Effects of copper and zinc sources and inclusion levels of copper on weanling pig performance and intestinal microbiota

A 42 day experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Cu and Zn source and Cu level on pig performance, mineral status, bacterial modulation, and the presence of antimicrobial resistant genes in isolates of Enteroccocus spp. At weaning, 528 pigs (5.9 ± 0.50 kg) were allotted to 48 pens of a randomized complete block design in a 2×2 factorial arrangement with two Cu and Zn sources (SF: sulfate and HCl: hydroxychloride) and two Cu levels (15 mg/kg and 160 mg/kg). As a challenge, the pigs were reared in dirty pens used by a previous commercial batch. Two-phase diets were offered: the pre-starter (PS) phase from d 1 to 14 and the starter phase (ST) from d 14 to 42. At d 14 and 42, pigs were individually weighed and blood samples from 1 pig/pen were taken. At the end of the experiment, 1 pig/pen was euthanized to collect samples. Feeding high levels of Cu increased BW from 16.6 to 17.7 kg (P < 0.001). Furthermore, ADG, G:F, ADFI and mineral status was enhanced with Cu at 160 mg/kg (P < 0.05) compared with Cu at 15 mg/kg. There was no effect of the interaction between source × level on any of the growth performance responses except for ADFI (P = 0.004) and G:F (P = 0.029) at the end of the ST period and for G:F (P = 0.006) for entire nursery period (d 0-42). At the end of the ST period, pigs fed Cu at 160 mg/kg as HCl had higher ADFI but also lower G:F than those fed Cu as SF at 160 mg/kg. Meanwhile, for the entire nursery period, G:F did not differ between pigs fed Cu at 160 mg/kg as HCl or SF. In colonic digesta, the relative abundance of Streptococcus, Enterobacter, Escherichia, among others, decreased (P-adjust < 0.05), while Lachnospira and Roseburia tended (P-adjust < 0.10) to increase in pigs fed Cu at 160 mg/kg as HCl compared to those fed Cu SF at 160 mg/kg. An increase (P-adjust < 0.05) in Methanosphaera and Roseburia was observed in pigs fed Cu at 160 mg/kg. From colon digesta, Enterococcus spp. was isolated in 40 samples, being E. faecalis the most dominating (65%) regardless of the experimental diet. Genes of ermB (7.5%) and tetM (5%) were identified. No genes for Cu (tcrB) or vancomycin (vanA, vanB, vanC1, vanC2) were detected. In conclusion, EU permissible levels of Cu (160 mg/kg), of both sources, are able to increase performance, mineral status and bacterial modulation compared to nutritional level. Different effects on growth performance, mineral tissue content and microbial modulation were observed between Cu and Zn sources.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Citrus Flavonoids Supplementation as an Alternative to Replace Zinc Oxide in Weanling Pigs’ Diets Minimizing the Use of Antibiotics

Since citrus flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it was hypothesized that these compounds would become a suitable alternative to the use of therapeutic doses of zinc oxide at weaning. A total of 252 weaned pigs ([LargeWhite × Landrace] × Pietrain) were distributed according to BW (5.7 kg ± 0.76) into 18 pens (6 pens per diet, 14 pigs/pen). Three experimental diets for the prestarter (0–14 d postweaning) and starter (15–35 d postweaning) period were prepared: (i) a nonmedicated (CON) diet, (ii) a CON diet supplemented with zinc oxide at 2500 mg/kg, amoxicillin at 0.3 mg/kg and apramycin at 0.1 mg/kg (ZnO), and (iii) CON diet with the addition of a commercial citrus flavonoid extract at 0.3 mg/kg and amoxicillin at 0.3 mg/kg (FLAV). Pig BW, ADG, ADFI, and FCR were assessed on d7, d14, and d35. Samples of intestinal tissue, cecal content, and serum were collected on day seven (18 piglets). FLAV treatment achieved greater BW and ADG during the starter and for the entire experimental period compared with the CON diet (p < 0.05), whereas ZnO pigs evidenced intermediate results. Jejunum tissue analysis showed that pigs fed the FLAV diet overexpressed genes related to barrier function, digestive enzymes, and nutrient transport compared to those pigs fed the CON diet (p < 0.05). An increase in the abundance of bacterial genera such as Succinivibrio, Turicibacter, and Mitsuokella (p < 0.05) was observed in the FLAV compared with the CON and ZnO piglets. ZnO and FLAV increased the expression of TAS2R39, while ZnO pigs also expressed greater TAS2R16 than CON (p < 0.05) in the intestine. FLAV treatment improved the gut function, possibly explaining a higher performance at the end of the nursery period. Consequently, citrus flavonoids supplementation, together with amoxicillin, is a promising alternative to the use of zinc oxide plus amoxicillin and apramycin in weanling pigs, minimizing the use of antibiotics.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Maize nutrient composition and the influence of xylanase addition

