Laparoscopic approaches in bovine fetuses' umbilical structures: lateral or ventral approach?

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar o melhor acesso laparoscópico para visualização e manipulação das estruturas umbilicais no interior da cavidade abdominal de fetos bovinos. Foram utilizados nove fetos de bezerros de vacas no terço final da gestação, todos submetidos à laparoscopia com dois portais de acesso, primeiro no flanco direito e depois na região ventral do abdômen, onde foram verificadas as possibilidades de acesso às estruturas umbilicais. Em ambas as abordagens, os portais de acesso permitiram visualizar e manipular as estruturas de interesse, mas a abordagem lateral foi mais eficaz com melhor visualização e manipulação. Os acessos ventrais não proporcionavam a mesma facilidade de visualização e manipulação, pois as estruturas umbilicais fixadas na parede abdominal ficavam muito próximas aos portais. Esses resultados demonstram que a laparoscopia pode ser utilizada para manipulação e visualização das estruturas umbilicais, sendo a abordagem lateral mais eficaz.

Desempenho de doadoras leiteiras mestiças F1 (Gir x Holandês) no sistema de produção in vitro de embriões / Performance of dairy crossbred F1 donnors (Gir x Holstein) in the production system in vitro embryo

O Brasil atualmente é detentor do terceiro maior rebanho de vacas leiteiras do mundo, composto, em sua maioria, de animais mestiços F1 (Gir X Holandês), os quais são bem adaptados às áreas tropicais. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a eficiência da ovum pick-up (OPU) e da produção in vitro de embriões oriundos de doadoras Girolando com sêmen sexado de touros provenientes de duas raças, Gir e Holandesa. Foram utilizados dados referentes a 232 animais de diversos rebanhos, totalizando 4334 oócitos recuperados. Os oócitos foram classificados, e as estruturas viáveis (GI, GII e GIII) foram utilizadas para produção in vitro de embriões (PIVE). Foi observada uma média de oócitos recuperados para as doadoras F1 de 18,14±1,33. Além disso, notou-se que não houve diferença entre os dois cruzamentos utilizados, considerando média de total de embriões (4,96±0,40 e 6,56±0,76) para o cruzamento F1 X HPB (Holandês preto e branco) e F1 X Gir, respectivamente. Portanto, as doadoras F1 apresentaram potencial como doadoras de oócitos no sistema de produção in vitro de embriões, independentemente da raça do touro cujo sêmen foi utilizado.(AU)

Brazil currently has the third largest herd of dairy cattle in the world, composed mainly by F1 crossbreed animals (Gyr x Holstein), which are well adapted to tropical areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of Girolando donors in OPU and in vitro production of embryos (IVEP) using sexed semen of bulls from two breeds, Gyr and Holstein. We used data from 232 animals coming from different herds and the total of recovered oocytes was 4334. The oocytes were classified according to their viability and the viable ones (GI, GII and GIII) were used for IVP. The average of oocyte recovery from F1 donors was 18.14±1.33. There was no difference on the average of embryos considering the crossing F1 X Holstein (4.96±0.40) and F1 X Gyr (6.56±0.76). In conclusion, F1 donors showed a potential for being oocyte donors in the system of in vitro production of embryos, regardless the breed of the bull.(AU)

Desempenho de doadoras leiteiras mestiças F1 (Gir x Holandês) no sistema de produção in vitro de embriões / Performance of dairy crossbred F1 donnors (Gir x Holstein) in the production system in vitro embryo

