Salmonella also exploits the fact that calprotectin depletes zinc availability to other bacteria of the natural gut microbiota (the natural flora of diverse bacteria that are present inside the gut that provide protective and metabolic functions beneficial for the host organism) that are present in the intestinal lumen; Salmonella thrives while its competition struggles to overcome the zinc starved conditions.


Perspectives As a relatively new research field, it is notable that most primary studies in this area have been performed on pathogenic bacteria of human medical significance and have utilised mice as the experimental host. Nonetheless, these studies have established the importance of nutritional immunity in fighting pathogenic bacteria, identified key host proteins that are involved in the process, and also determined some of the mechanisms by which certain pathogens are able to circumvent nutritional immunity. These studies have also demonstrated that proteins such as calprotectin can have different effects on the homeostasis of different metals within different bodily niches that are of relevance to different pathogenic bacteria. However, few attempts have been made to extend this concept to other animal


systems. Notably, farm animals are routinely supplied with excess quantities of trace minerals in their diet, which have been established to provide beneficial effects on animal physiology, although the mechanisms of these protective benefits remain unclear. This dietary metal excess is in stark contrast with the situation in humans, whose diets are routinely metal-deficient, especially in the developing world. Further research is urgently needed to determine how these nutritional immunity mechanisms operate in agriculturally important animals, and how their influence on gut health is affected by this supplementation of animal feed with excess metals such as zinc. The examples illustrated above, however, are likely to be indicative; the zinc transport systems are highly conserved between Salmonella and Escherichia coli, one of the primary Gram negative pathogens that cause significant damage to animal health and to the meat production industry, as are the zinc transporters of the human pathogen C. difficile and Clostridium perfringens, another significant pathogen of animals. Future studies should aim to address this knowledge gap.


This article is linked to the presentation made by Kevin WALDRON at the 3rd Animine Academy - September 2019


BSAS Accreditation Scheme will ‘Reinforce The UK’s Position at the


The British Society of Animal Science’s (BSAS) accreditation scheme for animal scientists, consultants and nutritionists will bring significant benefits to the UK livestock farming industry. “The successful application of science has been responsible for


the huge improvements in welfare and productivity across livestock farms,” comments BSAS Chief Executive, Maggie Mitchell. “With all the pressures on livestock farmers it has probably never been more important for producers to engage with, and have trust in, the science available. It can help them meet the challenges they face, like reduced antimicrobial use, increased requirements for animal welfare, environmental constraints and the drive for efficiency in a volatile global market.” The BSAS works to improve the understanding of animal


science and the ways it can help ensure food is produced ethically and economically. By sharing the latest in animal research, BSAS aims to enhance the welfare and productivity of farm animals to help produce quality, safe and environmentally-sustainable food. “The BSAS Register of Accredited Animal Scientists and


Animal Technologists, which currently has over 200 members, assures the knowledge, competency and integrity of people working in animal science and all its allied industries,” Maggie Mitchell continues. “It is open to professionals in the public sector, academia and commerce who work with animals and livestock. There are two categories of accreditation – one for those involved in carrying out research and one for those who apply the research”. “To become accredited, members of the register must


demonstrate they have the skills and expertise to be professionally recognised in their field. To maintain their accreditation, members


PAGE 44 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 FEED COMPOUNDER


Forefront of High Welfare and Efficient Animal Production Systems’ must evidence their continued professional development (CPD) and learning to an independent panel of experts. “Anyone working in academia or across the industry who


offers expertise in animal science, animal technology or animal care should apply. We hope the scheme will become the standard and be seen as the measure of professionalism. It complements the existing Feed Adviser Register (FAR) scheme but goes much further and will bring huge benefits. “For individuals it demonstrates passion, commitment and


a drive for continued self-improvement. No person should be teaching, researching or advising unless accredited to do so. “For employers there will be benefits in being able to


demonstrate that their staff are accredited and that as a business they are committed to providing the highest quality service based on the latest science. In time this will help to grow business as farmers only take advice from people who are accredited. They will know their staff have a commitment to keep up to date with the latest science and ensure they can deliver the best advice to customers. “Furthermore, we believe that the accreditation programme


will help improve the amount and quality of research that can be undertaken in the UK and attract increased funding. “We believe there is a moral obligation on the community


researching, teaching and advising on animal husbandry to ensure everyone is demonstrably suitably proficient to be doing the work they do. By so doing it will help develop a more sustainable livestock agriculture and reinforce the UK’s position at the forefront of high welfare and efficient animal production systems.”


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