Surveillance of Toxigenic Fungi and Ochratoxin A in Feedstuffs from Córdoba Province,Argentina

The aim of this work was to evaluate the incidence of potential ochratoxigenic mycoflora and ochratoxin A (OA) in poultry, pig and rabbit feeds. Eighty poultry, pig and rabbit feed samples were taken at random from factories located from Córdoba province, Argentina, over a period of 8 months. Isolation and quantitative enumeration of fungal propagules were done on DRBC and DG18 media. The predominant species wereA. candidus, A. flavus,A. terreus,A. parasiticus,P. implicatum P. minioluteum,P. crustosum andP. citrionigrum. The distribution of sectionNigri species varied according to the feedstuffs analysed. The frequency ofA. niger var.niger was noticeably high in poultry feed samples on DRBC medium. TheNigri section species was present at moderate mean colony counts (CFU/g) from three feeds. Mycotoxin analysis of these samples showed that OA was detected in 15%, 10% and 12% of pig, poultry and rabbit feed samples, respectively. The mean levels detected ranged between 15 and 25 ng/g from three feeds. The presence of ochratoxigenic species ofNigri section and OA in feeds indicates the risk of potential exposure of poultry, pigs and rabbits through the ingestion of feeds.     

Mycoflora of poultry feeds and ochratoxin-producing ability of isolated Aspergillus and Penicillium species

In Brazil, commercial feedstuffs are an important component in modern animal husbandry, but there is no information available about fungal contamination and ochratoxin A (OTA) production. The aims of this study were to determine the mycoflora incidence in poultry feeds and evaluate OTA production. In addition, the ability to produce OTA by several Aspergillus and Penicillium species was investigated. A total of 96 samples of poultry feeds were collected from four factories in Rio de Janeiro. Samples were examined for total moulds, for Aspergillus and Penicillium spp. occurrence and for their relative densities on dichloran rose bengal chloramphenicol and dichloran 18% glycerol media. The capacity to produce ochratoxin A by selected Aspergillus and Penicillium species was determined by HPLC. Total mould counts were generally higher than 1 x 10(5 )CFU ml(-1). Aspergillus and Penicillium species were isolated in the highest numbers. Aspergillus flovus and Penicillium citrinum were the most prevalent species. There was a high percentage of potential OTA producers (46%). The amount of OTA produced on this substrate was enough to cause adverse effects in animals. Several strains isolated from poultry feeds were able to produce high levels of OTA on chloramphenicol yeast medium. OTA in raw materials needs to be surveyed and storage practices must be investigated to determine occurrence and establish the livestock toxicological risk in poultry feed.     

Isolation of ochratoxin A in fodder barley]

The authors describe the finding and identification of ochratoxin A in fodder barley of Czechoslovak produce. The fungus Penicillium verrucosum var. verrucosum, which is an ample producer of ochratoxin A, was isolated from a sample of barley. The isolated fungus was cultivated on several substrates at different temperatures and the production of ochratoxin A was studied during cultivation. The authors believe that the ochratoxicoses of farm animals may also occur in Czechoslovakia and that it would be useful to study this mycotoxin in selected feeds.     

Some fungi, zearalenone and other mycotoxins in chicken rations, stock feedstuffs, lucerne and pasture grasses in the communal farming area of Rhenosterkop in South Africa

Mycotoxins may be present in feeds without any visible signs of mould contamination. There is a need for rapid and accurate measurement of mycotoxins for purposes of continual monitoring and identification of high risk commodities. Samples from commercial chicken feed (maize kernels), cattle feed (lucerne, grass and hay) and milk were analysed for the presence of certain mycotoxins and cultured for fungi. Results of fungal profiles showed that most samples were contaminated by moulds belonging to the genera, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Mucor, Phoma and Rhizopus. All the chicken feed samples tested contained mycotoxins either below the recommended safe levels for poultry or below the detection limits of the ELISA tests. However, samples of grass contained levels of zearalenone greater than the allowable concentration for dairy and beef cattle (250 ppm), which may be linked to the presence of Fusarium scirpi identified in the fungal profiles. The levels of AFMI were below the detection limits of the ELISA tests, which may be attributed to the low levels of aflatoxins found in the feed (grass) samples. The presence of the fungus in samples analysed is not evidence for the presence of mycotoxins.     

