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)

Egg Storage Time Affects Incubation Yield and Hatch Window in Pekin Ducks (Anas Boschas)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of storage time on albumen quality, incubation yield, and hatch window in Pekin ducks (Anas boschas). A total of 1302 eggs were randomly distributed to seven treatments according to the storage time with durations ranging from 1 to 14 days. Each treatment consisted of 186 eggs with a two-day storage interval between treatments. The pH and Haugh unit (HU) of the albumen, egg weight loss during incubation (WL), hatchability (HTCH), incubation duration (ID), hatch window, asymmetry (ASS), percentile kurtosis (PK), and embryonic mortality were analyzed. A linear effect was observed forthe WL, ID, and PK and a quadratic effect forpH, HU, and HTCH over time. No significant effect of storage time was observed on ASS. Post-pipping embryonic mortality was linearly affected by storage time. Prolonging the storage period above 10 days reduces albumen quality and hatchability, delays the hatch of Pekins, and results in a higher percentage of post-pipping mortality.(AU)

Egg Storage Time Affects Incubation Yield and Hatch Window in Pekin Ducks (Anas Boschas)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of storage time on albumen quality, incubation yield, and hatch window in Pekin ducks (Anas boschas). A total of 1302 eggs were randomly distributed to seven treatments according to the storage time with durations ranging from 1 to 14 days. Each treatment consisted of 186 eggs with a two-day storage interval between treatments. The pH and Haugh unit (HU) of the albumen, egg weight loss during incubation (WL), hatchability (HTCH), incubation duration (ID), hatch window, asymmetry (ASS), percentile kurtosis (PK), and embryonic mortality were analyzed. A linear effect was observed forthe WL, ID, and PK and a quadratic effect forpH, HU, and HTCH over time. No significant effect of storage time was observed on ASS. Post-pipping embryonic mortality was linearly affected by storage time. Prolonging the storage period above 10 days reduces albumen quality and hatchability, delays the hatch of Pekins, and results in a higher percentage of post-pipping mortality.

Desenvolvimento embrionário: quando avaliar o fenótipo e sua relação com o genótipo / Embryonic development: when to evaluate its phenotype and its relationship with genotype

Durante as últimas décadas, a suinocultura vivencia um processo de intensa seleção genética. Dentre as características reprodutivas, a taxa ovulatória sofreu a avanços significativos e, como consequência, o aumento do tamanho da leitegada em fêmeas suínas contemporâneas é evidente. No entanto, essa pressão de seleção gerou também características indiretas indesejáveis, como o baixo peso ao nascimento e grande variabilidade de peso ao nascimento dentro de uma mesma leitegada. Desta forma, durante os últimos anos, inúmeros estudos buscaram entender os principais aspectos relacionados ao desenvolvimento embrionário e pré-natal em suínos. A capacidade de elucidar aspectos relacionados à regulação do desenvolvimento embrionário e placentário, aos genes centrais e marcadores moleculares que estão relacionados ao adequado desenvolvimento e qualidade embrionária contribuem para a compreensão da reprodução básica e facilitam o entendimento das relações materno-embrionárias no período gestacional.

During the last few decades, the swine industry has undergone an intense process of genetic selection. Among the reproductive characteristics, the ovulation rate has undertaken significant advances , and, consequently, the increase in litter size is evident in contemporaneous sows. However, the selection pressure also resulted in undesired indirect characteristics, as the low birth weight and birth weight variability within the litter. Therefore, during the last few years, many studies have shed light on the aspects related to embryonic and prenatal development in pigs. The ability to understand how embryonic development is regulated, the central genes and molecular markers that are related to appropriate development, and embryonic quality contribute to the understanding of basic reproduction and facilitates the understanding of embryo-maternal relationships.

Effect of environmental contamination on female and male gametes – A lesson from bovines

Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) and foodborne contaminants are environmental pollutants that are considered reproductive toxicants due to their deleterious effects on female and male gametes. Among the EDCs, the phthalate plasticizers are of growing concern. In-vivo and in-vitro models indicate that the oocyte is highly sensitive to phthalates. This review summarizes the effects of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and its major metabolite mono(2-ethyhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) on the oocyte. MEHP reduces the proportion of oocytes that fertilize, cleave and develop to the blastocyst stage. This is associated with negative effects on meiotic progression, and disruption of cortical granules, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial reorganization. MEHP alters mitochondrial membrane polarity, increases reactive oxygen species levels and induces alterations in genes associated with oxidative phosphorylation. A carryover effect from the oocyte to the blastocyst is manifested by alterations in the transcriptomic profile of blastocysts developed from MEHP-treated oocytes. Among foodborne contaminants, the pesticide atrazine (ATZ) and the mycotoxin aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) are of high concern. The potential hazards associated with exposure of spermatozoa to these contaminants and their carryover effect to the blastocyst are described. AFB1 and ATZ reduce spermatozoa's viability, as reflected by a high proportion of cells with damaged plasma membrane; induce acrosome reaction, expressed as damage to the acrosomal membrane; and interfere with mitochondrial function, characterized by hyperpolarization of the membrane. ATZ and AFB1-treated spermatozoa show a high proportion of cells with fragmented DNA. Exposure of spermatozoa to AFB1 and ATZ reduces fertilization and cleavage rates, but not that of blastocyst formation. However, fertilization with AFB1- or ATZ-treated spermatozoa impairs transcript expression in the formed blastocysts, implying a carryover effect. Taken together, the review indicates the risk of exposing farm animals to environmental contaminants, and their deleterious effects on female and male gametes and the developing embryo.

