Cull guinea pigs: carcass and non-carcass traits in males and females compared to their fattening counterparts.

Culling of guinea pigs can provide a large number of animals per year for meat production, but little information is available in the scientific literature on the carcass characteristics and non-carcass components of these animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the carcass and non-carcass characteristics of cull guinea pigs in comparison to their fattening counterparts. Forty-eight fattening (3 months-age, 24 females and 24 males) and forty-eight cull (14 months-age, 24 females and 24 males) guinea pigs were slaughtered and carcass yield, linear measurements, tissular composition, and non-carcass components were evaluated. In general, cull guinea pigs had higher carcass, tissue, and non-carcass component weights. Cull male and both female guinea pig groups had similar carcass yields. Cull animals had higher carcass and hind leg lengths, lumbar and thoracic circumferences, and carcass compactness than their young counterparts. However, a sex effect was found for leg compactness depending on whether they were fattened or cull. Tissue percentages values were similar between fattening and culling animals of the same sex. However, females had a higher percentage of fat tissue than males. Fattening females had the best muscle to bone ratio, followed by cull males. The non-carcass elements were more represented in fattening animals than in culls, probably due to an allometric growth of the viscera in relation to the rest of the body. In commercial and cooking terms, this information is valuable for producers and researchers who need to understand the factors that influence carcass characteristics of guinea pigs.

Accuracy of estimating postmortem interval using the relationship between total body score and accumulated degree-days: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between Total Body Score (TBS) and Accumulated Degree-Days (ADD) for estimating postmortem interval (PMI) using the decomposition quantification system by Megyesi et al. (Megyesi MS, Nawrocki SP, Haskell NH (2005) Using Accumulated Degree-Days to Estimate the Postmortem Interval from Decomposed Human Remains. J Forensic Sci 50:1-9. https://doi.org/10.1520/jfs2004017 ). DESIGN: A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the QUADAS-2 scoring system. Statical tests, including I2 for heterogeneity assessment and subgroup analysis comparing human and pig proxies across different decomposition stages, were performed for meta-analysis. RESULTS: The search identified 25 studies that underwent qualitative evaluation, all of which were included for quantitative analysis. The findings indicate that the TBS formula tends to overestimate ADD with a moderate mean difference of 0.5758 overall. Specifically, in pigs, ADD is overestimated significantly (1.1128), while there is a slight underestimation in humans (-0.0038). Across decomposition stages, fresh body (0.0066) and early decomposition (0.0338) show an insignificant overestimation, whereas advanced decomposition reveals a slight underestimation (-0.3378) and skeletonization indicates a substantial overestimation (1.6583). CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between TBS and ADD demonstrates high accuracy in humans during early decomposition stages, without differences in statistical significance. However, its accuracy diminishes as decomposition progresses, potentially leading to an overestimation of PMI.

Phytogenic effects of Marrubium vulgare on the growth performance of weaned piglets: biochemical parameters and liquid chromatographic-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometric profile of plant and animal serum.

BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant bacteria in humans have prompted the search for alternative solutions derived from herbal medicines that can substitute antibiotics in livestock production. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate the phytogenic properties of Marrubium vulgare infusion (MVI) on weaned pigs. Thirty animals were randomly divided into five groups of six animals, each receiving a physiological solution, clenbuterol and the infusion extract at doses of 0.01 (MVI 1%), 0.1 (MVI 10%) and 0.2 (MVI 20%) mg kg-1 for 28 days. Biochemical parameters and the liquid chromatographic-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometric (LC-ESI-MS) chemical profiles of the infusion extract and animal serum were studied. RESULTS: The doses MVI 1 and 10% led to weight gain higher than the controls. No significant changes were noted in the biochemical parameters including erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume and others. Evaluation of enzymatic levels in blood revealed no significant changes. LC-ESI-MS data of MVI showed the presence of 34 secondary metabolites, and successive chromatographic purification of MVI yielded marrubiin and apigenin as major components. LC-ESI-MS data of animal serum showed the presence of a diterpene, a flavonoid and diverse cholic acid derivatives. CONCLUSION: Results indicated the doses MVI 1 and 10% promote weight gain with no significant alterations in blood biochemicals, and liver and kidney function. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ultra-diluted/dynamized doxorubicin reduces the toxicity caused by doxorubicin during the in vitro culture of pig preantral follicles enclosed in ovarian tissue.

