Search Results (36)

Onabotulinumtoxin-A (onabotA) is a neurotoxin widely used for several indications, including chronic migraine (CM) preventive treatment, due to its well-demonstrated efficacy, tolerability, and safety. However, onabotA safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding remains unclear, as these populations are typically excluded from clinical trials. The action of onabotA starts locally at the injection sites, modulating the pain pathway with minimal systemic absorption, which theoretically minimizes risks to the fetus or breastfeeding infant. Preclinical studies demonstrate that onabotA does not distribute systemically in significant amounts after administration, although adverse fetal outcomes in rats and rabbits were reported when injected at high doses. Limited human data suggest that onabotA exposure during pregnancy may not be associated with major malformations or significant adverse outcomes for the fetus, especially when used at therapeutic doses for migraine prevention during the first trimester or earlier. Data on breastfeeding are even scarcer but indicate a low likelihood of drug transfer into breast milk. This narrative review highlights the available evidence on the use of onabotA in pregnancy and breastfeeding women, including real-word evidence, with a focus on the use for CM. Full article

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) appears in the milk of animals that have consumed feed contaminated with aflatoxin B1. AFM1 presence in milk is regulated by the European Commission, which has set the maximum allowable limits for adult and infant consumption to 50 and 25 pg/mL, respectively. Here, a rapid and sensitive method for detecting AFM1 in milk based on an immersible silicon photonic chip is presented. The chip features two U-shaped silicon nitride waveguides formed as Mach–Zehnder interferometers. One interferometer is functionalized with AFM1–bovine serum albumin conjugate and the other with BSA to serve as a blank. The chip is connected to a broad-band white LED and a spectrophotometer by a bifurcated optical fiber and an assay is performed by immersing the chip in a mixture of milk with the anti-AFM1 antibody. Then, the chip is sequentially immersed in biotinylated anti-rabbit IgG antibody and streptavidin solutions for signal enhancement. The assay is completed in 20 min and the detection limit for AFM1 in undiluted milk is 20 pg/mL. Given its analytical performance and the absence of pumps and fluidics that lead to a compact instrument design, the proposed immunosensor is ideal for the on-site detection of AFM1 in milk samples. Full article

This review explores the potential of Chlorella vulgaris (CLV) as an alternative supplement in animal feed. CLV is rich in essential nutrients including fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, as well as bioactive compounds such as antioxidants, which contribute to its health-promoting properties. The nutritional composition of CLV can vary depending on factors such as cultivation methods, nutrient availability, light intensity, temperature, water pH, strain, and processing techniques. The rigid cell wall of the microalga limits nutrient accessibility, particularly in monogastric animals. However, processing techniques such as enzymatic treatments can disrupt the cell wall, enhancing nutrient bioavailability and improving its utility as a feed ingredient. Research across livestock species has demonstrated the positive effects of CLV supplementation. For instance, CLV has improved milk production and composition in ruminants, modulated rumen microbiota, enhanced lamb growth, and elevated blood immunoglobulin levels. Moreover, the impact of CLV on ruminal fermentation is dose-dependent, with higher inclusion rates exhibiting more pronounced effects, and it may also play a role in mitigating methane emissions. In poultry, CLV supplementation leads to better growth, feed conversion ratios, immune responses, and meat and egg quality. Similarly, studies on pigs suggest that CLV can benefit immune response and fatty acid profiles, while in rabbits, CLV has been found to reduce oxidative stress and improve immune responses. Additionally, CLV has shown promise in aquaculture, improving feed utilization, immunity, and disease resistance in various fish species. While CLV shows considerable potential, the variability in animal responses and the need for optimized inclusion levels necessitate further species-specific research to elucidate the long-term implications of its inclusion in animal diets. Full article

