Antimicrobial Activity on Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis of Cyperus articulatus Ethanolic Extracts.

Oral diseases are one of the biggest public health problems worldwide, caused by opportunistic pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis. Cyperus articulatus (priprioca) is a plant conventionally used in traditional medicine in the Amazon region. However, little is known about the possible dentistry-related uses of extracts from the rhizomes and solid waste generated by the extraction of essential oils from this vegetable. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of volatile compounds and antimicrobial activity through the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration test (MIC and assessment of the toxicity by Hens Egg Test-Chorion Allantoic Membrane (HET-CAM) of the ethanolic extracts from Cyperus articulatus intact rhizomes and solid waste. We identified sesquiterpenes as the main constituents, strong antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic extract of intact rhizomes against S. mutans (MIC = 0.29 mg/mL), moderate antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis of the extract obtained from the solid waste (MIC = 1.17 mg/mL), and absence of toxicity for both tested extracts. The absence of irritation and the antibacterial activity of the ethanolic extract from C. articulatus rhizomes and solid waste reveal its potential for use in the alternative control of bacteria that cause oral infections and may present economic viability as a raw material for dental products.

Antiplasmodial Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract from Jucá (Libidibia ferrea) Pods.

Malaria is an infectious and parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Plasmodium, which affects millions of people in tropical and subtropical areas. Recently, there have been multiple reports of drug resistance in Plasmodium populations, leading to the search for potential new active compounds against the parasite. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the in vitro antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxicity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Jucá (Libidibia ferrea) in serial concentrations. Jucá was used in the form of a freeze-dried hydroalcoholic extract. For the cytotoxicity assay, the(3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method with the WI-26VA4 human cell line was used. For the antiplasmodial activity, Plasmodium falciparum synchronized cultures were treated with serial concentrations (0.2 to 50 µg/mL) of the Jucá extract. In terms of the chemical composition of the Jucá extract, gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry measurements revealed the main compounds as ellagic acid, valoneic acid dilactone, gallotannin, and gallic acid. The Jucá hydroalcoholic extract did not show cytotoxic activity per MTT, with an IC50 value greater than 100 µg/mL. Regarding the antiplasmodial activity, the Jucá extract presented an IC50 of 11.10 µg/mL with a selective index of nine. Because of its antiplasmodial activity at the tested concentrations and low toxicity, the Jucá extract is presented as a candidate for herbal medicine in the treatment of malaria. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of antiplasmodial activity in Jucá.

Effects of Sodium Monensin on Copper Metabolism of Brazilian Santa Inês Sheep Submitted to Different Dietary Copper.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of sodium monensin on the hepatic accumulation of copper in sheep. Twenty-four Santa Inês crossbred sheep were used and allocated in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment with six repetitions and considering the factors dietary copper (basal and high) and supplementation (with and without sodium monensin). Thus, four homogeneous groups were formed: control (basal diet); monensin (Mon), 30 ppm of monensin; copper (Cu), 10 10 mg/kg BW per day of copper; monensin + copper (MonCu). The experimental period lasted 14 weeks. Liver and bile samples were collected at the beginning and end of the experiment to determine mineral element concentrations, and weekly blood samples for biochemical, hematological, and mineral evaluation. Liver copper concentrations at the beginning of the experiment did not vary between groups, while mean liver copper concentrations at the end of the experiment were higher in the MonCu, Cu, and Mon groups when compared to the control. At the end of the study, hepatic copper concentration was influenced by copper (p = 0.0001) and monensin (p = 0.0003) supplementation. Copper-supplemented groups had reduced liver iron contents (p = 0.0287) and increased copper concentrations in bile. The biochemical evaluation showed increased serum GGT and AST activity (p < 0.05) in the Cu and MonCu groups from the eleventh week on compared to the control and Mon groups. The increase in activity of these enzymes was influenced by copper supplementation (p = 0.0340). Monensin interferes positively with the hepatic accumulation of copper and the supplementation of this additive may predispose sheep to copper poisoning.

Anti-Inflammatory Potential of the Oleoresin from the Amazonian Tree Copaifera reticulata with an Unusual Chemical Composition in Rats.

