Limnology of Macrobrachium amazonicum grow‐out ponds subject to high inflow of nutrient‐rich water and different stocking and harvest management

We evaluated the water characteristics and particle sedimentation in Macrobrachium amazonicum (Heller 1862) grow‐out ponds supplied with a high inflow of nutrient‐rich water. Prawns were subject to different stocking and harvesting strategies: upper‐graded juveniles, lower‐graded juveniles, non‐graded juveniles+selective harvesting and traditional farming (non‐grading juveniles and total harvest only). Dissolved oxygen, afternoon N‐ammonia and N‐nitrate and soluble orthophosphate were lower in the ponds in comparison with inflow water through the rearing cycle. Ponds stocked with the upper population fraction of graded prawns showed higher turbidity, total suspended solids and total Kjeldahl nitrogen than the remaining treatments. An increase in the chemical oxygen demand:biochemical oxygen demand ratio from inlet (4.9) to pond (7.1–8.0) waters indicated a non‐readily biodegradable fraction enhancement in ponds. The sedimentation mean rate ranged from 0.08 to 0.16 mm day^?1 and sediment contained >80% of organic matter. The major factors affecting pond ecosystem dynamic were the organic load (due to primary production and feed addition) and bioturbation caused by stocking larger animals. Data suggest that M. amazonicum grow‐out in ponds subjected to a high inflow of nutrient‐rich water produce changes in the water properties, huge accumulation of organic sediment at the pond bottom and non‐readily biodegradable material in the water column. However, the water quality remains suitable for aquaculture purposes. Therefore, nutrient‐rich waters, when available, may represent a source of unpaid nutrients, which may be incorporated into economically valued biomass if managed properly.     

Associations between morphometric variables and weight and yields carcass in Pirapitinga Piaractus brachypomus

The objective of this work was to evaluate the association between morphometric variables and carcass characteristics in Pirapitinga. We used a thousand specimens of Pirapitinga with an average weight of 1,200 g, which were stunned, slaughtered, weighed, measured, and processed for morphometric and processing yield analysis, to obtain weights, carcass and fillet yields. Initially, the linearity of the variables was verified. Pearson's simple and partial correlation tests were performed between all metrics. Track analysis was performed considering the weights and yields of carcass and filet as dependent variables and the others as independent variables. Ridge regression models were used to eliminate the effects of multicollinearity among the independent variables. Observations showed that the simple correlations between body weights and yields were superior to the partial ones in terms of magnitude. The length and circumference of the specimens were the measures most linearly associated with weight, carcass weight and fillet with rib weight. As for carcass yield and fillet yield, linear correlation coefficients were low and not significant when associated with body weights. With the path analysis, we could observe significant positive correlations between the morphometric measurements for weight, carcass weight and fillet with rib weight. The standard length, body circumference and body circumference/body height ratio are the most correlated. The latter are the most important variables in the evaluation of body weights in Pirapitinga fish. They can serve as criteria for indirect selection in searching for fish with better carcass characteristics. As for fillet and carcass yields, the morphometric variables have not shown to be efficient for indirect selection.     

Rapid Detection of the Fusarium oxysporum Lineage Containing the Canary Island Date Palm Wilt Pathogen

ABSTRACT Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. canariensis causes Fusarium wilt disease on the Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis). To facilitate disease management, a polymerase chain reaction diagnostic method has been developed to rapidly detect the pathogen. A partial genomic library of F. oxysporum f. sp. canariensis isolate 95-913 was used to identify a DNA sequence diagnostic for a lineage containing all tested isolates of F. oxysporum f. sp. canariensis. Two oligonucleotide primers were designed and used to amplify a 567-bp fragment with F. oxysporum f. sp. canariensis DNAs. DNA from 61 outgroup isolates did not amplify using these primers. Once the primers were shown to amplify a 0.567-kb fragment from DNA of all the F. oxysporum f. sp. canariensis isolates tested, a rapid DNA extraction procedure was developed that led to the correct identification of 98% of the tested F. oxysporum f. sp. canariensis isolates.     

Seasonal dynamics of the free-living phase of Anocentor nitens at Pedro Leopoldo, Minas Gerais, Brazil

An understanding of seasonal dynamics in the free-living phase of the tropical horse tick, Anocentor nitens, is vital for effective control measures. This study examines seasonal changes in the oviposition and incubation periods, eclosion rates, reproductive success, and larval survival in the free-living phase during the period June 1995-July 1997. Ten engorged female ticks, placed individually in wire-gauze tubes, were exposed in a field of Brachiaria decumbens fortnightly each month, and monitored to measure the duration of the various reproductive parameters, and success. Larval abundance was estimated indirectly, through the percentage of females with viable progeny, and directly by using a flagging method. Duration of the free-living cycle ranged from 12.3 weeks (October and December) to 23.5 weeks (March). The cycle was prolonged in cold and dry months. Larval survival was longer from February to July, and reduced from August to February. Oviposition was recorded in all months, and the egg production index ranged from 26.7 to 47.1%. The eclosion rate ranged from 0.1 to 76.6% in different months. Monthly estimates of larval abundance in the pasture were similar for the two methods used, being higher in months with higher temperatures, relative humidity and rainfall.     

Keratitis due to Histoplasma spp. in a horse

A 5-year-old Holsteiner gelding from Germany was presented 2 months after a whitish discoloration of the left cornea was observed. Cytologic examination revealed intra- and extracellular globular structures, up to 4 micro m in size, consisting of a central spherical deeply basophilic body surrounded by an unstained halo. The structures were morphologically consistent with Histoplasma spp. Infection with Histoplasma organisms is not endemic in Europe. Topical use of fluconazole was successful in eliminating Histoplasma organisms within 10 days of initiation of treatment.     

Extrinsic cardiac nerve segments in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris- Linnaeus, 1758). Comparative study in young and adult dogs

In this paper, important connections between the two main contingents of the autonomic nervous system, intrinsic and extrinsic visceral plexus were analysed. Concerning heart innervation, the territories of extrinsic innervation are very important in the treatment of congenital or acquired cardiopathy, thoracic neoplasia and aortic arch persistence, among others. This research compared young and adult extrinsic cardiac innervation and described the surgical anatomic nerve segments. Animals were perfused with a 10% formaldehyde solution in PBS (0.1 m) (pH 7.4) and submitted to macro- and meso-scopic dissection immersed in 60% acetic acid alcoholic solution and 20% hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution. The nerve segments were assigned as: right vagus nerve segment, left vagus nerve segment, right middle cervical ganglion segment, left middle cervical ganglion segment, right caudal laryngeal nerve segment, left caudal laryngeal nerve segment, right phrenic nerve segment and left phrenic nerve segment.     

Production and characterization of a panel of monoclonal antibodies for the identification of antigens of Babesia bovis

A panel of monoclonal antibodies was produced and characterized by an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting with the aim of identifying antigens of Babesia bovis. After fusion, the resultant hybrids were selected by the IFAT, cloned, maintained in culture in vitro, and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. Ten clones producing monoclonal antibodies were found to react against the entire merozoites, three reacted on the surface of the merozoites, and one clone reacted against the polar region of the merozoites. All monoclonal antibodies reacted in ELISA, with the optical density varying from 0.368 to 0.502 (cut off = 0.022). The bands recognized by the monoclonal antibodies in Western blotting had molecular weights ranging from 162 to 19 kDa. Four clones recognized a single band of 73 kDa, and another four did not react in Western blotting.