Search Results (192)

Against the backdrop of the full implementation of “antibiotic ban” and “zinc restriction” policies in livestock and poultry breeding, and the growing consumer demand for safe livestock and poultry products, the development of natural and efficient green feed additives has become crucial for the sustainable development of the animal husbandry industry. Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa L., has attracted extensive attention in poultry production due to its various biological activities and safety. This paper thoroughly reviews the chemical structure and physicochemical properties of curcumin, and elaborates on its core molecular mechanisms of action, which mainly involve the regulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immunomodulatory and lipid metabolism regulatory effects. It further clarifies the practical application value of curcumin in major poultry species including broilers, laying hens, ducks and quails, showing that curcumin can significantly improve poultry production performance, optimize meat and egg quality, protect intestinal health, and enhance the ability of poultry to resist stress and diseases. Meanwhile, the review notes curcumin’s current application limitations (low bioavailability, poor stability, unclear standardized dosage, and high industrialization cost) and proposes targeted future research directions to address these issues. In conclusion, curcumin is a promising green feed additive alternative to antibiotics, and its large-scale and standardized application in poultry production will effectively promote the green, healthy and sustainable development of the poultry industry. Full article

Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) is the only extant cetacean species in the Yangtze River, a national first-class protected wild animal in China, and a key indicator reflecting the health status of the Yangtze River ecosystem. Environmental changes can induce adaptive trophic responses in animal communities; thus, clarifying the dynamic interactions between fish assemblages and dietary shifts in the Yangtze finless porpoise after the fishing moratorium is critically important. In this study, fishery resources in Poyang Lake were surveyed using triple-layer composite gill nets and cage traps, with samples collected and analyzed accordingly. A total of 81 fish species belonging to 8 orders and 16 families were recorded. Following the fishing ban, the abundance of small-bodied fish species (e.g., Hemiculter bleekeri, Carassius auratus) decreased, while the proportion of piscivorous species among the top ten dominant fish increased from 40% to 60%. DNA barcoding was used to analyze gastric contents of 10 dead porpoises found post-moratorium, and the results were compared with pre-ban data. Gastric content analysis identified 11 prey taxa, and comparative analysis demonstrated that prey selectivity was closely correlated with local prey availability. Concomitant with the structural reorganization of the fish community in Poyang Lake during the early stage of the fishing ban, the Yangtze finless porpoise exhibited adaptive dietary shifts toward benthic and small-bodied fish species, suggesting a potential linkage between these ecological responses. These findings provide direct implications for formulating targeted conservation strategies for this endangered cetacean and highlight the necessity of protecting small and benthic fish populations to ensure their long-term survival. Full article

Anthrax is one of the most significant zoonotic diseases in Albania due to its endemic presence in livestock, the potential for occupational exposure, and human cases. Although the implementation of risk-based livestock immunization, animal movement restrictions, and appropriate carcass disposal, the efficacy of targeted management remains limited in certain outbreaks due to insufficient enforcement of these measures. Their efficacy is specifically diminished by insufficient disinfection, the absence of grazing bans in contaminated pastures, and the absence of designated burial sites for the safe disposal of dead animals. District-level data on animal anthrax control programs were collected and analyzed for the period 2021–2025. In addition, a retrospective analysis of national datasets covering the same period was conducted using data from the national surveillance system, alongside a review of the relevant scientific and grey literature and aggregated program and routine surveillance data. Analysis showed that anthrax affected 149 animals in 97 farms, and the average number of animals per infected farm declined from 1.70 to 1.08, indicating a slight reduction within-farm outbreak. Hotspots for human anthrax were aligned with the animal cases and persisted particularly in the southern districts. The peak of outbreaks was in 2023, primarily driven by cattle (n = 32) and sheep (n = 24). Equine cases appeared only in 2024, with small clusters of 3 cases in both 2024 and 2025. Caprine cases remained consistently low throughout the period. Nevertheless, the number of outbreaks and within-herd cases are decreasing due to more rapid identification and response. Targeted surveillance on animal outbreaks provides critical insights into disease spread and links among affected farms in Albania. Therefore, One Health genomic surveillance and antibiotic susceptibility testing of Bacillus anthracis isolates are essential for understanding its epidemiology, transmission routes, and for tracing the sources of infection across humans, animals, and the environment. Full article

