Serum starvation is as efficient as roscovitine on the cycle synchronization in G0/G1 of red-rumped agouti fibroblasts.

Fibroblast cycle synchronization in G0/G1 is an essential step for nuclear reprogramming by cloning or induced cells to pluripotency. Considering the diversity among rodents and the ecological and scientific importance of these animals, we compared the contact inhibition, serum starvation, and 10 µM of roscovitine as methods of synchronization of red-rumped agouti fibroblasts. The effects of each protocol were evaluated on the percentage of cycle phase, morphology, viability, and apoptosis levels. The results showed that culturing the cells to serum starvation for 24 h (75.9%), 48 h (81.6%), 72 h (86.2%), 96 h (84.0%), and 120 h (83.7%) yielded a significantly higher percentage of cells arrested in the G0/G1 (P < 0.05) phase than cells not subjected to any cell cycle synchronization method (31.4%). Also, this effect was not different between the times of 48 and 120 h (P > 0.05). A similar response was observed for cells cultured with roscovitine for 12 h (86.9%), 24 h (74.8%), and 48 h (81.7%), with a higher percentage of synchronized cells in G0/G1 compared to cells not submitted to any synchronization treatment (52.2%). Nevertheless, this effect was best evidenced at 12 h (P < 0.05). Also, the contact inhibition for 24-120 h could not synchronize cells in G0/G1, with values ranging from 70.9 to 77.9% (P > 0.05). Moreover, no difference was observed for morphology, viability, and apoptosis levels in any synchronization method (P > 0.05). Therefore, serum starvation is as efficient as roscovitine on cycle synchronization in G0/G1 of red-rumped agouti fibroblasts.

Hemotropic Mycoplasmas (Hemoplasmas) in Free-Ranging Azara's Agoutis (Dasyprocta azarae) from an Urban Area of Southern Brazil.

Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are opportunistic bacteria that attach to the erythrocyte surface, causing infectious anemia in several mammalian species, including rodents. Studies surveying native Azara's agoutis (Dasyprocta azarae) in Brazil are lacking. Accordingly, the present study aimed to assess hemoplasmas infection in free-ranging agoutis from an urban environmental conservation area in Curitiba, southern Brazil. Overall, 11/35 (31.43%) agoutis were positive to hemoplasmas by quantitative PCR (cycle threshold≤34.4). Sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene indicated Mycoplasma haemomuris infection, closely related to M. haemomuris subsp. ratti, suggesting hemoplasma transmission from urban rats to agoutis. Because the main route of M. haemomuris transmission has been direct rodent-to-rodent infection, the relatively lower positivity that we detected may be the result of low intraspecies contact due to the smaller social units of agoutis, generally consisting of two to four individuals, and low interspecies contact due to only sporadic agouti-rat interactions in urban settings, compared with other rodent species interactions. Further studies should be conducted to determine whether the hemoplasma infection that we found can cause clinical onset and life-threatening anemia in agoutis.

Are decreased cocaine- and amphetamine regulated transcript and Agouti- related peptide levels associated Eating behavior in medication-free children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder?

This study aimed to investigate plasma levels of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), agouti-related protein (AgRP), cholecystokinin (CCK) and peptide YY (PYY) and their relationship with eating behaviors among children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and healthy controls. A total of 94 medication-free children with ADHD and 82 controls aged 8-14 years were included in this study. The Plasma levels of CART, AgRP, CCK and PYY were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) was used to assess eating behaviors in children. CART and AgRP levels were found to be significantly lower in the ADHD group than in the control group, while CCK levels were found to be significantly higher in the ADHD group than in the control group. However, there was no significant difference in PYY levels between the groups. Compared to controls, those with ADHD demonstrated significantly higher scores on the CEBQ subscales of food responsiveness, emotional overeating, desire to drink, enjoyment of food, and food fussiness, and significantly lower scores on the slowness of eating subscale. CART was significantly correlated with emotional overeating and enjoyment of food scores, while AgRP was significantly correlated with emotional undereating scores. Covariance analysis was performed by controlling potential confounders such as body mass index, age and sex, and the results were found to be unchanged. It was concluded that CART, AgRP, and CCK may play a potential role in the pathogenesis of ADHD.

Placental development in the early stages of red-rumped agouti pregnancy (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758).

