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The protist Trypanosoma cruzi inserts kinetoplast DNA minicircle sequences into the host genome. Sensitive PCR with specific primer sets revealed protozoan nuclear DNA and kinetoplast DNA in agarose gels bands probed with radiolabel specific sequences for tissues of T. cruzi-infected rabbits and mice. Avian species are refractory to the infection, but chicks that hatched from T. cruzi-inoculated eggs retained the kinetoplast DNA in the embryonic germ line cells and developed parasite-free Chagas disease-like cardiomyopathy. A Target-primer TAIL-PCR with specific primer sets, Southern hybridization, cloning, and sequencing of the amplification products revealed kinetoplast minicircle sequences integration sites mainly in LINE-1 transposable elements and hitchhiking to several loci. This kinetoplast DNA biomarker was used to monitor the effect of multidrug treatment of T. cruzi-infected mice. A trypanocidal nitro heterocyclic compound in combination with an array of inhibitors of eukaryotic cell division prevented minicircle sequences transfer. Nine out of 12 inhibitors prevented the kinetoplast DNA integration into the macrophage genome. The multidrug treatment of T. cruzi-infected mice with benznidazole, azidothymidine and ofloxacin lowered the rate of minicircle sequences integrations into the mouse genome by 2.44-fold and reduced the rejection of the target heart cells.

The jaguar is the largest feline in the Americas and in the face of the threat of extinction and the reduction of natural areas, keeping the species in captivity may be important for its conservation. This condition can lead to a reduction in well-being, especially due to spatial limitation and lack of environmental stimulus. In recent decades, techniques have been sought to minimize the negative impacts of captivity, with an increase in the use of environmental enrichment and operational conditioning in order to facilitate routine procedures for the animal management. In this scenario, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of conditioning on the welfare of jaguars in captivity, analyzing behavioral and physiological effects through salivary cortisol. Seven jaguars were studied in a Scientific Breeder. There was an increase in behaviors associated with welfare and cortisol during conditioning, possibly related to learning. The increase in behaviors associated with welfare suggests that the technique can contribute to improve the quality of life of these animals in captivity. RESUMO A onça-pintada é o maior felino das Américas e, diante da ameaça de extinção e da redução de áreas naturais, manter a espécie em cativeiro pode ser importante para sua conservação. Essa condição pode levar à redução no bem-estar, especialmente devido à limitação espacial e à carência de estímulos ambientais. Nas últimas décadas, têm sido buscadas técnicas para minimizar os impactos negativos do cativeiro, com crescimento da utilização de enriquecimento ambiental e do condicionamento operante, com o intuito de facilitar procedimentos de rotina do manejo dos animais. Nesse cenário, o presente estudo teve por finalidade avaliar os efeitos do condicionamento sobre o bem-estar de onças-pintadas em cativeiro, analisando-se efeitos comportamentais e fisiológicos por meio do cortisol salivar. Foram estudadas sete onças-pintadas em um criadouro científico. Houve aumento dos comportamentos associados ao bem-estar e do cortisol durante o condicionamento, possivelmente relacionados à aprendizagem. O aumento nos comportamentos de bem-estar sugere que a técnica pode contribuir para melhorar a qualidade de vida desses animais em cativeiro.

The goal of this research was to evaluate the microclimate (temperature, relative humidity and ECI-enthalpy comfort index) of commercial loads of broiler chickens at different transport distances: Dist15 (15 km on average) and Dist90 (90 km on average) in the summer and winter seasons and their effects on the production parameters body weight difference (BWD), mortality (%) and bruising prevalence (%). Twelve broiler loads were monitored using dataloggers to record temperature and humidity, with a total of 24 target crates per load. The experiment followed a factorial design [2 seasons (rainy and dry) × 2 distances (Dist15 and Dist90)] with a randomized complete block arrangement, 3 sexes (all males, all females, or mixed shipments) and one shipment per combination. BWD had a heterogeneous distribution throughout the load, and this distribution was not significantly correlated with the mean ECI measured during transport at 12 positions along the load. In terms of comfort, summer is the most critical period for broiler transport. In the interaction between rainy season and Dist90, the highest ECI was scored in the lethal zone (where physiological mechanisms are not enough to control body temperature). Mortality during the rainy season was not significantly different between distances. However, during the dry season, mortality was twice as high as broilers that travelled for 15 km. The prevalence of bruising on carcasses was not affected by the interaction between season and distance. As we know, broiler chicken performance, during transport, can be also related to road conditions, being hard to evaluate the real impact of seasons and distances on animal welfare. Load microclimate can compromise broiler chicken welfare during transport and it does not necessary reflect significant losses pre and post-slaughter.

