Surgical approach in correction of a crack in the gnathotheca of a black swan (Cygnus atratus, Latham, 1790): first case report / Abordagem cirúrgica em correção de fissura na gnatoteca em um cisne-negro (Cygnus atratus, Latham, 1790): primeiro relato de caso

The black swan (Cygnus atratus, LATHAM, 1790) is a bird kept as an ornamental in zoos. Because of their long beaks they tend to have a reserved prognosis in musculoskeletal disorders such as beak trauma, secondary to skull bone fractures, presenting irreversible lesions. The aim of this report is present a clinical surgical innovation in the repair of a black swan's gnathotheca fissure with the application of non-conventional materials used. It was observed that one of the swans kept in a zoo display area had difficulty feeding, with associated weight loss. It was observed tissue loss and a lacerative lesion in the caudal sublingual region of its beak. The lesion was corrected by a separate simple suture in the cranial region of the beak and with a x-clamping using steel surgical wire and the application of dental resin in the distal region to perform a sustentation bridge in the beak end-gap. After 12 days, the animal was able to feed again and remained perfectly adapted to the restoration, reestablishing the anatomical and physiological function of its beak.

O cisne-negro (Cygnus atratus, Latham, 1790) é uma ave mantida como ornamental em zoológicos. Por apresentar bicos longos, tende a ter prognóstico reservado em afecções musculoesqueléticas, como traumas de bico secundários e fraturas de ossos do crânio, com lesões irreversíveis. O objetivo deste relato é apresentar uma inovação clínica cirúrgica no reparo de fissura na gnatoteca de um cisne-negro, com a utilização de materiais não convencionais. Observou-se que um dos cisnes mantidos em uma área de exibição de um zoológico apresentava dificuldade para se alimentar, com perda de peso associada. Constatou-se perda tecidual e lesão lacerativa na região sublingual caudal de seu bico. A lesão foi corrigida por meio de sutura simples separada na região cranial do bico e posterior sutura em x com fio cirúrgico de aço, finalizando com aplicação de resina odontológica na região distal para realização de ponte de sustentação do bico. Após 12 dias, o animal conseguiu se alimentar novamente e se manteve perfeitamente adaptado à restauração, restabelecendo a função anatômica e fisiológica de seu bico.

Beak trimming in japanese quails at initial phase is an alternative to reduce the negative effects of feather pecking

Regarding the lack of standardized methods for beak trimming to reduce feather pecking in Japanese quail, the present study aimed to compare two ages and 3 methods of beak trimming, evaluating the performance, egg quality and feather pecking. One-day-old Japanese quails (n = 770; 22 birds cage-1), at the initial phase, and 36-day-old (n = 630; 18 birds cage-1), at the production phase, were assigned to a completely randomized design, consisting of 7 treatments with 5 replicates. The treatments were: non-trimmed (NT), cauterization of approximately 1/3 at 14 days-of-age (CAUT 14) and at 28 days-of-age (CAUT 28), moderately trimmed to approximately 1/3 beak at 14 days-of-age (MOD 14) and at 28 days-of-age (MOD 28), severely trimmed to 1/3-1/2 beak at 14 days-of-age (SEV 14) and at 28 days-of-age (SEV 28). Data were analyzed using Minitab®. The results indicated that beak trimming methods applied did not influence the performance and egg quality. Quails subjected to MOD 28 and SEV (14 and 28) presented lower feed conversion per egg mass compared to NT. However, MOD 14 and SEV were more efficient in preventing feather pecking behavior.(AU)

Mitigating feather pecking behavior in laying poultry production through tryptophan supplementation

Feather pecking behavior is regarded as the most serious welfare concern in poultry layer production. The cause of feather pecking is partly due to the nutrient-deficient diets that further depletes the tryptophan levels in the animal's system. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid and thus, cannot be synthesized in the body of animals, including poultry. This amino acid can be metabolized through three pathways. Tryptophan metabolism produces important metabolites: serotonin and melatonin. Tryptophan affects hormone secretion in poultry. Thus, it affects poultry's psychological status, which eventually leads to feathers' pecking. The application of tryptophan as a feed additive can improve poultry performance and alleviate feather pecking behavior or stress response in poultry production. This is achieved through indole pathways and mostly through the Tryptophan-Kynurenine pathway. This review paper aims to provide detailed information regarding the performance of tryptophan on feather pecking behavior, particularly in laying poultry animals.

