Reproductive behavior of Pantaneiros sheep, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

The objective was to evaluate fertility, cyclicality behavior, and sexual performance of Pantaneiro sheep throughout the year's photoperiods in Mato Grosso do Sul - Brazil. Two experiments were conducted. In experiment one, the ewes used aged between 2 and 4 years, distributed in three homogeneous groups of 54 animals and subjected to reproductive evaluation in three different predefined luminosity periods, consisting of autumn (11h 45 min.), spring (12h 30 min.), and summer (12h 55 min.). The characteristics studied were body weight (BW), body condition score (BCC), estrus distribution (EST), percentage of pregnant females per cycle (%P), plasma progesterone (PP), and fertility (F) in the three predefined seasons. The mating system used was controlled natural nocturnal and lasted for 45 days. Experiment two, evaluated the ram sexual activity. The males (10) were individually exposed to four ovariectomized ewes. The ewes cycled during evaluated seasons, and the highest fertility was observed in animals with BCC >2.75. The PP concentration differed among periods, and higher conception rates (F) were observed in autumn and spring. The rams (75%) had a medium of sexual performance when they performed more than two ejaculations in 20 min throughout the seasons. Pantaneiro sheep of both genders had a similar fertility index, with early and constant activity throughout the year, displaying no photoperiodism or seasonality.

The Ethanolic Extract of Gomphrena celosioides Mart. Does Not Alter Reproductive Performance or Embryo-Fetal Development, nor Does It Cause Chromosomal Damage.

Gomphrena celosioides is a native Brazilian plant found in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. It is used in folk medicine to treat kidney diseases, skin diseases, infections, rheumatism, gastrointestinal diseases, and respiratory diseases. It is also used as an abortifacient. To evaluate the effects of the ethanolic extract of Gomphrena celosioides (EEGc) on reproductive performance, embryo development, and chromosome stability, Swiss mice were randomly divided into experimental groups (n = 10). The animals in the control group received the vehicle Tween 80-1% in the proportion of 0.1 mL/10 g of body weight orally, from the first to the 18th gestational day. The animals in the treatment groups received the EEGc (100, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg) from the first to the 18th gestational day. The animals underwent evaluations of their reproductive performance and embryofetal development. The results showed that the EEGc did not change the animals' final weight, weight gain, uterine weight, or net weight gain. The evaluation showed that the absolute and relative organs' weights did not vary between the different experimental groups. In addition, the EEGc did not change the numbers of implants, live fetuses, dead fetuses, or fetal resorptions. There were no differences in post-operative loss rates, implantations, or resorptions, nor were there differences in fetal viability or sex ratio. The use of the EEGc did not result in different frequencies of malformations. In addition, the EEGc did not alter the frequency of chromosomal damage or frequency of micronuclei. Based on our findings, we considered the extract of Gomphrena celosioides to be safe for use during pregnancy, although some parameters indicated caution in its use.

Acute and subacute (28 days) oral toxicity studies of tucum almond oil (Bactris Setosa Mart.) in mice.

Oils extracted from almonds are often used with particular interest due to their prospective health effects and benefits. Tucum is a Pantanal fruit widely consumed by local population and no in vivo toxicity studies regarding its safety are available in the literature to date. This study investigated the acute and subacute toxicity of tucum almond oil (TAO) in mice by evaluating its safety profile. For the acute (2000 mg/kg) and subacute (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) toxicity studies, TAO was administered orally to mice according to 425 and 407 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Guidelines, respectively. Food intake, body, and organ weight of animals were recorded. Signs of toxicity were assessed, and hematological, biochemical and histopathological analyses were performed. In the acute toxicity study, no mortality or behavioral changes were observed in mice treated with 2000 mg/kg, indicating that LD50 is higher than this dose. In the subacute toxicity test, the doses evaluated did not produce relevant changes in hematological, biochemical or histopathological parameters in the exposed animals. The data obtained suggest that TAO did not induce toxicity after exposure to a single or repeated doses and LD50 value may be considered to be more than 2000 mg/kg body weight.

Ultra-diluted Folliculinum 6 cH impairs ovine oocyte viability and maturation after in vitro culture.

