Bone Growth and Meat Quality of Quails Submitted to Different Lighting Programs

The present study was executed to evaluate the effect of lighting programs for meat quails on their bone growth and development. A total of 1500 sexed European quails (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) were distributed using a completely randomized design in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, with two sexes and three lighting programs (natural, intermittent, and continuous) with five replicates of 50 quails. The lighting programs were applied in the period from 7 to 49 d of age. Weekly slaughterings were performed to remove the tibiotarsus and femur and subsequently determine weight, length, dry and mineral matter content. The growth and deposition curves of dry and mineral matter in the bones were obtained using the Gompertz model. There was no significant interaction between lighting programs and sex for the estimates of the Gompertz curve parameters of all variables studied. There was an effect of the lighting programs only on the time needed to reach the maximum deposition rate of the growth curve and dry and mineral matter deposition. Females showed higher weight and deposition of mineral matter at maturity, and took longer to reach the maximum deposition rate value for these variables. There was influence of the lighting programs on resistance and bone deformity of the tibiotarsus. For quails raised in the tropical region, a natural or intermittent lighting program must be used, as it does not compromise the development of bones and assures bone quality.(AU)

Luz artificial na reprodução equina ­ Revisão / Artificial lighting in the equine reproduction ­ A review

Os equinos são animais poliéstricos sazonais, fotoperiódico positivos, apresentando ciclos reprodutivos em estações definidas do ano, primavera e verão, e estações com ausência ou baixa atividade reprodutiva, outono e inverno. A necessidade da maximização do período reprodutivo, bem como a definição de um ano hípico iniciando em julho, no hemisfério sul (para algumas raças como o Puro Sangue de Corrida e o Quarto de milha) levou ao desenvolvimento de técnicas para diminuir o tempo que essas éguas permanecem em anestro reprodutivo. Uma das técnicas mais utilizadas destaca-se o uso de iluminação artificial. Consistindo no fornecimento de luz branca incandescente ou led azul ou branco em baias, piquetes ou por meio de máscaras, a fim de simular os efeitos de dias longos no organismo assim liberar o eixo hipotalâmico-hipofisário-gonadal. Para estimular o retorno antecipado à ciclicidade, a égua deve ser exposta a um estímulo de 14 a 15 horas de luz diárias, totalizando 9 a 10 horas de escuridão, ou receber um estímulo de 1 hora de luz, aproximadamente 9 horas após o anoitecer. É fundamental que a égua esteja com escore corporal adequado e alguns cuidados com o fornecimento da luz artificial sejam atendidos, como a continuidade no fornecimento para o sucesso da técnica.(AU)

Horses are seasonally breeding animals which means that they natural breed in specific seasons (Spring, and Summer), with non or low reproductive activity on the other seasons (Winter and Fall). The development of techniques to shorten the anoestrus can be necessary to anticipate the breeding season, starting in July in the Southern Hemisphere, for some breeds such as Thoroughbred and Quarter Horses. The most common technique is the use of artificial lighting with incandescent, or blue/white led light, applied in stalls, paddocks or with a light mask to mimic the effects of a long day and release the hipotalamic-hipophysarie-gonadal axis. To stimulate an early return to cyclicity, the mare should be exposed to a 14-to-15-hour light stimulus daily, totalling 9 to 10 hours of darkness, or receive a 1-hour light stimulus, approximately 9 hours after dusk. It is fundamental that the mare has an adequate body condition score and some awareness with the provision of artificial light are considered, such as the continuity of the light program for the success of the technique.(AU)

Salmonella Serovars Isolated from Poultry Breeding Flocks under the Brazilian Official Control Programme Between 2016 and 2018

The control of Salmonella in the poultry production chain combined with biosecurity measures is an important tool to maintain and guarantee the sanitary status of Brazilian flocks. The aim of this work was to compare official laboratory data on molecular typification of Salmonella isolates from poultry breeding flocks in different Brazilian states between 2016 and 2018 and identify the production category with the most positive flocks, in light of current legislation. Surveillance data of positive samples from the official Brazilian Salmonella Control Programme sent to Federal Agricultural Defence Laboratory of São Paulo (LFDA-SP) after molecular characterization were analysed. These data were subject to an exploratory study, undergoing a descriptive statistical analysis followed by the use of frequency and non-parametric hypothesis tests. Overall, 49 serovars were detected in poultry broiler-breeder and layer-breeder flocks. Salmonella ser. Heidelberg, Salmonella ser. Anatum, Salmonella ser. Newport, Salmonella ser. Schwarzengrund and Salmonella ser. Mbandaka were the five most common isolated serovars. The data shows that there is an opportunity to improve biosecurity measures in parent breeder flocks. A total of 16 serovars were identified in turkey-breeders. Salmonella ser. Anatum, Salmonella ser. Newport, Salmonella ser. Brandenburg, Salmonella ser. Litchfield, and Salmonella ser. Livingstone were the most common ones. The four official controlled serovars represented a small part of the isolated strains. These data demonstrate the importance of an official program in Brazil for Salmonella surveillance in breeder flocks combined with biosecurity measures.(AU)

Utilização de métodos alternativos como indutor de muda forçada em codornas poedeiras / Use of alternative methods as an inducer of forced molting in laying quail

