Monitoring of Leptospira in captive turtles by DNA analysis / [Monitoramento de Leptospira em quelônios mantidos em cativeiro pela análise de DNA]

Existem poucos estudos sobre doenças infecciosas em animais silvestres. O objetivo deste estudo foi pesquisar DNA de Leptospira spp. em sangue de tartarugas mantidas em cativeiro, pertencentes ao Bosque Rodrigues Alves (Jardim Zoobotânico da Amazônia). O DNA foi isolado das amostras de sangue coletadas de 148 tartarugas pertencentes a seis espécies diferentes. A reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) foi realizada utilizando-se iniciadores específicos para DNA de Leptospira spp. Nenhuma das amostras apresentou resultado positivo para Leptospira spp.(AU)

Standardization of a rapid quadruplex PCR method for the simultaneous detection of bovine, buffalo, Salmonella spp, and Listeria monocytogenes DNA in milk / [Padronização de um método rápido de PCR quadriplex para a detecção simultânea de DNA de bovino, bubalino, Salmonella spp. e Listeria monocytogenes em leite]

The objective of the present study was to Standardize a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) protocol for the authentication of bovine and buffalo milk, and to detect the presence of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. For this, the target DNA was extracted, mixed, and subjected to a PCR assay. Milk samples were defrauded and experimentally contaminated with microorganisms to assess the detection of target DNA at different times of cultivation, bacterial titers, and concentration of genetic material. In addition, the protocol was tested with DNA extracted directly from food, without a pre-enrichment step. The proposed quadruplex PCR showed good accuracy in identifying target DNA sequences. It was possible to simultaneously identify all DNA sequences at the time of inoculation (0h), when the samples were contaminated with 2 CFU/250mL and with 6h of culture when the initial inoculum was 1 CFU/250mL. It was also possible to directly detect DNA sequences from the food when it was inoculated with 3 CFU/mL bacteria. Thus, the proposed methodology showed satisfactory performance, optimization of the analysis time, and a potential for the detection of microorganisms at low titers, which can be used for the detection of fraud and contamination.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi padronizar um protocolo de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) para a autenticação de leite bovino e bubalino e a detecção da presença de Salmonella spp. e Listeria monocytogenes. Para isso, o DNA-alvo foi extraído, misturado e submetido ao ensaio de PCR. Amostras de leite foram fraudadas e contaminadas experimentalmente com os micro-organismos, para se avaliar a detecção do DNA-alvo em diferentes tempos de cultivo, os títulos bacterianos e a concentração de material genético. Além disso, o protocolo foi testado com DNA extraído diretamente do alimento, sem a etapa de pré-enriquecimento. A PCR quadriplex proposta mostrou boa precisão na identificação de sequências de DNA-alvo. Foi possível identificar simultaneamente todas as sequências de DNA no momento da inoculação (0h), quando as amostras estavam contaminadas com 2 UFC/250mL, e com seis horas de cultura, quando o inóculo inicial foi de 1 UFC/250mL. Também foi possível detectar diretamente as sequências de DNA do alimento quando este foi inoculado com 3 UFC/mL de bactérias. Dessa forma, a metodologia proposta apresentou desempenho satisfatório, otimização do tempo de análise e potencial para detecção de micro-organismos em baixos títulos, podendo ser utilizada para detecção de fraude e contaminação.

Pesquisas de fraudes em méis no estado do Pará, Brasil / Research on fraud in honey in the state of Pará, Brazil

A adoção de práticas fraudulentas é comum na cadeia produtiva do mel e está associada à popularidade desse alimento e a dificuldade de detecção da adulteração do produto a olho nu ou por degustação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar se práticas fraudulentas são adotadas em méis comercializados no estado do Pará. Para a realização da pesquisa, 14 amostras comerciais de méis provenientes de 06 (seis) municípios, no estado do Pará foram submetidas às análises Lund, Fiehe, Lugol e melissopalinologia. Os resultados obtidos demostraram que 57,14% das amostras apresentaram alteração do precipitado para reação de Lund, indicando alteração no teor proteico. A coloração o azul intenso na reação de Lugol foi observada em 64,28% das amostras, indicando possível adição de amido. Ainda, 85,71% das amostras analisadas apresentaram mudança de coloração para a reação de Fiehe, indicando alteração no teor de hidroximetilfurfural. O conteúdo polínico foi observado em somente 35,71% das amostras e apenas 2,42% do total das amostras analisadas foram consideradas autenticas mediante as análises realizadas. Concluímos que os testes de autenticidade, quando aplicados em conjunto, foram capazes de detectar fraudes nas mostras de mel comercializadas no estado do Pará e que adulterações nos méis comercialmente disponíveis na região alvo do estudo são uma realidade.

