Blood metabolites and fecal starch as indicators of feed efficiency of beef cattle in the feedlot / [Metabolitos sanguíneos e amido fecal como indicadores da eficiência alimentar do gado de corte em confinamento]

The use of blood metabolites (BM), fecal starch (FS), and apparent digestion of starch, (ATTSD) as indicators of feed efficiency (FE) in beef cattle in the feedlot was studied. Fourteen bulls were used, originating in an industrial cross, without a defined racial group, with mean body weight of 284.86kg, individually fed, being evaluated in a 42-day confinement system. After the evaluation, the animals were divided into two groups according to the individual FE: high feed efficiency (HE) and low feed efficiency (LE). There was a difference between the groups in the variables FE, feed conversion (FC), final weight (FW), and daily weight gain (DWG). The FE had a positive correlation with DWG, FC, and FW. There was no difference between the groups for the variables BM, FS, and ATTSD, nor was there any correlation between these variables and FE. Considering the feed cost, the HE animals proved more profitable. BM, FS, and ATTSD did not statistically show potential to be used as indicators of FE, despite the evidence of numerical differences of these variables between the different groups, tendency of correlations with FE, and discriminating function with potential assertiveness.(AU)

Foi estudada a utilização dos metabólitos sanguíneos (BM), do amido fecal (FS) e da digestão aparente do amido (ATTSD) como indicadores de eficiência alimentar (FE) em bovinos de corte em confinamento. Utilizaram-se 14 touros, originários de cruzamento industrial, sem grupo racial definido, peso corporal médio de 284,86kg, alimentados individualmente, sendo avaliados em sistema de confinamento por 42 dias. Após a avaliação, dividiram-se os animais em dois grupos, de acordo com a FE individual: alta eficiência alimentar (HE) e baixa eficiência alimentar (LE). Houve diferença entre os grupos nas variáveis FE, conversão alimentar (FC), peso final (FW) e ganho de peso diário (DWG). A FE teve correlação positiva com DWG, FC e FW. Não houve diferença entre os grupos para as variáveis BM, FS e ATTSD, tampouco houve correlação entre essas variáveis e a FE. Considerando-se o custo alimentar, os animais HE mostraram-se mais lucrativos. BM, FS e ATTSD não mostraram, estatisticamente, potencial para serem utilizados como indicadores de FE, apesar da evidência de diferenças numéricas dessas variáveis entre os diferentes grupos, tendência de correlações com a FE e de função discriminante com potencial assertividade.(AU)

Effects of flushing with rehydrated corn grain silage on follicular development in tropical Santa Inês ewes

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing ground corn (402 g kg−1 of dry matter) with rehydrated corn grain silage (RCGS; 425 g kg−1 of dry matter) in a flushing diet on follicular development in tropical Santa Inês ewes. Fifteen ewes were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: a diet with ground corn (control, n = 7) or a diet with RCGS (n = 8). The first day of the diets was designated d0, and the diets were fed for 30 days, up to two days after the end of the estrus synchronization protocol. The estrus synchronization protocol (intravaginal progestogen sponge for 11 days plus 300 IU eCG and 37.5 µg d-cloprostenol IM two days before sponge removal) started on d17 of the diets. The number and diameters of ovarian follicles ≥3 mm were assessed by ultrasound on the day before the diets were provided (d−1), on d14, and then daily from two days before sponge removal until ovulation or up to the eighth day after sponge removal. Blood samples were collected on days −1, 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 for glucose and urea analyses. There was no effect of the treatments on dry matter intake, plasma glucose, and urea nitrogen concentrations, or on the percentage of ewes that ovulated and on the number of ovulations. The number of follicles ≥3 mm did not differ between treatment groups; the number increased between d−1 and d14 and did not differ between d14 and d28. The diameter of ovulatory follicles at sponge removal, the interval from sponge removal to estrus, and the growth rate of the ovulatory follicles were greater in the RCGS group than in the control group, resulting in larger follicles at ovulation. Replacement of ground corn by RCGS in the flushing diet does not increase the number of ovulations but results in delayed onset of estrus and ovulation of larger follicles.(AU)

Body mass index and glucose variations during the night in free-ranging Artibeus planirostris (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae)

Body condition is an important measure to estimate the energy reserve of an organism. Scientists frequently use body condition indices (BCIs) with morphometric measures but direct measurements, such as blood glucose, seem to be more reliable. We observed oscillations in the body condition and glucose indexes of individuals of Artibeus planirostris (Spix, 1823) during 13 nights in the field. We assume that if glucose levels are proportional to feeding state and body condition is a measure of energy reserve, blood glucose and BCI should be positively correlated and both are expected to increase during the night as the bats leave their diurnal roost to feed. To test this, we examined the relationship between blood glucose levels, BCI and reproductive phase of free flying male bats (n = 70) for 12 hours after sunset for 13 nights. Bats were captured in Reserva Biológica de Guaribas (Paraíba, Brazil) using mist nets. Blood glucose was analyzed with a portable glucometer. Supporting our assumptions, the number of hours after sunset and BCI presented significant positive correlations with glucose levels in A. planirostris. Reproductive phase did not present a significant correlation with any other variables. As we predicted, glucose level can be used as proxy for morphometric BCI and it can be measured with a simple portable glucometer. The increase both in glucose and BCI around the night can be explained by the efficient assimilation of nutrients present in fruits ingested by bats and the quick metabolism that increases the levels of glucose (an other nutrients) in blood, increasing the body mass.

Body mass index and glucose variations during the night in free-ranging Artibeus planirostris (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae)

Body condition is an important measure to estimate the energy reserve of an organism. Scientists frequently use body condition indices (BCIs) with morphometric measures but direct measurements, such as blood glucose, seem to be more reliable. We observed oscillations in the body condition and glucose indexes of individuals of Artibeus planirostris (Spix, 1823) during 13 nights in the field. We assume that if glucose levels are proportional to feeding state and body condition is a measure of energy reserve, blood glucose and BCI should be positively correlated and both are expected to increase during the night as the bats leave their diurnal roost to feed. To test this, we examined the relationship between blood glucose levels, BCI and reproductive phase of free flying male bats (n = 70) for 12 hours after sunset for 13 nights. Bats were captured in Reserva Biológica de Guaribas (Paraíba, Brazil) using mist nets. Blood glucose was analyzed with a portable glucometer. Supporting our assumptions, the number of hours after sunset and BCI presented significant positive correlations with glucose levels in A. planirostris. Reproductive phase did not present a significant correlation with any other variables. As we predicted, glucose level can be used as proxy for morphometric BCI and it can be measured with a simple portable glucometer. The increase both in glucose and BCI around the night can be explained by the efficient assimilation of nutrients present in fruits ingested by bats and the quick metabolism that increases the levels of glucose (an other nutrients) in blood, increasing the body mass.(AU)

Estimation of metabolic status in high yielding dairy cows during transition period and full lactation

