Preliminary Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the GAVAC® Immunogen and the Rational Use of Acaricides as an Alternative for an Integrated Tick Control Program in Ecuador

Rhipicephalus microplus one of the ectoparasites with the most significant impact on livestock health and the economy in Ecuador and globally. Controlling ticks through chemical means has been demonstrated to be ineffective, resulting in acaricide resistance and increasing costs and health problems in tropical and subtropical livestock. Several tick control alternatives have been investigated to date, showing promising results under laboratory conditions but not in field applications. The use of multiple control alternatives in a comprehensive management plan for tick control has proven to be effective in reducing tick infestation. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of immunization with the Gavac® vaccine and its effect on the rational use of acaricides. The study aimed to establish the impact of immunization on the biotic potential of Rhipicephalus microplus, the level of infestation, and the frequency of acaricidal baths. In a pilot farm, 176 bovines were vaccinated, and 30 animals were observed every 15 days for eight months, resulting in 18 observations. Observationally, a significant reduction in tick load on animals was identified, as well as a reduction in the use of acaricides by less than 10% (1 bath) compared to the farm’s estimated use. On average, acaricidal baths were administered 23 days after vaccination. The study found a statistically significant decrease in the number of ticks on the animals, the weight of the eggs, and their hatching percentage after the inclusion of the vaccination program on the farm. However, no statistically significant effect on the weight of engorged ticks was observed. In conclusion, the Gavac® vaccine has a positive observational effect on controlling the presence of ticks in animals and a negative effect on their reproductive aspects. Keywords: Rhipicephalus microplus; vaccine; bovines; acaricide control; integrated tick control program. Resumen Rhipicephalus microplus es considerado como uno de los ectoparásitos de mayor impacto sanitario y económico en las ganaderías del Ecuador y del mundo. En la actualidad, se ha demostrado que los métodos de control químico son poco eficientes y generan resistencias a los acaricidas en las garrapatas; aumentando los costos y los problemas sanitarios en las ganaderías tropicales y subtropicales. Hasta la presente fecha se han investigado varias alternativas de control para las garrapatas con buenos resultados en condiciones de laboratorio; no así, en su aplicación en el campo. El uso combinado y técnico de dos o más alternativas de control ha mostrado buenos resultados en la disminución de las garrapatas dentro de un “plan de manejo integral para el control de las garrapatas”. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la efectividad de la inmunización con la vacuna Gavac® y su efecto en el uso racional de acaricidas; estableciendo el impacto de la inmunización sobre el potencial biótico de Rh. microplus, el nivel de infestación y la frecuencia de los baños acaricidas. En una finca piloto se vacunaron a 176 bovinos; de los cuales, 30 animales fueron observados cada 15 días por 8 meses (18 observaciones). Observacionalmente, se identificó una reducción significativa de la carga de garrapatas en los animales; así como, una reducción del uso de acaricidas menor al 10% (1 baño) en comparación con lo estimado por la finca. El promedio por baño acaricida fue de 23 días tras la vacunación. Se obtuvo una disminución estadísticamente significativa en el número de garrapatas sobre los animales, el peso de los huevos y su porcentaje de eclosión tras la inclusión del programa en el predio. No se observó un efecto estadísticamente significativo en el peso de las garrapatas ingurgitadas. En conclusión, la vacuna tiene un efecto positivo observacional sobre el control de la presencia de las garrapatas en los animales y un efecto negativo en los aspectos reproductivos de las mismas. Palabras Clave: Rhipicephalus microplus; vacuna; bovinos; control acaricida; plan de manejo integrado

Parasitism of the root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) chitwood in five wild Solanaceae species

