Multilobular tumor of bone in bitches: clinical, histopathological, immunohistochemical and overall survival aspects

Background: Multilobular tumor of bone (MTB) is an unusual neoplasm with variable biologic behavior which originates primarily in bone tissues. Radiographs computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are useful in diagnoses and surgical planning. Tumor removal with wide surgical margins is the treatment of choice. Immunohistochemistry has been shown as an important tool in veterinary oncology to define therapeutic and prognostic decisions. The goal of this study was to report 2 distinct cases of multilobular tumor of bone, their Cox-2 and Mib-1 immunohistochemical profile and its impact on overall survival. Case: Two bitches were presented at the Oncology Department of the Veterinary Hospital in the Veterinary School of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG). Both had a history of a progressive, painless, circumscribed, and firm facial mass. The 1st patient was a 8-year-old intact bitch mixed breed, weighing 50 kg, that presented a fast growing right infraorbital 3-cm mass, causing eye displacement. The 2nd patient was a 7-year-old spayed bitch Labrador retriever, weighing 28 kg, that presented a left temporal 8-cm mass. Neurologic examination of both bitches was normal. Skin over the nodules was strained, but with no ulceration. Radiographic exams of the head revealed lytic and proliferative bone reaction, with loss of cortical definition in both cases. These alterations were seen on the left zygomatic arch of the retrobulbar region, involving part of the mandible and of the nasal sinus lateral frontal bone in 1st patient, and on the right temporal process of the zygomatic bone in 2nd patient. The last one, also showed a granular solid mass with little contact with skull bones. Complete blood count, biochemistry profile, electrocardiogram, and 3-view thoracic radiographs were performed. Results were within normal ranges for the species and no signs of metastasis was seen on the radiographs. Location, size, and density of the mass, adjacent tissue compression, absence of cranial invasion, and lymph node size were rigorously evaluated with CT, allowing an individualized surgical planning to achieve complete mass removal and maintenance of the function of adjacent structures. Both animals were submitted to surgery. Both tumors were fixed on 10% neutral buffered formalin and sent to the Animal Pathology Department of UFMG for histopathological examination and margin assessment. Both tumors were diagnosed as grade I MTB. Tumor immunohistochemistry was performed to identify prognostic factors that could be used to better define therapeutic treatments and to try to clarify the discrepancy in disease progression between both tumors. The 1st patient expressed 20% of Mib-1 and was considered score 2 of Cox-2. The 2nd one expressed 5% of Mib-1 and was considered score 1 of Cox-2. Considering the diagnoses and histological characteristics of the tumors, it was decided for clinical follow-up of patients without additional therapeutic complementation. Even considering incomplete surgical margins in 2nd patient, adjuvant chemotherapy was not performed, due to low mitotic index and low histological grade. The 1st patient had an overall survival of 240 days, and death was due to recurrence and disease progression; and the 2nd did not show recurrence nor metastasis after 1200 days. Discussion: Proper and individualized surgical planning and histopathological evaluation are extremely important to guide treatment decisions. However, immunohistochemistry can be important in MTB cases, to help define which patients should be submitted to surgery alone and which patients could be benefited from adjuvant chemotherapy.

Short-term heart rate variability analysis in healthy dogs of different ages

Background: The modulation of heart rate by autonomic nervous system may be evaluated by the heart rate variability(HRV), which illustrates the fluctuations between RR intervals. To evaluate this analysis, the intervals between 2 QRScomplexes are measured. In general, high HRV values are expected in healthy individuals; otherwise, low values are indicative of organism dysfunction. Studies conducted in healthy humans show that HRV suffers reduction with ageing andthat there is autonomic immaturity in neonates. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristic pattern of cardiacautonomic behavior in healthy dogs in different age groups through short-term HRV analysis.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 87 healthy dogs were studied. HRV was analyzed in time and frequency domain,using Holter and heart rate monitor. It was observed that puppies (below one year old) presented a lower parasympatheticpredominance and, consequently, lower HRV values on time domain (SDNN, PNN50% e RMSSD) compared to the other2 groups and on frequency domain (LF, HF and LF/HF) compared to the adult animals group (between 1 and 7-year-old),which presented higher HRV values when compared to the other groups. Elderly dogs (over 8-year-old) exhibited a naturaltendency to decrease cardiac parasympathetic HRV indexes.Discussion: The use of the HRV method as a prognostic index and as an arrhythmogenic marker for various canine heartdiseases presents interesting perspectives. However, before it may be employed for these purposes, a better understandingshould be established regarding the physiological behavior of autonomic cardiac modulation in different age groups toserve as a basis for future analyses. This study observed that puppies presented higher values for HR and, therefore, shorter...

Short-term heart rate variability analysis in healthy dogs of different ages

Background: The modulation of heart rate by autonomic nervous system may be evaluated by the heart rate variability(HRV), which illustrates the fluctuations between RR intervals. To evaluate this analysis, the intervals between 2 QRScomplexes are measured. In general, high HRV values are expected in healthy individuals; otherwise, low values are indicative of organism dysfunction. Studies conducted in healthy humans show that HRV suffers reduction with ageing andthat there is autonomic immaturity in neonates. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristic pattern of cardiacautonomic behavior in healthy dogs in different age groups through short-term HRV analysis.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 87 healthy dogs were studied. HRV was analyzed in time and frequency domain,using Holter and heart rate monitor. It was observed that puppies (below one year old) presented a lower parasympatheticpredominance and, consequently, lower HRV values on time domain (SDNN, PNN50% e RMSSD) compared to the other2 groups and on frequency domain (LF, HF and LF/HF) compared to the adult animals group (between 1 and 7-year-old),which presented higher HRV values when compared to the other groups. Elderly dogs (over 8-year-old) exhibited a naturaltendency to decrease cardiac parasympathetic HRV indexes.Discussion: The use of the HRV method as a prognostic index and as an arrhythmogenic marker for various canine heartdiseases presents interesting perspectives. However, before it may be employed for these purposes, a better understandingshould be established regarding the physiological behavior of autonomic cardiac modulation in different age groups toserve as a basis for future analyses. This study observed that puppies presented higher values for HR and, therefore, shorter...(AU)

The effect of size and clinical staging of mammary tumors on blood parameters in bitches

