Animal Welfare Assessment and Meat Quality through Assessment of Stress Biomarkers in Fattening Pigs with and without Visible Damage during Slaughter.

The study aimed to investigate the physiological and meat quality differences between Non-Ambulatory, Non-Injured (NANI), and without apparent abnormalities (non-NANI) pigs in a commercial slaughterhouse setting, focusing on the impact of stress and health conditions on the overall well-being and meat quality of the animals. A total of 241 surgically castrated crossbred male pigs from Southern Brazil were analyzed, with 131 non-NANI pigs and 110 NANI pigs. Infrared orbital temperature, rectal temperature, hematological parameters, and meat quality measurements were collected. Statistical analysis included ANOVA tests and principal component analysis (PCA). NANI pigs exhibited significantly higher infrared orbital temperatures and rectal temperature (p < 0.01). Hematological analysis revealed higher levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cells in NANI pigs (p < 0.05). White blood cell count and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly elevated in NANI pigs (p < 0.01), indicating potential infections or inflammatory responses. Meat quality parameters showed that NANI pigs had lower pH values, higher luminosity, and increased drip loss (p < 0.01), reflecting poorer water retention and potential muscle glycogen depletion. The study highlights the physiological and meat quality differences between NANI and non-NANI pigs, emphasizing the impact of stress, health conditions, and handling procedures on the animals. Blood biomarkers proved valuable in assessing physiological stress, immune response, and potential health issues in pigs, correlating with meat quality abnormalities. Utilizing these biomarkers as predictive tools can enhance animal welfare practices and contribute to improving meat quality in the swine industry.

Enteral hydration in cows: Comparison between continuous flow and bolus administration.

BACKGROUND: Enteral hydration in cattle is most commonly performed as a bolus (B) via the ororuminal route, although continuous flow (CF) administration via the nasoesophageal route represents a viable alternative. Currently, no study has compared the effectiveness of these two methods. This study aimed to compare the efficiency of enteral hydration using CF and B to correct water, electrolyte and acid-base imbalances in cows. METHODS: Protocols for the induction of dehydration were applied twice to eight healthy cows, with an interval of 1 week. In a crossover design, two types of enteral hydration were performed using the same electrolyte solution and volume equal to 12% of bodyweight (BW): CF (10 mL/kg/h, between 0 and 12 hours) and B (6% BW, twice, at 0 and 6 hours). Clinical and blood variables were determined at -24, 0, 6, 12 and 24 hours and compared using repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Induced moderate dehydration and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis were corrected after 12 hours using the two hydration methods, with no differences observed between the methods. LIMITATIONS: The study was conducted with induced rather than natural imbalances, so the findings should be interpreted cautiously. CONCLUSION: Enteral CF hydration is as effective as B hydration in reversing dehydration and correcting electrolyte and acid-base imbalances.

Iatrogenic alkalosis in goats with the use of intravenous electrolyte solution containing 84 mEq/L of lactate / Alcalose iatrogênica em cabras após infusão intravenosa de solução eletrolítica contendo 84mEq/L de lactato

