Geometrical characteristics of eggs from 3 poultry species.

We studied the correlations between egg geometrical parameters (i.e., egg shape index, sphericity, geometric mean diameter, surface area, and volume) and eggshell qualities, or the organic matrix in eggshell. Eggs were collected from 5 poultry breeds belonging to 3 species (commercial Hy-line Brown Chicken, Shaoxing Duck, Jinding Duck, Taihu Goose, and Zhedong White Goose). The geometrical parameters showed high variation among 3 species of poultry, and even between breeds in the same species. The five geometrical parameters were grouped into 2 sets, one contained shape index and sphericity, the other comprised geometric mean diameter, surface area, and volume. The parameters in the same set can be perfectly fitted to one another. Egg weight, shell membrane weight, and calcified shell weight were significantly correlated with geometric mean diameter, surface area, and volume. In accordance with false discovery rate-adjusted P value, both shell membrane relative weight and calcified shell thickness showed no significant correlations with any of the geometrical parameters. However, the correlations between geometrical parameters and other shell variables (calcified shell weight, shell relative weight, calcified shell thickness uniformity, and eggshell breaking strength) depend on breed. Both constitutive proportions and percentage contents of 3 eggshell matrix components (acid-insoluble, water-insoluble, and both acid and water facultative-soluble matrix) had no effects on egg shape and size. The correlations between the amounts of various shell matrix, egg shape and size depend on breed or species. This study provides a methodology and the correlation between geometrical parameters and eggshell qualities, and between geometrical parameters and organic matrix components in calcified shells.

Wooden breast and white striping: comparative occurrence in three poultry companies / Wooden breast e white striping: ocorrência em três empresas avícolas

To increase the amount of meat produced, researchers have promoted intensive genetic selection for growth rate and muscling and have improved nutrition and management conditions. However, there has been an increase in the number of reports of breast muscle myopathies observed in poultry processing plants, including white striping (WS) and wooden breast (WB). This study aimed to evaluate and to compare the occurrence of WS and WB myopathies in three poultry processing plants and to perform an anatomopathological characterization, including macroscopic and microscopic analyses. A total of 408,334 carcasses were condemned or downgraded due to the presence of WB or WS, which represents 0.73% of the total number of slaughtered animals during the evaluated period. WB was more frequent than WS, but the occurrence of each myopathy varied significantly according to each establishment. WB was more frequent in the establishment which includes only male flocks, an average age of 45 days, and an average live weight of 2775g (B). WS was more frequent in establishment with male, female and mixed flocks, average ages ranging from 41 to 44 days, and average live weight 1731g-2830g (A). It is probably related with specific condition of each poultry company, including genetics, age, nutrition and management conditions. Macroscopically, WB and WS lesions are characterized by hypertrophy and stiffness of the pectoralis major muscle. Under microscopy, the myopathies showed similarities regarding the detected histological abnormalities, characterized by a process of myodegeneration, although the connective tissue infiltrate was more severe in the breasts with WB than in those with WS myopathy. The results found in this study demonstrate that the rates of condemnation for these myopathies are high, vary significantly among the analyzed companies and may cause major economic losses for the productive sector in the region.(AU)

Para melhorar a quantidade de carne produzida, os pesquisadores têm promovido ao longo dos anos uma seleção genética intensiva para a taxa de crescimento e desenvolvimento de músculos, além de melhorias nas condições nutricionais, sanitárias e de manejo. No entanto, houve um aumento no número de relatos de miopatias dos músculos do peito observados em abatedouros-frigoríficos de aves, incluindo white striping (WS) e wooden breast (WB). O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ocorrência de WB e WS em três abatedouros-frigoríficos de aves e realizar uma caracterização anatomopatológica, incluindo análises macroscópicas e microscópicas. Um total de 408.334 carcaças foi condenado (total ou parcialmente) devido à presença WB ou WS, o que representou 0,73% do número total de animais abatidos durante o período avaliado. Apesar de a ocorrência de WB ter sido maior do que a de WS, a frequência de cada uma variou significativamente de acordo com o estabelecimento. WB foi mais frequente no estabelecimento que incluía apenas lotes de machos, com média de 45 dias de idade e peso médio ao abate de 2775g (B). WS foi mais frequente no estabelecimento com lotes de machos, fêmeas e mistos, com idade entre 41 e 44 dias e peso médio ao abate entre 1731g-2830g (A). Isto pode ser justificado por condições específicas de cada empresa, incluindo genética, idade das aves, nutrição e condições de manejo. Macroscopicamente, as lesões de WB e de WS foram caracterizadas principalmente por hipertrofia e rigidez do músculo pectoralis major. À microscopia, ambas as miopatias mostraram semelhanças em relação às anormalidades histológicas detectadas, caracterizadas principalmente por um processo de miodegeneração. Nos músculos apresentando WB, o infiltrado de tecido conjuntivo foi mais intenso quando comparado àqueles com WS. Os resultados encontrados neste trabalho demonstram que os índices de condenação por essas miopatias são altos, variam significativamente entre as empresas analisadas e podem causar grandes perdas econômicas para o setor produtivo da região.(AU)

