Paraoxonase 1 activity in the sperm-rich portion of boar ejaculates is positively associated with sperm quality

Associations of the activity of the paraoxonase 1 (PON1) enzyme with boar sperm quality still needs to be characterized, since boar ejaculates present distinct portions with differences in sperm concentration and quality. This study evaluated PON1 activity in the serum, in the distinct portions of boar ejaculates and estimated correlations with sperm quality parameters. Ejaculates and blood samples were collected from six boars for three weeks (two per week per boar; n = 36). Serum and post-spermatic portion PON1 activities were positively correlated (P = 0.01) but were both uncorrelated with the PON1 activity in the sperm-rich portion and in the whole ejaculate (P > 0.05). Differences in PON1 activity among boars were only observed in the sperm-rich portion of the ejaculate (P < 0.05). The PON1 activity in the serum and in the post-spermatic portion was generally negatively correlated with parameters of spermatozoa kinetics (P < 0.05). In the sperm-rich portion, PON1 activity was positively correlated with sperm concentration (P < 0.0001), curvilinear distance and velocity (both P < 0.05) and DNA integrity (P < 0.05), but negatively correlated with straightness and linearity (P < 0.05). Thus, boar ejaculates with increased PON1 activity in the sperm-rich portion may present increased concentration and spermatozoa with acceptable curvilinear velocity and distance and DNA integrity, which suggests that PON1 activity may be a biomarker for potential fertility.(AU)

Avaliação da frequência de pneumonia enzoótica suína em granja através da monitoria de abate, clínica e laboratorial / Evaluation of the frequency of swine enzootic pneumonia in one farm based on slaughterhouse, clinical and laboratory monitoring

Background: Swine enzootic pneumonia (SEP), caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, is one of the main respiratorydiseases of pigs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of SEP in one farm with an independent production system,low level of technification and high losses in the meat packing plant, based on slaughterhouse, clinical and laboratory monitoring.Materials, Methods & Results: This study consisted of three monitoring steps, divided into 3 periods: P1, P2 and P3. In the first step ofthe study, slaughterhouse reports were analyzed and slaughtering was monitored at one meatpacking plant in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.The second step of the study started by drawing up a profile of the farm that supplied the pigs to the aforementioned slaughterhouse,after which clinical monitoring was performed on three occasions. The third step of the study (laboratory monitoring) involved collecting lung fragments containing suspected SEP lesions from the meatpacking plant and subjecting them analysis. The average measuredenzootic pneumonia (EP) in P3 was 38.54% (P 0.05) between P1, P2 and P3. As for the mean frequency of pulmonary hepatization (PH), P3 was48.80% higher (P 0.05) between the 3 evaluated periods. On the other hand, in the finishingperiod (FP), the frequency of coughing and sneezing was 37.56% (P < 0.05) higher in P1 than in P3. The frequency of coughing and...

Avaliação da frequência de pneumonia enzoótica suína em granja através da monitoria de abate, clínica e laboratorial / Evaluation of the frequency of swine enzootic pneumonia in one farm based on slaughterhouse, clinical and laboratory monitoring

Background: Swine enzootic pneumonia (SEP), caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, is one of the main respiratorydiseases of pigs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of SEP in one farm with an independent production system,low level of technification and high losses in the meat packing plant, based on slaughterhouse, clinical and laboratory monitoring.Materials, Methods & Results: This study consisted of three monitoring steps, divided into 3 periods: P1, P2 and P3. In the first step ofthe study, slaughterhouse reports were analyzed and slaughtering was monitored at one meatpacking plant in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.The second step of the study started by drawing up a profile of the farm that supplied the pigs to the aforementioned slaughterhouse,after which clinical monitoring was performed on three occasions. The third step of the study (laboratory monitoring) involved collecting lung fragments containing suspected SEP lesions from the meatpacking plant and subjecting them analysis. The average measuredenzootic pneumonia (EP) in P3 was 38.54% (P < 0.05) higher than in P1 and 29.79 higher than in P2. The mean frequency of pulmonaryemphysema (PE) in P3 was 59.13% (P < 0.05) higher than in P1 and 48.04% higher than in P2. The mean number of lung adhesions(LA) did not differ statistically (P > 0.05) between P1, P2 and P3. As for the mean frequency of pulmonary hepatization (PH), P3 was48.80% higher (P < 0.05) than P1 and 41.78% higher than P2. With regard to the mean frequency of craniodorsal lung lesions (CLL), P3was 48.26% higher (P < 0.05) than P1 and 40.77% higher than P2. The mean frequency of disseminated lesions (DL) and the pneumoniaseverity index (PSI) showed no statistical difference (P > 0.05) between the 3 evaluated periods. On the other hand, in the finishingperiod (FP), the frequency of coughing and sneezing was 37.56% (P < 0.05) higher in P1 than in P3. The frequency of coughing and...(AU)

