Influences of the Seasons of the Year and Physiographic Regions on the Levels of Calcium, Copper and Zinc in the Hoof Capsule of Foals Pre- and Postweaning Raised in Native Pasture.

This study evaluated the levels of calcium (Ca), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in the hoof of Criollo foals, pre- and postweaning, correlating them with the concentrations of these inorganic chemical compounds in soil and pasture in the different seasons of the year. We used 41 preweaning foals and 28 postweaning foals. Seventeen forage samples were collected in four seasons, later 10 soil samples per property in five distinct physiographic regions (Santa Maria, Dilermando de Aguiar, Jaguarão, Arroio Grande and Pelotas). There was variability in Ca, Cu and Zn concentrations in the hoof foal between distinct physiographic regions (P < .05), and between seasons. There was no association of preweaning and postweaning Ca levels with forage in the different physiographic regions. The concentrations of Cu and Zn showed positive association (R = 0.69, 0.43; P < .05) with the native pastures in the different physiographic regions in preweaning. In postweaning, only Cu was positively associated (R = 0.74; P < .05). Different season and physiographic regions influence the levels of Ca, Cu and Zn in the hoof capsule and native pasture during the pre- and postweaning stages.

Coronary corium, a new source of equine mesenchymal stromal cells.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have attracted great attention for therapeutic applications. Since cells derived from different tissues have different properties, using the right tissue source may impact their efficiency in regenerative medicine. This study describes for the first time the isolation and characterization of MSCs derived from the equine coronary corium, which may be useful for treating diseases such as laminitis. Seven coronary corium samples were used for isolation of cells (ccMSCs). Adherent cells were characterized for morphology, immunophenotype, proliferation and differentiation potential, in vitro migration and colony-forming capacity. The cells displayed the characteristic fibroblastoid morphology, with population doubling time increasing until passage 7 and reaching a plateau in passage 10. Cells were negative for CD14 and CD45, and positive for CD73 and CD90. ccMSCs showed chondrogenic and osteogenic, but not adipogenic differentiation, and migrated with nearly total closing of the empty area in 48 h, in the scratch assay. The clonogenic potential was in average 18% to 23%. This study describes for the first time the establishment of mesenchymal stromal cell cultures from the equine coronary corium. The results are similar to MSCs isolated from many other equine tissues, except for restricted differentiation potential. As coronary corium stem cell regulation may contribute to the pathogenesis of equine chronic laminitis, the use of ccMSCs in cell therapy for this significantly debilitating disease should be further investigated.

Prepartum lameness on subsequent lactation in Holstein dairy cows / Impactos da claudicação pré-parto na lactação subsequente de vacas leiteiras da raça Holandês

