Prediction of total phosphorus in reservoir cascade systems.

Reservoir cascade systems have attracted the attention of scientists worldwide. The present study investigates the cascade of five reservoirs (R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5) along a 192-km water channel system located in the state of Ceará, in the Brazilian semiarid region. This cascade system was implemented in 2012 to promote water availability and security to the capital of Ceará and the strategic industry and port complex of the region. However, these reservoirs have faced a progressive degradation of water quality, which has resulted in intense eutrophication and high-water treatment costs. The study evaluates the dynamics of water quality from 2013 to 2021 along this reservoir cascade (from R1 to R5). The results revealed that water quality did not improve along the cascade system, differently from previous studies on reservoirs interconnected by natural rivers. This was attributed to the low water residence time and low capacity of pollutant removal along the man-made water channel system, as well as to the high internal phosphorus loads of the reservoirs. Multiple regression models involving the explanatory variables of total phosphorus, total nitrogen, chlorophyll-a, cyanobacteria, transparency, rainfall, and volume from upstream reservoirs were obtained to determine total phosphorus concentration in downstream reservoirs, considering different combinations of reservoir pairs in the cascade and different time delays. A clear trend of R2 decline with the distance between the upstream and downstream reservoirs was observed. For example, the R2 values for the correlations adjusted between R1 and R2 (48 km), R1 and R3 (172 km), R1 and R4 (178 km), and R1 and R5 (192 km) were 0.66, 0.32, 0.22, and 0.12, respectively. On the other hand, the adoption of time delays of the order of the cumulative residence times of the reservoirs promoted a significant improvement in the R2 values. For instance, the best correlation adjusted between R1 and R5 improved from R2 = 0.12 to 0.69 by considering a time delay of 21 months. This suggests that previous data from upstream reservoirs can be used to predict current and future total phosphorus concentration in downstream reservoirs. The results from this study are important to better understand the spatiotemporal dynamics of water quality in reservoir cascade systems and thus improve water resources management, especially in drylands.

Organic selenium supplementation on metabolic profile of dairy goats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of organic selenium (SE) supplementation on blood constituents related to hematology and serum biochemistry of dairy goats in the productive phase. A total of 16 lactating Saanen × Toggenburg crossbred goats, aged between 2 and 3, lactating, nonpregnant, clinically healthy, and having a body weight (BW) of 40.75 ± 8.31 kg were selected for this study. Higher SE concentrations were observed on the 42nd day of supplementation, and on the 63rd day, the SE concentrations were similar ([Formula: see text]) to the 21st and 42nd days. There was no interaction for plasma constituents comparing treatment effects and days of supplementation ([Formula: see text]). SE supplementation reduced ([Formula: see text]) plasma proteins with a gradual increase in available SE. There was no difference ([Formula: see text]) for the blood count comparing the effects of treatment and days of supplementation. There was no interaction ([Formula: see text]) for serum biochemical constituents between treatments and periods, except for urea ([Formula: see text]). Animals that received SE supplementation had similar plasma urea concentrations before and after supplementation, while animals that did not receive SE in the diet had increased serum urea concentrations. The main action of selenium in metabolism occurred in the reduction of plasma proteins and urea levels, which leads us to conclude that it influenced protein metabolism. Finally, hematology, liver function, and energy metabolism are not affected by selenium supplementation in dairy goats reared in semiarid conditions.

Sunflower response to nitrogen doses / Resposta do girassol a doses de nitrogênio

The sunflower is an oilseed species, rustic, cultivated in different agroecosystems. The responses of cultivars to nitrogen fertilization vary according to the cultivar and environment. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the response of biometric characters of sunflower cv. Embrapa 122-V2000 under N doses. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with five treatments (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg N ha-1) and four blocks. All characters were influenced (p<0.05) by N doses, fitting to the quadratic model. The maximum values of plant height (1.68 m), stem diameter (22.71 mm), leaf area (423.41 cm2), capitulum diameter (15.22 cm), dry biomass yield (6,075.13 kg DM ha-1) and grains (2,982.89 kg ha-1), N use efficiency from biomass (80.3 kg kg-1) and grains (43.27 kg kg-1) close to 90 kg N ha-1, this dose being recommended for the edaphoclimatic conditions of the Agreste Meridional Region of Pernambuco, Brazil.(AU)

O girassol é uma espécie oleaginosa, rústica, cultivada em diferentes agroecossistemas. As respostas dos cultivares às adubações nitrogenadas variam de acordo com o cultivar e o ambiente. Portanto, esta pesquisa objetivou avaliar a resposta de caracteres biométricos do girassol cv. Embrapa 122-V2000 sob doses de N. O experimento foi conduzido no delineamento em blocos casualizados com cinco tratamentos (0, 40, 80, 120 e 160 kg N ha-1) e quatro blocos. Todos os caracteres foram influenciados (p<0,05) pelas doses de N, ajustando-se ao modelo quadrático. Os valores máximos de altura da planta (1,68 m), diâmetro do colmo (22,71 mm), área foliar (423,41 cm2), diâmetro do capítulo (15,22 cm), produtividade de biomassa seca (6.075,13 kg MS ha-1) e de grãos (2.982,89 kg ha-1), eficiência do uso do N da biomassa (80,3 kg kg-1) e dos grãos (43,27 kg kg-1) próximo aos 90 kg N ha-1, sendo esta dose recomendada para as condições edafoclimáticas da região Agreste Meridional de Pernambuco, Brasil.(AU)

Radiological risk associated with 222Rn occurrence in groundwater sources of rural communities in the semiarid region of Paraíba, Brazil.