O Brasil atualmente é detentor do terceiro maior rebanho de vacas leiteiras do mundo, composto, em sua maioria, de animais mestiços F1 (Gir X Holandês), os quais são bem adaptados às áreas tropicais. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a eficiência da ovum pick-up (OPU) e da produção in vitro de embriões oriundos de doadoras Girolando com sêmen sexado de touros provenientes de duas raças, Gir e Holandesa. Foram utilizados dados referentes a 232 animais de diversos rebanhos, totalizando 4334 oócitos recuperados. Os oócitos foram classificados, e as estruturas viáveis (GI, GII e GIII) foram utilizadas para produção in vitro de embriões (PIVE). Foi observada uma média de oócitos recuperados para as doadoras F1 de 18,14±1,33. Além disso, notou-se que não houve diferença entre os dois cruzamentos utilizados, considerando média de total de embriões (4,96±0,40 e 6,56±0,76) para o cruzamento F1 X HPB (Holandês preto e branco) e F1 X Gir, respectivamente. Portanto, as doadoras F1 apresentaram potencial como doadoras de oócitos no sistema de produção in vitro de embriões, independentemente da raça do touro cujo sêmen foi utilizado.(AU)

Brazil currently has the third largest herd of dairy cattle in the world, composed mainly by F1 crossbreed animals (Gyr x Holstein), which are well adapted to tropical areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of Girolando donors in OPU and in vitro production of embryos (IVEP) using sexed semen of bulls from two breeds, Gyr and Holstein. We used data from 232 animals coming from different herds and the total of recovered oocytes was 4334. The oocytes were classified according to their viability and the viable ones (GI, GII and GIII) were used for IVP. The average of oocyte recovery from F1 donors was 18.14±1.33. There was no difference on the average of embryos considering the crossing F1 X Holstein (4.96±0.40) and F1 X Gyr (6.56±0.76). In conclusion, F1 donors showed a potential for being oocyte donors in the system of in vitro production of embryos, regardless the breed of the bull.(AU)

Insemination of four cows per dose of frozen semen with a fixed-time artificial insemination protocol

The aim of the study was to evaluate the practicality of a 1: 4 dilution of doses of semen in fixed - time artificial insemination ( FTAI ) programs. Nelore cows (n = 803 ) were synchronized by a conventional FTAI protocol. For AI in the dilut ed group (n = 392) , 0.5 ml semen straws were thawed and 0.5 ml of extender conta ining amino acids and methylxanthine derivatives was added. The straws were fractionated into four straws of 0.25 ml each (dilution 1:4) with approximately 2.5 x 10 6 spermatozoa each and the insemination was performed in the ipsilateral horn to the ovary c ontaining the dominant follicle . In the control group (n = 411), AI was performed in the uterine body with one straw of 0.5 ml (10 x 10 6 spermatozoa) containing seme n from the same bull and batch . The conception rate was 49.2% (193/392) for the diluted gro up and 50.1% (206/411) for the control group, with 1.97 and 0.50 pregnancies per dose of semen , respectively . T he dilution of semen provide d a pregnancy index similar to the control group ; however, the technique increased the number of pregnancies per dos e , allowing for the best use of semen of high genetic value and reducing the cost per pregnancy.

Ovarian follicle reserve: emerging concepts and applications

This paper presents new concepts in the study of folliculogenesis and describes some of the current applications to reproductive biotechnology. The importance of better understanding this issue is addressed both for basic and applied research. After a brief review of the basic conceptions of the origin, formation, and growth of follicules according to stablished concepts, some controversial points, as the postnatal production of the follicles and the role of multioocyte follicles, are discussed. The importance of the ovarian follicular reserve is considered for fertility and reproductive parameters, as well as some questiones about the presence of multioocyte follicles in adult ovaries. Finally, some future prospects are proposed.

Insemination of four cows per dose of frozen semen with a fixed-time artificial insemination protocol

The aim of the study was to evaluate the practicality of a 1: 4 dilution of doses of semen in fixed - time artificial insemination ( FTAI ) programs. Nelore cows (n = 803 ) were synchronized by a conventional FTAI protocol. For AI in the dilut ed group (n = 392) , 0.5 ml semen straws were thawed and 0.5 ml of extender conta ining amino acids and methylxanthine derivatives was added. The straws were fractionated into four straws of 0.25 ml each (dilution 1:4) with approximately 2.5 x 10 6 spermatozoa each and the insemination was performed in the ipsilateral horn to the ovary c ontaining the dominant follicle . In the control group (n = 411), AI was performed in the uterine body with one straw of 0.5 ml (10 x 10 6 spermatozoa) containing seme n from the same bull and batch . The conception rate was 49.2% (193/392) for the diluted gro up and 50.1% (206/411) for the control group, with 1.97 and 0.50 pregnancies per dose of semen , respectively . T he dilution of semen provide d a pregnancy index similar to the control group ; however, the technique increased the number of pregnancies per dos e , allowing for the best use of semen of high genetic value and reducing the cost per pregnancy.(AU)