Effect of environmental contamination on female and male gametes A lesson from bovines

Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) and foodborne contaminants are environmental pollutants that are considered reproductive toxicants due to their deleterious effects on female and male gametes. Among the EDCs, the phthalate plasticizers are of growing concern. In-vivo and in-vitro models indicate that the oocyte is highly sensitive to phthalates. This review summarizes the effects of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and its major metabolite mono(2-ethyhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) on the oocyte. MEHP reduces the proportion of oocytes that fertilize, cleave and develop to the blastocyst stage. This is associated with negative effects on meiotic progression, and disruption of cortical granules, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial reorganization. MEHP alters mitochondrial membrane polarity, increases reactive oxygen species levels and induces alterations in genes associated with oxidative phosphorylation. A carryover effect from the oocyte to the blastocyst is manifested by alterations in the transcriptomic profile of blastocysts developed from MEHP-treated oocytes. Among foodborne contaminants, the pesticide atrazine (ATZ) and the mycotoxin aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) are of high concern. The potential hazards associated with exposure of spermatozoa to these contaminants and their carryover effect to the blastocyst are described. AFB1 and ATZ reduce spermatozoa's viability, as reflected by a high proportion of cells with damaged plasma membrane; induce acrosome reaction, expressed as damage to the acrosomal membrane; and interfere with mitochondrial function, characterized by hyperpolarization of the membrane. ATZ and AFB1-treated spermatozoa show a high proportion of cells with fragmented DNA. Exposure of spermatozoa to AFB1 and ATZ reduces fertilization and cleavage rates, but not that of blastocyst formation. However, fertilization with AFB1- or ATZ-treated spermatozoa impairs transcript expression in the formed blastocysts, implying a carryover effect. Taken together, the review indicates the risk of exposing farm animals to environmental contaminants, and their deleterious effects on female and male gametes and the developing embryo.(AU)

Change in plasma sirtuin 1 level by injection into uterus of resveratrol in Korean cattle

Bovine embryonic development is closely associated with mitochondrial biogenesis, which is regulated by the sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). Resveratrol, which is a type of natural phenol produced by several plants and used as a dietary supplement, is the activator of SIRT1. Although it has been reported that resveratrol increased SIRT1 level in in vitro bovine blastocysts, there are no in vivo reports on the change in the plasma SIRT1 level in cows. Therefore, we investigated the change in the level of plasma SIRT1 by injecting different concentrations of resveratrol into the uterus of Korean cattle heifer. The level of plasma SIRT1 in the 1.0 μM resveratrol-injected group was the highest among all groups (P < 0.05). Although the level of plasma SIRT1 increased on days 7, 9, and 14 in the resveratrol-injected group, the level of plasma SIRT1 in the control group decreased. When 1.0 µM resveratrol was directly injected into the uterus of cows during artificial insemination, a pregnancy rate was 21.0% higher than that in the control group. In conclusion, our results identified that the level of plasma SIRT1 was increased by direct injection of resveratrol and improved conception rate by injection into uterus of cow during artificial insemination.

Change in plasma sirtuin 1 level by injection into uterus of resveratrol in Korean cattle

Bovine embryonic development is closely associated with mitochondrial biogenesis, which is regulated by the sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). Resveratrol, which is a type of natural phenol produced by several plants and used as a dietary supplement, is the activator of SIRT1. Although it has been reported that resveratrol increased SIRT1 level in in vitro bovine blastocysts, there are no in vivo reports on the change in the plasma SIRT1 level in cows. Therefore, we investigated the change in the level of plasma SIRT1 by injecting different concentrations of resveratrol into the uterus of Korean cattle heifer. The level of plasma SIRT1 in the 1.0 μM resveratrol-injected group was the highest among all groups (P < 0.05). Although the level of plasma SIRT1 increased on days 7, 9, and 14 in the resveratrol-injected group, the level of plasma SIRT1 in the control group decreased. When 1.0 µM resveratrol was directly injected into the uterus of cows during artificial insemination, a pregnancy rate was 21.0% higher than that in the control group. In conclusion, our results identified that the level of plasma SIRT1 was increased by direct injection of resveratrol and improved conception rate by injection into uterus of cow during artificial insemination.(AU)

Embryonic mortality and broiler chick quality (Gallus gallus) from glass-shelled eggs / Mortalidade embrionária e qualidade do pinto ao nascer oriundo de ovo de casca vítrea de matriz pesada (Gallus gallus)

