Physical and Semen Characteristics of Mexican Creole Roosters in Summer and Autumn, at 19° North Latitude with a Constant Photoperiod

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the seasons (Summer and Autumn), on live weight, body condition, mass motility, percentage of live spermatozoa, and sperm-cell concentration of Creole roosters (Gallus domesticus) from Mexico. Semen from 35-week-old Creole roosters was collected weekly during 10 weeks in Summer and Autumn, through the dorso-abdominal massage technique. Roosters were individually kept under a constant photoperiod (16 hours light:8 hours dark). The average live weight was 4.5% higher (p<0.05) in Autumn (2.78 kg) than in Summer (2.66 kg), therefore this variable increased with age (r = 0.85, p<0.05). Category 2 of body condition occurred (p<0.05) with higher probability than the others (0, 1 and 3), being practically the same (p>0.05) in Autumn (99.96%) and in Summer (99.81%). On average (and in weeks 1 and 3-10), the percentage of live spermatozoa was higher in Summer than in Autumn. Accordingly, the percentage of live spermatozoa decreased with age (r = -0.82, p<0.05). However, on average, sperm-cell concentration did not change between seasons (p>0.05). In conclusion, Mexican Creole roosters showed higher percentage of live spermatozoa in Summer than in Autumn. Therefore, it is advisable to select these animals of about 2.7 kg and reproduce them in Summer.(AU)

Reproductive and hormonal responses of two breeds of roosters fed diets containing chromium picolinate with or without vitamin C at high ambient temperature

This study evaluated the effects of chromium picolinate (CrPic) with or without vitamin C on the reproductive potentials of cocks raised under high ambient temperature. Four diets contained CrPic at 0.00 to 1.20 mg kg-1 without vitamin C and another four diets contained CrPic with 200 mg vitamin C each. A total of 192 White Leghorn and Noiler cocks (96 cocks each) were randomly assigned to the 8 treatments and replicated 4 times with 6 cocks per replicate in a 2 x2 x 4 factorial experiment. At the end of the sixteen weeks study, twelve birds per treatment were randomly sacrificed. The testes were carefully sampled, weighed and processed for estimation of daily sperm production using the homogenate method. The results revealed that the interactions of 0.40 mg CrPic kg-1 with or without vitamin C significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the gonadal and extra-gonadal weights, semen characteristics among the cocks while the daily sperm production and reproductive hormones were not negatively affected. This study, therefore, concluded that 0.40 mg CrPic kg-1 diet with vitamin C could significantly reduce the effects of heat stress on cocks raised under high ambient temperature without negatively impacting on their normal reproductive functions.(AU)

Reproductive parameters and weight gain of roosters fed with waste oil from olive culture

Waste oil from olive oil extraction industry was used, instead of soybean oil, in heavy roosters diet in order to evaluate birds reproductive parameters. Atotal of forty roosters were housed individually in boxes with 1.2 m². Two experimental diets were used: control diet, based on corn, soybean meal, and soybean oil; and test diet, where soybean oil was totally replaced by waste oil. In order to verify weight gain and feed intake, animals were individually weighed weekly. Seven semen collections were performed with fifteen-day interval. Reproductive variables analyzed sperm volume, motility, concentration, and morphology. No statistical difference (p >0.05) was observed between treatments at the different collection periods for the variables sperm volume, motility, and concentration. There was a statistically significant difference between treatments for body weight in periods three (p =0.04), and seven (p=0.04). Statistical differences (p =0.01) were also observed between treatments for abnormal sperm morphology. Among collection periods, statistical difference was observed for motility (p =0.00), and sperm concentration (p =0.01). Total replacement of soybean oil by waste oil from olive oil extraction in young heavy roosters diets does not affect sperm volume, motility, and concentration; reduces defects in sperm tail, and promotes better weight gain control.(AU)

Reproductive parameters and weight gain of roosters fed with waste oil from olive culture

Waste oil from olive oil extraction industry was used, instead of soybean oil, in heavy roosters' diet in order to evaluate birds' reproductive parameters. A total of forty roosters were housed individually in boxes with 1.2 m². Two experimental diets were used: control diet, based on corn, soybean meal, and soybean oil; and test diet, where soybean oil was totally replaced by waste oil. In order to verify weight gain and feed intake, animals were individually weighed weekly. Seven semen collections were performed with fifteen-day interval. Reproductive variables analyzed sperm volume, motility, concentration, and morphology. No statistical difference (p > 0.05) was observed between treatments at the different collection periods for the variables sperm volume, motility, and concentration. There was a statistically significant difference between treatments for body weight in periods three (p = 0.04), and seven (p = 0.04). Statistical differences (p = 0.01) were also observed between treatments for abnormal sperm morphology. Among collection periods, statistical difference was observed for motility (p = 0.00), and sperm concentration (p = 0.01). Total replacement of soybean oil by waste oil from olive oil extraction in young heavy roosters' diets does not affect sperm volume, motility, and concentration; reduces defects in sperm tail, and promotes better weight gain control.(AU)

