Performance, carcass, and meat traits of locally adapted Brazilian cattle breeds under feedlot conditions.

Little is known about the performance, carcass, and meat traits of locally adapted cattle in Brazil. This study aimed to compare the growth, slaughter, and carcass traits as well as meat quality of two local breeds (Curraleiro Pé-Duro and Pantaneiro) with the Nelore breed. Fifteen 30-month-old steers of each breed were weighted (Curraleiro Pé-Duro = 264.80 kg; Nelore = 346.80 kg; Pantaneiro = 316.20 kg) and raised in a feedlot condition for 112 days, with measurements to assess growth and slaughter, visual and carcass and meat traits. Data were submitted to variance and multivariate analyses. Nelore and Curraleiro Pé-Duro had similar Gluteus medius depths. Pantaneiro and Curraleiro Pé-Duro were superior for leg compactness index (P < 0.05) and had higher eye muscle area than Nelore (P < 0.05). Although there was no difference in daily weight gain and slaughter weight between breeds, Curraleiro Pé-Duro had a lower initial weight (264.80 kg) when compared to Nelore (346.80 kg; P < 0.05). Nelore and Curraleiro Pé-Duro deposited more fat than Pantaneiro (P < 0.05), while Curraleiro Pé-Duro and Pantaneiro had more muscle than Nelore (P < 0.05), which also had more bone and a higher percentage of second-quality cuts (P < 0.05). Meat from Nelore also showed lower succulence than Pantaneiro (P < 0.05) and higher shear force than the other breeds (P < 0.05). Pantaneiro's meat had the most capacity to retain water (P < 0.05), lower shear force (P < 0.05), and was more succulent (P < 0.05) when compared to the other breeds. Multivariate analysis showed that Pantaneiro, Curraleiro Pé-Duro, and Nelore breeds can be considered distinct in growth, carcass, and meat traits, with the local breeds showing superior meat traits. The local breeds Curraleiro Pé-Duro and Pantaneiro presented characteristics similar or better to those of the Nelore, proving to be animals with great productive potential and generate high meat quality under feedlot conditions.

A peptide fraction from hardened common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) induces endothelium-dependent antihypertensive and renal effects in rats.

Beans reached the research spotlight as a source of bioactive compounds capable of modulating different functions. Recently, we reported antioxidant and oxidonitrergic effect of a low molecular weight peptide fraction (<3 kDa) from hardened bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in vitro and ex vivo, which necessitate further in vivo assessments. This work aimed to evaluate the hypotensive effect and the involved physiological mechanisms of the hardened common bean peptide (Phaseolus vulgaris) in normotensive (Wistar) and hypertensive (SHR) animals. Bean flour was combined with a solution containing acetonitrile, water and formic acid (25: 24: 1). Protein extract (PV3) was fractioned (3 kDa membrane). We assessed PV3 effects on renal function and hemodynamics of wistar (WT-normotensive) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and measured systemic arterial pressure and flow in aortic and renal beds. The potential endothelial and oxidonitrergic involvements were tested in isolated renal artery rings. As results, we found that PV3: I) decreased food consumption in SHR, increased water intake and urinary volume in WT, increased glomerular filtration rate in WT and SHR, caused natriuresis in SHR; II) caused NO- and endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in renal artery rings; III) reduced arterial pressure and resistance in aortic and renal vascular beds; IV) caused antihypertensive effects in a dose-dependent manner. Current findings support PV3 as a source of bioactive peptides and raise the potential of composing nutraceutical formulations to treat renal and cardiovascular diseases.

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with equine infectious anemia in the state of Goiás, Brazil.

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is an infectious disease affecting equine in most countries and represents a notifiable disease with compulsory euthanasia of positive animals. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of EIAV infected equines in herds of the state of Goiás (Central Brazil) and to evaluate the risk factors associated with the occurrence of the disease. Blood samples were collected from 1170 equids from 332 randomly selected farms divided into three different strata according to their herd characteristics. Also, an epidemiological questionnaire was applied during the visit to the farm. Of the 332 farms evaluated, 12 (3.1%; 95% CI: 1.24 - 6.00) had at least one positive equine for EIA, and of the 1170 evaluated equines, 14 (2%; 95% CI: 0.31-3.00) were positive in agar gel immunodiffusion. Multivariate analysis revealed that the use of a vaccination pistol (p < 0.001) and the presence of water bodies inside the farm (p < 0.01) were risk factors associated with the occurrence of EIA. Thus, the present study demonstrated a low but widespread prevalence of EIAV infected animals in the herds of Goiás state and that iatrogenic and environmental risk factors were associated with the occurrence of the disease.

