Anatomical and histological traits of Brycon amazonicus liver cultivated in a semi-intensive system / Características anatômicas e histológicas do fígado de Brycon amazonicus cultivado em sistema semi-intensivo

Abstract The work aimed to evaluate the weight-length relationship and the condition factor, characterizing the biometry, anatomy, histology and volumetric density of the liver of Brycon amazonicus, in different stages of body growth. The experiment used twenty specimens in four stages of body growth (PI, PII, PIII and PIV) harvested every 90 days, containing five specimens, each group. The livers were dissected, weighed (g) and processed routinely using the hematoxylin and eosin technique. The data were submitted to analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation test and linear regression. The equation that represented the weight-length relation was W = 0.05902 x L2.63, with negative allometric growth, but with a relative condition factor equal to 1.0. The liver was divided into three lobes with the gallbladder close to the right lobe and its color varied from light red to dark red, not varying in relation to other fish species. The hepatosomatic relationship followed body growth until the PII group stage and then declined, demonstrating the behavior of its development in Brycon amazonicus. The organ consists predominantly of hepatocytes, followed by sinusoidal vessels and capillaries, with histological morphology similar to that of many species of fish. Melanomacrophage centers were found only in the most developed animals, but in small quantities, prompting the development of new research on this cell, in this species. In this way, research of this nature allows the characterization of fish species, helping to improve breeding methods, understanding pathological processes caused by diseases, and obtaining better productive capacity, serving an increasingly demanding and prosperous market.

Resumo O trabalho objetivou avaliar a relação peso-comprimento e o fator de condição, caracterizando a biometria, anatomia, histologia e densidade volumétrica do fígado de Brycon amazonicus, em diferentes estágios de crescimento corporal. O experimento utilizou vinte espécimes em quatro fases de crescimento corporal (PI, PII, PIII e PIV) colhidos a cada 90 dias, contendo cinco espécimes, cada grupo. Os fígados foram dissecados, pesados (g) e processados rotineiramente pela técnica da hematoxilina e eosina. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, teste de correlação de Pearson e regressão linear. A equação que representou a relação peso-comprimento foi W = 0,05902 x L2,63, com crescimento alométrico negativo, mas com fator de condição relativo igual a 1,0. O fígado apresentou-se dividido em três lobos com a vesícula biliar próxima ao lobo direito e sua cor variou de vermelho claro a vermelho escuro, não variando em relação a outras espécies de peixes. A relação hepatossomática acompanhou o crescimento corporal até a fase do grupo PII e então declinou, demonstrando o comportamento de seu desenvolvimento em Brycon amazonicus. O órgão constitui-se predominantemente por hepatócitos, seguido de vasos e capilares sinusoidais, com a morfologia histológica semelhante ao de muitas espécies de peixes. Centros melanomacrófagos foram encontrados apenas nos animais mais desenvolvidos, mas em pequena quantidade, instigando o desenvolvimento de novas pesquisas sobre esta célula, nesta espécie. Desta forma, pesquisas desta natureza permitem a caracterização de espécies de peixes, auxiliando no aperfeiçoamento de métodos de criação, compreensão de processos patológicos provocados por enfermidades, e obtenção de melhor capacidade produtiva, atendendo um mercado cada vez mais exigente e próspero.

Anatomical and histological traits of Brycon amazonicus liver cultivated in a semi-intensive system / Características anatômicas e histológicas do fígado de Brycon amazonicus cultivado em sistema semi-intensivo

The work aimed to evaluate the weight-length relationship and the condition factor, characterizing the biometry, anatomy, histology and volumetric density of the liver of Brycon amazonicus, in different stages of body growth. The experiment used twenty specimens in four stages of body growth (PI, PII, PIII and PIV) harvested every 90 days, containing five specimens, each group. The livers were dissected, weighed (g) and processed routinely using the hematoxylin and eosin technique. The data were submitted to analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation test and linear regression. The equation that represented the weight-length relation was W = 0.05902 x L2.63, with negative allometric growth, but with a relative condition factor equal to 1.0. The liver was divided into three lobes with the gallbladder close to the right lobe and its color varied from light red to dark red, not varying in relation to other fish species. The hepatosomatic relationship followed body growth until the PII group stage and then declined, demonstrating the behavior of its development in Brycon amazonicus. The organ consists predominantly of hepatocytes, followed by sinusoidal vessels and capillaries, with histological morphology similar to that of many species of fish. Melanomacrophage centers were found only in the most developed animals, but in small quantities, prompting the development of new research on this cell, in this species. In this way, research of this nature allows the characterization of fish species, helping to improve breeding methods, understanding pathological processes caused by diseases, and obtaining better productive capacity, serving an increasingly demanding and prosperous market.

