Spraying hatching eggs with clove essential oil does not compromise the quality of embryos and one-day-old chicks or broiler performance

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether sanitizing hatching eggs with clove essential oil in the preincubation phase affects broiler performance and influences the hatch window and quality of embryos and one-day-old chicks. Hatching eggs (n = 1280; mean weight = 58.64 ± 0.49 g) from a batch of 37-week-old broiler breeder hens of the CPK (Pesadão Vermelho) lineage were randomly distributed into four treatments in the preincubation phase. The treatments consisted of three different sanitization procedures (spraying with grain alcohol, spraying with clove essential oil, and fumigation with paraformaldehyde) and a control treatment (nonsanitized). The lengths of the embryos and one-day-old chicks (one of the parameters used to assess bird quality) were not significantly different among the treatments, with means of 15.30 ± 1.41 and 18.37 ± 0.76 mm, respectively. Body weight, body weight gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion rate in different rearing periods did not differ significantly among the treatments. However, there was a significant difference in the percentage of survivability during the initial period (1 to 28 days) among the treatments. In conclusion, clove essential oil treatment did not negatively affect the quality of embryos and one-day-old chicks or the performance of broilers

Genotype-environment interaction in performance tests for sheep in confinement and on pasture

Objetivou-se com este trabalho verificar a existência deinteração genótipo ambiente e o desempenho de ovinos mantidos em confinamento e a pasto. Foram utilizados oitenta e dois borregos da raça Santa Inês de 75 a 135 dias de idade. O período de adaptação foi 22 dias. Oriundos de cinco fazendas diferentes, 30 animais permaneceram 112 dias a pasto e 52 animais permaneceram 85 dias sob regime de confinamento. As características mensuradas nos animais foram ganho em peso(GP), comprimento do corpo (CC), perímetro torácico (PT), altura da anca (AA), altura do peito (AP), área de olho de lombo (AOL) e espessura de gordura por ultrassom (EG), perímetro escrotal (PE), número ovos/grama de fezes (OPG) e escore corporal (EC). Um índice (IPGP) foi criado incorporando as características medidas. O software SAS® foi utilizado para as análises estatísticas. Houve diferença entre os animais para o tipo de teste (confinamento ou pasto) para as características GP, AOL, EG, PE e IPGP. Os animais em confinamento apresentaram resultados superiores aos do pasto para as características de ganho em peso e inferiores para o IPGP e PE. A idade dos animais no início do teste não mostrou influência sobre a expressão das características. Não houve evidência de interação genótipo x ambiente para animais da raça Santa Inês nas provas de ganho em peso a pasto e em confinamento para as características avaliadas. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACTThis study aimed to verify the existence of genotype–environment interaction and performance of Santa Inês sheep in confinement and on pasture. Eighty-two Santa Ines lambs at 75-135 days of age were used. The adaptation period lasted 22 days. Animals were from five different farms, 30 animals were kept on pasture for 112 days and 52 animals were kept in confinement for 85 days. Animals were evaluated on weight gain (WG), body length (BL), thoracic perimeter (TP), hip height (HH), breast height (BH), rib-eye area (REA) and fat thickness (FD) using ultrasound, and scrotal circumference (SC), worm load (FEC) and body condition score (CS). An index (FI) was calculated using the measures taken. The SAS® software was used for statistical analysis. There was a statistical difference among animals for type of test (confinement or pasture) for WG, REA, FD, SP as well as FI. Measures for animals in confinement were generally higher than for animals on pasture, except for FI and SP. The age at the start of the test did not influence the expression of characteristics. There was no evidence found of a genotype–environment interaction for Santa Ines breed animals in weight gain on pasture and in confinement for the evaluated characteristics

