A histopathological and immunohistochemical study of experimental infected turkeys with a virulent Newcastle disease virus.

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious infection of many avian species, mainly chickens and turkeys, with a devastating impact on worldwide poultry production. This study was designed to examine the effect of virulent ND infection in turkey's tissues and the tissue tropism of the virus. During the previous study period, poults were inoculated at 32 days of age with 105 EID50 virulent Newcastle disease virus. Three poults on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 14 postinoculations (PI) were selected from each group. They were euthanized by intravenous sodium pentobarbital injection. After macroscopic observation, to histopathological and immunohistochemical studies, the spleen, bursa, cecal tonsils, intestine, proventriculus, lung, kidney, and brain were sampled. Clinically, the infected turkeys exhibited loss of appetite, severe depression, down on hock joint, white to greenish (sometimes bloody) diarrhea, nervous signs, and mild respiratory problems. Out of 45 birds inoculated, 9 (20%) died. Histopathological effects in lymphoid tissues included necrosis and penetration of mononuclear cells on day 4 PI, and subsequent follicular lymphoid depletion on days 6 and 8 PI was observed. Based on the immunohistochemical test, on day 3 in cecal tonsils and spleen, and on day 8 PI, all of them were positive for virus antigen. In conclusion, the NDV circulating in Iranian chicken flocks has the potential to cause severe illness in commercial turkeys.

Effect of heat treatment on pre-stocking of Turkey eggs and its impact on incubation and hatching.

Egg stocking is used to meet housing demands in the hatchery industry. Stocking periods longer than 10 days of occur commonly, despite the fact that this practice causes productive losses during the incubation process. To minimize these losses, eggs are heated before incubation to stimulate the embryo, thereby reducing the range of birth intervals. The objective of this study was to determine whether heat treatment (37.5 °C) prior to incubation would improve hatching rates. We also determined the heat-exposure time necessary to improve productivity. We stored 5376 Nicholas pedigree eggs, aged between 40 and 51 weeks, for seven days. These eggs were distributed in three groups: groups 1 and 2 received 4 and 6 h of heat treatment, respectively; group 3 was used as control (no heat treatment, remaining at 17 °C). After heat treatment, the eggs were stored for 7 days at 17 °C, together with eggs from the control group. We found significant variation in the cumulative dispersion of birds born during the hatch window; greater numbers of birds were born in group 1 that underwent the 4-h heat treatment with a 24-h hatch window and in group 3 that underwent the 6-h heat treatment with a 12-h hatch window. Hatch rate, yolk retention and the relationship between average chick weight/average egg weight did not differ between treatments. These data suggest that heat treatment modulates the hatch window; nevertheless, the treatment did not influence the average weight the chicks, the number of chicks born, the percentage of hatching or yolk retention.

A sinusoidal equation as an alternative to classical growth functions to describe growth profiles in turkeys

Because of the relatively long growing cycle and the high cost of research into turkey production and nutrition, the potential benefits from modelling growth in this avian species are considerable. Though there are many studies aimed at evaluating animal growth models, the number of studies targeting growth models in turkeys is quite limited. In this paper we present a sinusoidal function to describe the evolution of growth in turkeys as a function of time based on data published by Aviagen. The new function was evaluated with regard to its ability to describe the relationship between body weight and age in turkeys and was compared to four standard growth functions: the Gompertz, logistic, Lopez, and Richards. The results of this study show that the new sinusoidal function precisely describes the growth dynamics of turkeys. Fitting the functions to different data profiles nearly always led to the same or less maximized log-likelihood values for the sinusoidal equation, indicating its suitability in describing growth data from turkeys.

A sinusoidal equation as an alternative to classical growth functions to describe growth profiles in turkeys

Because of the relatively long growing cycle and the high cost of research into turkey production and nutrition, the potential benefits from modelling growth in this avian species are considerable. Though there are many studies aimed at evaluating animal growth models, the number of studies targeting growth models in turkeys is quite limited. In this paper we present a sinusoidal function to describe the evolution of growth in turkeys as a function of time based on data published by Aviagen. The new function was evaluated with regard to its ability to describe the relationship between body weight and age in turkeys and was compared to four standard growth functions: the Gompertz, logistic, Lopez, and Richards. The results of this study show that the new sinusoidal function precisely describes the growth dynamics of turkeys. Fitting the functions to different data profiles nearly always led to the same or less maximized log-likelihood values for the sinusoidal equation, indicating its suitability in describing growth data from turkeys.(AU)

Turkey meat quality (Meleagris gallopavo) submitted to different ventilation systems during fattening / Qualidade da carne de perus (Meleagris gallopavo) submetidos a diferentes sistemas de ventilação durante a engorda

