Search

The mule is a sterile hybrid domestic animal that results from the breeding of a male donkey with a female horse, understanding the reproductive biology of these species is very critical. The goal of this paper was to perform a comparative and more accurate histomorphometric of the testicles in Barb horse, donkeys and mules. Microscopic examinations and histological description were carried on genital tract of horses, donkeys and mules healthy and mature; this study was conducted during April-May 2018. The histological and the morphological results shows a similarity between the two equine species and the infertile hybrid for the testicles, the epididymis and the vas deferens. However, the difference was presented on the morphometric data; vas deferens was more voluminous in the horse and donkey than a mule. Moreover, the differences were significantly higher for the surface of the seminiferous tubules and for the epididymis. The lumen of the seminiferous tubules in mule was significantly higher than in the horse and donkey. Absence of gametes in the epididymal cavity and lower number of gametes in the mule. Furthermore, we have noted the presence of spermatozoa in one mule 16.67%. Therefore, the mule could complete development of spermatogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplementation strategies have been studied to increase animal performance and the quality of meat. Thus, this study was carried out to evaluate the influence of different supplementation strategies on the performance, feed intake, digestibility and ingestive behaviour of crossbred steers on Brachiaria brizantha pasture, during the dry season. The experiment was performed in Bahia, Brazil, from August 2015 to January 2016, with a dry season of 203 days. Thirty-three crossbred steers with an average weight of 269.5 ± 41.8 kg were distributed in a completely randomised design with three treatments and 11 replicates per treatment. The results were analysed using an ANOVA and a Tukey test, with a 5% probability of error. The treatments were mineral salt with urea and the supplementation of protein based on the animals' body weight (BW), as follows: 0.1 and 0.2% BW. There was no effect of supplementation strategy on the initial and final body weights. Supplementation strategies did not influence (p > 0.05) the variables related to the intake of total dry matter. There was an effect (p < 0.05) on the dry matter and crude protein digestibility coefficients. For ingestive behaviour, feed intake, grazing time and idle time tended to be altered by the supply strategies (p < 0.05), but rumination was not affected (p > 0.05) by the evaluated strategies. In conclusion, the supplementation strategies used during the dry season resulted in a similar performance; therefore, the adopted strategy can be chosen according to the economic and regional conditions of the production system. Thus, the strategy adopted could be chosen according to the economic and regional conditions of the production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from cows with mastitis were assessed as to in vitro sensitivity to four commercial disinfectants (chlorine, polvidone-iodine, chlorhexidine, and lactic acid) used in teat pre- and post-dipping, in the presence and absence of organic matter. The concentration of the disinfectants was determined in accordance with the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. Four isolates identified as S. aureus from cows diagnosed with subclinical mastitis were subjected to susceptibility testing against disinfectants through an absorbance evaluation at 600 nm on a spectrophotometer. Exposure times (15", 30", 60" and 90") were clocked, and streaking was performed in Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) medium. The iodine sample presented a lower concentration (1.9%) than that given by the manufacturer (2.5%). There was greater (p < 0.05) in vitro disinfectant activity for chlorhexidine and chlorine, with and without organic matter. However, inhibition by organic matter occurred more intensely in the iodine disinfectant (99.0%). The inhibition percentage of S. aureus against iodine and lactic acid at 15, 30, 60 and 90 s was numerically lower than against chlorhexidine and chlorine, regardless of organic matter. Therefore, chlorhexidine and chlorine have greater inhibitory activity against S. aureus, both with and without organic matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was carried out in the region of Placas, Pará. Objective: identify the main causing agents of mastitis, as well as evaluating the resistance profile of the isolated agents against antimicrobials. Methods: Ten properties were evaluated, where 161 animals were submitted to the California Mastitis Test (CMT) for the diagnosis of subclinical mastitis, and milk samples were collected from positive animals and led for culture and antibiogram. Results: In total, 31.06% of the animals were positive for CMT. The main agents identified were Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus bovis. The antibiogram indicated resistance to Penicillin, Ceftazidime and Cephalothin. Conclusion: The properties surveyed showed a high rate of subclinical mastitis, regarding antimicrobial resistance, in general, all agents showed high resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the impact of incorporating fish waste oil into laying hens' diets on apparent nutrient digestibility and apparent metabolizable energy. A total of 72 Hisex White laying hens (25 weeks old) were employed in a completely randomized design, with treatments consisting of a control diet and an experimental diet (containing 3.5% fish oil), each with six replicates of six birds. The collected data underwent polynomial regression analysis at a 5% significance level. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, mineral matter, crude fiber, and nonnitrogenous extract between the reference diet and the experimental diet containing fish waste oil. However, there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the digestibility of ethereal extract (fat). Despite this, values for apparent metabolizable energy and apparent metabolizable energy corrected by nitrogen balance did not exhibit significant differences (p > 0.05) between the reference and experimental diets. In conclusion, the incorporation of 3.5% fish waste oil in laying hens' diets led to satisfactory nutrient digestibility and enhanced fat digestibility. Importantly, this inclusion did not adversely impact energy metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to evaluate the non-carcass components of crossbred Santa Inês lambs finished in feedlot with the inclusion of different levels of red propolis extract (RPE). Thirty-five crossbred lambs were used with an average weight of 17.08 ± 2.36 kg and mean age of five months, distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and seven replications. The treatments evaluated were: 0; 7; 14 and 21 mL of extract/animal/day Before slaughter, each animal was individually weighed to obtain the body weight at slaughter (BWS). The weights and yields of non-carcass components were evaluated, weights and yields of regional dishes (Buchada and Panelada). The addition of different levels of red propolis extract (RPE) did not influence (p > 0.05) the weights and yields of non-carcass components, by-products and adipose deposits, to the weight and yield of regional dishes. The use of red propolis extract in diets up to the level studied (28 mL day-1) did not change the characteristics evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study evaluates the effect of partial or total replacement of fish meal with Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae, cultivated in an NPK culture medium, on the growth performance of Macrobrachion amazonicum shrimp post-larvae. Four diets were formulated: control (without microalgae), 25, 50 and 100% H. pluvialis replacement. Only crude protein weight gain showed no interaction and was not selected for principal components analysis. The 25% fishmeal replacement in the diet was not effective, being similar to the control. However, the complete replacement of fishmeal with H. pluvialis promoted elevated survivability, length, weight and protein retention, making it the most relevant treatment for M. amazonicum post-larvae. Therefore, it is possible to completely replace fishmeal with the microalgae H. pluvialis in the diet of M. amazonicum shrimp, which improves growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering that buffalo milk is one of the richest in composition, mainly due to its fat fraction, the objective of this research communication was to determine the detailed fatty acid (FA) profile of buffalo milk produced in southern Brazil. Samples were collected from three farms that represent 100% raw buffalo milk producers of dairy products. Properties A and C had only one milking during the lactation period, and farm B had two milking. Farms A and B provided pasture and grain supplements, and farm C, provided only green pasture to the animals. A total of nine FA was identified: six saturated, two monounsaturated, and one polyunsaturated (conjugated linoleic acid - CLA). This study is the first to report the FA profile, including desirable fatty acids (DFA) like monounsaturated, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and stearic acid in buffalo milk from southern Brazil. The farms tested used different food management practices, as well as pasture management, showing that green pasture increases the fatty acid profile in buffalo milk. In addition, buffalo milk represented a good source of DFA for humans and opens a new field for the dairy industry that can explore the control of its FA composition, mainly through feed management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tilapia masculinization can be induced by oral administration of A-methyltestosterone (MT), which is commonly dissolved in ethanol to be added to the feed. However, there are many benefits in using alternative vehicles, such as oil. The incorporation time, vehicles quantity, safety for handlers, fish and the environment are favorable factors. In fry fed for 35 days under temperature control, we found that masculinization rate was similar in both incorporation vehicles of MT (oil or ethanol) in the concentrations studied (30 and 60 mg MT kg-1 feed). In an experiment, using hormone oil dissolution and oral administration at 30 mg MT kg-1 feed, it was observed that the longer the administration time, the lower the coefficient of variation in the masculinization rate. Therefore, administration for 32 days showed the lowest variability in the masculinization rate (99.8 ± 0.5 %), compared to 24 (98.5 ± 3.0 %), 16 (97.0 ± 6.0 %) and 8 (89.0 ± 8.8 %) days. The field experiment confirmed the results obtained in the lab. We concluded that the oil can be used as MT vehicle and we recommend to dispense it at the lowest hormonal concentration (30 mg MT kg-1 feed) for 32 days for tilapia masculinization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies with bioeconomic modeling can be identified in animal science. However, there are