Physical and environmental characteristics of the compost barn system and its effects on the physical integrity, reproduction and milk production of dairy cattle: a scoping review

Compost barn (CB), although recent in Brazil, is increasingly gaining popularity among the intensive breeding systems in the dairy sector. This system promises to offer several advantages to producers and animals: such as providing an environment in which milk production is increased and the physical integrity of cattle is improved, reducing mastitis episodes, and promoting thermal comfort for animals. Another factor that highlights CB concerning other intensive systems is the composting process, generated by the deposition of carbon-rich materials (bedding) with nitrogen sources (urine and feces) from animals. For the full benefits of this composting to be achieved, management, especially of bedding, must be carried out correctly, considering the development requirements of the compost, the use of quality organic material, adequate ventilation, and an ideal rate of animal capacity, so that the generation of heat occurs efficiently. However, there is a general lack of information about the CB system. Hence, there is an increasing need for data surveys of Brazilian regions to compare the diversity of materials used in bedding, assessing energy efficiency and performance over time. Therefore, this bibliographical review addressed the main points of the CB system approach, considering that studies such as this are consistently relevant for rural producers, facilitating decisions regarding the implementation and management of the CB system on their farms.

Effects of animal type, handling, and transportation conditions on beef cattle temperament pre-slaughter / Efeito do tipo animal, manejo e condições de transporte no temperamento pré-abate de bovinos de corte

This study aimed to investigate the effects of animal type, on-farm handling, and transport conditions on temperament of beef cattle pre-slaughter. The study evaluated 4,061 cattle batches, averaging 49 animals, with a total of 199,026 cattle. Temperament was evaluated through a behavioral assessment carried out based on the temperament shown by cattle when approached by humans. One of three different temperament scores were assigned to each batch: calm, anxious, or excitable. Excitable temperament was reported in animals subjected to long transport time and distance and high loading density. The degree of carcass fatness was higher in calm animals, followed by anxious animals, with the excited temperament animals having the lowest carcass fatness degree. Older animals showed more excitable temperament, while younger animals showed calmer temperament. The excitable temperament was more evident in horned animals in relation to polled animals. Animal temperament was more reactive in batches with older cattle, low carcass fatness degree, and with more than 20% horned animals. Good handling and loading facilities and procedures at the farm contributed to adequate cattle temperament expression prior to slaughter.

O trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a influência de variáveis relacionadas às condições de manejo e de transporte na expressão do temperamento pré-abate de bovinos de corte. Foram avaliados 4.061 lotes, com média de 49 animais, totalizando 199.026 bovinos. O temperamento foi avaliado por meio da expressão comportamental dos lotes diante da aproximação humana. Foram atribuídas três diferentes classificações de temperamento: "calmo", "ansioso" ou "excitável". Verificou-se temperamento excitável em animais submetidos a longos tempos de transporte, a grandes distâncias e à alta densidade de carga. O grau de gordura na carcaça foi mais elevado em animais "calmos", seguidos dos animais "ansiosos", e menor em animais de temperamento "excitado". Os animais com temperamento excitável eram mais velhos, e aqueles com temperamento calmo eram mais jovem. O temperamento excitável foi mais evidente em animais com a presença de chifres. O temperamento animal foi mais reativo em lotes de bovinos mais velhos, com baixo grau de gordura de carcaça e com mais de 20% de animais com presença de chifres. Boas instalações e condições apropriadas de manejo e de carregamento dos animais contribuem para a expressão adequada do temperamento dos bovinos no pré-abate.

The impact of training on stockpersons' behaviour and cows' fear response

In tropical developing regions, such as Brazil, animal welfare (AW) has been gaining increasing attention, while stockperson job satisfaction, which is intimately related to AW, is often neglected. This research evaluated the effects of AW training on stockpersons' attitudes and behaviour towards dairy cows and the impact on cows' fear of humans. Ten dairy farms with pasture-based systems where animal handlers are farm owners or employees were selected from three regions of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The experiment consisted of four stages: 1) Selection of pasture-based dairy farms; 2) First assessment of attitudes, human behaviour, and cows' flight distance (day one ­ D1); 3) Pre-assessment of owners' and employees' AW knowledge, and training (day two ­ D2); and 4) Final assessment of attitudes, human behaviour, cows' flight distance, and owners' and employees' AW knowledge (day three ­ D3), focusing on the training's effects on human attitudes and behaviour, and cows' fear of humans. Among owners and employees, positive attitudes were more often expressed, and negative attitudes were less frequent on day three (D3) after training. Nevertheless, the expression of positive attitudes by farm owners was less common compared to employees. Stockpersons manifested positive behaviour more frequently at D3 than on day one (D1), before training, in contrast to negative behaviour at D1. Taking all cow handling observations together, including those before and after training, the greatest percentage of negative behaviour was at the time of moving the cows from the holding area to the milking stalls (18% of all observed human behaviour), followed by moving cows out of the milking parlour (17%), positioning cows for milking (15%) and placing/removing the milking suction devices (1%). Positive human behaviour usually occurred when moving cows from the holding area to the milking stalls (21%) and during the positioning of cows for milking (19%). After training, cows' flight distances decreased. In conclusion, the training may have promoted positive human behaviour and reduced the number of fearful cows. Therefore, AW training may positively influence human behaviour, technical expertise, the reduction of fear in cows, and stockpersons' attitudes.(AU)