Altres ajuts SENESCYT CZ02-000816-2018This study assessed differences in nutrient composition, physical characteristics, and xylo-oligosaccharide content with or without xylanase treatment by maize genotype and the grain position on the cob. Ten cobs each from sixteen maize varieties sowed in the same field were collected and classified considering the grain's position on the cob (basal vs apical). The majority of physicochemical characteristics were influenced by an interaction between genetic background and grain position (P < 0.05); however, moisture, crude protein, starch, ash and soluble arabinose:xylose ratio differed between maize varieties and grain on cob position, without interaction. Xylanase addition increased the concentration of soluble compounds and xylotriose content in the aqueous phase following incubation in vitro (P < 0.05) and in the case of xylotriose the amounts released varied with grain position and variety. In conclusion, maize genotype and grain position on the cob significantly influenced chemical composition and oligosaccharide content when treated with xylanase, which may contribute to nutrient variability between maize samples

Body weight of newborn and suckling piglets affects their intestinal gene expression

Modern hyperprolific sows must deal with large litters (16-20 piglets) which reduce piglet birthweight with a concomitant increase in the proportion of small and intrauterine growth retarded piglets. However, larger litters do not only have a greater variation of piglet weights, but also a greater variation in colostrum and milk consumption within the litter. To further understand the impact that body weight has on piglets, the present study aimed to evaluate the degree of physiological weakness of the smallest piglets at birth and during the suckling period (20 d) compared to their middle-weight littermates through their jejunal gene expression. At birth, light piglets showed a downregulation of genes related to immune response (FAXDC2, HSPB1, PPARGC1α), antioxidant enzymes (SOD2m), digestive enzymes (ANPEP, IDO1, SI), and nutrient transporter (SLC39A4) (P < 0.05) but also a tendency for a higher mRNA expression of GBP1 (inflammatory regulator) and HSD11β1 (stress hormone) genes compared to their heavier littermates (P < 0.10). Excluding HSD11β1 gene, all these intestinal gene expression differences initially observed at birth between light and middle-weight piglets were stabilized at the end of the suckling period, when others appeared. Genes involved in barrier function (CLDN1), pro-inflammatory response (CXCL2, IL6, IDO1), and stress hormone signaling (HSD11β1) over-expressed compared to their middle-weight littermates (P < 0.05). In conclusion, at birth and at the end of suckling period, light body weight piglets seem to have a compromised gene expression and therefore impaired nutrient absorption, immune and stress responses compared to their heavier littermates. At birth and during lactation phase, the light body weight of piglets born from hyperprolific sows predisposed to a higher expression of stress and pro-inflammatory genes

Influence of particle size and xylanase in corn-soybean pelleted diets on performance, nutrient utilization, microbiota and short-chain fatty acid production in young broilers

