Showing papers by "Ministry of Agriculture published in 2009"

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado de Mato Grosso

Abstract: A study to characterize bovine brucellosis in the State of Mato Grosso was carried out in 2003 in order to support the implementation of the National Program for the Control and Eradication of Bovine Brucellosis. The State was divided into four productive regions, and 13,684 bovines from 1,152 herds were sampled. The serum samples were screened for antibodies to Brucella spp. by the Rose-Bengal test (RBT) and all RBT-positive sera were re-tested by the 2-mercaptoethanol test (2-ME), and again by RBT for confirmation. The prevalence of infected herds and animals in the State of Mato Grosso were 41.2% [38.0-44.4%] and 10.2% [7.4-13.1%], respectively. In the productive regions, the prevalence of infected herds were 36.9% [29.2-45.2%], 27.2% [22.8-32.1%], 40.4% [38.8-46.2%], and 50.3% [44.5-56.1%], respectively; and the prevalence of infected animals were 7.9% [3.0-12.9%], 4.1% [2.8-5.4%], 8.1% [5.2-11.1%], and 15.3% [9.2-21.3%], respectively, for regions 1, 2, 3, and 4. The risk factors (odds ratio, OR) associated with the presence of the infection in the State were: beef cattle farming (OR=1.8 [1.2-2.5]), mixed (beef and dairy) cattle farming (OR=1.8 [1.2-2.7]), farms with 11 to 50 females (OR=4.8 [1.1-20.8]), farms with more than 51 females (OR=6.8 [1.6-29.0]), and occurrence of abortion (OR=1.7 [1.3-2.2]). Given that brucellosis is homogeneously distributed in the State, uniform sanitary measures might be adopted. As a homogeneous additional measure for the State, the intensification of female vaccination is suggested.

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado do Paraná

Abstract: Realizou-se um estudo para caracterizar a situacao epidemiologica da brucelose no Estado de Goias. O Estado foi estratificado em tres circuitos produtores. Em cada circuito foram amostradas aleatoriamente 300 propriedades e, dentro dessas, foi escolhido de forma aleatoria um numero pre-estabelecido de animais, dos quais foi obtida uma amostra de sangue. No total, foram amostrados 10.744 animais, provenientes de 900 propriedades. Em cada propriedade visitada aplicou-se um questionario epidemiologico para verificar o tipo de exploracao e as praticas de criacao e sanitarias que poderiam estar associadas ao risco de infeccao pela doenca. O protocolo de testes utilizado foi o da triagem com o teste do antigeno acidificado tamponado e a confirmacao dos positivos com o teste do 2-mercaptoetanol. O rebanho foi considerado positivo quando pelo menos um animal foi reagente as duas provas sorologicas. No estrato 1, a prevalencia foi de 7,7% [4,7-10,7%] para propriedades, e de 1,4% [0,99-1,7%] para animais. No estrato 2, foi de 19,5% [15,0-24,0%] para propriedades e de 2,6% [2,0-3,1%] para animais. No estrato 3, foi de 21,4% [16,7-26,1] para propriedades e 4,3% [3,7-5,0%] para animais. A prevalencia obtida para o Estado foi de 17,5% [14,9-20,2%] para propriedades e de 3,0% [2,7-3,3%] para animais. Os fatores de risco (odds ratio, OR) associados a condicao de foco, segundo a analise multivariada, foram: compra de reprodutores a comerciantes de gado (OR = 2,06 [1,12-3,52]), ocorrencia de abortos nos ultimos 12 meses (OR = 5,83 [3,86-8,8]) e pratica de vacinacao contra brucelose (OR = 2,07 [1,38-3,09]). Tanto a ocorrencia de aborto quanto a vacinacao sao, neste caso, consequencia da presenca de brucelose no rebanho.