Sex and animal behavior on yield and bruises in different beef cuts / Sexo e comportamento animal no rendimento e contusões em diferentes cortes de carcaça de bovinos

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of behavioral differences in cattle on bruising on different cuts and on carcass yield. A total of 4,061 lots of cattle were evaluated, which corresponded to 199,026 carcasses. Animal temperament was classified as calm, anxious, or excited. The following carcass cuts were evaluated: round, rump, shin, thin flank, tenderloin, and rib. Of the total number of slaughtered animals, 68.26% had at least one type of bruise with complete removal of the affected tissue. There was an interaction effect between sex and temperament on the occurrence of bruises on the different cuts and on carcass yield. In castrated males, bruises on the round, rump, shin, and tenderloin cuts did not differ between temperament classes, but the excited males showed more bruises on the thin flank and rib cuts. Among the females, for all cuts, the number of bruises was higher (P<0.05) in those with excited temperament than in the anxious and calm animals, which did not differ (P>0.05). Additionally, carcass yield relative to plant weight decreased (P<0.05), with the calm females exhibiting the highest values, followed by those with anxious and excited temperament. In the castrated males, however, although performance declined, those with anxious and excited temperament did not differ (P>0.05). Females and more reactive animals have more bruises on their carcass.(AU)

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar os efeitos das diferenças comportamentais dos bovinos e seus reflexos nas contusões nos diferentes cortes e nos valores de rendimento de carcaça. Foram avaliados 4.061 lotes de bovinos, perfazendo 199.026 mil carcaças. O temperamento animal foi classificado em calmo, ansioso e excitado. Foram avaliados os cortes das carcaças divididas em coxa, alcatra, dianteiro e lombo, vazio e costela. Do total de lotes de animais abatidos, 68,26% apresentaram pelo menos um tipo de contusão com remoção completa do tecido afetado. Ocorreu interação entre o sexo e temperamento animal para os diferentes cortes na ocorrência de contusões e no rendimento de carcaça. Nos machos castrados as contusões dos cortes da coxa, alcatra, dianteiro e lombo não diferiram entre as classes de temperamento, tendo os animais agressivos mais contusões nos cortes do vazio e costela. Nas fêmeas em todos os cortes, as quantidades de contusões verificadas foram superiores (P<0,05) para animais com comportamento excitado do que animais ansiosos e calmos, não ocorrendo diferença entre os mesmos (P>0,05). O rendimento de carcaça em relação do peso de frigorífico quanto as classes comportamentais, nas fêmeas foi decrescente (P<0,05) com maiores valores para animais calmos, seguidos dos animais ansiosos e com menores rendimentos para animais com temperamento excitado, enquanto nos machos castrados, embora o rendimento tenha sido decrescente, animais com temperamento ansioso e excitado não diferiram (P>0,05). Carcaças oriundas de fêmeas e de animais com maior reatividade apresentam mais lesões.(AU)

Controles gestacionales y salud materno-neonatal en gatas / Gestational checking and maternal-neonatal health in cats

El primer punto a tener en cuenta es determinar si el estado de salud de la gata permite incluirla en un plan reproductivo y de ser así cuál es su probabilidad de distocia. Es así que se planifican 3 consultas: la primera durante el celo previo al servicio, la segunda 20 días después del día de los servicios momento en el que se realiza el diagnóstico de gestación y se evalúa el desarrollo de los conceptos gestados si la gata quedó preñada, y la tercera al día 50 de gestación en la cual se realiza un examen de salud y el control del número de fetos gestados mediante Rx. La evaluación del estado de salud de la madre y de los conceptos gestados, así como el desarrollo de los mismos permitirá estimar la fecha probable de parto, y programar la asistencia al parto o una cesárea con mínimos riesgos según sea el caso.(AU)

