Analysis of performance, bone characteristics, and expression of genes involved in the balance of ionic concentrations in broilers subjected to dietary electrolyte balance levels.

1. Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), potassium carbonate (K2CO3), and ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) are commonly used to correct dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) in birds. However, there are many gaps in the knowledge of their effects when used simultaneously. This study investigated the effect of DEB levels on performance, femur bone characteristics and the expression of genes related to the balance of ionic concentrations in broilers at 21 days of age.2. Male Cobb broiler chickens (n = 245), aged 1-21 d, were divided into groups based on a completely randomised design with five DEB levels (110 mEq/kg, 175 mEq/kg, 240 mEq/kg, 305 mEq/kg, and 370 mEq/kg).3. The performance characteristics measured included body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion (FCR) and body weight birds slaughtered (BWS).4. The bone variables assessed in the femur were weight (WE), relative bone weight (RBWE), length (L), width (WI), maximum load supported (MLS), bone-breaking resistance (BR), and Seedor index (SI). In addition, the expression of CHP1, SLC9A1, and SLC24A3 in the livers, intestines and kidneys of birds was evaluated.5. The DEB level of 370 mEq/kg, at Na+ content of 0.48%, resulted in the highest averages for L, MLS, and BR of the femur. This DEB level increased the expression of SLC9A1 in the liver and SLC24A3 in the intestine. A 240 mEq/kg DEB level decreased the expression of CHP1 in the liver, while supplementation with 110 mEq/kg increased the expression of SLC24A3 in the kidney.6. In conclusion, 370 mEq/kg DEB improved FCR and increased the mean bone characteristics of the femur (L, MLS, and BR) and the expression of SLC9A1 and SLC24A3 in the liver and intestine, respectively. These findings should be considered in future assessments of the effects of DEB levels on broilers.

Comparison between infrared and hot-blade beak trimming methods in white and brown pullets: performance, organ and bone development / [Comparativo entre debicagem infravermelha e por lâmina-quente em linhagens de frangas leves e semi-pesadas: desempenho, desenvolvimento ósseo e de órgãos]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate infrared beak trimming versus hot-blade beak trimming on performance, organ and bone development of laying pullets, using 240 birds, at 0-16 weeks of age, from two strains (white layer - Hy-Line W36 and brown layer - Hy-Line Brown). Infrared debeaking was performed on the first day of life in the hatchery, whereas hot-blade beak trimming was performed at eight days of age. Zootechnical performance at 6, 9, 12 and 15 weeks of age was analyzed. At the end of the trial, one Bird per experimental unit was euthanized for liver, gizzard, proventriculus, heart and small intestine relative weight evaluation. Both tibiotarsus were collected to measure bone breaking resistance, bone mineral content and bone densitometry. There was higher body weight and feed intake in both bird strains submitted to infrared beak trimming. Additionally, hot-blade white layers presented lower body development and feed intake. The debeaking methods did not influence relative organ weights or tibiotarsus parameters evaluated. We conclude that the infrared beak trimming method promotes better pullet body development than the conventional hot-blade method, improving feed intake, without compromising organ and bone development, being a more adequate debeaking method to be used in layer production.(AU)

Para avaliar a debicagem infravermelha versus a debicagem pelo método da lâmina quente no desempenho, no desenvolvimento de órgãos e na qualidade óssea de poedeiras em recria, foram utilizadas 240 aves, entre zero e 16 semanas de idade, em duas linhagens (branca - Hy-Line W36 e vermelha - Hy-Line Brown). A debicagem por infravermelho foi realizada no primeiro dia de vida no incubatório, enquanto a debicagem com lâmina quente foi realizada aos oito dias de idade. Analisou-se o desempenho zootécnico na sexta, nona, 12ª e 15ª semanas de idade. No final do estudo, uma ave por unidade experimental foi eutanasiada para avaliação do peso relativo do fígado, da moela, do proventrículo, do coração e do intestino delgado, e ossos do tibiotarso foram coletados para avaliação da resistência à ruptura, do conteúdo mineral e da densitometria óssea. Houve maior peso corporal e consumo alimentar nas aves pertencentes às duas linhagens quando submetidas à debicagem por infravermelho, sem haver influência sobre o peso relativo dos órgãos e a qualidade óssea. Conclui-se que o método de debicagem por radiação infravermelha promove melhor desenvolvimento corporal das frangas em relação à debicagem por lâmina quente, melhorando consumo de ração, sem comprometer o desenvolvimento de órgãos e ossos, sendo mais adequada para utilização na avicultura de postura comercial.(AU)

Rate of feed passage in Japanese quail.