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of particle size and xylanase supplementation in corn-based pellet diets on the performance and digestive traits in young broilers. A total of 512 male Ross 308 broilers were used in a 21-day study. The treatments were designed in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement with four levels of geometric mean diameter (Dgw) of corn (540, 660, 1390, and 1700 µm), and two levels of xylanase (0 or 16,000 BXU/kg diet). Feeding coarse corn diets (1390 and 1700 µm Dgw) and xylanase supplementation showed an inferior coefficient of variation of body weight. Higher gizzard weight, microbiome alpha-diversity, and clustered separately beta-diversity (p < 0.05) were observed in birds fed coarse diets. The addition of xylanase promoted changes in relative bacteria abundance, increasing Lachnospiraceae, Defluviitaleaceae, Bacteroidaceae, Bacillaceae, Eggerthellaceae, and Streptococcaceae families in the 1700 µm group, and Christensenellaceae and Lachnospiraceae families in the 540 µm Dgw group. In conclusion, xylanase supplementation and particle size of corn interact in the intestinal environment, showing changes in microbial composition. Coarse diets and xylanase supplementation showed improved body weight homogeneity, which might be related to a better gut development and microbiota modulation

Fecal Microbiota and Hair Glucocorticoid Concentration Show Associations with Growth during Early Life in a Pig Model

Identifying characteristics associated with fast or slow growth during early life in a pig model will help in the design of nutritional strategies or recommendations during infancy. The aim of this study was to identify if a differential growth during lactation and/or the nursery period may be associated with fecal microbiota composition and fermentation capacity, as well as to leave a print of glucocorticoid biomarkers in the hair. Seventy-five commercial male and female pigs showing extreme growth in the lactation and nursery periods were selected, creating four groups (First, lactation growth, d0-d21; second, nursery growth, d21-d62): Slow_Slow, Slow_Fast, Fast_Slow, and Fast_Fast. At d63 of life, hair and fecal samples were collected. Fast-growing pigs during nursery had higher cortisone concentrations in the hair (p < 0.05) and a tendency to have a lower cortisol-to-cortisone ratio (p = 0.061). Both lactation and nursery growth conditioned the fecal microbiota structure (p < 0.05). Additionally, fast-growing pigs during nursery had higher evenness (p < 0.05). Lactation growth influenced the relative abundance of eight bacterial genera, while nursery growth affected only two bacterial genera (p < 0.05). The fecal butyrate concentration was higher with fast growth in lactation and/or nursery (p < 0.05), suggesting it has an important role in growth, while total SCFA and acetate were related to lactation growth (p < 0.05). In conclusion, piglets' growth during nursery and, especially, the lactation period was associated with changes in their microbiota composition and fermentation capacity, evidencing the critical role of early colonization on the establishment of the adult microbiota. Additionally, cortisol conversion to cortisone was increased in animals with fast growth, but further research is necessary to determine its implication

Educación en tiempos de desigualdades: el derecho bajo amenaza en el Ecuador

Las voces de quienes apuestan por otra educación y otra escuela, inclusivas y comprometidas con la vida y el bienestar, son parte de este libro. Una educación que genere el ejercicio de la ciudadanía; promueva el cuidado de la naturaleza y la convivencia armónica entre los seres humanos; y contribuya a hacer realidad los ideales de igualdad, inclusión y justicia social. Textos y propuestas que nacen desde la Coalición por el Derecho a la Educación en el Ecuador, un espacio que surgió en abril de 2020, en el contexto de la pandemia. Una iniciativa de profesionales vinculados a redes académicas, universidades y centros de investigación ante la urgente necesidad de producir conocimiento en defensa de la educación como bien público y bien común; un derecho humano hoy amenazado por la ampliación de las brechas y desigualdades históricas que vulneran los derechos de la mayoría de la población. Las instituciones que participan en esta publicación ratifican la necesidad de articular capacidades e iniciativas de incidencia ciudadana para que el Estado cumpla con su responsabilidad de garantizar el acceso de toda la población al derecho humano a la educación a lo largo de la vida

Strategies of trace mineral supplementation for swine development and sustainability

