The effect of preconditioning on production and antibiotic use in a South African beef feedlot

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (15) ◽  
pp. 1822
Author(s):  
A. H. R. Hentzen ◽  
P. N. Thompson ◽  
D. E. Holm

Context There is pressure on production veterinarians to reduce the use of antibiotics in intensive beef production systems. Aims The present study investigated whether preconditioning – the process whereby weaned calves destined for the feedlot are prepared over a period of time – reduced antibiotic treatment events, and improved health and production of calves in a South African feedlot. Methods Preconditioned calves (n = 301) and control calves (n = 332) were sourced from the same origin on two occasions, and arrived at the feedlot on the same day. Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) was defined as the ‘pulling’ of clinically sick calves from feedlot pens, followed by the standard protocol for treatment of BRD (including antibiotic treatment). Outcome variables related to health were BRD overall incidence (pulling), BRD re-pulling and lung lesion scores. Production outcome variables measured were carcass weight, carcass average daily gain (ADG) and days on feed (DOF). Initial carcass weight was estimated from shrunk liveweight in order to estimate the effect of preconditioning on carcass gain, the most economically relevant outcome. Statistical analyses were done using multiple linear, logistic and Cox regression. Predictor variables were preconditioning vs control, gender, starting weight, DOF, pulling for BRD and carcass ADG. Key results A lower proportion of preconditioned calves were pulled and a lower proportion of pulled calves were re-pulled for BRD compared with control calves (8 vs 17% and 8 vs 16%, respectively, P < 0.01). A higher proportion of preconditioned calves compared with control calves were market ready at 90 DOF (89 vs 67%, P < 0.01). In the multivariable models preconditioning was associated with a 200 g/d increase in carcass growth rate (P < 0.01) and with a 17.7 kg increase in overall carcass gain (P < 0.01) after adjusting for gender and DOF. Conclusions Preconditioning reduced the incidence and severity of BRD and feedlot standing time and improved production of calves in South African feedlots. Implications Preconditioning has the potential to add value to the beef feedlot by reducing the formation of antimicrobial resistance while improving the profitability of the feedlot.

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (03) ◽  
pp. 202-209
Author(s):  
Duygu Bayoglu ◽  
Pinar Eker ◽  
Sirin Guven

Objective Procalcitonin (PCT)-guided treatment could reduce antibiotic use in viral lower respiratory tract infections. We evaluated the impact of PCT-guided treatment on antibiotic use in patients hospitalized with bronchiolitis. Study Design A total of 100 patients aged 1 to 24 months old who were hospitalized with bronchiolitis were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups: PCT-guided group received an antibiotic treatment based on PCT levels and control group received an antibiotic treatment according to the physician decision. Results Antibiotic use on first day in the PCT-guided group (12%) was found to be statistically significantly lower than in the control group (80%) (p = 0.001; p < 0.05; relative risk [RR]: 29.33; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.77–88.03). On the third day, antibiotic use was statistically significantly lower in the PCT-guided group (16%) than in the control group (40%) (p = 0.014; p < 0.05; RR: 3.5; 95% CI: 1.36–9). Conclusion We suggested that PCT guidance will have important contributions to reduce antibiotic use in children with bronchiolitis. Particularly in countries with higher antibiotic prescription rates, this strategy may have implication for reducing the development of antibiotic resistance and side effects due to disturbance of microbiota.


2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 296-296
Author(s):  
Peter R Doyle ◽  
Mark McGee ◽  
Aidan P Moloney ◽  
Alan K Kelly ◽  
Edward G O’Riordan

Abstract Grazing sward structure can influence animal performance in forage-only and forage plus concentrate-based production systems. The objective was to determine the effects of pre-grazing herbage mass (PGHM), post-grazing sward height (PGSH) and indoor finishing diet on performance of weaned, spring-born beef steers. Steers (n = 96, ca. 12 months of age, 396 ± 20.1 kg) previously fed grass silage only over the first winter, were assigned to one of twelve grazing groups, balanced for live weight. Grazing groups were randomly assigned to a two PGHM (1500 or 2500 kg DM/ha) × two PGSH (4 or 6 cm) factorial arrangement of treatments (n = 3 groups/treatment). Steers rotationally grazed Lolium perenne-dominant swards (not mechanically topped) for 222 days. Steers were then accommodated indoors and offered grass silage only (SO) or grass silage + 3.8 kg concentrate DM/head daily (SC) for a 146 day finishing period. Data were analysed using the mixed procedure of SAS with terms for PGHM, PGSH, finishing diet and their interactions in the model. Grazed herbage intake was unaffected by PGHM but was greater for PGSH-6 than PGSH-4 (6.94 vs. 6.18 kg DM/day; P &lt; 0.001). Steer average daily gain at pasture was greater for PGHM-1500 than PGHM-2500 (0.65 vs. 0.60 kg; P &lt; 0.05) and for PGSH-6 than PGSH-4 (0.70 vs. 0.55 kg; P &lt; 0.001). After indoor finishing, carcass weight was unaffected by PGHM, but was heavier for PGSH-6 than PGSH-4 (386 vs. 367 kg; P &lt; 0.01); carcass traits were unaffected by PGHM or PGSH. Carcasses were heavier (+43 kg), fatter (P &lt; 0.001) and more conformed (P &lt; 0.01) for SC than SO. In conclusion, both PGHM-2500 and PGSH-4 restricted animal growth at pasture; however, following an indoor finishing period, carcass weight did not differ between PGHM, but was heavier for PGSH-6 than PGSH-4.


