Digestive system of Anourosorex squamipes - appearance and morphological features

Background: Anourosorex squamipes have a wide range of feeding habits, which is a kind of omnivorous animal. As an indispensable part of organisms, the differentiation degree of digestive system indicates the evolution degree of species. The higher the evolution degree of animals, the higher the differentiation of digestive system. At present, the research on Anourosorex squamipes digestive system mainly focuses on its feeding habits and mainly depends on the direct observation of gastric contents with the naked eye, but the research on the morphology of digestive system has not been reported. Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty adult Anourosorex squamipes were selected to investigate the characteristics of the appearance, including the contour parameters (body weight, body length, forefoot length, posterior foot length, nasal length, tail length), digestive system parameters (length of esophagus, intestinal length, intestinal weight, stomach weight and liver weight) and morphological structure of the small intestine by histological methods. The results showed that there were no significant differences in body weight, body length, forefoot length, posterior foot length, nasal length and tail length between males and females in Anourosorex squamipes, and no significant differences were observed in parameters of digestive system in length of esophagus, intestinal length, intestinal weight, stomach weight and liver weight. There were no significant differences in villus height, muscular layer thickness and villus height/recess depth (V/C) between males and females, but only ileal crypt depth decreased significantly in males. Discussion: Animal morphological characteristics are closely related to their life habits, unique organs and lifestyles ensure that they thrive on earth. In our study, we found that unique characters are found by observing the appearance of Anourosorex squamipes, the snout is blunt and short, the eyes are degenerated, and the tail is very short and covered with scales, which may be related to its feeding habits, the living environment-long-term nocturnal life in underground with minimal exposure to sunlight, and the unique tail can reduce the friction between tail and soil during the movement. There are certain differences in the appearance parameters of male and female Anourosorex squamipes, but are not significant. The esophagus, stomach, intestine, liver and other parameters of Anourosorex squamipes have little difference between males and females, indicating that Anourosorex squamipes don't have obvious distinctions between males and females in food intake. However, the liver weight of male Anourosorex squamipes is larger than female, indicating that the physiological metabolic capacity of male is larger than female. It is speculated that this may be related to the difference in the amount of activity between males and females in daily life. Males are more active and require more energy, but their digestion and absorption abilities are weaker than females. Therefore, the male Anourosorex squamipes needs more food to provide energy to meet the daily physiological metabolism, and the larger stomach capacity provides the essential conditions for the male to store more food. In addition, we found that the crypt depth of male Anourosorex squamipes is generally greater than that of females, especially in the ileal crypt depth, indicating that the female's cell maturation rate is greater than that of the male. It is speculated that the female has a greater demand for nutrient absorption and better digestion and absorption of food, because females need to give birth to offspring and require greater nutrition.

Relative weight and length of digestive tract and intestinal histomorphometric measurements of slowgrowing broilers of different genotypes / Peso relativo e comprimento do trato digestório e medidas histomorfométricas intestinais de frangos de corte de crescimento lento de diferentes genótipos

An experiment was conducted to investigate the development of the digestive system in slow-growing broilers of different strains. The experiment involved a total of 544 one-day-old chicks, 136 of each of four genotypes, namely, Label Rouge Pesadão, Label Rouge Pescoço Pelado, Carijó and Carijó Pescoço Pelado. The birds were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments (genotypes) and eight replicates of 17 animals each. Live weight, digestive tract development and intestinal histomorphometric measurements were evaluated at different ages. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between the strains for live weight, relative weight and length of digestive tract organs and intestinal histomorphometric measurements at one, seven and 28 days of age. The Carijó strain showed greater weight and development of digestive organs than the Carijó Pescoço Pelado strain. There was a difference (p < 0.05) for histomorphometric measurements of the small intestine between the strains at the evaluated ages. The Carijó Pescoço Pelado and Label Rouge Pescoço Pelado strains showed higher villi and higher villus:crypt ratios in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. The slow-growing strains differ in performance regarding the relative weights and lengths of digestive tract organs and intestinal histomorphometric measurements.(AU)

Um experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o desenvolvimento do sistema digestório em frangos de corte de crescimento lento de diferentes linhagens. Foram utilizados 544 pintos com um dia de idade, sendo 136 de cada genótipo sendo: Label Rouge Pesadão, Label Rouge Pescoço Pelado, Carijó e Carijó Pescoço Pelado. Distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos (genótipo) e oito repetições de 17 animais cada. As variáveis estudadas foram peso vivo, desenvolvimento do trato digestório e medidas histomorfométricas intestinal em diferentes idades. Houve diferença (p < 0,05) entre as linhagens no peso vivo, peso relativo e comprimento dos órgãos do trato digestório e medidas histomorfométricas intestinal com um, sete e 28 dias de idade. A linhagem Carijó apresentou maior peso e desenvolvimento de órgãos digestórios comparada a linhagem Carijó Pescoço Pelado. Houve diferença (p < 0,05) para medidas histomorfométricas do intestino delgado entre as linhagens nas idades avaliadas. As linhagens Carijó Pescoço Pelado e Label Rouge Pescoço Pelado apresentaram maior altura de vilo e relação vilo:cripta do duodeno, jejuno e íleo. As linhagens de crescimento lento apresentam diferenças entre si no desempenho peso relativo e comprimento de órgãos do trato digestório e nas medidas histomorfometricas do intestino.(AU)

Performance and biometry of the gastrointestinal tract in growing Japanese quails fed bee pollen / Desempenho e biometria do trato gastrointestinal de codornas japonesas em crescimento alimentadas com pólen apícola