The present study investigated the effect of adding allopathic doxorubicin (DOX 0.3 µg/mL), the vehicle of ultradiluted/dynamized doxorubicin (0.2 % ethanol), different dynamizations of ultradiluted/dynamized doxorubicin (DOX 6CH, DOX 12CH and DOX 30CH), both in the absence or presence of chemical stress induced by doxorubicin at 0.3 µg/mL on follicular survival and activation, antioxidant capacity of the medium, Catalase activity (CAT), production of reactive protein thiol, maintenance of type I and III collagen fibers and accumulation of lipofuscin in porcine ovarian tissue cultured in vitro for 48 hours. To do this, part of the ovarian tissue fragments was fixed for the uncultured control and the rest were cultured in: MEM (cultured control), DOX 0.3 µg/mL, Ethanol, DOX 6CH, DOX 12CH, DOX 30CH, DOX (0.3 µg/mL) + DOX 6CH, DOX (0.3 µg/mL) + DOX 12CH, DOX (0.3 µg/mL) + DOX 30CH treatments. The results showed that, in general, ultradiluted/dynamized doxorubicin (DOX 6CH, DOX 12CH and DOX 30CH) mitigated the toxic effect of allopathic doxorubicin (0.3 µg/mL) on the morphology of preantral follicles, the content of type I and III collagen fibers, and the production of lipofuscin in the tissue. However, only DOX (0.3 µg/mL) + DOX 6CH attenuated the oxidative stress induced by DOX (0.3 µg/mL), maintaining adequate CAT activity that was similar to the uncultured control. Additionally, when the three isolated ultradiluted/dynamized doxorubicin were considered, only DOX 12CH increased the reduced thiol levels compared to the uncultured control and MEM. In conclusion, supplementing the culture medium with ultradiluted/dynamized DOX (DOX 6CH, DOX 12CH and DOX 30CH) attenuated the toxicity induced by allopathic doxorubicin during the in vitro culture of pig preantral follicles enclosed in ovarian tissue.

Re-domestication of feral pigs in Martinique: first results of growing-finishing trials to test meat consumption and consumers' perceptions.

In Martinique, pig production satisfies less than 20% of demand for pork, with traditional pig farming and wild pig hunting covering only a small proportion. This study has three parts: (i) for the first time, it analyses the performance of domesticated descendants of Creole feral pigs of Martinique based on a 29-day finishing test on two farms (A vs. B) with the same fibre-rich diet on a total of 40 pigs; (ii) it evaluates consumers' tastes based on a sensorial test by an untrained panel of 61 consumers who tasted pork prepared as a fricassee from either farm A or farm B; and (iii) evaluates willingness to pay (WTP) for Creole pork products and of the design of a future niche market. The average daily gain (ADG) of the finishing pigs was higher on farm A than on farm B (256 vs. 100 g/d, P < 0.001) resulting in a higher hot carcass weight on farm A than farm B (41.3 vs. 33.5 kg, P < 0.01), and better hot carcass yield on farm B than farm A (74.0 vs 68.8 %, P < 0.01). In the sensorial test, the consumers gave a higher score to the meat originating from the youngest pigs (Farm B), especially scores for tenderness and juiciness (+0.94 and +0.55 points, P < 0.05 and P=0.10, respectively). The 61 respondents were willing to pay more for processed products (sausage, pâté, ham) than for fresh meat. They considered that Creole pork has a better taste and is of better quality than industrial meats originating from mainstream genotypes. According to the majority of respondents, Creole pork should be rich in intra-muscular fat (100% of respondents) and low in inter-muscular fat (60% of respondents). Based on the survey, the main desirable future for Martinique's Creole pig production correspond to a low-carbon system with feed based on local resources, with on-farm slaughtering and short-distance sales (direct-to-consumer farm gate sale, sale at the butcher's or at the pig cooperative).

