Partial Amputation of a Nonreducing Prolapsed Phallus in an Ostrich (Struthio camelus).

A 19-year-old male ostrich (Struthio camelus) was referred to a veterinary teaching hospital (São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil) due to a 6-month history of recurrent prolapse of the phallus. On physical examination, 2 ulcerative wounds were present on the phallus, as well as caseous plaques and myiasis. Conservative treatment resulted in improvement but prolapse of the phallus remained. Thus, a decision was made to perform a partial phallectomy. The surgery was successful and no postoperative complications occurred. When the ostrich was reexamined 6 months postsurgery, the ostrich was alert, in good health, and the surgical site completely healed. The owner verbally reported no recurrence of the phallus prolapse 1 year after surgery.

Outbreaks of philophthalmiasis in ostriches (Struthio camelus) in Northeast Brazil / Surtos de filoftalmíase em avestruzes (Struthio camelus) no Nordeste do Brasil

This study discusses the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological characteristics of two outbreaks of ocular infection in ostriches (Struthio camelus) caused by the trematode Philophthalmus sp. The outbreaks occurred in the states of Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte in Northeast Brazil. Ostrich farming was categorized as semi-intensive farming with free access to the weir and river. The clinical symptoms for infection included nictitating membrane inflammation, epiphora (tearing), eyelid edema, ocular congestion, eyeball destruction, emaciation, and death, and the infection period ranged from 8 to 16 months. Macroscopically, thickening of the eyelids and conjunctiva were observed, with orange parasites infestation. Histologically, the lesions were characterized as lymphoplasmacytic and heterophilic, multifocal to coalescing, moderate, chronic conjunctivitis associated with hyperplasia and ectasia of the Harderian gland, and numerous parasites. The parasites were oval and flattened with an oral suction cup, acetabulum, and thick cuticle containing spicules. The diagnosis of philophthalmiasis was based on epidemiological, clinical, and pathological findings associated with the morphological characteristics of the parasites present in the conjunctival sacs which were similar to the trematode Philophthalmus sp. Philophthalmiasis can occur in ostriches raised on urban and rural properties in Northeastern Brazil, probably associated with the contact of birds with contaminated water, and is characterized by severe conjunctivitis that can result in the loss of the eyeball and death of the animals.

Descrevem-se as características epidemiológicas, clínicas e patológicas de dois surtos de infecção ocular pelo trematódeo Philophthalmus sp. em avestruzes ocorridos nos estados do Ceará e Rio Grande do Norte no Nordeste do Brasil. As propriedades tinham em comum, a criação semi-intensiva e livre acesso a açude e rio. Os sinais clínicos incluíam protrusão da membrana nictante, lacrimejamento, edema palpebral, congestão ocular, destruição do globo ocular, emagrecimento e morte. A evolução clínica variou de oito a 16 meses. Macroscopicamente, observou-se espessamento das pálpebras e conjuntivas associado a numerosas estruturas parasitárias alaranjadas. No segundo surto, as lesões eram mais graves e consistiam em perda do globo ocular direito e anexos. Histologicamente, as lesões caracterizavam-se por conjuntivite linfoplasmocítica e heterofílica, multifocal a coalescente, moderada, crônica associada a hiperplasia e ectasia da glândula de Harderian e numerosas estruturas parasitárias. Os parasitas eram ovalados, achatados com ventosa oral e acetábulo e cutícula espessa contendo espículas. O diagnóstico de filoftalmíase foi realizado com base nos achados epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos associadas as características morfológicas dos parasitas presentes nos sacos conjuntivais compatíveis com o trematódeo Philophthalmus sp. A filoftalmíase pode ocorrer em avestruzes criados em propriedades urbanas e rurais no Nordeste do Brasil, provavelmente associado ao contato das aves com água contaminada e caracteriza-se por quadros de conjuntivite grave que pode resultar com a perda do globo ocular e morte dos animais.

A new approach of immunotherapy against Crotalus snakes envenoming: ostrich (Struthio camelus) egg yolk antibodies (IgY-technology) / Un nuevo enfoque de inmunoterapia contra el envenenamiento de serpientes Crotalus: anticuerpos de yema de huevo de avestruz (Struthio camelus) (tecnología IgY)

Abstract Crotalid envenomation is a neglected collective health problem involving many countries in America, which need secure and inexpensive snake anti-venom treatments. Here, high antibody titers (IgY) were raised in the Ostrich (Struthio camelus) egg yolk by immunizing with the venom of Venezuelan venomous Crotalus snakes. Ostriches were immunized with a pool of venoms from common rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus cumanensis), Uracoan rattlesnake (Crotalus vegrandis), Guayana rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus ruruima) and black rattlesnake (Crotalus pifanorum). The anti-snake venom antibodies were prepared from egg yolk by the water dilution method, enriched by the addition of caprylic acid (CA) and precipitation with ammonium sulfate at 30% (W/V). The purity and molecular mass of the final product was satisfactory, yielding a single ∼ 175 kDa band in SDS-PAGE gels ran under non-reducing conditions. In the immunoblot analysis, specific binding of the antivenom was observed with most venom proteins. The LD50 was 16.5 g/mouse (825 μg/kg body weight). High titers of IgY against Crot/pool venom were shown by ELISA. The median effective dose (ED50) was 19.66 mg/2LD50. IgY antibodies neutralized efficiently the Crot/pool venom lethality. As far as we know, this is the first anti-snake venom produced in ostriches, which could make this technology an affordable alternative for low-income countries, since it is likely to produce manteniabout 2-4 g of IgY per ostrich egg. Hence, almost 400 g of IgY can be purified from only one ostrich during a year. In addition, there are enormous differences in the cost of investment in the maintenance of horses, from the points of view of infrastructure, feeding and veterinary care, in which the cost can reach USD 100 per animal per day, compared to a maintenance cost of USD 146 per month per producing bird. These results are encouraging and could easily be extrapolated to the manufacturing of other antivenoms and antitoxins as well, as they could be applied to the manufacturing of potential diagnostic tools.

