Addition of chlorogenic acid and caffeine during the processing of cooled boar semen / Adição de ácido clorogênico e cafeína durante o processamento do sêmen suíno resfriado

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of chlorogenic acid (ChA) added pre-cooling and its combination with caffeine added during warming on cooled-stored boar semen parameters. Ten ejaculates were diluted in commercial extender with or without 4.5mg/ml ChA and stored at 15°C. After 0, 24 and 72 hours of storage, aliquots of these doses were taken and incubated at 37°C in the presence or absence of 8.0mM caffeine. Semen quality was evaluated after 10 and 120 minutes of incubation. The ChA increased (P <0.01) the sperm motility, viability, acrosomal integrity and the percentage of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial activity (PMHA), however, decreased (P <0.01) the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. Caffeine increased (P<0.05) the sperm motility, viability, PMHA and the MDA concentration and reduced (P <0.05) the acrosome integrity. When associated (ChA+caffeine), there was an increase (P <0.05) in sperm motility and viability, PMHA and acrosome integrity. The addition of ChA to the dilution medium improves the quality of the swine inseminating doses. The addition of caffeine during re-warming is only recommended when the semen is stored for prolonged periods (72h), and the inseminating dose should be used immediately after its addition.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da adição de ácido clorogênico (ChA) antes do resfriamento e sua combinação com cafeína adicionada durante o reaquecimento sobre a qualidade do sêmen suíno resfriado. Dez ejaculados foram diluídos em diluidor comercial com adição ou não de 4,5mg/mL de ChA e armazenados a 15°C. Após zero, 24 e 72 horas de armazenamento, 10mL foram retirados e incubados a 37°C na presença ou ausência de 8,0mM de cafeína. A qualidade seminal foi avaliada após 10 e 120 minutos de incubação. O ChA aumentou (P<0,01) a motilidade, a viabilidade, a integridade acrosomal e a porcentagem de espermatozoides com alta atividade mitocondrial (PMHA), entretanto diminuiu (P<0,01) a concentração de malondialdeído (MDA). A cafeína aumentou (P<0,05) a motilidade, a viabilidade, a PMHA e a concentração de MDA e reduziu a integridade acrossomal. Quando associados (ChA+cafeína), houve aumento (P<0,05) na motilidade, na PMHA, na viabilidade e na integridade acrossomal. Conclui-se que a adição de ChA ao meio de diluição melhora a qualidade das doses inseminantes de suínos. A adição de cafeína durante o reaquecimento só é recomendada ao sêmen adicionado de ChA quando esse for armazenado por períodos prolongados (72h), devendo a dose inseminante ser utilizada imediatamente após sua adição.(AU)

Aspectos morfológicos do rúmen, omaso e fígado de tourinhos alimentados com diferentes níveis de glicerina bruta / Morphological aspects of rumen, omasum and liver of bulls fed different levels of crude glycerin

The morphology of the ruminal and omasal mucosa and hepatic parenchyma of 44 young bulls submitted to four types of concentrates were evaluated by varying the inclusion level of crude Glycerin - CG (0, 6, 12 and 18%). The variables evaluated were number of ruminal papillae per cm² of wall; area of the papillae and total absorption surface per cm² of wall; Mitotic index - MI, height and area of ruminal and omasal papillae; and hepatic morphology. The samples processed for inclusion in paraffin and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin. The different levels of inclusion of CG in the diet did not interfere either in the number of papillae per cm2 of rumen wall (P= 0,70) or in the ruminal absorptive surface area (P= 0,89). Animals that received diets with levels 12 and 18% had higher MI of the ruminal epithelium (P< 0.01), but higher cell proliferation wasn't reflected in height gain and papillary area (P= 0,82). The omasal mucosa wasn't influenced by the inclusion of CG (MI e height gain and papillary area, P= 0,43, P= 0,56 e P= 0,9, respectively). The inclusion of GB in up to 18% of diet dry matter didn't alter the morphology of the rumen and omaso mucosa; and the integrity hepatic parenchyma.(AU)

The achievement of boar sperm in vitro capacitation is related to an increase of disrupted disulphide bonds and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels.

