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Tahiti lemon juice (Citrus aurantifolia) was evaluated for its antibacterial activity. For this purpose, microbiological parameters were assessed in vitro (measurement of the inhibition potential of bacteria using the disk diffusion method) and in vivo (the number of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae on the eggshell). Tahiti lemon juice inhibited Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with larger halos for pure juice. The values were 14.33 ± 0.58 mm for E. coli and 16.00 ± 1.00 mm for S. aureus. Compared with the load of mesophilic bacteria in the shells of non-sanitized eggs (5.49 ± 0.12 log10 CFU/mL), Tahiti lemon juice significantly reduced this bacterial group on the eggshell (2.07 ± 0.18 log10 CFU/mL). Combining the characteristics inherent to Tahiti lemon juice and the sanitization processes of poultry products proved helpful in guaranteeing the bacterial quality of eggs.

This review aims to highlight the main microbiological challenges faced in poultry transport and show the role of effective bacterial control during this process to ensure poultry health and meat safety and to reduce economic losses. Poultry infections are among the most frequent infections in production systems, manifesting themselves in hatcheries, farms, slaughterhouses, and during transport between these integration centers. Although the clinical symptoms of these infections can range from mild to severe, many of them can lead to irreversible conditions, resulting in death and compromising productive results. Bacteria are the main causative agents of these infections, although fungi, viruses, and protozoa may also be involved. During the transport of poultry from farms to slaughterhouses, poultry are very vulnerable to infectious conditions. Therefore, implementing effective antibacterial management, focused on professionals, transport crates, and transport vehicles, is essential to guarantee the survival and quality of poultry until the moment of slaughter.

ABSTRACT The objective was to explore publications on the effects of genotype × environment interaction (GEI) in livestock farming. The dataset used for this analysis came from the Web of Science (WOS) database, and the search was carried out from the first article identified in the WOS database until the search date (August 17, 2023). A set of minimum parameters was defined, and then the data was processed using the VOSviewer® software. To generate visual representations in VOSviewer, fractional counting was used, in which the contribution of each article is divided proportionally based on the number of co-authors. Consequently, if an article has three authors, the weight of each author is calculated as 1/3. Brazil and the United States lead research on GEI, while India, China, and Uruguay are emerging countries on the subject. The most cited journals on GEI include the Journal of Animal Science, Journal of Dairy Science, Animal, Livestock Science, Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics, and Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia. In Brazil, the research groups are at the forefront of publications related to GEI. Ongoing climate changes over the years have likely led to further investigations into this matter. In the Brazilian context, research groups from the São Paulo State University (UNESP), College of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences - Jaboticabal, and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science at the University of São Paulo (FZEA/USP, Campus Pirassununga) have played a prominent role in advancing this area of study. Furthermore, our bibliometric analysis revealed future trends in GEI publications, including an increasing integration of genomic information into research.

Abstract In this paper, we looked at the collaboration publishing patterns for groups of Global South countries (Latin America, Africa, ASEAN, Asian, BRICS), as well as publishing parameters. We looked at financing and the relationships between these groups and the Global North. Data from 2002 to 2021 was collected from InCites ® (Web of Science, Clarivate Analytics) and SciVal® (Scopus Elsevier). The impact was lower for BRICS, while Latin America and Asean countries tended to have a higher Field Weighted Citation Impact. Good Health and well-being (SDG 3) dominates South-South Collaborations. Asian countries showed a higher percentage of Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG7), while Africa and Latin America had a higher rate of Zero Hunger (SDG1). Each region shows different production profiles, but collaboration with the Global North is necessary for all regions. Intra-regional shows a lower impact than inter-regional financing, calling attention to the increasing influence of China in all regions, except for Latin America. The data analysed can be used for orienting South-South scientific Collaboration programs, focusing on pre-existent synergies and on where policy changes and results can be maximised.

Abstract Open access (OA) publishing provides free online access to research articles without subscription fees. In Brazil, absence of financial support from academic institutions and limited government policies pose challenges to OA publication. Here, we used data from the Web of Science and Scopus to compare with global trends in journal accessibility and scientific quality metrics. Brazilian authors publish more OA articles, particularly in Global South journals. While OA correlates with quality for global authors, it had no impact on Brazilian science. To maximize impact, Brazilian authors should prioritize Q1 journals regardless of OA status. High-impact or Global North journal publication seems more relevant for Brazilian science than OA. Our findings indicate that the present open access policy has been ineffective to improve the impact of Brazilian science, providing insights to guide the formulation of scientific public policies.

Narcotic Detection Dogs (NDDs) are essential tools in the fight against drug trafficking, acting with high precision and improving efficiency at border posts. When trained efficiently, these dogs can detect a great variety of compounds, such as cocaine, marijuana and its derivatives, and synthetic drugs, among others. Most of the knowledge on canine detection processes and efficiency has been determined in experimentally controlled conditions, but narcotic seizures detected by dogs in realistic anti-drug operations have not yet been critically determined in a Country with continental dimensions such as Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the data set concerning the performance, operations, efficiency, and success rate of NDDs used by the Brazilian Customs Authority (Aduana) in the fight against drug trafficking. Narcotic seizure rates increased in luggage and packages detected by NDDs working at border crossings from 2010 to 2020, with an estimated value of over US$ 2 billion in losses to the cocaine drug trafficking business. NDD units also increased most narcotic groups seized in the same period. The number of NDDs and anti-drug operations, and Customs Border Post (CBP) influenced the rates of drugs seized. NDDs provided an increase of 3,157 kg/animal of drugs seized for every new dog introduced into the inspection systems.

