Cinnamomum zeylanicum Essential Oil Reduces Infestation by Alphitobius diaperinus in Poultry Litter

Background: Even though insecticides are managed and the period of sanitary emptiness in poultry is respected, the elimination of Alphitobius diaperinus may not be successful. The use of essential oils of plant origin presents as a good alternative in the substitution of insecticides with synthetic molecules, since they are easy to obtain, with rapid degradationand without risk of residues for non-target organisms. The main objective of the present study was to examine whether Cinnamomum zeylanicum oil reduces Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) infestations under experimental conditions, without causing toxicity to broilers chicks exposed to treated litter.Materials, Methods & Results: The experimental design was completely randomized, with four replications per treatment. The treatments were as follows: solvent control using the diluent Dimethyl Sulfoxide 5% (oil diluent); chemical control using 5 g/m² cypermethrin; one spray of C. zeylanicum 5% oil; and two sprays of C. zeylanicum 5% oil. Each experimental unit was infested with 150 lesser mealworm adults. At 15 days of the broiler chick’s life, blood was collected for biochemical analysis (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, globulin, triglycerides and uric acid), and liver fragments were isolated for histopathological analysis. Using TupeTrap devices, we counted lesser mealworm 40 days after treatment. The treatments did not alter biochemical variables, and did not causehistopathological lesions in liver. The treatments with C. zeylanicum 5% oil with one and two sprays efficiently reduced lesser mealworm infestation compared with solvent control. Cypermethrin treatment had no effect.Discussion: Many of the commercial products present low effectiveness in the control of A. diaperinus, since the target organisms develop resistance to the product. In the present study, we used a higher cypermethrin dose than that recommended by the manufacturer, in order to increase efficacy in the face of possible resistance. Even so, cypermethrin did not efficiently control the organism. The effectiveness of the essential oil of C. zeylanicum tested can be attributed to the compounds found in greater quantity in the oil composition, such as cinnamaldehyde (41.27%), linalool (13.05%) and methyl eugenol (10.87%), characterized as responsible for the action of oil repellency. Monoterpenoid compounds found in essential oils extracted from plants have insecticidal action acting on the central nervous system of insects, which impairs their development, being characterized as neurotoxic compounds. The results found with the essential oil of C. zeylanicum are of great importance, since the control of A. diaperinus is not efficient because this organism has behavior that favors reinfestation in the poultry houses, such as shelter in cracks, in the draperies, below the feeders and in the soil. The biochemical analyzes of the blood can as important tools to assist in the monitoring of broilers health, in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, and therefore the results presented are of great importance since they assist in the search for alternative methods for the control of A. diaperinus, where we can affirm that the essential oil of C. zeylanicum does not cause toxicity to broilers. Based on these results we can affirm that essential oil of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, 5%, is an effective substitute for existing commercially-available insecticides.Keywords: alternative control, cinnamon oil, insecticide, lesser mealworm

Biscuit Residue in the Nutrition of Laying Hens: Effects on Animal Health, Performance and Egg Quality