The aim of this work was to determine the relationship of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the disulphide bonds established between sperm proteins with the achievement of capacitation in boar spermatozoa. With this purpose, spermatozoa were incubated in a specifically designed in vitro capacitation medium (CM) in the presence or absence of reduced glutathione (GSH). Incubation of boar spermatozoa in CM for 4 h significantly (p < 0.05) increased free cysteine residues, which is a marker of disrupted disulphide bonds, and also intracellular ROS levels. The addition of GSH to the medium prevented most capacitation-like changes in sperm motility, membrane lipid disorder, mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular calcium levels and localization of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins (pTyr), but not in tyrosine phosphorylation of P32. These effects were accompanied by the inhibition of the ability of sperm cells to trigger the acrosome exocytosis in response to progesterone. When GSH was added together with progesterone after 4 h of incubation, acrosome exocytosis was not altered, but the subsequent decrease in intracellular calcium observed in controls cells was inhibited. Furthermore, co-incubation of oocytes with spermatozoa previously incubated in CM in the presence of GSH for 4 h significantly (p < 0.05) increased the number of spermatozoa attached to the oocyte surface but decreased normal fertilization rates. Our results suggest that boar sperm capacitation is related to an increase in disrupted disulphide bonds and intracellular ROS levels and that both events are related to the regulation of hyperactivated motility, intracellular calcium dynamics, sperm binding ability to the oocyte and achievement of proper nuclear decondensation upon oocyte penetration.

Chlorogenic acid improves the quality of boar semen subjected to cooled storage at 15°C.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chlorogenic acid (ChA) in boar semen stored at 15°C. Twelve ejaculates were processed into insemination doses at different concentrations of ChA (0.0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.0 and 6.0 mg/ml) or vitamin E (200 µl/ml) as positive control. Semen was analysed after 0, 24 and 72 hr of storage. ChA improved (p < .05) sperm motility, acrosome integrity and mitochondrial activity in all periods of storage. Furthermore, after 24 hr of storage, ChA above 1.5 mg/ml supported the sperm viability until 120 min after reheating (p < .05). Both ChA and vitamin E were similarly efficient in increasing the antioxidant capacity of semen, reducing the malondialdehyde levels before and after 72 hr of storage (p < .05). However, with 72 hr of storage, ChA at 3.0 mg/ml improved the mitochondrial activity over vitamin E (p < .05). In conclusion, results suggest that the concentration of 3.2 mg/ml of ChA is the best for semen stored for up to 24 hr. However, for semen stored for a longer period, 6.0 mg/ml or more should be used.

Swine foetal myogenesis in different gestation periods.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of sex and uterus position on swine foetal myogenesis at different gestational ages. Fifteen primiparous sows were divided into three groups according to gestational age: 50, 80, and 106 days. The experiment was a block randomized factorial design with two sexes (male and female) and three uterine regions (apex, middle, and base). After slaughter, each uterus horn was divided into three segments of equal length: apex region near the ovary; base region near the uterine body; and the middle region, lying between the apex and base regions. The foetuses were weighed, identified, and longitudinally opened to harvest the semitendinosus muscle for later morphological analysis. After 50 days of pregnancy, male foetuses had greater (p < .05) weight than females. The number of primary fibres at 50 days of gestation was negatively correlated (r = -.29, p = .04) with the number of foetuses in utero. After 80 days, foetuses in the base region had less (p < .05) secondary area of muscle fibres compared to the apex region, which was accompanied by differences in the weight of the foetuses, the lowest weight were for foetuses located in the base region (p < .05). In the same period, the ratio of secondary to primary fibres had a positive correlation with weight. In conclusion, sex did not influence myogenesis in the gestational ages studied and the development of secondary muscle fibres of the foetuses at 80 days of gestation was affected by their uterine position with foetuses at the base of the uterine horn being less developed.

In ovo feeding of carbohydrates for broilers-a systematic review.

The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence that the injection of carbohydrate-based solutions into embryonated eggs improves broiler performance. A literature search was conducted in April 2017 using the keywords broiler, carbohydrate, in ovo, nutrition and poultry. Only papers that involved in ovo carbohydrate injections in poultry were used in this study. After specific selection criteria, 17 papers were selected. The quality scoring system of the selected studies was based on the injection methodology, use of control groups, type of solution injected, period of injection, egg and hens characteristics, number of variables analysed and the statistical design. Among papers, there was no standardised procedure in to inoculate the solutions. Nevertheless, in general, in ovo feeding of carbohydrates decreases the hatch rate, improves the hatch weight, but it does not seem to influence the post-hatch performance of broilers. The inoculation of 75 mg of glucose in the albumen seems to bring better results. Further studies are needed to improve the technical methodology of in ovo injections for commercial use.