Helminth and ectoparasitic faunas of the Harris's hawk, Parabuteo unicinctus (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae), in Chile: new data on host-parasite associations for Neotropical raptors / Helmintos e ectoparasitas do gavião-asa-de-telha (Accipitriformes: Parabuteo unicinctus) no Chile: novas associações parasita-hospedeiro para os rapinantes neotropicais

Abstract Birds of prey harbor a wide spectrum of various parasites, mostly with a heteroxenous life cycle. However, most reports on their parasites come from Europe. Although the Harris's hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) is a widespread species in America, parasitological surveys on this hawk are mostly focused on coprological findings and ectoparasites, with poor attention paid to helminths. The aim of this study was to gather new and additional data on host-parasite associations for the Harris's hawk. Twenty-nine birds from central and southern Chile were necropsied. Further, nine birds from a rehabilitation center and 22 museum specimens were inspected for ectoparasites. Sixty-eight percent of birds hosted at least one parasite species. Four lice species, one mite species and eight helminth species (five nematodes, two platyhelminthes and one acanthocephalan) were recorded. Parasitic lice Colpocephalum nanum and Nosopon chanabense, and a nematode Cyathostoma (Hovorkonema) americana were recorded for the first time in raptors from the Neotropics. A feather mite, Pseudalloptinus sp., nematodes, Physaloptera alata and Microtetrameres sp., and a trematode Neodiplostomim travassosi, were recorded for the first time in Chile. The presence of diverse heteroxenous helminths reported here in the Harris's hawk could be explained by the generalist diet of this raptor.

Resumo As aves de rapina representam uma fonte importante de parasitas heteroxenos. Porém, a maioria dos relatos são da Europa. O gavião-asa-de-telha (Parabuteo unicinctus) é uma espécie amplamente distribuída no continente Americano, porém estudos parasitológicos nessas aves têm documentado achados coprológicos e ectoparasitas, com poucos relatos sobre endoparasitas como helmintos. Por essa razão, o objetivo deste estudo foi descrever novas associações parasita-hospedeiro para o gavião-asa-de-telha e rapinantes neotropicais. Vinte nove aves provenientes do centro e sul do Chile foram submetidas à necropsia. Por outro lado, nove aves de um centro de reabilitação e 22 espécimes de museu foram inspecionados em busca de ectoparasitas. Do total de aves, 68,3% foram identificadas como portadoras de pelo menos uma espécie de parasita. Quatro espécies de piolhos, um ácaro e oito helmintos (cinco nematoides, dois platelmintos e um acantocéfalo) foram registrados. Os piolhos Colpocephalum nanum, Nosopon chanabense e o nematóide Cyathostoma (Hovorkonema) americana são reportados pela primeira vez em rapinantes neotropicais. Colpocephalum nanum, N. chanabense, Pseudalloptinus sp., Physaloptera alata, Microtetrameres sp., C. (H.) americana e Neodiplostomim travassosi, são reportados pela primeira vez no Chile. A diversidade de helmintos heteróxenos, identificados neste trabalho, poderia ser explicada devido à dieta geralista do gavião-asa-de-telha.

