Coccidia of Guinea fowls: Validity of recorded Eimeria spp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) and first molecular identification of Eimeria grenieri Yvoré & Aycardi, 1967.

Guinea fowls, Numida meleagris (L., 1758), are galliform birds native to sub-Saharan Africa, but introduced in several countries around the world for domestic breeding and/or animal production. This species is considered more resistant to disease by Eimeria spp. than other domestic galliform birds. Here we review the Eimeria spp. known to infect species of Numididae and provide the first molecular identification of an Eimeria sp. from Guinea fowls. There are currently 3 named eimerians from Guinea fowls; Eimeria numidae Pellerdy, 1962; Eimeria grenieri Yvoré and Aycardi, 1967; and Eimeria gorakhpuri Bhatia & Pande, 1967. We reviewed each of these species descriptions and documented their taxonomic shortcomings. From that, we suggest that E. gorakhpuri is a junior synonym of E. numidae. In conclusion, we have morphologically redescribed in detail E. grenieri from N. meleagris from Rio de Janeiro and provided molecular supplementation through sequencing of three non-overlapping loci in cox1 and cox3 genes and fragments of small and large subunit mitochondrial rDNA.

An outbreak of fatal Pullorum disease (Salmonella Pullorum) in Guinea fowl keets (Numida meleagris) / Surto fatal de pulorose (Salmonella Pullorum) em pintinhos de galinhas-d'Angola (Numida meleagris)

Pullorum disease is described worldwide and is caused by Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Gallinarum biovar Pullorum (S. Pullorum). S. Pullorum infection is important in commercial poultry, provoking a systemic disease with high mortality rates. Its occurrence requires notification, and when it is diagnosed in commercial breeding flocks, its eradication is demanded. The aim of this study was to report a severe outbreak of Pullorum disease in young Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), resulting in 100% mortality of keets (n=290) within the first two weeks of age. All examined keets had enlarged liver, kidneys and spleen (5/5), and the affected tissues were submitted to histological and bacteriological examination. On histopathology, random paratyphoid nodules characterized by areas of necrosis with fibrin and a moderate infiltrate of macrophages and heterophils were observed in the liver. In kidneys, discrete areas of necrosis associated with moderate multifocal infiltrates of lymphocytes, and plasma cells were observed. In the spleen, a moderate infiltrate of macrophages was noticed. Isolation of colonies suggestive of S. Pullorum from liver and spleen was performed in selective agars and, after biochemical tests, confirmed by specific duplex-PCR. The antimicrobial susceptibility test of the isolated strain revealed resistance to only sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim among the tested antimicrobials. The S. Pullorum isolate recovered in the present study was highly pathogenic to N. meleagris and may represent a risk to other avian species, including industrial poultry.

A pulorose é descrita mundialmente e é causada por Salmonella enterica subespécie enterica sorovar Gallinarum biovar Pullorum (S. Pullorum). A infecção por S. Pullorum é importante em aves comerciais, provocando doença sistêmica com altas taxas de mortalidade. Sua ocorrência requer notificação e quando diagnosticada em aves de criação comercial resulta na erradicação do plantel. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar um surto grave de pulorose em filhotes de galinhas-d'Angola (Numida meleagris), resultando em 100% de mortalidade das aves (n=290) nas primeiras duas semanas de idade. Os pintinhos recebidos tinham hepato, espleno e nefromegalia (5/5). Os tecidos dos cinco indivíduos recebidos foram submetidos a exame histológico e bacteriológico. Na histopatologia, foram observados nódulos paratifoides aleatórios caracterizados por áreas de necrose com fibrina e infiltrado moderado de macrófagos e heterófilos no fígado. Nos rins, foram observadas áreas discretas de necrose associadas a infiltrados multifocais moderados de linfócitos e plasmócitos. No baço, foi observado infiltrado moderado de macrófagos. O isolamento de colônias sugestivas de S. Pullorum de fígados e baços foi realizado em ágares seletivos e, após testes bioquímicos, confirmado por duplex-PCR específico. A susceptibilidade antimicrobiana da cepa isolada revelou resistência apenas ao sulfametoxazol + trimetoprim entre os antimicrobianos testados. O isolado de S. Pullorum recuperado no presente estudo foi altamente patogênico para N. meleagris e pode representar um risco para outras espécies de aves, incluindo aves industriais.

