scholarly journals Preference and possible consumption of provided enrichment and bedding materials and disinfectant powder by growing pigs

2022 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Felicitas Koch ◽  
Janine Kowalczyk ◽  
Hans Mielke ◽  
Hans Schenkel ◽  
Martin Bachmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Growing Pigs ◽  
Exploratory Behaviour ◽  
Consumer Health ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Council Directive ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Commission Recommendation ◽  
Bedding Materials ◽  
Quantitative Contribution

Abstract Background Domestic pigs have an evolutionary conserved exploratory behaviour. To comply with this requirement, the European Union aims at setting standards for appropriate enrichment materials for pigs (Council Directive 2008/120/EC). As recommended characteristics include ‘chewable’ and ‘edible’, pigs might also consume these materials (Commission Recommendation (EU) 2016/336), which are often additionally advertised to enhance lying comfort and hygienic conditions in stables. To date, a wide range of bedding, enrichment and disinfectant materials is available on the market to ensure environmental enrichment, a dry, hygienic environment or lying comfort. Previous studies revealed considerable amounts of undesirable substances in some of these materials possibly being a risk for food safety considering oral uptake by the animal. To determine interest and indicators for consumption of different types of materials by pigs during exploratory behaviour, a camera-assisted observational study with 12 female pigs (German Landrace) was conducted. We tested their preference for a disinfectant powder, peat, biochar and straw as reference material in a 4 × 6 factorial arrangement. Results Pigs manipulated and consumed all offered materials. However, longest manipulation time per pig was observed for biochar (63 min/day) and peat (50 min/day) (p < 0.05). Analyses of the bulk molecular-chemical composition and n-alkanes and acid insoluble ash as markers in the materials and in faeces clearly revealed the consumption of these materials by pigs. Conclusions Whether the consumption of considerable amounts together with certain levels of undesirable substances represents a risk for pig and consumer health could yet not be established. Future studies will address the quantitative contribution of undesirable substances by oral ingestion of bedding and enrichment materials and disinfectant powders to the daily feed ration.

scholarly journals Control of residues of thyreostats in slaughter animals in Poland in 2011–2017

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 511-517
Author(s):  
Barbara Woźniak ◽  
Iwona Matraszek-Żuchowska ◽  
Katarzyna Sielska ◽  
Sebastian Witek ◽  
Andrzej Posyniak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urine Samples ◽  
Animal Origin ◽  
Tandem Mass ◽  
Consumer Health ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Control Plan ◽  
Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Council Directive ◽  
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass ◽  
Cruciferous Plants

AbstractIntroduction: In the European Union, the use of thyreostatic drugs for fattening slaughter animals has been banned since 1981 under Council Directive 81/602/EEC. For protection of consumer health against unwanted residues and in compliance with Directive 96/23, each EU country must monitor thyreostats in samples of animal origin. This paper presents the results of research on thyreostatic residues carried out in Poland in 2011–2017.Material and Methods: The material for testing was urine (n = 3,491), drinking water (n = 127), and muscle samples (n = 349) officially collected by Veterinary Sanitary Inspectors in slaughterhouses and farms throughout the country in accordance with the national residue control plan. The samples were examined for the presence of tapazole, thiouracil, methylthiouracil, propylthiouracil, and phenylthiouracil using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry through an accredited method.Results: In four bovine and three porcine urine samples, the permissible thiouracil concentration was exceeded. In one sample of porcine urine, methyl- and propylthiouracil were found. The presence of thiouracil and its derivatives in urine samples is most likely due to feeding animals diet containing cruciferous plants.Conclusions: The results of research indicate that thyreostats are not used for anabolic purposes in slaughter animals in Poland.

Monitoring and health risk of mycotoxins in imported wines and beers consumed in Thailand

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 401-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Puangkham ◽  
A. Poapolathep ◽  
U. Jermnak ◽  
K. Imsilp ◽  
P. Tanhan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Ochratoxin A ◽  
Multiple Reaction Monitoring ◽  
Residue Analysis ◽  
Extraction Procedure ◽  
Consumer Health ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass

The presence of mycotoxins has been reported in a wide range of agricultural commodities including wine and beer. Due to the widespread consumption of these beverages, risk assessment of contamination by toxins is required for consumer health. In the present study, multi-residue analysis for the determination of mycotoxins was undertaken to survey the incidence of mycotoxins in imported wines and beers being commercialised in Thailand, and to assess the consumer health risk. Samples of red wines (100) and beers (100) were collected randomly from supermarkets and retail shops in Bangkok, Thailand and were extracted using the dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction procedure. The quantitation and confirmation of 19 mycotoxins were performed using liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry with an electro-spray ionisation interface in the multiple-reaction monitoring mode. The results demonstrated that the wine and beer samples were contaminated with mycotoxins at 35 and 13%, respectively. The most prominent mycotoxins found in wines were Alternaria toxins, ochratoxin A, and fumonisins, whereas zearalenone and deoxynivalenol were the most prevalent mycotoxins found in contaminated beers. However, ochratoxin A levels were far below the maximum limits established by the European Union. As indicated by the risk assessment, mycotoxin exposure via imported wines and beers were at safe levels in the Bangkok urban area.

scholarly journals Kontrola antibiotika u mesu i mesnim proizvodima u Europskoj Uniji

Meso ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-294
Author(s):  
Nina Bilandžić ◽  
Đurđica Božić Luburić ◽  
Božica Solomun Kolanović ◽  
Ines Varga ◽  
Ivana Varenina
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Flora ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Consumer Health ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Bacterial Strains ◽  
Growth Promoters ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Council Directive ◽  
The Eu

Today, more than 400 drugs in veterinary medicine are used in three main purposes, in the treatment of microbial infections, infection prevention, and growth promoters in order to achieve a faster animal growth. Residues of medicines in meat and meat products can have a number of negative effects on consumer health, ranging from hypersensitivity to cancerous, mutagenic or teratogenic effects, normal intestinal flora disorders, and antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. In the European Union (EU), the largest meat producers are Spain, Italy, Germany, Poland, France and the United Kingdom, which also have the largest drug sales. The largest quantities of drugs sold were found for tetracyclines, penicillins and sulphonamides whose combined sales at EU level in 2015 were 69.6 % and in Croatia 76.7 %. EU members under Council Directive 96/23/EC carry out control of residues of veterinary drugs according to national residue monitoring plans (NRMP) in animals used for food production. Screening and confirmatory methods are used to control of drug residues. Most commonly, liquid chromatography in combination with tandem mass spectrometry is used. Today, priority is the development of effective multimethods that allow simultaneous analysis of residues of different antibiotic families. Every year, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) summarizes the results of the NRMP of the EU Member States in a joint report. The total number of non-compliant antibiotic results in meat samples in 2015 and 2016 was 250 and 195, respectively. The highest number of non-compliant results was found for tetracyclines. A coordinated and comprehensive control of veterinary medicines is established in the EU necessary for a high level of consumer health protection. The system of regulations just as well as analytical methods are constantly being upgraded and developed.

scholarly journals Compressed Brown Algae as a Potential Environmental Enrichment Material in Growing Pigs

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 315
Author(s):  
Françoise Pol ◽  
Adeline Huneau-Salaün ◽  
Sarah Gallien ◽  
Yannick Ramonet ◽  
Nicolas Rose
Keyword(s):  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Growing Pigs ◽  
Housing Conditions ◽  
Suckling Period ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Commission Recommendation ◽  
Pig Health ◽  
Metal Chain

In barren housing conditions, enrichment materials are given to pigs to improve their welfare. Here, we assessed the suitability of an algae-based cylinder as an enrichment material on the behavioral, physiological, health and productivity welfare indicators of pigs. Algae was compared with metal chains and wood logs. The study involved 444 pigs from two successive batches on one single farm. During the suckling period, half of the pigs received algae and the control pigs received no material. After weaning and until the end of fattening, algae, wood or chains were equally distributed among the pigs. Consumption of algae cylinders was different between pens and between batches. After weaning and during the fattening period, although the results differed between batches, no significant difference was observed in the object manipulations. Salivary cortisol, used as biomarker to measure the stress levels after pig transfers, were similar between the treatments. Enrichment material made from algae had no negative effect on pig health and no effect on performance and body condition. Regarding their characteristics and according to Commission Recommendation (EU) 2016/336 classification, algae cylinders can be categorized as suboptimal enrichment materials, although the present results suggest that it does not significantly improve pig welfare compared to a metal chain, which is categorized as a material of marginal interest.

scholarly journals Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Pig Welfare—A Review

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorota Godyń ◽  
Jacek Nowicki ◽  
Piotr Herbut
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Legal Documents ◽  
Current State ◽  
Council Directive ◽  
Plastic Toys ◽  
Wood Bark ◽  
Commission Recommendation ◽  
Optimal Material ◽  
The Impact

