Reproductive performance of sows inseminated with semen doses stored for up to seven days in long-term extender in a field condition

This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive performance of sows inseminated with semen doses preserved at 15-18 °C for up to seven days in long-term extender (Duragen®). Parity one (PO1) to PO7 sows were randomly assigned to the following groups: AI1-3 (n=190), insemination with semen doses stored between one and three days; and AI5-7 (n=124), insemination with semen doses stored between five and seven days. Sows were submitted to estrus detection twice a day. Post-cervical insemination according to weaning-to-estrus interval was performed. The farrowing rate (FR) did not differ between the groups (AI1-3=83.2%; AI5-7=82.2%; p>0.05) nor did the total number of piglets born (TPB; AI1-3=14.2±0.3; AI5-7=14.5±0.3; p>0.05). Considering the semen dose most likely responsible for fertilization according to its storage time (1, 2-3, 5, and 6-7 days), the FR (72.7%, 87.8%, 85.7%, and 79%, respectively) and TPB (14.4, 14.0, 14.9, and 13.5, respectively) were similar among the groups (p>0.05). In conclusion, the use of semen doses extended with long-term extender stored for up to seven days did not impair the reproductive performance of sows. Therefore, it’s using could optimize production efficiency and logistics of semen dose deliveries to sow farms

Alterações químicas e microbiológicas nas silagens de capim-Tifton 85 após a abertura dos silos Chemical and microbiological changes of Tifton 85 grass silage after silos opening

O trabalho foi conduzido para avaliação da presença de Listeria sp. e de fungos nas silagens de capim-Tifton 85 sem emurchecimento, com emurchecimento por uma e duas horas e sem emurchecimento com adição ou não de polpa cítrica (5,0% do peso verde). As amostragens foram efetuadas no momento da abertura do silo (80 dias da ensilagem), aos 15 e 30 dias após exposição ao ar, para avaliar os teores de matéria seca (MS), as alterações químicas (pH, N amoniacal, ácidos orgânicos) e a ocorrência de Listeria sp. e de fungos. Os dados foram analisados segundo o delineamento em blocos casualizados, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas (nas parcelas foram avaliadas as silagens submetidas aos tratamentos e nas subparcelas, os períodos de exposição ao ar), com quatro repetições. Observaram-se baixos teores de ácidos orgânicos e de N amoniacal decorrentes dos altos valores de MS, o que acarretou baixa formação de produtos fermentados e elevação do pH. A presença de Listeria sp. foi observada em 65,6% das amostras no momento da abertura dos silos e, destas, 10% foram positivas para Listeria monocytogenes. As silagens apresentaram baixa estabilidade aeróbia, tendo sido registrado aumento na ocorrência dos fungos Penicillium, Fusarium e Pithomyces com o prolongamento do período de exposição ao ar.<br>The experiment was carried out to evaluate the fermentation characteristics, Listeria sp. and molds occurrence on Tifton 85 silage no wilted, wilted for one and two hours and no wilted with or without citrus pulp (5.0 % of fresh forage). The samplings were taken at the opening of the silos (80 days after ensiling), 15, and 30 days after air exposition to evaluated dry matter (DM) content, chemical changes (pH, ammonia N, organic acids) and Listeria sp., and molds occurrence. Data were analyzed according to a randomized block design in split plot scheme, considering the silage on the plots, and periods of air exposure on the split plot, with four replications. Low contents of organic acids and ammonia N due to the high silage DM content that promotes low formation of fermentable products and high pH values was observed. The occurrence of Listeria sp. was observed in 65.6% of the silage samples at the opening of the silos and, from them 10% of these were Listeria monocytogenes. The silages showed poor aerobic stability, having been registered higher amount of Penicillium, Fusarium and Pithomyces occurrence, along the air exposition periods