Genomic regions, candidate genes, and pleiotropic variants associated with physiological and anatomical indicators of heat stress response in lactating sows.

BACKGROUND: Heat stress (HS) poses significant threats to the sustainability of livestock production. Genetically improving heat tolerance could enhance animal welfare and minimize production losses during HS events. Measuring phenotypic indicators of HS response and understanding their genetic background are crucial steps to optimize breeding schemes for improved climatic resilience. The identification of genomic regions and candidate genes influencing the traits of interest, including variants with pleiotropic effects, enables the refinement of genotyping panels used to perform genomic prediction of breeding values and contributes to unraveling the biological mechanisms influencing heat stress response. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to identify genomic regions, candidate genes, and potential pleiotropic variants significantly associated with indicators of HS response in lactating sows using imputed whole-genome sequence (WGS) data. Phenotypic records for 18 traits and genomic information from 1,645 lactating sows were available for the study. The genotypes from the PorcineSNP50K panel containing 50,703 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were imputed to WGS and after quality control, 1,622 animals and 7,065,922 SNPs were included in the analyses. RESULTS: A total of 1,388 unique SNPs located on sixteen chromosomes were found to be associated with 11 traits. Twenty gene ontology terms and 11 biological pathways were shown to be associated with variability in ear skin temperature, shoulder skin temperature, rump skin temperature, tail skin temperature, respiration rate, panting score, vaginal temperature automatically measured every 10 min, vaginal temperature measured at 0800 h, hair density score, body condition score, and ear area. Seven, five, six, two, seven, 15, and 14 genes with potential pleiotropic effects were identified for indicators of skin temperature, vaginal temperature, animal temperature, respiration rate, thermoregulatory traits, anatomical traits, and all traits, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Physiological and anatomical indicators of HS response in lactating sows are heritable but highly polygenic. The candidate genes found are associated with important gene ontology terms and biological pathways related to heat shock protein activities, immune response, and cellular oxidative stress. Many of the candidate genes with pleiotropic effects are involved in catalytic activities to reduce cell damage from oxidative stress and cellular mechanisms related to immune response.

Effects of dietary electrolyte balance on performance, energy balance, and expression of genes related to acid-basic balance, absorption, and transport of nutrients in broilers.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) levels on performance characteristics (feed intake, FI; body weight gain, BWG; and feed efficiency, FE), energy balance (retained energy, RE; metabolizable energy ingested, MEI; heat production, HP; and energy retention efficiency, ERE), and the expression of genes related to acid-base balance, nutrient absorption, and transport in broilers from 1 to 21 days of age. A total of 245 male Cobb chickens were used in a completely randomized design with five DEB levels (110, 175, 240, 305, and 370 mEq/kg) and seven replicates of seven birds each. The inclusion of DEB levels influenced FE; 110 mEq/kg provided the better values for this characteristic both in the pre-initial phase and in the initial phase but was different only concerning 175 mEq/kg (1-7 days) and 240 mEq/kg (1-21 days). Birds that ingested diets with a level of 240 mEq/kg of DEB had a higher MEI and HP. This DEB level caused a lesser and greater expression of the SLC12A2 gene in the liver and the ATP1A1 gene in the intestine, respectively. On the other hand, the ATP1A1 gene was less expressed in the liver and kidney of broilers supplemented with 370 mEq/kg compared to a level of 110 mEq/kg. In general, a level of 110 mEq/kg DEB in the ration seems to be the most suitable for good performance, energy balance, and gene expression of broilers from 1 to 21 days of age.

Physical and hygienic-sanitary conditions of poultry slaughterhouses in the municipality of Parnaíba, Piauí, Brazil / Condições físicas e higiênico-sanitárias dos estabelecimentos de abate de frangos do município de Parnaíba, Piauí, Brasil

