Characterizing emergence and divergence in the first follicular wave in a tropically adapted Bos taurus breed.

Tropically adapted Bos taurus breeds are descended from the cattle which were brought from the Iberian Peninsula to Latin America by the colonizers and which adapted over time to local conditions. These breeds have become a genetic treasure that must be preserved. The objective of this study was to characterize ovarian follicular emergence and divergence in tropically adapted B. taurus cows and heifers. Cyclic heifers (n = 11) and nonlactating, multiparous cows (n = 11) were examined at 8-hour intervals using ultrasonography starting on the day following the final application of PGF2α, which was used to synchronize the estrous cycle, and ending 5 days after ovulation. Blood samples were collected immediately following the ultrasonographic examinations in order to evaluate FSH and estradiol-17ß (E2) concentrations. The interval between ovulation and follicular wave emergence (11.6 ± 3.3 hours vs. 20.3 ± 2.5 hours, P < 0.05) and ovulation and follicular wave divergence (52.4 ± 5.2 hours vs. 71.8 ± 4.1 hours, P < 0.05) was shorter in the cows than in the heifers, respectively. Plasma FSH concentrations increased (P < 0.05) and serum E2 concentrations decreased earlier in cows than in heifers before ovulation. Following follicular wave emergence, no difference in follicular development was found between the cows and the heifers. Consequently, following follicular wave emergence, the data from both the cows and the heifers were combined and categorized by dominant follicle (DF) and second largest follicle (SF). The DF and SF were identified at the same time (P > 0.05). The mean number of small (≤4 mm, 7.2 ± 5.1) and medium (4 to ≤ 8 mm, 6.8 ± 3.5) follicles was greater than that of large follicles (≥8 mm, 0.6 ± 0.5) from ovulation until 5 days after ovulation. The DF diameter (8.1 ± 1 mm) did not differ (P = 0.09) from SF diameter (7.6 ± 0.9 mm) at the time of follicular divergence (around 45 hours after follicular emergence). The DF and SF growth rates were similar (P > 0.05) until follicular divergence, at which point the SF growth rate decreased, whereas the DF growth rate remained constant. Serum E2 concentrations did not change (P > 0.05) during the divergence period, whereas FSH concentrations decreased between 48 and 32 hours before follicular wave divergence. In conclusion, cows and heifers differed only in the interval from ovulation to follicular wave emergence and divergence, which was confirmed by the different patterns of FSH and E2 concentrations.

Produção de interleucina-1beta e severidade da mastite pós-inoculação de Staphylococcus aureus na glândula mamária de bovinos e bubalinos / Interleukin - 1β production and severity of mastitis post-inoculation of Staphylococcus aureus in the mammary gland of bovines and bubalines

O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar, em vacas e em búfalas submetidas à mastite induzida por inoculação de Staphylococcus aureus, a concentração da citocina pró-inflamatória interleucina-1β (IL-1β), a contagem de células somáticas (CCS) e a correlação destas com alguns parâmetros da resposta local e sistêmica à inflamação. Os animais tiveram uma glândula mamária inoculada e o processo inflamatório foi monitorado pela cultura bacteriológica do leite, CCS, quantificação da IL-1β na secreção láctea, avaliação da aparência/consistência da glândula, aparência da secreção láctea (resposta localizada à inflamação) e aferição da temperatura retal (resposta sistêmica à inflamação). Houve elevação nos níveis de IL-1β, na CCS e resposta localizada e sistêmica à inflamação, tanto na espécie bovina como na bubalina. A cinética da produção da citocina foi diferente nas duas espécies (P<0,05), sendo que as búfalas apresentaram elevação mais rápida, porém com níveis menos elevados, quando comparadas às vacas. As duas espécies alcançaram contagens máximas semelhantes (P>0,05) de CS/mL de leite, com concentrações diferentes (P<0,05) de IL-1β/mL de leite. Os parâmetros utilizados para verificar a resposta localizada à inflamação demonstraram escores médios mais elevados na espécie bovina. Correlação positiva entre a concentração da IL-1β no leite, CCS e parâmetros utilizados para avaliar a severidade da mastite foi verificada somente na espécie bovina. Os resultados evidenciaram que a cinética de produção ...