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

This research aims to evaluate the microclimate of commercial loads of broiler chickens at different distances in the summer (rainy) and winter (dry) seasons and their effects on meat quality. Twelve broiler loads were monitored with a total of 24 crates per load. Data loggers were used to record temperature and relative humidity. The experiment followed a completely randomized design with 48 treatments in a factorial scheme (2 seasons: rainy and dry) x 2 (distances: short and long) x 12 (positions), with 3 replicates per experimental group. In the rainy season, meat quality was influenced by transport distance. For longer distances, it recorded the highest enthalpy comfort index (ECI), suggesting a tendency of dark, firm, and dry meat (DFD-like) and lower cooking losses (CL). The lowest ECI was recorded during the transport in dry season. Broiler chickens transported and slaughtered in the winter presented meat pH and L* (lightness) classified as "normal," but with higher cooking losses. For the shear force (SF), the seasons and distances had no significant influence on tenderness of the meat. Regarding the crate positioning in the load, no effect was observed during transport on this variable, given the meat quality characteristics of pH, L*, CL, and SF. These results suggest that the distance and the seasons present more influence on broiler meat quality than crate position in the truck.

Áreas inundadas de reservatórios e lagos artificiais estão sendo cada vez mais utilizadas para a produção de peixes; contudo, os resíduos lançados pela aquicultura tornaram-se uma preocupação para o desenvolvimento sustentável desta atividade. Uma das principais estratégias adotadas pelos órgãos gestores e fiscalizadores consiste no uso de modelos hidrodinâmicos que calculam a capacidade de suporte ou de carga de nutrientes de um determinado corpo hídrico e a influência dos cultivos de peixes. Esses modelos são precisos no desenvolvimento de estratégias ideais de alimentação e cálculo de resíduos. Este artigo de revisão aborda esta temática e traz uma descrição da metodologia desenvolvida para análise e simulação da capacidade de suporte para produção de pescados, baseada na integração do modelo bioenergético nutricional “Fish-PrFEQ” com o modelo hidrodinâmico de Dillon & Rigler. Esta metodologia permite avaliar a real contribuição de resíduos aquícolas e auxilia no planejamento e na gestão da aquicultura nestes ambientes aquáticos, além de possibilitar e incentivar que os produtores e a indústria aquícola utilizem rações de melhor qualidade nutricional e menor impacto ambiental. Flooded areas of reservoirs and artificial lakes have been increasingly used for fish production; however, the waste generated by aquaculture has become a concern for the sustainable development of this activity. One of the main strategies adopted by management and regulatory agencies is the use of hydrodynamic models that calculate the carrying or nutrient load capacity of a particular water body and the effect of fish farming. These models are precise in the development of optimal strategies for feeding and waste calculation. This review paper addresses this topic and describes the methodology developed for the analysis and simulation of the carrying capacity for fish production, based on the integration of the Fish-PrFEQ nutritional bioenergetic model and the hydrodynamic model of Dillon & Rigler. This methodology allows evaluating the real contribution of aquaculture waste and assists in the planning and management of aquaculture in these aquatic environments, besides enabling and encouraging producers and the aquaculture industry to use fish food with better nutritional quality and lower environmental impact.

A intensificação da produção de tilápias pode gerar implicações negativas sobre o desempenho e o bem-estar dos peixes. Assim, é essencial determinar a densidade correta para otimizar a produção. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho e o bem-estar de tilápias-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) juvenis, com peso inicial médio de 30g (± 2,70), criadas em três diferentes densidades de estocagem, em gaiolas de flutuação. Os peixes foram alimentados três vezes/dia, com ração contendo 32% de proteína bruta, durante 74 dias. O desenho experimental foi completamente ao acaso, com três tratamentos (250 peixes/m3, 350 peixes/m3 e 450 peixes/m3) e quatro réplicas. Os parâmetros físico-químicos da água foram monitorados durante o experimento. A elevação da densidade de criação causou redução no peso final dos peixes, no ganho de peso, no ganho de peso diário, no comprimento padrão e na taxa de sobrevivência, bem como elevou a taxa de conversão alimentar. Entretanto, densidades mais elevadas reduziram o efeito na variação de peso. Não houve influência da densidade de criação nos parâmetros de biomassa final, da concentração de glicose sanguínea e de cortisol sérico. Portanto, o aumento na densidade de criação compromete o desenvolvimento e a taxa de sobrevivência dos peixes, mas não influencia os parâmetros fisiológicos de estresse. Assim, o tratamento com 250 peixes/m3 apresentou resultados mais apropriados ao melhor desempenho dos peixes. Intensification of tilapia production can cause negative implications on performance and welfare of fishes. Thus, it is essential to determine a correct density for optimal production. This study aimed to evaluate performance and animal welfare of juvenile Nile tilapia with an initial weight average of 30g (± 2.70) reared using three different stocking densities in floating net-cages. Fish were fed three times a day with feed containing 32% crude protein during 74 days. The experimental design was completely randomized with 3 treatments (250 fish/m3, 350 fish/m3 and 450 fish/m3) and 4 replicas. The physical - chemical parameters of water were monitored throughout the experiment. Increase in stocking density caused a decrease in the final weight of fish, weight gain, daily weight gain, standard length and survival, as well as an increase in feed conversion. However, higher densities seem to reduce the effect on weight variation. There was no influence of stocking density on final biomass, blood glucose and serum cortisol concentrations. Therefore, the increase of stocking density compromised development and survival of fish, but did not influence the physiological parameters of stress. Thus, treatment with 250 fish/m3 was shown to be the most suitable for fish performance.