Marek's disease in roosters in the Potiguar semi-arid region

Background: Marek's disease (MD) is a transmissible disease in chickens caused by Gallid alphaherpesvirus 2 (GaHV-2). The infection is characterized by lymphocyte cellular infiltrates in peripheral nerves and other organs and tissues, including the skin; which can lead to dysfunction causing progressive asymmetric paresis and complete spastic paralysis of body extremities. Dermatitis and cardiac myositis caused by GaHV-2 in free-range chickens has rarely been described in Brazil. This reports the occurrence of the disease with a confirmatory molecular diagnosis in free-range poultry showing signs of dermatitis, poor performance, and cachexia and no mortality in the semi-arid Potiguar region. Cases: Twenty roosters of the Shamo lineage, among a brood of 42 birds, had a history of progressive weight loss and skin lesions. Two birds with poor body condition, erythema, and scaling of the skin in the head and cervical regions were sent for clinical care. All birds were between 12 and 18 months of age and were vaccinated against Newcastle disease and Fowlpox with only a few receiving vaccines against MD and Gumboro disease. According to the owner's report, some birds were previously kept outdoors, and when they were transferred to a small shed with little air circulation, they began to develop clinical signs after approximately 15 days. The first signs of the disease were also reported to have appeared 2.5 months before clinical care and, in the meantime, several treatments were instituted without success. Owing to the general condition of the animals and inconclusive clinical suspicion, the birds were subjected to euthanasia and necropsy. Tissue samples were collected for histopathological and polymerase chain reaction analyses to search for the GaHV-2 DNA meq gene. The main clinicopathological findings were erythema (47%, 20/42) and desquamation of skin and mild, prominent white multifocal areas in the heart. Histopathology revealed infiltration of pleomorphic lymphoblastic cells in the skin, heart, and sciatic nerve. The amplification of the L-meq and meq oncoprotein genes in these organs and in the liver, confirmed the infection by GaHV-2, consistent with that of a field strain. Discussion: MD was confirmed based on the macroscopic and histological lesions, and with the detection of GaHV-2 DNA in the affected tissues. The unusual clinical presentation represented an initial challenge for diagnosis. The clinical history was important to lead to the suspicion of MD, as roosters initiated clinical signs 15 days after they were transferred to a small shed with poor air circulation. This probably favored the high viral concentration and disease transmission among susceptible birds in the brood because the feather follicle is the primary site of viral replication for transmission; and desquamation of infected epithelial cells favor airborne horizontal transmission to susceptible chickens. The roosters had not been vaccinated against MD, which probably favored the infection, as vaccination is known to be a fundamental approach for MD control for effective growth of the poultry industry. Clinical findings and lesions, together with viral molecular detection, were fundamental for the diagnosis, a premise for the application of adequate prevention and control measures for the disease in breeding. This is the first report of MD with a confirmatory molecular diagnosis in northeastern Brazil.

Morphological aspects of epididymal microscopy and rete testis in greater Rhea Americana / Aspectos morfológicos da microscopia do epitélio do epidídimo da Rhea americana

The purpose of this research was to study the histology and describe the microscopy findings of the epididymis epithelium of greater Rhea americana at three time periods: November 2005 (n=14), December 2006 (n= 20), and May 2007 (n= 20), to observe and compare the differences that occurred. We studied the epididymis from 54 rheas, bred in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The epididymis were collected during commercial slaughter and fixed in bouin. Optical microscopy was used to measure the cellular structure, types of cells, tubules, and stereological values like the epididymis epithelium diameters, lumen, thickness, and relative volume of the tissue structure. Additionally, electron microscopy was studied. In December 2006 and May 2007, the means of the epididymis tubular diameter were: 79.1 and 58.1 µm, epithelium thickness: 24.0 and 52.2 µm, and lumen diameter: 55.0 and 5.8 µm, respectively. Regarding the volumetric proportion, we reported the following values: epithelium volume 36.2 and 80.4%, lumen without spermatozoon 19.6 and 3.0%, lumen with spermatozoon 5.4 and 0.0%, interstitium 35.4 and 12.0%, blood vessels 3.5 and 4.6%, structures in cellular superficies 1.4 and 0%, lamina 1.4 and 3.2%, and artifacts 0.3 and 1.3%, respectively. The epididymis ducts had a circular form in transverse sections with spermatozoon only in November 2005 and December 2006. The Rheas epididymis morphology was found to be similar to ostriches, roosters, and Japanese quail. Here, we present data from stereological microscopy (tubular diameter, epithelium thickness, and lumen diameter), volumetric proportion (epithelium, lumen without spermatozoon, lumen with spermatozoon, interstitium, blood vessels, structures in cellular superficies; cilium, estereocilium, and lamina) in this species during the repose and sexual activity period (reproductive season).(AU)

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi estudar a histologia e descrever os achados microscópicos do epitélio epidídimo de ema em três períodos: novembro/2005 (n = 14), dezembro/2006 (n = 20) e maio/2007 (n = 20), para observação e comparação das diferenças que ocorreram nesses tempos distintos. Estudamos o epidídimo de 54 animais, criados em Santa Maria, RS. Durante o abate comercial, os epidídimos foram coletados e fixados em Bouin. A microscopia óptica mede a estrutura celular, tipos de células, túbulos e valores estereológicos, como os diâmetros do epitélio do epidídimo, lúmen, espessura, volume relativo da estrutura do tecido. Em dezembro/2006 e maio/2007, as médias do diâmetro tubular do epidídimo foram: 79,1 e 58,1µm, espessura do epitélio: 24,0 e 52,2µm, diâmetro do lúmen: 55,0 e 5,8µm, respectivamente. Em relação à proporção volumétrica, encontramos os seguintes valores: volume epitelial 36,2 e 80,4%, lúmen sem espermatozoide 19,6 e 3,0%, lúmen com espermatozoide 5,4 e 0,0%, intestínio 35,4 e 12,0%, vasos sanguíneos 3,5 e 4,6%, estruturas celulares superfícies 1,4 e 0%, lâmina 1,4 e 3,2%, artefatos 0,3 e 1,3%, respectivamente. Os ductos do epidídimo apresentaram forma circular em cortes transversais com espermatozoide apenas em novembro/2005 e dezembro/2006. A morfologia do epidídimo de Rhea foi semelhante ao avestruz, galo e codornas japonesas. Apresentamos dados de microscopia estereológica (diâmetro tubular, espessura do epitélio, diâmetro do lúmen), proporção volumétrica, em porcentagem (epitélio, lúmen sem espermatozóide, lúmen com espermatozoide, intestório, vasos sanguíneos, estruturas em superfícies celulares - cílio - estereocílio, lâmina e artefatos) nesta espécie nos períodos de repouso e atividade sexual (estação reprodutiva).(AU)

