249 animals (185 females and 64 males) from 2 to 5 years old. Descriptive statistics analysis was performed on the qualitative (QV) morphometric (MV) variables, and variance analysis and Tukey test by sex. The Pearson correlations were calculated for MV, determining the morphostructural harmonic model. The canonical discriminant analysis and analysis of principal coordinates were made for QV and principal component analysis for MV. The results of QV indicated some features in the racial profile of the PG. MV showed sexual dimorphism (p<0.05). The coefficient of variation indicated morphostructural homogeneity. The correlations in MV suggest harmonic-morphostructural and harmonic-median models for females and males, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed similarities in the sampled localities. In conclusion, the qualitative and quantitative variables demonstrated in the PG characterize as a unique goat breed in the Mixteca of Mexico and justify further conservation efforts. Highlights The Pastoreña goats have uniformity within the population of the Mixteca, Mexico. The qualitative and quantitative variables estimated in the Pastoreña Goats offer the bases for its conservation. The shepherds select the offspring of the Pastoreña goats of the white and creamy-white color.In the present study, we evaluated the morphostructural variability of the Pastoreña goat (PG) in Mixteca region of Oaxaca, Mexico. This study was carried out to evaluate five qualitative ranges and thirteen morphometric characteristics of 249 animals (185 females and 64 males) from 2 to 5 years old. Descriptive statistics analysis was performed on the qualitative (QV) morphometric (MV) variables, and variance analysis and Tukey test by sex. The Pearson correlations were calculated for MV, determining the morphostructural harmonic model. The canonical discriminant analysis and analysis of principal coordinates were made for QV and principal component analysis for MV. The results of QV indicated some features in the racial profile of the PG. MV showed sexual dimorphism (p<0.05). The coefficient of variation indicated morphostructural homogeneity. The correlations in MV suggest harmonic-morphostructural and harmonic-median models for females and males, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed similarities in the sampled localities. In conclusion, the qualitative and quantitative variables demonstrated in the PG characterize as a unique goat breed in the Mixteca of Mexico and justify further conservation efforts. Highlights The Pastoreña goats have uniformity within the population of the Mixteca, Mexico. The qualitative and quantitative variables estimated in the Pastoreña Goats offer the bases for its conservation. The shepherds select the offspring of the Pastoreña goats of the white and creamy-white color

Rescue and participatory conservation of Creole goats in the agro-silvopastoral systems of the Mountains of Guerrero, Mexico

The objective was to implement a participatory process involving rescue and conservation of Creole goats in agro-silvopastoral systems, as a development strategy for the indigenous and marginalized region of the Mountains of Guerrero (MG), Mexico. The study focused on the caprine agroecosystem, documenting aspects of goat development and identifying caprine areas in 13 municipalities, zoometrically characterizing 680 goats. One hundred and ten goat producers were interviewed for evaluating farmer perception of goat production. Fifty-seven producers were trained in holistic management, and four producers raised 300 goats in outstanding herds. Data were analyzed using social networks, principal component analysis and correspondence analysis. Two goat agroecosystems were identified: 1) agro-silvopastoralism, with crossbreeding of goat populations and, 2) traditional systems, involving grazing of Creole goats on native vegetation. We identified three types of goats: 1) Mixteco mosaic (61%), 2), Pastoreña (31.8%), and 3) Crossbreeds (7.2%), based on bicoastal diameter, chest depth, body length, thoracic perimeter, height at withers, shoulder point width and liveweight. Smallholder goat farmers in the MG preferred Creole goats for their greater productivity and better environmental adaptation. Highlights: Farmer-participatory programs to rescue and conserve the Creole goat breed. Goats agro-silvopastoral systems with low resource smallholders. Sustainable utilization of Creole goats. Goat production systems in the Mexican Mountains.The objective was to implement a participatory process involving rescue and conservation of Creole goats in agro-silvopastoral systems, as a development strategy for the indigenous and marginalized region of the Mountains of Guerrero (MG), Mexico. The study focused on the caprine agroecosystem, documenting aspects of goat development and identifying caprine areas in 13 municipalities, zoometrically characterizing 680 goats. One hundred and ten goat producers were interviewed for evaluating farmer perception of goat production. Fifty-seven producers were trained in holistic management, and four producers raised 300 goats in outstanding herds. Data were analyzed using social networks, principal component analysis and correspondence analysis. Two goat agroecosystems were identified: 1) agro-silvopastoralism, with crossbreeding of goat populations and, 2) traditional systems, involving grazing of Creole goats on native vegetation. We identified three types of goats: 1) Mixteco mosaic (61%), 2), Pastoreña (31.8%), and 3) Crossbreeds (7.2%), based on bicoastal diameter, chest depth, body length, thoracic perimeter, height at withers, shoulder point width and liveweight. Smallholder goat farmers in the MG preferred Creole goats for their greater productivity and better environmental adaptation. Highlights: Farmer-participatory programs to rescue and conserve the Creole goat breed. Goats agro-silvopastoral systems with low resource smallholders. Sustainable utilization of Creole goats. Goat production systems in the Mexican Mountains

