Search Results (221)

Forestry workers are exposed, through their occupation, to a variety of zoonotic pathogens. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a zoonotic agent typically transmitted through the excreta of infected rodents. Current knowledge concerning the prevalence of LCMV in wild house mice (Mus musculus) in Germany is limited, with the majority of data coming from studies during the 1960s and 1970s and only from the western and southern federal states. In this study, blood samples from 563 forestry workers, collected in 2008 from ten forestry offices in Brandenburg, Germany, were screened for LCMV-reactive antibodies. In total, LCMV-reactive antibodies were detected in 1.4% (8/563) of samples. The seroprevalence varied between 0% and 6.3% depending on the forestry office, with the highest prevalence in Alt Ruppin. A parallel serological pilot study of house mice from a neighbouring federal state also indicates a very low prevalence. Although forestry workers are often at increased risk of zoonotic infection, this seroprevalence is comparable to that from a 1960s study from what was, at that time, West Germany. This study provides the first evidence of LCMV in humans from Brandenburg and highlights the need for an increased LCMV screening effort in humans and wild rodents in Germany. Full article

Orthohantaviruses are zoonotic pathogens that cause severe diseases in humans primarily through inhalation of aerosols from rodent excreta. Recent studies suggest that ectoparasites may be potential vectors for Orthohantaviruses. This study aimed to obtain molecular evidence of Orthohantavirus in trombiculid mites collected from wild rodents. In April 2025, 4963 trombiculid mites were collected from 128 wild rodents captured in 17 regions of the Republic of Korea (ROK). Among them, 1660 mites were grouped into 204 pools by collection sites and tested for the Orthohantavirus RNA using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription-nested PCR. OrthoHantavirus RNA was detected in seven trombiculid mite pools, with a minimum infection rate of 0.4/100 mites. Orthohantavirus hantanense was identified in trombiculid mites from Cheongju, Gimcheon, and Yeongdeok, while O. jejuense was identified in trombiculid mites from Boryeong and Jeongeup. Notably, Orthohantaviruses were not detected in the host rodents of the Orthohantavirus-positive trombiculid mites from Cheongju, Jeongeup, and Gimcheon, indicating host-independent infection. This study is the first to report detection of Orthohantaviruses, O. hantanense and O. jejuense, from trombiculid mites in the ROK. The host-independent infection suggests that these mites could serve as independent vectors/reservoirs for Orthohantaviruses, distinct from previously known transmission routes. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the hematological, biochemical, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content, and histomorphological responses of laying hens exposed to different thermal stress conditions and fed a diet supplemented with 6% white grape pomace (WGP). The research was part of a large six-week experimental trial conducted on 240 Lohmann Brown hens (58 weeks old), arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial design with two dietary treatments (control and WGP) conducted under thermoneutral (NT, 22 °C), high thermal stress (HST, 35 °C), and low thermal stress (LST, 10 °C) conditions. HST conditions significantly lowered the production performances of ALBW (average live body weight; p = 0.0001) and ACW (average carcass weight; p = 0.026) and significantly increased the heterophil/lymphocyte (H:L) ratio and platelets concentration (p < 0.05). Serum K values decreased and the Na/K ratio increased significantly (p = 0.001) under both HST and LST conditions; total protein (TP) decreased significantly under HST (p = 0.031). Significantly decreased (p < 0.001) feed intake and excreta were registered under HST conditions. Concerning SCFAs content, isobutyrate was higher under LST (p = 0.0001), while butyrate showed higher values under NT conditions for the WGP group (p = 0.002). Intestinal morphometry was highly influenced by high temperatures (shorter villi, deeper crypts). Overall, the 6% WGP supplementation, a natural high antioxidant resource, produced modest, context-dependent effects, with benefits under NT and LST conditions but insufficient to protect against the negative effects of chronic heat stress. Full article

