An Outbreak of Intestinal Obstruction by Ascaridia Galli in Broilers in Minas Gerais

Industrial broilers raised on helminthic medication-free feed were diagnosed with a severe disease caused by Ascaridia galli, characterized by intestinal hemorrhage and obstruction. A. galli was identified based on the morphological features of the nematode. Broilers were raised for a longer period (63 days) for weight recovery, grouped as stunted (n=500), had low body score and had fetid diarrhea. The duodenum-jejunum segment was the most severely affected with obstruction and had localized accumulation of gas. The intestinal mucosa was severely congested with petechial and suffusive hemorrhages. The outbreak resulted in morbidity of about 10% and mortality of up to 4% and was associated to the absence of preventive medication on feed and slack biosecurity. The reemergence of A. galli is discussed in view of the alternative poultry management and raising conditions for drug free and welfare.(AU)

An Outbreak of Intestinal Obstruction by Ascaridia Galli in Broilers in Minas Gerais

Industrial broilers raised on helminthic medication-free feed were diagnosed with a severe disease caused by Ascaridia galli, characterized by intestinal hemorrhage and obstruction. A. galli was identified based on the morphological features of the nematode. Broilers were raised for a longer period (63 days) for weight recovery, grouped as stunted (n=500), had low body score and had fetid diarrhea. The duodenum-jejunum segment was the most severely affected with obstruction and had localized accumulation of gas. The intestinal mucosa was severely congested with petechial and suffusive hemorrhages. The outbreak resulted in morbidity of about 10% and mortality of up to 4% and was associated to the absence of preventive medication on feed and slack biosecurity. The reemergence of A. galli is discussed in view of the alternative poultry management and raising conditions for drug free and welfare.

Histopathology and serology reaction to an immune complex infectious bursal disease vaccine (V877 strain) in SPF and commercial birds / Reação histopatológica e sorológica a uma vacina de imunocomplexo contra gumboro (cepa V877) em aves SPF e comerciais

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a new infectious bursal disease (IBD) immune complex vaccine on immune system response in both specific pathogen-free (SPF) and commercial birds. Evaluation of response to the vaccination in the two experiments was done by histopathological examination and serology. The results of this study have shown that immune complex vaccine with the V877 strain is quite safe in White Leghorn SPF birds in which there has been no participation of maternal antibodies. In commercial birds was also observed that the immune complex vaccine with the V877 strain acted synergistically with different levels of passive antibodies and the vaccine virus began to replicate as passive immunity decreased to provide the animal active immunological response.

O objetivo desse estudo foi investigar o efeito de uma nova vacina de imunocomplexo contra a doença de Gumboro sobre o sistema imune de aves SPF e comerciais. A avaliação da resposta à vacinação foi realizada por meio de exame histopatológico e sorologia. Os resultados desse estudo demonstraram que a vacina de imunocomplexo com cepa V877 contra Gumboro é muito segura mesmo em aves SPF da linhagem White Leghorn nas quais não existia a participação de imunidade materna. Em aves comerciais também foi demonstrado que a vacina de imunocomplexo com a cepa V877 atuou sinergicamente com diferentes níveis de anticorpos passivos maternais, iniciando a replicação do vírus vacinal a partir do momento que a imunidade passiva diminui, para promover uma resposta imunológica ativa.

Histopathology and serology reaction to an immune complex infectious bursal disease vaccine (V877 strain) in SPF and commercial birds / Reação histopatológica e sorológica a uma vacina de imunocomplexo contra gumboro (cepa V877) em aves SPF e comerciais

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a new infectious bursal disease (IBD) immune complex vaccine on immune system response in both specific pathogen-free (SPF) and commercial birds. Evaluation of response to the vaccination in the two experiments was done by histopathological examination and serology. The results of this study have shown that immune complex vaccine with the V877 strain is quite safe in White Leghorn SPF birds in which there has been no participation of maternal antibodies. In commercial birds was also observed that the immune complex vaccine with the V877 strain acted synergistically with different levels of passive antibodies and the vaccine virus began to replicate as passive immunity decreased to provide the animal active immunological response.(AU)

O objetivo desse estudo foi investigar o efeito de uma nova vacina de imunocomplexo contra a doença de Gumboro sobre o sistema imune de aves SPF e comerciais. A avaliação da resposta à vacinação foi realizada por meio de exame histopatológico e sorologia. Os resultados desse estudo demonstraram que a vacina de imunocomplexo com cepa V877 contra Gumboro é muito segura mesmo em aves SPF da linhagem White Leghorn nas quais não existia a participação de imunidade materna. Em aves comerciais também foi demonstrado que a vacina de imunocomplexo com a cepa V877 atuou sinergicamente com diferentes níveis de anticorpos passivos maternais, iniciando a replicação do vírus vacinal a partir do momento que a imunidade passiva diminui, para promover uma resposta imunológica ativa.(AU)

Serological diagnosis of influenza A subtype H1 on family poultry of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais and Santa Maria, Rio Grande Do Sul, in Brazil