Background: Mammary tumors are the most common type of tumor in female dogs and account for 50% of all tumors in dogs. The clinical prognosis of canine mammary tumors is strongly affected by the size, stages, histological type, and grade of tumor; mitotic index; and nearby and distant metastasis. In canine mammary tumors, it is recommended that prognostic evaluation should also include complete blood count, serum biochemistry, and blood gases in addition to tumor size and stage. This study aimed to investigate the effect of tumor size, volume, and clinical stage on complete blood count, blood gas analysis, and serum biochemical parameters in bitches with mammary tumors and the correlation between them. Materials, Methods & Results: The study included a total of 18 bitches of different breeds, aged 6-15 years, of which 12 had mammary tumors and 6 were healthy. Thoracic X-rays were performed on bitches with mammary tumors in ventrodorsal and laterolateral positions to evaluate lung metastasis. Blood samples were collected from the cephalic vein from bitches in both groups in 2 different tubes (with plastic gel and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), 5 mL each, to perform complete blood count and evaluate blood gases and serum biochemical parameters. Blood samples were collected from the animals at the time of initial examination without any intervention. Analysis of the blood showed that bitches with mammary tumors had decreased levels of RBC, HCT, HGB, potassium, TCO2 , base excess, THbc, and ALT enzyme activity and increased levels of lactate, total protein, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, uric acid, and ALP and LDH enzyme activities compared with those in the control group. Furthermore, the dogs with a primary tumor of > 5 cm were found to have significantly higher levels of WBC, lactate, total protein, triglyceride, LDL, uric acid, and ALP and LDH enzyme activities and significantly lower levels of RBC and THbc compared with those in the control group. Bitches with tumors in multiple mammary lobes were found to have significantly higher levels of WBC, total protein, triglyceride, LDL, and ALP and LDH enzyme activities and significantly lower levels of RBC, HCT, HGB, TCO2 , THbc, and ALT enzyme activity compared with those in the control group. Based on the laboratory findings and approval of the owners of the dogs, mammary tissues containing the tumor and lymph nodes were surgically removed. After the operation, the removed mammary tissues were evaluated for size and volume. Clinical staging of the tumors was performed based on the size of the primary tumor (T), nearby lymph nodes (N), and metastasis (M) in accordance with the criteria set by WHO. Clinical staging of the tumors was, thus, based on the tumor, nodes, and metastases (TNM) score obtained according to the following system: Stage I: T1 N0 M0 , Stage II: T2 N0 M0 , Stage III: T3 N0 M0 , Stage IV: TanyN1 M0 , Stage V: made as TanyNanyM1 . Discussion: Mammary tumors are the most common type of neoplasm in bitches and, thus, cause serious problems in veterinary medicine. Tumors are significantly correlated with better prognosis compared with larger tumors. Based on this finding, this study investigated the effect of size, volume, and stage of mammary tumors in bitches on some blood parameters and the correlation between them. Therefore, it was concluded that clinical staging and evaluation of blood parameters could be useful in the diagnosis, treatment, and prediction of prognosis in canine mammary tumors. This study found that bitches with mammary tumors exhibited significant changes in their blood parameters (complete blood count, blood gas analysis, and serum biochemistry). The results obtained from this study may contribute to the development of approaches to the diagnosis, prediction of prognosis, and treatment of canine mammary tumors.

Primary corneal hemangiosarcoma in a tapir (Tapirus terrestris)

Background: Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant vascular tumor commonly described in veterinary ophthalmology as emerging at the margin of the third eyelid and bulbar conjunctiva. The primary corneal attachment of the tumor is considered rare, as the cornea is an avascular structure, but there are sparse reports of primary occurrences in the cornea of dogs, cats, and horses. No reports were found in wild animals. The Tapirus terrestris, commonly known as Tapir, is a perissodactyl mammal that inhabits South America regions, being considered the largest terrestrial mammal of Brazil and one of the most popular animals in zoos in various countries. This paper aims to report the first case of primary corneal hemangiosarcoma in a 25-year-old female Tapir (Tapirus terrestris) held in captivity. Case: A 25-year-old Tapirus terrestris female presented an irregular mass in the right cornea, mucopurulent secretion, and inconclusive previous cytological evaluation. It also had a history of a milky cornea for many years, and in the last 12 months, a tissue growth was observed, as well as the occurrence of mucopurulent secretion. The menace response in the right eye was negative. In the ophthalmologic examination, a red-colored, lobed, hemorrhagic, and ulcerated mass occupying approximately 90% of the cornea was observed, and in the peripheral cornea, there was an intense discoloration. Due to the extension of the mass and visual loss, the transpalpebral enucleation was performed under general inhalation anesthesia. The histopathological analysis evidenced a vascular tumor restricted to the central peripheral cornea, composed of blood vessels of small and large caliber, showing polygonal endothelial cells with moderate atypia, anisocytosis, and anisocariasis, in addition to dense stroma and inflammatory cells. The mass occupied the anterior corneal stroma, and there was no involvement of bulbar conjunctiva, sclera, or intraocular structures. The immunohistochemical study revealed the positivity of neoplastic cells for CD31, and the proliferative index of the lesion was evaluated by the Ki-67 as inferior to 10%. Discussion: The histopathologic and immunohistochemical examinations evidenced a hypercellular lesion, and the diagnosis of primary corneal hemangiosarcoma (HSA) was possible due to the significant cellular atypia identified in the lesion. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of corneal hemangiosarcoma described in Tapirus terrestris. The HAS is a malignant neoplasm originating in the vascular endothelial cells. There is a significant correlation between the HSA and prolonged exposure to solar radiation. The tapir of this report lived in a high-altitude region with exposure to ultraviolet rays; therefore, it might be an important predisposing factor for the HSA emergence. The chosen treatment for vascular tumors according to the visual prognostic is the lamellar keratectomy; however, the transpalpebral enucleation was the elected treatment since the eye was not visual, the neoplasm had a great extension, the animal was in advanced age and lived in captivity, and it was difficult to handle the animal without sedation to perform adjuvant therapies. Since the mass corresponded to 90% of the cornea, total removal with free edges would not be possible as described in the literature, and, therefore, there was an increased risk of relapse. In the follow-up after 3 years of surgical excision, the animal remained free of metastasis, reinforcing the diagnosis of primary corneal hemangiosarcoma.

Adequação nutricional dos cardápios dos centros municipais de educação infantil de Goiânia-GO / Nutritional adequacy of the menus of the municipal centers for early childhood education in Goiânia-GO

