Diagnóstico ultrassonográfico intrauterino de cardiomegalia fetal em felino / Intrauterine ultrasound diagnosis of fetal cardiomegaly in a feline

A ultrassonografia é um dos principais métodos de diagnóstico gestacional, no qual se realiza: biometria, monitoramento de batimentos e organogênese, detecção de anormalidades e avaliação da circulação sanguínea materno-fetal. Nesse quesito, o diagnóstico ultrassonográfico intrauterino de anormalidades fetais vem adquirindo espaço com o desenvolvimento de equipamentos mais avançados, tendo potencial para se tornar uma ferramenta de triagem para tal. Baseado na escassez observada nesse aspecto, visa-se relatar o diagnóstico ultrassonográfico intrauterino de uma alteração fetal em uma felina gestante. Foi atendida uma felina da raça persa, 3 anos, com histórico de monta natural há 40 dias. Na ultrassonografia visibilizou-se quatro fetos vivos com aproximadamente 38 dias. Uma segunda avaliação ultrassonográfica ocorreu após 12 dias, notando-se um feto com cardiomegalia, oscilação da frequência cardíaca e sofrimento fetal, enquanto os demais fetos apresentavam-se dentro da normalidade. O terceiro exame foi feito após quatro dias, visibilizando ausência de batimento cardíaco e presença de líquido em espaço pleural no feto em questão, confirmando o óbito. O parto natural ocorreu após uma semana, com nascimento de três filhotes vivos e um natimorto. Ao exame necroscópico do natimorto, confirmou-se cardiomegalia generalizada. Conclui-se que a ultrassonografia é um método padrão-ouro para diagnóstico de anormalidades fetais, permitindo planejar o parto e interceder de maneira precoce conforme a situação. Assim, esse trabalho enriquece a literatura com maiores informações relacionadas a malformações fetais observadas antes do parto, contribuindo assim com as condutas obstétricas em pequenos animais.(AU)

Ultrasonography is one of the main methods of gestational diagnosis, in which it performs: biometry, monitoring of beats and organogenesis, detection of abnormalities and evaluation of maternal-fetal blood circulation. In this regard, intrauterine sonographic diagnosis of fetal abnormalities has been gaining space with the development of more advanced equipment, and has the potential to become a screening tool for this purpose. Based on the scarcity observed in this aspect, this study aimsto report the intrauterine ultrasound diagnosis of a fetal abnormality in a pregnant feline. The patient was a 3-year-old Persian female with a history of natural mounting for 40 days. At ultrasonography, four live fetuses were visualized at approximately38 days of age. Asecond ultrasonographic evaluation was performed after 12 days, and one fetus with cardiomegaly, heart rate oscillation and fetal distress was observed, while the other fetuses were within normal limits. The third scan was performed after four days, showing absence of heartbeat and presence of fluid in the pleural space in the fetus in question, confirming the death. Natural delivery occurred after one week, with the birth of three live pups and one stillborn. At necroscopic examination of the stillborn, generalized cardiomegaly was confirmed. We conclude that ultrasonography is a gold standard method for diagnosing fetal abnormalities, allowing birth planning and early intervention according to the situation. Thus, this study enriches theliterature with more information related to fetal malformations observed before delivery, thus contributing to obstetric management in small animals.(AU)

Paternal effects on fetal programming

Paternal programming is the concept that the environmental signals from the sire's experiences leading up to mating can alter semen and ultimately affect the phenotype of resulting offspring. Potential mechanisms carrying the paternal effects to offspring can be associated with epigenetic signatures (DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNAs), oxidative stress, cytokines, and the seminal microbiome. Several opportunities exist for sperm/semen to be influenced during development; these opportunities are within the testicle, the epididymis, or accessory sex glands. Epigenetic signatures of sperm can be impacted during the pre-natal and pre-pubertal periods, during sexual maturity and with advancing sire age. Sperm are susceptible to alterations as dictated by their developmental stage at the time of the perturbation, and sperm and seminal plasma likely have both dependent and independent effects on offspring. Research using rodent models has revealed that many factors including over/under nutrition, dietary fat, protein, and ingredient composition (e.g., macro- or micronutrients), stress, exercise, and exposure to drugs, alcohol, and endocrine disruptors all elicit paternal programming responses that are evident in offspring phenotype. Research using livestock species has also revealed that sire age, fertility level, plane of nutrition, and heat stress can induce alterations in the epigenetic, oxidative stress, cytokine, and microbiome profiles of sperm and/or seminal plasma. In addition, recent findings in pigs, sheep, and cattle have indicated programming effects in blastocysts post-fertilization with some continuing into post-natal life of the offspring. Our research group is focused on understanding the effects of common management scenarios of plane of nutrition and growth rates in bulls and rams on mechanisms resulting in paternal programming and subsequent offspring outcomes. Understanding the implication of paternal programming is imperative as short-term feeding and management decisions have the potential to impact productivity and profitability of our herds for generations to come.(AU)