This study investigated the effect of Folliculinum 6 cH on the oocyte meiosis resumption and viability rates, progesterone production and mitochondrial activity after in vitro maturation of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in sheep. Sheep ovaries were collected at a local slaughterhouse and COCs were recovered by slicing technique. The selected COCs were maturated in TCM199 (Control treatment), or control medium supplemented with 0.05% ethanol (v/v) (the vehicle of the homeopathic preparation - Ethanol treatment) or with Folliculinum 6 cH. After 24 h of in vitro maturation (IVM), oocytes were mechanically denuded and incubated with Hoechst 33342 and MitoTracker (0.5 µM) Orange CMTMRos for analysis of viability and chromatin configuration, and mitochondrial activity, respectively. The results showed that Folliculinum 6 cH addition increased oocyte degeneration and reduced meiotic resumption compared to the control (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the percentages meiotic resumption and oocyte maturation were lower in the Folliculinum 6 cH treatment compared to its vehicle (Ethanol treatment) (P < 0.05). On the other hand, when the treatments were compared, higher mitochondrial activity was observed in the Ethanol treatment (P < 0.05). In conclusion, contrary to its vehicle, the addition of Folliculinum 6 cH to the IVM medium promoted oocyte degeneration and affected negatively the mitochondrial distribution, impairing meiosis resumption.

Effects of 3-Heptyl-3,4,6-trimethoxy-3H-isobenzofuran-1-one alone or/in association with cyclophosphamide on testicular function.

Chemotherapy for cancer treatment may result in a temporary or long-term gonadal damage resulting in subfertility or infertility. Cyclophosphamide (CY) is a cytotoxic alkylating agent that has been widely used in the treatment of cancer. Recent studies have shown that synthetic resorcinol lipid AMS35AA (3-Heptyl-3,4,6-trimethoxy-3H-isobenzofuran-1-one) may be an important adjuvant chemotherapy that potentiates mutagenic damage and increases apoptosis caused by CY. The present study investigates the action of AMS35AA alone or/in association with CY on testicular function. Animals were divided into four groups: (a) control group: received only water; (b) CY group: received 150 µg/g of CY b.w., i.p.; (c) AMS35AA group: received 10 µg/g of AMS35AA b.w., i.p; and (d) associated group: received 10 µg/g of AMS35AA + 150 µg/g of CY b.w., i.p. Four weeks after the treatment, the results showed that testes weight of CY and associated groups decreased. However, the number of Sertoli cell and Leydig cell per testis was similar in control and treated groups. Our findings provide strong evidence that the AMS35AA alone or in CY association is not toxic to spermatogenesis. The absence of toxicity of AMS35AA supports the view that the resorcinolic lipid could be used associated with CY chemotherapy without causing adverse effects to testes function.

Ultra-diluted Folliculinum 6 cH impairs ovine oocyte viability and maturation after in vitro culture

This study investigated the effect of Folliculinum 6 cH on the oocyte meiosis resumption and viability rates, progesterone production and mitochondrial activity after in vitro maturation of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in sheep. Sheep ovaries were collected at a local slaughterhouse and COCs were recovered by slicing technique. The selected COCs were maturated in TCM199 (Control treatment), or control medium supplemented with 0.05% ethanol (v/v) (the vehicle of the homeopathic preparation Ethanol treatment) or with Folliculinum 6 cH. After 24 h of in vitro maturation (IVM), oocytes were mechanically denuded and incubated with Hoechst 33342 and MitoTracker (0.5 μM) Orange CMTMRos for analysis of viability and chromatin configuration, and mitochondrial activity, respectively. The results showed that Folliculinum 6 cH addition increased oocyte degeneration and reduced meiotic resumption compared to the control (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the percentages meiotic resumption and oocyte maturation were lower in the Folliculinum 6 cH treatment compared to its vehicle (Ethanol treatment) (P < 0.05). On the other hand, when the treatments were compared, higher mitochondrial activity was observed in the Ethanol treatment (P < 0.05). In conclusion, contrary to its vehicle, the addition of Folliculinum 6 cH to the IVM medium promoted oocyte degeneration and affected negatively the mitochondrial distribution, impairing meiosis resumption.(AU)

Ultra-diluted Folliculinum 6 cH impairs ovine oocyte viability and maturation after in vitro culture

