Backbone of Care: Lived Experiences of Family Caregivers of Stroke Survivors in Guadalupe, Cebu City.

This study explored the lived experiences of five family caregivers of stroke survivors in a village in Cebu City, Philippines. Data was gathered through individual in-depth interviews and underwent interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three themes emerged: (1) Altruism of caregiving: Of self and family, (2) Victories in caregiving, and (3) Burdens of caregiving. Themes illustrated the duality of roles, overcoming difficulties of caregiving, and sources of motivation in caregiving. Findings indicate that a need for collaborative efforts and active involvement between the communities and occupational therapy with the healthcare system to provide programs and support to family caregivers.

First Report of Tomato Leaf Curl Cebu Virus Associated with Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Golden Yellow Mosaic Disease in Taiwan.

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl, also known as snack weed, is an exotic plant in Taiwan. In April 2021, severe golden yellow mosaic leaves (Fig. S1) were observed on S. jamaicensis plants in Taichung City, Taiwan. Samples from eight symptomatic and two asymptomatic plants were collected from the public flowerbed. Total DNA was extracted from each of the collected samples by using a modified CTAB method (Echevarría-Machado et al. 2005). PCR with Begomovirus degenerate primers (PAL1v1978/PAR1c715; Rojas et al. 1993) was conducted. The expected 1.5-kb fragment was amplified only from the 8 symptomatic samples. Two randomly selected amplicons were cloned on pCRII-TOPO TA vector (Invitrogen Co., San Diego, CA, USA) and sequenced with the ABI3730 automatic sequencer (Applied Biosystems, Hammonton, NJ, USA) at National Chung Hsing University (NCHU). After NCBI BLASTn analysis, the sequences were shown to be most closely related to tomato leaf curl Cebu virus (ToLCCeV) isolates (EU487042, EU487025, KU946997), with 92.4-92.5% nucleotide sequence identity by using the CLUSTAL W method of MegAlign program (DNASTAR, Inc., Madison, WI, USA). A ToLCCeV specific primer pair (FJJ2021-165 /166 5'-ACTTACAGGCCCATGTATCG-3' / 5'-GAATGGGTATCCGAGCACG-3') was designed to amplify and sequence the remaining half of viral DNA. The expected 1.6-kb amplicon was amplified only from the symptomatic samples. The full-length of DNA-A consisted of 2.7-kb nucleotides (ToLCCeV isolate stachy, ON525110 and ON525111) and contained six open reading frames (two in viral sense, V1 to V2 and four in the viral complementary sense, C1 to C4) and the conserved nonanucleotide motif (TAATATTAC). The full-length DNA-A of ToLCCeV stachy isolates shared 99.9% nucleotide identity to each other and 91.2-92.4% and 91.3-92.5% nucleotide identities to other ToLCCeV isolates (EU487042, EU487025, KU946997) available in NCBI GenBank. Besides, ToLCCeV is a monopartite begomovirus that harbors no DNA-B. Thus, there were no bands amplified from the degenerate primer pair for DNA-B (DNABLC2 / DNABLV2; Green et al. 2001). Furthermore, the infectious clone was constructed by using phi29 DNA polymerase (New England Biolabs, Ipswich, MA, USA) for rolling circle amplification (RCA). The RCA product was partially digested with ApaI (NEB) and ligated into the binary vector pCambia0380 (AF234290). The resulting recombinant vector was transformed into Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58. A. tumefaciens C58, containing the infectious ToLCCeV-Stachy DNA-A vector, was grown overnight in LB broth containing kanamycine (50 µg/ml) at 28°C. S. jamaicensis and Nicotiana benthamiana (Nb, four to six leaf stage) plants were agroinoculated to confirm the infectivity of the ToLCCeV clone. The leaf curling and blister symptoms were observed on the Nb systemic leaves 17-day post inoculation (dpi) and the golden yellow mosaic symptom noticed on S. jamaicensis systemic leaves 30-dpi. The presence of the viral DNA in the inoculated plants was confirmed by PCR using the specific primer pair of ToLCCeV. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the monopartite begomovirus, ToLCCeV, associated with golden yellow mosaic disease in S. jamaicensis in Taiwan. The existence of ToLCCeV might severely impact the tomato and pepper industry because they are the natural hosts of ToLCCeV (Tsai et al. 2011) and ToLCCeV may be transmitted by the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, in Taiwan (Ko et al. 2005).

The association of trajectories of protein intake and age-specific protein intakes from 2 to 22 years with BMI in early adulthood.

No study has analysed how protein intake from early childhood to young adulthood relate to adult BMI in a single cohort. To estimate the association of protein intake at 2, 11, 15, 19 and 22 years with age- and sex-standardised BMI at 22 years (early adulthood), we used linear regression models with dietary and anthropometric data from a Filipino birth cohort (1985-2005, n 2586). We used latent growth curve analysis to identify trajectories of protein intake relative to age-specific recommended daily allowance (intake in g/kg body weight) from 2 to 22 years, then related trajectory membership to early adulthood BMI using linear regression models. Lean mass and fat mass were secondary outcomes. Regression models included socioeconomic, dietary and anthropometric confounders from early life and adulthood. Protein intake relative to needs at age 2 years was positively associated with BMI and lean mass at age 22 years, but intakes at ages 11, 15 and 22 years were inversely associated with early adulthood BMI. Individuals were classified into four mutually exclusive trajectories: (i) normal consumers (referent trajectory, 58 % of cohort), (ii) high protein consumers in infancy (20 %), (iii) usually high consumers (18 %) and (iv) always high consumers (5 %). Compared with the normal consumers, 'usually high' consumption was inversely associated with BMI, lean mass and fat mass at age 22 years whereas 'always high' consumption was inversely associated with male lean mass in males. Proximal protein intakes were more important contributors to early adult BMI relative to early-childhood protein intake; protein intake history was differentially associated with adulthood body size.

Factors Associated with Regular Zumba Practice as Preliminary Results: A Population-Based Approach in Cebu Province, the Philippines.

