Search Results (277)

The in vitro production of embryos has significant potential to enhance animal productivity. However, further refining of this technology is required for its widespread adoption and cost-effectiveness. The objectives were to evaluate the effects of L-carnitine (LC) on the maturation, lipid content, and Hippo signaling of oocytes, and the cryotolerance of the resulting embryos. Abattoir-derived oocytes were in vitro matured using fetal bovine serum (FBS), bovine serum albumin (BSA), or FBS + 1.5 or 3.0 mM LC. The maturation rates did not differ among FBS (83%) and FBS with LC (1.5 or 3.0 mM; 82 and 80%, respectively). In contrast, the BSA group exhibited a significantly lower maturation rate of 71% compared to the other groups. The lipid content of matured oocytes (assessed using Nile red staining) was significantly reduced in the BSA group and in the FBS + LC groups, compared to the FBS group. The blastocyst-stage embryos were cryopreserved, and their cryotolerance was evaluated by assessing their ability to re-expand and hatch after thawing. The embryos from the FBS + LC groups showed a numerically higher re-expansion rate at 24 h (78.8%), compared to the BSA (74.0%) and FBS groups (57.7%). The expression of Hippo signaling pathway genes was not significantly affected by LC, indicating that LC enhanced cryotolerance and reduced lipid content without impacting oocyte maturation or the Hippo signaling pathway. Full article

The assessment of pig welfare and health at abattoirs is crucial for ensuring both animal well-being and food safety. Traditional assessment methods often rely on human observation, which is time-consuming, subjective, and difficult to scale in high-throughput facilities. This systematic review addresses a crucial gap by identifying and evaluating non-invasive human-free diagnostic methods applicable in commercial settings. Following PRISMA guidelines, a total of 102 articles met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen distinct methods were identified and classified into three categories: biological sample analysis (5 methods; n = 80 articles), imaging and computer vision systems (4 methods; n = 19), and physiological and other sensors (4 methods; n = 24). Some articles assessed more than one method and are therefore counted in multiple categories. While no method achieved both high implementation and practicality, blood analysis for glucose and lactate, convolutional neural networks for lesion detection, and automated camera-based systems emerged as the most promising for practical integration into the slaughter flowline. Most techniques still face challenges related to automation, operator independence, and standardisation. Overall, this review highlights the growing potential of non-invasive methods in pig welfare evaluation and underscores the need for continued development and validation to facilitate their adoption into routine abattoir practices. Full article

The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply conducted a microbiological baseline study to determine the national prevalence of Salmonella in pig carcasses, and characterize the contamination risk according to the abattoir size under federal inspection in 2014–2015. All establishments were size-classified according to their slaughtering capacity per day. Sample weights were defined to increase the external validity of data. Samples were collected after the random selection of two half-carcasses from 76 slaughterhouses, one at the pre-chilling stage and the other at least 12 h after chilling. A total of 1544 samples were analyzed in official laboratories using Vidas SLM and SPT systems; for positive samples, we used the ISO 6579:2014. The results revealed that 10.00% (CI 7.50–13.22) of the pre-chilling carcasses tested positive for Salmonella spp. The medium-sized establishments exhibited the highest prevalence (18.51%). National and international market establishments had prevalences of 17.43%, and 9.05%, respectively. For carcass samples collected after chilling, the estimated prevalence was 4.58% (CI 3.13–6.65), with the highest prevalence recorded in the medium-sized establishments (7%), and values of 12.25% and 3.5% in the NM and IM, respectively. The information and knowledge thus acquired may support the further investigation and evaluation of surveillance programs, improving food safety. Full article

The amygdala is composed of several nuclei, including the lateral nucleus which is the main receiving area for the input from cortical and subcortical brain regions. It mediates fear, anxiety, stress, and pain across species. Evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid system may be a promising target for modulating these processes. Cannabinoid and cannabinoid-related receptors have been identified in the amygdala of rodents, carnivores, and humans, but not in horses. This study aimed to investigate the gene expression of cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1R) and 2 (CB2R), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) within the lateral nucleus of six equine amygdalae collected post mortem from an abattoir using quantitative real-time PCR, cellular distribution, and immunofluorescence. mRNA expression of CB1R and CB2R, but not TRPV1 or PPARγ, was detected. The percentage of immunoreactivity (IR) was calculated using ImageJ software. Cannabinoid receptor 1 immunoreactivity was absent in the somata but was strongly detected in the surrounding neuropil and varicosities and CB2R-IR was observed in the varicosities; TRPV1-IR showed moderate expression in the cytoplasm of somata and processes, while PPARγ-IR was weak-to-moderate in the neuronal nuclei. These findings demonstrate endocannabinoid system components in the equine amygdala and may support future studies on Cannabis spp. molecules acting on these receptors. Full article