The adoption of fraudulents practices is common in the honey production chain and is associated with the popularity of this food and the difficulty of detecting adulteration of the honey with the naked eye or by tasting. The objective of this work was to verify if fraudulent practices are adopted in honeys sold in the state of Pará. To carry out the research, 14 commercial samples of honeys from 06 (six) municipalities, in the state of Pará, were submitted to Lund, Fiehe, Lugol and melissopalinology. The results obtained showed 57.14% of the samples showed a change in the precipitate for Lund's reaction, indicating a change in protein content. The intense blue staining in the Lugol reaction was observed in 64.28% of the samples, indicating a possible addition of starch. In addition, 85.71% of the samples showed a color change for the Fiehe reaction, indicating a change in the hydroxymethylfurfural content. Pollen content was observed in only 35.71% of the samples and only 21.42% of the total samples analyzed were considered authentic through the analyzes performe. We conclude that the authenticity tests, when applied together, were able to detect fraud in honey samples marketed in the state of Pará and that adulterations in the honey commercially available in the target region of the study are a reality.

Pesquisas de fraudes em méis no estado do Pará, Brasil / Research on fraud in honey in the state of Pará, Brazil

A adoção de práticas fraudulentas é comum na cadeia produtiva do mel e está associada à popularidade desse alimento e a dificuldade de detecção da adulteração do produto a olho nu ou por degustação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar se práticas fraudulentas são adotadas em méis comercializados no estado do Pará. Para a realização da pesquisa, 14 amostras comerciais de méis provenientes de 06 (seis) municípios, no estado do Pará foram submetidas às análises Lund, Fiehe, Lugol e melissopalinologia. Os resultados obtidos demostraram que 57,14% das amostras apresentaram alteração do precipitado para reação de Lund, indicando alteração no teor proteico. A coloração o azul intenso na reação de Lugol foi observada em 64,28% das amostras, indicando possível adição de amido. Ainda, 85,71% das amostras analisadas apresentaram mudança de coloração para a reação de Fiehe, indicando alteração no teor de hidroximetilfurfural. O conteúdo polínico foi observado em somente 35,71% das amostras e apenas 2,42% do total das amostras analisadas foram consideradas autenticas mediante as análises realizadas. Concluímos que os testes de autenticidade, quando aplicados em conjunto, foram capazes de detectar fraudes nas mostras de mel comercializadas no estado do Pará e que adulterações nos méis comercialmente disponíveis na região alvo do estudo são uma realidade.(AU)

The adoption of fraudulents practices is common in the honey production chain and is associated with the popularity of this food and the difficulty of detecting adulteration of the honey with the naked eye or by tasting. The objective of this work was to verify if fraudulent practices are adopted in honeys sold in the state of Pará. To carry out the research, 14 commercial samples of honeys from 06 (six) municipalities, in the state of Pará, were submitted to Lund, Fiehe, Lugol and melissopalinology. The results obtained showed 57.14% of the samples showed a change in the precipitate for Lund's reaction, indicating a change in protein content. The intense blue staining in the Lugol reaction was observed in 64.28% of the samples, indicating a possible addition of starch. In addition, 85.71% of the samples showed a color change for the Fiehe reaction, indicating a change in the hydroxymethylfurfural content. Pollen content was observed in only 35.71% of the samples and only 21.42% of the total samples analyzed were considered authentic through the analyzes performe. We conclude that the authenticity tests, when applied together, were able to detect fraud in honey samples marketed in the state of Pará and that adulterations in the honey commercially available in the target region of the study are a reality.(AU)

Padronização de uma PCR para a autenticação do Salmo salar em pratos da culinária japonesa / Standardization of a PCR for the authentication of Salmo salar in dishes of Japanese cuisine