This study aimed to analyze in cows and buffaloes, submitted to mastitis induced by inoculation of S. aureus, the concentration of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), the somatic cell count (SCC), and their correlation with some parameters of local and systemic response to inflammation. The animals had one mammary gland inoculated and the inflammatory process was monitored by milk culture, SCC, IL-1β measurement in the milk, evaluation of the gland appearance/consistency, milk secretion appearance (localized response to inflammation) and rectal temperature measurement (systemic response to inflammation). There was increase in the levels of IL-1β, SCC, and both local and systemic inflammatory response, in bovine and bubaline species. The production kinetics of the cytokine was different between the two species (P<0.05). Buffaloes showed a faster increase but achieved lower levels of interleukin-1beta, when compared to cows. Both species reached similar maximum counts (P>0.05) of SC/milk mL, with different concentrations (P<0.05) of IL-1β/mL. The parameters used to verify the local response to inflammation showed higher mean scores in bovine specie. Positive correlation between IL-1β concentration in the milk, SCC and parameters used to analyze the severity of mastitis was verified only in the bovine specie. The results evidenced that the kinetics of IL-1β production was different in the bovine and bubaline species, and demonstrated that the buffaloes developed a milder inflammatory process with faster recovery of the parameters used for mastitis severity evaluation.

Uso do cloprostenol para tratamento de infecção uterina em vacas sem corpo lúteos / Use of cloprostenol for treatment of uterine infections in cows without corpus luteum

Os objetivos da pesquisa foram caracterizar a ocorrência de infecções uterinas pós-puerperais em vacas leiteiras e avaliara eficiência do cloprostenol sódico para tratamento de infecções uterinas pós-puerperais em vacas leiteiras, sem atividade ovariana luteal. Foram usadas 111 vacas de diferentes rebanhos com infecção uterina, associada ao útero totalmente involuído.O diagnóstico e classificação das endometrites foram baseados na característica da descarga vaginal por vaginoscopia. A mesma medida foi utilizada para avaliação da evolução do processo e eficiência do tratamento. De acordo com o grau de infecção, os animais foram divididos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos e receberam via IM os seguintes tratamentos. T1 (n=15): 2 ml de solução salina; T2 (n=32): uma dose de 0,530mg de Cloprostenol; T3 (n=32): duas doses de 0,530mg de Cloprostenol com 24 horas de intervalo e T4 (n=32) duas doses de 0,530mg de Cloprostenol com 48 horas de intervalo. As vacas foram novamente avaliadas por vaginoscopia 15 a 20 dias mais tarde. A eficiência dos tratamentos foi comparada pelo teste de qui-quadrado (χ2). A eficiência geral dos tratamentos, considerada a cura dos sinais clínicos foi de 6,67; 31,25; 50,00 e 37,50% para os grupos T1, T2, T3 e T4, respectivamente, sendo que todos os tratamentos foram igualmente eficientes (P<0,05) em relação ao controle. Os resultados mostram que o cloprostenol pode ser utilizado no tratamento de infecções uterinas pós-puerperais em vacas sem corpo lúteo,estimulando diretamente a imunidade uterina.

The research aims to characterize the occurrence of uterine post-puerperal infections in dairy cows and evaluate the efficiency ofprotocols of Cloprostenol administration for the treatment of clinical post puerperal uterine infections in dairy cows with and without luteal ovarian activity. 111 cows of different herds were used, all presenting clinical endometritis, associated with an involuted uterus. The diagnosis and classification of the endometritis was based on vaginal discharge characteristic by vaginoscopy. The same measure was used to evaluate the evolution of the process and efficiency of treatment. According to the infection degree the animals had been randomized in four groups, and received IM treatments: T1 (n=15): 2ml of saline solution; T2 (n=32): only onedose of 0.530mg of Cloprostenol; T3 (n=32): 2 doses of 0.530mg of Cloprostenol 24 hours apart and T4 (n=32): 2 doses 0.530mg of Cloprostenol with interval of 48 hours. The cows were evaluated by vaginoscopy 15 to 20 days later. The treatments efficiency was compared by the chi-square test (χ2). The general efficiency of treatments regarded as the healing of clinical signs was 6.67;31.25; 50.00 e 37.50 for groups T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. In relation to the Control group T1 (not treated), all groups were more efficient (P<0.05). The Cloprostenol can act in a direct way, in this case of animals without corpora lutea stimulating the uterine immunity. The results demonstrate that cloprostenol can be used in post puerperal uterine infections treatment in cows with absence of corpus luteum, directly stimulating uterine immunity.

Use of retinyl acetate, retinoic acid and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) to enhance goat embryo production.