The present investigation evaluated the quality of turkey meat produced in two production systems, according to the following parameters: water loss in cooking, drip water loss, texture (shear strength), pH, color, humidity, protein, ashes and lipids. A total of 200 turkey breast samples of 500 g, separated by a batch of 20 samples, from ten aviaries from Santa Catarina, Brazil, were used: five from breeding with a traditional ventilation system and five with a mechanical ventilation system. Samples were obtained after slaughter and frozen at -15°C for 30 days. The results were submitted to variance analysis and the Tukey test. Significant differences were found only in the analysis of drip water loss. The birds of the traditional ventilation system presented 14.26% loss of water drip, while those of the ventilation exhaust system presented a loss of 19.21%. There were no differences in the chemical composition of poultry meat in relation to the production systems.(AU)

O presente trabalho avaliou a qualidade da carne de perus criados em dois sistemas de produção, a partir dos seguintes parâmetros: perda de água na cocção, perda de água por gotejamento, textura (resistência ao cisalhamento), pH, cor, umidade, proteína, cinzas e lipídios. Foram utilizadas 200 amostras de peito de peru de 500 g, separadas por lote de 20 amostras, de dez aviários de Santa Catarina, Brasil, dos quais: cinco provenientes de criação com sistema de ventilação tradicional e cinco com sistema de ventilação mecânica. As amostras foram obtidas após o abate e congeladas a -15°C durante 30 dias. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância e ao teste de Tukey. Diferenças significativas foram encontradas apenas na análise da perda de água por gotejamento. As aves do sistema de ventilação tradicional apresentaram 14,26% de perda de gotejamento de água, enquanto as do sistema de exaustão de ventilação, 19,21%. Não houve diferenças na composição química das carnes de aves em relação aos sistemas de produção.(AU)

Turkey meat quality (Meleagris gallopavo) submitted to different ventilation systems during fattening / Qualidade da carne de perus (Meleagris gallopavo) submetidos a diferentes sistemas de ventilação durante a engorda

The present investigation evaluated the quality of turkey meat produced in two production systems, according to the following parameters: water loss in cooking, drip water loss, texture (shear strength), pH, color, humidity, protein, ashes and lipids. A total of 200 turkey breast samples of 500 g, separated by a batch of 20 samples, from ten aviaries from Santa Catarina, Brazil, were used: five from breeding with a traditional ventilation system and five with a mechanical ventilation system. Samples were obtained after slaughter and frozen at -15°C for 30 days. The results were submitted to variance analysis and the Tukey test. Significant differences were found only in the analysis of drip water loss. The birds of the traditional ventilation system presented 14.26% loss of water drip, while those of the ventilation exhaust system presented a loss of 19.21%. There were no differences in the chemical composition of poultry meat in relation to the production systems.(AU)

O presente trabalho avaliou a qualidade da carne de perus criados em dois sistemas de produção, a partir dos seguintes parâmetros: perda de água na cocção, perda de água por gotejamento, textura (resistência ao cisalhamento), pH, cor, umidade, proteína, cinzas e lipídios. Foram utilizadas 200 amostras de peito de peru de 500 g, separadas por lote de 20 amostras, de dez aviários de Santa Catarina, Brasil, dos quais: cinco provenientes de criação com sistema de ventilação tradicional e cinco com sistema de ventilação mecânica. As amostras foram obtidas após o abate e congeladas a -15°C durante 30 dias. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância e ao teste de Tukey. Diferenças significativas foram encontradas apenas na análise da perda de água por gotejamento. As aves do sistema de ventilação tradicional apresentaram 14,26% de perda de gotejamento de água, enquanto as do sistema de exaustão de ventilação, 19,21%. Não houve diferenças na composição química das carnes de aves em relação aos sistemas de produção.(AU)

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Poultry and Poultry Meat: A Meta-Analysis.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium that colonizes and infects various host species and has been found in the poultry production chain, raising concerns about possible transmission from farm to fork. The objective of this study was to use meta-analytical methods to estimate the pooled prevalence of MRSA in chickens, turkeys, chicken meat, and turkey meat. Three electronic databases (PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO) were searched to establish MRSA prevalence from 51 studies published from 2003 through May 2017. The heterogeneity was assessed, and the pooled MRSA prevalence was calculated by using the random effects model according to the method of DerSimonian and Laird. Pooled MRSA prevalence (95% confidence interval [CI]) in turkeys, turkey meat, broilers, and chicken meat was 36% (1 to 78%), 13% (1 to 28%), 5% (2 to 9%), and 5% (3 to 8%), respectively. South America had the highest MRSA prevalence (27%; 95% CI, 17 to 37%), and North America had the lowest (1%; 95% CI, 0 to 2%). Livestock-associated MRSA has been isolated from poultry and poultry meat, indicating that this variant can spread from farm to fork. The presence of MRSA in poultry and poultry meat poses risks to public health, and steps should be taken to mitigate the contamination and spread of this bacterium along the poultry production chain.

