Recent Posts

41

Probiotic & Immunity Enhancer / Immunotherapy in Animals

« Last post by LamiyaJannat on April 17, 2021, 06:51:35 PM »

Immunotherapy in Animals

The adaptive immune system responds to microbial invasion by producing protective antibodies or cell-mediated immunity, or both. Appropriate administration of specific antigens, as in a vaccine, can result in effective, persistent immunity to infection. Microbial molecules also stimulate innate immune responses. These innate responses also promote adaptive immunity and can be used in the form of adjuvants to significantly increase responses to vaccines.

Active immunization involves administration of vaccines containing antigenic molecules (or genes for these molecules) derived from infectious agents. In response, the animals mount adaptive immune responses and develop prolonged, strong immunity to those agents. Vaccines are by far the most effective way of controlling infectious diseases and, as a result, have increased human and companion animal longevity and made intensive livestock production possible.

Several criteria determine whether a vaccine can or should be used. First, the actual cause of the disease must be determined. Although this seems self-evident, it has not always been followed in practice. For example, although Mannheimia haemolytica can be isolated consistently from the lungs of cattle with respiratory disease, these bacteria are not the sole cause of this syndrome, and vaccines against the primary viral pathogens are required for full protection. In some important viral diseases, such as equine infectious anemia, feline infectious peritonitis, and Aleutian disease in mink, antibodies may contribute to the disease process, and vaccination may therefore increase disease severity.

An ideal vaccine for active immunization should confer prolonged, strong immunity in vaccinated animals and induce rapid onset of immunity. Ideally, depending upon the pathogen, it should induce the most effective response, such as type 1 or type 2 immunity depending upon the nature of the pathogen. It should preferably stimulate responses distinguishable from those due to natural infection so that vaccination and eradication may proceed simultaneously. Vaccination is not always an innocuous procedure; adverse effects can and do occur. Therefore, all vaccinations must be governed by the principle of informed consent. The risks of vaccination must not exceed those caused by the disease itself.

By- Ian Tizard,
BVMS, PhD, DACVM, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology,
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University

42

Pet Care Education / COVID-19 and Your Pets

« Last post by LamiyaJannat on April 15, 2021, 05:55:39 PM »

There’s no question that the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has taken over our lives. It’s important to remember how to deal with this illness and your pets.

The first thing to keep in mind is that although the virus came from animals, your pets don’t carry the virus. The second thing to remember is not to panic. The COVID-19 virus is serious, and all of us should be cautious of how we interact with others to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Most people who get COVID-19 will have only mild and moderate symptoms, but the reason more extreme measures are being taken is to protect those who are more vulnerable, given how contagious the virus is.

What is COVID-19?

Also called SARS-CoV-2, the transmission of COVID-19 is thought to occur when someone comes in contact with saliva, mucus or drops from someone who is infected. In its initial stages, individuals with the virus may not even know that they have it. The virus is most dangerous to people with secondary diseases, such as respiratory issues, immune disorders, diabetes, kidney disease, cancer patients, asthma, to name just a few, as well as the elderly.

The coronavirus is believed to have originated from bats, who passed it to an intermediary species (most likely the pangolin), who then passed it to humans. COVID-19 was first discovered in Wuhan, China in December 2019 after several pneumonia cases were reported (though some believe it goes back further, to November of that year).
No other animals are believed to be involved in the further transmission of the virus.

Are pets at risk of catching COVID-19?

The majority of animal and veterinary authorities believe that there is not a high risk of passing the disease to pets, though this is a new virus and authorities are still learning as things progress.

IDEXX Laboratories, a veterinary diagnostics agency, stated on March 13, 2020 that after an evaluation of ‘thousands of feline and canine specimens’ that COVID-19 is ‘primarily transmitted person-to-person and supports the recommendation against testing pets for the COVID-19 virus.’ The report further states that if cats or dogs show signs of respiratory issues, that you should contact a veterinarian to test for any types of respiratory issues and pathogens.

The CDC also, as of 3/13/2020, have no reports of any pets contracting COVID-19. They also mentioned that there is no current evidence that the disease can be spread to humans from pets.

Other tests and reports from organizations such as the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the World Health Organization (WHO) verify that it doesn’t appear that at the time of this writing that COVID -19 can be spread from pets to other animals and humans.

The American Veterinary Medical Association states that there is no evidence that pets can be affected by COVID-19. Yet the AVMA also recommends that if you do have COVID-19, you should limit your interaction with your pets until more information about the virus becomes available. This means no hugs and kisses for the time being. As the CDC has told us to wash our hands with great frequency, this also applies when dealing with your pets, such as before cleaning out their water dishes, petting them, cleaning out litter boxes, etc.

If you are sick with COVID-19, please ensure that someone else in your family can take care of your pets. If you live alone, and it’s possible, you may want to ask a friend to take care of your pets until you recover.

We’ve enclosed links above from some of the leading animal health authorities. It’s important to continue to check these resources as reports continue to be updated, to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

Recent reports from Hong Kong have indicated that there was one dog, a 17-year-old Pomeranian, who was the first dog to test positive for COVID-19 (the dog contracted the virus from the owner, after the owner had become infected with COVID-19) recently passed away after having been retested and appearing to be negative. The owner opted not to have an autopsy done on their pet, and authorities don’t seem positive that the pet’s death was caused by COVID-19 infection.

