Use of coenzyme Q-10 to improve the pregnancy rate in sheep.

One of the factors responsible for less pregnancy rates is the use of frozen semen in sheep due to the oxidative stress created by the process. The aim of this experiment was to test the effects of adding coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10) to the seminal extender on sperm quality and the pregnancy rate of sheep. In this study, ejaculates from eight Dorper rams of reproductive age were used and tested in four treatments: Control (pure BotuBov®), C1 (175 µM of CoQ10), C3 (350 µM of CoQ10), and C7 (700 µM of CoQ10). Samples were collected in triplicate from each animal, and sperm analysis was performed by CASA after thawing at 0 h and 2 h. The samples were also analyzed by flow cytometry for plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity, stability, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial potential, and superoxide anion production. In total, 198 ewes were inseminated by laparoscopy and divided into two groups: control (n=98) and C7 (n=100). Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at 30 days. Coenzyme Q10 proved to be safe for semen cryopreservation, not altering sperm kinetic values between the groups post-thawing. In flow cytometry, the C1 and C7 groups achieved a better index of plasma membrane integrity and membrane stability (P<0.05). A increased pregnancy rate was observed in C7 (52 %) compared to the control (38 %). In conclusion, coenzyme Q10 assists in the cryopreservation process, protecting the sperm cell and improving pregnancy rates in ewes.

Effect of Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata Hook. F. & Thomson) Essential Oil on Acute Inflammatory Response In Vitro and In Vivo.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the phytochemical profile, oral acute toxicity, and the effect of ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata Hook. F. & Thomson) essential oil (YEO) on acute inflammation. YEO was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. For in vitro tests, YEO was assessed using cytotoxicity, neutrophil chemotaxis induced by N-formyl methionyl leucyl phenylalanine (fMLP), and phagocytic activity tests. YEO was orally administered in zymosan-induced peritonitis, carrageenan-induced leukocyte rolling, and adhesion events in the in situ microcirculation model and in carrageenan-induced paw edema models. YEO (2000 mg/kg) was also tested using an acute toxicity test in Swiss mice. YEO showed a predominance of benzyl acetate, linalool, benzyl benzoate, and methyl benzoate. YEO did not present in vitro cytotoxicity. YEO reduced the in vitro neutrophil chemotaxis induced by fMLP and reduced the phagocytic activity. The oral treatment with YEO reduced the leukocyte recruitment and nitric oxide production in the zymosan-induced peritonitis model, reduced rolling and adherent leukocyte number induced by carrageenan in the in situ microcirculation model, and reduced carrageenan-induced edema and mechanical hyperalgesia. YEO did not present signs of toxicity in the acute toxicity test. In conclusion, YEO affected the leukocyte activation, and presented antiedematogenic, anti-hyperalgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Effects of supplementation on production and age anticipation at first mating of ewe lambs in tropical pastures.

Studies on the rearing of ewe lambs in the Cerrado are scarce, so the objective was to evaluate the effects of protein-energy supplementation with 1.6 and 2.4% BW on the productive and reproductive performance of ewe lambs raised on pastures of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu. Twenty-four Texel ewe lambs, with a mean age of 5 months, were distributed in two treatments with provision of energy protein supplementation at levels of 1.6 and 2.4% BW, formulated for average daily gains of 150 and 200 g/day for ewe lambs weighing 20 kg, respectively. The experimental delineation adopted was the completely randomized design, with fifteen repetitions per treatment. The performance of the ewe lambs was evaluated by weight at the beginning and end of the breeding season (BS), average daily gain (ADG), and total weight gain (TWG). The count of fecal eggs was performed monthly. The evaluation of the ewe lambs reproductive organs took place at 8 months of age. The fertility of the ewe lambs was detected by transrectal ultrasonography at the end of the BS. The supplementation level of 2.4% BW was higher for ADG and TWG; however, it did not influence the other performance characteristics. There was no effect of supplementation on the reproductive characteristics, parasite load, and nutrients of the pasture. Pasture nutrients were influenced by the month of use. Supplementation levels were not effective to ensure the reproductive success of 8-month-old ewe lambs.

Macrophage activation in vitro by Parachartergus fraternus venom.

