Staphylococcus aureus and biofilms:transmission, threats, and promising strategies in animal husbandry

Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) is a common pathogenic bacterium in animal husbandry that can cause diseases such as mastitis, skin infections, arthritis, and other ailments. The formation of biofilms threatens and exacerbates S. aureus infection by allowing the bacteria to adhere to pathological areas and livestock product surfaces, thus triggering animal health crises and safety issues with livestock products. To solve this problem, in this review, we provide a brief overview of the harm caused by S. aureus and its biofilms on livestock and animal byproducts(meat and dairy products). We also describe the ways in which S. aureus spreads in animals and the threats it poses to the livestock industry. The processes and molecular mechanisms involved in biofilm formation are then explained. Finally, we discuss strategies for the removal and eradication of S. aureus and biofilms in animal husbandry, including the use of antimicrobial peptides, plant extracts, nanoparticles, phages, and antibodies. These strategies to reduce the spread of S. aureus in animal husbandry help maintain livestock health and improve productivity to ensure the ecologically sustainable development of animal husbandry and the safety of livestock products.

Research on the Development of Smart Animal Husbandry in Beijing

With the rapid development of agricultural science and technology,animal husbandry,as an important pillar in the field of agriculture,is gradually moving towards a new era of smart animal husbandry with the deep integration of informatization and digitalization.This transformation not only breaks through the traditional production mode of animal husbandry,but also promotes it to a new form under the Internet ecology,draws a new blueprint for the development of agriculture and animal husbandry,and gives birth to numerous potential business opportunities for the development of new agriculture.However,the practice and promotion of smart animal husbandry is not a smooth road,and many challenges and problems need to be solved urgently.On the basis of an in-depth investigation of the development status of smart animal husbandry in Beijing,this paper comprehensively analyzes the current problems,including the difficulty of technology integration,the lack of talent reserve,and the need to improve the policy environment.In view of these problems,it puts forward a series of practical suggestions,in order to speed up the development of animal husbandry in Beijing to the direction of smart development,and realize the sustainable development of animal husbandry.

3D genome organization and its study in livestock breeding

Eukaryotic genomes are hierarchically packaged into cell nucleus,affecting gene regulation.The genome is organized into multiscale structural units,including chromosome territories,compartments,topologically associating domains(TADs),and DNA loops.The identification of these hierarchical structures has benefited from the development of experimental approaches,such as 3C-based methods(Hi-C,ChIA-PET,etc.),imaging tools(2D-FISH,3D-FISH,Cryo-FISH,etc.)and ligation-free methods(GAM,SPRITE,etc.).In recent two decades,numerous studies have shown that the 3D organization of genome plays essential roles in multiple cellular processes via various mechanisms,such as regulating enhancer activity and promoter-enhancer interactions.However,there are relatively few studies about the 3D genome in livestock species.Therefore,studies for exploring the function of 3D genomes in livestock are urgently needed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of potential relationships between the genome and production traits.In this review,we summarize the recent advances of 3D genomics and its biological functions in human and mouse studies,drawing inspiration to explore the 3D genomics of livestock species.We then mainly focus on the biological functions of 3D genome organization in muscle development and its implications in animal breeding.

A Lifeline for Livestock

Chinese-invented Juncao grass is transforming dairy production in Kenya At his dairy farm in Kiambu County on the outskirts of the Kenyan capital Nairobi,Newton Mwangi anxiously takes off his boots and work suit after milking his cows.Mwangi is worried about the inability of the cows to hit the 80-litre target he needs to fulfil for his clients per day,due to a woeful fodder shortage in Kenya.

Changes in Large Livestock Breeding Industry and Their Influences on Gross Output Value of Animal Husbandry in Guyuan City of Ningxia

[Objectives]The aim of this paper was to reveal the changes of large livestock industry and their influence on animal husbandry economy in Guyuan City of Ningxia.[Methods]The linear trend method was employed to quantify the change trends of the indicators for large livestock industry,and the ridge regression model was conducted to analyze their impacts on the gross output value of animal husbandry(GOVAH).[Results]The numbers of sold and slaughtered cattle and sheep in Guyuan presented a significant upward trend,while the number for hog had a significant downward trend,during 2000-2019.The GOVAH in Guyuan and its 5 counties had increased by 2-3 times in recent 20 years,which was mainly driven by large-scale livestock breeding.The cattle and sheep breeding sectors had positive effects on GOVAH,while the hog breeding sector had negative effect.[Conclusions]This study provides a reference for the structural adjustment and large-scale development of animal husbandry.