O objetivo deste trabalho foi padronizar uma PCR para a detecção do Salmo salar, a qual possa ser usada na autenticação do salmão utilizado em pratos da culinária japonesa e do pescado comercializado in natura. Para isso, dois lotes de sushi foram produzidos experimentalmente. Além disso, foram visitados 38 estabelecimentos que comercializam comida japonesa e 10 peixarias na região metropolitana de Belém, visando à coleta do sushi, do temaki e do pescado pertencente à espécie Salmo salar. Os dados demonstraram que a técnica foi eficiente para a autenticação de Salmo salar, visto que a espécie foi detectada tanto nas amostras de sushis preparados experimentalmente quanto nas alíquotas de pescados isolados, utilizados para a preparação do sushi. Em contrapartida, a espécie Salmo trutta não foi detectada nas amostras de sushis preparados com esta espécie nem nas alíquotas de pescado isolado. Além disso, foi possível a confirmação da utilização da espécie Salmo salar no preparo das amostras de sushi, temaki e de pescado. Portanto, concluiu-se que a técnica foi capaz de amplificar o DNA da referida espécie e não gerou identificação inespecífica quando a espécie Salmo trutta foi analisada, podendo ser uma ferramenta adequada para a autenticação do Salmo salar.(AU)

The objective of this work was to standardize a PCR for the detection of Salmo salar, which can be used in the authentication of salmon used in Japanese dishes and fish commercialized in natura. For this, two batches of sushi were produced experimentally. In addition, 38 establishments that sell Japanese food and 10 fishmongers in the metropolitan area of Belém were visited, aiming to collect sushi, temaki and fish belonging to the species Salmo salar. The data demonstrated that the technique was efficient for the authentication of Salmo salar, since the species was detected in both the experimentally prepared sushi samples and the isolated fish aliquots used for the preparation of sushi. In contrast, the species Salmo trutta was not detected in the sushi samples prepared with this species nor in the isolated fish aliquots. In addition, it was possible to confirm the use of the Salmo salar species in the preparation of sushi, temaki and fish samples. Therefore, it was concluded that the technique was able to amplify the DNA of this species and did not generate nonspecific identification when the species Salmo trutta was analyzed, being able to be a suitable tool for the authentication of Salmo salar.(AU)

Padronização de uma PCR para a autenticação do Salmo salar em pratos da culinária japonesa / Standardization of a PCR for the authentication of Salmo salar in dishes of Japanese cuisine

O objetivo deste trabalho foi padronizar uma PCR para a detecção do Salmo salar, a qual possa ser usada na autenticação do salmão utilizado em pratos da culinária japonesa e do pescado comercializado in natura. Para isso, dois lotes de sushi foram produzidos experimentalmente. Além disso, foram visitados 38 estabelecimentos que comercializam comida japonesa e 10 peixarias na região metropolitana de Belém, visando à coleta do sushi, do temaki e do pescado pertencente à espécie Salmo salar. Os dados demonstraram que a técnica foi eficiente para a autenticação de Salmo salar, visto que a espécie foi detectada tanto nas amostras de sushis preparados experimentalmente quanto nas alíquotas de pescados isolados, utilizados para a preparação do sushi. Em contrapartida, a espécie Salmo trutta não foi detectada nas amostras de sushis preparados com esta espécie nem nas alíquotas de pescado isolado. Além disso, foi possível a confirmação da utilização da espécie Salmo salar no preparo das amostras de sushi, temaki e de pescado. Portanto, concluiu-se que a técnica foi capaz de amplificar o DNA da referida espécie e não gerou identificação inespecífica quando a espécie Salmo trutta foi analisada, podendo ser uma ferramenta adequada para a autenticação do Salmo salar.(AU)

The objective of this work was to standardize a PCR for the detection of Salmo salar, which can be used in the authentication of salmon used in Japanese dishes and fish commercialized in natura. For this, two batches of sushi were produced experimentally. In addition, 38 establishments that sell Japanese food and 10 fishmongers in the metropolitan area of Belém were visited, aiming to collect sushi, temaki and fish belonging to the species Salmo salar. The data demonstrated that the technique was efficient for the authentication of Salmo salar, since the species was detected in both the experimentally prepared sushi samples and the isolated fish aliquots used for the preparation of sushi. In contrast, the species Salmo trutta was not detected in the sushi samples prepared with this species nor in the isolated fish aliquots. In addition, it was possible to confirm the use of the Salmo salar species in the preparation of sushi, temaki and fish samples. Therefore, it was concluded that the technique was able to amplify the DNA of this species and did not generate nonspecific identification when the species Salmo trutta was analyzed, being able to be a suitable tool for the authentication of Salmo salar.(AU)

Crescimento comparativo e tolerância ao calor de cabritos de diferentes grupos genéticos no Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Comparative growth and heat tolerance of crossbred goats in Rio de Janeiro State