ABSTRACT We investigated the impact of weaning at 30, 75, and 180 days of age on performance, body measurements, and rumen development (using the β-hydroxybutyrate biomarker) of beef calves until 190 days of age. A total of 64 Brangus calves were assigned to three treatments: hyper-early (W30), weaned at 32±0.89 days of age (n = 22, 10 males and 12 females); early (W75), weaned at 77±0.95 days of age (n = 20, 12 males and eight females); and conventional (W180), weaned at 183±0.82 days of age (n = 22, 13 males and nine females). Body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), β-hydroxybutyrate (βHBA), and morphometric measurements were evaluated. These variables were influenced by an interaction between treatment and days and were not affected by the sex of calves. The W30 calves experienced weight loss from 30 to 40 days of age compared with the W75 and W180 calves. Consequently, at day 75, W30 animals were lighter and had lower body length, thoracic circumference, withers height, and croup height compared with the W75 and W180 calves. However, no significant differences in BW were observed among treatments at 85 days of age. Additionally, W30 calves exhibited higher ADG and a moderate correlation with βHBA levels. Weaning calves at 30 days of age may negatively affect their performance until the sixth week after weaning, but there is no impairment in performance at 190 days of age.

Bacteria continue to disrupt poultry production and can cause resistant and persistent yolk sac infections to prevention efforts, known as omphalitis, resulting in poultry death. This literature review aims to demonstrate how plant extracts can help combat omphalitis in poultry. The Google Scholar database served as a resource for retrieving pertinent literature covering a wide range of search terms relevant to the scope of the research. The search strategy involved a combination of terms such as antimicrobials, chick embryo, omphalitis, plant extracts, poultry nutrition, and sanitization. The potential of plant extracts in preventing or treating infections in poultry, especially omphalitis, is mainly due to their antibacterial and safety properties. Sanitization and direct delivery of plant extracts to the internal contents of eggs, feed, or water are cutting-edge interventions to reduce the bacterial load in eggs and poultry, minimizing infection rates. For example, these interventions may include advanced treatment technologies or precise delivery systems focused on disease prevention in poultry.

Understanding production types helps define the impact of different knowledge areas. Informa-tion from the Sucupira postgraduate database was taken. Cluster and correspondence analyses were conducted to determine the behavior of different areas. Social Sciences (SS), Humanities (H), Letters, Literature & Arts (LLA) were responsible for almost all productions, except for those in scientific journals and events. All areas have a high interaction with the business sector. SS, H, and LLA showed more work for governments (local, state, or federal), which funded products such as computer/mobile apps, books, and chapters. Funding related to art and culture is varied. Demand for maps came from SEEG (System for Estimates of Emissions and Removal of Greenhouse Gases) and WRI (World Resources Institute). The technical, artistic, and cultural sectors cannot be excluded from the evaluation, as they are part of knowledge and have a political and socioeconomic impact.

Abstract Innovation affects a nation’s sovereignty. In this paper, we look at Science and Technology indicators as proxies for Innovation using databases such as WIPO, INPI, Sucupira and Scival, and including patents registered, academic-corporate collaborations, patents citing Brazilian articles (Number of patents and documents) and technical production in Brazilian higher education institutions. We also look at two major previously state-owned companies (Embraer and Petrobras) to see their patenting and citation behaviour compared to other companies worldwide. Brazilian science is a citation basis for patenting in companies and universities worldwide, but Brazil does not use its own publications to support patent proposals. While USP is the major cited university, Unicamp has more patents. Academic-corporate collaboration exists between Brazilian and foreign universities, especially in the US and Europe. The Brazilian companies show low patenting behaviour, but Embraer has a higher impact than Petrobras. As a consequence of the dynamics of science and technology, we suggest that the analyses of the innovation processes could focus on the generation of startups and, in particular, academic spin-offs.

Abstract We look at Brazilian collaboration in Scientific papers based on SciVal and Incites regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. Data were collected from InCites® and SciVal® (2012-2021). Groups of Global South countries were formed (ASEAN, Asia, Africa, BRICS, Caribbean, Central and Latin America). Analyses included Cluster (Author position, impact/citations, open access, journal quartil), principal component, path and analysis of variance to see the effect of region and SDGs in Brazilian publishing. Scopus data were analysed in Vosviewer® for creating country networks through publication, citation and bibliographic coupling, as well as keyword analysis. SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) dominates all Brazilian scientific collaborations with the various country groups. While gender equality shows greater importance in ASEAN and African countries, Life Below Water (SDG14), on Land (SDG15), and Climate Action (SDG13), are important in all regions. SDGs 1, 8, 10, 12, and 16 show less importance in this collaboration overall. Brazil is relatively more active in Zero Hunger (SDG2) and Life on Land (SDG15) than worldwide. Brazil South-South collaboration in published documents shows higher impact than North South in some areas. Collaboration priorities vary by region and triangulation with countries is high depending on language and region.

This paper looks at the reasons behind internationalization in Brazilian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and different mechanisms that can be used by the institutions themselves, financing agencies, as well as individual researchers to improve the international impact of their research and the production of quality alumni to solve problems posed by society. We question why institutions and researchers should consider the internationalization of research and teaching, and an operational approach is proposed. The need for strategic priorities and partnerships is highlighted as well as methods for monitoring and evaluating these methods. We also show that institutions should question how initiatives fit within the institution’s mission and overall strategy, and how they can go about framing and deciding upon various forms of internationalization.

There is little information on the differences between Brazilian regions regarding the quantity and quality of North-South and South South scientific collaboration. Data from 2012 to 2021 was collected in InCites. Variance, principal components, discriminant and canonical analyses were carried out. Regional differences for publishing indicators are highly variable. Brazilian first, last or corresponding authors tend to publish in journals in quartiles 3 or 4 (poorer quality). These tend to be poorly cited, have a lower percentage of documents cited and have fewer publications in hybrid journals. Collaborations with industry tend to have higher citation impact. While the percentage of documents in open access journals positively affected the impact of North-South collaboration (NSC), it negatively affected South-South collaboration (SSC). Publishing in hybrid journals was important for increasing the impact factor in SSC. Factors such as article processing charges and open access should be considered when financing international collaboration. The inequalities between Brazilian regions for international collaborations tend to be numerical and not necessarily qualitative.