Frangos de corte de linhagens pescoço pelado e carijó, criados sob condições de estresse térmico ­ revisão de literatura / Naked neck and california gray broiler chicken reared under thermal stress conditions ­ literature review / Pollos de engorde de ascendencia cuello desnudos y carijó creados en condiciones de estrés térmico ­ revisión del literatura

O Brasil tem situação vantajosa relacionada às condições de acondicionamento das aves em relação a outros países. A evolução nas áreas de genética, nutrição e manejo das aves tem possibilitado a obtenção de produtos de baixo custo e de alta qualidade, proporcionando maior competitividade no mercado. O Brasil caracteriza-se por ser um país predominantemente agrícola, porém é um país tropical que apresenta altas temperaturas e estas por sua vez, influenciam diretamente no bem-estar das aves. A produção de frango de corte em regiões de clima quente, a exemplo do Acre, precisa ser considerada, pois apresentam condições climáticas diferenciadas, o que pode exercer uma influencia negativa nos resultados de desempenho animal, como resposta ao clima e ambiente de criação, portanto, este estudo de revisão de literatura objetivou analisar estudos inerentes às condições de conforto térmico ambiental e respostas fisiológicas e zootécnicas em frangos de corte criados em clima de verão amazônico.(AU)

Brazil is at an advantageous position regarding the storage conditions of poultry in relation to other countries. The evolution in genetics, nutrition and bird management has made it possible to obtain low-cost, high quality products and provide greater competitiveness in the market. Brazil is a predominantly agricultural country, but it is a tropical country with high temperatures, which has direct influence on poultry welfare. The production of broiler chickens in states with hot climate, such as Acre, needs to be considered, since they have different climatic conditions that may exert a negative influence on the performance of animals as a response to the harsh climate and breeding environment. This literature review aimed at analyzing studies inherent to the conditions of environmental thermal comfort and physiological and zootechnical responses in broiler chickens reared in the Amazonian summer climate.(AU)

Brasil tiene una situación ventajosa en relación a las condiciones de acondicionamiento de las aves en relación a otros países. Los avances en las áreas de genética, nutrición y manejo de las aves ha permitido la consecución de bajo costo y productos de alta calidad, proporcionando una mayor competitividad en el mercado. Brasil se caracteriza por ser un país predominantemente agrícola, pero es un país tropical con altas temperaturas y estas a su vez influyen directamente en el bienestar de las aves. La producción de pollos de engorde en regiones de climas calurosos, como el Acre, debe ser considerado, ya que tienen diferentes condiciones climáticas, que puede ejercer una influencia negativa en los resultados de rendimiento de los animales en respuesta al clima y medio ambiente de creación, por lo tanto, este estudio bibliográfico ha objetivado analizar estudios inherentes a las condiciones de conforto térmico ambiental y respuestas fisiológicas y zootécnicas en pollos de engorde creados en clima de verano amazónico.(AU)

Do-It-Yourself Microsuture from Human Hair for Basic Microsurgical Training.