Background: Corn and soybean meal are common ingredients used in poultry feed in order to supply the demand for energy and protein, respectively. Also, these ingredients directly influence the final price of the diets, and consequently, the final cost of production. A major problem is associated to the oscillation of these grains in some months of the year. Therefore, there is a need to search for nutritionally and economically viable alternatives to mitigate this problem. The aim was to evaluate whether the addition of biscuit residue could partially replace the use of corn in the feed of laying hens in order to obtain economic viability without impairment on production, egg quality and animal health.Materials, Methods & Results:  The experiment was completely randomized and each repetition was considered one experimental unity. One hundred Hy-line brown 48 week-old chickens were allocated in cages and divided into five groups with four repetitions each, allocating five animals per cage. The group T0 was composed by animals that received the basal diet, i.e. without biscuit residue. The other groups were composed by increasing levels of biscuit residue to substitute corn i.e., group T7 (7% of biscuit residue), T14 (14% of biscuit residue), T21 (21% of biscuit residue) and T28 (28% of biscuit residue). Productive performance of the animals, egg quality, as well as analysis of blood parameters related to lipid metabolism, carbohydrates and proteins of birds were measured at the beginning of the experiment (day 0) and at the end of each cycle (days 21, 42 and 63 of experiment). Among the performance variables, only feed conversion was altered by biscuit residue, i.e., the feed conversion was lower in the groups that received the residue when compared to the control. The replacement of corn by biscuit residue did not affect laying rate (P > 0.05). Regarding egg quality, a less intense coloration was observed in the eggs of the treatments that received biscuit residue compared to the control group (P < 0.05), but without difference between treatments. Seric levels of uric acid were higher in the treatments that received biscuit residue in the days 21 and 42 compared to the control group, effect not seen in the third cycle (day 63). The cost ($) of feed reduced as the levels of inclusion of the biscuit residue in the diet were increased, with the control diet costing$ 0.244/kg, while 28% of biscuit inclusion lower its cost to $0.189/kg (22.3$ 0.524, 0.415, 0.441, 0.397 and 0.332 for 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28% inclusion, respectively.Discussion: Residues of biscuit is widely used to feed swine, with positive results as an ingredient to attend the demand for energy. Even though the Brazilian Tables for Poultry and Swine include biscuit residue as a possible ingredient, there is a lack of scientific research in laying hens. These study was verified that the inclusion of biscuit residue (18.936%) is feasible, since it favors the productive performance of the animals, without adverse effects on their health; in addition, the inclusion of biscuit residue reduces dietary costs, as the cost of egg production. Whereas animal feed accounts for a large part of the production cost, the reduction in feed costs without impairment on animal productivity, is a key factor in animal farming. At certain times of the year, food can account for 80% of the production costs and consequently it influences the final price of the product in the market. In our study, we observed a significant reduction on total costs of diets that received biscuit residue, which occurred because a part of the energetic portion of the diet was supplied by the biscuit residue, and not by corn, which influenced the final price.Keywords: egg quality, biscuit residue, economic viability, nutrition

Protozoos gastrointestinales en terneros lecheros: identificación de factores de riesgo para la infección

Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of gastrointestinal protozoa in dairy calves and to identify potential risk factors for this type of infection. Materials and methods. For this purpose, 243 fecal samples were collected from calves up to 60 days of age in 43 dairy farms located in the West region of Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Samples were examined by centrifugal-flotation technique. Results. As a result, Giardia was present in 26.75% (65/243) of all samples, Eimeria in 21.81% (53/243), and Cryptosporidium in 20.99% (51/243). Additionally, 46.50% (113/243) of the samples were negative for any protozoa, while 39.10% (95/243) and 14.40% (35/208) showed single and mixed infections, respectively. There was a higher association between Cryptosporidium and Giardia (6.99%) in cases of mixed infections. However, the triple protozoa association had the lowest prevalence in mixed infections (2.06%). Epidemiologically, a questionnaire was applied to determine risk factors for these parasitic infections. Based on the statistical model applied, some risk factors for Cryptosporidium infections were identified, highlighting feeding management, period of time that calves stayed with their mothers (cows), and contact with dogs; the risk of contracting Giardia increased according to the milk source, while the floor type bedding, and age were appointed as risks factors for Eimeria. Conclusions. Therefore, it is possible to confirm that Giardia, Cryptosporidium and Eimeria may infect dairy calves, and the knowledge of some risk factors associated to their infection in calves.Objetivo. El objetivo evaluar la ocurrencia de protozoos gastrointestinales en terneros lecheros y de identificar posibles factores de riesgo para infección. Materiales y métodos. Se recogieron 243 muestras de heces de terneros de hasta 60 días de edad en 43 granjas lecheras ubicadas en la región del oeste del estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Las muestras fueron examinadas por la técnica de centrifugación-flotación. Resultados. Como resultado, Giardia estaba presente en 26.75% (65/243) de todas las muestras, Eimeria en 21.81% (53/243), y Cryptosporidium en 20.99% (51/243). Además, 46.50% (113/243) de las muestras fueron negativas para cualquier protozoos, mientras que 39.10% (95/243) y 14.40% (35/208) mostraron infecciones simples y mixtas, respectivamente. Hubo una mayor asociación entre Cryptosporidium y Giardia (6.99%) en los casos de infecciones mixtas. Sin embargo, la asociación de triple protozoos tenía la menor prevalencia de infecciones mixtas (2.06%). Epidemiológicamente, se aplicó un cuestionario para determinar los factores de riesgo para estas infecciones parasitarias. Se han identificado algunos factores de riesgo de infecciones por Cryptosporidium, destacando manejo de la alimentación, periodo de tiempo que los terneros permanecieron con sus madres (vacas), y el contacto con los perros; el riesgo de contraer Giardia incrementado en función de la fuente de la leche, mientras que el tipo de suelo de las camas, y la edad fueron nombrados como los riesgos de factores de Eimeria. Conclusiones. Es posible confirmar que Giardia, Cryptosporidium y Eimeria pueden infectar a terneros lecheros, y el conocimiento de algunos factores de riesgo asociados a la infección en terneros

