Outbreak of Chlamydia psittaci Infection in a Commercial Psittacine Breeding Aviary in Argentina.

Chlamydiosis, caused by Chlamydia psittaci is a bacterial infection found in at least 465 species of birds worldwide. It is highly contagious among birds and can spread to humans. In birds, the disease can manifest itself in acute, subacute, and chronic forms with signs including anorexia, diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss, or, occasionally, mucopurulent or serous oculonasal discharge. This article describes an outbreak of chlamydiosis that occurred in a commercial psittacine breeding aviary in 2021 in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. In total, 16 juvenile blue-fronted parrots, more than 60 blue-fronted parrot chicks, and 2 adult macaws died during the outbreak. In all cases, clinical signs were weight loss, diarrhea, yellowish green excrement, and respiratory distress. The necropsy of four juvenile blue-fronted parrots, two blue-fronted parrot chicks, and two adult macaws revealed cachexia, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, splenic petechial hemorrhages, ascites, pulmonary edema, and hydropericardium. Histologically, multifocal lymphoplasmacytic and heterophilic airsaculitis, multifocal lymphoplasmacytic and necrotizing hepatitis with intracytoplasmic elementary bodies, multifocal necro-heterophilic hepatitis, multifocal lymphoplasmacytic nephritis, and diffuse heterophilic pneumonia were found. A presumptive diagnosis was established based on gross and microscopic lesions, and it was confirmed using immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reactions. The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the ompA gene revealed genotype A and B of Chlamydia psittaci.

How Do Escape Distance Behavior of Broiler Chickens Change in Response to a Mobile Robot Moving at Two Different Speeds?

In poultry farming, robots are considered by birds as intruder elements to their environment, because animals escape due to their movement. Their escape is measured using the escape distance (ED) technique. This study analyzes the behavior of animals in relation to their ED through the use of a robot with two speeds: 12 rpm and 26 rpm. The objective is to understand whether the speeds cause variations in ED and their implications for animal stress. A broiler breeding cycle was analyzed (six weeks) through the introduction of the robot weekly. ED analyses were carried out on static images generated from footage of the robot running. The results indicate higher escape distance rates (p < 0.05) peaking midway through the production cycle, notably in the third week. Conversely, the final weeks saw the lowest ED, with the most significant reduction occurring in the last week. This pattern indicates a gradual escalation of ED up to the fourth week, followed by a subsequent decline. Despite RPM12 having shown low ED results, it did not show enough ED to move the animals away from their path of travel, causing bumps and collisions. RPM26 showed higher ED in all breeding phases, but showed ED with no bumps and collisions.

Photohydroionisation for disinfection of poultry litter.

1. This study evaluated photohydroionisation efficiency on the disinfection of new shavings used as substrate for litter in the poultry industry, pre-inoculated with bacterial, fungal and viral agents.2. Each replicate consisted of 250 g of new shavings sterilised by autoclaving, challenged with bacterial (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enterica, serovar Abony), fungal (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and viral inoculum (Gumboro disease virus). The experiment consisted of six replicates at four times (0, 1, 5 or 10 min exposure) of photohydroionisation. The disinfection process was performed in a bench photohydroionisation device with four ultraviolet lamps. The agents inoculated in the shavings were analysed after the disinfection process.3. The counts of enterobacteria and total bacteria showed a quadratic effect. In contrast, the counts of fungi and viruses showed a negative linear effect with an increase in the time of photohydroionisation. The enterobacteria showed a linear response plateau effect (LRP), with a minimum time point of 5.498 minutes at a minimum contamination of 0.666 CFU/g and a reduction of 82.27% of the pre-established inoculum. Total bacteria had an LRP effect with a minimum time point of 1.902 minutes at minimum contamination of 1.739 CFU/g and a reduction of 50.0% of the pre-established inoculum. An LRP effect was found for fungi, with a minimum time point of 7.931 minutes in minimum contamination of 3.380 CFU/g, and with a reduction of 11.0% of the pre-established inoculum. For viruses, there was an LRP effect with a minimum time point of 5.012 minutes in minimum contamination of 0.000 viral titre per 100 g of shavings, which was reduced by 100% of the pre-established inoculum.4. Photohydroionisation in the disinfection of new shavings used as poultry litter has partial potential as a microbiological control tool, as a complete reduction occurred only for the viruses, whereas for bacteria and fungi only partial reductions of these microorganisms were observed.

Welfare of broiler chickens reared in two different industrial house types during the winter season in Southern Brazil.