Experiments were carried out to investigate the beneficial effects of retinyl acetate (RAc) and retinoic acid (RA) on goat oocyte maturation as well as the effects of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), RAc and RA during embryo culture under chemically defined conditions. In Experiment 1, in vitro maturation (IVM) was performed in a chemically defined basic maturation medium (bMM) supplemented with 0.3 µM RAc or 0.5 µM RA. Presumptive zygotes and embryos (2-4 cells) were cultured in droplets of potassium simplex optimised medium (KSOM); however, none of the embryos reached the blastocyst stage. In Experiment 2, oocytes were matured in bMM + RAc or bMM + RA. Presumptive zygotes and 2- to 4-cell embryos were placed in fresh KSOM droplets supplemented with RAc, RA, IGF-I, RAc+IGF-I or RA+IGF-I. In Experiment 1, addition of RAc and RA to bMM increased (P < 0.05) the proportion of 2- to 4-cell embryos reaching the morula stage as compared to the control. In Experiment 2, supplementation of embryo culture media with retinoids and IGF-I increased (P < 0.05) the proportion of 2- to 4-cell stage embryos developing to the morula and blastocyst stage. Our data demonstrate that goat embryo production in chemically defined media could be improved by exogenous RAc or RA and by the interaction between retinoids and IGF-I, and that goat embryos can be produced in vitro from oocytes following protocols similar to those currently used for cattle.

Caracterização de proteínas do plasma seminal e sua relação com parâmetros de qualidade do sêmen criopreservado em ovinos / Characterization of seminal plasma proteins and its relationship with quality parameters of frozen semen in ram

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram analisar o perfil proteico do plasma seminal ovino e identificar proteínas relacionadas com a congelabilidade do sêmen que possam ser utilizadas como marcadores para essa característica. Foram utilizados os ejaculados de cinco reprodutores, nos quais foram realizadas avaliações espermáticas e dos quais os plasmas seminais obtidos por centrifugação foram submetidos à eletroforese bidimensional em gel de poliacrilamida. Foram identificados 92 spots, considerando todos os animais analisados. A avaliação dos dados obtidos evidenciou variações significativas nos resultados das análises do sêmen dos animais e uma variabilidade no perfil proteico no plasma seminal dos carneiros. As proteínas 03 (7,9kDa; pI 6,35), 23 (13,6kDa; pI 5,01) e 31 (21,4kDa; pI 4,75) se destacaram, por apresentarem maior expressão e relações com as características espermáticas. Sugere-se que mais estudos sejam realizados para verificar se as proteínas 03, 23 e 31 podem ser utilizadas como marcadores da capacidade criopreservadora do sêmen.

The objective of this study was to analyze the protein profile of ram seminal plasma and to identify proteins associated with semen freezability, which could be used as marker for predicting this feature. Semen from five rams was used. The sperm analysis was held and the seminal plasma obtained by centrifugation was submitted to two-dimensional electrophoresis using acrylamide gel. Ninety two spots were identified considering the analyzed animals. The results showed a significant variation among sperm analysis of the animals and variability in the protein profile of the seminal plasma of the rams. The proteins 03 (7.9kDa; pI 6.35), 23 (13.6kDa; pI 5.01) e 31 (21.4kDa; pI 4.75) stood out because they showed higher expression and because of its relationship with the sperm characteristics. It is suggested more studies to verify if proteins 03, 23 and 31 could be used as markers of semen freezability.

Ultrasonographic fetal sex identification in pregnant sheep derived from natural mating and embryo transfer.

The objective of this study was to identify the migration period of the genital tubercle and the period of visualization of external genital structures in fetuses of the Dorper breed of sheep derived from natural mating and from fresh, frozen and vitrified embryo transfer. Transrectal ultrasound was performed using a double-frequency linear transducer (6.0 and 8.0 MHz) to monitor 130 ewe fetuses distributed in the four treatments regarding embryo origin. The accuracy of the ultrasound was 100% in this experiment. The fetuses originated from controlled natural mating (NM) and from fresh (FrE), frozen (FE) and vitrified (VE) embryo transfer, with embryos collected 7 days after breeding. Migration of the genital tubercle occurred earlier (P<0.05) in NM (42.21+/-2.86 days) than in FrE (43.98+/-3.00 days), FE (44.97+/-1.83 days) and VE (44.58+/-1.97 days). Visualization of the scrotal bag, prepuce and vulva occurred, respectively, earlier (P<0.05) in NM (45.22+/-1.25, 45.95+/-1.53 and 45.01+/-1.03 days) than in FrE (48.91+/-1.92, 48.52+/-1.41 and 47.41+/-1.41 days), FE (49.97+/-1.08, 49.18+/-2.00 and 47.64+/-1.82 days) and VE (50.12+/-1.66, 49.27+/-1.61 and 47.93+/-1.92 days). The results show that fetal sexing can be accomplished from the 50th day onward in fetuses produced by natural mating and from the 55th day onward in fetuses derived from fresh, frozen and vitrified embryos. It can also be concluded that real-time ultrasonography is a reliable tool for fetal sex determination in sheep taking into account both the location of the genital tubercle and the identification of external genital structures.

