Three Months of Composting Are Enough to Eliminate the Fowl Typhoid Bacteria

The composting technique has been increasingly highlighted in poultry production units, as an efficient and low-cost solution for the destination of carcasses. The process is based on the accelerated decomposition of organic material under high temperatures, associated with eliminating pathogenic microorganisms. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and the time necessary for the elimination of Salmonella Gallinarum in carcasses of poultry submitted to the composting process. The composting was carried out following the models used in the field, and microbiological analysis was performed in five different periods: 45, 90, 120, 150 and 180-days after closing the composter. After 90 days of experiment and in the subsequent analysis, the elimination of the bacteria in 100% of the samples was verified, validating the composting process as an effective method for eliminating S. Gallinarum in poultry carcasses, when respecting the period necessary for the elimination of the bacteria and the good quality of the structure adopted for the process.(AU)

Inclusion of Organic Acids in the Drinking Water and Feed for the Control of Salmonella Heidelberg in Broilers

Poultry products may be a source of foodborne human salmonellosis. The use of alternatives to antimicrobials that are not harmful to humans may reduce the presence of Salmonella spp. in poultry production. Among the products used, organic acids stand out. In the present study, three different organic acid (OA) blends were evaluated for the control of Salmonella Heidelberg (SH) in commercial broilers. Day-old chicks (n = 114) were randomly assigned to four treatments, with three replicates of 12 birds each. Birds in treatments A and B received SCFA (0.2mL/L) and SCFA + MCFA (0.2mL/L), respectively, in the drinking water, while birds in treatment C received SCFA + MCFA in the feed (2g/Kg of feed). Birds from treatment D did not receive OAs (control group). At 8 days of age, each bird was orally inoculated with SH at 108 CFU/mL, and cloacal swabs and SH enumeration of the cecal content were performed 24-, 48-, and 72-hours post-inoculation (hpi). The results show a reduction of both SH shedding and counts in the birds fed OAs at all pi times relative to the control birds. Fecal shedding was significantly lower in the OA-treated groups compared with the control group. As for SH presence in the cecum, significant differences were detected between groups C and D at 24 and 72 hpi, and between groups B and D at 72 hpi. The results of this study indicate that the use of feeding OAs to broilers may contribute to reduce the incidence of SH in the poultry production chain, allowing better flock health management, provided an efficient biosecurity program is employed.(AU)

Antimicrobial Resistance in Salmonella Serovars Isolated From an Egg-Producing Region in Brazil

Fowl paratyphoid infections are caused by different Salmonella serovars that can affect a wide range of hosts. Due to its complex epidemiology, Salmonella serovar identification is crucial for the development and implementation of monitoring and control programs in poultry farms. Moreover, the characterization of the antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella strains isolated from livestock is relevant to public health because they are a common causative agent of foodborne diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of Salmonella spp. and to identify the antimicrobial resistance profiles of strains isolated in the midwestern region of São Paulo state, which accounts for the highest production of table eggs in Brazil. For this purpose, 2008 fecal samples were collected on 151 commercial layer farms and submitted to microbiological analyses. Twenty-two serovars were isolated from 80 (52.9%) farms, among which S. Mbandaka and S. Braenderup were the most prevalent. All isolates expressed resistance to at least one of the 23 antimicrobials tested, and the highest resistance rates were determined against streptomycin (93.5%) and sulfonamide (84.6%). Moreover, multidrug resistance was observed in 41% of the isolates and the maximum drug resistance profile was against ten different antimicrobials. Therefore, the identification of Salmonella serovars in poultry production provides epidemiological knowledge to develop prevention and control measures in order to ensure poultry health and to prevent human infection by multiresistant strains.(AU)

Antimicrobial Resistance in Salmonella Serovars Isolated From an Egg-Producing Region in Brazil

