Daily Egg-Cycle in Japanese Quail: Serum Biochemistry, Bones, and Oviduct Changes

This study described changes in the serum biochemistry, morphology of genital organs, long bone, and eggshell during the daily egg formation cycle in Japanese quails. Sixty quails (18-wk) were distributed in 6 groups according to hours post-oviposition (POV): 0 hr POV (16h00), 2 hrs POV (egg in magnum), and 4, 8, 14, and 20 hrs POV (egg in uterus). The magnum had higher relative weight before the next ovulation (20 and 0 hr POV), and its tubular glands showed functional variation through periods: abundant eosinophilic, PAS+, and negative Alcian blue secretion at 0 and 2 hrs, empty glands aspect at 4 hrs, and filled again at 20 hrs POV. Serum albumin and total Ca had the highest value in the 2 hrs group, and the lowest in 8 and 14 hrs groups. Egg-cycle period affected the Ca% of the medullar bone of the femur and tibiotarsus, with the lowest mean at 14 hrs POV (06h00), and the highest mean after oviposition (0 hr POV), showing the recovery of Ca stores in long bones for the next egg cycle. Analysis of the eggshell using scanning electron microscopy evidenced that palisade layer formation starts during the night (8­14 hrs POV), and most parts are secreted during the day period. In conclusion, eggshell secretion in light periods, high magnum activity and medullary bone Ca deposition during midday and afternoon, as well as the ovulation/oviposition in the afternoon, are the main characteristics of the distinct physiological aspects of the egg cycle in quails.(AU)

Use of ozone in the culture medium of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos / Uso do ozônio no meio de cultura para embriões de zebrafish (Danio rerio)

In this study, we sought to demonstrate the toxicity of different concentrations of ozonated water in zebrafish embryos up to 120 hours postfertilization (hpf ) and their antimicrobial activity advantages. For the test, we placed 40 embryos per treatment in Petri dishes containing 30 ml of solution to be tested. The ozone concentrations used were calculated from an initial concentration of 72 µg/ml using the O&L 1.5 RM ozone generator (Ozone & Life, Brazil). Five serial dilutions 1:1 was performed in egg water to produce the ozone treatments. We also analyzed a treatment with 30 ml of egg water without ozone, with only the addition of methylene blue, and a treatment with 30 ml of egg water without the addition of any antifungal agent. The plates were incubated at 28 ± 1°C, and the embryos were analyzed daily until 120 hpf. The survival rate, incubation period, and possible deformities were analyzed. In addition, egg water microbiological analyses were performed to detect total coliforms and fungi and yeasts. The data were tested for normality, and analysis of variance was performed within Minitab®version 1.8 software. The results showed that there was no significant difference in embryo survival or hatching rate between treatments with different ozone concentrations (p > 0.05), and no embryonic deformities were found under any of the ozone concentrations evaluated. It can be concluded that ozone within the concentrations analyzed is not toxic to zebrafish embryos and has antifungal and antimicrobial action.(AU)

Neste estudo, procuramos demonstrar a toxicidade de diferentes concentrações de água ozonizada em embriões de zebrafish até 120 horas pós-fertilização (hpf ) e suas vantagens na atividade antimicrobiana. Para o teste, colocamos 40 embri-ões por tratamento em placas de Petri contendo 30 ml da solução a ser testada. As concentrações de ozônio utilizadas foram calculadas a partir de uma concentração inicial de 72 µg/ml usando o gerador de ozônio O&L 1,5 RM (Ozone & Life, Brasil). Foram realizadas cinco diluições seriadas 1:1 em Egg Water. Também analisamos um tratamento com 30 ml de Egg Water sem ozônio, apenas com adição de azul de metileno, e um tratamento com 30 ml de Egg Water sem adição de nenhum agente antifúngico. As placas foram incubadas a 28 ± 1°C e os embriões foram analisados diariamente até 120 hpf. A taxa de sobrevi-vência, período de incubação e possíveis deformidades foram analisados. Além disso, foram realizadas análises microbiológicas da Egg Water para detectar coliformes totais, fungos e leveduras. Os dados foram testados quanto à normalidade e a análise de variância foi realizada no software Minitab® versão 1.8. Os resultados mostraram que não houve diferença significativa na sobrevivência de embriões ou taxa de eclosão entre os tratamentos com diferentes concentrações de ozônio (p > 0,05), e não foram encontradas deformidades embrionárias sob nenhuma das concentrações de ozônio avaliadas. Pode-se concluir que o ozônio dentro das concentrações analisadas não é tóxico para embriões de zebrafish e possui ação antifúngica e antimicrobiana.(AU)