Ovarian follicle reserve: emerging concepts and applications

This paper presents new concepts in the study of folliculogenesis and describes some of the current applications to reproductive biotechnology. The importance of better understanding this issue is addressed both for basic and applied research. After a brief review of the basic conceptions of the origin, formation, and growth of follicules according to stablished concepts, some controversial points, as the postnatal production of the follicles and the role of multioocyte follicles, are discussed. The importance of the ovarian follicular reserve is considered for fertility and reproductive parameters, as well as some questiones about the presence of multioocyte follicles in adult ovaries. Finally, some future prospects are proposed.(AU)

Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is the main species causing cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Federal District of Brazil

The first autochthonous case of American cutaneous leishmaniasis was reported in the Federal District in 1980, and the species involved in this type of leishmaniasis was unknown. This study aimed to identify the species that causes the disease in the Federal District and to investigate its clinical and epidemiological aspects. Between 2000 and 2007, 71 autochthonous cases of leishmaniasis were reported in the Federal District. Leishmania species were identified by means of direct immunofluorescence reactions using monoclonal antibodies and restriction fragment length polymorphism. The species of 40 (56.33%) out of 71 samples were identified. Thirty-six (90%) were identified as Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and four (10%) were identified as Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. In this area, the disease had clinical and epidemiological characteristics similar to those found in other Brazilian regions. (AU)

Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is the main species causing cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Federal District of Brazil

The first autochthonous case of American cutaneous leishmaniasis was reported in the Federal District in 1980, and the species involved in this type of leishmaniasis was unknown. This study aimed to identify the species that causes the disease in the Federal District and to investigate its clinical and epidemiological aspects. Between 2000 and 2007, 71 autochthonous cases of leishmaniasis were reported in the Federal District. Leishmania species were identified by means of direct immunofluorescence reactions using monoclonal antibodies and restriction fragment length polymorphism. The species of 40 (56.33%) out of 71 samples were identified. Thirty-six (90%) were identified as Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and four (10%) were identified as Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. In this area, the disease had clinical and epidemiological characteristics similar to those found in other Brazilian regions.

Vulnerabilidade para a ocorrência de fasciolose na área experimental do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo, IFES, Alegre, ES

A study of vulnerability to fasciolosis was conducted in the experimental area of the Instituto Federal de Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo - Campus Alegre, Espírito Santo, Brazil. The Geographic Information System was used to build a digital elevation model based on the best interpolator for the study area. From the analysis of the best interpolation, the matrix slope image was generated which was reclassified in order to discriminate only the range representative of the matrix class of: a) flat terrain of the study area (0-4%), converted to vector polygon format. On the composition of normal color and false-color imaging of the Geoeye satellite with 50 cm resolution, photointerpreting was used to establish the vector polygon classes of: b) floodplain, c) water bodies and d) pasture. The (straight line) distance function and linear patterning function (fuzzy function) were applied on these 4 vector polygon images. After the allocation of the statistical weights of each vector polygon class, the raster calculator function was used to generate the statistical mathematical model: vulnerability of the environmental action to fasciolosis. The Topo to Raster interpolation was the most appropriate digital elevation model. The slope map made it possible to show that the collection areas studied are located in places with low rates of slope. Percentages of 25 and 31% were found in areas of highest/high risk and medium-high risk respectively.

