Critical aspects of legislation and their impact on the welfare of water buffaloes during transport

Transport is considered a stressful period for livestock that can cause economic and biological losses if inadequate handling procedures exist. Several manuals and guides include recommendations for common domestic species based on scientific evidence. Still, the legislative freedom of each country means that they are not mandatory worldwide, nor do they cover all species, such as the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). This review aims to analyze the legal strictures currently applicable to the transport of this species. Critical aspects of the legislation that address the pre-transport, transportation, and post-transport stages are discussed, focusing on Asian and Latin American countries and the European Union. Areas of opportunity to improve the norms and laws that impact public policies, civil aspects, and water buffalo welfare in production systems are elucidated.

Challenges and perspectives for exploiting donkey milk in the brazilian northeast / Desafios e perspectivas para a exploração do leite asinino no nordeste brasileiro

Known as an animal of multiple functions, the Equus asinus has always been used for various purposes, such as entertainment, horseback riding, means of transport, agricultural traction and dairy farming. Although, donkeys are associated with a vast heritage of social, cultural, economic and ecological importance, they have lost their importance in the activities of rural properties, both in the developed economies of European countries and in the Northeast region of Brazil. Specific studies of production systems aimed rational exploitation of the donkey species in Brazil do not exist. New perspectives for the use of donkey in the Brazilian semiarid region through the dairy industry has aroused scientific interest and the interest of investors. The donkey, allied to the low production costs and rusticity of the species, has the capacity to contribute to the economy with products of high biological value and therapeutic characteristics. Thus, this review provided a broad view of the donkey bred in the Northeast of Brazil, observing its characteristics and relevance for the region. The benefits of donkey milk and the need to promote the production and marketing of this milk in the dairy production chain will also be discussed.

Conhecido como um animal de múltiplas funções, o Equus asinus sempre foi utilizado para diversos fins, tais como entretenimento, cavalgadas, meios de transporte, tração agrícola e produção de leite. Embora os asininos estejam associados a um vasto patrimônio social, cultural, econômico e ecológico, eles perderam importância nas atividades das propriedades rurais, tanto nas economias desenvolvidas dos países europeus como na região Nordeste do Brasil. Não existem estudos específicos de sistemas de produção visando a exploração racional das espécies de asininos no Brasil. Novas perspectivas para o uso do asno na região semiárida brasileira através da indústria leiteira despertou o interesse científico e o interesse dos investidores. O asinino, aliado ao baixo custo de produção e à rusticidade da espécie, tem a capacidade de contribuir para a economia com produtos de alto valor biológico e características terapêuticas. Assim, esta revisão forneceu uma visão ampla do asinino criado no Nordeste do Brasil, observando suas características e relevância para a região. Os benefícios do leite asinino e a necessidade de promover a produção e comercialização deste leite na cadeia produtiva do leite também serão discutidos.

Biochemical changes during heat stress in productive animals with an emphasis on the antioxidant defense system

The problem of free radical pathologies in high temperatures in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine is extremely important scientific and practical. In the process of hyperthermia, the structure of cell membranes, the permeability of membranes, and membrane transport systems change, which cause the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids and the accumulation of toxic products of a radical nature. This plays an important role in the development of many pathological conditions. The review article describes the problem of the influence of heat stress (HS) on a living organism and the problem of hyperthermia in animal husbandry. Emphasis is placed on the role of the body's antioxidant system in a state of HS and the use of antioxidant drugs as additives into feed for farm animals, aimed at mitigating the course and harmful effects in HS. On the one hand, our goal was to describe in an accessible form the main complex biochemical disorders in the body under HS conditions, which lead to a deterioration in the welfare and loss of productivity of animals. On the other hand, we tried to show the special role of the antioxidant defense system in preventing the development of oxidative stress in its classical representation. Also, we substantiated the choice in favor of using natural and synthetic antioxidants as one of the strategies for the prevention of HS in modern animal husbandry.(AU)

Biochemical changes during heat stress in productive animals with an emphasis on the antioxidant defense system

The problem of free radical pathologies in high temperatures in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine is extremely important scientific and practical. In the process of hyperthermia, the structure of cell membranes, the permeability of membranes, and membrane transport systems change, which cause the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids and the accumulation of toxic products of a radical nature. This plays an important role in the development of many pathological conditions. The review article describes the problem of the influence of heat stress (HS) on a living organism and the problem of hyperthermia in animal husbandry. Emphasis is placed on the role of the body's antioxidant system in a state of HS and the use of antioxidant drugs as additives into feed for farm animals, aimed at mitigating the course and harmful effects in HS. On the one hand, our goal was to describe in an accessible form the main complex biochemical disorders in the body under HS conditions, which lead to a deterioration in the welfare and loss of productivity of animals. On the other hand, we tried to show the special role of the antioxidant defense system in preventing the development of oxidative stress in its classical representation. Also, we substantiated the choice in favor of using natural and synthetic antioxidants as one of the strategies for the prevention of HS in modern animal husbandry.

