Beneficial Impact of Hypercapnic Conditions During Early Incubation on Broiler Hatchability. Embryo Mortality and Postnatal Performance

We assessed the extent to which CO2 levels altered different hatching and chick parameters. In Experiments 1 and 2, a total of 16,184 eggs from Cobb 500 breeders were incubated in single stage incubators under three different conditions: (a) standard ventilated incubator (CON, Exp.1 and 2); (b) increasing CO2 levels during the first 10 days of incubation until 0.7% (V7000, Exp. 1) and (c) until 0.8% (V8000, Exp. 2). High levels of CO2 improved hatchability, possibly due to lower embryo mortality from ED18 to ED21. Internal and external pipping in experiment V8000 started later than in CON; nevertheless, the hatch still occurred before in V8000 as a result of the shorter durations of external pipping and hatch. In Experiment 3, a total of 12,138 eggs from Cobb 500 were incubated in single stage incubators under three different conditions: (a) standard ventilated incubator (CON); (b) increasing CO2 levels until 1.0% with ventilation (V10000); and (c) increasing CO2 levels until 1.0% without ventilation (NV10000). Hypercapnic conditions led to better hatchability and lower embryo mortality from ED18 to ED21. Internal pipping started earlier in NV10000, but only V10000 differed from CON in terms of the average time for hatch. Hypercapnic groups also showed shorter durations of external pipping and hatch when compared to CON. Post-hatch analysis revealed no differences among incubation conditions in terms of body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, mortality by sudden death syndrome, and production factor. Nevertheless, V10000 showed a lower mortality by ascites and a better viability when compared to CON, while NV10000 presented a higher mortality by other causes. Altogether, our findings indicate that in addition to not being detrimental to embryo survival, high CO2 levels reduce embryonic mortality at 18-21 days of incubation and increase hatchability.(AU)

Pyruvic acid as attenuator of water deficit in cotton plants varying the phenological stage / Ácido pirúvico como atenuante do déficit hídrico em algodoeiros variando a fase fenológica

The lack of water during crop growth causes damage to any production system, especially when it occurs during the initial establishment or beginning of the reproductive stage. Although cotton can be properly managed in regions with water limitation, its yield is affected at different levels according to the genetics of the cultivar adopted. Exogenous application of some organic components has shown a stress-mitigating effect and can be a valuable procedure to enhance the yield of water stress-sensitive cultivars. The objective of this work was to evaluate the benefits of exogenous application of pyruvic acid (100 µM) in cotton plants under water deficit varying the phenological stage of the crop. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, where the plants were grown in pots and subjected to seven days of water suspension, initiated individually in stages V2 and B1. Each pot contained two plants. The treatments adopted were: T1 - control, T2 - water suppression; and T3 - water suppression + pyruvate application. The design was randomized blocks in a factorial scheme (3 × 3) with three replicates. The reductions in gas exchange and growth of the cultivars BRS Seridó, CNPA 7MH and FM 966 were more significant in the reproductive stage, especially for FM 966, which was more sensitive. Pyruvate application reduced the effects of water suppression on boll production by 31% in BRS Seridó and 34% in CNPA 7MH and FM 966.

A falta d'água durante o crescimento da cultura traz prejuízos em qualquer sistema de produção, especialmente quando ocorre durante o estabelecimento inicial ou início da fase reprodutiva. O algodoeiro, apesar de ter larga habilidade para manejo em regiões com limitação hídrica, tem o rendimento afetado, com níveis diferenciados em função da genética do cultivar adotado. A aplicação exógena de alguns componentes orgânicos tem demonstrado efeito mitigador do estresse podendo ser um aditivo valioso para impulsionar a produtividade de cultivares sensíveis ao estresse hídrico. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar os benefícios da aplicação exógena de ácido pirúvico (100 µM) em algodoeiros sob déficit hídrico variando a fase fenológica da cultura. O ensaio foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, onde as plantas foram cultivadas em vasos e submetidas a sete dias de suspensão hídrica, iniciadas, individualmente, nas fases V2 e B1. Cada vaso conteve duas plantas. Os tratamentos adotados foram: T1- controle, T2 - supressão hídrica; T3- supressão hídrica + aplicação de piruvato. O delineamento foi em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial (3 × 3) com três repetições. Foi observado que as reduções nas trocas gasosas e crescimento das cultivares BRS Seridó, CNPA 7MH e FM 966 foram mais expressivas na fase reprodutiva, especialmente da última que se mostrou mais sensível. A aplicação de piruvato mitigou os efeitos da supressão hídrica sobre a produção de capulhos 31% na BRS Seridó e 34% em CNPA 7MH e FM 966.

