Effects of Tylosin, a Direct-Fed Microbial and Feedlot Pen Environment on Phenotypic Resistance among Enterococci Isolated from Beef Cattle Feces

In two sequential replicates (n = 90 and n = 96 feedlot finisher cattle, respectively) we measured the impact of an Enterococcus faecium-based probiotic (DFM) and an altered feedlot pen environment on antimicrobial resistance among fecal enterococci in cattle fed (or, not fed) the macrolide tylosin. Diluted fecal samples were spiral-plated on plain and antibiotic-supplemented m-Enterococcus agar. In the first replicate, tylosin significantly (p < 0.05) increased the relative quantity of erythromycin-resistant enterococci. This effect was diminished in cattle fed the DFM in conjunction with tylosin, indicating a macrolide susceptible probiotic may help mitigate resistance. A similar observed effect was not statistically significant (p > 0.05) in the second replicate. Isolates were speciated and resistance phenotypes were obtained for E. faecium and E. hirae. Susceptible strains of bacteria fed as DFM may prove useful for mitigating the selective effects of antibiotic use; however, the longer-term sustainability of such an approach remains unclear.

Taxonomy and Functional Diversity in the Fecal Microbiome of Beef Cattle Reared in Brazilian Traditional and Semi-Intensive Production Systems

The importance of beef production for economy of Brazil and the growing demand for animal protein across the globe warrant an improvement in the beef production system. Although most attention has been on modulation of the rumen microbiome to improve ruminant production, the role of the lower gut microbiome in host health and nutrition remains relatively unexplored. This work aimed to investigate the taxonomy and functional variations in the fecal microbiome of Brazilian beef cattle reared in two different production systems using a metagenomic approach. Sixty male beef cattle from six farms representing semi-intensive (I, n = 2) and traditional (T, n = 4) Brazilian beef production systems were enrolled in the study. Shotgun sequencing was used to characterize taxonomic and functional composition and diversity of the microbiome in fecal samples collected from each animal. Fecal samples were analyzed for copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) and stable isotopes of carbon (13C) and nitrogen (15N). The fecal microbiome was influenced by the beef production systems with greater functional and lower taxonomic diversity in beef cattle feces from I systems compared with that from T systems. The concentration of N, P, and Zn was higher in beef cattle feces from I systems compared with that from T systems and was associated with taxonomic and functional profile of fecal microbiome in I system, suggesting the role of fecal nutrients in shaping system-specific microbiome. Semi-intensive management practices led to a more complex but less connected fecal microbiome in beef cattle. The microbial community in beef cattle feces from I systems was characterized by greater abundance of beneficial bacteria (phylum Firmicutes and butyrate-producing bacteria family Lachnospiraceae and genera Anaerostipes, Blautia, Butyrivibrio, Eubacterium, Roseburia, and Ruminococcus). In addition, the fecal abundance of microbial genes related to immune system, nutrient metabolism, and energy production was greater in beef cattle raised under I systems compared with that under T systems. Findings of the current study suggest that semi-intensive management practices could facilitate the development of a healthier and more efficient fecal microbiome in beef cattle by driving an increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria and functional genes.

Antibiotic Resistance in Escherichia coli Isolated from Feces of Bali Cattle With Reproductive Disorders

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a global issue in animal, human and environmental health. The AMR profile of Escherichia coli reflects the use of antibiotics in production animals. The purpose of this study was to determine the antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli bacteria isolated from the feces of female Bali cattle with reproductive disorders. Feces samples were taken purposively using a swab on 4 rectums from 7 Bali cattle with reproductive disorders in June 2021 in Lando Village, East Lombok Regency. Escherichia coli samples were isolated on Eosin Methylene Blue Agar media and identified by biochemical tests. An antibiotic resistance test against Escherichia coli was carried out by the disk diffusion method. The antibiotics used in the test were Penicillin G 10 U, Oxytetracycline 30 g, Gentamicin 10 g, and Tetracycline 30 g, and Cefotaxime 30 g. The results of planting on Eosin Methylene Blue Agar media obtained 4 Escherichia coli which were successfully isolated from 4 samples of Bali cattle feces. Data on the level of Escherichia coli susceptibility level to various antibiotics were analyzed using the chi-square test. The results of the susceptibility test to antibiotics showed that 4 samples of Escherichia coli (100%) were resistant to Penicillin G, (25%) were resistant to Oxytetracycline, (25%) were resistant to Cefotaxime, and (100%) samples of Escherichia coli were sensitive to Gentamicin and Tetracycline. The chi-square test on the level of Escherichia coli susceptibility to various antibiotics was significant with p˂ 0.05 (p-value = 0.012). The results of this study have shown that Escherichia coli from Bali cattle feces experience multidrug resistance which later on might have an impact on human health and the environment.

