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South American camelids (SAC) are gaining popularity for various purposes, including fiber production, trekking, and companionship. High abortion rates pose a significant health issue in SAC herds, leading to substantial economic losses for breeders. Often, the causes of these abortions remain unidentified. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the known infectious and non-infectious causes of abortions in SAC.
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Anthelmintic resistance to Haemonchus contortus creates increasing management challenges with small ruminants and camelids. The commercial vaccine, Barbervax®, contains H11 and H-gal-GP antigens, derived from gut mucosal membrane enzymes of H. contortus involved in digesting blood. Antibody neutralization of these antigens causes failure of H. contortus to digest blood, resulting in parasite death. H11 and H-gal-GP are considered "hidden" antigens, meaning the host immune system does not encounter these proteins under natural infection. Therefore, repeat immunization is required to maintain protective humoral responses. One previous study evaluated the safety of Barbervax® in camelids but the efficacy could not be assessed due to lack of successful infection in the controls. The objective of the current study was to evaluate clinical parameters of anemia, fecal egg counts (FECs), and humoral immune responses of healthy alpacas after immunizing with Barbervax® compared to non-vaccinated controls, all under natural environmental exposure on parasite-laden pastures. A crossover-like study was performed where twenty alpacas (298 ± 66 days of age) were assigned to be initially vaccinated with Barbervax® (n=10) or receive no treatment (n=10). Three doses of Barbervax® were administered at three-week intervals. Feces and blood were collected on Day -10, 0, 21, 43, 64, 85, 106, and 135 to evaluate FECs, packed cell volume (PCV), and antibody titers. Each group was kept on separate adjacent pastures. Tracer sheep (n=2 per study group) were introduced on Day 43 for a three-week period to ensure parasite acquisition. For the crossover-like component on Day 85, the initial non-vaccinated group was administered Barbervax® with dosing repeated on Day 106 and 135. Results indicated all initially vaccinated alpacas produced antibody titers to vaccine antigen that corresponded to lower mean FECs compared to the initially non-vaccinated group. A reduced mean FEC in the vaccinate group was observed 21 days after peak antibody titers. Similarly, when pooled vaccinate antibody titers were noted to wane on Day 106, an increase in FEC was observed at the following time point (Day 135). Conclusions from our study support the use of Barbervax® to reduce H. contortus burdens in alpacas. Furthermore, a less than 30-day lag time between antibody titer and resultant effect in FECs was observed. Additional studies assessing the ability of Barbervax® to reduce H. contortus burdens during subsequent grazing seasons would provide even greater information regarding the use of Barbervax® within alpaca herds to modulate H. contortus infections, refugia, and anthelmintic use.
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In a previous study characterizing Campylobacter strains deficient in selenium metabolism, 50 strains were found to be similar to, but distinct from, the selenonegative species Campylobacter lanienae. Initial characterization based on multilocus sequence typing and the phylogeny of a set of 20 core genes determined that these strains form three putative taxa within the selenonegative cluster. A polyphasic study was undertaken here to further clarify their taxonomic position within the genus. The 50 selenonegative strains underwent phylogenetic analyses based on the sequences of the 16S rRNA gene and an expanded set of 330 core genes. Standard phenotypic testing was also performed. All strains were microaerobic and anaerobic, Gram-negative, spiral or curved cells with some displaying coccoid morphologies. Strains were motile, oxidase, catalase, and alkaline phosphatase positive, urease negative, and reduced nitrate. Strains within each clade had unique phenotypic profiles that distinguished them from other members of the genus. Core genome phylogeny clearly placed the 50 strains into three clades. Pairwise average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values were all below the recommended cut-offs for species delineation with respect to C. lanienae and other related Campylobacter species. The data presented here clearly show that these strains represent three novel species within the genus, for which the names Campylobacter devanensis sp. nov. (type strain RM3662T=LMG 33097T=NCTC 15074T), Campylobacter porcelli sp. nov. (type strain RM6137T=LMG 33098T=CCUG 77054T=NCTC 15075T) and Campylobacter vicugnae sp. nov. (type strain RM12175T=LMG 33099T=CCUG 77055T=NCTC 15076T) are proposed.