There is a high incidence of the nematode Meloidogyne incognita in several economically important species of Solanaceae. This nematode causes damage to the roots, leading even to the death ofthe plant, causing economic losses for the producer. This research was carried out in greenhouse to assess the response of five species of wild Solanaceae (Solanum auriculatum, S.hirtum, S.hispidum,S.arboreum and Nicotiana glauca) to the infestation of M. incognita was evaluated. A randomized block design with three replicates was used. The initial inoculum was obtained from infested roots of treetomato (S. betaceum Cav.), which was propagated in kidney tomato plants (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) hibrid ‘Sheila’ which was used to inoculate the wild Solanaceae plus two susceptible controls (S. betaceum and S. quitoense) were inoculated with a dose of 2500 larvae. According to the reproduction factor of the nematode, S. arboreum, S. hirtum and N. glauca showed resistance because obtained values less than 1. In addition, S. hirtum (14.88) and N. glauca (22.67) showed the lowest number of root knots. In terms of foliage yield (dry weight), a response of tolerance was observed in all species except for the controls. It can be concluded that S. hirtum (compatible with S. quitoense - naranjilla) and N. glauca (compatible with S. betaceum - tree tomato) might be used as rootstocks of Solanaceae fruit crops of commercial importance in Ecuador, contributing to the integrated fruit production system.Existe una alta incidencia del nematodo Meloidogyne incognita en varias especies Solanáceas de importancia económica. Este nematodo causa daño a las raíces, llevando incluso a la muertede la planta, causando pérdidas económicas para el productor. Esta investigación se llevó a cabo en invernadero para evaluar la respuesta de cinco especies de solanáceas silvestres (Solanumauriculatum, S. hirtum, S. hispidum, S. arboreum y Nicotiana glauca) a la infestación de M. incognita. Se utilizó un diseño de bloques al azar con tres repeticiones. Se obtuvo el inóculo inicial de raíces infestadas de tomate de árbol (S. betaceum Cav.), el cual se propagó en tomate riñón (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) híbrido ‘Sheila’ y se inoculó las Solanáceas silvestres más dos controles susceptibles (S. betaceum y S. quitoense) con una dosis de 2500 larvas. De acuerdo al factor de reproducción del nematodo, S. arboreum, S. hirtum y N. glauca presentaron resistencia porque obtuvieron valores menor a 1. Además, S. hirtum (14,88) y N. glauca (22,67) presentaron el menor número de agallas en las raíces. En términos de rendimiento de follaje (peso seco), se observó una respuesta de tolerancia en todas las especies excepto en las plantas control. Se puede concluir que S. hirtum (compatiblecon S. quitoense - naranjilla) y N. glauca (compatible con tomate de árbol -S. betaceum) podrían ser utilizados como portainjertos de Solanáceas de importancia comercial en Ecuador

Factores que influyen en el ingreso de los productores de durazno en la provincia de Tungurahua, Ecuador

[EN] Tungurahua province has conditions suitable for growing deciduous fruit trees such as peach (Prunus persica L). This research aimed to identify the main factors influencing the production of this fruit crop and their effect on farmers income. Surveys were carried out directly to peach farmers in seven counties of Tungurahua such as Ambato, Cevallos, Mocha, Patate, Pelileo, Píllaro and Tisaleo. The results indicated that the most relevant factors were: farmer age, sown area, fruit selection, reason for fruit growing, type of production and production issues.[ES] La provincia de Tungurahua posee condiciones adecuadas para cultivar frutales caducifolios como el durazno (Prunus persica L.). Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo identificar los principales factores que influyen en la producción e inciden en la generación de ingresos económicos al agricultor. En-cuestas fueron realizadas directamente a los productores de durazno en siete cantones de Tungurahua como son Ambato, Cevallos, Mocha, Patate, Pelileo, Píllaro y Tisaleo. Los resultados indicaron que los factores más relevantes fueron: edad del productor, superficie sembrada, selección de la fruta, razón para cultivar frutales, tipo de producción e inconvenientes de producción.Viera, W.; Viera, A.; Martínez, A.; Jácome, R.; Ayala, G.; Sotomayor, A.; Galarza, D.... (2018). Factors influencing peach farmer income in the province of Tungurahua, Ecuador. Economía Agraria y Recursos Naturales - Agricultural and Resource Economics. 17(2):133-141. doi:10.7201/earn.2017.02.06SWORD13314117

Validación de dos activadores prebióticos en el desarrollo de terneras medias Ayrshire sobre los 3,000 m.s.n.m. en Sangolquí, Pichincha