1. The following trial compared broiler chicken welfare in closed-sided (CS) versus open-sided (OS) industrial house types during the winter season in the South of Brazil.2. Ten flocks in each house type were evaluated as follows: a) bird health: contact dermatitis on the breast and abdominal areas (CDE), bird soiling (BSO), footpad dermatitis (FPD), hock burn (HBU), lameness (LAM), fractures (FRA), bruising (BRU), scratches (SCR), dead on arrival (DOA), and diseases (DIS); b) house environmental measurements: relative humidity (RHU), temperature (TEM), air velocity (AVE), illuminance (ILL), ammonia concentration (NH3), and carbon dioxide concentration (CO2), and c) bird behaviour and affective states: bird behaviour (BBE), touch test (TTE), and qualitative behaviour assessment (QBA).3. Statistical analyses were based on regression models for CDE, BSO, FPD, HBU, LAM and generalised linear models for DOA, FRA, BRU, SCR, and DIS. The Mann-Whitney test was used for RHU, TEM, AVE, ILL, NH3, CO2, and the t-test for TTE and LMO, with a specific regression model for BBE data and Principal Component Analysis for QBA.4. According to odds ratio for worse scores for CS relative to OS, birds were less likely to have severe scores for CDE (P = 0.040 and P = 0.007), BSO (P = 0.031, P = 0.016, and P = 0.038), and HBU (P = 0.017), and had higher median values for AVE (2.3, 0.0-7.8 m s-1 vs. 0.0, 0.0-4.3 m s-1), lower NH3 concentration (9.0, 0.0-64.0 ppm vs. 12.0, 0.0-60.0 ppm) and TTE scores (98, 96-100 vs. 67, 25-100). Worse results were observed in CS houses for higher stocking density (13.8 ± 0.2 birds/m2 vs. 12.0 ± 0.2 birds/m2), RHU (74.5, 50.7-99.9% vs 72.3, 47.4-99.9%), and TEM (23.9, 14.6-29.2°C vs. 21.7, 12.9-30.1°C), lower ILL (16.0, 1.0-60.0 lx vs. 161.0, 8.0-2380.0 lx), less drinking (P = 0.007), more inactive behaviour (P < 0.001) and lower positive emotions, according to QBA (P = 0.028).5. In the studied region and season, CS houses seemed to offer fewer welfare problems in terms of the health indicators; however, OS houses showed fewer behavioural restrictions and higher positive emotional states.

Apreensão de aves silvestres brasileiras que foram exportadas ilegalmente para Portugal / Seizure of Brazilian wild birds that were illegally exported to Portugal

Desde a chegada dos portugueses no Brasil, no ano de 1500, a fauna e a flora vêm despertando interesses internacionais, uma vez que a biodiversidade brasileira é rica e preciosa. A fauna brasileira é comercializada, principalmente para atender aos mercados estrangeiros. E, nos dias de hoje as aves são os principais animais comercializados ilegalmente. Isso se deve a sua exuberante plumagem e o canto. O objetivo deste artigo foi de identificar quais aves brasileiras são exportadas pelo comércio ilegal para Portugal. A metodologia constou de acesso aos boletins de apreensão do Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e Biodiversidade, em Portugal. Neste há registro de aves apreendidas de 1999 a 2008. Os resultados demonstram que existe uma diversidade de aves exportadas, mas o papagaio (Amazona sp) é a ave que apresentou maior número de ocorrência nos boletins de apreensão. Conclui-se que há grande interesse do comércio ilegal internacional nas aves brasileiras, principalmente a Amazona sp, e com isso a fiscalização, tanto brasileira como portuguesa devem buscar parcerias entre si, para coibir este comércio de avifauna. O trabalho mostra a importância de aprimorar a fiscalização, políticas públicas e estratégias de Educação Ambiental para que essa ilegalidade seja amenizada e erradicada.(AU)

Since the arrival of thePortuguese in Brazil in 1500, fauna and flora have awakened international interests, once the Brazilianbiodiversity is the largest in the world and of great importance to the scientific community. The Brazilian faunais mainly marketed to meet the foreign markets, especially the birds for presenting an exuberant plumageand singing. The objective of this article was to identify which Brazilian birds are seized by the illegal trade inPortugal. The methodology consisted in accessing the seizure reports of the Institute of Nature Conservationand Biodiversity, in Portugal. In the bulletins we analyzed only the Brazilian wild birds trafficked to this countryduring 1999 to 2008. The results show that there is a diversity of birds exported, but the parrot (Amazona spp)is the bird that presented the highest number of occurrences in the seizure reports. It is concluded that thereis a great interest in illegal international trade in Brazilian birds, especially Amazona spp. So, both the Brazilianand Portuguese inspections must seek partnerships with each other to curb this bird trade. This work showsthe importance of improving inspection, public policies and environmental education strategies in order toeradicate this illegality.(AU)

Apreensão de aves silvestres brasileiras que foram exportadas ilegalmente para Portugal / Seizure of Brazilian wild birds that were illegally exported to Portugal