The prevalence of overweight/obesity in the adult population in the Philippines has doubled in the past 20 years. Zumba exercise has recently been implemented throughout the Philippines. However, there is scarce information on the effects of Zumba on obesity and Zumba participants' characteristics in the Philippines. This study described the current practice of Zumba in the Philippines, along with the practitioners' characteristics, and identified factors associated with Zumba participation. In this observational, cross-sectional study, a structured questionnaire was used to survey 10 Zumba locations in September 2019. Anthropometric measurements of participants were assessed. Respondents included 171 women (88.6%) and 22 men (11.4%), with a mean (±standard deviation [SD]) age of 44.1 (±8.9) years. All respondents answered that Zumba was enjoyable, and some answered "very enjoyable". Determinants of frequent participation were as follows: being older than the mean age of participants, starting Zumba to enjoy dancing, starting Zumba not to lose weight, shopping mall location, and participation fee required. "To enjoy dance" being a motivation for Zumba practice was identified as a determinant of frequent participation rather than "to lose weight." The element of "enjoyable" may strongly influence the continuation and frequent participation of Zumba exercise in the Philippines.

Changes in asset-based wealth across the life course in birth cohorts from five low- and middle-income countries.

BACKGROUND: Temporally-harmonized asset-based measures of wealth can be used to study the association of life-course wealth exposures in the same scale with health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The within-individual longitudinal stability of asset-based indices of wealth in LMICs is poorly understood. METHODS: Using data from five birth cohorts from three continents, we developed temporally-harmonized asset indices over the life course through polychoric principal component analysis of a common set of assets collected consistently over time (18 years in Brazil to 50 years in Guatemala). For each cohort, we compared the harmonized index to cross-sectional indices created using more comprehensive asset measures using rank correlations. We evaluated the rank correlation of the harmonized index in early life and adulthood with maternal schooling and own attained schooling, respectively. RESULTS: Temporally-harmonized asset indices developed from a consistently-collected set of assets (range: 10 in South Africa to 30 in Philippines) suggested that mean wealth improved over time for all birth cohorts. Cross-sectional indices created separately for each study wave were correlated with the harmonized index for all cohorts (Brazil: r = 0.78 to 0.96; Guatemala: r = 0.81 to 0.95; India: 0.75 to 0.93; Philippines: r = 0.92 to 0.99; South Africa: r = 0.84 to 0.96). Maternal schooling (r = 0.15 to 0.56) and attained schooling (r = 0.23 to 0.53) were positively correlated with the harmonized asset index in childhood and adulthood respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Temporally-harmonized asset indices displayed coherence with cross-sectional indices as well as construct validity with schooling.

The detection of gastrointestinal parasites in owned and shelter dogs in Cebu, Philippines.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) parasites affect the health of dogs and may also be zoonotic. The prevalence of these parasites has been well studied in several countries, but reports in the Philippines have been limited. AIM: This study generally aimed to detect the presence of common GIT parasites in owned and shelter dogs in Cebu, Philippines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 200 fecal samples (130 from owned dogs and 70 from shelter dogs) were collected. Profiles of owned dogs and their owners were obtained. Fecalysis was performed using three methods: Direct smear, sedimentation, and flotation techniques. RESULTS: Majority of the sampled dogs were 5 years old and below that (79.2%), male (64.6%) and of pure breed (53.1%). Among the most common parasites detected were Ancylostoma, Trichuris and Toxocara spp. Statistical analyses revealed a significant association between the presence of parasites and the body score of the dogs (p=0.000), the deworming status (p=0.000), and the rearing practice (contact with other dogs, p=0.000, where it spends its time (p=0.000), plays in the grass (p=0.050), where it defecates (p=0.014), contact with other animals (p=0.000). CONCLUSION: GIT parasites were detected in owned and shelter dogs in Cebu, Philippines. The results of this study can serve as baseline information about the canine parasitic fauna in the Philippines.

Cebú, Thailand and Taiwanese aboriginal populations according to Y-STR loci.

Here we report for the first time the Y27-STR Yfiler plus profiles of the insular population of Cebú in the central region of the Philippine Archipelago and the general continental population of Thailand, two strategic locations of interest in connection with the Austronesian expansion. Traditionally, the peopling of Taiwan has been envisioned as a single wave of agriculturists migrating from mainland Southeast Asia. Yet, more recent data support a scenario in which a number of migrations from the continent populated the island. Genetic affinity parameters from this study indicate that certain Formosan tribes are genetically closer to geographical distant populations in the Solomon Island than to other nearby Taiwanese tribes. Furthermore, Taiwanese aboriginal populations in this study partition into three clusters, one associated with populations from the Philippines and Thailand, a second one segregating with populations of the Solomon Islands and a third grouping made up exclusively of Taiwanese aboriginal tribes. The populations within each of these three clusters exhibit different degrees of differentiation among them suggesting unique population histories. All together, these differential genetic affinities of specific Taiwanese tribes to groups from different geographical regions and to each other are compatible with multiple origins of the Austronesian expansion from Formosa as well as from mainland Southeast Asia.

On the identity of Sundathelphusa philippina (von Martens, 1868) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) from the Philippines, with descriptions of two new species.

The taxonomy of the Sundathelphusa philippina (von Martens, 1868) species group (Brachyura; Gecarcinucidae) from the Philippines is revised, and two new species are described. Sundathelphusa philippina sensu stricto is here restricted to the Bicol Peninsula of southern Luzon, and to the islands of Samar and Leyte. It is one of the largest freshwater crabs in the archipelago, reaching carapace widths of more than 53 mm. Sundathelphusa cebu sp. nov. from Cebu Island is superficially similar to S. philippina in morphology but can be separated by a suite of carapace characters. Sundathelphusa quirino sp. nov. from northern Luzon is the most distinct of the three taxa, with a distinctly more swollen carapace, relatively wider male pleon and a straighter male first gonopod. Sundathelphusa spelaeophila Stasolla, Abbarchi Innocenti, 2015, is also shown to be a junior synonym of S. philippina sensu stricto.

Detection of Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Babesia spp. in dogs of Cebu, Philippines.