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the alkalinizing potential of an intravenous polyionic solution containing 84 mEq/L of lactate on hydroelectrolyte and acid-base balances in healthy goats.Four solutions, containing 28 and 84 mEq/L of lactate (L28 and L84) or bicarbonate (B28 and B84), were formulated. Six healthy Saanen goats were used. All four solutions were infused intravenously in each animal, one at a time, with an interval of 4-5 days between the infusions, at a speed of 33.3 mL/kg/h and totaling a volume equivalent to 10% of their body weight, in 3 h of continuous administration. Samples of venous blood and urine were collected at 0h (start of the infusion), 1.5h (middle of the infusion), 3h (end of the infusion), and 4.5h, 6h, and 24 h from the start of the infusion. The laboratory tests includeddetermination of blood pH, pCO2,HCO3 -, base excess (BE), Na+, K+, Cl-, total plasmatic protein, L-lactate, and creatinine. In urine samples, pH, Na+, K+, Cl-, L-lactate, and creatinine were measured. The L28 solution, equivalent to lactated Ringer's solution, caused a slight increase in the alkaline reserve and did not change the electrolyte balance. The L84 solution resulted in a greater increase in the alkaline reserve, equivalent to the B84 solution, with return to baseline values within 24 h from the start of the infusion.The L84 solution proved to be safe and produced iatrogenic alkalization when infused into healthy goats, without causing side effects.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar o potencial alcalinizante de uma solução poli-iônica intravenosa contendo 84mEq/L de lactato no equilíbrio hidroeletrolítico e ácido base de cabras saudáveis. Quatro soluções contendo 28 e 84 mEq/L de lactato (L28 e L84) ou bicarbonato (B28 e B84) foram formuladas. Seis cabras, adultas, da raça Saanen, saudáveis receberam as quatro soluções por via intravenosa, uma de cada vez, com intervalo de quatro a cinco dias entre as infusões, a velocidade de 33,3 ml/kg/h, totalizando um volume equivalente a 10% do seu peso corporal, em três horas de administração contínua. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue venoso e urina antes do início da infusão (0h), na metade (1,5h), no fim (3h) e às 4,5h, 6h e 24h após o início da infusão. Os exames laboratoriais consistiram na determinação do pH sanguíneo, pCO2, HCO3 -, BE, Na+, K+, Cl-, proteína plasmática total, lactato L e creatinina. Nas amostras de urina foram medidos o pH, Na+, K+, Cl-, lactato L e creatinina. A solução L28, equivalente à solução de Ringer com lactato, causou um aumento leve na reserva alcalina e não alterou o equilíbrio eletrolítico. A solução L84 resultou em maior aumento da reserva alcalina, equivalente à solução B84, com retorno dos parâmetros avaliados aos valores basais em até 24 horas após o início da infusão. A solução L84 provou-se segura e produziu alcalose iatrogência em cabras sadias, sem causar qualquer efeito colateral.

Effects of postpartum treatment with oral calcium formate on serum calcium, serum metabolites, and the occurrence of diseases at the beginning of lactation of high-producing dairy cows.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of oral administration of calcium (Ca) formate in the postpartum of high-producing dairy cows on calcemia, on other blood biochemical markers, and on the occurrence of diseases at the beginning of lactation. One hundred and twenty healthy Holstein cows, distributed according to the lactation order (first, second, third and fourth to sixth), were treated or not with oral Ca formate (two doses: one after calving and one 24 h later; equivalent to 50 g of Ca per dose), comprising 8 groups (n = 15). The following variables were measured in the blood serum of samples collected after calving (0 h) and after 24, 48, 72, and 96 h: total Ca, phosphate (P), magnesium (Mg), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), glucose, total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Blood BHB was also measured at 7, 14, and 21 DIM. For the assessment of disease occurrence, cows were distributed in treated (n = 60) and untreated (n = 60) groups and in hypocalcemic (n = 71) and normocalcemic (n = 49) groups. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA and a chi-square test were used for comparisons. The lactation order did not influence the studied blood constituents, except for primiparous cows which had the highest calcemia. Serum Ca was lower up to 24 h and increased after 48 h and subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH) ([Ca] < 2.125 mmol/L) was more frequent in cows with a higher number of lactations. Treatment with Ca formate had no effect on the variation of serum Ca and the other studied variables in the first days of lactation. Treated and untreated cows did not differ in terms of milk yield at 21 DIM, the presentation of diseases at the beginning of lactation, the rate of discard or death up to 60 DIM and the frequency of SCH (60 % and 58 %, respectively). Hypocalcemic cows became more ill (64.8 % vs. 42.9 %; P = 0.028) and had a higher frequency of retained placenta (43 % vs. 20.7 %; P < 0.001). Oral administration of Ca formate after calving and 24 h later is not justified as a preventive measure to be adopted indiscriminately in dairy herds. Studies involving larger number of animals may clarify whether the selective treatment of cows with a higher risk of hypocalcemia is advantageous.