Some physical, morphological, and mechanical characteristics of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) eggs

The physical, morphological, and mechanical characteristics of eggs play an important role in the processes of embryo development and hatching. Some physical, morphological, and mechanical characteristics of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo; Zagorje breed) eggs collected during two laying cycles from same turkey hens were determined in this study. The average values of length, width, geometric mean diameter, weight, surface area, volume, sphericity, eggshell thickness, and eggshell density were determined as 66.61 mm, 46.84 mm, 52.66 mm, 77.74 g, 8712.42 mm2, 76553.49 mm3, 79.31%, 0.354 mm and 3.13 g cm-3, respectively. Eggs collected during second laying cycle were, on average, larger and heavier in comparison with those collected during first cycle. Average albumen, yolk and eggshell percentages of the eggs collected during two laying cycles were 58.11%, 29.50% and 12.39%, respectively. The highest breaking strength was obtained when the eggs were loaded along the X-front axis and the least breaking strength was required along the Z-axis. The average breaking strength, absorbed energy and firmness in loading along the X-front axis were found to be 73.80 N, 9.75 N mm and 280.30 N mm-1, respectively.

Analysis of variables affecting carcass weight of white turkeys by regression analysis based on factor analysis scores and ridge regression

In this study, the influence of carcass parts weights (thigh, breast, wing, back weight, gizzard, heart, and feet) on whole carcass weight of white turkeys (Big-6) was analyzed by regression analysis based on ridge regression and factor analysis scores. For this purpose, a total of 30 turkey carcasses of 15 males and 15 females with 17 weeks of age, were used. To determine the carcass weight (CW), thigh weight (TW), breast weight (BRW), wing weight (WW), back weight (BW), gizzard weight (GW), heart weight (HW), and feet weight (FW) were used. In the ridge regression model, since the Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) values of the variables were less than 10, the multicollinearity problem was eliminated. Furthermore, R2=0.988 was obtained in the ridge regression model. Since the eigenvalues of the two variables predicted by factor analysis scores were greater than 1, the model can be explained by two factors. The variance explained by two factors constitutes 88.80% of the total variance. The regression equation was statistically significant (p<0.01). In the regression equation, two factors obtained by using factor analysis scores were independent variables and standardized carcass weight was considered as dependent variable. In the regression model created by factor analysis scores, the Variance Inflation Factor values were 1 and R2=0.966. Both regression models were found to be suitable for predicting carcass weight of turkeys. However, the ridge regression method, which presented higher R2 value, has been shown to better explain the carcass weight.

Analysis of variables affecting carcass weight of white turkeys by regression analysis based on factor analysis scores and ridge regression

In this study, the influence of carcass parts weights (thigh, breast, wing, back weight, gizzard, heart, and feet) on whole carcass weight of white turkeys (Big-6) was analyzed by regression analysis based on ridge regression and factor analysis scores. For this purpose, a total of 30 turkey carcasses of 15 males and 15 females with 17 weeks of age, were used. To determine the carcass weight (CW), thigh weight (TW), breast weight (BRW), wing weight (WW), back weight (BW), gizzard weight (GW), heart weight (HW), and feet weight (FW) were used. In the ridge regression model, since the Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) values of the variables were less than 10, the multicollinearity problem was eliminated. Furthermore, R2=0.988 was obtained in the ridge regression model. Since the eigenvalues of the two variables predicted by factor analysis scores were greater than 1, the model can be explained by two factors. The variance explained by two factors constitutes 88.80% of the total variance. The regression equation was statistically significant (p<0.01). In the regression equation, two factors obtained by using factor analysis scores were independent variables and standardized carcass weight was considered as dependent variable. In the regression model created by factor analysis scores, the Variance Inflation Factor values were 1 and R2=0.966. Both regression models were found to be suitable for predicting carcass weight of turkeys. However, the ridge regression method, which presented higher R2 value, has been shown to better explain the carcass weight.(AU)

Some physical, morphological, and mechanical characteristics of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) eggs

The physical, morphological, and mechanical characteristics of eggs play an important role in the processes of embryo development and hatching. Some physical, morphological, and mechanical characteristics of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo; Zagorje breed) eggs collected during two laying cycles from same turkey hens were determined in this study. The average values of length, width, geometric mean diameter, weight, surface area, volume, sphericity, eggshell thickness, and eggshell density were determined as 66.61 mm, 46.84 mm, 52.66 mm, 77.74 g, 8712.42 mm2, 76553.49 mm3, 79.31%, 0.354 mm and 3.13 g cm-3, respectively. Eggs collected during second laying cycle were, on average, larger and heavier in comparison with those collected during first cycle. Average albumen, yolk and eggshell percentages of the eggs collected during two laying cycles were 58.11%, 29.50% and 12.39%, respectively. The highest breaking strength was obtained when the eggs were loaded along the X-front axis and the least breaking strength was required along the Z-axis. The average breaking strength, absorbed energy and firmness in loading along the X-front axis were found to be 73.80 N, 9.75 N mm and 280.30 N mm-1, respectively.(AU)