Copaifera reticulata Ducke is a popularly known species known as copaíba that is widely spread throughout the Amazon region. The tree yields an oleoresin which is extensively used in local traditional medicine mainly as an anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive agent. The aim of the present study was to assess the anti-inflammatory potential of this oleoresin obtained from a national forest in the central Amazon which presented an unusual chemical composition. The chemical composition of volatile compounds of oleoresin was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The acute toxicity assay was performed with a single dose of 2000 mg/kg. The anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated by carrageenan-induced paw edema and air pouch assays using four different C. reticulata oleoresin concentrations (10, 100, and 400 mg/kg). The exudate was evaluated for nitrite concentration through the colorimetric method and for TNF-α, IL-1ß, and PGE2 by ELISA. C. reticulata oleoresin collected in the Amazonian summer contained six major sesquiterpene compounds (ß-bisabolene, cis-eudesma-6,11-diene, trans-α-bergamotene, ß-selinene, α-selinene, and ß-elemene) and was nontoxic at a dose of 2000 mg/kg, showing low acute toxicity. Different from oleoresin obtained from other sites of the Brazilian Amazon, the major volatile compound found was ß-Bisabolene with 25.15%. This ß-Bisabolene-rich oleoresin reduced the formation of paw edema induced by carrageenan and reduced the global number of cells in the air pouch assay, as well as exudate volume and nitrite, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and prostaglandin E2 levels (p < 0.05). C. reticulata oleoresin with a high ß-Bisabolene concentration showed anti-inflammatory activity, reducing vascular permeability and consequently edema formation, and thus reducing cell migration and the production of inflammatory cytokine, confirming its traditional use by local Amazonian communities.

Chemical Composition and Antiproliferative Activity of the Ethanolic Extract of Cyperus articulatus L. (Cyperaceae).

Cyperus articulatus L. (Priprioca) is a plant of the Cyperaceae family traditionally used in traditional medicine in the Amazon region. Studies of the essential oil of this species have identified many terpene compounds. However, little is known about the possible uses of solid waste generated by the extraction of essential oils. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of volatile compounds and to evaluate the antiproliferative activity of the ethanolic extract of solid residues generated by the extraction of the essential oil of C. articulatus L. rizhomes in experimental models in vitro using peritoneal macrophages of mice and human tumor cell lines. The analysis of the chemical composition of volatile compounds indicated the presence of sesquiterpenes and particularly sequiterpenic ketones as main constituents. The results showed that the treatment with ethanolic extract of C. articulatus L. reduced the activity of the enzyme arginase and proliferation of cancer cells (p < 0.0001). The extract also showed no cytotoxicity in macrophages in concentrations between 12.5; 25 and 50 mg/mL (p < 0.0001). The results indicated that the extract of C. articulatus L. exerts antiproliferative activity (p < 0.0001) with low toxicity on healthy cells in experimental models in vitro.

Seasonality Effects on the Mineral Profile of Goats Farmed in the Semiarid Region of Brazil.

Seasonality effects on the mineral profile of goats were evaluated. Fifty males were divided into two groups, one with mineral supplementation and one control. Seasonal evaluation was conducted during four periods: beginning, middle, and end of the dry period and middle of the rainy period. Rib and liver biopsies were performed, and blood was collected at each period to evaluate mineral accumulation. Ca, P, Cu, Fe, Mo, Zn, and Co concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry after acid digestion. Normal Ca, P, and Mo; low Cu, Zn, and Co; and high Fe levels were observed in the diet. The young animals analyzed showed normal serum and bone Ca and P concentrations, suggesting no need for supplementation throughout the entire year under the conditions of this study. Iron showed high values throughout the year, being potentially dangerous especially owing to its antagonistic relationship with other elements. Cu and Zn deficiency in the diet was observed under the conditions of this study, requiring supplementation with values higher than those contained in the mineral supplement used in the middle and end of the dry period. The supply of specific mineral supplement formulated for animals farmed in the semiarid region is suggested and would reduce costs.

Chemical Composition and In Vitro Antiplasmodial Activity of the Ethanolic Extract of Cyperus articulatus var. nodosus Residue.

