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The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of Acustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) elastography in mammary parenchyma and supramammary lymph nodes, for detection of active mastitis in sheep with naturally infected chronic fibrous lesions. 27 female sheep were included and B-mode ultrasound and ARFI elastography images were obtained, acquiring qualitative (echogenicity and echotexture) and quantitative (shear rate, depth and short/long axis ratio) variables of 48 mammary glands. The glands were divided into three experimental groups: control group (CG) - healthy animals; LSCC- animals that presented fibrous lesions and SCC (somatic cell count) less than 500 x 103 cls/mL; HSCC: animals that presented fibrous lesions and SCC (somatic cell count) more than 500 x 103 cls/mL; The qualitative variables using B-mode ultrasonography, including echotexture and echogenicity, showed no significant differences between the evaluated groups and tissues (p = 0.9336 and p = 0.233, respectively) .In healthy areas of the gland, it was an increasing in shear wave velocity (SWV) in LSCC than in HSCC (p=0.04). When comparing the fibrosis in the LSCC and HSCC groups with their respective normal areas, the velocity increased in both groups: LSCC (p= 0,0007) and HSCC (p= 0,0001). When comparing the areas of fibrosis in LSCC and HSCC with the CG parenchyma, there was an increase in LSCC (p=0.001) and HSCC (p=0.0001). B-mode ultrasound indicate predominance of hypoechoic echogenicity in lymph nodes and reduced short/long axis ratio in cases of active subclinical mastitis. The supramammary lymph node showed increased SWV when comparing the CG with HSCC groups (p=0.02) and GC with LSCC (p=0.04). B-mode ultrasonography is useful for evaluating the mammary parenchyma, however, its application as a standalone diagnostic technique is not recommended. ARFI elastography indicates potential cutoff points for differentiating subclinical mastitis from healed mastitis, highlighting its importance as a tool for distinguishing normal areas from fibrous parenchymal areas. While this study did not establish specific cutoff points due to sample size limitations, further research with larger sample sizes could explore and define these critical thresholds.(AU)

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This study aimed to evaluate the productive and reproductive performance and the nutritional metabolic condition of ewes supplemented at different stages of gestation in a synchronized reproduction system. Fourty Santa Inês × Dorper crossbreed ewes, pregnant with an average age of ten months and two previous births, were distributed in a completely randomized design, with four treatments: mineral salt, supplementation started 20 days before the estrus synchronization (ES) protocol, supplementation from confirmation of pregnancy (60 days after ES), and supplementation in the final third of gestation (90 days after ES). The adoption of supplementation strategies during the beginning, middle, or end of pregnancy changed the intake and digestibility of dry matter (g/day), with a reduction of 10.53 and 9.14%, respectively, for the mineral salt treatment, in addition to organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, non-fibrous carbohydrates, ether extract, and total digestible nutrients, as well as protein, energy, and mineral profiles. There was no difference in the number of ovulations and reproductive and productive performance using supplementation alternatives. Supplementation strategies during the gestation stages influence the intake and digestibility of nutrients, as well as the animal metabolic profiles. However, it does not change reproductive and productive performance.(AU)

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The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combining two injectable progesterone (iP4) formulas for estrous synchronization in ewes and to compare it with traditional intravaginal progesterone devices. Additionally, the study assessed whether the inclusion of GnRH enhances the reproductive outcomes of the iP4 treatment. Two experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, 20 Santa Inês ewes were divided into two groups: one group received intravaginal progesterone devices, and the other received combined long-acting and short-acting iP4. In the second experiment, 30 Corriedale ewes were divided into two groups: one received the combined iP4 with GnRH, and the other without GnRH. Estrous, ovulation, follicular populations, and progesterone concentrations were monitored. The combined iP4 treatment induced an artificial luteal phase and produced reproductive responses similar to those obtained with intravaginal devices. In the first experiment, the iP4 treatment tended to result in more synchronized ovulation compared to the control (P=0.095). In the second experiment, adding GnRH enhanced the quality of the corpus luteum, as indicated by increased diameter and vascularization on Day 23 (P=0.047 and P=0.02, respectively). The combined administration of long-acting and short-acting iP4 effectively synchronized estrous in ewes and showed similar efficacy to traditional intravaginal devices. The inclusion of GnRH improved luteal quality, suggesting potential benefits for reproductive management in ewes. Further studies are needed to evaluate the fertility outcomes of these protocols under field conditions.(AU)

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The objective of this study was to assess the genetic structure and diversity of six Santa Inês sheep flocks from the Central-Northern Brazil. A panel of 20 highly polymorphic and informative microsatellite loci was selected and amplified. The following parameters were obtained: overall mean of number of alleles = 15.4; expected heterozygosity (He) = 0.89; polymorphism information content (PIC) = 0.88; discriminatory capacity = 0.95; combined probability of identity = 1.50 × 10−34; and probability of exclusion = 1.00. The flocks with the lowest and the highest degrees of genetic variability were Farm 6 (He = 0.70, PIC = 0.653, and allelic richness [Ar] = 3.76) and Farm 1 (He = 0.89, PIC = 0.882, and Ar = 4.39), respectively. Indications of genetic bottleneck were observed in all flocks, as well as moderate genetic differentiation, with FST = 0.053, RST = 0.096, and Dest = 0.169. The migration rate in all flocks was high, with a trend towards Farm 1. This finding was not in agreement with the substructure found with the Bayesian admixture analysis and corroborated the array obtained with the principal component analysis and the clustering analysis. The results revealed moderate structuring and high genetic diversity in the flocks. However, management strategies should be reviewed, as evidence of bottleneck and genetic erosion was observed.(AU)