BACKGROUND: Microsuture is an essential material for basic microsurgical training. However, it is consumable, expensive, and sometimes unavailable in the microsurgical laboratory. To solve this problem, we developed a microsuture made from human hair and needle gauge. METHODS: Do-It-Yourself (DIY) microsuture is made from human hair and needle gauge 32G (BD Ultra-Fine Pen Needles 4 mm × 32G). Methods are explained step by step. This DIY microsuture (labeled as "test microsuture") and nylon 8-0 (Ethilon suture 8-0, labeled as "standard microsuture") were used for teaching orthopaedic residents to perform arterial anastomosis in chicken thighs. All residents practiced without knowing that "test microsuture" was made from the DIY method. After completing the training, quality of both microsutures was evaluated by questionnaire in topics of (1) thread quality (size, strength, elasticity, handing, knot perform, and knot security), (2) needle quality (size, curve, shape, sharpness, handling, and strength), (3) needle-thread interface (size, strength, and smoothness), and (4) overall quality of microsuture. Each category was evaluated by Likert score (5 = excellent, 4 = good, 3 = fair, 2 = poor, and 1 = very poor). RESULTS: The DIY microsuture was performed in three steps: (1) insert human hair into needle gauge by microforceps, (2) bend needle into smooth curve, and (3) disconnect needle and create needle-hair interface. The questionnaire was completed by 30 orthopaedic residents and showed that thread quality of DIY and standard microsuture had "good" and "good-to-excellent" quality (mean Likert score: 3.77-4.23 and 3.80-4.27, respectively, with no statistical difference). Thread-needle interface quality of DIY and standard microsuture also had "good" and "good-to-excellent" quality (Likert score: 3.73-4.20 and 4.07-4.33, respectively, with no statistical difference). Needle part of DIY microsuture had lower quality than standard suture (fair-to-good compared with good-to-excellence quality, score 3.30-3.67 vs. 4.20-4.27, respectively, with a statistically significant difference, p-value < 0.05). However, overall quality of DIY suture and standard microsuture had "good" and "good-to-excellent" (mean Likert score: 3.73 and 4.00, respectively, with no statistical difference). CONCLUSION: The DIY microsuture from human hair and needle gauge could be an alternative for basic microsurgical training with lower cost, easy production, and more availability for use in practice with acceptable quality compared with that of standard microsuture.

Brain size is reduced by selection for tameness in Red Junglefowl- correlated effects in vital organs.

During domestication animals have undergone changes in size of brain and other vital organs. We hypothesize that this could be a correlated effect to increased tameness. Red Junglefowl (ancestors of domestic chickens) were selected for divergent levels of fear of humans for five generations. The parental (P0) and the fifth selected generation (S5) were culled when 48-54 weeks old and the brains were weighed before being divided into telencephalon, cerebellum, mid brain and optic lobes. Each single brain part as well as the liver, spleen, heart and testicles were also weighed. Brains of S5 birds with high fear scores (S5 high) were heavier both in absolute terms and when corrected for body weight. The relative weight of telencephalon (% of brain weight) was significantly higher in S5 high and relative weight of cerebellum was lower. Heart, liver, testes and spleen were all relatively heavier (% of body weight) in S5 high. Hence, selection for tameness has changed the size of the brain and other vital organs in this population and may have driven the domesticated phenotype as a correlated response.

Reproductive Disorders in Commonly Kept Fowl.

Backyard poultry and other commonly kept fowl species are often kept for their ability to lay eggs. Reproductive disease is common in fowl species. Despite being classified as food-producing species, they can be considered valuable pets, and the demand for adequate veterinary care is constantly increasing. The clinician should be familiar with the different abnormalities and the potential treatment options. Fowl species have been traditionally an anatomic, physiologic, and experimental model for avian medicine; however, information about treatment options is often limited and extrapolated from other species.

Seleção para a produção de ovos em períodos parciais e acumulados em linhagem de frango de corte comercial / Egg production selection in partial and accumulated periods in a commercial broiler line

Objetivou-se com este estudo estimar parâmetros genéticos para produções parciais e acumuladas de ovos em uma linha fêmea de frangos de corte comercial. Foram considerados 10 períodos mensais entre 25 e 64 semanas, três períodos parciais de 25 a 32, 33 a 48 e 49 a 64 semanas, e três períodos acumulados de 25 até 30, 40 e 50 semanas de idade. Os componentes de covariância e parâmetros genéticos foram obtidos pelo método da máxima verossimilhança restrita, sob o modelo animal considerando o efeito fixo de incubação e os efeitos aleatórios genético aditivo e residual. As estimativas de herdabilidade variaram de 0,12 a 0,41. Evidenciou-se que os períodos anteriores e posteriores ao maior nível de produção apresentam maior variabilidade genética. As correlações genéticas entre os períodos de produção de ovos estudados variaram de -0,12 a 0,98. De modo geral, o padrão de variação foi semelhante entre as estratégias avaliadas, e todas foram geneticamente associadas com a produção total. Os resultados deste estudo mostraram que a melhoria da produção total é viável por meio de seleção de registros parciais. No entanto, caso se considere a eficiência relativa de seleção, o segundo mês e os períodos a partir da quadragésima semana de produção seriam os mais indicados.