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of bee pollen in the diet of growing Japanese quails on productive performance, relative weight of the gastrointestinal organs and length of small and large intestines. A total of 650 one-day-old female Japanese quails were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments according to the dietary levels of bee pollen (0.0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6%), five replicates, and 26 birds per experimental unit. At the end of the experimental period (35 days of age), the performance and relative weight of the gastrointestinal organs and length of small and large intestines were evaluated. The dietary inclusion of bee pollen did not influence (P > 0.05) performance, relative weight of proventriculus, gizzard, pancreas, liver, and large intestine, as well as the length of small and large intestines. However, a linear reduction (P < 0.05) was observed in the relative weight of small intestine as dietary bee pollen levels increased. The inclusion of bee pollen from 0.4 to 1.6% in the diet of growing Japanese quails did neither improve productive performance nor alter the biometry of digestive organs.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de diferentes níveis de pólen apícola nas dietas de codornas japonesas em crescimento sobre o desempenho produtivo, peso relativo dos órgãos do trato gastrointestinal e comprimento do intestino delgado e grosso. Um total de 650 codornas japonesas, fêmeas, de um dia de idade, foram distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos de acordo com os níveis dietéticos do pólen apícola (0,0; 0,4; 0,8; 1,2 e 1,6%), cinco repetições e 26 aves por unidade experimental. Ao final do período experimental (35 dias de idade), o desempenho e o peso relativo dos órgãos do trato gastrointestinal e o comprimento do intestino delgado e grosso foram avaliados. A inclusão dietética de pólen de abelha não influenciou (P > 0,05) o desempenho, peso relativo do proventrículo, moela, pâncreas, fígado e intestino grosso, bem como o comprimento do intestino delgado e intestino grosso. Entretanto, uma redução linear (P < 0,05) foi observada no peso relativo do intestino delgado de acordo com o aumento dos níveis de pólen apícola. A inclusão dietética de 0,4 a 1,6% de pólen apícola para codornas japonesas em crescimento não melhorou o desempenho produtivo e não alterou a biometria dos órgãos digestivos.(AU)

Gastrointestinal Parasites in Free-Range Chicken Raised under Extensive System from the Northeast of Brazil

Brazilian poultry production is growing, mainly due to the cost and benefit that chicken meat provides. The importance of free-range chickens and the susceptibility, to which they are exposed, makes it necessary to know about gastrointestinal parasites and the consequences that large infections can cause for them as such as weight loss. The present study aimed to determine the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in free-range hens raised in an extensive regime in the municipality of Santa Rita, state of Maranhão, Brazil. The studied population was composed of adult chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) acquired from slaughterhouses in the region. The gastrointestinal organs of each chicken were separated and subsequently conditioned in flasks containing Railliet and Henrys solution and sent to the laboratory, to be analyzed and processed. Of the 100 chickens examined, 227 specimens of helminthes were identified, with a frequency of 32.6% for nematodes and 67.4% for cestodes. Among the nematode the following parasites were identified: Ascaridia galli (27.03%); Heterakis gallinarum (48.65%) and Subulura spp. (24, 32%). Raillietina echinobothrida (100%) was the only cestoda identified. The average infection rate by species of parasite was 1.18 for A. galli, 2.22 for H. gallinarum, 1.06 for Subulura spp. and 9.00 for R. echinobothrida. It is concluded that free-range chickens are parasitized by nematodes and cestoda.(AU)

Gastrointestinal Parasites in Free-Range Chicken Raised under Extensive System from the Northeast of Brazil

Brazilian poultry production is growing, mainly due to the cost and benefit that chicken meat provides. The importance of free-range chickens and the susceptibility, to which they are exposed, makes it necessary to know about gastrointestinal parasites and the consequences that large infections can cause for them as such as weight loss. The present study aimed to determine the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in free-range hens raised in an extensive regime in the municipality of Santa Rita, state of Maranhão, Brazil. The studied population was composed of adult chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) acquired from slaughterhouses in the region. The gastrointestinal organs of each chicken were separated and subsequently conditioned in flasks containing Railliet and Henrys solution and sent to the laboratory, to be analyzed and processed. Of the 100 chickens examined, 227 specimens of helminthes were identified, with a frequency of 32.6% for nematodes and 67.4% for cestodes. Among the nematode the following parasites were identified: Ascaridia galli (27.03%); Heterakis gallinarum (48.65%) and Subulura spp. (24, 32%). Raillietina echinobothrida (100%) was the only cestoda identified. The average infection rate by species of parasite was 1.18 for A. galli, 2.22 for H. gallinarum, 1.06 for Subulura spp. and 9.00 for R. echinobothrida. It is concluded that free-range chickens are parasitized by nematodes and cestoda.

Isolated and combined organic acids in diets of broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria acervulina / [Ácidos orgânicos isolados ou associados em dietas de frangos de corte desafiados com Eimeria acervulina]

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of isolated or combined citric and benzoic acids added to the diets of broiler chickens on performance, allometry of the digestive system organs, intestinal pH and quantity of microorganisms in the jejunum. A total of 840 male Cobb broiler chicks were utilized, distributed in a complete random design in 2 × 2 factorial scheme, supplemented or not with citric acid, and sodium benzoate, with seven replications. At 14 days old, 1mL of a solution containing 1 × 105 sporulated oocysts of Eimeria acervulina per bird was inoculated orally. There was no effect of the acids on the broiler's performance in the 1 to 21-day period. In the total period (1 to 42 days), the broilers fed with a blend of citric and benzoic acid presented greater feed intake, without increment in weight gain. The data of allometry of the digestive system organs and the jejunal pH values were not influenced by the treatments. The citric acid increased the bacterial quantity of gram-positive coccus and total anaerobes in the jejunum. Under the conditions of the present study, we conclude that the citric and benzoic acids, isolated or combined, do not benefit the nutrition of broilers challenged with E. acervulina.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da inclusão isolada ou associada dos ácidos cítrico e benzoico na alimentação de frangos de corte sobre o desempenho, a alometria de órgãos do sistema digestório, o pH intestinal e a quantidade de microrganismos no jejuno. Foram utilizados 840 pintos de corte, machos, da linhagem Cobb, distribuídos num delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2 × 2, com suplementação ou não de ácido cítrico e suplementação ou não de benzoato de sódio, com sete repetições. Aos 14 dias de idade, foi inoculado, via oral, 1mL de solução contendo 1 × 105 oocistos esporulados de Eimeria acervulina por ave. Não houve efeito dos ácidos sobre o desempenho dos frangos no período de um a 21 dias. No período total (um a 42 dias), os frangos alimentados com a mistura de ácidos cítrico e benzoico apresentaram maior consumo de ração, sem incremento no ganho de peso. Os dados de alometria dos órgãos do sistema digestório e os valores de pH do jejuno não foram influenciados pelos tratamentos. O ácido cítrico aumentou a quantidade de bactérias do gênero cocos Gram positivos e anaeróbios totais no jejuno. Nas condições do presente estudo, conclui-se que os ácidos cítrico e benzoico, isolados ou associados, não beneficiam a nutrição de frangos de corte desafiados com E. acervulina.(AU)

