Evaluation of Mangalarga Marchador foal development in the first year of life / Avaliação do desenvolvimento de potros da raça Mangalarga Marchador em seu primeiro ano de vida

The purpose of this study was to examine the development pattern of Mangalarga-Marchador foals by determination of muscle development and deposition of adipose tissue associated with the evaluation of blood-based biomarkers. Thus, 72 Mangalarga Marchador foals (ages ranged from 1-12 mo) were randomly selected and divided into 12 age groups (n=6 per group), evaluated monthly. The thickness of the Longissimus dorsi (LD) and rump fat (RF) were determined through an ultrasound performed on each foal's left side. Such parameters were used to calculate the percentage of body fat (BF), fat mass (FM), and fat-free mass (FFM). Morphometric measurements were taken on the foal's right side using a tape measure and a hypsometer. Blood samples were collected for determinations of total proteins, albumin, triglycerides, cholesterol, urea, creatinine, and glucose. Morphometric measurements, the thickness of the LD and RF, weight, BF, FM, and FFM showed differences between age groups (P<0.001). Muscle development and fat deposition in subcutaneous tissue were greater between six and 12 months and average weight gain and FFM were proportionally greater between one and six months. We concluded that morphometric measurements increase steadily and linearly during the first 12 months of life, indicating that it is feasible to use the linear regression formula. Moreover, significant differences between age and biochemical biomarkers may be attributed to nutritional and digestive physiology adaptations during these periods.(AU)

O objetivo desse estudo foi examinar o padrão de desenvolvimento de potros Mangalarga Marchador através da determinação do desenvolvimento muscular e da deposição de tecido adiposo associado com avaliação de biomarcadores sanguíneos. Assim, 72 potros Mangalarga Marchador (idades entre 1 e 12 meses) foram selecionados ao acaso e divididos em 12 grupos etários (n=6/grupo), avaliados mensalmente. A espessura do Longissimus dorsi (LD) e da cobertura de gordura da garupa (RF) foi determinada através de ultrassonografia realizada do lado esquerdo de cada animal, tais parâmetros foram usados para calcular percentagem de gordura corporal (BF), massa de gordura (FM) e massa livre de gordura (FFM). Mensurações morfométricas foram obtidas do lado direito de cada potro, usando fita métrica e hipômetro. Amostras sanguíneas foram obtidas para determinações de proteínas totais, albumina, triglicérides, colesterol, uréia, creatinina e glicose. Medidas morfométricas, espessura de LD e RF, peso corporal, BF, FM e FFM mostraram diferenças entre os grupos etários (P<0,001). O desenvolvimento muscular e a deposição de gordura no tecido subcutâneo foram maiores entre 6 e 12 meses e a média de ganho de peso e de FFM foi proporcionalmente maior entre entre 1 e 6 meses . Foi possível concluir que as medidas morfométricas aumentam de forma constante e linear nos primeiros 12 meses de vida, indicando que é factível usar fórmulas de regressão linear. Ainda, diferenças significativas entre idade e biomarcadores bioquímicos podem ser atribuídos às adaptações nutricionais e digestivas durante esses períodos.(AU)

Influence of glutamine and glutamate supplementation in the blood levels of horses

Background: The most abundant free amino acid in mammals is glutamine (GLN). Little research has focused on GLNsupplementation for horses, but GLN levels in this species are known to decline after exercise and during lactation. Underphysiological conditions, the body produces Gln in sufficient quantities for general metabolism, and a small part of thisamino acid comes from dietary protein. Little research has so far focused on equine dietary supplementation with freeglutamine or combined with other amino acids during catabolic states or in highly stressful situations. This research wasconducted to evaluate the effects of equine dietary supplementation using a combination of glutamine and glutamate.Materials, Methods & Results: The study involved four Arabian mares, not in training (~380 kg; ~12 years old) and fourtreatments (control, and inclusions of 1, 2 and 4% of GLN+GLU) in a Latin square model. A 7-day washout period wasestablished between each phase. Fifty percent of the mares’ maintenance energy requirements came from concentrate and50% from hay and grazing. The other 50% came from Tifton hay (Cynodon dactylon), which was supplied ad libitum.After 7 weeks of nutritional supplementation (once a day, in the morning). In the experimental model, the mares weredistributed in a Latin square design comprised of four treatments: control (without inclusion) and inclusions of 1%, 2%and 4% of supplement (AminoGut®, Ajinomoto do Brazil), and four animals. Blood was collected in five stages (fasting,and 60, 120, 240 and 360 min after feeding) in each treatment. The blood samples were analyzed to determine GLN, GLU,urea, creatinine, uric acid, total plasma protein, hematocrit and glucose levels. Glutamine and Glutamate concentrationswere analyzed using the enzymatic spectrophotometric method. The results were analyzed statistically using one- andtwo-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test with P set at 5%...