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Técnicas de Tipagem Bacteriana , Campylobacter , DNA Bacteriano , Tipagem de Sequências Multilocus , Hibridização de Ácido Nucleico , Filogenia , RNA Ribossômico 16S , Análise de Sequência de DNA , RNA Ribossômico 16S/genética , Campylobacter/genética , Campylobacter/classificação , Campylobacter/isolamento & purificação , Animais , DNA Bacteriano/genética , Suínos , Ruminantes/microbiologiaRESUMO
Two strictly anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative rod-shaped bacterial isolates, A2-P53T and A1-P5, were isolated from an enrichment of fecal material from two alpacas (Vicugna pacos). Based on a comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the isolates were assigned to the genus Bacteroides with the highest sequence similarities to Bacteroides koreensis YS-aM39T (A2- P53T 97.7 % and A1-P5 97.9 %). Additionally, the average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between these isolates and their closest relatives within Bacteroides were less than 92.1 % and 49.1 %, respectively. The average nucleotide identity between isolates A2-P53T and A1-P5 was 99.9 %. The predominant cellular fatty acid for isolates A2-P53T and A1-P5 was C15:0 antesio. The G+C % content of the isolates was 41.7 %. Based on biochemical, phylogenetic, genotypic, and chemotaxonomic criteria, these isolates A2-P53T and A1-P5 represent two individual strains of a novel species within the genus Bacteroides for which the name Bacteroides vicugnae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of this species is strain A2-P53T (CCUG 77273T = CCM 9377T = NRRL B-65693T).
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Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) are a common threat faced by pastoral livestock. Since their major introduction to the UK in the early 1990s, South American camelids have been cograzed with sheep, horses, and other livestock, allowing exposure to a range of GIN species. However, there have been no molecular-based studies to investigate the GIN populations present in these camelids. In the current study, we sampled nine alpaca herds from northern England and southern Scotland and used high-throughput metabarcoded sequencing to describe their GIN species composition. A total of 71 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified representing eight known GIN species. Haemonchus contortus was the most prevalent species found in almost all herds in significant proportions. The identification of H. contortus in other livestock species is unusual in the northern UK, implying that alpacas may be suitable hosts and potential reservoirs for infection in other hosts. In addition, the camelid-adapted GIN species Camelostrongylus mentulatus was identified predominantly in herds with higher faecal egg counts. These findings highlight the value of applying advanced molecular methods, such as nemabiome metabarcoding to describe the dynamics of gastrointestinal nematode infections in novel situations. The results provide a strong base for further studies involving cograzing animals to confirm the potential role of alpacas in transmitting GIN species between hosts.
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Camelídeos Americanos , Hemoncose , Haemonchus , Animais , Camelídeos Americanos/parasitologia , Haemonchus/genética , Haemonchus/classificação , Haemonchus/isolamento & purificação , Prevalência , Hemoncose/veterinária , Hemoncose/parasitologia , Hemoncose/epidemiologia , Código de Barras de DNA Taxonômico , Reino Unido/epidemiologia , Infecções por Strongylida/veterinária , Infecções por Strongylida/parasitologia , Infecções por Strongylida/epidemiologia , Fezes/parasitologia , Inglaterra/epidemiologia , Escócia/epidemiologiaRESUMO
To expand the knowledge about common diseases in llamas and alpacas in Germany, a screening of the cases of South American camelids presented at the Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants of the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany from 2005 to the end of November 2021 was performed. A retrospective evaluation of necropsy reports from this period was conducted. Overall, necropsy reports were evaluated from 187 alpacas, 35 llamas and one vicuña (n = 223). A total of 50.2% of the dissected animals were thin or cachectic. Pathological alterations of the gastrointestinal tract were the most common findings (44.8%). In addition, liver changes were recorded, most frequently in adult animals. In contrast, diseases of the respiratory tract and the nervous system were found more frequently in juvenile animals. This study provides an overview of common pathologies in South American camelids in Germany and thus may help to recognise different disease symptoms at an early stage.