Desde a chegada dos portugueses no Brasil, no ano de 1500, a fauna e a flora vêm despertando interesses internacionais, uma vez que a biodiversidade brasileira é rica e preciosa. A fauna brasileira é comercializada, principalmente para atender aos mercados estrangeiros. E, nos dias de hoje as aves são os principais animais comercializados ilegalmente. Isso se deve a sua exuberante plumagem e o canto. O objetivo deste artigo foi de identificar quais aves brasileiras são exportadas pelo comércio ilegal para Portugal. A metodologia constou de acesso aos boletins de apreensão do Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e Biodiversidade, em Portugal. Neste há registro de aves apreendidas de 1999 a 2008. Os resultados demonstram que existe uma diversidade de aves exportadas, mas o papagaio (Amazona sp) é a ave que apresentou maior número de ocorrência nos boletins de apreensão. Conclui-se que há grande interesse do comércio ilegal internacional nas aves brasileiras, principalmente a Amazona sp, e com isso a fiscalização, tanto brasileira como portuguesa devem buscar parcerias entre si, para coibir este comércio de avifauna. O trabalho mostra a importância de aprimorar a fiscalização, políticas públicas e estratégias de Educação Ambiental para que essa ilegalidade seja amenizada e erradicada.

Since the arrival of thePortuguese in Brazil in 1500, fauna and flora have awakened international interests, once the Brazilianbiodiversity is the largest in the world and of great importance to the scientific community. The Brazilian faunais mainly marketed to meet the foreign markets, especially the birds for presenting an exuberant plumageand singing. The objective of this article was to identify which Brazilian birds are seized by the illegal trade inPortugal. The methodology consisted in accessing the seizure reports of the Institute of Nature Conservationand Biodiversity, in Portugal. In the bulletins we analyzed only the Brazilian wild birds trafficked to this countryduring 1999 to 2008. The results show that there is a diversity of birds exported, but the parrot (Amazona spp)is the bird that presented the highest number of occurrences in the seizure reports. It is concluded that thereis a great interest in illegal international trade in Brazilian birds, especially Amazona spp. So, both the Brazilianand Portuguese inspections must seek partnerships with each other to curb this bird trade. This work showsthe importance of improving inspection, public policies and environmental education strategies in order toeradicate this illegality.

Selection, assessment of virulence to Alphitobius diaperinus, and Pr1 enzyme production of Beauveria bassiana (Bals. ) Vuill. isolates cultured at stress temperatures / Seleção, avaliação da virulência a Alphitobius diaperinus e produção da enzima Pr1 de isolados de Beauveria bassiana (Bals. ) Vuill. submetidos a temperaturas de estresse

The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana is a promising agent for use in insect control. Its pathogenic activity, as well as other factors such as temperature that can interfere with its development, should be assessed, thus, establishing the foundations for B. bassiana use in biological control programs. The objective of this study was to select and induce tolerance of B. bassiana isolates to high and low temperatures and to assess their virulence before and after exposure to those temperatures. A pre-selection test was performed, in which the tolerance of isolates to stress temperatures was tested and compared to the ideal growth temperature of 25 C for this organism. For the isolates/temperature combinations resulting in growth, conidia germination and colony-forming units (CFUs) were assessed. The isolates Unioeste 4 and Unioeste 40 exhibited >95% germinated conidia at 16 and 31 C. Thereafter, they underwent four consecutive passages at maximum and minimum tolerated temperatures (10 and 37 C). A significant difference in germination was observed between the two isolates at all temperatures tested. More CFUs were observed for Unioeste 4 compared to Unioeste 40 at all temperatures, and in the case of the latter, there was no difference in CFU formation at 10 and 25 C. For both isolates, decreased vegetative growth was observed at 37 C. Recovery of virulence was...(AU)

O fungo entomopatogênico Beauveria bassiana é relatado como um promissor agente de controle de insetos. É necessário investigar a atividade patogênica e também fatores como a temperatura que pode interferir no seu desenvolvimento, estabelecendo assim bases para o seu uso em programas de controle biológico. O objetivo desse trabalho foi selecionar e induzir a tolerância a temperaturas baixas e elevadas de B. bassiana e verificar a virulência desses antes e após a exposição às temperaturas. Realizou-se uma pré-seleção, onde foi verificada a tolerância dos isolados as temperaturas de estresse, os testes foram comparados à temperatura de 25 C ideal para o crescimento desse microrganismo. Para os isolados/temperaturas onde houve crescimento, foi avaliada a germinação de conídios e unidades formadoras de colônias. Os isolados Unioeste 4 e Unioeste 40 apresentaram mais de 95% de conídios germinados nas temperaturas de 16 C e 31 C. Em seguida para esses mesmos isolados foram feitas quatro repicagens consecutivas nas temperaturas máxima e mínima tolerada (10 C e 37 C). Para a germinação foi observada diferença significativa entre os dois isolados em todas as temperaturas. Foi observada a maior formação de UFC para o isolado Unioeste 4 quando comparado com o Unioeste 40 em todas as temperaturas. Para esse mesmo isolado não houve diferença entre as temperaturas de 10 C e 25 C...(AU)

The effects of the dark house system on growth, performance and meat quality of broiler chicken.