Um estudo de vulnerabilidade para fasciolose foi conduzido na área experimental do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo, IFES - Campus de Alegre, Espírito Santo. O Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG) foi utilizado para a geração de um Modelo Digital de Elevação (MDE) a partir do melhor interpolador para a área do estudo. A partir da análise do melhor interpolador, foi gerada a imagem matricial de declividade que foi reclassificada com o objetivo de discriminar apenas o intervalo representativo da classe matricial de: a) relevo plano da área de estudo (0 a 4%), convertida do formato matricial para o formato vetorial de polígono. Sobre a composição colorida normal e falsa-cor da imagem do satélite Geoeye com resolução espacial de 50 cm, foram fotointerpretadas as classes vetoriais poligonais de: b) várzea, c) corpos d'água e d) pastagem. Sobre essas 4 imagens vetoriais poligonais foi aplicada a função distância em linha reta (straight line) e a padronização linear (função Fuzzy). Após a atribuição dos pesos estatísticos de cada classe vetorial poligonal, foi utilizada a função denominada calculadora matricial (raster calculator) para geração do modelo matemático estatístico: vulnerabilidade da ação ambiental à fasciolose. O interpolador Topo to Raster foi o mais adequado neste estudo para geração do MDE. O mapa de declividade permitiu demonstrar que as áreas de coletas estudadas estão inseridas em locais que apresentaram índices baixos de declividade. Percentuais de 25 e 31% foram encontrados em áreas de altíssimo-alto risco e de alto-médio risco, respectivamente.

Vulnerabilidade para a ocorrência de fasciolose na área experimental do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo, IFES, Alegre, ES / Vulnerability to the occurrence of fasciolosis in the experimental area of the Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo, IFES, Alegre, ES, Brazil

Um estudo de vulnerabilidade para fasciolose foi conduzido na área experimental do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo, IFES - Campus de Alegre, Espírito Santo. O Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG) foi utilizado para a geração de um Modelo Digital de Elevação (MDE) a partir do melhor interpolador para a área do estudo. A partir da análise do melhor interpolador, foi gerada a imagem matricial de declividade que foi reclassificada com o objetivo de discriminar apenas o intervalo representativo da classe matricial de: a) relevo plano da área de estudo (0 a 4%), convertida do formato matricial para o formato vetorial de polígono. Sobre a composição colorida normal e falsa-cor da imagem do satélite Geoeye com resolução espacial de 50 cm, foram fotointerpretadas as classes vetoriais poligonais de: b) várzea, c) corpos dágua e d) pastagem. Sobre essas 4 imagens vetoriais poligonais foi aplicada a função distância em linha reta (straight line) e a padronização linear (função Fuzzy). Após a atribuição dos pesos estatísticos de cada classe vetorial poligonal, foi utilizada a função denominada calculadora matricial (raster calculator) para geração do modelo matemático estatístico: vulnerabilidade da ação ambiental à fasciolose. O interpolador Topo to Raster foi o mais adequado neste estudo para geração do MDE. O mapa de declividade permitiu demonstrar que as áreas de coletas estudadas estão inseridas em locais que apresentaram índices baixos de declividade. Percentuais de 25 e 31% foram encontrados em áreas de altíssimo-alto risco e de alto-médio risco, respectivamente.(AU)

VULNERABILITY TO THE OCCURRENCE OF FASCIOLOSIS IN THE EXPERIMENTAL AREA OF THE INSTITUTO FEDERAL DE EDUCAÇÃO, CIÊNCIA E TECNOLOGIA DO ESPÍRITO SANTO, IFES, ALEGRE, ES, BRAZIL. A study of vulnerability to fasciolosis was conducted in the experimental area of the Instituto Federal de Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo Campus Alegre, Espírito Santo, Brazil. The Geographic Information System was used to build a digital elevation model based on the best interpolator for the study area. From the analysis of the best interpolation, the matrix slope image was generated which was reclassified in order to discriminate only the range representative of the matrix class of: a) flat terrain of the study area (0-4%), converted to vector polygon format. On the composition of normal color and false-color imaging of the Geoeye satellite with 50 cm resolution, photointerpreting was used to establish the vector polygon classes of: b) floodplain, c) water bodies and d) pasture. The (straight line) distance function and linear patterning function (fuzzy function) were applied on these 4 vector polygon images. After the allocation of the statistical weights of each vector polygon class, the raster calculator function was used to generate the statistical mathematical model: vulnerability of the environmental action to fasciolosis. The Topo to Raster interpolation was the most appropriate digital elevation model. The slope map made it possible to show that the collection areas studied are located in places with low rates of slope. Percentages of 25 and 31% were found in areas of highest/high risk and medium-high risk respectively.(AU)