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Camelídeos Americanos , Animais , Alemanha/epidemiologia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Masculino , FemininoRESUMO
Poisoning is often suspected to be the origin of disease in South American camelids (SACs) by owners, but only in a few cases this assumption can be confirmed. In small ruminants, rhododendron poisoning is a common emergency for livestock veterinarians. However, this condition has rarely been reported in SACs so far. This paper provides information regarding clinical findings, hematology, clinical chemistry, and treatment of four alpacas after presumed intake of rhododendron leaves including pathological findings of one of the animals. Rhododendron leaves contain grayanatoxins that lead to hyperpolarization of excitable cells. Clinical signs that were observed in the presented alpacas comprised: salivation, dehydration, decreased motility of compartment 1, uncoordinated regurgitation, and cardiac arrhythmia. Clinical chemistry revealed that rhododendron poisoning was associated with metabolic acidosis and azotaemia, hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. Most striking macroscopic and histopathological findings included gastric ulceration, and renal infarcts along with inflammatory changes. Leaves of Rhododendron spp. were identified in the forestomach content of this animal. Affected animals were treated symptomatically as there is no specific antidote in rhododendron poisoning. This included parenteral rehydration, treatment of metabolic acidosis (infusion of sodium bicarbonate solution), and oral administration of activated charcoal to bind potential toxins. In addition, antibiotic treatment might be necessary to prevent aspiration pneumonia in case of uncoordinated regurgitation. Of the four animals, the worst affected alpaca was euthanized, one had minimal signs and two responded to supportive care and recovered. In conclusion, rhododendron poisoning might be fatal for alpacas in individual cases and therefore rhododendron bushes should not be placed in the habitat of SACs.
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Camelídeos Americanos , Intoxicação por Plantas , Rhododendron , Animais , Rhododendron/intoxicação , Rhododendron/química , Intoxicação por Plantas/veterinária , Alemanha , Masculino , Folhas de Planta/química , Folhas de Planta/intoxicação , FemininoRESUMO
Little is known about the neuronal structure of the vomeronasal organ (VNO), a receptor organ responsible for pheromone perception, in the alpaca (Vicugna pacos). This study was performed to determine the localization of neuronal elements, including protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), a pan-neuronal marker, olfactory marker protein (OMP), a marker of mature olfactory receptor cells, and phospholipase C beta 2 (PLC-ß2), a marker of solitary chemoreceptor cells (SCCs), in the VNO. OMP was identified in receptor cells of the vomeronasal sensory epithelium (VSE), while PGP 9.5 and PLC-ß2 were localized in both the VSE and vomeronasal non-sensory epithelium. Collectively, these results suggested that the alpaca VNO possesses SCCs and olfactory receptor cells, which recognize both harmful substances and pheromones.
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Camelídeos Americanos , Proteína de Marcador Olfatório , Órgão Vomeronasal , Animais , Órgão Vomeronasal/anatomia & histologia , Órgão Vomeronasal/citologia , Camelídeos Americanos/anatomia & histologia , Masculino , Proteína de Marcador Olfatório/metabolismo , Fosfolipase C beta/metabolismo , Feminino , Neurônios Receptores Olfatórios , Células Quimiorreceptoras , Ubiquitina Tiolesterase/metabolismo , Ubiquitina Tiolesterase/genéticaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic blood contamination during cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) centesis is common, which can limit the diagnostic usefulness of the sample. A novel ultrasound-guided CSF collection technique is described in horses, by which CSF is obtained from the atlantoaxial (AA) space. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To compare ultrasound-guided AA centesis with lumbosacral (LS) centesis in South American camelids (SAC). The hypotheses were that AA centesis would yield samples with less blood contamination although being technically more challenging than LS centesis. ANIMALS: Eight clinically healthy adult SAC from a university-owned teaching herd. METHODS: Single-blinded, randomized, 4-way, 4-period crossover study in which 2 veterinarians each performed both centesis techniques on each animal once. Cytological sample analysis was performed, and the technical difficulty of sample acquisition was assessed. RESULTS: The CSF was collected successfully and without complications by either technique during all collection attempts. Aspects of technical difficulty and concentrations of CSF analytes did not vary significantly between techniques. Median total nucleated cell and red blood cell counts were 1/µL and 0.5/µL and 167.5/µL and 155/µL for AA and LS techniques, respectively. The median total protein concentration was 32.9 mg/dL and 38 mg/dL for AA and LS centeses. A median of 1 attempt was necessary for both centesis techniques and the median number of needle repositioning events was 1 for AA and 0 for LS. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Depending on clinical circumstances, ultrasound-guided AA centesis appears to be an acceptable alternative to other techniques for collection of CSF from SAC.