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to confirm the possible consequences of prepartum lameness on subsequent lactation among Holstein cows. In this research, 27 multiparous cows, were monitored from the 30th to 63rd day, relative to calving. Thirty days prior to parturition, the animals were segregated into two groups based on the locomotion score (LS), where LS 1 is attributed to animals without claudication, LS 2 to those with suspected lameness and LS 3, 4 and 5 to those with mild, moderate and severe lameness, respectively; in the lame cows group (LC) (n=15), the animals displayed LS ≥ 3, whereas in the non-lame cows group (NLC) (n=12) they showed LS 1. Milk production, body condition score (BCS) and blood concentration levels of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), urea, phosphorus, calcium aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and total plasma proteins (PPT) were evaluated. Milk production (17.675 ± 0.31 L of milk/day) and blood calcium concentration (7.42 ± 0.12 mg/dL) were lower in the lame cows in comparison to those without lameness (22.27 ± 0.42 L of milk/day and 9.63 ± 0.13 mg/dL). Besides, the lame cows showed higher BCS loss during the early postpartum period. The metabolites AST, GGT, PPT, urea, BHB and phosphorus revealed no difference between the groups during the period evaluated. The lameness evident in cows during prepartum exerted major negative effects on the milk production and calcemia, making the LS evaluation during these period an important tool in the early diagnosis of losses for future lactation.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar as consequências da claudicação no período pré-parto no início da lactação subsequente de vacas da raça Holandês. Vinte e sete vacas multíparas foram monitoradas do dia -30 até o dia 63 em relação ao parto. Trinta dias antes do parto os animais foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com classificação de escore de locomoção (EL) em que EL é atribuído ao animal sem claudicação, EL 2 suspeito de claudicar e EL 3, 4 e 5 representam claudicação leve, moderada e severa, respectivamente. No grupo de vacas claudicantes (n=15) os animais apresentavam EL ≥3 e no grupo controle (n=12) apresentavam EL de 1. Foi mensurada a produção de leite, escore de condição corporal (ECC) e as concentrações sanguíneas de β-hidroxibutirato (BHB), ureia, fósforo, cálcio, aspartato aminotransferase (AST), gama glutamil transferase (GGT) e proteínas plastmáticas totais (PPT). A produção média de leite das vacas claudicantes (17,675 ± 0,31 L/dia) e concentração de cálcio sanguíneo (7,42 ± 0,12 mg/dL) foram menores quando comparadas com as não-claudicantes (22,27 ± 0,42 L/dia e 9,63 17,675 ± 0,13 mg/dL). Além disso, vacas claudicantes perderam mais ECC no pós-parto recente. Os metabólitos AST, GGT, PPT, ureia, BHB e fósforo não diferiram entre grupos durante o período avaliado. A claudicação evidente em vacas no pré-parto apresenta grandes reflexos negativos na produção de leite e calcemia desses animais, tornando o EL pré-parto uma ferramenta importante no diagnóstico precoce de prejuízos na futura lactação.

Morphometric changes in the hoof capsule of Criollo foals from birth to weaning / Alterações morfológicas na capsula do casco em potros Crioulos do nascimento ao desmame

ABSTRACT: South America has numerous Criollo horse breeding farms; however, information on foal hoof growth is still limited and identifying the ideal periods to apply corrective trimming is a frequent concern for horse owners. In the present study, a morphometric analysis of hoof growth was performed on 46 Criollo foals from birth to weaning (0-8 months). Results showed that hoof growth rate was higher in the first four months followed by a decrease until the eighth month. Average growth rate of the hoof was 0.21cm per month, whereas that of the heel was 0.14cm per month. However, no significant differences were observed between medial and lateral heel length or between limbs. Coronary band perimeter and solar width showed an average increase of 0.97cm and 0.46cm per month, respectively, and were significantly correlated (r=0.99, P≤0.01). The characteristic most positively correlated to biometric variables was foal age, followed by solar width, toe length, and coronary band perimeter. In conclusion, hoof length increase in Criollo foals was more intensive during the first four months of life.

RESUMO: A América do Sul possui um grande número de criatórios da raça Crioula, no entanto, há uma carência de informações sobre o desenvolvimento natural dos cascos dos potros, tornando a identificação de períodos ideais para o casqueamento corretivo uma dúvida frequente entre os criadores. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi realizar a biometria natural (do nascimento aos 8 meses) no casco de 46 potros da raça Crioula. Os resultados indicaram uma taxa de crescimento mais rápido nos primeiros 4 meses, com subsequente desaceleração até o desmame. O crescimento médio do casco foi em média 0,21cm mo-1, enquanto o comprimento do talão foi de 0,14cm mo-1. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas no equilíbrio médio/lateral do casco ou entre os membros durante o período experimental. O perímetro da banda coronária e a largura solar do casco apresentaram um crescimento médio de 0,97 e 0,46cm mo-1, respectivamente, e foram altamente correlacionados (r=0,99, P≤0,01). A idade dos potros foi a característica mais correlacionada positivamente, seguida da largura solar, do comprimento do casco e do perímetro da banda coronária. Nós concluímos que o crescimento do casco em potros da raça Crioula foi mais intenso durante os quatro primeiros meses de vida.