O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a adequação da composição nutricional dos cardápios dos Centros Municipais de Educação Infantil (CMEI) de Goiânia aos parâmetros propostos pelo Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE). A pesquisa consistiu-se na análise da composição nutricional dos cardápios, ofertados por um período de onze meses (janeiro a dezembro de 2019), às crianças da faixa etária de 12 meses a três anos de idade, dos 138 CMEI de Goiânia-GO. Para fins de comparação dos valores encontrados foram utilizadas as referências de energia, macronutrientes e micronutrientes do programa, para a faixa etária selecionada. Com base nas recomendações do PNAE, os cardápios foram em média insuficientes em relação à fibra alimentar e com valor muito próximo ao recomendado para o ferro. Por outro lado, para o Magnésio, Vitamina A e Vitamina C as quantidades consumidas, em média, foram de duas a seis vezes maiores que as recomendadas. A partir dos resultados encontrados evidenciou-se a necessidade da oferta de mais frutas e vegetais nos cardápios diários, para que o teor de fibras seja alcançado e favorecer o desenvolvimento nas crianças do hábito de inclui-los em sua alimentação diária, da infância à vida adulta. E assim, garantir o Direito Humano à Alimentação Adequada e, consequentemente, a promoção da saúde. Destaca-se a importância do profissional nutricionista, na elaboração do cardápio, a fim de garantir a adequação da alimentação oferecida em termos qualitativos e quantitativos, evitando carências ou excessos nutricionais, contribuindo, para o crescimento, desenvolvimento e formação de hábitos alimentares saudáveis das crianças.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the adequacy of the nutritional composition of the menus of the Municipal Centers for Early Childhood Education (CMEI) of Goiânia to the parameters proposed by the National School Feeding Program (PNAE). The research consisted in the analysis of the nutritional composition of the menus, offered for a period of eleven months (January to December 2019), to children aged 12 months to three years old, of the 138 CMEI of Goiânia-GO. To the purpose of comparing the values found, the references of energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients of the PNAE were used, for the selected age group. Based on the PNAE recommendations, the menu was, on average, insufficient in relation to dietary fiber and with a value close to that recommended for iron. On the other hand, for Magnesium, Vitamin A and Vitamin C the amounts consumed, on average, were about two to six times greater than those recommended. From the results found, it is evident the need to offer more fruits and vegetables in the daily menus, so that the fiber content is reached and to favor the development of children in the habit of including them in their daily diet, from childhood life adult. And so, to guarantee the Human Right to Adequate Food and, consequently, health promotion. The importance of the professional nutritionist in the elaboration of the menus is highlighted, to guarantee the adequacy of the food offered in qualitative and quantitative terms, avoiding nutritional deficiencies or excesses, thus contributing to the growth, development and formation of health eating habits of the children.(AU)

Clinical determination of the nutritional status of companion animals / Avaliação clínica do estado nutricional de animais de companhia

A well-nourished animal is predisposed to good quality of life, health and high longevity. On the other hand, malnourished animals are predisposed to higher morbidity and mortality rates, recurrent hospitalizations, longer hospitalization times, and high health care expenditures. Malnutrition is associated with metabolic alterations and systemic dysfunctions, such as immunosuppression, impaired healing, and loss of weight due to reduced muscle and adipose mass, in addition to worsening skin and coat appearance. Nutritional assessment quantifies not only malnutrition and overweight but also how much these deviations would influence a patient"s prognosis. In addition, the identification of malnourished animals allows the performance of specific nutritional treatments, with consequent clinical improvement. There are several techniques to evaluate nutritional status (NS) in dogs and cats; however, because they are individually limited, it is highly recommended to incorporate different methods before completing each case assessment. This literature review gathered information on the techniques of NS assessment during clinical examination, including anamnesis and physical examination. The importance of the manuscript is justified by the lack of nutritional semiology of small animals in the literature. In summary, there are useful markers of NS in companion animals: weight variation...

Um animal bem nutrido é tendenciado a boa qualidade de vida, saúde e alta longevidade. Por outro lado, o animal desnutrido é predisposto a maiores taxas de morbidade e mortalidade, internações recorrentes, maior tempo de hospitalização e elevados gastos com cuidados na saúde. A desnutrição está associada a alterações metabólicas e disfunções sistêmicas, como imunodepressão, comprometimento da cicatrização, perda de peso por redução da massa adiposa e muscular, além de piora no aspecto da pele e pelagem. A avaliação nutricional não só quantifica subnutrição e sobrepeso, como também o quanto esses desvios influenciariam o prognóstico de um paciente. Além disso, a identificação dos animais desnutridos permite a realização de tratamentos nutricionais específicos, com consequente melhoria clínica. Existem várias técnicas para avaliar o estado nutricional (EN) em cães e gatos, porém, por serem limitadas individualmente, é altamente recomendável a associação de diferentes métodos, antes da conclusão para um caso. Essa revisão de literatura reúne informações sobre as técnicas de avaliação do EN por exame clínico, incluindo anamnese e exame físico. A importância do manuscrito se justifica pela carência na literatura sobre semiologia nutricional de pequenos animais. Em síntese, são marcadores úteis do EN em animais de companhia: a variação de peso, o escore de massa muscular (EMM) e...

Clinical determination of the nutritional status of companion animals / Avaliação clínica do estado nutricional de animais de companhia

A well-nourished animal is predisposed to good quality of life, health and high longevity. On the other hand, malnourished animals are predisposed to higher morbidity and mortality rates, recurrent hospitalizations, longer hospitalization times, and high health care expenditures. Malnutrition is associated with metabolic alterations and systemic dysfunctions, such as immunosuppression, impaired healing, and loss of weight due to reduced muscle and adipose mass, in addition to worsening skin and coat appearance. Nutritional assessment quantifies not only malnutrition and overweight but also how much these deviations would influence a patient"s prognosis. In addition, the identification of malnourished animals allows the performance of specific nutritional treatments, with consequent clinical improvement. There are several techniques to evaluate nutritional status (NS) in dogs and cats; however, because they are individually limited, it is highly recommended to incorporate different methods before completing each case assessment. This literature review gathered information on the techniques of NS assessment during clinical examination, including anamnesis and physical examination. The importance of the manuscript is justified by the lack of nutritional semiology of small animals in the literature. In summary, there are useful markers of NS in companion animals: weight variation...(AU)

Um animal bem nutrido é tendenciado a boa qualidade de vida, saúde e alta longevidade. Por outro lado, o animal desnutrido é predisposto a maiores taxas de morbidade e mortalidade, internações recorrentes, maior tempo de hospitalização e elevados gastos com cuidados na saúde. A desnutrição está associada a alterações metabólicas e disfunções sistêmicas, como imunodepressão, comprometimento da cicatrização, perda de peso por redução da massa adiposa e muscular, além de piora no aspecto da pele e pelagem. A avaliação nutricional não só quantifica subnutrição e sobrepeso, como também o quanto esses desvios influenciariam o prognóstico de um paciente. Além disso, a identificação dos animais desnutridos permite a realização de tratamentos nutricionais específicos, com consequente melhoria clínica. Existem várias técnicas para avaliar o estado nutricional (EN) em cães e gatos, porém, por serem limitadas individualmente, é altamente recomendável a associação de diferentes métodos, antes da conclusão para um caso. Essa revisão de literatura reúne informações sobre as técnicas de avaliação do EN por exame clínico, incluindo anamnese e exame físico. A importância do manuscrito se justifica pela carência na literatura sobre semiologia nutricional de pequenos animais. Em síntese, são marcadores úteis do EN em animais de companhia: a variação de peso, o escore de massa muscular (EMM) e...(AU)

Avaliação nutricional e metabólica de borregas alimentadas com níveis crescentes de aminoácidos protegidos / [Nutritional and metabolic evaluation of feeding lambs with growing levels of protein amino acids]