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Líquido Cefalorraquidiano , Paracentese , Humanos , Cavalos , Animais , Paracentese/veterinária , Estudos Cross-Over , Ultrassonografia , Contagem de Eritrócitos/veterinária , América do SulRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Alpaca is a domestic South American camelid probably arising from the domestication of two wild camelids, the vicugna and the guanaco. Two phenotypes are described for alpaca, known as huacaya and suri. Huacaya fleece is characterized by compact, soft, and highly crimped fibers, while suri fleece is longer, straight, less crimped, and lustrous. The gene variants determining these phenotypes are still unknown, although previous studies suggested a dominant inheritance of the suri. Based on that, the aim of this study was the identification of the gene variants determining alpaca coat phenotypes through whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis. RESULTS: The sample used includes two test-cross alpaca families, suri × huacaya, which produced two offspring, one with the suri phenotype and one with the huacaya phenotype. The analyzed sample was expanded through the addition of WGS data from six vicugnas and six guanacos; this because we assumed the absence of the gene variants linked to the suri phenotype in these wild species. The analysis of gene variant segregation with the suri phenotype, coupled with the filtering of gene variants present in the wild species, disclosed the presence in all the suri samples of a premature termination codon (PTC) in TRPV3 (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 3), a gene known to be involved in hair growth and cycling, thermal sensation, cold tolerance and adaptation in several species. Mutations in TRPV3 were previously associated with the alteration of hair structure leading to an impaired formation of the hair canal and the hair shaft in mouse. This PTC in TRPV3, due to a G > T substitution (p.Glu475*), results in a loss of 290 amino acids from the canonical translated protein, plausibly leading to a physiological dysfunction. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that the suri phenotype may arise from a TRPV3 gene variant which may explain some of the suri features such as its longer hair fibre with lower number of cuticular scales compared to huacaya.
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Camelídeos Americanos , Animais , Humanos , Camundongos , Camelídeos Americanos/genética , Códon sem Sentido , Cabelo , Mutação , Fenótipo , Canais de Cátion TRPV/genética , Sequenciamento Completo do GenomaRESUMO
A novel Gram-positive, anaerobic, nonspore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain NGMCC 1.200840 T, was isolated from the alpacas fresh feces. The taxonomic position of the novel strain was determined using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed strain NGMCC 1.200840 T was a member of the genus Clostridium and closely related to Clostridium tertium DSM 2485 T (98.16% sequence similarity). Between strains NGMCC 1.200840 T and C. tertium DSM 2485 T, the average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) were 79.91% and 23.50%, respectively. Genomic DNA G + C content is 28.44 mol%. The strain can utilise D-glucose, D-mannitol, D-lactose, D-saccharose, D-maltose, D-xylose, L-arabinose, D-cellobiose, D-mannose, D-melezitose, D-raffinose, D-sorbitol, L-rhamnose, D-trehalose, D-galactose and Arbutin to produce acid. The optimal growth pH was 7, the temperature was 37 °C, and the salt concentration was 0-0.5% (w/v). The major cellular fatty acids (> 10%) included iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15:0 and iso-C17:0 3-OH. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, three unidentified phospholipids and two unidentified aminolipids. Based on phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, NGMCC 1.200840 T represents a novel species within the genus Clostridium, for which the named Clostridium lamae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NGMCC 1.200840 T (= CGMCC 1.18014 T = JCM 35704 T).
