Francisco Castillo-Rangel

In ruminants, the nutritional value of the diet and its degradation process in the rumen have a significant impact on productive performance (Pitta et al. 2016). Nutrient supply occurs through the ...

The potential of hops (Humulus lupulus L.) and β-acid extract were evaluated for improving the quality of maralfalfa grass (Cenchrus purpureus) silage (with added sorghum grain, sorghum straw, and urea) during aerobic exposure and their residual effects on in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics. Silage samples and ground hops pellets (Galena and Chinook varieties) as well as β-acid mixtures were incubated at 37 °C for 24 h and then maintained under aerobic exposure for 12 h. The sample pH, counts of filamentous fungi, yeasts, and total coliforms, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations were determined. Subsequently, in vitro ruminal fermentation was conducted to determine total gas production and concentrations of hydrogen, methane, carbon dioxide, and VFAs. The β-acid treatment controlled yeast populations, but an increase (p < 0.05) in pH values was observed for the Galena and Chinook treatments compared to the Control. However, pH did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) between the Control and the β-acid treatment. Butyric acid concentrations in the silage were lower (p < 0.05) compared to the Control, except in the silage treatment with Galena. In the in vitro ruminal fermentation, the β-acid treatment showed higher butyric acid levels than the Chinook and Galena, but these differences were not significant (p > 0.05). There were no differences (p > 0.05) in methane between the treatments. An increase (p < 0.05) in propionic acid concentration was observed in the in vitro ruminal fermentation with β-acids. It was concluded that β-acids could help reduce silage deterioration during the aerobic phase, reducing the butyric acid and yeast populations, and their residual effect could improve ruminal fermentation, increasing propionate and acetate concentrations.

El ambiente ruminal se ha manipulado biotecnológicamente para mejorar la productividad animal y recientemente se buscan alternativas naturales, saludables y ecológicas para este fin. Se ha probado Moringa oleifera como alimento para el ganado porque sus hojas son ricas en minerales, proteína y metabolitos secundarios. El objetivo fue evaluar los cambios en la actividad ruminal por la presencia de M. oleifera. Se probaron tres tratamientos; TT (testigo 100% alfalfa), MB (15% Moringa-85% alfalfa) y MA (30% Moringa-70% alfalfa). El experimento se realizó in vitro con líquido ruminal ovino. Para pH y nitrógeno amoniacal (N-NH3) no se observaron diferencias (P>0.05). La digestibilidad de la materia seca fue diferente (P<0.05) entre tratamientos. La producción de gas mostró diferencias (P<0.05) entre tratamientos. Para la concentración de ácidos grasos volátiles (AGV) se observaron diferencias (P<0.05). El CO2 y CH4 fueron diferentes entre tratamientos (P<0.05), siendo MB el menor para ambas variables. Se concluye que adicionar moringa a una ración de alfalfa no tiene efecto sobre el pH y N-NH3, sin embargo, aumenta la digestibilidad de la materia seca, pero disminuye la concentración de AGV y la digestibilidad de fibras. Además, incluir 15 % de moringa a una ración de alfalfa puede reducir la producción de gases de efecto invernadero. Se recomienda seguir evaluando esta alternativa para la alimentación animal.

Ferulic acid is an antimicrobial and antioxidant phenolic compound located in the cell walls of plants and therefore classified as a natural antioxidant. The objective of this study was to assess the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of ferulic acid as a substitute for nitrites in the elaboration of dried meat. Four treatments were evaluated: dried meat without nitrites or ferulic acid, (control treatment), dried meat with nitrites, dried meat with 0.05% of ferulic acid, and dried meat with 0.1% of ferulic acid. The antioxidant activity, lipid oxidation, and microbiological quality were evaluated throughout the dried meat shelf life. The protein, fat, and ash content was not different between the treatments with nitrites and ferulic acid (p > 0.05) and all values were within the ranges established for these nutrients. Regarding the moisture content, although there was a difference between treatments (p < 0.05), the values found were within the reported range (5–15%) in dried meat. Treatment with nitrites had the highest sodium content (p < 0.05), although all treatments surpass the daily consumption of sodium recommended by the World Health Organization. In addition, color differences would not be noticeable to the human eye. Treatments with ferulic acid exhibited the highest (p < 0.05) antioxidant activity and the lowest lipid oxidation and total aerobic mesophile counts. Finally, the change in the formulation of dried meat using ferulic acid instead of nitrites was not perceptible to panelists in sensory evaluation. These findings suggest that the incorporation of ferulic acid, when added to dried meat, can improve its oxidative stability and increase its antioxidant activity. In conclusion, the use of ferulic acid at a concentration of 0.1% is recommended because, at this concentration, the antioxidant activity was greater, and the oxidation was below the threshold of perceived rancidity. However, further research is needed to study the effect of nitrite substitution using ferulic acid in combination with other potential natural antioxidants.

