Effects of a monocomponent protease from Bacillus licheniformis on broiler performance, digestibility, and carcass yield

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of protease addition to the diet of broilers at a higher level (1× or 2×) than the nutritional value proposed for the enzyme. The first experiment, 1280 day-old chicks (Cobb500®) were randomly allocated (randomized block design, 2×2+1 factorial arrangement), five treatments, eight replicates containing 32 birds/replicate. Treatments consisted: control diet without protease (CD); CD + 1× nutritional value of the enzyme (CDM1); CD + 2× nutritional value of the enzyme (CDM2); CDM1 + protease; and CDM2 + protease. The experimental period was 42 days. The mean weight (AFW), feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG), feed conversion, and carcass yield were evaluated. Significant differences were observed for AFW, WG, FI, abdominal fat yield, and feet percentage in the carcass. In the second experiment, 120 Cobb500® chicks at 14 days of age were allotted in a completely randomized design, 2×2+1 factorial arrangement, five treatments, six replicates with four birds/replicate. The treatments were consistent with the first experiment. Significant improvements in the nitrogen balance were observed for the broilers that received protease. The use of the enzyme tested is recommended with the recommended nutritional matrix, improving the zootechnical indices of broilers

Clonal chromosomal mosaicism and loss of chromosome Y in elderly men increase vulnerability for SARS-CoV-2

The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) had an estimated overall case fatality ratio of 1.38% (pre-vaccination), being 53% higher in males and increasing exponentially with age. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, we found 133 cases (1.42%) with detectable clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations (mCA) and 226 males (5.08%) with acquired loss of chromosome Y (LOY). Individuals with clonal mosaic events (mCA and/or LOY) showed a 54% increase in the risk of COVID-19 lethality. LOY is associated with transcriptomic biomarkers of immune dysfunction, pro-coagulation activity and cardiovascular risk. Interferon-induced genes involved in the initial immune response to SARS-CoV-2 are also down-regulated in LOY. Thus, mCA and LOY underlie at least part of the sex-biased severity and mortality of COVID-19 in aging patients. Given its potential therapeutic and prognostic relevance, evaluation of clonal mosaicism should be implemented as biomarker of COVID-19 severity in elderly people. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, individuals with clonal mosaic events (clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations and/or loss of chromosome Y) showed an increased risk of COVID-19 lethality