The role of Penicillia in ryegrass staggers

Tremorgenic strains of Penicillium verrucosum var cyclopium, P canescens, P janthinellum, P novaezeelandiae and P estinogenum were isolated from the faeces of 15 of 23 affected sheep and cattle in eight of nine field outbreaks of ryegrass staggers. One tremorgenic strain of P griseofulvum was isolated from the faeces of one of 25 sheep grazing in unaffected flocks. Tremorgenic strains of P verrucosum var cyclopium, P canescens, P janthinellum and P estinogenum were also isolated from the A horizon of New Zealand soils. Since a large proportion of experimentally dosed live P verrucosum var cyclopium died during passage through the gut, the faecal evidence from naturally staggering animals suggests that at least some outbreaks of ryegrass staggers are caused by tremorgenic Penicillia and that their source may be soil.     

单作紫花苜蓿田夏季套作不同饲草作物生产性能、效益评价

为解决海河平原区苜蓿第3~5茬草雨季收获难的问题。于2011-2016年在位于河北衡水的河北省农林科学院旱作所试验站开展了单作紫花苜蓿田夏季套作5种不同饲草作物模式评价研究,以及单作紫花苜蓿田夏季套作青贮玉米的生产性能比较研究。结果表明,单作紫花苜蓿田夏季套作不同饲草作物模式评价研究得出,30-30 cm、20-40 cm两种行距处理下的单作苜蓿小区干草产量无显著差异(P>0.05);套作高丹草处理下苜蓿第2年前2茬干草产量显著低于单作苜蓿小区干草产量(P<0.05);套作青贮玉米处理后的总食物当量数显著高于单作苜蓿小区(P<0.05),但套作青贮玉米处理后的总经济效益与单作苜蓿小区无显著差异(P>0.05);套作青贮玉米处理下的平均光能利用率、水分利用效率、土地当量比均显著高于单作苜蓿小区(P<0.05)。单作紫花苜蓿田夏季套作青贮玉米的生产性能比较研究得出,30-30 cm、20-40 cm行距套作青贮玉米处理下的苜蓿前2茬干草产量、总食物当量数、总经济效益、平均光能利用率、水分利用效率、土地当量比均无显著差异(P>0.05)。综合得出,海河平原区单作紫花苜蓿田夏季套作青贮玉米的关键种植技术为:单作苜蓿田采用20-40 cm宽窄行秋播种植,于第2年前2茬苜蓿草收获后,在宽行中间套作青贮玉米,青贮玉米密度在6 万株·hm^-2以内,9月底将套作的青贮玉米与苜蓿一起收获,之后苜蓿田苜蓿正常越冬,下一年再重复种植青贮玉米。该模式在保证与单作苜蓿同等经济效益的前提下,可有效解决苜蓿3~5茬草雨季收获难、资源利用效率低的问题。     

Seasonal variation in selenium status of different classes of grazing goats in a semi-arid region of Pakistan

The selenium status of three different classes of goats ((i) female lactating, (ii) female non-lactating, and (iii) male goats) grazing semi-arid pasture in the southern part of the Punjab province, Pakistan and that of selenium concentration of soil and dietary sources, ingested by those animals were investigated during two different seasons of the year (winter and summer). Soil, forage, feed, water from the pasture and blood plasma, urine, faeces, and (if applicable) milk from these goats were collected fortnightly. The samples were analyzed for selenium concentrations. Soil selenium showed both seasonal and sampling periods effect on its concentration while forage selenium was affected only by the seasonal changes. No significant effect of seasons or fortnights on feed selenium level was observed. In fecal samples selenium concentration in lactating and non-lactating and plasma of male goats were affected by sampling periods. While fecal selenium in male goats showed significant effect on its concentration both seasonal and within fortnights. Severe deficient level of soil selenium during both seasons and marginal deficient level of forage selenium during summer were observed. Selenium concentrations in feed slightly exceeded the requirements of ruminants in feed during both seasons of the year. Plasma selenium concentrations in all goat classes were higher in winter than that in summer showing no seasonal or fortnight variation and its concentration was slightly lower in lactating goats as compared to other classes. On the bases of these results, it is concluded that overall selenium status of the goats based on plasma selenium concentration may be considered adequate mainly due to the mineral supplement provided all over the year, since soil and forage selenium concentrations were low to deficient.     

