Emerging Animal Species最新文献

The aptness of multi-processed cassava root meal in place of maize was examined using four hundred (4 0 0) day-old Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) chicks. The quails were randomized to five sets of four replicates each, of 20 quails per replicate. The experiment lasted for 5 weeks. Fresh cassava roots (Manihot esculenta) were rid of extraneous materials, ground to pasty form, and left in the sac for seven days to let out the water content and ferment. The cassava tuber cakes obtained were further sundried to reduce the moisture level. The resulting meal was used to formulate the experimental diet at 0.00%, 25.00%, 50.00%, 75.00%, and 100.00% replacement levels for maize in the diets C1, C2, C3, C4, and C5 respectively. The final weight, weight gain, feed intake, and all hematological parameters were significantly different (p < 0.05). However, Alanine aminotransferase, total protein, triglyceride, and cholesterol were not significantly different (p > 0.05) among the serum biochemistry parameters. Similarly, meat sensory properties were not significantly influenced (p > 0.05) but yolk color, smell, taste, and overall acceptability differ significantly (p < 0.05) for egg sensory properties. The liver, empty gizzard, abdominal fat, and testicle weights were significantly different (p < 0.05). The results obtained suggest that maize can totally (100%) be replaced with multi-processed cassava root meal in the diets of Japanese quails because the feed conversion ratio was not affected, the birds were not anemic, serum metabolites were not adversely influenced and meat sensory properties were not affected. In addition, egg organoleptic showed that yolk color, smell, and taste were improved.

This study evaluated the efficiency of a synchronization protocol based on GnRH and PGF_2α on embryo donor llamas for fixed timed mating and assessed the viability of embryos maintained at 5 °C and 15 °C for 24 h, using the Equitainer® and the Botu-BOX® as cooling devices respectively. Llamas were divided into four follicular wave groups: growth, dominance, static and regression; they received a GnRH analogue on day 0 followed by a second dose plus cloprostenol on day 8 and 15 and mating was indicated in females with a follicle ≥ 6 mm. Embryos were recovered 8 days post mating. Synchronization rate was 80% for the treated embryo donors, with no significant differences among groups. Uterine flushing was performed in 70% of the treated females (87.5% of mated llamas) and an embryo was recovered in 50%. Fourteen embryos were assigned randomly to 5 °C (Equitainer® group) and 15 °C (Botu-BOX® group) preservation for 24 h to be transferred later. In the Equitainer® group, we obtained 14% pregnancies and a female offspring was born. In the Botu-BOX® group, 28% resulted pregnant but subsequently pregnancies were lost. This protocol was effective for synchronizing follicles in growth phase in 80% of embryo donor llamas. In addition, cooling llama embryos using the Equitainer® and the Botu-BOX® as cooling devices to 5 °C and 15 °C respectively, preserves its morphology and viability for 24 h.

Equine-assisted services (EAS) utilize equines in various therapies, educational sessions, and adaptive horsemanship lessons to meet a variety of emotional, mental, physical, psychological, social, and horsemanship goals for individuals with diverse needs. During participant interactions with horses, it is important to consider the risks that equines pose as they are animals prone to fight and flight behaviors. The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International recommends that equines should be evaluated for suitability to participate in EAS prior to their participation so that the risks associated with equine-human interactions can be properly managed. To assess equines for EAS, the Basic Ground Skills Assessment (BGSA) was developed and subsequently tested for validity and reliability. Fourteen lesson horses were assessed on BGSA competencies by an EAS professional. Heart rate, an indicator of stress levels that is correlated to safe and unsafe equine behaviors, was collected throughout the testing and compared to each horse’s average BGSA scores as assigned by the rater. This comparison demonstrated that the BGSA was a valid (r = −0.947, p < .001) predictor of equine stress levels and thus a valid indicator of horse behavior. Additionally, two EAS professionals rated a horse using the BGSA to determine inter- and intra-rater reliability. Score comparisons revealed that inter-rater reliability was moderate (κ = 0.769; p < .018) and intra-rater reliability was moderate (κ = 0.769; p < .018). Further work should be done to develop and define an objective, valid, and reliable EAS equine assessment process.