Assessment of the microbiological quality of pattern minas cheese commercialized in Uberlândia and Patos de Minas, Minas Gerais / Avaliação microbiológica de queijo minas padrão comercializado em Uberlândia e Patos de Minas, Minas Gerais

Pattern minas cheese is a product developed with pasteurized milk, fermented with mesophilic cultures, and with the final addition of rennet. This cheese undergoes an artisanal maturation process and possesses a firm shell of yellowish color and striking and acidic flavor. Our study objective was to evaluate the microbiological quality of pattern minas cheese. We collected 40 samples from two micro regions (Uberlândia and Patos de Minas) of the Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba mesor regions of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The microbiological test results were recorded as counts of enterobacteria, Escherichia coli, coliforms at 35°C, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus and Salmonella spp. In the Patos de Minas micro region, the results were 45%, 35%, 20%, and 20% higher than 103 CFU/g for the counts of enterobacteria, Escherichia coli, coliforms at 35°C, and Staphylococcus coagulase-positive, respectively. Five percent of the analyzed samples were positive for Salmonella spp. in the Uberlândia micro region. Based on the findings of the microbiota in the cheese analyzed from the micro regions (Uberlândia and Patos de Minas), we concluded that the hygiene conditions in the manufacturing, handling, transport, and storage stages were precarious, requiring the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) systems, including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).(AU)

O queijo minas padrão é um produto elaborado com leite pasteurizado, fermentado com culturas mesófilas e adição de coalho. Esse queijo passa por um processo de maturação artesanal, possui uma casca firme de cor amarelada e sabor ácido. O presente trabalho avaliou a qualidade microbiológica de queijo minas padrão comercializado em duas microrregiões (Uberlândia e Patos de Minas) da mesorregião do Triângulo Mineiro e Alto Paranaíba do estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Foram examinadas 40 amostras de queijo. Os ensaios microbiológicos foram contagens de enterobactérias, Escherichia coli, coliformes a 35 oC, Staphylococcus coagulase positiva e pesquisa de Salmonella spp. Na microrregião de Patos de Minas, os resultados foram de 45%, 35%, 20% e 20% superiores a 103 CFU/g para as contagens de enterobactérias, Escherichia coli, coliformes a 35oC e Staphylococcus coagulase positiva, respectivamente. Cinco por cento das amostras analisadas foram positivas à pesquisa de Salmonella spp. Considerando a microrregião analisada (Uberlândia e Patos de Minas), a conclusão obtida foi que na região estudada, as condições de higiene nas etapas de fabricação, manuseio, transporte e armazenamento do queijo minas padrão são precárias, sendo necessária a implementação de sistemas de Boas Práticas de Fabricação (GMP), incluindo Análise de Perigos e Pontos Críticos de Controle (HACCP).(AU)

Assessment of the microbiological quality of pattern minas cheese commercialized in Uberlândia and Patos de Minas, Minas Gerais / Avaliação microbiológica de queijo minas padrão comercializado em Uberlândia e Patos de Minas, Minas Gerais

Pattern minas cheese is a product developed with pasteurized milk, fermented with mesophilic cultures, and with the final addition of rennet. This cheese undergoes an artisanal maturation process and possesses a firm shell of yellowish color and striking and acidic flavor. Our study objective was to evaluate the microbiological quality of pattern minas cheese. We collected 40 samples from two micro regions (Uberlândia and Patos de Minas) of the Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba mesor regions of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The microbiological test results were recorded as counts of enterobacteria, Escherichia coli, coliforms at 35°C, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus and Salmonella spp. In the Patos de Minas micro region, the results were 45%, 35%, 20%, and 20% higher than 103 CFU/g for the counts of enterobacteria, Escherichia coli, coliforms at 35°C, and Staphylococcus coagulase-positive, respectively. Five percent of the analyzed samples were positive for Salmonella spp. in the Uberlândia micro region. Based on the findings of the microbiota in the cheese analyzed from the micro regions (Uberlândia and Patos de Minas), we concluded that the hygiene conditions in the manufacturing, handling, transport, and storage stages were precarious, requiring the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) systems, including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).(AU)

O queijo minas padrão é um produto elaborado com leite pasteurizado, fermentado com culturas mesófilas e adição de coalho. Esse queijo passa por um processo de maturação artesanal, possui uma casca firme de cor amarelada e sabor ácido. O presente trabalho avaliou a qualidade microbiológica de queijo minas padrão comercializado em duas microrregiões (Uberlândia e Patos de Minas) da mesorregião do Triângulo Mineiro e Alto Paranaíba do estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Foram examinadas 40 amostras de queijo. Os ensaios microbiológicos foram contagens de enterobactérias, Escherichia coli, coliformes a 35 oC, Staphylococcus coagulase positiva e pesquisa de Salmonella spp. Na microrregião de Patos de Minas, os resultados foram de 45%, 35%, 20% e 20% superiores a 103 CFU/g para as contagens de enterobactérias, Escherichia coli, coliformes a 35oC e Staphylococcus coagulase positiva, respectivamente. Cinco por cento das amostras analisadas foram positivas à pesquisa de Salmonella spp. Considerando a microrregião analisada (Uberlândia e Patos de Minas), a conclusão obtida foi que na região estudada, as condições de higiene nas etapas de fabricação, manuseio, transporte e armazenamento do queijo minas padrão são precárias, sendo necessária a implementação de sistemas de Boas Práticas de Fabricação (GMP), incluindo Análise de Perigos e Pontos Críticos de Controle (HACCP).(AU)