Characterisation of Smallholder Multiple Livestock Species Production Systems in Parts of Lake Victoria Crescent of Central Uganda

A cross-sectional study of 150 purposively selected multiple livestock species farmers was conducted in Central Uganda aimed at distinguishing between mixed and integrated livestock systems. Performance and operational-based challenges misconstrued to cause incorrect comparison between the two systems were considered. Ten multiple-livestock species system with five ruminant species-based and five monogastric species-based combinations were categorised. Poultry, pig, fish, goats and sheep kept in both the 3 and 4-species combinations were considered. Over 80% of the families are male dominated, smallholder and occupying > 1.0 Ha of land. Exotic and crossbred breeds were adopted away from less productive and noncommercial local species. Mixed monogastric-fish systems with monogastric species dominated (P 1000) stock per farm. Stalls dominate pig management systems with 15% of the farmers upgraded to commercial level with (>50) stock per farm. Ineffective livestock policies contribute to inefficient performance of 55% of livestock farmers. In conclusion, mixed livestock systems should be upgraded to integrated livestock systems with input resource synergy for improved production and sustainability.

First molecular identification of multiple tick‑borne pathogens in livestock within Kassena‑Nankana,Ghana

The risk of pathogen transmission continues to increase significantly in the presence of tick vectors due to the trade of livestock across countries.In Ghana,there is a lack of data on the incidence of tick-borne pathogens that are of zoonotic and veterinary importance.This study,therefore,aimed to determine the prevalence of such pathogens in livestock using molecular approaches.A total of 276 dry blood spots were collected from cattle(100),sheep(95)and goats(81)in the Kassena-Nankana Districts.The samples were analyzed using Polymerase Chain Reaction(qPCR)and conventional assays and Sanger sequencing that targeted pathogens including Rickettsia,Coxiella,Babesia,Theileria,Ehrlichia and Anaplasma.An overall prevalence of 36.96%was recorded from the livestock DBS,with mixed infections seen in 7.97%samples.Furthermore,the prevalence of infections in livestock was recorded to be 19.21%in sheep,14.13%in cattle,and 3.62%in goats.The pathogens identified were Rickettsia spp.(3.26%),Babesia sp.Lintan(8.70%),Theileria orientalis(2.17%),Theileria parva(0.36%),Anaplasma capra(18.48%),Anaplasma phagocytophilum(1.81%),Anaplasma marginale(3.26%)and Anaplasma ovis(7.25%).This study reports the first molecular identification of the above-mentioned pathogens in livestock in Ghana and highlights the use of dry blood spots in resource-limited settings.In addition,this research provides an update on tick-borne pathogens in Ghana,suggesting risks to livestock production and human health.Further studies will be essential to establish the distribution and epidemiology of these pathogens in Ghana.

Ethnopharmacological Assessment of Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Livestock Ailments by Resource-Limited Farmers in the Eastern Cape Province

Medicinal plants play a major role in meeting people’s medical and health needs, especially in developing countries. However, due to a lack of access to modern veterinary facilities, poor visibility of animal health personnel, and high prices of orthodox medicines, most farmers rely on traditional healers and the administration of medicinal plants to treat livestock ailments. The present study was conducted to document Ethnopharmacological knowledge of medicinal plants used to manage livestock ailments in three rural communities of the Eastern Cape. This study was carried out in three rural communities between July 2009 and February 2010. Data were collected by administering pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires and participative field observations. For the interviews, a sample of 48 knowledgeable respondents was purposively selected. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, determination of information consensus factor, and fidelity level. A total of 12 medicinal plants belonging to 9 families were used by local people to cure different ailments. A high number of medicinal plants were claimed by males compared to females. Roots and barks were the major plant parts used, and the least were leaves (27.3%). Six plants were used to treat diarrhea and fertility, five plants to treat wounds, and two plants to treat scabs. This study has shown that Eastern Cape flora is rich with various plants which could be used to replace orthodox drugs. Further studies are needed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations, biological activities, and toxicities and characterize the plant’s chemical compounds.