Population Structure of Curraleiro Pé-Duro Cattle and its Relationship With the Serological Profile Against Pathogens of Economic and Zoonotic Interest.

Curraleiro Pé-Duro (CPD) cattle, a Brazilian local breed, are animals that are highly resistant to infectious and parasitic diseases. Strategies for the conservation of the breed and the genetic resistance to diseases should also consider the characteristics of the breed. The objective of this study was to analyze the diversity and population structure of the CPD breed using microsatellite markers and to correlate the serological profiles for causative agents of brucellosis, leptospirosis, neosporosis, leukosis, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, and bovine viral diarrhea. DNA samples of 608 bovines were amplified and genotyped using 28 microsatellite markers for breed characterization. The genotypes were assigned to three clusters, indicating a substructure population related to the geographic distance. The observed heterozygosity was lower than that expected in most loci, and fixation index (Fst) in the subpopulation values ranged from 0.03073 (ETH3) to 0.402 (INRA63) on cluster 1, from 0.00 (INRA32) to 0.39359 (INRA63) on cluster 2, and from 0.00 (INRA32) to 0.28483 (TGLA53) on cluster 3. The Brucella spp., Neospora caninum, and Bovine Leukemia Virus frequencies were significantly different (p < 0.05) between clusters. The differences between the occurrences of diseases were not sufficient to indicate a genetic subpopulation with increased resistance to infections.

Physicochemical techniques for determining the composition of canine and feline uroliths: a literature review / Técnicas físico-químicas para determinação da composição de urólitos em caninos e felinos: uma revisão de literatura

ABSTRACT: Urinary lithiasis has been reported as a problem that affects humankind since ancient times and has been described in several animal species. The condition is a consequence of other diseases that may be present in the urinary system or related to other body disorders. The stone composition needs to be analyzed to identify the possible causes that led to the formation and development of uroliths. For this, several techniques are currently available, some of which are promptly accessible, while others are not. Thus, this literature review aimed to perform a brief introduction on urolithiasis, present the most used techniques in the analysis of the composition of canine and feline uroliths and point out the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.

RESUMO: A litíase urinária foi reportada como um problema que atinge a humanidade desde a antiguidade e já foi descrita em diversas espécies de animais. A doença é considerada consequência de outras enfermidades que podem estar presentes no sistema urinário, ou relacionados com outros distúrbios do organismo. Para identificar as possíveis causas que levaram à formação e desenvolvimento de urólitos é importante analisar a composição dos cálculos. Para isso, existem várias técnicas disponíveis atualmente, algumas de mais fácil acesso e outras, nem tanto. Dessa forma, objetiva-se com a presente revisão realizar uma breve introdução sobre a urolitíase e apresentar as técnicas mais utilizadas na análise da composição de urólitos, em caninos e felinos, bem como apontar as vantagens e desvantagens de cada uma das técnicas.

Genomic Association between SNP Markers and Diseases in the "Curraleiro Pé-Duro" Cattle.

Susceptibility to diseases is inherited and can be transmitted between populations. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in genes related to immune response is associated with diseases in cattle. This study investigated SNPs in the genomic region of cytokines in 702 samples of Curraleiro Pé-Duro cattle and associated them with the occurrence of antibodies in brucellosis, leptospirosis, neosporosis, leukosis, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), and bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) tests. DNA samples were evaluated by the kompetitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (KASP) method to identify polymorphisms. The gametic phase and SNP haplotypes were determined with the help of PHASE 2.1.1 software. Haplotypes were associated with serological results against Brucella abortus, Leptospira sp., Neospora caninum, leukosis, infectious rhinotracheitis, and BVD using univariate analysis followed by logistic regression. Haplotype 2 of TLR2 was present in 70% of the animals that tested positive for N. caninum infection. Haplotypes of TLR10 and TLR6 and IL10RA were more common in seronegative animals. Haplotypes related to the gene IL10RA were associated with animals negative to all infections. Curraleiro Pé-Duro cattle presented polymorphisms related to resistance to bacterial, viral, and N. caninum infections.

Seroprevalence, spatial distribution and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection among cattle in a quilombola community in the Brazilian cerrado.

