Czech Journal of Animal Science - In Press
Isolation of Tropical Antifungal Lactic Acid Bacteria and Their Role in Fermentation, Aerobic Stability, and Ruminal Digestibility of Sorghum SilageOriginal Paper
An Nisaa Tiana, Wulanningtyas Wulanningtyas, Dimas Hand Vidya Paradhipta, Ali Agus, Asih Kurniawati, Moh. Sofiul An’am, Wulandari Wulandari, Sam Churl Kim
In this study, native lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with antifungal activity were isolated, and their effects on the sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) silage’s chemical composition, fermentation quality, aerobic stability, as well as in vitro ruminal digestibility were assessed. In the first experiment, LAB were separated from sorghum silage and chosen according to their capacity to inhibit Fusarium graminearum. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, four isolates (AF-2, AF-24, AF-25, and AF-34) with the greatest antifungal activity were chosen and identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (≥99.6% similarity). In experiment 2, sorghum forage (28.7% dry matter) was ensiled for 60 days without inoculant (CON) or with each isolate (INO1–INO4; 1 × 10⁵ colony-forming units (CFU)/g fresh weight). A total of five silos per treatment served as experimental replicates. The results showed that inoculation of silages did not affect chemical composition. Whereas CON silage had more acetic acid (AA) (P < 0.05), INO2 silage had more lactic acid (LA). Mould counts were reduced in all inoculated silages compared to CON (P < 0.05), while yeast populations declined in INO1 and INO4. In vitro ruminal digestibility was not impacted by inoculation, however INO1 and INO2 silages had stronger aerobic stability than CON (P < 0.05). Lactiplantibacillus plantarum AF-2 and AF-24 improved silage quality by inhibiting mould, and enhanced aerobic stability without any negative effects on ruminal digestibility. This fidings indicated that antifungal compounds from indigenous inoculants could improve silage preservation and aerobic stability, offering a practical method to enhance ruminant feed quality.
Heat stress assessed using the temperature–humidity index and semen quality in Holstein-Friesian bulls: A reviewReview
Veronika Kovářová, Filipp Georgijevič Savvulidi, Luděk Stádník, Jaromír Ducháček, Martin Ptáček
Heat stress is an environmental factor affecting the reproductive performance of breeding bulls. In Holstein-Friesian cattle, which is the dominant dairy breed in intensive herds, elevated ambient temperature and humidity can negatively affects semen quality, production of freezable semen and fertility. To objectively assess heat stress, the temperature-humidity index (THI) is used in practice, which combines the effects of ambient temperature and relative humidity. This review article summarizes current knowledge on the effect of high THI on the semen quality of Holstein-Friesian bulls, focusing on the physiological, cellular, and molecular mechanisms of the response to heat stress. An analysis of available studies shows that THI values ≥ 72 are associated with a decrease in sperm motility, viability, membrane integrity, and cryotolerance, as well as an increase in DNA fragmentation. Because spermatogenesis is continuous, high-THI events may affect germ cells at heat-sensitive developmental stages at the time of exposure. Their consequences may become evident in ejaculates collected during the following weeks, particularly approximately 30–60 days later, whereas the effect of thermal conditions on the day of collection is typically weaker but may still be detectable. Seasonal increases in THI result in a deterioration of post-thaw semen parameters. At the cellular level, thermal stress exerts its effects through oxidative stress, proteostasis disorders, disruption of the blood-testis barrier, and changes in the epigenetic programming of sperm. The article further discusses the influence of bull age, breed differences, and individual variability in sensitivity to heat stress.
Survival and health status of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus treated with Cosmos caudatus and infected with Aeromonas hydrophilaOriginal Paper
Windarti Windarti, Ronal Kurniawan, Irwan Effendi, Asmika Harnalin Simarmata, Efawani Efawani
This study aimed to assess the efficiency of the high antioxidant content in Cosmos caudatus in improving the health of cultured Pangasianodon hypophthalmus infected with Aeromonas hydrophila. Treatments applied were PC (without C. caudatus, infected with A. hydrophila), NC (without C. caudatus, without infection), and 1kg of feed mixed with 10g (T1), 15g (T2), and 20g (T3) of C. caudatus powder. Furthermore, P. hypophthalmus fingerlings were reared in 100L plastic tanks, 30 fish/unit, fed 3 times/day, at satiation. On day 61, the fish were intramuscularly injected with A. hydrophila (0.1 mL, 108 cells/mL) and reared for the next 14 days. The hematological condition of the fish was checked 3 times, while pre-treatment was conducted on days 60 and 75. The gill, liver, and kidney were taken for histological study on day 75. Clinical signs and survival were monitored on a daily basis. The results showed that the PC fish developed severe ulcers, with the lowest survival percentage of 40.00±3.00a (PC), 89.67±5.77b (NC), 92.00±1.73b (T1), 86.67±3.51b (T2), and 83.33±3.51b (T3) on day 14. C. caudatus-treated fish reported better performance, and the wound started curing on day 5 post-infection. Most fish were fully recovered on day 14, and the tissues of PC showed severe abnormalities such as necrosis, hemorrhage, and damaged cells. On days 60 and 75, the C. caudatus-treated fish reported higher total erythrocyte and haemoglobin content and phagocytic index (27.00±1.00% in T1). The CP fish had the worst haematological condition with the lowest total leucocyte (1.33±0.57) and phagocytic index (9.33±1.15).
Current knowledge regarding slow-growing broiler chickens’ behaviour and welfare and their comparison with fast-growing broiler chickensReview
Vladimir Zmrhal, Nikola Kovarova, Daniela Priesolova, Martina Lichovnikova
Growing consumer interest in slow-growing broiler (SGB) chickens is primarily motivated by heightened animal welfare standards and superior sensory meat characteristics compared to conventional fast-growing broilers (FGB). This review provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge about SGB hybrids compared with conventional FGB. Utilizing a systematic review of contemporary scientific literature, this review evaluates the comparative advantages and limitations of SGB production systems. Key findings indicate that SGB hybrids demonstrate significant benefits in welfare parameters, including a higher propensity for natural behaviours and a reduced incidence of metabolic disorders. Furthermore, these strains exhibit enhanced resistance to specific bacterial and parasitic pathogens and produce meat with distinct quality profiles. Conversely, the primary drawbacks of SGB production include poorer feed conversion ratios and diminished growth potential, culminating in substantially higher production costs. From a sustainability perspective, life cycle analyses suggest that SGB systems impose a greater environmental footprint per kilogram of meat produced due to extended fattening periods. Ultimately, the market viability and wider adoption of slow-growing hybrids remain contingent upon consumer willingness to subsidize these economic and environmental trade-offs through premium pricing.