So, although the risk seems low of passing the disease onto your pet, if you are diagnosed with COVID-19, you may want to make arrangements to ensure your pet is protected until we understand more about how this disease interacts with our furry friends.

Source: atxanimalclinic

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43

Tips for Healthy Pet / Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Pet Happy and Healthy

« Last post by LamiyaJannat on April 15, 2021, 05:41:25 PM »

Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Pet Happy and Healthy

1. Proper nutrition. Feeding your pet the right amount and type of food helps him maintain a healthy weight, which is one of the best ways to prevent obesity-related illnesses and extend his lifespan. Pets can usually meet their nutritional needs from a balanced diet of quality food, but check with your veterinarian to see if he needs any supplements. Also be sure your pet gets enough fresh water, and keep an eye on the amount of treats you give him; most veterinarians suggest they should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calories. Find a vet to reach out to for consultation.

2. Exercise. Regular walks, hiking, playing fetch and swimming can keep your pet physically active and fit. But don’t forget about mental stimulation! Providing toys to play with, hiding treats, building obstacle courses and practicing new tricks all keep your dog or cat interested and engaged. You can also change up your walking routine to expose your pet to new scenery and smells.

3. Regular checkups. An annual wellness exam provides the best opportunity for your veterinarian to perform a variety of health screens that can lead to early detection of diseases and to spot warning signs of serious illness. Yearly dental appointments may also be recommended to remove plaque and tartar buildup.

4. Preventative medications. Taking preventative measures go hand in hand with regular veterinarian checkups. Preventative medications can keep your pet free of unwanted health issues, like heartworm, flea-related diseases and tick-borne illnesses. In addition, regularly brushing your pet’s teeth and giving him dental chews help prevent periodontal disease, which can lead to more serious health problems.

5. Grooming. This involves keeping your pet’s nails trimmed, brushing him a couple times a week and giving him regular baths. Grooming is also a good way to keep an eye on changes in your pet’s fur or skin, like dandruff, bald patches or dry skin. And it’s an ideal time to check for lumps and bumps that may be cause for concern. Check with your veterinarian for the best grooming protocol for your particular pet.

6. Affection. Establishing a strong bond with your dog or cat is good for both of you. Cuddles, petting, belly rubs and even brushing his coat are great ways to show your pet some love. Not only does this strengthen the emotional connection with your pet, but it promotes your pet having positive interactions with other animals and humans.

7. Socialization. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, “Early socialization [in dogs] and appropriate exposure to various people and situations at a young age decreases the odds of antisocial or fearfully aggressive behaviors as an adult.” A puppy’s or kitten’s formative years — from a few weeks old to about 16-18 weeks — is the most critical period for socialization. So be sure they get enough people and animal interaction, not just in the early months but throughout their life. A few options include visiting family and friends, taking a trip to the dog park, going for a walk around the neighborhood or letting your pet spend an afternoon at daycare after they’ve received the all clear from your vet.

8. Spay/neuter. Getting your pet fixed has several benefits. It can prevent some cancers and diseases, extend your pet’s life expectancy and cut down on aggressive behavior in males. For females, it can prevent them from going into heat and reduce unwanted behaviors associated with their cycle, such as irritability, yowling and spraying urine.

9. Know what’s “normal.” Has your pet’s behavior changed recently? Is he scratching more than usual? Is he eating more or less than he normally does? Changes from the norm could be cause for concern and indicate an underlying issue. If you notice abnormal behavior in your dog or cat, give your vet a call to see if an exam is necessary.

10. Pet safety. There are several ways to keep your pet safe: collars with ID tags, microchips, making sure your home is free of safety hazards and putting toxic substances out of reach.

Source: VETSOURCE

44

Pet Care Education / Diabetes in Pets

« Last post by LamiyaJannat on April 15, 2021, 05:27:56 PM »

Diabetes is more common in older pets, but it can also occur in younger or pregnant pets. The disease is more manageable if it is detected early and managed with the help of your veterinarian. The good news is that with proper monitoring, treatment, and diet and exercise, diabetic pets can lead long and happy lives.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus, or diabetes, is a condition that occurs when the body can not use glucose (a type of sugar) normally.  Glucose is the main source of energy for the body’s cells.   The levels of glucose in the blood are primarily controlled by a hormone called insulin, which is made by the pancreas.

As food passes through the intestines during digestion, sugars are one of the nutrients absorbed from the food.  The sugars are transported into the cells that line the intestines and are converted into simple sugars (including) glucose.  The simple sugars are then absorbed into the bloodstream for circulation and delivery to the whole body’s tissues and cells.  Insulin is required for the transfer of glucose from the bloodstream to the cells.  If there is not enough insulin or the body is unable to use the insulin, glucose accumulates in high levels in the blood – a condition called hyperglycemia. When the blood glucose reaches a certain level, the glucose overflows into the urine (this is called glucosuria) and draws large volumes of water with it. This is why diabetic pets often drink more water and urinate more frequently and in larger amounts.

