Association between animal welfare indicators and microbiological quality of beef carcasses, including Salmonella spp., from a slaughterhouse in Ecuador

Research (Published online: 16-04-2021)

16. Association between animal welfare indicators and microbiological quality of beef carcasses, including Salmonella spp., from a slaughterhouse in Ecuador

María Cevallos-Almeida, Ana Burgos-Mayorga, Carlos A. Gómez, José Luis Lema-Hurtado, Leydi Lema, Iveth Calvache, Christian Jaramillo, Isabel Collaguazo Ruilova, Evelyn Pamela Martínez and Pamela Estupiñán

Veterinary World, 14(4): 918-925

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Pre-slaughter management and slaughter operations are considered critical factors for animal welfare and meat quality. Previous studies have found poor animal welfare management at municipal slaughterhouses in Ecuador, and little is known about how this affects the microbiological quality of the meat. Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyze the association of the microbiological quality of beef carcasses and animal welfare indicators in a municipal slaughterhouse in Ecuador.

Materials and Methods: Data for 6 months were collected from a municipal slaughterhouse in Ecuador. Five trained researchers were strategically located along the slaughter process. A total of 351 animals were observed with regard to welfare indicators, and their carcasses were sampled to evaluate microbiological quality. Antemortem (slipping, falling, and vocalization) and postmortem animal welfare indicators (bleed interval, pH, temperature, and bruises) were measured. To determine the total aerobic bacteria (TAB) and Escherichia coli counts and the presence of Salmonella spp., we collected samples by swabbing four different points of each carcass. The association between microbiological quality and animal welfare indicators was studied using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions.

Results: The mean TAB count was 5.3 log CFU/cm2, and the mean total count of E. coli was 2.4 log CFU/cm2. Salmonella spp. were isolated in 3.1% of the carcasses. An electric goad was used in all animals, 19.1% slipped at least once, and 19.9% vocalized. The mean pH of the carcasses was 7.2, and 79.2% of carcasses had bruises. Multivariate analysis showed that Salmonella spp. and the TAB count were associated with pH and the number of bruises (p = 0.01 in both cases).

Conclusion: Although there was non-significant association between the majority of animal welfare indicators and microbiological quality, the poor management affecting animal welfare and carcass hygiene are worrisome.

Keywords: animal welfare, beef carcasses, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., total aerobic bacteria.

Effect of dietary stevia-based sweetener on body weight and humoral immune response of broiler chickens

Research (Published online: 15-04-2021)

15. Effect of dietary stevia-based sweetener on body weight and humoral immune response of broiler chickens

Ramón Miguel Molina-Barrios, Cielo Rubí Avilés-Trejo, María Esthela Puentes-Mercado, Jesús Raymundo Cedillo-Cobián and Juan Francisco Hernández-Chavez

Veterinary World, 14(4): 913-917

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Steviol glycosides extracted from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni have been of much consideration recently because of their beneficial effects on health, raising the possibilities for improving farm animals' health. Although some studies on stevia's dietary effect on body weight gain are available, few studies have been conducted to evaluate stevioside supplementation on immune response in broilers. This experiment aimed to analyze how a stevia-based sweetener can affect broiler chickens' growth performance and humoral response.

Materials and Methods: In this experiment, one hundred and twenty 1-day-old Cobb-line broiler chicks fed with commercial starter/grower diets were included in three groups and supplemented with stevia-based sweetener at levels 0, 80, and 160 ppm, respectively. Chickens were weighed on day 0 and every 7 days for the next 6 weeks. Chicks were then immunized on days 10 and 24 with a Newcastle and infectious bronchitis vaccine and blood sampled on days 7, 24, and 35. Serologic assays were performed to detect specific antibody levels.

Results: The body weight means and body weight gain on day 42 were found to be significantly higher in birds from the group fed with 80 ppm of stevia-based sweetener than those in the control group and slightly higher than those in the group supplemented with 160 ppm of stevia-based sweetener. Likewise, on day 35, antibodies against the Newcastle disease virus were higher in the treatment groups. Immune response to infectious bronchitis virus vaccination was not statistically different among the three groups through the experiment.

Conclusion: Stevia-based sweetener at 80 ppm in commercial-based diets improved body weight gain and immune response in broiler chickens at the market age.

Keywords: body weight, broilers, immune response, stevia, sweetener.