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for partial and cumulative egg production in a commercial broiler female line. Ten monthly periods between 25 and 64 weeks, three partial periods of 25 to 32, 33 to 48 and 49 to 64 cumulative weeks and three periods of 25 to 30, 40 and 50 weeks of age and total egg production were considered. The restricted maximum likelihood method under the animal model was used to estimate the covariance components and genetic parameters. The fixed effect of incubation and the additive genetic and residual random effects were considered. The estimated heritability ranged from 0.12 to 0.41. These estimates showed that the anterior and posterior periods of the higher production have greater genetic variability. The genetic correlations between periods of the egg production studied ranged from -0.12 to 0.98. In general, the pattern of variation was similar between the strategies evaluated and all were genetically associated with the total egg production. The results of this study showed that the improvement of the total egg production is feasible by selection of partial records. However, considering the relative efficiency of selection, the second month and the periods from the fortieth week of production would be the most suitable.

Anatomopathological findings in captive-raised redwinged tinamou (Rhynchotus rufescens) / Achados anatomopatológicos em perdizes (Rhynchotus rufescens) criadas em cativeiro

The red-winged tinamou (Rhynchotus rufescens), a bird from the Tinamidae family, can be easily adapted to captivity. It is considered suitable for producing good quality meat while presenting great feed conversion rate, characteristics that make it interesting for commercial production. Therefore, in order to determine the major diseases that affect these birds, 114 birds from two different aviary types that died over a 12-year period, 1994-2006, were analyzed macro- and microscopically. Anatomical and pathological examinations showed that the most frequently affected systems were the urinary and digestive tracts. In the urinary tract, the main finding was gout, followed by amyloidosis and parasitism by the trematode Paratanaisia confusa. In the digestive tract, the presence of foreign material and parasitism by Capillaria penidoi were observed in the esophagus and crop. This study aims to describe the main anatomical and pathological findings in captive-bred red-winged tinamou and correlate them with the aviary type.(AU)

A perdiz (Rhynchotus rufescens) membro da família Tinamidae é uma ave que apresenta relativa facilidade à adaptação ao cativeiro. É considerada apta à produção de carne de boa qualidade, com ótima conversão alimentar. Essas características a torna interessante para produção comercial. Visando conhecer as principais afecções que acometem essas aves, foram analisados achados macro e microscópicos de 114 perdizes que vieram a óbito ao longo de 12 anos, entre 1994 e 2006 provenientes de criatório experimental, mantidas em dois diferentes tipos de recintos. Os exames anatomopatológicos revelaram que os sistemas mais acometidos foram o urinário e o digestório. No primeiro, a gota úrica foi o principal achado, seguida da amiloidose e parasitismo pelo trematoda Paratanaisia confusa. No sistema digestório, foi observada a presença de corpo estranho e parasitismo por Capillaria penidoi em esôfago e inglúvio. As aves mantidas em alojamento com piso natural apresentaram maior parasitismo, enquanto as que foram mantidas em recinto com piso de concreto e palha apresentaram maior quantidade de corpos estranhos no sistema gastrointestinal, caquexia e amiloidose. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever os principais achados anatomopatológicos em perdizes criadas em cativeiro, correlacionando-os com o tipo de recinto adotado.(AU)

Desempenho e morfologia intestinal de frangos de corte na fase de crescimento, com e sem adição de nucleotídeos na dieta, em diferentes níveis proteicos / Performance and morphology of the intestinal mucosa of broilers during growth, with or without nucleotides, at different protein levels

O experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar o desempenho e a morfologia intestinal de frangos de corte na fase de crescimento, com e sem adição de nucleotídeos na dieta, em diferentes níveis proteicos. Foram utilizados 868 pintos de cortes machos de 21 dias de idade, da linhagem Cobb, submetidos a um delineamento inteiramente casualizado. As dietas foram compostas por dois controles, de alta e baixa proteína bruta, com 18,86% e 16,80% respectivamente, com a exigência de 1,062% de lisina digestível. Tendo como base a dieta controle de baixa proteína foram traçados mais cinco tratamentos com adição de 0,5 kg de nucleotídeos/ton de ração, e diferentes níveis de lisina digestível: 1,262%, 1,162%, 1,062%, 0962% e 0,862%, com quatro repetições cada. O consumo alimentar (g) diminuiu linearmente (P≤0,05) no período de 20 a 27, de 20 a 35 e de 20 a 42 dias de idade, em que aumentando os níveis de lisina digestível na dieta, observou-se diminuição no consumo de ração. A conversão alimentar teve efeito quadrático (P≤0,05) para as aves do período de 20 a 27, de 20 a 35 e de 20 a 42 dias de idade, diminuindo à medida que os níveis de lisina digestível aumentaram, atingindo o mínimo com 1,119, 1,187 e 1,132% de lisina digestível, respectivamente. A dieta com 1,062% de lisina digestível não diferiu (P>0.05) da dieta controle com alta proteína, para altura das vilosidades e profundidade de cripta, no duodeno, ilustrando então efeito benéfico do uso de nucleotídeos em dietas com baixa proteína bruta.