Isolated and combined organic acids in diets of broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria acervulina / [Ácidos orgânicos isolados ou associados em dietas de frangos de corte desafiados com Eimeria acervulina]

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of isolated or combined citric and benzoic acids added to the diets of broiler chickens on performance, allometry of the digestive system organs, intestinal pH and quantity of microorganisms in the jejunum. A total of 840 male Cobb broiler chicks were utilized, distributed in a complete random design in 2 × 2 factorial scheme, supplemented or not with citric acid, and sodium benzoate, with seven replications. At 14 days old, 1mL of a solution containing 1 × 105 sporulated oocysts of Eimeria acervulina per bird was inoculated orally. There was no effect of the acids on the broiler's performance in the 1 to 21-day period. In the total period (1 to 42 days), the broilers fed with a blend of citric and benzoic acid presented greater feed intake, without increment in weight gain. The data of allometry of the digestive system organs and the jejunal pH values were not influenced by the treatments. The citric acid increased the bacterial quantity of gram-positive coccus and total anaerobes in the jejunum. Under the conditions of the present study, we conclude that the citric and benzoic acids, isolated or combined, do not benefit the nutrition of broilers challenged with E. acervulina.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da inclusão isolada ou associada dos ácidos cítrico e benzoico na alimentação de frangos de corte sobre o desempenho, a alometria de órgãos do sistema digestório, o pH intestinal e a quantidade de microrganismos no jejuno. Foram utilizados 840 pintos de corte, machos, da linhagem Cobb, distribuídos num delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2 × 2, com suplementação ou não de ácido cítrico e suplementação ou não de benzoato de sódio, com sete repetições. Aos 14 dias de idade, foi inoculado, via oral, 1mL de solução contendo 1 × 105 oocistos esporulados de Eimeria acervulina por ave. Não houve efeito dos ácidos sobre o desempenho dos frangos no período de um a 21 dias. No período total (um a 42 dias), os frangos alimentados com a mistura de ácidos cítrico e benzoico apresentaram maior consumo de ração, sem incremento no ganho de peso. Os dados de alometria dos órgãos do sistema digestório e os valores de pH do jejuno não foram influenciados pelos tratamentos. O ácido cítrico aumentou a quantidade de bactérias do gênero cocos Gram positivos e anaeróbios totais no jejuno. Nas condições do presente estudo, conclui-se que os ácidos cítrico e benzoico, isolados ou associados, não beneficiam a nutrição de frangos de corte desafiados com E. acervulina.(AU)

Influence of Levels of Dietary Fiber Sources on the Performance, Carcass Traits, Gastrointestinal Tract Development, Fecal Ammonia Nitrogen, and Intestinal Morphology of Broilers

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary fiber source levels on the fecal ammonia nitrogen, growth performance, carcass traits, gastrointestinal tract development, and intestinal morphology of broilers. A total of 420 one-day-old unsexed broiler chicks were individually weighed and randomly divided into 5 groups, each with seven replicates of twelve chicks. Rice hulls (RH) and soybean hulls (SH) were ground through a hammer mill with a 2-mm screen. The RH and SH experimental diets were as follows: 0% (control); 2.5% RH; 2.5% SH; 5% RH; and 5% SH. No significant differences were found in growth performance and fecal ammonia nitrogen among the dietary treatment groups (p>0.05). Compared with the control, the experimental diets with 2.5% SH significantly decreased the wing weight of chickens (p 0.05), while no significant differences in the weight of the other visceral organs were observed. Compared with the control, broilers in the 5% SH group had a longer jejunum and ileum (p 0.05). Feeding the broilers SH and RH had no effect on the villus area and crypt depth of the intestine. Compared with the control, the experimental diet with 2.5% RH significantly increased the duodenal villus height of chickens (p 0.05). These findings suggest that the inclusion of 5% SH in the diets resulted in improved intestinal morphology without negatively affecting growth performance and carcass traits.(AU)

Influence of Levels of Dietary Fiber Sources on the Performance, Carcass Traits, Gastrointestinal Tract Development, Fecal Ammonia Nitrogen, and Intestinal Morphology of Broilers

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary fiber source levels on the fecal ammonia nitrogen, growth performance, carcass traits, gastrointestinal tract development, and intestinal morphology of broilers. A total of 420 one-day-old unsexed broiler chicks were individually weighed and randomly divided into 5 groups, each with seven replicates of twelve chicks. Rice hulls (RH) and soybean hulls (SH) were ground through a hammer mill with a 2-mm screen. The RH and SH experimental diets were as follows: 0% (control); 2.5% RH; 2.5% SH; 5% RH; and 5% SH. No significant differences were found in growth performance and fecal ammonia nitrogen among the dietary treatment groups (p>0.05). Compared with the control, the experimental diets with 2.5% SH significantly decreased the wing weight of chickens (p 0.05), while no significant differences in the weight of the other visceral organs were observed. Compared with the control, broilers in the 5% SH group had a longer jejunum and ileum (p 0.05). Feeding the broilers SH and RH had no effect on the villus area and crypt depth of the intestine. Compared with the control, the experimental diet with 2.5% RH significantly increased the duodenal villus height of chickens (p 0.05). These findings suggest that the inclusion of 5% SH in the diets resulted in improved intestinal morphology without negatively affecting growth performance and carcass traits.