Serum samples (n=687) from Gallus gallus domesticus were collected for the investigation of antibodies to avian influenza virus (AIV-A) in the family poultry of the surrounding counties of Santa Maria/RS and the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte/MG, totaling twenty different counties. Additional samples of seventeen (n=17) free-flying ducks (C. moschata pure or hybrid with Anas platyrhynchos) were collected in Belo Horizonte. The chosen tests for the survey were performed as described by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), including agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) for antibodies to AIV-A nucleoprotein (N) and haemagglutination- inhibition (HI) for antibodies to subtype H1. Out of the 704 serum tests performed by AGID, eight (8/704) were revealed positive for antibodies to AIV-A N protein, with six (6/704) retested positive for subtype H1. Two sera tested positive by AGID were shown to be non reactive to the H1 subtype, suggesting specificity to another subtype. A low occurrence of antibodies to influenza A (1.13%) was found, and mostly (75%) specific to subtype H1. This represents an approximately 0,85% overall occurrence for subtype H1 antibodies, with an unknown subtype specific antibodies detected in one free-flying anatid. The low occurrence of antibodies in the family poultry may suggest a low AIV-A activity during the period of study, information which remains to be confirmed by virus detection.(AU)

Serological diagnosis of influenza A subtype H1 on family poultry of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais and Santa Maria, Rio Grande Do Sul, in Brazil

Serum samples (n=687) from Gallus gallus domesticus were collected for the investigation of antibodies to avian influenza virus (AIV-A) in the family poultry of the surrounding counties of Santa Maria/RS and the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte/MG, totaling twenty different counties. Additional samples of seventeen (n=17) free-flying ducks (C. moschata pure or hybrid with Anas platyrhynchos) were collected in Belo Horizonte. The chosen tests for the survey were performed as described by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), including agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) for antibodies to AIV-A nucleoprotein (N) and haemagglutination- inhibition (HI) for antibodies to subtype H1. Out of the 704 serum tests performed by AGID, eight (8/704) were revealed positive for antibodies to AIV-A N protein, with six (6/704) retested positive for subtype H1. Two sera tested positive by AGID were shown to be non reactive to the H1 subtype, suggesting specificity to another subtype. A low occurrence of antibodies to influenza A (1.13%) was found, and mostly (75%) specific to subtype H1. This represents an approximately 0,85% overall occurrence for subtype H1 antibodies, with an unknown subtype specific antibodies detected in one free-flying anatid. The low occurrence of antibodies in the family poultry may suggest a low AIV-A activity during the period of study, information which remains to be confirmed by virus detection.

Physical characteristics and fertility of fractionated donkey semen cooled at 5°C / Características físicas e fertilidade do sêmen asinino fracionado e resfriado a 5ºC

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two different extenders (Skimmed Milk Glucose - SMG or Lactose - Egg Yolk - LEY) on physical characteristics and fertility of fractionated donkey semen cooled at 5°C. For this, four Pêga donkeys were used as semen donors. The sperm rich fraction of the ejaculate was diluted preparing insemination doses containing 400 x 106 motile spermatozoa in a volume of 22 mL, cooled to 5°C and stored up to 48 hours in a container proposed by Palhares (1997). Sperm motility and vigor were assessed in fresh semen, after first semen dilution, before insemination, at 24 and 48 hours after storage. For the fertility evaluation, 44 mares were inseminated with semen stored for a period between 12 and 24 hours. The mares were inseminated on fixed days (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) after the detection of a follicle greater than a 30mm diameter in one of the ovaries through ovulation. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed on day 12 post-ovulation, using transrectal ultrasonography. Semen diluted in SMG showed superior sperm motility than LEY, at the Pre-AI evaluation (P<0.05). At 48 hours of storage, all donkeys had motility values between 45 and 53% for semen diluted in SMG, while only one donkey showed motility greater than 30% in the LEY treatment. The pregnancy rate/cycle for mares inseminated with semen diluted in SMG was superior than that obtained using LEY (56.52% vs 4.76%, respectively).(AU)

Objetivou-se com o presente experimento avaliar o efeito de dois diferentes diluidores (leite em pó desnatado glicose - SMG ou lactose gema de ovo - LEY) sobre as características físicas e a fertilidade do sêmen asinino coletado de forma fracionada e resfriado a 5ºC. Para isso, quatro jumentos da raça Pêga foram utilizados como doadores de sêmen. A fração espermática rica do ejaculado foi diluída preparando-se doses inseminantes contendo 400 x 106 espermatozoides móveis em um volume de 22 mL, resfriadas a 5ºC e armazenadas por até 48 horas em contêiner proposto por Palhares (1997). A motilidade e o vigor espermáticos foram avaliados no sêmen fresco, após a pré-diluição, antes das inseminações, às 24 e 48 horas de armazenamento. Para avaliação de fertilidade, 44 éguas foram inseminadas com sêmen armazenado por um período entre 12 e 24 horas, em dias fixos (segundas, quartas e sextas-feiras), após a detecção de um folículo de diâmetro maior ou igual a 30mm em um dos ovários, até a ovulação. O diagnóstico de gestação foi realizado a partir de 12 dias após a ovulação, por meio de ultrassonografia transretal. O sêmen diluído em SMG apresentou motilidade espermática superior à do LEY, já a partir do tempo pré-IA. Às 48 horas de armazenamento, todos os jumentos apresentaram valores de motilidade entre 45% e 53%, quando o sêmen foi diluído em SMG, enquanto apenas um jumento apresentou motilidade superior a 30% no tratamento utilizando LEY. A taxa de concepção/ciclo das éguas inseminadas também foi superior para o sêmen diluído em SMG em relação ao diluído em LEY (56,52% versus 4,76%, respectivamente).(AU)

