Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Sciences

Psychrotrophic bacteria are one of the significant microbes in chilled meat,pseudomonasis the most predominant member of this group. Pseudomonas could survive in various ecological niches. In the current study, we detect the prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in meat at Mosul city retailsandtheir antibiotics resistance profile. One hundred fifty samples from beef, mutton and chicken meat were collected aseptically and cultivated. P. aeruginosa isolates were phenotypically and genetically recognized, and their antimicrobial activity was carried out for cultured isolates. Our findings revealed that 21 (14%) of meat samples were P. aeruginosa positive with a high significant recovery rate in chicken meat 11 (22%) and beef 7 (14%) compared to mutton 3 (6%). The antimicrobial resistance level of P. aeruginosa were 100% for amoxicillin, and 66% for aztreonam. The susceptibilities were 95% for tobramycin, 90% for levofloxacin, 90% for ciprofloxacin, 90% for gentamicin, 76% for piperacillin, and 57% for meropenem. In conclusion, P. aeruginosa is likely to be more common in meat, especially in chicken. Therefore, good hygienic practices should be applied to handle and preserve meat under suitable conditions to extend its shelf life, ensure meat safety, and conserve consumer health. 

According to their toxicity, toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, cadmium, copper, zinc, and lead are believed to be the most harmful to humans, fish, and the environment. Because their levels are rising due to human activities endangering aquatic species and people, the current study sought to ascertain the level of toxic heavy metals in five catfish parts (skin, liver, muscles, gills, and ovaries). In the northern part of the Shatt Al-Arab, catfish samples were collected in March 2022. ICP-MS was used to detect target metal levels. According to the results, arsenic accumulated in the skin and muscles at a rate of 0.22 and 0.21ppm, respectively. In contrast, the levels of arsenic in the various body parts are not statistically different. Additionally, cadmium showed no noticeable variances in the studied body parts. Furthermore, the liver had the most significant copper accumulation 18.72ppm. Furthermore, mercury accumulation in various body parts was shown to vary statistically, with the highest levels in muscles 0.66ppm. In addition, zinc was accumulated in the body parts in the following sequence: gills, ovaries, liver, skin, and muscles, respectively, while in the following sequence: muscles, skin, gills, liver, and ovaries respectively in the lead. Moreover, there were no statistically significant differences in the quantity of zirconium that accumulated. According to the current study, the catfish’s body parts did not accumulate toxic heavy metals at high rates. This may be due to study area the environment and the mechanisms of treating these types of metals by catfish. 

The current study aims to detect the presence of some virulence genes of Escherichia (E.) coli in fish. 46 strains of E. coli were previously isolated from 153 fish samples, including 28 and 18 isolates of E. coli from local markets and fish farms, respectively, in Nineveh Governorate from November 2021 to January 2022. The study results show that all isolates of E. coli possessed the uidA gene with a molecular weight of 623 bp. In addition, they show that 88.9% (16/18) isolates from farmed fish samples possessed the Stx1 gene with a molecular weight of 347 bp, while 72.2% (13/18) of them carried the Stx2 gene with a molecular weight of 589 bp. Also, the study unveils that 89.3 % (25/28) isolated from the market fish samples possessed the Stx1 gene with a molecular weight of 347 bp, and 85.7% (24/28) isolates carried the Stx2 gene with a molecular weight of 589 bp. The rfb gene is detected in this study, neither in farm fish nor in the samples from the local fish markets using the PCR technique. Likewise, it shows that E. coli isolated from fish possessed the Stx1 and Stx2 genes, major causative agents of food poisoning for consumers. Finally, the study gives important information about the application of health conditions on fish farms and fish markets to prevent contamination and reduce infections by foodborne pathogens that cause food poisoning in humans.

This research work was conducted as well as the determination of the resistance to antibiotics of these isolated species of E. coli in Nineveh governorate to assess the incidence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) contamination in different fish farms and local fish markets. The total number of fish samples used in the present study was 153, including 75 samples from various fish farms and 78 samples from different local markets in Mosul. The current study showed that the percentage of E. coli isolated from fish farms was 24% (18/75) and 35.9% (28/78) from local markets. While it showed a positive result for E. coli with serotype (O157:H7) with a percentage was 9.3 and 14.1% from both farmed fish and market fish samples, respectively. Additionally, all E. coli positive isolates possess the specific uidA gene, which was detected using the PCR technique. The highest sensitivity of E. coli bacteria to the antibiotic’s ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim, and gentamicin was 96, 94, and 86%, respectively. At the same time, the highest percentage of resistance of E. coli to the antibiotics cephalothin, tetracycline, erythromycin, and amoxicillin was 100, 64, 64, and 62%, respectively. To reduce health risks to consumers, these results provide useful basic information for the proper management of these environments in order to prevent fecal contamination in fish farms and the fish sold in local markets.