Introduction: Salmonella may contaminate livestock feed at several stages of production, transport and storage. Formaldehyde is an effective anti-Salmonella feed treatment, but it is now banned for this use in Europe. Organic acid-based additives are an alternative. Gap Statement: The efficacy of organic acid feed additives against natural Salmonella feed contamination is uncertain due to a paucity of reported work investigating low levels of infection that may be relevant for real-world situations. Aim: To compare the anti-Salmonella effects of feed additives based on formaldehyde versus those based on organic acids. Methodology: Experimental contamination of poultry feed with one of three Salmonella serovars at moderate (between 10 and 200 CFU/g) or low (around 1 CFU/g) levels was preceded (‘prevention’ mode) or followed (‘decontamination’ mode) by application of commercial antimicrobial additives. Storage at room temperature for 24 h was followed by pre-enrichment then culture. Results: Organic acid-based products at recommended application rates only eliminated detectable Salmonella from samples with the lowest degree of contamination. The effect was partial, with a proportion of samples still yielding Salmonella in most experiments, and only one such product showed efficacy above 50% of samples for the decontamination mode. The two formaldehyde-based products showed partial efficacy against moderate contamination, and one was entirely effective against low-level contamination even at its lower inclusion rate. Conclusions: Organic acid-based feed additives have a lesser anti-Salmonella effect than formaldehyde-based products at their respective recommended inclusion rates. However, some non-formaldehyde products may be substantially effective against a low, natural degree of contamination. Impact Statement: Chemical suppression of Salmonella in animal feed is an important element of measures to safeguard livestock health and, consequentially, public health too. The European ban on using formaldehyde for this purpose has necessitated the use of alternative products. The present work includes very low levels of Salmonella in feed, possibly mimicking natural contamination, to show that under these circumstances some such alternatives may be as efficacious as formaldehyde products. Full article

Nitrofurans are banned veterinary medicinal products due to their carcinogenic and mutagenic properties; however, their protein-bound metabolites (AOZ, AMOZ, AHD, SEM, and DNSAH) may persist in food-producing animals, particularly in eggs. Reliable confirmatory methods are therefore essential for residue monitoring under the stringent requirements of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/808. This study reports the development and validation of a sensitive and selective LC–MS/MS method combining acid hydrolysis, 2-nitrobenzaldehyde derivatization, and QuEChERS extraction for the determination of nitrofuran metabolites in eggs. Chromatographic separation was carried out using a phenyl-hexyl column, and detection using a tandem mass spectrometer, supported by isotope-labeled internal standards, ensured robust identification and quantification. Linearity was satisfactory over the investigated concentration range (R² > 0.99), with recoveries between 82 and 109%. The method’s precision was acceptable, with repeatability RSD values below 10% and within-laboratory reproducibility RSD values below 22%. Matrix effects were effectively controlled, remaining within ±20% following internal standard normalization. Decision limits (CCα) ranged from 0.29 to 0.37 µg/kg, well below the EU reference point for action of 0.5 µg/kg. The method’s performance was further confirmed through participation in an accredited proficiency test scheme. Overall, the validated method provides a reliable analytical tool for routine official control laboratories, enabling the sensitive confirmatory detection of banned nitrofuran residues in eggs and supporting food safety and regulatory compliance. Full article

Recent and forthcoming bans on confinement systems for farmed animals highlight the growing societal and policy emphasis on improving welfare. In the United Kingdom, the proposed prohibition of enriched cages for laying hens represents a major step beyond existing European Union standards, reflecting both scientific evidence and public concern over the limitations of cage-based systems. While such reforms are indicative of farmed animal welfare gains domestically, experience from the EU ban on conventional cages indicates a critical policy gap: the absence of mechanisms to retire and decommission obsolete infrastructure allows housing systems to be resold or exported, potentially perpetuating welfare issues elsewhere. Similar patterns have emerged in pork production, where gestation and farrowing crates have been inconsistently phased out in different regions of the world, illustrating the broader consequences of neglecting infrastructure lifecycle management. This perspective is based on welfare reforms incorporating decommissioning of equipment to align ethical intent with material outcomes. Decommissioning approaches lead to incentivising or mandating the permanent removal of banned pork production physical infrastructure, mitigating economic risks for producers, and reducing cross-border exacerbation of welfare issues. Coordinated implementation across national, regional, and global locals is essential to maximise the pig welfare effectiveness of reforms. By integrating decommissioning provisions, policymakers can ensure that animal welfare improvements are substantive, credible, and globally effective. Full article