Ferulic acid (FA) is an antimicrobial and antioxidant phenolic compound located in the cell walls of plants and therefore classified as a natural antioxidant. The objective of this study was to assess the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of FA as a substitute for nitrites in the elaboration of dried meat (DM) . Four treatments were evaluated: DM without nitrites or FA (control treatment; CT), DM with nitrites (NT), DM with 0.05% of FA (FT05), and DM with 0.1% of FA (FT1). The antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP), lipid oxidation (TBARS), and microbiological quality were evaluated throughout DM shelf life. Protein, fat, and ash content were not different among NT, FT05, and FT1 (p > 0.05). NT and FT05 had lower moisture content (p < 0.05) compared to CT and FT1. And NT had the highest sodium content (p < 0.05). Regarding color, no differences (p > 0.05) were found among NT and FT05 in L* and a* values, but FT05 presented the highest b* value among all treatments (p < 0.05). However, color differences (ΔE) values between NT and FA treatments indicate that the color change is not noticeable to the human eye. Meanwhile, FT1 and FT05 exhibited the highest (p < 0.05) AA and the lowest lipid oxidation throughout their shelf life. Total aerobic mesophiles counts were detected only on day 1 and were lower (p < 0.05) in the treatments with FA. Finally, the change in the formulation of dried meat by using ferulic acid instead of nitrites was not sensorially detected by panelists. These findings suggest that incorporating natural antioxidants such as FA can improve the oxidative stability of dried meat, and it has a potential application as an antioxidant in meat products. However, further research is needed to study the effect of nitrite substitution using FA in combination with other potential natural antioxidants.

Se notifica la presencia de Fasciola hepatica en bovinos de una unidad de producción ubicada en el municipio de Madera, Chihuahua, México, caracterizada por un clima templado subhúmedo y con presencia de cuerpos de agua temporales. El caso involucró siete animales afectados, de los cuales cuatro presentaron postración y edema submandibular, y tres murieron. Los signos clínicos más relevantes incluyeron pérdida de condición corporal, pelo hirsuto, depresión, edema submandibular y mucosas pálidas, sin evidencia de fiebre, ictericia o diarrea. La necropsia reveló hepatomegalia, parénquima hepático pálido con necrosis focal, fibrosis, colangitis y presencia de duelas adultas en conductos biliares; adicionalmente se observó ligera ascitis y edema submandibular. El diagnóstico diferencial consideró edema maligno, leptospirosis bovina y deficiencia proteica severa; sin embargo, la confirmación se realizó mediante la identificación directa de F. hepatica en los conductos biliares y la correlación con los hallazgos clínicos y necroscópicos. El tratamiento consistió en la administración de closantel e ivermectina, suplementación vitamínico-mineral y medidas de manejo para reducir la exposición a hábitats favorables para el caracol intermediario (Lymnaea spp.). Este reporte resalta la importancia de la vigilancia sanitaria en zonas rurales de Chihuahua, la identificación temprana de la fasciolosis bovina y la implementación de estrategias integrales de control para minimizar pérdidas productivas y riesgos de reinfección. https://doi.org/10.21929/abanicomicrobiano/2025.5 2025-5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czvDVm3GqoI The presence of Fasciola hepatica in cattle from a production unit located in the municipality of Madera, Chihuahua, Mexico, is reported. This area is characterized by a temperate, subhumid climate with the presence of ephemeral water bodies. The case involved seven affected animals, four of which presented prostration and submandibular edema, and three died. The most relevant clinical signs included loss of body condition, coarse hair, depression, submandibular edema, and pale mucous membranes, with no evidence of fever, jaundice, or diarrhea. The necropsy revealed hepatomegaly, pale liver parenchyma with focal necrosis, fibrosis, cholangitis, and the presence of adult flukes in the bile ducts. Mild ascites and submandibular edema were also observed. The differential diagnosis included malignant edema, bovine leptospirosis, and severe protein deficiency; however, confirmation was made by direct identification of F. hepatica in the bile ducts and correlation with clinical and necroscopic findings. Treatment consisted of closantel and ivermectin, vitamin and mineral supplementation, and management measures to reduce exposure to habitats favorable to the intermediate snail (Lymnaea spp.). This report highlights the importance of health surveillance in rural areas of Chihuahua, the early identification of bovine fasciolosis, and the implementation of comprehensive control strategies to minimize production losses and the risk of reinfection. https://doi.org/10.21929/abanicomicrobiano/2025.5 2025-5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czvDVm3GqoI