Outbreak of cutaneous form of avian poxvirus disease in previously pox-vaccinated commercial turkeys / Surto de bouba aviária na forma cutânea em perus comerciais previamente vacinados

This study describes an outbreak of avian poxvirus disease in previously pox-vaccinated turkeys in Brazil. The turkeys had suggestive gross lesions of cutaneous avian poxvirus in the skin of the head and cervical area without changes in the flock mortality rates. In the slaughterhouse, 30 carcasses were removed from the slaughter line to collect tissue from cutaneous lesions for histological analyses and characterization of the virus. The virus was identified by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequent gene sequencing. Acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, and hydropic degeneration were seen on skin histopathology. Eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies (Bollinger) on keratinocytes were observed in 46.6% of the samples. Avian poxvirus DNA was detected on PCR in 83.3% of the total samples. PCR associated with histopathology had 93.3% of positivity for avian poxvirus. In the phylogenetic study, samples show 100% matching suggesting that the outbreak occurred by a single viral strain and was different from those strains affecting other wild birds such as canaries and sparrows. A single mutation (Adenine for Guanine) was detected in our study's strain and in the strains of turkey, chickens, and vaccine strains published in GenBank. Also, when the sequence strain of the present study and sequences from GenBank of canarypox and sparrowpox strains were aligned, a Thymine was found replacing the Adenine or Guanine. The in ovo vaccination method as single-use in turkeys of this study apparently did not provide adequate protection against avianpox disease, but additional vaccination administered by wing-web when turkeys were 45-60 days old in the new flocks controlled the disease. In the subsequent year, new cases of this disease were not found. It was not possible to confirm the source of the virus strain, but infection with a field strain derived from chickens is one possibility, considering the poultry farm population in the area and biosecurity aspects. For wide characterization of avipoxvirus and differentiation among strains, the complete sequence of the viral genome is required.(AU)

Este estudo descreve um surto de bouba aviária em perus previamente vacinados contra poxvirus aviário no Brasil. Os perus apresentaram lesões macroscópicas, sugestivas de bouba aviaria cutânea, na pele da cabeça e região cervical sem alteração nas taxas de mortalidade do lote. No abatedouro, 30 carcaças foram retiradas da linha de abate para coleta de dois fragmentos de pele com lesões para análise histológica e caracterização do vírus. A identificação do vírus foi realizada por PCR convencional e posterior sequenciamento. No exame histopatológico das lesões de pele, houve acantose, hiperqueratose e degeneração hidrópica. Corpúsculos de inclusão intracitoplasmáticos eosinofílicos (Bollinger) foram encontrados em 46,6% das amostras. A técnica de PCR detectou o DNA do vírus da bouba aviária em 83,3% do total de amostras. PCR associado com a histopatologia resultou em 93,3% de positividade para o vírus da bouba aviária. No estudo filogenético, as sequências resultaram em 100% de identidade, sugerindo que o surto ocorreu por uma única estirpe de vírus diferenciada das outras estirpes que acometem canários e pardais. Uma única mutação (Adenina para Guanina) foi detectada nas estirpes deste estudo e nas sequências de perus, galinhas e estirpes vacinais publicadas no GenBank. Além disso, quando a sequência da estirpe do presente estudo e as sequências das estirpes de canarypox e sparrowpox foram comparadas, a Timina foi encontrada em substituição a Adenina ou Guanina. A vacinação in ovo em dose única utilizada nos perus deste estudo aparentemente não forneceu proteção adequada contra a doença causada pelo poxvirus aviário. Entretanto, a revacinação na membrana da asa em perus com 45-60 dias de idade dos novos lotes controlou a doença. No ano subsequente, novos casos desta doença não foram registrados. Não foi possível confirmar a origem da estirpe viral, mas estirpes de campo oriundas de galinhas seria uma possibilidade, considerando a população na área e os aspectos de biosseguridade. Para caracterização ampla do avipoxvirus e diferenciação entre as estirpes, a sequência completa do genoma viral é requerida.(AU)

Outbreak of cutaneous form of avian poxvirus disease in previously pox-vaccinated commercial turkeys / Surto de bouba aviária na forma cutânea em perus comerciais previamente vacinados

This study describes an outbreak of avian poxvirus disease in previously pox-vaccinated turkeys in Brazil. The turkeys had suggestive gross lesions of cutaneous avian poxvirus in the skin of the head and cervical area without changes in the flock mortality rates. In the slaughterhouse, 30 carcasses were removed from the slaughter line to collect tissue from cutaneous lesions for histological analyses and characterization of the virus. The virus was identified by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequent gene sequencing. Acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, and hydropic degeneration were seen on skin histopathology. Eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies (Bollinger) on keratinocytes were observed in 46.6% of the samples. Avian poxvirus DNA was detected on PCR in 83.3% of the total samples. PCR associated with histopathology had 93.3% of positivity for avian poxvirus. In the phylogenetic study, samples show 100% matching suggesting that the outbreak occurred by a single viral strain and was different from those strains affecting other wild birds such as canaries and sparrows. A single mutation (Adenine for Guanine) was detected in our study's strain and in the strains of turkey, chickens, and vaccine strains published in GenBank. Also, when the sequence strain of the present study and sequences from GenBank of canarypox and sparrowpox strains were aligned, a Thymine was found replacing the Adenine or Guanine. The in ovo vaccination method as single-use in turkeys of this study apparently did not provide adequate protection against avianpox disease, but additional vaccination administered by wing-web when turkeys were 45-60 days old in the new flocks controlled the disease. In the subsequent year, new cases of this disease were not found. It was not possible to confirm the source of the virus strain, but infection with a field strain derived from chickens is one possibility...(AU)