Bovine abortion due to Bacillus cereus in Midwest Brazil / Aborto bovino por Bacillus cereus no Centro-Oeste do Brasil

Bacillus cereus is a Gram-positive bacterium commonly reported in soils and plants that occupy various ecological habitats, and the main source of contamination for cattle is silage. This report described a case of fetal loss associated with B. cereus infection in a cow. An 8-month-old, Nelore female bovine fetus from a beef farm was submitted for necropsy. A gross examination revealed fibrinous pleuropneumonia and fibrin exudation on the liver surface. The morphological diagnosis was restricted to the lungs and liver. In the lungs there was fibrinosuppurative pleuropneumonia associated with numerous aggregates of rod-shaped bacteria. In the liver there was moderate focally extensive fibrinous peri hepatitis.The lungs, liver, thoracic, and abomasal fluid cultures yielded pure cultures of B. cereus, indicating that these bacteria should be recognized as a cause of bovine abortion in fetuses that macroscopically present fibrin in the abdominal and thoracic cavity.

Bacillus cereus é uma bactéria Gram-positiva, comumente encontrada em solos e plantas que ocupam diversos habitats ecológicos sendo a silagem a principal fonte de contaminação para bovinos. Este relato descreve um caso de perda fetal associada à infecção por B. cereus em uma vaca. Um feto bovino fêmea da raça Nelore, de oito meses de idade, procedente de uma fazenda de corte, foi submetido à necropsia. Ao exame macroscópico observou-se pleuropneumonia fibrinosa e exsudação de fibrina na superfície do fígado. Histologicamente, as lesões estavam restritas aos pulmões e fígado. Nos pulmões havia pleuropneumonia fibrinosupurativa associado a numerosos agregados de bactérias em forma de bastonete. No fígado haviaperi hepatitefibrinosa focalmente extensa moderada. As culturas de pulmão, fígado, líquido torácico e abomasal produziram cultura pura de B. cereus indicando que esta bactéria deve ser reconhecida como causa de aborto bovino em fetos que apresentem macroscopicamente fibrina nas cavidades abdominal e torácica.

Restrição intrauterina de crescimento: conhecendo seus efeitos sobre o plantel de reprodução / Intrauterine growth restriction: knowing its effects on the breeding herd

A restrição intrauterina de crescimento (RIUC) é a condição na qual o feto não expressa o seu potencial de crescimento de acordo com a idade gestacional. Tal condição ocorre naturalmente na espécie suína, no entanto apresenta forma muito severa, trazendo sérios prejuízos à cadeia suinícola. Os efeitos deletérios da RIUC sobre parâmetros zootécnicos estão bem estabelecidos. No entanto, o conhecimento de tais efeitos sobre parâmetros reprodutivos em machos e fêmeas ainda é limitado. Portanto, a presente revisão tem por objetivo compilar os estudos sobre efeitos da RIUC em parâmetros reprodutivos em machos e fêmeas, bem como intervenções propostas para a diminuição da incidência da condição e de seus efeitos. Achados nesse assunto fornecerão informações valiosas acerca da morfofisiologia reprodutiva de suínos RIUC, estabelecendo estratégias para minimizar as perdas econômicas para o sistema de produção.(AU)

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is the condition in which the fetus does not express its growth potential according to the gestational age. This condition naturally occurs in the swine species. However, it is very severe and can cause serious losses to the swine production chain. The deleterious effects of IUGR on zootechnical parameters are well established. However, the knowledge of such effects on reproductive parameters in males and females is still limited. Therefore, the present review aims to compile the studies on the effects of IUGR on reproductive parameters in males and females, as well as proposed interventions to decrease the incidence of the condition and its effects. Findings on this issue will provide valuable information about the reproductive morphophysiology of IUGR pigs, establishing strategies to minimize economic losses to the production system.(AU)

Risk factors associated with stillbirth in sows / Fatores de risco associados à natimortalidade em fêmeas suínas