Fibrous feedstuffs for the nitrogen retention of growing pigs / Contribuição dos alimentos fibrosos para a retenção de nitrogênio de suínos em crescimento

The aim of this study was to measure the nitrogen (N) balance of pigs fed with lysine-limiting diets containing practical levels of wheat bran (WB) or soybean hulls (SH). Twelve pigs with average weights of 57.36±2.01 and 72.68±3.24 kg were used in trials 1 and 2, respectively. In trial 1, treatments were CT1 - control diet and WB - diet with inclusion of 15% WB. In trial 2, CT2 - control diet and SH - diet with inclusion of 6% SH. Fibrous diets increased (P<0.05) the fecal N in 63.54 and 60.55% in relation to CT1 and CT2, respectively. The urinary N was higher (P<0.05) in pigs receiving the WB diet, but was not influenced in the trial with SH. The N retention (NRET) was higher (P>0.05) in pigs ingesting the WB diet; although, when the proportion of NRET was expressed relative to N ingested (NING) there was no difference (P>0.05) between treatments. Inclusion of SH did not affect (P>0.05) the NRET when the result was expressed in absolute or proportional terms. In conclusion, inclusion of practical levels of WB and SH does not significantly affect the metabolic costs involved with nitrogen metabolism. However, only WB was able to contribute to the N balance of pigs, while the relative amount of N added by SH was fully recovered in feces.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi medir o balanço de nitrogênio (N) de suínos alimentados com dietas limitantes em lisina contendo níveis práticos de inclusão de farelo de trigo (FT) ou casca de soja (CS). Foram utilizados 24 suínos machos castrados com peso médio inicial de 57,36±2,01 kg e 72,68±3,24 kg nos experimentos 1 e 2, respectivamente. No experimento 1 os tratamentos foram CT1 - dieta controle, e FT - dieta com inclusão de 15% de FT. No experimento 2 CT2 - dieta controle, e CS - dieta com inclusão de 6% CS. As dietas fibrosas aumentaram (P<0,05) o N fecal em 64,54 e 60,55% em relação a CT1 e CT2, respectivamente. O N urinário foi maior (P<0,05) nos suínos que receberam a dieta FT, mas não foi afetado no experimento com CS. A retenção de N (NRET) foi maior (P<0,05) nos suínos alimentados com a dieta FT, entretanto quando a proporção do NRET foi expressa em relação ao N ingerido (NING) não houve diferença entre os tratamentos (P<0,05). A inclusão de CS não afetou (P<0,05) a NRET quando os resultados foram expressos em termos absolutos ou proporcionais. Em conclusão, a inclusão de níveis práticos de FT ou CS não afeta significativamente o custo metabólico envolvido no metabolismo de N. Entretanto, apenas o FT foi capaz de contribuir para o balanço de N dos suínos, enquanto a quantidade N relativa a adição de CS foi totalmente recuperada nas fezes.(AU)

Intervalos de coletas de sêmen em reprodutores suínos no início da vida reprodutiva: avaliação dos parâmetros seminais / Intervals of semen collection from boars during early reproductive life: evaluation of seminal fluid parameters