Migration time of the genital tubercle in caprine and ovine fetuses: comparison between breeds, sexes and species.

The aim of this work was to determine the ideal moment to sex goat and sheep fetuses, to compare the average time of genital tubercle (GT) migration between sexes, breeds and species, and to evaluate the accuracy of fetal sexing between sexes. A total of 317 fetuses of 219 pregnant females were monitored at 24-hour interval, from days 30 to 60 of pregnancy in ewes, and from days 40 to 60 in goats. Examinations were performed using transrectal ultrasound equipped with a linear transducer of double frequency. Fetuses were identified as male when the GT was next to the umbilical cord and female when the GT was next to the tail. The average time of GT migration in ewes (41.3 +/- 3.1 days) was shorter (P < 0.05) than in goats (47.2 +/- 2.3 days)? In goats, the average time of GT migration of Saanen fetuses was later (P < 0.05) than in fetuses of other breeds, with no difference in the average time of GT migration between male (46.9 +/- 2.2) and female fetuses (47.4 +/- 2.4). In ewes, the average time of GT migration did not differ (P > 0.05) among breeds and sexes. In goat and sheep, no difference was noticed in the accuracy of fetal sexing between males and females (P > 0.05). The results show that fetal sexing in ewes must be done earlier than in goats, fetal sexing in Saanen goats must be performed later, and fetal sex does not influence the time of GT migration in either of the two species.

Early fetal sexing of Saanen goats by use of transrectal ultrasonography to identify the genital tubercle and external genitalia.

OBJECTIVE: To define the optimum period for sexing of Saanen goat fetuses by use of transrectal ultrasonography. ANIMALS: 82 Saanen goats pregnant with 124 fetuses. PROCEDURES: Fetal sexing was performed on the basis of the final location of the genital tubercle or identification of external genitalia. In experiment 1, fetuses (n = 78) were monitored every 48 hours from days 40 to 60 of gestation, whereas for experiment 2, 46 fetuses were examined only once between days 47 and 77 of gestation. RESULTS: For experiment 1, accuracy of fetal sexing was 20 of 20 (100%) for a single fetus, 39 of 42 (92.8%) for twin fetuses, and 10 of 16 (62.5%) for triplet fetuses. Diagnostic accuracy was significantly lower for triplet fetuses than that for single or twin fetuses. Final location of the genital tubercle was detected between 45 and 55 days of gestation (mean +/- SEM, 48.9 +/- 1.8 days). For experiment 2, accuracy of fetal sexing for a single fetus (24/24 [100%]) was significantly higher than the accuracy for twin fetuses (16/22 [72.7%]). Considering all fetuses that were born, accuracy of diagnosis was 69 of 78 (88.4%) for experiment 1 and 40 of 46 (86.9%) for experiment 2. Accuracy did not differ significantly between experiments. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Real-time ultrasonography after day 55 of gestation is a suitable method for determination of sex of Saanen goat fetuses by observation of the genital tubercle or identification of external genitalia.

Accuracy of early fetal sex determination by ultrasonic assessment in goats.

The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of early fetal sex determination by ultrasonic assessment of the relative location of the genital tubercle (GT) in goats at different stages of pregnancy as well as by the identification of fetal external genitalia. Pregnant animals were divided into three experimental groups (EI: n=21, EII: n=28, EIII: n=33). In EI, fetuses (n=27) were transrectally monitored daily from days 40 to 60 of pregnancy with a linear transducer (6.0 and 8.0MHz). In EII, fetuses (n=40) were examined once between days 45 and 70 of pregnancy by transrectal ultrasonography. In EIII fetuses (n=52) between days 100 and 120 of pregnancy, were submitted to a single transabdominal ultrasonography using a convex transducer (5.0 and 7.5MHz). Regardless of fetal sex diagnosis, 15/15 (EI), 13/16 (EII) and 9/14 (EIII) of single pregnancies and 10/12 (EI), 20/24 (EII) and 21/38 (EIII) of twin pregnancies were correctly identified. The accuracy of sex identification among EI (92.6%), EII (82.5%) and EIII (57.7%) was not statistically different (P>0.05). Identification of the GT in male fetuses was possible from day 45 onward. Changes in the GT position were not observed between days 53 and 60 of pregnancy. Accuracy of fetal sexing under field conditions is high in goats when ultrasound imaging is properly timed during pregnancy and when it is performed with proper equipment by experienced operators.