Levels and sources of methionine in broiler nutrition

Submitted by JÚLIO HEBER SILVA ([email protected]) on 2017-04-12T18:24:53Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Tese - Genilson Bezerra de Carvalho - 2017.pdf: 2119133 bytes, checksum: 1523b82082d16db689c7b519387af1f4 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5)Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira ([email protected]) on 2017-04-13T11:24:32Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Tese - Genilson Bezerra de Carvalho - 2017.pdf: 2119133 bytes, checksum: 1523b82082d16db689c7b519387af1f4 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5)Made available in DSpace on 2017-04-13T11:24:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Tese - Genilson Bezerra de Carvalho - 2017.pdf: 2119133 bytes, checksum: 1523b82082d16db689c7b519387af1f4 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-03-20Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPESMethionine is an essential amino acid and the first limiting factor in broiler feed. Knowing the bioefficacy of methionine sources and the nutritional requirements of methionine + cystine, as well as their effects on broilers in the different stages and conditions of breeding, is necessary. The objective of this study was to determine the relative bioefficacy of the dietary source of methionine hydroxy analogue calcium salt (MHA-Ca), compared to DL-methionine (DL-met) and methionine + cystine requirement (M + C). Its effect on blood parameters and bed quality in the initial and growth stages of broiler chickens. For this, two experiments (I and II), in the 1 to 21 days and 22 to 42 days of age phases, were performed using a total of 3528 male, oneday-old broilers of the lineage (Cobb-500). In the experiment I, 1728 birds distributed in 9 treatments - (basal diet - without methionine, and four levels of methionine (6 replicates / 32 birds) were used in order to determine the bioefficacy of MHA-Ca compared to DL-Met In the experiment II, in order to determine the Met + Cis requirement, as well as its effect on blood parameters and bed quality, 1800 birds were used in 5 treatments (6 replicates / 30 birds), of which 900 (MHA-Ca, DL-Met) and (DL-Met), respectively, were used in experiments I and II, respectively, in the initial phase and the rest in the growth phase. The mean bioavailability for MHA-Ca for weight gain and feed conversion was 65% and 22% in the 1 to 21 days phase, and 41% and 58% in the 22 to 42 days phase. Of digestible M + C requirement, estimated for the 1 to 21 and 22 to 42 days of age, was 0.764 and 0.716% corresponding to a Met + Cys / lysine ratio of 64% and 68%, respectively. The levels of Met + Cys influenced in some blood parameters (hemoglobin, heterophilic ratio: lymphocytes and monocytes, total leukocytes, hemocytes and hematocrits, uric acid, albumin, PST, total LDL cholesterol and TG) and bed quality And excreted nitrogen) of broiler chickens.A metionina é um aminoácido essencial e o primeiro limitante na alimentação de frangos de corte. Conhecer a bioeficácia das fontes de metionina e as exigências nutricionais de metionina+cistina, assim como, o seus efeitos em frangos de corte nas diferentes fases e condições de criações, faz-se necessário. Assim objetivou-se determinar a bioeficácia relativa da fonte dietética de metionina hidroxi-análoga sal de cálcio (MHA- Ca), em comparação a DL-Metionina (DL-met) e a exigência de metionina+cistina (Met+Cis), e também, seu efeito nos parâmetros sanguíneos e qualidade de cama nas fases inicial e de crescimento de frangos de corte. Para isso, foram realizados dois experimentos (I e II), nas fases de 1 a 21 dias e 22 a 42 dias de idade, utilizando, no total, 3528 pintos de um dia, machos, da linhagem (Cobb-500). No experimento I, com a finalidade de determinar a bioeficácia da MHA-Ca em comparação com a DL-Met, foram utilizadas 1728 aves distribuídas em nove tratamentos – (dieta basal – sem metionina sintética, e quatro níveis de metionina (seis repetições/32 aves). No experimento II, com a finalidade de determinar a exigência de Met+Cis, assim como, o seu efeito nos parâmetros sanguíneos e na qualidade de cama, foram utilizadas 1800 aves distribuídas em cincos tratamentos (seis repetições/30 aves) sendo 900 na fase inicial e o restante na fase de crescimento. Em ambos os experimentos utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Para os experimentos I e II, as fontes de metionina (MHA-Ca, DL-Met) e (DL-Met), respectivamente, foram suplementadas numa dieta basal. As médias de bioeficácia para MHA-Ca para ganho de peso e conversão alimentar foram 65% e 22% na fase de 1 a 21 dias, e 41% e 58% na fase de 22 a 42 dias. O valor de exigência de Met+Cis digestível estimado para a fase de 1 a 21 e de 22 a 42 dias de idade, foi de 0,764 e 0,716% correspondente a uma relação Met+Cis/ Lisina de 64% e 68%, respectivamente. Os níveis de Met+Cis influenciaram os parâmetros sanguíneos (hemoglobina, relação heterófilo: linfócitos, monócitos, leucócitos totais, hemácia e hematócritos; ácido úrico, albumina, PST, colesterol total LDL e TG) e de qualidade de cama (pH, umidade e nitrogênio excretado) de frangos de corte

Ensaio de digestibilidade de nutrientes como ferramenta para avaliar a saúde intestinal de frangos de corte

