Maternal instinct of imported meat direction cattle and ethology of their calves

The examination of maternal qualities in the ethology of cows and their young offspring, derived from the study on adaptability and productivity of second and third-generation Aberdeen Angus cattle imported to Kazakhstan from Canadian and European selection, is presented in this paper. The findings indicate that Canadian heifers, belonging to the second generation, displayed extended feeding behavior throughout the day, dedicating 33.2 minutes or 2.2% more time to feeding compared to their European counterparts (P < 0.001). Similar disparities between groups were observed in the duration of the ruminant process. Moreover, Canadian heifers consumed water for an additional 2 minutes or 0.6%, which can be attributed to their higher daily feed intake. The calving process of Aberdeen Angus cows generally proceeded smoothly, demonstrating a well-developed maternal instinct towards their offspring. Notably, calves born from Canadian cows exhibited greater agility and achieved the ability to stand on their feet in a shorter time, with an average duration of 41.0 ± 1.60 minutes, which was 11.7% faster than European calves. Additionally, Canadian calves displayed a shorter time to locate their mother's breast, with an average duration of 68.0 ± 7.70 minutes.(AU)

Fetal distress during the last third of pregnancy in bitches - evaluation by Doppler ultrasound imaging

Background: Diagnostic ultrasound has revolutionized obstetric practice. Doppler techniques provided in vivo studies of the fetus-placental and uterus-placental circulations, in an increasingly precise manner. The assessment of fetal well-being is essential in obstetric practice, however, in veterinary medicine, there is a deficit of ultrasound parameters related to fetal distress. The main of this research was to determine the hemodynamic characteristics and behavior, through Doppler ultrasonography, of maternal-fetal vessels during the final third of gestation in bitches with fetuses under stress, as well as correlating them with each other and with fetal distress. Materials, Methods & Results: An observational, prospective study was carried out, in which 30 healthy bitches were examined, during the last third of pregnancy, with fetuses under fetal distress. Fetuses were evaluated in 2 stages: (1st): 50-54 days and (2nd): 55-60 days of gestation. All fetuses were calmly assessed, one by one, and fetal heart rate (FHR) was measured 5 times, for at least 3 min, to identify and confirm fetal distress. At least 3 fetuses were evaluated in each bitch and each measurement was performed in triplicate, setting a hemodynamic mean for each value evaluated. The flow pattern in the middle cerebral artery (MCA), internal carotid artery (ICA) and umbilical artery (UA) was evaluated. The analyzed vessel was initially visualized in B mode, followed by evaluation by color and spectral Doppler. The variables observed were: peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV) and the resistivity (RI) and pulsatility (PI) index, as well as the systole/diastole ratio (S/D). The analysis of RI and PI of the umbilical artery showed a statistically significant difference between the mean values found for the times studied, increasing from time 1 to time 2. For middle cerebral and internal carotid arteries, PI, RI and the relationship systole/diastole (S/D), showed a statistically significant difference between the mean values found for the times studied, decreasing from time 1 to time 2. Discussion: Fetal heart rate (HR) findings are considered normal above 200 beats per minute (bpm), only if preceded by acceleration and deceleration. This fact confirms the presence of fetal stress, by this parameter, for the fetuses in the present study. Corroborating the picture of fetal distress, another study concluded that HR tends to increase up to 20 days before delivery, a fact that did not occur in the study in question, where animals in the same gestational period were evaluated. Recent research has concluded that an elevated umbilical artery PI at 28 weeks of gestation, in the absence of fetal growth restriction or prematurity, is associated with some adverse cognitive findings in 12-year-olds children. In the present study, a progressive increase in this index was observed throughout the final third of pregnancy. Although the pups were not monitored after birth, this data serves as a warning for veterinarians, and can be useful in the assessment and diagnosis of possible postnatal nervous alterations. Like what was found in the present study, a study reported that from the 4th week to birth, the PSV of the umbilical artery (UA) increased almost linearly, with high significance. For the middle cerebral arteries, the PI showed a statistically significant difference between the mean values found for the times studied, however, decreasing throughout the final third of pregnancy.

Behavioral and physiological performance of different gilt breeds during lactation

We evaluated the maternal behavior, physiology, and reproductive performance of both Damin (Min-pig × Large White) and Large White gilts to identify the advantages hybrid sows offer with regard to stress relieve and improvement of the welfare level of sows during late lactation. First-parity Damin gilts (n = 40) and firstparity Large White gilts (n = 40) were farrowed in individual pens. Video surveillance was used to monitor the occurrence of lateral recumbency and compare it to other postures, such as ventral recumbency, defecation, urination, tail posture, sham-chewing, and bar-biting behaviors. Monitoring was conducted from 07:00 to 09:00 h and from 13:00 to 15:00 h on days 3 and 6 of each week from the third to the fifth week postparturition. In addition, the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and salivary α-amylase were assessed. During the fourth week postpartum, Damin gilts showed a higher frequency of postural changes from lateral recumbency to other postures and less ventral recumbency, sham-chewing, and bar-biting behavior compared with Large White gilts. However, no significant differences were found between Damin and Large White gilts with regard to urination, defecation, tail wagging, and "tail low" behaviors. The concentrations of serum interleukin-6, salivary α-amylase, and serum tumor necrosis factor-α were higher in Damin gilts than in Large White gilts during the fifth week postpartum. Damin gilts partly achieve lower stress levels during late lactation and better animal welfare than purebred Large White gilts.(AU)

