Serum Biochemistry of Greater Rhea (Rhea americana) in Captivity in the Northeast of Brazil.

We investigated the biochemical profile of greater rheas (Rhea americana) in captivity and correlated these values according to the birds' sex. A total of 69 serum samples were collected from a breeding site in Mossoró, northeastern Brazil, and analyzed to quantify serum biochemical parameters (total protein, albumin, cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, urea, creatinine, ALP, AST, and CK). The birds had levels of urea, creatinine, total cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, calcium, and phosphorus similar to the values reported for ratite and ostrich species. By sex, females showed higher values (p < 0.05) of calcium (3.5 mmol/L), total cholesterol (7.5 mmol/L), and uric acid (435.3 µmol/L) than males, which had 3.1 mmol/L, 3.8 mmol/L, and 390.7 µmol/L, respectively. This can be attributed to the difference in diet, the productive phase of females, or stress at the time of sampling. The data present a wide spectrum of biochemical results regarding the health of greater rheas, contributing to the veterinary clinical practice of this species.

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.

Subacute Ruminal Acidosis in Zebu Cattle: Clinical and Behavioral Aspects.

We evaluated the clinical aspects and feeding behavior of cattle with subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) caused by short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Ten healthy Nelore heifers were subjected to an adjusted SARA induction protocol using citrus pulp (CP). Clinical examinations were performed at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 h intervals after induction, with ruminal fluid, blood, and feces sampling. The animals' feeding behavior was evaluated on, before, and for 3 days after SARA by observing the animals every 5 min for 24 h. The dry matter intake (DMI) was recorded daily. The ruminal pH during SARA was always lower than baseline, with an acidotic duration of 547 ± 215 min, a minimum pH of 5.38 ± 0.16, and an average pH of 5.62 ± 0.1. SARA was mainly caused by SCFAs (maximum 118.4 ± 9.3 mmol/L), with the production of l-lactic acids (7.17 mmol/L) and d-lactic acids (0.56 mmol/L) 6 h after the experiment began. The DMI was reduced by 66% and 48% on days 1 and 2, respectively, and returned to normal levels on day 3. SARA caused a reduction in feed intake and rumination time, as well as an increase in the time spent in decubitus on days 1 and 2. These results were influenced by the ruminal pH, ruminal movement, and osmolarity. Furthermore, SARA caused different degrees of depression, which became more pronounced with higher ruminal lactic acid concentrations.

Metabolic Profile of Steers Subjected to Normal Feeding, Fasting, and Re-Feeding Conditions.

The effects of feeding, fasting, and re-feeding on the metabolic and ruminal profiles of growing cattle were studied. Blood and urine samples were obtained from 12 crossbred steers weighing approximately 300 kg during the following periods: 11 h of normal feeding (postprandial period), 48 consecutive hours of fasting, followed by 48 h of re-feeding. Compared with the postprandial period, fasting caused the following modifications: moderate hypoglycemia accompanied by remarkable lipolysis detected by the increase in plasma levels of free fatty acids (FFAs); absence of hepatic lipidosis, as there were no changes in aspartate aminotransferase activity or serum cholesterol levels; mild ketogenesis, confirmed by the slight increase of ß-hydroxybutyrate (ßHB); increased amino acid burn for energy production, verified by the increase in serum urea contents. There were strong positive correlations between the plasma levels of FFAs and ßHB (r = 0.68; p < 0.001), fasting duration and FFA concentration (r = 0.92; p < 0.00001), and fasting duration and serum urea (r = 0.52; p < 0.001); there was a negative correlation between fasting duration and blood glucose (r = -0.52; p < 0.0001). During this same period, mild hypovolemia characterized by an increase in intravascular volume deficit was observed. The metabolic condition observed during fasting was completely reversed during re-feeding, except for the temporarily higher proteolysis.

Validation of a handheld ß-hydroxybutyrate acid meter to identify hyperketonaemia in ewes.

BACKGROUND: The end of pregnancy is the period with the highest risk of occurrences of ketosis and pregnancy toxemia due to fat mobilization and increasing non-esterified fatty acids in the liver which are converted in ketone bodies, mainly ß-hydroxybutyrate acid (BHB). This ketone body may also become elevated in the bloodstream. The present study validates the use of a handheld meter for determining the blood concentration of BHB and ascertaining the predictive value and accuracy of BHB measurements in diagnosing hyperketonaemia in ewes. METHODS: A total of 19, non-pregnant, crossbred ewes were subjected to 2 h of intravenous infusion of a saturated BHB solution. Over 6 h of evaluation, 247 blood samples were obtained in 13 sampling moments. The BHB concentration was measured by an enzymatic colorimetric method in an automated biochemical analyzer (gold-standard) and by a handheld meter using an electrochemical enzyme technique. RESULTS: There was a high correlation between both methods (r = 0.98; P < 0.001). Considering the blood BHB concentrations range 0.8-1.6 mmol/L for moderate ketosis the handheld meter presented sensitivity and specificity of 0.98 and 0.81, respectively. For severe ketosis (BHB ≥ 1.6 mmol/L) sensitivity and specificity were 0.99 and 0.75, respectively. Thus, the handheld device can be useful for diagnoses of cases of mild or severe pregnancy toxemia at field conditions.