Recovery Status and Livestock Use of a Kenyan Montane Forest a Decade after Cessation of Human Encroachment

Montane forest ecosystems support biodiversity and provide varied ecosystem services to adjacent and downstream human communities. However, human-induced disturbances are common in many of these ecosystems, threatening their capacity to sustain their functions. This study assessed the status of woody vegetation and livestock use of a Kenyan montane forest 10 years after government-sanctioned cessation of human encroachment. The findings can inform suitable interventions that support recovery of abandoned forest settlements subjected to continuous anthropogenic disturbances. Selected woody vegetation attributes and livestock disturbance indicators were assessed across three human-driven disturbance regimes (light, moderate and heavy) using stratified-systematic sampling technique. Data on the extent of community dependence on forest grazing were collected from 381 randomly selected forest adjacent households using semi-structured questionnaires. Information on the palatability of plants to livestock was obtained from Focus Group Discussions. Vegetation data were analyzed using linear mixed models, while descriptive analysis was applied on household survey data. A total of 33 woody plant species belonging to 22 families were identified, out of which 55% were perceived to be unpalatable to livestock. Species richness, species diversity, stem density and basal areas declined significantly with increasing levels of disturbance. Specifically, these attributes were 59% - 98% lower in heavily disturbed sites than in moderately and lightly disturbed sites. A vast majority (88%) of the sampled households grazed their livestock in the forest throughout the year. Evidence from this study indicates that intense past and ongoing anthropogenic disturbances caused significant negative effects on the forest vegetation condition, and lowered its capacity to recover. Forest managers should prioritize minimizing recurrent anthropogenic disturbances as the forest recovers to ensure successful succession and sustainable provision of ecosystem services.

Utilisation of Non-Conventional Animal Waste as Feeds by Multiple Livestock Species Farmers in Lake Victoria Crescent of Central Uganda

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to establish the utilisation of non-conventional animal waste in multiple livestock species systems. Farmers (150) were selected from four out of ten districts of Central Uganda in Lake Victoria Crescent. A structured questionnaire was used and descriptive analysis showed that over 80% are smallholder farmers on 3.0) years. Household husbands (80%) significantly (P 1.0) as they cause poor livestock health due to pathogens, parasites and toxins which are associated (OD > 1.0) with poor growth, mortality and condemnation of livestock products. The remedy to unsafe non-conventional feeds is to apply effective solar-heating (75%), chemical and ensiling treatment methods. The study showed that there are no significant (P < 0.001) public health risks associated with utilising treated non-conventional feeds instead it improves production and sustainability of multiple livestock species systems.

Role and Effects of Eucommia ulmoides Leaves in the Growth Process of Livestock and Poultry

Substitutes of feed antibiotics have been a key research topic in the new stage of animal husbandry.Chinese veterinary medicine refers to decoction pieces and their preparations processed from natural plants,animals,and minerals and used for animal disease prevention and improvement of animal production performance under the guidance of Chinese veterinary pharmacy theory.Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract has many active functional components such as chlorogenic acid,E.ulmoides polysaccharides and flavonoids,which have many biological properties such as antibacterial,antioxidant,immune-regulation,sugar ester-and bone metabolism-regulation effects.This paper explored active ingredients and biological properties of E.ulmoides leaf extract,as well as its role and effects in livestock and poultry breeding,providing a scientific basis for the use of E.ulmoides leaves in livestock and poultry breeding.

Study on the Construction of Circular Economy Development System of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry in Tibet

As a basic industry in Tibet Autonomous Region,the development of agriculture and animal husbandry circular economy is of great practical significance,which is actively reflected in national high-quality development and new agriculture and animal husbandry circular model.The development direction and future trend directly determine the promotion and enhancement of regional agriculture and animal husbandry economy,which is highly valued and welcomed by academic circles.This paper mainly expounds the development connotation of agriculture and animal husbandry circular economy system from the perspective of Tibet's agriculture and animal husbandry economic development.It focuses on sorting out the construction and future direction of circular economy development system,effectively puts forward ideas and comprehensive understanding of the circular economy development system of agriculture and animal husbandry in Tibet,effectively promotes the promotion and basic change of circular economy of agriculture and animal husbandry,and effectively changes the traditional development model and new innovation model of agriculture and animal husbandry.