Sperm cell capacitation status of ram semen after cooling

Background: The use of conventional artificial insemination (AI) in sheep production is usually associated with lower fertility rates when frozen semen is used. Cooled ram semen has been an alternative over frozen semen due to the higher viability, seminal quality and fertility rates following AI. The semen preservation process promotes sperm cell modifications similar to capacitation (capacitation-like) that causes cell damage affecting viability and seminal quality, but such effects are unclear for cooled semen. The aim of this study was to determine the status of sperm cell capacitation (CA) and acrosome reaction (AR) during ram semen processing and cooling under different extenders, dilution factors, and aerobiosis conditions as a function of storage time at 5o C. Materials, Methods & Results: Two consecutive ejaculates per day per male were collected from 2 adult rams by artificial vagina at 48-72 h intervals, in three replications. After macro- and microscopic evaluations, semen was segregated into groups under 3 extenders (Tris-egg yolk or TY, citrate-egg yolk or CY, skimmed milk or SM), 2 dilution factors (1 x 109 or Bi, 100 x 106 or Mi cells/mL), and 2 aerobiosis conditions (aerobic or A, semi-anaerobic or SA). Diluted semen was cooled to 5ºC and stored for up to 72 h, with evaluations every 24 h. Aliquots of fresh ejaculates and of each cooled diluted subgroup, according to extender, dilution, and aerobiosis, were collected at times T0 and T72 for determination of acrosome status and membrane integrity by the chlortetracycline (CTC) and trypan blue-Giemsa stainings, respectively. No differences were detected in sperm cell motility (M) and motility vigor (V) between fresh and diluted semen. After cooling, a significant decrease in M was observed after 48 h in CY and SM compared with fresh semen and 0 h of cooling, while V started to decrease after 24 h in CY compared with TY. Likewise, M/V from different dilutions and aerobic conditions decreased more significantly after 48 and 24 h of cooling, respectively. The sperm capacitation status did not show differences in the proportion of non-capacitated (NCA), CA and AR sperm cells between TY, CY, and SM extenders (NCA: 75.0%, 71.3%, 74.0%; CA: 15.7%, 17.2%, 15.9%; AR: 9.3%, 11.5%, 10.2%) or between Bi and Mi dilutions (NCA: 74.0%, 72.9%; CA: 15.9%, 16.6%; AR: 10.1%, 10.5%), respectively. However, differences (P < 0.05) were observed between A and SA aerobic conditions, with CA (17.0% vs. 15.5%) and AR (11.9% vs. 8.7%) rates being higher in A than SA, respectively, with no differences in NCA (71.1% vs. 75.8%), irrespective of the storage time. Sperm cell viability decreased after 48 h, especially in CY (P < 0.05). Discussion: Ram sperm cells can suffer irreversible damage due to thermal shock during cooling. Egg yolk-based extenders provide phospholipids and cholesterol to protect the sperm cell membrane during the thermal shock caused by the change in temperature. In this study, sperm cells had irreversible decreases in M/V, with increase in acrosome and plasma membrane damage after cooling to 5ºC. The largest and smallest decreases in M and V over time were observed in the CY and TY extenders, respectively. In addition to the extender type, the semen preservation method and storage time promoted changes in the capacitation status, AR and in sperm cell viability, which per se were associated with a decrease in semen fertility. In fact, the proportions of CA and/or AR sperm cells gradually increased over time after dilution and storage at 5ºC, with a negative correlation between sperm cell viability and M/V over time. In summary, extender and cooling time affected mostly M/V, while aerobiosis condition and dilution factor were more associated with acrosome status and sperm survival, with the extender having less impact on the acrosome status as a function of time.

Marcação, dispersão e capacidade de parasitismo de Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) / Mark and dispersion of Cotesia flavipes parasitism capacity (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os aspectos biológicos de C. flavipese sua marcação, além do desenvolvimento de uma metodologia para captura de adultos. Lagartas de D. saccharalis alimentadas com dieta artificial contendo os corantes SudanRed 7B e Solvent Blue 35 nas concentrações de 200 e 400 ppm, óleo vegetal a 200 e 400 ppm e sem óleo. Posteriormente, as lagartas foram parasitadas nos tratamentos supracitados. Avaliou-se o período entre o parasitismo e a emergência das larvas (ovo-larval), a empupação, o peso das massas e das pupas, razão sexual, longevidade dos adultos e marcação. Após a definição do corante/concentração adequado para marcar adultos de C. flavipes, avaliou-se a capacidade de dispersão e parasitismo das fêmeas adultas em condições de campo. Utilizou-se o teste de Dunnett para as variáveis relacionadas ao desenvolvimento de larvas, pupas e adultos de C. flavipes e o procedimento de GLM para análise de variância e o LSMEANS para ajustar as medias em cada fator testado. Definiu-se o corante SudanRed 7B na concentração de 200 ppm é o melhor corante/concentração para marcar o parasitoide larval C. flavipes, após desenvolvida a metodologia para captura de C. flavipes, que associadas à marcação, permitiram avaliar a capacidade de voo pela distância e captura desses indivíduos com precisão. Foi definida a armadilha de garrafa pet 600 como a melhor para...(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the biological aspects of C. flavipes your markup, and the development of a methodology for adult capture. Sugarcane borers fed on artificial diet containing the dyes SudanRed 7B and Solvent Blue 35 in concentrations of 200 and 400 ppm, vegetable oil at 200 and 400 ppm and without oil. Later, the caterpillars were parasitized in the above treatments. Evaluated the period between parasitism and the emergence of the larvae (egg-larval), the pupation, the weight of the masses and pupae, sex ratio, adult longevity and marking. After the setting of the dye / marker suitable concentration for adult C. flavipes, we evaluated the dispersibility and parasitism of adult females under field conditions. We used the Dunnett test for the variables related to the development of larvae, pupae and adults of C. flavipes and the GLM procedure for analysis of variance and the LSMEANS to fit the media in each factor tested. Set up The SudanRed 7B dye at a concentration of 200 ppm is the best dye / concentration to mark the larval parasitoid C. flavipes after developed the methodology for capturing C. flavipes, which associated with marking, allowed evaluating the flight capacity by distance and capture these individuals accurately. It was defined bottle trap 600 as the best pet for evaluation capture and parasitism. The maximum flight distance field in...(AU)

Marcação, dispersão e capacidade de parasitismo de Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) / Mark and dispersion of Cotesia flavipes parasitism capacity (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os aspectos biológicos de C. flavipese sua marcação, além do desenvolvimento de uma metodologia para captura de adultos. Lagartas de D. saccharalis alimentadas com dieta artificial contendo os corantes SudanRed 7B e Solvent Blue 35 nas concentrações de 200 e 400 ppm, óleo vegetal a 200 e 400 ppm e sem óleo. Posteriormente, as lagartas foram parasitadas nos tratamentos supracitados. Avaliou-se o período entre o parasitismo e a emergência das larvas (ovo-larval), a empupação, o peso das massas e das pupas, razão sexual, longevidade dos adultos e marcação. Após a definição do corante/concentração adequado para marcar adultos de C. flavipes, avaliou-se a capacidade de dispersão e parasitismo das fêmeas adultas em condições de campo. Utilizou-se o teste de Dunnett para as variáveis relacionadas ao desenvolvimento de larvas, pupas e adultos de C. flavipes e o procedimento de GLM para análise de variância e o LSMEANS para ajustar as medias em cada fator testado. Definiu-se o corante SudanRed 7B na concentração de 200 ppm é o melhor corante/concentração para marcar o parasitoide larval C. flavipes, após desenvolvida a metodologia para captura de C. flavipes, que associadas à marcação, permitiram avaliar a capacidade de voo pela distância e captura desses indivíduos com precisão. Foi definida a armadilha de garrafa pet 600 como a melhor para...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the biological aspects of C. flavipes your markup, and the development of a methodology for adult capture. Sugarcane borers fed on artificial diet containing the dyes SudanRed 7B and Solvent Blue 35 in concentrations of 200 and 400 ppm, vegetable oil at 200 and 400 ppm and without oil. Later, the caterpillars were parasitized in the above treatments. Evaluated the period between parasitism and the emergence of the larvae (egg-larval), the pupation, the weight of the masses and pupae, sex ratio, adult longevity and marking. After the setting of the dye / marker suitable concentration for adult C. flavipes, we evaluated the dispersibility and parasitism of adult females under field conditions. We used the Dunnett test for the variables related to the development of larvae, pupae and adults of C. flavipes and the GLM procedure for analysis of variance and the LSMEANS to fit the media in each factor tested. Set up The SudanRed 7B dye at a concentration of 200 ppm is the best dye / concentration to mark the larval parasitoid C. flavipes after developed the methodology for capturing C. flavipes, which associated with marking, allowed evaluating the flight capacity by distance and capture these individuals accurately. It was defined bottle trap 600 as the best pet for evaluation capture and parasitism. The maximum flight distance field in...

