Resumen Objetivo: Determinar desde la perspectiva de la calidad multidimensional cuáles son los factores que inciden en el consumo de la carne de conejo en el centro de México. Metodología: Se empleó una encuesta estructurada a 177 consumidores habituales de carne incluida la carne de conejo, para analizar los datos se realizó una base y, posteriormente, se dio un tratamiento multivariado mediante un análisis de factores por componente principales seguido de un análisis de conglomerados. Resultados: Los resultados muestran especial interés por dos dimensiones de calidad; la nutricional y sanitaria como principal motivo para valorar el consumo de la carne de conejo, mientras que la tradicionalidad en la elaboración de platillos no se observa. Limitaciones: Por haberse realizado durante la pandemia, no se pudo contar con un mayor número de consumidores. Conclusión: La percepción de calidad de la carne de conejo está influenciada positivamente por las dimensiones nutricionales, sanitarios y tecnológicos, mientras que las dimensiones de uso y tradicionalidad se perciben como limitantes ya que dicha carne no se ha posicionado en la cultura gastronómica mexicana.

Abstract Objective: To determine the multidimensional quality, as well as the reasons for the consumption of rabbit meat from the perspective of the consumer. Methodology: A structured survey was used to 177 decision-makers of family food consumption, to analyze the data a database was created and subsequently a multivariate treatment was given through a factor analysis by principal components followed by a cluster analysis. Results: The results show special interest in two dimensions of quality; the nutritional and health as the main reason to value the consumption of rabbit meat, while the traditionality in the preparation of dishes is not observed. Limitations: Because it was carried out during the pandemic, a greater number of consumers could not be counted on. Conclusion: The perception of quality of rabbit meat is positively influenced by the nutritional, sanitary and technological dimensions, while the dimensions of use and traditionality are perceived as limiting since said meat has not been positioned in the Mexican gastronomic culture.

Abstract: The aim was to evaluate the effect of dietary addition of a polyherbal phytogenic (Animunin) on the productive performance and blood biochemistry in finishing lambs. Forty Hampshire × Suffolk males lambs (initial body weight 26.52 ± 2.13 kg) were allocated according to a completely randomized design in four treatments. Treatments consisted of dietary inclusion of the Animunin at 0, 1, 2, and 3 g kg-1 dry matter (DM). Animunin addition was not modified (p > 0.05) the productive performance, DM intake, backfat thickness, chop area, energy and protein metabolites, or liver enzymes. While hematocrit, hemoglobin and erythrocytes showed a quadratic response (p ≤ 0.05) with Animunin. The polyherbal phytogenic evaluated did not improve lamb’s productive performance and metabolites related with immune response.

Resumen: El objetivo fue evaluar el efecto de la adición dietaría de un fitogénico poliherbal (Animunin) sobre el comportamiento productivo y la bioquímica sanguínea en corderos. Se utilizaron 40 corderos machos Hampshire × Suffolk con peso vivo inicial de 26.52 ± 2.13 kg, distribuidos en un diseño completamente al azar en cuatro tratamientos. Los tratamientos fueron la inclusión de Animunin a 0, 1, 2 y 3 g kg-1 de materia seca (MS). La adición de Animunin no modifico (p > 0.05) el comportamiento productivo, el consumo de MS, el espesor de grasa dorsal, el área de la chuleta, los metabolitos energéticos y proteicos, o las enzimas hepáticas. Mientras que el hematocrito, la hemoglobina y los eritrocitos mostraron una respuesta cuadrática (p ≤ 0.05) a la adición de Animunin. El fitogénico poliherbal no mejoró el comportamiento productivo ni los metabolitos relacionados con la respuesta inmune de corderos.

Resumen El uso, así como el efecto productivo y económico de compuestos herbales en producción cunícola ha sido poco estudiado, por tal motivo el objetivo fue evaluar el efecto de una mezcla poliherbal rica en conjugados de colina a base de Trachyspermum ammi, Achyranthes aspera, Azadirachta indica y Citrullus colocynthis, sobre la respuesta económica y productiva de conejos para carne. Para lo cual se utilizaron 40 conejos Nueva Zelanda X California (30 días de edad), los cuales fueron aleatorizados en cinco grupos (0.0, 200, 400, 600 y 800 mg kg-1 de MS poliherbal, BioCholina®), el experimento tuvo una duración de 34 días. Se evaluó la respuesta productiva, calidad de la carne e indicadores económicos. Se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar con un arreglo de polinomios ortogonales para determinar efectos lineales y cuadráticos, con un nivel de significancia de P<0.05. Los resultados en cuanto a los parámetros productivos fueron similares entre tratamientos, excepto consumo de alimento (P=0.006) y conversión alimenticia (P=0.005) con un efecto linealmente a mayor concentración del poliherbal. La inclusión del poliherbal incrementó pH en carne (lineal, P=0.004) y coordenada b* (lineal, P=0.009), se observó que el tratamiento con 200 mg presentó los mejores indicadores económicos mejorando en 9 unidades porcentuales la razón ingresos-egresos. Se concluye que la adición de mezclas poliherbales a base de conjugado de colina natural no mejoró las variables productivas, sin embargo, se marca una tendencia económica favorable con la adición de 200 mg kg-1 de MS.