Outbreak of enzootic ataxia in goats and sheep in the state of Bahia / Surto de ataxia enzoótica em caprinos e ovinos no estado da Bahia

The objective of this study was to describe for the first time the clinical-epidemiological, laboratory and pathological aspects of different forms of enzootic ataxia in goats and lambs in the state of Bahia, as well as to propose an emergency oral treatment with copper sulfate in an individualized way for neonates. Three outbreaks of enzootic ataxia were studied. The history, clinical signs and epidemiological data were obtained from the owners and checked during the visits. The first outbreak (FO) occurred in 2013 in a property located in the municipality of Itaberaba and affected a herd composed of 90 goats and 130 sheep. The second outbreak (SO) occurred in 2014 in the municipality of Santa Luz and affected a herd of 90 goats and 110 sheep. The third outbreak (TO) occurred in 2018, in a property located in the same municipality of the SO, being the herd constituted by 80 sheep. Samples of blood were collected from all goats and sheep treated for serum copper dosage. Nine animals (five goats and four sheep) that presented a more severe clinical picture and unfavorable prognosis were necropsied for diagnostic confirmation. During the necropsy of the FO, SO and TO animals, liver samples were collected for copper dosage as well as fragments of several organs for histopathology. At the site where the SO occurred, samples of soil and the main forages where the animals were kept were collected to determine copper, iron, molybdenum, sulfur and zinc contents. The clinical and histopathological findings in the three outbreaks studied were characteristic of enzootic ataxia. In the outbreaks studied, the frequency of enzootic ataxia was higher in goats (52) than in lambs (39). In the goats the mean values of serum copper (0.05mg/kg) and hepatic (2.48mg/kg) of the FO and SO were well below their respective reference values, 12 times lower than serum levels and eight times lower in relation to liver contents. On the other hand, TO sheep presented mean values of serum copper (0.015mg/kg) reduced by 40 times. The levels of iron and sulfur were high in the fodder of the property where the SO occurred, already in the soil, iron levels were high and copper levels were reduced. The treatment tested in neonates and lambs with two doses of copper sulphate solution orally at a dose of 20mg/kg for sheep and 35mg/kg for goats during the first and second week of life was effective in prevention of enzootic ataxia in neonates and can be used for emergency control of the disease. The occurrence of enzootic ataxia (congenital and late form) in goats and sheep was first reported in Bahia. It is also worth noting that this disease caused by copper deficiency has caused great damage to the breeders of small ruminants, mainly due to the high mortality of the animals affected.(AU)

Objetivou-se com esse estudo descrever pela primeira vez os aspectos clínico-epidemiológicos, laboratoriais e patológicos de diferentes formas de ataxia enzoótica em cabritos e borregos no estado da Bahia, bem como propor um tratamento oral emergencial com sulfato de cobre de forma individualizada para neonatos. Foram estudados três surtos de ataxia enzoótica. O histórico, sinais clínicos e dados epidemiológicos foram obtidos com os proprietários e verificados durantes as visitas técnicas. O primeiro surto (PS) ocorreu em 2013 em uma propriedade localizada no município de Itaberaba e acometeu um rebanho composto por 90 caprinos e 130 ovinos. O segundo surto (SS) aconteceu em 2014 no município de Santa Luz e afetou um rebanho formado por 90 caprinos e 110 ovinos. O terceiro surto (TS) ocorreu 2018, em uma propriedade localizada no mesmo município do SS, sendo o rebanho constituído por 80 ovinos. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas de todos os caprinos e ovinos atendidos, para dosagem de cobre sérico. Nove animais (cinco caprinos e quatro ovinos) que apresentavam quadro clínico mais grave e prognóstico desfavorável foram necropsiados para confirmação diagnóstica. Durante a necropsia dos animais do PS, SS e TS amostras de fígado foram coletadas para dosagem de cobre, bem como amostras de diversos órgãos para exame histopatológico. Na propriedade onde ocorreu o SS, foram coletadas amostras de solo e das principais forragens onde os animais eram mantidos, a fim de se determinar os teores de cobre, ferro, molibdênio, enxofre e zinco. Os achados clínicos e histopatológicos verificados nos três surtos estudados foram característicos de ataxia enzoótica. Nos surtos estudados, a frequência da ataxia enzoótica foi maior em cabritos (52) do que em cordeiros (39). Nos caprinos os valores médios de cobre sérico (0,05mg/kg) e hepático (2,48mg/kg) do PS e SS encontravam-se muito abaixo dos respectivos valores de referência, sendo 12 vezes menor em relação aos níveis séricos e oito vezes menor em relação aos teores hepáticos. Já os ovinos do TS apresentavam valores médios de cobre sérico (0,015mg/kg) reduzidos cerca de 40 vezes. Os teores de ferro e enxofre encontravam-se elevados nas forragens da propriedade onde ocorreu o SS, já no solo, os níveis de ferro apresentavam-se elevados e os de cobre reduzidos. O tratamento testado nos cabritos e borregos neonatos, com duas administrações individualizadas com solução de sulfato de cobre, por via oral, na dose de 20mg/kg para ovinos e 35mg/kg para caprinos, na primeira e segunda semana de vida, foi eficaz na prevenção da ataxia enzoótica nos neonatos e pode ser utilizado para controle emergencial da doença. Comprovou-se pela primeira vez na Bahia a ocorrência da ataxia enzoótica (forma congênita e tardia) em caprinos e ovinos. Ressalta-se ainda que, esta doença causada por deficiência de cobre, tem cursado com grandes prejuízos aos criadores de pequenos ruminantes, sobretudo, devido à alta mortalidade dos animais acometidos.(AU)

