Revision of some mensural measurements, food preference, and haematological parameters in breeding pairs of blue rock pigeon, Columba livia sampled from punjab Pakistan

Abstract The present study describes the haematological profile, feeding preference, and comparison of morphometric characters of blue rock pigeon (Columba livia) breeding pairs. For this purpose, 25 pairs (25 samples per sex) were sampled through Mist nets from district Okara and Bahawalnagar, Punjab, Pakistan. Birds were then anaesthetized with a combination of ketamine HCL (10 mg/kg) and diazepam (0.2 mg/kg) and subjected to morphometric measurements. 5µL blood also was taken from the jugular vein of each anaesthetized bird for haematological analysis. Few pairs were also dissected to remove gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) for food preferences. Results revealed that there are no significant differences in the haematological parameters and feeding preference of breeding pairs of Columba livia. The gut analysis further revealed, the major portion of gut contents consisted of pea and corn in most of the pairs. Regarding the mensural measurements, significant differences were recorded in the body weight, length of the longest primary feather, and chest circumference, whereas the rest of the studied parameters remain nonsignificant between sexes. So, it is concluded that apart from 3 morphometric parameters (body weight, length of longest primary feather and chest circumference), both sexes are alike in term of morphometry, haematology and food preference.

Resumo O presente estudo descreve o perfil hematológico, a preferência alimentar e a comparação de caracteres morfométricos de casais reprodutores de pombo-rocha (Columba livia). Para tanto, 25 pares (25 amostras por sexo) foram amostrados por meio de redes de névoa do distrito de Okara e Bahawalnagar, Punjab, Paquistão. As aves foram então anestesiadas com uma combinação de cetamina HCL (10 mg/kg) e diazepam (0,2 mg/kg) e submetidas a medidas morfométricas; 5 µL de sangue também foram retirados da veia jugular de cada ave anestesiada para análise hematológica. Poucos pares também foram dissecados para remover o trato gastrointestinal (GITs) para preferências alimentares. Os resultados revelaram que não há diferenças significativas nos parâmetros hematológicos e na preferência alimentar dos casais reprodutores de Columba livia. A análise intestinal revelou ainda que a maior parte do conteúdo intestinal consistia em ervilha e milho na maioria dos pares. Em relação às medidas mensurais, foram registradas diferenças significativas no peso corporal, comprimento da pena primária mais longa e circunferência torácica, enquanto os demais parâmetros estudados permanecem não significativos entre os sexos. Assim, conclui-se que além de três parâmetros morfométricos (peso corporal, comprimento da pena primária mais longa e circunferência torácica), ambos os sexos são semelhantes em termos de morfometria, hematologia e preferência alimentar.

Revision of some mensural measurements, food preference, and haematological parameters in breeding pairs of blue rock pigeon, Columba livia sampled from punjab Pakistan / Revisão de algumas medidas mensurais, preferência alimentar e parâmetros hematológicos em pares de criação de pombo blue rock (Columba livia), amostragem de punjab, Paquistão

Abstract The present study describes the haematological profile, feeding preference, and comparison of morphometric characters of blue rock pigeon (Columba livia) breeding pairs. For this purpose, 25 pairs (25 samples per sex) were sampled through Mist nets from district Okara and Bahawalnagar, Punjab, Pakistan. Birds were then anaesthetized with a combination of ketamine HCL (10 mg/kg) and diazepam (0.2 mg/kg) and subjected to morphometric measurements. 5µL blood also was taken from the jugular vein of each anaesthetized bird for haematological analysis. Few pairs were also dissected to remove gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) for food preferences. Results revealed that there are no significant differences in the haematological parameters and feeding preference of breeding pairs of Columba livia. The gut analysis further revealed, the major portion of gut contents consisted of pea and corn in most of the pairs. Regarding the mensural measurements, significant differences were recorded in the body weight, length of the longest primary feather, and chest circumference, whereas the rest of the studied parameters remain nonsignificant between sexes. So, it is concluded that apart from 3 morphometric parameters (body weight, length of longest primary feather and chest circumference), both sexes are alike in term of morphometry, haematology and food preference.

Resumo O presente estudo descreve o perfil hematológico, a preferência alimentar e a comparação de caracteres morfométricos de casais reprodutores de pombo-rocha (Columba livia). Para tanto, 25 pares (25 amostras por sexo) foram amostrados por meio de redes de névoa do distrito de Okara e Bahawalnagar, Punjab, Paquistão. As aves foram então anestesiadas com uma combinação de cetamina HCL (10 mg/kg) e diazepam (0,2 mg/kg) e submetidas a medidas morfométricas; 5 µL de sangue também foram retirados da veia jugular de cada ave anestesiada para análise hematológica. Poucos pares também foram dissecados para remover o trato gastrointestinal (GITs) para preferências alimentares. Os resultados revelaram que não há diferenças significativas nos parâmetros hematológicos e na preferência alimentar dos casais reprodutores de Columba livia. A análise intestinal revelou ainda que a maior parte do conteúdo intestinal consistia em ervilha e milho na maioria dos pares. Em relação às medidas mensurais, foram registradas diferenças significativas no peso corporal, comprimento da pena primária mais longa e circunferência torácica, enquanto os demais parâmetros estudados permanecem não significativos entre os sexos. Assim, conclui-se que além de três parâmetros morfométricos (peso corporal, comprimento da pena primária mais longa e circunferência torácica), ambos os sexos são semelhantes em termos de morfometria, hematologia e preferência alimentar.

