In-nest mortality and pathology of hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) embryos and hatchlings in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Strategies to improve the hatch success and survival of critically endangered hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) require knowledge of threats to them including pathological conditions. The objective of this study was to describe the mortality and pathology of embryos and dead-in-nest hatchlings on St. Kitts and Nevis. Over the 2019/20 and 2020/21 nesting seasons, the combined mean (SD) hatch success for the two islands was 81.9% (13.2%) and deceased individuals within excavated nests were early-stage embryos (70.7%), late-stage embryos (17.7%), pipped-hatchlings (8.2%) or dead-in-nest hatchlings (3.4%). From 2017 to 2021, a post-mortem examination was performed on 183 turtles, including histology for 116. Anatomical malformations affected 77 (42.1%) examined turtles and included abnormal scute shape or number (22.4%), dysmelia (8.7%), schistosomus reflexus (7.7%) and compressed carapace (7.7%). Microscopic lesions were found in 49.1% of turtles and included tissue mineralization (26.7%, including renal, fetal membrane, liver, heart or muscle), chorioallantoitis (16.2%) and skeletal muscle degeneration and necrosis (10%). Inflammatory lesions associated with fungal or bacterial infections were in the skin (n = 3), chorioallantois (n = 4), lung (n = 3) or yolk sac (n = 1). These lesions may reflect non-specific terminal conditions but their presence in-nest helps explain some of the mortality and pathology documented in hatchlings that die during rehabilitative care. All of the gonads adequately represented for histological determination of sex were female (n = 62), supporting concern for feminization of Caribbean hawksbill turtle nests. The study identifies lesions that could affect hatch and emergence success. The high frequency of skeletal malformations indicates the need for investigations addressing regional impact and pathogenesis, especially genetic and environmental aetiologies including nest temperature. Immediate examination of live hatchlings on nest emergence is warranted to better determine the prevalence of non-fatal malformations that could impact fitness and population genetics.

Triclabendazole resistance in Fasciola hepatica: First report in sheep from the Santa Cruz province, Argentinian Patagonia.

In the fall of 2022, decreased triclabendazole (TCBZ) efficacy against F. hepatica was suspected in a sheep farm located in the Santa Cruz province, Argentinian Patagonia. Since TCBZ-resistance in F. hepatica has never been reported in this province, this study aimed to confirm potential TCBZ-resistance in F. hepatica and to evaluate the efficacy of closantel (CLO) and nitroxinil (NTX), through faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), and the efficacy of albendazole (ABZ) through the in vitro egg hatch test (EHT) in sheep. Sixty-eight (68) animals were selected from a herd of eighty (80) female Merino naturally infected with F. hepatica based on eggs per gram of F. hepatica (EPGFh) counts and assigned into four (4) groups (n = 17 per group): Group Control, animals did not receive anthelmintic treatment; Group TCBZ, animals were orally treated with TCBZ (12 mg/kg); Group CLO, animals were orally treated with CLO (10 mg/kg); and Group NTX, animals were subcutaneously treated with NTX (10 mg/kg). The fluke egg output was monitored on days 0 and 21 post-treatment. For the EHT, liver fluke eggs were isolated from faecal samples (approx. 50 g) collected from animals of the control group. TCBZ efficacy against liver fluke was 53.4%, confirming the presence of TCBZ-resistant isolates on the farm. CLO and NTX were highly effective (100%) for the treatment of F. hepatica on this farm. The EHT was carried out in two different laboratories, in which was observed an ABZ efficacy of 95.8 (Bariloche) and 96.5% (Tandil). These results indicate the ABZ susceptibility of this F. hepatica isolate and the inter-laboratory precision of the test.

Chemical Composition, Anthelmintic Activity, and Mechanism of Action of Lippia dominguensis Mold. Essential Oil on Haemonchus contortus.