Prevalence, genetic, and biochemical evaluation of immune response of police dogs infected with Babesia vogeli

Research (Published online: 15-04-2021)

14. Prevalence, genetic, and biochemical evaluation of immune response of police dogs infected with Babesia vogeli

Ahmed Adel Zaki, Marwa Mohamed Attia, Elshaimaa Ismael and Olfat Anter Mahdy

Veterinary World, 14(4): 903-912

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Babesia species are tick-borne protozoan parasites of apicomplexan type which infect the erythrocytes of dogs it ranges from subclinical to severe cases, depending on different factors such as immune status, age, and presence of other co-infections with the Babesia species. Hence, this study aimed to identify the protozoan parasites infecting police dogs of different breeds, ages, and both sexes in Egypt. Concerning molecular detection of Babesia vogeli using conventional polymerase chain reaction sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, followed by the assessment of immunological and biochemical status of infected dogs.

Materials and Methods: The blood of 242 police K9 dogs was collected. The age, breed, sex, and health status with clinical signs of dogs were recorded. Hematological, biochemical, and oxidative stress analyses of the blood were performed together with gene expression analysis using two genes (gamma interferon [IFN-γ] and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF- α]). The identification of the causative agent was performed using molecular analysis of the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA). The 18S rRNA region of canine Babesia spp. was successfully amplified, and sequencing data were deposited in GenBank (accession number: MT565474.1), which resembled those of B. vogeli.

Results: The results of blood samples screening revealed that of the 242 blood samples, 62 were positive for B. vogeli infection. The infection rate in male dogs was higher than that in female dogs. The police dogs were classified into the following three groups of dogs: (1st group) healthy, (2nd infected with B. vogeli, and mixed infection of B. vogeli and Ehrlichia canis). The oxidative stress biomarkers levels in B. vogeli infected dogs were greater than that of healthy dogs. Likewise, IFN-γ and TNF-α level in B. vogeli infected dogs were elevated in infected dogs.

Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that B. vogeli had completely adverse effects on the health condition of the police dogs that may lead to death in some dogs.

Keywords: Babesia vogeli, Egypt, Ehrlichia canis, police dogs, tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

Relationship between plumage color and eggshell patterns with egg production and egg quality traits of Japanese quails

Research (Published online: 14-04-2021)

13. Relationship between plumage color and eggshell patterns with egg production and egg quality traits of Japanese quails

Ly Thi Thu Lan, Nguyen Thi Hong Nhan, Lam Thai Hung, Tran Hoang Diep, Nguyen Hong Xuan, Huynh Tan Loc and Nguyen Trong Ngu

Veterinary World, 14(4): 897-902

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study was conducted to identify the diversity of feather color and to determine the relationship between plumage color and egg yield as well as eggshell patterns and internal egg quality traits of Japanese quails.

Materials and Methods: For investigating phenotypic diversity, a total of 600 quails from five breeding farms were evaluated to record head feather, shank, and plumage color. An on-station experiment was also conducted on 360 laying quails to examine the relationship between plumage color and egg production and egg weight during 24 weeks of laying. Eggs collected during this period were also used for identifying eggshell patterns and examining their relationship with internal egg quality characteristics.

Results: Plumage color was primarily wild-type, with the highest proportion being 56.3% (p<0.001). Brown color was also found at a relatively high proportion in the population (16.7%), followed by black color (11.3%). The egg production and laying rate of quails with wild-type and brown plumage colors also significantly (p=0.001) differed from those of quails with other plumage types. Egg weight was also higher in these quail groups, especially than that of quails with yellow plumage color. Four patterns of eggshell were identified, among which spotted and dark eggshells were predominant (45.2% and 43.1%, respectively); however, patterns did not affect internal egg quality characteristics.

Conclusion: Plumage color was primarily wild-type in both male and female quails. Egg yield over a 24-week laying period was superior in quails with wild-type and brown plumage colors, whereas a relationship between eggshell patterns and egg quality traits could not be established.

Keywords: egg yield, feather color, linkage, morphological characteristics.

Incidence of avian malaria in hummingbirds in humid premontane forests of Pichincha Province, Ecuador: A pilot study

Research (Published online: 13-04-2021)

12. Incidence of avian malaria in hummingbirds in humid premontane forests of Pichincha Province, Ecuador: A pilot study

Claudia S. Abad, Markus P. Tellkamp, Isidro R. Amaro and Lilian M. Spencer

Veterinary World, 14(4): 889-896

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Avian malaria is a tropical disease caused by protozoans of the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus. As a nonlethal disease, avian malaria can affect the lifespan and reproductive rate of birds. If there is a differential effect depending on bird species, then this disease might have a significant effect on avian biodiversity. The current study aimed to determine the incidence of Plasmodium in hummingbirds in humid premontane forest areas.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples (n=60) were collected from hummingbirds from two areas (Santuario de Aves Milpe and Hacienda Puyucunapi) of Pichincha Province, Ecuador. Prevalence and parasitemia were determined by microscopic examination of blood smears stained with Giemsa reagent. Both study sites are part of a 1000 m elevational gradient; hence, elevation was used as a predictor variable for prevalence and parasitemia levels in a Mann–Whitney U-test. This test was also used to test for a sex bias.