Collecting information on estrus in cattle using the internet of things / Recolha de informações sobre o cio em bovinos utilizando a internet of things

Monitoring the movements of ruminant animals is one of the most challenging tasks. In animals that act according to their habits, it is difficult to label such movements and transfer them to farmers. Monitoring and recording the movement and behavior of animals on a farm is an adopted method for successfully determining the duration of the estrus cycle in ruminant animals. The Internet is a technology that offers remarkable solutions for such applications. The aim of this study is to determine the hourly step counts and to find the estrus period in the most accurate way with a circuit design applied to the ankles of animals using an IoT-supported microcontroller. The data is transferred to the web environment wirelessly and monitored via wi-fi communication signals. This wireless wearable and network equipment determines the step count and monitors the animal's abnormal body temperature. An IoT-supported microcontroller provides wireless communication, high-speed data transmission, and low power consumption. Insemination was ensured by testing different animals on the application farm. The data is monitored in real-time, and the system gives an alert. Low cost, high reliability, and being able to be watched over the internet are the advantages of the system. This study helped develop new techniques and provided a low-cost proposition for testing wearable technologies on animals.

A monitorização dos movimentos dos animais ruminantes é uma das tarefas mais difíceis. Em animais que agem de acordo com os seus hábitos, é difícil rotular esses movimentos e transferi-los para os agricultores. A monitorização e o registo dos movimentos e do comportamento dos animais numa exploração é um método adoptado para determinar com êxito a duração do ciclo de cio em animais ruminantes. A Internet é uma tecnologia que oferece soluções notáveis para tais aplicações. O objectivo deste estudo é determinar as contagens horárias de passos e encontrar o período de cio da forma mais precisa possível com um design de circuito aplicado aos tornozelos dos animais utilizando um microcontrolador suportado pela IoT. Os dados são transferidos para o ambiente Web sem fios e monitorizados através de sinais de comunicação wi-fi. Este equipamento vestível e de rede sem fios determina a contagem de passos e monitoriza a temperatura corporal anormal do animal. Um microcontrolador suportado pela IoT fornece comunicação sem fios, transmissão de dados a alta velocidade e baixo consumo de energia. A inseminação foi assegurada através de testes com diferentes animais na quinta de aplicação. Os dados são monitorizados em tempo real e o sistema emite um alerta. O baixo custo, a elevada fiabilidade e a possibilidade de ser observado através da Internet são as vantagens do sistema. Este estudo ajudou a desenvolver novas técnicas e forneceu uma proposta de baixo custo para testar tecnologias vestíveis em animais.

Effect of solar radiation on Holstein heifers' physiological variables and grazing behavior

The objective was to assess the physiological and behavioral variables of pasture-raised Holstein heifers on the basis of their coat color. Eight heifers were used, four with black coat, and four with white coat. In the morning and afternoon periods, their physiological variables were measured, namely respiratory rate (RR, mov min. -1), rectal temperature (TR, ºC), and coat surface temperature (TS, ºC). The behavior analysis considered the site (sun or shade), position (standing or lying down), and activities (idleness, rumination, grazing, and others). The data of the physiological variables were assessed through analysis of variance, and significance, through Tukey's test at 5%, while behavioral data were assessed using the Chi-squared test (SAS Software). There was a difference for all of the heifers' physiological variables as a function of coat color (p < 0.0001) and period (p < 0.0001), with black ones showing greater results than white ones as to all physiological variables in the afternoon period (p < 0.0001). Grazing behavior is reduced during the hottest hours of the day. We conclude that solar radiation changes the physiological variables and grazing behavior of pasture-raised Holstein heifers.(AU)

Dependence between behavioural acts and sperm parameters of boars of modern and local breeds of Ukraine

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between behavioural activities and sperm parameters in modern and local breeds of Ukrainian boars. Visual observations were conducted on 30 boars, aged 12 and 24 months, with five boars from each of the following breeds: Large White, Landrace, Ukrainian Meat, Pietrain, intrabreed type of Duroc breed of Ukrainian selection "Steppovyi", and the terminal line "Maxter". Behaviours such as rest, movement, feed, and water intake during 24 hours were recorded. Semen samples were manually collected from each boar and evaluated for quantitative and qualitative indicators of sperm quality and fertilizing capacity according to the "Instructions for Artificial Insemination of Pigs", which included parameters such as ejaculate volume, sperm concentration in the ejaculate, percentage of correctly motile spermatozoa, survival of spermatozoa, and fertilizing ability of boars. The study found that certain behavioural activities significantly influenced the qualitative and quantitative indicators of sperm parameters in boars of different breeds. Specifically, time spent on rest and movement, as well as the index of movement activity (at 12 months of age), significantly (P < 0.05) influenced ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, and the percentage of correctly motile spermatozoa. Moreover, the effect of these behavioural acts on ejaculate volume had a curvilinear character. On the other hand, the survival of spermatozoa and fertilizing ability of boars were mainly determined by their time spent on feed and water intake (at 24 months of age), and the relationship detected in this case was asymptotic.