Epidemiological and pathological aspects of noninfectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in 114 horses in Southern Brazil / Aspectos epidemiológicos e patológicos de doenças não infecciosas do trato gastrointestinal de 114 equinos no sul do Brasil

Equine colic is one of the most common cause of death in horses, but few studies have investigated specifically the conditions at the necropsy. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological and pathological features of noninfectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in horses. A retrospective study was conducted in search of cases of these diseases affecting horses from 2005 to 2017. During this period, 114 horses died of noninfectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and the main causes were: primary gastric dilation (27/114), volvulus (27/114), enterolithiasis (20/114), rectal (colonic) perforation (15/114), gastric or cecocolonic impaction (10/114), incarcerations (6/114), intussusception (4/114), and others (5/114). Mixed breeds horses (56/114) and males (69/114) were mostly affected. The horses had a median and mean age of 10 and 10.9-years old, respectively. Primary gastric dilation was characterized by distension of the stomach by moderate to large amounts of content, which in 21 cases caused tearing of the stomach wall at the greater curvature (peritonitis), and the main predisposing factor was alimentary overload (17/27). Intestinal volvulus occurred within the small intestine (14 cases) and within the large intestines (13 cases). Grossly, there was intestinal ischemia with reddened to deep-black serosa and diffusely red mucosae. Enterolithiasis caused partial or complete obstruction of the right dorsal colon (9/20), transverse colon (4/20), small colon and right dorsal colon (3/20), rectum and right dorsal colon (2/20), and small colon (2/20). Viscera perforation and peritonitis occurred in 11 cases. Rectal (colonic) perforation involved the rectum (10/15), rectum/small colon (4/15), and the small colon (1/15). It was characterized by a focally extensive transmural tearing, associated with reddened borders, and retroperitoneal to diffuse peritonitis. Palpation related iatrogenic injuries (11/15) were the main cause. Impactions affected the large colon (7/10), the cecum (2/10), and the stomach (1/10). Incarcerations consisted of inguinoscrotal hernias (2/6), small intestine entrapment by a mesenteric failure (2/6), diaphragmatic hernia, and umbilical eventration. Grossly, the organs were constricted by a hernial ring, with intestinal ischemia and reddened to dark-red serosa. Predisposing factors included previous surgeries (2/6) and patent inguinal ring (1/6). Intussusception involved the small intestine (3/4) and ileocecum (1/4). Foals with lack of colostrum intake and concomitant pneumonia was a characteristic presentation (3/4). Grossly, the intussusceptum slipped into intussuscipiens, with diffuse deep black-red discoloration. Other causes included large colon displacement (2/5), extrinsic and intrinsic obstruction of the small intestine (2/5), and an intestinal adenocarcinoma. Noninfectious gastrointestinal diseases are major causes of death in horses. Epidemiological and gross features of the conditions should be accounted to obtain a final diagnosis of the cause of the colic.(AU)

A cólica em equinos é considerada como a principal causa de morte de cavalos, porém poucos estudos têm investigado especificamente as condições envolvidas através da necropsia. O objetivo desse estudo foi descrever os aspectos epidemiológicos e patológicos de doenças não infecciosas do trato gastrointestinal de equinos. Foi conduzido um estudo retrospectivo em busca de casos dessas doenças envolvendo cavalos de 2005 a 2017. Durante esse período, 114 equinos morreram devido a doenças não infecciosas do trato gastrointestinal, e as principais causas foram: dilatação gástrica (27/114), vólvulos (27/114), enterolitíase (20/114), ruptura retal (colônica) (15/114), compactação gástrica ou cecocolônica (10/114), encarceramentos (6/114), intussuscepções (4/114), e outros (5/114). Animais sem raça definida (56/114) e machos (69/114) foram mais afetados. Os equinos apresentavam uma média e mediana de idade de 10 e 10,9 anos, respectivamente. A dilatação gástrica primária era caracterizada por distensão do estômago por moderada a grande quantidade de conteúdo, que em 21 casos provocava ruptura da parede gástrica na curvatura maior (peritonite), e o principal fator predisponente foi sobrecarga alimentar (17/27). Vólvulo intestinal ocorreu no intestino delgado e no intestino grosso (14 e 13 casos, respectivamente). Macroscopicamente, havia isquemia intestinal com serosa avermelhada a enegrecida e mucosa difusamente avermelhada. A enterolitíase causou obstrução parcial ou completa do cólon dorsal direito (9/20), cólon transverso (4/20), cólon menor e cólon dorsal direito (3/20), cólon menor (2/20), e reto e cólon maior direito (2/20). Perfuração de vísceras e peritonite foram observadas em 11 casos. A ruptura retal (colônica) envolveu o reto (10/15), reto/cólon menor (4/15) e cólon menor (1/15). Essa era caracterizada por ruptura transmural focalmente extensa, com bordos avermelhados e peritonite retroperitoneal a difusa. Traumas relacionados à palpação (11/15) foram a principal causa. Compactações afetaram o cólon maior (7/10), ceco (2/10) e estômago (1/10). Encarceramentos consistiram em hérnias inguinoescrotais (2/6), encarceramento de alças intestinais por falha no mesentério (2/6), hérnia diafragmática e eventração umbilical. Macroscopicamente, os órgãos estavam constritos por um anel hernial, com isquemia intestinal e serosa avermelhada a vermelho-escura. Fatores predisponentes incluíram cirurgias prévias (2/6) e anel inguinal patente (1/6). Intussuscepções envolveram o intestino delgado (3/4) e íleoceco (1/4). A apresentação característica foi em potros com falta de colostro e concomitante pneumonia. Macroscopicamente, o intussuscepto deslizava em direção ao intussuscepiente, exibindo coloração vermelho-enegrecida difusa. Outras causas incluíram deslocamento de cólon maior (2/5), obstrução extrínseca e intrínseca do intestino delgado (2/5), e um caso de adenocarcinoma intestinal. Doenças não infecciosas são importantes causas de morte em equinos. Os aspectos epidemiológicos e macroscópicos das condições devem ser considerados para o que o diagnóstico final da causa da cólica seja obtido.(AU)