Objetivou-se avaliar métodos alternativos de restrição alimentar qualitativa e quantitativa em comparação à técnica convencional de muda forçada em codornas japonesas para o segundo ciclo de produção. O período de muda forçada teve duração de 10 dias e dois períodos de 21 dias de pós-muda. Foram utilizadas 72 codornas japonesas fêmeas, emfinal de produção com 72 semanas deidade. As aves foram distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos e quatro repetições cada, com seiscodornas por repetição. Os tratamentos experimentais foram:T1 ­aves submetidas a três dias de jejum com posterior fornecimento de ração de postura à vontade por setedias; T2 ­aves que receberam alimentação controlada (10 g/ave/dia) por 10 dias; T3 ­aves que receberam farelo de arroz à vontade por 10 dias. Durante todo o experimento todasas aves foram submetidas a iluminação natural com média de 12 horas de luz diária e água a vontade e após os 10 dias de muda foi fornecido ração de postura a vontade. A utilização do T2 (10 g/ave/dia de ração de postura) e de farelo de arroz como alimentoalternativo no programa de muda forçada foi viável. Mesmo a perda de peso sendo abaixo do recomentado, as aves que receberam 10 g de ração ave/dia e farelo de arroz à vontade apresentaram resultados de desempenho e qualidade do ovo pós muda semelhantes àsaves que ficaram em jejum, além de possibilitar melhores condições de bem-estar animal.(AU)

The objective was to evaluate alternative methods of qualitative and quantitative feed restriction compared to theconventional technique of forced moulting in Japanese quails for the second production cycle. The forced moulting period lasted 10 days and two 21-day post-molt periods. 72 female Japanese quails were used, at the end of production at 72 weeks of age. Thebirds were distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments and four replications each, with sixquails per replicate. The experimental treatments were: T1 ­birds submitted to three days of fasting with subsequent provision of layingfeed ad libitum for sevendays; T2 ­birds that received controlled feeding (10 g/bird/day) for 10 days; T3 ­birds that received rice bran ad libitum for 10 days. Throughout the experiment, all birds were submitted tonatural lighting with an average of12hours of daily light and water ad libitum and after 10 days of molting, laying feed was provided ad libitum. The use of T2 (10 g/bird/day of laying ration) and ricebran as an alternativefood in the forced molt program was feasible. Even the weight loss being below the recommended, the birds that received 10 g of poultry feed/day and rice bran ad libitum showed similar post-moult performance and egg quality results to birds that were fasted, in addition to enabling better conditions. of animal welfare.(AU)

Ocorrência de perigos físicos em alimentos / Occurrence of physical hazards in food

A ocorrência de matérias estranhas com potencial perigo físico em alimentos é um grande desafio para a indústria alimentícia, e a análise microscópica é provavelmente o instrumento mais útil para detectá-las e identificá-las. Considerando a escassez de dados sobre os perigos físicos em produtos alimentícios no Brasil, o objetivo deste estudo foi descrever essa ocorrência nos produtos analisados no Núcleo de Morfologia e Microscopia do Centro de Alimentos do Laboratório Central do Instituto Adolfo Lutz (IAL), em São Paulo, no período de 2008 a 2020. Os resultados revelaram que, das 7.221 amostras de alimentos analisadas, 89 (1,2%) estavam em desacordo com a legislação em vigor, por conterem perigos físicos. De acordo com a categoria de alimentos, a ocorrência foi maior para bebidas (43%), seguida de cereais, farinha e farelo (22%). Quanto ao tipo de matéria estranha, os plásticos (duros e flexíveis) foram os mais frequentes (48%), seguidos dos metais (15%) entre as partículas perigosas detectadas nas amostras. A detecção e identificação de perigos físicos, por meio de análises microscópicas, contribuem para a segurança e qualidade dos produtos alimentícios oferecidos à população (AU).

The occurrence of physical hazards in food is a great challenge for the food industry, and microscopic analysis is probably the most useful instrument to detect and identify them. Considering the scarcity of data on physical hazards in food products in Brazil, the aim of this study was to describe this occurrence in the products analyzed at the Nucleus of Morphology and Microscopy of the Food Center of the Adolf Lutz Institute's Central Laboratory (IAL) in São Paulo, from 2008 to 2020. Results revealed that of the 7,221 analyzed food samples, 89 (1.2%) did not comply with the legislation due to the presence of physical hazards. According to the food category, the occurrence was higher in beverages (43%), followed by cereals, yeasts, flour and bran (22%). Regarding the type of foreign matter, among the dangerous particles detected, the most frequently found were plastics (48%) (hard and flexible), followed by metals (15%). The detection and identification of physical hazards by microscopic analysis contributes to the safety and quality of food products offered to the public. (AU)

Morphological characterization of remaining specimens of the Curraleiro horse in Central Brazil / Caracterização morfológica de espécimes remanescentes do cavalo Curraleiro no Brasil Central

This study aimed to carry out the morphological characterization of the remaining specimens of the Curraleiro horse in municipalities of the state of Goiás, Brazil. Forty male horses were evaluated using the age of five years as a criterion. Sixteen linear measurements and 13 zootechnical indices were obtained. Subsequently, the mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, and covariances of these measures and indices were obtained using the software IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows. The measures withers height (WH), croup height (CH), midback height (MH), sternum-to-ground height (SH), chest index (CI), and estimated weight (W) allowed characterizing Curraleiro horses as small-sized, light, and fast, with proportional measures. The dactyl-thoracic index (DTI), body index (BI), conformation index (CFI), load index 1 and 2 (LOI1 and LOI2), and compactness index 1 and 2 (COI1 and COI2) showed that the Curraleiro horse has an intermediate capacity for speed and strength, bearing considerable weight on the back, with saddling aptitude and fast work. These results represent the beginning of the formation of a database that may contribute to future studies and the conservation of the Curraleiro horse in the state of Goiás.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi a realização da caracterização morfológica de espécimes remanescentes do cavalo Curraleiro em municípios do estado de Goiás, Brasil. Foram avaliados 40 cavalos machos, tendo como critério a idade a partir de cinco anos, dos quais se obteve 16 medidas lineares e 13 índices zootécnicos. Posteriormente, a média, o desvio padrão, o mínimo, o máximo e as covariâncias dessas medidas e índices foram obtidos por meio da utilização do software IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows. As medidas altura da cernelha (AC), altura da garupa (AG), altura do costado (ACost), vazio subesternal (VAZ), índice peitoral (IP) e peso estimado (P) permitiram caracterizar os cavalos Curraleiros como um grupo de pequeno porte, leve, veloz e com medidas proporcionais. Os índices dáctilo-torácico (IDT), corporal (IC), de conformação (ICF), de carga 1 e 2 (ICG1 e ICG2) e de compacidade 1 e 2 (ICO1 e ICO2) demonstraram que o cavalo Curraleiro tem capacidade intermediária para velocidade e força, suportam considerável peso sobre o dorso, e possuem aptidão para sela e tração ligeira. Tais resultados representam o início da formação de uma base de dados que pode contribuir para estudos futuros e a conservação do cavalo Curraleiro no estado de Goiás.(AU)

