Keywords:
Use of bacterial proteins from fermentation technologies in aquaculture nutrition Book Section
M. Longshaw;A. Chalaris;M. Reshetiuk
In: Novel protein and lipid sources in animal nutrition, pp. 223–259, Wageningen Academic, 2026, ISBN: 978-90-04-69282-4, (Section: Novel protein and lipid sources in animal nutrition).
Fish nutrition Market entry Peer review Research intelligence Technical
@incollection{longshaw_use_2026,
title = {Use of bacterial proteins from fermentation technologies in aquaculture nutrition},
author = {M. Longshaw and A. Chalaris and M. Reshetiuk},
url = {https://brill.com/display/book/9789004692824/BP000018.xml},
doi = {10.1163/9789004692824-009},
isbn = {978-90-04-69282-4},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-07-01},
urldate = {2026-08-11},
booktitle = {Novel protein and lipid sources in animal nutrition},
pages = {223–259},
publisher = {Wageningen Academic},
abstract = {Abstract The use of cultured or single cell proteins as a partial or total replacement for conventional protein sources in aquaculture has yet to achieve full commercial success despite the large number of studies conducted. These studies have ranged from the relatively straightforward nutrition trials to determine inclusion level and digestibility, to more recent in-depth studies to determine mode of action and impacts on health and growth outcomes. This chapter focusses on the main bacteria grown using biomass fermentation techniques that utilize single carbon sources such as carbon dioxide, methane or methanol as the primary feedstock.},
note = {Section: Novel protein and lipid sources in animal nutrition},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {incollection}
}
Abstract The use of cultured or single cell proteins as a partial or total replacement for conventional protein sources in aquaculture has yet to achieve full commercial success despite the large number of studies conducted. These studies have ranged from the relatively straightforward nutrition trials to determine inclusion level and digestibility, to more recent in-depth studies to determine mode of action and impacts on health and growth outcomes. This chapter focusses on the main bacteria grown using biomass fermentation techniques that utilize single carbon sources such as carbon dioxide, methane or methanol as the primary feedstock.
Use of bacterial proteins from fermentation technologies in pet nutrition Book Section
M. Longshaw;A. P. Wesker;R. Alexa;M. Tesla;Z. Salimi;A. M. M. D. Matos;L. Giver
In: Novel protein and lipid sources in animal nutrition, pp. 397–421, Wageningen Academic, 2026, ISBN: 978-90-04-69282-4, (Section: Novel protein and lipid sources in animal nutrition).
Pet nutrition Market entry Peer review Research intelligence Technical
@incollection{wesker_use_2026,
title = {Use of bacterial proteins from fermentation technologies in pet nutrition},
author = {A P Wesker and R. Alexa and M. Tesla and Z. Salimi and A. M. M. de Matos and L. Giver and M. Longshaw},
url = {https://brill.com/display/book/9789004692824/BP000024.xml},
doi = {10.1163/9789004692824-015},
isbn = {978-90-04-69282-4},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-07-01},
urldate = {2026-08-11},
booktitle = {Novel protein and lipid sources in animal nutrition},
pages = {397–421},
publisher = {Wageningen Academic},
abstract = {Abstract Production of microbial proteins by biomass fermentation has been established for a long time, but the inclusion of these complementary proteins in pet foods remains in its infancy. This is despite a reduction in the availability of animal proteins, and the societal shift towards more sustainable and cruelty-free protein sources. To date, three main sources of microbial proteins derived from biomass fermentation have been evaluated in dogs and cats. These include Methylophilus methylotrophus (a methylotrophic bacterium), Methylococcus capsulatus (a methanotrophic bacterium), and microbial protein produced via the MicroHarvest fermentation platform, using natural bacterial strains from a variety of genera including Bacillus spp, Vibrio spp., and Geobacillus spp. This chapter discusses the different methods used to produce microbial biomass and the subsequent safety to workers, the nutritional profile of these bacteria, their palatability, digestibility and safety in cats and dogs, as well as observed health and immune responses. Additionally, the technical functionality of these proteins in wet and dry pet foods, along with consumer perceptions of these cultured proteins are examined. The chapter concludes with a summary of current limitations on the use of these proteins in pet food and provides a view on potential additional studies required to understand their mode of action and to unlock their full potential as sustainable complementary protein sources.},
note = {Section: Novel protein and lipid sources in animal nutrition},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {incollection}
}
Abstract Production of microbial proteins by biomass fermentation has been established for a long time, but the inclusion of these complementary proteins in pet foods remains in its infancy. This is despite a reduction in the availability of animal proteins, and the societal shift towards more sustainable and cruelty-free protein sources. To date, three main sources of microbial proteins derived from biomass fermentation have been evaluated in dogs and cats. These include Methylophilus methylotrophus (a methylotrophic bacterium), Methylococcus capsulatus (a methanotrophic bacterium), and microbial protein produced via the MicroHarvest fermentation platform, using natural bacterial strains from a variety of genera including Bacillus spp, Vibrio spp., and Geobacillus spp. This chapter discusses the different methods used to produce microbial biomass and the subsequent safety to workers, the nutritional profile of these bacteria, their palatability, digestibility and safety in cats and dogs, as well as observed health and immune responses. Additionally, the technical functionality of these proteins in wet and dry pet foods, along with consumer perceptions of these cultured proteins are examined. The chapter concludes with a summary of current limitations on the use of these proteins in pet food and provides a view on potential additional studies required to understand their mode of action and to unlock their full potential as sustainable complementary protein sources.
Microbial proteins from biomass fermentation used in livestock rearing Book Section
M. Longshaw;M. Reshetiuk
In: Novel protein and lipid sources in animal nutrition, pp. 577–602, Wageningen Academic, 2026, ISBN: 978-90-04-69282-4, (Section: Novel protein and lipid sources in animal nutrition).
Livestock Market entry Peer review Research intelligence Technical
@incollection{longshaw_microbial_2026,
title = {Microbial proteins from biomass fermentation used in livestock rearing},
author = {M. Longshaw and M. Reshetiuk},
url = {https://brill.com/display/book/9789004692824/BP000029.xml},
doi = {10.1163/9789004692824-020},
isbn = {978-90-04-69282-4},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-07-01},
urldate = {2026-08-11},
booktitle = {Novel protein and lipid sources in animal nutrition},
pages = {577–602},
publisher = {Wageningen Academic},
abstract = {Abstract Microbial proteins from bacteria grown predominately in methanol or methane have been assessed as potential protein sources in livestock feeds for several years. However, despite a number of promising avenues, most have not achieved commercial success, partly due to a lack of uptake from the wider industry and partly because of the inherent technological and regulatory hurdles in upscaling from lab to full scale production. However, despite these constraints, several single cell proteins (SCPs) have been added to livestock feeds with a strong focus on pigs and poultry. To a lesser extent, proteins in cattle and turkey feeds have been partially replaced on an experimental basis with these SCPs. Typical studies have focused on growth and production outcomes in livestock although more recent studies have addressed the potential of SCPs to influence health outcomes. This chapter evaluates the different studies completed to date, including providing data on positive and negative outcomes associated with the inclusion of SCPs in feeds. It concludes with a view on future needs for cultured proteins from fermentation.},
note = {Section: Novel protein and lipid sources in animal nutrition},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {incollection}
}
Abstract Microbial proteins from bacteria grown predominately in methanol or methane have been assessed as potential protein sources in livestock feeds for several years. However, despite a number of promising avenues, most have not achieved commercial success, partly due to a lack of uptake from the wider industry and partly because of the inherent technological and regulatory hurdles in upscaling from lab to full scale production. However, despite these constraints, several single cell proteins (SCPs) have been added to livestock feeds with a strong focus on pigs and poultry. To a lesser extent, proteins in cattle and turkey feeds have been partially replaced on an experimental basis with these SCPs. Typical studies have focused on growth and production outcomes in livestock although more recent studies have addressed the potential of SCPs to influence health outcomes. This chapter evaluates the different studies completed to date, including providing data on positive and negative outcomes associated with the inclusion of SCPs in feeds. It concludes with a view on future needs for cultured proteins from fermentation.
A checklist of parasites of freshwater fish of the British Isles—Kennedy revisited, reviewed and reassessed Journal Article
M. Longshaw;A. P. Shinn;C. Williams;A. Reading
In: Zootaxa, vol. 5825, no. 1, pp. 1–198, 2026, ISSN: 1175-5334, 1175-5326.
Pathology and parasitology Peer review Animal health Research intelligence
@article{longshaw_checklist_2026,
title = {A checklist of parasites of freshwater fish of the British Isles—Kennedy revisited, reviewed and reassessed},
author = {Matt Longshaw and Chris Williams and Amy Reading and Andrew P. Shinn},
url = {https://mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.5825.1.1},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5825.1.1},
issn = {1175-5334, 1175-5326},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-06-01},
urldate = {2026-06-05},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5825},
number = {1},
pages = {1–198},
abstract = {This review addresses the current state of knowledge regarding freshwater fish parasites in the British Isles, highlighting the significant gap since kennedy’s seminal 1974 work (Journal of Fish Biology 6: 613–644). Despite subsequent efforts by others to produce checklists in 1992 and 2016, comprehensive updates to parasite distribution patterns and species records have been limited. The paper emphasises the importance of accurate parasite checklists for understanding the status of and changes to endemic species baselines, climate change impacts, managing fish translocations, and identifying novel infections. Historical records, including paleoparasitological findings from archaeological deposits, provide valuable insights into parasite distribution patterns, though pre-1900s data requires careful interpretation due to taxonomic limitations. This study provides compiled parasite and host lists from published and unpublished records, creating a database that includes host species, parasite nomenclature, organ location, geographical distribution, and reference information. The current compilation details 339 named parasite species in 147 genera from 58 hosts (52 Protista, 3 Microsporidia, 54 Myxozoa, 83 “Monogenea” (79 Monopisthocotyla, 4 Polyopisthocotyla), 58 Digenea and Aspidogastrea, 33 Cestoda, 21 Nematoda, 7 Acanthocephala, 5 Hirudinea, 14 Copepoda, 4 Branchiura, and 5 Mollusca). A further 69 parasites identified to genus or class level have been reported, bringing the total number of parasites reported in the British Isles to 408. Several challenges are identified, including data transposition errors in previous works, sampling method inconsistencies, difficulties in accessing unpublished data, scant repositories to retrospectively evaluate findings, absence of molecular and taxonomic rigour, and the impact of anthropogenic activities on parasite distributions. As a result, any list may represent a significant underestimate of species presence and diversity. The review concludes by recommending future research directions, emphasising the need for combined molecular and morphological approaches, standardised documentation methods, and increased focus on under-represented taxa to enhance our understanding of freshwater fish parasites in the British Isles.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This review addresses the current state of knowledge regarding freshwater fish parasites in the British Isles, highlighting the significant gap since kennedy’s seminal 1974 work (Journal of Fish Biology 6: 613–644). Despite subsequent efforts by others to produce checklists in 1992 and 2016, comprehensive updates to parasite distribution patterns and species records have been limited. The paper emphasises the importance of accurate parasite checklists for understanding the status of and changes to endemic species baselines, climate change impacts, managing fish translocations, and identifying novel infections. Historical records, including paleoparasitological findings from archaeological deposits, provide valuable insights into parasite distribution patterns, though pre-1900s data requires careful interpretation due to taxonomic limitations. This study provides compiled parasite and host lists from published and unpublished records, creating a database that includes host species, parasite nomenclature, organ location, geographical distribution, and reference information. The current compilation details 339 named parasite species in 147 genera from 58 hosts (52 Protista, 3 Microsporidia, 54 Myxozoa, 83 “Monogenea” (79 Monopisthocotyla, 4 Polyopisthocotyla), 58 Digenea and Aspidogastrea, 33 Cestoda, 21 Nematoda, 7 Acanthocephala, 5 Hirudinea, 14 Copepoda, 4 Branchiura, and 5 Mollusca). A further 69 parasites identified to genus or class level have been reported, bringing the total number of parasites reported in the British Isles to 408. Several challenges are identified, including data transposition errors in previous works, sampling method inconsistencies, difficulties in accessing unpublished data, scant repositories to retrospectively evaluate findings, absence of molecular and taxonomic rigour, and the impact of anthropogenic activities on parasite distributions. As a result, any list may represent a significant underestimate of species presence and diversity. The review concludes by recommending future research directions, emphasising the need for combined molecular and morphological approaches, standardised documentation methods, and increased focus on under-represented taxa to enhance our understanding of freshwater fish parasites in the British Isles.
Pet food processes: extrusion vs cold press Journal Article
A. P. Wesker
In: GlobalPETS, no. March, pp. 33–35, 2026, ISSN: 1388-4638.
Pet nutrition Technical Trade magazine
@article{wesker_pet_2026,
title = {Pet food processes: extrusion vs cold press},
author = {A P Wesker},
url = {https://globalpetindustry.com/article/pet-food-processes-extrusion-vs-cold-press/},
issn = {1388-4638},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-01-01},
urldate = {2026-07-14},
journal = {GlobalPETS},
number = {March},
pages = {33–35},
publisher = {GlobalPETS},
abstract = {Science and brands alike are being pushed to explain how production methods affect digestibility, nutrients and health.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Science and brands alike are being pushed to explain how production methods affect digestibility, nutrients and health.
New ingredients: a roadmap to market Journal Article
M. Longshaw;A. P. Wesker
In: Agro Food industry Hi-Tech, vol. 37, pp. 62–65, 2026.
Human nutrition Pet nutrition Clinical nutrition Market entry Peer review Technical Trade magazine
@article{longshaw_new_2026,
title = {New ingredients: a roadmap to market},
author = {M Longshaw and A P Wesker},
url = {https://www.agro-food-industry.com/articles/new-ingredients-a-roadmap-to-market/},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-01-01},
journal = {Agro Food industry Hi-Tech},
volume = {37},
pages = {62–65},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
One Health in Fish and Shellfish Journal Article
M. Longshaw;D. Bass;S. Baron;M. Travers;O. Haenen
In: Bulletin Of The European Association Of Fish Pathologists, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 1–18, 2025, ISSN: 0108-0288.
Pathology and parasitology
@article{bass_one_2025,
title = {One Health in Fish and Shellfish},
author = {David Bass and Sandrine Baron and Marie-Agnes Travers and Matt Longshaw and Olga Haenen and Marie-Agnes Travers and Matt Longshaw and Olga Haenen},
url = {https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00948/106007/},
doi = {10.48045/001c.124752},
issn = {0108-0288},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
urldate = {2025-11-13},
journal = {Bulletin Of The European Association Of Fish Pathologists},
volume = {45},
number = {1},
pages = {1–18},
publisher = {Eur Assoc Fish Pathologists},
abstract = {one health is a term increasingly in focus on a global scale. the one health concept grew from a centuries-old understanding of the connectedness of human and animal health and the need to consider them together. this is not only the case in the interaction between humans and warm-blooded animals but also related to contact with cold-blooded animals like fish and shellfish, produced for food, or as pet or laboratory animals. during this three hour virtual workshop held during the 21st eafp conference, at aberdeen, scotland, we aimed at highlighting a one health approach regarding the interactions of cultured and ornamental fish, shellfish, their environment, pathogens, human health, and human sociological and economic activity, contact- and food-zoonoses by bacteria and parasites, and amr issues. in total, more than 65 participants from various countries from all over the world participated in this workshop. this paper provides a summary of each presentation and some of the discussions arising from them, giving a snapshot of different one health perspectives being pursued by the participants.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
one health is a term increasingly in focus on a global scale. the one health concept grew from a centuries-old understanding of the connectedness of human and animal health and the need to consider them together. this is not only the case in the interaction between humans and warm-blooded animals but also related to contact with cold-blooded animals like fish and shellfish, produced for food, or as pet or laboratory animals. during this three hour virtual workshop held during the 21st eafp conference, at aberdeen, scotland, we aimed at highlighting a one health approach regarding the interactions of cultured and ornamental fish, shellfish, their environment, pathogens, human health, and human sociological and economic activity, contact- and food-zoonoses by bacteria and parasites, and amr issues. in total, more than 65 participants from various countries from all over the world participated in this workshop. this paper provides a summary of each presentation and some of the discussions arising from them, giving a snapshot of different one health perspectives being pursued by the participants.
M. Longshaw;P. Stebbing;R. Foster;J. Hunt;K. Bateman;M. Green;W. Ball;L. Heath;G. Ward
In: Biological Invasions, vol. 27, pp. 1–10, 2025.
Pathology and parasitology Peer review
@article{foster_re-examination_2025,
title = {Re-examination of archived materials reveals infection of zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha in UK waters with the parasite Haplosporidium raabei},
author = {Rachel Foster and Jasmine Hunt and Kelly Bateman and Matthew Green and William Ball and Matt Longshaw and Laura Heath and Paul Stebbing and Georgia Ward},
doi = {10.1007/s10530-025-03545-0},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
journal = {Biological Invasions},
volume = {27},
pages = {1–10},
abstract = {Recent increased interest in the role of invasive bivalve species in the translocation of non-native parasite and symbiont species prompted the re-examination of archived samples of zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha collected in 2012 and 2013 from Cardiff Bay, Wales and Grafham Water, England. Histopathological survey of parasites and pests identified the presence of haplosporidian-like cells. Comparison of these cells with the published description and digitally scanned tissue sections of the type of material of Haplosporidium raabei indicated the presence of H. raabei in established populations of zebra mussels in the UK. Confirmatory FFPE DNA extraction and targeted PCR confirmed the molecular identity of the parasite. This is the first record of the lethal, but presumed rare, zebra mussel parasite in UK waters, and demonstrates the value of archive samples for invasive parasite records. The translocation and establishment of this freshwater mussel pathogen should be further researched, given the current ecologically threatened status of native freshwater mussels.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Recent increased interest in the role of invasive bivalve species in the translocation of non-native parasite and symbiont species prompted the re-examination of archived samples of zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha collected in 2012 and 2013 from Cardiff Bay, Wales and Grafham Water, England. Histopathological survey of parasites and pests identified the presence of haplosporidian-like cells. Comparison of these cells with the published description and digitally scanned tissue sections of the type of material of Haplosporidium raabei indicated the presence of H. raabei in established populations of zebra mussels in the UK. Confirmatory FFPE DNA extraction and targeted PCR confirmed the molecular identity of the parasite. This is the first record of the lethal, but presumed rare, zebra mussel parasite in UK waters, and demonstrates the value of archive samples for invasive parasite records. The translocation and establishment of this freshwater mussel pathogen should be further researched, given the current ecologically threatened status of native freshwater mussels.
M. Longshaw;B. Quest;W. Miller;P. M. Oba;O. R. Swanson;K. S. Swanson;K. Miller
In: Animals, vol. 15, no. 13, pp. 1975, 2025, ISSN: 2076-2615.