Fowl paratyphoid infections are caused by different Salmonella serovars that can affect a wide range of hosts. Due to its complex epidemiology, Salmonella serovar identification is crucial for the development and implementation of monitoring and control programs in poultry farms. Moreover, the characterization of the antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella strains isolated from livestock is relevant to public health because they are a common causative agent of foodborne diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of Salmonella spp. and to identify the antimicrobial resistance profiles of strains isolated in the midwestern region of São Paulo state, which accounts for the highest production of table eggs in Brazil. For this purpose, 2008 fecal samples were collected on 151 commercial layer farms and submitted to microbiological analyses. Twenty-two serovars were isolated from 80 (52.9%) farms, among which S. Mbandaka and S. Braenderup were the most prevalent. All isolates expressed resistance to at least one of the 23 antimicrobials tested, and the highest resistance rates were determined against streptomycin (93.5%) and sulfonamide (84.6%). Moreover, multidrug resistance was observed in 41% of the isolates and the maximum drug resistance profile was against ten different antimicrobials. Therefore, the identification of Salmonella serovars in poultry production provides epidemiological knowledge to develop prevention and control measures in order to ensure poultry health and to prevent human infection by multiresistant strains.

Performance and Serum Biochemical Profile of Broiler Chickens Supplemented with Piper Cubeba Ethanolic Extract

Piper cubeba is an Asian pepper used in popular medicine for its known antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and anti-inflammatory actions. The study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of Piper cubeba ethanolic extract (PE) as a replacement for anantibiotic growth promoter (AGP) on the performance and biochemical serum profile of 1- to 21-d-old broilers (Cobb®). Two hundred one-d-old broilers were housed in experimental battery cages and distributed in a completely randomized design. The following treatments were applied: negative control (NC) - basal diet; positive control (PC) - basal diet with addition of AGP; and the basal diet with inclusion of 0.17%, 0.34%, and 0.52% of PE (NCE1, NCE2, and NCE3, respectively). Growth performance, biochemical serum profile and internal organ weights were evaluated. Birds fed the AGP presented higher feed intake compared with the other treatments (p 0.05). The PC, NC, and NCE1 treatments presented higher weight gain compared with those fed NCE2 and NCE3 (p 0.05). The NC, NCE1, and NCE2 diets promoted better feed conversion ratio than the PC and NCE3 (p 0.05). Lower triglyceride serum levels were determined in broilers fed the NC and NCE1 diets. Amylase serum levels were lower in NCE1 and NCE2 treatments compared with the NC (p 0.05), whereas those obtained with the PC and NCE3 diets were not different (p>0.05) from the others. Organ relative weights were not influenced by the treatments. The inclusion of 0.17% of PE did not compromise the growth performance, biochemical serum profile or organ relative weights of 21-d-old broilers.(AU)

Duplex Real-Time PCR Using Sybr Green I for Quantification and Differential Diagnosis between Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium

The incidence of foodborne diseases caused by the genus Salmonella spp. in industrialized countries is often high in epidemiological surveys. Obtaining a rapid diagnostic test for identification of bacteria is crucial in order to rapidly implement control measures to contain bacterial spread, to reduce losses in animal production and to avoid risks from food-borne infections to human health. The aim of this study was to standardize duplex real-time PCR using SYBr Green I for differential and quantitative diagnosis of S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis. According to the experiment, the melting temperature of 85°C was observed for a 206bp amplified product when S. Enteritidis DNA was added to the reaction. S. Typhimurium DNA showed that the melting temperature of 79°C when observed for a 62bp amplified product. The standard curve showed the high sensitivity of the proposed test, since it was possible to obtain eight quantification points, starting at 108 CFU/mL and ending at 101 CFU/mL. As a result of the present study, a real-time PCR duplex reaction with high sensitivity, specificity and based on the fluorescence of SYBr Green I was standardized. In addition, this methodology aligns low cost to the faster diagnostic result, in relation to other molecular tests, making it attractive for application in routine laboratory analyzes.(AU)

Performance and Serum Biochemical Profile of Broiler Chickens Supplemented with Piper Cubeba Ethanolic Extract

