In-vitro and in-vivo evaluation of the antibacterial potential of Typha elephantina

@#The present study was aimed to evaluate the in-vitro and in-vivo antibacterial effects of the Typha elephantina aqueous extract (TE.AQ), ethanolic extract (TE.ET) and T. elephantina methanolic extract (TE.ME) against eight selected clinical pathogens. The test samples were tested for in-vitro analysis (by disc diffusion method) at different concentrations of 5, 15, 25, 50 and 100 mg/dL against both gram positive and gram-negative strains. The highest potential was observed in TE.ME at a concentration of 100 mg/dL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibiting 19.67 ± 0.577 mm zone of inhibition (ZOI). The same fraction also showed good activity against Staphylococus aureus with ZOI of 17.50 ± 0.70 mm. The TE.ET was found most active against P. aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes having ZOI of 18.53 ± 0.503 and 16.2 ± 1.55 mm respectively at a concentration of 100 mg/dL. The most sensitive bacteria P. aeruginosa was selected for in-vivo study (using poultry chicks) for induction of infection in chicks. The effects of TE.AQ, TE.ET and TE.ME were determined at concentrations of 300 mg/kg body weight based on hematological parameters, liver enzymes and gross pathological findings of lungs and livers. The findings of the in-vivo study in chick’s model showed that treatment of experimental animals with TE.ME significantly restored the hematological parameters, liver enzymes and architecture of lungs and livers. Based on scientific evidence, the current study suggests that TE.ME may serve as a best and new natural antibacterial agent and can be used against infections caused by P. aeruginosa.

Effect of Dietary Incorporation of Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Rhizome Powder as Feed Additive on Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization in Broiler Chickens

A feeding trial was conducted to discern the effect of dietary incorporation of aniseed and ginger rhizome powder on growth performance and nutrient utilization in commercial broiler chickens. A total of 120, day-old broiler chicks were divided randomly into 4 treatment groups with 3 replicates each i.e. 10 broiler chicks per replicate. The feeding trial lasted for 42 days viz., A metabolism trial was conducted during the 6th week of feeding trial to know the nutrient utilization. During the starter phase, maximum weight gain was recorded in broiler chicks of treatment group T3 (827.70 g) fed diet incorporated with 1.0% ginger rhizome powder followed by treatment groups T1, T2 and T4, however, there was no significant difference in body weight gain amongst the different treatment groups. During finisher phase, the average body weight gain was 1313.50, 1365.32, 1308.20 and 1291.36 g in broiler chicks of treatment groups T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively and did not differ significantly among different groups. During entire feeding trial period (0-42 days), incorporation of aniseed and ginger rhizome powder in the basal diets non-significantly improved growth performance in terms of body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and performance index. The average cumulative body weight gain was 2120.57, 2152.75, 2135.90 and 2064.43 g in broiler chicks of treatment groups T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively and did not differ significantly among different groups. There was no significant difference in nutrient utilization among different treatment groups of broiler chickens

Effect of Supplementation of Both Dried Poultry Excreta and Probiotics on the Performance of Broilers

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of DPE andprobiotics on performance of commercial broiler chicks. Three DPE levels (without DPE, with DPE 5% and DPE 10% supplementation) as well as Two probiotic levels (without and with P supplementation)were considered for the study. The experiment consisted of two replicates for DPE groups. The performance of broiler was evaluated in terms of growth and feed efficiency at 6th week of age. Data were analyzed on survivor and equal number of bird’s per subclass basis. Analysis of variance revealed that the difference between replicates were not significant for the different traits under study as such all subsequent analysis was performed. Inclusion of DPE and probioticsin diet had significant effect. Group of chicks fed with diet DPE were significantly heavier than those fed with diet without DPE at second week body weight. It indicates that the DPE supplementation had weighty effect on early growth of chicks. The Overall feed efficiency also showed the similar trend as was obtained for weekly feed efficiency. The analysis indicated that the inclusion of DPEand probiotics in the diet significantly affected the weekly feed conversion efficiency. Inclusion of probiotics and DPE revealed significant effects on body weight. Chicks showed higher body weight with diet having DPE and probiotics.

Efeito da luz ultravioleta na eclodibilidade e viabilidade de pintos provenientes de ovos férteis sujos / Effect of ultraviolet light in hatchability and viability of chicks from dirty fertile eggs

Considerando a necessidade de se desenvolver estratégias para a incubação de ovos sujos e a demanda de se utilizar métodos renováveis de sanitização, a utilização da luz ultravioleta para desinfecção de ovos incubáveis sujos foi o objetivo desta pesquisa. Foram avaliados ovos sem desinfecção (C-), desinfetados com paraformaldeído (C+), e expostos a tempos diferentes de exposição ultravioleta: UV 3’30”, UV 4’30” e UV 5’30”. Os ovos C(+) e os expostos à UV por 3’30” e 5’30” tiveram uma redução significativa na quantidade de colônias na casca dos ovos em relação ao C(-), variando de 0.64 a 1 logUFC/g. Os tratamentos C(+), UV 3’30” e UV 5’30” foram aplicados para avaliação da incubabilidade dos ovos. A eclodibilidade do tratamento UV 3’30” (70,51%) foi superior ao UV 5’30” (51,16%) e similar ao C(+) (55,81%). Conclui-se que o tratamento UV 3’30” é eficaz na redução da contaminação microbiológica de ovos sujos e não afeta negativamente a eclodibilidade e a viabilidade dos pintinhos nascidos.