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Cryoprotectants are required to reduce damage caused to the cells due to low temperatures during the cryopreservation. Antifreeze proteins (AFP) have a well-known role in cell membrane protection, while resveratrol is a potent antioxidant. This study assessed the effect of the association of resveratrol concentrations and AFP I in a ram semen extender. Pooled semen of four rams was allocated into six treatments in a factorial arrangement: (CONT, only the semen extender); only AFP I (ANT: 0.1 µg/mL of AFP I), only resveratrol, one treatment with two levels (10 µM/mL or 50 µM/mL of resveratrol); and two treatments with the interactions, with one AFP I and one of the two levels of resveratrol (0.1 µg/mL of AFP I with 10 µM/mL resveratrol; 0.1 µg/mL of AFP I with 50 µM/mL resveratrol). No interaction between factors was observed on sperm kinetics, plasma membrane integrity, hypo-osmotic test, and mitochondrial activity parameters. There was a high probability (P = 0.06) of reducing sperm cells with functional membrane percentage in the hypo-osmotic test and increasing the percentage of sperm with high mitochondrial activity (P = 0.07) was observed in AFP presence. An interaction of AFP and resveratrol was observed in non-capacitated sperm (P = 0.009), acrosomal reaction (P = 0.034), and sperm binding (P = 0.04). In conclusion, the association of resveratrol and AFP did not improve the quality of frozen-thawed semen and even promoted deleterious effects compared to their single addition in the semen extender. The supplementation of 50 µM/mL of resveratrol improved the outcomes of frozen-thawed ram sperm, being a potential cryoprotectant.(AU)

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Since the 1970s, maternal corticosteroid therapy has been used successfully to induce labor. This allows for better monitoring of parturients and provision of first aid to neonates, improving neonatal viability, as this treatment induces maturation in a variety of fetal tissues, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality. Although the effects of corticosteroids are well known, few studies have investigated the influence of this therapy in Santa Inês sheep. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of dexamethasone at two doses (8 and 16 mg) to induce lambing in Santa Inês ewes at 145 days of gestation and assess its effects on neonatal vitality. For this study, 58 ewes raised in an extensive system were investigated. Pregnancy was confirmed after artificial insemination at a set time or after controlled mounting. Ewes were separated into three groups: an untreated control group (G1: 0 mg) and groups treated with two doses of dexamethasone (G2: 8 mg and G3: 16 mg). In total, 79 lambs were born. Their vitality was assessed based on their Apgar score, weight, temperature, and postnatal behavior. SAS v9.1.3 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC) was used to analyze data, considering a 5% significance level for all analyses. The births in the induced groups occurred 48.4 ± 22.1 h after induction, while the ewes that underwent non-induced labor gave birth 131.96 ± 41.9 h after placebo application (p < 0.05), confirming the efficacy of dexamethasone to induce and synchronize labor. The induced and non-induced neonates had similar Apgar scores, temperatures, weights, and postnatal behavioral parameters (p > 0.05). This study showed that inducing labor in Santa Inês ewes at 145 days of gestation with a full (16 mg) or half dose (8 mg) of dexamethasone is an effective technique and does not compromise neonate vitality.(AU)

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O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar como a adição crescente de enzima fibrolítica exógena na dieta de borregas influencia o consumo alimentar, a capacidade digestiva e os metabólitos sanguíneos. O ensaio foi realizado em um quadrado latino (5x5) com cinco tratamentos e cinco repetições, utilizando borregas mestiças Santa Inês x Dorper com peso inicial médio de 46,48 ± 5,60 kg e aproximadamente sete meses de idade. Durante o período de sessenta dias, os animais foram alojados em gaiolas metabólicas individuais. Os tratamentos consistiram em uma dieta controle e quatro níveis crescentes de inclusão de enzima fibrolítica (FIBROZYME®) (0,5%, 1,0%, 1,5% e 2,0% da matéria seca), administrados diariamente no momento de oferta da dieta. Os resultados mostraram que não houve diferença significativa nos consumos de nutrientes (g animal-1 dia-1), peso vivo (%PV-1) e peso metabólico (PV0,75) entre os tratamentos. Também não houve diferença significativa na digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, no peso das fezes e no escore fecal. No entanto, houve diferença significativa no metabólito sanguíneo creatinina, mas não na glicemia dos animais. Conclui-se que a adição de enzima fibrolítica exógena não influencia o consumo alimentar e a glicemia das borregas, mas altera a creatinina plasmática.(AU)

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar como a adição crescente de enzima fibrolítica exógena na dieta de borregas influencia o consumo alimentar, a capacidade digestiva e os metabólitos sanguíneos. O ensaio foi realizado em um quadrado latino (5x5) com cinco tratamentos e cinco repetições, utilizando borregas mestiças Santa Inês x Dorper com peso inicial médio de 46,48 ± 5,60 kg e aproximadamente sete meses de idade. Durante o período de sessenta dias, os animais foram alojados em gaiolas metabólicas individuais. Os tratamentos consistiram em uma dieta controle e quatro níveis crescentes de inclusão de enzima fibrolítica (FIBROZYME®) (0,5%, 1,0%, 1,5% e 2,0% da matéria seca), administrados diariamente no momento de oferta da dieta. Os resultados mostraram que não houve diferença significativa nos consumos de nutrientes (g animal-1 dia-1), peso vivo (%PV-1) e peso metabólico (PV0,75) entre os tratamentos. Também não houve diferença significativa na digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, no peso das fezes e no escore fecal. No entanto, houve diferença significativa no metabólito sanguíneo creatinina, mas não na glicemia dos animais. Conclui-se que a adição de enzima fibrolítica exógena não influencia o consumo alimentar e a glicemia das borregas, mas altera a creatinina plasmática.(AU)

