Seroprevalence of antibodies to Chlamydia abortus and risk factors in cattle from Villavicencio, Colombia.

Chlamydia abortus is a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium, responsible for abortions and reproductive problems. The disease has a high zoonotic potential and causes great economic losses in ruminant farmers. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 514 cattle from 24 farms of Villavicencio, Colombia. The blood samples were collected from each individual animal and analyzed by Indirect Elisa for immunoglobulin G (IgG) in blood serum (Idexx Chlamydiosis total Ab test). A serum was considered positive when the optical density (OD) of the sample was ≥30% of that of the positive control serum. Data on potential risk factors associated with the disease were collected through a questionnaire in each farm and analyzed. The individual and herd prevalence was estimated. A risk factors analysis was performed through univariate and multivariable using the software SPSS version 20. The animal level seroprevalence was found to be 47.1% and the herd 91.6%. The prevalence in cattle aged 0-1, 1-3 and >4 years was 23.8%; 31.4% and 51.4% respectively. The risk factors associated with the prevalence of disease were female sex (OR = 2.102 CI: 1.066-4.144), age older than 4 years (OR = 2.707 CI: 1.667-4.394), presence of canines on the farm (OR = 2.556 CI: 1.560-4.189) and retention of placenta (OR = 2.678 CI: 1.670-4.295). A high prevalence was identified, suggesting natural infection where the pathogen could be transmitted to humans at the animal-human interface.

Current status of prevalence and risk factors associated with liver fluke Fasciola hepatica in cattle raised in different altitudinal regions of Colombia.

Fasciola hepatica is a trematode parasite with a worldwide distribution that affects mammals, including humans, and is considered a major food safety and public health problem. A research was conducted in three hundred eighty-five livestock farms located in different altitudinal regions of Colombia between February 2017 and March 2018 with the aim to determine the coprological prevalence, seroprevalence (SP) and risk factors associated with liver fluke F. hepatica. A total of 5620 fecal sample were collected from cattle and processed using sedimentation technique. Additionally, 597 blood samples were collected and processed by an ELISA test. The coprological prevalence of F. hepatica in animals and herds was 6.4% and 38.4%, respectively. Regarding the prevalence by municipalities, there was statistical association (P < .05), indicating that the prevalence was higher in those municipalities above 2000 masl (meters above sea level). Regarding risk factors, cattle raised in municipalities at 2000 to 3000 masl showed about 4 (OR = 3.96 [CI95% 3.1-5]; P < .05) times higher probability for infection than those raised at lower altitude. Cattle from 2 to 3 year of age, showed almost 4 times (OR = 3.7[CI95% 2.5-5.4]; P < .05), increased infection risk. Females and dairy breeds showed almost 2 (OR = 1.9 [CI95% 1.3-2.6]; P < .05) and 10 times (OR = 10 [CI95% 7.8-12.8]; P < .05), respectively, increased infection risk. The presence of antibodies anti- F. hepatica (SP = 37.8%; [CI95% 35.8-39.7]; P < .05) in cattle of the region under study is confirmed, which suggests an endemic behavior of this parasitosis. The present study provides current information on the prevalence of F. hepatica in different altitudinal regions of Colombia, and these findings could be useful for designing new holistic control measures for the liver fluke F. hepatica infection.

Hidrocoloides como estabilizantes en bebidas de maíz dulce (Zea mays var. saccharata) y gel de aloe vera ( Aloe barbadensis Miller) / Hydrocolloids as stabilizers in beverages from sweet corn (Zea mays var. Saccharata) and aloe vera gel (Aloe barbadensis Miller)