In this study, the risk factors associated with stillbirth in sows were identified and their odds ratio assessed. For this purpose, 587 farrowings on Farm A and 929 on Farm B were monitored, and the sow parity, body condition score, farrowing duration, total number of piglets born, numbers of live births, stillbirths, and mummified piglets, obstetric interventions, and piglet sex and weight were recorded. At the end of farrowing, piglets classified as stillborn were necropsied to confirm the diagnosis. Consequently, 5.49% of the piglets on Farm A and 5.10% of those on Farm B were stillborn. On both farms, sows with a high parity, prolonged farrowing, and a large litter size had the highest odds ratio of stillbirths. On Farm B, farrowing intervention through the use of vaginal palpation and oxytocin increased the odds of stillbirth by 1.7 and 2.5 times, respectively. Heavy litters increased the odds of stillbirth by 1.4 times. Additionally, low-birth-weight piglets were 2.3 and 3.1 times more likely than their medium-birth-weight and high-birth-weight counterparts, respectively, to be stillborn. In conclusion, on both farms, the risk factors associated with stillbirth were a high parity, a large litter size, and prolonged farrowing.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os fatores de risco associados ao nascimento de natimortos em fêmeas suínas e a razão de chance para a sua ocorrência. Foram acompanhados 587 partos na granja A e 929 na granja B onde foram registrados: ordem de parto, escore de condição corporal, duração do parto, total de nascidos, nascidos vivos, natimortos, mumificados, intervenções ao parto, peso e o sexo dos leitões. Ao final do parto foi realizada necropsia dos leitões classificados como natimortos a fim de confirmar o diagnóstico. A ocorrência de leitões natimortos foi de 5,49% e 5,10% na granja A e B, respectivamente. Fêmeas de maior ordem de parto, com partos prolongados e leitegadas mais numerosas apresentaram maior chance da ocorrência de leitões natimortos em ambas as granjas. Na granja B a necessidade de intervenção ao parto através do uso de ocitocina e palpação vaginal aumentaram a chance da presença de leitões natimortos em 1,7 e 2,5 vezes, respectivamente. Leitegadas pesadas aumentaram em 1,4 vezes as chances de ocorrência de leitões natimortos. No entanto, leitões com menor peso ao nascer aumentam em 2,3 vezes as chances de natimortos, quando comparadas a leitões de peso intermediário, e 3,1 vezes em relação a leitões com maior peso de nascimento. Os fatores de risco associados à ocorrência de natimortos nas duas granjas foram a ordem de parto elevada, leitegadas numerosas e partos prolongados.

Aborto em bovinos e bubalinos: causas específicas e inespecíficas / Abortion in cattle and buffaloes: specific and non-specific causes

O aborto é caracterizado como a expulsão do feto sem viabilidade para fora do ambiente uterino da progenitora durante o período que vai do 42° dia a o 260° dia. São descritos diversos fatores infecciosos e não infecciosos como etiologia para o aborto. Dentre os infecciosos, destacam-se as infecções por bactérias, vírus, protozoários e fungos. Enquanto as causas não infecciosas englobam falhas de manejo nutricional, intoxicações e medicamentos que ocasionalmente podem levar à morte fetal. Essa mortalidade fetal é causa importante de perdas reprodutivas na cadeia produtiva de animais domésticos, especialmente bovinos e bubalinos. Ambas as espécies participam da produtividade econômica no Brasil e compartilham de diversas doenças que são causas de aborto. Nesse contexto, o objetivo desta revisão foi reunir e discorrer sobre as principais informações concernentes às possíveis etiologias do aborto, sejam elas de origem infecciosa ou não infecciosas nas espécies bovinas e bubalinas no Brasil.

Abortion is characterized as the expulsion of the non-viable fetus outside the mother's uterine environment during the period between the 42nd day to the 260th day. Several infectious and non-infectious factors are described as etiology for miscarriage. Among the infectious, infections by bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi stand out, while non-infectious causes include failures in nutritional management, poisoning, and medications that occasionally can lead to fetal death. This fetal mortality is an important cause of reproductive losses in the production chain of domestic animals, especially cattle and buffaloes. Both species participate in economic productivity in Brazil and share several diseases that are causes of abortion. In this context, this review aimed to gather and discuss the main information concerning the possible etiologies of abortion, whether of infectious or non-infectious origin in bovine and buffalo species in Brazil.

