Application of natural antioxidants in animal reproduction / Aplicação de antioxidantes naturais na reprodução animal

Antioxidants are natural or synthetic substances that delay oxidation through one or more mechanisms, such as scavenging free radicals, inhibiting lipid peroxidation, and complexing with metals, inhibiting tissue destruction via oxidation. Antioxidants are commonly used in animal feed and the food industry to prevent the oxidation of animal-origin products. Moreover, natural oxidants are used increasingly in animal reproduction, especially for semen preservation. In this context, this study aimed to review the applications of natural antioxidants in animal reproduction. We observed that the bulk of the natural antioxidants, approximately 80.4%, were commercially acquired and used mainly for semen cooling/freezing (72%) with promising results (90%) in Sus scrofa (boar), Capra aegagrus hircus (goat), Gallus gallus domesticus (rooster), and Ovis aries (ram). However, further studies are needed to help determine the appropriate dosage of natural antioxidants for applications.

Antioxidantes são substâncias naturais ou sintéticas que facilitam o retardo da oxidação por um ou mais mecanismos, como sequestrar radicais livres, inibir a peroxidação lipídica e complexar com metais, inibindo a destruição tecidual via oxidação. Antioxidantes são comumente usados na alimentação animal e na indústria alimentícia para prevenir a oxidação de produtos de origem animal. Além disso, os oxidantes naturais estão sendo cada vez mais aplicados na reprodução animal, principalmente na preservação do sêmen. Nesse contexto, este trabalho teve como objetivo revisar a aplicação de antioxidantes naturais na reprodução animal. Observamos que os antioxidantes naturais foram geralmente adquiridos comercialmente (80,4%) e utilizados principalmente no resfriamento/congelamento de sêmen (72%) com resultados promissores (90%) em Sus scrofa (javali), Capra aegagrus hircus (cabra), Gallus gallus domesticus (galo) e Ovis aries (carneiro). No entanto, mais estudos devem ser realizados para ajudar a regular a dosagem de antioxidantes naturais para sua aplicação.

Molecular characterization and association of lactoferrin gene to subclinical mastitis in goats (Capra hircus)

The study characterized the lactoferrin (Lf) mRNA gene in different goat breeds in the Philippines and determined its association with subclinical mastitis (SCM). The study involved collection of milk at second week of lactation (n=75) and blood samples (n=5) to obtain extracted RNA and using cDNA to amplify Lf gene through polymerase chain reaction. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences were determined and used as reference in the evaluation of phylogenetic relationship. Amplified products were utilized for RFLP analysis before determining the association of the gene with SCM. Results of the study demonstrated that Lf gene in goats registered a molecular weight of 2135. Nucleotide and amino acid sequence of Lf gene revealed high similarity (99%) in Saanen, Anglo-Nubian and Philippine native goats with that of Capra hircus (U53857) Lf gene submitted to GenBank. Phylogenetic studies showed that Lf gene of Anglo-Nubian, Saanen and Native goats clade together with Lf gene of C. hircus (U53857). Three genotypes in goats were documented using the restriction enzymes AluI and HaeIII. Based on the Statistical analysis, association (comp 5.65, p = 0.0308) has been established between the Lf genes of goats with genotype BB to SCM using HaeIII restriction enzyme.(AU)

Anatomical and morphometric study of goat middle ear ossicles (Capra aegagrus hircus) / [Estudo anatômico e morfométrico dos ossículos da orelha média de caprinos (Capra aegagrus hircus)]

The social and economic roles of goat farming in Northeastern Brazil, allied to the fact that the use of goat middle ear ossicles for research and human ear surgery training has not yet been proposed, justify the study of their applicability as an experimental model. The middle ears of 19 goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) from the bone collection of the Laboratory and Didactic Anatomy Museum of Domestic and Wild Animals of the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF) were dissected. The malleus, incus, and stapes were evaluated regarding their macroscopic morphology and biometry (length, width, and height). Ossicle morphology was similar to sheep, human, and bovine morphology. The malleus was 1.3 times heavier and 2.2 times longer than the incus, and 9.0 times heavier and 3.7 times longer than the stapes. The size relationship was positive between the stapes and the malleus and negative between the stapes and the incus. It is concluded that the middle ear size and the anatomical similarities with human ossicles make goats a useful model for experimental scientific studies, reconstructive surgery practice of the ossicular chain, and human ear surgery training.(AU)

