Influence of microclimate on ketosis, mastitis and diseases of cow reproductive organs

This study investigated the influence of the farm microclimate parameters in different seasons on the incidence of ketosis, foot diseases, reproductive diseases, and mastitis in three dairy farms of North Kazakhstan. Microclimate parameters were recorded in four seasons: summer, autumn, winter, and spring. The average temperature was 1.2 °C above the established norm in summer and 1.7 °C below the established norm in winter. The humidity was below the norm by 9.7% and 1.6% in summer and autumn, respectively, and above the norm by 9.6 % and 6.6 % in winter and spring, respectively. The airflow was 0.1 m/s lower than the norm in summer, winter, and spring. The general illumination was 3.8 and 2.6 LUX lower than the norm in winter and spring, respectively. The average morbidity (cumulative incidence of all four diseases) was 63.8% (highest) in the winter, followed by spring (60.0%). Average morbidity was considerably less in summer and autumn at 46.7% and 37.1%, respectively. Study results indicate that minor deviations in microclimate parameters from the norms, particularly in winter and spring, can considerably impact the disease incidence on dairy farms in Kazakhstan. The farm management should strive to maintain microclimate conditions on the farm as close to the norm as possible during different seasons to avoid losses from livestock morbidity.

Effect of season and housing system on hematochemical attributes in rabbits of Southern Punjab, Pakistan / Efeito da estação do ano e do sistema de alojamento nos atributos hemato-químicos em coelhos do Punjab do Sul, Paquistão

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of season and housing system on hematochemical attributes of rabbits in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Adult healthy rabbits (n=30) were divided into two groups of equal size (n=15). Group I was housed in a modern cage system and group II in traditional colony system for a period of one year. Blood samples of rabbits from both groups were collected in the summer and the winter seasons and analyzed for various hematochemical attributes. Hematochemical attributes including red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), total white blood cell (WBC) count, mixed cells (MID), granulocytes (GRA), glucose and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were lowered significantly (P<0.05) in the summer in relation to the winter, while mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), creatinine, and cholesterol level were significantly (P<0.05) higher during the summer season. Biochemical attributes as cholesterol, triglycerides and globulin were significantly (P<0.05) lower in the caged rabbits. In conclusion, the summer season caused a significant decrease in most of the hematochemical attributes whereas housing system did not affect most of the hematochemical attributes of the rabbits under the climatic conditions of Southern Punjab, Pakistan.

O presente estudo foi realizado para investigar o efeito da estação do ano e do sistema de alojamento nos atributos hemato-químicos dos coelhos no Sul do Punjab, Paquistão. Os coelhos adultos saudáveis (n=30) foram divididos em dois grupos de mesmo tamanho (n=15). O grupo I foi alojado em um moderno sistema de gaiolas e o grupo II em sistema de colônia tradicional por um período de um ano. Amostras de sangue de coelhos em ambos os grupos foram coletadas no verão e no inverno e analisadas para vários atributos hemato-químicos. Os atributos hemato-químicos, incluindo contagem de hemácias, hematócrito (HCT), volume corpuscular médio (MCV), contagem total de leucócitos, células mistas (MID), granulócitos (GRA), glicose e alanina aminotransferase (ALT) foram significativamente reduzidos (P<0.05) no verão comparado ao inverno, enquanto a hemoglobina corpuscular média (HGM), a concentração média de hemoglobina corpuscular (HGM), creatinina e nível de colesterol foram significativamente (P<0,05) mais altos durante a estação do verão. Atributos bioquímicos como colesterol, triglicerídeos e globulina foram significativamente (P<0,05) mais baixos em coelhos engaiolados. Em conclusão, a estação do verão causou uma diminuição significativa na maioria dos atributos hemato-químicos, enquanto o sistema de alojamento não afetou a maioria dos atributos hemato-químicos dos coelhos sob as condições climáticas do Punjab do Sul, Paquistão.

Rainwater harvesting roofs: insights of water quality and potential usage in rural areas / Água de chuva de telhados: perspectivas da qualidade de água e potencial uso em áreas rurais

Rainwater can be harvested from different roofs of rural buildings, which can be stored for multipurpose depending on its quality. This technical note describes rainwater quality collected directly from the atmosphere and after passing through four types of roofs that are: French ceramic (roof1/Agronomy school building), fiber cement (roof2/farm machinery shed), or French ceramic (roof3/sheep housing), and French ceramic (roof4-swine housing) located inside Agroveterinary School Campus (CAV/UDESC) in Lages, Santa Catarina state, Brazil. The parameters analyzed were pH, color, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, total coliforms, and thermotolerant coliforms. Results showed that pH "in natura" rainwater was variable and below 7.0 with an average of 6.02. However, after passing through the roof, there was an increase in the pH (average) to 6.34 (roof1), 6.90 (roof2), 7.14 (roof3) and 6.50 (roof4). The rainwater also presented variations in the parameters of turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and coliforms after passing through roofs. Thus, the rainwater can potentially be used for non-potable purposes, being then advised of their use without treatment for cleaning of nearby environments of these rural buildings, as well as the irrigation of trees and ornamental plants, among others.

