Article
Parasitology
Francesca Shepherd, Caroline Chylinski, Michael R. Hutchings, Joana Lima, Ross Davidson, Robert Kelly, Alastair Macrae, Juha-Pekka Salminen, Marica T. Engstrom, Veronika Maurer, Havard Steinshamn, Susanne Fittje, Angela Morell Perez, Rocio Rosa Garcia, Spiridoula Athanasiadou
Summary: This study found that heather, a commonly found plant in Europe, has anthelmintic properties and can potentially contribute to sustainable GIN control in ruminant production systems. The anthelmintic activity of heather is associated with the presence of specific polyphenol subgroups, including proanthocyanidins and flavonol derivatives.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Adam Sarah, Pratiksha Khanal, Larry D. Holler, Susan W. Holler, Michael B. Hildreth
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of anthelmintic treatment on a sheep population in North America, showing that resistant worm populations can be significantly reduced in cold climates through effective treatment, and introducing susceptible worm populations can accelerate the decline of resistant worm populations.
SMALL RUMINANT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Nur Nasuha Hafidi, Jaclyn Swan, Pierre Faou, Rohan Lowe, Harinda Rajapaksha, Callum Cairns, Michael Stear, Travis Beddoe
Summary: Teladorsagia circumcincta is a major gastrointestinal parasite in the livestock industry in temperate regions worldwide, with its excretory-secretory molecules potentially playing critical roles in modulating host immune responses. Among these molecules, Tci-gal-1 protein interacts with host proteins to provide new insights into host-parasite interactions and potential control strategies.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Jalal Aliabadi, Ehsan Rakhshandehroo, Azadeh Yektaseresht
Summary: This study demonstrated that the indirect ELISA method using ES content can effectively distinguish T. circumcincta infected sheep with high specificity. Immunogenic fractions with specific molecular weights were detected in the somatic content and excretory/secretory material using western blot analysis.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Clare E. F. Dyer, Naomi E. Clarke, Dinh Ng Nguyen, H. M. P. Dilrukshi Herath, Sze Fui Hii, Russell Pickford, Rebecca J. Traub, Susana Vaz Nery
Summary: This study demonstrates the value of qPCR and SNF as alternatives to standard Kato-Katz methodology for assessing the efficacy of anthelmintics against hookworm infections.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Griselda Meza Ocampos, Miguel Torres Numbay, Mohamed Haddad, Lin Marcellin Messi Ambassa, Nelson Alvarenga, Herve Hoste
Summary: This study evaluated the anthelmintic properties of four medicinal plants, namely Kyllinga odorata Valh., Cassia occi-dentalis L., Artemisia absinthium L, and Verbena litoralis Kunth, against gastrointestinal nematodes in small ruminants. The results showed that C. occidentalis, A. absinthium, and K. odorata exhibited the highest anthelmintic activity. These medicinal plants are a valuable source of active compounds with anthelmintic activity.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Tara Perez-Hernandez, Yolanda Corripio-Miyar, Julia N. Hernandez, Cynthia Machin, Yania Paz-Sanchez, Adam D. Hayward, Harry W. Wright, Daniel R. G. Price, Jacqueline B. Matthews, Tom N. McNeilly, Alasdair J. Nisbet, Jorge F. Gonzalez
Summary: This study investigated the enhancement of resistance to gastrointestinal nematode infection in CHB lambs by immunizing them with a T. circumcincta prototype recombinant vaccine after weaning. The results showed that vaccinated CHB lambs had better protection against infection, with reduced egg shedding, lower worm burden, and altered immune response compared to unvaccinated control lambs.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Cynthia Machin, Yolanda Corripio-Miyar, Julia N. Hernandez, Tara Perez-Hernandez, Adam D. Hayward, Harry W. Wright, Daniel R. G. Price, Jacqueline B. Matthews, Tom N. McNeilly, Alasdair J. Nisbet, Jorge F. Gonzalez
Summary: A recombinant sub-unit vaccine for Teladorsagia circumcincta showed protective effects in a susceptible sheep breed by enhancing antigen-specific antibodies and cellular immune responses. In a more resistant sheep breed, the vaccine did not significantly impact parasitological parameters, but may have had an effect through increasing mucosal T cell activation. These findings could be useful for improving the current vaccine prototype.
VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Veronica Castilla-Gomez de Aguero, Jorge F. Gonzalez, Julia N. Hernandez, Elora Valderas-Garcia, Francisco A. Rojo Vazquez, Juan Jose Arranz, Beatriz Gutierrez-Gil, Maria Martinez-Valladares
Summary: This study identified different early immune response patterns, including specific IgA levels and correlations between specific cells (such as gamma delta T cells and eosinophils), in resistant and susceptible groups to Teladorsagia circumcincta infection in Churra sheep.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Leire Ortega, Jessica Quesada, Antonio Ruiz, Maria Magnolia Conde-Felipe, Otilia Ferrer, Francisco Rodriguez, Jose Manuel Molina
Summary: The study investigated the local immune response of goat kids infected with Teladorsagia circumcincta, revealing a complex Th2 type immune response characterized by effector cell infiltration in abomasal tissues and specific antibodies development. Cellular immune responses were observed from 1 week post-infection onwards, with an increase in antigen-presenting cells and various lymphocyte subsets in the gastric mucosa. The study also found negative associations between the number of immune cells and parameters related to parasite fecundity, particularly evident at 8 weeks post-infection.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Jennifer McIntyre, Laura Miskell, Eric R. Morgan, Fiona Lovatt, Roz Laing
Summary: This study investigated the use and effectiveness of moxidectin against gastrointestinal nematodes among Scottish sheep farmers. The results showed that although the majority of farmers used moxidectin, there was variation in their knowledge levels, and most farmers did not consistently follow the guidelines for sustainable control of parasites.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
A. M. Ahbara, M. Rouatbi, M. Gharbi, M. Rekik, A. Haile, B. Rischkowsky, J. M. Mwacharo
Summary: The study revealed that traditionally managed indigenous sheep have evolved multiple strategies to combat gastrointestinal nematode infections, including enhancing resistance and developing defense mechanisms. Through molecular research, multiple potential genetic mechanisms were discovered, which contribute to understanding the resistance and developmental stability of these sheep.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
James Rooney, Alba Cortes, Riccardo Scotti, Daniel R. G. Price, Yvonne Bartley, Karen Fairlie-Clarke, Tom N. McNeilly, Alasdair J. Nisbet, Cinzia Cantacessi
Summary: The study found that both vaccination and infection with T. circumcincta can cause significant changes in gut microbiota populations in different trials, with Prevotella spp. abundance significantly linked to helminth infection in both cases. The research indicates that selected gut microbial populations are consistently affected by T. circumcincta infection and/or vaccination.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Elora Valderas-Garcia, Jennifer de la Vega, Maria Alvarez Bardon, Veronica Castilla Gomez de Aguero, Ricardo Escarcena, Jose Luis Lopez-Perez, Francisco A. Rojo-Vazquez, Arturo San Feliciano, Esther del Olmo, Rafael Balana-Fouce, Maria Martinez-Valladares
Summary: The study evaluated the efficacy of various derivatives against Gastrointestinal nematodes, with diamine 30 showing the best results in preventing egg hatching and diamine 34 showing the highest efficacy in inhibiting larval migration.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Tara Perez-Hernandez, Julia N. Hernandez, Cynthia Machin, Tom N. McNeilly, Alasdair J. Nisbet, Jacqueline B. Matthews, Stewart T. G. Burgess, Jorge F. Gonzalez
Summary: Teladorsagia circumcincta is a parasitic nematode that can cause serious problems in small ruminant production, and vaccines have been suggested as a long-lasting alternative for control. However, different responses to vaccination were observed in Canaria Hair Breed (CHB) lambs and Canaria Sheep (CS), with CHB lambs showing more optimal immune responses associated with vaccine-induced protection. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes associated with immunity processes and immune response regulation were identified in CS, while upregulated genes related to type-2 immune responses and tissue repair were found in CHB vaccinates. These findings provide insights for vaccine refinement strategies.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Charlotte Smith Bonde, Louis Bornancin, Yi Lu, Henrik Toft Simonsen, Maria Martinez-Valladares, Miguel Pena-Espinoza, Helena Mejer, Andrew R. Williams, Stig Milan Thamsborg
Summary: The study shows that seaweed can provide bioactive compounds with anti-parasitic activity, with Saccharina latissima and Laminaria digitata showing particularly high anti-parasitic activity. Fatty acids may play an important role in controlling intestinal helminth infections.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Amin Zakeri, Bradley J. Whitehead, Allan Stensballe, Clarize Korne, Andrew R. Williams, Bart Everts, Peter Nejsum
Summary: Recent studies indicate that soluble products from parasitic worms can stimulate macrophages to release anti-inflammatory extracellular vesicles (EVs), which can suppress inflammation without inducing M1 or M2 polarization. Additionally, EVs can enhance reactive oxygen species production in macrophages, leading to a deregulated redox balance. Proteomic analysis identified cytochrome p450 as a potential source of ROS in EVs, and pharmacological inhibition of CYP450 activity could suppress ROS production in macrophages.
JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES
(2021)
Article
Biology
Audrey Inge Schytz Andersen-Civil, Milla Marleena Leppa, Stig M. Thamsborg, Juha-Pekka Salminen, Andrew R. Williams
Summary: The study found that the size and structure of PAC polymers play a crucial role in their anti-inflammatory and gene pathway regulation abilities. PAC polymers with a medium mean degree of polymerization (mDP) of 9.1 induced significant transcriptomic changes, showing higher activity compared to PAC with low or high mDP.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ling Zhu, Laura J. Myhill, Audrey I. S. Andersen-Civil, Stig M. Thamsborg, Alexandra Blanchard, Andrew R. Williams
Summary: Garlic-derived organosulfur compounds, such as PTSO-PTS, exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in macrophages and intestinal epithelial cells. These compounds also regulate gene expression during intestinal infection, suggesting their potential as functional food components for improving gut health.
MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Laura J. Myhill, Sophie Stolzenbach, Helena Mejer, Lukasz Krych, Simon R. Jakobsen, Witold Kot, Kerstin Skovgaard, Nuria Canibe, Peter Nejsum, Dennis S. Nielsen, Stig M. Thamsborg, Andrew R. Williams
Summary: This study found that selected probiotic mixtures did not influence helminth infection levels in pigs, but could alter gut microbiome diversity indices, reduce inflammation responses, and maintain immune balance in the presence of parasitic worm infection. These findings suggest potential beneficial effects of dietary probiotics in modulating immune responses and gut microbiome in the context of helminth infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
J. N. Gebbels, M. E. Kragt, D. T. Thomas, P. E. Vercoe
Summary: Greenhouse gas emissions from Western Australia's sheep flock account for 26% of the state's agricultural emissions. The decrease in emissions can be partly explained by a drop in sheep numbers, but less is known about changes in the methane intensity of sheepmeat and wool. Although methane intensity has decreased somewhat, net emissions per ewe have risen. Achieving absolute net reductions in methane emissions through productivity improvements is unlikely, and reducing net emissions may depend on a reduction in flock numbers, breakthroughs in anti-methanogenic research, or emissions offsetting.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Michael Young, Philip E. Vercoe, Ross S. Kingwell
Summary: The stocking rate of sheep has a significant impact on farm profit, making it a challenging task to determine the optimal rate. Inconsistent definitions of stocking rate can lead to misunderstandings. Determining the optimal rate involves considering various factors, such as feed availability, nutritional requirements, costs, and prices. While farmers often rely on personal judgement, it is not an easy decision due to the complexities involved.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Zoey Durmic, John Milton, Peter Dart, Joy Vadhanabhuti, Philip Vercoe, Matthew Callaghan
Summary: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding the probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain H57 to young Merino wethers on their feed intake, productivity, energy metabolism, and rumen fermentation parameters. The results showed that young Merino wethers fed high-fibre pellets inoculated with H57 grew faster, had a better feed conversion ratio, and had a higher body condition score compared to those fed the same pellets without H57. The presence of B. amyloliquefaciens in the pellets and its detection in the rumen fluid and faeces suggests that H57 supplementation had a positive impact on the wethers' performance and could be beneficial for transitioning them onto a finishing diet.