Gastrointestinal nematode parasitism is a major burden to small ruminant production globally, compounded by increasing anthelmintic resistance. Previous studies have identified essential oils (EOs) from the Lippia genus with antiprotozoal and anthelmintic effects. Lippia dominguensis Moldenke (Ld), an endemic specie from the Dominican Republic, has similar popular uses, however, is chemically and pharmacologically yet uncharacterized. Here, we investigated the in vitro anthelmintic activity of LdEO and its ultrastructural effects on eggs and adult nematodes of Haemonchus contortus multidrug-resistant isolated. The GC/MS analysis showed linalool (33.85 %), 1,8-cineole (30.88 %), and δ-terpineol (10.61 %) as the main EO constituents. The LdEO showed an IC50 =0.523 mg/mL in the egg hatch test, and the motility in the adult worm motility test was 95.8 % at 1 mg/mL. The confocal scanning laser microscopy of eggs indicated permeabilization or disruption of egg cell membranes as the possible mechanism of action of LdEO. The scanning electron microscopy of adult worms showed wrinkling, undulations, and cuticular disruptions. The LdEO displayed significant in vitro anthelmintic activity on eggs and adult worms of H. contortus. Additionally, the LdEO showed low oral toxicity in mice at 2,000 mg/kg. Thus, additional in vivo studies are justified to determine its anthelmintic efficacy in small ruminants.

Beneficial Impact of Hypercapnic Conditions During Early Incubation on Broiler Hatchability. Embryo Mortality and Postnatal Performance

We assessed the extent to which CO2 levels altered different hatching and chick parameters. In Experiments 1 and 2, a total of 16,184 eggs from Cobb 500 breeders were incubated in single stage incubators under three different conditions: (a) standard ventilated incubator (CON, Exp.1 and 2); (b) increasing CO2 levels during the first 10 days of incubation until 0.7% (V7000, Exp. 1) and (c) until 0.8% (V8000, Exp. 2). High levels of CO2 improved hatchability, possibly due to lower embryo mortality from ED18 to ED21. Internal and external pipping in experiment V8000 started later than in CON; nevertheless, the hatch still occurred before in V8000 as a result of the shorter durations of external pipping and hatch. In Experiment 3, a total of 12,138 eggs from Cobb 500 were incubated in single stage incubators under three different conditions: (a) standard ventilated incubator (CON); (b) increasing CO2 levels until 1.0% with ventilation (V10000); and (c) increasing CO2 levels until 1.0% without ventilation (NV10000). Hypercapnic conditions led to better hatchability and lower embryo mortality from ED18 to ED21. Internal pipping started earlier in NV10000, but only V10000 differed from CON in terms of the average time for hatch. Hypercapnic groups also showed shorter durations of external pipping and hatch when compared to CON. Post-hatch analysis revealed no differences among incubation conditions in terms of body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, mortality by sudden death syndrome, and production factor. Nevertheless, V10000 showed a lower mortality by ascites and a better viability when compared to CON, while NV10000 presented a higher mortality by other causes. Altogether, our findings indicate that in addition to not being detrimental to embryo survival, high CO2 levels reduce embryonic mortality at 18-21 days of incubation and increase hatchability.(AU)

In vitro ovicidal activity of Brongniartia montalvoana against small ruminant gastrointestinal nematodes.

Several plants of the Fabaceae family have been assessed regarding their high nutritional value and anthelmintic properties. The ovicidal effect of the hydroalcoholic extract (Bm-HAE) and subfractions from the aerial parts of Brongniartia montalvoana (Fabaceae) against a mixed strain of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) (Haemonchus spp., Trichostrongylus spp. and Oesophagostomum spp.) resistant to albendazole sulfoxide, ivermectin and levamisole was evaluated by the egg hatch test (EHT). The Bm-HAE was subjected to liquid-liquid chemical separation with ethyl acetate giving two fractions, an aqueous (Bm-Aq) and an organic (Bm-EtOAct). The purification of the bioactive fraction (Bm-EtOAct) through chromatographic separation resulted in four bioactive subfractions (BmR6, BmR7, BmR8 and BmR10). The treatments were designed as follows: Bm-HAE at 800, 1,500, 3,000 and 6,000 µg/mL, and Bm-Aq, Bm-EtOAct and subfractions (BmR6, BmR7, BmR8 and BmR10) at 100, 200, 400 and 800 µg/mL. Two properly negative controls (distilled water and 2% methanol) and thiabendazole (100 µg/mL) as a positive control were used for each bioassay. The chemical identification of the extract, fractions and subfractions was performed through chromatographic processes like open column chromatography, thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-PDA). Additionally, the GIN eggs exposed to the bioactive compounds were observed through confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The Bm-HAE showed 99.5% egg hatching inhibition (EHI) at 6,000 µg/mL with a lethal concentration (LC50) of 1110 µg/mL. The Bm-EtOAc fraction displayed 99.1% EHI at 800 µg/mL with LC50 = 180 µg/mL. The ovicidal activity of the four subfractions was similar at 800 µg/mL: BmR6 (92% EHI); BmR7 (100% EHI); BmR8 (97.8%); and BmR10 (99.1%). The HPLC-PDA analysis of the bioactive subfractions allowed identification of p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid and coumarin derivatives as major compounds. The CLSM analysis allowed observation of morphological alterations in unhatched larvae caused by bioactive compounds present in the Bm-EtOAc and BmR10. In addition, the flavonoids eriodyctiol, luteolin and cynaroside were described for the first time for B. montalvoana.