Lambda-cyhalothrin (Lch) is a widely used broad-spectrum pyrethroid insecticide. Here, Lch-contaminated green grass (spray 25 mg/liter water; Cyclone 2.5 EC®) was administered to adult male rabbits for 15 (acute) and 90 (chronic) alternate days. The hepatic serum enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase were significantly increased in both acute and chronic Lch-exposed rabbits. Histopathologically, the liver of acute Lch-exposed rabbits showed necrotic changes with inflammatory cell infiltration in the periportal areas. Granulomatous inflammation with infiltration of huge inflammatory cells, fibrosis around the inflammation, and bile duct hyperplasia in chronic Lch-exposed rabbits were seen. In addition, cytoplasmic vacuolation of hepatocytes and cholangitis were found.

In testes, the thickness of tunica albuginea was reduced in acute Lch-exposed rabbits and increased with edematous fluid accumulation in the capsular and sub-capsular regions in chronic Lch-exposed rabbits. Spermatogenic cells were degenerated, and their number was decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the seminiferous tubules of both Lch- exposed rabbits. The Leydig cell population was also reduced significantly (p < 0.05) in both Lch-exposed rabbits. Interestingly, the spermatogenic and Leydig cell populations were significantly reduced in chronic compared to acute Lch-exposed rabbits. The results suggest that Lch has toxicological effects on the liver and testicular tissues, which may cause liver dysfunction and infertility in adult male rabbits.

Yaks are the lifeline of the tribal nomadic herdsmen/ highlanders. The present investigation was carried out to study the alteration of milk and serum micro-minerals with antioxidant status in sub-clinically affected yak. A total 420 mammary quarters from 120 yaks were screened for intramammary infection (IMI). Out of 420 mammary quarters of yaks, 62 were found positive for subclinical mastitis. Out of 62 quarters, 19, 16 and 15 quarters were found to be positive for Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) respectively. A total 48 quarters were selected for this study. 12 clinically healthy quarters and 12 each quarter from S. aureus, E. coli and S. agalactiae infected mammary quarters were selected and formed Group I, II, III and IV respectively. Oxidative stress was measured on the basis of estimation of malondialdehyde (MDA), ceruloplasmin and nitric oxide (NO) in serum. Serum copper, cobalt, zinc and iron were also estimated. The serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and ceruloplasmin level was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in infected groups as compared to healthy quarters. Maximum nitric oxide (NO) activity was exhibited in S. aureus group followed by E. coli group and S. agalactiae group infected quarters. Among the infected quarters, lowest and highest concentrations of minerals were found in S. aureus infected quarters and E. coli infected quarters respectively. Alterations of milk mineral profiles were more significant in S. aureus group as compared to other groups whereas serum mineral profiles were having significant alteration in between all the groups.

Hematology and serum chemistry are used to diagnose disease in marine mammals in captivity and in the wild. Clinicopathologic variables are the first step in determining treatment and assessing the suitability for rehabilitation and release. The South American fur seal (SAFS; Arctocephalus australis) occurs along the Pacific coast from southern Peru to Cape Horn and northward to southern Brazil on the Atlantic coast. The goal of this study was to evaluate hematologic, clinical chemistry, and physical parameters of eight female SAFS from coastal Uruguay. Segmented neutrophils were the major leukocytes followed by lymphocytes. The mean aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was similar to that reported previously for females and pups, except two females that showed higher levels. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in SAFS from our study was markedly higher than values reported for Chilean SAFS. AST and ALT values found could be related to liver damage. ALP levels in the females were within the range reported previously. Creatinine was higher compared with females and pups from Chile. The differences found in hematology and serum chemistry between Chilean and Uruguayan populations may also be related to differences in physiological and immune status. Basophils, myelocytes, metamyelocytes, lymphocyte plasma cells, and immature or pathologic forms were not observed. No unusual values were observed for red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets. Glucose, uricemia, creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Na, Cl, Ca, P and K levels are the first report for the species. These are the first results on the hemotology and blood chemistry of otherwise wild SAFS from Isla de Lobos, which can be used to assess the health of wild populations and during rehabilitation.