Rural and isolated communities traditionally lack adequate water treatment and distribution systems, and water quality assessment often does not include radioactivity measurement. Here we present, for the first time, the results of Rn measurements and the evaluation of the associated dose in groundwaters of rural communities in a semiarid area in Paraiba State, Brazil. Water samples were analysed using a low-level liquid scintillation spectrometer (LSS). Radon concentrations were higher than EPA and WHO recommended levels in water for most of the wells (range of 5.5-1107.0 Bq/L, average 252.8 Bq/L). Higher Rn concentration was measured in deeper wells and located in area rich in granite and diorite rocks. The annual effective doses varied between 0.021 and 4.317 mSv/y for infants, 0.016-3.182 mSv/y for children, and 0.015-3.022 mSv/y for adults, exceeding, in some cases, the 1 mSv/y reference level recommended by the WHO and UNSCEAR for the public. Thus, water consumption from half of the wells should be avoided unless adequate treatment is provided. Results highlight the need to perform actions to supply water with appropriate quality to the local population.

Performance and microbiota of the digestive tract of Nellore calves supplemented with fungi isolated from bovine rumen.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In tropical semiarid regions, supplementation with fungi could contribute to rumen modulation, promoting greater production of fibrolytic enzymes and degradation of forage. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of supplementation with fungi, isolated from the bovine rumen, on the performance and microbiota of the digestive tract of Nellore calves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks evaluating eight Nellore calves that were daily supplemented with isolates of Aspergillus terreus and Trichoderma longibrachiatum, along with eight calves that were not supplemented. After 55 days, the animals were weighed, and samples of rumen fluid and feces were collected for analysis. The characteristics that showed normal distribution were subjected to analysis of variance and compared using Tukey's test. Whereas, the variables that did not show normal distribution were subjected to the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the frequencies of the bacterial and fungal genera were compared using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Supplementation with fungi promoted the reduction in ruminal pH (p<0.05). However, the final live weight; average daily weight gain; total weight gain; rumen protozoa; and the count of Enterobacteriaceae, mycelial fungi, and yeasts of ruminal fluid and feces were not influenced by supplementation (p>0.05). Moreover, the protozoa Eodinium spp. was identified only in supplemented calves (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Supplementation with the fungi presented the potential for use as possible additives because it did not alter the physiological parameters of the facultative anaerobic microbiota composition in the rumen and feces. In addition, it favored the presence of the ciliate genus Eodinium. However, further studies should be performed to better define suitable dosages for supplementation.

Geospatial cluster analysis of the state, duration and severity of drought over Paraíba State, northeastern Brazil.

Droughts threaten water resources, agriculture, socio-economic activities and the population at the global and regional level, so identifying areas with homogeneous drought behaviors is an important consideration in improving the management of water resources. The objective of this study is to identify homogenous zones over Paraíba State in relation to the state, duration and severity of droughts that have occurred over the last 20 years (1998-2017) using hierarchical cluster analysis based on both gauge-measured and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) estimated rainfall data (TMPA 3B42). The drought series were calculated using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) based on eight time scales and were grouped according to drought state, duration and severity time series. The integrated results of state, duration and severity of droughts indicate that there is a basis for dividing Paraíba State into two major regions (a) Zone I, formed by Mata Paraibana and Agreste Paraibano, and (b) Zone II, composed by Borborema and Sertão Paraibano. This division is evident when assessing short-term droughts, but in the case of long-term droughts, Paraíba State has a high similarity in terms of drought state, duration, and severity. Factors such as proximity to the ocean, active climatic systems, and the local relief configuration were identified as influencing the drought regime. Finally, it is concluded that TMPA rainfall estimates represent a valuable source of data to regionalize and identify drought patterns over this part of Brazil and that other studies of this type should be carried out to monitor these phenomena based on other satellite-based rainfall data, including the Global Precipitation Mission (GPM).

Paraburkholderia spp. are the main rhizobial microsymbionts of Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir. in soils of the Brazilian tropical dry forests (Caatinga biome).

Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir. is widespread in southern and central American drylands, but little information is available concerning its associated rhizobia. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize M. tenuiflora rhizobia from soils of the tropical dry forests (Caatinga) in Pernambuco State, Brazil, at the molecular and symbiotic levels. Soil samples of pristine Caatinga areas in four municipalities were used to grow M. tenuiflora. First, the bacteria from root nodules were subjected to nodC/nifH gene amplification, and the bacteria positive for both genes had the 16S rRNA gene sequenced. Then, ten strains were evaluated using recA, gyrB, and nodC gene sequences, and seven of them had their symbiotic efficiency assessed. Thirty-two strains were obtained and 22 of them were nodC/nifH positive. Twenty strains clustered within Paraburkholderia and two within Rhizobium by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The beta-rhizobia were similar to P. phenoliruptrix (12) and P. diazotrophica (8). Both alpha-rhizobia were closely related to R. miluonense. The recA + gyrB phylogenetic analysis clustered four and five strains within the P. phenoliruptrix and P. diazotrophica branches, respectively, but they were somewhat divergent to the 16S rRNA phylogeny. For Rhizobium sp. ESA 637, the recA + gyrB phylogeny clustered the strain with R. jaguaris. The nodC phylogeny indicated that ESA 626, ESA 629, and ESA 630 probably represented a new symbiovar branch. The inoculation assay showed high symbiotic efficiency for all tested strains. The results indicated high genetic diversity and efficiency of M. tenuiflora rhizobia in Brazilian drylands and included P. phenoliruptrix-like bacteria in the list of efficient beta-rhizobia in the Caatinga biome.