Objetivou-se avaliar a inclusão de níveis de lisina e metionina protegidas na dieta sobre os parâmetros nutricionais e metabólicos energéticos e hepáticos de borregas em crescimento. Utilizaram-se cinco borregas ½ sangue Dorper x Santa Inês, com aproximadamente oito meses de idade e peso médio de 50 ± 2,3kg, distribuídas em esquema quadrado latino 5x5 (cinco tratamentos, cinco animais e cinco períodos). Os tratamentos consistiram na inclusão de diferentes níveis de lisina e metionina protegidas da degradação ruminal (MicroPEARLS LM®) na ração, sendo: 0g, 8g, 16g, 24g e 32g por dia. A dieta era composta por silagem de milho e concentrado na relação 30V:70C. Realizou-se um ensaio de digestibilidade para determinar consumo e digestibilidade da matéria seca (CMS/DGMS), balanço de nitrogênio e metabólitos sanguíneos. O CMS (kg/dia) em relação ao peso metabólico apresentou equação linear positiva, sendo maior no tratamento que ofertou 32g de aminoácidos por dia, assim como o nitrogênio ingerido e o balanço de nitrogênio, sendo positivo em todos os tratamentos. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) para a digestibilidade da MS e o metabolismo energético e hepático. Lisina e metionina protegidas da degradação ruminal podem ser incluídas na ração de borregas em crescimento até 32g/dia sem causar efeitos negativos na digestibilidade da MS e no metabolismo.(AU)

The objective was to evaluate the inclusion of protected lysine and methionine levels on the diet, over the nutritional parameters and energetic and hepatic metabolites of growing lambs. Five lambs ½ blood Dorper x Santa Inês, with approximately eight months of age and average weight of 50kg, were distributed in a 5x5 latin square scheme (five treatments and five replicates). The treatments consisted of the inclusion of different levels of lysine and methionine protected from ruminal degradation (MicroPEARLS LM®) in the diet, being: 0g, 8g, 16g, 24g and 32g. The diet was composed of corn silage and concentrated 30V:70C in the ratio. A digestibility assay was performed to determine dry matter intake and digestibility (DMI/DDMI), nitrogen balance and blood metabolites. The DMI (kg/day) in relation to the metabolic weight had a positive linear equation, being higher in treatment 32g, as well as the ingested nitrogen and nitrogen balance, being positive in all treatments. There was no difference (P>0.05) for the digestibility of DM, energetic and hepatic metabolism. Lysine and methionine protected from ruminal degradation can be included in the diet of growing lambs up to 32g without causing negative effects on DM digestibility and metabolism.(AU)

Determination of the reference interval of the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio and its efficiency, CRP and albumin as prognostic markers in dogs / Determinação do intervalo de referência e da eficiência da relação proteína C-reativa/albumina, PCR e albumina como marcadores prognósticos em cães

The objective of this research was to creates a reference interval for C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin ratio (CAR) in the canine species and to analyze the potential of CRP, albumin and the relationship between both, to serve as indicators of disease severity, length of hospital stay (LoS) and mortality in this species. For this, an outcome study was conducted in a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in southern Brazil. One hundred ninety dogs were included randomly, without distinction of gender, age, or breed, from June 2013 to November 2016. Plasma was collected from them and analyzed for assessment of CRP and albumin. The reference range stipulated for CAR in dogs was 0.36-0.60, as determined by the confidence interval of mean resamplings (in percentiles). The frequencies mean, and standard deviations of the variables, correlation analysis, and comparative analysis (Kruskal-Wallis in α = 5%) were calculated. Elevation (above reference) of CAR was determined to be proportional to the severity of the underlying disease, and CRP means were reasonable. Besides, hypoalbuminemia was indicative of systemic disease, but not of severity. Thus, CAR was a better marker of disease severity than were CRP and albumin, analyzed separately. Concerning LoS, there was a positive correlation with CAR (p<0.01) in patients, and the same was not observed with CRP and albumin. Concerning mortality, hypoalbuminemia was the only marker valid in animals with a critical illness (p=0.04). In conclusion, CAR is a better marker of disease severity and LoS in dogs than are CRP and albumin analyzed separately.(AU)

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi determinar um intervalo de referência para a relação proteína C reativa (PCR)/albumina (R:PCR/ALB) na espécie canina e analisar o potencial de PCR, albumina e a relação entre ambas como indicadores de gravidade de doença, tempo de internação (TI) e mortalidade nesta espécie. Para isso, um estudo foi realizado em um Hospital Veterinário Escola no sul do Brasil. Cento e noventa cães foram incluídos aleatoriamente, sem distinção de sexo, idade ou raça, de junho de 2013 a novembro de 2016. O plasma foi coletado e analisado para avaliação da PCR e albumina. O intervalo de referência estipulado para o R:PCR/ALB em cães foi de 0,36-0,60, conforme determinado pelo intervalo de confiança da média das reamostragens (em percentis). Foram calculadas as frequências, médias e desvios-padrões das variáveis, análises de correlação e análises comparativas (Kruskal-Wallis em α = 5%). Notou-se elevação (acima da referência) da R:PCR/ALB proporcional à gravidade da doença de base, sendo normais as médias da PCR. Adicionalmente, a hipoalbuminemia foi indicadora de doença sistêmica, mas, não de gravidade. Dessa forma, a R:PCR/ALB foi melhor indicadora de gravidade de doença do que a PCR e albumina, analisadas separadamente. Em relação ao TI, houve correlação positiva com a R:PCR/ALB (p<0,01) em doentes, não sendo observado o mesmo com a PCR e albumina. Em relação à mortalidade, a hipoalbuminemia foi a única marcadora válida em animais com doenças críticas (p=0,04). Conclui-se, portanto, que a R:PCR/ALB é melhor marcadora de gravidade de doença e TI em cães do que a PCR e albumina analisadas separadamente.(AU)

Determination of the reference interval of the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio and its efficiency, CRP and albumin as prognostic markers in dogs / Determinação do intervalo de referência e da eficiência da relação proteína C-reativa/albumina, PCR e albumina como marcadores prognósticos em cães

The objective of this research was to creates a reference interval for C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin ratio (CAR) in the canine species and to analyze the potential of CRP, albumin and the relationship between both, to serve as indicators of disease severity, length of hospital stay (LoS) and mortality in this species. For this, an outcome study was conducted in a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in southern Brazil. One hundred ninety dogs were included randomly, without distinction of gender, age, or breed, from June 2013 to November 2016. Plasma was collected from them and analyzed for assessment of CRP and albumin. The reference range stipulated for CAR in dogs was 0.36-0.60, as determined by the confidence interval of mean resamplings (in percentiles). The frequencies mean, and standard deviations of the variables, correlation analysis, and comparative analysis (Kruskal-Wallis in α = 5%) were calculated. Elevation (above reference) of CAR was determined to be proportional to the severity of the underlying disease, and CRP means were reasonable. Besides, hypoalbuminemia was indicative of systemic disease, but not of severity. Thus, CAR was a better marker of disease severity than were CRP and albumin, analyzed separately. Concerning LoS, there was a positive correlation with CAR (p<0.01) in patients, and the same was not observed with CRP and albumin. Concerning mortality, hypoalbuminemia was the only marker valid in animals with a critical illness (p=0.04). In conclusion, CAR is a better marker of disease severity and LoS in dogs than are CRP and albumin analyzed separately.(AU)

