Agronomic performance and technological quality of sugarcane submitted to different poultry litter dosages.

Sugarcane is a central crop for sugar and ethanol production. Investing in sustainable practices can enhance productivity, technological quality, mitigate impacts, and contribute to a cleaner energy future. Among the factors that help increase the productivity of sugarcane, the physical, chemical and biological parameters of the soil are amongst the most important. The use of poultry litter has been an important alternative for soil improvement, as it acts as a soil conditioner. Therefore, this work aimed to verify the best doses of poultry litter for the vegetative, reproductive and technological components of sugarcane. The experiment was carried out at Usina Denusa Destilaria Nova União S/A in the municipality of Jandaia, GO. The experimental design used was a complete randomized block design with four replications: 5 × 4, totaling 20 experimental units. The evaluated factor consisted of four doses of poultry litter plus the control (0 (control), 2, 4, 6 and 8 t ha-1). In this study, were evaluated the number of tillers, lower stem diameter, average stem diameter, upper stem diameter, plant height, stem weight and productivity. The technological variables of total recoverable sugar, recoverable sugar, Brix, fiber, purity and percentage of oligosaccharides were also evaluated. It was observed, within the conditions of this experiment, that the insertion of poultry litter did not interfere significantly in most biometric, productive and technological variables of the sugarcane. But it can also be inferred that there was a statistical trend toward better results when the sugarcane was cultivated with 4 t ha-1 of poultry litter.

Mobile Robot + IoT: Project of Sustainable Technology for Sanitizing Broiler Poultry Litter.

The traditional aviary decontamination process involves farmers applying pesticides to the aviary's ground. These agricultural defenses are easily dispersed in the air, making the farmers susceptible to chronic diseases related to recurrent exposure. Industry 5.0 raises new pillars of research and innovation in transitioning to more sustainable, human-centric, and resilient companies. Based on these concepts, this paper presents a new aviary decontamination process that uses IoT and a robotic platform coupled with ozonizer (O3) and ultraviolet light (UVL). These clean technologies can successfully decontaminate poultry farms against pathogenic microorganisms, insects, and mites. Also, they can degrade toxic compounds used to control living organisms. This new decontamination process uses physicochemical information from the poultry litter through sensors installed in the environment, which allows accurate and safe disinfection. Different experimental tests were conducted to construct the system. First, tests related to measuring soil moisture, temperature, and pH were carried out, establishing the range of use and the confidence interval of the measurements. The robot's navigation uses a back-and-forth motion that parallels the aviary's longest side because it reduces the number of turns, reducing energy consumption. This task becomes more accessible because of the aviaries' standardized geometry. Furthermore, the prototype was tested in a real aviary to confirm the innovation, safety, and effectiveness of the proposal. Tests have shown that the UV + ozone combination is sufficient to disinfect this environment.

Evaluating antibiotic occurrence, degradation, and environmental risks in poultry litter within Argentina's agricultural hub.

This study explores the relationship between poultry farming's antibiotic administration practices and residual antibiotic levels in the litter before its application onto agricultural soils. Twenty-three antibiotics were performed across 19 Argentinean farms representing diverse antibiotic management practices. Analysis revealed up to 20 antibiotics from eight chemical classes in poultry litter samples, with tylosin, enrofloxacin, and salinomycin being the most relevant drugs. Farms with restricted antibiotic use in feed exhibited lower residual concentrations. A self-heating treatment was tested to reduce litter antibiotic levels. Although a 60 % reduction of antibiotics was found after treatment, prevalent compounds persisted at residual levels. Regulatory measures and comprehensive litter treatments pre-application are crucial to mitigate environmental risks. This is the first study that provides insight on the occurrence of >20 drugs in real poultry production scenarios from Latin America and demonstrates how relatively simple treatments can be readily applied to decrease the associated environmental risks.

An outbreak of type C botulism in free-ranging Southern lapwing (Vanellus chilensis).