Pet nutrition Peer review Animal health Market entry Clinical nutrition
@article{longshaw_safety_2025,
title = {The Safety of FeedKind Pet® (Methylococcus capsulatus, Bath) as a Cultured Protein Source in the Diet of Adult Dogs and Its Effect on Feed Digestibility, Fecal Microbiome, and Health Status},
author = {Matt Longshaw and Bradley Quest and Walt Miller and Patricia M. Oba and Olivia R. Swanson and Kelly S. Swanson and Kathryn Miller},
url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12249425/},
doi = {10.3390/ani15131975},
issn = {2076-2615},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
urldate = {2025-07-24},
journal = {Animals},
volume = {15},
number = {13},
pages = {1975},
abstract = {Thirty-two beagles were fed diets containing up to 8% cultured protein for six months, then fed control diets for a further two months. The safety of the protein was assessed by measuring blood and urine parameters as well as the growth of the dogs. Additionally, the intestinal microbiome was shown to be positively influenced by the cultured protein. The diets were well tolerated by the dogs with no reduction in feed intake and were readily digested, providing all of the essential nutrients required. The study showed that FeedKind Pet® is safe as a protein source for dogs and can be included at up to 8% of the total diet with no harmful side effects., Thirty-two healthy adult dogs (16 males and 16 females) were fed control kibble diets for one month, followed by six months (Weeks 0 to 25) of diets containing either 0, 4, 6, or 8% cultured protein derived from Methylococcus capsulatus (FeedKind Pet®, FK), then they were fed control diets (0% FK) for a further two months (Weeks 25 to 34). The diets were isonitrogenous, isolipidic, and isocaloric and stage- and age-specific. The dogs were assessed for overall health, weight gain, and body condition score (BCS). Blood samples were collected 1 week prior to randomization, during acclimation, then in Weeks 5, 13, 25, 30, 32, and 34 for hematology, coagulation, and clinical chemistry; urine was collected according to the same time schedule for urinalysis. Feces were assessed for parasite load and presence of occult blood during Weeks 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, and 25. Fecal samples were collected during acclimation and Weeks 25 and 34 for fecal microbiome analysis and in Week 25 for apparent total gastrointestinal tract digestibility (ATTD). All dogs maintained a healthy weight and BCS throughout the study. Hematology parameters were within normal limits at the end of each phase of the study. With the exception of a decrease in serum phosphorus level and in urine pH in all groups at the end of the study, urine and serum chemistry results were within normal limits at the end of each phase. ATTD values for organic matter, protein, and energy exceeded 80%, whilst digestibility values for copper were around 20%. The fecal microbiome was dominated by Firmicutes. Alpha diversity increased during the safety phase before returning to baseline levels during the washout phase. The dominant genera in all groups were Megamonas, Peptoclostridium, Turicibacter, Catenibacterium, Fusobacterium, Romboutsia, and Blautia. The study has shown that the inclusion of cultured protein at up to 8% of the total diet of adult dogs can provide sufficient nutrition and is safe with no long-term effects on a range of health parameters.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Thirty-two beagles were fed diets containing up to 8% cultured protein for six months, then fed control diets for a further two months. The safety of the protein was assessed by measuring blood and urine parameters as well as the growth of the dogs. Additionally, the intestinal microbiome was shown to be positively influenced by the cultured protein. The diets were well tolerated by the dogs with no reduction in feed intake and were readily digested, providing all of the essential nutrients required. The study showed that FeedKind Pet® is safe as a protein source for dogs and can be included at up to 8% of the total diet with no harmful side effects., Thirty-two healthy adult dogs (16 males and 16 females) were fed control kibble diets for one month, followed by six months (Weeks 0 to 25) of diets containing either 0, 4, 6, or 8% cultured protein derived from Methylococcus capsulatus (FeedKind Pet®, FK), then they were fed control diets (0% FK) for a further two months (Weeks 25 to 34). The diets were isonitrogenous, isolipidic, and isocaloric and stage- and age-specific. The dogs were assessed for overall health, weight gain, and body condition score (BCS). Blood samples were collected 1 week prior to randomization, during acclimation, then in Weeks 5, 13, 25, 30, 32, and 34 for hematology, coagulation, and clinical chemistry; urine was collected according to the same time schedule for urinalysis. Feces were assessed for parasite load and presence of occult blood during Weeks 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, and 25. Fecal samples were collected during acclimation and Weeks 25 and 34 for fecal microbiome analysis and in Week 25 for apparent total gastrointestinal tract digestibility (ATTD). All dogs maintained a healthy weight and BCS throughout the study. Hematology parameters were within normal limits at the end of each phase of the study. With the exception of a decrease in serum phosphorus level and in urine pH in all groups at the end of the study, urine and serum chemistry results were within normal limits at the end of each phase. ATTD values for organic matter, protein, and energy exceeded 80%, whilst digestibility values for copper were around 20%. The fecal microbiome was dominated by Firmicutes. Alpha diversity increased during the safety phase before returning to baseline levels during the washout phase. The dominant genera in all groups were Megamonas, Peptoclostridium, Turicibacter, Catenibacterium, Fusobacterium, Romboutsia, and Blautia. The study has shown that the inclusion of cultured protein at up to 8% of the total diet of adult dogs can provide sufficient nutrition and is safe with no long-term effects on a range of health parameters.
Microbial Protein for Human Consumption: Towards Sustainable Protein Production Journal Article
M. Longshaw;A. W. Watson;R. F. Townsend
In: Nutrition Bulletin, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 678–682, 2025, ISSN: 1467-3010, (_eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/nbu.70028).
Human nutrition Market entry
@article{watson_microbial_2025,
title = {Microbial Protein for Human Consumption: Towards Sustainable Protein Production},
author = {Anthony W. Watson and Rebecca F. Townsend and Matt Longshaw},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/nbu.70028},
doi = {10.1111/nbu.70028},
issn = {1467-3010},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
urldate = {2025-09-17},
journal = {Nutrition Bulletin},
volume = {50},
number = {4},
pages = {678–682},
abstract = {Protein from animal sources significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, driving the need for sustainable alternative protein sources to meet global dietary demands while reducing environmental impact. This project explores microbial protein, derived through cellular agriculture using fermentation technology, as a viable, sustainable and high-quality protein for human consumption. This report describes a multidisciplinary approach to assessing the feasibility of incorporating microbial protein into human food systems, guided by four key objectives. First, a market analysis to identify opportunities and challenges for incorporating microbial protein into existing food products, assessing its potential to improve the protein quality of plant-based foods. Second, the project will evaluate the protein quality and digestibility of reformulated products using advanced models simulating human gastrointestinal processes. Third, consumer perceptions and barriers to adopting bacterial-based proteins will be investigated, addressing safety, health and sustainability concerns. Overall findings will inform the development of a technical document outlining actionable recommendations for commercialising microbial proteins as food ingredients. This multidisciplinary project aims to support the sustainable diversification of dietary protein sources, contributing to global efforts towards achieving sustainable food systems. The project is funded by the Start Healthy, Stay Healthy (STAR) Hub, a Diet and Health Open Innovation Research Club (OIRC) which is funded by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).},
note = {_eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/nbu.70028},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Protein from animal sources significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, driving the need for sustainable alternative protein sources to meet global dietary demands while reducing environmental impact. This project explores microbial protein, derived through cellular agriculture using fermentation technology, as a viable, sustainable and high-quality protein for human consumption. This report describes a multidisciplinary approach to assessing the feasibility of incorporating microbial protein into human food systems, guided by four key objectives. First, a market analysis to identify opportunities and challenges for incorporating microbial protein into existing food products, assessing its potential to improve the protein quality of plant-based foods. Second, the project will evaluate the protein quality and digestibility of reformulated products using advanced models simulating human gastrointestinal processes. Third, consumer perceptions and barriers to adopting bacterial-based proteins will be investigated, addressing safety, health and sustainability concerns. Overall findings will inform the development of a technical document outlining actionable recommendations for commercialising microbial proteins as food ingredients. This multidisciplinary project aims to support the sustainable diversification of dietary protein sources, contributing to global efforts towards achieving sustainable food systems. The project is funded by the Start Healthy, Stay Healthy (STAR) Hub, a Diet and Health Open Innovation Research Club (OIRC) which is funded by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
M. Longshaw;J. Wang;J. Zhang;W. Liang;X. Dong;Q. Yang;H. Liu;J. Deng;B. Tan;S. Chi
In: Animal Nutrition, vol. 22, pp. 321–336, 2025, ISSN: 2405-6545.
Fish nutrition Peer review Clinical nutrition
@article{zhang_methanotroph_2025,
title = {Methanotroph (Methylococcus capsulatus) bacteria meal, influences the intestinal microbiome, and improves intestinal barrier function and immunity in hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscointestinetatus ♀ × E. lanceolatus ♂)},
author = {Jiacheng Zhang and Weixing Liang and Jia Wang and Matt Longshaw and Xiaohui Dong and Qihui Yang and Hongyu Liu and Junming Deng and Beiping Tan and Shuyan Chi},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405654525000952},
doi = {10.1016/j.aninu.2025.03.020},
issn = {2405-6545},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
urldate = {2025-08-18},
journal = {Animal Nutrition},
volume = {22},
pages = {321–336},
abstract = {The hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscointestinetatus ♀ × E. lanceolatus ♂) is an important aquaculture marine species in China. The current study was designed to test the effects of methanotroph (Methylococcus capsulatus) bacteria meal (MBM) on hybrid grouper growth and intestinal health outcomes. Five iso-nitrogenous and iso-lipidic diets were formulated, comprising a control diet (MBM0) with 400 g/kg fish meal (FM) as the main protein source, and four experimental diets, in which FM was replaced at 5% (MBM2), 10% (MBM4), 20% (MBM8) and 30% (MBM12) with 20, 40, 80 and 120 g/kg of MBM, respectively. The 450 healthy juvenile hybrid grouper (initial weight 28.84 ± 0.05 g) were randomly allocated into five groups, with three replicates in each group and 30 fish in each replicate. They were fed for eight weeks prior to being sampled for transcriptome and microbiome research. The final body weight (FBW, P < 0.001) and weight gain rate (WGR, P < 0.001) were obviously enhanced in MBM2 and MBM8 groups compared to MBM0 group, and the specific growth rate (SGR) in the MBM2 and MBM8 groups were significantly enhanced compared to MBM0 group (P < 0.001). The condition factor (CF) in MBM4 and MBM8 groups were considerably reduced than that in MBM0 group (P = 0.008). The hepatosomatic index (HSI) in MBM8 and MBM12 groups were obviously enhanced than that in the other groups (P < 0.001). In the intestinal microflora analysis, the number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) exhibited a significant linear increase with increasing MBM replacement ratio (P = 0.015). Concurrently, the richness of bacterial families and genera showed significant linear enrichment (P = 0.023 and P = 0.028, respectively). There was a decrease in the relative abundance of the potentially pathogenic genera Photobacterium and Vibrio in the MBM-fed groups compared with the control group. The study has effectively shown that MBM may significantly enhance the health and growth of hybrid groupers by partially replacing FM in diets at the required amount of 3.70%, as determined by WGR regression analysis.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscointestinetatus ♀ × E. lanceolatus ♂) is an important aquaculture marine species in China. The current study was designed to test the effects of methanotroph (Methylococcus capsulatus) bacteria meal (MBM) on hybrid grouper growth and intestinal health outcomes. Five iso-nitrogenous and iso-lipidic diets were formulated, comprising a control diet (MBM0) with 400 g/kg fish meal (FM) as the main protein source, and four experimental diets, in which FM was replaced at 5% (MBM2), 10% (MBM4), 20% (MBM8) and 30% (MBM12) with 20, 40, 80 and 120 g/kg of MBM, respectively. The 450 healthy juvenile hybrid grouper (initial weight 28.84 ± 0.05 g) were randomly allocated into five groups, with three replicates in each group and 30 fish in each replicate. They were fed for eight weeks prior to being sampled for transcriptome and microbiome research. The final body weight (FBW, P < 0.001) and weight gain rate (WGR, P < 0.001) were obviously enhanced in MBM2 and MBM8 groups compared to MBM0 group, and the specific growth rate (SGR) in the MBM2 and MBM8 groups were significantly enhanced compared to MBM0 group (P < 0.001). The condition factor (CF) in MBM4 and MBM8 groups were considerably reduced than that in MBM0 group (P = 0.008). The hepatosomatic index (HSI) in MBM8 and MBM12 groups were obviously enhanced than that in the other groups (P < 0.001). In the intestinal microflora analysis, the number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) exhibited a significant linear increase with increasing MBM replacement ratio (P = 0.015). Concurrently, the richness of bacterial families and genera showed significant linear enrichment (P = 0.023 and P = 0.028, respectively). There was a decrease in the relative abundance of the potentially pathogenic genera Photobacterium and Vibrio in the MBM-fed groups compared with the control group. The study has effectively shown that MBM may significantly enhance the health and growth of hybrid groupers by partially replacing FM in diets at the required amount of 3.70%, as determined by WGR regression analysis.
Cracking the secret: eggshell membrane in pet food Journal Article
A. P. Wesker
In: Pets International, no. February, pp. 28–29, 2025, ISSN: 1388-4638.
Pet nutrition Technical Trade magazine Market entry
@article{wesker_cracking_2025,
title = {Cracking the secret: eggshell membrane in pet food},
author = {A P Wesker},
url = {https://globalpetindustry.com/article/cracking-the-secret-eggshell-membrane-in-pet-food/},
issn = {1388-4638},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
urldate = {2026-07-14},
journal = {Pets International},
number = {February},
pages = {28–29},
publisher = {GlobalPETS},
abstract = {Often considered waste, this byproduct can be naturally extracted and is highly functional. Using it in pet products could capitalize on nutritional trends.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Often considered waste, this byproduct can be naturally extracted and is highly functional. Using it in pet products could capitalize on nutritional trends.
What’s in the (pre)mix? Journal Article
A. P. Wesker
In: Pets International, no. May, pp. 106–107, 2025, ISSN: 1388-4638.
Pet nutrition Technical Trade magazine
@article{wesker_whats_2025,
title = {What’s in the (pre)mix?},
author = {A P Wesker},
url = {https://globalpetindustry.com/article/whats-in-the-premix/},
issn = {1388-4638},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
urldate = {2026-07-14},
journal = {Pets International},
number = {May},
pages = {106–107},
publisher = {GlobalPETS},
abstract = {Ongoing considerations for producing a good premix include optimizing the shelf life of vitamins and improving the consistency of particle size.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Ongoing considerations for producing a good premix include optimizing the shelf life of vitamins and improving the consistency of particle size.
Functional snacks dominate pet nutrition trends Journal Article
A. P. Wesker
In: Pets International, no. November, pp. 67–68, 2025, ISSN: 1388-4638.
Pet nutrition Technical Trade magazine
@article{wesker_functional_2025,
title = {Functional snacks dominate pet nutrition trends},
author = {A P Wesker},
url = {https://globalpetindustry.com/article/functional-snacks-dominate-pet-nutrition-trends/},
issn = {1388-4638},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
urldate = {2026-07-14},
journal = {Pets International},
number = {November},
pages = {67–68},
publisher = {GlobalPETS},
abstract = {The category is growing faster than the traditional mainstays of pet foods, driven by ingredients that claim to offer health and sustainability benefits.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The category is growing faster than the traditional mainstays of pet foods, driven by ingredients that claim to offer health and sustainability benefits.
Replacement of fishmeal with a microbial single-cell protein induced enteropathy and poor growth outcomes in barramundi (Lates calcarifer) fry Journal Article
M. Longshaw;F. Samsing;R. Sullivan;H. Truong;A. Robenso;C. R. Sangster;J. Bannister;J. A. Becker
In: Journal of Fish Diseases, vol. 47, no. 9, pp. e13985, 2024, ISSN: 1365-2761, (_eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jfd.13985).
Fish nutrition Peer review Clinical nutrition
@article{samsing_replacement_2024,
title = {Replacement of fishmeal with a microbial single-cell protein induced enteropathy and poor growth outcomes in barramundi (Lates calcarifer) fry},
author = {Francisca Samsing and Roisin Sullivan and Ha Truong and Artur Robenso and Cheryl R. Sangster and Jo Bannister and Matt Longshaw and Joy A. Becker},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jfd.13985},
doi = {10.1111/jfd.13985},
issn = {1365-2761},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
urldate = {2024-06-26},
journal = {Journal of Fish Diseases},
volume = {47},
number = {9},
pages = {e13985},
abstract = {Fish meal (FM) replacement is essential for the sustainable expansion of aquaculture. This study focussed on the feasibility of replacing FM with a single-cell protein (SCP) derived from methanotrophic bacteria (Methylococcus capsulatus, Bath) in barramundi fry (Lates calcarifer). Three isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated with 0%, 6.4% and 12.9% inclusion of the SCP, replacing FM by 0%, 25% and 50%. Barramundi fry (initial body weight 2.5 ± 0.1 g) were fed experimental diets for 21 days to assess growth performance, gut microbiome composition and gut histopathology. Our findings revealed that both levels of SCP inclusion induced detrimental effects in barramundi fry, including impaired growth and reduced survival compared with the control group (66.7% and 71.7% survival in diets replacing FM with SCP by 25% and 50%, respectively; p < .05). Both dietary treatments presented mild necrotizing enteritis with subepithelial oedema and accumulation of PAS positive, diastase resistant droplets within hepatocytes (ceroid hepatopathy) and pancreatic atrophy. Microbiome analysis revealed a marked shift in the gut microbial community with the expansion of potential opportunistic bacteria in the genus Aeromonas. Reduced overall performance in the highest inclusion level (50% SCP) was primarily associated with reduced feed intake, likely related to palatability issues, albeit pathological changes observed in gut and liver may also play a role. Our study highlights the importance of meticulous optimization of SCP inclusion levels in aquafeed formulations, and the need for species and life-stage specific assessments to ensure the health and welfare of fish in sustainable aquaculture practices.},
note = {_eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jfd.13985},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Fish meal (FM) replacement is essential for the sustainable expansion of aquaculture. This study focussed on the feasibility of replacing FM with a single-cell protein (SCP) derived from methanotrophic bacteria (Methylococcus capsulatus, Bath) in barramundi fry (Lates calcarifer). Three isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated with 0%, 6.4% and 12.9% inclusion of the SCP, replacing FM by 0%, 25% and 50%. Barramundi fry (initial body weight 2.5 ± 0.1 g) were fed experimental diets for 21 days to assess growth performance, gut microbiome composition and gut histopathology. Our findings revealed that both levels of SCP inclusion induced detrimental effects in barramundi fry, including impaired growth and reduced survival compared with the control group (66.7% and 71.7% survival in diets replacing FM with SCP by 25% and 50%, respectively; p < .05). Both dietary treatments presented mild necrotizing enteritis with subepithelial oedema and accumulation of PAS positive, diastase resistant droplets within hepatocytes (ceroid hepatopathy) and pancreatic atrophy. Microbiome analysis revealed a marked shift in the gut microbial community with the expansion of potential opportunistic bacteria in the genus Aeromonas. Reduced overall performance in the highest inclusion level (50% SCP) was primarily associated with reduced feed intake, likely related to palatability issues, albeit pathological changes observed in gut and liver may also play a role. Our study highlights the importance of meticulous optimization of SCP inclusion levels in aquafeed formulations, and the need for species and life-stage specific assessments to ensure the health and welfare of fish in sustainable aquaculture practices.
Fruit and veg in pet food: formulations, claims and safe use Journal Article
A. P. Wesker
In: Pets International, no. February, pp. 50–51, 2024, ISSN: 1388-4638.
Pet nutrition Technical Trade magazine Market entry
@article{wesker_fruit_2024,
title = {Fruit and veg in pet food: formulations, claims and safe use},
author = {A P Wesker},
url = {https://globalpetindustry.com/article/fruit-and-veg-in-pet-food-formulations-claims-and-safe-use/},
issn = {1388-4638},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
urldate = {2026-07-14},
journal = {Pets International},
number = {February},
pages = {50–51},
publisher = {GlobalPETS},
abstract = {Plant ingredients are routinely added to pet foods, but formulations and amounts can vary greatly – as can potential benefits.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Plant ingredients are routinely added to pet foods, but formulations and amounts can vary greatly – as can potential benefits.