Background: In swine production, good reproduction rates can be achieved through genetic selection and reproductivebiotechnologies. One of these biotechnologies is artificial insemination, which contributes to disseminate genes and optimizebreeding boars, thus improving the quality of insemination doses. This study focused on evaluating the intervals betweensemen collection from boars at the beginning of their reproductive maturity vis-à-vis the viability of insemination doses.Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty 9-month-old boars of the genetic lineage AGPIC 337 (Agroceres PIC) were used inthis study. The experimental design used here was completely randomized, and the randomly selected males were dividedinto four treatment groups, which were named according to the interval between semen sample collections: T1: 2 days; T2:3 days; T3: 4 days and T4: 7 days. Each treatment comprised 5 animals, and at the end of the 90 days of this study, a totalof 150 ejaculates were obtained in T1, 110 in T2, 90 in T3 and 60 in T4. The values of total motility, volume and spermconcentration of the ejaculates were evaluated, as was oxidative stress by means of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances(TBARS), the latter after 0, 72, 120 and 168 h of the study. Membrane integrity was evaluated at 0, 72, 120 and 168 h usingthe eosin-nigrosin staining procedure. Sperm heat resistance was tested after 120 h, and sperm morphology after 72, 120 and168 h. Sperm concentrations differed, with T3 showing 27.04% and 29.65% higher concentrations (P < 0.05) than groupsT2 and T1, respectively. Total motility in group T4 was 0.56%, 1.98% and 3.28% higher (P < 0.05) than in T3, T2 and T1,respectively, indicating that the 7-day interval produced the best result. The heat...

Intervalos de coletas de sêmen em reprodutores suínos no início da vida reprodutiva: avaliação dos parâmetros seminais / Intervals of semen collection from boars during early reproductive life: evaluation of seminal fluid parameters

Background: In swine production, good reproduction rates can be achieved through genetic selection and reproductivebiotechnologies. One of these biotechnologies is artificial insemination, which contributes to disseminate genes and optimizebreeding boars, thus improving the quality of insemination doses. This study focused on evaluating the intervals betweensemen collection from boars at the beginning of their reproductive maturity vis-à-vis the viability of insemination doses.Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty 9-month-old boars of the genetic lineage AGPIC 337 (Agroceres PIC) were used inthis study. The experimental design used here was completely randomized, and the randomly selected males were dividedinto four treatment groups, which were named according to the interval between semen sample collections: T1: 2 days; T2:3 days; T3: 4 days and T4: 7 days. Each treatment comprised 5 animals, and at the end of the 90 days of this study, a totalof 150 ejaculates were obtained in T1, 110 in T2, 90 in T3 and 60 in T4. The values of total motility, volume and spermconcentration of the ejaculates were evaluated, as was oxidative stress by means of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances(TBARS), the latter after 0, 72, 120 and 168 h of the study. Membrane integrity was evaluated at 0, 72, 120 and 168 h usingthe eosin-nigrosin staining procedure. Sperm heat resistance was tested after 120 h, and sperm morphology after 72, 120 and168 h. Sperm concentrations differed, with T3 showing 27.04% and 29.65% higher concentrations (P < 0.05) than groupsT2 and T1, respectively. Total motility in group T4 was 0.56%, 1.98% and 3.28% higher (P < 0.05) than in T3, T2 and T1,respectively, indicating that the 7-day interval produced the best result. The heat...(AU)

Epiteliogenese defectuoso en cerdos - relato del caso / Epitheliogenesis imperfecta in the swine - case report / Epiteliogênese imperfeita em suínos - relato de caso

Epiteliogênese imperfecta se caracteriza por la formación epitelial incompleta debido al ectodermo germen y mesodermo durante el período embrionario. La enfermedad varía en gravedad, y se describe en la mayoría de las especies domésticas. En algunas especies, el resultado de mutaciones herdadas genéticamente, pero la herencia no ha sido probado en otros. En este trabajo, vamos a abordar un caso de epiteliogênese imperfecta en un cerdo macho con aproximadamente 21 días de edad, se reunió en Medicina y porcina Reproducción de la Universidad Federal de Santa Maria. De acuerdo a la información del propietario, el animal nació con una malformación de la piel en aproximadamente 40% de la superficie dorsal posterior. El tratamiento fue la base de un antiséptico para prevenir la proliferación de patógenos en las secreciones, aceite mineral para la hidratación de la piel, además de un epitelizante y la curación. Dado que esta condición es esporádica y afecta a algunos animales de una misma camada, los intentos de prevenir la enfermedad a través de animales de cría eliminación no es factible. Sin embargo, la descendencia con este tipo de trastorno de la piel, y sobreviven, no debe ser mantenido como criadores futuras.(AU)