Meat production with minimum animal suffering is a humanitarian concern. Thus, the objective of this work was to observe the performance of Cobb broiler chickens from 7 to 46 days of age when raised under different installations: dark house system (DHS), conventional yellow system (CYC) and conventional blue system (CBC). The feed conversion ratio for the birds raised on the DHS was 3.8% and 2.7% lower than those for the CYC and CBC systems, respectively. Compared with the CYC and CBC systems, average daily gain under the DHS was 11.4% and 9.3% higher, respectively, and body weight at 46 days was 11.4% and 9.3% higher, respectively (P ≤ 0.05). The birds' welfare was assessed based on their stress by determining the amount of pale, soft and exudative (PSE) meat in the breast fillets. The CYC and CBC birds had 24.3% and 25.3% PSE meat, respectively, whereas the DHS birds had 37.0%. We concluded that the DHS has a greater potential to produce broiler chickens, with superior performance to conventional systems, despite the higher stress faced by the birds during the maneuvers just before slaughter.

Selection, assessment of virulence to Alphitobius diaperinus, and Pr1 enzyme production of Beauveria bassiana (Bals. ) Vuill. isolates cultured at stress temperatures / Seleção, avaliação da virulência a Alphitobius diaperinus e produção da enzima Pr1 de isolados de Beauveria bassiana (Bals. ) Vuill. submetidos a temperaturas de estresse

The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana is a promising agent for use in insect control. Its pathogenic activity, as well as other factors such as temperature that can interfere with its development, should be assessed, thus, establishing the foundations for B. bassiana use in biological control programs. The objective of this study was to select and induce tolerance of B. bassiana isolates to high and low temperatures and to assess their virulence before and after exposure to those temperatures. A pre-selection test was performed, in which the tolerance of isolates to stress temperatures was tested and compared to the ideal growth temperature of 25 C for this organism. For the isolates/temperature combinations resulting in growth, conidia germination and colony-forming units (CFUs) were assessed. The isolates Unioeste 4 and Unioeste 40 exhibited >95% germinated conidia at 16 and 31 C. Thereafter, they underwent four consecutive passages at maximum and minimum tolerated temperatures (10 and 37 C). A significant difference in germination was observed between the two isolates at all temperatures tested. More CFUs were observed for Unioeste 4 compared to Unioeste 40 at all temperatures, and in the case of the latter, there was no difference in CFU formation at 10 and 25 C. For both isolates, decreased vegetative growth was observed at 37 C. Recovery of virulence was...

O fungo entomopatogênico Beauveria bassiana é relatado como um promissor agente de controle de insetos. É necessário investigar a atividade patogênica e também fatores como a temperatura que pode interferir no seu desenvolvimento, estabelecendo assim bases para o seu uso em programas de controle biológico. O objetivo desse trabalho foi selecionar e induzir a tolerância a temperaturas baixas e elevadas de B. bassiana e verificar a virulência desses antes e após a exposição às temperaturas. Realizou-se uma pré-seleção, onde foi verificada a tolerância dos isolados as temperaturas de estresse, os testes foram comparados à temperatura de 25 C ideal para o crescimento desse microrganismo. Para os isolados/temperaturas onde houve crescimento, foi avaliada a germinação de conídios e unidades formadoras de colônias. Os isolados Unioeste 4 e Unioeste 40 apresentaram mais de 95% de conídios germinados nas temperaturas de 16 C e 31 C. Em seguida para esses mesmos isolados foram feitas quatro repicagens consecutivas nas temperaturas máxima e mínima tolerada (10 C e 37 C). Para a germinação foi observada diferença significativa entre os dois isolados em todas as temperaturas. Foi observada a maior formação de UFC para o isolado Unioeste 4 quando comparado com o Unioeste 40 em todas as temperaturas. Para esse mesmo isolado não houve diferença entre as temperaturas de 10 C e 25 C...

Fungi associated to musca domestica captured with traps containing chemical bait and by direct search / Fungos associados à Musca Domestica capturadas através de armadilhas com isca química e busca direta

This study evaluated the isolation of fungi from Musca domestica captured through direct search and chemical baits and also the influence of chemical bait for the growth of fungi found on these flies. Collection using traps with chemical bait, composed of the insecticide Imidacloprid, and a direct search were carried out. It was verified that 71.73% of the flies collected from the direct search presented fungi growth, whereas only 28.26% of the flies captured using chemical bait showed fungi growth. In the test carried out with the addition of chemical bait to the BDA media culture, fungal growth was not observed. For studies of fungi resident on M. domestica, the use of the insecticide Imidacloprid with chemical bait is not recommended, as this product can inhibit some microorganisms, including potential biocontrols for M. domestica.(AU)