Little is known about Toxoplasma gondii infection among cattle living in the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) biome in Brazil. In particular, there is no epidemiological data relating to infection in quilombo lands, i.e. areas settled by Afro-descendants of escaped slaves. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, spatial distribution and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection among cattle in the Kalunga quilombo, in the Cerrado biome. Blood samples were collected from 1533 cattle for antibody detection using the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). The study area was subdivided into five macroregions to determine the spatial distribution of infection. An objective questionnaire was applied to the cattle owners to evaluate risk factors, which were analyzed using univariate analysis and logistic regression. The prevalence of T. gondii infection among cattle was 8.93% (137/1533), and antibodies were found in 49.6% of the herds (66/133), in all macroregions. The risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in cattle were the following: number of animals in the herd (OR: 30.56), purchase of cattle (OR: 2.57), age group (OR: 1.95) and average annual temperature (OR: 1.77). Thus, the occurrence rate, spatial distribution and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection among cattle in the Kalunga quilombola community are documented here, for the first time.

Risk factors associated with feline urolithiasis.

Urinary tract diseases are among the main reasons for consultation in veterinary clinics and hospitals. It affects animals of any age, breed and gender. Among the diseases that affect this system, urolithiasis is the second largest cause of clinical signs compatible with feline urinary tract disease. The term urolithiasis refers to the presence of uroliths in any region of the urinary tract, but it is more commonly seen in the bladder and urethra. Uroliths are classified based on the type of mineral present in their composition, therefore, quantitative and qualitative analyzes are important for a better therapeutic approach. The animals may suffer from the disease and be asymptomatic, or show nonspecific clinical signs, making the diagnosis difficult. The disease should not be seen as a single problem, but as a consequence of various disorders. As dietary, metabolic, genetic and infectious causes, as well as factors that potentiate the chance of development of uroliths such as breed, age, sex, age range, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, geographic region and climate. Thus, the knowledge of the factors that influence the formation of uroliths, as well as the understanding of the pathophysiology, are key elements for better alternatives of therapy and prevention. The recognition of these factors helps to identify susceptible populations, minimizing exposure and increasing the protection factors, which facilitates the diagnosis and treatment of patients with urolithiasis. The objective of this paper is to present the main risk factors involved in the formation of urinary lithiasis in felines.

Earwax metabolomics: An innovative pilot metabolic profiling study for assessing metabolic changes in ewes during periparturition period.

Important metabolic changes occur during transition period of late pregnancy and early lactation to meet increasing energy demands of the growing fetus and for milk production. The aim of this investigation is to present an innovative and non-invasive tool using ewe earwax sample analysis to assess the metabolic profile in ewes during late pregnancy and early lactation. In this work, earwax samples were collected from 28 healthy Brazilian Santa Inês ewes divided into 3 sub-groups: 9 non-pregnant ewes, 6 pregnant ewes in the last 30 days of gestation, and 13 lactating ewes ≤ 30 days postpartum. Then, a range of metabolites including volatile organic compounds (VOC), amino acids (AA), and minerals were profiled and quantified in the samples by applying headspace gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry, respectively. As evident in our results, significant changes were observed in the metabolite profile of earwax between the studied groups where a remarkable elevation was detected in the levels of non-esterified fatty acids, alcohols, ketones, and hydroxy urea in the VOC profile of samples obtained from pregnant and lactating ewes. Meanwhile, a significant decrease was detected in the levels of 9 minerals and 14 AA including essential AA (leucine, phenyl alanine, lysine, isoleucine, threonine, valine), conditionally essential AA (arginine, glycine, tyrosine, proline, serine), and a non-essential AA (alanine). Multivariate analysis using robust principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis was successfully applied to discriminate the three study groups using the variations of metabolites in the two stress states (pregnancy and lactation) from the healthy non-stress condition. The innovative developed method was successful in evaluating pre- and post-parturient metabolic changes using earwax and can in the future be applied to recognize markers for diagnosis, prevention, and intervention of pregnancy complications in ewes.

Earwax: A clue to discover fluoroacetate intoxication in cattle.

An innovative method was developed to detect fluoroacetate poisoning in cattle by headspace/gas chromatographic analysis of earwax samples of intoxicated cattle. Samples were collected from 2 groups of cattle subjected to induced fluoroacetate intoxication, each group receiving a different dose of acetamide (antidote). Monofluoroacetic acid was detected in samples of intoxicated cattle in concentrations inversely proportional to the dose of acetamide. Thus, earwax analysis represents a successful approach for detection and monitoring of fluoroacetate poisoning.