In diabetics, regardless of the source of the sugar or the amount of sugar in the blood, there is not enough glucose transported into the body’s cells.  As a result, there is not enough energy for the cells to function normally, and, the tissues become starved for energy.  This state of metabolic “starvation” causes the body to breakdown fat and muscle tissue, which is then converted by the liver to sugar. (This breakdown of body tissues results in the weight loss often seen in diabetic patients.)
In human patients, diabetes is classified as Type I or Type II.  Type I occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin, and type II occurs when the body can not respond normally to the amount of insulin made by the pancreas.  Although diabetes in pets is sometimes classified as Type I or II, the difference between the types is less clear in pets than it is in humans. 

What pets are at risk?

Diabetes in dogs and cats can occur at any age. However, diabetic dogs are usually 4-14 years of age and most are diagnosed at roughly 7-10 years of age.  Most diabetic cats are older than 6 years of age.  Diabetes occurs in female dogs twice as often as male dogs. Certain breeds of dogs may be predisposed to diabetes.

Obesity is a significant risk factor for development of diabetes. As dogs and cats age, they may also develop other diseases that can result in diabetes or could significantly affect their response to treatment for diabetes, including overactivity of the adrenal gland in dogs (hyperadrenocorticsm) or overactivity of the thyroid gland in cats (hyperthyroidism), pancreatitis, heart disease, kidney disease, urinary tract infections and skin infections.   The long-term use of medications containing corticosteroids is also a risk factor for diabetes.

What are the signs of diabetes in pets?

Noticing the early signs of diabetes is the most important step in taking care of your pet. If you see any of the following signs, your pet should be examined by a veterinarian. The earlier the diagnosis, the better chance your pet may have for a longer and healthier life.

•   Excessive water drinking and increased urination
•   Weight loss, even though there may be an increased appetite
•   Decreased appetite
•   Cloudy eyes (especially in dogs)
•   Chronic or recurring infections (including skin infections and urinary infections)

How is diabetes diagnosed and treated?

Diabetes may be suspected based on the signs a pet is showing, but the diagnosis is confirmed by your veterinarian by finding consistent hyperglycemia and glucosuria. Although a diagnosis of diabetes is often relatively straightforward, your veterinarian may run additional blood tests to rule out other medical conditions seen in older pets.  A urine culture might be recommended to rule out a urinary tract infection.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your veterinarian will prescribe an initial dose and type of insulin for your pet. Insulin cannot be given orally – it must be given by injection under the skin. Your veterinarian or veterinary technician will teach you how to give the insulin injections, which involve a very small needle and are generally very well tolerated by the pet. It is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, your veterinarian may periodically need to adjust your pet’s treatment regimen based on the results of monitoring.  Dietary recommendations are an important part of treatment.
Successful treatment of diabetes requires regular examinations, blood and urine tests, and monitoring your pet’s weight, appetite, drinking and urination.

Caring for diabetic pets

Dogs and cats with diabetes usually require lifelong treatment with special diets, a good fitness regimen and, particularly in dogs, daily insulin injections.  The key to managing diabetic pets is to keep your pet’s blood sugar near normal levels and avoid too-high or too-low levels that can be life-threatening.  A treatment that works for one pet might not work as well for another pet, and patience is important as you and your pet adjust to the new diet and medications.

Management of your diabetic pet may include some or all of the following:

Dogs
•   A high-fiber diet is often recommended.
•   Daily exercise is strongly recommended. Consult your veterinarian about an appropriate exercise program for your pet, considering factors such as weight, overall health and age.
•   Owners should consider spaying female dogs diagnosed with diabetes.

Cats
•   A high-protein, low carbohydrate diet is often recommended.
•   Daily exercise is strongly recommended, although it can be challenging to practice a daily fitness regimen with cats. Your veterinarian may be able to help you develop a plan.

It is very important to maintain the proper insulin and feeding schedules recommended for your pet. It is also very important that your pet maintains a normal appetite while on insulin therapy, or you risk hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if your pet is not eating and absorbing enough sugars to balance the insulin’s effect of removing the sugars from the bloodstream. You will also need to regularly check your pet’s blood and urine sugar levels. Regular examinations and testing performed by your veterinarian may be supplemented by at-home monitoring of your pet’s blood and urine glucose levels at home.

Watch for the signs of an insulin overdose, which can include weakness, tremors or seizures, and loss of appetite. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately if you observe any of these signs, and consult your veterinarian about what you should do in the meantime to help your pet until it can be examined by a veterinarian.  As signs of an insulin overdose can sometimes be very similar to signs of an insulin underdose, it is important that changes in dosage and frequency of insulin injections only be made by a veterinarian.

Because older dogs and cats are more likely to develop age-related diseases or conditions, some of which could be confused with diabetes, regular examinations by a veterinarian can keep your pet healthy and detect problems before they become severe.

If you have any questions about your pet’s health or management, contact your veterinarian.
In addition, diabetic pets should be monitored for long-term complications such as cataracts, which commonly develop in diabetic dogs and cats.  Other problems that can occur include hind leg weakness due to low blood potassium (hypokalemia), high blood pressure (hypertension), or lower urinary tract infections.