Evaluation of nasal swab and nasal wipe for detection of Influenza A in swine using Bayesian latent class analysis.

Influenza A virus (IAV) is an important pathogen in Brazilian swine herds, and monitoring the viral circulation is essential to control and reduce the transmission. Surveillance programs for IAV are often based on individual piglets level sampling, making the evaluation of the available diagnostic tools crucial to assessing IAV circulation in herds. Thus, two sample collection methodologies were compared in pig herds in southern Brazil to detect IAV by RT-qPCR: nasal swab (NS) and nasal wipe (NW). A Bayesian latent class model (BLCM) was set for two tests and two populations. The NW and NS used are more specific (higher than 95 % for both) than sensitive. The sensitivity for NW was lower than the NS, 84.14 % (70 % - 95 %; posterior probability interval (PPI): 95 %) and 87.15 % (73 % - 97 %; PPI: 95 %), respectively, and the specificity was 95 % (90 % - 99 %; PPI: 95 %) and 99 % (96 % - 100 %; PPI: 95 %), respectively. Although the wipe sample collection loses both sensitivity and specificity compared with nasal swab, differences in test performance were very limited and PPIs largely overlapped. Therefore NW can also be considered a valuable tool. The decision about the use of both techniques should be based on the trade-off between their performance limitations and feasibility in routine monitoring.

[Primary immune thrombocytopenia linked to the ingestion of guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) causality or coincidence?] / Trombocitopenia inmune primaria vinculada a la ingesta de cuy (Cavia porcellus). ¿casualidad o coincidencia?

The guinea pig in Ecuador is synonymous with our ancestral gastronomy and cultural tradition, but because of the diet rich in L-canavanine (alfalfa) that they receive; could limit its consumption in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Ingestion of alfalfa in humans can cause kidney failure and lupus-like syndrome. The John Hopkins Lupus Center recommends avoiding it in the diet of patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), as it aggravates inflammation by stimulating immune activity (flares). We present two cases of patients with ITP linked to guinea pig ingestion. It is probable

El cuy en el Ecuador es sinónimo de nuestra gastronomía ancestral y de tradición cultural, pero por la alimentación rica en L-canavanina (alfalfa) que reciben; podría limitar su consumo en pacientes con trombocitopenia inmune primaria (PTI). La ingesta de alfalfa en humanos puede propiciar insuficiencia renal y síndrome lupus-like.  El centro de Lupus John Hopkins recomiendan evitarla en la dieta de los pacientes con Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico (LES), al agravar la inflamación por estimulación de la actividad inmune (flares). Presentamos dos casos de pacientes con PTI vinculados con la ingesta de cuy.  ¿Es probable?

The multidrug resistance protein 4 is expressed and functionally active in isolated bladder from pig.

Multidrug resistance proteins type 4 (MRP4) and 5 (MRP5) play pivotal roles in the transport of cyclic nucleotides in various tissues. However, their specific functions within the lower urinary tract remain relatively unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effect of pharmacological inhibition of MRPs on cyclic nucleotide signaling in isolated pig bladder. The relaxation responses of the bladder were assessed in the presence of the MRP inhibitor, MK571. The temporal changes in intra- and extracellular levels of cAMP and cGMP in stimulated tissues were determined by mass spectrometry. The gene (ABCC4) and protein (MRP4) expression were also determined. MK571 administration resulted in a modest relaxation effect of approximately 26% in carbachol-precontracted bladders. The relaxation induced by phosphodiesterase inhibitors such as cilostazol, tadalafil, and sildenafil was significantly potentiated in the presence of MK571. In contrast, no significant potentiation was observed in the relaxation induced by substances elevating cAMP levels or stimulators of soluble guanylate cyclase. Following forskolin stimulation, both intracellular and extracellular cAMP concentrations increased by approximately 15.8-fold and 12-fold, respectively. Similarly, stimulation with tadalafil + BAY 41-2272 resulted in roughly 8.2-fold and 3.4-fold increases in intracellular and extracellular cGMP concentrations, respectively. The presence of MK571 reduced only the extracellular levels of cGMP. This study reveals the presence and function of MRP4 transporters within the porcine bladder and paves the way for future research exploring the role of this transporter in both underactive and overactive bladder disorders.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study investigates the impact of pharmacological inhibition of MRP4 and MRP5 transporters on cyclic nucleotide signaling in isolated pig bladders. MK571 administration led to modest relaxation, with enhanced effects observed in the presence of phosphodiesterase inhibitors. However, substances elevating cAMP levels remained unaffected. MK571 selectively reduced extracellular cGMP levels. These findings shed light on the role of MRP4 transporters in the porcine bladder, opening avenues for further research into bladder disorders.

