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In this work, the authors present instantaneous local dose rates from particles of plutonium-239 oxide (239PuO) embedded in various regions of the respiratory tract. For comparison, a small number of simulations were performed in a representative region of the respiratory tract with other chemical compounds including pure metallic 239Pu, 239PuO2, 239PuO3, 239Pu2O3, and 239Pu(NO3)4. A small number of simulations were also performed with 238PuO, weapons grade Pu, and Pu from a typical radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) source for the same reason. The self-shielding effect is minor for very small particles but gradually becomes more significant as the particle size increases. For particles that are 0.1 μm and larger (excluding Pu nitrate), the calculated dose rate within several microns of the particle may be sufficient to damage lung cells, but the implications of damage to such a small volume of tissue are unclear. However, it is reasonable to assume that clinical effects will be observed if a large enough volume of tissue is damaged, as might happen when large numbers of particles are inhaled. The instantaneous dose rate around a particle may be predictive of deterministic effects, scar tissue formation, and biokinetics.

Avifaunas de dos bosques secos del norte de Oaxaca, MéxicoSe realizaron inventarios avifaunísticos en el norte de Oaxaca, en dos sitios de la región de la Cañada del Valle de Tehuacán. Se observaron 142 especies de aves, encontrándose cerca de 100 especies en cada sitio. Se encontró un número sorprendente de especies (37) que representan poblaciones aisladas del interior restringidas por una u otra vertiente costera. Además, proporciones similares de especies fueron exclusivamente de una vertiente costera o la otra, creando una extraña mezcla en la avifauna de estos sitios que incluye aves del interior, de la vertiente costera del Pacífico y de la vertiente costera del Atlántico.

El estudio del proceso de muda de las aves neotropicales ha tenido gran relevancia a partir de la publicación de guías especializadas, pero el conocimiento en este campo aun es escaso. La mayoría de los estudios sobre muda se realizaron con tamaños de muestra pequeños de menos de 100 individuos. En este estudio, hemos elegido a Icteria virens, una especie muy estudiada y con una distribución muy amplia en Norteamérica; analizamos una muestra de 626 individuos en su primer año de vida. La investigación la llevamos a cabo en el sur del Golfo de México con poblaciones migratorias norteñas posiblemente provenientes del este del continente con base en diferencias morfométricas del tarso y una recaptura reciente. Los resultados arrojan diferencias evidentes con lo anteriormente reportado acerca del proceso de la muda preformativa. Sugerimos que dicho proceso varía según el origen geográfico de las aves y muestra que la descripción de la muda debe basarse en una muestra amplia de individuos. Este trabajo propone enfocar estudios sobre el patrón de muda por corredores migratorios, con el fin de estimar el desarrollo de cada sub-población y estimar el proceso de muda entre poblaciones del oeste y del este de Norteamérica.

Las áreas naturales protegidas representan la principal estrategia de conservación de la biodiversidad. Sin embargo, sólo el 12.93% del territorio nacional se encuentra bajo protección legal. En este escenario surge la necesidad de encontrar alternativas para la conservación de la biodiversidad. Los agroecosistemas (ecosistemas bajo manejo antropogénico) pueden ser una alternativa de conservación, debido a su potencial de ser hábitats productivos para algunas especies silvestres. Aunque se ha encontrado que los agroecosistemas pueden albergar una gran riqueza de aves, hay pocos estudios sobre la avifauna en los agroecosistemas de México. En este estudio comparamos la diversidad de la avifauna en dos tipos de agroecosistemas de la cuenca del Lago de Cuitzeo, en Michoacán, para evaluar su importancia en la conservación de las aves de la región. Llevamos a cabo muestreos de aves en áreas de agricultura de riego y temporal, entre febrero de 2009 y febrero de 2010. En 143 puntos de conteo detectamos 99 especies de aves, 64% de las reportadas para la vegetación original del área. Aunque la riqueza de especies fue similar entre agroecosistemas, los sitios con agricultura de riego presentaron mayor abundancia de insectívoros, mientras que la abundancia de granívoros fue mayor en los sitios con agricultura de temporal. Los agroecosistemas con agricultura de riego fueron más diversos que los de temporal. Ambos agroecosistemas comparten 44 especies y tuvieron una similitud de 0.62 (Morisita-Horn). Ya que una buena proporción de aves habita en estos agroecosistemas, consideramos que son importantes para la conservación de las aves de la región.

Esta nota presenta las observaciones de 15 colisiones de aves en ventanas de edificios de la Universidad de Guadalajara en Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, México, a lo largo de 94 días de estudio (24 de enero al 27 de abril del 2003). Columbina passerina fue la especie que presentó el mayor número de fatalidades: ocho.

En el invierno 2002-2003 la especie Bombycilla cedrorum se presentó en México, con individuos registrados hasta el sur del país. Esta nota documenta la presencia, estructura poblacional y algunos patrones de coloración no comunes de la misma registrados en la ciudad de Oaxaca.

Notas sobre las aves de Oaxaca central, parte II: Hirundinidae a FringillidaeSe reportan nuevos datos que amplían y clarifican nuestro conocimiento del estatus y distribución de 112 especies de aves en la región central del Estado de Oaxaca. Las observaciones se realizaron abarcando partes de los distritos de Centro, Etla, Ixtlan, Tlacolula, y Zaachila dentro de 35 km alrededor de la Ciudad de Oaxaca. El reporte se basa en observaciones tomadas durante 752 días, comprendidos entre diciembre 1996 y mayo 2002. Los principales hábitats del área son de pino-encino (incluyendo zonas pequeñas de pino-encino-oyamel y pino-encino mezclado con pastizales), matorral de encino, matorral subtropical, vegetación riparia, y vegetación secundaria, campos agrícolas y otros (incluyendo áreas urbanas, jardines, y parques). Las siguientes especies se reportan por primera vez en la zona: Progne sinaloae (registro nuevo en el estado de Oaxaca), Thryothorus felix, Hylocichla mustelina, Vermivora pinus, Vermivora chrysoptera, Dendroica pensylvanica, Dendroica magnolia, Dendroica fusca, Dendroica graciae, Oporornis philadelphia, Wilsonia canadensis, y Spiza americana.Además, las siguientes nueve especies se han reportado solamente en los Conteos Navideños o por registros únicos: Tachycineta bicolor, Dumetella carolinensis, Vermivora peregrina, Dendroica dominica, Dendroica discolor, y Piranga erythrocephala (en temporada de reproducción). Se reportan datos de la reproducción de 43 especies, 18 de los cuales no se habían registrado en estado reproductivo antes en esta zona. De estos 43, 39 se pueden agrupar como reproduciéndose en los meses de abril a julio.