Oxidative damage and exocrine dysfunction of ovine fetal pancreas are induced by maternal nutritional restriction

This study investigated oxidative damage and exocrine dysfunction of fetal pancreas caused by maternal nutritional restriction. Eighteen ewes carrying singleton fetus were randomly divided into control group (CG, ad libitum, 0.67 MJ ME/BW0.75/d, n = 6), restricted group 1 (RG1, 0.33 MJ ME/BW0.75/d, n = 6), and restricted group 2 (RG2, 0.18 MJ ME/BW0.75/d, n = 6) at d 90 of pregnancy. Maternal undernutrition was imposed from d 90 to 140 of pregnancy. At 140 d of gestation, fetal blood and pancreas tissue were collected to determine fetal pancreatic extracellular matrix, antioxidant capacity, and indicators of exocrine dysfunction. With the decrease of maternal nutrition, the fetal body weight, pancreatic weight, and DNA content were reduced in RG2 compared with CG, and increased and thickened collagen fibers were observed in RG2. Fetuses in RG2 exhibited increased collagen 3 (COL3) and fibronectin (FN) levels relative to CG, and the COL1:COL3 ratio was lower than that of the CG. For RG1, we found increased COL3 compared with CG. Malondialdehyde, serum amylase, and serum lipase in fetal pancreas in RG2 increased, but the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) decreased compared with the CG. The impaired ovine fetal pancreas growth, antioxidant imbalance, and pancreatic exocrine dysfunction are induced by maternal undernutrition during late pregnancy.

Amelioration potential of Moringa oleifera extracts against sodium arsenate induced embryotoxicity and genotoxicity in mouse (Mus musculus) / Potencial de melhoria de extratos de Moringa oleifera contra embriotoxicidade e genotoxicidade induzida por arseniato de sódio em camundongos (Mus musculus)

Previous studies have suggested that arsenic crosses the placenta and affects the fetus development. The study under consideration aims to show comparative ameliorative effect of Moringa oleifera leaf and flower extracts against sodium arsenate induced fetus toxicity of mice. Pregnant mice (N=44) were kept in lab and divided into eleven group from (A to K) and were orally administered the doses 6 mg/kg, 12 mg/kg for sodium arsenate, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg for Moringa oleifera leaf extracts (MOLE) and 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg for Moringa oleifera flower extracts (MOFE) comparing with control. The investigation revealed evident reduction in the fetuses weight, hind limb, fore limb, tail and snout length, crown rump and head circumferences well as malformations in tail, feet, arms, legs, skin and eyes in the negative control group (only administered with sodium arsenate). Co-administration of sodium arsenate with MOLE and MOFE ameliorate the reversed effect of sodium arsenate on the shape, length, body weight and DNA damage of fetus significantly at 95% confidence interval. However, Moringa oleifera leaf extract showed more significant results in comparison to Moringa oleifera flower extract. Hence concluded that Moringa oleifera leaf extract ameliorated the embryo toxic effects of sodium arsenate and can be used against environmental teratogens.

Estudos anteriores sugeriram que o arsênio atravessa a placenta e afeta o desenvolvimento do feto. O estudo em consideração visa mostrar o efeito melhorador comparativo de extratos de folhas e flores de Moringa oleifera contra a toxicidade fetal induzida por arseniato de sódio em camundongos. Camundongos grávidas (N = 44) foram mantidos em laboratório e divididos em 11 grupos (de A a K) e foram administrados por via oral nas doses de 6 mg/kg, 12 mg/kg para arseniato de sódio, 150 mg/kg e 300 mg/kg para extratos de folhas de Moringa oleifera (MOLE) e 150 mg/kg e 300 mg/kg para extratos de flores de Moringa oleifera (MOFE) em comparação com o controle. A investigação revelou redução evidente no peso do feto, membro posterior, membro anterior, comprimento da cauda e focinho, coroa, nádega e circunferência da cabeça, bem como malformações na cauda, pés, braços, pernas, pele e olhos no grupo de controle negativo (apenas administrado com arseniato de sódio). A coadministração de arseniato de sódio com MOLE e MOFE melhora significativamente o efeito reverso do arseniato de sódio na forma, comprimento, peso corporal e dano ao DNA do feto, com intervalo de confiança de 95%. No entanto, o extrato da folha da Moringa oleifera apresentou resultados mais significativos em comparação ao extrato da flor da Moringa oleifera. Portanto, concluiu que o extrato da folha de Moringa oleifera melhorou os efeitos tóxicos do arseniato de sódio para o embrião e pode ser usado contra teratógenos ambientais.