This study examined the effects of extruded linseed and algae Padina pavonica extract on the reproductive performance, milk production, and gastrointestinal health of female rabbits. Thirty-six nulliparous New Zealand White female rabbits were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 12) with different diets. The control group (CNT) received a standard diet, while the other two groups received modified isoenergetic diets in which part of the CNT diet ingredients were replaced with 5% extruded linseed (L5%) and 5% extruded linseed plus 0.2% Padina pavonica algae extract (L5%PP). The rabbits were monitored from artificial insemination until the weaning of the rabbit kits, evaluating different reproductive parameters. Our results indicate that extruded linseed and alga Padina pavonica extract did not affect the feed intake or body weight of female rabbits. Additionally, no clinically significant histological changes were observed at the gastrointestinal level. The reproductive parameters, including litter size, litter weight, and milk yield, showed no significant differences among groups. Notably, perinatal and pre-weaning mortalities were reduced in litters born to females receiving omega-3 integrated diets (p < 0.05). While these findings are promising, further studies are needed to confirm these results and explore the specific mechanisms by which omega-3 affects reproductive function and litter health. Full article

Colostrum intake is a crucial determinant of survival in newborn rabbits. Neonates rely entirely on passive immunity transfer from their mothers while suckling colostrum. The goal of this study was to explore the protein differences of rabbit milk during different lactation periods. Our findings showed that the daily milk yield exhibited an increasing trend from the 2nd to the 21st day of lactation. A data-independent acquisition proteomics approach identified a total of 2011 proteins. Significantly, different abundances were found for 525 proteins in the colostrum and the mature milk samples. Eleven differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were examined using parallel reaction monitoring, which verified the reliability of the proteomic data. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that these DAPs were primarily associated with glycosyltransferase activity, macromolecule transmembrane transporter activity, and regulation of acute inflammatory response. The dominant metabolic pathways of the DAPs involve the complement and coagulation cascades. A protein–protein interaction analysis identified apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein A1, triose phosphate isomerase 1, and albumin as the hub proteins responsible for distinguishing differences between biological properties in rabbit colostrum and mature milk. These findings enhance our comprehension of the rabbit milk proteome, particularly in expanding our knowledge regarding the requirements of neonatal rabbits. Full article

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is the hydroxylated form of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and is expelled in the milk of both humans and animals following the consumption of AFB1-contaminated food. AFM1 has been categorized as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Consequently, the European Commission has established a maximum allowable concentration of 50 pg/mL for AFM1 in dairy products and milk. Here, a rapid and sensitive approach for detecting AFM1 in bovine milk is presented. The analytical setup comprises a broad-band white LED, a spectrophotometer, and a silicon photonic probe, all interconnected by a bifurcated optical fiber [¹]. Additionally, a laptop powers the system and facilitates signal monitoring through specialized software. The silicon photonic probe is equipped with two Mach–Zehnder interferometers: one functionalized with AFM1-bovine serum albumin conjugate, and the other with bovine serum albumin to serve as a blank. The analysis involves immersing the probe directly into a mixture of anti-AFM1 antibodies and the sample, followed by sequential immersion into biotinylated anti-rabbit IgG antibody and streptavidin solutions. The entire assay process takes 12 min, and the limit of detection in undiluted milk is 20 pg/mL, below the EU maximum allowable limit of 50 pg/mL. The assay demonstrates accuracy, with %recovery values ranging from 87.5 to 112%, and repeatability, with intra/inter-assay coefficients of variation below 7.6%. Given its analytical performance and compact instrumentation, the proposed immunosensor proves to be an ideal solution for precise on-site determination of AFM1 in milk samples. Full article

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a public health problem worldwide and an important food pathogen known for its zoonotic potential. Increasing numbers of infection cases with human HEV are caused by the zoonotic transmission of genotypes 3 and 4, mainly by consuming contaminated, undercooked or raw porcine meat. Pigs are the main reservoir of HEV. However, it should be noted that other animal species, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and rabbits, may also be a source of infection for humans. Due to the detection of HEV RNA in the milk and tissues of cattle, the consumption of infected uncooked milk and meat or offal from these species also poses a potential risk of zoonotic HEV infections. Poultry infected by avian HEV may also develop symptomatic disease, although avian HEV is not considered a zoonotic pathogen. HEV infection has a worldwide distribution with different prevalence rates depending on the affected animal species, sampling region, or breeding system. Full article