Essential oils are liquids containing non-toxic compounds that are unfavorable to the growth of microorganisms. They are sold globally at affordable or very high prices, depending on the availability and type of plant, the scale of production, the extraction method, costs associated with logistics and electricity consumption, among other variables. Each year, the quantity of research dedicated to the antimicrobial potential of essential oils in poultry farming is expanding. Researchers consensually relay that this increase is due to the growing resistance of microorganisms to traditional antimicrobials and concerns about the toxicity of these products. This review proposes an analysis of the antimicrobial feasibility of using essential oils to address microbial challenges in poultry farms, aiming to ensure the production and supply of microbiologically safe hatching eggs. Based on the findings in the literature, in addition to following other necessary precautions in the daily routines of poultry farming practices, developing an antimicrobial control program with essential oils that integrates poultry facilities, poultry and hatching eggs, adapted to the particularities of each context seems to be extremely effective.

Pathogens, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), have been identified as significant causes of poultry mortality. Poultry can serve as potential sources of E. coli transmission, even when asymptomatic, posing a substantial threat to food safety and human health. The in ovo administration of antimicrobials is crucial for preventing and/or effectively combating acute and chronic infections caused by poultry pathogens. To achieve this goal, it is critical that antimicrobials are properly injected into embryonic fluids, such as the amnion, to reach target tissues and trigger robust antimicrobial responses. Several protocols based on antimicrobials were evaluated to meet these requirements. This review analyzed the impacts of antimicrobial substances injected in ovo on the control of E. coli in poultry. The reduction in infection rates, resulting from the implementation of in ovo antimicrobials, combined with efforts aimed at hygienic-sanitary action plans in poultry sheds, reinforces confidence that E. coli can be contained before causing large scale damage. For example, antimicrobial peptides and probiotics have shown potential to provide protection to poultry against infections caused by E. coli. Issues related to the toxicity and bacterial resistance of many synthetic chemical compounds represent challenges that need to be overcome before the commercial application of in ovo injection protocols focused on microbiological control.

ABSTRACT Scopus and Web of Science were used to evaluate papers on Physical Education worldwide and in Brazil. Most documents are published in the USA and England, Brazil being the 6th largest. Brazilians tend to publish in Brazil. Countries with a higher % of documents in Q1 journals have higher % of top 10% cited documents. Most countries increase their Top 10% score when publishing in open access, while Brazil decreases. Differentiation between country clusters is due to % documents in Q1 journals, international collaboration, Open Access, citations/paper and documents in Top 10%. Brazil researches similar topics to those worldwide. Publishing in Q1 journals, and more industry and international collaboration can increase the impact of publications by Brazilian authors.

Background: The use of artificial insemination (AI) in dairy cattle has a direct impact on productivity through genetic improvement and, indirectly, by other technologies that allow for better expression of the genetic potential. Objective: To determine the association between the use of AI and other factors on productive performance of dairy cows. Methods: The study assessed AI impact on 195 dairy farms through the application of structured questionnaires to farmers. Analysis of variance (GLM) was used to evaluate herd milk production and farm size. Multivariate analysis was performed to observe the degree of association between AI and production. Four clusters were formed according to production traits and farm size. Results: Clusters showed high discrimination (90%). Principal factors explained 70% of the variance between clusters. The variables that best explained the variation between clusters were Lactating cows per year, Monthly milk production, Farm area and Total cows. The correspondence analyzes showed that AI use is associated with higher production levels and investment in nutrition, management, genetics, and technology. Conclusion: The use of AI enhances production by increasing productivity and enables greater gains per liter of milk marketed.

Objetivo: Conhecer o perfil epidemiológico e social dos pacientes com suspeita de câncer de pele, atendidos no Ambulatório de Dermatologia de Hospital Público de Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil. Método: Estudo descritivo, quantitativo, retrospectivo, de corte transversal. Utilizou-se um formulário para sistematizar informações dos pacientes atendidos e encaminhados para cirurgia por suspeita de câncer de pele. A análise estatística e mensuração da incidência da ocorrência de câncer de pele foi realizada pelo Programa SAS (Statistical Analysis System Inc, Cary, Carolina do Norte). Resultados: Foram selecionados 180 pacientes a partir dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Destes, 55% corresponderam ao gênero feminino e 43,9% ao gênero masculino, tendo a maioria (28,3%) idade entre 70 a 80 anos. Em relação à profissão/grau de escolaridade, 55,6% não tinham informações registradas e constatado grau de escolaridade dos demais na seguinte composição: 1º grau incompleto (8,9%), 2º grau incompleto (5,6%) e apenas 1,1% com ensino superior completo. O Carcinoma Basocelular (67,2%) revelou-se o mais incidente, com lesões na face (65,6%) seguida dos membros superiores (13,3%). Conclusão: Constatou-se uma prevalência considerável de fragilidade em idosos com Doença de Pele (DP), cujas variáveis de idade, gênero e localização das lesões cancerígenas podem interferir na piora da capacidade funcional e, consequentemente, da qualidade de vida dessa população. É importante que os profissionais de saúde realizem promoção de saúde sensibilizando os pacientes quanto aos possíveis meios para proteção da pele e acesso em tempo oportuno para diagnosticar lesões.

Poultry production is accompanied by the use of antimicrobial agents because no production step is free of microorganisms. In the absence of antimicrobial treatments with synthetic drugs, essential oils are among the most cited natural alternatives used to prevent and treat microbial contamination in poultry. Although there are several studies on the antimicrobial properties of essential oils, there is still no review that simultaneously compiles information on the leading antimicrobial role of essential oils from Citrus aurantifolia (CAEO), Ocimum basilicum (OBEO), and Allium sativum (ASEO) in poultry. Awareness of the antimicrobial role of these substances opens the door to encouraging their use in natural antimicrobial protocols and discouraging harmful synthetics in poultry. This review aimed to compile information on applying CAEO, OBEO, and ASEO as antimicrobials in poultry farming. The available literature suggests that these essential oils can proportionately align with the poultry industry’s demands for microbiologically safe food products.

