RESUMO

BACKGROUND: The Argentinian pouched lamprey, classified as Petromyzon macrostomus Burmeister, 1868 was first described in 1867 in De La Plata River, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and subsequently recorded in several rivers from Patagonia. Since its original description, the validity of P. macrostomus was questioned by several ichthyologists and 36 years after its original discovery it was considered a junior synonym of Geotria australis Gray, 1851. For a long time, the taxonomic status of G. australis has been uncertain, largely due to the misinterpretations of the morphological alterations that occur during sexual maturation, including the arrangement of teeth, size and position of fins and cloaca, and the development of an exceptionally large gular pouch in males. In this study, the taxonomic status of Geotria from across the "species" range was evaluated using both molecular analysis and examination of morphological characteristics. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Phylogenetic and species delimitation analyses based on mitochondrial DNA sequences of Cytochrome b (Cyt b) and Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit 1 (COI) genes, along with morphological analysis of diagnostic characters reported in the original descriptions of the species were used to assess genetic and morphological variation within Geotria and to determine the specific status of the Argentinian lamprey. These analyses revealed that Geotria from Argentina constitutes a well differentiated lineage from Chilean and Australasian populations. The position of the cloaca and the distance between the second dorsal and caudal fins in sub-adult individuals, and at previous life stages, can be used to distinguish between the two species. In addition, the genetic distance between G. macrostoma and G. australis for the COI and Cyt b mitochondrial genes is higher than both intra- and inter-specific distances reported for other Petromyzontiformes. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results indicate that the Argentinian pouched lamprey, found along a broad latitudinal gradient on the south-west Atlantic coast of South America, should be named as Geotria macrostoma (Burmeister, 1868) and not as G. australis Gray 1851, returning to its earliest valid designation in Argentina. Geotria macrostoma can now be considered as the single lamprey species inhabiting Argentinian Patagonia, with distinct local adaptations and evolutionary potential. It is essential that this distinctiveness is recognized in order to guide future conservation and management actions against imminent threats posed by human actions in the major basins of Patagonia.

Assuntos

RESUMO

A bolsa cloacal é o órgão das aves responsável pela maturação e transferência de linfócitos para outros tecidos. Apesar da importância deste órgão nos mecanismos imunológicos desses animais, são escassas as informações a respeito de sua morfologia em emas. Neste estudo, objetivou-se descrever o desenvolvimento morfológico da bolsa cloacal de emas jovens. Utilizou-se 12 animais de ambos os sexos (6 machos e 6 fêmeas) para a microscopia de luz, eletrônica de transmissão e varredura. Microscopicamente, a bolsa cloacal da ema apresentou, em todas as idades a mucosa interna pregueada composta por lóbulos linfoides de diversos tamanhos, organizados como estrutura alveolar. Em cada prega verificou-se quatro componentes histológicos: as camadas mucosa, submucosa, muscular e adventícia. Esses lóbulos eram compostos de uma zona cortical, uma zona corticomedular e uma zona medular. Verificou-se a existência de linfócitos de tamanhos variados, linfoblastos, capilares sanguíneos, células reticulares epiteliais e macrófagos. Pela microscopia eletrônica de varredura, verificou-se que a superfície da mucosa dos lóbulos bursais apresentaram projeções poligonais, com a presença de curtas microvilosidades em toda a superfície. A comparação nas idades de 0 e 15 semanas de vida demostrou o desenvolvimento dos lóbulos bursais. O padrão morfológico da bolsa cloacal de emas difere do padrão comumente reportado para outras aves tais como pato selvagem, galinha da angola, ganso nativo, peru, codorna japonesa e falcão.(AU)

The cloacal bursa is the bird's organ responsible for maturation and transfer of lymphocytes to other tissues. Despite the importance of this organ in the immunological mechanisms of these animals, information about their morphology in rhea are scarce. We used 12 animals (6 males and 6 females) for light, transmission electron, and scanning microscopy. Microscopically, the cloacal bursa presented the inner mucosa consists of pleated lymphoid lobes of various sizes, organized as alveolar structure, in all ages. In each nail was found four histological components: mucosa, submucosa, muscular and adventitia layers. These lobes were composed of a cortical zone, a corticomedular zone and a medular area. It was verified the existence of varying sizes lymphocytes, lymphoblasts, blood capillaries, epithelial reticular cells and macrophages. By scanning electron microscopy, it was found that the mucous membrane surface of the bursal lobes showed polygonal projections, with the presence of short microvilli membranes throughout the surface. The comparison between 0 and 15 weeks demonstrated the development of the bursal lobes. The morphological pattern of the rhea cloacal bursa differs from standard commonly reported for other birds such as wild duck, Angola's chicken, native goose, turkey, Japanese quail, and Hawk.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