Diabetic dogs and cats can live long and healthy lives with proper management and veterinary care. If you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior or weight, consult your veterinarian.

Source: American Veterinary Medical Association

45

Emulsifier / Improving fat digestibility with emulsifiers

« Last post by LamiyaJannat on April 13, 2021, 03:27:23 PM »

Improving fat digestibility with emulsifiers

Energy is a major cost component in diets for high-performing animals. Due to its energy density, fats and oils are important energy sources in feed formulation. Enhancing the energy? Efficiency of these raw materials is of great interest from an? Economical point of view. Nutritional emulsifiers can be used to improve fat digestibility and thus improve the energy efficiency. The consequence in terms of feed costs and more sustainable? Animal production are discussed.

The terms fat, oil or lipid refer to triglycerides of several profiles of fatty acids. Fatty acids that are not bound to other organic components as glycerol are the so-called free fatty acids. Lipids constitute the main energy source for animals and they have the highest caloric value among all the nutrients. The amount of energy that an animal can obtain from the dietary fat depends on the fat digestibility. A higher digestibility will result in more available energy. The digestibility of fat by animals is related to different characteristics of the fat and the absolute amount of fat added to the diet. Factors such as animal age also influence the digestibility. Young birds have a low level of natural lipase production and a low rate of bile salt production. Fortunately, the limited fat digestion can be enhanced by adding emulsifiers to the diet.

Fat digestion occurs in a few steps. Initially, the large fat globules are emulsified in the watery environment of the gut aided by peristaltic movement. Normally fat and water do not mix and therefore bile salts assist in this mixing process as a natural emulsifier. Smaller fat droplets are formed to increase the contact surface for the enzyme lipase. This enzyme is produced by the pancreas and breaks down the fat. Fats and oils are esters of three fatty acids and glycerol. The fatty acids are released (hydrolysed) from the glycerol by lipase. This results in two fatty acids and a monoglyceride. The next step is the formation of micelles. Micelles are water soluble aggregates of lipid molecules containing both polar and non-polar groups. Molecules are grouped in the micelles in such a way that the polar groups are on the outside in contact with the aqueous phase, while non-polar parts form the inner lipid core of the micelles. Bile salts and monoglycerides aid as emulsifiers in the formation of micelles. When the micelles come into contact with the micro villous membrane they are disrupted and the fatty acids can be absorbed by the lipophilic cell membrane.

Nutritional emulsifiers

Bile salts are natural emulsifiers. The monoglycerides that are formed after hydrolysis of the fat also act as emulsifiers. Nevertheless, the capacity of these natural emulsifiers can be a constraint for fat digestion. Young animals have a limited production of bile salts and therefore fat digestibility is premature in the early stage of life. On the other hand, the characteristics of dietary fat can restrict the digestibility. Fatty acid mixtures with high amounts of free fatty acids lack the formation of monoglycerides and therefore have a lower emulsifying capacity. Long chain unsaturated fatty acids and monoglycerides form micelles promptly, whereas saturated fatty acids have lower ability to form micelles because of the low polarity. These characteristics of the fat explain the difference in digestibility. In general, saturated fatty acids, mostly found in animal fat, are digested less easily compared to unsaturated fatty acids, like in vegetable fat. High levels of free fatty acids also limit the digestibility. Exogenous nutritional emulsifiers can assist in the digestibility. Obviously, the positive effect of adding such emulsifiers is more pronounced for lower digestible fats than for very high digestible fats. The effect will also be more pronounced at higher levels of added fat. Nevertheless, even with high digestible fats, positive effects have been observed.

HLB balance

An emulsifier is a molecule with a water soluble (hydrophilic) part and a fat soluble (lipophilic) part. The combination of these two characteristics in one molecule gives it the unique property that the emulsifier can dissolve as well in fat, as in water, and can aid in mixing the two fractions. Different types of emulsifiers are commercially available. When choosing an emulsifier the Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) is a key indicator, showing how fat or water soluble a product is, ranging from 0 to 20. The lower the HLB, the more lipophilic or fat soluble the emulsifier becomes. On the other hand, the higher the HLB, the more water soluble or hydrophilic the emulsifier will be.

Ideally, the emulsifier should be soluble in the continuous phase as the Bancroft rule states. When a small amount of water is mixed into a fat-rich environment, a lower HLB is advised (fat 
soluble). If a small amount of fat is mixed into an aqueous environment, an emulsifier with a higher HLB is advised (water soluble). In the case of a nutritional emulsifier a limited amount of fat is added to the watery environment of the gut. As birds consume 1.5 to 2 times more water than feed and the feed contains only a small amount of fat, the water amount is much higher than the fat amount in the intestine. In this case a high HLB is more suitable.

Trials with broiler diets

Several experiments were carried out to demonstrate the effect of emulsifiers on fat digestibility in broilers. In a first experiment four different nutritional emulsifiers with relatively high HLB values were added to the diet (dosing 250 g/t). All four emulsifiers increased fat and energy digestibility and this resulted in a higher AMEn value of the diet. Emulsifier B (Excential Energy Plus) had the highest fat digestibility and an energy increase of 137 kcal.
The second experiment tested whether it was possible to formulate a diet with a lower energy content and compensate with an effective emulsifier. Two diets with different fat composition were compared, one with a conventional fat composition, and another with a high level of saturated fatty acids and free fatty acids. The diets with reduced energy and addition of the emulsifier performed at the same level as the control diets. This indicates that the addition of an effective emulsifier was able to compensate for a 5.3% lower energy content.