AVALIAÇÃO DA ATIVIDADE ANTINEOPLÁSICA E ANTIPROLIFERATIVA DE EXTRATOS DE PLANTAS SOBRE TUMOR MAMÁRIO DE LINHAGEM 4T1

Uma alternativa terapêutica promissora, mas ainda incipiente, para o tratamento detumores mamários é a utilização de plantas medicinais e de extratos vegetaisbioativos. Nesse sentido, este projeto tem por objetivo avaliar o potencial terapêuticodos extratos de plantas pertencentes às famílias botânicas Fabaceae, Rubiaceae,Arecaceae. Para tanto, foram realizados testes in vitro para determinar acitotoxicidade, o potencial antineoplásico e antiproliferativo, além de possível atividadeantimicrobiana. Cultivos celulares de linhagem primária leucocítica, de linhagemcontínua HUT-78 e de células de tumor mamário da linhagem 4T1 (para os testes deeficácia e mecanismos efetores) foram submetidos a tratamento com 3 diferentesconcentrações de cada extrato de planta, em padrão de ensaio em triplicata. Acapacidade proliferativa foi avaliada através de contagens manuais com o uso dacâmara de Neubauer. A visualização morfológica se deu pelo uso da câmara deNeubauer e o corante Trypan blue. Foram realizadas análises estatísticas quanto aocrescimento padrão das células de linhagem primária e sua resposta mediante otratamento com os extratos. As células da linhagem 4T1 foram tripsinizadas, tratadase, posteriormente, as atividades citotóxicas foram analisadas com o uso do kit TheCytoTox-Glo™, um ensaio enzimático luminescente, que permite mensurar o númerode células mortas em uma população celular previamente cultivada, através daatividade de uma protease distinta, com um peptídeo luminescente que identifica esinaliza principalmente a integridade da membrana celular (determinando se a mortecelular ocorreu por necrose ou apoptose). Comprovou-se a atividadeantineoplásica/antiproliferativa e determinou-se a concentração ideal, qual seja, aconcentração minimamente citotóxica in vitro, mas completamente eficaz contra ascélulas neoplásicas. Foram realizados, outrossim, breves ensaios com culturasbacterianas para observar se os extratos, em diferentes concentrações, possuempossível atividade antimicrobiana em diferentes cepas bacteriana

Ultrassonography evaluation of sheep carcass quality of Santa Inês breed

A ultrassonografia pode ser uma importante ferramenta para a avaliação da composição da carcaça por ser uma técnica não invasiva que permite quantificar diferentes tecidos em animais vivos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar as correlações entre medidas tomadas in vivo, por meio do ultrassom e do adipômetro, e na carcaça de ovinos da raça Santa Inês. Utilizaram-se 81 machos, entre 8 e 18 meses de idade, com peso médio de 31 kg. As medidas in vivo obtidas por ultrassonografia foram medida diagonal longitudinal, área de olho de lombo longitudinal, medida diagonal transversal e área de olho de lombo transversal. Determinou-se o peso de carcaça quente, rendimento da carcaça, gordura de cobertura da carcaça, comprimento de carcaça, área de olho de lombo da carcaça e peso dos cortes comerciais: pernil, lombo, paleta, costela e pescoço. As análises de variância, componentes principais, regressão polinomial e correlação foram realizadas utilizando-se programa estatístico SAS®. Não houve diferença entre animais castrados e inteiros para qualidade e componentes de carcaça, indicando, portanto, que a castração não proporciona uma carcaça de melhor qualidade. Os animais com os pesos de pernil, paleta e costela maiores apresentam menores peso de pele, altura de cernelha e peso dos órgãos abdominais, caracterizando um biotipo de animal que seria mais desejável a ser selecionado. Peso vivo, comprimento corporal e área de olho de lombo por ultrassom (in vivo) podem ser usados para predizer a área do olho de lombo da carcaça, peso do pernil, comprimento da carcaça, peso da carcaça quente e da meia carcaça. No entanto, o peso do lombo, pescoço, costela, rendimento de carcaça e peso dos órgãos abdominais não podem ser preditos por estas medidas in vivo. As medidas realizadas com adipômetro não apresentaram correlações significativas com medidas da carcaça, o que indica que não são eficientes para esta predição e, portanto, não devem ser utilizadas.Ultrassonography is an important option to evaluate carcass composition and quality, as it is a non-invasive technique which quantifies different tissues in live animals. The objective of this study was to estimate the correlation between measurements taken in vivo, using ultrasound and skinfold thickness, in sheep carcasses from Santa Inês breed. Eighty-one males, aging 8 to 18 months, and weighting on average 31 kg live weight were used. The measures taken in vivo by ultrassonography were longitudinal diagonal length, longitudinal rib eye area, transversal diagonal length, transversal rib eye area. Hot carcass weight, carcass yield, carcass fat thickness, carcass length, carcass rib eye area and commercial retail cut weight (leg, loin, shoulder, ribs and neck) were determined. The analyses of variance, main components, polynomial regression and correlation were carried out using SAS® statistical program. There was no difference between castrated and intact animals for carcass quality and components, indicating that castration does not provide better carcass quality. Animals with higher leg, shoulder and rib weights had lower skin weight, wither height and weight of abdominal organs, indicating a more desirable body type for selection. Body weight, body length and rib eye area by ultrasound (in vivo) can predict the rib eye area, leg weight, carcass length, hot and half carcass weight. However, loin, neck and rib weights, carcass yield and weight of abdominal organs cannot be predicted by these in vivo measurements. The measurements taken with skinfold showed no significant correlations with carcass measures, which indicates that they are not efficient for prediction of carcass components and therefore should not be used

