Salmonella Pullorum in a Free-range Chicken Farm in Western Bahia, Brazil

Background:Industrial poultry farming has developed progressively in Brazil, conferring the country a prominent position on the national and international scene. Likewise, alternative poultry farming is an important economic activity for small-scale family farmers. However, shortcomings related to sanitary management lead to increased occurrence of avian diseases, such as those caused by Salmonella spp. Despite salmonellosis has been described in industrial establishments, reports in alternative farms are less common, therefore the objective of this study was to describe the occurrence of salmonellosis in free-range chickens in the municipality of Barra, Western Bahia, Brazil. Cases: The poultry farmer reported the occurrence of diarrhoea in his chicken flock since the acquisition of the batch of chicks. Initially, carrying out the medicinal treatment of the birds, there was clinical improvement, however, successive recurrences of clinical signs occurred, such as diarrhoea, apathy, anorexia, and death of some birds. Upon learning about the case, an epidemiological investigation of the flock was carried out, and it was noted that some of the birds were retracted, apathetic, anorexic, and a lot of diarrheic faeces of a yellowish-white appearance were also observed. The entire flock had a history of vaccination against diseases: newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, gumboro disease, and fowlpox. For better evaluation, five birds were necropsied, enabling the observation that the animals had a good body score. However, the necropsy revealed lesions such as splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and enteritis in the three birds initially analysed (Animals 1, 2, and 3). The other birds (Animals 4 and 5) were submitted to evaluation for Eimeria sp. oocysts by means of scrapings from the intestinal mucosa, and there were no structures compatible with oocysts. Faecal samples were collected from another six birds in the flock for coproparasitological examination, and the presence of oocysts was not detected. Finally, sera from 20 birds in the flock were collected for the Rapid Serum Agglutination Test (SAR) for the detection anti-Salmonella Pullorum antibodies. Discussion: The diagnosis was based on clinical evaluation, post-mortem pathological findings of the necropsied birds, epidemiological data and confirmed with SAR testing, whereby 11 birds were seropositive for Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Pullorum. The prevalence of S. Pullorum is poorly described in alternative farming. Based on the farmer's report, it is believed that the chicks were purchased already infected, because birds from the same batch, also purchased by neighbouring producers, showed the same clinical signs. The unsatisfactory sanitation in the flock was another factor that may have favoured the persistence of the bacteria, since, the lack of removal of organic matter is a source of nutrients for microorganisms, and this may have favoured the multiplication and maintenance of the bacteria in the down feathers, feed, and water. The elimination of S. Pullorum through the faeces, in addition to the density of the birds, may have led to transmission to the other healthy birds. However, the knowledge and adoption of prophylactic measures in free-range chicken farms is a crucial factor in minimizing the occurrence of outbreaks and thus avoiding a future public Health Problem. Keywords: poultry pathology, alternative poultry farming, salmonellosis. Título: Samonella Pullorum em criação de galinhas caipiras no Oeste da Bahia, Brasil Descritores: patologia aviária, avicultura alternativa, salmoneloses

Effect of probiotic on the development of piglets challenged with Escherichia coli

Foram utilizados 72 animais aos 21 dias de idade para averiguar o efeito do probiótico no desempenho de leitões desafiados com E. coli. O delineamento foi em blocos casualizados, com arranjo fatorial 2x2. Os quatro tratamentos foram: probiótico com desafio; probiótico sem desafio; sem probiótico com desafio; sem probiótico e sem desafio. O probiótico Protexin™ foi administrado via ração, dos 21 aos 63 dias de idade e aos 35 dias, os animais dos tratamentos 1 e 3 foram desafiados. As variáveis analisadas foram: peso médio aos 35, 49 e 63 dias de idade; ganho diário de peso dos 35 aos 49 dias; dos 49 aos 63 dias; dos 35 aos 63 dias e escore fecal. As variáveis ganho diário de peso, peso médio e escore fecal foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo PROC GLM. Em relação ao peso e ganho de peso verificou-se ação benéfica do probiótico quando se associaram estas características com a ocorrência de diarréia pós-desafio e a redução da E. coli. Concluiu-se que o probiótico no modelo experimental aplicado apresentou efeito notório nas reduções de E. coli e da diarréia, podendo exercer influência no desempenho dos leitões.We used 72 piglets at 21 days old and the aim was to determine the effect of probiotics on performance of piglets challenged with E. coli. The design was a randomized block design with 2x2 factorial arrangement. The four treatments were: with probiotic and challenge, with probiotic without challenge, without probiotic with challenge, without probiotic and challenge. The probiotic was administered via Protexin ™ diet, from 21 to 63 days old and 35 days, the animals in treatments 1 and 3 were challenged. The variables were: average weight at 35, 49 and 63 days old, daily weight gain from 35 to 49 days, 49 to 63 days, from 35 to 63 days and fecal score. The variables average weight, daily weight gain and diarrhea score were subjected to analysis of variance by PROC GLM. In terms of weight and weight gain was found beneficial effect of probiotic when these characteristics were associated with the occurrence of diarrhea post-challenge and the reduction of E. coli. It was concluded that the probiotic used in the experimental model showed clear effect on the reductions of E. coli and diarrhea, are relatively influenced in the performance of piglets