Resumen El envenenamiento por crotálidos es un problema de salud colectiva desatendido, que involucra a muchos países del continente americano, los cuales necesitan tratamientos seguros y económicos. En este trabajo, se obtuvieron títulos altos de anticuerpos (IgY) producidos en yema de huevo de avestruz (Struthio camelus) mediante la inmunización con el veneno de serpientes venezolanas del genero Crotalus. Se inmunizaron avestruces con una colección de veneno de serpientes de cascabel común (Crotalus durissus cumanensis), cascabel de Uracoa (Crotalus vegrandis), cascabel de Guayana (Crotalus durissus ruruima) y cascabel negra (Crotalus pifanorum). Los anticuerpos anti-veneno de serpiente se prepararon a partir de yema de huevo por el método de dilución en agua, enriquecidos mediante la adición de ácido caprílico (CA), seguido de una precipitación con sulfato de amonio al 30% (P/V). La pureza y masa molecular de los anticuerpos (IgY) se definieron mediante ensayos de SDS-PAGE nativos y las masas moleculares se establecieron electroforéticamente, obteniéndose una única banda de IgY de ∼ 175 kDa. El análisis de inmunotransferencia mostró la unión específica del antiveneno con la mayoría de las proteínas del veneno. La DL50 fue de 16,5 μg/ratón (825 μg / kg de peso corporal); Se mostraron títulos altos de IgY contra el veneno de Crot / pool mediante ELISA. La dosis mediana efectiva (DE50) fue de 19,66 mg/2 LD50. Los anticuerpos IgY neutralizaron eficazmente la letalidad del veneno de Crot / pool. Hasta donde sabemos, se trata del primer antídoto de serpiente producido en avestruces, lo que podría abaratar la producción de este tratamiento en países del tercer mundo. Ya que es probable que se obtengan alrededor de 2-4 g de IgY por huevo de avestruz. Por lo tanto, se podrían purificar casi 400 g de IgY de un solo avestruz durante un año. Asimismo, debido a las enormes diferencias en el costo de inversión en el mantenimiento de los caballos desde el punto de vista de infraestructura, alimentación y atención veterinaria, en los que el costo puede llegar a los 100 USD por día, frente a los 146 USD por mes de mantenimiento de la producción de aves. Estos resultados abren un campo terapéutico, para la fabricación de otros antivenenos contra un amplio espectro de toxinas y también como probables herramientas de diagnóstico.

Kleiber ratios and growth curves of African Black and Red Neck ostrich breeds and their crossbreeds / Razão Kleiber e curva de crescimento para raças de avestruzes African Black e Red Neck e seus cruzamentos

The selection of animals with lower production costs can be achieved by using feed efficiency and growth curve information. Kleiber ratio (KR) is an alternative option for discriminating against the animals that have the greatest weight gain about their final weight. Alternative feed efficiency and growth curves for ostriches of the African Black (AB) and Red Neck (RN) breeds and their crossbreeds (CB) were investigated using KR and Gompertz equation. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used. The highest adult weight was identified in the RN and CB. AB was more precocious than the RN and CB individuals. Only AB animals reached 75% of their mature weight at one year of age. At 180 days, AB showed better KR. AB was different from the others, mainly for KR at 90 days and 180 days. Considering multivariate analysis, AB animals were different from the others, regardless of sex, mainly for KR at 90 days and KR at 180 days. Other subgroups separated the animals by sex. In a market preferring animals of minor structure (smaller cuts) and greater precocity, it would be suitable to opt for AB. When animals with greater body structure (larger cuts) are desired, males RN and CR is the best option, however, it will be slaughtered with greater age and lower value for KR (may generate a bigger production cost ). It is possible to obtain animals with precocity and high KR, being well represented by the AB breed.(AU)

A seleção de animais com custos de produção mais baixos pode ser alcançada usando a eficiência alimentar e informações da curva de crescimento. A razão de Kleiber (KR) é uma alternativa para discriminar os animais que apresentam maior ganho de peso em relação ao peso final. Eficiência alimentar alternativa e curvas de crescimento para avestruzes das raças African Black (AB) e Red Neck (RN) e seus cruzamentos (CB) foram investigadas usando a equação de KR e Gompertz. Análises univariadas e multivariadas foram utilizadas. O maior peso adulto foi observado no RN e no CB. AB foi mais precoce do que os indivíduos RN e CB. Apenas animais AB atingiram 75% de seu peso adulto até um ano de idade. Aos 180 dias, AB tem maior KR. AB foi diferente dos demais, principalmente para KR aos 90 dias e 180 dias. Considerando a análise multivariada, os animais AB diferiram dos demais, independente do sexo, principalmente pelos seguintes parâmetros: KR aos 90 dias, KR aos 180 dias. Outros subgrupos separaram os animais por sexo. Em um mercado que prefere animais de menor estrutura corporal (cortes menores) e maior precocidade, seria adequado optar pela AB. Para animais com maior estrutura corporal (cortes maiores), os machos RN e CR são a melhor opção, porém, serão abatidos com maior idade e menor valor para KR (pode gerar um maior custo de produção). É possível obter animais com precocidade e alto KR, sendo bem representados pelo AB.(AU)

Tributaries of the hepatic vein in the ostrich (Struthio camelus) / Afluentes da veia porta-hepática no avestruz (Struthio camelus)