Gender on the growth of Criollo foals from birth to three years of age / O sexo no crescimento de potros da raça Crioula do nascimento aos três anos de idade

ABSTRACT: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of gender on the growth of Criollo foals, in order to use this information as a reference for breeding as well as in future research. Body height, thoracic perimeter, and cannon bone perimeter of 75 foals were measured from two farms in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (Lat. 32°, 33′, 58″, Long. 53°, 22′, 33″) and from three generations over three years. In both farms, animals were kept under the same range and feeding conditions. Nonlinear regression models were applied to describe the growth curves for the three traits over the experimental period. Cannon bone perimeter was greater in males than in females (P<0.001) but the predicted curves for body height and thoracic perimeter did not differ between genders. For all traits, the highest rate of increase was achieved in the first year of life (body height = 74%, thoracic perimeter = 76%, and cannon bone perimeter = 63% for males and 83% for females). Results of this study indicated that changes in body height and thoracic perimeter can be predicted using nonlinear models in both male and female foals, until they reach three years of age; whereas, changes in cannon bone perimeter should be modeled separately for each gender.

RESUMO: O presente estudo foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de se avaliar o efeito do sexo nos padrões de crescimento em potros da raça Crioula que possam servir de referência à sua criação, assim como base para futuros estudos em equinos dessa raça. Medidas de altura corporal, perímetro de tórax e perímetro de canela de 75 potros, pertencentes a três gerações, foram obtidas do nascimento aos três anos de idade, em duas propriedades no Rio Grande do Sul, Latitude 32°,33′,58″ e Longitude 53°,22′,33″. Em ambas as fazendas avaliadas, os animais eram mantidos no mesmo sistema de criação e manejo alimentar (extensivo e em regime de campo nativo). Foram realizadas análises de regressão não linear para se estimar as curvas de crescimento para as três características estudadas. Os resultados do presente estudo indicam diferença significativa (P<0,001) no crescimento da canela entre machos e fêmeas, sendo maior nos machos. As curvas preditas com modelos não lineares para a altura corporal e perímetro de tórax não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas entre os sexos. Para todas as características estudadas, a maior taxa de crescimento foi obtida ao primeiro ano de vida (altura corporal = 74%, perímetro de tórax = 76% e perímetro de canela = 63% em machos e 83% em fêmeas). Os resultados do presente estudo indicam que a evolução da altura corporal e perímetro de tórax em potros até os três anos de idade pode ser avaliada através de modelos não lineares e de maneira simultânea para machos e fêmeas. Por outro lado, o perímetro de canela deve ser modelado separadamente para cada sexo.

The effect of sex and genotype on growth performance, feed efficiency, and carcass traits of local sheep group Pantaneiro and Texel or Santa Inês crossbred finished on feedlot.

This study aimed to assess and compare the growth performance, feed efficiency, and carcass traits of Pantaneiro sheep and their Texel and Santa Inês crossbreds. Ninety-six lambs, fifty-one males, and forty-five females, with a mean weaning weight of 15.21 ± 1.25 kg and 78 ± 13 days of age, were slaughtered at a 32-kg body weight. The results showed better production efficiency from males compared with females. Texel-crossed lambs had a better growth performance than the other genotypes. The Texel × Pantaneiro lambs were more efficient with a better feedlot performance, higher ribeye muscle area, and better carcass characteristics with an adequate amount of fat cover. Pantaneiro lambs and their crosses with meat breeds could be useful in meat production systems under Savanna environmental conditions.

Avaliação de parâmetros bioquímicos clínicos de ovelhas do grupo genético pantaneiro gestantes e não gestantes / Clinical and biochemical parameters evaluation of pregnant and non-pregnant ewes from pantaneiro genetic group

