Endocrine and reproductive parameters in sick and healthy primiparous and multiparous dairy cows.

To investigate the association of health status and parity with hormone profiles during the transition period and reproductive parameters in Holstein dairy cows, a prospective observational cohort study was carried out including only healthy primiparous (PP, n = 116) and multiparous (MP, n = 172) cows at the beginning of the study. A subset of 120 healthy and sick cows was randomly selected for insulin, IGF-I, leptin and adiponectin determination. Primiparous cows had greater IGF-I and adiponectin concentrations (P < 0.05) and tended (P=0.07) to have greater insulin concentrations than MP cows. While healthy and sick MP and sick PP cows presented a sharp decrease in IGF-I concentrations after calving, healthy PP cows maintained them. Postpartum adiponectin concentrations were lower in sick than in healthy MP cows. A greater percentage of healthy cows ovulated during the first 7 weeks after calving when compared to sick cows (67.9% vs 50%, P=0.002) and a similar trend was found for MP vs PP cows (64% vs 53%, P=0.01). More healthy cows were inseminated in comparison to sick cows (94% vs 76.5%, P < 0.01) and more PP than MP cows (90.4% vs 82.7%, P < 0.05). Similarly, healthy cows presented a greater proportion of pregnancy than sick cows (75% vs 54%, P < 0.01) and the proportion of pregnancy was higher in PP than in MP cows (74% vs 56%, P=0.04). Health status interacting with parity yielded different endocrine profiles, which may partially explain the differences in reproductive performance.

Variation of cow's milk composition across different daily milking sessions and feasibility of using a composite sampling / Variação da composição do leite de vaca em diferentes turnos diários de ordenha e viabilidade de usar uma amostragem composta

ABSTRACT: This study vised to detect possible changes in chemical and cellular composition of cow's milk at different milking sessions and to test if proportional or composite milk sampling can be used instead of separate milk analysis. Two experiments were conducted: one in cows milked thrice daily and the other one in cows milked twice daily. In both experiments, three milk samples were collected from each cow in each milking session in order to determine milk composition at each milking; to have a composite sample, i.e., a single sample from the same aliquots of milk from each milking session; and to have a proportional sample, i.e., a single sample from each milking session in a volume proportional to milk volume yielded. Fat content and fat to protein ratio were higher in the afternoon on both experiments. Protein content was larger in the afternoon on cows milked twice daily, but not on cows milked thrice daily. Lactose level was not different across the milking sessions in any of the experiments. The urea level was higher in the afternoon and evening milking on cows milked thrice daily, and in the morning milking on cows milked twice daily. Somatic cell count did not differ between milking in any experiment. No difference in milk composition was noted between proportional and composite samples on cows milked thrice or twice daily. The collection of proportional and composite samples is recommended in twice or thrice daily milking sessions so that the analysis of milk components becomes more easy and cheap.

RESUMO: Este estudo visou detectar possíveis mudanças na composição química e celular do leite de vaca em diferentes sessões de ordenha, e testar se a amostragem de leite proporcional ou composta pode ser usada em vez de uma análise separada do leite. Dois experimentos foram conduzidos: um em vacas ordenhadas três vezes ao dia e outro em vacas ordenhadas duas vezes ao dia. Em ambos os experimentos, três amostras de leite foram coletadas de cada vaca em cada ordenha: para determinar a composição do leite em cada ordenha; ter uma amostra composta, isto é, uma única amostra das mesmas alíquotas de leite de cada sessão de ordenha; e ter uma amostra proporcional, ou seja, uma única amostra de cada sessão de ordenha em um volume proporcional ao volume de leite produzido. O conteúdo de gordura e a relação gordura:proteína foram maiores no período da tarde nos dois experimentos. O conteúdo de proteína foi maior à tarde nas vacas ordenhadas duas vezes ao dia, mas não nas vacas ordenhadas três vezes ao dia. O nível de lactose não foi diferente nas sessões de ordenha em nenhum dos experimentos. O nível de ureia foi maior à tarde e à noite, nas vacas ordenhadas três vezes ao dia e, pela manhã, nas vacas ordenhadas duas vezes ao dia. A contagem de células somáticas não diferiu entre as ordenhas em nenhum experimento. Não houve diferença na composição do leite entre as amostras proporcionais e compostas em vacas ordenhadas três vezes ao dia. Recomenda-se a coleta de amostras proporcionais e compostas em duas ou três sessões diárias de ordenha, para que a análise dos componentes do leite se torne mais fácil e barata.