Effect of photoperiod on intestinal microbiota and circadian rhythm, and its influence on performance, the immune system and the welfare of broiler chickens

The intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens still reserves a great amount of secrets and mysteries. However, it is known that it acts directly on the host's health, but that it is also influenced by several factors, among them the light. Due to the importance of the world production of birds, this review of literature had the objective to shelter the most recent studies, which relate the photoperiod and the circadian rhythm, with the intestinal microbiota, the zootechnical performance, the immune system and the welfare of broiler chickens. Describing in a single work the existence of a bilateral relationship between the intestinal microbiota, the immune system and its host, and that can be directly influenced by light management.

Effect of photoperiod on intestinal microbiota and circadian rhythm, and its influence on performance, the immune system and the welfare of broiler chickens

The intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens still reserves a great amount of secrets and mysteries. However, it is known that it acts directly on the host's health, but that it is also influenced by several factors, among them the light. Due to the importance of the world production of birds, this review of literature had the objective to shelter the most recent studies, which relate the photoperiod and the circadian rhythm, with the intestinal microbiota, the zootechnical performance, the immune system and the welfare of broiler chickens. Describing in a single work the existence of a bilateral relationship between the intestinal microbiota, the immune system and its host, and that can be directly influenced by light management.(AU)

Efeito de protocolo hormonal e programa de luz artificial na gestação de éguas receptoras de embrião durante o período de transição de primavera / Effect of hormonal protocol and artificial light program on the pregnancy of embryo recipient mares during spring transition period

O objetivo do estudo foi comparar o efeito das técnicas hormonais e de luz artificial nas éguas receptoras de embrião acíclicas avaliando as taxas de gestação aos 14 e 28 dias durante a fase de transição de primavera. Os 48 animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente nos grupos: controle (CONT, n=16), éguas cíclicas na fase ovulatória; luz artificial (LUZ, n=16), éguas acíclicas submetidas ao tratamento de luz artificial; e hormônio (HORM, n= 16), éguas acíclicas submetidas ao protocolo hormonal na fase de transição. As éguas do grupo LUZ foram estimuladas por 60 dias com luz artificial durante cinco horas por dia. Nos grupos CONT e LUZ, quando observada a presença de folículo 35 mm de diâmetro e edema uterino grau II, foram administrados 1,5 mg de acetato de deslorelina e 1500 UI de hCG para induzir a ovulação. As éguas do grupo HORM foram tratadas com três doses de 1,5 mg de benzoato de estradiol e seguiram os mesmos protocolos dos Grupos CONT e LUZ. Foi avaliada a taxa de gestação por ultrassonografia aos 14 dias e confirmação aos 28 em todos os grupos experimentais. Foi realizada análise descritiva e teste Qui-quadrado (significância de 5%). Taxas de gestação aos 14 e 28 dias foram semelhantes (p>0,05) entre todos os grupos. Os tratamentos HORM e LUZ durante o período de transição inverno-primavera mostraram-se eficazes para atender ao programa de transferência de embr

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of hormonal and artificial light techniques on acyclic embryo recipient mares by assessing pregnancy rates at 14 and 28 days during the spring transition period. The 48 animals were randomly assigned to the groups: control (CONT, n = 16), cyclic mares in the ovulatory phase; artificial light (LIGHT, n = 16), acyclic mares subjected to artificial light treatment; and hormone (HORM, n = 16), acyclic mares submitted to hormonal protocol in transition phase. In the LIGHT group, mares were stimulated with artificial light for five hours a day, for 60 days. In CONT and LIGHT groups, when a follicle ≥ 35 mm in diameter and uterine edema ≥ grade II were observed, 1.5 mg of deslorelin acetate and 1500 IU hCG were administered to induce ovulation. In the HORM group, mares were treated with three doses of 1.5 mg of estradiol benzoate and followed the same protocols as the CONT and LIGHT groups. Pregnancy rate was assessed by ultrasound at 14 days and confirmation at 28 days in all experimental groups. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test (5% significance) were performed. Pregnancy rates at 14 and 28 days were similar (p> 0.05) among all groups. The HORM and LIGHT treatments during the winter-spring transition period proved to be effective during the embryo transfer programs. As it is a more natural method, the LIGHT protocol has the potential to be one more biotechnological tool in equine reproduction.(AU)

Efeito de protocolo hormonal e programa de luz artificial na gestação de éguas receptoras de embrião durante o período de transição de primavera / Effect of hormonal protocol and artificial light program on the pregnancy of embryo recipient mares during spring transition period