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi determinar um intervalo de referência para a relação proteína C reativa (PCR)/albumina (R:PCR/ALB) na espécie canina e analisar o potencial de PCR, albumina e a relação entre ambas como indicadores de gravidade de doença, tempo de internação (TI) e mortalidade nesta espécie. Para isso, um estudo foi realizado em um Hospital Veterinário Escola no sul do Brasil. Cento e noventa cães foram incluídos aleatoriamente, sem distinção de sexo, idade ou raça, de junho de 2013 a novembro de 2016. O plasma foi coletado e analisado para avaliação da PCR e albumina. O intervalo de referência estipulado para o R:PCR/ALB em cães foi de 0,36-0,60, conforme determinado pelo intervalo de confiança da média das reamostragens (em percentis). Foram calculadas as frequências, médias e desvios-padrões das variáveis, análises de correlação e análises comparativas (Kruskal-Wallis em α = 5%). Notou-se elevação (acima da referência) da R:PCR/ALB proporcional à gravidade da doença de base, sendo normais as médias da PCR. Adicionalmente, a hipoalbuminemia foi indicadora de doença sistêmica, mas, não de gravidade. Dessa forma, a R:PCR/ALB foi melhor indicadora de gravidade de doença do que a PCR e albumina, analisadas separadamente. Em relação ao TI, houve correlação positiva com a R:PCR/ALB (p<0,01) em doentes, não sendo observado o mesmo com a PCR e albumina. Em relação à mortalidade, a hipoalbuminemia foi a única marcadora válida em animais com doenças críticas (p=0,04). Conclui-se, portanto, que a R:PCR/ALB é melhor marcadora de gravidade de doença e TI em cães do que a PCR e albumina analisadas separadamente.(AU)

Cardiac, energy and hormonal blood markers, and lactatemia in cows with displaced abomasum

Background: Displaced abomasum (DA) is a common and economically important disorder that affects dairy cattle. Nutritional factors and adaptive responses that occur in the peripartum play a central role in the pathogenesis. The measurement of blood metabolites represents a useful tool for monitoring and prognostic determination in affected animals. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate cardiac, energy and hormonal blood markers, lactatemia, and insulin sensitivity in cows diagnosed with right displaced abomasum (RDA) and left displaced abomasum (LDA), comparing them with each other. Materials, Methods & Results: Nineteen cases of abomasum displacement in cows were studied, including 9 cases of RDA and 10 cases of LDA. The diagnosis was established by means of physical examination and measurement of the concentration of chlorides in the ruminal fluid (> 30 mEq/L). After diagnosis, clinical-surgical therapeutic management was instituted. At the time of diagnosis (M1) and at the resolution of the case (M2), blood samples were collected to assess the variables: non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta hydroxybutyrate (βHB), L-lactate, creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose, insulin, and cortisol. In addition, insulin sensitivity was estimated using the Revised Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (RQUICKI) and RQUICKI-βHB. The means of the variables were compared, separating the effects of groups (RDA and LDA) and moments (M1 and M2), at the level of 5% probability. The concentrations of NEFA, CK-MB, L-lactate, glucose, insulin, and cortisol were higher at M1 and the RQUICKI and RQUICKI-βHB indices were lower at this moment. L-lactate, CK, and CK-MB were higher in the RDA group, while cTnI, βHB, and LDH did not present a group or moment effect. Cardiac markers correlated with the energy profile metabolites, L-lactate, and cortisol. Discussion: The high...

Yield and nutritional value of BRS Capiaçu grass at different regrowth ages / Produtividade e valor nutricional do Capim-Elefante cv. BRS Capiaçu em diferentes idades de rebrota

The objective was to evaluate the productivity, chemical composition, ruminal degradability of dry matter and digestibility of BRS capiaçu grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) managed at five regrowth ages. A completely randomized design with ten replications was used in the BRS capiaçu elephant grass subjected to five cutting intervals (30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days) in the summer, making a total of 50 plots with a useful area of 4 x 2 m. There were daily increases in the dry matter production in the order of 382 kg ha-1, with 49,859 kg ha-1 being produced at 150 regrowth days. The dry matter content and organic matter linearly increased (P < 0.01) at different regrowth ages. The crude protein content, in vitro dry matter digestibility and in vitro digestibility of neutral detergent fiber linearly reduced (P < 0.01) 0.037%, 0.196% and 0.256% per day, respectively. Potential degradability of dry matter decreased from 68.9% at 30 days to 44.7% at 150 regrowth days (0.194 percentage units per day). The rate of degradation of fraction B "c" was not modified (P = 0.94), averaging 1.46% hour-1. In the cultivation of BRS capiaçu elephant grass in the summer season, in the northern region of Minas Gerais, the age for harvesting between 90 and 120 days of regrowth is recommended.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar a produtividade, composição químico-bromatológica, degradabilidade ruminal da matéria seca e digestibilidade do Capim-Elefante-BRS capiaçu (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) manejado em cinco idades de rebrota. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado com dez repetições, na cultivar BRS capiaçu de capim-elefante submetida a cinco intervalos de corte (30, 60, 90, 120 e 150 dias) no verão, perfazendo um total de 50 parcelas com área útil de 4 x 2 m. Foram verificados incrementos diários na produção de matéria seca na ordem de 382 kg ha-1, sendo 49.859 kg ha-1 a produção aos 150 dias de rebrota. O teor de matéria seca e matéria orgânica aumentaram (P < 0,01) linearmente nas diferentes idades de rebrota. O teor de proteína bruta, digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca e digestibilidade in vitro da fibra em detergente neutro reduziram (P < 0,01) linearmente de 0.037%, 0.196% e 0.256% por dia, respectivamente. A degradabilidade potencial da matéria seca reduziu de 68.9% aos 30 dias para 44.7% com 150 dias de rebrota (0.194 unidades percentuais por dia). A taxa de degradação da fração B c não foi modificada (P=0.94), média de 1.46% hora-1. No cultivo do Capim-Elefante BRS capiaçu na estação verão, na região norte de Minas Gerais, recomenda-se a idade para colheita entre 90 e 120 dias de rebrota.(AU)

Yield and nutritional value of BRS Capiaçu grass at different regrowth ages / Produtividade e valor nutricional do Capim-Elefante cv. BRS Capiaçu em diferentes idades de rebrota