Abstract The use, as well as the productive and economic effect of herbal compounds on rabbit production has been little studied, for this reason, the objective was to evaluate the effect of a polyherbal mixture rich in choline conjugates based on Trachyspermum ammi, Achyranthes aspera, Azadirachta indica and Citrullus colocynthis, on the economic and productive response of meat rabbits. For this, 40 New Zealand X California rabbits (30-d old) were used, which were randomized into five groups (0.0, 200, 400, 600 and 800 mg kg-1 of polyherbal DM, BioCholina®), the experiment lasted 34 days. The productive response, meat quality and economic indicators were evaluated. A completely randomized design with an arrangement of orthogonal polynomials was used to determine linear and quadratic effects, with a significance level of P<0.05. The results in terms of production parameters were similar between treatments, except for feed consumption (P=0.006) and feed conversion (P=0.005) with a linear effect at higher concentration of the polyherbal. The inclusion of the polyherbal increased pH in meat (linear, P=0.004) and coordinate b* (linear, P=0.009), it was observed that the treatment with 200 mg showed the best economic indicators, improving the income-expense ratio by 9 percentage units. It is concluded that the addition of polyherbal mixtures based on natural choline conjugate did not improve the productive variables, however, a favorable economic trend is marked with the addition of 200 mg kg-1 of DM.

Resumen: El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la superposición de la dieta entre el venado cola blanca (Odocoileus virginianus) y otros herbívoros (lagomorfos, bovinos y equinos) caracterizando la dieta tanto de los cérvidos como la de los lagomorfos de la región. Se muestreó la vegetación y excretas encontradas en 15 transectos de 300 m de largo y 6 m de ancho. Mediante la técnica micro histológica se elaboró un catálogo de referencia vegetal y se analizaron las muestras fecales por especie para determinar la composición botánica de la dieta. De las 65 especies vegetales recolectadas presuntamente consumibles por los cérvidos, solo 16 fueron consumidas por estos. El análisis micro histológico reveló que la dieta de venados y lagomorfos coincide en una sola especie arbórea, un arbusto y una herbácea; pero, para los lagomorfos, el consumo de estos tres grupos vegetales representa más del 50% de la dieta; mientras que, para los caballos y bovinos, la dieta estuvo formada por una sola especie de herbáceas o gramíneas, respectivamente. El índice de Pianka entre el venado cola blanca y los lagomorfos fue de 0.26, mientras que en comparación con el ganado bovino y equino fue de 0.04 en ambos casos. Como se esperaba del análisis micro histológico, la superposición de la dieta entre los ciervos y otras especies de herbívoros fue relativamente baja. Sin embargo, el traslape entre venado cola blanca y lagomorfos es del 26% y considerando el número estimado de individuos en la UMA puede ser un elemento de competencia importante.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the dietary overlap between white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and other herbivores (lagomorphs, cattle, and horses). Vegetation and excreta found in 15 transects 300 m long and 6 m wide were sampled. Using the micro histological technique, a plant reference catalog was elaborated and the fecal samples by species were analyzed to determine the botanical composition of the diet. It can be seen that, of 65 plant species collected presumably consumable by cervids, only 16 were consumed by them. The microhistological analysis revealed that the diet of deer and lagomorphs coincides in a single arboreal species, a shrub and a herbaceous one; However, in the diet of lagomorphs, the consumption of these three plant groups represents more than 50% of the diet, while, in the case of horses and cattle, the diet consisted mainly of a single species of herbaceous or grasses, respectively. The Pianka index between white-tailed deer and lagomorphs was 0.26, while compared to cattle and horses it was 0.04 in both cases. As expected from microhistological analysis, the dietary overlap between deer and other herbivore species was relatively low. However, the overlap between white-tailed deer and lagomorphs is 26% and considering the estimated number of individuals in the UMA it may be an important element of competition.