The evolving landscape of extrusion Journal Article
A. P. Wesker
In: Pets International, no. May, pp. 119–121, 2024, ISSN: 1388-4638.
Pet nutrition Technical Trade magazine
@article{wesker_evolving_2024,
title = {The evolving landscape of extrusion},
author = {A P Wesker},
url = {https://globalpetindustry.com/article/the-evolving-landscape-of-extrusion/},
issn = {1388-4638},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
urldate = {2026-07-14},
journal = {Pets International},
number = {May},
pages = {119–121},
publisher = {GlobalPETS},
abstract = {Pet food has progressed significantly in recent times, with the process of extrusion required to accommodate new developments.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Pet food has progressed significantly in recent times, with the process of extrusion required to accommodate new developments.
Beyond the bowl: table scraps and canine nutrition Journal Article
A. P. Wesker
In: Pets International, no. October, pp. 20–21, 2024, ISSN: 1388-4638.
Pet nutrition Technical Trade magazine
@article{wesker_beyond_2024,
title = {Beyond the bowl: table scraps and canine nutrition},
author = {A P Wesker},
url = {https://globalpetindustry.com/article/beyond-the-bowl-table-scraps-and-canine-nutrition/},
issn = {1388-4638},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
urldate = {2026-07-14},
journal = {Pets International},
number = {October},
pages = {20–21},
publisher = {GlobalPETS},
abstract = {Supplementing a complete pet diet with various ‘extras’ – whether homemade or shop-bought – is common, but the practice can be nutritionally detrimental.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Supplementing a complete pet diet with various ‘extras’ – whether homemade or shop-bought – is common, but the practice can be nutritionally detrimental.
Effects of a novel bacteria meal (FeedKind®) on the physical properties of extrudates Journal Article
M. Longshaw;J. Wang;M. Xue;J. Wang;X. Liang;R. Liu;S. Xing;H. Cheng;L. Hou;H. Wang
In: Aquaculture Reports, vol. 33, pp. 101744, 2023, ISSN: 2352-5134.
Fish nutrition Technical Market entry
@article{liu_effects_2023,
title = {Effects of a novel bacteria meal (FeedKind®) on the physical properties of extrudates},
author = {Rongda Liu and Shujuan Xing and Hongyuan Cheng and Xiaofang Liang and Jia Wang and Jie Wang and Matt Longshaw and Lei Hou and Min Xue and Hao Wang},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352513423002831},
doi = {10.1016/j.aqrep.2023.101744},
issn = {2352-5134},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-12-01},
urldate = {2023-10-11},
journal = {Aquaculture Reports},
volume = {33},
pages = {101744},
abstract = {The development of fishmeal (FM) alternatives for feed in aquaculture is essential for sustainable and economic fish farming. A study was undertaken to evaluate the potential of a novel bacteria meal (FeedKind® (FK)) as fishmeal substitute. There are significant differences between fishmeal and FeedKind® in viscosity, water absorption, water-soluble protein, oil absorption and other physicochemical properties, which in turn affects the physical quality of feed. Increasing FK content will enhance the pellet durability (P < 0.05) and the expansion (P < 0.01), and decrease the oil leakage (P < 0.05) of the extruded feed pellets. This indicates that FK can be used as a feasible substitute for FM to improve the physical qualities of low-starch floating extrudates. The optimal lower moisture content (24.3%−24.9%) and temperature (127.6 ℃−136.7 ℃) requirement in extrusion after FM is replaced by FK is conducive to reducing the consumption of water and electric energy in the drying process, which contributes to the low carbon emissions and sustainable production of fish feed.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The development of fishmeal (FM) alternatives for feed in aquaculture is essential for sustainable and economic fish farming. A study was undertaken to evaluate the potential of a novel bacteria meal (FeedKind® (FK)) as fishmeal substitute. There are significant differences between fishmeal and FeedKind® in viscosity, water absorption, water-soluble protein, oil absorption and other physicochemical properties, which in turn affects the physical quality of feed. Increasing FK content will enhance the pellet durability (P < 0.05) and the expansion (P < 0.01), and decrease the oil leakage (P < 0.05) of the extruded feed pellets. This indicates that FK can be used as a feasible substitute for FM to improve the physical qualities of low-starch floating extrudates. The optimal lower moisture content (24.3%−24.9%) and temperature (127.6 ℃−136.7 ℃) requirement in extrusion after FM is replaced by FK is conducive to reducing the consumption of water and electric energy in the drying process, which contributes to the low carbon emissions and sustainable production of fish feed.
Digestibility of bacterial protein by Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is affected by both inclusion level and acclimation time Journal Article
M. Longshaw;B. Glencross;P. Muñoz-Lopez;C. Matthew;S. MacKenzie;A. Powell;A. LeBlanc
In: Aquaculture, vol. 565, pp. 739137, 2023, ISSN: 0044-8486.
Fish nutrition Peer review Technical
@article{glencross_digestibility_2023,
title = {Digestibility of bacterial protein by Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is affected by both inclusion level and acclimation time},
author = {Brett Glencross and Pedro Muñoz-Lopez and Chessor Matthew and Simon MacKenzie and Adam Powell and Matt Longshaw and Allan LeBlanc},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0044848622012546},
doi = {10.1016/j.aquaculture.2022.739137},
issn = {0044-8486},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
urldate = {2022-12-08},
journal = {Aquaculture},
volume = {565},
pages = {739137},
abstract = {The impact of acclimation time and inclusion level of a bacterial protein (BP) meal on the digestibility of protein and amino acids to post-smolt Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) was examined using a factorial experimental design that compared acclimation over five time points (3-days, 10-days, 17-days, 24-days, and 35-days) and five BP inclusion levels (0 g/kg, 100 g/kg, 200 g/kg, 300 g/kg and 400 g/kg). An additional test diet with soy protein concentrate (300 g/kg) was included as a comparison. Each of the diets were prepared from the same basal mash and using the same processing methods. Feed intake was measured daily. The results of the study showed that diet apparent digestibility coefficients (DADC) changed markedly over the time-course of the study, initially being low and variable before stabilizing at higher values from day-17 onwards. However, the effect on temporal variability of DADC values was consistent across all diets. This consistency translated to comparatively stable ingredient apparent digestibility coefficients (IADC) across each of the time points assessed, though there was a significant decline in all IADC values over time. Additionally, the IADC data was less reliable at the 10% inclusion level with higher variability and significantly differed from the other values determined at the higher inclusion levels. Furthermore, there was not always consistency in the IADC values for nitrogen and sum of amino acids, although both are often used as measures of protein. There were also significant differences among the different amino acids in terms of their IADC values. Although there was a trend towards poorer feed intake with the higher inclusion levels of the BP, this was no worse than that observed for the soy protein concentrate. In recognition of the findings of this study we are suggesting that digestibility studies with Atlantic salmon post-smolt should acclimate for a minimum of 14-days prior to faecal collection and that test ingredient inclusion should be 200 g/kg or greater to obtain reliable data.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The impact of acclimation time and inclusion level of a bacterial protein (BP) meal on the digestibility of protein and amino acids to post-smolt Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) was examined using a factorial experimental design that compared acclimation over five time points (3-days, 10-days, 17-days, 24-days, and 35-days) and five BP inclusion levels (0 g/kg, 100 g/kg, 200 g/kg, 300 g/kg and 400 g/kg). An additional test diet with soy protein concentrate (300 g/kg) was included as a comparison. Each of the diets were prepared from the same basal mash and using the same processing methods. Feed intake was measured daily. The results of the study showed that diet apparent digestibility coefficients (DADC) changed markedly over the time-course of the study, initially being low and variable before stabilizing at higher values from day-17 onwards. However, the effect on temporal variability of DADC values was consistent across all diets. This consistency translated to comparatively stable ingredient apparent digestibility coefficients (IADC) across each of the time points assessed, though there was a significant decline in all IADC values over time. Additionally, the IADC data was less reliable at the 10% inclusion level with higher variability and significantly differed from the other values determined at the higher inclusion levels. Furthermore, there was not always consistency in the IADC values for nitrogen and sum of amino acids, although both are often used as measures of protein. There were also significant differences among the different amino acids in terms of their IADC values. Although there was a trend towards poorer feed intake with the higher inclusion levels of the BP, this was no worse than that observed for the soy protein concentrate. In recognition of the findings of this study we are suggesting that digestibility studies with Atlantic salmon post-smolt should acclimate for a minimum of 14-days prior to faecal collection and that test ingredient inclusion should be 200 g/kg or greater to obtain reliable data.
Aquafeeds that incorporate single-cell protein are now a reality Journal Article
M. Longshaw;J. Wang;A. LeBlanc
In: Aquafeed, vol. 15, pp. 23–26, 2023.
Fish nutrition Trade magazine Market entry
@article{longshaw_aquafeeds_2023,
title = {Aquafeeds that incorporate single-cell protein are now a reality},
author = {M Longshaw and Jia Wang and Allan LeBlanc},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
journal = {Aquafeed},
volume = {15},
pages = {23–26},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
M. Longshaw;P. M. Oba;P. L. Utterback;C. M. Parsons;K. S. Swanson
In: Journal of Animal Science, vol. 101, pp. skad236, 2023, ISSN: 1525-3163.
Pet nutrition Peer review Market entry
@article{oba_comparing_2023,
title = {Comparing the standardized amino acid digestibility of an alternative protein source with commercially available protein-based ingredients using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay},
author = {Patrícia M Oba and Pamela L Utterback and Matt Longshaw and Carl M Parsons and Kelly S Swanson},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skad236},
doi = {10.1093/jas/skad236},
issn = {1525-3163},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
urldate = {2023-08-03},
journal = {Journal of Animal Science},
volume = {101},
pages = {skad236},
abstract = {Using single-cell-based proteins in pet foods is of interest, but little testing has been done. Therefore, our objective was to determine the amino acid (AA) digestibilities, assess protein quality of a novel microbial protein (MP) (FeedKind), and compare it with other protein-based ingredients using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. Test ingredients included: MP, chicken meal (CM), corn gluten meal (CGM), pea protein (PP), and black soldier fly larvae. Thirty cecectomized roosters (n = 6/ingredient) were randomly assigned to test ingredients. After 24 h of feed withdrawal, roosters were tube-fed 15 g test ingredient and 15 g corn, and then excreta were collected for 48 h. Endogenous AA corrections were made using additional roosters. Digestible indispensable AA score (DIAAS)-like values were calculated to determine protein quality according to Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), The European Pet Food Industry Federation, and National Research Council reference values for growing and adult dogs and cats. Data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS 9.4, with P ≤ 0.05 being significant. All reactive lysine:total lysine ratios, an indicator of heat damage, were higher than 0.9, except for CM (0.86). Digestibility of indispensable and dispensable AA were >85% and >80% for MP, respectively, with indispensable AA digestibilities being >80% for all other ingredients. In general, CGM had the highest, while CM had the lowest AA digestibilities. Two exceptions were lysine and tryptophan. Lysine digestibility for MP was higher than that of all other ingredients, while tryptophan digestibility for MP was higher than that of CM, CGM, and PP. Threonine digestibility was highest for CGM and MP. Valine digestibility was highest for CGM, PP, and MP. DIAAS-like calculations identified limiting AA of each ingredient and depended on the reference used and life stage and species of animal. Using AAFCO guidelines, all DIAAS-like values for MP were >100 suggesting that it could be used as the sole source of protein in adult dog and cat diets; only methionine had DIAAS-like values <100 for growing kittens. For dogs, limiting AA was most commonly methionine, threonine, and tryptophan in the other protein sources. For cats, limiting AA was most commonly lysine and methionine. Lysine was severely limited in CGM across all life stages considered. Further research in dogs and cats is necessary, but our data suggest that the MP tested has high AA digestibilities and is a high-quality protein source that may be useful in pet foods.Single-cell-based proteins are of interest for use in pet foods, but little testing has been done. The objective of this experiment was to compare the amino acid (AA) digestibilities and protein quality of a novel microbial protein (MP) (FeedKind) with chicken meal (CM), corn gluten meal (CGM), pea protein (PP), and black soldier fly larvae ingredients using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. Cecectomized roosters were tube-fed the test ingredients and excreta were collected. All reactive lysine:total lysine ratios, an indicator of heat damage, were higher than 0.9, except for CM. Digestibility of indispensable and dispensable AA were >85% and >80% for MP, respectively, with indispensable AA digestibilities being >80% for all other ingredients. In general, CGM had the highest, while CM had the lowest AA digestibilities. Lysine and tryptophan were exceptions, being highest for MP. Threonine and valine digestibilities were also high for MP. Digestible indispensable AA score-like values identified limiting AA of each ingredient. Limiting AA was most commonly methionine, threonine, and tryptophan for dogs and lysine and methionine for cats. Our data suggest that the MP tested has high AA digestibilities and is a high-quality protein source that may be useful in pet foods.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Using single-cell-based proteins in pet foods is of interest, but little testing has been done. Therefore, our objective was to determine the amino acid (AA) digestibilities, assess protein quality of a novel microbial protein (MP) (FeedKind), and compare it with other protein-based ingredients using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. Test ingredients included: MP, chicken meal (CM), corn gluten meal (CGM), pea protein (PP), and black soldier fly larvae. Thirty cecectomized roosters (n = 6/ingredient) were randomly assigned to test ingredients. After 24 h of feed withdrawal, roosters were tube-fed 15 g test ingredient and 15 g corn, and then excreta were collected for 48 h. Endogenous AA corrections were made using additional roosters. Digestible indispensable AA score (DIAAS)-like values were calculated to determine protein quality according to Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), The European Pet Food Industry Federation, and National Research Council reference values for growing and adult dogs and cats. Data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS 9.4, with P ≤ 0.05 being significant. All reactive lysine:total lysine ratios, an indicator of heat damage, were higher than 0.9, except for CM (0.86). Digestibility of indispensable and dispensable AA were >85% and >80% for MP, respectively, with indispensable AA digestibilities being >80% for all other ingredients. In general, CGM had the highest, while CM had the lowest AA digestibilities. Two exceptions were lysine and tryptophan. Lysine digestibility for MP was higher than that of all other ingredients, while tryptophan digestibility for MP was higher than that of CM, CGM, and PP. Threonine digestibility was highest for CGM and MP. Valine digestibility was highest for CGM, PP, and MP. DIAAS-like calculations identified limiting AA of each ingredient and depended on the reference used and life stage and species of animal. Using AAFCO guidelines, all DIAAS-like values for MP were >100 suggesting that it could be used as the sole source of protein in adult dog and cat diets; only methionine had DIAAS-like values <100 for growing kittens. For dogs, limiting AA was most commonly methionine, threonine, and tryptophan in the other protein sources. For cats, limiting AA was most commonly lysine and methionine. Lysine was severely limited in CGM across all life stages considered. Further research in dogs and cats is necessary, but our data suggest that the MP tested has high AA digestibilities and is a high-quality protein source that may be useful in pet foods.Single-cell-based proteins are of interest for use in pet foods, but little testing has been done. The objective of this experiment was to compare the amino acid (AA) digestibilities and protein quality of a novel microbial protein (MP) (FeedKind) with chicken meal (CM), corn gluten meal (CGM), pea protein (PP), and black soldier fly larvae ingredients using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. Cecectomized roosters were tube-fed the test ingredients and excreta were collected. All reactive lysine:total lysine ratios, an indicator of heat damage, were higher than 0.9, except for CM. Digestibility of indispensable and dispensable AA were >85% and >80% for MP, respectively, with indispensable AA digestibilities being >80% for all other ingredients. In general, CGM had the highest, while CM had the lowest AA digestibilities. Lysine and tryptophan were exceptions, being highest for MP. Threonine and valine digestibilities were also high for MP. Digestible indispensable AA score-like values identified limiting AA of each ingredient. Limiting AA was most commonly methionine, threonine, and tryptophan for dogs and lysine and methionine for cats. Our data suggest that the MP tested has high AA digestibilities and is a high-quality protein source that may be useful in pet foods.
A global review of problematic and pathogenic parasites of farmed tilapia Journal Article
M. Longshaw;A. P. Shinn;A. Avenant-Oldewage;M. G. Bondad-Reantaso;A. J. Cruz-Laufer;A. García-Vásquez;J. S. Hernández-Orts;R. Kuchta;M. Metselaar;A. Pariselle;et al.
In: Reviews in Aquaculture, vol. 15, no. S1, pp. 92–153, 2023, ISSN: 1753-5131, (_eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/raq.12742).
Pathology and parasitology Animal health Peer review
@article{shinn_global_2023,
title = {A global review of problematic and pathogenic parasites of farmed tilapia},
author = {Andrew P. Shinn and Annemarie Avenant-Oldewage and Melba G. Bondad-Reantaso and Armando J. Cruz-Laufer and Adriana García-Vásquez and Jesús S. Hernández-Orts and Roman Kuchta and Matt Longshaw and Matthijs Metselaar and Antoine Pariselle and Gerardo Pérez-Ponce de León and Pravata Kumar Pradhan and Miguel Rubio-Godoy and Neeraj Sood and Maarten P. M. Vanhove and Marty R. Deveney},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/raq.12742},
doi = {10.1111/raq.12742},
issn = {1753-5131},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
urldate = {2023-03-16},
journal = {Reviews in Aquaculture},
volume = {15},
number = {S1},
pages = {92–153},
abstract = {Over the past 80 years, tilapia have been translocated globally for aquaculture; active production is recorded in >124 countries. Of 7 million tonnes of tilapia produced in aquaculture, 79% is from 79 countries outside the natural range of tilapia. Capture fisheries account for a further 723,627 tonnes of tilapia, and >47% of this is landed from established invasive populations outside Africa. Tilapias host a rich fauna of parasites, many of which have been translocated with their hosts. This review summarises >2500 host–parasite records from 73+ countries and >820 recorded tilapia translocations (provided in the supplementary materials). This work focuses on the notable pathogens that threaten the health of cultured populations of tilapia, providing a description of their pathology and includes species that also have substantial impacts on wild tilapia populations, where relevant. For each major parasite taxonomic group, we highlight which parasites have been translocated or have been acquired from the new environments into which tilapia have been introduced, together with remarks on standard treatment approaches and research on them and their management and control. Regarding the theme ‘Tilapia health: quo vadis?’, Africa has enormous potential for aquaculture growth, but substantial knowledge gaps about tilapia parasites in many African states remain, which creates associated production and biosecurity risks. For each parasitic group, therefore, the risks of parasite translocation to new regions as tilapia aquaculture industries expand are highlighted.},
note = {_eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/raq.12742},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Over the past 80 years, tilapia have been translocated globally for aquaculture; active production is recorded in >124 countries. Of 7 million tonnes of tilapia produced in aquaculture, 79% is from 79 countries outside the natural range of tilapia. Capture fisheries account for a further 723,627 tonnes of tilapia, and >47% of this is landed from established invasive populations outside Africa. Tilapias host a rich fauna of parasites, many of which have been translocated with their hosts. This review summarises >2500 host–parasite records from 73+ countries and >820 recorded tilapia translocations (provided in the supplementary materials). This work focuses on the notable pathogens that threaten the health of cultured populations of tilapia, providing a description of their pathology and includes species that also have substantial impacts on wild tilapia populations, where relevant. For each major parasite taxonomic group, we highlight which parasites have been translocated or have been acquired from the new environments into which tilapia have been introduced, together with remarks on standard treatment approaches and research on them and their management and control. Regarding the theme ‘Tilapia health: quo vadis?’, Africa has enormous potential for aquaculture growth, but substantial knowledge gaps about tilapia parasites in many African states remain, which creates associated production and biosecurity risks. For each parasitic group, therefore, the risks of parasite translocation to new regions as tilapia aquaculture industries expand are highlighted.