BACKGROUND: Hystricomorpha rodents display a similar placentation model to humans. The present study was carried out considering the scarcity of information concerning the placental development in agouti. OBJECTIVE: Describe the microscopy of the placenta, subplacenta and yolk sac of agoutis in early pregnancy and report on the inversion of the yolk sac. METHODS: Fifteen females between the 14th-32nd day of gestation were used following euthanasia. Gestational buttons were collected, fixed, processed, stained to optical microscopy or immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Chorioallantoic placenta (CP) ranged from conical to a half-sphere, as follows: from the 14th to 17th day, the CP displays an inverted "V" shape, predominantly formed by cytotrophoblasts; from 20 to 22 days, formed almost entirely by cytotrophoblasts; at 28 days, a half sphere, with distinct lobes and interlobular area, numerous maternal gaps delimited by syncytiotrophoblasts and trophoblast giant cells; at 32 days, globose and undergoing the maturation process. Subplacenta, located between decidua and CP, initially presents septa consisting of simple columnar epithelium and after 17 days, comprising stratified epithelium. Visceral yolk sac (VYS) is attached to two CP projections between 14 and 17 days, formed by a simple cubic epithelium and inverted. Between 20 and 22 days, the epithelium displays apical villous projections with cytoplasmic vacuoles and a vascularized mesoderm. After the 24th day, the VYS near the placenta is pleated, very vascularized and villous, with decreased villi sizes further away from the placenta. CONCLUSION: The agouti CP displays similar characteristics to other hystricomorpha, including placenta lobulation, a subplacenta and an inverted vitelline placenta.

Cryopreservation efficiency of red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) sperm obtained from different origins through epididymal retrograde flushing or electroejaculation.

This study investigated whether the origin of sperm (epididymal vs. ejaculate) affects the cryopreservation efficiency in agouti (Dasyprocta leporina). Five sexually mature agoutis underwent electroejaculation, resulting in obtaining four semen samples. After 15 days, the same animals were euthanized, and through retrograde flushing, sperm samples were obtained from the epididymis tails. In both collection methods, samples were evaluated for sperm parameters (sperm concentration, motility, vigor, membrane integrity, osmotic response, and morphology). Then, samples were diluted in ACP 109c, added with 20% egg yolk, and a final concentration of 6% glycerol. Finally, the samples were packaged in 0.25 mL straws and frozen in liquid nitrogen. After one week, samples were thawed and evaluated in the same way as fresh samples, with the addition of membrane integrity analysis using fluorescent probes (C-FDA/PI) and computerized analysis (CASA). Immediately after obtaining the sperm, samples obtained directly from the epididymis presented higher values (P ≤ 0.05) than those obtained by electroejaculation concerning the parameters of volume, sperm concentration, and total number of sperm (1,398.25 ± 206.0 x106 and 184.5 ± 78.0 x106 sperm). On the other hand, in the classical evaluation of the other sperm parameters and the computerized analysis (CASA) after thawing, such as total motility, no statistical differences were observed between sperm from both origins (ejaculate: 16.7 ± 8.2% and epididymal: 24.8 ± 12.0%, P > 0.05). This demonstrates the possibility of direct application of the cryopreservation protocol for agouti (D. leporina) sperm obtained via the epididymis or ejaculate.

AGouTI-Flexible Annotation of Genomic and Transcriptomic Intervals.

The recent development of high-throughput workflows in genomics and transcriptomics revealed that efficient annotation of such results is essential for researchers to draw conclusions from obtained results. Although some tools are available, their functionality is limited. Here, we present AGouTI-a universal tool for flexible annotation of any genomic or transcriptomic coordinates using known genomic features deposited in different publicly available databases in the form of GTF or GFF files. In contrast to currently available tools, AGouTI is designed to provide a flexible selection of genomic features overlapping or adjacent to annotated intervals and can be used on custom column-based text files obtained from different data analysis pipelines. Although providing many unique options, AGouTI is straightforward in installation and usage, enabling effortless integration into existing data analysis workflows.

Interactions among sucrose and concentrations of serum fetal bovine on the cryopreservation of somatic cells derived from red-rumped agoutis.