Desenvolvimento e fisiologia do trato digestivo de ruminantes / Development and physiology of the digestive tract of ruminants

Os animais ruminantes possuem algumas modificações em seu trato digestório decorrentes da evolução, tais modificações surgiram principalmente devido ao tipo de dieta desses animais, que é baseada em alimentos com alto teor de fibra. O estômago dos ruminantes é dividido em quatro compartimentos, sendo estes o rúmen, retículo, omaso e abomaso. Os três primeiros compartimentos (rúmen, retículo e omaso) abrigam os microrganismos e, portanto, possuem atividade fermentativa. O abomaso assemelha-se o estômago dos não ruminantes, possuindo epitélio revestido por mucosa com glândulas secretoras de ácido, muco e hormônios. A ingestão de forragem auxilia no desenvolvimento do tamanho e volume do rúmen, retículo e omaso, já a ingestão de alimento concentrado desenvolve as estruturas (papilas ruminais) do rúmen. Para que haja uma digestão dos alimentos de forma eficiente através dos microrganismos quês estão presentes no rúmen, as condições deste devem ser: pH ideal entre 5,5 e 6,8, substrato constante para fermentação, temperatura ideal entre 38 e 42 °C, anaerobiose, potencial redutor e taxa de passagem constante da digesta, além da remoção dos produtos da fermentação (AGCC, CH4, CO2, entre outros gases). Além dessas condições, existem funções motoras, de secreção e absorção do trato digestivo dos ruminantes que são reguladas pela interação dos mecanismos de controle do sistema nervoso central e pelo sistema endócrino, de maneira semelhante aos demais órgãos e sistemas do organismo. A complexa participação dos hormônios a garantir a degradação e absorção dos alimentos, dos quais são fundamentais para o desenvolvimento e produção dos animais ruminantes.

Ruminant animals have some modifications in their digestive tract, due to the evolution, such modifications arose mainly due to the type of diet of these animals, which is based on foods with high fiber content. The stomach of ruminants is divided into four compartments, being the rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum. The first three compartments (rumen, reticulum and omasum) harbor the microorganisms and, therefore, have fermentative activity. The abomasum resembles the stomach of non-ruminants, having mucosa-lined epithelium with acid-secreting glands, mucus, and hormones. The ingestion of forage aids in the development of the size and volume of the rumen, reticulum and omasum, while the ingestion of concentrated food develops the structures (ruminal papillae) of the rumen. In order to efficiently digest food through the microorganisms that are present in the rumen the conditions of this should be: ideal pH between 5.5 and 6.8, constant substrate for fermentation, ideal temperature between 38 and 42 °C, anaerobiosis , reducing potential and constant passage rate of the digesta, besides the removal of the products of the fermentation (AGCC, CH4, CO2, among other gases). In addition to these conditions, there are motor functions, secretion and absorption of the digestive tract of ruminants that are regulated by the interaction of central nervous system control mechanisms and the endocrine system, similar to other organs and systems of the body. The complex involvement of hormones will ensure the degradation and absorption of food, which are key to the development and production of ruminant animals.

Desenvolvimento e fisiologia do trato digestivo de ruminantes / Development and physiology of the digestive tract of ruminants

Os animais ruminantes possuem algumas modificações em seu trato digestório decorrentes da evolução, tais modificações surgiram principalmente devido ao tipo de dieta desses animais, que é baseada em alimentos com alto teor de fibra. O estômago dos ruminantes é dividido em quatro compartimentos, sendo estes o rúmen, retículo, omaso e abomaso. Os três primeiros compartimentos (rúmen, retículo e omaso) abrigam os microrganismos e, portanto, possuem atividade fermentativa. O abomaso assemelha-se o estômago dos não ruminantes, possuindo epitélio revestido por mucosa com glândulas secretoras de ácido, muco e hormônios. A ingestão de forragem auxilia no desenvolvimento do tamanho e volume do rúmen, retículo e omaso, já a ingestão de alimento concentrado desenvolve as estruturas (papilas ruminais) do rúmen. Para que haja uma digestão dos alimentos de forma eficiente através dos microrganismos quês estão presentes no rúmen, as condições deste devem ser: pH ideal entre 5,5 e 6,8, substrato constante para fermentação, temperatura ideal entre 38 e 42 °C, anaerobiose, potencial redutor e taxa de passagem constante da digesta, além da remoção dos produtos da fermentação (AGCC, CH4, CO2, entre outros gases). Além dessas condições, existem funções motoras, de secreção e absorção do trato digestivo dos ruminantes que são reguladas pela interação dos mecanismos de controle do sistema nervoso central e pelo sistema endócrino, de maneira semelhante aos demais órgãos e sistemas do organismo. A complexa participação dos hormônios a garantir a degradação e absorção dos alimentos, dos quais são fundamentais para o desenvolvimento e produção dos animais ruminantes.(AU)

Ruminant animals have some modifications in their digestive tract, due to the evolution, such modifications arose mainly due to the type of diet of these animals, which is based on foods with high fiber content. The stomach of ruminants is divided into four compartments, being the rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum. The first three compartments (rumen, reticulum and omasum) harbor the microorganisms and, therefore, have fermentative activity. The abomasum resembles the stomach of non-ruminants, having mucosa-lined epithelium with acid-secreting glands, mucus, and hormones. The ingestion of forage aids in the development of the size and volume of the rumen, reticulum and omasum, while the ingestion of concentrated food develops the structures (ruminal papillae) of the rumen. In order to efficiently digest food through the microorganisms that are present in the rumen the conditions of this should be: ideal pH between 5.5 and 6.8, constant substrate for fermentation, ideal temperature between 38 and 42 °C, anaerobiosis , reducing potential and constant passage rate of the digesta, besides the removal of the products of the fermentation (AGCC, CH4, CO2, among other gases). In addition to these conditions, there are motor functions, secretion and absorption of the digestive tract of ruminants that are regulated by the interaction of central nervous system control mechanisms and the endocrine system, similar to other organs and systems of the body. The complex involvement of hormones will ensure the degradation and absorption of food, which are key to the development and production of ruminant animals. (AU)