The Resistance of Seven Host Plants to Tetranychus merganser Boudreaux (Acari: Tetranychidae).

Red spider mites, Tetranychus merganser Boudreaux (Acari: Tetranychidae), is an agricultural pest that causes economic losses in papaya and nopal crops in Mexico. The aim of this research was to assess antibiosis and antixenosis as resistance mechanisms in seven host plants (Thevetia ahouai, Carica papaya, Phaseolus vulgaris, Moringa oleifera, Pittosporum tobira, Helietta parvifolia, Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum) to red spider mites. Antixenosis was evaluated by non-preference for oviposition and feeding, antibiosis by infinitesimal rate of increase, finite rate of increase and doubling time, and the percentage of spider mites mortality. Oviposition and damage by feeding of T. merganser were significantly greater on C. papaya than on the other host plants. The growth rate of the spider mite was significantly lower in P. tobira and T. ahouai than in the other host plants. The percentage of hatched eggs of T. merganser was significantly higher in P. vulgaris than in the other plant species. Based on the demographic parameters, survival, food intake, and oviposition, these results indicated that compared with C. papaya, P. tobira and T. ahouai were more resistant. These results may be due to the fact that they were plants species of different families. The resistant plants can be studied as alternatives in the management of T. merganser.

Chemical characterisation and in vitro anthelmintic activity of phenolic-rich extracts from the leaves and branches of Maytenus ilicifolia, a native plant from South America.

Free (epi) catechin, quercetin, (epi) gallocatechin, flavonol glycosides and condensed tannins were identified according to their molecular mass, characteristic product ions and retention times in extracts obtained from leaves and branches of Maytenus ilicifolia (Congorosa) by mass spectrometry. The in vitro anthelmintic activity against cattle gastrointestinal nematodes of Congorosa extract was determined using the Egg Hatch Inhibition Assay. Additionally, commercial quercetin, gallocatechin and epicatechin were evaluated. Although total phenolics, total tannins and condensed tannins contents were lower in branches extract than in leaves extract, the EC50 were 0.065 mg/mL and 0.890 mg/mL for branches and leaves extract, respectively. Moreover, the use of polyvinylpyrrolidone as a blocking agent of tannins, did not change significantly the EC50 for branches extract, but significantly changed for leaves extract. Quercetin and gallocatechin EC50 values were in the range 0.03-0.05 mg/mL and epicatechin showed 100% inhibition of the egg hatching process at 0.004 mg/mL.

Effects of breeder age and short-term temperature stimulation during incubation on performance, organ weight, and carcass yield in male and female broilers / Efeitos da idade da matriz e de alterações curtas de temperatura de incubação no desempenho, peso dos órgãos e rendimento de carcaça em frangos de corte machos e fêmeas