Este estudo descreve um surto de bouba aviária em perus previamente vacinados contra poxvirus aviário no Brasil. Os perus apresentaram lesões macroscópicas, sugestivas de bouba aviaria cutânea, na pele da cabeça e região cervical sem alteração nas taxas de mortalidade do lote. No abatedouro, 30 carcaças foram retiradas da linha de abate para coleta de dois fragmentos de pele com lesões para análise histológica e caracterização do vírus. A identificação do vírus foi realizada por PCR convencional e posterior sequenciamento. No exame histopatológico das lesões de pele, houve acantose, hiperqueratose e degeneração hidrópica. Corpúsculos de inclusão intracitoplasmáticos eosinofílicos (Bollinger) foram encontrados em 46,6% das amostras. A técnica de PCR detectou o DNA do vírus da bouba aviária em 83,3% do total de amostras. PCR associado com a histopatologia resultou em 93,3% de positividade para o vírus da bouba aviária. No estudo filogenético, as sequências resultaram em 100% de identidade, sugerindo que o surto ocorreu por uma única estirpe de vírus diferenciada das outras estirpes que acometem canários e pardais. Uma única mutação (Adenina para Guanina) foi detectada nas estirpes deste estudo e nas sequências de perus, galinhas e estirpes vacinais publicadas no GenBank. Além disso, quando a sequência da estirpe do presente estudo e as sequências das estirpes de canarypox e sparrowpox foram comparadas, a Timina foi encontrada em substituição a Adenina ou Guanina. A vacinação in ovo em dose única utilizada nos perus deste estudo aparentemente não forneceu proteção adequada contra a doença causada pelo poxvirus aviário. Entretanto, a revacinação na membrana da asa em perus com 45-60 dias de idade dos novos lotes controlou a doença. No ano subsequente, novos casos desta doença não foram registrados. Não foi possível confirmar a origem da estirpe viral, mas estirpes de...(AU)

Aplicação da técnica de RT-PCR para metapneumovírus aviário (aMPV) / Application of RT-PCR technique for avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) / Aplicación de la técnica RT-PCR para metapneumovirus aviario (aMPV)

Os principais hospedeiros do Metapneumovírus aviário (aMPV) são os frangos de corte e perus. O vírus acomete o trato respiratório superior dos perus desencadeando a Rinotraqueíte Viral dos Perus (RVP). O principal objetivo deste trabalho foi padronizar uma técnica de RT-PCR para a detecção do aMPV, por meio do uso do kit AccessQuick™ RT-PCR system (Promega®). Foram utilizados amostras de suabes de traqueia e pulmão de 38 perus comerciais com sintomatologia respiratória e dois suabes oculares de faisão. O RNA viral foi extraído utilizando-se o kit RTP® DNA/RNA Virus Mini Kit (STRATEC Molecular). Em seguida as amostras foram submetidas à RT-PCR One Step, utilizando o kit AccessQuick™ RT-PCR system (Promega®). Todas as 40 amostras testadas por RT-PCR foram negativas, exceto a amostra vacinal que foi utilizada como controle positivo. O aMPV não causa latência em frangos de corte ou perus, logo a excreção viral é limitada. Dessa forma, a ausência da detecção de genoma viral neste estudo pode ser justificada devido à idade que as amostras foram coletadas em perus, com 140 dias no abatedouro, impossibilitando dessa maneira a amplificação do genoma do aMPV. Porém, esse estudo também mostra que a RT-PCR se mostrou eficaz para detectar o genoma viral do aMPV, podendo dessa forma ser utilizado como uma ferramenta de diagnóstico rápido para investigação e estudo de casos de aMPV em rebanho de perus.