Metabolic predictors of peri-partum diseases and their association with parity in dairy cows.

The predictive values of plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), cholesterol, albumin and calcium to predict risk of peripartum diseases in primiparous (PP) and multiparous (MP) Holstein cows was investigated. Besides it was assessed if the health status interacted with parity on body condition score and metabolic profiles during the transition period. Dairy cows (126 PP and 182 MP) from a commercial dairy free stall herd (loose-housing system) were weekly body condition scored and tail bled for metabolites determination from -3 to +4 weeks relative to calving. Peripartum diseases were diagnosed by a single trained veterinarian, while subclinical diseases (ketosis and hypocalcemia) were diagnosed at the laboratory. Cows were classified as healthy cows, cows with one event, or cows with two clinical events following a prospective observational cohort study, with only healthy cows enrolled at the beginning of the study. The largest incidence was for metritis (26.6%) followed by retained placenta (17.2%) and mastitis (15.2%) with no effect of parity, while subclinical hypocalcemia incidence was greater in MP than PP cows (43% vs 9.5%) respectively. In MP cows albumin concentrations were predictive for metritis at week -2 and for retained placenta at weeks -2 and -1, while cholesterol was predictive for mastitis at week -2, -1 and at calving. The interaction between health status and parity affected all metabolites during the transition period. This study showed a different evolution of metabolic profiles in healthy and sick cows during the transition according to parity, pointing out albumin and cholesterol as diseases predictors before calving.

Milk composition of Holstein cows: a retrospective study / Caracterização da composição do leite de vacas Holandesas: estudo retrospectivo

ABSTRACT: Worldwide, milk analysis is an satisfactory measurement of milk quality on dairy farms. Milk composition is the base for payment systems, so knowledge of its characteristics at different periods is essential for modern dairy producer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of year, season, stage of lactation, and lactation number on variations in milk yield and composition of Holstein cows (n=148,604). Milk yield estimated by multiple regression was 25,50L/cow/day. Winter was the season with the highest milk yield and the highest protein and lactose content. Milk fat was highest in the fall, in cows in late lactation and also in primiparous cows. Lactating cows from 6 to 60 days in lactation and those in 2nd or 3rd lactation showed the highest milk yield. Lactose concentration was positively correlated with milk yield. Somatic cell score was negatively correlated with milk yield and with lactose concentration. Most important variations in milk characteristics occur among seasons, lactation stages and parities. Mammary gland health is yet the greatest challenge to be overcome.

RESUMO: A determinação da qualidade do leite nas fazendas é um parâmetro mundialmente aceito e utilizado como base para os sistemas de pagamento. Os produtores modernos utilizam o conhecimento das características do leite para adotar medidas que visam melhorar produtividade e qualidade. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do ano, estação, estágio de lactação e número de lactação sobre as variáveis produção e composição do leite de vacas Holandesas (n=148,604). A produção de leite estimada por regressão múltipla foi de 25,50L/vaca/dia. O inverno foi à estação com a maior produtividade e os maiores teores de proteína e lactose. A gordura de leite foi maior no outono em vacas primíparas e no final da lactação. As vacas com estágio de lactação entre 6 a 60 dias e aquelas que se encontram na segunda ou terceira lactação apresentaram a maior produtividade. A concentração de lactose correlacionou-se positivamente com a produção de leite. O escore das células somáticas correlacionou-se negativamente com a produtividade e com a concentração de lactose. As variações mais importantes nas características do leite ocorrem entre estações, estágios de lactação e número de partos. A saúde da glândula mamária ainda é o maior desafio a superar.

Inactivated Parapoxvirus ovis as inducer of immunity in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen).