Prótese de rinoteca em carcará (Caracara plancus) / Rhinotheca prosthesis in a carcará (Caracara plancus)

Background: The bird's beak is a structure in constant growth, covered by keratinized epidermal sheaths called rhamphotheca. When subjected to certain degrees of injury, birds can suffer from lesions and fractures in different parts of the body, including the beak. One can treat simple ranch lesions by antisepsis and covering it with resin while the keratin is replaced; yet in complete fractures, with segment avulsion, they need complex prostheses to restore the functions of the nozzle. The main goal of this study was to report a case of a synthetic rhinotheca prosthesis placement in a wild carcará (Caracara plancus). Case: The carcará was referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of the UNIUBE, at the end of May 2018, by Uberaba's Environmental Police, with a history of having been run over. On the physical examination, the animal showed aggressive behavior, low body weight, increased heart and respiratory rates, mild dehydration and complete fracture of the rhinotheca, with avulsion of the mid-distal portion and presence of necrosis in the remaining proximal remnant, the last one seen after debridement and complete cleansing of the lesion. In the following days, complementary exams were performed aiming a complete evaluation of the animal, these revealed the following: oral cavity swab, positive for Candida sp.; radiography of thoracic and pelvic limbs, without any changes; research of hemoparasites, with a negative result; and complete blood count showing marked leukocytosis. The animal was kept in the hospital's wild animal ward, with a daily handling of 400 g of chicken neck and heart, processed on a blender and was also supplemented with a variety of minerals. After the wild animal was managed for eleven months, evolving to the ideal weight set for the species, the process for making the prosthesis started. At first, the prosthesis was made manually with epoxy resin and polyamide, being molded on the animal's rhinotheca, before that, the carcará was sedated with intranasal midazolam, and then modeled in the ideal shape for the beak. Then, the definitive prosthesis was made with acrylic resin, using the previous mold as a base. The surgical procedure was performed in April 2019, with an anesthetic protocol composed of midazolam, dexmedetomidine, ketamine and morphine for sedation, and maintenance in sevoflurane. Prosthesis and rhinotheca were both fixated by bilateral perforation with a 1.0 mm drill, and later on 2 titanium screws were inserted for dental use, these measuring 1.5 mm. After being correctly threated, the screws received a thin layer of acrylic resin on top, for better fixation. Immediately after the operation, the animal was able to use the prosthesis to feed itself. After the surgical procedure, the bird was destined for a sanctuary, and months later the prosthesis eventually fell. Since then, the bird has remained without it. Discussion: Because the beak did not grow due to trauma and consequent necrosis, and the animal did not adapt well with the remnant still present, the manufacture of the prosthesis was the solution so that it could return to its natural habits and behaviors. For greater adherence and fixation, we opted for the use of 2 titanium screws for dental use with the deposition of a thin layer of acrylic resin on top of both. Prostheses can be successful in fixing, but there are no studies indicating how long they will remain viable. Therefore, even with the success of the procedure, allowing the bird to return to its natural habits and behaviors, until after the fall of the prosthesis, it is an animal that needs to be kept in captivity suitable for daily observation.

Comparison between infrared and hot-blade beak trimming methods in white and brown pullets: performance, organ and bone development / [Comparativo entre debicagem infravermelha e por lâmina-quente em linhagens de frangas leves e semi-pesadas: desempenho, desenvolvimento ósseo e de órgãos]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate infrared beak trimming versus hot-blade beak trimming on performance, organ and bone development of laying pullets, using 240 birds, at 0-16 weeks of age, from two strains (white layer - Hy-Line W36 and brown layer - Hy-Line Brown). Infrared debeaking was performed on the first day of life in the hatchery, whereas hot-blade beak trimming was performed at eight days of age. Zootechnical performance at 6, 9, 12 and 15 weeks of age was analyzed. At the end of the trial, one Bird per experimental unit was euthanized for liver, gizzard, proventriculus, heart and small intestine relative weight evaluation. Both tibiotarsus were collected to measure bone breaking resistance, bone mineral content and bone densitometry. There was higher body weight and feed intake in both bird strains submitted to infrared beak trimming. Additionally, hot-blade white layers presented lower body development and feed intake. The debeaking methods did not influence relative organ weights or tibiotarsus parameters evaluated. We conclude that the infrared beak trimming method promotes better pullet body development than the conventional hot-blade method, improving feed intake, without compromising organ and bone development, being a more adequate debeaking method to be used in layer production.(AU)