Background/Objectives: The expansion of intensive swine production in Córdoba, Argentina, underscores the need to assess the risks associated with antimicrobial (AM) use, whose extensive application has driven antimicrobial resistance, a major global threat within the One Health framework. This study aimed to characterize AM use practices and evaluate the epidemiological resistance profiles (non-wild-type phenotypes, NWT) of commensal Escherichia coli of fecal origin from swine farms, using epidemiological cut-off values (ECOFFs) as a surveillance criterion. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 19 farrow-to-finish farms in Córdoba during 2023. Information on AM use (prophylaxis, metaphylaxis, treatment) across production categories was collected. A total of 437 E. coli isolates were obtained from fecal samples, and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for 10 AMs of critical importance for human and animal health. NWT phenotypes were classified according to EUCAST ECOFFs, and multidrug resistance (MDR) was assessed. Results: AM use was frequent and predominantly prophylactic (89.5% of farms), mainly through mass medication (66.3%), with macrolides and amoxicillin being the most commonly administered AMs. NWT proportions were extremely high (90–92%) for ampicillin, tetracyclines, and chloramphenicol and substantial for ciprofloxacin (50.6%), sulfamethoxazole (68.2%), and trimethoprim (44.9%). Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing phenotypes were detected. Alarmingly, 92% of isolates were classified as MDR E. coli, with homogeneous distribution across production categories. Conclusions: Findings reveal intensive and largely empirical AM use that has consolidated a stable intestinal resistome in the swine population. High MDR levels, even in categories with limited direct AM exposure or involving banned compounds, suggest that co-selection and horizontal gene transfer are key drivers of resistance. This scenario highlights the urgent need to strengthen integrated surveillance and promote prudent AM use strategies under the One Health approach to preserve therapeutic efficacy. Full article

Despite its economic profitability, fur farming in Europe, responsible for half of global production, faces a growing ethical backlash. Animal welfare concerns, particularly regarding mink, foxes, and raccoon dogs kept in restrictive cages, have intensified due to advocacy, scientific reviews, and COVID-19 outbreaks. In response, several EU nations have implemented bans or stricter regulations. However, limited research exists on EU public opinion. This study analyses data from Eurobarometer 533 (March 2023), surveying 26,368 citizens across 27 EU countries, to assess attitudes toward fur farming. Respondents selected from three policy preferences: a full ban, EU-wide regulation, or acceptance of current practices. Multinomial logistic regression and chi-square tests revealed significant socio-demographic and ideological influences. Older individuals were more supportive of current practices (p = 0.001), while higher education levels correlated with support for a ban or stricter regulation (p = 0.003). Income positively influenced support for regulation (p = 0.002), and women (p = 0.008), urban residents (p = 0.001), and those with regular animal contact (p = 0.007) were more likely to support reform. Right-leaning respondents (p = 0.012) and residents of countries without fur farming bans (p < 0.001) were less supportive. These findings suggest that values, demographics, and national legislation significantly shape public opinion. Aligning policy with evolving societal values requires integrated legislative reform, public engagement, and equitable transition strategies to ensure meaningful and sustainable improvements in animal welfare across the EU. Full article

To characterize freshwater bivalve communities and their environmental drivers in the Caizi Lake water system following the 10-year fishing ban in Yangtze River, this study three rounds of standardized surveys across hydrological periods in 2024—May (normal-water), September (high-water), and November (low-water). The results recorded 22 freshwater bivalve species belonging to 15 genera and 4 families. Notably, Ptychorhynchus pfisteri and the second-class national key protected wild animals in China, Lamprotula leaii and Uninovaculina chinensis, were first recorded in the Caizi Lake water system. Community composition was partitioned into three subgroups: Group I—Dasha River, Guache River, Longmian River, and Kongcheng River; Group II—the lake area; and Group III—Chang River. Biomass, density, and dominant species exhibited pronounced spatial heterogeneity, and the assemblage reflected a state of moderate disturbance. Redundancy analysis indicated that the variables that contribute significantly to species richness in sequence are the bitterling and suitable host fish, phytoplankton, and zooplankton. The research results reveal for the first time the population status and distribution patterns of bivalve resources in the Caizi Lake water system following the fishing ban. They not only provide a decision-making basis for the conservation and protection management of bivalve resources in the Caizi Lake water system but also offer data support for the assessment of the fishing ban effect and the evaluation of biological integrity in key waters of Anhui Province. Full article