The validation of two prebiotic activators in crossbred Ayrshire heifers was conducted in the province of Pichincha, Rumiñahui County, Rumipamba Parish, at 3,000 meters a.s.l. For the field phase, purebred Ayrshire heifers with an average age of 4 to 6 months old were studied and data on their weight, height and waist diameter increase, as well as their body capacity were measured every two weeks. An experimental design (DCA) with covariables, the age being the covariable, consisted of three treatments and five observations for each treatment. The experimental unit was the heifer. According to the analysis of variance conducted for each tested variable, there are no significant differences between treatments; however, for the analysis of the covariable (ANOVA), significant differences were detected for the interaction of each variable.En la provincia de Pichincha, cantón Rumiñahui, parroquia Rumipamba, sobre los 3,000 m.s.n.m., se llevó a cabo la validación de dos activadores prebióticos en terneras medias Ayrshire. Para la fase de campo se emplearon terneras puras con una edad de entre 4-6 meses de edad. Las variables dependientes fueron: e incremento de peso, altura, diámetro de cinchera y capacidad corporal; los datos se registraron cada 15 días. Se empleó un diseño completamente al azar (DCA) con covariables, el mismo que estuvo conformado por tres tratamientos y cinco observaciones para cada tratamiento, cada ternera fue una unidad experimental. De acuerdo al análisis de varianza realizado para cada variable evaluada se observa que no existen diferencias significativas entre los tratamientos; pero para el análisis de la covariable el ANOVA detectó diferencias significativas para la interacción de cada variable

Distribution and potential indicators of hospitalized cases of neurocysticercosis and epilepsy in Ecuador from 1996 to 2008

Background : Epilepsy is one of the most common signs of Neurocysticercosis (NCC). In this study, spatial and temporal variations in the incidence of hospitalized cases (IHC) of epilepsy and NCC in Ecuadorian municipalities were analyzed. Additionally, potential socio-economic and landscape indicators were evaluated in order to understand in part the macro-epidemiology of the Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis complex. Methodology : Data on the number of hospitalized epilepsy and NCC cases by municipality of residence were obtained from morbidity-hospital systems in Ecuador. SatScan software was used to determine whether variations in the IHC of epilepsy and NCC in space and time. In addition, several socio-economic and landscape variables at municipality level were used to study factors intervening in the macro-epidemiology of these diseases. Negative Binomial regression models through stepwise selection and Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) were used to explain the variations in the IHC of epilepsy and NCC. Principal findings : Different clusters were identified through space and time. Traditional endemic zones for NCC and epilepsy, recognized in other studies were confirmed in our study. However, for both disorders more recent clusters were identified. Among municipalities, an increasing tendency for IHC of epilepsy, and a decreasing tendency for the IHC of NCC were observed over time. In contrast, within municipalities a positive linear relationship between both disorders was found. An increase in the implementation of systems for eliminating excrements would help to reduce the IHC of epilepsy by 1.00% (IC95%; 0.2%-1.8%) and by 5.12% (IC95%; 3.63%-6.59%) for the IHC of NCC. The presence of pig production was related to IHC of NCC. Conclusion/Significance : Both disorders were related to the lack of an efficient system for eliminating excrements. Given the appearance of recent epilepsy clusters, these locations should be studied in depth to discriminate epilepsies due to NCC from epilepsies due to other causes. Field studies are needed to evaluate the true prevalence of cysticercosis in humans and pigs in different zones of the country in order to better implement and manage prevention and/or control campaigns

Evaluación de factores de riesgo que afectan la mortalidad en pollos de engorde durante el proceso de traslado granja-planta de faenamiento en el centro norte de la región interandina