Background: Major changes in the metabolic functions in high-yielding dairy cows occur during the transitional periodand during lactation. Parturition and lactogenesis are accompanied by many physiological changes that facilitate themaintenance of homeostasis Consequently, physiological situations leading to a negative energy balance are coupled to anincreased uncontrolled rate of body fat mobilisation and the increased fatty acids accumulation in hepatocytes and bloodketone bodies, resulting in disturbances of the morphological and physiological liver integrity. The objective of the presentstudy was to estimate metabolic status in late pregnant, early lactation and full lactation Holstein dairy cows on the basischanges of blood concentrations of selected biochemical markers.Materials, Methods & Results: The experiment included 36 Holstein cows. Three groups of clinically healthy cows werechosen from the herd. Group 1 consisted of late pregnant cows (n = 12) from 30 to 1 day (20 ± 15) to partus; Group 2comprised early lactation cows (n = 12) in the first month of lactation (15 ± 12 days), and Group 3 included full lactationcows (n = 12) between 60 to 90 days of lactation (81 ± 30 days). Blood samples were collected from all cows, by punctionof the jugular vein. Biochemical testing for markers in the blood serum showed significantly lower values (P < 0.05) ofglucose, TG, Tchol. and urea in early cows than in full lactation and late-pregnant cows. The blood concentration of NEFAand BHB was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the group of cows in early lactation compared to the other groups ofcows. The mean tBIL. concentration and the serum AST, GGT and ALT activities were markedly increased (P < 0.01)in the lactation cows compared to the late pregnant cows. Furthermore, the intensity of lipomobilisation (NEFA or BHBconcentrations) correlated positively (P < 0.05) with the markers of cell damage or liver function impairment (tBIL., serumAST...

Estimation of metabolic status in high yielding dairy cows during transition period and full lactation

Background: Major changes in the metabolic functions in high-yielding dairy cows occur during the transitional periodand during lactation. Parturition and lactogenesis are accompanied by many physiological changes that facilitate themaintenance of homeostasis Consequently, physiological situations leading to a negative energy balance are coupled to anincreased uncontrolled rate of body fat mobilisation and the increased fatty acids accumulation in hepatocytes and bloodketone bodies, resulting in disturbances of the morphological and physiological liver integrity. The objective of the presentstudy was to estimate metabolic status in late pregnant, early lactation and full lactation Holstein dairy cows on the basischanges of blood concentrations of selected biochemical markers.Materials, Methods & Results: The experiment included 36 Holstein cows. Three groups of clinically healthy cows werechosen from the herd. Group 1 consisted of late pregnant cows (n = 12) from 30 to 1 day (20 ± 15) to partus; Group 2comprised early lactation cows (n = 12) in the first month of lactation (15 ± 12 days), and Group 3 included full lactationcows (n = 12) between 60 to 90 days of lactation (81 ± 30 days). Blood samples were collected from all cows, by punctionof the jugular vein. Biochemical testing for markers in the blood serum showed significantly lower values (P < 0.05) ofglucose, TG, Tchol. and urea in early cows than in full lactation and late-pregnant cows. The blood concentration of NEFAand BHB was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the group of cows in early lactation compared to the other groups ofcows. The mean tBIL. concentration and the serum AST, GGT and ALT activities were markedly increased (P < 0.01)in the lactation cows compared to the late pregnant cows. Furthermore, the intensity of lipomobilisation (NEFA or BHBconcentrations) correlated positively (P < 0.05) with the markers of cell damage or liver function impairment (tBIL., serumAST...(AU)

Uso da somatotropina recombinante bovina em búfalas leiteiras II: metabolismos energético e mineral / Use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) in dairy buffaloes II: energy and mineral metabolism

Avaliou-se a influência da somatotropina recombinante bovina (rbST) sobre os metabolismos energético e mineral de búfalas entre 63e 154 dias em lactação. Foram utilizadas 22 búfalas, distribuídas em dois grupos experimentais: grupo rbST - aplicação de 500mg de rbST a cada 14 dias; grupo Controle - sem aplicação de rbST. A cada sete dias, foram coletadas amostras de sangue para a determinação do perfil bioquímico e mensuraram-se a produção de leite e o escore de condição corporal dos animais. As médias dos parâmetros estudados para os grupos rbST e Controle foram, respectivamente: produção de leite (PL): 6,44kg vs. 6,68kg; escore de condição corporal-ECC (1-5): 3,51 vs. 3,57; glicose: 70,58 vs. 64,81mg/dL (P = 0,0003); colesterol: 132,38 vs. 133,40mg/dL; triglicérides: 29,18 vs. 28,32mg/dL; proteína total: 8,57 vs. 8,75g/dL; albumina: 3,47 vs. 3,60g/dL; ureia: 32,46 vs. 33,86mg/dL; creatinina: 1,27 vs. 1,39mg/dL; cálcio:10,25 vs. 10,73mg/dL; fósforo:5,76 vs. 5,62mg/dL; e magnésio:3,70 vs. 3,70mg/dL. O uso de 500mg de rbSTinfluenciou o metabolismo da glicose, porém não modificou a PL, o ECC e os níveis dos demais parâmetros metabólicos estudados.(AU)

The aim was to evaluate the influence of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on the energy and mineral metabolism of buffaloes between 63 - 154 days in milk. Twenty-two buffaloes distributed in two experimental groups were used: Group rbST (n= 11) - application of 500mg of rbST every 14 days; Control Group (n= 11) - no rbST. Every seven days, blood samples were taken to determine the biochemical profile, and milk production and body condition score were measured. The averages of the variables for rbST and Control groups were, respectively: milk yield (MY) - 6.44kg vs. 6.68kg; body condition score (BCS) - 3.51 vs 3.57 (1-5); glucose - 70.58 vs. 64.81mg/dL (P = 0.0003); cholesterol - 132.38 vs. 133.40mg/dL; triglycerides -29.18 vs. 28.32mg/dL; total protein - 8.57 vs. 8.75g/dL; albumin - 3.47 vs 3.60g/dL; urea - 32.46 vs 33.86mg/dL; creatinine - 1.27 vs 1.39mg/dL; calcium - 10.25 vs. 10.73mg/dL; phosphorus - 5.76 vs 5.62mg/dL; and magnesium - 3.70 vs 3.70mg/dL. Use of 500mg rbST influenced glucose metabolism, but did not modify the MY, BCS and the levels of the other metabolic parameters studied.(AU)

Uso da somatotropina recombinante bovina em búfalas leiteiras II: metabolismos energético e mineral / Use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) in dairy buffaloes II: energy and mineral metabolism

Avaliou-se a influência da somatotropina recombinante bovina (rbST) sobre os metabolismos energético e mineral de búfalas entre 63e 154 dias em lactação. Foram utilizadas 22 búfalas, distribuídas em dois grupos experimentais: grupo rbST - aplicação de 500mg de rbST a cada 14 dias; grupo Controle - sem aplicação de rbST. A cada sete dias, foram coletadas amostras de sangue para a determinação do perfil bioquímico e mensuraram-se a produção de leite e o escore de condição corporal dos animais. As médias dos parâmetros estudados para os grupos rbST e Controle foram, respectivamente: produção de leite (PL): 6,44kg vs. 6,68kg; escore de condição corporal-ECC (1-5): 3,51 vs. 3,57; glicose: 70,58 vs. 64,81mg/dL (P = 0,0003); colesterol: 132,38 vs. 133,40mg/dL; triglicérides: 29,18 vs. 28,32mg/dL; proteína total: 8,57 vs. 8,75g/dL; albumina: 3,47 vs. 3,60g/dL; ureia: 32,46 vs. 33,86mg/dL; creatinina: 1,27 vs. 1,39mg/dL; cálcio:10,25 vs. 10,73mg/dL; fósforo:5,76 vs. 5,62mg/dL; e magnésio:3,70 vs. 3,70mg/dL. O uso de 500mg de rbSTinfluenciou o metabolismo da glicose, porém não modificou a PL, o ECC e os níveis dos demais parâmetros metabólicos estudados.(AU)