Amino Acid Digestibility of Feed Ingredients in Cecectomized Adult Roosters

A digestibility assay was conducted in order to determine the digestibility coefficients (DC) of amino acids of feed ingredients in cecectomized adult roosters. In total 48 cecectomized adult roosters were used to assess the coefficient of digestibility of 7 ingredients: corn, soybean meal, soybean concentrate, corn gluten meal, wheat bran, peanut meal, and feather meal. Each ingredient was replicated six times and a group of 6 rooster was used to measure endogenous amino acid losses. After 48 hours of fasting, the roosters were tube fed 20g of ingredients tested twice during a day. At 12 hour-intervals excreta and endogenous losses were collected and immediately freeze-dried for further chemical analysis. At the end of the assay, excreta were weighed and samples of ingredients, excreta, and endogenous losses were pooled and analysed for dry matter, nitrogen and amino acid content. The coefficients of indispensable amino acids for the most feed ingredients assessed in the current research were similar to published literature like AMINODat®5.0 and the 4th edition of the Brazilian Tables for Poultry and Swine, except feather meal, in which only digestible Trp and Thr content were similar to literature. Particularly, the coefficients for some amino acids like Arg and Gly exhibited large discrepancies from literature in almost all the feed ingredients assessed herein. In general, using cecectomized adult roosters proved to be a reliable technique to assess the digestibility of feed ingredients used in poultry diets.(AU)

Amino Acid Digestibility of Feed Ingredients in Cecectomized Adult Roosters

A digestibility assay was conducted in order to determine the digestibility coefficients (DC) of amino acids of feed ingredients in cecectomized adult roosters. In total 48 cecectomized adult roosters were used to assess the coefficient of digestibility of 7 ingredients: corn, soybean meal, soybean concentrate, corn gluten meal, wheat bran, peanut meal, and feather meal. Each ingredient was replicated six times and a group of 6 rooster was used to measure endogenous amino acid losses. After 48 hours of fasting, the roosters were tube fed 20g of ingredients tested twice during a day. At 12 hour-intervals excreta and endogenous losses were collected and immediately freeze-dried for further chemical analysis. At the end of the assay, excreta were weighed and samples of ingredients, excreta, and endogenous losses were pooled and analysed for dry matter, nitrogen and amino acid content. The coefficients of indispensable amino acids for the most feed ingredients assessed in the current research were similar to published literature like AMINODat®5.0 and the 4th edition of the Brazilian Tables for Poultry and Swine, except feather meal, in which only digestible Trp and Thr content were similar to literature. Particularly, the coefficients for some amino acids like Arg and Gly exhibited large discrepancies from literature in almost all the feed ingredients assessed herein. In general, using cecectomized adult roosters proved to be a reliable technique to assess the digestibility of feed ingredients used in poultry diets.

Effect of antioxidant supplementation in diets of roosters during the post-peak phase on reproduction and production characteristics of offspring / Efeito da suplementação de antioxidantes na dieta de reprodutores de frangos de corte na fase pós-pico sobre características reprodutivas e produtivas da progênie

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of antioxidant supplementation in diets of breeding roosters during the post-peak phase on reproduction characteristics and muscle performance of offspring in two similar breeder houses from a local company. Treatments consisted of a control diet and a diet supplemented with antioxidants (8 ppm canthaxanthin + 40 ppm lycopene + 150 ppm vitamin C). During the 66th week of age, eggs were incubated, and offspring were housed. Dietary supplementation of the blend of antioxidant resulted in higher (p<0.05) weights of testicles, crests, dewlaps, dewlap thickness, and number of perforations (53.35 x 25.30) in relation to non-supplemented roosters. There was no significant effect (p>0.05) of supplementation of the antioxidant blend on weight gain and breast weight and count and diameter of muscle fibers of offspring at 7 days of age. Feed conversion and weight gain from 14 to 35 days were better (p<0.05) in offspring from supplemented roosters. The supplementation of an antioxidant blend in roosters improved reproductive characteristics assessed and feed conversion and weight gain of offspring.(AU)

O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação de antioxidantes em dietas para reprodutores machos de frangos de corte na fase pós-pico sobre características reprodutivas e muscular da progênie. O experimento foi conduzido no matrizeiro de uma agroindústria local. Os tratamentos consistiram em uma dieta controle e uma dieta suplementada com blend de antioxidantes (8 ppm de cantaxantina + 40 ppm de licopeno + 150 ppm de vitamina C). Na 66ª semana de idade, os ovos foram incubados e a progênie foi alojada. A suplementação de antioxidantes na dieta resultou em maior (p<0,05) peso de testículos, cristas, peso e espessura de barbelas e maior número de perfurações (53,35 x 25,30) em relação aos não suplementados. Não houve efeito significativo (p>0,05) dos antioxidantes na dieta dos reprodutores sobre o ganho de peso e o peso de peito e a contagem e diâmetro da fibra muscular da progênie aos 7 dias de idade. A conversão alimentar e ganho de peso na fase de 14 a 35 dias foram melhores (p<0,05) para a progênie dos reprodutores suplementados. A suplementação de antioxidantes na dieta dos reprodutores melhorou as características reprodutivas avaliadas e o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar da progênie.(AU)

Effect of antioxidant supplementation in diets of roosters during the post-peak phase on reproduction and production characteristics of offspring / Efeito da suplementação de antioxidantes na dieta de reprodutores de frangos de corte na fase pós-pico sobre características reprodutivas e produtivas da progênie

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of antioxidant supplementation in diets of breeding roosters during the post-peak phase on reproduction characteristics and muscle performance of offspring in two similar breeder houses from a local company. Treatments consisted of a control diet and a diet supplemented with antioxidants (8 ppm canthaxanthin + 40 ppm lycopene + 150 ppm vitamin C). During the 66th week of age, eggs were incubated, and offspring were housed. Dietary supplementation of the blend of antioxidant resulted in higher (p0.05) of supplementation of the antioxidant blend on weight gain and breast weight and count and diameter of muscle fibers of offspring at 7 days of age. Feed conversion and weight gain from 14 to 35 days were better (p<0.05) in offspring from supplemented roosters. The supplementation of an antioxidant blend in roosters improved reproductive characteristics assessed and feed conversion and weight gain of offspring.