Contaminated poultry is one of the major sources of food-borne non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of Salmonella along the slaughter process in low- and high-throughput poultry abattoirs in South Africa and to determine their characteristics. Samples were collected from 500 chicken carcass rinsates at various processing stages in three abattoirs. Salmonella detection and identification was conducted in accordance with the ISO 6579 methodology. NTS serotyping was performed with serotype-specific PCRs. The Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method was used to determine antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella. PCR was used to analyze thirteen antimicrobial genes and four virulence genes. Salmonella spp. was detected in 11.8% (59/500; CI: 9.5–15) of the samples tested. The predominant serovars were Salmonella Enteritidis (n = 21/59; 35.59%) and Salmonella Typhimurium (n = 35; 59.32%). Almost all Salmonella isolates were susceptible to all tested antimicrobials except three. Despite the low resistance to tetracyclines at the phenotypic level, approximately half of the strains carried tetA genes, which may be due to “silent” antimicrobial resistance genes. Diverse virulence genes were detected among the confirmed NTS serotypes. We found a predominance of S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium from chicken carcasses with diverse virulence and resistance genes. As we detected differences between the slaughterhouses, an in-depth study should be performed on the risk of Salmonella in low- and high-throughput abattoirs. The integrated monitoring and surveillance of NTS in poultry is warranted in South Africa to aid in the design of mitigation strategies. Full article

Dietary bitter compounds such as caffeine have the potential to reduce backfat in pigs. However, the use of caffeine as a feed additive has restrictions in many countries. It was hypothesised that grape seed and gentian plant extracts (GG) could replace caffeine in feed due to their bitterness and antiadipogenic effects. The effect of caffeine (0.5 g/kg), GG (2 g/kg) alone or in combination with caffeine (BM) at increasing concentrations (0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 g/kg) on feed efficiency, carcass, and meat quality was assessed in finishing pigs (Large White × Landrace). Growth performance and carcass traits were evaluated at a pen level (n = 14). Loins (longissimus thoracis) were removed from eight pig/treatment at the abattoir to assess drip loss, lightness (L*), redness (a*), yellowness (b*), chroma (C*), hue angle (h°), pH, cook loss, and shear force. A linear increase (p < 0.05) in loin a*, b*, and C* values and a linear decrease (p < 0.05) in ADFI, ADG, backfat, dressing percentage, and HSCW were observed with increasing BM levels. At 1.5 g/kg, BM increased the loins a* (p < 0.05), b* (p < 0.05) and C* values (p < 0.05) compared to the control. Twenty-two proteins related to energy metabolism and myofibril assembly were identified to be upregulated (FDR < 0.05) in BM vs. control loins. In conclusion, GG could be used in combination with low doses of caffeine to modulate appetite and carcass leanness and improve pork colour. Full article

Triclosan (TCS) is an antimicrobial agent in a wide range of health care products. It has been found in various human bodily fluids and is a potential reproductive toxicant. However, the effect of TCS on early embryo development in mammalian species is limited. We therefore asked whether exposure to TCS affects mammalian cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs), and if so, whether the effects persist into the early embryo. COCs, isolated from abattoir-derived bovine ovaries, were exposed to two environmentally relevant doses of TCS (1 and 10 nM) during in vitro maturation. When exposed to 1 nM TCS during in vitro maturation, progesterone release from bovine oocytes was elevated. Furthermore, altered pyruvate metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction were also observed; specifically, O₂ consumption coupled to ATP production was significantly decreased in COCs after acute exposure to TCS prior to maturation, whereas proton leak from the respiratory chain was increased. Subsequently, TCS-exposed COCs were fertilised. Fewer oocytes were able to develop to blastocyst when exposed to 1 nM TCS during maturation compared to the Control group, and those that did reach the blastocyst displayed impaired glycolytic and amino acid metabolic activity. These findings indicate for the first time that oocytes exposed to TCS during the final stages of maturation give rise to embryos with impaired mitochondrial function, altered steroidogenesis, and disrupted metabolic activity. Full article