BACKGROUND: Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Babesia spp. are canine pathogens transmitted by the Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick which can cause varied clinical signs. These pathogens have been investigated in the Philippines, but coinfection has not been reported yet. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of Ehrlichia/Anaplasma and Babesia spp. in Philippine dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 dogs from seven different veterinary establishments in Cebu, Philippines, were examined for Ehrlichia/Anaplasma and Babesia spp. infection using peripheral blood smear examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Inclusion criteria included a history or presence of tick infestation, anemia, and/or thrombocytopenia. Clinical signs were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed between PCR positivity and clinical signs and hematological results. RESULTS: A total of 10 and 18 dogs were found to be positive for Ehrlichia/Anaplasma and Babesia spp., respectively. One animal was PCR positive for both pathogens, which is the first report of coinfection in the country. The most common clinical signs observed include inappetence (89%), lethargy (80%), thrombocytopenia (85%), and anemia (74%). Analyses revealed that inappetence (p=0.044) and weight loss (p=0.028) were found statistically significant with Ehrlichia/Anaplasma infection. Basophil (p=0.001) and eosinophil counts (p=0.000) were also found significantly different between Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp.-positive and -negative dogs. On the other hand, differential monocyte count (p=0.009) was found significantly different between Babesia spp.-positive and -negative dogs. CONCLUSION: The present study showed low infection rates of canine ehrlichiosis/anaplasmosis and babesiosis and provided additional evidence for the presence of the pathogens in the area.

Effect of the percentage of Bos taurus inheritance on the fertility of Holstein×Zebu and Brown Swiss×Zebu cows in the Mexican tropics

Background: No dairy breed or crossbreed has superior overall performance in all environments; therefore, it is necessary to determine which crossbreed is the most suitable for the Mexican tropic and what proportion of European breed is optimum for reproduction. Objective: To assess the effect of the proportion of Bos taurus (Bt) genes on reproductive performance of Holstein×Zebu (HZ) and Brown Swiss×Zebu (BZ) cows, and compare reproductive performance of these genotypes in a dual- purpose production system. Methods: Cows were maintained in a rotational grazing system on African star grass (Cynodon plectostachyus) in Veracruz, Mexico. Cows were milked twice daily. Calves were kept tied to the side of their dams while the cows were milked. Results: The percentage of Bt genes did not affect (p>0.05) fertility traits (age at first calving, days to first service after calving, services per conception, conception rate at first service, days open until conception, gestation length, and calving interval) of BZ cows. In contrast, HZ cows with less than 75% Holstein (H) genes were 0.3 years younger (p<0.05) at first calving and had 39.8 fewer days open (p<0.05) than HZ cows with 75% H genes or more. In addition, the calving interval of HZ cows with less than 75% H genes was 44.8 days shorter (p<0.05) than that of HZ cows with 75% H genes or more. The HZ cows had five fewer days pregnant and were 22.8 kg heavier at calving (p<0.05) than BZ cows. Conclusions: The effect of the percentage of Bt genes on cow fertility depends on the dairy breed used. In general, BZ and HZ cows present similar reproductive performance.

Antecedentes: Ninguna raza lechera o cruce tiene un desempeño general superior en todos los ambientes; por lo tanto, es necesario determinar cuál cruce lechero es más apropiado en el trópico mexicano y qué proporción de raza europea es óptima para la reproducción. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la proporción de genes Bos taurus (Bt) en el desempeño reproductivo de vacas cruzadas Holstein×Cebú (HC) y Pardo Suizo×Cebú (PC), y comparar el desempeño reproductivo de estos dos genotipos en un sistema de producción doble propósito. Métodos: Las vacas se mantuvieron en un sistema de pastoreo rotacional en zacate Estrella de África (Cynodon plectostachyus) en Veracruz, México. Las vacas se ordeñaron dos veces al día. Los becerros se mantuvieron atados, a un costado de sus madres mientras éstas se ordeñaron. Resultados: El porcentaje de genes Bt no afectó (p>0,05) ninguna característica de fertilidad (edad a primer parto, días a primer servicio después del parto, servicios por concepción, tasa de preñez a primer servicio, días abiertos a la concepción, duración de la gestación, e intervalo entre partos) de las vacas PC. En contraste, las vacas HC con menos de 75% de genes Holstein (H) fueron 0,3 años más jóvenes (p<0,05) al primer parto y tuvieron 39,8 días abiertos menos (p<0,05) que las vacas HC con 75% de genes H o más. Además, el intervalo entre partos de las vacas HC con menos de 75% de genes H fue 44,8 días más corto (p<0,05) que el de las vacas HC con 75% de genes H o más. Las vacas HC tuvieron cinco días de gestación menos y fueron 22,8 kg más pesadas al parto (p<0,05) que las PC. Conclusiones: El efecto del porcentaje de genes Bt sobre la fertilidad de la vaca depende de la raza lechera usada. En general, las vacas PC y HC tienen similar desempeño reproductivo.

Antecedentes: Nenhuma raça ou cruza leiteira tem desempenho geral superior em todos os ambientes; portanto, é necessário determinar qual cruza leiteira é mais apropriada no trópico mexicano e qual proporção da raça europeia é ideal para a reprodução das vacas. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da proporção de genes Bos taurus (Bt) no desempenho reprodutivo de vacas Holandês×Zebu (HZ) e Pardo Suíço×Zebu (PZ), e comparar o desempenho reprodutivo desses dois genótipos em sistema de produção de dupla aptidão. Métodos: As vacas foram mantidas em sistema de pastoreio rotacional em capim Estrela de África (Cynodon plectostachyus) em Veracruz, México. As vacas foram ordenhadas duas vezes por dia. Os bezerros foram mantidos ao lado de suas mães enquanto eram ordenhadas. Resultados: A porcentagem dos genes Bt não afetou (p>0,05) nenhuma característica de fertilidade (idade ao primeiro parto, número de dias para o primeiro serviço pós-parto, serviços por concepção, taxa de prenhes no primeiro serviço, dias abertos, período de gestação e intervalo entre partos) das vacas PZ. Em contraste, vacas HC com menos de 75% dos genes Holandês (H) eram 0,3 anos mais jovens (p<0,05) no primeiro parto e tiveram 39,8 dias abertos a menos (p<0,05) do que as vacas HZ com 75% ou mais dos genes H. Além disso, o intervalo de parto das vacas HZ com menos de 75% dos genes H foram 44,8 dias mais curtos (p<0,05) do que as vacas HZ com 75% ou mais de genes H. As vacas HZ tiveram cinco dias de gestação a menos e foram 22,8 kg mais pesadas no parto (p<0,05) do que as PZ. Conclusões: O efeito da porcentagem de genes Bt na fertilidade da vaca dependeu da raça leiteira utilizada. Em geral, as vacas PZ e HZ tiveram desempenho reprodutivo semelhante.