The coculture of in vitro produced porcine embryos and oviductal epithelial cells improves blastocyst formation and modify embryo quality.

The efficiency of in vitro embryo production in mammals is influenced by variables associated with culture conditions during maturation, fertilization, and embryonic development. The embryos obtained often exhibit low quality due to suboptimal in vitro culture conditions compared to the in vivo environment. Co-culturing gametes and embryos with somatic cells has been developed to enhance in vitro culture conditions. This study aimed to assess the impact of coculturing in vitro-produced porcine embryos with porcine oviductal epithelial cells (POEC) on embryo development and quality. Firstly, a pure culture of POEC suitable for coculture systems was established. The epithelial origin of the cells was confirmed by the expression of E-cadherin and cytokeratin. The expression pattern of hormone receptors aligned with the diestrous oviduct, and POEC also secreted oviductal glycoprotein type 1 (OVGP-1). Secondly, POEC from passage 1 (POEC-1) were used to coculture with in vitro-produced porcine embryos. A successful coculture system was established without the addition of fetal bovine serum as a supplement. Coculturing POEC-1 in monolayers with in vitro-produced porcine embryos during the initial two days of culture enhanced the percentage of blastocysts and their hatching. Although the coculture did not alter the number of cells in the blastocysts or apoptosis assessed by TUNEL, it significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in cleaved porcine embryos. This study represents the first report evaluating the quality of porcine embryos produced by IVF in coculture systems and assessing ROS levels in cleaved porcine embryos obtained by IVF.

Disseminated Sarcocystis miescheriana infection in a finisher pig in Grenada.

Sarcocystis miescheriana infection is an important cause of carcass condemnation during meat inspection. The infection can cause morbidity and mortality in domestic pigs. In this study, an 8-month-old finisher pig was presented to a local abattoir for slaughter. Multiple white nodular lesions affecting the meat were observed, resulting in the condemnation of the carcass. Consequently, half of the carcass was submitted to the necropsy diagnostic laboratory in the School of Veterinary Medicine for further evaluation. Grossly, all superficial and deep muscle groups had severe multifocal macrocysts (3 mm × 2 mm × 1 mm) on the surface and extending deep into the skeletal musculature. Histopathology revealed moderate multifocal granulomatous and eosinophilic myositis with intralesional degenerated and intact parasites. Sample genomic DNA sequence analysis of the 18S RNA gene showed 100% identity to S. miescheriana in the GenBank. This is the first report of S. miescheriana in Grenada, West Indies.

Effects of dietary yeast mannan-rich fraction supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and lymphoid tissue characteristics in weaned piglets challenged with Escherichia Coli F4.