The aim was to evaluate the influence of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on the energy and mineral metabolism of buffaloes between 63 - 154 days in milk. Twenty-two buffaloes distributed in two experimental groups were used: Group rbST (n= 11) - application of 500mg of rbST every 14 days; Control Group (n= 11) - no rbST. Every seven days, blood samples were taken to determine the biochemical profile, and milk production and body condition score were measured. The averages of the variables for rbST and Control groups were, respectively: milk yield (MY) - 6.44kg vs. 6.68kg; body condition score (BCS) - 3.51 vs 3.57 (1-5); glucose - 70.58 vs. 64.81mg/dL (P = 0.0003); cholesterol - 132.38 vs. 133.40mg/dL; triglycerides -29.18 vs. 28.32mg/dL; total protein - 8.57 vs. 8.75g/dL; albumin - 3.47 vs 3.60g/dL; urea - 32.46 vs 33.86mg/dL; creatinine - 1.27 vs 1.39mg/dL; calcium - 10.25 vs. 10.73mg/dL; phosphorus - 5.76 vs 5.62mg/dL; and magnesium - 3.70 vs 3.70mg/dL. Use of 500mg rbST influenced glucose metabolism, but did not modify the MY, BCS and the levels of the other metabolic parameters studied.(AU)

Diferentes fontes energéticas durante o período de transição de vacas primíparas e os seus efeitos sobre metabólitos sanguíneos e hormônios / Different energy sources during the primiparous dairy cow transition period and its effects on blood metabolites and hormones

Objetivou-se com este estudo comparar os efeitos do fornecimento de dietas glicogênicas ou lipogênicas sobre metabolitos sanguíneos e hormônios em vacas primíparas (n=40) durante o período de transição. Os animais foram aleatoriamente distribuídos em quatro tratamentos: controle, sais de cálcio de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (Megalac-E, 100g pré-parto e 250g pós-parto), soja tostada (400g pré-parto e 800g pós-parto) e propilenoglicol (300ml pré e pós-parto). Os suplementos foram fornecidos individualmente. Foram realizadas coletas de sangue para determinação das concentrações plasmáticas de insulina, glicose, ácidos graxos não esterificados (AGNE) e IGF-I. As concentrações de insulina e de glicose foram maiores nos animais do tratamento com sais de cálcio de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados. A maior concentração de AGNE foi observada no grupo controle. A concentração plasmática de IGF-I foi mais elevada para os animais do tratamento que receberam suplementos lipogênicos. A adição de sais de cálcio de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados a dieta foi capaz de amenizar as mudanças hormonais e metabólicas características do período de transição.(AU)

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of glycogenic supply or lipogenic diets on blood metabolites and hormones in primiparous dairy cows (n=40) during the transition period. The animals were randomly assigned to four treatments: control, calcium salts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (Megalac-E, 100g prepartum and 250g postpartum), roasted soybeans (400g prepartum and 800g postpartum) and propylene glycol (300ml pre- and postpartum). The supplements were provided individually. Blood samples were taken to determine plasma concentrations of insulin, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and IGF-I. The glucose and insulin concentrations were higher in calcium salts of polyunsaturated fatty acids treatment. The highest concentration of NEFA was observed in the control group. The plasma concentrations of IGF-I were higher for the treatments with lipogenic supplements. Adding calcium salts of polyunsaturated fatty acids diet was able to ease the hormonal and metabolic changes of the transition period features.(AU)

Diferentes fontes energéticas durante o período de transição de vacas primíparas e os seus efeitos sobre metabólitos sanguíneos e hormônios / Different energy sources during the primiparous dairy cow transition period and its effects on blood metabolites and hormones

Objetivou-se com este estudo comparar os efeitos do fornecimento de dietas glicogênicas ou lipogênicas sobre metabolitos sanguíneos e hormônios em vacas primíparas (n=40) durante o período de transição. Os animais foram aleatoriamente distribuídos em quatro tratamentos: controle, sais de cálcio de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (Megalac-E, 100g pré-parto e 250g pós-parto), soja tostada (400g pré-parto e 800g pós-parto) e propilenoglicol (300ml pré e pós-parto). Os suplementos foram fornecidos individualmente. Foram realizadas coletas de sangue para determinação das concentrações plasmáticas de insulina, glicose, ácidos graxos não esterificados (AGNE) e IGF-I. As concentrações de insulina e de glicose foram maiores nos animais do tratamento com sais de cálcio de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados. A maior concentração de AGNE foi observada no grupo controle. A concentração plasmática de IGF-I foi mais elevada para os animais do tratamento que receberam suplementos lipogênicos. A adição de sais de cálcio de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados a dieta foi capaz de amenizar as mudanças hormonais e metabólicas características do período de transição.(AU)

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of glycogenic supply or lipogenic diets on blood metabolites and hormones in primiparous dairy cows (n=40) during the transition period. The animals were randomly assigned to four treatments: control, calcium salts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (Megalac-E, 100g prepartum and 250g postpartum), roasted soybeans (400g prepartum and 800g postpartum) and propylene glycol (300ml pre- and postpartum). The supplements were provided individually. Blood samples were taken to determine plasma concentrations of insulin, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and IGF-I. The glucose and insulin concentrations were higher in calcium salts of polyunsaturated fatty acids treatment. The highest concentration of NEFA was observed in the control group. The plasma concentrations of IGF-I were higher for the treatments with lipogenic supplements. Adding calcium salts of polyunsaturated fatty acids diet was able to ease the hormonal and metabolic changes of the transition period features.(AU)

Thermoregulatory responses and blood parameters of locally adapted ewes under natural weather conditions of Brazilian semiarid region / Respostas termorregulatórias e parâmetros sanguíneos de ovelhas nativas brasileiras criadas na região semiárida brasileira

The effect of the natural weather conditions on respiratory rate, rectal temperature and hematologic parameters such as glucose, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, total protein, albumin, globulin, red blood cells, microhematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels was evaluated in red (RMN) and white (WMN) coat colored Morada Nova ewes, of different class of body condition score (CBCS), during the dry (from july to december) and wet (from january to june) seasons, which exhibited different (P 0.05) air temperature, relative humidity and radiant thermal load averages. Tukeys test was used and the difference considered was to P 0.05. Significant greater averages of respiratory rate were observed in the dry period compared to the rainy period (42.26±8.96 and 36.89±8.20 breaths min-1, respectively), mainly in the RMN (45.54±8.23 breaths min-1) compared with the WMN (39.27±8.57 breaths min-1). No differences were observed in rectal temperature measurements between the dry and the wet periods (38.59±0.58 and 38.60±0.56 oC, respectively), but the WMN had higher values than the RMN (38.77±0.54 and 38.40±0.54 oC, respectively). The glucose and total cholesterol were higher in the wet season, with no variation due to breed variety and CBCS. The triacylglycerol did not change between breed varieties and seasons. The albumin was similar between varieties and in different seasons, being different in CBCS. Total protein and globulin serum were higher during the wet season, but total protein was higher and globulin was lower in better CBCS. T3 and T4 levels were higher in the rainy season (0.25±0.07 and 6.74±11.37 μg dL-1, for T3 and T4, respectively) than in the dry season (0.18±0.08 and 6.31±1.64 μg dL-1, for T3 and T4, respectively). The red blood cells showed no difference, but microhematocrit was higher in WMN and in the better CBCS and mean corpuscular volume was higher in the dry season.(AU)