Tumbling pigeons are prone to oxidative stress and disruption of gut microbiota balance during long-term exercise training and competitions. Considering that Portulaca oleracea (P. oleracea), as a natural plant feed additive, has natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gut function improvement effects. This study investigates the effects of adding P. oleracea into health care sand on nutrient digestion and metabolism, serum parameters, and excreta microbiota metabolism in tumbler pigeons. Ninety 12-month-old tumbler pigeons were randomly assigned to three groups, with ten cages with three birds each. The CON Group received a basal diet added with 4 g of health care sand; Group TRT1 received a basal diet added with 4 g of health care sand containing 0.75% P. oleracea; and Group TRT2 received a basal diet added with 4 g of health care sand containing 1.00% Portulaca oleracea. The adaptation period lasted for 7 days, followed by a formal testing phase of 45 days. All tumbler pigeons received 1 h of flight training daily. The CON and TRT2 groups showed significantly increased dry matter (DM) apparent digestibility by 11.68% (p < 0.01) and 8.50% (p < 0.05), respectively, compared to the TRT1 group. The TRT2 group also demonstrated higher organic matter (OM) apparent digestibility (increase of 4.25%, p < 0.05) and markedly improved crude protein (CP) digestibility (16.72% higher than CON, p < 0.05; 27.12% higher than TRT1, p < 0.01). Both gross energy (GE) and metabolizable energy (ME) digestibility were significantly elevated in CON and TRT2 groups compared to TRT1 (p < 0.01). Compared to the CON group, the TRT2 group showed a 19.86% decrease in lactate (LAC) level (p < 0.05) alongside a 38.91% increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity (p < 0.05). Serum uric acid (UA) levels increased by 33.65–36.14% in both treatment groups (p < 0.05). Antioxidant capacity markedly improved, with malondialdehyde (MDA) decreasing by up to 27.75% (p < 0.01) and key antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) showing dose-dependent enhancements of up to 25.23% (p < 0.01). Other serum biochemical parameters showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). Microbial analysis demonstrated that Actinobacteriota, Acidothermaceae, and Nitrosotaleaceae were enriched in the TRT1 and TRT2 groups, while the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Chitinophagaceae decreased (p > 0.05). Metabolomic analysis revealed a significant increase in beneficial metabolites, including agmatine, pyropheophorbide-a, and N-acetylmuramate (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the addition of 1.00% Portulaca oleracea in health care sand effectively enhanced apparent nutrient digestibility, improved antioxidant capacity, and modulated the intestinal microbiota and metabolic profile of tumbler. Full article

This study evaluated the performance and energy and nutrient utilization of broiler chickens fed corn-soybean meal-based diets supplemented with a naturally fermented enzyme complex containing xylanase and phytase. This was evaluated using 300 one-day-old male Cobb broiler chicks in a randomized complete block design with five dietary treatments replicated 10 times with 6 chicks per replicate. The treatments consisted of a positive control (PC) group containing commercially recommended energy and nutrient levels, a negative control (NC) group with reduced metabolizable energy, calcium, and available phosphorus, and three levels of exogenous enzyme supplementation to the NC diet at 150, 200, 250 mg/kg, respectively. At the end of the trial, ileal digesta and excreta were collected for nutrient and energy digestibility and utilization determination, while tibia bones were collected for bone ash determination. The data was analyzed using Proc GLM of SAS 9.4 v 4. Enzyme supplementation quadratically increased (p < 0.05) average daily gain, average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed efficiency during days 9–21. There was also a linear increase (p < 0.01) between enzyme level and ADFI during days 0–21. Compared with birds fed the PC diet, chickens fed the NC diet had lower (p < 0.01) utilization of DM, N, Ca, P, and energy, as well as lower (p < 0.01) apparent ileal digestibility of essential and non-essential amino acids (AA). Enzyme supplementation level showed a quadratic relation (p < 0.01) with the utilization of DM, N, Ca, P, and AMEn, as well as with the apparent ileal digestibility of essential and non-essential AA. A quadratic relationship was also observed for apparent ileal digestibility of DM, N, P, and digestible energy, except for Ca, where the relationship was linear (p < 0.001). Bone breaking strength and bone ash quadratically correlated (p < 0.05) with the level of enzyme supplementation. The results from this study indicated that the supplementation of exogenous enzyme to a corn–soybean meal-based diet resulted in benefits to performance, nutrient digestibility and utilization, and bone mineralization of broiler chicks compared to birds on the NC diet. Full article