The glass-shelled egg has various points on the surface with light gray coloration, which becomes more visible with the passage of egg storage period. The objective of this work was to evaluate the stage of embryonic mortality, egg weight during the incubation period, hatch window, and quality of chicks at hatch from glass-shelled egg. The research was divided into two parts. In the first part, 80 eggs from 45 weeks old hens were incubated, being half normal eggs and half glass-shelled eggs, while in the second part, 80 eggs from 70 weeks old hens from the same flock as the previous one were incubated. Again, half were normal shelled and half were glass-shelled eggs. No differences were observed for embryonic mortality, egg weight, hatch quality (hatch weight, uniformity, and navel quality), and hatch window between normal and glass-shelled eggs from hens of 45 and 70 weeks of age. However, there was higher contamination in glass-shelled egg from 70-week-old breeder hens. The results show that the presence of glass-shelled egg does not seem to interfere with the quality of the chick at hatch in the breed, ages, and studied conditions, but causes higher contamination in glass-shelled egg from 70-week-old breeder hens.

Ovos de casca vítrea apresentam em suas superfícies pontos com coloração cinza claro de vários diâmetros, que ficam mais visíveis com o decorrer do período de armazenagem. Objetivou-se no trabalho, avaliar a fase de mortalidade embrionária, peso do ovo durante o período de incubação, intervalo de tempo de nascimento e a qualidade dos pintos ao nascerem oriundos de ovos de casca vítrea. A pesquisa foi dividida em duas partes. Na primeira parte, ocorreu a incubação de 80 ovos provenientes de matrizes com 45 semanas de idade sendo metade ovos normais e metade ovos vítreos e na segunda parte, foram incubados 80 ovos provenientes de matrizes com 70 semanas de idade do mesmo lote do anterior. Desses, metade eram normais e metade eram vítreos. Não houve diferença para mortalidade embrionária, peso do ovo, qualidade dos pintos ao nascerem (peso do pinto ao nascer, qualidade do umbigo e uniformidade) e intervalo de tempo de nascimento entre os ovos vítreos e normais oriundos de matrizes de 45 e 70 semanas de idade. Porém ovos de casca vítrea oriundos de matrizes de 70 semanas de idade apresentaram maior índice de contaminação.

Embryonic mortality and broiler chick quality (Gallus gallus) from glass-shelled eggs / Mortalidade embrionária e qualidade do pinto ao nascer oriundo de ovo de casca vítrea de matriz pesada (Gallus gallus)

The glass-shelled egg has various points on the surface with light gray coloration, which becomes more visible with the passage of egg storage period. The objective of this work was to evaluate the stage of embryonic mortality, egg weight during the incubation period, hatch window, and quality of chicks at hatch from glass-shelled egg. The research was divided into two parts. In the first part, 80 eggs from 45 weeks old hens were incubated, being half normal eggs and half glass-shelled eggs, while in the second part, 80 eggs from 70 weeks old hens from the same flock as the previous one were incubated. Again, half were normal shelled and half were glass-shelled eggs. No differences were observed for embryonic mortality, egg weight, hatch quality (hatch weight, uniformity, and navel quality), and hatch window between normal and glass-shelled eggs from hens of 45 and 70 weeks of age. However, there was higher contamination in glass-shelled egg from 70-week-old breeder hens. The results show that the presence of glass-shelled egg does not seem to interfere with the quality of the chick at hatch in the breed, ages, and studied conditions, but causes higher contamination in glass-shelled egg from 70-week-old breeder hens.(AU)

Ovos de casca vítrea apresentam em suas superfícies pontos com coloração cinza claro de vários diâmetros, que ficam mais visíveis com o decorrer do período de armazenagem. Objetivou-se no trabalho, avaliar a fase de mortalidade embrionária, peso do ovo durante o período de incubação, intervalo de tempo de nascimento e a qualidade dos pintos ao nascerem oriundos de ovos de casca vítrea. A pesquisa foi dividida em duas partes. Na primeira parte, ocorreu a incubação de 80 ovos provenientes de matrizes com 45 semanas de idade sendo metade ovos normais e metade ovos vítreos e na segunda parte, foram incubados 80 ovos provenientes de matrizes com 70 semanas de idade do mesmo lote do anterior. Desses, metade eram normais e metade eram vítreos. Não houve diferença para mortalidade embrionária, peso do ovo, qualidade dos pintos ao nascerem (peso do pinto ao nascer, qualidade do umbigo e uniformidade) e intervalo de tempo de nascimento entre os ovos vítreos e normais oriundos de matrizes de 45 e 70 semanas de idade. Porém ovos de casca vítrea oriundos de matrizes de 70 semanas de idade apresentaram maior índice de contaminação.(AU)

Telenomus remus (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) parasitism on Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) eggs: different parasitoid and host egg ages / Parasitismo de Telenomus remus (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) em ovos de Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): diferentes idades do parasitoide e do ovo hospedeiro

