Leite termicamente instável – problemas e soluções tecnológicas

Brazil is a large milk producer with approximately 21.5 billion liters produced every year. In order to maintain quality, many tests are performed, such as of its stability when mixed with alcohol. Samples are considered positive when there is casein precipitation. Positive milk is discarded by the Brazilian dairy industry on the basis that this product is unstable during thermal milk processing. However, it is known that this milk has nutritional characteristics very similar to the regular milk with slight differences in fat content and it could be used to minimize hunger in the world. There are many controversies about this issue, but it can be said that such a simple analysis is by far the best way to verify milk quality. Alternative uses for this product considered positive should be proposed to minimize economical losses and environmental damage. The objective of this work was to compare the results already published in the literature and to propose alternative uses for alcohol positive milk.O Brasil é um grande produtor de leite com aproximadamente 21,5 bilhões de litros produzidos anualmente. Para manutenção da qualidade estabelecida pela legislação são realizados vários testes, como o teste da estabilidade ao álcool. O leite LINA (leite instável não ácido) apresenta instabilidade ao teste do álcool sendo recusado pelas indústrias mediante afirmação de que este produto também não seria estável durante o processamento térmico para leite UHT. Entretanto, sabe-se que este leite possui características nutricionais semelhantes às do leite normal, sendo que o leite LINA apresenta teores maiores de gordura e menores teores de caseína em sua composição. O LINA se origina por motivos genéticos, mas principalmente por motivos nutricionais, quando uma dieta deficiente aumenta a instabilidade da caseína ao álcool. Alternativas para a utilização desse leite considerado inadequado devem ser propostas para minimizar as perdas econômicas geradas aos produtores e, consequentemente, a problemática da fome no mundo. O objetivo deste trabalho é fazer um levantamento de resultados já publicados na literatura e propor possíveis soluções para minimizar as perdas signifi cativas do leite instável termicamente

Salmonella Heidelberg Isolated from Poultry Shows a Novel Resistance Profile

Background: The development of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria is a serious public health issue worldwide. Salmonella spp. is considered a leader cause of gastrointestinal disease in animals and humans, and poultry products have been reported as an important reservoir of the bacterium. S. Heidelberg became lately one of the most prevalent serovars found in several countries. However, hardly any information is available about the epidemiology and the resistance profile of it. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the antibiotic resistance profile of S. Heidelberg (SH) and to compare to S. Enteritidis (SE) and S. Typhimurium (ST) isolated from the Southern part of Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 162 Salmonella isolates of poultry origin serotyped as SH (54), SE (54), and ST (54) were submitted to the disk-diffusion test with disks containing 10 antibiotics of 7 different classes, routinely used in veterinary and human medicine such as: enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, gentamicin, ceftiofur, ceftriaxone, nalidixic acid, tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, and chloramphenicol. In addition, the Multi-drug Resistance Pattern (MDRP) and the Multiple-Drug Resistance Index (MDRI) were determined. The Chi-square (χ2) test with 1% of significance level was used to statistically evaluate the results. All isolates were susceptible to norfloxacin, enrofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin. The majority of the isolates were resistant to the quinolone class (68%), more specifically to nalidixic acid, which is considered a synthetic quinolone, followed by penicillin (47%) and cephalosporin (16%). Overall, SH isolates showed higher resistance compared to ST and SE (18, 16.5, and 9.6%, respectively). SH isolated from field samples, mainly drag swabs, showed higher resistance levels (24.2%) than those isolated from slaughterhouses (5.6%). SH showed the highest percentage of resistance to ceftiofur (31.5%), ceftriaxone (9.3%), and tetracycline (64.8%) in comparison to the other two serotypes. Most of the SH isolates were resistant to at least two (66.7%), three or more antibiotics (33.3%). A different scenario was observed for ST and SE, where 25.9 and 9.3% were susceptible to at least one drug, respectively. The most common pattern of resistance (MDRP) was C (gentamicin - nalidixic acid - tetracycline) for 14 SH isolates, and A (ceftiofur - nalidixic acid - tetracycline) for 12 SH isolates. MDRI indicated that 22.8% of all isolates were multidrug resistant. SH was the isolate with the largest variety of resistance patterns compared to ST and SE, where 11.7% of the isolates were resistant to more than three antibiotics. In addition, SH showed the greatest MDRI (0.25) ranging from 0.2 to 0.5.Discussion: SH was resistant to almost all antibiotics tested and showed multi-drug resistant profile, therefores, it showed a potential for horizontal transmission of resistance genes. Additionally, SH showed a higher resistance profile for ceftiofur, an important antibiotic used in poultry, which can cross-resist to ceftriaxone, commonly used to treat salmonellosis in children. Our results showed that SH is a real challenge regarding antimicrobial resistance. This scenario leads to the need for rational and judicious use of antimicrobials in poultry and, as an alert to the medical community