Cyperus articulatus L. is popularly known as priprioca. Its rhizomes are used as a medicine in the treatment of malaria in traditional medicine. Since priprioca oil is extracted for commercial purpose, we evaluated if the components from the priprioca residue can be a source of antiplasmodial active molecules. This study aimed to determine the in vitro antiplasmodial and cytotoxicity activities of the ethanolic extract of C. articulatus as an in vitro antiplasmodial agent. From the solid residue of the plant rhizomes, 40 g samples were removed and subjected to hot extraction using a Soxhlet extractor. The in vitro antiplasmodial activity was determined using the W2 and 3D7 strains of P. falciparum. The phytochemical study identified the following main compounds: corymbolone (14.25%), cyclocolorenone (9.75%), and cadalene (8.36%). The extract exhibited moderate IC50 (inhibitory concentration) against the two strains of P. falciparum: 1.21 ± 0.01 against the W2 strain and 1.10 ± 0.06 µg/mL against the 3D7 strain. Our results show the therapeutic potential of priprioca residue as a low-cost antiplasmodial agent.

Effects of Parenteral Supplementation with Minerals and Vitamins on Oxidative Stress and Humoral Immune Response of Weaning Calves.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of injectable mineral and vitamin supplementation on weaning calves subjected to a low-stress (fence-line) weaning system. Seven-month-old Aberdeen Angus female calves (n = 40, 152 ± 11 kg body weight) from a selenium-deficient area of extensive cattle production on natural grass were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 20 each). One group received subcutaneous supplementation with copper, zinc, selenium, manganese and vitamins A and E (SG), and the other was given sterile saline solution (CG). The animals were supplemented twice, seven days before weaning (day -7) and on the day of weaning (day 0), and they were evaluated 30 (+30) and 60 (+60) days after weaning. Total antioxidant status (TAS), selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, body weight, and average daily gain (ADG) were evaluated. Additionally, antibody titers were assessed prior to and after each immunization with a vaccine containing bovine herpes virus type 1 (BoHV-1). On day +30, body weight (p = 0.03) was higher in SG, whereas TAS (p = 0.02) and GPx (p = 0.0038) activity were lower in CG and remained constant in SG. Antibody titers increased in SG and CG following immunization, being higher in SG on days +30 and +60 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, parenteral supplementation of minerals and vitamins with antioxidant effects in a low-stress weaning system prevented the decrease in TAS and GPx activity, improved antibody response and had positive effects on body weight.

Efficacy of Phytopharmaceuticals From the Amazonian Plant Libidibia ferrea for Wound Healing in Dogs.

We comparatively evaluate two distinct formulations containing 5% of Jucá (Libidibia ferrea) for wound healing in dogs. An excision model study was performed in 11 dogs with three dermal wounds in each animal, which were treated with: (1) topical phytopharmaceutical based on Carbopol (PyC) containing 5% Jucá ethanolic extract; (2) topical phytopharmaceutical based on Astrocaryum murumuru butter (PyM) containing 5% Jucá ethanolic extract; and (3) commercial ointment (control). Wound treatment was carried out on alternated days starting at day (D) one until D21. Macroscopic (all time-points) and histological (D0 and D21) analyses were performed. The antimicrobial activity of Jucá was evaluated through Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). Phytochemical analysis of Jucá revealed 3.1% phenolic compound content expressed in rutin and the presence of hydrolyzable tannins and flavonoids. The mean wound retraction was 33.7 ± 5.5, 34.0 ± 4.7, and 28.4 ± 4.9 % for PyC, PyM, and control groups, respectively, with higher wound retraction for both herbal-treated groups compared to the control (P < 0.05). Alcoholic extract of Jucá had antimicrobial activity against the microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida krusei at different degrees, with MIC ranging from 250 to 16.625 µg/ml. Microscopic evaluation showed that the phytotherapic formulations contributed to better dermal wound healing through wound fibroplasia. The alcoholic extract of Jucá pods has great potential for wound healing in dogs and can be used in the development of commercially viable phytotherapic formulations.