B-mode and Doppler ultrasound of chronic kidney disease in dogs and cats.

Ultrasound is the imaging test of choice for renal evaluation, because it provides information about the position, size, shape, internal architecture and hemodynamics of the kidneys without harming the patient. In chronic kidney disease, the main findings observed in B-mode ultrasound images are increased cortical echogenicity, loss of corticomedullary differentiation, reduced renal volume and irregular renal contour, and when these changes are associated, they are indicative of end-stage renal disease. However, the cause of kidney disease cannot be determined by ultrasonography, but must be confirmed by means of biopsy, although the presence of ultrasonographic changes indicative of the end-stage of the disease may contraindicate this procedure. The Doppler ultrasound test complements the ultrasonic B-mode examination and enables the assessment of renal perfusion based on a calculation of the hemodynamic indices, which are increased in cases of chronic kidney lesions, with higher values ​​in the most severe cases. Thus, ultrasound examinations are not only useful in diagnostics but also play an important role in defining the prognosis of patients with chronic kidney disease.

Heat Tolerance in Curraleiro Pe-Duro, Pantaneiro and Nelore Cattle Using Thermographic Images.

The objective of this study was to compare physiological and thermographic responses to heat stress in three breeds of cattle. Fifteen animals of each of the Nelore, Pantaneiro and Curraleiro Pe-Duro breeds, of approximately two years of age, were evaluated. Heart and respiratory rates, rectal and surface temperature of animals as well as soil temperature were recorded at 8:30 and 15:30 on six days. Variance, correlation, principal factors and canonical analyses were carried out. There were significant differences in the rectal temperature, heart and respiratory rate between breeds (p < 0.001). Nelore and Pantaneiro breeds had the highest rectal temperatures and the lowest respiratory rate (p < 0.001). Breed was also significant for surface temperatures (p < 0.05) showing that this factor significantly affected the response of the animal to heat tolerance in different ways. The Curraleiro Pe-Duro breed had the lowest surface temperatures independent of the period evaluated, with fewer animals that suffered with the climatic conditions, so this may be considered the best adapted when heat challenged under the experimental conditions. Thermography data showed a good correlation with the physiological indexes, and body area, neck and rump were the main points.

The effect of ensiling and haymaking on the concentrations of steroidal saponin in two Brachiaria grass species / O efeito da ensilagem e fenação sobre as concentrações de saponina esteroide em duas espécies de gramínea Brachiaria

Brachiaria (signalgrass) is now the most widely used tropical grass genus in Central and South America. However, Brachiaria spp. can cause hepatogenous photosensitization in livestock. Steroidal saponins, specifically protodioscin, present in Brachiaria spp. may be responsible for liver injury and subsequent photosensitization. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of ensiling Brachiaria decumbens and Brachiaria brizantha or making hay from Brachiaria decumbens on the concentrations of steroidal saponin in these grasses. Brachiaria grass had no detectable levels of the saponin protodioscin after 24 days of ensiling. In addition, in Brachiaria decumbens, the concentration of the protodioscin decreased 48% over the first three days after haymaking and then remained constant. These results suggest that livestock consuming Brachiaria either as silage or hay may have reduced risk of intoxication by protodioscin. .

Brachiaria atualmente é o gênero de gramínea tropical mais amplamente utilizado na América Central e do Sul. Entretanto, as espécies de Brachiaria podem causar fotossensibilização hepatógena em animais de produção. Saponinas esteroides, especificamente protodioscina, presentes em Brachiaria, podem ser responsáveis pelo dano hepático e consequentemente fotossensibilização. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito da ensilagem de Brachiaria decumbens e Brachiaria brizantha e fenação de Brachiaria decumbens sobre a concentração de saponina esteroide. As amostras de Brachiaria ensiladas não tiveram concentrações detectáveis de saponina protodioscina depois de 24 dias de ensilagem. Assim como em Brachiaria decumbens, a concentração de protodioscina reduziu 48% nos três primeiros dias após a fenação e posteriormente manteve-se constante. Estes resultados sugerem que animais de produção, ao consumirem Brachiaria tanto como silagem ou feno, podem ter o risco de intoxicação por protodioscina reduzido.