M. Longshaw;J. Wang;M. Yu;X. Li;K. Song;L. Wang;C. Zhang;K. Lu
In: Animal Feed Science and Technology, vol. 296, pp. 115556, 2023, ISSN: 0377-8401.
Fish nutrition Peer review Animal health
@article{yu_substituting_2023,
title = {Substituting fish meal with a bacteria protein (Methylococcus capsulatus, Bath) grown on natural gas: Effects on growth non-specific immunity and gut health of spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus)},
author = {Man-han Yu and Xue-shan Li and Jia Wang and Matt Longshaw and Kai Song and Ling Wang and Chun-xiao Zhang and Kang-le Lu},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0377840122003546},
doi = {10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2022.115556},
issn = {0377-8401},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
urldate = {2023-01-03},
journal = {Animal Feed Science and Technology},
volume = {296},
pages = {115556},
abstract = {This study aimed to evaluate effects of substituting fish meal (FM) by methanotroph (Methylococcus capsulatus, Bath) bacteria meal (FeedKind®, FK) on growth performance, non-specific immunity and gut health of Lateolabrax maculatus. Six iso-nitrogenous diets were formulated with 0, 3.5%, 7%, 10.5%, 14% and 17.5% FK to substitute 0 (control group, FM content: 35%), 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% fish meal, referred to as FM, FK3.5, FK7, FK10.5, FK14, and FK17.5 respectively. Fish (initial body weight: 11.00 ± 0.02 g) were fed experimental diets for 56 days. Results showed that growth of fish fed the FK3.5 diets was significantly increased (P < 0.05) but that there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in growth of the other groups (FK7-FK17.5) compared with control group. Although survival of fish in the 50% substitution group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) compared with the other groups, there was no overall trend in the survival data. The activities of serum acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), gut lipase and protease and the contents of serum total protein and albumin in the FK3.5 group were significantly higher than those of control group (P < 0.05). In contrast, the activities/contents of serum ACP, AKP, lysozyme and complement 4 in the FK10.5, FK14 and FK17.5 groups were significantly decreased compared with control group. There was no significant difference in gut mucosal structure among all groups. The analysis of gut flora showed that the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the FK7 and FK10.5 groups was significantly higher than other groups. In conclusion, dietary FK inclusion level up to 14% of total diet to replace 40% FM is possible without negatively affecting the growth performance of spotted seabass. Furthermore, the replacement of FM with 3.5% FK enhances the growth and immune, and substituting 20–30% of FM by 7–10.5% FK increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria in intestine of fish.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This study aimed to evaluate effects of substituting fish meal (FM) by methanotroph (Methylococcus capsulatus, Bath) bacteria meal (FeedKind®, FK) on growth performance, non-specific immunity and gut health of Lateolabrax maculatus. Six iso-nitrogenous diets were formulated with 0, 3.5%, 7%, 10.5%, 14% and 17.5% FK to substitute 0 (control group, FM content: 35%), 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% fish meal, referred to as FM, FK3.5, FK7, FK10.5, FK14, and FK17.5 respectively. Fish (initial body weight: 11.00 ± 0.02 g) were fed experimental diets for 56 days. Results showed that growth of fish fed the FK3.5 diets was significantly increased (P < 0.05) but that there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in growth of the other groups (FK7-FK17.5) compared with control group. Although survival of fish in the 50% substitution group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) compared with the other groups, there was no overall trend in the survival data. The activities of serum acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), gut lipase and protease and the contents of serum total protein and albumin in the FK3.5 group were significantly higher than those of control group (P < 0.05). In contrast, the activities/contents of serum ACP, AKP, lysozyme and complement 4 in the FK10.5, FK14 and FK17.5 groups were significantly decreased compared with control group. There was no significant difference in gut mucosal structure among all groups. The analysis of gut flora showed that the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the FK7 and FK10.5 groups was significantly higher than other groups. In conclusion, dietary FK inclusion level up to 14% of total diet to replace 40% FM is possible without negatively affecting the growth performance of spotted seabass. Furthermore, the replacement of FM with 3.5% FK enhances the growth and immune, and substituting 20–30% of FM by 7–10.5% FK increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria in intestine of fish.
M. Longshaw;J. Wang;K. Song;L. Wang;J. Zhang;M. Yu;X. Li;C. Zhang;K. Lu
In: Aquaculture, vol. 575, pp. 739795, 2023, ISSN: 0044-8486.
Fish nutrition Peer review Animal health
@article{zhang_methanotroph_2023,
title = {Methanotroph (Methylococcus capsulatus, Bath) bacteria meal alleviates soybean meal-induced enteritis in spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) by modulating immune responses and the intestinal flora},
author = {Jian Zhang and Manhan Yu and Jia Wang and Matt Longshaw and Kai Song and Ling Wang and Xueshan Li and Chunxiao Zhang and Kangle Lu},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0044848623005690},
doi = {10.1016/j.aquaculture.2023.739795},
issn = {0044-8486},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
urldate = {2023-06-21},
journal = {Aquaculture},
volume = {575},
pages = {739795},
abstract = {The effect of methanotroph (Methylococcus capsulatus, Bath) bacteria meal (FeedKind®, FK) supplementation in a high-soybean meal diet on growth, non-specific immunity, and gut health in spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) was investigated. Six experimental diets were formulated: control (containing 38% fish meal, FM, and 16.5% soybean meal, SBM), a high-soybean meal diet (containing 28% FM and 35% SBM), and four experimental diets each containing 28% FM and 35% SBM with the addition of FK at 2% (FK2), 4% (FK4), 6% (FK6) or 8% (FK8) in the diet to replace wheat gluten. All diets also contained 0.1% yttrium oxide to determine apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of dry matter, crude protein and crude lipid. Following a 14-day acclimation period, fish were fed the diets for 56 days. Results showed that the FK2 and FK4 groups showed significantly higher weight gain (WG) compared to the SBM group (P < 0.05), whilst the FK2, FK6, and FK8 groups showed higher WG compared to the FM group (P < 0.05). The FK2, FK4, and FK8 had lower feed conversion rate (FCR) compared to the SBM group (P < 0.05). No differences were noted in overall survival. Intestinal lipase activity was significantly increased in the FK2 and FK4 groups and trypsin activity was significantly increased in the FK2 group compared to the SBM group (P < 0.05). The FK2 group showed significantly higher apparent digestibility coefficients of nutrients than the SBM group (P < 0.05). The expressions of anti-inflammatory genes (tgfβ, il-4, and il-10) in the intestine of the FK-supplemented group showed a significant increment (P < 0.05), whilst the expressions of pro-inflammatory genes (tnfα, il-1β, and il-8) significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that indexes of alpha diversity in the SBM group were decreased (P < 0.05) compared with all other diets. In addition, the FK2 group showed significantly higher serum acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), complement 4 (C4), and total protein (TP), levels than the SBM group (P < 0.05). Inclusion of FeedKind in high SBM diets alleviated SBM-induced intestinal inflammation by modulating the expression of intestinal inflammatory factors and regulating intestinal flora. Overall, supplementation of SBM diets with 2%–4% FK improved growth, non-specific immunity, and ADC's in spotted seabass.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The effect of methanotroph (Methylococcus capsulatus, Bath) bacteria meal (FeedKind®, FK) supplementation in a high-soybean meal diet on growth, non-specific immunity, and gut health in spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) was investigated. Six experimental diets were formulated: control (containing 38% fish meal, FM, and 16.5% soybean meal, SBM), a high-soybean meal diet (containing 28% FM and 35% SBM), and four experimental diets each containing 28% FM and 35% SBM with the addition of FK at 2% (FK2), 4% (FK4), 6% (FK6) or 8% (FK8) in the diet to replace wheat gluten. All diets also contained 0.1% yttrium oxide to determine apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of dry matter, crude protein and crude lipid. Following a 14-day acclimation period, fish were fed the diets for 56 days. Results showed that the FK2 and FK4 groups showed significantly higher weight gain (WG) compared to the SBM group (P < 0.05), whilst the FK2, FK6, and FK8 groups showed higher WG compared to the FM group (P < 0.05). The FK2, FK4, and FK8 had lower feed conversion rate (FCR) compared to the SBM group (P < 0.05). No differences were noted in overall survival. Intestinal lipase activity was significantly increased in the FK2 and FK4 groups and trypsin activity was significantly increased in the FK2 group compared to the SBM group (P < 0.05). The FK2 group showed significantly higher apparent digestibility coefficients of nutrients than the SBM group (P < 0.05). The expressions of anti-inflammatory genes (tgfβ, il-4, and il-10) in the intestine of the FK-supplemented group showed a significant increment (P < 0.05), whilst the expressions of pro-inflammatory genes (tnfα, il-1β, and il-8) significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that indexes of alpha diversity in the SBM group were decreased (P < 0.05) compared with all other diets. In addition, the FK2 group showed significantly higher serum acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), complement 4 (C4), and total protein (TP), levels than the SBM group (P < 0.05). Inclusion of FeedKind in high SBM diets alleviated SBM-induced intestinal inflammation by modulating the expression of intestinal inflammatory factors and regulating intestinal flora. Overall, supplementation of SBM diets with 2%–4% FK improved growth, non-specific immunity, and ADC's in spotted seabass.
The role of emulsifiers and stabilizers in wet pet food Journal Article
A. P. Wesker
In: Pets International, no. April, pp. 16–17, 2023, ISSN: 1388-4638.
Pet nutrition Technical Trade magazine
@article{wesker_role_2023,
title = {The role of emulsifiers and stabilizers in wet pet food},
author = {A P Wesker},
url = {https://globalpetindustry.com/article/role-emulsifiers-and-stabilizers-wet-pet-food/},
issn = {1388-4638},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
urldate = {2026-07-14},
journal = {Pets International},
number = {April},
pages = {16–17},
publisher = {GlobalPETS},
abstract = {Emulsifiers and stabilizers come from a variety of sources and help achieve the desired consistency of wet food and other liquid products; some can even provide health benefits.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Emulsifiers and stabilizers come from a variety of sources and help achieve the desired consistency of wet food and other liquid products; some can even provide health benefits.
Pet food labeling and preservative use Journal Article
A. P. Wesker
In: Pets International, no. October, pp. 32–33, 2023, ISSN: 1388-4638.
Pet nutrition Technical Trade magazine
@article{wesker_pet_2023,
title = {Pet food labeling and preservative use},
author = {A P Wesker},
url = {https://globalpetindustry.com/article/pet-food-labeling-and-preservative-use/},
issn = {1388-4638},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
urldate = {2026-07-14},
journal = {Pets International},
number = {October},
pages = {32–33},
publisher = {GlobalPETS},
abstract = {‘No added preservatives!’ The varying water content in pet food affects the need for preservatives, and therefore the labeling and claims of pet food manufacturers.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
‘No added preservatives!’ The varying water content in pet food affects the need for preservatives, and therefore the labeling and claims of pet food manufacturers.
M. Longshaw;K. Chen;G. Sagada;B. Xu;Y. Liu;L. Zheng;A. F. Tegomo;Y. Yang;Y. Sun;J. Wang;et al.
In: Aquaculture International, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 1693–1710, 2022, ISSN: 1573-143X.
Fish nutrition Peer review Clinical nutrition
@article{chen_evaluation_2022,
title = {Evaluation of methanotroph (Methylococcus capsulatus, Bath) bacteria meal as an alternative protein source for growth performance, digestive enzymes, and health status of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)},
author = {Kai Chen and Gladstone Sagada and Bingying Xu and Yuechong Liu and Lu Zheng and Arnaud Fabrice Tegomo and Yifei Yang and Yuxiao Sun and Jia Wang and Matt Longshaw and Qingjun Shao},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-022-00869-9},
doi = {10.1007/s10499-022-00869-9},
issn = {1573-143X},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-08-01},
urldate = {2023-02-27},
journal = {Aquaculture International},
volume = {30},
number = {4},
pages = {1693–1710},
abstract = {The increasing cost of fishmeal (FM) with limited supply and the continuous development of aquaculture necessitate more economical FM substitutes. This study aimed to appraise the effects of dietary methanotroph (Methylococcus capsulatus, Bath) bacteria meal, a kind of methane-utilizing bacteria protein (MBP), replacing fishmeal on the growth and feed utilization, serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant status, and digestive enzyme activities of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Seven isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were designed with 0%, 6.89%, 13.92%, 21.09%, 28.40%, 35.85%, and 43.46% MBP replacing FM, and fed to Pacific white shrimp (mean initial weight 0.27 ± 0.02 g) for 8 weeks. The shrimp fed with 28.40%, 35.85%, and 43.46% MBP diets showed significantly higher weight gain and specific growth rate compared to the control group (P < 0.05), while the other MBP diets had no significant effect on the growth performance (P > 0.05). No statistical differences were found in the activities of digestive enzymes in the stomach, hepatopancreas, and midgut among shrimp fed the dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Furthermore, antioxidant parameters in serum and hepatopancreas showed no significant differences among all the groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, it was revealed that MBP replacing from 28.40 to 43.46% FM in the diet with appropriate supplementation of essential amino acids significantly improved the growth of Pacific white shrimp without adverse effects on feed utilization, digestive enzyme activities, physiological condition, and antioxidant status. This study provides a reference for replacing FM with MBP in the diet of Pacific white shrimp.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The increasing cost of fishmeal (FM) with limited supply and the continuous development of aquaculture necessitate more economical FM substitutes. This study aimed to appraise the effects of dietary methanotroph (Methylococcus capsulatus, Bath) bacteria meal, a kind of methane-utilizing bacteria protein (MBP), replacing fishmeal on the growth and feed utilization, serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant status, and digestive enzyme activities of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Seven isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were designed with 0%, 6.89%, 13.92%, 21.09%, 28.40%, 35.85%, and 43.46% MBP replacing FM, and fed to Pacific white shrimp (mean initial weight 0.27 ± 0.02 g) for 8 weeks. The shrimp fed with 28.40%, 35.85%, and 43.46% MBP diets showed significantly higher weight gain and specific growth rate compared to the control group (P < 0.05), while the other MBP diets had no significant effect on the growth performance (P > 0.05). No statistical differences were found in the activities of digestive enzymes in the stomach, hepatopancreas, and midgut among shrimp fed the dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Furthermore, antioxidant parameters in serum and hepatopancreas showed no significant differences among all the groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, it was revealed that MBP replacing from 28.40 to 43.46% FM in the diet with appropriate supplementation of essential amino acids significantly improved the growth of Pacific white shrimp without adverse effects on feed utilization, digestive enzyme activities, physiological condition, and antioxidant status. This study provides a reference for replacing FM with MBP in the diet of Pacific white shrimp.
M. Longshaw;J. Wang;B. Guo;X. He;C. Ge;M. Xue;J. Wang;X. Liang
In: Antioxidants, vol. 11, no. 8, pp. 1479, 2022, ISSN: 2076-3921, (Number: 8).
Fish nutrition Peer review Clinical nutrition
@article{guo_natural_2022,
title = {A Natural Gas Fermentation Bacterial Meal (FeedKind®) as a Functional Alternative Ingredient for Fishmeal in Diet of Largemouth Bass, Micropterus salmoides},
author = {Boyuan Guo and Xia He and Chunyu Ge and Min Xue and Jia Wang and Matt Longshaw and Jie Wang and Xiaofang Liang},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/11/8/1479},
doi = {10.3390/antiox11081479},
issn = {2076-3921},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-08-01},
urldate = {2023-02-27},
journal = {Antioxidants},
volume = {11},
number = {8},
pages = {1479},
publisher = {Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute},
abstract = {A 10-week growth study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a natural gas fermentation bacterial meal (FeedKind®, FK) as a fishmeal (FM) alternative in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) (48.0 ± 0.03 g). Four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated including one commercial control (C, 42% FM) and three experimental diets with gradient FK of 3% (FK3, 29%FM), 6% (FK6, 26%FM) and 9% (FK9, 23%FM), respectively. FK-fed groups showed significantly higher SR than that of C group. The WGR and SGR of fish fed FK3 and FK6 were significantly higher than those of FK9, but not statistical different from the C group. FK-fed groups showed higher apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter and nutrients. Further, FK-fed groups increased the ratio of SOD/MDA in the plasma and liver, and the upregulation of intestinal Keap1 and downregulation of HIF1α was found in FK3. Furthermore, FK-fed groups showed higher microbial richness and diversity. Pearson correlation analysis found that antioxidant relevant biomarkers were negatively correlated with the relative abundance of certain potential beneficial bacteria. In conclusion, supplemented up to 3–6% FK replacing FM in a low FM diet of largemouth bass could increase growth, survival rate, antioxidant capacity, and improve gut microbiota.},
note = {Number: 8},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
A 10-week growth study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a natural gas fermentation bacterial meal (FeedKind®, FK) as a fishmeal (FM) alternative in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) (48.0 ± 0.03 g). Four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated including one commercial control (C, 42% FM) and three experimental diets with gradient FK of 3% (FK3, 29%FM), 6% (FK6, 26%FM) and 9% (FK9, 23%FM), respectively. FK-fed groups showed significantly higher SR than that of C group. The WGR and SGR of fish fed FK3 and FK6 were significantly higher than those of FK9, but not statistical different from the C group. FK-fed groups showed higher apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter and nutrients. Further, FK-fed groups increased the ratio of SOD/MDA in the plasma and liver, and the upregulation of intestinal Keap1 and downregulation of HIF1α was found in FK3. Furthermore, FK-fed groups showed higher microbial richness and diversity. Pearson correlation analysis found that antioxidant relevant biomarkers were negatively correlated with the relative abundance of certain potential beneficial bacteria. In conclusion, supplemented up to 3–6% FK replacing FM in a low FM diet of largemouth bass could increase growth, survival rate, antioxidant capacity, and improve gut microbiota.
M. Longshaw;J. Wang;H. Yu;H. Liang;X. Ge;M. Ren;L. Zhang
In: Animal Feed Science and Technology, vol. 288, pp. 115293, 2022, ISSN: 0377-8401.