Animal welfare: impacts of pre-slaughter operations on the currentpoultry industry

The pre-slaughter operations are characterized by all the steps after the phase of raising at the farm until hanging ofbirds on the slaughter line, and this period is relatively faster than the farm phase. Nevertheless, this phase can cause acutestress in broilers, due to the direct handling of the birds at catching and by offering unknown stressful stimuli to the birdsduring transportation, lairage and hanging on the slaughter line. Other stressful factors such as handling the bird, cratingdensity, impacts on live load, distance and duration of transport between farm and slaughterhouse, and microclimaticconditions in transport and lairage affect the welfare and, consequently, the meat quality of broiler chickens. The effectsof these losses will be felt by all sectors of poultry farming. For all these factors, it is important that the poultry productionchain be aligned in the near future to meet the external and internal consumers' requirements regarding animal welfare.Therefore, the aim of this review is to address the main critical points, which affect the welfare of broilers during pre-slaughter operations in intensive production systems.

Animal welfare: impacts of pre-slaughter operations on the currentpoultry industry

The pre-slaughter operations are characterized by all the steps after the phase of raising at the farm until hanging ofbirds on the slaughter line, and this period is relatively faster than the farm phase. Nevertheless, this phase can cause acutestress in broilers, due to the direct handling of the birds at catching and by offering unknown stressful stimuli to the birdsduring transportation, lairage and hanging on the slaughter line. Other stressful factors such as handling the bird, cratingdensity, impacts on live load, distance and duration of transport between farm and slaughterhouse, and microclimaticconditions in transport and lairage affect the welfare and, consequently, the meat quality of broiler chickens. The effectsof these losses will be felt by all sectors of poultry farming. For all these factors, it is important that the poultry productionchain be aligned in the near future to meet the external and internal consumers' requirements regarding animal welfare.Therefore, the aim of this review is to address the main critical points, which affect the welfare of broilers during pre-slaughter operations in intensive production systems.(AU)

Oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in detoxification systems of snake venom-induced toxicity

Snakebites remain a major life-threatening event worldwide. It is still difficult to make a positive identification of snake species by clinicians in both Western medicine and Chinese medicine. The main reason for this is a shortage of diagnostic biomarkers and lack of knowledge about pathways of venom-induced toxicity. In traditional Chinese medicine, snakebites are considered to be treated with wind, fire, and wind-fire toxin, but additional studies are required. Methods: Cases of snakebite seen at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were grouped as follows: fire toxin - including four cases of bites by Agkistrodon acutus and three bites by Trimeresurus stejnegeri - and wind-fire toxin - four cases of bites by vipers and three bites by cobras. Serum protein quantification was performed using LC-MS/MS. Differential abundance proteins (DAPs) were identified from comparison of snakebites of each snake species and healthy controls. The protein interaction network was constructed using STITCH database. Results: Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering of 474 unique proteins exhibited protein expression profiles of wind-fire toxins that are distinct from that of fire toxins. Ninety-three DAPs were identified in each snakebite subgroup as compared with healthy control, of which 38 proteins were found to have significantly different expression levels and 55 proteins displayed no expression in one subgroup, by subgroup comparison. GO analysis revealed that the DAPs participated in bicarbonate/oxygen transport and hydrogen peroxide catabolic process, and affected carbon-oxygen lyase activity and heme binding. Thirty DAPs directly or indirectly acted on hydrogen peroxide in the interaction network of proteins and drug compounds. The network was clustered into four groups: lipid metabolism and transport; IGF-mediated growth; oxygen transport; and innate immunity. Conclusions: Our results show that the pathways of snake venom-induced toxicity may form a protein network of antioxidant defense by regulating oxidative stress through interaction with hydrogen peroxide.(AU)

Oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in detoxification systems of snake venom-induced toxicity

Snakebites remain a major life-threatening event worldwide. It is still difficult to make a positive identification of snake species by clinicians in both Western medicine and Chinese medicine. The main reason for this is a shortage of diagnostic biomarkers and lack of knowledge about pathways of venom-induced toxicity. In traditional Chinese medicine, snakebites are considered to be treated with wind, fire, and wind-fire toxin, but additional studies are required. Methods: Cases of snakebite seen at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were grouped as follows: fire toxin - including four cases of bites by Agkistrodon acutus and three bites by Trimeresurus stejnegeri - and wind-fire toxin - four cases of bites by vipers and three bites by cobras. Serum protein quantification was performed using LC-MS/MS. Differential abundance proteins (DAPs) were identified from comparison of snakebites of each snake species and healthy controls. The protein interaction network was constructed using STITCH database. Results: Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering of 474 unique proteins exhibited protein expression profiles of wind-fire toxins that are distinct from that of fire toxins. Ninety-three DAPs were identified in each snakebite subgroup as compared with healthy control, of which 38 proteins were found to have significantly different expression levels and 55 proteins displayed no expression in one subgroup, by subgroup comparison. GO analysis revealed that the DAPs participated in bicarbonate/oxygen transport and hydrogen peroxide catabolic process, and affected carbon-oxygen lyase activity and heme binding. Thirty DAPs directly or indirectly acted on hydrogen peroxide in the interaction network of proteins and drug compounds. The network was clustered into four groups: lipid metabolism and transport; IGF-mediated growth; oxygen transport; and innate immunity. Conclusions: Our results show that the pathways of snake venom-induced toxicity may form a protein network of antioxidant defense by regulating oxidative stress through interaction with hydrogen peroxide.(AU)