Phytochemistry and teratogenic potential of Mimosa tenuiflora (willd.) poir. (Fabaceae) in ruminants: A systematic review.

Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir. (Fabaceae) is a plant native to Brazil and occurs in the phytogeographic domains of Caatinga and Cerrado. Relevant studies have investigated the chemical components of this plant and others have already demonstrated its teratogenic potential. It has been proven that this plant causes congenital malformations in farm animals and, consequently, financial losses to farmers in the Brazilian semiarid region. The present work aimed to carry out a bibliographic survey on the teratogenic effects of M. tenuiflora in ruminants and to group the chemical compounds occurring in this species. For this, databases were consulted and twenty-four articles published in the last 30 years (1990-2020) were included. According to the scientific documents analyzed, M. tenuiflora has embryotoxic, fetotoxic and abortive potential in farm animals, especially sheep and goats. The main classes of chemical compounds present in this species are alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and terpenoids. It is likely that some of these substances, mainly the indole alkaloid N,N-dimethyltryptamine, are related to the teratogenic effects reported in ruminants in the Brazilian semiarid region.

Floating aquatic macrophytes for the treatment of aquaculture effluents.

Aquaculture is an activity with economic and social importance since it generates food, employment, and income. However, like other human activities, it negatively impacts the environment, in this respect mainly due to the production of effluents rich in sedimentable solids, organic matter, phosphorus, and nitrogen. These last two are responsible for the eutrophication of water courses, causing changes in the aquatic biota. Hence, there is a need to adopt strategies to improve the efficiency of wastewater reuse. In this sense, the objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of using the floating aquatic macrophytes Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes, and Salvinia molesta for the treatment of aquaculture effluents. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with seven treatments and three repetitions; the treatments were the following: T1, without plant, treated only with sedimentation; T2, Eichhornia crassipes; T3, Pistia stratiotes; T4, Salvinia molesta; T5, Eichhornia crassipes and Pistia stratiotes; T6, Eichhornia crassipes and Salvinia molesta; and T7, Pistia stratiotes and Salvinia molesta. The treatments were evaluated for a period of 168 h: the first collection of effluent allowed analysis of the raw effluent; the second occurred 24 h after the first collection and the others, on alternate days with 72, 120, and 168 h, totaling five collections in each experimental unit. The effluent used came from breeding tanks of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The quality of the effluent was evaluated by the rate of removal of nutrients N-total, N-nitrite, N-nitrate, N-ammoniacal and Ptotal, temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, total alkalinity, BDO, and CDO. After the effluent was treated, the values of the parameters were compared with the maximum admissible values (MAVs), as specified by Brazil's National Environmental Council (CONAMA) in Resolutions 430/2011 and 357/2005. With the use of floating aquatic macrophytes, the concentrations of all evaluated limnology parameters improved significantly. There was also an improvement in the physical aspect of the effluent (transparency and turbidity). Thus, it can be concluded that the use of the macrophytes Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes, and Salvinia molesta is effective in the treatment of effluents from fish farming.

Spirometra mansonoides from a domestic cat in northeastern Brazil: case report / Spirometra mansonoidesde um gato doméstico no nordeste do Brasil: relato de caso

Class Cestoda, in addition to causing problems for the health of animals, has been very relevant for human public health due to the zoonotic character of some species. In reporting a case of a domestic cat diagnosed with Spirometra mansonoides in northeastern Brazil, we demonstrate the importance of the association among different diagnostic techniques in the identification of the parasite, as well as report the presence of this parasite in domestic cats in the Northeast region. An old female feline with limited mobility was rescued and clinically evaluated. The observed bowel loop thickening and cachexia were suggestive of parasitosis, but the diagnosis and therapy were initially concentrated only on the fracture of a limb. Two months after the first diagnosis, the animal spontaneously expelled a parasite in its stool. Eggs and an adult parasite were found and identified by the association of diagnostic techniques such as coproparasitological and morphological studies. The case was the first to identify the species in the region and to signal the epidemiological surveillance of the zoonotic potential of the specimen.(AU)

A classe Cestoda, além de causar problemas para a saúde dos animais, tem se mostrado muito relevante para a saúde pública humana devido ao caráter zoonóticode algumas espécies. Ao relatar o caso de um gato doméstico com diagnóstico de Spirometra mansonoidesno Nordeste do Brasil, demonstramos a importância da associação entre diferentes técnicas diagnósticas na identificação do parasita, como também relatamos a presença deste parasita em gatos domésticos da região Nordeste. Uma felina idosa com mobilidade limitada foi resgatada e avaliada clinicamente. O espessamento da alça intestinal e a caquexia observada foram sugestivos de parasitose, mas o diagnóstico ea terapia foram inicialmente concentrados apenas na fratura de um membro. Dois meses após o primeiro diagnóstico, o animal expeliu espontaneamente um parasita em suas fezes. Ovos e um parasita adulto foram encontrados e identificados pela associação de técnicas diagnósticas como estudos coproparasitológicos e morfológicos. O caso foi o primeiro a identificar a espécie na região e a sinalizar a vigilância epidemiológica do potencial zoonótico do espécime.(AU)