The ostrich (Struthio camelus, Linnaeus 1758) is the largest bird in the world. It is of great economic importance in Africa and is found across several countries. With developments in breeding systems, morphological studies that facilitate the application of the knowledge are necessary, considering the species has unique anatomical features. The objective of the present study was to describe the major tributaries of the hepatic vein in the species. Ten viscera of adult individuals of both sexes, which were injected with Neoprene latex through the hepatic vein, were used to visualize their tributaries. After the vascular repletion, the tissues were fixed and conserved in 10% formaldehyde aqueous solution. The hepatic carrier system was dissected and photo-documented. The left hepatic vein receives blood from the proventricle and gastric ventricle, while the right hepatic vein is responsible for the drainage of blood into the following organs: spleen, through the proventriculosplenic vein; pancreas, through the pancreaticoduodenal vein; jejunum, through the jejunum trunk; and the colon, which forms the cranial mesenteric vein.(AU)

O avestruz (Struthio camelus, Linnaeus 1758) é a maior ave do mundo, com uma importância comercial acentuada na África e expandindo-se para diversos países. Assim, com o desenvolvimento dos sistemas de criação, tornam-se necessários estudos morfológicos que subsidiem as áreas aplicadas, pois a espécie apresenta características anatômicas próprias. O objetivo deste estudo foi a descrição dos principais afluentes da veia porta-hepática nesta espécie. Para a realização do presente trabalho, foram utilizadas dez vísceras de animais adultos, de ambos os sexos, que foram injetados com Neoprene látex por meio da veia porta-hepática para evidenciar os seus afluentes. Após a repleção vascular, os animais foram fixados e conservados em solução aquosa de formaldeído a 10%. O sistema porta-hepático foi dissecado e fotodocumentado. Observou-se que a veia porta-hepática esquerda recebe sangue da região do proventrículo e ventrículo gástrico. A veia porta-hepática direita é a responsável pela drenagem do sangue nos seguintes órgãos: baço, por meio da veia proventriculoesplênica, pâncreas, pela veia pancreaticoduonais, jejuno, por meio do tronco jejunal, e o cólon, que forma a veia mesentérica cranial.(AU)

Tributaries of the hepatic vein in the ostrich (Struthio camelus) / Afluentes da veia porta-hepática no avestruz (Struthio camelus)

The ostrich (Struthio camelus, Linnaeus 1758) is the largest bird in the world. It is of great economic importance in Africa and is found across several countries. With developments in breeding systems, morphological studies that facilitate the application of the knowledge are necessary, considering the species has unique anatomical features. The objective of the present study was to describe the major tributaries of the hepatic vein in the species. Ten viscera of adult individuals of both sexes, which were injected with Neoprene latex through the hepatic vein, were used to visualize their tributaries. After the vascular repletion, the tissues were fixed and conserved in 10% formaldehyde aqueous solution. The hepatic carrier system was dissected and photo-documented. The left hepatic vein receives blood from the proventricle and gastric ventricle, while the right hepatic vein is responsible for the drainage of blood into the following organs: spleen, through the proventriculosplenic vein; pancreas, through the pancreaticoduodenal vein; jejunum, through the jejunum trunk; and the colon, which forms the cranial mesenteric vein.

O avestruz (Struthio camelus, Linnaeus 1758) é a maior ave do mundo, com uma importância comercial acentuada na África e expandindo-se para diversos países. Assim, com o desenvolvimento dos sistemas de criação, tornam-se necessários estudos morfológicos que subsidiem as áreas aplicadas, pois a espécie apresenta características anatômicas próprias. O objetivo deste estudo foi a descrição dos principais afluentes da veia porta-hepática nesta espécie. Para a realização do presente trabalho, foram utilizadas dez vísceras de animais adultos, de ambos os sexos, que foram injetados com Neoprene látex por meio da veia porta-hepática para evidenciar os seus afluentes. Após a repleção vascular, os animais foram fixados e conservados em solução aquosa de formaldeído a 10%. O sistema porta-hepático foi dissecado e fotodocumentado. Observou-se que a veia porta-hepática esquerda recebe sangue da região do proventrículo e ventrículo gástrico. A veia porta-hepática direita é a responsável pela drenagem do sangue nos seguintes órgãos: baço, por meio da veia proventriculoesplênica, pâncreas, pela veia pancreaticoduonais, jejuno, por meio do tronco jejunal, e o cólon, que forma a veia mesentérica cranial.

Physicochemical characteristics of smoked cooked linguiças made with ostrich meat trimmings / Características físico-químicas de linguiças cozidas defumadas elaboradas com aparas de carne de avestruz

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of three formulations of smoked cooked linguiças, only differing in the lean meat used: (Formula 1 ­ 100% ostrich meat; Formula 2 ­ 50% ostrich meat + 50% pork; and Formula 3 ­ 50% ostrich meat + 50% chicken), elaborated with ostrich meat trimmings. The formulas showed slightly higher moisture content (62.00-64.41%) than the maximum allowed in the legislation for cooked linguiças (60%) (Brasil, 2000). However, their protein content (19.99-22.14%) was at least 42% higher than the minimum required level (14%); the fat content (11.82-14.25%) was less than half the maximum permitted level (35%) in the same legislation, and at least 45% less than three well-known smoked cooked linguiça brands commercialized in Brazil; and the energy value (194.89-208.19 Kcal%) was at least 31% less than the same smoked linguiça brands; thus the three ostrich smoked linguiça formulas elaborated could be claimed "light" in fat content and energy value (European Union, 2006; Brasil, 2012). The present study showed that ostrich meat trimmings can be successfully used to elaborate healthy, "light", smoked cooked linguiças, competing in the market with traditional smoked cooked linguiças, and adding value in the ostrich meat chain.(AU)