Se reportan nuevos registros y ampliaciones en el área de distribución de Harpagus bidentatus, Glaucidium sanchezi, Attila spadiceus, Cyanolyca nana, Oreoscoptes montanus y Peucedramus taeniatus. Estas seis especies de aves fueron registradas en el bosque mesófilo de montaña del estado de Hidalgo, México. Dos de estas especies (G. sanchezi y C. nana) son especies de distribución restringida, lo que eleva a tres el número de especies de distribución restringida en la zona. Esto enfatiza la importancia de esta región en la conservación de la diversidad de aves. Se discuten las implicaciones de estos nuevos registros en la obtención de inventarios completos de la avifauna de la región y en la conservación de su diversidad de aves.

A b s t r a c t A method to select bird indicator species taking into account its monitoring possibilities Based on criteria proposed by some specialists to characterize terrestrial birds that respond to environmental changes, we designed a numeric matrix for the selection of indicator species with the objective of recognizing those with more possibilities of monitoring. We assigned weighted values that allowed to evaluate through this matrix, each species recorded in sampling sites from an area located in North-western Chiapas, visited during the year 2002. The result of its application pointed out 14 species with possibilities of monitoring, of a universe of 272 species recorded. The proposed method, besides taking into account most of the basic considerations for the selection of indicator species, it has the capacity to discern among the community of species recorded to use pondered numeric values. We described the method and some recommendations for its use.

In this study we assess the bias in estimates of bird richness in a tropical wetland. We used 18 months of data from point counts to estimate the species richness in a coastal lagoon in Oaxaca and computed eight species richness estimators. We evaluated estimate inaccuracy using the sum of total richness that we obtained with combined sampling techniques between 2006 and 2010. We selected the richness estimator of minimum inaccuracy and used randomized species accumulation curves to investigate differences in species densities obtained with 10 and 20-minute counts. To ascertain if habitat type influenced richness estimates, we compared the bird diversity associated with contrasting mangrove and estuarine environments. The total richness for the lagoon was 185 species and the jackknife 2 richness estimator showed the minimum inaccuracy. The randomized accumulation curves of 10 and 20 minutes displayed partially overlapping confidence intervals and an increasing time lag between the count durations at equivalent densities. The rarefaction curves from contrasting habitat types showed significantly higher richness and species density in the estuary while the jackknife 2 estimator indicated similar sample coverage in both habitats. We identify important consequences of the sampling methodology that we used and conclude that point count sampling resulted in incomplete species detection but facilitated comparative analyses.

Las canciones de las aves se han convertido en herramientas importantes para estudios taxonómicos, de ecología del comportamiento y de selección sexual. En esta contribución presentamos y comparamos las vocalizaciones de 12 especies de aves de las islas Socorro y Clarión del Archipiélago de Revillagigedo. Mostramos espectros sonoros de algunas vocalizaciones, así como una discusión de sus características y diferencias geográficas – a nivel de deme, subespecie o especie. Comparamos las vocalizaciones de algunas aves con aquéllas de sus contrapartes continentales. Documentamos algunos eventos acústicos relevantes, como son las vocalizaciones de las hembras de algunas especies, los duetos antifonales de la matraquita de Isla Socorro, o las contravocalizaciones que los cenzontles de Isla Socorro intercambian con sus vecinos al amanecer o al anochecer. Además, discutimos la aplicación de los cantos y las llamadas de algunas especies en tareas de conservación, tales como el levantamiento de censos poblacionales, la identificación de sexos o el recuento de individuos célibes o apareados. También proponemos algunas líneas que la investigación bioacústica en esta región insular pudiera tomar en el futuro.

We recorded the Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) and the African Collared Dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea) in the state of Guerrero. We recorded the former in five municipalities of the state, in areas with secondary and introduced vegetation. There the Eurasian Collared Dove has established, reproduced and increased its population. We recorded the African Collared Dove in captivity in the cities of Chilapa de Alvarez and Chilpancingo. The Eurasian Collared Dove exhibited a behavioural pattern of greater mobility and independence of human presence; in contrast, the African Collared Dove is a species that lives in close dependence on humans. We found that the Eurasian Collared Dove is spreading rapidly in Guerrero state, while the African Collared Dove is reproduced by people as an ornamental bird.

Se presenta la lista de especies de aves registradas en un área de matorral espinoso tamaulipeco del centro-norte de Tamaulipas, México. Se registraron 171 especies pertenecientes a 42 familias, en observaciones realizadas de 1999 a 2005. Las familias con un mayor número de especies fueronAnatidae con 21 especies, Accipitridae con 17 y Emberizidae con 13. Del total de especies registradas, 91 son residentes y 80 migratorias. El matorral espinoso tamaulipeco proporciona zonas de refugio, animación, alimentación, descanso, tanto para las especies de aves residentes como migratorias. El presente estudio es una contribución al conocimiento de la avifauna asociada al matorral espinoso tamaulipeco y para la región noreste de Tamaulipas.

Se reportan registros adicionales del carrao (Aramus guarauna) para el interior del Estado de Jalisco, México. Esta información, en conjunto con la previa conocida, apoya la idea que dice que la distribución de la especie podría está relacionada con la del caracol (Pomacea flagellata, Gastropoda: Ampullaridae) que le sirve de alimento.

Reportamos varios registros y la captura de un mirlo dorso rufo (Turdus rufopalliatus) en un parque urbano de la ciudad de San Luis Potosí, México. Todas las observaciones y la captura ocurrieron entre junio de 2003 y junio de 2005. Nuestros avistamientos constituyen los primeros registros documentados del mirlo dorso rufo en el estado de San Luis Potosí.

The predominant method of measuring welfare in swine focuses on overt physical ailments, such as skin lesions, lameness, and body condition. An alternative metric for assessing welfare in swine can be to measure the frequency and duration of positive behavioral states, such as play. Given that play occurs only when an animal's primary needs (food, comfort, safety, etc.) have been satisfied, it has been suggested that play may be a sensitive indicator for assessing the welfare of non-human animals. Play has primarily been described in young piglets and is assessed via the occurrence of specific play markers. These play markers include overt bursts of energy like scamper, or more subtle social behaviors like nose-to-body contact. This review describes four areas of play for swine: locomotor, object, sow-piglet, and, peer play. From sporadic leaping to combative wrestling, play behavior allows for the fine-tuning of reflexive behavior which can enhance physical development, enrich cognitive abilities, and facilitate the maintenance of social bonds.