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Twenty-four lambs between four and five months of age were divided into sex classes: uncastrated males, castrated males and females, eight for each treatment, with an average body weight of 27.00 ± 3.13 kg. dry matter and water intakes were higher for uncastrated males (p < 0.001). final body weight, body weight at slaughter, average daily gain and cold carcass weight were greater for uncastrated, intermediate for castrated and lower for females (p < 0.05).hot and cold carcass yields were higher for castrated males and females, respectively. (p < 0.05).based on principal component analysis, twenty-five variables were selected out ofthirty-two, in some of the seven principal components generated, summarizing 21.87% data dimension. Discriminant analysis identified greater discrimination power for body weight at slaughter, thorax width, thorax depth, fatness, dry matter intake and hot carcass weight.All lambs were classified into their respective sex classes. Therefore, uncastrated males have performed betterthan castrated ones and both showedhigher performance than females.Females and castrated males showedhigher carcass yield.Discriminant analysis indicated heterogeneity between sex classes.(AU)

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The objective of this study was to examine the effects of various ventilation modalities in sheep anesthetized with isoflurane or propofol. Twelve healthy adult crossbred ewes, aged 12 months and weighing 32±5 kg, were used in the study. After instrumentation with conscious animals in the right lateral decubitus position, they were administered morphine (0.3 mg kg-1) and detomidine (20 mcg kg-1) as preanesthetic medication. General anesthesia was induced with propofol (4 mg kg-1), followed by intubation. The sheep were then allocated into two groups: PG (n=6), which received continuous infusion of propofol (0.5 mg kg-1 min-1) for maintenance; and IG (n=6), which was maintained with isoflurane inhalation anesthesia (1.3 V %). Each group underwent four different ventilation modalities for 30 min: spontaneous ventilation (SV), volume-cycled mechanical ventilation (VV), pressure-cycled mechanical ventilation (PV), and pressure-cycled mechanical ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure (PPV). Heart rate and cardiac index were higher in the IG, while systemic vascular resistance was higher in the PG. Hemoglobin levels, intrapulmonary shunt fraction, and tidal volume were higher in the PG. Both groups developed metabolic alkalosis. Isoflurane anesthesia resulted in greater hypotension, reduced lung compliance, increased airway resistance, lower PaO2, and higher PaCO2 values across all ventilation modalities. In contrast, PPV led to improved lung compliance, oxygenation index, and higher PaO2 values, with lower intrapulmonary shunt fractions. The study concluded that propofol and PPV provide greater hemodynamic stability in anesthetized sheep.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar diferentes modalidades ventilatórias em ovinos anestesiados com isoflurano ou propofol. Foram utilizadas 12 ovelhas, adultas, mestiças, com 12 meses de idade, pesando 32±5 kg, comprovadamente hígidas. Após instrumentação com os animais conscientes em decúbito lateral direito, foi administrado morfina (0,3 mg kg-1) e detomidina (20 mcg kg-1) como MPA. Foram induzidas à anestesia geral com propofol (4 mg kg-1) e intubadas. Neste momento, foram alocadas em dois grupos: PG (n=6), manutenção com infusão contínua de propofol (0,5 mg kg min-1), e IG (n=6) com anestesia inalatória com isoflurano (1,3 V%). Todas foram mantidas por 30 minutos em cada modalidade ventilatória: ventilação espontânea (VE), ventilação mecânica ciclada a volume (VV), ventilação mecânica ciclada a pressão (VP) e ventilação mecânica ciclada a pressão com PEEP (VPP). A FC e o IC foram maiores em IG e já o IRVS foi maior em PG. Os valores de hemoglobina, fração de shunt intrapulmonar e o volume corrente foram maiores no PG. Os animais apresentaram alcalose metabólica em ambos os grupos. O isoflurano promoveu maior hipotensão, diminuição da complacência pulmonar, aumento da resistência das vias aéreas, menores valores de PaO2 e maiores valores de PaCO2 em todas as modalidades ventilatórias. A VPP promoveu maior complacência pulmonar e índice de oxigenação, maiores valores de PaO2 e menores valores de shunt intrapulmonar. Conclui-se que o propofol e a VPP promoveram maior estabilidade hemodinâmica em ovelhas.(AU)

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Oestrus ovis larvae are obligate parasites of vertebrates and cause cavitary myiasis (oestrosis) in sheep and goats. It is also reported as a zoonosis causing ophthalmomyiasis and nasopharyngeal myiasis. Despite being relatively common in Brazil, epidemiological studies on O. ovis are scarce. Considering that the infestation is influenced by the climate and biomes of the studied region, we aimed to investigate the seasonal prevalence of O. ovis among slaughtered sheep in the northern region of the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The heads of sheep (n=697) slaughtered at a slaughterhouse in the municipality of Terra Nova do Norte (November 2011 to November 2013) were collected to count, catalog, and identify the larvae found in the upper respiratory tract. Overall, 45.77% (319/697) of the animals were infested with 2,412 recovered larvae, 96.89% (2,337/2,412) of which were identified at the species level as O. ovis. Seasonal variations in prevalence ranged from 41% (spring) to 56% (summer); however, no correlation was observed between prevalence and season, mean humidity, or temperature. In conclusion, parasitism by O. ovis in sheep in the studied area, occurs year-round, considering the occurrence of larvae (L1, L2, and L3) throughout the year, probably because of the area's environmental conditions.(AU)

