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.

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.

Epidemiological aspects of snakebites in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, from 2007 to 2017

This study comprises a retrospective analysis of snakebites in the State of Amazonas, Brazil, from 2007 to 2017. Data were collected from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (NDIS). 17,056 snakebites were recorded in Amazonas between 2007 and 2017. During the study period, the Rio Negro and Tefé micro-regions had the highest accumulated incidence, while small municipalities such as São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Uarini and Alvarães presenting a high incidence rate during the same period. Snakes in the genera Bothrops and Lachesis caused 69.5% and 20.3% snakebites. Snakebites occurred more frequently in the Amazonian winter, between January and April, and most of the snakebite victims (78.6%) were men. The most affected individuals were between 20 and 39 years of age (59.4%). The time elapsed between snakebites and medical assistance varied from one to six hours (51.4%). 7,705 of the snakebite cases, were classified as moderate, 7,328 as mild, and 1,299 as severe. Of the 104 deaths that occurred in the period, Bothrops genus caused the highest mortality (68.3%). The State of Amazonas recorded both high numbers of snakebites in the period 2007-2017 and the time elapsed between snakebite and medical assistance, which may affect the clinical status of patients.

The Effects of Pre-Storage Leukoreduction on the Conservation of Bovine Whole Blood in Plastic Bags.

Leukoreduction (LR) is a technique that consists of reducing the number of leukocytes in whole blood or blood components that can contribute to decreasing storage lesions and the occurrence of post-transfusion complications. We propose that using a blood bag with pre-storage leukocyte filtration is sufficient for blood conservation under field conditions. Ten healthy Nelore cows were used. Whole blood was sampled from each animal and stored at 2 to 6 °C in CPD/SAG-M (citrate phosphate dextrose bag with a saline, adenine, glucose, mannitol satellite bag) triple bags (Control) and in CPD/SAG-M quadruple bags with a leukocyte filter (Filter). At baseline and after 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days (D0, D7, D14, D21, D28, D35, and D42, respectively), complete hematological, blood gas, and biochemical evaluations were determined. The filtered bag removed 99.3% of white blood cells from cattle blood, and the entire filtration process was performed in the field. There was a reduction in the number of red blood cells (RBCs) in both groups from D14 onward, with a decrease of 19.7% and 17.1% at D42 for the Control and Filter bags, respectively. The hemoglobin (Hb) concentration had variation in both groups. Potassium, pO2, pCO2, and sO2 increased, and sodium, bicarbonate, and pH decreased during storage. The filtered bag was efficient in removing white cells from cattle whole blood and could be used under field conditions. Blood stored after LR showed differences (p < 0.05) in blood gas analysis towards a better quality of stored blood (e.g., higher pH, lower pCO2, higher sO2). Further experimental studies are required to prove that blood without white cells results in a decrease in transfusion reactions in cattle.

Evaluation of infrared thermography, force platform and filmed locomotion score as non-invasive diagnostic methods for acute laminitis in zebu cattle.

This study aimed to characterize oligofructose-induced laminitis in zebu cattle and comparatively evaluate four different diagnostic methods for laminitis. A total of 29 rumen-cannulated Nelore heifers, weighing 474.5 ± 58.5 kg were used. Laminitis was experimentally induced by intraruminal administration of 0.765 g/kg oligofructose twice daily for three consecutive days, followed by a single dose of 10.71 g/kg oligofructose on the fourth day. The animals were evaluated before administration of the highest dose of oligofructose (basal) and every six hours for up to 24 hours (6, 12, 18, 24 hours) and thereafter, every 12 hours for up to 72 hours (36, 48, 60, 72 hours) post-induction. The following diagnostic methods were used: hoof pain sensitivity test (hoof-testing), locomotion scoring, hoof infrared thermography, and force platform. Diagnosis of laminitis was confirmed after two positive responses to hoof pressure testing. Using a receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve, we defined the appropriate cut-off for infrared thermography and force plate as 30 °C and < 24%, respectively. From the 29 heifers, 27 developed laminitis (93.1%) which occurred between 24 h to 72 h in the digits from two limbs, with more frequent sensitivity in the lateral digits. Locomotion analysis detected twenty-eight heifers with laminitis and showed that a greater (P = 0.006) number of animals had lameness in two limbs (n = 13; 56%). Using hoof-testing as gold standard for the diagnosis of laminitis the locomotion score displayed 100% sensitivity, 97% specificity and 98% accuracy; infrared thermography showed 96% sensitivity, 63% specificity, and 75% accuracy whilst force plate had 76% sensitivity, 82% specificity and 79% accuracy. This suggests that, for the diagnosis of laminitis in cattle, pain evaluation is more efficient. Considering the difficult to evaluate pain sensitivity in Nelore animals, filmed locomotion score, infrared thermography and force plate methods can be indicated for non-invasive lameness detection in beef farms.