In this paper, we looked at the distribution of donkeys (Equus asinus) in Brazil as well as the research being carried out with them. We used bibliographic mapping techniques to identify major themes, timelines, and research groups working with these animals. Donkeys are essential for producing mules (Equus mulus), and, especially in the Northeast region, they are vital in cattle production in Brazil. Nevertheless, there is little research being carried out, which may affect their survival in the long term, thereby impacting agricultural systems. Most research is on health and reproduction issues, and little is seen in production aspects related to genetics and nutrition. The body indices for Brazilian donkeys show that they vary from medium (Paulista) to small (Northeastern and Pêga) animals with an aptitude for strength (Body Index >0.90). The Northeastern and Pêga tend to have poorer thoracic development, but all show good traction capabilities (Dactyl Thoracic Index, Conformation Index). Northeastern donkeys are smaller animals and have lower load-carrying capabilities. This paper shows various areas where research in donkeys could be expanded.

The number of programs and students in the Brazilian postgraduate system has doubled in the last 10 years. This has implications for the quality and financing of these programs as well as for the development of the regions where they are set. This study aims to investigate the reasons and limitations for the continued expansion of the Brazilian postgraduate system. Data (2011 to 2020) for this study came from: (i) the “Sucupira” postgraduate database from the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), (ii) Instituto Nacional de Estudos e Pesquisas Educacionais Anísio Teixeira (INEP), (iii) Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), (iv) InCites® and Web of Science data, and (v) questionnaire and meetings with the deans for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Brazil. Data analyses included regression over time, frequency chi-square, and correspondence analyses. Different types of institutions in different regions showed varying opinions, with higher expectations for expansion in smaller, newer institutions, especially private ones. While the HEIs in the Northern region believe that the master’s degree is to correct undergraduate flaws, the HEIs in the South and Central regions and the community believe that the master’s degree should develop professional skills. In contrast, the larger HEIs with older postgraduate programs in all regions believe in direct doctorate strategy. The reasons for creating new post-graduate programs involved following the institution’s general guidelines for private and community HEIs and granting the lecturers’ wishes or constant expansion depending on region, North, Northeast, and Central regions, as well as for creating medium-sized state universities. State-of-the-art research or the interests of society were prevalent for the largest and oldest HEIs. Continued expansion of the Brazilian postgraduate system needs to take into account factors including the demand for the program, regionalization, the quality of the programs, the means of funding, and the student vacancies existing in programs with high grades, among other challenges.

The present study provided an overview of evaluation data from the “Sucupira Platform,” questionnaires with post-graduate deans, discussion forums, and international databases to assess the Brazilian post-graduate evaluation system. The system is highly standardised and homogenous throughout the country with little flexibility. There is a disconnect with ongoing changes in international graduate studies, especially regarding the possibility of adopting flexible and temporary doctoral projects in international partnerships. The evaluation focuses mainly on process, not results, impact, and social relevance. Although the current system requires strategic planning and self-assessment, these are not used when evaluating results. The system should be sensitive to differences, valuing the diversity of institutional projects. Changes in the evaluation require a clear timeline and careful definition of indicators. The improvement of information collection must occur in coordination with CNPq, and the new data collecting platform must be able to import information from various sources (RAIS, Lattes, WIPO, PrInt, etc.). According to their purposes, the separate indication in CAPES’ spreadsheets on the legal status of private and community/confessional institutions is fundamental for improved data analysis. The assignment of grades rather than scores (e.g., in implementation, consolidated nationally/internationally) is questioned.

Abstract The objective of this work was to determine how different types of gait affect the physiological and thermographic responses of Pantaneiro horses (Equus ferus caballus) subjected to field conditions under high environmental temperatures. Ten horses were evaluated in a double 5x5 Latin square experimental design, with five gait types: walk, trot, extended trot, gallop, and extended gallop. The following physiological measures were determined immediately after exercise: heart and respiratory rates, blood lactate content, and rectal temperature. Body surface temperatures were evaluated using an infrared camera. The walk, trot, and extended trot were the most adequate gaits for Pantaneiro horses to maintain thermoregulation within the physiological norms under conditions with a high air temperature. The temperatures obtained in the eye and elbow regions show the best predictive capacity for physiological parameters.

Increased meat and egg production leads to concomitant changes in poultry practices, including the indiscriminate use of formaldehyde to sanitize hatching eggs. Although this sanitizer aids in the increase in poultry production, its toxic potential for man and for avian embryos represents an obstacle to its long-term use. This review assesses whether essential oils fit into the context of hatching egg contamination, reviewing their antimicrobial efficiency, toxicity to poultry embryos and chicks, and their sanitizing effects on poultry production parameters. Studies have indicated that, because they are safer, most of the essential oils studied can be a potential substitute for formaldehyde for minimizing microbial exposure of hatching eggs and embryos. However, complementary studies on the microbiological profile of embryos and chicks hatched from eggs sanitized with essential oils need to be carried out and the economic feasibility of the candidate products should also be considered.

This study evaluated the microbiological and internal quality of quail eggs stored for 21 days at room temperature (29.53 ± 1.36 °C) after being coated with green banana flour and Tahiti lemon essential oil (GBF/TAH). One hundred and sixty-two quail eggs were equally distributed into three treatments: (1) uncoated eggs, (2) eggs coated with green banana flour (GBF), and (3) eggs coated with GBF/TAH. The Haugh unit (HU) of the eggs was significantly lower in the third week for uncoated eggs (70.94 ± 1.63, grade A) compared to eggs coated with GBF/TAH (81.47 ± 2.38, grade AA). On the 21st day of storage, the eggs coated with GBF/TAH had significantly lower total counts of aerobic mesophilic bacteria in the shell and egg contents compared to the other treatments. GBF/TAH coating is an effective blending approach to reduce the microbial load of the shell and egg contents and preserve the sensory and internal quality of the eggs.

This work aimed to evaluate the eggshell microbiota and the internal egg quality after coatings with cassava starch biopolymer enriched with different essential oils during 35 days of storage at 20°C. A total of 369 brown table eggs were used and distributed in the following treatments: uncoated eggs, coated with cassava starch + Ginger essential oil (CS+GIN), cassava starch + Lemongrass essential oil (CS+LEM), and cassava starch + Tahiti lemon essential oil (CS+TAH). The count of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria on coated eggshells at 0 and 35 days of storage were similar to each other (mean 0.70 ± 0.37 and 0.91 ± 0.22 log10 CFU/mL) and significantly lower compared to uncoated eggs (2.21 ± 0.17 and 3.17 ± 0.22 log10 CFU/mL), in that order. On the 35th day, coated eggs showed similar Haugh unit (HU) values between them (mean 70.61 ± 5.35; classified as A - high quality) and significantly higher than uncoated eggs (51.60 ± 4.28; classified as B - average quality). Cassava starch coatings added with essential oils preserved the internal quality of the eggs during storage for 5 weeks at 20°C, reducing the eggshell microbiota and effectively keeping it at low levels during storage.