Comparative Study of Egg and Meat Quality of Guinea Fowl under Different tropical regions: A Review

Guinea fowl have several advantages over chickens. These birds are highly valued for their meat and eggs, particularly in tropical regions. They are currently in many parts of the world. Recently, the demand for guinea fowl meat has increased because it is considered a high-quality protein source. In addition, their eggs are delicious and considerably better than those of chickens. Guinea fowl eggs are valued for their thick shells, and longer shelf life, and it has premium prices compared with commercial and indigenous chickens. Chicken eggs have been well studied for egg and meat quality. However, such information isn't so sufficiently documented in other poultry species. Despite the interest in guinea fowl production, it is vital to take cognizance of the fact that there is a lack of information on the production and quality of guinea fowl products, in contrast to commercial chickens. Therefore, the present review aims to assess the egg and meat quality of Guinea fowl in different tropical regions. The main results of the current study showed that the external egg quality characteristics, mainly (egg weight, shell percentage, and shell thickness), and internal egg quality traits, mainly (albumen weight, haugh unit, yolk height, and yolk color) of Guinea fowl differed under different tropical regions. Concerning carcass characteristics, a clear difference was observed in dressing percentage and breast percentage of Guinea fowl in various tropical areas. A similar trend was observed for the meat color.(AU)

Evaluation of Heat Stress Through Temperature and Pupillary Dilatation of the Guinea Fowl (Numida Meleagris) in a Controlled Environment

The commercial exploitation of guinea fowl (Numidia meleagris) is a viable alternative for small rural properties in arid and semi-arid regions, as they are rustic birds and capable of withstanding the climatic adversities of these regions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pupillary temperature, smaller pupillary diameter, larger pupillary diameter and pupil area of guinea fowl housed in a controlled environment, under two air temperatures: 26 ºC (thermal comfort zone) and 32 ºC (above the thermal comfort zone). The birds were distributed in a completely randomized design, with two treatments (air temperatures) and four replications (experimental box), with twelve birds each. The increase in air temperature resulted in a significant average increase (P < 0.05) of 6.0, 17.9, 18.6 and 38.4%, respectively, in pupillary temperature, smaller pupillary diameter, larger pupillary diameter and pupillary area of birds, being these measurements accurate in evaluation of thermal stress in homeothermic animals.(AU)

Prediction of Egg Weight from External Egg Traits of Guinea Fowl Using Multiple Linear Regression and Regression Tree Methods

The study was done to predict egg weight from the external traits of the Guinea fowl egg using the statistical methods of multiple linear regression (MLR) and regression tree analysis (RTA). A total of 110 eggs from a flock of 23-week-old Guinea fowl were evaluated. Egg weight (EW) and external traits: eggshell weight (ESW), egg polar diameter (EPD), egg equatorial diameter (EED), egg shape index (ESI), and egg surface area (ESA) were measured. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and regression equations using the MLR were obtained; additionally, a RTA was done using the CHAID algorithm with the SPSS software (IBM ver. 22). EW presented positive correlations (p<0.0001) with ESA (r = 0.72), EPD (r = 0.65), and EED (r = 0.49). EW can be predicted through MLR using ESA as a predictor variable (R2 = 72%). Predictive accuracy improves when adding EPD and EED traits to the model (R2 = 75%). The RTA built a diagram using ESA, EED, and EPD as significant independent variables; of these, the most important variable was ESA (F = 50,295, df1 = 4, and df2 = 105; Adj. p<0.000) and the variation explained for EW was 74%. Likewise, the RTA showed that the highest egg weight (41.818 g) is obtained from eggs with a surface area > 59.03 cm2 and a polar diameter > 5.10 cm. The proposed statistical methods can be used to reliably predict the egg weight of Guinea fowl.(AU)