This study evaluated the optimal energy-to-protein ratio in practical reduced-protein diets to evaluate the production performance, nutrient digestibility, and egg quality parameters of laying hens between 20 and 35 weeks of age. The best feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 2.548 was achieved at 15.5% crude protein (CP) and 100% recommended apparent metabolizable energy (AME) level with a reduced-protein diet, followed by 14% CP and 95% recommended AME levels (2.634) from 20 to 35 weeks of age (WOA) (p < 0.05). The yolk index was reduced only in diets containing 17% CP at 90% AME levels (p < 0.01) at week 35. Reduced dietary protein from 17% to 14% decreased egg weight and body weight gain between 20 and 35 WOA (p < 0.05) as well as decreased hen weight and shell breaking strength at 35 WOA (p < 0.05). However, it also reduced nitrogen excretion by 30% (p < 0.001) and increased protein digestibility by 17% (p < 0.01). Between 20 and 35 weeks of age, reducing dietary energy from 100% to 90% AME increased feed intake (p < 0.001), while excreta moisture, dry matter digestibility, and energy digestibility decreased at week 35 (p < 0.001). At week 27, reducing energy from 100% to 90% AME increased shell weight (p < 0.05), whereas lowering protein from 15.5% to 14% increased shell proportion (p < 0.05). Thus, it can be concluded that reducing dietary protein level from 17% to 15.5% with a 100% recommended AME level is optimal to improve feed efficiency while maintaining egg quality in laying hens from 20 to 35 WOA. Full article

Zearalenone (ZEN) is an estrogenic mycotoxin that impairs animal health and productivity, necessitating effective mitigation strategies in livestock production. This study evaluated the efficacy of the ZEN lactonase ZenA, an enzyme that converts ZEN to non-estrogenic hydrolyzed ZEN (HZEN) and decarboxylated HZEN (DHZEN). Broilers were fed either uncontaminated feed, feed contaminated with 1500 µg ZEN/kg, or ZEN-contaminated feed supplemented with 20 U ZenA/kg for 35 days. Piglets received 200 µg ZEN/kg feed, with or without 10 U ZenA/kg, for 43 days. ZEN biomarkers (ZEN, α-zearalenol, β-zearalenol, HZEN, and DHZEN) were quantified in plasma, urine, feces/excreta, and gastrointestinal contents using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. While performance parameters remained unaffected, ZenA supplementation significantly reduced ZEN concentrations (by 19.6–66.2%) in all matrices and at all time points in both species. In addition, significant formation of HZEN was observed in gastrointestinal samples. Thus, in the present study, ZenA efficiently degraded ZEN in both broilers and piglets. Biomarker analysis in multiple matrices provided complementary insights: gastrointestinal samples confirmed the enzyme’s mode of action, while plasma and urine data showed a marked reduction in systemic ZEN exposure. Finally, the results reinforce that performance parameters are insufficient for assessing the efficacy of mycotoxin-detoxifying feed additives and support biomarker-based evaluation approaches. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of replacing inorganic trace minerals with organic glycinate forms at two inclusion levels in layer breeders during the late laying cycle over 6 weeks (66 to 72 weeks of age). For this, a total of 180 layer breeders (162 hens and 18 males; Lohmann LSL Ultralite) were randomly divided into three treatment groups having six replicates of nine hens each and one male for each replicate following a completely randomized design (CRD). The dietary treatments included: (1) Basal diet + inorganic trace minerals at breed recommended levels (ITM100), (2) Basal diet + organic trace minerals at recommended levels (OTM100), (3) Basal diet + organic trace minerals at half dose of recommended levels (OTM50). The trace mineral contents in the samples (feed, bone, and excreta) were determined through inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The results indicated that glycinate minerals supplementation at half dose enhanced (p ≤ 0.05) tibial breaking strength compared to the inorganic minerals (38.97 vs. 29.55 MPa). Similarly, egg quality (egg geometry, yolk index, eggshell properties), and hatching traits (hatchability and fertility) were enhanced (p ≤ 0.05) following the use of glycinate organic minerals as compared to inorganic minerals. Copper deposition was higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the OTM100 as compared to other groups. Excreta levels of zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) were higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the ITM100 group compared to OTM100 and OTM50. In conclusion, supplementation of glycinate trace organic minerals to layer breeder hens during the late laying cycle had enhanced the bone and eggshell breaking strength, hatching traits, and absorption of certain trace minerals. Full article