Retrospective analyses of dogs found serologically positive for Ehrlichia canis in Cebu, Philippines from 2003 to 2014.

AIM: The study aimed to document the clinical and hematological observations of dogs found serologically positive for Ehrlichia canis and to identify parameters or factors that are associated with the disease with focus on the anemic and thrombocytopenic state of the infected dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 7 participating veterinary establishments, a total of 913 cases from 2003 to 2014 were initially assessed using inclusion criteria, including E. canis diagnosis by the attending veterinarian and the presence of ticks or history of infestation, thrombocytopenia, and/or anemia. From these, 438 cases that were found serologically positive for E. canis using commercial test kits were selected. Profile, clinical observations and hematological test results were obtained from the selected cases. Computations for statistical associations between the anemic and thrombocytopenic state of the infected dogs and their profile, observed clinical signs and other hematological values were performed. RESULTS: Most of the dogs were purebred (60.0%) and female (51.1%) and were within the age range of 1-5 years (38.4%). The mean packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count, and platelet count were lower than the normal values while the absolute count of basophils were higher than normal values. Creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) appear to be elevated. The most common clinical signs observed were inappetence (41.3%), lethargy/depression (35.6%), vomiting (32.4%), fever (18.5%), paleness (8.2%), and epistaxis (6.6%). Analyses showed that there were no significant differences on the hematological values and clinical signs between thrombocytopenic and non-thrombocytopenic seropositive dogs. Moreover, very weak correlations between platelet count and RBC count, absolute lymphocyte count, and neutrophil count were found. On the other hand, only paleness (p=0.008) and epistaxis (p=0.004) were found to be significantly different between anemic and non-anemic patients. This coincided with the linear regression results where PCV (p=0.000, R=0.787, R(2)=0.619) was moderately correlated with the RBC count. In addition, eosinophil count was found weakly correlated. CONCLUSION: E. canis infection in dogs may produce varied clinical signs that may be influenced by the thrombocytopenic and anemic states of affected animals. Complete blood counts remain important in the diagnosis of the disease, especially the platelet and RBC counts. Creatinine, BUN and alanine aminotransferase can be of value in the diagnosis of the infection. Several cases were lost to follow-up and appeared to be a challenge for handling veterinarians to monitor compliance of owners and progress of infected patients.

Beef quality of Nellore steers fed dried or rehydrated and ensiled corn or sorghum grains / Calidad de la carne de Ganado Nelore alimentado con grano de maíz o sorgo seco o rehidratado y ensilado / Qualidade de carne de bovinos Nelore alimentados com grãos de milho ou sorgo seco ou reidratado e ensilado

Abstract Background: Rehydration of grains, such as corn and sorghum, is used to increase nutrient absorption. However, the effect of this practice on meat quality is poorly understood. Objective: To evaluate the effects of type of grain and processing on the meat quality of Nellore steers in a feedlot. Methods: Twenty-four non-castrated Nellore steers (270 ± 53 kg initial body weight) were distributed in a completely randomized 2×2 factorial design, with six replicates. The first factor was cereal type (corn or sorghum), and the second was the grain processing (dry or rehydrated and ensiled). The diets were composed of 30% corn silage and 70% concentrate. Sixty days before the beginning of the experiment, corn and sorghum grains were rehydrated and ensiled. The animals were slaughtered after 140 days of confinement. Meat quality analyses were determined in samples of fresh and aged meat (7 days) from the Longissimus lumborum muscle. Results: no difference between treatments was observed for carcass pH and L* (lightness), a* (redness), and b* (yellowness) values, shear force, thawing and cooking losses, and chemical composition of meat (p>0.05). The b* (yellowness) value of subcutaneous fat was higher in steers fed corn, regardless of grain processing (p=0.03). Sarcomere length was higher in aged meat of steers fed sorghum, regardless of processing method (p=0.01). Conclusions: the grain processing method does not affect beef quality; however, grain type can affect subcutaneous fat color and sarcomere length of aged beef.

Resumen Antecedentes: La rehidratación de granos, tales como maíz y sorgo, se usa para aprovechar mejor sus nutrientes. Sin embargo, es poco conocido el efecto de esta práctica sobre la calidad de la carne. Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos del tipo de cereal y su procesamiento sobre la calidad de carne de toretes Nelore en confinamiento. Métodos: Veinticuatro novillos Nelore enteros con un peso promedio inicial de 270 ± 53 kg, se distribuyeron en un diseño factorial 2×2 completamente aleatorizado (n=6). El primer factor fue el tipo de cereal (maíz o sorgo) y el segundo fue su procesamiento (seco o rehidratado y ensilado). Las dietas estuvieron compuestas por 28,44% de ensilaje de maíz y 71,56% de concentrado. Sesenta días antes de iniciar el experimento, los granos de maíz y sorgo se rehidrataron y ensilaron. Los animales se sacrificaron después de 140 días de confinamiento. La calidad de la carne se determinó en muestras de carne fresca y madurada (7 días) obtenidas del músculo Longissimus lumborum. Resultados: No hubo diferencias entre tratamientos para el pH de las canales, ni para los valores de color (L* "luminosidad", a* "intensidad de rojo" y b* "intensidad de amarillo"), fuerza de corte, composición química, o pérdidas de agua por descongelamiento o cocción (p>0,05). El valor de b* de la grasa subcutánea fue mayor en los novillos alimentados con maíz, independientemente del tipo de procesamiento (p=0,03). La longitud de sarcómero fue más alto en la carne madurada de novillos alimentados con sorgo, sin importar el método de procesamiento (p=0,01). Conclusiones: El método de procesamiento del grano no afecta la calidad de la carne; sin embargo, el tipo de cereal afecta el color de la grasa subcutánea y la longitud del sarcómero de la carne madurada.