Dietary Zinc Supplementation to Prevent Chronic Copper Poisoning in Sheep.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether zinc (Zn) supplementation protects against hepatic copper (Cu) accumulation in copper-loaded sheep. Forty cross-bred lambs were assigned to five experimental groups. These included the control group (C) and four treatment groups that received Cu and/or Zn supplementation (dry matter (DM) basis) over 14 weeks, as follows: Cu (450 mg Cu/kg); Zn-35 (450 mg Cu + 35 mg Zn/kg); Zn-150 (450 mg Cu + 150 mg Zn/kg); and Zn-300 (450 mg Cu + 300 mg Zn/kg). Blood, liver, and bile samples were obtained for mineral determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP⁻OES). The hepatic metallothionein (MT) concentrations were also determined. At the end of the experiment, hepatic Cu concentrations were higher in all Cu-supplemented groups than in C. Hepatic Cu accumulation was lower in the groups receiving the Zn supplementation than in the Cu group, although the difference was only statistically significant (66%) in the Zn-300 group. The MT concentrations tended to be higher (almost two-fold) in the Zn groups (but were not dose related) than in the C and Cu groups, and they were related to hepatic Zn concentrations. Zn supplementation at 300 mg/kg DM is useful for preventing excessive hepatic Cu accumulation in sheep exposed to high dietary concentrations of Cu.

Protein profile of lambs experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus and supplemented with selenium and copper.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal nematodes cause significant economic losses in the sheep industry, with frequent reports of anthelmintic resistance. Therefore, alternative methods to control these parasites are necessary. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the effect of treatment with selenium and copper on the protein profile of sheep that were experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus. METHODS: Twenty-eight lambs were experimentally infected with H. contortus and divided into four experimental groups as follow: G1--untreated animals; G2--treated with sodium selenite; G3--treated with copper; G4--treated with sodium selenite and copper. The serum protein, body weight and egg count per gram of feces (EPG) were assessed at the baseline and after 20, 40, 60 and 80 days. The parasite burden was assessed 80 days after the beginning of the experiment. RESULTS: Higher levels of total protein and gamma globulin were observed in the lambs treated with sodium selenite and copper on D80. Copper acted as a growth promoter. The copper-supplemented groups exhibited higher daily and total weight gain. The association of selenium and copper altered the protein profile of sheep. Copper and selenium supplementation reduced EPG and worm burden at the end of the experiment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the positive effect of the combined parenteral supplementation of Se and Cu on H. contortus infection. CONCLUSIONS: This injectable supplementation could be used as an auxiliary method to control H. contortus in sheep.

Clinical evaluation of nervous ketosis induced by isopropanol in sheep / Manifestações clínicas da cetose nervosa induzida por isopropanol em ovinos

Twelve healthy Santa Ines sheep, non-pregnant and non-lactating underwent a protocol of experimental induction of nervous ketosis for studying the symptoms in ketosis and Pregnancy Toxaemia (PT) disease. Eight animals were subjected to infusion of 150 mL of isopropanol (IPA) at 35% in the jugular vein and four sheep were treated identically with isotonic saline solution (NaCl 0.9%) during 40 minutes. The animals treated with IPA showed increased heart rate (HR) after 40 minutes of infusion and decreased ruminal movement from the 10 minutes infusion with IPA and remaining low up to 10 minutes from the end of the infusion. Ruminal atony appeared in three animals, which showed slight meteorism gas. Infusion of IPA caused the appearance of nervous symptoms as depression, staggering, adduction of hind limbs, head pressing, teeth grind and blindness almost always accompanied by a decreased pupillary reflex and nystagmus. All the animals exhaled ketosis breath with strong odor within few minutes of the start of induction that helped the elimination of the IPA from the organism. The present results strongly suggest that part of the nervous symptoms observed in PT may be derived from the action of IPA. These present findings open new perspectives for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of PT in sheep...