Impact of a Single Oral Acute Dose of Aflatoxin B1 on Liver Function/Cytokines and the Lymphoproliferative Response in C57Bl/6 Mice.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a mycotoxin found in food and feed, exerts harmful effects on humans and animals. The liver is the earliest target of AFB1, and its effects have been evaluated in animal models exposed to acute or chronic doses. Considering the possibility of sporadic ingestion of AFB1-contaminated food, this study investigated the impact of a single oral dose of AFB1 on liver function/cytokines and the lymphoproliferative response in mice. C57BL/6 mice were treated with a single oral AFB1 dose (44, 442 or 663 µg AFB1/kg of body weight) on the first day. Liver function (ALT, γ-GT, and total protein), cytokines (IL-4, IFN-γ, and IL-17), histopathology, and the spleen lymphoproliferative response to mitogens were evaluated on the 5th day. Although AFB1 did not produce any significant changes in the biochemical parameters, 663 µg AFB1/kg-induced hepatic upregulation of IL-4 and IFN-γ, along with liver tissue injury and suppression of the lymphoproliferative response to ConA (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a single oral dose of AFB1 exposure can induce liver tissue lesions, liver cytokine modulation, and immune suppression in C57BL/6 mice.

Enteral fluid therapy in neonatal calves and features of commercially available electrolyte solutions in Brazil / Hidratação enteral em bezerros neonatos e características das soluções eletrolíticas disponíveis comercialmente no Brasil

ABSTRACT: According to the World Health Organization, the development of orally replacement fluids and electrolytes was one of the most significant advances of the twentieth century, markedly reducing mortality from diarrheal children. In veterinary medicine, oral electrolyte solutions (OES) are routinely used to treat diarrheic neonatal calves in order to correct water, electrolyte and acid base imbalances. In North America, the use of OES is routine and there are at least 20 commercial alternatives. Use of OES has increased in recent years in Brazil, but just five commercial products are currently available. The OES should contain, in suitable concentrations, electrolytes, glucose and an alkalizing agent to ensure its therapeutic efficacy. This review aimed to address the therapeutic importance of OES for neonatal calves and to evaluate the compositions and characteristics of those commercially available in Brazil.

RESUMO: De acordo com a Organização Mundial da Saúde, o desenvolvimento da reposição de fluidos e eletrólitos por via oral foi um dos avanços mais significativos da medicina no século XX, reduzindo marcadamente a mortalidade de crianças diarreicas. Na medicina veterinária, as soluções eletrolíticas orais (SEO) são rotineiramente utilizadas no tratamento de bezerros neonatos diarreicos com o intuito de corrigir os desequilíbrios hidroeletrolíticos e ácido base. Na América do Norte, o emprego de SEO é habitual e existem, pelo menos, 20 alternativas comerciais. O uso das SEO se expandiu nos últimos anos, no Brasil, havendo, atualmente, cinco produtos disponíveis no comércio. As SEO devem veicular eletrólitos, glicose e um agente alcalinizante em concentrações apropriadas para garantir a sua eficácia terapêutica. Essa revisão tem o objetivo de abordar a importância e uso terapêutico das SEO para bezerros neonatos, além de avaliar as composições e características das disponíveis comercialmente no mercado brasileiro.

Effects of a new intravenous electrolyte solution for veterinary therapy on the electrolyte and acid-base balances of healthy horses / Efeito de uma nova solução eletrolítica intravenosa para uso veterinário sobre os equilíbrios eletrolítico e ácido base de equinos sadios