This study aimed to evaluate the physical and hygienic-sanitary conditions of poultry slaughterhouses in the municipality of Parnaíba, Piauí, Brazil. Ten slaughterhouses were visited, using a checklist as an evaluation criterion, seeking to assess the physical and hygienic-sanitary conditions of facilities, equipment, handlers, environment, production, and food transportation, during the entire slaughtering process, to verify compliance with current legislation. The slaughterhouses visited (10 / 100%) had no Official Inspection Service and did not obey the rules established by legislation, showing precarious physical and hygienic-sanitary conditions of operation. Most of the establishments (9 / 90%) were located in the urban area and one (10%) in the rural area. None of them followed the animal welfare recommendations. Moreover, seven (70%) establishments had no waste treatment and the residues were dumped in an open area. Therefore, it was concluded that the hygienic-sanitary conditions of poultry slaughterhouses in Parnaíba pose risks to meet quality and the health of slaughterhouses employees and people who consume the products from those establishments.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar as condições físicas e higiênico-sanitárias dos estabelecimentos de abate de frango, no muni-cípio de Parnaíba, estado do Piauí. Foram visitados 10 estabelecimentos de abate, sendo utilizado como critério avaliativo da pesquisa um checklist, que buscou avaliar as condições físicas e higiênico-sanitárias das instalações, equipamentos, dos mani-puladores, ambiente, como também, da produção, assim como, transporte do alimento durante todo o processo de abate para averiguar conformidade com a legislação vigente. Todos os abatedouros visitados (10) 100% não apresentavam Serviço de Inspeção Oficial e encontravam-se fora das normas estabelecidas pela legislação, com condições físicas e higiênico-sanitárias precárias de funcionamento. A grande maioria dos estabelecimentos, (9) 90% encontravam-se localizados na zona urbana e um (10%) na zona rural. Estes não seguiam as recomendações de bem-estar animal voltado as atividades. Ainda, (7) 70% dos estabelecimentos não realizavam tratamento dos resíduos, sendo despejados a céu aberto. Portanto, concluiu-se que as condi-ções higiênico-sanitárias dos abatedouros da cidade de Parnaíba proporcionam riscos à qualidade da carne, à saúde dos funcio-nários dos abatedouros e da população que consome os produtos provenientes desses estabelecimentos.(AU)

Physical and hygienic-sanitary conditions of poultry slaughterhouses in the municipality of Parnaíba, Piauí, Brazil / Condições físicas e higiênico-sanitárias dos estabelecimentos de abate de frangos do município de Parnaíba, Piauí, Brasil

This study aimed to evaluate the physical and hygienic-sanitary conditions of poultry slaughterhouses in the municipality of Parnaíba, Piauí, Brazil. Ten slaughterhouses were visited, using a checklist as an evaluation criterion, seeking to assess the physical and hygienic-sanitary conditions of facilities, equipment, handlers, environment, production, and food transportation, during the entire slaughtering process, to verify compliance with current legislation. The slaughterhouses visited (10 / 100%) had no Official Inspection Service and did not obey the rules established by legislation, showing precarious physical and hygienic-sanitary conditions of operation. Most of the establishments (9 / 90%) were located in the urban area and one (10%) in the rural area. None of them followed the animal welfare recommendations. Moreover, seven (70%) establishments had no waste treatment and the residues were dumped in an open area. Therefore, it was concluded that the hygienic-sanitary conditions of poultry slaughterhouses in Parnaíba pose risks to meet quality and the health of slaughterhouses employees and people who consume the products from those establishments.

Objetivou-se avaliar as condições físicas e higiênico-sanitárias dos estabelecimentos de abate de frango, no muni-cípio de Parnaíba, estado do Piauí. Foram visitados 10 estabelecimentos de abate, sendo utilizado como critério avaliativo da pesquisa um checklist, que buscou avaliar as condições físicas e higiênico-sanitárias das instalações, equipamentos, dos mani-puladores, ambiente, como também, da produção, assim como, transporte do alimento durante todo o processo de abate para averiguar conformidade com a legislação vigente. Todos os abatedouros visitados (10) 100% não apresentavam Serviço de Inspeção Oficial e encontravam-se fora das normas estabelecidas pela legislação, com condições físicas e higiênico-sanitárias precárias de funcionamento. A grande maioria dos estabelecimentos, (9) 90% encontravam-se localizados na zona urbana e um (10%) na zona rural. Estes não seguiam as recomendações de bem-estar animal voltado as atividades. Ainda, (7) 70% dos estabelecimentos não realizavam tratamento dos resíduos, sendo despejados a céu aberto. Portanto, concluiu-se que as condi-ções higiênico-sanitárias dos abatedouros da cidade de Parnaíba proporcionam riscos à qualidade da carne, à saúde dos funcio-nários dos abatedouros e da população que consome os produtos provenientes desses estabelecimentos.