Epitheliogenesis imperfecta is characterized by incomplete formation derived epithelial germ ectoderm and mesoderm failures during the embryonic period. The disease varies in severity and was described in most domestic species. In some species, the result of genetically inherited mutations, but heredity was not confirmed in others. In this work, we addressed a case of epitheliogenesis imperfecta in a male pig with approximately 21 days of age, served in Medicine and Reproduction of Swine, Federal University of Santa Maria. According to information from the owner, the animal was born with malformation of the skin in approximately 40% of the posterior dorsal region. The treatment was the basis of an antiseptic to prevent proliferation of pathogens in secretions, mineral oil for moisturizing the skin, plus an epitelizante and healing. Since this condition is sporadic and affects some animals within a litter, attempts to prevent the disease by eliminating the breeding of animals is not feasible. However, offspring with this type of skin disorder, and survive, should not be kept as future breeders.(AU)

A epiteliogênese imperfeita é caracterizada pela incompleta formação epitelial decorrente de falhas germinativas no ectoderma e mesoderma durante o período embrionário. A doença varia em gravidade e foi descrita na maior parte das espécies domésticas. Em algumas espécies, resulta de mutações geneticamente herdadas, mas a hereditariedade não foi comprovada em outras. Neste trabalho, é abordado um caso de epiteliogênese imperfeita em um suíno macho com aproximadamente 21 dias de idade, atendido na Medicina e Reprodução de Suínos da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. De acordo com as informações do proprietário, o animal nasceu com malformação da pele em aproximadamente 40% da região dorsal posterior. O tratamento foi instituído a base de um antisséptico para evitar proliferação de patógenos nas secreções, óleo mineral para a hidratação da pele, além de um epitelizante e cicatrizante. Como esta condição é esporádica e afeta alguns animais dentro de uma ninhada, tentativas de prevenção da doença pela eliminação do plantel de animais se torna inviável. Contudo, a prole com este tipo de alteração cutânea, e que sobrevivem, não devem ser mantidos como futuros reprodutores.(AU)

Epiteliogenese defectuoso en cerdos - relato del caso / Epitheliogenesis imperfecta in the swine - case report / Epiteliogênese imperfeita em suínos - relato de caso

Epiteliogênese imperfecta se caracteriza por la formación epitelial incompleta debido al ectodermo germen y mesodermo durante el período embrionario. La enfermedad varía en gravedad, y se describe en la mayoría de las especies domésticas. En algunas especies, el resultado de mutaciones herdadas genéticamente, pero la herencia no ha sido probado en otros. En este trabajo, vamos a abordar un caso de epiteliogênese imperfecta en un cerdo macho con aproximadamente 21 días de edad, se reunió en Medicina y porcina Reproducción de la Universidad Federal de Santa Maria. De acuerdo a la información del propietario, el animal nació con una malformación de la piel en aproximadamente 40% de la superficie dorsal posterior. El tratamiento fue la base de un antiséptico para prevenir la proliferación de patógenos en las secreciones, aceite mineral para la hidratación de la piel, además de un epitelizante y la curación. Dado que esta condición es esporádica y afecta a algunos animales de una misma camada, los intentos de prevenir la enfermedad a través de animales de cría eliminación no es factible. Sin embargo, la descendencia con este tipo de trastorno de la piel, y sobreviven, no debe ser mantenido como criadores futuras.

Epitheliogenesis imperfecta is characterized by incomplete formation derived epithelial germ ectoderm and mesoderm failures during the embryonic period. The disease varies in severity and was described in most domestic species. In some species, the result of genetically inherited mutations, but heredity was not confirmed in others. In this work, we addressed a case of epitheliogenesis imperfecta in a male pig with approximately 21 days of age, served in Medicine and Reproduction of Swine, Federal University of Santa Maria. According to information from the owner, the animal was born with malformation of the skin in approximately 40% of the posterior dorsal region. The treatment was the basis of an antiseptic to prevent proliferation of pathogens in secretions, mineral oil for moisturizing the skin, plus an epitelizante and healing. Since this condition is sporadic and affects some animals within a litter, attempts to prevent the disease by eliminating the breeding of animals is not feasible. However, offspring with this type of skin disorder, and survive, should not be kept as future breeders.