Snakes in a seasonally dry tropical forest in northeastern Brazil / Serpentes em uma floresta tropical sazonalmente seca no nordeste do Brasil

Abstract: This study aimed to provide information on composition, abundance, and estimated snakes richness in an area of arboreal Caatinga (seasonally dry tropical forest) and analyze patterns of faunistic similarity between assemblages of snakes in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. The snakes found within the Fazenda Almas Natural Private Reserve (RPPN Fazenda Almas) were sampled during a 10-year period, with monthly monitoring, employing time constrained search, pitfall traps with drift fences, and donations from local collectors. Twenty-two snake species were recorded, with a predominance of terrestrial species with diurnal-nocturnal activity patterns. The species accumulation curves reached its asymptote, indicating that all possible species in the study area had been recorded. Our results indicated that the snake fauna in the study area is similar to other snake assemblages in localities with Caatinga vegetation in the Sertaneja Depression ("Depressão Sertaneja") drylands, and that those assemblages constitute faunistic units typical of the interior of northeastern Brazil.

Resumo: Este estudo objetivou fornecer informações sobre composição, estimativa de riqueza de espécies e abundância de serpentes em uma área de Caatinga arbórea (floresta tropical sazonalmente seca) e analisar a ocorrência de padrões de similaridade faunística entre as assembleias de serpentes na região semiárida do nordeste do Brasil. A fauna de serpentes da Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Fazenda Almas (RPPN Fazenda Almas) foi amostrada durante um período de dez anos de monitoramento mensal, usando busca visual limitada por tempo, armadilhas de queda com cercas direcionadoras e doações por coletores locais. Vinte e duas espécies foram registradas e houve predominância de serpentes terrestres e com padrões de atividade diurna-noturna. A curva de acumulação de espécies atingiu a assíntota indicando que foi possível registrar todas as espécies que ocorrem na área de estudo. Nossos resultados indicaram que a fauna de serpentes na área de estudo é semelhante a outras taxocenoses de serpentes em localidades com vegetação de Caatinga nas terras áridas das "Depressões Sertanejas", e que essas taxocenoses constituem unidades faunísticas típicas do interior do nordeste do Brasil.

Spirometra mansonoides from a domestic cat in northeastern Brazil: case report / Spirometra mansonoidesde um gato doméstico no nordeste do Brasil: relato de caso

Class Cestoda, in addition to causing problems for the health of animals, has been very relevant for human public health due to the zoonotic character of some species. In reporting a case of a domestic cat diagnosed with Spirometra mansonoides in northeastern Brazil, we demonstrate the importance of the association among different diagnostic techniques in the identification of the parasite, as well as report the presence of this parasite in domestic cats in the Northeast region. An old female feline with limited mobility was rescued and clinically evaluated. The observed bowel loop thickening and cachexia were suggestive of parasitosis, but the diagnosis and therapy were initially concentrated only on the fracture of a limb. Two months after the first diagnosis, the animal spontaneously expelled a parasite in its stool. Eggs and an adult parasite were found and identified by the association of diagnostic techniques such as coproparasitological and morphological studies. The case was the first to identify the species in the region and to signal the epidemiological surveillance of the zoonotic potential of the specimen.

A classe Cestoda, além de causar problemas para a saúde dos animais, tem se mostrado muito relevante para a saúde pública humana devido ao caráter zoonóticode algumas espécies. Ao relatar o caso de um gato doméstico com diagnóstico de Spirometra mansonoidesno Nordeste do Brasil, demonstramos a importância da associação entre diferentes técnicas diagnósticas na identificação do parasita, como também relatamos a presença deste parasita em gatos domésticos da região Nordeste. Uma felina idosa com mobilidade limitada foi resgatada e avaliada clinicamente. O espessamento da alça intestinal e a caquexia observada foram sugestivos de parasitose, mas o diagnóstico ea terapia foram inicialmente concentrados apenas na fratura de um membro. Dois meses após o primeiro diagnóstico, o animal expeliu espontaneamente um parasita em suas fezes. Ovos e um parasita adulto foram encontrados e identificados pela associação de técnicas diagnósticas como estudos coproparasitológicos e morfológicos. O caso foi o primeiro a identificar a espécie na região e a sinalizar a vigilância epidemiológica do potencial zoonótico do espécime.

Fast recovery of house infestation with Triatoma brasiliensis after residual insecticide spraying in a semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil

The northeastern semiarid region stands out in the Brazilian context regarding the eco-epidemiology of Chagas disease, in which Triatoma brasiliensis is the main vector of Trypanosoma cruzi. Persistent house invasion threatens the relative levels of progress achieved over previous decades. We conducted an intervention trial with a five-year follow-up to assess the impacts of residual spraying with pyrethroid insecticides on house infestation with T. brasiliensis in 18 rural villages (242 houses) located in the Tauá, Ceará. House infestations were assessed by systematic manual searches for triatomines in every domestic and peridomestic habitat on five occasions. Triatomines were collected in peridomestic (57.5%), sylvatic (35.8%), and intradomiciliary (6.7%) habitats. The most important ecotopes of T. brasiliensis were containing roofing tiles, bricks or rocks (23.4% ± 9.1). Residual insecticide spraying substantially reduced baseline house infestation rates from 27.9% to 5.9% by 6 months post first spraying (MPS). The decline was substantially greater in intradomiciles (11.2% to 0.8%) than in peridomiciles (16.7% to 5%). The mean relative density of triatomines recovered its preintervention values at 14 MPS in intradomiciles, and in the main peridomestic ecotopes. The house infestation levels recorded at 14 MPS persisted thereafter despite all reinfested houses were selectively sprayed on every occasion. Overall average bug infection rates with T. cruzi in the five occasions were in intradomiciles (11.1%), peridomiciles (4.7%) and wild habitats (3.3%). In peridomicile T. cruzi infection rates decreased significantly at all stages after chemical intervention. In intradomicile, the only significant difference occurred at 20 MPS (7.7% to 30.8%). The vectorial capacity of T. brasiliensis, combined with its invasive potential from sylvatic sources and the limited effectiveness of chemical control in the harsh caatinga landscape, pose serious obstacles to the definite elimination of domestic transmission risks. Systematic vector surveillance supported by community participation and locally adapted environmental management measures are needed to reduce the risks of establishment of domestic transmission with T. cruzi in this region.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in sheep raised in intermediary geographical region of Paraiba state, Brazil / Prevalencia de helmintos gastrointestinales en ovinos criados en una región geográfica intermedia del estado de Paraíba, Brasil / Prevalência de helmintos gastrintestinais em ovinos criados em região geográfica intermediária da Paraíba, Brasil

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) of sheep herds from twenty-three sheep farms spread in the Alto Sertão region of Paraíba state, Brazil. Sample size was obtained through a simple random sampling, which was determined from the total amount of sheep head of the microregion. It was collected 262 faecal samples directly from the rectum of the animals, conditioned in polyethylene bags previously identified and kept refrigerated until processing. Faecal egg counting was performed and cultures in pool of each farm were done separately. It was observed a prevalence of GN of 84.7% (222/262) to the evaluated sheep. Furthermore, it was noted the presence of unless one positive animal for helminths in 100.0% of sheep farms. Among the 222 positive animals, 49.6% presented EPG<1000, 28.8% EPG among 1000-2000 and 21.6%presented EPG>2000. Recovered third stage larvae showed that the most prevalent nematode was Haemonchus sp.(79.6%), followed by Trichostrongylus sp. (13.8%), Oesophagostomum sp. (3.6%), Strongyloides sp. (2.4%) e Bunostomum sp. (0.6%). High prevalence of GIN in sheep from the Alto Sertão region can explain low productivity of the herd and economic losses.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de nematódeos gastrintestinais (NGI) de rebanhos ovinos de 23 unidades de produção distribuídas no Alto Sertão da Paraíba, Brasil. O tamanho da amostra foi determinado por meio de amostragem aleatória simples, calculada a partir da quantidade total de cabeça de ovinos da microrregião. Foram coletadas 262 amostras fecais diretamente do reto dos animais, acondicionadas em sacos de polietileno previamente identificados e mantidas refrigeradas até o processamento. A contagem de ovos nas fezes foi realizada e coproculturas em pool de cada fazenda foram feitas individualmente. Observou-se uma prevalência de GN de 84,7% (222/262) para os ovinos avaliados. Além disso, notou-se a presença de ao menos um animal positivo para helmintos em 100,0% das fazendas de ovinos. Entre os 222 animais positivos, 49,6% apresentaram OPG<1000, 28,8% OPG entre 1000-2000,e 21,6% apresentaram OPG>2000. Larvas de terceiro estágio recuperadas mostraram que o nematódeo mais prevalente foi Haemonchus sp. (79,6%), seguido por Trichostrongylus sp. (13,8%), Oesophagostomum sp. (3,6%), Strongyloides sp. (2,4%) e Bunostomum sp. (0,6%). A alta prevalência de NGI em ovinos do Alto Sertão da Paraíba pode explicar a baixa produtividade do rebanho e as perdas econômicas.(AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de nematodos gastrointestinales (NGI) de rebaños de ovinos de veintitrés granjas de ovinos diseminadas en la región de Alto Sertão en el estado de Paraíba, Brasil. El tamaño de la muestra se obtuvo a través de un muestreo aleatorio simple, que se determinó a partir de la cantidad total de cabezas de ovinos de la microrregión. Se recogieron 262 muestras fecales directamente del recto de los animales, se acondicionaron en bolsas de polietileno previamente identificadas y se mantuvieron refrigeradas hasta su procesamiento. Se realizó el recuento de huevos fecales y los cultivos en grupo de cada granja se realizaron por separado. Se observó una prevalencia de NGI de 84.7% (222/262) en los ovinos evaluadas. Además, se observó la presencia de un animal positivo para helmintos en el 100% de las granjas ovinas. Entre los 222 animales positivos, el 49,6% presentó OPG<1000), 28,8% OPG 1000-2000, y 21,6%OPG>2000. Las larvas recuperadas de la tercera etapa mostraron que el nematodo más prevalente fue Haemonchus sp. (79.6%), seguido por Trichostrongylus sp. (13,8%), Oesophagostomum sp. (3.6%), Strongyloides sp. (2.4%) e Bunostomum sp. (0,6%). La alta prevalencia de NGI en ovinos de la región de Alto Sertão puede explicar la baja productividad del rebaño y las pérdidas económicas.(AU)