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado de São Paulo

Abstract: A study to characterize the epidemiological situation of bovine brucellosis in the State of Sao Paulo was carried out. The state was stratified in seven cattle production regions and 150 herds with reproductive activity were randomly selected within each one. A total of 1,073 herds were sampled. In a second stage, 10 or 15 cows older than 24 month age (in herds with <100 cows and herds ≥100 cows, respectively) were bled at random. A total of 8,761 animals were bled. Sera were tested using a serial testing procedure with the Rose Bengal test as the screening method and the Complement Fixation as the confirmatory method. The estimated prevalence of herds with at least one positive animal was 9.7% [7.8-11.6%], whereas the estimated prevalence of positive cattle was 3.8% [0.7-6.9%] in Sao Paulo State. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied in each farm, allowing the evaluation of the association of selected risk factors with the disease. The characteristics associated with the brucellosis infected herds were farms with more than 87 bovines (OR= 2.25) and introduction of breeding cattle (OR= 1.56).

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado de Minas Gerais

Abstract: A study to characterize the epidemiological status of brucellosis was carried out in the State of Minas Gerais The State was divided in seven regions Three hundred herds were randomly sampled in each region and a pre-established number of animals was sampled in each of these herds A total of 20,643 serum samples from 2,204 herds were collected In each herd, it was applied an epidemiological questionnaire focused on herd traits as well as husbandry and sanitary practices that could be associated with the risk of infection The serum samples were screened for antibodies against Brucella spp by the Rose-Bengal Test (RBT), and all positive sera were re-tested by the 2-mercaptoethanol test (2-ME) The herd was considered positive if at least one animal was positive on both RBT and 2-ME tests The prevalence of infected herds and animals in the State were, respectively, 60% [50-71%] and 11% [078-14%] In the productive regions, the prevalence of infected herds and animals were, respectively: regions 1, 47% [27-77%] and 082% [006-16%]; region 2, 72% [46-106%] and 12% [053-18%]; region 3, 68% [43-100%] and 15% [047-24%]; region 4, 65% [41-98%] and 11% [039-17%]; region 5, 38% [20-65%] and 040% [011-069%]; region 6, 62% [38-96%] and 066% [029-10%]; and region 7, 110% [77-150%] and 17% [092-26%] The risk factors (odds ratio, OR) associated with positive herds were: purchase of breeding stock (OR = 166 [113-244]), occurrence of abortions over the last 12 months (OR = 181 [126-260]), and the presence of deer in the farm (OR = 156 [108-227]) Vaccination against brucellosis was a protective factor (OR = 038 [019-079]) It can be concluded that the compulsory vaccination of heifers, commenced in the 90's, was successful in reducing the prevalence of bovine brucellosis throughout the state and across livestock production systems The animal health authorities should give priority to controlling the purchase of breeding stock without sanitary assurances and integrate this issue into the educational programmes

Clinicopathologic Features of Experimental Clostridium perfringens Type D Enterotoxemia in Cattle

Abstract: This study was designed to experimentally reproduce enterotoxemia by Clostridium perfringens type D in cattle and to characterize the clinicopathologic findings of this disease. Fourteen 9-month-old calves were inoculated intraduodenally according to the following schedule: group 1 (n 5 4), C. perfringens type D whole culture; group 2 (n 5 3), C. perfringens type D washed cells; group 3 (n 5 5), C. perfringens type D filtered and concentrated supernatant; group 4 (n 5 2), sterile, nontoxic culture medium. In addition, all animals received a 20% starch solution in the abomasum. Ten animals from groups 1 (4/4), 2 (3/3), and 3 (3/5) showed severe respiratory and neurologic signs. Gross findings were observed in these 10 animals and consisted of acute pulmonary edema, excessive protein-rich pericardial fluid, watery contents in the small intestine, and multifocal petechial hemorrhages on the jejunal mucosa. The brain of one animal of group 2 that survived for 8 days showed multifocal, bilateral, and symmetric encephalomalacia in the corpus striatum. The most striking histologic changes consisted of perivascular high protein edema in the brain, and alveolar and interstitial proteinaceous pulmonary edema. The animal that survived for 8 days and that had gross lesions in the corpus striatum showed histologically severe, focal necrosis of this area, cerebellar peduncles, and thalamus. Koch's postulates have been met and these results show that experimental enterotoxemia by C. perfringens type D in cattle has similar clinical and pathologic characteristics to the natural and experimental disease in sheep.