Para avaliar a debicagem infravermelha versus a debicagem pelo método da lâmina quente no desempenho, no desenvolvimento de órgãos e na qualidade óssea de poedeiras em recria, foram utilizadas 240 aves, entre zero e 16 semanas de idade, em duas linhagens (branca - Hy-Line W36 e vermelha - Hy-Line Brown). A debicagem por infravermelho foi realizada no primeiro dia de vida no incubatório, enquanto a debicagem com lâmina quente foi realizada aos oito dias de idade. Analisou-se o desempenho zootécnico na sexta, nona, 12ª e 15ª semanas de idade. No final do estudo, uma ave por unidade experimental foi eutanasiada para avaliação do peso relativo do fígado, da moela, do proventrículo, do coração e do intestino delgado, e ossos do tibiotarso foram coletados para avaliação da resistência à ruptura, do conteúdo mineral e da densitometria óssea. Houve maior peso corporal e consumo alimentar nas aves pertencentes às duas linhagens quando submetidas à debicagem por infravermelho, sem haver influência sobre o peso relativo dos órgãos e a qualidade óssea. Conclui-se que o método de debicagem por radiação infravermelha promove melhor desenvolvimento corporal das frangas em relação à debicagem por lâmina quente, melhorando consumo de ração, sem comprometer o desenvolvimento de órgãos e ossos, sendo mais adequada para utilização na avicultura de postura comercial.(AU)

Beak trimming by infrared radiation of layers

This study aimed at evaluating beak-trimming methods and intensities on the performance, beak length and uniformity, and egg parameters of commercial layers. During the rearing period, birds were distributed in randomized blocks, with a 2x3 factorial design + two treatments, consisting of beak trimming with infrared (IR) radiation (moderate or severe); three IR intensities (low: 42 nm, intermediate: 46 nm, or high: 52 nm); and two control hot blade (HB) beak trimming treatments (moderate or severe) with eight treatments and five replicates of 21 chicks each, totaling 840 birds. During the growing phase (second experiment) the factorial design was modified to 2 x 3 x 2 + 4, comprising two IR beak-trimming intensities (moderate or severe); three IR radiation intensities (low, moderate and high), second beak trimming at 11 weeks of age or not, and four additional HB beak-trimming treatments (moderate or severe) beak-trimming intensities, and second beak trimming at 11 weeks of age or not. There were 16 treatments with six replicates of seven birds each, totaling 672 laying hens, out of which 576 were selected for evaluation during the production period, with the same number of treatments and replicates of the previous phase. Weight gain (g), body weight (g), body weight uniformity (%), beak length (mm) and uniformity (%), absence of cannibalism (%), livability (%), egg production (%), feed intake (g), feed conversion per eggmass, eggmass, specific gravity, eggshell strength, Haugh unit, % yolk were evaluated. Beak trimming by infra-red radiation may be employed in commercial laying hens.(AU)

Beak trimming by infrared radiation of layers

This study aimed at evaluating beak-trimming methods and intensities on the performance, beak length and uniformity, and egg parameters of commercial layers. During the rearing period, birds were distributed in randomized blocks, with a 2x3 factorial design + two treatments, consisting of beak trimming with infrared (IR) radiation (moderate or severe); three IR intensities (low: 42 nm, intermediate: 46 nm, or high: 52 nm); and two control hot blade (HB) beak trimming treatments (moderate or severe) with eight treatments and five replicates of 21 chicks each, totaling 840 birds. During the growing phase (second experiment) the factorial design was modified to 2 x 3 x 2 + 4, comprising two IR beak-trimming intensities (moderate or severe); three IR radiation intensities (low, moderate and high), second beak trimming at 11 weeks of age or not, and four additional HB beak-trimming treatments (moderate or severe) beak-trimming intensities, and second beak trimming at 11 weeks of age or not. There were 16 treatments with six replicates of seven birds each, totaling 672 laying hens, out of which 576 were selected for evaluation during the production period, with the same number of treatments and replicates of the previous phase. Weight gain (g), body weight (g), body weight uniformity (%), beak length (mm) and uniformity (%), absence of cannibalism (%), livability (%), egg production (%), feed intake (g), feed conversion per eggmass, eggmass, specific gravity, eggshell strength, Haugh unit, % yolk were evaluated. Beak trimming by infra-red radiation may be employed in commercial laying hens.

