investigación en la cunicultura de las américas

Transcripción

INVESTIGACIÓN EN
LA CUNICULTURA DE LAS
0
AMÉRICAS
RABBITRY RESEARCH IN THE AMERICAS
Yazmín Elizabeth Felipe Pérez
Compiladora y Editora
1
FACULTAD DE MEDICINA VETERINARIA Y ZOOTECNIA,
UNIVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA DEL ESTADO DE MÉXICO
RAMA AMERICANA DE LA ASOCIACIÓN CIENTÍFICA
MUNDIAL DE CUNICULTURA
INVESTIGACIÓN EN LA CUNICULTURA DE LAS AMÉRICAS
TÍTULO DE LA OBRA:
© 1ª. Edición, 2015
EDICIÓN PUBLICADA POR:
© Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, UAEM
Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Campus “El Cerrillo”
© Rama Americana de la Asociación Mundial de Cunicultura, AB- WRSA
American Branch of the World Rabbit Science Association
COMPILADORA Y EDITORA:
Yazmín Elizabeth Felipe Pérez
MVZ., Dra. en C., Departamento de Reproducción Animal,
Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción,
Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia,
Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México
PROPIEDAD DE:
© Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, UAEM
Instituto Literario 100. Colonia Centro.
Toluca Estado de México. México. C.P. 5000
Reservados todos los derechos. No se permite la reproducción total o parcial de este
libro, sin el permiso previo y por escrito del titular del copyright.
ISBN: 978-607-422-594-5
Hecho en México
DIRECTORIO
DIRECTORY
Dr. En D. Jorge Olvera García
Rector
Dr. Alfredo Barrera Baca
Secretario de Docencia
Dra. Ángeles Ma. Del Rosario Pérez Bernal
Secretaria de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados
José Benjamín Bernal Suárez
Secretario de Rectoría
Ivett Tinoco García
Secretaria de Difusión Cultural
Ricardo Joya Zepeda
Secretario de Extensión y Vinculación
Javier González Martínez
Secretario de Administración
FACULTAD DE MEDICINA VETERINARIA Y ZOOTECNIA UAEM
Dr. en C. José Mauro Victoria Mora
Director
M. en C. Arturo Luna Blasio
Subdirector Académico
Dr. José Antonio Ibancovichi Camarillo
Subdirector Administrativo
Dr. Octavio Alonso Castelán Ortega
Coordinador de Investigación
LCP. y AP. Elder Higuera Vázquez
Coordinador de diseño editorial
DIRECTORIO
RAMA AMERICANA DE LA ASOCIACIÓN CIENTÍFICA
MUNDIAL DE CUNICULTURA 2010-2014
AMERICAN BRANCH – WORLD RABBIT SCIENCE ASSOCIATION
DIRECTORY
Ing. Agr. María Laura Cumini
Presidenta / President
Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía
Universidad de Buenos Aires Argentina
Dr. María Elena Cossu
Vice Presidenta / Vice-President
Departamento de producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía
Universidad de Buenos Aires Argentina
Dr. James McNitt
Secretario y Tesorero / Secretary / Treasurer
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
LA, USA
DIRECTORIO
ASOCIACIÓN CIENTÍFICA MUNDIAL DE CUNICULTURA –
RAMA AMERICANA 2014-2018
AMERICAN BRANCH – WORLD RABBIT SCIENCE ASSOCIATION
DIRECTORY
Dra. en C. Yazmín Elizabeth Felipe Pérez
Presidenta / President
Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Medicina
Veterinaria y Zootecnia
Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México
MVZ. Teresita del Niño Jesús González Carrasco
Vice Presidenta / Vice-President
Productor Independiente, México
Professor Dr. Luiz Carlos Machado
Secretario y Tesorero / Secretary / Treasurer
Instituto Federal de Ciência e Tecnologia de Minas Gerais
Campus Bambuí, Brasil
COMITÉ CIENTÍFICO Y EDITORIAL
SCIENTIFIC & EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
FACULTAD DE MEDICINA VETERINARIA Y ZOOTECNIA
CAMPUS “EL CERRILLO”
Y
CENTRO DE INVESTGACIÓN Y ESTUDIOS EN SALUD ANIMAL
Dra. Uxúa Alonso Fresan
M. en A. José Mendoza Becerril
Dr. Ernesto Morales Almaraz
Dr. Pedro Sánchez Aparicio
Dr. Simón Martínez Castañeda
Dr. Juan Carlos Vázquez Chagoyán
Dr. Raúl Fajardo Muñoz
Dr. Manuel González Ronquillo
Dr. León Gildardo Velázquez Beltrán
Dr. Rafael Cano Torres
Dra. Yazmín Felipe Pérez
UNIVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA METROPOLITANA, UNIDAD IZTAPALAPA
Dr. Juan Gabriel Rivera Martínez
INSTITUTO FEDERAL DE CIÊNCIA Y TECNOLOGIA DE MINAS GERAIS BRAZIL
Dr. Luiz Carlos Machado
Prof. Dr. Adriano Geraldo
DEPARTAMENTO DE PRODUÇÃO ANIMAL, FACULDADE DE MEDICINA
VETERINÁRIA E ZOOTECNIA, UNESP, CEP - BRAZIL
Prof. PhD. Ana Silvia A. M. T. Moura
MINAS GERAIS FEDERAL INSTITUTE - BAMBUÍ CAMPUS – BRAZIL
Prof. Maria Cristina de Oliveira
NOTA
La redacción del trabajo escrito, sus contenidos y la interpretación de los resultados,
es total y completa responsabilidad de los autores.
NOTE
The grammar of the manuscrips, their content and interpretation of the results,
is total and complete responsibility of the authors.
CONTENIDO
CONTENT
Página
Page
Capítulo
Chapter
ALIMENTOS Y ALIMENTACIÓN
FEED EVALUATION AND FEEDING
2 INFLUENCE OF SUBSTITUTION OF ARTICHOKE LEAVES FOR CLOVER HAY
ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND DIGESTIBILITY IN RABBITS
FAWZIA A HASSAN
20 NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF Salvinia auriculata FODDER, GROWN
IN AQUAPONICS FOR RABBIT FEED, PRELIMINARY RESULTS
GUERRERO CEM, ALBERTOS APJ, MARTÍNEZ YR, MAGAÑA RJJ,
GUZMÁN MR, PARADA HR
26 EVALUATION OF KOMBUCHA TEA NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT AND
Saccharomyces cerevisiae SC47 ON PRODUCTION PARAMETERS IN NEW
ZEALAND RABBITS DURING THE FATTENING STAGE
PÉREZ SL, DE LA CRUZ BA, DÍAZ GONZÁLEZ BA, LAGUNAS BS, FAJARDO MR
34 EFFECTS OF FEED RATIONING, FASTING AND A HERBAL SUPPLEMENT ON
MORTALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF FATTENING RABBITS IN ERE
CONDITIONS
DUPERRAY J., GRAND E., WEISSMAN D., LAURENT J.M., LAUNAY C., BELTRAN J.
50 NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY STUDIES IN RABBITS INTAKE DIETS WITH THE
ADDITION OF PROBIOTIC SUBTILPROBIO ® (BACILLUS SUBTILIS AND
ENDOSPORES)
DIHIGO LE, RUBIO SH, RONDON AJ, DOMINGUEZ AND SARDUY ML
56 STUDY OF THE CONSUMPTION EFFECT OF PROBIOTICS IN THE COLIFORMS
DYNAMICS IN RABBIT'S DIGESTIVE TRACT
LAGUNAS BS, PÉREZ SL, OSORIO MJ, FAJARDO MR, DE LA CRUZ BA, DÍAZ
GONZÁLEZ BA
64
GROWTH PROMOTERS USED FOR WEIGHT GAIN IN RABBITS MEANT FOR
HUMAN CONSUMPTION
VALLADARES-CARRANZA B, VELÁZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V, ALONSO-FRESÁN MU,
ZAMORA-ESPINOSA JL, RODRIGUEZ-CORREA JL, DOMÍNGUEZ-VARA IA
72 EFFECT OF DIETARY PROTEIN CONTENT ON SECOND REPRODUCTION
CYCLE OF LOCAL RABBIT DOES AND THEIR LITTERS
SAIDJ D, AINBAZIZ H, DAHMANI Y, ILES I, BENALI N,
CHIRANE M, MOULA N
74 EFFECTS OF INTERACTION BETWEEN ENERGY CONTENT OF DIET AND
PARITY ON PERFORMANCE OF LOCAL RABBIT DOES
SAIDJ D., AINBAZIZ H. , SALHI O. , BENALI N. , LEROY P., MOULA N
CALIDAD DE LA CARNE E INOCUIDAD ALIMENTARIA
MEAT QUALITY , SAFETY & DINING
78 EFFECT OF GENETIC LINE ON CARCASS FEATURES
IN NEW ZEALAND vs. CALIFORNIA RABBITS
SÁNCHEZ AP, FLORES PCS, MERCADO MC,
MORA VJM, CORTES AJL
86 DIFFERENT TIMES OF SUPPLYING A DIET RICH IN FISH OIL IN FATTENING
RABBITS AND HIS IMPLICATION ON MEAT QUALITY
LAMANNA ML, COSSU ME, PICALLO A, GAMBETTI P Y TORASSO P
96 CARCASS INDEX OF NEW ZEALAND WHITE, CALIFORNIA, CHINCHILLA AND
BLACK AZTEC AT CENTRO NACIONAL DE CUNICULTURA, MEXICO.
MARTÍNEZ YR , MAGAÑA RJJ , GUERRERO CEM , ALBERTOS APJ , PARADA HR
106 SENSORY MEAT QUALITY: INFLUENCE OF DIET SUPPLEMENTED WITH OIL
AND ANTIOXIDANTS IN FATTENING RABBITS
LAMANNA ML, COSSU ME, PICALLO A, GAMBETTI P, CUMINI ML AND GRIGOLI
MC
116 EFFECT OF DIETARY OIL FISH AND VITAMIN E ON THE FATTY ACID
COMPOSITION AND MEAT QUALITY
LAMANNA ML, COSSU ME, GAMBETTI P, GRIGOLI MC AND IGLESIAS MF
126 CONTRIBUTION TO THE SAFETY OF MEAT RABBIT WITH THE DETECTION
OF AFLATOXIN B1 IN BALANCED FOOD FOR RABBITS
GARCÍA SEGURA F, VILLARREAL ESPINO BARROS OA., HERNÁNDEZ
HERNÁNDEZ J, BECERRA CASTRO E
136 MEAT QUALITY OF RABBITS FED FEATHER MEAL
TRIGO MS, BORRÁS MM, CORDIVIOLA CA, ANTONINI AG, CUMINI ML, COSSU ME
ETOLOGÍA, ALOJAMIENTO Y BIENESTAR ANIMAL
ETHOLOGY, HOUSING & WELFARE
142 INTELLIGENT CAGE FOR GROWING OR ADULT MALE PET RABBITS
MACHADO LC, RIBEIRO BPVB, GERALDO A, HEKER MM, NORONHA CMS,
PIMENTEL FE, SILVA IM
150 USE OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS FOR NEST BEEDING
OF PREGNANT DOES
OLIVEIRA MC, MESQUITA SA, SILVA TR, LIMA SCO, MACHADO LA, OLIVEIRA
HC, OLIVEIRA JC, OLIVEIRA ES
156 INTELLIGENT CAGE WITH NESTING CHAMBERS FOR DOES
MACHADO LC, RIBEIRO BPVB, GERALDO A, HEKER MM, NORONHA CMS,
PIMENTEL FE, SILVA IM
164 INFLUENCE OF ENVIROMENTAL ENRICHMENT COMPOSITION OF SOCIAL
GROUP AND AGE ON MAINTENANCE AND COMFORT BEHAVIORS IN
GROWIN RABBITS
ANA SILVIA A.M.T. MOURA, THAIS F.M. BOZICOVICH, SIMONE FERNANDES,
EDSON R. DE SIQUEIRA
168 EVALUATION OF ANXIETY OF GROWING RABBITS IN ENRICHED CAGES
THAIS FMBOZICOVICH, PAMELA A GELIER, SIMONE FERNANDES, EDSON R.
SIQUEIRA, ANA SILVIA A.M.T. MOURA
172 PERFORMANCE OF RABBITS BORN IN NESTS LINED WITH DIFFERENT
MATERIALS
OLIVEIRA MC, SILVA TR, LIMA SCO, SILVA JA, MESQUITA SA, MACHADO LA,
OLIVEIRA JC, OLIVEIRA ES
176 ANALISYS OF SEASON EFFECTS ON WEIGHT GAIN ON MEAT RABBITS
CORDIVIOLA CA, CALONGE FS, TRIGO MS, ARIAS RO, MARTINO P, ANTONINI AG
180 EFFECT OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS FOR BED OF NEST TO PREGNANT DOES
ON THE NEST BUILDING PATTERN
OLIVEIRA MC, LIMA SCO, SILVA TR, SILVA JA, MESQUITA SA, OLIVEIRA HC,
OLIVEIRA JC, OLIVEIRA ES
GENÉTICA
GENETICS
186 PERFORMANCE OF NEW ZEALAND WHITE, CALIFORNIA, CHINCHILLA AND
BLACK AZTEC AT CENTRO NACIONAL DE CUNICULTURA, MEXICO.
MAGAÑA R. JOSÉ DE JESÚS, GUERRERO C. EMILIA MAGDALENA, ALBERTOS A.
PEDRO J. , MENDOZA C. MARIO, MARTÍNEZ Y. ROSARIO, PARADA H. ROCÍO
196 DEVELOPMENT OF MOLECULAR TESTS FOR IDENTIFICATION AND STUDY
OF GENETIC DIVERSITY OF EIMERIA SPP. IN RABBITS FROM THE SOUTH
EAST OF MEXICO STATE
JÍMENEZ RA, BAUTISTA GL, MARTINEZ CJ, GARCÍA RV,
ROMERO NC, HUITRÓN TG
202 MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION AND PHYLOGENETICS ANALYSIS OF
PASTEURELLA SPP. IN RABBITS FROM THE SOUTH EAST OF MEXICO
STATE
BAUTISTA G.L., GARCÍA R. V., MARTINEZ C.J., ROMERO N.C., JIMENEZ R. A.,
REYNOSO U.E., LOPEZ AUGADO A. G., HUITRON T. G
208 MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS OF ROTAVIRUS IN RABBITS, IN THE SOUTHEAST OF MEXICO STATE
REYNOSO UE, GARCÍA RV, MARTINEZ CJ, ROMERO NC,
LOPEZ-AGUADO AG, BAUTISTA GL
218 IDENTIFICATION AND CULTURE OF Eimeria spp FROM RABBITS WITH
GASTROENTERIC SIGNS IN SOUTH-EAST OF MEXICO STATE
TREJO HG, BAUTISTA GL, MARTINEZ CJ, GARCÍA RV, ROMERO NC
GESTIÓN SOCIAL Y ECONÓMICA
MANAGEMENT, SOCIAL & ECONOMICS
224 THE SMALL-SCALE RABBIT PRODUCTION MODEL: A GUIDE TO HUMAN
DEVELOPMENT
LUKEFAHR SD
238 ORGANIZATION AND STRATEGIES OF BRAZILIAN RABBIT PRODUCTION - A
SEARCH FOR SOLUTIONS
MACHADO LC
300 IS BACKYARD RABBIT PRODUCTION A DEVELOPMENT OPTION FOR SMALL
HOLDERS IN MEXICAN SOUTHEAST?
CRUZ-BACAB LE, SANDOVAL CCA, AGUILAR CAJ
314 RABBIT PRODUCTION IN COSTA RICA: BREAKING WITH TRADITION
BRENES S ANDREA
324 STRATEGIES FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION: PRODUCTION-COOPERATIVE
“CONEJOS ANDINOS DE MENDOZA
QUAGLIARIELLO S GABY
364 LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT FROM PRODUCTION OF ONE KILOGRAM OF
RABBIT MEAT VERSUS CHICKEN
RAMÍREZ GL; RAMÍREZ GG
AND GÜERECA LP
PATOLOGÍA E HIGIENE
PATHOLOGY & HYGIENE
374 STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF Saccharomyces cerevisiae AND TEA KOMBUCHA ON
THE INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA OF RABBITS
PÉREZ SL, LAGUNAS BS, DE LA CRUZ BA, FAJARDO MR, DÍAZ GONZÁLEZ BA
384 CADMIUM EXPOSURE IN RABBITS: RENAL AND HEPATIC EVALUATION
ALONSO-FRESÁN MU, BARBABOSA-PLIEGO A, VALLADARES-CARRANZA B,
VELÁZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V, REYES-ÁNGELES JF, CASTRO-GANDARILLA J,
FELIPE-PÉREZ YE, LEE-MORENO JL, TREMARI-TRUEBA RM
392 PERIODONTAL MANDIBULAR OSTEOMYELITIS IN
TWO NEW ZEALAND RABBITS
FAJARDO MRC, ALPÍZAR PA, HERNÁNDEZ MH, FERNÁNDEZ RP,
ORTEGA SC, MARTÍNEZ CJS
402 Bordetella bronchiseptica IN RABBITS SUBMITTED FOR DIAGNOSIS: CLINICALPATHOLOGICAL STUDY
VALLADARES-CARRANZA B, ZAMORA-ESPINOSA JL, ALONSO-FRESÁN MU,
VELÁZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V, GUTIÉRREZ-CASTILLO A, CASTRO-MARURI J,
ORTEGA-SANTANA C, PEÑA-BETANCOURT SD
410 METICILLIN RESISTANT Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) IDENTIFIED IN A
SMALLHOLDER RABBIT FARM
GARCIA-GAMA A, VELAZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V, ALONSO-FRESÁN MU,
VALLADARES-CARRANZA B, JUAREZ-TRUJILLO JC, RODRIGUEZ-CORREA JL,
TALAVERA-ROJAS M, FELIPE-PÉREZ YE
420 PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF A NON INVASIVE METHOD FOR DETECTION OF
BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION BY Staphylococcus aureus IN RABBIT CARCASSES
FROM HIGH VOLUME SLAUTHTERHOUSES
ALONSO-FRESÁN MU, GARDUÑO-GUADARRAMA V, VELÁZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V,
ZAMORA-ESPINOSA JL, TALAVERA-ROJAS M, DÍAZ-ZARCO S, MENDOZABECERRIL J
430 PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF Staphylococcus aureus CONTAMINATION IN RABBIT
CARCASSES FROM SMALL HOLDERS BY SUPERFICIAL SAMPLING AND
TOTAL IMMERSION
VELAZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V, RODRIGUEZ-CORREA JL, VALLADARES-CARRANZA
B, ALONSO-FRESÁN, MU, DÍAZ-ZARCO S, TALAVERA-ROJAS M, ZAMORAESPINOSA JL, MENDOZA-BECERRIL J
438 PREVALENCE STUDY OF EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL PARASITES IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF RABBITS IN LIBRES, PUEBLA, MEXICO
GARCÍA SEGURA F, ARANDA ABURTO MS, ESPINO BARROS OSCAR AGUSTÍN,
HERNÁNDEZ HERNÁNDEZ J, CAMACHO RONQUILLO JC,
PORTILLO MONROY A
450 DISEASES DIAGNOSED IN RABBITS SENT TO CIESA COMING FROM THE
VALLEY OF TOLUCA DURING 2004 TO 2013
ZAMORA E JL, VALLADARES C B, FAJARDO MRC
456 USE OF RECORDS TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF MORTALITY IN RABBITS
AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF THE YEAR IN UNIT EXPERIMENTAL COLLEGE
AUTONOMOUS CHAPINGO
HERNANDEZ HR, RIVERA MJ, HERRERA BJ, NICOLAS GA GONZALEZ SJ
468 RABBIT (Oryctolagus Cuniculus) AS A MODEL FOR ANIMAL SURGICAL
PROCEDURE OSTEOSYNTHESIS
VICTORIA MJM, IBANCOVICHI CJA,SÁNCHEZ AP
482 PHYSIOPATHOLOGY IN RABBITS DUE TO DIETS WITH INCREASED COPPER
CONCENTRATION
ALONSO-FRESÁN MU, VALLADARES-CARRANZA B, VELÁZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V,
BARBABOSA-PLIEGO A, CASTRO-GANDARILLA J, REYES-ÁNGELES JF, LEEMORENO JL, TREMARI-TRUEBA RM, ORTEGA-SANTANA C
REPRODUCCIÓN
REPRODUCTION
491 EFFECT OF DIFFERENT GNRH ANALOGUE TREATMENTS ON THE
PERFORMANCE OF LACTATING RABBITS
EIBEN CS, SÁNDOR M, SÁNDOR F, TOKAI A, KUSTOS K
502 WEIGHT GAIN IN REPRODUCTIVE RABBITS THROUGH THE APPLICATION
OF A SELECTION SYSTEM AND BREEDER IN A CLOSED POPULATION
MELÉNDEZ TC
526 REPRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT OF RABBIT BACKYARD
PRODUCTION IN THE AREA OF VOLCANOES IN THE STATE OF MEXICO
RIVERA MJ, NICOLAS G A, HERRERA BJ, HERNANDEZ RM, ALMARAZ AR AND
GONZALEZ SJ
536 Chenopodium ambrosioides ADDED TO RABBIT SEMEN DILUENTS FOR
CRYOPRESERVATION
GUADARRAMA VALDES II, VELÁZQUEZ CASTAÑEDA S, GUTIÉRREZ DE HONOR
A, CANO TORRES R, PESCADOR SN, FELIPE-PÉREZ YE
548 HISTOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE RABBIT (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
EPIDIDYMIS AND TESTICLES
ZAMORA E JL, FELIPE-PÉREZ YE, VELÁZQUEZ CASTAÑEDA S,
VALLADARES CB, FAJARDO M RC, QUEZADA-BARRERA KCH,
CANO TR, PEREZ S L, DIAZ GBA
564 PIOMETRA INFECTION: FINDINGS IN RABBITS
FELIPE-PÉREZ YE, ZAMORA E JL, QUEZADA BARRERA KC, VELÁZQUEZ
CASTAÑEDA S, CANO TORRES R
566 ABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND FOR PREGNANCY DIAGNOSIS IN RABBITS: IS IT
AN INTERESTING ALTERNATIVE?
KASSY GS; UBIRAJARA IT; SAULO HW; LUIZ FCG
570 REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS OF RABBITS UNDER TROPICAL CONDITIONS:
CASE TUXTEPEC, OAXACA
TREJO A, RAMIREZ S, ANTONIO CM, MEZA VM
574 COMPARISION OF RABBIT SPERM VIABILITY EVALUATION USING EOSINNIGROSIN AND TRIPLE- STAINING
FELIPE- PEREZ YE, SOTO MARQUEZ V, CASTAÑEDA VELASQUEZ S,
GUADARRAMA VALDES II, CANO TORRES R, PESCADOR SN
578 RABBIT TESTICULAR AND INGUINAL CHANNEL SAC MORPHOMETRIC
FINDINGS
FELIPE- PEREZ YE, CASTAÑEDA VELÁZQUEZ S, CANO TORRES R, PESCADOR SN
582 CRYOPRESERVATION OR ORNAMENTAL RABBIT SPERM (LION HEAD)
GONZÁLEZ SJA, JIMÉNEZ SE, GONZÀLEZ GAN, HERRERA BJA, ÁVALOS RA,
RIVERA MJG
584 MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION SPERM IN THREE LINES OF RABBITS
ORNAMENTS
RIVERA MJG, LÓPEZ RO, RAZO CV, MARTÍNEZ PES, GONZÀLEZ GAN, HERRERA
BJA, ÁVALOS RA, GONZÁLEZ SJA
PRESENTACIÓN
El presente texto tiene como objetivo compartir el conocimiento y las experiencias generadas
durante los últimos años, tanto entre los socios de la Rama-Americana de la Asociación
Científica Mundial de Cunicultura, como entre los investigadores que trabajan en América y en
todo el mundo en los diversos aspectos científicos de la producción cunícola.
Los lectores objeto del presente son todos los interesados en los avances científicos, la
aplicación del conocimiento generado en los diferentes países para mejorar la producción
cunícola, por lo que está dirigido a académicos, investigadores y productores involucrados en la
cría, producción e industrialización de la carne de conejo y sus derivados.
Los temas abordados en el presente texto, incluyen las distintas áreas del conocimiento aplicado
a la cunicultura desde diferentes disciplinas, cuya importancia radica en la optimización de los
recursos, tomando en cuenta el bienestar de los conejos tanto a nivel productivo a pequeña o a
grande escala, así como aquellos conejos que hoy en día se adquieren como mascotas.
Dado que actualmente el inglés es considerado como el idioma universal entre la sociedad
científica, los textos recopilados se presentan en inglés con su resumen en español, y en algunos
casos se encuentran totalmente traducidos al español. Además de encontrar los trabajos
desarrollados, también se incluyeron algunos avances de investigación en forma de resúmenes
en las diferentes áreas que son abordadas en este libro.
PRESENTATION
The aim of this text is to share the knowledge and experiences generated in recent years, both
among members of the American Branch of the World Rabbit Science Association, and among
researchers that work in America and around the world in the various scientific aspects of rabbit
production.
Object readers of the present, are all those interested in scientific developments, the application
of knowledge generated in different countries to improve rabbit production, therefore it is
directed to academics, researchers and producers involved in the breeding, production and
industrialization of rabbit meat and its derivatives.
The topics discussed herein include the various areas of knowledge applied to rabbits from
different disciplines, which importance lies in the optimization of resources, taking into account
the welfare of rabbits, including the small scale production, as well as large farms and those
rabbits that today are acquired as pets.
Since English is now considered as the universal language among the scientific community, the
collected texts are presented in English with the abstracts in Spanish, and in some cases are fully
translated to Spanish. Besides finding the full developed text, some research advances are
included as abstracts in the different areas addressed in this book.
Agradecimientos
Al MVZ. y M. en A. José Mendoza Becerril, por todo el esfuerzo realizado durante toda su
trayectoria profesional dedicada por completo a la cunicultura en México.
A todos los socios de la Rama Americana de la Asociación Científica Mundial de Cunicultura;
especialmente a los Doctores Steven Lukefahr y Luiz Carlos Machado, por todas sus valiosas
aportaciones para que se lograra conjuntar en un solo texto todas sus experiencias científicas, y
poder compartirlas con los diferentes lectores interesados en la Cunicultura de las Américas.
Acknowledgments
To DMV and MrS José Mendoza Becerril, for all his efforts throughout his professional career
devoted entirely to rabbit production and development in Mexico.
To all the members of the American Branch of the World Rabbit Science Association;
especially to Doctors Steven Lukefahr and Luiz Carlos Machado, for all their valuable
contributions which could be gathered into a single text, combining all their scientific
experiences, also to give us the opportunity to share it with the readers interested in the Rabbit
Production in the Americas.
ALIMENTOS Y ALIMENTACIÓN
FEED EVALUATION AND FEEDING
INFLUENCE OF SUBSTITUTION OF ARTICHOKE LEAVES FOR
CLOVER HAY ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND
DIGESTIBILITY IN RABBITS
FAWZIA A. HASSAN
Animal Production Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, 12618 Cairo, Egypt
*Corresponding author: [email protected]
Abstract
Seventy five New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits, 5 weeks of age with 700±1.4 g average live
body weight (LBW) were allotted at random to five experimental groups (of 15 rabbits each).
The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of partial or complete substitution (0, 25, 50,
75 or 100%) of artichoke leaves (AL) for clover hay on growth performance and nutrients
digestibility in rabbits. Results indicated that rabbit fed 50% artichoke leaves recorded the
highest (P<0.05) final body weight (2.148 kg) followed by rabbit fed 75% (2.046 kg). Average
daily feed intake increased significantly (P<0.05) with the increase of the level of artichoke
leaves inclusion throughout the experimental periods. Group fed 50% AL recorded the best
FCR throughout the whole period (W5-W12). In addition to the highest nutrients digestibility
values were recorded for diets contained 50% AL followed by diet contained 75% AL, while the
lowest values were obtained for diet contained 100%AL in comparison to the basal diet. Data
also showed that 50% and 75% AL recorded the highest (P<0.05) value of Digestible crude
protein and Digestible Energy, while rabbit fed diets contained 100% recorded the lowest
(P<0.05) DCP.50% AL recorded the highest total VFA concentration, cellulolytic bacterial
count (8.08 log cfu/ml) and Fibrolytic activity. It could be concluded that substitution of AL in
the diet of NZW rabbits at 50% of clover hay had the best growth performance and digestibility
of all nutrients.
Key words: rabbits, feeding, digestibility, growth, Artichoke leaves.
2
INFLUENCIA DE LA SUBSTITUCIÓN DE HOJAS DE ALCACHOFA
POR HENO DE TRÉBOL SOBRE EL CRECIMIENTO Y
DIGESTIBILIDAD EN CONEJOS
FAWZIA A. HASSAN
Animal Production Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, 12618 Cairo, Egypt
*Autor correspondiente: [email protected]
Resumen
Setenta y cinco conejos Nueva Zelanda blancos (NZB) de cinco semanas de edad y con peso
vivo promedio (ALW) de 700±1.4 g, se distribuyeron al azar en cinco grupos experimentales
con quince conejos cada uno. El objetivo de este trabajo fue investigar los efectos de la
sustitución parcial o completa de la sustitución (0, 25, 50, 75 o 100%) de hojas de alcachofa
(AL) por heno de trébol sobre el crecimiento y digestibilidad de nutrientes en conejos. Los
resultados indican que el grupo alimentado con el 50% de hojas de alcachofa alcanzaron el
mayor peso corporal final (2.148 kg) (P<0.05), seguido del grupo con el 75% (2.046 kg). El
consumo diario de alimento incrementó significativamente (P<0.05) de acuerdo con el
incremento en la inclusión de las hojas de alcachofa a lo largo del experimento. El grupo
alimentado con el 50% AL presentó el mejor FCR en todo el periodo (W5-W12). Además, en
este grupo se tuvieron los valores más altos con respecto a la digestibilidad, seguidos por la
dieta con el 75% AL, mientras que los valores menores se obtuvieron con la dieta que contenía
100% AL en comparación con la dieta base. Los resultados muestran que las dietas con el 50%
y 75% AL presentaron el valor mayor en proteína digerible cruda y de energía digerible
(P<0.05), mientras que los conejos alimentados con las dietas al 100% mostraron los valores
menores de DCP (P<0.05). Con la dieta del 50% AL se obtuvo la mayor concentración en el
VFA, conteo bacteriano celulolítico (8.08 log cfu/ml) y actividad fibrolítica. Se puede concluir
que la dieta con substitución de AL y 50% de heno de trébol contribuye con un mejor
crecimiento y digestibilidad de nutrientes en conejos Nueva Zelanda.
Palabras clave: conejos, alimentación digestibilidad, crecimiento, hojas de alcachofa
Introduction
Waste vegetable materials could be formed the basis of diets for the small scale
production of meat rabbits. Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaves could be used as
roughage feedstuffs for rabbits and contributed in lowering the feeding cost and hence
increasing the economic efficiency. FAO (2005) reported that Egypt is the second world
leader in production of artichoke. Artichoke by-product is available in plenty during
January to April in Egypt. FAOSTAT (2012) reported that the area harvested with
artichoke in Egypt was around 9,476,0 Ha, the yield was 213,65,44 (Kg/Ha). While, the
production quantity was 202,458,0 tonnes. Gul et al. (2001) indicated the possibility of
using green forage of artichokes in the diet including cereals and other sources of fiber
for feeding of rabbits, pigs and poultry as part of a balanced diet.
Radwan et al. (2007) reported that artichoke leaves meal contained on air dry basis (as
fed), 7.7% moisture, and 9.5% CP, 1.5% EE, 28.0% CF, 6.9% ash, 46.4% NFE, 46.3%
NDF, 32.2% ADF, 21.6% cellulose, 14.1% heimicellulose, 10.6% ADL and 2484 Kcal
ME/Kg. Bonomi (2001) reported that the substitution of artichoke leaf meal at 5 and
10% of total feed in rabbits diet increased the body weight by 4 and 7%, respectively,
after 60 days. The author did not notice any adverse effects on animal health. Several
studies have been suggested that use of the artichoke by-products (Cynara scolymus), as
agricultural wastes in livestock feeding may provide alternative substrates for alfalfa
hay (Sallam et al., 2008; Meneses et al., 2007; Ghanem 2006 and Sallam, 2005).
De Blas (2013) reported that fibre is the main chemical constituent of rabbit diets, Cell
wall constituents are not well digested in rabbits, but this effect is compensated by its
stimulus of gut motility, which leads to an increasing rate of passage of digesta, and
allows achieving an elevated dry matter intake. Moreover, the use of diets with high
soluble fibre concentrations (141 g/kg) and low starch concentrations (130 g/kg)
enhanced the digestive efficiency, growth performance, and caecal fermentation of
growing rabbits (Trocino, 2013).
4
Total dietary fibre is the major fraction of commercial diets for rabbits. Its importance is
related to the influence on the rate of passage of digesta and the function as substrate for
microbiota, which in turn affects and regulates rabbit growth performance and digestive
health (Gidenne et al., 2010).
The main objective of the present experiment was to investigate the effect of different
replacement levels (25, 50, 75 and 100%) of dried Jerusalem artichoke leaves for clover
hay in growing rabbits diets on the growth performance and digestibility coefficients.
Materials and methods
Diets, animals and experimental design
The experimental work was carried out at Borg El-Arab Experimental Station,
Alexanderia. Animal Production Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center,
Cairo, Egypt. The first group of rabbits was fed on diet contained a corn, clover hay,
soy bean meal and wheat as a basal diet. The other four groups were fed on the diets
contained artichoke leaves at 25, 50, 75 and 100% substitution of clover hay. All the
experimental diets were formulated to be iso-nitrogenous, iso-caloric and adequate in all
nutrients requirements for growing rabbits, as recommended by Lebas (2004) as shown
in Table 1.
Table 1: Feed ingredients and chemical composition of experimental diets (%DM basis).
Substitution level of clover hay by Artichoke leaves
Feed Ingredients (%)
Basal diet
25%AL
50%AL
75%AL
100%AL
Clover hay
34
25.5
17
8.5
--
Artichoke leaves
--
8.5
17
25.5
34
Yellow corn
21
21
20
19
25
Soybean meal (44%CP)
16
16
17
17
17
Wheat bran
24
24
25
25
25
Molasses
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
Di- Ca- phosphate
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
Dl-Methionine
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Salt
Vit.-Min. premix
*
Chemical composition(%DM basis)
DM
88.90
88.20
88.68
87.98
87.88
OM
91.99
91.88
91.60
91.79
91.40
CP
17.09
17.00
17.18
17.07
17.08
CF
13.48
13.13
13.09
13.01
13.00
EE
2.47
2.46
2.45
2.44
2.43
NFE
60.21
60.10
59.95
60.27
60.03
Ash
8.01
8.12
8.40
8.21
8.60
NDF
29.93
30.33
30.42
30.49
30.57
ADF
16.67
16.94
17.11
17.27
17.44
3.64
3.71
3.74
3.78
3.82
0.64
0.64
0.64
0.64
0.64
0.83
0.83
0.83
0.83
0.83
1.01
1.01
1.01
1.01
1.01
0.68
0.66
0.65
0.65
0.65
2650
2648
2600
2601
2600
ADL
1
Methionine
2
Lysine
3
Calcium
Total Phosphorus
4
5
Digestible energy (Kcal/Kg
DM)
*Each kg vitamins and minerals premix contains: Vit. A. 2.00000IU,10.000mg, B 1400mg, B21200mg, B6,400mg, B12.2mg,
K3 400 mg, D3 200000IU, Choline chloride 240mg pantothenic acid 400mg, Niacin 1000mg, Folic acid 1000 mg, Biotin 40
mg, Manganese 1700 mg, Zinc 14000 mg, Iron 1500mg, copper 500 mg, selenium 20 mg, Iodine 40 mg and Magnesium
8000 mg. 1,2,3,4,5 Calculated on the basis of the ingredient composition.
Seventy five weaned New Zealand white rabbits, six weeks old with an average live
body weight 728.2 g were allotted randomly to five groups (fifteen rabbits each).
Experimental diets (as pellets) and fresh water (through stainless steel nipples) were
offered for all rabbits ad libitum consumption throughout the experimental period
(8weeks), from 5 to 12 weeks old.
6
Feed intake and weight gain were recorded weekly, while feed conversion was
calculated as a ratio of gram of feed per gram of gain. The composition and
chemical analysis of the experimental diets are shown in Table 1.
Digestibility trial
A digestibility trial was performed on twenty five male New Zealand White rabbits (5
rabbit for each treatment), 7 month of age with an average live body weight ranged from
3520 to3750g determine the digestibility’s coefficients and the nutritive values of the
experimental diets according to European reference method for rabbit digestibility trials
(Perez et al., 1995) of the five experimental diets. Rabbits were housed in individual
metabolism cages that allowed separation of feces and urine. Feces produced daily were
collected in polyethylene bags and stored at - 20ºC. Feces were collected every 24 hours
for five consecutive days (collection period). Total digestible nutrients (TDN) were
calculated as follows: % digestible crude protein + % digestible crude fiber + %
digestible nitrogène free extract (NFE) + 2.25 % digestible ether extract (EE).
Digestible energy (DE, Kcal/Kg diet) was calculated as follow: TDN × 44.3 according
to Schneider and Flatt (1975).
Cecum fermentation
After slaughter, gastrointestinal tracts were individually removed from five animals
from each group, the cecum was weighted and the pH of the caecal content was
measured using pH-meter, pH-meter, HANNA Instruments (Italy), Woon Socket,
R102895 pHep® Pocket-sized. Then the caecal content was collected and divided into
two samples, one of them was for the cecal appendix fluid and stored at -20°C until
estimation of cecum microflora ( cellulytic bacteria) by Standard method according to
British Standards Institution (1991) and determined the fibrolytic activity according to
Chao and Li (2008).
The other sample was filtered through four folds of gauze, and used for dertermination
of NH3-N concentration by applying Conway method (1958).The total volatile fatty
acids (VFA) were determined by steam distillation according to Eadie et al. (1967)
using Micro Kjeldahl's distillation unit, fraction values of VFA were determined using
KNAUER HPLC pump 64.UV.Detector, column Rezex organic acid.
Chemical analysis
The following chemical analyses were carried out on feedstuffs, diets, and feces
according to A.O.A.C. (2000) and EGRAN (2001), while fiber fractionations, neutral
detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL)
were determined according to the sequential method of Van Soest et al. (1991). Tannins
were determined using vanillin hydrochloric acid method as described by Burn (1971)
Statistical Analysis
The results of experimentation were statistically analyzed using GLM (general linear
models) procedure of SAS (2000) by one-way ANOVA, The significant differences
among treatment means were compared Using Duncan’s multiple range of test (Duncan,
1955).
Results and discussion
Chemical evaluation of Artichoke leaves
Results in Table 2 indicated that both clover hay (CH) and artichoke leaves (AL) are equal
in DM while CH was higher in CP and CF content. The chemical composition of AL is
similar to that reported by Ghanem (2006) who found that the chemical analysis of
artichoke by-products was 90.93, 92.52, 11.43, 1.70, 23.95, 55.44 and 7.48 for DM,
OM, CP, EE, CF, NFE, ash, respectively. Also Sallam et al., (2008) who reported that
chemical composition (g/kg DM) of artichoke by-product was 150.1, 524.1 and 411.7
for CP, NDF and ADF, respectively. On the other hand, (Abdo et al. 2007) found that
8
artichoke leaves meal contained 9.5% CP, 28.0% CF, 46.3% NDF, 32.2% ADF and
10.6% ADL.
Concerning to fiber fractionation content, Clover hay had lower NDF, ADF and ADL
content than artichoke leaves, values of AL are comparable to those values reported by
Ghanem (2006) who found that AL hay contained 52.49%, 41.27 and 6.89% for NDF,
ADF and ADL, respectively. Artichoke leaves contained high content of tannins 2.58
g/100g DM for AL. These results are nearly in agreement with those obtained by Schutz et
al., (2004) who reported that the total phenolic content was approximately 12 g/kg on a dry
matter basis in artichoke pomace. The presence of tannins found to decrease the nutritional
value of feedstuffs for non-ruminant animals by reducing retention of protein, digestibility of
dry matter and metabolic rate of gross energy as well as inhibition of digestive enzyme
activity (Li and Zahang, 1998).
Table 2. Chemical analysis of Artichoke leaves on dry matter basis
Items
(% )
CH
AL
DM
90.3
5
OM
CP
87.17
90.3
92.
0
32
CH: Clover hay
CF
AD
EE
NFE
Ash
NDF
ADF
13.40
26.03 4.03
43.71
12.83
43..20
30.06
5.54
11.52
23.99 1.75
55.46
7.28
50.39
40.17
7.01
AL: Artichoke Leaves
L
Growth performance
Table 3. Growth performance of the experimental growing NZW rabbits.
Item
Initial
bodyweight, g
Final body
weight, g
Basal diet
25%AL
50%AL
75%AL
100%AL
723.55
724.0
725.33
723.55
727.67
1969.67c
1974.78c
2148.89a
2046.33b
2025.00
bc
RMSE*
Pr<F
55.48
0.999
66.82
0.0001
Average Weight daily gain, g/d/rabbit
5 to 8 weeks old
9 to 12 weeks
old
5 to 12 weeks old
23.13
22.17
23.88
22.75
22.13
2.23
0.442
21.59 c
22.88 b c
26.98 a
24.49 b
24.83 ab
2.43
0.0005
22.36 b
22.53 b
26.43 a
23.62 b
23.49 b
1.40
0.0003
80.44c
81.94 bc
84.47a
85.14 a
83.51 ab
2.47
0.001
99.67 b
99.80 b
105.69 a
101.20 b
99.29 b
2.67
0.0001
90.06 c
90.87 c
95.08 a
93.17 b
91.40 bc
1.89
0.0001
Average Feed intake, g/d/rabbit
5 to 8 weeks old
9 to 12 weeks
old
5 to 12 weeks old
Feed Conversion Ratio (g feed / g gain)
5 to 8 weeks old
9 to 12 weeks
old
5 to 12 weeks old
3.51
3.80
3.56
3.75
3.79
0.46
0.537
4.70 a
4.39 ab
3.94 b
4.16 b
4.04 b
0.48
0.011
4.05 a
4.05 a
3.74 b
3.95 ab
3.90 ab
0.29
0.157
a,b,c,… Means values with the same letter within the same row did not differ significantly (P>0.05).
*RMSE=root mean square error (n=15 rabbits per treatment).
The effect of feeding treatments on growth traits is illustrated in Table 2. Data showed
that rabbit fed 50% artichoke leaves recorded the highest (P<0.05) final body weight
(2148.89g) followed by rabbit fed 75% (2046.33g). the rabbits group fed 50%AL
recorded the highest (P<0.05) body weight gain at the second periods (W9-W12) and at
the whole period (W5-W12) ,while the lowest was with rabbits group fed the basal diet.
in this connection El-Sayaad et al. (1995) who incorporated artichoke bracts at 0, 10 or
20% in rabbit diets, and found that rabbits fed 10% artichoke bracts recorded the highest
final body weight (2355.0 g) and daily gain (25.75 g) at 16 weeks age average, while no
significant differences were noticed between rabbits fed 10% and 20% artichoke bracts.
10
Rabbits fed 0% artichoke bracts recorded the lowest (P<0.05) final body weight (2238.3
g) and average daily gain (23.63g).
Also, Bonomi, (1989) used dehydrated artichoke leaf meal in rabbit rations at levels of
5% and 10%, in substitution of dehydrated lucerne meal and found an improvement in
weight gain 4% and 7%, resp. and the feed utilization 3% and 5%, resp. These findings
disagreed with, Zeweil (1992) found that the body weight or body weight gain was
significantly (P<0.05) depressed when the rabbits received diets contained high level of
artichoke by-products (36%) compared to the other tested levels (0, 12, 24%). Average
daily feed intake increased significantly (P<0.05) with the increase of the level of AL
inclusion throughout the experimental periods. These resulta are in agreement with that
obtained by Bonomi, (1989). Data showed that the inclusion of AL at 50, 75 and 100%
levels recorded higher (P<0.05) FCR than the basal diet at the second period the rabbits
group fed 50% AL recorded the best FCR throughout the whole period (W5-W12).
Generally, These findings were in agreement with El-Sayaad et al. (1995) found that
rabbits fed 20% artichoke bracts had the best feed conversion (2.76 g feed/ g gain),
while the rabbits fed 10% artichoke bracts showed the worst feed conversion (3.74 g
feed/ g gain).
Accordingly, it was observed that the AL inclusion had a positive effect with all the
tested levels on growth performance of experimental rabbit.
Digestibility and nutritive values
The results obtained on nutrients digestibility of the experimental diets are presented in
Table 4. Data revealed that the highest nutrients digestibility values were recorded for
diets contained 50% AL followed by diet contained 75% AL, while the lowest values
were obtained for diet contained 100%AL in comparison to the basal diet. This could be
attributed to polyphenolic compounds in artichoke leaves. These results are confirmed
by Huisman and Tolman (1992) who reported that polyphenolic compounds considered
as an anti-nutritional factors that have a depressive effect on protein digestion.
Table 4. Digestion coefficients and nutritive value of rabbit diets.
Item
Basal Diet
RMSE
Pr<F
*
25%AL
50%AL
75%AL
100%AL
Digestibility coefficients
DM
66.99 b
68.00 ab
70.08 a
69.99 a
67.54 ab
1.31
0.047
OM
68.09
b
ab
72.17
a
ab
67.98 b
1.36
0.017
65.95
c
71.03
a
70.32
a
65.50
c
1.04
0.0002
45.49
c
51.74
a
45.51
c
2.37
0.028
74.71
a
68.34
b
2.45
0.021
72.43
c
1.13
0.003
CP
CF
EE
NFE
74.28
70.08
bc
67.91
b
47.09
bc
76.49
a
75.46
ab
50.20
ab
72.85
ab
77.31
a
70.46
71.95
ab
76.29
ab
Nutritive Values
DCP
11.46 c
11.79 b
12.33 a
12.24 a
10.44 d
0.17
0.0001
TDN
b
ab
a
ab
c
0.85
0.0011
30.98
0.0009
65.55
66.69
68.19
67.03
63.87
DE(kcal/kg DM)
2909 cd
2960 bc
3026 a
2975 ab
2868 d
a,b,c,… Means values with the same letter within the same row did not differ significantly (P>0.05).
*RMSE=Root Mean Square Error (n=15 rabbits per treatment).
Data also showed that digestibility of DM, CP and CF were significantly (P<0.05)
increased with replacing clover hay AL at 50% and 75% levels compared to the basal
diet. On the other hand, DM, OM, CF, EE and NFE digestibilities not significantly
affected (P<0.05) when AL was replaced by AL at 25 and 100%. Zeweil (1992) who
stated that the rabbits receiving diets contained 0, 12 or 24% artichoke by-product
recorded similar values of digestibility OM, CP, EE and NFE %, being 75.19, 78.11 and
76.07; 86.93, 87.64 and 87.07; 82.55, 81.53 and 80.20 and 75.51, 78.99 and 76.17%,
respectively. However the values decreased significantly (P<0.05) in the group received
36% artichoke by-products being 69.99, 83.75, 44.39, 74.90, 69.54 and 56.87% in the
same order.
12
Digestibility of crude fiber increased with increasing level of artichoke by-products in
the diet. In this connection, Bonanno et al. (1994) incorporated dried artichoke bracts in
New Zealand White rabbit diets at 15 or 30% for 56 days and found a decrease in
nutrients digestibility with 30% dried artichoke bracts, while 15% dried artichoke bracts
did not significantly affect nutrients digestibility. El-Sayaad et al. (1995) reported that
feeding growing rabbits on 10% or 20% artichoke bracts resulted in insignificant
differences in OM, CP, CF and NFE digestibilities, but there were significant
differences (P<0.05) for EE digestibility among all treatments.
Concerning to the nutritive values, rabbit fed diets contained 50% and 75% AL
recorded the highest (P<0.05) value of DCP, TDN and DE, while rabbit fed diets
contained 100% recorded the lowest (P<0.05) DCP. These results due to the high
proportion of lignin in AL, forming lignifications, and decrease the total protein
digestibility (Perez, 1989). These results are in good agreement with those obtained by
Zeweil (1992) who found that rabbits fed 12% artichoke by-product diet recorded the
best TDN (65.71%) followed by the control group (63.64%) then rabbits fed 24%
artichoke by-product (62.21%) and group fed 36% artichoke by-product (56.87%).
It is clearly to notice that improvement of digestibility of all nutrients for the three
inclusion levels of AL (25, 50 and 75%) may be due to a better digestion as a result
from a combination of fiber sources. Consequently, the improving in the digestibility of
nutrients and nutritive value may be reflected on better growth performance.
Cecum fermentation
Data in Table (5) indicated that the caecum weight, empty caecum (%) were not
affected by inclusion levels of artichoke leaves. The NH3-N concentration dropped with
the increasing of the inclusion level of AL. While, 50% AL recorded the highest total
VFA concentration increased. This increase in total VFA may be related to higher fiber
digestibility and higher cellulolytic count for these experimental diets compared to the
control diet. In this connection, Trocino et al. (2011) stated that the increase of dietary
soluble fibre decreased pH (5.88–5.70), total VFA concentration tended to increase
(73.8–82.8 mmol/L). In addition 50% and 75% AL group were the highest (P<0.05)
Acetic and propionic (%) concentration while the experimental groups did not
significantly different in butyric acid (%).
Results of caecum microbial counts
(Fibrolytic activity and cellulolytic bacterial counts) revealed that 50%AL group recorded
the highest (P<0.05) cellulolytic bacterial count (8.08 log cfu/ml) and Fibrolytic
activity.
While, Tao and Li (2006) reported that the fibroltic activity of the caecum in 2-3 month
rabbits ascended when the dietary NDF increased and it was consistent with NDF
digestion.
It could be concluded that incorporating (AL) as fiber sources in rabbit diets
stimulating the maturation of cecal flora especially cellulolytic bacteria which secretes
enzymes capable of hydrolyzing the cellulose as the main components of dietary fiber.
These results are confirmed by those of Gidenne et al. (1998), Gidenne and LeBas,
(2002) and (Trocino et al., 2013).
14
Table 5. Effect of the experimental diets on cecum characteristics of growing rabbits
Items
Basal
diet
25%AL
50%AL
75%AL
100%AL
RMSE*
Cecum weight (%)
9.39
8.06
9.06
8.03
7.97
2.33
Empty cecum weight
(%)
2.68
2.30
2.59
2.30
2.38
0.66
Ph
6.99 a
6.54 ab
6.32 ab
6.58 ab
6.24 b
0.37
0.20
NH3-N (mg/100ml)
12.83a
12.30b
11.15 c
10.47d
10.45d
0.23
0.0001
5.46b
5.15b
6.08a
5.26b
5.01b
0.26
Acetic Acid (% total
VFA)
48.80 c
48.83 c
51.52 a
50.24 ab
49.01 bc
0.74
Propionic Acid (% total
VFA)
21.50 ab
21.20 b
22.47 a
21.51 ab
20.02 c
0.57
19.43
19.32
19.86
19.19
19.47
0.37
31.87 d
35.20 c
41.92 a
39.93 ab
38.64 b
0.28
7.10c
7.70 ab
8.08a
7.29bc
7.59abc
1.39
Pr<F
0.90
0.90
Volatile Fatty Acid
TotalVFA
(mleq/100ml)
Butyric Acid (% total
VFA)
0.005
0.004
0.006
0.32
Cecum microbial counts (log cfu/ml)
Fibrolytic activity
(IU/g)
Cellulolytic count
0.01
0.0001
(log cfu/ml)
*RMSE=Root Mean Square Error (n=5 rabbits per treatment).
Conclusion
Artichoke leaves could be used successively in formulating diets for weaning rabbits up
to 25.5 and 34% of diets without adversely affecting on performance and nutrients
digestibility. From nutritional points of view, artichoke leaves may become a new feed
ingredient for rabbits.
Acknowledgements
Author thanks the technical staff of each experimental site for valuable help.
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Analysis. 16th Ed. Volume 2, Washington D.C., USA.
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NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF Salvinia auriculata
FODDER, GROWN IN AQUAPONICS FOR RABBIT FEED,
PRELIMINARY RESULTS
GUERRERO CEM1, ALBERTOS APJ 1, MARTÍNEZ YR*1, 3, MAGAÑA RJJ1,
GUZMÁN MR1, PARADA HR2.
1.- Departamento de Agronomía, División de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad de Guanajuato.
2.-Centro Nacional de Cunicultura, México. 3
Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterize nutritionally fodder Salvinia auriculata grown
in aquaponics systems as alternative forage for rabbit feeding. The control diet was
Medicago sativa, and both fodders were fed as hay (85 and 89% dry matter,
respectively). Voluntary feed intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM) were
evaluated. For the study 24 specimens of Oryctolagus cuniculus Californian breed were
used (48 to 53 days old, 1079 ± 73 g, 50% males and 50 % females) which were
obtained from females in the Centro Nacional de Cunicultura (CNC, México) animal
nucleus and reproduced in controlled conditions. Study was carried out in the CNC
premises. The animals were individually kept in galvanized cages (60 x 90 x 40 cm),
with basket for forage feeders and automatic water dispensers. The experiment lasted 11
days, 7 for forage adaptation and the last 4 for sampling. Every day at 9 am fodder (S.
auriculata and M. sativa, 60 and 90 g, respectively) was offered, 24 h later refusals and
feces were collected. Data were analyzed using Student’s T-test. Preliminary results
indicate that S. auriculata hay has a lower DM intake compared to M. sativa, 24.94 ±
2.8 and 48.72 ± 2.9 g day-1 , respectively (mean ± SE). DM digestibility was lower for
S. auriculata than M. sativa, however, the possibility of using this fodder cannot be
ruled out completely, because DM digestibility values of 45.35 and 70.33 % for S.
auriculata and M. sativa respectively were observed.
Keywords: Alternative fodder, aquaponic, feed intake, dry matter digestibility.
20
CARACTERIZACIÓN NUTRICIONAL DEL FORRAJE Salvinia
auriculata CULTIVADA EN ACUAPONÍA PARA LA ALIMENTACIÓN
DE CONEJOS, RESULTADOS PRELIMINARES
GUERRERO CEM1, ALBERTOS APJ 1, MARTÍNEZ YR*1, 3, MAGAÑA RJJ1,
GUZMÁN MR1, PARADA HR2.
Resumen
El objetivo de presente estudio fue realizar la caracterización nutricional de Salvinia
auriculata cultivada en sistemas de acuaponía como una alternativa forraje para
alimentación en conejos. La dieta control fue Medicago sativa, y ambos forrajes fueron
suministrados en forma de heno. Se evaluaron el consumo voluntario y la digestibilidad
aparente de materia seca (MS). Para esto, fueron utilizados 24 especímenes de
Oryctolagus cuniculus raza California (48 a 53 días de edad, 1079.25 ± 73.49 g, 50%
machos y 50% hembras), los cuales, fueron obtenidos de hembras del núcleo de
animales del Centro Nacional de Cunicultura y Especies Menores (CNCG, México) y
reproducidas en condiciones controladas. Es estudio se llevó a cabo en el mismo
CNCG. Los animales fueron alojados individualmente en jaulas galvanizadas (60 x 90 x
40 cm), con comederos de tipo canasta para el forraje y bebederos automáticos. El
experimento tuvo una duración de 11 días, 7 de adaptación al forraje y 4 de muestreo.
Diariamente, a las 9 am fue ofrecido el forraje y 24 h posteriores recolectado el rechazo
y recolectadas las heces. Los datos fueron analizados por medio de “t” de Student. Los
resultados preliminares indican que heno de S. auriculata presenta un menor consumo
de MS en comparación con M. sativa, 24.94 ± 2.8 y 48.72 ± 2.9 g respectivamente
(media ± EE). Sin embargo, la posibilidad del uso de éste forraje no se puede descartar
por completo, debido a que se observaron valores interesantes de digestibilidad de MS,
de 45.35 y 70.33 %, para S. auriculata y M. sativa, respectivamente.
Palabras clave: Salvinia auriculata, consumo, digestibilidad.
Introduction
Aquatic fern Salvinia auriculata, has been listed as an invasive plant due to its
adaptability and fast reproduction León, 2013) and has potential as fodder (Banerjee y
Matai, 1990). Plants from the genus Salvinia have been used as fish feed (Ray y Das,
1992) and according to Henry-Silva and Monteiro (2002), can be alternative fodder for
ruminant. However to date, according to the literature, this plant has not been evaluated
for rabbit consumption. Aquaponics has been proposed as a sustainable alternative to
control the accumulation of waste produced by fish farming, and can be defined as the
integration of production plants hydroponically a recirculating aquaculture system
(Parker, 2002; Van Gorder, 2000). Californian breed rabbits have unique features such
as the production of high quality meat and high commercial value skin, therefore, are
considered dual purpose breed. It is characterized as white with black markings on
muzzle, ears, paws and tail and reaches in adulthood a weight of 4.1 kg for males and
4.3 kg for females (Martinez, 2004). The aim of this paper is to present the preliminary
results of a study of S. auriculata grown in aquaponics as an alternative fodder for
rabbits.
Material
For the study 24 specimens of Oryctolagus cuniculus California breed were used (48 to
53 days old, 1079 ± 73 g, 50% males and 50 % females) which were obtained from
females in the Centro Nacional de Cunicultura (CNC, México) animal nucleus and
reproduced in controlled conditions. Study was conducted in the CNC premises. All the
animals were randomly placed and kept individually in galvanized cages (60 x 90 x 40
cm), with basket for forage feeders and automatic water dispensers. Salvinia auriculata
plants were obtained from the Experimental Aquaponic Unit of the Agronomy
Department at the Life Sciences Division (DICIVA), Campus Irapuato-Salamanca of
the Universidad de Guanajuato, which were dried for 48 h in plastic mesh boxes (1 x 1
m) that were built for hay production. The control diet was Medicago sativa (acquired
from a commercial store) and both fodders were fed as hay (85 and 89% dry matter,
respectively).
22
Methodology
Preliminary results of voluntary feed intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter
(DM), are presented because to date has not yet completed the full study of the
nutritional characterization. Upon entering the production shed, individuals were
weighed (scale TECNOCOR Mod PPN-30). The experiment Lasted 11 days, 7 for
forage adaptation and the last 4 for sampling. Every day at 9:00 a.m. fodder (S.
auriculata and M. sativa, 60 and 90 g, respectively) was offered and 24 h later, refusals
and feces were collected. The evaluated variables were consumption and apparent
digestibility of DM. Data were analyzed using Student's T-test.
Preliminary results indicate that S. auriculata hay has a lower DM intake compared to
M. sativa, 24.94 ± 2.8 and 48.72 ± 2.9 g day-1, respectively (mean ± SE). DM
digestibility was lower for S. auriculata than M. sativa, 45.35 and 70.33 %,
respectively. According to Leterme et al. (2009), Salvinia is a good source of minerals
and essential amino acids, however, its use in pig feeding is limited due to their fiber
content, resulting in low digestible energy and protein content, so that, due to fiber
requirements in rabbits, could be an alternative fodder.
Conclusion
The possibility of using this fodder for rabbits cannot be ruled out completely, because
DM digestibility values of S. auriculata observed in the present study.
References
Banerjee, A. y Matai, S. (1990). Composition of indian aquatic plants in relation to
utilization as animal forage. J. Aquat. Plant Manage. 28: 69-73.
Henry-Silva, G.G. y Monteiro, C.A.F. (2002). Nutritive value of free-floating aquatic
macrophytes (Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes and Salvinia molesta), used in
aquaculture waste treatment. Acta Scientiarum – Biological and Health Sciences.
24(2): 519-526.
León, Á. (2013). Las 100 especies más invasoras: Salvinia molesta, Boletín Drosophila.
Recuperado de: http://www.drosophila.es/blog/2013/07/29/las-100-especies-masinvasoras-salvinia-molesta/
Leterme, P., Londoño, A.M., Muñoz, J.E., Súarez, J., Bedoya, C.A., Souffrant, W.B. y
Buldgen, A. (2009). Nutricional value of aquatic ferns (Azolla filiculoides Lam. and
Salvinia molesta Mitchell) in pigs. Animal Feed Science and Technology. 149(1-2):
135-148.
Martínez, C.M. A. (2004). Cunicultura. México, D.F. 2da. Edición. Editorial
FMVZ.UNAM
Parker, R. (2002). Aquaculture Science. 2a. edición. Delmar. Albany, NY. USA.
Ray, A.K. y Das, I. (1992). Utilization of diets containing composted aquatic weed
(Salvinia cuculata) by the Indian major carp, rohu (Labeo rohita ham.), fingerlings.
Bioresource Technology. 40(1): 67-72.
Van Gorder, S.D. (2000). Small scale aquaculture. The Alternative Aquaculture
Association. Breinigsville, PA, USA.
24
EVALUATION OF KOMBUCHA TEA NUTRITIONAL
SUPPLEMENT AND Saccharomyces cerevisiae SC47 ON
PRODUCTION PARAMETERS IN NEW ZEALAND RABBITS
DURING THE FATTENING STAGE
PÉREZ SL, DE LA CRUZ BA, DÍAZ GONZÁLEZ BA,
LAGUNAS BS, FAJARDO MR
Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal (CIESA), Facultad de Medicina
Veterinaria y Zootecnia (FMVZ), Universidad Autónoma de México (UAEMex). Carretera
Toluca-Atlacomulco Km. 15.5. CP. 50200. Toluca, México.
Corresponding author: [email protected]
Abstract
This is the first report of the effects of Kombucha tea (KT) and Saccharomyces
cerevisiae (Sc47) probiotics in rabbit production. The objective of the present study is
to evaluate the effect of KT supplement, which is only used for humans, as well Sc47
yeast strain, during the fattening phase in New Zealand rabbits. In a first experiment, 30
four-week age weaned rabbits were used. They were distributed randomly into three
treatments: KT A, Sc47 B and Control C with 10 repetitions each. In the other research,
30 five-weeks age rabbits with the same distribution characteristics than the first
experiment were used, regardless sex in both research. KT was provided in drinking
distilled water during the treatments at doses of two ml/Kg. In the treatment B, Sc47
was added at doses of two ml with a yeast concentration of 0.014g containing 77,000
CFU per ml, diluted in drinking water. For the group C, food and water were only
supplied. For both experiments, a commercial diet free of additives was used. The
results in total food intake, weight gaining, nutritional conversion and carcass yield,
were not statistically significant (P>0.05). However, the analysis of the production
parameters at the time when the animals of group A reached the 2kg weight, there were
statistically significant differences in the above-mentioned parameters (P<0.05);
because the animals reached the goal of the two kg four days earlier than the control
group. Furthermore, the KT doses used in treatment A, did not represent a health risk to
the experimented rabbits.
Key words: probiotic, rabbit, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kombucha tea, production
parameters.
26
EVALUACIÓN DEL SUPLEMENTO ALIMENTICIO CON TÉ
KOMBUCHA Y SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE SC47 SOBRE
PARÁMETROS PRODUCTIVOS EN CONEJOS NUEVA ZELANDA
DURANTE LA ETAPA DE ENGORDA
PÉREZ SL, DE LA CRUZ A, DÍAZ GONZÁLEZ AE,
LAGUNAS BS, FAJARDO MR*
Resumen
Los efectos de estos probióticos y específicamente del té Kombucha se desconocen en
la cunicultura. El objetivo principal del presente trabajo consistió en evaluar el efecto
del suplemento vía oral de Té Kombucha hasta ahora de uso en humanos y de levadura
Saccharomyces cerevisiae cepa Sc47, durante la etapa de engorde en conejos Nueva
Zelanda. En un primer experimento (α), se utilizaron 30 conejos destetados de cuatro
semanas de edad, se distribuyeron de forma aleatoria en tres tratamientos ((A) Té
Kombucha, (B) Sc47 y C (Control)) con 10 repeticiones. Segundo experimento (β), se
utilizaron 30 conejos de 5 semana de edad con las mismas características de
distribución, sin considerar el sexo en ambos. En los tratamientos recibieron Té
Kombucha en agua de bebida a dosis de 2 ml/Kg. de peso, los tratamientos B recibieron
Saccharomyces cerevisiae cepa Sc47 a dosis de 2 ml. de agua destilada con .014g de
levadura a una concentración en ambos tratamientos no menor de 77000 UFC por
mililitro y diluidos en el agua de bebida, los tratamientos C solo recibieron alimento y
agua, se utilizó un alimento comercial peletizado sin aditivos. Los resultados en
consumo de alimento ganancia de peso, conversión alimenticia y rendimiento en canal
de los experimentos α y β, no son estadísticamente significativos (P<0.05). La dosis de
Té Kombucha utilizada en los tratamientos A del presente trabajo no representó peligro
alguno para la salud de los conejos, las dosis utilizadas en los tratamientos A y B se
considera que fueron bajas para ocasionar efectos en parámetros productivos.
Palabras clave: probiótico, conejo, Kombucha, Saccharomyces, coliformes.
Introduction
Currently seeking alternatives to promote animal growth through a more secure way,
not only for the animal, but also to preserve human health, this phenomenon has led to
the investigation of various products among which the acidifying food, symbiotic,
prebiotic and probiotic. The latter are a live microbial feed supplement that makes a
profit in the animal by improving its intestinal microbiota balance. Some known
mechanisms are: probiotic act on cells of the innate immunity and adapted immunity;
stimulating macrophages, NK cells, T lymphocytes, increasing release of cytokines as γinterferon, interleukins 1 and 12, resulting in an increase of specific IgA antibodies (13).
When probiotics are added to food, they increase digestibility, the synthesis of B
vitamins (15, 18) and the production of organic acids, such as lactic acid, which
decrease the pH, regulate the growth of E. coli and Salmonella spp and stimulate the
intestinal peristaltic movements (14). Kombucha Tea (KT) is made with black tea
(Camellia sinensis) containing caffeine and polyphenol (22, 24) and is fermented by the
Kombucha culture, which is used as an alternative therapy. Hartman et al. (2000) have
found that it is composed of a symbiosis between bacteria Acetobacter xylinum,
Acetobacter
Bacterium
Schizosaccharomyces
xylinoides
pombe,
or
gluconicum
Saccharomycodes
and
ludwigii,
various
yeast
kombuchaensis
Zygosaccharomyces, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, predominantly Brettanomyces yeasts
(7). It has also been attributed an antimicrobial activity (Sreeramulu et al., 2000).
Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a probiotic yeast colonizing mucosal surfaces and is
considered non-pathogenic for immunocompetent patients; in immunocompromised
patients can cause infection. (1, 4). The strain of S. cerevisiae Sc47, has not been
studied as much as others, is a selected strain of the baking industry, has been used
commercially for feeding pigs (1) and other farm animals (6, 13) . In the field, trials
have been shown effective for control growth of E. coli and Isospora suis in pigs (13).
The benefits of supplementation feed yeast relate to an anti-adhesive effect of
pathogens, stimulating non-specific immunity and the inhibition of the action of
microbial toxins (13). The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of KT
supplement, as well Sc47 yeast strain, during the fattening phase in New Zealand
rabbits.
28
In this experiment, 30 four-week age weaned rabbits were used. They were distributed
randomly into three treatments: KT A, Sc47 B and Control C with 10 repetitions each.
KT was provided in drinking distilled water during the treatments at doses of two
ml/Kg. In the treatment B, Sc47 was added at doses of two ml with a yeast
concentration of 0.014g containing 77,000 CFU per ml, diluted in drinking water. For
the group C, food and water were only supplied. For the experiment, a commercial diet
free of additives was used.
To assess the weight gains during the fattening stage weighing animals was performed
every seven days until the animals reached 75 days of life, to refine feed intake the
amount of food offered and refused was weighed daily the three groups. At the end of
the experiment, three groups were weighed and sacrificed according to NOM-033ZOO-1995 (5) and later to get headless and gutted carcasses and thus obtain the yield
carcass by the formula (12): Hot carcass yield = live weight headless carcass weight X100 Body weight Feed conversion was obtained according to the formula: feed intake /
weight gain (19). For the analysis of the results of weekly weight gain, average daily
gain, weight and hot carcass yield, feed intake and feed conversion; parametric statistics
were used by analysis of variance with a significance level of 0.95%. The differences
between means were compared with Tukey's test.
Results
The results in total food intake, weight gaining, nutritional conversion and carcass yield,
were in this order: group A, follow by group B and C, but there were not statistically
significant (P>0.05) (Table 1). However, the analysis of the production parameters at
the time when the animals of group A reached the 2kg weight, demonstrated that, group
A had got the goal of two Kg, four days before B group and five days before C group
(Figure 1). In spite of these differences, there were not statistically significant
differences in the above-mentioned parameters (P<0.05).
Discussion and conclusions
Differences between the groups are possibly due to higher feed intake and content of
Kombucha Tea yeast involved to improve the utilization of the diet (3, 7, 10).
Furthermore, the content of KT (sugars, vitamins and amino acids) contribute to get
daily higher gains in live weight than B and C groups. However, these weight gains
were among the highest compared to the gains reported by other authors (Table 1).
Regarding food intake, no significant differences (P> 0.05) were observed until the 5th
week, where treatment with KT consumed more food than treatment B and C (P=
0.0005), the mechanism of this modification feed intake associated with long-term
supply of KT is not well defined. According to the results, it is concluded that
nutritional supplementation with KT and Sc47 can improve food consumption and
shortening the period of fattening to get the market weight in rabbits, so it is
recommended to continue such studies. Furthermore, the KT and Sc47 doses used in
treatment A, did not represent a health risk to the experimented rabbits.
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30
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32
EFFECTS OF FEED RATIONING, FASTING AND A HERBAL
SUPPLEMENT ON MORTALITY AND PERFORMANCE
OF FATTENING RABBITS IN ERE CONDITIONS
* DUPERRAY J1, GRAND E1, WEISSMAN D1, LAURENT JM1,
LAUNAY C1, BELTRAN J2
1.- EN VIVO NSA, Talhouët, P.E. 234, 56006 Vannes Cedex, Francia.
2.- MALTA CLEYTON, Poniente 134, N ° 786, Colonia Industrial Vallejo, México DF CP
02300.
Abstract
Rabbit breeders use a range of strategies in their attempt to minimise the digestive
problems caused by ERE (Epizootic Rabbit Enteropathy). Feed rationing is one practice
that effectively reduces health problems of a digestive nature. The aim of this article is
to provide an overview of two studies conducted in ERE conditions. Restricted feeding
was compared to ad libitum feeding. Some animals on a restricted intake were also
subjected to a fast, and some of the ad libitum fed animals received Vegeplus, a plantbased supplement, added to their feed. Rabbits were fattened up in ERE conditions to
the age of 67 days. They were weighed individually at 53 and 67 days and the
consumption of each cage was determined at these same ages. Mortality was monitored
daily. Some of the animals were necropsied at different points of the fattening, the
diagnosis was death from digestive disorders, with most animals being diagnosed with
ERE. These studies in ERE conditions have shown the health benefits of feed restriction
for fattening rabbits. Imposing a fast on animals already on restricted intake provides no
additional health benefits, rather it severely penalises the growth performance of the
rabbits. Although this technique is often practised by breeders who feed their animals
ad libitum, it has less of a place in restricted intake techniques where the most effective
way of imposing a fast has yet to be determined. Adding the natural plant extract
Vegeplus to feed reduces mortality and improves production. When a health risk is
present, the digestive security it provides reduces the need of feed restriction.
Key words: Rabbit– Epizootic Rabbit Enteropathy– Feeding management– Health
status– Fattening performances
34
EFECTOS DEL RACIONAMIENTO DE ALIMENTO Y AYUNO CON UN
SUPLEMENTO HERBÁCEO SOBRE LA MORTALIDAD
Y RENDIMIENTO DE LOS CONEJOS ENGORDE
EN CONDICIONES DE ERE
* DUPERRAY J1, GRAND E1, WEISSMAN D1, LAURENT JM1,
LAUNAY C1, BELTRAN J2
1. EN VIVO NSA, Talhouët, P.E. 234, 56006 Vannes Cedex, Francia.
2. MALTA CLEYTON, Poniente 134, N ° 786, Colonia Industrial Vallejo, México DF CP
02300.
* Autor correspondiente: [email protected]
Resumen
Criadores de conejo utilizan una serie de estrategias en su intento de reducir al mínimo
los problemas digestivos causados por el ERE (Enteropatía- epizoóticadel conejo). RSS
racionamiento es una práctica que reduce los problemas de salud de carácter digestivo.
El objetivo es proporcionar una visión general de dos estudios llevados a cabo en
condiciones de ERE. Se comparó alimentación restringida con alimentación ad libitum.
Algunos animales con ingesta restringida se sometieron a ayuno, y algunos de los
animales alimentados ad libitum recibieron Vegeplus, un suplemento herbáceo, añadido
a su alimento. Los conejos fueron engordados en condiciones de ERE a la edad de 67
días, fueron pesados individualmente a los 53 y 67 días y el consumo de cada jaula se
determinó en estas mismas edades. La mortalidad se monitoreó diariamente. Algunos de
los animales fueron necropsiados en diferentes puntos del engorde, el diagnóstico fue la
muerte por trastornos digestivos, en la mayoría
diagnosticadas con ERE. Estos
estudios en condiciones de ERE han demostrado los beneficios de la restricción de
alimento para los conejos de engorde. La imposición de un ayuno en los animales que
ya están en la ingesta restringida no proporciona beneficios adicionales para la salud,
sino que penaliza severamente el desempeño del crecimiento de los conejos. Aunque
esta técnica es practicada por los criadores que alimentan a sus animales ad libitum, las
técnicas de ingesta restringida donde la forma más efectiva de imponer un ayuno aún no
se ha determinado.
La adición de extracto de la planta Vegeplus en el alimento reduce la mortalidad y
mejora la producción. Cuando un riesgo para la salud está presente, la seguridad que
proporciona este digestivo reduce la necesidad de restricción de alimento.
Palabras clave: enteropatía-epizótica del conejo, alimentación, engorde, manejo
sanitario
36
Introduction
Rabbit breeders use a range of strategies in their attempt to minimise the digestive
problems caused by ERE (Epizootic Rabbit Enteropathy). Feed rationing is one practice
that effectively reduces health problems of a digestive nature. Gidenne et al. (2008)
have in fact shown that a 25% reduction in dietary intake leads to a significant fall in
mortality of 46% (from 19.9% to 10.7%). In another article, he demonstrated that once
intake is restricted by 20%, the benefits of rationing on mortality rates and health risks
become significants (Gidenne et al., 2003). In an attempt to reduce the reliance on
medical methods, research is now being conducted into different breeding techniques
and natural products that could help improve the digestive health of young fattening
rabbits. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of two studies conducted in
ERE conditions at the In Vivo NSA Research Center (Vannes, FRANCE). Restricted
feeding was compared to free feeding (ad libitum). Some animals on a restricted intake
were also subjected to a fast in order to determine whether this strategy, which is
sometimes found in the field, is yet better still for the health compared to traditional
feed restriction. Finally, some of the ad libitum fed animals had Vegeplus, a plant-based
supplement, added to their feed.
Material and method
Animals
For the first trial, 336 rabbits were allotted into groups upon weaning based on their
weight at 31 days and litter. For the second trial, 384 young rabbits were allotted in the
same manner. The animals were weaned at 32 days and housed in cages containing 8
rabbits each in a fattening unit at the In Vivo NSA Research Centre in Saint Nolff,
which meets Good Laboratory Practice standards. For the first trial, a ninth rabbit was
introduced into each cage at 33 days of age and inoculated with 500 µl TEC4, then
removed at 47 days old.
For the second trial, all animals were inoculated with 50 µl TEC4. TEC4 is an inoculum
manufactured by INRA and used to reproduce ERE in test conditions via the oral
inoculation of rabbits. The rabbits were fattened up to the age of 67 days. They were
weighed individually at 53 and 67 days and the consumption of each cage was
determined at these same ages. Mortality was monitored daily.
Treatment
Both trials involved a comparison of four groups. The AL group of rabbits was fed ad
libitum. The R group was rationed at 75% of theoretical intake. The R+Fast group
received the same ration as the R group, but a 48-hour fast was imposed after the second
death in this group. These three groups were fed on the same commercial fattening diet.
The AL+Vegeplus group was fed ad libitum. The feed given to this group was a diet
similar to that given to the other three groups but with the addition of Vegeplus, a
natural plant-based product.
Statistical analysis
The mortality data were compared using a Chi-squared test. The growth data were
compared using analysis of variance for a linear model. For each endpoint, the trial
effect, the treatment effect and their interaction were studied.
Results
Health status
The mortality results are given in Table 1. The incidence of animal deaths observed in
each of the groups differed to a statistically significant degree (P=0.00062). The
mortality rate in the AL group was 12.5%. Feed restriction reduced mortality by 63%,
since only 4.7% of the animals in the R group died. The 48-hour fast was imposed
during the first two weeks of fattening. The rationed animals that had undergone the fast
presented a mortality rate of 9.7%, this figure lying between that of the rationed animals
and that of the animals that were fed ad libitum on the same feed. Imposing a fast on
already rationed animals does not therefore seem to achieve any health improvements
compared to traditional feed restriction.
38
The results show that with free feeding, adding Vegeplus to the feed produces a very
significant improvement in the health status of the animals. In fact, mortality was 79%
lower in the AL+Vegeplus group than in the AL group, with only 2.6% of the Vegeplus
animals having died in ERE conditions.
Some of the animals were necropsied at different points of the fattening, all groups
combined. The diagnosis was death from digestive disorders, with most animals being
diagnosed with ERE.
Table 1: Cumulative mortality at the end of the fattening period
initial number
AL
R
R+Fast
AL+Vegeplus
192
192
144
192
P. Chi²
0.00062
mortality rate %
12.5 c
4.7 ab
9.7 bc
2.6 a
Graph 1 shows the change in mortality throughout the fattening period. Mortality
peaked at 40 days i.e. approximately one week post-inoculation.
Graph 1: Change in cumulative mortality during the fattening period, by group
Body weight and growth
The body weight and ADG (Average Daily Gain) results are given in Table 2. The body
weight and ADG figures are from the surviving animals and provide good morbidity
indicators.
40
Table 2: Growth performance, by group
Body weight (g)
ADG (g/day)
31 days
53 days
67 days
31-53 days
53-67 days
31-67 days
818
1,768 a
2,385 a
43.2 a
45.3 a
44.0 a
(+/-72)
(+/-184)
(+/-182)
(+/-6.5)
(+/-7.6)
(+/-4.3)
818
1,611 b
2,205b
35.8 b
44.0 a
38.9 b
(+/-71)
(+/-103)
(+/-133)
(+/-3.9)
(+/-4.5)
(+/-3.2)
805
1,477 c
2,101 c
30.7 c
47.0 b
36.6 c
(+/-69)
(+/-139)
(+/-171)
(+/-5.0)
(+/-4.7)
(+/-4.0)
819
1,764 a
2,378 a
43.3 a
46.1 a
44.1 a
AL+Vegeplus
(+/-73)
(+/-166)
(+/-187)
(+/-5.3)
(+/-5.9)
(+/-4.3)
P trial
<0.0001
<0.0001
<0.0001
<0.0001
<0.0001
NS
P treatment
NS
<0.0001
<0.0001
<0.0001
0.0002
<0.0001
P trial *treatment
NS
0.0074
NS
NS
<0.0001
NS
AL
R
R+Fast
NS: Not significant at the 5% level, mean (+/- standard deviation)
Free feeding resulted in a significantly higher body weight at the end of the fattening
period than restricted feeding (P<0.0001). The average weight of the animals at 67 days
was 2,835 g in the AL group compared to 2,205 g in the R group i.e. 180 g higher
(Graph 2). This meant an average growth of 5.1 g/day i.e. 13.1% higher between days
31-67 (P<0.0001) (Graph 3). Imposing a fast between days 32 and 53 caused a
significant fall in body weight of 137 g on average at 53 days, compared to the rationed
group (P<0.0001), with the resulting impact of an average loss of 104 g in body weight
at 67 days (P<0.001). The animals in the R+Fast group therefore never recovered from
the growth retardation caused by the fasting. Throughout the fattening period, this
growth retardation meant a fall in ADG of 2.3 g/day (P<0.0001) i.e. 5.9% between days
32 and 67 compared with the R group. Finally, adding Vegeplus to the feed of fattening
rabbits in ERE conditions produced animals whose growth and weight at slaughter are
comparable to those of the AL group (2,378 g vs. 2,385 g at 67 days).
Graph 2: Change in average weight between days 32 and 67, by group
The significant crossover observed in weight at 53 days is due to the fact that for trial 1,
the AL group weighed 25 g more than the AL+Vegeplus group, whereas it weighed 23
g less for trial 2.
42
Graph 3: Change in ADG during the fattening period, by group
Feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR)
The intake and FCR figures are taken from the zootechnical study of the living animals.
Intake and FCR, accounting for dead animals, is discussed in another chapter.
The intake of the R group was 16% lower than the AL group (P<0.0001) over the whole
of the fattening period (Table 3), resulting in a significant improvement in FCR of 0.11
points over this same period (P<0.0001). The ERE-induced morbidity resulted in a fall
in intake by the freely-fed animals compared to what would be expected in their healthy
counterparts. Therefore, the rabbits in group R consumed only 16% less than the
animals in group AL and not 25% less. The 25% intake restriction we applied was, in
fact, calculated based on the theoretical intake of animals fed ad libitum in good health
conditions.
Imposing the fast meant an average reduction of 8.9 g/day (9.6%) in feed intake
between days 32 and 53 compared to the rationed group (P<0.0001). This fall in postweaning consumption had significant repercussions on the whole of the fattening period
(P<0.0001), since the animals who had fasted during the initial period never
compensated for this during the second period. The animals in the AL+Vegeplus group
consumed more than those in the AL group over the whole fattening period (140.6
g/day vs. 132.0 g/day; P<0.0001) and their feed conversion ratio was not as good (3.21
vs. 3.01; P<0.0001), probably due to the low mortality rate observed in this group and
the morbidity observed in all animals.
Table 3: Feed intake and consumption intake results, by group
intake (g/day)
AL
R
R+Fast
AL+Vegeplus
P trial
P treatment
P trial *treatment
feed conversion ratio
32-53 days
53-67 days
32-67 days
32-53 days
53-67 days
32-67 days
107.3 b
170.8 a
132.0 b
2.55 a
3.68 b
3.01 b
(+/-9.1)
(+/-30.3)
(+/-11.9)
(+/-0.15)
(+/-0.57)
(+/-0.22)
92.8 c
140.2 b
111.4 c
2.66 b
3.22 a
2.90 a
(+/-2.4)
(+/-5.3)
(+/-2.5)
(+/-0.11)
(+/-0.26)
(+/-0.07)
83.9 d
138.6 b
105.2 d
2.78 c
3.00 a
2.92 a
(+/-2.2)
(+/-3.7)
(+/-2.5)
(+/-0.26)
(+/-0.19)
(+/-0.15)
116.8 a
177.8 a
140.6 a
2.75 c
3.90 c
3.21 c
(+/-9.0)
(+/-9.7)
(+/-8.3)
(+/-0.19)
(+/-0.25)
(+/-0.12)
NS
NS
NS
<0.0001
0.01
NS
<0.0001
<0.0001
<0.0001
<0.0001
<0.0001
<0.0001
NS
NS
NS
0.0037
NS
NS
mean (+/- standard deviation)
44
Economic analysis
Table 4 gives the economic analysis for the four trial groups. The results have been
extrapolated in order to estimate performance figures for 1,000 weaned rabbits.
Revenue has been calculated based on slaughter weight at 67 days and a price of €1.85
kg/body weight (source: RENACEB/RENALAP 2012, published by ITAVI).Feed
expenditure has been calculated based on the total feed consumed (including by the
rabbits that died during the fattening period). The cost of the feed was taken from the
2012 figures published by ITAVI in its RENACEB/RENALAP report i.e. €277/tonne.
The economic analysis provides an overview of the zootechnical results and the
mortality results, looking at the animals as a whole, including those that died during
fattening.
Table 4: Economic comparison of the four test methods
For 1,000 weaned rabbits
Weaned number
AL
1,000
R
1,000
R+Fast
1,000
AL+Vegeplus
1,000
Slaughtered number
875
953
903
974
Total weaned weight (kg)
817
817
804
817
Total slaughtered weight (kg)
(base 100)
2,062 100
2,086 101
1,882 91
2,302 112
Weight gain (kg) (A)
1245
1270
1078
1485
Total feed intake (kg) (B)
4,252
3,792
3,374
4,856
FCR (B/A)
(base
100)
3.41 100
Revenue (€) (C)
3,753
Revenue (base 100)
Feed expenditure (€) (D)
IOFC (base 100)
88
3,797
100
1,178
Feed expenditure (base 100)
IOFC/1,000 weaned rabbits (€) (C-D)
2.99
101
100
91
89
96
112
1,466
79
2,490
107
3.27
4,190
935
2,747
100
92
3,425
1,050
2,575
3.13
124
2,724
97
106
The AL group had the lowest slaughter number, and the AL+Vegeplus group had the
highest (875 animals slaughtered vs. 974). Total slaughtered weight, extrapolated to
1,000 weaned rabbits, ranged from 1,882 kg for the R+Fast group to 2,302 kg in the
AL+Vegeplus group. Of the various feeding methods used, the R+Fast group had the
lowest feed intake. The animals in this group consumed 11% less than the R group, 21%
less than the AL group and 31% less than the AL+Vegeplus group. The feed conversion
ratio represents the ratio between the total weight gain between weaning and slaughter,
and total intake, including the feed consumed by the animals that died during the
fattening period. The feed restriction method resulted in the lowest FCR (3.13), whilst
the AL group had the least efficient FCR (3.41). Our economic simulation shows that
breeders wishing to maximise their revenue should use the AL+Vegeplus method. This
is because it allows the most rabbits to be slaughtered at a good weight. Revenue was
12% higher for the AL+Vegeplus group than for the AL group, with the R group
generating a revenue similar to that of the AL group. The R+Fast group generated the
lowest revenue, 9% less than the AL group. Thanks to its lower feed cost and lower
mortality rate, the R group gave an Income Over Feed Cost (IOFC) that was 7% higher
than the AL group. Fasting the rationed animals reduced the IOFC, not only compared
to traditional rationing but also compared to free feeding (-3%). Finally, despite the
additional cost, adding Vegeplus to the feed of animals fed ad libitum resulted in an
increase in IOFC with a 6% financial gain compared to free feeding, due to the lower
mortality rate in the AL+Vegeplus group.
Discussion
These results confirm the benefits of restricting feed to 75% of theoretical intake in
order to minimise the health problems of ERE in test conditions. This initial
observation, along with the necropsy diagnoses, lead us to conclude that the method for
reproducing ERE in test conditions as used at the In Vivo NSA Research Station (St
Nolff, FRANCE) is valid.
The feed restriction method achieved a 49% drop in mortality during the fattening
period in these conditions.
46
However, imposing a fast on the animals on top of the feed restriction did not produce
any improvement in the animals' health if imposed following the second death. This
strategy is sometimes used in practice to restore digestive balance. Nevertheless, we
found that fasting does
not carry any additional benefits compared to feed restriction alone. Not only were no
health benefits observed, but this practice has a clear negative impact on the growth of
the animals, reducing weight at 67 days by 104 g compared to the animals on restricted
feeding but no fast. It may initially appear that a 48-hour fast is too long. Shortening it
to 24 hours may limit the negative effects on growth. The fasting technique may also be
more effective with freely fed animals. However, since fewer and fewer breeders are
using this technique, it was not included in our study. It would nevertheless be
interesting to compare this practice in free feeding and restricted feeding conditions in
order to determine the conditions in which it may be most effective. In fact, if this
technique is being used in practice by breeders who feed their animals ad libitum during
the fattening period, could it still pose benefits for breeders who practice restricted
feeding?
The immune system needs nutrients such as certain amino acids in order to function and
ensure the synthesis of the proteins involved in immune defence. If the body cannot
obtain the necessary amino acids from its food intake, they are produced from muscular
catabolism (Le Floc'h et al., 2004). Stopping the feed of rabbits when they become ill
can therefore weaken the animal and slow down the immune defence mechanism.
Finally, adding Vegeplus to freely-provided feed guarantees the fattening process from
a health standpoint by significantly limiting mortality in ERE conditions compared to a
Control feed. The mortality rate of the animals fed ad libitum but including a Vegeplus
supplement was numerically less than that of the animals on restricted feed. Therefore,
in ERE conditions, Vegeplus provides health protection equivalent to a restricted diet,
whilst at the same time allowing free feeding which provides better growth. Vegeplus is
a natural product made from plant extracts and is therefore consistent with current
attempts to reduce the use of antibiotics in the rabbit husbandry sector.
Conclusion
These two studies in ERE conditions have shown the health benefits of feed restriction
for fattening rabbits. Imposing a fast on animals already on restricted intake provides no
additional health benefits, rather it severely penalises the growth performance of the
rabbits. Although this technique is often practised by breeders who feed their animals
ad libitum, it has less of a place in restricted intake techniques where the most effective
way of imposing a fast has yet to be determined. Adding the natural plant extract
Vegeplus to feed improves production even when a health risk is present since the
digestive security it provides means the need for feed restriction is lessened.
References
Gidenne T., Feigier A., Jehl N., Arveux P., Boisot P., Briens C., Corrent E., Fortune H.,
Montessuy S., Verdelhan S. 2003. Un rationnement quantitatif post-sevrage permet de
réduire la fréquence des diarrhées, sans dégradation importante des performances de
croissance : résultats d’une étude multi-site. 10èmes Journées de la Recherche
Cunicole, Paris, 29-32.
Gidenne T., Murr S., Travel A., Corrent E., Foubert C., Bebin K., Mevel L., Rebours
G., Renouf B. 2008. Effet du niveau de rationnement et du mode de ditribution de
l’aliment sur les performances et les troubles digestifs post-sevrage du lapereau,
Journée Nationale du Lapin de Chair, 33-40
Le Floc’h N., Melchior D., Obled C. 2004. Modifications of protein and amino acid
metabolism during inflammation and immune system activation, Livestock Production
Science, 87, 37-45.
48
NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY STUDIES IN RABBITS INTAKE
DIETS WITH THE ADDITION OF PROBIOTIC SUBTILPROBIO
® (BACILLUS SUBTILIS AND ENDOSPORES)
1
DIHIGO LE, 2HILDA SR, 3RONDON AJ, 1DOMINGUEZ M, 1SARDUY L
1.- ICA, Institute of Animal Science. CC. km 47 ½ San José de las Lajas. Cuba
2.- LABEX, Laboratories Biological Pharmaceutical. Santiago de Cuba. Cuba
3.- UM, University of Matanzas " Camilo Cienfuegos. Matanzas, Cuba
Abstract
The use of probiotics in rabbits can improve feed efficiency by improving gut
integrity, nutrient absorption and digestive behavior. In order to determine the
digestibility of nutrients in rabbits intake diets with a probiotic mixture of Bacillus
subtilis endospore (Subtilprobio®), 20 male rabbits of New Zealand white breed with
90 days of age and an average weight of 2.2 Kg housed in individual metabolism
cages were used. They were distributed according to a completely randomized design
in two experimental groups: Control and experimental without probiotic, with ten
repetitions each. The probiotic was mixed in the diet at a rate of 1 l per ton of feed.
During the 15 days that lasted the experiment, the last five days intake and fecal
excretion were measured. Digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP),
organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and Ash (C) were measured.
Differences for intake, excretion g of DM and OM digestibility were not observed.
Rabbits who consumed the probiotic significantly improved (P<0.05) and (P< 0.01)
digestibility of DM and NDF values of 72.79 % vs 77.98 % and 54.26 % vs 64.11 %,
respectively. Similarly, the greater digestibility (P<0.001) of CP was observed in
animals fed the probiotic with values 79.14 % vs 87.38 %, respectively. It was
concluded that the use of Subtilprobio ® in rabbit diets improved indicators of
digestibility for DM, NDF, and CP.
Key words: rabbits, probiotic, Bacillus subtilis, digestibility.
50
ESTUDIOS DE DIGESTIBILIDAD DE NUTRIENTES EN CONEJOS QUE
CONSUMEN DIETAS CON LA ADICIÓN DEL PROBIOTICO SUBTILPROBIO®
(Bacillus subtilis Y SUS ENDOSPORAS)
1
DIHIGO LE, 2HILDA SR, 3RONDON AJ, 1DOMINGUEZ MY, 1SARDUY L
1.- ICA, 1Instituto de Ciencia Animal. CC. km 47 ½ San José de las Lajas. Cuba
2.- Laboratorios Biológicos Farmacéuticos LABEX. Santiago de Cuba. Cuba
3.- UM, Universidad de Matanzas “Camilo Cienfuegos”. Matanzas, Cuba
Resumen
Con el objetivo de determinar la digestibilidad de nutrientes en conejos que consumen
dietas con mezcla probiótica a base de Bacillus subtilis y sus endospora,
Subtilprobio®. Se utilizaron 20 conejos machos de la raza Nueva Zelanda Blanco con
90 días de edad y un peso promedio de 2.2 Kg alojados en jaulas de metabolismo
individual. Se distribuyeron según diseño completamente aleatorizado en dos grupos
experimentales. Control sin el probiótico y experimental con probiótico, con diez
repeticiones cada una. El probiótico se mezcló en la dieta a razón de 1l por tonelada
de pienso. Durante los 15 días que duro el experimento, los últimos cinco días se
midió el consumo y la excreción de heces fecales. Se midieron la digestibilidad de la
materia seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), materia orgánica (MO), Fibra detergente
neutra (FDN) y ceniza (C). No se observó diferencias para el consumo, excreción de
los g de MS y ni para la digestibilidad de la MO. Los conejos que consumieron el
probiótico mejoraron significativamente (P<0.05 y (P<0.01) la digestibilidad de la MS
y FDN con valores de 72,79% vs 77,98 % y 54,26% vs 64,11 % respectivamente. De
igual forma la mayor digestibilidad (P<0.001) de la PB se observó en los animales que
consumieron el probíotico con valores de 79,14% vs 87,38 % respectivamente. Se
concluye que el uso del probiótico Subtilprobio®
en dietas para conejo mejoró los
indicadores de digestibilidad para MS, FDN y PB.
Palabras clave: conejos, probiótico, Bacillus subtilis y digestibilidad.
Introduction
Worldwide probiotic preparations are used with satisfactory results to improve the
production and health of animals´ behavior (Swientek, 2003). This result is an
overall enhanced health as a result of improved nutrition, increasing the rate of
growth and production (Berg, 1998).
In rabbits, microbial cultures are used to reduce the incidence and death from
diarrhea and to increase production efficiency. The studies were directed toward the
control of intestinal pH using outside microflora rabbit bacteria (Cheeke et al.1989).
The use of Bacillus subtilis not only improves health but promotes intestinal
digestion processes by matching nutrient and productivity of rabbits.
That is why the objective of this study was to determine the digestibility of nutrients
in rabbits that consumed diets with probiotics based on mixture of Bacillus subtilis
and endospores, Subtilprobio®.
Chemical properties determination
The diets were prepared at the National Center for Laboratory Animal Breeding
CENPALAB). The chemical composition of the diets and feces was determined by
the method described by the AOAC (1993) for dry matter (DM), organic matter
(OM), crude protein (CP) and ash (C). Fractions of neutral detergent fiber (NDF),
acid detergent fiber (ADF), lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose were determined by
Goering and Van Soest (1993). Dietary analysis determined containing: DM (88.02
%), CP (22.50%), ash (7.78 %), OM (92.21 %) and NDF (43.94 %) which were
performed at the Laboratory of analytical services of the Institute of Animal Science.
Experimental Procedure
Twenty white Semigiant New Zealand commercial hybrid male rabbits of 4.5 months
of age and 2.4 kg average weight were used. The animals were allocated in
individual metabolism cages. They were distributed in a completely randomized
design in two groups: A control group and the second was added Subtilprobio ® at a
dose of 1l/1000kg of food. Each group had ten repetitions and 12h periods of light
and darkness. Feeding was restricted to 120g per animal, shaped pellet during the 14
52
days of the experiment. During the last four days the feces were weighed and dry
matter was determined at 105 oC. Feces were stored at -20 ° until analysis.
Calculation of apparent digestibility coefficient of nutrients
For the calculation of average coefficient apparent digestibility, nutrient formula
described by Perez et al was used (1995).
ADNutrients 
Ingested nutrients (g) - Nutrients in feces (g)
*100
Ingested nutrients (g)
Statistical Analysis
The analysis of variance was carried out according to the SPSS system for Windows
version 1.0 and INFOSTAT (2001 ) indistinctly, where necessary Duncan (1955).
Table 1 shows the results of intake, fecal excretion of DM and CP digestibility, NDF,
OM and A were observed in rabbit.
A higher digestibility (P < 0.05) for DMN was observed in rabbits fed the diet with
the probiotic . This improvement in DM digestibility is due to a significant increase
(P<0.01) that had the NDF digestibility. This may be determined by a stimulation of
cecal microbiological activity (Kimura et al. 1997), which favors higher digestion of
cell wall constituents and other nutrients. In rabbits the digestion of cell wall
components is limited by a poor retention of food in the cecum and the same
characteristics of fermentible substrate. Stimulation with microbial content in these
processes are favoured, increasing the digestibility and the final products of the
fermentation.
Table 1. Effects of Subtilprobio® adding intake and fecal excretion
Indicators
Control
White
Probiotic
Sig/EE±
Intake (g of DM/ animal/day)
130,66
145,36
7,68
Fecal excretion g of DM/
animal/day)
35,81
31,41
3,47
DM D (%)
72,79
77,98
1,70*
CP D (%)
79,14
87,38
1,47***
OM D (%)
72,94
78,05
1,67
NDF D (%)
54,26
64,11
2,12**
ASH D (%)
70,94
77,17
2,41
(g dm / animal / day, and the digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, OM and C (%) in rabbits.
*(P<0,05)**(P<0,01)***(P<0,001)
Similarly, the digestibility of CP was favoured (P<0.001). Samanya and Yamauchi
(2002) and Teo and Tan (2007) determined that the use of Bacillus subtilis in the diet
of rabbits promotes intestinal integrity and increases the efficiency of utilization and
absorption of nutrients. Hence, the productive and reproductive performance of
rabbit intake in this type of probiotic with liveweight exceeding 225 g in the control
and no death in rabbits at the lactation stage with weaning weights of 1.09 kg per
group, improved (Rubio 2012 ).
No differences for consumption, fecal excretion, OMD and ashD in rabbits that
consumed diets with or without probiotic were observed. The trend was to increase
consumption and decrease the fecal excretion of DM, which showed the highest
degree of utilization of nutrients, mainly starch, as a feature of this probiotic in
producing enzymes like amilasa (Asgher et al 2006).