Selection of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR normalization in European quail tissues.

Coturniculture has been standing out as an industrial poultry activity in several countries around the world because of the several adaptive advantages of quails. Research that considers the analysis of gene expression can enhance this activity. This study aimed to analyze the stability of reference genes (RGs) in different tissues of quails (both males and females) for the recommendation of use in gene expression studies by the quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The expression stability of ten RGs (ACTA1, ACTB, B2M, GAPDH, HMBS, SDHA, HPRT1, MRPS27, MRPS30, and RPL5) was analyzed in four tissues (breast muscle, abdominal fat, liver, and intestine), and assessed using the statistical tools geNorm, NormFinder, comparative ΔCq method, and BestKeeper. The HPRT1 gene was the most stable in all quail tissues tested, followed by MRPS27 and MRPS30 in breast muscle, B2M and RPL5 in abdominal fat, HMBS and B2M in the liver, and RPL5 and HMBS in the intestine. These results may help studies using RT-qPCR assays to assess quail tissues from both sexes because they provide data on the most stable genes, which should be tested as candidate RGs for other experimental conditions.

In vitro degradation dynamics of neutral detergent fiber and silage quality of waste from production of heart of palm of peach palm / Dinâmica de degradação in vitro da fibra de detergente neutro e qualidade da silagem do resíduo da produção de palmito pupunha

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the chemical composition, fermentation profile, and degradation parameters of the neutral detergent fiber of three silages made with the waste from production of heart of peach of palm, which consisted of leaf, leaf sheath, and their compound (55% leaf and 45% leaf sheath). The waste was packed in experimental silos and open after sixty days of fermentation; silage samples were collected for determination of chemical composition and degradation parameters of neutral detergent fiber at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h of incubation in vitro. A difference was detected in the dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and lignin contents between the three types of silage. The leaf silage showed a higher fractional degradation rate and a higher potentially digestible fraction of neutral detergent fiber over the 96 h of incubation. As for the fermentative parameters, silage made with the leaf showed a higher pH (3,79) and lactic acid (1,18%), acetic acid (0,39%) and propionic acid (0,24%). The butyric acid was higher for compound silage (0,012%) and ammoniacal nitrogen was higher for sheath silage (0,94%). The leaf silage displayed better chemical characteristics, fermentation parameters and in vitro degradability properties, proving to be the silage with best nutritional value for feeding ruminants.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a composição química, o perfil fermentativo e os parâmetros da degradação da fibra em detergente neutro de três silagens do resíduo da produção do palmito pupunha, sendo estas silagens de folha, bainha foliar e composta (55% de folha e 45% de bainha foliar). O resíduo foi acondicionado em silos experimentais e aberto após sessenta dias de fermentação com retirada de amostras das silagens para a determinação da composição química e dos parâmetros de degradação da fibra em detergente neutro nos tempos de 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 e 96 horas de incubação in vitro. Houve diferença no teor de matéria seca entre os três tipos de silagem, assim como para a proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido e lignina. A silagem de folhas apresentou maior taxa de degradação fracional e maior fração potencialmente degradável da fibra em detergente neutro ao longo das 96 horas de incubação. Quanto aos parâmetros fermentativos, a silagem feita com a folha apresentou maiores valores de pH (3,79) e ácido lático (1,18%), ácido acético (0,39%) e ácido propiônico (0,24%). O ácido butírico foi maior para a silagem composta (0,012%) e o nitrogênio amoniacal foi maior para a silagem de bainha (0,94%). A silagem de folha apresentou melhores características químicas, parâmetros fermentativos e características de degradabilidade in vitro, demostrando ser a silagem com melhor valor nutricional para alimentação de animais ruminantes.