The rate of passage (ROP) in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) influences the exposure time of food to the digestion and absorption processes. Consequently, ROP affects the efficiency of nutrient utilization and energy from the diet. This study aimed to determine the physiological parameters that characterize the digestive response, such as first appearance time (FAT), ROP, mean retention time (MRT) and transit time (TT) in adult Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica), and to evaluate the effects of sex, apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) content in the diet and different types of markers on these parameters. In the first trial, we investigated the effects of sex and AMEn level (high- and low-energy diet) on the FAT parameter. Thirty-two male and 32 female Japanese quail were randomly allocated to 8 battery cages and assigned to 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design with 4 replicates of 4 birds for each treatment. To determine the FAT, ferric oxide (1%) was added to the diet, and the excreta of the quail was monitored until the first appearance of the marker. The results indicated significant differences (P < 0.05) in the FAT between males (100 min) and females (56 min), regardless of the AMEn content. In the second trial, thirty-two 32-week-old female Japanese quail in the laying phase were assigned to four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design, in which the main independent variables were type of marker (Cr or Ti) and AMEn level (high- and low-energy diets). In order to determine ROP (ET1%), MRT and TT (ET100%), the markers (0.5%: Cr2O3 and 0.5%: TiO2) were added to the diets, and the excreta were collected for 750 min. The excretion times for 1% (ET1%), 25% (ET25%), 50% (ET50%), 75% (ET75%) and 100% (ET100%) were estimated using cumulative excretion curves. No effect was detected for the AMEn level (P > 0.05); however, the effect of different marker types was significant (P < 0.05). This difference increased with time and ET100% was estimated to occur at 59 min. The ROP was estimated to be 68 min. The TT was estimated to be 540 min using Cr and 599 min using Ti, with an average MRT value of 0930 h. Taken together, our findings support the hypothesis that Japanese quail digestion through the GIT can be dynamic and differ based on sex or marker type.

Metabolisable energy partition for Japanese quails.

Knowing how energy intake is partitioned between maintenance, growth and egg production (EP) of birds makes it possible to structure models and recommend energy intakes based on differences in the BW, weight gain (WG) and EP on commercial quail farms. This research was a dose-response study to re-evaluate the energy partition for Japanese quails in the EP phase, based on the dilution technique to modify the retained energy (RE) of the birds. A total of 300 VICAMI® Japanese quail, housed in climatic chambers, were used from 16 weeks of age, with averages for BW of 185 g and EP of 78%, for 10 weeks. To modify the RE in the bird's body, a qualitative dilution of dietary energy was used. Ten treatments (metabolisable energy levels) were distributed in completely randomised units, with six replicates of five quails per experimental unit. Metabolisable energy intake (MEI), egg mass (EM) and RE were expressed in kJ/kg0.67. The utilisation efficiency (kt) was estimated from the relationship between RE and MEI. The metabolisable energy for maintenance was given by RE = 0. The net energy requirement for WG was obtained from the relationship between RE in the BW as a function of the BW. The utilisation efficiency for EP (ko) was obtained from the relationship between EM and RE corrected MEI for maintenance and WG. Based on these efficiencies, the requirements for WG and EM were calculated. The energy intake by Japanese quails was partitioned according to the model: MEI = 569.8 × BW0.67 + 22 × WG + 13 × EM. The current study provides procedures and methods designed for quails as well as a simple and flexible model that can be quickly adopted by technicians and poultry companies.

Silicon in broiler drinking water promotes bone development in broiler chickens.