The main hosts of Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) are broilers and turkeys. This virus affects the upper respiratory tract of turkeys, triggering Turkey Rhinotracheitis (TRT). The aim of this study was to optimize a RT-PCR technique in order to detect aMPV using the AccessQuick™ RT-PCR system (Promega®) kit. Tracheal and lung swab samples from 38 commercial turkeys with respiratory symptoms and two ocular swabs from pheasants were analyzed. Viral RNA was extracted using RTP® DNA/RNA Virus Mini Kit (Molecular STRATEC) kit. All 40 samples tested were negative in the RT-PCR. The only positive sample was a vaccine strain, used as the positive control. The aMPV does not cause latency in broilers, chickens or turkeys, thus, the viral excretion is limited. However, the absence of viral genome detection in this study may be justified due to the age the samples were collected, since they were collected in turkeys with about 140 days in the slaughterhouse, thus preventing the amplification of the aMPV genome. This study shows that the RT-PCR is effective to detect aMPV viral genome and may be used as a rapid diagnostic tool for research and for the studying of aMPV cases in turkey flocks in Brazil.

Los principales anfitriones de Metapneumovirus aviario (aMPV) son los pollos de engorde y pavos. El virus afecta el tracto respiratorio superior de los pavos desencadenando la Rinotraqueitis Viral de los pavos (RVP). El principal objetivo de ese estudio fue estandarizar una técnica de RT-PCR para la detección del aMPV, a través del uso del kit AccessQuick™-PCRsystem (Promega®). Se utilizaron muestras de hisopos traqueales y pulmonares de 38 pavos comerciales con síntomas respiratorios y dos hisopos oculares de faisán. El RNA viral se extrajo utilizando el kit DNA RTP® DNA/RNA Virus Mini Kit (STRATEC Molecular). A continuación, las muestras se sometieron a la RT-PCR OneStep utilizando el kit AccessQuick™ RT-PCR (Promega®). Todas las 40 muestras analizadas por RT-PCR fueron negativas, excepto la muestra de vacuna que se utilizó como control positivo. El aMPV no causa latencia en pollos de engorde o pavos, por lo que la excreción viral es limitada. Así, la ausencia de la detección de genoma viral en este estudio puede ser justificada debido a la edad que se recogieron las muestras en los pavos, con 140 días en el matadero, imposibilitando de este modo la amplificación del genoma del aMPV. Sin embargo, ese estudio también muestra que la RT-PCR se ha demostrado eficaz para detectar el genoma viral del aMPV, pudiendo así ser utilizado como una herramienta de diagnóstico rápido para investigación y estudio de casos de aMPV en bandada de pavos.

The Influence of Probiotic Bacteria (Bacillus Toyoi) on Livability and Performance of Young Meat-Type Turkeys

The aim of study was to determine the impact of a probiotic preparation containing live bacteria Bacillus cereus var. toyoi on the performance of turkeys in order to define the effective dose of the preparation and to evaluate its influence on poults' livability in the first month of life. Three hundred and sixty B.U.T. 9 male turkey were divided into three groups. The control group (I) was fed a diet with no probiotic additive, and groups II and III were given a probiotic product containing 0.2x109 and 1x109 B. toyoi CFU/kg of feed respectively. Body weight was recorded in weeks 1, 6, and 18. Livability, feed conversion ratio, and European Efficiency Factor (EEF) were estimated. In experiment II, the impact of a standardized probiotic dose on livability and performance parameters of B.U.T. 9 turkey poults were evaluated. Two groups were selected within each sex: control (C), feed without probiotic, and experimental (T), which feed contained the probiotic preparation. Mortality and body weight were registered. The better livability and performance of the turkeys fed probiotic justifies the use of bacteria Bacillus cereus var. toyoi to improve performance results and livability during the first weeks of the turkeys' life. The bacterium strain concentration of 1.0x109 CFU/kg of feed can be assumed as optimal.

Aplicação da técnica de RT-PCR para metapneumovírus aviário (aMPV) / Application of RT-PCR technique for avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) / Aplicación de la técnica RT-PCR para metapneumovirus aviario (aMPV)

Os principais hospedeiros do Metapneumovírus aviário (aMPV) são os frangos de corte e perus. O vírus acomete o trato respiratório superior dos perus desencadeando a Rinotraqueíte Viral dos Perus (RVP). O principal objetivo deste trabalho foi padronizar uma técnica de RT-PCR para a detecção do aMPV, por meio do uso do kit AccessQuick™ RT-PCR system (Promega®). Foram utilizados amostras de suabes de traqueia e pulmão de 38 perus comerciais com sintomatologia respiratória e dois suabes oculares de faisão. O RNA viral foi extraído utilizando-se o kit RTP® DNA/RNA Virus Mini Kit (STRATEC Molecular). Em seguida as amostras foram submetidas à RT-PCR One Step, utilizando o kit AccessQuick™ RT-PCR system (Promega®). Todas as 40 amostras testadas por RT-PCR foram negativas, exceto a amostra vacinal que foi utilizada como controle positivo. O aMPV não causa latência em frangos de corte ou perus, logo a excreção viral é limitada. Dessa forma, a ausência da detecção de genoma viral neste estudo pode ser justificada devido à idade que as amostras foram coletadas em perus, com 140 dias no abatedouro, impossibilitando dessa maneira a amplificação do genoma do aMPV. Porém, esse estudo também mostra que a RT-PCR se mostrou eficaz para detectar o genoma viral do aMPV, podendo dessa forma ser utilizado como uma ferramenta de diagnóstico rápido para investigação e estudo de casos de aMPV em rebanho de perus.(AU)