In vitro degradation dynamics of neutral detergent fiber and silage quality of waste from production of heart of palm of peach palm

ABSTRACT The objective of the present work was to evaluate the chemical composition, fermentation profile, and degradation parameters of the neutral detergent fiber of three silages made with the waste from production of heart of peach of palm, which consisted of leaf, leaf sheath, and their compound (55% leaf and 45% leaf sheath). The waste was packed in experimental silos and open after sixty days of fermentation; silage samples were collected for determination of chemical composition and degradation parameters of neutral detergent fiber at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h of incubation in vitro. A difference was detected in the dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and lignin contents between the three types of silage. The leaf silage showed a higher fractional degradation rate and a higher potentially digestible fraction of neutral detergent fiber over the 96 h of incubation. As for the fermentative parameters, silage made with the leaf showed a higher pH (3,79) and lactic acid (1,18%), acetic acid (0,39%) and propionic acid (0,24%). The butyric acid was higher for compound silage (0,012%) and ammoniacal nitrogen was higher for sheath silage (0,94%). The leaf silage displayed better chemical characteristics, fermentation parameters and in vitro degradability properties, proving to be the silage with best nutritional value for feeding ruminants.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a composição química, o perfil fermentativo e os parâmetros da degradação da fibra em detergente neutro de três silagens do resíduo da produção do palmito pupunha, sendo estas silagens de folha, bainha foliar e composta (55% de folha e 45% de bainha foliar). O resíduo foi acondicionado em silos experimentais e aberto após sessenta dias de fermentação com retirada de amostras das silagens para a determinação da composição química e dos parâmetros de degradação da fibra em detergente neutro nos tempos de 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 e 96 horas de incubação in vitro. Houve diferença no teor de matéria seca entre os três tipos de silagem, assim como para a proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido e lignina. A silagem de folhas apresentou maior taxa de degradação fracional e maior fração potencialmente degradável da fibra em detergente neutro ao longo das 96 horas de incubação. Quanto aos parâmetros fermentativos, a silagem feita com a folha apresentou maiores valores de pH (3,79) e ácido lático (1,18%), ácido acético (0,39%) e ácido propiônico (0,24%). O ácido butírico foi maior para a silagem composta (0,012%) e o nitrogênio amoniacal foi maior para a silagem de bainha (0,94%). A silagem de folha apresentou melhores características químicas, parâmetros fermentativos e características de degradabilidade in vitro, demostrando ser a silagem com melhor valor nutricional para alimentação de animais ruminantes.

In vitro degradation dynamics of neutral detergent fiber and silage quality of waste from production of heart of palm of peach palm / Dinâmica de degradação in vitro da fibra de detergente neutro e qualidade da silagem do resíduo da produção de palmito pupunha

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the chemical composition, fermentation profile, and degradation parameters of the neutral detergent fiber of three silages made with the waste from production of heart of peach of palm, which consisted of leaf, leaf sheath, and their compound (55% leaf and 45% leaf sheath). The waste was packed in experimental silos and open after sixty days of fermentation; silage samples were collected for determination of chemical composition and degradation parameters of neutral detergent fiber at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h of incubation in vitro. A difference was detected in the dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and lignin contents between the three types of silage. The leaf silage showed a higher fractional degradation rate and a higher potentially digestible fraction of neutral detergent fiber over the 96 h of incubation. As for the fermentative parameters, silage made with the leaf showed a higher pH (3,79) and lactic acid (1,18%), acetic acid (0,39%) and propionic acid (0,24%). The butyric acid was higher for compound silage (0,012%) and ammoniacal nitrogen was higher for sheath silage (0,94%). The leaf silage displayed better chemical characteristics, fermentation parameters and in vitro degradability properties, proving to be the silage with best nutritional value for feeding ruminants.(AU)

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a composição química, o perfil fermentativo e os parâmetros da degradação da fibra em detergente neutro de três silagens do resíduo da produção do palmito pupunha, sendo estas silagens de folha, bainha foliar e composta (55% de folha e 45% de bainha foliar). O resíduo foi acondicionado em silos experimentais e aberto após sessenta dias de fermentação com retirada de amostras das silagens para a determinação da composição química e dos parâmetros de degradação da fibra em detergente neutro nos tempos de 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 e 96 horas de incubação in vitro. Houve diferença no teor de matéria seca entre os três tipos de silagem, assim como para a proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido e lignina. A silagem de folhas apresentou maior taxa de degradação fracional e maior fração potencialmente degradável da fibra em detergente neutro ao longo das 96 horas de incubação. Quanto aos parâmetros fermentativos, a silagem feita com a folha apresentou maiores valores de pH (3,79) e ácido lático (1,18%), ácido acético (0,39%) e ácido propiônico (0,24%). O ácido butírico foi maior para a silagem composta (0,012%) e o nitrogênio amoniacal foi maior para a silagem de bainha (0,94%). A silagem de folha apresentou melhores características químicas, parâmetros fermentativos e características de degradabilidade in vitro, demostrando ser a silagem com melhor valor nutricional para alimentação de animais ruminantes.(AU)