Effect of lunging exercise program with Pessoa training aid on cardiac physical conditioning predictors in adult horses / Efeito de um programa de exercício utilizando Rédea Pessoa sobre preditores de condicionamento físico em cavalos adultos

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect the Pessoa training aid (PTA) exercise program exerts in some physical conditioning predictors. Eight detrained adult horses were evaluated in 12 sessions of work with PTA (3 sessions per week). All horses used a heart rate monitor and GPS (V800, Polar Electro) and data was used to calculate energy expenditure (EE), net cost of transport (COT), metabolic energy requirement (Pmet), oxygen pulse, oxygen utilization, heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV). The horses were weighted, and the thoracolumbar shape were measured at the level of the 18th (T18), 13th (T13) and 8th (T8) thoracic vertebrae with a flexible ruler before and after the experimental period. Data obtained weekly were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey test (p≤0.05). Data obtained just before and after the experimental period were submitted to paired t test. There was a decrease in left-right asymmetry. In the third week there was an increase in HR, EE, oxygen pulse and oxygen utilization followed by a decrease in the fourth week. The biomechanics related parameters, COT and Pmet decreased week by week. The HRV showed a sympathetic stimulus in the third week followed by a shift to parasympathetic in the fourth week. We conclude that 12 sessions of lunge exercise with PTA contributed to physical condition improvement.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito que um programa de exercício com Rédea Pessoa exerce sobre algumas variáveis de condicionamento físico. Oito cavalos adultos destreinados foram avaliados em 12 sessões de exercício de chão com Rédea Pessoa. Todos os cavalos trabalharam com frequencímetro cardíaco e GPS para a obtenção das frequências cardíacas (HR) e variabilidade de frequência cardíaca (HRV) e cálculos de gasto energético (EE), custo de transporte metabólico (COT), requerimento de energia metabólica (Pmet), pulso de oxigênio e utilização de oxigênio. Também foram avaliadas medidas na altura das vértebras torácicas T18, T13 e T8 com régua flexível antes e depois do experimento quando os animais foram pesados. Os dados obtidos semanalmente foram analisados por ANOVA e Tukey teste (p≤0.05). Os dados obtidos somente antes e após o período experimental foram analisados pelo teste t pareado. Houve diminuição da assimetria entre os lados direito e esquerdo. Na terceira semana houve aumento da FC, EE, pulso de oxigênio e utilização de oxigênio seguido de diminuição na quarta semana. Os parâmetros relacionados à biomecânica, COT e Pmet diminuíram semana a semana. A VFC apresentou estímulo simpático na terceira semana seguido de desvio para parassimpático na quarta semana. Concluiu-se que 12 sessões de exercício com a Rédea Pessoa contribuíram para melhora do condicionamento físico.

Fontes de dieta líquida no aleitamento artificial e seu impacto no desenvolvimento ponderal de bezerras leiteiras: revisão de literatura / Sources of liquid diet in artificial feeding and its impact on the ponderal development of dairy calves: literature review

A criação de bezerras é uma das atividades mais complexas em uma propriedade leiteira. Desde o nascimento, o desempenho máximo deve ser priorizado, pois o sucesso no aleitamento leva ao aumento do peso vivo ao desmame e à futura produção de leite. Existem diferentes formas de fornecer leite aos bezerros, e uma delas é o aleitamento artificial, onde os animais recebem a dieta líquida em baldes, mamadeiras ou recipientes semelhantes. Neste tipo de aleitamento, diferentes fontes de dieta líquida podem ser utilizadas como o leite integral, os sucedâneos lácteos e o leite não comercializável ou leite de descarte. Independentemente do método de aleitamento, a quantidade de leite a ser oferecida deverá atender às exigências do animal para melhor desempenho futuro. A presente revisão de literatura avaliou as diferentes fontes de dieta líquida empregadas no aleitamento artificial de bezerras e o seu impacto no desenvolvimento ponderal desses animais na fase de cria.(AU)