O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação de antioxidantes em dietas para reprodutores machos de frangos de corte na fase pós-pico sobre características reprodutivas e muscular da progênie. O experimento foi conduzido no matrizeiro de uma agroindústria local. Os tratamentos consistiram em uma dieta controle e uma dieta suplementada com blend de antioxidantes (8 ppm de cantaxantina + 40 ppm de licopeno + 150 ppm de vitamina C). Na 66ª semana de idade, os ovos foram incubados e a progênie foi alojada. A suplementação de antioxidantes na dieta resultou em maior (p0,05) dos antioxidantes na dieta dos reprodutores sobre o ganho de peso e o peso de peito e a contagem e diâmetro da fibra muscular da progênie aos 7 dias de idade. A conversão alimentar e ganho de peso na fase de 14 a 35 dias foram melhores (p<0,05) para a progênie dos reprodutores suplementados. A suplementação de antioxidantes na dieta dos reprodutores melhorou as características reprodutivas avaliadas e o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar da progênie.

Comb, cloaca and feet scores and testis morphometry in male broiler breeders at two different ages

ABSTRACT In broiler breeder roosters, the weight of the testes is positively associated with daily sperm production and fertility. In birds, the testes are located in the coelomic cavity, not being accessible to reproductive evaluation as mammalian testes. The reproductive evaluation of roosters is based on phenotypic traits. Any changes on testes will be reflected on fertility levels. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the potential of association of phenotypic traits as body weight (BW), comb scores (COS), cloaca scores (CLS) and feet scores (FS) with testicular morphometric parameters in adult Cobb® Mx roosters in two ages (25 and 45 weeks of age). The low BW roosters had lower testes weight (TW), smaller seminiferous tubule diameter (STD) and lower comb and cloaca scores than the medium and high BW roosters (P0.05). Heavy roosters had the highest COS and bigger seminiferous epithelium height (SEH). There was no statistical difference between the BW categories in FS and volumetric proportion of seminiferous tubule (ST) and interstitial tissue (IT). Considering the age effect, roosters with 45 weeks of age had lower TW and ST than 25-week roosters. Positive, moderate and significant correlation was found between testes weight and phenotypic characteristics as BW, COS and CLS in 45week roosters. A positive, moderate and significant correlation was found between body weight and histologic testicular characteristics as STD and SHE in both evaluated ages. In conclusion, there is a regression in the testes weight with age and it is more intense in Cobb® Mx roosters with lower BW. Furthermore, it is concluded that the BW positively influences the testes weight and histological quality of the testes. COS and CLS can be used with moderate potential prediction to identify roosters with low testes weight at 45 weeks of age.

RESUMO Em galos de matriz pesada sabe-se que o peso dos testículos pode ser associado positivamente com a produção diária de espermatozoides e que alterações nos testículos irão refletir na fertilidade. Nas aves, os testículos estão localizados dentro da cavidade celomática, e, portanto, não são acessíveis para exame andrológico direto, como em mamíferos. A avaliação reprodutiva de galos se baseia principalmente em características fenotípicas. Buscou-se avaliar o potencial de associação de alguns parâmetros fenotípicos, como peso corporal (PC), escores de crista (ECR), escores de cloaca (ECL) e escores de pés (EP), com parâmetros morfológicos de testículos em galos Cobb® Mx em duas idades (25 e 45 semanas de idade). Galos leves apresentaram menor peso testicular (PT), menor diâmetro de túbulo seminífero (DT), e menores ECR e ECL que galos médios e pesados (P0.05). Galos pesados apresentaram os maiores ECR e maiores valores para altura do epitélio seminífero (AE), e DT. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as categorias de peso para escores de pé e proporções de túbulo seminífero (TS) e interstício (INT). Considerando-se o efeito da idade, galos com 45 semanas de idade apresentaram menores PT e TS que galos com 25 semanas de idade. Correlação positiva, moderada e significativa foi encontrada entre peso de testículo e características fenotípicas como ECR, ECL e PC em galos de 45 semanas de idade. Foi encontrada correlação positiva, moderada e significativa entre PC e características testiculares como DT e AE nas duas idades avaliadas. Conclui-se que em galos Cobb® Mx ocorre regressão do testículo com o avanço da idade, e ela é mais intensa em galos com menor peso corporal. Conclui-se que o PC tem influência positiva no peso e índices histomorfométricos dos testículos, e que escores de crista e de cloaca podem ser utilizados com potencial moderado de predição para identificar galos com baixo peso de testículos em galos com 45 semanas de idade.

Comb, cloaca and feet scores and testis morphometry in male broiler breeders at two different ages / Escores de crista, cloaca e de pé e morfometria testicular em galos de matriz pesada em duas diferentes idades

In broiler breeder roosters, the weight of the testes is positively associated with daily sperm production and fertility. In birds, the testes are located in the coelomic cavity, not being accessible to reproductive evaluation as mammalian testes. The reproductive evaluation of roosters is based on phenotypic traits. Any changes on testes will be reflected on fertility levels. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the potential of association of phenotypic traits as body weight (BW), comb scores (COS), cloaca scores (CLS) and feet scores (FS) with testicular morphometric parameters in adult Cobb® Mx roosters in two ages (25 and 45 weeks of age). The low BW roosters had lower testes weight (TW), smaller seminiferous tubule diameter (STD) and lower comb and cloaca scores than the medium and high BW roosters (P≤0.05). Heavy roosters had the highest COS and bigger seminiferous epithelium height (SEH). There was no statistical difference between the BW categories in FS and volumetric proportion of seminiferous tubule (ST) and interstitial tissue (IT). Considering the age effect, roosters with 45 weeks of age had lower TW and ST than 25-week roosters. Positive, moderate and significant correlation was found between testes weight and phenotypic characteristics as BW, COS and CLS in 45week roosters. A positive, moderate and significant correlation was found between body weight and histologic testicular characteristics as STD and SHE in both evaluated ages. In conclusion, there is a regression in the testes weight with age and it is more intense in Cobb® Mx roosters with lower BW. Furthermore, it is concluded that the BW positively influences the testes weight and histological quality of the testes. COS and CLS can be used with moderate potential prediction to identify roosters with low testes weight at 45 weeks of age.(AU)