1990 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 944-959 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Bereskin ◽  
N. C. Steele ◽  
A. D. Mitchell

Abstract An experiment with crossbred swine was conducted over six generations of selection based on an index (Index) of average daily gain in weight (ADG) in a test period from 56 d of age to 91 kg gross weight and average backfat thickness (ABF) measured from ultrasonic scans at 91 kg. Test pigs of the high protein select (HS) and control (HC) lines were fed a 24% crude protein (CP) diet and pigs of the low protein select (LS) and control (LC) lines were fed a 12% CP diet during the test period. The extent of genetic (selection line) × environmental (dietary) interaction effects was determined based on feeding closely related boars and gilts from both the HS and LS lines on both diets. Tests were conducted in 1986 and 1987 with progeny of the fifth and sixth generations of selection. Records for 472 pigs sired by 37 boars and out of 101 dams were analyzed for effects of selection and diets on AGE of pig at 91 kg, ADG, ABF, LMA (longissimus muscle area at the last rib) and Index. Statistically significant interactions effects of line × diet were noted (P < .01) for AGE, ADG and Index, traits with low to moderate heritabilities (h2). For ABF and LMA, body composition traits with moderate or higher h2, interaction effects of line × diet were near zero. These results suggest that for best all-around future performance, traits such as AGE and ADG, selection probably should be practiced under dietary conditions under which future populations will be produced. For body composition traits such as ABF and LMA, selection probably would be more effective if pigs were fed a more enriched protein diet. However, as a practical matter, to more rapidly improve the genetic merit of the swine population, both the central station and on-the-farm testing programs should be conducted under standard commercial production systems.


2015 ◽  
Vol 55 (8) ◽  
pp. 967 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Rodas-González ◽  
N. Huerta-Leidenz ◽  
A. Vidal ◽  
O. Colina ◽  
J. Lopez ◽  
...  

Males (n = 132) of water buffalo (Buffalo), Brahman crossbred and purebred cattle (Brahman) were born, raised, weaned, castrated (half of the animals at 7 months) and fattened on the same grazing savannahs, and then slaughtered at four different ages (7, 17, 19 and 24 months) to compare growth and slaughter traits and examine post-weaning castration effects. Buffalo showed consistently faster weight gains and heavier carcasses but had lower dressing percentages than Brahman cattle due to higher proportions of hide, head, and red and white viscera at each age (P < 0.05). Additionally, Buffalo had abundant fat cover distribution, and whiter subcutaneous fat than Brahman (P < 0.05), this resulted in a higher proportion of Buffalo carcasses that graded in the second quality Venezuelan grade ‘A’ (P < 0.05). Regardless of species, bulls had higher average daily gain and liveweight than steers (P < 0.05); however, no differences were detected in carcass weight and dressing percentages (P > 0.05). Also, at the same weight steers produced carcasses with thicker back fat, more abundant fat cover distribution and whiter fat than bulls (P < 0.05). With respect to age groups, there were concomitant increases in slaughter weight, carcass weight, and dressing percentage as age increased (P < 0.01). As age advanced, carcasses had a more convex leg profile, abundant fat cover, thicker back fat, higher marbling and greater REA (P < 0.05). Based on the observed growth and carcass traits, Buffalo offer a promising alternative for meat production under savannah feeding production systems.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. S. Duncan ◽  
J. W. Angell ◽  
P. Richards ◽  
L. Lenzi ◽  
G. J. Staton ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis (CODD) is an emerging and common infectious foot disease of sheep which causes severe welfare and economic problems for the sheep industry. The aetiology of the disease is not fully understood and control of the disease is problematic. The aim of this study was to investigate the polybacterial aetiopathogenesis of CODD and the effects of antibiotic treatment, in a longitudinal study of an experimentally induced disease outbreak using a 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing approach. Results CODD was induced in 15/30 experimental sheep. During the development of CODD three distinct phenotypic lesion stages were observed. These were an initial interdigital dermatitis (ID) lesion, followed by a footrot (FR) lesion, then finally a CODD lesion. Distinct microbiota were observed for each lesion in terms of microbial diversity, clustering and composition. Porphyromonadaceae, Family XI, Veillonellaceae and Fusobacteriaceae were significantly associated with the diseased feet. Veillonellaceae and Fusobacteriaceae were most associated with the earlier stages of ID and footrot rather than CODD. Following antibiotic treatment of the sheep, the foot microbiota showed a strong tendency to return to the composition of the healthy state. The microbiota composition of CODD lesions collected by swab and biopsy methods were different. In particular, the Spirochaetaceae family were more abundant in samples collected by the biopsy method, suggesting that these bacteria are present in deeper tissues of the diseased foot. Conclusion In this study, CODD presented as part of a spectrum of poly-bacterial foot disease strongly associated with bacterial families Porphyromonadaceae, Family XI (a family in Clostridiales also known as Clostridium cluster XI), Veillonellaceae and Fusobacteriaceae which are predominately Gram-negative anaerobes. Following antibiotic treatment, the microbiome showed a strong tendency to return to the composition of the healthy state. The composition of the healthy foot microbiome does not influence susceptibility to CODD. Based on the data presented here and that CODD appears to be the severest end stage of sheep infectious foot disease lesions, better control of the initial ID and FR lesions would enable better control of CODD and enable better animal welfare.