Anthelmintic activity of Eucalyptus citriodora essential oil and its major component, citronellal, on sheep gastrointestinal nematodes / Atividade anti-helmíntica do óleo essencial de Eucalyptus citriodora e seu componente majoritário, citronelal, sobre nematoides gastrintestinais de ovinos

This study aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of Eucalyptus citriodora essential oil and citronellal on sheep gastrointestinal nematodes. Essential oil composition was determined by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The substances were evaluated in vitro using adult worm motility test (AWMT) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The acute toxicity test in mice and the fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) in sheep were performed. Citronellal was confirmed as the essential oil major constituent (63.9%). According to the AWMT, 2 mg/mL of essential oil and citronellal completely inhibited Haemonchus contortus motility at 6 h post exposure. H. contortus exposed to essential oil and citronellal exhibited internal ultrastructural modifications. The lethal dose 50 values in mice were 5,000 and 2,609 mg/kg for essential oil and citronellal, respectively. E. citriodora essential oil reduced sheep epg at 14 days post treatment by 69.5% (P 0.05). No significant differences were observed in epg between the citronellal and negative control groups (P>0.05). The interaction between citronellal and other constituents in the essential oil may be relevant for its in vivo anthelmintic activity. Thus, E. citriodora essential oil and citronellal pharmacokinetic studies may help elucidate the anthelmintic activity of these compounds.(AU)

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a atividade anti-helmíntica do óleo essencial de Eucalyptus citriodora e citronelal sobre nematoides gastrintestinais de ovinos. A composição do óleo essencial foi determinada por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas. As substâncias foram avaliadas in vitro utilizando-se teste de motilidade de vermes adultos (AWMT) e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (TEM). Teste de toxicidade aguda em camundongos e teste de redução da contagem de ovos fecais (FECRT) em ovinos foram realizados. Citronelal foi confirmado como componente majoritário do óleo essencial (63,9%). No AWMT, 2 mg/mL de óleo essencial e citronelal inibiram completamente a motilidade de H. contortus 6 h pós-exposição. H. contortus expostos ao óleo essencial e citronelal exibiram modificações ultraestruturais internas. Os valores da dose letal 50 em camundongos foram 5.000 e 2.609 mg/kg para óleo essencial e citronelal, respectivamente. Óleo essencial de E. citriodora reduziu opg de ovinos 14 dias pós-tratamento em 69,5% (P 0,05). Não houve diferença significativa de opg entre grupo controle negativo e citronelal (P>0,05). A interação entre citronelal e outros constituintes do óleo essencial pode ser relevante na atividade anti-helmíntica in vivo. Portanto, avaliação farmacocinética do óleo essencial de E. citriodora e citronelal pode auxiliar a elucidar a atividade anti-helmíntica desses compostos.(AU)

Can Bacillus thuringiensis affect the biological variables of natural enemies of Lepidoptera? / Bacillus thuringiensis pode afetar as variáveis biológicas de inimigos naturais de Lepidoptera?

The entomopathogen Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is widely used as one of the ingredients in pest control formulations, but researches conducted on its effect on non-target organisms are still in the nascent stage. This investigation aimed to uncover if Bt treated with Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae and pupae could affect the biological variables of Podisus nigrispinus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and Palmistichus elaeisis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), all of which established natural enemies of leaf defoliator caterpillars in the eucalyptus culture. Larvae of T. molitor were fed on wheat bran containing different concentrations of B. thuringiensis (0.00; 0.25; 0.50; 1.00; 2.00 and 4.00 g Agree/kg bran). When the larvae attained size of about 2 cm, they were used as prey for P. nigrispinus (Bioassay I), and their pupae used as hosts for P. elaeisis (Bioassay II). Only the biological variables oviposition period and egg numbers by posture of the predator P. nigrispinus were altered. The biological variables of P. elaeisis were not altered, since it was possible to use these control methods within the integrated pest management.(AU)

O entomopatógeno Bacillus thuringiensis é amplamente empregado no controle de pragas, porém estudos de seu efeito sobre organismos não alvo ainda são incipientes. Com isso, objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar se larvas de Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), tratadas com Bacillus thuringiensis, podem afetar as variáveis biológicas de Podisus nigrispinus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) e Palmistichus elaeisis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), importantes inimigos naturais de lagartas desfolhadoras na cultura do eucalipto. Larvas de T. molitor foram alimentadas com farelo de trigo contendo diferentes concentrações de Bacillus thuringiensis (0,00; 0,25; 0,50; 1,00; 2,00 e 4,00 g de Agree®/kg farelo). Quando as larvas atingiram em média 2 cm de comprimento, foram usadas como presa para P. nigrispinus (bioensaio I) e as pupas como hospedeiro para P. elaeisis (bioensaio II). As variáveis biológicas período de oviposição e número de ovos por postura do predador P. nigrispinus foram alteradas. Já as variáveis biológicas de P. elaeisis não foram modificadas, sendo possível o uso conjunto desses métodos de controle no manejo integrado de pragas.(AU)

Can Bacillus thuringiensis affect the biological variables of natural enemies of Lepidoptera? / Bacillus thuringiensis pode afetar as variáveis biológicas de inimigos naturais de Lepidoptera?