Foundation for the Advancement of Science (FAPDF) ; National Research Council, Ministry of Science and Technology (CNPq/MCT) ; Agency for Training Human Resources, Ministry of Education (CAPES/ME), Brazil . Universidade de Brasilia. Faculdade de Medicina. Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Doen?as de Chagas. Brasilia, DF, Brazil. Universidade de Brasilia. Faculdade de Medicina. Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Doen?as de Chagas. Brasilia, DF, Brazil. Universidade de Brasilia. Faculdade de Medicina. Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Doen?as de Chagas. Brasilia, DF, Brazil. Universidade de Brasilia. Faculdade de Medicina. Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Doen?as de Chagas. Brasilia, DF, Brazil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Universidade de Brasilia. Faculdade de Medicina. Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Doen?as de Chagas. Brasilia, DF, Brazil. American trypanosomiasis is transmitted to humans by triatomine bugs through the ingestion of contaminated food, by blood transfusions or accidently in hospitals and research laboratories. In addition, the Trypanosoma cruzi infection is transmitted congenitally from a chagasic mother to her offspring, but the male partner's contribution to in utero contamination is unknown. The findings of nests and clumps of amastigotes and of trypomastigotes in the theca cells of the ovary, in the goniablasts and in the lumen of seminiferous tubules suggest that T. cruzi infections are sexually transmitted. The research protocol herein presents the results of a family study population showing parasite nuclear DNA in the diploid blood mononuclear cells and in the haploid gametes of human subjects. Thus, three independent biological samples collected one year apart confirmed that T. cruzi infections were sexually transmitted to progeny. Interestingly, the specific T. cruzi antibody was absent in the majority of family progeny that bore immune tolerance to the parasite antigen. Immune tolerance was demonstrated in chicken refractory to T. cruzi after the first week of embryonic growth, and chicks hatched from the flagellate-inoculated eggs were unable to produce the specific antibody. Moreover, the instillation of the human semen ejaculates intraperitoneally or into the vagina of naive mice yielded T. cruzi amastigotes in the epididymis, seminiferous tubule, vas deferens and uterine tube with an absence of inflammatory reactions in the immune privileged organs of reproduction. The breeding of T. cruzi-infected male and female mice with naive mates resulted in acquisition of the infections, which were later transmitted to the progeny. Therefore, a robust education, information and communication program that involves the population and social organizations is deemed necessary to prevent Chagas disease.

This study aims to assess relationships between some aspects of physiology and haematology of rams from different breeds, as well as the possible influences of environmental and climatic conditions (dry or wet seasons) on animal physiology. Eighteen purebred rams from six different breeds (Santa Ines, Bergamasca, Hampshire Down, Texel, Ile de France and Dorper) and origins were used in two seasons in Central Brazil. Body Weight (BW), Rectal Temperature (RT) and blood parameters were measured and compared their selves between dry and wet seasons and between breeds. BW, RT, RBC (red blood cells), MCV (mean corpuscular volume), MCHC (mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) and TPP (total plasma protein) were highly significant (p 0.001) affect BW, RT, PCV (packed cell volume), RBC, Hb (haemoglobin) and PPT. The effect of season on breed was significant (p

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o efeito da ingestão de ractopamina nas concentrações 0 ppm (controle), 10 ppm, 20 ppm e 40 ppm na ração, sobre os parâmetros fisiológicos e imunológicos, por meio da análise dos parâmetros hematológicos e da concentração sérica de cortisol e lactato, em 80 tilápias do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) da linhagem GIFT, com peso médio de 500 gramas, distribuídas aleatoriamente em 16 caixas d'água, com capacidade para 500 litros, com a densidade de 5 animais. Retirando-se ao dia 0 1 animal de cada caixa e cada 20 dias, 2 peixes por caixa, totalizando 8 peixes de cada tratamento. Coletaram-se amostras de sangue para dosagem de cortisol, lactato e parâmetros hematológicos (contagem de hemácias, leucócitos, proteínas totais - PPT, volume globular – VG, hemoglobina. O lactato apresentou uma diminuição significativa (p

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak that began in 1978 in Paracambi municipality, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, and the steps taken by the Brazilian authorities to eradicate the disease. The presence of ASF in the country was confirmed by isolating the virus, and its pathogenicity was certified by the laboratory of the Plum Island Disease Center, New York, United States. Even before the laboratory results became available, the Brazilian Agriculture Ministry declared an Animal Health Emergency, in which the official Veterinary Services adopted rapid control measures to restrain and eradicate the disease. These control measures contributed to the reorganisation of the national swine industry and stimulated the use of high-technology production techniques, as well as an improvement in herd health consciousness. All this contributed to Brazil becoming the largest meat exporter in the world.