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance and intestinal morphology of growing broilers, with and without addition of nucleotides in the diet at different protein levels. A total of 868 21-day-old male Cobb broiler chicks were used in a completely randomized design. The diets were: control with high crude protein (18.86%) and low crude protein (16.80%), both without nucleotides, meeting the requirement of 1.062% digestible lysine; and five treatments with the addition of 0.5 kg of nucleotides/ton of feed, with different levels of digestible lysine (1.262%, 1.162%, 1.062%, 0962% and 0.862%), all formulated based on the low-protein diet (16.80%), with four replications each. Feed intake (g) decreased linearly (P≤0.05) in the period from 20 to 27, 20 to 35, and 20 to 42 days of age; feed intake decreased by increasing levels of lysine in the diet. Feed-to-gain ratio showed a quadratic effect (P≤0.05) for birds of the period from 20 to 27, 20 to 35 and 20 to 42 days of age, decreasing as levels of digestible lysine increased, with minimum levels reaching 1.119%, 1.187% and 1.132% digestible lysine, respectively. The diet with 1.062% of lysine did not differ (P>0.05) from the negative control for villus height and crypt depth in the duodenum.

Negative allometry of docosahexaenoic acid in the fowl lung and pulmonary surfactant phospholipids.

In a recent study (Comp. Biochem. Physiol. B. (2010)155: 301-308) we reported that the fatty acids (FA) of the avian (7 species) total lung phospholipids (PL) (i.e. lung parenchyma and surfactant together) provide allometric properties. To test whether this allometric scaling also occurs in either of the above components, in six gallinaceous species, in a body weight range from 150 g (Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica) to 19 kg (turkey, Meleagris gallopavo) the PL FA composition (mol%) was determined in the pulmonary surfactant, in native and in thoroughly lavaged lungs (referred to as lung parenchyma). In all three components docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) showed significant and negative allometric scaling (B = -0.056, -0.17 and -0.1, respectively). Surfactant PLs provided further negative allometry for palmitic acid and the opposite was found for palmitoleate and arachidonate. In the lung parenchymal PLs increasing body weight was matched with shorter chain FAs (average FA chain length) and competing n6 and n3 end-product fatty acids (positive allometry for arachidonic acid and negative for DHA). Negative allometric scaling was found for the tissue malondialdehyde concentration in the native and lavaged lungs (B = -0.1582 and -0.1594, respectively). In these tissues strong correlation was found between the MDA concentration and DHA proportion (r = 0.439 and 0.679, respectively), denoting the role of DHA in shaping the allometric properties and influencing the extent of in vivo lipid peroxidation of membrane lipids in fowl lungs.

Effect of age and sex on digestive tract morphometry of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris L.).

As guinea fowl age, their body weights and length of the esophagus and crop increased significantly, and relative length (cm x 100 g b.w(-1)) of the small intestine, caeca and total intestine decreased significantly (P < or = 0.05) in males and females. In addition, 52-week-old males had a significantly higher percentage length of rectum and heart weight, and females a significantly higher gizzard weight compared to 13-week-old birds. Compared to females, adult males differed significantly (P < or = 0.05) in the length of caeca and also in the proportion of the gizzard, proventriculus, heart and liver in total weight.

Screening of poultry-pig farms for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: sampling methodology and within herd prevalence in broiler flocks and pigs.