Skeletal abnormalities, bone deformities and fractures cause significant losses in broiler production during both rearing and processing. Silicon is an essential mineral for bone and connective tissue synthesis and for calcium absorption during the early stages of bone formation. Performance was not affected by the addition of silicon. However, broilers receiving silicon showed a significant increase of phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese and ash in the tibia. In conclusion, broiler performance was not impaired by adding the tested silicon product to the drinking water. In addition, bone development improved, as demonstrated by higher mineral and ash content. Further studies are required to determine the optimal concentration of silicon, including heat stress simulations, to better understand the effects of silicon on bone development.

Morphology and biometric of the vesicular and bulbourethralglands in castrated and non-castratedSanta Inesbreed sheep

Introduction: The purpose of this paper is to determine the topography, biometry and light microscopyimage of the vesicular and bulbourethral glands in order to analyze morphologic features of the accessorysexual glands in castrated and non-castrated animals.Materials and Methods:The morphology of theaccessory sexual glands was investigated in 14 adult Santa Inesbreed sheep, weighing 32 kg, on average.Six of them were castrated, and eight, non-castrated. For macroscopic study, the description of these twoglands was carried out, as well as dissection and biometry study. Moreover, weight, length, height andwidth measurements were evaluated. For histological analysis, the vesicular and bulbourethral glands weresampled.Results:The topography of the reproductive glands was similar to bovine species. However, lowermacroscopic measurements (p < 0,05) in the glands of the castrated sheep were evidenced when comparedwith the non-castrated ones. Characteristics such as shape of the glands, composition of the layer mucosa,the lamina propria, muscular, the excretory ducts and the adventitia were determined.Conclusion:Sheepcastration promoted changes in the biometric measures of the glands, which were lower in castrated animals.The morphological and biometric characteristics of the vesicular and bulbourethral glands in sheep weredetermined.

Influence of chlorine added to drinking water during the preslaughter feed withdrawal on microbiology and morphology of the broiler gastrointestinal tract.

The objective of this experiment was to test the effects of the addition of chlorine to broiler drinking water during a 12-h preslaughter feed withdrawal period on reduction of the quantities of microorganisms, such as Escherichia coli and enterococci, in broiler crops and ceca. Reduction of these microorganisms would likely also reduce contamination of broiler meat by pathogenic bacteria during processing. It was also investigated if the chlorine caused some intestinal damage that could disseminate the microorganisms to the carcass. A total of 40 Cobb male broilers were used. Samples of crop and cecal content were collected for microbiological analysis, and duodenum and jejunum were used for morphological analysis from 10 birds in each treatment. The most probable number (MPN) of E. coli and enterococci in the collected samples of crop and ceca and the measure of the free residual chlorine in water were determined. The scanning electron microscopy from duodenum and jejunum was used to illustrate the mucosa integrity. The chlorine added to water was efficient in reducing the quantities of microorganisms in broiler crops and improved the integrity of the mucosa. Therefore, preslaughter feed withdrawal should be coupled with crop disinfection, because preslaughter feed withdrawal increases the MPN of enterococci and E. coli in broiler crops. So, it presents a higher risk for carcass contamination during slaughterhouse processing and, consequently, a higher risk for public health.

Sodium levels for Japanese quail at initial phases.

The aim of this research was to determine the nutritional requirements of sodium for Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica) during the periods of 1 to 21 d and 22 to 40 d of age, as well as to evaluate the residual effect on egg production and densitometry bone traits from 41 to 63 d. Two experiments were developed. Experiment 1: 360 Japanese quail were used, from 1 to 21 d of age. Treatments consisted of 5 sodium levels (0.06, 0.12, 0.18, 0.24, and 0.30%). Experiment 2: 240 Japanese quail were used, from 22 to 40 d. Treatments consisted of 5 sodium levels (0.04, 0.12, 0.20, 0.28, and 0.36%). In both experiments, weight gain, final weight, and feed conversion presented a quadratic trend, whereas water intake presented a linear trend. Treatments did not affect the densitometry of bone traits, although they presented a quadratic influence on tibia ash, calcium, and calcium:phosphorus ratio. Therefore, the nutritional requirement of sodium for Japanese quail from 1 to 21 d and from 22 to 40 d is 0.222% and 0.253%, respectively.