BACKGROUND: The synergistic action among the different extracellular cryoprotectants could improve somatic cell quality after thawing and provide bases for the formation of biobanks for red-rumped agoutis. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the interactions among sucrose (SUC) and concentrations of serum fetal bovine (FBS) on the cryopreservation of somatic cells derived from red-rumped agoutis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cells were cryopreserved with 10% dimethyl sulfoxide and different concentrations of FBS (10%, 40%, and 90%) with or without 0.2 M SUC, totaling six comparison groups. Non-cryopreserved cells were used as a control. Cells were evaluated for viability, metabolic activity, proliferative activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis levels. RESULTS: No difference was observed among cryopreserved with DMSO containing (10FBS, 10FBS-SUC, 40FBS, 40FBS-SUC, 90FBS, 90FBS-SUC) and non-cryopreserved groups for viability, metabolic activity, proliferative activity, and ROS levels. Interestingly, only cells cryopreserved with 90% FBS and SUC maintained the mitochondrial membrane potential like the control. This indicates that at high concentrations of FBS, SUC contributes to the maintenance of this parameter in cryopreserved cells. Moreover, at concentrations of 10% and 40% of FBS, SUC contributed to the maintenance of viability evaluated by the levels of apoptosis evaluated after thawing. In summary, we verified that 90% FBS and 0.2 M SUC promote greater ability of cells after thawing. Additionally, SUC positively acts in cryopreservation solutions containing 10% and 40% FBS. CONCLUSION: This information is essential to an understanding of the mechanisms involved in the interactions of extracellular cryoprotectants in somatic cell cryopreservation solutions of red-rumped agoutis. DOI: 10.54680/fr23210110212.

Urogenital development and sexual differentiation in males of the species Dasyprocta fuliginosa.

Thirteen black agouti (Dasyprocta fuliginosa) male fetuses, acquired in two areas of the Amazon Forest, were used for the purpose of morphologically describing the fetal male urogenital organs with a focus on addressing histological and macroscopic aspects. The organs of interest were dissected and photographed in situ and ex situ. Fragments were collected and subjected to routine histological processing for inclusion in paraffin, which was cut and stained by haematoxylin and eosin and Gomori's Trichrome methods and subsequently analysed in a light microscope. The results showed that the urinary tract is like that of domestic animals and is composed of smooth unilobed kidneys covered by a dense capsule of connective tissue and divided into two well-defined regions, cortical and medullary. Ureters, urethra and urinary bladder also showed macroscopic and microscopic characteristics similar to those of domestic animals. The penis of these animals has fibroelastic characteristics, with numerous keratinized structures at its apex. In the middle third of the penis, a "U" shaped penile flexure was seen; the glans penis is covered by a keratinized epidermis containing horny spicules. The presence of a penile bone in an endochondral ossification process was observed, being more developed in gestational ages greater than 76 days. The annex glands were not observed, probably because they were fetuses; only the ampulla of the ductus deferens was identified.

Abdominal aortic branches of red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758).

Understanding the cardiovascular system is fundamental in diagnosing pathologies and interpreting exams, such as contrast radiographs. In this context, the present study describes the collateral abdominal aorta artery branches of red-rumped agouti. Ten red-rumped agoutis, six males and four females, were assessed. The vascular system was perfused with Neoprene 450 latex coloured with a yellow pigment, dissected and analysed. Three euthanized animals were perfused with a barium sulfate solution (1 g mL-1 ) associated with latex Neoprene 450 at a 1:3 ratio to obtain contrast-enhanced radiographs. The abdominal aorta emitted the celiac artery, which in turn originated the left gastric, hepatic and splenic arteries. The second collateral branch comprised the cranial mesenteric artery, followed by the renal arteries, which emitted the adrenal arteries, with the caudal emergence of the gonadal arteries. The caudal mesenteric artery appeared in a caudal direction. The abdominal aorta divided after reaching the pelvic cavity entrance, originating the right and left common iliac arteries. Before its bifurcation, the abdominal aorta dorsocaudally emitted its last collateral branch, the median sacral artery. The collateral branches of the aorta, therefore, resemble previously described rodent patterns, with few variations.

Cysticercosis in free-ranging agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon.

The study describes the occurrence of cysticercosis in liver of 22 wild agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) in the Brazilian Amazon. The phylogenetic analysis and microscopic characteristics of metacestodes in liver tissue sections, associated with the geographic distribution of the intermediate hosts indicated that a possibly novel Taenia sp. metacestode caused the parasitism. Additionally, two cases of hepatic co-infection by Taenia sp., Calodium sp. and Echinococcus oligarthra were also observed among the analyzed animals. The results point to the need for a better understanding of hepatotropic parasites among wild rodents in the Brazilian Amazon.

Morphological, morphometric, ultrastructural, and functional evaluation of red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) sperm during epididymal transit.