Effects of breed, age and gender on equine platelet rich plasma and correlation of platelet count with its physical aspect / [Efeitos de raça, idade e gênero sobre o plasma rico em plaquetas em equinos e correlação da contagem plaquetária com seu aspecto físico]

Platelet rich plasma samples from 50 healthy horses of five different breeds (Thoroughbreds - TB, Brazilian Criollo Horses - BCH, Brazilian Sport Horses - BSH, Miniature Horses - MH and Crossbred Horses - CB), were investigated as to breed, age, and gender effect for platelet concentration. Moreover, a score for physical analysis was established to correlate PRP physical aspect with platelet count. Platelet count was performed by an automatic hematology analyzer and by manual count. PRP physical analysis was based on color, aspect, and capacity to separate blood components. MH showed significant higher platelet concentration than BSH (p<0.05), while the other breed comparisons showed no significant difference. There was no significant difference for gender but there was a weak correlation of age with PRP platelet concentrations (rs = -0.24). Most of the PRP presented yellow color, the separation of blood components showed no correlation, but the aspect showed a moderate correlation (rs = 0.30) with platelet count. Results suggest that PRP platelet concentration can be influenced by intrinsic factors such as breed. Additionally, the analysis of PRP aspect can help to evaluate the quality of the product when there is no access to platelet counts.

Amostras de plasma rico em plaquetas de 50 cavalos saudáveis, de cinco raças diferentes (Puro Sangue de Corrida, Crioula, Brasileiro de Hipismo, Pônei Brasileiro e sem raça definida), foram investigadas quanto à concentração plaquetária em relação à raça, à idade e ao sexo. Além disso, um escore foi estabelecido para correlacionar o aspecto físico do PRP com a contagem plaquetária. A contagem celular foi realizada por um analisador hematológico automático e pelo método manual. A análise física baseou-se na cor, no aspecto e na capacidade de separar hemocomponentes. Pôneis tiveram concentração plaquetária significativamente maior que os Brasileiros de Hipismo (P<0,05), mas as demais comparações entre raças não apresentaram diferença quanto à contagem plaquetária. Não houve diferença para o gênero, mas a idade demonstrou correlação fraca com as concentrações plaquetárias do PRP (rs = -0,24). A maioria dos PRPs apresentaram coloração amarela, e a separação dos hemocomponentes não mostrou correlação com a contagem plaquetária, mas o aspecto apresentou uma correlação moderada (rs = 0,30). Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que a concentração plaquetária do PRP pode ser influenciada por fatores intrínsecos, como a raça. Além disso, a análise do aspecto do PRP pode ajudar na avaliação da qualidade do produto quando não há acesso à contagem plaquetária.

Avaliação metabólica de um dispositivo intravaginal polimérico para a administração de cálcio e magnésio em ruminantes / Metabolic evaluation of a polymer intravaginal device for the administration of calcium and magnesium in ruminants

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a disponibilidade de cálcio (Ca2+) a partir de duas formas farmacêuticas (oral e intravaginal) e o seu efeito sobre o metabolismo de ruminantes. O estudo foi realizado na fazenda experimental da Universidade Federal de Pelotas, foram estudadas 24 ovelhas lactantes, divididas de forma randomizada em 4 grupos: dispositivo tratamento (DT); dispositivo controle (DC); oral tratamento (OT); e oral controle (OC). Os animais tratados receberam formiato de cálcio e cloreto de magnésio, as avaliações foram realizadas após a administração dos tratamentos. Foi feita avaliação de cálcio total (CaT), magnésio (Mg), proteínas plasmáticas totais (PPT), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), gama glutamil transpeptidase (GGT), ureia, albumina e pH urinário, e realizado exame clínico em todos os animais. As concentrações séricas de CaT, CaI e Mg diferiram entre os grupos (P≤ 0,05), os animais dos grupos DT e DC, diferiram nas três avaliações, o grupo DT apresentou as maiores médias, sendo significativamente igual ao grupo OT. Não houve diferença nas concentrações séricas de PPT, AST, GGT, Albumina, Ureia e pH urinário. Conclui-se que a disponibilidade sanguínea de CaT, CaI e Mg é igual quando a administração de formiato de cálcio e magnésio é por via intravaginal ou por via oral, sem alterar outros parâmetros metabólicos avaliados.(AU)

The aim of the study was to evaluate the availability of calcium (Ca2+) from two pharmaceutical forms (oral and intravaginal) and its effect on the metabolism of ruminants. The study was carried out at the experimental farm of the Federal University of Pelotas. Twenty-four lactating ewes were randomly divided into 4 groups: treatment device (TD); control device (DC); oral treatment (OT); and oral control (OC). Treated animals received calcium formate and magnesium chloride, evaluations were performed after administration of the treatments. Total calcium (CaT), magnesium (Mg), total plasma proteins (PPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), urea, albumin and urinary pH, and clinical examination were performed on all animals. Serum CaT, CaI and Mg levels differed between the groups (P≤ 0.05), the animals in the DT and DC groups differed in the three evaluations, the DT group had the highest mean values, being significantly equal to the OT group. There was no difference in the serum concentrations of PPT, AST, GGT, Albumin, Urea and urinary pH. In conclusion, the blood availability of CaT, CaI and Mg is the same when administration of calcium and magnesium formate is intravaginal or orally, without altering other metabolic parameters evaluated.(AU)