Água da chuva pode ser captada de diferentes telhados de construções rurais e esta pode ser armazenada para múltiplos propósitos dependendo de sua qualidade. Esta nota técnica relata a avaliação da água da chuva coletada diretamente da atmosfera e após passar por quatro tipos de telhados que são: de cerâmica francesa (telhado1/prédio da escola de Agronomia), de fibrocimento (telhado2/galpão de máquinas agrícolas), de cerâmica francesa (telhado3/instalação para ovinos) e de cerâmica francesa (telhado4/instalação para suínos), localizados no Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Lages/SC. Os parâmetros analisados foram pH, cor, turbidez, oxigênio dissolvido, coliformes totais e termotolerantes. Os resultados mostraram que o pH da água da chuva "in natura" foi variável e abaixo de 7,0 com pH (médio) de 6,02, que após passar pelos telhados houve aumento do pH (médio) para 6,34 (telhado1), 6,90 (telhado2), 7,14 (telhado3) e 6,50 (telhado4) e com variações também nos parâmetros turbidez, oxigênio dissolvido e de coliformes. Desta forma, a água de chuva apresenta potencial em ser utilizada para fins não potáveis, sendo então aconselhado seu uso sem tratamento para limpeza dos ambientes próximos destas construções rurais, bem como a irrigação de árvores e plantas ornamentais, entre outros.

Effect of season and housing systems on various physio-behavioral attributes of local breed of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Southern Punjab, Pakistan / Efeito da estação e dos sistemas de alojamento em vários atributos fisiocomportamentais da raça local de coelhos (Oryctolagus cuniculus) no sul de Punjab, Paquistão

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of season and various housing systems on behavioral i.e. sitting, standing, walking and physiological i.e. respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), time of sexual libido (TSL) attributes of local breed of rabbits reared in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Adult rabbits (n = 40) of 6 month to 1 year old were divided into two groups (n = 20 / group). Group I was placed under traditional colony system in the soil while group II was kept under modern cage system. Sitting and standing was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher during summer and winter respectively. The RR and RT were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in summer as compared to other study seasons. Standing behavior was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in caged rabbits as compared to colony-reared ones. Statistically higher (p ≤ 0.05) TSL value was observed in summer as compared to other three study seasons. From this study it is concluded that rabbit's behavioral and physiological traits are significantly affected by season and housing systems. We concluded that rabbits show better physio-behavioral performance in autumn and winter season while summer stress negatively affects physiology and behavior under caged-system. This study could contribute new aspects of behavioral and physiological processes in local breed of rabbits due to different seasons and housing systems.

O presente estudo foi conduzido para investigar o efeito da estação do ano e de vários sistemas de alojamento nos atributos comportamentais, isto é, sentar, levantar, andar e fisiológico, isto é, frequência respiratória (RR), temperatura retal (TR), tempo de libido sexual (TSL), atributos da raça local de coelhos criados no sul de Punjab, Paquistão. Coelhos adultos (n = 40) de 6 meses a 1 ano de idade foram divididos em dois grupos (n = 20 / grupo). O grupo I foi colocado sob o sistema de colônia tradicional no solo, enquanto o grupo II foi mantido sob o sistema moderno de gaiolas. Sentar e ficar em pé foi significativamente (p ≤ 0,05) maior durante o verão e inverno, respectivamente. O RR e o TR foram significativamente (p ≤ 0,05) maiores no verão, em comparação com as outras estações do estudo. O comportamento em pé foi significativamente (p ≤ 0,05) maior em coelhos engaiolados, em comparação com os criados em colônia. O valor de TSL estatisticamente maior (p ≤ 0,05) foi observado no verão, em comparação com outras três temporadas de estudo. A partir deste estudo, concluiu-se que os traços comportamentais e fisiológicos dos coelhos são significativamente afetados pela estação do ano e pelos sistemas de alojamento. Concluímos que os coelhos apresentam melhor desempenho fisiocomportamental no outono e inverno, enquanto o estresse do verão afeta negativamente a fisiologia e o comportamento em sistema enjaulado. Este estudo pode contribuir com novos aspectos dos processos comportamentais e fisiológicos em raças locais de coelhos devido às diferentes estações do ano e sistemas de alojamento.

Risk factors related to the appearance of umbilical disorders in dairy calves / [Fatores de risco relacionados ao surgimento de afecções umbilicais em bezerros leiteiros]