The objective was to evaluate the productivity, chemical composition, ruminal degradability of dry matter and digestibility of BRS capiaçu grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) managed at five regrowth ages. A completely randomized design with ten replications was used in the BRS capiaçu elephant grass subjected to five cutting intervals (30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days) in the summer, making a total of 50 plots with a useful area of 4 x 2 m. There were daily increases in the dry matter production in the order of 382 kg ha-1, with 49,859 kg ha-1 being produced at 150 regrowth days. The dry matter content and organic matter linearly increased (P < 0.01) at different regrowth ages. The crude protein content, in vitro dry matter digestibility and in vitro digestibility of neutral detergent fiber linearly reduced (P < 0.01) 0.037%, 0.196% and 0.256% per day, respectively. Potential degradability of dry matter decreased from 68.9% at 30 days to 44.7% at 150 regrowth days (0.194 percentage units per day). The rate of degradation of fraction B "c" was not modified (P = 0.94), averaging 1.46% hour-1. In the cultivation of BRS capiaçu elephant grass in the summer season, in the northern region of Minas Gerais, the age for harvesting between 90 and 120 days of regrowth is recommended.

Objetivou-se avaliar a produtividade, composição químico-bromatológica, degradabilidade ruminal da matéria seca e digestibilidade do Capim-Elefante-BRS capiaçu (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) manejado em cinco idades de rebrota. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado com dez repetições, na cultivar BRS capiaçu de capim-elefante submetida a cinco intervalos de corte (30, 60, 90, 120 e 150 dias) no verão, perfazendo um total de 50 parcelas com área útil de 4 x 2 m. Foram verificados incrementos diários na produção de matéria seca na ordem de 382 kg ha-1, sendo 49.859 kg ha-1 a produção aos 150 dias de rebrota. O teor de matéria seca e matéria orgânica aumentaram (P < 0,01) linearmente nas diferentes idades de rebrota. O teor de proteína bruta, digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca e digestibilidade in vitro da fibra em detergente neutro reduziram (P < 0,01) linearmente de 0.037%, 0.196% e 0.256% por dia, respectivamente. A degradabilidade potencial da matéria seca reduziu de 68.9% aos 30 dias para 44.7% com 150 dias de rebrota (0.194 unidades percentuais por dia). A taxa de degradação da fração B c não foi modificada (P=0.94), média de 1.46% hora-1. No cultivo do Capim-Elefante BRS capiaçu na estação verão, na região norte de Minas Gerais, recomenda-se a idade para colheita entre 90 e 120 dias de rebrota.

Soybean hulls and / or white oat grains on the ingestive behavior of confined steers / Casca do grão de soja e / ou grão aveia branca no comportamento ingestivo de novilhos confinados

Dry matter and neutral detergent fiber contents act as physical regulators of voluntary intake in ruminants. Therefore, different levels of these components may interfere with animal performance and require careful assessment of the used raw material. This study was conducted with the purpose to assess the effect of soybean hulls and white oat in distinct or associated uses in the concentrate diet on the ingestive behavior of cattle. Thirty-six steers with an initial mean age of 20 months and initial mean weight of 226 kg were used. The diet was composed of 50% sorghum silage and 50% concentrate based on dry matter. The tested diets were soybean hulls (concentrate fraction composed mainly of soybean hulls), white oat grains (concentrate fraction composed mainly of white oat grains), and mixture (concentrate fraction composed of equal parts of soybean hulls and white oat grains). The experimental design was a randomized block design with 12 animals per diet. The data were compared by the PROC MIXED procedure with repeated measures in time, and the means were compared by the least significant difference test at 5% significance level. Diets presented different contents of neutral detergent fiber (66, 56, and 47%) and lignin (3.2, 3.7, and 4.1%) as the percentage of white oat grain increased in the diet. The total rumination time was lower (447 minutes) for animals that received equal parts of soybean hulls and white oat grains in the diet when compared to animals receiving a diet containing soybean hulls (483 minutes) and white oat grains (495 minutes), with no difference from each other.[...](AU)

Os teores de matéria seca e fibra em detergente neutro atuam como reguladores físicos do consumo voluntário em ruminantes. Assim, diferentes níveis destes componentes podem interferir no desempenho animal e necessitam de avaliação criteriosa da matéria-prima utilizada. O estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da casca do grão de soja e a aveia branca, em usos distintos ou associados na dieta concentrada no comportamento ingestivo de bovinos. Utilizou-se 36 novilhos com idade média inicial de 20 meses e peso médio inicial de 226 kg. A dieta foi composta de 50 % de silagem de sorgo e 50 % de concentrado com base na matéria seca. As dietas testadas foram: casca do grão de soja (fração concentrada composta principalmente por casca do grão de soja), grão de aveia branca (fração concentrada composta principalmente por grão de aveia branca) e mistura (fração concentrada composta por partes iguais de casca do grão de soja e grão de aveia branca). O delineamento experimental foi blocos ao acaso com 12 animais por dieta. Os dados foram comparados pelo procedimento PROC MIXED com avaliações repetidas no tempo e as médias, comparadas pelo teste de diferença mínima significativa ao nível de 5 % de significância. As dietas apresentaram diferentes teores de fibra em detergente neutro (66, 56 e 47 %) e lignina (3,2; 3,7 e 4,1 %) conforme aumento da participação do grão de aveia branca na dieta. O tempo de ruminação total foi inferior (447 minutos) para animais que receberam partes iguais de casca do grão de soja e grão de aveia branca na dieta em relação a animais recebendo dieta contendo casca do grão de soja (483 minutos) e grão de aveia branca (495 minutos), que não deferiram entre si.[...](AU)

Nutritional parameters of lambs fed extruded ration with different roughage to concentrate ratios / Parâmetros nutricionais de cordeiros alimentados com ração extrusada em diferentes relações volumoso: concentrado

The objective of our study was to compare the intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, and the nitrogen balance, of lambs fed extruded ration with different roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratios. The experiment was carried out at the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Experimental Farm Capim Branco, from 7 December 2016 to 6 January 2017. Ten lambs (Santa Inês × Dorper) aged between four and five months, and with a mean weight of 25.9 ± 2.8 kg, were used. The animals were placed in metabolic cages equipped with a feeder, drinking fountain, and salt shaker, and which had a wooden slatted floor. The treatments consisted of extruded ration with 30R:70C or 70R:30C. Treatments were distributed in a randomised, complete block design, with each treatment being performed twice and with ten replications. The experiment was carried out in two blocked stages. Differences in the means of treatments were evaluated by Tukeys test at a significance level of 5%. Intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, water intake by animals, and nitrogen balance were also analysed. The 30R:70C treatment resulted in a lower intake of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and hemicellulose, and caused higher dry matter and neutral detergent fibre digestibility. The 30R:70C treatment also resulted in a lower intake and faecal excretion of nitrogen, consequently establishing a higher ratio between retained and ingested nitrogen. In conclusion, the ration with 30R:70C results in lower intake, and better utilisation of nutrients by the animal.(AU)