Birds develop thermoregulatory control during the last days of incubation. Different temperature conditioning programs have been proposed to prepare broiler chicks for post-hatch life. This study aimed to investigate the effects of short-term temperature (STT) stimulation and breeder age on hatching performance, embryo development, yolk absorption, and post-hatch performance of male and female broilers. A 2 × 2 factorial completely randomized design was used, with two breeder ages (30 and 60 wk), two temperature incubation programs (control and STT), and 2,520 eggs per treatment. Eggs were distributed in two large-scale commercial incubators with a capacity of 120,960 eggs. The control group was subjected to a standard single-stage incubation program (37.2-37.4 °C), whereas the STT group was subjected to a temperature increment of 1 °C for 4 h on embryonic days 16, 17, 18, and 19. Embryos were analyzed at 16 and 19 days of incubation, and chicks at hatch. At 19 days of incubation, STT conditioning resulted in lower yolk sac weight in embryos from 60-wk-old breeders and higher relative weight of the gastrointestinal tract in embryos from 30-wk-old breeders. At hatch, males had lower residual yolk weight, females had greater length, and chicks from 60-wk-old breeders subjected to STT had higher body weight and relative weight of the gastrointestinal tract. Eggs from 30-wk-old breeders showed higher fertility and hatchability and lower infertility, mortality, and second-grade chick percentages. Regarding performance, it was found that males had higher body weight from 7 to 42 days of age and higher whole leg yields. Females, on the other hand, had higher fat yields. Breeder age and sex influenced gastrointestinal tract development, carcass yield, and performance. A 1 °C increase in incubation temperature for 4 h from days 16 to 19 of incubation affected yolk absorption and digestive tract development in chicks from 60-wk-old breeders without, however, influencing performance results.(AU)

As aves desenvolvem o controle do sistema termorregulatório durante os últimos dias de incubação, dessa forma, diferentes programas temperatura de incubação têm sido descritos para preparar os pintos de corte para a vida pós-eclosão. Objetivou-se nesse estudo, estabelecer os efeitos de alterações curtas na temperatura de incubação e da idade da matriz no desempenho de eclosão, desenvolvimento embrionário, absorção da gema e desempenho pós-eclosão de frangos de corte machos e fêmeas. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado em fatorial 2 x 2 com 2 idades de matriz (30 e 60 semanas) e 2 programas de incubação de temperatura, controle (CT) e grupo de treinamento de temperatura de curto prazo (STT) e 2.520 ovos em cada tratamento. Os ovos foram distribuídos em 2 incubadoras comerciais de grande escala com capacidade para 120.960 ovos. O grupo CT seguiu um programa de incubação de estágio único padrão (37,2-37,4°C) e o STT teve um incremento em + 1 ° C por 4 hs nos dias 16, 17, 18 e 19 de incubação. Os embriões foram analisados aos 16 e 19 dias e pintinhos na eclosão. Aos 19 dias de incubação, embriões de matrizes com 60 semanas apresentaram menor peso do saco vitelino e embriões de matrizes com 30 semanas apresentaram maior porcentagem de trato gastrointestinal quando em STT. Na eclosão, os machos apresentaram menor vitelo residual, e as fêmeas apresentaram maior comprimento, pintinhos mais pesados e maior trato gastrointestinal quando originárias de matrizes de 60 semanas de idade e expostos ao STT. Na eclosão, os ovos com 30 semanas de idade apresentaram maior porcentagem de fertilidade e eclodibilidade e menor infertilidade, mortalidade e pintos de secunda categoria. No desempenho, os machos apresentaram maior peso corporal do 7° ao 42° dia e maiores valores de porcentagem de pernas e as fêmeas maiores valores de porcentagem de gordura. A idade das matrizes e o sexo influenciaram o desenvolvimento visceral, o rendimento de carcaça e o desempenho dos frangos de corte. O aumento de 1°C durante 4 horas entre os dias 16 e 19 de incubação afetou a absorção da gema e o trato digestivo em pintos de matrizes com 60 semanas de idade, sem refletir nos resultados de desempenho.(AU)

The Effect of Early Post Hatch Feeding Times on the Growth and Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract of Mule Ducklings to Five Days of Age

The present study evaluated the effects of early post-hatch feeding on the growth and development of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of mule ducks reared in the humid tropics to five days of age. A total of 120 newly hatched mule ducklings were selected and randomly assigned to four treatment groups. Each with 30 birds, (T1, T2, T3, and T4) is based on four feeding regimes (feed accessed at 3, 24, 36, and 48 hours post-hatch) for five days. The ducklings were euthanized each day and the parameters: small intestinal samples were processed for histological analysis and histometrical parameters including villi length and width, crypt width and depth, and the number of goblet cells per villus was measured, statistically analyzed using ANOVA and tabulated. The results of this study indicated that the earliest post-hatch feeding (at 3 hours post-hatch) showed the highest body weight (99.65 g), heavier (GIT) organ (p 0.05), highest duodenal length (120.71 cm), than other feeding times. The villi height of the three segments of the GIT increased (p>0.05) continuously regardless of the post-hatch feeding times. Based on the results, it was concluded that feeding at 3 hours post-hatch promoted the growth and development of the GIT faster than 24, 36, and 38 hours post hatch feeding.(AU)