Durant molts anys, l'ús farmacològic dels oligoelements com el Zn i Cu va generar efectes positius en la indústria porcina, a l'estimular el creixement i controlar les disbiosi intestinals, especialment en els garrins recent deslletats. No obstant això, la seva excreció excessiva a l'entorn ha exercit pressió sobre la nutrició animal per trobar estratègies alternatives en el subministrament d'aquests oligoelements. L'objectiu d'aquesta tesi és explorar els efectes de la reducció de les dosis de minerals traça a través de diferents fonts minerals sobre el creixement i eficiència alimentària animal, així com també en els nivells d'excreció fecal i taxes de resistència als antimicrobians, sota condicions comercials. La reducció dels nivells de suplementació de Zn i Cu a través de fonts altament disponibles pot representar una estratègia alternativa per reduir els riscos de contaminació ambiental. Per tant, en els capítols III i V, es van executar dos experiments per avaluar els efectes de reduir les dosis de Cu i Zn en el pinso de porcs deslletats i en creixement, respectivament. Els resultats van mostrar que la reducció dels nivells de Cu (15 mg / kg) durant sis setmanes perjudica el creixement dels garrins deslletats, amb al menys 1 kg de pes corporal, fins i tot en presència de l'enzim fitasa i particularment usant la font de sulfat. Mentre que la reducció de Zn (20 mg / kg) i Cu (15 mg / kg) a dosis nutricionals en dietes de porcs d'engreix, amb enzim fitasa, no afecta el rendiment ni la composició de la canal, però sí que redueix l'excreció fecal de minerals, principalment amb la font de hidroxicloruro. Estimular el consum d'hora d'aliment després de l'deslletament és de gran interès per a la indústria porcina. En el capítol IV, es van dur a terme dos experiments per estudiar la preferència dels garrins per les dosis i fonts de Cu. Quan els garrins poden triar entre dietes amb nivells nutricionals (15 mg/kg) o nivells raonablement alts de Cu (150 mg/kg), aquests prefereixen les dietes amb nivells alts, probablement per restaurar l'homeòstasi de l'Cu, i com a efecte positiu de la retroalimentació neuroendocrina de l'Cu sobre el consum de pinso. Pel que fa a les fonts de Cu, els porcs van preferir consumir dietes suplementades amb font de hidroxicloruro en lloc de sulfat, possiblement a causa del seu sabor menys amarg com a conseqüència de les seves característiques de solubilitat. La gestació de ventrades hiperprolífiques (> 30 porcs / truja / any) genera una pressió significativa sobre el rendiment de la truja i la ventrada. En el capítol VI es va avaluar l'efecte de la substitució parcial de fonts inorgàniques per formes orgàniques, així com una reducció addicional d'aquestes dosis minerals, sobre l'acompliment reproductiu de les truges i la programació fetal de les ventrades. Es va detectar per primera vegada que la suplementació materna amb una combinació de minerals orgànics i inorgànics millora l'expressió de diversos gens funcionals involucrats en immunitat (TGF-β1, HSPB1), barrera (ZO1, MUC2, CLDN15), antioxidant (GPX2, SOD2) , i funció digestiva (CCK, IGF1R), especialment en els garrins més petits de la ventrada. En conjunt, la reducció dels nivells de Zn i Cu en les dietes porcines, principalment a través de la font de hidroxicloruro, disminueix l'excreció fecal total i probablement la pressió antimicrobiana sobre els bacteris; no obstant això, el rendiment i l'estat fisiològic dels garrins deslletats es veu seriosament perjudicat. La nutrició materna amb un suplement parcial de minerals orgànics és una meritòria estratègia per compensar els desavantatges fisiològiques de les ventrades hiperprolífiques, especialment en els garrins més petits."Durante muchos años, el uso farmacológico de los oligoelementos como el Zn y Cu generó efectos positivos en la industria porcina, al estimular el crecimiento y controlar las disbiosis intestinales, especialmente en los lechones recién destetados. Sin embargo, su excreción excesiva al medio ambiente ha ejercido presión sobre la nutrición animal para encontrar estrategias alternativas en el suministro de estos oligoelementos. El objetivo de esta tesis es explorar los efectos de la reducción de las dosis de minerales traza a través de diferentes fuentes minerales sobre el crecimiento y eficiencia alimentaria animal, así como también en los niveles de excreción fecal y tasas de resistencia a los antimicrobianos, bajo condiciones comerciales. La reducción de los niveles de suplementación de Zn y Cu a través de fuentes altamente disponibles puede representar una estrategia alternativa para reducir los riesgos de contaminación ambiental. Por lo tanto, en los Capítulos III y V, se ejecutaron dos experimentos para evaluar los efectos de reducir las dosis de Cu y Zn en el pienso de cerdos destetados y en crecimiento, respectivamente. Los resultados mostraron que la reducción de los niveles de Cu (15 mg/kg) durante seis semanas perjudica el crecimiento de los lechones destetados, con al menos 1 kg de peso corporal, incluso en presencia de la enzima fitasa y particularmente usando la fuente de sulfato. Mientras que la reducción de Zn (20 mg/kg) y Cu (15 mg/kg) a dosis nutricionales en dietas de cerdos de engorde, con enzima fitasa, no afecta el rendimiento ni la composición de la canal, pero sí reduce la excreción fecal de minerales, principalmente con la fuente de