This study evaluated the comparative growth of 125 feedlot goats of distinct genetic groups (GG): 34 ½ Saanen (SA) + ½ Parda Alpine (PA), 33 ½ SA + ½ Anglo-Nubian (AN), 30 ¾ SA + » PA, and 28 three cross ½ Boer (BO) + » AN + » SA. There was a significative difference (P<0.01) in birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), and slaughter weight (SW) between GG. The BW, WW and SW were significantly influenced (P<0.01) by kid sex and birth type. There was a significant difference (P<0.01) between pre-weaning and post-weaning daily weight gain. The weight gain during these periods was significantly influenced (P<0.01) by GG, kid sex and birth type. Pre-weaning aver-age daily weight gains were higher (P<0.01) compared to post-weaning. There was a difference in body temperature (BT), respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) between GG in the morning (P<0.05) and in the afternoon (P<0.01). The ½ SA + ½ AN and three cross goats had lower BT, RR and HR than ½ SA + ½ PA and ¾ SA + » PA animals. Application of the heat tolerance index proposed by Baccari Junior showed a higher index for ½ SA + ½ AN and three cross goats compared to ½ SA + ½ PA and ¾ SA + ½ PA animals, demonstrating that the former are more tolerant to the climate conditions of the Baixada Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro State.

Foi avaliado o crescimento comparativo de 125 cabritos de diferentes grupos genéticos (GG), sendo 34 ½ Saanen (SA) + ½ Parda Alpina (PA), 33 ½ SA + ½ Anglo-nubiana (AN), 30 ¾ SA + » PA e 28 three cross ½ Bôer (BO) + » AN » + » SA, confinados. A análise estatística revelou diferença (P<0,01) entre os GG, entre peso ao nascer (PN), a desmama (PD) e ao abate (PA). O PN, PD e PA foram influenciados (P<0,01) pelo sexo da cria e tipo de nascimento. Houve diferença (P<0,01) entre o ganho de peso diário no período pré e pós-desmama. Os ganhos de pesos nesses períodos foram influenciados (P<0,01) pelo GG, sexo da cria e tipo de nascimento (P<0,01). Os ganhos de peso médio diário no período pré-desmama foram maiores (P<0,01) em relação ao pós-desmama. Houve diferença na temperatura retal (TR), frequência respiratória (FR) e cardíaca (FC) entre os GG, pela manhã (P<0,05) e a tarde (P<0,01). Os cabritos (½ SA + ½ AN) e o three cross apresentaram a TR, FR e FC mais baixas do que os (½ SA + ½ PA) e (¾ SA + » PA). Pela aplicação do índice de tolerância ao calor (ITC) proposto por Baccari Júnior, os cabritos ½ SA + ½ AN e o three cross obtiveram o ITC mais alto do que o ½ SA + ½ PA e o ¾ SA + ½ PA, revelando-se mais tolerantes às condições climáticas da Baixada Fluminense, Estado do Rio de Janeiro.

Crescimento comparativo e tolerância ao calor de cabritos de diferentes grupos genéticos no Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Comparative growth and heat tolerance of crossbred goats in Rio de Janeiro State

This study evaluated the comparative growth of 125 feedlot goats of distinct genetic groups (GG): 34 ½ Saanen (SA) + ½ Parda Alpine (PA), 33 ½ SA + ½ Anglo-Nubian (AN), 30 ¾ SA + » PA, and 28 three cross ½ Boer (BO) + » AN + » SA. There was a significative difference (P<0.01) in birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), and slaughter weight (SW) between GG. The BW, WW and SW were significantly influenced (P<0.01) by kid sex and birth type. There was a significant difference (P<0.01) between pre-weaning and post-weaning daily weight gain. The weight gain during these periods was significantly influenced (P<0.01) by GG, kid sex and birth type. Pre-weaning aver-age daily weight gains were higher (P<0.01) compared to post-weaning. There was a difference in body temperature (BT), respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) between GG in the morning (P<0.05) and in the afternoon (P<0.01). The ½ SA + ½ AN and three cross goats had lower BT, RR and HR than ½ SA + ½ PA and ¾ SA + » PA animals. Application of the heat tolerance index proposed by Baccari Junior showed a higher index for ½ SA + ½ AN and three cross goats compared to ½ SA + ½ PA and ¾ SA + ½ PA animals, demonstrating that the former are more tolerant to the climate conditions of the Baixada Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro State.(AU)