Morphological study of the gastrointestinal tract of the snow trout, Schizothorax esocinus (Actinopterygii: Cypriniformes)

The present study aimed to investigate the macroscopic structure of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of Schizothorax esocinus Heckel, 1838. The surface architecture of the buccopharynx, oesophagus and the entire intestinal tract of S. esocinus has been examined under scanning electron microscope (SEM) after fixing in 2.5% glutaraldehyde buffered with 0.1 M sodium cacodylate at pH 7.3 for 18-48 hours and post-fixation for two hours at room temperature in 1% osmium tetra oxide buffered at pH 7.3 with 0.1 M cacodylate. The mucosal surface of buccopharynx, esophagus, intestinal bulb, and intestine reveal prominent longitudinal major or primary mucosal folds which are further subdivided into the series of irregular and well-circumscribed folds called minor or secondary folds. However, in the intestinal bulb and intestine, the longitudinal major or primary folds themselves form wavy or zigzagging patterns along the mucosal surface. The fine structure of the surface epithelium further shows that the apical surfaces of the epithelial cells are ped with finger-print like microridges, arranged in various patterns and regularly spaced. The rectal mucosa, on the other hand, displays a highly irregular type of major mucosal folds. The separation can’t be seen between major mucosal folds. A thin film of mucous spread over the mucosal folds and the numerous pores through which mucous cells release their content has also been noted along the rectal mucosa. This investigation suggests the possible role of different digestive organs in relation to feeding, digestion, storage, absorption, and various other physiological processes, thereby providing a knowledge necessary to the understanding of pathological or physiological alterations in both aquaculture and natural environment.

Morphological study of the gastrointestinal tract of the snow trout, Schizothorax esocinus (Actinopterygii: Cypriniformes)

The present study aimed to investigate the macroscopic structure of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of Schizothorax esocinus Heckel, 1838. The surface architecture of the buccopharynx, oesophagus and the entire intestinal tract of S. esocinus has been examined under scanning electron microscope (SEM) after fixing in 2.5% glutaraldehyde buffered with 0.1 M sodium cacodylate at pH 7.3 for 18-48 hours and post-fixation for two hours at room temperature in 1% osmium tetra oxide buffered at pH 7.3 with 0.1 M cacodylate. The mucosal surface of buccopharynx, esophagus, intestinal bulb, and intestine reveal prominent longitudinal major or primary mucosal folds which are further subdivided into the series of irregular and well-circumscribed folds called minor or secondary folds. However, in the intestinal bulb and intestine, the longitudinal major or primary folds themselves form wavy or zigzagging patterns along the mucosal surface. The fine structure of the surface epithelium further shows that the apical surfaces of the epithelial cells are ped with finger-print like microridges, arranged in various patterns and regularly spaced. The rectal mucosa, on the other hand, displays a highly irregular type of major mucosal folds. The separation cant be seen between major mucosal folds. A thin film of mucous spread over the mucosal folds and the numerous pores through which mucous cells release their content has also been noted along the rectal mucosa. This investigation suggests the possible role of different digestive organs in relation to feeding, digestion, storage, absorption, and various other physiological processes, thereby providing a knowledge necessary to the understanding of pathological or physiological alterations in both aquaculture and natural environment.(AU)

Non-carcass component yield of lambs finished in distinct production systems / Rendimento dos componentes não carcaça de cordeiros terminados em diferentes sistemas de produção

The aim was to assess the effect of the production system on the yield of non-carcass components of Dorper x Santa Inês crossbred lambs. The study was carried out at the teaching and research unit of sheep and goats of the Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Campus Dois Vizinhos - PR using 24 uncastrated Dorper x Santa Inês crossbreed lambs (8 animals per treatment). The experimental design was completely randomized using three treatments with eight replicates. The treatments were: Panicum maximum cv. Aruana pasture, no shade, and no concentrate supplementation (PAss); Panicum maximum cv. Aruana pasture in the shade of Louro-Pardo Nativo trees (Cordia trichotoma) and with concentrate supplementation (PAcs); feedlot pens (COp). Carcass weight did not differ between treatments (p > 0.05). However, sheep in feedlot pens showed higher average daily weight gain. The non-carcass components differed significantly (p < 0.05), apart from the empty gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and reproductive organs. Blood and external body components (head, skin, and limbs) showed higher weight in COp animals. The full gastrointestinal tract showed a significant difference between the treatments with the highest weight in sheep in the two pasture systems. Blood yield and weight of liver, kidneys, spleen, and heart were higher in COp animals. The production systems thus affected the total mass of non-carcass components in Dorper x Santa Inês crossbred lambs.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a influência dos sistemas de produção sobre o rendimento dos componentes não carcaça de cordeiros mestiços Dorper x Santa Inês. O trabalho foi conduzido na Unidade de Ensino e Pesquisa (UNEPE) de ovinos e caprinos da Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Campus Dois Vizinhos PR. Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros não castrados (8 animais em cada tratamento) provenientes de cruzamento das raças Dorper x Santa Inês. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com 3 tratamentos e 8 repetições. Os tratamentos foram: pastagem de Panicum maximum cv. Aruana, sem sombreamento + suplementação alimentar (PAss); pastagem de Panicum maximum cv. Aruana, com sombreamento natural proporcionado pela espécie arbórea Louro-Pardo Nativo (Cordia trichotoma) + suplementação alimentar (PAcs) e confinamento em aprisco (COp). O peso ao abate não apresentou diferença significativa (P < 0,05) entre os tratamentos, já o ganho de peso médio diário teve resultado superior para o confinamento. Os componentes não-carcaça, com exceção do trato gastrointestinal vazio, aparelho respiratório e reprodutor; apresentaram diferenças significativas (P < 0,05) entre os tratamentos. Sangue e os componentes corporais externos (cabeça, pele e extremidade dos membros locomotores) tiveram melhor rendimento nos animais terminados em confinamento. O trato gastrintestinal cheio apresentou diferença significativa (P<0,05) entre os tratamentos, com valores superiores observados na pastagem de aruana sem sombreamento e com sombreamento (silvipastoril). O rendimento do sangue, fígado, rins, baço e coração foram maiores nos animais terminados em confinamento. Os sistemas de produção estudados influenciaram no rendimento dos componentes não carcaça de cordeiros mestiços Dorper x Santa Inês.(AU)