Prediction of Egg Weight from External Egg Traits of Guinea Fowl Using Multiple Linear Regression and Regression Tree Methods

The study was done to predict egg weight from the external traits of the Guinea fowl egg using the statistical methods of multiple linear regression (MLR) and regression tree analysis (RTA). A total of 110 eggs from a flock of 23-week-old Guinea fowl were evaluated. Egg weight (EW) and external traits: eggshell weight (ESW), egg polar diameter (EPD), egg equatorial diameter (EED), egg shape index (ESI), and egg surface area (ESA) were measured. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and regression equations using the MLR were obtained; additionally, a RTA was done using the CHAID algorithm with the SPSS software (IBM ver. 22). EW presented positive correlations (p 59.03 cm2 and a polar diameter > 5.10 cm. The proposed statistical methods can be used to reliably predict the egg weight of Guinea fowl.

Evaluation of Heat Stress Through Temperature and Pupillary Dilatation of the Guinea Fowl (Numida Meleagris) in a Controlled Environment

The commercial exploitation of guinea fowl (Numidia meleagris) is a viable alternative for small rural properties in arid and semi-arid regions, as they are rustic birds and capable of withstanding the climatic adversities of these regions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pupillary temperature, smaller pupillary diameter, larger pupillary diameter and pupil area of guinea fowl housed in a controlled environment, under two air temperatures: 26 ºC (thermal comfort zone) and 32 ºC (above the thermal comfort zone). The birds were distributed in a completely randomized design, with two treatments (air temperatures) and four replications (experimental box), with twelve birds each. The increase in air temperature resulted in a significant average increase (P < 0.05) of 6.0, 17.9, 18.6 and 38.4%, respectively, in pupillary temperature, smaller pupillary diameter, larger pupillary diameter and pupillary area of birds, being these measurements accurate in evaluation of thermal stress in homeothermic animals.

Effect of Hevea brasiliensis seed meal or Euphorbia heterophylla seed supplemented diets on performance, physicochemical and sensory properties of eggs, and egg yolk fatty acid profile in guinea fowl (Numida meleagris).

A total of 144 French selected breed (Galor) female guinea fowl (GF) of 42 wk of age were enrolled for a feeding trial of 15, 30, and 45 D duration. The birds were randomly assigned to 18 cages, each containing 8 birds. A total of 3 isonitrogenous and isocaloric dietary treatments were trialed, each diet comprising 6 replications (cages), which meant a total of 48 birds per diet. The GF were fed either a control diet C (commercial diet "FACI ponte 20", SIPRA, Ivory Coast, usually used for all poultry species) or the diet C supplemented with 5% Euphorbia heterophylla seeds (diet E) and the diet C supplemented with 5% Hevea seed meal (Hevea brasiliensis) (diet H). Animal performance were assessed for 3 periods (days 0 to 15, 0 to 30, and 0 to 45), and egg quality and composition were assessed at 15, 30, and 45 D of the trial. The results indicated no mortality during the trial. The laying rate was the highest (43.9%) with diet E and the lowest with diet C (32.5%), the laying rate with diet H being intermediate (38.5%). Diet E containing Euphorbia seeds led to a reduced cholesterol content of the eggs. Additionally, inclusion of Euphorbia seeds and, to a lesser extent, of the Hevea seed meal in the diet led to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid enriched GF eggs, with thereby, improved nutritional value. A sensory test did not find any difference between the 3 diets on trial.