The red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) is a hystricognath rodent with reproductive anatomical peculiarities presenting as an intra-abdominal testes-epididymis complex. This study was carried out to describe, for the first time, details related to the morphological and functional changes in sperm along the epididymal transit in agoutis. The testes-epididymal complexes were sampled from seven sexually mature agoutis. Sperm from different epididymal regions (caput, corpus, and cauda) were collected using the floating technique, and their morphology, morphometry, ultrastructure, mitochondrial activity, membrane structural integrity, and kinetic parameters were determined. The number of sperm collected (823.5 ×106 sperm) was higher in the epididymis cauda. No significant differences in normal sperm morphology among the different epididymal regions (caput, 82.42%; corpus, 86.71%; and cauda, 88.86 %) were observed. The mean head length, head width, and tail length were highest in the caput (5.15 µm, 3.44 µm, and 32.04 µm, respectively), decreasing along the epididymal transit. Ultrastructure by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed agglomeration of spermatozoa from caput and corpus, thus, enabling analysis of the gametes from only the epididymal cauda with clarity. Sperm from epididymis cauda showed the greatest proportion of membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity, followed by those from corpus and caput (79.71 %, 58.9 %, 47.7 %, respectively). Significant increase in total motility, progressive motility, velocity average pathway -VAP, velocity straightline - VSL, velocity curvilinear - VCL, and rapid sperm in the caput-corpus-cauda direction were observed. These novel data contribute to the knowledge of sperm maturation in the red-rumped agouti.

Evaluation of sperm membrane functionality during epididymal transit in red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina).

We studied the sperm membrane functionality through the epididymal transit by comparing different hypoosmotic solutions and verifying possible associations among osmotic response and functional parameters of sperm in red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina). For this purpose, epididymal sperm from six sexually mature male agoutis were collected via flotation. Then, analyses of sperm parameters and hypoosmotic swelling test using different hypoosmotic solutions (0, 50 and 200 mOsm/L) in different regions of the epididymis (caput, corpus and cauda) were performed. There was an increase (p < .05) in the values for sperm concentration, the total number of sperm recovered, total and progressive motility, average path velocity, straight-line velocity, curvilinear velocity, and rapid and medium subpopulations following the caput-corpus-cauda direction. Regardless of the hypoosmotic solution, the agouti sperm membrane presented similar functional integrity in all the epididymal regions. Moreover, the highest (p < .05) osmotic responses were reached with the use of 50 mOsm/L solution in comparison to 0 and 200 mOsm/L for all the regions. Significant correlations among osmotic response and some sperm kinetic parameters were observed, especially in epididymal caput, while no correlations were found in the region of the cauda. In summary, red-rumped agouti sperm present similar membrane functionality during epididymal transit, but there are evident correlations among such functionality and sperm kinetic parameters, especially in the caput region. Moreover, we indicate the use of a 50 mOsm/L hypoosmotic solution for the analysis of this parameter through the hypoosmotic swelling test.

Systemic Bacterial Infection in a Captive Agouti (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758).

The agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) is a neotropical rodent which has the potential to be domesticated. As such, some research studies have been done on the biology of this animal. Recently, these animals are being kept in captivity as a source of animal protein. Animals which are kept in captivity may present diseases that would not have been reported in the wild due to lack of observation or the lack of occurrence. The aim of this short communication is to report a case of systemic bacterial infection that affected the lungs and liver of a captive agouti. Bacterial analysis revealed that the infection was caused by Escherichia coli. Bacterial infections have been reported in the mammary tissue as well as the skin of the agouti, but to the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of systemic infection in the agouti affecting several organs. This case was seen in a nine-month-old male agouti that was being housed at the University of the West Indies Field Station (UWI, UFS). The animal showed no apparent sign of disease except for lethargy and subsequently died before any treatment was administered. These findings showed that the agouti may have been under some stress (nutritional or environmental) which predisposed this animal to this infection. Future work has to address the nutritional requirements for the growing agouti as well as some treatment options for managements of similar cases in the future.

Morphology of the stifle in agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler 1831).

The agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler 1831) is a wild rodent of great zootechnical potential, a fact that enables anatomical and morphological studies to support management actions with this animal. In this perspective, this study aimed to describe the anatomy and histology of the agouti stifle joint. Four adult agoutis were used, two females and two males. The animals were submitted to dissection and identification of the structures of the stifle joint. For light microscopy study, samples of the patellar ligament, cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments, medial and lateral collateral ligaments were used. Agouti has a highly congruent patellofemoral joint; elongated patella; medial and lateral fabellae at the proximal insertion of the gastrocnemius muscle; medial and lateral meniscus with lunula; in addition to the presence of the following ligament structures: patellar ligament, cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments, medial and lateral collateral ligaments, meniscofemoral ligament, caudal meniscal ligament of the medial meniscus, and medial and lateral cranial ligaments. The patellar ligament presents bundles of parallel collagen fibers with a straight path and coated fibroblasts; collateral and cruciate ligaments had loose and dense connective tissue, coated fibroblasts and collagen bundle undulations, the latter most expressive in the caudal cruciate ligament. Thus, except for the shape and angulation of the stifle, which allows specific movements, the agouti stifle has structures analogous to that of other rodents and domestic animals.

Punctuated evolution of visual cortical circuits? Evidence from the large rodent Dasyprocta leporina, and the tiny primate Microcebus murinus.

Recent reports of the lack of periodic orientation columns in a very large rodent species, the red-rumped agouti, and the existence of incompressible hypercolumns in the lineage of primates, as demonstrated in one of the smallest primates, the mouse lemur, strengthen the interpretation that salt-and-pepper and columns-and-pinwheel mosaics are two distinct functional layouts. These layouts do neither depend on lifestyle nor scale with body size, brain size, absolute neuron numbers, binocular overlap, or visual acuity, but are primarily distinguishable by phylogenetic traits. The predictive value of other biological signatures such as V1 neuronal surface density and the central-peripheral density ratio of retinal ganglion cells are reconsidered, and experiments elucidating the intracortical connectivity in rodents are proposed.

Anatomy of the vertebral column, ribs and sternum in orange rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758): Structural and Functional perspectives.

The axial skeleton of orange rumped agouti, Dasyprocta leporina, was studied for better understanding of its locomotor behaviour. The bones from eight adult agoutis of both sexes were observed for their anatomical features and functional significance. The vertebral formula was found to be C7 T12 L7 S5 Cy5-6 . The well-developed occipital crest, caudally oriented prominent axis spine and well-developed transverse processes from C3 -C7 indicated a highly flexible neck with greater sagittal mobility. Articular facets were horizontal in anterior series while oblique in the posterior series, which enabled them to perform both lateral and sagittal movements during locomotion. The caudally directed thoracic spines, T12 as anticlinal vertebra and prominent mamillary process in the posterior series were suggestive of strong dorso-ventral flexion/extension and rotation. The robust lumbar vertebrae, well-developed transverse processes with cranio-ventral extension, were the feature for powerful sagittal/dorsoventral movement. The presence of spinous processes and well-developed transverse processes in all caudal vertebrae was an indication of a highly movable tail. The ribs were 13 pairs with first seven as sternal and six as asternal. They were laterally compressed in the anterior series as a cursorial adaptation. A strong muscular attachment to vertebrae provides this rodent speed, agility, dexterity and strength suitable for survival in food chain.

Microbiological load and preantral follicle preservation using different systems for ovarian tissue vitrification in the red-rumped agouti.

We evaluated the effect of open and closed systems used for ovarian tissue vitrification on the microbiological load and preservation of preantral follicles (PAFs) in the red-rumped agoutis. The ovaries from eight females were recovered and fragmented, with four cortexes fragments immediately fixed and evaluated (fresh group). The other fragments were processed for the solid-surface vitrification method (SSV) or an ovarian tissue cryosystem (OTC) using fetal calf serum, ethylene glycol, and sucrose as cryoprotectants, stored for two weeks, and rewarmed. Subsequently, fragments were subjected to a 24-h in vitro culture and assessed for microbiological load, PAF morphology, and DNA integrity. There was no fungal contamination; however, the vitrified samples from two individuals showed bacterial contamination of 79 200 colony forming units per milliliter (CFU)/mL for SSV and 3120 CFU/mL for OTC. From those samples, a total of eight different types of bacterial colonies were isolated and identified as coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Gram-positive bacilli. Regarding PAF morphology, both systems provided adequate preservation, with values higher than 70% normal follicles observed before and after culture. The TUNEL assay revealed that both SSV (52.39%) and OTC (41.67%) could preserve DNA integrity after vitrification and after 24 h of culture. In summary, both open and closed systems were equally efficient in preserving agouti ovarian tissues, especially concerning the preantral follicle morphology and DNA integrity; however, the OTC seems to provide a less adequate environment for bacterial proliferation.

