scholarly journals Isotopic Niche of Syntopic Granivores in Commercial Orchards and Meadows

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2375
Author(s):  
Linas Balčiauskas ◽  
Raminta Skipitytė ◽  
Andrius Garbaras ◽  
Vitalijus Stirkė ◽  
Laima Balčiauskienė ◽  
...  

In agricultural habitats, diets and trophic positions of syntopic granivorous small mammals are not known sufficiently. Agroecosystems may be quite complex isotopically and the most complex situation concerns the nitrogen-15 isotope as δ15N values are influenced by many internal and external fluxes. We analysed the isotopic niches of striped field (Apodemus agrarius), yellow-necked (Apodemus flavicollis), and harvest (Micromys minutus) mice living sympatrically and syntopically in apple and plum orchards, raspberry and currant plantations, and nearby meadows that were used as control habitats. Carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope ratios from hair samples were used as a proxy for their diet. As the main hypothesis, we expected differences in the isotopic niches of these three species, minimising interspecific competition. All species were fully separated according to δ15N values, presuming different amounts of food of animal origin in their diet. The separation of species according to δ13C was not expressed in all habitats. The core dietary niches of these species were fully separated in the apple orchards and raspberry plantations. Intraspecific differences of the isotopic niche were not present in any of the three species: that is, resources were equally used by males and females, adults, subadults, and juveniles.

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1547
Author(s):  
Radmila Pavlovic ◽  
Federica Di Cesare ◽  
Francesca Longo ◽  
Franco Abballe ◽  
Sara Panseri ◽  
...  

(Poly)phosphates are approved as water-preserving and emulsifying agents that improve the appearance and consistency of many food products. The labelling of added (poly)phosphates is essential for protecting vulnerable population groups and to prevent unfair trade practices resulting in economic fraud. The problems with (poly)phosphates’ utilisation concerns both analytical and legislative issues, such as: (1) their straightforward detection; (2) excessive addition altering freshness perception and misleading consumers; (3) uncontrolled usage increasing foodstuff weight; (4) application in products where they are not permitted; and (5) no indication on the label. Bearing all these issues in mind, the main purpose of this study was the quantification and screening of the (poly)phosphates profile in meat, marine and dairy products (160 samples), of which 43 were without declared (poly)phosphate treatment. Analysis was completed by high-performance ion-exchange chromatography either with conductometric detection or coupled to Q-Exactive Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry. Although the (poly)phosphates profiles varied greatly according to species and processing type, the following criteria for detection of illicit treatment were established: high orthophosphate level, quantified short-chain (poly)phosphate anions and the presence of long-chain forms. In conclusion, the instrumental platforms used in this study can be recommended to inspection bodies as reliable methods for the detection of food adulteration with (poly)phosphates.


2016 ◽  
Vol 100 ◽  
pp. 16-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saverio Caini ◽  
Giovanna Masala ◽  
Patrizia Gnagnarella ◽  
Ilaria Ermini ◽  
William Russell-Edu ◽  
...  

2011 ◽  
Vol 89 (9) ◽  
pp. 831-839 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Dawn Marshall ◽  
Edward S. Yaskowiak ◽  
Casidhe Dyke ◽  
Elizabeth A. Perry

We investigated population structure of black bears ( Ursus americanus hamiltoni Cameron, 1957) from insular Newfoundland using the microsatellite profiles of 12 loci from three broadly distributed areas (Northern, Baie Verte, and Bonavista peninsulas). Our goals were to revisit earlier findings of low heterozygosity in Newfoundland and increase knowledge of intraspecific variability in black bears, and make inferences about postglacial colonization and contemporary movements of island black bears. Ninety-three individuals (42 males) were identified among 543 hair samples: 21 from Bonavista, 25 from Northern Peninsula, and 47 from Baie Verte. Genetic diversity is relatively low (HE = 0.42) and decreases from northwest to southeast. Small but significant subpopulation differentiation revealed by F statistics is greatest between Northern and Baie Verte peninsulas; it is lower and comparable in the remaining pairwise comparisons. We hypothesize that postglacial colonization proceeded from the Northern Peninsula southeastward. Bears migrated from the Northern Peninsula to Baie Verte at some more distant time in the past, then diverged by genetic drift. More recently, migration occurred from these two populations to Bonavista, characterized by positive FIS indicative of admixture. Tests of biased dispersal and posterior probability of correct assignment to locality reveal contemporary movements of both males and females with historical dispersal attributable to males.


Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 454
Author(s):  
Robinson H. Mdegela ◽  
Elibariki R. Mwakapeje ◽  
Bachana Rubegwa ◽  
Daniel T. Gebeyehu ◽  
Solange Niyigena ◽  
...  