O objetivo do estudo foi comparar o efeito das técnicas hormonais e de luz artificial nas éguas receptoras de embrião acíclicas avaliando as taxas de gestação aos 14 e 28 dias durante a fase de transição de primavera. Os 48 animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente nos grupos: controle (CONT, n=16), éguas cíclicas na fase ovulatória; luz artificial (LUZ, n=16), éguas acíclicas submetidas ao tratamento de luz artificial; e hormônio (HORM, n= 16), éguas acíclicas submetidas ao protocolo hormonal na fase de transição. As éguas do grupo LUZ foram estimuladas por 60 dias com luz artificial durante cinco horas por dia. Nos grupos CONT e LUZ, quando observada a presença de folículo 35 mm de diâmetro e edema uterino grau II, foram administrados 1,5 mg de acetato de deslorelina e 1500 UI de hCG para induzir a ovulação. As éguas do grupo HORM foram tratadas com três doses de 1,5 mg de benzoato de estradiol e seguiram os mesmos protocolos dos Grupos CONT e LUZ. Foi avaliada a taxa de gestação por ultrassonografia aos 14 dias e confirmação aos 28 em todos os grupos experimentais. Foi realizada análise descritiva e teste Qui-quadrado (significância de 5%). Taxas de gestação aos 14 e 28 dias foram semelhantes (p>0,05) entre todos os grupos. Os tratamentos HORM e LUZ durante o período de transição inverno-primavera mostraram-se eficazes para atender ao programa de transferência de embr

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of hormonal and artificial light techniques on acyclic embryo recipient mares by assessing pregnancy rates at 14 and 28 days during the spring transition period. The 48 animals were randomly assigned to the groups: control (CONT, n = 16), cyclic mares in the ovulatory phase; artificial light (LIGHT, n = 16), acyclic mares subjected to artificial light treatment; and hormone (HORM, n = 16), acyclic mares submitted to hormonal protocol in transition phase. In the LIGHT group, mares were stimulated with artificial light for five hours a day, for 60 days. In CONT and LIGHT groups, when a follicle ≥ 35 mm in diameter and uterine edema ≥ grade II were observed, 1.5 mg of deslorelin acetate and 1500 IU hCG were administered to induce ovulation. In the HORM group, mares were treated with three doses of 1.5 mg of estradiol benzoate and followed the same protocols as the CONT and LIGHT groups. Pregnancy rate was assessed by ultrasound at 14 days and confirmation at 28 days in all experimental groups. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test (5% significance) were performed. Pregnancy rates at 14 and 28 days were similar (p> 0.05) among all groups. The HORM and LIGHT treatments during the winter-spring transition period proved to be effective during the embryo transfer programs. As it is a more natural method, the LIGHT protocol has the potential to be one more biotechnological tool in equine reproduction.

Efeito de protocolo hormonal e programa de luz artificial na gestação de éguas receptoras de embrião durante o período de transição de primavera / Effect of hormonal protocol and artificial light program on the pregnancy of embryo recipient mares during spring transition period

O objetivo do estudo foi comparar o efeito das técnicas hormonais e de luz artificial nas éguas receptoras de embrião acíclicas avaliando as taxas de gestação aos 14 e 28 dias durante a fase de transição de primavera. Os 48 animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente nos grupos: controle (CONT, n=16), éguas cíclicas na fase ovulatória; luz artificial (LUZ, n=16), éguas acíclicas submetidas ao tratamento de luz artificial; e hormônio (HORM, n= 16), éguas acíclicas submetidas ao protocolo hormonal na fase de transição. As éguas do grupo LUZ foram estimuladas por 60 dias com luz artificial durante cinco horas por dia. Nos grupos CONT e LUZ, quando observada a presença de folículo ≥ 35 mm de diâmetro e edema uterino ≥ grau II, foram administrados 1,5 mg de acetato de deslorelina e 1500 UI de hCG para induzir a ovulação. As éguas do grupo HORM foram tratadas com três doses de 1,5 mg de benzoato de estradiol e seguiram os mesmos protocolos dos Grupos CONT e LUZ. Foi avaliada a taxa de gestação por ultrassonografia aos 14 dias e confirmação aos 28 em todos os grupos experimentais. Foi realizada análise descritiva e teste Qui-quadrado (significância de 5%). Taxas de gestação aos 14 e 28 dias foram semelhantes (p>0,05) entre todos os grupos. Os tratamentos HORM e LUZ durante o período de transição inverno-primavera mostraram-se eficazes para atender ao programa de transferência de embrião. Por ser um método mais natural, o protocolo LUZ tem potencial como mais uma ferramenta biotecnológica na reprodução de equinos.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of hormonal and artificial light techniques on acyclic embryo recipient mares by assessing pregnancy rates at 14 and 28 days during the spring transition period. The 48 animals were randomly assigned to the groups: control (CONT, n = 16), cyclic mares in the ovulatory phase; artificial light (LIGHT, n = 16), acyclic mares subjected to artificial light treatment; and hormone (HORM, n = 16), acyclic mares submitted to hormonal protocol in transition phase. In the LIGHT group, mares were stimulated with artificial light for five hours a day, for 60 days. In CONT and LIGHT groups, when a follicle ≥ 35 mm in diameter and uterine edema ≥ grade II were observed, 1.5 mg of deslorelin acetate and 1500 IU hCG were administered to induce ovulation. In the HORM group, mares were treated with three doses of 1.5 mg of estradiol benzoate and followed the same protocols as the CONT and LIGHT groups. Pregnancy rate was assessed by ultrasound at 14 days and confirmation at 28 days in all experimental groups. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test (5% significance) were performed. Pregnancy rates at 14 and 28 days were similar (p> 0.05) among all groups. The HORM and LIGHT treatments during the winter-spring transition period proved to be effective during the embryo transfer programs. As it is a more natural method, the LIGHT protocol has the potential to be one more biotechnological tool in equine reproduction.