Use of Soy Protein Concentrate in Pre-Starter and Starter Diets for Broilers

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of using soy protein concentrate (SPC) in pre-starter and starter diets for broilers. In the first experiment, 600 male Cobb broilers, between one and 40 days of age, were distributed in a completely randomized design, with four treatments and six replications of 25 birds each. Treatments were ofered to broilers in the pre-starter and starter diets and consisted of inclusion of soy protein concentrate (0,3,6 and 9%) in diets. The parameters evaluated were: body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, consumption of ration, enzyme production in the pancreas, villus: crypt ratio, leukocyte count and immunoglobulin A (IgA) dosage. Aimed to determine the coefficient of nutrient metabolization of feeds, 144 male Cobb chicks were distributed, between 14 and 21 days of age, with four treatments and six replications of six birds per experimental unit. Treatments were the same as in the first experiment. The use of 3 and 9% of SPC did not affect weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion or viability of the poultry. The use of 6% of SPC provided an increase in trypsin activity, villi length and crypt depth; the coefficient of dry matter metabolization increased linearly; but no differences were observed in performance or immunological parameters.(AU)

Physical characteristics and fertility of fractionated donkey semen cooled at 5°C / Características físicas e fertilidade do sêmen asinino fracionado e resfriado a 5ºC

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two different extenders (Skimmed Milk Glucose - SMG or Lactose - Egg Yolk - LEY) on physical characteristics and fertility of fractionated donkey semen cooled at 5°C. For this, four Pêga donkeys were used as semen donors. The sperm rich fraction of the ejaculate was diluted preparing insemination doses containing 400 x 106 motile spermatozoa in a volume of 22 mL, cooled to 5°C and stored up to 48 hours in a container proposed by Palhares (1997). Sperm motility and vigor were assessed in fresh semen, after first semen dilution, before insemination, at 24 and 48 hours after storage. For the fertility evaluation, 44 mares were inseminated with semen stored for a period between 12 and 24 hours. The mares were inseminated on fixed days (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) after the detection of a follicle greater than a 30mm diameter in one of the ovaries through ovulation. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed on day 12 post-ovulation, using transrectal ultrasonography. Semen diluted in SMG showed superior sperm motility than LEY, at the Pre-AI evaluation (P<0.05). At 48 hours of storage, all donkeys had motility values between 45 and 53% for semen diluted in SMG, while only one donkey showed motility greater than 30% in the LEY treatment. The pregnancy rate/cycle for mares inseminated with semen diluted in SMG was superior than that obtained using LEY (56.52% vs 4.76%, respectively).(AU)

Objetivou-se com o presente experimento avaliar o efeito de dois diferentes diluidores (leite em pó desnatado glicose - SMG ou lactose gema de ovo - LEY) sobre as características físicas e a fertilidade do sêmen asinino coletado de forma fracionada e resfriado a 5ºC. Para isso, quatro jumentos da raça Pêga foram utilizados como doadores de sêmen. A fração espermática rica do ejaculado foi diluída preparando-se doses inseminantes contendo 400 x 106 espermatozoides móveis em um volume de 22 mL, resfriadas a 5ºC e armazenadas por até 48 horas em contêiner proposto por Palhares (1997). A motilidade e o vigor espermáticos foram avaliados no sêmen fresco, após a pré-diluição, antes das inseminações, às 24 e 48 horas de armazenamento. Para avaliação de fertilidade, 44 éguas foram inseminadas com sêmen armazenado por um período entre 12 e 24 horas, em dias fixos (segundas, quartas e sextas-feiras), após a detecção de um folículo de diâmetro maior ou igual a 30mm em um dos ovários, até a ovulação. O diagnóstico de gestação foi realizado a partir de 12 dias após a ovulação, por meio de ultrassonografia transretal. O sêmen diluído em SMG apresentou motilidade espermática superior à do LEY, já a partir do tempo pré-IA. Às 48 horas de armazenamento, todos os jumentos apresentaram valores de motilidade entre 45% e 53%, quando o sêmen foi diluído em SMG, enquanto apenas um jumento apresentou motilidade superior a 30% no tratamento utilizando LEY. A taxa de concepção/ciclo das éguas inseminadas também foi superior para o sêmen diluído em SMG em relação ao diluído em LEY (56,52% versus 4,76%, respectivamente).(AU)