Foram determinados os valores de alguns parâmetros bioquímicos clínicos de ovelhas do grupo genético pantanei- ro GESTANTES e não GESTANTES. Foram utilizadas vinte fêmeas, GESTANTES (n = 13) e NÃO GESTANTES (n = 7). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas, semanalmente, da 5a semana pré-parto até a 8a pós-parto das ovelhas GESTANTES e durante oito semanas consecutivas das ovelhas NÃO GESTANTES, correspondendo ao período pós-parto das GESTANTES. Foram realizadas análises de glicose, albumina, fósforo, beta-hidroxibutirato (BHB), aspartatoaminotrasferase (AST), ureia e colesterol. No período pré-parto, as concentrações de ureia foram menores (27,82 mg/dL ± 1,64 - P < 0,0001) e as da enzima AST, maiores (80,93 U/L ± 2,44 - P < 0,0001). Durante o parto, foi observado aumento nas concentrações de glicose (86,17 mg/dL ± 2,93 - P < 0,0001) em relação aos outros períodos; enquanto no pós-parto houve diminuição nas concentrações de fósforo (4,79 mg/dL ± 0,16 - P < 0,0111) e aumento nas concentrações de BHB (2,37 mmol/L ±0,16 - P < 0,0001). As concentrações de albumina foram menores nas ovelhas NÃO GESTANTES (2,22 g/dL ± 0,06 - P < 0,0001). As concentrações dos metabólitos analisados foram semelhantes às encontrados em outras raças da espécie ovina. As alterações metabólicas foram registradas próximo ao parto, o que ressalta a importância do conhecimento dos valores de referência para serem utilizados no monitoramento dos parâ-metros bioquímicos durante o periparto de ovelhas pantaneiras, de modo a ser prevenida a ocorrência de transtornos metabólicos.

This study evaluated the clinical biochemical profile of pregnant and non-pregnant ewes from pantaneiro genetic group. Twenty ewes were used, divided into two groups, PREGNANT (n = 13) and NON-PREGNANT (n = 7). Blood samples were collected weekly from five prepartum weeks to eight postpartum weeks from pregnant ewes, and over eight consecutive weeks from NON-PREGNANT ewes, corresponding to the period of postpartum at PREGNANT ones. Analyses were performed to determine the concentrations of glucose, albumin, phosphorus, beta-hydroxybutyrate(BHB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, and cholesterol. During prepartum, the urea concentration was lower (27,82 mg/dL ± 1,64 - P < 0,0001) and AST enzyme level was higher (80,93 U/L ± 2,44 - P < 0,0001). During calving, increased concentrations of glucose (86,17mg/dL ± 2,93 - P < 0,0001) were observed in relation to the other periods; while, during postpartum, phosphorus was reduced (4,79 mg/dL ± 0,16 - P < 0,0111) and BHB increased (2,37 mmol/L ± 0,16 - P < 0,0001). Albumin concentrations were lower in NON-PREGNANT ewes 2,22 g/dL ± 0,06 - P < 0,0001). The levels of the metabolites analyzed are similar to those found in other sheep breeds. The metabolic changes occur around parturition; therefore, for the prevention of metabolic disorders, it is important to have reference levels aiming to control biochemical parameters during the peripartum of pantaneiras ewes.

Metabolic evaluation of Crioulo horses participating in competitions of 750 km / Avaliação metabólica de cavalos Crioulos submetidos a uma competição de resistência de 750 km

The Crioulo breed of horses performs in one of the most physically demanding equestrian competitions, the Marcha de Resistência, which is a contest in which the horses run 750 km in 15 days. The study's aim was to characterize the metabolic responses during this period. We evaluated eleven Crioulo horses in the competition, specifically, two males and nine females. Blood samples were collected 24 hours before the contest and on the 4th, 9th, 11th, 14th and 15th days of competition. We evaluated CK, AST, LDH, glucose, lactate, urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, total calcium, ionized calcium, total protein, hematocrit and the white blood cell count. At the end of the competition, the mean values of serum AST were 1151±358 IU/ L the mean LDH values were 7418±1695 IU/L and CK was 13,867±3998UI /L. There was a significant increase in urea, creatinine and lactate (p<0.0001). A decrease in the mean values of chloride, sodium, potassium, and total and ionized calcium was observed (p≤0.0002). An evaluation of the total leukocytes and segmented neutrophils (p≤0.0002) revealed their increased values, and decreased values were observed for hematocrit, plasma protein and total lymphocytes (p≤0.0003). The values of glucose, on average, remained constant. Based on these data, we conclude that the Marcha de Resistência competition necessitated a high muscular demand and the depletion of energy and electrolytes, suggesting an inflammatory process in the animals evaluated.