Utilização de um sistema completamente portátil na produção in vitro de embriões bovinos / Use of a completely portable in vitro system in production of bovine embryos

A produção in vitro de embriões (PIVE) bovinos no Brasil é dependente de transporte de oócitos das fazendas para laboratórios, sendo útil um sistema de incubação que mantenha a competência ao desenvolvimento. Assim, comparou-se a dois sistemas de incubação (mini vs portátil) quanto à qualidade dos embriões produzidos. Oócitos bovinos foram maturados, fecundados e cultivados in vitro. Além disso, foi verificada a produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs). As taxas de clivagem e blastocisto foram similares (p>0,05) para ambos os sistemas. Os níveis de EROs foram significativamente maiores (p<0,05) em embriões de dia 2 produzidos na incubadora mini. Em conclusão, o sistema de incubação portátil mostrou ser uma alternativa viável para PIVE bovina.

The in vitro production of bovine embryos (PIVE) in Brazil, is dependent on oocyte transport from farms to laboratories, and an incubation system that maintains developmental competence is useful. Thus, it was compared to two incubation systems (mini vs portable) regarding the quality of the embryos produced. Bovine oocytes were matured, fertilized and cultured in vitro. In addition, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was verified. The cleavage and blastocyst rates were similar (p>0.05) for both systems. ERO levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) in day 2 embryos produced in the mini incubator. In conclusion, the portable incubation system proved to be a viable alternative for bovine PIVE.

Utilização de um sistema completamente portátil na produção in vitro de embriões bovinos / Use of a completely portable in vitro system in production of bovine embryos

A produção in vitro de embriões (PIVE) bovinos no Brasil é dependente de transporte de oócitos das fazendas para laboratórios, sendo útil um sistema de incubação que mantenha a competência ao desenvolvimento. Assim, comparou-se a dois sistemas de incubação (mini vs portátil) quanto à qualidade dos embriões produzidos. Oócitos bovinos foram maturados, fecundados e cultivados in vitro. Além disso, foi verificada a produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs). As taxas de clivagem e blastocisto foram similares (p>0,05) para ambos os sistemas. Os níveis de EROs foram significativamente maiores (p<0,05) em embriões de dia 2 produzidos na incubadora mini. Em conclusão, o sistema de incubação portátil mostrou ser uma alternativa viável para PIVE bovina.(AU)

The in vitro production of bovine embryos (PIVE) in Brazil, is dependent on oocyte transport from farms to laboratories, and an incubation system that maintains developmental competence is useful. Thus, it was compared to two incubation systems (mini vs portable) regarding the quality of the embryos produced. Bovine oocytes were matured, fertilized and cultured in vitro. In addition, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was verified. The cleavage and blastocyst rates were similar (p>0.05) for both systems. ERO levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) in day 2 embryos produced in the mini incubator. In conclusion, the portable incubation system proved to be a viable alternative for bovine PIVE.(AU)

O modelo dos Cinco Domínios do bem-estar animal aplicado em sistemas intensivos de produção de bovinos, suínos e aves / The Five Domains model of animal welfare applied in intensive animal production systems

A demanda por sistemas intensivos de produção é uma realidade mundial com tendência a crescimento nas próximas décadas. No entanto, esses sistemas apresentam limitações em atender as necessidades físicas, comportamentais e psicológicas dos animais, o que pode acarretar no empobrecimento do bem-estar dos mesmos. Apesar do bem-estar animal já ser amplamente definido, sua avaliação dentro da produção animal ainda é pouco aplicada. Dentre suas formas de avaliação, o modelo dos Cinco Domínios, proposto por Mellor e Reid (1994), atua como um método sistemático que inclui quatro domínios físicos ou funcionais (Nutrição, Ambiente, Saúde e Comportamento) e um domínio mental (Estado Mental ou Afetivo). Este artigo descreve sucintamente as características do modelo Cinco Domínios e exemplifica as possíveis interações entre os domínios do bem-estar animal em três situações reconhecidamente limitantes para bem-estar dos animais de produção: restrição de espaço no confinamento de bovinos, procedimentos dolorosos no manejo de leitões e alta densidade no carregamento e transporte de frangos de corte. Nesse contexto, apesar de não ser possível incluir todos os fatores intervenientes nessa dinâmica, os exemplos apresentados mostram uma visão integrada sobre os riscos de comprometimento do bem-estar dos animais em sistemas intensivos de produção.