The study was performed with the objective of verifying raw soy feed, oxidized oil feed, and a control group. Performance evaluation was done at 7, 14, and 21 days of age. Metabolism assay was carried out between the 17th and 20th days for nutrient digestibility analysis. On the 21st day, two birds per repetition were sent for necropsy and collection of intestine fragments (duodenum and jejunum) for histomorphometric analysis. Eight to 14 days after treatment with Salmonella, individuals showed lower feed intake and feed conversion than the control group. Treatment with coccidiosis decreased all performance parameters in the control. Raw soybeans and oxidized oil induce lower weight gain and higher feed conversion compared to the control feed. Unlike after 14 days, at 21 days treatment with salmonella a decrease in weight gain was noted. For the group challenged by coccidiosis feed intake, the feed conversion remained lower than the control group. Undesirable effects on performance in the groups fed raw soybean and oxidized oil remained at up to 21 days. In the evaluation of digestibility, it was observed that raw soy had lower values for digestibility of dry matter, ether extract, and nitrogen balance due to intake. In addition, a lower ratio of villus:crypt measurements was observed. Lower villus height was found in the duodenum of the group challenged by coccidiosis. This group presented a positive correlation between the digestibility of ether extract and the duodenum, indicating that increased villus height implies an increased digestibility of ether extract. The results obtained for the jejunum showed a positive correlation with villus height in groups challenged by coccidiosis, raw soybeans, and oxidized oil; and to crypt depth in the group challenged with oxidized oil. The information obtained in the present study demonstrates that nutrient digestibility parameters can be useful tools for the analysis of the intestinal health of broiler chickens.O experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de verificar os alimentos soja cru, óleo oxidado e um grupo controle. Foi avaliado o desempenho aos sete, 14 e 21 dias de idade. Foi realizado um ensaio de metabolismo do 17° ao 20° dia, para análise da digestibilidade dos nutrientes. No 21º dia, duas aves por repetição foram enviadas para necropsia e coleta de fragmentos do intestino (duodeno e jejuno) para análise da histomorfometria. De oito a 14 dias de idade o tratamento com Salmonella apresentou menor consumo de ração e conversão alimentar que o grupo controle. O tratamento com coccidiose apresentou redução em todos os parâmetros de desempenho em relação ao controle. A soja crua e o óleo oxidado apresentaram menores ganhos de peso e alta conversão alimentar em relação ao controle. Aos 21 dias o tratamento com Salmonella diferentemente dos 14 dias apresentou queda no ganho de peso. Para o grupo desafiado por coccidiose o consumo de ração e a conversão alimentar continuaram menores que o grupo controle. Os efeitos indesejáveis sobre o desempenho nos grupos alimentados com soja crua e óleo oxidado permaneceram até os 21 dias. Na avaliação dos coeficientes de digestibilidade, foi observado que a soja crua apresentou menores valores para digestibilidade da matéria seca, extrato etéreo e balanço de nitrogênio em função da ingestão. Além disso, foi observada uma menor relação vilo:cripta. Foi encontrada menor altura de vilosidade no duodeno, no grupo desafiado por coccidiose. Este grupo apresentou correlação positiva com a digestibilidade do extrato etéreo para duodeno, indicando que o aumento da altura de vilosidade implica em aumento da digestibilidade do extrato etéreo. Já os resultados obtidos para o jejuno, apresentaram correlação positiva para altura de vilosidade nos grupos desafiados por coccidiose, soja crua e óleo oxidado; e para profundidade de cripta no grupo desafiado com óleo oxidado. As informações obtidas no presente estudo permitem afirmar que os parâmetros de digestibilidade de nutrientes podem ser ferramentas úteis na avaliação das condições de saúde intestinal de frangos de corte

Brazilian Flora 2020: Leveraging the power of a collaborative scientific network

International audienceThe shortage of reliable primary taxonomic data limits the description of biological taxa and the understanding of biodiversity patterns and processes, complicating biogeographical, ecological, and evolutionary studies. This deficit creates a significant taxonomic impediment to biodiversity research and conservation planning. The taxonomic impediment and the biodiversity crisis are widely recognized, highlighting the urgent need for reliable taxonomic data. Over the past decade, numerous countries worldwide have devoted considerable effort to Target 1 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC), which called for the preparation of a working list of all known plant species by 2010 and an online world Flora by 2020. Brazil is a megadiverse country, home to more of the world's known plant species than any other country. Despite that, Flora Brasiliensis, concluded in 1906, was the last comprehensive treatment of the Brazilian flora. The lack of accurate estimates of the number of species of algae, fungi, and plants occurring in Brazil contributes to the prevailing taxonomic impediment and delays progress towards the GSPC targets. Over the past 12 years, a legion of taxonomists motivated to meet Target 1 of the GSPC, worked together to gather and integrate knowledge on the algal, plant, and fungal diversity of Brazil. Overall, a team of about 980 taxonomists joined efforts in a highly collaborative project that used cybertaxonomy to prepare an updated Flora of Brazil, showing the power of scientific collaboration to reach ambitious goals. This paper presents an overview of the Brazilian Flora 2020 and provides taxonomic and spatial updates on the algae, fungi, and plants found in one of the world's most biodiverse countries. We further identify collection gaps and summarize future goals that extend beyond 2020. Our results show that Brazil is home to 46,975 native species of algae, fungi, and plants, of which 19,669 are endemic to the country. The data compiled to date suggests that the Atlantic Rainforest might be the most diverse Brazilian domain for all plant groups except gymnosperms, which are most diverse in the Amazon. However, scientific knowledge of Brazilian diversity is still unequally distributed, with the Atlantic Rainforest and the Cerrado being the most intensively sampled and studied biomes in the country. In times of “scientific reductionism”, with botanical and mycological sciences suffering pervasive depreciation in recent decades, the first online Flora of Brazil 2020 significantly enhanced the quality and quantity of taxonomic data available for algae, fungi, and plants from Brazil. This project also made all the information freely available online, providing a firm foundation for future research and for the management, conservation, and sustainable use of the Brazilian funga and flora