Non-carcass component yield of lambs finished in distinct production systems / Rendimento dos componentes não carcaça de cordeiros terminados em diferentes sistemas de produção

The aim was to assess the effect of the production system on the yield of non-carcass components of Dorper x Santa Inês crossbred lambs. The study was carried out at the teaching and research unit of sheep and goats of the Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Campus Dois Vizinhos - PR using 24 uncastrated Dorper x Santa Inês crossbreed lambs (8 animals per treatment). The experimental design was completely randomized using three treatments with eight replicates. The treatments were: Panicum maximum cv. Aruana pasture, no shade, and no concentrate supplementation (PAss); Panicum maximum cv. Aruana pasture in the shade of Louro-Pardo Nativo trees (Cordia trichotoma) and with concentrate supplementation (PAcs); feedlot pens (COp). Carcass weight did not differ between treatments (p > 0.05). However, sheep in feedlot pens showed higher average daily weight gain. The non-carcass components differed significantly (p < 0.05), apart from the empty gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and reproductive organs. Blood and external body components (head, skin, and limbs) showed higher weight in COp animals. The full gastrointestinal tract showed a significant difference between the treatments with the highest weight in sheep in the two pasture systems. Blood yield and weight of liver, kidneys, spleen, and heart were higher in COp animals. The production systems thus affected the total mass of non-carcass components in Dorper x Santa Inês crossbred lambs.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a influência dos sistemas de produção sobre o rendimento dos componentes não carcaça de cordeiros mestiços Dorper x Santa Inês. O trabalho foi conduzido na Unidade de Ensino e Pesquisa (UNEPE) de ovinos e caprinos da Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Campus Dois Vizinhos – PR. Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros não castrados (8 animais em cada tratamento) provenientes de cruzamento das raças Dorper x Santa Inês. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com 3 tratamentos e 8 repetições. Os tratamentos foram: pastagem de Panicum maximum cv. Aruana, sem sombreamento + suplementação alimentar (PAss); pastagem de Panicum maximum cv. Aruana, com sombreamento natural proporcionado pela espécie arbórea Louro-Pardo Nativo (Cordia trichotoma) + suplementação alimentar (PAcs) e confinamento em aprisco (COp). O peso ao abate não apresentou diferença significativa (P < 0,05) entre os tratamentos, já o ganho de peso médio diário teve resultado superior para o confinamento. Os componentes não-carcaça, com exceção do trato gastrointestinal vazio, aparelho respiratório e reprodutor; apresentaram diferenças significativas (P < 0,05) entre os tratamentos. Sangue e os componentes corporais externos (cabeça, pele e extremidade dos membros locomotores) tiveram melhor rendimento nos animais terminados em confinamento. O trato gastrintestinal cheio apresentou diferença significativa (P<0,05) entre os tratamentos, com valores superiores observados na pastagem de aruana sem sombreamento e com sombreamento (silvipastoril). O rendimento do sangue, fígado, rins, baço e coração foram maiores nos animais terminados em confinamento. Os sistemas de produção estudados influenciaram no rendimento dos componentes não carcaça de cordeiros mestiços Dorper x Santa Inês.

COMPONENTES NÃO CARCAÇA DE NOVILHOS DE CORTE SUBMETIDOS À CASTRAÇÃO CIRÚRGICA OU IMUNOLÓGICA

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the characteristics of empty body components that are not part of the carcass of steers surgically or immunologically castrated. Forty-eight Aberdeen Angus calves were used and monitored since six months of age and 160 kg of average weight. The animals were divided into the following treatments: surgically castrated at birth; Surgically castrated at weaning; Immunocastrated with three doses immunocastrated of vaccine (6th, 9th and 14th months of age of the animals) and immunocastrated with four doses (6th, 7th, 10th and 15th months of age of the animals). The experimental design used was the completely randomized. During the slaughter, all internal and external components of animal body were separated and weighed individually. The total internal organs, expressed in percentage of empty body weight, differed between the two protocols of immunocastration, with superiority when it was applied four doses (3.61 vs. 3.39 kg). Steers castrated at birth deposited more cardiac, kidney and pelvic fat, and fat of the gastrointestinal tract that immunocastrated with three doses, regardless of how it was expressed. Surgical castration at birth promotes greater deposition of visceral fat at the slaughtered in young steers in relation to immunocastration with definitive dosage at nine months of age.

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar as características dos componentes do corpo vazio que não integram a carcaça de novilhos castrados cirurgicamente ou imunologicamente. Foram utilizados 48 bezerros Aberdeen Angus, monitorados a partir de idade média inicial de seis meses e peso médio inicial de 160 kg. Os animais foram distribuídos nos seguintes tratamentos: castrados cirurgicamente ao nascimento; castrados cirurgicamente à desmama; imunocastrados com três doses de vacina (6º, 9º e 14º meses de idade dos animais) e imunocastrados com quatro doses (6º, 7º, 10º e 15º meses de idade dos animais). O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado. Durante o abate, todos os componentes internos e externos do corpo do animal foram separados e pesados individualmente. O total de órgãos internos expressos em percentual do peso de corpo vazio diferiu entre os dois protocolos de imunocastração, com superioridade quando aplicou-se quatro doses (3,61 vs. 3,39 kg). Novilhos castrados ao nascer depositaram mais gordura cardíaca, renal e pélvica, e gordura do trato gastrintestinal que imunocastrados com três doses, independentemente da forma como foi expressa. A castração cirúrgica ao nascimento promove maior deposição de gordura visceral, em novilhos abatidos em idade jovem, em relação à imunocastração com dosagem definitiva com nove meses de idade.