Foi avaliado o crescimento comparativo de 125 cabritos de diferentes grupos genéticos (GG), sendo 34 ½ Saanen (SA) + ½ Parda Alpina (PA), 33 ½ SA + ½ Anglo-nubiana (AN), 30 ¾ SA + » PA e 28 three cross ½ Bôer (BO) + » AN » + » SA, confinados. A análise estatística revelou diferença (P<0,01) entre os GG, entre peso ao nascer (PN), a desmama (PD) e ao abate (PA). O PN, PD e PA foram influenciados (P<0,01) pelo sexo da cria e tipo de nascimento. Houve diferença (P<0,01) entre o ganho de peso diário no período pré e pós-desmama. Os ganhos de pesos nesses períodos foram influenciados (P<0,01) pelo GG, sexo da cria e tipo de nascimento (P<0,01). Os ganhos de peso médio diário no período pré-desmama foram maiores (P<0,01) em relação ao pós-desmama. Houve diferença na temperatura retal (TR), frequência respiratória (FR) e cardíaca (FC) entre os GG, pela manhã (P<0,05) e a tarde (P<0,01). Os cabritos (½ SA + ½ AN) e o three cross apresentaram a TR, FR e FC mais baixas do que os (½ SA + ½ PA) e (¾ SA + » PA). Pela aplicação do índice de tolerância ao calor (ITC) proposto por Baccari Júnior, os cabritos ½ SA + ½ AN e o three cross obtiveram o ITC mais alto do que o ½ SA + ½ PA e o ¾ SA + ½ PA, revelando-se mais tolerantes às condições climáticas da Baixada Fluminense, Estado do Rio de Janeiro.(AU)

Investigation of enteric viruses in the feces of neotropical migratory birds captured on the coast of the State of Pará, Brazil

Migratory birds can become long-distance vectors for a wide range of microorganisms and can cause human disease, being the Brazilian coast a gateway for northern migratory birds. These animals are considered natural reservoirs of different viruses that cause important diseases, being relevant research of viral pathogens in migratory birds to epidemiology surveillance. The objective of the study was to investigate the presence of avian rotavirus (AvRV), avian reovirus (ARV) and picobirnavirus (PBV) in Neotropical migratory birds captured on the coast of Brazil. A total of 23 individual fecal samples of the migratory birds species Calidris pusilla (20 birds), Numenius phaeopus (1 bird) and Charadrius semipalmatus (2 birds) were collected. Fecal suspensions were prepared from the collected samples for subsequent extraction of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), which was subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The electrophoretic profiles were not detected by PAGE, and the amplification for the studied viruses PBV, ARV and AvRV (specie D, gene VP6 and NSP4) were negative. Positivity for AvRVD, VP7 gene was of 4.35% (1/23) for the migratory bird Calidris pusilla. After sequencing and building the tree of phylogenetic relationships avian Rotavirus Group D identified in this study was phylogenetically related and grouped into one branch, together to previously reported AvRVD from Brazil in chicken flocks with 99.8% nucleotide and 100% amino acid similarities.(AU)

Investigation of enteric viruses in the feces of neotropical migratory birds captured on the coast of the State of Pará, Brazil

Migratory birds can become long-distance vectors for a wide range of microorganisms and can cause human disease, being the Brazilian coast a gateway for northern migratory birds. These animals are considered natural reservoirs of different viruses that cause important diseases, being relevant research of viral pathogens in migratory birds to epidemiology surveillance. The objective of the study was to investigate the presence of avian rotavirus (AvRV), avian reovirus (ARV) and picobirnavirus (PBV) in Neotropical migratory birds captured on the coast of Brazil. A total of 23 individual fecal samples of the migratory birds species Calidris pusilla (20 birds), Numenius phaeopus (1 bird) and Charadrius semipalmatus (2 birds) were collected. Fecal suspensions were prepared from the collected samples for subsequent extraction of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), which was subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The electrophoretic profiles were not detected by PAGE, and the amplification for the studied viruses PBV, ARV and AvRV (specie D, gene VP6 and NSP4) were negative. Positivity for AvRVD, VP7 gene was of 4.35% (1/23) for the migratory bird Calidris pusilla. After sequencing and building the tree of phylogenetic relationships avian Rotavirus Group D identified in this study was phylogenetically related and grouped into one branch, together to previously reported AvRVD from Brazil in chicken flocks with 99.8% nucleotide and 100% amino acid similarities.