Neste estudo foram avaliados os efeitos da época do ano nas características fisiológicas de frequência respiratória e temperatura retal e nos parâmetros hematológicos glicose, colesterol total, triglicerídeos, proteínas totais, albumina, globulina, contagem total de hemácias, hematócrito, volume corpuscular médio, triiodotironina (T3) e tiroxina (T4) em ovelhas da raça Morada Nova das variedades vermelha (RMN) e branca (WMN), de diferentes classes de escore corporal (CBCS), durante os períodos seco (de julho a dezembro) e chuvoso (de janeiro a junho), assim caracterizados por exibirem diferenças estatísticas (P<0,05) na temperatura do ar, umidade relativa e carga térmica radiante. Na análise estatística foi usado o teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade (P<0,05). Diferenças significativas foram encontradas na frequência respiratória durante os períodos seco e chuvoso, sendo maior na variedade vermelha do que na branca. Não foram verificadas diferença na temperatura retal dos animais entre os períodos seco e chuvoso, mas a variedade vermelha apresentou maiores médias desta variável. A glicose e o colesterol total sérico foram maiores no período chuvoso, não apresentando diferença significativa entre as variedades nem entre animais de diferentes condições corporais. A dosagem sanguínea de triglicerídeos não foi diferente para nenhuma das fontes de variação. A albumina foi estatisticamente semelhante entre as variedades da raça e durante os períodos seco e chuvoso do ano, apresentando diferença somente em relação à condição corporal dos animais CBCS. A dosagem sérica de proteína total e globulina foram maiores durante o inverno, mas a proteína total foi maior e a globulina foi menor em animais com melhor CBCS. Os níveis séricos de T3 e T4 foram maiores no período chuvoso do que no seco e a concentração de T3 nas ovelhas de pelagem vermelha, enquanto T4 não diferiu entre as variedades.(AU)

Thermoregulatory responses and blood parameters of locally adapted ewes under natural weather conditions of Brazilian semiarid region / Respostas termorregulatórias e parâmetros sanguíneos de ovelhas nativas brasileiras criadas na região semiárida brasileira

The effect of the natural weather conditions on respiratory rate, rectal temperature and hematologic parameters such as glucose, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, total protein, albumin, globulin, red blood cells, microhematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels was evaluated in red (RMN) and white (WMN) coat colored Morada Nova ewes, of different class of body condition score (CBCS), during the dry (from july to december) and wet (from january to june) seasons, which exhibited different (P 0.05) air temperature, relative humidity and radiant thermal load averages. Tukeys test was used and the difference considered was to P 0.05. Significant greater averages of respiratory rate were observed in the dry period compared to the rainy period (42.26±8.96 and 36.89±8.20 breaths min-1, respectively), mainly in the RMN (45.54±8.23 breaths min-1) compared with the WMN (39.27±8.57 breaths min-1). No differences were observed in rectal temperature measurements between the dry and the wet periods (38.59±0.58 and 38.60±0.56 oC, respectively), but the WMN had higher values than the RMN (38.77±0.54 and 38.40±0.54 oC, respectively). The glucose and total cholesterol were higher in the wet season, with no variation due to breed variety and CBCS. The triacylglycerol did not change between breed varieties and seasons. The albumin was similar between varieties and in different seasons, being different in CBCS. Total protein and globulin serum were higher during the wet season, but total protein was higher and globulin was lower in better CBCS. T3 and T4 levels were higher in the rainy season (0.25±0.07 and 6.74±11.37 μg dL-1, for T3 and T4, respectively) than in the dry season (0.18±0.08 and 6.31±1.64 μg dL-1, for T3 and T4, respectively). The red blood cells showed no difference, but microhematocrit was higher in WMN and in the better CBCS and mean corpuscular volume was higher in the dry season.

Neste estudo foram avaliados os efeitos da época do ano nas características fisiológicas de frequência respiratória e temperatura retal e nos parâmetros hematológicos glicose, colesterol total, triglicerídeos, proteínas totais, albumina, globulina, contagem total de hemácias, hematócrito, volume corpuscular médio, triiodotironina (T3) e tiroxina (T4) em ovelhas da raça Morada Nova das variedades vermelha (RMN) e branca (WMN), de diferentes classes de escore corporal (CBCS), durante os períodos seco (de julho a dezembro) e chuvoso (de janeiro a junho), assim caracterizados por exibirem diferenças estatísticas (P<0,05) na temperatura do ar, umidade relativa e carga térmica radiante. Na análise estatística foi usado o teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade (P<0,05). Diferenças significativas foram encontradas na frequência respiratória durante os períodos seco e chuvoso, sendo maior na variedade vermelha do que na branca. Não foram verificadas diferença na temperatura retal dos animais entre os períodos seco e chuvoso, mas a variedade vermelha apresentou maiores médias desta variável. A glicose e o colesterol total sérico foram maiores no período chuvoso, não apresentando diferença significativa entre as variedades nem entre animais de diferentes condições corporais. A dosagem sanguínea de triglicerídeos não foi diferente para nenhuma das fontes de variação. A albumina foi estatisticamente semelhante entre as variedades da raça e durante os períodos seco e chuvoso do ano, apresentando diferença somente em relação à condição corporal dos animais CBCS. A dosagem sérica de proteína total e globulina foram maiores durante o inverno, mas a proteína total foi maior e a globulina foi menor em animais com melhor CBCS. Os níveis séricos de T3 e T4 foram maiores no período chuvoso do que no seco e a concentração de T3 nas ovelhas de pelagem vermelha, enquanto T4 não diferiu entre as variedades.