O trabalho objetivou avaliar a relação peso-comprimento e o fator de condição, caracterizando a biometria, anatomia, histologia e densidade volumétrica do fígado de Brycon amazonicus, em diferentes estágios de crescimento corporal. O experimento utilizou vinte espécimes em quatro fases de crescimento corporal (PI, PII, PIII e PIV) colhidos a cada 90 dias, contendo cinco espécimes, cada grupo. Os fígados foram dissecados, pesados (g) e processados rotineiramente pela técnica da hematoxilina e eosina. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, teste de correlação de Pearson e regressão linear. A equação que representou a relação peso-comprimento foi W = 0,05902 x L2,63, com crescimento alométrico negativo, mas com fator de condição relativo igual a 1,0. O fígado apresentou-se dividido em três lobos com a vesícula biliar próxima ao lobo direito e sua cor variou de vermelho claro a vermelho escuro, não variando em relação a outras espécies de peixes. A relação hepatossomática acompanhou o crescimento corporal até a fase do grupo PII e então declinou, demonstrando o comportamento de seu desenvolvimento em Brycon amazonicus. O órgão constitui-se predominantemente por hepatócitos, seguido de vasos e capilares sinusoidais, com a morfologia histológica semelhante ao de muitas espécies de peixes. Centros melanomacrófagos foram encontrados apenas nos animais mais desenvolvidos, mas em pequena quantidade, instigando o desenvolvimento de novas pesquisas sobre esta célula, nesta espécie. Desta forma, pesquisas desta natureza permitem a caracterização de espécies de peixes, auxiliando no aperfeiçoamento de métodos de criação, compreensão de processos patológicos provocados por enfermidades, e obtenção de melhor capacidade produtiva, atendendo um mercado cada vez mais exigente e próspero.

Anatomical and histological traits of Brycon amazonicus liver cultivated in a semi-intensive system

Abstract The work aimed to evaluate the weight-length relationship and the condition factor, characterizing the biometry, anatomy, histology and volumetric density of the liver of Brycon amazonicus, in different stages of body growth. The experiment used twenty specimens in four stages of body growth (PI, PII, PIII and PIV) harvested every 90 days, containing five specimens, each group. The livers were dissected, weighed (g) and processed routinely using the hematoxylin and eosin technique. The data were submitted to analysis of variance, Pearsons correlation test and linear regression. The equation that represented the weight-length relation was W = 0.05902 x L2.63, with negative allometric growth, but with a relative condition factor equal to 1.0. The liver was divided into three lobes with the gallbladder close to the right lobe and its color varied from light red to dark red, not varying in relation to other fish species. The hepatosomatic relationship followed body growth until the PII group stage and then declined, demonstrating the behavior of its development in Brycon amazonicus. The organ consists predominantly of hepatocytes, followed by sinusoidal vessels and capillaries, with histological morphology similar to that of many species of fish. Melanomacrophage centers were found only in the most developed animals, but in small quantities, prompting the development of new research on this cell, in this species. In this way, research of this nature allows the characterization of fish species, helping to improve breeding methods, understanding pathological processes caused by diseases, and obtaining better productive capacity, serving an increasingly demanding and prosperous market.