Topical and intraluminal Carolina Rinse Solution in p44/42 and p38 MAP Kinase activation profile in rabbit jejunum after ischemia and reperfusion / Uso tópico e intraluminal da Solução de Carolina Rinse no perfil de ativação das MAP quinases p44/42 e p38 no jejuno de coelhos após isquemia e reperfusão

The effects of topical and intraluminal Carolina Rinse Solution (CRS) in p44/42 (ERK 1/2) and p38 MAPK activation profile, in rabbit jejunum after ischemia and reperfusion (I/R), were investigated in this study. Fifteen New Zealand rabbits were allocated in three groups: Sham-operated (A), Ischemia and reperfusion (B) and CRS (C). Groups B and C were subjected to one hour of ischemia and two hours of reperfusion. In group C, ten minutes prior to reperfusion, the bowel lumen was filled with CRS, and the segment was immersed in CRS until reperfusion onset. Ischemia and reperfusion stimulated the phosphorylation of the p44/42 MAPK and p38 MAPK pathways in some layers of jejunum. Progressive activation of p44/42 MAPK was chiefly localized in the crypts of Lieberkühn, circular and longitudinal muscle layers, whereas p38 MAPK was prominently activated in myenteric plexus and both muscle layers. The results of this research indicate that the chosen model of topical and intraluminal CRS does not interfere in p44/42 and p38 MAPK activation profile in rabbit jejunum subjected to I/R.

Os efeitos do uso tópico e intraluminal da Solução de Carolina Rinse (CRS), no perfil de ativação das MAP quinases p44/42 (ERK 1/2) e p38, no jejuno de coelhos após isquemia e reperfusão (I/R), foram investigados neste estudo. Quinze coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia foram alocados em três grupos: Instrumentado (A), Isquemia e Reperfusão (B) e CRS (C). Os grupos B e C foram submetidos a uma hora de isquemia e duas horas de reperfusão. No grupo C, dez minutos antes da reperfusão, o lúmen do segmento isolado foi preenchido com CRS e o segmento foi imerso em CRS até o início da reperfusão. A isquemia e reperfusão resultou em estímulo da fosforilação das MAP quinases p44/42 e p38 em algumas camadas do jejuno. A ativação progressiva de p44/42 ocorreu principalmente nas criptas de Lieberkühn e camadas musculares longitudinal e circular, enquanto p38 foi ativada principalmente no plexo mioentérico e em ambas as camadas musculares. Os resultados deste trabalho indicam que o modelo escolhido de uso tópico e intraluminal de CRS não interfere no perfil de ativação das MAP quinases p44/42 e p38 no jejuno de coelhos submetidos à I/R.

Cellular immune response of Curraleiro Pé-duro and Nellore calves following Mycobacterium bovis-BCG vaccination / Resposta imune celular de bezerros Curraleiro Pé-duro e Nelore após vacinação com Mycobacterium bovis-BCG

The present study aimed to assess the CD4, CD8 and Gamma delta T cells blood levels for Curraleiro Pé-duro, as well as the specific IFN-γ response after BCG vaccination using flow cytometry. The specific immune response against BCG was also evaluated by tuberculin skin test, performed before and 45 days after the vaccination. For comparison purposes, the same parameters were investigated on Nellore calves, an exotic bovine with resistance previously demonstrated. Naturally, Curraleiro Pé-duro animals had greater levels of CD4, CD8 and Gamma delta lymphocytes (p<0.05). In response to vaccine, Curraleiro Pé-duro showed greater ability to respond specifically to BCG, generating resistance profile (Th1), evidenced by greater number of antigen specific CD4+ cells producing IFN-γ (p<0.05) and also higher tuberculin skin test reaction (p<0.05). Additionally, vaccinated Curraleiro Pé-duro calves had higher CD4 cells numbers than both Nellore control (p<0.05) and vaccinated groups (p<0.05). Curraleiro Pé-duro calves' higher basal lymphocytes blood level and stronger response in both IFN-γ and tuberculin skin test parameters probably play a positive role on protection/resistance to Mycobacterium bovis.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar níveis sanguíneos de células CD4, CD8 e células T gama-delta no sangue periférico de bezerros Curraleiro Pé-Duro, bem como a produção específica de IFN-γ por essas células em resposta à vacinação com BCG, através de citometria de fluxo. A resposta imune específica contra BCG também foi avaliada por teste tuberculínico, realizado antes e 45 dias após a vacinação. Para fins de comparação, os mesmos parâmetros foram investigados em bezerros da raça Nelore, uma raça bovina exótica com resistência demonstrado anteriormente. Naturalmente, animais da raça Curraleiro Pé-Duro apresentaram maiores níveis de CD4, CD8 e linfócitos gama-delta. Em resposta a vacina, Curraleiro Pé-duro mostrou maior capacidade de responder especificamente ao BCG, gerando perfil de resistência (Th1), evidenciado pelo maior número de células CD4+ específicas produtoras de IFN-γ e maior reação cutânea a por tuberculina. Os maiores níveis basais de linfócitos, maior produção de IFN-γ e reação cutânea à prova tuberculínica provavelmente desempenham um papel positivo na proteção/resistência ao Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos da tilápia-do-Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus L. ) sob estresse por exposição ao ar / Hematological parameters of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L. ) under air exposure stress