Food Safety is an important topic for public health and international trade in food. Residues of veterinary drugs and environmental contaminants in animal products can cause diseases and acute toxicity in organisms exposed to these substances. This study evaluated official monitoring data of veterinary drug residues from the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply in tissues of poultry and swine in the period between 2002 and 2014 to check for hidden patterns in the occurrence of six common drugs (Closantel, Diclazuril, Nicarbazin, Sulfaquinoxaline, Doxycycline and Sulfamethazinein). The analysis of data was performed by using two machine learning methods: decision tree and neural networks, in addition to visual evaluation through graphs and maps. Contamination rates were low, varying from 0 to 0.66%. A spatial distribution pattern of detections of substances by region was identified, but no pattern of temporal distribution was observed. Nevertless, regressions showed an increase in levels when these substances were detected, so monitoring should continue. However, the results show that the products monitored during the study period presented a low risk to public health. Keywords: Machine learning; food safety; public health; residues

Recent advances in poultry practice have produced new tools enabling the poultry industry to increase productivity. Aiming at increasing production quality, varying protocols of in ovo injection facilitate the introduction of exogenous substances into the egg to complement the nutrients that support embryonic development up to hatching, which are already available in the internal and external compartments. Due to embryonic sensitivity, adding any substance into the egg can be either advantageous or disadvantageous for embryonic survival and can influence hatch rates. Thus, understanding the relationship between poultry practices and production rates is the first step towards successful commercial application. This review aims to assess the influence on hatch rates of injecting different substances in ovo, including effects on embryo and chick health parameters where these are reported. Bibliographic mappings of co-authorship of citations, co-occurrence of keywords, and bibliographic coupling based on the in ovo injection technique and hatchability parameters were also performed. Using the Scopus database, 242 papers were retrieved, reviewed, and submitted for bibliographic mapping using the VOSviewer® software. This review provides a broad overview of just over 38 years’ research on the subject, revealing that studies have significantly increased and peaked in 2020, being produced primarily by US researchers and published primarily in the journal Poultry Science. It also reveals that despite negative reports relating to some substances in the embryo, in ovo delivery of substances may possibly change the poultry industry for the better in terms of production rates (hatchability) and/or poultry health.

The Brazilian research and graduate system has shown success, nationally and internationally, and has been strategic for the country's development. Funding agencies play a crucial role in financing and evaluating researchers and results. The establishment of a solid base of sustainable financing is fundamental, thus allowing the development of science linked to major national problems and aiming at reducing regional asymmetries. Brazilian science has been improving in quantity and quality, even though with less impact than developed countries. Universities contribute to society beyond published scientific articles. Medium and long-term public policies, with the definition of priorities, goals and precise implementation and evaluation instruments, as well as adequate financing, are necessary for the improvement of Brazil's position in the international scenario. Changes within the institutions need to increase efficiency and favour the production of relevant and impactful research.

O sistema brasileiro de pesquisa e pós-graduação tem sucesso, nacionalmente e internacionalmente. Tem sido estratégico para o desenvolvimento do país. As agências de fomento têm um papel fundamental no financiamento, bem como na avaliação dos pesquisadores e os resultados de pesquisa. O estabelecimento de uma base sólida de financiamento sustentável é fundamental, permitindo o desenvolvimento de uma ciência articulada aos grandes problemas nacionais e visando a diminuir assimetrias regionais. A ciência brasileira tem melhorado em quantidade e qualidade, mesmo que o impacto seja abaixo do de países desenvolvidos. As universidades contribuem com a sociedade além dos artigos científicos. Políticas públicas de médio e longo prazo, com definição de prioridades, metas e instrumentos de implementação e avaliação claros, bem como financiamento adequado, são necessárias para que o Brasil avance no cenário internacional. Mudanças dentro das instituições precisam aumentar a eficiência e favorecer a produção de pesquisa de relevância e impacto.

The Brazilian research and graduate system has shown success, nationally and internationally, and has been strategic for the country's development. Funding agencies play a crucial role in financing and evaluating researchers and results. The establishment of a solid base of sustainable financing is fundamental, thus allowing the development of science linked to major national problems and aiming at reducing regional asymmetries. Brazilian science has been improving in quantity and quality, even though with less impact than developed countries. Universities contribute to society beyond published scientific articles. Medium and long-term public policies, with the definition of priorities, goals and precise implementation and evaluation instruments, as well as adequate financing, are necessary for the improvement of Brazil's position in the international scenario. Changes within the institutions need to increase efficiency and favour the production of relevant and impactful research.

Abstract Several factors influence the citation impact. This paper constructed paths from funding to citation impact on a country basis. Country data came from Incites® (2011-2020). The (2013 to 2018) UNESCO database was used to define investments in Research and Development (R&D). An overall analysis and analyses by clusters formed by investments in R&D were carried out. Countries that invest relatively less in R&D tend to have less investment by businesses and publish fewer documents. Some differences exist in this pattern. For example, countries in the lowest investment group show higher international collaboration and publications in Open Access Journals. This leads to a higher impact but below countries with the highest investments in R&D. The paths from funding to high impact differed by cluster. While international collaboration appeared in several clusters, the % of papers in Q1 (Top) journal quartile, based on citations, was in almost all clusters. More investments in R&D and open access publishing do not necessarily lead to high impact.