RESUMEN La sedimentación de partículas es un fenómeno común en dispersiones alimentarias, que está asociado con una calidad deficiente y se puede controlar usando diferentes aditivos, dentro de los cuales, se destacan el uso de hidrocoloides. Se evaluó el efecto de la concentración de goma xantano (0,025-0,075%), carboximetilcelulosa sódica (0,025-0,075%) y gel de aloe vera (0,5-1,5%), en las propiedades fisicoquímicas, sensoriales y estabilidad a la sedimentación, en bebidas elaboradas a partir de maíz dulce. No se observó variación significativa en el contenido de sólidos solubles totales, pH, densidad, acidez titulable, potencial ζ, tamaño de partículas, velocidad de sedimentación y parámetros de color con las concentraciones empleadas de hidrocoloides y de aloe vera. El potencial ζ indicó estabilidad ligera en las bebidas (>-30mV) y la floculación de la emulsión, lo que se evidencia en la distribución del tamaño de partícula (1-600μm). La viscosidad y la estabilidad a la sedimentación aumentaron con concentraciones >0,05% de GX y CMC, reflejándose en una mayor valoración sensorial de la apariencia. El aumento en la concentración de aloe vera no mostró efecto en la estabilidad de las bebidas.

ABSTRACT Particle sedimentation is a common phenomenon in food dispersions, which is associated with poor quality and can be controlled using different additives within which the use of hydrocolloids stands out. The effect of the concentration of xanthan gum (0.025-0.075%), sodium carboxymethylcellulose (0.025-0.075%) and aloe vera gel (0.5-1.5%), on physicochemical, sensory properties and sedimentation in beverages made from sweet corn, were evaluated. No significant variation was observed in the content of total soluble solids, pH, density, titratable acidity, ζ potential, particle size, sedimentation index and color parameters with the concentrations of hydrocolloids and aloe vera. The potential ζ indicated slight stability in beverages (> -30mV) and emulsion flocculation, which is evidenced in the particle size distribution (1-600μm). The viscosity and sedimentation stability increased with concentrations >0.05% of GX and CMC, reflected in a higher sensory assessment of appearance. The increase in aloe vera concentration showed no effect on the stability of the beverages.

Seroprevalence and risk factor associated with respiratory viral pathogens in dual-purpose cattle of Aguachica, Rio de Oro, and La Gloria municipalities in Cesar department, Colombia.

AIM: The research was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factor associated with respiratory viral pathogens in dual-purpose cattle of Aguachica, Rio de Oro and La Gloria municipalities in Cesar department, Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The seroprevalence study was done from the random sampling (n=1000) of blood collected from 29 dual-purpose herds, located in three municipalities (Aguachica, Rio de Oro, and La Gloria) of Cesar department. The presence of antibodies against bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and bovine parainfluenza-3 virus (BPI-3V) in the samples was detected by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Epidemiological data were obtained using a questionnaire administered to the owner or manager of each herd. RESULTS: The overall highest seroprevalence was observed for BHV-1 (94.7%), followed by BRSV (98.6%), BVDV (35.2%), and BPI-3V (47.1%). Regarding the seroprevalence by municipalities, there was a statistical association (p<0.05) for BVDV; however, for BRSV, BHV-1, and BPI-3V, no statistical association was found (p>0.05) between seropositive values and the municipalities, indicating that animal was seropositive in similar proportions in the three municipalities. Female sex and older animals (>24 months) were a significant risk factor for BHV-1 and BPI-3V infection. Regarding the clinical signs, there was a statistical association (p<0.05) between the seropositive values of BVDV and most of clinical signs observed, except for abortion. CONCLUSION: This research confirms the high seroprevalence of the respiratory viral pathogens in nonvaccinated cattle within the study areas. Therefore, appropriate sanitary management practices and routine vaccination programs should be adopted to reduce the seroprevalence of these infectious agents.

Influencia de un recubrimiento comestible adicionado con calcio sobre la calidad de la mora de Castilla / Influence of edible coating added with calcium on andean blackberry quality