Revision of some mensural measurements, food preference, and haematological parameters in breeding pairs of blue rock pigeon, Columba livia sampled from Punjab Pakistan / Revisão de algumas medidas mensurais, preferência alimentar e parâmetros hematológicos em pares de criação de pombo blue rock (Columba livia), amostragem de Punjab, Paquistão

The present study describes the haematological profile, feeding preference, and comparison of morphometric characters of blue rock pigeon (Columba livia) breeding pairs. For this purpose, 25 pairs (25 samples per sex) were sampled through Mist nets from district Okara and Bahawalnagar, Punjab, Pakistan. Birds were then anaesthetized with a combination of ketamine HCL (10 mg/kg) and diazepam (0.2 mg/kg) and subjected to morphometric measurements. 5µL blood also was taken from the jugular vein of each anaesthetized bird for haematological analysis. Few pairs were also dissected to remove gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) for food preferences. Results revealed that there are no significant differences in the haematological parameters and feeding preference of breeding pairs of Columba livia. The gut analysis further revealed, the major portion of gut contents consisted of pea and corn in most of the pairs. Regarding the mensural measurements, significant differences were recorded in the body weight, length of the longest primary feather, and chest circumference, whereas the rest of the studied parameters remain nonsignificant between sexes. So, it is concluded that apart from 3 morphometric parameters (body weight, length of longest primary feather and chest circumference), both sexes are alike in term of morphometry, haematology and food preference.

O presente estudo descreve o perfil hematológico, a preferência alimentar e a comparação de caracteres morfométricos de casais reprodutores de pombo-rocha (Columba livia). Para tanto, 25 pares (25 amostras por sexo) foram amostrados por meio de redes de névoa do distrito de Okara e Bahawalnagar, Punjab, Paquistão. As aves foram então anestesiadas com uma combinação de cetamina HCL (10 mg/kg) e diazepam (0,2 mg/kg) e submetidas a medidas morfométricas; 5 µL de sangue também foram retirados da veia jugular de cada ave anestesiada para análise hematológica. Poucos pares também foram dissecados para remover o trato gastrointestinal (GITs) para preferências alimentares. Os resultados revelaram que não há diferenças significativas nos parâmetros hematológicos e na preferência alimentar dos casais reprodutores de Columba livia. A análise intestinal revelou ainda que a maior parte do conteúdo intestinal consistia em ervilha e milho na maioria dos pares. Em relação às medidas mensurais, foram registradas diferenças significativas no peso corporal, comprimento da pena primária mais longa e circunferência torácica, enquanto os demais parâmetros estudados permanecem não significativos entre os sexos. Assim, conclui-se que além de três parâmetros morfométricos (peso corporal, comprimento da pena primária mais longa e circunferência torácica), ambos os sexos são semelhantes em termos de morfometria, hematologia e preferência alimentar.

Revision of some mensural measurements, food preference, and haematological parameters in breeding pairs of blue rock pigeon, Columba livia sampled from Punjab Pakistan / Revisão de algumas medidas mensurais, preferência alimentar e parâmetros hematológicos em pares de criação de pombo blue rock (Columba livia), amostragem de Punjab, Paquistão

The present study describes the haematological profile, feeding preference, and comparison of morphometric characters of blue rock pigeon (Columba livia) breeding pairs. For this purpose, 25 pairs (25 samples per sex) were sampled through Mist nets from district Okara and Bahawalnagar, Punjab, Pakistan. Birds were then anaesthetized with a combination of ketamine HCL (10 mg/kg) and diazepam (0.2 mg/kg) and subjected to morphometric measurements. 5µL blood also was taken from the jugular vein of each anaesthetized bird for haematological analysis. Few pairs were also dissected to remove gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) for food preferences. Results revealed that there are no significant differences in the haematological parameters and feeding preference of breeding pairs of Columba livia. The gut analysis further revealed, the major portion of gut contents consisted of pea and corn in most of the pairs. Regarding the mensural measurements, significant differences were recorded in the body weight, length of the longest primary feather, and chest circumference, whereas the rest of the studied parameters remain nonsignificant between sexes. So, it is concluded that apart from 3 morphometric parameters (body weight, length of longest primary feather and chest circumference), both sexes are alike in term of morphometry, haematology and food preference.(AU)

O presente estudo descreve o perfil hematológico, a preferência alimentar e a comparação de caracteres morfométricos de casais reprodutores de pombo-rocha (Columba livia). Para tanto, 25 pares (25 amostras por sexo) foram amostrados por meio de redes de névoa do distrito de Okara e Bahawalnagar, Punjab, Paquistão. As aves foram então anestesiadas com uma combinação de cetamina HCL (10 mg/kg) e diazepam (0,2 mg/kg) e submetidas a medidas morfométricas; 5 µL de sangue também foram retirados da veia jugular de cada ave anestesiada para análise hematológica. Poucos pares também foram dissecados para remover o trato gastrointestinal (GITs) para preferências alimentares. Os resultados revelaram que não há diferenças significativas nos parâmetros hematológicos e na preferência alimentar dos casais reprodutores de Columba livia. A análise intestinal revelou ainda que a maior parte do conteúdo intestinal consistia em ervilha e milho na maioria dos pares. Em relação às medidas mensurais, foram registradas diferenças significativas no peso corporal, comprimento da pena primária mais longa e circunferência torácica, enquanto os demais parâmetros estudados permanecem não significativos entre os sexos. Assim, conclui-se que além de três parâmetros morfométricos (peso corporal, comprimento da pena primária mais longa e circunferência torácica), ambos os sexos são semelhantes em termos de morfometria, hematologia e preferência alimentar.(AU)