2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 230949902096829
Author(s):  
Christina van Gerven ◽  
Kevin Eid ◽  
Tobias Krüger ◽  
Michael Fell ◽  
Daniel Kendoff ◽  
...  

Purpose: C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) count are routine blood chemistry parameters in monitoring infection. Little is known about the natural history of their serum levels in conservative and operative spondylodiscitis treatment. Methods: Pre- and postoperative serum levels of CRP and WBC count in 145 patients with spondylodiscitis were retrospectively assessed. One hundred and four patients were treated by debridement, spondylodesis, and an antibiotic regime, 41 only with a brace and antibiotics. The results of the surgical group were compared to 156 patients fused for degenerative disc disease (DDD). Results: Surgery had a significant effect on peak postoperative CRP levels. In surgically managed patients, CRP peaked at 2–3 days after surgery (spondylodiscitis: pre-OP: 90 mg/dl vs. post-OP days 2–3: 146 mg/dl; DDD: 9 mg/dl vs. 141 mg/dl; p < 0.001), followed by a sharp decline. Although values were higher for spondylodiscitis patients, dynamics of CRP values were similar in both groups. Nonoperative treatment showed a slower decline. Surgically managed spondylodiscitis showed a higher success rate in identifying bacteria. Specific antibiotic treatment led to a more predictable decline of CRP values. WBC did not show an interpretable profile. Conclusion: CRP is a predictable serum parameter in patients with spondylodiscitis. WBC count is unspecific. Initial CRP increase after surgery is of little value in monitoring infection. A preoperative CRP value, and control once during the first 3 days after surgery is sufficient. Closer monitoring should then be continued. Should a decline not be observed, therapy needs to be scrutinized, antibiotic treatment reassessed, and concomitant infection contemplated.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay A Petty ◽  
Valerie M Vaughn ◽  
Scott A Flanders ◽  
Twisha Patel ◽  
Anurag N Malani ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Reducing antibiotic use in patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) has been inpatient focused. However, testing and treatment is often started in the emergency department (ED). Thus, for hospitalized patients with ASB, we sought to identify patterns of testing and treatment initiated by emergency medicine (EM) clinicians and the association of treatment with outcomes. Methods We conducted a 43-hospital, cohort study of adults admitted through the ED with ASB (February 2018–February 2020). Using generalized estimating equation models, we assessed for (1) factors associated with antibiotic treatment by EM clinicians and, after inverse probability of treatment weighting, (2) the effect of treatment on outcomes. Results Of 2461 patients with ASB, 74.4% (N = 1830) received antibiotics. The EM clinicians ordered urine cultures in 80.0% (N = 1970) of patients and initiated treatment in 68.5% (1253 of 1830). Predictors of EM clinician treatment of ASB versus no treatment included dementia, spinal cord injury, incontinence, urinary catheter, altered mental status, leukocytosis, and abnormal urinalysis. Once initiated by EM clinicians, 79% (993 of 1253) of patients remained on antibiotics for at least 3 days. Antibiotic treatment was associated with a longer length of hospitalization (mean 5.1 vs 4.2 days; relative risk = 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–1.23) and Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) (0.9% [N = 11] vs 0% [N = 0]; P = .02). Conclusions Among hospitalized patients ultimately diagnosed with ASB, EM clinicians commonly initiated testing and treatment; most antibiotics were continued by inpatient clinicians. Antibiotic treatment was not associated with improved outcomes, whereas it was associated with prolonged hospitalization and CDI. For best impact, stewardship interventions must expand to the ED.


1979 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 333-337
Author(s):  
T. F. SHARBY

Antibiotics have been used in animal feeds for almost 30 yr to improve growth, enhance feed efficiency, and control disease in birds and animals. In 1974 antibiotics used in animal feeds in Canada totalled 13.31 million dollars while those used in veterinary medicine totalled 28.8 million dollars. Antibiotics, sulfonamides and antibacterials used in human application that same year equalled 77.4 million dollars. Concerns regarding potential health hazards to humans with continued low-level antibiotic supplementation of animal feeds have resulted in a number of countries implementing or proposing more rigid legislation covering antibiotic use in animal agriculture. Possible consequences of such legislation being introduced in Canada are discussed.


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