Description of Evandromyia cristacapita sp. nov., a new sand fly species of the Argentinian Chaco.

A new species of phlebotomine sand fly collected in the rural and peri-urban areas of wet and dry subregions of the Chaco Province, Argentina, is described. Illustrations of male and female adults are presented. Morphological characters allow the inclusion of the new species within the Evandromyia genus, Barrettomyia subgenus, Cortelezzii series (Diptera: Psychodidae). Furthermore, we present an identification key for the Cortelezzii series of the Barrettomyia subgenus with a new distinct species complex for its correct identification. The species was denominated as Evandromyia cristacapita sp. nov.

Temporal distribution of, and effect of anthropic modifications on, phlebotomine populations in the Chaco Bioregion, Argentina.

Migonemyia migonei is the predominant species in the dry ecoregion and Nyssomyia neivai in the humid region, although co-dominance in humid highly modified areas could be observed. Vector abundance seems to be modulated by environmental anthropization, as the abundance and predominance of Ny. neiviai and Mg. migonei increased in highly modified areas. In Humid Chaco, the risk of human-vector contact would be present throughout the year, being particularly high in spring/summer, and in Dry Chaco, the risk would be restricted to temperate and humid months.

Análise conjunta de indicadores na viabilidade econômica do confinamento de novilhos recebendo dietas com diferentes níveis de concentrado / Joint analysis of economic viability indicators of feedlot steers fed diets with different concentrate levels

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade econômica, por meio da análise conjunta de indicadores financeiros expressos por animal, da terminação em confinamento de novilhos Aberdeen Angus recebendo dietas com diferentes níveis de concentrado (NC): 25, 40, 55 ou 70% (base na matéria seca). Foram consideradas cotações históricas consecutivas dos anos de 2003 a 2014. A análise univariada caracterizou-se por delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e quatro repetições, procedendo-se à análise de regressão. A análise multivariada consistiu de agrupamento (cluster). Pela análise univariada, houve similaridade para os indicadores financeiros, com médias para margem bruta de R$ 173,21; margem líquida de R$ 163,73; lucro de R$ 110,61; valor presente líquido de R$ 93,31; índice benefício: custo de 1,048; retorno adicional sobre o investimento de 1,17% a.m.; taxa interna de retorno de 2,04% a.m. e payback descontado de 1,36 mês. Pela análise de cluster, o NC de 55% apresentou maior discrepância em relação aos demais níveis, enquanto 40 e 70% foram os mais próximos. A análise conjunta dos indicadores financeiros indicou viabilidade do confinamento de novilhos, independentemente do nível de concentrado.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the economic viability, through the joint analysis of financial indicators expressed by animal, of the Aberdeen Angus steers feedlot finished fed diets with different levels of concentrate (CL): 25, 40, 55 or 70% (on dry matter basis). Consecutive historical quotes of years 2003 to 2014 were considered. Univariate analysis was characterized by a completely randomized design with four treatments and four replications, proceeding regression analysis. Multivariate analysis consisted of grouping (cluster). The univariate analysis showed similarity to the financial indicators with averages to gross margin of R$ 173.21; net margin of R$ 163.73; income of R$ 110.61; net present value of R$ 93.31; benefit: cost ratio of 1.048; additional return on investment of 1.17% per month; internal rate of return of 2.04% per month and discounted payback of 1.36 months. By cluster analysis, 55% CL presented greater discrepancy in relation to other levels, while 40 and 70% were the nearest. The analysis of the financial indicators indicated feasibility of feedlot steers, regardless of the concentrate level.