The objective of this study was to determine the types of calve housing used in dairy farms, the prevalence of umbilical disorders and related risk factors. The 16 farms studied were visited to characterize the types of installation and possible risk factors, as well as information obtained from a questionnaire applied to the farmers. 806 Holstein calves were physically examined, in addition to collecting blood samples for the evaluation of Failures in Passive Immunity Transfer (FPIT), in animals that manifested inflammatory omphalopathies, and were also submitted to ultrasound examination. The prevalence of omphalopathies was assessed by Fisher's test, and multivariate logistic regression to assess risk factors. Eight types of installation were found: tropical house, suspended cage, collective stall, collective picket, Argentinean type, single-story cage, individual stall, and collective picket with chain. Omphalopathies accounted for 6.45% of the calves. Small size farms (up to 99 lactation cows) had high risk for umbilical disorders, ground floor collective calves, without side protection, with sand floor, in closed sheds and without heatstroke were considered risk factors for omphalopathies. Adequate colostrum and umbilical antisepsis are not associated with disease, its appearance being related to the housing conditions of the animals.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar os tipos de alojamento para bezerros leiteiros, a prevalência de onfalopatias e os fatores de risco relacionados. As 16 fazendas estudadas foram visitadas buscando-se caracterizar os tipos de instalação e os possíveis fatores de risco, além de informações obtidas de um questionário aplicado aos fazendeiros. Foram examinados fisicamente 806 bezerros da raça Holandesa, além da coleta de amostras de sangue, para avaliação da falha de transferência de imunidade passiva (FTIP), nos animais que manifestaram onfalopatias inflamatórias, sendo submetidos também ao exame ultrassonográfico. A prevalência das onfalopatias foi avaliada por teste de Fisher, e foi feita regressão logística multivariada a fim de se avaliarem os fatores de risco. Verificou-se oito tipos de instalação: casinha tropical, gaiola suspensa, baia coletiva, piquete coletivo, bezerreiro tipo argentino, gaiola térrea, baia individual e piquete coletivo com corrente. As onfalopatias corresponderam a 6,45% dos bezerros. Os bezerreiros coletivos térreos, sem proteções laterais, com piso de areia, borracha, concreto ou madeira, em galpões fechados, sem insolação, com alta densidade animal, antissepsia umbilical realizada por três dias e FTIP acima de 50% foram considerados fatores de risco para onfalopatias e possuem relação com o bezerreiro, sendo decisivas para evitar essas condições a colostragem e a antissepsia umbilical adequadas.(AU)

Preventive, Behavioral, Productive, and Tissue Modification using Green Synthesized Selenium Nanoparticles in the Drinking Water of Two Broiler Breeds under Microbial Stress

A study was conducted to investigate the influence of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPS) and inorganic selenium supplementation in the drinking water on behavior, performance, and immunity of Arbor Acres® and Ross®308 broilers exposed to E. coli O157:H7 1.6 × 108 challenge at the 10th day of age. 180 one-day-old female broilers were divided into six groups, each with 30 chicks. G1 and G4 were supplied with 1 mL SeNPS 100 mg.L-1/L, G2 and G5 were supplied with 1 mL inorganic selenium 100 mg.L-1/L, and G3 and G6 were supplied with non-supplemented water. Where, G1, G2, and G3 were Arbor Acres®, while G4, G5, and G6 were Ross®308 broilers. A total of 1280 samples (160 sera, 160 intestinal swabs and 960 organ samples including liver, spleen, bursa, heart, breast muscles, and thymus) were collected in a study period of 38 days. A highly significant increase (p 0.01) of weight gain, feed conversion, performance index, total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, immunoglobulin G and M, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase was recorded in G4 Ross®308 compared to other supplemented and control groups. G1 Arbor Acres® and G4 Ross®308 broilers, also revealed a highly significant decline (p 0.01) in total bacterial and enterobacteriaceae counts of intestine and breast muscles compared to G2 Arbor Acres® and G5 Ross®308 broilers and to controls. Photomicrographs revealed a higher degree of cellular and tissue protection in G4 and G5 Ross®308 compared to G1 and G2 Arbor Acres® broilers. An improvement from SeNPS supplementation was detected on behavior, performance, bacterial load, immunological, antioxidant profiles, and tissue architecture in broilers breeds with special reference to Ross®308 compared to Arbor Acres® broilers.(AU)

Preventive, Behavioral, Productive, and Tissue Modification using Green Synthesized Selenium Nanoparticles in the Drinking Water of Two Broiler Breeds under Microbial Stress

A study was conducted to investigate the influence of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPS) and inorganic selenium supplementation in the drinking water on behavior, performance, and immunity of Arbor Acres® and Ross®308 broilers exposed to E. coli O157:H7 1.6 × 108 challenge at the 10th day of age. 180 one-day-old female broilers were divided into six groups, each with 30 chicks. G1 and G4 were supplied with 1 mL SeNPS 100 mg.L-1/L, G2 and G5 were supplied with 1 mL inorganic selenium 100 mg.L-1/L, and G3 and G6 were supplied with non-supplemented water. Where, G1, G2, and G3 were Arbor Acres®, while G4, G5, and G6 were Ross®308 broilers. A total of 1280 samples (160 sera, 160 intestinal swabs and 960 organ samples including liver, spleen, bursa, heart, breast muscles, and thymus) were collected in a study period of 38 days. A highly significant increase (p 0.01) of weight gain, feed conversion, performance index, total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, immunoglobulin G and M, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase was recorded in G4 Ross®308 compared to other supplemented and control groups. G1 Arbor Acres® and G4 Ross®308 broilers, also revealed a highly significant decline (p 0.01) in total bacterial and enterobacteriaceae counts of intestine and breast muscles compared to G2 Arbor Acres® and G5 Ross®308 broilers and to controls. Photomicrographs revealed a higher degree of cellular and tissue protection in G4 and G5 Ross®308 compared to G1 and G2 Arbor Acres® broilers. An improvement from SeNPS supplementation was detected on behavior, performance, bacterial load, immunological, antioxidant profiles, and tissue architecture in broilers breeds with special reference to Ross®308 compared to Arbor Acres® broilers.

