Determination of microbial numbers in anaerobically digested biofertilisers.

This study aimed to quantity total numbers of bacteria, fungi and archaea in different types of commercial liquid anaerobic digestates, and to identify common patterns in their microbial numbers post-digestion and possible implications of their use as biofertiliser. Relationships between microbial numbers and physical-chemical traits of the digestates were also investigated. Quantification was performed using culturable and molecular (quantitative PCR) approaches.

Porcine Feed Efficiency-Associated Intestinal Microbiota and Physiological Traits: Finding Consistent Cross-Locational Biomarkers for Residual Feed Intake.

Optimal feed efficiency (FE) in pigs is important for economic and environmental reasons. Previous research identified FE-associated bacterial taxa within the intestinal microbiota of growing pigs. This study investigated whether FE-associated bacteria and selected FE-associated physiological traits were consistent across geographic locations (Republic of Ireland [ROI] [two batches of pigs, ROI1 and ROI2], Northern Ireland [NI], and Austria [AT]), where differences in genetic, dietary, and management factors were minimized.

Physical-chemical traits, phytotoxicity and pathogen detection in liquid anaerobic digestates.

Anaerobic digestates, which are co-products from biogas production, have been recognised as potential biofertilisers for their benefits in nutrient recovery and recycling of different types of organic wastes. Due to the increasing number of different types of organic wastes being used to produce biogas, it is necessary to identify how different types of anaerobic digestates vary in their physical-chemical traits, and how these can impact upon their use as fertilisers. In addition, safe land spreading of anaerobic digestates must be within recommended limits for potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and pathogens.

Exploring a Possible Link between the Intestinal Microbiota and Feed Efficiency in Pigs.

Feed efficiency (FE) is critical in pig production for both economic and environmental reasons. As the intestinal microbiota plays an important role in energy harvest, it is likely to influence FE. Therefore, our aim was to characterize the intestinal microbiota of pigs ranked as low, medium, and high residual feed intake ([RFI] a metric for FE), where genetic, nutritional, and management effects were minimized, to explore a possible link between the intestinal microbiota and FE.

In vitro assessment of marine Bacillus for use as livestock probiotics.

Six antimicrobial-producing seaweed-derived Bacillus strains were evaluated in vitro as animal probiotics, in comparison to two Bacillus from an EU-authorized animal probiotic product. Antimicrobial activity was demonstrated on solid media against porcine Salmonella and E. coli.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a marine-derived Bacillus strain for use as an in-feed probiotic for newly weaned pigs.

Forty eight individual pigs (8.7±0.26 kg) weaned at 28±1 d of age were used in a 22-d study to evaluate the effect of oral administration of a Bacillus pumilus spore suspension on growth performance and health indicators.

Development of a novel antimicrobial seaweed extract-based hydrogel wound dressing.

The objective of this study was to develop a novel antimicrobial seaweed wound dressing. The seaweed extract was active against nine clinically-relevant wound pathogens. A hydrogel formulation was prepared using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), followed by addition of 1% seaweed extract.

Assessment of the bacteriocinogenic potential of marine bacteria reveals lichenicidin production by seaweed-derived Bacillus spp.

The objectives of this study were (1) to assess the bacteriocinogenic potential of bacteria derived mainly from seaweed, but also sand and seawater, (2) to identify at least some of the bacteriocins produced, if any and (3) to determine if they are unique to the marine environment and/or novel. Fifteen Bacillus licheniformis or pumilus isolates with antimicrobial activity against at least one of the indicator bacteria used were recovered. Some, at least, of the antimicrobials produced were bacteriocins, as they were proteinaceous and the producers displayed immunity.