Vulnerabilidade para a ocorrência de fasciolose na área experimental do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo, IFES, Alegre, ES / Vulnerability to the occurrence of fasciolosis in the experimental area of the Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo, IFES, Alegre, ES, Brazil

Um estudo de vulnerabilidade para fasciolose foi conduzido na área experimental do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo, IFES - Campus de Alegre, Espírito Santo. O Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG) foi utilizado para a geração de um Modelo Digital de Elevação (MDE) a partir do melhor interpolador para a área do estudo. A partir da análise do melhor interpolador, foi gerada a imagem matricial de declividade que foi reclassificada com o objetivo de discriminar apenas o intervalo representativo da classe matricial de: a) relevo plano da área de estudo (0 a 4%), convertida do formato matricial para o formato vetorial de polígono. Sobre a composição colorida normal e falsa-cor da imagem do satélite Geoeye com resolução espacial de 50 cm, foram fotointerpretadas as classes vetoriais poligonais de: b) várzea, c) corpos d’água e d) pastagem. Sobre essas 4 imagens vetoriais poligonais foi aplicada a função distância em linha reta (straight line) e a padronização linear (função Fuzzy). Após a atribuição dos pesos estatísticos de cada classe vetorial poligonal, foi utilizada a função denominada calculadora matricial (raster calculator) para geração do modelo matemático estatístico: vulnerabilidade da ação ambiental à fasciolose. O interpolador Topo to Raster foi o mais adequado neste estudo para geração do MDE. O mapa de declividade permitiu demonstrar que as áreas de coletas estudadas estão inseridas em locais que apresentaram índices baixos de declividade. Percentuais de 25 e 31% foram encontrados em áreas de altíssimo-alto risco e de alto-médio risco, respectivamente.

VULNERABILITY TO THE OCCURRENCE OF FASCIOLOSIS IN THE EXPERIMENTAL AREA OF THE INSTITUTO FEDERAL DE EDUCAÇÃO, CIÊNCIA E TECNOLOGIA DO ESPÍRITO SANTO, IFES, ALEGRE, ES, BRAZIL. A study of vulnerability to fasciolosis was conducted in the experimental area of the Instituto Federal de Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo – Campus Alegre, Espírito Santo, Brazil. The Geographic Information System was used to build a digital elevation model based on the best interpolator for the study area. From the analysis of the best interpolation, the matrix slope image was generated which was reclassified in order to discriminate only the range representative of the matrix class of: a) flat terrain of the study area (0-4%), converted to vector polygon format. On the composition of normal color and false-color imaging of the Geoeye satellite with 50 cm resolution, photointerpreting was used to establish the vector polygon classes of: b) floodplain, c) water bodies and d) pasture. The (straight line) distance function and linear patterning function (fuzzy function) were applied on these 4 vector polygon images. After the allocation of the statistical weights of each vector polygon class, the raster calculator function was used to generate the statistical mathematical model: vulnerability of the environmental action to fasciolosis. The Topo to Raster interpolation was the most appropriate digital elevation model. The slope map made it possible to show that the collection areas studied are located in places with low rates of slope. Percentages of 25 and 31% were found in areas of highest/high risk and medium-high risk respectively.