Influence of glutamine and glutamate supplementation in the blood levels of horses

Background: The most abundant free amino acid in mammals is glutamine (GLN). Little research has focused on GLNsupplementation for horses, but GLN levels in this species are known to decline after exercise and during lactation. Underphysiological conditions, the body produces Gln in sufficient quantities for general metabolism, and a small part of thisamino acid comes from dietary protein. Little research has so far focused on equine dietary supplementation with freeglutamine or combined with other amino acids during catabolic states or in highly stressful situations. This research wasconducted to evaluate the effects of equine dietary supplementation using a combination of glutamine and glutamate.Materials, Methods & Results: The study involved four Arabian mares, not in training (~380 kg; ~12 years old) and fourtreatments (control, and inclusions of 1, 2 and 4% of GLN+GLU) in a Latin square model. A 7-day washout period wasestablished between each phase. Fifty percent of the mares maintenance energy requirements came from concentrate and50% from hay and grazing. The other 50% came from Tifton hay (Cynodon dactylon), which was supplied ad libitum.After 7 weeks of nutritional supplementation (once a day, in the morning). In the experimental model, the mares weredistributed in a Latin square design comprised of four treatments: control (without inclusion) and inclusions of 1%, 2%and 4% of supplement (AminoGut®, Ajinomoto do Brazil), and four animals. Blood was collected in five stages (fasting,and 60, 120, 240 and 360 min after feeding) in each treatment. The blood samples were analyzed to determine GLN, GLU,urea, creatinine, uric acid, total plasma protein, hematocrit and glucose levels. Glutamine and Glutamate concentrationswere analyzed using the enzymatic spectrophotometric method. The results were analyzed statistically using one- andtwo-way ANOVA and Tukeys test with P set at 5%...(AU)

Glutamine and glutamate supplementation increases the levels of these amino acids in the milk of pasture-fed mares

Background: L-Glutamine (Gln), the most abundant free alpha amino acid in the body, plays a major role in the transport of nitrogen and carbon between tissues, and is an important source of respiratory energy for intestinal and immune system cells. Mares lose lean body mass during lactation, when plasma and milk Gln levels change significantly. However, supplementation with Gln combined with other amino acids may not alter equine plasma Gln levels. The work reported here was designed to test the hypothesis that supplementation with a mixture of glutamine and glutamate (AminoGut) alters blood and milk free glutamine and glutamate levels in pasture-fed lactating mares.Materials, Methods & Results: This study involved 31 multiparous Quarter Horse mares, which were divided into three groups immediately postpartum, as follows: G-CON (n = 19); G-50 g supplemented with 50 g of Gln + Glu plus 200 g of concentrate (n = 6); and G-100 g, supplemented with 100 g of Gln + Glu plus 200 g of concentrate (n = 6). Blood and milk samples were collected on the day of parturition prior to supplementation, and monthly until weaning. The milk samples were used to analyze the Gln, Glu composition and levels, while the blood samples were used for further analysis of blood biomarkers. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and by Tukey’s test and the P value was set at 5%. The G-CON group showed a significant reduction of 11-35% in the mean blood glutamine levels from the first month postpartum and throughout lactation. In contrast, blood glutamine levels in groups G-50 g and G-100 g did not change significantly from parturition through 5 months of lactation. The supplemented groups showed no significant differences in blood variables such as protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides and minerals.[...]