Tanto o papel social quanto o econômico da caprinocultura na região Nordeste do Brasil, somados ao fato de que o uso de ossículos da orelha média de caprinos para estudos e treinamento cirúrgico otológico humano ainda não foi proposto, justificam o estudo de sua aplicabilidade como modelo experimental. Foram dissecadas as orelhas médias de 19 caprinos (Capra aegagrus hircus), provenientes do ossuário do Laboratório e Museu Didático de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres - Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco. Martelos, bigornas e estribos tiveram a morfologia macroscópica e a biometria (comprimento, largura e altura) avaliadas. A morfologia dos ossículos assemelhou-se a de ovinos, humanos e bovinos. O martelo foi 1,3 vez mais pesado e 2,2 vezes mais comprido que a bigorna e 9,0 vezes mais pesado e 3,7 vezes mais comprido que o estribo. A relação de tamanho entre o estribo e o martelo foi positiva, e entre o estribo e a bigorna negativa. Conclui-se que o tamanho da orelha média e as semelhanças anatômicas com os ossículos humanos tornam os caprinos um modelo útil para estudos científicos experimentais, prática cirúrgica reconstrutiva da cadeia ossicular e treinamento cirúrgico otológico humano.(AU)

Intake and ruminal parameters of goats fed diets supplemented with vegetable oils

The objective of this study was to evaluate the intake and ruminal parameters of goats fed diets supplemented with vegetable oils. Four rumen-cannulated Saanen goats were allocated to four treatments, which consisted of a control diet and diets with the inclusion of 30 g of canola, sunflower, or soybean oils per kilogram of diet dry matter (DM). The experiment lasted 40 days, which were divided into four 10-day periods. Forage intake was estimated using chromium oxide as an external marker, and supplement intake was determined as the difference between the daily amount supplied and orts. Rumen fermentation parameters were evaluated from samples of rumen fluid collected every 2 h, for 12 h. Rumen pH and short-chain fatty acid and ammonia nitrogen concentrations were measured. There was no effect of lipid supplementation on DM intake. Ether extract intake was highest in the treatments with oil inclusion, and the highest acid detergent fiber intake was obtained with the diet containing canola oil. The pH was highest in the group fed soybean oil and responded quadratically to the collection times. Total short-chain fatty acid and acetic acid concentrations also responded quadratically to the collection times. Propionic and butyric acid concentrations and acetic:propionic acid ratio showed a cubic behavior with the increasing collection times. Canola, sunflower, or soybean oils can be included at 30 g/kg of the diet DM as a strategy to increase the energy density of goat diets.

Pseudo-hermafroditismo masculino em caprino (Capra aegagrus hircus Linnaeus, 1758). Relato de caso / Male pseudo-hermafroditism in goat (Capra aegagrus hircus Linnaeus, 1758). Case report / Pseudo-hermafroditismo masculino en caprino (Capra aegagrus hircus Linnaeus, 1758). Reporte de caso

Anomalias de intersexo são relatadas em diversas espécies animais. Tal fato resulta de falhas durante o desenvolvimento embrionário e fetal, originando animais hermafroditas verdadeiros e pseudo-hermafroditas. Com este trabalho objetivou-se relatar um caso de pseudo- hermafroditismo masculino em caprino ocorrido no município de Manaus – AM. Devido ao crescimento da pecuária no relacionada ao segmento correspondente a criação de caprinos, torna-se essencial para o sucesso da atividade que falhas no manejo reprodutivo sejam corrigidas haja visto que a ocorrência de intersexualidade em caprinos está relacionada principalmente ao caráter mocho dos animais ligados a fatores hereditários. O presente trabalho relata o caso de um caprino mocho, que apresentava- se ao exame clínico, morfologicamente como sendo do sexo feminino, com presença de estrutura vulvar anormal. Ao realizar o estudo anatômico, através da dissecação das estruturas, observou-se órgãos que se assemelhavam tanto aos femininos quanto aos masculinos, com presença de testículos intra-abdominal e órgão apresentando-se semelhante ao útero. Para a correta identificação destes órgãos efetuaram-se estudos histológicos, com a identificação correta e características de cada segmento analisado. De acordo com as estruturas encontradas foi possível diagnosticar o animal como tratando-se de um caso de pseudo-hermafroditismo masculino.

Intersex anomalies have been conducted in several animal species. This fact results from failures during embryonic and fetal development, resulting in true hermaphrodites animals and pseudo-hermaphrodites. This study aimed to report a case of pseudo-hermaphroditism male in goats occurred in the city of Manaus - AM. Due to the growth of livestock farming in related to the corresponding segment goat rearing, it is essential to the success of the activity that failures in reproductive management are corrected given the fact that the occurrence of intersexuality in goats is mainly related to the owl character of animals linked to hereditary factors. This paper reports the case of a goat owl, which proved to clinical examination, morphologically as being female, with the presence of abnormal vulvar structure. Upon anatomical study by dissecting the structures, there was bodies that resembled both to women as to men, with the presence of testicles in the abdomen and body presenting similar to the uterus. For the correct identification of these bodies is effected histological, studies with proper identification and characteristics of each segment analyzed. According to the structures found it was possible to diagnose the animal as in the case of a case of male pseudo-hermaphroditism.