A bolsa cloacal é o órgão das aves responsável pela maturação e transferência de linfócitos para outros tecidos. Apesar da importância deste órgão nos mecanismos imunológicos desses animais, são escassas as informações a respeito de sua morfologia em emas. Neste estudo, objetivou-se descrever o desenvolvimento morfológico da bolsa cloacal de emas jovens. Utilizou-se 12 animais de ambos os sexos (6 machos e 6 fêmeas) para a microscopia de luz, eletrônica de transmissão e varredura. Microscopicamente, a bolsa cloacal da ema apresentou, em todas as idades a mucosa interna pregueada composta por lóbulos linfoides de diversos tamanhos, organizados como estrutura alveolar. Em cada prega verificou-se quatro componentes histológicos: as camadas mucosa, submucosa, muscular e adventícia. Esses lóbulos eram compostos de uma zona cortical, uma zona corticomedular e uma zona medular. Verificou-se a existência de linfócitos de tamanhos variados, linfoblastos, capilares sanguíneos, células reticulares epiteliais e macrófagos. Pela microscopia eletrônica de varredura, verificou-se que a superfície da mucosa dos lóbulos bursais apresentaram projeções poligonais, com a presença de curtas microvilosidades em toda a superfície. A comparação nas idades de 0 e 15 semanas de vida demostrou o desenvolvimento dos lóbulos bursais. O padrão morfológico da bolsa cloacal de emas difere do padrão comumente reportado para outras aves tais como pato selvagem, galinha da angola, ganso nativo, peru, codorna japonesa e falcão.(AU)

The cloacal bursa is the bird's organ responsible for maturation and transfer of lymphocytes to other tissues. Despite the importance of this organ in the immunological mechanisms of these animals, information about their morphology in rhea are scarce. We used 12 animals (6 males and 6 females) for light, transmission electron, and scanning microscopy. Microscopically, the cloacal bursa presented the inner mucosa consists of pleated lymphoid lobes of various sizes, organized as alveolar structure, in all ages. In each nail was found four histological components: mucosa, submucosa, muscular and adventitia layers. These lobes were composed of a cortical zone, a corticomedular zone and a medular area. It was verified the existence of varying sizes lymphocytes, lymphoblasts, blood capillaries, epithelial reticular cells and macrophages. By scanning electron microscopy, it was found that the mucous membrane surface of the bursal lobes showed polygonal projections, with the presence of short microvilli membranes throughout the surface. The comparison between 0 and 15 weeks demonstrated the development of the bursal lobes. The morphological pattern of the rhea cloacal bursa differs from standard commonly reported for other birds such as wild duck, Angola's chicken, native goose, turkey, Japanese quail, and Hawk.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

In broiler breeder roosters, the weight of the testes is positively associated with daily sperm production and fertility. In birds, the testes are located in the coelomic cavity, not being accessible to reproductive evaluation as mammalian testes. The reproductive evaluation of roosters is based on phenotypic traits. Any changes on testes will be reflected on fertility levels. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the potential of association of phenotypic traits as body weight (BW), comb scores (COS), cloaca scores (CLS) and feet scores (FS) with testicular morphometric parameters in adult Cobb® Mx roosters in two ages (25 and 45 weeks of age). The low BW roosters had lower testes weight (TW), smaller seminiferous tubule diameter (STD) and lower comb and cloaca scores than the medium and high BW roosters (P≤0.05). Heavy roosters had the highest COS and bigger seminiferous epithelium height (SEH). There was no statistical difference between the BW categories in FS and volumetric proportion of seminiferous tubule (ST) and interstitial tissue (IT). Considering the age effect, roosters with 45 weeks of age had lower TW and ST than 25-week roosters. Positive, moderate and significant correlation was found between testes weight and phenotypic characteristics as BW, COS and CLS in 45week roosters. A positive, moderate and significant correlation was found between body weight and histologic testicular characteristics as STD and SHE in both evaluated ages. In conclusion, there is a regression in the testes weight with age and it is more intense in Cobb® Mx roosters with lower BW. Furthermore, it is concluded that the BW positively influences the testes weight and histological quality of the testes. COS and CLS can be used with moderate potential prediction to identify roosters with low testes weight at 45 weeks of age.(AU)