ANIMAL FEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alejandro Belanche, Alexander N. Hristov, Henk J. van Lingen, Stuart E. Denman, Ermias Kebreab, Angela Schwarm, Michael Kreuzer, Mutian Niu, Maguy Eugene, Vincent Niderkorn, Cecile Martin, Harry Archimede, Mark McGee, Christopher K. Reynolds, Les A. Crompton, Ali Reza Bayat, Zhongtang Yu, Andre Bannink, Jan Dijkstra, Alex Chaves, Harry Clark, Stefan Muetzel, Vibeke Lind, Jon M. Moorby, John A. Rooke, Aurelie Aubry, Walter Antezana, Min Wang, Roger Hegarty, V Hutton Oddy, Julian Hill, Philip E. Vercoe, Jean Victor Savian, Adibe Luiz Abdalla, Yosra A. Soltan, Alda Lucia Gomes Monteiro, Juan Carlos Ku-Vera, Gustavo Jaurena, Carlos A. Gomez-Bravo, Olga L. Mayorga, Guilhermo F. S. Congio, David R. Yanez-Ruiz
Summary: This study developed empirical models to predict enteric methane emissions from sheep using a global database. The models showed that including variables such as body weight and organic matter digestibility improved prediction accuracy. Age-specific equations were also found to enhance prediction performance. The study concluded that predicting sheep methane production requires considering variables such as dry matter intake, body weight, and rumen propionate proportion, and appropriate universal equations can be used across different diets and climatic conditions.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Justin Hardy, Chris Oldham, Phil Vercoe, Dean Thomas, John Milton, Daniel Real, Andrew van Burgel, Eric Dobbe
Summary: Tedera is a valuable forage for sheep during the summer-autumn period. Prior grazing experience of novel forages influences sheep's preference for tedera. Two experiments were conducted to test the feed intake and preference of sheep for fresh and wilted leaves and stems of tedera. The results showed that prior experience did not significantly affect sheep's preference, and there was no difference in preference between accessions. However, further studies are needed to investigate seasonal differences and the effect of prior grazing experience.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
J. N. Gebbels, M. E. Kragt, P. E. Vercoe
Summary: Increasing the frequency of multiparous births (twinning) has the potential to decrease the methane intensity of beef, but it may also lead to an increase in net methane emissions at the herd level. Therefore, twinning is unlikely to be a viable pathway for net emissions reduction unless a commercial or policy driver to reduce net methane emissions is established.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Economics & Policy
Michael Young, John Young, Ross S. Kingwell, Philip E. Vercoe
Summary: The trade-off between accuracy and complexity is a common issue in farm systems analysis. This study compares the performance of two optimization models in representing weather-year sequence in farm modeling. The results show that single-year stochastic programming generates similar expected profit and strategic management as multi-year stochastic programming. However, optimal tactical farm management is affected by the outcome of the previous year. Technology changes over the last decade have made it easier to construct and apply the optimization models, but choosing the best framework for a specific issue or opportunity remains a challenge.
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND RESOURCE ECONOMICS
(2023)
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Warwick Badgery, Guangdi Li, Aaron Simmons, Jennifer Wood, Rowan Smith, David Peck, Lachlan Ingram, Zoey Durmic, Annette Cowie, Alan Humphries, Peter Hutton, Emma Winslow, Phil Vercoe, Richard Eckard
Summary: In Australia, the majority of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions come from enteric methane produced by grazing sheep and cattle. This study aims to assess the reduction of methane emissions by introducing low methane yielding legumes and herbs, considering the overall system-level emissions. Results show that reducing emissions intensity is crucial, but livestock productivity is also important. Biserrula, a pasture species, has the potential to reduce enteric methane emissions. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and optimize pasture species mixtures for reduced methane emissions and equal or greater livestock production.
CROP & PASTURE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
J. C. Greeff, A. C. Schlink, L. J. E. Karlsson, P. E. Vercoe, A. R. Gilmour
Summary: This study investigated the differences in humidity and temperature in the breech area of Merino sheep exposed to blowflies without traditional preventive measures. The results showed that humidity and temperature increased with an increase in breech cover, and sheep prone to be struck had higher humidity in the breech. More research is needed to determine if humidity can be an effective indicator trait for breech strike.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Z. Durmic, J. L. Black, G. B. Martin, P. E. Vercoe
Summary: This review highlights the utilization of plant bioactivity to reduce enteric methane emissions from Australian ruminant production systems. Potential strategies include low methanogenic forage species, plant-based agricultural by-products, and plant extracts that offer exciting opportunities, but further research is needed to confirm effectiveness and determine optimal doses for in vivo application.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2022)