Raising calves is one of the most complex activities on a dairy farm. From birth, maximum performance should be prioritized, since successful breastfeeding leads to an increase in live weight at weaning and the future milk production. There are different ways for providing milk to calves, one of them is artificial feeding, where animals are fed the liquid diet in buckets, bottles, or similar. In this type of breastfeeding, there are several sources of liquid diet that could be applied as whole milk, dairy substitutes, and non-marketable milk or waste milk. Regardless of the breastfeeding method, the amount of milk to be offered must meet the requirements of the animal, for the best future performance. This literature review evaluated different sources of liquid diet in artificial feeding and its impact on the weight development of dairy calves in this rearing phase.(AU)

Influence of oral health on the facial expressions and on the acupuncture examination in equines / Inflluência da saúde da cavidade oral na expressão facial e exame de acupuntura em equinos

The present study investigated the influence of oral health on horses' facial expression, reactivity of the acupuncture points and the perception of trainers and owners. We investigated 87 adult horses involved in sports or working activities. Pain was scored in person and by photography by an evaluator "blinded" to the animals' dental condition, using the Horse Grimace Scale (HGS). The acupuncture examination was performed by the same evaluator. Animals were evaluated before (T0) and 15 days (T1) after dental treatment. All horses included in the study had dental disorders. Statistically significant results were seen in median HGS scoring (3 vs. 1, p = 0.001) and number of reactive acupoints (11.2±5.6 vs. 4±2.9, p = 0.001). Additionally, complaints by the trainers/owners were lower at T1 compared with T0. There was a reduction in the pain reaction to application of pressure on following acupoints: dental point (44 vs. 4), Stomach-7 (31 vs. 3), Tiple-Heater (TH)-17 (27 vs. 4), and TH-16 (22 vs. 4). We concluded that acupuncture can be an adjunct method for diagnosis of dental disorders and treatment follow-up.

Este estudo avaliou a influência da saúde bucal na saúde geral de cavalos, por meio da expressão facial, do exame de acupuntura e da percepção geral dos treinadores/proprietários. Avaliaram-se 87 cavalos adultos, envolvidos em atividades esportivas ou de trabalho. A dor foi avaliada pela Horse Grimace Scale, presencialmente e por fotografia, por um avaliador que desconhecia a condição dos animais. Os exames de acupuntura foram realizados sempre pelo mesmo avaliador. As avaliações ocorreram antes (T0) e 15 dias (T1) após o tratamento odontológico. Todos os cavalos estudados apresentavam alterações odontológicas. Observou-se redução significativa na mediana do escore de dor (3 vs. 1, P = 0,001), no número de acupontos reativos (11,2±5,6 vs. 4±2,9, P = 0,001) e nas reclamações dos responsáveis em T1 em relação a T0. Também houve redução na sensibilidade nos acupontos 'ponto do dente' (44 vs. 4), estômago-7 (31 vs. 3), triplo aquecedor (TA)-17 (27 vs. 4) e TA-16 (22 vs. 4). Concluindo, o presente estudo mostrou que a acupuntura pode auxiliar no diagnóstico de problemas odontológicos e no acompanhamento pós-tratamento da cavidade bucal.

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)

Characterization of intronic SNP located in candidate genes influencing cattle temperament

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of intronic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on temperament traits in a Brahman cattle population. The SNP located in CACNG4, EXOC4, NRXN3, and SLC9A4 candidate genes were genotyped in 250 animals with temperament records of exit velocity, pen score, and temperament score. Rs3423464051:G>A in the CACNG4 gene was associated with exit velocity and temperament score. An in silico analysis of the five intronic SNP showed that alternative alleles of CACNG4-rs3423464051, EXOC4-rs109393235, and SLC9A4-rs109722627 SNP could alter branch point sites during splicing, while a protein-protein interaction network analysis demonstrated a GRIA2 gene-mediated interaction between CACNG4 and NRXN3. The present results support previously reported evidence regarding bovine temperament-related candidate genes, particularly CACNG4, which is a confirmed candidate gene in need of more detailed analyses to reveal its role in temperament-related traits.(AU)

Doxorubicin nephrotoxicity in cats (Felis catus) with malignant mammary neoplasms / Nefrotoxicidade da doxorrubicina em gatas (Felis catus) com neoplasias mamárias malignas