Resumo Antecedentes: A reidratação de grãos, como milho e sorgo, tem sido usada para aumentar a utilização de seus nutrientes. Contudo, o efeito dessa prática na qualidade da carne é pouco compreendido. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos do tipo de grão de cereais e seu processamento sobre a qualidade da carne de bovinos confinados. Métodos: Vinte e quatro bovinos Nelore não castrados, com peso corporal médio inicial de 270 ± 53 kg foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, fatorial 2×2, com seis repetições. O primeiro fator foi o tipo de grão de cereal no concentrado (milho ou sorgo), e o segundo foi o processamento destes grãos (seco ou reidratado e ensilado). As dietas foram compostas por 28,44% de silagem de milho e 71,56% de concentrado. Sessenta dias antes do início do experimento, os grãos de milho e sorgo foram reidratados e ensilados. Os animais foram abatidos após 140 dias de confinamento. As análises de qualidade da carne foram determinadas em amostras não maturadas e maturadas (7 dias) obtidas do músculo Longissimus lumborum. Resultados: Não houve diferenças significativas (p>0,05) entre os tratamentos para pH da carcaça e L* (luminosidade), a* (intensidade de vermelho), b* (intensidade de amarelo), força de cisalhamento, perdas por descongelamento, perdas por cocção, perdas totais e composição química da carne. O valor de b* da gordura subcutânea foi maior (p=0,03) em bovinos alimentados com dietas contendo grãos de milho, independentemente do tipo de processamento. O comprimento de sarcômero foi maior na carne maturada de novilhos alimentados com sorgo, independente do método de processamento (p=0,01). Conclusões: O método de processamento dos grãos não afetou a qualidade da carne bovina, no entanto, a cor da gordura subcutânea e o comprimento de sarcômero da carne maturada foram afetados pelo tipo de grão.

Postioplastia en toros cebuínos del departamento de Córdoba, Colombia / Posthioplasty in Zebu bulls in the Department of Córdoba, Colombia / Postioplastia em touros zebuínos do estado de Córdoba, Colombia

Resumen La postitis es una patología que afecta a la mucosa parietal y extremo anterior de las vainas conjuntivales del prepucio, con afectación de la porción tegumentaria o sin esta, y que puede incapacitar la protrusión del pene. Dentro de las causas predisponentes en toros están las particularidades morfogenéticas, traumáticas, infecciosas pruriginosas, y en el caso del contexto del presente estudio una de las más frecuentes es la falta de higiene. Los signos más evidentes son: dificultad o imposibilidad para copular, edema, necrosis de mucosa prolapsada, miasis, hemorragia, absceso, retención urinaria, hipertermia local y dolor a la palpación. El tratamiento médico o quirúrgico depende de la valoración de la lesión y libido, del valor del toro, la edad, el compromiso peneano, el manejo y las complicaciones posoperatorias, el personal capacitado, entre otras. En esta investigación se realizó un estudio descriptivo no probabilístico en animales padrotes. Se describió el seguimiento médico-quirúrgico de toros con edades entre los 4,5 y los 9 años, con enfermedad de mucosa y tejido conjuntivo prepucial. A la exploración, la constante clínica fue disminución de la libido, inflamación ulcerosa de mucosa prepucial, fimosis, y en siete de ellos, retención urinaria en el saco. El objetivo de este informe fue describir la técnica quirúrgica que se utilizó para la solución de una serie de 25 casos de postitis en toros cebú del departamento de Córdoba (Colombia).

Abstract Posthitis is a pathology that affects the parietal mucosa and the extreme anterior of the connective sheaths of the prepuce, with or without involvement of the tegumentary portion, and can impede the protrusion of the penis. Predisposing causes in bulls include morphogenetic, traumatic, and infectious pruritic characteristics; in the present study, one of the most frequent causes was lack of hygiene. The most obvious signs are: difficult or impossible copulation, edema, necrosis of prolapsed mucosa, myiasis, hemorrhage, abscess, urinary retention, local hyperthermia, and pain at palpation. Medical or surgical treatment depends on the assessment of the lesion and libido, the value of the bull, age, penile involvement, management and postoperative complications, and availability of trained personnel, among others. This research presents a non-probabilistic descriptive study of breeding animals, describing the medical-surgical follow-up of bulls aged between 4.5 and 9 years with disease of the mucosa and connective tissue of the prepuce. At examination, constant clinical symptoms were decreased libido, ulcerative inflammation of the preputial mucosa, phimosis, and, in 7 animals, urinary retention in the sac. The objective of this report was to describe the surgical technique used for the solution of a series of 25 cases of posthitis in Zebu bulls in the Department of Córdoba, Colombia.

Resumo A postite é uma patologia que afeta a mucosa parietal e o extremo anterior dos freios conjuntivais do prepúcio, com afetação da porção tegumentária ou sem esta, e que pode incapacitar a protrusão do pênis. Dentro das causas de pré-disposição nos touros estão as particularidades morfogenéticas, traumáticas, infecciosas pruriginosas, e no caso do contexto deste estudo uma das mais frequentes é a falta de higiene. Os sinais mais evidentes são: dificuldade ou impossibilidade para copular, edema, necrose de mucosa prolapsada, miíase, hemorragia, abcesso, retenção urinária, hipertermia local e dor à palpação. O tratamento médico o cirúrgico depende da avaliação da lesão e libido, do valor do touro, a idade, o compromisso peniano, o manejo e as complicações pós-operatórias, o pessoal capacitado, entre outras. Nesta pesquisa se realizou um estudo descritivo não probabilístico em animais reprodutores. Se descreveu o seguimento médico cirúrgico de touros com idades entre os 4,5 e os 9 anos, com doença de mucosa e tecido conjuntivo prepucial. Durante o exame, a constante clínica foi a diminuição da libido, inflamação ulcerosa de mucosa prepucial, fimose, e em sete deles, retenção urinária no saco. O objetivo deste informe foi descrever a técnica cirúrgica utilizada na solução de uma série de 25 casos de postite em touros zebu do estado de Córdoba (Colômbia).