Parâmetros sanguíneos de ovinos alimentados com coprodutos da bananicultura submetidos a dois métodos de secagem

Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar hemograma, metabólitos proteicos e energéticos em ovinos alimentados com resíduos da bananicultura submetidos a dois métodos de secagem. Utilizou-se 30 ovinos, mestiços Santa Inês x Dorper, machos, não castrados e com peso corporal médio inicial de 26,5 kg, distribuídos em delineamento em blocos casualizados, com cinco tratamentos: dois tipos de resíduos (fenos de pseudocaule da bananeira e feno de folha da bananeira), dois métodos de secagem (100% ao sol e 100% a sombra) e o controle (feno de Tifton). Os animais receberam as dietas experimentais por 20 dias e após esse período foram submetidos a jejum alimentar de 12h. Foi realizada uma coleta de 4mL de sangue para o hemograma. Para avaliação da concentração de proteína total, albumina e globulinas séricas, glicose plasmática, ureia, triglicerídeos, colesterol sérico e creatinina foram coletados 6mL de sangue venoso para obtenção de plasma e soro nos tempos 0h, 3h e 6h após a alimentação. Para o hemograma realizou-se análise de variância e as médias foram comparadas usando o teste de Dunnet a 5% de probabilidade. Os metabólitos proteicos e energéticos foram analisados em arranjo de parcelas subdivididas e as médias foram comparadas usando o teste de Dunnet a 5% de probabilidade. Os valores médios de eritrócitos, concentração de hemoglobina, hematócrito, volume corpuscular médio, hemoglobina corpuscular média, concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média e plaquetas foram semelhantes entre os tratamentos (p> 0,05), assim como as médias de leucócitos, neutrófilos segmentados, linfócitos, monócitos e eosinófilos (p>0,05). Os valores médios de proteína total, albumina e globulinas séricas, relação albumina/globulina e glicose plasmática foram similares entre tempos e tratamentos (p>0,05). Os valores de ureia e triglicerídeos foram superiores (p<0,05) após 3hs da alimentação e creatinina no tempo 0h. Entretanto a concentração de colesterol sérico foi menor (p<0,05) 3hs após a alimentação. Ovinos alimentados com pseudocaules e folhas da bananicultura desidratados ao sol e na sombra apresentaram variáveis do hemograma dentro da normalidade e variáveis bioquímicas com poucas variações, indicando que esses coprodutos podem ser utilizados na composição das dietas desses animais.

Aimed to evaluate the hemogram, protein and energy metabolites in sheep fed with banana crop residues submitted to two drying methods. A total of 30 sheep, crossbred Santa Inês x Dorper, male, non-castrated and with an average initial body weight of 26.5 kg, were distributed in a randomized block design, with five treatments: two types of residues (banana pseudostem and banana leaf hay), two drying methods (100% sun drying and 100% shade drying) and control (tifton hay). The animals received the experimental diets for 20 days and after that they were submitted to a 12-hour fasting. A collection of 4mL of blood was performed for the hemogram. We collected 6mL of venous blood to obtain plasma and serum at 0h, 3h and 6h times after feeding to evaluate the concentration of total protein, serum albumin and globulins, plasma glucose, urea, triglycerides, serum cholesterol and creatinine. The variables were analyzed in arrangement of subdivided plots and the means compared using the Dunnet test at 5% probability. Mean values of erythrocytes, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, concentration of mean corpuscular hemoglobin and platelets were similar (p> 0.05) between treatments, as well as mean of leukocytes, segmented neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils (p> 0.05). The mean values of total protein, serum albumin and globulins, albumin / globulin ratio and plasma glucose were similar (p> 0.05) between times and treatments. Urea and triglycerides were higher (p <0.05) in 3h after feeding and creatinine in 0h. Serum cholesterol was lower (p <0.05) in 3h after feeding. Sheep fed with pseudostem and banana leaves dehydrated by sun drying or shade drying had hemogram variables within normality and biochemical variables with few variations, indicating that these byproducts can be used in diets composition for these animals.

SUPLEMENTAÇÃO DE COLINA PROTEGIDA EM VACAS DA RAÇA HOLANDESA NO PERÍODO DE TRANSIÇÃO

Afecções metabólicas, como a cetose, têm sido cada vez mais comuns em rebanhos leiteiros de alta produção, sendo importante o estudo de medidas preventivas dessas afecções, bem como conhecer o perfil metabólico sanguíneo das vacas no período de transição e sua relação com o status nutricional. O objetivo foi determinar a influência da suplementação com colina protegida na concentração sérica de corpos cetônicos e colesterol, escore corporal, peso vivo e produção de leite aos 30 e 60 dias pós-parto em vacas holandesas. Os animais foram avaliados durante o período de transição por este apresentar maiores distúrbios metabólicos, sendo divididos em dois tratamentos: vacas com suplementação de colina protegida na dieta e vacas sem suplementação de colina protegida na dieta. Foram utilizadas vacas primíparas e multíparas, em um período que iniciou aos 20 dias antes do parto, estendendo-se até 20 dias após o parto. A pesagem das vacas foi realizada com fita de pesagem, o escore corporal avaliado de forma visual, seguindo uma classificação de 1 a 5. A produção de leite foi realizada através de medidores eletrônicos na sala de ordenha e a concentração sanguínea de colesterol foi mensurada em laboratório comercial. Através da mensuração da concentração de corpos cetônicos no sangue das vacas, usando-se as fitas testes que medem cetonas, foi avaliada a incidência de cetose subclínica no rebanho. A suplementação com colina protegida não alterou as concentrações de BHBA entre os tratamentos, da mesma forma, não houve diferença significativa de ECC, peso vivo e produção de leite. Animais suplementados apresentaram menor concentração sérica de colesterol.

Metabolic disorders, such as ketosis, have been increasingly common in high production dairy herds. To evaluate preventive measures, as well as to know the metabolic profile of the cows in the transition period and their relationship with the nutritional status, is of paramount importance. Thus, the aim was to determine the influence of protected choline supplementation on the serum concentration of ketone bodies and cholesterol, body score, live weight and 30 and 60 days postpartum milk yield in Holstein cows. The animals were evaluated during the transition period, which presents major metabolic disorders, shared in two treatments: cows with protected choline supplementation and cows with no protected choline supplementation. Primparous and multiparous cows were used in a 20 days period before calving, extending up to 20 days after calving. The weighing of the cows was performed with weighing tape, the body score assessed visually, following a classification from 1 up to 5. Milk yield was performed through electronic meters in the milking parlour and blood cholesterol concentration was measured in a commercial laboratory. The measurement of ketone bodies was done through test strips, associating subclinical ketosis. Protected choline supplementation did not alter BHBA concentrations between treatments, nor was there a significant difference in ECC, live weight and milk production. Supplemented animals presented lower serum cholesterol concentration.

