Livestock and Microplastics

Abstract submission deadline

20 March 2025

Manuscript submission deadline

20 May 2025

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Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging pollutant in livestock, responsible for interconnected risks to the environment, husbandry, production chain (from feeds to foods), and animal health. In fact, MPs were recently detected inside ruminant bodies, in their feces, and in animal products for humans (milk and meat). Strategies for the prevention of MP contamination in farms need to be studied. Moreover, there is an urgent need to find fast methods for detecting and measuring MPs in the livestock sector that are possibly applicable to farms. Currently, the methods are time-consuming and laborious, and they vary depending on the nature of the matrices. Another crucial issue is reducing MP contamination; livestock could directly contribute to this. For example, the hydrolytic enzymes that some rumen and gut microorganisms produce can degrade natural and synthetic polyesters. This and other strategies need to be thoroughly investigated. To summarize, in this topic, authors are strongly invited to work on the following:

• The issue of microplastics in the livestock sector (environment, husbandry, feeds, foods, and health).
• Simple and innovative MP detection and measurement methods that are suitable for livestock matrices (feeds, animals, animal products, urine, manure, etc.).
• Studies on possible strategies for the prevention of and reduction in MP contaminants in livestock and farms.
• Studies on the potential ability of rumen and gut microbiota to degrade MPs and other strategies.

Dr. Sonia Tassone
Prof. Dr. Beniamino T. Cenci-Goga
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Agriculture agriculture	3.3	4.9	2011	19.2 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Animals animals	2.7	4.9	2011	16.1 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Fermentation fermentation	3.3	3.8	2015	15.4 Days	CHF 2100	Submit
Microplastics microplastics	-	-	2022	27.5 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Veterinary Sciences vetsci	2.0	2.9	2014	21.2 Days	CHF 2100	Submit

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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All Agriculture Animals Fermentation Microplastics Veterinary Sciences

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25 pages, 47114 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Polyvinyl Chloride Microplastics on the Reproductive System, Intestinal Structure, and Microflora in Male and Female Mice

by Yang-Kai-Xin Yang, Shu-Jun Ge, Qi-Ling Su, Jin-Jun Chen, Jiang Wu and Kai Kang

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(10), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11100488 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1559

Abstract

The pervasive use of plastics in numerous industrial sectors has resulted in the circulation of microplastics across diverse ecosystems and food chains, giving rise to mounting concerns regarding their potential adverse impacts on biological systems and the environment. The objective of this experiment [...] Read more.

The pervasive use of plastics in numerous industrial sectors has resulted in the circulation of microplastics across diverse ecosystems and food chains, giving rise to mounting concerns regarding their potential adverse impacts on biological systems and the environment. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the distinct effects of microplastic-polyvinyl chloride (PVC) exposure on the reproductive system, intestinal tissue structure, and intestinal microbial flora of both male and female mice. A total of 24 4-week-old Kunming mice were randomly assigned to one of four groups: male control group (CM), female control group (CF), male PVC test group (PVCM), and female PVC test group (PVCF) (n = 6). The findings revealed that in terms of the reproductive system, the PVCM group exhibited an impaired testicular structure with an irregular arrangement and a significant reduction in spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatozoa within the seminiferous tubules (p < 0.01). The PVCF group exhibited a notable decrease in ovarian follicles (p < 0.01), accompanied by a reduction in uterus volume, fallopian tube volume, and muscle layer thickness, all of which also decreased significantly (p < 0.01). In comparison to the control groups, exposure to PVC resulted in a reduction in the width and height of the intestinal villi, accompanied by an increase in crypt depth. This led to a significant alteration in the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V/C) (p < 0.01). Moreover, a reduction in microbial species diversity was observed within both the PVCM and PVCF groups; additionally, it was accompanied by contrasting changes in relative abundance and functional gene profiles among the major intestinal flora constituents. In summary, the findings indicate that PVC induces damage to both male and female mice reproductive and digestive systems, further exhibiting notable sex-dependent effects on mouse intestinal microflora composition, which correlates significantly with its impact on reproductive organs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Livestock and Microplastics)

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11 pages, 1229 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

First Evidence of the Effects of Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastics on Ruminal Degradability and Gastro-Intestinal Digestibility of Mixed Hay

by Sonia Tassone, Salvatore Barbera, Hatsumi Kaihara, Sara Glorio Patrucco and Khalil Abid

Animals 2024, 14(15), 2139; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14152139 - 23 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1544

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) raise environmental concerns. However, their effects on the ruminal–gastro-intestinal system have not yet been studied. This study aims to investigate the effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MPs on the ability of the ruminal–gastro-intestinal system to degrade and digest mixed hay. Using [...] Read more.

Microplastics (MPs) raise environmental concerns. However, their effects on the ruminal–gastro-intestinal system have not yet been studied. This study aims to investigate the effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MPs on the ability of the ruminal–gastro-intestinal system to degrade and digest mixed hay. Using a three-step in vitro ruminal–gastro-intestinal incubation system, PET MPs were introduced at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 15 g/L in ruminal and gastro-intestinal solutions. Ruminal fluid was collected from three 16-month-old Piedmontese bulls. The experiment was conducted on three mixed hays and was repeated three times, with triplicate incubations in each run. The results reveal that PET MPs reduced the degradability and digestibility of crude protein. Specifically, crude protein degradation was reduced by 9% at medium and 16% at high PET MP concentrations in the ruminal phase, while the crude protein digestibility of undegraded crude protein was reduced by 8% at the lowest PET MPs concentration in the gastro-intestinal tract. Additionally, PET MPs reduced the degradation of neutral detergent fiber at medium and high PET MP concentrations in the ruminal phase by 9% and 13%, respectively. These results highlight the risks of PET MPs contamination on ruminal–gastro-intestinal functions and underscore the urgent need to mitigate MPs contamination in the livestock sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Livestock and Microplastics)