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare physical parameters in groups of sheep with different phenotypic characteristics in the Centre-west region of Brazil. Five groups of sheep, with nine animals per group, were selected, three groups of Santa Inês animals with different coat colours (white, brown and black), one group with crossbred animals (Santa Inês × Bergamasca) and one group with animals of the Bergamasca breed. The following traits were evaluated: coat thickness, number and length of hair, pigmentation level in the coat and the skin as well as the percentage area of sweats glands in the skin tissue, carried out by histological analysis. The number of hairs and the area of sweats glands were not significantly different between the evaluated groups. The Bergamasca breed showed low pigmentation of the skin and long hairs. The levels of pigmentation of the hair and of the skin were highly correlated. Between the Santa Inês groups, the group with white hair showed the better parameters for heat adaptation, while the brown hair group showed the lower heat adaptation when compared with another hair breed groups.

It was studied whether vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) colonize poultry raised without receiving antimicrobial growth promoters (AGP), in non-intensive production systems. A total of 200 cloacal swabs were colleted in farms (n=40) of eight different regions of the Distrito Federal. After selective isolation, the typical enterococcal colonies were submitted to the multiplex PCR to identify enterococcal species (E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. gallinarum, and E. casseliflavus), and genes coding for high-level vancomycin resistance phenotypes. No VRE were found in the examined samples. The prevalence rates were higher for E. gallinarum (n=26; 13.0%) and E. casseliflavus (n=11; 5.5%). It was found remarkable differences in the prevalence of E. gallinarum and E. casseliflavus among the poultry farms and studied regions, and it seems that poultry raised in non-intensive production systems in the Distrito Federal of Brazil are not reservoirs of VRE.

A análise de um banco de dados de crescimento em ovinos Bergamácia (pesos até dois anos de idade de 1982 a 1996) foi feita usando-se métodos não-lineares para determinar parâmetros de três curvas (Brody, Richards e Logística) de crescimento. Os parâmetros das curvas foram analisados pelo Statistical Analysis System (SAS) usando o procedimento GLM e CORR para determinar fatores que influenciaram os parâmetros e as correlações entre os parâmetros e pesos dos animais. O sistema de manejo foi semi-extensivo com os ovinos ao pasto durante o dia e presos à noite para proteger dos predadores. Os fatores fixos incluídos foram ordem do parto, sexo do cordeiro, tipo de nascimento, mês e ano. As médias dos parâmetros das curvas foram: Richards - A = 50,024, B = 0,647, k = 0,003, M = 17,771 e R² = 0,838; Brody - A= 52,763, B=0,885, k =0,003, R²= 0,842; Logístico - A=47,894, B=-3,895, k=0,007 e R²= 0,840. O meio ambiente influenciou o crescimento e a reprodução de ovinos na região de Brasília. A correlação negativa entre k e A indica que animais que amadurecem mais cedo têm menos probabilidade de atingir pesos adultos mais altos que animais que amadurecem tardiamente. A curva Logística estimou o peso adulto dos animais com média inferior às das outras curvas. Os pesos atuais estão, contudo, mais bem correlacionados com os estimados pela Logística. Não houve diferença entre os três tipos de curvas em termos de R². O quadrado médio do resíduo foi maior para a curva de Richards. A curva recomendada para ajustar dados de crescimento de ovinos da raça Bergamácia é Logística.Fifteen years of data from a flock of Bergamasca sheep weighed every two weeks was analyzed using non-linear methods to determine parameters of three growth curves (Brody , Richards and Logistic). The curve parameters were analyzed using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) procedures GLM and CORR to determine factors which influenced them and correlations between the parameters and weights at determined ages. Fixed effects in the model included lambing number, sex of lamb, type of birth and month and age of lambing. The management system is semi-extensive, with the sheep at pasture during the day and imprisoned at night to protect them against predators. Means of the parameters were: Richards; A = 50.024, B = 0.647, k = 0.003, M = 17.771 and R²= 0.838; Brody; A= 52.763, B=0.885, k=0.003, R²= 0.842; Logistic; A =47.894, B=-3.895, k=0.007 and R²= 0.840. The environment influenced the growth of sheep in the region of Brasilia. The Logistic curve estimated adult weights lower than the other curves but the actual weights were better correlated with those estimated by this curve. There was no difference between the curves in terms of R², and the error mean square was higher for the Richards curve. The negative correlation between A and k indicates that early maturing animals were less likely to reach high mature weights, compared with late maturing ones. The recommended curve for adjusting growth curves in Bergamasca sheep is the Logistic curve.