To determine food safety and sanitation practices and compare small halal and non-halal beef slaughterhouses in the United States, we conducted two web-based surveys using a similar questionnaire and data collection methods. Among the 80 halal slaughterhouses included in this study, 56.25% (45 out of 80) participated, while 63.75% (51 out of 80) participated in the non-halal slaughterhouse survey. This study showed no significant differences between halal and non-halal slaughterhouses regarding food safety and sanitation, food safety technologies, and microbiological testing practices. All halal and non-halal slaughterhouses conducted generic E. coli (100%) for beef carcasses. The most common interventions used in halal slaughterhouses were a combination of treatments (cold water + hot water (180 °F) + organic acid) 31.1%. In contrast, the most common interventions used in non-halal slaughterhouses were only hot water (180 °F) (33.5%). The findings of this study can be used to describe food safety and sanitation practices in the halal meat industries and find areas for improvement.

This research evaluated the effluent proportion of E. coli and ETEC in RTE meat products, characterized the isolated strains' clonal relatedness, and determined their antibiotic resistance. 130 RTE products were gathered from various restaurants and street fast food vendors in Duhok and Zakho Province. The Isolates of E. coli identified by culture methods were confirmed as ETEC by multiplex PCR of the identified virulence genes. ERIC-PCR was applied to establish the clonal relationships between strains. The disk diffusion method performed the susceptibility of antibiotics on the isolated ETEC. Out of 130 examined samples, 39 (30%) isolates of E. coli and 16 (12.3%) ETEC were detected. Pan-fried burgers were revealed to be the most frequent contaminated sample type, with both E. coli and ETEC 50% and 23.3%, respectively (P≤0.05). A high clonal dispersion (12 genotypes) was observed among the isolated ETEC strains. A strong genetic linkage was discovered between a few isolates retrieved from the same sample type and within the strains from the same geographic source area. A high antibiotic resistance rate was observed with total resistance to Amoxicillin/clavulanate, Clarithromycin, Doxycycline, Erythromycin, and Clindamycin. Isolates from burger samples showed a higher resistance rate when compared with the other sample types (P≤0.05). Multi-drug resistance was noticed in all ETEC isolates. RTE meat products sold in our area have a high rate of clonally heterogeneous carrying multi-drug resistant ETEC and may constitute a significant public health risk.

 Foodborne pathogens bacteria can cause various diseases and death worldwide. Escherichia coli is the most crucial microorganism transmitted through meat and its products. Pathogenic E. coli is one of the major groups that can produce the Stx1 and Stx2 toxins. The present study aims to isolate and identify the E. coli bacteria using the classical methods, and to detect the specific-species uidA gene, and Stx1 and Stx2 genes using the PCR assay. Five hundred four samples were collected randomly from meats and different parts of a butcher shops from various regions of the right and the left sides of Mosul city. The results found that the prevalence rate of E. coli in this study was 27.4% (138/504). Additionally, the prevalence rate of E. coli was higher in meat, 41.7% (35/84). At the same time, the prevalence rate of E. coli was lower in hook 16.7% (14/84). Additionally, the prevalence rate of E. coli in meats and butcher shops on the right and left sides of Mosul city was 31.9% (65/204) and 24.3% (73/300), respectively. Furthermore, all E. coli isolates possessed the specific species uidA gene. 30/138 (21.7%) of E. coli isolates possess the Stx1 gene, while 17/138 (12.3%) of E. coli isolates have the Stx2 gene. Finally, most E. coli isolates possessed the Stx1 and Stx2 genes 91/138 (66%). 