Rumen distension and contraction influence feed preference by sheep

Distension of the rumen limits feed intake by livestock. Ruminal dysfunctions due to bloat, which causes distension by accumulation of excessive gas within the rumen, also reduce feeding. We hypothesized that excessive levels of rumen distension cause feed aversions and that preference increases for feeds eaten in association with recovery from bloat. To test these hypotheses, we determined whether 12 commercial crossbred lambs (average initial BW of 43 +/- 2 kg) could associate ingestion of specific feeds with the consequences of increased intraruminal pressure and its subsidence. Six of the lambs were fitted with rumen cannulas and offered ground alfalfa for 30 min after a rubber balloon was inserted into the rumen of each animal and distended with air to volumes of 1.8, 2.5, or 4.5 L. Subsequently, balloons were deflated and alfalfa was offered again for a second period of 30 min. Feed intake was not affected when the balloon was not distended (P = 0.45 to 0.93), but distension reduced feed intake (P < 0.001) in direct proportion to the magnitude of distension at all 3 volumes (R(2) = 0.70). Relief from distension promoted a compensatory increase in feed intake (P = 0.006). During conditioning to determine if lambs acquired a preference for a feed associated with recovery from distension, fistulated lambs were offered novel feeds: wheat bran (group 1; n = 3) and beet pulp (group 2; n = 3), and the balloon was distended for 30 min. Feeds were then switched and the balloons were deflated (recovery). Control lambs (n = 6) received the same feeding protocol without the balloons. Lambs formed strong aversions to feeds associated with distension and preferred feeds associated with recovery (P = 0.001 to P = 0.10). No preferences or avoidances were observed in control lambs conditioned without rumen distension (P = 0.17 to P = 0.87). Thus, rumen distension and recovery from distension induced feed aversions and preferences, respectively, which may be critical in learning avoidance of bloat-inducing plants and preferences for plants and supplements that relieve the incidence of bloat.     

The role of mycotoxins in the health and performance of dairy cows

In comparison to monogastric species, ruminant animals are generally considered to be less susceptible to the adverse effects caused by contamination of feeds with mycotoxins. This is based on the assumption that the rumen flora degrade and inactivate mycotoxins, thus protecting the animal. A number of mycotoxins, however, resist rumen degradation, causing distinct clinical signs of intoxication. Moreover, due to their complex diet, dairy cows may be exposed to a varying number of mycotoxins, originating from different feed materials such as roughage and concentrates. Exposure to these complex mixtures of mycotoxins may result in unexpected health risks. Due to a pre-existing negative energy balance, cows in the transition period are considered to be particularly sensitive to the exposure to feeds contaminated with moulds, fungal spores and mycotoxins.     

Salmonella isolated from feeds and feed ingredients during the period 1982-1988: animal and public health implications

The prevalence of Salmonella in southern Africa in farm feeds and by-products of animal origin during 1982-1988 was determined. Salmonella occurred in 5.18% of the farm feed samples and in 9.54% of the by-product samples. Different serovars were isolated, some only once. The findings underestimate the true prevalence of Salmonella in farm feeds and by-products, and is representative of only the most severely contaminated products. The epidemiology of salmonellosis is discussed with special reference to the importance of multiple resistance to antibiotics, the increase in the number of cases of salmonellosis worldwide and "Salmonella free" feeds and foods. More detailed research on the role of farm feeds in the epidemiology of salmonellosis is required. Efforts should be made to increase awareness of the problem, to improve quality management at farm feed production plants and to develop efficient systems to monitor the hygienic safety of feeds and foods.     