Molecules with immune modulating activity are ubiquitously distributed in nature and their impact on aquaculture has been exploited in order to increase fish resistance to pathogens. Here, we investigated the effect of inactivated Parapoxvirus ovis (iPPVO) on blood cells and innate and acquired immune response of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). iPPVO inoculation had no effect on respiratory burst activity; however, following iPPVO inoculation, we observed a significant decrease on circulating monocytes concomitantly with an increased number of heterophilic granulocytes and thrombocytes, which are the main cells involved in innate immunity and provide connection with acquired immunity. Fish inoculated with a combination of bovine serum albumin (BSA) + iPPVO had significantly higher levels of antibodies to BSA compared to fish inoculated with BSA alone, but lower than fish inoculated with BSA + Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA). These findings points to the potential usefulness of iPPVO as immunomodulator in fish and instigate further research to identify its component that interact with immune cells and that could be exploited as adjuvants in fish.

Effect of the type of silage on milk yield, intake and rumen metabolism of dairy cows grazing swards with low herbage mass.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of herbage allowance (HA) and type of silage supplemented (TS) on milk yield, dry matter intake (DMI) and metabolism of dairy cows in early lactation. Thirty-six Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were allocated to four treatments derived from an arrangement of two HA (LHA = 17 or HHA = 25 kg of DM/cow/day) and two TS (grass (GS) or maize (MS)). Herbage allowance had no effect on DMI or milk yield. Rumen pH and NH3 -N concentration were not affected by HA. The efficiency of microbial protein synthesis in the rumen (microbial protein (MP)) was affected by HA with 21.5 and 23.9 g microbial nitrogen per kg ruminal digestible organic matter for LHA and HHA, respectively (P < 0.05). Supplementation with MS showed higher values of milk yield by 2.4 kg/cow/day (P < 0.001), milk protein content by 0.10 % (P < 0.023) and herbage DMI by 2.2 kg/cow/day, and showed lower values for milk urea compared to GS (P < 0.001). The former results suggest that TS had a greater effect on milk yield, total feed intake and energy intake than increase in herbage allowance; however, increase in HA had greater effects on MP than TS.

Transition diseases in grazing dairy cows are related to serum cholesterol and other analytes.

The objectives of this study were to describe the incidence of postpartum disease and to evaluate the association with serum cholesterol concentrations during the first 3 weeks after calving in grazing dairy cows. The association between non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), calcium and postpartum diseases was also evaluated. A total of 307 Holstein dairy cows from 6 commercial grazing herds in Osorno, Chile, were monitored from calving until 21 days in milk. Cases of retained placenta, clinical hypocalcemia and clinical mastitis were recorded by the farmer using established definitions. Twice weekly, cows were evaluated for metritis by the same veterinarian based on vaginal discharge and body temperature. Postpartum blood samples were collected weekly and analyzed for serum concentrations of cholesterol, NEFA, BHBA and calcium. Cows were considered as having subclinical ketosis if BHBA >1.2 mmol/L, and subclinical hypocalcemia if calcium <2.0 mmol/L in any of the 3 weekly samples. Overall, 56% of the cows studied developed at least one clinical or subclinical disease after calving. Incidence of individual diseases was 8.8% for retained placenta, 4.2% for clinical hypocalcemia, 11.7% for clinical mastitis, 41.1% for metritis, 19.9% for subclinical hypocalcemia and 16.6% for subclinical ketosis. Lower postpartum cholesterol in cows was associated with developing severe metritis or having more than one clinical disease after calving. For every 0.4 mmol/L decrease in serum cholesterol cows were nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with multiple clinical diseases after calving. Higher BHBA concentrations and lower calcium concentrations during week 1 were associated with severe cases of metritis. Low serum calcium concentration during week 1 was also associated with developing more than one clinical disorder after calving. In conclusion, the incidence of postpartum diseases can be high even in grazing herds and lower serum cholesterol concentrations were associated with occurrence of clinical postpatum disorders.

Re-emergence of Chorioptes bovis (Acari: Psoroptidae) in cattle in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Here we describe an outbreak of chorioptic mange in cattle, 56 years after its first identification in Brazil. Between the months of June and July 2011, dermatitis characterized by alopecia and crusted and thickened skin at the insertion of the tail and in the ischiorectal fossa was recognized in 40 (35.7%) out of 112 Holstein cows on a farm in the northeastern mesoregion of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. After diagnosing mange caused by Chorioptes bovis, the cows were weighed and treated with 0.5% ivermectin, as a pour-on single dose, and were separated into two groups: cows in early lactation and those in late lactation. The survival rate of C. bovis and the healing rate in the two groups of infested cows were monitored every seven days through skin scrapings. After 28 days of evaluation, the cure rate through treatment was greater among cows in early lactation (p <0.0001). The survival rate of C. bovis was higher in cows in late lactation.