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Camelídeos Americanos , Animais , Camelídeos Americanos/genética , Filogenia , RNA Ribossômico 16S/genética , DNA Bacteriano/genética , Fosfolipídeos/química , Ácidos Graxos/química , Clostridium , Bactérias Gram-Positivas/genética , Fezes , Análise de Sequência de DNA , Técnicas de Tipagem BacterianaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The patient histories, findings from clinical examinations, diagnostic imaging techniques, the surgical procedures, complications, necropsy findings and the outcomes from five male or castrated male alpacas with scapulohumeral sub-/luxation are presented. These alpacas each had a history of severe forelimb lameness for one week (n: 1), four weeks (n: 2) and for two-to-three months (n: 2). Two of the five alpacas were euthanized due to severe osteoarthritic changes that developed during the two-to-three months of scapulohumeral luxation. Three alpacas were treated with open reduction and internal stabilisation by placing tension band sutures between one 4,5 mm cortical screw anchored in the scapular neck and two 4,5 mm cortical screws anchored in the greater humeral tubercle, all of them provided with washers. Post-surgery a carpal flexion sling was applied to avoid postoperative weight-bearing. An exercise programme was started after removal of the carpal sling and continued for 12 weeks. In one of the three alpacas an additional non-displaced fracture of the acromion occurred two weeks after surgery. In conclusion, all three treated alpacas had good-to-excellent long-term outcomes and are still alive 123, 15 and 12 months after surgical repair of the scapulohumeral sub-/luxation. As four weeks, or even up to three months elapsed in four of these five alpacas until a definitive diagnosis was made, more education should be provided to alpaca owners that severely lame animals should be presented to a veterinarian with adequate diagnostic possibilities and expertise as soon as possible in order not to compromise treatment success.
INTRODUCTION: Dans cette étude rétrospective, on présente les antécédents des patients, les résultats des examens cliniques, les techniques d'imagerie diagnostique, les procédures chirurgicales, les complications, les résultats de l'autopsie et les résultats finaux de cinq alpagas mâles ou mâles castrés souffrant d'une subluxation ou luxation scapulo-humérale. Ces alpagas présentaient chacun des antécédents de boiterie sévère des membres antérieurs depuis une semaine (n: 1), quatre semaines (n: 2) et deux à trois mois (n: 2). Deux des cinq alpagas ont été euthanasiés en raison des changements arthrosiques graves qui s'étaient développés au cours des deux à trois mois de luxation scapulo-humérale. Trois alpagas ont été traités par réduction ouverte et stabilisation interne en plaçant des sutures à bande de tension entre une vis corticale de 4,5 mm ancrée dans le col de l'omoplate et deux vis corticales de 4,5 mm ancrées dans le tubercule huméral supérieur, toutes munies de rondelles. Après l'opération, une écharpe de flexion du carpe a été mise en place pour éviter la mise en charge postopératoire. Un programme d'exercices a été mis en place après le retrait de l'écharpe carpienne et a été poursuivi pendant 12 semaines. Chez l'un des trois alpagas, une fracture non déplacée de l'acromion s'est produite deux semaines après l'opération. En conclusion, les trois alpagas traités ont eu des résultats à long terme bons à excellents et sont toujours en vie 123, 15 et 12 mois après la réparation chirurgicale de la subluxation scapulo-humérale. Dans la mesure où il s'est écoulé quatre semaines voire jusqu'à trois mois chez quatre de ces cinq alpagas avant qu'un diagnostic définitif ne soit posé, il convient d'informer davantage les propriétaires d'alpagas que les animaux gravement boiteux doivent être présentés à un vétérinaire disposant des possibilités de diagnostic et de l'expertise adéquates le plus rapidement possible afin de ne pas compromettre le succès du traitement.