Fish nutrition Peer review Animal health Clinical nutrition
@article{yu_methanotroph_2022,
title = {Methanotroph (Methylococcus capsulatus, Bath) bacteria meal (FeedKind®) could effectively improve the growth, apparent digestibility coefficient, blood biochemical parameters, antioxidant indices of juvenile Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian)},
author = {Heng Yu and Hualiang Liang and Matt Longshaw and Jia Wang and Xianping Ge and Mingchun Ren and Lu Zhang},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0377840122000918},
doi = {10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2022.115293},
issn = {0377-8401},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-04-01},
urldate = {2022-04-21},
journal = {Animal Feed Science and Technology},
volume = {288},
pages = {115293},
abstract = {A 10-week growth study was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with different levels of Methylococcus capsulatus (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%) meal on the growth, digestibility, intestinal development and serum biochemical indices of juvenile Jian carp. The present results showed that compared to the control group (0% M. capsulatus meal), 6%, 8%, and 10% M. capsulatus meal significantly improved the final average weight (FW), weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and decreased feed conversion rate (FCR). No significant difference was found in the survival rate (SR) in the treatment groups, and SR of each group was more than 95%. Jian carp had relatively high apparent digestibility of diets containing M. capsulatus meal, the apparent digestibility coefficient of Jian carp for dry matter, crude protein, crude lipid, energy and amino acid of M. capsulatus meal was 70.85%, 90.68%, 67.68%, 80.82%, and 88.00-91.17%, respectively. The addition of M. capsulatus meal had no adverse effect in the intestinal tissue of Jian carp juveniles, and 8% M. capsulatus meal significantly increased the villus width compared with the control group. Improved serum biochemical indices and increased antioxidant capacity of fish was noted in fish fed diets containing M. capsulatus meal. Replacement of M. capsulatus meal at the 6% level significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity compared to the control group. The blood glucose (GLU) of all treatment groups had a decreasing trend, and the 8% and 10% M. capsulatus meal diets had significant effects on GLU content. Compared to the control group, 6%, 8%, and 10% M. capsulatus meal significantly decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) content. Compared to the control group, 6% and 8% M. capsulatus meal diets significantly increased serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of Jian carp, and 8% M. capsulatus meal diet significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) activity. The study has demonstrated that the replacement of SBM with Methylococcus capsulatus shows promise as an alternative protein source in the aquaculture industry.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
A 10-week growth study was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with different levels of Methylococcus capsulatus (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%) meal on the growth, digestibility, intestinal development and serum biochemical indices of juvenile Jian carp. The present results showed that compared to the control group (0% M. capsulatus meal), 6%, 8%, and 10% M. capsulatus meal significantly improved the final average weight (FW), weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and decreased feed conversion rate (FCR). No significant difference was found in the survival rate (SR) in the treatment groups, and SR of each group was more than 95%. Jian carp had relatively high apparent digestibility of diets containing M. capsulatus meal, the apparent digestibility coefficient of Jian carp for dry matter, crude protein, crude lipid, energy and amino acid of M. capsulatus meal was 70.85%, 90.68%, 67.68%, 80.82%, and 88.00-91.17%, respectively. The addition of M. capsulatus meal had no adverse effect in the intestinal tissue of Jian carp juveniles, and 8% M. capsulatus meal significantly increased the villus width compared with the control group. Improved serum biochemical indices and increased antioxidant capacity of fish was noted in fish fed diets containing M. capsulatus meal. Replacement of M. capsulatus meal at the 6% level significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity compared to the control group. The blood glucose (GLU) of all treatment groups had a decreasing trend, and the 8% and 10% M. capsulatus meal diets had significant effects on GLU content. Compared to the control group, 6%, 8%, and 10% M. capsulatus meal significantly decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) content. Compared to the control group, 6% and 8% M. capsulatus meal diets significantly increased serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of Jian carp, and 8% M. capsulatus meal diet significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) activity. The study has demonstrated that the replacement of SBM with Methylococcus capsulatus shows promise as an alternative protein source in the aquaculture industry.
M. Longshaw;J. Wang;H. Liang;X. Ge;M. Ren;Q. Zhang;J. Zhu;S. Li
In: Fish & Shellfish Immunology, vol. 122, pp. 298–305, 2022, ISSN: 1050-4648.
Fish nutrition Peer review Clinical nutrition
@article{zhang_effects_2022,
title = {Effects of replacing fishmeal with methanotroph (Methylococcus capsulatus, Bath) bacteria meal (FeedKind®) on growth and intestinal health status of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)},
author = {Qile Zhang and Hualiang Liang and Matt Longshaw and Jia Wang and Xianping Ge and Jian Zhu and Songlin Li and Mingchun Ren},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1050464822000705},
doi = {10.1016/j.fsi.2022.02.008},
issn = {1050-4648},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-03-01},
urldate = {2022-02-17},
journal = {Fish & Shellfish Immunology},
volume = {122},
pages = {298–305},
abstract = {A ten-week feeding trial evaluated the feasibility of methanotroph (Methylococcus capsulatus) bacteria meal (FeedKind®, FK) as a fishmeal substitute in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) diets. Six isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets with different inclusion levels of FK (0 (fishmeal group), 43, 86, 129, 172 and 215 g/kg) were formulated to replace 0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 g/kg fishmeal, respectively. The results showed that FK inclusion level could reach 129 g/kg without significantly affecting growth or feed coefficient rate (P > 0.05), while growth performance was decreased and feed coefficient rate increased when FK inclusion levels exceeded 129 g/kg (P < 0.05). Increase in FK inclusion levels tended to reduce plasma total cholesterol and total triglyceride whilst plasma total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in FK treatment groups were unchanged compared with fishmeal group (P > 0.05). FK inclusion levels at 43 g/kg and 86 g/kg were not detrimental to intestinal morphology whilst it was unfavourable when FK inclusion levels exceeded 86 g/kg as the total length of intestinal wall thickness and villus height, villus height were obviously decreased compared with fishmeal group (P < 0.05). As regards to inflammatory cytokine genes, FK instead of fishmeal increased the expression levels of TLR2, RelA, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10 and TGF-β, 43 g/kg and 86 g/kg FK decreased the expression level of Caspase-3 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, 129 g/kg FK can replace 150 g/kg fishmeal without negative effects on the growth performance, and replacing 100 g/kg fishmeal with 86 g/kg FK is more beneficial to intestinal health.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
A ten-week feeding trial evaluated the feasibility of methanotroph (Methylococcus capsulatus) bacteria meal (FeedKind®, FK) as a fishmeal substitute in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) diets. Six isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets with different inclusion levels of FK (0 (fishmeal group), 43, 86, 129, 172 and 215 g/kg) were formulated to replace 0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 g/kg fishmeal, respectively. The results showed that FK inclusion level could reach 129 g/kg without significantly affecting growth or feed coefficient rate (P > 0.05), while growth performance was decreased and feed coefficient rate increased when FK inclusion levels exceeded 129 g/kg (P < 0.05). Increase in FK inclusion levels tended to reduce plasma total cholesterol and total triglyceride whilst plasma total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in FK treatment groups were unchanged compared with fishmeal group (P > 0.05). FK inclusion levels at 43 g/kg and 86 g/kg were not detrimental to intestinal morphology whilst it was unfavourable when FK inclusion levels exceeded 86 g/kg as the total length of intestinal wall thickness and villus height, villus height were obviously decreased compared with fishmeal group (P < 0.05). As regards to inflammatory cytokine genes, FK instead of fishmeal increased the expression levels of TLR2, RelA, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10 and TGF-β, 43 g/kg and 86 g/kg FK decreased the expression level of Caspase-3 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, 129 g/kg FK can replace 150 g/kg fishmeal without negative effects on the growth performance, and replacing 100 g/kg fishmeal with 86 g/kg FK is more beneficial to intestinal health.
The inclusion of SCPs in feed does not affect its attractability to shrimp Journal Article
M. Longshaw;J. Sawanboonchun;W. Phromkunthong;N. Nuntapong;B. Bamrung
In: Aquafeed, vol. 14, pp. 29–31, 2022.
Fish nutrition Trade magazine
@article{longshaw_inclusion_2022,
title = {The inclusion of SCPs in feed does not affect its attractability to shrimp},
author = {Matt Longshaw and Jarin Sawanboonchun and Wutiporn Phromkunthong and Nutt Nuntapong and Baranee Bamrung},
url = {https://issuu.com/aquafeed.com/docs/aquafeed_0122_pr_no_bleed/s/14656352},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
urldate = {2022-04-26},
journal = {Aquafeed},
volume = {14},
pages = {29–31},
abstract = {Feedkind Methylococcus capsulatus Vannamei},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Feedkind Methylococcus capsulatus Vannamei
Diseases of platyhelminths, acanthocephalans, and nematodes Book Section
M. Longshaw;A. P. Shinn
In: Invertebrate Pathology, pp. 123–162, Oxford Academic, 2022.
Pathology and parasitology Animal health Research intelligence
@incollection{longshaw_diseases_2022,
title = {Diseases of platyhelminths, acanthocephalans, and nematodes},
author = {Matt Longshaw and Andrew P. Shinn},
doi = {10.1093/oso/9780198853756.003.0006},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
booktitle = {Invertebrate Pathology},
pages = {123–162},
publisher = {Oxford Academic},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {incollection}
}
Diseases of molluscs Book Section
M. Longshaw;S. C. Culloty;S. K. Malham;S. A. Lynch;A. Rowley
In: Invertebrate Pathology, pp. 171–216, Oxford Academic, 2022.
Pathology and parasitology Animal health Research intelligence
@incollection{lynch_diseases_2022,
title = {Diseases of molluscs},
author = {S A Lynch and AF Rowley and M Longshaw and S K Malham and S C Culloty},
doi = {10.1093/oso/9780198853756.003.0008},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
booktitle = {Invertebrate Pathology},
pages = {171–216},
publisher = {Oxford Academic},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {incollection}
}
The world of citrus fiber in pet food Journal Article
A. P. Wesker
In: Pets International, no. September, pp. 37–38, 2022, ISSN: 1388-4638.
Pet nutrition Technical Trade magazine Market entry
@article{wesker_world_2022,
title = {The world of citrus fiber in pet food},
author = {A P Wesker},
url = {https://globalpetindustry.com/article/world-citrus-fiber-pet-food/},
issn = {1388-4638},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
urldate = {2026-07-14},
journal = {Pets International},
number = {September},
pages = {37–38},
publisher = {GlobalPETS},
abstract = {The high water-holding capacity and emulsification capabilities make citrus fiber a good solution for optimal food digestion.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The high water-holding capacity and emulsification capabilities make citrus fiber a good solution for optimal food digestion.
Boosting joint health – supplements for pets Journal Article
A. P. Wesker
In: Pets International, no. November, pp. 48, 2022, ISSN: 1388-4638.
Pet nutrition Technical Trade magazine Market entry
@article{wesker_boosting_2022,
title = {Boosting joint health – supplements for pets},
author = {A P Wesker},
url = {https://globalpetindustry.com/article/boosting-joint-health-supplements-pets/},
issn = {1388-4638},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
urldate = {2026-07-14},
journal = {Pets International},
number = {November},
pages = {48},
publisher = {GlobalPETS},
abstract = {Healthy joints are essential for pet mobility and health. Which supplements are most beneficial?},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Healthy joints are essential for pet mobility and health. Which supplements are most beneficial?
Fats, much more than just a bad reputation Journal Article
A. P. Wesker
In: Pets International, no. November, pp. 23–24, 2022, ISSN: 1388-4638.
Pet nutrition Technical Trade magazine
@article{wesker_fats_2022,
title = {Fats, much more than just a bad reputation},
author = {A P Wesker},
url = {https://globalpetindustry.com/article/fats-much-more-just-bad-reputation/},
issn = {1388-4638},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
urldate = {2026-07-14},
journal = {Pets International},
number = {November},
pages = {23–24},
publisher = {GlobalPETS},
abstract = {Despite often being associated with weight gain, fats are also an important source of energy – for pets too.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Despite often being associated with weight gain, fats are also an important source of energy – for pets too.
Vibrio species are predominantly intracellular within cultures of Neoparamoeba perurans, causative agent of Amoebic Gill Disease (AGD) Journal Article
M. Longshaw;R. Koppenstein;D. P. C. MacPhail;S. K. Maciver;R. Paley;F. L. Henriquez
In: Aquaculture, vol. 532, pp. 736083, 2021, ISSN: 00448486.
Pathology and parasitology Peer review Animal health
@article{macphail_vibrio_2021,
title = {Vibrio species are predominantly intracellular within cultures of Neoparamoeba perurans, causative agent of Amoebic Gill Disease (AGD)},
author = {David P. C. MacPhail and Rhea Koppenstein and Sutherland K. Maciver and Richard Paley and Matt Longshaw and Fiona L. Henriquez},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0044848620329203},
doi = {10.1016/j.aquaculture.2020.736083},
issn = {00448486},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-02-01},
journal = {Aquaculture},
volume = {532},
pages = {736083},
publisher = {Elsevier},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Taxonomy, anatomy and physiology Book Section
M. Longshaw;A. Alcivar-Warren;W. Baumgartner;T. Becker;J. E. B. Jr.;E. Danyer;S. Kasper;N. M. Nemeth;A. Maas
In: Fundamentals of aquatic veterinary medicine, pp. 30–49, John Wiley & Sons, 2021.
Biology / Non-native studies
@incollection{longshaw_taxonomy_2021,
title = {Taxonomy, anatomy and physiology},
author = {M. Longshaw and A. Alcivar-Warren and W. Baumgartner and T. Becker and J. E. Bogan Jr. and E. Danyer and S. Kasper and N. M. Nemeth and A. Maas},
url = {https://www.wiley.com/en-gb/shop/general-introductory-veterinary-medicine/fundamentals-of-aquatic-veterinary-medicine-p-9781119612728#tableofcontents-section},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
urldate = {2025-10-30},
booktitle = {Fundamentals of aquatic veterinary medicine},
pages = {30–49},
publisher = {John Wiley & Sons},
abstract = {VLIZ - Integrated Marine Informations System - IMIS},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {incollection}
}
VLIZ - Integrated Marine Informations System - IMIS
The bacterial microbiome of in vitro cultures of Paramoeba perurans Journal Article
M. Longshaw;D. MacPhail;R. Koppenstein;F. Henriquez
In: Access Microbiology, vol. 1, no. 1A, 2019, ISSN: 2516-8290.
Pathology and parasitology Peer review
@article{macphail_bacterial_2019,
title = {The bacterial microbiome of in vitro cultures of Paramoeba perurans},
author = {David MacPhail and Rhea Koppenstein and Matt Longshaw and Fiona Henriquez},
url = {https://www.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/acmi/10.1099/acmi.ac2019.po0429},
doi = {10.1099/acmi.ac2019.po0429},
issn = {2516-8290},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-03-01},
journal = {Access Microbiology},
volume = {1},
number = {1A},
publisher = {Microbiology Society},
abstract = {Amoebic Gill Disease (AGD) is a major problem in the aquaculture industry, as it is responsible for substantial losses of farmed Atlantic salmon in various worldwide locations. The disease is caused by the usually free-living Paramoeba perurans compromising the gills through the resulting development of hyperplastic lesions and lamellar fusion. These structural changes result in a reduction in the functional surface area of the gill tissues. Recent research has focused on identifying bacteria present within a culture of P. perurans, through performing isolation and identification of bacteria present in the cultures using 16S sequencing. Further NGS sequencing was performed from various culture conditions to provide insight into the changes of the bacterial microbiome during amoeba culture. As attempts to isolate the amoeba from the bacterial contamination has been unsuccessful, consideration into a possible symbiotic relationship between the amoeba and bacteria was considered. A filtering method was used to attempt to identify the genera of bacteria present within the amoeba. The isolation and 16S sequencing identified the presence of various marine bacteria, including those of the Pseudoalteromonas, Halomonas, Cellulophaga and Mesonia genera. The NGS sequencing identified a substantial proportion of sequences to match the Vibrio genus and suggests an association between this genus and the amoeba. If symbiotic relationships between specific bacteria and amoeba can be confirmed, the bacteria could potentially be used as an indicator organism for the risk of AGD outbreak. It may also provide an indirect target for the control and treatment of AGD.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Amoebic Gill Disease (AGD) is a major problem in the aquaculture industry, as it is responsible for substantial losses of farmed Atlantic salmon in various worldwide locations. The disease is caused by the usually free-living Paramoeba perurans compromising the gills through the resulting development of hyperplastic lesions and lamellar fusion. These structural changes result in a reduction in the functional surface area of the gill tissues. Recent research has focused on identifying bacteria present within a culture of P. perurans, through performing isolation and identification of bacteria present in the cultures using 16S sequencing. Further NGS sequencing was performed from various culture conditions to provide insight into the changes of the bacterial microbiome during amoeba culture. As attempts to isolate the amoeba from the bacterial contamination has been unsuccessful, consideration into a possible symbiotic relationship between the amoeba and bacteria was considered. A filtering method was used to attempt to identify the genera of bacteria present within the amoeba. The isolation and 16S sequencing identified the presence of various marine bacteria, including those of the Pseudoalteromonas, Halomonas, Cellulophaga and Mesonia genera. The NGS sequencing identified a substantial proportion of sequences to match the Vibrio genus and suggests an association between this genus and the amoeba. If symbiotic relationships between specific bacteria and amoeba can be confirmed, the bacteria could potentially be used as an indicator organism for the risk of AGD outbreak. It may also provide an indirect target for the control and treatment of AGD.
Feeding the Future Journal Article
A. P. Wesker
In: Pets International, no. February, pp. 36–37, 2019, ISSN: 1388-4638.
Pet nutrition Trade magazine
@article{wesker_feeding_2019,
title = {Feeding the Future},
author = {A P Wesker},
url = {https://globalpetindustry.com/article/feeding-future/},
issn = {1388-4638},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-01-01},
urldate = {2026-07-14},
journal = {Pets International},
number = {February},
pages = {36–37},
publisher = {GlobalPETS},
abstract = {How one company is leading the way in ensuring consumers can feed their pets in a sustainable way},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
How one company is leading the way in ensuring consumers can feed their pets in a sustainable way
Humanised pet meal trends Journal Article
A. P. Wesker
In: Pets International, no. June, pp. 30–31, 2019, ISSN: 1388-4638.
Pet nutrition Technical Trade magazine Market entry
@article{wesker_humanised_2019,
title = {Humanised pet meal trends},
author = {A P Wesker},
url = {https://globalpetindustry.com/article/humanised-pet-meal-trends/},
issn = {1388-4638},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-01-01},
urldate = {2026-07-14},
journal = {Pets International},
number = {June},
pages = {30–31},
publisher = {GlobalPETS},
abstract = {Pets are a part of the family and sometimes even referred to as ‘fur-babies’. The continuation of pet humanisation has expanded into a variety of trends, of which we discuss three here: homemade meals, raw diets and vegetarian products.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Pets are a part of the family and sometimes even referred to as ‘fur-babies’. The continuation of pet humanisation has expanded into a variety of trends, of which we discuss three here: homemade meals, raw diets and vegetarian products.
Parasitic Diseases in Aquaculture: Their Biology, Diagnosis and Control Book Section
M. Longshaw;G. Paladini;A. Gustinelli;A. P. Shinn;B. Austin;A. Newaj-Fyzul
In: Austin, B.; Newaj-Fyzul, A. (Ed.): Diagnosis and Control of Diseases of Fish and Shellfish, pp. 37–107, 2017, (Section: 4).