Effect of Egg Weight and Patio Strategies on Hatching Traits and Subsequent Performance of the Broilers

Objectives of the present study were to assess the hatchery based interventions and their impact on hatching traits and subsequent performance of broilers. In total, 3000 eggs of Hubbard broiler breeders were equally divided into Small (50-55 g), Medium (56-61 g) and Large (62-70 g) eggs. The eggs from each category were distributed into 20 trays each containing 50 eggs. Each tray was considered as a replicate. At the end of the 18th day of incubation, the eggs of each weight category were divided into four different patio strategies i.e. P0, P3, P5 and P7 where feed and water were provided to the chicks for 0, 3, 5 and 7 days in the hatcher followed by conventional rearing. Data were collected for hatch window, hatching traits, growth, physical asymmetry, welfare and blood profile in broilers. Statistical analysis showed that the smaller eggs had significantly (P 0.05) shorter hatch window compared to larger and medium eggs. Hatching traits were significantly (p 0.05) better in medium eggs but the embryonic mortalities did not differ (p>0.05). The post-hatch performance was significantly (p 0.05) better in P3 birds from medium eggs. Physical asymmetry and scores of feather and gait were not affected by both treatments (p>0.05). Blood profile was also significantly (p 0.05) better in P3 birds from medium-size eggs. It was recommended that the eggs of 56-61g should be selected for better hatchability and the chicks should be provided with feed and water within the hatcher for at-least three days for optimum performance on rearing facility.(AU)

Effect of Egg Weight and Patio Strategies on Hatching Traits and Subsequent Performance of the Broilers

Objectives of the present study were to assess the hatchery based interventions and their impact on hatching traits and subsequent performance of broilers. In total, 3000 eggs of Hubbard broiler breeders were equally divided into Small (50-55 g), Medium (56-61 g) and Large (62-70 g) eggs. The eggs from each category were distributed into 20 trays each containing 50 eggs. Each tray was considered as a replicate. At the end of the 18th day of incubation, the eggs of each weight category were divided into four different patio strategies i.e. P0, P3, P5 and P7 where feed and water were provided to the chicks for 0, 3, 5 and 7 days in the hatcher followed by conventional rearing. Data were collected for hatch window, hatching traits, growth, physical asymmetry, welfare and blood profile in broilers. Statistical analysis showed that the smaller eggs had significantly (P 0.05) shorter hatch window compared to larger and medium eggs. Hatching traits were significantly (p 0.05) better in medium eggs but the embryonic mortalities did not differ (p>0.05). The post-hatch performance was significantly (p 0.05) better in P3 birds from medium eggs. Physical asymmetry and scores of feather and gait were not affected by both treatments (p>0.05). Blood profile was also significantly (p 0.05) better in P3 birds from medium-size eggs. It was recommended that the eggs of 56-61g should be selected for better hatchability and the chicks should be provided with feed and water within the hatcher for at-least three days for optimum performance on rearing facility.

The Effect of Early Post Hatch Feeding Times on the Growth and Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract of Mule Ducklings to Five Days of Age

The present study evaluated the effects of early post-hatch feeding on the growth and development of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of mule ducks reared in the humid tropics to five days of age. A total of 120 newly hatched mule ducklings were selected and randomly assigned to four treatment groups. Each with 30 birds, (T1, T2, T3, and T4) is based on four feeding regimes (feed accessed at 3, 24, 36, and 48 hours post-hatch) for five days. The ducklings were euthanized each day and the parameters: small intestinal samples were processed for histological analysis and histometrical parameters including villi length and width, crypt width and depth, and the number of goblet cells per villus was measured, statistically analyzed using ANOVA and tabulated. The results of this study indicated that the earliest post-hatch feeding (at 3 hours post-hatch) showed the highest body weight (99.65 g), heavier (GIT) organ (p 0.05), highest duodenal length (120.71 cm), than other feeding times. The villi height of the three segments of the GIT increased (p>0.05) continuously regardless of the post-hatch feeding times. Based on the results, it was concluded that feeding at 3 hours post-hatch promoted the growth and development of the GIT faster than 24, 36, and 38 hours post hatch feeding.