Release of egg parasitoids for biological control of pests is a promising technique in integrated pest management (IPM). However, there is a lack of information on the performance of parasitoid females of different ages, and specifically on the behavior of the parasitoid Telenomus remus towards pest eggs at different stages of embryonic development. Thus, the relationships between host age, parasitoid age, and parasitism by T. remus on Spodoptera frugiperda eggs were evaluated. Three separate bioassays were performed, each in a completely randomized design. In the first bioassay, T. remus females grouped by age in days (ranging from 1 to 10 days old) were offered 100 ± 20 eggs of S. frugiperda for 24 hours. In the second bioassay, 100 ± 20 eggs of S. frugiperda (24, 48 or 72 hours old) were offered to females of T. remus for 24 hours. In the third bioassay, 24, 48- and 72-hour-old host eggs of S. frugiperda were offered to T. remus females in a choice test. The variables evaluated were: number of parasitized eggs, parasitoid emergence (%), and sex ratio of progeny in bioassays 1 and 2, and the number of eggs parasitized in bioassay 3. The age of T. remus females did not affect the number of S. frugiperda eggs parasitized or emergence of the progeny. However, the sex ratio was more male-biased in the progeny of 1- and 2-day-old females compared to older wasps. In bioassay 2, the highest parasitism was observed in 24- and 48-hour-old eggs. Percentage emergence and sex ratios were not influenced by the ages of the eggs tested. Telenomus remus preferred to parasitize 24-hour-old eggs in bioassays 3. Overall, the age of T. remus females tested did not affect the parasitism of S. frugiperda eggs, but the number of eggs parasitized decreased with increasing host age.

A liberação de parasitoides de ovos para o controle biológico de pragas é uma técnica promissora no manejo integrado de pragas (IPM). Entretanto, há uma carência de informações sobre o desempenho de fêmeas do parasitoide em suas diferentes idades assim como do comportamento e parasitismo de Telenomus remus em ovos da praga em diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento embrionário. Avaliou-se a relação entre idade do hospedeiro, idade do parasitoide e parasitismo de T. remus em ovos de Spodoptera frugiperda. Três bioensaios separados foram realizados, cada um em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado. No primeiro bioensaio, as fêmeas de T. remus agrupadas por idade em dias (variando de 1 a 10 dias de idade) foram oferecidas 100 ± 20 ovos de S. frugiperda por 24 horas. No segundo bioensaio, 100 ± 20 ovos de S. frugiperda (24, 48 ou 72 horas de idade) foram oferecidos às fêmeas de T. remus por 24 horas. No terceiro bioensaio, ovos hospedeiros de 24, 48 e 72 horas de idade de S. frugiperda foram oferecidos para fêmeas de T. remus em teste de escolha. As variáveis avaliadas foram: número de ovos parasitados, emergência do parasitoide (%) e razão sexual da progênie nos bioensaios 1 e 2 e o número de ovos parasitados no bioensaio 3. A idade das fêmeas de T. remus não afetou o número de ovos de S. frugiperda parasitados ou a emergência da progênie. No entanto, a razão sexual foi mais tendenciosa no sexo masculino na progênie de fêmeas de 1 e 2 dias de idade em comparação com as vespas mais velhas. In bioassay 2, the highest parasitism was observed in 24- and 48-hour-old eggs. A porcentagem de emergência e a razão sexual não foram influenciadas pela idade dos ovos testados. Telenomus remus preferiu parasitar ovos de 24 horas no bioensaios 3. No geral, a idade das fêmeas de T. remus testadas não afetou o parasitismo dos ovos de S. frugiperda, mas o número de ovos parasitados diminuiu com o aumento da idade do hospedeiro.

Telenomus remus (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) parasitism on Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) eggs: different parasitoid and host egg ages / Parasitismo de Telenomus remus (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) em ovos de Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): diferentes idades do parasitoide e do ovo hospedeiro

Release of egg parasitoids for biological control of pests is a promising technique in integrated pest management (IPM). However, there is a lack of information on the performance of parasitoid females of different ages, and specifically on the behavior of the parasitoid Telenomus remus towards pest eggs at different stages of embryonic development. Thus, the relationships between host age, parasitoid age, and parasitism by T. remus on Spodoptera frugiperda eggs were evaluated. Three separate bioassays were performed, each in a completely randomized design. In the first bioassay, T. remus females grouped by age in days (ranging from 1 to 10 days old) were offered 100 ± 20 eggs of S. frugiperda for 24 hours. In the second bioassay, 100 ± 20 eggs of S. frugiperda (24, 48 or 72 hours old) were offered to females of T. remus for 24 hours. In the third bioassay, 24, 48- and 72-hour-old host eggs of S. frugiperda were offered to T. remus females in a choice test. The variables evaluated were: number of parasitized eggs, parasitoid emergence (%), and sex ratio of progeny in bioassays 1 and 2, and the number of eggs parasitized in bioassay 3. The age of T. remus females did not affect the number of S. frugiperda eggs parasitized or emergence of the progeny. However, the sex ratio was more male-biased in the progeny of 1- and 2-day-old females compared to older wasps. In bioassay 2, the highest parasitism was observed in 24- and 48-hour-old eggs. Percentage emergence and sex ratios were not influenced by the ages of the eggs tested. Telenomus remus preferred to parasitize 24-hour-old eggs in bioassays 3. Overall, the age of T. remus females tested did not affect the parasitism of S. frugiperda eggs, but the number of eggs parasitized decreased with increasing host age.(AU)