Em galos de matriz pesada sabe-se que o peso dos testículos pode ser associado positivamente com a produção diária de espermatozoides e que alterações nos testículos irão refletir na fertilidade. Nas aves, os testículos estão localizados dentro da cavidade celomática, e, portanto, não são acessíveis para exame andrológico direto, como em mamíferos. A avaliação reprodutiva de galos se baseia principalmente em características fenotípicas. Buscou-se avaliar o potencial de associação de alguns parâmetros fenotípicos, como peso corporal (PC), escores de crista (ECR), escores de cloaca (ECL) e escores de pés (EP), com parâmetros morfológicos de testículos em galos Cobb® Mx em duas idades (25 e 45 semanas de idade). Galos leves apresentaram menor peso testicular (PT), menor diâmetro de túbulo seminífero (DT), e menores ECR e ECL que galos médios e pesados (P≤0.05). Galos pesados apresentaram os maiores ECR e maiores valores para altura do epitélio seminífero (AE), e DT. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as categorias de peso para escores de pé e proporções de túbulo seminífero (TS) e interstício (INT). Considerando-se o efeito da idade, galos com 45 semanas de idade apresentaram menores PT e TS que galos com 25 semanas de idade. Correlação positiva, moderada e significativa foi encontrada entre peso de testículo e características fenotípicas como ECR, ECL e PC em galos de 45 semanas de idade. Foi encontrada correlação positiva, moderada e significativa entre PC e características testiculares como DT e AE nas duas idades avaliadas. Conclui-se que em galos Cobb® Mx ocorre regressão do testículo com o avanço da idade, e ela é mais intensa em galos com menor peso corporal. Conclui-se que o PC tem influência positiva no peso e índices histomorfométricos dos testículos, e que escores de crista e de cloaca podem ser utilizados com potencial moderado de predição para identificar galos com baixo peso de testículos em galos com 45 semanas de idade.(AU)

Comb, cloaca and feet scores and testis morphometry in male broiler breeders at two different ages / Escores de crista, cloaca e de pé e morfometria testicular em galos de matriz pesada em duas diferentes idades

In broiler breeder roosters, the weight of the testes is positively associated with daily sperm production and fertility. In birds, the testes are located in the coelomic cavity, not being accessible to reproductive evaluation as mammalian testes. The reproductive evaluation of roosters is based on phenotypic traits. Any changes on testes will be reflected on fertility levels. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the potential of association of phenotypic traits as body weight (BW), comb scores (COS), cloaca scores (CLS) and feet scores (FS) with testicular morphometric parameters in adult Cobb® Mx roosters in two ages (25 and 45 weeks of age). The low BW roosters had lower testes weight (TW), smaller seminiferous tubule diameter (STD) and lower comb and cloaca scores than the medium and high BW roosters (P≤0.05). Heavy roosters had the highest COS and bigger seminiferous epithelium height (SEH). There was no statistical difference between the BW categories in FS and volumetric proportion of seminiferous tubule (ST) and interstitial tissue (IT). Considering the age effect, roosters with 45 weeks of age had lower TW and ST than 25-week roosters. Positive, moderate and significant correlation was found between testes weight and phenotypic characteristics as BW, COS and CLS in 45week roosters. A positive, moderate and significant correlation was found between body weight and histologic testicular characteristics as STD and SHE in both evaluated ages. In conclusion, there is a regression in the testes weight with age and it is more intense in Cobb® Mx roosters with lower BW. Furthermore, it is concluded that the BW positively influences the testes weight and histological quality of the testes. COS and CLS can be used with moderate potential prediction to identify roosters with low testes weight at 45 weeks of age.(AU)

Em galos de matriz pesada sabe-se que o peso dos testículos pode ser associado positivamente com a produção diária de espermatozoides e que alterações nos testículos irão refletir na fertilidade. Nas aves, os testículos estão localizados dentro da cavidade celomática, e, portanto, não são acessíveis para exame andrológico direto, como em mamíferos. A avaliação reprodutiva de galos se baseia principalmente em características fenotípicas. Buscou-se avaliar o potencial de associação de alguns parâmetros fenotípicos, como peso corporal (PC), escores de crista (ECR), escores de cloaca (ECL) e escores de pés (EP), com parâmetros morfológicos de testículos em galos Cobb® Mx em duas idades (25 e 45 semanas de idade). Galos leves apresentaram menor peso testicular (PT), menor diâmetro de túbulo seminífero (DT), e menores ECR e ECL que galos médios e pesados (P≤0.05). Galos pesados apresentaram os maiores ECR e maiores valores para altura do epitélio seminífero (AE), e DT. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as categorias de peso para escores de pé e proporções de túbulo seminífero (TS) e interstício (INT). Considerando-se o efeito da idade, galos com 45 semanas de idade apresentaram menores PT e TS que galos com 25 semanas de idade. Correlação positiva, moderada e significativa foi encontrada entre peso de testículo e características fenotípicas como ECR, ECL e PC em galos de 45 semanas de idade. Foi encontrada correlação positiva, moderada e significativa entre PC e características testiculares como DT e AE nas duas idades avaliadas. Conclui-se que em galos Cobb® Mx ocorre regressão do testículo com o avanço da idade, e ela é mais intensa em galos com menor peso corporal. Conclui-se que o PC tem influência positiva no peso e índices histomorfométricos dos testículos, e que escores de crista e de cloaca podem ser utilizados com potencial moderado de predição para identificar galos com baixo peso de testículos em galos com 45 semanas de idade.(AU)

Tramadol ou butorfanol: modelo analgésico pós osteossíntese experimental de úmero em galos ( Gallus gallus domesticus )