Sensitivity and specificity of the FAMACHA© system in tropical hair sheep.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the FAMACHA© (F©) system in Morada Nova ewes. The conjunctivae of 562 ewes were evaluated using the F© system. Packed cell volume (PCV) served as the gold standard for clinical F© evaluation. To calculate the sensitivity and specificity of the F© system, different criteria were adopted: animals classified as (I) F© 4 and 5 or (II) 3, 4, and 5 were considered to be anemic and animals classified as (I) F© 1, 2, and 3, or (II) 1 and 2 were considered to be non-anemic. Three standard values of PCV, namely, ≤ 19%, ≤ 18%, or ≤ 15%, were used to confirm anemia. The percentage of correct treatments was always high when the F© values 4 and 5 were used as criteria for positive tests. For all the PCV cut-off values, more animals were classified as false positives when evaluated using F© 3, 4, and 5 as criteria for a positive test and more true negative animals when evaluated using only F© 4 and 5 as criteria for a positive test. For both sets of criteria for the positive tests, few animals were classified as false negatives and true positives. Eliminating the classification of F© 3 as anemic decreased the sensitivity and increased the specificity for all the PCV cut-off values for the ewes. The F© system can be used as a reliable alternative to reduce selection pressure for anthelmintics in relation to routine non-selective blanket treatment for worm control in the Morada Nova ewes.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in sheep raised in intermediary geographical region of Paraiba state, Brazil / Prevalencia de helmintos gastrointestinales en ovinos criados en una región geográfica intermedia del estado de Paraíba, Brasil / Prevalência de helmintos gastrintestinais em ovinos criados em região geográfica intermediária da Paraíba, Brasil

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) of sheep herds from twenty-three sheep farms spread in the Alto Sertão region of Paraíba state, Brazil. Sample size was obtained through a simple random sampling, which was determined from the total amount of sheep head of the microregion. It was collected 262 faecal samples directly from the rectum of the animals, conditioned in polyethylene bags previously identified and kept refrigerated until processing. Faecal egg counting was performed and cultures in pool of each farm were done separately. It was observed a prevalence of GN of 84.7% (222/262) to the evaluated sheep. Furthermore, it was noted the presence of unless one positive animal for helminths in 100.0% of sheep farms. Among the 222 positive animals, 49.6% presented EPG2000. Recovered third stage larvae showed that the most prevalent nematode was Haemonchus sp.(79.6%), followed by Trichostrongylus sp. (13.8%), Oesophagostomum sp. (3.6%), Strongyloides sp. (2.4%) e Bunostomum sp. (0.6%). High prevalence of GIN in sheep from the Alto Sertão region can explain low productivity of the herd and economic losses.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de nematódeos gastrintestinais (NGI) de rebanhos ovinos de 23 unidades de produção distribuídas no Alto Sertão da Paraíba, Brasil. O tamanho da amostra foi determinado por meio de amostragem aleatória simples, calculada a partir da quantidade total de cabeça de ovinos da microrregião. Foram coletadas 262 amostras fecais diretamente do reto dos animais, acondicionadas em sacos de polietileno previamente identificados e mantidas refrigeradas até o processamento. A contagem de ovos nas fezes foi realizada e coproculturas em pool de cada fazenda foram feitas individualmente. Observou-se uma prevalência de GN de 84,7% (222/262) para os ovinos avaliados. Além disso, notou-se a presença de ao menos um animal positivo para helmintos em 100,0% das fazendas de ovinos. Entre os 222 animais positivos, 49,6% apresentaram OPG2000. Larvas de terceiro estágio recuperadas mostraram que o nematódeo mais prevalente foi Haemonchus sp. (79,6%), seguido por Trichostrongylus sp. (13,8%), Oesophagostomum sp. (3,6%), Strongyloides sp. (2,4%) e Bunostomum sp. (0,6%). A alta prevalência de NGI em ovinos do Alto Sertão da Paraíba pode explicar a baixa produtividade do rebanho e as perdas econômicas.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de nematodos gastrointestinales (NGI) de rebaños de ovinos de veintitrés granjas de ovinos diseminadas en la región de Alto Sertão en el estado de Paraíba, Brasil. El tamaño de la muestra se obtuvo a través de un muestreo aleatorio simple, que se determinó a partir de la cantidad total de cabezas de ovinos de la microrregión. Se recogieron 262 muestras fecales directamente del recto de los animales, se acondicionaron en bolsas de polietileno previamente identificadas y se mantuvieron refrigeradas hasta su procesamiento. Se realizó el recuento de huevos fecales y los cultivos en grupo de cada granja se realizaron por separado. Se observó una prevalencia de NGI de 84.7% (222/262) en los ovinos evaluadas. Además, se observó la presencia de un animal positivo para helmintos en el 100% de las granjas ovinas. Entre los 222 animales positivos, el 49,6% presentó OPG2000. Las larvas recuperadas de la tercera etapa mostraron que el nematodo más prevalente fue Haemonchus sp. (79.6%), seguido por Trichostrongylus sp. (13,8%), Oesophagostomum sp. (3.6%), Strongyloides sp. (2.4%) e Bunostomum sp. (0,6%). La alta prevalencia de NGI en ovinos de la región de Alto Sertão puede explicar la baja productividad del rebaño y las pérdidas económicas.

Inorganic and organic contaminants in drinking water stored in polyethylene cisterns.