The entomopathogen Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is widely used as one of the ingredients in pest control formulations, but researches conducted on its effect on non-target organisms are still in the nascent stage. This investigation aimed to uncover if Bt treated with Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae and pupae could affect the biological variables of Podisus nigrispinus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and Palmistichus elaeisis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), all of which established natural enemies of leaf defoliator caterpillars in the eucalyptus culture. Larvae of T. molitor were fed on wheat bran containing different concentrations of B. thuringiensis (0.00; 0.25; 0.50; 1.00; 2.00 and 4.00 g Agree/kg bran). When the larvae attained size of about 2 cm, they were used as prey for P. nigrispinus (Bioassay I), and their pupae used as hosts for P. elaeisis (Bioassay II). Only the biological variables oviposition period and egg numbers by posture of the predator P. nigrispinus were altered. The biological variables of P. elaeisis were not altered, since it was possible to use these control methods within the integrated pest management.(AU)

O entomopatógeno Bacillus thuringiensis é amplamente empregado no controle de pragas, porém estudos de seu efeito sobre organismos não alvo ainda são incipientes. Com isso, objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar se larvas de Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), tratadas com Bacillus thuringiensis, podem afetar as variáveis biológicas de Podisus nigrispinus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) e Palmistichus elaeisis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), importantes inimigos naturais de lagartas desfolhadoras na cultura do eucalipto. Larvas de T. molitor foram alimentadas com farelo de trigo contendo diferentes concentrações de Bacillus thuringiensis (0,00; 0,25; 0,50; 1,00; 2,00 e 4,00 g de Agree®/kg farelo). Quando as larvas atingiram em média 2 cm de comprimento, foram usadas como presa para P. nigrispinus (bioensaio I) e as pupas como hospedeiro para P. elaeisis (bioensaio II). As variáveis biológicas período de oviposição e número de ovos por postura do predador P. nigrispinus foram alteradas. Já as variáveis biológicas de P. elaeisis não foram modificadas, sendo possível o uso conjunto desses métodos de controle no manejo integrado de pragas.(AU)

The use of Eucalyptus staigeriana nanoemulsion for control of sheep haemonchosis / Uso da nanoemulsão de Eucalyptus staigeriana no controle da hemoncose em ovinos

Sustainable control of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in small ruminants has been based on the use of alternative methods, including targeted selective treatment, such as FAMACHA. Another GIN control alternative is the use of herbal medicines, although in many cases their use is based on empirical knowledge. Biopolymer nanoformulations has been investigated to maximize the essential oil effects against sheep gastrointestinal nematodes. The aim of the present study was to combine a Eucalyptus staigeriana essential oil nanoemulsion (EsNano) with FAMACHA as an alternative control for sheep haemonchosis. The study was performed over six months at a commercial sheep farm located in a semiarid region of Northeast Brazil. Initially, a fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) in sheep with levamisole, ivermectin and oxfendazole in sheep was performed used to determine the most effective anthelmintic to use as the positive control. Levamisole has been selected because it showed efficacy superior to 95%. EsNano was obtained and then its physicochemical properties were characterized. The average (±SE) size of the particles in the nanoemulsion was 276.8 (±12.3) nm with bimodal distribution and polydispersity. Nine visits were performed, from April to September 2013, with an interval of 17 days. One hundred sixty-two male and female sheep were divided into three groups (n=54 each) and were treated when FAMACHA score was 3, 4, or 5: G-EsNano 250mg kg-1 EsNano; G-Lev 7.5mg kg-1 levamisole (positive control), and G-Neg was not treated (negative control). Feces from sheep were collected to quantify the number of eggs per gram of feces (epg) and to identify nematode genera. Sheep weight gain was monitored. The epg data for each group and the average sheep weight gains were analyzed by variance analysis and compared with the Tukey's test (P<0.05). Significant difference between the number of animals treated with EsNano and levamisole was not observed in any visit (P>0.05).[...](AU)

O controle sustentável de nematoides gastrintestinais (NGI) em pequenos ruminantes tem sido baseado na utilização de métodos alternativos, incluindo o tratamento alvo-seletivo, tal como o FAMACHA. Outra alternativa de controle de NGI é o uso de plantas medicinais, embora, em muitos casos, a sua utilização seja baseada no conhecimento empírico. Nanoformulações biopoliméricas tem sido investigadas para maximizar os efeitos de óleos essenciais sobre nematoides gastrointestinais em ovinos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi combinar a nanoemulsão do óleo essencial de Eucalyptus staigeriana (EsNano) com o método FAMACHA como uma alternativa para o controle da hemoncose em ovinos. Este estudo foi realizado ao longo de seis meses em uma fazenda comercial de ovinos localizada em uma região semiárida do Nordeste do Brasil. Inicialmente, um teste de redução da contagem de ovos nas fezes (FECRT) em ovinos com levamisol, ivermectina e oxfendazole foi realizado para determinar o anti-helmíntico mais eficaz, para posterior uso como controle positivo. Levamisol foi selecionado porque mostrou eficácia superior a 95%. EsNano foi obtido e, em seguida, as suas propriedades físico-químicas foram caracterizadas. O tamanho médio (±SE) das partículas na nanoemulsão foi 276,8 (±12,3) nm, com distribuição bimodal e polidispersividade. Foram realizadas nove visitas, de abril a setembro de 2013, com um intervalo de 17 dias. Cento e sessenta e dois ovinos machos e fêmeas foram divididos em três grupos (n=54 cada) e foram tratados quando o FAMACHA foi 3, 4 ou 5: G-EsNano 250 mg kg-1 EsNano; G-Lev 7,5mg kg-1 de levamisol (controlo positivo), e G-Neg não foi tratado (controle negativo). As fezes dos ovinos foram coletadas para quantificar o número de ovos por grama de fezes (opg) e identificar os gêneros de nematóides. O ganho de peso de ovinos foi monitorado. [...](AU)

The use of Eucalyptus staigeriana nanoemulsion for control of sheep haemonchosis / Uso da nanoemulsão de Eucalyptus staigeriana no controle da hemoncose em ovinos