Analysis of sulfonamides by capillary electrophoresis

Abstract: The methods of analysis of sulfonamides (SFAs) using CE are reviewed. Sulfonamides were the first antimicrobial group of drugs used in medical treatment. These compounds are still used today in medicine and widely are employed in veterinary medicine, also for their growth promoter effects. Improved methods of analysis of sulfonamides are a constant challenge for researchers. CE is a new trend in the fields of pharmaceutical and food analyses. Several methods for the determination of SFAs by CE have been published in recent years, and the present review considers applications in quality control of pharmaceutical dosage forms, food analysis, determinations in serum, and other biological fluids as well as in electrophoresis experiments which examine the behavior of this class of compounds for theoretical studies of the technique. This review covers studies ranging from the pioneering works on sulfonamide analyses using classical electrophoresis to the more recent CE methods coupled to tandem mass spectrometers. The sections are divided following the EC modes like CZE, MEKC, and hyphenated methods (CE-MS, CE-MS/MS). A brief compilation of theoretical findings of sulfonamides electrophoretic behavior is also included. Parameters such as recoveries, LOD and LOQ, among others, are examined, covering works published until August 2008. This review can contribute to further research aimed to improve the analysis of SFAs by CE.

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado de Santa Catarina

Abstract: A study to characterize the brucellosis epidemiological situation in the State of Santa Catarina was carried out. The State was divided into five regions. Three hundred herds were randomly sampled in each region and a pre-established number of animals were sampled in each of these herds. A total of 7,801 serum samples from 1,586 herds were collected. In each herd, it was applied an epidemiological questionnaire regarding herd features and also husbandry and sanitary practices that could be associated with risk of infection. The serum samples were screened for antibodies to Brucella spp. by the Rose-Bengal Test (RBT), and all RBT-positive sera re-tested by the 2-mercaptoethanol test (2-ME). The herd was considered positive if at least one animal was positive on both RBT and 2-ME tests. The prevalences of infected herds and animals in Santa Catarina State were, respectively: 0.32% [0.10-0.69%] and 0.06% [0.0-0.17%]. The prevalence of infected herds in the regions were: region 1, 0.33% [0.0-0.99%]; region 2, 0.33% [0.0-1.0%]; region 3, 0.25% [0.0-0.75%]; region 4, 0.66% [0.08-1.84%]; and region 5, 0.33% [0.0-1.00%].

Presence of the Eucalyptus gall wasp Ophelimus maskelli and its parasitoid Closterocerus chamaeleon in Portugal: first record, geographic distribution and host preference.

Abstract: The Eucalyptus gall wasp Ophelimus maskelli (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and its parasitoid Closterocerus chamaeleon (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) were observed for the first time in Portugal, in 2006 and 2007, respectively Data on the distribution of O maskelli in Portugal, differences in the susceptibility of two host species, Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus camaldulensis, and parasitism by C chamaeleon are given

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Distrito Federal

Abstract: Realizou-se um estudo para caracterizar a situacao epidemiologica da brucelose bovina no Distrito Federal (DF). No total foram amostrados 2.019 animais, provenientes de 278 propriedades. Em cada propriedade visitada aplicou-se um questionario epidemiologico para verificar o tipo de exploracao e as praticas de criacao e sanitarias que poderiam estar associadas ao risco de infeccao pela doenca. O protocolo utilizado foi o da triagem com o teste do antigeno acidificado tamponado e a confirmacao dos positivos com o teste do 2-mercaptoetanol. O rebanho foi considerado positivo quando pelo menos um animal foi reagente as duas provas sorologicas. A prevalencia no DF foi de 2,5% [1,0-5,1%] para propriedades e de 0,16% [0,04-0,28%] para animais. Em razao dos resultados encontrados, que permitem pensar em estrategias de erradicacao, recomenda-se que o DF intensifique o diagnostico de brucelose, tanto na forma de testes sorologicos sistematicos como pela introducao de mecanismos de deteccao rapida em laticinios, em ambos os casos a fim de aumentar o numero de propriedades certificadas como livres da doenca e melhorar a sensibilidade do sistema de vigilância ativa.