Marek's disease in roosters in the Potiguar semi-arid region

Background: Marek's disease (MD) is a transmissible disease in chickens caused by Gallid alphaherpesvirus 2 (GaHV-2). The infection is characterized by lymphocyte cellular infiltrates in peripheral nerves and other organs and tissues, including the skin; which can lead to dysfunction causing progressive asymmetric paresis and complete spastic paralysis of body extremities. Dermatitis and cardiac myositis caused by GaHV-2 in free-range chickens has rarely been described in Brazil. This reports the occurrence of the disease with a confirmatory molecular diagnosis in free-range poultry showing signs of dermatitis, poor performance, and cachexia and no mortality in the semi-arid Potiguar region. Cases: Twenty roosters of the Shamo lineage, among a brood of 42 birds, had a history of progressive weight loss and skin lesions. Two birds with poor body condition, erythema, and scaling of the skin in the head and cervical regions were sent for clinical care. All birds were between 12 and 18 months of age and were vaccinated against Newcastle disease and Fowlpox with only a few receiving vaccines against MD and Gumboro disease. According to the owner's report, some birds were previously kept outdoors, and when they were transferred to a small shed with little air circulation, they began to develop clinical signs after approximately 15 days. The first signs of the disease were also reported to have appeared 2.5 months before clinical care and, in the meantime, several treatments were instituted without success. Owing to the general condition of the animals and inconclusive clinical suspicion, the birds were subjected to euthanasia and necropsy. Tissue samples were collected for histopathological and polymerase chain reaction analyses to search for the GaHV-2 DNA meq gene. The main clinicopathological findings were erythema (47%, 20/42) and desquamation of skin and mild, prominent white multifocal areas in the heart. Histopathology revealed infiltration of pleomorphic lymphoblastic cells in the skin, heart, and sciatic nerve. The amplification of the L-meq and meq oncoprotein genes in these organs and in the liver, confirmed the infection by GaHV-2, consistent with that of a field strain. Discussion: MD was confirmed based on the macroscopic and histological lesions, and with the detection of GaHV-2 DNA in the affected tissues. The unusual clinical presentation represented an initial challenge for diagnosis. The clinical history was important to lead to the suspicion of MD, as roosters initiated clinical signs 15 days after they were transferred to a small shed with poor air circulation. This probably favored the high viral concentration and disease transmission among susceptible birds in the brood because the feather follicle is the primary site of viral replication for transmission; and desquamation of infected epithelial cells favor airborne horizontal transmission to susceptible chickens. The roosters had not been vaccinated against MD, which probably favored the infection, as vaccination is known to be a fundamental approach for MD control for effective growth of the poultry industry. Clinical findings and lesions, together with viral molecular detection, were fundamental for the diagnosis, a premise for the application of adequate prevention and control measures for the disease in breeding. This is the first report of MD with a confirmatory molecular diagnosis in northeastern Brazil.

Effect of Supplementary Methionine on Feather Growth and Related Indicators of Pigeon Squabs

We assessed the effect of health sand dietary supplementation with methionine (Met) on White King pigeons. Paired pigeons (n = 180) were fed one of five diets; group T1 received no added Met, while T2, T3, T4 and T5 received 30, 60, 90 and 120 g of supplemental DL-Met/kg, respectively. Each treatment was replicated three times with 24 pairs in each replicate. The results showed that supplementary Met had a minor effect on the length of the fourth primary wing feather in 28-day-old squabs (p>0.05), but the length of 14-day-old squabs in T2 was significantly longer (p=0.010). Dietary Met had a minor effect on Wnt-7a and fibroblast growth factor receptors-2 (FGFR-2) mRNA levels in 28-day-old squabs (p>0.05). The IGF-1 concentration in plasma was highest in T4 and lowest in T2 (p=0.012), but there was no difference between T1, T2 and T5 (p>0.05). In the chest muscle, the expression of IGF-1 in T3 and T4 was higher than in T1 (p=0.172 and 0.015, respectively). In the leg muscle, IGF-1 mRNA level was higher in T4 and T3, and lower in T2 (p>0.05). The results indicate that the optimal Met supplement for increasing fourth primary wing feather length was 30 g/kg Met in health sand, and the feathers were the longest in 14-day-old squabs. Adding 90 g/kg Met to health sand can improve the concentration of IGF-1, which is important for growth performance of pigeon squabs.(AU)

Effect of Supplementary Methionine on Feather Growth and Related Indicators of Pigeon Squabs

We assessed the effect of health sand dietary supplementation with methionine (Met) on White King pigeons. Paired pigeons (n = 180) were fed one of five diets; group T1 received no added Met, while T2, T3, T4 and T5 received 30, 60, 90 and 120 g of supplemental DL-Met/kg, respectively. Each treatment was replicated three times with 24 pairs in each replicate. The results showed that supplementary Met had a minor effect on the length of the fourth primary wing feather in 28-day-old squabs (p>0.05), but the length of 14-day-old squabs in T2 was significantly longer (p=0.010). Dietary Met had a minor effect on Wnt-7a and fibroblast growth factor receptors-2 (FGFR-2) mRNA levels in 28-day-old squabs (p>0.05). The IGF-1 concentration in plasma was highest in T4 and lowest in T2 (p=0.012), but there was no difference between T1, T2 and T5 (p>0.05). In the chest muscle, the expression of IGF-1 in T3 and T4 was higher than in T1 (p=0.172 and 0.015, respectively). In the leg muscle, IGF-1 mRNA level was higher in T4 and T3, and lower in T2 (p>0.05). The results indicate that the optimal Met supplement for increasing fourth primary wing feather length was 30 g/kg Met in health sand, and the feathers were the longest in 14-day-old squabs. Adding 90 g/kg Met to health sand can improve the concentration of IGF-1, which is important for growth performance of pigeon squabs.

Somatic feather follicle cell culture of the gallus domesticus species for creating a wild bird genetic resource bank

The creation of a genetic resource bank of avian species aims to prevent the decline and fragmentation of wild bird populations, which in turn lead to the loss of genetic diversity and, in more serious cases, the extinction of the most threatened species. In order for the collected genetic material to be stored in a bank and useful when necessary, it is essential to improve the technique ensuring its effectiveness. Thus, our study used feather follicle cells from the domestic gallus species to standardize the technique of cell culture and subsequent cryopreservation. This study aimed to establish a protocol, in vitro, of isolation and primary culture of somatic cells derived from the feather follicle, with the purpose of establishing a cell lineage, and evaluate its viability for the biobank formation. Developing feathers of gallus domesticus were collected at 12, 21 and 34 days of age. The feathers were morphologically analyzed and then we selected the region of the calamus due to the presence of pulp for cell culture and cryopreservation. The results showed that it is possible to find cells with distinct morphology; cells in elliptical shape with central nucleus also in elliptical shape, cells with shape and round nucleus, cells compatible with the fibers of the barbules, cell agglomerates and cells adhered to the bottom of the plate with fibroblastatoid shape. After 24 hours of culture there was the presence of primary culture with 80% of confluence and after cryopreservation the average viability after freezing was 68.8%, with cellular morphologies being maintained. Therefore, we proved the isolation of somatic cells from the follicle of bird’s feathers, suggesting that this is a source of great value, viable and effective for obtaining biological material for the elaboration of a biobank.

Somatic feather follicle cell culture of the gallus domesticus species for creating a wild bird genetic resource bank

The creation of a genetic resource bank of avian species aims to prevent the decline and fragmentation of wild bird populations, which in turn lead to the loss of genetic diversity and, in more serious cases, the extinction of the most threatened species. In order for the collected genetic material to be stored in a bank and useful when necessary, it is essential to improve the technique ensuring its effectiveness. Thus, our study used feather follicle cells from the domestic gallus species to standardize the technique of cell culture and subsequent cryopreservation. This study aimed to establish a protocol, in vitro, of isolation and primary culture of somatic cells derived from the feather follicle, with the purpose of establishing a cell lineage, and evaluate its viability for the biobank formation. Developing feathers of gallus domesticus were collected at 12, 21 and 34 days of age. The feathers were morphologically analyzed and then we selected the region of the calamus due to the presence of pulp for cell culture and cryopreservation. The results showed that it is possible to find cells with distinct morphology; cells in elliptical shape with central nucleus also in elliptical shape, cells with shape and round nucleus, cells compatible with the fibers of the barbules, cell agglomerates and cells adhered to the bottom of the plate with fibroblastatoid shape. After 24 hours of culture there was the presence of primary culture with 80% of confluence and after cryopreservation the average viability after freezing was 68.8%, with cellular morphologies being maintained. Therefore, we proved the isolation of somatic cells from the follicle of birds feathers, suggesting that this is a source of great value, viable and effective for obtaining biological material for the elaboration of a biobank.(AU)

Micoplasma hyopneumoniae associado ao circovírus suíno tipo 2 em plantéis não vacinados para micoplasmose / Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae associated with porcine circovirus type 2 in non-vaccinated herds for mycoplasmosis

A síndrome circovirose suína e doenças associadas (PCVAD) tem sido descrita em diversas regiões do mundo. Seu agente primário, o circovírus suíno tipo 2 (PCV2), está associado a elevados índices de refugagem nas granjas e a vultuosos prejuízos econômicos. Diversos fatores de risco estão relacionados à manifestação dos quadros clínicos da síndrome, nomeadamente deficiências de manejo, presença de coinfecções e imunização diante do agente. Entre os agentes frequentemente relatados associados ao PCV2 está o Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Este estudo objetivou verificar a ocorrência de M. hyopneumoniae em animais diagnosticados estarem acometidos pela PCVAD, em sistemas intensivos de produção de suínos do estado de Goiás. Amostras de secreção nasal de 40 animais foram analisadas para a pesquisa do DNA de M. hyopneumoniae. Do total das amostras de secreção nasal, 6 (15%) foram positivas na reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) para o M. hyopneumoniae, apenas em granjas que não praticavam a vacinação contra esse agente. Os resultados relacionados à presença de micoplasma estão de acordo com os achados clínicos dos animais analisados que apresentavam sintomatologia de doenças respiratórias e lesões relacionadas ao trato respiratório. Este é o primeiro relato da associação de PCV2 com M. hyopneumoniae em suínos identificados com PCVAD no estado de Goiás.

Porcine circovirus associated diseases (PCVAD) have been reported around the world. They are associated with high culling rates and large economic losses. Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the primary causative agent. Several risk factors are related to the manifestation of clinical syndrome, including deficiencies of management, presence of co-infections and immunization against involved agents. Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is often reported as an agent associated to PCV2 infections. The aim of this study was to verify the occurrence of M. hyopneumoniae in animals diagnosed with PCVAD in intensive pig farming systems in Goiás, Brazil. Forty nasal secretion samples were collected for M. hyopneumoniae DNA detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Out of this, 6 (15%) were positive for M. hyopneumoniae DNA. All positive samples were collected from animals in non-vaccinated herds. Mycoplasma has been detected in animals showing clinical signs and lesions of respiratory diseases. To our knowledge, this is the first report of PCV2 association with M. hyopneumoniae in pigs with PCVAD identified in the state of Goiás, Brazil.

Micoplasma hyopneumoniae associado ao circovírus suíno tipo 2 em plantéis não vacinados para micoplasmose / Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae associated with porcine circovirus type 2 in non-vaccinated herds for mycoplasmosis

A síndrome circovirose suína e doenças associadas (PCVAD) tem sido descrita em diversas regiões do mundo. Seu agente primário, o circovírus suíno tipo 2 (PCV2), está associado a elevados índices de refugagem nas granjas e a vultuosos prejuízos econômicos. Diversos fatores de risco estão relacionados à manifestação dos quadros clínicos da síndrome, nomeadamente deficiências de manejo, presença de coinfecções e imunização diante do agente. Entre os agentes frequentemente relatados associados ao PCV2 está o Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Este estudo objetivou verificar a ocorrência de M. hyopneumoniae em animais diagnosticados estarem acometidos pela PCVAD, em sistemas intensivos de produção de suínos do estado de Goiás. Amostras de secreção nasal de 40 animais foram analisadas para a pesquisa do DNA de M. hyopneumoniae. Do total das amostras de secreção nasal, 6 (15%) foram positivas na reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) para o M. hyopneumoniae, apenas em granjas que não praticavam a vacinação contra esse agente. Os resultados relacionados à presença de micoplasma estão de acordo com os achados clínicos dos animais analisados que apresentavam sintomatologia de doenças respiratórias e lesões relacionadas ao trato respiratório. Este é o primeiro relato da associação de PCV2 com M. hyopneumoniae em suínos identificados com PCVAD no estado de Goiás.(AU)

Porcine circovirus associated diseases (PCVAD) have been reported around the world. They are associated with high culling rates and large economic losses. Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the primary causative agent. Several risk factors are related to the manifestation of clinical syndrome, including deficiencies of management, presence of co-infections and immunization against involved agents. Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is often reported as an agent associated to PCV2 infections. The aim of this study was to verify the occurrence of M. hyopneumoniae in animals diagnosed with PCVAD in intensive pig farming systems in Goiás, Brazil. Forty nasal secretion samples were collected for M. hyopneumoniae DNA detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Out of this, 6 (15%) were positive for M. hyopneumoniae DNA. All positive samples were collected from animals in non-vaccinated herds. Mycoplasma has been detected in animals showing clinical signs and lesions of respiratory diseases. To our knowledge, this is the first report of PCV2 association with M. hyopneumoniae in pigs with PCVAD identified in the state of Goiás, Brazil.(AU)

Micoplasma hyopneumoniae associado ao circovírus suíno tipo 2 em plantéis não vacinados para micoplasmose / Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae associated with porcine circovirus type 2 in non-vaccinated herds for mycoplasmosis

A síndrome circovirose suína e doenças associadas (PCVAD) tem sido descrita em diversas regiões do mundo. Seu agente primário, o circovírus suíno tipo 2 (PCV2), está associado a elevados índices de refugagem nas granjas e a vultuosos prejuízos econômicos. Diversos fatores de risco estão relacionados à manifestação dos quadros clínicos da síndrome, nomeadamente deficiências de manejo, presença de coinfecções e imunização diante do agente. Entre os agentes frequentemente relatados associados ao PCV2 está o Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Este estudo objetivou verificar a ocorrência de M. hyopneumoniae em animais diagnosticados estarem acometidos pela PCVAD, em sistemas intensivos de produção de suínos do estado de Goiás. Amostras de secreção nasal de 40 animais foram analisadas para a pesquisa do DNA de M. hyopneumoniae. Do total das amostras de secreção nasal, 6 (15%) foram positivas na reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) para o M. hyopneumoniae, apenas em granjas que não praticavam a vacinação contra esse agente. Os resultados relacionados à presença de micoplasma estão de acordo com os achados clínicos dos animais analisados que apresentavam sintomatologia de doenças respiratórias e lesões relacionadas ao trato respiratório. Este é o primeiro relato da associação de PCV2 com M. hyopneumoniae em suínos identificados com PCVAD no estado de Goiás.(AU)

Porcine circovirus associated diseases (PCVAD) have been reported around the world. They are associated with high culling rates and large economic losses. Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the primary causative agent. Several risk factors are related to the manifestation of clinical syndrome, including deficiencies of management, presence of co-infections and immunization against involved agents. Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is often reported as an agent associated to PCV2 infections. The aim of this study was to verify the occurrence of M. hyopneumoniae in animals diagnosed with PCVAD in intensive pig farming systems in Goiás, Brazil. Forty nasal secretion samples were collected for M. hyopneumoniae DNA detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Out of this, 6 (15%) were positive for M. hyopneumoniae DNA. All positive samples were collected from animals in non-vaccinated herds. Mycoplasma has been detected in animals showing clinical signs and lesions of respiratory diseases. To our knowledge, this is the first report of PCV2 association with M. hyopneumoniae in pigs with PCVAD identified in the state of Goiás, Brazil.(AU)

Ocorrência de adenovírus, circovírus e Chlamydia psittaci em papagaios verdadeiros (Amazona aestiva) de tráfico recebidos no CETAS de Belo Horizonte.

O papagaio-verdadeiro (Amazona aestiva) é a espécie de psitacídeo mais capturada no mundo, sendo um dos principais alvos do comércio ilegal de animais silvestres. Estas aves traficadas são transportadas e mantidas em péssimas condições, submetidas a fatores estressantes que podem acarretar em imunodepressão e desenvolvimento de doenças causadas por patógenos presentes subclinicamente ou incubados. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a ocorrência de adenovírus, circovírus da doença do bico e das penas (BFDV - Beak and feather disease vírus) e Chlamydia psittaci em papagaios-verdadeiros filhotes provenientes do tráfico recebidos no Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres de Belo Horizonte (CETAS/BH). Foram realizadas 114 necropsias de animais que vieram a óbito desde o recebimento até o sexto mês de triagem, e exame molecular em tecido hepático para detecção dos agentes. Deste total, 81 animais (71%) foram positivos para adenovírus, indicando que os animais podem ter sido apreendidos infectados e que o vírus circulou no CETAS durante a permanência desses animais no local. Não foram encontrados animais positivos para circovírus e clamídia, sugerindo que os animais deram entrada no local sem portar o agente, e não se infectaram durante o processo de triagem. Acreditamos que alterações realizadas no manejo de papagaios no CETAS, associado à antibioticoterapia profilática com doxiciclina, tenham colaborado para prevenção da disseminação de C. psittaci no local.

The blue-fronted amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) is the most captured psittacine in the world, being one of the biggest focus in the illegal trade of wild animals. Trafficked birds are transported and kept in stressful conditions leading to immunodepression and primary or opportunistic infections. The objective of this study was investigate the occurrence of adenovirus, circovirus of beak and feather disease (BFDV) and Chlamydia psittaci in trafficked blue-fronted amazon parrot nestlings recently received at the Wild Animal Triage Center in Belo Horizonte (CETAS/BH). Psittacines (n=114) that died within 6 months of triage were necropsied, and livers were collected for molecular analysis. Results showed the 81/114 (71%) parrots were positive for adenovirus, indicating that they could have been apprehended already infected and that the virus circulated in CETAS during captivity. No positivity was detected for circovirus or Chlamydia, indicating that the animals entered and remained free during the triage process. Introduced management changes in the handling of rescued psittacines in CETAS/BH, including the prophylactic antibiotic therapy with doxycycline, were considered associated beneficial on the prevention of the previously reported present C. psittaci transmission.

COMPOSIÇÃO DAS PENAS E DA PULPA DE FRANGOS DE CORTE

A composição em aminoácidos das penas é utilizada como base para predição das exigências nutricionais para o seu crescimento. No entanto, durante o crescimento dos frangos de corte as penas sofrem mudas e consequentemente ocorrem alterações em sua composição, e até então este evento não foi contemplado nos modelos de predição de exigências nutricionais para aves. Neste contexto, esta dissertação foi realizada com o objetivo de: 1) descrever a composição das penas em diferentes tratos do corpo durante o crescimento das aves; 2) descrever a composição da pulpa presente nas penas em crescimento; 3) descrever a composição dos diferentes tipos de penas maduras. Para descrever a composição das penas em diferentes tratos e da pulpa durante o crescimento das aves, 200 frangos de corte de cada sexo (macho e fêmea) x linhagem (Cobb 500 MX e Ross 308 AP (AP95)) foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dez boxes de 20 aves cada e alimentadas com quantidades adequadas de proteína dietética usando um programa alimentar de quatro fases. Uma ave por box (10 aves por genótipo) foi amostrada e eutanasiada aos 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84, 98 e 112 dias de idade. Todas as penas foram arrancadas de cada um dos sete tratos, sendo eles capital-cervical, dorsopélvico, interescapular, peitoral, femoral, humeral-alar e dorsocaudal. Das remiges (primárias e secundárias) foram coletadas toda a pulpa presente. As penas foram secas em estufa de ventilação forçada (55°C por 72 horas) e a pulpa foi seca por liofilização (-80°C por 72 horas), após esses procedimentos foram quantificados os teores de água e proteína. Os aminoácidos foram quantificados apenas nos frangos machos da linhagem cobb, nas idades de 1, 28 e 70 dias. Para descrever a composição das penas maduras, um sub-ensaio foi conduzido utilizando 20 aves de cada um dos genótipos avaliados, as aves foram alojadas individualmente em gaiolas e as penas perdidas naturalmente foram coletadas diariamente. Foram separadas as penugens, penas de contorno, remiges e retrices, analisado os teores de água e proteína. Novamente, apenas as penas de frangos Cobb macho foram quantificados o conteúdo de aminoácidos. Foi verificada uma pequena variação nos teores de proteína, em base de matéria seca, em todas as idades, linhagem e sexo. Os tratos dorsopélvico e interescapular apresentaram um aumento discreto nos teores de proteína com o avanço da idade. No conteúdo de água, uma redução foi observada com o aumento da idade para ambos sexo e linhagem, em todos os tratos. Nas penas em crescimento, os aminoácidos metionina, lisina e ácidos aspártico tiveram uma redução durante o crescimento das aves, já os aminoácidos cistina, valina, leucina e serina aumentaram. Em relação a pulpa, o teor de proteína foi menor apenas aos 112 dias, para água foi semelhante ao longo de todo período. As penas maduras apresentaram baixo teor de água, e para proteína os valores foram semelhantes ao das penas em crescimento. Os aminoácidos metionina, lisina e histidina foram consideravelmente maiores na pulpa do que nas penas maduras. Cistina e valina foram maiores nas penas maduras do que na pulpa. Diferenças que evidenciam o processo de queratinização das penas. Contudo, há mudanças na composição de aminoácidos durante o crescimento das penas de frangos de corte, e que comumente não são computadas em modelos de predição de exigências de aminoácidos.

The amino acid composition of feathers is used to predict the nutritional requirements for their growth. However, during the growth of broilers the moult is current and consequently changes in their composition occur, and at the present moment this event was not contemplated in the prediction models of nutritional requirements for birds. In this context, this dissertation aimed: 1) describe the composition of feathers in different body tracts during the growth of birds; 2) describe the composition of the pulp present in growing feathers; 3) describe the composition of the different types of mature feathers. In order to describe the composition of feathers in different tracts and pulp during poultry growth, 200 broilers of each sex (male and female) x strain (Cobb 500 MX and Ross 308 AP (AP95)) were randomly distributed in ten boxes with 20 birds each and fed adequate amounts of dietary protein using a four-phase feeding program. One bird per pen (10 birds per genotype) was sampled and euthanized at 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84, 98 and 112 days of age. All feathers were plucked from each of the seven tracts, namely capital-cervical, dorso-pelvic, interscapular, pectoral, femoral, humeral-alar and dorso-caudal. From the remige (primary and secondary) all the pulp present was collected. The feathers were dried in a forced ventilation oven (55 ° C for 72 hours) and the pulp dried by lyophilization (-80 ° C for 72 hours), after which the water and protein contents were quantified. Amino acids were quantified only in male cobb broilers at the ages of 1, 28 and 70 days. In order to describe the composition of mature feathers, a sub-trial was conducted using 20 birds from each of the genotypes, the birds were individually housed in cages and the feather loss was collected daily. Down feathers, contour feathers, remiges and rectrices were separated, analyzed for water and protein contents. The same procedure, only male cobb broiler feathers were quantified for amino acid content. The protein content, on the dry matter basis, remains relatively constant throughout growth, strain, and sex. The dorso-pelvic and interscapular tracts showed a slight increase in protein content over time. In water content, a decrease was observed with the age for both sex and strain in all treatments. In growing feathers, the amino acids methionine, lysine and aspartic acids decreased during the growth of birds, while the amino acids cystine, valine, leucine and serine increased. Regarding pulp, the protein content was lower only at 112 days, for water content was similar throughout the period. The mature feathers had low water content, and for protein the values were similar to the growing feathers. The amino acids methionine, lysine and histidine were considerably higher in pulp than in mature feathers. Cystine and valine were higher in mature feathers than in pulp. Differences that evidence the process of feather keratinization. Therefore, there are changes in amino acid composition during the growth of broiler feathers, which are not commonly computed in amino acid requirement prediction models.

Replacement and growth of primary feathers in captive rock pigeons, Columba livia (Aves: Columbidae)

The replacement and growth of 311 primary feathers of eight captive male rock pigeons, Columba livia Gmelin, 1789 were monitored daily. Feather replacement was recorded in all months, but the primaries 1 to 5 (innermost primaries) were replaced mostly from September to December, whereas the primaries 6 to 10 (outermost primaries) were more frequently replaced from January to August. Each primary was held in plumage from six to fifteen months, but the lifetime of the outer feathers was longer than that of the inner feathers. A new primary emerges two or three days after its predecessor has been dropped, but the primaries replacing the feathers accidentally lost during bird handling emerge only after about eight days. The average growth period of a primary ranged from 21 to 37 days, with the larger and outermost feathers exhibiting a longer growth period. A constant average growth rate of 4 to 5 mm/day was found for all primaries until the last two days of growth, when the growth rate of the feathers became progressively slower. Bilateral symmetry in the primary replacement, when the same feather is replaced simultaneously in both wings, was not significant (22.2%) in the birds monitored in this study.

Replacement and growth of primary feathers in captive rock pigeons, Columba livia (Aves: Columbidae)

The replacement and growth of 311 primary feathers of eight captive male rock pigeons, Columba livia Gmelin, 1789 were monitored daily. Feather replacement was recorded in all months, but the primaries 1 to 5 (innermost primaries) were replaced mostly from September to December, whereas the primaries 6 to 10 (outermost primaries) were more frequently replaced from January to August. Each primary was held in plumage from six to fifteen months, but the lifetime of the outer feathers was longer than that of the inner feathers. A new primary emerges two or three days after its predecessor has been dropped, but the primaries replacing the feathers accidentally lost during bird handling emerge only after about eight days. The average growth period of a primary ranged from 21 to 37 days, with the larger and outermost feathers exhibiting a longer growth period. A constant average growth rate of 4 to 5 mm/day was found for all primaries until the last two days of growth, when the growth rate of the feathers became progressively slower. Bilateral symmetry in the primary replacement, when the same feather is replaced simultaneously in both wings, was not significant (22.2%) in the birds monitored in this study.