Machine and manual working actions for different manure removing technologies

Technologies for the removal of manure from cowsheds and paddocks have been investigated by video recording with the following timing and estimation of absolute and specific costs of working actions, time and resources. The comparative estimation of different technologies for manure removing was performed: by delta-scraper equipment from a manure passage; by wheeled tractor with a bulldozer attachment from a manure passage; by bulldozer from a cowshed for housing on deep litter; by wheeled tractor with frontal loader attachment from a cowshed for housing on deep litter; by perimeter gutter cleaner in tie-stall cowshed; by bulldozer from the big paddock outdoor; manually from small paddock with replaceable litter in a cowshed on a pile near the feed passage. It was established that the influences of the method of manure removing on the specific costs of working actions, time and resources per 1 centner of removed manure are significant (p<0.001 for the vast majority of these final characteristics) The measures of influence η2are within the range from 0.279 to 0.789. The mechanized removing of manure from the manure passage using a delta-scraper in the cowshed with free-stall housing is the most ergonomical among the methods studied. This equipment works at least semi-automatic and performs on average only 0.92 working actions with a duration of 155.1 s for the removing of 1 centner of manure, which worth around 1.08 UAH. Its functioning is characterized by a complete lack of working actions of adaptive type, while the remaining methods of manure removing require at least a quarter of such hard-to-perform and long actions. The accompanying manual labor actions of the personnel for cleaning of boxes from manure at manure removing by a delta scraper or a tractor with a bulldozer attachment are 10.33 labor actions with a total duration of 12.44 s per 1 cow per day. The removal of manure by the perimeter gutter cleaner has the worst (except the fully manual method) ratio between the number of mechanized and manual working actions –558 manual actions per each machine action.

Machine and manual working actions for different manure removing technologies

Technologies for the removal of manure from cowsheds and paddocks have been investigated by video recording with the following timing and estimation of absolute and specific costs of working actions, time and resources. The comparative estimation of different technologies for manure removing was performed: by delta-scraper equipment from a manure passage; by wheeled tractor with a bulldozer attachment from a manure passage; by bulldozer from a cowshed for housing on deep litter; by wheeled tractor with frontal loader attachment from a cowshed for housing on deep litter; by perimeter gutter cleaner in tie-stall cowshed; by bulldozer from the big paddock outdoor; manually from small paddock with replaceable litter in a cowshed on a pile near the feed passage. It was established that the influences of the method of manure removing on the specific costs of working actions, time and resources per 1 centner of removed manure are significant (p<0.001 for the vast majority of these final characteristics) The measures of influence η2are within the range from 0.279 to 0.789. The mechanized removing of manure from the manure passage using a delta-scraper in the cowshed with free-stall housing is the most ergonomical among the methods studied. This equipment works at least semi-automatic and performs on average only 0.92 working actions with a duration of 155.1 s for the removing of 1 centner of manure, which worth around 1.08 UAH. Its functioning is characterized by a complete lack of working actions of adaptive type, while the remaining methods of manure removing require at least a quarter of such hard-to-perform and long actions. The accompanying manual labor actions of the personnel for cleaning of boxes from manure at manure removing by a delta scraper or a tractor with a bulldozer attachment are 10.33 labor actions with a total duration of 12.44 s per 1 cow per day. The removal of manure by the perimeter gutter cleaner has the worst (except the fully manual method) ratio between the number of mechanized and manual working actions –558 manual actions per each machine action.(AU)

Effects of Different Mating Strategies on Productive Performance, Bird Welfare and Economic Appraisal of Broiler Breeder under Two Production Systems

Objectives of the study were to investigate influence of artificial insemination (AI) in caged and floored flock in comparison to natural mating (NM) on broiler breeders welfare, productive performance and economic appraisal. To execute this experiment, a total of 1440 pullets of Ross-308 Parent Stock along with 168 males were picked from a commercial flock and divided into three groups i.e., AIC=AI in cages, AIF=AI on floor and third was NM=NM on floor. Each group carried 480 females (HH) while 168 males were divided into 41, 48 and 58 for AIC, AIF and NM, respectively. During both phases all procedures and studied parameters were the same except the sperm dose rates which were changed during post peak. According to the results, significantly (p0.05) higher levels of serum corticosterone, glucose and cholesterol were recorded in birds of AIC and respectively as compared to birds being allowed to mate naturally. Whereas, the experimental males and females of AIF and AIC kept for AI exhibited (p0.05) higher body weight, depletion % and feed consumption particularly in post peak phase. However, among the birds subjected to AI, the birds kept in the cages had better performance (p0.05) than the birds kept in the floor. Moreover, frequency rate of insemination in females and milking of males found (p0.05) reciprocal to the depletion, feed intake and body weight during peak but particularly in post peak. Perhaps, various sperm doses remained inert to implicit any impact on studied parameters. Similarly, egg weight was neither affected by housing systems nor by mating strategies during both phases. However, various insemination and milking frequencies noticeably swayed the productive traits under this study. AI in floored flock was found ineffective even in comparison to natural mating. In conclusion, AI in cages brought forth the better productive performance and lesser male depletion, hence, can be recommended.(AU)

Effects of Different Mating Strategies on Productive Performance, Bird Welfare and Economic Appraisal of Broiler Breeder under Two Production Systems

Objectives of the study were to investigate influence of artificial insemination (AI) in caged and floored flock in comparison to natural mating (NM) on broiler breeders welfare, productive performance and economic appraisal. To execute this experiment, a total of 1440 pullets of Ross-308 Parent Stock along with 168 males were picked from a commercial flock and divided into three groups i.e., AIC=AI in cages, AIF=AI on floor and third was NM=NM on floor. Each group carried 480 females (HH) while 168 males were divided into 41, 48 and 58 for AIC, AIF and NM, respectively. During both phases all procedures and studied parameters were the same except the sperm dose rates which were changed during post peak. According to the results, significantly (p0.05) higher levels of serum corticosterone, glucose and cholesterol were recorded in birds of AIC and respectively as compared to birds being allowed to mate naturally. Whereas, the experimental males and females of AIF and AIC kept for AI exhibited (p0.05) higher body weight, depletion % and feed consumption particularly in post peak phase. However, among the birds subjected to AI, the birds kept in the cages had better performance (p0.05) than the birds kept in the floor. Moreover, frequency rate of insemination in females and milking of males found (p0.05) reciprocal to the depletion, feed intake and body weight during peak but particularly in post peak. Perhaps, various sperm doses remained inert to implicit any impact on studied parameters. Similarly, egg weight was neither affected by housing systems nor by mating strategies during both phases. However, various insemination and milking frequencies noticeably swayed the productive traits under this study. AI in floored flock was found ineffective even in comparison to natural mating. In conclusion, AI in cages brought forth the better productive performance and lesser male depletion, hence, can be recommended.

Reference values for biochemical parameters in Balb/c mice bred in the Faculdade de Medicina do Abc housing facilities, Santo André/SP, Brazil / Valores de referência de parâmetros bioquímicos de camundongos (Mus mus musculus) das linhagens Balb/c mantidos no biotério da Faculdade de Medicina do Abc, Santo André/SP, Brasil

The reference for biochemical parameters of laboratory animals, used in scientific research is based on the international literature. Comparing a few parameters evaluated in different studies with Balb/c mice, it was possible to observe that the reference values for these biochemical parameters vary enormously. It depends on several variables, such as sex, lineage and genotype, and are also influenced by other factors such as age, accommodation, animal handling, diet offered, sanitary conditions of the housing facilities, among others. The objective of this study is to establish a list of blood biochemical parameters of Balb/c mice (male and female) kept in the Housing facilities of Centro Universitário Saúde ABC. Thirty male and female animals weighing approximately 30g with 90 days of age were used. The animals were euthanized and blood was collected through caudal vena cava puncture, placed in collection tubes and the total cholesterol, triglycerides, transaminases (AST and ALT), urea, creatinine and glycemia parameters were determined. We did not observe a significant difference when comparing males and females in triglycerides, creatinine, urea and glycemia levels. However a significant difference was observed in the cholesterol, ALT and AST parameters. With these results, we were able to establish reference values for the Balb/c mice for comparison with future experiments, using a human semi-automatic analyzer.

A referência dos parâmetros bioquímicos dos animais de laboratório, utilizados para pesquisa científica é baseada na literatura internacional. Comparando-se alguns parâmetros avaliados em diferentes estudos com camundongos Balb/C pudemos observar que os valores de referência dos parâmetros bioquímicos variam enormemente, dependendo de diversas variáveis, como sexo, linhagem e genótipo e ainda sofrem influência de outros fatores como idade, condição de alojamento, manejo dos animais, dieta oferecida, padrão sanitário do biotério onde são mantidos, dentre outros. Desta forma o presente trabalho objetivou estabelecer uma lista de parâmetros bioquímicos do sangue de camundongos da linhagem Balb/C (machos e fêmeas) criados no Biotério da FMABC. Foram utilizados 30 animais machos e fêmeas, com peso +-30g e idade 90 dias. Os animais foram eutanasiados e o sangue foi coletado por meio da veia cava caudal, acondicionado em tubos de coleta e as dosagens de colesterol total, triglicérides, transaminases (AST e ALT), uréia, creatinina e glicemia foram analisados. Não observamos diferença significativa quando comparado machos e fêmeas em: Triglicérides, Creatinina, Uréia e Glicemia. Entretanto, observou-se diferença significativa nos parâmetros de colesterol, ALT e AST. Com estes resultados, pudemos então, estabelecer valores de referência para os camundongos Balb/C para comparação com futuros experimentos utilizando um analisador humano semi-automático.