ABSTRACT We conducted an experiment to evaluate the effect of a polyherbal additive with metabolites such as antioxidants, vitamins, and small hydrolysable tannoids oils on productive parameters and blood metabolites in finishing lambs. Forty male Hampshire × Suffolk lambs (23.79±2.24 kg) were used in a completely randomized experimental design. Treatments consisted of dietary inclusion of a polyherbal additive based on Emblica officinalis and Ocimum sanctum at 0, 5, 10, and 15 g/kg dry matter for 60 d. There were no effects on daily gain, dry matter intake, feed conversion, back fat thickness, and Longissimus dorsi area; however, hot carcass dressing improved linearly as the level of herbal additive supplementation was increased. The antioxidants of the polyherbal additive linearly inhibited lipid oxidation of the meat (24 h; day 10) and improved its water-holding capacity (24 h). Meat lightness after 1 d was reduced linearly, but no changes were detected in other color parameters. Metabolites (glucose, urea, cholesterol) related to energy or protein metabolism were not affected by the herbal additive. Lymphocytes and basophiles were reduced linearly whereas monocytes and segmented neutrophils increased linearly for polyherbal additive. The inclusion of the polyherbal additive does not improve daily gain or feed efficiency in finishing lambs but improves the carcass dressing and antioxidant capacity of the meat.

Abstract: Enteric diseases can severely impact livestock production systems, causing financial losses due to mortality, compromised growth performance and reduced conversion rates. Rotavirus is considered a principal cause of acute viral gastroenteritis in young humans and animals worldwide, and is associated with dehydrating diarrhea in livestock. A study was done to identify rotavirus in 39 small backyard rabbit production systems in thirteen municipalities in the south-eastern region of the State of Mexico. A total of 147 samples were analyzed with RT-PCR, 99 from healthy rabbits and 48 from animals exhibiting enteric symptoms. Lapine rotavirus was identified in nine (18.7 %) of the diseased animals, and none of the healthy individuals. The results support the hypothesis that in rabbits with enteric disease, viruses play an important but not decisive role, and that rotavirus does not determine disease occurrence. Lapine rotavirus is probably not endemic in rabbit production systems in the studied region, and may occur without inducing serious enteric episodes in individuals. However, in association with other pathogens, it may also be an important contributing factor in enteric outbreaks. This is one of the first reports of rotavirus in rabbits with enteric disease in Mexico.

Resumen: Dentro de las producciones pecuarias, las enfermedades entéricas tienen un papel importante, ya que generan severas pérdidas económicas derivadas de la mortalidad, depresión del crecimiento y disminución del índice de conversión. Rotavirus es considerado una causa importante de gastroenteritis viral aguda en humanos y animales jóvenes en todo el mundo, estando asociado a diarreas deshidratantes en granjas de producción animal. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar rotavirus en granjas de producción cunícola ubicadas en la región sur-oriente del Estado de México a través de RT-PCR. Se recolectaron muestras de 39 pequeñas granjas de traspatio ubicadas dentro de los 13 municipios que conforman la región estudiada. Un total de 147 muestras se analizaron, 99 de conejos sanos y 48 de conejos con signología entérica, de las cuales se identificó Rotavirus en 9 de ellas (18.7 %), mientras que en conejos sanos no hubo identificación. Los resultados concuerdan con la suposición de que en conejos con signología entérica, los virus parecen tener un papel importante, pero no decisivo, y que la participación de rotavirus no es determinante para la presentación de la enfermedad. Se plantea la posibilidad de que Rotavirus no sea endémico en granjas cunícolas de la región sur-oriente del Estado de México, encontrándose ocasionalmente, sin inducir episodios entéricos graves de forma individual; no obstante, podría ser un factor importante en la presentación de brotes entéricos en asociación con otros agentes patógenos. Este es uno de los primeros reportes de la presencia de Rotavirus en conejos con signología entérica en México.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of four levels of fish oil on lamb performance, carcass yield, ruminal fermentation, and leptin gene expression in perirenal fat. Thirty-two lambs (24.10±2.15 kg, Katahdin × Pelibuey) were used in a completely randomized experimental design. The lambs were assigned to one of four dietary treatments (n = 8 lambs/treatment), expressed as g/kg DM basis: 0 fish oil and 300 corn; 10 fish oil and 250 corn; 20 fish oil and 205 corn; and 30 fish oil and 170 corn. The lambs were weighed on consecutive days at the beginning (days 0 and 1) and at the end (days 55 and 56) of the trial. Ruminal fluid samples were collected on day 56 to evaluate the ruminal fermentation pattern. The lambs were slaughtered on day 56; perirenal adipose tissue samples were collected and the carcass yields were recorded. Volatile fatty acids, ammonia N, and leptin mRNA expression were not affected by the dietary treatments. However, the dry matter intake, average daily gain, final body weight, and the hot carcass yield showed either increased linear or quadratic responses as the proportion of fish oil increased in the ration; the estimated optimal level obtained of fish oil levels for average daily gain was 11.2±0.21 g/kg and 12.8±4.67 g/kg for feed conversion. Additionally, feed efficiency and backfat thickness had an increment, showing quadratic response as the proportion of fish oil increased in the diet. Increasing the fish oil concentration in the diet does not affect leptin messenger ribonucleic acid expression. The lamb performance can be improved with 12 g/kg fish oil in diets of finishing lambs.