Piper cubeba is an Asian pepper used in popular medicine for its known antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and anti-inflammatory actions. The study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of Piper cubeba ethanolic extract (PE) as a replacement for anantibiotic growth promoter (AGP) on the performance and biochemical serum profile of 1- to 21-d-old broilers (Cobb®). Two hundred one-d-old broilers were housed in experimental battery cages and distributed in a completely randomized design. The following treatments were applied: negative control (NC) - basal diet; positive control (PC) - basal diet with addition of AGP; and the basal diet with inclusion of 0.17%, 0.34%, and 0.52% of PE (NCE1, NCE2, and NCE3, respectively). Growth performance, biochemical serum profile and internal organ weights were evaluated. Birds fed the AGP presented higher feed intake compared with the other treatments (p 0.05). The PC, NC, and NCE1 treatments presented higher weight gain compared with those fed NCE2 and NCE3 (p 0.05). The NC, NCE1, and NCE2 diets promoted better feed conversion ratio than the PC and NCE3 (p 0.05). Lower triglyceride serum levels were determined in broilers fed the NC and NCE1 diets. Amylase serum levels were lower in NCE1 and NCE2 treatments compared with the NC (p 0.05), whereas those obtained with the PC and NCE3 diets were not different (p>0.05) from the others. Organ relative weights were not influenced by the treatments. The inclusion of 0.17% of PE did not compromise the growth performance, biochemical serum profile or organ relative weights of 21-d-old broilers.

Duplex Real-Time PCR Using Sybr Green I for Quantification and Differential Diagnosis between Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium

The incidence of foodborne diseases caused by the genus Salmonella spp. in industrialized countries is often high in epidemiological surveys. Obtaining a rapid diagnostic test for identification of bacteria is crucial in order to rapidly implement control measures to contain bacterial spread, to reduce losses in animal production and to avoid risks from food-borne infections to human health. The aim of this study was to standardize duplex real-time PCR using SYBr Green I for differential and quantitative diagnosis of S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis. According to the experiment, the melting temperature of 85°C was observed for a 206bp amplified product when S. Enteritidis DNA was added to the reaction. S. Typhimurium DNA showed that the melting temperature of 79°C when observed for a 62bp amplified product. The standard curve showed the high sensitivity of the proposed test, since it was possible to obtain eight quantification points, starting at 108 CFU/mL and ending at 101 CFU/mL. As a result of the present study, a real-time PCR duplex reaction with high sensitivity, specificity and based on the fluorescence of SYBr Green I was standardized. In addition, this methodology aligns low cost to the faster diagnostic result, in relation to other molecular tests, making it attractive for application in routine laboratory analyzes.

DISTRIBUIÇÃO ESPACIAL DE ACIDENTES POR ANIMAIS PEÇONHENTOS NO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO ENTRE OS ANOS DE 2007 E 2012

Os acidentes por animais peçonhentos são de notificação obrigatória, pois suas informações permitem dar subsídios ao controle e prevenção, além da produção e distribuição dos diferentes tipos de soro existentes no país. As notificações são, então, realizadas pelo SINAN quando ocorrem acidentes com serpentes, escorpiões, aranhas, taturanas, lagartas e abelhas. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar e avaliar a distribuição espacial dos acidentes por animais peçonhentos no Estado de São Paulo entre os anos de 2007 e 2012. Os dados foram obtidos no SINAN, IBGE e CATI. Posteriormente, foram tabulados no Excel® e geoprocessados no MapInfo. Observa-se no mapa grid que os acidentes se concentraram em 15 municípios ao longo das regiões nordeste, leste e sudeste do Estado, tendo uma taxa de incidência de 2,1/1000 habitantes. A alta incidência de casos em municípios populosos como São Paulo, Campinas e Ribeirão Preto, pode ser explicada através do crescimento urbano associado ao desmatamento do habitat natural, acúmulo de lixo, necessidade de abrigo e a busca por alimentos, dos quais atraem principalmente escorpiões, aranhas e serpentes. Olímpia, Araraquara, Piracicaba e Patrocínio Paulista possuem alta produção de cana-de-açúcar, fato que contribui para serem os quatro municípios com maior número de casos, pois os estoques da produção dessas lavouras aproximam os roedores, atraindo as serpen