El trastorno de la queratina aviar ocasiona un crecimiento anormal del pico y afecta a varias especies de aves en América y Europa. Sin embargo, hasta la fecha, no se había registrado en el grupo de los colibríes. En este trabajo reportamos a un individuo de Hylocharis leucotis con dicho trastorno, el cual fue capturado en la localidad de San Bernardino Lagunas, Vicente Guerrero, Puebla. Es posible que esta alteración afecte la alimentación y polinización de los colibríes que la padecen.

Se reportan los registros de Carpodacus cassinii y Anas platyrhynchos diazi para Oaxaca, México. Los días 9 y 10 de enero de 2001 se observaron 28 individuos de Carpodacus cassinii en la comunidad de Cuajimoloyas, Sierra Norte de Oaxaca (3100 msnm). Por otra parte, del 30 de marzo al 25 de abril de 2001 se observó un individuo de Anas platyrhynchos diazi en la presa Piedra Azul, Teotitlán del Valle (1700 msnm).

Reportamos cuatro registros visuales del Colimbo mayor (Gavia immer) observados en dos sitios aledaños a la ciudad de San Luis Potosí, México. Todos los avistamientos ocurrieron a finales de los años 1998, 1999 y 2003. Uno de los registros fue filmado con una cámara de video. Los registros de esta especie en los cuerpos de agua continentales de México son escasos, por lo que nuestra información contribuye a ampliar el conocimiento relacionado a la presencia de esta especie en el Altiplano Mexicano y constituyen los primeros registros para el estado de San Luis Potosí.

Primer registro confirmado de Asio flammeus para el estado de Yucatán, México.Se reporta el primer registro adecuadamente documentado de Búho de Cuerno Corto (Asio flammeus)para el estado de Yucatán. Se discute la potencial subespecie del Búho de Cuerno Corto en la Península de Yucatán.

Asio flammeus en la Península de Yucatán: la importancia de los especímenes en las colecciones de museo.McAndrews et al. (2006) describieron el “primer registro documentado” del búho cuerno corto (Asio flammeus) para el estado de Yucatán. Debido a la aparente falta de un ejemplar voucher colectado por Phillips y Dickerman, no se había considerado su presencia en el estado de Campeche; sin embargo, al revisarse la colección del Museo de las Aves de México, dicho ejemplar apareció. Con ello se resalta la importancia de contar con ejemplares voucher en las colecciones científicas.

Poppiana dentata (Randall, 1840) is widely distributed throughout riverine habitats in Trinidad. However, there is a scarcity of information on the biology of this species. This study provides the first baseline examination that describes growth aspects for P. dentata. Juvenile crabs were obtained from berried females collected in northwest Trinidad. Carapace width (CW), length (CL), moult incident, intermoult period and qualitative aspects were recorded for crabs (N = 23) over 9 months. CW, CL and intermoult period were used to derive percentage size increment, specific growth rate (SGR) and size at structural maturity for both sexes. Growth curves and logistic equations were also generated for each sex. Hatched crabs (< 5 mm CW) underwent rapid hardening after their first moult, indicating a fast turnover of moult cycles. SGR and CW percent increment were also the highest for this initial moult (P < 0.05). CW, CL, intermoult period, size increment and SGR did not differ between sexes (P > 0.05), with logistic equations expressed as CW = 32.81 (1+exp (1.481 ̵ 0.031t))-1 for males and CW = 34.07 (1+exp (1.516 ̵ 0.027t))-1 for females. Yet, breakpoint analyses indicated dissimilar sizes for structural maturity (male: 28.40 mm CW; female: 16.84 mm CW). These patterns reflect a shorter life span for this species in comparison to what has been reported for other trichodactylid relatives. This can have implications for P. dentata populations residing in anthropogenically disturbed habitats; thus, highlighting the need for conservation strategies to ensure preservation of native wild stock. Resumo O Poppiana dentata (Randall, 1840) está amplamente distribuído nos habitats fluviais de Trinidad. Existem, porém, poucas informações sobre a biologia dessa espécie. Este estudo fornece a primeira análise de referência que descreve aspectos do crescimento do P. dentata. Caranguejos jovens foram obtidos a partir de fêmeas em desova na região noroeste de Trinidad. A largura da carapaça (LC), o comprimento da carapaça (CC), a incidência de muda, o período de intermuda e aspectos qualitativos foram registrados para caranguejos (N = 23) ao longo de mais de nove meses. A LC, o CC e o período de intermuda foram utilizados para obter o aumento porcentual, a taxa específica de crescimento (TEC), e o tamanho na maturidade estrutural para os dois sexos. Curvas de crescimento e equações logísticas foram também geradas para cada sexo. Os caranguejos que nasceram (com largura de carapaça < 5 mm) apresentaram um endurecimento rápido depois de sua primeira muda, o que indica uma rápida rotação dos ciclos de muda. A TEC e o aumento da porcentual da LC foram também os mais altos para esta muda inicial (P < 0,05). Não houve variação da LC, CC, do período de intermuda, aumento do tamanho e da TEC entre os sexos (P > 0,05), e as equações logísticas foram expressas como: LC = 32,81 (1+exp (1,481 ̵ 0,031t))-1 para machos, e LC = 34,07 (1+exp (1,516 ̵ 0,027t))-1 para fêmeas. Porém, as análises de quebra indicaram tamanhos diferentes para maturidade estrutural (LC para macho: 28,40; para fêmea: 16,84 mm). Esses padrões refletem um período de vida mais curto para esta espécie em comparação com o que tem sido registrado para outras famílias de Trichodactylidae. Isso pode ter implicações para as populações de P. dentata que residem em habitats modificados antropogenicamente; destaca-se, assim, a necessidade de estratégias de conservação para assegurar a preservação das populações selvagens nativas.