Synanthropy of dipterans collected in cattle feces in Brazil

Cattle feces accumulated in pastures and stables constitute an especially favorable microhabitat for the development of a rich and heterogeneous arthropod fauna. This study determined the species of Diptera of Medical, Veterinary and Agricultural importance present in forest, rural and urban areas in the municipality of Monte Alegre, state Minas Gerais Southeast region, Brazil in the period from March to November 2006. The dipterans pupae were individually placed in glass jars until the emergence of the dipterans. A total of 372 dipteran pupae were collected, 107 in the forest area, 194 in the rural area and 71 in the urban area. Percentage of dipterans in forest, rural and urban areas were 28.7%, 52.2% and 19.1%, respectively. Sorcophagula occidua (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) was the most frequent species with 42.2%. Regarding the synanthropy index of the species Archisepsis scabra (Loew, 1861) (Diptera: Sepsidae) Palaeosepsis pusio (Schiner, 1868) (Diptera: Sepsidae), Brontaea quadristigma (Thomson, 1869) (Diptera: Muscidae) and S. occidua presented an index of 16.0%, - 64%, +18.4% and +7.7%, respectively. Dipterans constitute the adequate model for the study of synanthropy, not only for their ecological importance, but also for their medical-sanitary aspect.

Aleochara notula Erichson, 1839 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) as a natural enemy of dipterans in chicken and cattle feces in Brazil

The feces in chicken farms and in cattle raising causes accumulations of manure that are an excellent substrate for the proliferation of Diptera. To control these insects, a management program must integrate cultural, chemical, and biological methods. This study reports the occurrence of Aleochara notula Erichson, 1839 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) in chicken and cattle feces in Brazil. Manure samples, collected at two-week intervals, were taken to the laboratory and the pupae were extracted by water flotation. Each pupa was placed in colorless gelatin capsules until the appearance of the flies or their parasitoids. Percentages of parasitism in chicken and cattle feces were 0.33% and 0.3%, respectively.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites on Beef Cattle in Jombang District

The disease that is quite detrimental to cattle is gastrointestinal parasitic infection. Gastrointestinal parasites infect the cattle by taking host nutrients that would caused emaciation, lethargy, and decreased productivity. This study aims to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in cattle in Jombang District. This research was conducted in July to August 2019 with 100 samples of cattle feces. Sample examinations were carried out in the laboratory of the Division of Veterinary Parasitology, Universitas Airlangga using the sedimentation and floating methods. Detection of parasites in all samples using microscope with magnification of 100x and 400x. On examination, several types of parasites were found included Strongyloides papillosus, Toxocara vitulorum, Oesophagostomum spp., Moniezia expansa, Blastocystis spp. and Eimeria spp. The results of this study were found the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites on beef cattle in Jombang district was 35% with a worm infection prevalence of 15% and protozoan infections of 20%.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Protozoa on Bali Cattle in Lopok Sub-District, Sumbawa District

This study aims to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal protozoa on Bali cattle in Lopok Sub-District, Sumbawa District. The study was conducted from January to April 2021 by taking 100 samples of Bali cattle feces from 7 villages in Lopok Sub-District, Sumbawa District. Samples were examined by sedimentation and floating methods. Species identification was determined by the morphology of the protozoa. A total of 62 (62%) samples were positively infected with protozoa. There were 4 species of gastrointestinal protozoa found infecting Bali cattle, namely Eimeria sp., Blastocytis sp., Entamoeba sp., and Balantidium sp. Most of the protozoa found in this study were Eimeria sp. (54%) and Blastocytis sp. (5%). This study found 59 samples (59%) were infected by one type of protozoa, 3 samples (3%) were infected by two types of protozoa. Cattle aged 0-6 months (81%) had a higher prevalence rate and were more susceptible to protozoal infections than cows aged 7 months – 2 years (70.3%) and more than 2 years (45.2%).