Sustainable control of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in small ruminants has been based on the use of alternative methods, including targeted selective treatment, such as FAMACHA. Another GIN control alternative is the use of herbal medicines, although in many cases their use is based on empirical knowledge. Biopolymer nanoformulations has been investigated to maximize the essential oil effects against sheep gastrointestinal nematodes. The aim of the present study was to combine a Eucalyptus staigeriana essential oil nanoemulsion (EsNano) with FAMACHA as an alternative control for sheep haemonchosis. The study was performed over six months at a commercial sheep farm located in a semiarid region of Northeast Brazil. Initially, a fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) in sheep with levamisole, ivermectin and oxfendazole in sheep was performed used to determine the most effective anthelmintic to use as the positive control. Levamisole has been selected because it showed efficacy superior to 95%. EsNano was obtained and then its physicochemical properties were characterized. The average (±SE) size of the particles in the nanoemulsion was 276.8 (±12.3) nm with bimodal distribution and polydispersity. Nine visits were performed, from April to September 2013, with an interval of 17 days. One hundred sixty-two male and female sheep were divided into three groups (n=54 each) and were treated when FAMACHA score was 3, 4, or 5: G-EsNano 250mg kg-1 EsNano; G-Lev 7.5mg kg-1 levamisole (positive control), and G-Neg was not treated (negative control). Feces from sheep were collected to quantify the number of eggs per gram of feces (epg) and to identify nematode genera. Sheep weight gain was monitored. The epg data for each group and the average sheep weight gains were analyzed by variance analysis and compared with the Tukey's test (P<0.05). Significant difference between the number of animals treated with EsNano and levamisole was not observed in any visit (P>0.05). The epg variation was similar in the G-EsNano and G-Lev groups on visits (P>0.05), except the second and fifth evaluation in the epg groups were significantly different (P<0.05). Haemonchus spp. was the most prevalent nematode. There was no significant weight gain in any of the treated groups (P<0.05). The combination of phytotherapy and FAMACHA can be an alternative to minimize the use of synthetic anthelmintics to control resistant GIN populations of small ruminants.(AU)

O controle sustentável de nematoides gastrintestinais (NGI) em pequenos ruminantes tem sido baseado na utilização de métodos alternativos, incluindo o tratamento alvo-seletivo, tal como o FAMACHA. Outra alternativa de controle de NGI é o uso de plantas medicinais, embora, em muitos casos, a sua utilização seja baseada no conhecimento empírico. Nanoformulações biopoliméricas tem sido investigadas para maximizar os efeitos de óleos essenciais sobre nematoides gastrointestinais em ovinos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi combinar a nanoemulsão do óleo essencial de Eucalyptus staigeriana (EsNano) com o método FAMACHA como uma alternativa para o controle da hemoncose em ovinos. Este estudo foi realizado ao longo de seis meses em uma fazenda comercial de ovinos localizada em uma região semiárida do Nordeste do Brasil. Inicialmente, um teste de redução da contagem de ovos nas fezes (FECRT) em ovinos com levamisol, ivermectina e oxfendazole foi realizado para determinar o anti-helmíntico mais eficaz, para posterior uso como controle positivo. Levamisol foi selecionado porque mostrou eficácia superior a 95%. EsNano foi obtido e, em seguida, as suas propriedades físico-químicas foram caracterizadas. O tamanho médio (±SE) das partículas na nanoemulsão foi 276,8 (±12,3) nm, com distribuição bimodal e polidispersividade. Foram realizadas nove visitas, de abril a setembro de 2013, com um intervalo de 17 dias. Cento e sessenta e dois ovinos machos e fêmeas foram divididos em três grupos (n=54 cada) e foram tratados quando o FAMACHA foi 3, 4 ou 5: G-EsNano 250 mg kg-1 EsNano; G-Lev 7,5mg kg-1 de levamisol (controlo positivo), e G-Neg não foi tratado (controle negativo). As fezes dos ovinos foram coletadas para quantificar o número de ovos por grama de fezes (opg) e identificar os gêneros de nematóides. O ganho de peso de ovinos foi monitorado. Os dados do opg de cada grupo e os ganhos de peso médio dos ovinos foram analisados por análise de variância e comparadas com o teste de Tukey (P<0,05). Diferença significativa entre o número de animais tratados com EsNano e levamisol não foi observada em nenhuma visita (P>0,05). A variação opg foi semelhante para os grupos G-EsNano e G-Lev nas vistas (P>0,05), excetuando a segunda e quinta avaliação em que os opg dos grupos foram significativamente diferentes (P>0,05). O nematoide Haemonchus spp. foi o mais prevalente. Não houve aumento significativo de peso em qualquer um dos grupos tratados (P>0,05). Assim, a combinação de fitoterapia e FAMACHA pode ser uma alternativa para minimizar o uso anti-helmínticos sintéticos para controlar populações resistentes NGI em pequenos ruminantes.(AU)

Effect of led lighting colors for laying Japanese quails

Time of exposure and light intensity rearing house may affect the performance and egg quality of laying quails. This research aimed at evaluating the live performance, egg quality, biometry of the reproductive system, and the gastrointestinal tract of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) exposed to artificial light-emitting diodes (LED) of different colors in comparison with fluorescent lamps. A total of 240 Japanese quails were distributed in completely randomized experimental design with four treatments (fluorescent lamp, and green, red, or blue LED lamps) with six replicates of 10 birds each. Average egg weight and eggshell thickness were different (p < 0.05) when LED bulbs were compared with fluorescent lamps. The egg weight of the birds exposed to the red LED was similar to those under a fluorescent lamp (p>0.05). The oviduct of 64-d-old hens exposed to green LED lighting was shorter (p < 0.05) than those exposed to the fluorescent lamp. Red LED can be used to replace the fluorescent lamps, as they promote the same live performance, egg quality, and morphological development of the reproductive tract of laying Japanese quails.(AU)

Effect of led lighting colors for laying Japanese quails

Time of exposure and light intensity rearing house may affect the performance and egg quality of laying quails. This research aimed at evaluating the live performance, egg quality, biometry of the reproductive system, and the gastrointestinal tract of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) exposed to artificial light-emitting diodes (LED) of different colors in comparison with fluorescent lamps. A total of 240 Japanese quails were distributed in completely randomized experimental design with four treatments (fluorescent lamp, and green, red, or blue LED lamps) with six replicates of 10 birds each. Average egg weight and eggshell thickness were different (p 0.05). The oviduct of 64-d-old hens exposed to green LED lighting was shorter (p < 0.05) than those exposed to the fluorescent lamp. Red LED can be used to replace the fluorescent lamps, as they promote the same live performance, egg quality, and morphological development of the reproductive tract of laying Japanese quails.