Amelioration potential of Moringa oleifera extracts against sodium arsenate induced embryotoxicity and genotoxicity in mouse (Mus musculus) / Potencial de melhoria de extratos de Moringa oleifera contra embriotoxicidade e genotoxicidade induzida por arseniato de sódio em camundongos (Mus musculus)

Previous studies have suggested that arsenic crosses the placenta and affects the fetus development. The study under consideration aims to show comparative ameliorative effect of Moringa oleifera leaf and flower extracts against sodium arsenate induced fetus toxicity of mice. Pregnant mice (N=44) were kept in lab and divided into eleven group from (A to K) and were orally administered the doses 6 mg/kg, 12 mg/kg for sodium arsenate, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg for Moringa oleifera leaf extracts (MOLE) and 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg for Moringa oleifera flower extracts (MOFE) comparing with control. The investigation revealed evident reduction in the fetuses weight, hind limb, fore limb, tail and snout length, crown rump and head circumferences well as malformations in tail, feet, arms, legs, skin and eyes in the negative control group (only administered with sodium arsenate). Co-administration of sodium arsenate with MOLE and MOFE ameliorate the reversed effect of sodium arsenate on the shape, length, body weight and DNA damage of fetus significantly at 95% confidence interval. However, Moringa oleifera leaf extract showed more significant results in comparison to Moringa oleifera flower extract. Hence concluded that Moringa oleifera leaf extract ameliorated the embryo toxic effects of sodium arsenate and can be used against environmental teratogens.(AU)

Estudos anteriores sugeriram que o arsênio atravessa a placenta e afeta o desenvolvimento do feto. O estudo em consideração visa mostrar o efeito melhorador comparativo de extratos de folhas e flores de Moringa oleifera contra a toxicidade fetal induzida por arseniato de sódio em camundongos. Camundongos grávidas (N = 44) foram mantidos em laboratório e divididos em 11 grupos (de A a K) e foram administrados por via oral nas doses de 6 mg/kg, 12 mg/kg para arseniato de sódio, 150 mg/kg e 300 mg/kg para extratos de folhas de Moringa oleifera (MOLE) e 150 mg/kg e 300 mg/kg para extratos de flores de Moringa oleifera (MOFE) em comparação com o controle. A investigação revelou redução evidente no peso do feto, membro posterior, membro anterior, comprimento da cauda e focinho, coroa, nádega e circunferência da cabeça, bem como malformações na cauda, pés, braços, pernas, pele e olhos no grupo de controle negativo (apenas administrado com arseniato de sódio). A coadministração de arseniato de sódio com MOLE e MOFE melhora significativamente o efeito reverso do arseniato de sódio na forma, comprimento, peso corporal e dano ao DNA do feto, com intervalo de confiança de 95%. No entanto, o extrato da folha da Moringa oleifera apresentou resultados mais significativos em comparação ao extrato da flor da Moringa oleifera. Portanto, concluiu que o extrato da folha de Moringa oleifera melhorou os efeitos tóxicos do arseniato de sódio para o embrião e pode ser usado contra teratógenos ambientais.(AU)

Beneficial Impact of Hypercapnic Conditions During Early Incubation on Broiler Hatchability. Embryo Mortality and Postnatal Performance

We assessed the extent to which CO2 levels altered different hatching and chick parameters. In Experiments 1 and 2, a total of 16,184 eggs from Cobb 500 breeders were incubated in single stage incubators under three different conditions: (a) standard ventilated incubator (CON, Exp.1 and 2); (b) increasing CO2 levels during the first 10 days of incubation until 0.7% (V7000, Exp. 1) and (c) until 0.8% (V8000, Exp. 2). High levels of CO2 improved hatchability, possibly due to lower embryo mortality from ED18 to ED21. Internal and external pipping in experiment V8000 started later than in CON; nevertheless, the hatch still occurred before in V8000 as a result of the shorter durations of external pipping and hatch. In Experiment 3, a total of 12,138 eggs from Cobb 500 were incubated in single stage incubators under three different conditions: (a) standard ventilated incubator (CON); (b) increasing CO2 levels until 1.0% with ventilation (V10000); and (c) increasing CO2 levels until 1.0% without ventilation (NV10000). Hypercapnic conditions led to better hatchability and lower embryo mortality from ED18 to ED21. Internal pipping started earlier in NV10000, but only V10000 differed from CON in terms of the average time for hatch. Hypercapnic groups also showed shorter durations of external pipping and hatch when compared to CON. Post-hatch analysis revealed no differences among incubation conditions in terms of body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, mortality by sudden death syndrome, and production factor. Nevertheless, V10000 showed a lower mortality by ascites and a better viability when compared to CON, while NV10000 presented a higher mortality by other causes. Altogether, our findings indicate that in addition to not being detrimental to embryo survival, high CO2 levels reduce embryonic mortality at 18-21 days of incubation and increase hatchability.(AU)