The aim of the study was to investigate the nephrotoxicity of doxorubicin in cats with malignant neoplasms of the mammary gland. All selected cats did not present comorbidities such as nephropathies and/or cardiomyopathies, confirmed by physical and laboratory tests, underwent radical mastectomy associated with regional lymph node excision and were treated with a protocol based on doxorubicin. Renal markers of urea, creatinine, symmetrical dimethylarginine were evaluated during all the treatment, and two months after the end. Abdominal ultrasound, urinalysis and biochemical analysis of protein, urinary creatinine and urinary GGT were performed in the beginning and two months after the end of the treatment, to evaluate possible renal alterations. Six cats did not present renal alterations in any exams performed during the study. Two cats presented azotemia during this study, and one of them stopped the treatment early, because of the intense azotemia. Clinical imaging and laboratory monitoring of patients throughout the treatment is essential, including the measurement of analytes that detect kidney changes early. Thus, it is emphasized that doxorubicin is a safe drug for use in non-nephropathic cats.

O objetivo do estudo foi investigar a nefrotoxicidade da doxorrubicina em gatas com neoplasias malignas da glândula mamária. Todas as gatas selecionadas não apresentaram comorbidades como nefropatias e/ou cardiomiopatias, comprovadas por exames físicos e laboratoriais, foram submetidas à mastectomia radical associada à exérese de linfonodos regionais e tratadas com protocolo baseado em doxorrubicina. Os marcadores renais ureia, creatinina, dimetilarginina simétrica foram avaliados durante todo o tratamento e dois meses após o término. Ultrassonografia abdominal, urinálise e análise bioquímica de proteínas, creatinina urinária e GGT urinária foram realizadas no início e dois meses após o término do tratamento, para avaliar possíveis alterações renais. Seis gatas não apresentaram alterações renais em nenhum dos exames realizados durante o estudo. Duas gatas apresentaram azotemia durante este estudo, e uma delas interrompeu o tratamento precocemente, devido à intensa azotemia. A individualidade de cada paciente deve ser sempre considerada, pois são muitas as variáveis. O monitoramento clínico, com exames complementares, tais como bioquímicos séricos e de imagem dos pacientes durante todo o tratamento, é essencial, especialmente a mensuração de analitos que detectam alterações renais precocemente. Diante disso, ressalta-se que a doxorrubicina é um medicamento seguro para utilização em gatas não nefropatas.

Strategic diagnosis of a property specialized in breeding, rearing and finishing beef cattle in the southern region of Piauí

This study aimed to perform a strategic diagnosis on a property specialized in breeding, rearing and finishing beef cattle in the southern region of Piauí. It was conducted at Agropecuária Alvorada, located in the countryside, municipality of Bom Jesus, PI, Brazil. The farm develops the full cycle of beef cattle production, which is divided into breeding, rearing and finishing. A SWOT analysis (which stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) was carried out, consisting of an assessment of the property's internal and external environments. To evaluate the internal environment, an interview was held for data collection by means of questionnaires. The evaluation included: breeding management, sanitary management, nutritional management, infrastructure, workforce, technologies used in pasture formation, conservation and recovery, pasture management and zootechnical indices. To analyze the external environment, a group of people (experts) with deep knowledge of the subject addressed during the study was used as source of information. A matrix was generated with all the information from the SWOT analysis, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, culminating with the establishment of strategies to increase the productive efficiency of the cattle raising activity.(AU)

Key points for the thermal comfort of water buffaloes in Eastern Amazon / Pontos-chave do conforto térmico de bubalinos na Amazônia Oriental

This study presented relevant aspects about the Amazonian environment and how it impacts the thermal comfort of domestic buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) raised in the Eastern Amazon. Furthermore, strategies for monitoring and mitigating animal heat stress are presented, based on research results with the species. Although domestic buffaloes are considered adaptable animals, exposure to intense solar radiation causes thermal discomfort. This condition is expressed in biophysical indicators, in metabolic, endocrine, behavioral responses, and in body thermographic patterns. Therefore, the biometeorological monitoring of production is crucial to support decision-making regarding environmental management strategies, genetic selection of thermotolerant individuals, and increase in animal welfare. Lastly, the use of silvopastoral systems can help to provide higher thermal comfort, which is a condition that directly impacts the productivity of milk and meat buffaloes when they are raised in tropical regions, such as in the Eastern Amazon.