All infections are potentially curable as long as the etiological agents are susceptible to antimicrobials. The increased rate at which antimicrobials are becoming ineffective is a global health risk of increasing concern that threatens withdrawal of beneficial antimicrobials for disease control. The increased demand for food of animal origin, in particular eggs, meat and milk has led to intensification and commercial production systems where excessive use and misuse of antimicrobials may prevail. Antimicrobials, handled and used by farmers and animal attendants with no formal education, may be predisposed to incorrect dosages, misuse, incorrect applications and non-adherence to withdrawal periods. This study was conducted to assess the regulatory roles and governance of antimicrobials, establish the pattern and extent of their use, evaluate the antimicrobial residues and resistance in the food animals and crop agriculture value chains, and relate these findings to existing strategies in place for combating the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in Tanzania. A multimethod approach (desk review, field study and interviews) was used. Relevant establishments were also visited. High levels of resistance to penicillin G, chloramphenicol, streptomycin and oxytetracycline have been reported, especially for Actinobacter pyogenes, Staphylococcus hyicus, Staphylococcus intermedius and Staphylococcus aureus from dairy cattle with mastitis and in humans. Similar trends were found in poultry where eggs and meat are contaminated with Escherichia coli strains resistant to amoxicillin + clavulanate, sulphamethoxazole and neomycin. An increasing trend of emerging multidrug resistant E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella was also found in food animals. An increase in methicillin resistant Staphlococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) in the livestock sector in Tanzania have been reported. The pathogens isolated in animals were resistant to ampicillin, augmentin, gentamicin, co-trimoxazole, tetracycline, amoxicillin, streptomycin, nalidixic acid, azithromycin, chloramphenicol, tylosin, erythromycin, cefuroxime, norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin. An increased usage of antimicrobials for prophylaxis, and therapeutics against pathogens and for growth promotion in livestock, aquaculture and crop production were observed. A One Health strategic approach is advocated to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the food and agriculture sectors in Tanzania. Practical recommendations include (a) legislation review and implementation; (b) antimicrobial use (AMU), AMR and antimicrobial residue (AR) awareness and advocacy among stakeholders along the value chain; (c) strengthening of surveillance and monitoring programs for AMU, AMR and AR; (d) enhanced development and use of rapid and innovative diagnostic tests and the promotion of biosecurity principles; and (e) good husbandry practices. The utilization of this information to improve public health policies and reduce the burden of AMR will be beneficial.


2004 ◽  
Vol 33 ◽  
pp. 1-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Thomas ◽  
D. Rangnekar

Livestock production currently accounts for some 40% of the gross value of world agricultural production, and its share is rising (FAO, 2002). Livestock production is the largest user of agricultural land; directly through grazing of pastures and indirectly through the production of forage crops and other feeds. Over the next 20 years, there will be a massive increase in demand for food of animal origin in developing countries, and this increase will be greater than for either the major cereals or roots and tubers (IFPRI, 1995; Delgado et al., 1999).


2019 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Branislava Mitrovic ◽  
Borjana Vranjes ◽  
Olga Kostic ◽  
Veljko Perovic ◽  
Miroslava Mitrovic ◽  
...  

Introduction. The aim of this study was to determine the content of radionuclides and toxic elements in samples feedstuffs and food of animal origin collected between 2007- 2017 from two suburban areas of Belgrade, the municipalities of Palilula and Surcin, both areas with intensive agricultural production. Materials and Methods. Radionuclides (40K and 137Cs) and toxic elements (As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) were determined in samples of corn, hay, meat, milk and eggs, by gamma ray spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-OES, Spectro Genesis). Results and Conclusions. The obtained results showed that natural 40K was present in all investigated samples. The average activity concentration of 40K was 94 Bq/kg in corn, 117 Bq/kg, 108 Bq/kg and 95 Bq/kg in beef, pork and chicken meat, respectively, as well as 61 Bq/kg in cow?s milk and 48 Bq/kg in eggs. Anthropogenic radionuclide 137Cs was not detected. The trend for toxic element levels according to the average concentrations found in the studied feed samples (corn and hay) was as follows: Zn>Cu>Pb>As>Ni>Cd. Arsenic was detected in animal feed in both Belgrade municipalities, with the average concentration being 1.08 mg/kg (0.5-1.37 mg/kg), and in corn, the As content was higher than in hay samples. In food of animal origin, only Zn and Cu were detected. It is concluded that the presence of radionuclides and toxic elements in feedstuffs and foods of animal origin does not pose a health risk for either humans or animals.


Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 2177
Author(s):  
Joanna Pławińska-Czarnak ◽  
Karolina Wódz ◽  
Magdalena Kizerwetter-Świda ◽  
Tomasz Nowak ◽  
Janusz Bogdan ◽  
...  

Background: Globally, Salmonella enterica is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness in humans. Food of animal origin is obligatorily tested for the presence of this pathogen. Unfortunately, in meat and meat products, this is often hampered by the presence of background microbiota, which may present as false-positive Salmonella. Methods: For the identification of Salmonella spp. from meat samples of beef, pork, and poultry, the authorized detection method is PN-EN ISO 6579-1:2017-04 with the White–Kauffmann–Le Minor scheme, two biochemical tests: API 20E and VITEK II, and a real-time PCR-based technique. Results: Out of 42 presumptive strains of Salmonella, 83.3% Salmonella enterica spp. enterica, 14.3% Citrobacter braakii, and 12.4% Proteus mirabilis were detected from 180 meat samples. Conclusions: Presumptive strains of Salmonella should be identified based on genotypic properties such as DNA-based methods. The aim of this study was the isolation and identification of Salmonella spp. from miscellaneous meat sorts: beef, pork, and poultry.


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