Comparative assessment of probiotics and monensin in the prophylaxis of acute ruminal lactic acidosis in sheep.

BACKGROUND: Acute ruminal lactic acidosis (ARLA) is a major nutritional and metabolic disorder usually characterized by excessive or non-adapted intake of diets rich in nonstructural carbohydrates. Feed additives that regulate the ruminal environment have been used to prevent ARLA, such as ionophores and, more recently, yeast culture. Thus, we aimed to compare the efficacy of a yeast-based culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) with that of monensin sodium in the prevention of ARLA in sheep. Eighteen male, crossbred, rumen-cannulated sheep were randomly distributed into three groups of six animals: control, yeast culture and monensin. Thirty days after the start of supplementation with yeast culture (4 × 109 cfu/animal/day of S. cerevisiae) and monensin (33 mg/kg of total dry matter intake), 15 g/kg BW of sucrose was administered directly into the rumen of the animals to induce ARLA. Samples of blood and ruminal fluid were collected at the following time points: at baseline (T0 h) immediately before the induction of ARLA; 6 h (T6 h); 12 h (T12 h); 18 h (T18 h); 24 h (T24 h); 36 h (T36 h); and 48 h (T48 h) after ARLA induction. RESULTS: Ruminal pH was higher in monensin group at T12 h and in yeast culture group at T36 h when compared to control group. Lower values of L-Lactate were found at yeast culture group at T24 h and T36 h. Monensin showed prophylactic effect by decreasing the rate of ruminal pH decline and occasionally reducing ruminal acidosis, whereas probiotics resulted in less accumulation of lactic acid in the rumen and a lower degree of systemic acidosis. CONCLUSION: The use of yeast culture can be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of ARLA in sheep, because it can effectively reduce the accumulation of lactic acid, and thereby increase ruminal pH and reduce ruminal osmolarity. On the other hand, monensin showed prophylactic effect by decreasing the rate of ruminal pH decline and occasionally reducing ruminal acidosis, however, it did not directly prevent these conditions.

Bioavailability of catechins from guaraná (Paullinia cupana) and its effect on antioxidant enzymes and other oxidative stress markers in healthy human subjects.

We assessed the effects of guaraná (Paullinia cupana) consumption on plasma catechins, erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) and biomarkers of oxidative stress (ex vivo LDL oxidation, plasma total antioxidant status and ORAC, and lymphocyte single cell gel electrophoresis) in healthy overweight subjects. Twelve participants completed a 15-day run-in period followed by a 15-day intervention with a daily intake of 3 g guaraná seed powder containing 90 mg (+)-catechin and 60 mg (-)-epicatechin. Blood samples were taken on the first and last day of the intervention period, fasting and 1 h post-dose. The administration of guaraná increased plasma ORAC, while reducing ex vivo LDL oxidation (only in the first study day) and hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA damage in lymphocytes, at 1 h post-dose. Plasma catechin (0.38 ± 0.12 and 0.44 ± 0.18 nmol mL(-1)), epicatechin (0.59 ± 0.18 and 0.64 ± 0.25 nmol mL(-1)) and their methylated metabolites were observed at 1 h post-dose but were almost negligible after overnight fasting. The activities of catalase (in both study days) and glutathione peroxidase (in the last intervention day) increased at 1 h post-dose. Furthermore, the activity of both enzymes remained higher than the basal levels in overnight-fasting individuals on the last intervention day, suggesting a prolonged effect of guaraná that continues even after plasma catechin clearance. In conclusion, guaraná catechins are bioavailable and contribute to reduce the oxidative stress of clinically healthy individuals, by direct antioxidant action of the absorbed phytochemicals and up-regulation of antioxidant/detoxifying enzymes.

Clinical response and transfusion reactions of sheep subjected to single homologous blood transfusion.