Biological activity using dynamic speckle in blood serum of mares in different reproductive stages / Atividade biológica por speckle dinâmico em soro sanguíneo de éguas em diferentes estágios reprodutivos

This study aimed to evaluate the biological activity in blood serum plasma samples from mares at different reproductive stages using dynamic speckle analysis. For this purpose, samples were collected from 40 Mangalarga Machador mares from the Formoso 2S horse farm in Cajueiro, AL. The mares were classified into four groups of ten animals each according to the pregnancy stage: ten empty mares (not pregnant), ten pregnant mares in the early third of pregnancy between one month and four months, ten pregnant mares in the final third of the pregnancy between seven and eleven months, and ten lactating mares (within two months post-partum). The biological activity response using a dynamic speckle (biospeckle) was obtained by capturing images reflected by a coherent light (diode laser with a wavelength of 532 nm and intensity of 3 mW) on a sample using a CCD (charge coupled device) camera. This data was analyzed using image processing techniques through the computational application SpeckleTHSP-MCO-Descritores (STMD), applying THSP (time history speckle pattern) methodology, which evaluates the temporal evolution of the interference image from spreading over the sample surface over time. A coherence matrix generated from the THSP was used to present the intensity module dispersion, which provided the bioactivity data. These data were then processed using the program OriginPro 8. Ink, generate graphs and compare the results from the different groups under study. A general biospeckle signature was observed regardless of the mares’ reproductive stage considered in this study. A short phase of movement of the samples associated with an accommodation of the drop on the slide was observed. It was followed by an ascending curve starting between 5 and 10 min of observation, reaching a peak within 15 and 25 min, and finally decayed uniformly until almost zero after 45 min. The group of pregnant mares in the final third of pregnancy presented superior bioactivity compared to pregnant mares in the early third of pregnancy. The curve observed for the group of lactating mares is similar to the curve obtained for the group of pregnant mares in the early third of pregnancy. Bioactive molecules act as dispersion elements of coherent light incident on a sample. The variation inherent to the presence of bioactive molecules in the different stages evaluated influenced the biospeckle pattern detected in each sample. It was concluded that the biological activity peaks of the blood plasma samples from the mares evaluated in this study using the dynamic speckle analysis technique were different for both amplitude and time of occurrence, according to the different reproductive stages.

Objetivou-se com esse estudo, avaliar os picos de atividade biológica de amostras de plasma sanguíneo de éguas em diferentes estágios reprodutivos, por análise de speckle dinâmico. Foram utilizadas amostras de 40 éguas da raça Mangalarga Marchador pertencentes ao Haras Formoso 2S localizado na cidade de Cajueiro – AL. As éguas foram divididas em 4 grupos de 10 animais cada, classificados de acordo com a fase de gestação, sendo 10 éguas vazias (não prenhes), 10 éguas prenhas no terço inicial de gestação entre 1 e 4 meses, 10 éguas em terço final de gestação entre 7 e 11 meses e 10 éguas em fase de lactação (até o segundo mês pós-parto). A obtenção da leitura de atividade biológica por speckle dinâmico (biospeckle) foi feita através da captura de imagens refletidas por uma luz coerente (laser de diodo com comprimento de onda de 532 nm e intensidade de 3mW) por meio de uma câmera CCD (charge coupled device) nas amostras de soro sanguíneo. Esses dados foram analisados através de técnicas de processamento de imagens pelo aplicativo computacional Speckle-THSP-MCO-Descritores (STMD), empregando-se o método de THSP (time history speckle pattern), que avalia a evolução temporal da figura de interferência a partir do espalhamento pela superfície da amostra ao longo do tempo. A partir do THSP foi gerada uma matriz de co-ocorrência, usada para apresentar o MDI (módulo de dispersão de intensidades), que forneceu os dados da bioatividade das amostras. Os dados obtidos foram então tratados pelo programa OriginPro 8.Ink, para geração de gráficos e comparação dos mesmos entre os grupos estudados. Observou-se que, independente do estágio reprodutivo das éguas considerado nesse estudo, existe uma assinatura geral de atividade captada pelo biospeckle. Ocorreu uma curta fase de movimentação das amostras, provavelmente associada à acomodação da gota na lâmina, seguida de uma curva ascendente iniciada entre o minuto 5 e 10 de avaliação, que alcança seu pico em uma faixa de tempo entre o minuto 15 e 25, decaindo de maneira uniforme até praticamente se anular quando passados 45 minutos de análise. O grupo de éguas em terço final de gestação apresentou bioatividade das amostras superior, quando comparadas às éguas que estão em terço inicial. A curva observada no grupo de éguas em lactação se assemelha um pouco à curva do grupo de terço inicial. A variação inerente à presença de moléculas bioativas nas diferentes fases avaliadas, que atuam como elementos dispersores de uma luz coerente incidida nas amostras, aparentemente influenciam no padrão de biospeckle detectado em cada uma delas. Conclui-se que os picos de atividade biológica de amostras de plasma sanguíneo de éguas avaliadas pela técnica de análise de speckle dinâmico, mostram-se distintos tanto em amplitude quanto em tempo de ocorrência, de acordo com os estágios reprodutivos das fêmeas.

Biological activity using dynamic speckle in blood serum of mares in different reproductive stages / Atividade biológica por speckle dinâmico em soro sanguíneo de éguas em diferentes estágios reprodutivos