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Camelídeos Americanos , Masculino , Animais , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Several internal and external factors can influence animals' hormonal activity. Cortisol level in hair and wool determines chronic stress, which is connected with the long-term HPA axis effect. Wool cortisol levels in alpacas have never been determined to this time. The study aimed to assess the influence of selected factors on wool cortisol concentration in alpacas. The study included 36 alpacas. Wool samples were collected during shearing in June 2021, cut with an electric clipper from the right shoulder and the rump. Wool samples were fragmented into proximal (winter-spring regrowth) and distal (summer-fall regrowth) segments. Alpacas' Heat Stress Index (HSI) for the summer of 2020 was 139.4, and 116 for the winter of 2021. The cortisol levels in the wool samples were determined with the General Cortisol ELISA Kit assay. The most significant differences in wool cortisol concentrations were caused by two factors: the wool segment (P < 0.001; η2 = 0.889) and the region on the body (P < 0.001; η2 = 0.876). Wool cortisol level was higher in the distal segment (referring to the summer-fall season) than in the proximal one (referring to the winter-spring season). It is suggested that alpacas can feel heat stress in summer (HSI = 139.4), which could influence higher cortisol levels in the distal segment. The wool cortisol level was higher in the rump samples than the shoulder ones. Therefore, it is essential in future studies that wool samples from all tested animals should be completed from the same body region. Differences among age and sex groups were also observed. Wool cortisol level was higher in older animals, as differences between age groups were observed in samples from the rump in the distal and proximal segments (distal, the rump younger*older: P < 0.001; η2 = 0.321; proximal, the rump older*younger: P = 0.007; η2 = 0.195). Males showed higher cortisol levels than females, as a difference between sexes was observed in samples from the rump in the proximal segment (P = 0.001, η2 = 0.271). This study emphasizes that various factors may significantly influence wool cortisol levels, which can be helpful in alpacas' welfare estimation using this hormonal indicator as a noninvasive long-term stress assessment method.
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Camelídeos Americanos , Lã , Animais , Feminino , Masculino , Lã/química , Hidrocortisona/análise , Sistema Hipotálamo-Hipofisário , Sistema Hipófise-SuprarrenalRESUMO
The adequate transfer of passive immunity is a critical factor in neonatal development and survivability. Although well documented in the dairy and equine industries, the recognition of inadequate immunoglobulin transfer on-farm and its impact on the ability of alpaca cria to thrive is largely unknown. Colostrum samples were collected from female alpaca within 24 h of parturition by the owners and whole blood collected from cria by the investigators between 1 and 7 days of age. Direct IgG concentration of milk and serum was determined using radial immunodiffusion assay (RID) and was indirectly estimated using optical and digital Brix refractometry for total solids and clinical refractometry for total serum protein. There was a strong correlation between optical and digital Brix refractometry, and colostral IgG concentration determined by RID. There was a moderate correlation between serum IgG concentration determined by RID and total serum protein in crias. Optical and digital Brix refractometry for colostral IgG estimation and total serum protein for serum IgG estimation are reliable, accurate and easy-to-use tools that can be used on-farm by trained, competent technicians to assess a failure of passive transfer in alpacas. A pilot study at one property only was performed, due to COVID-19 travel restriction interference. Further research is required to determine the reference intervals for these tools to be practical.