Se informan anomalías de la intersexualidad en varias especies animales. Este hecho resulta de fallas durante el desarrollo embrionario y fetal, dando origen a verdaderos animales hermafroditas y pseudohermafroditas. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo reportar un caso de pseudohermafroditismo masculino en cabras que ocurrió en la ciudad de Manaus - AM. Debido al crecimiento de la ganadería en relación al segmento correspondiente a la cría de cabras, es fundamental para el éxito de la actividad que se corrijan las fallas en el manejo reproductivo ya que la ocurrencia de intersexualidad en cabras se relaciona principalmente con el carácter búho de los animales vinculados a factores hereditarios. El presente trabajo reporta el caso de una cabra búho, que se presentó al examen clínico, morfológicamente como hembra, con la presencia de una estructura vulvar anormal. Al realizar el estudio anatómico, mediante la disección de las estructuras, se observaron órganos que se asemejaban tanto a órganos femeninos como masculinos, con presencia de testículos intraabdominales y un órgano similar al útero. Para la correcta identificación de estos órganos se realizaron estudios histológicos, con la correcta identificación y características de cada segmento analizado. Según las estructuras encontradas, fue posible diagnosticar al animal como un caso de pseudohermafroditismo masculino.

Pseudo-hermafroditismo masculino em caprino (Capra aegagrus hircus Linnaeus, 1758). Relato de caso / Male pseudo-hermafroditism in goat (Capra aegagrus hircus Linnaeus, 1758). Case report / Pseudo-hermafroditismo masculino en caprino (Capra aegagrus hircus Linnaeus, 1758). Reporte de caso

Anomalias de intersexo são relatadas em diversas espécies animais. Tal fato resulta de falhas durante o desenvolvimento embrionário e fetal, originando animais hermafroditas verdadeiros e pseudo-hermafroditas. Com este trabalho objetivou-se relatar um caso de pseudo- hermafroditismo masculino em caprino ocorrido no município de Manaus AM. Devido ao crescimento da pecuária no relacionada ao segmento correspondente a criação de caprinos, torna-se essencial para o sucesso da atividade que falhas no manejo reprodutivo sejam corrigidas haja visto que a ocorrência de intersexualidade em caprinos está relacionada principalmente ao caráter mocho dos animais ligados a fatores hereditários. O presente trabalho relata o caso de um caprino mocho, que apresentava- se ao exame clínico, morfologicamente como sendo do sexo feminino, com presença de estrutura vulvar anormal. Ao realizar o estudo anatômico, através da dissecação das estruturas, observou-se órgãos que se assemelhavam tanto aos femininos quanto aos masculinos, com presença de testículos intra-abdominal e órgão apresentando-se semelhante ao útero. Para a correta identificação destes órgãos efetuaram-se estudos histológicos, com a identificação correta e características de cada segmento analisado. De acordo com as estruturas encontradas foi possível diagnosticar o animal como tratando-se de um caso de pseudo-hermafroditismo masculino.(AU)

Intersex anomalies have been conducted in several animal species. This fact results from failures during embryonic and fetal development, resulting in true hermaphrodites animals and pseudo-hermaphrodites. This study aimed to report a case of pseudo-hermaphroditism male in goats occurred in the city of Manaus - AM. Due to the growth of livestock farming in related to the corresponding segment goat rearing, it is essential to the success of the activity that failures in reproductive management are corrected given the fact that the occurrence of intersexuality in goats is mainly related to the owl character of animals linked to hereditary factors. This paper reports the case of a goat owl, which proved to clinical examination, morphologically as being female, with the presence of abnormal vulvar structure. Upon anatomical study by dissecting the structures, there was bodies that resembled both to women as to men, with the presence of testicles in the abdomen and body presenting similar to the uterus. For the correct identification of these bodies is effected histological, studies with proper identification and characteristics of each segment analyzed. According to the structures found it was possible to diagnose the animal as in the case of a case of male pseudo-hermaphroditism.(AU)