A demand for intensive production systems is a global reality with a tendency to grow in the coming decades. However, these systems have limitations in terms of care as physical, behavioral and psychological needs of animals, which can lead to the impoverishment of their welfare. Although animal welfare has already been widely defined, its evaluation within animal production still poorly applied. Among the forms of evaluation of animal welfare, we can consider the “Five Domains” model, proposed initially by Mellor & Reid (1994). This model is a systematic method that includes four physical or functional domains (Nutrition, Environment, Health and Behavior) and a mental domain (Mental or Affective State). This article begins briefly describing the features of the “Five Domains” model. In order to illustrate the possible interactions between the five animal welfare domains, three recognizable situations that affect the welfare of production animals are presented: reduced space allowance at beef feedlot, painful handling of piglets and transport of broilers. In this context, although it is not possible to describe all the intervening factors and their possible combinations that potentially affect animal welfare, we believe that the examples presented showed an integrated view on the risks of compromising the welfare of animals in intensive production systems.

O modelo dos Cinco Domínios do bem-estar animal aplicado em sistemas intensivos de produção de bovinos, suínos e aves / The Five Domains model of animal welfare applied in intensive animal production systems

A demanda por sistemas intensivos de produção é uma realidade mundial com tendência a crescimento nas próximas décadas. No entanto, esses sistemas apresentam limitações em atender as necessidades físicas, comportamentais e psicológicas dos animais, o que pode acarretar no empobrecimento do bem-estar dos mesmos. Apesar do bem-estar animal já ser amplamente definido, sua avaliação dentro da produção animal ainda é pouco aplicada. Dentre suas formas de avaliação, o modelo dos Cinco Domínios, proposto por Mellor e Reid (1994), atua como um método sistemático que inclui quatro domínios físicos ou funcionais (Nutrição, Ambiente, Saúde e Comportamento) e um domínio mental (Estado Mental ou Afetivo). Este artigo descreve sucintamente as características do modelo Cinco Domínios e exemplifica as possíveis interações entre os domínios do bem-estar animal em três situações reconhecidamente limitantes para bem-estar dos animais de produção: restrição de espaço no confinamento de bovinos, procedimentos dolorosos no manejo de leitões e alta densidade no carregamento e transporte de frangos de corte. Nesse contexto, apesar de não ser possível incluir todos os fatores intervenientes nessa dinâmica, os exemplos apresentados mostram uma visão integrada sobre os riscos de comprometimento do bem-estar dos animais em sistemas intensivos de produção.(AU)

A demand for intensive production systems is a global reality with a tendency to grow in the coming decades. However, these systems have limitations in terms of care as physical, behavioral and psychological needs of animals, which can lead to the impoverishment of their welfare. Although animal welfare has already been widely defined, its evaluation within animal production still poorly applied. Among the forms of evaluation of animal welfare, we can consider the “Five Domains” model, proposed initially by Mellor & Reid (1994). This model is a systematic method that includes four physical or functional domains (Nutrition, Environment, Health and Behavior) and a mental domain (Mental or Affective State). This article begins briefly describing the features of the “Five Domains” model. In order to illustrate the possible interactions between the five animal welfare domains, three recognizable situations that affect the welfare of production animals are presented: reduced space allowance at beef feedlot, painful handling of piglets and transport of broilers. In this context, although it is not possible to describe all the intervening factors and their possible combinations that potentially affect animal welfare, we believe that the examples presented showed an integrated view on the risks of compromising the welfare of animals in intensive production systems.(AU)

Efeito de meios diluentes e sistemas de transporte no sêmen congelado analisado pelo método computacional CASA em touros Nelore / Effect of extenders and transportation systems in frozen semen analyzed by computational method HOME in Nelore bulls

Objetivou-se avaliar meios diluentes e sistemas de transporte na qualidade do sêmen congelado pelo CASA em touros Nelore. Foram realizadas cinco coletas de sêmen de 6 touros, diluídas com os meios TRIS e BotuBOV®, refrigeradas em dois tipos de sistemas de transporte BotuBOX® e BotuFLEX®; congeladas e analisadas pelo CASA. A MT foi maior (p<0,05) na associação do meio BotuBOV® + BotuFLEX®(47,3%) quando comparado ao TRIS + BotuBOX® (9%). A MP foi maior (p<0,05) BotuBOV® + BotuFLEX® (37%) quando comparada a TRIS + BotuBOX® (5,9%). O mesmo para VSL, BCF e RAP, os quais foram maiores (p<0,05) em BotuBOV® + BotuFLEX® (65,1μm/s; 30Hz; 44,5%, respectivamente) quando comparados ao sêmen na associação TRIS + BotuBOX® (47,6μm/s; 21,5Hz; 6,9%, respectivamente). Conclui-se que o BotuBOV® em associação ao sistema de transporte refrigerado de sêmen BotuFLEX®, foi considerada pelo CASA, a melhor associação quando se refere a cinética espermática para a criopreservação de sêmen bovino.(AU)