Studies in relation to blood conservation and responses to transfusion are scarce for ruminants. We evaluated the clinical manifestations of sheep that received a single homologous transfusion of whole blood, focusing on transfusion reactions. Eighteen adult sheep were subjected to a single phlebotomy to withdraw 40% of the total blood volume, which was placed into CPDA-1 bags and then divided into G0, animals that received fresh blood, and G15 and G35, animals that received blood stored for 15 or 35 days, respectively. Clinical observations were recorded throughout the transfusion, whereas heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were assessed at the following times: 24 hours after phlebotomy and before transfusion; 30 minutes, six, twelve, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours and eight and 16 days after transfusion. All groups presented transfusion reactions, among which hyperthermia was the most frequent (50% of animals). Tachycardia occurred most frequently in the G35 animals (50% of them). During transfusion G35 animals presented more clinical manifestation (P < 0.05). Transfusion of fresh or stored total blood improved the blood volume, but transfusion reactions occurred, demonstrating that a single transfusion of fresh or stored blood can cause inflammatory and febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions in sheep.

Retenção de placenta no proteinograma de vacas Holandesas / Retained placenta on the proteinogram of Holstein cows

Com o objetivo de avaliar a influência da retenção de placenta (RP) no proteinograma de fêmeas bovinas da raça Holandesa, de propriedades comerciais, foram utilizadas 129 vacas com RP e 145 vacas com parto e pós-parto fisiológicos e sem nenhum tratamento no período avaliado. As amostras de sangue foram divididas nos momentos: 1odia pós-parto (DPP), 2o-3o, 4o-5o, 6o-7o, 8o-14o, 15o-29o, 30o-59o e 60o-90o DPP. O fracionamento das proteínas foi realizado por eletroforese em fita de acetato de celulose e em gel de poliacrilamida, contendo dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS-PAGE), nas quais se avaliou o comportamento de 19 bandas proteicas identificadas pelos respectivos pesos moleculares, que variaram entre 23KDa e 187KDa. Não houve influência da RP na proteína sérica total e gamaglobulinas. A albumina sérica permaneceu abaixo dos valores de referência até os 90DPP nos animais com RP. Concluiu-se que vacas Holandesas com RP apresentam um quadro de normoproteinemia com hipoalbuminemia e aumento das frações alfaglobulinas e betaglobulinas até os 90DPP, presença de resposta inflamatória de fase aguda positiva pelo significativo aumento de haptoglobina, ceruloplasmina, glicoproteína ácida, e de fase aguda negativa pela diminuição de albumina na primeira semana pós-parto.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of retained placenta on the proteinogram of Holstein cows from commercial dairy farms. Blood samples were collected from 129 animals with retained placenta (RP) and 145 animals with normal delivery and postpartum period, without any treatment, on following days: 1 st day in milk (DIM), 2 nd -3 th , 4 th -5 th , 6 th -7 th , 8 th -14 th , 15 th -29 th , 30 th -59 th and 60 th -90 th DIM were analyzed. Protein electrophoresis were performed in acetate cellulose and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrilamide gel (SDS-PAGE), where 19 protein bands were observed with molecular weights between 23KDa and 187KDa. There was no influence on serum total protein and gamma globulins. Serum albumin remained below the normal reference values up to 90DIM. In conclusion, Holstein cows with RP have normoproteinemia with hypoalbuminemia up to 90DIM, presence of positive acute phase response by increase of haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, acid glycoprotein, alpha and beta globulins and negative acute phase response by decreased of albumin within the first week postpartum.

Influência de diferentes dietas com alto teor de concentrados sobre parâmetros ruminais, bioquímicos e urinários de ovinos / Effects of different diets with high content of concentrates on ruminal, biochemical and urinary parameters of sheep

Oito ovinos, da raça Santa Inês, receberam dieta controle (C) (80% de feno de capim coast-cross e 20% de concentrado comercial) e em seguida foram submetidos a experimento em quadrado latino com dietas contendo 30% desse feno e 70% dos concentrados: polpa cítrica peletizada (PCP); polpa cítrica farelada (PCF); fubá de milho (FM) e farelo de trigo (FT). Depois de 21 dias de adaptação às dietas, foi realizada monitoração visual por 24 h. No dia subsequente à observa-ção, na terceira hora após a alimentação, foram coletadas amostras de conteúdo ruminal, urina e sangue. No conteúdo ruminal foi determinado o pH, nas amostras de urina foram efetuadas análises de pH, ureia, fósforo, creatinina e exame de sedimento, e no sangue foram realizadas determinações séricas de ureia, fósforo e creatinina. Foram calculados o indice de excreção urinária (IEUP) e a taxa de excreção fracional (TEFP) de fósforo. Os dados foram avaliados por análise de variância e Teste de Tukey ou Mann-Whitney. Foi realizada a análise de correlação entre pares de variáveis. Tanto a PCP como a PCF estimularam significativamente a ruminação semelhante ao grupo controle, e com maior rempo que o FM (P<5,05). Maiores concentrações de P sérico, IEUP e TEFP foram encontradas na dieta FT (P<5,05). Quanto maiores os teores de P sérico maior o IEUP (r-0,78). Quanto maior o tempo devotado à ruminação menor foi o fósforo sanguineo (r=0,62). A maior ruminação diminuiu os teores de fósforo sérico e sua excreção urinária, diminuindo assim a predisposição à urolitíase em ovinos.