Considering the need to develop strategies for dirty eggs incubation and the demand to use renewable methods of sanitation, the use of ultraviolet light for disinfecting hatching dirty eggs was the objective of this research. Eggs not disinfected (C-), disinfected with paraformaldehyde (C+) and exposed to different times of UV radiation (UV 3’30”, UV 4’30” and UV 5’30”) were tested. The eggs C(+) and those exposed to UV for 3’30” and 5’30” presented a significant reduction on the number of colonies of eggshells comparing to C(-), with a 0.64 to 1 logUFC/g variation. The treatments C(+), UV 3’30” and UV 5’30” were applied in an incubation phase. The hatchability of treatment UV 3’30” (70,51%) was superior to UV 5’30” (51,16%) and alike C(+) (55,81%). In conclusion, the treatment UV 3’30” is effective in reducing microbiologic contamination of dirty eggs and do not affect negatively hatchability and quality of chicks.

Effects of supplemental boron on intestinal proliferation and apoptosis in African ostrich chicks / Efectos del boro suplementario sobre la proliferación intestinal y apoptosis en polluelos de avestruz africana

Boron is an essential trace element which plays an important role in process of metabolism and the function of the tissues. However, the effects of boron on the intestinal cells in African ostrich chicks are poorly reported. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the role of boron on proliferation and apoptosis of the intestinal cells. A total of 36, ten day-old ostrich chicks were randomly divided into six groups and fed on the same basal diet supplemented with 0, 40, 80, 160, 320 and 640 mg/L boric acid in drinking water for 80 days. Proliferatingcell nuclearantigen (PCNA) wasused to test the proliferation indexof intestine in different group byimmunohistochemicalstaining (IHC). Apoptoticcellsofintestinewere detectedbyDutp-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) reaction and evaluated by integral optical density (IOD). Results showed that proliferationof intestinal cells significantly increased in groups of 80, 160, 320 and 640 mg/L. TUNEL reaction showed that apoptosis significantly decreased in 80 mg/L groups, while significantly increased in high dose of boron groups (320 and 640 mg/L), especially inepithelium. In conclusion, low dose of boron-supplemented water could promote cell proliferation and depress apoptosis, while high dose of boron could cause intestinal apoptosis and thus we found increased proliferation of intestine cell as a compensatory adaption. These findings may support optimal dosage of boron that could protect the development of ostrich intestine, while high dosage of boron could suppress it, or even has toxic effects on it.

El boro es un elemento esencial que desempeña un importante rol en el proceso del metabolismo y en la función de los tejidos. Sin embargo, existe poca información de los efectos del boro en las células intestinales de polluelos de avestruz Africana. Por lo tanto, este estudio fue diseñado para investigar el papel del boro sobre la proliferación y la apoptosis de las células intestinales. Un total de 36 polluelos de avestruz de diez días se dividieron, aleatoriamente, en seis grupos y se alimentaron con una misma dieta basal suplementada con 0, 40, 80, 160, 320 y 640 mg/L de ácido bórico en agua potable durante 80 días. Se utilizó el antígeno nuclear celular de células en proliferación (PCNA) para probar el índice de proliferación de intestino en diferentes grupos por tinción inmunohistoquímica. Las células apoptóticas del intestino fueron detectadas por dUTP-biotina nick etiquetado para reacción (TUNEL) y evaluadas por la densidad óptica integrada (DOI). Los resultados mostraron que la proliferación de las células intestinales aumentó significativamente en los grupos de 80, 160, 320 y 640 mg /L. La reacción TUNEL mostró que la apoptosis se redujo significativamente en los grupos de 80 mg/L, mientras que el aumento fue significativo en grupos tratados con dosis alta de boro (320 y 640 mg/L), especialmente en el epitelio. En conclusión, la baja dosis de boro en agua suplementada podría promover la proliferación celular y deprimir la apoptosis, mientras que altas dosis de boro podrían provocar apoptosis intestinal y, por lo tanto, se halló una mayor proliferación de las células del intestino como una adaptación compensatoria. Estos hallazgos indican que una dosis óptima de boro podría proteger el desarrollo del intestino del avestruz, mientras que altas dosis de boro podrían suprimirla, o incluso tener efectos tóxicos sobre ella.