distinct typologies associated with the term bioeconomy with different meanings and approaches. The present study aims to examine the Bioeconomy/Bioeconomics approaches used in animal science research and discuss the implications and benefits of integrating these areas of knowledge. The method consisted of systematic literature review with quantitative and qualitative analyzes of the content of articles obtained from the Scopus® database. In the process of searching and analyzing the articles, we defined beef cattle as representative of animal science. Followed the PRISMA Protocol guidelines. The results confirmed that the use of the term bioeconomic has been recurrent in this field of knowledge since 1994. However, the approach given to the term refers mainly to studies combining animal performance (bio) and economic returns (economic) because of variables of interest, evident in the set of indicators reported in the articles analyzed. Despite the relevance of these studies, we discuss some implications and reasons for adopting other bioeconomy approaches in animal science. We conclude that the integration between Bioeconomics and animal science can significantly broaden the scope of analysis, the what relevant to the contemporary challenges of promoting sustainable production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mule is a sterile hybrid domestic animal that results from the breeding of a male donkey with a female horse, understanding the reproductive biology of these species is very critical. The goal of this paper was to perform a comparative and more accurate histomorphometric of the testicles in Barb horse, donkeys and mules. Microscopic examinations and histological description were carried on genital tract of horses, donkeys and mules healthy and mature; this study was conducted during April-May 2018. The histological and the morphological results shows a similarity between the two equine species and the infertile hybrid for the testicles, the epididymis and the vas deferens. However, the difference was presented on the morphometric data; vas deferens was more voluminous in the horse and donkey than a mule. Moreover, the differences were significantly higher for the surface of the seminiferous tubules and for the epididymis. The lumen of the seminiferous tubules in mule was significantly higher than in the horse and donkey. Absence of gametes in the epididymal cavity and lower number of gametes in the mule. Furthermore, we have noted the presence of spermatozoa in one mule 16.67%. Therefore, the mule could complete development of spermatogenesis.

The objective was to evaluate the quality of Japanese quail eggs stored at room temperature (26.8°C) and under refrigeration (10.9°C), for different storage periods (0; 5; 10; 15; 20; 25 and 30 days). A total of 196 quail eggs were assigned to different treatments in a factorial arrangement of 2 (temperatures) x 7 (storage periods), with 3 replications and 4 eggs per experimental unit. Data were subj ected to regression analysis of parameters as a function of storage time at room temperature and under refrigeration. There was a reduction in egg weight, albumen weight and height, yolk height and egg yolk index with increasing storage period as a function of temperatures (p < 0.05). Eggs at room temperature showed a reduction in albumen index, while eggs under refrigeration showed a quadratic behavior (p < 0.05). Storage days promoted a quadratic response in albumen and yolk pH (p < 0.05) of eggs at room temperature. Eggs at room temperature floated from the 15th day of storage. When stored at room temperature, quail eggs show a sharp decrease in internal quality during storage for up to 30 days. Refrigerated storage is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of graded levels of concentrate on feed intake, biological performance and carcass characteristics of yearling Gumuz sheep. The sheep were purchased and treated against endo- and ecto- parasites before commencing the study. The experimental animals were offered natural grass hay as a basal ration. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six replications. Treatment feeds were arranged in the same amount of wheat bran but in different levels of sesame seed cake which comprises: 150 g wheat bran + 0 g sesame seed cake DM day-1 (T1), 150 g wheat bran + 250 g sesame seed cake DM day-1 (T2), 150 g wheat bran + 350 g sesame seed cake DM day-1 (T3) and 150 g wheat bran + 450 g sesame seed cake DM day-1 (T4). The experiment was conducted for 90 days after 15 days of adaptation period to the experimental feeds and conditions, which were then followed by carcass evaluation at the end. Sheep in T2 and T4 achieved higher total DM intake (1004.03-1072.57 g day-1) than T1 and T3. Sheep fed on graded-level sesame cake supplements (T2, T3 and T4) recorded significantly higher average daily gain (ADG) than the control (T1) and resulted in higher feed conversion efficiency (FCE). As a result of better slaughter weight (SW) achieved significant hot carcass weight (HCW) was recorded in sheep at T3 and T4. Among the concentrate levels, T2, T3 and T4 were found optimum in improving carcass yield and major meat quality attributes. Sheep supplemented with T3 had the highest net return (26.66 USD) and highest marginal rate of revenue (MRR) (6.53) compared to the other high-level sesame cake-supplemented groups. Thus, it is recommended that the supplementation of hay with high-level sesame cake supplement (T3) is biologically efficient and potentially profitable in the feeding of growing Gumuz sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective is to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of yerba mate in the diet on the yield and quality of chicken meat stored frozen for 120 days after slaughter. The birds were distributed in a completely randomized design, with four treatments, and eight replications with 25 birds each. The treatments consisted of providing a basal diet with 1, 2, 4, and 6 g kg-1 of ground dehydrated Yerba mate. At slaughter, temperature, pH, and carcass yield were measured. 