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of three yeast strains, Pichia guilliermondii (Levica 27), Candida norvegensis (Levazoot 15), and a commercial product (Levucell® SC 10) containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae, on in vitro rumen fermentation of two substrates: corn stover and a total mixed ration (TMR). Samples were taken 24 hours post-fermentation to measure pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), gas production, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations. The addition of yeasts did not affect gas production at 24 hours for either diet. For pH, differences between yeast strains were noted when TMR was used. The lowest NH3-N concentration (6.1 mM) was recorded with corn stover, showing similar results across strains. Conversely, NH3-N levels with TMR ranged from 47 mM to 66 mM. The inclusion of all three yeast strains increased the molar concentrations of total VFA, as well as acetic (C2), propionic (C3), and butyric (C4) acids in the rumen fluid. The C2:C3 ratio remained unchanged with corn stover but decreased with the inclusion of Levica 27 and Levazoot 15 in the TMR. With the commercial product Levucell® SC 10, this ratio was comparable to the control treatment. In conclusion, Levica 27 and Levazoot 15 demonstrated a stimulatory effect on in vitro rumen fermentation for the evaluated diets, evidenced by increased VFA concentrations.

The objective was to evaluate the ruminal fermentation and acidosis on finishing lambs supplemented with different additives. Four ruminal cannulated lambs were used. Treatments were 1) Control (Basal diet); 2) LEV (Basal diet + Saccharomyces cerevisiae); 3) ION (Basal diet + Sodic monensin); 4) ET (Basal diet + Experimental Treatment). Diet contained at least 14% de CP and 2.962 Mcal/kg de ME. Dry matter intake (DMI) was evaluated. In ruminal fluid samples, pH, ammonia concentration (NH3), and volatile fatty acids concentration (VFA) were evaluated. Data was analyzed in a 4 x 4 latin square design. Ruminal pH, VFA concentration and acetic:propionic ratio was not different (P>0.05) among treatments. Dry matter intake was similar (P>0.05) among treatments. Ruminal pH was different (P < 0.01) among hours. Interaction treatment x hour was different (P0.05) entre tratamientos. El CMS fue igual entre tratamientos (P>0.05). El pH fue diferente (P < 0.01) entre hora. La interacción tratamiento x hora (P<0.05) fue diferente para NH3. Para las concentraciones de ácido acético, propiónico butírico y total de ácidos grasos volátiles se encontró diferencia (P< 0.05) para la interacción tratamiento × hora. El uso de la mezcla de probióticos, prebióticos y simbióticos no mejora la fermentación ruminal de corderos en la fase de finalización. http://dx.doi.org/10.21929/abavet2023.109 e2023-109 http://dx.doi.org/10.21929/abavet2023.109 e2023-109