Glutamine and glutamate supplementation increases the levels of these amino acids in the milk of pasture-fed mares

Background: L-Glutamine (Gln), the most abundant free alpha amino acid in the body, plays a major role in the transport of nitrogen and carbon between tissues, and is an important source of respiratory energy for intestinal and immune system cells. Mares lose lean body mass during lactation, when plasma and milk Gln levels change significantly. However, supplementation with Gln combined with other amino acids may not alter equine plasma Gln levels. The work reported here was designed to test the hypothesis that supplementation with a mixture of glutamine and glutamate (AminoGut) alters blood and milk free glutamine and glutamate levels in pasture-fed lactating mares.Materials, Methods & Results: This study involved 31 multiparous Quarter Horse mares, which were divided into three groups immediately postpartum, as follows: G-CON (n = 19); G-50 g supplemented with 50 g of Gln + Glu plus 200 g of concentrate (n = 6); and G-100 g, supplemented with 100 g of Gln + Glu plus 200 g of concentrate (n = 6). Blood and milk samples were collected on the day of parturition prior to supplementation, and monthly until weaning. The milk samples were used to analyze the Gln, Glu composition and levels, while the blood samples were used for further analysis of blood biomarkers. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and by Tukeys test and the P value was set at 5%. The G-CON group showed a significant reduction of 11-35% in the mean blood glutamine levels from the first month postpartum and throughout lactation. In contrast, blood glutamine levels in groups G-50 g and G-100 g did not change significantly from parturition through 5 months of lactation. The supplemented groups showed no significant differences in blood variables such as protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides and minerals.[...](AU)

Characterization of the development of foals in natural mating and embryo transfer

Background: Several reproductive biotechnologies are used in horses and embryo transfer (ET) is one of the most frequent in countries like Brazil and the USA. It has been shown that animals originated by new reproductive technology can have compromised growth in extreme conditions, however there are still only a few researches on the influence of embryo transfer over lactating foals under different raising methods. Due to the lack of studies on ET products development and the need to understand the process and its relate with lactating foals growth, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the embryo transfer and natural mate over the newborn foals. Materials, Methods & Results: From a group of 20 mares, 20 Quarter Horse lactating foals were used (10 natural matting + 10 embryo transfer). The mares werent given any concentrate feed during whole gestation and lactation. Foals were kept with the mare, however was used creep feeding to give commercial feed ad libitum. The foals biometric evaluation were made at the day of birth (day 0) and at 30th, 60th, 90th, 120th and 150th day (weaning) for the following parameters: body mass (BM), height at the withers (H), heart girth (HG), cannon bone girth (CBG) and fat mass percentage (FMP). The fat thickness percentage at rump it was determined by ultrasound device. All statistics were considered significant when a [...](AU)

Characterization of the development of foals in natural mating and embryo transfer

Background: Several reproductive biotechnologies are used in horses and embryo transfer (ET) is one of the most frequent in countries like Brazil and the USA. It has been shown that animals originated by new reproductive technology can have compromised growth in extreme conditions, however there are still only a few researches on the influence of embryo transfer over lactating foals under different raising methods. Due to the lack of studies on ET products development and the need to understand the process and its relate with lactating foals growth, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the embryo transfer and natural mate over the newborn foals. Materials, Methods & Results: From a group of 20 mares, 20 Quarter Horse lactating foals were used (10 natural matting + 10 embryo transfer). The mares werent given any concentrate feed during whole gestation and lactation. Foals were kept with the mare, however was used creep feeding to give commercial feed ad libitum. The foals biometric evaluation were made at the day of birth (day 0) and at 30th, 60th, 90th, 120th and 150th day (weaning) for the following parameters: body mass (BM), height at the withers (H), heart girth (HG), cannon bone girth (CBG) and fat mass percentage (FMP). The fat thickness percentage at rump it was determined by ultrasound device. All statistics were considered significant when a [...]