ABSTRACT: Tramadol is an opioid drug widely used in veterinary medicine, but their use and postoperative analgesic efficacy has not been investigated in birds. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tramadol or butorphanol roosters submitted to osteosynthesis of humerus. Twelve roosters (Gallus gallus domesticus) randomly into two groups were used: Tramadol group (TG) received as premedication 5mg.kg-1 of tramadol and butorphanol group (GB) as premedicated with 1mg.kg-1 of butorphanol. Then the induction occurred with the administration of inhalational anesthetic, isoflurane 3V% and anesthetic maintenance with the same agent 1.3V%. We evaluated systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and body temperature (BT). The evaluations were performed: before MPA (M0); 15 minutes after MPA (M1); after induction (M2) and different surgical times (M3, M4, M5 and M6). Postoperative analgesia was assessed by the modified scale of pain in birds by 2 reviewers blinded to the treatments in times: baseline and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 24 hours postoperatively; being the analgesic rescue perfomed when a higher sore than or equal to six points of a total of 24 were observed. Observed reduction in HR, RR and BT between M2 and M6 moments compared to baseline in both groups, and in GB periods of apnea were observed between M2 and M6, and between groups at higher values f in GT were M5 observed when compared to GB. SBP decreased only when M3 relative to baseline in the TG group. Postoperatively only a GT animal needed analgesic rescue with a higher score on the GT between M1 and M8 and GB between M1 and M12 compared to baseline, and between groups only T12 was higher in GB when compared to the GT. It was concluded that through the evaluation scale used analgesic, butorphanol, and tramadol showed satisfactory analgesia and may be used to control pain roosters subjected to fixation of the humerus.

RESUMO: O tramadol é um fármaco opioide amplamente utilizado em medicina veterinária, porém seu uso e eficácia analgésica pós-cirúrgica não foi investigado em aves. Objetivou-se avaliar a eficácia do tramadol ou butorfanol em galos submetidos à ostessíntese de úmero. Foram utilizados 12 galos (Gallus gallus domesticus), os quais foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos: grupo tramadol (GT) que recebeu como medicação pré anestésica (MPA) 5mg.Kg-1 de tramadol e o grupo butorfanol (GB) que recebeu como MPA 1mg.kg-1 de butorfanol, ambos pela via intramuscular. Em seguida a indução ocorreu com a administração do agente anestésico inalatório, isoflurano 3V% e a manutenção anestésica com o mesmo agente 1,3 V%. Avaliaram-se a pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), frequência cardíaca (FC), frequência respiratória (f) e temperatura corporal (TC). As avaliações foram realizadas: antes da MPA (M0); 15 minutos após MPA (M1); após indução anestésica (M2) e em diferentes momentos cirúrgicos (M3, M4, M5 e M6). A analgesia pós-operatória foi avaliada através da escala adaptada de dor em aves por dois avaliadores cegos aos tratamentos nos momentos: basal, e 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 e 24 horas pós-operatórias; sendo o resgate analgésico realizado quando uma pontuação maior ou igual a seis pontos de um total de 24 fosse observada. Observou-se redução da FC, f e da TC entre os momentos M2 e M6 em relação ao momento basal em ambos os grupos, sendo que no GB períodos de apneia foram observados entre M2 e M6, e entre grupos valores maiores na f no GT foram observados no momento M5 em relação ao GB. Houve diminuição da PAS apenas no momento M3 em relação ao momento basal no grupo GT. No pós-operatório apenas um animal do GT necessitou resgate analgésico observando-se pontuação maior no GT entre M1 e M8 e no GB entre M1 e M12 em relação ao momento basal, e entre grupos apenas T12 foi maior em GB quando comparado ao GT. Através da utilização da escala de dor em pombos submetidos à osteossíntese em membro pélvico e adaptada para avaliação álgica em galos, conclui-se que o tramadol e o butorfanol podem ser utilizados como analgésicos eficientes para o controle de dor pós-operatória em galos.

Effect of an Organic Trace Mineral Premix on the Semen Quality, Testicular Morphology and Gene Expression Related to Testosterone Synthesis of Male Broiler Breeders

ABSTRACT In order to investigate the effect of organic trace minerals premix (OTM) on the reproductive performance of breeder roosters, a total of 240 San Huang roosters (23 weeks of age) were randomly divided into two treatments with six replicates of 20 roosters each. The first group (n = 120) was fed a basal diet containing an inorganic trace minerals premix (ITM) and the other group (n = 120) was fed the basal diet in which ITM was replaced by OTM. The experiment period was 22 weeks. Semen from one randomly-selected rooster per replicate was collected two weeks after the beginning of the experiment and other 10 times every two weeks. Another rooster per replicate was randomly selected at 30, 35, and 45 weeks of age, and sacrificed. Results showed that OTM did not affect relative organ weights. There was a significant increase in semen parameters in OTM group (p 0.05), such as semen volume, semen density, and semen motility from 31 to 35 weeks. OTM-fed roosters presented higher serum testosterone levels at 45 weeks of age, as well as higher testicular mRNA expression of the genes 3-beta dehydrogenase 2 (HSD3B2) and cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1) in the OTM-fed group at 45 weeks of age compared with those fed ITM (p 0.05). Considering the results of the present study, it was concluded that feeding organic instead of inorganic trace minerals to male broilers breeders improves semen quality, which may be attributed to their better testicular development and higher expression of enzymes related to testosterone synthesis.(AU)

Effect of an Organic Trace Mineral Premix on the Semen Quality, Testicular Morphology and Gene Expression Related to Testosterone Synthesis of Male Broiler Breeders