This study aimed to evaluate the biological activity in blood serum plasma samples from mares at different reproductive stages using dynamic speckle analysis. For this purpose, samples were collected from 40 Mangalarga Machador mares from the Formoso 2S horse farm in Cajueiro, AL. The mares were classified into four groups of ten animals each according to the pregnancy stage: ten empty mares (not pregnant), ten pregnant mares in the early third of pregnancy between one month and four months, ten pregnant mares in the final third of the pregnancy between seven and eleven months, and ten lactating mares (within two months post-partum). The biological activity response using a dynamic speckle (biospeckle) was obtained by capturing images reflected by a coherent light (diode laser with a wavelength of 532 nm and intensity of 3 mW) on a sample using a CCD (charge coupled device) camera. This data was analyzed using image processing techniques through the computational application SpeckleTHSP-MCO-Descritores (STMD), applying THSP (time history speckle pattern) methodology, which evaluates the temporal evolution of the interference image from spreading over the sample surface over time. A coherence matrix generated from the THSP was used to present the intensity module dispersion, which provided the bioactivity data. These data were then processed using the program OriginPro 8. Ink, generate graphs and compare the results from the different groups under study. A general biospeckle signature was observed regardless of the mares reproductive stage considered in this study. A short phase of movement of the samples associated with an accommodation of the drop on the slide was observed. It was followed by an ascending curve starting between 5 and 10 min of observation, reaching a peak within 15 and 25 min, and finally decayed uniformly until almost zero after 45 min. The group of pregnant mares in the final third of pregnancy presented superior bioactivity compared to pregnant mares in the early third of pregnancy. The curve observed for the group of lactating mares is similar to the curve obtained for the group of pregnant mares in the early third of pregnancy. Bioactive molecules act as dispersion elements of coherent light incident on a sample. The variation inherent to the presence of bioactive molecules in the different stages evaluated influenced the biospeckle pattern detected in each sample. It was concluded that the biological activity peaks of the blood plasma samples from the mares evaluated in this study using the dynamic speckle analysis technique were different for both amplitude and time of occurrence, according to the different reproductive stages.(AU)

Objetivou-se com esse estudo, avaliar os picos de atividade biológica de amostras de plasma sanguíneo de éguas em diferentes estágios reprodutivos, por análise de speckle dinâmico. Foram utilizadas amostras de 40 éguas da raça Mangalarga Marchador pertencentes ao Haras Formoso 2S localizado na cidade de Cajueiro AL. As éguas foram divididas em 4 grupos de 10 animais cada, classificados de acordo com a fase de gestação, sendo 10 éguas vazias (não prenhes), 10 éguas prenhas no terço inicial de gestação entre 1 e 4 meses, 10 éguas em terço final de gestação entre 7 e 11 meses e 10 éguas em fase de lactação (até o segundo mês pós-parto). A obtenção da leitura de atividade biológica por speckle dinâmico (biospeckle) foi feita através da captura de imagens refletidas por uma luz coerente (laser de diodo com comprimento de onda de 532 nm e intensidade de 3mW) por meio de uma câmera CCD (charge coupled device) nas amostras de soro sanguíneo. Esses dados foram analisados através de técnicas de processamento de imagens pelo aplicativo computacional Speckle-THSP-MCO-Descritores (STMD), empregando-se o método de THSP (time history speckle pattern), que avalia a evolução temporal da figura de interferência a partir do espalhamento pela superfície da amostra ao longo do tempo. A partir do THSP foi gerada uma matriz de co-ocorrência, usada para apresentar o MDI (módulo de dispersão de intensidades), que forneceu os dados da bioatividade das amostras. Os dados obtidos foram então tratados pelo programa OriginPro 8.Ink, para geração de gráficos e comparação dos mesmos entre os grupos estudados. Observou-se que, independente do estágio reprodutivo das éguas considerado nesse estudo, existe uma assinatura geral de atividade captada pelo biospeckle. Ocorreu uma curta fase de movimentação das amostras, provavelmente associada à acomodação da gota na lâmina, seguida de uma curva ascendente iniciada entre o minuto 5 e 10 de avaliação, que alcança seu pico em uma faixa de tempo entre o minuto 15 e 25, decaindo de maneira uniforme até praticamente se anular quando passados 45 minutos de análise. O grupo de éguas em terço final de gestação apresentou bioatividade das amostras superior, quando comparadas às éguas que estão em terço inicial. A curva observada no grupo de éguas em lactação se assemelha um pouco à curva do grupo de terço inicial. A variação inerente à presença de moléculas bioativas nas diferentes fases avaliadas, que atuam como elementos dispersores de uma luz coerente incidida nas amostras, aparentemente influenciam no padrão de biospeckle detectado em cada uma delas. Conclui-se que os picos de atividade biológica de amostras de plasma sanguíneo de éguas avaliadas pela técnica de análise de speckle dinâmico, mostram-se distintos tanto em amplitude quanto em tempo de ocorrência, de acordo com os estágios reprodutivos das fêmeas.(AU)

Mid-pregnancy ewe shearing and the effects on fetus liver and muscle glycoprotein deposits

The reason why shearing ewes in midpregnancy does increase the lamb birth weight is not completely clears. Therefore, we focused on the analyses of the deposition of glycogen in different fetal tissues to investigate this issue. Thirteen pregnant Australian Merino ewes, raised in native pasture, were separated in two groups. One group (n = 7) was shorn (SE) at 70 days of pregnancy, whereas another group (n = 6) remained unshorn (NSE). Cesarean section was conducted in all the ewes at near parturition, when placenta and fetuses sampling were collected. Placenta, liver and muscle samples were fixed and stained with glycoproteinreactive acid-Schiff acid for analysis under light microscopy. The quantification of these glycoproteins was performed with the support of a program that analyzes the measurement of the intensity of staining by field. Five random fields from each sample were used, where statistical analyzes was used as normal test T. Among the analyzed regions, the deposition of glycoprotein between SE and NSE groups was statistically different in the hepatic portal vein (54,499.23 µm2 in SE and 34,830.73 µm2 in NSE) and in the total muscle area of the sample fragment (41,128, 7 µm2 and 31,942.7 µm2 , respectively; P < 0.05). We conclude that shearing ewes at the 70th day of gestation lead to accumulation of glycoproteins in the liver and muscle of fetuses, which may be responsible for the increase in birth weights in that group.(AU)

Mid-pregnancy ewe shearing and the effects on fetus liver and muscle glycoprotein deposits