Em galos de matriz pesada sabe-se que o peso dos testículos pode ser associado positivamente com a produção diária de espermatozoides e que alterações nos testículos irão refletir na fertilidade. Nas aves, os testículos estão localizados dentro da cavidade celomática, e, portanto, não são acessíveis para exame andrológico direto, como em mamíferos. A avaliação reprodutiva de galos se baseia principalmente em características fenotípicas. Buscou-se avaliar o potencial de associação de alguns parâmetros fenotípicos, como peso corporal (PC), escores de crista (ECR), escores de cloaca (ECL) e escores de pés (EP), com parâmetros morfológicos de testículos em galos Cobb® Mx em duas idades (25 e 45 semanas de idade). Galos leves apresentaram menor peso testicular (PT), menor diâmetro de túbulo seminífero (DT), e menores ECR e ECL que galos médios e pesados (P≤0.05). Galos pesados apresentaram os maiores ECR e maiores valores para altura do epitélio seminífero (AE), e DT. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as categorias de peso para escores de pé e proporções de túbulo seminífero (TS) e interstício (INT). Considerando-se o efeito da idade, galos com 45 semanas de idade apresentaram menores PT e TS que galos com 25 semanas de idade. Correlação positiva, moderada e significativa foi encontrada entre peso de testículo e características fenotípicas como ECR, ECL e PC em galos de 45 semanas de idade. Foi encontrada correlação positiva, moderada e significativa entre PC e características testiculares como DT e AE nas duas idades avaliadas. Conclui-se que em galos Cobb® Mx ocorre regressão do testículo com o avanço da idade, e ela é mais intensa em galos com menor peso corporal. Conclui-se que o PC tem influência positiva no peso e índices histomorfométricos dos testículos, e que escores de crista e de cloaca podem ser utilizados com potencial moderado de predição para identificar galos com baixo peso de testículos em galos com 45 semanas de idade.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

In broiler breeder roosters, the weight of the testes is positively associated with daily sperm production and fertility. In birds, the testes are located in the coelomic cavity, not being accessible to reproductive evaluation as mammalian testes. The reproductive evaluation of roosters is based on phenotypic traits. Any changes on testes will be reflected on fertility levels. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the potential of association of phenotypic traits as body weight (BW), comb scores (COS), cloaca scores (CLS) and feet scores (FS) with testicular morphometric parameters in adult Cobb® Mx roosters in two ages (25 and 45 weeks of age). The low BW roosters had lower testes weight (TW), smaller seminiferous tubule diameter (STD) and lower comb and cloaca scores than the medium and high BW roosters (P≤0.05). Heavy roosters had the highest COS and bigger seminiferous epithelium height (SEH). There was no statistical difference between the BW categories in FS and volumetric proportion of seminiferous tubule (ST) and interstitial tissue (IT). Considering the age effect, roosters with 45 weeks of age had lower TW and ST than 25-week roosters. Positive, moderate and significant correlation was found between testes weight and phenotypic characteristics as BW, COS and CLS in 45week roosters. A positive, moderate and significant correlation was found between body weight and histologic testicular characteristics as STD and SHE in both evaluated ages. In conclusion, there is a regression in the testes weight with age and it is more intense in Cobb® Mx roosters with lower BW. Furthermore, it is concluded that the BW positively influences the testes weight and histological quality of the testes. COS and CLS can be used with moderate potential prediction to identify roosters with low testes weight at 45 weeks of age.(AU)