Termorregulação de pintos de um dia submetidos a ambiente térmico simulado de transporte / Thermoregulation of day-old chickens submitted to simulated transport thermal environment

Objetivou-se, por meio deste trabalho, avaliar a termorregulação de pintos de um dia, mantidos em caixas de transporte, sob condição térmica simulada de transporte. Dois experimentos replicados executados em dias diferentes foram conduzidos em câmara climática. Para cada um dos experimentos, foram utilizados 360 pintos de um dia. Esses animais foram submetidos às condições de frio, conforto e calor, durante uma hora em cada tratamento. Os animais foram mantidos em caixas de transporte de pintos de um dia com quatro compartimentos, sendo cada um deles com 10 animais, totalizando 40 animais por caixa. Foram utilizadas três caixas empilhadas, simulando o que ocorre no caminhão de transporte. Para avaliação fisiológica, foram realizadas as seguintes medidas: frequência respiratória, peso, temperaturas superficial e cloacal. No geral, o posicionamento das caixas não alterou profundamente o conforto térmico dos pintos de um dia. Com relação às faixas térmicas, a condição de frio foi a que mais afetou as respostas fisiológicas, com destaque para as temperaturas superficial média e cloacal. No entanto, com o aumento do tempo de exposição, possivelmente o tratamento térmico por calor possa ter mais efeito sobre a termorregulação desses animais.

An experiment was conducted to assess the thermoregulation of day-old chickens, placed in transport boxes, under simulated transport thermal condition. Two replicated trials were done in two different days in a windowless environmentally controlled chamber. For each one, a total of 360 one-day-old broiler chicks were used. These animals were submitted to three thermal conditions (cold, thermoneutral and heat), for 1 h each. The birds were placed in boxes for day-old chick transport, divided in 40 chicks per box, with three boxes stacked vertically, for each treatment (120 chicks per treatment). Body weight, respiratory frequency, mean surface and cloacal temperature were monitored in a sample of 20 animals per box, with measurements were made before and after the treatments. The box placement had a negligible effect on the thermal comfort of birds. The mean surface and cloacal temperature responses were markedly affected by the cold treatment. However, with an increasing exposure time, the heat treatment might possibly have a clear evidence on the thermoregulation of day-old chickens.

Does Methadone Exposure During Avian Development Alter Sex Ratio of Survivors?

Aim: Methadone is commonly used to treat pregnant heroin users and presumed to be safe for developing offspring. An avian model, free of confounding maternal variables, was used to investigate sex differences from methadone exposure during development. Place and Duration of Study: Studies were conducted at Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY between June 2012 and May 2013. Methodology: In the first experiment, methadone in phosphate buffered saline was administered to fertilized eggs at one of two doses (0.458 mg/kg or 1.75 mg/kg) for one of three durations of exposure (Late, Incubation Days 12 to 19; Mid to Late, Days 9 to 19; or Early to Late, Days 5 to 19) with six eggs in each dose x duration condition and six controls (N = 42 eggs). Feathers were taken from eggs with developed embryos from this study for DNA analysis. DNA analysis was not attempted on embryos that had died early in development and decomposed before eggs were opened on Day 20. In a second experiment, methadone (1.00 mg/kg) was administered to eggs from which embryos were sacrificed at four time points during development to investigate growth retardation in methadone exposed embryos as compared with controls. Feathers were taken from randomly selected eggs exposed from Day 8 to Day 19 for sexing (N = 10 exposed and N = 10 controls. Results: Methadone exposure significantly affected embryo viability. The sex ratio of exposed specimens was 2:1 in favor of females, a departure from the normal 1:1 ratio. The results suggest that most of the embryos that died during incubation were male. Conclusion: The skewed sex ratio observed in this study suggests a sex difference in mortality from methadone exposure during development.

Prenatal music stimulation facilitates the postnatal functional development of the auditory as well as visual system in chicks (Gallus domesticus).

Rhythmic sound or music is known to improve cognition in animals and humans. We wanted to evaluate the effects of prenatal repetitive music stimulation on the remodelling of the auditory cortex and visual Wulst in chicks. Fertilized eggs (0 day) of white leghorn chicken (Gallus domesticus) during incubation were exposed either to music or no sound from embryonic day 10 until hatching. Auditory and visual perceptual learning and synaptic plasticity, as evident by synaptophysin and PSD-95 expression, were done at posthatch days (PH) 1, 2 and 3. The number of responders was significantly higher in the music stimulated group as compared to controls at PH1 in both auditory and visual preference tests. The stimulated chicks took significantly lesser time to enter and spent more time in the maternal area in both preference tests. A significantly higher expression of synaptophysin and PSD-95 was observed in the stimulated group in comparison to control at PH1-3 both in the auditory cortex and visual Wulst. A significant inter-hemispheric and gender-based difference in expression was also found in all groups. These results suggest facilitation of postnatal perceptual behaviour and synaptic plasticity in both auditory and visual systems following prenatal stimulation with complex rhythmic music.