Biomarcadores sanguíneos de caprinos Saanen com diferentes faixas etárias / Blood biomarkers of saanen goats with different ages

Objetivou-se estabelecer o perfil aminoacídico, bioquímico e hematológico de caprinos sadios da raça Saanen de diferentes faixas etárias criados em regime intensivo no Nordeste do Brasil. A partir de amostras de sangue de cada animal foi realizada a análise de aminoácidos, perfil hematológico e bioquímico. Os dados foram submetidos a ANOVA e ao Teste de Tukey (P 0,05). A concentração de glutamato [GLU] e a de glutamina e glutamato [GLN+GLU] apresentaram variações (P 0,05) enquanto que a [GLN] não variou (P>0,05). A [GLU] e de [GLN+GLU] foram 91% e 43% superiores nos animais do grupo cria quando comparados com os demais. Ocorreram também valores significativos nas concentrações de proteínas plasmáticas totais [PPT], ureia [URE], creatinina [CREAT], ácido úrico [AcU], alanina aminotransferase [ALT],  creatina quinase [CK], glicose [GLIC], triglicérides [TRIG] e colesterol total [COLES-T] (P 0,05), diferentemente das albumina [ALB] e aspartato aminotransferase [AST]. Nos índices hematológicos houve diferenças para volume corpuscular médio (VCM), concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média (CHCM), coeficiente de variação de amplitude de distribuição dos eritrócitos (RDW-CV) (P 0,05), mas não ocorreram variações significativas de resultados nas células brancas do sangue [CGB], hemácias [HEM], hemoglobina [Hb] e na percentagem do hematócrito (P>0,05). Destaca-se que este conhecimento possibilite melhor entendimento dos processos metabólicos nos animais hígidos e enfermos,levando em consideração as condições alimentar e do manejo da região. Contribuindo assim para aumentar a produtividade dorebanho na região tropical dada a grande importância da caprinocultura no Nordeste do Brasil.(AU)

The aim of this study was to establish biochemical, hematological and amino acid profiles from healthy Saanen goats, fromdifferent ages bred on intensive system, in Northeastern Brazil. It was used blood Samples to analyse these parameters. Data wassubmitted to ANOVA and Tukey test (P<0.05). The glutamate [GLU] and glutamine plus glutamate [GLN+GLU] showed differences(P<0.05), while [GLN] didnt (P>0.05). The [GLU] and [GLN+GLU] was 91% and 43% higher on post-weaning group. Also it wasseen significance on total protein plasmatic [TPP], urea [URE], creatinine [CREAT], uric acid [UAC], alanine aminotransferase[ALT], creatine kinase [CK], glucose [GLU], total triglyceride [TG] and total cholesterol [CHOL]. Unlike albumin [ALB] and aspartateaminotransferase [AST]. Haematological indices were no differences of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscularhemoglobin concentration (MCHC), coefficient of variation of amplitude red cell distribution (RDW-CV) (P <0.05), but no significantchanges in results in white blood cell [WBC], [HEM] red blood cells, hemoglobin [Hb] and the percentage of hematocrit (P>0.05). Metabolic processes on healthy and sick animals, should be better understood by this study, considering nutritional andenvironmental condition in this region. This contribution may increase herd productivity in this region by the great importance ofgoat breeding in northeastern Brazil.(AU)

Relato de caso: uso da Oxitetraciclina no tratamento de potro com contratura congênita dos tendões flexores

A contratura congênita dos tendões flexores superficiais quando não tratada rapidamente é responsável pela perda da capacidade atlética nos potros, inclusive podendo resultar na perda precoce do animal, e na na literatura há descrição do uso de tetracilina e oxitetracilcina para o tratamento da enfermidade. Esse trabalho objetivou relatar o uso da oxitetraciclina intravenosa no tratamento do emboletamento em potros recém-nascidos. Um potro recem-nascido foi diagnosticado com emboletamento e tratado com duas doses de oxitetraciclina (2,0g de oxitetracilina intravenosa). Ele recuperou-se rapidamente e não apresentou efeitos crônico do medicamento. Conclui-se que a oxitetracilina pode ser utilizada no tratamento do emboletamento nos casos de diagnóstico precoce.