Este trabalho avaliou o isolamento de fungos em Musca domestica através da busca direta e por meio de iscas químicas e também a influência desta isca química para o crescimento de fungos encontrados nessas moscas. Foram realizadas coletas usando armadilhas com iscas químicas, compostas do inseticida Imidacloprid e outra por busca direta. Verificou-se que em 71,73% das moscas coletadas por busca direta apresentaram crescimento fúngico, enquanto as moscas capturadas usando iscas químicas apresentaram apenas 28,26% de crescimento fúngico. No teste realizado adicionando a isca química em meio de cultura BDA, não foi observado crescimento fúngico. Para estudos de fungos residentes em M. domestica, o uso do inseticida Imidacloprid como isca química não é recomendado, pois este produto pode inibir determinados microrganismos, inclusive possíveis biocontroladores de M. domestica.(AU)

Fungi associated to musca domestica captured with traps containing chemical bait and by direct search / Fungos associados à Musca Domestica capturadas através de armadilhas com isca química e busca direta

This study evaluated the isolation of fungi from Musca domestica captured through direct search and chemical baits and also the influence of chemical bait for the growth of fungi found on these flies. Collection using traps with chemical bait, composed of the insecticide Imidacloprid, and a direct search were carried out. It was verified that 71.73% of the flies collected from the direct search presented fungi growth, whereas only 28.26% of the flies captured using chemical bait showed fungi growth. In the test carried out with the addition of chemical bait to the BDA media culture, fungal growth was not observed. For studies of fungi resident on M. domestica, the use of the insecticide Imidacloprid with chemical bait is not recommended, as this product can inhibit some microorganisms, including potential biocontrols for M. domestica.

Este trabalho avaliou o isolamento de fungos em Musca domestica através da busca direta e por meio de iscas químicas e também a influência desta isca química para o crescimento de fungos encontrados nessas moscas. Foram realizadas coletas usando armadilhas com iscas químicas, compostas do inseticida Imidacloprid e outra por busca direta. Verificou-se que em 71,73% das moscas coletadas por busca direta apresentaram crescimento fúngico, enquanto as moscas capturadas usando iscas químicas apresentaram apenas 28,26% de crescimento fúngico. No teste realizado adicionando a isca química em meio de cultura BDA, não foi observado crescimento fúngico. Para estudos de fungos residentes em M. domestica, o uso do inseticida Imidacloprid como isca química não é recomendado, pois este produto pode inibir determinados microrganismos, inclusive possíveis biocontroladores de M. domestica.

Flutuação populacional de Euspilotus rubriculus (Marseul) (Coleoptera, Histeridae), em granja avícola, em Pelotas, RS / Population fluctuations of Euspilotus rubriculus (Coleoptera, Histeridae), a poultry farm in Pelotas, RS, Brazil

O trabalho relata a flutuação populacional de Euspilotus rubriculus (Coleoptera, Histeridae) coletados através de armadilhas do tipo Arend ou "tubo" e do tipo "sanduíche". O experimento foi realizado no período de abril de 2002 a março de 2003, em aviário do Conjunto Agrotécnico Visconde da Graça (CAVG), localizado em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Nesse período foram capturados 219 exemplares de E. rubriculus, sendo o período de maior ocorrência no mês de fevereiro (72), quando a temperatura média mensal foi de 24,7º C e o menor índice de coleta ocorreu nos meses de maio e setembro (1). E. rubriculus apresentou uma variação da densidade populacional ao longo do ano, sendo as maiores médias de captura obtidas nos meses com maiores temperaturas médias, demonstrando a potencial importância desta espécie em aviários.

This paper reports the population fluctuation of Euspilotus rubriculus (Coleoptera, Histeridae) collected from Arend's traps ("tube" type) and "sandwich" type, from April 2002 to March 2003, at the aviary Conjunto Agrotécnico Visconde da Graça (CAVG), located in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. In this period 219 specimens of E. rubriculus were captured, the period of largest occurrence being the month of February (72), when the average monthly temperature was 24.7º C, while the smallest collection index occurred in the months of May and September (1). E. rubriculus presented a variation of population density along the year, with the largest average captures obtained in the months with higher average temperatures, demonstrating the potential importance of this species in aviaries.

FLUTUAÇÃO POPULACIONAL DE EUSPILOTUS RUBRICULUS (MARSEUL) (COLEOPTERA, HISTERIDAE), EM GRANJA AVÍCOLA, EM PELOTAS, RS

ABSTRACT This paper reports the population fluctuation of Euspilotus rubriculus (Coleoptera, Histeridae) collected from Arends traps (tube type) and sandwich type, from April 2002 to March 2003, at the aviary Conjunto Agrotécnico Visconde da Graça (CAVG), located in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. In this period 219 specimens of E. rubriculus were captured, the period of largest occurrence being the month of February (72), when the average monthly temperature was 24.7º C, while the smallest collection index occurred in the months of May and September (1). E. rubriculus presented a variation of population density along the year, with the largest average captures obtained in the months with higher average temperatures, demonstrating the potential importance of this species in aviaries.