Pathology and parasitology Animal health Research intelligence
@incollection{paladini_parasitic_2017,
title = {Parasitic Diseases in Aquaculture: Their Biology, Diagnosis and Control},
author = {G. Paladini and Matt Longshaw and A Gustinelli and Andrew P Shinn},
editor = {B. Austin and A. Newaj-Fyzul},
doi = {10.1002/9781119152125.ch4},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
booktitle = {Diagnosis and Control of Diseases of Fish and Shellfish},
pages = {37–107},
edition = {1},
abstract = {Current aquatic farming practices and the species that are grown worldwide are extraordinarily varied and reflect the diversity of habitats, ecological niches and biological diversity of the vertebrates and invertebrates cultured. This chapter covers the major parasite groups of concern in both vertebrate and invertebrate farmed hosts and signposts the reader to the most important publications for those groups. There are, however, several other minor parasite and/or commensal groups, which rarely cause issues on farms. These include, but are not limited to, the Aspidogastrea, Diptera, Hirudinea, Oligochaeta, Ostracoda, Temnocephala and Turbellaria, among others. The chapter also covers a diagnostic summary with some considerations and approaches regarding treatment strategies, prophylaxis methods and farm management practices. There is, however, some variability on the length of the different sections, which reflects the importance of certain parasite groups and the risk that they pose to the aquaculture industry},
note = {Section: 4},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {incollection}
}
Current aquatic farming practices and the species that are grown worldwide are extraordinarily varied and reflect the diversity of habitats, ecological niches and biological diversity of the vertebrates and invertebrates cultured. This chapter covers the major parasite groups of concern in both vertebrate and invertebrate farmed hosts and signposts the reader to the most important publications for those groups. There are, however, several other minor parasite and/or commensal groups, which rarely cause issues on farms. These include, but are not limited to, the Aspidogastrea, Diptera, Hirudinea, Oligochaeta, Ostracoda, Temnocephala and Turbellaria, among others. The chapter also covers a diagnostic summary with some considerations and approaches regarding treatment strategies, prophylaxis methods and farm management practices. There is, however, some variability on the length of the different sections, which reflects the importance of certain parasite groups and the risk that they pose to the aquaculture industry
Parasites, Commensals, Pathogens and Diseases of Crayfish Book Section
M. Longshaw
In: Biology and Ecology of Crayfish, pp. 171–250, CRC Press, 2016, ISBN: 978-1-4987-6732-3.
Pathology and parasitology Animal health Research intelligence
@incollection{longshaw_parasites_2016,
title = {Parasites, Commensals, Pathogens and Diseases of Crayfish},
author = {Matt Longshaw},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1201/b20073-7},
doi = {10.1201/b20073-7},
isbn = {978-1-4987-6732-3},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-05-01},
booktitle = {Biology and Ecology of Crayfish},
pages = {171–250},
publisher = {CRC Press},
abstract = {trichophrya},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {incollection}
}
trichophrya
Laboratory Methods for Crayfish Book Section
M. Longshaw;P. Stebbing
In: Biology and Ecology of Crayfish, pp. 325–336, CRC Press, 2016, ISBN: 978-1-4987-6732-3.
Biology / Non-native studies Research intelligence
@incollection{longshaw_laboratory_2016,
title = {Laboratory Methods for Crayfish},
author = {Matt Longshaw and Paul Stebbing},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1201/b20073-10},
doi = {10.1201/b20073-10},
isbn = {978-1-4987-6732-3},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-05-01},
booktitle = {Biology and Ecology of Crayfish},
pages = {325–336},
publisher = {CRC Press},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {incollection}
}
Biology and Ecology of Crayfish Book
M. Longshaw;P. Stebbing
2016.
Biology / Non-native studies Research intelligence
@book{longshaw_biology_2016,
title = {Biology and Ecology of Crayfish},
author = {M Longshaw and PD Stebbing},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
abstract = {trichophrya},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
trichophrya
Get the balance right Journal Article
A. P. Wesker
In: Horse Magazine, no. November, pp. 70–72, 2015.
Horse nutrition Technical
@article{wesker_get_2015,
title = {Get the balance right},
author = {A P Wesker},
url = {http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015November_HorseFeedSupplements.pdf},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-11-01},
journal = {Horse Magazine},
number = {November},
pages = {70–72},
publisher = {MyTimeMedia Ltd.},
address = {Edenbridge, Kent},
abstract = {Get the balance right
If you give more than one feed supplement to your horse, you could be doubling up on ingredients says equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker
“T his one is for energy. This one is for his coat. And this one is for digestive health…” you may be thinking as you sprinkle powder and pour liquid into your horse’s feed bucket. Many owners provide multiple feeds and supplements for a variety of reasons. For example, the horse may have a specific medical issue, such as arthritis. Or, the owner feels a supplement is needed to calm the horse down, to help develop muscle, or support beneficial bacteria in the gut. In general, supplements are great for meeting nutritional requirements – if you know what it is you need to target – as they tend to be more specific than other manufactured feeds.
however, the more products and supplements you give, the more likely it is the ingredients will overlap. Not only could you be wasting money by doubling up, you may be feeding more than the recommended levels of certain substances. Although individual ingredients in supplements may have health benefits, doubling up on some things is not necessarily good and may have harmful effects. Another thing you need to take into consideration is that if you feed several supplements for the same purpose, you may not be able to tell which one is having the desired effect.
Meeting his needs
Before adding something to your horse’s diet, ask yourself the following three questions:
1. What is my reason for feeding it? If your horse has a particular need, or a product has been suggested by a farrier or vet, then supplements are worth considering. Feeding them for non-specific purposes, however, is not recommended. For example, if you are feeding multiple supplements because everyone else does, or because you have a feeling your horse will generally benefit, you are more likely to waste money. You could also potentially compromise his health.
2. Is a supplement really necessary? It pays to check whether nutritional supplementation is actually required in your horse’s case. grass and forage – such as hay or haylage – may already be meeting his nutritional (and energy) demands. Additional hard feeds which supply a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals may provide important nutrients that could be missing, but can double up with your horse’s roughage. You can find out how suitable your forage is for your horse by having hay or haylage analysed. This service is offered by independent laboratories and some feed companies. Feeding supplements based on an analysis is more specific and can lead to a better balanced diet and reduction in feed costs.
3. Will I be doubling up on ingredients? giving your horse a supplement for a specific purpose makes it less likely to double up on ingredients with other products you may be feeding, but it can still happen. Always check ingredient lists on labels carefully, and note the amount that the product contains. Avoid feeding multiple supplements with similar ingredients, especially if each supplement is fed according to its maximum recommended daily intake. There is also the chance that hard feeds and supplements offer similar nutrients to what is in your horse’s grass or forage. roughage, especially fresh grass, provides a lot of high-quality protein and vitamins. Supplementation is likely to provide excess protein and vitamins, unless grass is past its best, or if requirements are high, such as for breeding mares, or in horses that are performing at a high level. One supplement that should always be supplied is a salt lick, in both the stable and the field. Salt licks provide sodium and chloride, which are the first minerals to be limited in forage. horses tend to use salt licks as much as they need to, making supplementation very easy.
Consider your options
Some nutritional additives are fed to change how a horse behaves. But bear in mind that behaviour is affected by many factors, only one of which is nutrition. For example, a horse may be excitable when handled or ridden, because he is stabled for long periods of time. Even if giving him a calmer helps reduce any unwanted behaviour, it is not addressing the cause. Instead, consider turning the horse out for longer, or varying his routine to include different activities, like lungeing, long-reining or spending time on the horse walker. Physical issues, such as promoting muscle growth or joint health, generally require further action than solely adding a scoop of a supplement. For example, a supplement that contains the right ingredients can support muscle development, but correct training and dietary energy are also vital. In the same way, products aimed to relieve respiratory issues will have only a minor effect if a horse continues to be fed dusty hay or is kept for long periods in a non-ventilated stable. A supplement alone does not do the job in these cases and goes hand-in-hand with good management. having said that, biotin for healthy hooves and oil for a shiny coat can do their job without further action required.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015November_HorseFeedSupplements.pdf},
keywords = {},
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Get the balance right
If you give more than one feed supplement to your horse, you could be doubling up on ingredients says equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker
“T his one is for energy. This one is for his coat. And this one is for digestive health…” you may be thinking as you sprinkle powder and pour liquid into your horse’s feed bucket. Many owners provide multiple feeds and supplements for a variety of reasons. For example, the horse may have a specific medical issue, such as arthritis. Or, the owner feels a supplement is needed to calm the horse down, to help develop muscle, or support beneficial bacteria in the gut. In general, supplements are great for meeting nutritional requirements – if you know what it is you need to target – as they tend to be more specific than other manufactured feeds.
however, the more products and supplements you give, the more likely it is the ingredients will overlap. Not only could you be wasting money by doubling up, you may be feeding more than the recommended levels of certain substances. Although individual ingredients in supplements may have health benefits, doubling up on some things is not necessarily good and may have harmful effects. Another thing you need to take into consideration is that if you feed several supplements for the same purpose, you may not be able to tell which one is having the desired effect.
Meeting his needs
Before adding something to your horse’s diet, ask yourself the following three questions:
1. What is my reason for feeding it? If your horse has a particular need, or a product has been suggested by a farrier or vet, then supplements are worth considering. Feeding them for non-specific purposes, however, is not recommended. For example, if you are feeding multiple supplements because everyone else does, or because you have a feeling your horse will generally benefit, you are more likely to waste money. You could also potentially compromise his health.
2. Is a supplement really necessary? It pays to check whether nutritional supplementation is actually required in your horse’s case. grass and forage – such as hay or haylage – may already be meeting his nutritional (and energy) demands. Additional hard feeds which supply a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals may provide important nutrients that could be missing, but can double up with your horse’s roughage. You can find out how suitable your forage is for your horse by having hay or haylage analysed. This service is offered by independent laboratories and some feed companies. Feeding supplements based on an analysis is more specific and can lead to a better balanced diet and reduction in feed costs.
3. Will I be doubling up on ingredients? giving your horse a supplement for a specific purpose makes it less likely to double up on ingredients with other products you may be feeding, but it can still happen. Always check ingredient lists on labels carefully, and note the amount that the product contains. Avoid feeding multiple supplements with similar ingredients, especially if each supplement is fed according to its maximum recommended daily intake. There is also the chance that hard feeds and supplements offer similar nutrients to what is in your horse’s grass or forage. roughage, especially fresh grass, provides a lot of high-quality protein and vitamins. Supplementation is likely to provide excess protein and vitamins, unless grass is past its best, or if requirements are high, such as for breeding mares, or in horses that are performing at a high level. One supplement that should always be supplied is a salt lick, in both the stable and the field. Salt licks provide sodium and chloride, which are the first minerals to be limited in forage. horses tend to use salt licks as much as they need to, making supplementation very easy.
Consider your options
Some nutritional additives are fed to change how a horse behaves. But bear in mind that behaviour is affected by many factors, only one of which is nutrition. For example, a horse may be excitable when handled or ridden, because he is stabled for long periods of time. Even if giving him a calmer helps reduce any unwanted behaviour, it is not addressing the cause. Instead, consider turning the horse out for longer, or varying his routine to include different activities, like lungeing, long-reining or spending time on the horse walker. Physical issues, such as promoting muscle growth or joint health, generally require further action than solely adding a scoop of a supplement. For example, a supplement that contains the right ingredients can support muscle development, but correct training and dietary energy are also vital. In the same way, products aimed to relieve respiratory issues will have only a minor effect if a horse continues to be fed dusty hay or is kept for long periods in a non-ventilated stable. A supplement alone does not do the job in these cases and goes hand-in-hand with good management. having said that, biotin for healthy hooves and oil for a shiny coat can do their job without further action required.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015November_HorseFeedSupplements.pdf
If you give more than one feed supplement to your horse, you could be doubling up on ingredients says equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker
“T his one is for energy. This one is for his coat. And this one is for digestive health…” you may be thinking as you sprinkle powder and pour liquid into your horse’s feed bucket. Many owners provide multiple feeds and supplements for a variety of reasons. For example, the horse may have a specific medical issue, such as arthritis. Or, the owner feels a supplement is needed to calm the horse down, to help develop muscle, or support beneficial bacteria in the gut. In general, supplements are great for meeting nutritional requirements – if you know what it is you need to target – as they tend to be more specific than other manufactured feeds.
however, the more products and supplements you give, the more likely it is the ingredients will overlap. Not only could you be wasting money by doubling up, you may be feeding more than the recommended levels of certain substances. Although individual ingredients in supplements may have health benefits, doubling up on some things is not necessarily good and may have harmful effects. Another thing you need to take into consideration is that if you feed several supplements for the same purpose, you may not be able to tell which one is having the desired effect.
Meeting his needs
Before adding something to your horse’s diet, ask yourself the following three questions:
1. What is my reason for feeding it? If your horse has a particular need, or a product has been suggested by a farrier or vet, then supplements are worth considering. Feeding them for non-specific purposes, however, is not recommended. For example, if you are feeding multiple supplements because everyone else does, or because you have a feeling your horse will generally benefit, you are more likely to waste money. You could also potentially compromise his health.
2. Is a supplement really necessary? It pays to check whether nutritional supplementation is actually required in your horse’s case. grass and forage – such as hay or haylage – may already be meeting his nutritional (and energy) demands. Additional hard feeds which supply a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals may provide important nutrients that could be missing, but can double up with your horse’s roughage. You can find out how suitable your forage is for your horse by having hay or haylage analysed. This service is offered by independent laboratories and some feed companies. Feeding supplements based on an analysis is more specific and can lead to a better balanced diet and reduction in feed costs.
3. Will I be doubling up on ingredients? giving your horse a supplement for a specific purpose makes it less likely to double up on ingredients with other products you may be feeding, but it can still happen. Always check ingredient lists on labels carefully, and note the amount that the product contains. Avoid feeding multiple supplements with similar ingredients, especially if each supplement is fed according to its maximum recommended daily intake. There is also the chance that hard feeds and supplements offer similar nutrients to what is in your horse’s grass or forage. roughage, especially fresh grass, provides a lot of high-quality protein and vitamins. Supplementation is likely to provide excess protein and vitamins, unless grass is past its best, or if requirements are high, such as for breeding mares, or in horses that are performing at a high level. One supplement that should always be supplied is a salt lick, in both the stable and the field. Salt licks provide sodium and chloride, which are the first minerals to be limited in forage. horses tend to use salt licks as much as they need to, making supplementation very easy.
Consider your options
Some nutritional additives are fed to change how a horse behaves. But bear in mind that behaviour is affected by many factors, only one of which is nutrition. For example, a horse may be excitable when handled or ridden, because he is stabled for long periods of time. Even if giving him a calmer helps reduce any unwanted behaviour, it is not addressing the cause. Instead, consider turning the horse out for longer, or varying his routine to include different activities, like lungeing, long-reining or spending time on the horse walker. Physical issues, such as promoting muscle growth or joint health, generally require further action than solely adding a scoop of a supplement. For example, a supplement that contains the right ingredients can support muscle development, but correct training and dietary energy are also vital. In the same way, products aimed to relieve respiratory issues will have only a minor effect if a horse continues to be fed dusty hay or is kept for long periods in a non-ventilated stable. A supplement alone does not do the job in these cases and goes hand-in-hand with good management. having said that, biotin for healthy hooves and oil for a shiny coat can do their job without further action required.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015November_HorseFeedSupplements.pdf
Natural instinct Journal Article
A. P. Wesker
In: Horse Magazine, no. June, pp. 88–90, 2015.
Horse nutrition Technical
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title = {Natural instinct},
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abstract = {Natural instinct
Discover how following a more natural feeding regime can make your horse healthier and happier, says equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker
It is early in the morning and a herd of wild horses have already been grazing for several hours. The sun filters through the trees and the air is filled with the sweet anticipation of another warm day of eating grass. Later on, when the sun is at its highest, the horses will find shelter in the shade of the trees. They will take a nap, before continuing grazing in the cooler air of the afternoon and into evening. Then they will rest longer over night, in preparation for another day ahead. This is the daily pattern of horses in the wild, whose lives are filled with open spaces full of interest and who have freedom to stretch their legs. perhaps best of all, they have access to fresh grass all day long, even if they have to search for it. Horses are very well equipped for living a natural lifestyle – the neck and back can hold the head in the grazing position for a long time without using much energy. The digestive system is built for a huge intake of low-energy feed each day. And the brain and hormones form strong emotional bonds between the horses that keep the herd together.
An unnatural life
When horses are kept in a more domestic environment on a yard, they are managed in a way that is often far removed from how they would live in the wild (see ‘room with a view’, page 72). This is not entirely bad: there are no natural enemies to fear, and if they are sick or injured, medical attention will be issued quickly. However, not allowing a horse to follow a natural lifestyle – including their diet – can lead to problems forming. Many riding horses – from leisure animals to competition horses – are given meals of hard feed, such as nuts or mix. This is in sharp contrast with having unlimited feed available to them out in the wild. Furthermore, the meals they get are generally low in fibre, but high in energy and sugar or starch. This is the opposite of what a horse would be receiving in a natural diet. These and many other differences between natural and most modern feeding approaches are linked to health problems (see box, above). Unfortunately, these issues are commonly seen – more often than not riders try to fight the symptoms by reaching for stronger tack and calmers. However, they should instead be addressing the causes and preventing the problem in the first place.
As nature intended
Natural feeding puts the health of the horse first – it is all about giving him what he needs. By doing this you can reduce many factors that cause health or behaviour problems. The concept is much more than providing sufficient nutrients, though. You are allowing the horse to live like a horse should. The good news is that beneficial changes can be made relatively easily and they will have a major impact on your horse. Essentially, the natural feeding diet consists of unlimited roughage (fibre), because this is what horses eat in the wild. Supplementation with vitamins and minerals may be necessary on top of this roughage. Maybe you need to provide a different form of forage – for example, hay instead of fresh grass to keep a horse’s weight down – but the focus should always be on roughage. How a horse is given his meals is also important – eating and chewing with the head down is recommended – while replicating the ‘foraging’ element of wild horses will ensure a horse is kept entertained and happy. This can be done by using a treat ball or placing piles of hay – or several haynets – around the stable.
Reaping the rewards
Here are just a few of the associated benefits of following the natural feeding approach:
- Your horse’s diet can be tailor-made to suit him, his exercise levels and the quality of grazing you have. This is done by assessing his current diet and taking his body weight, the amount of exercise he does and other factors into consideration.
- It will promote gut health, which is supported by the continuous intake of fibrous feeds. This is due to the tough structure of roughage and its nutritional composition.
- The amount of chewing involved in eating fibre encourages the natural production of saliva, which in turn helps prevent gastric ulcers.
- Eating from the ground places the head in a position where the chewing action allows for the natural wearing of teeth.
- Muscular, joint and tendon health is supported, as a natural feeding position and movement throughout the day are encouraged.
- A horse can be happier and calmer because unlimited access to roughage is a major source of entertainment.
- Following a natural approach tends to be cheaper than conventional diets, because the main source of nutrition is fibre instead of manufactured feeds
1 Feed unlimited fibre
A fibre-based diet can improve gut health and will keep horses entertained for longer. If grass, hay or haylage intake is restricted, horses have to fill the time with another activity – this may result in compulsive or stereotypic behaviours, such as cribbing and weaving. Fibre should form the main source of nutrients for horses and the correct type should be fed in unlimited amounts. Feeding bucket meals with periods of not eating should be avoided. The nutritional composition of fibre varies greatly, which means it can be too rich or poor for an individual horse. Natural feeding addresses this by scoring a horse’s energy requirements and comparing it to the nutritional value of your grass/hay. This indicates whether extra vitamins and minerals are required, or if you need to switch to less-rich grass/hay/haylage.
2. Place feed on the ground
In nature, horses feed with their head down, which does not use much energy. Feeding away from the ground, such as in a haynet tied to the wall, requires the horse to lift his head. This uses neck and back muscles that are not designed to work for long periods of time, and can result in pain that may be noticed as a loss of performance under saddle. Also, dust from strung-up hay can more easily be inhaled, increasing the chances of respiratory problems. placing food on the ground encourages a correct chewing motion, while feeding away from the ground causes teeth to wear down incorrectly.