The study investigated the sperm motility and morphometry of pre-freeze and post-thaw boar epididymal semen cooled at increasing holding times at 18 °C. A total of 50 testes of heterogeneous boars were collected (5 testes/day) from the local abattoir and transported to the laboratory at 5 °C within 30 min after slaughter. Semen was retrieved from the caudal part of the epididymis using the slicing float-up method, diluted with Beltsville Thawing Solution extender, pooled in a 50 mL centrifuge tube/5 testes/day, and cooled at 18 °C. Following each holding time (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, and 48 h), the cooled semen sample was re-suspended with Fraction A extender and stored at 5 °C for an additional 45 min. A cooled resuspended semen sample was then diluted with Fraction B extender, loaded into 0.25 mL straws, and frozen using liquid nitrogen vapour. Thawing was accomplished by immersing the semen straws in warm (37 °C) water for 1 min and the samples were evaluated for sperm motility and morphometry traits using the computer-assisted sperm analyzer system. The data were analyzed using variance analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to assess sperm morphometry, establishing the minimum and maximum values. Boar epididymal sperm survived for up to 48 h when held at 18 °C. Furthermore, the highest post-thawed sperm motility rates were observed in semen frozen after 3 h of holding time, with a sperm total motility of 85.9%, a progressive motility of 60.3%, and a rapid motility of 33.2%, as compared to other holding times (p < 0.05). The acceptable ranges for pre-freeze and post-thawed sperm morphology were head length (8.4–9.1 µm), width (4.4–4.8 µm), area (29.9–38.2 µm²), perimeter (20.1–23.7 µm), midpiece width (1.1–2.8 µm), and sperm shape, were consistent regardless of the holding time. A holding time of 3 h enhances the cryoresistance of sperm cooled at 18 °C. Therefore, these findings suggest that boar epididymal sperm can be effectively conserved and can maintain fertilization capability when cooled for 3 h at 18 °C before freezing. Full article

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a contagious transboundary animal disease that causes economic loss and obstacles to international trade. Frequent FMD outbreaks in Cambodia negatively impact farmers’ and smallholders’ incomes. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of FMD Non-Structural Protein (NSP) antibodies, which are an indicator of FMD antibodies raised during a natural infection rather than those produced following vaccination, that were detected using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sample collection from cattle and pigs (n = 2238) was performed at ten abattoirs in seven provinces between October 2019 and December 2020. Overall seroprevalence in cattle and pigs was 43.2% (363/839; 95% CI 39.8–46.7), and 0.6% (9/1399; 95% CI 0.2–1.2), respectively. Only the cattle dataset was included in the risk factor analysis, as the prevalence of sero-reactors was too low in the pig dataset to be analyzed. Significant risk factors identified by the logistic regression model included the province of origin (p = 0.02), body condition score (BCS) (p = 0.0002) and sex (p = 0.0007). Odds ratios of the significant risk factors were 7.05 (95% CI 1.43–34.67; p = 0.02) for cattle that originated from Kampong Thom, 1.41 (95% CI 1.05–1.89; p = 0.02) for female cattle, and 3.28 (95% CI 1.06–10.12; p = 0.04) for animals with BCS of 3/5. The study revealed that the seroprevalence of FMD NSP in cattle presented at the abattoirs was high, while the FMD NSP seroprevalence in abattoir pigs was very low. Further investigation is required to map the disease distribution in Cambodia, especially the serotypes and strains causing clinical disease. These findings call for the extension of work on effective disease prevention measures. Full article