O reflexo da nutrição na qualidade do sêmen em reprodutores suínos-suplementação com vitamina A e selênio orgânico

Os organizadores autorizam a reprodução total ou parcial deste trabalho, para qualquer meio convencional ou eletrônico, para fins de estudo e pesquisa, desde que citada a fonte

Effect of combination of probiotics in swine feed challenge with Salmonella Typhimurium

O estudo fundamentou-se na utilização de probióticos como promotores de crescimento alternativos na alimentação de suínos dada a proibição, por parte da União Européia, do uso de alguns antibióticos, que podem causar resistência aos antimicrobianos e riscos à saúde humana pelo consumo da carne. O experimento foi conduzido no Laboratório de Pesquisa em Suínos (LPS), com 160 leitões desmamados aos 23 dias de idade até os 138 dias de idade. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso em função do peso e sexo, sendo a unidade experimental considerada a baia com 4 animais, constituindo, portanto, 5 repetições por tratamento. Aos 51 dias de idade os animais foram inoculados com uma cepa de Salmonella Typhimurium via oral. Os tratamentos foram: PA 44: Probiótico A: 4 Kg/tonelada de ração, dos 23 aos 44 dias de idade; PB 44: Probiótico B: 2 Kg/ tonelada de ração, dos 23 aos 44 dias de idade; PA 65: Probiótico A: 4 Kg/tonelada de ração, dos 23 aos 44 e 2 kg/tonelada de ração dos 45 aos 65 dias de idade; PB 65: Probiótico B: 2 Kg/tonelada de ração, dos 23 aos 44 e 1 kg/tonelada de ração dos 45 aos 65 dias de idade; PA 138: Probiótico A: 4 Kg/tonelada de ração, dos 23 aos 44 e 2 kg/ tonelada de ração dos 45 aos 138 dias de idade; PB 138: Probiótico B: 2 Kg/tonelada de ração, dos 23 aos 44 e 1 kg/tonelada de ração dos 45 aos 138 dias de idade; controle positivo: ração com antimicrobiano e sem probióticos e controle negativo: ração sem antimicrobiano e sem probióticos. Foram analisados os parâmetros peso, ganho de peso, consumo de ração e conversão alimentar. Aspectos clínicos e sanitários também foram avaliados, incluindo freqüência de diarréia, temperatura retal, swabs retais para verificação da freqüência da salmonela nas fezes e parâmetros sanguíneos. As variáveis foram analisadas por medidas repetidas no tempo com contrastes. Foi utilizado o SAS 9.0. Em relação ao peso médio, observou-se, no período de creche, que o controle positivo se sobressaiu frente aos probióticos, mas no período de crescimento, por volta dos 106 dias de idade, os grupos se igualaram, não havendo diferenças significativas. No período total de creche e crescimento/terminação, o ganho de peso dos animais do controle positivo foi numericamente superior comparativamente aos probióticos (p=0,0876 para o probiótico A e p=0,0635 para o probiótico B). O consumo de ração foi menor para o controle negativo em relação aos probióticos. A conversão alimentar foi melhor para o controle positvo em relação aos probióticos, na fase de creche. Na freqüência de diarréia o efeito do desafio programado foi evidenciado, mostrando no controle negativo maior freqüência, ressaltada principalmente pela classificação em fezes líquidas, em comparação aos probióticos e controle positivo. A temperatura retal e a presença do agente nas fezes não se mostraram diferentes nos tratamentos, o mesmo ocorrendo com relação aos parâmetros sanguíneos. Portanto, as evidências encontradas quanto aos parâmetros clínicos e sanitários demonstraram de uma maneira geral, que os probióticos e os antimicrobianos podem agir de forma diferenciada, mas apresentando as mesmas respostas que repercutem em desempenhos semelhantes até o final da fase de terminação. Concluiu-se na avaliação de desempenho associada aos aspectos econômicos, que o