Vulnerabilidade para a ocorrência de fasciolose na área experimental do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo, IFES, Alegre, ES

A study of vulnerability to fasciolosis was conducted in the experimental area of the Instituto Federal de Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo - Campus Alegre, Espírito Santo, Brazil. The Geographic Information System was used to build a digital elevation model based on the best interpolator for the study area. From the analysis of the best interpolation, the matrix slope image was generated which was reclassified in order to discriminate only the range representative of the matrix class of: a) flat terrain of the study area (0-4%), converted to vector polygon format. On the composition of normal color and false-color imaging of the Geoeye satellite with 50 cm resolution, photointerpreting was used to establish the vector polygon classes of: b) floodplain, c) water bodies and d) pasture. The (straight line) distance function and linear patterning function (fuzzy function) were applied on these 4 vector polygon images. After the allocation of the statistical weights of each vector polygon class, the raster calculator function was used to generate the statistical mathematical model: vulnerability of the environmental action to fasciolosis. The Topo to Raster interpolation was the most appropriate digital elevation model. The slope map made it possible to show that the collection areas studied are located in places with low rates of slope. Percentages of 25 and 31% were found in areas of highest/high risk and medium-high risk respectively.

Um estudo de vulnerabilidade para fasciolose foi conduzido na área experimental do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo, IFES - Campus de Alegre, Espírito Santo. O Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG) foi utilizado para a geração de um Modelo Digital de Elevação (MDE) a partir do melhor interpolador para a área do estudo. A partir da análise do melhor interpolador, foi gerada a imagem matricial de declividade que foi reclassificada com o objetivo de discriminar apenas o intervalo representativo da classe matricial de: a) relevo plano da área de estudo (0 a 4%), convertida do formato matricial para o formato vetorial de polígono. Sobre a composição colorida normal e falsa-cor da imagem do satélite Geoeye com resolução espacial de 50 cm, foram fotointerpretadas as classes vetoriais poligonais de: b) várzea, c) corpos d'água e d) pastagem. Sobre essas 4 imagens vetoriais poligonais foi aplicada a função distância em linha reta (straight line) e a padronização linear (função Fuzzy). Após a atribuição dos pesos estatísticos de cada classe vetorial poligonal, foi utilizada a função denominada calculadora matricial (raster calculator) para geração do modelo matemático estatístico: vulnerabilidade da ação ambiental à fasciolose. O interpolador Topo to Raster foi o mais adequado neste estudo para geração do MDE. O mapa de declividade permitiu demonstrar que as áreas de coletas estudadas estão inseridas em locais que apresentaram índices baixos de declividade. Percentuais de 25 e 31% foram encontrados em áreas de altíssimo-alto risco e de alto-médio risco, respectivamente.

Reproductive performance of ewes treated with an estrus induction/synchronization protocol during the spring season

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of ewes treated with eCG and an exogenous progestagen protocol during the spring season. Forty - eight mixed - breed wool and hair ewes ( body condition score of 2.8 ± 0.5 and 41 ± 3 kg ) were randomly assigned into two groups ( n = 24/group), which received (G - Sync) or not (G - Control) an intravaginal device ( Day 0) containing 60 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate. On D ay 7, ewes of the G - Sync were injected with 300 IU of eCG and 30 ug of d - C loprostenol, im . On D ay 9, the device was removed and 12 h later males were introduced into the G - Sync and G - Control groups in a proportion of 1:6. Estrus response observation and mating were performed during D ays 10, 11 and 12 from 7 to 9 AM and 4 to 6 PM. After D ay 12, males were s eparated from females for 10 days and later reintroduced into the flock for 45 days. Estrus rates for the G - Control and G - Sync group s during D ays 10, 11 and 12 were 4 and 88 % (P < 0.05) , respectively . Pregnancy rates fr om initial mating on D ays 10, 11 and 12 were 0 (G - Control) and 4 6% (G-Sync;P < 0.05). Total pregnancy rates for the whole mating season were 50 (G-Control) and 79% (G-Sync;P< 0.05). The exogenous progestagen protocol plus eCG used for estrus induction/s ynchronization improved the pregnancy rate of mixed-breed wool and hair ewes by about 29% points at the end of the breeding season. Thus, this procedure seems to be appropriate to be implemented as part of the reproductive management of some ovine farms during the non-breeding season.