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar as características físico-químicas de três formulações de linguiças cozidas defumadas, que somente diferiram em relação à carne magra utilizada: (Fórmula 1 ­ 100% carne de avestruz; Fórmula 2 ­ 50% carne de avestruz + 50% carne suína; e Fórmula 3 ­ 50% carne de avestruz + 50% carne de frango), elaboradas com aparas de carne de avestruz. As fórmulas apresentaram teor de umidade levemente superior (62,00-64,41%) ao máximo permitido na legislação para linguiças cozidas (60%) (Brasil, 2000). No entanto, seu teor de proteína (19,99-22,14%) foi no mínimo 42% maior que o nível mínimo exigido (14%); o teor de gordura (11,82-14,25%) foi menos da metade do conteúdo máximo permitido (35%) na mesma legislação e pelo menos 45% inferior ao teor de gordura de três marcas bem conhecidas de linguiças cozidas defumadas comercializadas no Brasil; e o valor energético (194,89-208,19kcal%) foi no mínimo 31% menor que as mesmas marcas de linguiças defumadas; com isso, as três fórmulas de linguiças cozidas defumadas de carne de avestruz poderiam ser rotuladas como "light" em relação ao teor de gordura e valor energético (European Union, 2006; Brasil, 2012). O presente estudo mostrou que as aparas de carne de avestruz podem ser utilizadas com sucesso na elaboração de linguiças cozidas defumadas "light", saudáveis, competindo no mercado com linguiças defumadas tradicionais, e adicionando valor à cadeia de carne de avestruz.(AU)

Physicochemical characteristics of smoked cooked linguiças made with ostrich meat trimmings / Características físico-químicas de linguiças cozidas defumadas elaboradas com aparas de carne de avestruz

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of three formulations of smoked cooked linguiças, only differing in the lean meat used: (Formula 1 ­ 100% ostrich meat; Formula 2 ­ 50% ostrich meat + 50% pork; and Formula 3 ­ 50% ostrich meat + 50% chicken), elaborated with ostrich meat trimmings. The formulas showed slightly higher moisture content (62.00-64.41%) than the maximum allowed in the legislation for cooked linguiças (60%) (Brasil, 2000). However, their protein content (19.99-22.14%) was at least 42% higher than the minimum required level (14%); the fat content (11.82-14.25%) was less than half the maximum permitted level (35%) in the same legislation, and at least 45% less than three well-known smoked cooked linguiça brands commercialized in Brazil; and the energy value (194.89-208.19 Kcal%) was at least 31% less than the same smoked linguiça brands; thus the three ostrich smoked linguiça formulas elaborated could be claimed "light" in fat content and energy value (European Union, 2006; Brasil, 2012). The present study showed that ostrich meat trimmings can be successfully used to elaborate healthy, "light", smoked cooked linguiças, competing in the market with traditional smoked cooked linguiças, and adding value in the ostrich meat chain.(AU)

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar as características físico-químicas de três formulações de linguiças cozidas defumadas, que somente diferiram em relação à carne magra utilizada: (Fórmula 1 ­ 100% carne de avestruz; Fórmula 2 ­ 50% carne de avestruz + 50% carne suína; e Fórmula 3 ­ 50% carne de avestruz + 50% carne de frango), elaboradas com aparas de carne de avestruz. As fórmulas apresentaram teor de umidade levemente superior (62,00-64,41%) ao máximo permitido na legislação para linguiças cozidas (60%) (Brasil, 2000). No entanto, seu teor de proteína (19,99-22,14%) foi no mínimo 42% maior que o nível mínimo exigido (14%); o teor de gordura (11,82-14,25%) foi menos da metade do conteúdo máximo permitido (35%) na mesma legislação e pelo menos 45% inferior ao teor de gordura de três marcas bem conhecidas de linguiças cozidas defumadas comercializadas no Brasil; e o valor energético (194,89-208,19kcal%) foi no mínimo 31% menor que as mesmas marcas de linguiças defumadas; com isso, as três fórmulas de linguiças cozidas defumadas de carne de avestruz poderiam ser rotuladas como "light" em relação ao teor de gordura e valor energético (European Union, 2006; Brasil, 2012). O presente estudo mostrou que as aparas de carne de avestruz podem ser utilizadas com sucesso na elaboração de linguiças cozidas defumadas "light", saudáveis, competindo no mercado com linguiças defumadas tradicionais, e adicionando valor à cadeia de carne de avestruz.(AU)

Origem e principais ramificações das artérias mesentéricas cranial e caudal em avestruz (Struthio camelus Linnaeus, 1758) / Origin and main ramifications of the cranial and caudal mesenteric arteries in ostrich (Struthio camelus Linnaeus, 1758)

As artérias mesentéricas das aves são importantes para a irrigação do aparelho digestório e encontram-se associadas ao ganho de peso e conversão alimentar. Objetivou-se descrever as origens, esqueletopias, medidas e principais ramificações das artérias mesentéricas cranial e caudal em avestruzes. Foram utilizados 41 cadáveres de filhotes de avestruzes, 23 machos e 18 fêmeas, obtidos de um criadouro após morte natural. Os cadáveres foram fixados com formaldeído a 10% e tiveram o sistema vascular preenchido com Petrolatex® S-65 colorido. As artérias mesentéricas, cranial e caudal e seus ramos proximais foram dissecados "in situ" e medidas com paquímetro digital. A artéria mesentérica cranial teve comprimento médio de 3,68 ± 1,04 cm e surgiu da aorta descendente ao nível da oitava vértebra torácica na maioria dos casos. Ramificou-se em artérias jejunal e ileocecal. A artéria jejunal ofereceu média de 14,04 ±2,08 ramos ao jejuno e a artéria ileocecal originou um ramo retal e outro que se bifurcou para derivar ramos para íleo, ceco e reto. Em um espécime macho a artéria ileocecal foi ramo da artéria celíaca. A artéria mesentérica caudal originou-se na porção terminal da aorta descendente predominantemente ao nível das 4ª e 6ª vértebras sacro-caudais. Perto da extremidade caudal do rim emitiu os ramos cranial e caudal. O primeiro irrigou o reto e anastomosou-se com ramo retal da artéria mesentérica cranial; o segundo irrigou a porção final do reto, cloaca e bolsa cloacal. Não houve diferença significativa (p<0,05) entre as medidas, esqueletopia e número de ramificações das artérias entre os sexos.(AU)