Se informan anomalías de la intersexualidad en varias especies animales. Este hecho resulta de fallas durante el desarrollo embrionario y fetal, dando origen a verdaderos animales hermafroditas y pseudohermafroditas. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo reportar un caso de pseudohermafroditismo masculino en cabras que ocurrió en la ciudad de Manaus - AM. Debido al crecimiento de la ganadería en relación al segmento correspondiente a la cría de cabras, es fundamental para el éxito de la actividad que se corrijan las fallas en el manejo reproductivo ya que la ocurrencia de intersexualidad en cabras se relaciona principalmente con el carácter búho de los animales vinculados a factores hereditarios. El presente trabajo reporta el caso de una cabra búho, que se presentó al examen clínico, morfológicamente como hembra, con la presencia de una estructura vulvar anormal. Al realizar el estudio anatómico, mediante la disección de las estructuras, se observaron órganos que se asemejaban tanto a órganos femeninos como masculinos, con presencia de testículos intraabdominales y un órgano similar al útero. Para la correcta identificación de estos órganos se realizaron estudios histológicos, con la correcta identificación y características de cada segmento analizado. Según las estructuras encontradas, fue posible diagnosticar al animal como un caso de pseudohermafroditismo masculino.(AU)

Random regression models for the evaluation of the growth of goats of the Anglonubian breed / Modelos de regressão aleatória para avaliação do crescimento de caprinos da raça Anglonubiana

A total of 6593 weight records collected from 796 male and female Anglo-Nubian goats aged up to 130 days, offspring from 29 sires and 225 dams, were used to compare models and estimate genetic parameters throughout the growth curve by applying random regression models. Direct and maternal additive genetic effects and direct and maternal permanent environmental effects were included as random in the models. The contemporary groups were included as fixed effects and goat age at kidding was included as a covariable (linear and quadratic). The choice of the best model was based on the AIC, BIC and AICc criteria. Variance estimates of the four random effects increased as the animals aged. Direct heritability (h2) rose from 0.13 to 0.40 with age, whereas maternal heritability showed a low value. Genetic correlations of weight between closer ages were high. The most suitable random regression model to compare the fitting of random effects was that which employed the Legendre polynomials of quadratic order with homogeneous variance (3333-1).(AU)

Utilizaram-se 6593 pesos de 796 caprinos da raça Anglonubiana, coletados em machos e fêmeas com idade até 130 dias, descendentes de 29 reprodutores e 225 matrizes, com o objetivo de se compararem modelos e de se estimarem parâmetros genéticos ao longo da curva de crescimento com aplicação de modelos de regressão aleatória. Nos modelos, incluíram-se os efeitos genéticos aditivos diretos e maternos e os de ambiente permanente diretos e maternos como aleatórios; os grupos de contemporâneos foram incluídos como efeitos fixos, e a idade da cabra ao parto como covariável (linear e quadrática). A escolha do melhor modelo foi realizada pela avaliação dos critérios AIC, BIC e AICc. As estimativas de variâncias dos quatro efeitos aleatórios cresceram de acordo com o aumento da idade. A herdabilidade direta (h2) aumentou de 0,13 a 0,40 com a idade, e a materna apresentou baixo valor. As correlações genéticas do peso entre idades mais próximas foram altas. O modelo de regressão aleatório mais adequado ao se comparar o ajuste dos efeitos aleatórios foi o que empregou polinômios de Legendre de ordem quadrática com variância homogênea (3333-1).(AU)

Heat stress impact on blood biochemical response and plasma aldosterone level in three different indigenous goat breeds

A study was conducted to compare the adaptive ability of three indigenous goat breeds (Osmanabadi,Malabari, and Salem Black) to heat stress. The primary objective of the study was to assess the thermo-tolerant ability of these breeds to heat stress based on the changes in their blood biochemical response and aldosterone concentration. Thirty six-ten months to one year old female goats were randomly allocated into six groups of six animals each as OCON (n=6; Osmanabadi control), OHS (n=6; Osmanabadi heat stress), MCON (n=6; Malabari control), MHS (n=6; Malabari heat stress), SCON (n=6; Salem Black control) and SHS (n=6; Salem Black heat stress). The OCON, MCON, and SCON animals were maintained in the shed while OHS, MHS, and SHS animals were exposed to summer heat stress between 10:00 h to 16:00 h. All the animals had access to ad-libitum feed and water. The duration of the study was 45 days. The results indicated that breed differences (P < 0.01) were established for the levels of plasma glucose, total protein, albumin, and globulin. However, heat stress treatment did not influence these variables. Further, heat stress significantly increased (P < 0.05) plasma cholesterol only in the MHS group. Besides, albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, plasma urea, and plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) did not show any significant variation both among and within the breed for the treatment. However, plasma triglyceride was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in both OHS and SHS groups as compared to their respective control groups. Further, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) showed significant variation for the breed (P < 0.05) as well as treatment (P < 0.05) with a higher concentration in the OHS group. Among the breeds, heat stress induced lower (P < 0.05) plasma aldosterone was established only in the MHS group. Thus, it can be concluded from the results that the Malabari breed which was well known for its survival in a harsh environment in its native tract could not adapt well to the [...](AU)