OCORRÊNCIA DA BRUCELOSE CANINA EM CÃES EM CO-HABITAÇÃO COM BOVINOS, NA ZONA RURAL DE ANDRADINA/SP / OCCURRENCE OF CANINE BRUCELLOSIS IN DOGS CO-HABITATING WITH CATTLE IN THE RURAL AREA OF ANDRADINA, SP

A brucelose é causada por microrganismos da família Brucellaceae, gênero Brucella. É uma doença importante, do ponto de vista da saúde e também do econômico e está incluída no contexto das doenças transmitidas por alimentos. Em virtude do potencial da pecuária de corte e de leite regional e do impacto econômico que a brucelose bovina pode causar na economia, impunha-se uma investigação criteriosa sobre a possível ocorrência de Brucelose nos cães criados na zona rural de Andradina/SP e circunvizinhanças. O experimento foi conduzido na zona rural do município de Andradina-SP, onde foram colhidas cem amostras de sangue de cães adultos, de ambos os sexos e sem raça definida, através de flebocentese da veia cefálica. As amostras depois de coletadas foram acondicionadas em tubos de ensaio e em seguida enviadas ao Lab. Clínico do HV da Fundação Educacional de Andradina, sendo então centrifugadas, posteriormente dessoradas e só então submetidas à Prova do Antígeno Acidificado Tamponado (AAT). Os resultados obtidos com a pesquisa demonstram que,

Ocorrência da brucelose canina em cães em co-habitação com bovinos, na zona rural de andradina/sp / occurrence of canine brucellosis in dogs co-habitating with cattle in the rural area of andradina, sp

A brucelose é causada por microrganismos da família Brucellaceae, gênero Brucella. É uma doença importante, do ponto de vista da saúde e também do econômico e está incluída no contexto das doenças transmitidas por alimentos. Em virtude do potencial da pecuária de corte e de leite regional e do impacto econômico que a brucelose bovina pode causar na economia, impunha-se uma investigação criteriosa sobre a possível ocorrência de Brucelose nos cães criados na zona rural de Andradina/SP e circunvizinhanças. O experimento foi conduzido na zona rural do município de Andradina-SP, onde foram colhidas cem amostras de sangue de cães adultos, de ambos os sexos e sem raça definida, através de flebocentese da veia cefálica. As amostras depois de coletadas foram acondicionadas em tubos de ensaio e em seguida enviadas ao Lab. Clínico do HV da Fundação Educacional de Andradina, sendo então centrifugadas, posteriormente dessoradas e só então submetidas à Prova do Antígeno Acidificado Tamponado (AAT). Os resultados obtidos com a pesquisa demonstram que,

Chemical composition and cooking properties of beef forequarter muscles of Mexican cattle from different genotypes.

Beef forequarter muscles biceps brachii (BRB), brachialis (BRA), complexus (COM), splenius (SPL), infraspinatus (INF), teres major (TER), rhomboideus (RHO), subscapularis (SUB), supraspinatus (SUP), triceps brachii long-head (TRB) and triceps brachii lateral-head (TRI) were obtained from Mexican beef carcasses originated from Bos indicus (Bi, n=10) or Bos taurus (Bt, n=10) young bulls. Muscles were analyzed for WBSF, cooking loss, and moisture and fat contents. INF had the lowest WBSF (37.23N) and cooking loss (31.78%) of all. RHO exhibited the lowest moisture (72.62%) and highest fat content (5.23%) of all. Bi genotype exhibited higher WBSF (53.78, 48.69N), higher cook loss (36.27, 34.32%), higher fat content (2.93, 2.35%), and lower moisture content (73.70, 75.07%) than Bt. Further research is needed to estimate the actual consumer acceptance of beef forequarter muscles and their marketing potential as individual cuts in the Mexican market.