The mesenteric arteries of birds are important for the irrigation of the digestive tract and are associated with weight gain and food conversion. This study aimed to describe the origins, skeletopy, measures and main branches of cranial and caudal mesenteric arteries in ostriches. Forty-one cadavers of ostrich chicks, 23 males and 18 females, obtained from a farmer after natural death. The cadavers were fixed with 10% formaldehyde solution and their vascular system was filled with colored Petrolatex® S-65. The cranial and caudal mesenteric arteries and its proximal branches were dissected in situ and measured with a digital caliper. The mesenteric artery had an average length of 3.68cm±1.04 and emerged from the descending aorta at the level of the eighth thoracic vertebra in most cases; it branched into jejunal and ileocecal arteries. The jejunal artery sent a mean of 14 (14.04±2.08) branches to the jejunum. The ileocecal artery sent a rectal branch and another branch that irrigated ileum, cecum and rectum. In a male specimen the ileocecal artery was originated from the celiac artery. The caudal mesenteric artery emerged in the terminal portion of the descending aorta predominantly at the level of the 4th and 6th sacrocaudal vertebrae. Near the caudal end of the kidney it issued the cranial and caudal branches. The first irrigated the rectum and anastomosed with the rectal branch of the cranial mesenteric artery; the second irrigated the final part of the rectum, cloaca and cloacal bursa. There was no significant difference (p<0.05) between measurements, skeletopy and number of branches of the arteries between genders.(AU)

Risk factors and molecular typing of Toxoplasma gondii isolated from ostriches (Struthio camelus) from a Brazilian slaughterhouse.

Toxoplasma gondii has a worldwide distribution with different genotypes reported in animals and humans. The parasite is of great importance to food production and public health, highlighted by the high diversity of hosts, i.e. ostriches. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection in ostriches from a Brazilian slaughterhouse, the genotype, and the associated risk factors. T. gondii antibodies were detected in 38/344 (11.05%) serum samples using the modified agglutination test using formalin-fixed tachyzoites (MAT-HS); the parasite was isolated from 14/38 (36.84%) ostrich brain samples using the mouse bioassay; and the DNA was detected from 25/38 (65.79%), using PCR. In farms, the water tank was considered the main risk factor (OR=141.87; p-value<0.05), and oocysts were detected in 30% (6/20) in soil of paddocks before animals were slaughtered (1st sampling), and 40% (8/20) one-year after (2nd sampling) using microscopy and PCR. Non-ostrich fecal samples on the ground resulted negative. Bioassay isolation was confirmed by PCR. All PCR positive samples were sequenced and resulted in 100% homology to Toxoplasma gondii repetitive DNA sequence (GenBank access number EF648168-1). These samples were also typed through RFLP-PCR using 11 markers: SAG1, SAG2 (5'-3'SAG2 and alt.SAG2), SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, L358, c22-8, c29-6, PK1, Apico and CS3. Two isolates had a complete genotype, typed from the ostrich tissue. In ostrich samples, the parasite load ranged from 19,043 (TgOsBr1, avirulent) to 54,829 parasitesmL(-1) (TgOsBr2, virulent) using qPCR, whereas soil samples ranged from 11 to 2,275 parasitesmL(-1). Both typed isolates resulted on atypical clones, one previously reported to cause congenital toxoplasmosis in Brazilian patients (TgOsBr1, ToxoDB #206). Thus, these findings support the occurrence of T. gondii in slaughtered ostriches from Brazil, ostriches as sentinel for environmental contamination with T. gondii, the genotypic variability in Brazilian isolates, and the first isolation and genotyping of T. gondii from Brazilian slaughtered ostriches.

Development of ostrich thrombocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages in culture and the control of Toxoplasma gondii reproduction after macrophage activation.

Raising ostriches became an important economic activity after their products became commodities. The health of farm animals is of paramount importance, so assessing basic immunological responses is necessary to better understand health problems. We developed a method to obtain ostrich thrombocytes and macrophages. The thrombocytes died by apoptosis after 48 h in culture, and the macrophages expanded in size and increased the number of acidic compartments. Macrophages were activated by chicken interferon-γ, producing high levels of nitric oxide. Toxoplasma gondii was able to infect these macrophages, and activation controlled parasitic reproduction. T. gondii, however, persisted in these cells, and infection reduced the production of nitric oxide. These results are important for the future assessment of the basic cellular and immunobiology of ostriches and demonstrate T. gondii suppression of nitric oxide production.