Análise soroepidemiológica e fatores de risco associados à Leptospira spp. em bovinos no estado do Piauí / Serum epidemiological analysis and risk factors associated with Leptospira spp. in cattle in the state of Piauí

Background: Leptospirosis is a cosmopolitan zoonosis caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira spp. and it is considered one of the main causes of reproductive problems in cattle. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of anti-Leptospira antibodies and identify the prevalent serovars and risk factors associated with infection in cattle herds, in the microregion of Floriano, Piaui State, Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 414 bovine sera samples were collected (390 females aged over 24 months and 24 bulls) from 22 properties (farms) in the municipalities that compose the study area. The samples were analyzed using the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) to detect anti-Leptospira antibodies from 23 pathogenic serovars. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied in each farm to evaluate the risk factors, using a univariate analysis of the variables of interest, by Pearson’s Chi-square test (χ2 ) or Fisher’s exact test, when it was necessary. Then, each independent variable was crossed with the dependent variable and those that presented statistical significance 1: 100) in the 22 evaluated farms; all of them had at least one positive animal, resulting in a prevalence of 34.54%, with 32,8% females (136) and 1,7% males (07), and 8,93% (37) of co-agglutination. Nineteen of the 23 tested serovars were identified; among them, Icterohaemorrhagiae (42.48%), Hardjo (31.2%), Pomona (4.3%), and Castellonis (4.3%) stood out. Absence of quarantine (OR = 16.172, P = 0.024), vaccination (OR = 0.090, P = 0.037) and isolation of diseased animals (OR = 0.006, P = 0.030) were identified, by the multivariate logistic regression analysis, as risk factors for any serovar of Leptospira spp.[...]

Análise soroepidemiológica e fatores de risco associados à Leptospira spp. em bovinos no estado do Piauí / Serum epidemiological analysis and risk factors associated with Leptospira spp. in cattle in the state of Piauí

Background: Leptospirosis is a cosmopolitan zoonosis caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira spp. and it is considered one of the main causes of reproductive problems in cattle. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of anti-Leptospira antibodies and identify the prevalent serovars and risk factors associated with infection in cattle herds, in the microregion of Floriano, Piaui State, Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 414 bovine sera samples were collected (390 females aged over 24 months and 24 bulls) from 22 properties (farms) in the municipalities that compose the study area. The samples were analyzed using the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) to detect anti-Leptospira antibodies from 23 pathogenic serovars. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied in each farm to evaluate the risk factors, using a univariate analysis of the variables of interest, by Pearsons Chi-square test (χ2 ) or Fishers exact test, when it was necessary. Then, each independent variable was crossed with the dependent variable and those that presented statistical significance 1: 100) in the 22 evaluated farms; all of them had at least one positive animal, resulting in a prevalence of 34.54%, with 32,8% females (136) and 1,7% males (07), and 8,93% (37) of co-agglutination. Nineteen of the 23 tested serovars were identified; among them, Icterohaemorrhagiae (42.48%), Hardjo (31.2%), Pomona (4.3%), and Castellonis (4.3%) stood out. Absence of quarantine (OR = 16.172, P = 0.024), vaccination (OR = 0.090, P = 0.037) and isolation of diseased animals (OR = 0.006, P = 0.030) were identified, by the multivariate logistic regression analysis, as risk factors for any serovar of Leptospira spp.[...](AU)

Efeito da somatotropina bovina recombinante (rbST) em duas diferentes doses sobre a concentração sérica de progesterona (P4) em cabras Sem Padrão Racial Definido (SPRD) submetidas à inseminação artificial em tempo fixo(IATF) / Effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on two different doses on the serum concentration of progesterone (P4) in undefined breed goats submitted to Fixed Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI)

The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of the association of rbST with a protocol ofFTAI on the concentration of progesterone (P4) in in undefined breed goats. Goats were inseminated followingthe 11-day protocole. In D6, the animals were divided into three experimental groups: GI (n = 42) 250 mg rbST,SC, G-II (n = 39) 125 mg rbST, SC, and G- III (n = 41) ( control). P4 hormonal dosages were performed byELISA on D0, D09, D12 and D21. The results show that treatment with somatotropin at two different dosesassociated with an IATF protocol did not affect the serum progesterone concentration.