Abstract Public universities, and science in general, in Brazil, are under attack from key persons of the government in interviews and articles published in non-scientific journals. Here we look at bibliography data from international science metric platforms (Scival® and Incites®) and official Brazilian agencies such as CAPES and CNPq to reach some conclusions based on scientific analysis. Brazilian Science has shown a steady improvement in quantity and quality over the last 20 years but has recently suffered (since 2015) under severe financial restrictions. An increase in international collaboration also increased citation impact, reaching almost five times the world average. While the medical and natural sciences show the highest impact and prominence, social sciences and the humanities also have spotlight areas with international excellence. Different research institutions and universities offer a variety of production profiles and impacts. This diagnosis shows the need for universities and research institutes in Brazil and funding agencies to undergo strategic planning for definition of mission/vision, goals to be reached, and areas for priority development. Continued support of public universities by the government is necessary for Brazilian autonomy in science and technology and its full integration in the world scientific community.

The sanitization of hatching eggs is the backbone of the hygienic–sanitary management of eggs on farms and extends to the hatchery. Poultry production gains depend on the benefits of sanitizers. Obtaining the maximum yield from incubation free of toxic sanitizers is a trend in poultry farming, closely following the concerns imposed through scientific research. The toxic characteristics of formaldehyde, the primary sanitizer for hatching eggs, are disappointing, but it is a cheap, practical and widely used antimicrobial. To overcome this shortcoming, multiple synthetic and natural chemical sanitizers have been, and continue to be, tested on hatching eggs. This review aims to evaluate the effects of different sanitizers on the microbiological quality of hatching eggshells and poultry health during embryogenesis and early stages after hatching.

The allometric growth of male and female naturalized pig breeds (Nilo, Piau, Moura, and Monteiro) was evaluated regarding hip height, snout length, and head length using the allometric equation. Body measurements generally show later growth in relation to the snout length and earlier growth in relation to the head length and hip height. When comparing breeds of pigs, female Moura animals showed later growth of the characteristics linked to muscle (thoracic circumference, body length, and longitudinal diameter) than of head length. Nilo females showed characteristics such as shoulder length, rump length and interschiadic distance earlier than snout length. There were differences between the breed and gender in terms of development times for the different parts of the body, showing that breeding systems and use of these animals have to be specific for each breed. Keywords: Huxley,Monteiro,morphometrics,Moura,Nilo,Piau.

Background: Little information is available on carcass quality in nulliparous and primiparous ewes of different breeds and genetic groups. Objective: To evaluate the effect of genetic group, pregnancy, age and their interactions on carcass traits, meat quality and fatty acid profile in sheep. Methods: Eighty-five Santa Ines ewes and their crosses with Texel, Dorper and Ile de France, aged 12 month were bred with White Dorper rams to assess the influence of pregnancy on carcass composition and meat quality. After weaning, all ewes (nulliparous and primiparous) were fattened for slaughter at 21 months of age. A further 24 six to twenty one-month-old female lambs from the same genetic groups were included in the analysis to determine the fatty acid profile. Results: Genetic group affected muscle and fat weight as well as the eye muscle length. Fat weight, muscle and fat ratios, subcutaneous fat thickness and cooking loss were affected by pregnancy with nulliparous females being fatter. Meat purpose breeds such as Dorper, Texel and Ile de France showed better meat quality compared to the Santa Ines hair breed. Of the 19 identified fatty acids, saturated were present in greater quantities, especially stearic and palmitic. Omega-6 content was influenced by age and pregnancy. Conclusions: Younger and nulliparous females have better carcass quality in terms of fatty acid composition.

Cattle breeding routinely uses crossbreeding between subspecies (Bos taurus taurus and Bos taurus indicus) to form composite breeds, such as Brangus. These composite breeds provide an opportunity to identify recent selection signatures formed in the new population and evaluate the genomic composition of these regions of the genome. Using high-density genotyping, we first identified runs of homozygosity (ROH) and calculated genomic inbreeding. Then, we evaluated the genomic composition of the regions identified as selected (selective sweeps) using a chromosome painting approach. The genomic inbreeding increased at approximately 1% per generation after composite breed formation, showing the need of inbreeding control even in composite breeds. Three selected regions in Brangus were also identified as Angus selection signatures. Two regions (chromosomes 14 and 21) were identified as signatures of selection in Brangus and both founder breeds. Five of the 10 homozygous regions in Brangus were predominantly Angus in origin (probability >80%), and the other five regions had a mixed origin but always with Brahman contributing less than 50%. Therefore, genetic events, such as drift, selection, and complementarity, are likely shaping the genetic composition of founder breeds in specific genomic regions. Such findings highlight a variety of opportunities to better control the selection process and explore heterosis and complementarity at the genomic level in composite breeds.

This report describes the network of live cattle exports from Brazil using Microsoft Office Excel® files, Terraview®, Maporama®, Pajek® and Google Maps® softwares. The database contains estimates obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA) and underwent descriptive, spatial and flow network. The network of live cattle exports from Brazil was determined using data from 27,517 Animal Transit Certificates (ATC) and 579 Veterinary Certificate for International Trade. International departure points, municipalities and states of origin, destination countries, purpose of export and compliance with sanitary requirements for exports, cattle movement and the main transportation corridors were showed through flow network. The states that exported live cattle were Pará, Rio Grande do Sul, Tocantins, São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Maranhão. Vila do Conde Port, located in Barcarena municipality in the state of Pará, was the main international departure point of animals, which were intended mostly for immediate slaughter in the importing country. The internal cattle transportation corridors of the main counties and farms that provide animals for exports in 2009 were mapped.