Save energy and cost

The addition of an effective emulsifier to a diet can compensate for a reduction in dietary energy. What does this mean for farmers in practice? If a diet can be formulated with a lower energy content, this means less addition of expensive fats and oils and as a result a lower cost price. The effect on cost price depends on nutritional constraints in the formula and on raw material prices, next to regional variation and fluctuation over time. To give an insight in the magnitude of the effect, a typical Northern European broiler diet was 
formulated with different energy levels. By lowering the basal diet from 3,100 kcal to 3,000 kcal, the oil and fat 
contents were limited, leading to a cost reduction of more than €10 per tonne.

By Marc Rovers,
Orffa/Excentials, 
the Netherlands

46

Feed Supplements / 4 Essential Animal Supplements that Boost Productivity

« Last post by LamiyaJannat on April 12, 2021, 03:15:31 PM »

4 Essential Animal Supplements that Boost Productivity

Maintaining the health of livestock can be tricky. They tend to congregate in large groups, which makes them more susceptible to the spread of sickness and disease. For that reason, improving the health and performance of livestock often requires operations to use animal supplements.
Blending additives into feeds and grains provides beneficial minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients that are essential to supporting ideal health. In addition, high-quality supplements can also improve the shelf life of many feeds by inhibiting mold growth, and protecting against moisture damage.

Essential Animal Supplements
High-quality animal supplements and additives improve livestock health and production profits in three different areas:

1.   Preservation – Feed preservation additives are ideal for farmers, producers, and organizations that store feeds and grains for extended periods of time. They mitigate (and often eliminate) spoilage, inhibit the growth of molds, and protect against moisture damage.

2.   Processing – These types of additives help mills and processing plants to improve the quality of their feeds and grains. They enhance the digestibility and bioavailability of feed, and reduce the amount of wasted product that is created during processing.

3.   Nutrition – Farmers, producers, and organizations looking to support the health of livestock while increasing the profitability of operations often turn to nutritional additives. These supplements improve gut performance, boost nutritional value and nutrient balance, and improve palatability.

There are four feed additives that can efficiently be applied to the three areas above: (1) mold inhibitors, (2) anti-stress agents, (3) pellet binders, and (4)mycotoxin binders

1. Mold Inhibitors

Mold is a problem that most farmers and producers encounter during feed and grain storage. Mold inhibitors provide exceptional results that are proven through a series of rigorous scientific trials.

These key features and benefits are specific to mold inhibitors:
•   Prevents a wide range of molds
•   Decreases pungency and corrosiveness which allows for easier handling of products and produces less equipment wear and tear
•   Prolongs shelf life of feed and grains
•   Preserves nutritional quality of feed and grains
•   Minimizes the risk of mycotoxin production in feeds and grains during storage
•   Increases flexibility in moisture management of feeds and grains

Mold inhibitors work by penetrating mold cells with organic acids that ionize and acidify the internal environment of the cell. This upsets the internal pH, which affects protein synthesis and denatures essential enzymes, resulting in mold cell death.

2. Anti-Stress Agents

Animals, especially poultry, typically react to stress by exhibiting more severe symptoms than humans. Trying to boost the productivity of a stressed flock is next to useless without a stress management program in place that incorporates nutritional additives.

Anti-stress supplement provides relief from the symptoms of stress and allows poultry livestock to improve their productivity and health by:
•   Reduces or eliminating the effects of stress
•   Supports recovery after an outbreak of disease
•   Provides quick relief for stressed animals

It works by restoring depleted electrolytes and vitamins due to stress, supporting the animal’s physiological balance.

3. Pellet Binders

Feeds that crumble easily, break apart, and crack result in millions of dollars of waste every year. Pellet binders added to feed during processing create a stronger, more durable, and safer pellet.
Thermo-reactive binder mixes well with various feed ingredients because it remains stable at room temperatures. During the mixing process, binder reacts to the heat and moisture, helping feed ingredient particles bond into a cohesive, stable pellet. Its

key features and benefits include:
•   Improves the durability of pellets
•   No negative impact on animals or humans
•   Feeds remain stable for long periods of time in water
•   Increases pelleting capacity and reduces pelleting energy
•   Reduces the production of fines which further decrease feed processing costs

4. Mycotoxin Binders

Mycotoxins are caused by fungi that take root in feed and grains and can cause disease and death to both animals and humans

Mycotoxin binders include a variety of valuable features and benefits:
•   Binds to a wide range of mycotoxins
•   High efficacy in mycotoxin binding
•   Stable across a wide pH range for effective mycotoxin binding throughout the gut
•   Helps to reduce mycotoxicosis and improves animal health and productivity

Preserving the quality and shelf life of feed allows feed operations to offer a finished product that is more nutritious for long periods of time. Using any one of these four types of animal supplements is a great way to boost production, trim expenses associated with wasted feed and grains, and improve the health of livestock.