Maternal behavior in domestic dogs

For the past years, there is an increased interest for maternal behavior in human’s best friend – the dog. Indeed, studies show that the quality of mothering is not only important for the survival of the puppies during the first weeks of life, for the bonding process but recently it shows that it might have a long-lasting impact on the puppies’ future performance. However, how to define and measure maternal behavior? From the early studies to nowadays, the display of acts from the bitch right prior to parturition (preparation phase), and then continuously toward the puppies until weaning are the repertoire of actions that define maternal behavior. For the scientific community, maternal care is quantified as a principal component assessing attitudes that are easy to measure from the dam to the puppies such as: the time spent in contact, time and/or frequency of licking/grooming and time and position of nursing. Though, there is still a need to elucidate different aspects of maternal behavior in the dog, for example the effect of genetics, the impact of the emotional state of the bitch and the quality of maternal behavior, the role of hormones, the possibility to improve maternal behavior, there is some information to share. The idea is to give an overview of maternal behavior that permits veterinarians, breeders to identify and prevent problems to optimize the dog welfare.

Relationship between protective maternal behavior and some reproductive variables in zebu-type cows (Bos indicus)

To determine a possible relationship between protective maternal behavior and some reproductive variables in zebu cows, 30 cow-calf pairs were estrus synchronized at 25 days post-partum. No differences were observed in the number of cows displaying estrus or ovulating between those cows reacting to more calves with higher intensity, and the rest of the herd (P > 0.05). However, significant negative correlations were found between cows reacting to more calves and the presence of follicles (-0.39; P = 0.03), and cows displaying a more intense reaction toward their calf and estrous display (-0.46; P = 0.01). Current results suggest that protective maternal components might affect some reproductive variables.(AU)

Relationship between protective maternal behavior and some reproductive variables in zebu-type cows (Bos indicus)

To determine a possible relationship between protective maternal behavior and some reproductive variables in zebu cows, 30 cow-calf pairs were estrus synchronized at 25 days post-partum. No differences were observed in the number of cows displaying estrus or ovulating between those cows reacting to more calves with higher intensity, and the rest of the herd (P > 0.05). However, significant negative correlations were found between cows reacting to more calves and the presence of follicles (-0.39; P = 0.03), and cows displaying a more intense reaction toward their calf and estrous display (-0.46; P = 0.01). Current results suggest that protective maternal components might affect some reproductive variables.(AU)

Relationship between protective maternal behavior and some reproductive variables in zebu-type cows (Bos indicus)

To determine a possible relationship between protective maternal behavior and some reproductive variables in zebu cows, 30 cow-calf pairs were estrus synchronized at 25 days post-partum. No differences were observed in the number of cows displaying estrus or ovulating between those cows reacting to more calves with higher intensity, and the rest of the herd (P > 0.05). However, significant negative correlations were found between cows reacting to more calves and the presence of follicles (-0.39; P = 0.03), and cows displaying a more intense reaction toward their calf and estrous display (-0.46; P = 0.01). Current results suggest that protective maternal components might affect some reproductive variables.

Performance and maternal-offspring behavior of ewes fed protected fat from palm oil / Desempenho e comportamento materno-filial de ovelhas alimentadas com gordura protegida de óleo de palma

This study aimed to evaluate the performance and maternal-offspring behavior of ewes fed protected fat from palm oil. Forty multiparous ewes with an average age of three years were divided into two treatments, with or without protected fat supplementation (in concentrate). Every 15 days and at the time of lambing, weighing and body condition evaluation of sheep were performed, while lambs were evaluated at birth until weaning. Duration of post-weaning anestrus was obtained through the manifestation of estrus, detected by a vasectomized male. Data were submitted to analysis of variance. No difference was observed between supplementations for body weight, body condition score, and average daily gain during the gestation phase. Ewes fed protected fat had a superiority regarding the body score during the lactation phase. Lambs from ewes supplemented with protected fat were weaned faster, and ewes presented an early estrus. No difference was observed between treatments for maternal-offspring behavior. The use of fat during lactation showed improvement in productive (body condition score) and reproductive (shorter anestrus period) parameters. It also reduces the weaning age of lambs and does not alter maternal-offspring behavior.