probiótico A, dentre os tratamentos, foi mais viável, com a administração até 44 e 65 dias de idade dos leitões. A continuidade dos estudos com probióticos é necessária, dada a variabilidade de fatores que interferem no seu melhor aproveitamento como promotor de crescimento.The study was based on the use of probiotics as growth promoter in the swine feeding due to the prohibition, by the European Union, on the use of some antibiotics by its possibility of causing antimicrobial resistance and risks for human health by meat consumption. The experiment was conducted in LPS, with 160 piglets weaned at 23 days of age until 138 days of age. The experimental design was a randomized block according to weight and sex, the experimental unit considered was the pen holding 4 animals each, thus with 5 repetitions per treatment. At 51 days of age the animals were inoculated with a strain of Salmonella Typhimurium orally. The treatments were: PA44= Probiotic A: 4 kg/ton of ration, from 23 to 44 days of age; PB44= Probiotic B: 2 Kg/ton of ration, from 23 to 44 days of age; PA65= Probiotic A: 4 kg/ton of ration from 23 to 44 days of age and 2 kg/ton of ration from 45 to 65 days of age, PB65= Probiotic B: 2 kg/ton of ration, from 23 to 44 days of age and 1 kg/ton of ration from 45 to 65 days of age; PA138= Probiotic A: 4 kg/ton of ration from 23 to 44 days of age and 1 kg/ton of ration from 45 to 138 days of age; PB138= Probiotic B: 2 kg/ton of ration from 23 to 44 days of age and 1 kg/ton of ration from 45 to 138 days of age; Positive Control= ration with antimicrobial and no probiotics and Negative Control= ration with no antimicrobials nor probiotics. The parameters analyzed were weight, weight gain, ration intake and feed conversion. Clinical and sanitary aspects were also evaluated, diarrhea frequency, rectal temperature, rectal swabs for salmonella verification and blood parameters. The variables were analyzed by repetitive measures on time with the established contrasts. SAS 9.0 was used. Regarding average weight, it was observed, during the nursery period, that the positive control stood out compared to the probiotics, but during growing, around 106 days of age, the groups equaled, with no significant differences. During the total period of nursery and growing/finishing, the weight gain from the animals of the positive control was numerically superior compared to the probiotics (p=0,0876 for probiotic A and p=0,0635 for probiotic B). Feed intake was lower for negative control when compared to probiotics. In the nursery period feed conversiom was better than the positive control in relation to probiotics. In the diarrhea frequency the effect from the programmed challenge was evidenced; showing a higher frequency in the negative control, emphasized mainly for the liquid feces classification in comparison to the probiotics and positive control. The rectal temperature and the presence of the agent in the feces did not differ between treatments, as well as the blood parameters. Therefore, the evidence found regarding clinical parameters and health in general demonstrated that probiotics ant antiotics may act differently, but with the same answer that echo in similar performaces until the end of the finishing period. In conclusion, the evaluation of performance associated with economic aspects, among the treatments, with the probiotics A, both 44 and 65, was better than the positive control. The continuation of studies with probiotics is necessary, given the variability of factors that interfere with its best use as growth promoter

Effects of sow dietary L-glutamine and L-glutamic acid supplementation on reproductive and productive performance of progeny