Arginine for gestating sows and foetal development: A systematic review.

The use of functional amino acids during pregnancy has been linked to improved reproduction in mammals. In this context, arginine is a precursor in the synthesis of numerous molecules, such as nitric oxide and polyamines, which play an important role during reproduction. However, contradictory studies are found in the literature, particularly regarding the amount of supplementation and the period of pregnancy in which it is used. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary arginine supplementation for pregnant sows on foetal development via a systematic review. The search for papers was performed during the month of December 2015, in the databases ISI Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, and SciELO. From a total of 5675 returned studies, only 13 papers were selected after applying selection criteria. Most (47%) of the studies that evaluated the effects of dietary arginine supplementation on foetal development in pigs used 1% arginine. Supplementation was initiated in the first third of pregnancy in 47% of tests, including in both primiparous and multiparous sows. These studies showed positive results for embryo survival and foetal development, evidenced by the increase in placental weight and the number and weight of piglets born alive. Of all evaluated studies, 53% showed benefits on foetal development. It is concluded that supplementing dietary arginine in gestating sows can benefit embryo survival and foetal development. However, to establish a supplementation plan with this amino acid, aspects related to the period of pregnancy, supplementation levels, and source of arginine must be well defined.

Undifferentiated carcinoma of the pancreas in a cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus): case report / Carcinoma indiferenciado de pâncreas em calopsitas (Nymphicus hollandicus): relato de caso

Undifferentiated carcinoma of the pancreas is a malignant neoplasm that is uncommon among domestic species, especially cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus), one of the most popular birds kept as a pet throughout the world. The aim of this study was to describe the occurrence of an undifferentiated carcinoma in the pancreas of a cockatiel. A bird, an adult male that died naturally with swelling in the abdominal region, was referred to necropsy. Macroscopic examination showed poor body condition, the coelomic cavity filled with liquid and a white mass attached to the pancreas and other smaller masses attached to the duodenum. Tissue samples and organs were harvested and fixed in 10% buffered formalin, then routinely processed for histopathology and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Microscopic analysis demonstrated an epithelial neoplasia with a predominantly solid pattern, lymphatic invasion and involvement of the intestinal serous membrane. These findings indicate the occurrence of an undifferentiated pancreatic carcinoma in a cockatiel that was diagnosed by histopathology.(AU)

O carcinoma indiferenciado de pâncreas é uma neoplasia maligna, incomum entre as espécies domésticas, especialmente em calopsitas (Nymphicus hollandicus), uma das aves mais populares como animal de companhia no mundo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever a ocorrência de carcinoma indiferenciado de pâncreas em Nymphicus hollandicus. Uma ave, macho adulto, com morte natural e com aumento de volume em região abdominal, foi encaminhada para necropsia. Ao exame macroscópico foram observados mau estado corporal, cavidade celômica repleta de líquido e massa esbranquiçada aderida ao pâncreas e outra menor aderida ao duodeno. Amostras de tecidos e órgãos foram colhidas em formol 10% tamponado, processadas rotineiramente para histopatologia e coradas por hematoxilina e eosina. Na microscopia foi observada neoplasia epitelial com padrão predominantemente sólido, com invasão linfática e implantação na serosa intestinal. Com esses achados, comprovou-se a ocorrência de carcinoma indiferenciado de pâncreas em Nymphicus hollandicus, o qual pode ser diagnosticado por meio de histopatologia.(AU)

Food preferences of cockatiel chicks (Nymphicus hollandicus) in captivity / Preferência alimentar de filhotes de calopsitas (Nymphicus hollandicus) mantidos em cativeiro

In order to improve the management and maintenance of the quality of life of captive wild birds, this study aimed to assess the food preferences of cockatiel chicks (Nymphicus hollandicus) kept in captivity. Thirty-two cockatiel chicks, three to 12 months of age, were kept in a galvanized, wire-netted vivarium with six ceramic feeders, two for an extruded diet, two for a dry-mashed diet and two for a seed mixture. Both extruded and dry-mashed food are commercial psittacine diets. Three round ceramic pots were used to provide water. The birds were exposed to 12 hours of artificial light (40 W incandescent lamps) during the experimental period of 27 days. The birds were observed by video filming, daily, through an ad libitum observation technique. The food consumption was 3.34±0.42g/bird/day of extruded feed, 1.58±0.44g/bird/day of dry-mashed diet and 3.73±0.10g/bird/day of seed mixture. In conclusion, the cockatiel chicks preferred the seed mixture and the extruded food over the dry-mashed diet.(AU)