The objective was to evaluate animal performance and carcass characteristics of criollo heifers fed in a feedlot. Nineteen heifers calves were used (8 months old and initial body weight: 125 ± 18 kg). Feedlot phases were: growing (90 d), feedlot (90 d), and finishing (56 d). Dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (FE), slaughter, hot and cold carcass weights (SW, HCC, CCW, respectively) and hot and cold carcass performance (HCP, CCP, respectively) were evaluated. Data was analyzed by MEANS procedure of SAS. Average daily gain was: growing: 0.63 ± 0.01 kg, feedlot: 0.80 ± 0.01 kg and finishing: 0.68 ± 0.01 kg. Dry matter intake was: growing: 5.5 ± 0.54 kg, feedlot: 7.45 ± 0.62 kg and finishing: 6.18 ± 0.65 kg. Gain efficiency was: growing: 8.76 ± 0.81 kg, feedlot: 9.40 ± 0.88 kg and finishing: 8.90 ± 0.93 kg. Hot and cold carcass weight were: 141.84 ± 4.7 kg; and 140.4 ± 4.7 kg respectively. Hot and cold carcass performance were: 52.7 ± 1.18% y 52.3 ± 1.24 % respectively. It is recommended to consider the animal´s age when criollo cattle is fed in a feedlot. http://dx.doi.org/10.21929/abavet2023.106 e2023-106 El objetivo fue evaluar el comportamiento productivo y rendimiento en canal de vaquillas criollas alimentadas en corral. Se utilizaron 19 becerras (8 meses de edad y peso inicial: 125 ± 18 kg). Las fases de alimentación fueron: crecimiento (90 d), desarrollo (90 d) y finalización (56 d). Se midió: consumo de materia seca (CMS), ganancia diaria de peso (GDP), conversión alimenticia (CA), Peso al Sacrificio, en Canal Caliente y Fría (PS, PCC y PCF respectivamente), Rendimiento en Canal Caliente y Fría (RCC y RCF, respectivamente). Las variables se analizaron usando el procedimiento MEANS de SAS. La GDP fue: Crecimiento: 0.63 ± 0.01 kg; Desarrollo: 0.80 ± 0.01 kg; y Finalización: 0.68 ± 0.01 kg. El CMS fue: Crecimiento: 5.5 ± 0.54 kg; Desarrollo: 7.45 ± 0.62 kg; y Finalización: 6.18 ± 0.65 kg. La CA fue: Crecimiento: 8.76 ± 0.81 kg; Desarrollo: 9.40 ± 0.88 kg; y Finalización: 8.90 ± 0.93 kg. El PCC y PCF fueron: 141.84 ± 4.7 kg; y 140.4 ± 4.7 kg respectivamente. Además el RCC y RCF fueron: 52.7 ± 1.18% y 52.3 ± 1.24 % respectivamente. Se recomienda considerar la edad a la que los animales son introducidos al corral de engorda. http://dx.doi.org/10.21929/abavet2023.106 e2023-106 http://dx.doi.org/10.21929/abavet2023.106 e2023-106

The objective of the present study was to examine the potential utilization of the yeast strain Pichia guilliermondii (Levica 27) on the ruminal fermentation of corn stover. Two in vitro treatments were evaluated: (A) filtered rumen liquid + powdered corn stover + yeast-free culture medium and (B) filtered rumen liquid + powdered corn stover + culture medium inoculated with yeast. Samples were collected at 0, 6, 12, and 24 h and examined for effects on culture pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N), the fiber digestibility percentages of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber, the digestibility of dry matter, and the concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The results showed that the addition of Levica 27 had no effect on the ruminal pH, NH₃-N or the digestibility indicators (p > 0.05). However, at 12 h, the inclusion of Levica 27 increased (p < 0.05) the molar concentrations of total VFAs and acetic and propionic acids in ruminal fluid and decreased (p < 0.05) the C2:C3 ratio. It is concluded that Levica 27 seems to have a stimulating effect on ruminal fermentation over a range within 6 and 12 h, a result that should be taken into account when in vivo studies are performed with this yeast strain.