Pre-loading handling and conditions of transport are related to welfare, disease risk and product quality of production animals. These steps continue to be one of the major animal management problems in Brazil. This study evaluated the effects of different types of pre-loading handling and road transport times on the haematological and biochemical traits of cattle. Eighteen male cattle were submitted to three travel times (24, 48 and 72 h) in a truck soon after load using different types of pre-loading handling: traditional (rough handling), training (gentle handling) and use of flags to movement cattle. Haematological traits, blood biochemical measures as well as blood and faecal cortisol were analysed in order to assess animal welfare and physiological status. The traditional management showed to be more stressful, also had animals with a greater number of neutrophils and lower numbers of lymphocytes than handling with flags, showing that animals submitted to more stressful situations can have compromised immune system. Serum aspartate aminotransferase concentrations were within the reference levels and when taken together with increased creatine kinase patterns observed indicate muscle damage in traditional management. Decrease in glucose concentrations over time from traditional management to flag management was observed, while fructosamine was increased in traditional management with 72 h of travel. When taken together, all reported factors, immune, enzymatic, energetic and hormonal, indicate that the quality of pre-loading handling and time of transport were determinant for animal welfare, its homeostatic balance and sanitary conditions. Keywords: Animal welfare, Blood cortisol, Faecal cortisol, Haematological evaluation, Road transport

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate three tropical forage species for their in vitro methane (CH4) production and organic matter degradability, in order to determine the relationships between forage grass nutritive quality and CH4 production. Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus), palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha), and signal grass (Urochloa decumbens) were evaluated. Palisade grass showed the highest organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, lignin, and lower-crude protein content. Signal grass had the highest values for hemicellulose and neutral detergent fiber-nitrogen, and the lowest-cellulose content. Guinea grass and signal grass showed a higher-total gas production than palisade grass. Besides, Guinea grass showed an increased CH4 production, and palisade grass showed lower value for truly degraded organic matter, and reduced partitioning factor, in comparison to signal grass. An increased CH4 production was observed in cases of lower hemicellulose and paratitioning factor. The nutritive value and CH4 production of forages may be employed as parameters, aiming at the sustainability of ruminant production.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate heat tolerance using heat tolerance indices, physiological, physical, thermographic, and hematological parameters in Santa Ines and Morada Nova sheep breeds in the Federal District, Brazil. Methods Twenty-six adult hair sheep, one and a half years old, from two genetic groups (Santa Ines: 12 males and 4 females; Morada Nova: 7 males and 3 females) were used and data (rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, skin temperatures; hematological parameters) were collected during three consecutive days, twice a day (morning and afternoon), with a total of six repetitions. Also physical parameters (biometric measurements, skin and hair traits) and heat tolerance indices (temperature-humidity index, Iberia and Benezra) were evaluated. The analyses included analyses of variance, correlation, and principal components with a significance level of 5%. Results The environmental indices, in general, indicate a situation of thermal discomfort for the animals during the afternoon. Breed significantly influenced (p

ABSTRACT This study assessed the risks of different management practices to increase pregnancy rate in beef cow-calf systems, aiming at assisting decision-making. The perception of 18 experts on animal sciences regarding the risks of 32 nutritional, breeding, and general management practices applied to increase pregnancy rate were evaluated through questionnaires. The experts were selected by a non-probability sampling of researchers on veterinary and animal sciences. In addition, five farmers and eight technical consultants were also selected. The questionnaire was applied during a face-to-face meeting. The risk of each practice was assessed according to four factors, namely, cost, technical knowledge, operational complexity, and flexibility, and an equation was developed to calculate this risk. The applied method allowed to determine the risk of each practice, obtaining results similar to those previously perceived by the experts. Operational complexity and cost had greater influence on the estimated risks compared with the other factors. Moreover, the increase of one unit in operational complexity and cost increased the perceived risk and the estimated risk scores in 0.43 and 0.28 points, respectively. Overall, the application of general management practices presented lower risk score compared with nutritional and breeding practices, which were not different from which other. Equations to estimate the risks of farm managers should routinely apply management practices to increase the efficiency of cow-calf production systems.

O risco de introdução de agentes infecciosos aumenta à medida que o volume de produtos importados eleva-se. A entrada ilegal de produtos de origem animal (POA) trazidos em bagagem de passageiros internacionais é um fator que compõe a avaliação do risco e que cresce, proporcionalmente, à intensificação do trânsito internacional de passageiros. Foram avaliados os dados referentes às apreensões de produtos de origem animal interceptados em bagagens internacionais de passageiros no Aeroporto de Brasília (AIB-PJK/SBBR) entre os anos de 2010 e 2012. A análise da dinâmica destas apreensões considerou a categoria de POA, origem, companhia aérea e meses de maior frequência e, ainda, verificou a correlação entre essas variáveis. De acordo com a análise retrospectiva, quase oito toneladas de POA foram apreendidas, provenientes de 52 países, ao longo do período avaliado. Os resultados mostram Portugal (p

ABSTRACT Was evaluated the pattern of growth among females and males of tambaqui by Gompertz nonlinear regression model. Five traits of economic importance were measured on 145 animals during the three years, totaling 981 morphometric data analyzed. Different curves were adjusted between males and females for body weight, height and head length and only one curve was adjusted to the width and body length. The asymptotic weight (a) and relative growth rate to maturity (k) were different between sexes in animals with ± 5 kg; slaughter weight practiced by a specific niche market, very profitable. However, there was no difference between males and females up to ± 2 kg; slaughter weight established to supply the bigger consumer market. Females showed weight greater than males (± 280 g), which are more suitable for fish farming purposes defined for the niche market to larger animals. In general, males had lower maximum growth rate (8.66 g / day) than females (9.34 g / day), however, reached faster than females, 476 and 486 days growth rate, respectively. The height and length body are the traits that contributed most to the weight at 516 days (P

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to develop an equation to determine the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) using a physical-based classification of corn. A total of 5,055 samples were taken from bulk cargo trucks, over a five-year period. The parameters studied were the variables related to the physical characteristics of grains. The density of maize was evaluated, and AME and AMEn were calculated. The average value for AME was 3,375 kcal/kg, and two groups were formed of high quality and low quality for all samples. Stepwise regression analysis was then carried out using grain quality to estimate AME and AMEn, and the validation of the equations was carried out with 6,490 independent samples. The average value for density was 767.7 kg/m3. The multiple regressions used to estimate AME and AMEn as a function of humidity, density, and physical composition of corn kernels showed that moisture was included for AME, but not for AMEn. The equations presented high coefficients of determination (R2) for AME (0.994) and AMEn (0.987). The discriminant analyses correctly classified 98% of the high-quality samples and 96.69% of low-quality samples, so the error was smaller than the expected. The calculated equations were shown to be good at discriminating between samples of high and low quality of corn according to its physical composition, and the most important variables for separation between groups were damaged grain fraction, impurities, burnt, and soft. The correlation between calculated (independent samples) and estimated metabolizable energy and AMEn were, respectively, 0.9942 and 0.9859. The corn energy values can be estimated based on physical evaluation of the grain.