O objetivo foi avaliar o desempenho e comportamento materno-filial de ovelhas alimentadas com gordura protegida de óleo de palma. Foram utilizadas 40 ovelhas multíparas com idade média de três anos divididas em dois tratamentos, com ou sem suplementação de gordura protegida (no concentrado). A cada 15 dias e no momento do parto, foram realizadas pesagens e avaliação da condição corporal das ovelhas, enquanto os cordeiros foram avaliados no nascimento até o desmame. A duração do anestro pós-desmame foi obtida através da manifestação do estro, detectada por macho vasectomizado. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância. Verificou-se que na fase de gestação não houve diferença entre as suplementações, para peso vivo, escore de condição corporal e ganho médio diário. Na fase de lactação observa-se superioridade das ovelhas que receberam gordura protegida, no escore corporal. Cordeiros filhos de ovelhas suplementadas com gordura protegida foram desmamados mais rápidos e as ovelhas apresentaram cio mais cedo. Não houve diferença entre os tratamentos para o comportamento materno-filial. O uso da gordura durante a lactação apresentou melhoras em parâmetros produtivo (escore de condição corporal) e reprodutivo (menor período de anestro). Além de reduzir a idade de desmama dos cordeiros e não alterar o comportamento materno-filial.

Performance and maternal-offspring behavior of ewes fed protected fat from palm oil / Desempenho e comportamento materno-filial de ovelhas alimentadas com gordura protegida de óleo de palma

This study aimed to evaluate the performance and maternal-offspring behavior of ewes fed protected fat from palm oil. Forty multiparous ewes with an average age of three years were divided into two treatments, with or without protected fat supplementation (in concentrate). Every 15 days and at the time of lambing, weighing and body condition evaluation of sheep were performed, while lambs were evaluated at birth until weaning. Duration of post-weaning anestrus was obtained through the manifestation of estrus, detected by a vasectomized male. Data were submitted to analysis of variance. No difference was observed between supplementations for body weight, body condition score, and average daily gain during the gestation phase. Ewes fed protected fat had a superiority regarding the body score during the lactation phase. Lambs from ewes supplemented with protected fat were weaned faster, and ewes presented an early estrus. No difference was observed between treatments for maternal-offspring behavior. The use of fat during lactation showed improvement in productive (body condition score) and reproductive (shorter anestrus period) parameters. It also reduces the weaning age of lambs and does not alter maternal-offspring behavior.(AU)

O objetivo foi avaliar o desempenho e comportamento materno-filial de ovelhas alimentadas com gordura protegida de óleo de palma. Foram utilizadas 40 ovelhas multíparas com idade média de três anos divididas em dois tratamentos, com ou sem suplementação de gordura protegida (no concentrado). A cada 15 dias e no momento do parto, foram realizadas pesagens e avaliação da condição corporal das ovelhas, enquanto os cordeiros foram avaliados no nascimento até o desmame. A duração do anestro pós-desmame foi obtida através da manifestação do estro, detectada por macho vasectomizado. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância. Verificou-se que na fase de gestação não houve diferença entre as suplementações, para peso vivo, escore de condição corporal e ganho médio diário. Na fase de lactação observa-se superioridade das ovelhas que receberam gordura protegida, no escore corporal. Cordeiros filhos de ovelhas suplementadas com gordura protegida foram desmamados mais rápidos e as ovelhas apresentaram cio mais cedo. Não houve diferença entre os tratamentos para o comportamento materno-filial. O uso da gordura durante a lactação apresentou melhoras em parâmetros produtivo (escore de condição corporal) e reprodutivo (menor período de anestro). Além de reduzir a idade de desmama dos cordeiros e não alterar o comportamento materno-filial.(AU)

Postural changes, nursing behavior, and production performance of two breeds of sows in enriched environment

This study was performed to compare changes in posture, nursing behavior, and production performance of two breeds of sows. The posture, postural changes, nursing behavior, and production performance of hybrid Damin (Large White × Min pig, n = 32) and Landrace × Large White (n = 32) sows were observed by video recording for 72 h after farrowing and from 07:00 to 09:00 h and 13:00 to 15:00 h within any successive two-day period of each week from the two to five weeks postpartum. The production performances were compared between the two breeds. Except standing at days 1 to 3 postpartum and sitting at day 2 postpartum, there were significant differences in postures between the two breeds of sows. The frequency of ventral-to-lateral recumbency at day 1 and weeks 4 and 5 postpartum and sitting-tolying at days 1 and 3 and weeks 4 and 5 postpartum was significantly lower for the Damin than for Landrace × Large White sows. The frequency of standing-to-lying in the first 72 h postpartum was significantly higher for the Damin than for Landrace × Large White sows. At days 2 and 3 postpartum, piglet loss was significantly lower for the Damin than for Landrace × Large White sows. The duration of parturition and farrowing interval were significantly longer for the Landrace × Large White than for Damin sows. The number of live piglets was higher for the Damin than for Landrace × Large White sows. The birth weight of litters and weaning weight of piglets were lower for Damin than for Landrace × Large White piglets. These data suggest that the Damin sows showed stronger maternal instincts through their behaviors and postural changes compared with the Landrace × Large White sows.(AU)