We conclude that the use of diets with Bacillus subtilis and endospores in the diet of
rabbit, improved the indicators of digestibility
for DM, NDF and the CP without
causing changes in the digestibility of A, OM and intake and excretion g of DM.
54
References
Kimura, K., McCartney, A., Conell, M .1997: Analysis of fecal populations of
bifidobacteria and lactobacilli and investigation of inmunological response of their
human host to predominan strains. Appl. Environ. Microbial. 63:9: 3394.
Samanya, M., Yamauchi, K., 2002: Histological alterations of intestinal villi in
chickens fed dried Bacillus subtilis var. natto. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 133: 95.Teo,
A., Tan, H.M. 2007: Evaluation of the performance and intestinal gut microflora of
broiler fed on corn-soy diets supplemented with Bacillus subtilisPB6, CloSTAT. J.
Appl. Poult. Res. 16:296.
Rubio,S.R: 2012: Estudio del efecto del probiótico Bacillus subtilis y sus endosporas
en el comportamiento productivo y reproductivo de conejos de la raza Nueva
Zelanda.
Berg, R. D. 1998 ¨Probiotics or conbiotics¨Trends Microbiol.Donalson International
Livestock. 2005. Ganado porcino Canadiense de pura raza. RR#2, Tavistock,Notario
Canada NOB2RO. Email: [email protected] Web Site: http://www.
Execulink.com/-dill/index.html. 6, 89 -92
Swientek, B.2003. Beneficial Bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work in tandem to
stimulate a healthy microflora in the gastrointestinal tract. Food
productdevelopment.http://www.preparedfood.com/archives/2001/200101/0101toc.h
tm (5/2/03)
Cheeke PR, Hollister AG, Robinson KL. Improving feed efficiency and reducing
mortality in rabbits: A case study for use in all species. In: Lyons TP, editor
Biotechnology in Feed Industry. Nicholasville Kentuky USA: Alltech Technical
Publications, 1989: 253-259.AOAC. 1995. Official Methods of Analysis. Ass. Off.
Agric. Chem. 16th ed. Washington, D. C.
Goerin & Van Soest, J.P. 1993. Cell Wall matrix interactions and degradationSession synopsis. In Forage Cell Wall Structure an Digestibility Amarican Siciet of
Agronomy.377-395
Pérez,J.M., Lebas,F., Gidenne,T., Maestens.L, Xiccato,G., Parigi-Bini,R., Dalle
zotte, A& Coccu,M .E 1995.Eurtopean reference method for in vivo determination of
diet digestibility in rabbit. World Rabbit Sci.,3(1):41-43
STUDY OF THE CONSUMPTION EFFECT OF PROBIOTICS IN
THE COLIFORMS DYNAMICS IN RABBIT'S DIGESTIVE TRACT
LAGUNAS BS, PÉREZ SL, OSORIO MJ, FAJARDO MR*, DE LA CRUZ BA,
DÍAZ GONZÁLEZ BA,
Veterinaria y Zootecnia (FMVZ), Universidad Autónoma de México (UAEMéx). Carretera
Abstract
In a previous work, we demonstrated that Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kombucha tea
probiotics enhanced some productive parameters in rabbits, and modified the intestinal
coliform microflora, but the modified bacteria population strains remain unidentified.
The aim of this study was to identify the intestinal bacteria strains that changed under
the effect of probiotic oral supply. This work was carried out under an observational
descriptive design in 30 New Zealand white rabbits, divided into in three treatments
groups of ten animals each, during 75 days of experiment, using a commercial food
additive free. Group A was supplemented with KT. Group B with Sc47 and group C
served as control. Stool samples from anal sphincter were taken and seed on selective
media for coliforms. A number of 61 bacterial colonies was isolated and identified as:
27 Gram-positive diplococci and cocci, 34 Gram-negative coliform, identified as, three
Citrobacter intermedius colonies, three E. coli, one Alcaligenes faecalis, two Yersinia,
one Salmonella arizonae, 13 Serratia marcescens, one Flavobacterium spp, three Vibrio
cholerae, three Serratia liquefaciens, one Erwinia herbicola, two Aeromonas spp. and
one Proteus vulgaris. These results show a bacterial intestinal modulation induced by
probiotic consumption.
Keywords: Kombucha Tea, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Dynamics of coliforms,
bacteriology identification.
56
ESTUDIO DEL EFECTO DEL CONSUMO DE PROBIÓTICOS EN LA
DINÁMICA DE COLIFORMES DEL TUBO DIGESTIVO DEL CONEJO
LAGUNAS BS, PÉREZ SL, OSORIO MJ, FAJARDO MR*, DE LA CRUZ BA,
DÍAZ GONZÁLEZ BA,
Veterinaria y Zootecnia (FMVZ), Universidad Autónoma de México (UAEMéx). Carretera
Resumen
En el presente trabajo se utilizaron dos probióticos Saccharomyces cerevisiae cepa
Sc47, que es una levadura comercial, que ha sido empleada en diversas especies
animales domésticas y Té Kombucha (TK) bebida ligeramente dulce y ácida, fabricada
a partir del té verde (Camellia sinensis) con azúcar y que es fermentado por los
microorganismos del cultivo Kombucha. Este último se ha utilizado en humanos como
terapia alternativa y se considera que puede tener beneficios profilácticos y terapéuticos.
Ambos probióticos favorecen algunos parámetros productivos en conejos, así como la
estimulación del sistema inmunológico, pero se desconocen sus mecanismos de acción.
El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el efecto del TK y Sc47 en la dinámica
bacteriana del tubo digestivo del conejo. Se utilizó un diseño de estudio descriptivo
observacional en 30 conejos Nueva Zelanda Blancos, los cuales fueron divididos en tres
grupos de diez animales en tres tratamientos durante 75 días, al grupo A se le
suplementó con TK, al grupo B con Sc47 y el grupo C fungió como control, se tomaron
muestras de heces del esfínter anal y se cultivaron en placa con medios selectivos para
coliformes.
Se aislaron 61 colonias bacterianas de las cuales 27 fueron cocos y diplococos Gram+ y
34 coliformes Gram-, identificando: tres colonias de Citrobacter intermedius, tres de E.
coli, una de Alcaligenes faecalis, dos de Yersinia, una de Salmonella arizonae, 13 de
Serratia marcescens, una de Flavobacterium sp, tres de Vibrio cholerae, tres de
Serratia liquefaciens,una de Erwinia herbicola, dos de Aeromonas spp y una de Proteus
vulgaris, en ellas se observó la dinámica de crecimiento bacteriano, encontrando que
algunas decrecieron y otras aumentaron, por lo tanto, podemos mencionar que al
adicionar los probióticos en la dieta de los conejos, estos los conejos modificaron el
crecimiento de las poblaciones bacterianas de coliformes patógenos y comunes.
Palabras clave: Té Kombucha, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, dinámica de coliformes,
bacteriología.
58
Introduction
The use of probiotics has targeted the human and animal health. In human, it has
highlighted its use in diarrhea control of nonspecific origin, even in treating of some
antibiotic-resistant agents (Kirchelle et al., 1996). Beneficial effects of probiotic are
very specific, and not all species are efficacious. Strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus
GG, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, S. boulardii, Lactobacillus casei Shirota and
Bifidobacterium animalis (Bb12) are the most studied in animal and human health. In
animal production, the importance of probiotics lies in the properties to improve the
efficiency of feed conversion and growth promoters (Rosmini, 2004).
Studies in pigs supplemented with Sc47, showed a gradual decrease in total fecal
coliform counts, these changes were apparently not associated to the activation of the
systemic immunity (Pérez–Sotelo et al., 2011). In previous studies in our laboratory,
TK and Sc47 suministrated in water in a rabbit model, both probiotics demonstrated
faster growth of the animals associated with a decrease in the total number of fecal
coliforms and a slight decrease in feed intake (De la Cruz et al., 2008). Based on these
studies, the present study aimed to
determine the effect of KT and Sc47 on coliform population dynamics identified in the
digestive tract of the rabbit.
Material and methods
This work was carried out under an observational descriptive design in 30 New Zealand
rabbits, divided into in three treatments groups of ten animals each, during 75 days of
experiment, using a commercial food additive free. Group A was supplemented with
TK. Group B with Sc47 and group C served as control. The used doses in both
experimental groups A and B were in the water under the recommendations of
commercial labs. Stool samples from anal sphincter were taken and seed on selective
media for coliforms. The fecal samples were performed on experimental days 0, 15, 30,
45, 60 and 75; aseptically plastic gloves, anal stimulation by obtaining 2 g per rabbit,
the individual stool samples were pooled for each treatment. Coliforms isolation was
undertaken on nutrient agar, brilliant green agar, Mc Conkey agar and Salmonella-
Shigella agar. Cultures were incubated at 35° C for 24 hrs. Isolated suspicious colonies
were identified based on routine microbiological protocols. The used biochemical tests
were: Simmon's citrate, Catalase, Methyl Red Voges Proskauer and Urea, TSI and SIM
(Murray, 1995). Statistical analysis was conducted using tests of least squares trend
lines.
Results
In the group A, six bacterial genera were isolated: Yersinia sp., Vibrio cholerae,
Flavobacterium sp., Serratia marcescens, Serratia liquefaciens y Citrobacter
intermedius. Among these, Yersinia sp, Flavobacterium sp and Vibrio cholerae, showed
a downward trend while Serratia marcescens, Serratia liquefaciens and Citrobacter
intermedius showed an upward trend. In the group B, six bacterial genera were isolated:
Vibrio cholerae type, Serratia marcescens, Erwinia herbicola, Proteus vulgaris,
Serratia liquefaciens and Citrobacter intermedius. Which Vibrio cholerae, Erwinia
herbicola and Serratia marcescens presented downtrend while, Proteus vulgaris,
Serratia liquefaciens and Citrobacter intermedius showed an upward trend. In the group
C, six bacterial genera were isolated: Citrobacter intermedius, E. coli, Alcaligenes
faecalis, Yersinia sp., Serratia marcescens and Salmonella arizonae. Which Citrobacter
intermedius, E. coli and Alcaligenes faecalis, showed a downward trend, while Yersinia
sp. and Salmonella arizonae showed an upward trend, and Serratia marcescens
remained unchanged.
Discussion
In the normal rabbit´s gut biome, coliform Gram- trends to be downward. These
changes could be explained by some known mechanisms like: cellulose consumption in
the feed increases the number of Gram+ cellulolytic bacteria which suppress the Grambacteria (Hernández and Cobos, 2001). Furthermore, the gastric pH tends to be acidified
with age. Thus, food and bacterial colonies can regulate other bacterial growths; these
mechanisms are known as bio-regulation or competitive bacteria exclusion (Ron, 2003;
Carrizo, 2003). In group A, a downward trend was observed in the number of colonies
Gram-, more evident than that of group C, this may be due to the composition of TK
containing some metabolites; one usnic acid, which has antimicrobial properties on
60
Gram- bacteria (Bargellini, 1946). Another metabolite is glucuronic acid, which induces
IFNɣ, which regulate the bacterial infections by activation of macrophages (Vega et al.,
2005). In group B, a decrease of Gram- bacteria was observed; when Sc47 is constantly
providing, some mannan-dependent bacterial colonies can be removed by cytoadhesion
and form clusters that are expelled with the feces, thereby regulating ecosystem biome
(Pérez-Sotelo, 2011). Another possible mechanism of action could exercise the KT and
Sc47 probiotics on bacterial colonies is that they can produce antimicrobial molecules
and inducing competitive exclusion among species (Fernández, 2005). It has been
observed an antimicrobial effect in vitro of KT on some bacterial genera: Plesiomona
spp, Serratia spp, Salmonella spp, Yersinia spp, Acinetobacter spp, Pseudomonas spp,
Actinobacillus spp, Moraxella sp and Alcaligenes spp (De la Cruz et al., 2012). In
evaluating the supernatant in liquid media Sc47 no inhibitory effect of bacterial growth
was observed by assuming the absence of these metabolites, suggesting that other
mechanisms were involved in microbiota modulation. Another possible mechanism of
intestinal bacterial modulation is the innate immune response through to α-defensins
produced by stimulation of the Panneth cells in response to certain microbial probiotics
products (Mc. Dermott, 2007). These results showed a bacterial intestinal modulation
induced by probiotic consumption in both KT and Sc47.
References
Bargellini G., del Pianio E. G., Martini-Bettólo B. 1946. SuU'attivitá antibatterica di duc
acidi lichcnici: acido usnico ed acido vulpinico. «Attt delia Accademia Nazionale dei
Lincei», vol. I, fase. 12, págs. 1252-1205.
Carrizo M. J. 2003. Equilibrio en la Flora Intestinal del Conejo, Cunicultura, Madrid
España, 323-326 pp.
De la Cruz B. A., Pérez S. L. S., Díaz G. B. A. E., Fajardo M. R. C. 2008. Efecto del
suplemento de los probióticos Té Kombucha y Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sc47 sobre
parámetros productivos en conejos Nueva Zelanda durante la etapa de engorda, Tesis de
Licenciatura en Medicina Veterinaria Y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado
de México.
De la Cruz B. A., Pérez S. L. S., Díaz G. B. A. E., Fajardo M. R. C. 2012. Efecto de
Saccharomyces cerevisiae y Te Kombucha sobre poblaciones de coliformes en conejos,
Tesis de Maestría en Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad
Autónoma del Estado de México.
Fernández D. A. 2005. Producción inducible de lactococina A, pediocina PA-1, colicina
V e interleuquina-2 en cepas de Lactococcus lactis productoras de nisina, Tesis
Doctoral.
Hernández S. D., Cobos P. M. A. 2001. Digestibilidad in vitro, población de bacterias
celulolíticas y totales del apéndice cecal, ciego y colon del conejo. Técnica Pecuaria 9
(3).
Kirchelle A., Fruhwein N., Toburen D. 1996. Treatment of persist diarrhea with S.
boulardii in returning travelers. Results of prospective study. Fortschr Medicine
114(11): 136-140.
Mc. Dermott A. M. 2007. Péptidos catiónicos antimicrobianos. ¿Una futura opción
terapéutica? Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol 2007; 82: 469-470.
Murray P. D. 1995. Manual de Clinical Microbiology. American Society of
Microbiologists. 6° ed. Estados Unidos Americanos.
Pérez S. L., Vaughan G., Fajardo R., Gonzalez Y., Monroy H., Vazquez J. C. 2011.
Modulator effects of dietary supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae on
coliform counts, adaptive general immunologic response and growth-performance in
pigs. Indian J. Anim. Nutr. 28 (2): 191–197.
Ron R. D. 2003. Rabbit gastrointestinal physiology. Rev. Vet. Clin. Exot. Anim. 6: 129–
156.
62
Rosmini M. R., Sequeira G. J., Guerrero Legarreta I., Martí L. E., Dalla Santina N.,
Frizzo L., Bonazza J. C. 2004. Producción de prebióticos para animales de abasto:
Importancia del uso de la microbiota intestinal indigena., Rev. Mex. de Ing. Quim. 3(2):
181-191.
Vega M., Valderrama S., Moya G., Ferrero J., Castiñeira M., Quintana M. 2005.
Establecimiento de un material de referencia para interferón gamma humano
recombinante. Centro de ingeniería genética y biotecnología. Rev. Cubana Farm. 39(2).
GROWTH PROMOTERS USED FOR WEIGHT GAIN
IN RABBITS MEANT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
VALLADARES-CARRANZA B¹*, VELÁZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V¹,
ALONSO-FRESÁN MU1, ZAMORA-ESPINOSA JL1,
RODRIGUEZ-CORREA JL2, DOMÍNGUEZ-VARA IA3
1. Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal. Facultad de Medicina
Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. Km 15.5 carretera
Toluca-Atlacomulco, Estado de México. Cuerpo Académico en Salud Animal (UAEM-CA-3
Salud Animal).
2. Programa de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Recursos Naturales – UAEM. Área Salud Animal.
Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal. Km 15.5 carretera TolucaAtlacomulco, Estado de México.
3. Departamento de producción animal FMVZ-UAEM. Cuerpo Académico en Producción
Animal.
Abstract
Food increasing demand has originated the use of growth promoters in animal meat
production. In animals meant for feeding, these not only contribute to the increase in
total weight gain but to food conversion as well. Nandrolone laurate and clenbuterol
clorhydrate, which have been illegally used in animal meat production have sanitary and
safety restrictions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of these substances in
the productive parameters of rabbits meant for human consumption, in which total
weight gain and food conversion were measured. Fifteen hybrid, male and female
rabbits were used, divided into two groups (n = 5 each): group 1 (0.20μg/kg NL
intramuscularly administered every 20 days); group 2 (16 μg/kg/d CBL orally
administered in drinking water); and a control group which received 1 mL
intramuscularly given saline solution as placebo every 15 days. Rabbits were observed
for 30 days in which food and water was given ad libitum. Results were analyzed using
variance analysis (P<0.05). Total weight gain and food conversion according to the
treatments were: group 1, 1.535 kg and 9.94; group 2 1.335 kg and 10.72 and for control
group 1.188 kg and 13.40 respectively.
64
The use of nandrolone laurate and clenbuterol clorhydrate as promoters showed a slight
effect on daily and total weight gain, with counterindication for rabbit production,
affecting not only rentability but food safety as well.
Key words: Nandrolone laurate, clenbuterol clorhydrate, weight gain, food conversion,
food safety
PROMOTORES DE CRECIMIENTO UTILIZADOS PARA GANANCIA
DE PESO EN CONJEJOS DESTINADOS AL CONSUMO HUMANO
VALLADARES-CARRANZA B¹*, VELÁZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V¹,
ALONSO-FRESÁN MU1, ZAMORA-ESPINOSA JL1,
RODRIGUEZ-CORREA JL2, DOMÍNGUEZ-VARA IA3
Salud Animal).
3. Departamento de producción animal FMVZ-UAEM. Cuerpo Académico en Producción
Animal.
Resumen
La creciente demanda de carne de conejo requiere de una alta producción de carne para
consumo humano. El uso de promotores de crecimiento contribuye a la ganancia de
peso y disminuye costos de producción. Algunos promotores como el laurato de
nandrolona y el clenbuterol muestran restricciones sanitarias y de inocuidad para su
administración. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los parámetros ganancia de peso
total (GPT) y conversión alimenticia (CA) en conejos, administrando laurato de
nandrolona y clenbuterol como promotores de crecimiento. Se formaron tres grupos
experimentales de 3 conejos. Los grupos fueron T1 con clenbuterol 16 mg/kg vía oral
por día, T2 con laurato de nadrolona inyectado 1 mg/kg cada 20 días y T3 control, el
experimento duro 30 días. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante la prueba ANOVA
con una significancia de P < 0.05 comparando las unidades experimentales sometidas a
tratamiento. Los resultados obtenidos por tratamiento fueron: T1: GPT 1.53, CA 9.94
kg, T2: GPT 1.335, CA 10.72kg y T3: GPT 1.188, CA 13.40 kg respectivamente. La
comparación entre los promotores de crecimiento mostró una ganancia de peso y
conversión alimenticia significativa en el T1 y T2, obteniendo un mejor índice de
beneficio- costo para la producción.
66
Sin embargo el uso de laurato de nandrolona y el clembuterol, además de afectar a la
salud pública, es un fármaco prohibido bajo las normas sanitarias federales en la
producción pecuaria. Por lo anterior no se recomienda el uso de la nandrolona y el
clenbuterol como promotores de crecimiento.
Palabras clave: laurato de nandrolona, clorhidrato de clenbuterol, ganancia de peso,
conversión alimenticia, inocuidad alimentaria
Introduction
Animal protein consumption is necessary for healthy human feeding, therefore the
interest on increasing meat production from traditional species (hen, beef, pork and
sheep) as well as other not so common species such as rabbit, duck or ostrich.
Regarding rabbits, they have numerous advantages due to their easy handling and high
reproductive efficiency, as well as their elevated productivity rate when compared to
other species. Moreover, rabbit meat is high in protein and low in sodium, fat and
cholesterol which makes it an excellent choice for human diet due to its high nutritional
content (Santos et al., 2010). Food additives allow the improvement of production and
reproductive efficiency in farms. Nevertheless, they do not improve productivity when
there is defficiency on productive handling and feeding and genetics of species meant
for meat production (Chávez et al., 2012). Recently, anabolic and promoter use in
animal production have had serious consequences in public health (Bandala et al.,
2007). Moreover, when sanitary regulations as well as good production practices are not
followed, health, animal welfare and food safety may be compromised. The lack of
technical and economical information for producers, make them susceptible of mistakes
in sanitary handling and poor production practices that may have legal implications
(Ley Federal de Sanidad animal, 2012; Directive 64/433/EEC). The use of food
additives and growth promoters are classified as risky in several countries (Directive
64/433/EEC). Clenbuterol has been employed as growth promoter, but its use is banned
in Mexico (NOM-065-ZOO-2003). Nandrolone laurate is used to improve beef meat
quality. It should be retired in a rigorous period of time (NOM-004-ZOO-1994). The
last improves weight gain and as well as clenbuterol may diminish production costs in
production units (Morales et al., 2010). Nandrolone is an steroidal androgenic
anabolizer which promotes growth, with no collateral effects, that stimulates weight
gain, bone formation and improvement of body condition. It stimulates the formation of
muscle, by retaining nitrogen and promotes calcium and phosphate retention and at the
same time, stimulates and maintains sodium and potassium levels without water
retention and fat in tissues (Veloz, 2005). Clenbuterol is an adrenergic β-agonist which
was first used as drug in animals due to its bronchodilating and tocolytic action.
Afterwards, it was discoved that when used at ten times more than therapeutical dosis, it
showed an anabolizing action, favouring protein synthesis and diminishing fat, which
gave their name as energy share out agents. This effect was proven in different species
68
such as bovines, ovines and pigs (Olaya, 2012). Due to its effect as growth promoter, its
illegal use has increased because it speeds up production with lower resource use
(Chávez et al., 2012). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of NL and
CBL on total weight gain (TWG) and food conversion (FC) in rabbits used for human
consumption by following meat production regulations.
Material and Methods
Fifteen hybrid, thirty days old, male and female rabbits with an average live weight of
0.600 Kg were used. Each rabbit was individually penned and identified. Commercial
food containing 17% crude protein, 15% crude fiber, 2% crude fat, 12% moisture, 8%
ashes and 46% nitrogen free extract as well as drinking water was given ad libitum for
thirty days. Three experimental groups were formed divided into two treatment groups
(n=5 each): T1 (0.20μg/kg NL intramuscularly (IM) administered every 20 days); T2 (16
μg/kg/d CBL orally administered in drinking water); and a control group (CG) which
received 1 mL IM saline solution as placebo every 15 days. Rabbits were weighed evey
week to measure weight gain and the relationship between treatents and humanitarily
sacrificed following NOM-033-ZOO-1995 protocol. To determine total weight gain
(TWG), rabbits were weekly weighed using a digital toploading balance.
Food
consumption was undertaken by weighing the daily food amount divided by the number
of rabbits per group, as a follow up to growth promoter administration. Food conversion
(FC) was calculated based on daily consumption and the weekly increase using the
formula: Food consumed/Weight gain. Results were analyzed using analysis
of
variance (P<0.05) in a random block experimental design using Megastat for Microsoft
Office Excell 2007.
Results and Discussion
TWG and FC according to the treatments were: T1 1.335 kg and 10.72; T2 1.535 kg and
9.94 and for CG 1.188 kg and 13.40 respectively, demonstrating that in rabbits there is
not an adequate weight gain when using CBL and NL. Carcass at slaughter did not
show weight or volume increase. Nevertheless, there was less fat deposition in animals
when CBL was used, when compared to T2 and CG. There are no reports of the use of
these promoters in rabbits, which are widely used in bovines with significant anabolic
effect, but representing a food safety and health problem nowadays because the dosis
used are unknown. There was no growth promotion effect shen using CBL and NL in
rabbits in the evaluated parameters, which could be associated to the rabbit’s physiology
and maybe due to hepatic and other systemic alterations. It would be important to
evaluate functional parameters and correlate them to dilucidate what is happening in
species where these anabolic are commonly used (Chávez et al., 2012).
Conclusion
It is concluded that the use of nandrolone laurate and clenbuterol clorhydrate did not
show effect on total weight gain and food conversion. The use of these additives as
growth promoters is unnecessary for intensive rabbit production because it represents an
important risk in food safety
References
Bandala A.C., Valladares C.B., Villeda M.C.U., Toral P.Y., Velázquez O.V., Pedraza
S.F. Zamora E.J.L., Castro M.J. 2007. Alteraciones histológicas y niveles de de
clorhidrato de clenbuterol inducidos experimentalmente en perros. XVI congreso
nacional de patología veterinaria. Mazatlán Sinaloa pp434-48
Chávez A.L., Díaz O.J., Pérez C.B., Alarcon R.M. 2012. Tendencia de 2005 a 2010 de
los niveles de Clenbuterol en muestras de bovinos en Guerrero.Rev. Cienc. Pec.,
3(4):449-458.
Ley Federal de Sanidad Animal. 2012. Secretaria de Agricultura, Ganadería, Desarrollo
Rural, Pesca y Alimentación.
Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-033-ZOO-1995, Sacrificio humanitario de los animales
domésticos y silvestres.
Morales A., Sánchez V., García F., Coronado R., Latouche O., Rivero L., Leal L.,
López P., Rodríguez C. 2010. Hipersensibilidad Tipo I asociada a la administración de
nandrolona, boldenona y dexametasona en un equino pura sangre de carrera. Arch. Ven.
De Farmacol y Ter., 29 (2): 25-27.
Norma Oficial Mexicana PROY-NOM-065-ZOO-2003. Especificaciones técnicas para
la erradicación del uso de betaagonistasno autorizados en los animales. 2004.
Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-004-ZOO-1994, Grasa, hígado, músculo y riñón en
aves, bovinos, caprinos, cérvidos, equinos, ovinos y porcinos. Residuos tóxicos. Límites
máximos permisibles y procedimientos de muestreo.
Official Journal of the European Communities 2001. Directive 64/433/EEC on health
conditions for the production and marketing of freshmeat. L 165/48.
70
Official Journal of the European Communities. 2001. Directive 71/118/EEC on health
problems affecting the production and placing on the market of fresh poultry meat. L
165/48.
Olaya F.E. 2012. Residuos de Clenbuterol en tejidos comestibles de bovino.
Departamento de enseñanza, investigación yservicio. En zootecnia. Chapingo, Estado
de México.
http://portal.chapingo.mx/produccionanimal/index.php/investigacion?view=thesis&task
=show&id=137. (04/04/2014).
Olivares P.R, Gómez C. M., Schwentesius R.R. 2009. Alternativas a la producción y
mercadeopara la carne de conejo en Tlaxcala, México.
Santos L.E.M., Jiménez S.P., Sánchez O.I., Castro R.J., Zúñiga E.A. 2010. Aplicación
de Sales de Ácidos Orgánicos en la Conservación de Carne de Conejo. XII Congreso
Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos. Guanajuato, Gto.
Veloz I.R.L. 2005. Evaluación del Efecto del Laurato de Nandrolona (Laurabolin) en el
Crecimiento y Engorde de Cuyes Machos (Cavia Porcellus). Proyecto de Investigación.
Escuela Politécnica del Ejército Facultad De Ciencias Agropecuarias IASA “Grad
Carlomagno Andrade Paredes” Sangolquí - Ecuador
EFFECT OF DIETARY PROTEIN CONTENT ON SECOND
REPRODUCTION CYCLE OF LOCAL RABBIT DOES
AND THEIR LITTERS
SAIDJ D*1, AINBAZIZ H1, DAHMANI Y1, ILES I1,
BENALI N1, CHIRANE M1, MOULA N2
Research Laboratory “Animal Health and production”, High National Veterinary School, ElHarrach PB 161, 16200, Algiers, Algeria
2
Départment of Animals Productions, Faculty of veterinary Medicine, University of Liège,
Boulevard de Colonster, 20 bâtiment B43, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
1
Abstract
The influence of diet protein content on reproductive performance and milk production
was studied in forty six local rabbit does with effect on their litters during the second
lactation. Does were divided into three groups offered one of three diets formulated to
give the same digestible energy (DE) content (2600 kkal) and different digestible
protein (DP) content (15, 17 and 19 % DP for diet T, A and B respectively). Diets were
supplied ad libitum between parturition and weaning.
The use of high protein diets don’t show effect in does weight at partum and between
partum and weaning, consecutively does’ weight gain during second lactation.
Does given B diet showed significantly higher protein intake a day at lactation (58.08g
for group B vs 52.94g for group A vs 44.34g for group T) (p<0.01), but no difference
was detected in the digestible energy intake a day and the feed intake a day between
partum and weaning (294.5g for group T vs 311.1g for group A vs 305.8g for group B).
The litters size and weight at partum and at weaning were not affected by the diets but
the effect of litter size in milk production during 21 days post partum (three weeks of
second lactation) was cleared in the three diets (p<0.0001). There was no significant
difference on milk production between the three diets.
Key words: Rabbit doe, local population, diet, digestible protein, reproductive
performance
72
EFECTO DEL CONTENIDO DE PROTEÍNA EN LA DIETA EN EL
SEGUNDO CICLO DE REPRODUCCIÓN DE
CONEJAS LOCALES Y SUS CAMADAS
SAIDJ D*1, AINBAZIZ H1, DAHMANI Y1, ILES I1, BENALI N1,
CHIRANE M1, MOULA N2
Research Laboratory “Animal Health and production”, High National Veterinary School, ElHarrach PB 161, 16200, Algiers, Algeria
2
Départment of Animals Productions, Faculty of veterinary Medicine, University of Liège,
Boulevard de Colonster, 20 bâtiment B43, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
1
Resumen
En el presente trabajo se estudió la influencia del contenido de proteína en la dieta en el
desempeño reproductivo y producción de leche en cuarenta y seis conejas y su efecto en
las camadas durante la segunda lactación. Las conejas se dividieron en tres grupos de
acuerdo con la formulación de la dieta, que contenía la misma energía digerible (DE,
2600 kcal) y diferente contenido de proteína digerible (DP: 15, 17y 19 % DP para las
dietas T, A y B respectivamente). Las dietas se suministraron ad libitum entre el parto y
el destete.
El uso de dietas altas en proteína no muestró efecto en el peso de la coneja al parto ni
entre el parto y destete, y en consecuencia tampoco durante la segunda lactación.
Las conejas del grupo de la dieta B mostraron el mayor consumo de alimento diario
durante la lactación (58.08 g para el grupo B, 52.94 g para el grupo A y 44.34 g para el
grupo T) (p<0.01), sin diferencia detectable en cuanto al consumo diario de energía
digerible y el consumo diario durante el parto y destete (294.5 g para el grupo T, 311.1
g para el grupo A y 305.8 g para el grupo B). Las dietas no tuvieron efecto sobre el
tamaño de la camada ni el peso al parto y destete, pero el efecto del tamaño de la
camada con respecto a la producción de leche durante 21 días postparto (tres semanas
de la segunda lactación) fue claro en las tres dietas (p<0.0001). No existe diferencia
significativa en la producción de leche con respecto a las dietas ofrecidas.
Palabras clave: Coneja, población local, dieta, proteína digerible, desempeño
reproductivo
EFFECTS OF INTERACTION BETWEEN ENERGY CONTENT OF
DIET AND PARITY ON PERFORMANCE OF
LOCAL RABBIT DOES
SAIDJ D1*, AINBAZIZ H 1, SALHI O 1, BENALI N 1, LEROY P2, MOULA N²
1.- Research Laboratory “Animal Health and production”, High National Veterinary School, ElHarrach PB 161, 16200, Algiers, Algeria
2.- Départment of Animals Productions, Faculty of veterinary Medicine, University of Liège,
Boulevard de Colonster, 20, bâtiment B43, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
Abstract
Sixty one (61) nulliparous local rabbit does were used to study the effect of different
energy content in diet and his interaction with parity on their performances and their
litters at the first and second lactation. Does were received one of the three experimental
diets with the same protein content (15% CP) and different digestible energy content
(2300, 2450 and 2600 kcal/kg) for T, A and B diets respectively. Weight of rabbit does
and their litters were controlled at parturition and each week post partum. Weaning was
done at 28 days of age. Diets were supplied ad libitum between parturition and weaning.
Rabbit does were submitted to mating at 10 days post partum for second parturition.
The use of high energy diets didn’t show effects in does live weight between
parturitions and weaning, does live weight gain at lactation and their milk yield, but diet
with higher energy content decrease significantly (p<0.0001) feed intake at lactation
and daily feed intake. There was no significant differences between diets for size and
litter weight from birth to weaning, against by, interaction between diet and parity was
significant (p<0.05). Mortality at partum and at birth to weaning didn’t differed
significantly (p<0.05). There was significant difference between parities on the main
parameters of reproduction (p<0.05).
Key words: Rabbit doe, diet, energy, reproductive performance
74
EFECTOS DE LA INTERACCIÓN ENTRE EL CONTENIDO DE
ENERGÍA EN LA DIETA Y LA PARIDAD SOBRE EL DESEMPEÑO
REPRODUCTIVO DE LA CONEJA LOCAL
SAIDJ D1*, AINBAZIZ H 1, SALHI O 1, BENALI N 1, LEROY P2, MOULA N²
1.- Research Laboratory “Animal Health and production”, High National Veterinary School, ElHarrach PB 161, 16200, Algiers, Algeria
2.- Départment of Animals Productions, Faculty of veterinary Medicine, University of Liège,
Boulevard de Colonster, 20, bâtiment B43, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
Resumen
Sesenta y un (61) conejas nulíparas locales se utilizaron para estudiar el efecto de
diferentes contenidos de energía en la dieta y su interacción con la paridad en su
desempeño reproductivo y sus camadas en la primera y segunda lactancia. Las hembras
recibieron una de las tres dietas experimentales con el mismo contenido de proteína
(15% PC) y diferente contenido de energía digestible (2300, 2450 y 2600 kcal / kg) para
dietas T, A y B, respectivamente. El peso de las conejas y sus camadas fueron evaluados
en el parto y cada semana después del parto. El destete se realizó a los 28 días de edad.
Las dietas se suministraron ad libitum entre el parto y el destete. Se realizaron los
apareamientos de las conejas a los 10 días post-parto para el segundo parto. El uso de
dietas de alta energía no mostraron efectos entre el peso vivo, entre partos y destete, ni
entre la ganancia de peso vivo en la lactancia y la producción de leche de las conejas,
pero la dieta con el más alto contenido de energía disminuyó significativamente (p
<0,0001) el consumo de alimento durante la lactancia y el consumo de alimento diario.
No hubo diferencias significativas entre las dietas para el tamaño y peso de la camada
desde el nacimiento hasta el destete, al contrario, la interacción entre la dieta y la
paridad fue significativa (p <0,05). La mortalidad al parto y del nacimiento a destete no
difirieron significativamente (p <0,05).
Hubo diferencia significativa entre las
paridades de los principales parámetros de la reproducción (p <0,05).
Palabras clave: coneja local, dieta, energía, desempeño reproductivo
CALIDAD DE LA CARNE E
INOCUIDAD ALIMENTARIA
MEAT QUALITY SAFETY &
DINING
76
EFFECT OF GENETIC LINE ON CARCASS FEATURES
IN NEW ZEALAND vs. CALIFORNIA RABBITS
*1SÁNCHEZ AP, 2FLORES PCS, 3MERCADO MC,
1
MORA VJM, 4CORTES AJL
1.-Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Bioterio del Hospital Veterinario para
pequeñas especies, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México- UAEMex. México.
2.-Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Departamento Ciencias Pecuarias, UNAM.
México.
3.-Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Departamento Ciencias Pecuarias, Unidad de
Aislamiento y Bioterio. UNAM. México.
4.-Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. UNAM., México.
Abstract
Probably the rabbit is the domestic mammal has the highest production potential for the
supplying of meat, being this lean and with a high percentage of polyunsaturated oils.
The composition of meat varies according to age of the animal and the feed system.
However, it has not evaluated the effect of breed on the morphometry and carcass yield
in adult rabbits. For that reason, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of
breed on morphometry, carcass yield and meat-fat-bone ratio in New Zealand vs.
California rabbits. The experiment was performed in the meat workshop of Center
Teaching Faculty of Cuautitlán, UNAM. 30 rabbits of New Zealand breed and 30 of the
California breed were used, the rabbits were sacrificed upon reaching 77 days. For the
experiment was taken slaughter weight, hot carcass weight and cold carcass weight of
the rabbits of the two respective breeds: 15-18 h post-slaughter and refrigerated at 2±2
°C. The rabbits were desensitized, disjointed cervically and then sacrificed by
exsanguination according to NOM-033-ZOO-1995. After slaughters the rabbits were
deboned manually, weighing meat bone and fat and carcasses were evaluated
separately, and the values were recorded. Findings from the experiment indicate that the
rabbits of the New Zealand line have better carcass weight hot and cold when compared
with the California breed. The commercial performance in this genetic line also happens
to be greater, with an interesting feature that in the thoracic region is the site where most
meat is deposited.
Key words: Morphometrics, Performance, Carcass, Rabbits.
78
EFECTO DE LA LÍNEA GENÉTICA EN FUNCIÓN DE LA CANAL
EN CONEJOS NUEVA ZELANDA vs CALIFORNIA
*1SÁNCHEZ AP, 2FLORES PCS, 3MERCADO MC,
1
MORA VJM, 4CORTES AJL
1.-Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Bioterio del Hospital Veterinario para
pequeñas especies, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México- UAEMex. México.
2.-Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Departamento Ciencias Pecuarias, UNAM.
México.
3.-Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Departamento Ciencias Pecuarias, Unidad de
Aislamiento y Bioterio. UNAM. México.
4.-Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. UNAM., México.
Resumen
Probablemente, el conejo es el mamífero doméstico tiene el potencial de producción
más alta para el abastecimiento de carne, siendo este delgado y con un alto porcentaje
de aceites poliinsaturados. La composición de la carne varía según la edad del sistema
de alimentación y. Sin embargo, no ha evaluado el efecto de la raza sobre la
morfometría y rendimiento en canal en conejos adultos. Por esa razón, el propósito de
este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la raza en la morfometría, rendimiento de la canal y
la relación carne-grasa-hueso en conejos Nueva Zelanda vs. California. El experimento
se realizó en el taller de la carne de Centro Docente Facultad de Cuautitlán, UNAM. Se
utilizaron 30 conejos de la raza Nueva Zelanda y 30 de la raza California, los conejos
fueron sacrificados al llegar a 77 días. Para el experimento se tomó el peso masacre,
peso de la canal caliente y peso de la canal fría de los conejos de las dos razas
correspondientes: 15-18 h después de la masacre y refrigerado a 2 ± 2 ° C. Los conejos
fueron insensibilizados, desarticulado cervical y luego sacrificados por desangramiento
de acuerdo a la NOM-033-ZOO-1995. Después de matanzas los conejos fueron
deshuesados manualmente, con un peso de hueso y grasa de la carne y las canales se
evaluaron por separado, y se registraron los valores. Los resultados del experimento
indican que los conejos de la línea de Nueva Zelanda tienen mejor peso de la canal
caliente y fría en comparación con la raza California. El rendimiento comercial en esta
línea genética también pasa a ser mayor, con una característica interesante que en la
región torácica es el sitio donde se deposita la mayor parte de la carne.
Palabras clave: morfometría, desempeño, canal, conejos.
Introduction
Probably the rabbit is the domestic mammal with higher potential for self-sufficiency in
meat, this being lean and with a high percentage of polyunsaturated oils (Shimada,
2003). The composition of meat varies with the age of the animal and the feeding
system (Sandford, 1988). Despite these favorable characteristics, the popularity of the
species is very low especially in developing countries that have a high percentage of
rural population. In Latin America there are some commercial farms producing
moderate volumes of meat and skins. n the United States breeding stock produced to be
designed as companion pet while in backyard waste are utilized as fertilizer for planting
fields (Shimada, 2003).
Due to the characteristics of its production, raising rabbits could be the answer to the
problems of hunger, malnutrition and rural poverty in developing countriesbecause it is
possible to obtain more than 50 kg of meat in a year with only one pup rabbit. Habits in
consumption of rabbit meat are still rising in countries where it is not traditionally
consumed, due, among other factors, the demand for meat with improved nutritional
characteristics, this may represent potentially the opportunity to increase consumption
this type of meat as a healthy food (Ramírez, 2004).
In Mexico it is common to market entire rabbit carcass moreover rabbit meat is not
marketed in pieces so it has not arisen interest in assessing the various parts of the
carcass (Flores-Peinado, 2009). The carcass assessment can be obtained by the chemical
composition, for classification. The classification of the carcass determines the
productive efficiency of rabbits during the growth phase and its correlation with
environmental factors to determine their influence on the performance of the various
parts of the carcass (Barrón y Zamora 2004). The objective was to assess the effect of
race on the morphometry, carcass yield and meat-fat-bone in rabbits slaughtered at 77
days of age (New Zeland vs California).
80
The present study was performed in rabbits in the Meat Workshop module located in
the Agricultural Education Centre School of Advanced Studies Cuautitlán (FES-C, field
4) in the State of Mexico.
Number of animals and location
The cunicultura module had 40 breeding does, 20 of the New Zealand line and 20 of the
California line. All females were gestated and pups to their growth rate was performed 8
days after the birth. at 30 days of age, a total of 80 rabbits were separated from their
mothers. the rabbits were brought to feedlots area, where given food type fattening.
Throughout the experiment, animals were kept in cages ladder style California.
With the aim to differentiate immediately between 2 genetic lines, 2 colors of boxes and
paper labels were used. The rabbits of both strains were fed with the same food and
similar amounts. During fattening, death of 20 animals was reported, 10 New Zealand
genetic line and 5 of the California line, causes of deaths were parasitic, otitis and
cannibalism. 5 more animals were excluded from the study for to have the same number
of animals in the study. At the end of 77 days of age, the slaughter of 60 animals was
performed (30 New Zealand, 30 California).
Procedure
During the experimental phase control birth dates, birth, end the growth stage was
performed sacrifice, trying to bring a synchrony during the execution of the experiment
to the fattening and slaughter dates fall in the same season exist and prevent the least
amount of factors that could affect the results of the project.
The animals under study were brought to the slaughter room. Initially, the live weight of
pre-slaughter animal was assess in a digital scale (Tor Rey tipo PCL, México, capacity
of 20 kg). Subsequently the animals were scored into the left ear with the help of a
permanent marker and numbering was consecutive from 1 to 60, the numbers 1 to 30
correspond to the race of New Zealand and 31 to 60 correspond to California breed.
Slaughter
The rabbits were desensitized by the method of the dismantling of cervical vertebrae
and subsequently killed by a process of exsanguination in accordance with the
provisions of the Official Mexican Norm (NOM-033-ZOO-1995) which refers to the
domestic animals Slaughter.
The 4 limbs were removed, skinning and gutting was done, leaving only carcass
attached to the kidneys and liver. The hot carcass weight was obtained at that time and
using the same digital scale. Moments later a plastic plate was placed at each of the
carcass at the level of the tibia and fibula allowing the identification of breed, kept order
in the slaughter line.
Morphometry of the carcass
Carcasses were washed, placed approximately 10 minutes at room temperature and
mobilized to a cooling chamber with controlled temperature ± 2 °C. The carcasses were
placed in stainless steel tables and covered with plastic. During 24 hours, the carcasses
were brought to a cold room under the same conditions of temperature to obtain the
weight of the carcass in cold and morphometric measures between which they
emphasize the length of the channel (LC = anterior border of the isqueo first rib to the
symphysis), chest depth (PT = the lower part of the sternum to the middle of the back)
and roundness of the right ham (RJ = determined at the widest part of the leg or height
of the femoral-tibial-patellar joint). All morphometric mediated were performed with
the help of a measuring tape and plastic vernier, according to the provisions of the
methodology previously described by Becerril (2004).
Relationship Fat-Meat-Bone
The separation of the head, liver and kidney was performed, then its weight was
obtained individually. The carcass was cut in 3 fractions the first region included the
neck, forelegs and rib 1 to 8, the second fraction only included the trunk, and the third
fraction hindlimbs and pelvic region.
82
Results
The results indicate that the weight of the slaughtering G1 and G2 showed no
statistically significant differences. In this sense, after performing the slaughter process,
it was identified that the hot carcass weight was statistically higher in New Zealand line
rabbits (G1) on the California line rabbits (G2). The same trend was observed when the
weight of cold carcass was obtained. During the cooling process of the channels which
arises immediately after the slaughter process, the study has shown that California line
rabbits lose more weight, same to be related to the loss of water by oreo. It is
appreciated that the rabbits of the New Zealand line have a higher carcass yield (P
0.0226) compared with the California Online rabbits.
Discussion
For weight of hot carcass it was observed that rabbits of New Zealand breed was higher
than in the California breed, Dalle describe (2002) that one of the principles factors
affecting carcass weight and quality of the caraṇe rabbit is the adult weight which is
very important in the growth rate, earlier maturity and body composition of rabbit. This
explains the higher carcass weight from the New Zealand because this breed has the
highest adult weight. And which states that the carcass weight (CW) was different
between genotypes, results that are similar to the effect of genotype observed by Ouyed
and Brun (2008) they reported CW similar between pure New Zealand rabbits and
genotypes ZL-F1 and NZ-CH CL CN 1235.2G 1242.7 And 1207.6g respectively.
Larzul et al (2005) found that the genetic group was important to determine the CW in
rabbits. For the weight of the cold channel effect observed differences between
genotype, New Zeland again between genotypes were higher than those of the genotype
California. The difference in cooling rate between genotypes losses probably due to
differences in the proportion of type I and type II fibers between breeds of rabbits, the
increase in the percentage of fibers II has been associated with changes in
characteristics oganoleptics flesh as best conservcion time, lighter meat color, less water
retecion less tenderness, among others (Arnal and Lopez 2001).
Greater efficiency in the New Zeland line (P 0.0226) compared to californa was
observed. Suarez (2009) observed difference due to genotype and age, results that are
similar to those observed by Evans et al (1997) who found differences in carcass yield
between genetic groups of two lines of rabbits. Some authors propose a classification in
which the carcass with a yield of 55% are considered of good quality, which derive
more than 60%, are of excellent quality (Ortiz 2001), so that under these criteria
carcasses analyzed in this study would be within the high range selection as similar
yields were obtained.
As for the morphometric cracteristicas was observed that the New Zealand breed has a
greater depth of chest this because in their phenotypic selection reflected by the external
formation earliness of development, developing a good production of meat body shape,
short neck , chest deep and long, well developed back, muscular, glossy hair and a full
sexual development. In short, present an adequate standard morphological (Roca, 2008).
References
Shimada, M. A. 2003. Nutrición Animal. México. Primera Edición. Editorial Trillas.
267 p.
Sandford, J. C. 1988. El Conejo Doméstico: Biología y Producción. Zaragoza: Primera
Edición. Editorial Acriba. pp. 203.
Ramírez, T. J. A. 2004. Tesis Doctoral: Características bioquímicas del músculo,
calidad de la carne y grasa de los conejos seleccionados por velocidad de
crecimiento. España .Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona.
Flores, Peinado. Salvador. 2009. Tesis de Maestria: Efecto del periodo de ayuno y
método de aturdimiento sobre el bienestar y características físico-químicas de la
carne de conejo. México. FES-C.
Barrón, G. M., Zamora. M. 2004. Características de la canal de tres razas de conejos
Revista FES-C. Divulgación científica multidisciplinaria. 4(11): 7-12.
Becerril, H. M. 2004. Tesis de Maestría: Crecimiento y calidad de la canal de cerdos
Pelón Mexicano y York-Landrace en confinamiento y pastoreo. FMVZ-UNAM.
84
Dalle, Z. A. 2002. Perception of rabbit meat quality and major factors influencing the
rabbit carcass and meat quality. Livest. Prod. Sci. 75: 11-32.
Ouyed A., and Brun J.M..2008. Comparison of growth performances and carcass
qualities of crossbred rabbits from four sire lines in quebec. Proceedings of 9ª World
Rabbit Congreso. June 10-13 Verona, Itly.
Larzul, C. Y. Rochambeau, H. de 2005. Selecction for residual feed consumption in the
rabit. Livestocck Productio Science, 95: 67-72
Arnal, C. y López, M. 2001. Efecto de la raza y de la edad sobre el porcentaje de fibras
musculares en el Conejo: resultados preliminares IX jornadas sobre producción
animal. ITEA. Vol. Extra No. 22 Tomo II 685-687.
Suarez, J. R. 2009. Tesis Doctoral. Calidad de los Alimentos Comerciales y Genotipos
de Conejo para la producción de Carne en México. Mexico Campus Montecillo.
Colegio de Postgraduados.
Espinoza, F.F., Espnoza, V.J., Pró, M.A., Becerril, P.C. y Torres, H.G. 1997.
Postweaning performance of two New Zelanda Whuite lines an their reciprocal
crosses fed a high forage diet. World Rabbit Science. 1997 Vol. 5 (4) 149-154.
Ortiz-Hernández, S. A., y Rubio-Lozano, M.S. 2001 Effect of reed and sex on rabit
carcass yield and meat quality. World Rabbit Science, 9 (2), 51-56.
ROCA,
T.
2008
Razas
de
conejos
info.com/articulos/razas-de-conejos.
(en
linea)
http://www.conejos-
DIFFERENT TIMES OF SUPPLYING A DIET RICH IN FISH OIL
IN FATTENING RABBITS AND HIS IMPLICATION
ON MEAT QUALITY
*LAMANNA ML, COSSU ME, PICALLO A, GAMBETTI P Y TORASSO P
Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires.
Av. San Martín 4453. CABA. Bs.As. Argentina.
Abstract
Rabbits allow through changes in diet, get changes in the lipid profile of meat. Different
strategies are used to achieve an improvement in the content of omega 3 fatty acids and
the omega-6/3 ratio (use of flax, chia, fish oil) modifying its physical, chemical and
sensory quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate sensory and physical quality of
rabbit loin using different periods of supplying a diet with fish oil to modify the lipid
profile. Thirty (30) rabbits (NZxC,45 days age) were bred for 30 days
(10animals/treatment). Two diets were used, commercial feed and the same diet with
addition of fish oil (1.8%). Treatments were: control (C) commercial feed; initial fish
(IF), fish oil dietprovided from 45 to 60 days of age + C diet from 60 to 75 days age,
and final fish treatment (FF) conversely to previous. After slaughtering (24h) loin
muscle were used to determinate pH (Testo230), color (CIELAB system,
MinoltaCR300) and fatty acid composition. Loins were cooked in a double contact grill
(71ºC±1ºC in the centre of the sample). Samples were analyzed by an analytical panel
of 8 trained assessors. The following descriptors were evaluated: overall color; intensity
and typicity of odor/flavor; fat taste and juiciness, using an unstructured linear scale of
10cm. Statistical analysis was performed using the Proc Mixed of SAS (2004) for
unvariete ANOVA. Differences between treatments were analyzed by Tukey test
(p<0.05). No differences were found for productive parameter, slaughter weight and
carcass yield (%), nor pH and color parameters (p>0.05). Sensory results were similar
for color, odor, off-odor and characteristic odor, but smell-taste variables like
characteristic flavor and off-flavor were influenced by diets.
86
Control diet had higher ‘rabbit flavor’, followed by IF but they were not different on
off-flavor parameter (p>0.05). FF had more off-flavor and less characteristic flavor.
Treatments with fish oil (IF and FF) had a lower ratio n6/n3 with higher content of EPA
and DHA than control. The early assignation of fish diet improved the n6/n3 ratio
without negative effects on the sensory and physical meat quality, neither the productive
parameters.
Key words: ratio n6/n3, sensory, EPA, DHA.
DIFERENTES TIEMPOS DE SUPLEMENTACIÓN DE ACEITE DE
PESCADO EN DIETAS DE CONEJOS EN ENGORDE Y SU
IMPLICANCIA SOBRE LA CALIDAD DE CARNE
*LAMANNA ML, COSSU ME, PICALLO A, GAMBETTI P, TORASSO P
Av. San Martín 4453. CABA. Bs.As. Argentina.
*Autor Correspondiente: [email protected]
Resumen
Los conejos permiten, a través de cambios en la dieta, mostrar cambios en el perfil
lipídico de la carne. Diferentes estrategias pueden ser utilizada a fin de lograr una
mejora en el contenido de ácidos grasos omega 3 y en la relación omega-6/3 (uso de
lino, chía, aceite de pescado) modificando sus propiedades físicas, químicas y de
calidad sensorial. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la calidad sensorial y física de
lomos de conejo utilizando diferentes períodos de suministro de una dieta con aceite de
pescado usada para modificar el perfil lípico. Treinta (30) conejos (NZxC, 45 días de
edad) fueron criados durante 30 días (10animals / tratamiento). Se utilizaron dos dietas,
alimentación comercial y la misma dieta con adición de aceite de pescado (1,8%). Los
tratamientos fueron: control (C) alimento comercial; Pescado inicial (SI), dieta con
aceite de pescado provista de 45 a 60 días de edad + dieta C de 60 a 75 días de vida, y el
tratamiento Pescado final (FF) con tiempos de suministro contrario al anterior. Después
del sacrificio (24h) se extrajeron los lomos para determinar el pH (Testo230), color
(sistema CIELAB, MinoltaCR300) y la composición de ácidos grasos(GC Shimatzu
14B). Los lomos se cocinaron en una parrilla de doble contacto (71°C ±1°C en el centro
de la muestra). Las muestras fueron analizadas por un panel analítico de 8 asesores
entrenados. Se evaluaron los siguientes descriptores: color general; intensidad y
tipicidad de olor/sabor; sabor a grasa y jugosidad, usando una escala lineal no
estructurada de 10 cm. El análisis estadístico se realizó utilizando el Proc Mixed de SAS
(2004) para ANOVA univariada. Las diferencias entre los tratamientos fueron
analizadas por test de Tukey (p <0,05). No se encontraron diferencias para los
parámetros productivos, peso a faena y rendimiento de la canal (%), ni para el pH y los
parámetros de color (p> 0,05). Los resultados sensoriales fueron similares para el color,
olor, off olor y olor característico, pero las variables olfativas-gustativas como el sabor
característico y el sabor fueron influenciados por las dietas.
88
La dieta control mostró mayor ‘sabor a conejo', seguido por IF pero no fueron diferentes
en el parámetro de sin sabor (p> 0,05). La dieta FF mostró más sin sabor y menor sabor
característico. Los tratamientos con aceite de pescado (IF y FF) tuvieron una menor
relación n6/n3 con mayor contenido de EPA y DHA respecto al tratamiento control. En
conclusión, la asignación temprana de la dieta de pescado mejora la relación n6/n3 sin
efectos negativos sobre la calidad física y sensorial de la carne, ni sobre los parámetros
productivos.
Palabras clave: relación n6/n3, sensorial, EPA, DHA.
Introduction
It is widely recognized the beneficial effects of omega-3 family fatty acids in human
health. In animal nutrition, different sources of omega-3 are used to achieve a favorable
change in the meat lipid profile (flaxseed, chia seed, oil fish, fish and algae meals). The
lipid composition of rabbit meat greattly affects its organoleptic propieties by modifying
flavour and juiciness (Ouhayoun et al., 1987, Cambero et al., 1991, Parigi Bini et al.,
1992).
Also, diet supplementation with sources of omega 3 fatty acids represent an increase in
the cost such affect the sustainability of production. One alternative could be the
supplying of an enriched omega 3 diet for short periods of time. Barro et al. (2006)
found that the minimum feeding time required to achieve substantial fatty acid (FA)
modification in thigh and loin meat was one and two weeks before slaughtering
respectively. In pigs, only twenty days were required to increase significantly the
amounts of omega 3 FA into animal’s products (Romans et al., 1995; Kouba et al.,
2003). These studies showed that short term diet manipulation can be a practical reality
for meat industry.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensory and physical quality of rabbit loin
using different periods of supplementation of a diet with fish oil, intended to modify the
lipid profile.
Thirty rabbits (New Zeeland x Californian, 40 days aged) were placed in individual
cages at the experimental Unit of the Animal Production Department of the Faculty of
Agronomy, UBA. Two different diets were used, Control (C; commercial diet) and Fish
(F; commercial diet + 1.8% of oil fish) randomly distributed in three treatments: Control
(C) commercial diet from 40 to 75 days of age; Initial Fish (IF): fish oil diet provided
from 45 to 60 days of age + C diet from 60 to 75 days of age, and Final Fish (FF),
conversely to previous.
At 75 days of age rabbits were weight and slaughtered and the carcasses carcass yield
was estimated.
After 24 hours of refrigeration (chamber, 4±1ºC) carcasses were
transferred for analyses to the Meat Quality Laboratory of FAUBA. The pH value
90
(Testo 230) and color parameters (L* (lightness), a* (redness), b* (yellowness) and C*
as (a*2 + b*2), Minolta Chroma Meter-CR300) were determined on right loin. The
fatty acid composition was analyzed by gas chromatography (Shimatzu 14B, flame
ionization detector, fused-silica capillary column Restek SP 2560).
Left loins were cooked in a double contact grill (71ºC±1ºC in the centre of the sample).
Samples were analyzed by an analytical panel of 8 trained assessors using an
unstructured linear scale of 10cm. The following descriptors were evaluated: overall
color; intensity and typicity of odor/flavor; fat taste and juiciness.
Statistical analysis was performed using the Proc Mixed of SAS (2004) for univariate
ANOVA. Differences between treatments were analyzed by Tukey test (p<0.05).
Table 1 presents the effect of treatments on carcasses yield (%) and meat quality
parameters. Not differences were found on carcasses yield for the different treatments
(p<0.05), and the values were similar to those shown by Gigaud and Combes (2008).
Also meat quality parameters, pH and color, were similar for C, IF and FF. These
results would suggest similar physical quality of meat for the two diets and showed no
differences due to the treatments.
Table1: Effect of treatments on rabbit carcass yield (%) and meat quality parameters of loin
Treatments
Prob.
DSM
R2
C
IF
FF
Carcass
Yield %
57.7
56.5
57.1
NS
2.05
0.09
pH
5.80
5.74
5.67
NS
0.24
0.06
L*
52.7
53.4
53.6
NS
1.93
0.06
a*
5.91
5.03
5.73
NS
1.23
0.12
b*
-1.09
-1.61
-0.39
NS
1.88
0.09
C
6.19
5.46
5.92
NS
1.42
0.06
Color
Table 2 showed the fatty acid profile of right loin rabbits according with the three
treatments The C14:0, C18:1 (cis9) and MUFA content (% FA tot) were not
significantly different. The PUFA content was higher (p <0.0001) in the two diets with
fish oil (IF and FF treatments) compared to the control while SFA concentration was
higher in the control diet (p <0.0001).
Moreover, fish oil treatments showed lower trombogenic index respect control diet
(0.75 vs 0.88 respectively), due to the higher omega 3FA concentration. Similar results
were found for Dal Bosco et al. (2004) using flaxseed in rabbit’s diets.
Treatments including fish oil achieved higher PUFA and omega 3 FA and lower n-6/n-3
ratio than the control treatment. The highest concentration of omega 3 family fatty
acids was not due to changes in the level of linolenic acid (18:3 n-3), but was due to
increases in the content of EPA and DHA, supplied already performed by fish oil . No
differences were found according to the feed time of the diet with fish oil. Gigaud and
Combes (2008), obtained similar results when the omega 3 enriched diets were fed only
in the finish period; in this case, the only fifteen days supplementation was enough to
increase omega 3 FA concentration in rabbits meat, regardless of the time of supply.
92
Table 2. Level of fatty acids (% of total fatty acids) in muscle tissue of right loin.
Item
Treatments
Prob.
DSM
R2
C
IF
FF
C14:0
1.76
1.82
1.78
NS
0.32
0.01
C16:0
25.3 b
23.1 a
23.8 ab
0.0046
1.46
0.4
C18:0
7.02 b
6.01 a
6.64 ab
0.0145
0.80
0.33
C18:1 cis9
24.2
23.8
22.5
NS
2.36
0.14
C18:2 n-6
28.5 a
31.6 b
29.2 a
0.0071
2.35
0.38
C18:3 n-3
2.28
2.68
2.38
NS
0.41
0.24
C20:4 n-6
2.45 ab
1.76 a
2.59 b
0.0275
0.77
0.29
C20:5 n-3
0.33 a
0.57 b
0.75 c
<0.0001
0.18
0.62
C22:6 n-3
0.25 a
1.19 b
1.38 b
<0.0001
0.30
0.84
SFA
34.2 a
30.9 a
32.2 ab
<0.0001
1.10
0.73
MUFA
28.7
28.78
27.7
NS
1.62
0.14
PUFA
34.0 a
38.7 b
36.7 c
<0.0001
1.60
0.72
n-6
31.0 a
33.6 b
31.0 a
<0.0001
1.89
0.43
n-3
2.95 a
4.45 b
4.58 b
<0.0001
0.56
0.76
n-6 / n-3
10.7 a
7.62 b
6.8 b
<0.0001
1.32
0.75
Trombogenic
index
0.88 a
0.7 b
0.75 b
<0.0001
0.06
0.78
SFA: Saturated Fatty Acid. MUFA: Monounsaturated Fatty Acid, PUFA: Polyunsaturated fatty acid.
Means with different letters differ significantly at p<0.05.
In the sensory analysis, were not found any differences (p <0.05) on color, odor, rabbit
typical odor, rabbit typical flavor, juiciness and fat taste parameters (table 3) but
Control diet flavor intensity was higher than in fish oil diets (p < 0.05). The fish oil
addition in diets resulted in more off flavor only in the FF treatment while IF treatment
was similar to the Control diet.
Table 3. Sensory analysis of rabbit meat, with oil fish diets
Treatments
C
IF
Prob.
DSM
R2
FF
Color
4.33
3.33
4.1
NS
1.42
0.17
Odor intensity
6.06
5.87
4.78
NS
1.98
0.05
Rabbit typical
Odor
3.97
2.83
4.13
NS
1.79
0.19
Rabbit typical
flavor
0.73
1.23
1.41
NS
1.68
0.06
Flavor intensity
5.4 a
3.7 b
3.13 b
0.0226
1.96
0.12
Off flavour
0.64 a
0.65 a
2.95 b
0.0022
2.23
0.12
Juiciness
3.6
5.46
4.61
NS
2.56
0.16
Fat taste
1.5
1.74
0.81
NS
1.56
0.12
The strategy of supplementation with fish oil diets at the beginning of the fattening
period resulted in meat with a higher content of omega 3 FA and less omega 6/3 ratio
(30% less) respect to the control, without negative effects on sensory evaluation.
Conversely, the supplementation at the end of the fattening period, also allowed to
improve the lipid profile but with greater presence of off flavor, significantly
compromising its sensory quality.
Conclusions
The results obtained suggest that 15 days supplementation was enough to achieve an
improvement in the meat fatty acids profile, reducing the omega 6/3 ratio, without
affecting the physical quality of meat or productive performance. As the time of supply
of the enriched diet could modify the sensory quality of the meat, seem advisable to
offer the diet in the first phase of the fattening period.
94
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank the staff from ‘Three balance’ producer group for his
unconditional cooperation. This project received financial support from UBACyT 201114 00958.
References
Barroeta, A. C. "Nutritive value of poultry meat: relationship between vitamin E and
PUFA." World's Poultry Science Journal 63.02 (2007): 277-284.
Cambero, Maria I., et al. "Lipid and fatty acid composition of rabbit meat: Part 2.—
Phospholipids." Meat science 29.2 (1991): 167-176.
Dal Bosco, A., Castellini, C, Bianchi, L., Mugnai, C. Efect of dietary α-linolenic acid
and vitamin E on the fatty acid composition, storage stability and sensory traits of
rabbit meat. Meat Science 6, (2004), 407-413.
Gigaud, V. and Combes, S. The effect of decresing omega 6/omega 3 ratio in feed on
fatty acid content of rabbit meat to meet human dietary recommendations. 9th World
Rabbit Congress, June 2008, Verona, Italy.
Kouba, M., et al. "Effect of a high-linolenic acid diet on lipogenic enzyme activities,
fatty acid composition, and meat quality in the growing pig." Journal of Animal Science
81.8 (2003): 1967-1979.
Ouhayoun, J., Kopp, J. Bonnet, M., Demarne, Y. and Delmas, D. Sciences des
Aliments, 7 (1987), p. 521
Parigi-Bini, R., et al. "Energy and protein utilization and partition in rabbit does
concurrently pregnant and lactating." Animal Production 55.01 (1992): 153-162.
Romans, John R., et al. "Effects of ground flaxseed in swine diets on pig performance
and on physical and sensory characteristics and omega-3 fatty acid content of pork: I.
Dietary level of flaxseed." Journal of Animal Science 73.7 (1995): 1982-1986.
CARCASS INDEX OF NEW ZEALAND WHITE, CALIFORNIA,
CHINCHILLA AND BLACK AZTEC AT CENTRO NACIONAL DE
CUNICULTURA, MEXICO
MARTÍNEZ YR1, 3, MAGAÑA RJJ1, GUERRERO CEM1,
ALBERTOS APJ 1, PARADA HR2.
2.-Centro Nacional de Cunicultura, México.
Abstract
Rabbit carcass index from animals at the Centro Nacional de Cunicultura (CNC,
México) was evaluated comparatively. According to CNC managers, no new breeder
animals have been introduced in the last 20 years, due this mainly as a result of sanitary
barriers that have occurred during these years. Therefore, it is important to conduct
performance evaluations of animals and carcass index evaluations. The evaluated breeds
were New Zealand white, California, Chinchilla and Black Aztec; the evaluations were
conducted in the CNC, Mexico’s premises. 240 just weaned rabbits (35 d) were used, 60
rabbits per breed, 50 % females and 50 % males, which were individually tattooed for
identification, all were kept in American traditional type cages (6 specimens per cage
).Carcass weight and yield, and quartering hot carcass weight (forelimbs, hind limbs,
loin and head) were evaluated. The live weight values for California, New Zealand,
Chinchilla and Black Azteca were 1.801 ± 0.023, 1.800 ±0.023, 1.776 ± 0.025 y 1.598 ±
0.024 g (mean ± SE) , respectively. The carcass yield values were for New Zealand
55.40 ± 0.27 %, Chinchilla 55.21 ± 0.27 %, Black Aztec 55.04 ± 0.24 % and 53.47 ±
0.24 % for California. For the quartered, the values by breed were, New Zealand,
California, Chinchilla and Black Aztec respectively forelimbs: 315.09 ± 5.04, 287.45 ±
6.43, 284.40 ± 6.38 and 284.43 ± 5.39, hind limbs: 359.09 ± 6.14, 326.66 ± 6.03, 314.61
± 6.92 and 320.66 ± 5.67. On the loin: 265.00 ± 5.71, 252.80 ± 5.74, 239.61 ± 6.12 g
and 235.56 ± 4.64 g head weight: 140.72 ± 1.96, 142.89 ± 2.04, 129.13 ± 2.17 and
129.05 ± 1.93 g. It is necessary further research on the Black Aztec breed which showed
a good carcass index. California breed scored the lowest carcass index data.
Keywords: Carcass yield, hot carcass weight, quartering.
96
PRODUCCIÓN DE CANAL DE LAS RAZAS NUEVA ZELANDA,
CALIFORNIA, CHINCHILLA Y AZTECA NEGRO DEL CENTRO
NACIONAL DE CUNICULTURA.
ALBERTOS APJ 1, PARADA HR2.
Resumen
En el Centro Nacional de Cunicultura y Especies Menores (CNCG, México), se evaluó
de forma comparativa el rendimiento a la canal de los animales del mismo CNCG. De
acuerdo a los directivos CNCG, desde hace 20 años no se han introducido nuevos
animales como reproductores. Por lo cual, es importante realizar evaluaciones del
performance de los animales. Las razas evaluadas fueron Nueva Zelanda variedad
blanco, California, Chinchilla y Azteca Negro y fue realizado en las instalaciones del
CNCG. Se utilizaron 240 gazapos destetados (35d), 60 gazapos por cada raza, 50%
hembras y 50% machos, estos fueron tatuados e identificados individualmente y
alojados en jaulas tipo tradicional americano (6 especímenes por jaula). Los animales
fueron sacrificados a los 70 días de edad. Se evaluó peso, rendimiento de canal, peso
canal caliente y troceado (miembros anteriores, miembros posteriores, lomo y cabeza).
Para el peso vivo los valores fueron para California, Nueva Zelanda, Chinchilla y
Azteca Negro de 1.801 ± 0.023, 1.800 ±0.023, 1.776 ± 0.025 y 1.598 ± 0.024 g (media
± EE), respectivamente. Para rendimiento de canal Nueva Zelanda 55.40 ± 0.27 %,
Chinchilla 55.21 ± 0.27 %, Azteca Negro 55.04 ± 0.24 % y California 53.47 ± 0.24 %.
En despiece, los valores son de acuerdo a la raza, Nueva Zelanda, California, Chinchilla
y Azteca Negro, respectivamente, miembros anteriores: 315.09 ± 5.04, 287.45 ± 6.43,
284.40± 6.38 y 284.43 ± 5.39, miembros posteriores: 359.09 ± 6.14, 326.66 ± 6.03,
314.61 ±6.92 y 320.66 ± 5.67. En el lomo: 265.00 ± 5.71, 252.80 ± 5.74, 239.61 ± 6.12
g y 235.56 ± 4.64 g y peso de la cabeza: 140.72 ± 1.96, 142.89 ± 2.04, 129.13 ± 2.17 y
129.05 ± 1.93 g.
Es necesario seguir realizando investigación en la raza Azteca Negro al mostrar un buen
rendimiento de canal. La raza California obtuvo los datos más bajos de rendimiento de
canal.
Palabras Clave: Rendimiento de canal, Peso canal caliente, Troceado.
98
Introduction
At the Centro Nacional de Cunicultura (CNC) posts weaning growth and carcass yield
for hybrid animals have been previously comparatively evaluated in animals obtained
from the CNC. According to the directors of the CNC, no new breeder animals have
been introduced for 20 years, as a result of sanitary barriers that have arisen in recent
years for importing animals; this suggests the need for new assessments to determine if
it has emerged in improving of the CNC animals. The breeds that are counted are New
Zealand White (NZ), Californian (Ca), Chinchilla (Ch), Azteca Black (AN), English
Spot and Rex, being the subject of this work the first four breeds. Because of its
composition, consumption of rabbit meat plays an important role in the control of
cardiovascular and chronic diseases because compared with other species contains less
cholesterol and high levels of protein with essential amino (Dalle, 2011; Martínez,
2004), due to the increasing demand for food that will improve the life quality,
containing low amount of cholesterol and high in protein, rabbit is an excellent choice,
because if this, it is necessary to evaluate breeds to identify which gives us more meat in
the shortest possible time with maximum weight gains and carcass yield (Flores, 2013).
Material
This experiment was conducted at the CNC premises located on the Irapuato-Salamanca
road Km 4, Colonia Rafael Galván in the city of Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico. A total
of 240 just weaned rabbits 5 weeks old, 60 rabbits per breed (50% female and 50%
male) were used. All of them were kept in traditional American type galvanized cages
(60 x 90 cm).
Methodology
All rabbits were individually tattooed for identification, and kept 6 specimens per cage.
Daily (9:00 am), 1 Kg of commercial rabbit feed was supplied per cage (88% Dry
Matter, Crude Protein 16%, Crude Fat 2% Crude Fiber 15% and 13% ash), removing
the following morning the remnant and providing again one kg of fresh feed. Water was
provided ad libitium. All animals were humanely slaughtered, being desensitized using
electric shock. Final weight (70 days fattening), carcass yield, hot carcass weight, liver
weight and cutting (forelimbs, hind limbs, loin and head) were evaluated.
Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, after review of homogeneity of variances
and the difference between means with a Tukey test.
Results y Discussion
For weight at 70 days, the Ca breed obtained a value of 1.801 ± 0.023 kg which is
higher than reported by Zuñiga (2009), followed by the NZ race with 1,800 ± 0.023 kg,
the Ch breed with 1.776 ± 0.025 kg and AN with 1.598 ± 0.024 kg was the breed with
the lower weight. NZ breed showed a lower value than reported in 2009, however, for
Ca and AN breeds an improvement in the 70 d weight has been shown. The final weight
value is lower in all breeds compared with the Egypt V-line rabbit used by Elmaghraby
(2011), however the final weight reported by this author was at 77 d of age while in this
study CNC breeds slaughter weight is at 70 d of age. The highest carcass yield was the
NZ breed with a value of 55.40 ± 0.27%, followed by the Ch breed with 55.21 ± Ch
0.27%, AN 55.04 ± 0.24% being the lowest value Ca with 53.47 ± 0.24%. As for the
carcass weight, the heavier breed was NZ ith 1025.27 ± 17.99 g, followed by Ca with
946.22 ± 17.97 g, for Ch 921.63 ± 20.07g and AN with 917.26 ± 15.31 g. The Ca
despite having obtained the second highest value for weight at 70 d showed a lower
carcass yield having an approximate 53%yield when the other breeds regardless of
weight at 70 d obtained yields close to 55%. In carcass cuts the forelimbs obtained
weights of 315.09 ± 5.04g, 287.45 ± 6.43g, 284.43 ± 5.39 g and 284.40 ± 6.38 g; hind
limbs values of 359.09 ± 6.14g, 326.66 ± 6.03g, 320.66 ± 5.67 g and 314.61 ± 6.92 g for
NZ, Ca, AN and Ch, respectively. For loin weights were 265.00 ± 5.71 g for NZ, 252.80
± 5.74 g for Ca, Ch with 239.61 ± 6.12 g and for AN 235.56 ± 4.64 g. Weight of the
head showed the highest weight for Ca with 142.89 ± 2.04 g, followed by NZ with
140.72 ± 1.96 g, Ch with 129.13 ± 2.17 g and AN with 129.05 ± 1.93 g. In a study
conducted by Flores (2013), in which hybrids rabbits were used mentioned data are
higher than those obtained in this work, showing the carcass yields 57.22%, hid limbs
weight of 373.66 ± 10.69 g. Standing out the NZ breed with the highest carcass yield
percentage and carcass cuts weight. AN breed despite a lower weight at 70 d showed a
carcass yield higher than 55% similar to the NZ and Ch breeds behavior. Ca breed
showed a lower behavior than NZ in carcass cuts, but higher than Ch and AN breeds
despite having a lower carcass yield.
100
Conclusion
Further research is needed in AN breed which showed good performance in the carcass
yield despite a lower weight. It is possible that Ca breed requires a diet change and
research the effect of it, due to the differences found between carcass yield and weight
at 70 d, probably a higher viscera volume is formed.
References
Dalle, Z.A., Szendrő, Z. 2011. The role of rabbit meat as functional food. Meat Science
319-331
Elmaghraby, M.M.A. 2011. Effect of restricted Access to drinking wáter on growth,
feed efficiency and carcass characteristics of fattening rabbits. Asian Journal of Animal
Sciences 5 (2): 136-144
Flores, P.S.C. 2013. Efecto del género en el rendimiento y calidad instrumental de la
carne de conejo. UNAM.
Martínez, C.M.A. 2004. Cunicultura Segunda edición. México, D.F. Editorial UNAMFMVZ. Pp: 3-24
Zúñiga, M.A.M. 2009. Estimación de algunos efectos genéticos en el conejo doméstico
presentes al realizar un cruzamiento dialélico completo de cuatro razas. Tesis de
Licenciatura. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Pp: 2-12.
PRODUCCIÓN DE CANAL DE LAS RAZAS NUEVA ZELANDA,
NACIONAL DE CUNICULTURA
ALBERTOS APJ 1, PARADA HR2
2.-Centro Nacional de Cunicultura, México
Introducción
En el Centro Nacional de Cunicultura y Especies Menores (CNCG, México) se ha
evaluado de forma comparativa el crecimiento posdestete y rendimiento a la canal de
animales híbridos obtenidos del CNCG. De acuerdo a los directivos CNCG, desde hace
20 años no se han introducido nuevos animales como reproductores, esto como
resultado principalmente de los cercos sanitarios que se han presentado en los últimos
años para la exportación de animales. Esto sugiere la necesidad de realizar nuevas
evaluaciones para determinar si se ha trascendido en el mejoramiento de los animales
del CNCG, las razas con las que se cuentan son Nueva Zelanda variedad blanco (NZ),
California (Ca), Chinchilla (Ch), Azteca Negro (AN), Mariposa y Rex, siendo objeto de
evaluación de este trabajo las cuatro primeras razas. Por su composición, el consumo de
carne de conejo juega un papel importante en el control de enfermedades
cardiovasculares y crónicas debido a que en comparación con otras especies contiene
menos colesterol y altos niveles de proteínas con aminoácidos esenciales (Dalle, 2011;
Martínez, 2004), debido a la creciente demanda de alimentos que mejoren la calidad de
vida, que contengan baja cantidad de colesterol y altos niveles de proteína, el conejo es
una excelente opción, debido a esto es necesario evaluar las razas para identificar cual
nos aporta mayor cantidad de carne en el menor tiempo posible, con máximas ganancias
de peso y alto rendimiento a la canal (Flores, 2013).
Material
El presente experimento se realizó en las instalaciones del CNCG, ubicado en la
carretera Irapuato-Salamanca Km. 4 Colonia Rafael Galván, en la ciudad de Irapuato,
Guanajuato, México. Se utilizaron 240 gazapos de 5 semanas de edad, 60 gazapos por
102
cada raza (50% hembras y 50% machos). Se utilizaron jaulas galvanizadas tipo
tradicional americano (60 x 90 cm).
Metodología
Los conejos fueron tatuados e identificados individualmente, y alojados a razón de 6
especímenes por jaula. Diariamente (9:00 am), fue suministrado un kg de alimento
comercial específico para la especie (Materia Seca 88%, Proteína Cruda 16%, Grasa
Cruda 2%, Fibra Cruda 15% y Cenizas 13%) por jaula, retirándose al día siguiente el
remanente y suministrando nuevamente un kg de alimento nuevo. El agua se
proporcionó ad libitium. Los animales fueron matados de forma humanitaria, siendo
insensibilizados con choque eléctrico. Se evaluó peso final (70 días de engorda),
rendimiento de canal, peso canal caliente, peso del hígado y troceado (miembros
anteriores, miembros posteriores, lomo y cabeza). Los datos fueron analizados por
medio de un ANOVA de una vía, previa revisión de homogeneidad de varianzas y la
diferencia entre medias con una prueba de Tukey.
Resultados y Discusión
Para el peso a los 70 días, la raza Ca obtuvo un valor de 1.801 ± 0.023 kg el cual es
superior a lo reportado por Zuñiga (2009), seguido por la raza NZ con 1.800 ±0.023 kg,
la raza Ch obtuvo 1.776 ± 0.025 y la AN 1.598 ± 0.024 kg fue la raza con menor peso.
La raza NZ mostró un valor inferior al existente en 2009, sin embargo, para las razas Ca
y AN se observa una mejora en el peso a los 70 d. El valor de peso final es inferior en
todas las razas comparadas, con la Linea V egypt utilizadas por Elmaghraby (2011), el
peso final no se puede considerar superior a las razas NZ y Ca ya que el peso es
considerado a los 77 d de edad mientras que en las razas del CNCG el peso al sacrificio
es a los 70 d. El rendimiento a la canal más alto fue de la raza NZ con un valor de 55.40
± 0.27 %, seguido de la raza Ch con 55.21 ± 0.27, AN 55.04 ± 0.24 siendo la del valor
más bajo Ca con 53.47 ± 0.24 %. En cuanto a la canal, la raza de mayor peso fue NZ
con 1025.27 ± 17.99 g, seguido de Ca con 946.22 ± 17.97 g, para Ch 921.63 ± 20.07 y
la AN 917.26 ± 15.31 g. La Ca a pesar de haber obtenido el valor más alto para peso a
los 70 d muestra un rendimiento a la canal inferior teniendo un rendimiento aproximado
al 53% cuando las otras razas independientemente del peso a los 70 d obtuvieron
rendimientos cercanos al 55%. En el despiece los miembros anteriores obtuvieron un
peso de 315.09 ± 5.04, 287.45 ± 6.43, 284.43 ± 5.39 y 284.40± 6.38 g y los valores de
miembros posteriores 359.09 ± 6.14, 326.66 ± 6.03, 320.66 ± 5.67 y 314.61 ±6.92 g
para NZ, Ca, AN y Ch, respectivamente. Para la parte de lomo los pesos fueron 265.00
± 5.71 g para NZ, 252.80 ± 5.74 g para Ca, para Ch 239.61 ± 6.12 g y para AN 235.56 ±
4.64 g. Para el peso de la cabeza el Ca presentó mayor peso con 142.89 ± 2.04 g,
seguido de NZ con 140.72 ± 1.96 g, para Ch 129.13 ± 2.17 g y AN 129.05 ± 1.93 g. En
un trabajo realizado por Flores (2013), en donde se utilizaron conejos híbridos
menciona datos que son superiores a los obtenidos en este trabajo, mostrando
rendimientos a la canal de 57.22% un peso para piernas de 373.66 ± 10.69 g. Destaca la
raza NZ debido a que presenta el % más alto para rendimiento a la canal y pesos para
troceado. La raza AN, a pesar de obtener un menor peso a los 70 d mostró un
rendimiento a la canal superior al 55% teniendo un comportamiento similar al de la raza
NZ y Ch. La raza Ca mostró en la parte de troceado un comportamiento inferior a la
raza NZ pero superior a las razas Ch y AN a pesar de tener un rendimiento a la canal
menor.
Conclusión
Es necesario seguir realizando investigación en la raza AN ya que mostró un buen
rendimiento a la canal a pesar de menor peso. Es posible que la raza Ca requiera un
cambio de dieta e investigar el efecto de ésta, probablemente se forme mayor cantidad
de vísceras, debido a las diferencias encontradas entre el rendimiento a la canal y su
peso a los 70 d.
104
Bibliografía
319-331
Sciences 5 (2): 136-144
SENSORY MEAT QUALITY: INFLUENCE OF DIET
SUPPLEMENTED WITH OIL AND ANTIOXIDANTS IN
FATTENING RABBITS
*LAMANNA ML, COSSU ME, PICALLO A, GAMBETTI P,
CUMINI ML, GRIGOLI MC
Av. San Martín 4453.BsAs. Argentina.
Abstract
As consumers are becoming conscious of their diets and the impact on their health,
there has been a shift to eating white meat by its lower fat content. Meat from rabbits
fed commercial diets show a greater n6/n3 ratio than those of health recommendations
(n6/n3<5); a tool to improve the lipid quality is to add fish oil, rich in n-3FA, these
changes can affect consumer acceptability as nutrition influence the sensory quality of
meat. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of adding fish oil and two
types of antioxidants in fattening rabbit diets on sensory quality of loin and thigh meat.
Eighty NZxC rabbits were fed ad libitum(35-70d) with 4 diets: ‘C’, commercial diet;
‘F’, fish diet with addition of 1.8% of oil fish; ‘V’, vitamin diet (F+200ppm vit.E as an
industrial antioxidant) and ‘A’, algae diet (9% dry algae as a natural antioxidant). After
24hs of slaughter (2,5kg live weight; chilling chamber, 2±0.5ºC), loin and thigh portions
were removed and cooked in a double contact grill (71ºC±1ºC) after deboning. Samples
were analyzed by an analytical panel of 8 trained assessors for overall color; intensity
and typicity of odor/flavor; fat taste and juiciness, using an unstructured linear scale of
10cm, without anchorage (lower limit: 0; upper limit: 10). Statistical analysis of data
was performed using the Proc Mixed (SAS, 2004). Differences among treatments were
analyzed by Tukey test (p<0.05).For both the loin and the thigh, only smell-taste
variables as the characteristic odor, off odor and off flavor were influenced by diets;
Control diet had higher ‘rabbit odor’ and less off odor / flavor compared to diets with
added fish oil (p<0.05).
106
For both cuts of meat, between experimental diets, the presence of algae determined
quantitatively higher values of off odor/flavor but no differences in characteristic odor
while diets F and V were similar. In conclusion the fish oil and antioxidants addition in
fattening rabbit diets, provides meat with same color, flavor, juiciness and untuosity
respect a commercial diet, but more presence of off odor/flavor, being stronger in thigh
than loin and especially for algae’s diet.
Key words: fish oil, algae, vit.E, sensory parameters
CALIDAD SENSORIAL DE LA CARNE: INFLUENCIA DE LA DIETA
SUPLEMENTADA CON ACEITE DE PESCADO Y ANTIOXIDANTES
EN CONEJOS DE ENGORDE
*LAMANNA ML, COSSU ME, PICALLO A, GAMBETTI P,
CUMINI ML, GRIGOLI MC
*Autor corrspondinete: [email protected]
Resumen
Dado que los consumidores están tomando conciencia del impacto de sus dietas sobre la
salud, se ha producido un cambio hacia el consumo de carnes blancas por su menor
contenido de grasa. La carne de conejos alimentados con dietas comerciales muestran
una proporción n6/n3 mayor que la recomendada para la salud humana (n6 / n3 <5); una
herramienta para mejorar la calidad de los lípidos es agregar aceite de pescado, rico en
ácidos grasos n-3; estos cambios pueden afectar la aceptabilidad del consumidor debido
a que la nutrición influye en la calidad sensorial de la carne. El objetivo de este estudio
fue comparar el efecto de la adición de aceite de pescado y dos tipos de antioxidantes en
la dieta de conejos de engorde sobre la calidad sensorial de lomos y muslos. Ochenta
(NZxC) conejos fueron alimentados ad libitum de 35 a 70 días de edad, con 4 dietas (20
animales / tratamiento): ‘C’, dieta comercial; ‘F’, dieta pescado con adición de 1,8% de
aceite de pescado; ‘V’, dieta vitamina (F + 200 ppm vit E como antioxidante industrial)
y ‘A’, dieta 'algas' (9% de algas Macrocystis, secas como antioxidante natural). Después
de 24 horas de la faena (2,5kg de peso vivo; cámara refrigerada 2±0.5ºC), se extrajeron
los lomos y los muslos derechos (deshuesados) y se cocinaron en una plancha de doble
contacto (71ºC±1ºC). Las muestras fueron analizadas por un panel entrenado de 8
evaluadores, para el color global; intensidad y tipicidad de olor / sabor; gusto a grasa y
jugosidad, utilizando una escala lineal no estructurada de 10 cm, sin anclaje (límite
inferior: 0; límite máximo: 10). El análisis estadístico de los datos se realizó utilizando
el Proc Mixed (SAS, 2004). Las diferencias entre tratamientos fueron analizadas por el
test de Tukey (p <0,05). Tanto para lomo como para muslo, sólo las variables olfativas
como el olor característico y los olores/flavores anómalos fueron influenciados por la
dieta; la dieta Control mostró mayor 'olor a conejo' y menor off olor/flavor en
comparación con las dietas con adición de aceite de pescado (p <0,05).
108
Para ambos cortes de carne, entre las dietas experimentales, la presencia de algas
determinó los valores más altos de off olor/flavor, pero sin diferencias en el olor
característico, mientras que las dietas F y V resultaron similares. En conclusión, la
adición de aceite de pescado y antioxidantes en las dietas de conejo en engorde, proveen
carnes con el mismo color, sabor, jugosidad y untuosidad respecto de la dieta comercial,
pero con mayor presencia de off olor/flavor, siendo más apreciable en el muslo que en
lomo y especialmente para la dieta con algas.
Palabras clave: aceite de pescado, algas, vit. E, parámetros sensoriales
Introduction
Today's consumers are more concerned with the qualitative characteristics of food,
causing a growing demand for more selective food and an increasing need of its
differentiation. As consumers are becoming conscious of their diets and the impact on
their health, there has been a shift to eating white meat by its lower fat content. Meat
from rabbits fed commercial diets show a greater n6/n3 ratio than those of health
recommendations (n6/n3<5; British Nutrition Foundation 1992); a tool to improve the
lipid quality is to add fish oil, rich in n-3 fatty acids (n-3FA). These dietary changes can
affect consumer acceptability as nutrition influence the physico-chemical and sensory
quality of meat.
By the high proportion of PUFA, the enriched rabbit meat will be more susceptible to
lipid oxidation. From the sensory point of view, color stability, taste and smell, by the
presence of volatile compounds, will be the most affected parameters. In order to limit
the presence of oxidized compounds, several studies were performed with the addition
of antioxidants in diets (‘natural’ as fresh fodder and ‘artificial’ as vitamin E), achieving
extend shelf life and the retardation of oxidation (Corino et al., 1999; Dal Bosco, et al., 2004;
Álvarez et al., 2006; Hernández et al., 2007, Cossu et al., 2008). The addition of natural
antioxidants would have better consumer acceptance regarding artificial sources.
The objective of this study was to compare the effect of adding fish oil and two types of
antioxidants (natural and artificial) in fattening rabbit diets on sensory quality of loin
and thigh meat.
The experimental work was performed in the rabbit Unit of the Animal Production
Department of Faculty of Agrony, UBA. Eighty New Zeeland x Californian
rabbits were fed ad libitum (35 to 70 days of age) with 4 diets (20 animals/treatment):
one control diet with vegetable oil and 3 experimental diets containing fish oil and
with/without presence of antioxidants. Treatments were randomized and named as ‘C’,
commercial diet; ‘F’, fish diet with addition of 1.8% of oil fish with 35% of HPUFA
(replacing commercial diet corn oil); ‘V’, vitamin diet (‘F’+200 ppm  tocopherol, as an
industrial antioxidant) and ‘A’, algae diet (‘F’ + 10% of dry Macrocystis algae as a
natural antioxidant (partially replacing the alfalfa meal). All diets were isoproteic (20
%) and isoenergetic (4050 Mcal /Kg)
110
Animals were slaughtered at commercial weight (2,5 kg live weight). After 24 hours of
slaughter (chilling chamber, 2±0.5◦C), loin and thigh portions were removed. The meat
was cooked in a double contact grill to reach 71ºC ± 1ºC in the centre of the sample
(cold point, monitored by thermocouples) after deboning.
Samples were analyzed by an analytical panel of 8 trained assessors according to
international standards and experience in sensory analysis of meat (ISO 1987, 1992,
1994). Each assessor received the samples (cubes: 1x1x1cm) in Petri dishes coded with
three-digit, randomized numbers. The following descriptors were assessed: overall
colour; intensity and typicity of odour/flavour; fat taste and juiciness, using an
unstructured linear scale of 10cm, without anchorage where the ends of the scales
corresponded to the intensity of the attribute: light pink, extremely soft, dry, not oily
(lower limit: 0) and red, extremely strong (intense), juicy, very oily (upper limit: 10).
Statistical analysis of data was performed using the Proc Mixed of SAS (2004)].
Differences among treatments were analyzed by Tukey test (p < 0.05).
Result and discussion
The influence of diets on rabbit meat sensory parameters is shown in Table 1. Although
each cut own intrinsic characteristics, sensory parameters measured on loin and thigh
showed a similar response in both diets. Evaluating fresh meat, the color, the odor
intensity and juiciness were not altered and, as more important fact, the fishy taste and
fat taste was not transmitted. Comparing loin and thigh, the thigh was evaluated with
more color, typical flavor and juiciness respect rabbit loin but they showed no
differences for the intensity of smell and taste to fat.
Table 1. Influence of fish oil diets, with or without adding antioxidants, on rabbit loin and thigh
sensory parameters
Parameters
control
Color
Odor
intensity
Rabbit
typical Odor
Off odor
Rabbit
typical
flavor
Off flavor
Juiciness
Fat taste
Color
Odor
intensity
Rabbit
typical Odor
Off odor
Rabbit
typical
flavor
Off flavor
Juiciness
Fat taste
4,74
5,85
Treatments: diets
Fish
Vitamin
Loin
5,29
5,95
4,90
6,00
probability
error
algae
5,35
5,62
0,3765
0,4001
1,60
1,69
5.52 a
3.49b
3.32b
3,73b
0.0023
1,41
0,85a
4,75
1,68ab
5,22
2,51bc
4,97
3,20c
5,79
<.0001
0,4567
1,10
1,57
1.63a
3,29
2,81
3,16ab
2,59
2,98
3,74b
2,96
3,90
0,0191
0,6591
0,0501
1,54
1,34
1,85
5,27
5,23
5,98
6,05
2,70ab
3,11
3,93
Thigh
6,33
6,06
6,88
4,52
0,0662
0,3696
1,46
1,50
5,17 a
2,68b
3,07b
3,17b
0,0021
1,62
1,52a
5,65
3,27b
6,53
3,91b
6,18
6,23b
6,20
0,0002
0,5042
1,54
1,42
0,38a
3,98
3,32
4,41b
3,68
4,34
4,44b
3,73
4,04
6,00b
2,88
3,24
<,0001
0,2929
0,2021
1,62
1,46
1,48
a, b: p<0,01
For both the loin and the thigh, only smell-taste variables as the characteristic odor, off
odor and off flavor were influenced by diets; Control treatment had higher ‘rabbit odor’
and less off odor / flavor compared to diets with added fish oil with or without
antioxidants (p<0,05).
For both cuts of meat, between experimental diets, the presence of algae determined
quantitatively higher values of off odor / flavor but no differences in characteristic
odour regarding diets F and V. From the sensory characteristics point of view, analyzed
in fresh meat, the addition of an antioxidant in the form of vit. E, seem not to be
necessary because both diets, F (fish oil addition) as diet V ( fish oil addition + vitamin
E) show the same results. Evidently the normal amount of vitamin E present in the
vitamin-mineral nucleus of the diet would be sufficient to control oxidative processes
when meat is consumed before 3 days post slaughter.
112
The presence of algae as an antioxidant, it would not be necessary either if the meat is
eaten fresh and, as a negative factor, transmitted odor/flavor not typical.
Conclusions
In conclusion the fish oil and antioxidants addition in fattening rabbit diets, supplied in
order to increase the content of omega 3 fatty acids, provides meat with same color,
flavor, juiciness and untuosity respect a commercial diet, but more presence of off
odor/flavor (but still acceptable for consumption), being stronger in thigh than loin and
especially for algae’s diet.
Acknowledgments
References
Álvarez L., Cañeque, V., De La Fuente, J., Álvarez, S., Pérez, C., Lauzurica, S. and
Silva, M.T., (2006). Effect of vitamin E supplementation on evolution of meat fatty acid
composition during storage in high oxygen packs. 52 rd ICOMST
Corino C., Oriani G., Pastorelli G., Pantaleo L. and Pizzuti G. and Salvatori G. (1999).
Effects of dietary vitamin E on the colour stability of rabbit meat. Simposio Intern. della
Soc. per il Progresso della Zootecnia. Milano, 29 sett-10H.
Cossu, M.E., Lamanna, M.L., Picallo, A., Cumini, M.L.,Cervini, L., Coste, B. y
Lazzari, G., (2008) Vida útil de hamburguesas de carne de conejo proveniente de
distintos sistemas productivos. 33º AAPA, Mendoza. Argentina
Dal Bosco,A., Castellini,C., Bianchi,L. and Mugnai,C.,(2004).Effect of dietary αlinolenic acid and vitamin E on the fatty acid composition, storage stability and sensory
traits of rabbit meat. Meat Sci.66: 407-413.
Hernández,P., Cesari,V .and Pla,M.,(2007).Effect of the dietary fat on fatty acid
composition and oxidative stability of rabbit meat. 53 rd ICOMS
ISO5496 : 1992. Sensory Analysis Methodology Initiation and training of assessors in
detection-recognition of odors
ISO 4121:1987. Sensory Analysis - Methodology - Evaluation of products by methods
using scales.
ISO 11036:1994 Sensory analysis. Methodology. Texture Profile.
114
EFFECT OF DIETARY OIL FISH AND VITAMIN E ON THE FATTY
ACID COMPOSITION AND MEAT QUALITY
*LAMANNA ML, COSSU ME, GAMBETTI P, GRIGOLI MC,
IGLESIAS MF
Departamento de producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires.
Abstract
The current search for food of high nutritional value is growing; consumers are aware to
new products that help to improve the healthy lifestyle. Nowadays diets are unbalanced
in fatty acid omega 6 and 3. One way of approaching the recommended ratio (n6/n3<5)
is include omega 3 fatty acid on animal feed. Particularly, the most bioactive
compounds for human system are EPA and DHA but the elongation capacity of
linolenic fatty acid on over 20 carbons polyunsaturated FA is limited. The aim of this
work was to increase EPA and DHA in rabbit meat with a low n6/n3 ratio, according
with health recommendations. Eighty (80) growing rabbits (New Zeeland x Californian)
were fed ad libitum from 35 to 70 days old, with four diets (20 animals/treatment),
commercial diet (C) and three diets whit addition of 1.8% of oil fish: diet ‘fish’ (F), diet
‘vitamin’ (V: F+200 ppm vit. E) and diet ‘algae’ (A: 10.0%dry Macrocystis algae). The
final weight and carcass yield were determined at slaughter time (2.5 kg live weight).
After of 24 hours of slaughter, the measurements of pH (Testo 230), color (CIELAB
system, Minolta-CR300), lipid oxidation (TBARS) and fatty acids profile (by GC) were
determined on the right loins. Statistical analysis was performed using the Proc Mixed
of SAS (2004) for univariate ANOVA; differences between treatments were analyzed
by Tukey test (p<0.05). The slaughter weight was heavier for the control and fish
treatments (P<0.05) but not differences were found in carcasses yields (mean 59.3%).
The carcass traits, pH and color did not differ significantly according to diets, as well
as TBARS values.
116
The use of fish oil determined a lower n6/n3 ratio (4.5 for F, V and A) respect the
control diet (15.1), in accordance to the limits recommended for human consumption.
Furthermore, higher content of EPA (mean 1.09%) and DHA were found on F, V and A
(3.38, 3.37 and 4.54 %FAtot, respectively). In conclusion, the use of fish oil addition in
fattening diets of rabbits, provides high content of n-3 in meat, particularly of EPA and
DHA FA content and lipid oxidation in fresh meat is not observed.
Key words: Algae, oxidation, omega 3, EPA, DHA
EFECTO DEL AGREGADO DE ACEITE DE PESCADO Y VITAMINA E
EN LA DIETA SOBRE LA COMPOSICIÓN DE ÁCIDOS GRASOS Y
CALIDAD DE CARNE
*LAMANNA ML, COSSU ME, GAMBETTI P, GRIGOLI MC,
IGLESIAS MF
Departamento de producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires.