Using probiotics to improve nutrient digestibility and gut-health of weaned pigs: a comparison of maternal and nursery supplementation strategies

Maternal probiotic supplementation has been found to have a positive impact on the gut health of piglets, not only during the lactation period, but also after weaning. Providing probiotics to nursery pigs is also a common strategy for supplementation. The goal of this study was to evaluate which would be the most effective strategy to improve nutrient digestibility, energy metabolism, and intestinal health in weaned pigs considering the maternal or nursery options. A total of 32 newly weaned pigs were randomly split into a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement considering maternal probiotic supplementation (with or without) in gestation-lactation and probiotic supplementation in the nursery period (with or without). After weaning, experimental diets were provided for 22 days. Total fecal and urine collection was performed from day 15 to 21. Blood samples were collected from all pigs on days 3 and 22 of the experiment to assess serum biochemistry and intestinal permeability. All pigs were euthanized on day 22 for intestinal tissue collection. Pigs born from probiotic-fed sows had greater (p < 0.05) total tract digestibility of dry matter (+1%) and gross energy (+1.3%), and greater (p < 0.05) metabolizable energy coefficient (+1.3%), which resulted in a 46 kcal/kg increase (p < 0.05) in the metabolizable energy content of the diet. Nitrogen intake (p = 0.035), uptake (p = 0.007), and retention (p = 0.012) were all increased in these pigs. Fecal moisture was reduced in pigs born from probiotic-fed sows and pigs fed the probiotic diet only in the nursery (p < 0.05). Pigs born from probiotic-fed sows had reduced intestinal permeability by 16% (p < 0.05), whereas pigs fed the probiotic diet in the nursery only tended to improve this response (p < 0.10). The villus:crypt ratio of pigs born from probiotic-fed sows was greater compared to the control (p < 0.05), while serum levels of alanine aminotransferase were lower (p < 0.05). Pigs born from probiotic-fed sows had increased nutrient digestibility and improved gut health. Therefore, it is concluded that supplementing the sow diets with probiotics rather than just providing diets in the nursery phase is an advantageous strategy

Effects of microencapsulated carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde on feed digestibility, intestinal mucosa, and biochemical and antioxidant parameters in broilers

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of microencapsulated carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde on metabolizable energy, feed digestibility, intestinal morphometric analysis, and antioxidant parameters in broilers. A completely randomized design with five treatments and eight replications of eight broilers (Cobb male) was used, and collections were carried out at 20 and 42 days of age. Carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde concentrations (mg/kg) were: 0 (control), 50, 100, 150, and 200. Carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde improved apparent metabolizable energy but did not change protein and ether extract digestibility. Supplementation increased intestinal villus height and villi:crypt ratio; in which 100 mg/kg produced the greatest villus height. Serum uric acid levels were lower in birds receiving supplementation. Improvement in the activity of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase was observed, while lower uric acid, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and reactive oxygen species levels were observed. Microencapsulated carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde improve apparent metabolizable energy and can be administered in broiler feed without risk to the bird’s health. These supplements may serve as alternative products to aid the performance of commercial poultry

Is the addition of spray homeopathic in feed able to change dog behavior?