ABSTRACT: The effects of a new intravenous electrolyte solution for veterinary therapy on electrolyte and acid-base balances of horses were evaluated, assessing the potential of the use of this solution as a rational alternative in fluid therapy. Eight healthy adult horses, including 4 males and 4 females, received two treatments in a cross-over design: isotonic saline solution (IS) and a test solution (TS) containing 145mEq of Na+, 5mEq of K+, 4mEq of Ca++, 2mEq of Mg++, 96mEq of Cl-, 60mEq of lactate, 50g of dextrose, and 4mg of cyanocobalamin per liter. Solutions were IV infused in a volume corresponding to 5% of BW, over 3 hours. Venous blood samples were taken 5 times before and after the infusion (at 0, 3, 6, 9 e 24h), for pHv, pCO2v, HCO3 -v, BEv, Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca++, Ca, P, Mg, glucose and L-lactate measurements, and AG and SID calculations. The data were analyzed through repeated measures ANOVA. The IS caused mild acidifying effect by increasing Cl- and decreasing plasma SID. In contrast, the TS induced mild and transient hypochloremia without changes in acid-base balance. Hyperglycemia was present at the end of the TS infusion and reversed 6 hours later. The horses did not exhibit any clinical changes. We concluded that TS is an option for fluid therapy in horses.

RESUMO: Considerando a possibilidade de ser empregada como alternativa racional na terapia com fluidos, avaliaram-se os efeitos de uma nova solução eletrolítica intravenosa, desenvolvida para uso veterinário, sobre os equilíbrios eletrolítico e ácido base de equinos. Oito equinos adultos sadios, quatro machos e quatro fêmeas, foram submetidos a dois tratamentos em delineamento cross-over: solução salina isotônica (SI) e solução teste (ST), composta por 145mEq de Na+, 5mEq de K+, 4mEq de Ca++, 2mEq de Mg++, 96mEq de Cl-, 60mEq de lactato, 50g de dextrose e 4mg de cianocobalamina por litro. As soluções foram administradas por via intravenosa, em volume correspondente a 5% do peso corporal, durante três horas de infusão contínua. Amostras de sangue venoso foram colhidas em cinco momentos, antes e após a infusão (0, 3, 6, 9 e 24h), para determinações de pHv, pCO2v, HCO3 -v, BEv, Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca++, Ca, P, Mg, glicose e lactato L, e para cálculo de AG e SID. Os resultados foram analisados por análise de variância de medidas repetidas. Enquanto a SI gerou efeito acidificante discreto, com elevação da cloremia e redução da SID plasmática, a ST causou hipocloremia discreta e transitória e não interferiu com o equilíbrio ácido base. A hiperglicemia, presente ao final da infusão da ST, reverteu-se seis horas após. Os equinos não manifestaram alterações clínicas. Conclui-se que a ST é uma alternativa para a terapia com fluidos em equinos.

Efeito da solução de Ringer com lactato sobre os equilíbrios hidroeletrolítico e acidobase de equinos, ovelhas e bezerros sadios / Effect of lactated Ringer’s solution on fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balances of healthy horses, ewes and calves

O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar os efeitos da solução de Ringer com lactato (SRL) sobre os equilíbrios hidroeletrolítico e acidobase de equinos, ovelhas e bezerros hígidos. Equinos adultos (n=6), ovelhas adultas (n=6) e bezerros (n=5) receberam a SRL em volume correspondente a 10% do peso corporal, administrada por infusão contínua intravenosa durante quatro (ovelhas e bezerros) ou seis (equinos) horas. Amostras de sangue venoso e de urina foram colhidas antes do início da infusão, na metade do volume infundido, ao término da infusão e duas (ovelhas e bezerros) ou três (equinos) horas após. Foram determinados valores de pH sanguíneo e urinário, de pCO2, HCO3- e BE no sangue, de Na+, K+, Cl- e SID no soro, de AG, PPT, Atot e lactato L no plasma e das excreções fracionadas urinárias de Na+, K+, Cl- e lactato L. A SRL provocou hemodiluição e não afetou os equilíbrios eletrolítico e acidobase nas três espécies estudadas, não sendo capaz de promover aumento da reserva alcalina. Por outro lado, deve ser considerada segura para a terapia de manutenção com infusão de grandes volumes porque não provoca desequilíbrios eletrolíticos.