Desafios na andrologia de espécies selvagens, com ênfase em felídeos / Challenges in wild species andrology, with an emphasis on felids

Na prática, compreender a anatomia reprodutiva, a fisiologia e o comportamento do macho, da espécie selvagem com a qual se está trabalhando, é essencial para a avaliação andrológica e para a reprodução bem sucedida. Neste artigo damos especial ênfase à andrologia de felídeos selvagens. O profissional pode ser chamado para solucionar problemas quando a espécie apresenta dificuldade de reprodução em cativeiro e/ou encontra-se ameaçada de extinção. Baixas taxas de fertilidade e de prenhez podem estar associadas ao macho, com influências do estresse pelo cativeiro, nutrição inadequada e erros de manejo reprodutivo. E também, as instituições que mantêm essas espécies sob cuidado humano poderão ser auxiliadas no manejo reprodutivo com o exame andrológico periódico, que pode ser acompanhado de criopreservação de sêmen para formação ou manutenção de um banco de reserva genômica. Como componente de um programa holístico de conservação, incluindo os estudos de ecologia de campo, esta estratégia fortalece ainda mais o vínculo entre as populações ex situ e in situ.(AU)

In practice, understanding the male reproductive anatomy, physiology and the behavior, of the wild species that you are working, is essential for andrological assessment and successful reproduction. In this article we give special emphasis to the andrology of wild felids. The professional can be called to solve problems when the species has difficulty reproducing in captivity and/or is threatened with extinction. Low fertility and pregnancy rates may be associated with the male, with influences from stress in captivity, inadequate nutrition and reproductive management errors. Also, the institutions that keep these species under human care can be assisted in reproductive management with periodic andrological examination, which can be accompanied by semen cryopreservation for the formation or maintenance of a genome resource bank. As a component of a holistic conservation program, including field ecology studies, this strategy further strengthens the link between ex situ and in situ populations.(AU)

Controles gestacionales y salud materno-neonatal en gatas / Gestational checking and maternal-neonatal health in cats

El primer punto a tener en cuenta es determinar si el estado de salud de la gata permite incluirla en un plan reproductivo y de ser así cuál es su probabilidad de distocia. Es así que se planifican 3 consultas: la primera durante el celo previo al servicio, la segunda 20 días después del día de los servicios momento en el que se realiza el diagnóstico de gestación y se evalúa el desarrollo de los conceptos gestados si la gata quedó preñada, y la tercera al día 50 de gestación en la cual se realiza un examen de salud y el control del número de fetos gestados mediante Rx. La evaluación del estado de salud de la madre y de los conceptos gestados, así como el desarrollo de los mismos permitirá estimar la fecha probable de parto, y programar la asistencia al parto o una cesárea con mínimos riesgos según sea el caso.(AU)

Processos que afetam a taxa de gestação pós-inovulação do embrião equino / Processes that affect pregnancy rate after embryo transfer

A transferência de embriões equinos é uma biotecnologia que traz inúmeros benefícios reprodutivos para um haras. Entretanto, os índices reprodutivos obtidos numa estação de monta podem ser afetados por diversos fatores que interferem tanto na recuperação embrionária que normalmente são relacionados à doadora de embriões, quanto na taxa de gestação na receptora de embriões. O objetivo do presente artigo foi revisar os fatores relacionados à receptora de embriões em programas de transferência de embriões equinos.(AU)

Equine embryo transfer is a biotechnology that brings reproductive benefits to a stud farm. However, the reproductive rates obtained in a breeding season can be affected by several factors that interfere both in the embryonic recovery that are normally related to the embryo donor, and in the pregnancy rate in the embryo recipient. The aim of this article was to review the factors related to the recipient of embryos in equine embryo transfer programs.(AU)

Differentially methylated regions identified in bovine embryos are not observed in adulthood

The establishment of epigenetic marks during the reprogramming window is susceptible to environmental influences, and stimuli during this critical stage can cause altered DNA methylation in offspring. In a previous study, we found that low levels of sulphur and cobalt (low S/Co) in the diet offered to oocyte donors altered the DNA methylome of bovine embryos. However, due to the extensive epigenetic reprogramming that occurs during embryogenesis, we hypothesized that the different methylation regions (DMRs) identified in the blastocysts may not maintain in adulthood. Here, we aimed to characterize DMRs previously identified in embryos, in the blood and sperm of adult progenies of two groups of heifers (low S/Co and control). We used six bulls and characterized the DNA methylation levels of KDM2A, KDM5A, KMT2D, and DOT1L genes. Our results showed that all DMRs analysed in both groups and tissues were hypermethylated unlike that noticed in the embryonic methylome profiles. These results suggest that embryo DMRs were reprogrammed during the final stages of de novo methylation during embryogenesis or later in development. Therefore, due to the highly dynamic epigenetic state during early embryonic development, we suggest that is essential to validate the DMRs found in embryos in adult individuals.(AU)