Many reports described the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in different livestock animals from one-species farms. However, in no published reports the prevalence on mixed poultry-pig farms was mentioned, nor the possible relation in MRSA colonization between those two species on one farm, and the possible role of the farmer in the dissemination of MRSA between those two species. Furthermore, no data is available on the optimal sampling site to detect MRSA in broilers. Therefore this study aimed to determine the most suitable sample location in broiler chickens for MRSA and the within flock prevalence of MRSA in various broiler flocks and compared this with the MRSA prevalence in pigs, the colonization of the farmer and the contamination in the barn environment in three mixed poultry-pig farms. MRSA was most frequently isolated from the cloaca and nose shell and to a lesser extent from the skin beneath the wing and the pharynx. The relative sensitivity of the different anatomical sites was, 44.4% for the cloaca, 33.3% for the nose shell, 16.7% for the skin beneath the wing and 5.6% for the pharynx. Based upon these relative sensitivities combining cloaca and nose shell would increase the chance of MRSA detection. A rather low within flock prevalence of MRSA varying between 0% and 28% was detected in broilers, whereas in pigs on the same farms the within herd prevalence varied between 82% and 92%. No MRSA contamination in the direct barn environment of the broilers was found, this in contrast to the environment of the pigs, indicating a relationship between MRSA prevalence and contamination in the environment. Two farmers were continuously colonized, while the third one was only once. In conclusion, a major difference was seen in MRSA occurrence between broilers and pigs from the same farm. This may suggest that broilers are naturally less susceptible to MRSA ST398 colonization than pigs. Conversely, short production time in broilers, vacancy of the barn environment during one week and the higher frequency of disinfection might also explain the lower prevalence in broilers. The farmer may play an important role in the dissemination of MRSA from pigs to poultry, especially in mixed farms where pigs are highly colonized and may act as a reservoir for MRSA ST398 carriage in humans.

Physiology and endocrinology symposium: role of the oviduct in maintaining sustained fertility in hens.

In poultry, sperm transferred by natural mating or AI into the distal end of the vagina immediately begin their ascent to the uterovaginal junction (UVJ) at the anterior end of the vagina. However, due to an intense selection process in the vagina, less than 1% of the sperm transferred actually reach the UVJ. Those sperm that do reach the UVJ enter numerous tubular invaginations of the surface epithelium of the vagina located in the UVJ mucosa, collectively referred to as the sperm-storage tubules (SST). Sperm residing in the SST lumen are capable of surviving up to several weeks while retaining their fertilizing capacity. Resident sperm are released gradually from the SST while the hen is in egg production, ascend to the site of fertilization, and interact with the next ovulated ovum. In this manner, given the absence of an estrus to synchronize ovulation with copulation, poultry are ensured a population of sperm at the site of fertilization around ovulation. Over the past decade, several new and diverse observations have been published addressing the microanatomy of the UVJ and SST, and the cellular and molecular mechanisms orchestrating oviductal sperm selection and storage. These include the role of sperm mobility in selection and transport, SST numbers in different poultry species and lines of high and low fertility, roles of the immune system and possibly neuroendocrine-like cells in the vagina in sperm selection and storage, and the roles of aquaporins and a fluid exchange mechanisms contributing to sperm release from the SST. The objective of this paper is to review and integrate these observations into a comprehensive understanding of the cellular and molecular events influencing the fate of sperm in the oviduct of the hen, particularly with regard to oviductal sperm selection and storage.

Reasonable classical concepts in human lower limb anatomy from the viewpoint of the primitive persistent sciatic artery and twisting human lower limb.

The main aim of this review is (1) to introduce the two previous studies we published human lower limb anatomy based on the conventional macroscopic anatomical [corrected] criteria with hazardous recognition of this description, (2) to activate the discussion whether the limb homology exists, and (3) to contribute to future study filling the gap between the gross anatomy and embryology. One of the topics we discussed was the human persistent sciatic artery. To date, numerous human cases of persistent sciatic artery have been reported in which the anomalous artery was present in the posterior compartment of the thigh alongside the sciatic nerve. As one of the important criteria for assessing the human primitive sciatic artery, its ventral arterial position with respect to the sciatic nerve is reasonable based on the initial positional relationship between ventral arterial and dorsal nervous systems and comparative anatomical findings. We also discuss ways of considering the topography of muscles of the lower limb and their innervations compared to those of the upper limb. We propose a schema of the complex anatomical characteristics of the lower limb based on the vertebrate body plan. According to this reasonable schema, the twisted anatomy of the lower limb can be understood more easily. These two main ideas discussed in this paper will be useful for further understanding of the anatomy of the lower limb and as a first step for future. We hope that the future study in lower limb will be further developed by both viewpoints of the classical gross anatomy and recent embryology.

Breed and seasonal variations in the testicular morphometry, gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves of the barred plymouth rock and Nigerian indigenous breeds of the domestic fowl.