Parachartergus fraternus wasp induces inflammation with a predominance of mononuclear cells, that can acquire macrophage functions at the sting site, amplifying the response. These cells can be activated by venomous animals and are involved in destruction of injurious agents and release of inflammatory mediators. The objective of this work was to evaluate the activity of P. fraternus venom (Pfv) on isolated murine macrophage function. The cells were obtained from peritoneal cavity of Swiss male mice and incubated with Pfv (2.5, 5 and 10 µg/mL). Cytotoxicity was determined using MTT assay. Adhesion and detachment were evaluated using violet crystal dye. Spreading was evaluated based on morphological parameters. Phagocytosis was performed with opsonized zymosan. Production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) were quantified using the phenol red and Griess assays, respectively. Pfv at concentrations evaluated was not cytotoxic in MTT assay and did not cause macrophage detachment in cell culture plates. However, it increased adhesion of macrophage, spreading and phagocytosis of opsonized zymosan, as well as induced production of H2O2 and NO. Therefore, Pfv induces macrophage activation in vitro and the response of these cells can be correlated with the previously reported inflammatory process triggered by this wasp.

Effects of ascorbic acid 2-glucoside and alpha-tocopherol on the characteristics of equine spermatozoa stored at 5°C.

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of adding ascorbic acid 2-glucoside (AA2G), a water-soluble antioxidant and stable derivative of ascorbate, to the semen extender and compare it to the addition of vitamin C (Vit. C) and the fat-soluble antioxidant α-tocopherol (α-Toh), both individually and in combination, on the seminal variables of equine sperm submitted to cooling for 72 h. We used two ejaculates from 10 stallions and evaluated them for motility, membrane integrity, chromatin fragmentation, mitochondrial activity and lipid peroxidation. In the analysis of lipid peroxidation, the control group showed 2506.2 ± 796.4 ng malondialdehyde/108 sperm, which was higher (P < 0.05) than the groups treated with antioxidants. The average value of motility in the AA2G group was 68.4 ± 18.1%, which was higher (P < 0.05) than that observed in the control group (62.1 ± 16.2%). The variables membrane integrity, chromatin fragmentation and mitochondrial activity did not show significant difference (P > 0.05) between treatments. It was concluded that the antioxidants protected sperm cells from lipid peroxidation and that AA2G was effective during the cooling process of equine semen at 5°C for72 h, providing increased levels of total motility.

Effects of road transportation or droving on the weight and metabolism of young bulls.

This study evaluated the effects of the mode of transportation on weight and metabolism of young bulls, which are generally transported by two systems: droving and truck. This experiment consisted of two phases: transportation and refeeding and involved transportation by droving and truck. Fifty young Nellore bulls were separated in equal numbers in both groups, droving group and truck group. In the transportation phase, animals were moved, in a 640-km journey. The refeeding phase consisted of 84 days and commenced after the animals arrived at the fattening farm. The effect of the transportation system on animals' weight, metabolic hormones, and serum biochemistry was assessed after 28, 56, and 84 days. During the transportation phase, animals in the droving group lost 10.11 kg and animals in the truck group gained 13.1 kg. The truck group showed 20.5 kg of weight gain at the end of the refeeding phase. The highest triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) concentrations were observed on days 0 and 60 in the transportation phase in both droving and truck groups. The serum cortisol concentration was higher in the droving group than in the truck group on day 56 of the refeeding phase. The IGF-I concentrations were higher during the refeeding phase in the droving group than in the truck group. Our results showed that transportation by droving leads to increased weight loss and reduced further weight gain compared to transportation by truck and that serum concentrations of T4, cortisol, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) hormones are altered by the transportation system.

Proteína bruta, lisina e energia metabolizavel para matrizes suínas em reprodução / Crude protein lysine and metabolizable energy for sows in reproduction / Proteina bruta, lisina y energia metabolizable para hembras porcinas en reproduccioión

A atividade suinícola tem-se destacado nas últimas décadas por ser um dos setores agropecuários de elevado crescimento, eficácia e competitividade. Sabe-se que a nutrição dos animais vem passando por constantes mudanças, graças ao melhoramento genético implementado nas fêmeas suínas por meio de técnicas atualmente disponíveis. Geralmente, durante a lactação, o consumo voluntário de ração pelas porcas é insuficiente para atender às exigências de manutenção e máxima produção de leite, o que pode culminar em perda de peso corporal associada a diversos problemas reprodutivos. Devido ao baixo consumo, os nutricionistas precisam adequar programas nutricionais eficazes ao potencial genético e ao nível de produção das matrizes, tornando-se de fundamental importância, a elaboração de uma dieta com níveis mais elevados de nutrientes. Diante do exposto, esta revisão reúne informações referentes aos efeitos da proteína bruta, lisina e energia metabolizável sobre o desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo de matrizes suínas.