Animal fur has long symbolized luxury and social status, but growing concerns about animal welfare, environmental harm, and zoonotic disease risks have prompted global reforms, with over 22 countries banning fur production. In the United States, however, public attitudes toward fur farming and sales bans remain underexplored. This study surveyed 2014 adults from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York to assess views on fur farming, acceptability, and support for state-level bans, as well as the influence of message framing. Participants were randomly assigned to one of six message conditions (animal welfare, environmental, public health, economic, faux fur alternatives, or social norms) or a control group. Most respondents supported bans on fur sales and fur from commercial farms (approximately 65% weighted). Messages highlighting animal welfare, environmental impacts, public health, and social norms significantly increased support, while economic and faux fur messages did not. Political affiliation moderated these effects, with independents most responsive. Beliefs about cruelty, environmental harm, and zoonotic risks predicted support, whereas conservatism, opposition to regulation, and consumer rights beliefs predicted opposition. Overall, appeals to ethics, sustainability, and social change appear most effective for advancing fur-related policy initiatives. Full article

The comprehensive (“universal”) PFAS ban proposed by the EU raises questions of a scientific, philosophical, regulatory, and policy nature. This overview scrutinizes the proposal and finds it wanting in each of these respects. The grouping of all PFAS is based on a methodology that is only loosely science based. The scientific data on PFAS do not support the open-ended definition and the drastic restrictions that would be imposed by the proposal. To illustrate the weak scientific basis, we look more closely at the immunotoxicity claims as found in a few landmark epidemiological papers. We find these claims not well-founded and methodologically lacking. Also, we scrutinize a few animal studies and comment on their results. Detecting PFAS in multiple matrices is briefly looked at. The analytical context of detectability, quantifiability, measurement precision, and reproducibility of results of PFAS present in especially complex matrices (e.g., foods, soil, waxes, and fats) poses quite the challenge. Experimental uncertainties are reported to be extremely high. Disregarding the key distinctions between hazard and risk and between potential hazard and hazard, the proposal treats all PFASs, broadly defined, as presenting hazards based on an assumed common property: persistence. On this and other grounds, including the requirement of “unacceptable risk”, the proposed ban fails to meet the requirements imposed by the REACH Regulation. From a public policy perspective, the costs of the proposal would appear to eclipse any advantages for human health and the environment. Thus, we conclude that the proposed PFAS ban is problematic from these key perspectives. Full article

The high environmental impact caused by the accumulation of single-use plastic calls for measures to curb this problem, from a ban on single-use plastic tableware to the production of a wide range of biodegradable and reusable products. The aim of this study was to investigate how tableware made of different materials affects consumers’ sensory perception and emotional and hedonic responses when eating the same meal. In this study, four types of meals of animal or plant origin were selected for the experiments, which were served warm or cold. Accordingly, four groups of university students were instructed to taste the corresponding meal while using three sets of tableware made of different materials: polypropylene, wood/cardboard, and a stainless steel/ceramic/glass control set (regular set). Overall, the results suggest that the use of regular tableware elicited a positive emotional profile, while the use of disposable, wooden, and plastic tableware elicited negative emotional responses, which is consistent with the acceptability of the meal samples—regular tableware received higher ratings, while both types of disposable tableware received lower ratings. Finally, the material of the tableware only led to changes in odor and flavor perception when warm-served meals were sampled—higher intensities were reported when students used the regular tableware sets. Wooden cutlery imparted an atypical woody flavor to the meals, regardless of the type of meal. Full article