Congenital renal hypoplasia and contralateral kidney failure in a giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) ex situ in Southeastern Brazil

Renal hypoplasia is incomplete development of the kidneys, in which fewer than normal numbers of nephrons are present at birth. This report is the first of these conditions in mustelids. A female adult giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), ex situ, presented clinically an unusual behavior with prostration, anorexia, hiding in the shelter, ataxia, paraparesis, and death in a clinical course of one day. At the postmortem exam, the left kidney was markedly enlarged and pale and the right kidney was severely reduced and had mild to moderate capsular thickening. Histologically, the left kidney had mineralization, proliferation of fibrous connective tissue and a mild neutrophilic infiltrate. The right kidney presented a reduced number of glomeruli, tubular atrophy and an increase in fibrous connective tissue, which were findings compatible with congenital kidney hypoplasia. Due the clinical condition of the animal, gross and microscopic findings, the cause of death was established as kidney failure induced by renal hypoplasia.(AU)

Maternal and fetal ultrasonography, vulvar temperature and vaginal mucous impedance for the prediction of parturition in Saanen does

The aim of this study was to evaluate and correlate modifications of vaginal mucous impedance, vulvar temperature and ultrasonographic measurements (echobiometric parameters) to parturition in pregnant Saanen does. 30 does were selected for the study and submitted to an estrus synchronization protocol and natural mating. The females were evaluated daily from Day 143 of pregnancy to parturition. For the sonographic evaluations, the following structures were measured: biparietal diameter, thoracic diameter, abdominal diameter, ocular orbit, kidney length, kidney height, cardiac area, placentome length, cervical measurement and fetal heart rate; by means of two different approaches: transrectal and transabdominal, using a 7.5 MHz linear transducer. The vaginal mucous impedance was assessed using an electric estrous detector and vulvar temperature was measured using a non-contact infrared thermometer. Statistical analysis was performed using the R-project software and the significance level was set at 5% for all tests. 25 Saanen does became pregnant, resulting in 80.33% pregnancy rate. Fetal heart rate was negatively correlated to the hours to parturition (p<0,001; r-Pearson= -0,451), as well as vaginal temperature (p= 0,001; r-Pearson= -0,275), while cervical thickness was positively correlated to hours to parturition (p<0,001; r-Pearson= 0,490). The echobiometric parameters (biparietal diameter, thoracic diameter, abdominal diameter, ocular orbit, kidney length and height, cardiac area, placentome length), as well as vaginal mucous impedance did not vary throughout the timepoints of evaluation and did not correlate to the moment of parturition. It was concluded that the parameters of fetal heartbeat, vaginal temperature and cervical effacement in the last week of pregnancy provide valuable information regarding the proximity of parturition.(AU)

Biologia reprodutiva das abelhas africanizadas (Apis melífera) e biotecnologias aplicadas à sua conservação / Reproductive biology of Africanized bees (Apis mellifera) and biotechnologies applied to their conservation

A biodiversidade das abelhas africanizadas (Apis melífera) encontra-se sob grande ameaça e, neste cenário as investigações acerca da biologia reprodutiva, alguns aspectos ainda incipientes, bem como métodos aprimorados para a inseminação instrumental e criopreservação de gametas podem ser ferramentas preciosas para a conservação in situ e ex situ de subespécies e ecótipos. O entendimento e adoção de ferramentas como estas mencionadas, podem auxiliar na seleção de características de interesse para os criadores, assim como, nos esforços para a conservação de populações de abelhas ameaçadas.(AU)

The biodiversity of Africanized bees (Apis mellifera) is under great threat and, in this scenario, investigations about reproductive biology, some aspects are still incipient, as well as improved methods for instrumental insemination and cryopreservation of gametes can be precious tools for ex situ and in conservation. situ of subspecies and ecotypes can be contemplated. The understanding and adoption of tools such as those mentioned can help in the selection of characteristics of interest to breeders, as well as those committed to the conservation of endangered bee populations.(AU)