As larvas de Oestrus ovis são parasitas obrigatórios de vertebrados e causam miíase cavitária (estrose) em ovinos e caprinos. Também é relatada como uma zoonose que causa oftalmomíase e miíase nasofaríngea. Apesar de relativamente comum no Brasil, os estudos epidemiológicos sobre O. ovis são escassos. Considerando que a infestação é influenciada pelo clima e biomas da região estudada, objetivou-se investigar a prevalência sazonal de O. ovis entre ovinos abatidos na região norte do estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil. Foram coletadas cabeças de ovinos (n=697) abatidos em frigorífico do município de Terra Nova do Norte (novembro de 2011 a novembro de 2013) para contagem, catalogação e identificação das larvas encontradas no trato respiratório superior. No geral, 45,77% (319/697) dos animais estavam infestados com 2.412 larvas recuperadas, das quais 96,89% (2.337/2.412) foram identificadas em nível de espécie como O. ovis. As variações sazonais na prevalência variaram de 41% (primavera) a 56% (verão); no entanto, não foi observada correlação entre prevalência e estação do ano, umidade média ou temperatura. Conclui-se que o parasitismo por O. ovis em ovinos na área estudada ocorre durante todo o ano, considerando a ocorrência de larvas (L1, L2 e L3) ao longo do ano, provavelmente devido às condições ambientais da área.(AU)

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Using organic residues and bioinputs is a promising and sustainable practice to produce seedlings with forest essences, such as Cedrela fissilis Vell. (cedar), a vulnerable species close to extinction due to intensive exploitation in native areas. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effect of different substrates based on organic residues associated with or without the application of Parachlorella sp. microalgae in the emergence and morphophysiology of C. fissilis seedlings. Sowing was carried out on six substrates: Oxisol with a clayey texture; Oxisol + Parachlorella sp.; Oxisol with sheep manure (3:1, v v­1); Oxisol with sheep manure + Parachlorella sp.; Oxisol with cattle manure (3:1, v v­1); and Oxisol with cattle manure + Parachlorella sp. The addition of organic residues to the soil, especially cattle manure, contributes to increasing the percentage of emergence, plant height, chlorophyll index, CO2 assimilation rate, and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency of Rubisco due to the superior chemical attributes in the substrate, which promote greater physiological efficiency. Organic residues increased the water use efficiency of seedlings. The application of Parachlorella sp. microalgae contributes to increases in the CO2 assimilation rate and stomatal conductance when seedlings are grown only in Oxisol. C. fissilis seedlings produced in the substrate with sheep and cattle manure showed better growth and gas exchange characteristics.

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Plasmodium species are responsible for the transmission of malaria, which is still one of the most dangerous diseases to humans in the world. This study aimed to evaluate the suppressive effect of SB on parasitemia in mice infected with Plasmodium chabaudi infection. A total of 30 disease-free mice were randomly assigned to six groups. The first control non-infected group received only distilled water daily for 7 days by oral route. After being infected with 106 of P. chabaudi in the other five groups, the mice were gavaged with 0.2mL/mice of a solution containing either 25%, 50%, or 100% of SB, respectively. The fifth group orally received 10mg/ kg chloroquine phosphate (CQ). The sixth set of mice served as the infected group. Following the administration of treatments during a suppression test that lasted for five days, a daily examination of blood smears stained with Giemsa was performed. Sheep bile was able to decrease parasitemia nearly to the used reference drug, chloroquine. In addition, bile significantly decreased the diarrhea rate of infection in mice, the survival rate of mice, the parasitemia percentage, and the suppression ratio. The parasite's caused histological change was enhanced by the SB. After treatment, there was also a rise in the amounts of the liver enzymes alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase. Findings indicate that bile has antimalarial activity and can control parasitemia percentage and parasite suppression. We need further investigations to determine the mechanisms of action of the bile in vivo.

As espécies de Plasmodium são responsáveis pela transmissão da malária, que ainda é uma das doenças mais perigosas para os seres humanos no mundo. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito supressor do SB sobre a parasitemia em camundongos infectados com Plasmodium chabaudi. Um total de 30 camundongos livres da doença foram divididos aleatoriamente em seis grupos. O primeiro grupo de controle não infectado recebeu apenas água destilada diariamente por 7 dias por via oral. Depois de serem infectados com 106 de P. chabaudi nos outros cinco grupos, os camundongos foram submetidos à gavagem com 0,2mL/camundongo de uma solução contendo 25%, 50% ou 100% de SB, respectivamente. O quinto grupo recebeu oralmente 10mg/kg de fosfato de cloroquina (CQ). O sexto conjunto de camundongos serviu como o grupo infectado. Após a administração dos tratamentos durante um teste de supressão que durou cinco dias, foi realizado um exame diário de esfregaços de sangue corados com Giemsa. A bile de carneiro foi capaz de reduzir a parasitemia de forma quase semelhante ao medicamento de referência usado, a cloroquina. Além disso, a bile diminuiu significativamente a taxa de diarreia da infecção em camundongos, a taxa de sobrevivência dos camundongos, a porcentagem de parasitemia e a taxa de supressão. A alteração histológica causada pelo parasita foi aprimorada pela SB. Após o tratamento, houve também um aumento nas quantidades das enzimas hepáticas fosfatase alcalina, aspartato aminotransferase e alanina aminotransferase. Os resultados indicam que a bile tem atividade antimalárica e pode controlar a porcentagem de parasitemia e a supressão do parasita. São necessárias mais investigações para determinar os mecanismos de ação da bile in vivo.