A epiteliogênese imperfeita é caracterizada pela incompleta formação epitelial decorrente de falhas germinativas no ectoderma e mesoderma durante o período embrionário. A doença varia em gravidade e foi descrita na maior parte das espécies domésticas. Em algumas espécies, resulta de mutações geneticamente herdadas, mas a hereditariedade não foi comprovada em outras. Neste trabalho, é abordado um caso de epiteliogênese imperfeita em um suíno macho com aproximadamente 21 dias de idade, atendido na Medicina e Reprodução de Suínos da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. De acordo com as informações do proprietário, o animal nasceu com malformação da pele em aproximadamente 40% da região dorsal posterior. O tratamento foi instituído a base de um antisséptico para evitar proliferação de patógenos nas secreções, óleo mineral para a hidratação da pele, além de um epitelizante e cicatrizante. Como esta condição é esporádica e afeta alguns animais dentro de uma ninhada, tentativas de prevenção da doença pela eliminação do plantel de animais se torna inviável. Contudo, a prole com este tipo de alteração cutânea, e que sobrevivem, não devem ser mantidos como futuros reprodutores.

Modeling performance and nutritional requirements of pigs lots during growth and finishing / Modelagem do desempenho e das exigências nutricionais de lotes suínos em crescimento e terminação

Determination of animal profile from production scenarios by modeling is essential to improve production. The objective of this study was to model and evaluate the performance, the supply and nutrients requirements for pigs, during the growing and finishing phases, in real production scenarios. Six scenarios with 2,200 animals, which consumed six ad libitum diets, were selected. The collected data from the production scenarios were modeled based on the average animal. Animals were housed at 65±7 days old and weighing 22.11±1.41kg and were slaughtered at 159±10 days old and weighing 121.18±7kg. Average of the scenarios was greater than 0.27kg for consumption and 0.12kg for weight gain; feed conversion was equivalent to the standard animal profile (SAP). Scenarios were 1.60g higher for the requirement and 2.67g higher for daily digestible lysine per animal when compared to the SAP. Production scenarios showed differences between performance, supply and nutrient requirements for pigs during the growing and finishing phases. Modeling is a tool that can be used to describe and compare the characteristics of each production scenario.(AU)

A determinação do perfil animal de cenários de produção, por modelagem, é imprescindível para melhorar a produção. O objetivo deste estudo foi modelar e avaliar o desempenho zootécnico, o fornecimento e as exigências de nutrientes para suínos nas fases de crescimento e terminação em cenários de produção reais. Foram selecionados seis cenários com total de 2.200 animais que consumiram seis dietas ad libitum. Os dados coletados nos cenários de produção foram modelados com base na média animal. Os animais foram alojados com 65±7 dias de idade e 22,11±1,41kg de peso e foram abatidos com 159±10 dias e 121,18±7kg. A média dos cenários foi superior a 0,27kg em consumo e 0,12kg em ganho de peso, a conversão alimentar foi equivalente ao perfil animal padrão (PAP). Os cenários foram superiores em 1,60g para exigência e 2,67g para fornecimento de lisina digestível diária por animal em relação ao PAP. Os cenários de produção apresentam diferenças para desempenho zootécnico, fornecimento e exigências de nutrientes para suínos nas fases de crescimento e terminação. A modelagem é uma ferramenta que pode ser utilizada para descrever e comparar as especificidades em cada cenário de produção.(AU)

Chemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of cured product prepared with pork fed diets enriched with beta adrenergic and natural antioxidants / Características químicas, microbiológicas e sensoriais do produto curado preparado com carne de suínos alimentados com dietas contendo beta adrenérgico e antioxidantes naturais