Influência da densidade de criação sobre o desempenho de crescimento e bem-estar de tilápias (Oreochromis niloticus) juvenis em gaiolas

A intensificação da produção de tilápias pode gerar implicações negativas sobre o desempenho e o bem-estar dos peixes. Assim, é essencial determinar a densidade correta para otimizar a produção. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho e o bem-estar de tilápias-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) juvenis, com peso inicial médio de 30g (± 2,70), criadas em três diferentes densidades de estocagem, em gaiolas de flutuação. Os peixes foram alimentados três vezes/dia, com ração contendo 32% de proteína bruta, durante 74 dias. O desenho experimental foi completamente ao acaso, com três tratamentos (250 peixes/m3, 350 peixes/m3 e 450 peixes/m3) e quatro réplicas. Os parâmetros físico-químicos da água foram monitorados durante o experimento. A elevação da densidade de criação causou redução no peso final dos peixes, no ganho de peso, no ganho de peso diário, no comprimento padrão e na taxa de sobrevivência, bem como elevou a taxa de conversão alimentar. Entretanto, densidades mais elevadas reduziram o efeito na variação de peso. Não houve influência da densidade de criação nos parâmetros de biomassa final, da concentração de glicose sanguínea e de cortisol sérico. Portanto, o aumento na densidade de criação compromete o desenvolvimento e a taxa de sobrevivência dos peixes, mas não influencia os parâmetros fisiológicos de estresse. Assim, o tratamento com 250 peixes/m3 apresentou resultados mais apropriados ao melhor desempenho dos peixes.Intensification of tilapia production can cause negative implications on performance and welfare of fishes. Thus, it is essential to determine a correct density for optimal production. This study aimed to evaluate performance and animal welfare of juvenile Nile tilapia with an initial weight average of 30g (± 2.70) reared using three different stocking densities in floating net-cages. Fish were fed three times a day with feed containing 32% crude protein during 74 days. The experimental design was completely randomized with 3 treatments (250 fish/m3, 350 fish/m3 and 450 fish/m3) and 4 replicas. The physical - chemical parameters of water were monitored throughout the experiment. Increase in stocking density caused a decrease in the final weight of fish, weight gain, daily weight gain, standard length and survival, as well as an increase in feed conversion. However, higher densities seem to reduce the effect on weight variation. There was no influence of stocking density on final biomass, blood glucose and serum cortisol concentrations. Therefore, the increase of stocking density compromised development and survival of fish, but did not influence the physiological parameters of stress. Thus, treatment with 250 fish/m3 was shown to be the most suitable for fish performance

Trichlorfon for Treatment of Cutaneous Habronemosis - Evaluation of Intravenous Regional Perfusion in the Distal Equine Limbs

Background: Equine cutaneous habronemiasis is common in the distal regions of the limbs. Organophosphates, applied systemically, one previously used treatment, which is highly effective, but currently in disuse, due to the risks of intoxica-tion. Regional perfusion is a potential technique for distal limb wounds, since, in addition to being used in low doses, it prevents systemic circulation of the drug and possible intoxication, and has a lower treatment cost. The current work aimed to perform clinical, laboratory, and venography evaluations of the use of trichlorfon in regional intravenous perfusion, as a possible form of treatment for cutaneous habronemosis in the distal region of equine limbs.Materials, Methods & Results: Twelve horses were used, divided into two groups, with the left thoracic limb (LTL) being the test limb, and the right thoracic limb (RTL) the control limb. At moment zero (M0), distal radiography and venography were performed. The tourniquet was then loosened and after five minutes, at moment one (M1), the tourniquet was repositioned for 1.25 mg/kg (G1) and 5.5mg/kg (G2) trichlorfon injections into the left thoracic limb, diluted in 20 mL of Ringer's lactate solution, and 20 mL of Ringer's lactate solution was applied to the right thoracic limb. The tourniquet was maintained for 30 minutes after infusion in both groups. At moment two (M2), four days later, blood tests, radiography, and venography were repeated. Every day between M0 and M2, physical examinations were performed, including measurement of the pastern, fetlock, and coronet band, and a lameness examination. There were no significant alterations in clinical parameters, behavior, and appetite. In the blood cell count, there was an increase in leukocytes on D4 in G2, although remaining within the reference values for the species. The biochemical tests showed no alterations. There were no changes in the circumferences evaluated and 4 horses from G2 presented lameness in the LTL and one in the RTL. In the venograms, one G2 animal was noticed to be hypoperfused in all LTL plexuses. Discussion: The use of trichlorfon in regional perfusion at a dose of 1.25 mg/kg demonstrated safety, with no clinical, laboratory, and lameness changes in any of the animals. At the highest dose (5.5 mg/kg), individual reactions were observed, such as different degrees of lameness, swelling, and heat in foot. Serial venographies document the response to treatment used, it was decided to perform the second venography 4 days after the trichlorfon perfusion and the first initial venography evaluation, following the recommendations for the repetition time of the examination and evaluation of the use of the drug. The evaluation of radiographic images of venography, in a grading system created considering the range of contrast in five regions by the three examiners experienced in podiatry and the analysis of radiographic images of limbs of horses, without having participated in the previous procedures was important for the reliability of the assessment. The areas of hypoperfusion observed in the venography were not related to trichlorfon perfusion. It is essential that the application of trichlorfon be performed correctly, intravenously, to avoid reactions such as necrosis, pain, edema, erythema, lameness, and even more severe inflammatory reactions, such as phlegmon and thrombophlebitis. Although a small number of animals were used in this study, trichlorfon regional perfusion of equine limbs, at a dose of 1.25 mg/kg may be a technique appears to be inert to hoof vascularization