Non-genetic effects on growth characteristics of Brahman cattle / Efectos no genéticos sobre caracteres de crecimiento del ganado Brahman

Objective. To determine how some non-genetic factors influence weights at birth (BW), weaning (WW) and yearling (YW) of Brahman calves. Materials and methods. Data corresponding to 58257, 57045 and 40364 for BW, WW and YW, respectively, were analyzed. The models included the effects of year and season of birth and sex, and were considered simple interactions. Results. All effects were significant (p<0.05) for BW, WW and YW. Only the season of birth didn’t have a significant effect (p>0.05) on WW. The average general BW, WW and YW were 32±3.2, 188±37.7 and 291±56.8 kg, respectively. Variables evaluated that take into account the year of birth show a trend to increase weight each year. In relation to the birth season on BW and YW, it was observed that calves born during the rainy season were heavier than those born during the dry season. Similarly, male calves were heavier than females at birth, weaning and one year of age. The effects of the analyzed interactions were significant (p<0.05) for the three variables, except for the season of birth per sex interaction, which did not have a significant effect (p>0.05) for BW and WW. Conclusions. The studied non-genetic factors were important and should be taken into account in management strategies when striving to increase the efficiency of the productive system.

Objetivo. Determinar cómo influyen algunos factores no genéticos sobre los pesos al nacer (PN), al destete (PD) y al año (PA) de terneros Brahman. Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron 58257; 57045 y 40364 datos para PN, PD y PA, respectivamente. Los registros fueron de animales nacidos durante los años 1994 a 2012. El modelo incluyó los efectos de año y época de nacimiento y sexo, también se consideraron las interacciones simples. Resultados. Todos los efectos resultaron significativos (p<0.05) para PN, PD y PA. Sólo el efecto de época de nacimiento no tuvo efecto significativo (p>0.05) para el PD. Las medias generales de PN, PD y PA fueron de 32±3.2, 188±37.7 y 291±56.8 kg, respectivamente. Para las variables evaluadas sobre el año de nacimiento se observó una tendencia de aumento del peso conforme transcurrieron los años de estudio. Con relación a la época de nacimiento sobre el PN y PA se observó que los terneros nacidos durante la época de lluviosa fueron más pesados, que los nacidos durante la época seca. De igual modo, los terneros machos fueron más pesados que las hembras al nacimiento, destete y al año de edad. Los efectos de las interacciones analizadas fueron significativas (p<0.05) para las tres variables, a excepción, de la interacción época de nacimiento por sexo que no tuvo efecto significativo (p>0.05) para el PN y PD. Conclusiones. Los factores no genéticos estudiados fueron importantes y deben ser tenidos en cuenta en las estrategias de manejo cuando se quiere incrementar la eficiencia del sistema productivo.

Efecto del estatus reproductivo de vacas mestizas cebú sobre la producción In Vitro de embriones / Effect of the Reproductive Status of Crossbred Zebu Cows on In Vitro Embryo Production

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar el efecto del estatus reproductivo (gestantes versus vacías) de hembras mestizas Cebú postmortem sobre el número de ovocitos recuperados, la tasa de división embrionaria y la tasa de producción de blastocitos. Los complejos cúmulo ovocito (CCO) recolectados a través del tasajeo de los ovarios, fueron seleccionados, contados y separados por grupo en: hembras gestantes (ovarios con o sin cuerpo lúteo [CL]) y hembras vacías (ovarios con o sin CL). El número de CCO recuperados fue analizado utilizando el procedimiento GENMOD, asumiendo una distribución de Poisson, mientras que los datos de división y producción de blastocitos fueron analizados utilizando una regresión logística asumiendo una distribución binomial. Se evaluó un total de 4658 CCO obtenidos de 437 ovarios, siendo significativamente mayor (p<0,03), el número de CCO obtenidos de ovarios procedentes de vacas gestantes (12,5±2,8), comparado con el número de CCO provenientes de ovarios de hembras vacías (9,4±2,5). La tasa de división embrionaria, fue significativamente mayor (p<0,006) para el grupo de hembras vacías (42,3±0,01%) con respecto a las gestantes (34,5±0,02); asimismo, la interacción estatus reproductivo por CL afectó (p<0,006) la tasa de división embrionaria: vacas gestantes con CL (Gest-CL) y vacas gestantes sin CL (Gest-NoCL; 31,1±0,02% [76/244] vs. 38,0±0,03% [98/258], respectivamente) y vacas vacías con CL (Va-CL) y vacas vacías sin CL (Va-NoCL; 46,7±0,03% [312/738] vs. 38,0±0,03% [143/376], respectivamente). No hubo diferencia significativa en la tasa de producción de blastocitos a partir de embriones divididos de hembras gestantes (10,7±0,02%; 17/160) comparado con el grupo de hembras vacías (10,0±0,02%; 30/312). Estos resultados indican que la selección de los CCO, con base en el estatus reproductivo de la hembra bovina, es un aspecto importante a tomar en cuenta para mejorar la producción de embriones in vitro.

In order to improve the oocyte selection for in vitro embryo production, the present work evaluated the effect of the reproductive status of postmortem Crossbred Zebu cows (pregnant [P] versus non-pregnant [NP]) on the number of recovered oocytes, the cleavage (number of cleaved embryos/number of recovered oocytes) and the blastocyst production (number of blastocyst/number of cleaved embryos) rates. Cumulus oocytes complexes (CCOs) were selected, counted and separated depending on the donor status: P cows with or without a corpus luteum (CL) and NP cows with (CL) or without (NoCL) a CL. Data for number of recovered oocytes was analyzed using the GENMOD procedure assuming a Poisson distribution, whereas data for cleavage and blastocyst production rates were analyzed using a logistic regression assuming a binomial distribution. The statistical model for all the analyses included the effects of the reproductive status (P vs. NP), presence or not of a CL (CL vs. NoCL) and the interaction of reproductive status x CL. A total of 4658 CCOs obtained from 437 ovaries was evaluated. The number of CCOs collected per ovary from P cows (12.5±2.8) was significantly higher (p<0.03) than from NP cows (9.4±2.5). On the other hand, the cleavage rate was significantly higher (p<0.006) in NoP cows (42.3+0.01%) than in P cows (34.5+0.02). Nevertheless, the interaction between reproductive status and CL affected (p<0.006) the cleavage rate: P-CL: 31.1+0.02% (76/244); P-NoCL: 38.0+0.03% (98/258); NoP-CL: 46.7+0.03% (312/738) and NoP-NoCL: 38.0+0.03% (143/376). There were not differences in blastocyst production rate from cleaved embryos for P cows (10.7+0.02%; 17/160) compared with NoP cows (10.0+0.02%; 30/312). These results show that the reproductive status of a cow should be taken into account for oocyte selection, in order to improve embryo production.