Background: Through individual properties and synergistic action of its active principles, adding antioxidants (AN) in diet can indirectlyinfluence the meat properties and chemical characteristics, microbiological and sensory of the salami. This work evaluated the chemical, microbiological and sensory product made with meat from finishing pigs fed diets containing ractopamine (RAC) and natural AN.Materials, Methods & Results: One hundred and eight pigs were used in a completely randomized, blocked by sex and distributed in ninetreatments with 0, 10 and 20 ppm of RAC; 0, 250 and 500 ppm of AN and their interactions. The animals were slaughtered in slaughterhouse fridge with federal inspection. After that, for laboratory analysis and preparation of salami, the Longissimus dorsi muscle wasremoved from the right half carcass. Two duplicates of each treatment were separated and vacuum packed for the laboratory analyzes.In the sensory analysis evaluated the acceptability of Milano salami on a seven-point hedonic scale. The moisture percentage of thesalami prepared with meat from animals that received 10 RAC+500 AN in the diet had an average 7.5% higher (P < 0.05) than control,20 ppm for RAC and levels of AN. The ash content in the salami produced from the animals that received 10 RAC+500 AN in the diethad an average 9.5% higher (P < 0.05) than control, 20 RAC+250 AN and 250 AN. The protein content in the salami elaborated withanimal received 10 RAC+250 AN in the diet was 10.2% higher (P < 0.05) than other treatments. The lipid content of the control groupsalami were 16.6% higher (P < 0.05) than other treatments. In the color evaluation of salami prepared with meat from females, the levelof inclusion 10 RAC+250 AN showed better acceptability (P < 0.05) compared to the other treatments. In relation to the characteristicodor, females salami with 500 AN from the treatment showed better acceptability (P < 0.05)...(AU)

Chemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of cured product prepared with pork fed diets enriched with beta adrenergic and natural antioxidants / Características químicas, microbiológicas e sensoriais do produto curado preparado com carne de suínos alimentados com dietas contendo beta adrenérgico e antioxidantes naturais

Background: Through individual properties and synergistic action of its active principles, adding antioxidants (AN) in diet can indirectlyinfluence the meat properties and chemical characteristics, microbiological and sensory of the salami. This work evaluated the chemical, microbiological and sensory product made with meat from finishing pigs fed diets containing ractopamine (RAC) and natural AN.Materials, Methods & Results: One hundred and eight pigs were used in a completely randomized, blocked by sex and distributed in ninetreatments with 0, 10 and 20 ppm of RAC; 0, 250 and 500 ppm of AN and their interactions. The animals were slaughtered in slaughterhouse fridge with federal inspection. After that, for laboratory analysis and preparation of salami, the Longissimus dorsi muscle wasremoved from the right half carcass. Two duplicates of each treatment were separated and vacuum packed for the laboratory analyzes.In the sensory analysis evaluated the acceptability of Milano salami on a seven-point hedonic scale. The moisture percentage of thesalami prepared with meat from animals that received 10 RAC+500 AN in the diet had an average 7.5% higher (P < 0.05) than control,20 ppm for RAC and levels of AN. The ash content in the salami produced from the animals that received 10 RAC+500 AN in the diethad an average 9.5% higher (P < 0.05) than control, 20 RAC+250 AN and 250 AN. The protein content in the salami elaborated withanimal received 10 RAC+250 AN in the diet was 10.2% higher (P < 0.05) than other treatments. The lipid content of the control groupsalami were 16.6% higher (P < 0.05) than other treatments. In the color evaluation of salami prepared with meat from females, the levelof inclusion 10 RAC+250 AN showed better acceptability (P < 0.05) compared to the other treatments. In relation to the characteristicodor, females’ salami with 500 AN from the treatment showed better acceptability (P < 0.05)...