In the fall of 2021, a significant mortality event in free-ranging Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) occurred on a soccer field in southern Brazil. Approximately 130 adult southern lapwings died after showing weakness and flaccid paralysis, characterized by the inability to move or fly and drooped wings. Due to the large number of animals affected, there was concern that they had been criminally poisoned. The affected birds were found to have ingested maggots in fresh poultry litter incorporated into the grass surface. Postmortem examinations of four southern lapwings revealed no significant gross and histological findings. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for influenza A virus, flavivirus, and paramyxovirus was negative. Based on the epidemiological and clinical findings and the negative viral results, a presumptive diagnosis of botulism was made. This diagnosis was confirmed through mouse bioassay and seroneutralization, which detected botulinum toxin type C. Maggots loaded with botulinum neurotoxins were the probable vehicle for intoxication in the outbreak. Considering the impact of avian botulism on wild bird populations, our results may help prevent similar outbreaks in the future.

Effects of Hops Treatment on Nitrogen Retention, Volatile Fatty Acid Accumulations, and Select Microbial Populations of Composting Poultry Litter Intended for Use as a Ruminant Feedstuff.

Poultry litter is a valuable crude protein feedstuff for ruminants, but it must be treated to kill pathogens before feeding. Composting effectively kills pathogens, but it risks losing ammonia to volatilization or leaching during degradation of uric acid and urea. Hops bitter acids also exert antimicrobial activity against certain pathogenic and nitrogen-degrading microbes. Consequently, the present studies were conducted to test if adding bitter acid-rich hop preparations to simulated poultry litter composts may improve nitrogen retention while simultaneously improving pathogen killing. Results from an initial study, testing doses of Chinook or Galena hops preparations designed to each deliver 79 ppm hops ß-acid, revealed that, after nine days simulated composting of wood chip litter, ammonia concentrations were 14% lower (p < 0.05) in Chinook-treated composts than untreated composts (13.4 ± 1.06 µmol/g). Conversely, urea concentrations were 55% lower (p < 0.05) in Galena-treated than untreated composts (6.2 ± 1.72 µmol/g). Uric acid accumulations were unaffected by hops treatments in this study but were higher (p < 0.05) after three days than after zero, six, or nine days of composting. In follow-up studies, Chinook or Galena hops treatments (delivering 2042 or 6126 ppm of ß-acid, respectively) for simulated composts (14 days) of wood chip litter alone or mixed 3:1 with ground Bluestem hay (Andropogon gerardii) revealed that these higher dosages had little effect on ammonia, urea, or uric acid accumulations when compared to untreated composts. Volatile fatty acid accumulations measured in these later studies were affected by the hops treatments, with butyrate accumulations being lower after 14 days in hops-treated composts than in untreated compost. In all studies, beneficial effects of Galena or Chinook hops treatments were not observed on the antimicrobial activity of the simulated composts, with composting by itself decreasing (p < 0.05) counts of select microbial populations by more than 2.5 log10 colony forming units/g compost dry matter. Thus, while hops treatments had little effect on pathogen control or nitrogen retention within the composted litter, they did lessen accumulations of butyrate, which may prevent adverse effects of this fatty acid on palatability of litter fed to ruminants.

Performance, physical egg quality, and economic index of laying hens under different rearing systems / Desempenho, qualidade do ovo e índice econômico de poedeiras em diferentes sistemas de criação

