El objetivo del estudio fue determinar como la suplementación de cromo afecta el rendimiento de caballos deportivos, se evaluó los posibles efectos de dos fuentes de suplementos de cromo orgánico en caballos atléticos. Se evaluaron 15 equinos deportivos, raza Argentina Saddle, de 12 a 15 años, alimentados con concentrado, pasto de centeno y heno de alfalfa. Fueron divididos en tres grupos experimentales:i) el grupo de control recibió dieta basal sin suplementación, ii) dieta basal suplementada con 20 mg de cromo en forma de levadura enriquecida por 30 días; y iii) dieta basal suplementada con 20 mg de cromo en forma de tripicolinato de cromo por 30 días. Después, se realizó una prueba submáxima de esfuerzo y posterior una evaluación de niveles sanguíneos de glucosa, cortisol e insulina. El análisis estadístico del nivel de glucosa no mostró diferencias significativas para ninguno de los tratamientos (P> 0.05), pre y post ejercicio. El cortisol plasmático fue similar entre el tratamiento pre-ejercicio, la levadura enriquecida con cromo y el cromo orgánico, disminuyeron el nivel de cortisol en sangre post ejercicio (P <0,05). La concentración plasmática de insulina se vio influenciada por la suplementación con cromo después del ejercicio intensivo, los resultados demostraron que el nivel de insulina en sangre fue mayor en los caballos que no recibieron suplementación (P <0.01) en comparación con los grupos que recibieron suplementación de cromo. La suplementación con cromo orgánico en caballos deportivos no modificó la glucosa plasmática, pero si la concentración sanguínea de cortisol e insulina.

Diets with 2800 and 2900 kcal of ME/kg was evaluated to determine their effect on weight gain and egg quality parameters at the end of the production cycle in hy-Line Brown hens separated into two weight groups weights: 2200 g. A group of 960 hens with 75 weeks of age was employed distributed in a Random Complete Blocks Design with a bifactorial arrangement. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and for the comparison of treatment means, the Duncan Significant Minimum Range test was used at a <0.05 and <0.01 probability both for the independent factors and for the bird weight interaction and diet energy level. Data about consumption, egg production, feed conversion and abdominal fat were collected. Egg quality was determined by weight records, albumen height, color, freshness, resistance, and thickness by using the digital method with laser irradiation in the digital Egg Tester DET-600. The results showed effects on hens weight upon consumption and weekly weights, lighter hens consumed less and resulted in lower weekly weights compared to heavier hens (P 0, 005). Heavier birds accumulated more abdominal fat at the end of the laying period than the less heavy birds (P <0.01). Egg production and feed conversion did not suffer variations due to the effect of both factors, although egg weight was affected only by bird weight (P 0.05). it would be feasible to reduce the energy value of the diet without affecting the productive performance of the birds.

Parasitism in wild birds is an area of study of vital importance within ecology and animal health. These infections, caused by a variety of parasites, can significantly impact the health, behavior, and dynamics of bird populations. The interaction between parasites and their avian hosts is complex and can be influenced by environmental, genetic, and behavioral factors. Understanding these processes is crucial for wildlife management, biodiversity preservation, and the prevention of zoonotic diseases that can affect humans. Parasitic infections in wild birds are widely distributed globally, with many cases being subclinical due to low parasite concentrations. A total of 48 samples from five species of waterfowl from Yahuarcocha lagoon were analyzed to determine prevalence, infestation intensity, and co-infection of parasite eggs and oocysts in bird feces. Two diagnostic techniques were used: direct coproparasitoscopic method (qualitative) and McMaster technique with Sheater’s solution (quantitative). Four genera of parasites were identified in 23 birds: Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, Capillaria sp., and Eimeria spp. The prevalence was estimated at 48 % (23/48), with at least one of the identified genera or species. Host-specific prevalence was 60 % (3/5) in the Common Gallinule; 50 % (9/18) in the Andean Coot; 47 % (8/17) in the Neotropical Cormorant; 40 % (2/5) in the AndeanRuddy Duck; and 33 % (1/3) in the Cattle Egret. Regarding infestation intensity, birds showed average values of 271 (±74) eggs per gram (EPG) of A. galli; 275 (±98) EPG of H. gallinarum; 125 (±25) EPG of Capillaria sp., and 236 (±139) oocysts per gram (OPG) of Eimeria spp. Mixed infections were found in 30.43 % (7/23) of cases, most commonly involving H. gallinarum and Eimeria spp. in two hosts.

Soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) represent the most prevalent helminth infections worldwide and are closely associated with inadequate sanitation and poverty. During 2020 and 2021, a significant information gap emerged as a consequence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Therefore, the objective of this study was to provide an updated post-pandemic overview by estimating the prevalence of STH, identifying the etiological agents involved, and analyzing the risk factors associated with these infections. The study was conducted in Ilaló, Pichincha, Ecuador, where a total of 320 individuals were examined using three diagnostic methods: Kato-Katz, McMaster, and Mini-FLOTAC. Of these, 73 participants tested positive (22.81%, 95% CI: 22.3–23.4). The most frequently identified parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides (74.73%, 95% CI: 73.7–75.8). The main risk factors identified were pig farming (OR: 4.16; 95% CI: 2.34–7.42) and vegetable and fruit cultivation (OR: 11.66; 95% CI: 4.32–41.08). These findings provide relevant epidemiological data on STH in the region, demonstrating a reduction in infection prevalence likely associated with improved prevention and control measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.