A liberação de parasitoides de ovos para o controle biológico de pragas é uma técnica promissora no manejo integrado de pragas (IPM). Entretanto, há uma carência de informações sobre o desempenho de fêmeas do parasitoide em suas diferentes idades assim como do comportamento e parasitismo de Telenomus remus em ovos da praga em diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento embrionário. Avaliou-se a relação entre idade do hospedeiro, idade do parasitoide e parasitismo de T. remus em ovos de Spodoptera frugiperda. Três bioensaios separados foram realizados, cada um em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado. No primeiro bioensaio, as fêmeas de T. remus agrupadas por idade em dias (variando de 1 a 10 dias de idade) foram oferecidas 100 ± 20 ovos de S. frugiperda por 24 horas. No segundo bioensaio, 100 ± 20 ovos de S. frugiperda (24, 48 ou 72 horas de idade) foram oferecidos às fêmeas de T. remus por 24 horas. No terceiro bioensaio, ovos hospedeiros de 24, 48 e 72 horas de idade de S. frugiperda foram oferecidos para fêmeas de T. remus em teste de escolha. As variáveis avaliadas foram: número de ovos parasitados, emergência do parasitoide (%) e razão sexual da progênie nos bioensaios 1 e 2 e o número de ovos parasitados no bioensaio 3. A idade das fêmeas de T. remus não afetou o número de ovos de S. frugiperda parasitados ou a emergência da progênie. No entanto, a razão sexual foi mais tendenciosa no sexo masculino na progênie de fêmeas de 1 e 2 dias de idade em comparação com as vespas mais velhas. In bioassay 2, the highest parasitism was observed in 24- and 48-hour-old eggs. A porcentagem de emergência e a razão sexual não foram influenciadas pela idade dos ovos testados. Telenomus remus preferiu parasitar ovos de 24 horas no bioensaios 3. No geral, a idade das fêmeas de T. remus testadas não afetou o parasitismo dos ovos de S. frugiperda, mas o número de ovos parasitados diminuiu com o aumento da idade do hospedeiro.(AU)

Description of amino acid and fatty acid content during initial development of Lophiosilurus alexandri (Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae), a carnivorous freshwater catfish

Samples of eggs, newly hatched larvae (NHL), and larvae at the end of the lecithotrophic period (eight days after hatching) (LPL) of Lophiosilurus alexandri were collected to determine the amino acid and fatty acid profiles. Crude protein did not change throughout initial development and the concentration of lipids was highest in NHL. The content of the indispensable amino acids (IAA) isoleucine, leucine, and valine decreased in LPL, while in eggs and NHL they remained high and similar in value. The dispensable amino acids (DAA), such as aspartic acid, tyrosine, and glycine, increased in LPL, while alanine decreased. The percentage of neutral lipids increased in LPL. The saturated fatty acid content decreased during ontogeny, while monounsaturated fatty acids decreased only in LPL. The polyunsaturated fatty acid content was highest in LP. Polar fatty acids were found in higher percentages in eggs and NHL, but lower in LPL. Saturated fatty acid content decreased during ontogenetic development, while that of monounsaturated fatty acids decreased only in LPL. Polyunsaturated fatty acid content was highest in LPL. Protein content was maintained during ontogenetic development, while amino acid classes experienced changes. Lophiosilurus alexandri preferentially uses saturated and monosaturated fatty acids as an energy source during its early development.(AU)

Amostras de ovos, larvas recém-eclodidas (NHL) e larvas no final do período lecitotrófico (oito dias após a incubação) (LPL) de Lophiosilurus alexandri foram coletadas para determinar os perfis de aminoácidos e ácidos graxos. A proteína bruta não alterou durante o desenvolvimento inicial e a concentração de lipídios foi maior na NHL. O conteúdo dos aminoácidos indispensáveis (IAA) isoleucina, leucina e valina diminuíram em LPL, enquanto nos ovos e NHL eles permaneceram com valores elevados e semelhantes entre si. Os aminoácidos dispensáveis (DAA), como ácido aspártico, tirosina e glicina, aumentaram em LPL, enquanto a alanina diminuiu. A porcentagem de lipídios neutros aumentou em LPL. O teor de ácidos graxos saturados diminuiu durante a ontogenia, enquanto os ácidos graxos monoinsaturados diminuíram apenas em LPL. O teor de ácidos graxos poliinsaturados foi maior em LPL. Os ácidos graxos polares foram encontrados em porcentagens mais altas em ovos e NHL, e menores em LPL. O teor de ácidos graxos saturados reduziu durante o desenvolvimento ontogenético, enquanto que os ácidos graxos monoinsaturados diminuíram apenas em LPL. O teor de ácidos graxos poliinsaturados foi maior em LPL. O conteúdo de proteínas foi mantido durante o desenvolvimento ontogenético, enquanto as classes de aminoácidos sofreram mudanças. Lophiosilurus alexandri usa preferencialmente ácidos graxos saturados e monossaturados como fonte de energia durante o desenvolvimento inicial.(AU)