A glutamina (Gln) e o glutamato (Glu) participam ativamente do metabolismo, sendo fontes de energia para células de intensa proliferação, como enterócitos, células do sistema imune, trofloblastos e embriões. O objetivo geral foi avaliar os efeitos da suplementação de Lglutamina e L-ácido glutâmico (1%) nas dietas: (a) marrãs desde a chegada ao local de experimentação até a manifestação do primeiro estro, seguido do primeiro ciclo estral e flushing (capítulo I), (b) primíparas no terço final da primeira gestação, seguida da lactação, intervalo desmame estro e terços inicial e médio até 73 dias da gestação subsequente (capítulo II); e nas dietas de leitões do desmame aos 49 dias de idade (capítulo III). No capítulo I, as fêmeas suplementadas durante o flushing, foram abatidas aos 5 dias de gestação para avaliação dos embriões e ovário. O número de corpos lúteos do grupo suplementado foi superior numericamente ao grupo controle (20,25 versus 17,88, respectivamente), sugerindo possível efeito da suplementação na taxa de ovulação, acompanhado do maior percentual de células vivas e menor de células mortas, com significância nas variâncias, indicativas de menor variabilidade e melhor homogeneidade das estruturas, levando a possível influência na viabilidade embrionária. No capítulo II, os pesos corporais e as espessuras de toucinho (ET) das primíparas não revelaram diferenças significativas nos períodos analisados. As concentrações de glutamina e glutamato no plasma sanguíneo foram significativas para o tratamento (p<0,05) até o parto, revelando concentrações maiores para as fêmeas suplementadas. Destacou-se diferença significativa na sobrevivência dos leitões no aleitamento em favor do grupo suplementado. Aos 73,45 ± 1,61 dias da segunda gestação, o peso dos fetos do grupo suplementado (p=0,0690) foi maior em relação aos do grupo controle. Os leitões desmamados (Capítulo III) foram avaliados em arranjo fatorial 2x2, sendo um fator a suplementação da mãe e outro a suplementação dos leitões. O peso ao desmame foi significativo para o fator Mãe, destacando maiores pesos para os leitões oriundos de mães controles (p=0,0296), contudo de 21 a 34 dias de idade, a conversão alimentar foi melhor para os leitões oriundos de mães suplementadas (p=0,0522). Ao final da terminação (133 dias de idade), os tratamentos não mostraram diferenças significativas em relação ao desempenho. Considerando que o peso dos leitões de mães controles iniciou superior ao desmame, os grupos se igualaram em relação ao peso final. Os resultados trazem novas perspectivas para futuras pesquisas em relação ao uso da suplementação de L-glutamina e L-ácido glutâmico, principalmente no flushing, nos terços inicial e médio da gestação, pois, pode influir positivamente na taxa de ovulação e desenvolvimento homogêneo e maior peso dos fetos. Além disso, a ação no desenvolvimento dos leitões, sobrevivência no aleitamento e quanto à integridade intestinal no período pós desmame também merecem atenção, o que pode contribuir, na abordagem interativa dos parâmetros, influência positiva na economia da produção.Glutamine (Gln) and glutamate (Glu) actively participate in metabolism as energy sources for intense cells proliferation, such as enterocytes, immune cells, and embryos trophoblasts. The main objective was to evaluate the effects of L-glutamine and L-glutamic acid (1%) supplementation in the diets: (a) sows since arrival to the experimental place until the appearing of the first heat, followed by the first estrous cycle and flushing (chapter I), (b) gilts at the end of the first third of pregnancy, then lactation, weaning estrus interval and initial and middle thirds of up to 73 days of gestation subsequent (Chapter II); and in weaning diets of piglets at 49 days of age (Chapter III). In Chapter I, the females supplemented during the flushing were slaughtered at the 5th gestation day for embryos and ovary evaluation. The number of corpora lutea in the supplemented group was numerically higher than in the control group (20.25 vs. 17.88, respectively), suggesting a possible effect of supplementation on ovulation rate, accompanied by the highest percentage of live cells and smaller percentage of dead cells with significance on variances, which are indicative of lower variability and better structures homogeneity, leading to possible influence on embryo viability. In Chapter II, primiparous revealed no significant differences in the weights backfat thickness at the end of gestation, lactation and subsequent pregnancy. The glutamine and glutamate concentrations in blood plasma were significant for the treatment (p <0.05) until delivery, showing higher concentrations for supplemented females. Noteworthy the significant difference in the piglets survival during lactation in favor of the supplemented group. At 73.45 ± 1.61 days of the second pregnancy, the fetal weights in the supplemented group (p = 0.0690) was higher compared to the control groupy. Weaned piglets (Chapter III) were evaluated in a 2x2 factorial arrangement, with mother supplementation and piglets supplementation as factors. The weaning weight was significant for the control group, regardless of mothers supplementation (p = 0.0296), however, from 21 to 34 days of age, feed conversion was better for piglets from supplemented mothers (p = 0, 0522). By the end of termination (133 days of age), the treatments did not show significant differences, considering that the weight of controls piglets was heavier at weaning, the animals were equal with respect to final weight. The results open new perspectives for future research regarding the use of L-glutamine and L-glutamic acid supplementation, especially in flushing, in the early and middle thirds of pregnancy, since it can have a positively influence in ovulation rate, homogeneous development and greater fetues weight. Moreover, its effect on piglets development, both in the survival during lactation aspect, as to gut integrity in the post weaning period, also deserve attention, since the interactive approach can provide additives in the production economy