Ultrastructure of the spermatozoa of the domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos sp.).

The ultrastructure of the spermatozoa of the domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos sp.) was analysed by transmission and scanning electron microscopies and compared with the results obtained in preliminary studies involving other non-passerine birds. The spermatozoa were characterised by the presence of a short head, short midpiece and long principal piece. The head consisted of a reduced acrosome that contained moderately electron-dense homogenous material. The implantation fossa was observed between the base of the nucleus and the proximal centriole. The midpiece contained electron-dense material associated with the proximal centriole and nuclear membrane, and a long distal centriole surrounded throughout its length by 11-12 elliptical mitochondria. A dense annulus separating the midpiece from the principal piece was visible. Posterior to the annulus, the axoneme was formed surrounded by a dense fibrous sheath, representing the principal piece or flagellum, which was a long segment with a smooth surface and a smaller diameter than the midpiece. The spermatozoon of the domestic duck resembles that of other non-passerine birds, corresponding to a basic type of spermatozoon similar to that of reptiles, called sauropsid type.

Morfologia e histologia do oviduto de marrecas Ana boschas / Morphology and histology of Ana Boschasfemale ducks oviduct

Avaliaram-se o comprimento do infundíbulo, do magno, do istmo, do útero e da vagina e o número de pregas do magno e do istmo do oviduto de 20 marrecas Ana boschas na fase reprodutiva. O infundíbulo apresenta mucosa com pregas longitudinais e baixas, revestidas por epitélio pseudoestratificado cilíndrico ciliado, com células caliciformes. O magno, compartimento mais longo do oviduto, 25,38cm±3,20, encontra-se constituído por uma camada mucosa com pregas altas e espessas revestidas por células cilíndricas ciliadas e abundantes células caliciformes. O istmo é formado por uma mucosa com pregas estreitas e curtas e numerosas glândulas tubulares que se estendem para o interior da lâmina própria. O útero, região curta do oviduto, 5,25cm±1,26, apresenta parede com pregas e cristas baixas e numerosas glândulas tubulares enoveladas, dirigidas para o interior da lâmina própria. A vagina, um estreito tubo muscular, está constituído por oito anéis circulares, em média, e uma camada muscular altamente desenvolvida e espessa. A morfologia do oviduto da marreca apresenta características morfológicas e histológicas distintas dos galiniformes, observando-se que a vagina e a porção cranial do infundíbulo apresentam pregas e células caliciformes, respectivamente, sendo estas últimas estruturas ausentes nos galiniformes.

The length of infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, uterus, vagina, and the number of oviduct, magnum, and isthmus folds were evaluated in 20 Ana boschas female ducks in the reproductive phase. The infundibulum presented mucous membrane with longitudinal and short folds, covered by ciliated columnar pseudostratified epithelium, with goblet cells. Magnum, the longest oviduct compartment, 25.38cm±3.20, is constituted by mucous membrane with high and thick folds that are covered by ciliated columnar cells and many goblet cells. Isthmus is formed by mucous membrane with narrow and short folds, and many tubular glands that extend inside lamina propria. Uterus, an oviduct short region, 5.25cm±1.26, presented surface with short folds and crests, and numerous reeled tubular glands, that are directed inside lamina propria. Vagina, a strait muscular tube, is constituted by, approximately, eight circular rings, and a very developed and thick muscular layer. The oviduct morphology of female ducks presented different morphological and histological characteristics from Galliformes, because vagina and infundibulum cranial portion present folds and goblet cells, respectively, and the last cited structures are absent in Galliformes.

Densitometric and biochemical values of broiler tibias at different ages.