Reproductive performance of ewes treated with an estrus induction/synchronization protocol during the spring season

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of ewes treated with eCG and an exogenous progestagen protocol during the spring season. Forty - eight mixed - breed wool and hair ewes ( body condition score of 2.8 ± 0.5 and 41 ± 3 kg ) were randomly assigned into two groups ( n = 24/group), which received (G - Sync) or not (G - Control) an intravaginal device ( Day 0) containing 60 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate. On D ay 7, ewes of the G - Sync were injected with 300 IU of eCG and 30 ug of d - C loprostenol, im . On D ay 9, the device was removed and 12 h later males were introduced into the G - Sync and G - Control groups in a proportion of 1:6. Estrus response observation and mating were performed during D ays 10, 11 and 12 from 7 to 9 AM and 4 to 6 PM. After D ay 12, males were s eparated from females for 10 days and later reintroduced into the flock for 45 days. Estrus rates for the G - Control and G - Sync group s during D ays 10, 11 and 12 were 4 and 88 % (P < 0.05) , respectively . Pregnancy rates fr om initial mating on D ays 10, 11 and 12 were 0 (G - Control) and 4 6% (G-Sync;P < 0.05). Total pregnancy rates for the whole mating season were 50 (G-Control) and 79% (G-Sync;P< 0.05). The exogenous progestagen protocol plus eCG used for estrus induction/s ynchronization improved the pregnancy rate of mixed-breed wool and hair ewes by about 29% points at the end of the breeding season. Thus, this procedure seems to be appropriate to be implemented as part of the reproductive management of some ovine farms during the non-breeding season.(AU)

Efeito do soro de cadela em estro na maturação in vitro de ovócitos caninos / Effect of estrus bitch serum on in vitro maturation of canine oocyte

Avaliou-se o efeito do soro de cadela em estro na maturação in vitro de ovócitos caninos, utilizando-se 92 ovócitos de cadelas, submetidas à cirurgia eletiva de ovarioisterectomia. Os ovócitos foram selecionados e distribuídos em dois tratamentos: T1 (n = 48), ovócitos cultivados in vitro durante 96 horas utilizando meio base - TCM199 + 5µg/mL de LH + 20µg/mL de FSH - mais 10 por cento de soro inativado de vaca em estro e T2 (n = 44), ovócitos cultivados em meio base mais 10 por cento de soro inativado de cadela em estro. O percentual de ovócitos observados em metáfase I não indicou diferenças (P>0,05) entre T1 (2,1 por cento) e T2 (0,0 por cento), porém a taxa de ovócitos maduros (metáfase II) foi diferente (P<0,05), sendo 27,1 por cento em T1 e 47,7 por cento em T2. O mesmo fato ocorreu com a taxa de cromatina condensada (P<0,01), com 14,6 e 0,0 por cento, respectivamente. Nos ovócitos sem configuração cromossômica, não foram observadas diferenças (P>0,05), sendo 56,3 por cento em T1 e 52,3 por cento em T2. Estes resultados indicam que a adição de soro de cadela em estro no meio de cultivo oferece melhores condições para o desenvolvimento in vitro, quando comparado à de soro de vaca em estro.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of estrus on in vitro canine oocyte. A total of 92 oocyte from bitches under ovary-hysterectomy surgery was used. The oocytes were selected and randomly assigned to two different treatments, being T1 (n = 48) in vitro cultured for 96h using basic medium (TCM199 + 5µg/mL of LH + 20µg/mL of FSH), plus 10 percent of cow inactive serum in estrus and T2 (n = 44) basic medium plus 10 percent of bitch inactive serum in estrus. The percentage of oocyte observed on metaphase I do not indicate a difference (P>0.05) between T1 (2.1 percent) and T2 (0.0 percent). However, the rate of mature oocyte (metaphase II) was different (P<0.05), being 27.1 percent for T1 and 47.7 percent for T2. There was difference (P<0.05) in the condensed chromatin rate for T1 (14.6 percent) and T2 (0.0 percent), respectively. There was no difference (P>0.05) between T1 (56.3 percent) and T2 (52.3 percent) in oocyte with no chromosome configuration. These results indicate that supplementation with estrus bitch serum on culture media offer better conditions to in vitro development, when compared to estrus cow serum.(AU)