Embryo biopsies for genomic selection in tropical dairy cattle

Genomic selection has transformed the livestock industry, enabling early-life selection of animals. Biopsy sampling of pre-implantation embryos has been described since 1968. However, it was only after 2010, with the advancement of molecular biology techniques such as whole genomic amplification and SNP Chips, that next-generation sequencing became commercially available for bovine embryos. It is now possible to make decisions about which embryos to transfer not only based on recipients' availability or embryo morphology but also on genomic estimates. This technology can be implemented for a wide spectrum of applications in livestock. In this review, we discuss the use of embryo biopsy for genomic selection and share our experience with Gir and Girolando Brazilian breeding programs, as well as future goals for implementing it in Brazilian bovine in vitro embryo production practices.(AU)

Incidência de malformações congênitas em cães neonatos provenientes de canis de Belo Horizonte e região metropolitana ­ Minas Gerais, Brasil / Incidence of congenital malformations in neonatal dogs from kennels from Belo Horizonte and metropolitan region ­ Minas Gerais, Brazil

As malformações ou defeitos congênitos são alterações estruturais ou funcionais de órgãos e estruturas presentes ao nascimento. Essas alterações têm um grande impacto sobre a mortalidade e viabilidade neonatal e nem sempre são investigadas a fundo. O presente estudo descreve a incidência de malformações congênitas em cães neonatos provenientes de canis da cidade de Belo Horizonte e região metropolitana ­ Minas Gerais, Brasil. No total, foram avaliadas 170 ninhadas com 745 neonatos e as malformações foram presentes em 21% (36/170) delas. Dos 745 neonatos, 6,4% (48/745) possuíam algum tipo de defeito congênito. Foram descritos 13 tipos de malformações, registradas em 50% (6/12) das 12 raças avaliadas. Das matrizes, 6% (11/170) apresentavam infecção por hemoparasitas, 2% (3/170) possuíam dermatopatias não diagnosticadas e 3% (5/170) estavam com suspeita de hemoparasitoses, mas não foram testadas. A exposição materna a agentes teratogênicos aconteceu em 3,5% (6/170) dos casos. Todos os casos de malformações foram diagnosticados em cães de raças puras, fortalecendo a hipótese de causas genéticas.(AU)

Congenital malformations or defects are functional or structural alterations of organs and structures present at birth. These abnormalities have a major impact on neonatal mortality and viability and aren't always thoroughly investigated. The present study described the incidence of congenital malformations in canine neonates originated from kennels from Belo Horizonte and metropolitan region ­ Minas Gerais, Brazil. In total, 170 litters with 745 neonates were evaluated and malformations were observed in 21% (36/170) of them. From 745 evaluated neonates, 6% (48/745) had one or more congenital defects. 13 types of malformations were described, registered in 50¨% (6/12) of the 12 evaluated breeds. 6% (11/170) of the bitches were infected by hemoparasites, 2% (3/170) had undiagnosed skin diseases and 3% (5/170) had suspicion of hemoparasitosis but weren't tested. Maternal exposure to teratogenic agents happened in 3,5% (6/170) of the cases. All malformation cases happened in pure dog breeds, strengthening the hypothesis of genetic origins.(AU)

Maternal contributions to pregnancy success: from gamete quality to uterine environment

The establishment and maintenance of a pregnancy that goes to term is sine qua non for the long-term sustainability of dairy and beef cattle operations. The oocyte plays a critical role in providing the factors necessary for preimplantation embryonic development. Furthermore, the female, or maternal, environment where oocytes and embryos develop is crucial for the establishment and maintenance of a pregnancy to term. During folliculogenesis, the oocyte must sequentially acquire meiotic and developmental competence, which are the results of a series of molecular events preparing the highly specialized gamete to return to totipotency after fertilization. Given that folliculogenesis is a lengthy process in the cow, the occurrence of disease, metabolic imbalances, heat stress, or other adverse events can make it challenging to maintain oocyte quality. Following fertilization, the newly formed embryo must execute a tightly planned program that includes global DNA remodeling, activation of the embryonic genome, and cell fate decisions to form a blastocyst within a few days and cell divisions. The increasing use of assisted reproductive technologies creates an additional layer of complexity to ensure the highest oocyte and embryo quality given that in vitro systems do not faithfully recreate the physiological maternal environment. In this review, we discuss cellular and molecular factors and events known to be crucial for proper oocyte development and maturation, as well as adverse events that may negatively affect the oocyte; and the importance of the uterine environment, including signaling proteins in the maternal-embryonic interactions that ensure proper embryo development. We also discuss the impact of assisted reproductive technologies in oocyte and embryo quality and developmental potential, and considerations when looking into the prospects for developing systems that allow for in vitro gametogenesis as a tool for assisted reproduction in cattle.(AU)