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the influence of genetic group, pregnancy and animal age on the carcass traits and commercial cut patterns of sheep carcasses. In the first experiment, the effect of pregnancy and genetic group were evaluated on 61 eleven month old Santa Inês ewes and their crosses with Texel, Dorper and Ile de France. Experiment 2 was carried out with 132 Santa Inês nulliparous or lambed ewes slaughtered with ages ranging from 6 to 48 months to evaluate the influence of age on carcass traits. For both experiments, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, carcass yield, cold carcass yield and carcass length were measured, as well as the yields and percentages of shoulder, neck, loin, belly, ribs, leg and leg length and perimeter. In experiment 1, the Santa Inês breed presented similar carcass and cut traits compared to the others genetic groups evaluated, except for fasting body weight. Lambed animals had lower body condition score than nulliparous females. In experiment 2, fasting body weight, loin, rib and leg weights, as well as the leg perimeter, presented a quadratic effect with increasing age. Ideal slaughter age is before 16 months to obtain more expensive cuts.

Heat stress is considered a limiting factor for sheep production. We used information from physiological characteristics linked to heat tolerance to determine whether infrared thermography temperatures were able to separate groups of animals and determine the most important variables in this differentiation. Forty-eight four-month-old male lambs from eight genetic groups were used. Physiological (rectal temperature–RT, heart rate–HR, respiratory rate–RR) and blood traits, infrared thermography temperatures, heat tolerance indices, body measurements, weight and carcass traits were measured. Statistical analyses included variance, correlations, factor, discrimination and regression. Observing the correlations between physiological characteristics (RT, RR and HR) with temperatures measured by infrared thermography, regions for further studies should include the mean temperature of flank, nose and rump. Results show that there are strong relationships between thermograph measurements and RR, RT and HR in lambs, which are suggested to be directly correlated with heat tolerance capacity of the different genetic groups evaluated in this study. The assessment of body surface temperature measured by the thermograph could be used as a noninvasive tool to assess heat tolerance of the animals.

ABSTRACT. Oliveira A.A., Seixas L., Azevedo H.C., Teixeira K.M., McManus C. & de Melo C.B. Evaluation of the use of good practices in dairy cattle herds. [Avaliação da utilização de boas práticas em rebanhos bovinos leiteiros.] Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinária, 37(1):73-77, 2015. Universidade de Brasília (UnB/FAV/DINO), Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, ICC Sul, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil. E-mail: cristianomelo@unb.br The aim of this work was to evaluate and monitor milk quality using good practices (GP) for milking procedures, and thereby improve sanitary conditions and milk safety during milking process, storage and transportation. For each milk sample, the somatic cell count (SCC), total bacteria count (TBC) and milk components were determined. Initially, 236 dairy farms were monitored in the Tabuleiros Costeiros, Agreste and Semi-arid regions of the State of Sergipe, in the northeast of Brazil. Twenty family farms were then selected for implementation of GP procedures. It was verified that, before the use of GP, only 12.94% of the farms produced milk that had hygienic quality consistent with the legislation in Brazil. The use of GP procedures during milking and subsequent cooling raised this rate to 32.53%. The results demonstrated the importance of a hygiene program during milking, storage and transportation of milk.

The Cerrado is the second largest biome in Brazil after the Amazon and is the savanna with the highest biodiversity in the world. Serra Tombador Natural Reserve (STNR) is the largest private reserve located in Goiás State, and the fourth largest in the Cerrado biome. The present study aimed to map the burnt areas and to describe the spatial patterns of fire recurrence and its interactions with the classes of land-cover that occurred in STNR and its surroundings in the period between 2001 and 2010. Several Landsat TM images acquired around the months of July, August and September, coinciding with the region’s dry season when fire events intensify, were employed to monitor burnt areas. Fire scars were mapped using the supervised Mahalanobis-distance classifier and further refined using expert visual interpretation. Burnt area patterns were described by spatial landscape metrics. The effects of fire on landscape structure were obtained by comparing results among different land-cover classes, and results summarized in terms of fire history and frequencies. During the years covered by the study, 69% of the areas analyzed had fire events. The year with the largest burnt area was 2004, followed by 2001, 2007 and 2010. Thus, the largest fire events occurred in a 3-year cycle, which is compatible with other areas of the Brazilian savanna. The regions with higher annual probabilities of fire recurrence occur in the buffer zone around the park. The year 2004 also had the highest number of burnt area patches (831). In contrast, the burnt area in 2007 showed the most extensive fires with low number of patches (82). The physiognomies that suffered most fires were the native savanna formations. The study also identified areas where fires are frequently recurrent, highlighting priority areas requiring special attention. Thus, the methodology adopted in this study assists in monitoring and recovery of areas affected by fire over time.

There is an abundance of thermal indices with different input parameters and applicabilities. Infrared thermography is a promising technique for evaluating the response of animals to the environment and differentiating between genetic groups. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate superficial body temperatures of lambs from three genetic groups under different environmental conditions, correlating these with thermal comfort indices. Forty lambs (18 males and 22 females) from three genetic groups (Santa Inês, Ile de France × Santa Inês and Dorper × Santa Inês) were exposed to three climatic conditions: open air, housed and artificial heating. Infrared thermal images were taken weekly at 6h, 12h and 21h at the neck, front flank, rear flank, rump, nose, skull, trunk and eye. Four thermal comfort indices were calculated using environmental measurements including black globe temperature, air humidity and wind speed. Artificial warming, provided by infrared lamps and wind protection, conserved and increased the superficial body temperature of the lambs, thus providing lower daily thermal ranges. Artificial warming did not influence daily weight gain or mortality. Skin temperatures increased along with increases in climatic indices. Again, infrared thermography is a promising technique for evaluating thermal stress conditions and differentiating environments. However, the use of thermal imaging for understanding animal responses to environmental conditions requires further study.