EFICIÊNCIA ALIMENTAR E PRODUTIVIDADE MATERNA DE VACAS DA RAÇA NELORE

O consumo alimentar residual (CAR) é uma característica de eficiência alimentar que expressa a diferença entre o consumo observado e o predito, e identifica animais que consomem menor quantidade de alimento independente de características de mantença e produção. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a eficiência alimentar de vacas Nelore em lactação, e o efeito da classe de eficiência alimentar no desempenho e produtividade das vacas, do nascimento à desmama dos bezerros. Foram avaliadas 53 vacas contemporâneas, com peso médio inicial de 484±43 kg e idade média de 1120±37 dias, submetidas a teste de desempenho no GrowSafe® Systems, dos 22±5 até os 190±13 dias em lactação, para obtenção do consumo de matéria seca (CMS) diário. A dieta foi volumosa, com relação volumoso:concentrado de 90:10. Vacas e bezerros foram pesados a cada 23 dias, para o cálculo da eficiência produtiva (EP). Foram também obtidos o ganho médio diário (GMD) e o peso corporal médio metabólico (PV0,75), utilizados no cálculo do CAR das vacas e avaliação do desempenho dos bezerros. A produção de leite das vacas foi avaliada aos 63±5, 84±5 e 152±5 dias em lactação por meio de ordenha mecânica. O leite foi analisado quanto aos teores de gordura, proteína e lactose, constituintes utilizados para o cálculo da produção de leite corrigida (PLC) para energia. Aos 21±5, 82±5, 143±8 e 184±12 dias em lactação as vacas foram avaliadas quanto à espessura de gordura subcutânea (EGS) por ultrassonografia. Aos 15±5, 41±5, 62±5 e 124±5 dias após o parto, foram coletadas amostras de sangue para análises dos metabólitos de status energético (glicose, colesterol, triglicérides e -hidroxibutirato), status proteico (albumina, ureia e creatinina), status mineral (cálcio, fósforo e magnésio) e status hormonal (insulina e cortisol). O CAR das vacas foi calculado considerando CMS, GMD e PV0,75 obtidos na primeira fase de lactação (dos 22±5 aos 102±7 dias em lactação), e as vacas foram classificadas em CAR negativo (mais eficientes) ou CAR positivo (menos eficientes). O modelo de CAR explicou 53% da variação do CMS. As médias de CMS, GMD, PLC, EGS e EP foram de 12,47±2,70 kg MS/dia, 0,632±0,323 kg/dia, 10,47±3,23 kg/dia, 8,85±3,43 mm e 36,61±5,39 %, respectivamente, com média de peso dos bezerros à desmama de 225±32 kg. Vacas CAR negativo consumiram 11,5% menos MS que vacas CAR positivo, com desempenho e perfil metabólico similar, exceto pela menor quantidade de proteína no leite e maior concentração de colesterol no sangue que vacas CAR positivo. Em conclusão, vacas CAR negativo (mais eficientes) consumiram menor quantidade de matéria seca, sem diferenças na quantidade de leite corrigido para energia e na espessura de gordura subcutânea, apresentaram perfil metabólico similar e desmamaram bezerros com desempenho semelhante quando comparadas às vacas CAR positivo (menos eficientes). Portanto, o CAR se torna útil na seleção das matrizes do rebanho, pois os animais mais eficientes consomem menores quantidades de alimento sem perdas em produtividade, produzindo bezerros com desempenho semelhante aos de vacas com maior consumo de alimento por dia.

Residual feed intake (RFI) is a trait of feed efficiency that expresses the difference between observed and predicted intake, and identifies animals that consume less, independently of maintenance and production. The objective of the present study was to evaluate feed efficiency of lactating Nellore cows, characterizing the performance and productivity of primiparous cows, from birth to calf weaning. A total of 53 contemporary cows, with an initial mean weight of 484±43 kg and mean age of 1120±37 days, were submitted to a performance test at GrowSafe® Systems, at 22±5 up to 190±13 days of lactation, during which dry matter intake (DMI) was obtained. The roughage:concentrate ratio of diet was 90:10. Cows and calves were weighed every 23 days, for calculation of productive efficiency (PE). The average daily gain (ADG) and metabolic body weight (BW0.75) were also obtained, to calculate RFI of cows and the performance of the calves. The milk production of cows was evaluated at 63±5, 84±5 and 152±5 days of lactation by milking machine. The milk was analyzed for fat, protein and lactose content to calculate energy-corrected milk production (ECMP). At 21±5, 82±5, 143±8 and 184±12 days of lactation cows were evaluated for subcutaneous fat thickness (BFT) by ultrasound. At 15±5, 41±5, 62±5 and 124±5 days postpartum, blood samples were obtained to analyze metabolic indicators of energy status (glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and -hydroxybutyrate), protein status (albumin, urea and creatinine), mineral status (calcium, phosphorus and magnesium) and hormonal status (insulin and cortisol). The RFI was calculated considering DMI, ADG and BW0.75 obtained during the first lactation phase (from 22±5 up to 102±7 days of lactation), and the cows were classified as negative RFI (more efficient) or positive RFI (less efficient). The RFI model explained 53% of the DMI variation. The average of DMI, ADG, ECMP, BFT and PE were 12.47±2.70 kg DM/day, 0.632±0.323 kg/day, 10.47±3.23 kg/day, 8.85±3.43 mm and 36.61±5.39 %, respectively, and the average of calves weaning weight was 225±32 kg. Negative RFI cows consumed 11.5% less DM than positive RFI cows, with similar performance and metabolic profile, except for the lower amount of protein in milk and higher concentration of blood cholesterol than positive RFI cows. In conclusion, negative RFI cows (more efficient) consumed less dry matter, with no difference in the amount of milk corrected for energy and subcutaneous fat thickness, similar metabolic profile and similar weaning weight of calves, when compared to positive RFI cows (less efficient). Therefore, RFI becomes useful in the selection of the cows of the herd, since the more efficient animals consume less amounts of food without losses in productivity.

RECRIA E TERMINAÇÃO DE BOVINOS MACHOS INTEIROS E IMUNOCASTRADOS DE DOIS GRUPOS GENÉTICOS

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o efeito da imunocastração de bovinos machos Nelore e Holandês-Zebu recebendo altos níveis de suplementação nas fases de recria e terminação. Foram utilizados 36 bovinos, 18 Nelore com peso inicial de 217,61 kg e 18 Holandês-Zebu com peso inicial de 217,94 kg, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com arranjo fatorial 2 x 2, dois grupos genéticos (Nelore e Holandês-Zebu) e duas condições sexuais (não castrado e imunocastrado). A imunocastração reduziu a circunferência, a largura, o comprimento, o peso e o volume dos testículos. O ganho médio diário (GMD) dos animais inteiros e imunocastrados foram semelhantes durante a recria, mas na terminação o GMD foi maior para os animais não castrados. Os grupos genéticos não influenciaram o GMD e os pesos de carcaça quente e fria, no entanto, os animais Nelore apresentaram maiores rendimentos de carcaça quente e de carcaça fria. As concentrações de glicose, creatinina e aspartato aminotransferase foram maiores para os animais Nelore na recria. Os machos Holandês-Zebu não castrados apresentaram menores concentrações de ureia na terminação em comparação aos machos Holandês-Zebu imunocastrados e Nelore não castrados. A imunocastração aumentou a espessura de gordura subcutânea (EGS) nos animais Holandês- Zebu, mas não houve efeito sobre a EGS dos animais Nelore. Os machos não castrados apresentaram maiores área do Longissimus lumborum, proporção de músculo e rendimento do dianteiro. Por outro lado, os machos imunocastrados apresentaram maiores proporções de gordura na carcaça e na composição da carne, menor força de cisalhamento da carne, maiores luminosidade (L*), intensidade de vermelho (a*) e intensidade de amarelo (b*) da carne e b* da gordura. Os animais Holandês-Zebu podem ser utilizados para a produção de carne, pois apresentam ganho de peso, características de carcaça e carne semelhantes a de animais Nelore, com exceção do rendimento de carcaça. A imunocastração reduz o desempenho, consequentemente a terminação de machos não castrados é mais viável economicamente. Contudo, a imunocastração aumenta a deposição de gordura na carcaça, a maciez e melhora os aspectos visuais da carne. Portanto, a imunocastração deve ser usada apenas quando existe uma remuneração diferenciada no abate de animais castrados.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of immunocastration of Nellore male and Holstein-Zebu cattle receiving supplement at a rate of 1 and 2% of body weight during the growing and finishing phases, respectively. Thirty-six male cattle (217.80 ± 20.58 kg) were distributed following a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement into two genetic groups (Nellore and Holstein-Zebu) and two sex classes (intact and immunocastrated). Immunocastration reduced the circumference, width, length, weight and volume of the testicles. The average daily weight gain (DWG) of the intact and immunocastrated animals was similar during the growing phase, but at the finishing phase the DWG was higher for the intact animals. The genetic groups did not altered DWG and the hot carcass weight and cold carcass weight, however Nellore animals showed higher hot carcass yield and cold carcass yield. The glucose, creatinine and aspartate aminotransferase concentrations were higher for the Nellore during growth. The urea concentration showed interaction between the genetic groups and the sexual conditions at finishing. Immunocastration increased the subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) in the Holstein-Zebu, but had no effect on SFT in Nellore animals. The intact males had larger Longissimus lumborum area, muscle proportion and forequarter. On the other hand, the immunocastrated males had fat in carcass and meat higher and shear force of meat lower, lightness (L*), redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) of meat and b* of fat higher. Male dairy cattle show performance, carcass and meat characteristics similar to that of Nellore males and can be used for beef production, but their carcass yield is lower. Immunocastration reduces performance, as a result termination of intact males is more economically viable. However, the immunocastration increases the fat in the carcass, the tenderness and improves the visual aspects meat. Therefore, the immunocastration should only be used when a differentiated payment exists for castrated animals at slaughter.