O cavalo Crioulo realiza uma das provas de maior exigência física nas modalidades equestres. A Marcha de Resistência é uma competição na qual os animais percorrem 750km durante 15 dias. O objetivo desse estudo foi caracterizar as respostas metabólicas ocorridas nesse período. Foram avaliados 11 equinos da raça Crioula inscritos na competição, sendo dois machos e nove fêmeas. Foram efetuadas coletas de sangue 24h antes da prova e no 4º, 9º, 11º, 14º e 15º dia de competição. Foram avaliados a concentração sanguínea de creatininoquinase, aspartato aminotransferase, lactato desidrogenase, glicose, lactato, uréia, creatinina, sódio, potássio, cloreto, magnésio, cálcio total, cálcio iônico, proteínas totais, hematócrito e o leucograma. Ao final da competição os valores médios de AST sérica foram de 1151±358 UI/L, os valores de médios de LDH foram de 7418±1695 UI/L e de CK foi de 13867±3998UI/L. Houve aumento significativo nos valores de uréia, creatinina e lactato (p<0,0001). Foi observada diminuição nos valores médios de cloreto, sódio, potássio, cálcio total e iônico (p≤0,0002). Na avaliação hematológica foi constatada elevação nos valores de leucócitos totais e segmentados (p≤0,0002) e diminuição nos valores de hematócrito, proteína plasmática total e linfócitos (p≤0,0003). Os valores de glicose, em média mantiveram-se constantes. Com base nesses dados conclui-se que a competição Marcha de Resistência determinou elevada exigência muscular, com depleção energética e eletrolítica, além de sugerir um processo inflamatório nos animais avaliados.

First report of coenurosis in sheep in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

This paper reports the first case of coenurosis in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. This disease is caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia multiceps (Leske, 1780). The animal in which the disease was diagnosed was an 18-month-old ewe from an endemic area of Southern Brazil as an imported animal among a group of 30 sheep. The clinic-pathological condition was that commonly found in herbivores affected by the disease, especially sheep. Apathy, nystagmus, intermittent blindness, circling and pressing head against obstacles were the neurological signs reported. The necropsy showed that a brain lesion in the subcortex of the right hemisphere was a bladder-like cyst measuring 4 cm in diameter filled with a translucent fluid with a large number of white spherules (protoscolices) floating. In addition to the identification of the Coenurus cerebralis protoscolices, the brain tissue lesion was histopathologically described.

First report of coenurosis in sheep in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil / Primeiro relato de cenurose em ovinos no Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

This paper reports the first case of coenurosis in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. This disease is caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia multiceps (Leske, 1780). The animal in which the disease was diagnosed was an 18-month-old ewe from an endemic area of Southern Brazil as an imported animal among a group of 30 sheep. The clinic-pathological condition was that commonly found in herbivores affected by the disease, especially sheep. Apathy, nystagmus, intermittent blindness, circling and pressing head against obstacles were the neurological signs reported. The necropsy showed that a brain lesion in the subcortex of the right hemisphere was a bladder-like cyst measuring 4 cm in diameter filled with a translucent fluid with a large number of white spherules (protoscolices) floating. In addition to the identification of the Coenurus cerebralis protoscolices, the brain tissue lesion was histopathologically described.

Este trabalho relata o primeiro caso de cenurose no Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Essa doença é causada por estágios larvais de Taenia multiceps (Leske, 1780). O animal no qual foi diagnosticado, tinha cerca de 18 meses de idade, oriundo de uma área endêmica no Sul do Brasil, integrante de um grupo de 30 ovinos importados para o Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. O quadro clínico-patológico apresentado é aquele comumente descrito para herbívoros, infectados com o agente, especialmente ovinos. Os sinais clínicos relatados foram: apatia, nistagmo, cegueira intermitente, andar em círculos e pressão da cabeça contra obstáculos. Na necropsia foi observada uma lesão, no subcórtex do hemisfério cerebral direito, caracterizada por um cisto em forma de vesícula, medindo 4 cm de diâmetro, e seu interior preenchido por líquido translúcido com grande número de pequenas esferas brancas, identificadas como protoscolices. Os protoscolices foram identificados como Coenurus cerebralis, e os tecidos do cérebro submetidos complementarmente a exames histopatológicos para descrição da lesão.