This study aimed to evaluate the parasitic fauna of Opisthonema oglinum (Lesueur, 1818) from Southeastern Brazil. Between September 2017 and March 2018, a total of 100 specimens of O. oglinum from the Sepetiba Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (22°54'S, 43°34'W) were examined. Ninety one specimens of O. oglinum were parasitized by at least one species of metazoan with a mean of 5.84 ± 7.98 parasites/fish. Seven species were collected: 2 digeneans, 2 monogeneans, 2 copepods and 1 nematode. The digenean Parahemiurus merus (Linton) was the most abundant and dominant species, representing 43% of metazoan parasites collected. The parasite species richness was positively correlated with the total length of the hosts. Only Neobomolochus elongatus Cressey showed a positive correlation between host's total length and parasite prevalence. The mean parasite species diversity was not correlated with host's total length, but significant differences among the mean parasite diversity between males and females was observed. Opisthonema oglinum represents a new host record for Caligus mutabilis Wilson, Hysterothylacium sp. and Cribomazocraes travassosi Santos and Kohn. The copepod N. elongatus is recorded for the first time on the Brazilian coast. Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a fauna parasitária de Opisthonema oglinum (Lesueur, 1818) do Sudeste do Brasil. No período entre setembro de 2017 e março de 2018, um total de 100 espécimes de O. oglinum provenientes da Baía de Sepetiba, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil (22°54’S; 43°34’O), foram examinados. Noventa espécimes de O. oglinum estavam parasitados por pelo menos uma espécie de metazoário com média de 5,84 ± 7,98 parasitos/peixe. Sete espécies foram coletadas: 2 digenéticos, 2 monogenéticos, 2 copépodes e 1 nematoide. O digenético Parahemiurus merus (Linton) foi à espécie mais abundante e dominante, representando 43% dos metazoários parasitos coletados. A riqueza parasitária foi correlacionada com o comprimento total do hospedeiro. Apenas Neobomolochus elongatus Cressey apresentou correlação positiva entre o comprimento total do hospedeiro e a prevalência parasitária. A diversidade média de espécies de parasitos não apresentou correlação com o comprimento total do hospedeiro, mas foram observadas diferenças significativas entre a diversidade média de parasitos entre machos e fêmeas. Opisthonema oglinum representa um novo registro de hospedeiro para Caligus mutabilis Wilson, Hysterothylacium sp. e Cribomazocraes travassosi Santos and Kohn. O copépode N. elongatus é registrado pela primeira vez na costa Brasileira.

Since the last comprehensive overview of the Czech and Slovak mollusc fauna, released in 2013, several records of species new for the countries or particular regions have appeared. In this paper, we summarize all such records and news collected in 2015–2019, including those affecting nomenclature and the national Check-lists made in 2013 and 2014. The rules for the selection of the records are: (i) the first record in Bohemia, Moravia or Slovakia, (ii) regionally important new records, (iii) records of species listed in NATURA 2000 and the national Red-lists as either critically endangered or endangered species, and (iv) currently spreading non-native species. New records are briefly commented and summarized for each species separately. Location data are published with all details in a supplementary table and are freely accessible., Čejka T., Beran L., Korábek O., Hlaváč J. Č., Horáčková J., Coufal R., Drvotová M., Maňas M., Horsáková V. & Horsák M., 2020: Malacological news from the Czech and Slovak Republics in 2015–2019. – Malacologica Bohemoslovaca, 19: 71–106. Publication date: 18. 10. 2020. Corrected version 3: 14. 5. 2022.

Anhydrobiosis can be described as an adaptation to lack of water that enables some organisms, including tardigrades, to survive extreme conditions, even some that do not exist on Earth. The cellular mechanisms underlying anhydrobiosis are still not completely explained including the putative contribution of mitochondrial proteins. Since mitochondrial alternative oxidase (AOX), described as a drought response element in plants, was recently proposed for various invertebrates including tardigrades, we investigated whether AOX is involved in successful anhydrobiosis of tardigrades. Milnesium inceptum was used as a model for the study. We confirmed functionality of M. inceptum AOX and estimated its contribution to the tardigrade revival after anhydrobiosis of different durations. We observed that AOX activity was particularly important for M. inceptum revival after the long-term tun stage but did not affect the rehydration stage specifically. The results may contribute to our understanding and then application of anhydrobiosis underlying mechanisms.

Se efectuó una búsqueda bibliográfica exhaustiva sobre epidemiologia, vigilancia epidemiológica y estrategias de control de Rabia variante 4 transmitida por murciélagos insectívoros. Asimismo, como estudio de caso se efectuó un estudio retrospectivo de murciélagos insectívoros capturados por vigilancia pasiva y analizados para determinar presencia de virus rábico en la Provincia de Río Negro, Argentina. El objetivo fue actualizar la información sobre la epidemiologia de la rabia variante 4 y analizar la eficacia de las medidas de control habitualmente recomendadas por los servicios de salud. La revisión efectuada muestra en Sudamérica solo 5 notificaciones correspondientes a caninos y felinos entre 2009 y 2019 y en relación a las personas, se reportaron tres casos: en Chile en 1963 y 2013 y uno en Colombia en 2012. La identificación de murciélagos insectívoros portadores de rabia varia del del 4% al 15%. Por su parte, el servicio de salud pública veterinaria del Ministerio de Salud de Rio Negro recogió murciélagos insectívoros a partir de actividades de vigilancia pasiva. Los murciélagos fueron remitidos al Laboratorio del Instituto Luis Pasteur de la ciudad de Buenos Aires para identificación de virus rábico. Se analizaron un total de 294 quirópteros insectívoros en 26 localidades. La proporción de infectados fue del 14,6% (IC95% 9,5-17,8) aunque sin casos en perros, gatos o personas. Los murciélagos insectívoros pueden ser un factor de riesgo para caninos, felinos y seres humanos, aunque las notificaciones de casos a variante 4 en estas especies es extremadamente bajo en América del Sur por lo que parece requerirse una evaluación de la estrategia de control recomendada y aplicada hasta el momento por no ser costo - efectiva, e implicar crecientes costos operativos en recursos financieros y humanos, proponiéndose alternativas más eficientes de control de riesgos.