Aflatoxin B_1, zearalenone and deoxynivalenol in feed ingredients and complete feed from different Province in China

Background: The current study was carried out to provide a reference for monitory of aflatoxin B_1(AFB_1),zearalenone(ZEN) and deoxynivalenol(DON) contamination in feed ingredients and complete feeds were collected from different Province in China from 2013 to 2015.Methods: A total of 443 feed ingredients, including 220 corn, 24 wheat, 24 domestic distillers dried grains with soluble(DDGS), 55 bran, 20 wheat shorts and red dog, 37 imported DDGS, 34 corn germ meal and 29 soybean meal as well as 127 complete feeds including 25 pig complete feed(powder), 90 pig complete feed(pellet), six duck complete feed and six cattle complete feed were randomly collected from different Province in China,respectively, by high-performance chromatography in combined with UV or fluorescence analysis.Results: The incidence rates of AFB_1, ZEN and DON contamination of feed ingredients and complete feeds were80.8, 92.3 and 93.9 %, respectively. The percentage of positive samples for DON ranged from 66.7 to 100 %.Domestic DDGS and imported DDGS presented the most serious contamination AFB_1, ZEN and DON contamination levels of feeds ranged from 61.5 to 100 %, indicated that serious contamination over the studied 3-year period.Conclusion: The current data provide clear evidence that AFB_1, ZEN and DON contamination of feed ingredients and complete feeds in different Province in China is serious and differs over past 3-year. The use of corn, domestic DDGS, imported DDGS and corn germ meal, which may be contaminated with these three mycotoxins, as animal feed may triggered a health risk for animal. Feeds are most contaminated with DON followed by ZEN and AFB_1.Mycotoxins contamination in feed ingredients and complete feeds should be monitored routinely in China.     

Microscopic fungi in chicken feed mixtures, their toxigenicity and toxicity for the chick embryo

Contamination with microscopic fungi was studied in broiler complete feed mixtures in 1983-1984. The contamination levels ranged from 10(1) to 10(5) of fungus units per gram of feed (mostly around 10(3) units per gram). Sixty species of microscopic fungi of sixteen genera were isolated from the feeds. The genera Aspergillus and Penicillium occurred most frequently (97% of samples), followed by Mucor (93%), Cladosporium (79%), Rhizopus (52%) and Fusarium (41%). Of the 64 isolates of ten species of microscopic fungi, 42 (66%) were toxicogenic, and out of 49 such strains, 27 (55%) were toxic.     

Seasonal diet composition and forage selectivity of Boer goats in a semi-arid gypsophilous grassland

Botanical and chemical compositions of Boer goat diets, determined with repeated collection of forage samples taken from the goat’s mouth, were studied in a gypsophilous grassland during four seasons of the year. Ten pluriparous goats were used to collect selected forage species. Shrubs were a minor dietary component throughout the year (<7.5%). Goats selected more (p?<?0.01) grass during autumn and winter (34.2–37.8%) than during spring (21.2%) and summer (29.0%). During all seasons goat diets were dominated by forbs (>59%). Diets were lowest (p?<?0.05) in percentage of crude protein during spring, summer and autumn (13.2?±?3.5, 13.2?±?2.4 and 14.2?±?3.9, respectively) than winter (17.5?±?2.9) with levels above the recommended quantities for goats throughout the year. In vitro dry matter digestibility of forages selected by goats did not differ between seasons (range 47.4–53.3%). It was concluded that in this particular ecosystem goats preferred forb species over grasses across all seasons. In addition, goats maintained relatively stable diet quality by forage-class mixing of diets.     