Resumen
Los consumidores son conscientes de la existencia de nuevos productos que ayudan a
mejorar un estilo de vida saludable; la búsqueda de alimentos de alto valor nutricional
es cada vez mayor. Hoy en día las dietas están desequilibradas en su relación entre
ácidos grasos omega 6 y 3 Una forma de aproximarse a los valores recomendados (n6 /
n3 <5) es incluir ácidos grasos omega 3 en la alimentación animal. En particular, los
compuestos más bioactivos para el sistema humano son el EPA y el DHA pero la
capacidad de elongación del ácido graso linolénico en ácidos grasos poliinsaturados de
más de 20 átomos de carbono es limitada. El objetivo de este trabajo fue incrementar el
contenido de EPA y DHA en la carne de conejo con una menor relación n6 / n3, de
acuerdo con las recomendaciones para la salud. Ochenta (80) conejos en crecimiento
(Nueva Zelanda x California) fueron alimentados ad libitum de 35 a 70 días de edad,
con cuatro dietas (20 animales / tratamiento), dieta comercial (C) y tres dietas con
adición de 1,8% de aceite de pescado: dieta 'pescado' (F), la dieta 'vitamina' (V: F + 200
ppm vit e.) y la dieta 'algas' (A: 9% de algas Macrocystis secas). El peso de la canal y
rendimiento de res se determinó en el momento de faena (2,5 kg de peso vivo). Después
de 24 horas de la faena, se determinó el pH (Testo 230), color (sistema CIELAB,
Minolta-CR300), la oxidación lipídica (TBARS) y el perfil de ácidos grasos (GC) sobre
los lomos derechos. El análisis estadístico se realizó utilizando el Proc Mixed de SAS
(2004) para ANOVA univariado; las diferencias entre los tratamientos fueron analizadas
por el test de Tukey (p <0,05). El peso a faena resultó mayor para los tratamientos
control y pescado (P <0,05), pero no se encontraron diferencias en los rendimientos de
las canales (media 59,3%). Las características de la canal, el pH y el color no difirieron
significativamente de acuerdo a las dietas, así como tampoco los valores de TBARS.
118
El uso de aceite de pescado determinó una menor relación n6/n3 (4,5 para F, V y A)
respecto a la dieta control (15.1), de acuerdo con los valores recomendados para el
consumo humano. Por otra parte, se encontró un mayor contenido de EPA (media
1,09%) y DHA en F, V y A (3,38, 3,37 y 4,54% AGtot, respectivamente). En
conclusión, la adición de aceite de pescado en las dietas de engorde de conejos,
proporcionó un alto contenido de n-3 en la carne, en particular de ácidos grasos EPA y
DHA, sin aparición de oxidación lipídica en carne fresca.
Palabras clave: Algas, oxidación, omega 3, EPA, DHA
Introduction
Meats with functional properties take more importance in today's market, comprising
consumers demanding healthy products or with nutritional characteristics that provide
some kind of health benefit.
At present, many studies have shown that consumption of unsaturated fatty acids may
play a role in protecting against obesity, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and
diabetes. Besides PUFA content, it’s also important the ratio between the omega 6/3’s
family fatty acids; recommendations lean toward of 5:1 ratio (Simopoulus, 2009). In the
omega-3 family of fatty acids, the most bioactive compounds the high PUFA fatty acids
(EPA y DHA) and their supply is of great importance due to the low capacity of 18:3
elongation to EPA and DHA in the human body (17:1) (Dalle zotte and Szendro 2011,
Barceló-Coblijn and Murphy 2009).
Different strategies have been applied to manipulate the meat lipid profile, such as the
use of flax or chia seeds in diets (Bernardini et al. 1999, Dal Bosco et al., 2004, Peiretti
and Meineri, 2008) in order to obtain meats reach in omega 3 fatty acids and an omega
6/3 ratio closer to the nutritional recommendations for humans. Another strategy for
manipulating the meat lipid profile aimed at increasing long-chain fatty acids (EPA and
DHA) by use of fish oil or algae, where already been performed (Navarrete et al., 2007).
The aim of this study was to evaluate the productive results, carcass and meat quality of
animals fed fattening diets rich in omega 3 long-chain fatty acids, and the effect of the
addition of artificial ( tocopherol) and natural (algae) antioxidants, on the oxidative
stability of the loins.
120
The experimental work was performed in the rabbit Unit of the Animal Production
Department of Faculty of Agronomy, UBA.
Eighty New Zeeland x Californian rabbits, individually housed, were fed ad libitum (35
to 70 days of age) with 4 diets (20 animals/treatment): one control diet with vegetable
oil and 3 experimental diets containing fish oil and with/without presence of
antioxidants. Treatments were randomized and named as ‘C’, commercial diet; ‘F’, fish
diet with addition of 1.8% of oil fish with 35% of HPUFA (replacing commercial diet
corn oil); ‘V’, vitamin diet (‘F’+200 ppm  tocopherol, as an industrial antioxidant) and
‘A’, algae diet (‘F’ + 10% of dry Macrocystis algae as a natural antioxidant (partially
replacing the alfalfa meal). All diets were isoproteic (20%) and isoenergetic
(4050Mcal/Kg).
Individual live weights of each rabbit were evaluated weekly in order to control the
normal growth, health status of the animals and the occurrence of enteric disturbances.
The slaughter was performed at a commercial weight without fasting (2,5 kg live
weight) following the scientific recommendations (Blasco and Ouhayoun, 1996). The
chilled carcasses (24h post slaughter, 4-5°C) were transferred to the Meat Laboratory of
the Faculty of Agronomy for its qualitative analysis.
On the right loin, color (CIELAB System, L* (lightness), a* (redness), b* (yellowness)
and C* as (a*2 + b*2); Minolta Chroma Meter-CR300), pH (Testo 205) and lipid
oxidation (TBAR’s index; µg of malonaldehyde/g meat; Robards et al., 1988) were
determined. Fatty acids were extracted (Folch et al, 1957) and analyzed as methyl esters
by gas chromatography (Shimatzu 14-B, capillary column Restec SP2560).
Productive performance, carcass and meat quality traits data were analyzed by
univariete ANOVA (GLM, SAS 2004). Differences between treatments were analyzed
by Tukey test (p < 0.05).
Table 1 showed the effect of diets on rabbit slaughter weight and loin characteristics.
The addition of fish oil in the ‘P’ diet did not affect final weight of the animals, while
treatment ‘V’ (P diet with added vitamin E) showed lower growth rates, differing
significantly from the control treatment (p> 0.05 ). The same grow ratio of ‘P’ indicated
that there were not negative effects in the preference of diets with oil fish for animal
intake.
The growth performance of rabbits fed diet A was seen strongly committed, being the
group with the lowest final weight and higher morbidity (60%), probably due to the size
of the ground dried algae that affect the digestive system causing enteric problems.
The carcass yield was not significantly different for the treatment and was similar to that
found by other authors (Dal Bosco et al., 2004).
Respect to the meat quality, the pH value, the chroma and the level of oxidation of loins
were not significantly different, with similar physical and chemical characteristics for
the four treatments. In fresh meat, the effect of added antioxidants was not evident.
Table 1. Effect of diet on final live weight and loin meat quality of rabbits
Diet
C
2335 a
P
2300 ab
V
2155 b
A
2069 cb
Root
MSE
196.0
P-value
*
*
Slaughter weight
(g)
Carcass
yield
59.3
59.6
60.1
58.5
2.429
ns
(%)
pH
5.73
5.81
5.73
5.80
0.085
ns
C*
6.64
6.33
6.53
5.94
0.885
ns
TBARs
0.11
0.10
0.11
0.12
0.042
ns
Means with different letters on the same line differ significantly, *=P<0.05 ,**=P<0.0001
In table 2, the effect of fish oil added diets, with o without antioxidants, on fatty acid
profile of rabbit loin, was shown. Both the content of saturated fatty acids as the
thrombogenic index (IT, According to Ulbricht and Sothgate 1991) of the experimental
diets were significantly different (p <0.05) from the control. The IT, associated with
cardiovascular disease risk factor, was favorably reduced in the case of P, V and A
diets; similar results were obtained with the use of chia seeds (Peiretti and Meineri,
2008).
122
Table 2. Effect of fish oil added diets on fatty acid profile of rabbit loin (% of total acids)
Diet
Pvalue
*
Saturated FA %
33.9 a
33.5 a
34.3 a
35.6 b
1.015
**
MUFA %
23.1
23.3
24.1
23.0
1.348
ns
PUFA %
40.4
40.5
38. 8
39.8
1.448
ns
EPA (C20:5) %
0.32 a
1.13 b
0.99 b
1.16 b
0.84
**
DHA (C22:6) %
0.20 a
3.38 b
3.36 b
4.54 c
0.89
**
Omega 3 %
2.48 a
6.64 b
6.37 b
7.36 c
0.720
**
Omega 6 %
36.8 a
32.8 b
30.7 c
31.1 c
1.335
**
omega 6/3 ratio
15.1 a
4.86 b
4.63 b
4.04 b
0.970
**
IT
0.85 a
0.65 b
0.69 b
0.67 b
0.825
**
Means with different letters on the same line differ significantly, *=P<0.05,**=P<0.0001
C
P
V
A
Root
MSE
The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was not significantly different
between treatments; Gigaud and Combes (2008) and Peiretti and Meineri (2008) using
vegetable sources to modify the lipid profile of the meat, obtained an increase in the
content of PUFA due to experimental diets, although in both cases, the quantity of
PUFA in control diets was lower than that obtained in this work for diet C.
The largest significant differences were evident in the content of omega 3 and omega 6
in the enriched with fish oil treatments. These changes in the concentration of omega-3
were mainly due to the increase in the content of EPA and DHA (3:1 for EPA and 16:1
in the case of DHA for P, V and A vs C). In particular, the loins from treatment A
showed the highest content of DHA (4.54%) compared to the other treatments with the
addition of fish oil; this response could be due to the additional contribution of HPUFA
by algae (Dantagnan et al., 2009).
Regarding the omega-6/3, it was significantly lower (p <000.1) in the case of diets were
included fish oil respect C diet, reaching the nutritional recommended values for human
(Barceló-Cobijn and Murhy 2009).
Conclussion
The addition of fish oil in the diet allows obtaining nutraceutical meat by the highest
content of omega-3 and the omega 6/3 ratio value according to medical
recommendations, without affecting the parameters of growth and carcass yield. For
fresh consumption, the addition of antioxidants would not be necessary. The sensory
evaluation of the obtained products, in order to ensure the absence of off flavors that
condition consumer acceptance, should be done.
Acknowledgments
References
Barceló-Coblijn G, Murphy EJ. Alpha-linolenic acid and its conversion to longer chain
n-3 fatty acids: benefits for human health and a role in maintaining tissue n-3 fatty acid
Prog Lipid Res. 2009 Nov;48(6):355-74. doi: 10.1016/j.plipres.2009.07.002. Epub 2009
Jul 18.
Bernardini, M., Dal Bosco, A., Castellini, C. Effect of dietary n3/n-6 ratio on faty acid
composition of liver, maet and perirenal fat in rabbits. Animal Science 68, (1999), 647654.
Dal Bosco, A., Castellini, C, Bianchi, L., Mugnai, C. Efect of dietary α-linolenic acid
and vitamin E on the fatty acid composition, storage stability and sensory traits of rabbit
meat. Meat Science 6, (2004), 407-413.
Blasco, A., and J. Ouhayoun. "Harmonization of criteria and terminology in rabbit meat
research. Revised proposal." World Rabbit Sciences 4.2 (1996): 93-100.
Dalle Zotte, A. and Szendrö Z. The role of rabbit meas as functional food. Meat
Science 88 (2011), 319-331.
Dantagnan, P., Hernandez, A, Borquez, A. and Mansilla, A. Inclusion of macroalgae
meal (Macrocystis pyrifera) as feed ingredient for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus
mykiss): effect on ﬂesh fatty acid composition.Aquaculture Research, 2009, 41, 87-94.
124
Gigaud, V. and Combes, S. The effect of decresing omega 6/omega 3 ratio in feed on
fatty acid content of rabbit meat to meet human dietary recommendations. 9th World
Rabbit Congress, June 2008, Verona, Italy.
Navarrete, C., Martínez, E., Ródenas, L., Moya, V. J., Pascual, J. J., Blas, E., &
Cervera, C. (2007). Empleo de destilados de palma y de aceites de pescado en piensos
de conejo. In Proc. II Congreso Ibérico de Cunicultura, 2007 May, Vila-Real, Portugal,
173 (Vol. 181).
Peiretti, P.G and Meineri, G. Effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics,
and the fat and meat fatty profile of rabbit fed diets with chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seed
supplements. Meat Science 80 (2008) 1116-1121.
Simopolus, A, P. The Importance of the Omega-6/Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratio in
Cardiovascular Disease and Other Chronic. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2008 233: 674,
DOI: 10.3181/0711-MR-311.
Ulbricht, T. L. V., and D. A. T. Southgate. "Coronary heart disease: seven dietary
factors." The Lancet 338.8773 (1991): 985-992.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE SAFETY OF MEAT RABBIT WITH THE
DETECTION OF AFLATOXIN B1 IN BALANCED FOOD FOR
RABBITS
GARCÍA SEGURA F*., VILLARREAL ESPINO BARROS O.A.,
HERNÁNDEZ HERNÁNDEZ J., BECERRA CASTRO E.
Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia
Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla.
Abstract
The aim of this project was to detect the B1 Aflatoxin, in balanced food for rabbits,
distributed by different commercial brands, using as method of investigation the
chromatography in fine layer, by means of the use of acetonitrilo to obtain the
substratum of the food. Once prepared one preceded the plate, it was immersed in a
mixture of 98 ml of Tetrachloride of Carbon (CHCl3) + 2 ml of Methanol (Ac2O). It
was done by the ascending method, this allows that the thinner ascend for the plate
almost vertically for the action of capillarity. The plate was revealed by a lamp of
ultraviolet light to a wave of excitation of 254 nm.
Observing the plate, the results obtained in the first 6 points, the B1 aflatoxin appeared
since they were exposed to different concentrations of B1 aflatoxin, in order that they
were serving us as witnesses and in the last three points that correspond to our samples
there was not the B1 aflatoxin.
Therefore, our results were negative to B1 aflatoxin for three different commercial
brands of balanced food for rabbit that were analyzed.
Key words: Aflatoxin, balanced food, rabbit, chromatography in fine layer, ultraviolet
light.
126
CONTRIBUCIÓN A LA SEGURIDAD DE LA CARNE DE CONEJO
CON LA DETECCIÓN DE AFLATOXINA B1
EN ALIMENTO BALANCEADO PARA CONEJOS
GARCÍA SEGURA F*, VILLARREAL ESPINO BARROS OA,
HERNÁNDEZ HERNÁNDEZ J, BECERRA CASTRO E
Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia
Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla.
Resumen
El objetivo de este proyecto fue detectar la aflatoxina B1, en alimento balanceado para
conejos, distribuidos por las diferentes marcas comerciales, utilizando como método de
investigación de la cromatografía en capa fina, mediante el uso de acetonitrilo para
obtener el sustrato de la comida. Una vez preparada se precedió a la placa, se sumergió
en una mezcla de 98 ml de tetracloruro de carbono (CHCl3) + 2 ml de metanol (Ac2O).
Fue hecho por el método ascendente, esto permite que el ascenso a la capa más delgada
para la placa sea casi verticalmente por la acción de capilaridad. La placa se reveló por
una lámpara de luz ultravioleta a una onda de excitación de 254 nm.
En la observación de la placa, los resultados obtenidos en los primeros 6 puntos, la
aflatoxina B1 aparecieron desde que fueron expuestas a diferentes concentraciones de
aflatoxina B1, con el fin de que nos estaban sirviendo como testigos y en los últimos
tres puntos que corresponden a nuestras muestras no había la aflatoxina B1.
Por lo tanto, nuestros resultados fueron negativos a la aflatoxina B1 para tres diferentes
marcas comerciales de alimento balanceado para conejos que fueron analizadas.
Palabras clave: aflatoxinas, comida equilibrada, de conejo, de cromatografía en capa
fina, la luz ultravioleta.
Introduction
It is mentioned in some studies that rabbit meat is a meat lower levels of mycotoxins
because the food is balanced primarily forage and lipids, starches are substrates for
fungal growth, and the possibility of its presence is low and sometimes null. But there
are few studies to investigate the safety, and order to verify the absence of
contamination by mycotoxins in this species, this study aimed to conduct a study to
determine the state of Aflatoxin B1 contamination in feed in using different proprietary
chromatography method thin layer for detection (DIRECTIVE 2002/32/EC).
Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced by some of the Aspergillus species that
grow in food products, and which in turn consumption can affect the metabolism of
almost all living things. the Aflatoxins are considered as the most potent carcinogen
produced in nature and are also considered mutagenic agents,
teratogenic and
hepatotoxic for many living species including both humans and animals, so we need to
be protected maximum consumption or contact with these mycotoxins (Mariscal 1997
Q. Jaime Cornejo, 2004).
Aflatoxins have been associated with various diseases, such as
aflatoxicosis in
livestock, domestic animals and humans. the Aflatoxins have received more attention
than any other mycotoxicosis due to its potent carcinogenic effect, which was found in
susceptible laboratory animals and their acute toxicological effects in humans human
(primary liver cancer) (Avila. 2000).
There are four major aflatoxins: B1, B2, G1, G2. Aflatoxin B1 is the most potent agent
among all carcinogenic aflatoxins; most
available toxicological data related to
Aflatoxin B1 (Alberto G., 2009).
The objective of this study was to determine by thin layer chromatography the presence
of aflatoxin B1 contaminating the feed for rabbits, in different brands of commercial
meals distributed in the region.
128
for rabbits
Justification
In rabbits mentioned that rabbit meat is the healthiest because it has not klenbuterol and
mycotoxin-free food is still the most reliable in meat products for this reason this
research was designed to determine the level of contamination by aflatoxin B1 in
commercial rabbit feed.
The method is based respecting the Mexican Official Standard NOM-188-SSA1-2002
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES. AFLATOXINS IN CONTROL
GRAINS FOR
HUMAN AND ANIMAL CONSUMPTION. Specifications health. (5).
We went to commercial establishments located in Tehuacan Puebla, to buy 5kg bags of
rabbit feed, in order to collect the amount of different trademarks that offer balanced
rabbit feed.
Figure 1. Local Animal Food Markets.
In
our
gathering
we
obtained
different
trademarks;
NUTREL,
PABSA and PURINA. Following the collection of the samples was carried out to
prepare to do the technique of thin layer chromatography.
Sample Preparation
The samples were ground until they were fully powder 50 g was weighed. of each
sample and ground, they added 200 ml acetonitrile as a solvent, perfectly mixed, and the
mixtures were filtered to obtain the extracts. This procedure was repeated exactly in
triplicate and the three samples of each food.
Figure 2. Samples of feed and filtrate
Preparation of plates
Figure 3. Points Board
On each plate we proceeded to make a line on the bottom line and divide by 9 points, as
shown in the picture. The nine points were identified
Figure 4. Marc to 9 points
130
At points 1, 2 and 3 are placed with a micro syringe extract Nutrel sample of Purina +
Pabsa
and
20
ng
of
aflatoxin
B1
respectively.
In paragraphs 4, 5 and 6 were placed with a micro syringe 30 ng, 20 ng and 10 ng
aflatoxin B1 respectively.
In paragraphs 7, 8 and 9 are placed with a micro syringe extract Nutrel sample of
Purina Pabsa and respectively.
Figure 5. Application to board balanced food
Once
prepared,
it
was
plaque
proceeded
to
immerse
into
a
mixture
comprises from 98ml of carbon tetrachloride (CHCl3) + 2 ml of methanol (Ac2O) was
performed by the rising method, that is to allow the diluent ascend plate almost
vertically by capillary action.
Figure 6. Plates immersed in CHCl3
Read plates Subsequently the plates get thinner, the reading was done by
developing
the
ultraviolet
(UV)
at
an
excitation
wavelength
of
254 nm.
Figure 7. Revealed plates with ultraviolet light
The development was carried out in a dark room watching aflatoxin B1, which
is in our interest, which is observed in a blue color.
Results
Looking at the plate have resulted in the first 6 points, ran aflatoxin B1, as these points
were exposed to concentrations of aflatoxin B1 and the last three points correspond to
our samples, ran no aflatoxin. Therefore, our result is negative for the different
Aflatoxin B1 trademarks of balanced rabbit food analyzed thin layer chromatography.
132
POINT
1
Nutrel
+
2
Pabsa
+
3
Purina
+
April
30
May
20
June
10
7
8
9 Purina Negative
CONTAINS
ng
of
Aflatoxin
ng
of
Aflatoxin
ng
of
aflatoxin
of
aflatoxin
of
aflatoxin
of
aflatoxin
Nutrel
Pabsa
20
20
20
ng
ng
ng
B1
B1
B1
B1
B1
B1
RESULTS
Positive
Positive
Positive
Positive
Positive
Positive
Negative
Negative
Figure 9. Results and revealed
SPECIES (µg / kg) micrograms / kg
SHEEP
GOAT
CHIKEN
PIG
MILK
BOVI
NE
MEAT
BOVINE
TERNE
RAS
RABBITS
El Salvador
20
20
20
20
20
20
_
?
Chile
Colombia
MEXICO
NORMA
OFICIAL
MEXICANA
NOM-188SSAI-2002
10
_
_
_
30
_
_
_
30
20
_
100
Except
o
pollos
de
engord
a
10
50
200
25-45
kg.
100
Mayor
45
kg. 200
Reprod
uct
ores
100
10
50
_
_
30
50
200
Maduros
destinados
a
reproducto
res
100
De
engorda en
etapa de
finalizació
n 300
_
_
_
_
?
LATIN
AMERICA
?
?
Discussion
The above table shows that there are no studies of aflatoxin B1 in food for rabbits, for
that reason this study was conducted, and rabbit meat is an alternative for human
consumption.
Conclusion
According to the rules, regulations and consulted research made reference to the
concentration of aflatoxin B1 in balanced feed for rabbit, it is concluded that Nutrel,
Pabsa and Purina brands, which
were analyzed by the method of thin layer
chromatography are free of aflatoxin B1.
References
AVILA. Organic Chemistry: Experiments with an ecological approach. UNAM, 2000:
http://depa.pquim.unam.mx/ ~ fercor/dqo/manuales/1311/p7.pdf
Jaime Cornejo, Villarroel Orialis: General background on aflatoxins and other
Mycotoxins and elements to consider in the design of good practices
cultivation
and
processing
of
nuts:
2004:
http://www.minsal.gob.cl/portal/url/item/72fd6274dad8792ee04001011f0109e4.pdf
Alberto
Gimeno.
Veterinary
Albéitar
2009
Maximum
tolerable
MYCOTOXIN
IN
FOR
Expert in the field of mycotoxins, technical consultant
2766 Douglas Road, Miami, Florida, 33133 USA.
MERGER
REVIEW
CERTAIN
FOOD
Special Nutrients, Inc.,
DIRECTIVE 2002/32/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL
OF 7
May
2002
on
undesirable
substances
http://www.knowmycotoxins.com/es/regulations.htm
in
animal
feed:
2002:
Monica G. Mariscal Quintanar, Rosa Garcia Escamilla Ma: Effects of ingestion
inoculum of A. flavus and F. moniliforme citomorfologuia in blood, marrow
bone and concentration of serum albumins and globulins in rabbits: 1996:
http://www.medigraphic.com/pdfs/vetmex/vm-1997/vm972a.pdf
Official Mexican Standard NOM-188-SSA1-2002, Goods and Services. Control
aflatoxins in cereals for human and animal consumption. Sanitary specifications:
2002 http://www.salud.gob.mx/unidades/cdi/nom/188ssa12.html
134
MEAT QUALITY OF RABBITS FED FEATHER MEAL
TLC: http://goo.gl/IBFODO
1,2
TRIGO MS, 1BORRÁS MM, 1CORDIVIOLA CA, 1,2ANTONINI AG,
3
CUMINI ML, 3COSSU ME
1. Curso de Introducción a la Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales,
UNLP. 60 y 119, La Plata, Argentina.
2. IGEVET, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNLP. 60 y 118, La Plata, Argentina.
3. Dpto. de Producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía, UBA. Av. San Martín 4453, Bs. As.
Argentina.
Abstract
The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of an alternative protein source (feather
meal instead of meat meal) and the inclusion levels (170 and 140 g CP) on meat quality
traits in rabbits. The trial was conducted in the Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry
Sciences, National University of La Plata, Argentina. Forty New Zealand x Californian
rabbits, weaned at 28 days of age, were used. Animals were randomly distributed into
individual cages. The experimental design was a 2x2 factorial: two sources of animal
protein (MM = meat meal as the control diet and FM = hydrolyzed feather meal) and
two levels of crude protein (17% and 14% as ‘control’ and alternative lower protein
requirement in the finishing period). All diets had equal energy content (DE=
2,500kcal/kg). Food was supplied ad-libitum. At 75 days of age, the rabbits were
slaughtered, following the standard procedures of rabbit slaughter and carcass dissection
by Blasco and Ouhayoun (1996); the weight of the hot carcass (30 'post-mortem) was
determined. On the longissumus muscle of refrigerated carcasses (24h post-slaughter,
4±1° C), the pH value (pH-meter Hanna, Ingold 406 M3) and Colour (L*, a*, b*; CR300 Minolta Chromameter) were measured; the Chroma was calculated as
C=(a*)2+(b*)2. Left Longissimus muscle weight (%cold carcass), cooking losses
(water bath, 50’ at 70°C), hardness (Warner-Bratzler on Instron 1114), were
determined. Collected data were analyzed by ANOVA using the GLM procedure of
SAS (2004) for a factorial model (sources and levels of protein and their interaction).
Mean differences between treatments were compared using the Tukey test (P<0.05).
136
The protein level of diet significantly influenced slaughter weight, % hot carcass,
parameters a*, b* and C*, and cooking losses. The protein source of diet had less
influence, and only affected the meat/bone ratio. In conclusion, the protein level was
significant in the development of the rabbits while the inclusion of hydrolyzed feather
meal did not affect the meat performance traits. Therefore the inclusion of feather meal
in rabbit finishing diets is conditioned by the cost and availability of this by-product.
Key words: rabbits, protein source, protein level, meat quality
CALIDAD DE LA CARNE DE CONEJOS ALIMENTADOS CON
HARINA DE PLUMAS
1,2
TRIGO MS, 1BORRÁS MM, 1CORDIVIOLA CA, 1,2ANTONINI AG,
3
CUMINI ML, 3COSSU ME
1. Curso de Introducción a la Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales,
UNLP. 60 y 119, La Plata, Argentina.
2. IGEVET, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNLP. 60 y 118, La Plata, Argentina.
3. Dpto. de Producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía, UBA. Av. San Martín 4453, Bs. As.
Argentina.
Resumen
El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de una fuente alternativa de proteína
(harina de plumas en lugar de harina de carne) y los niveles de inclusión (170 y 140 g
CP) sobre la calidad de la carne de conejos. El ensayo se realizó en la Facultad de
Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina.
Cuarenta conejos Nueva Zelanda x California, destetados a los 28 días de edad, se
utilizaron. Los animales se distribuyeron al azar en jaulas individuales. El diseño
experimental fue un factorial 2x2: dos fuentes de proteína animal (MM = harina de
carne como la dieta de control y FM = harina de plumas hidrolizadas) y dos niveles de
proteína cruda (17% y 14% como "control" y requerimiento de proteína inferior
alternativa en el período de finalización). Todas las dietas tuvieron contenido de energía
equivalente (DE = 2,500kcal / kg). La comida fue suministrada ad-libitum. A los 75 días
de edad, los conejos fueron sacrificados, siguiendo los procedimientos estándar de
sacrificio de conejo y la disección de la canal por Blasco y Ouhayoun (1996); se
determinó el peso de la canal caliente (30 'post-mortem). En el músculo longissumus de
las canales de refrigeración (24 horas post-sacrificio, 4 ± 1 ° C), el valor pH (pH-metro
Hanna, Ingold 406 M3) y de color (L *, a *, b *; CR-300 de Minolta Chromameter ) se
midieron; el Chroma se calculó como C =
(a *) 2 + (b *) 2. Peso Izquierda músculo
Longissimus (% de la canal fría), pérdidas por cocción (baño de agua, 50 'a 70 ° C),
dureza (Warner-Bratzler en Instron 1114), se determinaron. Los datos recogidos fueron
analizados por ANOVA utilizando el procedimiento GLM de SAS (2004) para un
modelo factorial (fuentes y niveles de proteínas y su interacción).
138
Las diferencias medias entre tratamientos se compararon mediante la prueba de Tukey
(P <0,05). El nivel de proteína de la dieta influyó significativamente sobre el peso al
sacrificio, % de la canal caliente, los parámetros a *, b * y C *, y las pérdidas de
cocción. La fuente de proteínas de la dieta tuvo menos influencia, y sólo afectó la
relación carne / hueso. En conclusión, el nivel de proteína fue significativa en el
desarrollo de los conejos mientras que la inclusión de la harina de plumas hidrolizada
no afectó a las características de rendimiento de carne. Por lo tanto, la inclusión de la
harina de plumas en las dietas de finalizado está condicionado por el costo y la
disponibilidad de este subproducto.
Palabras clave: conejos, fuente de proteína, nivel de proteína, calidad de la carne
ETOLOGÍA, ALOJAMIENTO Y
BIENESTAR ANIMAL
ETHOLOGY, HOUSING & WELFARE
140
INTELLIGENT CAGE FOR GROWING OR ADULT
MALE PET RABBITS
1
MACHADO LC*, 2RIBEIRO BPVB, 1GERALDO A, 3HEKER MM,
1
NORONHA CMS, 2PIMENTEL FE, 2SILVA IM
1. Professor Minas Gerais Federal Institute - Bambuí Campus – Brazil
2. Student of Animal Science at Minas Gerais Federal Institute - Bambuí Campus – Brazil
3. Ph.D. Student from São Paulo State University (UNESP), Aracatuba Campus - Brazil
*Correspondig author: [email protected]
Abstract
Nowadays animal welfare is becoming a major concern for society. Pet rabbit breeding
is expanding in Brazil and no type of enclosed environment that provides comfort and
welfare for these animals is available. If loose, rabbits can dig holes, chew on furniture,
eat plants and urinate/defecate in inappropriate places. This paper describes the
development of an enclosed environment (intelligent cage) for growing or adult male
rabbits and presents results from a study of their behavior. The cage was built with
dimensions 0,90 x 0.78 m (0.70 m2). For environmental enrichment, a PVC pipe, a
platform, a wood swing, a hanging plate, some dangling chains and a place for treats
were added. The cage was set 1.20m above the ground, with a bottom easily sliding out
tray o allow cleaning and scrubbing when needed. A camera with infrared light was
used to monitor the animals for 24 hours for 50 minutes periods during seven days so
that all 24 hours were registered. A Fuzzy Lop male was observed every 30 seconds,
with a total of 2400 records. To observe the animal's preference in the cage, eight
separate locations were named and eighteen different types of behavior were
considered. For statistical analysis, each six-hour shift (00:00-06:00, 06:00-12:00,
12:00-18:00 and 18:00-24:00) was considered as treatment and each week day consisted
of a replicate. A high frequency of playful and exploratory behavior was observed in
addition to interaction with environmental enrichment. The most frequent behavior was
to lie down (41.47%) and the most popular places in the cage were: the sides of the cage
(61.70%) and treat region (12.58%). Considering the shifts, a higher incidence of
licking/scratching behavior was observed in the morning (06:00-12:00).
142
The animals moved around, more frequently, during the morning (00:00-06:00) and
evening (18:00-24:00) and gnawed the cage bars more frequently in the morning
(00:00-06:00), probably due to the expected human presence. Studies with intelligent
cages should be improved to provide greater comfort and convenience for the animals.
Keyword: Pet rabbits, welfare, rabbit breeding
JAULA INTELIGENTE PARA CONEJOS MASCOTA
EN CRECIMIENTO O ADULTOS
1
1
Resumen
Hoy en día el bienestar animal se está convirtiendo en una gran preocupación para la
sociedad. La cunicultura de mascotas se está expandiendo en Brasil y ningún tipo de
ambiente cerrado que proporciona comodidad y el bienestar de estos animales está
disponible. Si está suelto, los conejos pueden cavar hoyos, masticar muebles, comer
plantas y orinar / defecar en lugares inapropiados. En este trabajo se describe el
desarrollo de un ambiente cerrado (jaula inteligente) para conejos machos en
crecimiento o adultos y se presentan los resultados de un estudio de comportamiento. La
jaula estaba construida con dimensiones 0,90 x 0,78 m (0,70 m2). Para el
enriquecimiento del medio ambiente, se añadieron un tubo de PVC, una plataforma, un
columpio de madera, una placa colgante, algunas cadenas colgantes y un lugar para los
premios. La jaula se colocó a 1,20m por encima del suelo, con una parte inferior
fácilmente deslizable fuera de la bandeja y permitir la limpieza y lavado cuando sea
necesario. Una cámara con luz infrarroja se utilizó para controlar los animales durante
24 horas por periodos de 50 minutos durante los siete días, se registraron todas las 24
horas. Un macho Lop Fuzzy se observó cada 30 segundos, con un total de 2.400
registros. Para observar la preferencia del animal en la jaula, ocho lugares separados
fueron nombrados y se consideraron dieciocho tipos diferentes de comportamiento. Para
el análisis estadístico, cada turno de seis horas (00: 00-06: 00, 06: 00-12: 00, 12: 00-18:
00 y 18: 00-24: 00) fue considerado como el tratamiento y cada día de la semana
consistió en una réplica. Se observó una alta frecuencia de comportamiento lúdico y
exploratorio, además de la interacción con el enriquecimiento ambiental. El
comportamiento más frecuente fue a acostarse (41,47%) y los lugares más populares de
la jaula fueron: los lados de la jaula (61.70%) y la región de los premios (12,58%).
144
Teniendo en cuenta los cambios, una mayor incidencia del comportamiento de
lamido/rascado se observó por la mañana (06: 00-12: 00). Los animales se movían
alrededor, más frecuentemente, durante la mañana (00: 00-06: 00) y por la tarde (18: 0024: 00) y mordían los barrotes de la jaula con mayor frecuencia por la mañana (00: 0006: 00), probablemente debido a la presencia humana esperada. Los estudios con jaulas
inteligentes deben ser mejorados para proporcionar un mayor confort y conveniencia
para los animales.
Palabras clave: conejos de mascotas, bienestar, cunicultura
Introduction
Research evaluating the behavior and welfare of rabbits are very important to ensure the
improvement of life in environments different from the natural habitat. In Brazil, these
studies are recent. Barros et al. (2012), realized that environmental enrichment
improved play behavior and reduces the incidence of fights. Heker (2013) found that
young rabbits with tactile stimulation perform more activities, are more cooperative and
docile , show less fear and deal easier with new situations. Rabbits respond well to
external stimuli as well as the introduction of environmental enrichment.
In Brazil the use of rabbits as pets has grown, with shortages of specific materials and
equipment. If kept loose the rabbits dig holes, chew furniture, can eat poisonous plants
and urinate / defecate in inappropriate locations. Moreover, there are no cages suitable
for rabbits in the Brazilian market that provides space and activities, this contributes to
laziness, therefore the development of new technologies in this area, becomes essential
(Machado, 2012).
Objective
This paper aimed to develop and evaluate a cage for growing or adult male rabbits
which associates comfort and welfare as well as identifies the behavior of the animal in
these conditions.
The intelligent cage was built with internal dimensions of 90 cm x 78 cm x 50 cm. For
environmental enrichment, a steel chain, an enameled plate and wooden swing, a raised
platform, a basket to offer hay, a place for treats and a PVC pipe of 150 mm diameter
for hiding were added. The cage was placed on a steel base with 120 cm of height with
a tray lined with sawdust to collect excreta. Observations of behavior were made in a
restricted room at IFMG -. Campus Bambuí, Brazil, from June to July 2013 The room
temperature recorded was 26.9 ° C (maximum) and 11.7 ° C (minimum). To ensure the
brightness of the room, the windows were opened during the day. To monitor the
behavior of the rabbit an infrared camera (with night vision) was installed. A year old
Fuzzy Lop male was the subject of the research. Daily, three periods of 50 minutes each
were evaluated for eight days, totaling 24 periods. The views were made every 30
seconds, resulting in 100 views per period giving a total of 2400 views. The regions of
146
the cage considered were: feeder / drinker, inside the pipe, side of the cage, treat area,
on the platform, beneath the platform and toy area. The behaviors
considered were:
walking, playing with the chain, playing with the swing, running, drinking, gnawing the
cage, the pipe, binky (happiness leap), standing, stretching, sniffing, having treats,
cecotrophy, digging the cage, eating, lying, licking/scratching and siting.
The day was divided in four periods, from 00:00-06:00, 06:00-12:00, 12:00-18:00 e
18:00-24:00. The data was evaluated
descriptively and comparisons were made
between the four shifts considered, using the resources of the computer program MINI
TAB, with comparisons made by the nonparametric Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney
tests.
The most frequent behaviors were lying and siting, which shows that mosto f the time,
the rabbit remained at rest, this result was also observed by Gunn e Morton (1995) that
found 56% of inactivity. It was found that the animal stayed on top of the platform hen
he licked himself. A behavior that suggests stress or anxiety, gnawing on the cage/pipe,
was observed only at 0,80% of the time, which may suggest that there is satisfaction of
the animal in relation to the environment, this value, was considerably lower than the
one observed by Schepers et al. (2009), which was of 17%.
Attention is drawn to the high frequency of "binky", behavior which suggests sufficient
space for the act. Exploratory behaviors such as sniffing the environment and standing
were observed in 2.84% which suggests high curiosity of the animal in relation to the
environment. It was noticed that there was a great variety of behaviors in the intelligent
cage.
Table 01 - Fuzzy Lop rabbit behavior in smart cage
Behavior
(%)
behavior
(%)
behavior
(%)
Walking
1,66
Sniffing
2,27
Stretching
0,66
Playing with chain
0,21
Eating treats
3,05
Standind
0,57
Playing with swing
0,11
Cecotrophy
0,08
“Binky”
0,21
Playing with plate
0,04
Digging the
cage
0,04
Lickimg
30,38
Drinking
0,26
Eating
3,13
Siting
14,87
Gnawing cage/pipe
0,80
Lying
41,47
Running
0,19
Regarding the shifts, significant differences (P <0.05) were observed in some behaviors.
The animal has lower frequency of licking / scratching behavior in the 18:00-00:00
period, he walked more in the morning (06:00 to 12:00) and evening (18:00-00:00)
and bit more the cage / pipe in the period 06:00 to 12:00, this might have occurred due
to anxiety, waiting for human presence to open the windows, the rabbit presented
restlessness after his presence.
The area most frequented by the animal was the side of the cage (61.70%), but one must
draw attention to the time the animal spent on the platform (13.53%) licking himself.
The region of toys was visited 2.11% and the animal remained in the pipe only in
0.90% of views. Significant difference was observed between shifts in relation to the
toy region, in the afternoon (12:00 to 18:00) the rabbit did not use this area, probably
because it is a time to rest, which results in less activities. It was noticed that the rabbit
explored every area of the intelligent cage, but showed preference for the sides of the
cage.
Conclusions
The way in which the cage was built contributed to the rabbit’s interaction with the
structure as well as environmental enrichment, a great variation in exploratory behavior
and entertainment was observed. Furthermore, the rabbit visited every area of the cage,
showing preferences for the sides.
148
Other studies need to be done to better understand the behavior of these animals in
environmental friendly conditions.
References
Barros, T. F. M., Moura A. S. A. M. T., Fernandes S., Oliveira L. V. D., Siqueira E. R.
2012. Comportamento em bem estar de coelhos em gaiolas enriquecidas. In: Proc. 49th
Reunião Anual da SBZ, Brasília, Brasil, CD-Rom.
Gunn, D., Mortan, D. B. 1995. Inventory of the behaviour of New Zealand White
rabbits in labboratory cages, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 45, 277-292.
Heker, M. M. Estimulação tátil em coelhos do grupo genético Botucatu e seus efeitos
no desempenho, temperamento e reprodução. Dissertação, Mestrado em Zootecnia.
Jaboticabal, 2013, 97p.
Machado, L. C. Opinião: Panorama da Cunicultura Brasileira. Revista Brasileira de
Cunicultura,
v.
2,
n.
1,
2012.
Disponível
em:
<http://www.rbc.acbc.org.br/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63&Ite
mid=71>.
Schepers, F.; Koene, P.; BeerdA, B. 2009. Welfare assessment in pet rabbits. Animal
Welfare, 18, 477-485.
USE OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS FOR NEST BEEDING
USE OF DIFFERENT
MATERIALS
FOR NEST BEEDING
OF PREGNANT
DOES
OF PREGNANT DOES
OLIVEIRA MC1, MESQUITA SA1, SILVA TR1, LIMA SCO1*, MACHADO LA1,
OLIVEIRA HC1, OLIVEIRA JC2, OLIVEIRA ES1
1. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Rio Verde, Rio Verde, GO, 75.901-910.
Brazil.
2. Federal Center of Technological Education of Minas Gerais, Divinópolis, MG, 35503-822.
Brazil.
*
Scientific Initiation Fellow from CNPq.
Abstract
This study was carried out to evaluate the pregnant doe nest characteristics with
different bedding material and its effect on the litter size and weight at the birth and the
weaning and on the nest material use by the doe. Thirty does were used in a randomized
block design with three treatments and ten replicates each. The treatments consisted of
the nest bedding with wood shavings (280 g), Tifton hay (220 g) and chopped
newspaper (200 g). The nest state was evaluated in relation to the material mixture level
with the fur, to the fur presence and to the preservation of the original material put in the
nest, beyond the litter size and weight at the birth and weaning. There was not effect
(P>0.05) of the bedding material type on the litter size and weight at the birth and
weaning and on the mixture level with the fur, the fur amount in the nest and on the
preservation of the original material put in the nest. It was concluded that the Tifton hay
and chopped newspaper may be used as bedding nest to pregnant does replacing the
wood shaving without impairing the litter performance.
Keywords: doe behavior, nest for does, rabbit production
150
USO DE DIFERENTES MATERIALES PARA LA CAMA DE CRÍA DE
CONEJAS GESTANTES
OLIVEIRA MC1, MESQUITA SA1, SILVA TR1, LIMA SCO1*, MACHADO LA1,
Brazil.
Brazil.
*
Resumen
Este estudio se llevó a cabo para evaluar las características de los nidos de las conejas
gestantes con diferente material de cama y su efecto sobre el tamaño de la camada y el
peso al nacimiento y destete y el uso del material de los nidos por la coneja. Treinta
conejas fueron utilizadas en un diseño de bloques al azar con tres tratamientos y diez
repeticiones cada una. Los tratamientos consistieron en construcción de la cama del
nido con virutas de madera (280 g), heno Tifton (220 g) y periódico picado (200 g). El
estado del nido se evaluó en relación con el nivel de mezcla de material con el pelo, la
presencia de pelo la preservación del material original puesto en el nido, además del
tamaño de la camada y el peso al nacimiento y destete. No hubo efecto (P> 0,05) del
tipo de material de cama sobre el tamaño de la camada y el peso al nacimiento y el
destete en el nivel de mezcla con pelo, la cantidad de pelo en el nido y en la
preservación del material original puesto en el nido. Se concluyó que el heno Tifton y el
periódico picado se pueden usar como material de cama para el nido para conejas
gestantes, sustituyendo la viruta de madera sin perjudicar los parámetros de la camada.
Palabras clave: comportamiento de conejas, nido para conejas, producción de conejos
Introduction
Rabbits have the habit of nest building and the doe use to visit the nest, after the birth,
to nurse the kits (Baumann et al., 2005). The nest is also a favorable environment to
newborn development, since they still not have thermoregulation ability. Thus, the nest
material should provide comfort to the doe and kits, minimize ammonia production and
must not be a powder (Lanteigne & Reebs, 2006), as the powder can irritate nostrils and
eyes of the doe and kits.
Wood shavings is the most used material for nest bedding in Brazil, but due its scarcity
in some regions, it is necessary the study of other materials that can be used with no
negative effects on the kits performance. In addition, it is possible that there is a doe
preference for some materials, since they will use the nest for several days.
Thus, this study was carried out to evaluate the characteristics of nest for pregnant does,
lined with different materials and its effect on the kit size and weight at birth and
weaning, and on the nest material use by the doe.
Thirty rabbit does were housed in cages that contained beside the nest, a feeder and a
drinker, both made from ceramic. The animals were five months old and primiparous.
The experiment was carried out in randomized blocks design, with three treatments and
ten replicates each one. Treatments consisted of the nest bedding based on wood
shavings (280g), Tifton hay (220g) and chopped newspaper (200g).
Nests were made from wood and the measures were 34 x 40 x 30 cm in height, length
and width, respectively. They were placed in the cages three days before the expecting
birth and were taken out at 20 days after the birth (Figure 1).
152
(a)
(b)
(c)
Figure 1: Nest lined with wood shavings (a), Tifton hay (b) and chopped newspaper (c) on
the day that were placed in the cages.
Since the nest placement in the cages, its status was determined by one observer twice a
day (8:30 and 16:30 h, to evaluate the nest as close as possible to the birth moment).
The evaluation of the nest status consisted of qualitative analysis, as follow (Blumetto et
al., 2010):
- mixture of the material and rabbit fur (1 – with no mixture, 2 = a little bit of mixture
and 3 – almost all the material mixed with the fur);
- presence of fur (1 – there was no fur in the nest, 2 – more than 50% of the nest still
had visible material, 3 – more than 50% of the nest had material covered by the fur and
4 – only fur were seen on the material);
- preservation of the original material placed in the nest (1 – less than 30% was kept, 2 –
between 30 and 60% was kept and 3 – more than 60% was kept).
These evaluations were finished when the birth occurred, since the nest building ceases
after the birth (Hudson et al., 2000). Kit size and weight were recorded after the birth,
and they were weighed again at 35 days of age, in order to obtain the weaning weight.
The average initial body weight was 53.93 ± 1.28g.
Data were submitted to analysis of variance, and kit size and weight means at the birth
and at the weaning were compared by t test, and the nest evaluation means were
compared by the Kruskal-Wallis test, both at 5% of probability. The newborn number
was used as a co-variable to the statistical analysis of the birth and weaning weight.
There was no effect (P>0.05) of the bedding material type on the kit size and weight at
the birth and at the weaning (Table 1), what indicates that all the materials provided
appropriate conditions to the nest for the kit rearing since the birth up to the 35th day of
age, when they were weaned.
There was no effect (P>0.05) of material type on the mixture level with the fur, on the
fur amount in the nest, and on the preservation of the material placed in in the nest
(Table 2), however, the smaller fur amount was noted in the nest lined with chopped
newspaper, possibly due the its softness, providing a higher comfort level to the doe.
Table 1: Size and weight, at the birth and at the weaning, of kits reared in nest lined with different
material types
Nest bedding material
CV
Wood shavings
Tifton hay
Chopped newspaper
(%)1
Kit size at the birth
8.87
9.50
8.10
6.14
Kit weight at the birth (g)
56.02
52.65
52.84
5.52
Kit size at the weaning
7.50
8.12
7.50
6.65
Kit weight at the weaning (g)
733
756
750
5.10
Parameter
1
CV = coefficient of variation.
Table 2: Nest bedding material evaluation at the birth day
Nest bedding material
Parameter
Wood shavings
Tifton hay
Chopped
newspaper
Fur and material mixture level
2.28
2.14
2.11
Fur presence in the nest
2.43
2.57
2.00
Preservation of the material placed in the
2.71
2.28
2.89
nest
154
At the day of birth, nest lined with Tifton hay showed a smaller original material
amount. These results may indicate that the Tifton hay has been, probably, the less
comfortable to the rabbit doe, and this material was ingested or thrown out of the nest in
a higher amount than the wood shavings and chopped newspaper.
These results are similar to Blumetto et al. (2010). These authors evaluated the straw
and wood shaving use in the nests, and did not noted differences on the kit size and
weight at the birth and at the weaning, and on the material and fur mixture level, fur
presence in the nest and preservation of the original material placed in the nest.
Conclusion
Tifton hay and chopped newspaper may be used as nest bedding for pregnant rabbit
does replacing the wood shavings without impairing to the kit performance since the
birth up to the weaning age.
References
Baumann P., Oester H., Stauffacher M. 2005. Effects of temporary nest box removal on
maternal behavior and pup survival in caged rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Appl.
Anim. Behav. Sci., 91, 167-178.
Blumetto O., Olivas I., Torres A.G., Villagrá A. 2010. Use of straw and wood shavings
as nest material in primiparous does. World Rabbit Sci., 18, 237-242.
Lanteigne M., Reebs S.G. 2006. Preference for bedding material in Syrian hamster. Lab.
Anim., 40, 410-418.
Partridge G.G., Foley S., Corrigall W. 1981. Reproductive performance in purebred and
crossbred commercial rabbits. Anim. Prod., 32, 325−331.
INTELLIGENT CAGE WITH NESTING CHAMBERS FOR DOES
1
1
2. Student of Animal Science at Minas Gerais Federal Institute - Bambuí Campus –
Brazil
Abstract
In Brazil, mini rabbit breeding is expanding. It is important to investigate their welfare
in cages. The cages available in the market are small, without attraction, which leads the
animals to laziness. If loose they can make holes in the ground. Moreover, in Brazil,
there are no nests that simulate the natural conditions. This work describes the
development of an enriched environment (intelligent cage) for rabbits, identifies
behaviors and verifies the possibility of a nesting chamber. The cage was built using
materials easily found in the market, with dimensions 1.20 x 0.80m (0.96 m2). For
environmental enrichment, a PVC pipe, a platform, a wood swing, a hanging plate,
some dangling chains and a place for treats were added. Before the doe's due date, a
nesting chamber was included. An infrared light camera was used to monitor the
animals for 24 hours during seven days, for 50 minutes periods, so that all 24 hours
were registered. A Mini Lion head female was observed every 30 seconds, with a total
of 2400 records.
To observe the animal's preference in the cage, eight separate
locations were named and sixteen different types of behavior were considered. For
statistical analysis, each six-hour shift (00:00-06:00, 06:00-12:00, 12:00-18:00 and
18:00-24:00) was considered as a treatment and each week day consisted of a replicate.
The use of the nesting chamber was monitored for four consecutive births. A high
frequency of exploratory behavior was observed in addition to interaction with
environmental enrichment. The animal remained lying almost half of the time and
presented higher incidence of licking/scratching at the 06:00-12:00 period.
The animal remained in the sitting position more frequently in the morning (06:0012:00) and evening (18:00-24:00). Regarding the use of the nesting chamber, in the first
156
parity, although the doe prepared the nest, the parturition occurred in the cage, a normal
behavior in young does (first labor). In the second, third and fourth parities, the doe
prepared the nest and gave birth inside it. New experiments involving intelligent cages
should be performed to improve welfare technology for these animals.
Keyword: rabbit pets, welfare, rabbit breeding
JAULA INTELIGENTE CON CÁMARA DE NIDO PARA CONEJAS
1
1
Resumen
En Brasil, la cría de conejos miniatura se está expandiendo. Es importante investigar su
bienestar en jaulas. Las jaulas disponibles en el mercado son pequeñas, sin atracción, lo
que lleva a los animales a la pereza. Si los sueltas que pueden hacer agujeros en el
suelo. Por otra parte, en Brasil, no hay nidos que simulen las condiciones naturales. Este
trabajo describe el desarrollo de un ambiente enriquecido (jaula inteligente) para los
conejos, identifica comportamientos y verifica la posibilidad de una cámara de
anidación. La jaula fue construida con materiales fáciles de encontrar en el mercado,
con dimensiones de 1,20 x 0,80 m (0,96 m2). Para el enriquecimiento del medio
ambiente, se añadieron un tubo de PVC, una plataforma, un columpio de madera, una
placa colgante, algunas cadenas colgantes y un lugar para los premios. Antes de la fecha
de parto de la coneja, se incluyó una cámara de anidación. Una cámara de luz infrarroja
se utilizó para monitorear a los animales durante 24 horas durante siete días, por
periodos de 50 minutos, por lo que se registraron las 24 horas. Una hembra Mini cabeza
de León se observó cada 30 segundos, con un total de 2,400 registros. Para observar la
preferencia del animal en la jaula, ocho lugares separados fueron nombrados y se
consideraron dieciséis tipos diferentes de comportamiento. Para el análisis estadístico,
cada turno de seis horas (00: 00-06: 00, 06: 00-12: 00, 12: 00-18: 00 y 18: 00-24: 00)
fue considerada como un tratamiento y cada semana día consistió en una réplica. El uso
de la cámara de anidación se controló durante cuatro nacimientos consecutivos. Se
observó una alta frecuencia de la conducta exploratoria, además de la interacción con el
enriquecimiento ambiental. El animal permaneció acostado casi la mitad del tiempo y
presentó mayor incidencia del comportamiento de lamido/arañando en el periodo de las
00: 00-12:00. El animal se mantuvo en posición sentada con mayor frecuencia por la
mañana (06: 00-12: 00) y por la tarde (18: 00-24: 00).
158
En cuanto al uso de la cámara de anidación, en el primer parto, aunque la coneja preparó
el nido, el parto se produjo en la jaula, un comportamiento normal en animales jóvenes
(primerizas). En el segundo, tercero y cuarto parto, la hembra preparó el nido y dio a luz
en su interior. Nuevos experimentos con jaulas inteligentes se deben realizar para
mejorar la tecnología de bienestar de estos animales.
Palabras clave: animales domésticos conejo, el bienestar, la cunicultura
Introduction
In Brasil, few are the studies in lodging, behavior and rabbit welfare, and there is a lapse
of equipments and utensils specific for pet rabbits. The presence of this animal as pets
grew a lot recently and if the rabbits are loose around the house, many are the
inconveniences related to wellbeing. For example, the existing cages are small and
without attractions for the rabbits which leads to laziness, reduction in life’s quality and
duration. The lack of nesting chambers, which would be placed below the cages’ floor,
would be a situation more similar to the natural scenery.
Good results were verified by Barros et al. (2012) and Heker (2013) when different
techniques to improve welfare and comfort for rabbits were adopted.
Objective
In this paper, the development of a different cage for reproductive does, that provides
comfort, entertainment and welfare, that includes a nesting chamber and the
identification of behavior of the does in this condition was done.
The intelligent Cage has internal dimensions of 120 cm x 80 cm x 50 cm. The
environment was enriched with, a metal chain, a hanging plate, a wood swing, an
elevated platform was added, a basket for hay, a place for treats and a OVC tube with
diameter of 150 mm for hiding. The cage was placed on a steel base with 120cm of
height, with a tray containing wood chips to collect excrete. The nesting chamber was
made with 30 cm of diameter, 48 cm of length and four steps.
The behavior observations were made at a restricted room from IFMG - Campus
Bambuí – Brazil, from June to July of 2013, and the windows were opened during the
day. The environmental temperature was of 27,0º C (maximum) e 11,6º C (minimum).
To monitor the behavior filming equipment with night vision was installed.
160
A female Mini Lion Head rabbit, with 14 months of age was evaluated daily for three
periods of 50 minutes, during eight days, in a total of 24 periods. The visualizations
were made at every 30 seconds, resulting in 100 visualizations in each period which led
to 2400 in total. Various regions in the cage were considered such as: feeder/ drinking
area, inside the pipe, cage sides, treat area, on the platform, in the nesting chamber,
under the platform and toys. The behaviors considered were: walking, playing with the
chain, playing with the swing, running, drinking water, biting the cage/tube; binky
(happiness leap), standing, stretching, sniffing, eating treats, pulling out fur, making the
nest, cecotrophy, digging the cage, eating, lying, licking/scratching and sitting. The day
was divides in four shifts as follows: 00:00-06:00, 06:00-12:00, 12:00-18:00 and 18:0024:00. To verify the use of the nest by the doe, the four first parities were considered,
being the last three observed after the period of the research. To the data descriptive
evaluations were made as well as non parametric comparisons using Kruskal Wallis and
Mann Whitney’s tests.
The most frequent behavior were lying and sitting, which shows thar during mosto f the
period the doe remained resting, this result was also found by Gunn and Morton (1995)
Who identified 56% of inactivity. Behaviors such as “binky”, biting the cage/tube,
running or digging the cage were not observed. Exploratory behaviors such as sniffing
and standing were observed in 3,07% of the time, which suggests high curiosity of the
animal in relation to the environment. One can see that 0,62% of the time the doe played
with the items added for environmental enrichment. A variety of behaviors was noted
(Table 1) in the intelligent cage.
Table 01 – Behavior of the Mini Lion Head doe in the intelligent cage.
Behavior
(%)
Behavior
(%)
Behavior
(%)
Walking
3,58
Sniffing the environment
1,97
Streching
0,57
Playing with chain
0,28
Eating treats
1,57
Standing
1,10
Playing with swing
0,13
Cecotrophy
0,34
“Binky”
0,00
Playing with plate
0,21
Digging the cage
0,00
Licking
12,65
Drinking
0,74
Eating ration
4,51
Siting
20,86
Biting the Cage/tube
0,00
Lying
47,77
Running
0,00
Pulling out fur
0,40
Preparing the nest
3,10
-
The doe remained seated for the longest time (P< 0,05) during the periods of 00:0006:00h and 18:00-24:00h and licked herself with more frequency during the period of
06:00-12:00h.
Regarding the usage of the nesting chamber, the pregnant doe used it 3,10% of the time
to prepare the nest. It was observed that during the first labor, it happened out side of
the nest, a normal behavior at first labor (Ferreira et al., 2012). During the second, third
and fourth labor, the doe prepared the nest and gave birth in it. At 18 days the babies
started to leave the nest and showed preference for PVC tube.
The does preference for the platform was verified, since she remained there 45,57% of
the time, which shows the importance of a second plan (Hoy, 2008). The doe remained
15,10%, below the platform, 12,87% in the eating/drinking area 11,39% at the sides of
the cage, 7,45% in the toy reagion, 3,85% in the treat region and 0,66% inside the PVC
tube. The doe explored all the regions of the intelligent cage, maintaining the preference
for the elevated platform.
162
Conclusion
The way in which the Cage was built, helped the doe to get interested with the structure
as well as the environmental enrichment, being observed great variation of exploratory
behaviors. The doe visited all the places in the cage, showing higher preference for the
platform in the second plane (second floor). The nesting chamber was well prepared and
used by the doe. Other studies must be developed for better comprehension of the
behavior of the animals in these conditions.
References
Barros, T. F. M., Moura A. S. A. M. T., Fernandes S., Oliveira L. V. D., Siqueira E. R.
2012. Comportamento em bem estar de coelhos em gaiolas enriquecidas. In: Proc. 49th
Reunião Anual da SBZ, Brasília, Brasil, CD-Rom.
Ferreira W. M., Machado L. C., Jaruche Y. G., Carvalho G. G., Oliveira C. E. A., Souza
J. D. S., Caríssimo A. P. G. 2012. Manual Prático de Cunicultura,75p.
Gunn, D., Mortan, D. B. 1995. Inventory of the behaviour of New Zealand White
rabbits in labboratory cages. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 45: 277-292.
Heker, M. M.2013. Estimulação tátil em coelhos do grupo genético Botucatu e seus
efeitos no desempenho, temperamento e reprodução. Dissertação, Mestrado em
Zootecnia. Jaboticabal, 97p.
Hoy, St. 2008. Guidelines for minimum standards on rabbit housing in Germany. In:
Proc. 9th World Rabbit Congress, Verona, Ilaty, 1183-1188.
INFLUENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT,
COMPOSITION OF THE SOCIAL GROUP AND AGE ON
MAINTENANCE AND COMFORT BEHAVIORS IN GROWING
RABBITS
ANA SILVIA AMT MOURA, THAIS FM BOZICOVICH, SIMONE
FERNANDES, EDSON R DE SIQUEIRA
Departamento de Produção Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, UNESP,
CEP: 18618-970, Botucatu, SP, Brasil (Financial support: FAPESP and CNPq)
Abstract
The objective was to investigate if an environmental enrichment and the composition of
social group would affect the frequency of maintenance and comfort behaviors in
growing rabbits. The experiment was initiated at weaning with five weeks and finished
at 11 weeks of age, involving 144 rabbits from the Botucatu genetic group, 72 males
and 72 females. The animals were assigned to a completely randomized design, in a 2 x
3 factorial arrangement (with or without cage enrichment and three compositions of
social groups – males, females, or mixed genders) with repeated measures (weeks) and
four replicates. Stocking density was six rabbits per cage (0.48 m2). Two eucalyptus
sticks were hanged to the cage ceiling in enriched cages. Six cameras were used for
image recording during 24 h, once a week, on weeks 7, 10 and 11. The behavioral
activities were “feeding” (eating or drinking), “resting” (sitting, lying or sleeping) and
“grooming” (licking, scratching or nibbling of the body). Cages were scanned once
every 20 minutes for registration of these behaviors. The numbers of occurrences per
day were summed up on a cage basis. A social group x age interaction effect was found
on feeding: on week 7, female groups showed higher frequency of feeding behavior
than male and mixed groups; this difference disappeared on weeks 10 and 11.
164
An enrichment x age interaction effect was found on grooming: on weeks 10 and 11
rabbits in enriched cages showed lower frequency of grooming, but this difference was
absent on week 7. As age progressed, feeding decreased and grooming increased.
Resting was more frequent on week 10 than on weeks 7 and 11. Environmental
enrichment and composition of the social group changed maintenance and comfort
behaviors in growing rabbits.
Keywords: behavior, environmental enrichment, feeding, grooming, resting, welfare
INFLUENCIA DE ENRIQUECIMIENTO AMBIENTAL,
COMPOSICIÓN DEL GRUPO SOCIAL Y EDAD EN LAS CONDUCTAS
DE MANTENIMIENTO Y CONFORT EN CONEJOS EN
CRECIMIENTO
ANA SILVIA AMT MOURA, THAIS FM BOZICOVICH, SIMONE
FERNANDES, EDSON R DE SIQUEIRA
CEP: 18618-970, Botucatu, SP, Brasil (Financial support: FAPESP and CNPq)
Resumen
El objetivo fue investigar si un enriquecimiento ambiental y la composición del grupo
social afectarían la frecuencia de las conductas de mantenimiento y confort en conejos
en crecimiento. El experimento se inició en el destete con cinco semanas y terminó a las
11 semanas de edad, con la participación de 144 conejos del grupo genético Botucatu,
72 machos y 72 hembras. Los animales fueron asignados a un diseño completamente al
azar, en un arreglo factorial 2 x 3 (con o sin enriquecimiento jaula y tres composiciones
de grupos sociales – machos, hembras o grupos mixtos) con medidas repetidas
(semanas) y cuatro repeticiones. La densidad de población era de seis conejos por jaula
(0,48 m2). Dos palos de eucalipto fueron colgados en el techo de la jaula en jaulas
enriquecidas. Seis cámaras se utilizaron para la grabación de imágenes durante 24 h,
una vez a la semana, en la semana 7, 10 y 11. Las actividades de comportamiento
fueron "alimentación" (comer o beber), de "reposo" (sentado, acostado o durmiendo) y
"acicalamiento" (lamer, arañar o mordisquear del cuerpo). Las jaulas fueron escaneadas
una vez cada 20 minutos para registro de estos comportamientos. El número de
apariciones por día fueron resumidos en forma de jaula. El efecto de interacción de un
grupo social por edad fue encontrado en la alimentación: en la semana 7, los grupos de
hembras mostraron una mayor frecuencia de la conducta alimentaria que los grupos
masculinos y mixtos; esta diferencia desapareció en las semanas 10 y 11. Un efecto de
interacción por edad debido al enriquecimiento fue encontrado en el aseo: en las
semanas 10 y 11 los conejos en jaulas enriquecidas mostraron una menor frecuencia de
arreglarse, pero esta diferencia estuvo ausente en la semana 7.
166
A medida que avanzaba la edad, la alimentación disminuyó y el acicalamiento aumentó
Descansar fue más frecuente en la semana 10 que en las semanas 7 y 11. El
enriquecimiento ambiental y composición del grupo social cambió las conductas de
mantenimiento y confort en los conejos en crecimiento.
Palabras clave: comportamiento, enriquecimiento ambiental, alimentación, aseo,
descanso, bienestar
EVALUATION OF ANXIETY OF GROWING RABBITS
IN ENRICHED CAGES
THAIS FM BOZICOVICH, PAMELA A GELIER, SIMONE FERNANDES,
EDSON R SIQUEIRA, ANA SILVIA AMT MOURA
CEP: 18618-970, Botucatu, SP, Brasil, (Financial support: FAPESP and CNPq)
Abstract
The level of adaptation of growing rabbits to housing and management conditions may
be evaluated through their behavioral response to reactivity tests, in which their reaction
to and fear of a new environment are assessed. This study aimed to evaluate the anxiety
of rabbits that had (or not) access to an enriched environment. A total of 32 male rabbits
from the Botucatu genetic group were involved from weaning at 35 days up to 79 days
of age. The animals were assigned to a completely randomized design with two
treatments (with or without access to environmental enrichment) and allocated to eight
wire cages, four animals per cage. Two eucalyptus sticks (15 x 3 x 3 cm) hanging from
the cage ceiling were used as enrichments. Anxiety-related (freezing) and locomotion
behaviors were evaluated using the elevated plus-maze, in which the animals were
allowed to explore two elevated open and two elevated closed arms. Two observations
of 5 min each, at 49 and 79 days of age, were carried out. At the beginning of the test,
each animal was placed in the center of the apparatus. The latency time to enter the
open and closed arms, the number of entries and the time spent in open and closed arms,
the frequency of head dipping and of standing up were registered. Growth performance
of animals was recorded from 35 to 77 days of age. On day 49, the latency to the first
open arm entry was shorter in animals from enriched cages. On day 79, the animals
from non-enriched cages stayed longer in the open arms and showed higher frequency
of head dipping than the animals in enriched cages. The animals in enriched cages, on
the other hand, stayed longer in the closed arms.
168
Feed conversion was poorer in enriched than in non-enriched cages (2.91±0.06 vs.
2.64±0.06, P=0.03), other performance traits (final weight, average daily gain and feed
consumption) did not differ between groups. The environmental enrichment had a
positive effect on the behavior of young rabbits by reducing their anxiety.
Keywords: behavior, elevated plus maze, environmental enrichment, performance,
welfare
EVALUACIÓN DE LA ANSIEDAD EN CONEJOS EN CRECIMIENTO
EN JAULAS ENRIQUECIDAS
THAIS FM BOZICOVICH, PAMELA A GELIER, SIMONE FERNANDES,
EDSON R SIQUEIRA, ANA SILVIA AMT MOURA
CEP: 18618-970, Botucatu, SP, Brasil, (Financial support: FAPESP and CNPq)
Resumen
El nivel de adaptación de la crianza de conejos a las condiciones de vivienda y de
gestión se puede evaluar a través de su respuesta conductual a pruebas de reactividad,
en el que su reacción ante y el miedo a un nuevo entorno se evalúan. Este estudio tuvo
como objetivo evaluar la ansiedad de conejos que tenían (o no) el acceso a un ambiente
enriquecido. Un total de 32 conejos machos del grupo genético Botucatu estuvieron
involucrados desde el destete a los 35 días hasta 79 días de edad. Los animales fueron
asignados a un diseño completamente al azar con dos tratamientos (con o sin acceso al
enriquecimiento ambiental) y asignado a ocho jaulas de alambre, cuatro animales por
jaula. Dos palos de eucalipto (15 x 3 x 3 cm) que cuelgan del techo jaula fueron
utilizados como enriquecimientos. Comportamientos relacionados con la ansiedad
(congelación) y locomoción se evaluaron utilizando el laberinto elevado, en el que se
permitió a los animales explorar dos laberintos elevados abiertos y dos elevados
cerrados. Dos observaciones de 5 min cada uno, en 49 y 79 días de edad, se llevaron a
cabo. Al comienzo de la prueba, cada animal fue colocado en el centro del aparato. El
tiempo de latencia para introducir los brazos abiertos y cerrados, el número de entradas
y el tiempo pasado con los brazos abiertos y cerrados, la frecuencia de mojar la cabeza y
de pie se registraron. El crecimiento de los animales se registró 35 a 77 días de edad. El
día 49, la latencia a la primera entrada con brazos abiertos fue menor en los animales de
las jaulas enriquecidas. En el día 79, los animales de las jaulas no enriquecidas
permanecieron más tiempo con los brazos abiertos y mostraron una mayor frecuencia de
inmersión cabeza que los animales en jaulas acondicionadas. Los animales en jaulas
acondicionadas, por otro lado, se quedaron más tiempo con los brazos cerrados.
170
La conversión alimenticia fue peor en jaulas enriquecidas que en jaulas no enriquecidas
(2,91 ± 0,06 vs. 2,64 ± 0,06, p = 0,03), otros rasgos de comportamiento (peso final,
ganancia diaria de peso y consumo de alimento) no difirió entre los grupos. El
enriquecimiento ambiental tuvo un efecto positivo en el comportamiento de los gazapos
al reducir su ansiedad.
Palabras clave: comportamiento, laberinto más elevado, enriquecimiento ambiental,
rendimiento, bienestar
PERFORMANCE OF RABBITS BORN IN NESTS LINED WITH
DIFFERENT MATERIALS
OLIVEIRA MC, SILVA TR, LIMA SCO*, SILVA JA, MESQUITA SA,
MACHADO LA, OLIVEIRA JC, OLIVEIRA ES
Brazil.
Brazil.
*
Abstract
Wood shavings is the most used material for nest bedding, however, it had become
scarce in some regions, resulting in a need for studies about alternative materials for
nest bedding. Since the rabbits born in an immature state and with a low
thermoregulatory ability, the comfort and the body temperature maintenance are related
to the quality of the material placed in the nest, and it will interfere on the kit survival
during the lactation period. Due the lack of information about the different materials use
as bedding nest, this study was carried out to evaluate the performance of kits reared in
nests lined with different materials, since the birth until the weaning. Thirty rabbit does
were used in a randomized block design, with three treatments and ten replicates each.
The treatments consisted of the nest lining with wood shaving (280 g), Tifton hay (220
g) and chopped newspaper (200 g). Body weight, daily weight gain and survival rate
were weekly evaluated from the birth to the weaning. There was no effect (P>0.05) of
the material type used as nest bedding on the body weight, daily weight gain and
survival rate. It suggest that both, Tifton hay and chopped newspaper, may be used for
replacing the wood shavings for bedding nest, by offering similar comfort to the kits,
from birth up to their weaning.
172
The survival rate was not affected (P>0.05) by the treatments, but it was observed that
the mortality occurred until the third week of life in the nests lined with wood shavings
and Tifton hay, and until the second week of life in the nests lined with chopped
newspaper, possibly because the chopped newspaper provided a more comfortable and
warmer environment for the kits. It was concluded that the Tifton hay and the chopped
newspaper may be used replacing the wood shaving with no negative effect on the litter
performance.
Keywords: building nest, doe in lactation, kit growth
DESEMPEÑO DE LOS CONEJOS NACIDOS EN NIDOS CON
DIFERENTES MATERIALES DE CAMA
OLIVEIRA MC1, SILVA TR1, LIMA SCO1*, SILVA JA1, MESQUITA SA1,
MACHADO LA1, OLIVEIRA JC2, OLIVEIRA ES1
Brazil.
Brazil.
*
Resumen
La viruta de madera es el material más utilizado como material de cama para los nidos,
sin embargo, en algunas regiones se escasea, resultando en la necesidad de estudiar
materiales alternativos para la cama de los nidos. Dado que los conejos nacen en un
estado inmaduro y con una baja habilidad para la termorregulación, la comodidad y el
mantenimiento de la temperatura están relacionados con la calidad del material
colocado en el nido, y tendrá influencia sobre la sobrevivencia de los gazapos durante el
periodo de lactancia. Debido a la falta de información acerca de los diferentes
materiales utilizados para la cama de los nidos, este estudio fue realizado para evaluar el
desempeño de los gazapos criados en nidos con camas de diferentes materiales, desde el
nacimiento hasta el destete. Se utilizaron treinta conejas en un diseño de bloques al azar,
con tres tratamientos y diez repeticiones cada uno. Los tratamientos consistieron en
proporcionar el material de cama para nidos con viruta (280 g), heno Tifton (220 g) y
periódico picado (200 g). El peso corporal, ganancia diaria de peso y tasa de
sobrevivencia fueron evaluadas semanalmente desde el nacimiento al destete. No hubo
efecto (P> 0,05) del tipo de material utilizado como cama para el nido sobre el peso
corporal, ganancia diaria de peso y el índice de supervivencia. Se sugiere que ambos,
heno Tifton y periódico picado, se pueden utilizar para sustituir las virutas de madera
para cama del nido, ofreciendo comodidad similar a los gazapos, desde su nacimiento
hasta su destete.
174
La tasa de supervivencia no se vio afectado (P> 0,05) por los tratamientos, pero se
observó que la mortalidad se produjo hasta la tercera semana de vida en los nidos
alineados con virutas de madera y heno Tifton, y hasta la segunda semana de vida en los
nidos forrados con
periódico picado, posiblemente porque el periódico picado
proporciona un entorno más cómodo y cálido para los gazapos. Se concluyó que el heno
Tifton y el periódico picado se pueden utilizar en sustitución de la viruta de madera sin
ningún efecto negativo en el rendimiento de la camada.
Palabras clave: la construcción del nido, conejas en lactancia, gazapos en crecimiento.
ANALISYS OF SEASON EFFECTS ON WEIGHT GAIN
ON MEAT RABBITS
1
CORDIVIOLA CA*, 1CALONGE FS, 1TRIGO MS, 1ARIAS RO,
3
MARTINO P, 2ANTONINI AG
1. Introducción a la Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales,
Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Calle 60 y 119, La Plata. Argentina
2. Instituto de Genética Veterinaria. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad Nacional de La Plata.
Argentina. Calle 60 y 119, La Plata. Argentina.
3. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Calle 60 y 119. La Plata. Argentina.
Abstract
Rabbit production is highly influenced by weather conditions (Cabrero Saenz et al.,
1982). Production parameters such as milk production and reproductive efficiency are
often affected. (Baltazar, 2012; Cordiviola et al, 2014). The aim of this research was to
evaluate weather factors upon meat rabbit performance. In this study, parameters as
weight and age in days for slaughter were analyzed, including temperature measures,
averaged temperature, maximum and minimum and relative humidity. Data was
analyzed by statistical analysis (ANOVA) and simple regression of temperatures. Also,
comparisons of correlation coefficient of temperatures were made. Moreover, months
were separated by average temperature according to rabbit comfort temperature in
hyperthermic (> 20°C), isothermal (18°C-20°C) and hypothermic (<20°C) and analyzed
by ANOVA. This month separation was determinate according to Cervera et al, 1998.
Data was recorded at experimental barn of rabbit breeding in Facultad de Ciencias
Agrarias y Forestales of Universidad Nacional de La Plata, recording 920 newborn and
slaughtered rabbits in one year, mix of breeding between Californian and New Zealand
crosses. Weather data was provided by climatic station situated in experimental field
“Julio Hirschhorn” of Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales of Universidad
Nacional de La Plata, located 10 kilometers away from experimental barn. Results
indicated that average temperature was the most influential than minimum and
maximum temperature; relative humidity was not influential. Besides, isothermal and
hypothermic months not revealed significant differences. Nonetheless, hyperthermic
months revealed significant differences.
176
This study proved that rabbit production is most influenced by weather factors as heat
rather than frosting environments. Also, relative humidity resulted not influential due to
averaged values and the absence of epidermal diseases. This results are according to
local weather conditions in this region (Lat. 34º54’31,09’’S Long. 57º55’56,37’’W).
Keywords: weather, days to slaughter, averaged temperature, rabbit breeding.
ANALISIS DE LOS EFECTOS ESTACIONALES SOBRE LA GANANCIA
DE PESO EN CONEJOS DE CARNE
1
CORDIVIOLA CA*, 1CALONGE FS, 1TRIGO MS, 1ARIAS RO,
3
MARTINO P, 2ANTONINI AG
1. Introducción a la Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales,
Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Calle 60 y 119, La Plata. Argentina
2. Instituto de Genética Veterinaria. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad Nacional de La Plata.
Argentina. Calle 60 y 119, La Plata. Argentina.
3. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Calle 60 y 119. La Plata. Argentina.
Resumen
La producción de conejos está muy influenciada por las condiciones climáticas (Cabrero
Sáenz et al., 1982). Los parámetros de producción, tales como la producción de leche y
la eficiencia reproductiva son a menudo afectadas. (Baltazar, 2012; Cordiviola et al,
2014). El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el efecto de los factores climáticos
sobre la producción de carne de conejo. En este estudio, se analizaron parámetros como
el peso y la edad en días al sacrificio, incluidas las medidas de temperatura, la
temperatura promedio, máxima y mínima, y humedad relativa. Los datos se analizaron
mediante un análisis estadístico (ANOVA) y la temperatura por regresión simple.
Además, se hicieron comparaciones del coeficiente de correlación de las temperaturas.
Por otra parte, se separaron los meses por la temperatura media, de acuerdo a la
temperatura de confort para el conejo en hipertérmica (> 20 ° C), isotérmica (18 ° C-20
° C) y con hipotermia (<20 ° C) y se analizaron mediante ANOVA. Esta separación por
mes fue determinada de acuerdo a Cervera et al, 1998. Los datos se registraron en la
granja experimental de cría de conejos de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales
de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata, registrando 920 conejos recién nacidos y
sacrificados en un año, crías de la cruza entre California y Nueva Zelanda. Los datos del
clima fueron proporcionados por la estación climática situada en el campo experimental
"Julio Hirschhorn" de Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales de la Universidad
Nacional de La Plata, ubicado a 10 kilómetros de distancia de la granja experimental.
Los resultados indicaron que la temperatura media fue más influyente que la
temperatura mínima y máxima; la humedad relativa no era influyente.
178
Además, los meses isotérmicos e hipotermicos no revelaron diferencias significativas.
Sin embargo, meses de hipertermia revelaron diferencias significativas. Este estudio
demostró que la producción de conejo está más influenciada por factores
meteorológicos en forma de calor en lugar de ambientes que hielan. Además, la
humedad relativa no resultó influyente debido a los valores promedio y la ausencia de
enfermedades epidérmicas. Estos resultados están de acuerdo con las condiciones
climáticas locales en esta región (Lat. 34º54’31,09’’S Long. 57º55’56,37’’W).
Palabras clave: clima, días al sacrificio, temperatura promedio, cría de conejos.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS FOR BED OF NEST TO
PREGNANT DOES ON THE NEST BUILDING PATTERN
OLIVEIRA MC1, LIMA SCO1*, SILVA TR1, SILVA JA1, MESQUITA SA1,
Brazil. E-mail:
Brazil.
*
Abstract
This research was carried out to evaluate the effect of different bedding nest materials
for pregnant does on the nest building pattern. Thirty does were used in a randomized
block design with three treatments and 10 replicates each. Treatments consisted of the
nest lined with wood shavings (280 g), Tifton hay (220 g) or chopped newspaper (200
g). The nests were put inside the cage three days before the birth and were taken out at
20 days after the birth. The evaluation of the nest status consisted of qualitative
analysis, being the mixture level of the material with the fur, the presence of fur in the
nest and the preservation of the original material put inside initially. These observations
finished at the birth day. Data were submitted to the Spearman correlation, on which
was applied the t test at 5% of probability. Correlations between fur presence, mixture
level of fur and material, and amount of material present in the nest at the birth were not
significant (P>0.05). Since there was no correlation among the used materials and the
fur amount, mixture and material amount in the nest, it is possible to infer that there was
no difference for the rabbit doe in relation to the comfort obtained with the used
materials.
180
There was not a significant correlation (P>0.05) between material type and total born
number, what was already expected, however there was a correlation between fur
presence in the nest and mixture level (P<0.001) and between mixture level and amount
of material in the nest at the birth (P<0.05) ), what means the higher the fur amount in
the nest, the more mixture level with the material placed previously and, in the nests
where the rabbit does took the higher material amount out, the doe also placed a higher
fur amount, possibly to maintain the comfort in the nest. It was concluded that Tifton
hay and chopped newspaper may be used as nest bedding for pregnant does replacing
the wood shavings with no negative effect on the nest building pattern.
Keywords: doe behavior, nest for does, rabbit production
EFECTO DE DIFERENTES MATERIALES PARA LA CAMA
DEL NIDO DE CONEJAS GESTANTES SOBRE EL PATRON DE
CONSTRUCCIÓN DEL NIDO
OLIVEIRA MC1, LIMA SCO1*, SILVA TR1, SILVA JA1, MESQUITA SA1,
Brazil. E-mail:
Brazil.
*
Resumen
Esta investigación se llevó a cabo para evaluar el efecto de diferentes materiales de para
cama de nidos para hembras gestantes sobre el patrón de la construcción del nido.
Treinta conejas fueron utilizadas en un diseño de bloques al azar con tres tratamientos y
10 repeticiones cada uno. Los tratamientos consistieron en el nido forrado con virutas
de madera (280 g), heno Tifton (220 g) o periódico picado (200 g). Los nidos fueron
puestos dentro de la jaula tres días antes del nacimiento y se sacaron a los 20 días
después del nacimiento. La evaluación del estado de nido consistió en el análisis
cualitativo, siendo el nivel de mezcla del material con pelo, la presencia de pelo en el
nido y la preservación del material original puesto dentro inicialmente. Estas
observaciones terminaron en el día del nacimiento. Los datos fueron sometidos a la
correlación de Spearman, en la que se aplicó la prueba t con el 5% de probabilidad. Las
correlaciones entre la presencia de pelo, nivel de mezcla de pelo y material, y la
cantidad de material presente en el nido en el nacimiento no fueron significativas (P>
0,05). Puesto que no había correlación entre los materiales utilizados y la cantidad de
pelo, mezcla y la cantidad de material en el nido, es posible inferir que no había ninguna
diferencia para la coneja en relación con el confort obtenido con los materiales
utilizados.
182
No hubo correlación significativa (P> 0,05) entre el tipo de material y número total de
nacidos, lo que ya se esperaba, sin embargo, hubo correlación entre la presencia de pelo
en el nido y el nivel de la mezcla (P <0,001) y entre el nivel de mezcla y la cantidad de
material en el nido al nacimiento (P <0,05), lo que significa que cuanto mayor sea la
cantidad de pelo en el nido, mayor fue la mezcla con el material colocado previamente
y, en los nidos donde la coneja sacó una mayor cantidad de material, la coneja también
colocó una mayor cantidad de pelo, posiblemente para mantener la comodidad en el
nido. Se concluyó que el heno Tifton y el periódico picado se pueden usar como cama
para el nido de las conejas gestantes, en sustitución de las virutas de madera sin ningún
efecto negativo en el patrón de la construcción del nido.
Palabras clave: comportamiento de la hembra, nido para coneja, producción de conejos
GENÉTICA
GENETICS
184
PERFORMANCE OF NEW ZEALAND WHITE, CALIFORNIAN,
CHINCHILLA AND BLACK AZTEC RABBITS AT THE CENTRO
NACIONAL DE CUNICULTURA, MEXICO
MAGAÑA RJJ1, GUERRERO CEM1, ALBERTOS APJ 1, MENDOZA CM1,
MARTÍNEZ YR1, 3, PARADA HR2.
1. Departamento de Agronomía, División de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad de Guanajuato.
2. Centro Nacional de Cunicultura, México.
Abstract
At the Centro Nacional de Cunicultura (CNC, México) post weaning growth was
evaluated comparatively. According to CNC managers, no new breeder animals have
been introduced in the last 20 years, mainly as a result of sanitary barriers. Therefore, it
is important to conduct performance evaluations of their animals. The evaluated breeds
were New Zealand White, Californian, Chinchilla and Black Aztec; the evaluations
were conducted at CNC, Mexico’s premises. A total of 240 just weaned rabbits (35 d)
were used, 60 rabbits per breed, 50 % females and 50 % males, which were individually
tattooed for identification, all were kept in cages (90 x 60 cm, 6 specimens per cage).
Daily (9:00 am), a kilogram of commercial rabbit feed was supplied. All animals were
weighed weekly and slaughtered at 70 days of age. Weaning weight, weight at 70 d,
feed efficiency, feed intake and specific growth rate (SGR) were evaluated. The values
of weaning weight in Black Aztec, New Zealand White, Californian and Chinchilla
breeds the means ± SE were 0.831, 0.815, 0.749 and 0.697 ± 0.002, respectively. For
weight at 70 days 1.598 ± 0.024, 1.800 ± 0.023, 1.801 ± 0.023 and 1.776 ± 0.025 kg,
respectively. The means for feed efficiency were 0.271 ± 0.006, 0.289 ± 0.006, 0.315 ±
0.007 and 0.315 ± 0.007 kg gain / kg feed, respectively. For the variable SGR 2.00 ±
0.05, 2.32 ± 0.05, 2.45 ± 0.04 and 2.53 ± 0.05 % animal per day following the breeds
order mentioned above. Chinchilla breed can still be considered a dual purpose breed.
We cannot rule out the Black Aztec breed for meat production, and further research on
productive behavior is needed.
Keywords: Initial weight, final weight, feed efficiency.
186
CRECIMIENTO POST-DESTETE DE LAS RAZAS NUEVA ZELANDA,
Resumen
En el Centro Nacional de Cunicultura y Especies Menores (CNCG, México) se evaluó
de forma comparativa el crecimiento posdestete de los animales del mismo CNCG. De
acuerdo a los directivos CNCG, desde hace 20 años no se han introducido nuevos
animales como reproductores, esto como resultado principalmente de los cercos
sanitarios que se han presentado en los últimos años. Por lo cual, es importante realizar
evaluaciones del performance de los animales. Las razas evaluadas fueron Nueva
Zelanda variedad blanco, California, Chinchilla y Azteca Negro y fue realizado en las
instalaciones del CNCG. Se utilizaron 240 gazapos destetados (35 d), 60 gazapos por
cada raza, 50% hembras y 50% machos, los cuales, fueron tatuados e identificados
individualmente, fueron alojados en jaulas tipo tradicional americano (6 especímenes
por jaula). Diariamente (9:00 am), fue suministrado un kilogramo de alimento comercial
específico para la especie. Los animales fueron pesados semanalmente y sacrificados a
los 70 días de edad. Se evaluó peso al destete, peso a los 70 d, la eficiencia alimenticia,
el consumo de alimento y la tasa específica de crecimiento (TEC). Los valores de peso
al destete en las razas Azteca Negro, Nueva Zelanda, California y Chinchilla las medias
± EE fueron 0.831, 0.815, 0.749 y 0.697 ± 0.002, respectivamente. Para el peso a los 70
días 1.598 ± 0.024, 1.800 ±0.023, 1.801 ± 0.023 y 1.776 ± 0.025 g, respectivamente. La
eficiencia alimenticia las medias fueron 0.271 ±0.006, 0.289 ± 0.006, 0.315 ± 0.007 y
0.315 ± 0.007 g, respectivamente. Para la variable TEC 2.00 ±0.05, 2.32 ±0.05, 2.45 ±
0.04 y 2.53 ± 0.05 % animal día, siguiendo el orden de razas mencionado anteriormente.
La raza Chinchilla se puede seguir considerando una raza de doble propósito. No se
puede descartar a la raza Azteca Negro para la producción de carne, y es necesario
nuevas investigaciones sobre su comportamiento productivo.
Palabras Clave: Peso Inicial, Peso Final, Eficiencia Alimenticia.
188
Introduction
At the Centro Nacional de Cunicultura (CNC) post weaning growth and carcass yield
for hybrid animals have been previously comparatively evaluated in animals obtained
from the CNC (Puón, 2013; Zúñiga, 2009), currently, it has been decided to produce
only pure breeds. According to the directors of the CNC, no new breeder animals have
been introduced for 20 years, as a result of sanitary barriers that have arisen in recent
years for importing animals (Ruiz, 1993); this suggests the need for new assessments to
determine if it has emerged in improving of the CNC animals. The breeds that are
counted are New Zealand White (NZ), Californian (Ca), Chinchilla (Ch), Azteca Black
(AN), English Spot and Rex, being the subject of this work the first four breeds.
Materials
This experiment was conducted at the CNC premises located on the Irapuato-Salamanca
road Km 4, Colonia Rafael Galván in the city of Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico. A total
of 240 just weaned rabbits 5 weeks old, 60 rabbits per breed (50% female and 50%
male) were used. All of them were kept in galvanized cages (60 x 90 cm).
Methodology
All rabbits were individually tattooed for identification, and kept 6 specimens per cage.
Daily (9:00 am), 1 kg of commercial rabbit feed was supplied per cage (88% Dry
Matter, Crude Protein 16%, Crude Fat 2% Crude Fiber 15% and 13% ash), removing
the following morning the remnant and providing again one kg of fresh feed. Water was
provided ad libitium. Initial weight, gain weight, total feed intake (TFI), feed efficiency
(FE= net weight gain / consumed feed) and specific growth rate (SGR (% animal day-1)
= [(LnPh2-LnPh1) / t] * 100 (where: Ph2 and Ph1 are final weight and initial weight of
each rabbit, Ln is the natural logarithm and t is the number of days in the experimental
period) were all evaluated. All animals were weighed weekly and slaughtered at 70 days
of age. Final weight, hot carcass weight (considering a hot carcass weight as the carcass
weighed immediately after the skinned and eviscerated processes), cold carcass weight
(considering cold carcass as the carcass after the washing and cutting processes 1 hour
post-slaughter) were evaluated.
Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, after review of homogeneity of variances
and the difference between means with a Tukey test. Data are shown as means ± SE.
Results y Discussion
Weaning weight in NZ breed showed a weight of 0.815 ± 0.002 and 0.831 ± 0.002 kg
AN showing a similar behavior between these two breeds, Ca and Ch breeds showed a
weight of 0.749 ± 0.002 and 0.697 ± 0.002 kg, respectively, these weights are higher
than those reported by Ponce 2002 for Ca, Ch & NZ breeds with a weaning weight of
0.536, 0.559 and 0.570 kg, respectively. Compared to a study conducted by Zuñiga
(2009), in the same CNC, the Ca and AN breeds have increased weaning weights, the
NZ breed held a similar behavior and Ch breed showed that there is no improvement.
For weight at 70 days, the Ca breed obtained a value of 1.801 ± 0.023 kg which is
higher than Zuñiga (2009), NZ breed followed with 1,800 ± 0.023 kg, Ch breed
obtained 1.776 ± 0.025 kg and 1.598 ± 0.024 kg by the AN breed with the lower weight
value. NZ breed showed a lower value than the existing in 2009, however, for Ca and
AN breeds an improvement in is observed at 70d weight. The initial weight and final
weight values are lower in all breeds compared with the Egypt V-line rabbit used by
Elmaghraby (2011), however, we should consider the genetic improvement developed
in this line. CTA was higher in the NZ bred with 3497.27 ± 81.5953 g followed by Ca
breed with 3235.55 ± 101.031, Ch 3146.88 ± 63,281 g and AN with 3095.93 ± 68,792
g. FE for Ca and Ch breeds shown to be more efficient with 0.315 ± 0.007 kg both
races, the NZ and AN breeds showed an efficiency of 0.289± 0.006 kg and 0.271
±0.006 kg respectively. The SGR was higher in Ch breed with 2.53 ± 0.05% followed
by the NZ breed with 2.32 ± 0.05% for Ca breed the value was 2.45 ± 0.04% and for
AN was 2.00 ± 0.05% animal day-1.
Conclusion
For productive indicators FE and SGR Ch race scored the highest values so we could
see that this breed can still be considered dual purpose (skin and meat). AN breed could
not be dismissed as meat producer, and further research on productive behavior is
needed.
190
Bibliography
Sciences 5 (2): 136-144
Ponce de León R., Guzmán G., Pubillones O., García J., Mora M. 2002.
Comportamiento de razas de conejos importadas. Evaluación del crecimiento
posdestete. Revista cubana de Ciencia Agrícola, Vol. 36, núm. 4, 2002, pp.323-329.
Puón Peláez X.D. 2012: Comparación de la calidad de la carne de conejos híbridos de
las razas Nueva Zelanda variedad Blanco, Chinchilla y California. Tesis de licenciatura.
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México: 3-4.
Ruiz Lang, G. 1993. Aparición de la enfermedad vírica hemorrágica en México y su
erradicación (EHVC), Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona. 240-242 En línea,
Recuperado:
25
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marzo
del
2013.
http://ddd.uab.cat/pub/cunicultura/cunicultura_a1993m8v18n104/cunicultura_a1993m8
v18n104p240.pdf
Zúñiga Muñoz A.M. 2009. Estimación de algunos efectos genéticos en el conejo
doméstico presentes al realizar un cruzamiento dialélico completo de cuatro razas. Tesis
de Licenciatura. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México: 2-12
CRECIMIENTO POSTDESTETE DE LAS RAZAS NUEVA ZELANDA,
Introducción
En el Centro Nacional de Cunicultura y Especies Menores (CNCG, México) se ha
evaluado de forma comparativa el crecimiento posdestete y rendimiento a la canal de
animales híbridos obtenidos del CNCG. De acuerdo a los directivos CNCG, desde hace
20 años no se han introducido nuevos animales como reproductores, esto como
resultado principalmente de los cercos sanitarios que se han presentado en los últimos
años para la exportación de animales. Esto sugiere la necesidad de realizar nuevas
evaluaciones para determinar si se ha trascendido en el mejoramiento de los animales
del CNCG, las razas con las que se cuentan son Nueva Zelanda variedad blanco (NZ),
California (Ca), Chinchilla (Ch), Azteca Negro (AN), Mariposa y Rex, siendo objeto de
evaluación de este trabajo las cuatro primeras razas. Por su composición, el consumo de
carne de conejo juega un papel importante en el control de enfermedades
cardiovasculares y crónicas debido a que en comparación con otras especies contiene
menos colesterol y altos niveles de proteínas con aminoácidos esenciales (Dalle, 2011;
Martínez, 2004), debido a la creciente demanda de alimentos que mejoren la calidad de
vida, que contengan baja cantidad de colesterol y altos niveles de proteína, el conejo es
una excelente opción, debido a esto es necesario evaluar las razas para identificar cual
nos aporta mayor cantidad de carne en el menor tiempo posible, con máximas ganancias
de peso y alto rendimiento a la canal (Flores, 2013).
Material
El presente experimento se realizó en las instalaciones del CNCG, ubicado en la
carretera Irapuato-Salamanca Km. 4 Colonia Rafael Galván, en la ciudad de Irapuato,
Guanajuato, México. Se utilizaron 240 gazapos de 5 semanas de edad, 60 gazapos por
cada raza (50% hembras y 50% machos). Se utilizaron jaulas galvanizadas tipo
tradicional americano (60 x 90 cm).
192
Metodología
Los conejos fueron tatuados e identificados individualmente, y alojados a razón de 6
especímenes por jaula. Diariamente (9:00 am), fue suministrado un kg de alimento
comercial específico para la especie (Materia Seca 88%, Proteína Cruda 16%, Grasa
Cruda 2%, Fibra Cruda 15% y Cenizas 13%) por jaula, retirándose al día siguiente el
remanente y suministrando nuevamente un kg de alimento nuevo. El agua se
proporcionó ad libitium. Los animales fueron matados de forma humanitaria, siendo
insensibilizados con choque eléctrico. Se evaluó peso final (70 días de engorda),
rendimiento de canal, peso canal caliente, peso del hígado y troceado (miembros
anteriores, miembros posteriores, lomo y cabeza). Los datos fueron analizados por
medio de un ANOVA de una vía, previa revisión de homogeneidad de varianzas y la
diferencia entre medias con una prueba de Tukey.
Resultados y Discusión
Para el peso a los 70 días, la raza Ca obtuvo un valor de 1.801 ± 0.023 kg el cual es
superior a lo reportado por Zuñiga (2009), seguido por la raza NZ con 1.800 ±0.023 kg,
la raza Ch obtuvo 1.776 ± 0.025 y la AN 1.598 ± 0.024 kg fue la raza con menor peso.
La raza NZ mostró un valor inferior al existente en 2009, sin embargo, para las razas Ca
y AN se observa una mejora en el peso a los 70 d. El valor de peso final es inferior en
todas las razas comparadas, con la Linea V egypt utilizadas por Elmaghraby (2011), el
peso final no se puede considerar superior a las razas NZ y Ca ya que el peso es
considerado a los 77 d de edad mientras que en las razas del CNCG el peso al sacrificio
es a los 70 d. El rendimiento a la canal más alto fue de la raza NZ con un valor de 55.40
± 0.27 %, seguido de la raza Ch con 55.21 ± 0.27, AN 55.04 ± 0.24 siendo la del valor
más bajo Ca con 53.47 ± 0.24 %. En cuanto a la canal, la raza de mayor peso fue NZ
con 1025.27 ± 17.99 g, seguido de Ca con 946.22 ± 17.97 g, para Ch 921.63 ± 20.07 y
la AN 917.26 ± 15.31 g. La Ca a pesar de haber obtenido el valor más alto para peso a
los 70 d muestra un rendimiento a la canal inferior teniendo un rendimiento aproximado
al 53% cuando las otras razas independientemente del peso a los 70 d obtuvieron
rendimientos cercanos al 55%. En el despiece los miembros anteriores obtuvieron un
peso de 315.09 ± 5.04, 287.45 ± 6.43, 284.43 ± 5.39 y 284.40± 6.38 g y los valores de
miembros posteriores 359.09 ± 6.14, 326.66 ± 6.03, 320.66 ± 5.67 y 314.61 ±6.92 g
para NZ, Ca, AN y Ch, respectivamente. Para la parte de lomo los pesos fueron 265.00
± 5.71 g para NZ, 252.80 ± 5.74 g para Ca, para Ch 239.61 ± 6.12 g y para AN 235.56 ±
4.64 g. Para el peso de la cabeza el Ca presentó mayor peso con 142.89 ± 2.04 g,
seguido de NZ con 140.72 ± 1.96 g, para Ch 129.13 ± 2.17 g y AN 129.05 ± 1.93 g. En
un trabajo realizado por Flores (2013), en donde se utilizaron conejos híbridos
menciona datos que son superiores a los obtenidos en este trabajo, mostrando
rendimientos a la canal de 57.22% un peso para piernas de 373.66 ± 10.69 g. Destaca la
raza NZ debido a que presenta el % más alto para rendimiento a la canal y pesos para
troceado. La raza AN, a pesar de obtener un menor peso a los 70 d mostró un
rendimiento a la canal superior al 55% teniendo un comportamiento similar al de la raza
NZ y Ch. La raza Ca mostró en la parte de troceado un comportamiento inferior a la
raza NZ pero superior a las razas Ch y AN a pesar de tener un rendimiento a la canal
menor.
Conclusión
Es necesario seguir realizando investigación en la raza AN ya que mostró un buen
rendimiento a la canal a pesar de menor peso. Es posible que la raza Ca requiera un
cambio de dieta e investigar el efecto de ésta, probablemente se forme mayor cantidad
de vísceras, debido a las diferencias encontradas entre el rendimiento a la canal y su
peso a los 70 d.
Bibliografía
319-331
Sciences 5 (2): 136-144
194
DEVELOPMENT OF MOLECULAR TESTS FOR IDENTIFICATION
AND STUDY OF GENETIC DIVERSITY OF Eimeria spp., IN
RABBITS IN THE SOUTH EAST OF MEXICO STATE
1*
JÍMENEZ RA, 1*BAUTISTA GL, 2MARTINEZ CJ, 1GARCÍA RV,
3
ROMERO NC, 1 HUITRÓN TG
1. Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Biología Molecular y Genética. Universidad Autónoma del
Estado de México, Centro Universitario UAEM Amecameca. Licenciatura en Medicina
Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Carretera Amecameca-Ayapango km 2.5, Amecameca, CP. 56900,
Estado de México, México.
2. Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud
Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de
México, Toluca, C.P. 50090, Estado de México, México.
3. Clínica Veterinaria de Animales de Compañía. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México,
Centro Universitario UAEM Amecameca. Licenciatura en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia.
Carretera Amecameca-Ayapango km 2.5, Amecameca, CP. 56900, Estado de México, México.
*Corresponding author: [email protected]; [email protected]
Abstract
Poverty is one of the great challenges to be solved by the State, 47 % of the Mexican
population is in some degree of food poverty, capacity or equity, SEDESOL (2008)
mentions that more than 86% of the poor are in rural areas. Rabbitry is a livestock
activity that has been shown to be important in the last four decades, has established
itself as an alternative to solve problems of food and poverty in rural and suburban
society. Production of rabbit noted for its easy productive and reproductive
management, quality of derivative products and the beneficial characteristics of meat.
However, there are significant economic losses in the rabbit production, due to the
presence of infectious agents causing a great number of diseases, one of the most
important, Coccidioses are infections caused by obligatory intracellular protozoan
parasites belonging to the genus Eimeria and considered as major causes of significant
morbidity and mortality in rabbits. The eimeriosis has two presentations; hepatic and
intestinal infections caused by eleven species of Eimeria, of which only E. stiedae is
causing liver eimeriosis which causes stunted growth and loss of weight, the other
species are causing the eimeriosis in the intestinal manifestation , causing mortality
even with a low level of infestation.
196
The identification of each Eimeria species is characterized by morphological characters
and micrometer, however the implementation of more sensitive diagnostic methods that
allow us to timely and accurate identification of the agent is necessary, therefore, the
objective of this studied was to identify the species of Eimeria spp. present in the stool
samples of rabbits with enteric signology on the south east of the Mexico State,
sampling was performed in rabbits from one to three months old, that had not been
treated with coccidiostats, regardless of race, sex or type of unit rabbit production, a
total of 72 samples were collected and analyzed by microscopy, was obtained a 8.66 %
of samples positive for Eimeria spp , the collected samples were analyzed by means of
chain reaction (PCR ) using primers ITSF 5 ' GGGAAGTTGCGTAAATAGA 3' , ITSR
5 ' CTGCGTCCTTCATCGAT 3' ( Oliveira et al. , 2010 ) that amplify a fragment of
400-600 bp of the ITS1 region of Eimeria spp, whereby the percentage increase at 16.6
% , the molecular identification of Eimeria, identified the species found in positive
samples, finding E. stiedai, E. performans, E. magna, E. coecicola, E. flavescens and E.
exigua, the results obtained are of great importance because the literature reports E.
stiedai as the most pathogenic species that affects rabbits. It is noteworthy that the
phylogenetic analysis of the sequences obtained in this study show genetic diversity of
Eimeria species reported here as described worldwide.
Keywords: Eimeria spp , enteropathy , molecular diagnostics , genetic diversity.
DESARROLLO DE PRUEBAS MOLECULARES PARA LA
IDENTIFICACIÓN Y ESTUDIO DE LA DIVERSIDAD GENÉTICA DE
Eimeria spp., EN CONEJOS EN EL SURESTE DEL ESTADO DE
MEXICO
1*
JÍMENEZ RA, 1*BAUTISTA GL, 2MARTINEZ CJ, 1GARCÍA RV,
3
ROMERO NC, 1 HUITRÓN TG
Resumen
La pobreza es uno de los grandes retos a resolver por el Estado, el 47% de la población
mexicana se encuentra en algún grado de pobreza alimentaria, de capacidades o la
equidad, la SEDESOL (2008) menciona que más del 86% de los pobres están en las
zonas rurales. La cunicultura es una actividad ganadera que ha demostrado ser
importante en las últimas cuatro décadas, se ha consolidado como una alternativa para
resolver los problemas de la alimentación y la pobreza en la sociedad rural y suburbana.
La producción de conejo destaca por su fácil gestión productiva y reproductiva, calidad
de los productos derivados y las características beneficiosas de la carne. Sin embargo,
hay importantes pérdidas económicas en la producción de conejo, debido a la presencia
de agentes infecciosos que causan un gran número de enfermedades, uno de los más
importantes es la coccidiosis, son infecciones causadas por parásitos protozoarios
intracelulares obligatorios que pertenecen al género Eimeria y considerados como
importantes causas de morbilidad y mortalidad en conejos.
198
La eimeriosis tiene dos presentaciones; hepática e infecciones intestinales causadas por
once especies de Eimeria, de los cuales sólo E. stiedae está causando eimeriosis en
hígado que provoca retraso en el crecimiento y la pérdida de peso, las demás especies
están causando la eimeriosis en la manifestación intestinal, causando mortalidad incluso
con un bajo nivel de infestación. La identificación de cada especie de Eimeria se
caracteriza por análisis morfológicos y micrómetricoso, sin embargo, es necesaria la
aplicación de métodos de diagnóstico más sensibles que nos permiten la identificación
oportuna y precisa del agente, por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudió fue identificar las
especies de Eimeria spp. presentes en las muestras de heces de conejos con signología
entérica en el sureste del Estado de México, el muestreo se realizó en conejos de uno a
tres meses de edad, que no habían sido tratados con coccidiostáticos, sin importar la
raza, el sexo o el tipo de producción de conejos en la unidad , se recogieron un total de
72 muestras y se analizaron por microscopía, se obtuvo un 8,66% de muestras positivas
para Eimeria spp, las muestras recogidas se analizaron por medio de la reacción en
cadena (PCR) utilizando cebadores ITSF 5 'GGGAAGTTGCGTAAATAGA 3', ITSR 5
'CTGCGTCCTTCATCGAT 3 '(Oliveira et al., 2010) que amplifican un fragmento de
400-600 pb de la región ITS1 de Eimeria spp, por lo que el porcentaje aumento en el
16,6%, en la identificación molecular de Eimeria, identificado a las especies
encontradas en las muestras positivas, se identificaron E. stiedai, E. performans, E.
magna, E. coecicola, E. flavescens y E. exigua, los resultados obtenidos son de gran
importancia debido a que los informes de la literatura señalan a E. stiedai como la
especie más patógena que afecta a los conejos. Es de destacar que el análisis
filogenético de las secuencias obtenidas en este estudio, muestran la diversidad genética
de las especies de Eimeria reportados aquí como se ha descrito en todo el mundo.
Palabras clave: Eimeria spp, enteropatía, diagnóstico molecular, diversidad genética
Introduction
Poverty is one of the great challenges to be solved by the State, the 47 % of the Mexican
mentions that more than 86% of the poor are in rural areas. The rabbit is a livestock
activity has been shown to be important in the last four decades, has established itself as
an alternative to solve problems of food and poverty in rural and suburban society.
Production of rabbit noted for its easy productive and reproductive management, quality
of derivative products and the beneficial characteristics of meat. However, there are
significant economic losses in the rabbit production, due to the presence of infectious
agents causing a great number of diseases, one of the most important, is the diarrhea,
where the Eimeria spp. are the major causative agent . In the rabbit, the eimeriosis has
two presentations; hepatic and intestinal infections caused by eleven species of Eimeria,
of which only E. stiedae is causing liver eimeriosis which causes stunted growth and
loss of weight, the other species are causing the eimeriosis in your intestinal
manifestation , causing mortality even with a low level of infestation. The identification
of each Eimeria species is characterized by morphological characters and micrometer,
however the implementation of more sensitive diagnostic methods that allow us to
timely and accurate identification of the agent is necessary, therefore, the objective of
this studied was to identify the species of Eimeria spp. present in the stool samples of
rabbits with enteric tables on the south east of the Mexico State.
Coproparasitoscopic study
Sampling was enhanced convenience in rabbits from one to three months old, which
had enteric cases of diarrhea and were not treated with coccidiostats, regardless of race,
sex or type of unit rabbit production in the period May to October 2013, with a total
sample of 72 rabbits. 40 grams of fresh feces were collected, taken under the rabbit
cages which were stored in bags duly identified polyethylene, were transported in a
cooler at 4 ° C, for immediate processing Amphitheatre Bachelor Centro Universitario
UAEM Amecameca. Mc Master technique (INIFAP, 2010) was used to detect
qualitatively and quantitatively, Eimeria spp oocysts present in the sample and the
results were expressed in oocysts per gram of faeces (OPG).
200
Molecular identification
The positive samples by coproparasitoscopic, was used for the extraction of total
genomic DNA directly from 200mg of the stool, using the Extraction Nucleic Acid
Isolation Norgen® Stool kit, according to manufacturer's instructions. To perform the
PCR, one fragment of the 400- 600bp from the ITS1 region, was amplified using the
primers;
ITSF
5'GGGAAGTTGCGTAAATAGA
3
',
ITSR
5'CTGCGTCCTTCATCGAT 3' (Oliveira et al. 2011). The amplified fragments were
purified with the kit Zymoclean Gel DNA Recovery TM® and sequenced to perform
phylogenetic analysis.
Results and Conclusion:
From the 72 samples collected, the 8.66% was positive by microscopy for Eimeria spp,
whereby by PCR the percentage increase at 16.6%. The molecular identification of
Eimeria species found in the positive samples, E. stiedai, E. performans, E. magna, E.
coecicola, E. flavescens and E. exigua, the results obtained are of great importance
because the literature reports as E. stiedai and E. magna, like the most pathogenic
species that attacks rabbits. It is noteworthy that the phylogenetic analysis of the
sequences show genetic diversity of Eimeria species obtained in this study, compared
by the worldwide reported.
MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION AND PHYLOGENETIC
ANALYSIS OF Pasteurella spp. IN RABBITS
FROM THE SOUTH EAST OF MEXICO STATE
1*
BAUTISTA GL, 1GARCÍA RV, 2MARTINEZ CJ, 3ROMERO NC,
1
JIMENEZ RA, 1REYNOSO UE, 1LOPEZ AUGADO AG, 1HUITRON TG
Abstract
One factor that affects the efficient development of rabbits in Mexico is the high
mortality rate in rabbit farms (SAGARPA, 2012). Pasteurella multocida is responsible
for the most economically important diseases in animals in both developed and
developing countries (Dziva, et al., 2008).
The objective of this study is to perform molecular identification and phylogenetic of
Pasteurella multocida on rabbits that present respiratory symptoms of all ages as well as
in apparently healthy individuals who are in the same units of rabbit production where
they are presenting respiratory symptoms. A total of 49 samples of rabbits were
collected for bacteriological procedures. Molecular identification was performed with a
commercial kit and amplification of Pasteurella multocida has been implemented by the
PCR.
Keywords: Pasteurella multocida, molecular diagnostics , genetic diversity.
202
IDENTIFICACIÓN MOLECULAR Y ANÁLISIS FILOGENÉTICO
DE Pasteurella spp. EN CONEJOS DEL
SURESTE DEL ESTADO DE MEXICO
1*
1
BAUTISTA GL, 1GARCÍA RV, 2MARTINEZ CJ, 3ROMERO NC,
JIMENEZ RA, 1REYNOSO UE, 1LOPEZ AUGADO AG, 1HUITRON TG
Resumen
Uno de los factores que afecta el desarrollo eficiente de la cunicultura en México es la
alta tasa de mortalidad en las granjas cunícolas (SAGARPA, 2012). Pasteurella
multocida
es responsable de la mayoría de las enfermedaedes de importancia
económica en los animales, tanto en los países desarrollados como en los países en vías
de desarrollo ( Dziva, et al., 2008).
El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar la
identificación molecular y la filogenia de Pasteurella multocida en conejos que
presentan signos respiratorios de todas las edades, así como en los individuos
aparentemente sanos que están presentes en las mismas unidades productivas
Palabras clave: Pasteurella multocida, diagnóstico molecular, diversidad genética.
Introduction
Poverty is one of the great challenges to be met by the State, that 47% of the Mexican
mentions that more than 86% of the poor are located in rural areas. The rabbit is a
livestock activity has been shown to be important in the past four decades, the business
has established itself as an alternative to solve food problems and poverty in rural and
suburban society. The production of rabbit noted for its productive and reproductive
easy handling, quality of derived products, the beneficial characteristics of meat and
integration and acceptance in markets (Garcia et al., 2005). One factor that affects the
efficient development of rabbits in Mexico is the high mortality rate in rabbit farms
(SAGARPA, 2012). Pasteurella multocida is responsible for the most economically
important diseases in animals in both developed and developing countries (Dziva, et al.,
2008). It is the most common pathogen reported in rabbits, lodges in the nasal cavity
causing rhinitis and chronic asymptomatic infections, resulting in a variety of clinical
manifestations including pneumonia, otitis media, conjunctivitis, abscesses, respiratory
tract infections and septicemia (De Long, 2012). As discussed above, the objective of
this study is to perform molecular identification and phylogenetic of Pasteurella
multocida on rabbits that present respiratory symptoms of all ages as well as in
apparently healthy individuals who are in the same units of rabbit production where
they are presenting respiratory symptoms.
Bacterial ID
The sampling was a convenience, in rabbits with respiratory clinical symptoms and
apparently healthy, who is housed in the same facilities and conditions of different units
of rabbit production in the south east of the State of Mexico. A total of 49 samples of
rabbits from Tlalmanalco Amecameca, Atlautla and Ozumba municipalities, were
collected from January to September 2013. Isolates have been recovered from nasal
passages, in live animals, and in the case of dead rabbits, the trachea and lungs was
recovered using sterile swabs.
204
Sampling was performed using swabs, these are placed in Stuart transport medium
(Difco-BBL) and maintained under refrigeration until analysis. Each swab is sown in
Petri dishes containing blood agar (Difco-BBL) with 5% whole sheep blood and
incubated at 37 ° C for 24 hours, then the routine bacteriological procedures for
isolation is used, including biochemical tests catalase, oxidase, indole, urease activity,
production of ornithine decarboxylase and carbohydrate fermentation.
Molecular identification
A colony from blood agar cultures (Difco-BBL) with 5% sheep whole blood and
incubated at 37 ° C for 24 hours. It was processed for extraction of DNA using the
Wizard ® Genomic DNA Purification Kit PROMEGA. A fragment of 520pb of hyaChyaD (access number AF067175) gene was amplified using the primers RGPMA6 and
RGPMA5 described by and Gautam, et al., 2004. The amplified fragments were
purified from gel and sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. Multiple sequence alignment
was performed using the MEGA 6 software(Tamura et al. 2007).
Results and Conclusion
The presence of Pasteurella multocida in 37% of the isolates were found. Of the 49
samples collected from rabbits of the Tlalmanalco, Ozumba, Amecameca and Atlautla
municipalities, 18 isolates corresponded to Pasteurella multocida. Other bacteria
identified in the sample were Manhemia haemolitica, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus,
Corynebacterium, and Bordetella bronchiseptica .
The program for amplification of Pasteurella multocida has been implemented by the
PCR technique, which seeks to determine from these 18 isolates of P. multocida rabbit,
The amplified fragments were purified from gel and sequenced for phylogenetic
analysis comparing the sequences obtained with the seven reported worldwide, from the
United States, Germany, Czech Republic and Australia, using the 6 MEGA software
(Tamura et al., 2007).
In Figure 1, is shown the phylogenetic tree constructed with the Neighbor Joining
method for the first two isolates sequenced. It can be seen that the strains isolated in this
region belong to capsular type A and are genetically closer to those reported for isolates
from pigs in the United States than those reported in other countries like Germany,
Czech Republic, Australia, however remain in an independent branch of the isolated
from other species. Suggesting the relative specificity of the bacteria host and those
variants in the State of Mexico, but it is necessary to enrich the tree to get a larger
number of sequences P multocida strains isolated in this study, order to confirm
whether the bacteria found maintain diversity to those reported to worldwide level. It is
important to highlight the genetic distance giP7 strain, also isolated from rabbit Czech
Republic. Which is of interest to know to implement prevention strategies has
considered strains to be included in the development of biological for use in cunícolas
units in the region under study.
Figure 1. Phylogenetic Three of Pasteurella multocida. GBP1 isolated Pasteurella multocida strain pig
US isolate GBP2 bovine Germany, United States giP3b strain without host reported, gigb4 isolate mouse
without the country reported, without strain giP5 host country or reported, GBP6 avian strain US giP7
rabbits strain isolated in the Czech Republic, giP8 turkey isolate US giP9 without host strain reported
from Australia, P10 strain isolated rabbit Mexico, P11 strain isolated rabbit Mexico.
gigbP4
giP5
giP3
gbP2
gbP6
giP7
giP8
giP9
P10
P11
gbP1
20
206
MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS OF ROTAVIRUS IN RABBITS,
IN THE SOUTH-EAST OF MEXICO STATE
1*
REYNOSO UE, 1GARCÍA RV, 2MARTINEZ CJ, 3ROMERO NC,
1
*LOPEZ-AGUADO AG, 1BAUTISTA GL
1. Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Diagnóstico Molecular y Genética. Universidad Autónoma del
Abstract
In our country, the Mexico State is the major rabbit production entity, has a 45,000
bellies (does) of inventory and here is produced about 2340 tons. Enteric diseases have
an important role in rabbit production, because they cause severe economic losses due
to mortality, growth depression and worsening of conversion index. Rotaviruses (RV)
are members of the Reoviridae family, are non-enveloped viruses with a segmented
double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genome, is considered the main cause of acute viral
gastroenteritis in different animals including rabbits. This agent is also a zoonotic
disease. Among all enteric pathogens in humans, Rotavirus is the leading cause of
severe acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide affect 95% of
children under 5 years of age and cause 453,000 infant deaths annually. Group A
rotavirus, Lapine strain (infecting rabbits), has been isolated by investigators in Europe,
Japan, and the United States, however there are no studies that identified molecularly
Lapine Rotavirus strain in our country, for this reason, in this study we develop a
molecular diagnostic of Rotavirus through the Reverse Polymerase Chain Reaction
(RT-PCR), which will allow genotyping of strains that infect rabbits meat producers in
the South-East of the State of Mexico.
208
The molecular diagnosis was carried out through the use of the VP6 primers (VP6-F
[sense]
5’
GACGGVGCRACTACATGGT
3’
and
VP6-R
[antisense]
5’
GTCCAATTCATNCCTGGTGG 3’) reported by Gómara., et al (2002). Viral RNA was
extracted using the GeneJET Viral DNA and RNA Purification kit of Thermo Scientific
according to the manufacturer’s instructions. As a positive control was used the
RotaTeq vaccine. Has been performed the standardization and has been achieved the
amplification of a 379pb region of VP6. The results show the presence of rotavirus in
rabbits in the study region. We provide the first data on rotavirus in rabbits in Mexico.
Data collected may contribute to avoiding economic loss, development of a vaccine and
will assist in the resolution of public health problems.
Keywords: Rotavirus, gastroenteritis, rabbits, zoonotic, molecular diagnostic,
genotyping.
DIAGNÓSTICO MOLECULAR DE ROTAVIRUS EN CONEJOS, EN EL
SURESTE DEL ESTADO DE MÉXICO
1*
REYNOSO UE, 1GARCÍA RV, 2MARTINEZ CJ, 3ROMERO NC,
1
*LOPEZ-AGUADO AG, 1BAUTISTA GL
Resumen
En nuestro país, el Estado de México es la principal entidad de producción de conejo,
tiene 45,000 vientres de inventario y aquí se producen aproximadamente 2,340
toneladas. Las enfermedades entéricas tienen un papel importante en la producción de
conejo, porque causan graves pérdidas económicas debido a la mortalidad, depresión
del crecimiento y el empeoramiento del índice de conversión. Los rotavirus (RV) son
miembros de la familia Reoviridae, son virus no envueltos con un ARN de doble cadena
(dsRNA) genoma segmentado, se considera la principal causa de gastroenteritis viral
aguda en diferentes animales incluyendo conejos. Este agente es también una
enfermedad zoonótica. Entre todos los agentes patógenos entéricos en los seres
humanos, el rotavirus es la principal causa de gastroenteritis aguda grave en lactantes y
niños pequeños en todo el mundo, afecta al 95% de los niños menores de 5 años de edad
y causa 453,000 muertes infantiles por año. El rotavirus Grupo A, la cadena Lapine
(infectante de conejos), ha sido aislada por los investigadores en Europa, Japón y los
Estados Unidos, sin embargo se carece de estudios que identifiquen molecularmente la
cepa Lapine del rotavirus en nuestro país, por esta razón, en este estudio desarrollamos
un diagnóstico molecular de rotavirus mediante la Reacción en cadena de la Polimerasa
inversa (RT-PCR), que permitirá a la genotipificación de cepas que infectan conejos
productores de carne en el sureste del Estado de México.
210
El diagnóstico molecular se llevó a cabo mediante el uso de los cebadores VP6 (VP6-F
[sentido]
5
'GACGGVGCRACTACATGGT
3'
y
VP6-R
[antisentido]
5
'GTCCAATTCATNCCTGGTGG 3') reportados por Gómara., et al (2002). El ARN
viral se extrajo utilizando el kit de GeneJET Viral ADN y ARN Purificación de Thermo
Scientific de acuerdo con las instrucciones del fabricante. Como se utilizó un control
positivo la vacuna RotaTeq. Se ha realizado la estandarización y se ha logrado la
amplificación de una región de 379pb VP6. Los resultados muestran la presencia de
rotavirus en conejos en la región de estudio. Proporcionamos los primeros datos sobre el
rotavirus en conejos en México. Los datos recogidos pueden contribuir a evitar la
pérdida económica, el desarrollo de una vacuna y se contribuiría a la resolución de
problemas de salud pública.
Palabras clave: Rotavirus, gastroenteritis, conejos, zoonóticas, diagnóstico molecular,
genotipificación.
Introduction
Rotaviruses (RV) are members of the Reoviridae family, Sedoreovirinae subfamily, are
non-enveloped viruses with a segmented double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genome, cause
severe diarrheal disease in various species of birds and mammals, including humans.
Among all enteric pathogens in humans, Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe acute
gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide, affect 95% of children under 5
years of age, although the main impact of rotavirus disease occurs in developing
countries, where it causes over 453.000 deaths annually. Different Rotavirus strains
infect particular species, however occasionally happens, for genetic reassortment,
interspecies transmission, evidence of this is exposed in a study (Matthijnssens et al.,
2006), demonstrating transmission Lapine Rotavirus (which affects rabbits) to the
human species, which gives Rotavirus infection, classification of zoonotic disease.
Moreover, enteric diseases have an important role in rabbit production, because they
cause severe economic losses due to mortality, growth depression and worsening of
conversion index. Group A rotavirus, is considered the main cause of acute viral
gastroenteritis in different animals including rabbits.
The Lapine strain (LRV) is considered slightly pathogenic, however it can primarily
cause enteric disease in post-weaning rabbits, in addition it could also be involved in the
etiology of severe enteritis outbreaks in association with bacteria, parasites and other
viruses. Rabbits become infected by the oro-fecal route and the extension and the
severity of the lesions (microvillus degeneration, malabsorption and diarrhoea) are dose
dependent.
The Rotavirus infection is characterised by a high rate of morbidity and not specific
clinical signs such as diarrhea, anorexia, depression, etc. Diarrhoea appears at the
beginning of viral excretion that lasts for 6-8 days, and is generally followed by
constipation. Lesions observed at necropsy are not constant: catarrhal, haemorrhagic or
necrotic entero-tiflitis and caecal impaction. Rabbits patients may die due to
dehydration and secondary infections while those that recover from the infection
commonly show a decrease in productivity due to reduced absorption capacity.
212
For the molecular identification of Rotavirus, Polymerase Chain Reaction Inverse
technique was performed, wherein were used the primers designed and reported by
Gómara., et al (2002), for amplification of a 379 bp fragment of the structural protein
VP6 (VP6-F [sense] 5’ GACGGVGCRACTACATGGT 3’ and VP6-R [antisense] 5’
GTCCAATTCATNCCTGGTGG 3’). Standardization was carried out using the
pentavalent vaccine RotaTeq (live attenuated Rotavirus), which contains the humanbovine rotavirus strains variants: G1, G2, G3, G4 and P1A (genotype P1 [8]), same that
was used as a positive control in all experimentation.
Viral RNA was extracted using the GeneJET Viral DNA and RNA Purification kit of
Thermo Scientific according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
After obtaining the viral RNA, RT (reverse transcription) was performed using the
ImProm-II Reverse Transcription System, of Promega, whose final solution was 20 μl,
the details are shown in Table 1. The PCR was performed in a final volume of 25 μl, the
conditions and the result of standardization process are shown in Table 2.
Table 1. Components and volumes of the mixture to RT.
Mixture 1
Mixture 2
Final volume
RNA
Oligo DT
Improm II 5x
Cl Mg
dNTP´s
RNA sin
RT
H2O
3 μl
2 μl
4 μl
4.6 μl
2 μl
0.5 μl
1 μl
2.9 μl
20 μl
Table 2. Final features of standardization process of PCR for amplification of VP6.
Lement
H2O
Buffer
Cl Mg
dNTP´s
VP6 Forward
VP6 Reverse
Taq
cDNA
Final volume
Volume
7.7 μl
5 μl
4 μl
1 μl
2 μl
2 μl
0.3 μl
3 μl
25 μl
Program features of PCR
Temperature
Time
96°
10m
96°
45s
61°
45s
72°
45s
72°
5m
4°
10m
Cycles
45
-
Once obtained the reaction, it was placed in an agarose gel 3% and the electrophoresis
was performed, with a time of 30 minutes at 100 ° C.
Finished the standardization for amplification of the desired fragment, 7 samples of
intestines of rabbits from the zootechnical place from Centro Universitario UAEM
Amecameca were processed, aged approximately 45 days, 3 of which were positive for
Rotavirus.
Thanks to standardization process, we have achieved amplify a fragment of 379 bp of
VP6 from RotaTeq vaccine (Figure 1). Same way, amplification was obtained in 3 of 7
processed samples (Figure 2).
Figure 1. Amplified fragment of 379pb Rotavirus VP6 from RotaTeq vaccine
214
Figure 2. Amplified fragments of VP6 of 379pb: A and C; samples from asymptomatic rabbits. B;
sample from rabbit with gastroenteric signs.
By the characteristics of the rabbits from which the samples were taken, the results show that
rabbits can be asymptomatic carriers of Rotavirus, or their presence is determined by the dose
and may be a transient infection with short periods of excretion. The pathogenic role and
importance of rotavirus as primary aetiological agent rabbit enteritis is questioned.
Conclusions
Starting from multiple modifications in the protocols for the molecular identification of
Rotavirus, we have achieved standardize the technique for the amplification of a fragment of
379pb of VP6. Rotavirus has been identified in asymptomatic rabbits and in one rabbit with
gastroenteric signs, this being the first report of the presence of rotavirus in rabbits in Mexico.
Bibliography
Gómara M. I., Wong C., Blome S., Desselberger U., Gray J. 2002. Molecular Characterization
of VP6 Genes of Human Rotavirus Isolates: Correlation of Genogroups with Subgroups and
Evidence of Independent Segregation. J. VIROL., 76, 6596–6601.
Lavazza A., Cerioli M., Martella V., Tittarelli C., Grilli G., Brivio R., Buonavoglia C. 2008.
Rotavirus in diarrheic rabbits: prevalence and characterization of strains in Italian Farms.
Pathology and Hygiene. 993-998.
216
IDENTIFICATION AND CULTURE OF Eimeria spp
FROM RABBITS WITH GASTROENTERIC SIGNS IN
SOUTH-EAST OF MEXICO STATE
1*
TREJO HG, 1BAUTISTA GL*, 2MARTINEZ CJ,
1
GARCÍA RV, 3ROMERO NC
Abstract
The rabbit production is a livestock industry in recent years has become more important
in our country, mainly due to the ease of handling of the species and the relatively short
time for recovery of investments, which has led to a large number of small and medium
rural producers are dabbling in the exploitation of this species. The Mexico State is the
first entity of rabbit production in our country, for this reason the identification of
pathogens that affect this activity becomes a priority. The Eimeriosis is a parasitic
disease caused by protozoa of the genus Eimeria, depending on the species of this
parasite can be located in the intestine and liver of their hosts. Among the species most
pathogenic intestinal location include, in order of predominance, E. perforans, E.
magna, E. intestinalis, E. media, E. piriformis, E. irresidua, E. flavescens, E. exigua and
E. neoleporis, while the pathogenic specie of liver location is E. stiedae; which can be
associated or not to intestinal forms depending pathogenicity infective dose and age of
the host. The eimeriosis is one of the most important parasitic disease in farm rabbits,
may be able to cause significant economic losses and gener.
218
The aim of this study is to identify the presence of Eimeria spp in rabbits that present
enteric signs in the south east of the Mexico State, for this, it´s necessary implement in
vitro culture to achieve isolate the species present in the region of this way will can
study the pathogenicity of each variant found and the molecular characterization of the
same.
Keywords: Eimeria spp, Gastroenteritis, Molecular Diagnosis.
IDENTIFICACIÓN Y CULTIVO DE Eimeria spp DE CONEJOS CON
SIGNOLOGÍA GTROENTERICA EN EL SURESTE DEL ESTADO DE
MÉXICO
1*
TREJO HG, 1BAUTISTA GL*, 2MARTINEZ CJ,
1
GARCÍA RV, 3ROMERO NC
Resumen
La producción de conejos es una industria ganadera que en los últimos años se ha vuelto
más importante en nuestro país, debido principalmente a la facilidad de manejo de la
especie y el tiempo relativamente corto para la recuperación de la inversión, lo que ha
llevado a que un gran número de productores rurales pequeños y medianos estén
incursionando en la explotación de esta especie. El Estado de México es la primera
entidad de producción de conejos en nuestro país, por esta razón, la identificación de los
agentes patógenos que afectan a esta actividad se convierte en una prioridad. La
eimeriosis es una enfermedad parasitaria causada por protozoos del género Eimeria,
dependiendo de las especies de este parásito se puede situar en el intestino y el hígado
de sus anfitriones. Entre las especies de localización intestinal más patógena incluyen,
en orden de predominio, E. perforante, E. magna, E. intestinalis, E. media, E. piriforme,
E. irresidua, E. flavescens, E. exigua y E. neoleporis, mientras que la especie patógena
de ubicación hígado es E. stiedae; que puede estar asociada o no a las formas
intestinales dependiendo de la dosis infecciosa, patogenicidad y la edad del huésped. La
eimeriosis es una de las enfermedades parasitarias más importantes en conejos de
granja, puede ser capaz de causar importantes pérdidas económicas y generar un retraso
del crecimiento, empeoramiento de las tasas de transformación e incluso aumento de la
mortalidad.
220
El objetivo de este estudio es identificar la presencia de Eimeria spp en conejos que
presentan signos entéricos en el sureste del Estado de México, para esto, es necesario
implementar el cultivo in vitro para lograr aislar las especies presentes en la región del
este manera se puede estudiar la patogenicidad de cada variante encontrada y la
caracterización molecular de la misma.
Palabras clave: Eimeria spp, gastroenteritis, Diagnóstico Molecular.
GESTIÓN SOCIAL Y
ECONÓMICA
MANAGEMENT, SOCIAL &
ECONOMICS
222
THE SMALL-SCALE RABBIT PRODUCTION MODEL: A GUIDE
TO
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
LUKEFAHR S D
Dept. of Animal, Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences, MSC 228,
Texas A&M University, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
Abstract
One of the challenges in developing successful meat rabbit projects for people living in
poverty (representing about half of the human population) is the reality that many
factors must be considered. Across countries and cultures, some factors are very critical
(e.g., suitable breeds, feedstuffs, housing, marketing, and training methods); however,
in others the choices or decisions may be very different. The implication is that there are
very few, if any, general recommendations that are appropriate for all situations. The
impetus for developing the Small-Scale Rabbit Production Model (SSRPM) was to
serve primarily as a tool for project managers to address key issues, especially when
planning and implementing projects. In brief, for the sake of simplicity the model is
divided into three dimensions: internal, intermediate, and external aspects, which relate
to farmers, project managers, and the environment, respectively. At the internal level,
farmers make decisions with regards to appropriate choice of breed-types, feedstuffs for
diets, materials for housing, etc. In contrast, at the intermediate level, managers (i.e.,
usually representing a development organization) embrace the project components of
feasibility, design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, all of which guide or
direct the project. This includes the clear establishment of a project goal with specific
objectives. The external level of the environment encompasses ecological, market,
social aspects. In other words, to be successful the rabbit project must benefit the
environment, increase farmer’s income, and be supported at every stage by the local
community.
224
Of course, much flexibility should exist when applying the SSRPM. However, there are
certain basic essentials such as farmers receiving training by a competent expert (ideally
on demonstration farms), frequent on-farm visits following training, rabbit production
being sustained on small farms with minimal off-farm inputs, regular family
consumption of rabbit meat, maintenance of records, and active markets for surplus
rabbits. Another key aspect is the training and development of local farmer leaders who
will ultimately continue the project after phase-out, and that the project has a
multiplication effect by spreading to other communities in time.
Key words: Appropriate technology, Development, Poverty alleviation, Rabbit,
Sustainability
EL MODELO DE PRODUCCIÓN DE CONEJO A PEQUEÑA ESCALA:
UNA GUÍA PARA EL DESARROLLO HUMANO
LUKEFAHR S D
Dept. of Animal, Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences, MSC 228,
Texas A&M University, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
Resumen
Uno de los retos en el desarrollo de proyectos exitosos de producción de conejo para
carne para las personas que viven en la pobreza (que representan alrededor de la mitad
de la población humana) es la realidad de que muchos factores deben ser considerados.
En todos los países y culturas, algunos factores son (por ejemplo, razas adecuadas, los
piensos, los métodos de la vivienda, de marketing y de formación) muy críticos; sin
embargo, en otros las decisiones o elecciones pueden ser muy diferentes. La implicación
es que hay muy pocos, si los hubiere, las recomendaciones generales que son
apropiados para todas las situaciones. El impulso para el desarrollo de la pequeña escala
Conejo Producción Modelo (SSRPM) era servir principalmente como una herramienta
para administradores de proyectos para abordar cuestiones clave, sobre todo en la
planificación y ejecución de proyectos. En resumen, en aras de la simplicidad del
modelo se divide en tres dimensiones: aspectos internos, intermedios y externos, que se
refieren a los agricultores, gestores de proyectos, y el medio ambiente, respectivamente.
A nivel interno, los agricultores toman decisiones con respecto a la elección apropiada
del tipo de raza, alimentos para dietas, materiales para vivienda, etc. Por el contrario, en
el nivel intermedio, los directivos (es decir, por lo general representan a una
organización de desarrollo) abrazar los componentes del proyecto de viabilidad, diseño,
implementación, monitoreo y evaluación, todos los cuales guían o dirigen el proyecto.
Esto incluye el claro establecimiento de un objetivo del proyecto con objetivos
específicos. El nivel externo del medio ambiente abarca, mercado, aspectos sociales
ecológicos. En otras palabras, para tener éxito el proyecto de conejo debe beneficiar al
medio ambiente, aumentar los ingresos de los agricultores, y contar con el apoyo en
todas las etapas de la comunidad local. Por supuesto, debería existir gran flexibilidad al
aplicar el SSRPM.
226
Sin embargo, hay ciertos productos de primera necesidad, como los agricultores que
recibieron capacitación por un experto competente (idealmente en las granjas de
demostración), frecuentes visitas en las fincas siguientes, formación, producción de
conejos que se sustenta en las pequeñas explotaciones con un mínimo de insumos no
agrícolas, el consumo regular de la carne de conejo por la familia, el mantenimiento de
registros, y los mercados de activos para conejos excedentes. Otro aspecto clave es la
formación y el desarrollo de los líderes locales de agricultores que en última instancia
puedan continuar el proyecto después de la eliminación, y que el proyecto tenga un
efecto multiplicador mediante la difusión a otras comunidades en el tiempo.
Palabras clave: la tecnología apropiada, Desarrollo, Alivio de la pobreza, Conejo,
Sostenibilidad
Introduction
For rabbit scientists who are engaged in development projects with the aim of
alleviating poverty, it is a challenge to know how to best approach each new project
because every project has a unique set of conditions. However, a set of guidelines for
making critical decisions at either the planning or implementation stage of project
development has both been recommended and adopted, which is known as the SmallScale Rabbit Production Model (SSRPM). This model was proposed by Lukefahr
(2004) at the 8th World Rabbit Congress which was held in Puebla, Mexico. In Section 1
of the second edition of the book by Lukefahr (2010), Developing Sustainable Rabbit
Projects, a detailed description of the SSRPM is provided for the reader.
One recent paper by Oseni and Lukefahr (2014) extolled the appropriateness of this
model for projects in Sub-Saharan Africa, which is the poorest region of the world.
Likewise, certain aspects of the SSRPM have been applied in the form of project
monitoring and refresher training of farmers in Haiti, which is the poorest country of the
Western Hemisphere (Lukefahr et al., 2012). In addition, SSRPM aspects involving
community participation and farmer training were adopted in Indonesia where an
ambitious and highly successful rabbit programme has been developed for rural families
at the level of small- and medium-scale production (Raharjo, 2010). The purpose for
this paper is to provide an overview of the SSRPM.
The Small-Scale Rabbit Production Model (SSRPM)
As a brief overview, the SSRPM is divided into three dimensions: internal,
intermediate, and external, which are a set of aspects that relate to farmers, project
managers, and the environment, respectively. In the book, Developing Sustainable
Rabbit Projects, by Lukefahr (2010), figures and tables that relate detailed information
to the internal, intermediate, and external dimensions of the SSRPM are available.
At the internal level, farmers make decisions with regards to appropriate choice of
breed-types, feedstuffs for diets, materials for housing, etc. In contrast, at the
intermediate level, managers (i.e., usually representing a development organization)
embrace the project components of feasibility, design, implementation, monitoring, and
evaluation, all of which guide or direct the project. This includes the clear establishment
228
of a project goal with specific objectives. The external level of the environment
encompasses ecological, market, social aspects. In other words, to be successful the
rabbit project must benefit the environment, increase farmer’s income, and be supported
at every stage by the local community.
A schematic of the SSRPM is shown below in Figure 1 (Lukefahr, 2010). An analogy is
made to that of a wheel because even one weak inter-connective link or spoke could
likely, albeit sooner or later, cause the project to fail. The SSRPM is described below by
each of its dimensions.
Internal level of the SSRPM
The internal dimension lies at the core of the SSRPM. The more lug nuts that are used
to secure the wheel best ensure that the farmer’s enterprise moves forward to achieve
more progress. This level relates directly to the farmer involving decisions that are
important to the farmer to realize both a sustainable and successful operation. More
specifically, the decisions revolve around the availability and use of local resources that
include breeding stock, feedstuffs, materials for hutches and other equipment, remedies
to prevent and treat diseases, etc. Ideally, these resources should be available locally and
at low cost. This important aspect cannot be overemphasized. In my first programme
experience in Cameroon (1983-85), this low-cost feature was realized which made
rabbit production not only a low-risk, investment enterprise but a very profitable one for
experienced farmers (Lukefahr and Goldman, 1985).
Initially, the feasibility study should determine (conducted by a programme staffperson
or hired consultant), among other things, that critical resources are locally available and
accessible to farmers at low cost. Through training, farmers are taught how to best
utilize local materials (such as bamboo or raffia palm to construct hutches) and sound
management practices to prevent diseases and local remedies to treat diseases. Breeding
stock should be provided after training on an in-kind loan basis so that farmers do not
have to pay cash. Hardy crossbred rabbits found in villages tend to be more suitable for
backyard production than recently imported purebreds. Later, they will pass-on on
young rabbits to other trained farmers as the programme expands.
Farmers should also be trained on how to establish forage plots using species that are
adaptable to the region. Some rabbit projects have integrated rabbit production with
gardening (i.e., rabbit-garden model), involving the recycling of gardens and kitchen
“wastes” as rabbit feed and rabbit manure as organic matter. A successful feeding
programme also requires good planning. The farmers should use several different feeds
(e.g., several forage species, edible weeds, garden wastes, and kitchen scraps) on a
given day, which will vary from season to season. In addition, alternate feedstuffs
requiring processing (e.g., hay, silage, and molasses blocks) may also be important
which will also need to be taught during training. Of relevance, the trainer could either
be a competent rabbit expert or a highly successful rabbit producer who is capable of
teaching.
230
Intermediate level of the SSRPM
Between the internal and external levels of the SSRPM exists the role of programme
management or the project manager (i.e., usually representing a private or governmental
development organization) who guides the farmer’s project and connects (like a tire
with solid spokes) the activities of farmers within the context of ecological, social, and
market environments. Specifically, one set of farmer’s decisions concerns those that
involve the environment, hopefully benefiting rather than harming her. Through
training, programmed staff will teach farmers about appropriate practices that enhance
sustainability of local resources. Also, programme staff will closely involve the
community (e.g., mostly through regular meetings) to ensure that the project is fully
accepted. Of course, the programme must also take measures to open and(or) expand
markets for rabbits, well before farmers have rabbits to sell. More details are provided
in the next section.
A major role of project managers is to execute the project components of feasibility,
design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, all of which guide or direct the
project. This includes the clear establishment of a goal with specific objectives for the
project’s participants. Lukefahr (2007) published a paper exclusively on the stages of
project development. This paper was previously presented in 2006 on the occasion of
the 3rd Rabbit Congress of the Americas held in Maringa, Brazil.
Any potential project must be initiated with the full support of the community. Ideally,
the community held meetings where it was discussed and later decided that a rabbit
project was the best solution to improve the quality of their lives (Bunch, 1982). With
the community’s blessings, the development organisation should then conduct a
feasibility study to determine that the project is indeed justified. Many developmental
organisations like Heifer International have developed feasibility or standard proposal
forms which are available upon request (http://heifer.org). Herein, many relevant
factors, such as suitable feedstuffs, sustainable practices, technical support, role of
women, and potential markets are considered. One important consideration is that the
project directly involves women. In the state of Querétaro, Mexico, Gomez (2008)
reported on a women’s rabbit project that, following training, provided packages of 5
does/1 buck and 15 cages. In this novel project, women were the heads of households.
Rabbit meat was regularly served to their families and income was increased. If the
report reveals that no major constraints exist, then starting a rabbit project is justified.
Next, the project is designed on paper, referred to as the project blue-print. A written
plan for many major activities is drafted, for example, training, stock distribution,
production, marketing, and farmer leader development as well as a budget and an
activity timetable. This detailed plan should be flexible so that necessary changes can
later be made. Once the project is designed on paper and later approved for funding
through a grant, it can be implemented. Typically, the first activity is for the community
to decide which farmers should first be trained. Many books and website resources are
available that provide useful information on appropriate limited resource, farmerfocused training methods (Finzi, 2000; Djago et al., 2007; Lukefahr, 2010).
Following training, farmers establish a unit for their rabbit enterprise. Once approved,
stock is provided and later production ensues. Here the next phase is critical which is
project monitoring. Close and regular supervision of farmers is no doubt paramount to
project success. Needless to say, well experienced staff should be involved in this
activity. (If extension agents are involved they should first be properly trained and have
actual rabbit raising experience.) Early problems must be quickly identified and solved
before they become major problems that could lead to project failure. Also, farmers
should keep good records so that later the nutritional and economic impact can be
accurately determined by the development organization in their evaluation report.
Upon formal termination of the project when funding ends, programme staff should
perform a project evaluation report. This report makes a critical determination as to
whether or not the project goal was realized; for example, for 100 families to consume
rabbit meat on a weekly basis and increase their income by 50% by the end of two
years. In addition, what lessons were learned in terms of what worked well and what did
not work well so that future projects can be designed to achieve even greater impact. In
some lesser developed countries, research and development centres have been
established by governments where staff perform the role of training farmers, providing
breeding stock and technical support, etc. (Oseni and Lukefahr, 2014); however, the
232
historic record of such centres in general is that were initially successful but were shortlived. Typically, governments later close the centres due to a budget crisis.
External level of the SSRPM
The external dimension is analogous to the rubber tire of a wheel. This is where the
“rubber meets the road” in terms of project support. In brief, the project must be
supported by natural and renewable resources in the environment. It must also be
supported by the community so that it will later expand and benefit more families. And
the project must monetarily reward farmers for their efforts through strong markets. If
this external level bears any weaknesses (like a thin tread of a tire), the project will
likely eventually fail. Again, the initial feasibility study should have also closely
examined the quality or merit of these external factors.
In more detail, the environment is a major consideration for farmers to maintain low
feed costs. Of course, this potential is much higher in a lush tropical vs. an arid desert
environment. It is fortuitous that most developing countries exist in the (sub)tropical
regions of the world. In addition, functional integration is a key approach to the
recycling of nutrients among various agricultural enterprises on the farm in a
conscientious effort to protect the environment. A key point is that subsistence farmers
should not be dependent on expensive commercial feeds.
Successful projects are community-based or people-centered, according to Aaker
(2007). Hence, social support by the local community is critical. As stated previously,
the project should be community owned in the sense that the people feel fully
responsible for the progress (or lack thereof) and anticipated impact or success of the
project. If this is not the case, then when a problem occurs it is likely that the
community will quickly abandon the project. Of course, the development organization
should work closely with the community (usually through special and regular meetings)
at every project stage.
Eventually after the formal project is terminated, a project leader (i.e., a successful
rabbit farmer) who was groomed by programme staff should emerge who will further
multiply the project as it is introduced to more farmers both within and beyond the
community (Lukefahr, 2010).
In terms of economic support, farmers will not be interested in a rabbit project if there is
no economic incentive. Examples of economic support are as follows. First, it is
paramount that the programme takes necessary steps to expand markets by creating
strong market demand. In some countries, even governments have sensitised the general
populace on the health attributes and profit-potential of rabbit meat production as
reported by Oseni and Lukefahr (2014). In Haiti, tremendous efforts have been taken to
both create awareness and increase demand for rabbit breeding stock and meat which
has been successful (Lukefahr et al., 2012). The use of surveys has also been widely
used in Mexico (for example, Olivares et al., 2004; Rivera et al., 2004). An obvious
point is that it is desirable that markets be gradually expanded to keep pace with the
increasing supply. Likewise, it is not desirable if the market becomes flooded with
rabbits that exceed market demand. A last point is that the price of rabbit meat should
be competitive with other meats such as broiler chickens and ducks to attract new
consumers.
Conclusions
The impetus for developing the Small-Scale Rabbit Production Model (SSRPM) was to
serve primarily as a tool or guide for project managers to address key issues, especially
when planning and implementing projects. Of course, much flexibility should exist
when applying the SSRPM because every project represents a unique local situation.
234
References
Aaker, J. 2007. Heifer Model. Cornerstones Value-based Development. Heifer
International Publishers, Little Rock, AR, U.S.A.
Bunch R. 1982. Two Ears of Corn. World Neighbors Publishers, Oklahoma City, OK,
U.S.A.
Djago Y.A., Kpodekon M., Lebas F. 2007. Le Guide pratique de ĺéleveur de lapins en
Afrique de ĺOuest (Practical manual for rabbit breeding in West Africa). (2nd Edition).
Available at: http://www.cuniculture.info/Docs/Elevage/Tropic-01.htm. Accessed: July
24, 2014.
Finzi A. 2000. Integrated Backyard Systems. FAO Publications Division. Available at:
http://www.fao.org/ag/AGAinfo/themes/documents/ibys. Accessed: July 24, 2014.
Gomez G.G. 2008. Meat production of rabbit: an alternative for the semidesert
Queretano and people in extreme poverty. In: Proc. 9th World Rabbit Congress, Verona,
Italy, 1539-1543.
Lukefahr S.D. 2004. Sustainable and alternative systems of rabbit production. In: Proc.
8th World Rabbit Congress, Puebla, Mexico, 1452-1464.
Lukefahr S.D. 2007. Strategies for the development of small- and medium-scale rabbit
farming in South-East Asia. Livestock Research for Rural Development. Volume 19, Article
#138. http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd19/9/luke19138.htm. Accessed: July 8, 2014.
Lukefahr S.D. 2010. Developing Sustainable Rabbit Projects. (2nd Edition). Heifer
International Publishers, Little Rock, AR, U.S.A.
Lukefahr, S.D., Goldman M. 1985. A technical assessment of production and economic
aspects of small-scale rabbit farming in Cameroon. J. Appl. Rabbit Res. 8:126-135.
Lukefahr S.D., Kaplan-Pasternak M., Jasmin B., Olivier M., McNitt J.I. 2012. Present
status of the WRSA-supported rabbit development project in Haiti. In: Proc. 10th World
Rabbit Congress, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, 833-837.
Olivares R., Soriano R., López M., Rivera J., Losada H. 2004. Consumption patterns of
rabbit meat in the metropolitan area of Mexico City. In: Proc. 8th World Rabbit Congress.
Puebla, Mexico, 1152-1156.
Oseni S.O., Lukefahr, SD. 2014. Rabbit production in low-input systems in Africa:
situation, knowledge and perspectives – a review. Wld. Rabbit Sci. 22:147-160.
Raharjo Y.C. 2010. Micro and small scale rabbit farming based on farmers cooperation
as a mean to build rural enterprise. In: Proc. Intern. Seminar-Workshop on the
Utilization of Native Animals in Building Rural Enterprises in Warm Climates Zones,
Nueva Ecija, Philippines, 19-33.
Rivera J., López M., Losada H., Soriano R., L. Arias, Cortés J. 2004. Backyard rabbit
production as a sustainable system in the urban and peri-urban area of Xochimilco
region. In: Proc. 8th World Rabbit Congress. Puebla, Mexico, 1488-1494.
236
ORGANIZATION AND STRATEGIES OF BRAZILIAN RABBIT
PRODUCTION - A SEARCH FOR SOLUTIONS
*
MACHADO LC1, FERREIRA WM2
2. Professor Minas Gerais Federal University - Brazil
Abstract
Brazil is an emerging country with great potential for rabbit production. However, the
history of this activity has been marked by ups and downs. The Brazilian rabbit
population has decreased over the last few years despite the considerable increase of pet
rabbits. It is not possible estimate the exact amount of meat produced, because most of
it happens in informal conditions. We know that the demand for meat is greater than the
supply. Pet rabbit production has grown in recent years and attracted the interest of new
breeders. There is a great market to be explored considering items and services for pet
rabbits. There are a lot of institutions that research and teach rabbit science. It has been
noted that several renowned researchers are retiring and new researchers are needed.
There are over 40 factories of rabbit feed, but few present quality and good prices.
There are many problems that affect Brazilian rabbit breeders, with emphasis to the lack
of specific public policies to support this activity, the work of breeders without
organization, the need to improve the available genetic material, the lack of
slaughterhouses and lack of meat processing plants, the lack of specialists in rabbit
production, the lack of good quality materials and equipment, the lack of public
information about the nutritional quality of rabbit meat and the high price of meat to the
final consumer. In addition, Brazilian law is extremely strict for slaughterhouse
installation.
238
Actions have been implemented by the Brazilian Rabbit Science Association (ACBC)
such as: the creation of discussion groups in the internet aimed at the improvement of
the dialogue, the publication of a new webpage to disseminate technical information and
activities, the organization and distribution of a CD with publications, the development
of teaching materials such as feed formulation manual and supplements for rabbits, a
publication with applied rabbit production and technical notes, events such as rabbit
production mini courses, rabbit breeder day, national seminars of science and
technology in rabbit science, the creation of a national magazine. Information and
support for rabbit breeders and people interested in the matter, encouragement for the
formation of cooperatives and associations of breeders and the institution of an award
for professional notoriety. Besides these actions the implementation of courses for
initial and ongoing training in rabbit production and the divulgation of this activity,
highlighting its benefits to society and the development of an explanatory videos on the
Internet have been planned. In the last two years, an increase in demand of meat
production has been noted. The organization of the industry should be prioritized so that
dialogue can occur and the management of buying and selling can happen through a
proper channel.
Key words: rabbit production, organizational problems, public politics, Brazilian
Rabbit Science Association (ACBC
ORGANIZACIÓN Y ESTRATEGIAS DE LA CUNICULTURA
BRASILEÑA LA BÚSQUEDA DE SOLUCIONES
Resumen
Brasil es un país emergente con un gran potencial para la actividad de cunicultura. Sin
embargo, la historia de esta actividad siempre ha estado marcada por altibajos. La
población brasileña de conejos ha venido disminuyendo en los últimos años, aunque
nota que la cantidad de conejos mascotas está aumentando considerablemente. No es
posible hacerse la estimativa de la cantidad de la carne producida, ya que la mayoría se
hace en condiciones de informalidad. Se sabe que la demanda de carne es mayor que la
oferta. La creación de mascotas ha crecido significativamente en los últimos años y
despertado el interés de los nuevos creadores. Hay un gran mercado para ser explorado
con respecto a los accesorios y servicios para las mascotas. Hay una gran cantidad de
instituciones que hacen investigación y docencia en cunicultura aunque se dio cuenta de
que varios investigadores de renombre se están jubilando, sin renovación adecuada.
Aunque haga más de 40 fabricantes de piensos para conejos, pocos son de buena
calidad, siendo comercializados a precios elevados. Muchos son los problemas que
afectan a los criadores brasileños, con énfasis para la falta de políticas públicas
específicas para fomentar la actividad, el trabajo de los criadores en forma aislada sin
organización, la necesidad de mejorar el material genético disponible, la falta de
mataderos y la falta de procesamiento de carne, la falta de expertos en cunicultura, la
falta de equipos de buena calidad, la falta de información a la población en relación con
las cualidades nutricionales de la carne y el elevado precio de la carne para el
consumidor final. Además, la legislación brasileña es muy rigorosa para el montaje de
nuevos mataderos.
240
Se han implementado acciones por la Asociación Científica Brasileña de Cunicultura
que fueran la creación de grupos de discusión para la mejora del diálogo, la creación de
nueva página web para difundir información técnica y las actividades, la organización y
distribución de un CD con publicaciones diversas, elaboración de materiales didácticos
como un manual de formulación de piensos y suplementos, un manual práctico de
cunicultura y notas técnicas, la realización de eventos tales como talleres de cunicultura,
día del cunicultor, seminarios nacionales de ciencia y tecnología en cunicultura, la
creación de una revista nacional, atendimiento a los criadores y interesados de todo el
país, apoyo a la formación de cooperativas de criadores y la creación de una premiación
para un profesional en cunicultura. Además de estas acciones también se han previsto
para implementar un curso de formación inicial y continua en cunicultura, la
divulgación de esta actividad, destacando sus beneficios para la sociedad y la creación
de un canal para la difusión de vídeos explicativos en internet. Durante los últimos dos
años, se observó aumento de la demanda por parte de los mataderos. La organización de
los criadores de conejo se debe priorizar para que haga un mayor diálogo. El mercado es
carente de una entidad que haga la gestión de la compra y venta de animales.
Palabras clave: cunicultura, problemas organizacionales, políticas públicas, Asociación
Científica Brasileña de Cunicultura
Introduction
Brazil is a developing country that has excellent conditions for rabbit production.
However, this activity went and still goes through numerous difficulties related to
production technology, and organizational deficiency in the production chain and lack
of specific policies for the sector, which raises the costs of production. The proper
structuring of the production chain, as well as the promotion of dialogue among actors
is very important to the activity so it can be performed safely and profitably.
This work presents information about the rabbit industry in Brazil, structure, strengths,
limitations and challenges for the Brazilian rabbit production. It can be an attractive
activity that generates a quantity of goods and services to the society. Also presents
some actions implemented by national scientific association in order to improve the
dialogue between those involved in rabbit production, thus seeking to contribute to the
improvement of the structure of this activity.
Brazil, an emerging country with agricultural vocation
Today, Brazil is an emerging country and presents favorable conditions for the
development of rabbit production. Its area of 8 514 million km2, with a population that
exceeds 200 million, with most of the territory of cultivable areas, presenting
predominantly tropical climate although presents other types of weather throughout the
vast territory.
Nowadays Brazil is considered the world's seventh economy. Some Brazilian
indexes can be seen in Table 01 and reflects the views of an emerging country.
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Table 1. General Brazilian Indices
Indices
Life expectancy*
Illiteracy*
HDI*
GDP Growth in 2013**
Inflation in 2013**
Unemployment rate in 2013**
HDI in 2013**
Value
73,4 years
9,6%
0,73
2,5%
5,9%
5,4%
U$ 2,07 trillion**
* Data obtained from IBGE (2010)
** Data obtained from different sources
Brazilian economy is based on agricultural products, livestock, mining and
manufacturing and consumer durables. In livestock production poultry, beef cattle, dairy
cattle and swine production stand out, with smaller scale production there are sheep,
goats, horses, buffaloes and rabbits. Even in a period of crisis and low global growth in
2013, there was an increase of 2.5% of GDP and 4.45% of agribusiness. However,
forecasts made by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and published in July 2014
show that Brazil will grow only 1.3% in 2014 and 2.0% in 2015, suggesting that the
country is going through a slight recession. World crisis is also affecting all emerging
countries.
Brazil is a country that is emerging to be the largest agricultural exporter in the world.
Projections made by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA, 2013)
for the years the 2012/13 - 2022/23, refer to a situation where Brazil will be the largest
producer and exporter of meat in the world by 2023. According to Roppa (2008), the
most consumed meat is poultry (43.0 kg/inhabitants year), followed by beef (42.2
kg/inhabitants year) and pork (14.8 kg/inhabitants year). When compared to the
consumption of such meat, consumption of rabbit is insignificant. Data from FAOSTAT
(2014) shows that the production of rabbit meat in Brazil is 1 635 ton/year, which
would result in an estimated consumption of 0.008 kg/ inhabitants year. It is known that
most animals are slaughtered without inspection and these records are not computed in
the official data. Anyhow, one can imagine the large expansion capacity of rabbit
production in Brazil.
A brief history of Brazilian rabbit production - past and present
The history of rabbit production in Brazil has ups and downs, resembling the story of
this activity in some neighboring countries, such as Uruguay (Denes, 2006). In the 60s
and 70s, there were investments for the production of angora mohair, as well as for
breeding young rabbits for the production of vaccines against FMD. As new
technologies for the production of synthetic materials have been developed, as well as
new ways to produce vaccine for the prevention of FMD were created, rabbit breeders
had to adapt the use of animals for meat production and aggregate other products. By
the final years of the '80s, rabbit breeding for meat production, was very encouraged by
some state governments, such as the Our Rabbit Program in the Paraná State, aiming
among others, the strengthening of family farming. For several reasons, including the
lack of infrastructure and public policy and support of the sector, the system has been
disrupted (Ferreira and Machado, 2007; Ferreira et al, 2010).
Looking at the estimates of rabbit population in the past few decades, we can see a
gradual reduction over the years (IBGE, 2006; FAOSTAT, 2014). In 1992 there was a
population of 593 000 animals, reduced to 350 000 in 2002 and 205 000 in 2012. It is
necessary to consider that a portion of the population does not enter in the count, as
emphasized by Machado (2012). Anyway, we can verify that in recent years the rabbit
population has been slowly recovering its growth in some regions of Brazil. There was a
slight increase in counted population between the years 2010 and 2011, although the
population has decreased in 2012, mainly due to problems occurring in state of São
Paulo. As remembered by Moura (2010) recent health problems related to outbreaks of
bird flu and swine flu, may have contributed to the rise in demand for rabbit meat.
During the years 2013 and 2014, all major slaughterhouses of Southeast Brazil
demonstrated interest in the purchase of animals for slaughter, suggesting that
progressively, the rabbit production will recover.
It must also be emphasized that the Pet Rabbit Production, which provides pets with
high value added, have been growing in recent years. This activity represents a
significant portion of the rabbit production in the present market and is also an activity
of extreme importance for the generation of income for small breeders.
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Current Brazilian market of rabbit production
a) Statistical data of rabbits in Brazil
In Brazil, data of the rabbit population and rabbit meat produced are scarce, unsafe,
slightly outdated, and lead to numerous questions. The agricultural sense 2006 (IBGE,
2006) outlined a total population of 295 584 animals, over 17 615 farms with an
average of 17 animals per establishment. One must remember that most of these
establishments is not commercial. Analyzing the groups of economic activity, it appears
that most of the farmers also work with "Livestock and breeding of other animals" and
"production of temporary crops". Indeed, one realizes that there are few stores that deal
exclusively with rabbits and that the vast majority of rabbit breeders work with this
activity secondarily. The data also show that most animals are in small properties, with
dimentions up to 10 hectares. In 2006, it was verified that most of the animals were
located in the southern region. Currently, even without official data, it is observed that
the proportion of rabbits in the southeastern region increased considerably, mainly from
the expansion of the rabbit production in the state of São Paulo. Most of the rabbit
breeders are small producers (20 to 100 does) and work mainly for the production of
meat or pet rabbits, although fur production, manure, animals for research, craftwork
take place these products have little evaluations.
It should be noted that many livestock supervision agencies, which make the actual
count of the animals do not do so in appropriate manners and in many cities where
there are rabbits, there are no records of these animals. In addition, several pet rabbits
are not considered. Therefore, we believe that the rabbit population reported in the 2006
census, and the population estimated by the FAOSTAT system, are underestimated, as
mentioned by Moura (2010) and Machado (2012).
350000
300000
250000
200000
150000
100000
50000
0
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Graph 1. Evolution of the population of rabbits in Brazil –
Source: Adapted from www.sidra.ibge.gov.br
Considering rabbit meat, the actual total production in Brazil in unknown. Some more
experienced breeders reported a production 20-25 tons per month, this being, perhaps,
the amount produced and inspected in the state of São Paulo. It must be remembered
that the rabbit is created in other parts of Brazil and the largest amount of animals is
slaughtered without supervision and sold regionally by rabbit breeders. Data from
FAOSTAT (2014) system point to production of 1 635 tons for the year 2012 and that,
as also commented by Moura (2010), Brazil is among the seven Latin American
countries that produce more than 1 000 tons/year of rabbit meat. Although there had
growth in the production of rabbit meat in global and Latin America levels, in recent
years the Brazilian production of rabbit meat are decreasing (Moura, 2010).
b) Organization of the industry
The productive sector of rabbits in Brazil is, in general, poorly organized. There are
some local initiatives, which include breeders, slaughterhouses, feed factories,
distribution, etc (Machado, 2012).
Today there are few associations and cooperatives, consisting of less than ten structured
groups in activity. It should be noted that the organization of rabbit breeders in little
groups is the key for the success for entrepreneurs (Machado, 2013). The rabbit breeder
is the weakest link in the production chain, so he is the one who gets the smallest share
of the profits. It must be considered that the breeders work alone and hardly seek help
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from organizations, partnerships, institutions etc. The organization of the productive
chain actors, as well as dialogue and collaboration between them, would be very
important for sector growth. It is necessary to emphasize that there is the work of some
isolated rabbit breeders seeking alternatives to get government funding or in the
organization of rabbit breeders groups. It is also essential that the academic sector works
together with the productive sector, seeking improvements applicable to the problems
and challenges of the farms. These improvements cannot be proposed only for the
scientific community. The information generated by research must be disseminated in
an easy to understand way and must provide and applicability.
c) Rabbit Meat Breeders
Most Brazilian rabbit breeders raise animals for slaughter. The slaughterhouse prefers
animals weighing from 2.3 to 3.0 kg providing carcasses ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 kg.
Most of the meat is sold in as whole rabbit. Furthermore there is no sale of special cuts,
processed meat and products such as sausages, ham, meatballs, hamburgers etc., which
would be very important to increase the demand.
Most meat rabbit breeders are located in central and south of Brazil, but close to other
urban centers in other regions of the country there are rabbit breeders also. São Paulo
state has the most slaughterhouses, and there resides the only one qualified for export.
In this state, especially in the years 2010, 2011 and 2012, the rabbit production was
greatly stimulated, through various campaigns, mainly through television. Currently, a
group of rabbit breeders in the region of Brasilia verified with the Federal Government,
the possibility of inclusion of rabbit meat in school lunches.
The breed most used for slaughter in Brazil is the White New Zealand, other breeds of
medium size, as the Californian, Chinchilla, and mixed breeds are used also. Only one
lineage has been developed in Brazil, Botucatu, with high potential for meat production
and maternal ability. There was no introduction of new genetic material in recent years,
as has happened in Uruguay, reported by Denes (2006).
In the production of animals for slaughter, the profit margin is very low, mainly due to
high production costs involved in the activity and the risk is very high because the
rabbit breeders are dependent of factors such as acceptance by the slaughterhouses,
transportation, feed, among others. The price paid per kilogram of live animal costs
around R$ 5.10 (U$ 2.30), often being unfeasible considering the transportation and
feed costs, among other factors. The current price of July/2014 released by the largest
Brazilian slaughterhouse is R$ 5.60 (U$ 2.53), being this the highest price ever
recorded.
Many rabbit breeders slaughter the animals and sell on their own, being this situation
inconsistent with Brazilian law, which is extremely strict and bureaucratic in relation to
meat commercialization. Moreover, it is not a common practice amongst Brazilian
breeders the signing of contracts between those involved. In this sense, at all times,
caution has been the key word for the new business in rabbit production.
The production of rabbits with an integrated system, model similar to the one used in
the poultry industry, has been done in southern Brazil a few years ago, as shown by
Militão (2011). In this model the breeder invests in the construction of rabbitry,
purchases equipment and the integrator provides technical assistance and other inputs,
ensuring the commercialization of the product. Although interesting, the system was
unsuccessful.
Regarding the demand for animals for slaughter, the slaughterhouses have been
increasing it, and there is also demand from the international market. It is verified that
although there are a few breeders in Brazil, the quantity demanded is much higher than
quantity produced.
In addition to producing animals for slaughter, most rabbit breeders take a byproduct for
activity, even in an informal way (handmade), although the degree of utilization is less
than ideal. Some breeders sell the skin in natura or processed, although most rabbit
breeders eliminates this material because of lack of conditions and minimum volume to
store and deliver. Except for a few exceptions, there are practically no farms that work
with skin production, using specific breeds. There are still interested people that buy the
raw skin at an average price of R$ 2.00 (U$ 0.90). When this skin is processed it
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reaches greater value, being sold at a higher price. One should note that there is great
demand for Brazilian skins in the international market. It is not possible to export yet,
mainly for logistical problems because the amount needed to close a container would be
approximately 70 000 skins, being above of the production capacity of the cooperatives,
centers and associations of rabbit breeders.
Other breeders have diversified the benefits from the activity. The most traditional way
has been the sale of breeding animals that are normally sold at a minimum price of R$
100.00 (U$ 45.00). The market for the sale of fur is highly restricted, existing in the
state of Rio Grande do Sul, where very few breeders who do so. Rabbit manure is a byproduct highly valued mainly by the gardeners and florists. Many rabbit breeders sell
this material, being one important source of supplementary income. From the slaughter
of animals, few breeders and slaughterhouses holds the information about the sale of
other products such as bowels, blood, eyes, brain etc. The laboratories pay well for
animals intended for studies and thus some breeders have achieved good profits offering
animals for this purpose. This activity is performed with high bureaucracy by
companies that buy, because the Brazilian law is very strict. Thus, favoring middlemen
that go through all this documentation. There is an urge regarding the adoption of a
certification of quality and food safety in the rabbit production and there are no
governmental policies.
Although there are reports of problems with myxomatosis in 2008 in the state of Rio de
Janeiro (Bruno et al., 2008), there are no vaccines for rabbits in the market. There are no
other serious problems compared to what happened in Uruguay, which had serious
problems with viral haemorrhagic disease (Denes, 2006).
Differently as occurred in Argentina, as reported by Douna (2007) and Moura (2010), in
Brazil there is no regular export of rabbit meat. There is only a slaughterhouse located
in the state of São Paulo, enabled for exports. Probably the tariff conditions and
monetary conversion practiced in Brazil are not attractive or favorable in this moment,
as in the neighboring country. In addition, the volume produced in Brazil is still very
small.
There are prospects for growth in the production of rabbit meat, considering the aging
of population, the greater concern with high quality products, being yet a sustainably
correct activity (Ferreira and Machado, 2007; Ferreira et al,. 2010). One should also
consider that several studies have pointed to Brazil as the future global food supplier ,
which will contribute to growth in all activities of animal production. However, the
Brazilian market is in need of coordination to make the sales and marketing to facilitate
contact between breeders and slaughterhouses, and perform sales and logistic.
d) Producers of pet animals
The production of pet animals is of great importance for the Brazilian rabbit production.
One cannot disregard that a rabbit owner is also a consumer of inputs with ample
purchasing power, although it is uncertain that the same would constitute a consumer of
meat rabbit. In Brazil there is ample space for growth of the two lines (slaughter and
pet), without any competition between them or inhibition by consumers.
Data from the Brazilian Association of Products for Pet Industry revealed that in 2012,
Brazil was the 4th largest country in the world in number of pets, with 2.17 million of
“other animals”, including rabbits, reptiles and small mammals and excluding the
aquarium fish. Still in 2012, the sector of pets moved about R$ 14.2 billion (U$ 6.62
billion) being the second largest market, together with Japan, accounting for about 8.0%
of global turnover. Attention is drawn to the fact that it has been requested to the
competent organ, that from 2016, the rabbit count may be carried out in separate way.
In recent years, particularly since the popularization of the internet, the pet rabbit
production increased very significantly (Ferreira et al., 2010). In modern times, families
are increasingly reduced, the number of people living alone is rising and the number of
pets is growing. The pet rabbit have high added value, mainly arising from dwarf
breeds. The sale price is varied and is common an animal be marketed on the average
for about R$ 80.00 (U$ 36.30) to R$ 150.00 (U$ 67.87). The most used breeds for this
purpose in Brazil are Mini Lyon Head, Mini Fuzzy Lop, Netherland Dwarf, Mini Rex,
Mini Dutch, White Hotot, Hermelin, Polish among others on a smaller scale. Many
breeders entered recently the market, stimulated by the high sale value of these animals,
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getting good profits from a relatively small number of animals. Besides the animals,
many sell accessories such as cage, clothes, toys, feed and packaged hay, this being
essential for raising the profit and success of the activity.
The sale and marketing of pet rabbits is mainly done through the internet, through
particular sites, sales sites or social networks. Marketing is also done through outdoor
fairs and pet shops. Creativity is essential to the pet breeder and location close to urban
centers is prereferable. It is also important that there is a commercial airport nearby to
the breeder so that the animals may be transported by air.
To estimate the potential of this market in Brazil nowadays, when entering the key
words "Mini Rabbit", in a traditional search site 7 750 000 results appeared. Also on
specific sites for selling the amount of animals supplied is too large. When you consult
the Facebook with the words "Mini Rabbit" the amount of profiles and groups is
immense and the count is not possible. Of the 35 breeders indexed on the ACBC
website, 26 are selling breeds of pet rabbits.
However, there is a big market for specific items and services to be explored for the pet
rabbits. There are few shops, services or products specific to these animals. There are no
cages with appropriate size for housing or with items of environmental enrichment.
There is no specific feed technically formulated for this situation. Attention is drawn to
the fact that in 2013, there was the creation of a small business for rabbit grooming,
located in Salvador, state of Bahia.
It was also found that there are other websites that sell specific items, such as clothing,
accessories and treats. Recently a website for buying and selling animals (Figure 01)
was developed, and this idea initiated by traditional rabbit breeders from São Paulo.
Figure 1. Specific Site for buying and selling of pet animals,
created by traditional rabbit breeders
e) Educational and research institutions
Brazil is a country with many higher education institutions and maintains several of
these courses in agricultural and livestock sciences offered at public and private
universities, colleges and federal institutes. Over the last thirty years, the research
groups of the Federal Universities of Ceará (UFC), Lavras (UFLA), Minas Gerais
(UFMG), the Rural of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ) and Santa Catarina (UFSC) and State
Universities of Maringa (UEM) and Paulista (UNESP / Botucatu Campi and
Jaboticabal) have gained prominence furthermore there are so many other good
researchers in at least thirty institutions. It appears today that the specific subjects of
rabbit science are invariably offered as electives and the teachers also work with others
species in the research and teaching. The ACBC has assisted in the distribution of
bibliographic and support materials open to consultation by the academic community.
As discussed by Machado (2012) in recent years there was a reduction in the percentage
of courses in Animal Science that maintains a structured rabbitry. In 2001, 63.4% of the
courses had this sector and in 2011, only 42.0% of the courses held. It should be
emphasized that the main reason for that was the amazing growth in the number of
graduation courses in Animal Science in Brazil and usually less traditional livestock
sectors, such as rabbit sector, are not prioritized in the early years of recently created
courses.
A worrying situation in research in rabbit science is expected for the coming years.
Some recognized researchers are retiring without preparing a new generation of
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researchers, which may result in a significant impact on research as well as the number
of papers published in rabbit science.
f) Feed manufacturers
There are over 40 companies that produce feed for rabbits in Brazil. Do not know
exactly the total volume of ration produced annually, but from personal information
obtained, the quantity produced is much higher than the necessary to feed the rabbit
population estimated by the national census. The rabbit ration is also used for other
small herbivores.
Although much has been produced scientific knowledge about nutrition of rabbits in
Brazil, most of this information "has not come to the feeder of animals", i.e., many
manufacturers still fail in producing correct formulation of commercial rations for
rabbits. Some manufacturers report that the volume demanded in the market is very low
which discourages interest in investing in the quality of this product.
Most rations are sold at high prices. Many do not consider the inclusion of a fibrous
source of good quality. In the market basically three types of ration are found: for little
productions, usually with low quality and sold in pet stores and supermarkets, two
industrial types one for growth and another for reproduction, which are of better quality,
obtained from a commercial dealer. There is still a growing segment that is the ration
for pet rabbits, of high added value, being sold at high prices without any apparent
justification.
Brazilian law is absent with regard to the requirement of adequate nutrient levels in
diets and declaration of minimum and maximum levels of nutrients. To exemplify this
situation, it is required that the ration labeling displays the highest level of fibrous
matter, while for rabbits should be necessary to show the minimum level associated
with energy concentration.
Few are the rabbit breeders that negotiate larger amounts of ration directly from the
manufacturer or its representatives, or even produce their own rations; these situations
could reduce prices and provide greater feasibility of the system.
5) Understanding the problems
In Brazil, there have always been many problems for rabbit production. Most are related
to the lack of structure and organization of the sector, aggravated by the lack of dialogue
between the actors of the production chain. Duarte (2011) points out that if the
consumption of meat in Brazil is insignificant due to the low quantity, on the other hand
production is low due to the little consumption which becomes a vicious cycle. The
author also notes that the breeder is the weakest actor and burdened in the supply chain,
because is dependent of the production inputs besides being a simple supplier of
feedstock for industry. Thus, the breeder is subjected to a very high risk. There is not an
institution that to deal with commercialization and marketing which would stimulate
contact between producers and slaughterhouses, plus the ability to make sales and
coordinate deliveries.
Although there is lack of a specific policy for the rabbit production in Brazil, there are
of many options of loans for small investments. The Federal Government provides
funds to start the activity at very low rates, provided that all documentation has been
fulfilled. However, due to the high risk of the activity, most rabbit breeders feels
insecure to access these resources.
But then, how could these problems be minimized? As appointed by Ferreira and
Machado (2007) and Ferreira et al. (2010), the following critical issues stand out,
especially considering the breeders than work with the production of animals for
slaughter: lack of specific public policies to encourage the activity; the rabbit breeders
have been working in isolation without organization; need for improvement of genetic
material available; lack of slaughterhouses and meat processing; lack of specialists in
rabbit science; lack of materials and equipment of good quality, especially cages;
prejudice and lack of knowledge of the population in relation to the nutritional quality
of rabbit meat; lack of investment and studies referred to the promotion of animal health
and at last the meat high price to the final consumer. It should be emphasized that the
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rabbit meat in Brazil is still an elitist commodity, which has a high cost to sell, and most
often sold as exotic meat. A kilo of rabbit meat arrives cost about R$ 35.00 (U$ 15.83)
in some supermarket chains. If sold at a more affordable price, the quantity of sales
could be much larger. Another point to be noted is that the chicken meat competes
directly with rabbit meat and is much cheaper. It is common a kilo of chicken meat
being sold at prices below to R$ 5.00 (U$ 2.26).
In a research presented at conducted a rabbit forum held in 2012 and unpublished, with
12 involved people from several Brazilian states, it was confirmed the observations
made by Ferreira and Machado (2007), and five main problems were pointed out: the
lack of certified slaughterhouses; lack of skilled health professionals in rabbit science as
well as studies in the area; high acquisition cost of feed and manufacturing difficulties
in the farm; lack of opportunities for funding or government support and difficult to
access the specific literature, with little information for the breeders. Besides these, the
lack of supply of good quality ration; lack of adequate technical assistance; difficulty in
acquiring of genetically superior breeding; difficulty in the sales of
products;
difficulties of legalization and poor dissemination of the activity were other issues
identified.
It should be emphasized that the activity of rabbit production presents high risk. In the
state of São Paulo, in recent years there has been a large drop in the production level
after several failed investments. Some rabbit breeders reported that they had to reduce
the number of animals, which contributed to the reduction of the production. Associated
with this, feed price has risen too, being common prices of R$ 1.50 (U$ 0.68) per kg.
One cannot forget the high rigor and bureaucracy of Brazilian law for the construction
of a legalized slaughterhouse, which greatly contributes to the increase informal
slaughter of animals. To get an idea of the problem, there are practically no legalized
rabbit meat in southern Brazil, a region that is identified with highest number of rabbits
according to IBGE (2006). In addition, the new legislation on animal welfare has
collaborated with new barriers to be dealt by rabbit breeders whom provide animals to
laboratories.
Thus, it is clear the scale of the problems of Brazilian rabbit production. It will not be
easy to resolve the majority of them in the short term. It is necessary for the sector to be
organized in order to gradually minimize these problems. Collective interests should be
prioritized over individual interests. An agent to coordinate sales and marketing is also
crucial.
6) The Scientific Brazilian Rabbit Science Association (ACBC)
The ACBC has focused on the promotion and dissemination of rabbit production. It
plays today an outstanding role in establishing dialogue between all sectors of the
industry. It was formed in 1996 by teachers and researchers of rabbit science, currently
being an affiliation of the World Rabbit Science Association, global entity that seeks to
put together those interested in the art and science of rabbit science.
Figure 2. Historic photo of the ACBC meeting held in 1996, carried by Dra. Marilia Padilha
Although currently it counts with few associates, among teachers, researchers, students
and rabbit breeders, the ACBC are seeking and enabling a greater understanding of
rabbit agribusiness in Brazil, having an important role in the sector dialogue, discussion
of problems, as well as providing information about the rabbit science. Apart from
scientific meetings, it has promoted important events, supports and provides free
technical support for rabbit breeders in online discussion forums, keeps an important
site (www.acbc.org.br) with various information available to all interested parties,
distributes a free compilation of many publications and publishes semiannually the
Brazilian Journal of Rabbit Science (RBC).
7) Actions performed by the ACBC
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During the last years, the ACBC sought to encourage the dialogue between the various
production agents, as well as assist the rabbit breeders as best as possible. The
association encouraged the organization of new associations and cooperatives.
Furthermore the ACBC has been sought after by several people in various companies,
institutions or interested in the activity. Questions originated from foreign, ministry of
agriculture and livestock, recreation magazine, newspapers, Foreign Ministry, rabbit
breeders in general, sites and others with interest in the activity, were received. Thus, it
is believed that the ACBC currently plays important role as a consultative body,
emphasizing also the role of interlocutor, promoting improvements in the understanding
and dialogue, assisting in the resolution of problems relating to the rabbit production.
The Following are the main actions taken by the ACBC since 2010.
a) Creation of discussion groups for improvement of dialogue
In 2010 a list of emails contacts from some teachers dedicated to rabbit science or took
in scientific works was created. From there, the following months, the list increased
with several emails obtained from schools. The movement gained strength whit the
entry of the rabbit breeders, intensifying discussions on various issues and problems.
Currently this list contains over 300 names, between rabbit breeders, students, teachers,
researchers, staff and others interested in the activity.
A more specialized group “Brazilian Rabbit Production” was created in googlegroups.
This group has about 100 people, mostly rabbit breeders. Since its creation, we
discussed various topics of interest to rabbit science, such as use of heated nests,
prevention of myxomatosis, prevention and treatment of scabies in rabbit, animal
sales, assembly of slaughterhouses - documentation and structure, legislation and
registration of new developments, lines of credit and government support for small
entrepreneurs, quality of rations, registration and documentation for farms, mortality of
young rabbits etc.
It seems that the group is very important in helping rabbit breeders for resolving
questions and problems, although in recent years there has been a gradual reduction in
participation. We notice also that after 4 years, these strategies have been key to
improving the dialogue between the actors of the productive chain, since most of the
breeders already know where to search for new information. The forum is also essential
for those beginners in rabbit science.
b) Creation of a webpage to disseminate technical information and activities
The ACBC had a website when its office was located in the city of Maringá. However,
the update was difficult and the site was very limited, considering that it was linked to
the general site of the State University of Maringá.
In 2011, the new management of ACBC started a website with specific domain (.org),
which favored the updating and dissemination of information. Today the site
www.acbc.org.br accumulates approximately 300 000 page views, getting about 400 of
these per day and is the first site to be located by google from the key word "rabbit
production". The site features news, technical notes, information about the sector,
information about the association, publications, materials for download, interesting
links, being extremely important for information dissemination in rabbit science.
Among the news, rabbit breeders' creativity is always highlighted, and also reported
intentions to purchase, research results, curious facts, as well as various information
about rabbit production.
Through the website the ACBC has also given support to slaughterhouses to
disseminate purchase intentions and opportunities.
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Figure 3. Website of the Brazilian Scientific Rabbit Science Association
c) Organization and distribution of one CD of publications
In 2010 the direction of the ACBC began an activity of compilation of technical papers
and others academics works for free distribution, the upgrade held every two years. This
material was combined on a CD, which is sent free to interested people. During this
time they were scanned and retrieved many old and valuable materials. Over 300 units
of this material had been distributed for the whole country.
d) Preparation of teaching materials
- Guidebook for formulation of ration and supplements
Whereas almost no standardization of rabbits rations in Brazil and that most diets do not
meet the nutritional requirements of the specie, the ACBC drafted in 2011, a guidebook
of feed formulation and supplements to these animals, providing information about the
requirements, nutritional value of ingredients, inclusion levels as well as practical
strategies for preparation of rations and supplements. A second edition of this material,
revised and enlarged, was published in 2014.
- Practical guidebook of rabbit production
Whereas there was a great shortage of materials easy to read for the breeders, the ACBC
drafted in 2012, a practical guidebook on rabbit production, which is available on the
ACBC website and is highly sought by all segments.
- Technical Notes
Technical notes try to meet the gaps and problems that are observed in the daily farms.
Are prepared by professionals and placed on the ACBC website. Examples of how to
elaborate techniques notes and already available: "Transport of rabbits to the
slaughterhouse", "PET rabbits, mini or dwarf", "Cost management" and "Mortality of
young rabbits", the latter being drawn from the collaboration of 12 people among
teachers, students and breeders, seeking to understand and propose solutions to the
problem of high mortality of young rabbits.
e) Holding events
As noted by Machado (2013), the events in rabbit science are extremely important to
promote dialogue between the various involved, as well as to present and discuss new
proposals and technologies for the sector. There should be events where all segments
can participate. Some events held in Brazil in recent years are presented next:
- Short courses of rabbit production
The short courses are essential for dissemination of activity and professional training.
They are held in different cities and states in most cases independently. In recent years
were performed short courses in Uberaba (MG), Viçosa (MG), Lavras (MG), Cuiabá
(MT), Foz do Iguaçu (PR), Botucatu (SP), Areias (PB) etc. It is necessary to increase
the number of short courses as well be offered to the less traditional areas.
- Rabbit breeder day
The rabbit breeder day was an event held in 2011 in the city of Esteio-RS, during the
EXPOINTER, the largest livestock fair in Latin America. On this occasion, we tried to
resume the performance of specific events in rabbit science, which are essential to
promote improvements in the dialogue between everyone involved in the rabbit
260
production, as well as presenting new technologies. There were about 70 people
between breeders, students, professionals and professors. It was noticed that the event
was very important for mobilization of the sector as well as served as a stimulus for
rabbit breeders continue in the activity beyond the elevation of self-esteem.
Figure 4. Rabbit breeder day held in 2011 in Esteio - RS.
- National Seminar of Technology and Rabbit Science
National seminars of technology and rabbit science (SENACITEC) are events that seek
to present and discuss general issues of interest to the sector. In the late of 90s, 3
editions were held. In 2012, the IV SENACITEC was held in the city of Botucatu-SP,
being very important for the promotion and dissemination of rabbit science because it
provided extensive dialogue, publication of papers, conferences, short course and one
homage. In 2013, the V SENACITEC was held concurrently with the ZOOTEC 2013
being the largest multi event of Brazilian Animal Science, held in Foz do Iguaçu-PR.
Currently the ACBC are studying the best way to hold this event, together with a multi
event or not.
Figure 5. Opening the IV SENACITEC, occurred in 2012 in the city of Botucatu - SP
- Meetings of the productive sector
Although ACBC does not directly organize the meetings between breeders, it supports
them, which is essential for further dialogue in the sector in addition to identifying
problems and possible solutions.
In August 2010, about 12 people, mainly breeders attended the first meeting. After
several discussions of different matters the main goal of the meeting, which was the
formation of the national confederation was not achieved. In 2011, on the occasion of
the rabbit breeder day, a new meeting took place the issue was discussed and a new
business proposed.
Figure 6. First meeting of the rabbit productive sector, held in 2010 in Esteio-RS
- Fairs organized by breeders
262
The ACBC supports the divulgation of fairs organized by rabbit breeders on their own
as well as events organized by associations and cooperatives. These fairs are key to
marketing of animals and for the dissemination of the activity.
Figure 7. Exposure of rabbits in EXPOINTER in Esteio-RS, competing as the
largest fair, exhibition and judgment of rabbits Brazil.
f) Creation of a national magazine
The creation of a scientific journal was an aspiration of the association. From the ACBC
meeting held in 2011, on the occasion of the rabbit breeder day, we chose to implement
a magazine to publish general issues about the market in rabbits, in addition to scientific
articles and literature review. This decision was extremely important to the growth of
the magazine. Thus, in 2012, the first edition of the Brazilian magazine of rabbit science
(RBC) was published and is available on line on the address www.rbc.acbc.org.br.
Figure 8. Web site of the Brazilian magazine of rabbit science
During these years, the RBC was approached by various interested people, especially
professors, researchers, students and rabbit breeders. A total of 11 scientific papers, six
articles of literature review, one article of extension, two opinion articles and four
patterns racial (New Zealand, Castor Rex, Chinchilla and California), and other
miscellaneous information about the sector has been published in five editions.
g) Service for rabbit breeders and interested people from around the country
In addition to organizing the academy, the ACBC tries to promote the rabbit science
through dialogue and guidance to producers and interested. The attending to these
people has been held by phone or e-mail and has been performed widely. This advice is
very important for the promotion of rabbit production in a cautious manner and with
greater security.
h) Encouraging the formation of cooperatives and associations of rabbit breeders
The ACBC has spurred the organization of rabbit breeders through associations and
cooperatives, as it believes that one of the outputs for successful activity is the union of
breeders, as also highlighted by Machado (2013). A group will be much stronger and
more stable, forward market fluctuations when compared to a breeders in isolation.
In January 2014, met rabbit breeders, representatives from academic and livestock
support, for the creation of Brazilian Association of rabbit breeders. This association
will play a key role in organizing of the Brazilian rabbit breeders, it also helps to
improve dialogue between those involved in the activity.
Currently, the elected council has faced many bureaucratic problems to the registration,
which has contributed to discourage and delay to the start of the activities. The name of
this association is being changed to "Rabbit breeders association of pet and slaughter”
(ACPEC).
264
Figure 9. First meeting for the formation of the new rabbit breeders association
i) Institution of one award for a feature professional
To recognize people who have dedicated much of their life to the promotion of rabbit
science, in 2012 a recognition of dedication award was established. For the name of the
award, the name of Dr. Laura de Sanctis was chosen; she was an extensionist who
served in rabbit production in the 80s and 90s, being a person intensely dedicated to the
development of this activity. The award has already taken place in the years 2012 and
2013.
8) Recent changes in demand for animals for slaughter
At the end of 2013 and early 2014, it was realized that the main slaughterhouses of the
Brazilian southeast increased demand for live animals for slaughter. A related news was
reported in the media and linked to the ACBC website (Figure 09). The four main
slaughterhouses in southeastern expressed interest in the purchase of live animals for
slaughter. Some of them are paying R$ 6.00 (U$ 2.71) per kilogram of live animal. In
the Federal District, some breeders reported that are getting R$ 8.00 (U$ 3.62) per kilo,
being this the highest value ever reported.
The organization of rabbit breeders in small cooperatives is very important to meet the
demands of these slaughterhouses.
Figure 10. News reports that the great demand for live rabbits for slaughter in the
ACBC web site
9) Upcoming challenges
There are many challenges for the rabbit production to become an organized activity,
generating large amounts of goods and services. New ideas to be developed by the
ACBC for future implementation are:
a) Courses of initial and continuing training
It is one of the future projects of the ACBC, the promotion of courses of initial and
continuing training in rabbit science. This initiative is very important to improve the
qualification of the breeders, being necessary the professionalization of those involved
in the activity. Currently, the syllabus of these courses are already being drafted, and
should be done by 2017. It is also important also that there are more professional
practice opportunities in commercial farms for interested students.
b) Divulgation of the activity of rabbit science
For the association it will be important to invest in publicizing the activity of rabbit
production as well as its benefits to society. Thus, the ACBC plans to print information
for distribution. Besides printed material, this campaign will be done also through
websites, e-mails or social networks, and may also be initiated in 2014.
c) Creating a channel for the dissemination of explanatory videos
266
Leveraging the popularity and ease of "You tube" the ACBC plans to create a channel
for the dissemination of explanatory videos on rabbit science as well as treat a simple
and objective way some problems of productive activity. It is thought in creating of a
program called "Dr. Cuni", where various experts could make their contribution. This
activity can be implemented by 2018.
Final considerations
Brazil presents great conditions to support the growth of rabbit production. However,
the difficulties encountered by rabbit breeders are still persistent, highlighting mainly
the strictness of the Brazilian legislation. There is need for an entity to organize the
purchase, sale and delivery of animals nationwide.
Identified problems should be solved by improving the dialogue between all actors
involved in the production chain, and the union of the breeders should be prioritized. In
addition,
the
breeders
should
increase
their
production,
diversifying
and
commercializing more than live or slaughtered animals, the others products and sub
products of the activity must become real alternatives.
References
BRUNO S.F., SANCHEZ C.M.S., MATIAS A.S.A. 2008 Mixomatose: uma doença
emergente no Estado do Rio de Janeiro e suas implicações na cunicultura nacional.
Revista do Conselho Federal de Medicina Veterinária. v. 45, p. 68-71, 2008.
DENES D. W. Políticas y estrategias de desarrollo de la cunicultura en los países
Americanos: Informe Uruguay. In: Congreso Americano de Cunicultura, Anales… 3.
Maringá - Brasil, 2006.
DOUNA E. Historia y situación actual de la cunicultura en Argentina. Articulos
Técnicos,
2007.
Disponible
en
http://www.engormix.com/MAcunicultura/articulos/historia-situacion-actual-cunicultura-t1788/p0.htm
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS.
Faostat – Production: livestock primary: rabbit meal, 2012.
http://faostat3.fao.org/faostat-gateway/go/to/download/Q/QA/E - consultado em
02/07/2014
FERREIRA W. M., MACHADO L. C. Perspectivas da Cunicultura Brasileira. Revista
Veterinária e Zootecnia em Minas, p. 41-44, 2007.
FERREIRA W. M.; MACHADO L. C.; RAMIREZ M. A.; FERREIRA S. R. A. The
Rabbit Production in Brazil. In: Congreso Americano de Cunicultura, Proceedings... 4.
Cordoba - Argentina, 2010.
INSTITUTO BRASILEIRO DE GEOGRAFIA E ESTAÍSTICA. Senso Agropecuário
2006
–
Resultados
preliminares.
2006.
Disponível
em:
http://www.ibge.gov.br/home/estatistica/economia/agropecuaria/censoagro/2006/agrope
cuario.pdf
MACHADO L. C. Opinião: Panorama da Cunicultura Brasileira. Revista Brasileira de
Cunicultura, v. 2, n. 1, 2012. Disponível em
http://www.rbc.acbc.org.br/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63&Item
id=71
MACHADO L. C. Opinião: Organização, eventos e comunicação em cunicultura.
Revista Brasileira de Cunicultura, v. 4, n. 1, 2013. Disponível em
http://www.acbc.org.br/images/stories/Opinio__organizao_eventos_e_divulgacao_em_cunicultura.pdf
MINISTÉRIO DA AGRICULTURA, PECUÁRIA E ABASTECIMENTO – Assessoria
de Gestão Estratégica. Projeções do Agronegócio – Brasil 2012/13 a 2022/23 –
Projeções de longo prazo. 2013. Disponível em:
http://www.agricultura.gov.br/arq_editor/projecoes%20-%20versao%20atualizada.pdf
MOURA A. S. A. M. T. Rabbit Production in Latin America. In: American Rabbit
Congress, Proceedings… 4. Cordoba - Argentina, 2010.
ROPPA L. Brasil: O consumo de carnes passado a limpo! Aveworld, 2008. p. 10-14.
DUARTE C. L. G . Reflexão - A cadeia reprodutiva do coelho. Cunicultura em Foco,
v. 1, p. 9-10, 2011.
MILITÃO L. Entrevista. . Cunicultura em Foco, v. 1, p. 11-12, 2011.
SIDRA: Sistema IBGE de Recuperação automática. Disponível em:
<www.sidra.ibge.
gov.br>. Acesso em 16 de Julho de 2014.
268
ORGANIZACIÓN Y ESTRATEGIAS DE LA CUNICULTURA
BRASILEÑA LA BÚSQUEDA DE SOLUCIONES
Introducción
Brasil es un país en desarrollo que cuenta con excelentes condiciones para la cría de
conejos. Sin embargo, esta actividad ha pasado y pasa hoy por numerosas dificultades
relacionadas con la tecnología de producción, la deficiencia de la organización en la
cadena productiva y la falta de políticas específicas para el sector, que aumenta el costo
de producción. La estructuración adecuada de la cadena de producción, así como la
promoción del diálogo entre los actores son fundamentales para que la actividad sea
realizada de forma más segura y rentable.
En este estudio se presenta informaciones sobre el sistema de producción de conejos en
Brasil, la estructura, las fortalezas, limitaciones y desafíos para que la cunicultura
Brasileña sea una actividad atractiva y que pueda generar una mayor cantidad de bienes
y servicios a la sociedad.
Brasil, un país emergente con vocación agrícola
Actualmente Brasil es un país emergente y presenta condiciones favorables para el
desarrollo de la cunicultura. Su extensión territorial es de 8.514.000 km2, con una
población que supera los 200 millones de habitantes. La mayor parte de su territorio es
de zonas cultivables, siendo un país de clima predominantemente tropical aún que se
ocurre la presentación de otros tipos de clima en todo su territorio.
Actualmente Brasil es considerado la séptima economía del mundo. Algunos índices
brasileños se presentan en la Tabla 01 y reflejan la posición de país emergente.
Tabla 01 - Índices generales brasileños
Índices
Esperanza de vida*
Analfabetismo*
IDH*
Crecimiento del PIB en 2013**
Inflación en 2013**
Tasa de desempleo en 2013**
PIB en 2013**
Valor
73,4 anos
9,6%
0,73
2,5%
5,9%
5,4%
US$ 2,07 trillones***
* Datos obtenidos a partir de IBGE (2010)
** Los datos obtenidos de diferentes fuentes
La economía brasileña se basa en la producción agrícola, la minería y la manufactura, y
bienes de consumo y duraderos. En la ganadería se han destacado la producción de
pollos y huevos, ganado de carne y leche y la producción de cerdos, con una producción
a menor escala de ovejas, cabras, caballos, búfalos y conejos. Aún que hubo un período
de crisis y de bajo crecimiento mundial en el 2013, hubo un aumento del 2,5% del PIB y
el 4,45% del agronegocio. Sin embargo, las previsiones realizadas por el Fondo
Monetario Internacional (FMI) y publicadas en julio 2014 muestran que Brasil crecerá
sólo un 1,3% en 2014 y 2,0% en 2015, lo que sugiere que el país está pasando por un
momento de leve recesión. La crisis del mundo también está afectando a todos los
países emergentes.
Brasil es un país que está emergiendo como el mayor exportador de alimentos del
mundo. Las proyecciones realizadas por el Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y
Abastecimiento (MAPA, 2013) para los años 2012/13 a 2022/23, se refieren a una
situación en la que Brasil será el mayor productor y exportador de carne del mundo en
el año 2023. Como ha sido reportado por Roppa (2008), la carne más consumida es el
pollo (43,0 kg / hab.año), seguido de la carne de vacuno (42,2 kg / hab.año) y cerdos
(14,8 kg / hab. años). Cuando se compara con el consumo de dichas carnes, el consumo
de carne de conejo es insignificante. Datos de FAOSTAT (2014) muestran que la
cantidad de carne de conejo producida en Brasil es de 1.635 ton / año, lo que daría un
consumo estimado de 0.008 kg/hab.año. Se sabe que la mayoría de los animales son
faenados sin inspección y esos registros no alcanzan la unidad de control. De toda
manera, se puede imaginar, la gran capacidad de expansión de la cunicultura brasileña.
270
3) Una corta historia de la cunicultura en Brasil - pasado y presente
La historia de la cunicultura brasileña tiene altibajos, se asemeja mucho con la historia
de la cunicultura de algunos países vecinos, como Uruguay (Denes, 2006). En los años
60 y 70, hubo inversión para la producción de pelo, así como para la producción de
gazapos para la producción de vacunas contra la fiebre aftosa. Como las nuevas
tecnologías para la producción de materiales sintéticos fueron desarrollados, así como se
crearon nuevas formas de producir la vacuna para la aftosa, los criadores de conejo
tuvieron que adaptarse a la utilización de animales para la producción de carne y
coproductos agregados. A finales de los años 80, la cría de conejos para la producción
de carne, fue muy estimulada por algunos gobiernos estatales, como el programa
Nuestro Conejo en el Estado de Paraná, con el objetivo, entre otros, del fortalecimiento
de la agricultura familiar. Por varias razones, incluyendo la falta de infraestructura, las
políticas públicas y la financiación del sector, el sistema se interrumpió. (Ferreira y
Machado, 2007; Ferreira et al, 2010.).