The objective of this experiment was to determine the normal values of bone radiographic density (BRD) by using the optical densitometry in radiographic images and the biochemical values represented by serum calcium, ash percentage, and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium) from tibia ash of Cobb broilers at 8, 22, and 43 d of age. A total of 14 broilers were used for densitometric analysis, and 15 were used for biochemical dosages. The BRD values increased (P < 0.05) with age and in all tibia regions (proximal epiphysis, diaphysis, and distal epiphysis), concluding that growth was a determinative factor for bone performance, demanding a higher BRD during broiler development. Tibia proximal epiphysis presented higher BRD values in relation to the other bone regions (P < 0.05), as a result of a possible biomechanical adaptation to ligaments and tension of the muscle tendons at this region, allowing the support of the muscle mass increase. The serum calcium values were kept constant, as a result of the appropriate nutritional levels of the diet that supported the animal homeostasis. The bone ash and mineral percentage increased (P < 0.05) at 22 d of age, due to the higher mineral requirement in this age. The correlation between bone densitometry and the invasive techniques showed that the bone densitometry can substitute the determination of mineral percentage in the ash. This experiment presented normal values of the noninvasive and invasive methods more used in aviculture, allowing us to compare, subsequently, pathological and physiological values or results of broilers fed with different diets.

Implante de biomateriais e a consolidação óssea em cadelas submetidas à ovariossalpingo-histerectomia / Influence of biomaterials on the bony consolidation in spayed female dogs

Avaliou-se a hidroxiapatita com alandronato e hidroxiapatita com colágeno na aceleração da consolidação óssea do rádio de cadelas adultas submetidas à ovariossalpingo-histerectomia (OSH). Utilizaram-se 14 cadelas adultas, distribuídas aleatoriamente em dois grupos: grupo-controle e grupo OSH (submetidas à OSH). Quatro meses após a OSH, as cadelas dos dois grupos foram submetidas à cirurgia para produção de uma falha óssea de 4mm de diâmetro nos terços distal e proximal do rádio. No terço distal do membro direito, foi utilizada a hidroxiapatita com alandronato e, no membro esquerdo, a hidroxiapatita com colágeno; no terço proximal, não se utilizou nenhum biomaterial. Houve retardo na consolidação das falhas ósseas nas cadelas submetidas à OSH comparadas com as não submetidas. A hidroxiapatita com alandronato acelerou o processo de reparação e, em todos os animais dos dois grupos, a densidade óssea foi significativamente maior no terço distal onde foi implantada. Os dois biomateriais apresentaram biocompatibilidade, constatada pela ausência de reação inflamatória ou outra reação indesejável.

The hydroxyapatite with alendronate and hydroxyapatite with collagen were evaluated in the acceleration of the bony consolidation of adult spayed bitch radius. For that, 14 adult bitches were distributed in two groups (control and spayed). Four months after ovariohysterectomy, the groups were submitted to the surgery for production of a 4mm diameter bony flaw in the distal and proximal third regions of the radius. In the distal region of the right thoracic limb, hydroxyapatite with alendronate was used. In the distal region of the left thoracic limb, hydroxyapatite with collagen was used. Any biomaterial was used in proximal part of the limb. There was a retard in bony flaws consolidation in the spayed bitches. Hydroxyapatite with alendronate showed better result, since the place it was implanted considerably increased the bony formation. Both biomaterials presented biocompatibility, verified by the absence of inflammatory reaction or other undesirable reaction.

Dimorfismo sexual da traquéia e siringe de periquito (Touist sp. ) / Sexual dimorphism of the parakeet (Touist sp. ) trachea and syrinx

Investigaram-se as diferenças morfológicas da siringe do periquito Touist sp, cinco machos e cinco fêmeas. A traquéia e a siringe foram dissecadas com o auxílio de uma lupa estereoscópia e avaliaram-se o número de anéis, o comprimento da traquéia e da siringe e o comprimento e espessura do músculo traqueolateral. A traquéia do macho apresentou maior número de anéis e maior comprimento que a das fêmeas. O músculo traqueolateral dos machos é mais vigoroso e origina-se no 43º anel traqueal enquanto o das fêmeas origina-se no 30º anel traqueal e se insere no primeiro anel bronquial. A siringe do piriquito é constituída por anéis craniais, cinco nos machos e três nas fêmeas, anéis intermediários, com formato semelhante a uma bolha sulcada ventralmente, anéis caudais, quatro em ambos os sexos, e pessulo. O dimorfismo sexual está presente na morfometria da musculatura e das cartilagens, o que reflete no canto mais vigoroso dos machos