Effect of combination of probiotics in swine feed challenge with Salmonella Typhimurium

O estudo fundamentou-se na utilização de probióticos como promotores de crescimento alternativos na alimentação de suínos dada a proibição, por parte da União Européia, do uso de alguns antibióticos, que podem causar resistência aos antimicrobianos e riscos à saúde humana pelo consumo da carne. O experimento foi conduzido no Laboratório de Pesquisa em Suínos (LPS), com 160 leitões desmamados aos 23 dias de idade até os 138 dias de idade. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso em função do peso e sexo, sendo a unidade experimental considerada a baia com 4 animais, constituindo, portanto, 5 repetições por tratamento. Aos 51 dias de idade os animais foram inoculados com uma cepa de Salmonella Typhimurium via oral. Os tratamentos foram: PA 44: Probiótico A: 4 Kg/tonelada de ração, dos 23 aos 44 dias de idade; PB 44: Probiótico B: 2 Kg/ tonelada de ração, dos 23 aos 44 dias de idade; PA 65: Probiótico A: 4 Kg/tonelada de ração, dos 23 aos 44 e 2 kg/tonelada de ração dos 45 aos 65 dias de idade; PB 65: Probiótico B: 2 Kg/tonelada de ração, dos 23 aos 44 e 1 kg/tonelada de ração dos 45 aos 65 dias de idade; PA 138: Probiótico A: 4 Kg/tonelada de ração, dos 23 aos 44 e 2 kg/ tonelada de ração dos 45 aos 138 dias de idade; PB 138: Probiótico B: 2 Kg/tonelada de ração, dos 23 aos 44 e 1 kg/tonelada de ração dos 45 aos 138 dias de idade; controle positivo: ração com antimicrobiano e sem probióticos e controle negativo: ração sem antimicrobiano e sem probióticos. Foram analisados os parâmetros peso, ganho de peso, consumo de ração e conversão alimentar. Aspectos clínicos e sanitários também foram avaliados, incluindo freqüência de diarréia, temperatura retal, swabs retais para verificação da freqüência da salmonela nas fezes e parâmetros sanguíneos. As variáveis foram analisadas por medidas repetidas no tempo com contrastes. Foi utilizado o SAS 9.0. Em relação ao peso médio, observou-se, no período de creche, que o controle positivo se sobressaiu frente aos probióticos, mas no período de crescimento, por volta dos 106 dias de idade, os grupos se igualaram, não havendo diferenças significativas. No período total de creche e crescimento/terminação, o ganho de peso dos animais do controle positivo foi numericamente superior comparativamente aos probióticos (p=0,0876 para o probiótico A e p=0,0635 para o probiótico B). O consumo de ração foi menor para o controle negativo em relação aos probióticos. A conversão alimentar foi melhor para o controle positvo em relação aos probióticos, na fase de creche. Na freqüência de diarréia o efeito do desafio programado foi evidenciado, mostrando no controle negativo maior freqüência, ressaltada principalmente pela classificação em fezes líquidas, em comparação aos probióticos e controle positivo. A temperatura retal e a presença do agente nas fezes não se mostraram diferentes nos tratamentos, o mesmo ocorrendo com relação aos parâmetros sanguíneos. Portanto, as evidências encontradas quanto aos parâmetros clínicos e sanitários demonstraram de uma maneira geral, que os probióticos e os antimicrobianos podem agir de forma diferenciada, mas apresentando as mesmas respostas que repercutem em desempenhos semelhantes até o final da fase de terminação. Concluiu-se na avaliação de desempenho associada aos aspectos econômicos, que o probiótico A, dentre os tratamentos, foi mais viável, com a administração até 44 e 65 dias de idade dos leitões. A continuidade dos estudos com probióticos é necessária, dada a variabilidade de fatores que interferem no seu melhor aproveitamento como promotor de crescimento.The study was based on the use of probiotics as growth promoter in the swine feeding due to the prohibition, by the European Union, on the use of some antibiotics by its possibility of causing antimicrobial resistance and risks for human health by meat consumption. The experiment was conducted in LPS, with 160 piglets weaned at 23 days of age until 138 days of age. The experimental design was a randomized block according to weight and sex, the experimental unit considered was the pen holding 4 animals each, thus with 5 repetitions per treatment. At 51 days of age the animals were inoculated with a strain of Salmonella Typhimurium orally. The treatments were: PA44= Probiotic A: 4 kg/ton of ration, from 23 to 44 days of age; PB44= Probiotic B: 2 Kg/ton of ration, from 23 to 44 days of age; PA65= Probiotic A: 4 kg/ton of ration from 23 to 44 days of age and 2 kg/ton of ration from 45 to 65 days of age, PB65= Probiotic B: 2 kg/ton of ration, from 23 to 44 days of age and 1 kg/ton of ration from 45 to 65 days of age; PA138= Probiotic A: 4 kg/ton of ration from 23 to 44 days of age and 1 kg/ton of ration from 45 to 138 days of age; PB138= Probiotic B: 2 kg/ton of ration from 23 to 44 days of age and 1 kg/ton of ration from 45 to 138 days of age; Positive Control= ration with antimicrobial and no probiotics and Negative Control= ration with no antimicrobials nor probiotics. The parameters analyzed were weight, weight gain, ration intake and feed conversion. Clinical and sanitary aspects were also evaluated, diarrhea frequency, rectal temperature, rectal swabs for salmonella verification and blood parameters. The variables were analyzed by repetitive measures on time with the established contrasts. SAS 9.0 was used. Regarding average weight, it was observed, during the nursery period, that the positive control stood out compared to the probiotics, but during growing, around 106 days of age, the groups equaled, with no significant differences. During the total period of nursery and growing/finishing, the weight gain from the animals of the positive control was numerically superior compared to the probiotics (p=0,0876 for probiotic A and p=0,0635 for probiotic B). Feed intake was lower for negative control when compared to probiotics. In the nursery period feed conversiom was better than the positive control in relation to probiotics. In the diarrhea frequency the effect from the programmed challenge was evidenced; showing a higher frequency in the negative control, emphasized mainly for the liquid feces classification in comparison to the probiotics and positive control. The rectal temperature and the presence of the agent in the feces did not differ between treatments, as well as the blood parameters. Therefore, the evidence found regarding clinical parameters and health in general demonstrated that probiotics ant antiotics may act differently, but with the same answer that echo in similar performaces until the end of the finishing period. In conclusion, the evaluation of performance associated with economic aspects, among the treatments, with the probiotics A, both 44 and 65, was better than the positive control. The continuation of studies with probiotics is necessary, given the variability of factors that interfere with its best use as growth promoter