This study investigated the effect of Folliculinum 6 cH on the oocyte meiosis resumption and viability rates, progesterone production and mitochondrial activity after in vitro maturation of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in sheep. Sheep ovaries were collected at a local slaughterhouse and COCs were recovered by slicing technique. The selected COCs were maturated in TCM199 (Control treatment), or control medium supplemented with 0.05% ethanol (v/v) (the vehicle of the homeopathic preparation – Ethanol treatment) or with Folliculinum 6 cH. After 24 h of in vitro maturation (IVM), oocytes were mechanically denuded and incubated with Hoechst 33342 and MitoTracker (0.5 μM) Orange CMTMRos for analysis of viability and chromatin configuration, and mitochondrial activity, respectively. The results showed that Folliculinum 6 cH addition increased oocyte degeneration and reduced meiotic resumption compared to the control (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the percentages meiotic resumption and oocyte maturation were lower in the Folliculinum 6 cH treatment compared to its vehicle (Ethanol treatment) (P < 0.05). On the other hand, when the treatments were compared, higher mitochondrial activity was observed in the Ethanol treatment (P < 0.05). In conclusion, contrary to its vehicle, the addition of Folliculinum 6 cH to the IVM medium promoted oocyte degeneration and affected negatively the mitochondrial distribution, impairing meiosis resumption.

Assessment of the toxicogenic effects and cell death potential of the ester (Z)-methyl 4-((1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)amino)-4-oxobut-2-anoate in combination with cisplatin, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin.

Despite rapid advances in both the early detection and treatment of cancer, the mortality from this disease remains high, which justifies the development of new products that are more selective and effective and have fewer side effects. Accordingly, a novel ester was synthesized that contains two pharmacophores with important biological activities: (I) 4-aminoantipyrine, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and (II) the pharmacophore 1,4-dioxo-butenyl, which has cytotoxic activity. When administered alone, this compound is non-genotoxic, and it does not cause an increasing in splenic phagocytosis. Nevertheless, it can induce cell death. When administered in combination with commercial chemotherapeutic agents, such as doxorubicin, cisplatin, and cyclophosphamide, the ester shows antigenotoxic activity and decreases phagocytosis and reduces the potential to cause cell death. These results indicate that the compound should not be used in combination with chemotherapeutic agents that exert their effect through DNA damage, an important feature of antitumor drugs.

Evaluation of the testis function of mice exposed in utero and during lactation to Pfaffia glomerata (Brazilian ginseng).

Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen, popularly known as "Brazilian ginseng," is used as medicinal plant in Brazil to treat inflammatory diseases in general. Previous studies showed that its extract increases the nitric oxide (NO) levels. Knowing that NO downregulates steroidogenesis and that alterations in the action/production of androgens during perinatal life could alter testis development, the present studies sought to investigate the reproductive toxicity of Pfaffia glomerata on male mice exposed to hydroalcoholic extract in utero and during lactation. The present study shows that P. glomerata extract does not alter body weight, tubular diameter and testis function in male mice. Although a reduction in the testis weight was observed in the animals that received the highest dose directly in early post-natal life, our findings show clearly that P. glomerata may not act as an endocrine disruptor, and it is not an "antiandrogenic" compound that could lead to testicular dysgenesis syndrome.

In vivo chemotherapeutic insight of a novel isocoumarin (3-hexyl-5,7-dimethoxy-isochromen-1-one): Genotoxicity, cell death induction, leukometry and phagocytic evaluation.

Chemotherapy is one of the major approaches for the treatment of cancer. Therefore, the development of new chemotherapy drugs is an important aspect of medicinal chemistry. Chemotherapeutic agents include isocoumarins, which are privileged structures with potential antitumoral activity. Herein, a new 3-substituted isocoumarin was synthesized from 2-iodo-3,5-dimethoxy-benzoic acid and oct-1-yne in a cross-coupling Sonogashira reaction followed by a copper iodide-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization as key step using MeOH/Et3N as the solvent system. The present study also evaluated the leukometry, phagocytic activity, genotoxic potential and cell death induction of three different doses (5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg) of this newly synthesized isocoumarin, alone and in combination with the commercial chemotherapeutic agents cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg) and cisplatin (6 mg/kg) in male Swiss mice. The results suggest that the isocoumarin has genotoxicity and causes cell death. Noteworthy, this new compound can increase splenic phagocytosis and lymphocyte frequency, which are related to immunomodulatory activity. When combined with either cyclophosphamide or cisplatin, chemopreventive activity led to a reduction in the effects of both chemotherapeutic drugs. Thus, the new isocoumarin is not a candidate for chemotherapeutic adjuvant in treatments using cyclophosphamide or cisplatin. Nevertheless, the compound itself is an important prototype for the development of new antitumor drugs.