The present study aims to diagnose diarrheagenic E. coli in meat and meat products by the conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique using the uidA gene to confirm the existence of the bacterial isolates as E. coli. The multiplex PCR technique is adopted to detect the virulence genes of these bacteria using two groups of primers for detecting the gene (stx1, stx2, aggR, esth, eae, invE, daaC, estp, elt, and bfpA). This study applies these primers to 100 E. coli strains isolated from 782 samples of meat and meat products (fresh, minced, burger, pastirma, and chicken) from February to November 2020. The results of the present study show that all E. coli isolates are positive to have the uidA gene (147 bp). The study also detects 95/782 (12.15%) pathogenic species related to virulence genes by using multiplex PCR. The highest percentage of pathotype is ETEC, 46.32%, and the lowest is the DAEC type 1.05%. In addition, the other pathotypes are 20.05, 14.74, 6.32, 6.32, and 5.26% of STEC, EHEC, aEPEC, EAEC, and EIEC, respectively. The high contamination rate with DEC reported in this study is associated with the poor hygiene conditions of slaughtering and meat storage in shops and markets, resulting in health risks to consumers. 

Although various meat and meat products may include various foodborne pathogens, meat is still an excellent source of nutrients compared to other foods. Due to bioactive materials, numerous plants and their extracts, including pomegranate, have been reported to possess antibacterial and antioxidant effects. Sixty fresh beef samples, bought from the local stores Karkh/ Baghdad, were properly divided into three similar groups; each group included 20 samples. The first group served as a control group, and it was soaked in distilled water. The second group was soaked in a 20g/L treatment dose of pomegranate pomace solution and was referred to as the treated group (T1). The third group was administered as 40g/L pomegranate pomace solution(T2). The results showed that the pomegranate pomace solution (T1 and T2) exhibited antimicrobial activity on the total bacterial count, lipid oxidation, and pH values. The current findings demonstrated that beef immersed into both concentrations of pomegranate pomace was more resistant to elevation in bacterial counting plus lower levels of peroxidation, measured using Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances plus fewer pH values compared to the control, as it was preserved for more days. The pomegranate pomace solutions might be utilized as natural preservatives of meat products, even at low concentrations.

Meat is a rich source of protein for humans. Pseudomonas is one of the meat spoilage microorganisms, as it is highly pathogenic and affects the health of consumers and meat handlers. The current study detected the presence of some virulence genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from meat in Mosul city, including ToxA, ExoS, OprL, and PlcH virulence genes in 21 isolates of P. aeruginosa using PCR. Results revealed the presence of ToxA, OprL, and PlcH genes at 57.14%, 38.09%, and 71.42%, respectively, while all the isolates of P. aeruginosa were negative for the presence of the ExoS gene. The prevalence of ToxA and PLcH genes was higher in beef meat compared to mutton and chicken meat, while the OprL gene was not detected in mutton. These results indicated that some strains of P. aeruginosa are pathogenic to meat handlers and consumers; following food safety practices must be applied in the meat production chain to prevent meat contamination with pathogenic bacteria.

Pseudomonas has been recognized as a unique meat spoiling organism. The proliferation of these spoilage organisms might influence the organoleptic meat quality. Therefore, the current investigation is being carried out to detect pseudomonas associated with meat displayed in Mosul city retails. A total of 150 meat samples of beef, mutton and chicken meat (50 of each) were collected. Molecular identification of pseudomonas aeruginosa in meat is performed by targeting the16S rRNA gene and rpoB gene. Fifty-three isolates of pseudomonas species were obtained from all types of meat (35.33%), including 23 (46 %) for beef meat,11 (22%) for mutton and 19 (38%) for chicken meat. Enumeration of pseudomonas species in beef and mutton were 1.47*10⁴, 1.92*10⁴ CFU/g, respectively^, while counts were 21.3*10⁴ CFU/g in chicken meat. Polymerase chain reaction results revealed the presence of 16SrRNA gene in all tested isolates 53/53 (100%). pseudomonas aeruginosawas isolated at (39.62%) from meat samples according to the detection of the rpoB gene.In conclusion, the prevalence of pseudomonas in meat at Mosul city retails negatively impacted meat quality and consumer confidence. Also, the PCR approach aids the rapid detection of pseudomonas as spoilage organisms in meat to reduce financial loss.Therefore, hygienic measurements should be applied to reduce meat spoilage and conserve consumer health during meat production and preservation.