Salmonella Pullorum in a Free-range Chicken Farm in Western Bahia, Brazil

Background:Industrial poultry farming has developed progressively in Brazil, conferring the country a prominent position on the national and international scene. Likewise, alternative poultry farming is an important economic activity for small-scale family farmers. However, shortcomings related to sanitary management lead to increased occurrence of avian diseases, such as those caused by Salmonella spp. Despite salmonellosis has been described in industrial establishments, reports in alternative farms are less common, therefore the objective of this study was to describe the occurrence of salmonellosis in free-range chickens in the municipality of Barra, Western Bahia, Brazil. Cases: The poultry farmer reported the occurrence of diarrhoea in his chicken flock since the acquisition of the batch of chicks. Initially, carrying out the medicinal treatment of the birds, there was clinical improvement, however, successive recurrences of clinical signs occurred, such as diarrhoea, apathy, anorexia, and death of some birds. Upon learning about the case, an epidemiological investigation of the flock was carried out, and it was noted that some of the birds were retracted, apathetic, anorexic, and a lot of diarrheic faeces of a yellowish-white appearance were also observed. The entire flock had a history of vaccination against diseases: newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, gumboro disease, and fowlpox. For better evaluation, five birds were necropsied, enabling the observation that the animals had a good body score. However, the necropsy revealed lesions such as splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and enteritis in the three birds initially analysed (Animals 1, 2, and 3). The other birds (Animals 4 and 5) were submitted to evaluation for Eimeria sp. oocysts by means of scrapings from the intestinal mucosa, and there were no structures compatible with oocysts. Faecal samples were collected from another six birds in the flock for coproparasitological examination, and the presence of oocysts was not detected. Finally, sera from 20 birds in the flock were collected for the Rapid Serum Agglutination Test (SAR) for the detection anti-Salmonella Pullorum antibodies. Discussion: The diagnosis was based on clinical evaluation, post-mortem pathological findings of the necropsied birds, epidemiological data and confirmed with SAR testing, whereby 11 birds were seropositive for Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Pullorum. The prevalence of S. Pullorum is poorly described in alternative farming. Based on the farmer's report, it is believed that the chicks were purchased already infected, because birds from the same batch, also purchased by neighbouring producers, showed the same clinical signs. The unsatisfactory sanitation in the flock was another factor that may have favoured the persistence of the bacteria, since, the lack of removal of organic matter is a source of nutrients for microorganisms, and this may have favoured the multiplication and maintenance of the bacteria in the down feathers, feed, and water. The elimination of S. Pullorum through the faeces, in addition to the density of the birds, may have led to transmission to the other healthy birds. However, the knowledge and adoption of prophylactic measures in free-range chicken farms is a crucial factor in minimizing the occurrence of outbreaks and thus avoiding a future public Health Problem. Keywords: poultry pathology, alternative poultry farming, salmonellosis. Título: Samonella Pullorum em criação de galinhas caipiras no Oeste da Bahia, Brasil Descritores: patologia aviária, avicultura alternativa, salmoneloses