Association between molecular markers linked to the Leptin gene and weight gain in postpartum beef cows

Three short tandem repeats (STRs), BMS1074, BM1500, IDVGA-51, and three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), LEPSau3AI (A/B), LEPSau3AI (+/-) and LEPKpn2I linked to the LEP gene were investigated to verify associations with productive performance in postpartum cows of two beef cattle breeds, Aberdeen Angus (AA, n=98) and Charolais (C, n=83). After polymerase chain reaction, STRs were analyzed by vertical electrophoresis and SNPs in agarose gel after endonucleases cleavage. In AA herd 79 percent of BMS1074*151 carriers had a lower average daily weight gain (ADG) when compared with the population mean daily weight gain (103g), while 62 percent of BMS1074*151 non-carriers presented a higher ADG (P<0.01); AA animals with at least one BMS1074*151 allele showed a ADG about 159g lower than that of other animals (P<0.01). In both herds, carriers of the BM1500*136 allele presented higher ADG (about 75g day-1 higher in AA, P<0.05, and 96g day-1 in C, P<0.10); animals with one BM1500*136 allele had about a 3-fold higher chance of having a higher ADG than non-cariers, in both populations.

Foram investigadas três repetições curtas em tandem (STRs), BMS1074, BM1500 e IDVGA-51 e três polimorfismos de um único nucleotídeo (SNPs) LEPSau3AI (A/B), LEPSau3AI (+/-) e LEPKpn2I, ligados ao gene da leptina, verificando-se associações com o desempenho produtivo em vacas no pós-parto, em dois rebanhos de gado de corte, Aberdeen Angus (AA, n=98) e Charolês (C, n=83). Após a reação em cadeia da polimerase, os STRs foram analisados em géis de poliacrilamida e os SNPs em gel de agarose, após a clivagem com endonucleases. Na raça AA, 79 por cento dos portadores do alelo BMS1074*151 apresentaram ganho médio de peso diário (ADG) menor, quando comparados com a média da população (103g), enquanto 62 por cento dos não-portadores mostraram ADG mais alto (P<0,01); os animais AA com pelo menos um alelo BMS1074*151 possuem ADG cerca de 159g menor que os outros animais (P<0,01). Em ambos os rebanhos, portadores do alelo BM1500*136 apresentaram ADG mais alto (em torno de 75g dia-1 em AA, P<0,05 e 96g dia-1 em C, P<0,10) e animais com um alelo BM1500*136 possuem cerca de três vezes mais chance de ter um ADG maior que os não-portadores.

Hormonal induction of ovulation and artificial insemination in suckled beef cows under nutritional stress.

The objective was to develop a program for inducing estrus (followed by insemination) of suckled beef cows under nutritional stress (poor body condition). A total of 123 cows, from 60 to 75 days postpartum, were classified according to their body condition score (BCS; range from 1 to 5, in increments of 0.5) and allocated into two groups. On Day 0 (without regard to stage of the estrous cycle), cows (n = 59) in the hormone induction (HI) treatment group were given an intravaginal device (IVD) containing 250 mg of medroxiprogesterone acetate (MAP) and an i.m. injection of 2.5 mg estradiol benzoate (EB). On Day 6, these cows were given 500 IU eCG i.m. and calves were weaned for 96 h. The IVD were removed on Day 7. Cows detected in estrus by 45 h after IVD removal were inseminated 12 h after standing estrus; cows not in estrus by 45 h after IVD removal received an i.m. injection of 100 microg gonadorelin (GnRH) and were inseminated 16-18 h later. In the control group (C), cows (n = 64) only had their calves weaned at Day 6 (for 96 h), with estrus detection and AI from Days 6 to 11. Overall, the BCS ranged from 2.0 to 3.0. In the treatment group, estrus and pregnancy rates in cows with BCS 2.0 (20 and 30%, respectively) was lower (P < 0.05) than those with BCS 3.0 (50 and 66.6%, respectively), but did not differ (P > 0.05) from BCS 2.5 (23.3 and 47.6%). In C group, only 2 of 66 cows were detected in estrus and bred (neither was pregnant). In conclusion, the program for induction of ovulation using MAP, EB, eCG and GnRH increased the pregnancy rate in beef cows in poor body condition, enabling AI to be done in a 63-h interval.