Considerando a busca por melhorias no manejo e na manutenção da qualidade de vida de aves selvagens cativas, este trabalho teve como objetivo a avaliação da preferência alimentar de filhotes de calopsitas (Nymphicus hollandicus) mantidos em cativeiro. Trinta e dois filhotes de calopsitas com idade entre três e 12 meses de idade foram alojados em um viveiro de arame galvanizado contendo seis comedouros de cerâmica, sendo dois para ração extrusada, dois para ração farinhada e dois para a mistura de sementes. Tanto a ração extrusada quanto a ração farinhada são dietas comerciais para psitacídeos. Três potes redondos de cerâmica foram usados para fornecer água. As aves foram expostas a 12 horas de luz artificial (40W lâmpadas incandescentes) durante o período experimental de 27 dias. As aves foram observadas por filmagens de vídeo, diariamente, por meio de uma técnica de observação ad libitum. O consumo alimentar foi de 3,34±0,42g/ave/dia de ração extrusada, 1,58±0,44g/ave/dia de ração farinhada e 3,73±0,10g/ave/dia de mistura de sementes. Em conclusão, os filhotes de calopsitas preferiram a mistura de sementes e a ração extrusada em relação à ração farinhada.(AU)

Use of collard green stalks as environmental enrichment for cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) kept in captivity / Utilização de talos de couve como enriquecimento ambiental para calopsitas (Nymphicus hollandicus) mantidas em cativeiro

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of collard green stalks as environmental enrichment on the behavior of cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) maintained in captivity. Sixteen birds were housed individually in cages and fed a commercial diet for parrots and seed mix, with water ad libitum during 12 days in climatic chamber with temperature and relative humidity simulating tropical conditions. The animals (n = 8) were divided into two groups, control and enriched, and the experimental period was divided into two phases (during and after enrichment) of four days each. The collard green stalks were used as enrichment only during the first period of the experiment, daily changed and maintained only during the day. The stalks increased the feed intake and decreased the sleep activities. No effect was observed on the body surface temperature, locomotion, maintenance and other resting activities. Small undesirable activities were detected. It was concluded that collard green stalks can be used as environmental enrichment, becoming part of food preferences of cockatiels. However, its use does not significantly alter the behavior of birds kept in captivity.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência de talos de couve como enriquecimento ambiental sobre o comportamento de calopsitas (Nymphicus hollandicus) mantidas em cativeiro. Dezesseis aves foram alojadas individualmente em gaiolas e alimentadas com dieta comercial para psitacídeos e mistura de sementes, com água ad libitum durante 12 dias, em câmara climática com temperatura e umidade relativa do ar simulando condições tropicais. Os animais (n=8) foram divididos em dois grupos, controle e enriquecido, e o período experimental foi dividido em duas fases (durante e após o enriquecimento) de quatro dias cada. Os talos de couve foram usados como enriquecimento apenas durante o primeiro período do experimento, trocados diariamente e mantidos apenas durante o dia. Os talos aumentaram o consumo de ração e diminuíram o comportamento dormir. Nenhum efeito foi observado nas outras atividades de descanso, na temperatura da superfície corporal, na locomoção e manutenção. Foram detectadas pequenas atividades indesejáveis. Concluiu-se que os talos de couve podem ser usados como enriquecimento ambiental, formando parte das preferências alimentares de calopsitas. No entanto, seu uso não altera de maneira expressiva o comportamento das aves.(AU)

Effects of beta-glucans ingestion (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on metabolism of rats receiving high-fat diet.