3D printing of canine hip dysplasia: anatomic models and radiographs / Impressão 3D da displasia coxofemoral canina: modelos anatômicos e radiografias

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a highly prevalent articular pathological condition. In this sense, radiography becomes an important diagnostic method to determine the presence and severity of the disease. The objective was to create 3D models and their respective radiographs representing the CHD (3D AMCHD). The research was carried out in the Laboratory of 3D Educational Technologies of UFAC, under no. 23107.007273/2017-49 (CEUA/UFAC). A canine skeleton (hip bone, femurs and patellae) was used without anatomical deformities compatible with DCF (pelvis, femurs and patella), which were scanned in order to obtain the files of the base model. In these files the deformations representing the different degrees of CHD were performed. Subsequently, the 3D AMCHD files were printed, mounted and X-rayed. The 3D AMCHD represented the bone deformations of the different degrees of CHD. In the radiographs of the 3D AMCHD it was possible to observe and determine each of the bones that constituted the hip joints. This allowed to reproduce the correct positioning to represent the CHD diagnosis and establish the precise points to determine the Norberg angle. In this way, it was evidenced that the 3D AMCHD can be a possible tool to be used in the Teaching of Veterinary Medicine.(AU)

A displasia coxofemoral canina (DCF) é uma condição patológica articular de grande prevalência. Nesse sentido, a radiografia torna-se um método de diagnóstico importante para determinar a presença e a gravidade da doença. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi criar modelos 3D e suas respectivas radiografias representando a DCF (MADCF 3D). A pesquisa foi realizada no Laboratório de Tecnologias Educacionais 3D da UFAC, sob o nº. 23107.007273/2017-49 (Ceua/Ufac). Foram utilizados esqueletos caninos (pelve, fêmures e patelas) sem deformidades anatômicas compatíveis com a DCF, os quais foram digitalizados a fim de se obterem os arquivos do modelo base. Nesses arquivos foram realizadas as deformações que representavam os diferentes graus da DCF. Posteriormente, os arquivos dos MADCF 3D foram impressos, montados e radiografados. Os MADCF 3D representaram as deformações ósseas dos diferentes graus da DCF. Nas radiografias dos MADCF 3D, foi possível observar e determinar cada um dos ossos que constituíam as articulações coxofemorais. Isso permitiu reproduzir o posicionamento correto para representação do diagnóstico DCF e estabelecer os pontos precisos para determinar o ângulo de Norberg. Dessa forma, evidenciou-se que os MADCF 3D podem ser uma possível ferramenta a ser empregada no ensino de medicina veterinária.(AU)

Avaliação metabólica de um dispositivo intravaginal polimérico para a administração de cálcio e magnésio em ruminantes / Metabolic evaluation of a polymer intravaginal device for the administration of calcium and magnesium in ruminants

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a disponibilidade de cálcio (Ca2+) a partir de duas formas farmacêuticas (oral e intravaginal) e o seu efeito sobre o metabolismo de ruminantes. O estudo foi realizado na fazenda experimental da Universidade Federal de Pelotas, foram estudadas 24 ovelhas lactantes, divididas de forma randomizada em 4 grupos: dispositivo tratamento (DT); dispositivo controle (DC); oral tratamento (OT); e oral controle (OC). Os animais tratados receberam formiato de cálcio e cloreto de magnésio, as avaliações foram realizadas após a administração dos tratamentos. Foi feita avaliação de cálcio total (CaT), magnésio (Mg), proteínas plasmáticas totais (PPT), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), gama glutamil transpeptidase (GGT), ureia, albumina e pH urinário, e realizado exame clínico em todos os animais. As concentrações séricas de CaT, CaI e Mg diferiram entre os grupos (P≤ 0,05), os animais dos grupos DT e DC, diferiram nas três avaliações, o grupo DT apresentou as maiores médias, sendo significativamente igual ao grupo OT. Não houve diferença nas concentrações séricas de PPT, AST, GGT, Albumina, Ureia e pH urinário. Conclui-se que a disponibilidade sanguínea de CaT, CaI e Mg é igual quando a administração de formiato de cálcio e magnésio é por via intravaginal ou por via oral, sem alterar outros parâmetros metabólicos avaliados.(AU)