Relationship among blood indicators of hepatic function and lipid content in the liver during transitional period in high-yielding dairy cows

Background: Production diseases, such as those associated with improper nutrition or management are common in transitional high-yielding dairy cows. The diseases listed in this include: the fat liver syndrome, ketosis, oxidative stress, laminitis, mastitis, milk fever, retained placenta, metritis and infertility. The diseases occur mainly around calving. They are all interrelated and form the so-called periparturient disease complex. The term transition is to underscore the important physiological, metabolic, nutritional and endocrine changes occurring in this time frame. Diagnosing liver lipidosis and susceptibility of ketosis in dairy cows may include liver biopsy or ecography, but a less invasive and more economical analytical method may be the measurement of blood biochemical metabolites. The objective of the present study was to determine a relationship among blood indicators of hepatic function and lipid content in the liver during transitional period in high-yielding dairy cows. Materials, Methods & Results: Late pregnant and calved cows (n = 40) were selected from a Holstein dairy herd and allocated to four groups: a late pregnant cows (n = 10) from day 15 to day 5 before calving; late pregnant cows (n = 10) from day 4 to day 1 before calving; clinically puerperal healthy cows (n = 10) and clinically ketotic puerperal cows (n = 10). Liver and blood samples were taken from all cows. The blood metabolites concentrations were determined by photometric methods using a Cobas Mira automatic analyzer. Liver specimens were histopathologically analyzed for lipid contents using a freezing microtome. The statistical analysis of the obtained data was carried out by ANOVA-procedure. The results of present investigation have shown that the lipid content in the liver and the blood non-esterificed fatty acids, ß-hydroxybutyrate, total bilirubin concentrations and the AST activities were significantly higher (P < 0.05) as well the blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and albumin concentrations were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in puerperal ketotic cows as compared to the values of these parameters in the blood of healthy cows in the transition period. Discussion: Liver biopsy is the only reliable method to determine severity of fatty liver in dairy cattle in the transitional period. Blood, urine and milk metabolites or blood enzyme activity have been proposed as diagnostic tools. This investigation demonstrated that in healthy transitional cows a mild fatty infiltration occurred in liver during the late pregnancy and early lactation. The histopathological examination showed a moderate to severe degree of fatty liver in ketotic cows. The lipomobilisation markers, serum BHB and NEFA concentrations, were markedly enhanced in puerperal ketotic cows. However, liver steatosis compromised hepatocyte metabolism, leading to signifi cantly weaker circulating concentrations of glucose, TG and total cholesterol, and induced some cellular lesions as evidenced by significant increases in the serum bilirubin concentrations and in the AST enzyme activities in puerperal ketotic cows. All these biochemical metabolites may be used as important biochemical indicators in the determination of the functional status of the liver in high-yielding dairy cows during the transition period.

Relationship among blood indicators of hepatic function and lipid content in the liver during transitional period in high-yielding dairy cows / Relationship among blood indicators of hepatic function and lipid content in the liver during transitional period in high-yielding dairy cows

Background: Production diseases, such as those associated with improper nutrition or management are common in transitional high-yielding dairy cows. The diseases listed in this include: the fat liver syndrome, ketosis, oxidative stress, laminitis, mastitis, milk fever, retained placenta, metritis and infertility. The diseases occur mainly around calving. They are all interrelated and form the so-called periparturient disease complex. The term transition is to underscore the important physiological, metabolic, nutritional and endocrine changes occurring in this time frame. Diagnosing liver lipidosis and susceptibility of ketosis in dairy cows may include liver biopsy or ecography, but a less invasive and more economical analytical method may be the measurement of blood biochemical metabolites. The objective of the present study was to determine a relationship among blood indicators of hepatic function and lipid content in the liver during transitional period in high-yielding dairy cows. Materials, Methods & Results: Late pregnant and calved cows (n = 40) were selected from a Holstein dairy herd and allocated to four groups: a late pregnant cows (n = 10) from day 15 to day 5 before calving; late pregnant cows (n = 10) from day 4 to day 1 before calving; clinically puerperal healthy cows (n = 10) and clinically ketotic puerperal cows (n = 10). Liver and blood samples were take

Background: Production diseases, such as those associated with improper nutrition or management are common in transitional high-yielding dairy cows. The diseases listed in this include: the fat liver syndrome, ketosis, oxidative stress, laminitis, mastitis, milk fever, retained placenta, metritis and infertility. The diseases occur mainly around calving. They are all interrelated and form the so-called periparturient disease complex. The term transition is to underscore the important physiological, metabolic, nutritional and endocrine changes occurring in this time frame. Diagnosing liver lipidosis and susceptibility of ketosis in dairy cows may include liver biopsy or ecography, but a less invasive and more economical analytical method may be the measurement of blood biochemical metabolites. The objective of the present study was to determine a relationship among blood indicators of hepatic function and lipid content in the liver during transitional period in high-yielding dairy cows. Materials, Methods & Results: Late pregnant and calved cows (n = 40) were selected from a Holstein dairy herd and allocated to four groups: a late pregnant cows (n = 10) from day 15 to day 5 before calving; late pregnant cows (n = 10) from day 4 to day 1 before calving; clinically puerperal healthy cows (n = 10) and clinically ketotic puerperal cows (n = 10). Liver and blood samples were take

Effects of two levels of quantitative feed restriction for a 7- or 14- days period on broilers blood parameters