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul

Abstract: Realizou-se um estudo para caracterizar a situacao epidemiologica da brucelose bovina no Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul Foram definidos tres estratos (regioes): Pantanal-corte, Planalto-corte e Planalto-leite, este ultimo subdividido em Bolsao, Campo Grande e Dourados Em cada estrato foram amostradas aleatoriamente propriedades e, dentro dessas, foi escolhido, de forma aleatoria, um numero pre-estabelecido de animais, dos quais foi obtida uma amostra de sangue No total, foram amostrados 14849 animais, provenientes de 1004 propriedades Em cada propriedade amostrada foi aplicado um questionario epidemiologico para verificar suas caracteristicas e tambem para detectar transtornos reprodutivos que poderiam estar associados a infeccao brucelica O teste utilizado foi o do antigeno acidificado tamponado O rebanho foi considerado positivo se pelo menos um animal foi reagente a prova sorologica Para o Estado, a prevalencia de focos foi de 41,5% [36,5-44,7%] As prevalencias de focos e de animais infectados por estrato foram, respectivamente, de: 59,0% [52,8-64,9%] e 12,6% [9,1-17,2%] para o estrato Pantanal-corte, e 40,6% [35,8-45,5%] e 4,5% [2,1-9,0%] para Planalto-corte No estrato Planalto-leite, a prevalencia de focos foi de 33,1% [28,4-38,1%] Os fatores de risco (odds ratios, OR) associados a condicao de foco foram: ter ≥500 vacas (OR = 2,46 [1,81-3,34]), ocorrencia de bezerros fracos (OR = 1,20 [0,87-1,65]) e uso da inseminacao artificial (OR = 0,71 [0,50-1,01])

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado do Tocantins

Abstract: A study was carried out to characterize the epidemiological situation of brucellosis in the State of Tocantins from February 2002 to August 2003. The State was divided into six regions with a homogeneous productive system. For each region, a simple random sample was calculated to estimate the prevalence both in farms and cows older than two-year. To achieve this, from 10 to 15 adult cows (older than two-year) were sampled. A total of 20,908 sera from 1,842 farms were obtained. For the whole State of Tocantins, the prevalence of positive farms (or farms with at least one positive animal) was 21.2% [19.3-23.1%]. When the production regions were considered, the prevalences for the regions 1, 2, 3, and 5 were: 16.0% [12.1-20.6%], 37.6% [32.1-43.4%], 26.4% [21.5-31.7%], and 29.3% [24.3-34.7%], respectively. In the regions 4 and 6, the prevalences were 5.8% [3.5-9.1%] and 8.6% [5.7-12.2%], respectively. In each visited farm, a questionnaire was applied, in order to evaluate the association between with possible risk factors and the brucellosis. The risk factors (odds ratio, OR) associated with the infected herds were number of cows above 120 (OR= 2.0) and slaughtering of breeding animals in the farm (OR= 1.52). Vaccinating against brucellosis (OR= 0.37), presence of birth pen (OR= 0.72), and dairy farm (OR= 0.63) presented as protective factors.

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado do Rio de Janeiro

Abstract: A study to characterize the epidemiological status of bovine brucellosis in the State of Rio de Janeiro was carried out. The State was divided in three regions. Three hundred herds were randomly sampled in each region and a pre-established number of animals were sampled in each herd. A total of 8,239 serum samples from 945 herds were collected. In each herd, it was applied an epidemiological questionnaire focused on herd traits as well as husbandry and sanitary practices that could be associated with the risk of infection. The serum samples were screened for antibodies against Brucella spp. by the Rose-Bengal Test (RBT), and all positive sera were re-tested by the 2-mercaptoethanol test (2-ME). The herd was considered positive if at least one animal was positive on both RBT and 2-ME tests. The prevalences of infected herds and animals in the State were, respectively: 15.4% [12.9-17.9%] and 4.1% [2.8-5.3%]. The prevalences of infected herds and animals in the regions were, respectively: region 1, 13.8% [10.2-18.2%] and 3.0% [1.9-4.1%]; region 2, 15.7% [11.9-20.2%] and 2.3% [1.4-3.2%]; and region 3, 19.6% [15.4-24.4%] and 9.3% [4.5-14.1%]. The risk factors (odds ratio, OR) associated with the presence of the infection were: herd size larger than 30 cows (OR=2.33 [1.51-3.07]), purchase of animals for breeding (OR= 1.95 [1.13-2.45), and pasture rental practice (R= 1.74 [1.03-2.74]).