Eight adult Santa Inês sheep received a control diet (C) (80% of coast-cross hay and 20% of commercial feed) and then they were submitted to a Latin square experiment with diets containing 30% of hay and 70% of the following concentrates: pelleted citrus pulp (PCP), citrus pulp meal (PCF), cornmeal (FM) or wheat bran (FT). After 21 days of adaptation to the diets visual monitoring was performed for 24 h. On the day after the visual observation samples of rumen content, urine and blood were taken at the 3rd hour after feeding. Rumen content was analyzed for pH; urine samples were analyzed for pH, urea, phosphorus, creatinine and sediment examination. Blood samples were used for serum determinations of urea, creatinine and phosphorus. The index of urinary excretion of phosphorus (IEUP) and fractional excretion rate of phosphorus (TEFP) were calculated. Data were evaluated by analysis of variance and Tukey test or Mann-Whitney test. Pearson correlation analysis was made to compare variables. Both the PCP and PCF significantly stimulated rumination, similar to the control group, being higher when compared with the FM diet. Increased concentrations of serum P, IEUP and TEFP were found in the FT diet (P < 0.05). The higher the serum levels of P, the higher the P excretion in the urine (r = 0.78). The higher the time devoted to rumination, the lower the serum P concentrations (r2 = 0.62). The increased rumination decreased the serum P and its urinary excretion, reducing the predisposition to urolithiasis 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...

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

Avaliação laboratorial do uso de solução salina hipertônica e isotônica e de furosemida no tratamento da intoxicação por amônia em bovinos / Laboratorial evaluation of hypertonic and isotonic saline solution and furosemide use for the ammonia poisoning treatment in cattle

Para testar a eficiência de vários tratamentos de intoxicação por amônia em bovinos, foram utilizados 25 garrotes que receberam cloreto de amônio por infusão intravenosa (iv) até o surgimento de quadro convulsivo. Em seguida, os animais foram alocados em um dos cinco grupos experimentais e tratados da seguinte forma: 1) controle: infusão (iv) de 300mL de solução salina isotônica (SSI), no decorrer de 4h; 2) infusão (iv) de 30mL kg-1 PV de SSI no decorrer de 4h e administração de 4L de água intraruminal por meio de sonda esofágica (ASE); 3) mesmo tratamento do grupo 2 e dose única (iv) de furosemida (2mg kg-1 PV) (F); 4) injeção (iv) de 5mL kg-1 PV de solução salina hipertônica (SSH) 7,2 por cento nos primeiros 30min, seguida de 20mL kg-1 PV de SSI e 4L de ASE; 5) mesmo tratamento do grupo 4 e dose única de F. No decorrer de 4h após a convulsão, foram determinados os teores plasmáticos de amônia e glicose, ureia, creatinina, potássio e sódio séricos, volume e gravidade específica da urina, e excreção urinária de amônio e ureia. No momento da convulsão, os teores de amônia plasmáticos foram muito altos e idênticos em todos os tratamentos, mas no 120°min, nos grupos tratados com associação de SSH+SSI+ASE (grupos 4 e 5), houve diminuição desse metabólito. O uso de furosemida (grupos 3 e 5) não aumentou a excreção total de urina. A terapia com associação de SSH+SSI+ASE aumentou ainda o volume urinário e a excreção percentual urinária de ureia e amônia durante o período crítico da 1ª hora de tratamento, mas o uso de SSI+ASE (grupos 2 e 3) teve resultados intermediários. A eficiência do tratamento com SSH+SSI+ASE ou SSI+ASE foi superior ao grupo controle. Embora com efeito menor que o observado com SSH+SSI+ASE, a SSI+ASE promoveu melhora no quadro clínico geral e, ao término do experimento, promoveu também uma adequada desintoxicação da amônia.