Submitted by Guilherme Lemeszenski (guilherme@nead.unesp.br) on 2013-08-22T19:06:25Z No. of bitstreams: 1 S1516-35982002000600016.pdf: 184872 bytes, checksum: fa2664e389086e7f949a9a4275b5602c (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2013-08-22T19:06:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 S1516-35982002000600016.pdf: 184872 bytes, checksum: fa2664e389086e7f949a9a4275b5602c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2002-06-01 Made available in DSpace on 2013-09-30T18:28:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S1516-35982002000600016.pdf: 184872 bytes, checksum: fa2664e389086e7f949a9a4275b5602c (MD5) S1516-35982002000600016.pdf.txt: 38777 bytes, checksum: 3bc09433f810ffdcc9c48834a2f5eb82 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2002-06-01 Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-20T13:41:25Z No. of bitstreams: 2 S1516-35982002000600016.pdf: 184872 bytes, checksum: fa2664e389086e7f949a9a4275b5602c (MD5) S1516-35982002000600016.pdf.txt: 38777 bytes, checksum: 3bc09433f810ffdcc9c48834a2f5eb82 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-20T13:41:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S1516-35982002000600016.pdf: 184872 bytes, checksum: fa2664e389086e7f949a9a4275b5602c (MD5) S1516-35982002000600016.pdf.txt: 38777 bytes, checksum: 3bc09433f810ffdcc9c48834a2f5eb82 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2002-06-01 Como em outros seres vivos, também nas células das aves ocorre a síntese das proteínas de baixo peso molecular (Hsp), cujo aumento é induzido sob condições de estresse. As Hsps têm um papel importante na manutenção da integridade celular, questiona-se o seu envolvimento no mecanismo de proteção celular de órgãos alvos na ocorrência da síndrome ascítica (SA). Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a temperatura corporal e os níveis da Hsp70 no coração e pulmão de frangos de corte Hubbard (sensível à SA) e caipira de pescoço-pelado (resistente), criados em termoneutralidade (25°C) e frio (16°C) entre 10 e 45 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 192 pintos machos, 96 de cada linhagem. Não houve mortalidade por SA nas aves caipiras. Nas aves Hubbard, a mortalidade devida à SA foi de 4% e 41% em ambiente termoneutro e frio, respectivamente. em ambiente frio, a temperatura corporal das aves Hubbard foi menor que a das caipiras. A temperatura corporal e o nível de Hsp70 do coração das aves Hubbard diminuíram com o aumento da idade, mas não nas aves caipiras, os quais se mantiveram constantes, inclusive a Hsp70 do pulmão. Independente da idade ou da temperatura, o nível de Hsp70 no pulmão das aves caipiras era superior ao das aves Hubbard. em relação às aves Hubbard, as caipiras são homeotérmicas mais competentes e apresentam uma maior indução de Hsp70 nos órgãos primariamente afetados na SA, mas este não parece ser o sistema de proteção contra SA, a qual as aves de pescoço pelado são resistentes. Similar to other living animals, the cells of the birds also synthesize small proteins (heat shock protein, Hsp), which increasing levels can be induce by stress. The Hsp have a relevant function in maintaining the integrity of the cell, and we question if they are involved in the mechanism of the cellular protection of target organs affected by ascites syndrome (AS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the body temperature, and the Hsp70 levels in the heart and lungs of broilers Hubbard (sensitive to AS) and naked-neck (resistant), raised under thermo-neutral (25C) or cold (16C) environments between 10 and 45 days of raising. We used 192 male chicks, 96 from each broiler strain. No AS mortality occurred among naked-neck birds, but 4% and 41% of Hubbard broilers submitted, respectively, to thermo-neutral and cold temperatures died due to AS. The body temperatures of cold-exposed-Hubbard-birds were lowers than that of naked-necks. The Hsp70 levels of heart and the body temperature of Hubbard chicks decreased as the age increased, for naked-neck these variables were constant during their lives, including the Hsp70 level in the lung cells. Independently from age or temperature effects, the lung cells of naked-neck birds had higher Hsp70 levels than those of Hubbard chickens. Comparing to Hubbard broilers, the naked-neck birds are more competent homoeothermics, and present superior level of Hsp70 in the organs firstly affected by AS, but it did not seem the system of protection against AS, in which the naked-neck birds are resistant. UFV Departamento de Zootecnia FCAVJ Departamento de Tecnologia UNESP Departamento de Produção e Exploração Animal FCAVJ Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal FCAVJ UNESP Departamento de Produção e Exploração Animal