Dark cutting in large ruminants: Effect of management and environmental factors

Objective: This review analyzes the scientific findings on the main management and environmental factors that increasethe incidence of dark cuts in the carcass of water buffalo and bovine of the Bos genus. Design/methodology/approach: Scientific articles were obtained from CAB Abstracts, Pubmed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. The primary search was carried out on the following keywords: Antemortem stress and handling,dark cut, transport, antemortem rest, fasting prior to sacrifice. Detailed searches were subsequently carried out on eachspecies. Results: There are various stressors in handling and pre-slaughter procedures in ruminants. Stress in animals causes bodily injury and affects the quality of the meat, increasing dark cutting in the carcass. Findings/conclusions: Management practices must be improved in the pre-slaughter stages, animal welfare must be ensured, and stressors must be avoided or reduced. These benefits will help to increase the level of welfare of the animalsand will avoid economic losses, due to the presence of dark cutting in the carcass

Riesgos ambientales y su impacto en la mortalidad por insuficiencia renal crónica en el estado de Tlaxcala México

Se analizaron los factores de riesgo ambiental y su impacto en la mortalidad por insuficiencia renal crónica (IRC) en el estado de Tlaxcala. El estudio fue transversal-analítico, se obtuvieron registros de mortalidad por (IRC) del periodo 2012-2013, sitios potencialmente contaminantes y metales pesados en tres fuentes de información. Se observó que el municipio más afectado por mortalidad fue el Carmen Tequexquitla con una tasa de mortalidad de 45.54 por 100,000 habitantes. El municipio con más sitios potencialmente contaminantes fue Huamantla, ubicado en la región oriente. Hubo correlación entre Arsénico y mortalidad por (IRC) con una diferencia significativa de p≤ 0.05. Entre los riesgos ambientales y mortalidad hubo significancia de p≤ 0.05. La asociación entre estas variables corroboró que la presencia de factores de riesgo ambiental, influyen en la mortalidad por (IRC), principalmente en los municipios localizados en la región oriente del estado

Calidad de la carne en corderos suplementados con tres concentraciones de zinc en una dieta energética

Objective: To evaluate the effect of three doses of Zn supplemented in the diet on the quality and concentration of Zn in meat. Design / methodology / approach: 3 doses of Zn were supplemented: a) 21 mg Zn / Kg of dry matter (DM) from diet only, b) Zn80 (diet + ZnSO4) and c) Zn400 (diet + ZnSO4). Twelve Katahdin lambs randomly distributed in three groups, weighing 29.72 ± 2.16 Kg and age 9 ± 1 months. The consumed DM was restricted for all lambs to 718.62 ± 10.84 g. Findings / Conclusion: The luminosity of the psoas major muscle was Zn21 = 36.50, Zn80 = 38.14 and Zn400 = 35.35 (quadratic effect, P <0.01). The redness of the psoas major muscle was between 18.81 to 19.72 and the intensity of the yellow color was from 3.63 to 3.82. The pH of the gracilis and psoas major muscles were 6.21 and 6.91 and there were no differences in pH, lightness and hardness. The water retention capacity of the gracilis muscle was Zn21 = 63.68%, Zn80 = 65.32% and Zn400 = 83.80% (linear effect, P <0.05). The 80 mg / kg dose of Zn improved the Zn content in meat.Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de tres dosis de Zn suplementado en la dieta sobre la calidad y concentración de Zn en la carne. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Se suplementaron 3 dosis de Zn: a) 21 mg Zn/Kg de materia seca (MS) proveniente de la dieta solamente, b) Zn80 (dieta + ZnSO4) y c) Zn400 (dieta + ZnSO4). Doce corderos de raza Katahdin distribuidos aleatoriamente en tres grupos, con peso de 29.72 ± 2.16 Kg y edad de 9 ± 1 meses. La MS consumida fue restringida para todos los corderos a 718.62 ± 10.84 g. Hallazgos/conclusión: La luminosidad del músculo psoas major fue Zn21 = 36.50, Zn80 = 38.14 y Zn400 = 35.35 (efecto cuadrático, P < 0.01). El enrojecimiento del músculo psoas major fue entre 18.81 a 19.72 y la intensidad del color amarillo fue de 3.63 a 3.82. El pH de los músculos gracilis y psoas major fueron de 6.21 y 6.91 y no hubo diferencias en el pH, luminosidad y dureza. La capacidad de retención de agua del músculo gracilis fue Zn21 = 63.68 %, Zn80 = 65.32 % y Zn400 = 83.80 % (efecto lineal, P < 0.05). La dosis de 80 mg/kg de Zn mejoró el contenido de Zn en la carne