Em galos de matriz pesada sabe-se que o peso dos testículos pode ser associado positivamente com a produção diária de espermatozoides e que alterações nos testículos irão refletir na fertilidade. Nas aves, os testículos estão localizados dentro da cavidade celomática, e, portanto, não são acessíveis para exame andrológico direto, como em mamíferos. A avaliação reprodutiva de galos se baseia principalmente em características fenotípicas. Buscou-se avaliar o potencial de associação de alguns parâmetros fenotípicos, como peso corporal (PC), escores de crista (ECR), escores de cloaca (ECL) e escores de pés (EP), com parâmetros morfológicos de testículos em galos Cobb® Mx em duas idades (25 e 45 semanas de idade). Galos leves apresentaram menor peso testicular (PT), menor diâmetro de túbulo seminífero (DT), e menores ECR e ECL que galos médios e pesados (P≤0.05). Galos pesados apresentaram os maiores ECR e maiores valores para altura do epitélio seminífero (AE), e DT. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as categorias de peso para escores de pé e proporções de túbulo seminífero (TS) e interstício (INT). Considerando-se o efeito da idade, galos com 45 semanas de idade apresentaram menores PT e TS que galos com 25 semanas de idade. Correlação positiva, moderada e significativa foi encontrada entre peso de testículo e características fenotípicas como ECR, ECL e PC em galos de 45 semanas de idade. Foi encontrada correlação positiva, moderada e significativa entre PC e características testiculares como DT e AE nas duas idades avaliadas. Conclui-se que em galos Cobb® Mx ocorre regressão do testículo com o avanço da idade, e ela é mais intensa em galos com menor peso corporal. Conclui-se que o PC tem influência positiva no peso e índices histomorfométricos dos testículos, e que escores de crista e de cloaca podem ser utilizados com potencial moderado de predição para identificar galos com baixo peso de testículos em galos com 45 semanas de idade.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

The Southern Crested Carcara is a bird with a recognized ecological role in the population control of small birds and mammals, feeding on live prey as much as on decaying animals. The objective of this study was to analyze the histology of Carcara`s intestinal tract of five Carcaras from the Wild Animal Screening Center of Pernambuco were euthanized to remove their intestines and cloacae. The tissues were stained with Hematoxylin/Eosin, Alcian Blue pH 1.0, and Periodic Acid Schiff. The villi of the small and large intestines are lined with a simple columnar epithelium with microvilli membranes and goblet cells. The lamina contains lymphocytes and form lymphatic follicles within some of the villi. The mucosal muscle is arranged in a longitudinal direction. The submucosal layer was only observed in the cloaca and the muscle layer has transverse and longitudinal fibers. The serous membrane lines the whole intestinal tract and is composed of mesothelium and submesothelial connective tissue. Longitudinal folds were found in the large intestine. The conclusion is that the Carcara`s intestine exhibits an overall structure compatible with the histological pattern observed in other species of birds; however, Paneth cells and the submucosal layer were not observed. Lymph follicles were found inside the villi and a high number of goblet cells at the end of the ileum and large intestine.(AU)

O carcará é uma ave com reconhecido papel ecológico, atuando no controle de populações de pequenas aves e mamíferos, alimentando-se tanto de presas vivas, quanto de animais em decomposição. Objetivou-se analisar a histologia do trato intestinal do carcará. Foram eutanasiados cinco carcarás provenientes do Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres de Pernambuco, para retirada do intestino e cloaca. Os tecidos foram corados por Hematoxilina/Eosina, Alcian Blue pH 1,0 e Ácido Periódico de Shiff. As vilosidades do intestino delgado e grosso são revestidas por epitélio simples colunar, com microvilosidades e células caliciformes. A lâmina própria contém linfócitos, formando folículos linfáticos no interior de algumas vilosidades. Já a muscular da mucosa está disposta no sentido longitudinal. A camada submucosa só foi observada na cloaca e a camada muscular possui fibras transversais e longitudinais. A serosa reveste externamente todo trato intestinal, sendo composta por mesotélio e tecido conjuntivo submesotelial. Pregas longitudinais foram encontradas no intestino grosso. Conclui-se que o intestino do Carcará apresenta de forma geral estrutura compatível com o padrão histológico observado em outras espécies de aves; entretanto, as células de Paneth e camada submucosa não foram observadas. Folículos linfáticos foram encontrados no interior das vilosidades e um elevado número de células caliciformes na porção final do íleo e intestino grosso.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