The objective was to evaluate the performance, physical egg quality (weight and gravity), and economic index of laying hens reared in cage and cage-free systems. A total of 312 40-week-old Hy-line brown laying hens were distributed in a fully randomized design, split into two treatments (cage-free and cage) with 12 replicates in each system. We housed 144 birds in galvanized-wire cages (12 birds each) and 168 birds in a cage-free system in boxes with wood shaving bedding (14 birds each). The experiment lasted 112 days and divided into four 28-day periods. Regarding performance, feed intake (g) and feed conversion (g/g) of birds reared in the cage-free system were higher (p<0.0001) than the cage system, but no differences were observed (p>0.05) for the other performance parameters and also for egg quality. As for economic index, egg production in the cage-free system was higher (p<0.0001) than the cage system. In conclusion, birds reared in the cage-free system have higher feed consumption but worse feed conversion, increasing egg production cost compared to caged birds; however, there are no changes in egg production and physical quality.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho, qualidade de ovos e índice econômico de poedeiras semipesadas criadas em sistemas cage-free e em gaiolas. Foram utilizadas 312 poedeiras da linhagem Hy Line Brown, com 40 semanas de idade, distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente casualisado (DIC), em dois tratamentos (cage-free e gaiolas) com 12 repetições em cada sistema, sendo 144 aves alojadas em gaiolas de arame galvanizado com 12 aves em cada gaiola e 168 aves alojadas em sistema cage-free, em boxes sobre cama de maravalha com 14 aves em cada repetição. O experimento teve duração de 112 dias, divididos em quatro períodos de 28 dias. Nos parâmetros de desempenho, o consumo de ração (g/aves/dia) e a conversão alimentar (g/g) foi maior (P<0,0001) nas aves criadas no sistema cage-free comparado ao sistema de gaiolas, não sendo observado diferença (P>0,05) nos demais parâmetros de desempenho e também na qualidade de ovos. No índice econômico, a produção de ovos em sistema cage-free apresentou maior valor (P<0,0001) em relação ao sistema de gaiola. Conclui-se que as aves criadas em sistema cage-free apresentam maior consumo de ração, pior conversão alimentar ocasionando um maior custo nos ovos em relação às aves criadas em gaiolas, no entanto não há alteração na produção e qualidade dos ovos.(AU)

Effect of Ammonia Gas in Poultry Litter Contaminated with Salmonella Heidelberg

Salmonella Heidelberg is an emerging pathogen in Brazilian poultry production. The traditional methods (quicklime, windrowing and tarpaulin-on-surface) used for disinfecting reused poultry litter between flocks does not guarantee its elimination, thus allowing the transmission of this agent from one flock to another. The new tarpaulinon-surface method with controlled injection of ammonia gas has proven to be effective in its control, however, it is still unknown what dose of ammonia gas is needed to eliminate Salmonella Heidelberg in reused poultry litter. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ammonia gas at different concentrations in sterile poultry litter artificially contaminated with Salmonella Heidelberg. Then, ammonia gas was injected in concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%, and 48 hours later, a sample was collected from each repetition in an entirely randomized design, and bacterial isolation was performed. All treatments, including positive and negative controls, were tested in quadruplicate and the parameters temperature, humidity, pH and water activity were evaluated. In the 0.5% and 1% treated samples the pathogen was not isolated, while in the 0.25% concentration one of the four samples tested was positive. The study reveals that ammonia gas is efficient in killing Salmonella Heidelberg in poultry litter at concentrations of 0.5 % or more within a 48-hour period and that the litter treated with ammonia gas increases its pH and water activity.(AU)

Irrigation Ponds as Sources of Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria in Agricultural Areas with Intensive Use of Poultry Litter.

Poultry litter is widely used worldwide as an organic fertilizer in agriculture. However, poultry litter may contain high concentrations of antibiotics and/or antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB), which can be mobilized through soil erosion to water bodies, contributing to the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment. To better comprehend this kind of mobilization, the bacterial communities of four ponds used for irrigation in agricultural and poultry production areas were determined in two periods of the year: at the beginning (low volume of rainfall) and at the end of the rainy season (high volume of rainfall). 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed not only significantly different bacterial community structures and compositions among the four ponds but also between the samplings. When the DNA obtained from the water samples was PCR amplified using primers for ARGs, those encoding integrases (intI1) and resistance to sulfonamides (sul1 and sul2) and ß-lactams (blaGES, blaTEM and blaSHV) were detected in three ponds. Moreover, bacterial strains were isolated from CHROMagar plates supplemented with sulfamethoxazole, ceftriaxone or ciprofloxacin and identified as belonging to clinically important Enterobacteriaceae. The results presented here indicate a potential risk of spreading ARB through water resources in agricultural areas with extensive fertilization with poultry litter.

Effect of Select Tannin Sources on Pathogen Control and Microbial Nitrogen Metabolism in Composted Poultry Litter Intended for Use as a Ruminant Crude Protein Feedstuff.