The aim of the study was to evaluate the availability of calcium (Ca2+) from two pharmaceutical forms (oral and intravaginal) and its effect on the metabolism of ruminants. The study was carried out at the experimental farm of the Federal University of Pelotas. Twenty-four lactating ewes were randomly divided into 4 groups: treatment device (TD); control device (DC); oral treatment (OT); and oral control (OC). Treated animals received calcium formate and magnesium chloride, evaluations were performed after administration of the treatments. Total calcium (CaT), magnesium (Mg), total plasma proteins (PPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), urea, albumin and urinary pH, and clinical examination were performed on all animals. Serum CaT, CaI and Mg levels differed between the groups (P≤ 0.05), the animals in the DT and DC groups differed in the three evaluations, the DT group had the highest mean values, being significantly equal to the OT group. There was no difference in the serum concentrations of PPT, AST, GGT, Albumin, Urea and urinary pH. In conclusion, the blood availability of CaT, CaI and Mg is the same when administration of calcium and magnesium formate is intravaginal or orally, without altering other metabolic parameters evaluated.(AU)

3D printing of canine hip dysplasia: anatomic models and radiographs / Impressão 3D da displasia coxofemoral canina: modelos anatômicos e radiografias

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a highly prevalent articular pathological condition. In this sense, radiography becomes an important diagnostic method to determine the presence and severity of the disease. The objective was to create 3D models and their respective radiographs representing the CHD (3D AMCHD). The research was carried out in the Laboratory of 3D Educational Technologies of UFAC, under no. 23107.007273/2017-49 (CEUA/UFAC). A canine skeleton (hip bone, femurs and patellae) was used without anatomical deformities compatible with DCF (pelvis, femurs and patella), which were scanned in order to obtain the files of the base model. In these files the deformations representing the different degrees of CHD were performed. Subsequently, the 3D AMCHD files were printed, mounted and X-rayed. The 3D AMCHD represented the bone deformations of the different degrees of CHD. In the radiographs of the 3D AMCHD it was possible to observe and determine each of the bones that constituted the hip joints. This allowed to reproduce the correct positioning to represent the CHD diagnosis and establish the precise points to determine the Norberg angle. In this way, it was evidenced that the 3D AMCHD can be a possible tool to be used in the Teaching of Veterinary Medicine.(AU)

A displasia coxofemoral canina (DCF) é uma condição patológica articular de grande prevalência. Nesse sentido, a radiografia torna-se um método de diagnóstico importante para determinar a presença e a gravidade da doença. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi criar modelos 3D e suas respectivas radiografias representando a DCF (MADCF 3D). A pesquisa foi realizada no Laboratório de Tecnologias Educacionais 3D da UFAC, sob o nº. 23107.007273/2017-49 (Ceua/Ufac). Foram utilizados esqueletos caninos (pelve, fêmures e patelas) sem deformidades anatômicas compatíveis com a DCF, os quais foram digitalizados a fim de se obterem os arquivos do modelo base. Nesses arquivos foram realizadas as deformações que representavam os diferentes graus da DCF. Posteriormente, os arquivos dos MADCF 3D foram impressos, montados e radiografados. Os MADCF 3D representaram as deformações ósseas dos diferentes graus da DCF. Nas radiografias dos MADCF 3D, foi possível observar e determinar cada um dos ossos que constituíam as articulações coxofemorais. Isso permitiu reproduzir o posicionamento correto para representação do diagnóstico DCF e estabelecer os pontos precisos para determinar o ângulo de Norberg. Dessa forma, evidenciou-se que os MADCF 3D podem ser uma possível ferramenta a ser empregada no ensino de medicina veterinária.(AU)

Supra-nutritional Levels of Selected B Vitamins in Animal or Vegetable Diets for Broiler Chicken

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supra-nutritional level of selected B vitamins in different types of diet on broiler performance. Two experiments were conducted using male and female one-day-old chicks (n=288 each; initial body weights in experiment I and II was, respectively, 47.57 ± 0.43, and 47.98 ± 0.31) reared in batteries up to 18 days. In experiment I, the chicks were fed a corn and soybean meal-based diet and, in experiment II, a diet containing oxidized animal by-product meals and soybean oil was used. Both experiments followed a completely randomized design in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, consisting of the factors: i) supplementation levels of selected B vitamins (control, 3- or 6-times control of the vitamins riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin, folic acid and vitamin B12); ii) dietary nutritional density (low or high), totaling 6 treatments and 8 replicates of 6 birds each (3 males and 3 females). As result of this study, in Exp. I, chicks showed higher weight gain (741.1 g vs. 697.3 g) and feed intake (920.2 vs. 878.5 g) when fed low-nutritional density diet with supra-nutritional vitamin level 6-times higher than the control. However, this effect was not found in the performance of chickens fed high-nutritional density diet. Despite the poor quality of the ingredients used in Exp. II, no statistical effect was shown of the use of vitamin super-dose in rations with different dietary nutrient density. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly improved for chickens fed high-nutritional density diet (1.191 vs. 1.246 in experiment I, 1.244 vs. 1.275 in experiment II, p 0.01). We conclude that birds fed a vegetable diet formulated with low-dietary density improved body weight (BW) and feed intake (FI) when receiving supra-nutritional levels of vitamins 6-times higher than the control.(AU)