The Southern Crested Carcara is a bird with a recognized ecological role in the population control of small birds and mammals, feeding on live prey as much as on decaying animals. The objective of this study was to analyze the histology of Carcara`s intestinal tract of five Carcaras from the Wild Animal Screening Center of Pernambuco were euthanized to remove their intestines and cloacae. The tissues were stained with Hematoxylin/Eosin, Alcian Blue pH 1.0, and Periodic Acid Schiff. The villi of the small and large intestines are lined with a simple columnar epithelium with microvilli membranes and goblet cells. The lamina contains lymphocytes and form lymphatic follicles within some of the villi. The mucosal muscle is arranged in a longitudinal direction. The submucosal layer was only observed in the cloaca and the muscle layer has transverse and longitudinal fibers. The serous membrane lines the whole intestinal tract and is composed of mesothelium and submesothelial connective tissue. Longitudinal folds were found in the large intestine. The conclusion is that the Carcara`s intestine exhibits an overall structure compatible with the histological pattern observed in other species of birds; however, Paneth cells and the submucosal layer were not observed. Lymph follicles were found inside the villi and a high number of goblet cells at the end of the ileum and large intestine.

O carcará é uma ave com reconhecido papel ecológico, atuando no controle de populações de pequenas aves e mamíferos, alimentando-se tanto de presas vivas, quanto de animais em decomposição. Objetivou-se analisar a histologia do trato intestinal do carcará. Foram eutanasiados cinco carcarás provenientes do Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres de Pernambuco, para retirada do intestino e cloaca. Os tecidos foram corados por Hematoxilina/Eosina, Alcian Blue pH 1,0 e Ácido Periódico de Shiff. As vilosidades do intestino delgado e grosso são revestidas por epitélio simples colunar, com microvilosidades e células caliciformes. A lâmina própria contém linfócitos, formando folículos linfáticos no interior de algumas vilosidades. Já a muscular da mucosa está disposta no sentido longitudinal. A camada submucosa só foi observada na cloaca e a camada muscular possui fibras transversais e longitudinais. A serosa reveste externamente todo trato intestinal, sendo composta por mesotélio e tecido conjuntivo submesotelial. Pregas longitudinais foram encontradas no intestino grosso. Conclui-se que o intestino do Carcará apresenta de forma geral estrutura compatível com o padrão histológico observado em outras espécies de aves; entretanto, as células de Paneth e camada submucosa não foram observadas. Folículos linfáticos foram encontrados no interior das vilosidades e um elevado número de células caliciformes na porção final do íleo e intestino grosso.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Em galos de matriz pesada, o peso dos testículos se associa positivamente com a produção diária de espermatozoides e com a fertilidade. Contudo, os testículos de aves se localizam na cavidade abdominal, não sendo acessíveis para exame andrológico como os testículos de mamíferos. A avaliação reprodutiva de galos de matriz pesada é subjetiva e se baseia em características como peso corporal (PC), qualidade de pés e pernas e morfologia de cloaca e crista. Estudos que validem o potencial de associação dessas características fenotípicas com parâmetros da morfometria testicular são raros, principalmente quando se consideram galos de matriz pesada manejados em lotes comerciais. Escores de cloaca e de crista e parâmetros da morfometria testicular foram avaliados em galos Cobb 500 Slow adultos das categorias de PC leve (<4,300kg), médio (entre 4,300 e 5,250kg) e pesado (≥5,250kg). O coeficiente de variação para PC foi de 12%. Os galos da categoria de PC pesado apresentaram testículos mais pesados e maiores escores de cloaca e de crista do que os galos da categoria de PC leve. Não houve diferença estatística entre as categorias de PC, considerando-se índice gonadossomático, porcentagens de túbulo seminífero e de tecido intersticial, diâmetro de túbulo seminífero e altura de epitélio seminífero. Correlação positiva, moderada e significativa foi observada entre peso de testículo e características de PC, escores de cloaca e de crista, diâmetro de túbulo seminífero e altura de epitélio seminífero. Um dos seis galos da categoria de PC leve avaliados quanto à histologia de testículo apresentou atrofia testicular. Em galos Cobb 500 Slow, conclui-se que o PC influencia o peso e a qualidade histológica de testículos e que os escores de cloaca e de crista podem ser utilizados com potencial moderado de predição para identificar galos com baixo peso de testículos.(AU)