ABSTRACT An evaluation of the effects of monensin and calcium propionate on the in vitro kinetics of gas production, digestibility, carbon dioxide, and minor gas production on different days was performed using the ruminal fluid from eight Suffolk lamb donors, after receiving additives for 1, 10, and 20 days. Treatments consisted of a control ration of 40% grain; 30 mg/kg of monensin in a diet with 40% grain; 10 g/kg calcium propionate in a diet with 30% grain; and the combination of both additives in a diet with 30% grain. The gas production was measured up to 72 h of incubation and all incubation procedures were repeated three times on days 1, 10, and 20. On incubation day 20, the volume and production of methane and minor gases were measured. There was an interaction between calcium propionate and monensin for maximum gas production, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), carbon dioxide, and minor gases. Monensin reduced gas production on days 1 and 20, whereas calcium propionate increased gas production (Vm) on day 1. The rate of gas production (s) was reduced by calcium propionate on day 1 and by the combination of additives on day 10. Lag time was reduced by monensin on day 10; however, it declined linearly with the feeding time of the additives. Monensin had no effect on IVDMD (62.29 vs. 62.24%), while calcium propionate increased the IVDMD (60.00 vs. 64.53%). The inclusion of monensin increased CO2; however, the combination of monensin and calcium propionate had no effect on CO2 production. Monensin reduced methane (25.37 vs. 20.29%) and increased CO2. None of the additives showed consistent effects on the kinetic parameters of in vitro gas production over time. The treatments with monensin and calcium propionate showed a significant reduction in methane production, with a higher fermentation efficiency since the IVDMD was increased. Both additives are a strategy to consider to reduce methane emissions without affecting the ruminal fermentation.

Abstract The effect of thin-layer drying temperature on color, phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of noni slices was investigated. Noni slices were air-dried at 50, 60 and 70 °C under natural convection conditions. Drying curves were fitted to thin-layer drying models in order to evaluate the drying characteristics of the product. In addition, an unsteady-state diffusion equation was numerically solved considering both product shrinkage and a variable mass Biot number in boundary condition to accurately estimate water diffusivity in a process with external resistance to mass transfer. Results revealed that the Aghbashlo model accurately reproduced the experimental behavior. As expected, water diffusivities, corrected for shrinkage, increased with the use of higher drying temperatures, with values in the range of 1.80-3.19 to ×10-9 m2/s. On the other hand, while drying caused a reduction in product lightness (24-31%) and total phenolic content (20-28%), the antioxidant capacity of dried noni was high (82-93% DPPH inhibition), which is advantageous for the further storage or processing of this fruit.

Abstract The objective of this article was to estimate the seroprevalence of neosporosis, bovine viral diarrhea, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, brucellosis, and leptospirosis, as well as to determine their association with the history of miscarriage and to identify the risk factors. By means of a case-control study of 29 production units, 57 cows with a history of miscarriage were selected alongside another 121 cows as controls. These cows were analyzed by serology and the aborted fetuses were analyzed by PCR for N. caninum. Except for brucellosis, cows were detected seropositive with the most seroprevalence corresponding to N. caninum (51.7 %) and the least seroprevalence corresponding to leptospirosis (11.8 %). 11.8 % of the cows were simultaneously seropositive for N. caninum and bovine viral diarrhea, with 100% of them showing records of at least one miscarriage. The DNA presence of N. caninum in one fetus was proven, concluding that N. caninum is a determinant cause in the occurrence of miscarriage in the milk production system on a small scale.

Resumen: El objetivo fue estimar la seroprevalencia de neosporosis, diarrea viral bovina, rinotraqueítis infecciosa bovina, brucelosis y leptospirosis; así como, determinar su asociación con el antecedente de aborto e identificar los factores de riesgo. Mediante un estudio de casos y controles de 29 unidades de producción, se seleccionaron 57 vacas con antecedente de aborto y 121 controles. Se analizaron por serología y fetos abortados por PCR para N. caninum. Excepto para brucelosis, se detectaron vacas seropositivas correspondiendo la mayor seroprevalencia a N. caninum (51.7 %) y la menor (11.8 %) para Leptospirosis. 11.8 % de las vacas fueron seropositivas a N. caninum y diarrea viral bovina de manera simultánea, presentando el 100% de ellas registros de al menos un aborto. Se comprobó la presencia de ADN de N. caninum en un feto, concluyéndose que N. caninum es causa determinante en la presentación de aborto en el sistema de producción de leche en pequeña escala.