To ensure the sustainability of rabbit production and protect the global rabbit industry, cost-effective and practical strategies for improving rabbit production and meat quality must be developed. Recently, rabbit farming, like other animal farming, has faced feed shortages due to the impact of climate change, high competition among livestock species, and war conditions. The continued use of conventional feed additives in rabbit diets, whether derived from plant or animal sources, has become a critical issue. Furthermore, there is a global trend toward finding natural alternatives to synthetic drugs, such as antibiotics, in rabbit farms. Finding readily available and alternative feed additives is therefore critical to protecting the rabbit industry, particularly in subtropical and Mediterranean-developing countries. Nutraceuticals positively influence several physiological and productive traits in animals, as well as enhancing their health and welfare. The present review aims to provide an overview of previous studies on the potential of using some plant and animal products as nutraceutical alternatives and feed additives in rabbit diets, separately or in combination, to act as natural growth promoters, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agents, and immunostimulants in rabbit farms. From the results, some unconventional plant and animal products, such as spirulina, garden cress, milk whey, and bee venom, can be successfully used as dietary supplements and substitutes in rabbit farms to motivate rabbit growth and reproduction, as well as enhance immunity. These products are rich in minerals, vitamins, enzymes, organic acids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. These active substances benefit the animal’s digestive tract in different ways, including activating the digestive enzymes and maintaining microbial balance, promoting vitamin synthesis. They also improve rabbit production, reproduction, and health. Full article

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is detected in the milk of animals after ingestion of aflatoxin B1-contaminated food; since 2002, it has been categorized as a group I carcinogen. In this work, a silicon-based optoelectronic immunosensor for the detection of AFM1 in milk, chocolate milk, and yogurt has been developed. The immunosensor consists of ten Mach–Zehnder silicon nitride waveguide interferometers (MZIs) integrated on the same chip with the respective light sources, and an external spectrophotometer for transmission spectra collection. The sensing arm windows of MZIs are bio-functionalized after chip activation with aminosilane by spotting an AFM1 conjugate with bovine serum albumin. For AFM1 detection, a three-step competitive immunoassay is employed, including the primary reaction with a rabbit polyclonal anti-AFM1 antibody, followed by biotinylated donkey polyclonal anti-rabbit IgG antibody and streptavidin. The assay duration was 15 min with limits of detection of 0.005 ng/mL in both full-fat and chocolate milk, and 0.01 ng/mL in yogurt, which are lower than the maximum allowable concentration of 0.05 ng/mL set by the European Union. The assay is accurate (% recovery values 86.7–115) and repeatable (inter- and intra-assay variation coefficients <8%). The excellent analytical performance of the proposed immunosensor paves the way for accurate on-site AFM1 determination in milk. Full article

One of the problematic points of rabbit breeding is that the nutritional requirements of the kits are not fully satisfied by the does’ milk production from the third week of lactation onwards. The prolactin receptor gene has a significant effect on reproductive processes, and its polymorphisms have been associated with milk production in several species (cattle, goats, sheep, and buffalo). The European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), has a more diverse genetic background compared to domesticated lines. In the course of our study, sequencing of the 1210 bp long segment of the PRLR gene promoter region was accomplished. We detected four point mutations (SNP1-407G > A, SNP2-496G > C, SNP3-926T> and SNP4-973A > C) and one microsatellite at position 574. In our population, the four SNPs were segregated into four genotypes: AACCCCCC, GGGGTTAA, AAGGTTAC, and GGGGTCAC. Our results show that the genotype in the homozygous form is associated with higher milk production (1564.7 ± 444.7 g) compared to the other three genotypes (AACCCCCC 1399.1 ± 326.8 g; GTGACCTT 1403.8 ± 517.1 g; GGGGTCAC 1220.0 ± 666.2 g), and the short microsatellite repeat (167 bp) also coincides with significantly higher milk production (1623.8 ± 525.1 g). These results make the marker-assisted selection possible also for domesticated lines. Full article