Effect of Sorghum Based Nutritional Programs on Performance, Carcass Yield and Composition of Breast in Broilers

An experiment was conducted to compare three nutritional programs, which were developed with tannin-free grain sorghum based diets, evaluating performance, carcass yield and bromatological composition of the pectoral muscle of broilers. A total 1360 chicks mixed (50:50), from one to 42 days old Hubbard Flex Broilers, were housed in a completely randomized design consisting of treatments and 10 replicates each, distributed as follows: three programs with whole sorghum grain based diets (nutritional program with daily adjustment, nutritional program with every three days adjustment and nutritional program with four stages and a program with ground and whole sorghum grain based feed (four stages). The cumulative performance was evaluated at, 21 and 42 days, determining feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion and viability. At 42 days, the yield of eviscerated carcass, breast (full and boneless), thighs/drumsticks and wings and breast composition were evaluated. Nutritional adjustments showed better feed conversion, did not affect the carcass, commercial cuts yield and had a good breast meat quality. It can be concluded that daily feed programs could be performed in poultry industry with the mixture of whole sorghum grains and concentrates directly on farms contributing to better logistics and feed transportation cost.(AU)

Effect of Sorghum Based Nutritional Programs on Performance, Carcass Yield and Composition of Breast in Broilers

An experiment was conducted to compare three nutritional programs, which were developed with tannin-free grain sorghum based diets, evaluating performance, carcass yield and bromatological composition of the pectoral muscle of broilers. A total 1360 chicks mixed (50:50), from one to 42 days old Hubbard Flex Broilers, were housed in a completely randomized design consisting of treatments and 10 replicates each, distributed as follows: three programs with whole sorghum grain based diets (nutritional program with daily adjustment, nutritional program with every three days adjustment and nutritional program with four stages and a program with ground and whole sorghum grain based feed (four stages). The cumulative performance was evaluated at, 21 and 42 days, determining feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion and viability. At 42 days, the yield of eviscerated carcass, breast (full and boneless), thighs/drumsticks and wings and breast composition were evaluated. Nutritional adjustments showed better feed conversion, did not affect the carcass, commercial cuts yield and had a good breast meat quality. It can be concluded that daily feed programs could be performed in poultry industry with the mixture of whole sorghum grains and concentrates directly on farms contributing to better logistics and feed transportation cost.

Imunogenicidade da proteína M recombinante de Streptococcus equi subsp. equi coadministrada com um adjuvante molecular / Immunogenicity of recombinant M protein of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi co administered with a molecular adjuvant

The strangles is an infectious disease that affects horses from all ages and causes important economic losses in the equine-related business. The aim of this work was to evaluate the immunogenicity of the recombinant M protein from Streptococcus equi (rSeM) co-administered with the recombinant heat-labile enterotoxin B subunit from Escherichia coli (rLTB) in mice and horses. A total of 72 female Balb-c mice were divided into eight groups and 18 horses were divided into six groups. The animals were inoculated by intramuscular (IM) or intranasal (IN) routes with different treatments of rSeM, rLTB and/or Al(OH)3. The results obtained in both species, independent of administration routes, demonstrated that rSeM + rLTB had higher levels of specific serum immunoglobulins, however, in mucosal immunity the increase was not identified. Thus, the use of rSeM as vaccine antigen and rLTB as adjuvant can be a potential tool in the control of equine strangles.(AU)

Imunogenicidade da proteína M recombinante de Streptococcus equi subsp. equi coadministrada com um adjuvante molecular / Immunogenicity of recombinant M protein of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi co administered with a molecular adjuvant

The strangles is an infectious disease that affects horses from all ages and causes important economic losses in the equine-related business. The aim of this work was to evaluate the immunogenicity of the recombinant M protein from Streptococcus equi (rSeM) co-administered with the recombinant heat-labile enterotoxin B subunit from Escherichia coli (rLTB) in mice and horses. A total of 72 female Balb-c mice were divided into eight groups and 18 horses were divided into six groups. The animals were inoculated by intramuscular (IM) or intranasal (IN) routes with different treatments of rSeM, rLTB and/or Al(OH)3. The results obtained in both species, independent of administration routes, demonstrated that rSeM + rLTB had higher levels of specific serum immunoglobulins, however, in mucosal immunity the increase was not identified. Thus, the use of rSeM as vaccine antigen and rLTB as adjuvant can be a potential tool in the control of equine strangles.(AU)