Reference values for biochemical parameters in Balb/c mice bred in the Faculdade de Medicina do Abc housing facilities, Santo André/SP, Brazil / Valores de referência de parâmetros bioquímicos de camundongos (Mus mus musculus) das linhagens Balb/c mantidos no biotério da Faculdade de Medicina do Abc, Santo André/SP, Brasil

The reference for biochemical parameters of laboratory animals, used in scientific research is based on the international literature. Comparing a few parameters evaluated in different studies with Balb/c mice, it was possible to observe that the reference values for these biochemical parameters vary enormously. It depends on several variables, such as sex, lineage and genotype, and are also influenced by other factors such as age, accommodation, animal handling, diet offered, sanitary conditions of the housing facilities, among others. The objective of this study is to establish a list of blood biochemical parameters of Balb/c mice (male and female) kept in the Housing facilities of Centro Universitário Saúde ABC. Thirty male and female animals weighing approximately 30g with 90 days of age were used. The animals were euthanized and blood was collected through caudal vena cava puncture, placed in collection tubes and the total cholesterol, triglycerides, transaminases (AST and ALT), urea, creatinine and glycemia parameters were determined. We did not observe a significant difference when comparing males and females in triglycerides, creatinine, urea and glycemia levels. However a significant difference was observed in the cholesterol, ALT and AST parameters. With these results, we were able to establish reference values for the Balb/c mice for comparison with future experiments, using a human semi-automatic analyzer.(AU)

A referência dos parâmetros bioquímicos dos animais de laboratório, utilizados para pesquisa científica é baseada na literatura internacional. Comparando-se alguns parâmetros avaliados em diferentes estudos com camundongos Balb/C pudemos observar que os valores de referência dos parâmetros bioquímicos variam enormemente, dependendo de diversas variáveis, como sexo, linhagem e genótipo e ainda sofrem influência de outros fatores como idade, condição de alojamento, manejo dos animais, dieta oferecida, padrão sanitário do biotério onde são mantidos, dentre outros. Desta forma o presente trabalho objetivou estabelecer uma lista de parâmetros bioquímicos do sangue de camundongos da linhagem Balb/C (machos e fêmeas) criados no Biotério da FMABC. Foram utilizados 30 animais machos e fêmeas, com peso +-30g e idade 90 dias. Os animais foram eutanasiados e o sangue foi coletado por meio da veia cava caudal, acondicionado em tubos de coleta e as dosagens de colesterol total, triglicérides, transaminases (AST e ALT), uréia, creatinina e glicemia foram analisados. Não observamos diferença significativa quando comparado machos e fêmeas em: Triglicérides, Creatinina, Uréia e Glicemia. Entretanto, observou-se diferença significativa nos parâmetros de colesterol, ALT e AST. Com estes resultados, pudemos então, estabelecer valores de referência para os camundongos Balb/C para comparação com futuros experimentos utilizando um analisador humano semi-automático.(AU)

Physiological responses of dogs to different housing systems

Background: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis undergoes adaptations throughout housing system that mightcontribute to the avoidance of adverse effects of welfare status in dogs housed in a shelter. Nevertheless, the influence ofhousing systems and stabling time on glucose and PCV changes is little known. The purpose of the present study was toevaluate the patterns of cortisol, glucose and PCV in dogs housed in a kennel and normal environments, evaluating thedifferences between housing systems, by taking into account the different stabling time and sex.Materials, Methods & Results: The study comprised 98 cross-breed dogs, aged 4 ± 1.5 years, lodged in a kennel (observational group I: N=61, 29 females and 27 males), in paired household dogs (control group II: N=25, 13 females and 12males) and in unpaired household dogs (control group III: N=12, 6 females and 6 males). Females of both groups werespayed. The subjects were studied on the basis of different stabling times, ranged among <1 year, 2 years and 4 years, anddifferent sex.Discussion: This observational study showed that kennelled males lodged for 2 (P < 0.01) and 4 (P < 0.001) years showedlower cortisol concentrations than males lodged <1 year; males lodged for <1 year (P < 0.001) showed higher cortisol concentrations than females; males lodged for 4 year showed lower cortisol concentrations (P < 0.01) than females. Kennelledfemales lodged for 4 year showed higher PCV values (P < 0.001) than females lodged for <1 year. Paired and unpairedhousehold females and males lodged for 4 years showed lower cortisol concentrations (P < 0.01) than 2 years and <1 year.Paired and unpaired household females and males lodged for short-, medium- and long-term times showed higher glucoseconcentrations (P < 0.001) than kennelled dogs. This study showed significant changes of circulating cortisol, glucoseand PCV...

Physiological responses of dogs to different housing systems

Background: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis undergoes adaptations throughout housing system that mightcontribute to the avoidance of adverse effects of welfare status in dogs housed in a shelter. Nevertheless, the influence ofhousing systems and stabling time on glucose and PCV changes is little known. The purpose of the present study was toevaluate the patterns of cortisol, glucose and PCV in dogs housed in a kennel and normal environments, evaluating thedifferences between housing systems, by taking into account the different stabling time and sex.Materials, Methods & Results: The study comprised 98 cross-breed dogs, aged 4 ± 1.5 years, lodged in a kennel (observational group I: N=61, 29 females and 27 males), in paired household dogs (control group II: N=25, 13 females and 12males) and in unpaired household dogs (control group III: N=12, 6 females and 6 males). Females of both groups werespayed. The subjects were studied on the basis of different stabling times, ranged among <1 year, 2 years and 4 years, anddifferent sex.Discussion: This observational study showed that kennelled males lodged for 2 (P < 0.01) and 4 (P < 0.001) years showedlower cortisol concentrations than males lodged <1 year; males lodged for <1 year (P < 0.001) showed higher cortisol concentrations than females; males lodged for 4 year showed lower cortisol concentrations (P < 0.01) than females. Kennelledfemales lodged for 4 year showed higher PCV values (P < 0.001) than females lodged for <1 year. Paired and unpairedhousehold females and males lodged for 4 years showed lower cortisol concentrations (P < 0.01) than 2 years and <1 year.Paired and unpaired household females and males lodged for short-, medium- and long-term times showed higher glucoseconcentrations (P < 0.001) than kennelled dogs. This study showed significant changes of circulating cortisol, glucoseand PCV...(AU)