Good husbandry conditions on farms is of key importance for assuring animal welfare. One of the most important legal documents regulating the rules of maintaining pigs is the Directive 2008/120/EC, which states that group-housed pigs should have access to litter or other materials that provide exploration and occupation. Released in 2016, the Commission Recommendation (EU) 2016/336 on the application of the Council Directive 2008/120/EC characterizes the various categories of materials that may be used to improve animal welfare. According to the document, straw is considered as an optimal material for pig housing, however, materials categorized as suboptimal (e.g., wood bark) and materials of marginal interest (e.g., plastic toys) are often used in practice and scientific research. As such, the aim of this paper is to review and systematize the current state of knowledge on the topic of the impact of environmental enrichment on pig welfare. This article raises mainly issues, such as the effectiveness of the use of various enrichment on the reduction of undesirable behavior—tail biting; aggression; and stereotypies at the pre-weaning, post-weaning, and fattening stage of pig production.

scholarly journals Present restrictions of sewage sludge application in agriculture within the European Union

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (No. 2) ◽  
pp. 104-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hana Hudcová ◽  
Jan Vymazal ◽  
Miloš Rozkošný
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
European Union ◽  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Eu Countries ◽  
Council Directive ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Concentration Limits ◽  
Sludge Application

The use of sludge in agriculture within the European Union (EU) is currently regulated only by the limits of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) listed in Council Directive 86/278/EEC. This document is now more than 30 years old. Several European countries have introduced more stringent requirements in comparison with the directive, and have adopted limits for concentrations of other heavy metals, synthetic organic compounds and microbial contamination. The paper provides an overview of the current limits of these substances in sewage sludge and concentration limits of heavy metals in soil intended for sludge application, together with applicable laws and regulations in European Union countries. There is a need to update these regulations taking into account the current risks associated with the application of sludge to agricultural land, with the possibility of using ecotoxicological tests to assess the risks. A wide range of technologies for sewage sludge processing is used in EU countries. The predominant choice is a direct application in agriculture followed by composting. The use of sewage sludge in agriculture in 2014 and 2015 in 13 EU countries that provided data amounted to 22.6% (2014) and 22.1% (2015) of produced sludge and 23.3% (2014) and 23.1% (2015) of sludge disposed. It is also highly variable within EU countries ranging between zero (Malta, Slovenia, Slovakia) and 80% (Ireland). Over 50% of sewage sludge is used in agriculture in Bulgaria according to 2015 data.  

scholarly journals Bioinsecticides based on plant essential oils: a short overview

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 179-182
Author(s):  
Murray B. Isman
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oils ◽  
Crop Protection ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Regulatory Agencies ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Plant Essential Oils ◽  
The Past ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Regulatory Challenges

AbstractInterest in the discovery and development of plant essential oils for use as bioinsecticides has grown enormously in the past 20 years. However, successful commercialization and utilization of crop protection products based on essential oils has thus far lagged far behind their promise based on this large body of research, most notably because with the exceptions of the USA and Australia, such products receive no special status from regulatory agencies that approve new pesticides for use. Essential oil-based insecticides have now been used in the USA for well over a decade, and more recently have seen use in the European Union (EU), Korea, and about a dozen other countries, with demonstrated efficacy against a wide range of pests and in numerous crop systems. For the most part these products are based on commodity essential oils developed as flavor and fragrance agents for the food and cosmetic industries, as there are formidable logistic, economic, and regulatory challenges to the use of many other essential oils that otherwise possess potentially useful bioactivity against pests. In spite of these limitations, the overall prospects for biopesticides, including those based on essential oils, are encouraging as the demand for sustainably-produced and/or organic food continues to increase worldwide.

The MycoGlobe project: a European Union funded successful experiment in enhancing cooperation and coordination amongst mycotoxin researchers worldwide

2008 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 493-500
Author(s):  
D. Bhatnagar ◽  
G. Perrone ◽  
A. Visconti
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Food Safety ◽  
Food Quality ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Quality And Safety ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Toxigenic Fungi ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Food Quality And Safety