The morphologic differences of the trachea and syrinx of five male and five female Touist sp. parakeets were studied. Trachea and syrinx were dissected with the aid of a stereoscopic magnifying glass and the number of rings, the length of trachea and syrinx were evaluated, as well as the length and thickness of the tracheolateral muscle. Trachea of male parakeets had larger amount of rings and was lengther than the female. Tracheolateral muscle of the males was more vigorous and arised in the 43rd tracheal ring while in the females it originated in the 30th tracheal and inserted in first bronchi ring. The syrinx was constituted by cranial rings (five in males and three in females), intermediate rings (resembly a bubble furrowed ventrally), caudal rings (four in both sexes) and the pessule. Sexual dimorphism directly influenced on the syrinx, concerning the morfometry of the musculature and cartilages, making males sound more vigorously

Morphometric study of Rynchotus rufescens testis throughout the year.

The research aimed to study the morphologic variation of the testis, seeking to promote the selection and genetic control of those that present appreciable spermatic production throughout the year. Testis morphology of the Rynchotus rufescens partridge was investigated, analyzing the testis weight, the seminiferous tubules diameter, the thickness of the seminiferous epithelium, the amount of meiotic figures and the thickness of the tunica albuginea. Sixty male partridges were used, divided in 12 groups, and one group per month had the testis collected for the histological routine and the sections were stained using the Hematoxilin-Eosin technique. For the histological sections analysis, morphometric measures were taken, with the aid of an Image Analyzer and the resulting data were submitted to analysis of variance and to Tukey's test. Based on the histological modifications of the seminiferous epithelium and the morphometric analysis, the partridge testis morphology could be divided in four successive phases throughout the year. The reproductive phase occurred in the spring, characterized by the complete spermatogenesis process. The regression phase occurred in the summer, with the involution of the seminiferous epithelium. The rest phase took place in the fall, with spermatogonias presence and some spermatocytes beginning the meiosis. The phase of recrudescence occurred in the winter, with the recovery of the seminiferous epithelium and absence of spermatozoa. In conclusion, the characteristics analyzed revealed a variation over the year, with greater production of spermatozoa in the spring and less in the winter.

Morphometric study of Rynchotus rufescens testis throughout the year

The research aimed to study the morphologic variation of the testis, seeking to promote the selection and genetic control of those that present appreciable spermatic production throughout the year. Testis morphology of the Rynchotus rufescens partridge was investigated, analyzing the testis weight, the seminiferous tubules diameter, the thickness of the seminiferous epithelium, the amount of meiotic figures and the thickness of the tunica albuginea. Sixty male partridges were used, divided in 12 groups, and one group per month had the testis collected for the histological routine and the sections were stained using the Hematoxilin-Eosin technique. For the histological sections analysis, morphometric measures were taken, with the aid of an Image Analyzer and the resulting data were submitted to analysis of variance and to Tukey's test. Based on the histological modifications of the seminiferous epithelium and the morphometric analysis, the partridge testis morphology could be divided in four successive phases throughout the year. The reproductive phase occurred in the spring, characterized by the complete spermatogenesis process. The regression phase occurred in the summer, with the involution of the seminiferous epithelium. The rest phase took place in the fall, with spermatogonias presence and some spermatocytes beginning the meiosis. The phase of recrudescence occurred in the winter, with the recovery of the seminiferous epithelium and absence of spermatozoa. In conclusion, the characteristics analyzed revealed a variation over the year, with greater production of spermatozoa in the spring and less in the winter.

O trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a variação morfológica do testículo, visando promover a seleção e o controle genético de exemplares que apresentem produção espermática apreciável ao longo do ano. A morfologia testicular de perdiz Rynchotus rufescens foi avaliada, analisando o peso do testículo, o diâmetro dos túbulos seminíferos, a espessura do epitélio seminífero, o número de figuras de meiose e a espessura da túnica albugínea. Foram utilizados 60 machos de perdizes, divididos em 12 grupos, sendo que um grupo por mês teve os testículos coletados para a rotina histológica e foram corados pela técnica de Hematoxilina-Eosina. Para a análise dos cortes histológicos, foram realizadas medidas morfométricas, com o auxílio de um Analisador de Imagem e os dados encontrados foram submetidos à análise de variância e teste de Tukey. Baseado nas modificações histológicas do epitélio seminífero e na análise morfométrica, a morfologia testicular da perdiz pôde ser dividida em quatro fases sucessivas ao longo do ano. A fase reprodutiva ocorreu na primavera, caracterizando-se pelo completo processo de espermatogênese. A fase de regressão aconteceu no verão, ocorrendo involução do epitélio seminífero. No outono ocorreu a fase de repouso, com a presença de espermatogônias e alguns espermatócitos em início de meiose, já a fase de recrudescência da perdiz aconteceu no inverno, com a recuperação do epitélio seminífero e ausência de espermatozóides. Em conclusão, as características analisadas revelaram uma variação durante o ano, com maior produção de espermatozóides na primavera e menor produção no inverno.

Aspectos morfométricos da cicatrização do cólon descendente de eqüinos submetidos a enterorrafias aposicionais com poliglactina 910 e com cianoacrilato / Morphometric aspects of the healing of descending colon of horses submitted to appositional suture techniques with polyglactin 910 and with cyanoacrilate

Foi realizado estudo morfométrico do cólon descendente de 15 eqüinos hígidos, nove fêmeas e seis machos, submetidos a enterorrafias aposicionais com fio de poliglactina 910 ou com cianoacrilato. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em cinco grupos de três animais cada e sacrificados aos três, sete, 14, 35 e 70 dias de pós-operatório para colheita dos segmentos intestinais operados e posterior processamento histológico de rotina. A análise morfométrica foi feita em microscópio óptico adaptado a um sistema de análise de imagens, onde se quantificou o infiltrado inflamatório, mediante contagens de neutrófilos, eosinófilos, macrófagos, linfócitos e plasmócitos, não sendo observadas diferenças (P>0,05) entre as enterorrafias. Houve diferenças significativas entre os dias de pós-operatório para as contagens de neutrófilos, eosinófilos, macrófagos e linfócitos. Também se mensuraram as espessuras das regiões operadas (cicatriz) e das áreas contíguas não operadas (controle), registrando-se diferenças entre os dias de pós-operatório e as regiões (P<0,05), mas não entre as enterorrafias. O fio de poliglactina 910 e o cianoacrilato apresentam a mesma eficácia para serem usados em enterorrafias aposicionais do cólon descendente de eqüinos.

A morphometric study was carried out in descending colon of 15 healthy horses, nine females and six males, submitted to appositional suture techniques with polyglactin 910 or with cyanoacrilate. The animals were randomly distributed in five groups of three animals each and sacrificed on postoperative days 3, 7, 14, 35 or 70 in order to collect the operated intestinal segments. The morphometric evaluation was done with an optic microscope adapted to an image analysis system, where was counted the inflammatory infiltrated, through neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, lymphocytes and plasmacytes counting. No difference (P>0.05) was observed between the two suture techniques. There were significant differences between postoperative days related to the counting of neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages and lymphocytes. It was also measured the thickness of operated regions (scar) and non operated nearby areas (control); it registered differences between the postoperative days and the regions (P<0.05), but not between the sutures. The polyglactin 910 and the cyanoacrilate showed the same efficacy to be used in appositional enterorrhaphies in equine descending colon.