Megaesôfago em suínos / Megaesophagus in Swines

Background: Megaesophagus is a disease characterized by widespread dilation of the esophagus, with partial or total loss of the organ peristalsis, produced by a neuromuscular disorder and it can be present as manifestation of several diseases. The most common sign on animals is the regurgitation, which usually happens right after the ingestion of solids. The diagnosis is based on the clinical signs and radiographic exam, where it is possible to observe a contrasted and extensive esophagus. The clinical treatment consists of small semi-solid or liquid meals served in small amounts, with the animal in elevated position. This work reports a swine megaesophagus, occurred in one of the animals housed in the Sector of Clinic and Reproduction of Swine of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), RS, Brazil.. Case: A male swine, six months of age was housed in the center of artificial insemination, showing some adaptation difficulties to the new facilities, climate, as well as feeding. A reduced feed intake was observed, however, without alterations behavioral or sanitary. The animal was trained progressively for semen collection, presenting eventually regurgitation, which became more frequent with the insistence in feeding. Usually the reflux happened five to ten minutes after the ingestion of ration and/or water, with variable volume, texture and aspect similar to the saliva and pH varying from eight to nine. The animal kept normal appetite, however with slow and progressive loss weigh. It was submitted to endoscopy and contrast radiographic study, leading to megaesophagus confirmation. After the diagnostic, it was suggested the hypothesis that the pathology was developed due to a serious stressful situations of adaptation imposed to the animal, which might contributed triggering the process. Discussion: Megaesophagus is characterized basically by dilation and increase of the organ, peristaltism absence, presence of tertiary contractions and the absence of total or partial inferior sphincter relaxation. These changes could lead to dysphagia that, consequently could compromise the nutritional state. Besides regurgitation, loss weight and anormal development, it is possible to observe cough, mucoid and purulent nasal discharge, as well as dyspnea with pneumonia due to the concomitant aspiration. Among the clinical signs presented by the animal, it is possible to report the regurgitation time in variable frequencies and the loss weight. The diagnosis performed in this animal was based on observation of clinical signs and radiographic exam, where it was possible to visualize a dilated esophagus. The treatments in cases like this usually are in order to provide support conditions or through surgical procedures. The first is characterized by changes on animal management practices, besides the utilization of drugs such as antibiotics, prokinetic and antacids. By the other hand the surgical methods are supported by several techniques, such as the esophagus-diaphragmatic cardioplasty, Heller myotomy, associated to fundoplication. Some animals with congenital idiopathic megaesophagus are able to recover themselves while the ones which are acquired are irreversible. Regarding to the secondary megaesophagus, once the cause is removed the animal has chance of recovering. Therefore, the prognostic for secondary and congenital megaesophagus range from reserved to favorable, while for the acquired cases it is not favorable (as this case report).

Metanálise da relação entre espessura de toicinho e variáveis corporais e reprodutivas de porcas gestantes e lactantes / Meta-analysis of relation among backfat thickness, body and reproductive variables of gestating and lactating sows

Um estudo de metanálise avaliou a relação entre a espessura de toicinho e as variáveis de condição corporal de porcas gestantes e lactantes. A base de dados contemplou 14 artigos publicados de 2000 a 2006 em revistas indexadas. A metanálise foi realizada através de análises gráfica, de correlação e de variância. A correlação da espessura de toicinho (ET) com o peso vivo foi de 0,16 (P<0,01), com a massa protéica de 0,48 (P<0,01) e com a concentração de leptina de 0,88 (P<0,01). A correlação da variação da espessura de toicinho na lactação (ETl) com o peso vivo foi de -0,21 (P<0,01), com variação do peso vivo na lactação de 0,34 (P<0,01) e com variação da massa lipídica na lactação de 0,70 (P<0,01). A correlação entre a ET e o número de leitões nascidos vivos foi de 0,46 (P<0,01), e entre a ETl e o PV dos leitões aos sete dias foi de 0,95 (P<0,01). A ET foi influenciada pelo peso vivo e pela massa protéica na gestação, enquanto a ETl é influenciada pela variação do peso vivo e pela massa lipídica na lactação. As concentrações de leptina ao parto estão correlacionadas positivamente com a ET. A ET é influenciada pelo número total de leitões nascidos vivos e pelo peso vivo dos leitões ao nascimento, enquanto a ETl é influenciada pelo peso vivo dos leitões aos sete dias e pelo ganho de peso vivo da leitegada. Há relação significativa entre espessura de toicinho e variáveis de condição corporal de porcas gestantes e lactantes.(AU)