Productive and Economic Performance of Broiler Chickens Subjected to Different Nutritional Plans

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of nutritional plans on the productive and economic performance of Hubbard Flex broiler chickens. A completely randomized experimental design was applied, consisting of five treatments. Treatments consisted of five different nutritional plans: a basal diet containing the nutrient and energy levels recommended by literature and designated reference diet; two diets containing 1.5% and 3% lower levels than the reference diet; and two diets containing 1.5% and 3% higher levels than the reference diet (-3%, -1.5%, reference plan, +1.5% and +3%). Feed intake (FI), body weight (BW), feed conversion rate (FCR), livability (L) and productive efficient index (PEI) were determined when broilers were 42 days old. Broilers were processed, and carcass and parts (breast fillet, leg, and wings) yields were determined. The economic viablility of the nutitional plans was evaluated as a function of feed cost/kg live and carcass weights, economic efficiency index (EEI), and cost index (CI). Feed intake and the feed conversion rate decreased as dietary nutrient and energy levels increased. Feed cost/kg live weight, economic efficiency index, and cost index cost increased as dietary nutrient and energy levels increased. Feed intake, feed conversion ratio, production efficiency index, and breast yield improved with increasing nutritional and energy levels. However, worse economic results were obtained with higher nutritional and energy levels.

Productive and Economic Performance of Broiler Chickens Subjected to Different Nutritional Plans

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of nutritional plans on the productive and economic performance of Hubbard Flex broiler chickens. A completely randomized experimental design was applied, consisting of five treatments. Treatments consisted of five different nutritional plans: a basal diet containing the nutrient and energy levels recommended by literature and designated reference diet; two diets containing 1.5% and 3% lower levels than the reference diet; and two diets containing 1.5% and 3% higher levels than the reference diet (-3%, -1.5%, reference plan, +1.5% and +3%). Feed intake (FI), body weight (BW), feed conversion rate (FCR), livability (L) and productive efficient index (PEI) were determined when broilers were 42 days old. Broilers were processed, and carcass and parts (breast fillet, leg, and wings) yields were determined. The economic viablility of the nutitional plans was evaluated as a function of feed cost/kg live and carcass weights, economic efficiency index (EEI), and cost index (CI). Feed intake and the feed conversion rate decreased as dietary nutrient and energy levels increased. Feed cost/kg live weight, economic efficiency index, and cost index cost increased as dietary nutrient and energy levels increased. Feed intake, feed conversion ratio, production efficiency index, and breast yield improved with increasing nutritional and energy levels. However, worse economic results were obtained with higher nutritional and energy levels.(AU)

Feeding management strategy for male broiler breeders and its effects on body weight, hatchability and fertility

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the supply of a specific-male diet on rooster body weight, hatchability, and fertility. Two diets were supplied during the egg production period: treatment 1, diet formulated for females and containing, in average, 2,830 kcal ME/kg and 15% CP; and treatment 2, diet specifically formulated for male broiler breeders, containing 2,750 kcal ME/kg and 13.5% CP. In the experiment, 26 flocks, with approximately 7,000 females and 840 males each, belonging to the same broiler breeder commercial strain, were distributed into 26 houses (1200m²) on the same farm, and submitted to the same management practices. Body weight was evaluated in 13 flocks per treatment and for five weeks (45, 50, 55, 60, 65), and hatchability and fertility in four incubation lots per treatment and for the same weeks. Data were evaluated by the analysis of mixed models for repeated measurements, using the PROC MIXED of SAS 9.3 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA), and means were compared by the test of Tukey-Kramer at 5% significance level. The specific-male diet allowed body weight control during all analyzed weeks and promoted high hatchability and egg fertility. The increase in the number of chicks hatched demonstrates the economic viability of feeding a specific diet for male broiler breeders.

Feeding management strategy for male broiler breeders and its effects on body weight, hatchability and fertility

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the supply of a specific-male diet on rooster body weight, hatchability, and fertility. Two diets were supplied during the egg production period: treatment 1, diet formulated for females and containing, in average, 2,830 kcal ME/kg and 15% CP; and treatment 2, diet specifically formulated for male broiler breeders, containing 2,750 kcal ME/kg and 13.5% CP. In the experiment, 26 flocks, with approximately 7,000 females and 840 males each, belonging to the same broiler breeder commercial strain, were distributed into 26 houses (1200m²) on the same farm, and submitted to the same management practices. Body weight was evaluated in 13 flocks per treatment and for five weeks (45, 50, 55, 60, 65), and hatchability and fertility in four incubation lots per treatment and for the same weeks. Data were evaluated by the analysis of mixed models for repeated measurements, using the PROC MIXED of SAS 9.3 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA), and means were compared by the test of Tukey-Kramer at 5% significance level. The specific-male diet allowed body weight control during all analyzed weeks and promoted high hatchability and egg fertility. The increase in the number of chicks hatched demonstrates the economic viability of feeding a specific diet for male broiler breeders.(AU)