Characterization of Oligofructose-Induced Acute Rumen Lactic Acidosis and the Appearance of Laminitis in Zebu Cattle.

The objective of this study was to characterize oligofructose-induced acute rumen lactic acidosis and its consequences in zebu cattle. We used 29 Nellore heifers which were submitted to experimental induction of laminitis by oligofructose excess. During the induction period, the animals underwent clinical examination, including laminitis diagnosis (hoof pressure testing and locomotion score) and blood and ruminal fluid sampling every six hours (over the initial 24 h) and every 12 h (up to 72 h), after the highest dose. Almost half of the animals (48.1%) required treatment with bicarbonate and saline to correct metabolic acidosis and dehydration. Due to this treatment, the animals were analyzed in treated (n = 13) and non-treated (n = 14) groups. The induction model promoted marked reduction in rumen pH, rumen anaerobiosis, carbon dioxide pressure, and increase in rumen lactate, blood osmolarity, and cortisol concentration. The animals treated had lower values of rumen pH and marked dehydration, evidenced by the increase in globular volume and serum urea. The clinical condition caused by excess oligofructose is severe, with the differential of the appearance of ephemeral fever and respiratory compensation against systemic acidosis, in addition to the frequent appearance of laminitis.

Frequency of leptospirosis in horses in Manaus and metropolitan region in Amazonas State, Brazil / Frequência de leptospirose em equinos de Manaus e região metropolitana no estado do Amazonas, Brasil

The occurrence of leptospirosis is significantly higher in the tropical climate than in temperate regions, especially in periods with high rainfall levels. In horses, leptospirosis can range from subclinical to asymptomatic but maintains an important role in the transmission of leptospirosis by eliminating the agent in the environment. Regarding horses, the Amazonas herd increased by 30% between 2004 and 2013. Thus, the study aimed to determine the serological prevalence of leptospirosis in horses in Manaus and metropolitan regions, in the State of Amazonas, Brazil as well as to assess the main serogroups involved in the infections of these animals. For this purpose, from August 2018 to July 2019, serum from 198 horses was evaluated through the microscopic agglutination test with a panel of 10 serogroups. As a result, 92 horses (44.46%) were found to be positive for one or more Leptospira serovars, with the highest prevalence of serogroups Icterohaemorrhagiae and Pyrogenes. Therefore, with the increase in the equine herd in the region and, consequently, greater interaction between breeders and animals, the identification of reagents to at least one serovar of Leptospira spp. signals the possible existence of reservoirs of pathogenic strains for other animals and man.(AU)

A ocorrência de leptospirose é significativamente maior no clima tropical do que nas regiões temperadas, especialmente em períodos com altos níveis de chuva. Em cavalos, a leptospirose pode variar de subclínica a assintomática, mas estes animais podem desempenhar um papel importante na transmissão da leptospirose por meio da eliminação do agente no ambiente. Em relação aos cavalos, entre os anos de 2004 e 2013, o rebanho Amazônico aumentou 30%. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi determinar a prevalência sorológica de leptospirose em cavalos em Manaus e região metropolitana, estado do Amazonas, Brasil, bem como, determinar os principais sorogrupos envolvidos nas infecções desses animais. Para este propósito, entre agosto de 2018 e julho de 2019, foram colhidos soros de 198 cavalos para serem avaliados sorologicamente com o teste de microaglutinação microscópica, utilizando-se um painel de dez sorogrupos. Como resultado, observou-se que 92 cavalos (44,46%) foram positivos para um ou mais sorovares de Leptospira, com maior prevalência dos sorogrupos Icterohaemorrhagiae e Pyrogenes. Portanto, com o aumento do rebanho equino na região e, consequentemente, maior interação entre criadores e animais, a identificação de reagentes para pelo menos um sorovar de Leptospira spp. alerta para a possível existência de reservatórios de cepas patogênicas para outros animais e seres humanos.(AU)

Radiographic assessment of cattle hoofs (ungulae) of the Nellore breed: Reference standards.