Background One of the most challenging tasks in wildlife conservation and management is clarifying which and how external and intrinsic factors influence wildlife demography and long-term viability. The wild population of the Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon) has recovered to approximately 4400, and several reintroduction programs have been carried out in China, Japan and Korea. Population viability analysis on this endangered species has been limited to the wild population, showing that the long-term population growth is restricted by the carrying capacity and inbreeding. However, gaps in knowledge of the viability of the reintroduced population and its drivers in the release environment impede the identification of the most effective population-level priorities for aiding in species recovery. Methods The field monitoring data were collected from a reintroduced Crested Ibis population in Ningshan, China from 2007 to 2018. An individual-based VORTEX model (Version 10.3.5.0) was used to predict the future viability of the reintroduced population by incorporating adaptive patterns of ibis movement in relation to catastrophe frequency, mortality and sex ratio. Results The reintroduced population in Ningshan County is unlikely to go extinct in the next 50 years. The population size was estimated to be 367, and the population genetic diversity was estimated to be 0.97. Sensitivity analysis showed that population size and extinction probability were dependent on the carrying capacity and sex ratio. The carrying capacity is the main factor accounting for the population size and genetic diversity, while the sex ratio is the primary factor responsible for the population growth trend. Conclusions A viable population of the Crested Ibis can be established according to population viability analysis. Based on our results, conservation management should prioritize a balanced sex ratio, high-quality habitat and low mortality.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of soft pellet creep feed (SPCF) on growth performance and intestinal development in piglets.Methods: A total of 18 sows and their litters of crossbred piglets (14±2 days, 3.73±0.72 kg) were assigned to one of three dietary groups receiving i) powder creep feed (PCF), ii) hard pellet creep feed (HPCF) or iii) SPCF during the pre-weaning period. After weaning, piglets were selected for continuous evaluation of the three diets on growth performance and intestinal health.Results: In the pre-weaning period, the average daily feed intake and average daily dry matter intake were significantly higher in the SPCF group than the HPCF group (pClostridium, Enterobacter and Escherichia coli were also observed in the SPCF group, and the sucrase and maltase activity was higher (p

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic behavior of a population of Holstein cattle in response to the variation of environmental temperature by analyzing the effects of genotype by environment interaction (GEI) through reaction norms for the somatic cell score (SCS).Methods: Data was collected for 67,206 primiparous cows from the database of the Paraná Holstein Breeders Association in Brazil, with the aim of evaluating the temperature effect, considered as an environmental variable, distinguished under six gradients, with the variation range found being 17°C to 19.5°C, over the region. A reaction norm model was adopted utilizing the fourth order under the Legendre polynomials, using the mixed models of analysis by the restricted maximum likelihood method by the WOMBAT software. Additionally, the genetic behavior of the 15 most representative bulls was assessed, in response to the changes in the temperature gradient.Results: A mean score of 2.66 and a heritability variation from 0.17 to 0.23 was found in the regional temperature increase. The correlation between the environmental gradients proved to be higher than 0.80. Distinctive genetic behaviors were observed according to the increase in regional temperature, with an observed increase of up to 0.258 in the breeding values of some animals, as well as a reduction in the breeding of up to 0.793, with occasional reclassifications being observed as the temperature increased.Conclusion: Non-relevant GEI for SCS were observed in Holstein cattle herds of southern Brazil. Thus, the inclusion of the temperature effect in the model of genetic evaluation of SCS for the southern Brazilian Holstein breed is not required.

Objective: Endometritis is a major disease, that causes infertility in cattle, and is usually categorized as clinical or subclinical endometritis (SCE). The nutritional condition during the dry period is important for recovery after the last stage of the lactation period, and for postpartum production and reproduction. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between nutritional and metabolic characteristics in the dry period, and the risk of postpartum SCE.Methods: Multiparous Holstein dairy cows (n = 25, raised in a tied stall) were used. Endometrial cytological analysis was performed around 30 days post-partum, with 5% to 14% polymorphonuclear (PMN) as a cut-off point to define SCE. Serum levels of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), blood urea nitrogen, total cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium were measured in the cows at the dry period to evaluate energy status, protein metabolism, and mineral metabolism.Results: The incidence of SCE in the cows was 60.0% (n = 15/25) and the mean PMN% in postpartum cows diagnosed as SCE was 8.05%±2.6%. Overall, 17 and 8 samples were collected from the cows in the far-off and close-up periods, respectively. The serum concentration of BHBA in the far-off period and serum glucose concentration in the closeup period were correlated with postpartum PMN% (r = 0.62, p

Objective If fertilization does not occur within a specific period, the quality of unfertilized oocytes in the oviduct (in vivo aging) or in culture (in vitro aging) will deteriorate over time. Icariin (ICA), found in all species of Epimedium herbs, has strong antioxidant activity, and is thought to exert anti-aging effects in vitro. We asked whether ICA protects oocytes against age-related changes in vitro. Methods We analyzed the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and expression of antioxidant, maternal, and estrogen receptor genes, and along with spindle morphology, and the developmental competence and quality of embryos in the presence and absence of ICA. Results Treatment with 5 μM ICA (ICA-5) led to a significant reduction in ROS activity, but increased mRNA expression of glutathione and antioxidant genes (superoxide dismutase 1 [SOD1], SOD2, peroxiredoxin 5, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2), during aging in vitro. In addition, ICA-5 prevented defects in spindle formation and chromosomal alignment, and increased mRNA expression of cytoplasmic maturation factor genes (bone morphogenetic protein 15, cyclin B1, MOS proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase, and growth differentiation factor-9). It also prevented apoptosis, increased mRNA expression of anti-apoptotic genes (BCL2-like 1 and baculoviral IAP repeat-containing 5), and reduced mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic genes (BCL2 antagonist/killer 1 and activation of caspase-3). Although the maturation and cleavage rates were similar in all groups, the total cell number per blastocyst and the percentage of apoptotic cells at the blastocyst stage were higher and lower, respectively, in the control and ICA-5 groups than in the aging group. Conclusion ICA protects oocytes against damage during aging in vitro; therefore, it can be used to improve assisted reproductive technologies.