Detection and monitoring of mastitis in a Brahman cattle herd located in the Colombian low tropics / Detección y seguimiento de la mastitis en un hato de ganado Brahman en el trópico bajo colombiano / Detecção e monitoramento de mastite em um rebanho de gado Brahman no trópico baixo da Colômbia

En una hacienda de ganado Brahman con 573 vacas de cría, ubicada en el trópico bajo colombiano, se observó que la ganancia de peso de los terneros lactantes se disminuía sin una causa aparente y que varias vacas tenían los cuartos perdidos. Objetivo: realizar una evaluación de la salud de la ubre para determinar la presencia de mastitis subclínica a través del CMT o clínica. Métodos: el seguimiento se hizo en el total de vacas presentes en el hato, se muestrearon 8.460 cuartos, durante 41 meses desde septiembre de 2002 a enero de 2006, con el fin de determinar la evolución de la mastitis en los cuartos afectados. Las vacas que fueron detectadas con mastitis clínica o subclínica moderada o severa, fueron tratadas con uno de cinco antibióticos y luego se determinó el efecto del tratamiento aplicado. Se utilizó la estadística descriptiva y se analizó la evolución de la enfermedad teniendo en cuenta los resultados del CMT en el tiempo. Resutados: para un primer CMT se evaluaron 1,013 vacas; de 4,048 cuartos examinados se encontró que el 17.5% (708 cuartos) se encontraban con algún grado de mastitis, de los cuales 249 (6.1%) presentaban mastitis clínica y mastitis subclínica tipo 3 (49 (1.2%) y 200 (4.9%) respectivamente). Se detectó un cuarto perdido en el 5.68% de las observaciones. Las vacas con mastitis que fueron tratadas se observaron en posteriores CMT hasta determinar su curación completa. Conclusión: se observó un efecto positivo de la utilización del tratamiento antibiótico luego del diagnóstico de mastitis y su posterior evaluación con el CMT en el 77.7% de los casos.

Em uma fazenda de gado bovino com 573 vacas Brahman, localizado na região de trópico baixo da Colômbia foi observado que o ganho de peso de bezerros em lactação foi reduzido sem uma causa aparente e que várias vacas tinham perdido um quarto. Objetivo: foi decidido realizar uma avaliação da saúde do úbere para a presença de mastite clínica e subclínica através do teste de CMT. Métodos: o monitoramento foi realizado no total de vacas do rebanho. 8.460 quartos foram amostrados durante 41 meses (setembro de 2002 até janeiro de 2006) com o propósito de determinar a evolução da mastite no quarto afetado. As vacas que foram detectadas com mastite clínica ou subclínica moderada ou severa foram tratadas com diferentes antibióticos, com posteriores exames para determinar o efeito do tratamento aplicado na perda da quarto. Utilizou-se estatística descritiva e algumas interações foram realizadas para tentar compreender a evolução da doença. Resultados: no inicio do estudo, 1.013 vacas foram avaliadas com o teste do CMT durante o período de amostragem. De 4.048 quartos examinados foram encontrados 708 quartos (17.5%) com algum grau de mastite, dos quais 249 (6.1%) apresentaram mastite clínica e mastite subclínica tipo3 (1.2% e 4.9%, respectivamente). Encontrou-se um 5.68% de quartos perdidos. Vacas com mastite foram tratadas e mais tarde foi realizado o teste de CMT para determinar a sua cura completa. Conclusões: Houve um efeito positivo do uso do tratamento com antibiótico após o diagnóstico da mastite e avaliação posteriores com CMT em 77.7% dos casos.

Energy requirements for beef cattle: concepts and experimental results in tropical conditions / Exigências energéticas para gado de corte: conceitos e resultados experimentais em condições tropicais / Exigencias energéticas para ganado de carne / conceptos y resultados experimentales en condiciones tropicales

Life, interpreted as a combustion process, has been the basic principle guiding the study of energy metabolism, whether from calorimetric or slaughtering techniques. The relationships between metabolizable energy intake, retained energy, and heat production -together with the separation of maintenance and production functions- are the basis for the discussion of the factors affecting energy requirements and utilization efficiency in beef cattle. Energy metabolism is influenced by factors intrinsic and extrinsic to the animal, including age, weight, breed, body composition, sexual condition, production potential, environmental conditions, activity and feeding level, whose effects are discussed in this review. The understanding of these factors represents an opportunity to direct research programs seeking to determine the energy requirements under tropical conditions, in a similar way to the research conducted in developed countries.

A vida como um processo de combustão tem sido o princípio que suporta o estudo do metabolismo energético, seja através de técnicas calorimétricas ou de abate comparativo. A relação entre consumo de energia metabolizável, energia retida e produção de calor, juntamente com a separação das funções de mantença e produção, constituem a base para a discussão dos fatores que afetam as exigências de energia e sua eficiência de utilização no gado de corte. O metabolismo energético esta influenciado por fatores intrínsecos e extrínsecos ao animal, entre eles, idade, peso, raça, composição corporal, condição sexual, potencial de produção, condições ambientais, atividade e nível de alimentação, cujos efeitos são discutidos nesta revisão. O conhecimento destes fatores representa uma oportunidade para encaminhar propostas de pesquisa dirigidas à determinação de exigências de energia em condições tropicais, a semelhança do que acontece nos países desenvolvidos.

La vida como proceso de combustión ha sido el principio que soporta el estudio del metabolismo energético, bien sea a partir de técnicas calorimétricas o de sacrificio animal. La relación entre consumo de energía metabolizable, energía retenida y producción de calor, conjuntamente con la separación de las funciones de mantenimiento y producción, constituyen la base para la discusión de los factores que afectan las exigencias de energía y su eficiencia de utilización en el ganado de carne. El metabolismo energético está influenciado por factores intrínsecos y extrínsecos al animal, entre ellos, edad, peso, raza, composición corporal, condición sexual, potencial de producción, condiciones ambientales, actividad y nivel de alimentación, cuyos efectos son discutidos en esta revisión. El conocimiento de estos factores representa una oportunidad para encaminar propuestas de investigación dirigidas a la determinación de las exigencias de energía en condiciones tropicales, a ejemplo de lo que sucede en países desarrollados.