The Prevalence and Identification of Gastrointestinal Helminthiasis in Beef Cattle in Lamongan District

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and identification of gastrointestinal helminthiasis in beef cattle in Lamongan Regency. The subjects in this study were 100 cow feces divided per district as many as 20 cow feces, saturated sugar solution, PAM water, Aquadest, and 10% formalin. The stool examination was carried out using three methods as native, sedimentation, and floatation techniques. The result was positive if the analysis on the microscope shows worm eggs in beef cattle feces. The data in this study was presented in quantitative descriptive by calculating the numbers of prevalence. The results showed that the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthiasis in beef cattle in Lamongan Regency was 24%. In Kedungpring District, it was 25%, and Paciran District was 15%, Sukodadi District was 20%, Mantup District by 20%, and Tikung District by 40%. This study concluded that the prevalence rate in Lamongan Regency was 24%. This figure tended to be high because taking the feces was done in the rainy season with high humidity, which was a factor in the high incidence of helminthiasis. Treatment of worms has not been carried out routinely by breeders, and the drums' hygiene was still not right; it was still traditional.

Detection and Genotyping of Cryptosporidium Spp. in Biofilms and Cattle Feces From the Black River Watershed, Jamaica

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that causes the gastrointestinal disease cryptosporidiosis. The disease is endemic in most tropical countries including Jamaica; yet underreported from environmental sources. This is of concern because the primary source of anthropocentric cryptosporidiosis is surface water contaminated by human effluent and animal waste in runoff. This dissertation therefore, focuses on three main areas of research: 1) optimization and assessment of effective methods for detecting Cryptosporidium from environmental samples; 2) application of methods to analyze biofilm and cattle feces collected from the Black River watershed, located in the rural parish of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica; 3) molecular characterization of PCR-positive detections to identify Cryptosporidium species and genotypes, thereby provide inference to waterborne transmission, mitigation, and zoonotic potential within the region. First, foundational work of this dissertation focused on the development of in situ biofilm sampling for Cryptosporidium detection. Application was then performed in the Black River network for initial screening of oocysts from biofilms collected from 5 sites, and 119 cattle fecal specimens collected from 10 farms. Multiple techniques were employed to confirm the absence or presence of Cryptosporidium, including Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) and Modified Acid-Fast (MAF) microscopy, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Results show that oocysts were widely dispersed in biofilms and cattle specimens. Highest prevalence was observed amoung dairy cattle compared to beef cattle, presumably due to confined space. Results also highlight inconsistencies between detection methods, confirming that from environmental sources—where inhibitors are abundant and oocysts concentrations are naturally low—a single technique may be ineffective for understanding transmission dynamics. The second part of this dissertation focused on molecular characterization. Fourteen PCR-positive biofilm and cattle samples were subjected to gene sequencing and phylogeny. A low species diversity consisting of C. parvum and C. hominis were identified; the two most common species involved in anthropocentric infections. A specific 18S rRNA isolate of C. parvum was found in both biofilm and cattle samples (with 99% identity), indicating that a geographically distinct, clonal genotype of C. parvum potentially exists within the region. Further subtyping analysis of the gp60 locus identified one C. hominis subtype (IbA9G2), formally identified in human populations worldwide. Moreover, the IbA9G2 subtype was recently linked to calf infections in France, as well as a waterborne outbreak in Germany. In conclusion, this dissertation is the first to detect and characterize Cryptosporidium species and genotypes from surface water biofilms and cattle feces in Jamaica, providing informative data pertaining to public health and animal agriculture. Moreover, this research advocates the importance of utilizing multiple detection methods and sources for effective screening of Cryptosporidium throughout the environment. Whilst meaningful interpretations of Cryptosporidium population structures are developed, useful databases can form through analyzing a well-planned set of environmental samples.