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Proteínas Sanguíneas , Camelídeos Americanos , Colostro , Imunoglobulina G , Refratometria , Camelídeos Americanos/sangue , Camelídeos Americanos/imunologia , Animais , Imunoglobulina G/sangue , Refratometria/veterinária , Colostro/química , Colostro/imunologia , Feminino , Proteínas Sanguíneas/análise , Imunodifusão/veterinária , Imunodifusão/métodos , Projetos PilotoRESUMO
Recent studies document the LH-releasing pathway of nerve growth factor (NGF) in male camelids and that the LH response to seminal NGF is associated with elevated plasma testosterone concentration. Results provide rationale for the hypothesis that NGF in semen is associated with male fertility. In Experiment 1, the association between the amount of NGF in the ejaculate and characteristics of the male reproductive system was examined in alpacas. The concentration of NGF was measured by radioimmunoassay in semen samples collected from male alpacas (n = 47) and correlated with sperm morphology and motility, and measurements of the male reproductive anatomy. Most ejaculates had NGF concentrations that, based on previous studies, triggered ovulation in female camelids, however, we only found a positive correlation between NGF concentration with sperm concentration, thread formation and total NGF, and a negative correlation with pH. In Experiment 2, a retrospective analysis was carried out to determine if breeding performance during the previous season was related to recent concentrations of seminal NGF in male alpacas (n = 22). Birth rates tended to be correlated with sperm concentration and total amount of NGF in the ejaculate (P = 0.09). Experiment 3 was a prospective study to determine the relationship between seminal NGF (n = 8 male alpacas) and ovulation and pregnancy rates in a breeding trial. No association was detected between seminal NGF concentration and ovulation rate, pregnancy rate, or LH response in the female. We conclude that among the breeding males used in our study, the abundance of seminal NGF was correlated with sperm concentration and thread formation, however, it was not predictive of male fertility in alpacas. Examination of males not previously selected as breeding stock may be expected to include a broader range of seminal NGF and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between seminal NGF and male fertility.
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Camelídeos Americanos , Sêmen , Gravidez , Masculino , Feminino , Animais , Sêmen/fisiologia , Camelídeos Americanos/fisiologia , Fator de Crescimento Neural/metabolismo , Estudos Prospectivos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Fertilidade , Espermatozoides/metabolismo , Motilidade dos EspermatozoidesRESUMO
Abstract This study aims to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within KRTAP genes in alpacas (Vicugna pacos), which play a fundamental role in defining their physico-mechanical properties and potentially the quality of alpaca fiber, the primary product of their breeding. Thirty-four KRTAP genes, as annotated in the reference genome VicPac3.1, were investigated. Utilizing the reference genome, along with nine additional genomes and reads from 300 reduced representation DNA libraries of alpacas, SNPs were identified. Minor allele frequency (MAF) and genotyping rates were computed using PLINK software, while Illumina Scores were determined for each SNP using Illumina Design Studio software. Markers meeting the criteria of MAF ≥ 0.05, genotyping rate > 45%, and Illumina Score ≥ 0.6 per SNP were selected. A total of 67 SNPs were identified within intronic, exonic, and untranslated regions of KRTAP genes. Among these, 35 SNPs were incorporated into the 76K Alpaca SNP microarray, with 32 SNPs subsequently validated in a population of 936 alpacas. In conclusion, our findings delineate SNPs within KRTAPs that hold potential utility in genome-wide association studies, thereby facilitating the integration of modern breeding technologies into alpaca breeding programs.
Resumen Este estudio tiene como objetivo identificar polimorfismos de nucleótido simple (PNSs) dentro de los genes KRTAP en alpacas (Vicugna pacos), que juegan un papel fundamental en la definición de sus propiedades físico-mecánicas y la calidad de la fibra de alpaca, producto principal de su crianza. Se investigaron treinta y cuatro genes KRTAP, tal como están anotados en el genoma de referencia VicPac3.1. Utilizando el genoma de referencia, junto con nueve genomas adicionales y lecturas de 300 bibliotecas de representación reducida de ADN de alpacas, se identificaron los PNSs. La frecuencia de los alelos menores (MAF) y las tasas de genotipificación se calcularon utilizando el software PLINK, mientras que los Illumina Score se determinaron para cada PNS utilizando el software Illumina Design Studio. Se seleccionaron marcadores que cumplían con los criterios de MAF ≥ 0.05, tasa de genotipado > 45% e Illumina Score ≥ 0.6 por PNS. Se identificaron un total de 67 PNSs dentro de regiones intrónicas, exónicas y/o no traducidas de genes KRTAP. Entre estos, se incorporaron 35 PNSs al microarray 76K Alpaca SNP, y posteriormente se validaron 32 PNSs en una población de 936 alpacas. En conclusión, nuestros hallazgos identificaron los PNSs dentro de los KRTAP que tienen una utilidad potencial en estudios de asociación de todo el genoma, facilitando así la integración de tecnologías de reproducción modernas en los programas de reproducción de alpacas.