Resumo O trabalho objetivou avaliar a relação peso-comprimento e o fator de condição, caracterizando a biometria, anatomia, histologia e densidade volumétrica do fígado de Brycon amazonicus, em diferentes estágios de crescimento corporal. O experimento utilizou vinte espécimes em quatro fases de crescimento corporal (PI, PII, PIII e PIV) colhidos a cada 90 dias, contendo cinco espécimes, cada grupo. Os fígados foram dissecados, pesados (g) e processados rotineiramente pela técnica da hematoxilina e eosina. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, teste de correlação de Pearson e regressão linear. A equação que representou a relação peso-comprimento foi W = 0,05902 x L2,63, com crescimento alométrico negativo, mas com fator de condição relativo igual a 1,0. O fígado apresentou-se dividido em três lobos com a vesícula biliar próxima ao lobo direito e sua cor variou de vermelho claro a vermelho escuro, não variando em relação a outras espécies de peixes. A relação hepatossomática acompanhou o crescimento corporal até a fase do grupo PII e então declinou, demonstrando o comportamento de seu desenvolvimento em Brycon amazonicus. O órgão constitui-se predominantemente por hepatócitos, seguido de vasos e capilares sinusoidais, com a morfologia histológica semelhante ao de muitas espécies de peixes. Centros melanomacrófagos foram encontrados apenas nos animais mais desenvolvidos, mas em pequena quantidade, instigando o desenvolvimento de novas pesquisas sobre esta célula, nesta espécie. Desta forma, pesquisas desta natureza permitem a caracterização de espécies de peixes, auxiliando no aperfeiçoamento de métodos de criação, compreensão de processos patológicos provocados por enfermidades, e obtenção de melhor capacidade produtiva, atendendo um mercado cada vez mais exigente e próspero.

Gastrointestinal parasites in captive and free-living wild birds in Goiania Zoo / Parasitas gastrointestinais em aves silvestres em cativeiro e de vida livre no Zoológico de Goiânia

Helminths are endoparasites that infect a variety of bird species. Endoparasite infections can cause severe diseases, including kill captive avian hosts and represents a problem to maintenance and conservation. The eggs and larval forms of these parasites are usually eliminated in the host feces. The main interest of this study is to report the occurrence of eggs and oocysts in feces from captive wild birds in Goiânia Zoo and free-living birds in its surroundings. The fecal samples were subjected to parasitological examination to identify the presence of helminths and to classify their eggs based on morphological characteristics. Eggs of nematode parasites (Positive/N) were identified as Ascaridia spp. in Brotogeris chiriri (2/2), Dromaius novaehollandiae (1/1) and Rhea americana (2/2); Ascarididae in Pavo cristatus nigripensis (1/1); Capillaria spp. in Ara chloropterus (1/1) and Penelope jacucaca (1/1); Capillaria plagiaticia in Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus (1/2) and Ara spp. (2/2); Capillaria venusta in Rhamphastus tucanus (1/2); and unidentified nematode eggs from Amazona amazonica (2/2). Eimeria spp. oocyst was founded in feces from A. hyacinthinus (1/2). Considering free-living birds, Diphyllobothrium spp. eggs were founded in Ardea alba (2/2) and Nycticorax nycticorax (2/3). Co-infection of Eustrongylides spp. was founded in A. alba (1/2). This is the first occurrence of: Ascaridia spp. parasitizing B. chiriri; and C. venusta parasitizing R. tucanus. In conclusion, the helminth eggs found in the abovementioned host bird species are consistent with those reported in the literature, and treatment and control protocols were based on their identification.

Helmintos são endoparasitas que infectam uma variedade de espécies de aves. As infecções por endoparasitas podem causar doenças graves, podendo matar aves em cativeiro e representam um problema de manutenção e conservação. Os ovos e as formas larvais desses parasitas são geralmente eliminados nas fezes do hospedeiro. O principal objetivo deste estudo é relatar a ocorrência de ovos e oocistos em fezes de aves silvestres em cativeiro no Zoológico de Goiânia e em aves de vida livre em seu entorno. As amostras fecais foram submetidas a exame parasitológico para identificação da presença de helmintos e classificação dos ovos com base nas características morfológicas. Ovos de nematóides (Positivo/N) foram identificados como Ascaridia spp. em Brotogeris chiriri (2/2), Dromaius novaehollandiae (1/1) e Rhea americana (2/2); Ascarididae em Pavo cristatus nigripensis (1/1); Capillaria spp. em Ara chloropterus (1/1) e Penelope jacucaca (1/1); Capillaria plagiaticia em Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus (1/2) e Ara spp. (2/2); Capillaria venusta em Rhamphastus tucanus (1/2); e ovos de nematóide não identificado de Amazona amazonica (2/2). Oocistos de Eimeria spp. foram encontrados nas fezes de A. hyacinthinus (1/2). Considerando pássaros de vida livre, ovos de Diphyllobothrium spp. foram encontrados em Ardea alba (2/2) e Nycticorax nycticorax (2/3). Coinfecção de Eustrongylides spp. foi encontradada em A. alba (1/2). Esta é a primeira ocorrência de: Ascaridia spp. parasitando B. chiriri; e C. venusta parasitando R. tucanus. Em conclusão, os ovos de helmintos encontrados nas espécies de aves hospedeiras acima mencionadas são consistentes com os relatados na literatura, e os protocolos de tratamento e controle foram baseados em sua identificação.