Over the past decades, swine production has been one of the agricultural sectors presenting high growth, efficacy and competitiveness. It is known that animal nutrition has been going through constant changes due to genetic improvement implemented in sows through techniques that are currently available. Generally during lactation, voluntary feed intake by sows is not enough to provide the requirements for maintenance and maximum milk production, which can culminate in body weight loss associated to several reproductive problems. Due to low consumption, nutritionists need to provide nutrition programs that are effective to the genetic potential and reproduction level of the sows. Thus, it is of great importance to develop a diet with high levels of nutrients. With this fact, this review aims to gather information on the effects of crude protein, lysine and metabolizable energy on productive and reproductive performance of sows.

La actividad porcina se ha destacado en las últimas décadas por ser uno de los sectores agropecuarios de elevado crecimiento, eficiencia y competitividad. Se conoce que la nutrición de los animales viene pasando por constantes cambios, gracias al mejoramiento genético implementado en las hembras porcinas a través de técnicas actualmente disponibles. Generalmente, durante la lactación, el consumo voluntario de ración por las cerdas es insuficiente para atender a las exigencias de manutención y máxima producción de leche, lo que suele culminar en pérdida del peso corporal asociada a diversos problemas reproductivos. Debido al bajo consumo, los nutricionistas necesitan adecuar programas nutricionales eficaces al potencial genético y al nivel de producción de las matrices, volviéndose de fundamental importancia la elaboración de una dieta con niveles más elevados de nutrientes. Dado lo expuesto, esta revisión reúne informaciones referentes a los efectos de la proteína cruda, lisina y energía metabolizable sobre el rendimiento productivo y reproductivo de las cerdas.

Morfologia espermática de carneiros nativos / Morflogía espermática en carneros nativos / Sperm morhology of native rams

A avaliação da morfologia espermática é um dos critérios determinantes para a seleção de machos para a reprodução. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi verificar as alterações morfológicas do sêmen de carneiros durante as estações do ano. Foram utilizados 12 animais, efetuando-se esfregaços de sêmen mensalmente para coloração do método de Karras modificado durante um ano. Observou-se que os animais apresentaram maiores percentuais de espermatozóides anormais na primavera e outono (15,46 ± 27,10 e 11,33 ± 26,38, respectivamente), quando comparados com o verão (3,18 ±1,95) e inverno (5,46 ± 2,73). Quando comparado a estação seca e chuvosa, o período de seca apresentou maiores percentuais de morfologias alteradas (7,98% ± 8,01) em relação ao período chuvoso (3,95% ± 1,78), sugerindo que tanto a variação sazonal, quanto a variação nutricional influenciaram as características do sêmen. Concluindo, os carneiros nativos não apresentaram alterações morfológicas significativas do sêmen ao longo do ano, sendo este um importante fator para a utilização do mesmo em monta natural ou inseminação artificial em qualquer período do ano.

The evaluation of sperm morphology is one of the determining criteria to select males for reproduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sperm morphology of native rams during the seasons of the year. 12 animals were used, and semen was smeared monthly for a year utilizing the modified method by Karras. It was observed that the animals had higher percentage of abnormal sperm in spring and autumn (15.46 ± 27.10 and 11.33 ± 26.38, respectively) when compared to summer (3.18 ± 1.95) and winter (5.46 ± 2.73). When the dry and rainy seasons were compared, the former had higher percentages of altered morphology (7.98% ± 8.01) compared to the latter (3.95% ± 1.78), suggesting that the seasonal variation as well as nutritional variation influence the characteristics of semen. It was concluded that native rams showed no significant morphological alterations of semen during the year, which is an important factor in its use for natural mating or artificial insemination at any time of the year.