The purpose of this work was to determine a radiographic standard of normality for lateral and medial ungulae in 3-year-old bovine females of the Nellore breed. Twenty-six cows underwent radiographic exposure of the medial and lateral ungulae of the hindlimbs and forelimbs; abaxioaxial projections were used. The images were analyzed; distances were measured between the dorsal surface of the distal phalanx and the surface of the hoof capsule. The two angles formed, i.e., an angle between the dorsal surface of the distal phalanx and a line parallel to the sole (inner), and an angle between the dorsal surface of the hoof and a line parallel to the sole (outer), were also recorded. The results suggested a standard of normality for the proximal, middle and distal distances of the ungulae of the forelimbs: 0.96 ± 0.12 cm. For the measurement of hindlimbs, except for the distal distances of the side ungulae, the suggested value was 1.02 ± 0.14 cm; for the distal measurement of the lateral ungulae of the hindlimbs, the value was 1.09 ± 0.12 cm. For inner and outer angles, the values were 36.45° ± 4.4° for the medial ungulae of the forelimbs and 42.50° ± 3.8° for other ungulae of the forelimbs and hindlimbs (standard deviations of the values suggested for the angles should be used as variations between different animals, limbs and ungulae; they should not be used between angles of the same ungula).

Hematological, biochemical, and blood gas alterations of goat whole blood stored in CPDA-1 and CPD/SAG-M plastic bags / Avaliação dos parâmetros hematológicos, bioquímicos e hemogasométricos do sangue caprino armazenado em bolsas CPDA-1 e CPD/SAG-M

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hematological, biochemical, and blood gas alterations of goat whole blood stored in different blood bags. Seven male, adult, crossbreed goats were used, weighing 62±1.8 kg. Nine hundred milliliters of whole blood from each animal was collected and stored in blood bags (450 ml in each), CPDA-1 (citrate phosphate dextrose-adenine) and CPD/SAG-M (citrate phosphate dextrose with saline-glucose-mannitol) as additive solutions, and kept refrigerated (2-4 ºC) for 42 days. Blood samples were collected from the plastic bags at baseline (T0) and after seven, 14, 21,28, 35, and 42 days for hematological, biochemical, blood gas, and microbiological evaluations. Free hemoglobin, degree of hemolysis, lactate, and pO2were increased in both bags, whereas hydrogen potential (pH) and the total hemoglobin concentration decreased overtime(P<0.05). The red blood cell count, glucose, sodium, and potassium remained stable, compared to the baseline. The CPD/SAG-M bag presented a lower red cell count, globular volume, total hemoglobin, and sodium, and a higher degree of hemolysis and plasma hemoglobin, compared with the CPDA-1 bag. The whole goat blood remained viable for therapeutic use; although, there were some important changes in the variables of the 42-day stored blood in relation to fresh blood (T0). We concluded that the CPDA-1 bag is more suitable for use in the storage of goat blood because of its lower commercial value.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as alterações hematológicas, bioquímicas e hemogasométricas do sangue total de caprinos armazenado em diferentes bolsas de sangue. Foram utilizados sete caprinos machos, adultos, sem raça definida, pesando 62±1,8kg. Coletou-se 900 mL de sangue total de cada animal, em duas bolsas plásticas tipos CPDA-1 (citrato-fosfato-dextrose-adenina) e CPD/SAG-M (citrato-fosfato-dextrose com solução aditiva de salina-glicose-manitol), armazenadas sob refrigeração (2-4 °C) durante 42 dias. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas das bolsas no início do estudo (T0) e depois de sete, 14, 21, 28, 35 e 42 dias, para realização de análises hematológicas, bioquímicas, hemogasométricas e microbiológicas. Nas duas bolsas houve aumento da concentração de hemoglobina plasmática, grau de hemólise, lactato, pO2 e redução de hemoglobina total e pH (p<0,05), porém não houve variação no número de hemácias, glicose, sódio e potássio quando comparado ao momento basal (T0). A bolsa CPD/SAG-M apresentou menor número de hemácias, volume globular, concentração de hemoglobina total e sódio, e maiores valores de grau de hemólise e hemoglobina plasmática em relação a bolsa CPDA-1 (P<0,05). Apesar de serem constatadas alterações em importantes variáveis do sangue caprino armazenado durante 42 dias em relação ao sangue fresco (T0), o sangue total caprino permaneceu viável para uso terapêutico. A análise comparativa entre os dois tipos de bolsa revelou uma similaridade de resultados para a grande maioria das variáveis estudadas, portanto a bolsa CPDA-1 pode ser considerada a mais indicada para uso na espécie caprina exclusivamente devido ao seu menor valor comercial.