Effects of genotype, level of supplementation, and organic chromium on growth performance, carcass, and meat traits grazing lambs.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Suffolk×Dorper (SD) and Rambouillet (R) lamb genotypes, dietary supplementation, and organic chromium on growth performance, carcass, and meat traits in male lambs grazing ryegrass pasture. SD lambs had heavier cold carcass (HCW) and better carcass yield (CY) and rib eye area at 12th rib (RA) than R lambs; R had larger legs. Feed supplement increased average daily weight gain (ADG), slaughter live weight (SLW), hot carcass weight (HCW) and cold carcass weight (CCW), carcass yield, carcass length (CL), leg perimeter (LP), major thorax width (MTW), minor thorax width (MiTW), rib eye area and dorsal fat at 12th rib (DF12), and also decreased meat moisture. Organic chromium reduced dorsal fat at 12th rib and meat fat content.

Association of CAPN1 316, CAPN1 4751 and TG5 markers with bovine meat quality traits in Mexico.

We examined allele and genotype frequencies for the molecular markers CAPN1 316, CAPN1 4751 and TG5, and determined whether they are associated with beef quality traits in Mexican cattle. One hundred and twenty-four longissimus dorsi muscle samples were collected from cattle from north, central and southern Mexico. CAPN1 316 and CAPN1 4751 frequencies were determined using the allelic discrimination assay and the TG5 marker was typed by PCR-RFLP. Meat quality traits included intramuscular fat content (IMF) and tenderness determined by Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) at 24 h postmortem. The association test was made using a mixed model, including genotypes, genetic group, and sampling location as fixed effects. Least squares means and significant interactions were compared using least significant differences based on the mixed procedure. CAPN1 316 CC was found at a low frequency (0.03) and has been reported as a favorable genotype associated with tenderness meat. Genotype frequencies for CAPN1 4751 were similar in favorable (CC) and unfavorable (TT) genotypes (0.26 and 0.28, respectively). The TG5 CC genotype had a frequency of 0.73, while the TT genotype frequency was 0.01. The means for WBSF and IMF were 4.08 ± 1.35 kg and 5.23 ± 2.14%, respectively. Sampling site and the CAPN1 316 genotypes significantly affected WBSF (P < 0.05). Samples collected from Hermosillo, Sonora, had the lowest WBSF (P < 0.05), while those collected in Veracruz were toughest (WBSF = 5.267 kg). The effect of GG and TG5 genotypes on IMF was significant (P < 0.05). CAPN1 316 and TG5 markers were found to be significantly associated with beef quality traits and thus will be useful for Mexican beef characterization.

A survey of beef carcass quality and quantity attributes in Mexico.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate quality and yield attributes of Mexican beef carcasses to serve as a benchmark for production in the Mexican beef cattle industry. Seven packing plants were surveyed nationwide. Carcass yield and quality traits were assessed in the cooler at approximately 24 h postmortem. Results indicated that around 90% of the beef slaughter population in Mexico has a strong Bos indicus genetic background. Moreover, 71.6% of the surveyed cattle are presented for slaughter at a BW between 400 and 500 kg. Chilled carcass weight was between 220 and 340 kg in 88.9% of the surveyed population. According to European beef carcass grading standards, carcass conformation varied from poor to good in 82% of the carcasses, whereas in 17.8% the conformation was very good or excellent. In 60.7% of the surveyed carcasses the KPH was 2% or less. The subcutaneous fat depth was 1 cm or less in 90% of the carcasses. In 71.8% of the carcasses the LMA was of 80 cm(2) or less, whereas only 8.6% had LMA values of 90 cm(2) or greater. Carcass maturity score USDA B(100) or less was found in 92.4% of the evaluated carcasses, whereas 28.5% were graded as USDA A(100)/B(00). A total of 93.6% of the sample had marbling scores of 300 or less, corresponding to the categories slight, practically devoid, or traces. Only 12.9% of the carcasses exhibited a yellow fat cover. In the remaining 87.1% the fat cover was white or beige. The backfat layer was uniform in 43.2% of the carcasses, whereas 55.9% had an uneven fat cover. Information from this survey provided data that could serve as a means to develop a yield and quality evaluation program that can be further developed into a value system for Mexican beef carcasses and live cattle.