Genetic similarities of Escherichia coli isolated from different substrates of the broiler production chain

Brazil is the largest exporter of chicken meat and poultry farming is one of the most important productive segments, despite major losses due to the bacterium Escherichia coli, which is also a zoonotic microorganism. The objetive of this study was to isolate E. coli and to evaluate its transmissibility potential from the field to chicken meat using the Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) technique. Environmental samples (poultry litter, soil and water) were collected from broiler farms located in the South of Brazil where the majority of the Brazilian poultry production occurs. In addition, chicken meat (gizzard, heart, drumette and tulip) samples were collected from local supermarkets. As results, 47.36% of the samples were positives for E. coli. Furthermore, 10 pairs of clones of E. coli were found always in the same substrate (two waterwater pairs; three soil-soil pairs and five meat-meat pairs) using PFGE. These findings suggest that certain strains of E. coli may have habitat preferences, making the transfer from one substrate type to another more difficult to occur. Moreover, since no clones were found between environmental samples and chicken meat, it is possible to imply a low risk of E. coli transmissibility throughout the chicken meat production chain

Insecticidal Action of Glycerol Monolaurate against the Lesser Mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) and its Ecotoxicological Effect on Enchytraeus crypticus

Background: Alphitobius diaperinus, known as the lesser mealworm, is recognized as a problem for the poultry production sector. Several chemical methods have been employed in an attempt to control it, without successful results. Thus, alternative methods should be considered as an interesting approach to control this type of infestation. A recent study showed that glycerol monolaurate (GML) possesses insecticidal effect against bees. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the effect of GLM against the larval and adult forms of the lesser mealworm in vitro, and to verify whether GLM treated poultry litter used as soil fertilizer exerts any negative effect on its fauna.Materials, Methods & Results: In vitro tests were performed using three concentrations of GLM: 0.2, 0.4 and 1 mg mL-1, and the number of dead larvae and adults of A. diaperinus was counted on days 0, 2, 5 and 8 post-treatment. Poultry litter was pulverized with 1 mg mL-1 of GML, maintained under controlled conditions for 20 days and revolved every two days. Two ecotoxicological tests were performed using Enchytraeus crypticus. In the first test, GML was applied directly into the soil at doses of 0.5, 1 and 2 mg kg-1 of soil, while the second test used poultry litter as soil fertilizer at concentrations of 0, 2, 4 and 8 tons per hectare. Insecticidal action of GML against larvae and adults of A. diaperinus where only the 1 mg mL-1 concentration showed positive effect. GML caused 100% mortality of larvae two days after the beginning of treatment. Similarly, GML showed high efficacy to control adult forms of A. diaperinus, causing 83 and 90% of mortality on days 5 and 8 post-treatment, respectively. No difference was observed while applying GML directly at doses of 0.5, 1 and 2 mg kg-1 in the TAS when compared to the control group, similarly to what was observed using poultry litter containing 1 mg/m2 of GML at concentrations of 0, 2, 4 and 8 tons per hectare compared to the control group.Discussion: GML treatment exerted larvicidal and insecticidal action in vitro against A. diaperinus, similarly to what was observed by researchers against bees, where this product was able to eliminate 55% of the bees after 120 h of treatment. GML insecticidal mechanism of action is poorly investigated and remains unknown. However, there are evidences regarding its antimicrobial property using Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp., Enterococcus faecalis, as well as its capacity to inhibit some virulence factors linked to antimicrobial resistance. Some tests have been performed in order to reduce the use of chemical products, as Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil), Ocotea odorifera (popularly known as sassafras) and Eucalyptus viminalis (popularly known as eucalypt) essential oils exerts insecticidal action against the larvae and adults of mealworms. The main chemical used to control A. diaperinus is cypermethrin, a chemical product that can damage the soil fauna due to its intensive utilization. The use of GML did not cause negative effects in the soil fauna, in disagreement other study with GML at concentrations of 50 and 100 µg mL-1 and found negative effects on the soil fauna using adults and juvenile forms of springtails (Folsomia candida) as biomarkers, showing a LD50 of 41 µg mL-1. Based on these evidences, we can suggest that the toxicity of GML to soil fauna is related to the biomarker used to determine the toxicity. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that GML possesses insecticidal action without toxic effects for the soil fauna, demonstrating potential as an alternative method to control the lesser mealworm

In vitro effect of seven essential oils on the reproduction of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus

AbstractThe acaricidal effect of seven essential oils was examined in vitro against the cattle tick (Rhipicephalus microplus). Engorged female ticks were manually collected in farms of Southern Brazil and placed into petri dishes (n=10) in order to test the following oils: juniper (Juniperus communis), palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii), cedar (Cedrus atlantica), lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), ginger (Zingiber officinale), geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) and bergamot (Citrus aurantium var bergamia) at concentrations of 1%, 5%, and 10% each. A control group was used to validate the tests containing Triton X-100 only. Treatment effectiveness was measured considering inhibition of tick oviposition (partial or total), egg’s weight, and hatchability. C. martinii, C. citratus and C. atlantica essential oils showed efficacy higher than 99% at all concentrations tested. In addition, J. communis, Z. officinale, P. graveolens, and C. aurantium var bergamia oils showed efficiency ranging from 73% to 95%, depending on the concentration tested, where higher concentrations showed greater efficacy. It was concluded that essential oils can affect tick reproduction in vitro by inhibiting oviposition and hatchability

Repellent Effects of Andiroba and Copaiba Oils against Musca domestica (Common House Fly) and Ecotoxicological Effects on the Environment

Background: The main challenge in raising cattle in Brazil is related to ectoparasites, that cause negative effects on milk and meat production, and in severe cases, animal death. Sheds known as crèches attracts large number insects mainly due to milk residues in the environment. The housefly is a major problem due to act as vectors of many other diseases, and so there is the possibility of control of infestations with natural products. Andiroba and copaiba oils may act as natural biocides, there are only a few studies on their effect on biological soil parameters. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the repellent effect of andiroba and copaiba oils against flies and on biological soil parameters.Materials, Methods & Results: The repellency effect of oils of andiroba and copaiba was tested at a concentration of 5% in lambs shed maternity, containing 64 bays (1.8 m2). It was sprayed 30 mL per pen, where they were housed five lambs each. Pre-treatment counts were taken before the treatment (mean 46 per pen after Musca domestica), and post-treatment count was made on 2, 24 and 48 h. The data collected at 2 and 24 h was evaluated and the number of flies was reduced significantly (P 0.05). Ecotoxicological test using increasing concentrations in the soil (0, 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) regarding changes in basal respiration (C-CO2), and survival and reproduction of springtails (Folsomia candida). It was observed an increased amount of mineralized C-CO2 until the day 10 of incubation for both oils without inhibition of the microbial respiratory process in any dose. The copaiba oil showed higher amounts of accumulated C-CO2 compared to andiroba oil in all studied concentrations (P 0.05), the same was observed for the reproduction results, where there was no reduction in the number of juveniles (P > 0.05).Discussion: According literature, andiroba and copaiba oils have repellent effect against domestic fly when sprayed onto infected cow’s horn fly, similar results also were reported in vitro tests against M. domestica larvae using andiroba oil and noted 80% larval mortality. The use of natural products in disease control is growing, but its impacts on the environment are not known, so in addition to suggesting therapies it is important to be concerned with ecotoxicological tests. Researchers showed an effect of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil on F. candida and reported 76% reduction in its survival rate at concentration of 60 mg/kg soil.  Basal soil respiration is a sensitive indicator that quickly reveals changes in the environmental conditions that affect microbial activity, and the data presented herein reveal an increase in the respiration of microorganisms depending on the amount of oil added to the soil.  The essential oils of copaiba and andiroba have repellent effect against Musca domestica, and did not show any toxicity to inhibit microbial activity in the soil. In addition, the presence of the oils in the soil did not affect the survival and reproduction of springtails Folsomia candida

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

The Protective Effects of an Adsorbent against Oxidative Stress in Quails Fed Aflatoxin-Contaminated Diet