Source: https://www.bentoli.com/animal-supplements-essential/

47

Enzyme / Enzymes in Animal Feed: Benefits And Future Uses

« Last post by LamiyaJannat on April 12, 2021, 02:50:30 PM »

Enzymes in Animal Feed

The first enzymes developed by the biotech industry were the arabinoxylans and beta glucanases. Their function was to degrade non-starch polysaccharides, which are the fibrous portions of the grain. These enzymes reduced the viscosity of the non-digested grain in the intestine. The first trials proved that adding exogenous enzymes to wheat-based diets improved digestibility in monogastric animals. These early studies also helped scientists understand the mode of action of these enzymes and enabled them to develop new enzymes capable of working on a wider variety of substrates.

At the beginning of the 1990s, the main topic of conversation among nutritionists and researchers was what they considered to be the inevitable decline of sources of phosphorus in animal feed. The additives and supplements industry responded quickly to this challenge by focusing on enzymes capable of releasing more phosphorous through a molecule usually not present in livestock animals: phytate. Fungal phytase was able to chemically break down the phytate, releasing additional phosphorus in feed for pigs and poultry. While the nutritional matrixes of phytase would not be consolidated until 2000, they showed promising initial values of 0.05 phosphorus and a maximum of 0.10 percent available phosphorus.
When feed enzymes were first used more than a decade ago, their acceptance was limited to phytase applications for reduced phosphorus excretion. Although feed enzymes have been utilised for many years, we have only scratched the surface as research on feed enzyme technology.

The greater understanding of feed enzyme use comes at an ideal time as the demand for high-quality protein across the Globe continues to rise. With advancements in management and technology, animals are in production for a relatively short time. Producers need to maximise that time efficiently in order to meet increased protein requirements, including getting the most out of the feed.

Producers need to get smarter about optimising animal production in a sustainable manner — and enzymes offer an opportunity to do that.

Animal feed is the largest cost item in livestock and poultry production, accounting for 60-70% of total expenses. To save on costs, many producers supplement feed with enzyme additives, which enable them to produce more meat per animal or to produce the same amount of meat cheaper and faster.

Found in all living cells, enzymes catalyse chemical processes that convert nutrients into energy and new tissue. They do this by binding to substrates in the feed and breaking them down into smaller compounds. Enzymes can be classified by the types of substrates they work on. For instance: proteases break down proteins into amino acids, carbohydrases split carbohydrates into simple sugars, and lipases take apart lipids into fatty acids and glycerol.
Commercially-available enzymes can be derived from plants and animals (e.g., actinidin from kiwi and rennet from calf stomachs) as well as microorganisms (e.g., amylase from Bacillus and lactase from Aspergillus).
Enzymes and their modes of action

1) Phytase

The substrate for phytase is phytic acid, which is how phosphorus is stored in plant tissues. Phytic acid is problematic to the animal because it binds minerals and amino acids which become unavailable to the animal. This results in beneficial nutrients being excreted into the environment, resulting in a loss in performance.
Phytase enzymes have been added to monogastric diets for more than a decade. As previously stated, the primary goal and mode of action of phytase are to reduce phosphorus excretion, and its use continues to increase due to diet cost savings. The initial savings are associated with reduced dietary phosphorus cost, but nutritionists also have the flexibility to reduce the amount of soybean meal due to improved amino acid digestibility.

2) Carbohydrase

The carbohydrase class of enzymes includes xylanases, glucanases, and amylases. They act in the stomach to break down and degrade carbohydrates such as fibre, starch, and non-starch polysaccharides into simple sugars that provide energy for use by the animal.

Grain sources such as corn, barley, and wheat have hard coatings on the outside. Much of the coating is physically broken up during feed mill processing, but not completely. The fibrous portion of grain cell walls is indigestible, and 10 to 20 percent is getting through. Carbohydrases will attack and degrade these starchy grain molecules.
One of the most common carbohydrates is xylanase. Xylanase attacks the arabinoxylan structure of corn or wheat, allowing the animal to absorb its components as an energy source. This limits the requirement for supplemental fat or energy in the final diet.

3) Protease

Protease enzymes are the newest technology on the block, with animal or vegetable protein as their substrate. They break down anti-nutritional factors associated with various proteins. Proteases improve the digestion of proteins and increase amino acid availability, which helps release valuable nutrients. The result is improved animal growth and performance and minimal negative effects of undigested protein in the hindgut.

Raw ingredients with low amino acid digestibility respond greatest to an exogenous protease, which is why its greatest value is when alternative ingredients are used in the diet. Proteases help producers manage the nutritional risks associated with feedstuff quality and allow them to best utilise all available feed ingredients.
Proteases are not limited to diets with alternative ingredients. Animals consuming a traditional corn-soybean meal diet cannot utilise 100 percent of the protein fraction. Therefore, adding a protease enzyme to a corn-soybean meal diet will enhance amino acid digestibility and animal performance.

Benefits Of Enzymes In Animal Feed

Even though there are still some segments of the pig and poultry industries that do not use exogenous enzymes, the growth of the enzyme market has been substantial. Since enzymes improve the digestibility of plant-based feed ingredients, they offer immediate economic benefits to animal production. Enzymes have allowed producers to further improve their feed conversion rates, the uniformity of their flocks and herds, and the efficiency of their feed mills since fewer grains are needed to be purchased and processed.

