Low-protein diet does not alter reproductive, biochemical, and hematological parameters in pregnant Wistar rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the reproductive, biochemical, and hematological outcomes of pregnant rats exposed to protein restriction. Wistar rat dams were fed a control normal-protein (NP, 17% protein, n=8) or a low-protein (LP, 8% protein, n=14) diet from the 1st to the 20th day of pregnancy. On the 20th day, the clinical signs of toxicity were evaluated. The pregnant rats were then anesthetized and blood samples were collected for biochemical-hematological analyses, and laparotomy was performed to evaluate reproductive parameters. No sign of toxicity, or differences (P>0.05) in body weight gain and biochemical parameters (urea, creatinine, albumin, globulin, and total protein) between NP and LP pregnant dams were observed. Similarly, hematological data, including red blood cell count, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell distribution width (coefficient of variation), mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, % lymphocytes, absolute lymphocyte count, platelet count, and mean platelet volume were similar (P>0.05) at the end of pregnancy. Reproductive parameters (the dam-offspring relationship, ovary mass, placenta mass, number of corpora lutea, implantation index, resorption index, and the pre- and post-implantation loss rates) were also not different (P>0.05) between NP and LP pregnant dams. The present data showed that a protein-restricted diet during pregnancy did not alter reproductive, biochemical, and hematological parameters and seems not to have any toxic effect on pregnant Wistar rats.

Performance of Commercial Laying Hen Submitted to Different Debeaking Methods

Among the several factors required in breeding laying hens, debeaking is a factor that interferes with batch performance and affects animal welfare. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate three different debeaking procedures and to verify the best technique to be used. For this, the performance of the birds, the incidence of cannibalism, and in rearing phase, the quality of the eggs were evaluated. Dekalb White birds were distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments, T1 (infrared radiation debeaking) T2 (hot blade debeaking) and T3 (V debeaking).The data was submitted to Analysis of Variance and compared by Tukeys test (95%), using statistical software R. The frequencies of mortality and cannibalism were submitted to the Chi-Square test (Software R). It was observed that mortality was lower with IR debeaking in the breeding phase. Already in the rearing phase, the mortality was similar between the debeaking techniques and the cannibalism was null. The final mean weight (g), mean weight gain (g) and average daily weight gain in the rearing and egg quality variables were higher for V debeaking when compared to other techniques. It is concluded that V-debeaking provides better bird performance, resistance and shell thickness when compared to the infrared radiations and hot blade debeaking, in addition to subjecting the birds to less stress.(AU)

Performance of Commercial Laying Hen Submitted to Different Debeaking Methods

Among the several factors required in breeding laying hens, debeaking is a factor that interferes with batch performance and affects animal welfare. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate three different debeaking procedures and to verify the best technique to be used. For this, the performance of the birds, the incidence of cannibalism, and in rearing phase, the quality of the eggs were evaluated. Dekalb White birds were distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments, T1 (infrared radiation debeaking) T2 (hot blade debeaking) and T3 (V debeaking).The data was submitted to Analysis of Variance and compared by Tukeys test (95%), using statistical software R. The frequencies of mortality and cannibalism were submitted to the Chi-Square test (Software R). It was observed that mortality was lower with IR debeaking in the breeding phase. Already in the rearing phase, the mortality was similar between the debeaking techniques and the cannibalism was null. The final mean weight (g), mean weight gain (g) and average daily weight gain in the rearing and egg quality variables were higher for V debeaking when compared to other techniques. It is concluded that V-debeaking provides better bird performance, resistance and shell thickness when compared to the infrared radiations and hot blade debeaking, in addition to subjecting the birds to less stress.

Espécies bioativas em áreas úmidas do Planalto Catarinense / Bioactive species in wetlands of the uplands of Santa Catarina

O objetivo deste trabalho foi levantar e identificar as espécies vegetais que ocorrem em áreas úmidas (banhados) do Planalto Catarinense e associá-las aos seus respectivos potenciais bioativos, validados em testes laboratoriais ou relatados em estudos etnobotânicos. O estudo foi realizado em 12 áreas de banhados localizadas em fazendas com reflorestamentos comerciais de espécies exóticas de propriedade da Empresa Klabin S.A. A amostragem da vegetação foi realizada por meio de transecção no sentido transversal na maior largura dos banhados e na área de transição destes com a área mais drenada (em faixa limitada de três metros), onde foram coletados os espécimes férteis a cada metro da transecção. Após a identificação das espécies foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica sobre o potencial bioativo das mesmas junto à bases de dados científicos utilizando-se os trabalhos que atestam o potencial e também os trabalhos que valorizam o conhecimento de populações locais. Nas áreas amostradas foram identificadas 235 espécies classificadas em 40 famílias botânicas. Destas, 28 espécies, classificadas em 11 famílias, possuem potencial bioativo. Do total de espécies identificadas, 18 apresentaram potencial validado cientificamente e 10 são citadas quanto ao seu potencial em trabalhos de etnobotânica. Ainda é pouco conhecida a diversidade de banhados no Planalto Catarinense sendo necessário mais estudo para o conhecimento da flora local. O estudo mostrou um grande número de espécies com potencial validado e que poderiam ser utilizadas pela população, enquanto outras que merecem pesquisas complementares.

Our objective was to survey and identify the species that occur in wetlands of the uplands of the state of Santa Catarina and associate them to their bioactive potential, validated by laboratory tests or reported in ethnobotanical studies. The study was conducted in 12 wetland areas, located in farms with commercial reforestation of exotic species (these areas belong to the Klabin S.A. Company). The sampling of the vegetation was performed by transection in the transverse direction, in the widest portion of the wetlands and in the transition area to the drier portion (a limited strip of approximately 3 meters). Fertile specimens were collected at every meter of the transection. After the identification of the species, a literature review on the bioactive potential of these species was carried out on the scientific databases, using the studies that attest the potential value of the species and also studies that value the expertise from local populations. In the sampled areas, 235 species were identified and classified into 40 botanical families. From these, 28 species, classified into 11 families, have bioactive potential. Among all species identified, 18 showed scientifically accredited bioactive potential and 10 were cited as to their potential in ethnobotanical studies. Little is known about the diversity of the wetlands in the uplands of the state of Santa Catarina, and further studies are needed to increase the knowledge on the local flora. This study showed a large number of species with validated potential and that could be used by the population, while others have not yet been studied, but that are potential candidates for further researches.