Risk factors for stillbirths in two swine farms in the south of Brazil

We evaluated stillbirth risk factors in two commercial swine farms of the Rio Grande do Sul State (south of Brazil). The study was conducted during 1 month in Farm A and during 2 months in Farm B, both during 1999. Data for all farrowings that occurred during the study period were recorded (101 for Farm A and 373 for Farm B), without interference in the farm management. In Farm A, 39% of all litters born during the period of interest had stillborn piglets and the stillborn risk for piglets was 12%. In Farm B, 25% of all litters had stillborn piglets whereas the stillborn risk was 2%. Variables considered as potential risk factors for stillbirths were: parity (1, 2–3, 4+); breed (purebred or crossbred); sow body-condition (normal or fat); use of oxytocin during parturition (yes or no); obstetric intervention through vaginal palpation (yes or no); farrowing duration (<4 or ≥4 h); mummified fetuses (yes or no); total litter size (<12 or ≥12 piglets); and litter birth weight (<11 or ≥11 kg). All stillborn piglets had their classification validated by necropsy. In multivariable logistic-regressions, the cases were the litters having at least one stillborn piglet. In Farm A, litters having at least 12 pigs and in which oxytocin was used during the parturition had 20.8-times-higher odds of stillborn occurrence. In Farm B, litters from sows having parity ≥4 had 2.2-times-higher odds of stillborn occurrence than litters from parity 2 to 3 females, litters having ≥12 pigs had 2.0-times-higher odds of a stillborn piglet than smaller litters and farrowings in which vaginal palpation was performed had 8.0-times-higher odds. Farrowing room management to minimize stillborn risk should target higher-parity females, large litters and optimization of practices of obstetric interventions.     

Voltammetric determination of the antioxidant capacity in wine samples using a carbon nanotube modified electrode

A direct determination of gallic acid was achieved at a carbon paste electrode modified with carbon nanotubes under differential pulse voltammetry conditions. The values obtained for gallic acid were used to estimate the antioxidant properties of the wine sample based on gallic acid oxidation. The proposed method is based on the gallic acid oxidation process at a modified carbon paste electrode (MCPE) containing 30% (m/m) of carbon nanotubes monitored at 0.35 V versus Ag/AgCl (KCl 3 mol L(-1)). Using the optimized experimental conditions, the calibration curve for gallic acid was linear in the concentration range from 5.0 × 10(-7) to 1.5 × 10(-5) mol L(-1) with a detection limit of 3.0 × 10(-7) mol L(-1). The MCPE was successfully applied for the determination of the antioxidant capacity for red and white wine samples without interference of glucose and ascorbic acid, and the obtained results were compared with the standard spectrophotometric method.     

Determination of angiotensin I-converting enzyme activity in equine blood: lack of agreement between methods of analysis

Angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) is a key regulator of blood pressure, electrolytes and fluid homeostasis through conversion of angiotensin I into angiotensin II. Recently, a genetic polymorphism of the ACE gene, which accounts for 47% of the variation of ACE activity in blood, has been advocated as a biomarker of athletic aptitude. Different methods of analysis and determination of ACE activity in plasma have been used in human and equine research without a consensus of a "gold standard" method. Different methods have often been used interchangeably or cited as being comparable in the existing literature; however, the actual agreement between assays has not been investigated. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the level of agreement between three different assays using equine plasma obtained from 29 horses. Two spectrophotometric assays using Furylacryloyl-phenylalanyl-glycyl-glycine as substrate and one fluorimetric assay utilizing o-aminobenzoic acid-FRK-(Dnp)P-OH were employed. The results revealed that the measurements from the different assays were not in agreement, indicating that the methods should not be used interchangeably for measurement of equine ACE activity. Rather, a single method of analysis should be adopted to achieve comparable results and critical appraisal of the literature is needed when attempting to compare results obtained from different assays.     

Comparing silvopastoral systems and prospects in eight regions of the world

Silvopasture systems combine trees, forage, and livestock in a variety of different species and management regimes, depending on the biophysical, economic, cultural, and market factors in a region. We describe and compare actual farm practices and current research trials of silvopastoral systems in eight regions within seven countries of the world: Misiones and Corrientes provinces, Argentina; La Pampa province, Argentina; northwestern Minas Gerais, Brazil; the Aysén region of Patagonia, Chile; the North Island of New Zealand; the Southeast United States; Paraguay; and Uruguay. Some countries use native trees and existing forests; some use plantations, particularly of exotic species. Natural forest silvopasture systems generally add livestock in extensive systems, to capture the benefits of shade, forage, and income diversification without much added inputs. Plantation forest systems are more purposive and intensive, with more focus on joint production and profits, for small owners, large ranches, and timber companies. Trends suggest that more active management of both natural and planted silvopastoral systems will be required to enhance joint production of timber and livestock, achieve income diversification and reduce financial risk, make more profit, improve environmental benefits, and realize more resilience to adapt to climate change.     

