In vitro probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from the intestines of Muscovy ducks.

The current study was conducted to isolate, test and characterize molecularly and physiologically lactic acid bacteria from the intestines of Muscovy ducks to evaluate their probiotic potential for poultry farming. Three hundred lactic acid bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract of Muscovy ducks were isolated. The strains were phenotypically characterized by observing cell morphology, performing Gram staining, catalase production, and testing their ability to grow in MRS broth at different temperatures, pH values, NaCl concentrations, bile concentration, and in compatibility tests between strains. Nine strains were selected based on their resilience. Eight strains were identified using molecular techniques. These strains exhibited significant tolerance to acidic pH, bile salts, and NaCl, essential for probiotic function. All isolates inhibited the growth of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium (DT104) and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli serotype O86:H34 (EPEC), showcasing their antimicrobial potential. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed 100% resistance to clindamycin and erythromycin but high susceptibility to ampicillin and vancomycin. Growth was observed at various temperatures, indicating mesophilic characteristics. Compatibility tests confirmed their suitability for probiotic formulations. Genomic analysis identified the strains primarily as Enterococcus. Conclusively, the study identified eight out of nine selected lactic acid bacteria strains from Muscovy ducks as autochthonous probiotics, showing resilience to treatments and compatibility for consortium formulation. These strains are suitable for in vivo testing for potential poultry farming applications. Further research on their molecular mechanisms and in vivo effects is needed.

Effects of particle size of corn and stocking densities on the performance, carcass traits and gastrointestinal tract development of Muscovy ducks in housing.

The current investigation was conducted to investigate the effects of different particle sizes of corn and stocking densities on performance, carcass traits and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development of Muscovy ducks in housing. 200 Muscovy ducks were distributed in a factorial scheme (2 × 2) where the treatments were constituted by two stocking densities (2 or 3 birds/m2) and two particle sizes of corn (6 or 8 mm), with five replicates of 10 birds each. At 1, 35, 70, and 90 days old, Muscovy ducks were slaughtered to evaluate the development of heart and GIT. Muscovy ducks managed in the density of 3 birds/m2 presented higher (P < 0.05) GIT development, performance and carcass traits regardless of age evaluated. In the same way, Muscovy ducks fed diets using a particle size of corn of 6 mm (Mean Geometric Diameter (MGD) = 781 µm) presented higher (P < 0.05) GIT development, performance and carcass traits regardless of age evaluated. Conclusively, the stocking density of 3 birds/m2 and the particle size of corn of 6 mm (MGD = 781 µm) were considered ideal recommendations for Muscovy ducks, providing higher GIT development, which resulted in better performance and carcass traits.

Serological diagnosis of influenza A subtype H1 on family poultry of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais and Santa Maria, Rio Grande Do Sul, in Brazil

Serum samples (n=687) from Gallus gallus domesticus were collected for the investigation of antibodies to avian influenza virus (AIV-A) in the family poultry of the surrounding counties of Santa Maria/RS and the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte/MG, totaling twenty different counties. Additional samples of seventeen (n=17) free-flying ducks (C. moschata pure or hybrid with Anas platyrhynchos) were collected in Belo Horizonte. The chosen tests for the survey were performed as described by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), including agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) for antibodies to AIV-A nucleoprotein (N) and haemagglutination- inhibition (HI) for antibodies to subtype H1. Out of the 704 serum tests performed by AGID, eight (8/704) were revealed positive for antibodies to AIV-A N protein, with six (6/704) retested positive for subtype H1. Two sera tested positive by AGID were shown to be non reactive to the H1 subtype, suggesting specificity to another subtype. A low occurrence of antibodies to influenza A (1.13%) was found, and mostly (75%) specific to subtype H1. This represents an approximately 0,85% overall occurrence for subtype H1 antibodies, with an unknown subtype specific antibodies detected in one free-flying anatid. The low occurrence of antibodies in the family poultry may suggest a low AIV-A activity during the period of study, information which remains to be confirmed by virus detection.(AU)

Serological diagnosis of influenza A subtype H1 on family poultry of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais and Santa Maria, Rio Grande Do Sul, in Brazil