Description of amino acid and fatty acid content during initial development of Lophiosilurus alexandri (Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae), a carnivorous freshwater catfish

Samples of eggs, newly hatched larvae (NHL), and larvae at the end of the lecithotrophic period (eight days after hatching) (LPL) of Lophiosilurus alexandri were collected to determine the amino acid and fatty acid profiles. Crude protein did not change throughout initial development and the concentration of lipids was highest in NHL. The content of the indispensable amino acids (IAA) isoleucine, leucine, and valine decreased in LPL, while in eggs and NHL they remained high and similar in value. The dispensable amino acids (DAA), such as aspartic acid, tyrosine, and glycine, increased in LPL, while alanine decreased. The percentage of neutral lipids increased in LPL. The saturated fatty acid content decreased during ontogeny, while monounsaturated fatty acids decreased only in LPL. The polyunsaturated fatty acid content was highest in LP. Polar fatty acids were found in higher percentages in eggs and NHL, but lower in LPL. Saturated fatty acid content decreased during ontogenetic development, while that of monounsaturated fatty acids decreased only in LPL. Polyunsaturated fatty acid content was highest in LPL. Protein content was maintained during ontogenetic development, while amino acid classes experienced changes. Lophiosilurus alexandri preferentially uses saturated and monosaturated fatty acids as an energy source during its early development.(AU)

Amostras de ovos, larvas recém-eclodidas (NHL) e larvas no final do período lecitotrófico (oito dias após a incubação) (LPL) de Lophiosilurus alexandri foram coletadas para determinar os perfis de aminoácidos e ácidos graxos. A proteína bruta não alterou durante o desenvolvimento inicial e a concentração de lipídios foi maior na NHL. O conteúdo dos aminoácidos indispensáveis (IAA) isoleucina, leucina e valina diminuíram em LPL, enquanto nos ovos e NHL eles permaneceram com valores elevados e semelhantes entre si. Os aminoácidos dispensáveis (DAA), como ácido aspártico, tirosina e glicina, aumentaram em LPL, enquanto a alanina diminuiu. A porcentagem de lipídios neutros aumentou em LPL. O teor de ácidos graxos saturados diminuiu durante a ontogenia, enquanto os ácidos graxos monoinsaturados diminuíram apenas em LPL. O teor de ácidos graxos poliinsaturados foi maior em LPL. Os ácidos graxos polares foram encontrados em porcentagens mais altas em ovos e NHL, e menores em LPL. O teor de ácidos graxos saturados reduziu durante o desenvolvimento ontogenético, enquanto que os ácidos graxos monoinsaturados diminuíram apenas em LPL. O teor de ácidos graxos poliinsaturados foi maior em LPL. O conteúdo de proteínas foi mantido durante o desenvolvimento ontogenético, enquanto as classes de aminoácidos sofreram mudanças. Lophiosilurus alexandri usa preferencialmente ácidos graxos saturados e monossaturados como fonte de energia durante o desenvolvimento inicial.(AU)

Reprodução de peixes reofílicos nativos do Brasil: fertilização artificial e qualidade da água / Reproduction of brazilian reofilic fish: artificial fertilization and water quality

A demanda de pescado tem aumentado, sendo impulsionada pelo crescimento populacional e a busca por alimentos saudáveis indicado para o consumo humano. No entanto, a pesca predatória e a degradação do ambiente natural estão levando ao declínio das populações naturais de peixes. Nesse contexto, a expansão da piscicultura mostra-se como uma boa alternativa para contornar tais problemas. Para isso, é importante conhecer as principais técnicas reprodutivas adotadas e determinar o protocolo adequado para cada espécie. Alguns aspectos importantes devem ser considerados, como a técnica de indução à reprodução, o tipo de desova, a taxa de fertilização e eclosão dos ovos, bem como o acompanhamento do desenvolvimento embrionário e larval, além de normalidade e sobrevivência das larvas. Outros pontos importantes são o monitoramento e o controle da qualidade da água, observando parâmetros físicos e químicos, pois afetam diretamente o desenvolvimento dos organismos aquáticos. O objetivo da presente revisão foi apresentar os principais protocolos de manejo reprodutivo e parâmetros de qualidade de água na rotina de fertilização artificial de peixes reofílicos nativos do Brasil.(AU)