We investigated the effects of beta-glucans (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) ingestion on metabolic parameters of Wistar rats receiving high-fat diet. The experimental period was divided into two stages: in the first one, the animals were divided into two groups containing 12 animals each. The first group received commercial feed and the second received high-fat diet containing 20% of pork fat during 60 days. At the end of this period, body weight, blood glucose and Lee index were assessed. In the second stage, those 24 animals were redivided into four groups: (C) - control diet; (CB) - control diet and treated with Beta-glucan (BG); (O) - obese animals and (OB) - obese animals treated with BG. Animals from groups CB and OB received 30 mg/kg of BG dissolved in saline solution by gavage. Animals from groups C and O received only saline solution for 28 days. The design used was totally randomized in 2 × 2 factorial scheme. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (anova). Animals from OB group showed inferior levels (p < 0.05) of total cholesterol (13.33%), triacylglycerols (16.77%) and blood glucose (23.97%) when compared to the animals from group O. The use of BG has provided smaller increase in Lee index (p < 0.05), without promoting alteration in feed and water consumption, organs weight, HDL-C, LDL+VLDL-C, carcass composition, villus/crypt ratio, and pancreas, kidney and stomach histology. BG from S. cerevisiae promoted beneficial metabolic effects in rats receiving high-fat diet.

Effects of in ovo feeding with glycerol for broilers.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of in ovo feeding with glycerol on post-hatch development in broiler chicks. A total of 408 fertile eggs were divided into six experimental groups consisting of five 0.9% saline solutions containing various concentrations of glycerol (12.5, 25.0, 37.5 and 50.0 nmol/ml), and a placebo group (inoculation with saline only) and a control group (without inoculation). Inoculations were performed at 17 days of incubation for the evaluation of hatchability, embryo mortality, body and viscera weights, intestinal epithelium morphometry, blood glucose and liver glycerol kinase activity of chicks at hatching. Inoculation of solutions containing glycerol did not influence body weight at hatching and relative weights of liver, pancreas, intestine and breast. There was a quadratic effect of glycerol levels on the weights of yolk residue and gizzard and on blood glucose, and an increasing linear effect on spleen and heart weights. Higher duodenum and ileum villous height and deeper jejunum and ileum crypts were obtained with 50.0 nmol/ml of glycerol. A linear increasing effect was also observed in liver glycerol kinase activity; however, lower blood glucose was observed with 37.5 and 50 nmol/ml of glycerol. It is therefore concluded that glycerol may be used at doses of 25 nmol/ml as a substrate in in ovo feeding of broiler chickens. However, further studies must be conducted not only to establish an optimal dose but also to evaluate the combination of this substrate with other nutrients used in the in ovo feeding.

Equilíbrio acidobásico, parâmetros urinários e sanguíneos de gatos induzidos ao estresse e suplementados com composto antioxidante / Acid-base balance, urinary and blood parameters of cats stress-induced cats and supplemented with antioxidant compound

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a suplementação do composto antioxidante comercial EconomasE (Alltech, Brasil ( AOX) sobre o equilíbrio acidobásico, os parâmetros urinários, o hemograma completo e a fragilidade osmótica de eritrócitos (FOE) de gatos estressados. Foram utilizados 24 gatos adultos (3,49±0,87kg), distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro níveis (0, 250, 500, 750mg de AOX/kg de alimento na matéria seca) e seis repetições, durante o período de 80 dias. Os gatos foram induzidos ao estresse por meio da presença de cães próximo ao recinto experimental (agente estressor; AE), do 61º dia até o final do experimento. A pressão parcial de dióxido de carbono (pCO2) e o bicarbonato (HCO3 -) aumentaram linearmente (P<0,05) conforme o aumento da ingestão de AOX. Os maiores valores de dióxido de carbono total (tCO2) (P<0,05) foram observados nos gatos alimentados com 500 e 750mg de AOX/kg de dieta. As concentrações de hemoglobina foram maiores nos animais alimentados com 250 e 500mg de AOX/kg de dieta. Os parâmetros urinários e da FOE foram semelhantes nos gatos em todas as dietas. Esses dados indicam que a suplementação com AOX apresenta efeitos benéficos no equilíbrio acidobásico e na concentração de hemoglobina de gatos induzidos ao estresse.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the supplementation of a commercial antioxidant EconomasE (Alltech, Brazil - AOX) on the acid-base balance, urinary parameters, red blood count (RBC) and erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) of stressed cats. Twenty-four adult cats (3.49±0.87kg) were distributed in a completely randomized design with four levels (0, 250, 500, 750mg AOX/kg feed dry matter) and six replicates for a period of 80 days. Cats were induced to stress through the presence of dogs in the experimental environment (stressor agent; AE) from the 61th day to the end. Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) and bicarbonate (HCO3) increased linearly (P<0.05) with increased intake of AOX. The highest values of total carbon dioxide (tCO2) (P<0.05) were observed in cats fed the 500 and 750mg AOX/kg diet. Hemoglobin concentration was higher (P<0.05) in animals fed the 250 and 500mg AOX/kg diet. The urinary parameters and EOF were similar among all diets. These data indicate that AOX supplementation has beneficial effects in acid-base balance and hemoglobin concentration of stress-induced cats.(AU)