The ideal protein concept refers to dietary protein with an amino acid profile that exactly meets an animal’s requirement. Low-quality protein levels in the diet have negative implications for productive and reproductive traits, and a protein oversupply is energetically costly and leads to an excessive N excretion, with potentially negative environmental impact. Urea Nitrogen (UN), which corresponds to the amount of nitrogen in the form of urea circulating in the bloodstream, is a metabolite that has been widely used to detect amino acid imbalances and deficiencies and protein requirements. This review aims to critically analyse how UN can contribute to accurately implementing the ideal protein concept in monogastric animals, particularly in pig, poultry, and rabbit nutrition (14,000 animals from 76 published trials). About 59, 37, and 4% of trials have been conducted in pigs, poultry, and rabbits, respectively. UN level was negatively correlated to main performance traits (Pearson Correlation Coefficient [PCC] of −0.98 and −0.76, for average daily gain and feed conversion ratio, respectively), and lower UN level was related to higher milk yield and concentration. High level of UN was positively correlated to N excretion (PCC = 0.99) and negatively correlated to protein retention (PCC = −0.99). Therefore, UN in blood seems to be a proper indicator of amino acid imbalance in monogastric animals. Great variability in the use of UN was observed in the literature, including uses as determination medium (blood, plasma, or serum), units, and feeding system used (ad libitum or restricted), among others. A standardization of the methods in each of the species, with the aim to harmonize comparison among works, is suggested. After review, UN measurement in plasma and, whenever possible, the utilization of the same nutritional methodology (ad libitum conditions or restriction with blood sampling after refeeding at standardised time) are recommended. More studies are necessary to know the potential of UN and other bioindicators for amino acid deficiencies evaluation to get closer to the ideal protein concept. Full article

Bovine babesiosis (BB) is a vector-borne disease (VBD) that affects cattle in tropical and subtropical areas, caused by the haemoprotozoa Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina. It is transmitted by tick bites belonging to the genus Rhipicephalus and is clinically characterized by high fever, depression, anorexia, decreased milk and meat production, haemoglobinemia, haemoglobinuria, jaundice, and pregnancy loss. In this study, the propagation of B. bigemina was evaluated by intraperitoneally inoculating 3 × 10⁶ red blood cells infected with B. bigemina into rabbits. The study showed that variations in rabbit body temperatures are related to induced bovine babesiosis. A significant increase in temperature (39.20 ± 0.23 °C) was observed from day 4 onwards, with the maximum temperature (40.80 ± 1.01 °C) on day 9 post-inoculation. This study included susceptible cross-bred calves for in vivo attenuation, and they were compared with an infected group. The calves in the infected group showed a significant increase in temperature (38.79 ± 0.03 °C) from day 3 onwards and a maximum temperature (41.3 ± 0.17 °C) on day 11. Inoculated calves showed a gradual rise in temperature post-inoculation, but the difference was not significant. Inoculated calves did not show parasitaemia, whereas 32% of infected calves displayed parasitaemia. As compared to inoculated calves post-inoculation, packed cell volume (PCV) decreased (16.36 ± 1.30) for infected calves. However, there were statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in temperatures, parasitaemia, and PCV in both inoculated and infected calves. The current study aimed to attenuate B. bigemina in rabbit models and evaluate the pathogenic potential of this organism in naive calves. In conclusion, B. bigemina proliferation was attenuated in rabbits. The rabbit model can be used to study B. bigemina in vivo in order to reduce its pathogenicity. Full article