Gastrointestinal parasites in captive and free-living wild birds in Goiania Zoo / Parasitas gastrointestinais em aves silvestres em cativeiro e de vida livre no Zoológico de Goiânia

Helminths are endoparasites that infect a variety of bird species. Endoparasite infections can cause severe diseases, including kill captive avian hosts and represents a problem to maintenance and conservation. The eggs and larval forms of these parasites are usually eliminated in the host feces. The main interest of this study is to report the occurrence of eggs and oocysts in feces from captive wild birds in Goiânia Zoo and free-living birds in its surroundings. The fecal samples were subjected to parasitological examination to identify the presence of helminths and to classify their eggs based on morphological characteristics. Eggs of nematode parasites (Positive/N) were identified as Ascaridia spp. in Brotogeris chiriri (2/2), Dromaius novaehollandiae (1/1) and Rhea americana (2/2); Ascarididae in Pavo cristatus nigripensis (1/1); Capillaria spp. in Ara chloropterus (1/1) and Penelope jacucaca (1/1); Capillaria plagiaticia in Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus (1/2) and Ara spp. (2/2); Capillaria venusta in Rhamphastus tucanus (1/2); and unidentified nematode eggs from Amazona amazonica (2/2). Eimeria spp. oocyst was founded in feces from A. hyacinthinus (1/2). Considering free-living birds, Diphyllobothrium spp. eggs were founded in Ardea alba (2/2) and Nycticorax nycticorax (2/3). Co-infection of Eustrongylides spp. was founded in A. alba (1/2). This is the first occurrence of: Ascaridia spp. parasitizing B. chiriri; and C. venusta parasitizing R. tucanus. In conclusion, the helminth eggs found in the abovementioned host bird species are consistent with those reported in the literature, and treatment and control protocols were based on their identification.

Helmintos são endoparasitas que infectam uma variedade de espécies de aves. As infecções por endoparasitas podem causar doenças graves, podendo matar aves em cativeiro e representam um problema de manutenção e conservação. Os ovos e as formas larvais desses parasitas são geralmente eliminados nas fezes do hospedeiro. O principal objetivo deste estudo é relatar a ocorrência de ovos e oocistos em fezes de aves silvestres em cativeiro no Zoológico de Goiânia e em aves de vida livre em seu entorno. As amostras fecais foram submetidas a exame parasitológico para identificação da presença de helmintos e classificação dos ovos com base nas características morfológicas. Ovos de nematóides (Positivo/N) foram identificados como Ascaridia spp. em Brotogeris chiriri (2/2), Dromaius novaehollandiae (1/1) e Rhea americana (2/2); Ascarididae em Pavo cristatus nigripensis (1/1); Capillaria spp. em Ara chloropterus (1/1) e Penelope jacucaca (1/1); Capillaria plagiaticia em Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus (1/2) e Ara spp. (2/2); Capillaria venusta em Rhamphastus tucanus (1/2); e ovos de nematóide não identificado de Amazona amazonica (2/2). Oocistos de Eimeria spp. foram encontrados nas fezes de A. hyacinthinus (1/2). Considerando pássaros de vida livre, ovos de Diphyllobothrium spp. foram encontrados em Ardea alba (2/2) e Nycticorax nycticorax (2/3). Coinfecção de Eustrongylides spp. foi encontradada em A. alba (1/2). Esta é a primeira ocorrência de: Ascaridia spp. parasitando B. chiriri; e C. venusta parasitando R. tucanus. Em conclusão, os ovos de helmintos encontrados nas espécies de aves hospedeiras acima mencionadas são consistentes com os relatados na literatura, e os protocolos de tratamento e controle foram baseados em sua identificação.