Origem e principais ramificações das artérias mesentéricas cranial e caudal em avestruz (Struthio camelus Linnaeus, 1758) / Origin and main ramifications of the cranial and caudal mesenteric arteries in ostrich (Struthio camelus Linnaeus, 1758)

The mesenteric arteries of birds are important for the irrigation of the digestive tract and are associated with weight gain and food conversion. This study aimed to describe the origins, skeletopy, measures and main branches of cranial and caudal mesenteric arteries in ostriches. Forty-one cadavers of ostrich chicks, 23 males and 18 females, obtained from a farmer after natural death. The cadavers were fixed with 10% formaldehyde solution and their vascular system was filled with colored Petrolatex® S-65. The cranial and caudal mesenteric arteries and its proximal branches were dissected in situ and measured with a digital caliper. The mesenteric artery had an average length of 3.68 cm±1.04 and emerged from the descending aorta at the level of the eighth thoracic vertebra in most cases; it branched into jejunal and ileocecal arteries. The jejunal artery sent a mean of 14 (14.04±2.08) branches to the jejunum. The ileocecal artery sent a rectal branch and another branch that irrigated ileum, cecum and rectum. In a male specimen the ileocecal artery was originated from the celiac artery. The caudal mesenteric artery emerged in the terminal portion of the descending aorta predominantly at the level of the 4th and 6th sacrocaudal vertebrae. Near the caudal end of the kidney it issued the cranial and caudal branches. The first irrigated the rectum and anastomosed with the rectal branch of the cranial mesenteric artery; the second irrigated the final part of the rectum, cloaca and cloacal bursa. There was no significant difference (p<0.05) between measurements, skeletopy and number of branches of the arteries between genders.(AU)

As artérias mesentéricas das aves são importantes para a irrigação do aparelho digestório e encontram-se associadas ao ganho de peso e conversão alimentar. Objetivou-se descrever as origens, esqueletopias, medidas e principais ramificações das artérias mesentéricas cranial e caudal em avestruzes. Foram utilizados 41 cadáveres de filhotes de avestruzes, 23 machos e 18 fêmeas, obtidos de um criadouro após morte natural. Os cadáveres foram fixados com formaldeído a 10% e tiveram o sistema vascular preenchido com Petrolatex® S-65 colorido. As artérias mesentéricas, cranial e caudal e seus ramos proximais foram dissecados "in situ" e medidas com paquímetro digital. A artéria mesentérica cranial teve comprimento médio de 3,68 ± 1,04 cm e surgiu da aorta descendente ao nível da oitava vértebra torácica na maioria dos casos. Ramificou-se em artérias jejunal e ileocecal. A artéria jejunal ofereceu média de 14,04 ±2,08 ramos ao jejuno e a artéria ileocecal originou um ramo retal e outro que se bifurcou para derivar ramos para íleo, ceco e reto. Em um espécime macho a artéria ileocecal foi ramo da artéria celíaca. A artéria mesentérica caudal originou-se na porção terminal da aorta descendente predominantemente ao nível das 4ª e 6ª vértebras sacro-caudais. Perto da extremidade caudal do rim emitiu os ramos cranial e caudal. O primeiro irrigou o reto e anastomosou-se com ramo retal da artéria mesentérica cranial; o segundo irrigou a porção final do reto, cloaca e bolsa cloacal. Não houve diferença significativa (p < 0,05) entre as medidas, esqueletopia e número de ramificações das artérias entre os sexos.(AU)

First report of interaction of nematophagous fungi on Libyostrongylus douglassii (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae) / Primeiro relato da interação de fungos nematófagos sobre Libyostrongylus douglassii (Nematoda: Trichostrongilidae)

Libyostrongylus douglassii is a gastrointestinal nematode parasite of ostriches that can cause up to 50% mortality in young birds. The objective of this study was to compare the predatory capacity of two isolates of the predatory fungi Duddingtonia flagrans(AC001 and CG722 isolates) and one of Arthrobotrys cladodes (CG719) on infective larvae (L3) of L. douglassii under laboratory conditions, in 2% water-agar medium. The results showed that the fungi tested were effective in preying upon the L3 of L. douglassii (P < 0.05), compared with the control group. However, there was no difference in predatory capacity between the fungi tested (P > 0.05) during the seven days of experimental testing. In comparison with the control, without fungus, there were significant decreases (P < 0.05) of 85.2% (AC001), 81.2% (CG722) and 89.2% (CG719) in the average numbers of L3 of L. douglassii recovered from treatments with the isolates tested. In the present study, the three isolates of the predatory fungi D. flagrans (AC001 and CG722) and A. cladodes (CG719) were efficient at in vitro destruction of the L3 of L. douglassii.

Libyostrongylus douglassii é um nematóide parasito gastrintestinal de avestruzes que pode causar até 50% de mortalidade em aves jovens. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a capacidade predatória de dois isolados de fungos predadores Duddingtonia flagrans (isolados AC001 e CG722) e um Arthrobotrys cladodes (CG719) sobre larvas infectantes (L3) de L. douglassii em condições laboratoriais, em meio ágar­água 2%. Os resultados demonstraram que os fungos testados foram eficientes em predar as L3 de L. douglassii (P < 0,05) em relação ao grupo controle. Contudo, não foi observada nenhuma diferença na capacidade predatória entre os fungos testados (P > 0,05) durante os sete dias do ensaio experimental. Em comparação ao controle, sem fungo, houve uma redução significativa (P < 0,05) de 85,2% (AC001); 81,2% (CG722) e 89,2% (C719) na média de L3 recuperadas nas placas do grupo tratado com os isolados testados. No presente trabalho, os três isolados de fungos predadores D. flagrans (AC001 e CG722) e A. cladodes (CG719) foram eficientes na destruição in vitro das L3 de L. douglassii.

First report of interaction of nematophagous fungi onLibyostrongylus douglassii (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae)

Libyostrongylus douglassii is a gastrointestinal nematode parasite of ostriches that can cause up to 50% mortality in young birds. The objective of this study was to compare the predatory capacity of two isolates of the predatory fungi Duddingtonia flagrans(AC001 and CG722 isolates) and one of Arthrobotrys cladodes (CG719) on infective larvae (L3) of L. douglassii under laboratory conditions, in 2% water-agar medium. The results showed that the fungi tested were effective in preying upon the L3 of L. douglassii (P 0.05), compared with the control group. However, there was no difference in predatory capacity between the fungi tested (P > 0.05) during the seven days of experimental testing. In comparison with the control, without fungus, there were significant decreases (P 0.05) of 85.2% (AC001), 81.2% (CG722) and 89.2% (CG719) in the average numbers of L3 of L. douglassii recovered from treatments with the isolates tested. In the present study, the three isolates of the predatory fungi D. flagrans (AC001 and CG722) andA. cladodes (CG719) were efficient at in vitro destruction of the L3 of L. douglassii.