This work evaluated the presence of contaminants in stored rainwater in 36 polyethylene tanks installed in two rural communities of the semiarid of Bahia, Brazil. Carbonyl compounds were analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC-UV), BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylenes) by gas chromatoghaphy (GC-FID), and trace elements by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Seven carbonyl compounds were quantified including acrolein (<3-115 µg L-1), which is considered a potent mutagenic agent, above the potability limit in 75% of the cases. Trace elements such as copper, zinc, barium, aluminum and lead, more frequently found, were also quantified, and lead (<0,56-99 µg L-1) was above the tolerable limit for drinking water of 10 µg L-1 in 73% of the cases. The results show that the stored water in polyethylene cisterns in the Brazilian semiarid region does not present satisfactory conditions for human consumption.

Plantas relatadas como tóxicas para ruminantes no semiárido nordestino / Plants reported as toxic to ruminants in the Brazilian northeastern semiarid region

Ao longo dos anos as intoxicações por plantas têm causado prejuízos significativos para os criadores de ruminantes de várias regiões do Brasil, afetando de forma direta o setor pecuário do país. Desta forma, objetivou-se realizar um levantamento com produtores, médicos veterinários, zootecnistas, engenheiros agrônomos e técnicos agrícolas sobre as principais plantas que causam intoxicações em ruminantes no Curimataú Paraibano. O presente trabalho foi realizado em cinco municípios da microrregião do Curimataú Ocidental Paraibano, incluindo Barra de Santa Rosa, Cuité, Damião, Nova Floresta e Sossego. As entrevistas foram realizadas por meio de três formulários estruturados, contendo indagações específicas sobre casos de intoxicações identificados na referida microrregião. Para a realização desta pesquisa, foram entrevistados 30 participantes (6 representantes de cada município) entre os meses de junho e outubro de 2016. A partir dos dados obtidos por meio das entrevistas, verificou-se que as principais plantas comprovadamente tóxicas do Curimataú Ocidental Paraibano, segundo os entrevistados, foram: Anadenanthera colubrina, Mascagnia rigida, Prosopis juliflora e Manihot glaziovii. Muitos entrevistados demonstram não conhecer o princípio tóxico de outras plantas presentes na região e citadas na literatura como responsáveis por intoxicações em ruminantes, tais como: Mimosa tenuiflora, Crotalaria retusa e a Solanum paniculatum. As plantas Physalis angulata e Ricinus communis foram mencionadas como tóxicas, mas estudos toxicológicos devem ser realizados para comprovar a toxicidade das mesmas. Tais resultados demonstram que são necessárias medidas profiláticas eficazes nas propriedades rurais, evitando, assim, a ocorrência de surtos e mortes de ruminantes.(AU)

Over the years the plant poisonings have caused significant losses to ruminant producers from various Brazilian regions, affecting the livestock sector in the country. Thus, this study aims to conduct a survey with producers, veterinarians, zootechnists, agronomists and agricultural technicians about the major plants poisoning ruminants in the Curimataú Paraibano. This study was conducted in five cities in the Curimataú Ocidental Paraibano, including Barra de Santa Rosa, Cuité, Damião, Nova Floresta and Sossego. The interviews were conducted through three structured forms, containing specific questions about poisoning cases identified in the microregion cited. To carry out this survey, a total of 30 participants were interviewed (six representatives from each city) between June and October 2016. From the data obtained from the interviews, one found the main toxic plants in Curimataú Ocidental Paraibano, from the viewpoint of those interviewed, were: Anadenanthera colubrina, Mascagnia rigida, Prosopis juliflora, and Manihot glaziovii. Many interviewees demonstrate they don't know the toxic principle of other plants present in the region and cited in the literature as responsible for poisoning in ruminants, such as: Mimosa tenuiflora, Crotalaria retusa and Solanum paniculatum. The plants Physalis angulata and Ricinus communis were mentioned as toxic, but new experiments must be carried out to prove their toxicity. These results show effective prophylactic measures are necessary in rural properties, thus preventing the occurrence of outbreaks and deaths of ruminants.(AU)

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in sheep raised in intermediary geographical region of Paraiba state, Brazil