Growth performance, carcass traits and breast meat fatty acids profile of helmeted guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) fed increasing level of linseed (Linum usitatissimum) and pumpkin seed (Cucurbita moschata) meals

This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary inclusion with linseed and pumpkin seed meals on growth performance, carcass traits and breast meat fatty acids profile of helmeted guinea fowls. A total of 120 meat-type helmeted guinea fowl females of 12 weeks of age were fed with 0 (T0), 100 (T1) and 200 (T2) g/kg of linseed (LM) and pumpkin seed meals (PSM) for 56 days, in a completely randomized design with 10 replicates per treatment and four birds per replicate. The inclusion up to 200 g/kg of LM and PSM did not affect the livability, initial live weight and feed intake (p>0.05). However, final live weight and feed:gain ratio improved significantly (p<0.05). The T1 increased (p<0.05) the carcass yield and the T2 improved the breast weight and weight and yield of leg. Also, these experimental diets did not affect the carcass weight, breast yield and sensory quality of meat (p>0.05). The oleaginous seeds (LM and PSM) decreased (p<0.05) the mystic, palmitic and octadecanoic acids and the w-6/w-3 ratio, as well as increased the linoleic, a-linolenic, eicosapentanoic and docosahexanoic acids (p<0.05), but did not modify the concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids (p>0.05) and the eicosatrienoic and arachidonic acids in breast meat (p<0.05). It is recommended the inclusion of 100 g/kg of LM and PSM to improve the live weight, weight and yield of the edible portions and the essential fatty acids in breast meat of guinea fowl, without affecting the sensory quality of the meat.(AU)

Growth performance, carcass traits and breast meat fatty acids profile of helmeted guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) fed increasing level of linseed (Linum usitatissimum) and pumpkin seed (Cucurbita moschata) meals

This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary inclusion with linseed and pumpkin seed meals on growth performance, carcass traits and breast meat fatty acids profile of helmeted guinea fowls. A total of 120 meat-type helmeted guinea fowl females of 12 weeks of age were fed with 0 (T0), 100 (T1) and 200 (T2) g/kg of linseed (LM) and pumpkin seed meals (PSM) for 56 days, in a completely randomized design with 10 replicates per treatment and four birds per replicate. The inclusion up to 200 g/kg of LM and PSM did not affect the livability, initial live weight and feed intake (p>0.05). However, final live weight and feed:gain ratio improved significantly (p0.05). The oleaginous seeds (LM and PSM) decreased (p0.05) and the eicosatrienoic and arachidonic acids in breast meat (p<0.05). It is recommended the inclusion of 100 g/kg of LM and PSM to improve the live weight, weight and yield of the edible portions and the essential fatty acids in breast meat of guinea fowl, without affecting the sensory quality of the meat.

Morphological analysis of testis of the guinea fowl ( Numida meleagris ) under tropical savannah climate of India / Análisis morfológico de testículos de las aves de guinea ( Numida meleagris ) bajo el clima de la sabana tropical de la India

The present study aimed to document the seasonal variations in the testicular morphology of the adult guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) under tropical savannah climate of India. The study was conducted in 24 adult healthy guinea cocks. The testes were ovoid in shape throughout the year. The consistency of the testes was moderately firm with great resilience and creamy white in colour during summer and monsoon-I whereas soft in consistency and dull white to yellowish tinge in colour during monsoon-II and winter seasons. The testicular weight, length, width, thickness, volume and circumference were higher during summer and monsoon I than the winter and monsoon II seasons. The mean body weight of the birds did not show significant difference among the seasons. The testicular weight, length, width, thickness, volume and circumference were higher during the summer and monsoon I than the winter and least during monsoon II in the current study. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) and paired testicular weight were high and showed no significant difference during the summer and monsoon-I whereas during winter and monsoon-II, the values were low and showed significant difference between them. The diameter of the seminiferous tubules and its lumen, the diameter of the sustentacular cells (Sertoli cells) were much higher during summer and Monsoon I than winter and monsoon II seasons. The percentage area of interstitial cells and the thickness of the testicular capsule appeared less during the summer and monsoon I seasons. The decreased size of seminiferous tubules, increased amount of cellular debris in the tubular lumen, degenerating germ cells and collapse of seminiferous tubules observed during monsoon II and winter in the present study.