hidroxicloruro. Estimular el consumo temprano de alimento después del destete es de gran interés para la industria porcina. En el Capítulo IV, se llevaron a cabo dos experimentos para estudiar la preferencia de los lechones por las dosis y fuentes de Cu. Cuando los lechones pueden elegir entre dietas con niveles nutricionales (15 mg/kg) o niveles razonablemente altos de Cu (150 mg/kg), estos prefieren las dietas con niveles altos, probablemente para restaurar la homeostasis del Cu, y como efecto positivo de la retroalimentación neuroendocrina del Cu sobre el consumo de pienso. En cuanto a las fuentes de Cu, los cerdos prefirieron consumir dietas suplementadas con fuente de hidroxicloruro en lugar de sulfato, posiblemente debido a su sabor menos amargo como consecuencia de sus características de solubilidad. La gestación de camadas hiperprolificas (> 30 cerdos/cerda/año) genera una presión significativa sobre el rendimiento de la cerda y la camada. En el Capítulo VI se evaluó el efecto de la sustitución parcial de fuentes inorgánicas por formas orgánicas, así como una reducción adicional de estas dosis minerales, sobre el desempeño reproductivo de las cerdas y la programación fetal de las camadas. Se detectó por primera vez que la suplementación materna con una combinación de minerales orgánicos e inorgánicos mejora la expresión de varios genes funcionales involucrados en inmunidad (TGF-β1, HSPB1), barrera (ZO1, MUC2, CLDN15), antioxidante (GPX2, SOD2), y función digestiva (CCK, IGF1R), especialmente en los lechones más pequeños de la camada. En conjunto, la reducción de los niveles de Zn y Cu en las dietas porcinas, principalmente a través de la fuente de hidroxicloruro, disminuye la excreción fecal total y probablemente la presión antimicrobiana sobre las bacterias; no obstante, el rendimiento y el estado fisiológico de los lechones destetados se ve seriamente perjudicado. La nutrición materna con un suplemento parcial de minerales orgánicos es una meritoria estrategia para compensar las desventajas fisiológicas de las camadas hiperprolificas, especialmente en los lechones más pequeños.For many years, the pharmacological use of trace elements such as Zn and Cu generated positive effects in the pig industry, by stimulating pig growth and controlling intestinal dysbiosis, especially in weaned piglets. However, their excessive excretion into the environment has put pressure on swine nutrition to find alternative strategies in the supply of trace minerals. The objective of this dissertation is to explore the effects of reducing trace mineral doses through different sources on animal growth and feed efficiency, as well as on fecal excretion levels and antimicrobial resistance rates, under commercial conditions. Reducing the levels of commercial Zn and Cu supplementation through highly available sources may represent an alternative strategy to reduce the risks of environmental contamination. Therefore, in Chapters III and V, two experiments were performed to evaluate reduced levels of Cu and Zn in weaned and growing pigs, respectively. The results showed that reducing Cu levels (15 mg/kg) on post-weaning diets for six weeks impairs the growth of pigs, with at least 1 kg of body weight, even in the presence of the phytase enzyme and particularly with a sulfate source. While the reduction of Zn (20 mg/kg) and Cu (15 mg/kg) at nutritional doses in grower diets, with phytase enzyme, does not affect the performance or the composition of the carcass, but it does reduce the mineral fecal excretion. Stimulating early feed consumption after weaning is of great interest to the swine industry. In Chapter IV, two experiments were conducted to study the pig preference for Cu doses and sources. When pigs are given a choice between nutritional levels (15 mg/kg) or reasonably high levels of Cu (150 mg/kg), they prefer the latter, probably to restore Cu homeostasis, and as a positive effect of the neuroendocrine feedback of Cu on feed consumption. Regarding Cu sources, pigs preferred to consume diets supplemented with hydroxychloride source instead of sulfate, probably due to the less bitter taste attributed to its chemical solubility differences. The gestation of hyperprolific litters (>30 pigs/sow/year) generates tremendous pressure on sow and litter performance. In Chapter VI the effect of partial substitution of inorganic sources by organic forms, as well as an additional reduction of dietary TM, on reproductive performance and fetal programming of the offspring was evaluated. It was detected for the first time that the supplementation of mothers with a combination of organic and inorganic minerals improves the neonatal expression of several functional genes involved in immune (TGF-β1, HSPB1), barrier (ZO1, MUC2, CLDN15), antioxidant (GPX2, SOD2), and digestive (CCK, IGF1R) function, especially in the smallest piglets of the litter. Taken together, reducing dietary levels of Zn and Cu, mostly through hydroxychloride source, decreases total fecal excretion and probably pressure on bacteria to develop antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, although performance and physiological state of weaned piglets are seriously affected. Maternal nutrition with a partial supplement of organic minerals is a valuable strategy to counteract the physiological disadvantages on hyperprolific litters, especially in the smallest pigs