Mirándose las estimaciones de población de conejos las últimas décadas, se observa una
reducción gradual en los últimos años (IBGE, 2006; FAOSTAT, 2014). En 1992 tenía
una población de 593 000 animales, reducidos a 350.000 en 2002 y 205.000 en 2012. Se
debe tener en cuenta que gran parte de la población no se entra en la encuesta, como
subrayó Machado (2012). Todavía, se advierte que en los últimos años, la cunicultura
ha recuperado lentamente su crecimiento en algunas regiones de Brasil. Hubo un ligero
incremento de la población entre los años 2010 y 2011, aunque la población ha
disminuido en 2012, debido principalmente a los problemas que han ocurrido en São
Paulo. Como recordado por Moura (2010) recientes problemas de salud relacionados
con la gripe aviar y la fiebre porcina, pueden haber contribuido al aumento de la
demanda de carne de conejos. Durante los años 2013 y 2014, todos los principales
mataderos del sudeste brasileño demostraron interés en la compra de animales para la
faena, lo que sugiere que progresivamente, el sector se recuperará.
Cabe también destacar que el uso de conejos para mascotismo, que prevé la producción
de animales de alto valor agregado, creció en los últimos años. Esta rama de la actividad
del sector representa una parte significativa de la producción de conejos en el mercado
actual y es también una actividad de suma importancia para la generación de ingresos
para los pequeños agricultores.
Actual mercado de cunicultura en Brasil
a) Datos estadísticos de la cunicultura brasileña
En Brasil, los datos sobre la población y cantidad de carne de conejo son escasos,
inseguros, poco actualizados, y proporcionan numerosas dudas. El censo agrícola de
2006 (IBGE, 2006) describió una población total de 295 584 animales, más de 17.615
propietarios con un promedio de 17 animales por establecimiento. Hay que recordar que
la mayoría de estos establecimientos no es comercial. Analizando los grupos de
actividad económica, parece que la mayoría de los criadores también trabaja con
"Ganadería y cría de otros animales" y "producción de cultivos temporales". De hecho,
se admite que hay pocos criadores que se ocupan exclusivamente con conejos, y que la
gran mayoría de ellos trabajan de forma secundaria con esta actividad. Los datos
también muestran que en la mayoría de las propiedades, su dimensión es de pequeña
escala, hasta 10 hectáreas. En 2006, se dio cuenta de que la mayoría de los animales se
encontraban en la región sur. En la actualidad, aún sin datos oficiales, se observa que la
proporción de conejos en la región sureste aumentó considerablemente, principalmente
debido a la expansión de la cunicultura en el estado de São Paulo. La mayoría de las
granjas de conejos es pequeño (20 a 100 hembras) y trabajan principalmente para la
producción de carne o de mascotas, aunque hay de forma secundaria la producción de
pieles, estiércol, animales para la investigación, la artesanía etc., siendo eses
coproductos poco explotados.
Llama la atención sobre el hecho de que muchas agencias oficiales de inspección, que
hacen las encuestas de los animales, no la realizan de la forma adecuada y en muchas
272
ciudades donde hay conejos, no hay registro de estos animales. Además, varios conejos
mascotas no son considerados. Se cree que la población de conejos reportados en el
censo de 2006, y la población estimada por el sistema FAOSTAT, está subestimada,
como también comentado por Moura (2010) y Machado (2012).
350000
300000
250000
200000
150000
100000
50000
0
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Gráfico 01 - Evolución de la población de conejos en Brasil
Fuente: Adaptado de www.sidra.ibge.gov.br
Teniendo en cuenta la cunicultura para la producción de carne, en la actualidad no se
sabe su producción total real en Brasil. Algunos criadores más experimentados
reportaron una producción de 20-25 toneladas por mes, y tal vez esa cantidad es la
producida e inspeccionada en el estado de São Paulo. Hay que destacar que el conejo se
crea en otras partes de Brasil y la mayor cantidad de animales son faenados sin
supervisión, fuera de los mataderos oficiales, y se comercializa regionalmente por los
criadores. Los datos del sistema FAOSTAT (2014) apuntan a la producción de 1.635
toneladas para el año 2012 y como también comentado por Moura (2010), Brasil está
entre los siete países latinoamericanos que producen más de 1.000 toneladas de carne de
conejo al año. A pesar de que tuvo un crecimiento en la producción de carne de conejo
en el mundo y el América Latina, en los últimos años la producción de carne de conejo
producida en Brasil se está disminuyendo (Moura, 2010).
b) Organización del sector
El sector productivo de cunicultura en Brasil es, en general, mal organizado. Hay
algunas iniciativas locales, que incluyen productores, mataderos, fábricas de piensos,
distribución, aprovechamiento de los coproductos etc. (Machado, 2012).
Existen pocas asociaciones y cooperativas. Actualmente hay menos de diez grupos
estructurados en esta actividad. Cabe señalar que la organización de productores de
conejo en los núcleos es clave para el éxito de la actividad de cunicultura (Machado,
2013). El cunicultor es el eslabón más débil de la cadena de producción y por lo tanto es
quién se quedará con la parte más pequeña de las ganancias. Debe tenerse en cuenta que
los productores trabajan de manera individualista y aislada, así casi no recurren a
organizaciones, asociaciones e instituciones de apoyo. La organización de los enlaces,
así como el diálogo y la colaboración entre ellos, sería fundamental para el crecimiento
de la industria de cunicultura. Es necesario enfatizar el trabajo de algunos criadores, que
de forma aislada, buscan alternativas para obtener financiación del gobierno o trabajan
por la organización de criadores en pequeños grupos. También es esencial que el sector
académico pueda trabajar conjuntamente con el sector productivo, buscando mejoras
aplicables a los problemas y desafíos del campo. Estas mejoras no podrán ser
propuestas sólo para la comunidad científica. La información generada por la
investigación debe ser difundida de manera que proporciona un fácil entendimiento y
aplicación.
c) Los productores de animales para la faena
La mayoría de los productores de conejos brasileños cría los animales para la faena. Los
mataderos tienen preferencia para la adquisición de animales con peso vivo entre 2,33,0 kg, que proporcionan carcasas entre 1,2 y 1,6 quilos. La mayor parte de la carne se
vende en forma de conejo entero. Prácticamente no hay cortes para la venta,
procesamiento de carne y venta de material procesado como salchichas, jamón, salsa de
carne, hamburguesas etc., lo que sería muy importante para facilitar las ventas.
274
La mayoría de los productores de carne se encuentra en el centro-sur de Brasil, pero
cerca de centros urbanos de otras regiones existen criadores de conejos. Cabe destacar la
provincia de São Paulo, donde se encuentra el matadero con mayor potencial para la
faena de conejos y es el único autorizado para la exportación de carne. En esta
provincia, sobre todo en los años 2010, 2011 y 2012, se estimuló la cría de conejos en
gran medida, a través de diversas campañas, principalmente en la televisión. En la
actualidad, un grupo de criadores de conejo en la región de Brasilia ha verificado con el
Gobierno Federal, la posibilidad de inclusión de la carne de conejos en las comidas
escolares.
La raza más utilizada para la producción de carne en Brasil es la Nueva Zelanda Blanca.
Hay también un buen efectivo de animales de otras razas de tamaño mediano, como la
Californiana y Chinchilla además de animales mestizos. Sólo una raza comercial fue
desarrollada en Brasil, la Botucatú, con un alto potencial para la producción de carne y
habilidad materna. No hubo introducción de nuevo material genético en los últimos
años, como ocurrió en Uruguay, según lo informado por Denes (2006).
En la producción de animales para la faena, el margen de beneficio es muy bajo, debido
principalmente a los altos costos de producción involucrados en la actividad y al
elevado riesgo debido a que los criadores dependen de factores tales como la aceptación
por parte de los mataderos, transporte, compra de piensos, entre otros. El precio pagado
por kilo de animal en pie en la región sureste varía generalmente alrededor de R$ 5,60 –
R$ 6,00 (U$ 2,30 - U$ 2,71), y es a menudo inviable teniendo en cuenta gastos de
transporte y alimentación, entre otros factores. Recientemente, algunos criadores en la
región de Brasilia - DF, informaron que han alcanzado un precio de R$ 8,00 (U$ 3,62)
por kg de conejo en pie, siendo el valor más alto jamás registrado. Todavía en Brasilia
otros criadores de conejo pagan R$ 4,50 (U$ 2,03) para los servicios del matadero, y
después han vendido la carne del animal por su cuenta.
Muchos criadores de conejo faenan a los animales y se venden por su cuenta. Esta
situación es incompatible con la legislación brasileña, que es extremadamente estricta y
burocrática en lo que respecta a la comercialización de la carne.
Por otra parte, no es una práctica común en la cunicultura brasileña la celebración de
contratos entre los involucrados. En este sentido, en todo momento, la precaución ha
sido la palabra clave para los nuevos emprendimientos en cunicultura.
La producción de conejos con un sistema integrado similar al utilizado en la producción
de pollos, se realizó en el sur de Brasil hace unos años, como declarado por Militão
(2011). En este modelo, el productor invierte en la construcción de galpones, compra de
equipo y el integrador proporciona asistencia técnica y otros insumos, lo que garantiza
la comercialización del producto. Aunque interesante, el sistema no tuvo éxito.
En cuanto a la demanda de animales para la faena, los mataderos incrementaran las
compras. Hay también demanda por parte del mercado internacional. Se dio cuenta de
que, aunque hay pocos criadores en Brasil, la cantidad demandada es mucho mayor que
la oferta actual.
Además de la producción de animales para la faena, la mayoría de los criadores
aprovechan algunos subproductos de la actividad, aunque el grado de utilización sea
menor que el ideal. Algunos venden la piel in natura o trabajada, aunque la mayoría de
los productores de conejos elimina este material porque no poseen las condiciones y el
volumen mínimo para almacenar y comercializar. Con algunas excepciones,
prácticamente no hay explotaciones destinadas exclusivamente a la producción de
pieles, utilizando razas específicas. Todavía hay interesados en comprar las pieles in
natura, a un precio promedio de R$ 2.00 (U$ 0,90). Esta piel se procesa para que se
pueda vender a un precio más alto. Debe llamar la atención sobre el hecho de que hay
una gran demanda de pieles brasileñas en el mercado internacional, no siendo posible la
exportación, principalmente debido a problemas logísticos y a la cantidad necesaria de
pieles para llenar un contenedor de carga, que sería de aproximadamente 70.000
unidades. Esta cantidad está por encima de la capacidad de producción de las
cooperativas, centros y asociaciones de productores nacionales.
Otros productores de conejos diversifican los beneficios de su actividad. Los más
dedicados comercializan animales para la reproducción que normalmente son vendidos
a un precio mínimo de R$ 100,00 (U$ 45,00). El mercado para la venta de la lana
Angora es muy restringido, solo existente en la provincia del Rio Grande do Sul, donde
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muy pocos criadores que aún ejercen esta actividad. El estiércol de conejo es un
subproducto muy valorado, principalmente por los jardineros y los floristas. Muchos
criadores de conejo venden este material que es una importante fuente de ingresos
complementarios. Desde la faena de los animales, pocos criadores y mataderos tienen la
información sobre la venta de otros productos, como los despojos, sangre, ojos, cerebro
etc. Laboratorios pagan bien por los animales destinados a los estudios y por lo tanto los
criadores han conseguido buenos beneficios en la venta de animales para este propósito.
Esta actividad se realiza con la alta burocracia de las empresas que compran, debido a la
legislación brasileña ser muy estricta. Por lo tanto, hay favorecimiento de los
intermediarios que trabajan muy bien toda la documentación.
Hay escasez en cuanto a la adopción de una certificación de calidad y seguridad
alimentaria en la producción de carne de conejos y no hay exigencias de parte de las
políticas gubernamentales.
Aunque hay informes de problemas con la mixomatosis que se han producido en 2008,
en la provincia de Río de Janeiro (Bruno et al., 2008), no existe vacunas para conejo en
el mercado. No hay otros problemas graves en comparación con aquellos que ocurrieran
en Uruguay, donde tuvo serios problemas con la enfermedad hemorrágica viral (Denes,
2006).
Diferentemente de lo que ocurre en Argentina, según lo informado por Douna (2007) y
Moura (2010), en Brasil no hay exportación regular de carne de conejo. Sólo hay un
matadero ubicado en la provincia de São Paulo, habilitado para las exportaciones. Es
probable que las condiciones arancelarias y la conversión de moneda que se practican
en Brasil no están en momento atractivo o favorable como en el país vecino. Además, el
volumen de carne de conejo producido en Brasil es aún muy bajo.
Hay perspectivas de crecimiento en la producción de carne de conejos, debido a una
mayor preocupación con productos de alta calidad e interés en actividades sostenibles
(Ferreira y Machado, 2007; Ferreira et al, 2010). También hay que tener en cuenta que
varios estudios han señalado Brasil como el futuro granero mundial, lo que contribuirá
al crecimiento en todas las actividades de producción animal.
Sin embargo, el mercado brasileño está escaso de coordinación para hacer las ventas y
la comercialización, lo que sería muy importante para facilitar el contacto entre
productores y mataderos.
d) Los productores de animales de compañía (mascotas)
La producción de los animales de compañía (mascotas) es de suma importancia para la
cunicultura brasileña. No se puede ignorar que un propietario de conejo es también un
consumidor de insumos con un amplio poder adquisitivo, aunque no tiene muy claro si
la misma constituiría un consumidor de carne de conejo. En Brasil existe un amplio
margen para el crecimiento de las dos líneas (conejos para la faena y mascotas), sin
ningún tipo de competencia entre ellas o la inhibición por los consumidores.
Los datos de la Asociación Brasileña de la Industria de Productos para Mascotas
revelaron que en 2012, Brasil fue el cuarto país más grande del mundo en número de
animales de estimación, con 2,17 millones de “otros animales”, incluyendo conejos,
reptiles y pequeños mamíferos. Todavía en 2012, el sector de animales de estimación
manejó alrededor de 14,2 mil millones de reales (U$ 6.620.000.000) y fue el segundo
mercado más grande, junto con Japón, que representó aproximadamente el 8,0% de la
facturación global. Se llama la atención sobre el hecho de que ya ha sido solicitado al
órgano competente, para que en el año 2016, la encuesta sea llevada a cabo, con el
conteo de conejos de forma separada.
En los últimos años, especialmente desde la popularización de Internet, el número de
conejos como mascotas aumentó muy significativamente (Ferreira et al., 2010). En la
actualidad, las familias están cada vez más reducidas, el número de personas que viven
solas está aumentando y el número de mascotas también. Los conejos mascotas tienen
elevado valor añadido, principalmente los derivados de las razas enanas. El precio de
venta es muy variado y un animal se comercializa a un promedio de R$ 80,00 (U$
36,30) a R$ 150,00 (U$ 67,87). Las razas más utilizadas para este fin en Brasil son Mini
Head Lyon, mini Fuzzy Lop, Netherland enano, mini rex, mini holandés, Blanco de
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Hotot, Hermelin, Polaco, entre otros en menor escala. Muchos criadores de conejo
recientemente entraran en el mercado, estimulados por el alto valor de la venta de estos
animales, obteniendo buenas ganancias desde una producción de pequeña escala.
Además de los animales, muchos productores comercializan accesorios tales como
jaulas, ropas, juguetes, piensos y henos embalados. Estas ventas son fundamentales para
incrementar el beneficio y el éxito de la actividad.
La venta y comercialización de conejos se realiza principalmente por la Internet, a
través de los sitios particulares, sitios de ventas o las redes sociales. La comercialización
se realiza también a través de mercados al aire libre y tiendas de mascotas. Es esencial
que este cunicultor sea creativo y preferentemente este situado cerca de un gran centro
urbano. También es importante que haya un aeropuerto comercial cerca, para que el
envío de animales por vía aérea sea facilitado.
Con el fin de estimar el potencial de este mercado en Brasil en la actualidad, al entrar
las palabras claves "Mini conejo", en un buscador tradicional de internet, son
localizados 7.750.000 resultados. También en sitios específicos de venta, la cantidad de
animales suministrados es demasiado grande. Al consultar el Facebook con las palabras
"Mini conejo" la cantidad de perfiles y grupos es inmenso, no siendo posible el
recuento. De las 35 propiedades listadas en el sitio web de la ACBC, 26 trabajan con
razas de conejos mascotas.
Sin embargo, hay un gran mercado de artículos específicos y servicios para conejos
mascotas a ser explotado. Hay muy pocas tiendas, servicios o productos específicos
para estos animales. No hay jaulas para la vivienda con el tamaño adecuado y
enriquecimiento ambiental o piensos específicos, técnicamente formulados para estos
animales. Se llama la atención sobre el hecho de que, en 2013, se ha llevado a cabo la
creación de una tienda de estética de conejos, con sede en la ciudad de Salvador - Bahia.
Hay otros sitios que venden artículos específicos, tales como ropa, accesorios y otros.
También se ha establecido recientemente un sitio de compra y venta de animales
(Figura 01), siendo esta idea iniciada por dos tradicionales criadores de conejo de la
provincia de São Paulo.
Figura 01 - Sitio Brasileño Específico para la compra y venta de macotas,
creado por dos criadores tradicionales de conejo
e) Las instituciones de enseñanza e investigación
Brasil es un país con muchas instituciones de educación superior y mantiene varios
cursos en el área de ciencias agrícolas y ganadería que son ofrecidos en las
universidades públicas y privadas e institutos federales. Durante los últimos treinta
años, se destacaron los grupos de investigación de las Universidades Federal de Ceará
(UFC), Lavras (UFLA), Minas Gerais (UFMG), Rural de Río de Janeiro (UFRRJ),
Santa Catarina (UFSC) y Viçosa (UFV) y Universidades Provinciales de Maringá
(UEM) y Paulista (UNESP/ campus Botucatu y campus Jaboticabal), además de que
hay muchos otros buenos investigadores en al menos treinta instituciones de enseñanza,
investigación y extensión. Se verifica que hoy por hoy las disciplinas específicas de
cunicultura son ofrecidas siempre como optativas y los profesores encargados también
realizan actividades de investigación y de enseñanza con la producción de otras
especies. La ACBC ha colaborado en la distribución de los materiales bibliográficos y
de apoyo para consulta abierta a la comunidad académica.
Como se discutió por Machado (2012), en los últimos años se ha verificado una
reducción en el porcentaje de cursos de Zootecnia que mantienen un sector estructurado
de cría de conejos. En 2001, el 63,4% de los cursos tuvo este sector estructurado y en
2011, sólo el 42,0% de los cursos lo tenían. Debe hacerse hincapié en que la principal
razón de eso es el increíble crecimiento en el número de cursos de graduación en
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Zootecnia en Brasil y por lo general, los sectores menos tradicionales de la ganadería,
como la cunicultura, no son una prioridad en los primeros años de las nuevas carreras
creadas.
Una situación preocupante en la investigación en cunicultura se espera para los
próximos años, ya que reconocidos investigadores se están jubilando sin que se observe
llegar una nueva generación de investigadores, lo que puede resultar en un impacto
significativo en la investigación, así como en el número de artículos de cunicultura
publicados en periódicos especializados.
f) Los fabricantes de piensos
Hay más de 40 diferentes fabricantes de piensos para conejos en Brasil. No se conoce
exactamente el volumen total de piensos producido anualmente, pero desde
informaciones personales obtenidas, la cantidad producida es mucho más grande que la
necesaria para alimentar a la población de conejos estimado por las encuestas. Hay que
se considerar que los piensos para conejos son también utilizados para otros pequeños
herbívoros.
Aunque mucho se ha producido en conocimiento científico acerca de la nutrición de los
conejos en Brasil, la mayor parte de esta información "no ha llegado a los comederos de
los animales", o sea, muchos fabricantes todavía pecan en la correcta formulación de las
dietas comerciales para conejos. Algunos fabricantes afirman que el volumen de
demanda en el mercado es muy baja, lo que desalienta su interés en invertir en la
calidad de este producto.
La mayoría de las raciones se venden a precios elevados. Muchos no consideran la
inclusión de una fuente de fibra de buena calidad. Se encuentran en el mercado,
básicamente tres tipos de raciones: una casera, para productores no comerciales, de baja
calidad que se venden en pet shops y supermercados, las industriales para el crecimiento
y la industrial para la reproducción, que son de mejor calidad, obtenidos a partir de un
distribuidor comercial. Todavía hay un segmento creciente, que es de alimentación de
los conejos mascotas, de alto valor agregado, que se venden a precios elevados sin
ninguna justificación aparente.
La ley brasileña está ausente en lo que respecta à la exigencia de los niveles de
nutrientes adecuados en la alimentación y la declaración de los niveles mínimos y
máximos de nutrientes en los piensos. Para ejemplificar esta situación, se requiere que
el etiquetado contiene el nivel máximo de materia fibrosa, mientras que para los conejos
debería ser necesario hacer constar el nivel mínimo asociado con la concentración de la
energía.
Pocos son los criadores de conejo que han negociado cantidades más grandes o
directamente del fabricante o sus representantes. Pocos son los que han producido sus
propios piensos, situaciones donde se podría reducir los precios y ofrecer una mayor
viabilidad del sistema.
5) Buscando el entendimiento de los problemas
En Brasil, los problemas de la cunicultura siempre han sido y siguen siendo muchos. La
mayoría están relacionadas con la falta de estructura y organización del sector,
agravados por la falta de diálogo. Duarte (2011) señala que si por un lado el consumo de
carne en Brasil es insignificante debido a la baja producción, por otro lado la
producción es baja debido al bajo consumo, lo que se convierte en un círculo vicioso. El
autor también señala que el cunicultor es lo más débil de la cadena, ya que por un lado
es dependiente de los insumos de producción y el otro se convierte en mero proveedor
de materias primas para la industria. Así siendo, el productor se somete a un riesgo muy
alto. No hay una institución que haga la comercialización y el marketing lo que
facilitaría el contacto entre productores y mataderos, además de la posibilidad de
realizar ventas y coordinar entregas.
Aunque no haya una política específica para la cunicultura en Brasil, hay muchos
préstamos y oportunidades de crédito para pequeñas inversiones. El Gobierno Federal
provee fondos para el inicio de actividades con interés muy bajos, a condición de que
toda la documentación se cumple. Sin embargo, debido al alto riesgo de la actividad
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productiva, la mayoría de los interesados se sienten inseguros para acceder a estos
recursos.
Pero entonces, ¿cómo se pueden minimizar estos problemas? Como señala Ferreira y
Machado (2007) y Ferreira et al. (2010), hay que destacar las siguientes cuestiones
fundamentales, teniendo en cuenta especialmente los criadores de conejo que trabajan
para producir animales para la faena: la falta de políticas públicas específicas para
fomentar la actividad; trabajo de la mayoría de los cunicultores en forma aislada y sin
organización; la necesidad de la mejora del material genético disponible; falta de
mataderos y la falta de procesamiento de carne; la falta de especialistas en cunicultura;
la falta de materiales y equipos de buena calidad, especialmente jaulas; la superstición y
el desconocimiento de la población en relación con la calidad nutricional de la carne de
conejo; la falta de inversión y estudios que se refiere a la promoción de la salud de los
animales; carne de alto precio para el consumidor final. Debe hacerse foco en que la
carne de conejo en Brasil sigue siendo un producto elitista, que tiene un alto costo para
la venta, y más a menudo se vende como carne exótica. Un quilo de carne de conejo
llega costar alrededor de R$ 35,00 (U$15,83) en las principales cadenas de
supermercados. Si se vende a un precio más asequible, la cantidad de carne
comercializada podría ser mucho más larga. Otro punto a destacar es que la carne de
pollo compite directamente con la carne de conejo, la primera de las cuales se muestra
el valor de venta muy bajo. Es muy común que un quilo de carne de pollo sea vendido a
un precio inferior a R$ 5,00 (U$ 2,26).
En una investigación llevada a cabo en el foro de discusión en cunicultura, no
publicada, que se celebró en 2012 con 12 colaboradores de varios estados brasileños, se
confirmó las observaciones formuladas por Ferreira y Machado (2007), y se nombró a
los cinco problemas principales que son: la falta de mataderos certificados ; la falta de
profesionales de la salud especializados en el sector de cunicultura, así como estudios
del área; alto costo de adquisición de los piensos y dificultades de fabricación en la
granja; la falta de oportunidades para la financiación o el apoyo del gobierno; la falta de
acceso a una bibliografía específica con poca información de los criadores.
Además de estos cinco, también se han destacado la baja disponibilidad de piensos de
buena calidad a un precio accesible; la falta de asistencia técnica adecuada; dificultad en
la adquisición de animales genéticamente superiores; dificultad en la comercialización
de productos; dificultades y escasa difusión de las informaciones acerca de la
legalización de la actividad.
Es necesario destacar que la actividad de cunicultura se hace con alto riesgo. En la
provincia de São Paulo, en los últimos años ha habido un gran descenso de la
producción después de varias inversiones fallidas. Algunos criadores de conejo tuvieran
que reducir sus rebaños, lo que contribuyó con la reducción de la producción. Asociado
a esto, el costo de los piensos ha aumentado, siendo común la comercialización a un
precio de R$ 1,50 (U$ 0,68) por kg, así se presentando muy elevado.
Cabe destacar la alta severidad y la burocracia de la legislación brasileña para la
construcción de un matadero legalizado, lo que contribuye en gran medida al aumento
del sacrificio clandestino de animales. Para tener una idea del problema, prácticamente
no hay carne de conejo sacrificado legalmente en el sur de Brasil, una región que se
identifica con el número más alto de conejos según el IBGE (2006). Además, la nueva
legislación en materia de bienestar de los animales ha colaborado para que se tengan
nuevas barreras a los criadores de conejo que venden los animales a los laboratorios.
Por lo tanto, es evidente la magnitud de los problemas de la cunicultura brasileña. No va
a ser fácil la resolución de la mayoría de ellos en el corto plazo. Es necesario que el
sector este organizado para poco a poco reducir gradualmente estos problemas. Intereses
colectivos deberían ser priorizados a los intereses individuales. Un agente para
coordinar las ventas y el marketing también podría ser crucial.
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6) La Asociación Científica Brasileña Cunicultura (ACBC)
La ACBC se ha centrado en la promoción y difusión de la cunicultura brasileña y hoy
posee un papel destacado en la construcción de un diálogo entre todos los involucrados.
Fue formada en 1996 por algunos profesores e investigadores cunículas y es
actualmente una afiliación (rama) de la Asociación Mundial de Cunicultura, entidad global
que busca reunir a los interesados en el arte y la ciencia cunícola.
Figura 02 - Foto histórica de la reunión ocurrida en 1996, presidida por la Profa. Dra. Marilia Padilha
Aunque se encuentre actualmente con pocos asociados, entre profesores, investigadores,
estudiantes y productores de conejos, la ACBC viene buscando y permitiendo una
mayor comprensión de la cunicultura en Brasil, asumiendo un papel importante en el
diálogo entre los sectores, la discusión de los problemas, así como el suministro de
información relacionada a esta actividad. Además de las reuniones científicas, se han
promovido eventos importantes, apoya y ofrece asistencia técnica gratuita para los
criadores del conejo en los foros de discusión on line, mantiene un importante sitio
(www.acbc.org.br) con gran cantidad de información a disposición de todas las partes
interesadas, distribuye una compilación de diversas publicaciones y publica
semestralmente la Revista Brasileña de Cunicultura (RBC).
7) Acciones de la Asociación Científica Brasileña de Cunicultura (ACBC)
Durante los últimos años, la ACBC trató de fomentar el diálogo entre los diferentes
actores de la cadena de producción, así como ayudar a los criadores de conejo como sea
posible. La asociación animó a la organización de nuevas asociaciones y cooperativas.
Además la ACBC ha sido buscada por varias personas en diversas empresas,
instituciones o interesados en la actividad. Preguntas fueran originadas del extranjero,
del ministerio de la agricultura y ganadería, de revistas y periódicos diversos, del
Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, de página de internet, de los criadores de conejo en
general y de otros interesados en la actividad. Por lo tanto, se cree que la ACBC
actualmente tiene un importante papel como órgano consultivo. También hay que
destacar el papel de interlocución, habiendo la promoción de un mejor diálogo,
ayudando en la resolución de problemas relacionados con la cunicutura. Las siguientes
medidas han sido adoptadas por la ACBC a partir de 2010:
a) Creación de grupos de discusión en internet para la ampliación del diálogo
En 2010 se creó una lista de contactos de correos electrónicos, desde algunos
profesionales que trabajaban con la cunicultura o obtenidos en algunos trabajos
científicos. A partir de ahí los siguientes meses, la lista se incrementó de varios correos
electrónicos obtenidos en el ámbito académico. El movimiento ha ganado fuerza a partir
de la entrada de los criadores, habiendo gran intensificación de los debates sobre
diversas cuestiones y problemas. Actualmente esta lista contiene más de 300 nombres,
entre criadores, estudiantes, profesores, investigadores e interesados en la actividad.
Un grupo más especializado fue creado en google groups siendo llamado de cunicultura
brasileña. Este grupo cuenta con cerca de 100 personas, en su mayoría productores que
trabajan con animales para la faena o mascotas.
Desde su creación, hemos discutido varios temas de interés para los criadores de conejo,
como el uso de nidos con calefacción, la mixomatosis en conejos - la prevención, la
sarna en conejos - la prevención y el tratamiento, venta de animales, montaje y
legislación en mataderos, la legislación y registros de nuevas empresas, líneas de crédito
y el apoyo gubernamental para los pequeños empresarios, la calidad de las raciones, la
mortalidad de los gazapos etc.
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Se dio cuenta de que el grupo es muy importante para ayudar a los criadores de conejo,
para la resolución de dudas y problemas, aunque en los últimos años ha habido una
reducción gradual de la participación. Notamos también que después de 4 años, estas
estrategias han sido la clave para mejorar el diálogo entre el sector de cunicultura, ya
que la mayoría de los criadores de conejo ya saben dónde buscar la nueva información.
El foro es también esencial para los principiantes en cunicultura.
b) Creación de una página en internet para divulgación de la cunicultura e
informaciones técnicas
La ACBC tenía una página en internet cuando su sede estaba ubicada en la ciudad de
Maringá. Sin embargo, la actualización era difícil y la página era muy limitada, teniendo
en cuenta que estaba vinculada con el sitio general de la Universidad Estadual de
Maringá.
En 2011, la nueva junta directiva de la ACBC comenzó una página con dominio
específico (.org), lo que favoreció la actualización y difusión de la información. Hoy en
día el sitio www.acbc.org.br acumula alrededor de 300.000 visualizaciones, obteniendo
alrededor de 400 al día y es el primer sitio que se encuentra por google a partir de la
palabra clave "cunicultura". La página cuenta con noticias, notas técnicas,
informaciones diversas sobre el sector, publicaciones, materiales descargables, enlaces
de interés, siendo de gran importancia para la difusión de información en la cunicultura.
Entre las noticias, la creatividad de los criadores siempre se pone de relieve. También se
ha informado sobre las intenciones de compra, resultados de investigaciones, datos
curiosos, así como otras informaciones variadas.
A través de la página web de la ACBC también se ha dado apoyo a los mataderos, para
la divulgación de las intenciones de compra y oportunidades.
Figura 3. Página WEB de la Asociación Científica Brasileña de Cunicultura
Disponible en www.acbc.org.br
c) Organización y distribución de un CD de publicaciones
En 2010, la junta directiva de la ACBC comenzó una actividad de compilación de
documentos técnicos y académicos en CD. La distribución del trabajo se haría con
gratuidad y el proceso de actualización se realizaría cada dos años. Durante este tiempo
se escanearon y se recuperan muchos documentos antiguos y valerosos. Ya ha sido
enviado más de 300 unidades del CD para todo el país.
d) Elaboración de materiales didácticos
- Manual para la formulación de piensos y suplementos para conejos
En vista de que casi no hay estandarización de los piensos para conejos en Brasil y que
la mayoría de las dietas no cumplen con los requerimientos nutricionales de la especie,
la ACBC ha redactado en 2011 un manual de formulación de piensos y suplementos
para conejos, presentando informaciones acerca de las necesidades nutricionales, el
valor nutricional de los alimentos, los niveles de inclusión de los alimentos, así como
estrategias prácticas para la preparación de piensos y suplementos. Una segunda edición
de este material, revisada y ampliada, se ha publicado en 2014.
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- Manual práctico de cunicultura
En vista de que había una gran escasez de materiales para los criadores, que sean fáciles
de leer, la ACBC redactó en 2012, un manual práctico sobre cunicultura, que está
disponible en la página web. Este material es muy solicitado por todos los segmentos.
- Notas Técnicas
Notas técnicas tratan de satisfacer las deficiencias y problemas diarios que son
observados en las granjas. El material es elaborado por profesionales y se coloca en el
sitio web de la ACBC. Son ejemplos de notas técnicas elaboradas ya disponibles:
"transporte de conejos al matadero", "conejos mascotas, mini o enano", "gestión de
costos", "mortalidad de los gazapos", esta última se extrae a partir de la colaboración de
12 personas entre los profesores, los estudiantes y los productores, que buscan entender
y proponer soluciones al problema de la elevada mortalidad de los gazapos.
e) La realización de eventos
Como señaló Machado (2013), los eventos en cunicultura son muy importantes para
promover el diálogo entre las distintas partes interesadas, así como para presentar y
discutir nuevas propuestas y tecnologías para el sector. Deben ser hechos eventos para
la participación de todos los segmentos de la cunicultura. Los siguientes eventos fueran
realizados en Brasil en los últimos años:
- Talleres de cunicultura
Los talleres son esenciales para la difusión de la actividad y la formación de mano de
obra calificada. Se celebran en diferentes ciudades y provincias, en su mayoría de forma
independiente. En los últimos años los talleres de cunicultura se realizaran en Uberaba
(MG), Viçosa (MG), Lavras (MG), Cuiabá (MT), Foz do Iguaçu (PR), Botucatu (SP),
Areias (PB) etc. Es necesario aumentar el número de talleres así como llevar a locales
menos tradicionales.
- El día del cunicultor
El día del cunicultor fue un evento que tuvo lugar en 2011 en la ciudad de Esteio,
provincia de Rio Grande do Sul, durante la realización de la EXPOINTER, la más
grande feria agrícola y de ganadería en América Latina.
En esta ocasión, hemos tratado de reanudar la ejecución de eventos específicos en
cunicultura, que son esenciales para promover la mejora del diálogo entre la cadena de
producción, así como la presentación de las nuevas tecnologías. Había cerca de 70
personas entre productores, estudiantes, profesionales y profesores. Se dio cuenta de que
el evento fue muy importante para la movilización del sector, así como sirvió de
estímulo para los criadores de conejo, más allá de la elevación de la autoestima.
Figura 04 – El día del cunicultor, realizado en 2011 – Esteio – Rio Grande do Sul.
- Seminario Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología en Cunicultura
Los Seminario Nacionales de Ciencia y Tecnología en Cunicultura (SENACITEC) son
eventos nacionales que tratan de presentar y discutir temas generales de interés para el
sector. A finales de los años 90, se realizaron tres ediciones. En 2012, el IV
SENACITEC se celebró en la ciudad de Botucatu y fue muy importante para la
promoción y difusión de la cunicultura, ya que proporcionó un amplio diálogo, la
publicación de artículos, conferencias, taller de cunicultura y un homenaje. En 2013, el
V SENACITEC se llevó a cabo simultáneamente con el ZOOTEC 2013, el más
significativo multi evento brasileño de Zootecnia, en la ciudad de Foz do Iguaçu,
provincia de Paraná. Actualmente se estudia la mejor manera de celebrar este evento,
sea de manera conjunta o un gran evento o de forma aislada.
290
Figura 05 - Apertura del IV SENACITEC que se realizó en 2012 en la ciudad de Botucatu - SP
- Reuniones del sector productivo
Aunque no organiza directamente, la ACBC apoya reuniones del sector productivo, que
son esenciales para la promoción del diálogo en el sector con el fin de identificar los
problemas y las posibles soluciones.
En agosto de 2010, se llevó a cabo la primera reunión, donde cerca de 12 personas
asistieron, en su mayoría productores. Después de varias discusiones fuera del foco
principal no se logró su objetivo principal, que era la formación de la confederación
nacional. En 2011, con motivo del día de cunicultor, hube una nueva reunión, donde
discutieron y propusieron nuevos negocios.
Figura 06 – Primera reunión del sector productivo celebrada en 2010 - Esteio-RS.
-Ferias organizadas por los criadores
La ACBC apoya la divulgación de las ferias organizadas por los criadores del conejo,
así como por las asociaciones y cooperativas. Estas ferias son clave para la
comercialización de los animales y para la difusión de la actividad.
Figura 07 - La feria de conejos en EXPOINTER en Esteio – RS, siendo la más grande
exposición de la América Latina, habiendo también juzgamiento de animales
f) Creación de una revista nacional de cunicultura
La creación de una revista científica era una aspiración de la asociación. Desde la
reunión celebrada en 2011, con motivo del día del cunicultor, se optó por implementar
una revista para publicar temas generales sobre el mercado de cunicultura, además de
artículos científicos y de revisión de la literatura. Esta decisión fue extremadamente
importante para el crecimiento de la revista. Así, en 2012, se publicó el primer número
de la Revista Brasileña de Cunicultura (RBC). La revista es publicada on line y está
disponible en la página www.rbc.acbc.org.br.
292
Figura 08 – Página web de la Revista de Cunicultura
Durante estos años, la RBC fue abordada por diversas partes interesadas, especialmente
los profesores, investigadores, estudiantes y criadores de conejo y tuvo cinco ediciones.
Hube la publicación de 11 artículos científicos, seis artículos de revisión de la literatura,
un artículo de extensión en cunicultura, dos artículos de opinión y cuatro patrones racial
(Nueva Zelanda Blanca, Castor Rex, Chinchilla y California), además de otras
informaciones diversas sobre el sector.
g) Asistencia a los productores de conejos e interesados de todo el país
Además de organizar el entorno académico, la ACBC trata de promover la cunicultura a
través del diálogo y la orientación a los productores y otros actores de la cadena
productiva. El atendimiento de estas personas, ya sea por teléfono o por correo
electrónico se ha realizado ampliamente. Este trabajo es muy importante para la
promoción de la cunicultura de una manera prudente y con mayor seguridad.
h) Apoyo para la formación de cooperativas y asociaciones de criadores
La ACBC ha intentado impulsar la organización de criadores de conejo a través de
asociaciones y cooperativas, ya que considera que una de las salidas para el éxito de la
actividad es la unión de los productores, como también comentado por Machado (2013).
Un grupo será mucho más fuerte y más estable frente a las fluctuaciones del mercado,
en comparación con un cunicultor de forma aislada.
En enero de 2014, se reunieron algunos productores de conejos, representantes de la
academia y del sector de apoyo a la ganadería para la creación de la Asociación de
Criadores de Conejo de Brasil (ACBRA). Esta asociación tendrá un papel clave en la
organización de los criadores brasileños, ayudando también a mejorar el diálogo entre
los agentes involucrados en la actividad.
Actualmente, la junta directiva elegida ha tenido muchos problemas con los registros
burocráticos, lo que ha contribuido a desalentar y postergar el inicio de la actividad. El
nombre de esta asociación está siendo cambiado a "Asociación de Criadores de Conejos
Mascotas y de Carne” (ACPEC).
Figura 09 - Reunión para la formación de la nueva Asociación Brasileña de Criadores de Conejos
i) Institución de premiación para profesionales de destaque
Para la valoración de las personas que han dedicado gran parte de su vida a la
promoción de la cunicultura, en 2012 se estableció un premio para una persona de
reconocida dedicación a esta actividad. Para el nombre del premio, fue elegido el
nombre de la Dra. Laura de Sanctis, que era un profesional de extensión en cunicultura
que trabajó en los años 80 y 90, siendo una persona intensamente dedicada al desarrollo
de esta actividad y apoyo a los criadores. El premio ya ha ocurrido en los años 2012 y
2013.
294
8) Los cambios recientes en la demanda de animales para la faena
A finales de 2013 y principios de 2014, se dio cuenta de que los principales mataderos
del sudeste brasileño aumentaran la demanda de animales en pie para la faena. Una
noticia relacionada ha sido publicada en los medios de comunicación y fue vinculada a
la página de la asociación (Figura 10). Los cuatro principales mataderos en el sudeste de
Brasil expresaron su interés en la compra de animales vivos para la faena. Algunos de
ellos están pagando R$ 6.00 (U$ 2,71) por kilogramo de animal en pie. En el Distrito
Federal, algunos criadores han informado de que están recibiendo R$ 8,00 (U$ 3,62)
por kilogramo, siendo el valor más alto jamás registrado.
Figura 10 – Información vinculada a la página da ACBC, que habla de la gran
demanda de conejos vivos para la faena.
9) Próximos desafíos
Hay muchos desafíos para que la cunicultura se convierta en una actividad organizada,
generando grandes cantidades de bienes y servicios. Las siguientes ideas están siendo
desarrolladas por la ACBC para su aplicación futura:
a) Cursos de formación inicial y continuada
Es uno de los proyectos de la ACBC para el de futuro. Se desea promover cursos cortos
de formación inicial y continuada en cunicultura, para la mejor cualificación de
criadores y personal de campo, porque la profesionalización de todos los envueltos es
muy importante. En la actualidad, los proyectos pedagógicos de estos cursos ya se
están elaborando y se debe comenzar en 2017.
Es importante también que haya más oportunidades de pasantías en las granjas
comerciales para los estudiantes interesados.
b) Divulgación de la actividad de cunicultura
Es muy importante que la asociación trabaje por la difusión de la cunicultura, así como
se haga la divulgación de sus beneficios para la sociedad. De este modo, la ACBC
planea imprimir información para distribución en forma de folders. Además de este
material impreso, esta campaña se llevará a cabo también a través de páginas web,
mensajes de correo electrónico o redes sociales. El trabajo ya se puede comenzar aún en
2014.
c) La creación de un canal para la difusión de vídeos explicativos
Aprovechando la popularidad y la facilidad del sitio "Youtube", la ACBC tiene previsto
crear un canal para la difusión de vídeos explicativos sobre la cunicultura, así como el
tratamiento de una manera simple y objetiva de algunos problemas de la actividad
productiva. Se piensa en la creación de un canal llamado "Dr. Cuni ", donde varios
expertos podrían hacer su contribución. Esta actividad se llevará a cabo hasta 2018.
296
Consideraciones finales
Brasil tiene condiciones excelentes para el crecimiento de la cunicultura. Sin embargo,
las dificultades encontradas por los productores son aún persistentes, destacándose el
alto rigor de la legislación brasileña. Existe la necesidad de una entidad para organizar
la compra, venta y entrega de los animales a nivel nacional.
Los problemas identificados deben ser resueltos a partir de la mejora del diálogo entre
todos los actores involucrados en la cadena de producción, y la unión de los criadores
debe ser priorizada, en comparación con el individualismo. Por otra parte, el cunicultor
debería aumentar su producción, diversificando y comercializando otros coproductos y
subproductos de la actividad, además de los conejos vivos.
Referencias
BRUNO S.F., SANCHEZ C.M.S., MATIAS A.S.A. 2008 Mixomatose: uma doença
emergente no Estado do Rio de Janeiro e suas implicações na cunicultura nacional.
Revista do Conselho Federal de Medicina Veterinária. v. 45, p. 68-71, 2008.
DENES D. W. Políticas y estrategias de desarrollo de la cunicultura en los países
Americanos: Informe Uruguay. In: Congreso Americano de Cunicultura, Anales… 3.
Maringá - Brasil, 2006.
DOUNA E. Historia y situación actual de la cunicultura en Argentina. Articulos
Técnicos,
2007.
Disponible
en
http://www.engormix.com/MA-
cunicultura/articulos/historia-situacion-actual-cunicultura-t1788/p0.htm
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS.
Faostat – Production: livestock primary: rabbit meal, 2012.
http://faostat3.fao.org/faostat-gateway/go/to/download/Q/QA/E - consultado em
02/07/2014
FERREIRA W. M., MACHADO L. C. Perspectivas da Cunicultura Brasileira. Revista
Veterinária e Zootecnia em Minas, p. 41-44, 2007.
FERREIRA W. M.; MACHADO L. C.; RAMIREZ M. A.; FERREIRA S. R. A. The
Rabbit Production in Brazil. In: Congreso Americano de Cunicultura, Anales... 4.
Cordoba - Argentina, 2010.
INSTITUTO BRASILEIRO DE GEOGRAFIA E ESTAÍSTICA. Senso Agropecuário
2006
–
Resultados
preliminares.
2006.
Disponível
em:
http://www.ibge.gov.br/home/estatistica/economia/agropecuaria/censoagro/2006/agrope
cuario.pdf
MACHADO L. C. Opinião: Panorama da Cunicultura Brasileira. Revista Brasileira de
Cunicultura, v. 2, n. 1, 2012. Disponível em
http://www.rbc.acbc.org.br/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63&Item
id=71
MACHADO L. C. Opinião: Organização, eventos e comunicação em cunicultura.
Revista Brasileira de Cunicultura, v. 4, n. 1, 2013. Disponível em
http://www.acbc.org.br/images/stories/Opinio__organizao_eventos_e_divulgacao_em_cunicultura.pdf
MINISTÉRIO DA AGRICULTURA, PECUÁRIA E ABASTECIMENTO – Assessoria
de Gestão Estratégica. Projeções do Agronegócio – Brasil 2012/13 a 2022/23 –
Projeções de longo prazo. 2013. Disponível em:
http://www.agricultura.gov.br/arq_editor/projecoes%20-%20versao%20atualizada.pdf
MOURA A. S. A. M. T. Rabbit Production in Latin America. In: Congreso Americano
de Cunicultura, Anales... 4. Cordoba - Argentina, 2010.
ROPPA L. Brasil: O consumo de carnes passado a limpo! Aveworld, 2008. p. 10-14.
DUARTE C. L. G . Reflexão - A cadeia reprodutiva do coelho. Cunicultura em Foco,
v. 1, p. 9-10, 2011.
298
MILITÃO L. Entrevista. . Cunicultura em Foco, v. 1, p. 11-12, 2011.
SIDRA: Sistema IBGE de Recuperação automática. Disponível em:
<www.sidra.ibge.
gov.br>. Acesso em 16 de Julho de 2014.
IS BACKYARD RABBIT PRODUCTION A DEVELOPMENT
OPTION FOR SMALL HOLDERS IN MEXICAN SOUTHEAST?
*CRUZ-BACAB LE, SANDOVAL CCA, AGUILAR CAJ
1. Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, División Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias.
Carretera Villahermosa-Teapa, km 25, R/A. La Huasteca 2ª Sección, CP 86280. Villahermosa,
Tabasco, México.
2. Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán – Campus de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias.
Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil Km. 15.5 Mérida, Yucatán, México.
Abstract
This paper reviews the characteristics of rural backyard production in Mexican
southeast as well as the opportunities to include rabbits as a productive animal in
backyard productive system. Animal husbandry as a production system has an
important role to improve the quality of life of those rural communities. Backyard
livestock production is an important activity for rural communities around the world,
representing a constant source of food, income, savings, as well as providing social
status within the community. In Mexico at least 90 % of rural families develop this type
productive activity, meanwhile in Mexican southeast is developed by 60 – 85 % of rural
families. Mexican Southeast region is characterized by tropical conditions where wide
varieties of plant species represent sustainable alternatives for animal production,
especially herbivore species. Rabbit´s ability to consume fodder and convert it into high
quality protein products represents a potential alternative for traditional productive
systems in tropical areas maintaining a synergistic combination among animal – crop. In
conclusion, in Mexican southeast there are conditions to include rabbits as a productive
alternative for rural communities. The existence of a wide variety of plants and fibrous
resources with potential for rabbit meat production would benefit southeastern rural
population by improving nutrients intake. However, further research is needed to
characterize rabbit utilization and keeping in order to developing efficient strategies for
its successful incorporation to rural backyards of Mexican southeast.
Key words: Rabbit, opportunities, rural, backyard, Mexican southeast.
300
¿ES LA PRODUCCIÓN CUNÍCOLA DE TRASPATIO UNA OPCIÓN
PARA EL DESARROLLO DE PEQUEÑOS PROPIETARIOS EN EL
SURESTE MEXICANO?
*CRUZ-BACAB LE, SANDOVAL CCA, AGUILAR CAJ
1. Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, División Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias.
Carretera Villahermosa-Teapa, km 25, R/A. La Huasteca 2ª Sección, CP 86280. Villahermosa,
Tabasco, México.
2. Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán – Campus de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias.
Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil Km. 15.5 Mérida, Yucatán, México.
Resumen
El presente trabajo revisa las características del traspatio en el sureste mexicano, así
como las oportunidades para incluir al conejo como un animal productivo en el sistema
de traspatio. La cría de animales como un sistema de producción tiene un rol importante
en la calidad de vida de las comunidades rurales. La producción animal de traspatio es
una actividad importante para las comunidades rurales alrededor del mundo,
representando una fuente constante de alimentos, ingresos, ahorros, así como estatus
social dentro de las comunidades. En México al menos el 90 % de las familias rurales
desarrollan esta actividad productiva, mientras que en el sureste mexicano se desarrolla
por el 60 – 85% de las familias rurales. El sureste mexicano es una región caracterizada
por condiciones tropicales donde una gran variedad de especies de plantas representan
alternativas sustentables para la producción animal, especialmente con especies
herbívoras. La habilidad de los conejos para consumir forrajes y convertirlos en proteína
de alta calidad, representa una alternativa potencial para los sistemas productivos
tradicionales en las áreas tropicales manteniendo una combinación sinérgica entre
animales – cultivos. En conclusión en el sureste mexicano existen condiciones para
incluir a los conejos como una especie alternativa de producción para comunidades
rurales.
La existencia de una amplia variedad de plantas y recursos fibrosos con potencial para
la producción de carne de conejo podría beneficiar a la población rural del sureste
mexicano al mejorar el consumo de nutrientes en la dieta. Sin embargo, se requiere
investigación para caracterizar la utilización y crianza de los conejos, para desarrollar
estrategias eficientes de inclusión del conejo al traspatio rural sureste mexicano.
Palabras clave: conejo, oportunidades, rural, traspatio, sureste mexicano
302
Introduction
SMALL-SCALE ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND BACKYARD PRODUCTION
In rural areas worldwide, the lack of economic resources and small land properties,
among other factors make difficult to develop large-scale production systems for
peasants and small farmers. Integrated production systems, such as backyard system,
play an important role for rural families in terms of sustainability, protection of the
environment and biodiversity conservation, improve living conditions by eliminating
poverty. The use of resources available the tropics can help to meet the increasing
demand of food for human consumption (Preston 1994). Utilization of solar energy and
efficient nutrient fluxes among components reduce dependency of external inputs
(commercial feeds, fertilizers, grains, pesticides) while reducing the capital investments
(Rodríguez et al. 1993; Acosta 2004).
Animals can transform low nutritional value materials such as fibrous plants into high
quality products; such capacity represents a tool to improve the sustainability in rural
productive systems (Marsh and Hernández, 1996; Chantalakhana and Skunmun, 2002;
Lukefahr 2007; Pok Samkol et al. 2007). The use of smaller species in animal
production such as sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits etc. have been an important issue in recent
years as they emerge as a viable alternative for those producers who lack or have
limited capital for investment of animal production or reduced land availability.
Nevertheless, the main reason for choosing small species husbandry goes beyond the
classical arguments (low investment, facility to market products); their physiological
characteristics, in particular with regard to feeding habits and the nature of their
digestive tracts are important when selecting suitable species for small scale production
(Devendra and Ibrahim, 2004). In the tropics it is necessary to study breeds and species
able to use efficiently the available resources (fibrous) within the traditional backyard
production or small scale production systems in order to improve nutritional and
economic status for rural population (González et al. 2000; Devendra and Ibrahim,
2004; Nieves et al. 2005; Sarmiento et al. 2009).
THE MEXICAN BACKYARD SYSTEM
Backyard productive system is characteristic in Mexican villages; it is defined as, a
system of cultivation and rising of several species that are developed in a specific and
delimited space usually located in the same area of the family house. Backyards have
been an essential part of peasant household agricultural systems in Latin America since
pre-Columbian times (In Mexico 90 % of rural families develop backyard livestock
production). This system is integrated by animal and vegetable species which are used
to supply the different needs of the family and includes special constructions (generally
handmade) used for animal and vegetable production. This system has several names
such as “patio”, “traspatio” and “huerto familiar”. Backyards are ecologically
sustainable systems that generate household savings on food, medicine, supplementary
income, improve the nutritional quality of the families’ diet through livestock
production and minimize economic risks. (Rodríguez et al.1993; Acosta 2004; Kumar
2004).
Backyard livestock production is classified as a complementary activity to the
household economy, income originating from trading animals or animal products (from
28 – 36 % of total household income). Backyard livestock production is mainly
integrated by cattle, pigs, sheep and poultry; besides these species, it is possible to find
others such as honey bees, cats and dogs. Sometimes there are other animals present
such as White Tail Deer (Odocoileus virginianus yucatanensis), wild rabbits (Sylvilagus
floridanus), parrots (Amazona albifrons) and stingless bees known as Xunancab
(Melipona beecheii) which were part of the animals that Mayan civilization used to kept
in pre-Hispanic times. These animals are raised especially to prepare special dishes for
social and religious celebrations or as a kind of “savings account” of the productive
family unit. These animals are fed mainly with plants considered plagues or cultivated
specifically for this purposes. Occasionally and when the economic situation allows it
the animals receive maize and commercial feeds. Additionally, a backyard provides 9 %
of the calories, 10 % of protein, 47 % of fat and 10 % of riboflavin, niacin, and Vitamin
A of household dietary requirement. Within this production system, animals can
transform plants with low nutritional value as human food transforming this resource
into high quality products such as meat.
304
This capacity represents a tool to improve animal production sustainability, considering
that in backyard productive systems the highest cost are associated with the
maintenance of the animal component (mainly feeds) (Marsh and Hernández, 1996;
Chantalakhana and Skunmun, 2002; Lukefahr 2007; Pok Samkol et al.,. 2007).
RABBIT CONTRIBUTION TO BACKYARD PRODUCTION IN TROPICAL
COUNTRIES
Rabbits are specie, which satisfies several of the desirable characteristics mentioned by
Cheeke (1986) for being incorporated into smallholder production systems, has been
recently promoted in some countries from Africa and Asia. Several studies mentioned
that rabbit production has brought benefits for rural communities in less developed
countries. A small rabbit production unit (10 females) could produce 86 fattened rabbits
(2.5 kg each) and generate US$ 262 additional income to the farmer, considering US$
1.22/Kg market price, increasing households income from 19.8 % up to 87.3 % as
reported in several countries such as Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
Alternatively, it can provide at least 2 -5 fattened rabbits on a weekly basis which would
be available for family self-consumption and depending of family size, can also results
in surplus meat available for sale (Lukefahr and Cheeke, 1991; Lukefahr, 2007; Nguyen
Ky Son, 2008; Kariaki and Asare 2009; Olagunju and Sanusi 2010). Rabbits can be
incorporated into the household not only from a small production system, but also from
other sources such as hunting. For example, in rural communities from Chile rabbit
meat is obtained by means of hunting (72.7 % of total rabbit meat consumption), an
activity carried out by a diverse set or reasons: entertainment activity (44 %), because it
is a healthy food (20 %) or both (24 %), to protect their crops (8 %) and traditional
activity (4 %). In Chile, rabbit hunting has a recognized season according to the
community, providing up to 11.3 % of the family annual income (Isla and Kantunaric,
2006). Despite in rural Mexico there is not recent information about the management utilization of rabbits or rabbit meat consumption; there is a historical precedent related
to the Pre-Hispanic times where Guerra and Naranjo (2003) and Emery (2008) declared
that rabbit was part of the preferred hunting prizes of Mayan civilization as a source of
food for human population.
RABBIT PRODUCTION IN MEXICAN SOUTHEAST
Rabbit production in Mexico is clearly a small scale activity; 94.6 % of rabbit producers
perform this activity as a complement of the main income source, meanwhile only 5.4
% of rabbit producers have this activity as the main household income source
(representing 10 % of national production). This activity has tied itself directly with
adults and young, the latter being on their majority men (75.4%), while women
represent only 24.6%. Since 2001, the Mexican federal government classified rabbit
production as a productive activity which should be encouraged and promoted due to an
increase in rabbit meat demand. For this reason some states such Puebla, Tlaxcala,
Guanajuato and the State of Mexico destined financial support for training the
producers and to promote the activity (Clavel 2004, Mendoza 2008) according to this
Central Mexico rabbit production has had greater development, while other regions in
the country have lower participation in this activity (Clavel et al. 2004), specially the
southeast region. Meat production in Mexican southeast has been mainly focused on
poultry and pork. During 2011, poultry and pork production in Yucatan were estimated
to be 119 193 tons and 91 397 tons (50.4% and 38.6% of total meat production
respectively), meanwhile cattle production participated with 24 879 tons (10.6%) and
sheep with 876 tons (0.4%). In the case of rabbit production it does not is listed in the
agriculture yearbook report as its participation in the regional market was very low
(Toledo, 2011). However during the past decades, rabbit production was promoted
specifically in Yucatan State as a strategy to help sisal producers to maintain a
productive activity due to declining of the sisal industry (Canto et al. 1975; Toledo
2011). According to the agriculture census report (INEGI, 2007), rabbit population in
Yucatan in 2007 was 2 745 heads, from which 37.99% (1043 heads) were found in
formal production units (14 farms). The Northwest region had the highest population
density for the aforementioned year, with 1382 total heads. Accordingly, the economic
contribution of rabbit production during the same year (2007) was reduced as total sales
accounted for 1275 heads in the state (Canto et al., 1975; INEGI, 2007). Regarding to
sales in 2007 the most active regions were northwest, south and northeast (618, 236 and
200 heads sold respectively) (INEGI 2007).
306
Despite that the potential of rabbits as productive specie (meat production) is confirmed
in a recent survey by Cruz-Bacab et al. (2012) (table 1) which shows the interests in two
the rural communities to learn about rabbits and incorporate it as a component of the
backyard production system as well as the availability of several potential feeding
sources within the backyard system, this activity is not common in Mexican Southeast.
Table 1. Knowledge about rabbits in Ucu and Santa Elena, Yucatán, México.
Ucú
Frequency
Knowledge about rabbits
216
Previous experience in rabbit
keeping
Previous consumption of
rabbit meat
Interest in rabbit keeping
86
Santa Elena
%
95.15
a
37.89
a
CI
(95%)
CI
Frequency
%
(95
P-value
%)
±2.43
90.8
92.6ª
±4.93
0.3704
±5.48
55.1
56.2b
±9.35
0.0021
104
45.81ª
±5.62
61.2
62.4b
±9.12
0.0060
135
59.47ª
±5.54
75.5
77.0b
±7.93
0.0023
n = 227 for Ucu, n = 98 for Santa Elena; Letters in the same row = P<0.05. Frequency: afirmative
answers to each question. CI: Confidence interval.
POTENTIAL FEEDING RESOURCES IN SOUTHEASTERN BACKYARDS
FOR RABBITS
In general forages and high fiber resources has been associated with ruminant species,
meanwhile little advance has been done with non – ruminant animals, because
according to their digestive physiology high fiber levels in diet cannot be degraded
affecting the performance. Physiological characteristics of rabbits allows including
fibrous sources in its diet, due to the high fiber levels which are required for a correct
function of rabbit´s digestive tract. This condition represent a favorable scenario to
include rabbit production in diversified systems (based on animal–crop integration),
representing a low-cost alternative for meat production in rural areas (Nieves, 2009).
Mexican rural communities use a wide variety of plants with nutritional potential for
animal feeding, including rabbit feeding.
In the Yucatan peninsula peasants cultivate and maintain some trees and shrubs for a
constant supply of forage for animals, usually managed with a cut and carry method
(Acosta et al. 1998; Martínez et al. 2010). Several studies around Latin America and
around the world allow considering the inclusion and utilization of a wide variety of
tropical forages at different inclusion levels obtaining satisfactory results in growing
rabbit performance (Table 2). Eighty four plant species have been identified in
southeastern backyards as potentially useful sources for livestock feeding, representing
64.1 % of forage species reported in Yucatan State and the 53.5 % of forage species
reported for Yucatan peninsula (Acosta et al. 1998; Martínez et al. 2010). The existence
of local resources for rabbit feeding could allow the implementation of backyard
production with low dependence of external inputs such as grains and cereals. In other
way the presence of some sectors of the population coming from central Mexico or even
foreign countries with rabbit meat consumption tradition in Mexican southeast would
stimulate the demand for rabbit products and promote the growth of rabbit meat market
in this region.
Table 2. Studied forages in rabbit feeding in Latin America
Common name
Scientific name
Author
Guandul
Cajanus cajan
Quintero, 2003
Maní forrajero
Arachis pintoi
Nieves, 2009
Batata
Ipomea batata
Nieves, 2009
Yuca
Manihot sculenta crantz
Nieves, 2009
Matarratón
Gliricidia sepium
Naranjillo
Trichanchera gigantean
Nieves et al. 2009
Huaxim
Leucaena leucocephala
Nieves et al. 2009
Morera
Morus alba
Nieves et al. 2009
Ramon
Brosimun alicastrum
Quintero, 2003; Nieves, 2009
Rojas, 2008; Cruz – Bacab, 2009; Martínez et
al. 2010
Cayena
Hibiscus rosas
Arnica
Tithonia diversifolia
Martínez et al. 2010
Nieves et al. 2011
308
Conclusion
In Mexican southeast there are conditions to include rabbits as a productive alternative
for rural communities. The promotion of rabbit meat consumption would benefit
southeastern rural population by improving nutrients intake and reducing livestock
production cost. However, further research is needed to characterize rabbit utilization
and keeping in order to developing efficient strategies for its successful incorporation to
rural backyards of Mexican southeast.
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Clavel C., Hernández E., Herrera J., Hernández V. and Hernández D. 2004. Small
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World Rabbit Congress, Puebla, México. 1465 – 1470.
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crecientes de Ramón (Brosimum alicastrum) y concentración de energía neta del forraje
de Ramón (Brosimum alicastrum). Tesis de Maestría en Producción Animal Tropical.
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Sheik, Egypt. 847 – 850.
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Emery F. 2008. Assesing the impact of ancient maya animal use. Journal of nature
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González C., Dí.az I. and Vecchionacce H. 2000. Cambios de paradigma en la
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Isla P.P. and Kantunaric N.M. 2006. El conejo europeo (Oryctolagus cuniculus): De
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monogástricos. Experiencias en el trópico mexicano. En: Alimentación no convencional para
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312
RABBIT PRODUCTION IN COSTA RICA: BREAKING WITH
TRADITION
*BRENES S. ANDREA
Professor and Researcher. Área de Especies Alternativas, Escuela de Zootecnia, Universidad de
Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
Abstract
Rabbit production should be recognized as an activity with low ambient impact and that
can be associated to other productive activities using agro industry residues and other
agricultural byproducts. The Costa Rican rabbit meat production is carried out through
small/average farms, but the absence of an efficient productive chain causes producers
to commercialize their products in informal markets. In the other hand, with this system,
farmers can count on a better quality protein source and, at the same time,
commercialize the surpluses in the markets and another part of the population mainly
the urban has access to this. Costa Rica decided to enter in international markets
exporting meat to some countries in Central, North and South America, even, Asia,
from 2003 to 2008, but important difficulties related to the commercialization appeared
because of the falling demand of rabbits for exportation and a domestic market without
development. For that reason, the target market in Costa Rica then changed trying to
enhance national consumption. At this moment, 20% of the total market belong to two
big farms which sell meat to two big chains of supermarkets and keeping farms with an
average of 300 does and a meat production around 450 kg meat/month; 60% of farms
have between 25 to 60 does, distributing the product in restaurants, hotels and retail,
meanwhile the remaining 20% belongs to small systems with 5-10 does. Medium and
small farmers can obtain 20 -200 kg/month. Recently a flagrant demand from high
cuisine and touristic industry claimed market organization and suggest production
growth.
314
Although there´s not a national policy established to stimulate the rabbit production, the
Rabbit Research Program of the University of Costa Rica is working to improve the use
the rabbit as a meat source, thorough projects in reproduction, developing bucks
andrologic studies, nutrition trials, tasting sessions, manure used as organic fertilizers,
and also educating the consumers about the differences between rabbits for meat
production and rabbits for keeping as pets, trying to exceed the current barriers starting
with marketing politics for the sector and quality product improvement in the market,
with added information for cooking.
Key words: Costa Rica, rabbit, research, reproduction, nutrition.
PRODUCCIÓN CUNÍCOLA EN COSTAR RICA: ROMPIENDO CON LA
TRADICIÓN
*BRENES S. ANDREA
Professor and Researcher. Área de Especies Alternativas, Escuela de Zootecnia, Universidad de
Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
Resumen
La producción de conejos es reconocida como una actividad de bajo impacto ambiental,
la cual puede estar asociada con otras actividades productivas, utilizando residuos
agroindustriales y otros subproductos. La producción cunícola en Costa Rica se ha
desarrollado mayoritariamente en granjas pequeñas, pero la ausencia de una cadena
productiva eficiente ha ocasionado que la carne se comercialice en mercados
informales. Por otro lado, con este tipo de sistemas, los productores ofrecen una
proteína de buena calidad, y al mismo tiempo, comercializan los excedentes en
mercados urbanos. Costa Rica entró en el mercado internacional exportando carne de
conejo hacia países de Centro, Norte y Suramérica, incluso Asia, en el periodo
comprendido entre 2003 y 2008, pero aparecieron algunas dificultades relacionadas con
la baja en la demanda internacional de exportaciones y el mercado nacional sin
desarrollo. Por esa razón, el mercado meta de Costa Rica cambió, tratando de estimular
el consumo nacional. En este momento, un 20% del mercado total está abarcado por dos
grandes granjas las cuales venden carne a dos grandes cadenas de supermercados, con
una cantidad promedio de 300 hembras y una producción de alrededor de 450 kg por
mes; 60% de granjas poseen entre 25 y 60 hembras, mientras que el 20% restante
corresponde a granjas pequeñas, con 5 a 10 hembras. Las granjas medianas y pequeñas
producen entre 20 y 200 kg de carne por mes. En los últimos años, la demanda creciente
de carnes estilo gourmet y la industria turística, los cuales requieren de grupos
organizados de productores, sugiere que se puede dar un aumento de la producción
nacional.
316
Aunque no hay en el país una política nacional que estimule el consumo de carne de
conejo, la investigación que desarrolla la Universidad de Costa Rica se centra en
aspectos tales como aumentar la utilización del conejo como fuente de carne, a través de
investigaciones en reproducción, estudios andrológicos, pruebas nutricionales, sesiones
de degustación, uso de la conejaza como abono orgánico, así como educando a los
consumidores sobre las diferencias entre los conejos para carne y los conejos de
mascota, y evaluando alternativas para establecer políticas que apoyen al sector, además
de ofrecer información sobre las formas de preparar la carne para su consumo.
Palabras clave: Costa Rica, conejo, investigación, reproducción, nutrición.
Introduction
Rabbit is aspecie with good potential to raise in productive systems, with an excellent
reproductive output and fast growth and performance (Centro para el Desarrollo
Agropecuario y Forestal, 1998).
The use of rabbit as a feeding alternative has many nutritional advantages, including
high biological value protein compared to turkey and chicken, less fat and cholesterol
than traditional meats, higher iron, zinc, magnesium, niacin, vitamins B6 and B12, lower
levels of sodium and high digestibility (CIBA-GEIGY, 1990. Adaptado por Cordero R,
2003, Dihigo, 2010).
In Costa Rica rabbit production is not well established yet. There have been some farms
which tried to enter in commercial meat market, however, the activity haven´t been
successful at all due to some factors that have affected the production. Rabbit meat
demand in Costa Rica had increased during the last years, but there are some myths
related to its consumption, due mainly to the feelings that keep the idea that rabbit can
be only a pet.
In the last six years, rabbit meat have been entering strongly in the national market, as
an exotic meat, and now can be found in supermarkets, hotels and restaurants, becoming
a good quality protein source for the population as well as proving extra income by
commercialization of surplus meat; the country stopped the meat imports few years ago.
Taking into account this situation, six years ago the Alternative Livestock Area of
Animal Science Department have evaluated the rabbit meat production and use in Costa
Rica, trying to get tools to decide the best management system and enhancing its use as
a source of animal protein and being a rentable activity to stimulate its farming.
Knowing the kind of systems used in the country, it is easy to decide what areas are
needed to explore for research to obtain information and improve the national rabbit
farming.
318
Methods
We have revised the lists of registered rabbit farms from the database of National Health
Service of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, and then they were classified in
three categories depending of their quantity of does and objective of the farm, among
others. Two of those commercial farms were completely characterized, determining its
productive parameters, nutrition, reproduction and manure disposition.
Also other farms were visited, including one of the biggest one, other specialized in
genetics and another that use rabbits as laboratory animals. An analysis of market
behavior along the time was done, evaluating the exports and imports in the last years,
and the actual situation of the trading.
All those information was evaluated and analyzed to establish the lines of research of
our department, that began three years ago with a small nutritional trial using a tropical
forage in diets for fattening rabbits, the productive characterization of commercial
farms, and starting this year with a four-year research project determining reproductive
output, feeding management, quality of manure and meat characterization.
Respecting to trading, in 2000 was registered the largest export of rabbit meat sent to
Nicaragua and Hong Kong, due mainly to the establishment of a group which got some
markets out of the country. But unfortunately, that initiative wasn´t successful, and
almost all the farmers abandoned the activity and closed their farms. According to
PROCOMER (2014), the last exports of rabbit meat were registered in 2008 (14.6 ton)
and 2009 (1.8 ton) sent to the United States. The farms were classified depending of its
main activity; results are showed in figure 1.
Series1;
Genetic; 13;
12%
Series1;
Laboratory; 7;
6%
Series1;
Pet; 20;
19%
Pet
Meat
Series1; Meat;
67; 63%
Genetic
Figure 1. Classification of rabbits farms according to their activity.
The majority of farms are dedicated to meat production, this is a good signal of the
current situation, followed by the pet production, genetic farms and laboratories. The
commercial farms were divided according to the number of does, as showed in figure 2.
Figure 2. Classification of rabbits farms in Costa Rica.
For our conditions, most of the farms are medium (60%), maintaining 25-60 does, 20%
large (≥300 does), both types producing 210-450 kg meat per month, and 20% are small
(5-10 does) with a meat production of 20-80 kg/month.
320
Large farms distribute their meat in two big supermarket chains, meanwhile the rest of
production goes to hotels, restaurants and retail sales. These large farms work with high
production standards and disease control; feeding is mainly based on concentrates.
Medium and small farms include forages in the feeding, and don´t have an established
genetic management; however, the systems work with intensive facilities and
reproduction.
Concerning to pet production, farms have around 30 to 240 does and sell the animals
(21 days old) to pet shops and agricultural fairs in the country. Laboratory farms are
located in universities and research centers; the production in these systems is less
intensive in terms of breeding, weaning age and use of does, but they use high genetic
standards.
Some problems that farmers should face are the fluctuant market, low availability of allstages concentrates, high production costs and lack of government policies and support,
as well as low research in rabbit production. Besides, the farmers are not organized at
this moment.
Based on these results, we do have a good initial photography of the current situation in
Costa Rica, and the Animal Science Department have started to enhance the activity and
improve research to obtain useful information for farmers and consumers, making the
information more accessible to the society and explaining them that there are breeds
specialized for meat production and other for pet use.
Now we are developing research in animal nutrition, using of forages in diets, making
andrologic evaluation of bucks related to does performance, analyzing the manure and
its potential as organic fertilizer, and determining meat quality. In addition, we organize
tasting sessions, talks and scientific and informal publications about rabbit farming and
benefits of the meat as a protein source; some countries are working in the same way
(Dihigo, 2010, Motta et al., 2010).
References
Centro para el Desarrollo Agropecuario y Forestal. 1998. Crianza de Conejos. Guía
Técnica No. 6. Serie Pecuaria. Santo Domingo, República Dominicana, 46 p.
Cordero, R. 2003. Módulo de Conejos. Versión preliminar. Universidad Estatal a
Distancia. San José, Costa Rica, 48 p.
Dihigo L. 2010. Impact of rabbit rearing on a Cuban social development. En: Memorias
del 4to Congreso de Cunicultura de Las Américas. Córdoba, Argentina, 1-7.
Motta, W., Machado, L.C., Anchieta, M., Andrade, S. 2010. The rabbit production in
Brazil. En: Memorias del 4to Congreso de Cunicultura de Las Américas. Córdoba,
Argentina, 8 p.
Promotora de Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (PROCOMER). 2014. Portal
Estadístico. http://servicios.procomer.go.cr/estadisticas/inicio. Consultado el 15 de
julio de 2014.
322
STRATEGIES FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION: PRODUCTIONCOOPERATIVE “CONEJOS ANDINOS DE MENDOZA
*QUAGLIARIELLO SG
INTA EEA Mendoza. San Martín 3853. Luján de Cuyo. Mendoza. Argentina
Abstract
This work tackles the development of collective actions taken by Mendoza Rabbit
Production-Cooperatives, associated to Rural Extension activities implemented between
2002 and 2014 by INTA, the National Institute of Agricultural Technology in Mendoza.
Collective action is the theoretical approach used in the project, which, among its
various definitions, is considered as the ability of a group to manage common resources.
Moreover, collective action is the result of interactions between the interests of the
group and the individual strategies of the actors. Two types of collective action are
recognized: the structural form, which only considers the existence of organizations,
and the functional form, which considers the work of the organizations. The goals of
this study are to identify and analyze the factors (internal, as well as external) that
promote and deter the development of collective action taken by the members of
cooperative associations. The methodology is based on the handling of quantitative and
qualitative data. The quantitative data was obtained from secondary sources, while the
qualitative data came from semi-structured interviews conducted with several rabbit
producers who are active at the local level. Factors that mobilize collective action are
associated to the trust ties arising from the economic and socio-cultural homogeneity of
the actors, as well as their geographical proximity, the pursuit of technical knowledge
and the genetic improvement by staff members, the need for marketing strategies and
economic resources, and their interest in participating in governance processes; on the
other hand the factors which undermine collective action are connected to pluriactivity,
the tensions built in those processes meant to articulate their own interests to the
interests of the group as well as the phenomena of disaggregation (conflicts, exclusion)
that lead the organization members to act individually.
324
Although historical and contextual factors, prior to the formation of the ‘Conejos
Andinos de Mendoza’ Production Cooperative have had a strong impact on the
dynamics of the collective action at this stage, the capacity of these actors to organize
around some common goals, produced a process of collective learning and development
of social capital connected to productive, technological and organizational issues.
Key words: rabbit production, production cooperative, collective action, rural
extension.
ESTRATEGIAS PARA LA ACCIÓN COLECTIVA: PRODUCCIÓN
COOPERATIVA "CONEJOS ANDINOS DE MENDOZA
*QUAGLIARIELLO SG
Resumen
Este trabajo aborda el desarrollo de acciones colectivas adoptadas por la “Producción
Cooperativa Conejos Andinos de Mendoza”, asociados a las actividades de extensión
rural implementadas entre 2002 y 2014 por el INTA, el Instituto Nacional de
Tecnología Agropecuaria en Mendoza. La acción colectiva es el enfoque teórico
utilizado en el proyecto, el cual, entre sus diversas definiciones, se considera como la
capacidad de un grupo para administrar los recursos comunes. Por otra parte, la acción
colectiva es el resultado de las interacciones entre los intereses del grupo y las
estrategias individuales de los actores. Se reconocen dos tipos de acción colectiva: la
forma estructural, que sólo tiene en cuenta la existencia de las organizaciones, y la
forma funcional, que considera el trabajo de las organizaciones. Los objetivos de este
estudio son identificar y analizar los factores (internos, como externos) que promueven
e impiden el desarrollo de la acción colectiva adoptada por los miembros de las
asociaciones cooperativas. La metodología se basa en el tratamiento de los datos
cuantitativos y cualitativos. Los datos cuantitativos se obtuvieron de fuentes
secundarias,
mientras
que
los
datos
cualitativos
provienen
de
entrevistas
semiestructuradas realizadas con varios productores de conejos que están activos en el
ámbito local. Los factores que movilizan la acción colectiva se asocian a los lazos de
confianza derivados de la homogeneidad económica y socio-cultural de los actores, así
como su proximidad geográfica, la búsqueda del conocimiento técnico y la mejora
genética de los miembros del personal, la necesidad de estrategias de marketing y
recursos económicos, y su interés en participar en los procesos de gobierno; por otra
parte los factores que socavan la acción colectiva se conectan a la pluriactividad, las
tensiones construidas en aquellos procesos destinados a articular sus propios intereses a
los intereses del grupo, así como los fenómenos de disgregación (conflictos, exclusión)
que llevan los miembros de la organización para actuar individualmente. Aunque los
326
factores históricos y contextuales, antes de la formación de la “Producción Cooperativa
Conejos Andinos de Mendoza” han tenido un fuerte impacto en la dinámica de la
acción colectiva en esta etapa, la capacidad de estos actores a organizarse en torno a
algunos de los objetivos comunes, produjo un proceso de aprendizaje colectivo y el
desarrollo de capital social conectada a cuestiones productivas, tecnológicas y
organizativas.
Palabras clave: producción de conejos, cooperativa de producción, la acción colectiva,
la extensión rural
Introduction
The present research work deals with the development of actions taken by the Rabbit
Production Cooperatives in Mendoza, linked to the Rural Extension activities
implemented between 2002 and 2014 by the National Institute of Agricultural
Technology (INTA) in Mendoza, Argentina. The task in progress from the extension
area is focused on the ‘Cooperativa de Conejos Andinos de Mendoza’, which was
founded in 2012 by a group of rabbit producers connected to INTA EEA1 Mendoza,
through a Project called PROFAM2, which was developed at a time of simultaneously
growth and crisis of the rabbit industry in the 2005. This production cooperative is
created by rabbit producers from different departments in the province (Figure 1), who
own rabbit farms with an average of 60 females in production, under intensive
production system, selling their products in the domestic market. Working with
production cooperatives is a longstanding type of action carried out by Public
Extension; however it constantly faces obstacles linked to social, commercial, political,
technical issues, and other obstacles which deter dynamic development of collective
action.
In order to describe the historical context of the rabbit industry in Mendoza, at the
beginning of the 90’s, the implementation of neo-liberal measures resulted in changes in
the country´s economy which had an influence on rabbit production, particularly
because Argentina was able to enter the international rabbit meat market. Thereafter, the
industry went from a domestic market production to a more intensive production
system. Numerous domestic consumption productions were transformed into
commercial farms and new producers emerged from the private sector. The increase in
production for export was observed at the beginning of the 90’s with the opening of the
Argentine economy, with a peak between the years 2002-2005. The growth during that
period occurred due to the influence of other external factors, such as the restrictive
measures that rabbit-importing European countries imposed on China- which in that
period was leading the export market-, as well as internal factors, such as the
modification of the exchange rate in Argentina as well as social policies with productive
content that were applied as a consequence of the country´s crisis in 2001-2002. Both
1
National Institute of Agricultural Technology. Experimental Agricultural Station, Mendoza
2
Family Producers Program. It belongs to PROFEDER (Federal Support Program for Sustainable Rural Development,
INTA
328
national and international contexts favored a very dynamic growth in the Argentine
rabbit production during that time, which was also perceived in Mendoza.
When exports began to decline, most of the new enterprises were gradually closed down
because the rabbit meat produced could not be wholly sold within the domestic market.
After a few years, producers who remained in the industry regrouped in the
aforementioned Cooperative association.
Área de
estudio
Argentina
Las Heras
Luján de
Cuyo
Lavalle
Guaymallén
Maipú
Mendoza
-Zona Norte-
Graph Map 1. Research Area: Northern Mendoza Province.
Collective action is the theoretical approach used in the project, which, among its
several definitions, is considered as the ability of a group to manage common resources.
On the other hand, collective action is the result of the interactions between the interests
of the whole and the individual strategies of the actors. Two types of collective action
are recognized: the structural form and the functional form. The structural form only
considers the existence of organizations; while the functional form, apart from its
existence, considers the work of the organizations.
Collective actions must consider the relationship between structural organization and
individual strategies. In this sense, it is important to consider the tensions between: (i)
the adhesion phenomena and processes that motivate individuals to subordinate /
articulate their own interests to the interests of the group, (ii) the disaggregation
phenomena (conflicts, exclusions) which lead members of the organization to individual
practices that weaken collective organization. Organizations are thought and built in a
process of negotiation and recognition of different identities and complementary /
conflicting interests (Muchnik, 2006).
Methodology
The methodology used consists of two complementary parts: first, the analysis of
quantitative and qualitative date on the basis of access to secondary sources and primary
data of the rabbit industry survey. A review and critical analysis on the existing
secondary date were carried out, including historical documents, articles previous work
statistical data, etc..
In the second part, semi-structured interviews were conducted with key actors working
in areas of social and economic development of municipal governments in the northern
part of Mendoza and in the Provincial Directorate of Livestock. Groups of rabbit
producers and some local organizations were also interviewed, including fieldtrips and
observation at selected projects. Those interviews include managerial, economicproductive, commercial and social aspects in order to identify situations and key points
of local activity development.
Finally the participant observation technique was used in workshops where the
producers and institutions worked together in order for producers to get organized and
towards the formation of the Provincial Rabbit Production Council.
330
Findings and Debate: Rabbit Production in Mendoza
Socio-Productive System Organization
During the last decade, rabbit production in generally comprised several and small farms
with an average of 50 females by producer. From the productive system perspective,
rabbit producers worked in small and medium-sized farms.
A limiting factor to its development was the scarce tradition that had rabbit production
in our country and particularly in Mendoza. Most of the producers developed this
economic activity as a complement to another major activity. Between the years 2002 –
2005, due to the ease of the incoming money - even with little capital a person was able
to begin the production –and with good prospects in terms of profitability, many
producers without knowledge or prior experience entered the industry. This marked the
necessity of continuous training programs and the search for local professionals and
supplies during that stage of production.
Another difficulty for rabbit production development was the lack of business training
producers had; however there was an emerging need to differentiate their products
through the creation of brands, adoption of quality systems along with other issues.
Nevertheless, and despite the difficulties described, the number of producers kept
growing, as well as their level of organization. Towards the end of 2004, it is estimated
that the number of producers was 300, generally organized for the sale of "live rabbit
meat" to export oriented cold storage plants and the purchase of some supplies and
balanced feed.
Chart 1: Farms Number and Size. June 2005
Percentage
Rabbit Farms
Number of
Number
Female *
Small
240
80%
20 to 60
Medium
30
10%
60 to 100
Large
30
10%
> 100
Total
300
100%
Source: Mendoza Rabbit Production Council. 2005
References: * According to number of female
Between 2002 and 2005, the rabbit industry gradually improved its infrastructure and
the achieved higher genetic quality. Although the progress made in genetics was limited
compared to countries of greater tradition in rabbit production, the cooperative
association worked with enhanced lines of greater productivity. In addition, the
producers had technological and technical support plus analysis of local updated costs at
their dispose, resulting from the training improvement and the inter-institutional
coordination achieved in the last years of the stage under analysis.
Despite these progresses and considering that the transfer of feed and animals added
costs to the production, in Mendoza, as well as in other provinces in the Western part of
the country, the rabbit industry was at a disadvantage in terms of prices related to
animal feed and other supplies compared to those provinces which had grains and
forage production and export oriented for cold storage plants. It was clear that the
production was geographically dispersed; however, until the beginning of 2005, the
activity was economically justified due to its high profitability.
In 2006, a diagnosis on rabbit producers settled in the North Oasis of Mendoza
confirmed that in all departments the production was family-based. Rabbit farms were
small, with an average of 54 reproductive females for production. This report confirmed
the need for the producers to gather in associations or cooperatives in order to cope with
the market difficulties and achieve lower costs of production. (Chaxel and Quagliariello,
2006).
332
From the collective action and the producers’ organization approach, one of the
problems which arose at that time, was the diversity of exploitation forms. From
producers who barely exceeded self-consumption, to those who exceeded a business
unit (between 100 and 300 females according to the geographical region), there existed
numerous intermediate gradients between the two of them. Beyond the difference in
investment grade, they also differed in training, experience, technology and labor
invested. At that time, important developments relating to farm management and
structural collective action were achieved, which should be taken as the creation of
cooperative associations; in almost all cases, an important technological component was
incorporated thus leveling management, food, facilities and rabbit breeds in many
farms.
Producers who arrived at the end of this first stage (2002-2009) and kept working,
managed to overcome a long period of commercial crisis and remained in the industry.
It can be said that these producers, improved their technical and management issues,
and that they found commercialization alternatives in the domestic market, in general
working individually and with some level of informality, which allowed them to
continue. However, the mechanisms of collective action were limited to a minimum,
due to the business activity abandonment, their discouragement, and the dissolution of
cooperative associations which had been created.
Until the sudden drop in the industry, which began in 2005, these rabbit producers had
reached an interesting degree of Group organization, existing not only in more informal
groups, but also in cooperatives. At least five groups were created: the Caye
Cooperative Association (from Lavalle Department); another group of rabbit breeders
who operated with the above mentioned cooperative from Maipú Department as Caye
controlled association; the Sumampa Cooperative and Conecuy Cooperative (both in
Guaymallén Department) and finally, another independent group in Maipú Department.
At that time collective action in general reflected a fledgling organization and was
primarily due to the need to operate in the export market (live rabbit meat). Sales were
carried out weekly; in order to transfer the animals, a truck was sent by the cold storage
plant or hired by the associated producers and animals were loaded at some encounter
point, usually the farm of some producer.
It is important to look into the networks created by various organizations and those
governance processes that come into play, since both municipal governments and other
institutions participated in the development of rabbit production, with different degrees
of commitment. This inter-institutional coordination and the network formation with
producers is essential in development programs as the structure of regulation and actor
coordination, both in the productive sector and the institutional support system.
In regards to the socio-institutional organization, when the participation of government
agencies on rabbit development plans is analyzed, it can be said that, between the years
2002 to 2005, State support was important, achieving a certain impact. There was a
significant presence in and promotion spirit of the activity involving various
government agencies at the national, provincial and municipal level through a range of
actions. Subsequently, between 2005 and 2009, the institutions dissociated from the
activity, unable to find valid answers for the sector. The crisis exceeded all foreseeable
issues in a process involving the entire country.
Overview of the Cooperatives
“Cooperativa “CAYE” de Lavalle”
“CAYÉ” Production Cooperative, Lavalle
It was created towards the end of 20023, by a group of small-scale producers from
Lavalle department, who held subsidies from “Plan Manos a la Obra” and the PSA4. It
was incorporated as “Cooperativa de Cunicultores Lavallinos de Provisión,
Transformación y Comercialización”, but it became known by its fictitious name,
“CAYÉ”5 .
3
Source: Directorate of Cooperatives and Mutual Societies, Ministry of Human Development, Family and
Community, Mendoza Province. Rabbit production database (10 June, 2011).
“Getting down to Work” Program and the Farming Social Program, respectively.
CAYÉ: a term taken from the Huarpe language, meaning Big Heart. The Huarpe people are the
native inhabitants of the Cuyo region.
4
5
334
The social and economic characteristics of this group were different from those of
previous undertakings, who were mostly made up of peri-urban producers. Lavalle’s
rabbit producers were mostly rural farmers of scarce resources. The cooperative was
actively promoted and supported by the Municipality, which committed itself to the
local development of the rabbit production industry.
“Of course, in 2003 there was money for Lavalle …the dough
for Lavalle came in and the Lavalle cooperative was created, in
2003.” (New producers from Maipú department)
Since its creation, this cooperative became a benchmark in the process of developing
collective actions, as it attracted a group of producers from the province’s Northern
area who were not reaching the level of institutionalization required to enter the rabbit
export market.
“… we used to go to meetings in Lavalle, and there were always
…(problems), as Lavalle producers would …buy our rabbits at
lower prices and would not act as intermediaries with the cold
storage plants …” (New producers from Maipú department)
“I re-create the Lavalle Cooperative. The Lavalle cooperative is
an old cooperative.” (Longstanding commercial producer from
Guaymallén department)
“Cooperativa de Provisión Agropecuaria CARNES LASHERINAS Limitada”
Farming Production Cooperative “CARNES LASHERINAS” Limited
It was created mainly by unemployed urban and peri-urban producers, who received
subsidies from the municipal government of Las Heras department. This cooperative,
promoted by the municipality, was first incorporated in and then unregistered from the
Directorate of Cooperatives. Its emergence was mainly due to the initiative of the local
government and it only achieved formal structure as a cooperative, without
accomplishing the development of functional collective actions.
“It emerged in 2002; everything was organized by B., with the
support of A. (the mayor), so, well, the first thing we had to do was
to get some sort of legal entity, in order to bring producers
together; so from then on I set to create the famous cooperative
(…), which we never managed to set in motion.” (Longstanding
commercial producer. President of the cooperative)
“Cooperativa de Provisión, Transformación y Comercialización “Agropecuaria
SUMAMPA” Limitada
Cooperative for Provision, Transformation and Commercialization
“Agropecuaria SUMAMPA” Limited
It began its activities in 2004. It was a small cooperative comprised of longstanding
commercial farmers from Guaymallén’s peri-urban region. It emerged as a result of the
conjunction of community, individual and institutional interests. These producers had
developed strong horizontal relations among themselves as well as strong ties with the
municipal government and the provincial Directorate of Cooperatives.
This strategy allowed them to gain access to important subsidies for projects they had
submitted, and hence they were able to purchase machinery for making their own
balanced feed. Following the crisis, the cooperative was able to remain functioning due
to its activities in the internal market, as its producers had their own customer base.
This cooperative experienced conflicts with another group from Guaymallén over
positions of power in the department’s council.
336
“…in 2004 we set to create the cooperative with C. and there were
us and I can’t recall who else, who wanted to establish the
federation, we were actually trying to get the two cooperatives to
work together but it was a failure, we just couldn´t achieve that.”
(New producers from Maipú department)
“In C.’s cooperative, we were there for a short time, because it
ended up being an odd business, something a friend of his had put
together…it was a rather bogus cooperative…”
(New producers from Maipú department)
“It was good because we did a lot of advocacy; we were at the
Industrial Fair. We had a stand there backed by Guaymallén’s
municipal government…Of course, Sumampa cooperative had lots
of contacts.” (New producers from Maipú department)
“Cooperativa Agropecuaria de Provisión, Transformación y
Commercialización “CONECUY” Limitada”
Farming Cooperative for Provision, Transformation and Commercialization
“CONECUY” Limited
Created in 2005 by producers from Guaymallén department, its characteristics were
similar to the abovementioned: small in size, comprised by longstanding peri-urban
commercial producers. However, unlike the others, which were promoted by local
governments, this cooperative was established as an initiative of independent producers
with political ties.
A strength that set this cooperative apart is that it worked in an organized manner for
some time after the crisis of the external market, selling its products in the domestic
market. For this purpose, the slaughter was carried out in a small room with municipal
authorization from Maipú department, leased by the cooperative.
They managed to sell their products to a supermarket chain through an intermediary
who was selling chicken; unfortunately, the profitability was very limited and the
cooperative was unable to sustain itself; hence, the farmers began to quit producing.
There were heavy conflicts within the cooperative (2006).
“Surely, it was meant for export. But we wanted the domestic
market…We did create Conecuy cooperative…we had been weekly
slaughtering and delivering seven hundred units in the Greater
Mendoza area. We had even reactivated a cold storage plant with
the members of the cooperative.” (Longstanding commercial
producer. President of the cooperative)
“Absolutely not, no subsidies. Not even for commercialization.
As for the genetic part, whatever you may have contributed, in your
role at INTA.” (Longstanding commercial producer. President of
the cooperative)
“Cooperativa Agropecuaria de Provisión, Transformación y
Commercialización “MENDOCINA DE CUNICULTORES (COMECU)”
Limitada”
Farming Cooperative for Provision, Transformation and Commercialization
“MENDOCINA DE CUNICULTORES (COMECU)” Limited
It emerged in 2005 with an initial core comprised of a fraction of the first rabbit farmers
association of the northern region. It had begun producing and selling in the beginnings
of the cycle; in 2004, it issued its invoices through Lavalle’s cooperative (“Cayé”).
“…we weren’t sure whether to make it a controlled cooperative of
Lavalle’s cooperative or to remain independent but working
together. We were planning to create a federation…(…) It
remained independent.” (New producers from Maipú department)
COMECU became an actual cooperative after the crisis, in mid-2005. It is the only
cooperative that tried to develop agro-industrial products using rabbit meat –it sought to
produce pickled rabbit and pâté. However, the commercial failure of this endeavor and
the difficulties for selling these products in the domestic market led to the withdrawal of
the group’s leader and the eventual inactivity of the cooperative.
338
“…a mistake made by the producers was to have…that business
only and…having aimed at exports only; because those
products…in 2004, 2005 were sold in huge amounts, thus none of
us considered the domestic market.” (New producers from Maipú
department)
“Cooperativa Agropecuaria“CONEJOS ANDINOS” Limitada”
Farming Cooperative “CONEJOS ANDINOS” Limited
It was established in 2012, through the actions of the rural extension program of INTA
(National Institute of Agricultural Technology) in Mendoza, bringing together producers
from several departments throughout the province, many of whom had been members of
the abovementioned cooperatives that were dissolved due to commercial issues. All of
its members have their own narrow commercialization circuits; however informal these
slaughter and sales circuits were, they have operated as resilience mechanisms for
sustaining the activity after the crisis. Collective action is also incipient in this case,
even though the members have a longstanding experience in rabbit production. Most of
them are multi-active farmers, i.e. they combine more than one productive activity,
which sometimes undermines collective action –due to the multiplicity of interests- but
other times it turns out beneficial as an income diversification strategy. One of the
objectives longed by this cooperative is the development –in collaboration with INTAof a pelletizer machine that would enable the manufacturing of balanced feed, hence
lowering costs, making better use of local agro-industrial by-products, and enhancing
feed quality.
The factors that mobilize this cooperative’s collective action include the trustful ties
among producers, resulting from their economic, social and cultural homogeneity; the
geographic proximity of most producers –even though some of them are located 200kms
away-; the staff’s need for technical knowledge and genetic enhancement; the
commercialization, selling of rabbit fur and buying of balanced feed and medication; the
limitations of economic resources; and the interest in participating in governance
processes through meetings with the provincial and national authorities.
On the other hand, the factors that restrain collective action processes are related to
multi-activity, as previously pointed; to the tensions emerging in the process of making
individual interests compatible with group interests, as well as the disaggregation
phenomena (conflicts, exclusions) that lead members to individualized practices; to the
age group involved, as these producers are mostly 55 years and older; and to the lack of
family continuity as new generations do not take part in the activity.
Conclusions
In the first stage of the analysis, there was a favorable context of demand of rabbits in
the international market and competitive prices resulting from the currency reform,
which motivated public actors to launch projects, based on the allocation of subsidies for
the rural and peri-urban low-resource population, and led private actors to enter this
activity. As a response to the social and economic crisis that the country experienced at
the time (2001-2002), producers became dynamic and achieved a high level of
participation and, hence, significant results in both structural and functional collective
action (2002 - 2004).
Rabbit Production Development Programs require thorough planning as well as
continuous
evaluation
encompassing
issues
of
production,
industrialization,
commercialization, training, technical assistance, organization and provision of critical
supplies. Taking these factors into account would yield adequate answers to the needs of
the sector, helping it achieve sustainable production systems and social equity.
The weakness of collective actions aimed at the institutionalization of the local rabbit
industry promoted by government organisms (represented by the Rabbit Industry
Provincial Advisory Board and the Provincial Rabbit Industry Law) shows that they
were mostly driven by the juncture rather than by a historical process of rabbit
production consolidation in Mendoza.
The convergence of different technological models for rabbit production –one tied to
traditional methods and the other one based on intensive methods, promoted by public
organisms, private companies and investors- gave rise to conflicts and tensions that
undermined collective action in its first stage.
340
This was due to the perceived competition of these two models: one of them based on
small-scale production using simple low-cost technology, with personalized
management, associated to domestic consumption and/or informal trade in narrow
circuits, oriented to the local market; and the other, based on larger-scale, intensive
production, highly productive, with a more impersonal management of animals,
embedded in the agro-exporting chain and driven by an entrepreneurial logic. As time
went by and export prices dropped, the traditional model proved more sustainable in the
long term.
With regard to the development of collective actions in the 2002-2004 period, they were
prompted by the rapid growth of production and by the concepts of participatory
governability and public policy governance, especially encouraging the formation of
cooperatives. Most of these were founded with the aim of responding to the demand of
high volumes of live rabbit meat by export-oriented cold storage companies. The fast
move from collective activities to structural collective actions was also a response to a
need of the market (having legal entity to issue invoices) and a way to take advantage of
public subsidies (creating groups that could benefit from social policies that promoted
the formation of associations).
There is a general informality regarding slaughtering and a difficulty to generate
collective action to tackle this problem. The various stages of industrialization of smallscale production reflect the lack of regulation of manufacturing processes. Regulations
should be adapted to each phase of industrialization -most importantly to slaughtering,
packaging of whole and chunked rabbit, and manufacturing of by-products such as
pickled rabbit, pâté, and so on- for medium-scale production processes.
Another aspect related to the implementation of development programs is that they
should incorporate, as a key objective, the creation of solid institutional networks
comprising public and private organizations, with a structure that allows for the
handling of critical moments with integrity and backing producers in the search for the
most adequate solutions. The history of local rabbit production tells us that there has
been insufficient support from state organizations and structures during periods of crisis.
There was an evident lack of planning in the evaluation and follow-up stages of existing
programs.
This problem was intensified by producers’ limited capacity to integrate, organize and
manage their common interests, particularly when commercialization conflicts emerged.
Generating collective action processes implies overcoming the structural weakness of
producers’ organizations and bestowing them with the capacity to interact on equal
terms with the state and with other actors; for this to be accomplished, state support is
essential. That is how the growth and consolidation of their entities and associations in
the various production chains may be achieved, including cooperatives, peasant
organizations, associations, consortiums, etc.
The consolidation of local rabbit production and the construction of an incipient
knowledge system, as well as the production, commercialization and distribution of this
kind of meat, and the new market niches, allow us to claim that we are entering a new
stage of local development of the rabbit industry.
It is also necessary to make a final remark on the need for a strategic shift aimed at
increasing the participation of public research and development (R+D) entities in the
local dynamics of technological change. The production of scientific and technological
knowledge should be aligned with local social needs and know-hows, understanding
social inclusion as a scientific-technical challenge, i.e. striving to find the social
application of the scientific and technological knowledge generated locally, particularly
in the field of family-based agriculture.
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344
ESTRATEGIAS PARA LA ACCIÓN COLECTIVA: PRODUCCIÓN
COOPERATIVA "CONEJOS ANDINOS DE MENDOZA
*QUAGLIARIELLO SG
Introducción
El presente trabajo de investigación aborda el desarrollo de acciones colectivas por parte
de Cooperativas Cunícolas de Mendoza, vinculadas al ejercicio de actividades de
Extensión Rural implementadas desde el Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria
en Mendoza, Argentina, entre los años 2002 y 2014. La tarea actual desde el área de
extensión está centrada en la Cooperativa Conejos Andinos de Mendoza, que fue
constituida en 2012 por un grupo de productores de conejos vinculados a INTA EEA
Mendoza6 a través de un Proyecto PROFAM7, que surgió a partir de la coyuntura de
crecimiento y crisis de la cunicultura del 2005. Esta Cooperativa está conformada por
cunicultores de distintos departamentos de toda la provincia (Figura 1), que poseen
criaderos que cuentan con un promedio de 60 hembras en producción, bajo sistema de
cría intensiva, y realizan la comercialización en el mercado interno. El trabajo con
cooperativas es una modalidad de larga trayectoria implementada desde la Extensión
Pública, sin embargo se enfrenta permanentemente con obstáculos vinculados con
aspectos sociales, comerciales, políticos, técnicos y otros, que entorpecen el desarrollo
dinámico de la acción colectiva.