Poultry litter is a good crude protein supplement for ruminants but must be treated to kill pathogens before feeding. Composting effectively kills pathogens but risks loss of ammonia due to uric acid degradation. The objectives of this study were to test the ability of tannins to reduce pathogens and preserve uric acid during poultry litter composting. In two experiments, poultry litter was mixed with phosphate buffer and distributed to 50-ml tubes (three tubes/treatment per sample day) amended with 1 ml buffer alone or buffer containing pine bark, quebracho, chestnut, or mimosa tannins. Treatments achieved 0.63% (wt/wt) quebracho, chestnut, or mimosa tannins in experiment 1, or 4.5% pine bark or 9% quebracho, chestnut, or mimosa tannins in experiment 2. Tubes were inoculated with a novobiocin- and nalidixic acid-resistant Salmonella typhimurium, closed with caps, and incubated at successive 3-day increments at 22, 37, and 42°C, respectively. In experiment 1, bacterial counts in contents collected on days 0, 6, and 9 revealed a treatment by day effect (p < 0.03), with the Salmonella challenge being 1.3 log10 CFU/g higher in quebracho-treated composts than in untreated controls after 6 days of composting. After 9 days of composting, Salmonella, wildtype Escherichia coli, and total aerobes in untreated and all tannin-treated composts were decreased by about 2.0 log10 CFU/g compared to day 0 numbers (3.06, 3.75, and 7.77 log10 CFU/g, respectively). Urea and ammonia concentrations tended (p < 0.10) to be increased in chestnut-treated composts compared to controls and concentrations of uric acid, urea, and ammonia were higher (p < 0.05) after 9 days of composting than on day 0. Despite higher tannin application in experiment 2, antibacterial effects of treatment or day of composting were not observed (p > 0.05). However, treatment by time of composting interactions was observed (p < 0.05), with quebracho- and chestnut-treated composts accumulating more uric acid after 24 h and 9 days of composting and chestnut-, mimosa- or quebracho-treated composts accumulating less ammonia than untreated composts. Results demonstrate that composting may effectively control pathogens and that tannin treatment can help preserve the crude protein quality of composting poultry litter.

Monitoring of ammonia concentrations from coir-husk litter of Brazilian poultry house using diode laser photoacoustic spectroscopy.

Ammonia (NH[Formula: see text]) from manure is a concern in raising broiler due to possible damages to production and the environment. Brazil is the main exporter of chicken meat in the world and is also responsible for large waste of poultry litter. The country, likewise, figures as top 5 producers of green coconut, which results in considerable volumes of waste, since 80%-85% of the fruit is unusable. This work analyzes the ammonia concentration profile of two bedding substrates for raising broiler, to know, coir-husk fiber and a commonly used pine wood shavings in a Brazilian climate. A differential home-made photoacoustic cell combined with a diode laser was employed for sensing ammonia at trace levels. Such combination confers selectivity as well as lower limits of detection to the system. The chemical compositions pH, N, C, Ca, Mg, P[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] and K[Formula: see text]O were also determined, in addition to the moisture, dry matter and mineral content of substrates and litters. NH[Formula: see text] concentrations varied from (0.9 ± 0.3) ppmv to (19 ± 3) ppmv and from (2.1 ± 0.5) ppmv to (21 ± 3) ppmv for the coir-husk fiber and wood shavings substrates, respectively. Results showed the feasibility of using coconut fiber as poultry litter in regions where this material is a common waste. Moreover, as NH[Formula: see text] concentrations were lower for coconut fiber bedding compared to shavings, this coir-husk fiber is a potential residue to guarantee the environmental sustainability by Brazilian poultry farming. Coir-husk fibers presented significantly higher amounts of P and K in comparison to pine wood. NH[Formula: see text] profiles revealed that coir-husk fiber emitted lower quantities than wood shavings. Besides, a delay on the NH[Formula: see text] emission pattern was clearly seen when the coconut waste was the bedding material. Such a tendency was confirmed by the logistic model. Our findings, in turn, make the coir-husk an environmentally friendly alternative low-cost product for poultry litter as well as its potential use as natural fertilizer. The later deserves attention since there is a need to accurately assess the emissions of methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide during the composting process. In Brazil, the waste generated by the high production of green coconut is an environmental liability. The cost of poultry production has been high, reducing the profit of producers, who seek to make production cheaper. Measuring NH[Formula: see text] from poultry activity in Brazil, a tropical country, aims to control management and reduce production losses, since NH[Formula: see text] is a harmful gas to birds. The measurement of NH[Formula: see text] concentrations at trace levels from raising broilers by photoacoustic diode laser spectroscopy, to the best of our knowledge, has been reported for the very first time.