The objective was to evaluate diluents and transport systems on semen quality frozen by CASA in Nellore bulls. Five semen collections of six bulls, diluted with the TRIS and BotuBOV®, were transported out on two types of BotuBOX® and BotuFLEX® systems; frozen and analyzed by CASA. TM was higher (p <0.05) in the association of BotuBOV® + BotuFLEX® (47.3%) when compared to TRIS + BotuBOX® (9%). The PM was higher (p <0.05) BotuBOV® + BotuFLEX® (37%) when compared to TRIS + BotuBOX® (5.9%). The same for VSL, BCF and RAP, which were higher (p<0.05) in BotuBOV® + BotuFLEX® (65.1μm/s, 30Hz, 44.5%, respectively) when compared to semen in the TRIS + BotuBOX® (47.6μm/s, 21.5Hz, 6.9%, respectively). It is concluded that BotuBOV® in association with the refrigerated system of semen BotuFLEX® was considered by CASA to be the best association when referring to sperm kinetics for cryopreservation of bovine semen.(AU)

Efeito de meios diluentes e sistemas de transporte no sêmen congelado analisado pelo método computacional CASA em touros Nelore / Effect of extenders and transportation systems in frozen semen analyzed by computational method HOME in Nelore bulls

Objetivou-se avaliar meios diluentes e sistemas de transporte na qualidade do sêmen congelado pelo CASA em touros Nelore. Foram realizadas cinco coletas de sêmen de 6 touros, diluídas com os meios TRIS e BotuBOV®, refrigeradas em dois tipos de sistemas de transporte BotuBOX® e BotuFLEX®; congeladas e analisadas pelo CASA. A MT foi maior (p<0,05) na associação do meio BotuBOV® + BotuFLEX®(47,3%) quando comparado ao TRIS + BotuBOX® (9%). A MP foi maior (p<0,05) BotuBOV® + BotuFLEX® (37%) quando comparada a TRIS + BotuBOX® (5,9%). O mesmo para VSL, BCF e RAP, os quais foram maiores (p<0,05) em BotuBOV® + BotuFLEX® (65,1μm/s; 30Hz; 44,5%, respectivamente) quando comparados ao sêmen na associação TRIS + BotuBOX® (47,6μm/s; 21,5Hz; 6,9%, respectivamente). Conclui-se que o BotuBOV® em associação ao sistema de transporte refrigerado de sêmen BotuFLEX®, foi considerada pelo CASA, a melhor associação quando se refere a cinética espermática para a criopreservação de sêmen bovino.

The objective was to evaluate diluents and transport systems on semen quality frozen by CASA in Nellore bulls. Five semen collections of six bulls, diluted with the TRIS and BotuBOV®, were transported out on two types of BotuBOX® and BotuFLEX® systems; frozen and analyzed by CASA. TM was higher (p <0.05) in the association of BotuBOV® + BotuFLEX® (47.3%) when compared to TRIS + BotuBOX® (9%). The PM was higher (p <0.05) BotuBOV® + BotuFLEX® (37%) when compared to TRIS + BotuBOX® (5.9%). The same for VSL, BCF and RAP, which were higher (p<0.05) in BotuBOV® + BotuFLEX® (65.1μm/s, 30Hz, 44.5%, respectively) when compared to semen in the TRIS + BotuBOX® (47.6μm/s, 21.5Hz, 6.9%, respectively). It is concluded that BotuBOV® in association with the refrigerated system of semen BotuFLEX® was considered by CASA to be the best association when referring to sperm kinetics for cryopreservation of bovine semen.

Síntese e caracterização de nanopartículas de ouro conjugadas com curcumina e seus efeitos na osteoartrite experimental induzida / Synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles combined with curcumin and its effects on experimentally induced osteoarthritis

A Osteoartrite (OA) é uma denominação clínica para uma combinação de condições patológicas que envolvem a degeneração progressiva da cartilagem articular e remodelação de osso subcondral. A curcumina, um potente agente anti-inflamatório, têm sido extensivamente estudada, no entanto não oferece boa biodisponibilidade sistêmica. Nanopartículas de ouro (AuNPs) apresentam aplicações potenciais na administração de substâncias terapêuticas aumentando a eficiência do transporte de fármacos. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar a síntese e caracterização de um sistema conjugando as AuNPs à curcumina e avaliar seu potencial terapêutico em um modelo experimental de OA em camundongos por desestabilização do menisco medial (DMM). As AuNPs foram conjugadas com curcumina e os sistemas foram caracterizados por espectroscopia no UV-VIS, espalhamento de luz dinâmico (DLS) e determinação do potencial zeta. Formou-se 4 grupos de oito animais cada, denominados A, B, C, D que receberam injeção intra-articular de AuNPs, curcumina, AuNP-curcumina e solução fisiológica, respectivamente. Após 7 semanas, a cartilagem da articulação-femoro- tibio-patelar (AFTP) foi avaliada em uma variação de escore de 0 a 24. A conjugação de AuNP-curcumina mostrou boa estabilidade e aplicação terapêutica, mas não diferiu significativamente (P>0,05) dos grupos A e B, no entanto, mostrou menor valor de escore e significância (P<0,001) em relação ao grupo controle. Os resultados deste trabalho mostram a importância do desenvolvimento de novos nanofármacos. Neste caso a conjugação de AuNPs com a curcumina permitiu a obtenção de um nanofármaco com sugestivo potencial para aplicação no tratamento da OA.(AU)