Congenital contracture of the superficial flexor tendons, when left untreated, is responsible for the loss of athletic ability in foals, and even result in early loss of the animal and in the literature, there is a description for using tetracycline and oxytetracycline for the disease’s treatment. This study aimed to report the use of intravenous oxytetracycline in the treatment of congenital flexural contracture in newborn foals A newborn foal was diagnosed with congenital flexural contracture and treated with two doses of oxytetracycline (2.0 g of intravenous oxytetracycline). The recovery was quick and presented no chronic effects of the drug. It is concluded that oxytetracycline can be used in the treatment of congenital flexural contractures in cases of early diagnosis.

Relato de caso: uso da Oxitetraciclina no tratamento de potro com contratura congênita dos tendões flexores

A contratura congênita dos tendões flexores superficiais quando não tratada rapidamente é responsável pela perda da capacidade atlética nos potros, inclusive podendo resultar na perda precoce do animal, e na na literatura há descrição do uso de tetracilina e oxitetracilcina para o tratamento da enfermidade. Esse trabalho objetivou relatar o uso da oxitetraciclina intravenosa no tratamento do emboletamento em potros recém-nascidos. Um potro recem-nascido foi diagnosticado com emboletamento e tratado com duas doses de oxitetraciclina (2,0g de oxitetracilina intravenosa). Ele recuperou-se rapidamente e não apresentou efeitos crônico do medicamento. Conclui-se que a oxitetracilina pode ser utilizada no tratamento do emboletamento nos casos de diagnóstico precoce.(AU)

Congenital contracture of the superficial flexor tendons, when left untreated, is responsible for the loss of athletic ability in foals, and even result in early loss of the animal and in the literature, there is a description for using tetracycline and oxytetracycline for the diseases treatment. This study aimed to report the use of intravenous oxytetracycline in the treatment of congenital flexural contracture in newborn foals A newborn foal was diagnosed with congenital flexural contracture and treated with two doses of oxytetracycline (2.0 g of intravenous oxytetracycline). The recovery was quick and presented no chronic effects of the drug. It is concluded that oxytetracycline can be used in the treatment of congenital flexural contractures in cases of early diagnosis.(AU)

Effects of l-Arginine supplementation on lactating mares and the development of foals

Background: Most animal species are able to produce Arginine (Arg) under normal conditions. However, in some situations, its degradation can be higher than its production. For example, during a period of lactation or disease, there is an increase in the consumption of Arg. In this case, endogenous production is not enough for the animals demands. Indeed, Arg supplementation in animals has several benefits for the animals body, such as the increase of angiogenesis, improvements in immunity and the reproductive system, as well as the stimulation of lactogenesis. During the early phase of growth, a deficiency of Arg could cause a reduction in the growth rate and metabolic activity of animals. Therefore, this amino acid is considered essential in some phases of the life of animals. However, very few studies of the supplementation of this amino acid in horses have been carried out. The aim of the present study was to characterize the effects of supplementing lactating mares and their foals with Arg. Materials, Methods & Results: Lactating mares (n = 10) were divided into two groups (control group: n = 3 / supplemented group: n = 7) and maintained exclusively under grazing. The supplemented group received 50 g of Arg during the lactation period. Samples of milk and blood from mares and blood from foals were collected at different phases of the lactation period. The following [...](AU)

Effects of l-Arginine supplementation on lactating mares and the development of foals

Background: Most animal species are able to produce Arginine (Arg) under normal conditions. However, in some situations, its degradation can be higher than its production. For example, during a period of lactation or disease, there is an increase in the consumption of Arg. In this case, endogenous production is not enough for the animals demands. Indeed, Arg supplementation in animals has several benefits for the animals body, such as the increase of angiogenesis, improvements in immunity and the reproductive system, as well as the stimulation of lactogenesis. During the early phase of growth, a deficiency of Arg could cause a reduction in the growth rate and metabolic activity of animals. Therefore, this amino acid is considered essential in some phases of the life of animals. However, very few studies of the supplementation of this amino acid in horses have been carried out. The aim of the present study was to characterize the effects of supplementing lactating mares and their foals with Arg. Materials, Methods & Results: Lactating mares (n = 10) were divided into two groups (control group: n = 3 / supplemented group: n = 7) and maintained exclusively under grazing. The supplemented group received 50 g of Arg during the lactation period. Samples of milk and blood from mares and blood from foals were collected at different phases of the lactation period. The following [...]