RESUMO O trabalho relata a flutuação populacional de Euspilotus rubriculus (Coleoptera, Histeridae) coletados através de armadilhas do tipo Arend ou tubo e do tipo sanduíche. O experimento foi realizado no período de abril de 2002 a março de 2003, em aviário do Conjunto Agrotécnico Visconde da Graça (CAVG), localizado em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Nesse período foram capturados 219 exemplares de E. rubriculus, sendo o período de maior ocorrência no mês de fevereiro (72), quando a temperatura média mensal foi de 24,7º C e o menor índice de coleta ocorreu nos meses de maio e setembro (1). E. rubriculus apresentou uma variação da densidade populacional ao longo do ano, sendo as maiores médias de captura obtidas nos meses com maiores temperaturas médias, demonstrando a potencial importância desta espécie em aviários.

Morphostructural characteristics of three varieties of greybreasted helmeted Guinea fowl in Nigeria / Características morfoestructurales de tres variedades de gallineta de Guinea Pechigris en Nigeria

Three hundred eggs were obtained from settlements around New Bussa, Niger state during the month of August 2006 and transported to Ekiti state by road. 93.33 percent of the three hundred (300) eggs collected were selected for hatching. The eggs were hatched at the aviary unitof Ekiti state Agricultural Development Project, Ikole Ekiti, Nigeria. At hatching the keets were separated on the basis of their plumage colours as shown by the distinct difference in the colour of the downy feathers of the keets into three genotypes, pearl, ash and black. The keets of each genotype were randomly allocated to brooder rooms where they were floor brooded using kerosene stove. The keets were fed with diet containing 24 percent CP, 3000 kcal/kg ME and water ad libitum for the first 8 weeks at the brooder house and fed diets containing 18 percent CP, 2850 kcal/kg ME and water ad libitum for the last phase of the experiment. Measurements were taken every fourteen (14) days on body weight and body linear measurements on shank length, drumstick length, keel length, body girth, body length and wing length. The results showed that the birds demonstrated low body weights and small body size in all the parameters examined.

Trescientos huevos fueron obtenidos de los asentamientos alrededor de Nueva Bussa, estado de Níger durante el mes de agosto de 2006 y transportados por carretera al estado de Ekiti. El 93,33 por ciento de los 300 huevos recolectados fueron seleccionados para su incubación. Los huevos fueron incubados en la unidad de pajarera de estado de Ekiti Proyecto de Desarrollo Agrícola, Ikole Ekiti, Nigeria. En la eclosión, los polluelos fueron separados sobre la base del color de su plumaje, como lo demuestra la clara diferencia en el color de las plumas suaves del polluelo en tres genotipos, perla, ceniza y negro. El polluelo de cada genotipo fue asignado aleatoriamente a habitaciones de crianza donde se calentaba el piso utilizándose una estufa de querosén. Los polluelos fueron alimentados con una dieta que contuvo 24 por ciento PC, 3000 kcal / kg ME y agua ad libitum, durante las primeras 8 semanas, en la unidad criadora y alimentados con dietas que contenían 18 por ciento PC, 2850 kcal / kg ME y agua ad libitum para la última fase del experimento. Las medidas fueron tomadas cada 14 días, éstas fueron: peso corporal y medidas lineales del cuerpo, longitud de la pierna, longitud de la quilla, circunferencia del cuerpo, longitud del cuerpo y longitud del ala. Los resultados evidenciaron que las aves presentaban bajo peso corporal y pequeño tamaño corporal en todos los parámetros examinados.

Ocorrência e variação populacional de Carcinops troglodites em uma granja avícola, em Pelotas, RS / Occurrence and range of population of Carcinops troglodites in a poultry farm in Pelotas, RS

To evaluate the occurrence and range of population of Carcinops troglodytes, two monitoring methods were used: trap of the type tube and the type sandwich. The experiment took place in a 12-month period. In that period, 536 specimens of C. troglodites were captured, being the period of larger occurrence in February (188) and the smallest collection index recorded in May and September (1). The coleopteron presented a variation of the population density throughout the year, being the highest capture averages obtained in the months with higher mean temperatures. (AU)

Collection of Coleoptera from a poultry farm in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Flutuação de Coleoptera em granja avícola, em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

To evaluate the population fluctuation of Coleoptera from a poultry farm in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, two sampling methods were used: a tube-type trap and a sandwich trap. The analyses of polynomial regression were applied independent of the type of sampling method used. The experiment was carried out for twelve months, from April 2002 to March 2003, in a broiler barn aviary at the Conjunto Agrotécnico Visconde da Graça/UFPEL. A total of 43.945 Coleopterans were captured from the following species: Alphitobius diaperinus, Carcinops troglodytes, Euspilotus rubriculus, Gnathocerus cornutus, Mezium americanum and Somotrichus unifasciatus. Among these, Alphitobius diaperinus was present in all months of the year, with larval population peak in February (235) and lowest capture in August (01). The adult population peak was in March (12,020) and the lowest capture in July (27). The remaining captured Coleopterans did not occur in all twelve months, however they also had population peaks in the months of February and March, which also were the months with the highest temperatures.