Random regression models for the evaluation of the growth of goats of the Anglonubian breed / Modelos de regressão aleatória para avaliação do crescimento de caprinos da raça Anglonubiana

A total of 6593 weight records collected from 796 male and female Anglo-Nubian goats aged up to 130 days, offspring from 29 sires and 225 dams, were used to compare models and estimate genetic parameters throughout the growth curve by applying random regression models. Direct and maternal additive genetic effects and direct and maternal permanent environmental effects were included as random in the models. The contemporary groups were included as fixed effects and goat age at kidding was included as a covariable (linear and quadratic). The choice of the best model was based on the AIC, BIC and AICc criteria. Variance estimates of the four random effects increased as the animals aged. Direct heritability (h2) rose from 0.13 to 0.40 with age, whereas maternal heritability showed a low value. Genetic correlations of weight between closer ages were high. The most suitable random regression model to compare the fitting of random effects was that which employed the Legendre polynomials of quadratic order with homogeneous variance (3333-1).(AU)

Utilizaram-se 6593 pesos de 796 caprinos da raça Anglonubiana, coletados em machos e fêmeas com idade até 130 dias, descendentes de 29 reprodutores e 225 matrizes, com o objetivo de se compararem modelos e de se estimarem parâmetros genéticos ao longo da curva de crescimento com aplicação de modelos de regressão aleatória. Nos modelos, incluíram-se os efeitos genéticos aditivos diretos e maternos e os de ambiente permanente diretos e maternos como aleatórios; os grupos de contemporâneos foram incluídos como efeitos fixos, e a idade da cabra ao parto como covariável (linear e quadrática). A escolha do melhor modelo foi realizada pela avaliação dos critérios AIC, BIC e AICc. As estimativas de variâncias dos quatro efeitos aleatórios cresceram de acordo com o aumento da idade. A herdabilidade direta (h2) aumentou de 0,13 a 0,40 com a idade, e a materna apresentou baixo valor. As correlações genéticas do peso entre idades mais próximas foram altas. O modelo de regressão aleatório mais adequado ao se comparar o ajuste dos efeitos aleatórios foi o que empregou polinômios de Legendre de ordem quadrática com variância homogênea (3333-1).(AU)

Heat stress impact on blood biochemical response and plasma aldosterone level in three different indigenous goat breeds

A study was conducted to compare the adaptive ability of three indigenous goat breeds (Osmanabadi,Malabari, and Salem Black) to heat stress. The primary objective of the study was to assess the thermo-tolerant ability of these breeds to heat stress based on the changes in their blood biochemical response and aldosterone concentration. Thirty six-ten months to one year old female goats were randomly allocated into six groups of six animals each as OCON (n=6; Osmanabadi control), OHS (n=6; Osmanabadi heat stress), MCON (n=6; Malabari control), MHS (n=6; Malabari heat stress), SCON (n=6; Salem Black control) and SHS (n=6; Salem Black heat stress). The OCON, MCON, and SCON animals were maintained in the shed while OHS, MHS, and SHS animals were exposed to summer heat stress between 10:00 h to 16:00 h. All the animals had access to ad-libitum feed and water. The duration of the study was 45 days. The results indicated that breed differences (P < 0.01) were established for the levels of plasma glucose, total protein, albumin, and globulin. However, heat stress treatment did not influence these variables. Further, heat stress significantly increased (P < 0.05) plasma cholesterol only in the MHS group. Besides, albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, plasma urea, and plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) did not show any significant variation both among and within the breed for the treatment. However, plasma triglyceride was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in both OHS and SHS groups as compared to their respective control groups. Further, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) showed significant variation for the breed (P < 0.05) as well as treatment (P < 0.05) with a higher concentration in the OHS group. Among the breeds, heat stress induced lower (P < 0.05) plasma aldosterone was established only in the MHS group. Thus, it can be concluded from the results that the Malabari breed which was well known for its survival in a harsh environment in its native tract could not adapt well to the [...]

Evaluation of the proteomic profiles of ejaculated spermatozoa from Saanen bucks (Capra hircus)

The Saanen goat breed has been widely explored in breeding programmes; however, there are few reports about the breed’s genetic and molecular composition. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the proteomic profile of spermatozoa from Saanen breeding goats. Five breeding animals with proven fertility were selected, the spermatozoa were collected, and the protein was extracted. Subsequently, the proteins were separated and analysed by two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry; the proteins were then identified with the SwissProt database. A total of 31 proteins involved in reproduction were identified, including binding proteins on spermatozoa for fusion with the egg, acrosomal membrane proteins, metabolic enzymes, heat shock proteins, cytoskeletal proteins and spermatozoa motility proteins. The characterization of such proteins clarifies the molecular mechanisms of spermatogenesis and the modifications that ensure the success of fertilization.