Componentes não carcaça de novilhos de corte submetidos à castração cirúrgica ou imunológica / Non carcass components steers submitted surgically castration or immunological castration

Objetivou-se avaliar as características dos componentes do corpo vazio que não integram a carcaça de novilhos castrados cirurgicamente ou imunologicamente. Foram utilizados 48 bezerros Aberdeen Angus, monitorados a partir de idade média inicial de seis meses e peso médio inicial de 160 kg. Os animais foram distribuídos nos seguintes tratamentos: castrados cirurgicamente ao nascimento; castrados cirurgicamente à desmama; imunocastrados com três doses de vacina (6º, 9º e 14º meses de idade dos animais) e imunocastrados com quatro doses (6º, 7º, 10º e 15º meses de idade dos animais). O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado. Durante o abate, todos os componentes internos e externos do corpo do animal foram separados e pesados individualmente. O total de órgãos internos expressos em percentual do peso de corpo vazio diferiu entre os dois protocolos de imunocastração, com superioridade quando aplicou-se quatro doses (3,61 vs. 3,39 kg). Novilhos castrados ao nascer depositaram mais gordura cardíaca, renal e pélvica, e gordura do trato gastrintestinal que imunocastrados com três doses, independentemente da forma como foi expressa. A castração cirúrgica ao nascimento promove maior deposição de gordura visceral, em novilhos abatidos em idade jovem, em relação à imunocastração com dosagem definitiva com nove meses de idade.

The objective was to evaluate the characteristics of empty body components that are not part of the carcass of steers surgically or immunologically castrated. Forty-eight Aberdeen Angus calves were used and monitored since six months of age and 160 kg of average weight. The animals were divided into the following treatments: surgically castrated at birth; Surgically castrated at weaning; Immunocastrated with three doses immunocastrated of vaccine (6th, 9th and 14th months of age of the animals) and immunocastrated with four doses (6th, 7th, 10th and 15th months of age of the animals). The experimental design used was the completely randomized. During the slaughter, all internal and external components of animal body were separated and weighed individually. The total internal organs, expressed in percentage of empty body weight, differed between the two protocols of immunocastration, with superiority when it was applied four doses (3.61 vs. 3.39 kg). Steers castrated at birth deposited more cardiac, kidney and pelvic fat, and fat of the gastrointestinal tract that immunocastrated with three doses, regardless of how it was expressed. Surgical castration at birth promotes greater deposition of visceral fat at the slaughtered in young steers in relation to immunocastration with definitive dosage at nine months of age.

Componentes não carcaça de novilhos de corte submetidos à castração cirúrgica ou imunológica / Non carcass components steers submitted surgically castration or immunological castration

Objetivou-se avaliar as características dos componentes do corpo vazio que não integram a carcaça de novilhos castrados cirurgicamente ou imunologicamente. Foram utilizados 48 bezerros Aberdeen Angus, monitorados a partir de idade média inicial de seis meses e peso médio inicial de 160 kg. Os animais foram distribuídos nos seguintes tratamentos: castrados cirurgicamente ao nascimento; castrados cirurgicamente à desmama; imunocastrados com três doses de vacina (6º, 9º e 14º meses de idade dos animais) e imunocastrados com quatro doses (6º, 7º, 10º e 15º meses de idade dos animais). O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado. Durante o abate, todos os componentes internos e externos do corpo do animal foram separados e pesados individualmente. O total de órgãos internos expressos em percentual do peso de corpo vazio diferiu entre os dois protocolos de imunocastração, com superioridade quando aplicou-se quatro doses (3,61 vs. 3,39 kg). Novilhos castrados ao nascer depositaram mais gordura cardíaca, renal e pélvica, e gordura do trato gastrintestinal que imunocastrados com três doses, independentemente da forma como foi expressa. A castração cirúrgica ao nascimento promove maior deposição de gordura visceral, em novilhos abatidos em idade jovem, em relação à imunocastração com dosagem definitiva com nove meses de idade.(AU)

The objective was to evaluate the characteristics of empty body components that are not part of the carcass of steers surgically or immunologically castrated. Forty-eight Aberdeen Angus calves were used and monitored since six months of age and 160 kg of average weight. The animals were divided into the following treatments: surgically castrated at birth; Surgically castrated at weaning; Immunocastrated with three doses immunocastrated of vaccine (6th, 9th and 14th months of age of the animals) and immunocastrated with four doses (6th, 7th, 10th and 15th months of age of the animals). The experimental design used was the completely randomized. During the slaughter, all internal and external components of animal body were separated and weighed individually. The total internal organs, expressed in percentage of empty body weight, differed between the two protocols of immunocastration, with superiority when it was applied four doses (3.61 vs. 3.39 kg). Steers castrated at birth deposited more cardiac, kidney and pelvic fat, and fat of the gastrointestinal tract that immunocastrated with three doses, regardless of how it was expressed. Surgical castration at birth promotes greater deposition of visceral fat at the slaughtered in young steers in relation to immunocastration with definitive dosage at nine months of age.(AU)

Body conformation and internal organs characteristics of different commercial broiler lines

The aim of the study was to determine body weight and dimensions, body conformation, length of the esophagus, length of intestine and its segments, as well as weight of internal organs and their proportions relative the body weight of broiler chickens from three commercial lines - Ross 308, Hubbard Flex and Hubbard F15. At the age of 42 days, Ross 308 chickens had significantly (p0.05) shorter trunk, but greater chest circumference and compactness index, as well as shorter esophagus and longer large intestine compared with Hubbard F15. The longest large and total intestine was found in Ross 308 broilers. Chicken genotype had no significant effect on the percentage of the main internal organs, i.e. liver, heart, proventriculus, gizzard, and spleen. In the analyzed broilers, the coefficients of correlation between body weight and dimensions and the length of the esophagus, small intestine, caeca and large intestine were low and not significant. This study provides information relevant to breeding practice, including that the development of internal organs in broiler chickens raised under intensive conditions has an effect on their meat characteristics.(AU)