Dimorfismo sexual em Hepatus pudibundus (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura) / Sexual dimorphism in Hepatus pudibundus (Crustacea, Decapoda: Brachyura)

A study on sexual dimorphism in Hepatus pudibundus (Herbst, 1785) was performed using geometric morphometrics. The carapace of 28 males and 30 females and the left and right cheliped propodus of 22 males and 26 females were analyzed. Thirteen landmarks were established in the carapace and 10 in the cheliped propodus. A Generalized Procrustes Analysis based on landmark configurations was used to separate the components of size and shape. A Student t-test was used to determine the statistically significant sexual dimorphism of the carapace and the cheliped propodus. The variation in the shape of the structures was evaluated with a discriminant analysis. There was sexual dimorphism in the analyzed structures. Males were smaller than females. The carapace of females was larger in the posterior region than in males, indicating an expansion of the area for accommodation of the egg mass. The fixed finger of the cheliped propodus of females is more posteriorly arched that can be used to facilitate the cleaning of eggs laid in the abdominal chamber. Our results provide new information about the development of sexual secondary characters and their effects on the shape of the carapace and the cheliped propodus in males and females of H. pudibundus.(AU)

Um estudo sobre o dimorfismo sexual no caranguejo Hepatus pudibundus (Herbst, 1785) foi realizado utilizando morfometria geométrica. A carapaça de 28 machos e 30 fêmeas e o própodo dos quelípodos direito e esquerdo de 22 machos e 26 fêmeas foram analisados. Foram estabelecidos 13 marcos anatômicos bidimensionais na carapaça e 10 no própodo para ambos os sexos. Uma Análise Generalizada de Procrustes baseada na configuração dos marcos anatômicos foi utilizada para separar os componentes de tamanho e de forma. Um Teste-t de Student foi utilizada para determinar a significância estatística do dimorfismo sexual da carapaça e do própodo dos quelípodos. A variação na forma das estruturas foi avaliada através de uma Análise de Função Discriminante. Houve dimorfismo sexual na forma e no tamanho das estruturas analisadas. Machos mostraram dimensões menores do que fêmeas. A carapaça das fêmeas foi mais larga na região posterior do que em machos, indicando uma ampliação da área para acomodação da massa de ovos. O dedo fixo do própodo dos quelípodos das fêmeas está mais voltado para a parte posterior e pode facilitar a limpeza dos ovos fixados na câmara abdominal. Nossos resultados trazem novas informações sobre o desenvolvimento de caracteres sexuais secundários e as suas consequências sobre a forma da carapaça e o própodo dos quelípodos em machos e fêmeas de H. pudibundus.(AU)

Dimorfismo sexual em Hepatus pudibundus (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura) / Sexual dimorphism in Hepatus pudibundus (Crustacea, Decapoda: Brachyura)

A study on sexual dimorphism in Hepatus pudibundus (Herbst, 1785) was performed using geometric morphometrics. The carapace of 28 males and 30 females and the left and right cheliped propodus of 22 males and 26 females were analyzed. Thirteen landmarks were established in the carapace and 10 in the cheliped propodus. A Generalized Procrustes Analysis based on landmark configurations was used to separate the components of size and shape. A Student t-test was used to determine the statistically significant sexual dimorphism of the carapace and the cheliped propodus. The variation in the shape of the structures was evaluated with a discriminant analysis. There was sexual dimorphism in the analyzed structures. Males were smaller than females. The carapace of females was larger in the posterior region than in males, indicating an expansion of the area for accommodation of the egg mass. The fixed finger of the cheliped propodus of females is more posteriorly arched that can be used to facilitate the cleaning of eggs laid in the abdominal chamber. Our results provide new information about the development of sexual secondary characters and their effects on the shape of the carapace and the cheliped propodus in males and females of H. pudibundus.

Um estudo sobre o dimorfismo sexual no caranguejo Hepatus pudibundus (Herbst, 1785) foi realizado utilizando morfometria geométrica. A carapaça de 28 machos e 30 fêmeas e o própodo dos quelípodos direito e esquerdo de 22 machos e 26 fêmeas foram analisados. Foram estabelecidos 13 marcos anatômicos bidimensionais na carapaça e 10 no própodo para ambos os sexos. Uma Análise Generalizada de Procrustes baseada na configuração dos marcos anatômicos foi utilizada para separar os componentes de tamanho e de forma. Um Teste-t de Student foi utilizada para determinar a significância estatística do dimorfismo sexual da carapaça e do própodo dos quelípodos. A variação na forma das estruturas foi avaliada através de uma Análise de Função Discriminante. Houve dimorfismo sexual na forma e no tamanho das estruturas analisadas. Machos mostraram dimensões menores do que fêmeas. A carapaça das fêmeas foi mais larga na região posterior do que em machos, indicando uma ampliação da área para acomodação da massa de ovos. O dedo fixo do própodo dos quelípodos das fêmeas está mais voltado para a parte posterior e pode facilitar a limpeza dos ovos fixados na câmara abdominal. Nossos resultados trazem novas informações sobre o desenvolvimento de caracteres sexuais secundários e as suas consequências sobre a forma da carapaça e o própodo dos quelípodos em machos e fêmeas de H. pudibundus.

VIABILIDADE SEMINAL E STATUS DA CAPACITAÇÃO ESPERMÁTICA DE SÊMEN OVINO REFRIGERADO EM DIFERENTES DILUENTES, DILUIÇÕES E CONDIÇÕES DE AEROBIOSE

O objetivo deste estudo foi de determinar o status de capacitação espermática (CA) e de reação acrossomal (RA) durante o processamento e refrigeração do sêmen ovino sob diferentes diluentes, fatores de diluição e condições de aerobiose em função do tempo. Foram coletados ejaculados de dois carneiros adultos por vagina artificial a intervalos de 48-72 h. Após avaliações macro- e microscópicas, o sêmen foi segregado em grupos sob três diluentes (Tris-gema, citrato-gema ou leite desnatado), dois fatores de diluição (1 x 109 ou 100 x 106 células/mL) e duas condições de aerobiose (aeróbico ou semi-anaeróbico). O sêmen foi mantido refrigerado por 72 h, com avaliações a cada 24 h desde o equilíbrio a 5oC (T0). Alíquotas dos ejaculados frescos e de cada sub-grupo refrigerado de acordo com o diluente, a diluição e a aerobiose, foram coletadas nos tempos T0 e T72 para a determinação do status do acrossomo por coloração com clortetraciclina (CTC), e da integridade de membrana com azul de tripano e Giemsa. As maiores e menores quedas de motilidade e vigor espermáticos (M/V) em função do tempo foram observadas com a utilização de citrato-gema e Tris-gema, respectivamente. A proporção de espermatozoides com capacitação e/ou reação acrossomal aumentou após a diluição e armazenamento do sêmen ovino a 5oC, havendo correlação negativa com a viabilidade e M/V em função do tempo. Os fatores de variação sobre a M/V foram o diluente e o tempo de refrigeração, enquanto o status do acrossomo e a sobrevivência espermática esteve mais associada à condição de aerobiose e fator de diluição, com o diluente apresentando menor impacto no status do acrossomo em função do tempo.