To test the efficiency of some treatments for ammonia poisoning in cattle, 25 steers were used. Ammonium chloride solution was infused intravenously (iv) in each steer until the onset of convulsive episode. Thereafter, the animals were distributed in one of the five different groups, as follows: 1) control: infusion (iv) of 300mL isotonic saline solution (ISS) throughout the following 4h; 2) infusion (iv) of ISS 30mL kg-1 BW throughout the following 4h and administration of 4L water (W) through stomach tube; 3) the same as group 2, plus a single dose (iv) 2g furosemide kg-1 BW (F); 4) injection of 5mL kg-1 BW hypertonic saline solution (HSS) (7.2 percent) (iv) throughout the first 30min, followed by 20mL kg-1 BW of ISS and 4L W.; 5) the same as group 4 and a single dose of F. For the next 4h after the convulsion, plasma concentration of ammonia and glucose, serum urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium, urine total volume and specific gravity, and urinary excretion of ammonium and urea were followed. At the convulsion, the ammonia blood levels were high and similar among the groups, but at the 120th min the animals treated with HSS+ISS+W (groups 4 and 5) had lower values than the control. Furosemide (groups 3 and 5) did not prevent an increase in the total excretion of urine. The therapy with HSS+ISS+W still increased the urinary volume and the total urinary excretion of urea and ammonium during the critical 1st h of treatment, while the use of ISS+W had intermediate results. The efficiency of the treatment with HSS+ISS+W or ISS+W was better than the control group. Although with lower efficiency as seen in the treatment with HSS+ISS+W, the ISS+W caused an improvement in the clinical picture and at the end of the experiment generated an adequate ammonia detoxification.

Intoxicação por amônia em bovinos que receberam uréia extrusada ou granulada: alterações em alguns componentes bioquímicos do sangue / Ammonia poisoning in cattle fed extruded or prilled urea: alterations in some chemistry components

Doze garrotes Girolando nunca alimentados com uréia foram distribuídos em dois grupos de seis animais cada, e induzidos a desenvolver um quadro de intoxicação por amônia através da administração de uréia extrusada ou granulada em dose única (0,5 g/kg PV). Foram determinados no plasma ou soro os teores de amônia, glicose, L-lactato, uréia e creatinina, além do volume globular em sangue total nos seguintes momentos: antes da administração de uréia, no surgimento dos tremores, após o primeiro episódio convulsivo, e após 240 minutos do início do experimento. A hiperamoniemia ocorreu a partir dos primeiro tremores. Maiores glicemia e lactemia-L foram constatadas no momento do ápice da intoxicação (episódio convulsivo), os quais foram superiores ao tempo basal. A produção endógena de uréia aumentou no decorrer do experimento devido à hiperamoniemia (r = 0,57), atingindo seus valores mais altos ao término do experimento. Quanto maior foi o teor de amônia, maiores foram as concentrações de lactato-L, glicose, uréia, creatinina e volume globular. Estes resultados permitem concluir que o grau de hiperamoniemia aumentou a gliconeogênese, a glicólise anaeróbica, a síntese de uréia endógena e o grau de desidratação. Entre as variáveis estudadas os teores de glicose e de lactato-L foram os melhores indicadores para monitorar alterações bioquímicas na intoxicação pela amônia

Twelve yearling Girolando steers never fed urea before were assigned randomly in two groups of six animals each. In both groups were administered intraruminally a single dose (0.5 g/kg BW) of extruded or prilled urea in order to induce ammonia poisoning. Plasma or serum levels of ammonia, urea, creatinine, glucose, L-lactate were determined. Hematocrit values were also recorded. Blood samples were taken before the administration of urea, at the onset of muscle tremors, at the first convulsive episode, and 240 minutes after the beginning of the urea feeding. Hyperammonemia already occured at the time of the first muscle tremors. Glucose and L-lactate levels were higher at the peak of the intoxication (convulsive episode), which were higher compared to the beginning of the experiment.Endogenous production of urea increased during the experiment due to hyperammonemia (r = 0.57), reaching peak levels at the end of the trials. Higher ammonia values lead to increased concentrations ofL-lactate, glucose, urea, creatinine and hematocrit values. These results showed that high levels of ammonia increased glyconeogenesis, anaerobic glycolysis, the endogenous synthesis of urea and the level of dehydration. L-lactate and glucose were the best variables to monitor biochemical changes in cases of ammonia poisoning

The measurement of urine pH to predict the amount of buffer used in the treatment of acute rumen lactic acidosis in cattle