Supra-nutritional Levels of Selected B Vitamins in Animal or Vegetable Diets for Broiler Chicken

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supra-nutritional level of selected B vitamins in different types of diet on broiler performance. Two experiments were conducted using male and female one-day-old chicks (n=288 each; initial body weights in experiment I and II was, respectively, 47.57 ± 0.43, and 47.98 ± 0.31) reared in batteries up to 18 days. In experiment I, the chicks were fed a corn and soybean meal-based diet and, in experiment II, a diet containing oxidized animal by-product meals and soybean oil was used. Both experiments followed a completely randomized design in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, consisting of the factors: i) supplementation levels of selected B vitamins (control, 3- or 6-times control of the vitamins riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin, folic acid and vitamin B12); ii) dietary nutritional density (low or high), totaling 6 treatments and 8 replicates of 6 birds each (3 males and 3 females). As result of this study, in Exp. I, chicks showed higher weight gain (741.1 g vs. 697.3 g) and feed intake (920.2 vs. 878.5 g) when fed low-nutritional density diet with supra-nutritional vitamin level 6-times higher than the control. However, this effect was not found in the performance of chickens fed high-nutritional density diet. Despite the poor quality of the ingredients used in Exp. II, no statistical effect was shown of the use of vitamin super-dose in rations with different dietary nutrient density. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly improved for chickens fed high-nutritional density diet (1.191 vs. 1.246 in experiment I, 1.244 vs. 1.275 in experiment II, p 0.01). We conclude that birds fed a vegetable diet formulated with low-dietary density improved body weight (BW) and feed intake (FI) when receiving supra-nutritional levels of vitamins 6-times higher than the control.

Frequency of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPRs) in non-clinical Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium strains / Frequência das repetições palindrômicas curtas agrupadas e regularmente interespaçadas (CRISPRs) em cepas não-clínicas de Enterococcus faecalis e Enterococcus faecium

The fidelity of the genomes is defended by mechanism known as Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) systems. Three Type II CRISPR systems (CRISPR1- cas, CRISPR2 and CRISPR3-cas) have been identified in enterococci isolates from clinical and environmental samples. The aim of this study was to observe the distribution of CRISPR1-cas, CRISPR2 and CRISPR3-cas in non-clinical strains of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium isolates from food and fecal samples, including wild marine animals. The presence of CRISPRs was evaluated by PCR in 120 enterococci strains, 67 E. faecalis and 53 E. faecium. It is the first report of the presence of the CRISPRs system in E. faecalis and E. faecium strains isolated from wild marine animal fecal samples. The results showed that in non-clinical strains, the CRISPRs were more frequently detected in E. faecalis than in E. faecium. And the frequencies of CRISPR1-cas and CRISPR2 were higher (60%) in E. faecalis strains isolated from animal feces, compared to food samples. Both strains showed low frequencies of CRISPR3-cas (8.95% and 1.88%). In conclusion, the differences in the habitats of enterococcal species may be related with the results observe in distribution of CRISPRs systems.(AU)

A fidelidade dos genomas é defendida por mecanismos conhecidos como sistemas de repetições palindrômicas curtas agrupadas e regularmente interespaçadas (CRISPRs). Três tipos de sistemas CRISPR II (CRISPR1-cas, CRISPR2 e CRISPR3-cas) têm sido identificados em cepas de enterococos isolados de amostras clínicas e ambientais. O objetivo deste estudo foi observar a distribuição dos CRISPR1-cas, CRISPR2 e CRISPR3-cas em cepas não-clínicas de Enterococcus faecalis e Enterococcus faecium isoladas de amostras alimentícias e fecais, incluindo animais marinhos selvagens. A presenca dos CRISPRs foi determinada por PCR em 120 cepas de enterococos, sendo 67 E. faecalis e 53 E. faecium. É o primeiro relato da presença do sistema CRISPRs nas estirpes E. faecalis e E. faecium isoladas de amostras fecais de animais marinhos selvagens. Os resultados mostraram que em cepas não-clínicas, os CRISPRs foram mais frequentemente detectados em E. faecalis do que em E. faecium. E as frequências de CRISPR1-cas e CRISPR2 foram maiores (60%) em cepas de E. faecalis isoladas de fezes de animais, quando comparadas à amostras de alimentos. Ambas as cepas apresentaram baixas freqüências de CRISPR3-cas (8,95% e 1,88%). Em conclusão, as diferenças nos habitats das espécies de enterococos podem estar relacionadas com os resultados observados na distribuição dos sistemas CRISPRs.(AU)

