Potassium.

Plant-based natural products are alternative to antibiotics that can be employed as growth promoters in livestock and poultry production and attractive alternatives to synthetic chemical insecticides for insect pest management. Curcumin is a natural polyphenol compound from the rhizomes of turmeric (Curcuma spp.) and has been suggested to have a number of therapeutic benefits in the treatment of human diseases. It is also credited for its nutritional and pesticide properties improving livestock and poultry production performances and controlling insect pests. Recent studies reported that curcumin is an excellent feed additive contributing to poultry and livestock animal growth and disease resistance. Also, they detailed the curcumin's growth-inhibiting and insecticidal activity for reducing agricultural insect pests and insect vector-borne human diseases. This review aims to highlight the role of curcumin in increasing the growth and development of poultry and livestock animals and in controlling insect pests. We also discuss the challenges and knowledge gaps concerning curcumin use and commercialization as a feed additive and insect repellent.

Plastic pollution is a global diffuse threat, especially considering its fragmentation into microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). Since the contamination of the aquatic environment is already well studied, most studies have now focused on the soil. Moreover, the number of studies on the exposure routes and toxic effects of MNPs in humans is continuously increasing. Although MNPs can cause inflammation, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and immune toxicity in livestock animals, which can accumulate ingested/inhaled plastic particles and transfer them to humans through the food chain, research on this topic is still lacking. In considering farm animals as the missing link between soil/plant contamination and human health effects, this paper aims to describe their importance as carriers and vectors of MNP contamination. As research on this topic is in its early stages, there is no standard method to quantify the amount and the characteristics of MNPs in different matrices. Therefore, the creation of a common database where researchers can report data on MNP characteristics and quantification methods could be helpful for both method standardization and the future training of an AI tool for predicting the most abundant/dangerous polymer(s), thus supporting policy decisions to reduce plastic pollution and perfectly fitting with One Health principles.

In the last two decades, the use of probiotics for animals has been increasing exponentially. This new approach ranges from livestock, poultry, pets, and aquatic animals and has been applied to the diet of animals as feed additive. It positively affects the animal performance and welfare through the modulation of the gut microbiota which plays a critical role in maintaining host health. The most commonly used probiotic microorganisms in animal feed are those belonging to the lactic acid bacteria group, since they are considered safe by regulatory agencies in this area. Additionally, they are recognized by protecting animals against pathogens, enhancing their immune response, and reducing antibiotics use. Since 2006, the European Union has banished the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in animal production and the employment of probiotics as a natural and safer alternative to reduce their massive use was boosted. This chapter explores the main targets for probiotics’ use in ruminants (cattle, goat, and sheep), poultry, aquatic, and monogastric animals (dogs and cats). The mechanism of action and the current knowledge on the contribution of probiotic lactic acid bacteria to the well-being of the animal intestinal microbiota will also be discussed.

Aflatoxicosis represents one of the serious diseases of poultry, livestock and other animals. The cause of this disease in poultry and other food-producing animals has been attributed to the ingestion of various feeds contaminated with A. flavus. This toxigenic fungus is known to produce a group of extremely toxic metabolites, of which aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is most potent. Avian species especially chicks, goslings, ducklings and turkey poults are most susceptible to AFB1 toxicity. The toxic effects of AFB1 are mainly localized in liver as manifested by hepatic necrosis, bile duct proliferation, icterus and hemorrhage. Chronic toxicity in those birds is characterized by loss of weight, decline in feed efficiency, drop in egg production and increased susceptibility to infections. The incidence of hepatocellular tumors, particularly in ducklings, is considered to be one of the serious consequences of aflatoxicosis. Even though prevention and avoidance are the best way to control aflatoxicosis, natural contamination of crops with A. flavus is sometimes unavoidable. Such aflatoxin-contaminated feeds can be decontaminated using various methods which mainly focus on physical removal or chemical inactivation of the toxins in the feeds. Moreover, dietary additives such as activated charcoal, phenobarbital, cysteine, glutathione, betacarotene, fisetin and selenium have also been reported to be effective in the reduction of aflatoxicosis in poultry.

The sources, functions, and metabolism of calcium in livestock and poultry animals are discussed. Highlights of the chapter focused on the importance of calcium for dairy cows as well as on the diagnosis and treatment of calcium disorders in animals.