A fin de describir el contexto histórico de la cunicultura en Mendoza, a comienzos de la
década de los ’90, la aplicación de medidas neoliberales produjo cambios en la
economía del país que influyeron en la producción cunícola, especialmente porque
Argentina tuvo la posibilidad de insertarse en el mercado internacional de carne de
6
7
Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Mendoza.
Programa para Productores Familiares. Pertenece a PROFEDER (Programa Federal de Apoyo al Desarrollo Rural Sustentable de
INTA).
conejo. A partir de entonces, la actividad comienza a convertirse de una cría destinada
al autoconsumo a sistemas de producción más intensivos. Numerosas producciones de
autoconsumo se transformaron en explotaciones comerciales y surgieron nuevos
productores desde el sector privado. Este crecimiento de la producción para exportación
se observó a principios de los ’90 con la apertura de la economía argentina, y muy
marcadamente en el período 2002-2005. Este último se produjo debido a la influencia
de otros factores externos, como las medidas de restricción de los países europeos,
importadores de carne de conejo, impuestas a China que en ese periodo lideraba el
mercado exportador; y factores internos, como la modificación de la paridad cambiaria
en Argentina y las políticas sociales con contenido productivo que se aplicaron por
efecto de la crisis de 2001-2002 en el país. Estos contextos nacional e internacional
favorecieron un crecimiento muy dinámico de la cunicultura argentina en ese período,
que se manifestó también en la provincia de Mendoza.
Posteriormente a la caída de la exportación, la mayor parte de los nuevos
emprendimienos paulatinamente fueron cerrando, debido a que la carne de conejo que
se producía no podía ser comercializada en el mercado interno en su totalidad. Los
productores que permanecieron en la actividad después de algunos años volvieron a
reagruparse en la Cooperativa citada.
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Área de
estudio
Argentina
Las Heras
Luján de
Cuyo
Lavalle
Guaymallén
Maipú
Mendoza
-Zona Norte-
Figura 1. Zona de estudio: Norte de la provincia de Mendoza.
El enfoque teórico utilizado en este trabajo es el de acción colectiva. Este enfoque si
bien tiene varias definiciones, se toma como la capacidad que poseen los grupos para
manejar recursos comunes. Por otra parte, la acción colectiva es el resultado de las
interacciones entre los intereses del conjunto y las estrategias individuales de los
actores. Se reconocen dos tipos de acción colectiva: la de tipo estructural y la de tipo
funcional. La estructural considera únicamente la existencia de organizaciones; mientras
la funcional implica además de la existencia, muestras la labor de las organizaciones.
Las acciones colectivas deben contemplar las relaciones entre la organización
estructurante y las estrategias individuales.
En este sentido es importante tener en cuenta las tensiones entre: (i) los fenómenos y
procesos de adhesión que motivan a los individuos para subordinar / articular sus
intereses a los de un grupo, (ii) los fenómenos de desagregación (conflictos,
exclusiones) que llevan a los integrantes de la organización a prácticas individuales que
debilitan la organización colectiva. Las organizaciones se piensan y se construyen en un
proceso de negociación y reconocimiento de identidades diferentes y de intereses
complementarios / contradictorios ( Muchnik, 2006).
Metodología
La metodología usada abarcó dos partes complementarias. En primer lugar, el análisis
de información cuantitativa y cualitativa en base a recopilación de fuentes secundarias y
relevamiento de datos primarios del sector cunícola. Se realizó una revisión y análisis
crítico de información secundaria existente al respecto: documentos históricos;
artículos; trabajos previos; datos estadísticos; etc.
La segunda parte fueron entrevistas semiestructuradas a actores claves de las áreas de
desarrollo social y económico de los gobiernos municipales de la zona norte de la
provincia de Mendoza y de la Dirección Provincial de Ganadería. También se realizaron
entrevistas a grupos de productores cunícolas y organizaciones locales, que incluyeron
visitas y observación de emprendimientos cunícolas seleccionados en la nona norte.
Estas
entrevistas
abarcan
aspectos
organizacionales,
económico-productivos,
comerciales y sociales para identificar momentos y puntos clave de desarrollo de la
actividad en lo local.
Por último se utilizó la técnica de la observación participante en talleres con productores
e instituciones realizados para la organización de los productores y la constitución del
Consejo Cunícola provincial.
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Resultados y Discusión: La cunicultura en Mendoza
Organización del sistema socio-productivo
En Mendoza, durante la última década, la actividad se desarrolló en general, en
numerosos y pequeños establecimientos con una media apenas superior a las 50
hembras por productor. Desde la perspectiva del sistema productivo, los cunicultores
trabajaron en establecimientos agrícolas pequeños y medianos.
Un factor limitante al desarrollo de la actividad fue la escasa tradición que tenía la
cunicultura en nuestro país y en Mendoza en particular. La mayor parte de los
productores, desarrollaba esta actividad económica como complemento de otra
principal. Debido a la facilidad de ingreso- aún con escaso capital se puede comenzar a
producir- en el período 2002-2005 y de las buenas perspectivas en cuanto a la
rentabilidad, se incorporaron numerosos productores sin conocimientos ni experiencia
previa. Esto marcó la necesidad de contar con programas permanentes de capacitación y
la búsqueda de profesionales e insumos locales para esta producción, en esa etapa.
Otra dificultad para el desarrollo de la actividad, fue la falta de formación empresarial
de los productores; aunque existió una incipiente necesidad de diferenciación del
producto a través de la creación de marcas, adopción de sistemas de calidad y otros. Sin
embargo, y a pesar de las dificultades descriptas, tal y como se mencionó anteriormente,
la cantidad de productores fue creciendo, como así también su nivel de organización.
Hacia fines de 2004, se estima que la cantidad de productores llegó a 300, en general
organizados para la venta del producto “conejo vivo” a los frigoríficos exportadores y
para la compra de algunos insumos y alimento balanceado.
Cuadro Nº 1: Cantidad y tamaño de criaderos. Junio 2005
Número de
Cantidad de
criaderos
Porcentaje Hembras*
Pequeño
240
80%
20 a 60
Mediano
30
10%
60 a 100
Grande
30
10%
> 100
Total
300
100%
Fuente: Consejo Provincial Cunícola de Mendoza. 2005.
Referencias: * Tamaño medido en número de hembras
Paulatinamente, entre 2002 y 2005, se fue mejorando la disponibilidad
de
infraestructura y de genética de mejor calidad que en los años previos, para desarrollar
la actividad. Si bien los avances conseguidos en cuanto a la genética fueron limitados
comparado a los países de mayor tradición en cunicultura, se trabajó con líneas
mejoradas, de productividad mayor. Asimismo, se dispuso de apoyo tecnológico y
técnico, análisis de costos locales actualizados, a partir de los avances en capacitación y
la articulación interinstitucional conseguidos en los últimos años de la etapa de análisis.
A pesar de estos avances, la cunicultura se presentaba en Mendoza, como así también en
otras provincias del oeste del país, en una situación de
desventaja, en lo referente a
precios de alimentos balanceados y otros insumos con respecto a otras provincias que
contaban con producción de granos y forrajes y donde tenían asiento los frigoríficos
exportadores, ya que el traslado de alimentos y animales sumaba costos a la producción.
Era claro que la producción se encontraba deslocalizada territorialmente, sin embargo la
alta rentabilidad permitió, hasta principios de 2005, que la actividad se encontrara
justificada económicamente.
Un diagnóstico sobre los cunicultores en el Oasis Norte de Mendoza, realizado en
2006, confirmó el carácter familiar de la actividad en todos los departamentos. Los
criaderos eran de pequeña escala, con un número medio de 54 hembras reproductoras
por criadero. Este informe confirmaba la necesidad de los productores de agruparse en
350
asociaciones o cooperativas a fin de hacer frente a las dificultades del mercado y lograr
bajar los costos de producción (Chaxel y Quagliariello, 2006).
Desde el enfoque de la organización de los productores y de la acción colectiva, uno de
los
inconvenientes que se presentó en ese momento, fue la diversidad de formas de
explotación. Desde productores que escasamente excedían el autoconsumo, hasta
aquellos que superaban la unidad de negocio (según la región geográfica entre 100 y
300 hembras), existiendo numerosos gradientes intermedios entre unos y otros. Así
como el grado de inversión era diferente en uno y otro caso, también lo era la
capacitación, la experiencia, la tecnología y la mano de obra invertidos. En esos años se
lograron importantes avances referidos al manejo de los criaderos y a la acción colectiva
estructural, entendida como conformación de cooperativas; incorporando en casi todos
los casos, un componente tecnológico importante, con lo cual el manejo, la
alimentación, las instalaciones y las razas empleadas se nivelaron en gran parte de los
criaderos.
Los productores que llegaron al final de esta primera etapa (2002-2009) y siguieron
trabajando, lograron superar una larga etapa de crisis comercial y permanecieron en la
actividad. Se puede afirmar que estos productores, mejoraron aspectos técnicos y de
gestión, como así también encontraron alternativas de comercialización en el mercado
interno, en general individuales y con cierto nivel de informalidad, que les permitieron
continuar. Sin embargo los mecanismos de acción colectiva se vieron limitados a una
mínima expresión, debido al abandono de la actividad, el desánimo y la disolución de
las cooperativas que se fundaron.
Hasta el periodo de caída brusca de la actividad, que comenzó en 2005, estos
cunicultores habían logrado alcanzar interesantes grados de organización grupal,
existiendo desde grupos más informales, hasta cooperativas. Se formaron, al menos,
cinco grupos definidos: la Cooperativa Cayé (del departamento Lavalle); otro grupo de
cunicultores que operaba con la anterior desde el departamento Maipú tal como una
filial de la Cooperativa Cayé; la Cooperativa Sumampa y la Cooperativa Conecuy
(ambas pertenecientes al departamento Guaymallén) y finalmente, otro grupo
independiente en el departamento Maipú. La acción colectiva en general reflejaba en
ese momento una incipiente organización y obedecía primordialmente a la operatividad
en la comercialización del producto para exportación (conejo vivo), durante este
período.
La venta se realizaba semanalmente; para retirar los animales, un vehículo de carga era
enviado por el frigorífico o contratado por los productores asociados y los animales eran
cargados en algún punto de encuentro, generalmente el criadero de algún productor.
Resulta importante ahondar en el concepto de la conformación de redes formadas por
diversas organizaciones y los procesos de gobernanza que se ponen en juego, ya que
tanto los gobiernos municipales como otras instituciones participaron en el desarrollo de
la cunicultura, con diferentes grados de compromiso. Esta articulación interinstitucional
y la formación de una red con los productores es indispensable en los programas de
desarrollo, como estructura de regulación y coordinación de actores, tanto del sector
productivo como del sistema institucional de apoyo.
En lo que respecta a la organización socio-institucional, al analizar la participación de
los organismos gubernamentales en los planes de desarrollo cunícola, se puede afirmar
que, entre los años 2002 a 2005, el apoyo del Estado fue importante, consiguiendo un
cierto impacto. Existió una significativa presencia y espíritu de promoción de la
actividad en el que se involucraron distintos organismos de gobierno a nivel nacional,
provincial y municipal, a través de variadas acciones. Posteriormente, entre los años
2005 y 2009, las instituciones se fueron desvinculando de la actividad, ante la
imposibilidad de encontrar respuestas válidas para el sector. La crisis sufrida superó
todo lo previsible en un proceso que comprendió a todo el país.
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La conformación de Cooperativas
Cooperativa “CAYÉ”, de Lavalle
Quedó conformada hacia fines de 20028, por pequeños productores del departamento de
Lavalle, subsidiados desde el Plan Manos a la Obra y desde PSA9. El nombre con que se
inscribió fue “Cooperativa de Cunicultores Lavallinos de Provisión, Transformación y
Comercialización Limitada”, sin embargo era conocida por su nombre de fantasía:
“CAYÉ”10 .
Las características económico-sociales de este grupo eran distintas a los anteriores
(fundamentalmente productores periurbanos). Los cunicultores de Lavalle eran, en su
mayoría, productores rurales de escasos recursos. La Cooperativa tuvo gran impulso y
apoyo desde el Municipio, que hizo una fuerte apuesta local al desarrollo de la actividad
cunícola.
“Claro, en el 2003 apareció plata para Lavalle… apareció
guita para Lavalle y se formó la cooperativa de Lavalle, en el
2003” (Productores nuevos de Maipú).
Esta Cooperativa se constituyó, desde sus inicios, como un referente en el proceso de
desarrollo de acciones colectivas y atrajo a una serie de productores de la zona norte
que no llegaban al nivel de formalización necesario para integrarse a la cadena de
conejos para exportación.
“… íbamos a las reuniones en Lavalle, siempre había…
(problemas), que los de Lavalle… eh nos compraban los conejos
más baratos, y que no nos intermediaban con los frigoríficos…”
(Productores nuevos de Maipú).
“Yo refundé la Cooperativa de Lavalle. La cooperativa de
Lavalle es una cooperativa vieja” (Antiguo productor comercial de
Guaymallén).
8
Fuente: Dirección de Cooperativas y Mutuales. Ministerio de Desarrollo Humano, Familia y
Comunidad. Provincia de Mendoza. Base Cunicultura (10/06/2011).
9
Programa Social Agropecuario.
10
CAYÉ: término de origen Huarpe que significa Corazón Grande. La comunidad Huarpe habitó y
habita en la región de Cuyo.
Cooperativa de Provisión Agropecuaria “CARNES LASHERINAS” Limitada
Fue constituida principalmente por productores urbanos y periurbanos desocupados,
subsidiados del departamento de Las Heras. Esta cooperativa, impulsada desde el
Municipio, se dio de alta y de baja en Dirección de Cooperativas. Respondió
principalmente a una iniciativa del gobierno local y sólo logró constituirse formalmente
como cooperativa sin llegar al estadio de desarrollo de acciones colectivas funcionales.
“Ahí surgió, en 2002, y lo organizaba todo B., con el apoyo de
A. (el intendente), entonces, bueno, lo primero que había que hacer
era tener alguna persona jurídica, para poder agrupar a los
productores, de ahí, bueno, me puse en campaña para hacer la
famosa cooperativa (…), que es la que nunca pudimos hacer
funcionar” (Antiguo productor comercial. Presidente de la
Cooperativa).
Cooperativa de Provisión, Transformación y Comercialización “Agropecuaria
SUMAMPA” Limitada
Inicia sus acciones como tal en 2004. Era una cooperativa pequeña, formada por
Antiguos Productores Comerciales periurbanos del departamento Guaymallén, fruto de
la interacción de intereses comunitarios, individuales e institucionales. Los productores
habían desarrollado fuertes relaciones horizontales entre ellos y a nivel local, con la
Municipalidad y, provincial, con la Dirección de Cooperativas.
Esta estrategia les permitió acceder a importantes subsidios por proyectos que
presentaron, y poder comprar maquinaria para la elaboración propia de alimento
balanceado. Después de la crisis, la Cooperativa se sostuvo vinculada al mercado
interno, porque estos productores contaban con una cartera propia de clientes.
Esta cooperativa tuvo algunos conflictos por espacios de poder, vinculados con otro
grupo de Guaymallén, en el seno del Consejo Departamental.
354
“…en el 2004 nos fuimos, nos fuimos nosotros a armar la
cooperativa con el C. y estábamos nosotros y no me acuerdo quién
más que queríamos armar la federación con el Coco, en realidad
íbamos a las dos cooperativas intentando juntarlos pero fue un
fracaso, no se pudo” (Productores nuevos de Maipú).
“Y en la del C. estuvimos ahí poco tiempo, porque después
terminó siendo un negocio medio raro, que armó… la amiga del C.,
era una cooperativa medio fantasma…” (Productores nuevos de
Maipú).
“Estuvo bueno porque hicimos mucha promoción, en la FIA
estuvimos. Pusimos un stand ahí que lo bancó la Municipalidad de
Guaymallén… Claro, lo que tenían era muchos contactos la
Sumampa” (Productores nuevos de Maipú)
Cooperativa Agropecuaria de Provisión, Transformación y Comercialización
“CONECUY” Limitada
Conformada en 2005 por algunos productores del departamento de Guaymallén y con
ciertas características similares a las anteriores, de tamaño pequeño, constituida por
algunos Antiguos Productores Comerciales periurbanos. A diferencia de las anteriores,
que fueron promovidas por los gobiernos locales, esta cooperativa se formó por
iniciativa de productores independientes aunque vinculados políticamente.
Una fortaleza que caracterizó a esta cooperativa es que trabajó en forma organizada
durante algún tiempo después de la crisis del mercado externo, para vender al mercado
interno. Para ello, se faenaba en una sala pequeña con habilitación municipal, de Maipú,
que la cooperativa alquilaba. Consiguieron realizar ventas a una cadena de
supermercados a través de un intermediario que comercializaba pollos, lamentablemente
la rentabilidad era muy acotada y no logró sostenerse, por lo que los productores fueron
dejando la actividad. Hubo fuertes conflictos internos en el seno de la cooperativa
(2006).
“Claro, era para exportación. Pero nosotros queríamos el
mercado interno… La Conecuy, la armamos sí,…veníamos
entregando semanalmente setecientas unidades en el gran
Mendoza, faenando. Hasta un frigorífico, llegamos, llegamos a
reactivar un frigorífico con la cooperativa” (Antiguo productor
comercial. Presidente de la Cooperativa).
“Nooo ¿subsidios?, no. Ni en la comercialización. En la parte
genética, lo que puedas haber aportado vos concretamente, en el
INTA” (Antiguo productor comercial. Presidente de la
Cooperativa).
Cooperativa Agropecuaria de Provisión, Transformación y Comercialización
“MENDOCINA DE CUNICULTORES (COMECU)” Limitada
Surge en 2005 y el núcleo inicial de esta Cooperativa fue una fracción de la primer
Asociación de Cunicultores de la zona norte. Producía y comercializaba desde los
inicios del ciclo; en 2004, facturaba a través de la Cooperativa de Lavalle (“Cayé”).
“…no sabíamos si hacerla subsidiaria de la cooperativa de Lavalle
o independiente, pero que se… que se juntaran. Una federación
íbamos a hacer… (…) Quedó independiente” (Productores nuevos
de Maipú).
La COMECU llega a constituirse como cooperativa después de la crisis, a mediados de
2005. Es la única Cooperativa que intentó el desarrollo de productos agroindustriales en
base a carne de conejo; intentó elaborar escabeche y paté. Pero el fracaso comercial de
esta experiencia, sumado a las dificultades de la venta en el mercado interno de la carne,
llevó a que se retirara el líder del grupo y la Cooperativa dejara de funcionar.
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“…un error de los productores fue tener ese eh... ese negocio nada
más no? y... haber apostado a la exportación y nada más; porque
eso... en el 2004, 2005 que se vendió muchísimo, este ninguno de
nosotros pensó en el mercado interno” (Productores nuevos de
Maipú).
Cooperativa Agropecuaria “CONEJOS ANDINOS” Limitada.
Conformada en 2012, a partir de acciones de extensión rural de INTA Mendoza, con
productores de distintos departamentos de toda la provincia, muchos de los cuales
pertenecieron a las Cooperativas anteriormente descriptas y que se disolvieron por
cuestiones comerciales. Todos sus integrantes poseen circuitos cortos propios de
comercialización, si bien son circuitos de faena y venta informales, les ha servido como
mecanismo de resiliencia para continuar en la actividad después de la crisis. La acción
colectiva es incipiente también en este caso, aunque son productores de larga trayectoria
en la producción de conejos. La mayor parte de ellos son agricultores pluriactivos, es
decir que combinan más de una actividad productiva, lo cual si bien en ciertas ocasiones
desfavorece la acción colectiva, debido a la multiplicidad de intereses, también resulta
positivo si es considerado como estrategia de diversificación de ingresos.
Un sentido objetivo para esta Cooperativa es el desarrollo en forma conjunta con INTA
Mendoza, de una máquina pelletizadora con el objetivo de fabricar alimento balanceado
y de este modo disminuir costos, aprovechar subproductos agroindustriales locales y
mejorar la calidad del alimento.
Los factores que movilizan la acción colectiva de la cooperativa están vinculados con
relaciones de confianza provenientes de la homogeneidad económica, social y cultural
de los actores; la proximidad geográfica de la mayoría, si bien hay productores a más
de 200km de distancia; la necesidad de conocimiento técnico y de mejora genética de
los planteles; la comercialización, venta de cueros y compra de alimentos balanceados
y medicamentos; las limitaciones de recursos económicos; y el interés en la
participación en procesos de gobernanza, participan en reuniones con el Estado a nivel
Provincial y Nacional.
En tanto aquellos factores que detienen los procesos de acción colectiva se vinculan con
la pluriactividad, como fue señalado;
las tensiones en procesos para articular los
intereses propios a los del grupo, los fenómenos de desagregación (conflictos,
exclusiones) que llevan a los integrantes de la organización a las prácticas individuales;
el grupo etario, ya que son productores mayores a 55 años en su mayoría; la falta de
continuidad familiar generacional en la actividad.
Conclusiones
En una primera etapa del análisis, el contexto favorable de demanda de conejos en el
mercado internacional y su competitividad por la reforma de la paridad cambiaria,
motivaron a actores públicos a formular proyectos sobre la base de entregas de subsidios
para la población rural y
periurbana de escasos recursos y a actores privados a iniciarse en esta actividad. Como
respuesta a la crisis social y económica que transitaba el país en ese momento (20012002), los productores fueron dinámicos y se logró un alto nivel de participación en los
procesos y en consecuencia importantes resultados en la acción colectiva estructural y
funcional (2002 a 2004).
Los Programas de Desarrollo Cunícola requieren minuciosas planificaciones con
evaluaciones continuas que abarquen los aspectos de producción, industrialización,
comercialización, capacitación, asistencia técnica, organización y provisión de insumos
críticos. De esta manera se podrá obtener respuestas adecuadas a las necesidades que
plantea el sector, logrando la sostenibilidad de los sistemas productivos, y la equidad
social.
La debilidad de las acciones colectivas promovidas por los organismos gubernamentales
para la institucionalización de la cunicultura local (Consejo Asesor Cunícola Provincial
y Ley Provincial Cunícola), muestra que fueron también un producto de la coyuntura y
no de un proceso histórico de anclaje de la cunicultura en Mendoza.
La confluencia de distintos modelos tecnológicos para la cría de conejos, uno vinculado
a un modelo tradicional, y el otro difundido por los organismos estatales, empresas
358
privadas e inversionistas, de características más intensivas, produjeron la emergencia de
conflictos y tensiones, que dificultaron la acción colectiva en una primera etapa.
Esto se debió a que entraron en competencia estos dos modelos: uno, sustentado en una
producción de pequeña escala, con una tecnología simple y de bajo costo en insumos,
con un manejo más personal y artesanal, asociado a una cunicultura de autoconsumo y/o
comercial informal de circuitos cortos, orientada al mercado de consumo local; y, otro,
sustentado en una producción de mayor escala, intensiva, de alta productividad y de
manejo más impersonal del animal, asociado a una cadena agroexportadora y a una
lógica más empresarial. El paso del tiempo y la caída de los precios de las ventas para
exportación demostraron que en el largo plazo el modelo artesanal fue el más
sustentable.
Con relación al desarrollo de acciones colectivas, en la etapa de 2002 a 2004, la rapidez
del crecimiento de la producción y los conceptos de gobernabilidad participativa y de
gobernanza en las políticas públicas, dieron un fuerte impulso a las mismas,
especialmente a las vinculadas con la formación de cooperativas. La mayoría de ellas se
fundaron, sobre un objetivo coyuntural como era lograr los volúmenes comerciales de
conejos vivos que demandaban los frigoríficos exportadores. El rápido pase de
actividades colectivas a acciones colectivas estructurales también respondió a una
necesidad de mercado (tener la figura lícita para facturación) y de aprovechamiento de
los subsidios públicos (llegar a la conformación de grupos para ser beneficiarios de las
políticas sociales que promovían el asociacionismo).
En general, con respecto a la informalidad de la faena y la dificultad de generar procesos
de acción colectiva que den solución a ello, se observa en la fase de industrialización de
distintas producciones de pequeña escala un vacío con respecto a las reglamentaciones
en la elaboración. Se debería promocionar la adecuación de la normativa vigente
respecto de la fase de industrialización (faena principalmente, envasado del conejo
entero y trozado,
y elaboración de subproductos como escabeche, paté, etc.) para
escalas intermedias de producción.
Otro aspecto vinculado con la implementación de Programas de Desarrollo, es que
deberían tener como uno de los objetivos centrales la conformación de sólidas redes
institucionales de organizaciones públicas y privadas, con una estructura tal que pueda
asumir los momentos críticos con integridad y sea capaz de acompañar al productor en
la búsqueda de las soluciones más adecuadas.
La historia de la cunicultura local nos indica que existió un insuficiente
acompañamiento por parte de las organizaciones y estructuras del Estado en el momento
de la crisis. Existió una evidente falta de planificación en los programas en las etapas de
evaluación y seguimiento. Lo cual fue agudizado por una limitada capacidad de
integración, organización y gestión de los productores, especialmente a partir del
momento de conflicto en la comercialización.
Generar procesos de acción colectiva supone como resultado superar la debilidad
estructural de las organizaciones de productores y dotarlas de la capacidad necesaria
para interactuar con el Estado y demás actores en condiciones de equidad; para lo cual
es necesario apoyo desde el mismo Estado. De este modo, puede lograrse el crecimiento
y la consolidación de sus entidades y asociaciones que integran distintas cadenas de
producción, tales como cooperativas, organizaciones campesinas, asociaciones,
consorcios, etc.85
El anclaje de la cunicultura local logrado y la construcción incipiente de un sistema de
conocimientos, unidos a la producción, comercialización y distribución de esta carne,
articulada con el consumidor local y los nuevos nichos de mercado, permiten afirmar
que se entró en una nueva etapa del desarrollo cunícola local.
Cabe también, como reflexión final, asumir que es necesario un viraje estratégico para
aumentar la participación de las unidades públicas de investigación y desarrollo (I+D),
en las dinámicas de cambio tecnológico local; alinear la producción de conocimiento
científico y tecnológico con las necesidades sociales y saber-hacer locales y comenzar a
plantearse la inclusión social como desafío científico-técnico; es decir, buscar una
utilidad social de los conocimientos científicos y tecnológicos localmente generados,
especialmente en el campo de las agriculturas familiares.
360
Bibliografía
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territorial. El SIAL de la rosa mosqueta rubiginosa de la patagonia argentina.
Universidad autónoma del Estado de México (UAEM). Seminario internacional EAAESYAL. Dinámicas espaciales de los sistemas agroalimentarios: implicaciones para la
sustentabilidad y el bienestar del consumidor. Italia, Parma. En CD.
Bocco, A. 2005. Análisis participativo del proceso de transformación productiva e
institucional en el departamento de LAVALLE, provincia de Mendoza. Rimisp - Centro
Latinoamericano para el Desarrollo Rural. 145p.
Boucher, F; Muchnik, J.; Requier Desjardins, D. 2004. Sistemas Agroalimentarios
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diciembre 2004. En CD.
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Rural Luján de Cuyo. Informe Proyecto Cunícola.
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de la comunidad de Francisco Zarco, en el municipio de Tenancingo, Estado de México:
¿Un caso exitoso de acción colectiva? Seminario Internacional EAAE-SYAL.
Dinámicas espaciales de los sistemas agroalimentarios: Implicaciones para la
sustentabilidad y el bienestar del consumidor. Italia, Parm. En CD.
Muchnik, J. 2006. Sistemas agroalimentarios localizados: evolución del concepto y
diversidad de situaciones. III Congreso Internacional de la Red SIAL “Sistemas
Agroalimentarios Locales” Alimentación y Territorios “ALTER 2006”. España
Plan de Desarrollo Local y Economía Social. Manos a la obra. Ministerio de Desarrollo
Social. http://www.desarrollosocial.gov.ar/Planes/DLES/info_gral.asp (consulta: 27 de
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Buenos Aires, 2003.
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Innovación. IEC/UNQ. CONICET. [en línea].
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Dirección de Desarrollo Familiar y Social.
362
LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT FROM PRODUCTION OF ONE
KILOGRAM OF RABBIT MEAT VERSUS CHICKEN
RAMÍREZ GL1*, RAMÍREZ GG1**, GÜERECA LP2
1.-Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey Campus Ciudad de México.
Calle del Puente #222 Col. Ejidos de Huipulco, Tlalpan C.P. 14380, México D.F.
2.-Instituto de Ingeniería Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Circuito Escolar s/n
Ciudad Universitaria, Delegación Coyoacán. México D.F. CP 04510.
*Corresponding autor: [email protected]
**Corresponding autor: [email protected]
Abstract
Both rabbit and chicken are white meat and part of the Mexican diet. Today
environmental concerns of consumers encourage companies to minimize the
environmental impacts of their products. ISO 14040 describes the principles and
framework for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) which is a technique to assess the
environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or
service. Therefore we decided to use this methodology in order to analyze the supply
chain of both meats. The functional unit considered is one kilogram of meat rabbit or
one kilogram of chicken meat in order to provide a basis for the establishment of good
practices by Mexican farmers.
Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts
(TRACI) software was used. The boundaries of the system analyzed in the process were
animal feeding, meat processing, consumption and waste disposal. The methodology
consisted on compiling an inventory of energy and materials evaluating the
environmental impacts associated with each unit. Data measurements: faeces, urine,
water and energy of machinery, were made on the rabbit farm Los Tíos and UNAM’s
chicken farm.
364
The life cycle impact categories analyzed were eutrophication, global warming, use of
fossil fuels, water use and land use as impacts from the production of one kilogram of
chicken meat and rabbit. We conclude chicken meat production requires larger amounts
of energy and water. Machinery used to slaughter, freeze and clean assigned chicken
meat a higher impact. Manure, especially rabbit’s, causes eutrophication and land
impact when penetrates soil and water ground. Use of wastewater treatment plants,
rainwater, low power cleaning machines, digesters and other technologies were
suggested in order to mitigate meat production environmental impacts.
Key words: Life cycle assessment, environmental impact, supply chain, rabbit farm.
VALORACIÓN DEL CICLO DE VIDA PRODUCTIVO DE UN KILOGRAMO
DE CARNE DE CONEJO VERSUS POLLO
RAMÍREZ GL1*, RAMÍREZ GG1**, GÜERECA LP2
1.-Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey Campus Ciudad de México.
Calle del Puente #222 Col. Ejidos de Huipulco, Tlalpan C.P. 14380, México D.F.
2.-Instituto de Ingeniería Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Circuito Escolar s/n
Ciudad Universitaria, Delegación Coyoacán. México D.F. CP 04510.
*Corresponding autor: [email protected]
**Corresponding autor: [email protected]
Resumen
Tanto el conejo y el pollo son la carne blanca y parte de la dieta de los mexicanos. Hoy
las preocupaciones ambientales de los consumidores animan a las empresas a minimizar
el impacto ambiental de sus productos. ISO 14040 describe los principios y el marco
para la Evaluación del Ciclo de Vida (ACV), que es una técnica para evaluar los
aspectos ambientales y los impactos potenciales asociados a un producto, proceso o
servicio. Por lo tanto hemos decidido utilizar esta metodología con el fin de analizar la
cadena de suministro de ambas carnes. La unidad funcional es considerada un
kilogramo de carne de conejo o un kilogramo de carne de pollo con el fin de
proporcionar una base para el establecimiento de buenas prácticas por parte de los
agricultores mexicanos.
Se utilizó la herramienta para la Reducción y Evaluación de la Química y otros
impactos ambientales software (TRACI). Los límites del sistema analizados en el
proceso fueron la alimentación animal, procesamiento de carne, el consumo y la
eliminación de residuos. La metodología consistió en elaborar un inventario de energía
y materiales que evalúan los impactos ambientales asociados a cada unidad. Mediciones
de datos: las heces, la orina, el agua y la energía de la maquinaria, se hicieron sobre la
granja de conejos Los Tíos y granja de pollos de la UNAM.
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Las categorías de impacto del ciclo de vida analizadas fueron la eutrofización, el
calentamiento global, el uso de combustibles fósiles, el uso del agua y uso de la tierra
como los impactos de la producción de un kilogramo de carne de pollo y conejo.
Concluimos que la producción de carne de pollo requiere grandes cantidades de energía
y agua. Maquinaria usada para matar, congelar y limpiar la carne de pollo asignando un
mayor impacto. El estiércol, especialmente de conejo, provoca la eutrofización y el
impacto de la tierra cuando penetra tierra del suelo y el agua. El uso de plantas de
tratamiento de aguas residuales, agua de lluvia, máquinas de limpieza de baja potencia,
digestores y otras tecnologías se sugirieron con el fin de mitigar los impactos
ambientales de producción de carne.
Palabras clave: evaluación del Ciclo de vida, de impacto ambiental, la cadena de
suministro, granja de conejos.
Introduction
Environmental concerns of consumers encourage companies to create sustainable
products. In other words, producers are willing to minimize environmental impacts
caused by the manufacturing process without compromising its quality. Industries today
have a linear supply chain, however, there are methodologies that analyze beyond these
limits and make it a cycle from obtaining raw materials to waste management.
According to the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Life Cycle
Assessment (LCA) is a process by which we evaluate as objectively as possible the
environmental burdens associated to a product by quantifying the use of material and
energy discharged to the environment.
Aware of the importance of the production and consumption of rabbit meat and chicken
in Mexico we conducted a LCA in order to compare the production of one kilogram of
New Zealand rabbit meat against Ross chicken. This publication encourages farmers in
the establishment of better practices and helps mitigate its environmental impacts.
Objective
To assess the environmental impacts related to the production of one kilogram of rabbit
meat compared to one kilogram of chicken meat to establish sustainable practices.
Material
Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts
(TRACI) assisted LCA by interpreting the inventory into different impact categories.
Measurements to inventory were made on Los Tíos farm, located in Xochimilco, for
meat rabbit and in UNAM’s farm, located in Tláhuac, in the case of chickens. Data for
inventory were provided by these farms in order to support the sustainable production of
both types of meat. Unknown data were estimated for both farms; measurements used
the international system and equipment such as scales, tape measures and datasheets in
the case of electricity. Electricity was turned into coal, oil, natural gas, hydro and
nuclear according to the production of electricity in Mexico (BUWAL, 2000).
368
Method
ISO 14040 standard for LCA states that is necessary to determine the boundaries of the
system. Our system includes animal feeding, meat processing, consumption and waste
disposal.
Animal feeding
Growth of animals considers food and water supply, manure and its cleaning. Food
supply was considered by land impact and water consumption was 103 l/kg for chicken
and 40.5 l/kg for rabbit. Measurement of feces and urine estimated that one kilogram of
rabbit meat produced a total of 18.52 kg of manure, 16.2 kg of urine and 2.3 kg of feces;
while the chicken meat only produced 4.9 kg of manure. Chemical analysis of the
excrement in various species (Miani, 1990) was used to quantify dry matter, organic
matter, total nitrogen, ammoniacal nitrogen, phosphorus pentoxide, potassium oxide,
calcium oxide and magnesium oxide.
Meat processing
Slaughter in both cases is done by shocking with electric current to desensitize the
animal. This is the methodology that avoids rigor mortis and keeps flesh soft. Blood is
drained and viscera are deposed from the carcass. It was also considered water usage for
cleaning both rabbit and chicken meats. Packages are an input to the process which
produces no impact at this stage.
Consumption
In the process of use of the product was not considered any variable, since it depends on
the way people prepare meat.
Waste disposal
Plastic bags and post-consumer organic waste was taken into account.
Limitations of LCA
Data collection had different obstacles; the main one was the lack of records related to
the flow of materials within the farm. Water, gas and supplies necessaries for animal
growth weren’t measured and had no inventory mostly because its production was not
the same each month. Some electrical appliances had no datasheet or were too old to
know the model. Also the tools to process an LCA don’t have databases in Mexico;
therefore the results are approximate since the impacts vary by region according to its
regulations and climate.
Result and Discussion
TRACI displayed results classifying impacts by ecotoxicity, eutrophication, fossil fuels,
global warming, human health noncancerogenic, land use, photochemical smog and
water use. Rabbit meat and chicken meat were compared in each of these impacts,
obtaining percentages and then changed into a scale of 0 to 10 to facilitate analysis.
Figure 1 show below the final results by comparing both meats.
45,0
40,0
Water Use
35,0
Photochemical
Smog
Land Use
30,0
25,0
Human Health
Noncancerogenic
Global Warming
20,0
15,0
Fossil Fuel
10,0
Eutrophication
5,0
Ecotoxicity
0,0
Rabbit
Chicken
Figure 1. Comparison of impacts. Environmental impacts for production
of one kilogram of rabbit and chicken meat
370
The biggest difference between the two productions was the use of fossil fuels with 9.5
points for chicken versus 0.5 points for rabbit, this is due to the great distances used to
transport chickens from its birthplace to the area of production, unlike the rabbits that
didn’t require the transport as they are born within the farm. Electrical equipment for
sacrifice also influences fossil fuels, not only for electrocution or plucking, but for
cooling in ice tubs and long term storage in freezers.
Land use is greater for rabbits than chickens since the rabbit farm is not filled to
capacity, therefore, rabbits have further extension to produce a kg of meat.
In the case of water use, chickens production requires considerably more water for
growing and processing. Slaughter occupies larger amounts of water for cooling and defeathering, also machinery requires deep cleaning after process. Comparative
ecotoxicity value comes from using plastic bags; chicken meat distributes its weights
since carries more kg per bag compared to rabbit.
Photochemical smog reflects air pollution caused by both meat productions, there’s a
slightly difference because of the amount of NOx emitted to the atmosphere. Human
health effects vary from respiratory issues to permanent lung damage if prolonged
exposure to ozone occurs.
Human Health Noncancerogenic difference is caused by the content of ammonia in both
animals’ manure. Rabbit manure contains 0.439 kg while chicken only 0.22 kg, in other
words, chicken releases about half ammonia compared to rabbit.
Conclusions
Chicken meat production reflects a higher rate of environmental impacts; the biggest
difference derives from fossil fuel required to supply energy demanded. Rabbit meat
can be done manually due to the size of farm production which is reflected in low power
consumption.
Chicken use larger amounts of water in cleaning, drinking and processing. Correct
disposal of viscera, blood and manure is imperative. Principally in rabbits, manure is
important due to the high content of elements that enter ground water causing
eutrophication and soil damage. Since main impacts were on energy and water some
suggestions to the current agricultural production are:
-Use Wastewater Treatment Plants to mitigate their impact and promote water reuse
within the same process.
-Promote the collection of rainwater for cleaning and other activities.
-Use all output as raw material and create a closed loop or industrial symbiosis to
improve eco-efficiency.
-Automating only if its production is constant and wide.
-Breeding animals within the farm if possible.
-Search alternatives to emit heat in brooders as digesters or solar cells.
It’s important to remember that LCA varies according to the region and analyzed
system. However, the earlier study aims to improve current practices towards
sustainable production.
References
Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 2011. Global Guidance Principles
for Life Cycle Assessment Databases. UNEP, 41-51.
Gabor D. 2000. Database for Energy Production. BUWAL
Miani A. 1990. Las deyecciones de un conejo; un fertilizante a valorar. Cunicultura,
199-202
372
PATOLOGÍA E HIGIENE
PATHOLOGY & HYGIENE
STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF Saccharomyces cerevisiae AND TEA
KOMBUCHA ON THE INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA OF RABBITS
PÉREZ SL, LAGUNAS BS, DE LA CRUZ BA,
FAJARDO MR*, DÍAZ GONZÁLEZ BA
Abstract
Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc47) yeast has been used in the feeding of several domestic
animal species and humans, and symbiotic Kombucha tea (TK) has been used in
humans, both as alternative therapy and health-enhancing. The mechanisms of these
effects are not known, and it is thought that might be associated with a modification of
the intestinal flora. In this work, the effects of these probiotics on the fecal coliform
populations isolated rabbit was evaluated. The experimental model was three groups of
adult rabbits, without contact with probiotics. The Sc group which received 0.3%
commercial Sc47, the TK group received two ml / kg body weight of commercial TK:
A stool sample from all animals in the experimental group on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 were
taken; seed on selective media for coliform per g. of faeces; isolation, counting and
identifying of bacterial species was made using samples of the experimental days 0 and
21. The results showed that both probiotics increased faecal coliform populations (P
<0.05). The culture supernatants of Sc47 had no antimicrobial effect on the isolated
bacterial genera. Kombucha supernatant had an inhibitory (P <0.05) effect on the genera
E. coli, Plesiomona spp, Serratia spp, Salmonella spp, Yersinia spp, Acinetobacter,
Pseudomonas spp, Actinobacillus spp, Moraxella spp, Alcaligenes spp, Pasteurella spp.
374
Both probiotics modulated faecal coliform populations in rabbits by different
mechanisms; antimicrobial and / or by competitive exclusion. Although it has been
reported that some probiotics can modulate the intestinal microbiota by acidification of
the medium, in this study no changes in pH were observed. Mechanisms of intestinal
microbiota modulation induced by probiotics are poorly understood, so further studies
are required.
Keywords: Saccharomyces, kombucha tea, coliforms, rabbits.
EFECTO DE Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y TÉ KOMBUCHA SOBRE
POBLACIONES DE COLIFORMES EN CONEJOS
PÉREZ SL, LAGUNAS BS, DE LA CRUZ BA,
FAJARDO MR*, DÍAZ GONZÁLEZ BA
Resumen
La levadura Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc47) ha sido empleada en la alimentación de
diversas especies animales domésticas y en humanos y el simbiótico té Kombucha (TK)
se ha empleado en humanos ambos como terapia alternativa ya que mejoran la salud.
Los mecanismos de estos efectos no se conocen y se piensa que podrían estar asociados
a una modificación de la flora intestinal. En este trabajo se evaluó los efectos de estos
probióticos sobre poblaciones coliformes aisladas de heces de conejo. El modelo
experimental fue el conejo adulto, sin previo contacto con probióticos. Se formaron tres
grupos experimentales: el grupo Sc quien recibió 0,3% de Sc47 comercial, el grupo TK
recibió 2 ml/kg de peso vivo de TK comercial. Se tomó una muestra de heces de todos
los animales por grupo en los días experimentales 0, 7, 14 y 21; se sembraron en medios
de cultivo selectivos para coliformes fecales/g de heces; se realizó el aislamiento,
conteo e identificación géneros bacterianos utilizando muestras de los días
experimentales 0 y 21. Los resultados mostraron que los dos probióticos aumentaron las
poblaciones de coliformes fecales (P<0,05). Los sobrenadantes de los cultivos de Sc47
no tuvieron efecto antimicrobiano sobre los géneros bacterianos aislados, el
sobrenadante del té Kombucha tuvo un efecto inhibidor (P<0,05) sobre los géneros E
coli, Plesiomona spp, Serratia spp, Salmonella spp, Yersinia spp, Acinetobacter,
Pseudomona spp, Actinobacillus spp, Moraxella spp, Alcaligenes spp, Pasteurella spp.
Ambos probióticos modularon las poblaciones de coliformes fecales en conejos a través
de diferentes mecanismos; antimicrobiano y/o por exclusión competitiva.
376
Aunque se ha reportado que algunos probióticos pueden modular la microbiota por
acidificación del medio intestinal, en este estudio no se observaron cambios del pH. Los
mecanismos de modulación de microbiota intestinal inducidos por los probióticos están
poco conocidos, por lo que se requieren más estudios.
Palabras clave: Saccharomyces, Té kombucha, coliformes, conejos
Introduction
Among the most used as probiotic microorganisms used in pigs and other farm animals,
is the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, this not colonizes the digestive tract, but adheres
to mucosal surfaces and is considered non-pathogenic for immunocompetent human
patients (Czerucka et al., 2007). The inclusion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the diet
of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) promotes increased food intake and growth of rabbits
(Maertens and Ducatelle 1996). Kombucha (TK), tea has been used as an alternative
therapy in humans and is believed to have prophylactic and therapeutic benefits in
physiological disorders such as: arthritis, premature aging, gastroenteric diseases and
immune system stimulation (Kurtzman et al, 2001). The KT contains elements from the
tea plant and some metabolites from fermentation of the culture as: sugars, proteins,
vitamins, caffeine and polyphenol (Vidjaya et al, 2007). The culture is considered a
symbiosis of bacteria and yeasts, in which among the yeasts predominate
Brettanomyces. In addition, the KT has antimicrobial activity in vitro (Sreeramulu et
al., 2000).
Recent researches feeding two productive species: pigs and rabbits, supplemented with
S. cerevisiae (Sc47) in the diet of pigs, improved feed efficiency of the animals treated
(Pérez-Sotelo et al., 2005). Meanwhile, De la Cruz and Col. (2008), observed in rabbits
that consumed Sc47 and Kombucha tea in the drinking water, improved feed efficiency
in the treated groups compared to control group. By measuring the behavior of
populations of fecal coliforms, it was demonstrated a decrease in the number of fecal
coliform CFU of supplemented pigs (Pérez-Sotelo et al., 2005). Furthermore, after
supplementing with Sc47 and KT in the feed of rabbits for four weeks, it was observed
that the group nourished with Sc47 slightly increased the number of CFU of coliforms
in the feces, and for the group fed with KT has reduced the number UFC coliform (De
la Cruz et al., 2008).
378
These findings could be related to the effects seen in the production parameters, which
imply the interest to know the behavior of the intestinal microbiota during the use of
probiotics. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of Sc47 and KT on
populations of coliform bacteria isolated from rabbit feces and to identify populations of
bacteria isolated from feces.
18 New Zealand White breed rabbits, with no previous contact with probiotics were
used; all rabbits received amoxicillin at a dose of 15mg/kg of body weight (BW) before
starting the treatments in drinking water for three days. Three experimental groups were
formed; Control, Sc and KT; the Sc group received 24x109 CFU of Sc47; the KT group
received 2mL/kg (BW). Both treatments were administered in the drinking water for 21
days.
In a first phase of this work, stool samples from all rabbits from the three groups on
days 0, 7, 14 and 21 were taken and seed on selective media. To know about the total
load of bacteria and coliforms per gram of feces; Isolation and identification of bacterial
genera on days 0 and 21 were performed. Statistical analysis of total bacterial count in
feces and the fecal coliform counts were performed using analysis of variance with a
significance level of 0.95%.
Results
In the first sampling, it was observed in the Sc group a high number of CFU of
coliforms compared to the groups A and C, and remained higher throughout the
experiment. In the KT group, an increase of coliform CFU was recorded after the third
sampling. In the control group, the number of coliforms remained low. These
differences are statistically significant (P <0.05).
The isolation and identification of bacterial agents before probiotics delivery were: in
the control group: Acinetobacter, Actinobacillus spp, Serratia spp. In the Sc group:
Serratia spp, Actinobacillus spp, Pseudomonas spp, Alcaligenes spp, Pasteurella spp. In
the TK group: Serratia spp, Salmonella spp, Pasteurella spp, Actinobacillus spp,
Yersinia spp. After probiotics supply, the bacterial growths were for the control group:
Actinobacillus spp, Serratia spp, Alcaligenes spp, Salmonella spp, Yersinia spp,
Pasteurella spp. For the Sc group: Serratia spp, Actinobacillus spp, Pseudomonas spp,
Alcaligenes spp, Plesiomona spp, Salmonella spp, Moraxella spp, Escherichia coli and
for the TK group: Serratia spp, Salmonella spp, Actinobacillus spp, Escherichia coli.
The results showed that, both probiotic increased bacterial populations in feces (P
<0.05).
Supernatants of Saccharomyces cultures had no antimicrobial effect on the tested
bacterial species, while the Kombucha tea supernatant had an inhibitory effect on
Escherichia coli, Plesiomona spp, Serratia spp, Salmonella spp, Yersinia spp,
Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas spp, Actinobacillus spp, Moraxella spp, Alcaligenes spp,
Pasteurella spp (P <0.05).
Discussion
The numerical results of the bacterial total count did not differ statistically among the
groups: Sc, TK and control (P> 0.05). In a study by Hernandez and col, (2004) where
Clostridium sordellii and Peptostreptococcus tetradius were supplemented in the diet
rabbits, it demonstrated that, the total bacteria in the colon increased in the treated
groups (P <0.05), compared to the control group. These results and those in this study
differ because of the samples analyzed, and the methodology used in both studies.
In this study, we observed from the first week until the end of the experiment, the
number of CFU of bacterial agents increased more in the supplemented groups than the
control group (P <0.05). Furthermore, it is known that, some factors alter the
gastrointestinal ecosystem, by changing the bacterial metabolic activity, or changing the
local distribution of the microbiota; this process is known as dysbiosis (Prakash et al.,
2011). It may be caused using antibiotics, prebiotics, probiotics, physical stress,
380
radiation, altering the intestinal peristalsis and nutritional diet changes (Hawrelak and
Myers, 2004).
In this sense, the nutritional content of Sc47 and nutrient content of KT (sugars and
amino acids (Teoh et al., 2004)) could be important in promoting the increase of some
bacteria in the treated groups. These mechanisms could explain the increase in
coliforms counts recorded from the second sampling until the end of the experiment in
the groups receiving Sc or KT, both composed of yeasts. It is possible that other
compounds of KT as acetic acid, lactic acid or usnic helped to get the results of the
coliform count in the supplemented groups (Teoh et al., 2004). In the case of the
bacteria isolated here as Salmonella spp, Actinobacillus, Pasteurella spp, Escherichia
coli, these are considered important because of its impact on public health. Other genres
such as Serratia spp, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas spp, Alcaligenes spp, Moraxella spp
and Plesiomona spp often are commensal organisms in the gut. However, under certain
physiological conditions and immune host, these organisms may be highly pathogenic
(Straw, 1998). In confirmation of this, it has been found that the antimicrobial activity
of KT is due largely to acetic acid (Greenwalt et al., 2000). No studies relating to
microorganisms Kombucha Tea with the effects seen in the Saccharomyces reported,
but could relate because yeast found in the KT.
References
Czerucka D, T Piche, P Rampal. 2007. Review article: yeast as probiotics,
Saccharomyces boulardii. Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. 26: 767-78.
De la Cruz BA, Fajardo MR, Pérez-Sotelo LS, Lagunas BS, Díaz GBA. (2008): Efecto
del suplemento de los probióticos té Kombucha y Saccharomyces cerevisiae sc47 sobre
parámetros productivos en conejos Nueva Zelanda. Tesis de Licenciatura. FMVZ.
Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. Toluca, México.
Greenwalt CJ, KH Steinkraus, RA Ledford. 2000. Kombucha, the Fermented Tea:
Microbiology, Composition, and Claimed Health Effects. J Food Prot 63, 976-981.
Hawrelak JA, Myers SP. 2004. The causes of intestinal dysbiosis: A review. Altern.
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6(16): 1-13.
CADMIUM EXPOSURE IN RABBITS:
RENAL AND HEPATIC EVALUATION
ALONSO-FRESÁN MU1, BARBABOSA-PLIEGO A1*, VALLADARESCARRANZA B1, VELÁZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V1, REYES-ÁNGELES JF 1*,
CASTRO-GANDARILLA J1, FELIPE-PÉREZ YE2,
LEE-MORENO JL3, TREMARI-TRUEBA RM3
Veterinaria y Zootecnia. UAEM. Km 15.5 Carretera Toluca-Atlacomulco, Toluca, Estado de
México, C.P. 50200, México.
2. Departamento de Reproducción Animal. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia.
Campus “El Cerrillo”. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México.
3. Servicio Geológico Mexicano, Centro Experimental de Oaxaca, Desviación a San Lorenzo
Cacaotepec S/N, San Pablo Etla, Oaxaca. C.P. 68258.
Abstract
Cadmium is regarded nowadays as an environmental pollutant. Epidemiological studies
have demonstrated the association between its exposure and functional alterations, due
to high atmospheric levels, low biodegradability and longlasting persistence. The aim of
this study was to screen and analyze the renal and hepatic physiology due to drinking
water pollution (well source) in a rabbit farm near the industrial zone in Mexico City.
Five periods were sampled, in which 6 rabbits were randomly selected, collecting 4 mL
of blood from the marginal auricular vein in tubes with and without anticoagulant. The
first samples were taken when the rabbits aged 8 weeks and on days 15, 30, 45 and 60.
Samples were centrifuged and serum obtained to measure hematocrit, total proteins,
ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate transferase), GGT (gamma glutamyl
transferase), urea and creatinine. Hematocrit significantly decreased from 42 ± 4.31%
down to 30 ± 13.23 % in the fourth period. Total proteins slightly increased from 6.2 ±
0.46 to 6.5 ± 1.06 g/dL in the last period. An initial ALT activity of 63 ± 8.87 U/L was
found, in the first period 93 ± 12.62 U/L, in the second, 95 ± 6.11 U/L, in the third, 112
±10.58 U/L, and in the fourth, 68 ± 19.55 U/L. Regarding GGT and AST, values were
reported within normal ranges. Urea showed an increasing value up to 29 ± 3.18
mmol/L, with an initial value of 20 ± 7.30 mmol/L.
384
Creatinine initial concentration was 111 ± 13.57 µmol/L increasing up to 118 ± 8.99
µmol/L in the last period. These parameters show that rabbits which have been exposed
to cadmium suffer physiological changes that may permanently alter hepatic and renal
funcion.
Key words: Bioaccumulation, cadmium, physiopathology, pollute, toxicity.
EXPOSICIÓN DE CONEJOS A CADMIO:
EVALUACIÓN RENAL Y HEPÁTICA
ALONSO-FRESÁN MU1, BARBABOSA-PLIEGO A1*, VALLADARESCARRANZA B1, VELÁZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V1, REYES-ÁNGELES JF 1*,
CASTRO-GANDARILLA J1, FELIPE-PÉREZ YE2,
LEE-MORENO JL3, TREMARI-TRUEBA RM3
2. Departamento de Reproducción Animal. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia.
Resumen
Actualmente se reconoce al Cadmio (Cd) como un contaminante ambiental; estudios
epidemiológicos han demostrado la asociación de las alteraciones funcionales de
organismos que han estado expuestos a este metal, debido a los niveles de
contaminación atmosférica, por no ser biodegradable y por su persistencia durante
largos periodos de tiempo, por lo que el objetivo del presente estudio fue monitorear y
analizar la funcionalidad renal y hepática, debida a la contaminación del agua de uso
por este metal (agua extraída de pozo), en una explotación cunícola cercana a la zona
industrial en el valle de México. Se realizaron 5 muestreos en 6 conejos que fueron
escogidos aleatoriamente al azar, colectando 4 mL de sangre en tubos de vidrio sin
anticoagulante, de la vena marginal auricular; el primer muestreo se realizó a partir de
las 8 semanas de edad y posteriormente a los 15, 30, 45 y 60 días, cada una de las
muestras se centrifugaron y se dividieron en alícuotas para su posterior análisis para
determinar ALT, AST, GGT, urea, creatinina, hematocrito y proteínas totales, y los
valores obtenidos de las muestras clínicas se compararon con los reportados en la
literatura.
386
Se obtuvo un valor inicial de ALT de 63 ± 8.87 UL , al primer periodo 93 ± 12.62 UL,
en el periodo 2 de 95 ± 6.11 UL, en el periodo 3 de 112 ±10.58 UL, y en el periodo 4
de 68 ± 19.55 UL; para el caso de GGT y AST los valores estuvieron en rangos
reportados como normales; la urea mantuvo un aumento creciente hasta 29 ±3.18
mmol/L, con un valor basal de 20 ±7.30 mmol/L; en los valores de creatinina el valor
inicial fue de 111 ±13.57 µmol/L hasta 118 ± 8.99 µmol/L en el último periodo; el
hematocrito presentó un descenso significativo de 42 ± 4.31% a 30 ± 13.23 % el
periodo 4, y las proteínas totales solo presentaron un ligero aumento de 6.2 ± 0.46 a
6.5±1.06 g/dL en el último periodo. Los parámetros encontrados muestran que los
organismos expuestos al Cadmio sufren cambios fisiológicos que pueden alterar de
manera permanente la funcionalidad hepática y renal.
Palabras clave: Bioacumulación, cadmio, fisiopatología, contaminación, toxicidad.
Introduction
Due to natural causes as well as to anthropogenic activities, there is important pollutant
production nowadays. When they are eliminated to the environment without previous
treatment, they may accumulate or scatter to different places. Such is the case for
cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) which have been referred as
capable of producing irreversible damages to organisms which have been exposed to
them, in which slight cellular damages have been produced (in red blood cells, white
blood cells and platelets) or mortality reported. Exposure continues and the quantity of
substances in water, air and soil determine the extent of the physiological problems in
animals, meanwhile the route of exposure as well as their susceptibility determine the
course of the lesions due to environmental pollution.
Cadmium (Cd) in particular, as an environmental pollutant, can provoke functional
alterations in organisms which have consumed contaminated food. In herbivores, an
important source for cadmium intoxication is the ingestion of forages or soil. In
humans, the main source of exposure is occupational, in which renal disfunctions,
osteomalacia and osteoporosis are found. Other processes which have been chronically
identified are proteinuria, hepatic damage, emphysema (when inhaled), neurologic
deterioration, testicular, pancreatic, adrenal disfunction and anemia, and in laboratory
animals carcinogenic effects have been reported (ATSDR, 2012).
It is one of the most toxic elements. Its accumulation is gradual and increases with age.
Intestinal absorption is due to the divalent metal transporter (DMT-1) located in the
duodenum, erythrocytes, liver and proximal convoluted tubules. It is an Fe transporting
protein with great affinity towards Cd. When Fe and Zn ingestion is decreased, DMT-1
expression increases, increasing the intestinal absorption of Cd and therefore its
toxicity.
The aim of this study was to screen through clinical enzymology the renal and hepatic
function in rabbits, due to the detection of cadmium in drinking water in a rabbit farm
near the industrial zone of Mexico Valley, where respiratory problems and renal
ilnesses with no aparent cause were found.
388
In a rabbit farm near the industrial zone in Mexico Valley, with a population of 40
animals, cases of respiratory disease as well as sudden death in stage of completion
were previously reported. Food was based on commercial feed and water from a near
well. Cadmium concentration in water was reported as 16,5 g/kg. When direct
information was gathered, growth, bone and dehydration were detected. Six rabbits
meant for human consumption were sampled to demostrate and assess physiological
alterations in liver and kidney, by collecting blood samples with and without
anticoagulant in different periods. The first sample was taken when the rabbits aged
eight weeks, and then on days 15, 30, 45 and 60. Each sample was centrifuged to obtain
serum and analysed. Hematocrit was measured using heparinized capilar tubes by
centrifugation at 5000 rpm, for 5 minutes and total protein through refractometry
(Veterinary Refractometer 10436, Reichert® g/%). ALT, AST and urea activities were
measured at a wavelength of 340 nm,
using an spectrophotometer with specific
reactives and GGT activity using the Szazs/Persijn method at 405 nm; for creatinine the
absorbance was read at 510 nm (Clinical Chemistry-Instrumentation Laboratory®).
The results obtained for hematocrit were: it decreased from 42 ± 4.31% to 30 ± 13.23 %
in the fourth period and total proteins showed a slight increase from 6.2 ± 0.46 up to
6.5±1.06 g/dL on the last period. Results for ALT were: during the first period 63 ± 8.87
UL, 15 days afterwards 93 ± 12.62 UL, for the third one 112 ±10.58 UL, and during the
rest, the enzyme decreased (Table 1). Increasing ALT values show specific hepatic
lesion due to degeneration changes up to necrosis, which is different from the increase
in AST values that show hepatocelular or muscular (either skeletal or cardiac) lesion. A
GGT increase in values may indicate hepatic disease. In this research, its values were
stable during the sampling periods, just as what happened with AST.
Urea gradually increased, from 20 ±7.30 mmol/L up to 29 ±3.18 mmol/L. For
creatinine the initial value was 111 ±13.57 µmol/L and increased up to 118 ± 8.99
µmol/L in the last period (Table 1).
Table 1. Pysiologic parameters for renal and hepatic evaluation in rabbits.
Parameter /
Day 0
Day 15
Day 30
Day 45
Day 60
values
Period
HEMATOCRIT
42 ± 4.31
42 ± 1.94
39 ± 3.21
40 ± 2.00
(%)
TOTAL
Reference
30 ±
40.5 ± 2.11
13.23
6.2 ± 0.46
6.3 ± 0.06
6.6 ± 0.36
7.2 ± 0.35
6.5 ± 1.06
5.7 ± 0.6
ALT (U/L)
63 ± 8.87
93 ± 12.62
95 ± 6.11
112 ± 10.58
68 ±19.55
79
AST (U/L)
55 ± 7.23
43 ± 11.36
49 ± 5.79
49 ± 5.20
42 ± 4.58
47
UREA (mmol/L)
20 ± 7.30
21 ± 2.76
26 ± 3.06
24 ± 1.66
29 ± 3.18
3.45 ± 0.85
CREATININE
111 ± 13.57
103 ± 9.04
106 ± 10.64
122 ± 13.52
118 ±8.99
70.7-227.2
12.17 ± 0.75
7.67 ± 1.37
7.00 ± 0.89
8.33 ± 2.08
7.00 ± 0
9
PROTEINS
(g/dL)
(μmol/L)
GGT (U/L)
Regarding the enzymatic values in the rabbits, it can be assumed that pollutant effects
such as the ones produced by cadmium may be altering the optimal functionality of
these animals, and that the presence of pathologies in the farm may not only be due to
cadmium exposure but to the existence of other elements that may be harmful to the
rabbits’ health.
When cadmium is metabolized in the liver, it joins to low molecular weight proteins
(<10kD) named metallothioneins (MT), distributed all over the organism, cysteine rich,
with high reactive and storage affinity which participate on free radical elimination, and
cellular repairing and regeneration. An increase in Cd intracellular levels rises MT
expression, therefore increasing susceptibility in toxicity regarding these kinds of
metals. It may also join to albumin in circulation, and is transported to the liver where it
may join to glutathione (GSH) and metallothionein-1 (MT1) (Liu, 2001).
390
There was no severe damage in the renal system that could cause proteinuria, maybe
due to the fact that the evaluation period was too short to provoke tubule lesions, which
may be found in chronic cases and to the quantity of Cd consumed as well.
Conclusions
The parameters found in the rabbits exposed to cadmium show that they suffer
physiological changes which may permanently alter hepatic and renal functionality.
ALT and urea levels progressively rised, indicating important hepatic and renal damage
due to cadmium exposure.
References
ATSDR.
2012.
Resumen
de
Salud
Pública.
Cadmio
EE.UU.
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/es/phs/es_phs5.pdf.
KANEKO, J.J. 2008. Clinical Biochemistry of Domestic Animals, 6th ed. Blood
Analyte Reference Values in Small and Some Laboratory Animals. Elsevier. UK.
Liu Y., Liu J., Klaassen C.D. 2001. Metallothionein-null and wild-type mice show
similar cadmium absorption and tissue distribution following oral cadmium
administration. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol, 175, 253-9.
Olayemi, F.O. and Nottidge, H.O. 2007. "Effect of Age on the Blood Profiles of the
New Zealand Rabbit in Nigeria". African Journal of Biomedical Research, 10, 73-76.
SCHALM'S Veterinary Hematology. 2010. Weiss D.J. and Wardrop K.J. editors. 6th
ed. Reference Erythrocyte Parameters of the New Zealand White (NZW) Rabbit
(Oryctolagus cuniculus). Wiley-Blackwell. USA.
Thrall M.A., Baker D.C., Campbell T.W., DeNicola D., Fettman M.J. 2006. Veterinary
hematology and clinical chemistry. Blackwell, USA.
PERIODONTAL MANDIBULAR OSTEOMYELITIS IN
TWO NEW ZEALAND RABBITS
FAJARDO MRC*, ALPÍZAR PA, HERNÁNDEZ MH, FERNÁNDEZ RP,
Abstract
Mandibular osteomyelitis is an inflammation of all structures of the jawbone caused by
microorganisms that enter through the tooth decay (odontogenic) or the periodontal
tissues. The odontogenic form is more common in humans and originates from decayed
teeth where infection can reach the bone and cause osteomyelitis.
Periodontic
mandibular osteomyelitis originates from the tissues that surround and support the teeth:
gingiva, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, due to the accumulation of plaque and
tartar that may form a dental abscess. In rabbits, mandibular odontogenic osteomyelitis
is rare and may be related to the diet of pet rabbits. However, periodontal osteomyelitis
is common and develops due to the weakness of the periodontal ligament in rodents that
allows continuous tooth growth. We did not find reports in scientific journals of this
condition, but it has been clinically described in some books. The descriptions in these
documents refer purulent osteomyelitis associated to other microorganisms. The aim of
this paper is to present and discuss the pathologic findings, etiology and nomenclature
of these cases. Two New Zealand rabbits were submitted to the CIESA-FMVZUAEMex due to the presence of bilateral submandibular nodes. These cases were
characterized by a granulomatous osteomyelitis with a high number of epithelioid cells
and lymphocytes in the bone marrow in the lower jaw which agents were involved
Pasteurella multocida and Bordetella bronchiseptica.
392
In all cases of osteomyelitis, it should be inspected the dental injuries to determine the
origin of this disease and so diagnose it properly. Else, the term periodontal or
odontogenic as the case must be added to the name of this disease.
Keywords: periodontal mandibular osteomyelitis, rabbits, Pasteurella multocida,
Bordetella bronchiseptica.
OSTEOMIELITIS PERIODONTAL MANDIBULAR EN
DOS CONEJOS NUEVA ZELANDA
FAJARDO MRC*, ALPÍZAR PA, HERNÁNDEZ MH, FERNÁNDEZ RP,
Resumen
La osteomielitis mandibular es una inflamación de todas las estructuras de la mandíbula
causada por microorganismos que entran a través de la caries dental (odontogénico) o
los tejidos periodontales. La forma odontogénica es más común en los seres humanos y
se origina en dientes cariados donde la infección puede alcanzar el hueso y causar
osteomielitis. La osteomielitis periodontal mandibular se origina en los tejidos que
rodean y sostienen los dientes: encía, ligamento periodontal y hueso alveolar, debido a
la acumulación de placa y el sarro que pueden formar un absceso dental. En conejos, la
osteomielitis mandibular odontogénica es rara y puede estar relacionada con la dieta de
los conejos. Sin embargo, la osteomielitis periodontal es común y se desarrolla debido
a la debilidad del ligamento periodontal en los roedores que permite el crecimiento
continuo de los dientes. No hemos encontrado informes en revistas científicas de esta
condición, pero se ha descrito clínicamente en algunos libros. Las descripciones de
estos documentos se refieren a la osteomielitis purulenta asociada a otros
microorganismos. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar y discutir los hallazgos
patológicos, etiología y la nomenclatura de estos casos. Dos conejos de Nueva Zelanda
se presentaron a la CIESA-FMVZ-UAEMex debido a la presencia de ganglios
submandibulares bilaterales. Estos casos se caracterizan por una osteomielitis
granulomatosa con un alto número de células epitelioides y linfocitos en la médula ósea
de la mandíbula inferior, en la que los agentes involucrados fueron Pasteurella
multocida y Bordetella bronchiseptica.
394
En todos los casos de osteomielitis, se debe inspeccionar las lesiones dentales para
determinar el origen de esta enfermedad y así diagnosticar correctamente. De lo
contrario, el término periodontal u odontogénico en su caso hay que añadir al nombre de
esta enfermedad.
Palabras clave: osteomielitis mandibular periodontal, conejos, Pasteurella multocida,
Bordetella bronchiseptica.
Introduction
Mandibular osteomyelitis is an inflammation of all structures of the jawbone caused by
microorganisms that enter through tooth decay or periodontal tissues. The mandibular
osteomyelitis can be classified according to pathogenesis in periodontal and
odontogenic (6). The odontogenic form is more common in humans and originates from
decayed teeth where infection can reach the bone and cause osteomyelitis. Periodontal
type, originates from the periodontal tissues, including tissues that surround and support
the teeth: gingiva, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, due to the accumulation of
plaque and tartar that may form a dental abscess (6).
In veterinary, oral and dental diseases have been studied in small animals such as dogs
and cats, periodontal disease is very common and associated factors is the accumulation
of plaque on the tooth surface, among the predisposing factors are age, nutrition and
genetic predisposition (3). In rabbits, mandibular odontogenic osteomyelitis is rare and
may be related to the diet of pet rabbits. However, periodontal osteomyelitis is common
and develops due to the weakness of the periodontal ligament in rodents that allows
continuous tooth growth (1, 5, 7).
Normal rabbit dental anatomy and ethological behavior are essential for the
development of this pathology. The permanent dentition has the feature to continue to
grow throughout the lifetime. However, progressive growth is not very evident due to
continuous tooth wear in the feed, which may favor the development of peridontals
disease (1, 5, 7). In this study, the etiology and pathological findings of two cases of
periodontal bilateral granulomatous osteomyelitis in rabbits from the same farm are
reported. The terminology is also discussed, and it is proposed that the term of
periodontal disease be used in this disease of rabbits, because in the few reports of
osteomyelitis in rabbits, this disease has not been well described.
396
Two New Zealand rabbits about 2.5 months old, weighing approximately 1,500 kg,
from a family backyard rabbit farm in the State of Mexico. The animals were sent to
CIESA, FMVZ, UAEMex, for diagnosis by the appearance of the submandibular nodes.
Necropsy was performed on both rabbits and samples for histopathology, and
bacteriology was collected.
For histopathology, craneal and caudal cuts of the injury from the lower jaw bones were
performed in order to include the full node of each rabbit. Nodes were fixed for 48hrs in
10% buffered formalin, subsequently. They were washed under tap water and
decalcified with EDTA for 48hrs, included in paraffin, cut at 6 µm thick and stained
with H&E. For bacteriology, samples were taken from the exudate using a sterile swab
and bacteriological loop, from the left mandible of the rabbits.
Samples were seed in blood agar with 5% sheep blood and in MacConkey agar,
incubated at 37 °C for 24 hrs. The isolates were passed on blood agar for purification.
The identification and differentiation were determined by biochemical tests as catalase,
oxidase, nitrite reduction, Indole, TSI, SIM, MIO, urea and confirmation of the isolates
was performed by the API 20NE system.
Results
During the necropsy, at the external inspection showed a rabbits moderate body
condition. Internal inspections of the oral cavity were found two nodules in both lower
jaws, located just below the molars without evidence of caries, tartar or plaque.
Palpation consistency was hard as stone and immobile, approximately 2 cm in diameter
(Figure 1).
At-cut, yellowish-white nodules of firm consistency containing cheesy material was
found. Samples for bacteriology and histopathology were collected for.
The histopathology reveled a severe gingivitis as peridontals gingival epithelial
ulcerations and intense granulomatous osteomyelitis in the bone marrow of the lower
jaw; characterized by the presence of a large amount of epithelioid cells and
lymphocytes. Plates were reviewed to verify and identify bacterial colony's growth; in
blood agar, two types of colonies morphologically different were identified, in
MacConkey agar, there was not bacterial growth. From the exudate, a combination of
Pasteurella multocida and Bordetella bronchiseptica was isolated.
The final diagnosis was severe periodontal mandibular granulomatous osteomyelitis
associated to Pasteurella multocida and Bordetella bronchiseptica.
Figure1. Rabbit lower jaw showing whitish nodules.
398
Discussion
Most reports of mandibular osteomyelitis in rabbits are clinical studies describing the
injury as purulent osteomyelitis, associated with various etiologic agents such as
Staphylococcus aureus, Bacteroides, Pseudomonas, Proteus, Fusobacterium nucleatum,
Prevotella heparinolytica, Prevotella spp., Peptostreptococcus micros, Streptococcus
milleri group, Actinomyces israelii and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum (4, 8).
However, this case was characterized by a granulomatous osteomyelitis, a lot of
epithelioid cells and lymphocytes in the bone marrow of the lower jaw bone in which,
the agents involved were Pasteurella multocida and Bordetella bronchiseptica.
The combined presence of these bacteria is so common in the respiratory tract of
healthy rabbits and ill (2). However, there are no reports in which these agents are
involved in the development of osteomyelitis in rabbits. This injury could have been
caused by a chronic infection due to the type of diet and dentition of rabbits that favored
infection.
Conclusions
The oral and dental diseases are one of the most studied in humans, but in animals has
been little studied. In the naming task as accurately and clearly, it must use a
nomenclature describing oral diseases in animals, in this case in rabbits. As in all cases
of mandibular osteomyelitis should inspect dental injuries, performed histopathological
and bacteriological examination to make a good diagnosis.
References
1) Coudert P, Lebas F, Rochambeau H, Thébault RG. El conejo cría y Patología.
Capítulo 2. Nutrición y alimentación. FAO, 1996.
2) Deeb BJ, DiGiacomo RF, Bernard BL, Silbernagel SM (1990): Pasteurella
multocida and Bordetella bronchiseptica Infections in Rabbits. Journal of Clinical
Microbiology, 28(1): 70-75.
3) Dogan E , Okumus Z, Latif Yanmaz LE (2007): Periodontal Diseases in Pet Animals.
Veterinary Research. 1 (1): 17-22.
4) Harcourt BF. Textbook of rabbit medicine. Capítulo 7. Dental disease. Reed
Educational and Professional Publishing. 2002, Pp. 165-205.
5) Meredith A. (2007): Rabbit dentistry. EJCAP, 17 (1): 55-62.
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Estomatólogo. Rev Cubana Estomatol, 38 (1): 52-66.
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rabbit mandibular and maxillary abscesses. J Clin Microbiol. 40(3):1044-7.
400
Bordetella bronchiseptica IN RABBITS SUBMITTED FOR
DIAGNOSIS: CLINICAL-PATHOLOGICAL STUDY
VALLADARES-CARRANZA B.1*; ZAMORA-ESPINOSA JL. 1; ALONSO-FRESÁN
MU.1, VELÁZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V. 1, GUTIÉRREZ-CASTILLO A. 1, CASTROMARURI J. 2, ORTEGA-SANTANA C. 2, PEÑA-BETANCOURT SD. 3
Salud Animal).
2. Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal (CIESA). Facultad de
Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. Km. 15.5
carretera Toluca-Atlacomulco. Estado de México, México. C.P. 50200.
3. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco. Laboratorio de Toxicología. México,
D.F.
Abstract
Bordetella bronchiseptica has been recognized as a cause of respiratory disease en
domestic animals, as a primary agent it can cause several diseases in animals as: kennel
cough (dogs), snuffles (rabbits) and atrophic rhinitis (pigs). According to the important
implications it has to human health, we expose a case report of a rabbit farm with 2000
animals where 35-60 days old rabbits were affected, showing respiratory signs
(dyspnea, serous nasal secretion) and green diarrhea. At necropsy the most revealing
findings were severe pulmonary congestion in craneoventral regions, suppurative and
fibrinous exudates with presence of adherences to the thoracic wall and suppurative
secretion when sliced. Microscopic changes include severe congestion, haemorraghia,
great amounts of edema and fibrinous material with neutrophils and macrophages
infiltration and an interstitial thickening by accumulation of mononuclear cells
infiltration. The lung bacteriological isolation reported Bordetella bronchiseptica (++).
The importance of this case is based on the repercussions to public health, considering
that some human infections for this agent have been related to human contact with
infected rabbits.
Key words: rabbits, health public, Bordetella bronchiseptica.
402
Bordetella bronchiseptica EN CONEJOS ENVIADOS PARA
DIAGNÓSTICO: ESTUDIO CLINICOPATOLÓGICO
VALLADARES-CARRANZA B.1*; ZAMORA-ESPINOSA JL. 1; ALONSO-FRESÁN
MU.1, VELÁZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V. 1, GUTIÉRREZ-CASTILLO A. 1, CASTROMARURI J. 2, ORTEGA-SANTANA C. 2, PEÑA-BETANCOURT SD. 3
Salud Animal).
2. Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal (CIESA). Facultad de
Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. Km. 15.5
carretera Toluca-Atlacomulco. Estado de México, México. C.P. 50200.
3. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco. Laboratorio de Toxicología. México,
D.F.
Resumen
Bordetella bronchiseptica es reconocida como un patógeno primario inicial del tracto
respiratorio en animales domésticos, puede provocar tos de las perreras (perro),
respiración ruidosa
(en conejos) y rinitis atrófica (en el cerdo). De acuerdo a la
importancia de esta implicación en la salud humana, exponemos un caso reportado de
una granja de conejos, con 2.000 animales, donde se vieron afectados animales de 35 a
60 días de edad, mostrando signos respiratorios (disnea, secreción nasal serosa) y
diarrea verde. En la necropsia los hallazgos más relevantes fueron congestión pulmonar
severa en la región craneoventral, con presencia de exudado purulento al corte y fibrina
en la superficie pulmonar con adherencias a la pared torácica. Los cambios
microscópicos incluyeron congestión severa, hemorragias, presencia de material
fibrinoso y edema, con infiltración de neutrófilos y macrófagos, engrosamiento de
paredes alveolares con infiltración de células mononucleares. Al aislamiento
bacteriológico de pulmón se aisló Bordetella bronchiseptica (++). La importancia de
este caso se basa en la repercusión en salud pública, considerando que algunas
infecciones humanas por este agente se han relacionado con el contacto humano con
conejos
Palabras clave: Conejos, salud pública, Bordetella bronchiseptica.
infectados.
Introduction
There are four species in the genus Bordetella: B. pertussis, B. parapertussis, B.
bronchiseptica and B. avium. The general characteristics of this genus are: Gramnegative coccobacilli, it could be mobile or non-motile, strictly aerobic, metabolism
respiratory, never fermentative (Gueirard et al., 1995; Staveley et al., 2003). B.
bronchiseptica is closely related to Bordetella pertussis, the agent of whooping cough,
as shown by DNA hybridization, multilocus enzyme electrophoresis, and sequence
analysis. The abilities of these species to colonize and to establish upper respiratory
tract infection depend on the formation and production of several virulence factors. B.
bronchiseptica synthesizes all of the factors implicated in B. pertussis virulence, except
for pertussis toxin. These factors include adhesins, such as: filamentous hemagglutinin
(it causes hemagglutination), fimbriae and pertactins; and toxin such as dermonecrotic
toxin tracheal cytotoxin (induces epitelial damage) and adenylate cyclase-hemolysin
(increases the cAMP levels in the target cell, modify the cell function or destroy it);
those factors confer the lethality characteristic of this respiratory tract pathogen. In
accordance with some reports there is evidence using pulse-field gel electrophoresis
(PFGE) that some human Bordetella bronchiseptica infection was related to contact
with infected rabbits (Binns et al., 1998; Gore et al., 2005; Gueirard et al., 1995).
B. bronchiseptica has been recognized as a respiratory tract pathogen of domestic
animals. Evidence suggests that the agent may occasionally colonize the human
respiratory tract and cause infection implicating their health. In some cases infected
animals were found in the patients’ environment, but direct transmission was never
demonstrated (Gore et al., 2005; Gueirard et al., 1995; Snyder et al., 1993).
According to the pathologic lesions described by Dungworth (1993), a severe
suppurative and fibrinohemorrhagic broncopneumonia in rabbits remitted to the
diagnostic laboratory CIESA was diagnosed, by isolation of B. bronchiseptica from
lungs. Here is the report case. Take this pathogen human risk transmission into account.
There have been reports of domestic and farm animals incriminated.
404
Clinical history
Rabbit farm with over 200 population for meat. Six animals, 40 days old, were remitted
for anatomopathological study. The most common features found were: dark-green
diarrhea, dyspnea, gasping and serous nasal discharge. External inspection showed
conjunctival deshidratation and evidence of feces in perineal region.
Results
Lesions found at necropsy were: in the respiratory system, nasal cyanosis, hydrothorax,
severe cranioventral pulmonary congestion (Figure 1), fibrinous adhesions to the
thoracic wall and suppurative exudate on cut surface. In the digestive system:
hepatomegaly, fibrinous exudate in intestinal serosa, whitish spots on the liver
parenchyma and severe intestinal congestion. Regarding the heart: hydropericardium
and myocardial softness. In the nervous system: mild leptomeningeal congestion.
Microscopic lesions in tissues stained with Hematoxilin-Eosin were: in the lung, severe
congestion, hemorrhage, pulmonary edema, pulmonary fibrin deposition with great
amount of neuthophils and macrophages, mononuclear infiltration of alveolar walls
(Figure 2); in the heart, mild congestion, focal hemorrhages, nuclear pleomorphism and
wavy myocites; in the intestine, mild congestion and lymphocytic and eosinophilic
infiltration in the lamina propria.
Figure 1. Macroscopic aspect of Bordetella infected rabbit lung.
Additional studies
Bacteriological examination of the pneumonic lung reported isolation of B.
bronchiseptica by conventional methods (API 20E system). The complete blood count
interpretation reveals a chronic active inflammatory process and hemoconcentration,
severe dehydration and a normocytic normochromic anemia. The parasitological study
reported mild coccidiosis. The most important finding was the purulent and
fibrinohemorrhagic broncopneumonia caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica.
Figure 2. Microscopy the Bordetella infected rabbit lung: pulmonary edema,
pulmonary fibrin deposition. (20X)
Discussion
Based on the bacteriological isolation from lung of B. bronchiseptica (++) as only agent
isolated, it matches with lesions and damage described in pulmonary tissue by others
authors. There was no presence of other pathogens as P. multocida, which has been
described in several reports of rabbits affected (Dungworth 1993; Leman and Straw
1994). Reports of clinical adult rabbits infection related a concurrent presence of P.
multocida and B. bronchiseptica, aging increases susceptibility to infection in this
specie. Bordetella bronchiseptica show a high affinity for attaching to the ciliated
epithelial cells that paralyze the cilia of mucociliary clearance apparatus. Ciliary stasis
caused by B. bronchiseptica can induced P. multocida adhesion and loss of
macrophages activity (Tuomanen et al., 1993; Zeligs et al., 1986).
406
This pathogen transmition is circumstantial. Pets and farm owners (cats and dogs,
laboratory animals, or pigs) are at risk of get opportunism infection. Some
circumstances as: bad ventilation, dampness, incorrect temperature, overcrowding and
bad cleaning may favor its transmition and spreading (Pajuelo et al., 2002; Schipper et
al., 1994; Woolfrey and Moody 1991).
The zoonotic role of B. bronchiseptica infection is important, and common in children
and inmunocompromised adults. There is an important risk of getting infection in
people with immunodeficiency related to alcoholic malnutrition, hematologic malignant
disease, long course glucocorticoids therapy, pregnancy, and tracheostomy patients or
those with endotracheal intubation. Patients with respiratory tract disease such as
chronic bronchitis and pneumonia are especially susceptible (Gueirard et al., 1995;
Shipper et al., 1994).
Latent infections can be activated under certain circumstances. According to some
authors 0.1% of clinical cases of human whooping cough are caused by B.
bronchiseptica; and laboratory staff sometimes gets a chronic pharyngitis from B.
bronchiseptica infected lab animals (Burns et al., 2003; Carlyle and Duncan 1990;
Zeligs et al., 1986).
Gueirard et al., (1995) epidemiological and bacteriological investigation documented a
woman with respiratory infection. The recurrent bronchopneumonia was related to
contact with infected domestic animals (rabbits and cats); the patient has no response to
treatment with recurrence of pneumonia. Cultures from the upper respiratory tract of the
animals were sterile (nasal and pharyngeal swabs), but B. bronchiseptica (strain L2)
was isolated in pure culture from the hilus and bronchi. A third and a fourth episode of
disease in the patient appeared when she was no longer in contact with infected animals,
suggesting persistence of the bacteria, despite a 5-week course of treatment with
minocycline. She needed two 5 weeks long identical courses to eradicate the bacteria.
A long duration of antibiotic therapy, especially in compromised patients, seems to be
important for a definitive cure. This is the reason why this report aims as an alert for
farm staff, on account of the many times biosecurity measures are not followed by
workers, veterinary surgeons or even family. Therefore, it is important to consider the
risk of respiratory infections on staff who have been exposed to diseased animals in
which Bordetella bronchiseptica may be implicated.
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aspirate from dogs with suspected lower respiratory tract disease: 264 cases (19891995). J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 210: 55-58.
Burns V. C., Pishko E.J., Preston A., Maskell D.J. and Harvill E.T. 2003. Role of
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86-94.
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640-641.
Dworkin M.S., Sullivan P.S., Buskin S.E., Harrington R.D., Olliffe J., MacArthur R.D.
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Clin. Microbiol. 8: 2002-2006.
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Pajuelo L.B., Villanueva J.L., Vergara I.N., García C.A. 2002. Cavitary pneumonia in
an AIDS patient caused by an unusual Bordetella bronchiseptica variant producing
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Snyder S.B., Fisk S.K., Fox J.G. and Soave O.A. 1994. Respiratory tract disease
associated with Bordetella bronchiseptica infection in cats. J. Anim. Vet. Med. Assoc.
163 (3):293-294.
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Molecular and antigenic characterization of Bordetella bronchiseptica isolated from a
wild southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) with severe suppurative
bronchopneumonia. J. Vet. Diagnos. Invest. 15: 570-574.
Tuomanen I.E., Nedelman J., Owen H. J. 1993. Species specificity of Bordetella
adherent to human and animal ciliated respiratory epithelial cells. Infect. Immun. 2:
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macrophages from rabbits colonized with Bordetella bronchiseptica. Infect. Immun. 3:
702-706.
METICILLIN RESISTANT Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
IDENTIFIED IN A SMALLHOLDER RABBIT FARM
GARCIA-GAMA A.1; VELAZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V.2*; ALONSO-FRESÁN
M.U.2; VALLADARES-CARRANZA B.2, JUAREZ-TRUJILLO J.C. 3,
RODRIGUEZ-CORREA J.L.1, TALAVERA-ROJAS M.3; FELIPE-PÉREZ YE.4
2. Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal.Facultad de Medicina
Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. Cuerpo Académico en
Salud Animal (UAEM-CA-3 Salud Animal). Km 15.5 carretera Toluca-Atlacomulco, Estado de
México.
Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México
4. Departamento de Reproducción animal. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia.
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus infection may economically affect rabbit production due to
superficial and deep dermal infections, mastitis, pododermatitis and septicaemia.
ORSA/MRSA antibiotype represents a potential risk for public health regarding live
animal MRSA strains. The aid of this work was to identify ORSA/MRSA S. aureus
antibiotype in a rabbit farm. An ulcerative dermatitis case was studied, from a farm
located in Toluca Valley in which the rabbit population had dermal infections and
chronic abscesses. Swabs were taken and a biopsy performed for histopathologic
examination, after sedation with xylacine - ketamine (0.1mg/kg/25mg/kg) and
butorfanol (0.4 mg/kg) intramuscullarly.
410
Manitol salt agar plates were cultured at 37° C for 24 hrs. S. aureus was identified using
bacteriological routine procedures. Gram stain, catalase and coagulase tube tests using
rabbit plasma, Voges Proskauer, nitrate broth, anaerobic manitol fermentation and
aerobic maltose tests were performed. In vitro sensibility tests to β-lactamic antibiotics
were evaluated through difussion method in Mueller-Hinton (MH) agar using
amoxicillin/clavulanic acid unidiscs (10/20mg), which were incubated at 37°C (NaCl
4%) and oxacillin-meticillin unidiscs (1μg and 6μg) incubated at 35 and 42°C. Results
showed S. aureus in vitro resistance to all antibiotics. Histopathologically, a
proliferative granulomatose reaction was observed, tissue necrosis and capilar
neoformation. It is concluded that S. aureus ORSA/MRSA antibiotype was present in
the rabbit farm, therefore representing a public health risk dute to the possibility of
developing human infections from animal sources.
Key words: Staphylococcus aureus, antibiotype, resistance, ORSA/MRSA
Staphylococcus aureus METICILINA RESISTENTE (MRSA)
IDENTIFICADO EN UNA GRANJA PEQUEÑA DE CONEJOS
GARCIA-GAMA A.1; VELAZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V.2*; ALONSO-FRESÁN
M.U.2; VALLADARES-CARRANZA B.2, JUAREZ-TRUJILLO J.C. 3,
RODRIGUEZ-CORREA J.L.1, TALAVERA-ROJAS M.3; FELIPE-PÉREZ YE.4
2. Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal.Facultad de Medicina
Salud Animal (UAEM-CA-3 Salud Animal). Km 15.5 carretera Toluca-Atlacomulco, Estado de
México.
4. Departamento de Reproducción animal. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia.
Resumen
Staphylococcus aureus puede afectar la economía de la producción cunícola debido a
infeccines cutáneas superficiales o profundas, por mastitis, pododermatitis y septicemia.
El antibiotipo ORSA/MRSA representa un riesgo potencial en salud pública. El objetivo
de este trabajo fue identificar el antibiotipo ORSA/MRSA de S. aureus en una granja
cunícola. Se estudió un caso de dermatitis ulcerativa en una granja del Valle de Toluca,
en el que la población presentaba infecciones dérmicas y abscesos crónicos. Se tomaron
hisopos y se realizó una biopsia para examen histopatológico, después de sedar al
conejo con xilacina-ketamina (0.1mg/kg/25mg/kg) y butorfanol (0.4 mg/kg)
intramuscular. Se cultivaron placas de agar sal y manitol a 37°C durante 24 hrs. Se
identificó S. aureus a través de técnicas bacteriológicas de rutina. Se realizó la tinción
de Gram, pruebas de catalasa y coagulasa en tubo utilizando plasma de conejo, Voges
Proskauer, nitrito en caldo, fermentación anaeróbica del manitol y pruebas de maltosa
aeróbica. Se realizaron pruebas de sensibilidad in vitro para antibióticos β-lactámicos a
través del método de difusión en agar Mueller-Hinton (MH), utilizando unidiscos de
amoxicilina/ácido clavulánico (10/20mg), que se incubaron a 37°C (NaCl 4%) y de
oxacilina-meticilina (1μg and 6μg) incubando a 35 y 42°C. Los resultados muestran que
el S. aureus fue resistente a todos los antibióticos.
412
Al estudio histopatológico se observó una reacción granulomatosa, necrosis del tejido y
neoformación capilar. Se concluye que el antibiotipo ORSA/MRSA de S. aureus estaba
presente en la granja cunícola, representando un riesgo a la salud pública, debido a la
posibilidad de provocar infecciones en humanos a partir de fuentes animales.
Palabras clave: Staphylococcus aureus, antibiotipo, resistencia, ORSA/MRSA
Introduction
In the farms, two types of infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) LAMRSA strains may be distinguished. The first one, caused by low virulence strains, is
limited to a small number of animals. In the second one, produced by highly virulent
strains, disseminates through the farm, causing production loss (Hermans et al., 2003).
The State of Mexico is ranked in the first place regarding rabbit production and
consumption. 80% of the meat production comes from small family holder farms and
only 5% from technified ones (SAGARPA, 2012). S. aureus in humans and animals
may produce a broad variety of infections from superficial ones in the skin up to deep
ones as well as septicaemia (Peton and Le Loir, 2013).
In rabbits, S. aureus infections produces similar signs such as pododermatitis lesions,
subcutaneous abscesses and mastitis. Abscesses are present in internal organs such as
lungs, liver and uterus causing production problems, infertility and death (Meulemans et
al., 2007). Studies have demonstrated a high proportion of S. aureus associated to
pathologic processes in intensive breeding rabbit farms, thus deserving special attention
from the sanitary point of view, due to the fact that it is pathogenic not only for animals
but for humans too, which could affect animal and public health (Ortega et al., 2009). S.
aureus meticillin resistant strains (MRSA) is nowadays one of the most problematic
antibioresistant bacteria. Added to meticillin resistance, it is also resistant to other
antibiotics, with the possibility of cross transmission between humans and animals and
therefore potential risk for public health (Morales and Chaves, 2006).
The objective of this study was to detect S. aureus MRSA in small holder rabbit farms
from the Toluca Valley.
414
An isolated case from a rabbit presenting skin lesions in a farm in Toluca Valley was
studied. After sedation with xylacine - ketamine (0.1mg/kg/25mg/kg) and butorfanol
(0.4 mg/kg) intramuscullarly, swab samples and a biopsy of the affected region were
taken, for further analysis (Bimonte et al, 2007). for S. aureus bacteriological
identification, manitol salt agar plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hrs. For S. aureus
identification, CFU were observed and identified through routine bacterilogical
procedures. Gram stain, catalase and coagulase in tube using rabbit plasma tests were
performed, as well as Voges Proskauer and nitrate broth, anaerobic manitol and aerobic
maltose fermentations (Manjarrez et al., 2012). In vitro sensibility to β-lactamic
antibiotics was evaluated through the difussion method in Mueller-Hinton (MH) agar,
using using amoxicillin/clavulanic acid unidiscs (10/20mg), which were incubated at
37°C (NaCl 4%), oxacillin-meticillin and cephotoxin unidiscs (1μg and 6μg) incubated
at 35 and 42°C (López et al., 2011).
Results showed that the S. aureus isolated from the farm was resistant to all antibiotics,
suggesting an MRSA and ORSA/MRSA phenotype. Histopathologically, a proliferative
granulomatose reaction was observed, tissue necrosis and capilar neoformation, which
indicate chronic inflammation and infection. S. aureus may cause infections in animals
and humans due to its capacity of colonizing skin as well as other tissues, producing
acute and chronic infections in humans that may recquire treatment and hospitalization
if more virulent strains produce them such as MRSA strains (Díaz et al., 2006).
Mammals as carriers of S. aureus represent an infection source for animals as well as a
potential risk for cross infections between animals and humans, through direct contact
or animal cohabitation (Weese et al., 2006). In this sense, MRSA strains constitute an
important worldwide epidemiolgical alert due to the fact of producing severe infections
which could compromise health and life (Kim et al., 2014) by epidemic clone existance
affecting humans and animals in acute and chronic infection. Live animal MRSA strains
from animal origin have been identified in humans (Peton and Le Loir, 2013). In
rabbits, low and high pathogenic strains have been identified, which could affect
humans from rabbit carriers of S. aureus (Ortega et al., 2009). This microorganism has
been initially considered as a nosocomial pathogen. Isolations are multiresistant to
several antibiotic groups incluiding betalactamics. During the last decade, numerous
colonization and infection reports due to MRSA in community members have been
published, including people without previous hospital contact, with prevalence in
several body zones including skin, perineum, underarm and inner thigh (Fosch et al.,
2012). An increasing phenomenon is the pathogens’ resistance to conventional
antibiotics considered as a public health problem, due to the turning up of multiresistant
strains, which makes them difficult to treat and reducing therapeutical options (Acosta
et al., 2012).
Conclusion
It is concluded that S. aureus ORSA/MRSA phenotype was present in the small holder
rabbit farm, which might have been associated to the chronic granulomatose skin lesion.
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418
PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF A NON INVASIVE METHOD FOR
DETECTION OF BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION BY
Staphylococcus aureus IN RABBIT CARCASSES FROM HIGH
VOLUME SLAUTHTERHOUSES
ALONSO-FRESÁN MU1, GARDUÑO-GUADARRAMA V2, VELÁZQUEZORDOÑEZ V1, ZAMORA-ESPINOSA JL1, TALAVERA-ROJAS M3, DÍAZZARCO S4, MENDOZA-BECERRIL J4
Salud Animal (UAEM-CA-3 Salud Animal).
2. Programa de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Recursos Naturales – UAEM. Área salud animal.
3. Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal.. Facultad de Medicina
Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México.
Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. Campus “El Cerrillo”.
El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas, México.
Abstract
Microbial counts are worldwide accounted for food meat safety. There is not an specific
method to determine the superficial microbial count in rabbit carcasses. Therefore, a
non invasive surface sampling method had to be developed taking into consideration the
sampling method intended for other food animal species to determine microbial counts
for Staphylococcus aureus. S. aureus is an important pathogen that may be involved in
food poisoning and represents a public health risk regarding antibiotic resistant strains.
Rabbit carcasses were sampled, taking a different surface sample per group. Wet swabs
with 2% peptone water were scrubbed in different regions: in the thigh, back, ribs and
shoulder. The surface sampled for Group 1 was 2.5 X 2,5 cm; Group 2, 5 X 5 cm and
Group 3, 10 X 10 cm. Serial decimal dilutions were made and cultured in Baird Parker
Agar for Staphylococcus aureus plate counts.
The most feasible and representative surface for sampling of the rabbit carcass was the
smallest for S. aureus contamination. CFU/cm2 in the samples exceeded the national
and international maximum limits, representing a hygiene alert due to possible S. aureus
strain dissemination.
420
Key words: surface sampling, non destructive method, Staphylococcus aureus, rabbit
carcass, CFU/cm2.
ESTUDIO PRELIMINAR DE UN MÉTODO NO INVASIVO PARA
DETERMINAR LA CONTAMINACIÓN POR Staphylococcus aureus EN
RASTROS CON ALTO VOLUMEN DE SACRIFICIO
ALONSO-FRESÁN MU1, GARDUÑO-GUADARRAMA V2, VELÁZQUEZORDOÑEZ V1, ZAMORA-ESPINOSA JL1, TALAVERA-ROJAS M3, DÍAZZARCO S4, MENDOZA-BECERRIL J4
Salud Animal (UAEM-CA-3 Salud Animal).
Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. Campus “El Cerrillo”.
El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas, México.
Resumen
Como bien se sabe, la carne de conejo se consume cada día más por la población
mundial. Sin embargo, se desconoce ampliamente las propiedades microbiológicas de
este alimento y sumado a ello en la actualidad no existe un método específico para
determinar la carga bacteriana en la canal de conejo sin que esta se vea afectada. Por tal
razón se implementó el método no destructivo de toma de muestra en superficie que se
utiliza para grandes especies, aplicado al canal de conejo con la finalidad de determinar
la carga bacteriana, para este caso de Staphylococcus aureus. Se muestrearon 15 conejos
de un rastro ubicado en el Valle de Toluca, divididos en tres grupos, cada uno de 5
conejos, a los cuales se realizó una toma de muestra en superficie diferente para cada
grupo; la muestra se tomó con hisopo humedecido en solución de agua peptonada y de
diferentes regiones de la canal del conejo; en el grupo uno se muestreo una superficie de
2.5cm2 por 2,5cm2; en el grupo dos una superficie de 5cm2 por 5cm2; y en el grupo tres
una superficie de 10cm2 por 10cm2.
Posteriormente se realizaron distintas diluciones y se inoculo en cajas Petri con medio
de Agar Baird Parker específico para crecimiento de Staphylococcus aureus.