With all these benefits available to producers, the animal nutrition industry is becoming more eager to study enzyme technology in greater depth with the aim of further optimising animal production. Research is ongoing on the effects of degradation of different substrates, different methods of producing enzymes, epigenetic effects of enzymes in the formation and development of the intestine, and interaction with the microbiota and intestinal health, as well as their direct or indirect action on the immune system. As our understanding of enzymes evolves, we should expect a revolution in how we feed our animals.

Future Use Of Enzymes In Animal Feed

The benefits of enzymes are becoming better realised as more research is done. For the animal, enzymes optimise gut health, produce uniform growth and enhance overall health. For the producer, they decrease feed costs and improve profitability. Each type of enzyme has its own specific function and therefore do not interfere with one another.
The bottom line is: the use of enzymes will continue to grow as we learn more about each technology.

Source: By Infinita Biotech

48

Global Challenges / Poultry Bio-Security

« Last post by LamiyaJannat on April 12, 2021, 12:55:07 PM »

Poultry Bio-Security

The Threat of Avian Influenza in Poultry Operations

As the threat of Avian Influenza continues to increase globally and as Governments impose restrictions across avian industries, it is important as ever to understand how to increase your bio-security and protect your livelihood.

When we discuss bio-security, we are referring to the practices aimed at reducing and eliminating the transmission and spread of disease. Bio-security is an essential aspect of all agricultural industries and in this instance, it is the key factor in ensuring better poultry health and protection of your profits and livelihood.

Bio-security can be accomplished by adhering to strict and efficient bio-secure practices that eliminate the transmission of disease, viruses and bacteria amongst your birds.
Your bio-secure practices can be broken down into two simple ways of thinking:

Prevention – Preventing the introduction of new viruses, bacteria etc onto your farm/property
Protection – Protection from the spread of disease, viruses, bacteria etc amongst your livestock.

How you achieve both practices can be simplified and made part of everyday working practices on a farm, ensuring a bio-secure environment.

Prevention

Ensure the poultry production area and housing areas have well established bio-secure zones with appropriate fencing that eliminates access from outside agencies such as wild birds or other animals.
All workers should avoid contact with other farms/poultry premises.
All workers should wear clean clothes and boots upon entering the premises and for visitors, new/clean boots should be provided.
Sharing farming equipment for Poultry such as bird cages should be avoided, as some studies suggest that 90% of disease transmission is from farm-to-farm contact.
Regular cleaning and disinfection of all poultry housing areas and preparation areas.
These are just a few simple tips that are often suggested to those within the poultry industry and the adherence to these procedures should aid in preventing the transmission of disease to your property.

Protection

In the event disease is transmitted to your farm it is essential to protect your healthy livestock from the infected, ensuring minimal loss to livestock.
Make sure you are able to identify signs of infection of various diseases, this is the only way to ensure that you are able to safely and accurately identify those infected.
Act quickly – your immediate and quick reaction is key in ensuring that minimal transmission can occur amongst livestock.
Separate the healthy from the infected and ensure that both are housed in clean, bio-secure areas. Again this is to ensure minimal transmission from one housing zone to another.
Ensure all staff change clothing and boots when moving between healthy and infected housing areas. Additionally, no items should be shared/used between the two zones.
Disposing of fallen stock – this requires a quick and bio-secure solution. A Waste Spectrum incinerator can be used on site when needed. It is a 100% bio-secure method for safely disposing of animal waste such as infected fallen stock and eliminates the necessity to keep infected fallen stock on site whilst waiting to dispose of dead birds through other disposal methods that you might be working with that can be expensive and risk transmission to healthy stock when left unattended for too long.
Machines in our Volkan Range are some of the most frequently used across the poultry industry, varying in sizes depending on operation size they can be used for small holdings up to large broiler operations. As a quick, clean, cost-effective, and bio-secure method for animal waste and animal by-product disposal, incineration can protect your livestock and ultimately protect your livelihood.

As always, our advice is to keep up to date with local legislation and maintain strict bio-security measures however in the meantime our team of experts are always on hand to discuss your waste management needs.

Source: Waste Spectrum Incineration Systems
Checketts Ln, Worcester WR3 7JW, UK

49

Animal Nutrition / Why structural fibre is essential for fresh cows

« Last post by LamiyaJannat on April 12, 2021, 12:47:38 PM »

Why structural fibre is essential for fresh cows

Ensuring structural fibre is available to fresh cows in very early lactation could ease transition by reducing metabolic issues and stabilising rumen function.
This is according to NWF head of technical Adam Clay, who said it was worthwhile splitting off cows for the first five days of their lactation.
He told the UK Dairy Day audience at Telford last week (13 September) that the dietary change faced by fresh cows was often too abrupt after 55-60 days on a low-energy straw-based diet.
In comparison, milking rations contain higher levels of concentrate and lower levels of fibre.He explained: “By putting more structural fibre in the diet we should help rumen pH remain at 6.0-6.2 because we are providing an environment in which fibre-digesting bacteria can thrive and reduce the shock of a rapid change.”