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo documentar las variaciones estacionales en la morfología testicular de la gallina de Guinea (Numida meleagris) en el clima de la sabana tropical de la India. El estudio se realizó en 24 gallos adultos sanos de Guinea. Los testículos fueron ovoidedurante todo el año. La consistencia de los testículos fue moderadamente firme con gran elasticidad y color blanco cremoso durante el verano y durante el Monzón I, mientras que de consistencia blanda y color blanco pálido a amarillento durante el Monzón II y las temporadas de invierno. El peso testicular, la longitud, el ancho, el grosor, el volumen y la circunferencia fueron más altos durante el verano y el Monzón I en comparación con las temporadas de invierno y Monzón II. El peso corporal medio de las aves no mostró una diferencia significativa entre las estaciones. El peso testicular, la longitud, el ancho, el grosor, el volumen y la circunferencia fueron más altos durante el verano y el Monzón I en comparación con el invierno y menos durante el Monzón II. El índice gonadosomático (GSI) y el peso testicular apareado fue alto y no mostraron diferencias significativas durante el verano y el Monzón I, mientras que durante el invierno y el Monzón II, los valores fueron bajos y mostraron diferencias significativas entre ellos. El diámetro de los túbulos seminíferos y su luz, el diámetro de las células sustentaculares (células de Sertoli) fue mucho mayor durante el verano y el Monzón I que en las estaciones de invierno y el Monzón II. El área de porcentaje de células intersticiales y el grosor de la cápsula testicular aparecieron menos durante las temporadas de verano y Monzón I. Se identificaron en el presente estudio disminución del tamaño de los túbulos seminíferos, el aumento de la cantidad de restos celulares en la luz tubular, la degeneración de las células germinales y el colapso de los túbulos seminíferos observados durante el Monzón II y el invierno.

Morphology of the interstitial tissue of active and resting testis of the Guinea fowl / Morfología del tejido intersticial del testículo activo y en reposo de la gallina de Guinea

SUMMARY: The morphology of the interstitial tissue of sexually active and resting testis of the guinea fowl were studied. Six adult health birds of active and resting phases of reproductive cycle were used for this study. The interstitial tissue consisted of loose connective tissue, interstitial cells (Leydig cells), few connective cells, blood vessels and adrenergic nerve fibres in the present study in both active and resting testes. The interstitial tissue was compact in sexually active testis whereas, the volume of the tissue was found to be increased in resting testis. The loose connective tissue of the interstitial tissue composed of mainly of collagen fibres and few reticular fibres whereas elastic fibres were absent in both groups studied. The interstitial cells appeared in clusters of a few cells and were relatively less in the active testis than the resting testis. The interstitial cells were pale staining or polygonal cells with euchromatic nuclei with few large lipid droplets in the active testis whereas the cells were flat and highly heterochromatic with numerous small lipid droplets in resting testis. Few macrophages were found only in resting testis. Interstitial cells showed negative reaction to alkaline, acid phosphatases and PAS in both groups studied but positive for lipids. The interstitial tissue was well vascularised with centrally located blood vessels in the active testis whereas the blood vessels were small and inconspicuous in the resting testis. The lymphatic vessels were not identified in both groups studied.