Objective An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of dragon fruit peel pellet (DFPP) as a rumen enhancer of dry matter consumption, nutrient digestibilities, ruminal ecology, microbial protein synthesis and rumimal methane production in Holstein crossbred bulls. Methods Four animals, with an average live-weight of 200±20 kg were randomly assigned in a 4×4 Latin square design to investigate the influence of DFPP supplementation. There were four different dietary treatments: without DFPP, and with 200, 300, and 400 g/h/d, respectively. Results Results revealed that dry matter consumption of total intake, rice straw and concentrate were not significantly different among treatments (p>0.05). It was also found that ruminal pH was not different among treatments (p>0.05), whilst protozoal group was reduced when DFPP increased (p

Objective This study aimed to determine the effects of different roughages in total mixed ration (TMR) inoculated with or without coculture of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) on in vitro rumen fermentation and microbial population. Methods Three TMRs formulations composed of different forages were used and each TMR was grouped into two treatments: non-fermented TMR and fermented TMR (F-TMR) (inoculated with coculture of L. acidophilus and B. subtilis). After fermentation, the fermentation, chemical and microbial profile of the TMRs were determined. The treatments were used for in vitro rumen fermentation to determine total gas production, pH, ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), and volatile fatty acids (VFA). Microbial populations were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All data were analyzed as a 3×2 factorial arrangement design using the MIXED procedure of Statistical Analysis Systems. Results Changes in the fermentation (pH, lactate, acetate, propionate, and NH3-N) and chemical composition (moisture, crude protein, crude fiber, and ash) were observed. For in vitro rumen fermentation, lower rumen pH, higher acetate, propionate, and total VFA content were observed in the F-TMR group after 24 h incubation (p

Objective: The objectives of this study were to investigate the direct antioxidative effect of 90 Kda heat shock protein (Hsp90) obtained from duck muscle.Methods: The interaction of Hsp90 with phospholipids and oxidized phospholipids was studied with surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and their further oxidation in the presence of Hsp90 was evaluated with thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay. The scavenging effect on the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azinobis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) was measured, and the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy in combination with 5-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide and 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5,-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (PTIO) was utilized to determine the abilities of Hsp90 in scavenging hydroxyl and PTIO radicals.Results: SPR showed Hsp90 could bind with both phospholipids and oxidized phospholipids, and prevent their further oxidation by the TBARS assay. The DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity increased with Hsp90 concentration, and could reach 27% and 20% respectively at the protein concentration of 50 μM. The EPR spectra demonstrated Hsp90 could directly scavenge ·OH and PTIO· radicals.Conclusion: This suggests that Hsp90, a natural antioxidant in meat, may play an important role in cellular defense against oxidative stress, and may have potential use in meat products.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of parity and the stage of lactation on the metabolic profile of cows based on the basic chemical milk components and the blood parameters.Methods: The study material consisted of high-yielding Holstein-Friesian cows. In total, 473 cows were examined. According to the parity, cows were divided into four groups: primiparous (P), and multiparous in the second (M2), in the third (M3), and in subsequent lactations (M4). The feeding of cows was based on total mixed ration (TMR) ad libitum. Milk and blood samples were collected individually from each cow three times per standard lactation period.Results: Greater exacerbation of changes in the dynamics of the blood plasma parameters examined was proved for multiparous cows. The highest value of β-hydroxybutyrate acid (0.946 mmol/L) was found for multiparous cows from group M3 at the beginning of lactation. However, it was still in the normal range. The results showed aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities in dairy cows during lactation had significant variations taking in to account stage of lactation. The highest activity of GGT was found in the group of the oldest cows and measured from 26.36 U/L at the beginning of lactation to 48.75 U/L at the end of the lactation period.Conclusion: The time-related changes in the concentrations of the biochemical parameters described differ markedly among lactating cows, though the housing conditions on the research dairy farm are highly standardised. This indicates that the ability to cope with metabolic stress is mainly affected by the individual predispositions of cows and feed nutrient supply in different stage of lactation. Especially, the feed nutrient supply (in net energy for lactation), which was the best in TMR 1 in comparison TMR 3.

Background More than 20,000 species in the superfamily Apoidea have been identified worldwide. This superfamily includes the most important group of insect pollinators that contribute to the integrity of ecosystems. Main body We have gathered in this paper data from many previous works in Northern Africa and Middle East regions. Some of these data are date from many years ago and others are recent. We present here a non-exhaustive list of some common Apoid species. In addition, certain previous studies that were published and other current research opportunities were suggested. Conclusion Although there are many bee experts in the Arab world, i.e., in apiculture, however, a few researchers are interested in melittology even though it seems that this region represents a large bee diversity.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of three approaches (the seasonal auto-regressive integrated moving average [SARIMA] model, the nonlinear autoregressive exogenous [NARX] artificial neural networks and Wood’s model) to the prediction of milk yield during lactation.Methods: The dataset comprised monthly test-day records from 965 Polish Holstein-Friesian Black-and-White primiparous cows. The milk yields from cows in their first lactation (from 5 to 305 days in milk) were used. Each lactation was divided into ten lactation stages of approximately 30 days. Two age groups and four calving seasons were distinguished. The records collected between 2009 and 2015 were used for model fitting and those from 2016 for the verification of predictive performance.Results: No significant differences between the predicted and the real values were found. The predictions generated by SARIMA were slightly more accurate, although they did not differ significantly from those produced by the NARX and Wood’s models. SARIMA had a slightly better performance, especially in the initial periods, whereas the NARX and Wood’s models in the later ones.Conclusion: The use of SARIMA was more time-consuming than that of NARX and Wood’s model. The application of the SARIMA, NARX and Wood’s models (after their implementation in a user-friendly software) may allow farmers to estimate milk yield of cows that begin production for the first time.

Objective The objective of this study was to compare fenugreek (FG) with alfalfa (Alf) in ruminal fermentation and methane (CH4) production in vitro. Methods Whole-plant FG harvested at 11- and 15-wk and Alf harvested at early and mid-bloom maturities, alone or as 50:50 mixture of FG and Alf at the respective maturity, were assessed in a series of 48-h in vitro batch culture incubations. Total fermentation gas and methane gas production, dry matter (DM) disappearance, volatile fatty acids, microbial protein and 16S RNA gene copy numbers of total bacteria and methanogens were determined. Results Compared to early bloom Alf, FG harvested at 11-wk exhibited higher (p

Objective: The present work was undertaken to evaluate the effects of storage time, choline chloride, and high concentrations of Cu and Zn on the kinetic behavior of vitamin degradation during storage in two vitamin premixes and four vitamin-trace mineral (VTM) premixes.Methods: Two vitamin premixes (with or without 160,000 mg/kg of choline) were stored at 25°C and 60% humidity. Besides, four VTM premixes were used to evaluate the effects of choline (0 vs 40,000 mg/kg) and trace minerals (low CuSO4+ZnO vs high CuSO4+ZnO) on vitamin stability in VTM premixes stored in room, and the VTM premixes were stored in room temperature at 22°C. Subsamples from each vitamin and VTM premix were collected at 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months. The retention of vitamin A (VA), vitamin D3 (VD3), vitamin E (VE), vitamin K3 (VK3), vitamin B1 (VB1), vitamin B2 (VB2), vitamin B3 (VB3), vitamin B5 (VB5), and vitamin B6 (VB6) in vitamin premixes and VTM premixes during storage was determined. The stability of vitamins in vitamin premixes and VTM premixes was determined and reported as the residual vitamin activity (% of initial) at each sampling point.Results: The effect of choline on VK3 retention was significant in vitamin premixes (p3, VK3, VB1, VB2, VB5, and VB6 in vitamin premix (p3, VB1, and VB2 loss during storage (p3 and VB6 (p