Doze ovelhas hígidas, não prenhes e não lactentes foram submetidas a um protocolo de indução experimental de cetose nervosa para a avaliação de sintomatologia nos quadros de cetose e Toxemia da Prenhez. Neste protocolo, oito animais foram submetidos a infusão de 150 mL de solução de isopropanol a 35% na veia jugular, constituindo o grupo Tratado (GT), e quatro ovinos foram tratados identicamente com solução salina isotônica (NaCl 0,9%), constituindo o grupo Controle (GC) no decorrer de 40 minutos. Os animais do GT apresentaram aumento da frequência cardíaca (FC) aos 40 minutos de infusão e redução no movimento ruminal a partir dos 10 minutos de infusão com isopropanol, o qual permaneceu diminuído ate 10 minutos do termino da infusão. A atonia ruminal ocorreu em três animais, que manifestaram em seguida leve meteorismo gasoso. A infusão de isopropanol provocou o surgimento de sintomas nervosos como, depressão e sonolência, cambaleios, adução de membros posteriores, pressão da cabeça em obstáculo, ranger de dentes e cegueira quase sempre acompanhada de diminuição do reflexo pupilar e nistagmo. Todos os animais exalaram forte odor cetótico com poucos minutos do inicio da indução, fato que ajudou a eliminação do isopropanol do organismo. Os presentes resultados sugerem que parte dos sintomas nervosos verificados na Toxemia da Prenhez possa ser oriunda da ação do isopropanol. Estes resultados abrem novas perspectivas para o melhor entendimento da patogenia da Toxemia da Prenhez em ovinos...

Clinical, haematological and biochemical responses of sheep undergoing autologous blood transfusion.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical, haematological and biochemical responses to autologous blood transfusion and the feasibility of this practice in sheep. Thus, we used eight male, 8 months old sheep, weighing on average 30 kg, from which 15 mL/kg of whole blood was collected and stored in CPDA-1 bags. Blood samples were refrigerated for 8 days and subsequently re-infused. The clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated before blood collection and reinfusion, after 10 minutes of collection and reinfusion, after 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96 and 192 hours after collection and reinfusion. RESULTS: With respect to clinical parameters, we observed a decrease in heart rate after 24, 48 and 196 hours from reinfusion compared to basal values (p < 0.05). Haematological variables including globular volume and erythrocyte counts showed a significant decrease (p < 0.01) at all time points after collection and increased (p < 0.01) at all time points after reinfusion. There was a significant increase in total protein and calcium at all time points after reinfusion (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Autologous transfusion in sheep slightly altered the physiological, biochemical and haematological responses of sheep, indicating that the technique proposed is safe and can be applied in the clinical practice of this species. The 8 d period was not sufficient for complete recovery of the haematological parameters after blood collection.

Avaliação do quadro clínico e perfil bioquímico de bovinos durante indução e tratamento de hipocalcemia / Assessment of clinical and biochemical profile of cattle during induction and treatment of hypocalcemia

O presente trabalho objetivou estudar o quadro sintomatológico, algumas variáveis bioquímicas e a resposta ao tratamento com cálcio de bovinos com hipocalcemia induzida experimentalmente. Foram utilizadas 12 novilhas distribuídas nos grupos controle (n = 5) e tratado (n = 7). Foi infundida solução de EDTA a 5% até o animal apresentar sinais clínicos de hipocalcemia, quando então era iniciado o tratamento com solução contendo cálcio, fósforo, magnésio e glicose, na dose de 1 mL/kg/PV, em 30 minutos, enquanto que o grupo controle recebia apenas solução fisiológica na mesma dose. Exame clínico e coleta de amostras sanguíneas foram realizados nos tempos T0 (basal), T1 (Fase I, caracterizada por tremores musculares), T2 (ao final da infusão com EDTA), T3 (ao final do tratamento) e T4 (24 horas após o término do experimento). Todas as novilhas mostraram diminuição temporária da concentração de cálcio total e livre, fósforo, e apresentaram quadro clássico de hipocalcemia. A taquicardia, a hipofonese e a atonia ruminal desapareceram no decorrer do tratamento, sendo observado aumento no cálcio livre e total e fósforo. O medicamento usado no tratamento dos animais foi eficaz na recuperação do quadro clínico de hipocalcemia dentro de 30 minutos, promovendo retorno das principais variáveis do perfil bioquímico aos valores basais