Re-emergence of Chorioptes bovis (Acari: Psoroptidae) in cattle in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Reemergência de Chorioptes bovis (Acari: Psoroptidae) em bovinos no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Here we describe an outbreak of chorioptic mange in cattle, 56 years after its first identification in Brazil. Between the months of June and July 2011, dermatitis characterized by alopecia and crusted and thickened skin at the insertion of the tail and in the ischiorectal fossa was recognized in 40 (35.7%) out of 112 Holstein cows on a farm in the northeastern mesoregion of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. After diagnosing mange caused by Chorioptes bovis, the cows were weighed and treated with 0.5% ivermectin, as a pour-on single dose, and were separated into two groups: cows in early lactation and those in late lactation. The survival rate of C. bovis and the healing rate in the two groups of infested cows were monitored every seven days through skin scrapings. After 28 days of evaluation, the cure rate through treatment was greater among cows in early lactation (p <0.0001). The survival rate of C. bovis was higher in cows in late lactation.

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever um surto de sarna corióptica em bovinos, 56 anos após a sua primeira identificação no Brasil. Entre os meses de junho a julho de 2011, a dermatite caracterizada por alopecia, com crosta e espessamento da pele na inserção da cauda e na fossa isquiorretal, foi observada em 40 (35,7%) de 112 vacas holandesas de uma propriedade rural pertencente à Mesorregião do Nordeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Após o diagnóstico da sarna causada por Chorioptes bovis, as vacas foram pesadas, tratadas com 0,5% de ivermectina pour on em dose única e separadas em dois grupos: vacas no início da lactação e no final da lactação. A taxa de sobrevivência de C. bovis e a taxa de cura dos dois grupos de vacas infestadas foram monitoradas a cada sete dias por meio de raspas de pele. Após 28 dias do estudo, a taxa de cura com o tratamento foi maior em vacas no início da lactação (p <0,0001). A taxa de sobrevivência de C. bovis foi maior em vacas no final da lactação.

Metabolic profile in Chilota lambs grazing Calafatal.

The aim of this study was to determine the productive and metabolic response in Chilota lambs grazing Calafatal or naturalized pasture. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Station Butalcura (INIA, Chiloé) during October, November, and December 2011. Eight Chilota and six Suffolk Down 2-month-old lambs, uncastrated males, no twin, were located to graze a typical secondary succession of the Chiloé Archipelago, as a Calafatal (a secondary succession which derivates from human intervention on native forest in Chiloé Archipelago). Simultaneously, eight male 2-month-old Chilota lambs were located to graze a naturalized pasture, another secondary succession derived from human intervention on native forest in Chiloé Archipelago. Animals had free access to water sources. Measurements were performed one time a month, for three consecutive months for productive indicators: live weight, average daily gain and body condition score, and blood indicators of protein and energetic metabolism. Productive and metabolic response was similar between both types of pastures (P > 0.05). However, Chilota and Suffolk Down lambs grazing Calafatal showed higher plasma concentrations of ßOH-butyrate, but lower non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) than Chilota lambs grazing naturalized pasture (P < 0.05). Chilota lambs grazing naturalized pasture showed the highest plasma concentrations of NEFA and urea (P < 0.05). It was concluded that, under the conditions of the study, Chilota lambs grazing naturalized pasture, which had higher contents of crude protein and metabolizable energy, showed better metabolic balance, but not performance, than Chilota and Suffolk Down lambs grazing Calafatal.

The use of eugenol against Aeromonas hydrophila and its effect on hematological and immunological parameters in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of eugenol against the fish pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila and eugenol's effect on hematological and natural immune parameters in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). In vitro, eugenol showed weak activity against A. hydrophila, but in vivo, at a subinhibitory concentration (10 mg L(-1)), it promoted survival in infected silver catfish. Eugenol (50 µg mL(-1)) reduced the hemolytic activity of A. hydrophila supernatant in vitro in fish erythrocytes. Subjecting catfish to eugenol baths (5 and 10 mg L(-1)) for five days did not alter the hematological and immunological parameters studied in this work. Based on these results, eugenol can be used to treat or prevent bacterial diseases in fish.