Para avaliação da flutuação populacional de Coleoptera, em granja avícola, em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, foram utilizados dois métodos de coleta: armadilha do tipo tubo e do tipo sanduíche, durante doze meses. A análise de regressão polinomial foi aplicada independentemente do tipo de método de coleta utilizado. O experimento foi conduzido durante 12 meses, de abril de 2002 a março de 2003, em um aviário de aves poedeiras do Conjunto Agrotécnico Visconde da Graça da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL). Foram capturados 43.945 Coleopteros das espécies Alphitobius diaperinus, Carcinops troglodytes, Euspilotus rubriculus, Gnathocerus cornutus, Mezium americanum e Somotrichus unifasciatus. Entre esses Coleopteros, Alphitobius diaperinus esteve presente em todos os meses do ano, com pico populacional de larvas em fevereiro (235) e menor índice de captura em agosto (01), sendo que o pico populacional de adultos foi em março (12.020) e o menor índice de captura ocorreu em julho (27). Os outros Coleopteros capturados não ocorreram durante os 12 meses de captura, porém, eles também tiveram pico populacional nos meses de fevereiro e março, que foram os de temperatura mais alta.

Collection of Coleoptera from a poultry farm in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

To evaluate the population fluctuation of Coleoptera from a poultry farm in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, two sampling methods were used: a tube-type trap and a sandwich trap. The analyses of polynomial regression were applied independent of the type of sampling method used. The experiment was carried out for twelve months, from April 2002 to March 2003, in a broiler barn aviary at the Conjunto Agrotécnico Visconde da Graça/UFPEL. A total of 43.945 Coleopterans were captured from the following species: Alphitobius diaperinus, Carcinops troglodytes, Euspilotus rubriculus, Gnathocerus cornutus, Mezium americanum and Somotrichus unifasciatus. Among these, Alphitobius diaperinus was present in all months of the year, with larval population peak in February (235) and lowest capture in August (01). The adult population peak was in March (12,020) and the lowest capture in July (27). The remaining captured Coleopterans did not occur in all twelve months, however they also had population peaks in the months of February and March, which also were the months with the highest temperatures.

Para avaliação da flutuação populacional de Coleoptera, em granja avícola, em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, foram utilizados dois métodos de coleta: armadilha do tipo tubo e do tipo sanduíche, durante doze meses. A análise de regressão polinomial foi aplicada independentemente do tipo de método de coleta utilizado. O experimento foi conduzido durante 12 meses, de abril de 2002 a março de 2003, em um aviário de aves poedeiras do Conjunto Agrotécnico Visconde da Graça da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL). Foram capturados 43.945 Coleopteros das espécies Alphitobius diaperinus, Carcinops troglodytes, Euspilotus rubriculus, Gnathocerus cornutus, Mezium americanum e Somotrichus unifasciatus. Entre esses Coleopteros, Alphitobius diaperinus esteve presente em todos os meses do ano, com pico populacional de larvas em fevereiro (235) e menor índice de captura em agosto (01), sendo que o pico populacional de adultos foi em março (12.020) e o menor índice de captura ocorreu em julho (27). Os outros Coleopteros capturados não ocorreram durante os 12 meses de captura, porém, eles também tiveram pico populacional nos meses de fevereiro e março, que foram os de temperatura mais alta.

Collection of Coleoptera from a poultry farm in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

To evaluate the population fluctuation of Coleoptera from a poultry farm in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, two sampling methods were used: a tube-type trap and a sandwich trap. The analyses of polynomial regression were applied independent of the type of sampling method used. The experiment was carried out for twelve months, from April 2002 to March 2003, in a broiler barn aviary at the Conjunto Agrotécnico Visconde da Graça/UFPEL. A total of 43.945 Coleopterans were captured from the following species: Alphitobius diaperinus, Carcinops troglodytes, Euspilotus rubriculus, Gnathocerus cornutus, Mezium americanum and Somotrichus unifasciatus. Among these, Alphitobius diaperinus was present in all months of the year, with larval population peak in February (235) and lowest capture in August (01). The adult population peak was in March (12,020) and the lowest capture in July (27). The remaining captured Coleopterans did not occur in all twelve months, however they also had population peaks in the months of February and March, which also were the months with the highest temperatures.