The main hosts of Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) are broilers and turkeys. This virus affects the upper respiratory tract of turkeys, triggering Turkey Rhinotracheitis (TRT). The aim of this study was to optimize a RT-PCR technique in order to detect aMPV using the AccessQuick™ RT-PCR system (Promega®) kit. Tracheal and lung swab samples from 38 commercial turkeys with respiratory symptoms and two ocular swabs from pheasants were analyzed. Viral RNA was extracted using RTP® DNA/RNA Virus Mini Kit (Molecular STRATEC) kit. All 40 samples tested were negative in the RT-PCR. The only positive sample was a vaccine strain, used as the positive control. The aMPV does not cause latency in broilers, chickens or turkeys, thus, the viral excretion is limited. However, the absence of viral genome detection in this study may be justified due to the age the samples were collected, since they were collected in turkeys with about 140 days in the slaughterhouse, thus preventing the amplification of the aMPV genome. This study shows that the RT-PCR is effective to detect aMPV viral genome and may be used as a rapid diagnostic tool for research and for the studying of aMPV cases in turkey flocks in Brazil.(AU)

Los principales anfitriones de Metapneumovirus aviario (aMPV) son los pollos de engorde y pavos. El virus afecta el tracto respiratorio superior de los pavos desencadenando la Rinotraqueitis Viral de los pavos (RVP). El principal objetivo de ese estudio fue estandarizar una técnica de RT-PCR para la detección del aMPV, a través del uso del kit AccessQuick™-PCRsystem (Promega®). Se utilizaron muestras de hisopos traqueales y pulmonares de 38 pavos comerciales con síntomas respiratorios y dos hisopos oculares de faisán. El RNA viral se extrajo utilizando el kit DNA RTP® DNA/RNA Virus Mini Kit (STRATEC Molecular). A continuación, las muestras se sometieron a la RT-PCR OneStep utilizando el kit AccessQuick™ RT-PCR (Promega®). Todas las 40 muestras analizadas por RT-PCR fueron negativas, excepto la muestra de vacuna que se utilizó como control positivo. El aMPV no causa latencia en pollos de engorde o pavos, por lo que la excreción viral es limitada. Así, la ausencia de la detección de genoma viral en este estudio puede ser justificada debido a la edad que se recogieron las muestras en los pavos, con 140 días en el matadero, imposibilitando de este modo la amplificación del genoma del aMPV. Sin embargo, ese estudio también muestra que la RT-PCR se ha demostrado eficaz para detectar el genoma viral del aMPV, pudiendo así ser utilizado como una herramienta de diagnóstico rápido para investigación y estudio de casos de aMPV en bandada de pavos.(AU)

The Influence of Probiotic Bacteria (Bacillus Toyoi) on Livability and Performance of Young Meat-Type Turkeys

The aim of study was to determine the impact of a probiotic preparation containing live bacteria Bacillus cereus var. toyoi on the performance of turkeys in order to define the effective dose of the preparation and to evaluate its influence on poults' livability in the first month of life. Three hundred and sixty B.U.T. 9 male turkey were divided into three groups. The control group (I) was fed a diet with no probiotic additive, and groups II and III were given a probiotic product containing 0.2x109 and 1x109 B. toyoi CFU/kg of feed respectively. Body weight was recorded in weeks 1, 6, and 18. Livability, feed conversion ratio, and European Efficiency Factor (EEF) were estimated. In experiment II, the impact of a standardized probiotic dose on livability and performance parameters of B.U.T. 9 turkey poults were evaluated. Two groups were selected within each sex: control (C), feed without probiotic, and experimental (T), which feed contained the probiotic preparation. Mortality and body weight were registered. The better livability and performance of the turkeys fed probiotic justifies the use of bacteria Bacillus cereus var. toyoi to improve performance results and livability during the first weeks of the turkeys' life. The bacterium strain concentration of 1.0x109 CFU/kg of feed can be assumed as optimal.(AU)

Histomoníase em peru (Meleagris gallopavo) - relato de caso / Histomoniasis in turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) - a case report / Histomoniasis en pavos (Meleagris gallopavo) ­ relato del caso

A histomoníase ou cabeça negra, causada pelo Histomonas meleagridis, ocasiona um quadro de enterohepatite nas aves acometidas. Das aves em geral, os perus (Meleagridis gallopavo) de todas as idades são os mais suscetíveis, porém, a mortalidade é mais elevada naqueles com aproximadamente 12 semanas de vida. A transmissão ocorre pela ingestão do nematoide Heterakis gallinarum ou seus ovos embrionados. O contato com fezes contaminadas pelo H. meleagridis e ingestão de minhocas contaminadas com o nematoide também são fontes de transmissão da enfermidade. O presente relato teve como objetivo apresentar um caso de histomoníase em um peru jovem atendido no laboratório de Ornitopatologia do Hospital Veterinário da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade Estadual Paulista (FMVZ - UNESP), campus Botucatu - SP. Brasil.