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the clinical term for a combination of pathological conditions that involve the progressive degeneration of articular cartilage and subchondral bone remodelling. Curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory agent, has been extensively studied; however, it does not provide good systemic bioavailability. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have potential applications in the administration of therapeutic substances in order to increase the transport efficiency of drugs. The objectives of this study were to explore the synthesis and characterization of a system combining AuNPs with curcumin and evaluate its therapeutic potential in an experimental model of OA in mice by the destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). The AuNPs were conjugated with curcumin and the systems were characterized by UV-VIS spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential. Four groups of eight animals each were formed and labelled A, B, C, and D, which received intra-articular injections of AuNPs, curcumin, AuNP-curcumin, and physiologic solution, respectively. After seven weeks, the cartilage of the stifle joint (SJ) was rated on a scale ranging from 0 to 24. Combination of AuNP-curcumin demonstrated good stability and therapeutic applications, but it did not differ significantly (P>0.05) from groups A and B. However, the control group had a significantly lower score (P<0.001). Results of this study demonstrated the importance of developing new nanodrugs. In this case, the combination of AuNPs and curcumin yielded the nanodrug effects suggestive of a potential for application in the treatment of OA.(AU)

Síntese e caracterização de nanopartículas de ouro conjugadas com curcumina e seus efeitos na osteoartrite experimental induzida / Synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles combined with curcumin and its effects on experimentally induced osteoarthritis

A Osteoartrite (OA) é uma denominação clínica para uma combinação de condições patológicas que envolvem a degeneração progressiva da cartilagem articular e remodelação de osso subcondral. A curcumina, um potente agente anti-inflamatório, têm sido extensivamente estudada, no entanto não oferece boa biodisponibilidade sistêmica. Nanopartículas de ouro (AuNPs) apresentam aplicações potenciais na administração de substâncias terapêuticas aumentando a eficiência do transporte de fármacos. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar a síntese e caracterização de um sistema conjugando as AuNPs à curcumina e avaliar seu potencial terapêutico em um modelo experimental de OA em camundongos por desestabilização do menisco medial (DMM). As AuNPs foram conjugadas com curcumina e os sistemas foram caracterizados por espectroscopia no UV-VIS, espalhamento de luz dinâmico (DLS) e determinação do potencial zeta. Formou-se 4 grupos de oito animais cada, denominados A, B, C, D que receberam injeção intra-articular de AuNPs, curcumina, AuNP-curcumina e solução fisiológica, respectivamente. Após 7 semanas, a cartilagem da articulação-femoro- tibio-patelar (AFTP) foi avaliada em uma variação de escore de 0 a 24. A conjugação de AuNP-curcumina mostrou boa estabilidade e aplicação terapêutica, mas não diferiu significativamente (P>0,05) dos grupos A e B, no entanto, mostrou menor valor de escore e significância (P<0,001) em relação ao grupo controle. Os resultados deste trabalho mostram a importância do desenvolvimento de novos nanofármacos. Neste caso a conjugação de AuNPs com a curcumina permitiu a obtenção de um nanofármaco com sugestivo potencial para aplicação no tratamento da OA.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the clinical term for a combination of pathological conditions that involve the progressive degeneration of articular cartilage and subchondral bone remodelling. Curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory agent, has been extensively studied; however, it does not provide good systemic bioavailability. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have potential applications in the administration of therapeutic substances in order to increase the transport efficiency of drugs. The objectives of this study were to explore the synthesis and characterization of a system combining AuNPs with curcumin and evaluate its therapeutic potential in an experimental model of OA in mice by the destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). The AuNPs were conjugated with curcumin and the systems were characterized by UV-VIS spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential. Four groups of eight animals each were formed and labelled A, B, C, and D, which received intra-articular injections of AuNPs, curcumin, AuNP-curcumin, and physiologic solution, respectively. After seven weeks, the cartilage of the stifle joint (SJ) was rated on a scale ranging from 0 to 24. Combination of AuNP-curcumin demonstrated good stability and therapeutic applications, but it did not differ significantly (P>0.05) from groups A and B. However, the control group had a significantly lower score (P<0.001). Results of this study demonstrated the importance of developing new nanodrugs. In this case, the combination of AuNPs and curcumin yielded the nanodrug effects suggestive of a potential for application in the treatment of OA.