Protocolo de vocalização ultrassônica em camundongos: uma ferramenta para avaliação do comportamento social / Ultrasonic vocalization protocol in mice: a tool for assessing social behavior

O estudo de desarranjos do neurodesenvolvimento, sejam estes herdados ou adquiridos, necessita da integração cada vez mais aprofundada entre pesquisa básica e abordagem clínica. Apesar da análise do comportamental humano ser essencial para caracterizar e motivar a inovação científica nas várias condições clínicas e/ ou de disfunção social, os estudos comportamentais bem controlados utilizando modelos animais favorecem a ponte do conhecimento entre o laboratório e o clínico populacional. No comportamento social fino e adaptado às espécies animais de experimentação científica, estudos de comunicação ultrassônica em camundongos vem sendo de extrema importância para esclarecimento de achados comportamentais de linguagem em correspondentes em condições humanas. O presente estudo busca consolidar um paradigma de investigação comportamental em linguagem utilizando um modelo murino de linhagem selvagem C57/BL6 no contexto de vocalização ultrassônica na separação materna estabelecida em filhotes pré-adolescentes. Além da determinação e aplicação do protocolo experimental aqui relatado, os resultados demonstraram que não houve diferenças nas idades analisadas e corroboram com os dados descritos em literatura uma vez que ocorreu uma inclinação para comunicação de baixa complexidade.

Neurodevelopmental disorders can be inherited or acquired and requires deeper integration between basic and clinical research. The access and analysis of human behavior patterns are essential to push for scientific innovation in various clinical conditions and/or social dysfunction, but clinical and psychological approach can be challenging to achieve in these conditions. Thus, behavioral studies using animal models in experimental settings favor and advance the understanding of neurodevelopmental disarrangements in human population. In this regard, social behavior testing in fine and elaborate cognitive skills such as ultrasonic vocalization in mice have been extremely important to study behavioral findings of language dysfunction in human condition. Therefore, the present study seeks to consolidate a behavioral investigation paradigm in language using a murine model of wild line C57/BL6 in the context of ultrasonic vocalization in the maternal separation established in pre-adolescent subjects. Besides the establishment and application of the experimental design reported here, the results showed a trend for low complexity communication manifested by the pre-adolescent offspring with no differences regarding age or sex in tested animals.

Protocolo de vocalização ultrassônica em camundongos: uma ferramenta para avaliação do comportamento social / Ultrasonic vocalization protocol in mice: a tool for assessing social behavior

O estudo de desarranjos do neurodesenvolvimento, sejam estes herdados ou adquiridos, necessita da integração cada vez mais aprofundada entre pesquisa básica e abordagem clínica. Apesar da análise do comportamental humano ser essencial para caracterizar e motivar a inovação científica nas várias condições clínicas e/ ou de disfunção social, os estudos comportamentais bem controlados utilizando modelos animais favorecem a ponte do conhecimento entre o laboratório e o clínico populacional. No comportamento social fino e adaptado às espécies animais de experimentação científica, estudos de comunicação ultrassônica em camundongos vem sendo de extrema importância para esclarecimento de achados comportamentais de linguagem em correspondentes em condições humanas. O presente estudo busca consolidar um paradigma de investigação comportamental em linguagem utilizando um modelo murino de linhagem selvagem C57/BL6 no contexto de vocalização ultrassônica na separação materna estabelecida em filhotes pré-adolescentes. Além da determinação e aplicação do protocolo experimental aqui relatado, os resultados demonstraram que não houve diferenças nas idades analisadas e corroboram com os dados descritos em literatura uma vez que ocorreu uma inclinação para comunicação de baixa complexidade.(AU)

Neurodevelopmental disorders can be inherited or acquired and requires deeper integration between basic and clinical research. The access and analysis of human behavior patterns are essential to push for scientific innovation in various clinical conditions and/or social dysfunction, but clinical and psychological approach can be challenging to achieve in these conditions. Thus, behavioral studies using animal models in experimental settings favor and advance the understanding of neurodevelopmental disarrangements in human population. In this regard, social behavior testing in fine and elaborate cognitive skills such as ultrasonic vocalization in mice have been extremely important to study behavioral findings of language dysfunction in human condition. Therefore, the present study seeks to consolidate a behavioral investigation paradigm in language using a murine model of wild line C57/BL6 in the context of ultrasonic vocalization in the maternal separation established in pre-adolescent subjects. Besides the establishment and application of the experimental design reported here, the results showed a trend for low complexity communication manifested by the pre-adolescent offspring with no differences regarding age or sex in tested animals.(AU)

Colony aging affects the reproductive performance of Swiss Webster females used as recipients for embryo transfer