Libyostrongylus douglassii é um nematóide parasito gastrintestinal de avestruzes que pode causar até 50% de mortalidade em aves jovens. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a capacidade predatória de dois isolados de fungos predadores Duddingtonia flagrans (isolados AC001 e CG722) e umArthrobotrys cladodes (CG719) sobre larvas infectantes (L3) de L. douglassii em condições laboratoriais, em meio ágarágua 2%. Os resultados demonstraram que os fungos testados foram eficientes em predar as L3 de L. douglassii (P 0,05) em relação ao grupo controle. Contudo, não foi observada nenhuma diferença na capacidade predatória entre os fungos testados (P > 0,05) durante os sete dias do ensaio experimental. Em comparação ao controle, sem fungo, houve uma redução significativa (P 0,05) de 85,2% (AC001); 81,2% (CG722) e 89,2% (C719) na média de L3 recuperadas nas placas do grupo tratado com os isolados testados. No presente trabalho, os três isolados de fungos predadores D. flagrans (AC001 e CG722) e A. cladodes (CG719) foram eficientes na destruição in vitro das L3 deL. douglassii.

Enterobacteria isolation in ostrich eggs (Struthio Camelus)

This study was conducted to determine the presence of enterobacteria in the eggs of ostriches reared on a farm with a history of reproductive failure. Ninety samples from twenty eggs were submitted to bacteriological tests. The results showed Enterobacteria growth in 100% of the eggs. The microorganisms isolated were Hafnia alvei in 50% (10/20), Serratia spp. in 20% (4/20), Escherichia coli in 15% (3/20), and Citrobacter freundii in 15% (3/20). All eggs presented poor eggshell quality, which favored enterobacteria contamination. Hafnia alvei was present only in the internal egg structures (albumen and yolk sac), suggesting the possibility of vertical infection.

Arranjos configurados pelas vias bilíferas no fígado do avestruz (Struthio camelus) / Arrangement configured by bile duct in the liver of the ostrich (Struthio camelus)

A ave avestruz (Struchio camelus) é originária da África, pertencendo a família das Ratitas. Seu valor zootécnico vem crescendo especialmente na região noroeste do Estado de São Paulo. Para a realização deste trabalho, utilizamos 20 peças de avestruz (Struthio camelus), machos e fêmeas, jovens e adultos, oriundos de criatórios da região noroeste do Estado de São Paulo. Após a abertura do trato gastrintestinal, ao longo da sua margem livre, escoamos as vias bilíferas mediante suaves massagens, canalizamos o ducto excretor, utilizando para tanto uma sonda flexível de polietileno de calibre compatível com a mencionada estrutura e, em seguida, injetamos por esta via Neoprene-látex “450” corado. Estas glândulas foram, a seguir, distendidas em base rígida, fixadas em solução de formol a 10%, esquematizadas e fotografadas. O ramo principal direito resulta do ramo lateral direito, ramo lobo quadrado e do ramo processo caudado em sete fígados. Em 13 peças, o ramo lateral direito é formado pelos ramoslateral direito e do processo caudado.O ramo esquerdo recebe os componentes oriundos do lobo lateral esquerdo e ramo do lobo medial esquerdo em todas as sete peças. Para ele, também aflui componente oriundo do lobo quadrado em 13 preparações e do processo caudado em sete fígados. Conclui-se que ofígado no avestruz não apresenta vesícula biliar, fazendo com que o ducto colédoco seja a única via de excreção da bile, resultando sempre da convergência do ducto hepático direito com o ducto hepático esquerdo.

The aim of this study was evaluate the influence of physical exercise (marcha gait) on serum values of CK and AST The Ostrich (Struthio camelus) is originally from Africa and belongs to the ratite’s family. Since its zootechnic value has been increasing, especially in the northwest region of the state of São Paulo, we studied the biliary system in the liver of this animal. To carry through it were used 20 ostrich livers, males and females, young and adults from place to production ostrich in the northwest region of the State of São Paulo. After the opening of the gastrointestinal tract and disposal of the bile through gentle massage, we cannulated the hepatic excretory duct with a flexible probe, compatible in size with the duct, and injected colored Neoprene latex “450” in the biliary system. Following this procedure, the livers were fixed in aqueous solution of formaldehyde to 10% dissected, schematized and photographed. The right main branch is derived from the right lateral, square lobe and the caudate process branches in 7 livers. In 13 livers, the right side branch is forned by the right side and caudate process branches. The left branch receives the components from the left lateral lobe and branch of the medial left lobe in 7 livers. It also receives component from the square lobe and from the caudate process in 13 and 7 livers, respectively.In conclusion, the ostrich liver has no gallbladder, causing the duct is the only route of excretion of bile, always resulting from the convergence of the right hepatic duct with the left hepatic duct.

Enterobacteria isolation in ostrich eggs (Struthio Camelus)

This study was conducted to determine the presence of enterobacteria in the eggs of ostriches reared on a farm with a history of reproductive failure. Ninety samples from twenty eggs were submitted to bacteriological tests. The results showed Enterobacteria growth in 100% of the eggs. The microorganisms isolated were Hafnia alvei in 50% (10/20), Serratia spp. in 20% (4/20), Escherichia coli in 15% (3/20), and Citrobacter freundii in 15% (3/20). All eggs presented poor eggshell quality, which favored enterobacteria contamination. Hafnia alvei was present only in the internal egg structures (albumen and yolk sac), suggesting the possibility of vertical infection.