No presente trabalho avaliaram-se os parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos de exemplares adultos de tilápias (Oreochromis niloticus) sob a influência do fator estresse fisiológico em animais submetidos à exposição ao ar durante a engorda em sistema raceway. Foram analisados o eritrograma, teor de hemoglobina, volume globular, o volume corpuscular médio (VCM), a hemoglobina corpuscular média (HCM), a concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média (CHCM), o leucograma, contagem diferencial de leucócitos, o plaquetograma, a glicose, a proteína total, o colesterol, o triglicerídeo e os eletrólitos (cálcio, cloretos, sódio e potássio). Os resultados revelaram que houve uma homogeneidade de distribuição para hemácias, volume globular, hemoglobina, índices hemantimétricos, proteína total, glicose, colesterol, e íons séricos, indicados pelos valores relativamente baixos do coeficiente de variação. Houve correlação positiva somente para leucócitos totais, células de defesa orgânica (neutrófilos e linfócitos), glicose, colesterol, sódio e cálcio. Quanto ao leucograma, à medida que os animais foram expostos ao ar, o número de leucócitos diminuiu gradativamente (leucopenia), ocorrendo simultaneamente neutrofilia e linfopenia. O índice glicêmico constituiu um bom indicador de estresse fisiológico, devido à hiperglicemia (82,0±20,88mg/dL) demonstrada nos tratamentos. A exposição ao ar constituiu um fator de desequilíbrio na homeostase iônica, e na síntese de colesterol endógeno. Entretanto, o tempo de recuperação não ocasionou a completa reabilitação fisiológica frente ao desafio imposto.(AU)

The present study evaluated the hematological and biochemical parameters of adult tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) under the influence of the physiological stress factor in animals submitted to air exposure during fattening in raceway system. Blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), leukogram, differencial leukocyte count, platelet, glucose, total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides and electrolytes (calcium, chloride, sodium and potassium) were analyzed. The results showed a uniform distribution for red blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin, secondary Wintrobe indices, total protein, glucose, cholesterol, and serum ions, indicated by a relatively low variation coefficient. There was positive correlation only for total white blood cells, organic defense cells (neutrophils and lymphocytes), glucose, cholesterol, sodium and calcium. As for the leukocytes (WBC), as the animals were exposed to aeration, the number of leukocytes gradually decreased (leukopenia), simultaneously occurring neutrophilia and lymphopenia. The glycemic index was a good indicator of physiological stress due to hyperglycemia (82.0±20.88mg/dL) demonstrated in the treatments. The air exposure constituted an imbalance factor at the ion homeostasis and at the endogenous cholesterol synthesis. Besides, the recovery time did not result in the complete physiological rehabilitation face the imposed challenge.(AU)

Fatty acid profile of hair lambs and their crossbreds slaughtered at different weights.

This study aims to investigate the effect of breed and slaughter weight on fatty the acid profile of the Longissimus dorsi muscle in lambs. Twenty-four Santa Inês (SI), 24.5 Ile de France × 0.5 Santa Inês (Ile × SI) and 12.5 Texel × 0.5 Santa Inês (Te × SI), slaughtered at different weights (30, 35, 40, and 45 kg), were evaluated. The animals were reared with creep feeding to weaning and were feedlot finished, receiving a diet composed of 30% hay and 70% concentrate. The analyses of fatty acids were carried out on the Longissimus muscle of the 13th rib. The experiment was in a three by four factorial design. The total mean saturated fatty acid level was 44.88%, with 43.30% monounsaturated fats and 1.72% polyunsaturated. The major fatty acids found included oleic (43%), palmitic (22%), and stearic (18%). The concentration of desirable fatty acids varied from 61.56% to 66.78%, with Te × SI (66.78%) having the highest levels (P < 0.05). The slaughter weight affected (P < 0.05) the saturated and unsaturated (both mono and poly) fatty acid profiles. The 35-kg slaughter weight showed the most desirable fatty acid profile. The saturated myristic and stearic fatty acids decreased with an increase in the slaughter weight, but oleic acid increased. In the conditions of the present study, the meat from Santa Ines and Texel × Santa Ines lambs had fatty acid profiles more beneficial for human health due to the higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids.