The purpose of the present study was to establish a practical, fast, precise and low-cost procedure to estimate the degree of metabolic acidosis in cattle with acute rumen lactic acidosis for further treatment. The rumen acidosis was induced experimentally in 40 crossbreed rumen-cannulated 1.5-year-old steers. The induction caused the development of the most characteristic clinical signs of acute rumen lactic acidosis, severe rumen acidosis and a moderate metabolic acidosis, which was evidenced by low blood pH, and blood bicarbonate concentration and base excess (BE). A highly positive correlation (r=0.80) between urinary pH and BE concentration, and between urinary pH and blood pH (r=0.75) was observed. The BE concentration estimated by urinary pH was similar to that determined by venous blood gas analysis (P>0.99). Furthermore, the results presented by the predictive formula were very significant. In conclusion, urinary pH is a good tool to predict the quantity of buffers needed to treat metabolic acidosis in cattle with acute rumen lactic acidosis.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver um procedimento de baixo custo, preciso, rápido e prático para estimar o grau de acidose metabólica, para tratar bovinos com quadros de acidose láctica ruminal. A acidose ruminal foi induzida experimentalmente em 40 novilhos mestiços de 1,5 anos de idade, implantados com cânula ruminal. Essa indução causou o surgimento de sinais clínicos muito típicos da enfermidade aguda, com o aparecimento de pronunciada acidose ruminal e acidose metabólica de grau moderado, caracterizado por baixo pH sangüíneo e diminutos teores de bicarbonato e excesso de base (BE) no sangue. Verificou-se uma alta correlação positiva (r = 0,80) entre o pH urinário e o BE e entre o pH urinário e o pH sangüíneo (r = 0,75). A concentração de BE estimado pelo pH urinário foi similar à obtida pela análise do hemogasômetro (P = 0,99). Além disso, os resultados apresentados pela fórmula de predição foram muito significativos. Dessa forma, conclui-se que a mensuração do pH urinário é uma boa alternativa para estimar a quantidade necessária de tampão para tratar o quadro de acidose metabólica em bovinos com acidose láctica ruminal aguda.

Avaliação do potencial da polpa cítrica em provocar acidose láctica ruminal aguda em bovinos / Comparative study of the citrus pulp to cause acute rumen lactic acidosis in cattle

Com o objetivo de avaliar o potencial da polpa cítrica (PC) em provocar acidose láctica ruminal aguda (ALRA), 15 bovinos com peso médio de 160 kg providos de cânula ruminal não-adaptados à dieta contendo concentrado foram alocados aleatoriamente em três grupos: CONTROLE - animais receberam apenas a dieta basal; SACAROSE - animais receberam sacarose diretamente no rumem a fim de provocar ALRA; POLPA - grupo que recebeu subitamente alta quantidade de PC no rúmen (equivalente a 1,65 % do peso corporal). Em vários tempos no decorrer de 24 horas, após administração dos substratos, foram determinados o volume globular, pH, excesso de bases (BE) e lactato total no sangue e pH e concentração de ácido láctico total no conteúdo ruminal. Exame clínico foi realizado no decorrer do 1º dia e o consumo de alimento acompanhado nos próximos sete dias. A administração de sacarose provocou um característico quadro de ALRA com o desenvolvimento de acidose ruminal e sistêmica, apatia, desidratação, diarréia e taquicardia. Por outro lado, a polpa cítrica produziu discreta e temporária acidose ruminal, atingindo na 6ª hora o pH ruminal mais baixo (5,35), sem provocar acidose sistêmica e quadro clínico mais evidente de ALRA, com exceção de uma diminuição temporária na ruminação e eliminação de fezes semilíquidas. A regularização do apetite ocorreu após dois dias no grupo com PC e sete dias no grupo com sacarose. Tais resultados indicam que a polpa cítrica pode ser utilizada na alimentação de bovinos com baixo risco de provocar ALRA.

With the aim to evaluate the risk of citrus pulp to induce acute rumen lactic acidosis (ARLA), 15 rumen cannulated cattle didn’t adapted to concentrates were randomly allocated in 3 groups: G1- CONTROL - group fed only the basal diet; G2 - SUCROSE – animals with ARLA induced by rumen administration of sucrose; G3 – CITRUS PULP – animals received citrus pulp into rumen (1.65 % of BW). Blood and rumen samples were drawn throughout the next 24 h to determine pH, lactic acid concentration and the packet cell volume, blood base excess. Clinical signs were also recorded and food intake followed by the next 7 days. Sucrose caused a systemic and ruminal acidosis and characteristic ARLA signs such as, apathy, dehydration, diarrhea and tachycardia, while citrus pulp gave rise to mild and brief rumen acidosis, reaching the lowest pH (5.35) at the 6th h, without any changing in the blood pH and any typical clinical sign, but temporary reduction in the rumination and excretion of semi liquid feces. Appetite was fully recovered after two and seven days in the pulp and sucrose group, respectively. These results showed that citrus pulp may be used as a feedstuff for cattle with low risk to cause ARLA.

Diagnóstico de carência energética em bovinos por testes de metabolismo ruminal / Diagnosis of energy deficiency in cattle by ruminal metabolism tests