Mechanical and functional properties of beef products obtained using microbial transglutaminase with treatments of pre-heating followed by cold binding.

Beef proteins are considered non-setting proteins and usually gels obtained by adding of microbial transglutaminase are obtained by cooking directly the solubilized paste. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of pre-heating treatments on the mechanical properties of restructured beef gels treated with microbial transglutaminase (MTG). The effect of cooling (cold binding) the solubilized pastes after the pre-heating treatments was also studied. The restructured beef gels were obtained by adding 0.3% MTG or 0% MTG (control). Three pre-heating temperatures (40, 50 or 60°C) for 30 or 60min were studied, followed by heating at 90°C for 15min. Control samples without pre-heating were also prepared. Cold binding was studied by holding pre-heated gels at 4°C for 12h before heating at 90°C for 15min. Changes in mechanical properties (texture profile analysis and puncture test), color attributes, expressible water and cooking loss were determined. Results indicated that the better mechanical properties can be obtained by pre-heating beef pastes at 50°C for 30min with minimal effect on color, expressible water and cooking loss when 0.3% of MTG is added. It was concluded that there were no practical advantages by pre-heating the gels for 60min. Cold binding did not improve the mechanical properties of beef gels.

Composition and quality of Mexican and imported retail beef in Mexico.

Randomly selected New York steaks from domestic and imported beef were purchased in three major Mexican cities, comparing Mexican beef (from northern, central, and southern regions of the country) and American beef (USDA-Choice and ungraded No Roll). The meat was analyzed for chemical composition, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), cooking loss, color and consumer acceptability. All sources of Mexican beef and No Roll US beef had similar chemical composition. USDA-Choice beef had a higher fat content and a lower moisture and total collagen content. Mexican beef from the northern region and USDA-Choice beef had lower WBSF and redness values than the other beef sources. Overall desirability was high regarding all Mexican beef sources, and USDA-Choice beef. No Roll US beef had the lowest overall desirability score. Results indicate Mexican beef is in an advantageous position when competing with imports in the current open market.

Effects of crossbreeding Mexican Pelibuey sheep with Rambouillet and Suffolk on carcass traits.

Fifty nine lambs: Pelibuey (P), Suffolk×Pelibuey (SP) and Rambouillet×Pelibuey (RP), were used to evaluate the effect of crossbreeding on carcass characteristics and composition. Following carcass evaluation, muscle, bone, subcutaneous, seam, internal, total fat and other tissues were dissected. Carcass dressing percentage was similar across the three genotypes. The genetic group did not influence the percentage of cuts, except for shoulder percentage. Pelibuey carcasses had less fat thickness than RP and more kidney, pelvic and heart fat than SP. Muscle percentage was lower for RP (51.27±0.68) compared to P (54.01±0.61) and SP (53.78±0.58) carcasses, respectively. Consequently, the RP group showed the highest proportion of total fat (19.66±1.00). In general, RP carcasses had the lowest meat cutability. In conclusion, carcass yield of Pelibuey lambs was not improved by the cross with either Rambouillet or Suffolk breeds.

Composition and sensory evaluation of lamb carcasses used for the traditional Mexican lamb dish, "barbacoa".

The objective of this study was to determine the differences in carcass characteristics and sensory attributes of "barbacoa" (a traditional Mexican lamb dish), both of imported (New Zealand) and domestic lambs in Mexico. A total of 28 carcasses from Pelibuey, Pelibuey×Suffolk and imported lambs were used. Carcass composition was determined by dissection of primal cuts from the left half of each carcass. The "barbacoa" from each ovine group was prepared separately in order to perform a consumer sensory evaluation for aroma, taste and tenderness. Results showed that imported lambs had larger carcasses, greater fatness and had better conformation than national lambs. There was no difference between groups in terms of lean tissue percentage (muscle+others) or in total carcass fat. The sensory attributes of the "barbacoa" did not differ among breeds. Pelibuey lambs (rustic, prolific and adaptable to the wide variety of Mexican climates) show competitive production performance in relation to specialized breeds.