Los surfactantes sintéticos han mostrado efectos positivos sobre la integridad de la membrana celular de los espermatozoides crio conservados, sin afectar su motilidad. Dado que los extractos pulmonares poseen sustancias surfactantes, es de esperar que produzcan efecto positivo sobre la fertilidad de los espermatozoides de verraco luego de su crio conservación. Con el objetivo de disponer de evidencia preliminar respecto de la ausencia/presencia de toxicidad de extractos pulmonares sobre el semen, se utilizaron eyaculados de dos verracos con edades comprendidas entre los 24 y los 30 meses. Cada eyaculado se dividió en dos grupos. Uno de ellos se diluyó con un medio comercial de media duración (Grupo testigo) y el otro con el mismo medio más el agregado de: 2.5, 5 o 10 % de extracto pulmonar de cerdo (Grupos tratamiento). Como indicadores del efecto del tratamiento sobre la calidad del semen se determinó la relación vivos muertos, el host test y la integridad acrosómica. Las muestras se evaluaron luego de 0, 24 y 48 horas de incubación a 17ºC y 36°C. El experimento se repitió en tres eyaculados de cada uno de los verracos, a efectos de determinar la interacción entre los componentes del medio de conservación, y los extractos pulmonares, y la calidad de los espermatozoides porcinos.Los resultados demostraron que no existen diferencias significativas en los parámetros observados entre los diferentes momentos de evaluación, ni en las diferentes concentraciones de extractos, como tampoco se observó diferencia entre individuos. Se concluye que los extractos pulmonares no presentan efectos tóxicos sobre los espermatozoides porcinos.

Objective: Glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9) is a uric acid transporter that is associated with uric absorption in mice and humans; but it is unknown whether GLUT9 involves in chicken uric acid regulation. This experiment aimed to investigate the chicken GLUT9 expression and serum uric acid (SUA) level.Methods: Sixty chickens were divided into 4 groups (n = 15): a control group (NC); a sulfonamide-treated group (SD) supplemented with sulfamonomethoxine sodium via drinking water (8 mg/L); a fishmeal group (FM) supplemented with 16% fishmeal in diet; and a uric acid-injection group (IU), where uric acid (250 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected once a day. The serum was collected weekly to detect the SUA level. Liver, kidney, jejunum, and ileum tissues were collected to detect the GLUT9 mRNA and protein expression.Results: The results showed in the SD and IU groups, the SUA level increased and GLUT9 expression increased in the liver, but decreased in the kidney, jejunum, and ileum. In the FM group, the SUA level decreased slightly and GLUT9 expression increased in the kidney, but decreased in the liver, jejunum, and ileum. Correlation analysis revealed that liver GLUT9 expression correlated positively, and renal GLUT9 expression correlated negatively with the SUA level.Conclusion: These results demonstrate that there may be a feedback regulation of GLUT9 in the chicken liver and kidney to maintain the SUA balance; however, the underlying mechanism needs to be investigated in future studies.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la frecuencia y las características del comportamiento del consumidor de carne de codorniz en el distrito de Los Olivos. Para ello, se seleccionó a 328 clientes habituales del mercado Cono Norte Zarumilla Caquetá (CONZAC) responsables de la compra del hogar, consumidores de carne, sin distinción de género, mayores de 18 años de edad. El cuestionario estuvo conformado por 16 preguntas relacionadas con los datos generales y el comportamiento del consumidor de carne de codorniz. Los compradores eran comerciantes-vendedores (48,8 %), amas de casa (39,3%) y técnicos (11,9%) con edades comprendidas entre 36 y 45 años que vivían en hogares conformados por 2 a 5 personas (83,3%). Asimismo, los encuestados manifestaron que prefieren consumir la carne de codorniz fresca sin grasa (52,4%) o con poca grasa (47,6%), pero una cantidad que no excediera los 2 kilos (96,4%). La razón principal para su consumo eran las propiedades nutritivas (72,6%). En conclusión, la carne de codorniz no goza de popularidad entre los consumidores de Lima Norte, a pesar de su valor nutritivo.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to explore the expression patterns of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) genes of different skeletal muscles from Chinese cattle, and to investigate the relationship between myofiber characteristics and meat quality of M. longissimus lumborum (LL), M. psoas major (PM), and M. semimembranosus (SM) from Chinese Luxi and Qinchuan cattle.Methods: Three major muscles including LL, PM, and SM from Chinese Luxi cattle and Chinese Qinchuan cattle were used in this study. The myofiber characteristics were measured by histochemical analysis. The MyHC isoforms expression was evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Quality traits including pH value, meat color, cooking loss, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and sarcomere length were determined at day 5 postmortem.Results: PM muscle had higher pH value, a* value, sarcomere length and lower WBSF value compared to LL and SM muscles (pMyHC I mRNA in PM muscle were higher than those of LL and SM muscles (p

Objective This study aimed at studying the potential use of Flemingia (Flemingia macrophylla) as a protein source fodder to improve nutrients digestibility and ruminal fermentation efficiency in beef cattle. Methods Four, Thai native beef cattle were randomly assigned in a 4×4 Latin square design. Four levels of Flemingia hay meal (FHM) were used to replace soybean meal (SBM) in the concentrate mixtures in four dietary treatments replacing levels at 0%, 30%, 60%, and 100% of SBM. Results The experimental findings revealed that replacements did not effect on intake of rice straw, concentrate and total dry matter (DM) intake (p>0.05). However, the apparent digestibilities of DM, organic matter, crude protein, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber were linearly increased up to 100% replacement levels. Moreover, the production of total volatile fatty acids, and propionate concentration were enhanced (p

El zorro de monte (Cerdocyon thous) es un canido silvestre presente en la provincia de Misiones. Como varias especies del orden de los carnívoros, los zorros son susceptibles al virus del moquillo canino. El objetivo del presente trabajo es comunicar y describir el primer caso de moquillo canino en un zorro de monte (C. thous) de vida libre, encontrado en una zona peri-urbana de la Ciudad de Puerto Iguazú.