Efeito da somatotropina bovina recombinante (rbST) em duas diferentes doses sobre a concentração sérica de progesterona (P4) em cabras Sem Padrão Racial Definido (SPRD) submetidas à inseminação artificial em tempo fixo(IATF) / Effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on two different doses on the serum concentration of progesterone (P4) in undefined breed goats submitted to Fixed Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI)

The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of the association of rbST with a protocol ofFTAI on the concentration of progesterone (P4) in in undefined breed goats. Goats were inseminated followingthe 11-day protocole. In D6, the animals were divided into three experimental groups: GI (n = 42) 250 mg rbST,SC, G-II (n = 39) 125 mg rbST, SC, and G- III (n = 41) ( control). P4 hormonal dosages were performed byELISA on D0, D09, D12 and D21. The results show that treatment with somatotropin at two different dosesassociated with an IATF protocol did not affect the serum progesterone concentration.(AU)

Glutamina para frangos de corte mantidos em termoneutralidade dos 21 aos 42 dias / Glutamine for broilers from 21 to 42 days maintained in thermoneutral environment

Conduziu-se este estudo para avaliar os efeitos de níveis de glutamina na ração sobre o desempenho e carcaça de frangos de corte submetidos à ambiente de termoneutralidade no período de 21 a 42 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 168 frangos de corte machos da linhagem Cobb® de 21 a 42 dias de idade, distribuídos em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos, representados pelos níveis de glutamina das rações (0,00; 0,50; 1,00 e 1,50%), sete repetições e seis aves por unidade experimental. Foram avaliados o desempenho, os rendimentos da carcaça, peito, coxa e sobrecoxa e a expressão do mRNA da proteína HSP70. Aos 21 dias e com peso inicial de 900 ± 4,71 g, as aves foram alojadas em câmaras climáticas com temperatura de 23,2 ± 1,77ºC e umidade relativa de 70 ± 5,82% correspondendo ao ITGU calculado de 72 ± 2,75, caracterizando um ambiente de termoneutralidade. Não se observou efeito dos níveis de glutamina sobre o consumo de ração, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar das aves. Os níveis de glutamina não influenciaram os pesos absolutos e os relativos da carcaça, peito, coxa e sobrecoxa das aves. Não se observou efeito dos níveis de glutamina da ração na expressão do mRNA da proteína HSP70. Conclui-se que níveis de glutamina na ração não influenciaram o desempenho e as características de carcaça de frangos de corte dos 21 aos 42 dias de idade mantidos em ambiente termoneutro.(AU)

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary glutamine levels on performance and carcass traits of broilers kept in thermoneutral environment from 21 to 42 days of age. Hundred sixty eight male broilers Cobb® with 21 days of age and initial body weight of 900 ± 4.71 g were allotted in a completely randomized design with four levels of glutamine (0.00, 0.50, 1.00 and 1.50%), seven replicates with six birds each. Performance, relative weights of carcass, breast, thigh and drumstick and mRNA expression of HSP70 were evaluated. Birds were housed in environmental chambers with temperature of 23.2 ±  1.77ºC and relative humidity of 70 ± 5.82% corresponding to a calculated BGHI of 72 ± 2.75, which characterize thermoneutral environment. There was no effect of glutamine on feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion of broilers. Glutamine had no influence on absolute and relative weights of carcass, breast, thigh, and drumstick of birds. There was not effect of dietary glutamine on mRNA expression of HSP70. Dietary glutamine did not affect performance and carcass traits of broilers from 21 to 42 days of age maintained in thermoneutral environment.(AU)

Glutamina para frangos de corte mantidos em termoneutralidade dos 21 aos 42 dias / Glutamine for broilers from 21 to 42 days maintained in thermoneutral environment