Tylosin in anaerobic reactors: degradation kinetics, effects on methane production and on the microbial community.

Tylosin eliminated in animal waste, during therapeutic treatment, can be efficiently removed in anaerobic systems. The present study investigated the influence of tylosin concentration and assessed its degradation kinetics and the microorganisms involved in each stage of its anaerobic digestion (hydrolysis/acidogenesis; acetogenesis; methanogenesis). The results showed a stimulating effect on methane production with increasing tylosin concentration in the poultry litter up to 80 mg kg-1 tylosin (232.9 NL CH4 kg SV-1). As for tylosin degradation, greater removal of antibiotics was observed in the methanogenic phase (88%), followed by acetogenic (84%) and hydrolytic/acidogenic (76%) phases. The higher rate of tylosin degradation obtained in the methanogenic step, is mainly related to the co-metabolic effect exerted by the presence of acetate and its degradation by acetoclastic methanogens. Indeed, metagenomic analyses suggested a syntrophic action between archaea of ​​the genus Methanobacterium, and bacteria such as Clostridium and Flexilinea, which seemed decisive for tylosin degradation.

Cadmium and lead transfer factors to kale plants (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) grown in mountain agroecosystem and its risk to human health.

The aim of the present study is to assess soil Cd and Pb contamination in kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) production sites in mountain agroecosystem, as well as its potential risk to human health. The study was carried out within 24 kale-production sites located in mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Soil, plant, and fertilizer samples were collected in all assessed properties. Pseudo-total and bioavailable soil Cd and Pb content and their concentration and amount accumulated in plants were analyzed. The recorded results were used to calculate the pollution index. Risks to human health associated with kale consumption were assessed by comparing the limits set by the Brazilian regulating agency and by calculating estimated daily intake (EDI), noncarcinogenic target hazard quotient (THQ), and carcinogenic risk factor (CRF). Soil Cd and Pb enrichment was observed. Inappropriate management adopted in the assessed sites and terrain slope and the intensive use of mineral (phosphate and potassium) and organic (poultry litter) fertilizers were the main factors contributing to increase soil Cd and Pb pseudo-total and bioavailability contents. Most Cd and Pb contents in leaves, in natura, exceed the maximum values set by the Brazilian regulating agency. The present EDI, THQ, and CRF results recorded for these metals were within the tolerable ranges.

Prevalence of Escherichia coli strains in horticultural farms from Argentina: antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and phylogenetic affiliation.

Escherichia coli is the bacteria most commonly used as an indicator of fecal contamination in agricultural environments. Moreover, E. coli is categorized as a priority pathogen due to its widespread antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to characterize E. coli strains isolated from 10 horticultural farms. Isolates were obtained from samples of vegetable crops (n = 62), the surrounding soil (n = 62), poultry litter (n = 8), and groundwater (n = 6). Phyllo-grouping assignment was performed on the total of E. coli isolates. Antibiograms and quantification of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) were performed with antibiotics commonly used in humans. Biofilm formation capacity was studied by quantifying cells attached to culture tubes. Overall, 21 E. coli isolates were obtained. Three phylogenetic groups (A, B1, and C) and two Escherichia clade IV and IV-V were identified in the collection by polymerase chain reaction. Sixty-seven percent of the E. coli isolates were resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and/or ampicillin. Amoxicillin MIC values ranged from 11.9 to >190.5 µg/mL and ampicillin MIC values ranged from 3 to >190.5 µg/mL. All the E. coli isolates, resistant and non-resistant, had biofilm forming capacity. The presence of phenotypic resistance on fresh produce and environmental matrices could present significant opportunities for contamination that result in health risks for consumers. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first environmental assessment of resistant E. coli occurrence in horticultural farms in South America.