Millions of broiler chickens are transported annually from farms to the laughterhouse along the way, chickens are exposed to a wide variety of stressors such as food restriction, capture and transport, which affect animal welfare and cause live weight losses to death, which economically impacts activity. The objective of this study was to assess risk factors affecting fattening chicken mortality during transport to the laughterhouse, based on observations and analysis of a sample of 60 trucks with various destinations in the country. The average mortality rate in the study was 1.6 per 1000 chickens, whose highest impact variables on mortality during transport were the boarding temperature, causing a 3.4% increase in mortality per 1oC in temperature compared to base mortality; and, the age of the chickens at the time of shipment that caused a 17% increase in mortality for each additional day of stay on the farm, relative to the base mortality rate. In conclusion, mortality during fishing was increased in older broiler chickens, as well as by decreased temperature at the time of shipment. These identified risk factors can be used to refine management practices to mitigate some of the risk of fattening chicken mortality during transportation.Millones de pollos de engorde son transportados anualmente desde las granjas hasta las plantas de faenamiento. En este trayecto, los pollos están expuestos a una amplia variedad de factores estresantes como la restricción de alimento, la captura y el transporte que afectan el bienestar animal y producen pérdidas de peso vivo hasta la muerte, lo cual impacta económicamente la actividad. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar los factores de riesgo que afectan la mortalidad de pollos de engorde durante su transporte a la planta de faenamiento, a partir de observaciones y análisis de una muestra de 60 camiones con varios destinos del país. La incidencia de mortalidad promedio en el estudio fue de 1,6 por cada 1.000 pollos, cuyas variables de mayor impacto sobre la mortalidad durante el transporte fueron, la temperatura de embarque al causar un incremento del 3,4% de mortalidad por cada 1 °C de descenso en la temperatura respecto de la mortalidad base; y, la edad de los pollos al momento de embarque que causó un incremento de 17% en la mortalidad por cada día adicional de estancia en finca, en relación con la tasa de mortalidad base. En conclusión, la mortalidad durante el faenado se incrementó en los pollos de engorde de mayor edad, así como por la disminución de la temperatura al momento del embarque. Estos factores de riesgo identificados pueden utilizarse para perfeccionar las prácticas de gestión a fin de mitigar parte del riesgo de mortalidad de pollos de engorde durante la transportación

Determinant aspects of the deciduous fruit production in the province of Tungurahua, Ecuador

The province of Tungurahua is well known for the production of deciduous fruit trees in Ecuador, however, its production is impacted by some issues that affect productivity. The purpose of this investigation was to conduct a diagnosis of the production system of deciduous fruit trees in 6 locations in Tungurahua province. Surveys were carried out to obtain information on 117 production units (farms). A regression model was used to determine the relationship between the variables and their incidence in the production system. The results showed that peach (Prunus persica) is the fruit crop with highest yield (16.19 t ha-1), followed by apple (Malus domestica) (13.36 t ha-1) and pear (Pyrus communis) (13.15 t ha-1). Apple cultivars Emilia and Golden Delicious, cv. Uvilla of pear and Conservero Amarillo of peach were the most cultivated in Tungurahua. The main factors that influenced the farmer income were: Land area used for cultivation, reason for growing fruit trees, age of the producer, fruit selection and type of production. It is necessary to advocate to expand the cultivated land area of these fruit crops in order to satisfy local demand and compete with imports of these fruits

Analysis of the nutritional and productive behaviour of dairy cows under three rotation bands of pastures, Pichincha, Ecuador

This research was carried out on Pennisetum clandestinum-based pastures to identify the effect of three (3) types of stocking methods with similar forage allowance (8.2 kg of dry matter for 100 kg of live weight) but differing by the occupation times of the rotations (3 h, 24 h, and continuous) on the behaviour and the production of dairy cows. The experimental scheme consisted in three herds of four Holstein Friesian cows grazing three paddocks, one per rotationtype, for one week and replicated three times in a cross-over design. Pasture height and biomass were measured before and after each grazing week and on a daily basis, two cows per herd were monitored during daytime with activity sensors and their milk production was recorded. The main results showed that in all treatments the cows reduced the height of the sward by 40% on average. The cows in the continuous treatment spent more time in meals and tended to have higher average speed during the day than in the 3-h rotation ascribed to a higher exploration of the whole gradable area every day in the continuous treatment and to more time idling animals in the 3-h treatment in anticipation of the opening of new areas to graze over the course of day. Despite those difference in activity, milk production did not differ neither in quantity with an average of 12.4 0.14 kg per day, nor in quality (i.e., fat, protein, non-fatty solids, total solids). We conclude that under our grazing conditions with an intermediate forage allowance and low producing cows, applying a labour intensive stocking method requiring to open new areas every 3 hours does not lead to a significant production increase

Intervalos de corte de pasto Saboya (Panicum máximum Jacq.), sobre rendimiento de materia seca y composición química de su ensilaje