Análise conjunta de indicadores na viabilidade econômica do confinamento de novilhos recebendo dietas com diferentes níveis de concentrado / Joint analysis of economic viability indicators of feedlot steers fed diets with different concentrate levels

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade econômica, por meio da análise conjunta de indicadores financeiros expressos por animal, da terminação em confinamento de novilhos Aberdeen Angus recebendo dietas com diferentes níveis de concentrado (NC): 25, 40, 55 ou 70% (base na matéria seca). Foram consideradas cotações históricas consecutivas dos anos de 2003 a 2014. A análise univariada caracterizou-se por delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e quatro repetições, procedendo-se à análise de regressão. A análise multivariada consistiu de agrupamento (cluster). Pela análise univariada, houve similaridade para os indicadores financeiros, com médias para margem bruta de R$ 173,21; margem líquida de R$ 163,73; lucro de R$ 110,61; valor presente líquido de R$ 93,31; índice benefício: custo de 1,048; retorno adicional sobre o investimento de 1,17% a.m.; taxa interna de retorno de 2,04% a.m. e payback descontado de 1,36 mês. Pela análise de cluster, o NC de 55% apresentou maior discrepância em relação aos demais níveis, enquanto 40 e 70% foram os mais próximos. A análise conjunta dos indicadores financeiros indicou viabilidade do confinamento de novilhos, independentemente do nível de concentrado.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the economic viability, through the joint analysis of financial indicators expressed by animal, of the Aberdeen Angus steers feedlot finished fed diets with different levels of concentrate (CL): 25, 40, 55 or 70% (on dry matter basis). Consecutive historical quotes of years 2003 to 2014 were considered. Univariate analysis was characterized by a completely randomized design with four treatments and four replications, proceeding regression analysis. Multivariate analysis consisted of grouping (cluster). The univariate analysis showed similarity to the financial indicators with averages to gross margin of R$ 173.21; net margin of R$ 163.73; income of R$ 110.61; net present value of R$ 93.31; benefit: cost ratio of 1.048; additional return on investment of 1.17% per month; internal rate of return of 2.04% per month and discounted payback of 1.36 months. By cluster analysis, 55% CL presented greater discrepancy in relation to other levels, while 40 and 70% were the nearest. The analysis of the financial indicators indicated feasibility of feedlot steers, regardless of the concentrate level.(AU)

Características da carcaça e do corpo vazio de bovinos Charolês de diferentes categorias abatidos com similar grau de acabamento / Carcass characteristics and empty body of Charolais cattle of different categories slaughtered at similar degree of fatness

Avaliaram-se as características de carcaça e do corpo vazio de novilhos (NO), novilhas (NA) e vacas de descarte (VA) Charolês n= 9, 10 e 10, respectivamente, terminados em confinamento e abatidos com similar grau de acabamento. O peso de abate e o peso de corpo vazio (PCVZ) foram similares entre NO, 480,2 e 417,4kg, e VA, 516,2 e 405,8kg, e maiores do que os das NA, 368,3 e 306,1kg. O rendimento de carcaça quente diferiu entre as categorias, sendo 57,2, 53,3 e 50,5%, respectivamente, para NO, NA e VA. Com o rendimento de carcaça quente expresso em relação ao PCVZ, as diferenças entre categorias diminuíram, sendo significativas apenas entre NO e NA. O conteúdo do trato digestivo das VA foi 34 e 45% maior que o dos NO e NA, respectivamente, sendo correlacionado (P<0,05) com peso de abate (r=0,66) e rendimento de carcaça quente (r=-0,41). O peso de carcaça quente foi similar entre NO, 274,9kg, e VA, 260,8kg, e maior que o NA, 196,4kg. O comprimento de carcaça foi maior nas VA, intermediário nos NO e menor nas NA. A área do músculo Longissimus dorsi foi menor nas NA. Novilhos apresentaram melhor conformação de carcaça que as fêmeas, as quais não diferiram entre si.

The carcass characteristics and empty body of Charolais steers n=9, cull heifers n= 10, and cull cows n=10, feedlot finished with similar subcutaneous fat thickness were evaluated. The slaughter weight and empty body weight (EBW) were similar between steers (480.2 and 417.4kg) and cows (516.2 and 405.8kg), which were higher than for heifers (368.3 and 306.1kg). Hot carcass dressing was significantly different among categories, being 57.2, 53.3 and 50.5%, respectively, for steers, heifers and cows. When carcass dressing was expressed in relation to EBW the differences became smaller among categories, being significant only between steers and heifers. The digestive tract content of cows was 34 and 45% higher than for steers and heifers, respectively, being correlated (P<0.05) with slaughter weight (r=0.66) and hot carcass dressing (r=-0.41). Hot carcass weight was similar for steers (274.9kg) and cows (260.8kg), both superior to heifers (196.4kg). Carcass length was higher for cows, intermediate for steers and lower for heifers. The Longissimus dorsi area was smaller for heifers. Steers showed better carcass conformation score than females, which did not differ between themselves.