The objective was to evaluate the influence of colony aging in a Swiss Webster (SW) outbred stock used as recipients for embryo transfer. In the first study, a retrospective analysis was performed throughout several generations during a 38-month period in 2,398 embryos transferred to 108 SW recipients. A decrease in the percentage of live pups from transferred embryos was found at the end of the period. Impairment occurred due to the incidence of maternal cannibalism that increased from 0% to 67-100% (P 0.05), while pregnancy rate (pregnant/transferred recipients) and number of pups per delivered female were not affected throughout the period (P=NS). A following study was carried out to compare the reproductive performance of SW stock vs. B6D2F1 hybrid females in a 5-year interval. The study was conducted on a total of 893 embryos transferred to 40 females (20 SW and 20 B6D2F1) in Year /1, and 514 embryos transferred to 30 females (15 SW and 15 B6D2F1) in Year /5. No cases of maternal cannibalism were found on Year /1 in any of the strains (0/10 and 0/10). However, an incidence of 44,4% (4/9) was seen on Year /5 for SW, while for B6D2F1 the incidence was 0% (0/12) (P 0.05). Further examination of the uterus showed endometrial cysts and abnormal implantation sites in SW on Year /5 but not in B6D2F1 females. In conclusion, this study reports an impairment of the reproductive performance of an early aged SW outbred stock colony mainly due to the occurrence of maternal cannibalism. This finding has important implications for embryo transfer programs conducted in mouse facilities.

Colony aging affects the reproductive performance of Swiss Webster females used as recipients for embryo transfer

The objective was to evaluate the influence of colony aging in a Swiss Webster (SW) outbred stock used as recipients for embryo transfer. In the first study, a retrospective analysis was performed throughout several generations during a 38-month period in 2,398 embryos transferred to 108 SW recipients. A decrease in the percentage of live pups from transferred embryos was found at the end of the period. Impairment occurred due to the incidence of maternal cannibalism that increased from 0% to 67-100% (P 0.05), while pregnancy rate (pregnant/transferred recipients) and number of pups per delivered female were not affected throughout the period (P=NS). A following study was carried out to compare the reproductive performance of SW stock vs. B6D2F1 hybrid females in a 5-year interval. The study was conducted on a total of 893 embryos transferred to 40 females (20 SW and 20 B6D2F1) in Year /1, and 514 embryos transferred to 30 females (15 SW and 15 B6D2F1) in Year /5. No cases of maternal cannibalism were found on Year /1 in any of the strains (0/10 and 0/10). However, an incidence of 44,4% (4/9) was seen on Year /5 for SW, while for B6D2F1 the incidence was 0% (0/12) (P 0.05). Further examination of the uterus showed endometrial cysts and abnormal implantation sites in SW on Year /5 but not in B6D2F1 females. In conclusion, this study reports an impairment of the reproductive performance of an early aged SW outbred stock colony mainly due to the occurrence of maternal cannibalism. This finding has important implications for embryo transfer programs conducted in mouse facilities.(AU)

Supplementation levels for suckling female calves under grazing: productive and nutritional performance and metabolic profile / Níveis de suplementação para bezerras lactentes sob pastejo: desempenho produtivo e nutricional e perfil metabólico

The objective in this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation levels on productive and nutritional performance and metabolic profile in suckling female calves under grazing. Forty female calves (averaging 3.5±0.06 months and 127.3±2.68 kg), and their respective dams were distributed in a completely randomized design with two treatments and twenty replicates. The treatments were 1) 4 g kg-1 body weight (BW) of supplement or 2) 6 g kg-1 BW of supplement. Forage and organic matter (OM) intake did not affect (P > 0.05) by levels of supplement, though crude protein and non-fibrous carbohydrates intake were greater (P 0.05) the supplementation levels on OM and CP digestibility. The metabolic profile of the animals was not affected (P > 0.05) by supplementation level. Average daily gain, longissimus dorsi area, fat thickness over rump of the animals did not affect (P > 0.05) by levels of supplement. However, there was trend of increasing (P=0.074) in fat thickness over loin by increase the supplementation level. Although the body growth of animals was similar (P > 0.05) between treatments, there was observed a trend of increase (P=0.064) in ratio BW:Height at the withers by increasing supplementation levels. In conclusion, increasing the supplementation level of 4 to 6 g kg-1 of BW, not improve the productive and nutritional performance and metabolic status in female calves under grazing on creep-feeding system.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos dos níveis de suplementação sobre o desempenho produtivo e nutricional e perfil metabólico de bezerras lactentes sob pastejo. Quarenta bezerras lactentes (média de 3,5 ± 0,06 meses e 127,3 ± 2,68 kg) e suas respectivas foram distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com dois tratamentos e vinte repetições. Os tratamentos foram 1) 4 g kg-1 de peso corporal (PC) de suplemento ou 2) 6 g kg-1 PC de suplemento. O consumo de forragem e matéria orgânica (MO) não foi influenciado (P > 0,05) pelos níveis de suplemento, porém, o consumo de proteína bruta e carboidratos não-fibrosos foi aumentado (P 0,05) dos níveis de suplementação sob a digestibilidade da MO e PB. O perfil metabólico dos animais não foi afetado pelo nível de suplementação (P > 0,05). O ganho médio diário, área de longissimus dorsi, espessura de gordura sobre a garupa dos animais não foram afetados (P > 0,05) pelos níveis de suplementação. No entanto, houve tendência de aumento (P=0,074) na espessura de gordura no lombo pelo aumento do nível de suplementação. Embora o crescimento corporal dos animais foi similar (P > 0,05) entre os tratamentos, observou-se uma tendência de aumento (P=0,064) na relação BW: Altura na cernelha, com o aumento do nível de suplementação, Concluindo, o aumento do nível de suplementação de 4 a 6 g kg-1 de PC, não melhora o desempenho produtivo e nutricional e estado metabólico em bezerras lactentes sob pastejo no sistema de creep feeding.