Submitted by Guilherme Lemeszenski (guilherme@nead.unesp.br) on 2013-08-22T19:06:15Z No. of bitstreams: 1 S1516-35982001000400021.pdf: 37232 bytes, checksum: e7f0a4961d4b55800d93329ef403be85 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2013-08-22T19:06:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 S1516-35982001000400021.pdf: 37232 bytes, checksum: e7f0a4961d4b55800d93329ef403be85 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2001-06-01 Made available in DSpace on 2013-09-30T17:55:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S1516-35982001000400021.pdf: 37232 bytes, checksum: e7f0a4961d4b55800d93329ef403be85 (MD5) S1516-35982001000400021.pdf.txt: 30244 bytes, checksum: a51496d3c6485829b124586be56e4eeb (MD5) Previous issue date: 2001-06-01 Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-20T13:13:38Z No. of bitstreams: 2 S1516-35982001000400021.pdf: 37232 bytes, checksum: e7f0a4961d4b55800d93329ef403be85 (MD5) S1516-35982001000400021.pdf.txt: 30244 bytes, checksum: a51496d3c6485829b124586be56e4eeb (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-20T13:13:38Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S1516-35982001000400021.pdf: 37232 bytes, checksum: e7f0a4961d4b55800d93329ef403be85 (MD5) S1516-35982001000400021.pdf.txt: 30244 bytes, checksum: a51496d3c6485829b124586be56e4eeb (MD5) Previous issue date: 2001-06-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) O presente experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da restrição protéica ou energética, entre o 8º e o 14º dia de idade, sobre o crescimento e a composição da carcaça de frangos de corte criados em diferentes temperaturas ambientes. Foram utilizados 900 pintos de um dia, machos, da linhagem Ross, os quais foram alojados em três diferentes câmaras climatizadas nas temperaturas de 18, 25 ou 33°C, do 1º ao 42º dia de idade. Para cada temperatura, o delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, em que as parcelas corresponderam ao programa alimentar (controle - 2850 kcal EM/kg e 20% de proteína bruta do 1º ao 21º dia de idade e 3040 kcal EM/kg e 17% de PB do 22º ao 42º dia; restrição energética - 2565 kcal EM/kg e 20% de PB e restrição protéica - 2850 kcal EM/kg e 15% de PB entre o 8º e o 14º dia de idade) e as subparcelas, à idade das aves. Entre o 1º e o 7º dia de idade e após o período de restrição as aves receberam a mesma dieta do que os animais controles. Foram avaliados o peso vivo e a composição da carcaça das aves. Os resultados mostraram que, de forma independente da temperatura de criação, as restrições alimentares (energética ou protéica) não afetaram o peso vivo e a composição da carcaça aos 42 dias de idade, evidenciando que o frango em temperaturas ambientes diversas mantém a capacidade de ganho compensatório. The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of protein or energy restriction from 8th to 14th days of age, on growth and carcass composition of broiler chickens raised at different environmental temperatures. It was used 900 day-old, male chickens from Ross strain, reared in three environmentally controlled rooms where ambient temperature were maintained at 18, 25 and 33°C up to 42 days of age. For each temperature, a split-plot design was used with feed program as the main plot (control - 2850 kcal ME/kg and 20% of crude protein from 1 to 21 days and 3040 kcal ME/kg and 17% of crude protein from 22 to 42 days; energy restriction - 2565 kcal ME/kg and 20% of crude protein and protein restriction - 2850 kcal ME/kg and 15% of crude protein from 8th to 14th days of age) and age as the sub-plot. From 1 to 7 days of age and after restriction period, the chicks were fed with the control diet. The body weight and carcass composition were analyzed. The results showed that, irrespective of ambient temperature, the qualitative energy or protein restriction did not affect the body weight and carcass composition at 42 days of age, indicating that broilers kept a compensatory gain ability in different ambient temperatures. Universidade Estadual Paulista FCAV Universidade Estadual Paulista FCAV Departamento de Ciências Exatas Universidade Estadual Paulista FCAV Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal Universidade Estadual Paulista FCAV Universidade Estadual Paulista FCAV Departamento de Ciências Exatas Universidade Estadual Paulista FCAV Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal

Submitted by Guilherme Lemeszenski (guilherme@nead.unesp.br) on 2013-08-22T19:08:04Z No. of bitstreams: 0 Made available in DSpace on 2013-08-22T19:08:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2000-04-01 Made available in DSpace on 2013-09-30T20:12:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2000-04-01 Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-20T13:15:33Z No. of bitstreams: 0 Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-20T13:15:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2000-04-01 O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar o desenvolvimento de ascites em duas linhagens diferentes de frangos de corte, Hubbard e Pescoço-pelado, através da variação da viscosidade do sangue. As aves foram criadas até 45 dias de idade em duas temperaturas ambiente diferentes (termoneutra e fria) e com dieta de ração à base de milho e farelo de soja, peletizada e de alta energia. Aos 28 e 45 dias de idade, amostras de 8 mL de sangue foram obtidas para determinação da viscosidade aparente em um viscosímetro de cilindros concêntricos da marca Brookfield, modelo LVDII+ e para determinação do hematócrito. Aos 28 dias de idade foram verificadas algumas ocorrências de ascite nas aves da linhagem Hubbard criadas à temperatura ambiente fria, e aos 45 dias de idade, todos os frangos de corte dessa linhagem criados no ambiente frio apresentaram ascite. A linhagem Pescoço-pelado foi resistente ao desenvolvimento de ascite em todas as idades e temperaturas ambiente. A análise dos resultados da viscosidade aparente do sangue indicaram que aves com valores similares ou maiores que 4 cP (centipoise) apresentaram ascite. Podemos concluir que na linhagem comercial o valor de 4 cP para a viscosidade aparente parece identificar o desenvolvimento de ascite. The objective of this work was to investigate the development of ascites in broilers from Hubbard and Naked-neck strains based on the change in blood viscosity. The broilers were reared up to 45 days of age at different environmental temperatures (thermoneutral or cold) and fed pelleted diets with high energy content. At 28 and 45 days, blood samples were obtained to measure the apparent blood viscosity, using a viscosimeter of concentric cylinders, and hematocrit. The results showed that at 28 days of age, some occurrence of ascites was verified in Hubbard birds living in the cold environment, but at 45 days of age all the birds reared at cold temperature had developed ascites. The Naked-neck broilers were resistant to the development of ascites at all ages and environmental temperatures. The analysis of blood apparent viscosity revealed that in birds having values similar or higher than 4 cP (centipoise) were ascitics. In conclusion, the findings of this work suggest that 4 cP of blood apparent viscosity seems to be a threshold for detecting ascites development in commercial broiler strain. Universidade Estadual Paulista Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas e Veterinárias Universidade Estadual Paulista Universidade Estadual Paulista Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas e Veterinárias Universidade Estadual Paulista