ABSTRACT In order to investigate the effect of organic trace minerals premix (OTM) on the reproductive performance of breeder roosters, a total of 240 San Huang roosters (23 weeks of age) were randomly divided into two treatments with six replicates of 20 roosters each. The first group (n = 120) was fed a basal diet containing an inorganic trace minerals premix (ITM) and the other group (n = 120) was fed the basal diet in which ITM was replaced by OTM. The experiment period was 22 weeks. Semen from one randomly-selected rooster per replicate was collected two weeks after the beginning of the experiment and other 10 times every two weeks. Another rooster per replicate was randomly selected at 30, 35, and 45 weeks of age, and sacrificed. Results showed that OTM did not affect relative organ weights. There was a significant increase in semen parameters in OTM group (p 0.05), such as semen volume, semen density, and semen motility from 31 to 35 weeks. OTM-fed roosters presented higher serum testosterone levels at 45 weeks of age, as well as higher testicular mRNA expression of the genes 3-beta dehydrogenase 2 (HSD3B2) and cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1) in the OTM-fed group at 45 weeks of age compared with those fed ITM (p 0.05). Considering the results of the present study, it was concluded that feeding organic instead of inorganic trace minerals to male broilers breeders improves semen quality, which may be attributed to their better testicular development and higher expression of enzymes related to testosterone synthesis.

Tramadol ou butorfanol: modelo analgésico pós osteossíntese experimental de úmero em galos ( Gallus gallus domesticus ) / Tramadol or butorphanol: analgesic model of post experimental osteosynthesis of humerus in roosters ( Gallus gallus domesticus )

O tramadol é um fármaco opioide amplamente utilizado em medicina veterinária, porém seu uso e eficácia analgésica pós-cirúrgica não foi investigado em aves. Objetivou-se avaliar a eficácia do tramadol ou butorfanol em galos submetidos à ostessíntese de úmero. Foram utilizados 12 galos (Gallus gallus domesticus), os quais foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos: grupo tramadol (GT) que recebeu como medicação pré anestésica (MPA) 5mg.Kg-1 de tramadol e o grupo butorfanol (GB) que recebeu como MPA 1mg.kg-1 de butorfanol, ambos pela via intramuscular. Em seguida a indução ocorreu com a administração do agente anestésico inalatório, isoflurano 3V% e a manutenção anestésica com o mesmo agente 1,3 V%. Avaliaram-se a pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), frequência cardíaca (FC), frequência respiratória (f) e temperatura corporal (TC). As avaliações foram realizadas: antes da MPA (M0); 15 minutos após MPA (M1); após indução anestésica (M2) e em diferentes momentos cirúrgicos (M3, M4, M5 e M6). A analgesia pós-operatória foi avaliada através da escala adaptada de dor em aves por dois avaliadores cegos aos tratamentos nos momentos: basal, e 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 e 24 horas pós-operatórias; sendo o resgate analgésico realizado quando uma pontuação maior ou igual a seis pontos de um total de 24 fosse observada. Observou-se redução da FC, f e da TC entre os momentos M2 e M6 em relação ao momento basal em ambos os grupos, sendo que no GB períodos de apneia foram observados entre M2 e M6, e entre grupos valores maiores na f no GT foram observados no momento M5 em relação ao GB. Houve diminuição da PAS apenas no momento M3 em relação ao momento basal no grupo GT. No pós-operatório apenas um animal do GT necessitou resgate analgésico observando-se pontuação maior no GT entre M1 e M8 e no GB entre M1 e M12 em relação ao momento basal, e entre grupos apenas T12 foi maior em GB quando comparado ao GT. Através da utilização da escala de dor em pombos submetidos à osteossíntese em membro pélvico e adaptada para avaliação álgica em galos, conclui-se que o tramadol e o butorfanol podem ser utilizados como analgésicos eficientes para o controle de dor pós-operatória em galos.(AU)

Tramadol is an opioid drug widely used in veterinary medicine, but their use and postoperative analgesic efficacy has not been investigated in birds. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tramadol or butorphanol roosters submitted to osteosynthesis of humerus. Twelve roosters (Gallus gallus domesticus) randomly into two groups were used: Tramadol group (TG) received as premedication 5mg.kg-1 of tramadol and butorphanol group (GB) as premedicated with 1mg.kg-1 of butorphanol. Then the induction occurred with the administration of inhalational anesthetic, isoflurane 3V% and anesthetic maintenance with the same agent 1.3V%. We evaluated systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and body temperature (BT). The evaluations were performed: before MPA (M0); 15 minutes after MPA (M1); after induction (M2) and different surgical times (M3, M4, M5 and M6). Postoperative analgesia was assessed by the modified scale of pain in birds by 2 reviewers blinded to the treatments in times: baseline and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 24 hours postoperatively; being the analgesic rescue perfomed when a higher sore than or equal to six points of a total of 24 were observed. Observed reduction in HR, RR and BT between M2 and M6 moments compared to baseline in both groups, and in GB periods of apnea were observed between M2 and M6, and between groups at higher values f in GT were M5 observed when compared to GB. SBP decreased only when M3 relative to baseline in the TG group. Postoperatively only a GT animal needed analgesic rescue with a higher score on the GT between M1 and M8 and GB between M1 and M12 compared to baseline, and between groups only T12 was higher in GB when compared to the GT. It was concluded that through the evaluation scale used analgesic, butorphanol, and tramadol showed satisfactory analgesia and may be used to control pain roosters subjected to fixation of the humerus.(AU)

Tramadol ou butorfanol: modelo analgésico pós osteossíntese experimental de úmero em galos ( Gallus gallus domesticus ) / Tramadol or butorphanol: analgesic model of post experimental osteosynthesis of humerus in roosters ( Gallus gallus domesticus )