Anthelmintic usage on the performance of the Agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) reared intensively in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies.

Anthelmintic drugs have been used strategically in livestock reared in the tropics. These drugs have been used in the treatment of endoparasitism which have resulted in an increase in the animals' performance. The agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) is a neo-tropical rodent with the potential for domestication and has been farmed intensively in Trinidad. However, the objective of this research was to investigate the effect of anthelmintic use of the growth performance of the agouti. In searching the literature, it was found that this type of study on the agouti has not been done. In this experiment fourteen weaned agoutis weighing 1kg were divided into two groups randomly. The first group (T1) was not given any anthelmintic treatment but the second group (T2) was treated with Endovet Ces® subcutaneously every three months. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the two groups in the carcass weight, weight gain, dressing percentage (hot and cold), heart, lungs, skin, head and feet. However, a significant difference (p < 0.05) was seen between groups in the weight of liver and pluck. To the authors knowledge this is the first time that carcass parameters has been presented in literature. The live weight of the animals at the end of the experiment ranged from 2.4 kg to 2.6 kg and animals had a dressing percentage of 57% to 55%. The results are suggestive that the use of anthelmintic drugs in agoutis reared intensively had no significant effect on weight gain and dressing percentage.

Anthelmintic usage on the Reproductive Parameters in Captive reared Agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies.

The agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) is a rodent that is found in the Neo-tropical region. This animal is hunted for its meat but has recently been reared in captivity as a source of meat protein in rural communities. A 20-month experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of an anthelmintic on the reproductive performance of the agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) reared in captivity. This experiment was conducted in the humid tropics of Trinidad and Tobago. Sixteen animals (15 females, 1 male) placed in each of the two treatment groups in a completely randomized study design. In treatment 1 (T1) animals were given subcutaneous injections of Endovet Ces® (Ivermectin/Praziquantel) at 0.2 mg/kg every three months. Treatment 2 (T2) was the negative control group where animals were not exposed to an anthelmintic. Reproductive data were collected at parturition which included birth weight, litter weight, litter size and gender of offspring. The results showed that there was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) between the treatment groups with respect to birth weight, litter weight, litter size and gender. However, agoutis that were dewormed had a higher birth weight (220.24 g vs 209.1 g) and litter weight (369.8 g vs 343 g). The same values were obtained for the litter size (1.7 vs 1.7) and animals that were dewormed had a higher female offspring to male offspring (2.41:1 vs 1.11:1). This experiment demonstrated that the use of an anthelmintic strategically in the management of captive reared agoutis had no statistical effect (p > 0.05) on the reproductive parameters. Therefore, these animals can be kept in captive conditions without being dewormed and produce efficiently with proper feeding and housing management.

Reproductive diseases in captive Agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina).

Reproductive diseases have been well documented in domestic livestock such as sheep, goat, cattle and pigs. However, there is very little information on these diseases in the agouti (Dasyprocta leporina). The agouti is used for its meat in South America and the Caribbean. More recently, intensive farming of this animal is being practiced in the Neotropics. There is dearth of information on dystocia and vaginal prolapses in the agouti. This document reports on three cases of reproductive diseases in captive reared agoutis in Trinidad and Tobago. The first case was a female agouti weighing approximately 3 kg that was in the last stage of pregnancy, which was found dead in its cage. The vulva of the mother had the protruding hind-limbs of the fetus. Necroscopic evaluation of carcass revealed little fat tissue and the mother had two fetuses in the right horn of the uterus. Each fetus weighed approximately 200 g. The fetuses were well formed with fur, teeth and eyes. The placenta was attached to each fetus. The pathological findings suggested that dystocia resulted from secondary uterine inertia which was the cause of death of the adult female agouti. The second case was that of an adult female agouti weighing 2.5 kg. This female had given birth to an offspring three weeks prior and was observed to have had a vaginal prolapse. Surgery was performed and the prolapsed vagina was placed back into the pelvic cavity. Further to this intervention, the vagina prolapsed twice. Subsequent to the re-insertion of the vaginal tissue the agouti was euthanized. The third case was also that of a dystocia. However, the fetuses weighed 235 g and 165 g respectively and were in normal presentation, posture and positioning. The fetus however was unable to pass via the vagina and was trapped in the pelvic cavity. This caused secondary uterine inertia which was the cause of death. The causes of reproductive diseases in these cases are unknown but the feeding management and space allowance given to the agouti in late gestation may be contributing factors.