La evaluación de la morfología espermática es uno de los criterios determinantes para la selección de machos para reproducción. El objetivo de este estudio ha sido verificar las alteraciones morfológicas del semen de carneros durante las estaciones del año. Se utilizaron 12 animales, efectuándose flotamiento de semen, mensualmente, para coloración del método de Karras, modificado durante un año. Se observó que los animales presentaron mayores porcentuales de espermatozoides anormales en la primavera y otoño (15,46 ± 27,10 y 11,33 ± 26,38, respectivamente), cuando comparados con el verano (3.18 ± 1.95) e invierno (5.46 ± 2.73). En comparación con la estación seca y lluviosa, el periodo de sequía presentó mayores porcentuales de morfologías alteradas (7,98% ± 8.01) en comparación al período lluvioso (3,95% ± 1,78), sugiriendo que tanto la variación estacional como la variación nutricional influenciaron las características del semen. Concluyendo, los carneros nativos no presentaron alteraciones significativas morfológicas del semen durante el año, siendo éste un factor importante para la utilización del mismo en monta natural o inseminación artificial en cualquier época del año.

O fator de necrose tumoral - A (TNF-A) na reprodução de fêmeas - revisão de literatura / The tumor necrosis factor- A (TNF-A) in female reproduction literature review / EL Factor necrosis Tumoral-α (TNF-α) en la reproducción de Hembras ­ revisión de literatura

O TNF-A; gerado nas células endoteliais, no oócito, na teca e na granulosa dos folículos pré-ovulatórios, tem papel obrigatório no desenvolvimento e diferenciação celular, mediado por receptores, bem como nos mecanismos de debilidade e ruptura ovariana. Resultados indicam que este é um importante fator local na atresia ou no processo inflamatório que resulta na ovulação, mas os efeitos desta citocina dependem do estágio de diferenciação das células-alvo, e da presença ou ausência de outros fatores de crescimento ou reguladores do processo de diferenciação. O TNF-A;, combinado ao LH, pode potencializar o processo de ovulação. Já na fase luteal, ele reduz a secreção de estradiol. Também é de fundamental importância na luteogênese e na luteólise, via controle sobre a secreção de prostaglandinas das séries E e F e, conseqüentemente, interferindo nos níveis de progesterona. As diferenças nas respostas celulares podem depender de inter-relações entre os mecanismos de cascata, que podem co-existir dentro de um tipo particular de células.

TNF-A; generated from endothelial cells, oocyte, techa and granulosa of preovulatory follicles has an obligatory role in cellular differentiation and growth, receptor mediated, such as debility mechanisms and ovarian rupture. The results indicate that this is an important local factor in either atresia or inflammatory process which results in ovulation, but the cytokine depends on the differentiation stage of the target-cell as well as the presence or absence of other growth or regulator factors of the differentiation process. TNF-A; combined with LH can elicit the ovulation process. However, in the luteal phase, it decreases the oestradiol secretion. It is also important in the luteogenesis and luteolisis through the control of prostaglandins series E and F secretion, consequently interfering with the progesterone levels. Differences in cellular responses can depend on inter-relationships between cascade mechanisms which can co-existent in two particular cell types.

El TNF-A se origina desde las células endoteliales, desde el oocito, la teca y desde la granulosa de los folículos preovulatorios con un papel relevante en el desarrollo y diferenciación celular, mediado por receptores, así como en los mecanismos de debilidad y ruptura ovárica. Los resultados prueban que esto es un importante factor local en la atresia o en el proceso inflamatorio que resulta en la ovulación, pero los efectos de esta citocina dependen del estadio de diferenciación de las células objeto, y de la presencia o ausencia de otros factores de crecimiento o reguladores del proceso de diferenciación. El TNF-A sumado al LH puede potenciar el proceso de ovulación. Ya en la fase luteal, reduce la secreción del estradiol. No obstante es de fundamental importancia en la luteogénesis y en la luteólisis, vía control sobre la secreción de prostaglandinas de las series E y F y, consecuentemente, interviniendo en los niveles de la progesterona. Las diferencias en las respuestas celulares pueden depender de las interrelaciones entre los mecanismos de la cascada, que pueden coexistir dentro de un tipo particular de células.