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14 pages, 1987 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Recyclable Rubber Flooring in Farrowing Crates and Its Influence on the Development and Welfare of Piglets in the Maternity Phase

by Beatriz de Oliveira Possagnolo, Isabella Cardoso Ferreira da Silva Condotta, Magno do Nascimento Amorim, Érik dos Santos Harada, Sônia Maria de Stefano Piedade, Daniele Aparecida Mendonça Cipriano and Késia Oliveira da Silva-Miranda

Agriculture 2024, 14(6), 807; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14060807 - 23 May 2024

Viewed by 1112

Abstract

To boost productivity in pig production, it is essential to improve the litter size per sow. However, achieving this goal requires reducing newborn mortality rates and increasing their weight gain. In this regard, prioritizing animal welfare and adopting practices that promote sustainability in [...] Read more.

To boost productivity in pig production, it is essential to improve the litter size per sow. However, achieving this goal requires reducing newborn mortality rates and increasing their weight gain. In this regard, prioritizing animal welfare and adopting practices that promote sustainability in the activity is crucial. The study aimed to evaluate the sustainable flooring coverage of farrowing crates, considering piglet adaptation, thermal comfort, animal development, and increased productivity. Three types of flooring treatments were defined: T1—wood shavings; T2—solid rubber mat; T3—perforated rubber mat, for 12 litters (±50 animals/treatment). Behavior, physiology, piglet production indices, and facility microclimate were assessed. The facility’s microclimate indicated the possibility of cold stress. There was a greater preference for the mat treatments among the animals, as they remained on them for longer periods and showed increased activity in the farrowing crates. The presence of mats resulted in lower mortality due to crushing, positively contributing to production. These findings suggest the potential of using recyclable rubber mats in pig production and encourage the exploration of new designs and installation locations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Livestock and Microplastics)

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14 pages, 2999 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Microplastics Prevalence in Different Cetaceans Stranded along the Western Taiwan Strait

by Reyilamu Aierken, Yuke Zhang, Qianhui Zeng, Liming Yong, Jincheng Qu, Haoran Tong, Xianyan Wang and Liyuan Zhao

Animals 2024, 14(4), 641; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14040641 - 17 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1458

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) pollution is of global concern, which poses serious threats to various marine organisms, including many threatened apex predators. In this study, MPs were investigated from nine cetaceans of four different species, comprising one common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), two pygmy [...] Read more.

Microplastics (MPs) pollution is of global concern, which poses serious threats to various marine organisms, including many threatened apex predators. In this study, MPs were investigated from nine cetaceans of four different species, comprising one common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), two pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps), one ginkgo-toothed beaked whale (Mesoplodon ginkgodens), and five Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) stranded along the western coast of the Taiwan Strait from the East China Sea based on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis. Mean abundances of 778 identified MPs items were 86.44 ± 12.22 items individual⁻¹ and 0.43 ± 0.19 items g⁻¹ wet weight of intestine contents, which were found predominantly to be transparent, fiber-shaped polyethylene terephthalate (PET) items usually between 0.5 and 5 mm. The abundance of MPs was found at a slightly higher level and significantly correlated with intestine contents mass (p = 0.0004*). The MPs source was mainly likely from synthetic fibers-laden sewage discharged from intense textile industries. Our report represents the first study of MPs in pelagic and deep-diving cetaceans in China, which not only adds baseline data on MPs for cetaceans in Asian waters but also highlights the further risk assessment of MPs consumption in these threatened species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Livestock and Microplastics)

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18 pages, 3052 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Exposure of Mytilus galloprovincialis to Microplastics: Accumulation, Depuration and Evaluation of the Expression Levels of a Selection of Molecular Biomarkers

by Federica Pizzurro, Eliana Nerone, Massimo Ancora, Marco Di Domenico, Luana Fiorella Mincarelli, Cesare Cammà, Romolo Salini, Ludovica Di Renzo, Federica Di Giacinto, Corinne Corbau, Itana Bokan, Nicola Ferri and Sara Recchi

Animals 2024, 14(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14010004 - 19 Dec 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1909

Abstract

Microplastic contamination is a growing marine environmental issue with possible consequences for seafood safety. Filter feeders are the target species for microplastic (MPs) pollution because they filter large quantities of seawater to feed. In the present study, an experimental contamination of Mytilus galloprovincialis [...] Read more.

Microplastic contamination is a growing marine environmental issue with possible consequences for seafood safety. Filter feeders are the target species for microplastic (MPs) pollution because they filter large quantities of seawater to feed. In the present study, an experimental contamination of Mytilus galloprovincialis was conducted using a mixture of the main types of MPs usually present in the seawater column (53% filaments, 30% fragments, 3% granules) in order to test the purification process as a potential method for removing these contaminants from bivalves intended for human consumption. A set of molecular biomarkers was also evaluated in order to detect any variations in the expression levels of some genes associated with biotransformation and detoxification, DNA repair, cellular response, and the immune system. Our results demonstrate that: (a) the purification process can significantly reduce MP contamination in M. galloprovincialis; (b) a differential expression level has been observed between mussels tested and in particular most of the differences were found in the gills, thus defining it as the target organ for the use of these biomarkers. Therefore, this study further suggests the potential use of molecular biomarkers as an innovative method, encouraging their use in next-generation marine monitoring programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Livestock and Microplastics)

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