The use of papain gel cream and sunflower oil in promoting healing in a wound in dogs: three case reports / Uso de gel creme de papaína na cicatrização de feridas em cães: relato de três casos

Papain is a proteolytic enzyme removed from the leaves of green papaya and/or latex. This enzyme is widely known as a medicinal fruit used extensively in human medicine for the treatment of wounds of various etiologies. However, studies and reports in veterinary medicine are scarce. Another herbal drug widely used in wound healing is Sunflower oil (Helianthus annus). It has inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which stimulate the local neovascularization, promoting tissue granulation, cell migration, fibroblast proliferation, and differentiation. Three dogs were treated with infected necrosis wounds, considered large, extent, and severe, with varied etiology. All cases were treated with papain gel with the exception of one dog, which was given the sunflower oil at the end of the treatment. Papain gel shows effectiveness in the treatment of wounds especially with wound debridement and removal of necrotic tissue. In addition, the healing time was shorter when compared to the treatment with sunflower oil. Finally, the herbal drugs have a low cost and high accessibility. This study contributes to create a new research regarding the use of this drug in animal wound healing.(AU)

A papaína é uma enzima proteolítica retirada do mamão-papaia verde e/ou do látex das folhas do mamoeiro, tendo propriedades medicinais conhecidas na medicina humana para tratamento de feridas de diversas etiologias. Estudos e/ou relatos na medicina veterinária são escassos. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se descrever três casos de cães, que foram atendidos no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Lavras, Brasil, todos com feridas infectadas, necrosadas, com etiologia variada e consideradas de grande extensão e gravidade, sendo tratados com gel de papaína. O tratamento demonstrou efetividade na recuperação das feridas, com a formação de grande quantidade de tecido de granulação, em um período menor que os tratamentos convencionais. Por se tratar de um fitoterápico, de baixo custo e alta acessibilidade, o gel de papaína pode ser utilizado no tratamento de feridas de grande extensão em cães e, assim como em humanos, parece ter um efeito benéfico no processo de cicatrização. Pesquisas devem ser conduzidas para elucidar a ação desse produto nos tecidos, bem como as diferentes concentrações a serem administradas.(AU)

Incidence of the second parity syndrome in sows from a commercial farm / Incidência de síndrome do segundo parto em fêmeas suínas de uma granja comercial

O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a ocorrência da síndrome do segundo parto em uma granja comercial de suínos e apresentar alternativas para minimizar esse problema reprodutivo. Os dados foram obtidos de 363 fêmeas de genética comercial (DB-30) de primeiro e segundo partos, entre os anos de 2010 e 2011. Os animais pertenciam a uma granja comercial de ciclo completo com 1200 matrizes, cujos índices zootécnicos não permitiam detectar a presença da síndrome do segundo parto. O período de lactação foi de 24,6±3,3 dias. Foram analisados o número de nascidos totais e nascidos vivos, o peso da leitegada ao nascimento, o número de desmamados e o peso ao desmame do lote e também individualmente de cada marrã ao longo do ano. As médias e o desvio-padrão foram calculados, e os dados obtidos no primeiro e no segundo parto foram comparados pelo teste t pareado a 5%. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) no número de nascidos totais e no número de nascidos vivos entre o primeiro e o segundo parto. No entanto, constatou-se que 54% das fêmeas apresentaram igual ou menor número de nascidos no segundo parto, caracterizando a síndrome do segundo parto na maior parte dos animais. Nesse lote, o número de leitões nascidos a menos em relação ao primeiro ciclo reprodutivo foi de 3,6±2,9. Das 363 matrizes avaliadas, 153 (42%) apresentaram 16 ou mais leitões no primeiro parto. Destas, 92 (60%) tiveram menor número de leitões no segundo parto e 41 (27%) apresentaram maior número de leitões. Também se verificou maior incidência (50% ou mais) da síndrome do segundo parto nos meses de janeiro a março e de outubro a dezembro. Conclui-se que a síndrome do segundo parto é um problema que pode afetar 50% ou mais das matrizes, nem sempre detectada por meio dos índices zootécnicos da granja. Medidas como pesagem dos animais na primeira cobertura e logo após o desmame, além de programas de alimentação com dietas balanceadas, principalmente durante os meses mais quentes do ano, são ferramentas importantes para amenizar esse problema.(AU)