Supplementation levels for suckling female calves under grazing: productive and nutritional performance and metabolic profile / Níveis de suplementação para bezerras lactentes sob pastejo: desempenho produtivo e nutricional e perfil metabólico

The objective in this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation levels on productive and nutritional performance and metabolic profile in suckling female calves under grazing. Forty female calves (averaging 3.5±0.06 months and 127.3±2.68 kg), and their respective dams were distributed in a completely randomized design with two treatments and twenty replicates. The treatments were 1) 4 g kg-1 body weight (BW) of supplement or 2) 6 g kg-1 BW of supplement. Forage and organic matter (OM) intake did not affect (P > 0.05) by levels of supplement, though crude protein and non-fibrous carbohydrates intake were greater (P < 0.05) by increasing supplementation level. There was no effect (P > 0.05) the supplementation levels on OM and CP digestibility. The metabolic profile of the animals was not affected (P > 0.05) by supplementation level. Average daily gain, longissimus dorsi area, fat thickness over rump of the animals did not affect (P > 0.05) by levels of supplement. However, there was trend of increasing (P=0.074) in fat thickness over loin by increase the supplementation level. Although the body growth of animals was similar (P > 0.05) between treatments, there was observed a trend of increase (P=0.064) in ratio BW:Height at the withers by increasing supplementation levels. In conclusion, increasing the supplementation level of 4 to 6 g kg-1 of BW, not improve the productive and nutritional performance and metabolic status in female calves under grazing on creep-feeding system.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos dos níveis de suplementação sobre o desempenho produtivo e nutricional e perfil metabólico de bezerras lactentes sob pastejo. Quarenta bezerras lactentes (média de 3,5 ± 0,06 meses e 127,3 ± 2,68 kg) e suas respectivas foram distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com dois tratamentos e vinte repetições. Os tratamentos foram 1) 4 g kg-1 de peso corporal (PC) de suplemento ou 2) 6 g kg-1 PC de suplemento. O consumo de forragem e matéria orgânica (MO) não foi influenciado (P > 0,05) pelos níveis de suplemento, porém, o consumo de proteína bruta e carboidratos não-fibrosos foi aumentado (P < 0,05) pelo incremento do nível de suplemento. Não houve efeito (P > 0,05) dos níveis de suplementação sob a digestibilidade da MO e PB. O perfil metabólico dos animais não foi afetado pelo nível de suplementação (P > 0,05). O ganho médio diário, área de longissimus dorsi, espessura de gordura sobre a garupa dos animais não foram afetados (P > 0,05) pelos níveis de suplementação. No entanto, houve tendência de aumento (P=0,074) na espessura de gordura no lombo pelo aumento do nível de suplementação. Embora o crescimento corporal dos animais foi similar (P > 0,05) entre os tratamentos, observou-se uma tendência de aumento (P=0,064) na relação BW: Altura na cernelha, com o aumento do nível de suplementação, Concluindo, o aumento do nível de suplementação de 4 a 6 g kg-1 de PC, não melhora o desempenho produtivo e nutricional e estado metabólico em bezerras lactentes sob pastejo no sistema de creep feeding.(AU)

Perinatal glyphosate-based herbicide impaired maternal behavior by reducing the striatal dopaminergic activity and delayed the offspring reflex development / A administração perinatal do herbicida à base do glifosato prejudicou o comportamento maternal por reduzir a atividade do sistema dopaminérgico estriatal e atrasou o desenvolvimento de reflexos da prole

Glyphosate, a non-selective herbicide, causes in mammals’ cellular mutagenesisand toxic effects at the embryonic, fetal, and placental levels, even at lowconcentrations. This study investigated in rats the effects of perinatal exposureto glyphosate-base herbicide on maternal behavior and the hypothalamic andstriatal levels of dopamine and serotonin. The pup’s physical and behavioraldevelopment were observed. Glyphosate-base herbicide (50 or 150 mg/kg, peros) was administered in dams during gestation (15º gestational day to 7ºlactation day. The female body weight was recorded throughout the pregnancyand lactation. The dams’ reproductive performance was observed at postnatalday 2, the open field behavior at postnatal day 5 and the maternal behavior atpostnatal day 6. At weaning, the dam’s hypothalamic and striatal levels ofdopamine and serotonin were measured. Maternal exposure to both glyphosatebase herbicide doses: i) had few effects on maternal body weight gain; ii)decreased the number and body weight of the pups; iii) impaired the maternalcare; iv) both doses decreased the activity of striatal and hypothalamic dopaminergic systems; v) 50 mg/kg increased and 150 mg/kg decreased theserotoninergic hypothalamic activity. In offspring, no effects on physicaldevelopment but a delay on reflex development. Conclusions: perinatal exposureto glyphosate-base herbicide decreased the maternal care by a reduced striataldopaminergic activity and delayed the pup’s reflex development.

