Reproductive response of crossbred Bos taurus × Bos indicus cows to biostimulation by pre-pubertal and pubertal teasers.

Although the beneficial effect of biostimulation on reproduction has been reported, the influence of selectivity and social factors on the response to biostimulation has not received sufficient research attention in both Bos indicus and Bos indicus influenced cattle. Furthermore, 'green and cheap' strategies to improve cattle reproduction are currently in demand while Bos indicus influenced cattle with inferior reproductive performance, and farmers with economic limitations are common in tropical zones. Hence, to assess the reproductive response of crossbred taurus × indicus cows to biostimulation by pre-pubertal (PPM) or pubertal (PM) teasers males, two trials of 2 years each were conducted. Trial 1 n = 187 cows (Year 1:85 cows exposed to PPM and Year 2:102 cows exposed to PM). Trial 2 n = 196 cows (Year 1:101 cows exposed to PPM and Year 2:95 cows exposed to PM). The effect of exposing cows to PPM and PM on the intervals calving to first service (ICFS), calving to conception (ICC) and economic cost of days open (ECDO) was analysed using Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and the effect of exposing cows to PPM and to PM on reproductive status at 90 days (RS90) and proportion of cows requiring hormonal protocols (PRH) was compared using χ2 analysis. Both ICFS and ICC were shorter (p < .0001) for PM-exposed females (96.12 ± 4.1 and 110.93 ± 2.9 days; respectively) compared with those PPM-exposed (134.41 ± 3.3 and 135.64 ± 2.4 days; respectively). With RS90, more (p < .0001) PM-exposed cows (50.7%) were pregnant compared with PPM-exposed cows (16.1%). The PRH was greater (p < .0001) in PPM-exposed cows (79.0%) compared with PM-exposed (27.9%). The ECDO was less (p < .0001) in PM-exposed cows (US$ 142.9 ± 3.8) compared with PPM-exposed (US$ 176.3 ± 2.9). In conclusion, cows exposed to PM had shorter ICFS and ICC compared with cows exposed to PPM. More cows exposed to PM were pregnant after 90 days, and PRH was less than cows exposed to PPM. Cows exposed to PM had a reduced ECDO than those exposed to PPM.

Sensory Profile and Physico-Chemical Properties of Artisanal Honey from Zulia, Venezuela.

The physico-chemical parameters and the sensory profile were determined in honeys from apiaries of the Mara and Maracaibo of Zulia State (Venezuela). The analysis of variance showed that there were no significant differences in the mean value between apiaries for most of the physicochemical parameters and sensory attributes. The obtained value for pH (3.58-4.08), free acidity (30.9-36.0 meq/kg), lactone acidity (9.0-14.3 meq/kg), total acidity (42.1-46.0 meq/kg), moisture content (19.1-20.0%), diastase activity (8.11-12.7 ºG), colour intensity (41.5-86.6 mm Pfund), hydroxymethylfurfural (15.7-26.0 mg/kg), and electrical conductivity (0.33-0.52 mS/cm) were within the criteria set by international quality regulations. The sensory profile of these honeys is characterized by being amber in colour, with a floral, acid fruit, balsamic and animal odour/aroma, a sweet, slightly acid taste, and by being fluid and of a medium persistence.

Inoculation with a terroir selected Debaryomyces hansenii strain changes physico-chemical characteristics of Iberian cured pork loin.

Debaryomyces hansenii Lr1, previously isolated from naturally fermented cured pork loin ("lomo embuchado"), was used to inoculate Iberian pork loin under four different conditions. In all cases, specifically inoculated D. hansenii yeasts grew on the surface of the product and affected its physico-chemical and sensory characteristics. Inoculated pork loin kept higher water activity and pH and possessed lower sodium content than control samples at the end of the 90 days ripening period. Moreover, inoculation with Lr1 yeast did not change the general profile of fatty acids but modified the levels of volatile and aroma compounds by decreasing aldehydes and increasing esters and alcohol compounds. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the different physico-chemical parameters that were determined showed a clear separation between the samples indicating that they were different. A tendency in consumers acceptance to prefer cured pork loin specifically inoculated with the higher amounts of yeasts used in this study was observed.

Outpatient hysteroscopic polypectomy: bipolar energy system (Versapoint®) versus diode laser - randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the resection of endometrial polyps with two different devices: the Versapoint biopolar electrode and the Diode Laser. METHODS: One hundred and two patients diagnosed with endometrial polyps were randomly assigned to undergo hysteroscopic polypectomy: one group (n = 52) performed with Versapoint bipolar electrode through a 5Fr working channel and the other group with Biolitec Diode Laser (n = 50) using a specific fiber for polyps in a 7Fr working channel. All cases were managed on an outpatient basis, without anesthesia and using a rigid 30(o) hysteroscope and saline solution as a distention medium. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Complete resection rate, operative time, complications, intraoperative pain and relapse rate after three months. RESULTS: Intraoperative pain and polyp resection time was similar in both groups. Upon second look hysteroscopy at 3-month, a higher percentage of women of the Versapoint group presented polyp relapse (32.6 versus 2.2%, p = 0.001). Elimination of the polyp after incomplete resection was higher in the Laser group. A significantly higher number of patients in the Laser group considered the procedure to be highly recommendable (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Polypectomy with Diode Laser resulted in fewer relapses and a higher procedure satisfaction rate as compared to Versapoint.

Asymptomatic presence of Nosema spp. in Spanish commercial apiaries.

Nosemosis is caused by intracellular parasites (Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae) that infect the midgut epithelial cells in adult honey bees. Recent studies relate N. ceranae to Colony Collapse Disorder and there is some suggestion that Nosema spp., especially N. ceranae, induces high mortality in honey bees, a fact that is considered as a serious threat for colony survival. 604 samples of adult honey bees for Nosema spp. analysis were collected from beekeeping colonies across Spain and were analysed using PCR with capillary electrophoresis. We also monitored 77 Andalusian apiaries for 2 years; the sampled hives were standard healthy colonies, without any special disease symptoms. We found 100% presence of Nosema spp. in some locations, indicating that this parasite was widespread throughout the country. The two year monitoring indicated that 87% of the hives with Nosema spp. remained viable, with normal honey production and biological development during this period of time. The results of these trials indicated that both N. ceranae and N. apis could be present in these beehives without causing disease symptom and that there is no evidence for the replacement of N. apis by N. ceranae, supporting the hypothesis that nosemosis is not the main reason of the collapse and death of beehives.