Determinación, por PCR, de Salmonella Enteritidis FT 13 A y Salmonella Issatschenko en muestras de pollitos infectados experimentalmente / Determination of Salmonella Enteritidis FT 13 A and Salmonella Issatschenko by PCR in samples of chicks experimentally infected

The objective of this work was to determine by PCR the presence of Salmonella Enteritidis FT-13A (SE) and Salmonella Issatschenko (SI) in different samples of organs from 4 days old chicks experimentally infected. Four days old chicks were inoculated with SE and SI and their organs were frozen for DNAextraction to perform classic and nested PCR. It was possible to demonstrate the presence of SE and SI after 6 hours after experimental infection (AEI), but as time passed AEI positive results were inconsistent, obtaining negative results until 174 hours AEI. PCR is useful for detecting SE and SI in the early hours AEI. It is recommended to use pre-enrichment of the samples, in order to facilitate the DNA extraction and the detection of Salmonella by PCR.

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar por medio de esta prueba, la presencia de Salmonella Enteritidis FT-13A (SE) y de Salmonella Issatschenko (SI), en diferentes muestras de órganos de pollitos de 4 días de edad infectados experimentalmente. Se emplearon órganos congelados de pollitos de 4 días de edad inoculados experimentalmente con SE y SI, para extraer el ADN y realizar la PCR clásica y anidada. Se logró detectar SE y SI desde las 6 horas posinfección experimental (PIE), pero conforme pasó el tiempo PIE, los resultados positivos fueron inconsistentes, obteniendo resultados negativos hasta las 174 horas PIE. Se concluyó que la PCR es útil para detectar SE y SI en las primeras horas PIE. Se sugiere utilizar pre-enriquecimiento de las muestras, para facilitar la extracción de ADN y la detección de Salmonella por medio de la PCR.

Reproducción y alimentación de Phytotoma raimondii, cortarrama peruana en El Gramadal, Ancash

Se confirma la existencia de un buen hábitat con buena disponibilidad de alimento y de sitios para reproducción de la cortarrama peruana en El Gramadal (Huarmey). Las dos especies más importantes para su alimentación "algarrobo" (Prosopis pallida) y "palo negro" (Grabowskia boerhaviifolia), se encuentran en suficiente cantidad en el lugar. Esta última planta también es crucial para la reproducción, ya que todos los nidos hallados fueron construidos en esta especie. Hasta el momento se han encontrado nueve nidos entre los años 2010 y 2012 entre diciembre y abril: siete nidos activos, 2 el 2010 (abril), 4 el 2011, (marzo y diciembre) y uno el 2012 (enero). También se encontraron dos nidos vacíos el 2011 (marzo y junio), además de volantones e individuos juveniles desde diciembre a junio.

The occurrence of good habitat with suitable food and sites for reproduction for the Peruvian plantcutter at El Gramadal (Huarmey) is confirmed. The two most important species for food "algarrobo" (Prosopis pallida) and "palo negro" (Grabowskia boerhaviifolia) both occur in sufficient amount in this place. The last species is also crucial for the reproduction since all the nests found were in this species. To date 9 nests have been found during 2010 and 2012 and between December and April: seven active nests, 2 in 2010 (April) and 4 in 2011(March and December) and 1 in 2012 (January). In addition, two empty nests were found in 2011 (March and June), and fledglings and juveniles from December to June.

Aplicação estratégica do balanço eletrolítico em dietas para matrizes pesadas / Strategic application of electrolytic balance in diets for broiler breeders

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi de avaliar o efeito da utilização do conceito de equilíbrio eletrolítico das dietas sobre o desempenho de matrizes de corte. Foram utilizadas 57.000 matrizes pesadas, da linhagem Cobb 500, entre 55 e 62 semanas de idade distribuídas em dois grupos de três galpões que receberam de forma alternada (dois ciclos de quatro semanas) rações que seguiam ou não o conceito de equilíbrio eletrolítico. Foram avaliados o consumo de ração, produtividade, aproveitamento de ovos, mortalidade, produção semanal de ovos/ave e conversão alimentar. O mesmo conceito foi extrapolado para quatro galpões comerciais, de 6.300 aves cada (linhagem Ross), desde a fase de pré-postura, sendo aplicado em dois destes galpões o conceito de equilíbrio eletrolítico. Observou-se, no período de utilização da ração que seguia o conceito de equilíbrio eletrolítico, menor mortalidade (0,285 por cento vs. 0,525 por cento; P<0,05), maior produtividade (56,63 por cento vs. 55,69 por cento; P<0,05) e maior produção semanal de ovos (3,96 vs. 3,88ovos; P<0,05) com melhor conversão alimentar (267 vs. 273g ovo-1; P<0,05). Nos galpões comerciais, foi possível observar diferença na curva de produção, mortalidade e eclosão, resultando em uma produção de 13,87 pintinhos vendáveis a mais no galpão com conceito de equilíbrio eletrolítico. A adoção do conceito de equilíbrio eletrolítico com 180mEq kg-1 para matrizes pesadas melhora a produção de ovos e conversão alimentar e reduz a mortalidade de matrizes de corte.