Cloning, expression and characterization of SeM protein of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi and evaluation of its use as antigen in an indirect ELISA / Clonagem, expressão e caracterização de proteína SeM de Streptococcus equi subsp. equi e avaliação de sua utilização como antígeno em um ELISA indireto

Strangles is an economically important horse disease caused by Streptococcus equi subsp. equi. The diagnosis can be confirmed either directly by bacterial isolation and PCR or by ELISA, which is an indirect method based on the detection of serum antibodies. The aim of this study was to clone, express and characterize the SeM protein of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi, evaluate its use as antigen in indirect ELISA and determine its performance to distinguish sera of negative, vaccinated and positive animals. This was initially performed by cloning the gene encoding the SeM protein and its expression in Escherichia coli. Subsequently, the protein produced was characterized and used as antigen in ELISA. Serum samples for evaluation were taken from 40 negative foals, 46 horses vaccinated with a commercial vaccine against strangles and 46 horses diagnosed with the disease. The test showed high specificity and sensitivity, allowing discrimination between negative and positive, positive and vaccinated animals, and vaccinated animals and negative sera. Thus, it was concluded that the protein produced rSeM, which can be used as antigen for disease diagnosis, and the described ELISA might be helpful to evaluate the immune status of the herd.(AU)

A adenite equina é uma enfermidade economicamente importante de equinos, causada por Streptococcus equi subsp. equi. Seu diagnóstico pode ser confirmado de forma direta, por meio de isolamento bacteriano e de PCR, ou de forma indireta, por meio de ELISA, método baseado na detecção de anticorpos séricos. O objetivo deste estudo foi clonar, expressar e caracterizar a proteína SeM de Streptococcus equi subsp. equi, avaliar sua utilização como antígeno em um ELISA indireto e determinar a capacidade do teste de distinguir soros de animais negativos, vacinados e positivos. Para tal, foi inicialmente realizada a clonagem do gene que codifica para a proteína SeM e sua expressão em Escherichia coli. Posteriormente, a proteína produzida foi caracterizada e utilizada como antígeno em um teste de ELISA indireto. Para avaliação do teste, foram utilizadas amostras de soro de 40 potros negativos, de 46 equinos vacinados com uma vacina comercial contra adenite equina e de 46 equinos com diagnóstico da doença. O teste demonstrou alta sensibilidade e especificidade, permitindo discriminar entre soros negativos e positivos, positivos e de animais vacinados, e negativos e de animais vacinados. Assim, conclui-se que a proteína rSeM produzida pode ser usada como antígeno para o diagnóstico da enfermidade e que o ELISA descrito pode ser útil para avaliar o estado imunológico do rebanho.(AU)

ESTUDO SOROLÓGICO DE Leptospira spp. EM CÃES DOMICILIADOS DO MUNICÍPIO DE CASTANHAL, PARÁ / SEROLOGICAL STUDY OF Leptospira spp. IN DOGS FROM CASTANHAL, PARÁ

A leptospirose canina é uma antropozoonose causada por diferentes sorovares de Leptospira spp., de distribuição mundial. Pode acometer humanos, animais domésticos e silvestres, incluindo o cão. Nos cães, as leptospiras se alojam nos rins, havendo sua eliminação pela urina, com consequente contaminação ambiental e transmissão a partir do contato direto com outros cães ou pela ingestão de água e alimentos contaminados (ACHA & SZYFRES, 2001). A falta de censo canino e de controle de reprodução de cães em Castanhal, associada ao elevado índice pluviométrico na região amazônica, favorece a sobrevivência desta bactéria no ambiente, mostrando assim a importância do presente estudo, que tem por objetivo avaliar a soroprevalência de diferentes sorovares de Leptospira spp. no município de Castanhal, Pará. Foram coletadas amostras sanguíneas de 109 cães domiciliados, sendo 51 machos e 58 fêmeas de diferentes idades e sadios. As amostras foram testadas pela técnica de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM), utilizando 25 so