The objective of the investigation was to understand the biochemical activities of hydrolysate of soybean milk protein (SMP). Hydrolysis was carried out by different concentrations of papain (0.008 g·L⁻¹, 0.016 g·L⁻¹, 0.032 g·L⁻¹ and 0.064 g·L⁻¹). The antioxidant capacity was measured by the ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. The anti-angiotensin activity of hydrolysate was measured by the recombinant angiotensin converting enzyme and substrate Abz-FRK(Dnp)-P. The contributions of the Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI) and Bowman–Birk inhibitor (BBI) on antigenicity, and the in vitro digestion of papain-hydrolyzed SMP were studied. Rabbit polyclonal anti-KTI and anti-BBI antibodies together with peroxidase-labelled goat anti-Rb IgG secondary antibody were used to identify the antigenicity of KTI and BBI in unhydrolyzed and papain-hydrolyzed SMP. The antioxidant capacity and anti-angiotensin activity of SMP were increased after the papain hydrolysis of SMP. The KTI- and BBI-specific antigenicity were reduced in SMP by increasing the concentration of papain. However, there was interaction between papain-hydrolyzed SMP and trypsin in native gel, while interaction with chymotrypsin was absent. The interaction between trypsin and SMP was reduced due to the hydrolysis of papain in a concentration-dependent manner. According to the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion simulation protocol (Infogest), the digestibility of SMP was not statistically increased. Full article

The effects of free and nano-encapsulated ME supplementations on the metabolism, immunity, milk production and composition, and reproductive performance of rabbit does during premating, mating, pregnancy, and lactation were investigated. Multiparous rabbit does (n = 26 per group) received 50 mg of free ME (FME) daily, 25 mg of nano-encapsulated ME (HNME), or 10 mg of nano-encapsulated ME (LNME) per kilogram of body weight or were not supplemented (C) during a whole reproductive cycle. The ME contained 30 fatty acids with 54.27% total unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs). The fatty acid encapsulation efficiency of alginate nanoparticles was 70.46%. Compared with the C group, rabbits in all ME treatments had significantly increased body weight, feed intake, and glucose concentration and significantly decreased non-esterified free fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. Rabbits supplemented with ME also had significantly increased white blood cell counts, phagocytic activity, lysozyme activity, and immunoglobulin G and decreased interleukin-1β concentrations. Moreover, ME supplementation significantly increased the concentrations of colostrum immunoglobulins, milk yield and energy content, and milk USFAs (omega-3 and 6). Rabbit does in the ME treatments had significantly higher conception and parturition rates and better litter characteristics than the C rabbit does. These results demonstrate the positive role of ME fatty acids on the health status and productive and reproductive performance of rabbit does at different physiological stages. Compared with the FME treatment, these parameters were further improved in rabbits that received nano-encapsulated ME at lower doses, illustrating how nano-encapsulation technology improves the bioavailability of ME. Full article

The use of antibiotics in animal production are widely used for disease treatment, health protection, and as growth promoters. Common antibiotics used in veterinary medicine are excreted and eliminated through the sewage system, contaminating water and soil with negative effects on agricultural activities. This systematic review focuses on the trend of research works on antibiotic residues, evaluating antibiotics used in livestock production and their excretion in animal products and in environmental matrices such as water and soil. Our database was composed of 165 articles, reporting the concentration of antibiotic residues found in the environment, livestock (cow, sheep, pig, horse, chicken, rabbit, goat), aquatic and terrestrial animal tissues, animal products (milk and eggs), wastewater, and soil. The documents were obtained from Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, and Oceania. A descriptive analysis of antibiotic residues found worldwide was analyzed according to each of the variables used such as antibiotic family, name, concentration (% and mg/kg or ppm), and country and continent where the residue was found. The descriptive analysis was carried out using the “describe” function of psych package and pirate plots were drawn. According to our study, the main antibiotics used worldwide in animal production are sulfonamides, tetracyclines, quinolones, penicillin, and cephalosporins. At present, despite the trends of increased regulations on the use of antibiotics worldwide, antibiotics are still utilized in food animal production, and are present in water and soil, then, there is still the misuse of antibiotics in many countries. We need to become aware that antibiotic contamination is a global problem, and we are challenged to reduce and improve their use. Full article