Title: Livestock and Equine Scoping Study

• Funding scheme: FND000706: Fight Food Waste CRC Project
• Description: Bioactive compounds in unripe bananas may confer a variety of health benefits. Studies have identified high levels of antioxidants and resistant starch which may be beneficial for gastrointestinal health. They have also been shown to have anti-ulcerogenic properties in human and rodent models of disease. Approximately 60-100% of strenuously exercising horses are affected by equine gastric ulceration syndrome (EGUS). Exercise-induced oxidative stress is also identified in athletic horses. Antioxidant supplementation is recommended to restore the oxidant/antioxidant balance. This project aims to develop a nutraceutical profile of a dried green banana supplement (produced by Banana Feeds Australia) and identify potential equine health applications. This will be achieved by: Objective 1: Developing a profile of biologically active compounds in the dried green banana supplement. Objective 2: Determining the effects of a dried green banana supplement on gastrointestinal health by 1) investigating its effectiveness as an EGUS preventative and 2) investigating its effect on faecal microbiome and total antioxidant status.
• Funder name: Fight Food Waste CRC
• Funder reference: 2.3.1-2
• Investigators: Franklin S; Weaver S; Nayar S; Verdegaal E; Hebart M; Caetano M; Du Preez S; Ferlini Agne G

Reporting dates: 09 Apr 2020 to 09 Apr 2021

Title: Improved Bacterial Identification and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing

• Funding scheme: 513161: RIRDC - Open Call Research and Development Projects
• Description: Accurate information on antimicrobial susceptibility of correctly identified equine bacterial isolates is vital to inform the use of antimicrobial drugs and to ensure successful management of infectious disease in horses. In particular, improved identification of bacterial species and accurate characterisation of antimicrobial susceptibility is expected to delay the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, which is an important consideration for both animal and human health. Significant variability in antimicrobial resistance patterns for different geographical regions is well documented, but there is currently limited information regarding antimicrobial susceptibility of equine bacterial isolates in Australia. A systematic approach to documenting antimicrobial susceptibility is important to inform initial, empiric, antimicrobial selection, prior to receiving laboratory results for a specific isolate. Recent advances in bacterial identification and susceptibility testing promise improved recognition and treatment of microbial diseases in horses. This project will use recently developed advanced techniques for rapid, accurate and precise identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacterial isolates from horses, providing improved knowledge of the bacteria causing disease in this species and the most appropriate drugs to treat these diseases. By comparison with conventional laboratory techniques, this project will demonstrate advantages that might be realised with the increased availability and routine use of these techniques in veterinary practice. The project will increase our knowledge of bacteria causing disease in horses, allow documentation of current antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and, over time, determination of the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
• Funder name: Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation - AgriFutures
• Funder reference: PRJ-011233, RM102447
• Investigators: Raidal S; Cudmore L; Du Preez S; Trott D

Reporting dates: 01 Oct 2019 to 31 Oct 2020