Publications by authors named "S Huws"

This publication aims to provide guidelines of the knowledge required and the potential research to be conducted in order to understand the mode of action of antimethanogenic feed additives (AMFA). In the first part of the paper, we classify AMFA into 4 categories according to their mode of action: (1) lowering dihydrogen (H) production; (2) inhibiting methanogens; (3) promoting alternative H-incorporating pathways; and (4) oxidizing methane (CH). The second part of the paper presents questions that guide the research to identify the mode of action of an AMFA on the rumen CH production from 5 different perspectives: (1) microbiology; (2) cell and molecular biochemistry; (3) microbial ecology; (4) animal metabolism; and (5) cross-cutting aspects.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Bovine mastitis is the costliest disease in the dairy sector and the main cause of antibiotic use in dairy cattle, potentially contributing to the antimicrobial resistance crisis. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer promise as antibiotic alternatives for controlling mastitis pathogens.

Methods: The efficacy of five AMPs (Lynronne-1 [Lyn-1], Lynronne-2 [Lyn-2], Bovicin HC5, AMP 660, and AMP 1043) and two bioactive compounds (disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA] and glycerol monolaurate) was assessed against a range of 35 mastitis-causing pathogens.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Liver damage from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) presents a significant challenge to the health and productivity of ruminants. However, the regulatory mechanisms behind variations in NASH susceptibility remain unclear. The gut‒liver axis, particularly the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids (BAs), plays a crucial role in regulating the liver diseases.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Despite the growing number of studies investigating the connection between host genetics and the rumen microbiota, there remains a dearth of systematic research exploring the composition, function, and metabolic traits of highly heritable rumen microbiota influenced by host genetics. Furthermore, the impact of these highly heritable subsets on lactation performance in cows remains unknown. To address this gap, we collected and analyzed whole-genome resequencing data, rumen metagenomes, rumen metabolomes and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content, and lactation performance phenotypes from a cohort of 304 dairy cows.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a pressing global health challenge. Infections that were once easily treatable with first-line antimicrobials are becoming increasingly difficult to manage. This shift directly threatens the wellness of humans, animals, plants, and the environment.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF