In vitro probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from the intestines of Muscovy ducks.

The current study was conducted to isolate, test and characterize molecularly and physiologically lactic acid bacteria from the intestines of Muscovy ducks to evaluate their probiotic potential for poultry farming. Three hundred lactic acid bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract of Muscovy ducks were isolated. The strains were phenotypically characterized by observing cell morphology, performing Gram staining, catalase production, and testing their ability to grow in MRS broth at different temperatures, pH values, NaCl concentrations, bile concentration, and in compatibility tests between strains. Nine strains were selected based on their resilience. Eight strains were identified using molecular techniques. These strains exhibited significant tolerance to acidic pH, bile salts, and NaCl, essential for probiotic function. All isolates inhibited the growth of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium (DT104) and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli serotype O86:H34 (EPEC), showcasing their antimicrobial potential. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed 100% resistance to clindamycin and erythromycin but high susceptibility to ampicillin and vancomycin. Growth was observed at various temperatures, indicating mesophilic characteristics. Compatibility tests confirmed their suitability for probiotic formulations. Genomic analysis identified the strains primarily as Enterococcus. Conclusively, the study identified eight out of nine selected lactic acid bacteria strains from Muscovy ducks as autochthonous probiotics, showing resilience to treatments and compatibility for consortium formulation. These strains are suitable for in vivo testing for potential poultry farming applications. Further research on their molecular mechanisms and in vivo effects is needed.

Effects of particle size of corn and stocking densities on the performance, carcass traits and gastrointestinal tract development of Muscovy ducks in housing.

The current investigation was conducted to investigate the effects of different particle sizes of corn and stocking densities on performance, carcass traits and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development of Muscovy ducks in housing. 200 Muscovy ducks were distributed in a factorial scheme (2 × 2) where the treatments were constituted by two stocking densities (2 or 3 birds/m2) and two particle sizes of corn (6 or 8 mm), with five replicates of 10 birds each. At 1, 35, 70, and 90 days old, Muscovy ducks were slaughtered to evaluate the development of heart and GIT. Muscovy ducks managed in the density of 3 birds/m2 presented higher (P < 0.05) GIT development, performance and carcass traits regardless of age evaluated. In the same way, Muscovy ducks fed diets using a particle size of corn of 6 mm (Mean Geometric Diameter (MGD) = 781 µm) presented higher (P < 0.05) GIT development, performance and carcass traits regardless of age evaluated. Conclusively, the stocking density of 3 birds/m2 and the particle size of corn of 6 mm (MGD = 781 µm) were considered ideal recommendations for Muscovy ducks, providing higher GIT development, which resulted in better performance and carcass traits.

Does the provision of live black soldier fly and yellow mealworm larvae improve Muscovy duck welfare?

BACKGROUND: The provision of environmental enrichments to Muscovy ducks could reduce the expression of the aggressive behaviors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of black soldier fly (BSF) and yellow mealworm (YM) live larva provision on Muscovy duck performance, excreta corticosterone metabolites (ECM), behavior, and blood parameters. METHODS: A total of 126 3-day-old female Muscovy ducklings were allotted to 18 pens (6 replicates/treatment, 7 birds/pen) and assigned to 3 experimental treatments: a control group fed commercial feed, and two experimental treatments fed commercial feed plus the 5% (based on the expected daily feed intake, as fed basis) of BSF and YM live larvae (BSF and YM groups, respectively). A two-phase feeding program was applied: starter (from 3 to 31 days of age) and grower-finisher (from 32 to 55 days of age). The live weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were calculated. Larva consumption times were collected, and video recordings were performed during 3 periods (P) each day: the hour before (P1), during (P2), and after (P3) the larva administration. ECM were evaluated at 3, 31, and 55-day-old. Finally, the total red and white blood cell counts, serum proteins, lipids, and liver and renal function serum enzymes were evaluated on 12 birds/treatment. RESULTS: The experimental treatment did not affect the growth performance of the birds (P > 0.05). Larva consumption times were always similar between the two insect species, except at 14-18 days of age, were BSF larvae were consumed faster than YM larvae (P < 0.001). The birds showed less walking activity during P2, and preening behavior increased in YM birds during P3. The C birds increased the attack behavior over the weeks (P < 0.05). During weeks 1-3 the YM group reduced the attack frequency (P1 > P3; P < 0.05). Finally, the provision of live BSF and YM larvae significantly reduced the ECM at 55 days of age and the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Live BSF and YM larva supplementation in Muscovy duck improves duck welfare, without impairing birds' growth performance.

Improvement of diluted semen from Muscovy (Cairina moschata) drakes by the addition of water-soluble antioxidants.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of antioxidant supplementation in diluted semen from Muscovy drakes after the induction of oxidative stress (OS) on the sperm motility, kinematic parameters and biochemical markers - lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels and total glutathione (tGSH) concentration. The pooled semen was distributed equally into three parts, diluted (1:3 v/v) with IMV Canadyl, HIA-1 or AU, and stored at 4°C for 6 h. Later, the semen was equilibrated at 20-25°C for 15 min, and divided in Eppendorf tubes. The sperm samples (final concentration of 50 × 106 sperm cells/mL per sample) were incubated at 37°C for 30 min in the absence (-) or presence (+) of 0.1 mM FeSO4 + 0.5 mM H2 O2 (Fenton system) and the following combinations of antioxidants: ascorbic acid + Trolox (A + T); ascorbic acid + Desferal (A + D); Trolox + Desferal (T + D) and ascorbic acid + Trolox + Desferal (A + T + D), all of them in a final concentration of 0.1 mM. Thus, the total number of samples was 30 and in each one, the sperm motility, velocity parameters, LPO and tGSH were determined. The motility and kinematic parameters of the diluted semen with added antioxidants were restored by up to 20% after inducing OS via the Fenton reaction. Dual combinations of antioxidants (A + T, A + D, and T + D) lowered LPO levels, but not equally across different extenders. After the induction of OS, the tGSH levels in diluted semen with IMV-Canadyl were not affected by the added antioxidants. Whereas antioxidant combinations in diluted semen with HIA-1 or AU had a beneficial effect and partially restored tGSH levels. In conclusion, the results showed that the extender IMV-Canadyl is well balanced and protected the Muscovy semen under OS conditions, while the other two extenders HIA-1 and AU can be improved by adding antioxidants.

Effect of management and probiotic supplementation on growth performance of Muscovy ducks / Efecto del manejo y la suplementación con probióticos sobre el desempeño del crecimiento del pato criollo / Efeito do manejo e da suplementação com probióticos no desempenho de crescimento de pato-almiscarado

Abstract Background: Farming of Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) is an important part of the poultry industry in developed countries. However, the lack of research and improvement programs has led to poor productive outcomes in developing regions where this duck breed is important to procure adequate food security. Objective: To evaluate the effect of improved management conditions and the use of commercial probiotics on the growth performance of Muscovy ducks in a semi-intensive system farm in Colombia. Methods: We recorded the weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of ducks under three treatments: Backyard management; Improved management; and Improved management plus probiotic supplementation. Results: The backyard farming system led to poor weight gains (male=2,797; female=1,605 g) and less efficient FCR (4.06). Improvement of management conditions led to a better (p<0.05) FCR (3.1) and greater (p<0.05) weight gain (male=2,888, female=1,637 g). The FCR under improved management is comparable to those reported in developed duck farming industries, but the final weight was notably lower than those obtained with selected lines. The use of commercial probiotics led to significant (p<0.05) improvement in weight gain (male=2,930; female=1,692 g); however, it also increased the FCR (3.5; p<0.05). Conclusions: The improvement of management conditions enhance the productivity of Muscovy ducks, but further genetic selection processes or use of selected lines is required in developing countries such as Colombia. Further studies are required to assess if probiotic supplementation can lead to improvement in Muscovy ducks farming due to the contrasting effect over the weight gain and FCR.

Resumen Antecedentes: La cría de patos criollos (Cairina moschata) es una parte importante de la industria avícola en los países desarrollados. Sin embargo, la falta de programas de investigación y mejora ha llevado a resultados productivos en regiones en desarrollo donde esta raza de pato es importante para la seguridad alimentaria. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de mejoras en las condiciones de manejo y el uso de probióticos comerciales sobre el crecimiento de patos criollos en una granja semi-intensiva en Colombia. Métodos: Registramos la ganancia de peso y el índice de conversión alimenticia (FCR) de patos bajo tres tratamientos: Manejo de traspatio; Manejo mejorado; y Manejo mejorado más suplemento de probióticos. Resultados: Observamos que el sistema de crianza de traspatio conduce a ganancias de peso deficientes (machos=2.797; hembras=1.605 g) y un FCR menos eficiente (4,06). La mejora de las condiciones de manejo condujo a una mejor (p<0,05) FCR (3,1) y mayor ganancia (p<0,05) de peso (machos=2.888; hembras=1.637 g). El FCR observado en el manejo mejorado es comparable a los reportados en industrias desarrolladas, pero el peso final fue notablemente más bajo que los obtenidos con líneas seleccionadas. El uso de probióticos comerciales condujo a una mejora significativa (p<0,05) en el aumento de peso (machos=2.930; hembras=1.692 g); sin embargo, también aumentó el FCR (3,5; p<0,05). Conclusiones: La mejora de las condiciones de manejo aumenta la productividad de los patos criollos, pero se requieren realizar selección genética o usar líneas seleccionadas en países en desarrollo como Colombia. Se requieren más estudios para evaluar si la suplementación con probióticos puede conducir a una mejora en la cría de patos criollos debido al efecto contrastante entre la ganancia de peso y el FCR.

Resumo Antecedentes: Criação de pato almiscarado (Cairina moschata) é uma parte importante da indústria avícola nos países desenvolvidos; sem embargo, a falta de programas de investigação e melhorar os resultados produtivos deficientes nas regiões desarrolho donde esta raça de pato é importante para a segurança alimentar. Objetivo: Avaliou o efeito de melhorias nas condições de manejo e o uso de probióticos comerciais no crescimento de patos-almiscarados em uma granja de semi-intensiva colombiana. Métodos: Registramos o ganho de peso e o índice de conversão alimentar (FCR) de patos baixos três tratamentos: Manejo de quintal; Manejo melhorado; e Manejo melhorado com suplemento de probióticos. Resultados: Observamos que o sistema de quintal conduz a ganhos de peso deficientes (machos=2.797; fêmeas=1.605 g) e uma FCR menos eficiente (4,06). A melhor das condições de manejo conduz a um FCR (3,1) maior (p<0,05) e maior (p<0,05) ganho de peso (machos=2.888; fêmeas=1.637 g). O FCR baixo manejo melhorado é comparável aos reportados nas indústrias de criação de patos desenvolvidos, mas o peso final é notavelmente mais baixo que os obtidos com as linhas selecionadas. O uso de probióticos comerciais conduz a uma maior significância (p<0,05) no aumento de peso (machos=2.930; fêmeas=1.692 g); sem embargo, também aumentou o FCR (3,5; p<0,05). Conclusões: A melhor das condições de manejo aumenta a produtividade dos patos-almiscarados, mas requer mais processos de seleção genética ou o uso de linhas selecionadas em países em desenvolvimento como a Colômbia. Se precisar de mais estudos para avaliar se a suplementação com probióticos pode conduzir a uma melhora na criação de patos almiscarados devido ao efeito contrastante do ganho de peso e do FCR.

Whole-genome sequencing of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella enterica isolates from a Cairina moschata carcass.

Salmonella enterica is one of the most common agents of foodborne bacterial illness with poultry being an important reservoir. The indiscriminate use of antimicrobial compounds in poultry farming increasingly leads to antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) which threatens the health of both animals and humans. Antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella enterica from the poultry can spread to human through the direct contact with infected poultry or fecal contaminated environments. Antimicrobial-resistant S. enterica, especially fluoroquinolone-resistant nontyphoidal Salmonella is in the list of global health concern stated by the World Health Organization (WHO). Here we report the whole-genome sequencing data and de novo genome assemble of antimicrobial-resistant S. enterica strains S8 and S9 from the C. moschata carcass collected in Vietnam. Genomic DNA of S. enterica were extracted and subjected to whole-genome sequencing using Illumina MiSeq platform. The genome size of antimicrobial-resistant S. enterica strain S8 is 4,707,459 bp with a GC-content of 52.38%, containing 10 antimicrobial resistant genes. The genome size of antimicrobial-resistant Samonella enterica strain S9 is 4,923,944 bp with a GC-content of 52,39%, containing 10 antimicrobial resistance genes. Our data provided the insights on antimicrobial resistant genes of S. enterica isolates from the C. moschata carcass, which help to understand the infection mechanism of antimicrobial-resistant S. enterica in human.

Quantitative Evaluation of Tactile Foraging Behavior in Pekin and Muscovy Ducks.

Ducks have developed a variety of foraging strategies that utilize touch sensitive bills to match their ecological niche within wetlands. These techniques include diving, sieving, dabbling, and grazing. Ducks exhibiting tactile specialization in foraging outperform visual and non-tactile foraging ducks in behavioral experiments and have a higher percentage of light-touch mechanoreceptor neurons expressing Piezo2 in the trigeminal ganglia. Belonging to two different tribes of Anseriformes, the well-studied tactile specialist Pekin (Tribe Anatini: Anas platyrhynchos domestica) and lesser studied Muscovy (Tribe Cairinini: Cairina moschata domestica) ducks were tested on a series of experiments to assess these birds' functional tactile acuity. Both species of duck were able to separate out and consume edible items from increasing amounts of inedible plastiline clay distractors. They could also both be trained to associate a food reward with plastiline stimuli of differing size and shape using touch alone. However, only females of each species could learn to associate food reward with otherwise identical stimuli differing only in hardness. Pekin females performed significantly better than Muscovy females suggesting the anatomical specializations present in many Anatini may contribute to this type of tactile acuity. These findings have potential relevance in understanding the evolution of tactile ability and feeding ecology.

Skeletal variation in bird domestication: limb proportions and sternum in chicken, with comparisons to mallard ducks and Muscovy ducks.

Background: Domestication, including selective breeding, can lead to morphological changes of biomechanical relevance. In birds, limb proportions and sternum characteristics are of great importance and have been studied in the past for their relation with flight, terrestrial locomotion and animal welfare. In this work we studied the effects of domestication and breed formation in limb proportions and sternum characteristics in chicken (Gallus gallus), mallard ducks (Anas plathyrhynchos) and Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata). Methods: First, we quantified the proportional length of three long bones of the forelimb (humerus, radius, and carpometacarpus) and the hind limb (femur, tibiotarsus, and tarsometatarsus) in domestic chickens, mallard ducks, and Muscovy ducks and their wild counterparts. For this, we took linear measurements of these bones and compared their proportions in the wild vs. the domestic group in each species. In chicken, these comparisons could also be conducted among different breeds. We then evaluated the proportional differences in the context of static and ontogenetic allometry. Further, we compared discrete sternum characteristics in red jungle fowl and chicken breeds. In total, we examined limb bones of 287 specimens and keel bones of 63 specimens. Results: We found a lack of significant change in the proportions of limb bones of chicken and Muscovy duck due to domestication, but significant differences in the case of mallard ducks. Variation of evolvability, allometric scaling, and heterochrony may serve to describe some of the patterns of change we report. Flight capacity loss in mallard ducks resulting from domestication may have a relation with the difference in limb proportions. The lack of variation in proportions that could distinguish domestic from wild forms of chicken and Muscovy ducks may reflect no selection for flight capacity during the domestication process in these groups. In chicken, some of the differences identified in the traits discussed are breed-dependent. The study of the sternum revealed that the condition of crooked keel was not unique to domestic chicken, that some sternal characteristics were more frequent in certain chicken breeds than in others, and that overall there were no keel characteristics that are unique for certain chicken breeds. Despite some similar morphological changes identified across species, this study highlights the lack of universal patterns in domestication and breed formation.

Reproductive season and male effect on quantitative and qualitative traits of individually collected Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) semen.

Males of Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) are mainly used for mule duck production via artificial insemination of females originated from wild mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos); therefore, the quantity and quality of drake semen play a crucial role. The assessment results of male reaction to sexual stimulation by dummy female and basic semen characteristic (ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and morphology) of 12 individually kept Muscovy drakes carried out during the entire reproductive season are described. The male and period of the reproductive season effect on scored semen traits are documented. In total, 792 individual semen collections and evaluations were performed. The average of positive reaction in the entire reproductive season varied from 90.6% in December and April to 50.0% in July, while for individual males, it varied between 97.1% and 29.0%. Throughout the season, the ejaculate volumes ranged from 0.05 to 2.45 ml, sperm concentration from 0.15 × 109 ml-1 to 4.44 × 109 ml-1 , total number of live spermatozoa from 68.0% to 100% and live normal (properly formed, with any deformations) from 51.0% to 99.0%. Our study indicates the necessity of male breeders pre-selection before the onset of the reproductive season, and the need to leave an appropriate number of males to ensure adequate amount of semen for female insemination, especially when using Muscovy drakes (Cairina moschata) for interspecies crossing with Anas platyrhynchos ducks.

Effect of semen extenders and storage time on quality of Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) drake semen during the entire reproductive season.

Avian semen dilution with appropriate extender allows to prolong the fertilizing ability of sperm stored in vitro. In the present study, the impact of extenders and time of storage on morphology of Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) drake semen were examined. Semen was collected twice a week, using male stimulation by a female method, from 12 adults (29 weeks old) drakes kept individually in cages, under controlled environmental conditions. Freshly collected, pooled ejaculates were divided into three part: neat undiluted sample, and diluted 1:1 with Schramm (SCH) or Watanabe (W) extender and stored at 4°C. Morphological examination of all samples was conducted after dilution and then, after 3 and 6 hr of storage. The storage of undiluted semen caused decrease (p ≤ .01) in live morphologically normal sperm, from 79.73% in the freshly collected ejaculates to 55.75% and to 12.12% after 3 and 6 hr of storage, respectively (average calculated for the entire reproductive season). In the semen diluted with Schramm's extender the adequate values attained 86.84, 79.65 and 61.66%, and using Watanabe extender 84.77, 83.58 and 75.25%, respectively. The period of semen storage and the type of extender caused significant (p ≤ 0,05; p ≤ 0,01) changes in sperm morphology. The longer period of storage contributed to the decrease in number of morphologically normal sperm, whereas their content in Watanabe extender after 3 and 6 hr of storage was higher (p ≤ .01) than in semen diluted in Schramm extender.

Analgesic Efficacy of Tramadol Compared With Meloxicam in Ducks (Cairina moschata domestica) Evaluated by Ground-Reactive Forces.

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of tramadol and meloxicam in an induced, temporary arthritis model in ducks as assessed by ground-reactive forces measured by a pressure-sensitive walkway (PSW) system. Twelve ducks (Cairina moschata domestica) were randomly separated into 3 equal groups of 4 birds each: water control, tramadol treatment, and meloxicam treatment. Baseline measurements were collected by having all ducks walk along a 3-m-long PSW in a custom-built corral before anesthesia and induction of arthritis. Arthritis was induced in all groups through injection, under anesthesia, of a 3% monosodium urate (MSU) solution into the intertarsal joint. One hour after MSU injection, birds were orally gavage fed 1 mL of tap water (control), tramadol (30 mg/kg), or meloxicam (1 mg/kg). After treatments, all ducks were reevaluated on the PSW at 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 24 hours post-MSU injection. The difference in maximum force was significantly greater in the control group than in both the tramadol- (P = .006) and meloxicam-treated (P = .03) individuals. Post hoc comparisons revealed differences between control and treated birds occurred only at the 3- and 4-hour time points after administration. No differences were found in the absolute difference in maximum force between tramadol- and meloxicam-treated birds at any time point (P > .05). Results of this study support the hypothesis that tramadol (30 mg/kg PO) and meloxicam (1 mg/kg PO) improve certain objective variables in an induced arthritis model in ducks. Our findings also support studies in other avian species that determined that both tramadol and meloxicam are effective analgesic drugs in some birds.

In vitro culture and characterization of duck primordial germ cells.

This study aimed to isolate, culture, and characterize duck primordial germ cells (PGCs) and to compare these cells with chicken PGCs. We first cultured Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) circulating PGCs and gonadal PGCs (gPGCs) in the modified serum-containing medium used to amplify chicken PGCs. gPGCs were found to proliferate better in serum-free chemically defined medium than in serum-containing medium. Thereafter, gPGCs were similarly isolated from 2 other duck breeds, the Pekin duck (Anas platyrhynchos) and the hybrid mule duck (C. moschata × A. platyrhynchos), and amplified for a limited period of time in the chemically defined culture condition, but sufficiently to be characterized and transplanted. Cultured gPGCs of all 3 duck breeds were characterized by Periodic acid-Schiff staining, immunocytochemical staining, and expression analysis of germline-specific and pluripotency genes. Cultured duck gPGCs colonized the gonads after being genetically labeled and injected into recipient embryos. Taken together, these results demonstrate that duck PGCs retain their germline characteristics after being isolated, expanded in vitro, and genetically modified. Further studies are required to establish the optimal conditions for long-term culture of duck PGCs, which may involve supplementing the culture medium with other growth factors or compounds.

Antitoxin therapy of natural avian botulism outbreaks occurred in Brazil.

Botulism commonly affects water birds and it has recently been observed to be emerging in poultry production. In the present work, outbreaks of botulism in wild native species, such as the black-fronted Piping-guan (Aburria jacutinga), wild duck (Cairina moschata) and its crosses with mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), and domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) are described. Following treatments with a commercial botulism antitoxin CD, 28 (96.5%) out of 29 animals fully recovered after 24-72 h. The antitoxin therapy was shown to be a useful option for the treatment of affected birds, including those that were severely affected.

Comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial genomes of two types of ducks, peking duck (Anas platyrhychos) and muscovy duck (Cairina moschata).

Peking duck (Anas platyrhychos) and Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) are two types of domestic ducks and the most popular meat breeds on the world. In this study, we sequenced and compared complete mitochondrial genomes of both breeds. In order to investigate the phylogeny of both breeds within Anseriformes, the sequences of concatenated 12 protein-coding genes were used for phylogenetic analysis. The result was consistent with most of the previous morphological and molecular studies. Our complete mitochondrial genome sequences of both breeds will be useful information in phylogenetics, and be available as basic data for the breeding and genetics.

Sperm Quality Parameters and Reproductive Efficiency in Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata).

The in vitro sperm quality parameters (motility, M; viability, V; normal morphology, NM; plasma membrane integrity, PMI; mitochondrial function, MF) in Muscovy drakes (Cairina moschata) were evaluated by using microscopy and flow cytometry, the correlation among sperm quality parameters and results of artificial insemination was also assessed in present study. M, V and NM were detected by phase contrast microscopy assisted with eosinnigrosin staining, and PMI and MF were detected by using flow cytometry within appropriate fluorescence staining (SYBR-14/PI and R123/PI, respectively). Fertility (F), early embryonic mortality (EEM) and the survival embryo rate (SER) were assessed after the artificial insemination of Muscovy or Kaiya duck (Anas platyrhynchos) females. Sperm PMI and MF, the parameters detected by flow cytometry were positively correlated with sperm M, V, and NM, those were detected by phase contrast microscopy (P<0.05). Sperm V and PMI were negatively correlated with the percentage of early embryo mortality of Muscovy duck fertile eggs (P<0.05). The results of the present study showed the relationships among the AI results and the sperm quality parameters detected by microscopy as well as flow cytometry. In conclusion, flow cytometry assisted with microscopy can be an effective tool to evaluate in vitro sperm quality and may contribute to predict the reproductive performances of individual Muscovy drakes, which helps to improve duck production efficiency.

Prevalência de helmintos em patos domésticos Cairina moschatadom. (Linné) (Anseriformes, Anatidae, Cairinini, Cairina) provenientesde criações extensivas no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Prevalence of helmintos in domestic ducks Cairina moschata dom. (Linné)

De março a agosto de 2002 foi realizado um levantamento de parasitos em trinta patos domésticos criados extensivamenteoriundos de seis municípios do estado do Rio de Janeiro, através de exames clínicos, necropsias e amostras de tecidosafetados. Dezessete aves estavam parasitadas por oito diferentes espécies de helmintos. A prevalência e a intensidade médiade infecção entre as aves parasitadas foram registradas. O presente trabalho registra, pela primeira vez no Brasil, nematóides da espécie Capillaria phasianina nestes hospedeiros.

From March to August 2002 a survey concerning the parasites of the muscovy ducks ( Cairina moschata dom.) was carried out.These waterfowls were originated from six counties of Rio de Janeiro state and were bred in free-range system. This researchwas based in clinic examination, necropsies and tissue samples collection for histopathology of 30 waterfowls. Birds wereclassified in to two-aged groups: young ones (3 – 5 months, n = 10) and adult ones (5,5 – 36 months, n = 20). Seventeen ducks.