Staphylococcus (S.) aureus is deemed as one of the main pathogens in human and animals. S. aureus can produce various toxins that usually implicated in food poisoning. S. aureus could possess the mecA gene, which is the principle cause of β-lactam antibiotics resistance, particularly methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Broiler’s meat is worthy food for humans, but it may expose to contamination with MRSA during the poultry processes in the slaughterhouse. The current study aimed to assessment the spread of S. aureus and MRSA in the broiler carcasses via detection the nuc and mecA gene and their resistance to different antibiotics. Fifty skin swabs were taken from the broilers carcasses, during their processing in poultry slaughterhouses that scattered in various districts in the Nineveh Governorate during the period between January to April 2020. The results showed that S. aureus was recovered in broiler’s skin swabs at a percentage of 66% (33/50) which confirmed by nuc gene, while MRSA isolates constitute 40% (20/50) of all S. aureus isolates, and distinguished as MRSA by their possessing mecA gene. All MRSA isolates were resistant to Ampicillin/Sulbactam, Methicillin, and Ampicillin/Cloxacillin antibiotics. The present study stressed on the reduction as much as any possible source of broiler carcasses contamination with S. aureus including MRSA during and post poultry processing, through applying high levels of hygienic conditions in all poultry processing premises to attain high standards of sustainability and public health standards.

 This research was conducted to estimate the safety of breast and thigh meat (Ross 308) stored in refrigeration and freezing for different periods (0, 3 and 6) and (0, 15 and 30) days, respectively (total samples 12). High pH found in the 6^th day of refrigeration storage for thigh meat; 6.414, while low recorded in the 6^th day for breast meat; 5.757. High pH was found in the freezing storage period 0 day for chicken breast meat; 6.168, and low pH was found in breast meat in the 30^th day of freezing storage; 5.826. The 6^th day of refrigeration storage gave the highest TPC for thigh meat; 111.33×10⁶ cfu/ gm. Also, the 15^th day of freezing storage recorded significant increase in TPC for breast and thigh meat; 244×10⁵ cfu/ gm and 274×10⁵ cfu/ gm respectively. Significant differences were noted for histamine, cadaverine and spermidine during storage periods, high levels recorded in the 6^th day of storage for breast meat; 0.395, 0.078 and 0.643 mg/ kg respectively. Significant differences were noted between the mean levels of biogenic amines for breast samples during all storage periods. High levels of histamine, putrescine, cadaverine, spermine and spermidine were recorded in the 15^h day of storage; 2.654, 0.358, 1.589, 0.124 and 2.652 mg/ kg respectively. In thigh meat, significant differences were recorded for levels of biogenic amines during the freezing storage periods except putrescine. Histamine did not exceed the legal limit set by the US FDA; 50 mg/ kg in all samples.

The aim of this study is to investigate the presence and/or multi-presence of tetracycline, penicillin G, streptomycin, and gentamicin residues in slaughtered sheep carcasses at Duhok abattoir using ELISA technique. Eighty-eight samples were collected from different sites of twenty-two sheep carcasses. These samples included Longissimus dorsi, diaphragmatic muscles, liver and kidney. The samples were prepared, homogenized, extracted and assayed according to ELISA kit instructions. The results revealed that all 22 carcasses were contained at least one type of tested antibiotics. Multiple antibiotic residues were found in 17(77.27%) of examined carcasses. The study indicated that local ovine meat sold in Duhok province generally contained residues of antibiotics. Animals slaughtered might have been treated with veterinary drugs and the proper withdrawal period was not respected before slaughtering.

Adulteration and incorrect labeling of meat products became a matter of great concerns of religious, economical, legal and medical aspects. Among meat products, kebab is considered one of the most favorable in Iraq, which makes it prone to adulteration. This study was carried out to evaluate the quality of kebab by detecting the origin of animal species meat in it; using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) based Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) under laboratory conditions. For this purpose kebab was prepared as per the standardized processing schedule using pure mutton and beef meat in ratio 80:20 and chicken meat in five ratios ;70:20:10, 65:20:15, 60:20:20,55:20:25 and 50:20:30, respectively. DNA was extracted successfully from pure species meat and from all mixed kebab above, then PCR was carried out using species-specific primers, to amplify mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) gene. The results revealed specific amplified fragments with 133, 300 and 585 bp for pure chicken, beef and sheep, respectively, and in the mixed grilled samples, the detection limit of chicken was 10%, indicating that the cooking (grinding) and addition of non-meat ingredients showed no effect on the detection of meat species. The results of this study proved mtDNA-PCR to be effective and reliable for detecting the origin of animal species meat . This method of detection could be applied in quality control laboratories for detect adulteration in different kinds of traditional grilled kebab in Iraqi restaurants.

To investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of Ground Flaxseed (GF) on performance and carcass characteristics of Karadi male lambs. Flaxseed was used in feeding period that lasted for 90 days using twelve ram Karadi lambs, at 6 months old, which divided into 3 equal groups (4 rams/group). The lambs were randomly allocated into three treatments to receive either control ration (no Ground flaxseed), or ration containing 4% Ground Flaxseed (T1), or diet containing 8% Ground Flaxseed (T2). All the lambs were received an equal daily allowance of concentrate ration (3% of the body weight). At the end of feeding trial (8 weeks), all the lambs were slaughtered. They were weighed immediately before slaughter to provide slaughter body weight (SBW). Immediately after skinning, evisceration was carried out and the carcass components were weighted. Then several quantity characteristics for carcasses were studied, which include: hot carcass weight (HCW), dressing percentage, thickness of subcutaneous fat, rib eye area, partition and cutting of Carcass. Data were analyzed using XL Stat. The results showed that GF has no significant effect on live body weight, hot carcass weight, and dressing percentage %, it also has no significant differences on some carcass cuts for example: leg, shoulder, loin, rack, fore shank and neck. On the other hand, GF supplementation caused a significant (P<0.01) decrease in Sub-fat thickness which was 3.695 ± 0.629 and 2.375 ± 0.191in T1 and T2 respectively in comparison to control group 5.015 ± 0.049 mm. Rib eye area increased significantly (P<0.05) in T1 and T2 treatments (12.035±0.205 and 14.145 ± 0.955 respectively) compared to control (10.005 ±1.039 cm²). Some of the carcass cuts, Breast and Flank, decreased significantly (P<0.05) in T2 compared to T1 and Control. In conclusion, GF supplementation significantly decrease breast and flank cuts, while rib eye area significantly increased. However, the decrease in fat thickness may be reflecting the decrease in fat percentages in the carcass that indicates the effect of GF in improvement of carcass traits.

The feeding trial was conducted on twelve (14-18 month old) Sharabi calves of 184 kg mean body weight. The calves were randomly divided into three groups of equal number. The first group was fed a standard concentrate ration containing 16.3% crude protein and 2.8 Mcal/kg, the second and the third groups were fed the same ration supplemented with 0. 25 and 0.5 kg/ton for the 2^nd and 3^rd rations additives (stymulan cattle), respectively. The rations were given on base of 3% of the calves live body weight for 130 days and Wheat straw was offered ad libitum. Total feed intake and body gain were recorded. A digestibility trial was carried out on two calves from each group at the end of the feeding period. Body weights, slaughter and carcass characters were studied. The results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in daily body weight gain. The calves fed control and second rations were heavier than those fed third ration. However, calves of the 2^nd group should better feed conversion and dry matter digestion index than calves of the 1^st and 3^rd groups. There were no significant differences in carcass traits and its meat dissection for the three groups. Also, the results referred approximately 10% of the total feeding in the cost to produce one kg live body weight or carcass weight. This decrease was in the 2^nd group compared to other groups. It can be concluded that the supplementation of 0.25 kg/ton of stymulan cattle could improve the fattening growth of sharabi calves as well as improving the dry matter digestibility which in turn lower the feed cost. Which is in accordance with acclamation of the feed additive manufacturer.

The study was conducted on imported beef meat (Indian, Brazilian and Australian), and spacement of minced beef meat (Al-jnobi, Al-sharabi) and Al-frezian collected from local grocery stores for beef authentication to differentiate them from others meats in order to protect consumer economically through applying Species-specific Polymerase Chain Reaction technique using n cytochrome b gene. Results of this study indicated that Species-specific PCR technique was very sensitive and highly specific for the identification of the meat type, also it was found that the designed primer on mitochondrial cyt b gene of beef proved practically proved to be applied on local and imported types of meat of different breeds, since gives the same molecular weight 365 bp in all the same bands. From five minced beef samples, one sample was pure beef, other one contained no beef at all, while the remaining three samples were mixed meat of beef, buffalo, goat and mutton.