Objetivou-se comparar o consumo e digestibilidade da matéria seca e dos nutrientes, e o balanço de nitrogênio de cordeiros alimentados com ração extrusada em diferentes relações volumoso (V):concentrado (C). O experimento foi realizado na Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Fazenda Experimental Capim Branco, no período de 07 de dezembro de 2016 a 06 de janeiro de 2017. Foram utilizados 10 cordeiros, mestiços (Santa Inês x Dorper), com idade entre quatro e cinco meses, e peso médio de 25,9 ± 2,8 kg. Os animais foram alocados em gaiolas metabólicas providas de comedouro, bebedouro, saleiro e piso ripado de madeira. Os tratamentos consistiam de ração extrusada nas relações 30V:70C e 70V:30C, distribuídos em delineamento em blocos casualizados com dois tratamentos e dez repetições por tratamento. O experimento foi feito em duas fases blocadas. As médias dos tratamentos foram avaliadas pelo teste de Tukey ao nível de significância de 5%. Foram analisados o consumo e digestibilidade da matéria seca e dos nutrientes, o consumo de água pelos animais e o balanço de nitrogênio. O tratamento 30V:70C apresentou menor consumo de matéria seca, de proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido e hemicelulose, e apresentou maior digestibilidade da matéria seca e da fibra em detergente neutro. Apresentou menor consumo e excreção fecal de nitrogênio, consequentemente estabelecendo maior relação entre nitrogênio retido e nitrogênio ingerido. A ração extrusada com relação 30V:70C proporciona menor consumo e melhor aproveitamento dos nutrientes pelo animal.(AU)

Performance of Nellore females in tropical pastures during the rainy season when supplemented with molasses blocks / Desempenho de fêmeas nelore em pastagens tropicais, durante a estação chuvosa quando suplementadas com blocos de melaço

The objective of this study was to measure the effect of supplementation with molasses blocks compared with conventional mineral supplementation (with specific formulations for the rainy and dry season) in 92 7-month-old Nellore heifers (Experiment 1) and 40 primiparous 31-month-old Nellore cows (Experiment 2) in Marandu grazing areas. The following measurements were obtained: weight, supplement intake, blood urea and glucose in heifers (Experiment 1), supplement intake, cow weight, body score, calf weight and ruminal temperature and drinking events in primiparous females (Experiment 2). The average molasses block intake was 242 g day-1 per heifer, with an average weight gain of 0.290 kg day-1; the heifers who consumed the molasses blocks were heavier during the rainy season (P < 0.05; Experiment 1). In Experiment 2, molasses block intake varied from 77 to 821 g day-1 per primiparous female, and the average intake in the control group was between 100 and 370 g day-1. The primiparous females given molasses blocks displayed lower weight loss due to calving (P < 0.05) and retained higher body scores at 150 days postpartum (P < 0.05). Ruminal temperature (P < 0.05) and drinking events (P < 0.05) were higher in primiparous Nellore females given molasses blocks. Overall, molasses blocks effectively increased Nellore female performance during the rainy season in Marandu grass pastures.(AU)

Objetivou-se medir o efeito da suplementação utilizando blocos de melaço, em comparação à suplementação mineral convencional, em 92 novilhas Nelore de 7 meses de idade (Experimento 1) e 40 primíparas Nelore de 31 meses de idade (Experimento 2), com formulações específicas para épocas chuvosas ou secas em pastagens de capim Marandu. Também foram realizadas as seguintes medições: peso, consumo do suplemento, ureia e glicose em novilhas (Experimento 1) e consumo de suplemento, peso de vacas primíparas, condição corporal, peso de bezerros, temperatura ruminal e frequência da ingestão hídrica nas primíparas (Experimento 2). O consumo médio dos blocos de melaço, por novilha, foi de 242 g dia-1, com ganho de peso de 0,290 kg dia-1. As novilhas que consumiram os blocos contendo melaço tiveram maiores pesos durante a estação chuvosa (P < 0,05) (Experimento 1). No experimento 2, a ingestão de blocos de melaço variou de 77 a 821 g dia-1 por primípara, e a ingestão média no tratamento controle foi entre 100 e 370 g dia-1. As fêmeas primíparas tratadas com blocos de melaço apresentaram menor perda de peso devido ao parto (P < 0,05), e mantiveram escores corporais mais elevados aos 150 dias pós-parto (P < 0,05). A temperatura ruminal (P < 0,05) e a frequência do consumo de água (P < 0,05) foram maiores nas primíparas Nelore do tratamento com blocos de melaço. O uso de blocos de melaço incrementam o desempenho de fêmeas Nelore durante a estação chuvosa em pastagens de capim Marandu.(AU)

Nutritional parameters of lambs fed extruded ration with different roughage to concentrate ratios / Parâmetros nutricionais de cordeiros alimentados com ração extrusada em diferentes relações volumoso: concentrado

The objective of our study was to compare the intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, and the nitrogen balance, of lambs fed extruded ration with different roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratios. The experiment was carried out at the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Experimental Farm Capim Branco, from 7 December 2016 to 6 January 2017. Ten lambs (Santa Inês × Dorper) aged between four and five months, and with a mean weight of 25.9 ± 2.8 kg, were used. The animals were placed in metabolic cages equipped with a feeder, drinking fountain, and salt shaker, and which had a wooden slatted floor. The treatments consisted of extruded ration with 30R:70C or 70R:30C. Treatments were distributed in a randomised, complete block design, with each treatment being performed twice and with ten replications. The experiment was carried out in two blocked stages. Differences in the means of treatments were evaluated by Tukeys test at a significance level of 5%. Intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, water intake by animals, and nitrogen balance were also analysed. The 30R:70C treatment resulted in a lower intake of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and hemicellulose, and caused higher dry matter and neutral detergent fibre digestibility. The 30R:70C treatment also resulted in a lower intake and faecal excretion of nitrogen, consequently establishing a higher ratio between retained and ingested nitrogen. In conclusion, the ration with 30R:70C results in lower intake, and better utilisation of nutrients by the animal.

Objetivou-se comparar o consumo e digestibilidade da matéria seca e dos nutrientes, e o balanço de nitrogênio de cordeiros alimentados com ração extrusada em diferentes relações volumoso (V):concentrado (C). O experimento foi realizado na Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Fazenda Experimental Capim Branco, no período de 07 de dezembro de 2016 a 06 de janeiro de 2017. Foram utilizados 10 cordeiros, mestiços (Santa Inês x Dorper), com idade entre quatro e cinco meses, e peso médio de 25,9 ± 2,8 kg. Os animais foram alocados em gaiolas metabólicas providas de comedouro, bebedouro, saleiro e piso ripado de madeira. Os tratamentos consistiam de ração extrusada nas relações 30V:70C e 70V:30C, distribuídos em delineamento em blocos casualizados com dois tratamentos e dez repetições por tratamento. O experimento foi feito em duas fases blocadas. As médias dos tratamentos foram avaliadas pelo teste de Tukey ao nível de significância de 5%. Foram analisados o consumo e digestibilidade da matéria seca e dos nutrientes, o consumo de água pelos animais e o balanço de nitrogênio. O tratamento 30V:70C apresentou menor consumo de matéria seca, de proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido e hemicelulose, e apresentou maior digestibilidade da matéria seca e da fibra em detergente neutro. Apresentou menor consumo e excreção fecal de nitrogênio, consequentemente estabelecendo maior relação entre nitrogênio retido e nitrogênio ingerido. A ração extrusada com relação 30V:70C proporciona menor consumo e melhor aproveitamento dos nutrientes pelo animal.