In vivo chemotherapeutic insight of a novel isocoumarin (3-hexyl-5,7-dimethoxy-isochromen-1-one): Genotoxicity, cell death induction, leukometry and phagocytic evaluation

Abstract Chemotherapy is one of the major approaches for the treatment of cancer. Therefore, the development of new chemotherapy drugs is an important aspect of medicinal chemistry. Chemotherapeutic agents include isocoumarins, which are privileged structures with potential antitumoral activity. Herein, a new 3-substituted isocoumarin was synthesized from 2-iodo-3,5-dimethoxy-benzoic acid and oct-1-yne in a cross-coupling Sonogashira reaction followed by a copper iodide-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization as key step using MeOH/Et3N as the solvent system. The present study also evaluated the leukometry, phagocytic activity, genotoxic potential and cell death induction of three different doses (5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg) of this newly synthesized isocoumarin, alone and in combination with the commercial chemotherapeutic agents cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg) and cisplatin (6 mg/kg) in male Swiss mice. The results suggest that the isocoumarin has genotoxicity and causes cell death. Noteworthy, this new compound can increase splenic phagocytosis and lymphocyte frequency, which are related to immunomodulatory activity. When combined with either cyclophosphamide or cisplatin, chemopreventive activity led to a reduction in the effects of both chemotherapeutic drugs. Thus, the new isocoumarin is not a candidate for chemotherapeutic adjuvant in treatments using cyclophosphamide or cisplatin. Nevertheless, the compound itself is an important prototype for the development of new antitumor drugs.

4-Aminoantipyrine reduces toxic and genotoxic effects of doxorubicin, cisplatin, and cyclophosphamide in male mice.

The analgesic drug dipyrone is used to treat side effects (including pain and fever) of cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Dipyrone is metabolized to 4-aminoantipyrine (4-AA), a PGE2-dependent blocker and inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX). We evaluated the genotoxic, mutagenic, apoptotic, and immunomodulatory activities of 4-AA in vivo and the effects of its combination with the antineoplastic drugs doxorubicin, cisplatin, and cyclophosphamide. 4-AA did not cause genotoxic/mutagenic damage, splenic phagocytosis, or leukocyte alterations. However, when combined with the antineoplastic agents, 4-AA decreased their genotoxic, mutagenic, apoptotic, and phagocytic effects. These results suggest that 4-AA might interfere with DNA damage-mediated chemotherapy.

Cardanol: toxicogenetic assessment and its effects when combined with cyclophosphamide.

Cardanol is an effective antioxidant and is a compound with antimutagenic and antitumoral activity. Here, we evaluated the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of saturated side chain cardanol and its effects in combination with cyclophosphamide in preventing DNA damage, apoptosis, and immunomodulation. Swiss mice were treated with cardanol (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg) alone or in combination with cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg). The results showed that cardanol is an effective chemopreventive compound, with damage reduction percentages that ranged from 18.9 to 31.76% in the comet assay and from 45 to 97% in the micronucleus assay. Moreover, cardanol has the ability to reduce the frequency of apoptosis induced by cyclophosphamide. The compound did not show immunomodulatory activity. A final interpretation of the data showed that, despite its chemoprotective capacity, cardanol has a tendency to induce DNA damage. Hence, caution is needed if this compound is used as a chemopreventive agent. Also, this compound is likely not suitable as an adjuvant in chemotherapy treatments that use cyclophosphamide.

Analysis of the anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive potential and description of the antimutagenic mode of action of the Annona crassiflora methanolic extract.