Gastrointestinal parasites in captive and free-living wild birds in Goiania Zoo

Abstract Helminths are endoparasites that infect a variety of bird species. Endoparasite infections can cause severe diseases, including kill captive avian hosts and represents a problem to maintenance and conservation. The eggs and larval forms of these parasites are usually eliminated in the host feces. The main interest of this study is to report the occurrence of eggs and oocysts in feces from captive wild birds in Goiânia Zoo and free-living birds in its surroundings. The fecal samples were subjected to parasitological examination to identify the presence of helminths and to classify their eggs based on morphological characteristics. Eggs of nematode parasites (Positive/N) were identified as Ascaridia spp. in Brotogeris chiriri (2/2), Dromaius novaehollandiae (1/1) and Rhea americana (2/2); Ascarididae in Pavo cristatus nigripensis (1/1); Capillaria spp. in Ara chloropterus (1/1) and Penelope jacucaca (1/1); Capillaria plagiaticia in Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus (1/2) and Ara spp. (2/2); Capillaria venusta in Rhamphastus tucanus (1/2); and unidentified nematode eggs from Amazona amazonica (2/2). Eimeria spp. oocyst was founded in feces from A. hyacinthinus (1/2). Considering free-living birds, Diphyllobothrium spp. eggs were founded in Ardea alba (2/2) and Nycticorax nycticorax (2/3). Co-infection of Eustrongylides spp. was founded in A. alba (1/2). This is the first occurrence of: Ascaridia spp. parasitizing B. chiriri; and C. venusta parasitizing R. tucanus. In conclusion, the helminth eggs found in the abovementioned host bird species are consistent with those reported in the literature, and treatment and control protocols were based on their identification.

Resumo Helmintos são endoparasitas que infectam uma variedade de espécies de aves. As infecções por endoparasitas podem causar doenças graves, podendo matar aves em cativeiro e representam um problema de manutenção e conservação. Os ovos e as formas larvais desses parasitas são geralmente eliminados nas fezes do hospedeiro. O principal objetivo deste estudo é relatar a ocorrência de ovos e oocistos em fezes de aves silvestres em cativeiro no Zoológico de Goiânia e em aves de vida livre em seu entorno. As amostras fecais foram submetidas a exame parasitológico para identificação da presença de helmintos e classificação dos ovos com base nas características morfológicas. Ovos de nematóides (Positivo/N) foram identificados como Ascaridia spp. em Brotogeris chiriri (2/2), Dromaius novaehollandiae (1/1) e Rhea americana (2/2); Ascarididae em Pavo cristatus nigripensis (1/1); Capillaria spp. em Ara chloropterus (1/1) e Penelope jacucaca (1/1); Capillaria plagiaticia em Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus (1/2) e Ara spp. (2/2); Capillaria venusta em Rhamphastus tucanus (1/2); e ovos de nematóide não identificado de Amazona amazonica (2/2). Oocistos de Eimeria spp. foram encontrados nas fezes de A. hyacinthinus (1/2). Considerando pássaros de vida livre, ovos de Diphyllobothrium spp. foram encontrados em Ardea alba (2/2) e Nycticorax nycticorax (2/3). Coinfecção de Eustrongylides spp. foi encontradada em A. alba (1/2). Esta é a primeira ocorrência de: Ascaridia spp. parasitando B. chiriri; e C. venusta parasitando R. tucanus. Em conclusão, os ovos de helmintos encontrados nas espécies de aves hospedeiras acima mencionadas são consistentes com os relatados na literatura, e os protocolos de tratamento e controle foram baseados em sua identificação.

Gastrointestinal parasites in captive and free-living wild birds in Goiania Zoo.

Helminths are endoparasites that infect a variety of bird species. Endoparasite infections can cause severe diseases, including kill captive avian hosts and represents a problem to maintenance and conservation. The eggs and larval forms of these parasites are usually eliminated in the host feces. The main interest of this study is to report the occurrence of eggs and oocysts in feces from captive wild birds in Goiânia Zoo and free-living birds in its surroundings. The fecal samples were subjected to parasitological examination to identify the presence of helminths and to classify their eggs based on morphological characteristics. Eggs of nematode parasites (Positive/N) were identified as Ascaridia spp. in Brotogeris chiriri (2/2), Dromaius novaehollandiae (1/1) and Rhea americana (2/2); Ascarididae in Pavo cristatus nigripensis (1/1); Capillaria spp. in Ara chloropterus (1/1) and Penelope jacucaca (1/1); Capillaria plagiaticia in Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus (1/2) and Ara spp. (2/2); Capillaria venusta in Rhamphastus tucanus (1/2); and unidentified nematode eggs from Amazona amazonica (2/2). Eimeria spp. oocyst was founded in feces from A. hyacinthinus (1/2). Considering free-living birds, Diphyllobothrium spp. eggs were founded in Ardea alba (2/2) and Nycticorax nycticorax (2/3). Co-infection of Eustrongylides spp. was founded in A. alba (1/2). This is the first occurrence of: Ascaridia spp. parasitizing B. chiriri; and C. venusta parasitizing R. tucanus. In conclusion, the helminth eggs found in the abovementioned host bird species are consistent with those reported in the literature, and treatment and control protocols were based on their identification.