Use of Soy Protein Concentrate in Pre-Starter and Starter Diets for Broilers

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of using soy protein concentrate (SPC) in pre-starter and starter diets for broilers. In the first experiment, 600 male Cobb broilers, between one and 40 days of age, were distributed in a completely randomized design, with four treatments and six replications of 25 birds each. Treatments were ofered to broilers in the pre-starter and starter diets and consisted of inclusion of soy protein concentrate (0,3,6 and 9%) in diets. The parameters evaluated were: body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, consumption of ration, enzyme production in the pancreas, villus: crypt ratio, leukocyte count and immunoglobulin A (IgA) dosage. Aimed to determine the coefficient of nutrient metabolization of feeds, 144 male Cobb chicks were distributed, between 14 and 21 days of age, with four treatments and six replications of six birds per experimental unit. Treatments were the same as in the first experiment. The use of 3 and 9% of SPC did not affect weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion or viability of the poultry. The use of 6% of SPC provided an increase in trypsin activity, villi length and crypt depth; the coefficient of dry matter metabolization increased linearly; but no differences were observed in performance or immunological parameters.

Physical and morphological characteristics of the first three jets of Pêga jackasses sperm-rich fraction / Características físicas e morfológicas dos três primeiros jatos da fração rica do ejaculado de jumentos da raça Pêga

The first three jets of the sperm-rich fraction of Pêga jackasses were collected and assessed separately. Five fertile Pêga jackasses were used as semen donors and underwent fractionated semen collection, using an open model artificial vagina. The first three jets of the semen were collected separately and assessed for volume, sperm motility, vigor, concentration/mL of semen, and sperm morphology. These characteristics were compared between first, second and third jets and between jackasses. It was observed that the jet volume differed (P<0.05) between jackasses, although it was similar (P>0.05) between first, second and third jets. Sperm motility did not differ (P>0.05) between jets and jackasses. Vigor was similar (P>0.05) between jets of the same jackass, and only the first jet differed (P<0.05) between jackasses. The first, second and third jets of the sperm-rich fraction had decreased sperm concentrations (P<0.05) of 955.56, 725.56 and 280.56x 106 sperm/mL of semen, respectively. Sperm morphology differed between the first three jets only for the incidence of mid-piece defect, higher in the third one (4.26%), compared to the first (3.36%) and second (3.38%) ones. When comparing the morphological characteristics of the sperm-rich fraction between five jackasses, regardless of the jet, there were differences in the percentage of normal sperm, proximal cytoplasmic droplet, mid-piece and head defects.(AU)

Objetivou-se, no presente experimento, caracterizar os três primeiros jatos da fração rica do ejaculado de jumentos da raça Pêga. Para tal, cinco jumentos foram submetidos à coleta fracionada do sêmen, utilizando-se vagina artificial modelo aberta. Os três primeiros jatos da fração rica do ejaculado foram coletados separadamente e avaliados quanto ao volume, à motilidade e ao vigor espermáticos, à concentração espermática/mL de sêmen e à morfologia espermática. Comparações foram realizadas entre jatos e entre jumentos. Observou-se que o volume do jato diferiu (P<0,05) entre os jumentos, embora fosse similar (P>0,05) entre os jatos. A motilidade espermática não diferiu (P>0,05) entre jatos nem entre jumentos. O vigor espermático foi similar (P>0,05) entre os jatos de um mesmo jumento, e apenas o vigor do jato 1 diferiu (P<0,05) entre os jumentos. Independentemente do jumento, a fração rica do ejaculado foi composta por três jatos apresentando concentrações espermáticas decrescentes (P<0,05), com 955,56; 725,56 e 280,56 x 106 espermatozoides/mL de sêmen. A morfologia espermática diferiu entre os três jatos avaliados apenas para a incidência de defeitos de peça intermediária, sendo maior no jato três (4,26%), em relação aos jatos um (3,36%) e dois (3,38%). Comparando-se as características morfológicas do sêmen entre os cinco jumentos avaliados, independentemente do jato, observaram-se diferenças entre os reprodutores quanto ao percentual de espermatozoides normais, com gota citoplasmática proximal, com defeitos de peça intermediária e de cabeça.(AU)

Physical and morphological characteristics of the first three jets of Pêga jackasses sperm-rich fraction / Características físicas e morfológicas dos três primeiros jatos da fração rica do ejaculado de jumentos da raça Pêga

The first three jets of the sperm-rich fraction of Pêga jackasses were collected and assessed separately. Five fertile Pêga jackasses were used as semen donors and underwent fractionated semen collection, using an open model artificial vagina. The first three jets of the semen were collected separately and assessed for volume, sperm motility, vigor, concentration/mL of semen, and sperm morphology. These characteristics were compared between first, second and third jets and between jackasses. It was observed that the jet volume differed (P 0.05) between jackasses, although it was similar (P>0.05) between first, second and third jets. Sperm motility did not differ (P>0.05) between jets and jackasses. Vigor was similar (P>0.05) between jets of the same jackass, and only the first jet differed (P 0.05) between jackasses. The first, second and third jets of the sperm-rich fraction had decreased sperm concentrations (P 0.05) of 955.56, 725.56 and 280.56x 106 sperm/mL of semen, respectively. Sperm morphology differed between the first three jets only for the incidence of mid-piece defect, higher in the third one (4.26%), compared to the first (3.36%) and second (3.38%) ones. When comparing the morphological characteristics of the sperm-rich fraction between five jackasses, regardless of the jet, there were differences in the percentage of normal sperm, proximal cytoplasmic droplet, mid-piece and head defects.(AU)