Results: This study reports on a total of 12 bird species that inhabit both study sites. At Milpe, the lower elevation site, a prevalence of 100% was recorded, whereas at Puyucunapi, the prevalence was 96%. The combined prevalence was 97%. Elevation and sex did not influence prevalence nor parasitemia in hummingbirds.

Conclusion: This study does not suggest a significant elevation or sex bias on prevalence and parasitemia in hummingbirds.

Keywords: avian malaria, humid forest, hummingbirds, Pichincha, Plasmodium.

Molecular identification of Trichuris trichiura and Hymenolepis diminuta in long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) in Lopburi, Thailand

Research (Published online: 13-04-2021)

11. Molecular identification of Trichuris trichiura and Hymenolepis diminuta in long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) in Lopburi, Thailand

Wanat Sricharern, Tawin Inpankaew, Sarawan Kaewmongkol, Thitichai Jarudecha and Natnaree Inthong

Veterinary World, 14(4): 884-888

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Trichuris trichiura and Hymenolepis diminuta are helminthic intestinal parasites that infect humans and other animals, including non-human primates. However, molecular detection of these parasites remains scarce in long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), which coexist with human communities in Thailand. Thus, this study aimed to molecularly confirm the occurrence of Trichuris spp. and Hymenolepis spp. infection and determine the species of both parasites that were found in long-tailed macaques.

Materials and Methods: A total of 200 fecal samples were randomly collected from long-tailed macaques living in Lopburi, Thailand, and tested based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for Trichuris spp. and Hymenolepis spp. infections. The PCR products were submitted for DNA purification and sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using the maximum likelihood method.

Results: Of 200 tested samples, three (1.5%) were positive for Trichuris spp. Sequence analysis of all positive samples revealed the presence of T. trichiura, while eight samples (8/200, 4%) positive for Hymenolepis spp. were classified as H. diminuta. No significant associations were found between parasite infection and sex of macaques.

Conclusion: This study revealed that long-tailed macaques harbor T. trichiura and H. diminuta. These results suggested that local residents and tourists must pay attention to limiting contact with long-tailed macaques and take hygienic precautions to reduce the risk of zoonotic and anthroponotic transmission of these parasites between humans and long-tailed macaques.

Keywords: Hymenolepis diminuta, long-tailed macaque, Macaca fascicularis, Thailand, Trichuris trichiura.

By-products of apricot processing in quail feed: Effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat physicochemical quality

Research (Published online: 12-04-2021)

10. By-products of apricot processing in quail feed: Effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat physicochemical quality

Fatma Boubekeur, Rafik Arbouche, Yasmine Arbouche and Fodil Arbouche

Veterinary World, 14(4): 878-883

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The rearing of quails can have a stronger attraction for the breeders if we lower the cost prices by introducing by-products in their feed formulas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the partial substitution of soybean meal by apricot kernel cake (AKC) in the diet of quails, applied either sequentially or during all phases of rearing, on their growth performances, carcass characteristics, and meat physicochemical composition.

Materials and Methods: A total of 600 one-day-old quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica), with equal sex ratio and weighing on average 7±0.2 g, were randomly distributed in one control group and three experimental groups, the latter being designed according to the rate of application of AKC in either sequential or non-sequential mode in different rearing phases. Each group was divided into five replicates of 30 quails, randomly distributed according to either substitution rate of soybean meal by the AKC (0%, 10%, 20%, or 30%) or farming phase.

Results: The average daily gain from the 1st to 45th days (average daily gain1–45d) was found to be the highest (4.24 g/d/subject, p=0.021) for the 30% AKC-supplemented feed lot in either starter or finish incorporation (DFTAA), having an optimum final live weight of 193.4 g (p=0.028), a lowest feed conversion ratio of 3.08 (p=0.001), and a daily feed intake of 860 g (p=0.01). Carcass yield was recorded the highest (74.4%, p=0.02) with an optimum meat protein level (30.6%, p=0.024) and the lowest fat content (2.26%, p=0.001) for the same group as well.

Conclusion: The partial substitution of soybean meal by AKC in the quails' fattening feeding, during the finishing phase and for all rearing phases, led to a better growth performance, a better carcass yield, and an improved chemical composition of meat.

Keywords: by-products, carcass, feed, growth performance, quails.