We evaluated the effects of supplementing yeast mannan-reach-fraction on growth performance, jejunal morphology and lymphoid tissue characteristics in weaned piglets challenged with E. Coli F4. A total of 20 crossbred piglets were used. At weaning, piglets were assigned at random to one of four groups: piglets challenged and fed the basal diet supplemented with yeast mannan-rich fraction (C-MRF, n = 5); piglets challenged and fed the basal diet (C-BD, n = 5); piglets not challenged and fed the basal diet supplemented with yeast mannan-rich fraction (NC-MRF, n = 5), and piglets not challenged and fed the basal diet (NC-BD). Each dietary treatment had five replicates. On days 4, 5 and 10, piglets were orally challenged with 108 CFU/mL of E. Coli F4. C-MRF piglets had higher BW (p = 0.002; interactive effect) than C-BD piglets. C-MRF piglets had higher (p = 0.02; interactive effect) ADG in comparison with C-BD piglets. C-MRF piglets had higher (p = 0.04; interactive effect) ADFI than C-BD piglets. The diameter of lymphoid follicles was larger (p = 0.010; interactive effect) in the tonsils of C-MRF piglets than C-BD piglets. Lymphoid cells proliferation was greater in the mesenteric lymphnodes and ileum (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively) of C-MRF piglets. A reduction (p > 0.05) in E. Coli adherence in the ileum of piglets fed MRF was observed. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrate that dietary yeast mannan-rich fraction supplementation was effective in protecting weaned piglets against E. Coli F4 challenge.

Space-temporal analysis of groundwater quality in three areas of the state of Yucatán, México, and its relationship with existing anthropogenic activity.

Groundwater in the Yucatan State is the only source of water. The karst aquifer in Yucatan is vulnerable to pollution. Anthropic activities in Yucatan, such as pig farming, are usually related to high wastewater discharges and water pollution. Administrative and logistical issues in developing on-site sampling to evaluate water quality are common in Mexico. The RENAMECA database provides official data related to groundwater quality. However, no analysis based on this database has been reported. A groundwater quality evaluation based on five reference pig farms and the effect of spatial and temporal anthropic activities in the study area was developed. Eighteen wells based on their location concerning the selected pig farms were studied. On-site sampling and laboratory analysis of the supply water and wastewater in the study case farm were done. Fecal coliforms (FC) values (maximum 2850 MPN [100 mL] -1) in most cases for supply water wells exceeded the allowed limit by NOM-127-SAA1-2021. The year of monitoring was significant (P < 0.05) on FC concentrations. Population density and the proximity of wells to population centers affect negatively the presence of total dissolved solids (TDS) and total nitrogen (TN). TDS (maximum value 2620 mg L -1) and phosphorus presence could be related to agricultural activities, human settlements, and local aquifer conditions. A local wastewater treatment issue is evident. Groundwater is not quality for consumption without treatment. Regarding the issues in on-site water monitoring, database analysis provides an approximation of the real situation of groundwater quality.

Antimicrobial Use in Pig Farms in the Midwestern Region of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The use of antimicrobials in swine production is an issue that concerns the whole world due to their impact on animal and public health. This study aimed to verify the antimicrobial use in 29 commercial full-cycle farms in the midwestern region of the state of Minas Gerais, since this region is a hub of intensive pig farming in Brazil, as well as the possible correlations between the use of antimicrobials, biosecurity, and productivity. A total of 28 different drugs used for preventive purposes were described. On average, the herds used seven drugs, exposing the piglets for 116 days and totaling 434.17 mg of antimicrobials per kilogram of pig produced. Just eight active ingredients made up 77.5% of the total number of drugs used on the studied herds. Significant differences were found between the variables, biosecurity score and number of sows, antimicrobial amount and number of drugs, number of drugs and number of sows, and between productivity and biosecurity scores. The use of antimicrobials was considered excessive in the swine farms in the state of Minas Gerais compared to what was reported in Brazil and in other countries. Educational measures and better control should be proposed to reduce the preventive use of antimicrobials.

Distinct properties of putative trophoblast stem cells established from somatic cell nuclear-transferred pig blastocysts.

BACKGROUND: Genetically modified pigs are considered ideal models for studying human diseases and potential sources for xenotransplantation research. However, the somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technique utilized to generate these cloned pig models has low efficiency, and fetal development is limited due to placental abnormalities. RESULTS: In this study, we unprecedentedly established putative porcine trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) using SCNT and in vitro-fertilized (IVF) blastocysts through the activation of Wing-less/Integrated (Wnt) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) pathways, inhibition of transforming growth factor-ß (TGFß) and Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) pathways, and supplementation with ascorbic acid. We also compared the transcripts of putative TSCs originating from SCNT and IVF embryos and their differentiated lineages. A total of 19 porcine TSCs exhibiting typical characteristics were established from SCNT and IVF blastocysts (TSCsNT and TSCsIVF). Compared with the TSCsIVF, TSCsNT showed distinct expression patterns suggesting unique TSCsNT characteristics, including decreased mRNA expression of genes related to apposition, steroid hormone biosynthesis, angiopoiesis, and RNA stability. CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable information and a powerful model for studying the abnormal development and dysfunction of trophoblasts and placentas in cloned pigs.