In broiler breeder roosters the weight of the testes is positively associated with daily sperm production and fertility. However, the avian testes are located in the abdominal cavity, not being accessible for reproductive evaluation as mammalian testes. The reproductive evaluation of broiler breeder roosters is subjective and is based on characteristics such as body weight (BW), quality of feet and legs and morphology of cloaca and comb. Studies that validate the potential of associating these phenotype characteristics with testicular morphometric parameters are rare, especially when broiler breeder roosters of commercial flocks are considered. Cloaca and comb scores and testicular morphometric parameters were evaluated in adult Cobb 500 Slow roosters with low (<4.300kg), medium (between 4.300 and 5.250kg) and high (≥5.250kg) BW categories. The coefficient of variation for BW was 12%. The high BW roosters have heavier testes and higher cloaca and comb scores than the low BW roosters. There was no statistical difference between the BW categories in gonadosomatic index, percentage of seminiferous tubule and interstitial tissue, diameter of the seminiferous tubule and height of the seminiferous epithelium. Testis weight is positive, moderate and significantly correlated with BW, cloaca and comb scores, diameter of seminiferous tubule and height of seminiferous epithelium. One of six low BW roosters evaluated for histology of the testis had testicular atrophy. We conclude that in Cobb 500 Slow roosters BW influences the weight and histological quality of the testes. Besides this, cloaca and comb scores can be used with moderate prediction potential to identify roosters with underweight testes.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Em galos de matriz pesada, o peso dos testículos se associa positivamente com a produção diária de espermatozoides e com a fertilidade. Contudo, os testículos de aves se localizam na cavidade abdominal, não sendo acessíveis para exame andrológico como os testículos de mamíferos. A avaliação reprodutiva de galos de matriz pesada é subjetiva e se baseia em características como peso corporal (PC), qualidade de pés e pernas e morfologia de cloaca e crista. Estudos que validem o potencial de associação dessas características fenotípicas com parâmetros da morfometria testicular são raros, principalmente quando se consideram galos de matriz pesada manejados em lotes comerciais. Escores de cloaca e de crista e parâmetros da morfometria testicular foram avaliados em galos Cobb 500 Slow adultos das categorias de PC leve (<4,300kg), médio (entre 4,300 e 5,250kg) e pesado (≥5,250kg). O coeficiente de variação para PC foi de 12%. Os galos da categoria de PC pesado apresentaram testículos mais pesados e maiores escores de cloaca e de crista do que os galos da categoria de PC leve. Não houve diferença estatística entre as categorias de PC, considerando-se índice gonadossomático, porcentagens de túbulo seminífero e de tecido intersticial, diâmetro de túbulo seminífero e altura de epitélio seminífero. Correlação positiva, moderada e significativa foi observada entre peso de testículo e características de PC, escores de cloaca e de crista, diâmetro de túbulo seminífero e altura de epitélio seminífero. Um dos seis galos da categoria de PC leve avaliados quanto à histologia de testículo apresentou atrofia testicular. Em galos Cobb 500 Slow, conclui-se que o PC influencia o peso e a qualidade histológica de testículos e que os escores de cloaca e de crista podem ser utilizados com potencial moderado de predição para identificar galos com baixo peso de testículos...

In broiler breeder roosters the weight of the testes is positively associated with daily sperm production and fertility. However, the avian testes are located in the abdominal cavity, not being accessible for reproductive evaluation as mammalian testes. The reproductive evaluation of broiler breeder roosters is subjective and is based on characteristics such as body weight (BW), quality of feet and legs and morphology of cloaca and comb. Studies that validate the potential of associating these phenotype characteristics with testicular morphometric parameters are rare, especially when broiler breeder roosters of commercial flocks are considered. Cloaca and comb scores and testicular morphometric parameters were evaluated in adult Cobb 500 Slow roosters with low (<4.300kg), medium (between 4.300 and 5.250kg) and high (≥5.250kg) BW categories. The coefficient of variation for BW was 12%. The high BW roosters have heavier testes and higher cloaca and comb scores than the low BW roosters. There was no statistical difference between the BW categories in gonadosomatic index, percentage of seminiferous tubule and interstitial tissue, diameter of the seminiferous tubule and height of the seminiferous epithelium. Testis weight is positive, moderate and significantly correlated with BW, cloaca and comb scores, diameter of seminiferous tubule and height of seminiferous epithelium. One of six low BW roosters evaluated for histology of the testis had testicular atrophy. We conclude that in Cobb 500 Slow roosters BW influences the weight and histological quality of the testes. Besides this, cloaca and comb scores can be used with moderate prediction potential to identify roosters with underweight testes...

