In order to control the spread of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE), several DNA methods have been described for the detection of the species origin of meat-andbone-meal. Most of these methods are based on the amplification of a mitochondrial DNA segment. We have developed a semi-quantitative method based on real-time PCR for detection of ruminant DNA, targeting an 88-bp segment of ...

The rumen is arguably the most important organ in the ruminant digestive system. Ruminal microbial protein and volatile fatty acid (VFA) synthesis supply most of the protein and energy needs of the ruminant. Rumen function problems can reduce intake, digestion, and health of ruminants and culminate in death. Furthermore, inefficient rumen function reduces animal performance and health and contr...

BACKGROUND Trans fatty acids are produced either by industrial hydrogenation or by biohydrogenation in the rumens of cows and sheep. Industrial trans fatty acids lower HDL cholesterol, raise LDL cholesterol, and increase the risk of coronary heart disease. The effects of conjugated linoleic acid and trans fatty acids from ruminant animals are less clear. We reviewed the literature, estimated th...

since the use of antibiotics in animal feeds has been banned, researches on alternative natural products that modulate ruminal fermentation have been intensified. natural compounds such as plant extracts have been considered to be replaced antibiotics as safe and sustainable alternatives. plant extracts especially essential oils and saponins have strong antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antiprotozo...

background :    salmonellosis is an infectious and a food-borne disease of humans and animals. the initial source of the infection is the intestinal tracts of birds and other animals. apparently healthy animals can become subclinical carriers and persistently shed salmonella in their feces which can act as a reservoir for the pathogen. the aim of this study is to detect the carriers of salmonel...

In this issue of the Journal, 2 groups of investigators report carefully conducted controlled feeding studies in healthy volunteers that compared the effects on blood lipids of trans fatty acids (TFA) from industrial (partially hydrogenated vegetable oil) and from dairy (ruminant or “natural”) sources. Chardigny et al (1) compared industrially derived and ruminant-derived TFA at 5% of energy. M...