The fish has increased demand driven by population growth and the search for healthful foods suitable for human consumption. However, overfishing and degradation of the natural environment are leading to the decline of natural fish populations. Within context, the expansion of fish farming is a good alternative to overcome such problems. Therefore, it is important to understand the main reproductive techniques used and determine the proper protocol for each species. Some important aspects should be considered such as fish induced breeding techniques, spawning type, fertilization and hatching rate, as well as monitoring the embryonic and larval development, besides the normality and larvae survival. Other important points are the monitoring and control of water quality, observing the physical and chemical variables, as they directly affect the development of aquatic organisms. The aim of this review was to present the main protocols of reproductive management and water quality parameters in the routine of artificial fertilization of brazilian native reofilic fish.(AU)

Reprodução de peixes reofílicos nativos do Brasil: fertilização artificial e qualidade da água / Reproduction of brazilian reofilic fish: artificial fertilization and water quality

A demanda de pescado tem aumentado, sendo impulsionada pelo crescimento populacional e a busca por alimentos saudáveis indicado para o consumo humano. No entanto, a pesca predatória e a degradação do ambiente natural estão levando ao declínio das populações naturais de peixes. Nesse contexto, a expansão da piscicultura mostra-se como uma boa alternativa para contornar tais problemas. Para isso, é importante conhecer as principais técnicas reprodutivas adotadas e determinar o protocolo adequado para cada espécie. Alguns aspectos importantes devem ser considerados, como a técnica de indução à reprodução, o tipo de desova, a taxa de fertilização e eclosão dos ovos, bem como o acompanhamento do desenvolvimento embrionário e larval, além de normalidade e sobrevivência das larvas. Outros pontos importantes são o monitoramento e o controle da qualidade da água, observando parâmetros físicos e químicos, pois afetam diretamente o desenvolvimento dos organismos aquáticos. O objetivo da presente revisão foi apresentar os principais protocolos de manejo reprodutivo e parâmetros de qualidade de água na rotina de fertilização artificial de peixes reofílicos nativos do Brasil.

The fish has increased demand driven by population growth and the search for healthful foods suitable for human consumption. However, overfishing and degradation of the natural environment are leading to the decline of natural fish populations. Within context, the expansion of fish farming is a good alternative to overcome such problems. Therefore, it is important to understand the main reproductive techniques used and determine the proper protocol for each species. Some important aspects should be considered such as fish induced breeding techniques, spawning type, fertilization and hatching rate, as well as monitoring the embryonic and larval development, besides the normality and larvae survival. Other important points are the monitoring and control of water quality, observing the physical and chemical variables, as they directly affect the development of aquatic organisms. The aim of this review was to present the main protocols of reproductive management and water quality parameters in the routine of artificial fertilization of brazilian native reofilic fish.

Human exhaled air can efficiently support in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes and subsequent early embryonic development

Air phase is an indispensable environmental factor affecting oocyte maturation and early embryo development. Human exhaled air was previously proved to be a reliable and inexpensive atmosphere that sustains normal early development of mouse and bovine embryos. However, whether human exhaled air can support in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine oocytes is not yet known. To evaluate the feasibility of maturing oocytes in human exhaled air, we examined oocyte morphology, BMP15 expression, nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. We found that cumulus expansion status, expression levels of BMP15 important for cumulus expansion and the rate of first polar body emission were similar among human exhaled air, 5% O2 or 20% O2 in air after IVM of 44 h. Furthermore, the percentage of metaphase II (MII) oocytes showing normal cortical and sub-membranous localization of cortical granules and diffused mitochondrial distribution patterns is comparable among groups. The cleavage, blastocyst rate and total cell number were not apparently different for parthenogenetic activated and somatic cloned embryos derived from MII oocytes matured in three air phases, suggesting oocytes matured in human exhaled air obtain normal developmental competence. Taken together, human exhaled air can efficiently support in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes and subsequent early embryonic development.(AU)

Human exhaled air can efficiently support in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes and subsequent early embryonic development

Air phase is an indispensable environmental factor affecting oocyte maturation and early embryo development. Human exhaled air was previously proved to be a reliable and inexpensive atmosphere that sustains normal early development of mouse and bovine embryos. However, whether human exhaled air can support in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine oocytes is not yet known. To evaluate the feasibility of maturing oocytes in human exhaled air, we examined oocyte morphology, BMP15 expression, nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. We found that cumulus expansion status, expression levels of BMP15 important for cumulus expansion and the rate of first polar body emission were similar among human exhaled air, 5% O2 or 20% O2 in air after IVM of 44 h. Furthermore, the percentage of metaphase II (MII) oocytes showing normal cortical and sub-membranous localization of cortical granules and diffused mitochondrial distribution patterns is comparable among groups. The cleavage, blastocyst rate and total cell number were not apparently different for parthenogenetic activated and somatic cloned embryos derived from MII oocytes matured in three air phases, suggesting oocytes matured in human exhaled air obtain normal developmental competence. Taken together, human exhaled air can efficiently support in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes and subsequent early embryonic development.