The Trypanosoma cruzi acute infections acquired in infancy and childhood seem asymptomatic, but approximately one third of the chronically infected cases show Chagas disease up to three decades or later. Autoimmunity and parasite persistence are competing theories to explain the pathogenesis of Chagas disease 1, 2. To separate roles played by parasite persistence and autoimmunity in Chagas disease we inoculate the T. cruzi in the air chamber of fertilized eggs. The mature chicken immune system is a tight biological barrier against T. cruzi and the infection is eradicated upon development of its immune system by the end of the first week of growth 3. The chicks are parasite-free at hatching, but they retain integrated parasite mitochondrial kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) minicircle within their genome that are transferred to their progeny. Documentation of the kDNA minicircle integration in the chicken genome was obtained by a targeted prime TAIL-PCR, Southern hybridizations, cloning, and sequencing 3, 4. The kDNA minicircle integrations rupture open reading frames for transcription and immune system factors, phosphatase (GTPase), adenylate cyclase and phosphorylases (PKC, NF-Kappa B activator, PI-3K) associated with cell physiology, growth, and differentiation 3, 5-7, and other gene functions. Severe myocarditis due to rejection of target heart fibers by effectors cytotoxic lymphocytes is seen in the kDNA mutated chickens, showing an inflammatory cardiomyopathy similar to that seen in human Chagas disease. Notably, heart failure and skeletal muscle weakness are present in adult chickens with kDNA rupture of the dystrophin gene in chromosome 1 8. Similar genotipic alterations are associated with tissue destruction carried out by effectors CD45+, CD8γδ+, CD8α lymphocytes. Thus this protozoan infection can induce genetically driven autoimmune disease.

Background The administration of anti-trypanosome nitroderivatives curtails Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Chagas disease patients, but does not prevent destructive lesions in the heart. This observation suggests that an effective treatment for the disease requires understanding its pathogenesis. Methodology/Principal Findings To understand the origin of clinical manifestations of the heart disease we used a chicken model system in which infection can be initiated in the egg, but parasite persistence is precluded. T. cruzi inoculation into the air chamber of embryonated chicken eggs generated chicks that retained only the parasite mitochondrial kinetoplast DNA minicircle in their genome after eight days of gestation. Crossbreeding showed that minicircles were transferred vertically via the germ line to chicken progeny. Minicircle integration in coding regions was shown by targeted-primer thermal asymmetric interlaced PCR, and detected by direct genomic analysis. The kDNA-mutated chickens died with arrhythmias, shortness of breath, cyanosis and heart failure. These chickens with cardiomyopathy had rupture of the dystrophin and other genes that regulate cell growth and differentiation. Tissue pathology revealed inflammatory dilated cardiomegaly whereby immune system mononuclear cells lyse parasite-free target heart fibers. The heart cell destruction implicated a thymus-dependent, autoimmune; self-tissue rejection carried out by CD45+, CD8γδ+, and CD8α lymphocytes. Conclusions/Significance These results suggest that genetic alterations resulting from kDNA integration in the host genome lead to autoimmune-mediated destruction of heart tissue in the absence of T. cruzi parasites., Author Summary The Trypanosoma cruzi acute infections can be asymptomatic but approximately one third of the chronically infected cases may present Chagas disease. Parasite persistence and autoimmunity are theories trying to explain the clinical and pathological manifestations of Chagas disease in the heart and the digestive system. To clearly demonstrate roles played by parasite persistence and autoimmunity in Chagas disease we used a chicken model refractory to the T. cruzi. In this study we inoculated the invasive T. cruzi in the air chamber of embryonated eggs. The infection was eradicated by the innate immunity and the chicks were parasite-free at hatching, but they retained the parasitic mitochondrial kinetoplast DNA minicircle in their genome. We documented the kDNA minicircle integrated in the chicken genome by a targeted prime TAIL-PCR, Southern hybridizations, cloning and sequencing. The kDNA minicircles integrated in coding regions of various chromosomes, and mutated chickens developed an inflammatory cardiomyopathy hallmark of Chagas disease, whereby immune system mononuclear cells lyse parasite-free target heart fibers. Genotype alterations resulting from transfers of the parasitic DNA were associated with the tissue destruction carried out by effectors CD45+, CD8γδ+, CD8α lymphocytes. This research provides insights about a protozoan infection that can induce genetically driven autoimmune disease.

1. This study was conducted to verify the impact of different kinds of material and the number of times of litter reuse on the incidence of chicken pathologies. Approximately 4·5 million broilers from conventional Brazilian farms were evaluated in the abattoir for cellulitis, arthritis and contact foot-pad dermatitis. 2. Four different kinds of litter material, Brachiaria grass, corncob, sawdust and rice shell, were used. Brachiaria grass litter showed the highest incidence of contact foot-pad dermatitis. Corncob litter also showed some negative effects on foot quality. Broilers raised on rice shell litter showed good results in terms of the incidence of contact foot-pad dermatitis. The best results were obtained with sawdust litter, because the incidence of cellulitis and arthritis were the lowest and the incidence of contact foot-pad dermatitis was also very low.