CONTEXT: Annona crassiflora Mart. (Annonaceae) is a medicinal plant that is widely used in folk medicine, which leads to its investigation as a potential source of new pharmacological principles. OBJECTIVE: This study describes the anti-inflammatory, antiallodynic, and antimutagenic/chemopreventive activities of the leaves A. crassiflora methanolic extract. Its antimutagenic mode of action was analyzed in a plant or animal experimental model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total flavonoids were quantified by spectrophotometry at 415 nm and its composition was analyzed by (1)H NMR spectra. Animals received orally, 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg of extract in both tests, carrageenan-induced paw edema and myeloperoxidase activity. Animals were treated with 100 and 300 mg/kg, in all the analyzed tests, pleural cell migration and protein exudation, carrageenan-induced cell migration into the pouch, induction of joint inflammation and carrageenan-induced allodynia response in the mouse paw. To evaluate the antimutagenic/chemopreventive activity through the Allium cepa test, we used 5, 10, and 15 mg/L of extract, and for the micronucleus test in the peripheral blood, we used the dose of 15 mg/kg. RESULTS: The fractionation of the ethyl acetate (EA) fraction, resulting from the partition of the methanol extract of the A. crassiflora, afforded through chromatographic methods resulted in the isolation of kaempferol 3-O-ß-glucoside and kaempferol 3-O-ß-diglucoside. Oral treatment with 100 and 300 mg/kg of extract significantly inhibited the carrageenan-induced edema formation, with inhibitions of 53 ± 7% and 47 ± 10%; in MPO activity, the observed inhibitions were 60 ± 7% for 100 mg/kg treatment and 63 ± 7% for 300 mg/kg. The ACME reduced significantly the total leukocytes (an inhibition of 78 ± 9% with 100 mg/kg and 90 ± 7% with 300 mg/kg) and protein levels (approximately 100% inhibition with both doses) in the pleurisy model. In carrageenan-induced leukocyte migration into the pouch, the extract inhibited leukocyte migration only when administered 300 mg/kg per dose (the reduction was 43 ± 5%). Pretreatment with extract failed to reduce the zymosan-induced edema formation and did not inhibit the carrageenan-induced mechanical allodynia. Damage reduction in Allium cepa tested with different concentrations (5, 10, and 15 mg/L) was 66.17, 75.75, and 69.19% for the pre-treatment; 72.72, 33.33, and 22.22% for the simple simultaneous treatment; 100.50, 93.93, and 102.52% for the simultaneous treatment with pre-incubation; 89.39, 79.79, and 84.34%; for the post-treatment, and 86.36, 81.31, and 93.43% for the continuous treatment. The antimutagenic evaluation in the micronucleous test showed a damage reduction of 75.00 and 64.58% for the pre-treatment and simultaneous protocols, respectively. The post-treatment protocol increased the cyclophosphamide effects in 45.83%. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that this medicinal plant has chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory therapeutic potential.

A novel cytosporone 3-Heptyl-4,6-dihydroxy-3H-isobenzofuran-1-one: synthesis; toxicological, apoptotic and immunomodulatory properties; and potentiation of mutagenic damage.

BACKGROUND: A large number of studies are attempting to identify alternative products from natural sources or synthesized compounds that effectively interact with cancer cells without causing adverse effects on healthy cells. Resorcinolic lipids are a class of bioactive compounds that possess anticancer activity and are able to interact with the lipid bilayer. Therefore, the objective of this study was to synthesize a novel resorcinolic lipid and test its biological proprieties. METHODS: We aimed to synthesize a novel resorcinolic lipid belonging to the class of cytosporones, AMS049 (3-Heptyl-4,6-dihydroxy-3H-isobenzofuran-1-one) and to evaluate the toxicity of two concentrations of this lipid (7.5 and 10 mg/kg) by determining its genotoxic, mutagenic, immunomodulatory, and apoptotic effects, as well as any biochemical and histopathological alterations in mice treated with cyclophosphamide. The results were analyzed by ANOVA followed by the Tukey test A . level of significance of p < 0.05 was adopted. RESULTS: The new cytosporone AMS049 was synthesized in only three steps and in satisfactory yields. The results indicate that the compound is neither genotoxic nor mutagenic and does not alter biochemical parameters. The histological alterations observed in the liver and kidneys did not compromise the function of these organs. Histology of the spleen suggested immunomodulation, although no changes were observed in splenic phagocytosis or differential blood cell count. The results also show that AMS049 potentiates the mutagenic effect of the chemotherapy drug cyclophosphamide and that the combination induces apoptosis. CONCLUSION: These facts indicate a potential therapeutic application of this novel cytosporone as an important chemotherapeutic adjuvant.