120 days after meat freezing, measurements of pH, colorimetry, cooking weight loss (CWL), shear force, and water retention capacity were estimated. The parameters evaluated after slaughter showed regression effects on breast and drumstick temperature. Breast temperature showed a decreasing linear effect (R²=0.61). For the variable thigh temperature, there was a negative quadratic effect (R²=0.66). The quality characteristics of breast and drumstick evaluated 120 days after freezing showed an increasing linear effect of drumstick CWL (R²=0.38). Yerba mate can be included in up to 6 g kg-1 in chicken feed without changing pH, color, and meat tenderness after 120 days of freezing, maintaining carcass and cut yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the composition of honey varies with the species of bee as well as flowering and geographical aspects, this study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and bioactive properties of Apisand stingless bees'honey from the Brazilian Caatinga. Samples of different species of Apis mellifera LMeliponini (Melipona subnitida, Frieseomellita varia, Melipona mandaçaia, Plebeia sp.) and Apis mellifera L.werecollected from honey producersin the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Honey from A. mellifera and stingless bees showed physicochemical differences in some parameters, especially in moisture, free acidity, HMF, water activity, sugars and electric conductivity. There were no differences in color between honeys from A. mellifera and stingless bees. Honeys fromPlebeia sp., F. varia and A. mellifera showed higher antioxidant capacity followed by honeys fromM. mandaçaia and M. subnitida. Flavonoids had little influence on the differentiation of antioxidant activities of stingless bees, while the opposite occurred with the phenolic content, where honeys with the highest levels of phenolic also showed higher antioxidant capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of lambs fed two roughage: concentrate (R:C) ratios, with or without the liquid residue of cassava (LRC) on carcass traits and meat quantity. Forty lambs (19.5 ± 1.45 kg body weight), non-castrated, crossbred Santa Inês were distributed in a completely randomized 2 * 2 factorial design. There was no effect (p > 0.05) of the inclusion of LRC on the variables. The roughage:concentrate ratio of40:60 promoted higher values for empty body weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, subcutaneous thickness fat, cooling loss, Longissimus muscle area, carcass morphometric measurements, and commercial cuts. Higher weight of leg, muscles, fat, bone and other tissues, as well as for the ratio muscle:fat, and muscle:bone was observed in lambs fed 40R:60C. For the meat chemical composition, there was the effect (p < 0.05) only for ether extract (EE) for lambs fed 40R:60C ratio. The redness (a*) of meat was greater (p < 0.05) for lambs fed 80R:20C. The other physicochemical characteristics were not influenced. The roughage:concentrate ratio of 40:60 improves the carcass traits and commercial cuts, but does not promote changes in meat quality, independent of supplementation with liquid residue of cassava. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula is an important pollinator of different agricultural and native crops. This study evaluated changes in the relative activity of esterases and critical electrolyte concentration in brain cells after exposure to pesticides malathion and thiamethoxam. Lethal concentration 50% showed greater toxicity of thiamethoxam in relation to malathion. Esterases EST-3 and EST-4 (carboxylesterase) were partially inhibited after contamination by contact and ingestion of malathion and contamination by contact with thiamethoxam, suggesting participation of these esterases in the metabolization of these compounds. The lowest critical electrolyte concentration (CEC) was found after contamination by malathion ingestion (0.15 M), indicating changes in gene expression. The alterations observed in the intensity of EST-3 and EST-4 and the chromatin structure indicate that pesticides can act in gene expression and be used as biomarkers of contaminant residues. Furthermore, knowing the susceptibility of T. angustula bees to pesticides, it would be possible to use this species for biomonitoring environmental quality in preserved areas and agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment conducted using 20 Rahmani ewes at the last third of pregnancy in two equal groups. One group served as control, while the other group received Spirulina platensis (SP) at the rate of 0.5 gm 10 kg1 live body weight. The objective was to find out the effect of adding Spirulina platensis algae to small ruminant rations on reproductive and productive traits and blood components of sheep. The experiments lasted for 120 days for both dams and their lambs after weaning. The findings proved that adding SP in ewes' diets had no effect on the average of live body weight change. Average milk yield was significantly (p <0.01) higher in the treatment group than the control. Lamb's birth weight