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effect of the use of the electrolytic balance concept on broiler breeder's performance. A total of 57.000 Cobb 500 breeders between 55 and 62 weeks of age were used to verify the influence of eletrolitic balance on flock productive parameters . The birds were distributed in two groups of three houses each that received at an alternated way (two cycles of four weeks) feeds formulated with or without the eletrolitic balance concept. It was evaluated feed consumption, productivity, hatched eggs, mortality, egg production/bird and feed conversion. The same concept was used in four commercial houses of 6300 birds each (Ross line), since the pre laying, applied to two of this commercial houses,the concept of electrolyte balance. It was observed during the use of feed that followed the eletrolitic balance concept, lower mortality (0.285 percent vs 0.525 percent; P<0.05), higher productivity (56.63 percent vs 55.69 percent; P<0.05), higher weekly egg production (3.96 vs 3.88eggs; P<0.05) and lower feed conversion (267 vs 273g egg-1; P<0.05). At the commercial houses it was possible to observe a difference in the yield curve mortality and hatching resulting in a higher production of 13.87 more salable eggs in commercial houses with the eletrolitic balance concept. The adoption of the eletrolitic balance concept of 180mEq kg-1 for broiler breeders improve the egg production and feed conversion and reduced mortality of broiler breeders.

Coccidiose clínica em frangos de corte infectados naturalmente e imunossuprimidos com dexametasona / Clinical coccidiosis in broiler chicks naturally infected and immunosuppressed with dexamethasone

A ocorrência de coccidiose clínica em aves está relacionada com a competência do sistema imune. Com o objetivo de avaliar a ocorrência natural de coccidiose em aves imunossuprimidas, foram selecionados frangos de corte, de ambos os sexos, com a 35 a 38 dias de vida para constituir 3 grupos - grupo I (n = 25), formado por aves sem coccidiose e negativas para coccídias no exame de fezes; grupo II (n = 25), formado por aves com coccidiose e positivas para coccídias no exame de fezes, e grupo III (n = 25), formado por aves sem coccidiose, negativas para coccídias no exame de fezes e submetidas à imunossupressão com dexametasona (4 mg/kg/dia por 4 dias, via subcutânea). Realizou-se o diagnóstico de coccidiose com a técnica de centrífugo-flutuação com solução saturada de sacarose para investigação de oocistos nas fezes e pela análise macro e microscópica das lesões intestinais observadas após a necropsia. A resposta imune foi avaliada pela reação de hipersensibilidade basofílica cutânea (CBH) à fitoemaglutinina (PHA) e pela relação entre o peso corporal e o peso da bursa de Fabricius ou do baço. Os frangos dos grupos II e III apresentaram menor reação CBH à PHA que os do grupo I, evidenciando-se diminuição da resposta imune. As aves do grupo III mostraram diminuição significante do peso da bursa de Fabricius e do baço em relação aos animais dos outros grupos. As espécies de coccídias encontradas foram E. acervulina e E. maxima nos animais dos grupos II e III, sendo ainda observada E. tenella nas aves do grupo III. A imunossupressão induzida pela dexametasona aumentou a suscetibilidade à coccidiose de ocorrência natural em frangos de corte criados comercialmente.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of clinical coccidiosis in broilers immunosuppressed with dexamethasone. Male and female broiler chickens, from 35 to 38 days old were divided into 3 groups ­ group I (n = 25), including chickens without coccidiosis and negative for coccidia in fecal examination; group II (n = 25), including birds with coccidiosis and positive for coccidia in fecal examination; group III (n = 25), constituted by chickens with no coccidiosis, negative for coccidia in fecal examination and immunosuppressed with dexamethasone (4 mg/kg/day for 4 days, subcutaneous route). The diagnosis of coccidiosis was achieved using the centrifugal floatation technique in sucrose solution to investigate the presence of oocystis in stools, as well as by the observation of macroscopic and microscopic changes in the gut after necropsy. The immune response was evaluated by determination of cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity (CBH) response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and of the weight ratio of bursa of Fabricius and spleen in relation to body weight. Broilers from group II and III presented decreased CBH reaction to PHA in relation to group I, suggesting a decrease of the immune response. In addition, chickens from group III presented a significant decrease in the weight of the bursa of Fabricius and of the spleen. The coccidian types were E. acervulina and E. maxima in chickens from groups II and III, as well as E. tenella in chickens treated with dexamethasone. Immunosuppression induced by dexamethasone increased susceptibility to natural coccidiosis in commercially raised broiler chicks.