3. Make dietary changes gradually The natural diets of horses do not change overnight. Bacterial colonies in the gut can be easily upset by sudden changes, potentially causing colic or laminitis. The amount of concentrates should be changed no faster than by 0.5kg (1lbs) a day and oil supplementation by no more than one tablespoon a day. Hay from different harvests should be mixed when transitioning from one bale to the next. In the same way, the change from hay to pasture and vice versa should be made gradually, for example by restricting pasture access initially and supplying hay.
4. Analyse your forage people often focus more on which concentrates to feed instead of assessing roughage quality. This is like an athlete being more concerned with energy bars than with the bulk of their diet. Have your roughage analysed – some feed companies offer this service. (They can provide guidelines on how to take and send samples of your roughage.) Choose any supplemental feeds based on your forage composition, with the aid of a qualified equine nutritionist.
5. offer small meals ‘Meals’ refer to anything other than fibre sources – so, horse and pony nuts or mixes. It has been proven that feeding large meals can cause digestive upsets, especially with high starch feed. Never feed meals of over 1.5kg (3lb), or meals of straight cereals over 0.5kg (1lb). ponies should be fed no more than half these amounts. Spread meals over small portions throughout the day. To allow foraging behaviour, consider offering some of his feed using a treat ball.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015June_NaturalFeeding.pdf},
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Natural instinct
Discover how following a more natural feeding regime can make your horse healthier and happier, says equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker
It is early in the morning and a herd of wild horses have already been grazing for several hours. The sun filters through the trees and the air is filled with the sweet anticipation of another warm day of eating grass. Later on, when the sun is at its highest, the horses will find shelter in the shade of the trees. They will take a nap, before continuing grazing in the cooler air of the afternoon and into evening. Then they will rest longer over night, in preparation for another day ahead. This is the daily pattern of horses in the wild, whose lives are filled with open spaces full of interest and who have freedom to stretch their legs. perhaps best of all, they have access to fresh grass all day long, even if they have to search for it. Horses are very well equipped for living a natural lifestyle – the neck and back can hold the head in the grazing position for a long time without using much energy. The digestive system is built for a huge intake of low-energy feed each day. And the brain and hormones form strong emotional bonds between the horses that keep the herd together.
An unnatural life
When horses are kept in a more domestic environment on a yard, they are managed in a way that is often far removed from how they would live in the wild (see ‘room with a view’, page 72). This is not entirely bad: there are no natural enemies to fear, and if they are sick or injured, medical attention will be issued quickly. However, not allowing a horse to follow a natural lifestyle – including their diet – can lead to problems forming. Many riding horses – from leisure animals to competition horses – are given meals of hard feed, such as nuts or mix. This is in sharp contrast with having unlimited feed available to them out in the wild. Furthermore, the meals they get are generally low in fibre, but high in energy and sugar or starch. This is the opposite of what a horse would be receiving in a natural diet. These and many other differences between natural and most modern feeding approaches are linked to health problems (see box, above). Unfortunately, these issues are commonly seen – more often than not riders try to fight the symptoms by reaching for stronger tack and calmers. However, they should instead be addressing the causes and preventing the problem in the first place.
As nature intended
Natural feeding puts the health of the horse first – it is all about giving him what he needs. By doing this you can reduce many factors that cause health or behaviour problems. The concept is much more than providing sufficient nutrients, though. You are allowing the horse to live like a horse should. The good news is that beneficial changes can be made relatively easily and they will have a major impact on your horse. Essentially, the natural feeding diet consists of unlimited roughage (fibre), because this is what horses eat in the wild. Supplementation with vitamins and minerals may be necessary on top of this roughage. Maybe you need to provide a different form of forage – for example, hay instead of fresh grass to keep a horse’s weight down – but the focus should always be on roughage. How a horse is given his meals is also important – eating and chewing with the head down is recommended – while replicating the ‘foraging’ element of wild horses will ensure a horse is kept entertained and happy. This can be done by using a treat ball or placing piles of hay – or several haynets – around the stable.
Reaping the rewards
Here are just a few of the associated benefits of following the natural feeding approach:
- Your horse’s diet can be tailor-made to suit him, his exercise levels and the quality of grazing you have. This is done by assessing his current diet and taking his body weight, the amount of exercise he does and other factors into consideration.
- It will promote gut health, which is supported by the continuous intake of fibrous feeds. This is due to the tough structure of roughage and its nutritional composition.
- The amount of chewing involved in eating fibre encourages the natural production of saliva, which in turn helps prevent gastric ulcers.
- Eating from the ground places the head in a position where the chewing action allows for the natural wearing of teeth.
- Muscular, joint and tendon health is supported, as a natural feeding position and movement throughout the day are encouraged.
- A horse can be happier and calmer because unlimited access to roughage is a major source of entertainment.
- Following a natural approach tends to be cheaper than conventional diets, because the main source of nutrition is fibre instead of manufactured feeds
1 Feed unlimited fibre
A fibre-based diet can improve gut health and will keep horses entertained for longer. If grass, hay or haylage intake is restricted, horses have to fill the time with another activity – this may result in compulsive or stereotypic behaviours, such as cribbing and weaving. Fibre should form the main source of nutrients for horses and the correct type should be fed in unlimited amounts. Feeding bucket meals with periods of not eating should be avoided. The nutritional composition of fibre varies greatly, which means it can be too rich or poor for an individual horse. Natural feeding addresses this by scoring a horse’s energy requirements and comparing it to the nutritional value of your grass/hay. This indicates whether extra vitamins and minerals are required, or if you need to switch to less-rich grass/hay/haylage.
2. Place feed on the ground
In nature, horses feed with their head down, which does not use much energy. Feeding away from the ground, such as in a haynet tied to the wall, requires the horse to lift his head. This uses neck and back muscles that are not designed to work for long periods of time, and can result in pain that may be noticed as a loss of performance under saddle. Also, dust from strung-up hay can more easily be inhaled, increasing the chances of respiratory problems. placing food on the ground encourages a correct chewing motion, while feeding away from the ground causes teeth to wear down incorrectly.
3. Make dietary changes gradually The natural diets of horses do not change overnight. Bacterial colonies in the gut can be easily upset by sudden changes, potentially causing colic or laminitis. The amount of concentrates should be changed no faster than by 0.5kg (1lbs) a day and oil supplementation by no more than one tablespoon a day. Hay from different harvests should be mixed when transitioning from one bale to the next. In the same way, the change from hay to pasture and vice versa should be made gradually, for example by restricting pasture access initially and supplying hay.
4. Analyse your forage people often focus more on which concentrates to feed instead of assessing roughage quality. This is like an athlete being more concerned with energy bars than with the bulk of their diet. Have your roughage analysed – some feed companies offer this service. (They can provide guidelines on how to take and send samples of your roughage.) Choose any supplemental feeds based on your forage composition, with the aid of a qualified equine nutritionist.
5. offer small meals ‘Meals’ refer to anything other than fibre sources – so, horse and pony nuts or mixes. It has been proven that feeding large meals can cause digestive upsets, especially with high starch feed. Never feed meals of over 1.5kg (3lb), or meals of straight cereals over 0.5kg (1lb). ponies should be fed no more than half these amounts. Spread meals over small portions throughout the day. To allow foraging behaviour, consider offering some of his feed using a treat ball.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015June_NaturalFeeding.pdf
Discover how following a more natural feeding regime can make your horse healthier and happier, says equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker
It is early in the morning and a herd of wild horses have already been grazing for several hours. The sun filters through the trees and the air is filled with the sweet anticipation of another warm day of eating grass. Later on, when the sun is at its highest, the horses will find shelter in the shade of the trees. They will take a nap, before continuing grazing in the cooler air of the afternoon and into evening. Then they will rest longer over night, in preparation for another day ahead. This is the daily pattern of horses in the wild, whose lives are filled with open spaces full of interest and who have freedom to stretch their legs. perhaps best of all, they have access to fresh grass all day long, even if they have to search for it. Horses are very well equipped for living a natural lifestyle – the neck and back can hold the head in the grazing position for a long time without using much energy. The digestive system is built for a huge intake of low-energy feed each day. And the brain and hormones form strong emotional bonds between the horses that keep the herd together.
An unnatural life
When horses are kept in a more domestic environment on a yard, they are managed in a way that is often far removed from how they would live in the wild (see ‘room with a view’, page 72). This is not entirely bad: there are no natural enemies to fear, and if they are sick or injured, medical attention will be issued quickly. However, not allowing a horse to follow a natural lifestyle – including their diet – can lead to problems forming. Many riding horses – from leisure animals to competition horses – are given meals of hard feed, such as nuts or mix. This is in sharp contrast with having unlimited feed available to them out in the wild. Furthermore, the meals they get are generally low in fibre, but high in energy and sugar or starch. This is the opposite of what a horse would be receiving in a natural diet. These and many other differences between natural and most modern feeding approaches are linked to health problems (see box, above). Unfortunately, these issues are commonly seen – more often than not riders try to fight the symptoms by reaching for stronger tack and calmers. However, they should instead be addressing the causes and preventing the problem in the first place.
As nature intended
Natural feeding puts the health of the horse first – it is all about giving him what he needs. By doing this you can reduce many factors that cause health or behaviour problems. The concept is much more than providing sufficient nutrients, though. You are allowing the horse to live like a horse should. The good news is that beneficial changes can be made relatively easily and they will have a major impact on your horse. Essentially, the natural feeding diet consists of unlimited roughage (fibre), because this is what horses eat in the wild. Supplementation with vitamins and minerals may be necessary on top of this roughage. Maybe you need to provide a different form of forage – for example, hay instead of fresh grass to keep a horse’s weight down – but the focus should always be on roughage. How a horse is given his meals is also important – eating and chewing with the head down is recommended – while replicating the ‘foraging’ element of wild horses will ensure a horse is kept entertained and happy. This can be done by using a treat ball or placing piles of hay – or several haynets – around the stable.
Reaping the rewards
Here are just a few of the associated benefits of following the natural feeding approach:
- Your horse’s diet can be tailor-made to suit him, his exercise levels and the quality of grazing you have. This is done by assessing his current diet and taking his body weight, the amount of exercise he does and other factors into consideration.
- It will promote gut health, which is supported by the continuous intake of fibrous feeds. This is due to the tough structure of roughage and its nutritional composition.
- The amount of chewing involved in eating fibre encourages the natural production of saliva, which in turn helps prevent gastric ulcers.
- Eating from the ground places the head in a position where the chewing action allows for the natural wearing of teeth.
- Muscular, joint and tendon health is supported, as a natural feeding position and movement throughout the day are encouraged.
- A horse can be happier and calmer because unlimited access to roughage is a major source of entertainment.
- Following a natural approach tends to be cheaper than conventional diets, because the main source of nutrition is fibre instead of manufactured feeds
1 Feed unlimited fibre
A fibre-based diet can improve gut health and will keep horses entertained for longer. If grass, hay or haylage intake is restricted, horses have to fill the time with another activity – this may result in compulsive or stereotypic behaviours, such as cribbing and weaving. Fibre should form the main source of nutrients for horses and the correct type should be fed in unlimited amounts. Feeding bucket meals with periods of not eating should be avoided. The nutritional composition of fibre varies greatly, which means it can be too rich or poor for an individual horse. Natural feeding addresses this by scoring a horse’s energy requirements and comparing it to the nutritional value of your grass/hay. This indicates whether extra vitamins and minerals are required, or if you need to switch to less-rich grass/hay/haylage.
2. Place feed on the ground
In nature, horses feed with their head down, which does not use much energy. Feeding away from the ground, such as in a haynet tied to the wall, requires the horse to lift his head. This uses neck and back muscles that are not designed to work for long periods of time, and can result in pain that may be noticed as a loss of performance under saddle. Also, dust from strung-up hay can more easily be inhaled, increasing the chances of respiratory problems. placing food on the ground encourages a correct chewing motion, while feeding away from the ground causes teeth to wear down incorrectly.
3. Make dietary changes gradually The natural diets of horses do not change overnight. Bacterial colonies in the gut can be easily upset by sudden changes, potentially causing colic or laminitis. The amount of concentrates should be changed no faster than by 0.5kg (1lbs) a day and oil supplementation by no more than one tablespoon a day. Hay from different harvests should be mixed when transitioning from one bale to the next. In the same way, the change from hay to pasture and vice versa should be made gradually, for example by restricting pasture access initially and supplying hay.
4. Analyse your forage people often focus more on which concentrates to feed instead of assessing roughage quality. This is like an athlete being more concerned with energy bars than with the bulk of their diet. Have your roughage analysed – some feed companies offer this service. (They can provide guidelines on how to take and send samples of your roughage.) Choose any supplemental feeds based on your forage composition, with the aid of a qualified equine nutritionist.
5. offer small meals ‘Meals’ refer to anything other than fibre sources – so, horse and pony nuts or mixes. It has been proven that feeding large meals can cause digestive upsets, especially with high starch feed. Never feed meals of over 1.5kg (3lb), or meals of straight cereals over 0.5kg (1lb). ponies should be fed no more than half these amounts. Spread meals over small portions throughout the day. To allow foraging behaviour, consider offering some of his feed using a treat ball.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015June_NaturalFeeding.pdf
Wellbeing - A big issue Journal Article
A. P. Wesker;S. Morris
In: Horse&Rider, no. 540, pp. 109–111, 2015.
Horse nutrition Technical
@article{wesker_wellbeing_2015,
title = {Wellbeing - A big issue},
author = {A P Wesker and S Morris},
url = {http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseRider2015May_Wellbeing-ABigIssue.pdf},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-05-01},
journal = {Horse&Rider},
number = {540},
pages = {109–111},
publisher = {D J Murphy},
address = {Grayshott, Surrey},
abstract = {Keep your horse in good shape this summer by paying attention to his diet and exercise. Two experts offer their advice.
“The only way for a horse to get fat is if the energy he consumes exceeds the energy he expends,” says independent equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker. “Equally, the only way for him to lose fat is if the energy he consumes is less than the energy he expends. The amount of energy consumed is increased by your horse eating more or eating feed with a higher energy content, whereas expended energy rises when he exercises more or if the exercise is more intensive.” Like humans, some horses are more prone to weight gain than others. If that sounds familiar, it’s important to be vigilant about the amount of feed and exercise he is getting. “Typically, native breeds are more prone to being overweight, because they’ve evolved to withstand harsh winters, poor grazing and exposure to the elements,” says the Mare And Foal Sanctuary’s Sian Morris. “Today’s domesticated horses often have a higher calorie intake because they have access to high quality grazing, hay or haylage and hard feed. In addition, they are often only in light work, which means they don’t burn many calories or maintain muscle tone.”
Calorie counting
Monitoring your horse’s calorie intake is a good indicator of how much energy he is receiving. The challenge is to provide enough food to maintain a healthy digestive system, without offering more calories than is essential. Alexandra advises: “If you want to feed less energy but don’t want to compromise on the amount of food, the energy content of the food needs to be reduced. When it comes to concentrates, choose one with less energy. If you’re at all unsure of which feed to choose, consult an equine nutritionist to find the best option for your horse. “Energy intake can be reduced by feeding a different form of roughage. For example, hay has a lower energy content than grass or haylage. If your horse lives out, you can decrease the size of his paddock and supplement his diet with hay – if he is eating the hay, he’ll be consuming fewer calories than if he’s eating grass. This offers your horse the benefits of turnout, while providing roughage with a lower energy content. “Another way to reduce the amount of sugar in hay is to soak it for several hours. However, soaking reduces hay’s mineral content. Providing a mineral lick at all times is a way of ensuring your horse is receiving sodium, magnesium, phosphorus and copper, which are the important minerals and trace elements he needs in his diet. Providing a mineral lick is a good idea, even if his hay isn’t soaked.” At the Mare and Foal Sanctuary, the staff use a variety of methods to control the residents’ food intake. Sian explains: “You can reduce your horse’s grazing by using a grazing muzzle, strip grazing the paddock or by bringing him into a stable, barn or yard to manage his diet more closely. “Also, consider whether your horse really needs to be fed concentrates. Take into consideration his breed, type, temperament, workload and current body condition score. A good way to reduce your horse’s roughage intake while he is stabled is to double-net your hay (one inside the other) or use small-holed haylage nets.”
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseRider2015May_Wellbeing-ABigIssue.pdf},
keywords = {},
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tppubtype = {article}
}
Keep your horse in good shape this summer by paying attention to his diet and exercise. Two experts offer their advice.
“The only way for a horse to get fat is if the energy he consumes exceeds the energy he expends,” says independent equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker. “Equally, the only way for him to lose fat is if the energy he consumes is less than the energy he expends. The amount of energy consumed is increased by your horse eating more or eating feed with a higher energy content, whereas expended energy rises when he exercises more or if the exercise is more intensive.” Like humans, some horses are more prone to weight gain than others. If that sounds familiar, it’s important to be vigilant about the amount of feed and exercise he is getting. “Typically, native breeds are more prone to being overweight, because they’ve evolved to withstand harsh winters, poor grazing and exposure to the elements,” says the Mare And Foal Sanctuary’s Sian Morris. “Today’s domesticated horses often have a higher calorie intake because they have access to high quality grazing, hay or haylage and hard feed. In addition, they are often only in light work, which means they don’t burn many calories or maintain muscle tone.”
Calorie counting
Monitoring your horse’s calorie intake is a good indicator of how much energy he is receiving. The challenge is to provide enough food to maintain a healthy digestive system, without offering more calories than is essential. Alexandra advises: “If you want to feed less energy but don’t want to compromise on the amount of food, the energy content of the food needs to be reduced. When it comes to concentrates, choose one with less energy. If you’re at all unsure of which feed to choose, consult an equine nutritionist to find the best option for your horse. “Energy intake can be reduced by feeding a different form of roughage. For example, hay has a lower energy content than grass or haylage. If your horse lives out, you can decrease the size of his paddock and supplement his diet with hay – if he is eating the hay, he’ll be consuming fewer calories than if he’s eating grass. This offers your horse the benefits of turnout, while providing roughage with a lower energy content. “Another way to reduce the amount of sugar in hay is to soak it for several hours. However, soaking reduces hay’s mineral content. Providing a mineral lick at all times is a way of ensuring your horse is receiving sodium, magnesium, phosphorus and copper, which are the important minerals and trace elements he needs in his diet. Providing a mineral lick is a good idea, even if his hay isn’t soaked.” At the Mare and Foal Sanctuary, the staff use a variety of methods to control the residents’ food intake. Sian explains: “You can reduce your horse’s grazing by using a grazing muzzle, strip grazing the paddock or by bringing him into a stable, barn or yard to manage his diet more closely. “Also, consider whether your horse really needs to be fed concentrates. Take into consideration his breed, type, temperament, workload and current body condition score. A good way to reduce your horse’s roughage intake while he is stabled is to double-net your hay (one inside the other) or use small-holed haylage nets.”