面向农业强国:畜牧产业绿色高质量发展的基础、价值与路径

畜牧产业作为经济可持续发展的主要组成部分,如何在农业强国战略指引下实现绿色高质量发展成为重要议题。文章从支持政策持续加码、市场需求日益旺盛、畜牧产业竞争力不断增强三方面阐述我国畜牧产业绿色高质量发展的现实基础。面向农业强国,畜牧产业绿色高质量发展有助于驱动农业农村现代化、助力畜牧业经济高速增长与打造畜牧产业现代化生态。因此,文章提出增强畜牧产业政策扶持力度、提高畜牧产业信息化水平、建立畜禽商品冷链加工配送系统的创新路径,为实现农业强国战略目标提供重要支持。

Supplemental feeding on rangelands:new dynamics of the livestock in the El Ouara rangelands in southern Tunisia

Fodder production in arid rangelands has been traditionally considered as the main source of nutrition for livestock.However,the production of these fodder may be influenced by some socio-economic and climatic factors.This study aims to identify the various rangeland use forms and determine the types of livestock feeding system in the El Ouara rangelands of Ben guarden District in southern Tunisia by analysing the importance of supplemental feeding and main determinants of this practice.Data were collected by a survey that targeted a sample of 50 breeders in the El Ouara rangelands.Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the data.The results showed that there are two types of association practiced by breeders:“Cherka”association practiced by 10.00% of breeders and cash payment association practiced by 53.00% of breeders.Then,transhumance,sedentary,and semi-urban forms are the main ways in which breeders use the rangelands.There are four livestock feeding systems in the El Ouara rangelands being used to feed livestock:natural rangeland,rangeland-based,mixed,and concentrate-based feeding systems.Supplemental feeding has become fundamental for the livestock feeding system in the El Ouara rangelands.The breeders with the largest camel size still use the natural rangeland feeding system,while the breeders who have the largest herd size practice the mixed feeding system.The logistic regression results reveal that breeder age,cereal area,herd size,migrant remittance,second activity,and agricultural development group membership can significantly impact the supplemental feeding.In summary,this study can help policy-makers plan innovative practices based on climatic change,ensure the sustainability of livestock feeding system,and make effective decisions for local development.

噬菌体裂解酶在畜禽生产中的应用研究进展

畜禽生产中抗生素的长期、大量不规范使用,导致细菌耐药性问题日益严重,给畜禽细菌性疾病的预防和治疗带来极大困难,甚至已经威胁到公共卫生安全。噬菌体裂解酶是噬菌体编码的一种肽聚糖水解酶,能够高效、特异地杀灭细菌且具有抗生物被膜活性,已经成为一种新型抗菌药物,逐渐被纳入细菌尤其是耐药菌感染的治疗策略。畜禽生产中,噬菌体裂解酶已经成功应用于金黄色葡萄球菌、链球菌等革兰阳性菌引起的畜禽细菌性疾病的防控与治疗中,其在大肠杆菌、沙门菌等革兰阴性菌上的应用尚处于体外研究阶段。笔者对噬菌体裂解酶的结构特点、作用机制及其在畜禽生产中的应用进行综述,探究噬菌体裂解酶在畜禽生产中的应用现状及前景,以期为噬菌体裂解酶更进一步地应用于防控和治疗细菌性疾病提供参考。