Evaluation of conservation program for the Pantaneiro horse in Brazil

A genealogical analysis of registered Pantaneiro horses was carried out with 3647 males and 6794 females. Of these animals, 50.66% had identified sires and 48.86% identified dams. The number of pedigrees increased over the generations, with higher registration of parents of sires than dams. Two municipalities are responsible for almost 70% of all registers: i) Poconé (Mato Grosso State), where the headquarters of the breeders association is located and ii) Corumbá (Mato Grosso do Sul State), where EMBRAPA Pantanal conducts its research. The mean inbreeding was 0.04% and average relatedness was 0.13%. Mean generation interval was 8.20 years. There is moderate to high genetic differentiation between farms (15% of total genetic variation) while between municipalities there is little differentiation. Wright's fixation statistics were calculated and F IS (inbreeding coefficient of individuals relative to the subpopulation) values indicate some heterozygosity between farms but not municipalities, with overall F IT (inbreeding coefficient of individuals relative to the total population) close to zero. The municipalities with the highest number of animals (Poconé and Corumbá) import relatively fewer sires (45 and 67% respectively). Genetic indices from genealogical data on the Pantaneiro horse population show that inbreeding is under control.Future breeding plans should include germplasm exchange between municipalities. The conservation program for the Pantaneiro horse has been shown to be successful but careful planning is needed in the future to avoid inbreeding and changes in important breed traits given the increasing interest in the use of the breed in sporting competitions

Molecular characterization and biofilm-formation analysis of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli isolated from Brazilian swine slaughterhouses

This study aimed to verify the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli in two Brazilian swine slaughterhouses, as well as to perform antibiograms, detect virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes, and evaluate the in vitro biofilm-forming capability of bacterial isolates from these environments. One Salmonella Typhi isolate and 21 E. coli isolates were detected, while L. monocytogenes was not detected. S. Typhi was isolated from the carcass cooling chamber’s floor, resistant to several antimicrobials, including nalidixic acid, cefazolin, chloramphenicol, doxycycline, streptomycin, gentamicin, tetracycline, and sulfonamide, and contained resistance genes, such as tet(B), tet(C), tet(M), and ampC. It also showed moderate biofilm-forming capacity at 37°C after incubating for 72 h. The prevalence of the 21 E. coli isolates was also the highest on the carcass cooling chamber floor (three of the four samplings [75%]). The E. coli isolates were resistant to 12 of the 13 tested antimicrobials, and none showed sensitivity to chloramphenicol, an antimicrobial prohibited in animal feed since 2003 in Brazil. The resistance genes MCR-1, MCR-3, sul1, ampC, clmA, cat1, tet(A), tet(B), and blaSHV, as well as the virulence genes stx-1, hlyA, eae, tir α, tir β, tir γ, and saa were detected in the E. coli isolates. Moreover, 5 (23.8%) and 15 (71.4%) E. coli isolates presented strong and moderate biofilm-forming capacity, respectively. In general, the biofilm-forming capacity increased after incubating for 72 h at 10°C. The biofilm-forming capacity was the lowest after incubating for 24 h at 37°C. Due to the presence of resistance and virulence genes, multi-antimicrobial resistance, and biofilm-forming capacity, the results of this study suggest a risk to the public health as these pathogens are associated with foodborne diseases, which emphasizes the hazard of resistance gene propagation in the environment