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South American Camelids, including alpacas, have gained popularity in Europe as pets and prized wool sources. Skin health concerns, particularly mite infestations, have emerged as a notable problem in these animals. Sarcoptic mange can lead to severe itching, papules, and chronic symptoms such as alopecia, crusts, and emaciation if left untreated. This case report documents a 2-year-old female alpaca suffering from sarcoptic mange. Despite initial treatment with ivermectin, its condition worsened, leading to severe weight loss, abortion, and a continued presence of mites. Considering the lack of effective treatments for sarcoptic mange in alpacas and the unavailability of registered drugs for this species in Italy, fluralaner, a drug previously used in other animal species, has been administered orally at a dosage of 5 mg/kg. Within a week after the treatment with fluralaner, the patient exhibited significant improvement, including the resolution of itching, healing of skin lesions, and an increase in appetite. Follow-up skin scrapings confirmed the absence of mites, and the patient's condition continued to improve. Fluralaner demonstrated to be a highly effective and fast-acting treatment for sarcoptic mange in alpacas, offering potential economic benefits attributed to its single-dose administration.
Assuntos
Camelídeos Americanos , Isoxazóis , Escabiose , Animais , Camelídeos Americanos/parasitologia , Feminino , Isoxazóis/uso terapêutico , Isoxazóis/administração & dosagem , Escabiose/tratamento farmacológico , Escabiose/veterinária , Escabiose/parasitologia , Acaricidas/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
South American camelids (SACs) play an increasing role in veterinary care in Europe. Many alpacas or llamas presented to veterinarians suffer from anaemia, regularly with a packed cell volume (PCV) below 0.10 l/l, which is a life-threatening condition for the animals. This review article presents clinical and laboratory diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of anaemia in SACs. Clinical identification of anaemic animals can be performed by assessing the FAMACHA© score and the Body Condition Score (BCS), since anaemia in alpacas and llamas correlates with pale mucous membranes and a lowered BCS. Haematological examination of a blood sample can provide a more differentiated diagnosis of anaemia in SACs. A common finding is regenerative anaemia with an increased number of reticulocytes that is often caused by blood loss due to Haemonchus contortus. Changes in a blood smear from an alpaca or llama with regenerative anaemia may include normoblasts (nucleated red blood cells), anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, polychromasia, Howell-Jolly bodies or basophilic stippling. Furthermore, non-regenerative anaemia, often caused by trace element deficiency or cachexia, can also occur.
Assuntos
Anemia , Camelídeos Americanos , Haemonchus , Animais , Anemia/diagnóstico , Anemia/veterinária , América do SulRESUMO
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of different percentages of seminal plasma (SP) during the cooling at 5 °C of alpaca spermatozoa from vas deferens. Fifteen pools of sperm from vas deferens were evaluated and then divided into four aliquots that were diluted to a final concentration of 30 × 106 sperm/ml with either: (1) Tris with 20% egg yolk (T-EY) (control, 0% SP), (2) T-EY with 10% SP, (3) T-EY with 25% SP, and (4) T-EY with 50% SP. Samples were cooled at 5 °C and the following sperm parameters were evaluated after 24 and 48 h of storage: motility, viability, membrane function, acrosome integrity, morphology, and chromatin condensation. Motility was also evaluated after 72 h of storage. A significant decrease in progressive and total sperm motility was observed in samples cooled with 50% SP with respect to all diluted samples, while these parameters were preserved in samples cooled with 0%, 10%, and 25% SP. The percentages of sperm viability, normal morphology, and highly condensed chromatin did not change after the cooling process and were similar between cooled samples. Although a significant decrease was observed in the percentage of spermatozoa with functional membranes and with an intact acrosome in all refrigerated samples compared to raw sperm, the greatest decrease was observed in samples cooled with 50% SP. No advantage was observed from the addition of SP to alpaca spermatozoa obtained from vas deferens and being cooled. In addition, to preserve the sperm motility of cooled samples for up to 72 h, it should be recommended to include a 10% SP in the extender.