The influence of captive breeding on the fatty acid profiles of Salminus hilarii (Characiformes: Characidae) eggs and larvae

In addition to the strong influence of the broodstock diet on the development and survival of offspring, domestication may also interfere with the larval life success. We obtained eggs from wild and domesticated Salminus hilarii females and domesticated males. Wild females were caught in the Tiete River and tributaries, and the domesticated females were born three years before the beginning of the experiment in the Ponte Nova Fish Farm. Animals from both groups were fed with the same feed to exclude feed variables. The eggs and larvae were sampled at 0, 8, 16, and 28?h after spawning (HAS), with the last sampling (28 HAS) coinciding with hatching time. After hatching, samplings proceeded at 32, 48, 66, and 96 HAS, with the last sampling (96 HAS) corresponding to the end of yolk sac consumption. Finally, the last experimental period was during the larvae exogenous feeding phase, at 102, 118, 166, and 214 HAS. Our data revealed that domestication of S. hilarii females influenced fatty acid (FA) metabolism during embryo and larva development. However, the structure of membrane phospholipid FA remained mostly stable, with changes principally in the neutral fraction. When the external conditions, mainly water and feed quality, remained constant, domestication of S. hilarii females did not significantly affect the structural FA composition but influenced the selectivity of consumption and/or storage of specific FA.     

Processing of soybean products by semipurified plant and microbial alpha-galactosidases

Galactooligosaccharides (GO) are responsible for intestinal disturbances following ingestion of legume-derived products. Enzymatic reduction of GO level in these products is highly desirable to improve their acceptance. For this purpose, plant and microbial semipurified alpha-galactosidases were used for GO hydrolysis in soybean flour and soy molasses. alpha-Galactosidases from soybean germinating seeds, Aspergillus terreus, and Penicillium griseoroseum presented maximal activities at pH 4.0-5.0 and 45-65 degrees C. The KM,app values determined for raffinose by the soybean, A. terreus, and P. griseoroseum alpha-galactosidases were 3.44, 19.39, and 20.67 mM, respectively. The enzymes were completely inhibited by Ag+ and Hg2+, whereas only soybean enzyme was inhibited by galactose. A. terreus alpha-galactosidase was more thermostable than the enzymes from the other two sources. This enzyme maintained about 100% of its original activity after 3 h at 60 C. The microbial alpha-galactosidases were more efficient for reducing GO in soybean flour and soy molasses than soybean enzyme.     

Biochemical composition and indigestible oligosaccharides in Phaseolus vulgaris L. seeds

Common beans have a high nutritional value, but contain galactooligosaccharides (GO), which cause flatulence and intestinal discomfort in humans. The biochemical composition of ten bean cultivars was determined to select those of high protein and low GO contents. The cultivars varied in carbohydrate (47.02-60.17%), GO (3.12-5.71%), protein (22.17-33.50%), lipid (1.13-1.81%), moisture (11.42-12.93%) and ash contents (4.08-5.61%). 'Mexico 222' presented the highest alpha-galactosidase activity. Protein and GO contents were positively correlated. 'Perry Marrow' combined high protein and low GO concentrations, indicating it can be used in improvement programs aiming at high-quality cultivars for human consumption.     

Conception rate,uterine infection and embryo quality after artificial insemination and natural breeding with a stallion carrier of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a case report

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa may cause venereal disease and infertility in horses. A Pseudomonas aeruginosa - carrier stallion, often unresponsive to artificial vagina collection, was used to naturally breed mares. Semen collected from the same stallion was also used to perform artificial inseminations. Pregnancy rates, embryo quality and incidence of uterine infection were compared between inseminated or naturally-bred mares.

Methods

P. aeruginosa was isolated from swabbing of the penis, prepuce and distal urethra of the stallion. Before being bred or inseminated, clitoral/vestibular samples were collected from all mares, and cultured for isolation of P. aeruginosa. At the first observed estrus, endometrial swabs were also collected. All mares subjected to natural mating (NS) were re-evaluated for P.aeruginosa by culture of clitoral and endometrial swabs. Artificial inseminations (AI) were performed either with fresh-extended semen (11 AI/7 mares) or frozen semen (10 AI/7 mares). The stallion was also used to breed 3 mares (4 services). For embryo collection, 2 mares were inseminated with fresh-extended semen (1 AI/mare), and 2 additional mares were inseminated with frozen semen (2 AI/mare). Two mares were naturally-bred with a total of 9 services, for embryo collection. All mares were examined after AI or natural service (NS), for uterine pathologies. Embryo recoveries were attempted passing a catheter with inflatable cuff connected to a sterile flexible 2-way flushing catheter, through the cervix. Flushed media was recovered into an Em-Con filter, and embryos searched using a stereoscope. Embryos were graded from 1 (excellent) to 4 (degenerated/dead).