Ammonia levels during broiler rearing cycle

The evaluated ammonia volatilization rates and its association with humidity, temperature, and pH in broiler litter in conventional and dark house rearing systems. Evaluations were performed at 0.01, 1.00, and 1.50 m high, using a completely randomized design, at a weekly frequency for 12 weeks­from the sanitary void to the end of the 42-day cycle. Litter temperature had no significant difference for different types of house. Humidity and pH levels varied according to houses and evaluation periods. No ammonia volatilization was detected during initial periods. However, up from the 21st day of rearing, rates started to increase, showing higher concentrations at 0.01 m height. At 1.00 and 1.50 m, values around 20 mL·m­3, were obtained and considered an acceptable exposure level for the broilers and employees directly working in this sector. Yet, broiler breeders should target lower levels due to environmental impacts.

Ammonia gas for bacterial control in poultry litter

ABSTRACT: The current techniques used in the disinfection of reused poultry litter, such as lime addition, windrowing and plastic cover on the surface, do not guarantee the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms, causing damage to the environment and animal health. Gram negative bacteria, i.e., Salmonella and Escherichia coli, can be transmitted from one batch to another through reused litter, causing health damage to broilers and humans that consume food contaminated by these agents. Our study assessed the effectiveness of the methods plastic cover on the surface (PCS) and plastic cover on the surface with ammonia gas injection (PCSAI) in the control of Gram negative bacteria. The results obtained, both in laboratory conditions (Experiment 1) and in the field (Experiment 2), demonstrate that the method PCSAI with 0.22% ammonia gas had a significant reduction (P 0.05) of Gram negative bacteria in the period of 48 hours This new methodology for disinfecting poultry litter will allow its reuse in a practical and safe way, improving the preservation of the environment, of the health of broilers and consumers of poultry products.

RESUMO: O reaproveitamento de camas aviárias na criação de frangos de corte é uma prática muito utilizada no Brasil. Essa prática reduz custos de produção e contribui na conservação do meio ambiente. As técnicas atuais utilizadas na desinfecção de camas aviárias reaproveitadas, como adição de cal, enleiramento e lona na superfície, não garantem a eliminação de microrganismos patogênicos porque não geram quantidade suficiente de amônia. O gás amônia, em concentrações elevadas, tem efeito biocida. Bactérias Gram negativas, como as Salmonelas e Escherichia coli, podem ser transmitidas de um lote para outro através do reaproveitamento da cama, ocasionando prejuízos para a saúde das aves e dos humanos que consomem alimentos contaminados por estes agentes. Este trabalho avaliou a eficácia do método lona na superfície com injeção de gás amônia no controle de microrganismos Gram negativos. Os resultados obtidos demostraram que esse método controlou os microrganismos Gram negativos num período de 48 horas em camas de frangos de corte reaproveitadas. Assim, essa nova metodologia de desinfecção de camas de aviário permitirá sua reutilização de forma prática e segura, melhorando a saúde das aves e dos consumidores dos produtos avícolas.

Ammonia gas for bacterial control in poultry litter / Gás amônia para controle bacteriano em cama aviária

The current techniques used in the disinfection of reused poultry litter, such as lime addition, windrowing and plastic cover on the surface, do not guarantee the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms, causing damage to the environment and animal health. Gram negative bacteria, i.e., Salmonella and Escherichia coli, can be transmitted from one batch to another through reused litter, causing health damage to broilers and humans that consume food contaminated by these agents. Our study assessed the effectiveness of the methods plastic cover on the surface (PCS) and plastic cover on the surface with ammonia gas injection (PCSAI) in the control of Gram negative bacteria. The results obtained, both in laboratory conditions (Experiment 1) and in the field (Experiment 2), demonstrate that the method PCSAI with 0.22% ammonia gas had a significant reduction (P<0.05) of Gram negative bacteria in the period of 48 hours This new methodology for disinfecting poultry litter will allow its reuse in a practical and safe way, improving the preservation of the environment, of the health of broilers and consumers of poultry products.