Características biológicas e congelabilidade do sêmen de carneiros Ideal-Polwarth ao longo do ano / Biological characteristics and freezability of Ideal-Polwarth rams throughout the year

Com o objetivo de investigar a qualidade seminal ao longo do ano, bem como sua congelabilidade e manutenção da viabilidade in vitro pós-descongelamento, neste mesmo período, o sêmen de cinco carneiros Ideal-Polwarth foi colhido, avaliado em suas características biológicas e congelado mensalmente, durante um ano, usando-se o diluente glicina-gema. Cerca de 30 dias após cada congelamento, submeteram-se as amostras ao Teste de Termorresistência, avaliando-se a motilidade, o vigor e a morfologia das células espermáticas. Os resultados obtidos com sêmen fresco (pré-congelamento) e com sêmen congelado/descongelado foram analisados de acordo com as colheitas mensais e, também, agrupados em dois períodos: período I, inverno e outono secos, e período II, primavera e verão chuvosos, utilizando-se a análise de variância com quadrados mínimos e o Teste de Tukey. Os resultados não mostraram influência de meses do ano ou de épocas I e II sobre as características biológicas do sêmen fresco ou sua congelabilidade. Conclui-se que, na latitude de 22º 51ÆS, o sêmen de carneiros da raça Ideal-Polwarth pode ser congelado em qualquer período do ano, com alta qualidade.

Secreção diária de estradiol, progesterona e hormônio folículo estimulante (FSH) em ovelhas durante o anestro estacional / Daily secretion of plasma oestradiol, progesterone and FSH in ewes during seasonal anoestrus

As alterações produzidas na atividade hormonal pulsátil e a sensibilidade aos seus efeitos de feed-back negativos, são os principais determinantes das modificações ocorridas durante o anestro em ovelhas. Seis ovelhas da raça Ideal foram estudadas para determinar a concentração de estradiol, progesterona e hormônio folículo estimulante (FSH), durante o anestro estacional. O sangue foi colhido por venopunção jugular a cada duas horas, durante 24 horas (12h PM até 10h AM do dia seguinte), no mês de agosto, na estação anestral. O plasma foi separado e estocado a -20°C até a determinação de estradiol, progesterona e FSH por radioimunoensaio. A concentração de progesterona foi basal, independentemente do momento de colheita ou do animal. O estradiol e o FSH mostraram correlação inversa, com curvas de comportamento linear crescente (estradiol) e decrescente (FSH). O período de 24 horas de colheita coincidiu com o momento fisiológico de aumento do estradiol e queda do FSH visto que, durante o anestro, a secreção de FSH é principalmente controlada pelo estradiol. A variação nos níveis plasmáticos de FSH durante o anestro foi semelhante às variações verificadas durante o ciclo estral, porém com valores mais baixos.

Concentraçöes plasmáticas e ritmo circadiano de cortisol e prolactina (PRL) em ovelhas, durante o anestro estacional / Plasma concentrations and circadian rhythm of cortisol and prolactin (PRL) in ewes during seasonal anoestrus

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar as concentraçöes plasmáticas e o ritmo circadiano de cortisol e prolactina em ovelhas isoladas do rebanho e estabuladas, durante o anestro estacional. Amostras de plasma foram colhidas de seis ovelhas Ideal, a cada duas horas, por um período de 24 horas, iniciando às 12 horas de um dia e terminando às 10 horas AM do dia seguinte, e analisadas por radioimunoensaio. A ánalise de variância revelou efeito significativo de momento (p<0,05)para cortisol e (p<0,001) para prolactina. O cortisol teve comportamento quadrático, de acordo com a equaçäo Y=1,325-0,0364(X-6,5)-0,0147(X-6,5)², onde o ponto máximo ocorreu às 20 horas, ou seja, oito horas após o início da colheita(1,35µg/dL), e o ponto mínimo 14 horas depois, ou seja, na última colheita (0,68µg/dL). Já a prolactina também apresentou efeito significativo linear e quadrático, conforme a equaçäo Y=39,58-5,945(X-6,5)+1,121(X-6,5)², onde o ponto máximo ocorreu na primeira colheita (12 horas; 106,19µU/mL), e o mínimo às 04 horas (31,73µU/mL). Para a causa do animal somente o cortisol apresentou diferença significativa (p<0,01). Conclui-se dos resultados que os dois hormônios comportaram-se de forma independente (r=-0,11) e que prolactina mostrou-se mais elevada nas colheitas efetuadas durante o dia