Processes in meat oxidation and usage of rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus (L.) Schleid.,) as a natural antioxidant

Objective: Lipid oxidation of meat is one of the most important factors affecting shelf life and is one of the decisive factors in the consumer's purchase decision of the product. Therefore, information related to lipid oxidation using rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus (L.) Schleid.) as a natural antioxidant is described and analyzed. Design/methodology/approach: Mechanisms of oxidation were explored and described, as well as the alternatives to stop this process and different methodologies to measure antioxidant activity and innovative alternatives that are currently being investigated. Results: Appling antioxidants is one of the most widely used methods to counteract the oxidation process in meat. Currently, using herbs and spices has gained great acceptance, as in the case of rosemary. Its usage obtained satisfactory results for inhibiting and delaying lipid oxidation. Limitations of the study/implications: Using rosemary may have some drawbacks such as incorporating a strong flavor to the meat and the effects that its active compounds may have when exposed to oxygen, heat and humidity. Therefore, it is necessary to research for alternatives that will allow better preservation and availability of its compounds. Findings/conclusions: Nanoencapsulation of rosemary may be an alternative to the drawbacks of its use, working as a protective barrier for improved performance and improving food safety. However, this innovation is just being explored and is therefore not possible to have a certainty of success when using these new technological alternatives

Comparison of two phenotypical methods to segregate resistant and susceptible lambs to parasitic nematodes

The objective of this study was to compare two segregation methods to select resistant and susceptible female Pelibuey lambs infected naturally with gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) in relation to their haematological and immunological response. For 6 months, faeces and blood samples were taken fortnightly from 40 grazing 5-month-old female lambs. The lambs were classified according to two methods using faecal egg count (FEC) as a phenotypical trait. In the first (reference) method (M3SE, n = 22), resistant (RES) lambs had FEC lower than the mean – 3 standard errors, the susceptible (SUS) lambs levels higher than + 3 standard errors(n = 10) and the intermediate (INT) lambs (n = 8) were categorised by having FECs between the two values. The second method (QUM) divided the population, using quartiles, into resistant (RES; 25%), intermediate (INT; 50%), and susceptible (SUS; 25%) lambs. The agreement between both methods was estimated using the Kappa index. The packed cell volume (PCV), total plasma protein (TPP) and peripheral eosinophils (EOS) were determined for each group. Serum was used to evaluate the IgA levels. PCV and TPP values were higher (P<0.01) in the RES lambs (31.5 ± 3.4 and 6.16 ± 0.5 g/dL by QUM, respectively, and 31.5 ± 3.9 and 6.24 ± 0.49 g/dL by M3SE, respectively) than the SUS lambs (28.1 ± 4.7 and 5.94 ± 0.5 g/d, respectively, by both methods). The EOS and IgA values increased with age. M3SE and QUM were in moderate agreement (Kappa = 0.43). We concluded that the two segregation methods allowed for the identification of the same female SUS lambs, but a greater number of animals were categorised phenotypically as resistant using the M3SE method. PCV and TPP can help to identify phenotypically resistant animals

Horses’ welfare during transport

Horse transport is standard in the equine industry, and horses are transported for different reasons and activities. Therefore, knowing the factors involved during transport and horse management is critical. Horses are the most transported animals worldwide. However, this is a stressful event for horses. Factors such as vehicle type, driver's experience, length of journey, animal orientation in the vehicle, injuries, and diseases affect horses' welfare. Factors involved in horse transport might be known and considered to have adequate horse welfare.Objective: To review the literature related to horses’ welfare during transport. Approach: Transporting horses is a common practice in the equine industry and obeys to different reasons and activities. Therefore, understanding the factors that intervene during transport and management of the horses is critical. Limitations on study/implications: Horses are the most transported animals globally, this being a very stressful event. Different factors affect their welfare during this process, such as the type of vehicle, the driver’s expertise, the length of the trip, the orientation of the animal in the vehicle, lesions and diseases. Conclusions: The factors involved in horses’ transport should be known and taken into account, to ensure the horses’ welfare