Background: Contamination of crops with aflatoxin is considered a serious global threat to food safety, since potent carcinogenic, teratogenic, mutagenic and immunosuppressive effects of aflatoxins are well recognized. Recently, the use of adsorbents has been linked with protective effects against oxidative stress in several diseases. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of oxidative stress in quails (Coturnix coturnix) fed with aflatoxin-contaminated diet, as well as the protective effect of an adsorbent.Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty-eight quails were divided into four groups (n = 7): diet without additives (control; the group A), diet and adsorbent containing aluminosilicates (the group B), aflatoxin-contaminated diet (200 ppb) (the group C), and aflatoxin-contaminated diet (200 ppb) and adsorbent containing aluminosilicates (the group D). The composition of the adsorbent containing aluminosilicates was 0.3% based on yeast cell wall, silymarin, and bentonite. The animals received feed and water ad libitum during 20 days. At the end of the experimental period, total blood was collected by cardiac puncture in tubes without anticoagulant to obtain serum (centrifuged at 3500 g during 10 min) for later determination of biochemical parameters. The liver was placed in a solution of Tris–HCl 10 mM, pH 7.4 for TBARS (Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), ROS (Reactive oxygen species), SOD (Superoxide dismutase) and CAT (Catalase) analysis. The hepatic tissue was gently homogenized in a glass potter in specific buffer, homogenated, and centrifuged at 10.000 g at 4ºC for 10 min to yield a supernatant (S1) used for analyses. Homogenate aliquots were stored at -80°C until utilization. Fragments of liver and intestine (5 cm) were collected for histopathological analyses. Between days 15 to 20 of the experiment, group C quails showed clinical signs, such as apathy, creepy feathers and reduced feed intake. At day 20 of experiment, macroscopically, the liver of quails belonging to the group C showed greenish yellow color differently from the other groups. Microscopically, no alterations were observed in the liver of animals in groups A and B. Severe diffuse microvacuolar degeneration (hydropic) of hepatocytes and small foci of necrosis in the liver were observed in the group C, as observed in the group D, but in a more moderate degree to microvacuolar degeneration. Seric total protein, albumin, globulin and uric acid levels decreased in the group C and D. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increased in the group C, and the treatment with adsorbent was able to avoid this increment. Seric and hepatic reactive oxygen species and TBARS increased in the group C, and the treatment with adsorbent reduced theses parameters in the group D. Catalase (CAT) activity decreased, while ALA-D increased in the group C. The treatment with adsorbent was able to prevent CAT activity decrease, but it did not prevent the increase in ALA-D activity.Discussion: Aflatoxins are considered one of the most important problems in poultry production causing high economic losses to producers. In this study, the use of adsorbent showed a protective effect to hepatic tissue, minimizing histopathological lesions, as well as by preventing lipid peroxidation and exacerbated production of free radicals. Based on this data, aflatoxin intoxication causes hepatic oxidative stress that contributes directly to disease pathogenesis, and the addition of an adsorbent containing 0.3% based on bentonite, yeast cell wall and silymarin may be considered a new approach to prevent cellular and hepatic damage caused by aflatoxins

Milk quality from properties with different level of specialization

O trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar os parâmetros de qualidade do leite segundo três níveis de especialização das unidades de produção de leite de diferentes municípios do Oeste Catarinense. A caracterização das unidades de produção de leite foi realizada utilizando-se um questionário em 29 propriedades rurais como instrumento de coleta de dados, aplicado durante a visita à propriedade rural. Também foram coletadas 58 amostras de leite dos tanques de resfriamento para a determinação dos níveis de gordura, proteína, lactose, contagem de células somáticas (CCS) e contagem bacteriana total (CBT). Considerando-se as informações obtidas, as unidades de produção de leite foram classificadas em: especializado (E), semiespecializado (SE) e não especializado (NE). Os dados foram submetidos a métodos multivariados de análise estatística, com o emprego da Análise de Componentes Principais (ACP) e da Análise de Redundância (RDA). Os resultados das análises indicam que o tempo na atividade, a área com pastagem perene, a renda bruta com bovinos de leite, o tipo de ordenha, a lavagem dos tetos e o método de reprodução são as variáveis que mais interferem na qualidade do leite. O aumento do nível de especialização da atividade leiteira, mesmo produzindo menor porcentagem de gordura e proteína no leite, proporciona a obtenção de leite de melhor qualidade, devido aos menores índices de CCS e CBT, associadas principalmente, à maior renda proporcionada pela atividade. Nas propriedades especializadas, a atividade leiteira apresenta maior importância econômica, estimulando o produtor a adotar melhores práticas de higiene na ordenha e de reprodução do rebanho.This work was aimed to evaluate milk quality parameters according to three levels of specialization of milk production units in different districts of West Santa Catarina´s State, Brazil. Characterization of milk production units was carried out using a questionnaire in 29 farms as a tool for data collection, applied during a visit to the farm. At the time, 58 milk samples were collected from cooling tanks to determine the levels of fat, protein, lactose, somatic cell count (SCC) and total bacteria count (TBC). Considering the information obtained the milk production units were classified as specialized (E), semi-specialized (SE) and not specialized (NE). The database was subjected to multivariate methods of statistical analysis with the use of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Redundancy analysis (RDA). The results indicated that variables that most influence milk quality are: time in the activity, area with perennial pasture, gross income from milk activity, type of milking, teat washing and method of reproduction. Results showed that despite lower percentages of fat and protein, the increased level of specialization provides milk of better quality due to the low rates of SCC and TBC, which leads to higher income from this type of activity. In specialized farms where milk activity has a high economic importance, producers are encouraged to adopt better hygiene practices during milking and herd breeding