Evaluation of the proteomic profiles of ejaculated spermatozoa from Saanen bucks (Capra hircus)

The Saanen goat breed has been widely explored in breeding programmes; however, there are few reports about the breeds genetic and molecular composition. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the proteomic profile of spermatozoa from Saanen breeding goats. Five breeding animals with proven fertility were selected, the spermatozoa were collected, and the protein was extracted. Subsequently, the proteins were separated and analysed by two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry; the proteins were then identified with the SwissProt database. A total of 31 proteins involved in reproduction were identified, including binding proteins on spermatozoa for fusion with the egg, acrosomal membrane proteins, metabolic enzymes, heat shock proteins, cytoskeletal proteins and spermatozoa motility proteins. The characterization of such proteins clarifies the molecular mechanisms of spermatogenesis and the modifications that ensure the success of fertilization.(AU)

Metastatic seminoma in a male Alpine goat: clinical and histopathological approach

Background: Seminomas are germ cell tumors mainly originating from spermatogonia in the seminiferous tubules andhas been described in several domestic animal species, even though has rarely been described in goats. Moreover, seminomas tumors are not usually metastatic and rarely trigger paraneoplastic syndrome. In this sense, this is a case report ofa 12-year-old male Alpine goat, suspected of testicular neoplasm based on clinical examination and ultrasound imaging,diagnosed as a seminoma with metastasis in liver by histopathology upon necropsy.Case: A 12-year-old male Alpine goat presented a 10 month history of progressive weight loss, prostration, and scrotalsac enlargement. The major clinical findings were pale conjunctival mucus, bilateral nasal catarrhal secretion, obstructivedyspnea, an increased abdominal component, crackling at trachea auscultation, silence upon lung auscultation of the ventralarea and wheezing upon auscultation of the dorsal area, and enlargement of the left testicle with contralateral atrophy. Atthe Ultrasonography scan, the enlarged left testicle presented architecture loss, as well as circumscribed masses differingin echogenicity and echotexture with scattered small hyperechoic nodules. The shrunken right testicle showed acousticshading across the surface suggestive of calcification. Due to the poor prognosis and regard for animal welfare, the goatwas euthanized. The main necropsy findings on testicles were: enlarged left testicle with white parenchyma on the dorsalside as well as diffuse yellow elliptical lesions of 0.5-2.5 cm on the surface in association with two circumscribed areasat the cranial and caudal poles, firm upon cutting. The right testicle was half the typical size, slightly pale, firm at cuttingof the tunica albuginea, and presented dark parenchyma with abundant calcification dots suggestive of microlithiasis.The histological findings included diffuse tumoral stroma of the left testicle...

Metastatic seminoma in a male Alpine goat: clinical and histopathological approach

Background: Seminomas are germ cell tumors mainly originating from spermatogonia in the seminiferous tubules andhas been described in several domestic animal species, even though has rarely been described in goats. Moreover, seminomas tumors are not usually metastatic and rarely trigger paraneoplastic syndrome. In this sense, this is a case report ofa 12-year-old male Alpine goat, suspected of testicular neoplasm based on clinical examination and ultrasound imaging,diagnosed as a seminoma with metastasis in liver by histopathology upon necropsy.Case: A 12-year-old male Alpine goat presented a 10 month history of progressive weight loss, prostration, and scrotalsac enlargement. The major clinical findings were pale conjunctival mucus, bilateral nasal catarrhal secretion, obstructivedyspnea, an increased abdominal component, crackling at trachea auscultation, silence upon lung auscultation of the ventralarea and wheezing upon auscultation of the dorsal area, and enlargement of the left testicle with contralateral atrophy. Atthe Ultrasonography scan, the enlarged left testicle presented architecture loss, as well as circumscribed masses differingin echogenicity and echotexture with scattered small hyperechoic nodules. The shrunken right testicle showed acousticshading across the surface suggestive of calcification. Due to the poor prognosis and regard for animal welfare, the goatwas euthanized. The main necropsy findings on testicles were: enlarged left testicle with white parenchyma on the dorsalside as well as diffuse yellow elliptical lesions of 0.5-2.5 cm on the surface in association with two circumscribed areasat the cranial and caudal poles, firm upon cutting. The right testicle was half the typical size, slightly pale, firm at cuttingof the tunica albuginea, and presented dark parenchyma with abundant calcification dots suggestive of microlithiasis.The histological findings included diffuse tumoral stroma of the left testicle...(AU)