The aim of this study was to determine the status of sperm capacitation (CA) and acrosome reaction (AR) during processing and refrigeration of ovine semen under different extenders, dilution factors and aerobiosis conditions as a function of time. Ejaculates were collected from two adult rams by artificial vagina at 48-72 h intervals. After macro- and microscopic evaluations, semen was segregated into groups under three extenders (Tris-egg yolk, citrate-egg yolk or skimmed milk), two dilution factors (1 x 109 or 100 x 106 cells/mL) and two aerobiosis conditions (aerobic or semi-anaerobic). Diluted semen was kept refrigerated for 72 h, with evaluations every 24 h from the equilibrium at 5oC (T0). Aliquots of fresh ejaculates and of each refrigerated diluted subgroup according to extender, dilution and aerobiosis were collected at times T0 and T72 for determination of acrosome status by staining with chlortetracycline (CTC), and membrane integrity with trypan blue and Giemsa. The largest and smallest falls in sperm motility and sperm vigor (M/V) as a function of time were observed with the use of citrate-yolk and Tris-yolk extenders, respectively. The proportion of capacitated and/or acrosome reacted sperm cells gradually increased over time after dilution and storage at 5oC, with a negative correlation observed with viability and M/V as a function of time. Variation factors on M/V were extender and refrigeration time, while acrosome status and sperm survival were more associated with aerobiosis condition and dilution factor, with the extender having less impact on the acrosome status as a function of time.

ANÁLISE DE IMAGENS E BIOMETRIA NA IDENTIFICAÇÃO DE MATERNIDADE DE OVOS DE CODORNA

Codornas são animais modelo para diversas áreas das ciências da vida, bem como uma importante espécie para produção de carne e ovos ao redor do mundo. A produção de ovos, seja como alimento ou como meio reprodutivo, frequentemente se dá em gaiolas coletivas, dificultando a identificação individual para controle da produção e em programas de melhoramento genético. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi testar algoritmos de aprendizado estatístico e esquemas de alojamento de codornas que otimizem a identificação da produção, baseada em características externas de seus ovos. Foram utilizados dados de 90 aves, com no mínimo dez ovos cada, sendo testados quatro algoritmos de aprendizado estatístico usando validação cruzada, além de verificar a influência do número de codornas por gaiola e métodos para designar aves a cada gaiola. Os modelos de melhor desempenho consistem no uso de dez variáveis do ovo: peso, largura, altura, proporção de área da casca com padrões, intensidade de vermelho, de azul e de verde, matiz, saturação e luminosidade da cor de fundo dos ovos. A acurácia da classificação é aumentada em gaiolas com menor número de codornas (máxima com três aves) e com direcionamento para aumento da variância dentro de gaiola. O método apresentado mostra viabilidade para uso prático e tem possibilidade de melhoria pelo uso futuro de novas variáveis e métodos mais avançados.

Quail are animal models for many fields of life sciences, as well as an important species for meat and egg production worldwide. Egg production, both as food or as for breeding purposes is often based on multiple-hen cages, hindering individual identification for control of production and in-breeding programs. The aim of the present study was to test algorithms of statistical learning and housing schemes for quail that optimize individual laying control based on quail egg external features. 90 birds were used, with a minimum of ten eggs each, four statistical learning algorithms with cross-validation were tested, as well as verifying the influence of number of quail per cage and methods to assign the birds to each cage. Model with better performance consist in the use of ten variables per egg: weight, height, width, eggshell ratio of patterned area, hue, saturation, lightness, intensity of red, green, and blue of egg background color. The classification accuracy increases when cages have less quail (maximum of three birds) and aimed to increase inside-cage variance. The present method shows feasibility for real-world data and with possibility of improvements with new features and more advanced methods.

High expression of HMOX1 in blue-shelled chickens is associated with a TG haplotype

HMOX1 is an important gene in biosynthesis of the eggshell pigment of blue eggs. Previous studies found that HMOX1 is highly expressed in the shell gland of hens laying blue eggs (BlueH) compared with hens laying brown eggs (BrownH); however, the reasons for the differential expression are unclear. In this study five single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in HMOX1 were genotyped in 111 BlueH and 115 BrownH. The association of haplotypes of these SNP with the blue egg phenotype was tested. Haplotype-specific expression of HMOX1 was detected in the shell gland. The interaction of sequence variants and transcription factors was analyzed using electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). A TG haplotype covering upstream 1.4 kb region of HMOX1 was significantly associated with blue eggs (p 0.05). Furthermore, the birds (n=12) with the haplotype expressed 3.8 fold more transcripts than those (n=12) without the haplotype (p 0.05). After re-sequencing a 2.2 kb region harboring the TG haplotype, a total of 26 SNP were found, of which a SNP was predicted to create a binding site of Nrf2, a transcription factor initiating HMOX1 expression. However, subsequent EMSA failed to confirm the Nrf2-DNA interaction. Taken together, the data suggested that the TG haplotype is not directly involved in regulation of HMOX1 expression; a regulatory mutation located near the haplotype and linked with the haplotype may exist and be responsible for the differential expression of HMOX1.(AU)

High expression of HMOX1 in blue-shelled chickens is associated with a TG haplotype

HMOX1 is an important gene in biosynthesis of the eggshell pigment of blue eggs. Previous studies found that HMOX1 is highly expressed in the shell gland of hens laying blue eggs (BlueH) compared with hens laying brown eggs (BrownH); however, the reasons for the differential expression are unclear. In this study five single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in HMOX1 were genotyped in 111 BlueH and 115 BrownH. The association of haplotypes of these SNP with the blue egg phenotype was tested. Haplotype-specific expression of HMOX1 was detected in the shell gland. The interaction of sequence variants and transcription factors was analyzed using electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). A TG haplotype covering upstream 1.4 kb region of HMOX1 was significantly associated with blue eggs (p 0.05). Furthermore, the birds (n=12) with the haplotype expressed 3.8 fold more transcripts than those (n=12) without the haplotype (p 0.05). After re-sequencing a 2.2 kb region harboring the TG haplotype, a total of 26 SNP were found, of which a SNP was predicted to create a binding site of Nrf2, a transcription factor initiating HMOX1 expression. However, subsequent EMSA failed to confirm the Nrf2-DNA interaction. Taken together, the data suggested that the TG haplotype is not directly involved in regulation of HMOX1 expression; a regulatory mutation located near the haplotype and linked with the haplotype may exist and be responsible for the differential expression of HMOX1.