Background: Compensatory growth after a feed restriction (FR) period, associated with increased feed intake and digestive adaptation allows the broilers chickens to demonstrate better food conversion efficiency and meat yield when submitted to an early-age food restriction. Differences in levels of feed restriction or on the period of feed restriction need to be adapted to each broilers strain, and should balance an adequate physiological response towards compensatory growth for production of the most suitable carcass, the smallest stress and an adequate immune-competence levels. So far, investigations showed considerable variations concerning broilers response to early life restrictions, physiological associate changes, compensatory growth and fat deposition. This experiment had been done to compare the effects of quantitative feed restriction imposed in different intensities and durations on the blood concentrations of energy, protein and lipid metabolites. Materials, Methods & Results: Five experimental treatments included T1 corresponded to controls (ad libitum); T2 and T4 groups were submitted to 25 and 50% feed restriction for one week; and T3 and T5 were feed deprived in 25 and 50% for two weeks, in three replicates of 10 pieces per treatment. Periods previous and subsequent (up to 42 days) to FR periods were fed ad libitum. All chickens were fed with ad libitum before and after the completion of the restriction period. Feeds were based on corn and soybean meal, and were formulated to contain the same protein and energy levels in all treatments; feed was adapted to the three main phases of the rearing period: the starter period (1-21 days of old), grower period (22-35 days old) and the finisher period (36-42 days old). At the end of the study, at 42 days of age, one bird per group, totalling 3 birds per treatment, was randomly selected for blood collection. Blood samples (1 mL/bird) were collected into EDTA tubes from the wing veins by the end of the experiment, at day 42. Samples were transferred to the laboratory for analysis within 2 h of collection. After centrifugation (3000 g, for 10 min at room temperature) plasma was harvested and stored in eppendorf tubes at -20ºC, until assayed. Severe restriction for a 2 week period showed the highest concentrations for Uric Acid (UAc), Triglycerides, VLDL, as well as the lowest for cholesterol and LDL; also, the highest ratios HDL/LDL were observed in this group, suggesting that birds in this treatment are more susceptible to protein catabolism during fasting and more prone to fat deposition in the carcass. In opposition, mild feed deprived birds showed the highest cholesterol and LDL concentrations in blood along with the lowest UAc, triglycerides and VLDL plasma values; they also showed lower HDL/LDL ratios than controls or severely feed deprived birds. No differences were observed between groups in glucose plasma concentrations. Discussion: The results suggest that feed restriction for longer periods may predispose the bird metabolism for an increased susceptibility for fat deposition, in comparison to the controls or the mild feed restriction treatments. Data gathered in the present study showed that quantitative feed restriction starting by day 8, followed by ad libitum was associated with changes in plasma metabolite concentrations. These changes varied between the two different intensities of FR and the two periods of FR evaluated. The results suggest that, for the same intensity of feed restriction, the length of deprivation may not be a determinant factor in mild FR. However, when severe FR is imposed, the length of FR may be a risk factor for excessive protein catabolism and increased VLDL availability, with the latter favouring precocious fattening of the carcasses. New studies are warranted to strength these results in particular on respect to the establishment of the influences of such changes in plasma metabolites with fatness and fat distribution on broilers.

EFEITO DE ADITIVOS E PLANOS NUTRICIONAIS NO CONSUMO, DESEMPENHO, METABÓLITOS SANGUÍNEOS, ESTRESSE OXIDATIVO EM VACAS LEITEIRAS DE DIFERENTES COMPOSIÇÕES RACIAIS NO PERÍODO DE TRANSIÇÃO

O estudo envolveu dois experimentos com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de estratégias de alimentação sobre o estresse oxidativo, consumo, metabólitos sanguineos, a evolução da produção e composição do leite de vacas de diferentes composições raciais durante o período de transição. Estudo 1:Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com medidas repetidas no tempo e 24 vacas da raça Jersey foram distribuídas nos tratamentos controle - sem a adição de extratos vegetais (CON), adição de 10 gramas/dia de extrato de orégano (EO) e adição de 5,0 g/dia de extrato de chá verde (ECV).O fornecimento de extrato de orégano melhorou a eficiência alimentare a produção de leite em relação ao extrato de chá verde. A adição de extratos vegetais na dieta reduziu o radical livre(ROS) DCFE, contribuindo para redução do estresse oxidativo. Estudo 2:Foi utilizado o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 2x2 (duas composições raciais e dois planos nutricionais no pré parto) com seis repetiçõese medidas repetidas no tempo. Durante 21 dias pré parto, novilhas Girolando F1 (½ Holandês ½ Gir) e Holandês receberam a mesma dieta total misturada (TMR), variando somente a quantidade ofertada (plano nutricional): 1,69 ou1,89% do peso corporal(PC) de matéria seca. No pós parto, os animais receberam dietas semelhantes formuladas conforme as recomendações do NRC (prevista para raça Holandês). O plano nutricional de 1,89% do PC aumentou a concentração de ácidos graxos não esterificados (AGNE) no pré parto,a concentração de glicose no pós parto e o estresse oxidativo durante todo o período experimental em relação ao plano nutricional 1,69% do PC. Os animais da raça Girolando F1apresentaram os maior ECC durante todo o período experimental, menor ingestão de matéria seca no pré e pós parto e menor consumo de energia metabólica no pós parto;aumento da concentração de creatinina e AGNE no pré parto e maior concentração de glicose no pós parto; menor produção de leite, menor concentração de lactose em relação a animais Holandês.Diferenças metabólicas como as concentrações de AGNE, creatinina e glicose entre as composições raciais podem ter influenciado as variáveis indicativas de estresse oxidativo. O plano nutricional 1,89% do PC durante o período seconão deve ser oferecido, independentemente da composição racial. Animais Girolando F1 devem ser manejados de forma distinta de animais Holandês durante o período de transição, pois apresentam diferenças de consumo e metabolismo.

The study was performed based on two trialsand aimed of evaluating the effect of feeding strategies on oxidative stress, consumption, blood metabolites, milk production and milk composition of cows of different racial compositions during the transition period. Trial 1: we used a completely randomized design, with repeated measures along the time, where 24 Jersey cows were distributed in two diets: control - without the addition of plant extracts (CON), addition of 10 grams per day of oregano extract (OE) and addition of 5.0 grams per day of green tea extract (GTE). The supply of OE improvedfeed conversion during the postpartum period and milk production compared to GTE. The addition of plant extracts in the diet reduces the free radical (ROS) DCFE, contributing to the reduction of oxidative stress. Trial 2: A completely randomized experiment design was used, in a 2x2 factorial arrangement (two racial compositions and two nutritional plans in prepartum), with time-repeated measures (during days), with four treatments and six repetitions (heifers) in each treatment. For 21 day before of prepartum, nuluparous females Girolando F1 (½ Holstein ½ Gir) and Holstein received the same total mixed diet (TMR), varying only the amount offered (nutritional plan): 1.69 and 1.89% of (BW) of dry matter. In the postpartum the animals received the same basal diet formulated according to the recommendations of the NRC (predicted for Holstein). The nutritional plane of 1.89% showed a higher concentration of calcium and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in the prepartum, higher concentration of glucose in the postpartum period and greater oxidative stress throughout the experimental period in relation to the nutritional plane 1,69% of the PC. The animals Girolando F1 had the highest ECC during the experimental period, lower intake of dry matter in the pre and postpartum, and lower metabolic energy consumption in the postpartum period; increased creatinine concentration and NEFA in prepartum and higher postpartum glucose concentration; lower milk yield, lower lactose concentration in relation to Hostein animals. Metabolic differences such as the concentrations of NEFA, creatinine and glucose among racial compositions may have influenced the variables indicative of oxidative stress. The nutritional plan 1.89%CP supply during the dry period should not be indicated. Girolando F1 animals should be handled differently from Holstein animals during the transition period, as they exhibit differences in intake and metabolism.