Background/Objectives: Intensive pig farming is a critical component of food security and economic activity in South Africa; however, it also presents a risk of amplifying antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study provides genomic insights into antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) circulating across the pork production chain, using a ‘farm-to-fork’ approach. Methods: A total of 417 samples were collected from various points along the production continuum, including the farm (n = 144), transport (n = 60), and abattoir (n = 213). E. coli isolates were identified using the Colilert-18 system, and their phenotypic resistance was tested against 20 antibiotics. Thirty-one isolates were selected for further characterization based on their resistance profiles and sampling sources, utilizing whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. Results: The isolates exhibited varying resistance to critical antibiotics used in both human and animal health, including ampicillin (31/31, 100%), tetracycline (31/31, 100%), amoxicillin–clavulanate (29/31, 94%), chloramphenicol (25/31, 81%), and sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim (10/31, 33%). Genetic analysis revealed the presence of resistance genes for β-lactams (bla_EC, bla_TEM), trimethoprim/sulfonamides (dfrA1, dfrA5, dfrA12, sul2, sul3), tetracyclines (tetA, tetB, tetR, tet34), aminoglycosides (aadA, strA, aph variants), and phenicols (catB4, floR, cmlA1), most of which were plasmid-borne. Virulome analysis identified 24 genes, including toxins and adhesion factors. Mobile genetic elements included 24 plasmid replicons, 43 prophages, 19 insertion sequence families, and 7 class 1 integrons. The E. coli isolates belonged to a diverse range of sequence types, demonstrating significant genetic variability. Further phylogenomic analysis revealed eight major clades, with isolate clustering by sequence type alongside South African environmental and clinical E. coli strains, regardless of their sampling source. Conclusions: The genetic complexity observed across the pork production continuum threatens food safety and may impact human health. These findings underscore the need for enhanced AMR monitoring in livestock systems and support the integration of AMR surveillance into food safety policy frameworks. Full article

This study aimed to develop an ex vivo retinal model to examine inflammatory processes in diabetic retinopathy (DR) without animal testing. Porcine eyes were collected from a local abattoir, dissected, and cultivated for four days in five experimental groups: control group (Co), 25 mM and 50 mM mannitol groups (Man25, Man50) as osmotic controls, and 25 mM and 50 mM glucose groups (Glc25, Glc50) as diabetic groups. A TUNEL assay was used to determine relative cell death. Immunofluorescence and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were performed to detect inflammatory markers. An increase in the cell death rate in Man50 (30%), Glc25 (36%) and Glc50 (37%) compared to Co (12%) (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) and between Glc25 and Man25 (21%) (p < 0.01) was found. Immunofluorescence staining and qRT-PCR analysis revealed a TNF-α increase in Glc25 compared to Man25 and Co. iNOS was increased in Glc25 vs. Man25 but not in Co vs. Glc25. iNOS gene expression was upregulated with Glc25 treatment compared to Co and Man25 groups. Expression levels of IL-6 and CD31 were significantly higher in Glc25 than in Co and Man25. Glucose treatment increased cell death and inflammation, prompting us to present a DR model for better understanding DR and testing new therapies. Full article

Recent studies have shown that the metabolome of single embryo culture media is linked to successful pregnancy. In this study, the analysis was expanded to compare the metabolomes of viable and non-viable early-stage embryos and to examine metabolomic markers associated with hatching in viable embryos. The authors hypothesized that the metabolomic profiles of high-quality early blastocysts differ from those of non-viable embryos that reach the blastocyst stage but undergo developmental arrest at later stages. The metabolic profile of 43 spent bovine embryo culture medium samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, covering 189 metabolites, including 40 acylcarnitines, 42 amino acids/biogenic amines, 91 phospholipids, 15 sphingolipids, and the sum of hexoses. Embryos were produced from abattoir-derived oocytes, and the culture medium samples were derived from Grade 1 early blastocysts that progressed to hatching (VBL; n = 10), non-viable early blastocysts that developed to the blastocyst stage but failed to hatch (DBL; n = 12), Grade 1 hatched blastocysts (HBL; n = 16), and plain growth media for control (CM; n = 5). It was observed that methionine sulfoxide (Met-SO) and lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) C24:0 concentrations were significantly lower in the culture media from viable blastocysts compared to those from non-viable blastocysts (p < 0.001). Additionally, blastocysts that resulted in successful hatching had significantly lower levels of phospholipid, arginine (Arg), and methionine-related metabolites that significantly differentiated the control and viable blastocyst culture media from the media containing non-viable embryos. Building on previous studies, there appears to be an overlap in metabolites released during hatching that are also associated with successful pregnancy. The identified biomarkers can aid in assessing an embryo’s developmental potential and enhance embryo selection for transfer or cryopreservation. Full article