Background: Adaptogens, commonly used as traditional herbal medicinal products for the relief of symptoms of stress, such as fatigue and exhaustion, belong to a category of physiologically active compounds related to the physiological process of adaptability to stressors. They are used both as pharmaceuticals in medicine and as dietary supplements or nutraceuticals in nutrition, depending on the doses, indications to treat diseases, or support health functions. However, such a dual-faced nature of adaptogens can lead to inconsistencies and contradictory outcomes from Food and Drug regulatory authorities in various countries. Aims: This narrative literature review aimed to (i) specify five steps of pharmacological testing of adaptogens, (ii) identify the sources of inconsistencies in the assessment of evidence the safety, efficacy, and quality of multitarget adaptogenic botanicals, and (iii) propose potential solutions to address some food and drug regulatory issues, specifically adaptogenic botanicals used for prevention and treatment of complex etiology diseases including stress-induced, and aging-related disorders. Overview: This critically oriented narrative review is focused on (i) five steps of pharmacological testing of adaptogens are required in a sequential order, including appropriate in vivo and in vitro models in animals, in vitro model, and mechanisms of action by a proper biochemical assay and molecular biology technique in combination with network pharmacology analysis, and clinical trials in stress-induced and aging-related disorders; (ii) the differences between the requirements for the quality of pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements of botanical origin; (iii) progress, trends, pitfalls, and challenges in the adaptogens research; (iv) inadequate assignment of some plants to adaptogens, or insufficient scientific data in case of Eurycoma longifolia; (v) inconsistencies in botanical risk assessments in the case of Withania somnifera. Conclusions: This narrative review highlights the importance of harmonized standards, transparent methodologies, and a balanced, evidence-informed approach to ensure consumers receive effective and safe botanicals. Future perspectives and proposed solutions include (i) establish internationally harmonized guidelines for evaluating botanicals based on their intended use (e.g., pharmaceutical vs. dietary supplement), incorporating traditional use data alongside modern scientific methods; (ii) encourage peer review and transparency in national assessments by mandating public disclosure of methodologies, data sources, and expert affiliations; (iii) create a tiered evidence framework that allows differentiated standards of proof for traditional botanical supplements versus pharmaceutical candidates; (iv) promote international scientific dialogs among regulators, researchers, and industry to develop consensus positions and avoid unilateral bans that may lack scientific rigor; (v) formally recognize adaptogens a category of natural products for prevention stress induced brain fatigue, behavioral, and aging related disorders. Full article

The use of antibiotics as growth promoters (AGPs) has been a common practice in animal production; however, concerns over microbial resistance have led organizations, such as the FAO, EU, and EFSA, to restrict or ban their use. This has prompted a growing interest in natural alternatives, particularly medicinal herbs, for enhancing animal performance and health. Among these, Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese Skullcap) and Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) have gained attention for their high medicinal value in monogastric animal diets. These plants contain bioactive compounds, such as flavones (baicalin, baicalein, oroxylin A), iridoids (loganin), and saponins (including loniceroside hederagenin), which exhibit a range of biological activities, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-stress effects. Notably, these herbal extracts are natural, safe, and unlikely to induce microbial resistance. Recent studies suggest that supplementation with S. baicalensis and L. japonica can improve livestock production performance by mitigating oxidative stress. This review aims to highlight the potential application of these plant-based additives in reducing oxidative damage and enhancing productivity in animal agriculture. Full article

Weaning is one of the most challenging stages in a piglet’s life, with multiple stressors contributing to poor gut health. For several years, zinc oxide (ZnO) was the preferred means of promoting a healthy gut and preventing post-weaning diarrhea (PWD). However, with the banning of its use at medicinal levels in the EU since 2022, alternatives are needed. Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid, has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to treat diarrhea and has pharmacological properties that could make this molecule an attractive alternative to ZnO. The aim of this study was to investigate how berberine is metabolized in the intestinal tract and liver of weaned piglets; determine which metabolites are detected in intestinal contents and plasma; and whether a low dose can alter histomorphological parameters, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and gut microbiota composition. A total of 60 piglets weaned at 4 weeks were divided into two groups (Control and BBR), each consisting of six pens of five animals. After two weeks of feeding with a normal diet or a berberine-supplemented diet (30 mg berberine/kg feed), berberine and its metabolites were quantified in intestinal contents and plasma by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) on 12 animals per group (2 male piglets per pen). Moreover, villus length and crypt depth were measured in small-intestinal tissue, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed to examine jejunal, cecal, and colonic gut microbiota composition. Our findings show that piglets metabolize berberine into phase I and II metabolites; however, a low dose does not affect their histomorphology, microbiota composition, or SCFA production. Full article