Effects of a dry hydrogen peroxide disinfection system used in an egg cooler on hatchability and chick quality.

A sanitation method that could continually clean and disinfect the air and surfaces in a hatchery could provide a second layer of microbial reduction on top of routine cleaning and disinfection. A gaseous dry hydrogen peroxide (DHP) system has been used in other facilities for this purpose and could have potential for use in chicken hatcheries. Because the DHP is a true gas and can permeate through the entire hatchery space, contact with eggs during storage and incubation could potentially interfere with normal hatching processes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the DHP system on hatching parameters and chick quality. A total of 3,960 hatching eggs were collected from an ∼40-week-old Ross 308 broiler breeder flock and distributed in 2 treatments: treated and nontreated. For the treated group, the egg cooler was cleaned, and 1 DHP generator was placed inside. Two other DHP generators were placed in the common area outside as well. Both areas were treated for 7 D before placement of eggs, and then eggs were collected and placed inside the cooler over a 4-day period. Eggs were then stored for an additional 3 D after the last collection. Dry hydrogen peroxide levels were recorded each day during storage. For the nontreated group, all DHP machines were removed from the cooler and external room, and the egg cooler was cleaned. Eggs were collected in the same way for the control group as the treated group. After storage, eggs were placed into a single stage Natureform incubator. The eggs exposed to DHP showed higher (P < 0.05) hatchability of fertile eggs and lower (P < 0.05) early embryonic dead than eggs from the nontreated group. No other parameters evaluated were different between groups. Based on this work, the DHP treatment of fertile eggs had no detrimental effect on any performance parameter, with potential positive effects seen on hatch of fertile eggs and early embryonic dead embryos.

Sound exposure and its beneficial effects on embryonic growth and hatching of broiler chicks.

1. The physical factors that involve artificial incubation determine embryonic growth and hatching of broiler chicks, and have important implications for the poultry production chain and chick welfare. This study explored the effects of sound exposure on incubation responses (hatching, embryonic development and chick quality).2. A 2 × 2 factorial experiment with the factors 'sound pressure level' (at 70 and 90 dB) and 'species-specific vocalisations' (at 75dB - 85dB) was performed in four experimental incubators (loaded with 90 eggs each) for eight consecutive cycles of incubation, totalling 2880 Cobb-500® broiler breeder eggs.3. Embryonic growth was not influenced by any experimental factor, but the highest sound pressure level (90 dB) led to earlier hatching, higher hatchability, better chick quality and lower weight at hatching. Additional effects of species-specific vocalisations were found at 70 dB noise, which caused early hatching and better chick quality.4. It was concluded that the loud noise found in commercial hatcheries (at 90 dB) can be beneficial. Furthermore, the presence of species-specific vocalisations could improve the hatching time and chick quality from experimental incubators (at 70 dB). However, this would not provide additional benefits in commercial hatcheries, due to the machinery noise masking them.

In vitro anthelmintic activity of the crude hydroalcoholic extract of Piper cubeba fruits and isolated natural products against gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep.

This study describes the in vitro anthelmintic activity of a hydroalcoholic extract from the fruit of Piper cubeba and its major isolated components against the eggs and larvae of gastrointestinal nematodes obtained from naturally-infected ovines. In vitro anthelmintic activity was evaluated using the egg hatch test (EHT), larval development test (LDT) and L3 migration inhibition test (LMT). The extract showed ovicidal and larvicidal activity, with an EC50 of 200 µg/mL and 83.00 µg/mL in the EHT and LDT, respectively. The extract inhibited 100% of larval migration at the lowest tested concentration (95 µg/mL). The crude extract was purified using successive silica gel chromatographic columns, which revealed the lignans hinokinin, cubebin and dihydrocubebin as the major compounds that were present, which were then used in in vitro tests. Cubebin, dihydrocubebin and hinokinin showed higher activity than the crude extract, with an EC50 for ovicidal activity of 150.00 µg/mL, 186.70 µg/mL and 68.38 µg/mL, respectively. In the LDT, cubebin presented an EC50 of 14.89 µg/mL and dihydrocubebin of 30.75 µg/mL. Hinokinin inhibited 100% the larval development at all concentrations evaluated. In the LMT, dihydrocubebin inhibited 100% the larval migration in all concentrations evaluated while cubebin and hinokinin showed EC50 values of 0.89 µg/mL and 0.34 µg/mL, respectively. P. cubeba extract is rich in several classes of active compounds, but here we demonstrate that the described anthelmintic activity may be related to the presence of these lignans, which are present in larger concentrations than other components of the extract. Our results demonstrate for first time the anthelmintic activity against gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep for this class of special metabolites that are present in P. cubeba fruit. However, future detailed studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of P. cubeba fruits extract and active lignans in in vivo tests.