Resumen pt: A dosagem de cortisol tem sido um parâmetro bastante utilizado atualmente para medir o nivel de estresse de sistemas de criacoes de animais de producao. ...

Avaliou-se o efeito da restrição alimentar qualitativa, protéica ou energética sobre o ganho de peso e desenvolvimento ósseo de frangos criados em diferentes temperaturas ambientes. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, com os tratamentos em um esquema fatorial 3×3, com os fatores: restrição alimentar (R0 = ad libitum; R1 = restrição energética; R2 = restrição protéica) e temperatura ambiente (T1 = 18ºC; T2 = 25ºC; T3 = 33º C). Do 8º ao 14º dia, os frangos foram submetidos à restrição energética (2565kcal de EM/kg e 20% de proteína bruta) ou protéica (2850kcal de EM/kg e 15% de proteína bruta), sendo, posteriormente, alimentados à vontade. A restrição protéica resultou em menor ganho de peso e menor diâmetro do fêmur no 14º dia de idade. Não foram observadas diferenças nessas características a partir do 21° dia de idade. O ganho de peso e o crescimento do fêmur não foram influenciados pela restrição energética. A alta temperatura ambiente (33ºC) influenciou negativamente o ganho de peso e o diâmetro do fêmur, a partir do 21° dia, e o comprimento do fêmur, no 42º dia de idade. Tanto a restrição protéica, na segunda semana, quanto a alta temperatura ambiente, a partir do 21º dia de idade, reduziram o ganho de peso e o crescimento do fêmur de frangos. The effect of protein or energy restriction during the second week post-hatching on body weight gain and femur development of broiler chickens reared at different environmental temperatures (18ºC, 25ºC and 33ºC) was studied. From 1 to 7 days of age and after a restriction period broilers were fed on a control diet with 2850 kcal ME/kg and 20% crude protein. From 8 to 14 days of age, two groups of broilers were fed on restricted energy and protein diets with 2565kcal ME/kg and 20% of crude protein or 2850kcal ME/kg and 15% of crude protein, respectively. At 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days, the bones were weighed and the length and width of bones measured. The protein restriction reduced the body weight gain and the diameter of bone at second week of life. After 21 days of age no differences between treatments for these traits were observed. The body weight gain and femur growth were not affected by energy restriction. The high temperature (33°C) reduced weight gain and femur diameter from 21 to 42 days of age, and femur length at 42 days of age. The protein restriction at second week or the high environmental temperature after 21st day of life decreased body weight gain and femur growth of broiler chickens.

Objective To evaluate the use of a combination of tiletamine/zolazepam and xylazine (TZX) in collared and white-lipped peccaries and to compare its efficacy as an anesthetic technique with that of tiletamine/zolazepam and butorphanol (TZB). Study design Prospective experimental trial. Animals Seven white-lipped peccaries ( Tayassu pecari ) (four females and three males) and four collared peccaries ( Tayasu tajacu ) (two males and two females). Methods Animal immobilization was attempted with TZX and TZB (IM) on two different occasions. Heart and respiratory rates (HR, RR), rectal temperature (RT), sedation, muscle relaxation, posture, auditory response and analgesia were evaluated every 15 minutes during immobilization. Induction, anesthesia, standing and walking time were determined after drug administration. Results Doses for white-lipped peccaries were 1.23 ± 0.26 mg kg −1 (mean ± SD) of TZ and 1.23 ± 0.26 mg kg −1 of X, and 1.46 ± 0.09 mg kg −1 of TZ and 0.14 ± 0.008 mg kg −1 of B; doses for collared peccaries were 1.51 ± 0.29 mg kg −1 of TZ and 1.51 ± 0.29 mg kg −1 of X and 1.68 ± 0.02 mg kg −1 of TZ and 0.17 ± 0.002 mg kg −1 of B. In white-lipped peccaries, both drug combinations provided a smooth induction and good immobilization for more than an hour. Anesthesia and standing times were significantly longer in animals given TZB, whereas walking time was significantly longer in animals given TZX. A significant decrease in HR was observed with both treatments. Respiratory rate decreased significantly with TZX, but the rate remained higher than with TZB. Induction and recovery quality in white-lipped peccaries was better with TZB than with TZX. Neither protocol provided adequate immobilization in collared peccaries. Conclusion and clinical relevance At the doses described, TZB is effective in providing a long period of immobilization, whereas TZX is adequate for short to medium immobilization in white-lipped peccaries. Neither drug combination was effective in collared peccaries at the doses given.

We examined cloacal samples from poultry raised on nonintensive production farms in Brazil for the presence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci. No VanA- or VanB-containing enterococci were identified in a total of 200 cloacal swabs. The most prevalent species were Enterococcus gallinarum ( vanC1 ; 13.0%) and E. casseliflavus ( vanC2/3 ; 5.5%).