This study aimed to determine if the homeopathic formulation based on Natrum muriaticum, Matricaria, Chamomilla, and Ignatia amara was effective for stress control in dogs in order to prevent and/or reduce the frequency of unwanted behaviors. Ten male beagle dogs were divided into two groups, with five animals per group. The control group was animals receiving 0.5 mL/day of placebo via spray in the feed for 30 consecutive days as a preventive. The treated group received 0.5 mL/day of tested drug spray in the feed for 30 consecutive days as a preventive. Behavioral tests were performed at two time points, before and after receiving the tested drug. We performed the following behavioral tests: a) persons known and unknown in the internal and external environment; b) interaction with toys; c) interaction with an unknown dog, d) test with a leash; and e) firecracker test. There was more engagement in digging and scaling the fence in the control group than in the treatment group (P < 0.05). The animals that received homeopathic medicine sat 2.54 times longer than the control (P = 0.0269). Dogs that received homeopathic showed 4.49 times more interest in general at D30 than at D1 (P = 0.0214). Animals in the treated group showed an 83% less chance of urinating than the control group in the tests involving displacements. We conclude that the preventive addition of homeopathic medicine containing Natrum muriaticum, Chamomilla, and Ignatia amara reduced undesirable behaviors related to anxiety and increased the incidence of interest behavior

Uso de secnidazol y homeopatía para el control de giardiasis en perros

Dogs with Giardia infections have diarrhea that persists for days, even after treatment. We managed canine giardiasis using two distinct approaches: treatment with the antiprotozoan secnidazole alone; and secnidazole plus a homeopathic product that is indicated for control of diarrhea in dogs. Treatment I: Ten beagle dogs showed clinical signs of severe diarrhea. Their feces revealed large numbers of cysts consistent with Giardia sp. Therefore, we treated the dogs with secnidazole (10 mg/kg, single dose) given orally. Five days after treatment, all dogs were negative for Giardia spp. Treatment II: Three months later, the same ten Beagles again presented with diarrhea. Feces were collected, revealing Giardia sp. in all dogs. This time, we treated them with an antiprotozoan (secnidazole, 10 mg/kg dose) combined with a commercial homeopathic drug for diarrhea control (3 g dose/animal at 12 h interval). We found that three to five homeopathic doses were needed to achieve normal fecal scores in all dogs. After 5 days of treatment, stool samples had normal consistency and were negative for Giardia. This is the first record of using secnidazole to control canine giardiasis associated with homeopathic drugs to prevent diarrhea.Los perros con infecciones por Giardia tienen diarrea que persiste durante días, incluso después del tratamiento. Manejamos la giardiasis canina usando dos enfoques distintos: tratamiento con el secnidazol antiprotozoario solo; y secnidazol más un producto homeopático indicado para el control de la diarrea en perros. Tratamiento I: Diez perros beagle mostraron signos clínicos de diarrea severa. Sus heces revelaron una gran cantidad de quistes compatibles con Giardia sp. Por lo tanto, tratamos a los perros con secnidazol (10 mg/kg, dosis única) por vía oral. Cinco días después del tratamiento, todos los perros fueron negativos para Giardia spp. Tratamiento II: Tres meses después, los mismos diez Beagles nuevamente presentaron diarrea. Se recogieron las heces, revelando Giardia sp. en todos los perros. Esta vez, los tratamos con un antiprotozoo (secnidazol, dosis de 10 mg/kg) combinado con un medicamento homeopático comercial para el control de la diarrea (dosis de 3 g/animal a intervalos de 12 h). Descubrimos que se necesitaban de tres a cinco dosis homeopáticas para lograr puntajes fecales normales en todos los perros. Después de 5 días de tratamiento, las muestras de heces tuvieron una consistencia normal y fueron negativas para Giardia. Este es el primer registro de uso de secnidazol para el control de la giardiasis canina. asociado con homeopáticos en la evitación de diarrea

Stability of vitamin A at critical points in pet-feed manufacturing and during premix storage