Feed selectivity of laying hens undergoing different beak trimming in two rearing systems / Seletividade alimentar de galinhas poedeiras submetidas a diferentes métodos de debicagem em dois sistemas de criação

The present research was conducted to evaluate whether different beak trimming methods and rearing systems affected the feed selectivity of laying hens. A total of 178 Hy-line Brown laying hens in the growing phase and 120 hens in the production phase were divided in a factorial arrangement (2 x 3), with two rearing systems (floor and cages) and three beak trimming methods: without beak trimming (control), hot-blade beak trimming, and infrared beak trimming, with four replicates. Laying hens were feed with isonutritive diets. Samples were collected from feed orts and feed provided, with a subsequent analysis of dry matter, crude energy, crude protein, mineral matter, geometric mean diameter and geometric standard deviation. The results were subjected to the error normality test, analysis of variance and the Fisher-Snedecor (P 0.05) and Duncan tests (P 0.05). The beak trimming methods evaluated were not sufficient to prevent feed selection in laying hens. However, in the growing phase, hot-blade beak trimming reduced feed selection capacity of laying hens more than did infrared beak trimming. The cage system favored feed selection, both in the growing and production phases.(AU)

O presente trabalho foi conduzido para avaliar se diferentes métodos de debicagem e sistemas de criação afetam a seletividade alimentar de galinhas poedeiras. Foram utilizadas 178 aves na fase de recria e 120 aves na fase de produção, da linhagem Hy-line Brown, divididas em um delineamento experimental em esquema fatorial (2x3), com dois sistemas de criação (piso e gaiolas) e três manejos de bico: sem debicar (controle), debicagem por lâmina quente e radiação infravermelha, com quatro repetições. As aves foram alimentadas com rações isonutritivas e foram coletadas amostras das sobras e das rações controle, com posterior análise da matéria seca, energia bruta, proteína bruta, matéria mineral, diâmetro geométrico médio e desvio padrão geométrico. Os resultados foram submetidos ao teste de normalidade dos erros, análise de variância e aos testes de médias de Fisher-snedecor (P 0,05) e Duncan (P 0,05). Os métodos de debicagem avaliados não são suficientes para impedir a seleção de alimento de galinhas de postura. No entanto, na fase de recria, a debicagem por lâmina quente reduz a capacidade de seleção das galinhas, em relação à debicagem por infravermelho. O sistema de criação em gaiolas favorece a seleção de alimento pelas galinhas poedeiras, tanto na fase de recria quanto na fase de produção.(AU)

Effects of laser beak trimming on the development of brown layer pullets

Laser beak trimming is a promising alternative to conventional hot-blade beak trimming as it is less painful and provides better beak uniformity and better animal welfare. In this study, laser vs. hot-blade beak trimming were compared in 400 Hy-line Brown pullets between 2-16 weeks of age. At 7 days of age, birds were distributed according to a completely randomized design into two treatments, with 10 replicates (pens) of 20 birds each. Birds and feed offer and residues were weekly weighed to determine weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. In weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks, one bird per experimental unit was sacrificed to measure the development of the heart development, liver, proventriculus, gizzard, small intestine, and bursa. And of the oviduct in week 16. Pullers submitted to laser beak trimming presented higher weight gain and weekly feed intake, and better feed conversion ratio during the evaluated period. There was no influence of beak trimming methods on the development of the digestive organs, bursa or oviduct. Laser beak trimming can be used as an alternative to hot-blade beak trimming of commercial brown layers.(AU)