Breed and seasonal influence on testicular morphometry, Gonadal Sperm Reserves (GSR), Extragonadal Sperm Reserves (ESR) was investigated in the barred Plymouth rock and the Nigerian indigenous breeds of the domestic fowl. Twenty sexually matured birds per breed were studied in the four seasons of the year. Breed significantly (p<0.01) influenced the body weight (2.11 +/- 0.05 vs. 1.58 +/- 0.02), paired testes weight (21.92 +/- 1.46 vs. 12.43 +/- 0.91) and all other morphometric parameters with the barred Plymouth Rock showing superiority over the Nigerian indigenous breed. The GSR, ESR and their efficiencies (GSR/g, ESR/g) were highly and significantly (p<0.01) higher in the barred Plymouth rock. Season neither significantly (P>0.05) influenced the testicular morphometric parameters, GSR, ESR nor gonadal sperm reserve/gram testis (GSR/g). The higher numerical differences observed in morphometric parameters, GSR and ESR during the early and late dry seasons suggested that the dry season favors sperm production, hence sperm reserve potentials. The testicular weight was significantly (p<0.001) correlated not only to the body weight (r = 0.63) but to paired Tunica albuginea (= 0.98, p<0.001) and paired epididymal weight (r = 0.69, p<0.001). There was also a significant (p<0.001) and positive correlation between the testicular weight and GSR (r = 0.84, p<0.001). The GSR/g (r = 0.77; p<0.001) ESR (r = 0.86; p<0.001) and ESR/g (r = 0.50, p<0.001). Based on these observations it is concluded that genetic improvement of the Nigerian indigenous breed of the domestic fowl can be carried out by increasing their body weight, hence, testicular weight through crossbreeding with the heavier barred Plymouth rock to achieve improved sperm production and reserve for year round artificial insemination.

Allometric scaling of fatty acyl chains in fowl liver, lung and kidney, but not in brain phospholipids.

The phospholipid (PL) fatty acyl chain (FA) composition (mol%) was determined in the kidney, liver, lung and brain of 8 avian species ranging in body mass from 150g (Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica) to 19kg (turkey, Meleagris gallopavo). In all organs except the brain, docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n3, DHA) was found to show a negative allometric scaling (allometric exponent: B=-0.18; -0.20 and -0.24, for kidney, liver and lung, respectively). With minor inter-organ differences, smaller birds had more n3 FAs and longer FA chains in the renal, hepatic and pulmonary PLs. Comparing our results with literature data on avian skeletal muscle, liver mitochondria and kidney microsomes and divergent mammalian tissues, the present findings in the kidney, liver and lung PLs seem to be a part of a general relationship termed "membranes as metabolic pacemakers". Marked negative allometric scaling was found furthermore for the tissue malondialdehyde concentrations in all organs except the brain (B=-0.17; -0.13 and -0.05, respectively). In the liver and kidney a strong correlation was found between the tissue MDA and DHA levels, expressing the role of DHA in shaping the allometric properties of membrane lipids.

Análise computacional da compactação da cromatina de espermatozoides de galo / Computational analysis of chromatin condensation of rooster spermatozoa

Testaram-se variantes metodológicas utilizando azul de toluidina (AT), até se estabelecer um protocolo confiável para a avaliação computacional da compactação da cromatina em espermatozoides de galo. Para tal, foram utilizados sêmen de 10 galos com 35 semanas de idade e sêmen de 10 galos com 60 semanas de idade. O melhor método foi o de hidrólise com ácido clorídrico 1N por 10 minutos, coloração em cubeta com AT 0,025 por cento, pH 4,0, por 20 minutos, desidratação em álcool, diafanização em xilol e montagem com bálsamo do Canadá. Todas as amostras de sêmen foram submetidas a este protocolo e posteriormente avaliadas por análise de imagem computacional, em que foram feitas mensurações da área, comprimento, largura, perímetro, homogeneidade da compactação da cromatina dentro de cada cabeça e intensidade de compactação da cromatina. Os espermatozoides de galos velhos apresentaram mais alterações na cromatina que os de galos jovens. Os galos jovens apresentaram cabeça dos espermatozoides maior que os galos mais velhos. A análise computacional da compactação da cromatina mostrou-se um método menos subjetivo e mais preciso que a avaliação visual das cabeças dos espermatozoides.