Determinación de un índice de selección para el peso al nacer y al destete en ganado bovino de la raza Brahman / Determination of selection index for birth weight and weaning weight in the Brahman breed cattle

Objetivo. Estimar un índice de selección para el peso al nacer y al destete en ganado bovino de la raza Brahman en la “Hacienda Mundo Nuevo”, Costa Norte Colombiana. Materiales y métodos. Para el cálculo de este índice fue necesario estimar los componentes de varianza entre y dentro de reproductor y las covarianzas genéticas y fenotípicas entre las características en estudio utilizando el procedimiento MIXED de SAS. Resultados. El índice estimado fue: I=X1-0.4286X2 , obteniendo así una máxima correlación entre el fenotipo agregado y genotipo agregado, convirtiéndose en una herramienta de mejoramiento genético para hacer el proceso de selección mas técnico y eficiente y lograr un mayor progreso genético por unidad de tiempo. Conclusiones. Se recomienda la utilización de los animales de mejor índice, ya que existe correlación entre el índice y el genotipo agregado.

Fatores ambientais, genéticos e interação touro X fazenda sobre o peso aos 205 dias de idade de bovinos da raça nelore no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul / Genetic and environmental effects and interaction sire X farm on the weight to the 205 days of age in nellore cattle breeding in Mato Grosso do Sul State / El estudio de efectos genéticos y medioambientales y efectos toro x finca en el peso a los 205 días de edad en bovino de raza nellore engendrando en la provincia del Mato Grosso do Sul

Os objetivos neste estudo foram avaliar os efeitos ambientais e genéticos, e quantificar a influência da interação touro x fazenda na estimativa dos parâmetros genéticos, sobre os pesos aos 205 dias de idade (P205) em bovinos de corte. Foram utilizados dados de 17.242 animais da raça Nelore, criados a pasto, na região de Campo Grande – Dourados, MS, no período de 1978 a 1994. Utilizou-se dois modelos touros: um primeiro com causas de variação, onde foram incluídos no modelo estatístico os efeitos fixos de mês e ano de nascimento, sexo do bezerro,fazenda de criação, o efeito aleatório de touro e a covariável idade da vaca ao parto (linear e quadrática); um segundo, semelhante ao primeiro, onde foi adicionado o efeito de touro dentro de fazenda. Todas as causas de variação foram significativas (P<0,001). As estimativas dos parâmetros genéticos foram obtidas utilizando o aplicativo MTDFREML, através de dois modelos. O primeiro, completo contendo o efeito de touro, ambiente permanente de vaca e a interação touro x fazenda como efeitos aleatórios, além dos efeitos fixos de mês e ano de nascimento, sexo do bezerro, fazenda de criação; o segundo contendo os mesmos efeitos, porém sem a interação touro x fazenda. Os coeficientes de herdabilidade estimados para P205 foram 0,26 ± 0,04 quando utilizou o modelo touro sem o efeito da interação touro x fazenda; 0,07 ± 0,03 para o modelo com a interação; e 0,11 ± 0,01 valor estimado para o efeito não correlacionado da interação touro x fazenda. Os resultados obtidos indicam que os fatores de meio devem ser considerados por ocasião da seleção dos animais da raça Nelore aos 205 dias, na região estudada e que o uso da interação touro dentro de fazenda permite um melhor ajuste do modelo.

The objectives of study were to evaluate the environmental and the genetic effects and to quantify the infl uence of the sire x farm interaction upon estimates of genetic parameters for weaning weights (205 days of age - P205) in beef cattle. Data of 17,242 Nellore animals, raise on pastures in Campo Grande ­ Dourados region, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, from 1978 to 1994, were used. Two sire models were used. The fi rst one included as sources of variation the fi xed effects of month and year of the birth of calf, sex and farm; and the random effect of sire and the age of dam at calving (linear and quadratic) as a covariate. A second model was equal to fi rst, with the addition of the sire within farm effect. The estimates of genetic parameters were obtained through the application of MTDFREML with two models, a complete one, containing direct, maternal, permanent environment of dam and the interaction sire x farm as random effect, besides the fi xed effects already mentioned above, and a second one, that included the same effects except the interaction sire x farm. All sources of variation were signifi cant (P<0.001). The coeffi cients of heritability were 0.26 ± 0.04 for the sire model without sire x farm interaction; 0.07 ± 0.03 for the sire model with sire x farm interaction. The estimated value for the uncorrelated effect of sire x farm interaction was 0.11 ± 0.01. The results indicate that environmental factors must be considered on selection of the Nellore animals for P205 in the studied area and that the fi tting of sire within farm gave a better adjustment of the model.

Los objetivos fueron evaluar los efectos medioambiental, genético y cuantifi car la infl uencia de la interacción toro x fi nca en la estimación de los parámetros genéticos, en los pesos a los 205 días de edad (P205) en el ganado de carne. Se usaron datos de 17.242 animales de la raza Nellore, mientras engendrando en la pastura en la región de Campo Grande Dourados, Provincia del Mato Grosso Sul, en periodo 1978 a 1994. Fue usado dos modelos estadísticos, para realización de las análisis unicaracter en la característica P205, en uno incluyeron como efectos fi jos los grupos contemporáneos y la covarianza de la edad de la vaca al parto (linear y cuadrático) y como aleatorios los efectos genéticos toro y los efectos del ambiente permanente de la vaca, además del error residual. En otro incluyeron lo efecto toro x fi nca como aleatorio. Las estimativas de componentes de varianzas y heredabilidades fueron obtenidas por modelo toro a través del programa Multiple Traits Derivative Free Restricted Máximum Likelihood (MTDFREML). Todas las causas de la variación fueran signifi cantes (P <0,001). Los coefi cientes de herdabilidade para P205 fueran 0,26 ± 0,04 para el modelo sin el efecto de la interacción; 0,07 ± 0,03 para el modelo con la interacción y 0,11 ± 0,01 el valor de la interacción toro x fi nca. Los resultados obtenidos indican que los factores de ellos deben ser considerado por la ocasión de la selección de los animales de la raza Nellore, aos 205 diasde idade, en el área estudiada. El uso de la interacción del toro dentro de la fi nca permite un ajuste bueno del modelo.