Embryonic mortality and broiler chick quality (Gallus gallus) from glass-shelled eggs / Mortalidade embrionária e qualidade do pinto ao nascer oriundo de ovo de casca vítrea de matriz pesada (Gallus gallus)

The glass-shelled egg has various points on the surface with light gray coloration, which becomes more visible with the passage of egg storage period. The objective of this work was to evaluate the stage of embryonic mortality, egg weight during the incubation period, hatch window, and quality of chicks at hatch from glass-shelled egg. The research was divided into two parts. In the first part, 80 eggs from 45 weeks old hens were incubated, being half normal eggs and half glass-shelled eggs, while in the second part, 80 eggs from 70 weeks old hens from the same flock as the previous one were incubated. Again, half were normal shelled and half were glass-shelled eggs. No differences were observed for embryonic mortality, egg weight, hatch quality (hatch weight, uniformity, and navel quality), and hatch window between normal and glass-shelled eggs from hens of 45 and 70 weeks of age. However, there was higher contamination in glass-shelled egg from 70-week-old breeder hens. The results show that the presence of glass-shelled egg does not seem to interfere with the quality of the chick at hatch in the breed, ages, and studied conditions, but causes higher contamination in glass-shelled egg from 70-week-old breeder hens.(AU)

Ovos de casca vítrea apresentam em suas superfícies pontos com coloração cinza claro de vários diâmetros, que ficam mais visíveis com o decorrer do período de armazenagem. Objetivou-se no trabalho, avaliar a fase de mortalidade embrionária, peso do ovo durante o período de incubação, intervalo de tempo de nascimento e a qualidade dos pintos ao nascerem oriundos de ovos de casca vítrea. A pesquisa foi dividida em duas partes. Na primeira parte, ocorreu a incubação de 80 ovos provenientes de matrizes com 45 semanas de idade sendo metade ovos normais e metade ovos vítreos e na segunda parte, foram incubados 80 ovos provenientes de matrizes com 70 semanas de idade do mesmo lote do anterior. Desses, metade eram normais e metade eram vítreos. Não houve diferença para mortalidade embrionária, peso do ovo, qualidade dos pintos ao nascerem (peso do pinto ao nascer, qualidade do umbigo e uniformidade) e intervalo de tempo de nascimento entre os ovos vítreos e normais oriundos de matrizes de 45 e 70 semanas de idade. Porém ovos de casca vítrea oriundos de matrizes de 70 semanas de idade apresentaram maior índice de contaminação.(AU)

The egg hatch test: A useful tool for albendazole resistance diagnosis in Fasciola hepatica.

In the current study, the egg hatch test (EHT) has been evaluated as an in vitro technique to detect albendazole (ABZ) resistance in Fasciola hepatica. The intra- and inter-assay variations of the EHT were measured by means of the coefficient of variation in different fluke isolates and over time; then, the results of the EHT were compared with the "gold standard" controlled efficacy test, which assesses the in vivo anthelmintic efficacy. The EHT was used later to evaluate the intra-herd variability regarding the level of ABZ resistance in calves infected by the same fluke isolate. Finally, several factors of the initial protocol were modified to improve the simplicity of the assay, including the incubation time of eggs with the drug and the use of eggs collected from faeces. The greatest uniformity between results within the assay and over time until 8 weeks after gallbladder collection (the deadline proposed for egg analysis) was obtained with an ABZ concentration of 0.5 µM. The length of exposure to ABZ was shown to be critical, as prolonged incubation (15 days) led to a change of ovicidal activity. The ABZ concentration of 0.5 µM is suggested as a possible discriminating dose to predict ABZ resistance, due to the close agreement between the results of the EHT at an ABZ concentration of 0.5 µM and those of the in vivo assays.