Assuntos

RESUMO

Morphological studies of the gastrointestinal tract of blue-and-yellow macaws (Ara ararauna) are scarce. In view of the paucity of information regarding the digestive tract of macaws, this study aims to describe the gross anatomical features (oesophagus to cloaca) as part of a broad study of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of these birds. Three animals (two males and one female) adult macaws were anatomically dissected from the oropharynx to the cloaca to expose the GIT. The oesophagus was identified as a muscle-membranous tube continuous with the crop, which was intimately attached to the skin. The internal longitudinal folds of the cervical oesophagus were sparser cranial to the crop and less evident compared to the portion caudal to the crop. The duodenum began in the pylorus and was grey-coloured exhibiting a large lumen. The jejunum was formed by loops in a spiral-fashion model supported by mesojejunum. The ileum was also composed by small loops and was continuous with the colo-rectum forming the large intestine, because the caeca were absent. The large intestine was short, median in position, suspended in the dorsal wall of the abdominal cavity by mesentery and ended in the cloaca. The GIT was similar to the basic patterns in birds, in general, and also presented new unreported morphological data that might be important when studying nutrition and health of the macaws.

Assuntos

RESUMO

1. The feasibility and accuracy of the cloacal sexing technique in greater rhea chicks was assessed using chicks of two captive populations of greater rhea in Córdoba, Argentina. 2. A total of 46 greater rhea chicks of 2 to 3 months of age were randomly arranged into three groups and the members of each group were sexed by a different operator. 3. A feather of each chick was plucked for sexing through a molecular method and results were used as controls. 4. Sex was correctly assigned by cloacal inspection in 98% of the cases. Chick manipulation was easily performed and no infections or traumatic lesions were observed a posteriori. 5. Cloacal sexing of rhea chicks up to 3 months of age does not affect animal welfare and should be considered an efficient alternative to molecular methods.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Male and female plethodontid salamanders have specialized cloacal glands associated with the reproductive activity. The reproductive cycle in Bolitoglossa nicefori is characterized by males that are potentially reproductive throughout the year, and females that are reproductive only for a few months. To determine whether morphological and histochemical variation occur in cloacal structures related to reproductive activity, the cloacal region of male and female specimens of B. nicefori was studied in different stages of their annual reproductive cycle using light microscopy and compared with features reported in other plethodontid salamanders. The main anatomy and histology of the male and female cloacal regions of B. nicefori are similar to those of other salamanders; however, in comparison to other Bolitoglossa previously studied, B. nicefori has a relatively larger cloacal tube and a tubular rather than acinar spermatheca. As a common trait, the spermatheca has a common tube that diverges into two tubules, before branching into spermathecal tubules, horizontally arranged on frontal planes. The secretions of the spermathecal glands differed between reproductive and nonreproductive adult females. This secretory product consists of prevailing neutral carbohydrates that were related to the increase in ovarian follicular size during the breeding season. Sperm was found only in the spermatheca of reproductive periovulatory females, suggesting that the reproductive cycle involves a no long-term storage of sperm. Although males can produce sperm throughout the year, spermatophores, namely specialized structures involved in sperm transport, were found in their cloaca only during the breeding season. In these males, some of the cloaca-associated glands were seen to undergo change their secretory activity and their secretory products were related to spermatophore formation.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Broiler chicks that traverse a T-maze quickly to reinstate contact with their companions (HP, high performers) are known to grow faster, are more social, and have a reduced plasma corticosterone response to acute stress than slower chicks (LP, low performers). High-performing quail from a line selected for reduced rather than exaggerated (high-stress) adrenocortical stress responsiveness also show enhanced female reproductive performance when compared with LP-high-stress quail. Herein, time courses of male sexual development were evaluated in genetically unremarkable quail that were categorized at 2 d of age as HP or LP in the T-maze. Body weight, cloacal gland volume (CVOL), proportion of individuals that produced cloacal gland foam, intensity of foam production, and CVOL relative to BW (RCVOL) were determined weekly from 4 to 10 wk of age, and again at 22 wk, along with absolute and BW-adjusted testes weight. Although CVOL and RCVOL were initially similar in both T-maze groups, both variables were greater (P < 0.05) in HP than in LP quail between 6 and 10 wk of age. High-performing birds also showed a trend (P < 0.1) of greater cloacal gland foam than their LP counterparts from 5 to 7 wk. From 8 wk on, all birds were in foam production. Intensity of foam production results generally mimicked those found for CVOL and RCVOL. Body weights were higher (P < 0.05) in HP than LP quail from 5 to 7 wk. No T-maze group differences were found in any of the variables at 22 wk of age. The results suggest that rapid negotiation of the T-maze is associated with accelerated growth and puberty in male quail, although the enhanced reproductive development of HP males does not remain extant in aged adults.