Silagem de milho e grão de sorgo como suplementos para vacas de descarte terminadas em pastagem cultivada de estação fria / Corn silage and sorghum grain supplementation to cull cows finished on cultivated winter pasture

Avaliou-se o efeito da suplementação com silagem de milho ou grão de sorgo no desempenho e características da carcaça e da carne de vacas de descarte, submetidas ao pastejo restrito em pastagem de aveia (Avena strigosa) + azevém (Lolium multiflorum). Foram utilizadas 30 vacas mestiças Charolês-Nelore, com idade média de oito anos, distribuídas em igual número e ao acaso em três tratamentos: silagem de milho (TSI) ou grão de sorgo moído (TSO) como suplemento, e não suplementação (TPH). A suplementação com silagem de milho proporcionou aos animais maior escore corporal ao final do experimento (4,35 pontos contra 4,15 do TPH e 4,22 pontos para o TSO). Não houve efeito do volumoso ou concentrado suplementar sobre o peso corporal, ganho de peso diário e ganho em escore corporal. Não houve efeito de tratamento (P>0,05) sobre pesos e rendimentos quentes e frios da carcaça, espessura de gordura subcutânea, conformação, espessura de coxão, área de Longissimus dorsi e percentagem de cortes comerciais. A suplementação resultou em maior percentagem de gordura na carcaça e influenciou a cor e o marmoreio da carne. A silagem de milho e o grão de sorgo servem como alternativa para a suplementação de vacas de descarte em pastagem de aveia e azevém, uma vez que melhora as características da carcaça, embora sem efeito sobre o desempenho quando comparado à pastagem exclusiva.

The effect of supplementation with corn silage or sorghum grain on the performance and characteristics of carcass and meat of cull cows, under temporary grazing on oats (Avena strigosa) + ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) pasture was evaluated. Thirty crossbred Charolais-Nellore cull cows, with averaging eight-yearold,were randomly distributed in three treatments. The animals received corn silage (TSI) or sorghum grain (TSO) as supplement, while another lot did not receive supplementation (TPH). Animals supplemented with corn silage showed higher final body condition score (4.35 points versus 4.15 for TPH and 4.22 for TSO). No effect of supplementation on body weight, average daily weight gain; and body condition score gain were verified. Differences were not observed concerning carcasses weight, hot and cold yield of carcasses, fat thickness, conformation, cushion thickness, Longissimus dorsi area, and commercial cuts percentages. Supplemented animals showed better color and higher marbling of meat. Corn silage and sorghum grain are alternative for the supplementation of cull cows in oats and ryegrass pasture, since they showed better carcass characteristics, although no effect on the performance in relation to exclusive pasture was detected.

Intestinal parasitism in San Cayetano, Corrientes, Argentina.

An epidemiologic study was conducted in San Cayetano, a village in the province of Corrientes, Argentina, to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitoses in children. Eighty-eight households were randomly selected. Stool samples were collected from 207 children (72% of the school-age population and 12% of the total village population) over a period of six consecutive days, and were subjected to microscopic examination. Of the samples examined, 170 (83%) contained one or more parasites, of which the most frequently found was Blastocystis hominis (in 43% of the samples). Other parasites and commensals detected included Giardia lamblia (29%), hookworms (27%), Entamoeba coli (27%), Enterobius vermicularis (4%), Strongyloides stercoralis (2%), and Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Taenia saginata, Isospora belli, Iodamoeba bütschlii, and Balantidium coli (each 0.5%). The high observed prevalence of intestinal parasitoses indicates active parasite transmission in San Cayetano as a result of poor environmental hygiene-ascribable largely to a lack of public water supply, sewerage, and waste removal services.