Analysis and 3D Imaging of Morphometric - Mineral Structure Changes in Skulls of Male and Female Guinea Pigs During and After Developmental Period

SUMMARY: Even though morphometric and mineral studies related to the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) skull have been carried out, this study is the first attempt to evaluate all developmental stages of male and female guinea pigs. This study aims to this study is to create 3D modeling of CT images obtained from the skulls of male and female guinea pigs during the developmental period (prepuberty and the period between puberty and adulthood) and following periods (young adulthood and old adulthood), to analyze some biometric bone data such as volume, surface area and length, and to assess the developmental analysis of the mineral matter change in their skulls. The CT-scanned skulls were transferred to 3D Slicer (5.0.2), which is used for 3D modeling. The surface area and volume were calculated by measuring the measurement points on the models. In addition, the XRF device was used to show elemental ratio changes during different developmental stages. According to metric measurements, a gradual increase was observed during the life period. The metric measurements of the skull bone had a higher measurement value in male guinea pigs than in their female counterparts. While Ca/P ratio increased up to the third group and partially decreased in the fourth group in males, it gradually increased from the first group to the fourth group in females. This study revealed that puberty, adulthood and sex were effective in the physical and chemical characterization of skull bone structure in guinea pigs.

Aunque se han realizado estudios morfométricos y de minerales relacionados con el cráneo del cobayo (Cavia porcellus), esta investigación es el primer intento de evaluar las etapas de desarrollo de cobayos machos y hembras. El objetivo de este estudio fue crear un modelado 3D de imágenes de tomografía computarizada obtenidas de los cráneos de cobayos machos y hembras durante el período de desarrollo (prepubertad y el período entre la pubertad y la edad adulta) y los períodos siguientes (edad adulta joven y edad adulta mayor), para analizar algunos datos biométricos de los huesos, como el volumen, la superficie y la longitud, y además, analizar el cambio de materia mineral en sus cráneos durante el desarrollo. Los cráneos escaneados se transfirieron a 3D Slicer (5.0.2), que se utiliza para el modelado 3D. El área de superficie y el volumen se calcularon midiendo los puntos de medición en los modelos. Además, se utilizó el dispositivo XRF para mostrar los cambios en las proporciones elementales durante diferentes etapas de desarrollo. Según mediciones métricas, se observó un aumento gradual durante el período de vida. Las medidas métricas del hueso del cráneo tuvieron un valor de medición más alto en los cobayos machos que en las hembras. Mientras que la relación Ca/P aumentó hasta el tercer grupo y disminuyó parcialmente en el cuarto grupo en los machos y aumentó gradualmente del primer grupo al cuarto grupo en las hembras. Este estudio reveló que la pubertad, la edad adulta y el sexo fueron efectivos en la caracterización física y química de la estructura ósea del cráneo en cobayos.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Various Sources and Amounts of Copper on Nursery Piglets.

This study evaluated the impact of different dietary levels and sources of copper on the growth performance of nursery piglets through a combination of systematic review and meta-analysis. The database for this study was created using articles selected from major electronic databases. Data analysis involved forest plots and analysis of variance using mixed-effects models. The database included 63 articles published between 1990 and 2021, comprising 21,113 piglets in 946 treatments. Positive effects of supranutritional levels of copper from both inorganic and organic sources on the growth performance of nursery piglets were detected using Forest plots and analysis of variance (p < 0.001). Using mixed models, it was observed that piglet performance is influenced by body weight (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.001), and copper intake (p < 0.001). Both organic and inorganic sources of copper at supranutritional levels (>81 mg Cu/kg of diet) improved the performance of nursery piglets, but levels higher than 201 mg Cu/kg of diet did not further improve growth performance compared to 80-200 mg Cu/kg of diet. The feed conversion was worse in piglets fed with inorganic Cu sources (p < 0.001). In conclusion, dietary Cu supplementation influenced the weight gain and feed conversion rate in weaned piglets, particularly during the first few weeks post-weaning. Levels of 81 and 200 mg Cu/kg improved growth performance, but no further benefits were obtained for higher levels.