Serum samples (n=687) from Gallus gallus domesticus were collected for the investigation of antibodies to avian influenza virus (AIV-A) in the family poultry of the surrounding counties of Santa Maria/RS and the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte/MG, totaling twenty different counties. Additional samples of seventeen (n=17) free-flying ducks (C. moschata pure or hybrid with Anas platyrhynchos) were collected in Belo Horizonte. The chosen tests for the survey were performed as described by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), including agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) for antibodies to AIV-A nucleoprotein (N) and haemagglutination- inhibition (HI) for antibodies to subtype H1. Out of the 704 serum tests performed by AGID, eight (8/704) were revealed positive for antibodies to AIV-A N protein, with six (6/704) retested positive for subtype H1. Two sera tested positive by AGID were shown to be non reactive to the H1 subtype, suggesting specificity to another subtype. A low occurrence of antibodies to influenza A (1.13%) was found, and mostly (75%) specific to subtype H1. This represents an approximately 0,85% overall occurrence for subtype H1 antibodies, with an unknown subtype specific antibodies detected in one free-flying anatid. The low occurrence of antibodies in the family poultry may suggest a low AIV-A activity during the period of study, information which remains to be confirmed by virus detection.

Antitoxin therapy of natural avian botulism outbreaks occurred in Brazil.

Botulism commonly affects water birds and it has recently been observed to be emerging in poultry production. In the present work, outbreaks of botulism in wild native species, such as the black-fronted Piping-guan (Aburria jacutinga), wild duck (Cairina moschata) and its crosses with mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), and domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) are described. Following treatments with a commercial botulism antitoxin CD, 28 (96.5%) out of 29 animals fully recovered after 24-72 h. The antitoxin therapy was shown to be a useful option for the treatment of affected birds, including those that were severely affected.

Prevalência de helmintos em patos domésticos Cairina moschatadom. (Linné) (Anseriformes, Anatidae, Cairinini, Cairina) provenientes de criações extensivas no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Prevalence of helmintos in domestic ducks Cairina moschata dom. (Linné) (Asncriformes, Anatidae, Cairinini, Cairina) proceeding from extensivecreations in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

De março a agosto de 2002 foi realizado um levantamento de parasitos em trinta patos domésticos criados extensivamente oriundos de seis municípios do estado do Rio de Janeiro, através de exames clínicos, necropsias e amostras de tecidos afetados. Dezessete aves estavam parasitadas por oito diferentes espécies de helmintos. A prevalência e a intensidade média de infecção entre as aves parasitadas foram registradas. O presente trabalho registra, pela primeira vez no Brasil, nematóides da espécie Capillaria phasianina nestes hospedeiros.(AU)

From March to August 2002 a survey concerning the parasites of the muscovy ducks ( Cairina moschata dom.) was carried out.These waterfowls were originated from six counties of Rio de Janeiro state and were bred in free-range system. This researchwas based in clinic examination, necropsies and tissue samples collection for histopathology of 30 waterfowls. Birds were classified in to two-aged groups: young ones (3 5 months, n = 10) and adult ones (5,5 36 months, n = 20). Seventeen ducks were found parasitized by eight different helminth species. The prevalence and means intensities of infection among parasitized birds are given. In the present work the nematode Capillaria phasianina was reported for the first time as a new host for waterfowls (Cairina moschata dom.) in Brazil.(AU)

Prevalência de helmintos em patos domésticos Cairina moschatadom. (Linné) (Anseriformes, Anatidae, Cairinini, Cairina) provenientesde criações extensivas no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Prevalence of helmintos in domestic ducks Cairina moschata dom. (Linné)

De março a agosto de 2002 foi realizado um levantamento de parasitos em trinta patos domésticos criados extensivamenteoriundos de seis municípios do estado do Rio de Janeiro, através de exames clínicos, necropsias e amostras de tecidosafetados. Dezessete aves estavam parasitadas por oito diferentes espécies de helmintos. A prevalência e a intensidade médiade infecção entre as aves parasitadas foram registradas. O presente trabalho registra, pela primeira vez no Brasil, nematóides da espécie Capillaria phasianina nestes hospedeiros.