O glifosato é um herbicida não seletivo, que causa mutagênese celular e efeitostóxicos embrionário, fetal e placentário, mesmo em baixas concentrações. Esteestudo investigou, em ratos, os efeitos da exposição perinatal ao herbicida àbase de glifosato sobre o comportamento materno e os níveis hipotalâmicos eestriatais de dopamina e serotonina. O desenvolvimento físico e comportamentaldos filhotes foi observado. O herbicida (50 ou 150 mg / kg, per os) foiadministrado às mães durante a gestação (15º dia gestacional ao 7º dia delactação. O peso corporal foi registrado durante a gestação e lactação Odesempenho reprodutivo das mães foi observado no dia pós-natal 2, ocomportamento de campo aberto no dia pós-natal 5 e o comportamento maternono dia pós-natal 6. Ao desmame os níveis hipotalâmicos e estriatais da dopaminae da serotonina foram medidos. A exposição materna às duas doses do glifosato:i) teve poucos efeitos sobre o ganho de peso corporal materno; ii) diminuiu onúmero e peso corporal dos filhotes; iii) prejudicou o cuidado materno; iv)ambas as doses diminuíram a atividade dos sistemas dopaminérgicos estriatal ehipotalâmico; v) 50 mg / kg e 150 mg / kg do glifosato diminuíram a atividadehipotalâmica serotoninérgica. Na prole, não houve efeitos no desenvolvimentofísico, mas observou-se atraso no desenvolvimento reflexológico. Poucos efeitosna atividade geral do filhote foram observados. Conclusões: a exposiçãoperinatal ao herbicida à base de glifosato diminuiu o cuidado materno por umaatividade redução da atividade dopaminérgica estriatal e atrasou odesenvolvimento dos reflexos dos filhotes.

Perinatal glyphosate-based herbicide impaired maternal behavior by reducing the striatal dopaminergic activity and delayed the offspring reflex development / A administração perinatal do herbicida à base do glifosato prejudicou o comportamento maternal por reduzir a atividade do sistema dopaminérgico estriatal e atrasou o desenvolvimento de reflexos da prole

Glyphosate, a non-selective herbicide, causes in mammals cellular mutagenesisand toxic effects at the embryonic, fetal, and placental levels, even at lowconcentrations. This study investigated in rats the effects of perinatal exposureto glyphosate-base herbicide on maternal behavior and the hypothalamic andstriatal levels of dopamine and serotonin. The pups physical and behavioraldevelopment were observed. Glyphosate-base herbicide (50 or 150 mg/kg, peros) was administered in dams during gestation (15º gestational day to 7ºlactation day. The female body weight was recorded throughout the pregnancyand lactation. The dams reproductive performance was observed at postnatalday 2, the open field behavior at postnatal day 5 and the maternal behavior atpostnatal day 6. At weaning, the dams hypothalamic and striatal levels ofdopamine and serotonin were measured. Maternal exposure to both glyphosatebase herbicide doses: i) had few effects on maternal body weight gain; ii)decreased the number and body weight of the pups; iii) impaired the maternalcare; iv) both doses decreased the activity of striatal and hypothalamic dopaminergic systems; v) 50 mg/kg increased and 150 mg/kg decreased theserotoninergic hypothalamic activity. In offspring, no effects on physicaldevelopment but a delay on reflex development. Conclusions: perinatal exposureto glyphosate-base herbicide decreased the maternal care by a reduced striataldopaminergic activity and delayed the pups reflex development.(AU)