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado do Espírito Santo

Abstract: Realizou-se um estudo para caracterizar a situacao epidemiologica da brucelose bovina no Estado do Espirito Santo. O Estado foi dividido em dois circuitos produtores. Em cada circuito foram amostradas aleatoriamente cerca de 300 propriedades e, dentro dessas, foi escolhido de forma aleatoria um numero pre-estabelecido de animais, dos quais foi obtida uma amostra de sangue. No total, foram amostrados 5.351 animais, provenientes de 622 propriedades. Em cada propriedade amostrada foi aplicado um questionario epidemiologico para verificar o tipo de exploracao e as praticas de criacao e sanitarias que poderiam estar associadas ao risco de infeccao pela doenca. O protocolo de testes utilizado foi o da triagem com o teste do antigeno acidificado tamponado e o reteste dos positivos com o teste do 2-mercaptoetanol. O rebanho foi considerado positivo quando pelo menos um animal foi reagente as duas provas sorologicas. Para o Estado, as prevalencias de focos e de animais infectados foram, respectivamente, de 9,0% [7,0-11,6%] e 3,5% [1,9-6,4%]. Para os circuitos, as prevalencias de focos e de animais infectados foram, respectivamente, de: circuito 1, 6,8% [4,5-10,2%] e 3,4% [1,3-8,6%]; circuito 2, 10,9% [7,9%-14,8%] e 3,7% [2,1-6,3%]. Os fatores de risco (odds ratio, OR) associados a condicao de foco foram: utilizacao de inseminacao artificial (OR = 7,05 [2,51-19,82]) e confinamento/semiconfinamento dos animais (OR = 2,98 [1,22-7,26]). A vacinacao de femeas entre tres e oito meses de idade foi um fator protetor (OR = 0,03 [0,01-0,1]).

Genetic and phenotypic diversity of Magnaporthe oryzae from leaves and panicles of rice in commercial fields in the state of Goiás, Brazil

Abstract: Genetic and phenotypic structure of Magnaporthe oryzae populations of two upland rice cultivars was determined. Monoconidial isolates were obtained from rice blast affected fields, four from cv. BRS Bonanca and four from cv. Primavera, in Goias State (2001-2003). The pathotypes IB-41 and IB-9 were predominant in both leaf and panicle isolates of BRS Bonanca and IF-1 in Primavera. A great majority of pathotypes were common to both leaf and panicle subpopulations of Bonanca (42.8%) and Primavera (66.6%). The ANOVA of virulence data showed high variability within population of each cultivar. There was no significant difference in virulence pattern of isolates from leaves and panicles, independent of collection site and cultivar. The molecular characterization of isolates was done employing the rep-PCR analysis with two primer sequences from Pot2. The genetic analysis of 538 isolates showed a high genotypic diversity in both leaf and panicle pathogen populations with 103 haplotypes in Bonanca and 49 in Primavera. The migration of pathotypes from leaves to panicles in each field was 70.8% and 36.6% for Primavera and BRS Bonanca, respectively. The diversity of M. oryzae population was influenced by cultivar of origin. A great amount of population diversity was encountered within the same field.