Changes in mineral biomarkers after blood donation in Greyhound breed dogs / Alterações nos biomarcadores minerais após doação sanguínea em cães da Raça Greyhound

The present objective was to evaluate the effects of blood donation on mineral biomarkers in the blood of donor Greyhounds.Blood samples were collected from 12 dogs, regularly used for blood donation, on the following occasions: before blood donation and +24 hours, +7 days, +15 days and +30 days after donation. The samples were then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results were analyzed by ANOVA, with P set at 5%. Differences between means were identified using Tukeys test at 5 %. The concentration of P and Cl decreased significantly after blood donation (P < 0.05), while there was no change in [Ca] and [Mg]. It is concluded that donating blood leads to changes in mineral biomarkers, but these changes are not capable of causing harm to the animals health.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da doação sanguínea nos biomarcadores minerais em cães doadores de sangue da Raça Greyhound. Foram avaliados 12 cães da raça Greyhound, sadios, sem distinção de sexo, com idade variando entre dois e oito anos, doadores regulares de sangue. Foram colhidas amostras sanguíneas por meio de venopunção da cefálica esquerda nas seguintes ocasiões: pré-doação, +24 horas, + 7 dias, + 15 dias e + 30 dias pós-doação de sangue. Em seguida, as amostras foram enviadas ao laboratório para as análises. Os resultados foram analisados pelo ANOVA, com o P estabelecido em 5%. As diferenças entre as médias foram identificadas através do teste de Tukey, em nível de 5%. Os níveis de P e Cl reduziram significativamente após doação de sangue (P < 0,05), emquanto Ca e Mg não sofreram vaiação. Conclui-se que com a doação de sangue ocorrem alterações nos biomarcadores minerais, porém essas alterações não são capazes de acarretar prejuízos à saúde dos animais.(AU)

Changes in mineral biomarkers after blood donation in Greyhound breed dogs / Alterações nos biomarcadores minerais após doação sanguínea em cães da Raça Greyhound

The present objective was to evaluate the effects of blood donation on mineral biomarkers in the blood of donor Greyhounds.Blood samples were collected from 12 dogs, regularly used for blood donation, on the following occasions: before blood donation and +24 hours, +7 days, +15 days and +30 days after donation. The samples were then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results were analyzed by ANOVA, with P set at 5%. Differences between means were identified using Tukeys test at 5 %. The concentration of P and Cl decreased significantly after blood donation (P < 0.05), while there was no change in [Ca] and [Mg]. It is concluded that donating blood leads to changes in mineral biomarkers, but these changes are not capable of causing harm to the animals health.

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da doação sanguínea nos biomarcadores minerais em cães doadores de sangue da Raça Greyhound. Foram avaliados 12 cães da raça Greyhound, sadios, sem distinção de sexo, com idade variando entre dois e oito anos, doadores regulares de sangue. Foram colhidas amostras sanguíneas por meio de venopunção da cefálica esquerda nas seguintes ocasiões: pré-doação, +24 horas, + 7 dias, + 15 dias e + 30 dias pós-doação de sangue. Em seguida, as amostras foram enviadas ao laboratório para as análises. Os resultados foram analisados pelo ANOVA, com o P estabelecido em 5%. As diferenças entre as médias foram identificadas através do teste de Tukey, em nível de 5%. Os níveis de P e Cl reduziram significativamente após doação de sangue (P < 0,05), emquanto Ca e Mg não sofreram vaiação. Conclui-se que com a doação de sangue ocorrem alterações nos biomarcadores minerais, porém essas alterações não são capazes de acarretar prejuízos à saúde dos animais.