Frequency of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPRs) in non-clinical Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium strains

Abstract The fidelity of the genomes is defended by mechanism known as Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) systems. Three Type II CRISPR systems (CRISPR1- cas, CRISPR2 and CRISPR3-cas) have been identified in enterococci isolates from clinical and environmental samples. The aim of this study was to observe the distribution of CRISPR1-cas, CRISPR2 and CRISPR3-cas in non-clinical strains of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium isolates from food and fecal samples, including wild marine animals. The presence of CRISPRs was evaluated by PCR in 120 enterococci strains, 67 E. faecalis and 53 E. faecium. It is the first report of the presence of the CRISPRs system in E. faecalis and E. faecium strains isolated from wild marine animal fecal samples. The results showed that in non-clinical strains, the CRISPRs were more frequently detected in E. faecalis than in E. faecium. And the frequencies of CRISPR1-cas and CRISPR2 were higher (60%) in E. faecalis strains isolated from animal feces, compared to food samples. Both strains showed low frequencies of CRISPR3-cas (8.95% and 1.88%). In conclusion, the differences in the habitats of enterococcal species may be related with the results observe in distribution of CRISPRs systems.

Resumo A fidelidade dos genomas é defendida por mecanismos conhecidos como sistemas de repetições palindrômicas curtas agrupadas e regularmente interespaçadas (CRISPRs). Três tipos de sistemas CRISPR II (CRISPR1-cas, CRISPR2 e CRISPR3-cas) têm sido identificados em cepas de enterococos isolados de amostras clínicas e ambientais. O objetivo deste estudo foi observar a distribuição dos CRISPR1-cas, CRISPR2 e CRISPR3-cas em cepas não-clínicas de Enterococcus faecalis e Enterococcus faecium isoladas de amostras alimentícias e fecais, incluindo animais marinhos selvagens. A presenca dos CRISPRs foi determinada por PCR em 120 cepas de enterococos, sendo 67 E. faecalis e 53 E. faecium. É o primeiro relato da presença do sistema CRISPRs nas estirpes E. faecalis e E. faecium isoladas de amostras fecais de animais marinhos selvagens. Os resultados mostraram que em cepas não-clínicas, os CRISPRs foram mais frequentemente detectados em E. faecalis do que em E. faecium. E as frequências de CRISPR1-cas e CRISPR2 foram maiores (60%) em cepas de E. faecalis isoladas de fezes de animais, quando comparadas à amostras de alimentos. Ambas as cepas apresentaram baixas freqüências de CRISPR3-cas (8,95% e 1,88%). Em conclusão, as diferenças nos habitats das espécies de enterococos podem estar relacionadas com os resultados observados na distribuição dos sistemas CRISPRs.

Evaluation of Dietary Glycerin Inclusion During Different Broiler Rearing Phases

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the dietary addition of different levels of glycerin on the performance, litter moisture, pododermatitis incidence, and carcass and parts yield of broilers. In total, 1,610 broilers were reared in 35 pens with 46 birds each. A completely randomized experimental design, with five treatments with seven replicates was applied. The experimental treatments were: T1: control diet; T2: dietary inclusion of 5% glycerin from 1-42 days of age; T3: dietary inclusion of 10% glycerin from 1-42 days of age; T4: dietary inclusion of 5% glycerin from 7-42 days of age; T5: dietary inclusion of 10% glycerin from 7-42 days of age. The diets containing glycerin fed since the pre-starter period improved broiler weight gain and feed conversion ratio, but did not influence feed intake or livability. At the end of the experiment, the production efficiency index of the broilers fed 10% glycerin during the entire rearing period was significantly reduced compared with the other treatments. Litter moisture in the pens of broilers fed 10% glycerin during the entire rearing period was higher compared to the other treatments since day 21.Diets containing 10% glycerin, both for the entire rearing period (1-42 days) or only after the pre-starter phase (7-42 days), influenced broiler performance and incidence of severe pododermatitis, reducing the production efficiency indexes at 42 days. Glycerin may be added up to 5% in broiler´s diets with no effect on performance, litter moisture and carcass yield, indicating that this co-product of the biodiesel industry can be used as an alternative feedstuff for broilers.(AU)

Frequency of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPRs) in non-clinical Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium strains