The effects of lactated Ringer's solution (LRS) on fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balances were investigated in healthy horses, ewes and calves. LRS was intravenously infused in six adult horses, six adult ewes and five calves in a volume corresponding to 10% of body weight, continously during four (ewes and calves) or six (horses) hours. Venous blood and urine samples were taken before the beginning, in the middle, at the end of the infusion and two (ewes and calves) or three (horses) hours after. Blood and urine pH, blood pCO2, HCO3- and BE, serum Na+, K+ and Cl-, and plasma TP and L lactate were measured. Na+, K+, Cl- and L lactate fractional clearance and plasma SID, AG, and Atot were calculated. In all species LRS caused hemodilution but didn't change electrolyte and acid-base balances. It was not able to increase alkali reserve. On the other hand, LRS must be considered safe for maintenance therapy with large volume infusions because it doesn't induce electrolyte imbalances.

Transferência de imunidade passiva em bezerros das raças Nelore e Limousin e proteinograma sérico nos primeiros quatro meses de vida / Passive transfer of immunity in Nelore and Limousin calves and serum proteinogram in the first four months of life

To study the passive transfer of immunity, 90 healthy calves, 45 Nelore and 45 Limousin, were grouped (n=15) according to their dam's parity: first, second or third or more calvings. Blood samples were draw from each calf with 24 to 36 hours of life and 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. The total serum (TSP) and plasma (TPP) proteins, gamaglutamiltransferase activity (GGT), serum albumin, alpha, beta and gammaglobulin by electrophoresis in agarose gel and IgG estimated by the zinc sulphate turbidity test were determined. Two-way-ANOVA was used to compare the data in the first age. The age behaviour was analysed through repeated measures ANOVA. Correlations were established between the variables. The passive transfer of immunity was successful in both breeds and the parity of the dam had no effect on the calves' serum gammaglobulin concentration. The levels of gammaglobulins were higher at the end of the first day of life, and decreased until 60 days. From there on, the increase due to the active production of antibodies was precocious in taurine calves and slower in Zebu calves. At the end of the first day of life, the gammaglobulin was correlated with IgG (r=0,859), TPP (r=0,807), TSP (r=0,811) and GGT (r=0,399). The variation of serum proteins followed the normal pattern throughout the first four months of life, with little differences between taurine and Zebu calves.

Com o objetivo de investigar alguns aspectos relacionados à transferência de imunidade passiva em bovinos de corte, foram selecionados 90 bezerros aparentemente sadios, 45 da raça Nelore e 45 da raça Limousin, distribuídos em 3 grupos (com 15 bezerros cada) de acordo com o número de parições de suas mães: primeira cria; segunda cria; e terceira ou mais crias. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas de cada bezerro entre 24 e 36 horas de vida e com 15, 30, 60, 90 e 120 dias. Determinaram-se as concentrações de proteína total no soro (PT) e no plasma (PPT), a atividade sérica da gamaglutamiltransferase (GGT), e as concentrações séricas de albumina, alfa, beta e gamaglobulinas por eletroforese em gel de agarose e de IgG estimada por meio do método de turvação pelo sulfato de zinco. Empregou-se a análise de variância bifatorial para as variáveis mensuradas na primeira colheita. O comportamento das variáveis em função da idade foi estudado por meio da análise de variância de medidas repetidas. Correlações foram estabelecidas entre as variáveis. A transferência de imunidade passiva foi bem sucedida nos bezerros de ambas as raças e o número de parições das mães não interferiu no processo. As concentrações mais elevadas de gamaglobulinas ao término do primeiro dia de vida declinaram até valores mínimos aos 60 dias. A partir dessa idade, a elevação conseqüente à produção ativa de anticorpos foi mais precoce nos bezerros taurinos e mais lenta nos zebuínos. A gamaglobulina, ao término do primeiro dia de vida, correlacionou-se com as seguintes variáveis: IgG (r=0,859), PPT (r=0,807), PT (r=0,811) e GGT (r=0,399). O fator etário exerceu efeito sobre todas as variáveis mensuradas. As variações das proteínas séricas obedeceram a um padrão de comportamento fisiológico ao longo dos quatro primeiros meses de vida, de forma geral, não distinto em taurinos e zebuínos.