The present work aims to study the clinical picture, biochemical profile and treatment response in cattle with induced hypocalcaemia. Were utilized 12 heifers randomly distributed in treated (n = 7) and control (n = 5) groups. The induction model was carried on by continuous EDTA infusion into jugular vein until the animals present clinical signs of hypocalcaemia. After that, the treated group received a calcium (Ca) solution enriched with phosphorus, magnesium and glucose with a dose of 1 mL/kg/BW in 30 minutes, meanwhile, the control group was treated with the same dose of physiologic solution. Clinical examination were performed and blood samples were obtained in times T0 (basal time), T1 (beginning of hypocalcaemia); T2 (end of EDTA infusion); T3 (end of treatment) and T4 (24 hours after the induction). All the heifers present temporary blood calcium and phosphorus reduction and demonstrated classical clinical picture of hypocalcaemia. The treated group present full clinical recovery and blood calcium and phosphorus increase. Most evident clinical signs were increasing heart beat, hypophonesis and rumenal atony. Those symptoms were reversed after calcium treatment. The solution used for treatment was efficient on clinical recovery within thirty minutes, promoting the return to basal levels of the most of biochemical's variables

Aspectos clínicos da indução experimental de acidose láctica ruminal em zebuínos e taurinos / Clinical evaluation of zebuine and taurine cattle with acute rumen lactic acidosis

Utilizaram-se cinco garrotes Jersey (J) (Bos taurus) e cinco Gir (G) (Bos indicus) para comparar a susceptibilidade racial, por meio do quadro clínico, à acidose láctica ruminal aguda (ALRA), induzida experimentalmente. A ALRA foi caracterizada por taquicardia, redução dos movimentos ruminais, diarreia, desidratação e depressão no estado geral. Embora os bovinos G apresentassem maior taquicardia e uma tendência a uma desidratação mais severa, assim como estase ruminal, foram os J que manifestaram maior depressão no estado geral, requerendo um tratamento mais intenso para a recuperação. A normalização do apetite após o tratamento da ALRA foi mais demorada nos bovinos J. O conjunto de resultados indicou que os bovinos J são mais susceptíveis a desenvolverem quadros mais graves de ALRA, que os G. Quanto maior o déficit do volume plasmático, mais intensa a taquicardia (r = 0,67); não ocorreu influência do pH sanguíneo sobre a frequência cardíaca (r = - 0,25).

To compare the clinical signs and the susceptibility to acute rumen lactic acidosis (ARLA), experimentally induced, five Jersey (J) (Bos taurus) and five Gir (G) (Bos indicus) steers were used. The ARLA caused in all animals tachycardia, decreased rumen movement, diarrhoea, and dehydration; Although G steers presented higher tachycardia and tendency to a more severe dehydration, the J steers exhibited a pronounced depression in the general state, requiring an intense treatment to recover. J steers needed more time to recover the normal appetite. Thus, regarding clinical picture, was observed that J steers are more susceptible to ARLA than G. Positive correlation was found between plasma volume deficit and tachycardia (r = 0.67); blood pH did not influence heart rate (r= - 0.25).

Características do sistema produtivo da pecuária no município de Santarém, Pará / Characterization of cattle production systems in Santarém, Pará, Brazil

Com o objetivo de identificar as principais falhas no sistema de produção que limitam a pecuária em Santarém, Pará, foram entrevistados, ao acaso, 21 pecuaristas (90,5 por cento de corte - cria, recria e engorda; 9,5 por cento de leite), proprietários de 10 por cento da população de bovinos do município. 71,4 por cento das propriedades tinham currais para manejo do gado, entretanto apenas 38,1 por cento possuíam balança e 23,8 por cento tronco de contenção. A Brachiaria brizantha estava presente em todas as fazendas, sendo usada exclusivamente em 42,9 por cento das propriedades. A disseminação de plantas invasoras (61,9 por cento) foi considerada a principal dificuldade no manejo das pastagens. Constatou-se que 76,2 por cento dos pecuaristas utilizam misturas minerais com macro e micro-elementos, geralmente de formulações comerciais, enquanto que 19 por cento utilizam apenas sal comum, enriquecido com micro-elementos. A concentração de fósforo (P) na mistura mineral estava abaixo do recomendado para bovinos de corte em 76,9 por cento das propriedades e apenas 19 por cento das propriedades possuía cochos para suplementação mineral adequada.