Conduziu-se este estudo para avaliar os efeitos de níveis de glutamina na ração sobre o desempenho e carcaça de frangos de corte submetidos à ambiente de termoneutralidade no período de 21 a 42 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 168 frangos de corte machos da linhagem Cobb® de 21 a 42 dias de idade, distribuídos em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos, representados pelos níveis de glutamina das rações (0,00; 0,50; 1,00 e 1,50%), sete repetições e seis aves por unidade experimental. Foram avaliados o desempenho, os rendimentos da carcaça, peito, coxa e sobrecoxa e a expressão do mRNA da proteína HSP70. Aos 21 dias e com peso inicial de 900 ± 4,71 g, as aves foram alojadas em câmaras climáticas com temperatura de 23,2 ± 1,77ºC e umidade relativa de 70 ± 5,82% correspondendo ao ITGU calculado de 72 ± 2,75, caracterizando um ambiente de termoneutralidade. Não se observou efeito dos níveis de glutamina sobre o consumo de ração, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar das aves. Os níveis de glutamina não influenciaram os pesos absolutos e os relativos da carcaça, peito, coxa e sobrecoxa das aves. Não se observou efeito dos níveis de glutamina da ração na expressão do mRNA da proteína HSP70. Conclui-se que níveis de glutamina na ração não influenciaram o desempenho e as características de carcaça de frangos de corte dos 21 aos 42 dias de idade mantidos em ambiente termoneutro.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary glutamine levels on performance and carcass traits of broilers kept in thermoneutral environment from 21 to 42 days of age. Hundred sixty eight male broilers Cobb® with 21 days of age and initial body weight of 900 ± 4.71 g were allotted in a completely randomized design with four levels of glutamine (0.00, 0.50, 1.00 and 1.50%), seven replicates with six birds each. Performance, relative weights of carcass, breast, thigh and drumstick and mRNA expression of HSP70 were evaluated. Birds were housed in environmental chambers with temperature of 23.2 ±  1.77ºC and relative humidity of 70 ± 5.82% corresponding to a calculated BGHI of 72 ± 2.75, which characterize thermoneutral environment. There was no effect of glutamine on feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion of broilers. Glutamine had no influence on absolute and relative weights of carcass, breast, thigh, and drumstick of birds. There was not effect of dietary glutamine on mRNA expression of HSP70. Dietary glutamine did not affect performance and carcass traits of broilers from 21 to 42 days of age maintained in thermoneutral environment.

Substituição do resíduo da produção de palmito da Palmeira Real Australiana (Archontophoenix alexandrae) na silagem de cana-de-açúcar em dietas de ovinos / Replacing of residue from production of palm Palm Royal Australian (Archontophoenix alexandrae) in silage of sugar cane in diets of sheep

Objetivou-se avaliar a composição química, consumo voluntário e digestibilidade aparente de dietas contendo resíduo oriundo da produção de palmito da palmeira Real Australiana (Archontophoenix alexandrae) em substituição à cana-de-açúcarem ovinos. Foram utilizados 12 ovinos com peso vivo médio de 23,3 ± 2,8 kg, mantidos em gaiolas metabólicas distribuídos em seis quadrados latinos 2x2 implementado em esquema fatorial 3 x 2 (três tipos de resíduo - folha, bainha e composta - e dois níveis de substituição do resíduo, 5% e 15%). Verificou-se maior consumo de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), carboidratos não fibrosos (CNF) na substituição pelo resíduo composta. Os valores médios de digestibilidade aparente da MS, MO, Proteína bruta (PB), fibra insolúvel em detergente neutro corrigido para cinzas e proteína(FDNcp) e nível dietético de NDT foram maiores para o resíduo folha. Constatou- se efeito de interação entre resíduo e o nível de substituição sobre as excreções urinárias de nitrogênio total (EUN), balanço nitrogenado aparente (BNA) e compostos nitrogenados microbianos (NMIC). Resíduos da produção de palmito oriundos da palmeira Real Australiana podem ser utilizados como alimentos volumosos na dieta de animais ruminantes, sendo destes, o resíduo folha e composta os que apresentaram melhores respostas nas características avaliadas.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition, voluntary intake and apparent digestibility of the diets containing residue from palm heart of Australian Royal Palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae) to replace sugar cane on sheep. Twelve sheep were used with average live weight of 23,3 ± 2,8 Kg and they placed in metabolism cages and distributed in six latin square 2 x 2 in a factorial design 3 x 2 (three types of residue -sheet, bark and composed - and two levels of residue’s replacement, 5% and 15%). It was observed higher intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), nonfiber carbohydrates (NFC) by substitution of composed residue. The average values of apparent digestibility of DM, OM, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre correct for ash and protein (NDFap) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) were higher for sheet residue. There was interaction between type of residue and level of residue’s replacement on the urinary excretion of total nitrogen (NUE), apparent nitrogen balance (BNA) and microbial nitrogen compost (NMIC). Residues from palm heart of Australian Royal Palm can be used as roughage in the ruminants’diet, and of these residues, the sheet and composed residue showed better response in the evaluated characteristics.