O glifosato é um herbicida não seletivo, que causa mutagênese celular e efeitostóxicos embrionário, fetal e placentário, mesmo em baixas concentrações. Esteestudo investigou, em ratos, os efeitos da exposição perinatal ao herbicida àbase de glifosato sobre o comportamento materno e os níveis hipotalâmicos eestriatais de dopamina e serotonina. O desenvolvimento físico e comportamentaldos filhotes foi observado. O herbicida (50 ou 150 mg / kg, per os) foiadministrado às mães durante a gestação (15º dia gestacional ao 7º dia delactação. O peso corporal foi registrado durante a gestação e lactação Odesempenho reprodutivo das mães foi observado no dia pós-natal 2, ocomportamento de campo aberto no dia pós-natal 5 e o comportamento maternono dia pós-natal 6. Ao desmame os níveis hipotalâmicos e estriatais da dopaminae da serotonina foram medidos. A exposição materna às duas doses do glifosato:i) teve poucos efeitos sobre o ganho de peso corporal materno; ii) diminuiu onúmero e peso corporal dos filhotes; iii) prejudicou o cuidado materno; iv)ambas as doses diminuíram a atividade dos sistemas dopaminérgicos estriatal ehipotalâmico; v) 50 mg / kg e 150 mg / kg do glifosato diminuíram a atividadehipotalâmica serotoninérgica. Na prole, não houve efeitos no desenvolvimentofísico, mas observou-se atraso no desenvolvimento reflexológico. Poucos efeitosna atividade geral do filhote foram observados. Conclusões: a exposiçãoperinatal ao herbicida à base de glifosato diminuiu o cuidado materno por umaatividade redução da atividade dopaminérgica estriatal e atrasou odesenvolvimento dos reflexos dos filhotes.(AU)

Changes in the acute phase proteins and leukogram profile in Dorper lambs during the first six months of life / Alterações no perfil das proteínas de fase aguda e leucograma em cordeiros Dorper durante os seis primeiros meses de vida

The first months in the life of mammals are marked by many challenges, such as acquisition of maternal antibodies, immunological maturity, environmental exposure and food adaptation. These challenges may lead to changes in the concentration of inflammatory markers, as the acute phase proteins (APPs) and leukocytes. The better understanding of these markers behavior in physiological conditions is fundamental for diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis of diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the changes in the APPs and leukogram profile in Dorper lambs from birth until the sixth month of life. Samples were collected from 12 clinically healthy lambs at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 hours and then at 7, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days of age. All lambs were born with a low concentration of haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin. Significant increases occurred in the 48th hour and on the 7th day of life (P < 0.05), respectively. The highest APPs concentration was observed on the 90th day. All leukogram cells varied throughout the experimental period. It was possible to characterize the changes in APPs and leukogram profile from birth to six months of life in Dorper lambs. This study offers new perspectives on the use of APPs in lambs during the first months of life.

Os primeiros meses na vida dos mamíferos são marcados por muitos desafios, como a aquisição de anticorpos maternos, maturidade imunológica, exposição ambiental e adaptação alimentar. Esses desafios podem levar a mudanças na concentração de marcadores inflamatórios, como as proteínas de fase aguda (PFA) e leucócitos. A melhor compreensão do comportamento desses marcadores em condições fisiológicas é fundamental para o diagnóstico, monitoramento e prognóstico de doenças. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi determinar as alterações no perfil das PFA e leucograma em cordeiros Dorper do nascimento ao sexto mês de vida. Foram coletadas amostras de 12 cordeiros clinicamente sadios às 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 horas e aos 7, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 e 180 dias de idade. Todos os cordeiros nasceram com baixa concentração de haptoglobina e ceruloplasmina. Aumentos significativos ocorreram com 48ª hora e 7º dia de vida (P < 0,05), respectivamente. A maior concentração de PFA foi observada no 90º dia. Todas as células do leucograma variaram ao longo do período experimental. Foi possível caracterizar as alterações no perfil das PFA e leucograma do nascimento até seis meses de vida em cordeiros Dorper. Este estudo oferece novas perspectivas sobre o uso das PFA em cordeiros durante os primeiros meses de vida.

Gestation in a mare with facial deviation (Wry Nose) / Gestação em uma égua com desvio facial (Wry Nose)

Background: Wry nose is a congenital deformity that causes respiratory obstruction and decreased oxygenation rate.Gestation in a wry nose mare may be considered a risk to the neonate since it depends on the maternal environment fordevelopment. Compromised oxygenation during pregnancy can lead to fetal distress and cause consequences on fetaldevelopment. However, depending on the degree of the impairment, the fetus may still be able to adapt. The aim of thepresent study was to report the gestation in a mare with facial deviation until term and to assess blood gases in the mareand neonate, and to evaluate the histomorphometry of the placenta.Case: A Criollo breed mare presenting facial deviation (Wry Nose) was donated to Equine Medicine Research Group(ClinEq) of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) due to the presence of the physical deformity. When the mare wasfive years old, it was inseminated and had a pregnancy confirmed. At the fifth month of gestation, evaluation of fetalaorta diameter, fetal orbital diameter and combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) started to be performedmonthly to assess gestation health. The assessment of the fetal orbit and aorta diameter revealed a linear increase of bothvariables with the progress of gestation indicating a normal fetal development. CTUP remained in the normal referencerange, presenting no alterations during the gestational length. The mare foaled at 324 days of gestation a coat showing nocongenital deformities. The foaling was monitored until the complete passage of fetal membranes. A complete clinical andhematological evaluation of the foal was carried out after birth. The foal showed normal adaptive behavior, clinical andhematological parameters during the first hours of life, although presenting physical signs of immaturity. Venous bloodsamples were collected from the mare at 315 days of gestation, immediately after foaling and...