How rations differ

Dry-off
Close-up calving

Milking ration
Straw 5-6kg
4-5kg
0-1kg

Silage 12-14kg DM
10kg DM
12-14kg DM

Concentrate 0kg
2-3kg
3-12kg
ME 8.6-9
ME 10-11
ME 11.5-12.2

Crude protein 13-14%
13-14%
16-19%
Starch 0%

+5-10%
+15%
NDF 45-50%
NDF 40%
NDF 32-38%

But he stressed this couldn’t be done in the main ration as this would limit milk yield.
“If farms can section off a shed for fresh cows up to five days post-calving, this could decrease transition cow problems and sub-acute ruminal acidosis [Sara],” said Mr Clay. “It also gives opportunity to check for rumen fill temperatures, cleansings and feed intake.”

He said the dairy industry had made major progress with transition cow management in recent years, but stressed that the initial few days post-calving required closer scrutiny.

“As a nutritionist on farm I see too often that we are seeing a good transition system and then Sara in fresh cows,” he said.
He admitted that infrastructure was a key challenge to providing fibre to a specific group of cows, but added that top dressing with hay could be an easy solution.

Written By
Michael Priestley
Animal Nutritionist
United States

50

Pet Care Education / How to keep pets safe in cold weather

« Last post by LamiyaJannat on April 12, 2021, 12:40:01 PM »

How to keep pets safe in cold weather

Pets are family. They have their own napping spots in the living room, a place for their toys, special place mats for their food and water dishes and a permanent reservation at the foot of the bed every night. They’re loved, care for and a little bit spoiled.
As a pet owner, I always want to ensure I’m giving my dogs their best life. Part of that means being aware of how extreme weather affects them throughout the year. Recently, the onset of winter weather and snow has prompted me to consider cold weather safety tips.

Understanding your pets’ cold tolerance

A pets’ cold tolerance depends on their coat, size, age and overall health. Being aware of your pet’s cold weather tolerance will help you determine how long your dog should be exposed to cold weather. In general, it’s a good idea to shorten your dog’s walks during periods of inclement weather to protect them from associated health risks.

Factors to consider:

Age. Older pets may have more difficulty walking on snow and ice and may be more prone to falling. Puppies and kittens are likely to loose body heat quicker than full grown adults and should only have limited exposure to extreme cold.

Size. Cats and smaller dogs generally have less tolerance for cold than larger dogs and should have very little exposure. Pets with shorter legs become cold faster because their bellies and bodies are more likely to come into contact with the snow-covered ground.

Health. Arthritic pets may experience increased discomfort and mobility problems in cold temperatures. Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances (such as Cushing’s disease) may have a harder time regulating their body temperature.

Coat length. Long-haired and thick-coated pets have more protection and are more cold tolerant than short-haired pets.

Keep your pets inside

It’s a common misconception that pets are more resistant to cold weather than people because of their fur. The truth is cats, dogs and other pets left outside during periods of cold weather are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant; however, no pet should be left outside for long periods in below-freezing weather.

If you are unable to keep your pet inside during cold weather, a proper shelter should be provided.
Use these guidelines:

• Make sure your pet has always has access to fresh water that has not frozen over.

• The floor of the shelter should be raised off the ground to to minimize heat loss into the ground.

• The bedding should be thick, dry and changed regularly to provide a warm, dry environment.

• The door to the shelter should be positioned away from the wind.

• Outdoor pets will require more calories in the winter to generate enough body heat and energy to keep them warm.

• Make sure you are feeding your pet plenty.

Other cold-weather tips

Hitchhikers. During periods of cold weather, outdoor and feral cats will crawl into your vehicle’s engine bay to keep warm. Check under your car, honk the horn and do what you can to encourage feline hitchhikers to leave before you drive off.
Paws. Check your dog’s paws regularly to look for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked paw pads or bleeding, and signs of ice accumulation between its toes.

Coats and sweaters. If your dog has a low tolerance for cold weather, you may try a sweater or dog coat. Just make sure you have a few to rotate, so a dry sweater is available each time your dog goes outside. Wet coats and sweaters can make your dog colder faster.

Deicers, antifreeze and other chemicals. On walks in cold weather, your dog’s feet, legs and belly may pick up deicers, antifreeze or other chemicals potentially toxic chemicals. Always wipe down your pet’s feet, legs and belly to remove these chemicals when you get inside. One your own, property consider using pet-safe deicers and clean up antifreeze spills quickly.

Identification. Pets get lost in winter because snow and ice can hide recognizable scents that might normally help your pet find its way home. Make sure your pet’s collar fits well and has a tag with up-to-date contact information. Microchips are also a good option, but keeping the registration information current is just as important.
Ice. If you’re unsure whether or not the ice is thick enough to support your dog, avoid frozen ponds, lakes and other bodies of water.

Hypothermia. If your pet is whining, shivering, seems anxious, slows down or stops moving, seems weak or starts looking for warm places to burrow, they are showing signs of hypothermia and should be taken inside immediately.
Frostbite. Frostbite is hard to detect and may not be fully recognized until a few days. This is why it’s important to take preventative measures.[/size]

Written By
Sara Welch
United States