Avaliou-se o metabolismo ruminal de bovinos submetidos ou não a dietas carentes em energia, por meio de provas bioquimicas e funcionais no fluido ruminal e urinário com finalidade diagnóstica. Para tal, foram utilizados 10 garrotes mestiços providos de cânula ruminal que foram divididos em dois grupos, ou seja: controle (C; n=4) dieta balanceada para ganho diário de 900 g e carência pronunciada de energia (CP; n=6) recebendo 30% a menos do nível de mantença em energia. Após os bovinos serem alimentados por 140 d foram coletadas amostras de fluido ruminal e urina antes da alimentação e nas 1ª, 3ª, 6ª e 9ª h seguintes. A carência energética provocou diminuição significativa nos teores ruminais de AGVs totais, ácidos propiônico e butírico, amônio, elevando-se o tempo da prova de redução do azul de metileno (RAM) e menor produção de gases no teste de fermentação de glicose (FG); o índice de excreção urinária de alantoína (IEVA) também foi menor. A carência provocou aumento na porcentagem molar de ácido acético. Não se verificou efeito dos tratamentos sobre o pH ruminal. Existiram correlações positivas de grande íntensidade entre FG e AGV s e amônia, e de média intensidade entre FG e amônia e lEVA, assim como de correlação negativa, de média íntensidade, entre RAM e AGV s, amônia, FG e lEVA. Com exceção do pH todas as análises estudadas detectaram alterações no metabolismo ruminal provocada pela carência energética. Porém, considerando-se a praticidade dos testes, recomenda-se a prova do RAM, seguida pela FG para um diagnóstico rápido e sensível deste quadro carencial.

Ten yearling crossbred rumen-cannulated steers were randomly divided in two equal groups for studying some ruminal metabolism tests in caule fed adequate or deficient diets on energy. The control group (C) was fed a diet to gain 900 g/BW / d, while to the very deficient group (VD) was given a diet with 30 % less than the maintenance level of dietary energy. On the 140th d ruminal fluid and urine samples were coliected at the basal and in the 1st, 3rd, 6th and 9th h after the morning feeding. The energy deficiency caused significant decrease in the ruminal levels of total volatile fatty acids (VFA), propionic and butyric acids, and ammonium, an increase in time of methilene blue reduction test (MBRT) and decrease in the gas production in the glucose fermentation test (GFT); the urinary aliantoin excretion rate (UAER) was also lower. The deficiency caused an increased in the molar proportion of acetic acid. There was no diet effect on the ruminal fluid pH. There were high positive correlation between GFT and VFAs and ammonium, medium positive correlation between MBRT and VFAs, ammonium, GFT and UAER. All studied variables were able to detect changes in the ruminal metabolism in caule fed energy deficient diet, but the rumen fluid pH. Nevertheless, as far as the feasibility is concerned the MBRT, foliowed by the GFT should be adopted to allow a rapid and sensible diagnosis of dietary energy deficiency.

Experimental ammonia poisoning in cattle fed extruded or prilled urea: clinical findings

Doze garrotes Girolando, nunca alimentados com uréia, foram distribuídos em dois grupos de seis animais cada. Ambos os grupos receberam intraruminalmente dose única (0,5 g/kg PV) de uréia extrusada (G1) ou granulada (G2), para induzir quadro de intoxicação por amônia. O quadro clínico exibido pelos garrotes foi acompanhado durante 240 minutos. Além da constatação dos sinais clínicos clássicos ligados a essa intoxicação, o presente trabalho descreve a presença de três novos sinais: desidratação, hipotermia e vasos episclerais ingurgitados. Convulsão, considerada sinal definitivo, ocorreu em cinco de seis animais de cada grupo. Um garrote (G1) exibiu apenas fasciculações, enquanto outro (G2) desenvolveu quadro clínico típico, porém sem convulsão, e recuperou-se espontaneamente sem tratamento. Os surgimentos de tremores musculares, decúbito esternal e episódios convulsivos ocorreram em momentos similares em ambos os grupos, mas quando analisados conjuntamente verificou-se que foram mais tardios no G1 (p < 0,04). O 1º sinal clínico observado foi a fasciculação, seguida por apatia, hiperestesia, apoio em obstáculos, tremores musculares, atonia ruminal, incoordenação motora, decúbito esternal e lateral, desidratação leve ou severa, e convulsão. Maiores freqüências cardíacas foram detectadas na convulsão. Após a convulsão, quatro garrotes de cada grupo apresentaram hipotermia leve. Um garrote do G2 entrou em estado comatoso e sucumbiu subitamente antes que fosse iniciado o tratamento. Apesar da uréia extrusada adiar o surgimento do quadro clínico, os sinais evidenciados foram tão severos quanto os causados por uréia granulada. Ambas formas de uréia, oferecidas em altas doses são perigosas a bovinos que nunca foram alimentados com uréia.

A model for ammonia poisoning in cattle.

The intravenous infusion of ammonium chloride was used to induce ammonia (NH3) poisoning in cattle. A 1.5 M ammonium chloride solution, buffered to pH 7.0, was infused at 400 mL/h until a convulsive episode occurred and therapy was initiated. Convulsions occurred with 200 to 1200 mL of ammonium solution. The clinical picture and metabolic effects were similar to the natural poisoning; no side effected occurred. The hypermmoniemia caused hyperglycemia, hyperlactemia, hyperkalemia and Intense metabolic acidosis. After treatment there was a sharp decrease in plasma NH3. Within 110 min all steers stood and recovered appetites. The induction of NH3 poisoning in cattle with ammonium chloride offers many advantages over the administration of high po doses of urea.