RESUMEN: Se estudió la morfología del tejido conectivo intersticial en testículos sexualmente activos y en reposo de la gallina de Guinea (Numida meleagris). Se utilizaron seis gallinas de Guinea machos adultos sanos, en fase activa y de reposo del ciclo reproductivo. El tejido conectivo intersticial estaba formado por tejido conectivo laxo, células endocrinas intersticiales, pocas células conectivas, vasos sanguíneos y fibras nerviosas adrenérgicas, tanto en testículos activos como en reposo. El espacio intertubular en los testículos sexualmente activos era menor en comparación a los del testículos en reposo. El tejido conectivo laxo estaba compuesto principalmente de fibras colágenas y en menor cantidad de fibras reticulares. Las fibras elásticas estaban ausentes en ambos grupos. Las células endocrinas intersticiales se organizaban en racimos de pocas células y se observaban con menor frecuencia en los testículos sexualmente activos. Las células endocrinas intersticiales de los testículos activos presentaban forma poligonal, citoplasma levemente eosinofílico con algunas gotas lipídicas de gran tamaño en su interior y nucleos redondos con cromatina laxa. Las células intersticiales de los testículos en reposo eran planas y altamente heterocromáticas, con numerosas gotas lipídicas pequeñas en su citoplasma. Las células intersticiales mostraron una reacción negativa a las fosfatasas ácidas, alcalinas y PAS en ambos grupos, Sin embargo presentaron reacción positivas para los lípidos. El tejido conectivo intersticial estaba bien vascularizado con vasos sanguíneos situados centralmente en el testículo activo y vasos sanguíneos pequeños y discretos en el testículo en reposo. Los vasos linfáticos no fueron identificados en los dos grupos estudiados.Los macrófagos fueron observados solo en los testículos en reposo, aunque en escasa cantidad.

The effect of eggshell thickness on the hatchability of guinea fowl and pheasants

Successful incubation affects the number of healthy chicks in all poultry species. This study examined the effect of eggshell thickness on the hatching rates of guinea fowl and pheasant eggs. In total, 964 guinea fowl and 1,728 pheasant eggs were used in the study. Eggshell thickness was measured directly with an ultrasound gauge. Thicknesses ranged between 0.27-0.47 mm in guinea fowl and 0.24-0.49 mm in pheasant eggs. Incubation periods were 28 days for guinea fowl and 25 days for pheasant eggs. At the end of the incubation period, unhatched eggs were broken to identify the causes of embryonic mortality. Eggs were classified as thin-, medium- and thick-shelled, and hatching rates were calculated as a function of eggshell thickness. Differences in hatching rates of guinea fowl and pheasant eggs with different shell thicknesses were not statistically significant (p>0.05).(AU)

The effect of eggshell thickness on the hatchability of guinea fowl and pheasants

Successful incubation affects the number of healthy chicks in all poultry species. This study examined the effect of eggshell thickness on the hatching rates of guinea fowl and pheasant eggs. In total, 964 guinea fowl and 1,728 pheasant eggs were used in the study. Eggshell thickness was measured directly with an ultrasound gauge. Thicknesses ranged between 0.27-0.47 mm in guinea fowl and 0.24-0.49 mm in pheasant eggs. Incubation periods were 28 days for guinea fowl and 25 days for pheasant eggs. At the end of the incubation period, unhatched eggs were broken to identify the causes of embryonic mortality. Eggs were classified as thin-, medium- and thick-shelled, and hatching rates were calculated as a function of eggshell thickness. Differences in hatching rates of guinea fowl and pheasant eggs with different shell thicknesses were not statistically significant (p>0.05).

Effect of eggshell color on the egg characteristics and hatchability of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) eggs

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of eggshell color of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) eggs on eggshell quality and hatchery results. The highest mean grey value (MGV), integrated density (ID), lightness (L*) and Hue angle (H*) values were obtained in eggs with lighter eggshell color. The effects of color difference (DE*) value levels on egg characteristics were evaluated. Eggshell color presented different (p < 0.01) MGV, ID, L*, redness (a*), yellowness (b*), H* and Chroma (C*) values. Eggs with lighter color presented thicker eggshells and lower egg weight loss on day 25 of incubation (p < 0.05) compared with intermediate and darker eggs. Eggshell color did not have any significant effect on fertility and hatchability (p > 0.05). In conclusion, under the conditions of the present study, eggshell color influenced eggshell thickness and weight loss, but not hatching parameters of guinea fowl eggs. Further studies on this subject should be carried out.(AU)