Dentro de los resultados no se encontró diferencia significativa entre el muestreo por
región individual en comparación con el análisis de las cuatro regiones en un solo
422
muestreo; se trabajó mejor con la superficie de menor tamaño, sin embargo, se encontró
que la presencia de UFC/cm2 de S. aureus presentes en esta investigación, sobrepasan
los límites mínimos permisibles de legislación nacional y extranjera, representando una
alerta sanitaria por la posible diseminación de cepas de S. aureus a causa de la
manipulación de las canales de conejo en sus diferentes centros de distribución.
Palabras Clave: muestreo en superficie, método no destructivo, Staphylococcus
aureus, canal de conejo, CFU/cm2.
Introduction
Over the years, it has been undoubtable the people’s interest on achieving and
maintaining a healthy life according to today’s needs and demands, through the
implementation of optimal diet strategies directed towards disease prevention.
Therefore, it has been necessary to look for new food sources, as well as screening their
microbiological quality. Meat is one of the main foods providing nutrients such as
proteins, lipids and vitamins amongst others. Nevertheless, there are controversies
nowadays regarding its nutritional role, due to the fact that consumers consider that high
ingestion is correlated with health problems, including obesity and cardiovascular
diseases, therefore reducing its consumption (Schönfeldt and Gibson, 2008). This is the
reason why people tend to modify their lifestyle by exploring new healthy diet habits, in
which rabbit meat (Oryctolagus cuniculus), stands out as a nutritious and healthy
election (Hu and Willett, 2002; Hernández, 2008; Hernández and Dalle, 2010;
Simonová et al., 2010). Nevertheless, there has not been developed specific sampling
methods to determine its bacterial load without affecting the carcass presentation
quality.
Several pathogens which could be present in raw meat might as well contaminate the
workers’ hands during processing and handling of the meat, with posterior transmission
to other food, equipment and other workers as well (Rodríguez, 2002). To guarantee the
microbiological quality of rabbit’s meat, a screening program should be followed, in
compliance with microbiological criteria which could demonstrate that the implemented
measures for quality assurance in meat maintains an adequate control of
microorganisms. There is not an specific method to determine the superficial microbial
count in rabbit carcasses. Therefore, a non invasive surface sampling method had to be
developed taking into consideration the sampling method intended for other food animal
species to determine microbial counts for Staphylococcus aureus.
424
Fifteen rabbit carcasses were randomly selected in a slaughterhouse in Toluca Valley to
carry out surface sampling using different area templates. Baird Parker medium was
prepared as established in NOM-115-SSA1-1994, (DOF, 1995a). In the same way,
peptone water was prepared, which was used as moisturizing solution for the swabs
used when sampling (10 mL per sample), from which different dilutions were prepared
according to NOM-110-SSA1-1994, (DOF, 1995b).
Samples were taken from different carcass regions: thigh, back, ribs and shoulder (one
rabbit per region) according to the European Union approved method (European
Directive 2001/471/EC) (U.E., 2001). This sampling technique was performed in three
groups with 5 rabbits each, limiting the sampling surface area per group. In the first one,
a surface area of 2.5 X 2.5 cm was sampled, rubbing this area in a different region per
rabbit: R1 in the thigh, R2 in the back, R3 in the ribs and R4 in the shoulder. In the fifth
rabbit the sample was taken by rubbing the same area in the four regions. This same
procedure was followed for the other two groups with the difference of sampling
surface in group 2 (5 X 5 cm) and group three (10 X 10 cm).
Serial decimal dilutions were performed in accordance to NOM-115-SSA1-1994, (DOF,
1995a), from which 0.1mL of each dilution was cultured in Baird Parker agar, which
was distributed using a 90º sterile glass rod. Plates were incubated at 35°C for 48 hours
to determine CFU counts in the carcasses. Results were analyzed using variance
analysis (P<0.05) in a random block experimental design using Megastat for Microsoft
office Excell 2007.
In Table 1 the microbial contamination is shown at CFU 10-4 dilution. Calculation for
CFU/cm2, was obtained according to the formula: Ns = (N*F/A) * D established by
MAP-SOIC (2004).
Table 1. CFU counts from rabbit carcasses according to sampled area
Sampled Area
(cm)
2.5 X 2.5
5X5
10 X 10
Region
CFU/cm2
CFU 10-4
1
2
3
4
4 REGIONS
1
2
3
4
4 REGIONS
1
2
3
4
4 REGIONS
320000
640000
480000
780000
520000
80000
40000
160000
120000
90000
20000
3000
70000
70000
40000
20000
40000
30000
60000
130000
20000
10000
40000
30000
90000
20000
30000
70000
70000
160000
The microbial contamination found in all regions and sampled surfaces were different
(P<0.05), with the highest numbers probably representing the zones with more exposure
to the environment or handling. Nevertheless, regarding the sampling template area, we
suggest as the most suitable one 2.5 X 2.5 cm, due to the rabbit´s size. There were some
handling problems when sampling with the 5 X 5 cm template, and the 10 X10 cm
template was simply too big for the rabbit carcass. There may have been more sampling
errors when using the mid-size or biggest one, and less when using the smallest. A
previous study in which microbial load in popular markets was performed, only 1 cm2
was sampled from the right dorsal region of the carcass, finding 36% of the carcasses
contaminated with S. aureus (Velázquez et al., 2008). Based on our results, there is a
high contamination of the carcasses by Staphylococcus aureus. Mexican legislation
establishes a minimal detection count of 100 CFU/g for solid foods or 10 CFU/mL for
liquid ones. Nevertheless, the maximum limits per cm2 have not been established, but
when comparing our results with the limits stated in different international legislations
they are above 106 CFU/g in food according to Mexican legislation (DOF, 1995a), 103
UFC/g according to Venezuelan legislation (MSAS, 1996) and 105 CFU/g according to
Northamerican legislation (Jablonkin y Bohach, 2001). Heinz and Hautzinger (2007)
recommendations for microbiological criteria in fresh meat (total plate counts/cm2) are:
426
good with less than 10000, critical between 10000 and 100000 and not acceptable with
more than 100000. The microbiological counts found in this study might have resulted
from rabbit carcass mishandling, representing a potential public health risk if the strains
are capable of producing enterotoxins. Exotic S. aureus strains from humans and rabbits
can be present in the slaughterhouse’s environment or may reach the carcass via cross
contamination (USDA, 2005). These results in the sacrifice line suggest a potential risk
for meat safety and for public health.
Conclusions
Based on these results, it can be inferred that the surface method used for the analysis of
big species carcasses can be used for small ones, such as the rabbit carcass, with slight
modifications according to surface sampling, concluding that the most feasible one for
rabbit carcasses is 2.5 X 2.5 cm specially when a large number of rabbits are sacrificed.
The other two are discarded due to the small surface area of the whole rabbit.
References
DOF. 1995a: Diario Oficial de la Federación. Publicación de la Norma Oficial
Mexicana
NOM-115-SSA1-1994.
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y
Servicios.
Método
para
la
Determinación de Staphylococcus aureus en alimentos, México.
DOF. 1995b: Diario Oficial de la Federación. Publicación de la Norma Oficial
Mexicana NOM-110-SSA1-1994, Bienes y Servicios. Preparación y Dilución de
Muestras de Alimentos para su Análisis Microbiológico. México.
Heinz, G. and Hautzinger, P. 2007. Meat processing technology for small-to
medium-scale producers. FAO. Bangkok.
Hernández, P. 2008. Enhancement of nutritional quality and safety in rabbit meat.
In: Proc. 9th World Rabbit Congress, Verona, Italy. p. 1287-1299.
Hernández, P. and A. Dalle Z. 2010. Influence of diet on rabbit meat quality. In: C.
De Blas and J. Wiseman (Eds). Nutrition of the rabbit. 2nd edition. CPI Antony
Rowe Ltd. p. 163-178.
Hu, F. B. and Willett W. C. 2002. Optimal diets for prevention of coronary heart
disease. J. American Med. Assoc., 288 (3), 2569-2578.
Jablonskin L.M. and Bohach G.A. 2001: “Staphylococcus aureus” In:Doyle M.
Beuchat. L:R. & Montville T:J. (Eds.) Food Microbiology Fundamentals &
Frontiers. ASM. USA: 411-434.
MAP-SOIC. 2004: Manual de Procedimientos para Muestreo Microbiológico en
Establecimientos Certificados. Departamento de Productos Cárnicos y Mataderos.
Sistema Oficial de Inspección de Carnes. Dirección de Inocuidad de los Alimentos.
Gobierno de Guatemala.
MSAS. 1996: Ministerio de Sanidad y Asistencia Social. Buenas prácticas de
fabricación, almacenamiento y transporte de alimentos para consumo humano.
Ministerio de Sanidad y Asistencia Social, Gaceta Oficial de la República de
Venezuela Nº 36.081. Caracas, Venezuela.
NOM-110-SSA1-1994. 1995. Preparación y Dilución de Muestras de Alimentos
para su Análisis Microbiológico. Diario Oficial de la Federación. Publicación de la
Norma Oficial Mexicana, Bienes y Servicios. México.
NOM-115-SSA1-1994. DOF. Método para la Determinación de Staphylococcus
aureus en alimentos, México. 1995. Diario Oficial de la Federación. Publicación de
la Norma Oficial Mexicana Bienes y Servicios. México.
Rodríguez P. H. 2002. El Sacrificio y Procesamiento del Conejo Para el
Autoconsumo. Departamento de Industrias Pecuarias. Recinto Universitario de
Mayagüez. Servicio de Extensión Agrícola. Universidad de Puerto Rico.
428
Schönfeldt, H. and Gibson N. 2008: Changes in thenutrient quality of meat in an
obesity context. Meat Sci, 80 (1), 20-27.
Simonová, M., Chrastinová L., Mojto J., Lauková A., Szabóová R. and Rafay J.
2010: Quality of rabbit meat and phyto-additives. Czech J. Food Sci, 28 (3), 161167.
Rodríguez P. H. 2002: El Sacrificio y Procesamiento del Conejo Para el
Autoconsumo. Departamento de Industrias Pecuarias. Recinto Universitario de
Mayagüez. Servicio de Extensión Agrícola. Universidad de Puerto Rico.
U.E., 2001: Unión European Directive 2001/471/EC. Reglamentos del Consejo y
Parlamento de la Unión Europea 178/2002, 882/2004, 852/2004, 853/2004,
854/2004, 2073/2005 y Directivas 2002/99 y 2004/41; por los que se establecen la
nueva normativa relativa en materia de higiene de los alimentos de origen animal
denominada “Paquete de Higiene”.
USDA.2005. Meat and poultry hazards and controls guide. Food Safety and
Inspection Service. USA.
Velázquez OV, Alonso FMU, Lagunas BS, Díaz ZS, Gutiérrez CA, Monroy SH,
Mendoza BJ. 2008. Microbial contamination levels in rabbit carcasses obtained
from popular markets in Toluca Valley. PROCEEDINGS OF THE 9th WORLD
RABBIT CONGRESS. ITALY.
PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF Staphylococcus aureus
CONTAMINATION IN RABBIT CARCASSES FROM SMALL
HOLDERS BY SUPERFICIAL SAMPLING AND TOTAL IMMERSION
VELAZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V.1, RODRIGUEZ-CORREA JL.2, VALLADARESCARRANZA B.1, ALONSO-FRESÁN, MU.1*, DÍAZ-ZARCO S.3; TALAVERAROJAS M.4, ZAMORA-ESPINOSA JL.1, MENDOZA-BECERRIL J.3
Salud Animal (UAEM-CA-3 Salud animal).
3. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Campus “El Cerrillo”. Universidad
Autónoma del Estado de México.
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is widely distributed in production animals. It is considered as
an opportunistic pathogen, which causes multiple deep skin infections as well as
abscedative processes and mastitis. Regarding food contamination it causes food
poisoning through enterotoxins and by exotic strains such as MRSA foodborne strains.
In this study, two methods were compared to estimate S. aureus microbial load in rabbit
carcasses. Sampling was undertaken in the sacrifice area of a small holder rabbitry in
Toluca Valley. Fifteen rabbits per group were tested in 3 repetitions of five rabbits each
per method: 1, in which an area of 2.5 X 2.5 cm was delimited in four zones of the
carcass, and a swab was scrubbed vertically and horizontally. Swabs were placed in 10
mL 2% peptone water. In method 2, the carcass was washed in 400 mL of peptone
water, from which 30 mL were taken. Baird Parker agar plates were inoculated and
placed at 37°C for 48 hrs. to determine S. aureus microbial load in colony forming units
(CFU). Results for method A were 4.8X10-4 CFU/cm2 and B 5.0X10-4 CFU/mL (P >
0.05). There was no statistical difference within methods to estimate carcass microbial
load, therefore suggesting the use of superficial sampling due to sampling feasibility
and lower cost.
Key words: Staphylococcus aureus, sampling, surface, microbial load, carcass.
430
ESTUDIO PRELIMINAR DE LA CONTAMINACIÓN POR
Staphylococcus aureus EN CANALES DE CONEJO DE GRANJAS
FAMILIARES UTILIZANDO MUESTREO DE SUPERFICIE E
INMERSIÓN TOTAL
VELAZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V.1, RODRIGUEZ-CORREA JL.2, VALLADARESCARRANZA B.1, ALONSO-FRESÁN, MU.1*, DÍAZ-ZARCO S.3; TALAVERAROJAS M.4, ZAMORA-ESPINOSA JL.1, MENDOZA-BECERRIL J.3
Salud Animal (UAEM-CA-3 Salud animal).
3. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Campus “El Cerrillo”. Universidad Autónoma
del Estado de México.
Resumen
El Staphylococcus aureus está ampliamente distribuida en la industria alimentaria y en
animales para abasto. El crecimiento del S. aureus en los alimentos es de relevancia
para la salud pública, por producir enterotoxinas que al ser ingeridas son responsables
de un alto porcentaje de los brotes de intoxicación alimentaria a nivel mundial. En el
presente estudio se compararon dos métodos para estimar la carga microbiológica en
unidades formadoras de colonia (UFC) en la canal de conejos y determinar cuál es el
más apropiado para la realización de la toma de muestra. El muestreo se realizó al azar
en el área de sacrificio de una unidad de producción familiar. Se probaron 3 muestras
con tres repeticiones para cada uno de los siguientes métodos: Método A, delimitando
un área con una placa de 2.5X2.5 cm esterilizada en cuatro zonas de la canal, se colocó
sobre la superficie a muestrear, con un hisopo se frotó 10 veces en forma horizontal y
10 veces de forma vertical, y se colocó en un tubo con 10 mL de agua peptonada. En el
Método B, la canal completa sin eviscerar se lavó con 400 mL de agua peptonada, y se
tomaron 30 mL para el análisis. Se inocularon placas de agar Baird-Parker y se
incubaron a 37ºC por 48 h para determinar la carga microbiana por S. aureus (CFU).
Las UFC se contabilizaron a partir de la 3ra. dilución. Los resultados obtenidos con el
Método A fue 4.8, y en el Método B fue de 10 UFC/cm2 de S.aureus respectivamente.
Los resultados fueron: MA 4.8X10-4 CFU/cm2 y MB 5.0X10-4 CFU/mL (P>0.05). No
existe diferencia significativa entre los métodos utilizados en este estudio para estimar
la carga microbiana, en donce se sugiere el uso del muestreo por superficie por
facilidad.
Palabras clave: Staphylococcus aureus, muestreo, superficie, carga microbiana, canal.
432
Introduction
Foodborne diseases are a priority in public health; foodborne intoxications caused by S.
aureus (Jordá et al., 2012) are usually atributted to enterotoxin producing strains (SEs),
which may be isolated from milk, milk products, meat and meat products (Velázquez,
2005). Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is an important pathogen not only for humans
but for animals as well (Morales and Ruiz, 2005). It colonizes skin, contaminates
medical-surgical material, infects wounds, with the possibility of producing superficial
and deep infections, and mastitis (Díaz et al., 2006; Viana et al., 2011). It may
contaminate meat and other foods from animal origin (López et al., 2011). Carcasses
contaminated with S. aureus may be carriers of foodborne infections, due to deficient
hygiene and sanitary quality during sacrifice and meat handling (Hernández et al, 2007).
S. aureus contaminates meat via surfaces, tools or by handling. because of its capacity
for environmental and food workers’ skin colonization. S. aureus in meat is frequently
related to human and environmental contamination (Yasser et al., 2009). In rabbits, S.
aureus is responsible for several infectious processes, and has been frequently isolated
from their skin, producing staphylococcosis which affects a limited number of animals
by low virulence strains. Another type of infection is caused by high virulent strains
which can infect a large number of animals and disseminate to other communities such
as LA-MRSA (live animal MRSA) and FB-MRSA (foodborne MRSA) strains
(Rodríguez et al., 2004, Peton and Le Loir, 2014). S. aureus in contaminated food tend
to be frequent in underdeveloped countries causing food intoxications and community
and epidemic acquired infections related to animal and food origin strains (Morales and
Ruiz 2005, López et al, 2011). Treatment of diseases caused by S. aureus represent
important expenses to the countries’ healthcare services (Hernández et al., 2007).
Prevention of foodborne diseases related with S. aureus involve microbiological count
evaluation of the carcass, process and products, to decrease food contamination and
increase food safety (Directive 64/433/EEC; SENASICA, 2010; MAP-SOIC-04, 2004).
The objective of this study was to evaluate surface and total immersion sampling in
rabbit carcasses from small holder rabbitries’ slaughterhouses, to determine the
microbial contamination by S. aureus.
Rabbit carcasses were randomly chosen from the sacrifice line in a small holder rabbitry
slaughterhouse in the Toluca Valley. Fifteen rabbits per group were tested in 3
repetitions of five rabbits each per method. In method 1, samples were taken from
regions proposed for big food animal carcasses by European Communities (Directive
64/433/EEC 2001), in which the surface sampling template was modified to 2.5 x 2.5
cm. A sterile swab moistured in 10 mL 2% peptone water for 5 seconds was rubbed ten
times vertically and horizontally. Samples were refrigerated at 4°C until studied in the
laboratory (NOM-109-SSA1-1994). In method 2, the carcass was totally immersed in
400 mL of peptone water, from which 30 mL were taken, according to the MAP-SOIC04 (2004), in which it is stated that the carcass is introduced in a sterile 30 X 45 cm
plastic bag with 400 mL. 2% peptone water. The closed bag was swayed and inverted at
least 30 times per minute to wash the carcass. Thirty mL of this washing solution were
placed in a sterile container and the sample was refrigerated under the same conditions
as the other one. For CFU S. aureus counting in plates, the method described in NOM115-SSA1-1994 was used. 1 mL was taken from A transport solution after
homogenization. Serial tenfold dilutions were prepared (NOM-109-SSA1-1994), from
which 0.1 mL of dilutions 10-1 to 10-6 were cultured in Baird Parker agar and incubated
at 37°C for 24 h. Characteristic S. aureus CFU were counted. Total count was estimated
using the following formulae: UFC/cm2 = (N*F/A) * D and UFC/mL = Number of
counted colonies x Dilution factor / mL of the cultured simple (MAP-SOIC-04, 2004).
Results were evaluated using analysis of variance in a random design with two
treatments and three repetitions per treatment (p < 0.05).
Results for the sampling methods used for microbiological carcass counts were: method
1, 4.8X10-4 UFC/cm2 and in method 2 5.0X10-4/mL y (P > 0.05). When comparing both
methods, CFU numbers were similar. There was no difference between both methods
for evaluating contamination in rabbit carcasses. Nevertheless, this study suggests that
surface sampling may represent an accesible way for estimating microbial counts in
rabbit carcasses for sanitary screening of small holder rabbitry slaughterhouses. Method
2, which is used for sampling poultry, might result inconvenient when bigger sacrifice
volumes are handled (MAP-SOIC-04, 2004). S. aureus is an important pathogen that
434
should be evaluated in rabbit carcasses due to potential risk of animal origin strains that
could contaminate foods when processing meat, and derivate in foodborne intoxication
and infections by MRSA strains in human population (López et al., 2011). This agent is
sanitarily important in public health due to strain diversity that may carry risk factors
for human health.
Conclusion
It is concluded that the superficial sampling method may be used for screening
microbiological contamination by S. aureus in rabbit carcasses from small holder
rabbitry slaughterhouses.
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Viana D., Selva L., Callanan J.J., Guerrero I., Ferrian S., Corp J.M. 2011. Strains of
Staphylococcus aureus and pathology associated with chronic suppurative mastitis in
rabbits. The Veterinary Journal. 190(3): 403-407.
Velázquez M.M. 2005. Surgimiento y diseminación de Staphylococcus aureus
meticilinorresistente. Salud Pública de México, 47: 381-387.
Yasser H., Al-Tarazi A., Mohamad A., Albetar b, Akram R. Alaboudi 2009. Biotyping
and enterotoxigenicity of Staphylococci isolated from fresh and frozen meat marketed
in Jordan. Food Research International. 42(3): 374-379.
436
PREVALENCE STUDY OF EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL
PARASITES IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF RABBITS IN LIBRES,
PUEBLA, MEXICO
GARCÍA SEGURA F*, ARANDA ABURTO MS,
ESPINO BARROS OSCAR AGUSTÍN, HERNÁNDEZ HERNÁNDEZ J,
CAMACHO RONQUILLO JC, PORTILLO MONROY A.
Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla,
Puebla.
Abstract
There are many parasites affecting rabbits, which also affect the income of rabbit
producers, however, no information is available in local rabbit farms, therefore the
objective of this research was to sample all of scats rabbit farms located in the
Municipality of Libres, Puebla, Mexico, to identify the parasites; 250 samples were
obtained and analyzed in the laboratory method used was saturated saline flotation,
results obtained were analysed by ANOVA. Some of the parasites that wered identified
were: Coccidia (Eimeria magna), Toxocara canis and Fasciola hepatica.
Keywords: Parasites, rabbits, flotation technique.
438
ESTUDIO DE PREVALENCIA DE EXTERNA E INTERNA PARÁSITOS
EN EL MUNICIPIO DE CONEJOS EN LIBRES, PUEBLA, MEXICO
GARCÍA SEGURA F*, ARANDA ABURTO MS, ESPINO BARROS
OSCAR AGUSTÍN, HERNÁNDEZ HERNÁNDEZ J,
CAMACHO RONQUILLO JC, PORTILLO MONROY A.
Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla,
Puebla.
*Author correspondiente: [email protected]
Resumen
Hay muchos parásitos que afectan a los conejos, que también afectan a los ingresos de
los productores de conejo, sin embargo, no hay información disponible en granjas de
conejos locales, por lo tanto, el objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar excrementos
de conejo en todas las granjas, ubicadas en el Municipio de Libres, Puebla, México,
para identificar los parásitos; Se obtuvieron y analizaron 250 muestras, el método de
laboratorio utilizado fue la técnica de flotación con
solución salina saturada, los
resultados obtenidos fueron analizados por ANOVA. Algunos de los parásitos
identificados fueron: Coccidia (Eimeria magna), Toxocara canis y Fasciola hepatica.
Palabras clave: Parásitos, conejos, técnica de flotación.
Introduction
A parasite is any organism that lives on or in another living organism, of which obtains
part or all of their nutrients, without further compensation to the host. In many cases,
parasites or disease-causing agent cause damage to the host organism.
Two components involved in host-parasite system; they are organisms that tend to
maintain an equilibrium, with continuous exchange between the two so that the basic
relationships having a host-parasite interface which is called the surface through which
the physiological and immunological exchange of importance takes place, Having
passage of substances, the host parasite antigens in the form of secretions, excretions.
Otherwise the absorption of nutrients, osmotic, ion-exchange and production of
antibodies in the host (Quiroz, 2009).
Metabolic Parasites are opportunists, if a molecule is available can be used, if available
oxygen is used for respiration or other metabolic function as amino acid oxidation
(Quiroz, 2009). The Socio-economic parasites importance lies in the fact that a country
has to suffer parasitic diseases with important indexes frequently, not only signal
underdevelopment, but also those parasitosis you are producing great economic people
losses that supports
Parasites are classified into two groups: the parasites that live inside their host and
parasites that live outside. Parasites that live inside their host are called endoparasites.
Endoparasites are divided into two groups: protozoa (unicellular microscopic animals)
and worms (roundworm, tapeworm, tapeworms and acanthocephalans). Parasites that
live outside their host are called ectoparasites. Ectoparasites are divided into several
groups: mites, ticks, mosquitoes and flies.
In
Oryctolagus
cuniculus
domesticus
parasites
that
exist
are:
Nematodes:
Trichostrongylus retortaeformis (Zeder, 1800), Passalurus ambiguus (Rudolphi, 1819).
Platyhelminthes: Cysticercus pisiformis, Taenia pisiformis larvae (Bloch, 1780)
Multiceps serialis, larva of Taenia serialis (Gervais, 1847) Fasciola hepatica Linnaeus,
175 Arthropods: Haemodipsus sp. Penny, 1842 Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi
(Linnaeus, 1758 Notoedres var cuniculi cati (Hering, 1858 Psoroptes equi var cuniculi
(Delafond, 1859) Cheyletiella parasitivorax (Megnin, 1848) Listrophorus sp
Pagenstecher, 1861 Linguatula serrata (larvae and nymphs) (Froelich, 1779 Protozoa:
Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas, 1909Toxoplasma gondii Nicolle and Manceaux, only
440
Eimeria stiedae 1908 (Lindemann, 1865) Eimeria perforans (Leuckart, 1879) Eimeria
magna Perard, 1925 Encephalitozoon cuniculi Levaditi, Nicolau and Schoen, 1923
(HECTOR
ALCAINO
and
TEXIA
Gorma)
antibody
Among the different protozoa that affect Rabbit, the most prominent are the various
forms of Coccidiosis in rabbits very often cause problems of varying severity.
Coccidiosis are protozoa which generally live in the intestine and have a life cycle that
includes an asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction. There are many species of
coccidiosis. Everyone has a preference for a particular host species and within host for
this particular cell type (usually parts of the digestive tract).
In economic terms will lose $ 55.41 in 100 rabbits, regardless mortality losses that
greatly increases costs by not using de-wormers which is a low investment to eliminate
this condition and a cost of 6.6 in 100 animals was determined dollars
Background
UAP in the dimension that is covered with this project - the study area, no similar
research to making the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry are
recorded.
Justification
For animal welfare in the rabbit you need to have a schedule of deworming by season
and by region, with the need to identify the parasites found on rabbits and deworm with
specific medication, avoiding unnecessary costs to combat these agents etiologic in
household production.
General objective
Sample 100% of rabbit farms in Libres, Puebla Mexico, to identify parasites using
sedimentation and flotation tests.
Specific objectives:
Identify parasites in rabbits on farms in each locality of RF Municiío Puebla, to map
based on the results obtained.
Hypothesis
Parasites present in rabbit farms in Libres, Puebla, are protozoa of the genera Eimeria
and Isospora.
The project was conducted in the Municipality of Libres, Puebla, Mexico.
Georeferencing Google INEGI, 2010.
Its name originates from the 'East Station', meaning the 'eastern' given to it in the eastern
state of Puebla. Its native name is Xalaco, meaning 'in the sand' because East was built
on an arid area, which is why so named.
Its coordinates are North Latitude 19 ° 24 '06 "west longitude and 97 ° 24' 12"
The surface of the town of Oriental is 298.52 km ². Therefore, the city ranks 30 among
217 districts Puebla for its size. To the north and Tepeyahualco Free; east to San
Nicolas Buenos Aires; San Salvador to the southeast Seco, and west San José Chiapa
and
the
state
of
Tlaxcala.
Its average altitude is 2360 m. It has a semi-temperate climate with summer rains. It is
reached by the federal highway 129 and is located 80 km from the city of Puebla.
Collection and storage of samples.
In the first stage a total of 250 samples were collected in understanding the March to
June period this year 2014 A total of 24 rabbit farmers in six communities. Barrio San
Carlos, Tétela neighborhood, Colonia la Libertad, Barrio Coatzolco, Fort Union,
Tepeyahualco Puebla (Center) Tepeyahualco Puebla (San Roque). The sampled rabbit
442
breeds were: California, New Zealand, Rex, Chinchilla, Mariposa, Azteca, Belier.
English, Creole.
Material
Plastic bags (polypropylene material for anal sample), latex gloves, bata or filipino
masks, plastic bags (polypropylene material for protection of shoe), biotrol (liquid for
disinfection), ice (transportation to the laboratory samples), logs record, tapes (sample
identification), goggles.
Sampling method:
The technique used to analyze the samples was flotation method with saturated salt
solution is used to qualitatively detect oocysts, eggs of nematodes, tapeworms, and
occasionally acantocephalos nematode larvae.
The principle of this method is to float elements in feces. Saturated sodium chloride
solution is used (360 grams of salt in one liter of distilled water), which is then
homogenized.
They visited each of the farms, with the support of producers, a sample directly from the
rabbit anus was obtained, then one ml was added. physiological saline, each sample
number, owner name, email, city and municipality, address, phone, date, rabbit breed,
age, sex, then the samples were placed in the cooler for transport to the laboratory
identified.
To be analyzed in the Laboratory of Parasitology of the Multidisciplinary Laboratory,
the Posta Zootecnica, Colony El Salado, once admitted to the laboratory were added to
each sample, one ml TAF (Fixer conservative sample).
444
The material that was used in the art, mortar with pestle, 15 ml falcon tubes, rack,
funnel Strainer, plastic spoons, saturated saline solution, and slide covers, Centrifuge
Tubes, Falcon, Na Cl solution, iodine (staining) , bunsen burner, metal handles,
Microscope.
250 samples were collected on 5 samples on the following dates: 18/03/2014 46
samples; 01/04/2014- 47 samples; 04/29/2014- 53 samples; 05/21/2014,-47 samples;
06/26/2014-
57
samples.
All samples were analyzed with the flotation method with saturated saline. 3 grams of
feces were collected, macerated in mortar and was added 15 ml of saturated saline.
Subsequently slipped and the liquid was poured into a tube, labeled and placed in a
rack; were centrifuged for 3 minutes at a speed of 2000 RPMI (revolutions per minute)
for feces residues were skirt to the bottom of the tube; a drop was placed on the slide
more than a drop of Lugol's solution and were observed under a microscope with 10X
objective.
Results
The results obtained are 57 samples were positive for Coccidea; 18 samples positive for
Fasciola hepatica: 13 Toxacara canis and 162 had no parasites were identified.
In
graph
1
the
results
do
not
occur.
End result
23%
Coccidia
Fasciola
7%
65%
5%
Toxicara
no se encontro
Graphic 1. Parasites identified in rabbits. Of the 250 samples collected 23% were positive for
Coccidea, Fasciona and 7% to 3% to Toxocara canis.
Conclusion
In the land of Libres, Puebla, Mexico, 28 producers of rabbit, a total of 250 samples
were collected, and according to the flotation method with saturated saline 65% of
rabbits showed no evidence to indicate the presence of parasites which indicates that the
sanitary conditions in which they have rabbits in this region are optimal, and
consequently the carcasses have optimal conditions for consumption.
446
References
Alcano H., T. Gorma 1999. PARASITES OF ANIMALS IN CHILE. Parasitol. Day 2
Santiago v.23 n.1-Jan. 1999.
Blood, D. 2002. Manual de Medicina Veterinaria. 9.ª ed. Editorial McGraw Hill.
Interamericana. España.
CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION 2010. (CDC): Parasites
and parasitic diseases.
Constable, Peter (2013). The Merck Veterinary Manual.
Entamoeba histolitica: URL: http://www.dpd.cdc.gov/dpdx/HTML/Amebiasis.htm
Gallego, Jaime (2007); Manual de parasitología: morfología y biología de los parásitos
de interés sanitario pp. 29-32, 101-122; Ediciones de la Universidad de Barcelona:
Barcelona. Libros google; (consulta: 5 de junio 2010
Giardia lamblia: URL: http://www.dpd.cdc.gov/dpdx/HTML/Giardiasis.htm
González, R. De Mar, A. Rabbit Treaty. Real official and Graduate School. Barcelona.
Volume III. PARASITIC DISEASES OF RABBITS. P 7-36
INEGI 2009. Prontuario municipal geographic information of the Mexican United
States. Tepeyahualco, Puebla
INEGI, 2010 Syllabus municipal geographic information of the United Mexican States.
NOM-032-SSA2-2002, PARA LA VIGILANCIA EPIDEMIOLOGICA,
PREVENCION Y CONTROL DE ENFERMEDADES TRANSMITIDAS POR
VECTOR
Pumarola, Agustín y cols. . Microbiología y parasitología médica (1995) pp 808-812
Editorial Salvat.
Quiroz romero, Arturo (2005) Parasitología y enfermedades parasitarias de animales
domésticos. Ed. Limusa. Mexico.
Quiroz R. 2009. Parasitology and parasitic diseases of domestic animals. p 23-25, 158162.
Ruiz, P. Rabbit: Management, Food, Pathology. Lido Ruiz P. Oxford University Press,
Madrid 1976.
Vázquez, L. Dacal, V. Baker, R. 2006. Principal internal parasitosis rabbits. Prevention
and control. Bulletin of rabbits. July-August, not 46. P 25-30.
448
DISEASES DIAGNOSED IN RABBITS SENT TO CIESA COMING
FROM THE VALLEY OF TOLUCA DURING 2004 TO 2013
ZAMORA E JL*, VALLADARES C B, FAJARDO M RC
Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México.
El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas, CP 50200, Toluca, México, México.
Abstract
Disease monitoring in rabbit populations is scarcely done and epidemiological
surveillance is passive in type; reports are incomplete and isolated making it imperative
that strategies be established to strengthen this production sector, due to its relevance as
an alternative food producing species. The purpose of this study is to report the diseases
that affect rabbits found in the Valley of Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico and that were
sent for diagnosis to CIESA.
Studies that were carried out included necropsy,
histopathology and bacteriology of live and dead rabbits of different genders, ages,
races and types of production, that were received between 2004 and 2013. From a total
of 75 cases the most frequent diseases were: coccidiosis 14,6%; pneumonia associated
to Pasteurella multocida and Bordetella bronchiseptica 13.7%; mucoid enteropathy
10%; malnutrition 7.3%; salmonellosis 6.4%; hydatidosis 6.4%; interstitial pneumonia
6.4%; hepatic coccidiosis 4.5%; colibacilosis 4.5% and muscle and skeletal disorders
4.5%. The other 21.7% is represented by diseases such as: mycoplamosis, necrotic
hepatitis, otitis by ticks, pyometra, subcutaneous abscesses, psoroptic mange and stress.
Key words: rabbits, diagnosis, diseases.
450
ENFERMEDADES DIAGNOSTICADAS EN CONEJOS DEL VALLE DE
TOLUCA REMITIDOS AL CIESA EN EL PERIODO 2004 – 2013.
ZAMORA E JL*, VALLADARES C B, FAJARDO M RC.
Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. El
Cerrillo Piedras Blancas, CP 50200, Toluca, México, México.
Resumen
El monitoreo de las enfermedades en la población cunícola es escasa y se da bajo
vigilancia epidemiológica de tipo pasivo, los reportes son parciales y aislados por lo que
se hace impostergable el establecer estrategias que apoyen al sector productivo, por la
magnitud que representa como especie alternativa. El objetivo del presente trabajo es
dar a conocer las enfermedades que afectan a los conejos en el Valle de Toluca, México,
México y que fueron remitidos para diagnostico al CIESA, se utilizaron los resultados
de anatomopatología, histopatología y bacteriología, de conejos vivos y muertos de
diferentes sexos, edades, razas y tipos de producción recibidos de 2004 a 2013, de un
total de
75 casos las enfermedades más frecuentes fueron: coccidiosis 14,6%;
neumonía asociada a Pasteurella multocida y Bordetella bronchiseptica 13.7%;
enteropatía mucoide 10%; desnutrición 7.3%; salmonelosis 6.4%; hidatidosis 6.4%;
neumonía intersticial 6.4%; coccidiosis hepática 4.5%; colibacilosis 4.5% y trastornos
músculo esqueléticos 4.5%. El 21.7% restante ésta representado por enfermedades
como: micoplamosis, hepatitis necrótica, otitis por ácaros, piometra, abscesos
subcutáneos, sarna psoróptica y estrés.
Palabras clave: conejos, diagnóstico, enfermedades.
Introduction
Epidemiological surveillance in domestic animal species considered as conventional is
scarce and at its best it is carried out as passive epidemiological surveillance or as a part
of a project of status diagnosis of a certain animal species, and specific disease, as well
as within a specific geographical space and time frame. Rabbit breeding is not an
exception in this type of disease monitoring in Mexico. Likewise, there is the
inconvenience that there is no updated rabbit-breeding census, and there is a lack of
knowledge on their geographical distribution, breeding systems and population
densities. Another factor is that rabbit breeders do not have enough sanitary training to
be able to handle diseased and dead rabbits and are not used to sending them to
specialized diagnostic laboratories for their necropsy and complementary studies in
order to obtain an integral diagnosis and thus establish appropriate preventive medicine
programs to reduce economic losses and make the rabbit farm more income-yielding.
Due to the above, there is no sanitary profile objective in most of the rabbit breeding
farms, and therefore if there is a preventive medicine program in the best of cases it
only includes general and non-specific actions, according to community customs and
the criteria of the breeder and sometimes that of a veterinary doctor that may be
responsible for the farm.
Even though there are rabbit disease reports in specific geographical areas and within
limited time frames, these are not sufficient to have a true image of the zoosanitary
profile correlated to a census in order to establish morbidity, mortality and how lethal
the etiological agents are to the rabbit population.
Therefore, our objective is to cite the diseases that have been diagnosed more frequently
in the cases sent to the laboratory to identify the cause of death.
Materials
Results reports of necropsy, histopathology and bacteriology of live and dead rabbits of
different genders, ages, races and types of production, that were received between 2004
and 2013 at the laboratory were used for this analysis.
452
Method
Of all the cases that were received, the cases that corresponded to the study species were
selected, thus during the ten study years, a total of 75 cases were selected. These were
analyzed by results, listing all diagnosis and grouping them by disorder or disease and
reporting them in percentage.
The most frequent diagnosis were ten diseases that represent 78.3% of the total:
coccidiosis 14,6%; coccidiosis 14,6%; pneumonia associated to Pasteurella multocida
and Bordetella bronchiseptica 13.7%; mucoid enteropathy 10%; malnutrition 7.3%;
salmonellosis 6.4%; hydatidosis 6.4%; interstitial pneumonia 6.4%; hepatic coccidiosis
4.5%; colibacilosis 4.5% and muscle and skeletal disorders 4.5%. The other 21.7% is
represented by diseases such as: mycoplamosis, necrotic hepatitis, otitis by ticks,
pyometra, subcutaneous abscesses, psoroptic mange and stress, amongst others.
In 1984, the viral hemorrhagic disease of rabbits became known in China and it was
quickly disseminated throughout the world; in 1988 it infected European rabbits
Orictulagus cuniculi and rabbits in the American Continent. Mexico was the first
country affected by the illegal importation of rabbit carcasses from China and coming
from the United States of America.
Zamora et al., ( 2003), made a report of disease diagnosis in rabbits during nine years
underlining the importance that mucoid enteropathy has above other diseases; in our
current study this disease occupies the third place in frequency.
Our results are similar to the ones by Respaldiza (1990), in that coccidiosis is the most
frequent disease that affects rabbits, even though we must recognize that in difference
with our results, Respaldiza (1990), went further in the detection of the coccidian
species that were involved. As a second cause he identified passalurosis, the rabbit
pinworm; while in our study pasteurellosis is in second place.
The disease type is determined according to the geographical location and host, as is
shown in our results that are totally different with the ones reported by Insuasty et al.,
(2008), where they identified through histopathology, microbiology and parasitology
tests that the wild rabbit populations Sylvilagus brasiliensis found in a buffer zone of
the park known as Parque Natural el Nevado, in Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico act as
intermediate hosts
for Taenias sp and Echinococcus sp., as well as suppurative
dermatitis caused by ectoparasites and bacteria such as Sthaphylococcus aureus.
Likewise, Valladares et al., (2009), reported the presence of hydatidosis in a wild rabbit
from an area close to the Nevado de Toluca, and in our study this parasitosis is amongst
the ten most frequent diagnoses.
We coincide with Valladares et al., (2011), in that the pneumonic problems are
associated mainly with Pasteurella multocida and Bordetella bronchiseptica, and in our
results the first one was isolated most frequently in the bacteriological studies.
In the report of rabbit diseases by Zamora et al., (2003), there is a coincidence in that
the most frequent pathological processes are: hepatic coccidiosis, pneumonia by
Pasteurella, salmonellosis, colibacilosis, mucoid enteropathy and malnutrition. In that
report, there is a difference with our current study in that they also cite as important the
following: suppurative hepatitis, enterotoxaemia, aflatoxicosis and mycoplamosis and to
a lesser degree: interstitial nephritis, suppurative dermatitis and myositis; and
suppurative endocarditis and pericarditis.
Conclusions
The production of a rabbit population census can no longer be delayed as well as the
promotion of the laboratory diagnostic services use in order to establish the zoosanitary
profile and establish the respective preventive medicine programs. Likewise this study
shows that the most frequently diagnosed diseases were: coccidiosis; pasteurellosis;
enteropathy; malnutrition; salmonellosis; hydatidosis; interstitial pneumonia; hepatic
coccidiosis; colibacilosis and muscle and skeletal disorders.
454
Bibliography
Insuasty O. J.A., Ramírez B. G.F., Mejia M. L.M. 2008. Estudio epidemiológico del
conejo silvestre Sylvilagus brasiliensis en el parque nacional natural los nevados.
Boletín científico, centro de museos, museo de historia natural. 12, 90-110.
Respaldiza C.E., Respaldiza F.E. 1990. Aportación al estudio de las enteritis y
gastroenteritis de los conejos domésticos ocasionados por parásitos. XV SYMPOSIUM.
Boletín de cunicultura num 50. Murcia. 22-26.
Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria, Dirección Nacional de
Sanidad Animal, Dirección de Luchas Sanitarias. 2005. Enfermedad hemorrágica viral
de los conejos. 2-18.
Valladares C. B., Mendoza V.R., Castro M.J., Zamora E. J.L., Velázquez O.V., Ortega
S. C. 2009. Reporte de un caso de coenurosis en un conejo silvestre. XVII Congreso
Nacional de Patología Veterinaria. Sociedad Mexicana de Patólogos Veterinarios. 300304.
Valladares C. B., Ortega S. C., Velázquez O.V, Zamora E. J.L. 2011. Bordetella
bronchiseptica como un riesgo importante de salud pública. Estudio clínico patológico
en conejos. Revista Electrónica en Veterinaria. 12, 1-12.
Zamora E. J.L., Castro M.J., Valladares C. B., Mendoza B. J. 2003. I Taller sobre
enteropatía mucoide del conejo. Algunas experiencias en el diagnóstico de conejos
durante el periodo enero 1995 a noviembre de 2003 en el Centro de Investigación y
Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia.
Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones
Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias
USE OF RECORDS TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF MORTALITY
IN RABBITS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF THE YEAR IN UNIT
EXPERIMENTAL COLLEGE AUTONOMOUS CHAPINGO
*1HERNANDEZ R. M., 2CAMPOS H. M., 1RIVERA M. J., 3HERRERA B. J.,
1
NICOLAS G. A. AND 3GONZALEZ S. J.
1. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Iztapalapa. Rafael Atlixco No. 186, Col.
Vicentina, Delegación Iztapalapa, C.P. 09340, D.F. México. Departamento de Biología de la
Reproducción.
2. Universidad Autónoma de Chapingo. Carretera México-Texcoco, Kilometro 38.5, Texcoco,
C.P. 56250, Estado de México.
3. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco. Calzada del Hueso 1100, Col.
Villa Quietud, Delegación Coyoacán, C.P. 04960, D.F. México. Departamento de Producción
Agrícola y Animal.
Abstract
The municipality of Texcoco has an average altitude of 2250 meters above sea level, its
climate is considered temperate semi-dry, with an average annual temperature of 15.9 °
C and an average annual rainfall of 686 mm. Any system of meat production has as
reason for the transformation of plants to animal protein of high nutritional value for
human consumption. The production of rabbit meat is valuable, especially when it
comes to providing high protein at low cost, since it is found that the rabbit can
transform 20 % of dietary protein absorbed in the flesh. In the Autonomous University
of Chapingo in Mexico, the records were studied and the percentage share of various
causes of death (9 categories) of rabbits in different climatic seasons (spring, summer,
autumn and winter) and three production stages (infant described, fattening and
breeding) for a consecutive year (May 210 -May 2011). During this period the total
rabbit population were 31,046. The highest mortality occurred during the summer.
Pneumonia was the leading cause of death cause with 53.80 %. Pneumonia deaths
occurred in a higher percentage during the autumn time, where most mortality was
detected in suckling and fattening stages with 37.19 % and 77.33 % respectively.
Digestive diseases were shown to be the leading cause of death in each of the
production stages during the summer with 22.40 %.
456
We conclude that environmental facilities-effect relationship is an important risk factor
for the occurrence of diseases that results in death of the rabbits in all production stages.
Therefore animal welfare and economic losses by reducing mortality are factors when
root causes are considered as correct and the negative effects of risk factors through
changes in the management of the ship are identified. Knowledge of the causes of
mortality can be achieved through the inclusion of this variable in the records
maintained in production.
The more information concerning this variable is achieved to obtain the records, better
improvement strategies in handling animals.
Keywords: records, meat production, mortality, animal welfare.
USO DE REGISTROS PARA DETERMINAR LAS CAUSAS DE
MORTALIDAD EN CONEJOS EN DIFERENTES ÉPOCAS DEL AÑO EN
LA UNIDAD EXPERIMENTAL DE LA
UNIVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA DE CHAPINGO
*1HERNANDEZ R. M., 2CAMPOS H. M., 1RIVERA M. J., 3HERRERA B. J.,
1
NICOLAS G. A. AND 3GONZALEZ S. J.
Reproducción.
2. Universidad Autónoma de Chapingo.
Agrícola y Animal.
Resumen
El municipio de Texcoco tiene una altitud media de 2.250 metros sobre el nivel del
mar, su clima es considerado templado semi-seco, con una temperatura media anual de
15,9 ° C y un promedio anual precipitaciones de 686 mm. Cualquier sistema de
producción de carne tiene como motivo la transformación de plantas a proteínas
animales de alto valor nutritivo para el consumo humano. La producción de carne de
conejo es valiosa, especialmente cuando se trata de proporcionar proteína de alta
calidad a bajo costo; se ha encontrado que el conejo puede transformar el 20% de la
proteína consumida en la dieta en carne. En la Universidad Autónoma de Chapingo en
México, se estudiaron los registros y se analizó la participación porcentual de las
diversas causas de muerte (9 categorías) de conejos en diferentes estaciones climáticas
(primavera, verano, otoño e invierno) y tres etapas productivas (lactante, engorda y
hembras reproductoras) de un año consecutivo (mayo 2011-mayo 210). Durante este
período la población total de conejo eran 31.046. La mayor mortalidad se produjo
durante el verano. La neumonía fue la principal causa de la causa de muerte, con
53,80%. Las muertes por neumonía se produjeron en un mayor porcentaje durante el
tiempo de otoño, donde se detectó la mayor mortalidad en etapas lactante y de engorda
con 37.19% y 77.33% respectivamente. Enfermedades digestivas, mostró ser la
principal causa de muerte en cada una de las etapas de producción durante el verano
con 22.40%.
458
Concluimos que el efecto de la relación medioambiental-instalaciones es un factor de
riesgo importante para la aparición de enfermedades que resulta en la muerte de los
conejos en todas las etapas de producción. Por lo tanto el bienestar animal y las pérdidas
económicas por mortalidad son factores de reducir cuando se identifican las causas que
la originan y cuando se consideran y corrigen los efectos negativos de los factores de
riesgo a través de cambios en el manejo de la nave. El conocimiento de las causas de
mortalidad puede lograrse a través de la inclusión de esta variable en los registros que se
llevan en la producción. Entre más información relativa a esta variable se logre obtener
de los registros, mejores serán las estrategias de mejoramiento en el manejo de los
animales.
Palabras clave: registros, la producción de carne, de mortalidad, de bienestar animal.
Introduction
In 2001, Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food
(SAGARPA), officially recognized the rabbits as livestock and the National Information
System startup statistical recording of this production. In 2007, the national inventory of
rabbits was 500.349 heads, the State of Mexico started off first as producer with
151,054 heads, which accounted for 30.2% of the national population (2) .
For its production does not require large areas, they should not be of excellent quality,
and depending on the type of system, whether backyard, semi-industrial or industrial
work can it be fully or partially absorbed by the household. (5) The rabbit production is a
relevant livestock industry in Mexico, despite its limited distribution and little
technological development. There are management issues that prevent relevant
information from the production units have. It is important that a record contain
information about disease incidence, housing conditions, quality of diet, genetics,
proper reproductive management, etc is kept. For other domestic species this activity is
some complexity in their zootechnical use (4). The objective of the study is to determine
the causes of mortality in rabbits at different reproductive stages and in different
climatic periods by analyzing records.
Methodology
The study was conducted in the experimental farm of the Autonomous University of
Chapingo during the period of May 2010 to May 2011 the study breed were: New
Zealand White, California, Chinchilla and Black Azteca. By using records were
evaluated, lactation fatting, doe, birth and mortality as well as recurrent respiratory and
digestive diseases were analysed. The results are presented in the program processed in
excel percentages.
460
Results
Rabbit mortality related by the season
The total rabbit population during this study was 31, 046 animals. The main cause of
death of a total of 5882 occurred in the total study period was pneumonia 53.8% and in
summer which had the highest frequency of 29.6%.
The digestive diseases accounted for 21.10% with a total of 1244 deaths, noting in
summer the highest number of cases (515) accounting for 41.4%. In winter time had the
lowest percentage of deaths (22.2%), corresponding to 1301 cases; in contrast to the
summer, where 1836 casualties out of a total of 5882 total deaths were submitted, which
represents 31.2%.
Rabbit mortality by productive stage and season
It can be seen that the highest frequency of deaths occurred during the lactation and
fatting stages (Table 1).
Table 1. Mortality percentage in rabbits at different stages of production during the four seasons.
SEASON
PRODUCTIVE STAGE
LACTATION
DOES
FATTING
TOTAL
SPRING
SUMMER
AUTUM
WINTER
(707/5438)
(632/4157)
(527/3446)
(409/3272)
13.00%
15.20%
15.30%
12.50%
(18/360)
(63/360)
(17/360)
(21/360)
5.00%
17.50%
4.70%
5.80%
(651/4847)
(1141/3653)
(825/2951)
(871/2922)
13.40%
31.20%
28.00%
29.80%
(1376/10645)
(1836/8179)
(1369/6757)
(1301/6554)
12.90%
22.40%
20.30%
19.90%
During the lactating stage the mortality (Table 2) shows that the category of
undetermined causes was the major cause of death with 31.78%. The pneumonia was
the second leading cause of infant mortality in rabbits in relation to the number of cases
filed, representing a loss of 26.73% (608 cases); followed by the presentation of 197
cases (8.66%) caused by digestive disorders.
Table 2. . Mortality percentage diseases in lactating rabbits during the four seasons
SEASON
PNEUMONIA
DIGESTIVE
UNDETERMINED CAUSES
SPRING
SUMMER
AUTUM
WINTER
(143/707)
(150/632)
(196/527)
(119/409)
20.23%
23.73%
37.19%
29.10%
(23/707)
(100/632)
(46/527)
(28/409)
3.25%
15.82%
8.73%
6.85%
(233/707)
(194/632)
(179/527)
(117/409)
32.96%
30.70%
33.97%
28.61%
Of the total annual deaths (3488) presented in fattening rabbits stage, the 71.10% of the
mortality corresponds to those caused by pneumonia (2488), compared with 1008 cases
filed by digestive, corresponding to a 28.90% pathologies. Where most recurrent
pneumonia occurred in the spring and winter seasons with a 74.04% and 77.33%
respectively (Table 3). With respect to mortality caused by digestive pathologies, it can
be seen that the majority of cases (383) equivalent to 33.57%, 30.88% followed by the
cases corresponding to 269 occurs in winter time. Compared with autumn (187 cases)
was the period with the lowest number of cases presented 22.67%. Mortality with the
highest number of cases was en does (78) was caused by pneumonia (65.55%), where in
the winter time with 90.48% of the cases, compared with 47.62% in summer time
(Table 4) cases.
462
Table 3. Mortality percentage in the fatting stage during the four seasons
SEASON
PNEUMONIA
DIGESTIVE
SPRING
SUMMER
AUTUM
WINTER
(482/651)
(758/1141)
(638/825)
(602/871)
74.04%
64.43%
77.33%
69.12%
(169/651)
(383/1141)
(187/825)
(269/871)
25.96%
33.57%
22.67%
30.88%
Table N° 4. Mortality percentage for does during the four seasons
SEASON
SPRING
PNEUMONIA
DIGESTIVE
PYOMETRA
PROLAPSE
SUMMER
AUTUM
WINTER
(15/18)
(30/63)
(14/17)
(19/21)
83.33%
47.62%
82.35%
90.48%
(2/18)
(32/63)
(3/17)
(2/21)
11.11%
50.79%
17.65%
9.52%
(0/18)
(1/63)
(0/17)
(0/21)
0.0%
1.59%
0.0%
0.0%
(1/18)
(0/63)
(0/17)
(0/21)
5.56%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
The category of digestive diseases occupied the second cause of mortality in breeding
females with 32.77% per annum, of which 50.79% is the 32 cases presented in the
summer and winter time with 9.52%.
Conclusion
The main cause of mortality in this study was pneumonia (53.80%); where the stages of
fattening and does exhibited the greatest number of cases in autumn-winter where most
recorded occurrence of these. Lactanting stage was the second cause of mortality,
followed by deaths due to undetermined causes, which had the highest number of cases.
The second cause of mortality was caused by digestive diseases (21.10%), being the
stage of young does occurred in the summer period (50.79%).
This clearly shows that climatic factors, mainle the environment temperature and
relative humidity are both direct and indirect influence on rabbit health. However, not
only the environmental factors have bearing on the health of animals, as by observation
and analysis of farm management, other elements such as installation, housing and
sanity, show a strong influence on the health status of animals.
Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thanks the authorities of the Universidad Autónoma de Chapingo
and Autonomous Metropolitan University for facilities given to the research for
facilitating the collection of information.
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Eapaña.
RABBIT (Oryctolagus Cuniculus) AS A MODEL FOR ANIMAL SURGICAL
PROCEDURE OSTEOSYNTHESIS
1
VICTORIA MJM, 1IBANCOVICHI CJ,
2
SÁNCHEZ AP
1. Hospital Veterinario para Pequeñas Especies, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de
México. México.
2. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de
México. México.
Abstract
The osteosynthesis is a surgical procedure that allows stabilizing bone fragments by
metal implants in contact with bone (internal fixation), such as plaques, nails, screws,
wire, among others. This surgical procedure not only consider reducing and fixing the
fracture, one must also take into account variables and biomedical importance of soft
tissue, that is bone not those relating to the skeleton. The main was to evaluate the
rabbit as an animal model surgical procedure osteosynthesis of the tibia and fibula, with
reference to the findings reported in human and veterinary medicine in order to properly
address the fractures caused by trauma. Material and methods: a lagomorph
(Oryctolagus cuniculus) male 9 months with a history of falls from 1 meter high and
grade IV claudication came to Small Animal Veterinary Hospital of the University of
the State of Mexico, fracture was confirmed by radiography, was performed surgery
where intramedullary nails placed tied in with an external fixator configuration type 1
candle 1-2 and acrylic rod, the post-surgical advances were recorded for 4 months.
Results: With previous work, it has managed to establish osteosynthesis as a surgical
procedure for reduction and fixation of the fracture, therefore it is necessary to take this
research in an animal model such as the rabbit meets physiological characteristics
similar to the human, may be considered not only the fixation of the fracture, also
Medical variables and physiology of the soft tissues, as well as less invasive techniques.
Conclusion: The similarities between animal models and humans are not limited to the
bone structure in its basic mechanical properties if not in many cases gross anatomy has
many parallels.
468
The rabbit is an excellent animal model for studies that help evaluate techniques and
implants in fractures caused by high energy trauma in the tibial region, as in the field of
medical surgical procedures that can reach complicated microsurgical techniques are
required.
Key words: Osteosynthesis, Fractures, Rabbit, Microsurgical Techniques.
EL CONEJO (Oryctolagus cuniculus) COMO MODELO ANIMAL PARA
EL PROCEDIMIENTO QUIRÚRGICO DE OSTEOSÍNTESIS
1
VICTORIA MJM, 1IBANCOVICHI CJA, 2SÁNCHEZ AP
1. Hospital Veterinario para Pequeñas Especies, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de
México. México.
2. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de
México. México.
* Author correspondiente: [email protected]
Resumen
La osteosíntesis es un procedimiento quirúrgico que permite la estabilización de los
fragmentos de hueso por los implantes de metal en contacto con el hueso (fijación
interna), tales como placas, clavos, tornillos, alambre, entre otros. Este procedimiento
quirúrgico no sólo considere la posibilidad de la reducción y la fijación de la fractura,
también hay que tener en cuenta variables e importancia biomédica de tejido blando,
que es el hueso no las relacionadas con el esqueleto. La principal era evaluar el conejo
como modelo animal procedimiento quirúrgico de osteosíntesis de la tibia y el peroné,
con referencia a los resultados reportados en la medicina humana y veterinaria, a fin de
abordar adecuadamente las fracturas causadas por trauma. Material y métodos: un
lagomorfo (Oryctolagus cuniculus) macho de 9 meses con antecedentes de caídas desde
1 metro de altura y grado IV claudicación llegó al Hospital de Veterinaria de Pequeños
Animales de la Universidad del Estado de México, la fractura fue confirmada por
radiografía, se realizó la cirugía donde los clavos intramedulares colocado en atados con
un tipo de configuración de fijador externo 1 vela 1-2 y la varilla de acrílico, los
avances post-quirúrgicas se registraron durante 4 meses. Resultados: Con el trabajo
anterior, se ha logrado establecer osteosíntesis como un procedimiento quirúrgico para
la reducción y fijación de la fractura, por lo tanto es necesario tomar esta investigación
en un modelo animal tal como el conejo se reúne características fisiológicas similares a
la humana, puede ser considerado no sólo la fijación de la fractura, también variables de
médicos y la fisiología de los tejidos blandos, así como técnicas menos invasivas.
Conclusión: Las similitudes entre modelos animales y los seres humanos no se limitan a
la estructura ósea en sus propiedades mecánicas básicas si no en muchos casos anatomía
macroscópica tiene muchos paralelos.
470
El conejo es un modelo animal excelente para los estudios que ayuden a evaluar las
técnicas y los implantes en las fracturas provocadas por traumatismos de alta energía en
la región tibial, como en el ámbito de los procedimientos quirúrgicos médicos que
pueden alcanzar complicadas técnicas de microcirugía son obligatorios.
Palabras clave: osteosíntesis, Fracturas, Conejo, técnicas de microcirugía.
Introduction
In recent years, the rabbit has great popularity as a pet. Such that, they run the risk of
accidents from falls, crushing furniture, vehicles and even damage being bitten by dogs
or cats. Which may cause injury endless and in the worst fractures occur. Since the early
90s and until now, has been considered a fracture is the loss of normal continuity of
bone or cartilage substance whose result is derived from a blow, or pulling force whose
intensity exceeds the elasticity of the bone (Murray , 1996; Currey, 2002). Most
unstable tibial fractures, that is, the oblique, spiral and comminuted fractures, have poor
rotation of the distal fragment relative to the proximal at the time that the initial injury
occurs (Tie Chen et al., 2012). Such fractures tend to move at a greater than 45 º oblique
stroke and obviously requires the use of an external fixator for remodeling.
Osteosynthesis is the surgical procedure that stabilize bone fragments by metal implants
in direct contact with the bone, which is called internal fixation respecting biological
and biomechanical rules (Ching-Jen et al., 2010). A fastening technique that stabilize
fractures from outside the body are called osteotaxis and is performed by an external
fixator. External fixators are intended, stabilize the bone to repair and allows natural
movement the animal (Owen, 2000). The surgeon should try to reproduce the shape of
the broken limb when not treat the fractured limb, this implies not only wrong but also
the rotation angle. He must choose whether the general or local trauma is to infer the
risk of shock, pain may be triggering this process so should be prevented and controlled.
The objective of this research was to perform the implementation of surgical treatment,
ostesentesis of tibia and fibula in the left hind limb in a rabbit.
It was presented to the Small Animal Veterinary Hospital of the University of the State
of Mexico, a lagomorph (Oryctolagus cuniculus) male 9 months with history of fall
from 1 meter high and lameness grade IV.
472
A clinical evaluation physiologic parameters were within the reference ranges, with 3.2
kg of body weight, the orthopedic examination increased volume static soft tissue at the
level of distal third tibia through the left hind limb was observed in the cranial face of
the tibia in the same member the presence of a hematoma was observed. On palpation
this a loss of bone continuity was perceived at the level of the distal third of shaft with
medial displacement of a bone fragment.
Raphic studies where fracture was observed in the distal metaphysis of the tibia and
fibula with presence of two laterally displaced free chips was performed.
Surgical procedure
After radiographic study, owners proposed performing the surgery because the fracture.
Considering the type of operation, it was decided to anesthetize the animal. The overall
health of the rabbit was assessed before the anesthetic or surgical event. Clinicians
ensured that had no clinical signs of respiratory disease (sneezing, lacrimation or nose)
in addition to the absence of diarrhea, since patients with these abnormalities should not
be considered candidates for surgical procedures. During surgery, an intramedullary nail
tied in with an external fixator configuration type 1 candle 1-2 and acrylic rod was
placed.
Postoperative management
It was decided to send the patient home because it showed stress immediately after
anesthetic recovery. Enrofloxacin was prescribed a 5 mg / kg / PO / BID for 10 days
and Meloxicam 0.3 mg / kg PO SID for 3 days.
Results
Postoperative follow-up
First review
Seven days after surgery, the patient was brought to review. The owners commented
that the rabbit ate less and had decreased water consumption, defecated and urinated
normally. They said that a day before the review had jumped from a height of 10 cm
and after that I do not support the operated limb as he had done before. We proceeded to
the physical and orthopedic examination. Lameness grade III, manipulation extension
angle decreased level tarso-tibial joint was identified. In distal tibia midshaft volume
increase of palpable bone tissue. When inspecting the surgical wound erythema and was
attached by 3 points with simple suture separate devitalization of tissue in the central
portion. Washing the wound and inserts nails external fixator applied aloe (aloe vera) in
the surgical wound was performed. Was administered via SC meloxicam 0.2 mg / kg
and was sent home with enrofloxacin 5 mg / kg PO BID.
Second review
17 days after surgery, anamnesis was performed identifying that the patient had diarrhea
after eating certain foods (toast, bread, chocolate and biscuits). Clinical examination
identified during exploration of Left member and the femorotibial region slight
erythema in the presence of an eroded in the proximal part of the tibia on the inside
area. The surgical wound was characterized by a process of healing with increased
volume of tissue adjacent to the hematoma decreased. Wound cleansing and pin
insertion of the external fixator was performed, all coupled with the application of aloe.
Meloxicam administration was suspended and sent home with enrofloxacin at 5 mg / kg
PO BID for 5 days, cleaning the wound, the external fixator once a day and you put an
Elizabethan collar to prevent licking the rabbit underwent surgery area.
Third review
30 days after surgery, the results indicate no history of diarrhea and absence placement
Elizabethan collar was take out. At physical examination, light skin lesions are
observed. Static orthopedic examination, enlargement of bone level distal palpable,
dynamically presents lameness grade III and slight decrease in the extent of tarsotibial
joint. It refers to relative rest house, usual diet and 0.05% chlorhexidine SID.
474
Fourth review
At 47 days post surgery, the owner says the patient and supports over the operated
extremity orthopedic examination shows lameness grade II, muscle atrophy and
increased bone level distal third of tibia. Study radiograph is performed and refers home
with cleaning the wound and insertion points of nails.
Fifth review
In 56 days this review was conducted, the clinical examination, the patient was
observed scratching ears and scabs were found in these. On inspection of ear canals
hyperemia active scabs and itching was observed. In left hind limb was confirmed that
the external fixator was clean and functional. In the medial surgical scar. Al orthopedic
examination grade 1 left hind limb claudication, although the patient continued decrease
in muscle mass.
The patient is sent home with 0.5 ml of benzoyl peroxide in each ear once a week until
the next revision, it was recommended to continue cleaning the pin insertion.
Radiograph in which the fracture line and minimal tissue formation was observed bone
repair was performed.
Sixth review
At 61 days, the patient no presented itching ears but a small crust was observed circular
1 mm in diameter at the entrance of the ear canal of the right ear. In left member in the
proximal nail hyperemia was observed in medial level without secretions and the
external fixator is kept clean and functional. Hair growth was observed in surgical site,
general decrease in muscle tissue throughout the member. The patient was sent home
with clean nails at its insertion into skin and benzoyl peroxide in each ear.
Seventh review
At 63 days, it was observed that the external fixator was functional and clean, it refers to
the area of sedation and anesthesia for removal of implants, enrofloxacin was
administered 8 mg / kg / sc single dose. Radiographic control study where persistence of
the fracture line was performed appreciated and scar tissue.
Eighth revision
At 129 days, the review of which patient was clinically healthy was performed
radiograph was observed callus formation and stability of the fracture. The patient was
discharged.
Discussion
In this clinical case, the surgeon identified a number of factors that allowed him to
know what type of injury he was facing and based on that, determine orthopedic
surgical technique that was recommended in these cases. Tasuyama et al. (2000)
reported that in cases of compound fracture, the veterinary surgeon must carefully
consider the type of injury you face, considering clinical, biological and mechanical
individual patient factors.
The basic principles for the treatment of fractures in small size mammals are similar to
those established in mammals large size for both rigid stabilization and anatomic
alignment with minimal disruption in the formation of callus tissue dissection and
included soft (Tista, 1993, Friedenberg et al., 2011). Whatever mentioned in literature,
working with rabbits patients, the orthopedic surgeon is faced with the problems
inherent in working with rabbit bones, highlighting the small size and fragility.
Although this difficulty, we must find a way to keep the forces exerted on the fracture.
Here, Avery (2013) reported that the compression, rotation and bending forces are
exerted on the fracture and be neutralized to promote fracture healing.
A study by Fornells et al. (2005) showed clearly that the fibula does not have enough to
stabilize a proximal tibia fracture rabbit capacity. Therefore, although a fractured tibia
which is not accompanied by a broken fibula can not be stabilized without the help of
an external fixator to occur. Any fixative used should be well tolerated by the patient
and in turn, should enable them to develop the extent possible, the natural behavior of
the species. The main factors for bone remodeling are the periosteum and neurovascular
factors (Hiertonn, 1956; Ring, 1957; Kellerova et al, 1970;. Weber, 1977; Houghton and
Dekel, 1979; Pauwels, 1980, Auer and Martens, 1982; Eckardt et al. 2003).
476
Ching-Jen et al. (2010) mentioned that the angle in the fracture affects the orientation of
the joint surfaces and the alignment of all the member and therefore does not cause
deformity only in the bone but also in the rest of the limb.
The misalignment of the surfaces of the joint will have a much stronger effect on the
mechanics of the misalignment extremity in the fracture (Bottinelli et al. 1996).
Furthermore, the owner cooperation is very important for patient controlling. It is
preferable to hospitalize the animal that is not going to be controlled (Hulse and
Johnson, 1999). It is considered that the success of this case was related to proper
cooperation of the owner, the appropriate surgical procedure and postoperative
management.
During the postoperative period, the rabbit remained content in their habitat and relative
rest given the severity of your fracture, it was suggested to stimulate the rabbit will
support slightly weight (not too much) on the operated to accelerate ossification
member. Chidgy, 1986 and Uri et al. 2008, indicate that the severity of the fracture
makes it necessary to take a number of precautions postoperatively. Ruiz (2001)
indicated the importance of the animal bear weight as soon as possible to stimulate the
creation of fracture callus, suggesting that it is a controlled movement without much
weight bearing, which can not be done if the patient is loose or without control. With
these considerations, the veterinary surgeon should be able to choose the containment
system used.
Orthopedic surgery currently has among its main challenges the treatment of
complicated fractures. The use and combination of various surgical and fixing methods
different techniques are, in most cases, the only way to carry out an effective treatment.
The results obtained with this type of case in the Small Animal Hospital of the
University of the State of Mexico have had a high success rate. However, we can not
standardize these treatments since variability and mechanical requirements make it
impractical fractures. The results in the treatment of these fractures are significantly
improved thanks to the emergence of new materials. This, coupled with the gradual
trend towards specialization of the clinician, is reflected in a greater number of
treatment options and a marked improvement in the prognosis of these diseases.
Conclusion
Surgical treatment combined with the medical treatment the patient's condition
improved, avoiding the loss of function of the left member. This includes an integrated
management, taking into account the needs and abilities of the patient, physical therapy
is a complementary part and is one of the most important resources that are generally
not given the importance it deserves, both in orthopedic diseases, such as joint,
neurological and muscle.
References
Fornells P., Gómez M.J., García J.M,. Bea J.A, Seral B., Albareda J., Doblaré M.
2005. Estudio de la capacidad estabilizadora del peroné en fracturas de tibia de conejo.
Biomecánica. 13(1):7-15.
Currey J.D. 2002. Bones. Structure and mechanics. Princeton and Oxford: Princeton
University Press.
Avery Bennett R. 2013. Rabbit and rodent orthopedics. Western Veterinary
Conference. Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
Murray D.W., Wilson-MacDonald J., Morscher E., Rahn B.A., ka slin M. 1996. Bone
growth and remodelling after fracture. British Editorial Society of Bone and Joint
Surgery. 78-b(1).
Hiertonn T. 1956. Arteriovenous anastomoses and acceleration of bone growth. Acta
Orthop Scand. 26:322-324.
Ring P.A. 1957. Shortening and paralysis in poliomyelitis. Lancet. 2:980-983.
478
Kellerova E., Delius W., Olerud S., Strom G. 1970. Changes in the muscle and skin
blood flow following lower leg fracture in man. Acta Orthop Scand. 41:249-260.
Weber B.G. 1977. Fibrous interposition causing valgus deformity after fracture of the
upper tibial metaphysis in children. J Bone Joint Surg. 59-B:290-292.
Houghton G.R., Dekel S. 1979. The periosteal control of long bone growth: an
experimental study in the rat. Acta Orthop Scand. 50:635-637.
Pauwels F. 1980. Biomechanics of the locomotor apparatus. Translated by Maquet P
and Furlong R. Berlin, etc: Springer-Verlag.
Auer J.A, Martens R.J. 1982. Periosteal transection and periosteal stripping for
correction of angular limb deformities in foals. Am J Vet Res. 43:1530-1534.
Tie Chen., Ren-Fa L., Zhi-Ying Z., Qing-Tong Z., Zhong-Da Y. 2012. Application of
ultrasonic inspection in monitoring dynamic healing of mandibular fracture in rabbit
model. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine. 406-409
Chidgy L. 1986. Vascular reorganization and return of rigidity in fracture healing. J
Orthop Res. 4(2): 73-175.
Bottinelli O., Calliada F., Campani R. 1996. Bone callus possible assessment with
color Doppler ultrasonography normal bone healing process. Radiol Med 91(5):537538.
Uri F., Javier N., Estela D. 2008. Ultrasonography as a diagnostic modality of tibial
stress fractures. J Musculoskeletal Res. 11(2):55-61.
Owen M.A. 2000. Use of the Ilizarov method to manage a septic tibial fracture
nonunion with a large cortical defect. JSAP. 41(3):124-127.
Ruiz MP. 2001. Ortopedia en Pequeños Animales. 1ª Ed. Pfizer Salud Animal,
Madrid. 59-60; 64-71.
Hulse DA, Johnson AL. 1999. Manejo de Fracturas específicas.En: Fossum TW.
Cirugía en Pequeños Animales. 1ª Ed. InterMédica, Buenos Aires. 831-955.
Tista C. 1993. Tranquilización y anestesia en animales de la fauna silvestre y algunos
casos médico quirúrgicos. FMVZ-UN.A.M., México.
Friedenberg Z.B., Roberts P., Gdidizian N.H., Brighton C.T. 2011. Stimulation of
Fracture Healing by Direct Current in the Rabbit Fibula. J Bone Joint Surg Am.
53:1400-1408.
Ching-Jen W., Ko-En Huang M.D., Yi-Chih Sun B.A., Ya-Ju Yang B.A., Jih-Yang Ko
M.D., Lin-Hsiu Weng M.D., Feng-Sheng Wang. 2010. VEGF Modulates
Angiogenesis and Osteogenesis in Shockwave-Promoted Fracture Healing in Rabbits.
Journal of Surgical Research. 1-6.
Tasuyama K., Maezawa Y., Baba H. 2000. Expression of various growth factors for
cell population and cytodifferentiation during fracture repair of bone. Eur J
Histochem. 44:269.
Eckardt H., Bundgaard K.G., Christensen K.S. 2003. Effect of locally applied vascular
endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF inhibitor to the rabbit tibia during
distraction osteogenesis. J Orthop Res. 21:335.
480
PHYSIOPATHOLOGY IN RABBITS DUE TO DIETS WITH
INCREASED COPPER CONCENTRATION
ALONSO-FRESÁN MU1*, VALLADARES-CARRANZA B1, VELÁZQUEZORDOÑEZ V1, BARBABOSA-PLIEGO A1, CASTRO-GANDARILLA J 1,
REYES-ÁNGELES JF1, LEE-MORENO JL2, TREMARI-TRUEBA RM2,
ORTEGA-SANTANA C1
Abstract
Copper is an essential enzymatic cofactor involved in connective tissue formation,
pigmentation and energy production. Due to its importance, the objective of this study
was to analyse the physiopathology of renal and hepatic damage in rabbits fed alfalfa
with high copper concentration in a rabbit farm in the State of Mexico. Twelve rabbits
were sampled, taking 4 mL of blood from the auricular vein with and without
anticoagulant in different periods to evaluate physiological parameters: ALT (alanine
aminotransferase), AST (aspartate transferase), GGT (gamma glutamyl transferase),
urea, creatinine, hematocrit and total proteins. The first samples were taken when the
rabbits aged 8 weeks, and then 15, 30, 45 and 60 days afterwards.
482
Each sample was centrifuged for serum separation, and biochemical analysis performed.
Initial ALT levels were 48 ± 13.89 UL increasing to a final level of 64 ± 4.16 UL in day
60; AST levels on day 45 were 33 ± 4.73 increasing to 51 ± 23.12 UL on day 60;
average GGT levels were 10 ± 2 UL; initial hematocrit found was 43 ± 2.50% and 37 ±
14.57 % at 60 days; total protein concentration started in 7.2 ± 0.49 and decreased to
5.83 ± 0.15g/dL 45 days after; urea increased from 0.3 ± 0.10 mmol/L up to 27 ± 1.65
mmol/L on day 60; initial creatinine levels were 90.18 ± 6.47 µmol/L increasing up to
121 ± 6.53 µmol/L in the last period. The parameters obtained showed altered
erythrocyte, renal and hepatic physiology, due to rabbit exposure to high copper levels
in feed.
Key words: Copper, rabbit, hematocrit, total proteins, clinical enzymology, liver,
kidney.
FISIOPATOLOGÍA EN CONEJOS OCASIONADA POR EL
INCREMENTO EN LA CONCENTRACIÓN DE
COBRE EN EL ALIMENTO
ALONSO-FRESÁN MU1*, VALLADARES-CARRANZA B1, VELÁZQUEZORDOÑEZ V1, BARBABOSA-PLIEGO A1, CASTRO-GANDARILLA J 1,
REYES-ÁNGELES JF1, LEE-MORENO JL2, TREMARI-TRUEBA RM2,
ORTEGA-SANTANA C1
Resumen
El cobre actúa como cofactor enzimático, es esencial para la utilización del hierro, la
formación de tejido conectivo, la pigmentación y la producción energética. El objetivo
del presente estudio fue analizar la fisiopatología del daño renal y hepático en conejos
alimentados con alfalfa con alto contenido en cobre, se trabajó en una explotación
cunícola del Estado de México en donde se muestrearon 6 conejos en diferentes
periodos de muestreo, colectando 4 mL de sangre en tubos de vidrio con y sin
anticoagulante, de la vena marginal auricular para evaluar los parámetros fisiológicos de
hematocrito, proteínas totales, ALT, AST, GGT, urea, creatinina, el primer muestreo
se realizó a partir de las 8 semanas de edad y a los 15, 30, 45 y 60 días posteriores, cada
una de las muestras se centrifugaron y se dividieron en alícuotas para su posterior
análisis en el laboratorio, y los resultados de los parámetros obtenidos se compararon
con los de referencia.
484
El valor del hematocrito al día 1 fue de 43 ± 2.50% y de 37 ± 14.57 % a los 60 días; la
concentración de proteínas totales de 7.2 ± 0.49 a 5.83 ± 0.15g/dL a los 45 días; los
valores de ALT fueron de 48 ± 13.89 UL al muestreo 1 y al final de 64 ± 4.16 UL; para
el caso de GGT los valores promedio fueron de 10 ± 2 UL; para la AST al día 45 con
33 ± 4.73 a 51 ± 23.12 UL al día 60; en urea de 0.3 ± 0.10 mmol/L en el muestreo basal,
y de 27 ± 1.65 mmol/L al día 60; en los valores de creatinina el valor inicial fue de
90.18 ± 6.47 µmol/L hasta 121 ± 6.53 µmol/L en el último periodo. Los parámetros
obtenidos muestran que los conejos expuestos a cobre sufren cambios fisiológicos que
alteran la fisiología eritrocitaria, renal y hepática.
Palabras clave: Cobre, conejo, hematocrito, proteínas totales, enzimología clínica,
hígado, riñón.
Introduction
Copper is an essential body mineral, which is part of the enzymes ferro-oxidase,
cytochrome oxidase, superoxide dismutase, amine oxidase, uricase and dopamine-hydroxylase and some others. Therefore, it should be present in low quantities as a
micronutrient, needing it for growth, energy production, pigmentation, connective tissue
formation, blood cell production and for functional and structural maintainance of
nervous cells. Copper from feed reaches the intestine where it is absorbed in small
quantities, and the rest (more than 90-95%) is eliminated through feces. It passes to
blood and transported to the liver, where it accumulates. Copper as the rest of the
essential minerals may become toxic when concentrations exceed the limits. Copper
intoxication phases include: copper accumulation first, lasting days to months
depending on the quantity in the diet, the absorption percentage and factors regarding
deposition and mobilization, with no effect on the animal’s behavior.
During the
second phase, known as hemolytic crisis, the apoptosis of hepatic cells and copper
liberation to circulation occurs. This circulating copper destroys red blood cells (up to
60%) liberating hemoglobin. The toxic effect of this element provokes hemolysis,
hepatic necrosis and gastrointestinal hemorrages. When chronic intoxications occur,
respiratory irritation, gastrointestinal alterations and contact dermititis may be present.
Systemically, hemolytic anemia, hepatic degeneration, renal, cerebral and visual
alterations are originated. The objective of this research was to evaluate the hepatic and
renal function in rabbits with exposure to copper in the diet and to document the effect
of high levels of this micronutrient.
A New Zealand rabbit farm with 100 fattening animals was chosen, due to spontaneous
diarrheic cases, weakness and mortality of 2-3%. Feeding was undertaken ad libitum
with commercial Purina® (16 % protein, 3% fat, 17 % fiber, 10 % ashes, 12% de
humidity, 42.5 % nitrogen free extract, 1 % calcium and 0.55 % phosphorus) and
drinking water. Green alfalfa was added, which was cultivated and fertilized with
poultry manure and well water, in which an atomic absorption spectrophotometric
analysis for copper was measured (19,2 mg/kg).
486
Twelve rabbits for human consumption were sampled in different periods, starting at
age 8 weeks, and then 15, 30, 45 and 60 days afterwards, collecting 4 mL of blood in
Vacutainer tubes with and without anticoagulant (Vacutainer, SST: Becton-Dickinson,
U.S.A.), taken from the auricular vein, to evaluate the following physiologic
parameters: ALT, AST, GGT, urea and creatinine, hematocrit and total proteins.
Samples were centrifuged to obtain serum and analysed in the laboratory, and the
results were compared with reference values for rabbits. Analite parameters were
obtained through spectrophotometry, ALT and AST activities through a modified
method without pyridoxal phosphate, measuring absorbance at 340 nm; for GGT the
Szazs/Persijn method was used; measuring absorbance at 405 nm; urea was measured
through urease/GLDH enzymatic method at 340 nm; and creatinine through
colorimetric method based on the creatinine reaction with picric acid in alcaline medium
at 510 nm (Clinical chemistry: Instrumentation laboratory®). Hematocrit was measured
using heparinized capilar tubes by centrifugation at 5000 rpm, for 5 minutes and total
protein through refractometry (Veterinary Refractometer 10436, Reichert® g/%).
Regarding serum enzymes, ALT initial value was 48 ± 13.89 U/L, in period 1, 49 ±
15.25 U/L, in period 2, 60 ± 22.50 U/L, stabilizing in period 3 to 46 ± 19.08 U/L, with
64 ± 4.16 U/L in the last period; GGT values were reported as normal; AST values
decreased in period 3 to 33± 4.73 U/L, maintaining normal values in the rest; urea
progressively increased up to 27 ±1.65 mmol/L, with an initial value of 0.3 ± 0.10
mmol/L; creatinine initial values were 90.18 ± 6.47 µmol/L and increased up to 121 ±
6.53 µmol/L in the last period (Table 1).
Table 2. Hepatic and renal physiological parameters in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
from a farm in the State of Mexico
PARAMETER
Day 0
Day 15
Day 30
Day 45
Day 60
Reference
values
ALT (U/L)
48±13.89
49±15.25
60±22.50
46±19.08
64±4.16
79 U/L
AST (U/L)
45±15.03
41±4.51
40±7.29
33±4.73
51±23.12
47 U/L
GGT (U/L)
10±2.56
10±2.23
13±2.07
8±3.21
13±3.21
9 U/L
UREA (mmol/L)
0.3±0.10
8±1.40
8±1.60
19±1.82
27±1.65
3.45 ± 0.85
CREATININE ( μmol /L)
90±6.47
98±14.34
118±28.50
94±7.70
121±6.53
70.7-227.2
HEMATOCRIT (%)
43±2.50
36±5.47
46±1.00
38±2.08
37±14.57
40.5 ± 2.11
TOTAL PLASMA PROTEINS (g/dL)
7±0.49
6±0.26
6±0.33
5±0.15
6±0.46
5.7 ± 0.6
Hematocrit significantly decreased from 43 ± 2.50% to 37 ± 14.57 % in the fourth
period, and total proteins just showed a slight decrease from 7.2 ± 0.49 to 5.83 ±
0.15g/dL in the third one. Due to the high affinity of copper to sulphur or nitrogen, it
forms very stable coordination complexes. It joins to thyolic groups in hemoglobin and
in the cellular membrane, provoking cellular lysis. By glutathione reductase inhibition
and hyperstimulation of the hexose monophosphate via, it depletes the glutathione
content, and also inhibits cellular respiration. The reported signology in rabbits is
probably associated to the alteration of the parameters which were evaluated. The
alteration of blood cell production and viability, with the cell pack observed can be
associated with anemia, and an adequate protein utilization in the metabolic processes
of the rabbits (Thrall et al., 2006).
The report on the copper content in the alfalfa may be considered high, therefore
assuming that the absorption for this species is also high. Moreover, the parameters
evaluated in this study corroborate that some of them fluctuate and tend to progressively
increase, and may be related to structural and functional damage of liver and kidney
(Thrall et al., 2006). Copper has been referred as highly toxic to inferior organisms and
low toxic for superior ones.
488
Two genetic alterations have been documented for copper metabolism: Wilson disease
(caused by ceruloplasmin deficit) in which hepatic and brain degeneration are produced
and Menke’s syndrome, where brain degeneration caused by copper deficiency occurs.
Copper accumulates in the liver with no apparent intoxication signs, up to a point where
the accumulation capacity of the organ is overflowed. When this happens, necrosis of
the hepatocytes occur, with sudden high copper concentration in blood, unchaining
clinical intoxication, followed by an hemolytic crisis in ruminants (destruction of red
blood cells).
Conclusion
The parameters found show that the organisms with copper exposure suffer physiologic
changes which may permanently alter renal and hepatic functionality, interfering with
the animal’s normal development, by limiting nutrient absorption and growth.
References
SCHALM'S Veterinary Hematology. 2010. Weiss D.J. and Wardrop K.J. editors.
6th ed. Reference Erythrocyte Parameters of the New Zealand White (NZW)
Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Wiley-Blackwell. USA.
Equipo de toxicología de INIA (1986). La intoxicación por cobre en los animales
domésticos,http://www.magrama.gob.es/ministerio/pags/Biblioteca/Revistas/pdf_REA
%2FREA_1986_05_111_115.pdf
SAGARPA, NORMA Oficial Mexicana NOM-004-ZOO-1994. Control de residuos
tóxicos en carne, grasa, hígado y riñón de bovinos, equinos, porcinos y ovinos.
Thrall M.A., Baker D.C., Campbell T.W., DeNicola D., Fettman M.J. 2006.
Veterinary hematology and Clinical Chemistry. Blackwell, USA.
REPRODUCCIÓN
REPRODUCTION
490
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT GNRH ANALOGUE TREATMENTS ON
THE PERFORMANCE OF LACTATING RABBITS
1
EIBEN CS*, 2SÁNDOR M, 2SÁNDOR F, 2TOKAI A, 3KUSTOS K
1; Centre for Farm Animal Gene Conservation (HáGK), Isaszegi út 200, Gödöllő, H-2100,
Hungary
2; S&K-Lap Ltd., Császár u. 135., Kartal, H-2173, Hungary
3; Szent István University, Páter K. u. 1., Gödöllő, H-2100, Hungary
Abstract
Reproductive traits of 210 rabbits inseminated on postpartum day 11 and induced to
ovulate by i.m. 0.84 µg or 1.26 µg buserelin acetate (Receptal ® or Suprefact®) or 20 µg
gonadorelin (Fertagyl®) or by i.vag. 25 µg GnRH analogue [des-Gly10, D-Ala6]-LHRH
ethylamide in 0.5 mL semen extender (MRAbit®) were studied according to
reproductive status under farm practice (only light stimulation). The data were evaluated
by the chi-squared test or by ANOVA using the Statgraphics 6.0 (1992) statistical
software. Pregnancy and kindling rates and the number of live born kits per litter were
not affected by the GnRH treatments but differed (P<0.05) with parity and receptivity
(94%, 89%, 11.7 in multiparous receptive vs. 77%, 69%, 9.42 in primiparous nonreceptive, or 10.2 kits in multiparous non-receptive does, respectively). Global
productivity (number of live born kits per 100 AI) with Receptal ® in primiparous
receptive or non-receptive or in multiparous receptive or non-receptive does were 930,
450, 1020, 787, with Suprefact® 1064, 670, 1209, 895, with Fertagyl® 489, 763, 1003,
832 and with MRAbit® 715, 600, 1010, 850, respectively. With the studied i.m. and
i.vag. GnRH analogue treatments, the lactating does had good and similar performance
under the farm practice of light stimulation with no eCG use before insemination.
Reproduction was influenced by doe physiological status. Multiparous receptive does
had superior productivity.
Key words: intravaginal ovulation induction, buserelin, gonadorelin, LHRH
ethylamide, prolificacy
EFECTO DE DIFERENTES TRATAMIENTOS CON ANÁLOGOS DE
GNRH EN EL RENDIMIENTO DE CONEJOS LACTANTES
1
EIBEN CS*, 2SÁNDOR M, 2SÁNDOR F, 2TOKAI A, 3KUSTOS K
1; Centre for Farm Animal Gene Conservation (HáGK), Isaszegi út 200, Gödöllő, H-2100,
Hungary
2; S&K-Lap Ltd., Császár u. 135., Kartal, H-2173, Hungary
3; Szent István University, Páter K. u. 1., Gödöllő, H-2100, Hungary
Resumen
El rendimiento reproductivo de 210 conejas inseminadas el día después del parto y 11
inducidas a ovular por inyección im con 0,84 mg o 1,26 mg de acetato de buserelina
(Receptal® o Suprefact®) o 20 mg gonadorelina (Fertagyl®) o por vía i.vag. 25 g del
análogo de GnRH [des-Gly10, D-Ala6] -LHRH etilamida en 0,5 ml del diluyente de
semen (MRAbit®) fueron estudiados de acuerdo con el estado reproductivo, bajo
prácticas de granja (sólo estimulación de luz). Los datos fueron evaluados mediante la
prueba de chi-cuadrada o por ANOVA utilizando el 6.0 (1992) software estadístico
Statgraphics. Los índices de gestación, nacimientos, y número de gazapos nacidos vivos
por camada no fueron afectados por los tratamientos de GnRH pero difirieron (P <0,05)
con la paridad y la receptividad (94%, 89%, 11,7 en multíparas vs. receptivas 77%,
69%, 9,42 en primíparas no receptivas, o 10,2 gazapos en multíparas no receptivas,
respectivamente). La productividad global (número de gazapos nacidos vivos por cada
100 IA) con Receptal® en primíparas receptivas o no receptivas o en multíparas
receptivas o no receptivas fueron 930, 450, 1020, 787, con Suprefact® 1064, 670, 1209,
895 , con Fertagyl® 489, 763, 1003, 832 y 715 con MRAbit®, 600, 1010, 850,
respectivamente. Con los tratamientos análogos de la GnRH estudiados i.m. e i.vag., las
conejas lactantes tuvieron un rendimiento bueno y similar en virtud de la práctica de
estimulación de luz sin el uso de eCG antes de la inseminación. La reproducción se vio
influenciado por el estado fisiológico de la coneja. Las conejas receptivas multíparas
tuvieron una productividad superior.
Palabras clave: induction intravaginal, ovulation, buserelina, gonadorelina, LHRH
ethylamida, prolificidad.
492
Introduction
With appearance of GnRH synthetic analogue products of various agents and efficacies
a novel way of ovulation induction in rabbits is possible (Dal Bosco et al., 2011).
Intramuscular (i.m.) or subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of GnRH analogue at insemination
(AI) can be substituted by intravaginal (i.vag.) absorption by supplementing the semen
extender with GnRH analogue. The method improves the welfare at AI (no injection)
and, faster or more rabbits can be inseminated (Viudes-de-Castro et al., 2007). The
disadvantage is that a higher i.vag. dose is needed to get efficacy similar to that of the
i.m. usage (Viudes-de-Castro et al., 2014).
The success of i.vag. GnRH analogue treatment for ovulation induction can be affected
by several factors. Besides agent and its concentration, the composition of semen
extender and doe physiological status are important. The i.vag. application was studied
only with receptive does (Viudes-de-Castro et al., 2007; Vicente et al., 2008, 2011) or
rabbits pre-injected with eCG hormone (Quintela et al., 2008, 2012; Zhang and Qin,
2012). To our knowledge, in Hungary the i.vag. ovulation induction by GnRH analogue
of rabbits has not yet been tried and its reproductive results reported.
Our aim was to compare different, intramuscular or intravaginal GnRH analogue
treatments and to investigate their effects on reproduction under the nursing and lighting
programs of farm practice.
Materials and Methods
The experiment was conducted at the rabbit farm of S&K-Lap Ltd. in Galgamácsa
between 21 February and 24 March, 2014. In the heated (18-20°C) building with
windows, the rabbits were housed in wire-net breeding cages (80 x 53 cm with 90 cm
height) equipped with a plastic mat, an elevated platform (40 x 53 cm) at 25 cm height,
a gnawing stick and an outer nest (23 x 53 cm) with metal sheet walls.
Lactating Hycole PS rabbit does (n=210) were distributed into four groups with respect
to parity and number of reared kits (primiparous (n=91): 8.02±0.08 kits per litter or twoto three times kindled (n=119): 9.77±0.07 kits per litter).
Heterospermic pooled semen from Hycole bucks and four different GnRH analogue
treatments were used (Table 1). The control (i.m. 0.84 µg buserelin acetate)
corresponded with today’s routine practice (Zapletal et al., 2008).
Table 1. Different GnRH analogue treatments in lactating rabbits at AI on postpartum day 11
Group:
Treatment*:
Dose:
GnRH
analogue:
1. (Control)
i.m.
0.2 mL=0.84 µg
buserelin acetate
Receptal A.U.V.®
2.
i.m.
1.0 mL=1.26 µg
buserelin acetate
Suprefact®
3.
i.m.
0.2 mL=20 µg
gonadorelin
Fertagyl A.U.V®
Semen
extender:
Semen dose:
Sperm per
doe
Merck III®
Merck III®
Merck III®
4.
i.vag.
0.5 mL=25 µg
LHRH
ethylamide
in semen
extender
MRAbit®
0.5 mL/doe
30 million
0.5 mL/doe
30 million
0.5 mL/doe
30 million
0.5 mL/doe
30 million
* Injected into muscle (i.m.: intramuscular) or with semen extender in the vagina (i.vag.: intravaginal)
We also planned an i.vag. treatment with Suprefact® but when adding it to Merck III
semen extender we observed the destruction of sperm, so this intravaginal GnRH
treatment failed. Quintela et al. (2004) reported a successful i.vag. use of Suprefact but
they used MA 24 semen extender.
Controlled nursing was applied by opening the metal-sheet nest door between 9:00 to
10:00 h from postpartum day 1 to 14 and free nursing thereafter. AI was done on
postpartum day 11 three hours after nursing. At AI does with red / violet and turgid
vulvas were judged to be receptive.
There was no hormonal pre-injection to synchronize estrus but on day 8 before AI, the
daily lighting of 9 h (light) L/15 h (dark) D (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) was abruptly increased by
7 hours, to 16L/8D (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.). The lighting was reduced by 2 hours on days 3
and 4 after AI (14L/10D, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 12L/12D, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and by 3 hours
on day 5 after AI (9L/15D, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) returning to the 9 h daily lighting.
494
Rabbit does were fed ad libitum, with a single diet (10.0 MJ/kg DE, 17.5% CP, 3.80%
EE, 14.9% CF, 7.70% ash).
The effects of different GnRH analogue treatments and reproductive status on
pregnancy and kindling rates were evaluated by the chi-squared test and on number of
kits born by ANOVA using the Statgraphics 6.0 (1992) statistical software.
At AI, 61% of the lactating does had red or violet, and 73% turgid vulva. The
receptivity rate was 57%. However, the pregnancy rate was very good, 89% and, 81%
of the rabbits kindled (Table 2). The check of receptivity is more precise with the male
(lordosis position of the doe) but this cannot be used in big farms. In ovulation the
neural and genital-someto-sensory stimuli associated with AI (catching, catheter
intromission, etc.) can also be important (Rebollar, 2011; Rebollar et al., 2012),
explaining the contradiction between the lower receptivity and good pregnancy.
The ovulation induction method did not significantly affect the pregnancy (84-93%) and
kindling rates (76-87%) or the number of live and total born kits (10.1-11.0 and 10.511.1; Table 2).
Table 2. Reproductive traits of rabbits inseminated and induced to ovulate by i.m. buserelin acetate or
i.m. gonadorelin or i.vag. GnRH analogue [des-Gly10, D-Ala6]-LHRH ethylamide semen extender
Group
No.
of
does
Pregnancy
rate, % (no.)
Kindling
rate, % (no.)
50
88 (44/50)
82 (41/50)
10.8±0.5
11.0±0.5
55
93 (51/55)
87 (48/55)
11.0±0.4
11.1±0.4
50
92 (46/50)
76 (38/50)
10.8±0.5
11.0±0.5
55
84 (46/55)
80 (44/55)
10.1±0.4
10.5±0.4
56
35
91 (51/56)
77a (27/35)
79 (44/56)
69a (24/35)
10.6±0.4
9.42±0.6a
ab
10.7±0.4
9.62±0.6a
64
55
94b (60/64)
89ab (49/55)
89b (57/64)
84ab (46/55)
11.7±0.4b
10.2±0.4a
12.0±0.4b
10.5±0.4a
89
81
10.5±0.2
(187/210)
(171/210)
Values in the same column with unlike superscripts (a, b) differ (P<0.05)
10.7±0.2
Ovulation induction
i.m. 0.84 µg buserelin acetate
(Receptal A.U.V.®)
i.m. 1.26 µg buserelin acetate
(Suprefact®)
i.m. 20 µg gonadorelin
(Fertagyl A.U.V®)
i.vag. 25 µg LHRH ethylamide
in semen extender (MRAbit®)
Reproductive status
Primiparous lactating receptive
Primiparous lactating nonreceptive
Multiparous lactating receptive
Multiparous lactating nonreceptive
Total
210
ab
ab
Litter size
Live born Total born
a
The performance of lactating does was influenced by reproductive status (Table 2,
Figure 1).
The multiparous receptive rabbits had 17% better pregnancy rate (94 vs 77%; P<0.05)
and among them 20% more kindled (89 vs 69%; P<0.05) than from the primiparous
non-receptive does. They also spawned 2.3 or 1.5-kit larger litters than the primiparous
non-receptive or the multiparous non-receptive rabbits (11.7 vs 9.42 or 10.2; P<0.05).
For the farmers global productivity (number of live born kits per 100 AI) is a very
important trait that is determined by kindling rate and born alive. The productivity of
multiparous receptive rabbits was by 64% better than the primiparous non-receptive
does’ (1051 vs 643 rabbits; Figure 1).
496
1200
Global productivity
(Number of live born kits /100 AI)
Primiparous receptive
1000
Primiparous non-receptive
800
Multiparous receptive
600
Multiparous non-receptive
Total
400
Reproductive status
Figure 1. Global productivity according to the reproductive status of lactating does
At AI, there are does in different physiological status. It raises the question whether
there are differences in the effects of various GnRH analogue treatments if the abovementioned influence of physiological status is considered (Figures 2-4).
Kindling rate, %
100
bc
bc
abc bc
abc
80
60
abc
c
bc bc
abc
abc abcabc
abc
ab
abc
abc
abc
a
abc
40
20
Total
0
Receptal
Suprefact
Fertagyl
MRAbit
Values within treatments with unlike superscripts (a, b, c) differ (P<0.05)
Figure 2. Kindling rate (%) depending on GnRH analogue used and lactating does’ reproductive status
The kindling rate of multiparous receptive i.vag. LHRH ethylamide (MRAbit) treated
does was higher than the primiparous non-receptive i.m. 0.84 µg buserelin acetate
(Receptal) treated or primiparous receptive i.m. 20 µg gonadorelin (Fertagyl) treated
rabbits (100 vs 50 or 44%; P<0.05; Figure 2). Of note, the latter had a good, 89%
pregnancy rate based on abdominal palpation but only half of them delivered. Because
of the small number of does these findings should be taken with caution. However, our
results verify the producer’s recommendation that with the GnRH analogue containing
MRAbit semen extender, only receptive rabbits should be inseminated.
The number of live born kits within the groups was not significantly affected by the
physiological status. That is explained by the different result found with the i.vag.
(MRAbit) compared with the i.m. treatments (Figure 3).
