ARTICLE FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE June 2023 59 ed in a reduction in both the height and the area of the villi. Additionally, endotoxin caused an increase in the width and depth of the intestinal glands. The authors of the study suggest that these changes in the morphology of the intestinal villi and glands are responsible for a decrease in nutrient absorption and an increase in susceptibility to infections. Ultimately, these effects can contribute to the development of post-weaning diarrhoea syndrome. Indeed, increasing disease and subsequent deaths in livestock can result in significant economic losses. These losses can arise from various factors, such as decreased productivity, increased veterinary and medical expenses, loss of market value, and potential disruptions in supply chains. Studies conducted by Wallace et al. (2016) and Eckel and Ametaj (2020) have highlighted the economic impact of livestock diseases. These impacts can extend beyond the immediate costs of treatment and mortality, affecting the profitability and sustainability of the livestock industry. Therefore, it is crucial to implement effective disease prevention and control measures to mitigate economic losses and promote the well-being of livestock populations. ECONOMIC IMPACT According to Huntley et al. (2017), stimulating tested animals with endotoxin increased total heat production by 19%, increased maintenance energy requirements by 23%, and decreased lipid deposition by 27% and average daily gain by 26%. According to DEFRA, there are approximately 5 million pigs in the UK and 150 million in the EU, with average weight of 80 kgs. Feeding represents 65% of the cost of the pig (£1.06/kg). A 15% improvement (endotoxin studies) would mean a gain of: 5(M) X 80 (kgs) X 1.06 (£/kgs) x15%=£63M per annum Similarly, the calculation for each farm can be estimated using the following formula: (Number of animals) x (average weight of animals) x (Cost of feed) X 15% = £gain LIVESTOCK BIOSECURITY AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES Livestock biosecurity is defined as the prevention of microbes from causing a risk to farm animals, farm workers, the safety and quality of a food product and the environment. Mitigation strategies must be implemented to minimise and control Gram-negative bacteria and endotoxin. These mitigations can be divided into two categories: outside and inside the animal:
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