Role of the oblique ligament in the integrity of the medial collateral ligament of the canine elbow joint

It was studied the arrangement of the collagen fibrils of the medial collateral ligament of the canine elbow joint and evaluated its diameter, when it was isolated or associated to the oblique ligament and loaded in tension until failure. Eighteen joints were divided in three groups. The first group had the medial collateral ligament collected and not loaded, the second group had the medial collateral ligament tested separately and the third group had both ligaments associately tested. Medial collateral ligament not submitted to strain presented a wavy and reticular pattern of the collagen fibers, which was not totally destroyed when it was loaded associated to the oblique ligament, and totally loses the reticular pattern when stretched separately. When the medial collateral ligament was loaded in tension separately, the mean collagen fibrils diameter increased in relation to the group not submitted to the tensile strain. Associated to the oblique ligament, the mean collagen fibrils diameter was the largest in the insertion area and the smallest in the mid-substance, in relation to the other groups. It was concluded that the oblique ligament could favor the integrity of the medial collateral ligament insertion area, facilitating its reconstruction after lesion with larger efficiency.

Foram estudados o arranjo e o diâmetro médio das fibrilas colágenas do ligamento colateral medial da articulação do cotovelo do cão, isolado ou associado ao ligamento oblíquo e tracionado até a ruptura. Dezoito articulações foram divididas em três grupos. O primeiro grupo teve o ligamento colateral medial coletado, mas não tracionado; o segundo grupo teve o ligamento colateral medial tracionado isoladamente; o terceiro grupo teve os ligamentos colateral medial e oblíquo tracionados associadamente. O ligamento colateral medial não submetido ao ensaio de tração apresentou um padrão ondulado das fibras colágenas, o qual não foi totalmente destruído quando foi tracionado, associado ao ligamento oblíquo, e perdeu totalmente o padrão reticular das fibras colágenas quando testado isoladamente. Quando o ligamento colateral medial foi submetido à tensão isoladamente, o diâmetro médio das fibrilas colágenas aumentou em relação ao grupo não submetido à tensão. Associado ao ligamento oblíquo, o diâmetro médio das fibrilas colágenas foi o maior na região de inserção e o menor na região média, em relação aos outros grupos. Concluiu-se que o ligamento oblíquo pode favorecer a integridade da região de inserção do ligamento colateral medial, aumentando a eficácia de sua reconstrução após a lesão.

Canine spinal cord neuron and axon myelin sheath morphometry.

This inedited morphometric study has been developed from healthy canine spinal cord neuron cytoplasm and nucleus, and white matter axonal myelin sheath, from cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions. For the morphometric study, the parameters were area, perimeter, maximum and minimum diameters and roundness for neurons and myelin thickness for axon. For each parameter, 300 neurons were analysed. The results revealed that lumbar neurons had the highest mean values for the analysed parameters, indicating the presence of large neurons in this region, with large axons as a result of myelin thickness, which is proportional to axon calibre. We conclude that these morphometric results can contribute for the establishment of normal patterns, for canine spinal cord cervical, thoracic and lumbar segments.

Morphology of the vas deferens of the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus).

A morphological study of the budgerigar vas deferens was conducted to demonstrate the electron-microscopic features of its epithelial lining. The analysis showed that the vas deferens of the budgerigar was found to be of a tubular and serpentine structure, continuous with the epididymal region and lined with stereo ciliated pseudostratified epithelium, which contained folds projecting into the tubular lumen and a characteristic brush border. The epithelium consists of ciliated and non-ciliated cells with different electron densities. Ciliated cells were characterized by two morphologically distinct configurations: some cells were columnar and other ciliated cells were longer, thinner and dark. Non-ciliated cells showed apical cytoplasmic expansions, which projected into the tubular lumen as protrusions.

Morphologic study of the efferent ductules of the pigeon (Columba livia).

The efferent ductules of the pigeon are localized in the epididymal region and are topographically divided into proximal and distal, both portions being lined with stereociliated pseudostratified epithelium. Transmission electron microscopy shows five distinct cell types: light, dark, and angular non-ciliated cells with possible apocrine secretory role cells and halo cells, possibly intraepithelial leucocytes. The proximal efferent ductules have the widest diameter among all ductules in the epididymal region.