Productive Performance, Egg Characteristics and Hatching Traits of Three Chicken Genotypes under Free-Range, Semi-Intensive, and Intensive Housing Systems

The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of housing system on the live performance, egg quality, and hatching traits of three dual-purpose chicken genotypes. In total, 180 birds, comprising 48 pullets and 12 cockerels from each of three genotypes, were evaluated during the production phase (27-46 weeks). For this, 144 pullets and 36 cockerels were randomly picked from 18 treatment block groups were shifted to breeding coops, allotting 4 pullets to one cockerel. A completely randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed. Three genotypes, purebred Naked Neck (NN) and two crosses Rhode Island Red × Naked Neck (RIR × NN = RNN) and Black Australorp × Naked Neck (BAL × NN = BNN), were compared. Intensive system (p 0.0001) and BNN hens (p 0.0001) were heavier on week 26 and 46. Higher egg production (p 0.0001) was obtained in the intensive system and in BNN hens (p 0.0001). Hens maintained in the intensive systems produced heavier eggs and higher egg mass (p 0.0001), and RNN and BNN hens laid heavier eggs (p 0.0001) while higher egg mass (p 0.0001) was found in BNN hens. Higher egg shape index (initial, p=0.0002), egg surface area (initial, p 0.0001; final, p 0.0001), egg volume (initial, p 0.0001; final, p 0.0001) and Haugh unit score (initial, p=0.0002; final, p= 0.0001) were obtained in RNN and BNN hens. At the end of the experiment (46 weeks), higher yolk index (p=0.0004) was found in RNN and BNN eggs, and thicker eggshells (p 0.0001) in RNN eggs. Higher egg hatchability was obtained in the free-range system (p 0.0001) and in the RNN genotype (p 0.0001). The highest fertility rates were detected in the free-range system (p 0.0001), and in the RNN and BNN genotypes (p 0.0001). The lowest infertile egg rates were observed in the free-range system (p 0.0001) and in RNN and BNN genotypes (p 0.0001). The lowest dead-in-shell rate was calculated for the free-range system (p=0.0456). In conclusion, free-range and semi-intensive system largely influence productive performance, egg quality and hatching traits. Regarding genotypes, RNN and BNN crossbred hens perform better than NN purebreds.(AU)

Morphometric Traits, Serum Chemistry and Antibody Response of Three Chicken Genotypes under Free-Range, Semi-Intensive and Intensive Housing Systems

The present study evaluated the effect of housing system on the morphometrics, serum chemistry and antibody response of dual-purpose chicken genotypes. A total of 156 pullets and 39 cockerels were randomly picked from 18 treatment block groups (3 housing system × 3 genotypes × 2 sexes) according to Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Three genotypes, purebred Naked Neck (NN) and two crossbred Rhode Island Red × Naked Neck (RIR × NN = RNN) and Black Australorp × Naked Neck (BAL × NN = BNN), were compared. Morphometric traits were recorded during rearing period, thereafter, serum chemistry and antibody response were evaluated in pullets. Intensive and semi-intensive chickens were heavier (males, p=0.0012; females, p 0.0001) on week 21. Body length was maximum (p 0.0001) for free-range female chicken. Maximum (p 0.0001) keel length was found in semi-intensive female chickens. Regarding genotypes, RNN and BNN chickens were heavier than NN (males, p=0.0015; females, p 0.0001). Keel length was maximum (p=0.0002) in BNN and NN female chickens. Drumstick circumference were maximum (males, p 0.0001; females, p 0.0001) in NN chickens, shank circumference was maximum (p=0.0150) in RNN and BNN male chickens. Wingspan was maximum (p=0.0029) in NN female chickens. Plasma glucose level was higher (p=0.0008) in intensive female chickens whereas cholesterol levels was higher (p=0.0123) in NN female chicken. Antibody titer against ND was higher (p=0.0204) in RNN female chickens while higher (p=0.0001) antibody titer against IB was found in free-range chickens. Overall, housing system did not impact morphometric traits or serum chemistry. Only a few differences were observed regarding body weight, body and keel length, plasma glucose, cholesterol and antibody response against ND and IB.(AU)

Morphometric Traits, Serum Chemistry and Antibody Response of Three Chicken Genotypes under Free-Range, Semi-Intensive and Intensive Housing Systems