In 2004, the European Commission approved the specific support action 'Integration of Mycotoxin and Toxigenic Fungi Research for Food Safety in the Global System' (MycoGlobe, contract FOOD-CT-2004-007174) within the Sixth Framework Programme, Food Quality and Safety. The aim of the MycoGlobe project (http://mycoglobe.ispa.cnr.it) was to implement the outcomes of a wide range of European research projects in the area of mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi by supporting, stimulating and facilitating cooperation between countries in the European Union and other countries that have bilateral scientific and technological cooperation agreement with the European Union (such as USA, Australia and South America). Through a series of conferences and interactions between scientists worldwide, MycoGlobe was a very successful project. The scientific significance of the MycoGlobe project consisted in the spread of knowledge of advanced research tools in genomics and sophisticated and rapid detection systems for mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi; and evaluation of research policy and procedures to achieve best practice for enhancement of food quality and safety by elimination of mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi from commodities. The socio-economic significance of the project was the setting up of a global collaborative network for research and technology transfer in the field of mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi, particularly for the benefit of the developing countries. A relevant outcome of the project was also the launching of the International Society for Mycotoxicology (http://www.mycotoxsociety. org) to promote research on mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi, thereby leading to prevention and reduction in exposure to mycotoxins, enhanced food safety and a greater public awareness of this area.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Hepatitis C Screening for Migrants in the EU/EEA: A Systematic Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Greenaway ◽  
Iuliia Makarenko ◽  
Claire Abou Chakra ◽  
Balqis Alabdulkarim ◽  
Robin Christensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
European Economic Area ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Eu

Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) is a public health priority in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) and is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Migrants account for a disproportionate number of HCV cases in the EU/EEA (mean 14% of cases and >50% of cases in some countries). We conducted two systematic reviews (SR) to estimate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of HCV screening for migrants living in the EU/EEA. We found that screening tests for HCV are highly sensitive and specific. Clinical trials report direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapies are well-tolerated in a wide range of populations and cure almost all cases (>95%) and lead to an 85% lower risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma and an 80% lower risk of all-cause mortality. At 2015 costs, DAA based regimens were only moderately cost-effective and as a result less than 30% of people with HCV had been screened and less 5% of all HCV cases had been treated in the EU/EEA in 2015. Migrants face additional barriers in linkage to care and treatment due to several patient, practitioner, and health system barriers. Although decreasing HCV costs have made treatment more accessible in the EU/EEA, HCV elimination will only be possible in the region if health systems include and treat migrants for HCV.

scholarly journals Aerial Campaigns for Cal/Val purposes in the Context of Copernicus - Survey Results of the Project “Copernicus Cal/Val Solution (CCVS)”

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanie Holzwarth ◽  
Martin Bachmann ◽  
Bringfried Pflug ◽  
Aimé Meygret ◽  
Caroline Bès ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gap Analysis ◽  
Model Development ◽  
Metrological Traceability ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Horizon 2020 ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Data Policy ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Essential Contribution

&lt;p&gt;The objective of the H2020 project &amp;#8220;Copernicus Cal/Val Solution (CCVS)&amp;#8221; is to define a holistic Cal/Val strategy for all ongoing and upcoming Copernicus Sentinel missions. This includes an improved calibration of currently operational or planned Copernicus Sentinel sensors and the validation of Copernicus core products generated by the payload ground segments. CCVS will identify gaps and propose long-term solutions to address currently existing constraints in the Cal/Val domain and exploit existing synergies between the missions. An overview of existing calibration and validation sources and means is needed before starting the gap analysis. In this context, this survey is concerned with measurement capabilities for aerial campaigns.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since decades airborne observations are an essential contribution to support Earth-System model development and space-based observing programs, both in the domains of Earth Observation (radar and optical) as well as for atmospheric research. The collection of airborne reference data can be directly related to satellite observations, since they are collected in ideal validation conditions using well calibrated reference sensors. Many of these sensors are also used to validate and characterize postlaunch instrument performance. The variety of available aircraft equipped with different instrumentations ranges from motorized gliders to jets acquiring data from different heights to the upper troposphere. In addition, balloons are also used as platforms, either small weather balloons with light payload (around 3 kg), or open stratospheric balloons with big payload (more than a ton). For some time now, UAVs/drones are also used in order to acquire data for Cal/Val purposes. They offer a higher flexibility compared to airplanes, plus covering a bigger area compared to in-situ measurements on ground. On the other hand, they also have limitations when it comes to the weight of instrumentation and maximum altitude level above ground. This reflects the wide range of possible aerial measurements supporting the Cal/Val activities.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The survey will identify the different airborne campaigns. The report will include the description of campaigns, their spatial distribution and extent, ownership and funding, data policy and availability and measurement frequency. Also, a list of common instrumentation, metrological traceability, availability of uncertainty evaluation and quality management will be discussed. The report additionally deals with future possibilities e.g., planned developments and emerging technologies in instrumentation for airborne and balloon based campaigns.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This presentation gives an overview of the preliminary survey results and puts them in context with the Cal/Val requirements of the different Copernicus Sentinel missions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This project has received funding from the European Union&amp;#8217;s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the grant agreement No 101004242.&lt;/p&gt;

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