Para avaliação da flutuação populacional de Coleoptera, em granja avícola, em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, foram utilizados dois métodos de coleta: armadilha do tipo tubo e do tipo sanduíche, durante doze meses. A análise de regressão polinomial foi aplicada independentemente do tipo de método de coleta utilizado. O experimento foi conduzido durante 12 meses, de abril de 2002 a março de 2003, em um aviário de aves poedeiras do Conjunto Agrotécnico Visconde da Graça da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL). Foram capturados 43.945 Coleopteros das espécies Alphitobius diaperinus, Carcinops troglodytes, Euspilotus rubriculus, Gnathocerus cornutus, Mezium americanum e Somotrichus unifasciatus. Entre esses Coleopteros, Alphitobius diaperinus esteve presente em todos os meses do ano, com pico populacional de larvas em fevereiro (235) e menor índice de captura em agosto (01), sendo que o pico populacional de adultos foi em março (12.020) e o menor índice de captura ocorreu em julho (27). Os outros Coleopteros capturados não ocorreram durante os 12 meses de captura, porém, eles também tiveram pico populacional nos meses de fevereiro e março, que foram os de temperatura mais alta.

Collection of Coleoptera from a poultry farm in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

To evaluate the population fluctuation of Coleoptera from a poultry farm in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, two sampling methods were used: a tube-type trap and a sandwich trap. The analyses of polynomial regression were applied independent of the type of sampling method used. The experiment was carried out for twelve months, from April 2002 to March 2003, in a broiler barn aviary at the Conjunto Agrotécnico Visconde da Graça/UFPEL. A total of 43.945 Coleopterans were captured from the following species: Alphitobius diaperinus, Carcinops troglodytes, Euspilotus rubriculus, Gnathocerus cornutus, Mezium americanum and Somotrichus unifasciatus. Among these, Alphitobius diaperinus was present in all months of the year, with larval population peak in February (235) and lowest capture in August (01). The adult population peak was in March (12,020) and the lowest capture in July (27). The remaining captured Coleopterans did not occur in all twelve months, however they also had population peaks in the months of February and March, which also were the months with the highest temperatures.

Para avaliação da flutuação populacional de Coleoptera, em granja avícola, em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, foram utilizados dois métodos de coleta: armadilha do tipo tubo e do tipo sanduíche, durante doze meses. A análise de regressão polinomial foi aplicada independentemente do tipo de método de coleta utilizado. O experimento foi conduzido durante 12 meses, de abril de 2002 a março de 2003, em um aviário de aves poedeiras do Conjunto Agrotécnico Visconde da Graça da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL). Foram capturados 43.945 Coleopteros das espécies Alphitobius diaperinus, Carcinops troglodytes, Euspilotus rubriculus, Gnathocerus cornutus, Mezium americanum e Somotrichus unifasciatus. Entre esses Coleopteros, Alphitobius diaperinus esteve presente em todos os meses do ano, com pico populacional de larvas em fevereiro (235) e menor índice de captura em agosto (01), sendo que o pico populacional de adultos foi em março (12.020) e o menor índice de captura ocorreu em julho (27). Os outros Coleopteros capturados não ocorreram durante os 12 meses de captura, porém, eles também tiveram pico populacional nos meses de fevereiro e março, que foram os de temperatura mais alta.

Flutuação populacional de mezium americanum (coleoptera: ptinidae) em granja avícola em pelotas, rs

ABSTRACT To evaluate the population fluctuation of Mezium americanum (Coleoptera: Ptinidae) two monitoring methods were used: the tube trap and the sandwich trap. The experiment took place in the period from April 2002 to March of 2003, in an aviary of the Conjunto Agrotécnico Visconde da Graça (CAVG), located in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. In that period 367 specimens of M. americanum were captured, the period of greatest occurrence being in the month of February (121), when the monthly mean temperature was 24.7º C, while the least occurrence was in the months of July and September (01) with monthly mean temperature around 13.8º C. The coleopteron was absent in only 3 of the 12 months of collection, demonstrating the potential importance of this species in aviaries.

RESUMO Para avaliar a flutuação populacional de Mezium americanum (Coleoptera: Ptinidae) foram utilizados dois métodos de monitoramento, armadilha do tipo tubo e do tipo sanduíche. O experimento foi realizado no período de abril de 2002 a março de 2003, em aviário do Conjunto Agrotécnico Visconde da Graça (CAVG), localizado em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Nesse período foram capturados 367 exemplares de M. americanum, sendo o período de maior ocorrência no mês de fevereiro (121), quando a temperatura média mensal foi de 24,7º C e a menor ocorrência se deu nos meses de julho e setembro (1), com temperatura média mensal em torno de 13,8º C. O coleóptero não esteve presente em apenas três dos 12 meses de coleta, demonstrando a potencial importância desta espécie em aviários.