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Abstract Naturally occurring mutations in morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) are associated with decreased ovulation rate (OR), litter size (LS), and sterility. It is of a great interest to elucidate BMP15 gene in Cholistani sheep breed to uplift socio-economic status and the knowledge of Cholistani sheep breeding in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. In our study, a total of 50 infertile Cholistani sheep aged between 2-6 years and having no blood relation were screened for BMP15 mutations. For this purpose, a high-quality DNA was extracted from the blood of sheep followed by primer designing, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification, DNA sequencing, and in silico analyses. Out of total 50 samples, 9 samples including case 1 (T3), case 2 (T8), case 3 (T17), case 4 (T22), case 5 (T25), case 6 (T33), case 7 (T40), case 8 (T44), and case 9 (T47) were found positive for a variety of already reported and novel BMP15 mutations. Further in silico analyses of the observed mutations have shown the functional impact of these mutations on different characteristics (molecular weight, theoretical PI, estimated half-life, instability index, sub-cellular localization, and 3D confirmation) of the encoded proteins, possibly altering the normal functionality. In a nutshell, findings of this study have confirmed the possible essential role of the BMP15 mutations in the infertility of the Cholistani sheep.

Resumo Mutações de ocorrência natural na proteína morfogenética 15 (BMP15) estão associadas à diminuição da taxa de ovulação (TO), tamanho da ninhada (TN) e esterilidade. Estudar a BMP15 na raça Cholistani para elevar o status socioeconômico e o conhecimento da criação de ovinos Cholistani no sul de Punjab, Paquistão. Em nosso estudo, 50 ovelhas Cholistani inférteis sem parentesco sanguíneo foram rastreadas para mutações BMP15. Para tanto, um DNA de alta qualidade foi extraído do sangue dessas ovelhas, seguido de concepção do primer, amplificação da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), sequenciamento de DNA e análises in silico. Do total de 50 amostras, 9, incluindo caso 1 (T3), caso 2 (T8), caso 3 (T17), caso 4 (T22), caso 5 (T25), caso 6 (T33), caso 7 (T40), caso 8 (T44) e caso 9 (T47), foram consideradas positivas para uma variedade de mutações BMP15 novas e já relatadas. Mais análises in silico das mutações observadas mostraram o impacto funcional dessas mutações em diferentes características (peso molecular, PI teórico, meia-vida estimada, índice de instabilidade, localização subcelular e confirmação 3D) das proteínas codificadas, possivelmente alterando a funcionalidade normal. Nossos achados confirmaram o possível papel essencial das mutações BMP15 na infertilidade de ovelhas Cholistani.

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The present study evaluated the effect of increasing levels of wet brewery residue (WBR) as a source of roughage on nutrient intake, performance and ingestive behaviour in lambs finished in confinement. Thirty-two uncastrated male lambs were used, weaned at 50 days of age. The treatments comprised increasing levels of WBR as roughage in the diet: 31, 44, 57 and 70%, on a dry-matter. The concentrate consisted of disintegrated corn, soybean meal, calcitic limestone and mineral salt. There was a quadratic effect (P ≤ 0.05) from the increasing levels of WBR on the intake of DM, OM, CP and TCH. The intake of EE, NDF and ADF increased linearly (P ≤ 0.01), while TDN intake showed a linear reduction (P < .0001) for increases in the level of WBR. There was a quadratic effect (P ≤ 0.010) on the average daily weight gain (ADG) from the addition of WBR to the diet. The time spent on feeding and rumination (P ≤ 0.05), expressed in minutes, showed a linear increase. Feeding rate for DM showed decreasing linear behaviour (P ≤ 0.006), while NDF rumination rate showed increasing linear behaviour (P ≤ 0.013) due to the increased levels of WBR in the diet. There was a linear increase in the time spent on each feeding activity (P ≤ 0.007) with the increase in WBR in the diet. Maximum weight gain is achieved when 46.9% WBR is used as a source of roughage in the diet, and this level can be recommended for terminating lambs in confinement.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito de níveis crescentes de resíduo úmido de cervejaria (RUC) como fonte de volume sobre o consumo de nutrientes, desempenho e comportamento ingestivo de cordeiros terminados em confinamento. Foram utilizados 32 cordeiros machos não castrados, desmamados aos 50 dias de idade. Os tratamentos consistiram em níveis crescentes de RUC como volumoso na dieta: 31, 44, 57 e 70%, na matéria seca. O concentrado consistia em milho desintegrado, farelo de soja, calcário calcítico e sal mineral. Houve efeito quadrático (P ≤ 0,05) dos níveis crescentes de RUC sobre o consumo de MS, MO, PB e CHT. O consumo de EE, FDN e FDA aumentou linearmente (P < .0001), enquanto o consumo de NDT apresentou redução linear (P < .0001) para aumentos no nível de WBR. Houve um efeito quadrático (P ≤ 0,010) no ganho de peso médio diário (GMD) da adição de RUC à dieta. O tempo gasto com alimentação e ruminação (P ≤ 0,05) e para mastigação total (P ≤ 0,003), expresso em minutos, apresentou aumento linear. A taxa de alimentação para MS apresentou comportamento linear decrescente (P ≤ 0,006), enquanto a taxa de ruminação da FDN apresentou comportamento linear crescente (P ≤ 0,013) devido ao aumento dos níveis de RUC na dieta. Houve aumento linear no tempo gasto em cada atividade alimentar (P ≤ 0,007) com o aumento da RUC na dieta. O ganho de peso máximo é alcançado quando 46,9% de RUC é usado como fonte de volumoso na dieta, e este nível pode ser recomendado para cordeiros terminados em confinamento.