Application and research progress of infrared thermography in temperature measurement of livestock and poultry animals: A review

High-Resolution Melting (HRM) is a sensitive polymerase chain reaction-based molecular assay used to detect, single nuclear polymorphisms, mutations, and variations in genotypes of pathogens. HRM analysis is more convenient than other detection and discrimination approaches since it is a closed-tube method, that is the polymerase chain reaction amplification and subsequent analysis are carried out sequentially in the well. It finds application in various veterinary diagnoses and discrimination of genotypes of the microorganisms. Numerous public health organizations have recommended increased monitoring activities to support current surveillance programs in response to the threat of bioterrorism and emerging infectious diseases. HRM assay will be an efficient, cost-effective disease diagnostic and genotype of circulating pathogen identification method thereby aiding in disease surveillance which is important for monitoring the spread of infectious diseases. This review emphasizes the application of HRM in livestock, poultry, and companion animals in recent times carried out all over the world for determining the genotype, strain, and breed differentiation including pathogens classification.

Introduction/Background: Livestock manufacturing plays a critical role in worldwide food security and rural livelihoods, yet many regions face persistent challenges of low productivity. This complete evaluation examines the important thing elements contributing to low livestock production, the challenges faced by way of farmers and policymakers, and sustainable answers for improving agricultural output. The livestock zone, encompassing livestock, poultry, small ruminants, and different animals, is a crucial factor of agriculture, offering crucial proteins, profits, and various environmental services. However, numerous factors, including restricted entry to assets, insufficient animal health offerings, and environmental constraints, avert ideal manufacturing tiers in many components of the sector. Materials and Methods: This overview synthesizes findings from an extensive variety of peer-reviewed articles, research reviews, and coverage documents that specialize in farm animal manufacturing structures, challenges, and interventions. The method entails a systematic analysis of literature, encompassing both advanced and developing United States contexts. Special interest is given to studies addressing included crop-cattle systems, network-based totally animal fitness approaches, and modern strategies for sustainable intensification. Results: The overview identifies several key elements contributing to low farm animal production, inclusive of restrained access to first-rate feed and water, the prevalence of animal illnesses, inadequate breeding applications, and negative market access. Climate trade emerges as a large undertaking, exacerbating existing constraints and introducing new dangers to livestock structures. The analysis reveals that successful interventions regularly contain a mixture of technological improvements, coverage reforms, and network-based totally methods. Integrated crop-cattle systems show promise in improving typical farm productiveness and resilience. Discussion: The findings highlight the complex interplay of factors affecting farm animal manufacturing and the want for context-specific solutions. While technological innovations provide sizeable potential for improvement, their effectiveness relies upon addressing broader socio-monetary and institutional constraints. The evaluation underscores the significance of participatory techniques and the integration of traditional knowledge in growing sustainable livestock production strategies. Conclusion: Addressing low farm animal production requires a multifaceted approach that combines improved animal genetics, higher fitness offerings, sustainable feed solutions, and allowing guidelines. The review concludes that improving farm animals' productiveness is not simplest vital for meal security but also offers opportunities for poverty discounts and environmental sustainability. Future research and development efforts should focus on scalable, incorporated solutions that could adapt to various Agroecological and socio-economic contexts.

Many infectious diseases of domestic animals and humans have reservoirs in wild animals. One of these diseases is rabies which worldwide causes more than 55,000 deaths pr. year. Climatic changes, human population growth, certain livestock production systems and continued globalization enhance the interface between wildlife, domestic animals and man. The wildlife component of this triad has received inadequate attention in the past to effectively protect man, livestock, poultry and pet animals. The seminar held in Gdansk, Poland 2–3 October 2013 highlighted how the wildlife has high economic, ecological, social and cultural value for the coastal areas bordering the Baltic Sea and how it contributes to recreation. Nevertheless, the wildlife plays also an important role in the spread of infectious diseases and thereby the need for focus on disease surveillance and control measures.

Antibiotics are bioactive substances that are given to human and animals for disease treatments. Antibiotics that are added to the feed of poultry, fattening livestock, and other meat-producing animals to promote growth and reduce illness are released in manure as the parent compound and/or their metabolites. When manure containing antibiotic residues is used as a plant fertilizer, it may become a potential risk for human, environment and consequently, they become available for plant uptake. Several researchers investigated this topic and argued about the common consumption of vegetables containing low levels of antibiotics may lead to the development of bacterial antibiotic resistance and plants are capable of spreading antibiotics from the soil into the food chain. Agriculture is only one source of antibiotics contamination among several other routes that poses risks to the environment and human health. The phytotoxicity of different classes of antibiotics varies in different soil types and plant species. This chapter provides an overview of antibiotics in soil-plant-system including the accumulation of antibiotics in different plants. As antibiotics are used in escalating quantities, there is a growing concern over the presence, toxicity, and fate of antibiotics in soil which may pose adverse effects on soil biology, crop yield, and quality of production.