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseRider2015May_Wellbeing-ABigIssue.pdf
“The only way for a horse to get fat is if the energy he consumes exceeds the energy he expends,” says independent equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker. “Equally, the only way for him to lose fat is if the energy he consumes is less than the energy he expends. The amount of energy consumed is increased by your horse eating more or eating feed with a higher energy content, whereas expended energy rises when he exercises more or if the exercise is more intensive.” Like humans, some horses are more prone to weight gain than others. If that sounds familiar, it’s important to be vigilant about the amount of feed and exercise he is getting. “Typically, native breeds are more prone to being overweight, because they’ve evolved to withstand harsh winters, poor grazing and exposure to the elements,” says the Mare And Foal Sanctuary’s Sian Morris. “Today’s domesticated horses often have a higher calorie intake because they have access to high quality grazing, hay or haylage and hard feed. In addition, they are often only in light work, which means they don’t burn many calories or maintain muscle tone.”
Calorie counting
Monitoring your horse’s calorie intake is a good indicator of how much energy he is receiving. The challenge is to provide enough food to maintain a healthy digestive system, without offering more calories than is essential. Alexandra advises: “If you want to feed less energy but don’t want to compromise on the amount of food, the energy content of the food needs to be reduced. When it comes to concentrates, choose one with less energy. If you’re at all unsure of which feed to choose, consult an equine nutritionist to find the best option for your horse. “Energy intake can be reduced by feeding a different form of roughage. For example, hay has a lower energy content than grass or haylage. If your horse lives out, you can decrease the size of his paddock and supplement his diet with hay – if he is eating the hay, he’ll be consuming fewer calories than if he’s eating grass. This offers your horse the benefits of turnout, while providing roughage with a lower energy content. “Another way to reduce the amount of sugar in hay is to soak it for several hours. However, soaking reduces hay’s mineral content. Providing a mineral lick at all times is a way of ensuring your horse is receiving sodium, magnesium, phosphorus and copper, which are the important minerals and trace elements he needs in his diet. Providing a mineral lick is a good idea, even if his hay isn’t soaked.” At the Mare and Foal Sanctuary, the staff use a variety of methods to control the residents’ food intake. Sian explains: “You can reduce your horse’s grazing by using a grazing muzzle, strip grazing the paddock or by bringing him into a stable, barn or yard to manage his diet more closely. “Also, consider whether your horse really needs to be fed concentrates. Take into consideration his breed, type, temperament, workload and current body condition score. A good way to reduce your horse’s roughage intake while he is stabled is to double-net your hay (one inside the other) or use small-holed haylage nets.”
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseRider2015May_Wellbeing-ABigIssue.pdf
Fabulous fibre Journal Article
A. P. Wesker
In: Horse Magazine, no. March, pp. 74–76, 2015.
Horse nutrition Technical
@article{wesker_fabulous_2015,
title = {Fabulous fibre},
author = {A P Wesker},
url = {http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015March_FabulousFibre.pdf},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-03-01},
journal = {Horse Magazine},
number = {March},
pages = {74–76},
publisher = {MyTimeMedia Ltd.},
address = {Edenbridge, Kent},
abstract = {Fabulous fibre
Equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker shares seven reasons for giving horses and ponies a high-fibre diet.
A source of energy and warmth
Fibrous feeds such as hay, haylage and grass provide ‘slow-release’ energy, which means a horse is less likely to become fizzy than if fed cereals such as oats or barley. horses cannot digest fibre directly – bacteria in the digestive system perform this job, releasing nutrients for the body to use. The amount of energy bacteria can retrieve from fibrous feeds depends on the type of fibre. Fibre in soft, leafy spring grass is broken down easily and releases a lot of energy. The fibre in stalky, rough autumn grass is more difficult for the bacteria to break down and provides less energy. This means a meadow offers more energy at the beginning of summer than at the end. For the same reason, the time of year hay is harvested has a big impact on its energy content. ‘Good’ bacteria can release more energy from soft, leafy hay than it can from stalky forage. When bacteria in the gut break down fibre and release energy, they also produce warmth. This serves as an internal stove for horses and plays a major role in keeping them warm. This is why fibre is such a valuable feed source in the winter months.
Contributes to hindgut health
The hindgut is the last part of the horse’s digestive system. It is large and lined with billions of bacteria that aid digestion (see number one, left). a diet high in fibre supports the gut bacteria which break down fibre. This is because fibre is a source of feed for the bacteria themselves. In digesting fibre, the bacteria release nutrients and produce B-vitamins which are utilised by the horse’s body. On a fibrous diet, the hindgut is slightly alkaline (the opposite of acidic), which provides the best environment for the bacteria that digest fibre. In contrast, diets low in fibre and high in starch can lead to starch ending up in the hindgut. The starch will make the hindgut more acidic, which can kill the fibre-loving bacteria – a process associated with the onset of laminitis. For this reason, fibrous diets are considered to be healthier for horses than starchy diets. another way in which fibre supports hindgut health is through its tough physical structure. The rugged structure of fibre encourages contractions in the horse’s digestive tract, which are essential for moving food material through the gut. These contractions decrease without fibre, and this can cause gut contents to start rotting, killing bacteria and potentially leading to problems such as laminitis.
Protects against ulcers
The most common stomach problem in horses is gastric ulceration – it is believed more than half of racehorses in training suffer from ulcers. Leisure horses are also at risk. There are many factors that can result in ulcers developing, some of which are nutritional. One cause is a stomach environment that is too acidic. The stomach continuously produces gastric acid. This acidity is needed because it kills bad microbes that enter with feed, and because it starts the process of protein digestion. The acidity does, however, need to be moderated by saliva. If too little saliva is produced, the stomach can become too acidic, increasing the risk of ulcers forming. horses, in contrast to humans, only produce saliva when they chew. Feeding highly fibrous feeds requires about four times more chewing than non-fibrous feeds and therefore produces more saliva to help prevent gastric ulcers.
Keeps teeth in good working order
Eating a high-fibre diet can help prevent painful sharp edges forming on a horse’s teeth. Sharp edges can damage the tongue and cheeks of the horse, and may prevent him from being able to eat properly. Equine teeth grow continuously, even into adulthood. They are worn down when a horse chews. When eating highly fibrous food, the grinding action is big and wears down the upper surface of the molars. however, when a horse munches on other feedstuffs that are non-fibrous, the chewing motion is small and only part of the tooth surface will be worn down. The area of the tooth that is not worn down can become a sharp edge. how you feed your horse his forage can also affect how he chews, and therefore how well his teeth are worn down. You should position his hay or haylage on the ground, whether feeding it in the field or in the stable. Every horse should have at least an annual check up by a vet or qualified equine dental technician, even if he’s not showing signs of a mouth problem.
Provides healthy entertainment
It is natural for equines to eat for around 14 to 18 hours a day. however, modern living often sees horses individually stabled, and given a bucket feed one to three times a day. Once the meal is finished they find other ways of entertainment, often in the form of unwanted behaviours such as cribbing, windsucking, weaving or twisting the tongue. These behaviours have no constructive purpose but can cause health problems, and they are difficult – if not impossible – to undo. Providing plenty of fibre for a horse to chew is a healthy way to keep him busy and prevent boredom, especially if it’s fed ‘ad lib’.
Acts as a water reserve
The hindgut of a horse serves as a reservoir for water and electrolytes. During prolonged exercise – such as endurance races, or the cross-country phase of eventing – this reservoir is called upon and the horse will draw on the water and salt reserves it contains. The horse’s diet plays a major role in how large the reservoir is. When a horse eats lots of fibre, the hindgut will hold more fluids and electrolytes than if he’s on a low-fibre diet. This is a main reason why the diets of endurance horses feature lots of fibre. most endurance riders take great care in selecting the right forage for their horses and tend to just feed that, alongside vitamin and mineral supplementation.
Supplies nutrients
A horse’s requirements for vitamins, minerals and trace elements are often met by fibrous feeds, provided they were produced on land which has good soil and are fed continuously (ad lib). Overall, grass and hay tend to provide a good balance of nutrients. Fresh grass covers the vitamin a and E requirements for non-exercising horses in only a few hours of grazing. Even grass with a low-energy content can deliver sufficient nutrients for non-exercising horses if fed ad lib. Equally, unlimited grass with a high-energy content should meet the nutritional requirements of horses in work. a further health benefit of grass is it contains fats that are omega-3 fatty acids. These are known to have anti-inflammatory effects. Nutritional composition does, however, depend on the time of year. For example, grass can provide good quality protein, but while levels are high during spring and summer, they are too low in autumn and winter to meet the needs of exercising horses. Vitamin a and E content reduces when grass is made into hay. Therefore, depending on the hay quality, a protein and vitamin supplement may be beneficial in winter.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015March_FabulousFibre.pdf},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
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Fabulous fibre
Equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker shares seven reasons for giving horses and ponies a high-fibre diet.
A source of energy and warmth
Fibrous feeds such as hay, haylage and grass provide ‘slow-release’ energy, which means a horse is less likely to become fizzy than if fed cereals such as oats or barley. horses cannot digest fibre directly – bacteria in the digestive system perform this job, releasing nutrients for the body to use. The amount of energy bacteria can retrieve from fibrous feeds depends on the type of fibre. Fibre in soft, leafy spring grass is broken down easily and releases a lot of energy. The fibre in stalky, rough autumn grass is more difficult for the bacteria to break down and provides less energy. This means a meadow offers more energy at the beginning of summer than at the end. For the same reason, the time of year hay is harvested has a big impact on its energy content. ‘Good’ bacteria can release more energy from soft, leafy hay than it can from stalky forage. When bacteria in the gut break down fibre and release energy, they also produce warmth. This serves as an internal stove for horses and plays a major role in keeping them warm. This is why fibre is such a valuable feed source in the winter months.
Contributes to hindgut health
The hindgut is the last part of the horse’s digestive system. It is large and lined with billions of bacteria that aid digestion (see number one, left). a diet high in fibre supports the gut bacteria which break down fibre. This is because fibre is a source of feed for the bacteria themselves. In digesting fibre, the bacteria release nutrients and produce B-vitamins which are utilised by the horse’s body. On a fibrous diet, the hindgut is slightly alkaline (the opposite of acidic), which provides the best environment for the bacteria that digest fibre. In contrast, diets low in fibre and high in starch can lead to starch ending up in the hindgut. The starch will make the hindgut more acidic, which can kill the fibre-loving bacteria – a process associated with the onset of laminitis. For this reason, fibrous diets are considered to be healthier for horses than starchy diets. another way in which fibre supports hindgut health is through its tough physical structure. The rugged structure of fibre encourages contractions in the horse’s digestive tract, which are essential for moving food material through the gut. These contractions decrease without fibre, and this can cause gut contents to start rotting, killing bacteria and potentially leading to problems such as laminitis.
Protects against ulcers
The most common stomach problem in horses is gastric ulceration – it is believed more than half of racehorses in training suffer from ulcers. Leisure horses are also at risk. There are many factors that can result in ulcers developing, some of which are nutritional. One cause is a stomach environment that is too acidic. The stomach continuously produces gastric acid. This acidity is needed because it kills bad microbes that enter with feed, and because it starts the process of protein digestion. The acidity does, however, need to be moderated by saliva. If too little saliva is produced, the stomach can become too acidic, increasing the risk of ulcers forming. horses, in contrast to humans, only produce saliva when they chew. Feeding highly fibrous feeds requires about four times more chewing than non-fibrous feeds and therefore produces more saliva to help prevent gastric ulcers.
Keeps teeth in good working order
Eating a high-fibre diet can help prevent painful sharp edges forming on a horse’s teeth. Sharp edges can damage the tongue and cheeks of the horse, and may prevent him from being able to eat properly. Equine teeth grow continuously, even into adulthood. They are worn down when a horse chews. When eating highly fibrous food, the grinding action is big and wears down the upper surface of the molars. however, when a horse munches on other feedstuffs that are non-fibrous, the chewing motion is small and only part of the tooth surface will be worn down. The area of the tooth that is not worn down can become a sharp edge. how you feed your horse his forage can also affect how he chews, and therefore how well his teeth are worn down. You should position his hay or haylage on the ground, whether feeding it in the field or in the stable. Every horse should have at least an annual check up by a vet or qualified equine dental technician, even if he’s not showing signs of a mouth problem.
Provides healthy entertainment
It is natural for equines to eat for around 14 to 18 hours a day. however, modern living often sees horses individually stabled, and given a bucket feed one to three times a day. Once the meal is finished they find other ways of entertainment, often in the form of unwanted behaviours such as cribbing, windsucking, weaving or twisting the tongue. These behaviours have no constructive purpose but can cause health problems, and they are difficult – if not impossible – to undo. Providing plenty of fibre for a horse to chew is a healthy way to keep him busy and prevent boredom, especially if it’s fed ‘ad lib’.
Acts as a water reserve
The hindgut of a horse serves as a reservoir for water and electrolytes. During prolonged exercise – such as endurance races, or the cross-country phase of eventing – this reservoir is called upon and the horse will draw on the water and salt reserves it contains. The horse’s diet plays a major role in how large the reservoir is. When a horse eats lots of fibre, the hindgut will hold more fluids and electrolytes than if he’s on a low-fibre diet. This is a main reason why the diets of endurance horses feature lots of fibre. most endurance riders take great care in selecting the right forage for their horses and tend to just feed that, alongside vitamin and mineral supplementation.
Supplies nutrients
A horse’s requirements for vitamins, minerals and trace elements are often met by fibrous feeds, provided they were produced on land which has good soil and are fed continuously (ad lib). Overall, grass and hay tend to provide a good balance of nutrients. Fresh grass covers the vitamin a and E requirements for non-exercising horses in only a few hours of grazing. Even grass with a low-energy content can deliver sufficient nutrients for non-exercising horses if fed ad lib. Equally, unlimited grass with a high-energy content should meet the nutritional requirements of horses in work. a further health benefit of grass is it contains fats that are omega-3 fatty acids. These are known to have anti-inflammatory effects. Nutritional composition does, however, depend on the time of year. For example, grass can provide good quality protein, but while levels are high during spring and summer, they are too low in autumn and winter to meet the needs of exercising horses. Vitamin a and E content reduces when grass is made into hay. Therefore, depending on the hay quality, a protein and vitamin supplement may be beneficial in winter.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015March_FabulousFibre.pdf
Equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker shares seven reasons for giving horses and ponies a high-fibre diet.
A source of energy and warmth
Fibrous feeds such as hay, haylage and grass provide ‘slow-release’ energy, which means a horse is less likely to become fizzy than if fed cereals such as oats or barley. horses cannot digest fibre directly – bacteria in the digestive system perform this job, releasing nutrients for the body to use. The amount of energy bacteria can retrieve from fibrous feeds depends on the type of fibre. Fibre in soft, leafy spring grass is broken down easily and releases a lot of energy. The fibre in stalky, rough autumn grass is more difficult for the bacteria to break down and provides less energy. This means a meadow offers more energy at the beginning of summer than at the end. For the same reason, the time of year hay is harvested has a big impact on its energy content. ‘Good’ bacteria can release more energy from soft, leafy hay than it can from stalky forage. When bacteria in the gut break down fibre and release energy, they also produce warmth. This serves as an internal stove for horses and plays a major role in keeping them warm. This is why fibre is such a valuable feed source in the winter months.
Contributes to hindgut health
The hindgut is the last part of the horse’s digestive system. It is large and lined with billions of bacteria that aid digestion (see number one, left). a diet high in fibre supports the gut bacteria which break down fibre. This is because fibre is a source of feed for the bacteria themselves. In digesting fibre, the bacteria release nutrients and produce B-vitamins which are utilised by the horse’s body. On a fibrous diet, the hindgut is slightly alkaline (the opposite of acidic), which provides the best environment for the bacteria that digest fibre. In contrast, diets low in fibre and high in starch can lead to starch ending up in the hindgut. The starch will make the hindgut more acidic, which can kill the fibre-loving bacteria – a process associated with the onset of laminitis. For this reason, fibrous diets are considered to be healthier for horses than starchy diets. another way in which fibre supports hindgut health is through its tough physical structure. The rugged structure of fibre encourages contractions in the horse’s digestive tract, which are essential for moving food material through the gut. These contractions decrease without fibre, and this can cause gut contents to start rotting, killing bacteria and potentially leading to problems such as laminitis.
Protects against ulcers
The most common stomach problem in horses is gastric ulceration – it is believed more than half of racehorses in training suffer from ulcers. Leisure horses are also at risk. There are many factors that can result in ulcers developing, some of which are nutritional. One cause is a stomach environment that is too acidic. The stomach continuously produces gastric acid. This acidity is needed because it kills bad microbes that enter with feed, and because it starts the process of protein digestion. The acidity does, however, need to be moderated by saliva. If too little saliva is produced, the stomach can become too acidic, increasing the risk of ulcers forming. horses, in contrast to humans, only produce saliva when they chew. Feeding highly fibrous feeds requires about four times more chewing than non-fibrous feeds and therefore produces more saliva to help prevent gastric ulcers.
Keeps teeth in good working order
Eating a high-fibre diet can help prevent painful sharp edges forming on a horse’s teeth. Sharp edges can damage the tongue and cheeks of the horse, and may prevent him from being able to eat properly. Equine teeth grow continuously, even into adulthood. They are worn down when a horse chews. When eating highly fibrous food, the grinding action is big and wears down the upper surface of the molars. however, when a horse munches on other feedstuffs that are non-fibrous, the chewing motion is small and only part of the tooth surface will be worn down. The area of the tooth that is not worn down can become a sharp edge. how you feed your horse his forage can also affect how he chews, and therefore how well his teeth are worn down. You should position his hay or haylage on the ground, whether feeding it in the field or in the stable. Every horse should have at least an annual check up by a vet or qualified equine dental technician, even if he’s not showing signs of a mouth problem.
Provides healthy entertainment
It is natural for equines to eat for around 14 to 18 hours a day. however, modern living often sees horses individually stabled, and given a bucket feed one to three times a day. Once the meal is finished they find other ways of entertainment, often in the form of unwanted behaviours such as cribbing, windsucking, weaving or twisting the tongue. These behaviours have no constructive purpose but can cause health problems, and they are difficult – if not impossible – to undo. Providing plenty of fibre for a horse to chew is a healthy way to keep him busy and prevent boredom, especially if it’s fed ‘ad lib’.
Acts as a water reserve
The hindgut of a horse serves as a reservoir for water and electrolytes. During prolonged exercise – such as endurance races, or the cross-country phase of eventing – this reservoir is called upon and the horse will draw on the water and salt reserves it contains. The horse’s diet plays a major role in how large the reservoir is. When a horse eats lots of fibre, the hindgut will hold more fluids and electrolytes than if he’s on a low-fibre diet. This is a main reason why the diets of endurance horses feature lots of fibre. most endurance riders take great care in selecting the right forage for their horses and tend to just feed that, alongside vitamin and mineral supplementation.
Supplies nutrients
A horse’s requirements for vitamins, minerals and trace elements are often met by fibrous feeds, provided they were produced on land which has good soil and are fed continuously (ad lib). Overall, grass and hay tend to provide a good balance of nutrients. Fresh grass covers the vitamin a and E requirements for non-exercising horses in only a few hours of grazing. Even grass with a low-energy content can deliver sufficient nutrients for non-exercising horses if fed ad lib. Equally, unlimited grass with a high-energy content should meet the nutritional requirements of horses in work. a further health benefit of grass is it contains fats that are omega-3 fatty acids. These are known to have anti-inflammatory effects. Nutritional composition does, however, depend on the time of year. For example, grass can provide good quality protein, but while levels are high during spring and summer, they are too low in autumn and winter to meet the needs of exercising horses. Vitamin a and E content reduces when grass is made into hay. Therefore, depending on the hay quality, a protein and vitamin supplement may be beneficial in winter.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015March_FabulousFibre.pdf