Metabolismo oxidativo dos neutrófilos de bezerros das raças Nelore e Limousin nos primeiros quatro meses de vida / Neutrophil oxidative burst in Nelore and Limousin calves in the first four months of life

To study some defence mechanisms of beef calves kept on range conditions, 90 healthy calves, 45 Nelore and 45 Limousin, were bled at 24 to 36 hours of life, 15, 30, 60, 90 and, 120 days. Leukogram and neutrophil oxidative burst through the non-stimulated and the stimulated NBT tests were determined. The parasitemia with Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina and B. bovis was investigated. Repeated measure ANOVA was used to analyse the age effect on leukocyte counts. Variation of positive neutrophil throughout the age was analysed through Krushkal-Wallis test. Comparisons among breeds were done using the Mann-Whithney test. The white blood cell count increased with age in both breeds, with a decrease in neutrophil and an increase in lymphocyte counts. The neutrophil lymphocyte ratio had been inverted before 15 days of life. The neutrophil oxidative burst was less effective in the newborn calves increasing with age. Limousin calves' neutrophils had higher capacity to reduce NBT in advanced ages. The observed differences between taurine and Zebu calves had no effects on calves' health and could be atributed to Anaplasma marginale natural and asynptomatic infection.

Com o objetivo de investigar alguns mecanismos de defesa em bezerros de raças de corte criadas a campo, foram utilizados 90 animais recém-nascidos aparentemente sadios, 45 da raça Nelore e 45 da raça Limousin. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas de cada bezerro entre 24 e 36 horas de vida e aos 15, 30, 60, 90 e 120 dias. Determinaram-se o leucograma e o metabolismo oxidativo dos neutrófilos por meio do teste da redução do tetrazólio de nitroazul (NBT), provas não estimulada (NBT-NE) e estimulada (NBT-E). Investigou-se a taxa de parasitemia determinada por Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina e B. bovis. Utilizou-se a análise de variância de medidas repetidas para estudar o comportamento das variáveis hematológicas com o avançar da idade. O teste de Krushkal-Wallis foi empregado para caracterizar a variação da porcentagem de neutrófilos reativos relacionada à idade. Comparações entre as raças foram realizadas em cada idade por meio do teste de Mann-Whithney. A contagem total de leucócitos aumentou com a idade nas duas raças estudadas. Observou-se diminuição do número de neutrófilos e aumento do de linfócitos, ocorrendo sua inversão antes dos 15 dias de idade. A capacidade oxidativa dos neutrófilos foi menor nos bezerros recém-nascidos e aumentou com o avançar da idade. Os neutrófilos dos bezerros Limousin apresentaram maior capacidade de redução do NBT do que os dos bezerros Nelore, notadamente após o segundo mês de vida. Essa diferença não provocou reflexos sobre a saúde dos animais e pode ser resultado da infecção natural e assintomática com o Anaplasma marginale.

Correlação entre o hemocitômetro e outras técnicas de rotina para a contagem do número de plaquetas em cães atendidos no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Estadual de Londrina (H. V.-UEL) / Correlation between the haemocytometer and others routine techniques for platelet counting of dogs attended at Veterinary Hospital of Universidade Estadual de Londrina (V. H.-UEL)

Foram realizadas contagens plaquetárias em 30 cães para investigação diagnóstica. Para cada cão, foram obtidas contagens de plaquetas utilizando-se hemocitômetro manual e comparadas com contagens realizadas a partir da estimativa no esfregaço sangüíneo e pelo contador eletrônico por impedância MS4®. Nenhum dos dois métodos apresentou alta correlação com a contagem feita em câmara de Neubauer; o analisador por impedância apresentou a maior correlação.

Platelets counts were performed in 30 dogs for diagnostic investigation. For each dog, platelets countswere obtained using a manual haemocytometer and compared with counts obtained by estimation froma blood smear and a MS4® analyzer. None of the two methods gave high correlation with the countobtained by a Neubauer chamber. The analyzer gave the highest correlation.