Evaluation of the Relationship Between the Breeders Age, Breed and the Incubator Types on Quality and Animal Welfare in the Hatchery

About 33.3% of chicken life is conditioned by the result of embryonic development. Therefore, understanding and improving the early phase of the broilers life is critical to guarantee their well-being. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the relationship between the breeders age, breed and the incubator types on quality and animal welfare in the hatchery. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arrangement (incubator, breed and age), with 12 treatments and 6 replicates each. The eggs derived of Cobb 500 and Rosss breeders at the beginning of the laying period, middle age and at the end of the laying period. It is concluded that the size of the eggs is related to the breeders age and breed, which influences directly the number of bled eggs. In addition, well-being in the hatchery can be affected by decreased hatching and contamination that is higher in older breeders. Cobb eggs also need more attention because they are larger, therefore, they have a higher risk of breakage and they are more sensitive to the low concentration of CO2 at the hatcher.(AU)

Embryonic mortality and broiler chick quality (Gallus gallus) from glass-shelled eggs / Mortalidade embrionária e qualidade do pinto ao nascer oriundo de ovo de casca vítrea de matriz pesada (Gallus gallus)

The glass-shelled egg has various points on the surface with light gray coloration, which becomes more visible with the passage of egg storage period. The objective of this work was to evaluate the stage of embryonic mortality, egg weight during the incubation period, hatch window, and quality of chicks at hatch from glass-shelled egg. The research was divided into two parts. In the first part, 80 eggs from 45 weeks old hens were incubated, being half normal eggs and half glass-shelled eggs, while in the second part, 80 eggs from 70 weeks old hens from the same flock as the previous one were incubated. Again, half were normal shelled and half were glass-shelled eggs. No differences were observed for embryonic mortality, egg weight, hatch quality (hatch weight, uniformity, and navel quality), and hatch window between normal and glass-shelled eggs from hens of 45 and 70 weeks of age. However, there was higher contamination in glass-shelled egg from 70-week-old breeder hens. The results show that the presence of glass-shelled egg does not seem to interfere with the quality of the chick at hatch in the breed, ages, and studied conditions, but causes higher contamination in glass-shelled egg from 70-week-old breeder hens.

Ovos de casca vítrea apresentam em suas superfícies pontos com coloração cinza claro de vários diâmetros, que ficam mais visíveis com o decorrer do período de armazenagem. Objetivou-se no trabalho, avaliar a fase de mortalidade embrionária, peso do ovo durante o período de incubação, intervalo de tempo de nascimento e a qualidade dos pintos ao nascerem oriundos de ovos de casca vítrea. A pesquisa foi dividida em duas partes. Na primeira parte, ocorreu a incubação de 80 ovos provenientes de matrizes com 45 semanas de idade sendo metade ovos normais e metade ovos vítreos e na segunda parte, foram incubados 80 ovos provenientes de matrizes com 70 semanas de idade do mesmo lote do anterior. Desses, metade eram normais e metade eram vítreos. Não houve diferença para mortalidade embrionária, peso do ovo, qualidade dos pintos ao nascerem (peso do pinto ao nascer, qualidade do umbigo e uniformidade) e intervalo de tempo de nascimento entre os ovos vítreos e normais oriundos de matrizes de 45 e 70 semanas de idade. Porém ovos de casca vítrea oriundos de matrizes de 70 semanas de idade apresentaram maior índice de contaminação.

Evaluation of the Relationship Between the Breeders Age, Breed and the Incubator Types on Quality and Animal Welfare in the Hatchery

About 33.3% of chicken life is conditioned by the result of embryonic development. Therefore, understanding and improving the early phase of the broilers life is critical to guarantee their well-being. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the relationship between the breeders age, breed and the incubator types on quality and animal welfare in the hatchery. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arrangement (incubator, breed and age), with 12 treatments and 6 replicates each. The eggs derived of Cobb 500 and Rosss breeders at the beginning of the laying period, middle age and at the end of the laying period. It is concluded that the size of the eggs is related to the breeders age and breed, which influences directly the number of bled eggs. In addition, well-being in the hatchery can be affected by decreased hatching and contamination that is higher in older breeders. Cobb eggs also need more attention because they are larger, therefore, they have a higher risk of breakage and they are more sensitive to the low concentration of CO2 at the hatcher.