Objetivou-se apresentar aspectos relevantes sobre o ambiente amazônico e como este impacta no conforto térmico de búfalos domésticos (Bubalus bubalis) criados na Amazônia Oriental. Adicionalmente, são apresentadas estratégias para monitoramento e mitigação do estresse térmico animal, a partir de resultados de pesquisa com a espécie. Apesar dos búfalos domésticos serem considerados animais adaptáveis, a exposição à intensa radiação solar provoca desconforto térmico. Essa condição é expressa em indicadores biofísicos, nas respostas metabólicas, endócrinas, comportamentais e nos padrões termográficos corporais. Assim, o monitoramento biometeorológico da produção é crucial para subsidiar tomadas de decisão em relação a estratégias de manejo ambiental, seleção genética de indivíduos termotolerantes e incremento do bem-estar animal. Por fim, o uso de sistemas silvipastoris pode auxiliar na oferta de maior conforto térmico, que é uma condição que impacta diretamente na produtividade de bubalinos de leite e carne, quando estes são criados em regiões tropicais, como na Amazônia Oriental.

Cetose subclínica e seu impacto no desempenho reprodutivo de vacas leiteiras: revisão de literatura / Subclinical ketosis and its impact on the reproductive performance of dairy cows: literature review

A cetose, conhecida também como acetonemia, é um distúrbio metabólico que afeta principalmente vacas leiteiras de alta produção. A elevação anormal de corpos cetônicos nos tecidos e fluidos corporais do animal ocorre devido a um déficit de energia. A quantidade de alimento/nutrientes ingeridos não é suficiente para suprir a demanda corporal do mesmo, assim como a eficiência reprodutiva que está diretamente ligada à saúde, condição corporal e sua capacidade de produção. Animais de alta produção possuem um desafio muito grande de aumentar a produção a cada lactação, com isso, estão susceptíveis a mudanças metabólicas, entre elas a cetose, clínica ou subclínica. Tal enfermidade ocorre devido a uma má adaptação metabólica do animal a sua nova condição de lactante. A elevada incidência de doenças uterinas no pós-parto de vacas leiteiras é responsável por inúmeros prejuízos para a atividade, principalmente pela redução da eficiência reprodutiva das vacas acometidas por infecções. Contudo, visto que a cetose subclínica prevalece nos rebanhos leiteiros de alta produção, o objetivo desta revisão de literatura é apresentar a patogenia e os efeitos que esse distúrbio metabólico têm sobre a reprodução das vacas de aptidão leiteira no após o parto, utilizando de indicadores como taxa de prenhez, taxa de concepção, retorno a ciclicidade, intervalo entre partos e intervalo entre parto e estro.(AU)

Ketosis, also known as acetonemia, is a metabolic disorder that primarily affects high-yielding dairy cows. The abnormal elevation of ketone bodies in the animal's tissues and body fluids occurs due to an energy deficit. The amount of food/nutrients ingested are not enough to supply the body's demand, as well as the reproductive efficiency that is directly linked to health, body condition and its production capacity. High production animals have a very big challenge to increase production with each lactation, therefore, they are susceptible to metabolic changes, including clinical or subclinical ketosis. Such a disease occurs due to a poor metabolic adaptation of the animal to its new lactating condition. The high incidence of uterine diseases in the postpartum period of dairy cows is responsible for numerous losses to the activity, mainly for the reduction of the reproductive efficiency of cows affected by infections. However, since subclinical ketosis prevails in high production dairy herds, the objective of this literature review is to present the pathogenesis and the effects that this metabolic disorder has on the reproduction of dairy cows in the postpartum period, using indicators such as pregnancy rate, conception rate, return to cyclicity, calving interval and calving-estrus interval.(AU)

Accuracy evaluation of two portable blood glucose meters in feline patients using whole blood samples / Avaliação da acurácia de dois glicosímetros portáteis em amostras de sangue total de pacientes felinos

Using portable blood glucose meters (PBGMs) to measure blood glucose (BG) concentration is a common procedure in veterinary practice. Our objective was to evaluate the analytical and clinical accuracy of a human PBGM (Accu-Chek Performa®), (AC) and a veterinary PBGM (GlucoCalea®), (GC) in feline patients. Central venous blood samples were collected from 48 cats at a Brazilian Veterinary teaching hospital. Two devices from each model were used and compared to a reference method (RM). Analytical accuracy was assessed according to ISO 15197:2013 requirements for human PBGMs. Data were compared using Wilcoxon's nonparametric test and represented by Bland-Altman plots. Hematocrit's effect on BG measurements was evaluated by the Spearman correlation coefficient. Clinical accuracy was determined using error grid analysis (EGA). Values of BG were significantly higher in all PBGMs compared to the RM. Although ISO's analytical accuracy requirements could not be met by any of the devices, AC meters were more accurate than GC meters. All AC measurements - but not GC ones - were within zones A and B of the EGA, meeting ISO requirements for clinical accuracy. Significant hematocrit interference was observed in all devices. Therefore, AC showed greater accuracy compared to GC using feline whole blood samples.