Gestational exposure to Byrsonima verbascifolia: teratogenicity, mutagenicity and immunomodulation evaluation in female Swiss mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Byrsonima verbascifolia is used in folk medicine to treat diarrhea, intestinal infections, chronic wounds, Chagas disease, inflammation and as a diuretic. However there is no investigation regarding the Byrsonima verbascifolia hydrometanolic extract (BVHME) used during gestation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pregnant females were randomly divided into 5 groups. Control group received saline plus DMSO (1%) in a volume of 0.1 mL/10 g (b.w.), via gavage, for at least 15 days prior to mating and throughout the gestational period. The Pre-treatment group received the BVHME, via gavage, at a dose of 50 mg/kg (b.w.) for at least 15 days prior to mating and up to the appearance of the vaginal plug. The Organogenesis group received the BVHME at a dose of 50 mg/kg (b.w.), via gavage, on the 5-15th gestational day. The Gestational group received the BVHME at a dose of 50 mg/kg (b.w.), via gavage, throughout the gestational period (from the 1st to the 18th day of pregnancy). The Pre+Gestational group received the BVHME at a dose of 50mg/kg (b.w.), via gavage, for at least 15 days prior to mating and up to throughout the gestational period. The clinical signals of maternal and fetuses toxicity were evaluated, as the mutagenicity and immunomodulation tests were performed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The present investigation shows, for the first time, that the use of Byrsonima verbascifolia extract in pregnant Swiss mice, did not alter the female reproductive function, mutagenicity or immunostimulation as well as not interfere with embryofetal development at least in our experimental conditions.

Morfologia espermática de carneiros nativos / Morflogía espermática en carneros nativos / Sperm morhology of native rams

A avaliação da morfologia espermática é um dos critérios determinantes para a seleção de machos para a reprodução. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi verificar as alterações morfológicas do sêmen de carneiros durante as estações do ano. Foram utilizados 12 animais, efetuando-se esfregaços de sêmen mensalmente para coloração do método de Karras modificado durante um ano. Observou-se que os animais apresentaram maiores percentuais de espermatozóides anormais na primavera e outono (15,46 ± 27,10 e 11,33 ± 26,38, respectivamente), quando comparados com o verão (3,18 ±1,95) e inverno (5,46 ± 2,73). Quando comparado a estação seca e chuvosa, o período de seca apresentou maiores percentuais de morfologias alteradas (7,98% ± 8,01) em relação ao período chuvoso (3,95% ± 1,78), sugerindo que tanto a variação sazonal, quanto a variação nutricional influenciaram as características do sêmen. Concluindo, os carneiros nativos não apresentaram alterações morfológicas significativas do sêmen ao longo do ano, sendo este um importante fator para a utilização do mesmo em monta natural ou inseminação artificial em qualquer período do ano.

The evaluation of sperm morphology is one of the determining criteria to select males for reproduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sperm morphology of native rams during the seasons of the year. 12 animals were used, and semen was smeared monthly for a year utilizing the modified method by Karras. It was observed that the animals had higher percentage of abnormal sperm in spring and autumn (15.46 ± 27.10 and 11.33 ± 26.38, respectively) when compared to summer (3.18 ± 1.95) and winter (5.46 ± 2.73). When the dry and rainy seasons were compared, the former had higher percentages of altered morphology (7.98% ± 8.01) compared to the latter (3.95% ± 1.78), suggesting that the seasonal variation as well as nutritional variation influence the characteristics of semen. It was concluded that native rams showed no significant morphological alterations of semen during the year, which is an important factor in its use for natural mating or artificial insemination at any time of the year.

La evaluación de la morfología espermática es uno de los criterios determinantes para la selección de machos para reproducción. El objetivo de este estudio ha sido verificar las alteraciones morfológicas del semen de carneros durante las estaciones del año. Se utilizaron 12 animales, efectuándose flotamiento de semen, mensualmente, para coloración del método de Karras, modificado durante un año. Se observó que los animales presentaron mayores porcentuales de espermatozoides anormales en la primavera y otoño (15,46 ± 27,10 y 11,33 ± 26,38, respectivamente), cuando comparados con el verano (3.18 ± 1.95) e invierno (5.46 ± 2.73). En comparación con la estación seca y lluviosa, el periodo de sequía presentó mayores porcentuales de morfologías alteradas (7,98% ± 8.01) en comparación al período lluvioso (3,95% ± 1,78), sugiriendo que tanto la variación estacional como la variación nutricional influenciaron las características del semen. Concluyendo, los carneros nativos no presentaron alteraciones significativas morfológicas del semen durante el año, siendo éste un factor importante para la utilización del mismo en monta natural o inseminación artificial en cualquier época del año.