The urgent need to reduce the environmental footprint of agricultural inputs, alongside the rising cost and limited availability of mineral fertilizers, has encouraged the exploration of organic waste materials as alternative nutrient sources. This review examines how organic and nutrient-rich waste streams—from livestock excreta and food industry residues to sewage sludge and combustion by-products—can be converted into effective fertilizers through biological, thermal, and chemical processes, reducing dependence on mineral fertilizers and supporting more circular and resilient cropping systems. It also analyzes the agronomic performance of these waste-derived materials in terms of nutrient release dynamics, impact on soil functions, and crop response under different management conditions. Examples of commercial waste-derived fertilizers are included, together with their effects on soil quality and crop productivity, and regulatory frameworks and commercialization challenges are considered, with emphasis on current European policies and real-world product examples. The broader contribution of these practices to climate mitigation, resource recovery, and rural development is also discussed. While promising, the implementation of waste-based fertilization strategies requires further efforts in standardization, safety assurance, and farmer engagement. This article provides an integrated overview of the topic and identifies key areas for future research, innovation, and policy development in support of sustainable nutrient management. Full article

The research aimed to study the genome of Cryptococcus neoformans isolated from bird excreta. Thirteen isolates were cultured, colony stained, and underwent biochemical testing confirmation by nested polymerase chain reaction using ITS1-ITS4 and CN4-CN5 primers, respectively. Antifungal susceptibility testing and whole-genomic sequencing were analyzed. The results determined that all isolates were susceptible to amphotericin B (100%), fluconazole, and itraconazole (92.3%). One isolate (DOP3) showed resistance to fluconazole and itraconazole (MIC >64 and >8 µg/mL, respectively). A phylogenetic tree showed the identity of C. neoformans (serotype A). The genome of resistant (DOP3) and non-resistant isolates (DOP3.1) had 14 chromosomes. DOP3 consisted of 38 candidate antifungal resistance genes, which were the most active against azoles (14). The annotated genes in the azole group mostly were in the ATP-binding cassette transporter transmembrane superfamily. Resistance genes against FCZ were in the transcription factors (HAP2, HAP5), zinc finger (NRG1), cytochrome P450 (ERG11), and Myb-like DNA-binding domain (REB1). The most frequent resistance genes against ITZ were cytochrome P450 (ERG5 and ERG11) and a transcription factor (HAP5). DOP3.1 also consisted of 26 candidate resistance genes against azoles. Resistance genes against the azole group belong to the ABC transporter transmembrane superfamily. Resistance genes against FCZ belong to cytochrome P450 (ERG11), the zinc finger (NRG1), and the CCAAT binding transcription factor (HAP2). Resistance genes belonging to cytochrome P450 (ERG5) were found against ITZ. This research provides the first report of C. neoformans (serotype A) in zebra dove excreta, drug susceptibility to a resistant strain, and identification of resistance genes. Farm sanitation should be strictly applied, and immunocompetent people should avoid contact with zebra dove excreta. Full article

Mixed legume–grass pastures may enhance nitrogen recycling via litter and excreta compared to unfertilized grass monocultures. This study evaluated litter biomass, litter deposition rate, and the chemical and isotopic composition of Urochloa decumbens litter in monoculture and mixed pasture intercropped with Arachis pintoi cv. Belmonte at five planting spacings (0.40, 0.50, 0.60, 0.70, and 0.80 m) in a Ferralsol. Additionally, isotopic analysis of sheep feces under grazing was conducted across the dry season. The experiment was conducted according to a split-plot scheme, with spacings in the plots and the periods or years in the subplots, in a randomized block design, with four replications. Litter biomass was not significantly influenced by planting spacing; however, the litter deposition rate was substantially greater in mixed pastures, reaching up to 77.2 kg ha⁻¹ day⁻¹ in the second year. Isotopic analysis revealed that up to 39% of the litter carbon was derived from C3 plants (Arachis pintoi), while nitrogen concentration ranged from 8.3 g kg⁻¹ in monoculture to 12.9 g kg⁻¹ at 0.40 m spacing. Spatial arrangement was critical for optimizing nutrients dynamic. Narrower planting spacings (0.40–0.50 m) increased the proportion of Arachis pintoi and enhanced litter deposition rates, improving nitrogen inputs and cycling within mixed Urochloa decumbens. Full article