Effect of different light sources on reproductive anatomy and physiology of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

Artificial lights are essential for controlling the reproductive tract development of birds during puberty and therefore influence reproductive quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different light sources on reproductive anatomic and physiological characteristics of female Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). A total of 270 birds from one day of age were housed in a masonry shed divided into six rooms with light isolation. Each room was equipped with a different type of light bulb and contained seven cages with five birds in each. The light bulbs tested were: incandescent; compact fluorescent; and light-emitting diode (LED) in the colors white, blue, red and green. The experimental design was completely randomized with six treatments and seven replications of individual birds each. The anatomic and physiological condition of the birds was evaluated at four, eight and 12 weeks of age. The white LED bulb advanced (P<0.05) the sexual maturity by one week, resulted (P<0.05) in higher live weights and greater weight and relative percentage of ovarian stroma, oviduct and ovarian tissue at eight weeks of age. Higher plasma concentrations of estradiol and lipids were also observed (P<0.05) at eight weeks under the white LED bulb. At 12 weeks of age, the magnum and isthmus folding characteristics were better (P<0.05) with the red LED bulb. In conclusion, the photostimulation with the white LED bulb was more efficient at activating the reproductive cycle, hastening the onset of sexual maturity and increasing the development of reproductive organs after puberty.

Behaviour of cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) at two temperatures in captivity / Comportamento de calopsita (Nymphicus hollandicus) sob duas temperaturas em cativeiro

Behavioural studies with cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) in captivity are scarce. Due to the need for appropriate management of these animals, this study was performed to examine the behaviour of cockatiels kept in captivity at two temperatures. Sixteen cockatiels were individually housed in cages (62cm high x 43cm long x 27cm wide) and fed with a commercial ration and seed mixture for psittacids. Water was provided ad libitum. The eight-day experiment was divided into two stages of four days each. In the first stage, the birds were kept at room temperature (25°C) with 70% relative humidity during 24 hours. In the next stage, they were kept at 35°C from 06:00 to 18:00h and 25°C from 18:00 to 06:00h, also at 70% relative humidity. The behaviour of the birds was assessed by the analysis of video recordings taken from 6:00 to 18:00h. Lateral displacement on the perch, walking on the wire net, resting on the abdomen, stopping on the wire net, standing on the drinker or feeder, seed intake, cleaning the wings and shaking the plumage were not influenced (P>0.08) by temperature. Undesirable activities such as gnawing the perch or the wire net also showed no influence of temperature (P>0.15). At 35°C, the birds remained on the cage floor less often (P<0.02) and more often on the perch. Flapping or gnawing the feeder increased as did the consumption of ration (P<0.01). Increase in temperature from 25 to 35°C changed the behaviour of the cockatiels, although these behaviours were not characterised as responses to temperature stress.

Estudos comportamentais com calopsitas (Nymphicus hollandicus) em cativeiro são escassos. Devido à necessidade de um manejo adequado desses animais, este estudo foi realizado para avaliar o comportamento de calopsitas mantidas em cativeiro em duas temperaturas. Dezesseis calopsitas foram alojadas individualmente em gaiolas (62cm de altura x 43cm de comprimento x 27cm de largura) e alimentadas com ração comercial e mistura de sementes para psitacídeos. A água foi fornecida ad libitum. O período experimental foi de oito dias, dividido em duas fases de quatro dias cada. Na primeira fase, as aves foram mantidas à temperatura ambiente (25°C), com 70% de umidade relativa, durante o dia e a noite. Na etapa seguinte, elas foram mantidas a 35°C de 6-18h e 25°C de 18-6h, também com 70% de umidade relativa. O comportamento das aves foi avaliado através de filmagem de 6-18h. Os comportamentos, deslocando lateralmente no poleiro, andando na tela da gaiola, repousando sobre o ventre, paradas na tela da gaiola, de pé sobre o bebedouro ou comedouro, ingestão de sementes, limpeza das asas e sacudindo a plumagem, não foram influenciados (P>0,08) pelas duas temperaturas testadas. Atividades indesejáveis, tais como roer o poleiro ou a tela da gaiola também não foram influenciadas (P>0,15). Sob a temperatura de 35°C, as aves permaneceram menos frequentemente no chão da gaiola (P<0,02) e mais frequentemente no poleiro. Nessa temperatura, bater as asas e roer o comedouro aumentaram com o aumento do consumo de ração (P<0,01). Concluiu-se que o aumento da temperatura de 25 para 35°C alterou o comportamento das calopsitas, embora esses comportamentos não pudessem ser caracterizados como respostas ao estresse térmico.