From March to August 2002 a survey concerning the parasites of the muscovy ducks ( Cairina moschata dom.) was carried out.These waterfowls were originated from six counties of Rio de Janeiro state and were bred in free-range system. This researchwas based in clinic examination, necropsies and tissue samples collection for histopathology of 30 waterfowls. Birds wereclassified in to two-aged groups: young ones (3 – 5 months, n = 10) and adult ones (5,5 – 36 months, n = 20). Seventeen ducks.

Aspectos biológicos e epizootiológicos de Parahaemoproteus nettionis (JOHNSTON & CLELAND, 1909) (Haemospordiidea: haemoproteidae) em Pato domestico no Brasil / Aspectos biológicos e epizootiológicos de Parahaemoproteus nettionis (JOHNSTON & CLELAND, 1909) (Haemospordiidea: haemoproteidae) em Pato domestico no Brasil

Infections of Parahaemoproteus nettionis (JOHNSTON & CLELAND, 1909), recorded on the basis of the presence of mature gametocytes, were encountered in Cairina moschata. Biological tests under experimental conditions showed that Culex fatigans is not an efficient transmittor. Due to the poor survival of simulids and ceratopogonids in the laboratory, it was not possible to demonstrate the development of P. nettionis in these probable vectors. Inoculations of blood, or of suspensions of macerated organs from birds known to be parasitised, were inadequate for the transmission of the parasite. Inoculations of cortisone, splenectomy, or a combination of both, are ineffective as methods os aggravating the pathogenicity of P. nettionis.

O parasitismo por Parahaemoproteus nettionis (JOHNSTON & CLELAND, 1909) foi constatado pela presença de gametócitos maturos em Cairina moschata. Os testes biológicos em condições experimentais mostraram que Culex fatigans não se constitue em um transmissor adequado. Em face das precárias condições de sobrevivência de simulideos e ceratopogonídeos em laboratório, não foi possível demonstrar o desenvolvimento de P. nettionis nestes prováveis vetores. As inoculações de sangue e de suspensão de macerados de órgãos de aves comprovadamente parasitadas não se constituíram em meio adequado de transmissão desta parasitose. As inoculações de cortisona, a esplenectomia e as associações destes dois métodos não constituíram em meios adequados para exacerbar a patogenicidade de P. nettionis.

Aspectos biológicos e epizootiológicos de Parahaemoproteus nettionis (JOHNSTON & CLELAND, 1909) (Haemospordiidea: haemoproteidae) em Pato domestico no Brasil / Aspectos biológicos e epizootiológicos de Parahaemoproteus nettionis (JOHNSTON & CLELAND, 1909) (Haemospordiidea: haemoproteidae) em Pato domestico no Brasil

Infections of Parahaemoproteus nettionis (JOHNSTON & CLELAND, 1909), recorded on the basis of the presence of mature gametocytes, were encountered in Cairina moschata. Biological tests under experimental conditions showed that Culex fatigans is not an efficient transmittor. Due to the poor survival of simulids and ceratopogonids in the laboratory, it was not possible to demonstrate the development of P. nettionis in these probable vectors. Inoculations of blood, or of suspensions of macerated organs from birds known to be parasitised, were inadequate for the transmission of the parasite. Inoculations of cortisone, splenectomy, or a combination of both, are ineffective as methods os aggravating the pathogenicity of P. nettionis.  

O parasitismo por Parahaemoproteus nettionis (JOHNSTON & CLELAND, 1909) foi constatado pela presença de gametócitos maturos em Cairina moschata. Os testes biológicos em condições experimentais mostraram que Culex fatigans não se constitue em um transmissor adequado. Em face das precárias condições de sobrevivência de simulideos e ceratopogonídeos em laboratório, não foi possível demonstrar o desenvolvimento de P. nettionis nestes prováveis vetores. As inoculações de sangue e de suspensão de macerados de órgãos de aves comprovadamente parasitadas não se constituíram em meio adequado de transmissão desta parasitose. As inoculações de cortisona, a esplenectomia e as associações destes dois métodos não constituíram em meios adequados para exacerbar a patogenicidade de P. nettionis.