A meta-analysis was carried out to evaluate the association between backfat thickness and sow body condition in gestation and lactation. The database assembled 14 publications from 2000 to 2006. The meta-analysis was accomplished by graphical analysis, correlation, and analysis of variance. The correlation between backfat thickness (BT) and body weight was 0.16 (P<0.01), with protein mass was 0.48 (P<0.01) and leptin concentration was 0.88 (P<0.01). The correlation between the backfat variation during and in lactation (VBTl) and body weight was -0.21 (P<0.01), with body weight variation in lactation was 0.34 (P<0.01) and with fat mass variation in lactation was 0.70 (P<0.01). The correlation between BT and born alive litter size was 0.46 (P<0.01), between VBTl and piglets body weight at seven days of age was 0.95 (P<0.01). In the gestation, the BD was influenced by the body weight and protein mass. However, in lactation the VBTl was influenced by the body weight variation and fat mass. The leptin concentration at farrowing was positively correlated with backfat depth. The BT was influenced by born alive litter size and piglets birth weight. The VBTl was influenced by piglets weight at seven days old and litter weight gain. In conclusion, there is a significant relation between backfat thickness and body variables of the sows in gestation and lactation.(AU)

Metanálise da relação entre espessura de toicinho e variáveis nutricionais de porcas gestantes e lactantes / Meta-analysis of relation among backfat thickness and nutritional variables of gestating and lactating sows

Uma metanálise foi realizada para avaliar a relação entre a espessura de toicinho e as variáveis nutricionais de porcas gestantes e lactantes. A base de dados contemplou 14 artigos publicados de 2000 a 2006 em revistas indexadas. A metanálise foi realizada através de análises gráfica, de correlação e de variância. A correlação entre espessura de toicinho na gestação (ETg) com consumo de alimento na gestação (CAl G) foi de -0,09 (P=0,04), com CAl na lactação (CAl L) baseado na tabela NRC (1998) foi de -0,09 (P=0,06), com CAl na lactação baseado na tabela Rostagno (2000) foi de -0,08 (P=0,06) e com consumo de proteína bruta na lactação (CAl L PB) foi de -0,08 (P=0,06). A correlação entre espessura de toicinho na lactação (ETl) com CAl na gestação foi de 0,29 (P<0,01), com CAl na gestação NRC (1998) foi de 0,20 (P<0,01), com CAl na gestação Rostagno (2000) foi de 0,20 (P<0,01), com CAl na lactação foi de -0,21 (P<0,01), com consumo na lactação NRC (1998) foi de -0,24 (P<0,01) e com consumo na lactação Rostagno (2000) foi de 0,24 (P<0,01). O CAl de PB na gestação foi de 0,20 (P<0,01) e o CAl de PB na lactação foi de -0,26 (P<0,01). A variação da espessura de toicinho durante a lactação é influenciada pelos níveis de proteína e lisina da dieta e pela gordura e proteína no leite. A variação da espessura de toicinho na gestação e na lactação foi semelhante para as tabelas do NRC (1998) e de Rostagno (2000). Há relação significativa entre espessura de toicinho e variáveis nutricionais em porcas gestantes e lactantes.(AU)

A meta-analysis was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between backfat thickness and nutritional variables of sows during gestation and lactation. The database was developed from 14 studies published between 2000 and 2006. The meta-analysis was carried out trough by graphical analysis, correlation and variance. The correlation between backfat thickness at gestation (BTg) and feed intake (FI) at this phase was -0.09 (P=0.04). The correlation between backfat thickness at gestation (BTg) and lactation FI NRC (1998) was -0.09 (P=0.06); BTg and FI at lactation Rostagno (2000) presented a correlation of-0.08 (P=0.06). In the same way the correlation between BTg and crude protein (CP) intake at lactation was -0.08 (P=0.06). The correlation between backfat thickness at lactation (BTl) and FI at gestation was 0.29 (P<0.01). BTl and FI at gestation NRC (1998) presented a correlation of 0.20 (P<0.01). For BTl and gestation feed intake Rostagno (2000) a correlation of 0.20 (P<0.01) was reported. The correlation between BTl and lactation FI was -0.21 (P<0.01), the correlations between BTl and lactation FI NRC (1998) were -0.24 (P<0.01) and lactation FI Rostagno (2000) 0.24 (P<0.01). Correlations of 0.20 (P<0.01) and -0.26 (P<0.01) were observed between BTl and CP intake at gestation and CP intake at lactation respectively. The backfat thickness variation at lactation is influenced by protein and lysine levels in the diet and fat and protein of the milk. Gestation and lactation backfat thickness variation was similar to NRC (1998) and Rostagno (2000). There is a significant relationship between backfat thickness and nutritional variables in pregnant and farrowing sows.(AU)