Validation of Prediction Equations of Energy Values of a Single Ingredient or Their Combinations in Male Broilers.

A set of prediction equations to estimate the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) of individual ingredients and diets used in the poultry feed industry was evaluated. The AMEn values of three energy ingredients (maize, sorghum and defatted maize germ meal), four protein ingredients (soybean meal, maize gluten meal 60% crude protein, integral micronized soy and roasted whole soybean) and four diets (three containing four feedstuffs, complex diets, and one containing only corn-soybean meal, basal diet) were determined using a metabolism assay with male broilers from 1 to 7, 8 to 21, 22 to 35, and 36 to 42 days old. These values were compared to the AMEn values presented in the tables of energy composition or estimated by equation predictions based on chemical composition data of feedstuffs. In general, the equation predictions more precisely estimated the AMEn of feedstuffs when compared to the tables of energy composition. The equation AMEn (dry matter [DM] basis) = 4,164.187+51.006 ether extract (% in DM basis)-197.663 ash-35.689 crude fiber (% in DM basis)-20.593 neutral detergent fiber (% in DM basis) (R(2) = 0.75) was the most applicable for the prediction of the energy values of feedstuffs and diets used in the poultry feed industry.

Metabolic parameters in rats receiving different levels of oral glycerol supplementation.

The use of glycerol in the diets for animals is of interest because it is a residue of biodiesel production and rich in energy. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate metabolic and physiological parameters of rats receiving supplemental pure glycerol by gavage. We used 30 Wistar rats (initial weight 202.7 ± 29.98 g) receiving 0 (control/saline), 200, 400, 800 and 1600 mg glycerol/kg of body weight (bidistilled glycerine, 99.85% glycerol) beside food and water ad libitum for 28 days. We used a completely randomised design with five treatments and six replicates. At the end of the experiment, the animals were killed, and the results showed that there was no change (p > 0.05) in the intake and excretion of water, the average daily weight gain, dry matter, ash and crude protein in the carcass or plasma triacylglycerols. There was a beneficial effect (p < 0.05) up to a dose of 800 mg/kg glycerol on feed intake, percentage of carcass fat, plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), high-density lipoprotein (HDLc) and low-/very low-density lipoprotein (LDLc + VLDLc). The levels of total cholesterol and glucose were increased with up to a dose of 800 mg/kg glycerol (but remained within the normal range); they were reduced with the dose of 1600 mg/kg. The total leucocyte count tended to be reduced, although it was within the reference values for rats. There were no renal or pancreatic lesions. In conclusion, glycerol presented as a safe supplement at the studied doses, even having some beneficial effects in a dose-dependent manner in rats.

Efficacy of fish embryo vitrification protocols in terms of embryo morphology - a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Embryo cryopreservation has been used for the creation of genetic banks with diploid resources, and among different techniques, vitrification is considered as the most promising method. OBJECTIVE: The goal is to evaluate the major aspects of the existing vitrification techniques and to evaluate their efficacy in terms of embryo morphology. METHODS: Electronic searches in the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were performed with the keyword combination: fish, embryo and vitrification. Pubmed retrieved 26 articles and Science Direct resulted in 464 articles. For this review, only studies that developed and tested vitrification protocols in fish embryos were included. Research regarding cryoprotectant toxicity and permeability were excluded. There were no restrictions on publication date or language. With these criteria, a total of ten articles were evaluated. RESULTS: In these articles, the major aspects to be considered for the development of new vitrification protocols are: the cryoprotectants' toxicity, the embryos' development stage, the exposure to and the permeability of the cryoprotectants, vitrification devices and vitrification-warning cycle. CONCLUSION: The survival were limited, however, the preservation of embryonic morphology after thawing indicates the possibility of preserving fish embryos via the vitrification technique.