Morphogenesis of the rhea (Rhea americana) respiratory system in different embryonic and foetal stages / Morfogênese do sistema respiratório da ema (Rhea americana) em diferentes estágios embrionários e fetais

The rhea (Rhea americana) is an important wild species that has been highlighted in national and international livestock. This research aims to analyse embryo-foetal development in different phases of the respiratory system of rheas. Twenty-three embryos and foetuses were euthanized, fixed and dissected. Fragments of the respiratory system, including the nasal cavity, larynx, trachea, syrinx, bronchi and lungs, were collected and processed for studies using light and scanning electron microscopy. The nasal cavity presented cubic epithelium in the early stages of development. The larynx exhibited typical respiratory epithelium between 27 and 31 days. The trachea showed early formation of hyaline cartilage after 15 days. Syrinx in the mucous membrane of 18-day foetuses consisted of ciliated epithelium in the bronchial region. The main bronchi had ciliated epithelium with goblet cells in the syringeal region. In the lung, the parabronchial stage presented numerous parabronchi between 15 and 21 days. This study allowed the identification of normal events that occur during the development of the rhea respiratory system, an important model that has not previously been described. The information generated here will be useful for the diagnosis of pathologies that affect this organic system, aimed at improving captive production systems.(AU)

A ema (Rhea americana) representa importante espécie silvestre que vem se destacando na pecuaria nacional e internacional. Esta pesquisa objetiva analisar o desenvolvimento embrionário-fetal, em diferentes fases, do sistema respiratório de emas. Vinte e três embriões e fetos foram eutanasiados, fixados e dissecados. Fragmentos do sistema respiratório: cavidade nasal, laringe, traqueia, siringe, brônquios e pulmões, foram coletados e processados para estudos por meio de microscopia de luz e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. A cavidade nasal apresentou, nas primeiras fases de desenvolvimento, epitélio estratificado cúbico. A laringe exibiu epitélio respiratório típico entre 27 e 31 dias. A traqueia aos 15 dias apresentou início de formação da cartilagem hialina. Na siringe a túnica mucosa de fetos de 18 dias e formada por epitélio estratificado ciliado na região bronquial. Os brônquios principais apresentavam epitélio estratificado ciliado com células caliciformes na região siringeal. No pulmão, o estágio parabronquial apresentou numerosos parabrônquios entre 15 a 21 dias. Este estudo permitiu a identificação de eventos normais que ocorrem durante o desenvolvimento do sistema respiratório de emas, importante modelo ainda não descrito. As informações geradas serão úteis para o diagnóstico de patologias que acometem este sistema orgânico, visando a melhoria dos sistemas de produção em cativeiro.(AU)

Morphogenesis of the rhea (Rhea americana) respiratory system in different embryonic and foetal stages / Morfogênese do sistema respiratório da ema (Rhea americana) em diferentes estágios embrionários e fetais

The rhea (Rhea americana) is an important wild species that has been highlighted in national and international livestock. This research aims to analyse embryo-foetal development in different phases of the respiratory system of rheas. Twenty-three embryos and foetuses were euthanized, fixed and dissected. Fragments of the respiratory system, including the nasal cavity, larynx, trachea, syrinx, bronchi and lungs, were collected and processed for studies using light and scanning electron microscopy. The nasal cavity presented cubic epithelium in the early stages of development. The larynx exhibited typical respiratory epithelium between 27 and 31 days. The trachea showed early formation of hyaline cartilage after 15 days. Syrinx in the mucous membrane of 18-day foetuses consisted of ciliated epithelium in the bronchial region. The main bronchi had ciliated epithelium with goblet cells in the syringeal region. In the lung, the parabronchial stage presented numerous parabronchi between 15 and 21 days. This study allowed the identification of normal events that occur during the development of the rhea respiratory system, an important model that has not previously been described. The information generated here will be useful for the diagnosis of pathologies that affect this organic system, aimed at improving captive production systems.(AU)

A ema (Rhea americana) representa importante espécie silvestre que vem se destacando na pecuaria nacional e internacional. Esta pesquisa objetiva analisar o desenvolvimento embrionário-fetal, em diferentes fases, do sistema respiratório de emas. Vinte e três embriões e fetos foram eutanasiados, fixados e dissecados. Fragmentos do sistema respiratório: cavidade nasal, laringe, traqueia, siringe, brônquios e pulmões, foram coletados e processados para estudos por meio de microscopia de luz e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. A cavidade nasal apresentou, nas primeiras fases de desenvolvimento, epitélio estratificado cúbico. A laringe exibiu epitélio respiratório típico entre 27 e 31 dias. A traqueia aos 15 dias apresentou início de formação da cartilagem hialina. Na siringe a túnica mucosa de fetos de 18 dias e formada por epitélio estratificado ciliado na região bronquial. Os brônquios principais apresentavam epitélio estratificado ciliado com células caliciformes na região siringeal. No pulmão, o estágio parabronquial apresentou numerosos parabrônquios entre 15 a 21 dias. Este estudo permitiu a identificação de eventos normais que ocorrem durante o desenvolvimento do sistema respiratório de emas, importante modelo ainda não descrito. As informações geradas serão úteis para o diagnóstico de patologias que acometem este sistema orgânico, visando a melhoria dos sistemas de produção em cativeiro.(AU)