The histomoniasis or blackhead caused by Histomonas meleagridis, can produce an enterohepatite in birds. In general, the turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) are more susceptible; however, birds on twelve weeks have higher mortality rates. Transmission occurs by ingestion of nematode Heterakis gallinarum or their embryonated eggs Contact with contaminated feces by H. meleagridis and ingestion of worms contaminated with nematode are also sources of transmission of the disease. The aim of the work was to report the occurrence of histomoniasis in a young turkey attended at the ornitopathology laboratory at school veterinary hospital - Paulista State University (FMVZ - UNESP) Sao Paulo, Botucatu campus. Brazil.

La histomoniasis o cabeza negra, causada por la Histomonas meleagridis, ocasiona un cuadro de enterohepatitis en las aves que afecta. De las aves en general, los pavos (Meleagridis gallopavo) de todas las edades son los más suceptíbles, sin embargo, la mortalidad es más elevada en aquellos con aproximadamente 12 semanas de vida. La transmisión se produce por la ingestión de nematodeos Heterakis gallinarum o sus huevos embrionados. Póngase en contacto con heces contaminadas de H. meleagridis y la ingestión con gusanos nematodeos contaminados también son fuentes de transmisión de la enfermedad. El presente artículo tuvo como objetivo relatar un caso de histomoniasis en un pavo joven atendido en el laboratorio de Ornitopatología del Hospital Veterinario de la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia de la Universidad Estadual Paulista (FMVZ-UNESP), campus de Botucatu-SP. Brasil.

Infecção experimental por Mycoplasma gallisepticum e Escherichia coli em perus / Experimental infection with Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Escherichia coli in turkeys

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) é responsável por provocar sinusite infecciosa em perus. A infecção por Mycoplasma spp. torna a ave susceptível a infecção por Escherichia coli. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver em perus, um modelo experimental para a sinusite infecciosa. Utilizou-se 250 peru,s machos da linhagem Nicholas (Aviagen®) divididos em grupo não infectado (T1) e grupo desafiado (T2) que recebeu por via ocular, com um dia de idade, Mycoplasma gallisepticum cepa F e aos 21 dias de idade E. coli por via saco aéreo. Analisou-se a mortalidade, os sinais clínicos e lesões em sacos aéreos, fígado e coração. Concluiu-se que o delineamento experimental utilizado foi eficaz para simular a infecção natural por MG e E. coli, sendo que a vacina contra MG-F utilizada para poedeiras é patogênica para perus.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) causes infectious sinusitis in turkeys, and is commonly associated with Escherichia coli. The objective of this study was to develop in turkeys an experimental model for infectious sinusitis. Two hundred and fifty male turkeys of Nicholas breed (Aviagen®) were divided into negative control group and challenged, animals were housed until 42 days old. The birds were inoculated in the first day of age with the MG vaccine (F-VAX ® Schering Plough) and on day 21 with E. coli. We analyzed the mortality, clinical signs and lesions in air sacs, liver and heart. The results showed that the vaccine against Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG-F) is pathogenic for turkeys and that the experiment was able to simulate natural infection with MG and E. coli.

Infecção experimental por Mycoplasma gallisepticum e Escherichia coli em perus / Experimental infection with Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Escherichia coli in turkeys

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) é responsável por provocar sinusite infecciosa em perus. A infecção por Mycoplasma spp. torna a ave susceptível a infecção por Escherichia coli. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver em perus, um modelo experimental para a sinusite infecciosa. Utilizou-se 250 peru,s machos da linhagem Nicholas (Aviagen®) divididos em grupo não infectado (T1) e grupo desafiado (T2) que recebeu por via ocular, com um dia de idade, Mycoplasma gallisepticum cepa F e aos 21 dias de idade E. coli por via saco aéreo. Analisou-se a mortalidade, os sinais clínicos e lesões em sacos aéreos, fígado e coração. Concluiu-se que o delineamento experimental utilizado foi eficaz para simular a infecção natural por MG e E. coli, sendo que a vacina contra MG-F utilizada para poedeiras é patogênica para perus.(AU)

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) causes infectious sinusitis in turkeys, and is commonly associated with Escherichia coli. The objective of this study was to develop in turkeys an experimental model for infectious sinusitis. Two hundred and fifty male turkeys of Nicholas breed (Aviagen®) were divided into negative control group and challenged, animals were housed until 42 days old. The birds were inoculated in the first day of age with the MG vaccine (F-VAX ® Schering Plough) and on day 21 with E. coli. We analyzed the mortality, clinical signs and lesions in air sacs, liver and heart. The results showed that the vaccine against Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG-F) is pathogenic for turkeys and that the experiment was able to simulate natural infection with MG and E. coli.(AU)