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract: Realizou-se um estudo para caracterizar a situacao epidemiologica da brucelose bovina. O Estado foi dividido em sete regioes. Em cada regiao foram amostradas aleatoriamente cerca de 300 propriedades, e dentro dessas foi escolhido de forma aleatoria um numero pre-estabelecido de animais, dos quais foi obtida uma amostra de sangue. No total foram amostrados 16.072 animais, provenientes de 1.957 propriedades. Em cada propriedade amostrada foi aplicado um questionario epidemiologico para verificar o tipo de exploracao e as praticas zootecnicas e sanitarias que poderiam estar associadas ao risco de infeccao pela doenca. O protocolo de testes utilizado foi o da triagem com o teste do antigeno acidificado tamponado e o reteste dos positivos com o teste do 2-mercaptoetanol. O rebanho foi considerado positivo se pelo menos um animal foi reagente as duas provas sorologicas. Para o Estado, as prevalencias de focos e de animais infectados foram, respectivamente, 2,1% [1,5-2,6%] e 1,0% [0,60-1,4%]. Para os circuitos, a prevalencia de focos e a de animais foram, respectivamente: circuito 1, 3,1% [1,4-5,7%] e 0,95% [0,0-2,0%]; circuito 2, 7,7% [4,9-11,3%] e 1,0% [0,40-1,7%]; circuito 3, 5,7% [3,4-8,8%] e 2,1% [0,41-3,8%]; circuito 4, 0,66% [0,08-2,4%] e 0,66% [0,0-1,8%]; circuito 5, 0,66% [0,08-2,4%] e 0,05% [0,0-0,13%]; circuito 6, 0,0% [0,0-1,3%] e 0,0% [0,0-0,25%]; circuito 7, 5,4% [2,5-10,1%] e 2,9% [0,49-5,3%]. Os fatores de risco (odds ratio, OR) associados a condicao de foco foram: exploracao de corte (OR= 4,27 [1,82-10,01]) e historico de aborto (OR= 3,27, [1,71-6,25]).

Pontos críticos de controle de Salmonella spp. no abate de frangos

Abstract: The presence of Salmonella spp. in superficial swabs collected from 135 chicken carcasses in five different slaugther steps using the conventional microbiology, PCR, and immunoanalysis methods was evaluated. The three methods presented similar tendency to detect Salmonella spp. in the chicken carcasses along the slaugther line. The highest frequency of Salmonella spp. was found after the shower, located between the evisceration and the chiller. Twenty (14.8%) swabes were determined by the conventional methodology, 52 (38.9%) by the PCR, and 66 (48.9%) by the immunoanalysis. The lowest contamination was found after chiller tank, where the frequencies were 5 (3.7%), 0 (0%), and 24 (16.7%), respectively. Salmonella spp. was found in all the slaugther steps. This shows the importance for monitoring different CCP (Control Critical Point) in the poultry slaughterhouses.

Estudos de prevalência da brucelose bovina no âmbito do Programa Nacional de Controle e Erradicação de Brucelose e Tuberculose: Introdução

Abstract: Although strategies for controlling and eradicating of bovine brucellosis are well known, the achievements vary widely. In 2001, the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply (MAPA) started a new National Program for the Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (NPCEBT). In the beginning of a brucellosis control program, it is of utmost importance to gain insights into the epidemiological status of the disease in order to: (1) determine the sanitary measures according to the frequency and distribution patterns of the disease in the population; (2) monitor the development of the program and decide when to make adjustments, avoiding the waist of time and resources. As the epidemiological status of bovine brucellosis is not adequately known in Brazil, there was a case for undertaking cross-sectional studies targeted at identifying the best strategies for each state and region, as well as providing a basis for future appraisal of the NPCEBT. For this purpose, MAPA established a collaborative project with FMVZ-Universidade de Sao Paulo, which also included FAV-Universidade de Brasilia. So far, 15 states completed the survey, whose results are described in the following papers. In addition, it is presented a paper that deals with modeling the impact of vaccination of heifers with strain 19 upon the reduction of brucellosis prevalence.