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Cloacas of 67 avian species, of both sexes, from various habitats and differing dietary habits, were examined macro- and microscopically to investigate possible variation in the location of the ureteral openings. Differing from most birds studied, in adult male Rhea americana and several tinamous species the ureters were found to open into the coprodeum. In these species the urodeum receives only the vas deferens or oviduct. Similarly, in crocodiles Caiman crocodilus yacare, but not in lizards Tropidurus montanus and snakes Crotalus durissus terrificus, the ureters empty into the coprodeum. This similarity between ancient birds (ratites and tinamous) and crocodiles may indicate a primitive character linking reptiles and birds. This unusual position of the ureteral orifice can represent an adaptation to facilitate urine collection into the coprodeum and large intestine. Another possibility is that this variation in ureter position is a male reproductive strategy to avoid the mixture of urine and semen in the cloaca. There were no evident correlations between the location of the ureteral openings and the birds' habitat, diet, or histology of the coprodeal mucosa. The occurrence of a phallus in eight species of birds was detected, as well as a peculiar vascularization related to the coprodeal epithelium of anseriformes. Together, these data add to the scarce information about the morphophysiology of the avian cloaca, and also contribute to clarify avian phylogenetic linkages.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The components of the copulatory apparatus of Nothura maculosa were identified and studied by means of dissections, parenteral latex injections and standard histological and histochemical techniques. N. maculosa possesses an intromittent phallus with a tubular cavity, within which a fixed base and a tubular portion can be distinguished. An ejaculatory groove, which is supported by a fibrous body, runs dorsally at the base of the phallus. The tubular portion of the phallus inserts into the fibrous body, the former possessing two continuous but morphologically distinct parts, one of which is eversible and is extruded during erection while the other is a fixed non-eversible glandular portion. The walls of both parts are formed by the mucosa, an intermediate layer of connective tissue containing a wide lymphatic space which surrounds the whole perimeter of the tube, and an external layer of dense connective tissue. The mucosa of the eversible portion, which lodges the phallic groove, is lined by a non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. In the fixed tubular portion, the tubular lumen is reduced in size, the phallic groove disappears, the mucosa becomes folded and there occurs an abrupt change to a pseudostratified columnar secretory epithelium. The copulatory apparatus of N. maculosa includes the vascular bodies of the phallus, which show morphofunctional continuity with the phallic structures, thus forming a single system involved in erection. On erection, the eversible portion of the phallus evaginates and emerges from the cloacal opening as a spiral shaped structure directed towards the left.

Assuntos

Assuntos

Assuntos

RESUMO

Cloacae of male Nothura maculosa (spotted tinamous) were dissected and studied with routine histological and histochemical techniques. In the cloaca of this species the following cranio-caudally oriented regions can be recognized: the coprodeum, the urodeum and the proctodeum, separated by the coprourodeal and the uroproctodeal folds respectively. The coprodeum is an abrupt dilatation of the rectum which receives the ureters, contrary to other birds in which they open into the urodeum. The urodeum is the smallest compartment of the cloaca. Its wall presents the paracloacal vascular bodies and the ductus deferens receptacles which open into the ejaculatory fossa through a pair of papillae. The ejaculatory fossa forms the ventral floor of the urodeum and is characterized by the presence of a secretory epithelium and a lamina propria showing rich vascularization. The proctodeum is connected to the exterior through the cloacal opening and ventrally it presents the phallic structures and the proctodeal lamella. Its dorsolateral wall forms the cloacal bursa, its mucosa shows morphological variations depending on the degree of regression. Enclosing the uroproctodeal wall are the cloacal sphincter muscle and the skin.

Assuntos