Animal Production Systems

The study was carried out to assess the microbial quality and chemical composition of raw milk collected from selected districts of East Shoa and West Arsi zones of Oromia Regional State in Mid-Rift Valley of Ethiopia. A total of 60 and 48 milk samples collected from individual households were analyzed for microbial quality and chemical composition of milk, respectively. Means of total bacterial counts were significantly different (P<0.05), but coliform counts were not significantly different (P>0.05) among districts. The overall mean total bacterial counts and coliform counts in the study area were 7.08 ± 0.07 and 4.35 ± 0.06 ml -1 , respectively. The result indicated that the milk samples collected from all districts were subjected to microbial contamination. Therefore, adequate sanitary measures should be taken at all stages from production to consumption. The overall mean for fat, protein and solid-not-fat percents were 5.48±0.19, 3.46±0.04 and 9.10±0.09, respectively and fat percent was significantly different (P<0.05) between breeds and among districts. The results of chemical composition were found to be adequate as compared to the standard level.

Livestock productions in developing countries are changing in response to a variety of drivers include population growth, increase in the demand for livestock products, income rise, urbanization, water availability, climate change, technological innovations and socio-economic conditions. Similarly, it has become difficult for pastoralists in Ethiopia to subsist largely on livestock due to several changes occurred and thus livestock production system is changing. Therefore, the main aim of the present study is to assess the transition of pastoralism to agro-pastoralism as livestock production systems dynamics and the drivers of the change in Fentale district, East Shoa zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. The data were collected through methods including an individual interview using pretested questionnaire, Focus Group Discussions, personal observation, and discussion with concerned district staffs. To quantify the effect of climate change on livestock dynamics, livestock population and climate data were used. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Pastoralists in the study area perceived that livestock production systems is transforming from pastoralism to agro-pastoralism in response to a number of drivers mainly include grazing land degradation, decline in per capital livestock holdings, expansion of crop cultivation, reduced herd mobility, increased human population, socio-cultural changes, and climate change. Some of the challenges facing pastoral production systems such as expansion of Lake Beseka, expansion of national parks, and encroachment of unwanted plant species significantly added to the changes. As a consequence, pastoralism in the future was perceived as very negative and discouraging. Livestock population was fluctuated in response to climate variability explained by shift in rainfall amounts and patterns. Despite the change and the constraints facing the system, pastoralists in the present study area used different strategies to adapt the changing livestock productions and the risks associated with climate changes. These include livestock diversification, herd mobility, use of crop residue, natural resource conservation, conservation of dry season grazing area, and livelihood diversification. The change and the constraints facing the system are influencing sustainability of pastoral production system. Therefore, proper rural development polices, research, and extension services should be installed by concerned governmental and non-governmental organizations so as to ensure sustainability of pastoral production systems in the study area.

The effect of spraying rapeseed oil on the reduction of dust and ammonia concentrations and emissions, and on animal parameters was investigated in a dose-response study in a broiler house during three growing periods in four (roundĂ1) or five rooms (rounds 2 and 3). The spraying rates varied per room, from 0 (control) to 24 mL oil m -2 d -1 . Concentrations of PM 10 and PM 2.5 in incoming and outgoing air were measured. Production results (growth rate, feed intake, mortality rate) and foot-pad lesions were also determined. Regression analysis showed that a spraying rate of 6 mL oil m -2 d -1 reduced PM 10 concentrations by 44% and PM 10 emissions by 48%. At 24 mL oil m -2 d -1 , the reduction was 82% for PM 10 concentrations and 87% for PM 10 emissions. For PM 2.5 , the lowest spraying rate of 6 mL oil m -2 d -1 was sufficient to reduce concentrations by 68% and emissions by 84%. The reduction achieved at higher spraying rates was not significantly greater. Emissions of PM 10 and PM 2.5 increased exponentially with the age of the broilers. A clear diurnal pattern was observed, with lower dust concentrations during the dark periods. Production results were unaffected by the spraying rate. A high rate of 24 mL oil m -2 d -1 increased the number and severity of foot-pad lesions. It is concluded that spraying rapeseed oil significantly reduces dust concentrations and emissions from broiler houses. To prevent adverse effects on broilers' foot-pad quality, it is recommended that the maximum rate should be 16 mL oil m -2 d -1 .

This is a comprehensive review on the use of nutritional strategies to shape the functioning of the gastro-intestinal tract in suckling and weaned piglets. The progressive development of a piglet’s gut and the associated microbiota and immune system offers a unique window of opportunity for supporting gut health through dietary modulation. This is particularly relevant for large litters, for which sow colostrum and milk are insufficient. The authors have therefore proposed the use of supplemental milk and creep feed with a dual purpose. In addition to providing nutrients to piglets, supplemental milk can also serve as a gut modulator in early life by incorporating functional ingredients with potential long-term benefits. To prepare piglets for weaning, it is important to stimulate the intake of solid feed before weaning, in addition to stimulating the number of piglets eating. The use of functional ingredients in creep feed and a transition diet around the time of weaning helps to h...

Around weaning, piglets are susceptible to infection by bacterial pathobionts, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. We identified isolates of Rothia nasisuis in the upper respiratory tract of weaned healthy piglets that produce valinomycin in vitro and in vivo via its vlm-encoded non-ribosomal peptide synthase (NRPS) enzyme complex. Valinomycin is an antiviral and antibiotic ionophore that shuttles potassium ions across membranes and is capable of inflammasome activation and apoptosis in LPS-primed macrophages at concentrations of 1 uM. Polarized monolayers of epithelial cells were much less sensitive to valinomycin but concentrations ≥ 10 µM decreased trans-epithelial resistance. R. nasisuis inhibited growth of closely related species of Rothia. Deliberate inoculation of valinomycin-producing R. nasisuis into newborn piglets suggested this species can shape the microbiota post weaning. Our findings support the idea that valinomycin is a competitive niche factor potentially...