The reason why shearing ewes in midpregnancy does increase the lamb birth weight is not completely clears. Therefore, we focused on the analyses of the deposition of glycogen in different fetal tissues to investigate this issue. Thirteen pregnant Australian Merino ewes, raised in native pasture, were separated in two groups. One group (n = 7) was shorn (SE) at 70 days of pregnancy, whereas another group (n = 6) remained unshorn (NSE). Cesarean section was conducted in all the ewes at near parturition, when placenta and fetuses sampling were collected. Placenta, liver and muscle samples were fixed and stained with glycoproteinreactive acid-Schiff acid for analysis under light microscopy. The quantification of these glycoproteins was performed with the support of a program that analyzes the measurement of the intensity of staining by field. Five random fields from each sample were used, where statistical analyzes was used as normal test T. Among the analyzed regions, the deposition of glycoprotein between SE and NSE groups was statistically different in the hepatic portal vein (54,499.23 µm2 in SE and 34,830.73 µm2 in NSE) and in the total muscle area of the sample fragment (41,128, 7 µm2 and 31,942.7 µm2 , respectively; P < 0.05). We conclude that shearing ewes at the 70th day of gestation lead to accumulation of glycoproteins in the liver and muscle of fetuses, which may be responsible for the increase in birth weights in that group.

Farmer rationality and the adoption of greening practices in Poland

Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform in the European Union introduced a new element: greening. The aim of greening is to support the environment and create non-productive value in agriculture. The main element of greening is the Ecological Focus Area (EFA) meaning that a portion of farmland area has to be designed for environmental purposes. This article consists of an evaluatation of greening and its elements in the first year CAP reform has come into force. Surveys were used as a tool to gather information about farm characteristics, ways to meet greening requirements as well as the opinions of farmers as to changes in direct subsidies and greening obligations. The research was conducted in 2015 directly interviewing 290 farmers from the whole of Poland. The farmers interviewed lived in different parts of the country and had different size farms. Data was prepared with the use of spreadsheets and were analysed using the R statistical program and the gmodel and vcd statistical packages were used during the calculations. Polish farmers are against greening. Greening does not significantly change the way farmers run their farms. They choose the cheapest options of EFA which are usually not the best for the environment. Furthermore, farmers have to bear the cost of introducing the new elements themselves. Despite a high number of environmental and agricultural advantages offered by new farming methods, crop rotation and after-crop sowing duty, CAP reform is assessed in a negative light. As a result of negative opinions held by farmers due to the lack of subsidies, farmers may not continue greening practices in the future.

Farmer rationality and the adoption of greening practices in Poland

Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform in the European Union introduced a new element: greening. The aim of greening is to support the environment and create non-productive value in agriculture. The main element of greening is the Ecological Focus Area (EFA) meaning that a portion of farmland area has to be designed for environmental purposes. This article consists of an evaluatation of greening and its elements in the first year CAP reform has come into force. Surveys were used as a tool to gather information about farm characteristics, ways to meet greening requirements as well as the opinions of farmers as to changes in direct subsidies and greening obligations. The research was conducted in 2015 directly interviewing 290 farmers from the whole of Poland. The farmers interviewed lived in different parts of the country and had different size farms. Data was prepared with the use of spreadsheets and were analysed using the R statistical program and the gmodel and vcd statistical packages were used during the calculations. Polish farmers are against greening. Greening does not significantly change the way farmers run their farms. They choose the cheapest options of EFA which are usually not the best for the environment. Furthermore, farmers have to bear the cost of introducing the new elements themselves. Despite a high number of environmental and agricultural advantages offered by new farming methods, crop rotation and after-crop sowing duty, CAP reform is assessed in a negative light. As a result of negative opinions held by farmers due to the lack of subsidies, farmers may not continue greening practices in the future.(AU)

Intermittent lighting programs for layers with different photophases in the beginning of the laying phase / Programas de iluminação intermitentes para poedeiras com diferentes fotofases ao início da fase de postura

It was possible to evaluate the effect of continuous and intermittent lighting programs with different photophases on the performance and eggs quality of laying hens, applied to the beginning of the laying phase. The authors used 420 Hy-line Brown laying hens with 21 weeks of age, bred on bedding and submitted for six periods of 28 days between the solstice of summer and winter. The three lighting programs were: (PIC) 16 hours of continuos light, intermittent program with initial and final photophases of 15 minutes (PII15) and an intermittent program with initial and final photophases of 30 minutes (PII30). A completely randomized design with ten repetitions of 14 birds was used. The mean values were subjected analysis of variance and analyzed by the Tukey test (5%). The PIC program showed higher feed intake and eggs' mass about the PII15, and the eggs production of birds, in the PIC, was 1.8% greater than the intermittent photoperiods. Programs of light did not change the egg quality. The intermittent programs for semi-heavy laying hens bred on bedding in an open shed, applied at the beginning of the laying phase, reduced the productive performance of the birds without affecting the eggs quality.(AU)

Avaliou-se o efeito de programas de iluminação contínuo e intermitentes com diferentes fotofases sobre o desempenho produtivo e a qualidade de ovos de poedeiras aplicados ao início da fase de postura. Foram utilizadas 420 poedeiras da linhagem Hy line Brown com 21 semanas de idade, criadas sobre cama, submetidas durante seis períodos de 28 dias, entre o solstício de verão e de inverno, a três programas de iluminação: contínuo (PIC) de 16h de luz; programa intermitente com fotofases inicial e final de 15min (PII15); e programa intermitente com fotofases inicial e final de 30min (PII30). Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente casualisado, com dez repetições de 14 aves. Os resultados das médias foram submetidos à análise de variância e analisadas pelo teste de Tukey (5%). O programa PIC apresentou maior consumo de ração e massa de ovos em relação ao PII15, a produção de ovos das aves no PIC foi 1,8% superior aos fotoperíodos intermitentes. Os programas de luz não alteraram a qualidade de ovo. Programas intermitentes para poedeiras semipesadas, criadas sobre cama em galpão aberto, aplicados no início da fase de postura reduzem o desempenho produtivo das aves sem afetar a qualidade de ovos.(AU)