Food safety, particularly within the meat industry, is a significant concern addressed under the One Health concept, emphasizing the necessity of enhanced surveillance and hygiene protocols to mitigate contamination risks. This study assessed microbiological risks in Romanian bovine slaughterhouses by analyzing 150 samples from stool and carcasses at the post-evisceration and cooling stages over seven months in two abattoirs, using standardized microbiological methods and PCR to quantify aerobic colony counts (ACCs), Enterobacteriaceae, and pathogens (E. coli, Salmonella spp., and Listeria spp.). ACCs and Enterobacteriaceae levels decreased significantly [p < 0.05] during processing, highlighting effective hygiene measures. Pathogenic E. coli was identified in 14% of fecal samples and 5% of carcasses, indicating cross-contamination risks. Salmonella spp. were found in 28% of fecal samples but absent on carcasses, suggesting successful containment. Listeria spp. were rare and not detected on carcasses. PCR confirmed the presence of pathogenic strains in stool samples, emphasizing the need for strict hygiene practices and regular monitoring to improve meat safety and protect public health. In conclusion, the prevalence of E. coli, particularly serogroups like O101 and O26, and the absence of Salmonella and Listeria in carcass samples reflect both regional differences in pathogenic strains and the need for comprehensive, multi-stage control measures. Further studies should broaden pathogen surveillance to include more E. coli serogroups and implement stricter hygiene protocols to prevent cross-contamination during evisceration, skinning, and cooling. Regular monitoring of Salmonella and Listeria, especially in silage-fed cattle regions, along with improved coordination across the food production, health, and environmental sectors, is essential to mitigate contamination risks and safeguard public health. Full article

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to (i) determine the prevalence of Haemonchus contortus infections in dairy sheep and goats in continental and insular Greece, based on an abattoir survey, and (ii) to evaluate potential host-related risk factors including the age and sex, as well as the altitude, the management system, the co-existence of goats and sheep, the season, and the anthelmintic treatment, on the occurrence of haemonchosis. Methods: In total, 1004 abomasa of small ruminants were examined to evaluate the prevalence of Haemonchus spp. Moreover, a structured questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information regarding animal and farm characteristics. Haemonchus-like helminths were collected from the abomasa and used for the molecular species identification; a fragment of 321 base pairs of the internal transcribed spacer 2 sequence of nuclear DNA was amplified. Results: The prevalence of mono-species H. contortus infection of small ruminants was 37.2%. For sheep, a multivariable analysis revealed the anthelmintic treatment (treatment with pro/benzimidazoles), the age (lambs under 2 months old), and the management system (intensive management system) as significant factors for preventing H. contortus infection. Likewise, the management system (intensive management system), the anthelmintic treatment (treatment with macrocyclic lactones and their combination with pro/benzimidazoles), the altitude of the farms (farms located over 300 m above sea level), and the season (spring and summer) were significant risk factors in preventing H. contortus infection in goats. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted management practices and region-specific veterinary protocols to effectively reduce parasitic burdens. Full article

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile), once considered a predominantly nosocomial pathogen, is increasingly implicated in community-acquired infections (CA-CDIs). This study investigates the prevalence, ribotypes, and antimicrobial susceptibility of C. difficile in Irish pork products and abattoirs, with a focus on the potential public health implications. A total of 180 retail pork products and 150 pig carcase swabs from three abattoirs were examined, alongside 30 environmental lairage samples. The C. difficile isolates were characterised through ribotyping and tested in terms of antimicrobial susceptibility. No C. difficile was isolated from the retail pork, while the carcase swabs yielded a low recovery rate (0.66%). However, the lairage areas were contaminated with C. difficile (33%), and six different ribotypes were identified, including the clinically relevant RT078. The ribotypes exhibited susceptibility to the antibiotics used to treat C. difficile infection (CDI) (fidaxomicin, vancomycin, and metronidazole) but showed resistance to tetracycline (9%) and ciprofloxacin (100%). These findings align with the international findings on antimicrobial resistance in C. difficile and suggest that strict EU food safety standards could mitigate retail pork contamination risks. Nevertheless, the environmental exposure during slaughtering and handling processes presents potential transmission risks for workers. Full article