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de nematodos gastrointestinales (NGI) de rebaños de ovinos de veintitrés granjas de ovinos diseminadas en la región de Alto Sertão en el estado de Paraíba, Brasil. El tamaño de la muestra se obtuvo a través de un muestreo aleatorio simple, que se determinó a partir de la cantidad total de cabeza de ovino de la microrregión. Se recogieron 262 muestras fecales directamente del recto de los animales, se acondicionaron en bolsas de polietileno previamente identificadas y se mantuvieron refrigeradas hasta su procesamiento. Se realizó el recuento de huevos fecales y los cultivos en grupo de cada granja se realizaron por separado. Se observó una prevalencia de NGI de 84.7% (222/262) en los ovinos evaluadas. Además, se observó la presencia de un animal positivo para helmintos en el 100% de las granjas ovinas. Entre los 222 animales positivos, el 65,3% presentó OPG 1000), 15,8% OPG 1000-2000, y 18,9% OPG>2000. Las larvas recuperadas de la tercera etapa mostraron que el nematodo más prevalente fue Haemonchus sp. (79.6%), seguido por Trichostrongylus sp. (13,8%), Oesophagostomum sp. (3.6%), Strongyloides sp. (2.4%) e Bunostomum sp. (0,6%). El rebaño de ovinos de la región de Alto Sertão, en el estado de Paraíba, presenta una alta prevalencia de NGI.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) of sheep herds from twenty-three sheep farms spread in the Alto Sertão region of Paraíba state, Brazil. Sample size was obtained through a simple random sampling, which was determined from the total amount of sheep head of the microregion. It was collected 262 faecal samples directly from the rectum of the animals, conditioned in polyethylene bags previously identified and kept refrigerated until processing. Faecal egg counting was performed and cultures in pool of each farm were done separately. It was observed a prevalence of GN of 84.7% (222/262) to the evaluated sheep. Furthermore, it was noted the presence of unless one positive animal for helminths in 100.0% of sheep farms.  Among the 222 positive animals, 65.3% presented EPG 1000, 15.8% EPG among 1000-2000 and 18.9% presented EPG>2000. Recovered third stage larvae showed that the most prevalent nematode was Haemonchus sp. (79.6%), followed by Trichostrongylus sp. (13.8%), Oesophagostomum sp. (3.6%), Strongyloides sp. (2.4%) e Bunostomum sp. (0.6%). Sheep herd from the Alto Sertão region of Paraíba state presents a high prevalence of GIN.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de nematódeos gastrintestinais (NGI) de rebanhos ovinos de 23 unidades de produção distribuídas no Alto Sertão da Paraíba, Brasil. O tamanho da amostra foi determinado por meio de amostragem aleatória simples, calculada a partir da quantidade total de cabeça de ovinos da microrregião. Foram coletadas 262 amostras fecais diretamente do reto dos animais, acondicionadas em sacos de polietileno previamente identificados e mantidas refrigeradas até o processamento. A contagem de ovos nas fezes foi realizada e coproculturas em pool de cada fazenda foram feitas idividualmente. Observou-se uma prevalência de GN de 84,7% (222/262) para os ovinos avaliados. Além disso, notou-se a presença de menos de um animal positivo para helmintos em 100,0% das fazendas de ovinos. Entre os 222 animais positivos, 65,3% apresentaram OPG 1000, 15,8% OPG entre 1000-2000, e 18,9% apresentaram OPG>2000. Larvas de terceiro estágio recuperadas mostraram que o nematódeo mais prevalente foi Haemonchus sp. (79,6%), seguido por Trichostrongylus sp. (13,8%), Oesophagostomum sp. (3,6%), Strongyloides sp. (2,4%) e Bunostomum sp. (0,6%). O rebanho ovino da região do Alto Sertão da Paraíba apresenta alta prevalência de NGI.

Plantas relatadas como tóxicas para ruminantes no semiárido nordestino / Plants reported as toxic to ruminants in the Brazilian northeastern semiarid region

Ao longo dos anos as intoxicações por plantas têm causado prejuízos significativos para os criadores de ruminantes de várias regiões do Brasil, afetando de forma direta o setor pecuário do país. Desta forma, objetivou-se realizar um levantamento com produtores, médicos veterinários, zootecnistas, engenheiros agrônomos e técnicos agrícolas sobre as principais plantas que causam intoxicações em ruminantes no Curimataú Paraibano. O presente trabalho foi realizado em cinco municípios da microrregião do Curimataú Ocidental Paraibano, incluindo Barra de Santa Rosa, Cuité, Damião, Nova Floresta e Sossego. As entrevistas foram realizadas por meio de três formulários estruturados, contendo indagações específicas sobre casos de intoxicações identificados na referida microrregião. Para a realização desta pesquisa, foram entrevistados 30 participantes (6 representantes de cada município) entre os meses de junho e outubro de 2016. A partir dos dados obtidos por meio das entrevistas, verificou-se que as principais plantas comprovadamente tóxicas do Curimataú Ocidental Paraibano, segundo os entrevistados, foram: Anadenanthera colubrina, Mascagnia rigida, Prosopis juliflora e Manihot glaziovii. Muitos entrevistados demonstram não conhecer o princípio tóxico de outras plantas presentes na região e citadas na literatura como responsáveis por intoxicações em ruminantes, tais como: Mimosa tenuiflora, Crotalaria retusa e a Solanum paniculatum. As plantas Physalis angulata e Ricinus communis foram mencionadas como tóxicas, mas estudos toxicológicos devem ser realizados para comprovar a toxicidade das mesmas. Tais resultados demonstram que são necessárias medidas profiláticas eficazes nas propriedades rurais, evitando, assim, a ocorrência de surtos e mortes de ruminantes.

Over the years the plant poisonings have caused significant losses to ruminant producers from various Brazilian regions, affecting the livestock sector in the country. Thus, this study aims to conduct a survey with producers, veterinarians, zootechnists, agronomists and agricultural technicians about the major plants poisoning ruminants in the Curimataú Paraibano. This study was conducted in five cities in the Curimataú Ocidental Paraibano, including Barra de Santa Rosa, Cuité, Damião, Nova Floresta and Sossego. The interviews were conducted through three structured forms, containing specific questions about poisoning cases identified in the microregion cited. To carry out this survey, a total of 30 participants were interviewed (six representatives from each city) between June and October 2016. From the data obtained from the interviews, one found the main toxic plants in Curimataú Ocidental Paraibano, from the viewpoint of those interviewed, were: Anadenanthera colubrina, Mascagnia rigida, Prosopis juliflora, and Manihot glaziovii. Many interviewees demonstrate they don't know the toxic principle of other plants present in the region and cited in the literature as responsible for poisoning in ruminants, such as: Mimosa tenuiflora, Crotalaria retusa and Solanum paniculatum. The plants Physalis angulata and Ricinus communis were mentioned as toxic, but new experiments must be carried out to prove their toxicity. These results show effective prophylactic measures are necessary in rural properties, thus preventing the occurrence of outbreaks and deaths of ruminants.