不同紫花苜蓿品种根部入侵真菌研究

为探讨紫花苜蓿(Medicago sativa L.)品种不同季节常见根部入侵真菌及其表现规律,并为苜蓿品种选择及其病害防治提供科学依据,以30个紫花苜蓿品种为材料,分别于2006年的春、夏、秋季取样,分离和鉴定根部入侵真菌.结果表明:不同生长季节苜蓿根部入侵真菌区系中优势菌种类明显不同,春、夏、秋3季均有的建群种为细交链孢(Alternaria alternata)和腐皮镰孢(Fusarium solani),其中春、夏季还有半裸镰孢(F.semitectum)和尖孢镰孢(F. oxysporum),秋季有锐顶镰孢(F. acuminatum)和柱孢(Cylindrocarpon destructuns);不同苜蓿品种在3个季节的入侵真菌种类和其分离率均有显著差异(P<0.05),且根部带菌率与生长季节苜蓿品种密切相关,春季以赛特(Sitel)的带菌率最高,夏、秋季以农宝(Farmers)和佛纳尔(Vernel)为最高,平均带菌率较高的5个苜蓿品种依次是:赛特、农宝、皇冠(Phabulous)、航海4号(Flight No.4)和猎人河(Hunfer river),平均带菌率较低的5个苜蓿品种依次是:苜蓿王(Alfaking)、爱菲尼特(Affinity)、WL-525HQ、顶点(Apex)和丰叶 721(Amerileaf 721).     

Effect of dietary alfalfa on zearalenone toxicity and metabolism in rats and swine

Experiments were conducted with rats and swine to determine the potential of dietary alfalfa as a treatment for zearalenone (Z) toxicosis. Ninety-six female weanling Wistar rats were fed a casein-based semipurified diet containing 0, 15 or 25% alfalfa and 0 or 250 micrograms Z/g feed. Exposure to Z for 14 d resulted in reduced growth, feed consumption and feed efficiency as well as kidney and liver enlargement and reduced activity of 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 alpha-HSD). Z had no effect on uterine weight. Including alfalfa in these diets reduced the inhibitory effects of Z on growth and feed consumption, minimized Z-induced liver enlargement and increased hepatic 3 alpha-HSD activity. Dietary alfalfa also reduced concentrations of residual Z and zearalenols (Zl) in liver. In a second experiment, 108 Yorkshire gilts weighing 8 to 11 kg were fed diets containing 0, 15 or 25% alfalfa and 0, 10, 20 or 40 micrograms Z/g feed for 4 wk. Z caused uterine enlargement when fed as low as 10 micrograms/g feed, although no effects were seen in growth rate, feed consumption or feed efficiency. Alfalfa decreased uterine enlargement (P less than .05), but caused a depression in feed efficiency (P less than .05). Hepatic 3 alpha-HSD activity was five times lower in swine than in rats, although activity still tended to decrease with Z and increase with alfalfa feeding. Residues of Z and Zl in pig liver indicated species differences in the metabolism of Z. These studies show that dietary alfalfa promotes Z metabolism in rats and that this feedstuff may also be useful for treating Z toxicosis in livestock.     