O tramadol é um fármaco opioide amplamente utilizado em medicina veterinária, porém seu uso e eficácia analgésica pós-cirúrgica não foi investigado em aves. Objetivou-se avaliar a eficácia do tramadol ou butorfanol em galos submetidos à ostessíntese de úmero. Foram utilizados 12 galos (Gallus gallus domesticus), os quais foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos: grupo tramadol (GT) que recebeu como medicação pré anestésica (MPA) 5mg.Kg-1 de tramadol e o grupo butorfanol (GB) que recebeu como MPA 1mg.kg-1 de butorfanol, ambos pela via intramuscular. Em seguida a indução ocorreu com a administração do agente anestésico inalatório, isoflurano 3V% e a manutenção anestésica com o mesmo agente 1,3 V%. Avaliaram-se a pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), frequência cardíaca (FC), frequência respiratória (f) e temperatura corporal (TC). As avaliações foram realizadas: antes da MPA (M0); 15 minutos após MPA (M1); após indução anestésica (M2) e em diferentes momentos cirúrgicos (M3, M4, M5 e M6). A analgesia pós-operatória foi avaliada através da escala adaptada de dor em aves por dois avaliadores cegos aos tratamentos nos momentos: basal, e 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 e 24 horas pós-operatórias; sendo o resgate analgésico realizado quando uma pontuação maior ou igual a seis pontos de um total de 24 fosse observada. Observou-se redução da FC, f e da TC entre os momentos M2 e M6 em relação ao momento basal em ambos os grupos, sendo que no GB períodos de apneia foram observados entre M2 e M6, e entre grupos valores maiores na f no GT foram observados no momento M5 em relação ao GB. Houve diminuição da PAS apenas no momento M3 em relação ao momento basal no grupo GT. No pós-operatório apenas um animal do GT necessitou resgate analgésico observando-se pontuação maior no GT entre M1 e M8 e no GB entre M1 e M12 em relação ao momento basal, e entre grupos apenas T12 foi maior em GB quando comparado ao GT. Através da utilização da escala de dor em pombos submetidos à osteossíntese em membro pélvico e adaptada para avaliação álgica em galos, conclui-se que o tramadol e o butorfanol podem ser utilizados como analgésicos eficientes para o controle de dor pós-operatória em galos.(AU)

Tramadol is an opioid drug widely used in veterinary medicine, but their use and postoperative analgesic efficacy has not been investigated in birds. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tramadol or butorphanol roosters submitted to osteosynthesis of humerus. Twelve roosters (Gallus gallus domesticus) randomly into two groups were used: Tramadol group (TG) received as premedication 5mg.kg-1 of tramadol and butorphanol group (GB) as premedicated with 1mg.kg-1 of butorphanol. Then the induction occurred with the administration of inhalational anesthetic, isoflurane 3V% and anesthetic maintenance with the same agent 1.3V%. We evaluated systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and body temperature (BT). The evaluations were performed: before MPA (M0); 15 minutes after MPA (M1); after induction (M2) and different surgical times (M3, M4, M5 and M6). Postoperative analgesia was assessed by the modified scale of pain in birds by 2 reviewers blinded to the treatments in times: baseline and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 24 hours postoperatively; being the analgesic rescue perfomed when a higher sore than or equal to six points of a total of 24 were observed. Observed reduction in HR, RR and BT between M2 and M6 moments compared to baseline in both groups, and in GB periods of apnea were observed between M2 and M6, and between groups at higher values f in GT were M5 observed when compared to GB. SBP decreased only when M3 relative to baseline in the TG group. Postoperatively only a GT animal needed analgesic rescue with a higher score on the GT between M1 and M8 and GB between M1 and M12 compared to baseline, and between groups only T12 was higher in GB when compared to the GT. It was concluded that through the evaluation scale used analgesic, butorphanol, and tramadol showed satisfactory analgesia and may be used to control pain roosters subjected to fixation of the humerus.(AU)

Dry matter digestibility and metabolizable energy of crude glycerines originated from palm oil using fed rooster assay / Digestibilidade da matéria seca e energia metabolizável da glicerina bruta originada a partir de óleo de palma usando ensaio de alimentação forçada com galos

A study was conducted to determine the dry matter digestibility, gross energy (GE), the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn), and the nitrogen-corrected true metabolizable energy (TMEn) of two crude glycerine from two different sources. The first crude glycerine (CG1) was from a large scale biodiesel producer with high content of glycerol (89.49%) and low content of crude fat (1.73%), meanwhile the second crude glycerine (CG2) was from a medium scale biodiesel producer with lower content of glycerol than CG1 (38.36%) and high content of crude fat (23.63%). Fed rooster assay based on Sibbald (1976) was used in the experiment. The experimental feed consisted of ground corn and three levels of crude glycerine (0, 10, and 20%). Twenty four Hisex brown roosters were housed in metabolic cages. Roosters were force fed with 30 g experimental feed, after 24 hours of fasting. Excreta collection was performed for two days while the roosters were fasting again. The content values of GE, AMEn, and TMEn of CG1 were 4065.18, 2926.59, and 3068.73 kcal kg-1 and for CG2 were 5928.09, 4010.11, and 4054.52 kcal kg, respectively.

O presente estudo foi realizado para determinar a digestibilidade da matéria seca, energia bruta (EB), energia metabolizável aparente corrigida pelo balanço de nitrogênio (EMAn) e energia metabolizável verdadeira corrigida pelo balanço de nitrogênio (EMVn) de glicerinas brutas de duas diferentes fontes. A primeira glicerina bruta (GB1) foi obtida de um produtor de biodiesel de grande escala contendo alto teor de glicerol (89,49%) e baixo teor de gordura bruta (1,73%), enquanto a segunda glicerina bruta (GB2) era de um produtor de biodiesel de média escala com menor conteúdo de glicerol do que GB1 (38,36%) e alto teor de gordura bruta (23,63%). O ensaio de alimentação forçada com galos baseado em Sibbald (1976) foi utilizado no experimento. A ração experimental foi composta de milho moído e três níveis de glicerina bruta (0, 10 e 20%). Vinte e quatro galos Hisex brown foram alojados em gaiolas metabólicas. Os galos foram alimentados a força com 30 g da ração experimental após jejum de 24 horas. A coleta de excretas foi realizada durante dois dias enquanto os galos permaneceram novamente em jejum. Os teores de EB, EMAn e EMVn de GB1 foram 4065,18, 2926,59 e 3068,73 kcal kg-1 para GB2 foram 5928,09, 4010,11 e 4054,52 kcal kg-1, respectivamente.