O uso de glicosímetros portáteis (GPs) para aferição da glicemia é um procedimento comum na rotina clínica veterinária. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a acurácia analítica e clínica de um GP humano (Accu-Chek Performa®), (AC) e um GP veterinário (GlucoCalea®), (GC) em gatos. Amostras de sangue venoso central foram coletadas de 48 gatos atendidos em um hospital veterinário-escola no Brasil. Foram utilizados dois GPs de cada modelo e comparados a um método de referência (MR). A acurácia analítica foi avaliada de acordo com os requisitos estipulados pela ISO 15197:2013 para GPs de uso humano. Os dados foram comparados pelo teste não-paramétrico de Wilcoxon e representados em gráficos de Bland-Altman. O efeito do hematócrito sobre os valores de glicemia foi avaliado pelo coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. A acurácia clínica foi avaliada pela análise da grade de erros (AGE). Em comparação com o MR, os valores de glicemia foram maiores em todos os GPs avaliados. Nenhum deles atendeu aos requisitos da ISO quanto à acurácia analítica, mas o AC mostrou-se mais acurado que o GC. Todos os valores de glicemia obtidos pelos GPs humanos - mas não pelos GPs veterinários - estiveram dentro das zonas A e B da AGE, demonstrando acurácia clínica de acordo com as exigências da ISO. A interferência do hematócrito da amostra mostrou-se significativa em todos os aparelhos testados. Portanto, o AC apresentou maior acurácia quando comparado ao GC em amostras de sangue total em felinos.

Sex and slaughter weight on carcass traits and non-carcass components of horses / Sexo e peso de abate sobre as características de carcaça e componentes não-carcaça de cavalos

The study evaluated the effect of sex and slaughter weight on carcass traits and non-carcass components of 1,489 horses (739 geldings and 750 females, classified into eight groups according to their weight). Data were analyzed under a completely randomized design. Geldings had a higher (P < 0.05) hot carcass yield (HCY) and cold carcass yield (CCY) than females; however, fat yellowness values (b*) were greater (P < 0.05) in females. Slaughter weight (SW) affected the carcass characteristics. Hot carcass weight (HCW), cold carcass weight (CCW), HCY, and CCY increased (P < 0.05) in accordance with slaughter weight, while cool loss percentage (CL%) was lower (P < 0.05) in horses weighing more than 300 kg. In addition, the non-carcass components decreased (P < 0.05) as the weight of the horses increased. In conclusion, sex and body weight are factors to consider in the production of equine meat since they affect carcass characteristics and non-carcass components.

O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do sexo e do peso ao abate sobre as características de carcaça e componentes não-carcaça de 1.489 cavalos (739 machos castrados e 750 fêmeas, classificados em oito grupos de acordo com o peso). Os dados foram analisados em um desenho inteiramente casualizado. Os semeadores apresentaram maior rendimento de carcaça quente (HCY) e fria (CCY) do que as fêmeas, porém o amarelecimento da gordura (b*) foi maior nas fêmeas. O peso ao abate (SW) afetou as características de carcaça. HCW, CCW, HCY e CCY aumentaram de acordo com o peso de abate, enquanto CL% foi menor em equinos com peso superior a 300 kg. Além disso, os componentes não-carcaça diminuíram com o aumento do peso dos cavalos. Em conclusão, sexo e peso corporal são fatores a serem considerados na produção de carne equina, uma vez que afetam as características da carcaça e seus componentes.

Ingestive behavior of Holstein × Zebu cows managed on deferred supplemented pasture

This study aimed to evaluate the ingestive behavior of F1 Holstein × Zebu cows grazing on deferred pasture receiving different supplementation strategies. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 3×4 factorial, with three supplementation strategies and four evaluation periods. The ingestive behavior of 24 cows divided into three groups of supplementation provided at milking was observed, and two of these groups received protein in the pasture. Ingestive behavior was monitored every 10 minutes for 24 hours and analyzed in the form of periods (morning, afternoon, night, and dawn) and total time. The animals remained longer grazing during the afternoon when the BGHI presented values of 83.8. Protein consumption did not influence grazing time but interfered with forage consumption. For the total grazing time, the animals in group 2 spent less time grazing. The groups of animals presented no difference concerning the time spent on rumination and idleness. During night and dawn, when the climate was characterized as thermal comfort, the animals spent more time ruminating. The climatic conditions did not influence the ingestive behavior, as the grazing peak was observed at times of higher BGHI. However, supplementation of the animals in group 2 modified the ingestive behavior of F1 H × Z cows.