Arranjos configurados pelas vias bilíferas no fígado do avestruz (Struthio camelus) / Arrangement configured by bile duct in the liver of the ostrich (Struthio camelus)

A ave avestruz (Struchio camelus) é originária da África, pertencendo a família das Ratitas. Seu valor zootécnico vem crescendo especialmente na região noroeste do Estado de São Paulo. Para a realização deste trabalho, utilizamos 20 peças de avestruz (Struthio camelus), machos e fêmeas, jovens e adultos, oriundos de criatórios da região noroeste do Estado de São Paulo. Após a abertura do trato gastrintestinal, ao longo da sua margem livre, escoamos as vias bilíferas mediante suaves massagens, canalizamos o ducto excretor, utilizando para tanto uma sonda flexível de polietileno de calibre compatível com a mencionada estrutura e, em seguida, injetamos por esta via Neoprene-látex “450” corado. Estas glândulas foram, a seguir, distendidas em base rígida, fixadas em solução de formol a 10%, esquematizadas e fotografadas. O ramo principal direito resulta do ramo lateral direito, ramo lobo quadrado e do ramo processo caudado em sete fígados. Em 13 peças, o ramo lateral direito é formado pelos ramoslateral direito e do processo caudado.O ramo esquerdo recebe os componentes oriundos do lobo lateral esquerdo e ramo do lobo medial esquerdo em todas as sete peças. Para ele, também aflui componente oriundo do lobo quadrado em 13 preparações e do processo caudado em sete fígados. Conclui-se que ofígado no avestruz não apresenta vesícula biliar, fazendo com que o ducto colédoco seja a única via de excreção da bile, resultando sempre da convergência do ducto hepático direito com o ducto hepático esquerdo.(AU)

The aim of this study was evaluate the influence of physical exercise (marcha gait) on serum values of CK and AST The Ostrich (Struthio camelus) is originally from Africa and belongs to the ratites family. Since its zootechnic value has been increasing, especially in the northwest region of the state of São Paulo, we studied the biliary system in the liver of this animal. To carry through it were used 20 ostrich livers, males and females, young and adults from place to production ostrich in the northwest region of the State of São Paulo. After the opening of the gastrointestinal tract and disposal of the bile through gentle massage, we cannulated the hepatic excretory duct with a flexible probe, compatible in size with the duct, and injected colored Neoprene latex “450” in the biliary system. Following this procedure, the livers were fixed in aqueous solution of formaldehyde to 10% dissected, schematized and photographed. The right main branch is derived from the right lateral, square lobe and the caudate process branches in 7 livers. In 13 livers, the right side branch is forned by the right side and caudate process branches. The left branch receives the components from the left lateral lobe and branch of the medial left lobe in 7 livers. It also receives component from the square lobe and from the caudate process in 13 and 7 livers, respectively.In conclusion, the ostrich liver has no gallbladder, causing the duct is the only route of excretion of bile, always resulting from the convergence of the right hepatic duct with the left hepatic duct.(AU)

Tenderness charactherization of ostrich meat commercial cuts / Caracterização da maciez de cortes comerciais de carne de avestruz

The ostrich meat has become an interesting source of protein as well as being an alternative to red meat, because of its healthy fatty acid profile, with a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and low content of intramuscular fat, which arouses the interest of people who want a low animal fat diet. Ostrich meat is also appreciated by the tenderness, since it is one of the larger impact characteristics on the acceptance of a meat product for consumers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tenderness of different ostrich meat commercial cuts and certificate that all studied cuts present tenderness acceptable by consumers. The laboratory tests were performed at the Laboratory of Biochemistry of Proteins (FMVZ), being measured shear force of seven commercial cuts of ostrich meat. The cuts were: internal thigh, external thigh, filet plan, filet out, filet small, rump and filet fan. The samples were boiled in water bath controlled by time and temperature. After chilling, fragments of 1.0 x 1.0 x 3.0 cm were removed from samples. Shear force measurements were performed using a mechanical Warner-Bratzler Shear Force equipment. The shear force means were: internal thigh (3.5 kg), external thigh (2.8 kg), filet plan (2.4 kg), filet out (1.6 kg), filet small (3.5 kg), rump (3.3 kg) and filet fan (2.0 kg). All the commercial cuts evaluated had very low values of shear force, de

O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.

Tenderness charactherization of ostrich meat commercial cuts / Caracterização da maciez de cortes comerciais de carne de avestruz

The ostrich meat has become an interesting source of protein as well as being an alternative to red meat, because of its healthy fatty acid profile, with a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and low content of intramuscular fat, which arouses the interest of people who want a low animal fat diet. Ostrich meat is also appreciated by the tenderness, since it is one of the larger impact characteristics on the acceptance of a meat product for consumers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tenderness of different ostrich meat commercial cuts and certificate that all studied cuts present tenderness acceptable by consumers. The laboratory tests were performed at the Laboratory of Biochemistry of Proteins (FMVZ), being measured shear force of seven commercial cuts of ostrich meat. The cuts were: internal thigh, external thigh, filet plan, filet out, filet small, rump and filet fan. The samples were boiled in water bath controlled by time and temperature. After chilling, fragments of 1.0 x 1.0 x 3.0 cm were removed from samples. Shear force measurements were performed using a mechanical Warner-Bratzler Shear Force equipment. The shear force means were: internal thigh (3.5 kg), external thigh (2.8 kg), filet plan (2.4 kg), filet out (1.6 kg), filet small (3.5 kg), rump (3.3 kg) and filet fan (2.0 kg). All the commercial cuts evaluated had very low values of shear force, de

O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.