The methodological variants using toluidina blue (AT) to establish a trustworthy protocol for the computational analysis of chromatin condensation of rooster spermatozoa were studied. Twenty semen samples were used: ten from 35-week-old roosters and ten from 60-week-old roosters. Different methods of denaturation and staining were tested. The best method was hydrolysis with 1N HCl for 10 minutes, staining in bucket with 0.025 percent AT, pH 4.0, for 20 minutes, dehydration in alcohol, clearing in xylol, and mounted with Canada balsam. All the semen samples were submitted to this protocol and later evaluated by computational image analysis. Area, length, width, perimeter, and chromatin compaction homogeneity of head spermatozoa were measured. The sperm of older roosters presented more chromatin changes than the ones of younger ones. The spermatozoa of younger roosters presented bigger heads than the ones of older roosters. The computational analysis of chromatin compaction showed to be less subjective and more precise than the visual evaluation for identification of chromatin alterations of rooster spermatozoa.

Efeito do consumo de óleo de linhaça e de vitamina E no desempenho e nas características de carcaças de frangos de corte / Effect of linseed oil and vitamin E consumption on poultry performance and carcass traits

Foi avaliado o efeito da utilização de óleo de linhaça na ração, em substituição ao óleo de soja em diferentes proporções, e de vitamina E, até o nível de 400mg/kg de ração, sobre o desempenho e a composição de carcaça de frangos de corte. O desempenho produtivo foi avaliado com base em pesagens das aves e da ração aos 21 e 49 dias de idade. No 49º dia, as aves foram abatidas, e os rendimentos de carcaça e dos principais cortes comerciais e a porcentagem de vísceras e de gordura abdominal foram avaliados. A composição da fração oleosa da ração, de forma geral, não interferiu nos parâmetros de desempenho avaliados (P>0,05). Os machos consumiram mais ração e ganharam mais peso que as fêmeas (P<0,01). As fêmeas apresentaram, em geral, pior conversão alimentar, associada à maior deposição de gordura abdominal. Os machos apresentaram maior porcentagem de coxa com sobrecoxa em relação ao peso da carcaça eviscerada, e as fêmeas apresentaram maior porcentagem de peito. A porcentagem de asas e vísceras não diferiu entre os sexos.

The effect of the utilization of linseed oil at different concentrations in poultry feed instead of soy oil and the effect of vitamin E administration up to 400mg/kg feed on performance and carcass traits of broilers was investigated. Productive parameters were determined by weighting birds and rations at 21 and 49 days of experiment. Broilers were slaughtered on the 49th day of the experiment for the evaluation of yields of carcass and main cuts, percentages of viscera and abdominal fat. The oil composition of rations did not influence the performance of the broilers (P>0.05). Male broilers had higher feed consumption and weight gain (P<0.05). Female broilers showed worse feed conversion and higher deposition of abdominal fat (P<0.05). Male broilers also had higher percentages of legs and forelegs in relation the weight of the eviscerated carcass while females showed higher breast percentage (P<0.05). Percentages of wings and viscera did not differ between genders (P>0.05).

Colloid in the anterior pituitary of helmet guinea fowl (Numida meleagris galeata): morphometric analysis and pattern of occurrence in relation to apoptosis.

Colloidal accumulations in the pars distalis of helmet guinea fowls at various ages from 1 to 450 days were examined by Periodic acid-Schiff reaction, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Round, ovoid and elongated colloids were observed. Colloids (69.5 +/- 2.997) with 0.169 +/- 0.014 microm mean diameter were already present in a 1-day-old bird. Numerous colloids were encountered in 450 days old birds (2931.333 +/- 29.847) with 2.263 +/- 0.078 microm mean diameter of round colloids. A significant difference in the mean colloidal number and diameter between young and adult birds was observed. In young birds (aged 1-30 days) both Periodic acid-Schiff reaction positive colloids and S-100 positive folliculostellate (FS) cells were found to appear first on or near the posterolateral region. In adult birds, FS cells were found to completely surround the colloids. We examined the biochemical components of colloids and the relationship with apoptosis by immunohistochemistry. Results showed that the colloids are composed of clusterin protein. Apoptotic cells detected by single stranded DNA (ssDNA) were abundant and localized preferentially near colloids. To define clearly the type of cells undergoing apoptosis in the anterior pituitary, we performed electron microscopy. Numerous endocrine cells at different stages of apoptosis were found engulfed by FS cells that were in close association with the colloidal accumulations. The occurrence of extremely large number of colloids in relation to apoptotic profiles in anterior pituitary of helmet guinea fowl is discussed.