The implementation of a HACCP system improved the efficiency of a bull semen collection and processing center.

Bull Semen Collection and Processing Centers (SCPC) have satisfactory control of sperm quality, but commonly lack standardized quality control of hygiene procedures. This study assessed the impact of implementing a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system in a bull SCPC, comparing microbial counts on various steps of semen processing, semen quality and costs across two periods (before and after the HACCP implementation). After surveying all routine activities of the SCPC, control points were identified, preventive measures were designed and corrective actions were employed, whenever necessary. Six months after HACCP implementation, the system was audited and production data covering two similar periods of two consecutive years were compared. Counts of colony forming units in samples collected from artificial vaginas, flexible tubes from the straw filling machine and from fresh and frozen semen after HACCP implementation were lower than during the previous period (P < 0.05). Improved post-thawing sperm motility, membrane integrity and acrosome integrity (P < 0.0001) and reduced rejection of semen batches and frozen doses were observed after HACCP implementation (P < 0.01), resulting in reduced opportunity costs. Thus, the implementation of a HACCP system in a bull SCPC allowed low-cost production of high-quality semen doses with reduced microbial contamination.

Efeito da adição de glucomanano modificado em dietas contendo aflatoxina sobre parâmetros clínicos de ovinos / Effect of the modified glucomannan in diets containing aflatoxin on the clinical parameters in sheep

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito do adsorvente (ADS) glucomanano modificado sobre parâmetros clínicos, hematológicos e ruminais de ovinos submetidos a dietas contendo aflatoxina (AFLA). Foram utilizadas 22 ovelhas mestiças (Corriedale e Texel), com 18 meses de idade. Os animais foram divididos em quatro grupos, de acordo com a adição de AFLA (1,5 PPM) ou ADS (2 PPM) na fração concentrada da dieta: animais recebendo AFLA na dieta (AFLA; n=6); animais recebendo AFLA e ADS na dieta (AFLA/ADS; n=6); animais recebendo ADS na dieta (ADS; n=5) e grupo controle, sem adição de ADS ou AFLA na dieta (CONTROLE; n=5). As dietas foram fornecidas por um período de 42 dias. Foram realizadas coletas de fluido ruminal a cada sete dias e avaliações clínicas (exame físico geral, urinálise e hemograma) a cada 10 dias. Quanto ao perfil leucocitário, a suplementação com adsorvente aumentou a concentração plasmática de eosinófilos. Os demais parâmetros clínicos e ruminais não foram influenciados pela presença do adsorvente ou da aflatoxina na dieta. Assim, o adsorvente glucomanano modificado influenciou a resposta leucocitária de ovinos, porém sem efeito na função ruminal e nos parâmetros clínicos avaliados.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of modified glucomannan adsorbent (ADS) on the clinical, hematological and ruminal parameters in sheep subjected to diets containing aflatoxins (AFLA). Twenty two crossbred ewes (Corriedale vs Texel), aging 18 months were separated into four groups according to the addition of AFLA (1,5 PPM) or ADS (2 PPM) in the concentrate portion of the diet: animals receiving AFLA in the diet (AFLA; n=6); animals receiving AFLA and ADS in the diet (AFLA/ADS; n=6); animals receiving ADS in the diet (n=5) and control group, without addition of the ADS or AFLA in the diet (CONTROL; n=5). The diets were supplied during 42 days. Ruminal fluid was collected and analysed every seven days and the clinical evaluations (clinical examination, urinalysis, and hemogram) every 10 days. The addition of adsorbent increased the plasmatic concentration of eosinophiles. Clinical and ruminal parameters were not affected by the presence of adsorbent or aflatoxin into the diet. The modified glucomannan adsorbent influenced the leukocyte response of sheep, but no effect on ruminal function and clinical parameters.

Inseminação artificial intra-uterina em leitoas com sêmen criopreservado com dimetilacetamida e glicerol / Intrauterine artificial insemination of gilts using cryopreserved boar semen with dimetilacetamide and glycerol

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o uso da dimetilacetamida (DMA) e de glicerol na criopreservação de sêmen suíno sobre as taxas de concepção e fertilização in vivo, utilizando o método de inseminação artificial pós-cervical. Foram sincronizadas 60 leitoas pré-púberes e inseminadas com o uso de sêmen congelado com glicerol 3 por cento (30 fêmeas) e DMA 5 por cento (30 fêmeas). O método de inseminação utilizado foi o pós-cervical, com concentração de 1 x 10(9) espermatozóides vivos por dose. Após 36 a 40h da inseminação, as fêmeas foram abatidas, sendo realizada a contagem de corpos hemorrágicos (CH) nos ovários. Foi realizada a lavagem dos ovidutos das fêmeas, verificando o número de estruturas recuperadas (oócitos e embriões), calculando-se as taxas de concepção e fertilização. A média de CH nas fêmeas do grupo glicerol 3 por cento não diferiu (P>0,05) daquelas do grupo DMA 5 por cento (10,4 x 10,2, respectivamente). Não houve diferença (P>0,05) nas taxas de recuperação de estruturas entre os grupos glicerol 3 por cento (68,9 por cento) e DMA 5 por cento (66,9 por cento). Os resultados obtidos nos grupos glicerol 3 por cento e DMA 5 por cento para as taxas de concepção (73,3 x 76,6 por cento) e fertilização (48,6 x 59,4 por cento) não apresentaram diferença (P>0,05). Conclui-se que não há diferenças nas taxas de concepção e fertilização in vivo utilizando-se sêmen congelado com o uso de dimetilacetamida ou de glicerol.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of dimethylacetamide (DMA) and glycerol in boar semen cryopreservation on the conception and fertility rates.Sixty pre-pubertal gilts were synchronized and inseminated with semen including either glycerol 3 percent or DMA 5 percent as cryoprotectants (n=30 for both groups). Artificial insemination was conducted with the intrauterine method using doses with 1 x 10(9) viable spermatozoa. The gilts were slaughtered 36-40h after the insemination and the hemorrhagic bodies (CH) in the ovaries were counted. The oviducts were washed, so oocytes and embryos could be recovered to determine the conception and fertility rates. The average CH obtained with glycerol 3 percent did not differ (P>0.05) from those observed with DMA (10.4 x 10.2, respectively). Recovery rates also did not differ (P>0.05) between groups (68.9 percent with glycerol and 66.9 percent with DMA). Conception (73.3 x 76.6 percent) and fertility rate (48.6 x 59.4 percent) were also similar (P>0.05) for glycerol and DMA, respectively. Those results indicate that DMA 5 percent can replace glycerol 3 percent in the composition of extenders for frozen boar semen.