Resumo

The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield, morphometric traits, and the primal and sub primal cuts of Santa Inês lamb carcasses and their crossbreds with Dorper rams finished in feedlot. Thirty uncastrated lambs of the following genetic groups were used: 10 Santa Inês, 10 ½Dorper + ½Santa Inês and 10 -Dorper + »Santa Inês at 115 days of age averaging 20kg of live body weight. The experiment period was 53 days, preceded by seven days for adaptation. The carcasses of the Dorper crossbred lambs had higher carcass weight and yield, as well as larger thorax and rump width, and larger thorax, rump, and leg perimeter. The carcasses of the Dorper crossbred lambs also showed greater weight for all primal and sub primal carcass cuts, except for the neck. The lamb carcasses of Santa Inês had higher yields of shoulder and neck primal cuts and the carcasses of Dorper crossbred lambs showed higher loin yield. The carcasses of the crossbred lambs had higher yield of sirloin, rump steak, and frenched rack cap. The genetic group influences the linear and circular measures of the lamb carcasses and the weight of primal and sub primal cuts.

Objetivou-se avaliar o rendimento, as características morfométricas e os cortes primários e secundários da carcaça de cordeiros Santa Inês e de suas cruzas com reprodutores Dorper terminados em confinamento. Trinta cordeiros foram utilizados dos seguintes grupos: 10 Santa Inês, 10 ½ Dorper + ½ Santa Inês e 10 - Dorper + » Santa Inês, que apresentaram, no início do experimento, 115 dias de idade média e 20kg de peso vivo médio. O período experimental foi de 53 dias, precedidos de sete dias para adaptação. As carcaças dos cordeiros mestiços Dorper tiveram maiores pesos e rendimentos, bem como maiores larguras do tórax e da garupa e maiores perímetros do tórax, da garupa e da perna. As carcaças dos cordeiros mestiços Dorper também apresentaram maiores pesos para os cortes primários e secundários da carcaça, exceto para o corte do pescoço. As carcaças dos cordeiros Santa Inês apresentaram maiores rendimentos de cortes primários de paleta e pescoço, e as carcaças dos cordeiros mestiços apresentaram maior rendimento do lombo. As carcaças dos cordeiros mestiços obtiveram maiores rendimentos de picanha, lombo e carré francês. O grupo genético influencia medidas lineares e circulares da carcaça de cordeiros e o peso dos cortes primários e secundários.

Resumo

Fasciola species are the causative agents of liver fluke disease (fasciolosis) which is primarily found in domestic and wild ruminants but also are causal agents of fascioliasis in humans. Few reports for the genotyping of Fasciola species in Saudi Arabia were available. This study aimed to identify the Fasciola species infecting sheep using morphology and molecular tools. For that, livers of 500 imported sheep were slaughtered at abattoirs located in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and parasite species were isolated from 28 liver samples and then preserved for subsequent stages in this study. These parasite species were identified as Fasciola hepatica and Fasciolagigantica via morphology and confirmed via the 28S rRNA, ITS-1, COI, and NDI sequences with a close identity for other Fasciola species within the family Fasciolidae. Phylogenetic analysis of the obtained sequences showed that Fasciola isolates from the current study were clustered in one subclade closely related to isolates from Iran, Vietnam, Australia, South Africa, Eastern Europe, India, Egypt, Sudan, Japan, Poland, Spain, Armenia, and Turkey. A combination of data from morphology and molecular analysis could be considered a useful tool for identifying Fasciola species infecting sheep in Saudi Arabia.

As espécies de Fasciola são os agentes causadores da doença da fascíola hepática (fasciolose), encontrada principalmente em ruminantes domésticos e selvagens, mas também são agentes causadores da fasciolíase em humanos. Havia poucos relatos de genotipagem de espécies de Fasciola na Arábia Saudita. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar as espécies de Fasciola que infectam ovinos usando ferramentas morfológicas e moleculares. Para isso, fígados de 500 ovelhas importadas foram abatidos em matadouros localizados em Riad (Arábia Saudita), e espécies de parasitas foram isoladas de 28 amostras de fígado e preservadas para as etapas subsequentes deste estudo. Essas espécies de parasitas foram identificadas como Fasciola hepatica e Fasciola gigantica por meio da morfologia e confirmadas por meio das sequências 28S rRNA, ITS-1, COI e NDI com uma identidade próxima a outras espécies de Fasciola dentro da família Fasciolidae. A análise filogenética das sequências obtidas mostrou que os isolados de Fasciola do presente estudo foram agrupados em um subclado intimamente relacionado a isolados do Irã, Vietnã, Austrália, África do Sul, Europa Oriental, Índia, Egito, Sudão, Japão, Polônia, Espanha, Armênia e Turquia. Uma combinação de dados de morfologia e análise molecular pode ser considerada uma ferramenta útil para identificar espécies de Fasciola que infectam ovinos na Arábia Saudita.