and daily body gain of the treated group were significantly (p <0.01) higher than the control. Blood and serum picture profile of ewes were significantly higher when fed SP additive than the control. It could be concluded that the addition of SP to the ration of sheep positively preserved their health, productive and reproductive status as well as their lambs' growth rate. Also the additive improved the economic efficiency of treated animals by about 53.13%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ergot is a fungal disease and causes reductions in seed productivity and quality. We aimed to identify promising genotypes of brachiaria evaluating: (1) seed production potential (number of tillers, racemes per inflorescence, spikelets per raceme, raceme length, weight and number of seeds, and germination) and (2) resistance of seeds to Ergot (infected tillers, infected seeds). Five genotypes of Brachiaria grasses, four nonnatural hybrids named BH1619, BH1810, BH1516 and Mavuno Palisadegrass (Urochloa brizantha x Urochloa ruziziensis), and Marandu Palisadegrass (U. brizantha Hoechst cv. Marandu) were evaluated. The BH1619 hybrid, despite the high weight of seeds, produced less viable, pure seeds. The hybrid BH1516 had a lower percentage of flowered tillers (42%) and seeds infected with ergot (8%). Marandu Palisadegrass had a higher percentage of infected tillers (95%) and infected seeds (38%). The hybrid BH1516 was the most resistant to ergot, followed by Mavuno Palisadegras sand BH1619. Among all materials, Mavuno Palisadegrass and BH1516 have a higher potential for seed production due to the higher percentage of flowered tillers and production of pure seeds with high germination capacity. The BH1516 hybrid was resistant to ergot, making it a better choice for use in infected areas used for seed or forage production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated whether genotype influences the establishment of Pennisetum purpureum Schumach. The experimental design was a randomized complete blocks with four treatments and eight replications (n=8). The treatments were four genotypes of P. purpureum, two classified as tall sizes: P. purpureum cv. Elephant B and cv. IRI 381; and two as dwarf types: P. purpureum cv. Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37. They were planted in a tropical wet and dry region of Brazil. Tall genotypes showed superior field sprouting rates (p < 0.05), ranging between 95-99%, while dwarfs varied between 88-90%, however, Elephant B and IRI 381 produced a much lower average number of tillers (31 and 32 linear m-1, respectively), than Taiwan A-146 2.37 and Mott (56 and 41 linear m-1, respectively) (p < 0.05). Dwarf genotypes produced lower biomass yields (p < 0.05), but this was genotype-dependent and did not impact on their establishment. The levels of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) (>10%) in the planted stems were associated with satisfactory field sprouting of the elephantgrass genotypes. Despite some variations between the genotypes in terms of sprouting, tillering, and growth rates, the kind of genotype had no major significance on the establishment of the elephantgrass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of increasing periods of coexistence of weed plants with Urochloa ruziziensis on the canopy structure and productivity of a pasture already established with this forage species. The experiment was a randomized blocks design with four replications, and treatments consisted of seven increasing periods of coexistence of forage grass with weed plants: 0 (control), 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days after regrowth (DAR). The main morpho-structural and productive characteristics of the forage plants were determined at the end of the experimental period (90 DAR). The ratio of the first green leaf height to the tiller height increases, while the leaf to stem ratio diminishes as the period of interaction with the infesting community increases. The number of green leaves per tiller and the tiller height diminishes as the period of coexistence with weed plants increases. The presence of weed plants interferes negatively with all parameters of the grass canopy structure and productivity of a grazing land already established with Urochloa ruziziensis, suggesting that measures of control of the infesting community should be adopted up to 17 days of regrowth of the forage plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated meat quality of bulls fed concentrate feeds and hay. The treatments were hay ad libitum + dried cafeteria leftover 4 kg DM d-1 (D1); hay ad libitum + wheat bran 4 kg DM d-1 (D2); hay ad libitum + 4 maize grain 4 kg DM d-1 (D3); hay ad libitum + mix 4 kg DM d-1 (1:1, wheat bran to maize grain, respectively (D4)); hay ad libitum + scrambled whole groundnut 4 kg DM d-1 (D5); and hay ad libitum + mix of each ingredient 4 kg DM d-1(D6)). Samples from longissimus lumborum muscle were taken in triplicate. Beef from bulls fed D5 had highest (p < 0.05) protein and fat than those fed other treatments. However, bulls finished in D3 had similar fat to those fed with whole ground nut. Highest meat tenderness (p < 0.05) recorded at 24th followed by 16th d than those aged on other periods. Beef from D6 produced lean meat, which is acceptable to consumer and market demand than D3, produced carcass with highest fat coverage This study confirmed that meat from D6 had an acceptable quality attribute suggesting the breed could serve as a potential source in red meat industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]