Presencia y Resistencia a los Antimicrobianos de serovariedades de Salmonella enterica aisladas en una empresa avícola integrada del Ecuador

Salmonella is the cause of millions of cases of human gastroenteritis worldwide and over one hun-dred thousand deaths each year. A major source of this bacteria are poultry products. The widespread use of antibio-tics in poultry industry has favored the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains of Salmonella. Such strains could be transmitted to humans through consumption of contaminated meat products. The objective of this research was to identify serotypes and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Salmonella strains isolated from an integrated poultry company in Ecuador. A total of 289 samples were analyzed with the ISO 6579 Annex D protocol. The results showed 20.1% of positive samples. Four serotypes were found from which S. Infantis (86.2%) was the most frequent serotype. Most Salmonella strains were resistant to nitrofurantoin (94.8 %), tetracycline (82.8%), chloramphenicol (79.3%) and trimetopin-sulfamethoxazole (81%). The results shown in this study indicate that Salmonella may be present in di-fferent processes of Ecuador’s poultry industry and that antibacterial resistance strains isolated from chicken meat may represent a risk to public health.A nivel mundial Salmonella es la responsable de causar millones de casos de gastroenteritis humana y más de cien mil defunciones cada año. Una de las principales fuentes de contagio esta bacteria son los productos de origen aviar. La utilización generalizada de antimicrobianos en la industria avícola ha favorecido el surgimiento de cepas de Salmonella multirresistentes. Dichas cepas podrían transmitirse al ser humano a través del consumo de productos cárnicos contaminados. El objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar serotipos y patrones de resistencia antimicrobiana de cepas de Salmonella aisladas en una empresa avícola integrada en Ecuador. Al final del período de muestreo se recolectaron 289 muestras que fueron analizadas en base a la norma NTE INEN-ISO 6579 Anexo D. El 20.1% de las muestras fueron positivas a Salmonella, identificándose 4 diferentes serovariedades, siendo S. Infantis (74.1%) el serotipo más frecuente. La mayoría de cepas de Salmonella presentaron resistencia a nitrofurantoína (94.8 %), tetraciclina (82.8%), cloranfenicol (79.3%) y trimetopin-sulfametoxazol (81%). Los resultados de este estudio indican que Salmonella puede estar presente en los diferentes procesos de la industria avícola ecuatoriana, además la resistencia antibacteriana de cepas aisladas en carne de pollo puede representar un riesgo para la salud pública