Morfologia e classificação de luvissolos e planossolos desenvolvidos de rochas metamórficas no semiárido do nordeste brasileiro

Abstract: The Semiarid Region of Northeast Brazil covers around 750,000 km2 and the Pre-Cambrian areas are dominated by shallow and poorly developed soils. According to the Brazilian System of Soil Classification the soils of the region are predominantly classified as Lithic Neosols, Luvisols and Planosols. This study aimed to characterize and classify 12 soil profiles in four toposequences representative of the common occurrence of Luvisolics in the Semiarid Region of Northeast Brazil by the Brazilian System of Soil Classification. Two sequences were selected with soils developed from gneisses, in the region of "Cariris Velhos", Paraiba State, and two others, in the "Sertao" region of Pernambuco State, with soils developed on micaschists and phyllite. The soils were morphologically characterized and samples collected for physical and chemical analysis. The changes in the identification criteria of the chromic character introduced in the second version of the Brazilian System of Soil Classification seem to have achieved the objective, allowing the classification of the 10 studied soil profiles of Non-Calcic Brown Soils as Chromic Luvisols. All studied Luvisols were adequately classified by the Brazilian System of Soil Classification up to the fourth level, except for the Luvisol with sodic character, which is not considered as subgroup in the current system version. This study suggests the inclusion of a sodic subgroup in the class of Orthic Chromic Luvisols (Luvissolos Cromicos Orticos) to account for these soils, which differ from typical soils because they have a sodic character from the surface down to a depth of 100 cm.

(Epidemiological situation of bovine brucellosis in the State of Rondônia, Brazil)

Abstract: A study to characterize the brucellosis epidemiological situation in the State of Rondonia was carried out. The State was divided into three regions. Three hundred herds were randomly sampled in each region. A pre-established number of animals were sampled in each of these herds. From 927 herds and 9,717 serum samples were collected. In each herd, it was applied an epidemiological questionnaire regarding herd features and also husbandry and sanitary practices that could be associated with risk of infection. The serum samples were screened for antibodies to Brucella spp. by the Rose-Bengal Test (RBT), and all RBT-positive sera were re-tested by the 2-mercaptoethanol test (2-ME). The herd was considered positive if at least one animal was positive on both RBT and 2-ME tests. The prevalences of infected herds and animals in Rondonia State were 35.2% [32.1–38.4%] and 6.2% [4.9–7.6%], respectively. In the regions, the prevalences of infected herds and animals were, respectively: region 1, 41.9% [36.3–47.6%] and 8.3% [5.9–10.8%]; region 2, 31.7% [26.5–37.2%] and 5.9% [4.3–7.6%]; and region 3, 31.9% [26.7– 37.4%] and 4.6% [2.5–6.6%]. The risk factors (odds ratio, OR) associated with the presence of the infection were: recent history of abortion (OR= 1.42 [1.04–1.95]) and beef herd (OR=1.75 [1.30–2.38]).

Efeito de meios de cultura, concentrações de GA3 e pH sobre a germinação in vitro de mangabeira (Hancornia speciosa Gomes)

Abstract: A mangabeira (Hancornia speciosa Gomes) destaca-se por possuir um grande potencial como planta frutifera e produtora de borracha. As dificuldades encontradas no seu processo de propagacao por meio de sementes, devido, principalmente, a baixa taxa de germinacao e a recalcitrância, valorizam a busca por solucoes alternativas para a producao de mudas dessa especie, de maneira rapida e eficiente. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, realizar o estudo da germinacao de sementes de mangabeira em condicoes in vitro, tendo como precedente a obtencao de explantes, para posterior utilizacao no cultivo in vitro. Neste estudo foram avaliados os efeitos de diferentes meios de cultura, concentracoes de sacarose e GA3 e de tres niveis de pH na germinacao da mangabeira. Frutos maduros foram coletados, passaram por processo de beneficiamento e tiveram suas sementes retiradas e utilizadas como explantes. Maior porcentagem de germinacao de sementes de mangabeira in vitro foi obtida com a utilizacao dos meios de cultura WPM e MS/2, suplementados com 15,0 g L-1 de sacarose, 0,2 mg L-1 de GA3 e com pH corrigido para 5,8.