Effect of eggshell color on the egg characteristics and hatchability of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) eggs

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of eggshell color of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) eggs on eggshell quality and hatchery results. The highest mean grey value (MGV), integrated density (ID), lightness (L*) and Hue angle (H*) values were obtained in eggs with lighter eggshell color. The effects of color difference (DE*) value levels on egg characteristics were evaluated. Eggshell color presented different (p 0.05). In conclusion, under the conditions of the present study, eggshell color influenced eggshell thickness and weight loss, but not hatching parameters of guinea fowl eggs. Further studies on this subject should be carried out.

Macrorhabdus ornithogaster in ostrich, rhea, canary, zebra finch, free range chicken, turkey, guinea-fowl, columbina pigeon, toucan, chuckar partridge and experimental infection in chicken, japanese quail and mice / Macrorhabdus ornithogaster em avestruzes, ema, canário, mandarim, galinha, peru, galinha da Angola, pombo doméstico, rolinha, tucano, perdiz de chuckar e infecção experimental em galinha, codorna e camundongo

Since 2000, Macrorhabdus ornithogaster "megabacteriosis" has been diagnosed in the avian diseases laboratory in a diversity of avian species and varied spectrum of disease. The disease in some species (chickens, turkeys, guinea fowls) was clinically characterized by emaciation, prostration, loss of appetite, cachexia and death, with a typically chronic course. A more acute disease was observed in finches (canary-Serinus and zebra-Taeniopygia) and budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). The large rod shaped organism, visible from 100 times magnification, with and without staining, could be detected in sick and also in reasonably normal individuals of some species, such as chickens, turkeys, quails and pigeons. In rheas (Rhea americana), ostriches (Struthio camelus), canaries, zebra-finches, guinea-fowl (Numida meleagris) and budgerigars. The disease was severe, causing to up to 100% mortality. The infection could be detected in some species along with other infectious or disease problems, such as endoparasites (helminths, coccidia) and ectoparasitism (order Mallophaga or/and order Acarina). The cultivation of M. ornithogaster was successfully achieved in solid and liquid media, originated from chickens (four isolates), guinea fowl (1 isolate), chuckar partridge (1 isolate) and canary (1 isolate). A very interesting finding at microscopy was motility of M. ornithogaster, as detected both in cultures obtained on agar for pathogenic fungi and passaged into thioglycolate broth, as well as on samples observed in wet preparations from in vivo. Differences in colony aspects were noted among the isolates. Experimental infections were attempted in chicken and japanese quail, using a chicken isolate, allowing the detection of the organism in the proventriculus and liver in apparently normal birds. One chicken isolate was injected intraperitoneally in Balb/c mice and resulted in 100% mortality.(AU)

Desde 2000, diversos casos de infecção e doença por Macrorhabdus ornithogaster (megabacteria) foram diagnosticados no Setor de Doenças das Aves (Escola de Veterinária da UFMG). A doença clínica foi caracterizada por emagrecimento, prostração, perda do apetite, caquexia e morte, em curso crônico, embora com forma mais aguda em canários e periquitos. O microrganismo grande, em forma de bastão, visível a partir de 100 aumentos sem e com coloração, pode também ser detectado em aves de aspecto clínico normal, principalmente galinhas, perus, codornas e pombos. Em emas (Rhea), avestruzes (Struthio camelus), canários, mandarins, galinhas da Angola (Numida meleagris) e periquitos Australianos (Melopsittacus undulatus), a severidade da doença foi sempre maior, ocasionando até 100% de mortalidade em alguns plantéis. Na maioria das espécies a doença foi detectada em aves com endo e/ou ectoparasitismo. O cultivo de M. ornithogaster foi obtido em meio sólido (ágar para fungos patogênicos) e subcultivado em meio líquido (thioglicolato), do proventriculo de galinha, galinha da Angola, perdiz de chuckar e canário. O resultado mais surpreendente na microscopia de M. ornithogaster foi a presença de motilidade, detectada tanto de cultivos in vitro quanto de preparações úmidas de in vivo. Diferenças nos aspectos das colônias foram notadas entre os isolados. Infecções experimentais em galinha (SPF) e codorna japonesa permitiram a detecção do organismo nos proventrículos das aves de aspecto normal. Nas codornas, à necropsia notaram-se hemorragias hepáticas. A infecção experimental em camundongos via intraperitoneal resultou em 100% de mortalidade, também com lesões hepáticas. Aspectos do cultivo, a importância da doença, as espécies de aves susceptíveis e seu papel na epidemiologia são discutidos.(AU)