Levantamento sorológico de Mycobacterium avium subesp. paratuberculosis em bovinos leiteiros no estado do Espírito Santo / Serological survey of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in dairy cattle in Espírito Santo state

The occurrence of antibodies to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) was verified in dairy cattle from Espírito Santo state. A total of 1,450 serum samples were analyzed for antibodies anti-MAP, using ELISA. Dairy cattle, males and females, from four regions of Espírito Santo state were used. One hundred sixty-five (11.4 percent) samples were positive for anti-MAP, 33 (2.3 percent) were considered suspicious, and 1,252 (86.3 percent) were negative. In all regions, seropositive animals were found, indicating that the agent is spread by the State, posing a threat to the local dairy farming and neighboring states, as well as public health, since MAP can be involved with Crohn's disease in humans. This result presents the first serologic anti-MAP survey in dairy cattle of Espírito Santo State.(AU)

Reproductive performance of ewes mated in the spring when given nutritional supplements to enhance energy levels

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of ewes mated in the spring when given nutritional supplements to enhance energy levels. Ewes were assessed for weight and body condition at the beginning and end of flushing periods. Lambing rates and rates of proliferation were also evaluated. Crossbred woolly ewes (n = 46), 36 ± 2 months of age and rated 3.0 ± 0.1 on a body condition scale that spanned from 1 to 5 were divided into four treatment groups. One group received no feed supplements (NFS), while the others were supplemented for 64 days: 21 days before and 43 days during the mating season. The latter groups were fed soybean hulls at 0.6% (S06), 0.9% (S09) and 1.2% (S12) of their body weight (BW), calculated using dry mass. Ewes were mated for 50 days with four rams by means of natural breeding in October and November, which is spring in Brazil. There was no significant difference among the treatments based on mean BW of the ewes before and after the supplementation period (P > 0.05). Similarly, no differences were found in the rates of proliferation (P > 0.05). The S09 treatment presented the highest lambing rate (82%, 9/11), while the NFS treatment correlated with the lowest rate (42%, 5/12; P < 0.05). There was a positive linear effect for body condition score as the supplementation level increased (P < 0.05). We conclude that a supplementation level of 0.9% BW seems to improve lambing rates for ewes that undergo springtime mating.(AU)

Reproductive performance of ewes mated in the spring when given nutritional supplements to enhance energy levels

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of ewes mated in the spring when given nutritional supplements to enhance energy levels. Ewes were assessed for weight and body condition at the beginning and end of flushing periods. Lambing rates and rates of proliferation were also evaluated. Crossbred woolly ewes (n = 46), 36 ± 2 months of age and rated 3.0 ± 0.1 on a body condition scale that spanned from 1 to 5 were divided into four treatment groups. One group received no feed supplements (NFS), while the others were supplemented for 64 days: 21 days before and 43 days during the mating season. The latter groups were fed soybean hulls at 0.6% (S06), 0.9% (S09) and 1.2% (S12) of their body weight (BW), calculated using dry mass. Ewes were mated for 50 days with four rams by means of natural breeding in October and November, which is spring in Brazil. There was no significant difference among the treatments based on mean BW of the ewes before and after the supplementation period (P > 0.05). Similarly, no differences were found in the rates of proliferation (P > 0.05). The S09 treatment presented the highest lambing rate (82%, 9/11), while the NFS treatment correlated with the lowest rate (42%, 5/12; P < 0.05). There was a positive linear effect for body condition score as the supplementation level increased (P < 0.05). We conclude that a supplementation level of 0.9% BW seems to improve lambing rates for ewes that undergo springtime mating.