During the dry season in the north of the Ecuadorian coast, there is a grass shortage, aspect that need to be solved. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of different cutting intervals on the dry biomass yield, chemical composition and nutritional quality of savoy grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.). During the rainy season transition to dry, in the Viche locality, in the province of Esmeraldas in Ecuador, the dry biomass, organoleptic characteristics, chemical and cell wall composition of savory grass silage cut at ages of 13, 20, 27, 34 and 41 days were evaluated. Treatments were set up in a Complete Random Design for the pasture characteristics and chemical composition of the silage, and in a Randomized Complete Block Design for the organoleptic characteristics of the silage. The statistical analysis was based on the Analysis of Variance and the multiple mean comparisons between treatments with Tukey at 5 %. In this research, the quality of silage organoleptic characteristics was higher at 20 and 34 days. Bromatological analyses showed a content of 8.25 % of crude protein at 27-day silage preparation, being the highest of all treatments, followed by silage preparation at 41-day with 5.53 % of crude protein. The annual dry matter yield ranged from 9.74 to 29.98 t ha-1. Silage prepared at 27 days had the highest nutritional values, while yield was higher at 41 days. None of the treatments reached an optimal level of fermentation (pH, lignification, stem/leaf ratio).Durante la época seca en el norte del litoral ecuatoriano, se presenta escasez de pasto aspecto que requiere resolverse. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue evaluar el efecto de diferentes intervalos de corte sobre el rendimiento de biomasa seca, composición química y calidad nutricional de ensilaje del pasto saboya (Panicum máximum Jacq.). Durante la transición de época lluviosa a seca, en la parroquia Viche de la provincia de Esmeraldas en Ecuador, se evaluó la biomasa seca, características organolépticas, composición química y de las paredes celulares del ensilaje de pasto Saboya cortado a edades de 13, 20, 27, 34 y 41 días. Los tratamientos se implementaron en un Diseño Completamente al Azar para las características del pasto y composición química del ensilaje, y en un diseño de Bloques Completos al Azar para las características organolépticas del ensilaje. El análisis estadístico se basó en el Análisis de Varianza y comparación múltiple de medias entre tratamientos usando Tukey al 5 %. En la investigación se determinó que las características organolépticas de los ensilajes a los 20 y 34 días fueron de mejor calidad. En el análisis bromatológico se determinó que el ensilaje a los 27 días contiene una media de 8,25 % de proteína bruta, que es estadísticamente mayor que todos los tratamientos evaluados, seguido por el ensilaje a los 41 días con 5,53 % de proteína bruta. El rendimiento de materia seca anual varió de 9,74 a 29,98 t ha-1. El ensilaje preparado a los 27 días presentó los mejores valores nutricionales, mientras que el mejor rendimiento se presentó a los 41 días. Ningún tratamiento alcanzó un nivel óptimo de fermentación (pH, lignificación relación tallo/hoja)

Evaluation of the ingestive behaviour of the dairy cow under two systems of rotation with slope

The ingestive behaviour of grazing animals is modulated by the vegetation characteristics, topography and the type of stocking method. This research was carried out in 2019, at the Rumipamba CADER-UCE. It aimed to evaluate the impact of two contrasting stocking methods of dairy cows grazing a pasture with an average of slope >8.5%. Four dairy cows were set to graze a 0.4 ha paddock for 5 days for continuous stocking methods, while for the electric fence methods the dairy cows were restricted to 0.2 ha and the fence was moved uphill every 3 hours, repeating this process four times a day. Cow were equipped with activity sensors for 12 h per day. The whole procedure was repeated 2 times after realizing an equalization cuts and both paddocks, a rest time of 30 days and a random reassignment of paddocks to one of the treatments. The cows showed a difference in terms of the percentage of grazing P=0.0072, being higher with the electric fence (55% of the measurement time). From rising-plate-meter estimates of available biomass along the grazing periods, we calculated despite similar forage allowances (electric fence = 48.06 kg DM/cow/d and continuous = 48.21 DM/cow/d) a higher forage intake was obtained in the electric fence treatment (17.5 kg DM/cow/d) compared the continuous stocking (15.7 kg DM/cow/d) (P=0.006). In terms of milk production animals grazing under the differences electrical fence stocking method tended (P=0.0985) to produce more milk (17.39 kg/d) than those grazing in the continuous system (15.16 kg/d) due to the influence of the slope (P=0.05), while for milk quality the protein content was higher for the electric fence (33.7 g/l) than the continuous method (30.5 g/l) (P=0.039). None of the other milk properties differed between methods (P>0.05)