With the objective of identifying the main problems of cattle nutrition in the production systems of Santarém, Pará, Brazil, ranchers in different regions of the municipality and who owned 10 percent of the municipality's animals were interviewed at random. The ranchers raised mostly beef cattle; only 9.5 percent had dairy cattle. The infrastructure conditions are inappropriate; only 23.8 percent of the ranches have adequate facilities for beef cattle management and 61.9 percent of the ranchers do not consider weight control. Weed invasion was considered the main problem of the pastures (61.9 percent). The most common forage was Brachiaria brizantha, used exclusively in 42.9 percent of the ranches. 76.2 percent of the ranchers used a complete mineral supplement, with macro and micro elements, while 19 percent used only salt (NaCl) with micro elements; the other 5 percent did not use mineral supplements at all. The phosphorus concentration in the mineral supplement at 76.9 percent of the ranches was less than the minimum level suggested for beef cattle and only 19 percent of the ranches had appropriate mineral feeders.

Intoxicação cúprica acumulativa experimental em bovinos / Induced accumulative copper poisoning in catle

O presente trabalho objetivou analisar variáveis clínicas, sangüíneas eos teores de cobre hepático de bovinos submetidos à intoxicação cúprica acumulativa (ICA), por meio do fornecimento de quantidades crescentes de cobre, Com tal objetivo, foram utilizados 10 bovinos(mestiços) jovens, aleatoriamente distribuídos em seis animais no grupo suplementado com cobre (BOV Cu) e quatro animais no grupo controle (BOV). Diariamente, o grupo BOV Cu recebeu por meio de cânula ruminal 2 mg Cu /kg/PV (CuSO4.5H2O) sendo esta dose acrescida de mais 2 mg/kg/PV a cada semana, até o término do experimento (105 dias). Foram realizadas três biópsias hepáticas (Dia0 - dia 45 - dia 105) em todos os animais para determinação da concentração de Cu e Zn neste órgão. Quinzenalmente, foi realizado exame clínico, pesagem dos animais e coleta de amostras de sangue. Três bovinos do grupo BOV Cu manifestaram quadro laboratorial e/ou clínico sugestivo de intoxicação cúprica acumulativa (ICA), vindo a sucumbir em seguida. Destaca-se a presença de dois quadros clínicos diferentes, o clássico (n = 1) e um atípico (n = 2), caracterizado pelo destacado acúmulo de cobre hepático, hiporexia progressiva seguida de anorexia, desidratação, redução dos movimentos de ruminais, oligúria, acentuada apatia e morte, mas sem apresentar hemoglobinúria. Parte dos bovinos se mostraram resistentes à ICA a despeito da administração de altas quantidades cobre. Bovinos com ICA aumentaram a concentração de zinco hepático nas fases finais da intoxicação. Nenhum animal apresentou quadro de insuficiência renal.

The principal objective of this project was to evaluate clinical and hematological alterations and the hepatic concentration of Cu in cattle with accumulative copper poisoning, by infusion of increasing doses of copper. Ten cattle yearling steers were randomly distributed into acopper supplemented group (BOV Cu; n = 6) and one control group (BOV; n = 4). The group BOV Cu received initially 2 mg Cu/kg/BW(as CuSO4.5H2O) daily for one week; every following week, up to the end of the experiment (105th day), this initial dose was increased by 2mg Cu/kg/BW. Three liver biopsies were realized during the experiment (day zero, 45th, and 105th day) to evaluate the degree of copper accumulation in this organ; the body weight and clinical examination was monitored every 15 days, when blood samples were taken. Three cattle supplemented with copper demonstrated clinical manifestations and/or laboratory findings consistent with accumulative copper poisoning (ACP), and died. Two distinct clinical manifestations were observed, one classical (n = 1) and another atypical(n = 2) characterized by remarkable high levels of liver copper, progressive hyporexia followed by anorexia, dehydration, severe apathy, decreased rumen movements, oliguria, and death. Some animals were resistant to ACP despite high accumulative levels of hepatic copper. Cattle with ACP increased their zinc liver concentration at the final stages of the poisoning. No poisoned animals developed renal insufficiency.