Replacement and growth of primary feathers in captive rock pigeons, Columba livia (Aves: Columbidae)

The replacement and growth of 311 primary feathers of eight captive male rock pigeons, Columba livia Gmelin, 1789 were monitored daily. Feather replacement was recorded in all months, but the primaries 1 to 5 (innermost primaries) were replaced mostly from September to December, whereas the primaries 6 to 10 (outermost primaries) were more frequently replaced from January to August. Each primary was held in plumage from six to fifteen months, but the lifetime of the outer feathers was longer than that of the inner feathers. A new primary emerges two or three days after its predecessor has been dropped, but the primaries replacing the feathers accidentally lost during bird handling emerge only after about eight days. The average growth period of a primary ranged from 21 to 37 days, with the larger and outermost feathers exhibiting a longer growth period. A constant average growth rate of 4 to 5 mm/day was found for all primaries until the last two days of growth, when the growth rate of the feathers became progressively slower. Bilateral symmetry in the primary replacement, when the same feather is replaced simultaneously in both wings, was not significant (22.2%) in the birds monitored in this study.

CONTAMINAÇÃO POR METAIS PESADOS EM CISNE-DO-PESCOÇOPRETO (Cygnus melanocoryphus) NO SUL DO BRASIL.

O cisne-do-pescoço-preto (Cygnus melanocoryphus), é endêmico da América do sul, e no extremo sul Brasil é encontrado na Lagoa Mangueira que está inserida parcialmente na Estação Ecológica do Taim (ESEC Taim). Essa região é caracterizada pela prática da rizicultura e seus efluentes gerados com contaminantes, são liberados na lagoa podendo afetar a vida dos organismos. Apesar disso, não há trabalhos que avaliem a contaminação por metais pesados por meio deste organismo e há poucos estudos sobre a contaminação ambiental deste local. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar as concentrações dos metais Cobre (Cu), Cádmio (Cd), Cromo (Cr), Níquel (Ni), Chumbo (Pb) e Zinco (Zn) presentes nas duas vias de excreção (fezes e penas) e uma via de circulação (sangue) de C. melanocoryphus comparando sazonalmente, entre os sexos e idades e ver se há relação entre o tamanho da 9ª rêmige da asa dessa espécie com as concentrações desses metais. Foram capturados 88 indivíduos no total, onde 61 indivíduos foram amostrados no verão, 12 no outono e 15 no inverno. Amostras de penas, sangues e fezes, foram coletadas e levadas a digestão ácida para posterior análise dos metais Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb e Zn, por espectrometria de absorção atômica. Foram feitas regressões simples para avaliar a relação entre as concentrações de metais encontrados nas origens (fezes, sangue e penas) com o comprimento da nona rêmige primária da asa de C. melancoryphus (que indica quanto tempo o indivíduo está no local). Foram feitas análises de covariância, para avaliar se as concentrações de metais nas origens diferem de acordo com a idade e o sexo dos indivíduos. Por fim, foram realizadas Anovas fatoriais, para comparar se as concentrações de metais nas penas, sangue e fezes, diferem ao longo das estações do ano. Foram observadas relações positivas entre as concentrações de Cu e Pb nas fezes, Cu e Zn nas penas e Zn no sangue (p<0,05), para os demais não foi encontrada nenhuma relação. Apenas a concentração de Zn para sexo e idade apresentou diferença significativa. E para as estações do ano, apenas Zn e Cu mostraram diferenças significativas positivas. Desta forma, as concentrações de Cd e Pb encontradas nas fezes, foram superiores a outros trabalhos que utilizam espécies de cisne, podendo assim, considerar que o C. melanocoryphus pode estar sofrendo uma contaminação local. Já para os outros metais Cu e Zn, nas penas fezes e sangue, são inferiores ou iguais a outros trabalhos, e como são metais essenciais não apresentam toxicidade para o organismo.

The black-necked swan (Cygnus melanocoryphus) is endemic to South America, and in the extreme south Brazil is found in Lagoa Mangueira, which is part of the Taim Ecological Station (ESEC Taim). This region is characterized by the practice of rhiziculture and its effluents generated with contaminants, are released inside the lagoon, and can affect the life of C. melanocoryphus. Despite this, there are not many papers evaluating the environmental contamination by heavy metals in this place and there are no works in relation to the contamination with this species of swan. The objective of this study, was to evaluate the concentrations of copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and Zn (Zn) present in the two excretion pathways (faeces and feathers) and a blood circulation pathway of C. melanocoryphus, comparing seasonally, between the sexes and ages and to see if there is relation between the size of the ninth feather of the wing of this species with the concentrations of these metals. A total of 88 individuals were captured, where 61 individuals were sampled in the summer, 12 in the autumn and 15 in the winter. Samples of feathers, blood and feces were collected and taken to acid digestion for further analysis of the Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn metals by atomic absorption spectrometry. Simple regressions were made to evaluate the relationship between the concentrations of metals found in the origins (faeces, blood and feathers) with the length of the ninth primary wing of the wing of C. melancoryphus (indicating how long the individual is in place). Covariance analyzes (covariance: 9th primary ridge) were performed to assess whether the concentrations of metals at the origins differ according to the age and sex of the individuals. Finally, Factorial Anovas were performed to compare the concentrations of metals in feathers, blood and feces, differing throughout the seasons. Positive relationships were observed between Cu and Pb concentrations in faeces, Cu and Zn in feathers and Zn in blood (p <0.05), for the others no relation was found. Only the concentration of Zn for sex and age presented a significant difference. And for the seasons, only Zn and Cu showed significant positive differences. In this way, the concentrations of Cd and Pb found in feces were superior to other studies using swan species, so that C. melanocoryphus may be suffering from local contamination. For the other metals Cu and Zn, in feces feathers and blood, are inferior or equal to other works, and as they are essential metals they do not present toxicity to the organism.