Morfologia espermática de carneiros nativos / Sperm morphology of native rams / Morfologia espermática en carneros sativos

A avaliação da morfologia espermática é um dos critérios determinantes para a seleção de machos para a reprodução. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi verificar as alterações morfológicas do sêmen de carneiros durante as estações do ano. Foram utilizados 12 animais, efetuando-se esfregaços de sêmen mensalmente para coloração do método de Karras modificado durante um ano. Observou-se que os animais apresentaram maiores percentuais de espermatozóides anormais na primavera e outono (15,46 ± 27,10 e 11,33 ± 26,38, respectivamente), quando comparados com o verão (3,18 ±1,95) e inverno (5,46 ± 2,73). Quando comparado a estação seca e chuvosa, o período de seca apresentou maiores percentuais de morfologias alteradas (7,98% ± 8,01) em relação ao período chuvoso (3,95% ± 1,78), sugerindo que tanto a variação sazonal, quanto a variação nutricional influenciaram as características do sêmen. Concluindo, os carneiros nativos não apresentaram alterações morfológicas significativas do sêmen ao longo do ano, sendo este um importante fator para a utilização do mesmo em monta natural ou inseminação artificial em qualquer período do ano.(AU)

The evaluation of sperm morphology is one of the determining criteria to select males for reproduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sperm morphology of native rams during the seasons of the year. 12 animals were used, and semen was smeared monthly for a year utilizing the modified method by Karras. It was observed that the animals had higher percentage of abnormal sperm in spring and autumn (15.46 ± 27.10 and 11.33 ± 26.38, respectively) when compared to summer (3.18 ± 1.95) and winter (5.46 ± 2.73). When the dry and rainy seasons were compared, the former had higher percentages of altered morphology (7.98% ± 8.01) compared to the latter (3.95% ± 1.78), suggesting that the seasonal variation as well as nutritional variation influence the characteristics of semen. It was concluded that native rams showed no significant morphological alterations of semen during the year, which is an important factor in its use for natural mating or artificial insemination at any time of the year.(AU)

La evaluación de la morfología espermática es uno de los criterios determinantes para la selección de machos para reproducción. El objetivo de este estudio ha sido verificar las alteraciones morfológicas del semen de carneros durante las estaciones del año. Se utilizaron 12 animales, efectuándose flotamiento de semen, mensualmente, para coloración del método de Karras, modificado durante un año. Se observó que los animales presentaron mayores porcentuales de espermatozoides anormales en la primavera y otoño (15,46 ± 27,10 y 11,33 ± 26,38, respectivamente), cuando comparados con el verano (3.18 ± 1.95) e invierno (5.46 ± 2.73). En comparación con la estación seca y lluviosa, el periodo de sequía presentó mayores porcentuales de morfologías alteradas (7,98% ± 8.01) en comparación al período lluvioso (3,95% ± 1,78), sugiriendo que tanto la variación estacional como la variación nutricional influenciaron las características del semen. Concluyendo, los carneros nativos no presentaron alteraciones significativas morfológicas del semen durante el año, siendo éste un factor importante para la utilización del mismo en monta natural o inseminación artificial en cualquier época del año.(AU)

Ganho de peso de cordeiros suffolk e mestiços suffolk x hampshire down criados no Mato Grosso do Sul / Weight gain of sulffolk and suffolk x hampshire down lambs raised in Mato Grosso Sul / Aumento de peso en corderos suffolk y mestizos suffolk x hampshire down creados en Mato Grosso do Sul

Os pesos ao nascer e à desmama em cordeiros são importantes para a atividade da ovinocultura. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o peso, do nascer até a desmama, de cordeiros da raça Suffolk e mestiços Suffolk x Hampshire Down na região Centro-Oeste do Brasil, em uma cabanha localizada no município de Campo Grande. Foram analisadas as pesagens, realizadas semanalmente, de 78 animais, sendo 30 da raça Suffolk e 48 mestiços Suffolk x Hampshire Down dentre os meses de maio e agosto do ano de 2006. Os cordeiros apresentaram, em média, 4,098 kg ao nascer e 16,881 kg ao desmame. A diferença média encontrada entre machos e fêmeas, para o conjunto das pesagens, foi de 495 gramas. Observou-se que a raça Suffolk foi superior aos mestiços, do nascer até o desmame, com diferença média de 0,957 kg. Concluiu-se que este cruzamento não é preconizado com vistas à produção de cordeiros mestiços para abate.