Objetivou-se, no presente experimento, caracterizar os três primeiros jatos da fração rica do ejaculado de jumentos da raça Pêga. Para tal, cinco jumentos foram submetidos à coleta fracionada do sêmen, utilizando-se vagina artificial modelo aberta. Os três primeiros jatos da fração rica do ejaculado foram coletados separadamente e avaliados quanto ao volume, à motilidade e ao vigor espermáticos, à concentração espermática/mL de sêmen e à morfologia espermática. Comparações foram realizadas entre jatos e entre jumentos. Observou-se que o volume do jato diferiu (P 0,05) entre os jumentos, embora fosse similar (P>0,05) entre os jatos. A motilidade espermática não diferiu (P>0,05) entre jatos nem entre jumentos. O vigor espermático foi similar (P>0,05) entre os jatos de um mesmo jumento, e apenas o vigor do jato 1 diferiu (P 0,05) entre os jumentos. Independentemente do jumento, a fração rica do ejaculado foi composta por três jatos apresentando concentrações espermáticas decrescentes (P 0,05), com 955,56; 725,56 e 280,56 x 106 espermatozoides/mL de sêmen. A morfologia espermática diferiu entre os três jatos avaliados apenas para a incidência de defeitos de peça intermediária, sendo maior no jato três (4,26%), em relação aos jatos um (3,36%) e dois (3,38%). Comparando-se as características morfológicas do sêmen entre os cinco jumentos avaliados, independentemente do jato, observaram-se diferenças entre os reprodutores quanto ao percentual de espermatozoides normais, com gota citoplasmática proximal, com defeitos de peça intermediária e de cabeça.(AU)

Experimental coinfection of chicken anemia virus and Mycoplasma gallisepticum vaccine strains in broiler chicks

This study aimed at determining the clinical and pathological effects of the coinfection of young SPF chickens with chicken anemia virus (CAV) and Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) vaccine strains. The clinical signs, gross and microscopic lesions were determined after the experimental coinfection broilers with a CAV genotype 1 vaccine strain given intraperitoneally on the first day of age and a MG F-strain vaccine given intranasally on the 8th day of age. The experimental groups included the negative control (group 1), a group infected with the MG F-strain vaccine (group 2), and a group coinfected with CAV and MG vaccines (group 3). Chicks were examined clinically and post mortem at 23 days of age, and gross and microscopic lesions of the trachea, thymus, and air sacs were compared among treatments (Kruskal-Wallis test). Infections were confirmed by PCR for specific genetic fragments of each agent in the target tissues. Mortality was only observed in chicks on group 3, with two deaths and more severe lesions in the trachea, thymus and air sacs compared with groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.01). Dead chicks presented reduced thymus and spleen size, hemorrhagic trachea with catarrhal exudate and partial obstruction, pericarditis, catarrhal airsacculitis, lungs with liquid and ascites. The surviving chicks in group 3 showed more severe respiratory changes than those in group 2, in addition to thymus and spleen size reduction. Results indicate the adverse effects of the coinfection of young chickens with MG F-strain and CAV genotype 1 vaccines.

Experimental coinfection of chicken anemia virus and Mycoplasma gallisepticum vaccine strains in broiler chicks

This study aimed at determining the clinical and pathological effects of the coinfection of young SPF chickens with chicken anemia virus (CAV) and Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) vaccine strains. The clinical signs, gross and microscopic lesions were determined after the experimental coinfection broilers with a CAV genotype 1 vaccine strain given intraperitoneally on the first day of age and a MG F-strain vaccine given intranasally on the 8th day of age. The experimental groups included the negative control (group 1), a group infected with the MG F-strain vaccine (group 2), and a group coinfected with CAV and MG vaccines (group 3). Chicks were examined clinically and post mortem at 23 days of age, and gross and microscopic lesions of the trachea, thymus, and air sacs were compared among treatments (Kruskal-Wallis test). Infections were confirmed by PCR for specific genetic fragments of each agent in the target tissues. Mortality was only observed in chicks on group 3, with two deaths and more severe lesions in the trachea, thymus and air sacs compared with groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.01). Dead chicks presented reduced thymus and spleen size, hemorrhagic trachea with catarrhal exudate and partial obstruction, pericarditis, catarrhal airsacculitis, lungs with liquid and ascites. The surviving chicks in group 3 showed more severe respiratory changes than those in group 2, in addition to thymus and spleen size reduction. Results indicate the adverse effects of the coinfection of young chickens with MG F-strain and CAV genotype 1 vaccines.(AU)