Performance of Nellore females in tropical pastures during the rainy season when supplemented with molasses blocks / Desempenho de fêmeas nelore em pastagens tropicais, durante a estação chuvosa quando suplementadas com blocos de melaço

The objective of this study was to measure the effect of supplementation with molasses blocks compared with conventional mineral supplementation (with specific formulations for the rainy and dry season) in 92 7-month-old Nellore heifers (Experiment 1) and 40 primiparous 31-month-old Nellore cows (Experiment 2) in Marandu grazing areas. The following measurements were obtained: weight, supplement intake, blood urea and glucose in heifers (Experiment 1), supplement intake, cow weight, body score, calf weight and ruminal temperature and drinking events in primiparous females (Experiment 2). The average molasses block intake was 242 g day-1 per heifer, with an average weight gain of 0.290 kg day-1; the heifers who consumed the molasses blocks were heavier during the rainy season (P < 0.05; Experiment 1). In Experiment 2, molasses block intake varied from 77 to 821 g day-1 per primiparous female, and the average intake in the control group was between 100 and 370 g day-1. The primiparous females given molasses blocks displayed lower weight loss due to calving (P < 0.05) and retained higher body scores at 150 days postpartum (P < 0.05). Ruminal temperature (P < 0.05) and drinking events (P < 0.05) were higher in primiparous Nellore females given molasses blocks. Overall, molasses blocks effectively increased Nellore female performance during the rainy season in Marandu grass pastures.

Objetivou-se medir o efeito da suplementação utilizando blocos de melaço, em comparação à suplementação mineral convencional, em 92 novilhas Nelore de 7 meses de idade (Experimento 1) e 40 primíparas Nelore de 31 meses de idade (Experimento 2), com formulações específicas para épocas chuvosas ou secas em pastagens de capim Marandu. Também foram realizadas as seguintes medições: peso, consumo do suplemento, ureia e glicose em novilhas (Experimento 1) e consumo de suplemento, peso de vacas primíparas, condição corporal, peso de bezerros, temperatura ruminal e frequência da ingestão hídrica nas primíparas (Experimento 2). O consumo médio dos blocos de melaço, por novilha, foi de 242 g dia-1, com ganho de peso de 0,290 kg dia-1. As novilhas que consumiram os blocos contendo melaço tiveram maiores pesos durante a estação chuvosa (P < 0,05) (Experimento 1). No experimento 2, a ingestão de blocos de melaço variou de 77 a 821 g dia-1 por primípara, e a ingestão média no tratamento controle foi entre 100 e 370 g dia-1. As fêmeas primíparas tratadas com blocos de melaço apresentaram menor perda de peso devido ao parto (P < 0,05), e mantiveram escores corporais mais elevados aos 150 dias pós-parto (P < 0,05). A temperatura ruminal (P < 0,05) e a frequência do consumo de água (P < 0,05) foram maiores nas primíparas Nelore do tratamento com blocos de melaço. O uso de blocos de melaço incrementam o desempenho de fêmeas Nelore durante a estação chuvosa em pastagens de capim Marandu.

Soybean hulls and / or white oat grains on the ingestive behavior of confined steers / Casca do grão de soja e / ou grão aveia branca no comportamento ingestivo de novilhos confinados

Dry matter and neutral detergent fiber contents act as physical regulators of voluntary intake in ruminants. Therefore, different levels of these components may interfere with animal performance and require careful assessment of the used raw material. This study was conducted with the purpose to assess the effect of soybean hulls and white oat in distinct or associated uses in the concentrate diet on the ingestive behavior of cattle. Thirty-six steers with an initial mean age of 20 months and initial mean weight of 226 kg were used. The diet was composed of 50% sorghum silage and 50% concentrate based on dry matter. The tested diets were soybean hulls (concentrate fraction composed mainly of soybean hulls), white oat grains (concentrate fraction composed mainly of white oat grains), and mixture (concentrate fraction composed of equal parts of soybean hulls and white oat grains). The experimental design was a randomized block design with 12 animals per diet. The data were compared by the PROC MIXED procedure with repeated measures in time, and the means were compared by the least significant difference test at 5% significance level. Diets presented different contents of neutral detergent fiber (66, 56, and 47%) and lignin (3.2, 3.7, and 4.1%) as the percentage of white oat grain increased in the diet. The total rumination time was lower (447 minutes) for animals that received equal parts of soybean hulls and white oat grains in the diet when compared to animals receiving a diet containing soybean hulls (483 minutes) and white oat grains (495 minutes), with no difference from each other.[...]

Os teores de matéria seca e fibra em detergente neutro atuam como reguladores físicos do consumo voluntário em ruminantes. Assim, diferentes níveis destes componentes podem interferir no desempenho animal e necessitam de avaliação criteriosa da matéria-prima utilizada. O estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da casca do grão de soja e a aveia branca, em usos distintos ou associados na dieta concentrada no comportamento ingestivo de bovinos. Utilizou-se 36 novilhos com idade média inicial de 20 meses e peso médio inicial de 226 kg. A dieta foi composta de 50 % de silagem de sorgo e 50 % de concentrado com base na matéria seca. As dietas testadas foram: casca do grão de soja (fração concentrada composta principalmente por casca do grão de soja), grão de aveia branca (fração concentrada composta principalmente por grão de aveia branca) e mistura (fração concentrada composta por partes iguais de casca do grão de soja e grão de aveia branca). O delineamento experimental foi blocos ao acaso com 12 animais por dieta. Os dados foram comparados pelo procedimento PROC MIXED com avaliações repetidas no tempo e as médias, comparadas pelo teste de diferença mínima significativa ao nível de 5 % de significância. As dietas apresentaram diferentes teores de fibra em detergente neutro (66, 56 e 47 %) e lignina (3,2; 3,7 e 4,1 %) conforme aumento da participação do grão de aveia branca na dieta. O tempo de ruminação total foi inferior (447 minutos) para animais que receberam partes iguais de casca do grão de soja e grão de aveia branca na dieta em relação a animais recebendo dieta contendo casca do grão de soja (483 minutos) e grão de aveia branca (495 minutos), que não deferiram entre si.[...]