Effects of reconcile (fluoxetine) chewable tablets plus behavior management for canine separation anxiety

Canine separation anxiety is a common behavioral problem presented to veterinarians. Associated behaviors are distressing to both dog and owner, have the potential to disrupt the human-companion animal bond, and may lead to euthanasia. The results of this study demonstrate the clinical efficacy and safety of Reconcile (fluoxetine, 1 to 2 mg/kg/day [0.45 to 0.91 mg/lb/day]), in conjunction with behavior management, for the treatment of canine separation anxiety. The beef flavored chewable formulation was palatable to treated dogs and easy to administer. This study provides to veterinarians and owners valuable information about an effective separation anxiety treatment plan that combines use of Reconcile with behavior modification.     

Characterization of the anthracnose resistance gene present in Ouro Negro (Honduras 35) common bean cultivar

Ouro Negro (Honduras 35) is a highly productive Mesoamerican black seeded bean cultivar that possesses a major dominant gene conferring resistance to anthracnose (causal organism Colletotrichum lindemuthianum). In this work the anthracnose resistance gene present in Ouro Negro was characterized by studying allelic relationships to the following previously characterized anthracnose resistance genes (cultivars): Co-1 (MDRK), Co-1 ² (Kaboon), Co-1 ³ (Perry Marrow), Co-2 (Cornell 49-242), Co-3 (Mexico 222), Co-4 (TO), Co-4 ² (SEL 1308), Co-5 (SEL1360), Co-6 (AB 136), and the resistance genes present in PI 207262 and Widusa. In addition, we determined the resistance spectrum of Ouro Negro in relation to 19 pathotypes of C. lindemuthianum. The allelism tests confirmed that the dominant anthracnose resistance gene present in Ouro Negro is positioned at a locus distinct from those with which it was compared. We propose that this new gene be named Co-10. The inoculation of Ouro Negro with the 19 pathotypes of C. lindemuthianum demonstrated that Co-10 confers resistance to pathotypes 23, 64, 67, 73, 81, 83, 87, 89, 95, 102, 117, 119, 343, 453, 1033, 1545 and 1600. The identification of Co-10 is an important contribution to bean breeding programs that are in constant need of new sources of resistance to anthracnose. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Self -Compatibility in a Diploid Hybrid Population of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum phureja</Emphasis> – <Emphasis Type="Italic">S. stenotomum</Emphasis>

Recently proposals have been made in both Europe and North America to try to radically change potato breeding strategy from a tetraploid, heterozygous crop to a diploid inbred crop. As part of that effort, clones from the long-day adapted, late blight resistant diploid hybrid Solanum phureja – S. stenotomum population were selfed to begin the process of developing inbred lines. In March of 2016 and 2017, 42 diploid clones from the above-mentioned population were selfed in the greenhouse in Beltsville, MD. In 2016 and 2017, 10 and 13 clones failed to flower, respectively. Among the remaining clones, 716 pollinations were made in 2016, resulting in 57 fruit from 17 clones, and 3742 seeds; 801 pollinations were made in 2017, resulting in 34 fruit from 12 clones, and 1903 seeds. Nine clones were successfully selfed both years. Percent successful selfs was significantly higher in 2016 (7.96%) than in 2017 (4.24%). The most prolific clones in 2016 were BD1241–1 (34% successful selfs, 1090 seed), BD1218–3 (25% successful selfs, 638 seed), BD1215–1 (5% successful selfs, 411 seed), BD1243–1 (23% successful selfs, 232 seed). In contrast, the most prolific clones in 2017 were BD1230–2 (25% successful selfs, 537 seed), BD1203–3 (23% successful selfs, 391 seed), and BD1229–1 (11% successful selfs, 388 seed). These results indicate that there is sufficient self-compatibililty in this population to generate large numbers of inbred individuals, but that genotype x environment interactions are large. Attempts to generate selfed seed should be made over several years to maximize the genetic base of the selfed population.