Feeding behavior and performance of lambs are influenced by flavor diversity

This study determined whether early experiences of sheep with the same feed, but presented in multiple or single flavors, would influence intake, the profile of hormones involved in feed intake regulation, and the subsequent acceptability of novel feeds. Thirty-five 2-mo-old lambs were randomly assigned to 5 treatments (7 lambs/treatment). Lambs in 1 treatment (the diversity treatment) were simultaneously fed an unflavored plain ration of alfalfa (control) and barley (75:25; as-fed basis) and the same ration mixed (0.2%) with 1 of 3 flavors: 1) sweet, 2) umami, or 3) bitter. The other 4 treatments (monotonous diets) received only 1 of the 4 rations. All animals were fed their respective rations from 0800 to 1600 h for 60 d. On d 55, intake was recorded every 30 min for 8 h. On d 58, blood samples from lambs were collected at 1 h prefeeding and at 30, 60, 210, 300, and 540 min postfeeding. Preference tests were conducted by simultaneously offering novel feeds: 1) high-energy feed, 2) high-protein feed, 3) beet pulp mixed with phytochemicals, or 4) low-quality feed. Lambs in the diversity treatment consumed more feed than did lambs in the other treatments (P < 0.001). Lambs in the diversity treatment consumed equivalent amounts of plain and umami feeds, with a greater amount (P < 0.001) of the umami feed being consumed than the bitter and sweet feeds. Lambs in the diversity treatment tended to grow faster than did lambs in the other treatments (P=0.06). On d 55, lambs in the diversity treatment showed decreased (P < 0.05) feed intake compared with lambs in the other treatments during the 2 peaks of food consumption (30 and 270 min from feeding) and showed a trend for the least plasma concentrations of ghrelin (P=0.06). In contrast, lambs in the diversity treatment consumed more feed than did lambs exposed to monotonous flavors at 60, 90, 120, and 180 min from feeding (P < 0.05). Lambs in the diversity treatment also showed the least concentrations of cholecystokinin and glucagon-like peptide 1 (P < 0.001). There were trends for the greatest concentrations of leptin (P=0.14) and IGF-1 (P=0.16) in the diversity treatment, and for the least concentration of leptin in the bitter treatment (P=0.14). Previous experience with flavored feeds affected the preference of lambs for high-energy and low-quality feeds, and for beet pulp mixed with phytochemicals (treatment × feed × day effect; P < 0.05). Thus, exposure to diverse flavors has the potential to increase feed intake and induce a more even consumption of feed across time by reducing peaks and nadirs of intake compared with exposure to monotonous rations. Flavor diversity may also influence the initial acceptability of and preference for novel feeds.     

Fine particles and dust in animal feeds--quantitative and qualitative (fungi, bacteria and LPS) aspects

Unground feedstuffs like cereals and roughage which are conspicuous by high proportions of finer particles and dust have to be estimated as risky environmental factors due to the accumulation of microorganisms (moulds, bacteria and lipopolysaccharides) and mites in the fines frequently. The dusty fraction in feed samples should be separated by sensorial inspection of feedstuffs (for example by sieves) and has to be looked at (using pocket lens) critically to find out lacks in the hygienic quality of feedstuffs. Dusty qualities of roughage contain high counts of moulds frequently, therefore a mycological investigation is to be recommended for these samples. The feedstuffs may influence the quantity and quality of air dust within the stable as the starch content (similar to the fed diet) indicates. Likewise corresponding LPS contents were measured in feeds and airborne dust of pig stables. Due to the high counts of microorganisms in the dusty fraction of cereals an intensive cleaning procedure for cereals has to be recommended for minimizing the load of germs; a reduced risk for deterioration can be expected. The residues of cleaning processes (combined mechanic/pneumatic procedures) of cereals should not be reutilized in the production of compound feeds by feed manufacturers, the nutritive value is relatively low anyway due to the high ash- and fiber-contents. Potential risks of dusty feedstuffs to animals' health and the influences of mites, moulds and lipopolysaccharides on the development of gastrointestinal and respiratoric disturbances are discussed. Experimental investigations are needed to elucidate the role of inhaled dust--and its content of lipopolysaccharides especially--in the development of respiratory diseases in veterinary medicine.     

Taste aversion learning in horses

The ability of ponies to learn to avoid a relatively novel food associated with illness was tested in three situations: when illness occurred immediately after consuming a feed; when illness occurred 30 min after consuming a feed; and when illness was contingent upon eating one of three feeds offered simultaneously. Apomorphine was used to produce illness. The feeds associated with illness were corn, alfalfa pellets, sweet feed and a complete pelleted feed. The ponies learned to avoid all the fees except the complete feed when apomorphine injection immediately followed consumption of the feed. However, the ponies did not learn to avoid a feed if apomorphine was delayed 30 min after feed consumption. They could learn to avoid alfalfa pellets, but not corn, when these feeds were presented with the familiar "safe foods," oats and soybean meal. Ponies apparently are able to learn a taste aversion, but there were constraints on this learning ability. Under the conditions of this study, they did not learn to avoid a food that made them sick long after consumption of the food, and they had more difficulty learning to avoid highly palatable feeds.     