Índice de patogenicidade, produção de hemolisina e sorogrupo de amostras de Escherichia coli isoladas de aves de postura comercial / Pathogenicity index, production of hemolysin and serogroup of samples of Escherichia coli isolated from commercial laying hens

Este estudo avaliou o índice de patogenicidade, a produção de hemolisina e a determinação de sorogrupos de cepas deEscherichia coli isoladas de fígado de aves de postura comercial com um dia de idade. Para este estudo, foram analisados 32 lotes, dos quais 15 foram positivos para o isolamento de E. coli no fígado, totalizando vinte e quatro amostras. A patogenicidade dos isolados foi determinada por inoculação no saco aéreo de pintinhos e classificada como alta, intermediária, baixa ou não-patogênica. Os sorogrupos foram identificados utilizando um conjunto de antissoros anti-O (O1 a O180). A produção de hemolisina foi determinada por semeadura em ágar sangue de galinha (8%) e em placas de ágar sangue de carneiro (8%). Do total de amostras estudadas, 17 (70,83%) foram classificadas como não patogênica, 6 (25%) como de baixa patogenicidade e 1 (4,17%) de alta patogenicidade. Foram identificados 14 sorogrupos diferentes: O1, O2, O5, O8, O15, O18, O22, O36, O64, O70, O75, O115, O132, O141. Cinco cepas não tiveram o sorogrupo identificado. Com relação ao teste de produção de hemolisina, todas as cepas foram consideradas negativas, tanto para o teste realizado com ágar sangue de galinha quanto para o de carneiro. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo demonstram a importância de se identificar as cepas prevalentes deE. colinas diferentes regiões produtoras, podendo ser utilizados em estudos epidemiológicos.

This work evaluated the index of pathogenicity, the production of hemolysin and determination of serogroups in Escherichia coli strains isolated from liver of commercial laying hens with one day of age. Thirtytwo lots were analyzed, of which 15 were positive for the isolation ofE. coli in the liver, for a total of 24 samples. The pathogenicity in one-day-old chicks was determined by inoculation in air sac and was classified as high, intermediate or low pathogenicity, or non-pathogenic. Serogroups were identified using a set of anti-O antisera (O1 to O180). The production of hemolysin was determined by plating on chicken blood agar (8%) and sheep blood agar (8%). Of the samples studied, 17 (70.83%) were classified as non-pathogenic, 6 (25%) as low pathogenicity and 1 (4.17%) as high pathogenicity. Fourteen different serogroups were identified: O1, O2, O5, O8, O15, O18, O22, O36, O64, O70, O75, O115, O132 and O141, while 5 samples were non-typable. Regarding the test for production of hemolysin, all strains were considered negative for both the test performed with chicken blood agar and that with sheep blood agar. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of identifying the prevalent strains of E. coli in different producing regions, as this information can be used in epidemiological studies.

Un probiótico definido aumenta la exclusión de Salmonella enterica serovariedad Enteritidis durante la crianza de aves ligeras / Enhancement of competitive exclusion by a defined probiotic on Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis colonization during rearing of Leghorn chicks

Competitive exclusion degree from a defined (DP) and undefined probiotic (UDP) administered to one-day Leghorn chicks and challenged with 1 x 10(8) CFU of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis fagotype 13A (SE) was evaluated. Birds with DP at 20 day old showed 21.7% of SE positive isolates in liver-spleen (LS), less than 51.7% recorded from birds without any probiotic. In a second study, birds that received DP living together with a group inoculated with SE at third day old, showed 7.5% infection in LS at 13 day of age and 12.5% at 15 day. Whereas, SE inoculated group had 75% and 57.5% of SE isolates, respectively. A third group, living with the last two, without DP or SE showed 27.5% of SE in LS at 13 day, and only 10% at 15 day of age. DP group at 13 day of age, showed a decrease of 75% of SE colonization at cecal tonsils (CT), instead, SE inoculated group was 100% colonized; at 15 day of age, DP decreased 51.4% of SE colonization in CT, while control group showed a decrease of 42.5%, and 68.6% of SE in CT at 13 and 15 days, respectively. In a third study, a DP booster group was dosed three times, at 14 days of age, it had only 4.5% of SE isolates from LS. Birds without DP showed 34.6% of SE isolates, and the group inoculated with only one dose had 17.2% of SE positive birds. DP booster group showed 22.7% of SE in CT, the group with one dose had 62% of SE isolates; birds without DP decreased only 3.9% of SE colonization. DP showed greater margin of protection, decreased horizontal transmission of SE PT13A in LS and CT, and it has good transmission potential. DP booster treatment was better than only one dose. DP is a good alternative for SE prevention and eradication in commercial poultry.