Morphological analysis of the oviduct, oviducal gland and isthmus of the blue shark Prionace glauca (Linnaeus, 1758) (Elasmobranchii: Carcharhiniformes)

Oviducal gland present in elasmobranchs is correlated to the organism's reproductive strategy, and its functions are to produce mucus, to form the egg's tertiary envelope and to store sperm. The gland contains four zones: club, papillary,baffle and terminal. The structures of the oviduct, oviducal gland and isthmus of blue shark Prionace glauca were described using macroscopic, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The epithelium of the oviduct and isthmus is folded and is a simple, columnar, ciliated lining epithelium with glandular cells. In the oviducal gland, the lining tissues in the four zones are similar to the oviduct and isthmus lining. The terminal zone shows the presence of sperm in the lumen of the secretory tubules, which remains stored even in the absence of recent copulation. Here, these organs were studied and their connections in an attempt to elucidate the mechanisms of reproduction in the blue shark, showing the three-dimensional aspects, thus adding morphological information important for the understanding of the structure and functioning of these organs of fundamental importance in the life of the majority of elasmobranchs.(AU)

A glândula oviducal presente nos elasmobrânquios está correlacionada com a estratégia reprodutiva, cuja função é de produzir o muco, formar o envelope terciário do ovo e armazenar espermatozóides. A glândula contém quatro zonas: club, papilar, baffle e terminal. Foi descrita a estrutura do oviduto, glândula oviducal e istmo do tubarão-azul, Prionace glauca , pelas técnicas macroscópica, microscópica de luz e eletrônica de varredura. Foi observado que no oviduto e istmo o epitélio é pregueado de revestimento simples, colunar, ciliado com células glandulares. Na glândula oviducal o tecido de revestimento é semelhante ao oviduto e istmo nas quatro zonas. Na zona terminal observou-se a presença de espermatozoides no lúmen dos túbulos secretores que permanecem estocados mesmo na ausência de copula recente. Aqui, estudaram-se esses órgãos e suas conexões na tentativa de elucidar os mecanismos da reprodução no tubarão azul, apresentando os aspectos tridimensionais, desta forma agregando informações morfológicas importantes para o entendimento da estrutura e funcionamento desses órgãos de fundamental importância na vida da maioria dos elasmobrânquios.(AU)

Parâmetros genéticos de características de produção e qualidade de ovos em linhagens nacionais de galinhas caipiras

A avicultura é uma das principais atividades agropecuárias no Brasil, no entanto apresenta grande dependência de material genético importado. Além disso, o crescente interesse por produtos avícolas oriundos de sistemas alternativos de criação, onde as aves são criadas fora das gaiolas, pode exigir animais mais adaptados a esse sistema de criação bem como ao clima tropical brasileiro. Desta forma, dois estudos foram desenvolvidos. No primeiro, o objetivo foi estimar os parâmetros genéticos para características de produção e qualidade dos ovos de oito linhagens de galinhas caipiras. Foram utilizadas as medidas de idade à primeira postura (IPP), produção total de ovos até a 45ª semana (PROD), peso do ovo (PO), altura do albúmen (AA), cor da gema (CG), unidades Haugh (HU), resistência da casca (RC), espessura da casca (EC), peso da gema (PG) e peso da casca (PC) de 2030 ovos, oriundos de 645 aves. Os componentes de variância foram obtidos por meio de um modelo misto animal, onde foram incluídos os efeitos fixos de grupo de contemporâneas, corredor da gaiola e linhagem da galinha e os efeitos genético aditivo, ambiente permanente e residual. As herdabilidades variaram de 0,03 a 0,33. As correlações genéticas entre PROD e as características de qualidade dos ovos foram negativas e variaram entre -0,42 e -0,05. Correlações genéticas altas e positivas, entre 0,36 e 0,69, foram estimadas entre as características de qualidade externa do ovo. No segundo estudo, o objetivo foi estimar os parâmetros genéticos para características de cor da casca do ovo, bem como as correlações genéticas e fenotípicas entre estas características e as características de produção e qualidade dos ovos avaliadas no primeiro estudo. Foram realizadas análises colorimétricas (coordenadas L*, a*, b*, do sistema de cor CIELab) de 1142 ovos oriundos de 597 aves. As herdabilidades estimadas para estas coordenadas variaram de 0,35 a 0,48 e as correlações genéticas entre elas foram altas. No geral, as correlações genéticas entre a cor da casca e as características de qualidade do ovo foram baixas, sugerindo que a cor da casca não influencia a qualidade interna e externa do ovo.

Poultry farming is one of the main agricultural activities in Brazil, but it is highly dependent on imported genetic material. Moreover, the growing interest in poultry products from cage-free systems may require animals better adapted to free- range systems and tropical climate. Regarding this subject, two studies were developed. The aim of the first one was to estimate genetic parameters for egg production and egg quality traits in eight alternative poultry lines. The traits of interest were age at first egg (AFE), total egg production up to the 45th week (PROD), egg weight (EW), albumen height (AH), yolk color (YC), Haugh units (HU), eggshell strength (ESS), eggshell thickness (EST), yolk weight (YW) and eggshell weight (ESW). Phenotypic records of 645 laying hens and 2030 eggs were used. Variance components were estimated from a mixed animal model, which included the fixed effects of contemporary groups, cage location and hen line, and the additive genetic, permanent environmental and residual effects. Heritabilities ranged from 0.03 to 0.33. Genetic correlations between PROD and egg quality traits were negative and varied between -0.42 and -0.05. High and positive genetic correlations were estimated between eggshell quality traits. In the second study, the aim was to estimate genetic parameters for eggshell color and also genetic and phenotypic correlations between eggshell color and egg quality traits which were evaluated in the first study. Color coordinates from CIELab color space L* (brightness), a* (red/green scale) and b* (yellow/blue scale) of 1142 eggs were determined. The estimated heritabilities ranged from 0.35 to 0.48 and the genetic correlations between them were high. In general, the genetic correlations between eggshell color and egg quality traits were low, suggesting that the eggshell color does not influence internal and external egg quality.