Aspectos epidemiológicos dos acidentes ofídicos no município de Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, no período de 2004 a 2010 / Epidemiological aspects of snake bites in the municipality of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil in the period 2004 to 2010

O presente estudo promoveu o levantamento epidemiológico dos acidentes ofídicos ocorridos nomunicípio de Mossoró no período de 2004 a 2010, notificados pelo Sistema de Informações de Agravos e Notificação (SINAN). Os acidentes foram analisados nos seguintes aspectos: época do ano com maior acometimento, zona de ocorrência, faixa etária, sexo, local da agressão, tempodecorrido do acidente até o atendimento, sintomatologia apresentada, classificação e evolução dos casos e utilização de soroterapia. Dos 244 acidentes por animais peçonhentos notificados nesteperíodo, 58,6por cento correspondem a agressões por serpentes dos gêneros: Bothrops (44,8por cento), Crotalus(9,8por cento) e Micrurus (2,8por cento). O sexo masculino foi o mais acometido (65,7por cento), com predomínio da faixa etária de 20 a 49 anos (57,3por cento), sendo os membros inferiores a região anatômica mais afetada (39,9por cento). O tempo decorrido entre a picada e o atendimento foi menor que três horas (66,4por cento), sendo a maioria dos casos considerados leves (58,7por cento), os quais evoluíram para a cura (86,0por cento). Percebe-setendência de aumento no registro de casos ao longo dos anos, porém muitas pessoas não procuram ajuda por não terem o conhecimento adequado, o que resulta em subnotificações.

Aspectos epidemiológicos do dengue no município de Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte (2006-2010) / Epidemiological aspects of dengue in the region of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil (2006-2010)

O trabalho objetivou estudar os aspectos epidemiológicos dos casos de dengue na população do município de Mossoró-RN. Foi realizado um estudo observacional descritivo, sendo analisadas as variáveis de confirmação diagnóstica, sexo, faixa etária, letalidade, classificação final e época doano, cujos dados foram obtidos das fichas de notificação do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação correspondentes ao período de 2006 a 2010. Foram confirmados 1.917 casos de dengue, com incidência anual variando de 51 a 539/100.000 habitantes (2009 e 2008). Predominaram os casos de dengue clássico (87,9por cento), porém, com o passar dos anos, tem se evidenciado uma tendência de aumento do número de casos de dengue hemorrágico e dengue com complicações. A maior taxa de letalidade apresentada foi em 2007 com 1,4por cento. Os casos de dengue foram um pouco mais predominantesem pessoas do sexo feminino (52,6por cento), a faixa etária mais acometida foi a de 20 a 50 anos e a época do ano que concentrou o maior número de casos foi durante os meses de março, abril e maio.

Copper deficiency in sheep with high liver iron accumulation.

An outbreak of enzootic ataxia among sheep raised in the northeastern region of Brazil is described. Copper (Cu) deficiency was diagnosed in a herd of 56 sheep, among which five presented characteristic clinical symptoms of enzootic ataxia. The symptoms began 30 days after birth, with a clinical condition that included locomotion difficulty, limb ataxia, tremors, and continual falls. Liver biopsies were performed and blood was collected to determine hepatic and plasmatic Cu, iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) concentration, respectively. The laboratory results showed that the animals presented low copper concentrations in the plasma and liver, without difference between the clinically healthy animals and those affected by enzootic ataxia. Even after supplementation with adequate Cu levels had been recommended, it was found on a new visit to the farm four months later that one animal still presented a clinical condition and that the hepatic Cu levels of the herd had not risen. Despite the low copper content of the diet, the high hepatic Fe levels found suggest that antagonism due to this element may have been an important factor in triggering copper deficiency in these animals, and thus, additional copper supplementation may be necessary for these animals.