Epidemiological situation of bovine brucellosis in the State of Bahia, Brazil

Abstract: A study to characterize the epidemiological situation of bovine brucellosis in the State of Bahia was carried out in 2004. The State was divided into four similar production regions, 300 herds were randomly sampled in each region, and 10 to 15 adult bovine females were sampled in each of these herds. A total of 10,816 serum samples from 1,413 herds were collected. The serum samples were screened for antibodies to Brucella spp. by the Rose-Bengal Test (RBT), and all RBT-positive sera were re-tested by the 2-mercaptoethanol test (2-ME) for confirmation. A herd was considered positive if at least one animal was positive on both RBT and 2-ME tests. The prevalence of infected herds and seropositive adult bovine females in Bahia State were: 4.2% [3.1-5.3%] and 0.66% [0.41-0.93%], respectively. In the production regions, prevalence of infected herds and animals were, respectively: region 1, 5.8% [3.6-8.7%] and 0.86% [0.41-1.3%]; region 2, 3.1% [1.5-5.6%] and 1.2% [0.25-2.1%]; region 3, 6.3% [4.0-9.3%] and 1.7% [0.66-2.7%]; and region 4, 0.60% [0.07-2.2%] and 0.07%[0.00-0.2%]. In each herd, an epidemiological questionnaire was applied. The risk factors (odds ratio, OR) associated with the presence of the infection were: purchase of breeding animals (OR = 2.27) and presence of flood areas (OR= 1.76). Vaccination of heifers from three to eight months of age was a protective factor (OR=0.53).

Comparação de sistemas alternativos para o envelhecimento de aguardente vínica. Efeito da oxigenação e da forma da madeira

Abstract: SUMMARY During the first year of ageing, the dissolved oxygen, dry extract, total polyphenol index, low molecular weight compounds, colour parameters and sensory properties of wine brandies were analysed with regard to the kind of ageing system: 650-L wooden barrels (traditional system) and 40-L stainless-steel tanks with wood tablets, with and without oxygenation (alternative systems). The barrels and wood pieces were manufactured from Portuguese chestnut wood (Castanea sativa Mill.) with heavy toasting level. The quantity of tablets was calculated in order to reproduce the surface/volume ratio of a 650-L barrel. The oxygenation was made by the application of air with a specific device in the middle height of the tanks, after 60, 90, 120, 180 and 360 days of ageing. In the experimental conditions, the results obtained demonstrated that the chemical composition and the colour evolution of the wine aged brandies are closely dependent on the ageing system. The oxygen effect on the total polyphenol index and on the low molecular weight phenolic compounds found in the brandies aged in traditional and alternative systems is quite different. This aspect is of great importance since it is strongly related with the chemical changes that occur during the ageing process and determine the quality of the brandies. Contrary to what have been observed in the ageing of red wines, the oxygen consumption in the brandies aged in wooden barrels did not induced colour stabilization, suggesting that the chemical mechanisms and the compounds responsible for the colour changes of the brandy should be different from those identified in red wine.

(Epidemiological situation of bovine brucellosis in the State of Sergipe, Brazil)

Abstract: A study to characterize the epidemiological situation of bovine brucellosis in the State of Sergipe was carried out. The State was divided in two regions. Around three hundred herds were randomly sampled in each region and a pre-established number of animals were sampled in each of these herds. A total of 4,757 serum samples from 590 herds were collected. In each herd, it was applied an epidemiological questionnaire focused on herd traits as well as husbandry and sanitary practices that could be associated with the risk of infection. The serum samples were screened by the Rose-Bengal Test (RBT) and positive sera were re-tested by the 2-mercaptoethanol test (2-ME). The herd was considered positive if at least one animal was positive on both RBT and 2-ME tests. The prevalences of infected herds and animals in the State were, respectively: 12.6% (9.2-16.0%) and 3.4% (2.3-4.4%). The prevalences of infected herds and animals in the regions were, respectively: region 1, 11.1% (7.9-15.0%) and 2.6% (1.6-3.5%); and region 2, 12.9% (9.1-17.6%) and 6.2% (3.0-9.5%). The risk factors associated with the presence of the infection were: veterinary assistance (OR= 2.89 (1.15-7.23)), herd size ≥30 adult females (OR= 1.88 (1.07-3.28)), and use of artificial insemination (OR=1.92 (0.84-4.38)).