Molecular Diagnosis of Beak and Feather Disease in Native Brazilian Psittacines

The incidence of the psittacine beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) was investigated in Brazilian native parrots with normal feathering arriving at rescue and triage centers for wild animals (CETAS, IBAMA) in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. BFDV DNA was investigated by previously described PCR technique for the partial amplification of BFDV ORF-1 in DNA extracts from blood, cloacal swab or liver of psittacines. Some birds provided more than one sample. Nine species of psittacines were sampled between January 2009 and October 2010. Blood (n=46) or cloacal swab (n=128) samples were obtained from psittacines immediately upon arrival at the triage centers. Liver samples were collected from necropsied birds dead on arrival (n=167). All swab samples were negative, except for one Ara ararauna individual (n=3) which blood presented the BFDV DNA. On the other hand, 11 liver samples were positive for BFDV DNA, with a prevalence of 7.8% in Amazona aestiva (n=140). No BFDV DNA was detected in the liver of Amazona amazonica (n=11), A. vinacea (n=5), A. rhodochorytha (n=4), Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus (n=3), Ara ararauna, (n=3), Aratinga leucophtalma (n=2), Guarouba guarouba (n=1) and Pionus maximiliani (n=1). In most cases, alopecia was not associated with BFDV detection in liver, and liver histopathology was inconclusive. Although all cloacal swab samples were negative, a few psittacines (n=19) that died at CETAS-Belo Horizonte were retested, and 21% were detected as positive in liver. A group of psittacines (n=16) was clinically evaluated, and despite showing feather dystrophy, all birds were negative in the cloacal swabs, except for one, which blood sample was positive (A. ararauna). The obtained sequences of the BFDV strains BH 215 and BH 732 were deposited in the GenBank (JQ649409 and JQ649410). A 98% similarity with strain sequences described in Australia, Japan, and New Zealand was observed. It is possible that these strains arrived in Brazil through the legal and illegal trade of parrots. However, it was not possible to associate BFDV infection with the geographical origin of birds and no local marker was detected. The rates of detection, although similar to other studies, indicate the tendency of a high incidence of the disease, possibly associated with stress, and high bird density and wide transmission in captivity conditions.

Microbiological and physical-chemical characteristics of fermented milk beverages / Características microbiológicas e físico-químicas de bebidas lácteas fermentadas

This study aimed to evaluate some microbiological and physical-chemical characteristics of fermented milk beverages collected at the main supermarkets in Belo Horizonte (MG). 40 samples of the products corresponding to five distinct brands were collected. They were submitted to the following analyses: Most Probable Number (MPN) of total (30ºC) and thermal tolerant coliforms (45ºC), Salmonella spp., coagulase positive Staphylococcus, molds and yeasts, lactic acid bacteria, pH, titratable acidity and contents of moisture, total solids, protein and fat. The analyses were carried out during the last week of shelf life. The microbiological quality of the samples was good and the counts of lactic bacteria were above the minimum established by the official legislation. Streptococcus and Lactobacillus were isolated and identified from the products and Lactobacillus delbrueckii was molecularly identified in three samples. The mean values for the contents of fat and protein, titratable acidity, pH, moisture and total solids ranged from 1.24 to 1.98%; 1.88 to 2.22%; 0.54 to 0.66%; 3.91 to 4.16; 81.18 to 83.25% and 16.75 to 18.82%, respectively. All samples had protein content in agreement with the official legislation(AU)

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar as características microbiológicas e físico-químicas de bebidas lácteas fermentadas. Foram coletadas 40 amostras de bebidas lácteas fermentadas pertencentes a cinco marcas distintas, em grandes redes de supermercados de Belo Horizonte. Em cada amostra, foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: número mais provável de coliformes totais (30ºC), número mais provável de coliformes termotolerantes (45ºC), pesquisa de Salmonella spp., contagem de Staphylococcus coagulase positiva, contagem de bolores e leveduras, contagem total de bactérias lácticas viáveis, umidade, sólidos totais, teor de proteína, teor de gordura, pH e acidez titulável. As análises foram realizadas na última semana do período de validade. As amostras apresentaram qualidade microbiológica satisfatória, bem como contagens totais de bactérias lácticas viáveis superiores ao mínimo estabelecido pela legislação. Streptococcus e Lactobacillus foram identificados em todas as marcas de bebidas lácteas fermentadas analisadas, e em três delas foi possível identificar a espécie Lactobacillus delbrueckii. Os valores médios encontrados para os teores de gordura, proteína, acidez titulável, pH, umidade e sólidos totais variaram de 1,24 a 1,98%, 1,88 a 2,22%, 0,54 a 0,66%, 3,91 a 4,16, 81,18 a 83,25% e 16,75 a 18,82%, respectivamente. Todas as marcas de bebidas lácteas fermentadas apresentaram teor médio de proteína superior ao mínimo preconizado pela legislação(AU)