In the i.m. GnRH analogue treatments (Receptal, Suprefact, Fertagyl) the number of live
born kits per litter of primiparous rabbits was lower than that of the multiparous does
and, the receptive does produced more live kits. Contrary to this, with the i.vag.
treatment (MRAbit) good litter size was found independent of doe physiological status
(Figure 3). The advantage of this can be that fewer rabbits need to be fostered to alien
does.
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
Number of live born kits per litter
Total
Receptal
Suprefact
Fertagyl
MRAbit
Figure 3. Number of live born kits per litter depending on GnRH analogue used
and doe reproductive status
Within the groups we calculated the global productivity according to the physiological
status (Figure 4). Based on this the i.m. 1.26 µg buserelin acetate (Suprefact) treatment
was the most effective, mainly in the receptive does (primiparous: 1064 rabbits,
multiparous: 1209 rabbits). Global productivity was similar by lower dose of i.m. 0.84
µg buserelin acetate (Receptal) or by i.m. 20 µg gonadorelin (Fertagyl) or by i.vag. 25
µg LHRH ethylamide (MRAbit). In productivity the superiority of receptive rabbits
versus non-receptive does is evident.
498
Global productivity
(Number of live born kits /100 AI)
1400
1200
1000
800
600
Total
400
Receptal Suprefact Fertagyl MRAbit
Figure 4. Global productivity according to GnRH analogue used and reproductive status
Perrier et al. (2000) applied i.m. 0.4 or 0.8 µg buserelin (Receptal). Reproduction did
not differ with the GnRH concentration but varied significantly with the physiological
status. Theau-Clément et al. (1990) used i.m. 0.8 µg buserelin (Receptal) or 20 µg
gonadorelin (Fertagyl) and reported similar numbers of live born kits per litter but the
litter size was higher in receptive than in non-receptive does. Quintela et al. (2001)
treated multiparous lactating does with i.m. 20 µg gonadorelin (Fertagyl) and noted 7880% kindling rate and 10.6-10.9 kits per litter depending on the lighting regime. In their
other studies (Quintela et al., 2008, 2009) the i.m. 20 µg gonadorelin (Inducel)
treatment or the i.vag. 25 µg LHRH ethylamide used via semen extender resulted in
similar 86 or 91% kindling rates, 10.3 or 10.8 live born kits per litter and productivity
(949 or 1029 rabbits) in pre-injected rabbits. Quintela et al. (2012) using 0.5 mL/doe
MRAbit semen extender or i.m. lecirelin (0.2 mL Dalmarelin) obtained identical
productivity. Our results are in agreement with those reports.
Conclusions
Under the farm practice with the studied i.m. and i.vag. GnRH analogue treatments and
without pre-injection the reproductive performance of lactating does was similar and
good. The reproductive traits were affected by doe physiological status. The
productivity of multiparous receptive rabbits is over average. For the producers, the use
of the i.vag. GnRH analogue treatment can be recommended in receptive rabbits.
Acknowledgements: This research was supported by KMR_12-1-2012-0195 grant.
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via intravaginal administration of [des-Gly10, D-Ala6]-LHRH ethylamide as ovulation
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WEIGHT GAIN IN REPRODUCTIVE RABBITS THROUGH THE
APPLICATION OF A SELECTION SYSTEM AND BREEDER IN A
CLOSED POPULATION
MELÉNDEZ TC
Universidad Pedagógica Experimental Libertador, Instituto Pedagógico de Barquisimeto “Luis
Beltrán Prieto Figueroa”. Avenida José María Vargas con Avenida Las Palmas, Barquisimeto,
Lara state. Venezuela.
Abstract
Rabbits are the domestic mammals with the greatest reproductive capacity, which
makes this specie very suitable for breeding in Latin America by many members of the
family, since it does not require great physical effort for attending a rabbit farm. The
objective of the present study was to determine if there are differences in the weights of
the reproductive male rabbits after ninety (90) days of age, after the application of a
Selection System in a closed population. For reaching this objective, 81 crossbred male
rabbits and 160 female rabbits were used. Weight was calculated on the 90th day of birth
of the reproductive males. The obtained results for weight gain of the animals in this
study were 246 gr. In conclusion, the selection system applied was successful.
Key words: reproductive rabbits, controlled mating, genetic selection, weight gain.
502
INCREMENTO DEL PESO EN CONEJOS REPRODUCTORES
MEDIANTE LA APLICACIÓN DE UN SISTEMA DE SELECCIÓN
Y CRUZAMIENTOS EN UNA POBLACIÓN CERRADA
MELÉNDEZ TC
Universidad Pedagógica Experimental Libertador, Instituto Pedagógico Barquisimeto.
“Luis Beltrán Prieto Figueroa”. Avenida José María Vargas con Avenida Las Palmas,
Barquisimeto, Estado Lara, Venezuela.
Resumen
Los conejos son los mamíferos con la mayor capacidad reproductiva, lo cual hace que
esta especie sea muy apropiada para su cría en América Latina, ya que varios miembros
de la familia pueden contribuirr a su cuidado, dado que no se requiere aplicar gran
esfuerzo físico para realizar el manejo de una granja cunícola. El objetivo del presente
estudio fue determinar si existen diferencias en los pesos de los conejos machos
reproductores a los 90 días de edad, luego de la aplicación de un Sistema de Selección
en una población cerrada. Para el desarrollo de la investigación se emplearon 81 conejos
machos reproductores mestizos y 160 hembras. Se realizó el cálculo del peso a los 90
días de edad de los reproductores. En los resultados obtenidos se observó un incrementó
de 246 gr el peso de los animales estudiados. Se concluye que fue exitoso el sistema de
selección aplicado.
Palabras clave: conejos reproductores, apareamiento controlado, selección genética,
incremento de peso.
504
Introduction
A domestic rabbit, Oryctalagus Cuniculus, is the “domestic mammal with the greatest
reproductive capacity”; a doe is capable of producing up to 1.200% of its live weight in
a one-year exploitation, in relation to the number and weight of its young breeds during
that time; what makes of this sector, a definite alternative for human food all over the
world, especially in Latin America, in which the agricultural activities are related to the
family’s everyday activities. There are no limitations about gender and age for the
assistance of the rabbit breeding, so they could be assisted by young people and elderly
as well because it does not require any strong physical efforts.
The absence of technical specialized knowledge, in the rural production area, represents
a real challenge to obtain the best results in getting the meat weight considering time,
physical space and animal population.
The rabbit farm Madre Tierra, which is located near the city of Barquisimeto, Lara state
(Venezuela), and it has a tradition of over 20 years of rabbit breeding experience. Its
beginnings were with crossbreed animals from California and New Zealand mainly,
with no previous records of production, like in the majority of the farms in Venezuela in
which rabbit breeding is undertaken in an empirical manner, in part, because of the lack
of existing tradition of the consumption of rabbit meat in the population. Although
lately, there has been an sustained increase in the demand of rabbit meat, mainly in local
restaurants, which has obliged to incorporate management techniques and strategies in
order to increase the efficiency of the farm’s production.
For over 15 years, the farm had been selecting breeding in a traditional manner;
including the incorporation of selected animals of other national farms in order to reach
a level in which the farm’s productive parameters were satisfactory. However, as time
passed by, a type of stagnation or difficulty to improve them was observed different
from that initial success. This was basically because of the lack of national stallions
from other farms which could provide the genetic benefits taking into account the
increase of the productive and reproductive averages.
Breeding between rabbits were done, taking care of the direct origins of the sons, so
they were not mated with their immediate families. However, there was no control over
the consanguinity that might arise in the herd.
At this point, it was decided to incorporate some advisory in the area of genetics and
apply new strategies in the management of crossbreeding of animals with a new mating
model, grounded on the registry of information as the base of a strict selection program,
in a closed population; avoiding the maximum consanguinity and their possible adverse
effects. As an immediate consequence, an increase of the productive averages was
observed, measured as Daily Weight Gain, and Slaughterhouse Weight, as well as the
reproductive averages measured as the number of young rabbits born, weaned rabbits
per litter, accumulated young rabbits during the reproductive useful life of each female.
Nowadays, the farm is formed by 160 reproductive females and 24 reproductive males
which produce an average of 150 young rabbits a week weighing from 2.5 kg on the
90th day of birth, and a return of 70 % (including head and guts), and that after three
years of the application of this method, a series of productive and reproductive
improvements have been obtained that will be exhibited in the content of this paper.
The selection of the breeders of the farm is based on the following criteria:
Females: The number of born young rabbits is considered, the number of weaned
rabbits is also considered, and the number of Reproductive Life Days (DVR). The
relationship between the number of young rabbits produced with time is very important;
because in this way, various characters are assessed simultaneously, such as the
prolificacy of each animal (multiple ovulation and fertility), through the size of the litter
birth, the maternal ability (milk production and breeding care), through a number of
weaned rabbits and the capability or reproductive efficiency maintained through time
(interval between births and number of births) destined to the reproduction.
For this, the farm applied an efficiency formula, called REPRODUCTIVE INDEX (IR),
which is the amount of weaned young rabbits accumulated in every birth, between the
days of interval between the first and the last birth to be assessed of its reproductive
useful life, multiplied by 30 days, to make the monthly correction. So we have:
506
Accumulated young rabbits
Reproductive Index = ----------------------------------------- x 30
Accumulated days
If the IR of a doe is deemed, which in a year has presented 8 births, and has 48 weaned
young rabbits accumulated; we will have:
48 weaned young rabbits
Reproductive Index = ------------------------------------------ x 30
365 days
Reproductive Index (IR) = 3.95 weaned rabbits per month.
Parting from this parameter, the does with greater IR are chosen, to select their
daughters as the next breeding of the herd, the less breeder are then put aside, what is
considered as the cause which has permitted to observe significant improvements
considering the number of born and weaned young rabbits.
Another achievement is that the does have an increase in the weight, greater to 3 Kg
after 120 days, which indicates that they could be in an optimal condition for the service
at that age. However, the service is done on the 135th day of age in order to guarantee
greater physiological maturity.
The does mustn’t have physical defects or pathologies at the moment of being taken
into account for the selection.
The heritage with the genetically mother component are about 10%. The heritage of the
weight gain is in between 20 and 25%.
Male: The candidates to be postulated as the next breeders must have a series of
requirements:
They must be sons of “good mothers”, that is, only the sons of the Doe with a
Reproductive Index (IR) greater than the average of each group of comparison, which
guarantees the transmission to their daughters, the benefits of prolificacy and the
measured motherhood ability.
They must come from a large litter, over the average, so as to assess their individual
behavior in the same conditions with other individuals of the same litter and from other
contemporary litters, from birth, irrespective of the IR of the mother, as an extra
requirement, due to that other small litters, have a tendency to greater individual body
development because there is minor competence for the breast milk during nursing.
They must have a Weight Gain on the 90th day, greater to the average of their group of
comparison, which makes of these future stallions, individuals capable of transmitting
to their offspring, the genetic capacity of being better meat producers, measured as body
mass in the less time possible.
When selecting males, taking into account the characters of the mother (high IR and
large litters) we would have the probability that those proper female characteristics
would be transmitted to their daughters.
They must not have any physical defects or diseases at the moment of being assessed.
The weight for the selection of the male players is determined on the 90th day after birth.
Although at the beginning, when we did not have the current genetic material, the farm
produced animals of 2 Kg when they were 120 days old, and as the crossing system was
applied, improvements were observed in the production level. Nowadays, the average
weight has been increased to 2.5 Kg. At the same time, the time of achieving this weight
was diminished to 90 days. Also, we do a follow-up on the weight until they are 120
days old, to have a reference of that age. What is aimed at is to obtain male players
without diminishing the growing rate, close to the 90 days, but to keep that weight long
enough after the date of sacrifice.
In this way, the probability of gaining weight increases up to the 120th day, and will not
diminish close to the date of sacrifice (90 days).
Materials
For the assessment of the application of SC6G, the data of the weights was taken from
the male players on the 90th day from birth, since the previous year to the application of
the system (2010) until 2013. Table 1. In total, 81 male players were assessed in 4
consecutive years.
508
Table 1. Relation of weight of the male players in the time of study. The numbers in BLACK are the
ones with greater weight each year.
Method
In an initial population of 160 female players, 6 groups were added identified with their
respective numbers from 1 to 6; each group according to their identifiable ancestry to
try to keep the most genetic likeness possible within each group, and to obtain in this
way, the greatest genetic distance possible among the groups, to later proceed to the
cross breeding among the groups. Six (6) female genetic groups were then obtained,
formed by approximately 26 females each; the same procedure with the males grouped
also in six (6) groups according to their origins. So, the result was 6 groups of males
formed by 4 males each, for a total of 24 males.
The male players belonging to each group were assigned a number of 3 digits, of which
the first digit corresponds to the Mating Group and the other 2 digits are the
identification of each individual. For example: the male 103 corresponds to Group 1,
and it is the individual 03. The male 602 would be from Group 6 and the individual 02.
And like this with all the other players.
The female players were identified with three digits, assigning the corresponding
number of cage. Also, a number is assigned in every registry with the relative number to
the corresponding mating group to which it belongs to.
Like this, and in an illustrative manner the groups are crossed in a pre-established
sequence and the mating is done in this way:
The males from Group 1 would be crossed with the females from Group 3, and the
result would turn into Group 2. While the females from Group 1 mate with the males
from Group 5, generating Group 6.
The males of Group 2, would be crossed with females of Group 4 and the result would
be Group 3, while the females from Group 2 mate with the males from Group 6,
generating Group 1.
The males from Group 3 would be crossed with the females from Group 5 and the
results would be Group 4, and finally the females from Group 6 mate with the males
from Group 4, generating Group 5.
In this way, the males are the ones that determine to which group its progeny is
destined. Each group of males creates the immediate higher number.
The crossings among each one of the females with the male of the corresponding group,
are totally at random. A female could be crossed with any male of the corresponding
group.
510
Table 2. Mating scheme of 6 groups of breeding rabbits.
Results
The results of the compilation of the data of the obtained weights during the study are
reflected in Table 3. It shows that the increase in weight in the year 2011 is less than the
following years. For that moment, the players were still the product of the breeding
without the application of the SC6G. From the year 2012, the players are the product of
breeding of the SC6G which is where the greater increase in the weight gain can be
observed.
Table 3. Summary of the averages of the male players during the time of study.
Discussion
Based on the obtained results, it can be observed that the increase in weight gain of the
male was of 246 gr. After three years of having applied the SC6G.
If this weight gain is considered in the players to have the same incidence in the total of
young rabbits destined to the slaughterhouse, irrespective of the final weight, all of the
herd must gain weight in approximately 246 gr. at the same age of sacrifice.
In this case, there would be 150 young rabbits by 52 weeks/ year = 7.800 rabbits per
year.
7.800 rabbits by 0, 246 Kg = 1.918 Kg of rabbit in live weight /year.
1.918 Kg per 70% of revenue = 1.342 Kg of rabbit meat of increase from the
application of the SC6G.
Moreover, the increase in the gross income, it can be affirmed that the application of the
SC6G does not imply any type of dispensing of significant money for the structure of
costs of the farm.
However, the SC6G would not be of greater use if there were no clear objectives and
parameters that every commercial exploitation rabbit farm must have. The phenotypic
ranges that are desired the most to consolidate in the herd must be well defined, in order
to advance faster and more firmly.
In this case, it would be the weight gain on the 90th day after birth, as one of the
parameters for the selection of the future players.
512
This system of breeding destined for closed populations is flexible in the sense that
other male players could be incorporated to the herd which might improve some
desirable features in any or in several of the 6 groups, introducing those genes to the
herd.
In Table 1, it is observed that every year, the male players increase. This is because
every time, there is more and more availability of animals of better weight to select
from.
In the broodstock from the year 2012 a greater weight gain is observed in relation to the
previous year, because these are the first product sons of the SC6G, being a
consequence of the greatest heterosis between the breeding of groups the most distant
possible.
Conclusions
Definitely, the application of the SC6G brought as a consequence, an increase in the
weights of the male players, after its application, if it is considered that during the time
of study, there were no feeding changes or different management practices that could
have affected in the weights, trying to keep the environmental conditions the same
during all that time.
Although it is not the objective of this paper, treating the reproductive characteristics of
the female, one can refer to an increase on: number of born rabbits, number of weaned
young rabbits, weaning weight, and interval diminishing between births, and also the
increase of the size and weight of the females in the age for service; understanding that
the SC6G keeps the level of consanguinity to the minimum in the herd, hence the
negative consequences over the production and reproduction.
As any other closed herd, the universe of genes is always the same. What is searched is
the genetic combination which is more beneficial taking into account the productive and
reproductive performance. That is why the Selection System is so important; it is
necessary to choose the desired characteristics of the herd.
The only fact of applying the SC6G does not guarantee the increase in the production.
We have to be capable of selecting the “elite” animals for them to be the next players
and so have the probabilities to improve the index of productivity.
References
Blasco A, Baselga M., Estany J., Cátedra de Fisiogénetica. ETSIA. Universidad politécnica
Camino de Vera, 14. 46002-Valencia.
Petersen J., Vásquez R., 2007. Influencia del rendimiento maternal antes y después del
parto sobre el desarrollo de conejos de engorde. Universidad ISA Rep. Dominicana.
Zamora M., MANEJO EN CUNICULTURA Responsable del área de Cunicultura de la
FESC-UNAM Presidenta de la Asociación Nacional de Cunicultores de México A.C.
Deháquiz J., SISTEMA DE PRODUCCION CUNICOLA 2013. UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL
ABIERTA Y A DISTANCIA ESCUELA DE CIENCIAS AGRICOLAS, PECUARIAS Y DEL
MEDIO AMBIENTE.
514
INCREMENTO DEL PESO EN CONEJOS REPRODUCTORES
MEDIANTE LA APLICACIÓN DE UN SISTEMA DE SELECCIÓN
Y CRUZAMIENTOS EN UNA POBLACIÓN CERRADA
MELÉNDEZ TC
Universidad Pedagógica Experimental Libertador, Instituto Pedagógico Barquisimeto. “Luis
Beltrán Prieto Figueroa”. Avenida José María Vargas con Avenida Las Palmas, Barquisimeto,
Estado Lara, Venezuela.
Introducción
El conejo domestico, Oryctolagus cuniculus, es el “mamífero doméstico de mayor
eficiencia productiva”, siendo una coneja , capaz de producir hasta 1.200 % de su peso
vivo en un año de explotación, con relación al número y peso de sus crías durante ese
tiempo, lo que hace de éste rubro, una definitiva alternativa para la alimentación
humana, en todas partes del mundo y especialmente en Latinoamérica, donde las
actividades agropecuarias están ligadas a las labores del grupo familiar, por la no
existencia de limitantes de género y edad para la asistencia de la cría de conejos,
pudiendo ser atendidos por personas de temprana edad, hasta adultos mayores, ya que
no requiere de un esfuerzo físico notable.
La ausencia de conocimiento técnico especializado, a nivel del productor rural, nos
presenta, un verdadero desafío para la obtención de mejores resultados en cuanto a la
obtención de Kg. de carne en función del tiempo, del espacio físico, y de la población
animal.
La Granja Cunícola Madre Tierra, está ubicada cerca de la ciudad de Barquisimeto,
estado Lara, y cuenta con una tradición de más de 20 años en la cría de conejos; sus
inicios fueron con animales mestizos de las razas California y Nueva Zelanda
principalmente, que no tenían ningún tipo de antecedentes de registros de producción,
como en la mayoría de las granjas en Venezuela, donde la cunicultura es llevada de
manera empírica, en parte, debido a la poca tradición que existe hacia el consumo de la
carne de conejo por la población, aunque últimamente se observa un mantenido
incremento de la demanda de carne de conejo, mayoritariamente a nivel de restaurantes
locales, lo que ha inducido a incorporar técnicas y estrategias de manejo con el objeto
de incrementar la eficiencia de la producción .
Por más de 15 años, la granja estuvo seleccionado reproductores de manera tradicional,
incluyendo la incorporación de animales selectos de otras granja nacionales, hasta
alcanzar un nivel en el que los parámetros productivos de la granja fueron satisfactorios.
Sin embargo, al pasar de los años se observó a partir de ese logro inicial, una especie de
estancamiento o de dificultad de mejorarlos, debido básicamente a la inexistencia de
sementales nacionales de otras granjas que pudieran aportar beneficios genéticos en
cuanto a incremento de los índices productivos y reproductivos.
Los cruces entre los conejos se realizaban, cuidando el origen directo de los hijos, para
no aparearlos con sus familiares inmediatos, sin embargo, no se tenía un control sobre la
consanguinidad que pudiera presentarse en el rebaño.
En éste punto se decidió incorporar asesoría en el área genética y aplicar nuevas
estrategias de manejo en cuanto al sistema de cruzamiento de los animales, con un
nuevo modelo de apareamiento, fundamentado en el sistema de registro de datos, como
base para un estricto programa de selección, en una población cerrada, evitando al
máximo la consanguinidad y sus posibles efectos adversos. Como consecuencia
inmediata, se observó incremento de los índices productivos medidos como Ganancia
de Peso Diario, y Peso a Edad de Matadero, y de los índices reproductivos medidos
como número de gazapos nacidos, gazapos destetados por camada, gazapos acumulados
durante la vida útil reproductiva de cada hembra.
Actualmente la granja cuenta con un plantel de 160 hembras reproductoras y 24 machos
reproductores, que producen un promedio de 150 gazapos semanales con un peso de
2,5 Kg a los 90 días con un rendimiento en canal de 70 % (incluye cabeza y vísceras
rojas), y que luego de tres años de la aplicación de este método, se ha obtenido una serie
de mejoras productivas y reproductivas que serán expuestos en el contenido de este
trabajo.
516
La selección de los reproductores de la granja se hace en base a los siguientes
criterios:
Hembras: se toma en cuenta el número de gazapos nacidos, el número de gazapos
destetados, y el número de Días de Vida Reproductiva (DVR). Es muy importarte la
relación que existe entre el numero de gazapos producidos en función del tiempo,
puesto que de ésta manera se evalúan simultáneamente varios caracteres, como la
prolificidad de cada animal (ovulación múltiple y fecundidad), a través del tamaño de la
camada al nacer, la habilidad materna ( producción de leche y atención de las crías ) a
través del número de gazapos destetados, y la capacidad o eficiencia reproductiva
mantenida en el tiempo ( intervalo entre partos y número de partos ) destinado a la
reproducción .
Para esto, la granja aplica una formula de eficiencia, denominada INDICE
REPRODUCTICO (IR), que es la cantidad de gazapos destetados acumulados por cada
parto, entre los días del intervalo entre el primero y el último parto a ser evaluado de su
vida útil reproductiva, multiplicado por 30 días, para hacer la corrección mensual. Así
tenemos:
Gazapos acumulados
Índice Reproductivo =
----------------------------- x 30
Días acumulados
Si se estima el IR de una coneja que en un año ha presentado 8 partos, y cuenta con 48
gazapos destetados acumulados, tendremos:
48 gazapos destetados
Índice Reproductivo (IR)
= ------------------------------------ x 30
365 días
Índice Reproductivo (IR) =
3,95
gazapos destetados por mes.
Partiendo de esta parámetro, se escogen las conejas con mayor IR , para seleccionar a
sus hijas como las próximas reproductoras del rebaño, y se van descartando la
reproductoras de menor índice, lo que se considera como la causa que ha permitido
observar mejoras significativas en cuanto al número de gazapos nacidos y gazapos
destetados .
Así como también se ha conseguido que las hembras tengan un peso mayor de 3 Kg a
los 120 días, lo que indica que pudieran estar óptimas para el servicio a esa edad. Sin
embargo, se realiza el servicio a los 135 días de edad, para garantizar mayor madurez
fisiológica.
Las hembras no deben presentas defectos físicos, ni patologías al momento de ser
tomadas en cuenta para la selección.
Las heredabilidades con la componente genética materna oscilan en torno a 10 %. La
heredabilidad de la ganancia de peso está entre un 20 y 25 %
Machos: Los candidatos a ser postulados como los próximos reproductores deben
cumplir una serie de requisitos, como lo son:
1.- Deben ser hijos de “buenas madres”, es decir, solamente los hijos de conejas con
Índice Reproductivo (IR) superior al promedio de cada grupo de comparación, lo cual
nos garantiza que puedan transmitir a sus hijas las bondades de prolificidad y de
habilidad materna medidos.
2.- Deben provenir de una camada numerosa, superiores al promedio, para evaluar su
comportamiento individual en las mismas condiciones con otros individuos de la misma
camada, y de otras camadas contemporáneas, desde el nacimiento, independientemente
del IR de la madre,
como requisito adicional, debido a que conejos de camadas
pequeñas, tienen tendencia a mayor desarrollo corporal individual porque hay menor
competencia por la leche materna durante la lactancia.
3.- Deben tener una Ganancia de Peso a 90 días, superiores al promedio de su grupo de
comparación, lo cual hace de estos futuros sementales, unos individuos capaces de
transmitir a su descendencia, la capacidad genética de ser mejores en producción de
carne, medida como masa corporal en el menor tiempo posible.
518
Al seleccionar machos con respecto a características propias de sus madres, (alto IR y
camadas numerosas) tendríamos la probabilidad de que esas características propias
femeninas, se transmitan a sus hijas.
4.- No debe presentar defectos físicos ni enfermedades, en el momento en que es
evaluado.
El peso para la selección de machos reproductores se determina a los 90 días de edad.
Aunque en principio, cuando no se tenía el material genético de la actualidad, la granja
producía animales de 2 Kg de peso con 120 días de edad, y a medida que se aplico el
sistema de cruzamiento, se observaron mejoras en los niveles de producción. En estos
momentos se ha incrementado el peso promedio a 2,5 Kg, a la vez que se ha disminuido
el tiempo en que se consigue, a 90 días. Igualmente, se les hace un seguimiento del
peso, hasta los 120 días, para tener una referencia a esta edad. Lo que se busca es
obtener machos reproductores que no tengan una disminución de la taza del
crecimiento, próxima a los 90 días, sino que la mantengan hasta por días más allá del
peso de sacrificio.
De esta forma aumenta la probabilidad de que la ganancia de peso se proyecte hasta los
120 días, y no decaiga, próxima a la fecha de sacrificio (90 días).
Materiales
Para la evaluación de la aplicación del SC6G, se tomaron los datos de los pesos de los
machos reproductores a los 90 días de edad, desde el año previo a la aplicación del
sistema (2010)
hasta el año 2013. Tabla 1. En total se evaluaron 81 machos
reproductores en 4 años consecutivos.
Cuadro 1. Relación del peso de los machos reproductores en el tiempo de estudio. Los números en
negritas son los de mayor peso de cada año.
Método
En una población inicial de 160 hembras reproductoras, se segregaron 6 grupos
identificados con sus respectivos números del 1 al 6; cada grupo según su ascendencia
identificable para tratar de mantener el mayor parecido genético dentro de cada grupo, y
lograr de ésta manera, la mayor distancia genética entre los distintos grupos, para luego
proceder a los apareamientos cruzados entre grupos. Se obtuvieron así las 6 grupos
genéticos femeninos , compuestos por 26 hembras aproximadamente cada uno,
procediendo igualmente con los machos quienes se segregaron también en 6 grupos, de
acuerdo a su origen y procedencia, quedando así, 6 grupos masculinos conformados por
4 machos cada uno, para un total de 24 machos.
520
A los machos reproductores pertenecientes de cada grupo, se les asigna una numeración
de 3 dígitos, donde el primer dígito corresponde al Grupo de Apareamiento y los otros 2
al número de identificación cada individuo. Por ejemplo el macho numero 103
corresponde al grupo 1, individuo 03. El macho 602, sería del grupo 6, individuo 02. Y
así sucesivamente con todos los demás reproductores.
Las hembras reproductoras se identifican con 3 dígitos asignándose el número de la
jaula que corresponda. Además se la asigna una numeración en cada registro con el
número relativo al grupo correspondiente de apareamiento al cual pertenecen.
Así, y a manera ilustrativa, los grupos se cruzan siguiendo una secuencia pre-establecida
y los apareamientos se realizan de éste modo:
Los machos del grupo 1 se cruzarían con hembras del grupo 3, y el resultado pasaría a
ser el grupo 2. Mientras que las hembras del grupo 1 se aparean con machos del grupo
5, generando el grupo 6.
Los machos del grupo 2, se cruzarían con hembras del grupo 4 y el resultado pasaría a
formar el grupo 3, mientras que las hembras del grupo 2 se aparean con machos del
grupo 6, generando el grupo 1.
Los machos del grupo 3, se cruzarían con hembras del grupo 5 y el resultado pasaría a
formar el grupo 4, y finalmente las hembras del grupo 6 se aparean con machos del
grupo 4, generando el grupo 5.
De esta manera los machos son los que determinan a qué grupo van destinada su
progenie. Cada grupo de machos, da origen al número inmediato superior.
Los cruces entre cada una de la hembras con el macho del grupo correspondiente, son
totalmente al azar. Una hembra se puede cruzar con cualquiera de los machos del grupo
que le corresponda.
Cuadro 2. Esquema de apareamiento de 6 grupos de cruzamiento de conejos reproductores.
Resultados
Los resultados de la recopilación de los datos de los pesos obtenidos durante el estudio
están reflejados en la tabla 3. Allí se observa que el aumento de peso en el año 2011 es
menor que en los años siguientes. Para ese momento, los reproductores todavía eran el
producto de los cruces sin la aplicación del SC6G. A partir del año 2012, los
reproductores son el producto del cruce del SC6G, que es donde se observa mayor
incremento en la ganancia de peso.
Tabla 3. Resumen de los pesos promedios de los machos reproductores durante el tiempo en estudio.
522
Discusión
En base a los resultados obtenidos, podemos observar que el incremento de peso de los
machos reproductores fue de 246 gr luego de tres años de haber aplicado el SC6G.
Si consideramos que este incremento de peso de los reproductores, pueda tener la
misma incidencia en el total de los gazapos destinados a matadero, independientemente
del peso final. Todo el rebaño debería incrementar se peso en aproximadamente 246 gr.
A la misma edad de sacrificio.
En este caso serian 150 gazapos por 52 semana / año = 7.800 gazapos / año
7.800 gazapos por 0,246 Kg = 1.918 Kg de conejo en peso vivo / año.
1.918 Kg por 70 % de rendimiento en canal = 1.342 Kg de carne de conejo de
incremento desde la aplicación del SC6G.
Además del incremento en los ingresos brutos, también podemos afirmar que la
aplicación del SC6G, no implica ningún tipo de erogación de dinero significativo para
la estructura de costos de la granja.
Sin embargo el SC6G no sería de mayor utilidad, si no se tienen bien claros los
objetivos y parámetros que deben tener cualquier explotación Cunícola comercial.
Debemos definir muy bien los rangos fenotípicos que queramos consolidar en el rebaño,
para que el avance sea más rápido y firme.
En este caso sería ganancia de peso a los 90 días de edad, como uno de los parámetros
para la selección de los futuros reproductores.
Este sistema de cruzamiento destinado para poblaciones cerradas es flexible en el
sentido que pudieran incorporarse al rebaño, machos reproductores que vayan a mejorar
alguna característica deseable en cualquiera, o varios de los 6 grupos, introduciendo
esos genes al rebaño.
Se observa en el cuadro 1, que cada año, se incrementa el número de machos
reproductores, esto debido a que cada vez, se dispone de mayor cantidad de animales de
mejor peso a seleccionar.
En los padrotes del año 2012 se observa una mayor ganancia de peso que el año
anterior, debido a que estos son los primeros hijos producto del SC6G, siendo
consecuencia de la mayor heterosis entre el cruce de grupos lo más alejado posible.
Conclusiones
Definitivamente, la aplicación del SC6G trajo como consecuencia, un incremento en
los pesos de los machos reproductores, luego de su aplicación, si se considera que
durante el tiempo de estudio, no se hicieron cambios alimenticios ni prácticas de manejo
diferentes que pudieran haber incidido en los pesos tratando de mantener las
condiciones ambientales iguales durante todo ese tiempo.
Aunque no es el objetivo de este trabajo, tratar las características reproductivas de la
hembra, podemos referir que también se observó un incremento en: numero de gazapos
nacidos, número de gazapos destetados, peso al destete, disminución del intervalo entre
partos, además del aumento de la talla y peso de las hembras a la edad de servicio.
Entendiendo que el SC6G, mantiene en un mínimo el nivel de consanguinidad en el
rebaño, y por ende sus consecuencias negativas sobre la producción y reproducción.
Como cualquier población cerrada, el universo de genes siempre va a ser el mismo. Lo
que se busca es la combinación genética que más nos beneficie en cuanto a rendimiento
productivo y reproductivo. De allí la importancia de un claro entendimiento del Sistema
de Selección que se escoja y las características que queramos acentuar en el rebaño.
El solo hecho de aplicar el SC6G no garantiza el incremento en la producción, debemos
ser capaces de seleccionar los animales “élites” para que sean los próximos
reproductores y así tener más probabilidades de mejorar los índices de productividad.
524
Referencias Bibliográficas
Blasco A, Baselga M., Estany J.,
Cátedra de Fisiogénetica. ETSIA. Universidad
Politécnica Camino de Vera, 14. 46002-Valencia.
Petersen J., Vásquez R., 2007. Influencia del rendimiento maternal antes y después del
parto sobre el desarrollo de conejos de engorde. Universidad ISA Rep. Dominicana.
Zamora M., MANEJO EN CUNICULTURA Responsable del área de Cunicultura de la
FESC-UNAM Presidenta de la Asociación Nacional de Cunicultores de México A.C.
Deháquiz J., SISTEMA DE PRODUCCION CUNICOLA 2013. UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL
ABIERTA Y A DISTANCIA ESCUELA DE CIENCIAS AGRICOLAS, PECUARIAS Y DEL
MEDIO AMBIENTE.
REPRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT OF RABBIT BACKYARD
PRODUCTION IN THE AREA OF VOLCANOES IN THE STATE OF
MEXICO
RIVERA MJ*1, NICOLAS GA1, HERRERA BJ2,
HERNANDEZ RM1, ALMARAZ AR1 AND GONZALEZ SJ1
Reproducción.
Agrícola y Animal.
Abstract
The backyard rabbit production is an activity in which, for easy keeping and relative
small space can provide protein for all the family members. To ensure that here is a
production it must be taken into account the technical aspect such as food, health and
specially the reproduction issues. Objective. The following management study shows
that small-scale breeders performed on their farms in the productive and reproductive
aspects. Methodology. The study was conducted in 10 municipalities in the volcanoes
area of at the Southeast of the Mexican Valley. 55 interviews were carried out to small
producers, using a structured survey. Results. A total of 2910 doe rabbits were located
in the area. The rabbit’s breeds were New Zealand, Hybrid, California and Creole;
28.5%, 27%, 22.6% and 21.8% were reported, respectively. Al most all runs an external
stallion and most uses 4 times per month (41.8%). The annual number of births varies
according to the intensity with which the doe but this data is handled accentuated
between 4 and 6 (66.1%), as reported 7 and 8 births (41.5%). The doe reproductive life
varies from 12 to 24 months; 38.8% cases reported that they use from 12 to 18 months
in 25.6% cases, and 39.6% cases for 24 months. 90% cases reported to give one
services per doe and 4% give two and 6% cases 3 services. None reported deformities in
their kits. Discussion and conclusion. Reproductive management for productions
backyard area of volcanoes in the state of Mexico courage positive data at weaning as
the number of weaned rabbits for the majority of backyard rabbit producers is high.
526
With these data rabbit production for auto-consumption is considered good enough, and
may cover part of the nutritional needs of farm families. Besides the local restaurants
consume most of the rabbit production, which made be consider as an important
touristic corridor at the volcanoes area.
Keywords: volcanoes area, reproduction, backyard production
MANEJO REPRODUCTIVO EN GRANJAS DE TRASPATIO EN EL
ÁREA DE LOS VOLCANES, ESTADO DE MÉXICO
*1RIVERA MJ, 1NICOLAS GA, 2HERRERA BJ,
1
HERNANDEZ RM, 1ALMARAZ AR, 1GONZALEZ SJ
Vicentina,
Delegación Iztapalapa, C.P. 09340, D.F. México. Departamento de Biología de la
Reproducción.
Villa
Quietud, Delegación Coyoacán, C.P. 04960, D.F. México. Departamento de Producción
Agrícola y Animal.
* Autor correspondiente: [email protected]
Resumen
La producción de conejos traspatio es una actividad en la que, para el mantenimiento
fácil y el espacio pequeño en relación puede proporcionar proteína para todos los
miembros de la familia. Para asegurarse de que aquí es una producción debe tenerse en
cuenta el aspecto técnico como especialmente los problemas de reproducción de
alimentación, salud y. Objetivo. El siguiente estudio de gestión muestra que los
criadores a pequeña escala realizadas en sus fincas en los aspectos productivos y
reproductivos. Metodología. El estudio se realizó en 10 municipios de la zona de los
volcanes de al sudeste del Valle de México. 55 entrevistas se realizaron a los pequeños
productores, mediante una encuesta estructurada. Resultados. Un total de 2.910 conejas
se encuentra en la zona. Razas del conejo fueron Nueva Zelanda, híbrido, California y
criolla; Se reportaron 28.5%, 27%, 22,6% y 21,8%, respectivamente. Al más todas
ejecuta un semental externa y la mayoría utiliza 4 veces al mes (41,8%). El número
anual de nacimientos varía en función de la intensidad con que la hembra, pero esos
datos son procesados acentuadas entre 4 y 6 (66,1%), según ha informado 7 y 8
nacimientos (41,5%). La vida reproductiva gama varía de 12 a 24 meses; 38,8% de los
casos informaron que utilizan de 12 a 18 meses en 25,6% de los casos y el 39,6% de los
casos durante 24 meses. 90% de los casos reportados de dar uno de servicios por parto y
4% dan dos y 6% de los casos 3 servicios. Ninguno informó deformidades en sus kits.
Discusión y conclusiones.
528
El manejo reproductivo para producciones zona de los volcanes de corral en el estado de
los datos positivos Mexico coraje al destete como el número de gazapos destetados para
la mayoría de los productores de conejo de traspatio es alta. Con estos datos la
producción de conejos para autoconsumo se considera lo suficientemente bueno, y
puede cubrir parte de las necesidades nutricionales de las familias campesinas.
Además de los restaurantes locales consumen la mayor parte de la producción de
conejos, lo que hizo se considera como un importante corredor turístico de la zona de
los
Palabras clave: Área de los volcanes, reproducción y producción de traspatio
volcanes.
Introduction
From the pre-Hispanic times the local rabbit known as teporingo or volcano rabbit
(Romerolagus diazi) has been an important part of the diet of local people. Since then
the rabbit activity has been significant as part of their agricultural and forest resources
management. The rabbit activity persists as familiar backyard in rural areas and is
orientated for home consumption; some animals are traded at the local market and
among neighbors. During the last years the rabbit activity has been increasing in
technology adapting new and modern systems intensifying the meat production. In spite
of this new technology the large production does not come from the modern systems. A
considerable meat and sub-products come from the backyard systems (Lopez, 1999)
were in most of the cases is carried out in rustic equipments. The domestic rabbit has
great potential of meat producing animal. Rabbits can produce more meat from foragebased diets than can any other type of livestock. Feed conversion ratios‘ of 3-4: 1 can be
obtained with high roughage diets. Rabbits are adaptable to both small and large-scale
production, and may be especially useful in tropical developing countries. Profitability
of commercial rabbit production is currently limited by labour intensive management
techniques, severe disease problems, and inadequate knowledge of nutritional
requirements and nutritional effects on the development of reproductive management.
The rabbit systems must have an adequate supply of both feeding and the reproductive
management. These are two elements that must be very close to having efficient and
productive farms. The paper presents the reproductive management of farms in 10
municipalities of the volcanoes located in the State of Mexico.
Methodology
The study was conducted in 10 municipalities in the volcanoes area of at the Southeast
of the Mexican Valley. 55 interviews were carried out to small producers, using a
structured survey. The survey included open and close questions and social,
technological and economic aspects. Before to run the whole previous exhaustive
fieldwork test was developed. The producers were located visually, recommendation
among producers and by local authorities. The questionnaires were analysed using
frequencies and percentages the information was processed in excel software.
530
Results
The rabbit production reported include traditional backyard and more technical systems,
which satisfied the basic necessities of the family and is oriented for meat production.
97.6 reported private house and 2.3% rent. Rabbit production is mixed with other
domestic species like pigs, sheep, horses and bovine and agricultural and forest
activities. 66.4% of the producers reported combine with agricultural activities, 21.9%
as employer, 9.4% tradesman and 2.3% other occupations. The reported number of
births per year concentrated mostly between 4 and 6 births per year (66.1%) and to a
lesser extent with two to three births (4.2%), however some producers reported 7 and 8
births year (41.5) (Figure 1). The table 1 present that the New Zeland breed is the more
representative with 30.5%, following the hybrid and California with 23.55% and
21.25% but creole rabbits are representative with 16.6%.
Table 1. Number and average of rabbit breed located in the area of Volcanoes
N. Zeland
30.50%
California
23.55%
Hybrid
21.25%
Rex
4.25%
Ornamental
3.85%
Creole
Total
16.60%
100.00%
35
% of producers
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Number of birds per year
Figure 1. Percentage of producers and number of births per doe
The figure 2 present the number of birds per doe, most of rabbit producers 79.3%
weaning between 4 and 5 weeks, and 13.2% weaning at 5 weeks.
50
% of producers
40
30
20
10
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Number of weeks after weaning
Figure 2. Percentage of producers and number of weaning per doe per weeks
According with the local rabbit producers 56.4% believe that has good quality of rabbit
breed and 43.6 do not consider that have good quality of rabbit breed.
532
% de productores
100
80
60
40
20
0
1
2
Number of services per doe
3
Figure 3. Percentage of producer
Discussion and conclusion.
As shown the rabbit production reproductive management of rabbit backyard
production in the area of volcanoes is a productive system, which is clearly adapted to
the social and environment conditions. Rabbit production is an important option among
the folder opportunities of the local people. Apparently the incomes from rabbit activity
are not significant however the agricultural and forest activities which are linked with
the natural resources which are inserting into their life style. In this way producers build
a steady familiar income round the year. As well as producers combine the rabbit
activity with other occupations like employer, taxi driver, peasant, tradesman and
retired. However there is a profitable business for local people because of their location
as part of the ecotourism Popocatepetl and Iztaccíhuatl Park.
A good government program could include advice on areas such as the production of
reproduction, genetic food, facilities, sanitation, primarily but equally is marketing its
products and byproducts. This could be achieved with the diffusion and relevant
information about the rabbit and the existence of these small rabbit producers. In
technology, the production system could be considered as one of serious low-input near
a proposed sustainability. Rabbits generates direct and indirect jobs and is an activity
that generate other needs such as manure compost. As well as Important also should
consider the training courses for the elaboration of sub-products like handcraft, ham and
sausages and compost elaboration.
Acknowledgements
Este trabajo fue llevado a cabo por la “Universidad Autónoma MetropolitanaIztapalapa” y financiada con recursos del Instituto de “Ciencia y Tecnología del Distrito
Federal" 2013.
References
López, M., Losada, H., Sandoval, S., Bennett, R., Arias, L., Rangel, J., Soriano, R., and
Cortés, J. 1999 The influence of urban tourism on backyard agriculture: the rabbit as a
new guest in the southeast of the Metropolitan area of Mexico City. Livestock Research
for Rural Development. 11: 126.132
Rivera J., López M., Losada H., Soriano R., L. Arias, and Cortés J. 2004. Backyard
rabbit production as a sustainability system in the urban and peri-urban area of Mexico
city. 8th world rabbit congress, Puebla Mexico.
534
Chenopodium ambrosioides ADDED TO RABBIT SEMEN DILUENTS
FOR CRYOPRESERVATION
GUADARRAMA VALDES II, VELÁZQUEZ CASTAÑEDA S, GUTIÉRREZ
DEHONOR A, PESCADOR SN, CANO TORRES R, FELIPE-PÉREZ YE*
Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia
Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Campus El Cerrillo, Toluca Estado de México.
C.P. 50200
Abstract
There is a great diversity of cryopreservation diluents for semen of different animal
species.
The most common include different agents that act as cryoprotectors,
antibiotics, and nutrients, which may be used as fuel for sperm energy. The latest
researches have been trying to avoid sperm damage by adding different anti-oxidants.
Many studies have included vegetable extracts from spices, with good results.
Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of 5% aqueous
solution of Chenopodium ambrosioides to the rabbit sperm diluents, on the sperm
viability and plasma membrane response, before and after undergoing cryopreservation.
Semen samples were obtained from 3 sexually active New Zealand males, with an
artificial vagina, semen samples were pooled and routine evaluation was performed in
fresh samples as well as after freezing-thawing. Viability was evaluated by using eosinnigrosin staining; plasma membrane response was evaluated by HOST, from time 0, 30
and 60 min in fresh and frozen-thawed samples. T-test and Paired T-student test were
applied to analyze results. Although, no statistical differences were observed between
diluents with or without the addition of Chenopodium ambrosioides extract (P>0.05),
there was a slight tendency to obtained higher viability (87.16 vs 89.83 fresh and 31.33
vs 32.00 frozen-thawed) and HOST positive response (73.83 vs 78.5 fresh and 18.00 vs
24.66 frozen-thawed) on the samples enriched with the vegetable extracts before and
after cryopreservation of rabbit sperm.
536
In conclusion, the addition of Chenopodium ambrosioides extract should be further
studied, in order to find the best concentration to induce a positive antioxidant effect on
semen rabbit diluents for cryopreservation.
Keywords: rabbit semen cryopreservation, antioxidants, Chenopodium ambrosioides,
viability, sperm plasma membrane response.
Chenopodium ambrosioides ADICIONADO A LOS DILUYENTES PARA
CRIOPRESERVACIÓN DE SEMEN DE CONEJO
GUADARRAMA VALDEZ II, VELÁZQUEZ CASTAÑEDA S,
PESCADOR SN, CANO TORRES R, FELIPE-PÉREZ YE*
Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia
Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Campus El Cerrillo, Toluca Estado de México.
C.P. 50200
Resumen
Existe una gran diversidad de diluyentes para la criopreservación de semen de las
diferentes especies animales. Los más comunes incluyen diferentes agentes que actúan
como crioprotectores, antibióticos y nutrientes, los cuales pueden ser utilizados como
combustible para dar energía al espermatozoide, siendo el objetivo de las
investigaciones más recientes el evitar los daños celulares mediante la inclusión de
diferentes antioxidantes.
En varios experimentos se han incluido extractos vegetales de especias, con buenos
resultados. Por lo que el objetivo del presente fue evaluar el efecto de la adición de
epazote (Chenopodium ambrosioides) al 5% en solución acuosa al diluyente de
congelación de semen de conejo, sobre la viabilidad espermática y la respuesta de la
membrana plasmática, antes y después del proceso de criopreservación. Se obtuvieron
muestras de semen de 3 sementales raza Nueva Zelanda, con el uso de una vagina
artificial, las muestras fueron mezcladas en pool y se realizó la evaluación de rutina en
las muestras obtenidas en fresco, y después de la congelación-descongelación. La
viabilidad se evaluó con la tinción eosina-nigrosina, la respuesta membranal mediante la
prueba hiposmotica HOST, al tiempo 0, 30 y 60 minutos en muestras frescas y
descongeladas. Los resultados se analizaron mediante la prueba T de Student y la Tpareada. A pesar de no haber encontrado diferencias estadísticas significativas entre los
diluyentes con o sin la adición del extracto de epazote (P>0.05), hubo un ligero
incremento en los porcentajes de viabilidad (87.16 vs 89.83 fresco y 31.33 vs 32.00
descongelado) y respuesta positiva a la prueba HOST (73.83 vs 78.5 fresco y 18.00 vs
24.66 descongelado) en las muestras enriquecidas con epazote.
538
En conclusión, el efecto de la adición del extracto de epazote (Chenopodium
ambrosioides) requiere un mayor estudio, para encontrar la mejor concentración, capaz
de inducir un efecto antioxidante positivo en los diluyentes para criopreservación de
semen de conejo.
Palabras clave: criopreservación de semen de conejo, antioxidantes, epazote
(Chenopodium ambrosioides), viabilidad, respuesta membranal espermática.
Introduction
Cryopreservation of rabbit semen has become an important challenge for application in
artificial insemination, since sperm survival and functionality must be maintained in
order to ensure good fertility rates in does that are artificially inseminated. There is a
great diversity of cryopreservation diluents for semen of different animal species, and
the most common diluents include different agents that act in different ways, either as
internal or external cryoprotectants, antibiotics, buffers and nutrients, which may be
used to protect the sperm from the different changes that they undergo through all the
cryopreservation process or could serve as a fuel to provide sperm of an energy source.
During the freezing process, when water temperature decreases, many ice crystals are
formed, excluding the solutes in the media, therefore, sperm cells are exposed either to
the direct contact with the ice crystals or to the hyperosmolarity induced by the solutes,
which in both cases, this exposure will end up by damaging the sperm structures,
mainly the plasma membrane (Holt, 2000).
It has been reported that there is a negative effect of ROS (reactive oxygen species),
which are liberated during freezing and thawing, and the latest researches have been
trying to avoid sperm damage by adding different anti-oxidants to the cryopreservation
diluents. Many studies have included vegetable extracts from spices, with good results
in semen of species as swine and sheep (Malo et al, 2011).
Chenopodium ambrosioides is an aromatic plant of approximately 40 cm high, their
leaves appear to be lancets and have about 4 cm long by 1 cm wide. It has small green
flowers and the seeds are black of about 0.8 mm long, it is commonly named “epazote”
or “paico”. This plant is widely used in the Mexican kitchen for food preparation as a
spice and aromatic plant, as well as in different countries of Latin America (Kumar et
al., 2007; Gómez, 2008). The use of Chenopodium ambrosioides is well known for the
wide variety of medical and anti-oxydant properties (Aksoy et al., 2010, Adejumo et al.,
2011; Tapondjou et al., 2002; Kumar et al., 2007; Jaramillo et al., 2012).
540
The rabbit semen cryoprotectors, which have been used in various studies, have not
been good enough, since they have given low fertility and prolificity rates. Many
protocols have been developed for rabbit semen cryopreservation, and among some of
the factors that could be affecting on the success rate for semen survival are the
following:
the composition of the diluents, the type of cryoprotectors used, the
concentration at which these are been added to the media, the cooling, freezing and
thawing rates, as well as the individual effect among bucks (Iaffaldano, 2012).
The mechanism that causes the sperm damage during cryopreservation is not still well
understood; however, in different species it has been reported that the oxidative stress
that sperm suffers is related to temperature changes, ice crystal formation, the oxidative
damage, plasma membrane alterations and the toxicity of cryoprotectors, plus the
osmotic stress to which sperm are exposed before and after freezing (Aksoy, 2010;
Malo et al., 2011).
Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of 5% aqueous
solution of Chenopodium ambrosioides to the rabbit sperm diluents, on the sperm
viability and plasma membrane response, before and after undergoing cryopreservation.
Semen samples were obtained from 3 sexually active New Zealand males which fertility
had been previously proven. Three semen samples of each buck were obtained with an
artificial vagina, and after doing the routine semen evaluation, the semen samples were
pooled. Viability was performed in fresh samples as well as after freezing-thawing, it
was evaluated by using eosin-nigrosin staining by taking a drop of 60 µl of the stain and
adding a drop of 20 µl of semen sample, after mixing, two smears on glass slides were
prepared for each sample; which were later evaluated under an optic microscope
(Velab). Plasma membrane response was evaluated by HOST, from time 0, 30 and 60
min in fresh and frozen-thawed samples.
Briefly, each sample after mixed with the corresponding diluent, was placed in as
hypoosmotic solution (100mmOsm) prepared with 25mM Sodium citrate and 75mM
Fructose in distilled water and incubated at 37°C in a water bath for 30 min, then a drop
of 20 µl of each sample was placed on a slide, mixed with 4% formaldehyde and
smeared for later evaluation under a phase constrast microscope (Olympus i70X).
After motility and viability evaluation of the fresh samples, 4 aliquotes were made in
order to expose the sperm sample to the control diluent, prepared with Tris-glucosecitric acid and DMSO diluent (Control) plus 0.1M glucose, all ingredients were solved
with bi-distilled water, the rest of the aliquotes were prepared with the same ingredients,
but water was replaced by aqueous solution of Chenopodium ambrosioides at 5%
concentration (weight-volume) (Chenopodium enriched), this diluent was prepared by
chopping the plant leaves and soaking them in distilled water at 50ºC for 3 h. After
cooling at room temperature, the solutions were filtered and added to the control diluent
instead of water.
Statistical analysis
Media comparisons between control and enriched samples were made by T- student
test, while response to cryoresistance of rabbit semen was analyzed before and after
cryopreservation with a Paired T-student test with SigmaPlot 12.5 (Systat Software,
Inc.); graphs were done with Excel for windows.
Viability evaluation was performed in fresh and frozen-thawed samples, which were
incubated at different times: 0, 30 to 60 min at 37°C in a water bath, these results can be
observed in graph 1.
542
Graph 1. Viability percentage of rabbit semen before and after freezing-thawing at different incubation
times.
The Control diluent was made with distilled water. The Chenopodium ambrosioides
enriched diluent contained the previous diluent but distilled water was substituted by
5% of Chenopodium ambrosioides in aqueous solution.
The viability results of rabbit sperm before and after freezing-thawing indicate that there
is a time dependent viability decline. Rabbit sperm viability was drastically affected
after the cryopreservation process. No statistical differences were observed between
treatments (with or without the addition of Chenopodium ambrosioides, however, there
is a slight tendency to obtain better results with the enriched diluents, either in viability
or in plasma membrane response, evaluated by HOST, as can be observed in graph 2.
Graph 2. Positive HOST, time response of rabbit sperm before and after freezing. The Control diluent
was done with distilled water. The Chenopodium ambrosioides enriched diluent contained the previous
diluent but distilled water was susbstituded by 5% of Chenopodium ambrosioides aqueous solution.
When observing the HOST positive response of rabbit sperm, there is a decline in the
plasma membrane response with the incubation time in the fresh samples, in both
treatments, in contrast, when rabbit sperm has undergone cryopreservation, the plasma
membrane response differs, obtaining better results after 30 min of incubation at 37°C,
and after this time a decline of plasma membrane response was also obtained.
Statistical analysis of results of viability and host positive response of rabbit sperm
before and after cryopreservation is shown on table 1.
544
Table 1. Viability and HOST (+) results of rabbit sperm in two different freezing media, before
and after cryopreservation.
Diluents
Control
HOST (+)
Viability
Fresh
Frozen-Thawed
Fresh
Frozen-Thawed
87,16 ± 2,75 a*
31,33 ± 2,3 b**
73,83 ± 9,75 a*
18 ± 3,6 b**
89,83 ± 2,51 a*
32 ± 4,58 b**
78,5 ± 6,87 a*
24,66 ± 7,23 b**
Chenopodium
ambrosioides
enriched
*P > 0.05; ** P < 0.001.
Results show the media ± SD. Different letters indicate statisyical differences within rows and
columns.
Although, no statistical differences were observed between diluents with or without the
addition of Chenopodium ambrosioides extract (P>0.05), neither on viability nor on
sperm plasma membrane response, there was a slight tendency to obtain higher viability
and HOST positive response on samples enriched with the vegetable extract.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the addition of Chenopodium ambrosioides extract should be further
studied, in order to find the best concentration to induce a positive antioxidant effect on
rabbit semen diluents for cryopreservation.
Acknowledgements: This research was supported by PROMEP 103.5/13/6535, Project
653511, FEPYPTC2013, Clave FE09/2013.
References
Adejumo O.E., Owa-Agbanah I.S., Kolapo A.L., Ayoola M.D. (2011):
Phytochemical and antisickling activities of Entandrophragma utile, Chenopodium
ambrosioides and Petiveria alliacea. Journal of Medical Plants Research. Sagamu,
Nigeria. 5(9): 1531-1535.
Aksoy M., Akman O., Lehimcio N., Erdem H. (2010): Cholesterol-loaded
cyclodextrin enhances osmotic tolerance and inhibits the acrosome reaction in rabbit
spermatozoa. Animal Reproduction Science. 120: 166-172.
Ávila-Portillo, Mabel, L., Madero, J.I., López, C., León, M.F., Acosta, L., Gómez,
C., Delgado, L.G., Gómez, C., Lozano, J.M., Reguero, M.T. (2006). Fundamentos
de Criopreservacion. Revista Colombiana de Obstetricia y Ginecología, vol 57,
núm. 4, diciembre, 2006, pp. 291-300.
Castellini C., Lattaioli P. (1999): Effect of number of motile sperms inseminated on
reproductive performance of rabbit does. Animal Reproduction Science. Italy. 57:
111-120.
Ferrian S. (2007): Influencia de las características seminales del eyaculado de
conejo sobre la calidad espermática post-descongelación. Trabajo final de master.
Departamento de ciencia animal. UPV. Valencia, España. p.p 75.
Gómez J.R. (2008): Epazote (Chenopodium ambrosioides) revisión a sus
características morfológicas, actividad farmacológica, y biogénesis de su principal
principio activo, ascaridol. Boletín latinoamericano y del caribe de plantas
medicinales y aromáticas. México DF, México. 7: 3-9.
Iaffaldano N., Di Iorio M., Rosato P. (2012): The cryoprotectant used, its
concentration, and the time are critical for the successful cryopreservation of rabbit.
Theriogenology. Campobasso, Italia. 78:1381-1389.
Jaramillo, B.E., Duarte R,E., Delgado, W. (2012). Bioactivity of essential oil from
Colombian Chenopodium ambrosioides. Rev Cubana Plant Med vol17 no.1 Ciudad
de la Habana ene.-mar. 2012
546
Kumar, R., Kumar M. A., Dubey, N.K., Tripathi, Y.B. (2007). Evaluation of
Chenopodium ambrosioides oil as a potential source of antifungal, antiaflatoxigenic
and antioxidant activity. International Journal of Food Microbiology 115; 159–164.
Malo, C., Gil, L., Cano, R., Martínez, F. y Galé, I. 2011. Antioxidant effect of
rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) on boar epididymal spermatozoa during
cryopreservation. Theriogenology 75: 1735-17
Tapondjou, L.A., Adler, C., Bouda, H., Fontem, D.A. (2002). Efficacy of powder
and essential oil from Chenopodium ambrosioides leaves as post-harvest grain
protectants against six-stored product beetles. Journal of Stored Products Research.
38: 395–402
HISTOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE RABBIT (Oryctolagus
cuniculus) EPIDIDYMIS AND TESTICLES
ZAMORA E JL1*, FELIPE-PÉREZ YE2, VELÁZQUEZ CASTAÑEDA S2,
VALLADARES CB1, FAJARDO M RC1, QUEZADA-BARRERA KCH1,
CANO TR2, PEREZ S L1, DIAZ GBA1
1. Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal
2. Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia,
Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas, CP 50200, Toluca,
México, México.
Abstract
Rabbit is an attractive species for making gonad studies, due to the early development,
compared to bigger mammals, as well as the fact that it is the only mammal species that
has the ability of descending or maintaining testicles within the abdominal cavity or in
the scrotum. The aim of the present study was to provide a histological description of
the rabbit testes and epididymis, which can be useful for the male gonadal studies in
order to compare healthy tissues from damaged ones. A total of thirty testicles from
slaughtered rabbits which ranged from 12 to 18 months of age were obtained and
processed for histopathological studies. Tissue sections of testes, including the
epididymis underwent fixation, dehydration and paraffin blocking, then they were finely
sliced and stained by hematoxylin and eosin. Testicle evaluation of the stained slides
was performed in a light microscope. Pictures of the testicle regions were taken under a
Nikon microscope (iX70) adapted to a photo-camera, images were taken using the
NisElements software. Micro-photographs of various sections of the testicles and
epididymis are shown and described within the text.
Key words: rabbit testicles, epididymis, histology
548
DESCRIPCIÓN HISTOLOGICA DE TESTÍCULO Y EPIDÍDIMO DE
CONEJO (Oryctolagus cuniculus).
ZAMORA E JL1*, FELIPE-PÉREZ YE2, VELÁZQUEZ CASTAÑEDA S2,
VALLADARES CB1, FAJARDO M RC1, QUEZADA-BARRERA KCH1,
CANO TR2, PEREZ S L1, DIAZ GBA1
2. Departamento de Reproducción Animal. Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción.
Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Campus “El Cerrillo”. Universidad Autónoma
del Estado de México. El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas, CP 50200, Toluca, México, México.
Resumen
El objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue describir la morfología histológica de testículo y
epidídimo de conejo para lo cual utilizamos 5 conejos (Oryctolagus cuniculus), machos
y sexualmente maduros, obtenidos de la unidad de producción cunícola de la Facultad
de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia de la Universidad Autónoma de Estado de México.
A los cortes histológicos se les realizó la tinción de Hematoxilina y Eosina. Los
testículos se hallan envueltos en el escroto, rodeados por una capsula de tejido conectivo
denso irregular, la túnica albugínea. Cubriendo la albugínea se encuentra la capa
visceral de la túnica vaginal, que consta de un mesotorio que se apoya en una capa
conectiva que se fusiona con la túnica albugínea. Desde la albugínea parten tabiques de
tejido conectivo que profundizan en el parénquima testicular dividiéndolo en forma
parcial o completa en lobulillos, cada lobulillo está formado por cuatro a seis túbulos
seminíferos los cuales están delimitados por tejido conectivo laxo poco manifiesto. En
el centro del testículo los tabiques se fusionan con el tejido conectivo laxo del
mediastino testicular. Los lobulillos testiculares están ocupados por los túbulos
seminíferos, revestidos por un epitelio estratificado de células espermatogénicas y
células de Sertoli. El tejido conectivo que separa los túbulos seminíferos contiene
células poliédricas productoras de testosterona, las células intersticiales o de Leydig y se
reconocen por su núcleo esférico y su citoplasma acidofilo, a menudo espumoso.
El epidídimo, es un cuerpo tubular superpuesto al testículo sobre su borde extremo (Fig.
11), es el lugar en donde los espermatozoides adquieren su capacidad fecundante, en el
conejo revela tres zonas continuas correspondientes a cabeza, cuerpo y cola. El epitelio
es pseudoestratificado cilíndrico simple, disminuyendo en altura hacia la cola midiendo
aproximadamente la mitad que en la cabeza.
Palabras clave: histología, testículo, epidídimo.
550
Introduction
The gonadal elements of male rabbits are the testes, which are the organs responsible
for sperm production as well as the male hormones or androgens secretion. The testes
are enveloped within the scrotum surrounded by a dense irregular connective tissue, the
albugineous tunic. Covering such a tunic is a fold of the peritoneum, the visceral fold of
the vaginal tunic, which has a mesothelium which is supported in a connective tissue
layer that fuses with the albugineous tunic.
Objective
The present study aimed to show a description of the normal rabbit testes architecture,
so that it could be used as an aid to distinguish altered from damaged testicle tissue on
rabbits that must be discharged from the rabbit farm due to reproductive problems,
involving sperm production.
Methodology
A total of thirty testicles from slaughtered rabbits which ranged from 12 to 18 months of
age were extracted and obtained at slaughter house, testicles were debridated from
adipose tissue and kept in saline solution (9%NaCl), testicles were taken to the
laboratory and were inmmediately processed for histopathological studies. Various
tissue sections of the testes were performed, including the epididymis, and later
underwent fixation, dehydration and paraffin blocking, then they were finely sliced and
stained by using hematoxylin and eosin routine staining technique. Testicle evaluation
of the stained slides was performed in a light microscope. Pictures of the testicle
regions were taken under a Nikon microscope (iX70) adapted to a photo-camera,
images were taken using the NisElements software.
Histological description of the rabbit testicles
The connective tissue septum originates in the albugineous tunic and enters the
testicular parenchyma, with the effect of partially or fully dividing it into lobules (Fig.
1).
Figure 1. Rabbit testicle connective tissue and parenchyma.
Each lobule is formed by four to six seminiferous tubules that are delimited by slightly
manifest areolar connective tissue (Fig. 2).
552
Figure 2. Rabbit seminiferous tubules.
At the center of the testicle is the septum fused with the areolar connective tissue of the
testicular mediastinum (Fig. 3).
Figure 3. Center of the rabbit testicle.
Testicular lobules contain the seminiferous tubules covered by stratified epithelium of
spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells (Fig. 4).
Figure 4. Rabbit testicular lobules.
Spermatogenic cells form spermatozoids. Spermatogonia are the most immature cells of
the germ line and can be found in the basal membrane. These are small, oval or
spherical cells that have the chromatin of their nuclei with varying degrees of
condensation. Spermatogonia divide by mitosis to produce primary spermatocytes
which are larger cells that carry out the first meiotic division. As a result of the latter,
small secondary spermatocytes are produced and these are rarely visible in tissue
preparations as they carry out the second mitotic division very quickly producing
spermatids (Fig. 5).
Figure 5. Secondary spermatocytes formed in the rabbit testicles.
Late-stage spermatids have small nuclei that are oval or elongated and dark, and have
long tails which project into the lumen (Fig. 6).
554
Fig. 6. Rabbit spermatids in late stage.
When spermatids are released in this stage into the tubule lumen they are known as
spermatozoids (Fig. 7).
Figure 7. Lumen of the Sertoli cells of Rabbit testicles. It can be seen the sperm
being released in the spermiation process.
Cells of the spermatic line are not necessarily identical within all seminiferous tubules
or among different segments of the same tubule. There are various combinations of cells
at certain stages of spermatogenesis that are always associated among themselves. Each
cell association occupies a specific segment within the seminiferous tubule.
In this manner, a transverse cut of a tubule reveals only one of such cell associations,
while proximal or distal segments of the same tubule have totally different associations.
Sertoli cells are found in lesser numbers than germinal cells. These have prominent pale
nuclei that are oval or triangular with frequent cleavages. The ample cytoplasm extends
from the basal membrane up to the luminal edge but the lateral limits become poorly
visible in conventional preparations. The plasmatic membrane of the lateral and vaginal
edges invaginate to form cavities where differentiating germinal cells are located.
Outside the basal membrane of the seminiferous tubule there are flat cells known as
myoid cells (Fig. 8 and 9).
Figure 8. Rabbit seminiferous tubules.
556
Figure 9. Myoid cells outside the basal membrane of rabbit testicles.
The connective tissue that separates the seminiferous tubules contains polyhedral cells
that produce testosterone, the interstitial or Leydig cells (Fig. 10 and 11), which are
recognized by their spherical nuclei and acidophilic cytoplasm that is commonly seen as
foamy.
Figure 10. Connective tissue and seminiferous tubules of rabbit testicles.
Figure 11. Instersticial or Leydig cell of rabbit testicles
The quantity of germinal cells decreases towards the end segment of the seminiferous
tubules, while the Sertoli cells increase. There is a transition region or segment that is
lined exclusively by Sertoli cells, which joins the seminiferous tubule to the straight
tubule. Straight tubules can be lined by simple flat, cubic or columnar epithelium and
they end at a network of anatomical canals known as rete testis. The rete is lined by a
simple flat or cubic epithelium. The canals are embedded within the areolar connective
tissue of the testicular mediastinum.
The efferent ducts originate from the rete testis, go through the albuginous tunic and
enter the head of the epididymis to form the epididymis duct. The efferent ducts have a
simple or pseudostratified columnar epithelium with some ciliated cells.
Histological description of the rabbit epididymis
The epididymis is a tubular body on top of the testicle at its outer edge (Fig 12), it is the
place where spermatozoids acquire their fertilizing capacity. In the rabbit there are three
continuous areas that correspond to the head, body and tail.
558
Figure 12. Outer edge of the rabbit epididymis.
A capsule of moderately vascularized regular dense connective tissue was observed,
which corresponds to the albugineous tunic of the organ (Fig 13).
Figure 13. Albugineous tunic of the rabbit testicle.
The albuginous tunic projects as septa consisting of collagen and elastic fibers among
histologically separate areas: the head, body and tail (Fig. 14).
.
Figure 14. Albugineous tunic separating the different regions of the rabbit epididymis.
The epididymis duct follows a highly tortuous path and its structure varies along the
various levels of the epididymis. The epithelium that lines the duct is pseudostratified
columnar with stereocillia that reaches its highest height at the level of the epididymis
head (Fig. 15) decreasing towards the tail (Fig. 16).
The duct is surrounded by a layer of smooth muscle cells that is thin at the level of the
head and body of the epididymis and becomes thick at the level of the tail (Fig. 15 y
16).
560
Figure 15. Rabbit epididymis head.
Figure 16. Rabbit epididymis body.
Conclussion
Histology studies of the testis of normal rabbits is a useful tool for determining different
tissue affections in damaged testicles, which can be found in reproductive males that
star to decrease their reproductive parameters, and various agents could be altering the
normal testicle function, which can be reflected by the alteration of the normal cell
architecture.
References
Arrayago M.J., Bea A. 1986: Atlas de citología e histología del aparato reproductor
masculino de los anfibios y reptiles del país vasco. 20-61.
Bacha W.J., Wood L.M. 1991: Atlas color de histología veterinaria. Ed. Intermédica.
189-198.
Parra R., Del Sol M. 2002: Estudios histológicos e histoquímicos del epidídimo del
conejo (Oryctolagus cuniculus), Rev. Chil. Anat., 20 (3): 269-274.
Sánchez
M.B.,
1994:
Evolución
testicular
felina,
estudio
histológico,
inmunohistoquímico y ultraestructural. Departamento de patología animal, Facultad de
Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid. 106-165.
Sociedad Mexicana de Histología AC. Memorias del XXVIII Congreso nacional de
histología. Memorias 2004. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa. 41-50.
562
PIOMETRA INFECTION: FINDINGS IN RABBITS
QUEZADA BARRERA KC1, ZAMORA E JL1*, VELÁZQUEZ CASTAÑEDA S2,
CANO-TORRES R2, FELIPE-PÉREZ YE2*
Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Campus “El Cerrillo”. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México.
Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia.Campus “El Cerrillo”. Universidad Autónoma del
Estado de México. El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas, CP 50200, Toluca, Estado de México, México.
*Corresponding authors: [email protected] [email protected]
Abstract
Rabbit production in our country has been growing during the last years, as well as the
health risks of rabbits that greatly affect the profits, since it causes important loses.
Among some of the most important health problems in the rabbit farm, are the cases of
infertility in does. Various situations such as having a high charge of parasites, subclinical infections transmitted by the male during copulation, likewise the high and low
drastic temperature changes, among others, can be the cause of reproductive problems.
Therefore, many does must be discarded from the reproductive programs. In the present
study, we report a case of one doe of 18 months of age, with a good reproductive
record; however, it was discarded from the reproductive program, since it received
many services in the last two months, in addition it presented problems of mastitis, and
therefore it could not become pregnant. In the present case, pyometra was detected after
sacrificing the doe. A histopathological study was conducted on the different regions of
the reproductive organ. Evaluation of the reproductive tissue damages was performed
by using the Eosin-Hematoxylin staining. Among some of the findings observed were
inflammation in all the uteral tissue, and the presence of various embryos in different
phases of destruction by the micro-organisms found in the abundant uterine exudate.
Key words: infertility, pyometra, doe, embryo
564
INFECCIÓN POR PIOMETRA: HALLAZGOS EN LA CONEJA
1
QUEZADA BARRERA KC, ZAMORA E JL1 2*, VELÁZQUEZ CASTAÑEDA S,
2
CANO TORRES R, 2FELIPE-PÉREZ YE*
Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México.
El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas, CP 50200, Toluca, Estado de México, México.
*Corresponding authors: [email protected] [email protected]
Resumen
La producción cunícola en nuestro país ha ido creciendo en los últimos años, así como
los riesgos para la salud de los conejos que afectan en gran medida las ganancias de la
cunicultura, ya que ocasionan importantes pérdidas económicas. Entre algunos de los
problemas de salud más importantes en la granja de conejos, se encuentran los casos de
infertilidad. Varias situaciones tales como tener una alta carga de parásitos, infecciones
subclínicas de transmisión sexual por el macho durante la cópula, del mismo modo los
cambios altas y bajas temperaturas drásticas, entre otros, pueden ser la causa de
problemas reproductivos. Por lo tanto, muchos animales deben ser desechados de los
programas reproductivos. En el presente estudio, se presenta un caso de una hembra de
18 meses de edad, con un buen historial reproductivo; sin embargo, se descartó del
programa reproductivo, ya que recibió varios servicios en los últimos dos meses,
además de que presenta problemas de mastitis, y por lo tanto no podía quedar gestante.
La piometra abierta se detectó después de sacrificar a la coneja. Un estudio
histopatológico se llevó a cabo en las diferentes regiones del órgano reproductor. La
evaluación de los daños de tejidos reproductivos se realizó mediante el uso de la tinción
de eosina-hematoxilina. Entre algunos de los resultados encontrados se observó
inflamación en todas las regiones del útero y la presencia de varios embriones en
diferentes fases de destrucción por los microorganismos que se encontraron en el
abundante exudado uterino.
Palabras clave: infertilidad, piometra, coneja, embrión
ABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND FOR PREGNANCY DIAGNOSIS IN
RABBITS: IS IT AN INTERESTING ALTERNATIVE?
KASSY GS*, UBIRAJARA IT, SAULO HW, LUIZ FCG
Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Rodovia BR 376 - Km 14
Bairro Costeira, São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, Brazil
Abstract
Introduction: An early pregnancy diagnosis is one of the important factors to improve
productivity in a rabbit production. The most common method is abdominal palpation,
but some experience is required to achieve a good success rate. Ultrasonography is used
as a tool for pregnancy diagnosis in many animals, including rabbits. But there is not a
study of success rate of pregnancy diagnosis in this species. The aim of this study was
to determine the rate of success in diagnosis of pregnancy in rabbit does using real time
ultrasound scanner. Methodology: Twenty sexually mature female rabbits of New
Zeland White, California and Chinchila breeds were randomly allotted to two groups
(10 rabbits/group, one rabbit/ cage). Rabbits in the group I were the control group (nonpregnant), and the Group II was composed of pregnant does. All females of group II
were mated with sexually active bucks and the day of mating was considered as the Day
0 of pregnancy. This study was performed at 7-days intervals, from Day 7 after mating
until Day 28 of pregnancy. All animals were scanned using a linear probe of 5.0 MHz
attached to a Piemedical Medley DP 3200 real time scanner. The abdominal ventral
region of each rabbit was shaved and ultrasound gel was used to perform the exam. The
ultrasound scans were performed randomly by the same operator, who did not know the
group of origin of each female, with the animals maintained in lateral recumbent
position. We standardized the identification of two structural embryos per doe to
consider it pregnant.
566
Results: At 7 days of pregnancy the failure rate was 35% because some difficulties to
discern embryonic vesicles from other abdominal structures were found. On 14th, 21st
and 28th days the success rates were 100%, being possible to visualize the pregnancy
existence easily. Conclusion: Abdominal ultrasonography is an efficient alternative for
pregnancy diagnosis in does after the 14th day of pregnancy.
Key words: ultrasonography, female rabbit, success rate.
ULTRASONIDO ABDOMINAL PARA DIAGNÓSICO DE GESTACIÓN
EN CONEJOS: ¿ES UNA ALTERNATIVA INTERESANTE?
KASSY GS*, UBIRAJARA IT, SAULO HW, LUIZ FCG
Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Rodovia BR 376 - Km 14
Bairro Costeira, São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, Brazil
Resumen
Introducción: El diagnóstico de gestación precoz es uno de los factores importantes para
mejorar la productividad en una producción de conejos. El método más común es la
palpación abdominal, pero se requiere experiencia para lograr una buena tasa de éxito.
La ecografía se utiliza como una herramienta para el diagnóstico de gestación en
muchos animales, incluyendo conejos. Pero no hay un estudio de la tasa de éxito del
diagnóstico de gestación en esta especie. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la
tasa de éxito del diagnóstico de la gestación en conejas, utilizando escáner de
ultrasonido en tiempo real. Metodología: Veinte conejas sexualmente maduras de razas
Nueva Zelanda Blanco, California y Chinchila fueron asignadas al azar a dos grupos (10
conejos/grupo, 1 conejo/ jaula). Conejas en el grupo I fueron el grupo control (no
gestantes), y el Grupo II se componía de hembras gestantes. Todas las hembras del
grupo II se aparearon con machos sexualmente activos y el día de apareamiento se
consideró como el día 0 de gestación. Este estudio se realizó a intervalos de 7 días, a
partir del día 7 después del apareamiento hasta el día 28 de la gestación. Todos los
animales fueron escaneados utilizando una sonda lineal de 5,0 MHz conectados a un
escáner en tiempo real Piemedical Medley DP 3200. La región ventral abdominal de
cada coneja se afeitó y se utilizó gel de ultrasonido para realizar el examen. Las
ecografías se realizaron al azar por el mismo operador, que no conocía el grupo de
origen de cada hembra, con los animales mantenidos en posición de decúbito lateral. Se
estandarizó la identificación de dos embriones estructurales por hembra para
considerarla gestante.
568
Resultados: A los 7 días de gestación la tasa de fracaso fue del 35% debido a algunas
dificultades para discernir vesículas embrionarias de otras estructuras abdominales. A
los días 14, 21 y 28 las tasas de éxito fueron de 100%, siendo posible visualizar la
existencia de embarazo fácilmente. Conclusión: La ecografía abdominal es una
alternativa eficiente para el diagnóstico de gestación en conejas después del día 14 de la
gestación.
Palabras clave: ecografía, coneja, tasa de éxito.
REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS OF RABBITS UNDER TROPICAL
CONDITIONS: CASE TUXTEPEC, OAXACA
1
TREJO A*, 2RAMIREZ S, 2ANTONIO CM,
3
MEZA VM
1. Universidad del Papaloapan, Laboratorio de Reproducción Animal Asistida, Av. Ferrocarril
s/n, sin colonia, CP 68400, Loma Bonita, Oaxaca. México.
2. Universidad del Papaloapan, Laboratorio de Nutrición Animal, Av. Ferrocarril s/n, sin
colonia, CP 68400, Loma Bonita, Oaxaca. México.
3. Universidad del Papaloapan, Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Circuito Central No. 200, Col.
Parque Industrial, CP 68301. Tuxtepec, Oaxaca. México.
*Corresponding Author: [email protected]
Abstract
In Mexico, rabbit production is located mainly in the states with an average annual
temperature of 20°C. The optimum temperature for the normal development of the
rabbits is between 18 and 20°C. Rabbits are very sensitive to high temperatures seeing
decreased production and reproduction. Rabbit production under tropical conditions
emerges as an alternative due to the ability of this species to consume forages. In
Mexico, the knowledge about the reproduction of rabbits under tropical conditions is
scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive parameters of two farms
of rabbit producers located in the region of Tuxtepec, Oaxaca. Data of 40 (farm A) and
35 females (farm B) was analyzed. Data of 183 births (farm A) and 158 (farm B)
recorded during two years was analyzed. Data was analyzed by two-way analysis of
variance (ANOVA) using the SAS program. Means were compared for significant
difference (p<0.05). Non-significant difference on fertility rate between both farms was
found (71.3 vs 68.5%), births during autumn and winter were different (p<0.05)
between both farms (38.7 vs 41.9%), there was no-significant difference in litter size
between both farms (7.35 vs 6.6) and significant differences were found (p<0.05) on
kits sex ratio (56.14 and 54.94% females, respectively). In comparison, results obtained
under non-tropical conditions from fertility rate, litter size, births and females kits (sex
ratio) are 87%, 7.60 and 41.7, respectively. We conclude that under tropical conditions
the reproductive parameters of rabbits are altered, such as fertility and female kit ratio.
Keywords: rabbit reproductive parameters, tropical conditions, litter size, fertility, sex
ratio
570
PARAMETROS REPRODUCTIVOS DE CONEJOS BAJO
CONDICIONES TROPICALES: CASO DE TUXTEPEC, OAXACA
1
TREJO A*, 2RAMIREZ S, 2ANTONIO CM,
3
MEZA VM
1. Universidad del Papaloapan, Laboratorio de Reproducción Animal Asistida, Av. Ferrocarril
s/n, sin colonia, CP 68400, Loma Bonita, Oaxaca. México.
2. Universidad del Papaloapan, Laboratorio de Nutrición Animal, Av. Ferrocarril s/n, sin
colonia, CP 68400, Loma Bonita, Oaxaca. México.
3. Universidad del Papaloapan, Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Circuito Central No. 200, Col.
Parque Industrial, CP 68301. Tuxtepec, Oaxaca. México.
* Author correspondiente: [email protected]
Resumen
En México, la producción de conejos está localizada principalmente en los Estados con
una temperatura anual promedio de 20 °C. La temperatura óptima para el desarrollo
normal de los conejos es entre 18 y 20 °C. Los conejos son muy sensibles a altas
temperaturas viéndose disminuida su reproducción y producción. La producción de
conejos bajo condiciones tropicales surge como una alternativa debido a la habilidad de
esta especie para consumir forrajes. En México, el conocimiento acerca de la
reproducción de conejos bajo condiciones tropicales es escaso. El objetivo de este
trabajo fue evaluar los parámetros reproductivos de dos granjas productoras de conejos
localizadas en la región de Tuxtepec, Oaxaca. Datos de 40 (granja A) y 35 hembras
(granja B) fueron analizados. Datos registrados de 183 nacimientos (granja A) y 158
(granja B) durante dos años fueron analizados. Los datos fueron analizados a través de
un análisis de varianza de dos vías (ANOVA) usando el programa SAS. Promedios
fueron comparados por diferencia significativa (p<0.05). Diferencias no significativas
en la tasa de fertilidad entre ambas granjas fueron encontradas (71.3 vs 68.5%),
nacimientos durante otoño e invierno fueron diferentes (p<0.05) entre ambas granjas
(38.7 vs 41.9%), hay diferencias no significativas en el tamaño de la camada entre
ambas granjas (7.35 vs 6.6) y diferencias significativas (p<0.05) fueron encontradas en
la proporción de sexos de las crías (56.14 y 54.94% hembras, respectivamente).
En comparación, resultados obtenidos bajo condiciones no tropicales de la tasa de
fertilidad, tamaño de la camada, nacimientos y crías hembras (proporción de sexos) son
87%, 7.6 y 41.7, respectivamente. Concluimos que bajo condiciones tropicales los
parámetros reproductivos de los conejos son alterados, tales como fertilidad y
proporción de crías hembras.
Palabras clave: parámetros reproductivos conejos, condiciones tropicales, tamaño de la
camada, proporción de sexos.
572
COMPARISON OF RABBIT SPERM VIABILITY EVALUATION
USING EOSIN- NIGROSIN AND TRIPLE- STAINING
FELIPE PEREZ YE*, SOTO MARQUEZ V, CASTAÑEDA VELASQUEZ S,
GUADARRAMA VALDES II, CANO TORRES R, PESCADOR-SALAS N
Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción. Facultad
de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Campus “El Cerrillo” Universidad Autónoma del Estado
de México. El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas, Toluca Edo de México. CP. 50200.
Abstract
Semen evaluation is a very important duty in any reproduction program. Different
viability techniques are available for many species; however, not all can be applied to
some species, since the phospholipid and protein composition of the sperm plasma
membranes differ, allowing to obtained different patterns to evaluate and distinguish
live from dead sperm, as well as the acrosome integrity. Viability is mostly important
to evaluate when sperm is preserved for artificial insemination. Therefore, the aim of
the present study was to compare rabbit sperm viability using two different staining
techniques. Semen from 3 reproductive active New Zealand rabbits was obtained and
pooled. Right after obtaining the fresh semen samples, evaluation of viability was
performed before and after dilution in a freezing diluent, right after the cooling period
of one hour at 4°C, by staining the samples with eosin-nigrosin, as well as triplestaining. After the eosin-nigrosin, slides were evaluated under an optic microscope
(VELAB, VE-V1), incubation with 20%-giemsa was performed, and a new evaluation
of the slide was done under a phase constrast microscope (Olympus, IX70). Countings
of 100 sperm-cells was performed twice by each slide. Our results differed between
techniques, while evaluating with eosin-nigrosin, viability was higher for all samples
(P<0.05), when evaluation was done with the triple staining, viability results decreased
drastically (80 to 40%, P<0.05).
574
Therefore, no concordance on the viability results was found between both staining
techniques. In the present study, evaluation of viability and acrosomal status using
triple staining for rabbit sperm was very difficult, since patterns were not clear to
differentiate live from dead sperm, neither the presence of the acrosomal vesicle. In
conclusion, the triple staining technique used in the present study was not appropriate
for evaluation of rabbit semen; therefore, it is necessary to continue research in
formulation of stainings that give better patterns to distinguish live sperm and
acrosomal status of the sperm.
Keywords: rabbit sperm viability, eosin-nigrosin, triple-staining, semen preservation.
Acknowledgements: This research was supported by PROMEP 103.5/13/6535,
Project 653511, FEPYPTC2013, Clave FE09/2013.
COMPARACIÓN DE LA EVALUACIÓN DE LA VIABILIDAD
ESPERMATICA DEL CONEJO USANDO EOSINA-NIGROSINA Y LA
TRIPLE TINCIÓN
FELIPE PEREZ YE*, SOTO MARQUEZ V, CASTAÑEDA VELASQUEZ S,
GUADARRAMA VALDES II, CANO TORRES R, PESCADOR-SALAS N
Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción. Facultad
de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Campus “El Cerrillo” Universidad Autónoma del Estado
de México. El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas, Toluca Edo de México. CP. 50200.
Resumen
La evaluación del semen es una tarea muy importante en cualquier programa de
reproducción. Diferentes técnicas de viabilidad están disponibles para muchas especies;
sin embargo, no todos se pueden aplicar a algunas especies, ya que la composición de
fosfolípidos y proteínas de las membranas plasmáticas de los espermatozoides difieren,
lo que permite obtener diferentes patrones para evaluar y distinguir desde
espermatozoides vivos y muertos, hasta la integridad del acrosoma. Es importante
evaluar la viabilidad, especialmente cuando el esperma se conserva para la inseminación
artificial. Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar la viabilidad de los
espermatozoides de conejo utilizando dos técnicas de tinción diferentes. El semen se
obtuvo a partir de 3 conejos reproductivamente activos de la raza Nueva Zelanda y se
mezclaron en pool. Justo después de la obtención de las muestras de semen fresco, se
realizó la evaluación de la viabilidad antes y después de la dilución en un diluyente de
congelación, después del período de enfriamiento por una hora a 4 ° C, mediante la
tinción de las muestras con eosina-nigrosina, así como de triple tinción. Después de
realizar los frotis con eosina-nigrosina fueron evaluados bajo un microscopio óptico
(VELAB, VE-V1), se realizó la incubación con giemsa al 20%, y una nueva evaluación
del frotis se realizó bajo un microscopio de contraste de fase (Olympus, IX70). Se
contaron 100 células espermáticas por duplicado en cada laminilla. Nuestros resultados
difieren entre las técnicas, mientras que en la evaluación con eosina-nigrosina, la
viabilidad fue mayor para todas las muestras (P <0,05), cuando la evaluación se llevó a
cabo con la triple tinción, los resultados de viabilidad disminuyeron drásticamente ( del
80 al 40%; P <0,05).
576
Por lo tanto, no hay concordancia entre los resultados de viabilidad encontrados en las
dos técnicas de tinción. En el presente estudio, la evaluación de la viabilidad y el estado
acrosomal utilizando triple tinción para los espermatozoides de conejo fue muy difícil,
ya que los patrones no estaban claros para diferenciar entre los espermatozoides vivos
de los
muertos, tampoco pudo distinguirse la presencia de la vesícula acrosomal. En
conclusión, la técnica de triple tinción utilizada en el presente estudio no fue apropiada
para la evaluación del semen de conejo, por lo tanto, es necesario seguir investigando
acerca de la formulación de las tinciones que permitan visualizar mejor los patrones de
viabilidad y estado acrosomal del espermatozoide.
Palabras clave: viabilidad espermática de conejo, eosina-nigrosina, triple tinción,
congelación espermática.
Agradecimientos: El presente estudio fue financiado por PROMEP 103.5/13/6535,
Proyecto 653511, FEPYPTC2013, Clave FE09/2013.
RABBIT TESTICULAR AND INGUINAL CHANNEL SAC
MORPHOMETRIC FINDINGS
FELIPE-PÉREZ YE*, CASTAÑEDA VELÁZQUEZ S,
CANO TORRES R, PESCADOR SN
Departamento de Reproduccción Animal, Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción.
Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Campus “El Cerrillo”. Universidad
Autónoma del Estado de México. El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas. Toluca, Estado de México.
C.P. 50200.
Abstract
Male rabbits must be selected for reproduction replacements in the rabbit farm,
however, sometimes testicles do not descend into the scrotum at 2 months of age,
due to various genetic factors. The aim of this study was to observe the inguinal
channel structures in young rabbits to see how they were arranged in the normal
descended testes of rabbits. A total of 30 New Zealand male rabbits of 70 days of
age were weighted before slathered and both test testicles were obtained. Using a
Bernier scale both testicles were measured, identifying left and right, as well as the
different regions of the epididymis and inguinal channel was explored. Results
obtained were as follows: the living body weight media: 2,184±5.5 gm, total size of
both testicles: 5.5±0.79 cm. We found a low correlation (0.38, P<0.05) between
body weight
and testicular development of rabbits at 70 days of age. About the
inguinal channel sac, a soft connective tissue that maintains the testicles together
inside abdominal cavity was observed in all samples, testicles are enveloped by their
various tunics, however, the outermost muscular sheet has the ability to surround the
testicles and unfold like a sock when they descend into the scrotum and it is three
times longer than the testicle length.
578
In conclusion, in young rabbits, previous to reaching puberty, there is not a marked
correlation between testicular development and living body weight; however, this
parameter could be useful in order to select males as buck replacements.
Furthermost, inguinal channel sac must be well developed in order to function
actively to allow the testicles to descend into the scrotum and to get back into the
abdominal cavity.
Key words: New Zealand rabbits, testicular morphometry, inguinal channel, male
replacements.
Acknowledgements: This research was supported by PROMEP 103.5/13/6535,
Project 653511, FEPYPTC2013, Clave FE09/2013.
HALLAZGOS MORFOMÉTRICOS TESTICULARES Y
DEL SACO DEL CANAL INGUINAL DEL CONEJO
FELIPE-PÉREZ YE*, CASTAÑEDA VELÁZQUEZ S,
CANO TORRES R, PESCADOR SN
Departamento de Reproduccción Animal, Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción.
Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Campus “El Cerrillo”. Universidad
Autónoma del Estado de México. El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas. Toluca, Estado de México.
C.P. 50200.
Resumen
Los conejos machos deben ser seleccionados sustituir a los reemplazos en la granja de
conejos, sin embargo, a veces los testículos no descienden al escroto a los 2 meses de
edad, debido a diversos factores genéticos. Los objetivos del presente estudio fueron
obtener las mediciones morfológicas de los testículos normales descendidos y de las
estructuras del canal inguinal en conejos jóvenes. Un total de 30 conejos machos Nueva
Zelanda de 70 días de edad se pesaron antes del sacrificio y se obtuvieron los dos
testículos. Utilizando una escala de Bernier se midieron ambos testículos, identificando
el testículo izquierdo y derecho, así como las diferentes regiones del epidídimo y el
canal inguinal fue explorado. Los resultados obtenidos fueron los siguientes: el peso
corporal: 2.184 ± 5.5 g, el tamaño total de ambos testículos: 5,5 ± 0,79 cm. Se encontró
una correlación baja (0,38, P <0,05) entre el peso corporal y el desarrollo de testículos
de conejos a los 70 días de edad. Referente al saco canal inguinal, en todas las muestras
se observó un tejido conectivo blando que mantiene a los testículos juntos dentro de la
cavidad abdominal, los testículos están envueltos por sus diversas túnicas, sin embargo,
la capa muscular más externa, tiene la capacidad de rodear los testículos y desplegarse
como un calcetín cuando éstos descienden en el escroto, y tiene una longitud tres veces
mayor que la longitud del propio testículo.
580
En conclusión, en conejos jóvenes, antes de llegar a la pubertad, no se encontró una
marcada correlación entre el desarrollo testicular y el peso corporal; sin embargo, este
parámetro podría ser útil para seleccionar a los machos como reemplazos. Además el
saco del canal inguinal debe estar bien desarrollado para funcionar activamente y
permitir que los testículos desciendan al escroto y les permita volver a la cavidad
abdominal.
Palabras clave: Conejos Nueva Zelanda, morfometría testicular, canal inguinal,
reemplazos, machos.
Agradecimientos: El presente recibió apoyo por PROMEP 103.5/13/6535,
Proyecto 653511, FEPYPTC2013, Clave FE09/2013.
CRYOPRESERVATION OF ORNAMENTAL
RABBIT (LION HEAD) SPERM
GONZÁLEZ SJA2, JIMÉNEZ SE3, GONZÀLEZ GAN4, HERRERA BJA2,
ÁVALOS RA2, RIVERA MJG1
1. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana – Iztapalapa. Department of Biology of Reproduction.
Mexico, D.F.
2. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana – Xochimilco. Department of Agricultural and Animal
Production. Mexico, D. F.
3. Student of the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, UAM-X.
4. Student of Bachelor of Animal Production, UAM-I.
Abstract
The ornamental rabbit production has increased in the last 10 years, this
production is given by the demand for companion pets for their different aspects
and phenotypic characteristics, however, in this type of production have been no
studies on its reproductive management, particularly in the quality of semen of
stallions used much less in the cryopreservation of genetic material. Therefore
the objective of this study was to determine the seminal indicators in fresh and
thawed sperm lion head rabbit. 10 ejaculates were collected by artificial vagina
three stallions lion's head, the sample obtained was evaluated gross motility,
progressive motility and live sperm then cryopreserved using DMSO 6% to
defrost gross motility and live spermatozoa was evaluated. The results obtained
in fresh for gross motility were 4, progressive motility 91.15 ± 6.18 and live
spermatozoa 94.55 ± 5.10. When thawing was obtained a progressive mobility of
44.23 ± 6.41 and live sperm 49.38 ± 6.64. We conclude that sperm lion head
rabbit can be cryopreserved, obtaining acceptable results to defrost.
Keywords: ornamental rabbits, lion head, sperm, cryopreservation.
582
CARACTERIZACIÓN MORFOMÉTRICA DE ESPERMA EN TRES
LÍNEAS DE CONEJOS ORNAMENTALES
RIVERA MJG1, LÓPEZ RO3, RAZO CV3, MARTÍNEZ PES3, GONZÀLEZ
GAN4, HERRERA BJA2, ÁVALOS RA2, GONZÁLEZ SJA2
1. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana – Iztapalapa. Departamento de Biología de la
Reproducción.
2. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana – Xochimilco. Departamento de Producción Agrícola
y Animal.México, D. F.
3. Estudiante de Medicina Veterinaria, UAM-X.
4. Estudiante de Maestría, UAM-I.
Resumen
Producción de conejos ornamentales encontró un auge en los últimos diez años debido a
la demanda de estos animales por sus características fenotípicas que los hacen
atractivos, sin embargo, no existen estudios en los que se evaluaron las características
morfométricas de su esperma. Por lo tanto el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la
morfometría de espermatozoides mediante la evaluación de tres líneas de conejos
ornamentales (Enano Holandés, Mini Rex y Lop cabeza de león). Cinco eyaculados se
obtuvieron de cada poste, utilizando una vagina artificial, para la evaluación de la
morfometría, se utilizó un microscopio digital; OPTISUM MIC990FT DC-M900,
software Scop-Photo y observadas con un objetivo de 100X. Los resultados en términos
de longitud total fueron: Enano Holandés 30,56 ± 0,025 m, Mini rex 30,50 ± 0,22
micras y Lop Lion Head 30,22 ± 0,39 micras. Llegamos a la conclusión de que hay
morfométricos diferencia entre el esperma de las tres líneas estudiadas conejos
ornamentales.
Palabras clave: morfometría, esperma, conejos ornamentales.
MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION OF SPERM IN THREE
LINES OF ORNAMENTAL RABBITS
RIVERA MJG1*, LÓPEZ RO3, RAZO CV3, MARTÍNEZ PES3, GONZÀLEZ
1. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana – Iztapalapa. Department of Biology of Reproduction.
Mexico, D. F.
2. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana – Xochimilco. Department of Agricultural and Animal
Production. Mexico, D. F.
3. Student of the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, UAM-X.
4. Student of Bachelor of Animal Production, UAM-I.
Abstract
Production of ornamental rabbits found a boom in the last ten years due to the demand
for these pets by their phenotypic characteristics that make them attractive, however, do
not have any studies where the morphometric characteristics of their sperm are
evaluated. Therefore the objective of this study was to evaluate the sperm morphometry
by evaluating three lines of ornamental rabbits (Dutch Dwarf, Mini Rex and Lop Lion
Head). Five ejaculates were obtained from each stud, using one artificial vagina, for
morphometry evaluation, a digital microscope was used; OPTISUM MIC990FT DCM900, software Scop-Photo and observed with a 100X objective. The results in terms of
total length were: Dwarf Dutch 30.56 ± 0.025 µm, Mini rex 30.50 ± 0.22 µm and Lop
Lion Head 30.22 ± 0.39 µm. We conclude that there is difference morphometric
between sperm of the three lines studied ornamental rabbits.
Keywords: morphometry, sperm, ornamental rabbits.
584
CARACTERIZACIÓN MORFOMÉTRICA DE ESPERMA EN TRES
LÍNEAS DE CONEJOS ORNAMENTALES
RIVERA MJG1*, LÓPEZ RO3, RAZO CV3, MARTÍNEZ PES3, GONZÀLEZ
1. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana – Iztapalapa. Departamento de Biología de la
Reproducción.
2. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana – Xochimilco. Departamento de Producción Agrícola
y Animal. México, D. F.
3. Estudiante de Medicina Veterinaria, UAM-X.
4. Estudiante de Maestría, UAM-I.
Resumen
Producción de conejos ornamentales encontró un auge en los últimos diez años debido a
la demanda de estos animales por sus características fenotípicas que los hacen
atractivos, sin embargo, no existen estudios en los que se evaluaron las características
morfométricas de su esperma. Por lo tanto el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la
morfometría de espermatozoides mediante la evaluación de tres líneas de conejos
ornamentales (Enano Holandés, Mini Rex y Lop cabeza de león). Cinco eyaculados se
obtuvieron de cada macho, utilizando una vagina artificial, para la evaluación de la
morfometría, se utilizó un microscopio digital; OPTISUM MIC990FT DC-M900,
software Scop-Photo y observadas con un objetivo de 100X. Los resultados en términos
de longitud total fueron: Enano Holandés 30,56 ± 0,025 m, Mini rex 30,50 ± 0,22
micras y Lop Lion Head 30,22 ± 0,39 micras. Llegamos a la conclusión de que hay
diferencia morfométrica entre el esperma de las tres líneas estudiadas de conejos
ornamentales.
Palabras clave: morfometría, esperma, conejos ornamentales.

investigación en la cunicultura de las américas

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