Abstract The fidelity of the genomes is defended by mechanism known as Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) systems. Three Type II CRISPR systems (CRISPR1- cas, CRISPR2 and CRISPR3-cas) have been identified in enterococci isolates from clinical and environmental samples. The aim of this study was to observe the distribution of CRISPR1-cas, CRISPR2 and CRISPR3-cas in non-clinical strains of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium isolates from food and fecal samples, including wild marine animals. The presence of CRISPRs was evaluated by PCR in 120 enterococci strains, 67 E. faecalis and 53 E. faecium. It is the first report of the presence of the CRISPRs system in E. faecalis and E. faecium strains isolated from wild marine animal fecal samples. The results showed that in non-clinical strains, the CRISPRs were more frequently detected in E. faecalis than in E. faecium. And the frequencies of CRISPR1-cas and CRISPR2 were higher (60%) in E. faecalis strains isolated from animal feces, compared to food samples. Both strains showed low frequencies of CRISPR3-cas (8.95% and 1.88%). In conclusion, the differences in the habitats of enterococcal species may be related with the results observe in distribution of CRISPRs systems.

Resumo A fidelidade dos genomas é defendida por mecanismos conhecidos como sistemas de repetições palindrômicas curtas agrupadas e regularmente interespaçadas (CRISPRs). Três tipos de sistemas CRISPR II (CRISPR1-cas, CRISPR2 e CRISPR3-cas) têm sido identificados em cepas de enterococos isolados de amostras clínicas e ambientais. O objetivo deste estudo foi observar a distribuição dos CRISPR1-cas, CRISPR2 e CRISPR3-cas em cepas não-clínicas de Enterococcus faecalis e Enterococcus faecium isoladas de amostras alimentícias e fecais, incluindo animais marinhos selvagens. A presenca dos CRISPRs foi determinada por PCR em 120 cepas de enterococos, sendo 67 E. faecalis e 53 E. faecium. É o primeiro relato da presença do sistema CRISPRs nas estirpes E. faecalis e E. faecium isoladas de amostras fecais de animais marinhos selvagens. Os resultados mostraram que em cepas não-clínicas, os CRISPRs foram mais frequentemente detectados em E. faecalis do que em E. faecium. E as frequências de CRISPR1-cas e CRISPR2 foram maiores (60%) em cepas de E. faecalis isoladas de fezes de animais, quando comparadas à amostras de alimentos. Ambas as cepas apresentaram baixas freqüências de CRISPR3-cas (8,95% e 1,88%). Em conclusão, as diferenças nos habitats das espécies de enterococos podem estar relacionadas com os resultados observados na distribuição dos sistemas CRISPRs.

Evaluation of Dietary Glycerin Inclusion During Different Broiler Rearing Phases

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the dietary addition of different levels of glycerin on the performance, litter moisture, pododermatitis incidence, and carcass and parts yield of broilers. In total, 1,610 broilers were reared in 35 pens with 46 birds each. A completely randomized experimental design, with five treatments with seven replicates was applied. The experimental treatments were: T1: control diet; T2: dietary inclusion of 5% glycerin from 1-42 days of age; T3: dietary inclusion of 10% glycerin from 1-42 days of age; T4: dietary inclusion of 5% glycerin from 7-42 days of age; T5: dietary inclusion of 10% glycerin from 7-42 days of age. The diets containing glycerin fed since the pre-starter period improved broiler weight gain and feed conversion ratio, but did not influence feed intake or livability. At the end of the experiment, the production efficiency index of the broilers fed 10% glycerin during the entire rearing period was significantly reduced compared with the other treatments. Litter moisture in the pens of broilers fed 10% glycerin during the entire rearing period was higher compared to the other treatments since day 21.Diets containing 10% glycerin, both for the entire rearing period (1-42 days) or only after the pre-starter phase (7-42 days), influenced broiler performance and incidence of severe pododermatitis, reducing the production efficiency indexes at 42 days. Glycerin may be added up to 5% in broiler´s diets with no effect on performance, litter moisture and carcass yield, indicating that this co-product of the biodiesel industry can be used as an alternative feedstuff for broilers.

Parâmetros clínicos, hematológicos e bioquímicos de novilhas com hipocalcemia subclínica pré-parto suplementadas com dieta aniônica / Anionic diet on clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters of heifers with subclinical hypocalcemia prepartum