Anatomical and histological traits of Brycon amazonicus liver cultivated in a semi-intensive system.

The work aimed to evaluate the weight-length relationship and the condition factor, characterizing the biometry, anatomy, histology and volumetric density of the liver of Brycon amazonicus, in different stages of body growth. The experiment used twenty specimens in four stages of body growth (PI, PII, PIII and PIV) harvested every 90 days, containing five specimens, each group. The livers were dissected, weighed (g) and processed routinely using the hematoxylin and eosin technique. The data were submitted to analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation test and linear regression. The equation that represented the weight-length relation was W = 0.05902 x L2.63, with negative allometric growth, but with a relative condition factor equal to 1.0. The liver was divided into three lobes with the gallbladder close to the right lobe and its color varied from light red to dark red, not varying in relation to other fish species. The hepatosomatic relationship followed body growth until the PII group stage and then declined, demonstrating the behavior of its development in Brycon amazonicus. The organ consists predominantly of hepatocytes, followed by sinusoidal vessels and capillaries, with histological morphology similar to that of many species of fish. Melanomacrophage centers were found only in the most developed animals, but in small quantities, prompting the development of new research on this cell, in this species. In this way, research of this nature allows the characterization of fish species, helping to improve breeding methods, understanding pathological processes caused by diseases, and obtaining better productive capacity, serving an increasingly demanding and prosperous market.

The effect of offering an energy and protein supplement to grazing Canchim beef cows either postpartum or both pre- and postpartum on lipid blood metabolites and folliculogenesis.

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of nutritional supplementation offered during the pre- and postpartum periods on serum cholesterol, triglycerides and total lipids of Canchim beef cows and their relationship with folliculogenesis. Thirty cows with predicted calving date between September and October, kept in pastures of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandú together with their calves, were randomly distributed into three experimental groups: the first received only a mineral mixture (Control Group, CG); the second group received a concentrate with 16%crude protein/kg dry matter (DM) and 3000 kcal digestible energy/kg DM offered for 45 days prepartum and 120 days postpartum (PREG); the third group received the concentrate from parturition until the 120th day postpartum (POSG). Consumption was estimated at 1% of body weight, and each cow received approximately 4.0 kg/day (fresh weight) of supplement. Blood samples were taken and an ultrasound examination of the ovaries was performed twice a week until the 60th day postpartum. The body condition score (BCS) and the weight of the cows were recorded at 15-day intervals from calving until the 60th day postpartum. Data are presented as mean+/-SEM. Mean weight and BCS at calving were, respectively, 448+/-54.9 kg and 6.2+/-0.25 (PREG); 432+/-71.1 kg and 5.5+/-0.69 (POSG); and 434+/-66.4 kg and 5.5+/-0.69 (CG). Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TRIG) and total lipids (TLIP) were measured using colorimetry until the 60th day postpartum. TC averages were PREG 186+/-62.6 mg/dL, POSG 159+/-43.1mg/dL and CG 133+/-35.1mg/dL (P<0.05). For TRIG, the means were PREG 29+/-11.3mg/dL (P<0.05), POSG 24+/-8.1mg/dL and CG 26+/-12.1mg/dL (P>0.05). Serum concentrations of TLIP were PREG 588+/-145.6 mg/dL, POSG 512+/-137.6 mg/dL and CG 452+/-122.4 mg/dL (P<0.05). The first dominant follicle (DF) was identified on Day 21+/-10.3 (PREG), 36+/-28.5 (POSG) and 51+/-32.8 (CG) after calving. The difference between PREG and CG was significant (P<0.05). TC was positively correlated with the calving to first estrus interval (P<0.05). Results showed that nutritional supplementation before parturition assured good body condition at calving and suggested that it was effective at increasing cholesterol availability to maintain ovarian follicle function and to favor earlier resumption of ovarian activity.