The present study evaluated the effect of housing system on the morphometrics, serum chemistry and antibody response of dual-purpose chicken genotypes. A total of 156 pullets and 39 cockerels were randomly picked from 18 treatment block groups (3 housing system × 3 genotypes × 2 sexes) according to Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Three genotypes, purebred Naked Neck (NN) and two crossbred Rhode Island Red × Naked Neck (RIR × NN = RNN) and Black Australorp × Naked Neck (BAL × NN = BNN), were compared. Morphometric traits were recorded during rearing period, thereafter, serum chemistry and antibody response were evaluated in pullets. Intensive and semi-intensive chickens were heavier (males, p=0.0012; females, p 0.0001) on week 21. Body length was maximum (p 0.0001) for free-range female chicken. Maximum (p 0.0001) keel length was found in semi-intensive female chickens. Regarding genotypes, RNN and BNN chickens were heavier than NN (males, p=0.0015; females, p 0.0001). Keel length was maximum (p=0.0002) in BNN and NN female chickens. Drumstick circumference were maximum (males, p 0.0001; females, p 0.0001) in NN chickens, shank circumference was maximum (p=0.0150) in RNN and BNN male chickens. Wingspan was maximum (p=0.0029) in NN female chickens. Plasma glucose level was higher (p=0.0008) in intensive female chickens whereas cholesterol levels was higher (p=0.0123) in NN female chicken. Antibody titer against ND was higher (p=0.0204) in RNN female chickens while higher (p=0.0001) antibody titer against IB was found in free-range chickens. Overall, housing system did not impact morphometric traits or serum chemistry. Only a few differences were observed regarding body weight, body and keel length, plasma glucose, cholesterol and antibody response against ND and IB.

Productive Performance, Egg Characteristics and Hatching Traits of Three Chicken Genotypes under Free-Range, Semi-Intensive, and Intensive Housing Systems

The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of housing system on the live performance, egg quality, and hatching traits of three dual-purpose chicken genotypes. In total, 180 birds, comprising 48 pullets and 12 cockerels from each of three genotypes, were evaluated during the production phase (27-46 weeks). For this, 144 pullets and 36 cockerels were randomly picked from 18 treatment block groups were shifted to breeding coops, allotting 4 pullets to one cockerel. A completely randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed. Three genotypes, purebred Naked Neck (NN) and two crosses Rhode Island Red × Naked Neck (RIR × NN = RNN) and Black Australorp × Naked Neck (BAL × NN = BNN), were compared. Intensive system (p 0.0001) and BNN hens (p 0.0001) were heavier on week 26 and 46. Higher egg production (p 0.0001) was obtained in the intensive system and in BNN hens (p 0.0001). Hens maintained in the intensive systems produced heavier eggs and higher egg mass (p 0.0001), and RNN and BNN hens laid heavier eggs (p 0.0001) while higher egg mass (p 0.0001) was found in BNN hens. Higher egg shape index (initial, p=0.0002), egg surface area (initial, p 0.0001; final, p 0.0001), egg volume (initial, p 0.0001; final, p 0.0001) and Haugh unit score (initial, p=0.0002; final, p= 0.0001) were obtained in RNN and BNN hens. At the end of the experiment (46 weeks), higher yolk index (p=0.0004) was found in RNN and BNN eggs, and thicker eggshells (p 0.0001) in RNN eggs. Higher egg hatchability was obtained in the free-range system (p 0.0001) and in the RNN genotype (p 0.0001). The highest fertility rates were detected in the free-range system (p 0.0001), and in the RNN and BNN genotypes (p 0.0001). The lowest infertile egg rates were observed in the free-range system (p 0.0001) and in RNN and BNN genotypes (p 0.0001). The lowest dead-in-shell rate was calculated for the free-range system (p=0.0456). In conclusion, free-range and semi-intensive system largely influence productive performance, egg quality and hatching traits. Regarding genotypes, RNN and BNN crossbred hens perform better than NN purebreds.

Application of a tunnel-ventilated barn on the physiological responses, milk yield, and dry matter intake of dairy cows in tropical area during the wet season

Dairy cows often experience heat stress in the tropics. Tunnel ventilation technology reduces heat stressin dairy cow housing. Here, we examined the performance of tunnel-ventilated barns on the physiological responses, milk yield, and dry matter intake of dairy cows during the wet season in a tropical area. The experiment was conducted on a commercial dairy farm in Malang, Indonesia from mid December 2017 until mid January 2018. Lactating Friesian Holstein cows (n = 661) were studied in two barns of different dimension, with cooling treatments. Air temperature, relative humidity, and air speed were measured. Respiration rate, lying down percentage, milk yield, and dry matter intake were analyzed in response to modified environmental conditions. Data were analyzed with independent sample ttests using SPSS®Statistics 24 for Windows. Outisde and inside air speeds for both barns (P < 0.05) showed significant difference. Surprisingly, no differences were found for temperature(T), relative humidity (RH), and temperature–humidity index (THI) between the outside and inside for both barns (P > 0.05). Asignificant difference was noted in milk yield, dry matter intake (DMI), respiration rate (RR), and lying down percentage (LDP) (P < 0.05). Thus, the tunnel-ventilated barn performed better and air speed was better distributed inside the barn. However, the barn had environmental conditions similar to those outside. Dairy cows showed high RR as milk yield and DMI increased. In the future, lying down behavior of dairy cows in response to cooling treatments in the tropics needs to be further studied.(AU)