The vaccination changed the profile of rotavirus infection with the increase of non-rotavirus A species diagnosis in one-week-old diarrheic piglets.

Porcine rotavirus (RV) is a major viral agent associated with severe diarrhea in newborn piglets. RVA, RVB, RVC, and RVH are RV species that have already been identified in pigs. RVA is considered the most prevalent and relevant virus in pig production worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of RV infection associated with diarrhea in suckling piglets from regular RVA-vaccinated Brazilian pig herds between 2015 and 2021. Therefore, 511 diarrheic fecal samples were collected from suckling piglets aged up to 3 weeks from 112 pig farms located in three main Brazilian pork production regions. All piglets were born to RVA-vaccinated sows. The nucleic acids of RVA, RVC, and RVH were investigated by RT-PCR assays and RVB by semi-nested RT-PCR assay. Of the diarrheic fecal samples analyzed, 221/511 (43.3%) were positive for at least one of the RV species. Regarding the distribution of RV species among the positive fecal samples that presented with only one RV species, 99 (44.8%), 63 (28.5%), and 45 (20.4%) were identified as RVB, RVC, and RVA, respectively. RVH was not identified in diarrheic piglets with a single infection. More than one RV species was identified in 14/221 (6.3%) of the diarrheic fecal samples evaluated. Co-detection of RVB + RVH (11/221; 5.0%), RVA + RVB (1/221; 0.4%), RVA + RVC (1/221; 0.4%), and RVB + RVC (1/221; 0.4%) was identified in fecal samples. The results demonstrated a significant increase in the RVC and, mainly, RVB detection rates in single infections. This study allowed us to characterize the importance of other RV species, in addition to RVA, in the etiology of neonatal diarrhea in piglets from pig herds with a regular vaccination program for RVA diarrhea control and prophylaxis.

Egg Yolk-Supplemented Tris-Citric Acid Extender Improves the Prefreezing and Post-Thaw Sperm Quality Indices of Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus) Epididymal Spermatozoa.

This study aimed to assess the suitability of egg yolk (EY) supplementation to a tris-citric acid-based extender on cryosurvival of guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) epididymal spermatozoa. Two synthetic-based extenders, tris-citric acid-glucose plus 20% EY (TCG-EY) and tris-citric acid-fructose (TCF) both with 5% glycerol, were compared. Thirty-two epididymides were recovered from 16 adult guinea pig males by gonadectomy, and then the sperm samples were retrieved by retrograde flushing using TCG-EY and TCF extenders for left or right epididymis, respectively. TCG-EY and TCF sperm samples were frozen in static liquid nitrogen vapors through a two-step cooling procedure. Before freezing, the percentage of progressive sperm motility and sperm with intact plasma and acrosome membranes from TCG-EY sperm samples were higher (p < 0.05) than those diluted with TCF. Post-thaw sperm kinematic variables and membrane integrity were drastically reduced (p < 0.001) compared with prefreezing samples, regardless of extender type. The post-thaw plasmatic and acrosome membrane integrity from TCG-EY sperm samples was higher (p < 0.05) than those from TCF samples. Except for the length, the morphometric head dimensions of sperm diluted with TCG-EY or TCF did not vary (p > 0.05) after the freezing-thawing process compared with the prefreezing samples. In conclusion, despite greater cell cryoinjury with both extenders, the EY supplementation exerted greater cell membrane protection before and after the freezing-thawing process. This research shows an in-depth analysis of guinea pig sperm cryopreservation; however, more studies are recommended.

Auricular and laryngeal chondritis in nursery and finishing pigs.