A hipótese do presente estudo consiste em que uma dieta aniônica prolongada acarretaria uma mobilização mais rápida do cálcio sanguíneo. O objetivo proposto foi avaliar parâmetros clínicos, hematológicos e bioquímicos de novilhas, com hipocalcemia subclínica, submetidas a diferentes períodos de fornecimento de dieta aniônica no pré-parto. Foram utilizadas nove novilhas da raça Holandês induzidas à hipocalcemia subclínica no pré-parto, divididas em três grupos: G0 = sem dieta aniônica antes da indução; G11 = 11 dias de dieta aniônica pré-indução; e G15 = 15 dias de dieta aniônica pré-indução. Foi realizado exame clínico antes e depois da indução, e avaliaram-se cálcio total e ionizado, magnésio e albumina nos dias -2, 0, 1, 2 e 3 (dia 0 = momento da indução) e parâmetros hematológicos nos dias 0, 1, 2 e 3. O G11 apresentou maiores concentrações de cálcio total e ionizado que o G0 e maiores níveis de cálcio total que o G15 (P<0,01). O magnésio teve maiores valores no G15 quando comparado aos outros grupos (P<0,01). O G0 apresentou os maiores valores de monócitos e neutrófilos bastonetes (P<0,01). A dieta aniônica por 11 dias é suficiente para manter a homeostase do cálcio e a resposta leucocitária em novilhas desafiadas a uma diminuição do cálcio sanguíneo.(AU)

This study's hypothesis is that cows receiving anionic diet for a longer period respond more quickly to decreased blood calcium. The aim was to evaluate the heifers' clinical, hematological, and biochemical parameters, with subclinical hypocalcemia, subjected to different periods of anionic diet supply during antepartum. Nine heifers were induced to subclinical hypocalcemia during antepartum, sorted in 3 groups: G0 = no anionic diet before induction; G11= eleven days of anionic diet before induction; and G15 = fifteen days of anionic diet before induction. Examinations were held before and after induction and total and ionized calcium, magnesium and albumin were evaluated from days -2, 0, 1, 2 and 3, day 0 being the moment of induction; hematologic parameters were evaluated at days 0, 1, 2 and 3. G11 presented a higher total and ionized calcium concentration than G0 and higher total calcium concentration than G15 (P < 0.01). Magnesium had its highest values at G15 when compared to the other two groups (P < 0.01). G0 presented its highest values of monocytes and neutrophils rods (P<0.01). The eleven days of anionic diet supply were enough to maintain calcium homeostasis and leukocyte response in heifers challenged to reduction in blood calcium.(AU)

Parâmetros clínicos, hematológicos e bioquímicos de novilhas com hipocalcemia subclínica pré-parto suplementadas com dieta aniônica / Anionic diet on clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters of heifers with subclinical hypocalcemia prepartum

A hipótese do presente estudo consiste em que uma dieta aniônica prolongada acarretaria uma mobilização mais rápida do cálcio sanguíneo. O objetivo proposto foi avaliar parâmetros clínicos, hematológicos e bioquímicos de novilhas, com hipocalcemia subclínica, submetidas a diferentes períodos de fornecimento de dieta aniônica no pré-parto. Foram utilizadas nove novilhas da raça Holandês induzidas à hipocalcemia subclínica no pré-parto, divididas em três grupos: G0 = sem dieta aniônica antes da indução; G11 = 11 dias de dieta aniônica pré-indução; e G15 = 15 dias de dieta aniônica pré-indução. Foi realizado exame clínico antes e depois da indução, e avaliaram-se cálcio total e ionizado, magnésio e albumina nos dias -2, 0, 1, 2 e 3 (dia 0 = momento da indução) e parâmetros hematológicos nos dias 0, 1, 2 e 3. O G11 apresentou maiores concentrações de cálcio total e ionizado que o G0 e maiores níveis de cálcio total que o G15 (P<0,01). O magnésio teve maiores valores no G15 quando comparado aos outros grupos (P<0,01). O G0 apresentou os maiores valores de monócitos e neutrófilos bastonetes (P<0,01). A dieta aniônica por 11 dias é suficiente para manter a homeostase do cálcio e a resposta leucocitária em novilhas desafiadas a uma diminuição do cálcio sanguíneo.(AU)

This study's hypothesis is that cows receiving anionic diet for a longer period respond more quickly to decreased blood calcium. The aim was to evaluate the heifers' clinical, hematological, and biochemical parameters, with subclinical hypocalcemia, subjected to different periods of anionic diet supply during antepartum. Nine heifers were induced to subclinical hypocalcemia during antepartum, sorted in 3 groups: G0 = no anionic diet before induction; G11= eleven days of anionic diet before induction; and G15 = fifteen days of anionic diet before induction. Examinations were held before and after induction and total and ionized calcium, magnesium and albumin were evaluated from days -2, 0, 1, 2 and 3, day 0 being the moment of induction; hematologic parameters were evaluated at days 0, 1, 2 and 3. G11 presented a higher total and ionized calcium concentration than G0 and higher total calcium concentration than G15 (P < 0.01). Magnesium had its highest values at G15 when compared to the other two groups (P < 0.01). G0 presented its highest values of monocytes and neutrophils rods (P<0.01). The eleven days of anionic diet supply were enough to maintain calcium homeostasis and leukocyte response in heifers challenged to reduction in blood calcium.(AU)