Estatus de selenio en equinos Criollo-Chileno a pastoreo y su respuesta a la suplementación / Selenium metabolic status and response to supplementation in grazing Chilean-Criollo horses

Objetivo. Dos experimentos se realizaron para determinar el estatus de selenio en equinos Criollo-Chileno a pastoreo y, evaluar la respuesta a la suplementación con Na2SeO3. Materiales y métodos. Exp.1A caballos pertenecientes a 10 criaderos del sur de Chile se les determinó la actividad sanguínea de glutatión peroxidasa (GPx, EC.1.11.1.9) (AcGPx). Los animales pertenecieron a 3 grupos, pastoreo de otoño (PO, n=40), pastoreo de otoño y suplementados con avena (PO+A, n=47), y, pastoreo de primavera (PP, n=41). Exp2Se utilizaron equinos con carencia de selenio, distribuidos en tres grupos: G1, n=7, tratado con Na2SeO3 el día 0 (Se= 0.05 mg/kg pv, im); G2, n=8, suplementado con Na2SeO3, los días 0 y 15 y GC, n=8, control. La AcGPx se determinó al día 0, 30 y 120. Resultados. La mediana (Me) de la AcGPx en todos los grupos fue menor al límite adecuado (>130 U/gHb), mayor en PO+A (Me=92, P25%=47, P75%=129 U/gHb) y PP (Me=85, P25%=45, P75%=114 U/gHb) que en PO (Me=35, P25%=20, P75%=85 U/gHb) (p<0.05). En el experimento 2 la AcGPx fue similar y menor al adecuado en todos los grupos. La suplementación con Na2SeO3 aumentó (p<0.05) la AcGPx en G1 (121±52 U/gHb) y G2 (124±69 U/gHb), sin alcanzar valores adecuados. Conclusiones. Los equinos Criollo-Chileno a pastoreo en el sur de Chile presentan carencia de Se, mayor en otoño que primavera y menor al suplementar con avena. Adicionalmente, la administración parenteral de Na2SeO3 mejora el estatus de Se, pero sin revertir el cuadro carencial.

Objective. Two experiments were conducted to determine the selenium status in grazing Chilean-Criollo horses and evaluate their response to a Na2SeO3 supplement. Material and methods. Exp.1The blood activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx, EC.1.11.1.9) (AcGPx) was determined in horses kept grazing in 10 breeding farms from the south of Chile: PO, n= 40 horses were kept grazing during autumn (PO), 47 horses were kept grazing during autumn and supplemented with oat grain (PO+A), and 23 horses were kept grazing during spring (PP). Exp.223 horses kept on pasture were allotted into three groups: G1, n=7, supplemented with a dose of Na2SeO3 (Se= 0.05mg/kg bw, im) on day 0; G2, n=8, supplemented with similar doses of Na2SeO3, on days 0 and 15; and GC, n=8, control. AcGPx was determined on days 0, 30 and 120. Results. Median (Me) of the AcGPx on all the farms were below the adequate limit (>130 U/g Hb), being higher in PO+A (Me= 92, P25%= 47, P75%= 129 U/g Hb) and PP (Me = 85, P25%= 45, P75%=114 U/g Hb) than PO (Me= 35, P25%= 20, P75%= 85 U/g Hb) (p<0.05). Initial AcGPx was similar and below adequate in the three groups and increased after Na2SeO3 administration (p<0.05) in G1 (121 ± 52 U/g Hb) and G2 (124 ± 69 U/g Hb). Conclusions. A deficiency is observed in Chilean-Criollo horses grazing during autumn and spring in southern Chile, parenteral administration of Na2SeO3 (0.05mg/kg bw) in single or double doses improves the Se status without achieving adequate values.