O reaproveitamento de camas aviárias na criação de frangos de corte é uma prática muito utilizada no Brasil. Essa prática reduz custos de produção e contribui na conservação do meio ambiente. As técnicas atuais utilizadas na desinfecção de camas aviárias reaproveitadas, como adição de cal, enleiramento e lona na superfície, não garantem a eliminação de microrganismos patogênicos porque não geram quantidade suficiente de amônia. O gás amônia, em concentrações elevadas, tem efeito biocida. Bactérias Gram negativas, como as Salmonelas e Escherichia coli, podem ser transmitidas de um lote para outro através do reaproveitamento da cama, ocasionando prejuízos para a saúde das aves e dos humanos que consomem alimentos contaminados por estes agentes. Este trabalho avaliou a eficácia do método lona na superfície com injeção de gás amônia no controle de microrganismos Gram negativos. Os resultados obtidos demostraram que esse método controlou os microrganismos Gram negativos num período de 48 horas em camas de frangos de corte reaproveitadas. Assim, essa nova metodologia de desinfecção de camas de aviário permitirá sua reutilização de forma prática e segura, melhorando a saúde das aves e dos consumidores dos produtos avícolas.

Detection of Antimicrobial Residues in Poultry Litter: Monitoring a Risk through a Selective and Sensitive HPLC-MS/MS Method.

Tetracyclines, sulphonamides, and quinolones are families of antimicrobials (AMs) widely used in the poultry industry and can excrete up to 90% of AMs administrated, which accumulate in poultry litter. Worryingly, poultry litter is widely used as an agriculture fertilizer, contributing to the spread AMs residues in the environment. The aim of this research was to develop a method that could simultaneously identify and quantify three AMs families in poultry litter by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Samples of AMs free poultry litter were used to validate the method according to 657/2002/EC and VICH GL49. Results indicate that limit of detection (LOD) ranged from 8.95 to 20.86 µg kg-1, while limits of quantitation (LOQ) values were between 26.85 and 62.58 µg kg-1 of tetracycline, 4-epi-tetracycline, oxytetracycline, 4-epi-oxytetracycline, enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, flumequine, sulfachloropyridazine, and sulfadiazine. Recoveries obtained ranged from 93 to 108%. The analysis of field samples obtained from seven commercial poultry flocks confirmed the adequacy of the method since it detected means concentrations ranging from 20 to 10,364 µg kg-1. This provides us an accurate and reliable tool to monitor AMs residues in poultry litter and control its use as agricultural fertilizer.

Evaluation of Antibiotic Dissemination into the Environment and Untreated Animals, by Analysis of Oxytetracycline in Poultry Droppings and Litter.

Oxytetracycline (OTC) is widely used in broiler chickens. During and after treatment a fraction of OTC is excreted in its original form and as its epimer, 4-epi-OTC in droppings. To address the transfer of OTC into the environment, we evaluated the dissemination of OTC and 4-epi-OTC from treated birds to the environment and sentinels, through the simultaneous analysis of broiler droppings and litter. Male broiler chickens were bred in controlled conditions. One group was treated by orogastric tube with 80 mg kg-1 of OTC and two groups received no treatment (sentinels). OTC+4-epi-OTC were analyzed and detected by a HPLC-MS/MS post the end of treatment. The highest concentrations of OTC+4-epi-OTC were detected in the droppings of treated birds 14-days following the end of treatment (2244.66 µg kg-1), and one day following the end of treatment in the litter (22,741.68 µg kg-1). Traces of OTC+4-epi-OTC were detected in the sentinels' droppings and litter (<12.2 µg kg-1). OTC+4-epi-OTC can be transferred from treated birds to the environment and to other untreated birds. The presence and persistence of OTC+4-epi-OTC in litter could contribute to the selection of resistant bacteria in the environment, increasing the potential hazard to public and animal health.