Physical, chemical and sensorial parameters for lambs of different groups, slaughtered at different weights.

The object of this experiment was to study physicochemical and sensorial traits in the 11th and 13th ribs of 24 Santa Ines (SI), 24 1/2 Ile de France × 1/2 Santa Inês (ILE × SI) and 8 1/2 Texel × 1/2 Santa Inês (TE × SI), slaughtered at different weights (30, 35, 40 and 45 kg, respectively). Subjective measurements (marbling, colour and texture) were carried out on the Longissimus dorsi, as well as initial pH (0 h) and final pH (24 h) after slaughter. The experiment was in a 3 × 4 factorial design and analysed using general linear model and correlation procedures in SAS®. Breed group did not influence colour (3.32), shear force (3.57 kg-force (kgf)) or loss in cooking (24.05%) of the L. dorsi, but slaughter weight affected these, with stronger colour, tougher meat and greater loss in cooking as slaughter weight increased. For sensorial analysis, the L. dorsi were cut, identified and evaluated by 30 untrained judges using a linear scale. Significant differences were detected in preference (6.61 points), tenderness (6.32 points), succulence (6.33 points) and flavour (7.08 points) of the meat from different breed groups and slaughter weights. For preference, all meats were well accepted although the crossbred animals slaughtered at 45 kg were less acceptable.

Use of multivariate analyses for determining heat tolerance in Brazilian cattle.

Adaptability can be evaluated by the ability of an animal to adjust to environmental conditions and is especially important in extreme weather conditions such as that found in tropical Brazil. A multivariate analysis using physical and physiological traits in exotic (Nellore and Holstein) and naturalized (Junqueira, Curraleira, Mocho Nacional, Crioula Lageana, and Pantaneira) cattle breeds was carried out in the Federal District of Brazil to test and determine which traits are important in the adaptation of animal to heat stress as well as the ability of these traits and statistical techniques to separate the breeds studied. Both physical and physiological traits were measured on three occasions and included body measurements, skin and hair thickness, hair number and length, pigmentation, sweat gland area as well as heart and breathing rates, rectal temperature, sweating rate, and blood parameters. The data underwent multivariate statistical analyses, including cluster, discriminate, and canonical procedures. The tree diagram showed clear distances between the groups studied, and canonical analysis was able to separate individuals in groups. Coat traits explained little variation in physiological parameters. The traits which had higher discriminatory power included packed cell volume, shoulder height, mean corpuscular volume, body length, and heart girth. Morphological and physiological traits were able to discriminate between the breeds tested, with blood and size traits being the most important. More than 80% of animals of all breeds were correctly classified in their genetic group.

Fluid Heating System (SAF): effects on clinical and biochemistry parameters in dogs submitted to inhalatory anesthesia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and describe immediate effects of the infusion of saline solution heated by SAF in bitches submitted to halothane anesthesia. METHODS: Thirteen bitches were employed and submitted to elective ovariohysterectomy in acclimatized operating room at 22 degrees C, allocated in two groups: GI, which received non-heated fluid and GII, which received fluid heated at 37 degrees C by SAF. The following parameters were evaluated in 30-minutes intervals (M0, M30, M60 and M90): rectal and cutaneous temperatures (TR and TC), cardiac and respiratory frequencies (HR and ), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), serum concentration of urea, creatinin, serum activities of alanin aminotranspherasis (ALT), alkaline phosphatasis (ALP) and also hypnosis parameters. RESULTS: There were no significant alterations on clinical and biochemical, but there was group effect on mean arterial blood pressure, urea, ALT, ALP and hypnosis parameters. CONCLUSION: The isolated use of Fluid Heating System (SAF) was not enough to avoid hypothermia or lead to significant clinical and biochemical alterations in bitches submitted to halothane anesthesia.