Resumo

Naturally occurring mutations in morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) are associated with decreased ovulation rate (OR), litter size (LS), and sterility. It is of a great interest to elucidate BMP15 gene in Cholistani sheep breed to uplift socio-economic status and the knowledge of Cholistani sheep breeding in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. In our study, a total of 50 infertile Cholistani sheep aged between 2-6 years and having no blood relation were screened for BMP15 mutations. For this purpose, a high-quality DNA was extracted from the blood of sheep followed by primer designing, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification, DNA sequencing, and in silico analyses. Out of total 50 samples, 9 samples including case 1 (T3), case 2 (T8), case 3 (T17), case 4 (T22), case 5 (T25), case 6 (T33), case 7 (T40), case 8 (T44), and case 9 (T47) were found positive for a variety of already reported and novel BMP15 mutations. Further in silico analyses of the observed mutations have shown the functional impact of these mutations on different characteristics (molecular weight, theoretical PI, estimated half-life, instability index, sub-cellular localization, and 3D confirmation) of the encoded proteins, possibly altering the normal functionality. In a nutshell, findings of this study have confirmed the possible essential role of the BMP15 mutations in the infertility of the Cholistani sheep.

Mutações de ocorrência natural na proteína morfogenética 15 (BMP15) estão associadas à diminuição da taxa de ovulação (TO), tamanho da ninhada (TN) e esterilidade. Estudar a BMP15 na raça Cholistani para elevar o status socioeconômico e o conhecimento da criação de ovinos Cholistani no sul de Punjab, Paquistão. Em nosso estudo, 50 ovelhas Cholistani inférteis sem parentesco sanguíneo foram rastreadas para mutações BMP15. Para tanto, um DNA de alta qualidade foi extraído do sangue dessas ovelhas, seguido de concepção do primer, amplificação da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), sequenciamento de DNA e análises in silico. Do total de 50 amostras, 9, incluindo caso 1 (T3), caso 2 (T8), caso 3 (T17), caso 4 (T22), caso 5 (T25), caso 6 (T33), caso 7 (T40), caso 8 (T44) e caso 9 (T47), foram consideradas positivas para uma variedade de mutações BMP15 novas e já relatadas. Mais análises in silico das mutações observadas mostraram o impacto funcional dessas mutações em diferentes características (peso molecular, PI teórico, meia-vida estimada, índice de instabilidade, localização subcelular e confirmação 3D) das proteínas codificadas, possivelmente alterando a funcionalidade normal. Nossos achados confirmaram o possível papel essencial das mutações BMP15 na infertilidade de ovelhas Cholistani.

Resumo

The present research created a tool to measure ultrasound images of the rib eye area in sheep. One hundred twenty-one ultrasound images of sheep were captured, with regions of interest segmented using the U-Net algorithm. The metrics adopted to evaluate automatic segmentations were Dicescore and intersection over union. Finally, a regression analysis was performed using the AdaBoost Regressor and Random Forest Regressor algorithms and the fit of the models was evaluated using the Mean Square Residuals, mean absolute error and coefficient of determination. The values obtained for the Dice metric were 0.94, and for Intersection over Union it was 0.89, demonstrating a high similarity between the actual and predicted values, ranging from 0 to 1. The values of Mean Quadratic Residuals, mean absolute error and coefficient The determination of the regressor models indicated the best fit for the Random Forest Regressor. The U-Net algorithm efficiently segmented ultrasound images of the Longissimus Dorsi muscle, with greater precision than the measurements performed by the specialist. This efficient segmentation allowed the standardization of rib eye area measurements and, consequently, the phenotyping of beef sheep on a large scale.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi o de criar uma ferramenta para mensurar imagens ultrassonográficas da área do olho de lombo em ovinos. Foram capturadas 121 imagens ultrassonográficas de ovinos, a partir das quais foram segmentadas regiões de interesse utilizando o algoritmo u-net. As métricas adotadas para avaliar as segmentações automáticas foram Dicescore e Interseção sobre União. Por fim, foi realizada análise de regressão utilizando os algoritmos AdaBoost Regressor e Random Forest Regressor e o ajuste dos modelos foi avaliado por meio de quadrado médio dos resíduos, erro absoluto médio e coeficiente de determinação (R²). Os valores obtidos para a métrica Dice foram 0,94, e para Interseção sobre União foi 0,89, demonstrando uma alta similaridade entre os valores reais e previstos, variando de 0 a 1. Os valores de quadrado médio dos resíduos, erro absoluto médio e coeficiente de determinação do modelo de regressores indicaram o melhor ajuste para o Random Forest Regressor. O algoritmo U-Net segmentou com eficiência as imagens ultrassonográficas do músculo Longissimus Dorsi, com maior precisão que as medidas realizadas pelo especialista. Essa eficiente segmentação permitiu a padronização das medidas de área de olho de lombo e, consequentemente, a fenotipagem de ovinos de corte em larga escala.

Resumo

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of varying levels of sorghum silage replacement with waste from soybean pre-cleaning (WSPC) on the characteristics of carcass and non-carcass components in feedlot-finished lambs. A total of 32 uncastrated, weaned, Texel x Ile de France crossbreed male lambs, at 60 days of age, were used. The treatments consisted of different levels of WSPC replacing roughage (sorghum silage) at 0, 33.5, 66.5, and 100% on a dry matter (DM) basis. For these replacement levels, the inclusion of WSPC in the ration was 0, 150, 300, and 450 g kg-1 DM. A roughage-to-concentrate ratio of 45:55, also on a DM basis, was applied. The roughage componente consisted of sorghum silage and/or WSPC, while the concentrate contained corn grits, soybean meal, and calcitic limestone. The lambs were slaughtered upon reaching a live weight of 35 kg. The study found no significant differences (P>0.05) in carcass traits across the different levels of WSPC replacement. Among non-carcass components, however, the proportions of liver, pancreas, thymus, and kidneys increased linearly (P≤0.05) with increasing WSPC in the diet. Regarding the filling of the gastrointestinal tract, the content of the rumen, reticulum, small intestine, and total gastrointestinal content decreased linearly (P≤0.05) with greater WSPC in the diet. Waste from soybean pre-cleaning can replace sorghum silage as roughage in feedlot lamb diets without affecting the characteristics of carcass and non-carcass components. A replacement level of up to 100% (inclusion of 450 g kg-1 DM of the ration) is recommended for diets with a roughage-to-concentrate ratio of 45:55.(AU)