Antimicrobial resistance in Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli isolated from poultry feed and feed ingredients

Poultry feed is at the start of the food safety chain in the "farm-to-fork" model, and might serve as a source of antimicrobial resistant bacteria present in poultry meat. Antimicrobial resistance was investigated in 1137 enterococci and 163 Escherichia coli strains recovered from 23 samples of commercial broiler feed and 66 samples of raw feeding materials taken over half a year timespan. Enumeration of enterococci and E. coli were also performed using traditional plating and fluorescent in situ hybridisation methods. Viable enterococci were detected in all feed samples and in 66% of samples of separate feed ingredients, while E. coli was present in 50% and 32% of feed and raw feeding materials, respectively. The median values (50th percentile) for plate and FISH counts for feeds were, respectively, 2.70 log CFU/g and 5.52 log cells/g for enterococci, and 0.15 log CFU/g and 6.00 log cells/g for E. coli. Among enterococci recovered from feed ingredients, resistance to rifampicin, erythromycin, nitrofurantoin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin was found in 59.8%, 21.6%, 21.2%, 18.0% and 6.9% of the isolates, respectively. A considerable proportion of the enterococci isolates obtained from broiler feed displayed resistance to tetracycline (69.1%), rifampicin (58.5%), erythromycin (52.9%) and nitrofurantoin (36.2%). Lower percentage of resistance was observed to chloramphenicol (4.6%), ciprofloxacin (3.9%), vancomycin (1.9%) and ampicillin (1.2%). Among E. coli recovered from feed ingredients and poultry feeds, resistance to ampicillin, tetracycline and streptomycin was found in 22.9%, 27.6% and 19.0% and in 22.4%, 41.4% and 17.0% of the isolates, respectively. These data show that feedstuffs and poultry feeds are extensively contaminated by resistant enterococci and, in a lesser extent, by E. coli, thus leading to their introduction in the farm environment.     

Host-dependent variations in the seasonal prevalence and intensity of heterophyid encysted metacercariae (Digenea: Heterophyidea) in brackish water fish in Egypt

The prevalence of heterophyid (Digenea: Heterophyidae) encysted metacercariae (EMC) in its second intermediate host, the fish Mugil spp. and Tilapia spp. was studied in a subtropical permanent Lake in northeastern Egypt. Seasonal changes in the occurrence of the EMC in different fish hosts were monitored in a longitudinal field survey lasting 12 months from June 2006 to May 2007. This study tested two hypotheses; (i) prevalence and intensity of heterophyid EMC fluctuate seasonally throughout the year and (ii) variation in the prevalence and intensity of heterophyid EMC is host-dependent. A total of 832 fish specimens comprising 5 species collected from Manzala Lake, northeastern Egypt were examined by artificial gastric juice digestion for EMC. All five species of brackish water fish examined were found to harbor the EMC of the family Heterophyidae in their muscles. The overall infection prevalence of EMC over 12 months was 23.2%. The adult flukes recovered from puppies experimentally infected with morphologically different metacercariae from different fish species were compatible with six species belong to five genera of Heterophyidae, namely, Heterophyes heterophyes, Heterophyes aequalis, Pygidiopsis genata, Phagicola sp., Haplorchis sp. and Stictodora sp. EMC of H. heterophyes were most abundant, detected in 56% of the total fish examined. P. genata was ranked second, followed by Phagicola sp., H. aequalis, Haplorchis sp., and Stictodora sp., respectively. Seasonal differences in infection were observed for all heterophyid species studied in all fish species examined. Heterophyid infections reached peak prevalences during the summer season 38.2% followed by spring 26.6% and autumn 19.3% seasons, whereas the lowest prevalence was recorded in the winter 8.7%. Intensity of heterophyid EMC followed the same seasonal pattern, being high during summer months and low in winter months. All fish species were infected with all the heterophyid digeneans, but with different prevalence. Possible reasons for these findings are discussed with reference to host, climatic and biotic factors.