Zoonoses affect multiple host species, including bats, which are known to harbor and transmit many zoonotic pathogens. The objective of this study was to detect antibodies against to Toxoplasma gondii and Leptospira spp., as well as DNA of the respective pathogens in bats captured for for rabies diagnosis. Bats at risk, falling or roosting in unusual places, were rescued by the Environmental Health Surveillance in Botucatu, São Paulo, and sent to the Zoonosis Diagnosis Service of the São Paulo State University (UNESP), FMVZ-UNESP, Campus of Botucatu, SP to perform the diagnostic test of rabies. Serum samples from these animals were used tested for the Modified Agglutination Test (MAT-Toxo), the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT-Lepto), while blood samples were submitted for conventional PCR. In total, nine species of bats, insectivores, and frugivores (n = 49) of the genera Artibeus, Eptesicus, Eumops, Lasiurus, Molossus, and Myotis. Among the 49 samples tested, MAT-Toxo detected Toxoplasma antibodies in seven (14.2%), while MAT-Lepto detected Leptospira antibodies in 3 (6.1%). None of the samples tested positive by PCR. The results indicate natural exposure of insectivorous bats to T. gondii and Leptospira spp. in urban areas of Brazil and the possibility of these animals acting as reservoirs and disseminating these pathogens in the environment.

Developing standardized primal, sub-primal and commercial cuts, yield standards, and nutritional value for the Caiman crocodilus are vital in the process of developing a market for the animals’ consumption. This study aims to describe the carcass characteristics and the nutritional profile of wild caught C. crocodilus found in Trinidad and Tobago. Five adult C. crocodilus specimens were captured with an average weight and length of 28.04 ± 11.06 kg, 139.40 ± 16.32 cm respectively. Through carcass fabrication, a dressing percentage of 55.38 ± 1.8% was found and five primal cuts consisting of a neck, torso/rib cage, front leg with shoulder blade, back leg, and tail were determined for this species. Further fabrication of the carcass resulted in four sub-primal cuts, a top fillet, bottom fillet, loin, and breast cut. The fabricated tail of C. crocodilus constituted 28.32 ± 4.50% of the carcass weight with the highest meat to bone ratio by cut of 6.43. The results of the proximate analysis to determine the moisture, protein, lipid, and ash content of a homogenized sample of neck and tail meat presented values of 75.31 ± 3.03, 21.36 ± 4.07, 6.00 ± 5.40, and 0.25 ± 0.03 respectively on a dry matter basis. Based on these carcass characteristics and nutritional profile, this study can be used to justify further exploration into the use of C. crocodilus as an alternative meat source.

The present investigation sought to elucidate the changes induced by Bisphenol A (BPA) on some organs, liver enzymes, lipid profiles and its amelioration by Azanza garckeana (AG) extract and melatonin. Adult New Zealand White rabbit bucks (N = 42), with average live weight of 1.2 ± 0.03 kg and aged 10–18 months were fed ad libitum on a commercial diet. They were randomly divided into seven groups of six (6) bucks each. Group A was administered distilled water (1.5 mL); group B, BPA (100 mg/kg); group C, AG (500 mg/kg); group D, melatonin (1.0 mg/kg); group E was pre-dosed for six weeks with BPA (100 mg/kg), then AG (500 mg/kg) for another six weeks; group F was pre-dosed for six weeks with BPA (100vmg/kg), then melatonin (1.0 mg/kg) for another six weeks; and group G was pre-dosed for six weeks with BPA (100 mg/kg), then AG (500 mg/kg) and melatonin(1.0 mg/kg) for another six weeks. BPA increased (p < 0.05) activities of AST (143.9 ± 25.3 U/mL), ALT (29.95 ± 4.9 U/mL), and concentrations of urea (22.72 ± 5.3 mg/dL) and creatinine (199.2 ± 17.6 U/mL) in group B compared to other groups. BPA increased (p < 0.05) concentrations of total cholesterol (27.34 ± 5.2 mmol/L), triglycerides (2.82 ± 0.5 mmol/L) and low-density lipoprotein (6.8 ± 0.4 mmol/L), but decreased in high density lipoprotein concentrations (1.95 ± 0.1 mmol/L) in group B when compared to other groups. In conclusion, AG and melatonin administration reduced the cytotoxic effects of BPA on hepatic tissue, through improving the liver and kidney function biomarkers and were confirmed by hepatic, renal, heart and lungs histopathological examinations.