Molecular Diagnosis of Beak and Feather Disease in Native Brazilian Psittacines

The incidence of the psittacine beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) was investigated in Brazilian native parrots with normal feathering arriving at rescue and triage centers for wild animals (CETAS, IBAMA) in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. BFDV DNA was investigated by previously described PCR technique for the partial amplification of BFDV ORF-1 in DNA extracts from blood, cloacal swab or liver of psittacines. Some birds provided more than one sample. Nine species of psittacines were sampled between January 2009 and October 2010. Blood (n=46) or cloacal swab (n=128) samples were obtained from psittacines immediately upon arrival at the triage centers. Liver samples were collected from necropsied birds dead on arrival (n=167). All swab samples were negative, except for one Ara ararauna individual (n=3) which blood presented the BFDV DNA. On the other hand, 11 liver samples were positive for BFDV DNA, with a prevalence of 7.8% in Amazona aestiva (n=140). No BFDV DNA was detected in the liver of Amazona amazonica (n=11), A. vinacea (n=5), A. rhodochorytha (n=4), Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus (n=3), Ara ararauna, (n=3), Aratinga leucophtalma (n=2), Guarouba guarouba (n=1) and Pionus maximiliani (n=1). In most cases, alopecia was not associated with BFDV detection in liver, and liver histopathology was inconclusive. Although all cloacal swab samples were negative, a few psittacines (n=19) that died at CETAS-Belo Horizonte were retested, and 21% were detected as positive in liver. A group of psittacines (n=16) was clinically evaluated, and despite showing feather dystrophy, all birds were negative in the cloacal swabs, except for one, which blood sample was positive (A. ararauna). The obtained sequences of the BFDV strains BH 215 and BH 732 were deposited in the GenBank (JQ649409 and JQ649410). A 98% similarity with strain sequences described in Australia, Japan, and New Zealand was observed. It is possible that these strains arrived in Brazil through the legal and illegal trade of parrots. However, it was not possible to associate BFDV infection with the geographical origin of birds and no local marker was detected. The rates of detection, although similar to other studies, indicate the tendency of a high incidence of the disease, possibly associated with stress, and high bird density and wide transmission in captivity conditions.(AU)

Occurrence of Aviadenovirus in chickens from the poultry industry of Minas Gerais / Ocorrência de Aviadenovirus em aves da industria avícola de Minas Gerais

The occurrence of Aviadenovirus (FAdV) was investigated in chickens from the poultry industry of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The investigation was conducted due to the scarcity of recent data in the country and its description in neighboring countries. For this purpose, livers were collected from layer chicks (n=25), older layers (n=25), broilers (n=300), and livers (n=25) and stool (n=25) samples from broiler breeders, representing the major poultry regions of the state. FAdV DNA was demonstrated using a previously described PCR protocol for amplifying part of the hexon gene encoding sequence. FAdV was found in layer chicks (36 percent), widespread (100 percent) in older layers, and with regional differences in broilers (24-86 percent). Although all broiler breeder stools were negative, FAdV DNA was detected in livers (16 percent, 4/25) of stool-negative birds. In order to obtain additional information on the circulation of the infection, livers of subsistence chickens collected from one poultry intensive region, were evaluated (n = 12), with FAdV being detected in all samples. FAdV was found in young and old layers, broilers, broiler breeders and free-range chickens, and results suggest the circulation of FAdV among different types of chickens. The detection in older layer chickens may indicate an extended risk of horizontal transmission in regions of Minas Gerais with mixed activity of egg and meat type chickens and poor biosecurity strategies. The infection in breeders may indicate vertical transmission and the continuous production of infected progenies. The hexon-gene-targeted PCR amplicon sequences aligned with FAdV of species D of Aviadenovirus. Results indicate the necessity for biosecurity, especially for breeders, separating flocks according to origin, age and health status, which will be an advantage regarding any pathogen.(AU)

Descreve-se a ocorrência de Aviadenovirus (FAdV) na avicultura mineira. Foram amostrados fígados de poedeiras jovens (n=25) e velhas (n=25) e de frangos de corte (n=300). Em matrizes pesadas foram amostrados fígados (n=25) e fezes (n=25). O estudo envolveu as principais regiões avícolas do Estado de Minas Gerais. O DNA de FAdV foi pesquisado por PCR universal, descrito para a amplificação do gene que codifica o hexon de Aviadenovirus, usando FAdV Phelps como referência. Foi demonstrada a presença do DNA de FAdV em 100 por cento (25/25) das poedeiras velhas (78 semanas de idade) e em 36 por cento (9/25) das jovens (18 dias). Em frangos de corte, a detecção variou entre 24 e 86 por cento. Embora as fezes das matrizes tenham sido negativas, foi obtido o amplicon específico em 4/25 dos fígados dessas mesmas aves, indicando menor sensibilidade para detecção nas fezes. Em amostras da avicultura familiar (fígado), colhidas de uma das regiões de avicultura intensificada, foi detectado o genoma de FAdV em 100 por cento das galinhas (n=12). A constatação de alta disseminação de FAdV em aves da avicultura industrial e familiar de Minas Gerais contribui para o entendimento da epidemiologia de Aviadenovirus. As sequências nucleotídicas dos produtos de PCR alinharam com FAdV da espécie D de Aviadenovirus. A demonstração de FAdV em reprodutores indica risco de transmissão vertical e reforça a necessidade de biosseguridade estrita nesses plantéis. A presença de FAdV em diversos setores avícolas, incluindo poedeiras comerciais, frangos de corte, reprodutores e galinhas da avicultura familiar, recomenda a biosseguridade estrita entre as criações de mesmo tipo e de tipos diferentes de aves. A detecção em matrizes pode indicar a continuada geração de progênies infectadas.(AU)