Results

Pregnancy rates obtained after NS was 50% per cycle. However, more than half of the NS resulted in uterine disease, while uterine pathology was seen only in 22% of the time following AI. Half of the mares bred by NS got positive to P. aeruginosa. Percentage of embryo recovery rates was identical after AI or NS (66.7%). The 4 embryos recovered after AI were classified as Grade 1, while after NS only 2 out of the 6 recovered embryos were Grade 1.

Conclusion

a) there was no evidence of reduced fertilization after AI or NS, b) a numerically higher incidence of uterine disease was noticed after NS, c) venereal transmission of P. aeruginosa after NS was confirmed, d) a lower percentage of G1 embryos may be obtained after NS. Overall, the data supports the indication for P. aeruginosa-carrier stallions to be bred by AI rather than by NS, and raises the possibility that P. aeruginosa may affect embryo quality.     

Effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acrocomia aculeata</Emphasis> Kernel Oil on Adiposity in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

The macauba palm (Acrocomia aculeata) is native of tropical America and is found mostly in the Cerrados and Pantanal biomes. The fruits provide an oily pulp, rich in long chain fatty acids, and a kernel that encompass more than 50% of lipids rich in medium chain fatty acids (MCFA). Based on biochemical and nutritional evidences MCFA is readily catabolized and can reduce body fat accumulation. In this study, an animal model was employed to evaluate the effect of Acrocomia aculeata kernel oil (AKO) on the blood glucose level and the fatty acid deposit in the epididymal adipose tissue. The A. aculeata kernel oil obtained by cold pressing presented suitable quality as edible oil. Its fatty acid profile indicates high concentration of MCFA, mainly lauric, capric and caprilic. Type 2 diabetic rats fed with that kernel oil showed reduction of blood glucose level in comparison with the diabetic control group. Acrocomia aculeata kernel oil showed hypoglycemic effect. A small fraction of total dietary medium chain fatty acid was accumulated in the epididymal adipose tissue of rats fed with AKO at both low and high doses and caprilic acid did not deposit at all.     

Influence of pyrolysis temperature on chemical and physical properties of biochar from sewage sludge

The use of sewage sludge biochar (SSB) for agro-environmental purposes has been increasing. However, due to the strong influence of pyrolysis temperatures on its production, there is great variation in its final properties. In this regard, efforts to generate relationships among many correlated SSB properties may help to understand this influence. This study sought to evaluate the effect of pyrolysis temperature on agro-environmental physicochemical properties of SSB. Biochars from sewage sludge (SS) were produced at 300, 400 and 500°C and their physicochemical properties were evaluated in comparison to SS samples. The increase in pyrolysis temperature decreased C, N, and H contents and the H/C atomic ratio, while increasing the C/N ratio. The pyrolysis process increased pH values, the surface area and pore volume and enriched the SSB with macro and micronutrients. Considering all variables together, the biochar produced at 300°C was that which showed the greatest nutrients availability, such as N total, S, NO₃^?, NH₄⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺. Conversely, SSB produced at 500°C showed higher recalcitrant organic matter and alkalinity, important properties for C sequestration and the correction of acidic soils. The combined application of SSB produced at lower and higher pyrolysis temperatures should be furthered studied.     

Seroepidemiological survey on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Leptospira</Emphasis> spp. infection in wild and domestic mammals in two distinct areas of the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil

Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease that causes severe reproductive problems in livestock and generates economic losses for farmers. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in small mammals, both wild and domestic, in two distinct areas of the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil: the National Park of Serra das Confusões (NPSC), state of Piauí, a preserved area; and rural areas in the municipalities of Petrolina and Lagoa Grande, state of Pernambuco, non-preserved areas. Serum samples were evaluated using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Approximately 4% (6/152) of the wild animals were positive, all of them in the non-preserved area. Overall, the seroprevalence rates among goats and sheep were 13.4 (77/576) and 4.6% (24/518), respectively, confirmed in both areas. The seroprevalence rates in dogs and cats were 5.6 (10/180) and 4.7% (2/43) and were determined only in the non-preserved area. The risk factors associated with Leptospira spp. infection were as follows: ages of 1–3 and > 3 years for goats and sheep, region (preserved area) for goats, intensive management system for sheep, and region (non-preserved area) for dogs and wildlife. The present study confirmed the presence of circulation of Leptospira spp. in both of these areas of the Caatinga biome, as well as a variety of serotypes in these areas.