Development of Moringa Oleifera LAM. seedlings in different substrates / Desenvolvimento de mudas de Moringa Oleifera LAM. em diferentes substratos

Moringa oleifera Lam., known as moringa, is an arboreal plant belonging to the Moringacea e family, native to India, and has a high capacity to adapt to climatic conditions and arid soils. In this study we evaluated the initial development of seedlings of M. oleifera Lam. under different substrates conditions. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, consisting of eight treatments resulting from combinations of the base substrate (85% soil, 3% carbonized rice straw and 12% coconut fiber). At 60 days after sowing, plant height, stem diameter, dry mass of the aerial part and root system, total dry mass were evaluated, in addition to the Dickson quality index (IQD). The best seedling growth occurred using the combination of 20% poultry litter and 10% bovine manure. Seedlings produced with substrates formulated with 20% poultry litter and 10% bovine manure showed gains in the evaluated variables, which could be a viable alternative for the production of moringa seedlings.

A Moringa oleífera Lam. Conhecida popularmente como moringa,é uma planta arbórea pertencente à família Moringaceae, nativa da Índia que apresenta elevada capacidade de adaptação a condições climáticas e a solos áridos. Objetivou-se com este estudo, avaliar o desenvolvimento inicial de mudas de M. oleífera Lama partir do uso de diferentes substratos. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, composto por oito tratamentos, resultado das combinações do substrato base (85% de solo, 3% de palha de arroz carbonizada e 12%de fibra de coco). Aos 60 dias após a semeadura, avaliou-se altura da planta, diâmetro do colo, massa seca da parte aérea e do sistema radicular, massa seca total, além do índice de qualidade de Dickson (IQD).Foram encontradas as melhores variáveis, para crescimento das mudas, na combinação de 20% de cama de aviárioe10% de esterco bovino. As mudas produzidas com substratos formulados com cama de aviário20% e esterco bovino 10% apresentaram ganhos nas variáveis avaliadas, podendo ser uma alternativa viável para a produção de mudas de moringa.

Development of Moringa Oleifera LAM. seedlings in different substrates / Desenvolvimento de mudas de Moringa Oleifera LAM. em diferentes substratos

Moringa oleifera Lam., known as moringa, is an arboreal plant belonging to the Moringacea e family, native to India, and has a high capacity to adapt to climatic conditions and arid soils. In this study we evaluated the initial development of seedlings of M. oleifera Lam. under different substrates conditions. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, consisting of eight treatments resulting from combinations of the base substrate (85% soil, 3% carbonized rice straw and 12% coconut fiber). At 60 days after sowing, plant height, stem diameter, dry mass of the aerial part and root system, total dry mass were evaluated, in addition to the Dickson quality index (IQD). The best seedling growth occurred using the combination of 20% poultry litter and 10% bovine manure. Seedlings produced with substrates formulated with 20% poultry litter and 10% bovine manure showed gains in the evaluated variables, which could be a viable alternative for the production of moringa seedlings.(AU)

A Moringa oleífera Lam. Conhecida popularmente como moringa,é uma planta arbórea pertencente à família Moringaceae, nativa da Índia que apresenta elevada capacidade de adaptação a condições climáticas e a solos áridos. Objetivou-se com este estudo, avaliar o desenvolvimento inicial de mudas de M. oleífera Lama partir do uso de diferentes substratos. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, composto por oito tratamentos, resultado das combinações do substrato base (85% de solo, 3% de palha de arroz carbonizada e 12%de fibra de coco). Aos 60 dias após a semeadura, avaliou-se altura da planta, diâmetro do colo, massa seca da parte aérea e do sistema radicular, massa seca total, além do índice de qualidade de Dickson (IQD).Foram encontradas as melhores variáveis, para crescimento das mudas, na combinação de 20% de cama de aviárioe10% de esterco bovino. As mudas produzidas com substratos formulados com cama de aviário20% e esterco bovino 10% apresentaram ganhos nas variáveis avaliadas, podendo ser uma alternativa viável para a produção de mudas de moringa.(AU)