Diversity of ejaculated sperm proteins in Moxotó bucks (Capra hircus) evaluated by multiple extraction methods

This study aimed to develop protocols for the extraction of sperm proteins from Moxotó goats (Capra hircus) and to compare the resulting proteomic maps. The sperm proteins were isolated using an extraction buffer containing 7 M urea and 2 M thiourea, 20 mM DTT, and one of the following detergents: 1% or 4% CHAPS; 1% or 4% SDS; 1% or 4% Triton X-100; or a combination of CHAPS and SDS. The 1-DE and 2-DE profiles of the isolated proteins revealed that the various isolation methods were efficient. Qualitative and quantitative differences in the 1-DE and 2-DE profiles were observed. 2-DE maps indicated that the amount and diversity of proteins visualized depended on the detergent that was used. Furthermore, this work revealed that the combination of detergents increased the resolution of some spots and retained the characteristics of the individual detergents, depending on their concentrations.

Diversity of ejaculated sperm proteins in Moxotó bucks (Capra hircus) evaluated by multiple extraction methods

This study aimed to develop protocols for the extraction of sperm proteins from Moxotó goats (Capra hircus) and to compare the resulting proteomic maps. The sperm proteins were isolated using an extraction buffer containing 7 M urea and 2 M thiourea, 20 mM DTT, and one of the following detergents: 1% or 4% CHAPS; 1% or 4% SDS; 1% or 4% Triton X-100; or a combination of CHAPS and SDS. The 1-DE and 2-DE profiles of the isolated proteins revealed that the various isolation methods were efficient. Qualitative and quantitative differences in the 1-DE and 2-DE profiles were observed. 2-DE maps indicated that the amount and diversity of proteins visualized depended on the detergent that was used. Furthermore, this work revealed that the combination of detergents increased the resolution of some spots and retained the characteristics of the individual detergents, depending on their concentrations.(AU)

Seroepidemiology of Neospora caninum among goats (Capra hircus) in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil / Soroepidemiologia de Neospora caninum em caprinos (Capra hircus) do estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil

Although goat dairy farms in Brazil may have a higher risk of infection by Neospora caninum than beef farms, risk factor evaluation on a representative population remains to be fully established in Brazil. Accordingly, this study aimed to establish the occurrence of anti-N. caninum antibodies and factors associated with exposure in 406 blood samples from five dairy and three beef goat farms in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Anti-N. caninum antibodies were detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), with samples considered positive when reacting with dilution ≥ 1:50. A total of 106/406 goats (26.11%; 95% CI: 21.96-30.72%) were seroreactive comprising 2/61 (3.28%), 10/45 (22.22%), 13/50 (26.00%), 17/51 (33.33%) to 29/46 (63.04%) in dairy farms, and from 3/54 (5.56%), 12/50 (24.00%) to 20/49 (40.82%) on the beef farms. No significant associations were found in relation to age, gender, dairy versus beef farms, occurrence of abortions or mummified fetuses, and seroreactivity to N. caninum (P>0.05). In conclusion, goat farms in the state of Paraíba showed the highest occurrence of anti-N. caninum antibodies to date in Brazil.(AU)

Embora as criações caprinas de leite no Brasil possam ter maior probabilidade de risco de infecção por Neospora caninum do que as de carne, a avaliação dos fatores de risco em uma população representativa ainda não está totalmente estabelecida no Brasil. Dessa forma, este estudo teve por objetivo estabelecer a soroprevalência de N. caninum e seus fatores associados à exposição em 406 amostras de sangue de cinco fazendas de leite e três de corte provenientes do estado da Paraíba, região Nordeste do Brasil. A detecção de anticorpos anti-N. caninum foi realizada utilizando-se a reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), com as amostras consideradas positivas na diluição ≥ 1:50. No total, 106/406 (26,11%; IC 95%: 21,96-30,72%) caprinos foram sororreagentes, variando de 2/61 (3,28%), 10/45 (22,22%), 13/50 (26,00%), 17/51 (33,33%) a 29/46 (63,04%) em fazendas de leite, e de 3/54 (5,56%), 12/50 (24,00%) a 20/49 (40,82%) em fazendas de corte. Não foram observadas associações significativas entre idade, sexo, criação de leite e carne, ocorrência de abortamentos ou fetos mumificados e sororreatividade para N. caninum (P>0,05). Em conclusão, fazendas de caprinos da Paraíba mostraram as mais altas ocorrências de anticorpos anti-N. caninum até o momento no Brasil.(AU)

Seroepidemiology of Neospora caninum among goats (Capra hircus) in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil / Soroepidemiologia de Neospora caninum em caprinos (Capra hircus) do estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil

Although goat dairy farms in Brazil may have a higher risk of infection by Neospora caninum than beef farms, risk factor evaluation on a representative population remains to be fully established in Brazil. Accordingly, this study aimed to establish the occurrence of anti-N. caninum antibodies and factors associated with exposure in 406 blood samples from five dairy and three beef goat farms in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Anti-N. caninum antibodies were detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), with samples considered positive when reacting with dilution ≥ 1:50. A total of 106/406 goats (26.11%; 95% CI: 21.96-30.72%) were seroreactive comprising 2/61 (3.28%), 10/45 (22.22%), 13/50 (26.00%), 17/51 (33.33%) to 29/46 (63.04%) in dairy farms, and from 3/54 (5.56%), 12/50 (24.00%) to 20/49 (40.82%) on the beef farms. No significant associations were found in relation to age, gender, dairy versus beef farms, occurrence of abortions or mummified fetuses, and seroreactivity to N. caninum (P>0.05). In conclusion, goat farms in the state of Paraíba showed the highest occurrence of anti-N. caninum antibodies to date in Brazil.(AU)

Embora as criações caprinas de leite no Brasil possam ter maior probabilidade de risco de infecção por Neospora caninum do que as de carne, a avaliação dos fatores de risco em uma população representativa ainda não está totalmente estabelecida no Brasil. Dessa forma, este estudo teve por objetivo estabelecer a soroprevalência de N. caninum e seus fatores associados à exposição em 406 amostras de sangue de cinco fazendas de leite e três de corte provenientes do estado da Paraíba, região Nordeste do Brasil. A detecção de anticorpos anti-N. caninum foi realizada utilizando-se a reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), com as amostras consideradas positivas na diluição ≥ 1:50. No total, 106/406 (26,11%; IC 95%: 21,96-30,72%) caprinos foram sororreagentes, variando de 2/61 (3,28%), 10/45 (22,22%), 13/50 (26,00%), 17/51 (33,33%) a 29/46 (63,04%) em fazendas de leite, e de 3/54 (5,56%), 12/50 (24,00%) a 20/49 (40,82%) em fazendas de corte. Não foram observadas associações significativas entre idade, sexo, criação de leite e carne, ocorrência de abortamentos ou fetos mumificados e sororreatividade para N. caninum (P>0,05). Em conclusão, fazendas de caprinos da Paraíba mostraram as mais altas ocorrências de anticorpos anti-N. caninum até o momento no Brasil.(AU)

Sexually inexperienced anestrous goats are able to exhibit sexual behaviours exposed to sexually active bucks

The aim of this study was to determine whether sexually inexperienced females could display proceptivity and receptivity behaviours as the experienced, in the first exposure to males. Three groups of females (n=9 each) were used: i) sexually inexperienced, ii) with complete sexual experience, and iii) with limited sexual experience. Three male goats were subjected to photoperiodic treatment for 2.5 months of long days to stimulate their sexual activity during the natural sexual rest (March-April). During anestrous season, females were exposed to photo-stimulated males. Sexual behaviours were recorded during the first three days post-introduction of the males into female groups, in two daily periods of 20 min each. Sexually inexperienced females and those with complete sexual experience showed higher tail wagging than those with limited sexual experience (P0.05). We concluded that sexually inexperienced anestrous females display proceptivity and receptivity behaviours as those sexually experienced exposed to photo-stimulated males.

Sexually inexperienced anestrous goats are able to exhibit sexual behaviours exposed to sexually active bucks

The aim of this study was to determine whether sexually inexperienced females could display proceptivity and receptivity behaviours as the experienced, in the first exposure to males. Three groups of females (n=9 each) were used: i) sexually inexperienced, ii) with complete sexual experience, and iii) with limited sexual experience. Three male goats were subjected to photoperiodic treatment for 2.5 months of long days to stimulate their sexual activity during the natural sexual rest (March-April). During anestrous season, females were exposed to photo-stimulated males. Sexual behaviours were recorded during the first three days post-introduction of the males into female groups, in two daily periods of 20 min each. Sexually inexperienced females and those with complete sexual experience showed higher tail wagging than those with limited sexual experience (P<0.001). Sexually inexperienced females displayed higher female-female sniffing and emission of urine than those groups with complete and limited sexual experience (P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively). Females with limited sexual experience displayed higher female-female mounts than those groups inexperienced and with complete sexual experience (P<0.05). In addition, females with complete sexual experience displayed higher female-male sniffing than those groups inexperienced and with limited sexual experience (P<0.001). Receptivity behaviour did not differ between female groups (P>0.05). We concluded that sexually inexperienced anestrous females display proceptivity and receptivity behaviours as those sexually experienced exposed to photo-stimulated males.(AU)