This work aimed to characterize the clinic-pathological presentation of an outbreak of auricular and laryngeal chondritis in pigs. Visits were made to pig farms, where the clinical history was obtained, and clinical and postmortem examinations were performed. In those farms, 3% to 4% of pigs presented otohematomas, which started in the nursery and extended to the finishing phase. Moreover, some finishing pigs presented with respiratory distress, initially characterized as inspiratory dyspnea, associated by an uncommon respiratory stridor and culminating in death. Grossly, nursery piglets had enlarged ears, and on the cut surface, the cartilage was fragmented and associated with blood clots. In the finishing phase, in addition to auricular lesions, the epiglottis and arytenoid cartilages were thickened and distorted, which partially occluded the lumen. Microscopically, the laryngeal and auricular cartilages were fragmented, displayed a loss of matrix basophilia, and were surrounded by lymphohistiocytic inflammatory infiltrate, with occasional multinucleated giant cells and fibrosis. The lesions exclusively affected elastic cartilages. The disease in finishing pigs led to increased mortality and was a differential diagnosis to respiratory challenges. It was not possible to determine the factor that triggered this condition; however, a nutritional association is suspected. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of primary auricular and laryngeal chondritis in pigs.

Monitoramento sanitário de colônias de cobaias e coelhos: principais agentes infecciosos

The quality of animals used in research is a fundamental aspect that directly influences the validity and reproducibility of results. Additionally, animal quality also plays an important role in research ethics, contributing to the reduction of the number of animals required in studies and minimizing unnecessary suffering. To ensure an adequate quality standard, it is vital to implement comprehensive programs of sanitary monitoring. These programs primarily aim to prevent biological contamination through animals, biological materials, insects, people, and equipment. Furthermore, it is crucial to have knowledge of the sanitary standard both of the environment and of the animals already present in the animal facility, in order to avoid collective outbreaks of diseases and ensure the safety of both animals and researchers. Considering that laboratory animals can be asymptomatic carriers of pathogens, sanitary control becomes even more challenging. Therefore, it is crucial to develop effective strategies to detect, prevent, and control the spread of infectious agents in the research environment. In this context, this study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the sanitary control of animals used in research. This literature review will cover detailed information, recommendations, and specific methodologies for parasitological, bacteriological, and virological monitoring in the breeding of guinea pigs and rabbits. This information is essential to ensure the integrity of scientific studies, the safety of animals, and the validity of research results.

A qualidade dos animais utilizados na pesquisa é um aspecto fundamental que influencia diretamente a validade e a reprodutibilidade dos resultados. Além disso, a qualidade dos animais também desempenha um papel importante na ética da pesquisa, contribuindo para a redução do número de animais necessários nos estudos e minimizando o sofrimento desnecessário. Para assegurar um padrão de qualidade adequado, é vital implementar programas abrangentes de monitoramento sanitário. Esses programas visam primordialmente prevenir a contaminação biológica de animais, materiais biológicos, pessoas e equipamentos. Além disso, é fundamental conhecer o padrão sanitário do ambiente e dos animais, a fim de evitar a disseminação de doenças, assegurar a eficiência das barreiras sanitárias e os aspectos de biossegurança. Considerando que os animais de laboratório podem ser portadores assintomáticos de patógenos, o controle sanitário torna-se ainda mais desafiador. Portanto, é fundamental desenvolver estratégias eficazes para detectar, prevenir e controlar a disseminação de agentes infecciosos no ambiente de pesquisa. Nesse contexto, este trabalho visa fornecer um guia de consulta sobre o controle sanitário de cobaias e coelhos utilizados em pesquisas científicas, que abordará informações detalhadas dos patógenos que acometem estas espécies, recomendações e metodologias específicas para o monitoramento parasitológico, bacteriológico e virológico. Este trabalho apresenta-se como um importante guia de consulta para técnicos em bioterismo, pesquisadores, e profissionais envolvidos com a ciência em animais de laboratório, por apresentar informações essenciais para garantir a integridade dos estudos científicos, a segurança dos animais e a validade dos resultados da pesquisa.