Influência do uso de óleo essencial de Eugenol e de Manjericão (Ocimum basilicum) na água de transporte pré-abate de tilápias cultivadas pela agricultura familiar

Procurando oferecer bem estar animal dentro dos sistemas de cultivos, os quais cada vez mais tecnificados, a tilapicultura dentro da agricultura familiar preocupa-se em produzir produtos competitivos no mercado com qualidade respeitando as leis vigentes. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar o efeito de dois anestésicos naturais sobre a qualidade da carne da tilápia do Nilo, quando adicionados na água de transporte, in vivo, da propriedade até o frigorífico e se o modo de cultivo nesse sistema familiar apresentaria diferenças no produto final. Para tanto, um total de 100 peixes adultos, com peso médio de 816,36 ±1,42 g, foram distribuídos em cinco tratamentos: N: peixes não transportados; C: peixes transportados apenas com água (controle); A: peixes transportados com água + veículo anestésico (etanol 36L L-1); E: peixes transportados com água + eugenol (20LL-1) veículo anestésico; e M: peixes transportados com água + óleo essencial de Ocimum basilicum (20L L-1 veículo anestésico). Foi realizada a coleta dos filés de 20 peixes por tratamento para avaliação de parâmetros de qualidade de carne. Como resultado constatou-se que a qualidade da água de transporte não foi afetada (p>0,05) durante o transporte entre os tratamentos, porém o pH encontrado foi 4,59. Não houve efeito dos tratamentos quando avaliadas as colorimetrias referentes ao amarelo (b*) e à luminosidade (L*), a força de cisalhamento e a capacidade de retenção de água. Na colorimetria vermelha do lado vísceras (a*v) e vermelha do lado da pele (a*p), os maiores valores foram determinados para os filés dos tratamentos A e N, respectivamente. O pH dos filés dos peixes transportados com os anestésicos em estudo (E e M) mantiveram valores mais elevados. Os filés dos animais do tratamento N apresentaram a menor média percentual de perda por descongelamento, enquanto a maior perda por gotejamento foi observada no tratamento A, com elevados valores, possivelmente pela forma de congelamento lenta. Na composição química-bromatológica, as médias para matéria mineral (MM) apresentaram diferença significativa no tratamento M, os demais parâmetros ficaram dentro dos valores normais da espécie. Os perfis de ácidos graxos se mostraram dentro dos valores para a espécie. Os tratamentos não apresentaram entre si diferenças significativas (p<0,05) nos lipídeos. Foi possível averiguar que os anestésicos naturais exibiram capacidade sedativa e não causaram danos, mas não contiveram alterações típicas fisiológicas causadas pelo estresse de transporte nos filés de tilápias do Nilo, e a forma de cultivo da agricultura familiar ofereceu um produto com valores nutricionais favoráveis ao consumo alimentar.

Trying to offer animal welfare within the culture systems, which are more and more technified, the tilapiculture within the family agriculture is concerned in producing competitive products in the market with quality respecting the current laws. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of two natural anesthetics on the quality of Nile tilapia meat when added to the transport water, in vivo, from the farm to the slaughterhouse and if the way of farming in this familiar system would present differences in the final product. For this purpose, a total of 100 adult fish, with a mean weight of 816.36 ±1.42 g, were distributed in five treatments: N: fish not transported; C: fish transported with water only (control); A: fish transported with water + anesthetic vehicle (ethanol 36L L-1); E: fish transported with water + eugenol (20LL-1) anesthetic vehicle; and M: fish transported with water + essential oil of Ocimum basilicum (20L L-1 anesthetic vehicle). The fillets of 20 fish per treatment were collected to evaluate meat quality parameters. As a result, the quality of the transport water was not affected (p>0.05) during transportation between treatments, but the pH value was 4.59. There was no effect of the treatments when the colorimetry referring to yellow (b*) and luminosity (L*), shear force and water retention capacity were evaluated. For the colorimetry red on the viscera side (a*v) and red on the skin side (a*p), the highest values were determined for the fillets of treatments A and N, respectively. The pH of the fillets from fish transported with the anesthetics under study (E and M) maintained higher values. The fillets from animals in treatment N presented the lowest average percentage loss by thawing, while the highest loss by dripping was observed in treatment A, with high values, possibly due to the slow freezing method. In the chemical-bromatological composition, the averages for mineral matter (MM) showed significant difference in treatment M, the other parameters were within the normal values for the species. The fatty acid profiles were within the values for the species. The treatments did not show significant differences (p<0.05) in lipids. It was possible to verify that the natural anesthetics exhibited sedative capacity and did not cause damage, but did not contain typical physiological alterations caused by transport stress in Nile tilapia fillets, and the family farm form of farming offered a product with nutritional values favorable for food consumption.

A cost prediction model for machine operation in multi-field production systems

Capacity planning in agricultural field operations needs to give consideration to the operational system design which involves the selection and dimensioning of production components, such as machinery and equipment. Capacity planning models currently onstream are generally based on average norm data and not on specific farm data which may vary from year to year. In this paper a model is presented for predicting the cost of in-field and transport operations for multiple-field and multiple-crop production systems. A case study from a real production system is presented in order to demonstrate the models functionalities and its sensitivity to parameters known to be somewhat imprecise. It was shown that the proposed model can provide operation cost predictions for complex cropping systems where labor and machinery are shared between the various operations which can be individually formulated for each individual crop. By so doing, the model can be used as a decision support system at the strategic level of management of agricultural production systems and specifically for the mid-term design process of systems in terms of labor/machinery and crop selection conforming to the criterion of profitability.