Se determinó el grado de exclusión de un probiótico definido (PECD) y otro no definido (PECND) administrados a aves de la raza Leghorn, de un día de edad, sobre el desafío con 1 x 10(8) UFC de Salmonella enterica serovariedad Enteritidis fagotipo 13A (SE). Las aves con PECD al día 20 mostraron 21.7% de aislamientos positivos de SE en hígado-bazo (HB), menor al 51.7% observado en las aves sin probiótico. En un segundo estudio, las aves que recibieron el PECD y convivieron en piso con un grupo inoculado con SE desde el día tres, mostraron una infección en HB de 7.5% al día 13 y 12.5% al día 15 de edad, el grupo inoculado mostró 75% y 57.5% de SE, respectivamente. Un tercer grupo que convivió con los dos anteriores y no recibió probiótico ni SE, mostró 27.5% de SE en HB al día 13 y sólo 10% al día 15. El grupo con el probiótico muestra una reducción de 75% de SE en tonsilas cecales (TC) al día 13, mientras que el inoculado fue 100% colonizado; al día 15, el probiótico redujo 51.4% la colonización, mientras que el testigo mostró una reducción de 42.5% al día 13 y de 68.6% al día 15. En un tercer estudio un grupo redosificado tres veces, al día 14 de edad disminuyó el porcentaje de aislamientos de SE en HB a tan sólo 4.5%. Las aves que no recibieron el probiótico mostraron 34.6% de SE y las aves que lo recibieron una sola vez mostraron 17.2%. El grupo con refuerzo mostró 22.7% de colonización en TC, el grupo con una dosis mostró 62% de aves positivas a SE, las aves sin probiótico redujeron sólo 3.9% esta colonización. El grupo con PECD muestra mayor margen de protección, reduce la transmisión horizontal de SE PT13A en HB y TC; exhibe además un buen potencial de transmisión. El refuerzo de dosificación del PECD fue mejor que una sola toma. El PECD constituye una buena alternativa en la prevención y erradicación de la SE en la avicultura comercial.

Relação entre imunossupressão e coccidiose clínica em frangos de corte criados comercialmente / Relationship between immunosuppression and clinical coccidiosis in broiler chicks commercially raised

Frangos de corte criados comercialmente estão expostos a vários fatores que podem comprometera competência do sistema imune, tornando-os suscetíveis à infecção por coccídias. A coccidiose provoca no hospedeiro a ativação das respostas imunes humoral e celular, sendo esta última a responsável pela proteção contra a cocidiose. A presente revisão tem por objetivo descrever a dinâmica da resposta imune de aves frente à coccidiose e evidenciar os principais fatores imunossuppressores que podem estar presentes em criações comerciais de frangos de corte.

Broiler chicks commercially raised are exposed to a number of factors which may compromise the competence of the immune system, possibly increasing susceptibility to coccidia infection.Coccidiosis causes the activation of both humoral and cellular immune responses, the latter being responsible for the protection against coccidiosis. The present review focuses the dynamics of the avian immune response against coccidiosis and describes the major immunosuppressive factors which may be present in broiler chicken commercial breedings.

Energy and oil levels in broiler starter diets / Níveis de energia e de óleo vegetal em dietas iniciais de frangos de corte

The feed intake and performance of the broilers fed with different levels of dietary energy in the starter diet to 21 days of age were evaluated. In Experiment 1 it was evaluated the performance of birds fed to 2,900 and 3,200kcal ME kg-1 diets, and the results show that ME intake was highest for birds 3,200kcal ME kg-1 on the 7th day of age. Feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG), and feed conversion (FC) were not affected by dietary energy level on the 7th and 14th day of age, but on the 21st day of age, WG and FC were better for 3,200kcal ME kg-1 diets. In the experiment 2, isocaloric diets (2,900kcal ME kg-1) were formulated with four different oil levels (0, 1, 2, and 3 percent), in order to observe diet preference. Between 6 and 10 days of age, a quadratic response in FI for oil level was observed (Y=47.6+49.8x-13.4x², R²=0.98). Between 11 to 15, and 16 to 20 days of age, birds preferred to eat the diet with the highest level of oil (Y=16.6+52.85x, R²=0.97 and Y=19.30+59.05x, R²=0.98, respectively). Experiment 3 evaluated the performance and the pancreatic Lipase and Amylase activities of birds. On the 11th day of age, a linear response to WG and FC dietary oil level occurred. No differences were found in pancreatic lipase and amylase enzyme levels at 5 days of age. The diets with higher levels of energy and/or oil, during the first days of age, did not influence dietary preference, pancreatic lipase and amylase level or the performance of broilers. The results of this study show that diets with high levels of energy derived from lipids may not be interesting for young broilers, as they do not result in better performance (FI, WG, and FC).

Foram avaliados o comportamento ingestivo e o desempenho de frangos de corte alimentados com diferentes níveis de energia e inclusões de óleo vegetal na dieta inicial. No Experimento 1, foi comparado o desempenho de frangos alimentados com dietas contendo 2.900 ou 3.200kcal EM kg-1 de ração, e a ingestão de EM foi maior nas aves alimentadas com 3.200Kcal EM kg-1 na primeira semana de idade. O consumo de ração (CR), o ganho de peso (GP) e a conversão alimentar (CA) não foram influenciados pelo nível de energia aos sete e aos 14 dias, entretanto, aos 21 dias de idade, GP e CA foram melhores paras aves alimentadas com dietas com 3.200Kcal de EM kg-1. No Experimento 2, foram formuladas dietas isocalóricas (2.900 Kcal EM kg-1) com diferentes níveis de óleo (0, 1, 2 e 3 por cento). Entre o sexto e o décimo dia de idade houve aumento no CR, concomitantemente à inclusão de óleo (Y=47,6+49,8x-13,4x², R²=0,98). Entre o décimo e o décimo quinto dia e também entre o décimo quinto e vigésimo dia de idade, houve preferência pela ingestão de rações com maior nível de óleo (Y=16,6+52,85x, R²=0,97 e Y= 9,3+59,05x, R²=0,98 respectivamente). No experimento 3, foi avaliado o desempenho e a atividade da lipase e amilase pancreáticas. No décimo primeiro dia de idade, houve aumento linear em GP e CR com o aumento no nível de óleo. Não houve alteração nos níveis de enzimas estudados. Dietas com altos níveis de energia e/ou óleo não alteram o desempenho ou a produção de lipase e amilase em frangos nos primeiros dias de idade. Os resultados deste estudo mostram que altos níveis de energia proveniente de lipídios não são interessantes para frangos de corte, por não alterarem o seu desempenho (consumo de ração, ganho de peso ou conversão alimentar).