The weights at birth and weaning in lambs are important sheep farming. The objective of this study was to evaluate the weight from birth to weaning of Suffolk and Suffolk x Hampshire Down lambs in the Central West of Brazil in a Cabanha located in the municipality of Campo Grande. Weekly-held weighing of 78 animals, and 30 of the race Suffolk, 48 crossbred Suffolk x Hampshire among the months of May to August in the year 2006 were analyzed. The lambs had an average weight of 4.098 kg at birth and 16.881 kg at weaning. The average difference found between male and female in all weighings was of 495 grams. It was observed that Suffolk breed were superior to the crossbred, from birth to weaning, with an average difference of 0.957 kg. It was concluded that such crossbreeding is not recommended for the production of crossbred lambs for slaughter.

Los pesos al nacer y al destete en corderos es importante para la ovinocultura. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el peso, del nacer hasta el destete, en corderos de la raza Suffolk y mestizos Suffolk x Hampshire Down en la región Centro-Oeste de Brasil, en una cabaña en el municipio de Campo Grande. Se analizaron los pesos, semanalmente, de 78 animales, siendo 30 de la raza Suffolk y 48 mestizos Suffolk x Hampshire Down entre los meses de mayo a agosto del año de 2006. Los corderos presentaron, en media, 4,098 Kg. al nacer y 16,881 Kg. al destete. La diferencia promedia encontrada entre machos y hembras, para el conjunto de pesajes, fue de 495 gramos. Se observó que la raza Suffolk fue superior a los mestizos, del nacer hasta el destete, con diferencia promedia de 0.957 kg. Se concluyó que esta cruza no es recomendada con el fin de producir corderos mestizos para corte.

Controle leiteiro e análise centesimal do leite de ovelhas suffolk / Suffolk ewes milk control and proximate analysis / Control lechero y análisis centesimal del leche de ovejas suffolk

A produção leiteira de ovelhas e a análise centesimal do leite são importantes para a produção de cordeiros. O objetivo deste trabalho foi observar a produção leiteira e análise centesimal do leite de ovelhas Suffolk durante dez semanas, em uma propriedade na região de Campo Grande – MS. Foi realizada uma análise descritiva da variação dos resultados da produção leiteira e da composição centesimal. Obteve-se produção média máxima de 168,23ml na quarta semana de lactação. Na análise centesimal obtiveram-se as médias das porcentagens dos componentes de 0.9% ±0.02 para cinzas, 5.8 ±0.51 para proteína, 5.42 ±0.7 para gordura, 4.15 ±0.54 para lactose, 16.77% ±0.76 para sólidos totais e 1,0357% ±0,00254 para densidade. A produção de leite de ovelhas foi baixa quando comparada com os resultados obtidos por autores e a análise centesimal variou para gordura, proteína e lactose, após a oitava semana de lactação.

Ewe milk production and the proximate analysis of milk are important for the production of lambs. The objective of this study was to observe the milk production and proximate analysis of the milk of Suffolk sheep during ten weeks in a property in the region of Campo Grande - MS. A descriptive analysis of the variation of the results of the milk production and the proximate composition was conducted. Maximum average production of 168.23ml in the fourth week of lactation was obtained. The averages of the percentages of the components of 0.9% ± 0.02 for leached ashes, 5.8 ± 0.51 for protein, 5.42 ± 0.7 for fat, 4.15 ± 0.54 for lactose, 16.77% ±0.76 for total solids and 1.0357% ±0.00254 for density were obtained with proximate analysis. Ewe milk production was low when compared to other authors’ results and the proximate analysis varied for fat, protein and lactose after the eighth week of lactation.

La producción lechera de ovejas y análisis centesimal de la leche son importantes para la producción de corderos. La investigación tuvo como objetivo observar la producción lechera y análisis centesimal de la leche de ovejas Suffolk durante diez semanas, en una propiedad en la región de Campo Grande-MS. Se celebró un análisis descriptivo de variaciones de los resultados de la producción lechera y de la composición centesimal. Se obtuvo producción promedia máxima de 168,23ml en la cuarta semana de lactancia. En el análisis centesimal se obtuvieron los promedios de porcentajes de los componentes de 0.9% ± 0,02 a 0,9% para cenizas, 5,8±0,51 para proteína, 5,42±0.7 para grasa, 4,15±0,54 para lactosa, 16,77±0,76 para sólidos totales y 1.0357%±0,00254 para densidad. La producción de leche de ovejas fue baja cuando comparada a los resultados obtemidos por autores y el análisis centesimal varió para grasa, proteína y lactosa, tras la octava semana de lactancia.