The Encyclopaedia Cloacae is a novel and centralised digital platform designed to support and advance wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) by cataloguing pathogens detectable in wastewater and their relevance to public health surveillance. The platform is hosted on the EU Wastewater Observatory for Public Health (EU4S) website, where it is populated with peer-reviewed research through a structured workflow under harmonised criteria which address the presence of pathogens in human excreta, detectability in wastewater, and integration into public health systems. This tri-criteria approach ensures that the database is both scientifically robust and operationally actionable. Complemented by the Visualising the Invisible dashboard, the platform offers geospatial insights into global WBE research activity. By consolidating peer-reviewed evidence on pathogen detectability in wastewater and human excreta, the Encyclopaedia Cloacae enables early detection of infectious diseases, whether already known or newly emerging. The continuously updated repository and geospatial dashboards help to identify surveillance gaps and research hotspots, to support timely public health responses, enhance pandemic preparedness, and strengthen global health security. In addition, it supports One Health strategies, connecting the health of humans, animals, and the shared environment. This article outlines the platform’s architecture, data curation methodology, and future directions, including automation and expansion to encompass broader health determinants such as antimicrobial resistance and chemical hazards. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary hydroxytyrosol (HT) addition on piglets during the nursery phase across two experiments. In the first, 72 weaned male piglets (~26 days old, 7.3 ± 0.5 kg) were assigned to one of four diets containing 0, 5, 10, or 50 mg HT/kg feed. Growth performance, serum biochemistry, histological and behavioral parameters, and meat lipid profiles were assessed. In the second study, the apparent digestibility of diets containing 0, 25, or 50 mg HT/kg feed was evaluated using 15 male piglets (21.5 ± 1.5 kg) through total excreta collection. Results revealed that HT influenced serum glucose and gamma-glutamyl transferase, histological inflammation, and active behaviors. HT modified lipid profiles, reduced capric, lauric, linolenic, arachidonic, cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic fatty acid concentrations, and increased the nervonic acid profile. The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, energy, and protein increased with HT use up to 50 mg/kg of feed. These findings demonstrate that HT positively impacts piglet efficiency, changing the fatty acid profile with increased nervonic acid, highlighting its potential as a dietary additive for improving nursery pig production. Full article

Microplastic (MP) pollution is an emerging concern in ruminant production, as animals are exposed to MPs through air, water, and feeds. Ruminants play a key role in MP transmission to humans via animal products and contribute to MP return to agricultural soil through excreta. Identifying effective strategies to mitigate MP pollution in the ruminant sector is crucial. A promising yet understudied approach involves the potential ability of rumen microbiota to degrade MPs. This study investigated the in vitro ruminal degradation of three widely distributed MPs—low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyamide (PA)—over 24, 48, and 72 h. PET MP exhibited the highest degradation rates (24 h: 0.50 ± 0.070%; 48 h: 0.73 ± 0.057%; and 72 h: 0.96 ± 0.082%), followed by LDPE MP (24 h: 0.03 ± 0.020%; 48 h: 0.25 ± 0.053%; and 72 h: 0.56 ± 0.066%) and PA MP (24 h: 0.10 ± 0.045%; 48 h: 0.02 ± 0.015%; and 72 h: 0.14 ± 0.067%). These findings suggest that the ruminal environment could serve as a promising tool for LDPE, PET, and PA MPs degradation. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms involved, potentially enhancing ruminants’ natural capacity to degrade MPs. Full article

This study evaluated fecal near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) potential to predict three external markers (Yb, Ti, and polyethylene glycol (PEG)) and dry matter digestibility (DMD) calculated from these markers and fiber fractions. A total of 192 fecal samples were collected from 576 Ross 308 male chicks supplemented with TiO₂ (2 g/kg), Yb₂O₃ (50 mg/kg), and PEG (5 g/kg) for 8 d. Reference values for Ti and Yb were obtained using an inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometer, for fiber fractions via ANKOM, and for PEG content using an ad hoc fNIRS model. Prediction models were developed in external validation with 25% of the samples. Good and fair prediction models were built for Ti and Yb, respectively, and considered adequate for rough screening. The DMD models based on Yb and ADF were unreliable, whereas the model based on Ti was suitable for rough screening. The PEG prediction model built during the adaptation period performed exceptionally well; however, the DMD prediction based on PEG highlighted limitations due to diet differences during both the adaptation and experimental periods. In conclusion, fNIRS shows promise for screening Ti and Yb fecal content and DMD using Ti. However, tailored PEG prediction equations need to be developed for each specific diet. Full article