Phytogenic feed additives in piglets challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium

The effects of phytogenic feed additives on piglet performance and fecal score (FDD), as well as on lipid oxidation of pork meat were evaluated. One hundred and twenty crossbred weaned piglets were randomly assigned to six treatments according to a 2 × 3 factorial design with five replicates per treatment. Factors were: challenge with Salmonella Typhimurium at 35 days of age or no challenge, and three different additives (control (CTR), basal diet; phytogenic feed additives (PHY), basal diet plus 2000 ppm of phytogenic feed additives - Rosmarinus officinalis, Mentha piperita, Lippia sidoides and Porophyllum ruderale; and antimicrobial agent (ATB), basal diet plus 100 ppm of tylosin, 2000 ppm of zinc and colistin sulfate, 30 ppm in the pre-starter basal diet, 10 ppm in the starter basal diet I and II, and 5 ppm in growth and finishing basal diet). Body weight (BW) of the piglets of ATB was greater throughout the experimental period, without any differences detected between CTR and PHY. Nevertheless, from 96 to 106 days of age, the BW of the CTR group was greater than PHY. From 21 to 34 days of age, feed conversion of ATB was lower than CTR; however, PHY showed an intermediate result, which did not differ from either ATB or CTR. Challenged animals reduced feed intake from day 35 to 48 compared with unchallenged animals. Piglet performance and fecal score from 21 to 48 days of age were lower in piglets that received ATB compared with the other treatments. However, from 35 to 48 days of age, the FDD of PHY was lower than CTR. Lipid oxidation was not reduced in treated animals. Antimicrobial agent improved the growth performance of piglets until 63 days of age, and no difference was observed between the treatments from 64 to 131 days of age. Antimicrobial agent reduced FDD; the FDD of PHY was similar to that of ATB after 48 days. None of the treatments affected lipid oxidation of pork meat

Organic selenium supplementation is cost-effective for increasing the number of seminal doses produced by sexually mature boars

<div><p>ABSTRACT The present experiment was carried out to evaluate the economic viability of supplementing boar diets with organic selenium aiming to increase the number of seminal doses of sexually mature boars. Twelve boars were divided into three groups: control group received 0.3 mg kg−1 Se from sodium selenite (n = 4), inorganic group received 0.5 mg kg−1 Se from sodium selenite (n = 4), and organic group received 0.5 mg kg−1 Se from Sel-PlexTM (Alltech, Inc., n = 4). The experiment was conducted within 10 weeks and analysis was performed fortnightly. No interaction was observed between treatments and weeks for any of the variables analyzed. Boars fed diet supplemented with 0.5 mg kg−1 of organic selenium exhibited a 23% increase in the seminal doses, which resulted in a 37% reduction in the cost of diet per dose produced by boars in this group compared with boars in the inorganic group. It should be pointed out that the total revenue produced by the organic group was 26% higher than the inorganic group. The feeding of organic Se increases the number of seminal doses and reduces the average cost of the diet, demonstrating to be cost-effective.</p></div