O presente experimento teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito de diferentes níveis de substituição da silagem de sorgo por resíduo de pré-limpeza de soja (RPLS) sobre as características da carcaça e dos componentes não carcaça de cordeiros terminados em confinamento. Foram utilizados 32 cordeiros machos, não castrados, cruza Texel x Ile de France, desmamados com 60 dias de idade. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por diferentes níveis de substituição do alimento volumoso (silagem de sorgo) por RPLS em níveis de 0; 33,5; 66,5 e 100% de substituição, em base de matéria seca (MS). Para estes níveis de substituição, a inclusão de RPLS na ração foi 0, 150, 300 e 450 g kg-1 MS. Utilizou-se uma relação volumoso:concentrado de 45:55, com base na matéria seca. As dietas eram compostas por volumoso a base de silagem de sorgo e/ou RPLS, e o concentrado composto por milho desintegrado, farelo de soja e calcário calcítico. Os cordeiros foram abatidos quando atingiram o peso pré-estabelecido de 35 kg de peso vivo. As características das carcaças avaliadas nesse estudo não foram influenciadas (P>0,05) pelos níveis de substituição de silagem de sorgo por RPLS. Quanto às características dos componentes não carcaça, as proporções de fígado, pâncreas, timo e rins aumentaram linearmente (P≤0,05) com o nível de substituição de silagem de sorgo por RPLS nas dietas. Quando avaliado o enchimento do trato gastrintestinal, os conteúdos do rúmen, do retículo, do intestino delgado e o conteúdo gastrintestinal total apresentaram comportamento linear decrescente (P≤0,05) com o aumento de RPLS na dieta. A utilização de RPLS em substituição a silagem de sorgo como alimento volumoso na dieta de cordeiros confinados não altera as características da carcaça e dos componentes não carcaça dos animais, podendo-se recomendar a substituição até o nível de 100% (inclusão de 450 g kg-1 MS da ração), em rações com relação volumoso:concentrado de 45:55.(AU)

Resumo

Follicular dynamics in dairy sheep is poorly understood. This study assessed the follicular dynamics of dairy sheep within and out of the breeding season by observing the effect of two progesterone concentrations (60 and 120 mg) used in vaginal pessaries in pre-synchronization. The experiment was conducted in April/May and October/November using 40 healthy multiparous dairy ewes predominantly of the Lacaune breed, which underwent daily transrectal ultrasound examinations. The number of ovulations (1.35 vs 1.05), ovulatory follicle diameter (mm) (5.97 vs 5.05), length of the luteal phase (11 vs 9.14 days), and length of the estrous cycle (16.83 vs 16.6 days) were assessed within and out of the breeding season, respectively. The sheep out of the breeding season did not present a corpus luteum at the time of insertion of the vaginal pessary, characterizing anestrus. The ovulatory follicle had a larger diameter in the breeding season even with the shorter length of the follicular phase, suggesting higher viability and quality of the ovulated oocyte. The application of exogenous progesterone extends the luteal phase in the breeding season (11 vs 9.14 days). The anestrus observed out of season suggests the need for a higher progesterone concentration in reproductive protocols. Therefore, breeding protocols can be adapted for different seasons, suggesting the use of vaginal pessaries with a higher progesterone concentration (120 mg) out of the breeding season. The data allowed the characterization of follicular dynamics in dairy sheep, demonstrating their differences in each season based on the use of different progesterone doses in pre-synchronization.

A dinâmica folicular em ovelhas leiteiras é pouco compreendida. Neste trabalho foi avaliado a dinâmica folicular de ovelhas leiteiras, dentro e fora da estação reprodutiva observando o efeito de duas concentrações de progesterona (60 e 120mg) utilizadas em pessários vaginais na pré-sincronização. O experimento foi realizado nos meses de abril/maio e outubro/novembro, utilizando 40 ovelhas multíparas leiteiras hígidas, predominantemente da raça Lacaune, que foram submetidas a exames ultrassonográficos diários por via transretal. Na estação reprodutiva foram avaliados o número de ovulações (1,35 vs 1,05), o diâmetro(mm) do folículo ovulatório (5,97 vs 5,05), a duração da fase lútea (11 vs 9,14 dias) e a duração do ciclo estral (16,83 vs 16,6 dias) dentro da estação em comparação com fora da estação reprodutiva respectivamente. Fora da estação as ovelhas não apresentaram corpo lúteo no momento da inserção do pessário vaginal, caracterizando anestro. Mesmo com menor duração da fase folicular, o folículo ovulatório apresentou maior diâmetro na estação reprodutiva, sugerindo maior viabilidade e qualidade do oócito ovulado. A aplicação de progesterona exógena amplia a fase lútea na estação reprodutiva (11 vs 9,14 dias). O anestro observado fora de época sugere a necessidade de maior concentração de progesterona nos protocolos reprodutivos. Desta forma, é possível adaptar protocolos reprodutivos para diferentes épocas, sugerindo o uso de pessários vaginais com maior concentração de progesterona (120 mg) fora da estação reprodutiva. Os dados obtidos permitiram caracterizar a dinâmica folicular em ovelhas leiteiras, demonstrando suas diferenças em cada estação a partir do uso de diferentes doses de progesterona na pré-sincronização