The objective of this research was to assess and quantify the potential vitamin A losses that occur during the manufacturing of pet feed and premix, as well as during their extended storage periods. This trial was conducted at a commercial feeder mill that utilized a standard commercial dog feed along with a corresponding vitamin-mineral premix. The calculated amount of vitamin A supplemented in the feed, in addition to the endogenous vitamins present in the ingredients, was adjusted to 18,000 IU/kg of feed. Five 500 g feed samples were collected at each of the predefined critical points throughout the manufacturing process (after mixing, milling, preconditioner, and extrusion/drying processes) to verify the stability of vitamin A during feed production. Additionally, various samples were collected at regular intervals of 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 days during the storage of the premix to assess the stability of vitamin A. Vitamin A analyses in the samples were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The variables were assessed for normality using the Shapiro–Wilk test, followed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s test to compare the differences between the manufacturing process and premix shelf life. The statistical significance was set at 95%. The vitamin losses during the pre-conditioning process were 26%, and during the extrusion-drying processes, the losses were 34% when compared to the initial analyzed value. However, no differences were observed in other processes. There were no significant differences observed in recovered vitamin levels in the premix during its shelf-life (p = 0.484). The study indicated that the primary vitamin A losses in pet feed manufacturing processes occur during the pre-conditioning and drying/extrusion steps. However, it is worth noting that no significant losses of vitamin A were found during the premix storage phase

Gastrointestinal protozoa in dairy calves: identification of risk factors for infection

ABSTRACT Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of gastrointestinal protozoa in dairy calves and to identify potential risk factors for this type of infection. Materials and methods. For this purpose, 243 fecal samples were collected from calves up to 60 days of age in 43 dairy farms located in the West region of Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Samples were examined by centrifugal-flotation technique. Results. As a result, Giardia was present in 26.75% (65/243) of all samples, Eimeria in 21.81% (53/243), and Cryptosporidium in 20.99% (51/243). Additionally, 46.50% (113/243) of the samples were negative for any protozoa, while 39.10% (95/243) and 14.40% (35/208) showed single and mixed infections, respectively. There was a higher association between Cryptosporidium and Giardia (6.99%) in cases of mixed infections. However, the triple protozoa association had the lowest prevalence in mixed infections (2.06%). Epidemiologically, a questionnaire was applied to determine risk factors for these parasitic infections. Based on the statistical model applied, some risk factors for Cryptosporidium infections were identified, highlighting feeding management, period of time that calves stayed with their mothers (cows), and contact with dogs; the risk of contracting Giardia increased according to the milk source, while the floor type bedding, and age were appointed as risks factors for Eimeria. Conclusions. Therefore, it is possible to confirm that Giardia, Cryptosporidium and Eimeria may infect dairy calves, and the knowledge of some risk factors associated to their infection in calves.RESUMEN Objetivo. El objetivo evaluar la ocurrencia de protozoos gastrointestinales en terneros lecheros y de identificar posibles factores de riesgo para infección. Materiales y métodos. Se recogieron 243 muestras de heces de terneros de hasta 60 días de edad en 43 granjas lecheras ubicadas en la región del oeste del estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Las muestras fueron examinadas por la técnica de centrifugación-flotación. Resultados. Como resultado, Giardia estaba presente en 26.75% (65/243) de todas las muestras, Eimeria en 21.81% (53/243), y Cryptosporidium en 20.99% (51/243). Además, 46.50% (113/243) de las muestras fueron negativas para cualquier protozoos, mientras que 39.10% (95/243) y 14.40% (35/208) mostraron infecciones simples y mixtas, respectivamente. Hubo una mayor asociación entre Cryptosporidium y Giardia (6.99%) en los casos de infecciones mixtas. Sin embargo, la asociación de triple protozoos tenía la menor prevalencia de infecciones mixtas (2.06%). Epidemiológicamente, se aplicó un cuestionario para determinar los factores de riesgo para estas infecciones parasitarias. Se han identificado algunos factores de riesgo de infecciones por Cryptosporidium, destacando manejo de la alimentación, periodo de tiempo que los terneros permanecieron con sus madres (vacas), y el contacto con los perros; el riesgo de contraer Giardia incrementado en función de la fuente de la leche, mientras que el tipo de suelo de las camas, y la edad fueron nombrados como los riesgos de factores de Eimeria. Conclusiones. Es posible confirmar que Giardia, Cryptosporidium y Eimeria pueden infectar a terneros lecheros, y el conocimiento de algunos factores de riesgo asociados a la infección en terneros