Efeitos do período de jejum entre o nascimento e o alojamento de pintos de corte e da adição de óleo à ração sobre o desenvolvimento do trato gastrintestinal e concentração de lipase

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the efects of the fasting periods (zero, 24 and 48 hours) between hatching and housing of broiler chicks and the addition of oil to the feed, on the alometric growth of the digestive organs and lipase concentration in the pancreas and small intestine. In the experiment, 720 male broiler chicks were raised from one to 15 days of housing. The evaluations of development of the digestive organs were done on days zero, three, six, nine, 12 and 15 of age. The evaluations of the lipase concentrations in the pancreas were done on days zero, three, six, nine, 12 and 15, and in the small intestine on days zero, three and six. A factorial 3 x 2 (three periods of fasting and two types of ration) experimental design was used. The alometric growth of the digestive organs was greater for the broilers not submitted to fasting, and the greatest rates of alometric growth were observed on the first days of life, showing a faster growth of the digestive organs at this stage. Although there was some lipase storage in the pancreas, in the small intestine the concentration was low and increased with age. The content of lipase in the intestine varied with the concentration of lipid in the diet.

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram determinar o efeito de três períodos de jejum (zero, 24 e 48 horas) entre o nascimento e o alojamento de pintos e da adição de óleo à ração sobre o crescimento alométrico dos órgãos digestivos e estudar a atividade da lipase no pâncreas e intestino delgado. Foram utilizados 720 pintos de corte machos, criados de um a 15 dias de alojamento. As avaliações do crescimento dos órgãos digestivos foram feitas nos dias zero, três, seis, nove, 12 e 15 de idade. As avaliações da concentração de lipase no pâncreas foram feitas nos dias zero, três, seis, nove, 12 e 15, e no intestino delgado nos dias zero, três e seis. O delineamento experimental foi em arranjo fatorial 3 x 2 (três períodos de jejum e dois tipos de ração). O crescimento alométrico dos órgãos digestivos foi maior para as aves alojadas ao nascimento e a maior taxa de crescimento alométrico foi observada nos primeiros dias de vida, demonstrando crescimento mais acelerado dos órgãos digestivos nesta fase. Embora tenham sido encontradas reservas de lipase no pâncreas, ao nascimento as concentrações de lipase no intestino foram baixas e aumentaram com a idade. O conteúdo de lipase no intestino variou com a concentração de óleo na dieta.

Efeito do período de jejum entre o nascimento e o alojamento e da adição de óleo à ração sobre o desempenho de pintos de corte e digestibilidade da ração

In order to evaluate the effects of three fasting periods (zero, 24 and 48 hours) between hatching and housing of broiler chicks and the addition of oil to the feed, 360 male broiler chicks were used, raised during a period ranging from 1 to 21 days in cages designed for collecting feces. The performance and digestibility of the feed ration were evaluated. A factorial 3 x 2 (three periods of fasting and two types of ration) experimental design was used. It was concluded that the fasting birds had better results at 21 days when compared with not fasting birds. The interval between hatching and housing did not have a clear effect on the coefficients of apparent digestibility of the dry mater, crude protein and ether extract of the feed, while the birds which were fed with the diet containing oil showed higher coefficients of apparent digestibility for the ether extract of the feed.

Com o objetivo de verificar os efeitos de três períodos de jejum (zero, 24 e 48 horas) entre o nascimento e o alojamento e da adição de óleo à ração sobre o desempenho de pintos de corte e a digestibilidade da ração, foram utilizados 360 aves de corte machos, criados de um a 21 dias em gaiolas metálicas próprias para coleta de excretas. O delineamento experimental foi em arranjo fatorial 3 x 2 (três períodos de jejum e dois tipos de ração). As aves submetidas ao jejum apresentaram melhor desempenho aos 21 dias quando comparadas com as não submetidas ao jejum. O intervalo entre o nascimento e o alojamento não teve efeito sobre os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, da proteína bruta e do extrato etéreo da ração, enquanto que as aves que se alimentaram com dieta contendo óleo apresentaram maior coeficiente de digestibilidade aparente do extrato etéreo.