畜禽养殖场臭气治理技术研究进展

随着我国畜禽养殖规模逐渐扩大,畜禽养殖场产生的臭气问题日渐突出。在畜禽养殖过程中,养殖场的臭气主要来源于畜禽粪尿、畜禽自身排出气体、饲料残渣、污水、堆肥间等,臭味大多与氨气、硫化氢、吲哚、粪臭素等相关,其中含量较多的成分是氨气和硫化氢,会对生态环境和人体健康甚至畜禽本身产生严重危害,因此对畜禽养殖场臭气的治理迫在眉睫。针对养殖场臭气治理,可采用源头减排、过程控制和末端治理三大途径,从异位和原位进行臭气控制:异位控制是通过物理、化学和生物法对已经释放的臭气进行末端控制;原位控制是通过一些饲料添加剂对畜禽体内进行调控,从而实现过程控制和源头减排臭气,以此减轻养殖场臭气产生的危害。本文基于国内外养殖场臭气治理的相关研究,系统梳理了养殖场臭气的治理技术,并分别对各个技术进行了相关典型案例分析,为养殖场臭气治理的研究提供了一定的技术参考。

虾青素在禽畜养殖中的功效及应用研究进展

虾青素是一种酮式类胡萝卜素,因特殊的化学结构而具有极强的抗氧化性。目前,虾青素作为一种高效、安全的饲料添加剂,具有抗氧化、增强免疫力、缓解炎症等生物学功能,在水产、禽畜养殖中具有广阔的应用前景。本文综述了虾青素的结构特性、来源和在禽畜养殖中的应用效果,以期为虾青素在禽畜养殖中更广泛地应用提供理论参考。

畜禽动物油甘油二酯的酶法制备及应用研究进展

1,3-甘油二酯(diacylglycerol,DAG)是公认的安全食品,在人体中的代谢途径不同于甘油三酯,具有提高人体新陈代谢水平以及预防肥胖和心血管疾病等功效。然而,天然DAG在食用油中的质量分数不及10%,因此,近年来高纯度DAG的制备受到了广泛关注。与化学法相比,酶法因绿色、安全、选择性高等优点成为了油脂工业制备DAG的首选。畜禽动物油具有特殊的风味和一定的营养价值,但其高饱和脂肪、高胆固醇和高熔点等理化特征致使其在食品工业的利用受到了极大限制。鉴于此,合成畜禽动物油DAG成为了实现畜禽动物油高值化利用的一种有效途径。本文综述了酶法制备畜禽动物油DAG的研究现状及其潜在的应用价值,以期为畜禽动物油DAG的酶法加工及高值化利用提供一定的思路。

偏好异质性、农户参与式方案创设与养殖废弃物资源化利用——来自养殖户种养结合的选择实验

生态补偿政策构成的农业环境方案对于废弃物资源化利用具有激励作用,但现行补偿政策方案可能存在推广瓶颈,突破瓶颈的关键在于了解农户的政策选择偏好。以养殖废弃物肥料化还田为例,通过选择实验法构建了由4个政策属性组合而成的备选政策情境,结合江苏省346户生猪养殖户实验数据,运用Mixed Logit模型检验了补偿政策的选择偏好及协同互补效应。结果表明:(1)养殖户对选择实验方案中的服务类、收入类和价格类补偿政策的偏好程度更高,而对于技术支持类补偿政策不具备明显偏好;(2)养殖户环保认知与风险特征是上述政策偏好异质性的重要来源,风险偏好型和环保认知水平高的养殖户对各类补偿政策方案的接受意愿更高;(3)技术支持、外包服务同收入类、价格类补偿政策之间呈现显著的互补性。根据“重视多元化补偿,强化正协同效应”原则,本文创设了针对养殖废弃物还田利用的推广方案,旨在优化和完善现行的生态补偿政策体系,打好相关政策措施的“组合拳”。

吉林省少数民族地区畜牧业发展助力乡村产业振兴研究——以伊通满族自治县为例

随着乡村振兴政策的落实,各地区开始发展产业以助推乡村发展。产业发展为乡村振兴提供了坚实的物质动力,如果产业发展势弱,那么乡村振兴如同无本之木,也就无法从根本上实现乡村振兴目标,而且影响实现脱贫攻坚的进程。目前,吉林省伊通满族自治县以乡村振兴为助推器发展本地特色产业,不仅能够带动农民增收致富,也有助于营造更美丽宜居的乡村环境。这些举措将有利于推动乡村经济的稳步提升,促使更多的人脱贫致富,实现乡村产业振兴。