[Replacing of residue from production of palm Palm Royal Australian (Archontophoenix alexan- drae) in silage of sugar cane in diets of sheep]. / Substituição do resíduo da produção de palmito da Palmeira Real Australiana (Archontophoenix alexandrae) na silagem de cana-de-açúcar em dietas de ovinos.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition, voluntary intake and apparent digestibility of the diets containing residue from palm heart of Australian Royal Palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae) to replace sugar cane on sheep. Twelve sheep were used with average live weight of 23.3 ± 2.8 Kg and they placed in metabolism cages and distributed in six latin square 2 x 2 in a factorial design 3 x 2 (three types of residue--sheet, bark and composed--and two levels of residue's replacement, 5% and 15%). It was observed higher intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), nonfiber carbohydrates (NFC) by substitution of composed residue. The average values of apparent digestibility of DM, OM, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre correct for ash and protein (NDFap) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) were higher for sheet residue. There was interaction between type of residue and level of residue's replacement on the urinary excretion of total nitrogen (NUE), apparent nitrogen balance (BNA) and microbial nitrogen compost (NMIC). Residues from palm heart of Australian Royal Palm can be used as roughage in the ruminants'diet, and of these residues, the sheet and composed residue showed better response in the evaluated characteristics.

Expression profile of genes associated with mastitis in dairy cattle.

In order to characterize the expression of genes associated with immune response mechanisms to mastitis, we quantified the relative expression of the IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFN-γ and TNF- α genes in milk cells of healthy cows and cows with clinical mastitis. Total RNA was extracted from milk cells of six Black and White Holstein (BW) cows and six Gyr cows, including three animals with and three without mastitis per breed. Gene expression was analyzed by real-time PCR. IL-10 gene expression was higher in the group of BW and Gyr cows with mastitis compared to animals free of infection from both breeds (p < 0.05). It was also higher in BW Holstein animals with clinical mastitis (p < 0.001), but it was not significant when Gyr cows with and without mastitis were compared (0.05 < p < 0.10). Among healthy cows, BW Holstein animals tended to present a higher expression of all genes studied, with a significant difference for the IL-2 and IFN- γ genes (p < 0.001). For animals with mastitis no significant difference in gene expression was observed between the two breeds. These findings suggest that animals with mastitis develop a preferentially cell-mediated immune response. Further studies including larger samples are necessary to better characterize the gene expression profile in cows with mastitis.

Expression profile of genes associated with mastitis in dairy cattle

In order to characterize the expression of genes associated with immune response mechanisms to mastitis, we quantified the relative expression of the IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFN-γ and TNF-α genes in milk cells of healthy cows and cows with clinical mastitis. Total RNA was extracted from milk cells of six Black and White Holstein (BW) cows and six Gyr cows, including three animals with and three without mastitis per breed. Gene expression was analyzed by real-time PCR. IL-10 gene expression was higher in the group of BW and Gyr cows with mastitis compared to animals free of infection from both breeds (p < 0.05). It was also higher in BW Holstein animals with clinical mastitis (p < 0.001), but it was not significant when Gyr cows with and without mastitis were compared (0.05 < p < 0.10). Among healthy cows, BW Holstein animals tended to present a higher expression of all genes studied, with a significant difference for the IL-2 and IFN-γ genes (p < 0.001). For animals with mastitis no significant difference in gene expression was observed between the two breeds. These findings suggest that animals with mastitis develop a preferentially cell-mediated immune response. Further studies including larger samples are necessary to better characterize the gene expression profile in cows with mastitis.