RESUMEN La creciente necesidad de los consumidores por alimentos saludables ha suscitado, en la industria, la búsqueda de tecnologías efectivas, que ofrezcan alimentos seguros y aceptables, sensorialmente, por el consumidor moderno. Los recubrimientos comestibles adicionados con componentes activos aplicados en estructuras vegetales, además de proteger la estructura y conferir mayor conservación, pueden aportar valor nutricional. El objetivo de la investigación fue evaluar la influencia de un recubrimiento comestible a base de alginato de sodio y calcio sobre los atributos de calidad de la mora de Castilla. Se aplicó la metodología de superficie de respuesta, con un diseño central compuesto cara centrado (21 experimentos), considerando las variables independientes: alginato de sodio (2,0-3,0%), cera de abeja (0,5-1,0%), sucroéster (0,15-0,25%), alginato/glicerol (2,0-3,0). La mejor formulación fue: alginato de sodio (2,85%), cera de abeja (1,00%), alginato de sodio/glicerol (2,0) y sucroéste (0,18%), siendo los atributos de calidad de la mora con el recubrimiento comestible: humedad (83,7±1,7%), actividad de agua (0,964±0,010), pH (2,7±0,0), acidez (2,6±0,0%), °Brix (8,1±0,2%), firmeza (12,3±0,7 N), fenoles totales (105,3±4,5mg AG/100g), actividad antioxidante (ABTS: 962,7±15,1mg Trolox/100g y DPPH: 319,3±9,4mg Trolox/100g), luminosidad (22,5±0,7); cromaticidad a* (8,47±0,88); cromaticidad b* (2,12±0,37) y calcio = 144,6±2,7 mg /200g. Los recubrimientos comestibles adicionados con calcio aplicados en la mora de Castilla representan una alternativa efectiva contra los daños mecánicos del fruto y para conservar su calidad, lo cual, podrá mejorar la vida útil durante el almacenamiento.

ABSTRACT The growing need of consumers for healthy food has led to the search for effective technologies in food industry that offer safe and sensorially acceptable options to the modern consumer. Edible coatings added with active components applied to vegetable structures, besides protecting the structure and conferring greater conservation, can provide nutritional value. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of an edible coating based on sodium alginate and calcium on the attributes of quality of Andean blackberry of Castilla. The response surface methodology was applied with a composite central design (21 experiments), considering the independent variables: sodium alginate (2.0-3.0%), beeswax (0.5-1.0%), sucroester (0.15-0.25%), sodium alginate/glycerol (2.0-3.0). The best formulation was: sodium alginate (2.85%), beeswax (1.00%), sodium alginate/glycerol (2.0%) and sucroester (0.162%), being the quality attributes of the of the blackberry with the edible coating: moisture (83.7±1.7%), water activity (0.964±0.010), pH (2.7±0.0), acidity (2.6±0.0%), °Brix (8.1±0.2%), firmness (12.3±0.7 N); total phenols (105.3±4.5 mg GA/100 g), antioxidant activity (ABTS: 962.7±15.1 mg Trolox/100 g) and DPPH: 319.3±9.4 mg Trolox/100 g), lightness (22,5±0,7); chromaticity a* (8,47±0,88); chromaticity b* (2,12±0,37) and calcium=144,6±2,7 mg/200g. Edible coatings added with calcium applied to Andean blackberry of Castilla represent an effective alternative against mechanical damages of the fruit and to conserve its quality, which will improve shelf life.

Point prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in double purpose cattle of Rio de Oro and Aguachica municipalities, Cesar state, Colombia.

Gastrointestinal parasites are one of the most important health problems in cattle worldwide, as they cause economic losses in the herds. Twenty - seven double purpose herds were visited to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in cattle at the Rio de Oro and Aguachica municipalities. Overall, 862 fecal samples were collected in three age groups: <12months, 12-24months and >24months. Stool samples were taken directly from the rectum and refrigerated until processing. For parasite determination, fecal samples were processed using coprological techniques. The parasitic genera were identified by egg or infective larval morphology. The global prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 83.2%, being the highest values for Eimeria sp. (77.9%), Strongyloides sp. (10.8%) and Haemonchus sp. (8.5%). Regarding the prevalence by municipalities, there was no statistical association (P>0.05) indicating that the prevalence was similar in the two municipalities. Regarding the results for Eimeria sp., different degrees of positivity were observed, reflecting that there was statistical association (P<0.05) with respect to the age group, suggesting that adult animals may act as infection source for calves. Likewise, there was statistical association (P<0.05) between the prevalence for Strongyloides sp., Haemonchus sp. and Trichostrongylus sp. with respect to the age group. It is concluded that there is a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in dual-purpose cattle in the municipalities under study, and that it could be controlled by improving the hygienic conditions of the herds, and informing the farmer about parasite control programs.