Las especies del género Chlamydia pueden infectar diversos epitelios de humanos y animales, causando enfermedades de gravedad variable, algunas de trasmisión zoonótica, y pérdidas en la producción de alimentos. La psitacosis es una zoonosis causada por Chlamydia psittaci y ha sido ampliamente estudiada. Si bien la presencia de esta especie en los animales de cría no es una novedad, en los últimos años se ha incrementado la búsqueda y el reporte de distintas especies de clamidias, en especial en aves. El presente artículo de revisión tiene como objetivo brindar una actualización en las especies de Chlamydia involucradas en las infecciones aviares, su clasificación taxonómica, prevalencia en el mundo e importancia zoonótica y productiva.

Background In bird species where offspring growth and survival rely on parents’ food provisioning, parents can maximise their fitness by increasing the quantity and/or the quality of preys delivered to their offspring. Many studies have focused on inter-individual variation in feeding rate, yet this measure may not accurately reflect the total amount of food (i.e. energy) provided by parents if there is large variation in the quantity and quality of preys at each feeding. Here, we explored the relative role of individual (sex, age, body condition), breeding (hatching date, brood size) and environmental (temperature) factors on feeding rate, prey number, size and quality, and their contribution to total prey biomass delivered to the nestlings of 164 Collared Flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis) parents in 98 nests. Results Preys delivered to the nest were mainly larvae (53.6%) and flying insects (45.6%). Feeding rate increased with brood size and age, and was higher in males than females. Mean prey number decreased, but mean prey size increased, as the season progressed and parents feeding their brood with primary larvae brought more preys per visit. Relationships between feeding rate, mean prey number and size remained when taking into account the provisioning quality: parents brought either a large number of small prey or a small number of larger items, and the force of the trade-offs between feeding rate and mean prey number and size depended on the quality of the provisioning of the parents. Whatever the percentage of larvae among preys in the provisioning, the variance in total prey biomass was foremost explained by feeding rate (65.1% to 76.6%) compared to mean prey number (16.4% to 26%) and prey size (2.7% to 4%). Conclusions Our study shows that variation in feeding rate, prey number, size, but not quality (i.e. percentage of larvae), were influenced by individual factors (sex and age) and breeding decisions (brood size and timing of breeding) and that, whatever the provisioning strategy adopted, feeding rate was the best proxy of the total biomass delivered to the nestlings.

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence and species of coagulasepositive staphylococci (CoPS) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) in retail pork meat samples collected during nationwide monitoring. The staphylococcal isolates were characterized for antimicrobial and zinc chloride resistance and enterotoxigenic potential.Methods: A total of 260 pre-packaged pork meat samples were collected from 35 retail markets in 8 provinces in Korea for isolation of staphylococci. Antimicrobial and zinc chloride resistance phenotypes, and genes associated with the resistance phenotypes were determined on the isolates. Furthermore, the presence and distribution of 19 staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) genes and enterotoxin-like genes among the pork-associated staphylococci were determined by multiplex polymerase chain reaction-based assays using the specific primer sets.Results: A total of 29 staphylococcal strains (29/260, 11.1%) were isolated from samples of retail pork meat, 24 (83%) of which were CoNS. The four CoNS species identified were S. saprophyticus (n = 16, 55%), S. sciuri (n = 3, 10%), S. warneri (n = 3, 10%), and S. epidermidis (n = 2, 7%). Among the 29 isolates, four methicillin-resistant CoNS (MR-CoNS; three S. sciuri and one S. epidermidis) and one methicillin-resistant CoPS (MR-CoPS; one S. aureus) were identified. In addition, a relatively high level of tetracycline (TET) resistance (52%) was confirmed in CoNS, along with a predominant distribution of tet(K). The most prevalent SEs were sep (45%), and sen (28%), which were carried by 81% of S. saprophyticus.Conclusion: These findings suggest that CoNS, especially S. saprophyticus strains, in raw pork meat could be a potential risk factor for staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP), and therefore, requires further investigation to elucidate the role of SEls in SFP and virulence of the pathogen. Our results also suggest that CoNS from raw pork meat may act as a source for transmission of antimicrobial resistance genes such as staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec and tet(K).

Objective: We have tested our hypothesis that inclusion of purified glycerol as a replacer of portions of dried distillers grain with solubles (DDGS) would affect growth performance, rumen fermentation and blood parameters, carcass and sensory traits, reducing sugar and glycogen contents, and volatile compound profiles in longissimus thoracis (LT) in Korean cattle steers.Methods: A total of 20 Korean cattle steers (27.0±0.2 months old; 647±10.5 kg body weight [BW]) were assigned to a conventional control group or a glycerol group (3.17% purified glycerol addition as a replacement for DDGS and molasses). The steers were individually allowed to receive the experimental concentrate at the daily amount of 1.5% of their individual BW and a total 1.0 of kg/d of rice straw twice daily. The feeding trial was conducted for a period of 20 weeks.Results: Glycerol supplementation (GS) increased (p = 0.001) concentrate intake. However, GS did not affect (p>0.05) average daily gain, feed efficiency, and ruminal volatile fatty acid concentrations. GS tended to increase (p≤0.10) serum glucose concentrations at the 16th and 20th weeks. GS decreased (p = 0.001) LT pH. GS did not affect (p>0.05) carcass traits and the chemical or physicochemical compositions, reducing sugar or glycogen contents, sensory traits, and most of volatile compounds in the LT.Conclusion: The inclusion of purified glycerol as a replacement for DDGS in the finishing diet did not affect growth performance, rumen fermentation parameters, and carcass quality in Korean cattle. The purified glycerol could be used as a substitute for other energy sources such as DDGS in beef cattle, depending on the price.

Objective: Wooden breast (WB) is a novel myopathy affecting modern broiler chickens, which causes substantial economic losses in the poultry industry. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of WB abnormality on meat quality, redox status, as well as the expression of genes of the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway.Methods: A total of 80 broilers (Ross 308, 42 days of age, about 2.6 kg body weight) raised at Jiujin farm (Suqian, Jiangsu, China) were used. Twelve unaffected (no detectable hardness of the breast area) and twelve WB-affected (diffuse remarkable hardness in the breast muscle) birds were selected from the commercial broiler farm according to the criteria proposed by previous studies.Results: The results indicated that WB showed histological lesions characterized by fiber degeneration and fibrosis, along with an increase of muscle fiber diameter (p