Detection of cheese whey and caseinomacropeptide in fermented milk beverages using high performance liquid chromatography / Detecção de soro lácteo e caseinomacropeptídeo por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência em bebidas lácteas fermentadas

Cheese whey level and caseinomacropeptide (CMP) index of fermented milk beverages added with four levels of cheese whey (0, 10, 20, and 40percent) and stored at 8-10oC for 0, 7, 14 and 21 days were determined by high performance liquid chromatography-gel filtration (HPLC-GF). Additionally, the interference of the starter culture and the storage time on the detection of cheese whey and CMP were investigated. Refrigerated storage up to 21 days did not affect (P>0.05) cheese whey and CMP amounts in milk (0 percent of cheese whey) and in fermented milk beverages added with 10 and 20percent of cheese whey (P>0.05). However, cheese whey and CMP amounts were higher than expected (P<0.05) in fermented milk beverages added with 40 percent of cheese whey and stored for 21 days.(AU)

O presente trabalho teve como objetivos quantificar o teor de soro e o índice de caseinomacropeptídeo (CMP) de bebidas lácteas fermentadas preparadas em laboratório, adicionadas de diferentes concentrações de soro (0, 10, 20 e 40 por cento), fermentadas e armazenadas em refrigeração (8-10oC) por tempos distintos (zero, sete, 14 e 21 dias), por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência-filtração em gel (CLAE-FG), bem como verificar a interferência da cultura utilizada no preparo das bebidas lácteas fermentadas e do tempo de armazenamento na detecção de soro lácteo e CMP. Quando os teores de soro lácteo e os índices de CMP obtidos por CLAE-FG de bebidas lácteas fermentadas foram analisados ao longo do tempo de armazenamento, verificou-se que não houve diferença (p>0,05) para o leite (0 por cento de soro) e as bebidas lácteas com 10 e 20 por cento de soro nos tempos de zero, sete, 14 e 21 dias de armazenamento. No entanto, para a bebida láctea fermentada adicionada de 40 por cento de soro, foi observada diferença para o tempo de armazenamento de 21 dias (p<0,05), em que o teor de soro e o índice de CMP obtidos foram maiores que os demais, que se mostraram equivalentes entre si (p>0,05) para os tempos de zero, sete e 14 dias.(AU)

Potencial probiótico in vitro de bactérias ácido-láticas isoladas de queijo-de-minas artesanal da Serra da Canastra, MG / Probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from minas artisanal cheese from Serra da Canastra, MG

O potencial probiótico in vitro de 12 amostras de bactérias ácido-láticas (11 Lactobacillus spp. e uma Weissella paramesenteroides), isoladas de queijo-de-minas artesanal da Serra da Canastra, foi investigado. Essas amostras foram caracterizadas in vitro quanto à susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos, antagonismo contra microrganismos de referência patogênicos e não patogênicos e sensibilidade a pH gástrico e sais biliares. Apenas L. rhamnosus B4, W. paramesenteroides C10 e L. rhamnosus D1 apresentaram resistência a menor número de antimicrobianos (ceftazidima, oxacilina, estreptomicina e vancomicina). Todas as amostras apresentaram atividade antagonista frente a todas as bactérias patogênicas testadas e não inibiram as bactérias não patogênicas. Todas as amostras foram resistentes ao pH gástrico (2.0). Alguns microrganismos mostraram pouca inibição do crescimento em presença de sais biliares, enquanto outros foram moderadamente ou altamente inibidos. L. rhamnosus B4, W. paramesenteroides C10 e L.rhamnosus D1 apresentaram o melhor potencial probiótico de acordo com os testes in vitro realizados.(AU)

The in vitro probiotic potential of twelve samples of lactic acid bacteria (eleven Lactobacillus spp. and one Weissella paramesenteroides) isolated from Minas artisanal cheese from Serra da Canastra was evaluated for their antimicrobial susceptibility, antagonistic activity against pathogenic and lactic acid bacteria, as well as for their tolerance to gastric pH and biliary salts. Only L. rhamnosus B4, W. paramesenteroides C10, and L. rhamnosus D1 showed resistance to tested antimicrobials (ceftazidime, oxacillin, streptomycin, and vancomycin). All samples showed antagonism against all pathogenic bacteria tested and did not inhibit the growth of nonpathogenic samples. Regarding gastric pH tolerance, all samples showed low inhibition at pH 2. The tolerance to biliary salts varied from low to great among tested samples. L. rhamnosus B4, W. paramesenteroides C10, and L. rhamnosus D1 showed the best probiotic potential revealed by their in vitro test results.(AU)