Campylobacter fetus subspecies venerealis surface array protein from bovine isolates in Brazil.

The electrophoretic patterns of 31 Campylobacter fetus subspecies venerealis capsular Surface Array Protein (SAP) isolated from bovines in reproduction from different regions of Brazil were analyzed. The persistence of the bacteria in the reproductive tract of naturally infected bovines and the dynamic of SAP expression were also evaluated. Cervical mucous and prepucial aspirates from five animals naturally infected were cultured for isolation of Campylobacter fetus and the SAPs extracted from the bacteria isolated were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Ten different patterns of SAP expression were demonstrated by the identification of proteins with molecular mass of 97, 100, 127, and 149 kDa, respectively. The most prevalent identified protein had a molecular mass of 100 kDa (41.9%). Taking into consideration the time during which the five animals were evaluated, it was possible to conclude that one of these animals persisted with the etiological agent up to 171 days. The five naturally infected bovines analyzed presented variation on their surface protein pattern during the period of this study. C. fetus subspecies venerealis persisted in the reproductive tract of naturally infected animals. In natural condition of infection C. fetus subspecies venerealis persisted in an intermittent condition and an alteration of the protein surface was shown.

Caracterizaçäo de aspectos produtivos de vacas brangus ibagé com distintos graus de fertilidade / Caracterization of productive aspects in brangus ibagé cows with distinct levels of fertility

O presente estudo teve por objetivo caracterizar distintos grupos de fertilidade e averiguar diferenças quanto ao ganho de peso no pós-parto e habilidade materna em uma populaçäo Brangus Ibagé (3/8 Nelore + 5/8 Angus). Foram computados dados de 1145 partos de 287 vacas, sendo considerados apenas os registros de 168 fêmeas com, no mínimo, quatro partos. As fêmeas foram agrupadas de acordo com a média do intervalo de partos em grupos de alta, intermediária, e baixa fertilidade. Adicionalmente, foram levantados dados de peso ao parto (PPAR) e ganho de peso no pós-parto (GPP). A habilidade materna foi inferida a partir do peso à desmama dos terneiros (PP205). As médias e respectivos erros-padräo de intervalos de partos (IP) para os grupos de fertilidade alta, intermediária e baixa foram 404,6 ± 5,44, 523,5 ± 4,77 e 711,2 ± 20,89, respectivamente. Näo foram constatadas diferenças significativas (P>0,05) entre grupos, tanto no desempenho da vaca (PPAR, GPP) como no PP205. Vacas primíparas apresentaram peso ao parto menor (P<0,001), porém a diferença quanto ao ganho de peso no período pós-parto näo foi significativa (P>0,05). O efeito de ano foi significativo (P<0,001) sobre o PPAR, PP205 e GPP. O critério IP permite formar grupos de animais distintos quanto à fertilidade, que, no entanto, têm desempenho produtivo semelhante. Isso sugere que as diferenças de fertilidade entre eles podem ser decorrentes de outros mecanismos fisiológicos relativos ao restabelecimento precoce do anestro pós-parto e näo simples efeitos do nível nutricional e da sua produçäo de leite

Biometria ultra-sonográfica bidimensional em tempo real do globo ocular de cäes / Two-dimensional real-time ultrasonic biometry of ocular globe of dogs

Para realizar a biometria ultra-sonográfica em tempo real, foram utilizados 60 globos oculares de 30 cäes oftalmologicamente sadios, com o objetivo de se obter medidas das distâncias no interior do globo ocular. Essas foram tomadas de imagens de cortes sagitais obtidas com os animais posicionados em decúbio esternal, contidos manualmente, e com a aplicaçäo de colírio anestésico. Empregou-se transdutor setorial mecânico de 7,5 MHz sem almofada de recuo. As médias das medidas obtidas foram; para D1- distância entre a córnea e a cápsula anterior da lente 3,9 ñ0,7mm, D2- espessura da lente 6,1 ñ1,2mm, D3 diâmetro da lente 10.5 ñ 1,0mm, D4- profundidade da câmara vítrea 9,1 ñ0,4mm e D5 distância córnea/retina 18,8 ñ0,9mm. Foi observada diferença significativa entre os olhos direito e esquerdo somente em D1.