Influência do dimorfismo sexual sobre a morfologia da siringe de galinha d'angola (Numida meleagris)

This study was aimed at making a morphologic and comparative description of the syrinx, the organ that is responsable for the song of the birds in the species Numida meleagris. For that, five males and five females of guinea fowl were used in order to verify the sintopy (trachea, tracheal muscles) and the sexual dimorphism of the syrinx. It was verified that the syrinx is located in the bifurcation of the trachea and it presents larger number of cartilages in the males. The tracheal muscles attaches or origins more caudally in males and both are larger in relation to the females. The existent differences between males and females of Numida meleagris show the high capacity of females in producing sounds how "to fraco" while males emit coo and cackles.

Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar uma descrição morfológica e comparativa da siringe, órgão responsável pelo canto das aves, na espécie Numida meleagris. Para isso foram utilizados cinco machos e cinco fêmeas de galinha d'angola, a fim de verificar a sintopia (traquéia, músculos traqueais) e o dimorfismo sexual da siringe. Verificou-se que a siringe se localiza na bifurcação da traquéia e apresenta maior número de cartilagens nos machos. Nos machos, a inserção do músculo traqueal lateral bem como a origem do músculo esterno traqueal localizam-se mais caudalmente e são mais largos em relação às fêmeas. As diferenças existentes entre machos e fêmeas de galinha d'angola revelam a elevada capacidade das fêmeas em produzir sons semelhantes a "tô fraco" enquanto que os machos emitem arrulhos e cacarejos.

Influência do dimorfismo sexual sobre a morfologia da siringe de galinha d'angola (Numida meleagris)

This study was aimed at making a morphologic and comparative description of the syrinx, the organ that is responsable for the song of the birds in the species Numida meleagris. For that, five males and five females of guinea fowl were used in order to verify the sintopy (trachea, tracheal muscles) and the sexual dimorphism of the syrinx. It was verified that the syrinx is located in the bifurcation of the trachea and it presents larger number of cartilages in the males. The tracheal muscles attaches or origins more caudally in males and both are larger in relation to the females. The existent differences between males and females of Numida meleagris show the high capacity of females in producing sounds how "to fraco" while males emit coo and cackles.

Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar uma descrição morfológica e comparativa da siringe, órgão responsável pelo canto das aves, na espécie Numida meleagris. Para isso foram utilizados cinco machos e cinco fêmeas de galinha d'angola, a fim de verificar a sintopia (traquéia, músculos traqueais) e o dimorfismo sexual da siringe. Verificou-se que a siringe se localiza na bifurcação da traquéia e apresenta maior número de cartilagens nos machos. Nos machos, a inserção do músculo traqueal lateral bem como a origem do músculo esterno traqueal localizam-se mais caudalmente e são mais largos em relação às fêmeas. As diferenças existentes entre machos e fêmeas de galinha d'angola revelam a elevada capacidade das fêmeas em produzir sons semelhantes a "tô fraco" enquanto que os machos emitem arrulhos e cacarejos.