EFEITO MACHO ASSOCIADO A PROGRAMA DE LUZ E SINCRONIZAÇÃO DO ESTRO COM CLOPROSTENOL EM CABRAS LEITEIRAS NA CONTRA-ESTAÇÃO REPRODUTIVA

A eficiência da associação da indução do estro pelo programa de luz seguida da administração de cloprostenol e efeito macho foi estudada em cabras Saanen acíclicas submetidas ao programa de luz (16 h de luz e 8 h de escuridão) por 60 dias (D0-D60). Cabras multíparas e nulíparas foram alocadas em baias com (T1, n = 67 multíparas; T3, n = 41 nulíparas) ou sem (T2, n = 61 multíparas; T4, n = 34 nulíparas) bode vasectomizado (D120-D135 para multíparas e D120-171 para nulíparas). T1, T2 e T4 receberam duas doses de 120 µg de cloprostenol no D135 (manhã) e no D142 (tarde). A dinâmica folicular ovariana foi acompanhada de D0 a D176 em intervalos diferentes. A inseminação artificial foi realizada 10 a 24 h após o início do estro em T1 e T2, enquanto T3 foram cobertas por monta natural controlada. T1 (85,2%) e T3 (91,7%) apresentaram maior frequência (P<0,05) de corpos lúteos (CL) do que T2 (48,8%) e T4 (23,8%) na primeira dose de cloprostenol/efeito macho, mas não ocorreu no momento da 2ª dose de cloprostenol (P>0,05). A taxa de gestação ajustada em 30d diferiram (P<0,05) entre T1 vs. T2 (21,7 e 42,0%) e T3 vs. T4 (98,0 e 63,7%). T1 apresentou maior frequência de CL funcional quando comparado a T2 e T4 (96,9 vs. 66,7%) em D176. Em conclusão, a associação do programa de luz com o efeito macho mostrou-se uma alternativa viável para indução de estro sincronizado em cabras Saanen e a presença de machos foi capaz de eliminar o efeito da ordem de parto em cabritas nulíparas na contra-estação reprodutiva.

The efficiency of combining estrus induction by light program followed by cloprostenol administration and male effect was tested in acyclic Saanen goats were submitted to light program (16 h of light and 8 h of darkness) for 60 days (D0-D60). Multiparous and nulliparous goats were allocated in pains with (T1, n = 67 multiparous; T3, n = 41 nulliparous) or without (T2, n = 61 multiparous; T4, n = 34 nulliparous) vasectomized buck (D120-D135 to multiparous and D120-171 to nulliparous). T1, T2 and T4 received two doses of 120 µg of cloprostenol on D135 (morning) and D142 (afternoon). Ovarian follicular dynamics were recorded from D0 to D176 at different intervals. Artificial insemination was performed 10 to 24 h after estrous onset in T1 and T2 while T3 were hand-mated. T1 (85.2%) and T3 (91.7%) present more (P < 0.05) corpora lutea (CL) than T2 (48.8%) and T4 (23.8%) at the first cloprostenol dose/male effect but not at the time of the 2nd cloprostenol dose (P>0.05). The 30d adjusted gestation rates differed (P<0.05) between T1 vs. T2 (21.7 and 42.0%) and T3 vs. T4 (98.0 and 63.7%). T1 showed a higher frequency of functional CL when compared to T2 and T4 (96.9 vs. 66.7%) at D176. In conclusion, the association of light treatment with male effect proved to be a viable alternative for induction of synchronized estrus on Saanen goats and the male presence was able to eliminate the effect of parity on nulliparous goats at non-breeding season.

Effect of temperature changes on the cercarial-shedding rate of two trematodes

RESUMEN Considerando que la temperatura es un factor clave en la emergencia de cercarias, el objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de ésta variable sobre la emergencia de dos tipos morfológicos de cercarias. Los bioensayos se realizaron con caracoles naturalmente infectados con cercarias de los tipos monostoma o pleurolofocerca, debido a que estos dos tipos fueron los más prevalentes en el ambiente en estudio. Los caracoles fueron ubicados en cápsulas plásticas de 6 ml conteniendo 3 ml de agua reconstituida, y entonces fueron secuencialmente expuestos por 24 h con un ciclo 14:10 h luz:oscuridad a 20, 25 y 30 °C. Los datos fueron analizados a un nivel de significación de p 0.05 con el programa InfoStat. Los resultados mostraron que la temperatura óptima de la emergencia de cercarias estuvo en el rango de 25 °C, y disminuyó significativamente a 30 °C. Se observó también que no existía diferencia significativa en el número de cercarias emergentes entre los dos tipos morfológicos.

ABSTRACT Since temperature is a key condition in the initiation of cercarial emergence, the objective of the work reported here was to evaluate the effect of that variable on the shedding of two morphologic and taxonomic types of cercariae. Bioassays were accordingly performed with snails naturally infected with either monostome or pleurolophocercous cercariae because those two cercarial types were found to be the most prevalent in the environment under study. The snails were placed in 6-ml circular plastic dishes with soft plastic stoppers containing 3 ml of reconstituted water and then sequentially exposed for 24 h to a 14:10-h light:dark cycle at 20, 25, or 30 °C. The data were analyzed at a significance level of p 0.05 by means of the InfoStat program. The optimum temperature for cercarial emergence was typically in the range of 25 °C and decreased significantly at 30 °C. We observed no significant difference in the number of cercariae emerging between the two morphologic types.