Valoración diagnóstica de enzimas hepáticas en perfiles bioquímicos sanguíneos de vacas lecheras / Diagnostic assessment of liver enzymes in blood profiles from dairy cows

Objetivo. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la asociación, sensibilidad (Se) y especificidad (Es) de las enzimas glutamato deshidrogenasa (GDH, EC: 1.4.1.3), aspartato aminotransferasa (AST, EC: 2.6.1.1) y g-glutamil transpeptidasa (GGT, EC: 2.3.2.2) como indicadores de daño hepático en perfiles bioquímicos sanguíneos de vacas lecheras. Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron los valores de la actividad plasmática de GDH, AST y GGT, obtenidos de 1566 vacas correspondientes a 112 perfiles bioquímicos realizados en rebaños lecheros. Se determinó la asociación entre la actividad de las enzimas y el área bajo la curva (ABC) y la Se y la Es mediante curva ROC considerando la presencia de daño hepático cuando GDH>30 U/L o GGT>39 U/L. Resultados. La AST presentó mayor asociación con la GDH (r=0.55) que la GGT (r=0.44), así como una mayor ABC (p=0.01) al utilizar GDH>30 U/L para indicar daño hepático. El grado de asociación entre AST y GGT fue de r=0.42. La sensibilidad de la AST para detectar daño hepático, utilizando el punto de corte de referencia del laboratorio (>150 U/L), fue inferior que al emplear GGT (>39 U/L). El punto crítico de máxima Se y Es de la curva ROC para daño hepático se obtuvo con AST>110 U/L, valor que incrementó la concordancia diagnóstica con la GDH (Kappa >0.300), pero no con la GGT. Conclusiones. La actividad plasmática de AST en vacas lecheras se asocia mayormente con la de GDH que con la de GGT y su límite de referencia para predecir daño hepático correspondería a >110 U/L.

Objective. The aim of this study was to establish the association, sensibility (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the plasmatic activity of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH, EC: 1.4.1.3), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, EC: 2.6.1.1) and g-glutamil transpeptidase (GGT, EC: 2.3.2.2) as liver damage markers in blood profiles of dairy cows. Materials and methods. The records of the plasma activity for GDH, AST and GGT obtained from blood profiles taken from 1566 cows from 112 dairy herds. The association between enzymatic activity, area below the curve (ABC), and Se and Sp using a ROC curve were determined, considering liver damage when GDH >30 U/L or GGT >39 U/L. Results. The AST was more likely associated to GDH (r=0.55) than to GGT (r=0.44). AST also had a higher ABC (p=0.01) when using GDH >30 U/L as an indicator of liver damage. The correlation between AST and GGT was of r=0.42. AST Se to detect liver damage with a cut-off level of >150 U/L was lower than the Se of GGT. The critical point for maximum Se and Sp of the ROC curve was obtained with AST>110 U/L and an increase in the diagnostic concordance with GDH (Kappa>0.300), was obtained using this value. Conclusions. Plasma activity of AST is more associated to GDH than to GGT in dairy cows. The cut-off level of plasma activity of AST for liver damage prediction in dairy cows would be >110 U/L.

Interrelaciones entre ureagénesis y gluconeogénesis hepática en rumiantes alimentados con elevado contenido de nitrógeno / Relationships between liver ureagenesis and gluconeogenesis in ruminants fed with a high nitrogen diet

Liver ureagenesis and gluconeogénesis are essential metabolic functions in ruminants. These metabolic processes are more intensive in ruminants than other mammals, especially on grazing ruminants or those supplemented with nitrogen because they absorb large amount of the ammonia produced in the rumen and only small amounts of the intestinal glucose. Diets based on the use of forages with a high content of crude protein, rapidly degradable in the rumen, or the supplementation with non-protein nitrogen, increases the ruminal production of ammonia. The excess of ammonia is absorbed and metabolized to urea by the liver. The production of large amounts of ammonia in the rumen and its subsequent absorption can exceed the liver capacity to metabolize urea causing an overcharge in the urea cycle, demanding a large amount of α-ketoglutarate and oxalacetate to produce glutamate and aspartate. Under this condition the gluconeogenic capacity of the organism is altered because these metabolites are also required in the Krebs cycle and gluconeogenesis. The relationships between liver ureagenesis and gluconeogenesis in ruminants fed a high content of nitrogen are reviewed.

Los rumiantes alimentados con forrajes de elevado contenido de proteína rápidamente degradable en el rumen o suplementados con nitrógeno no proteínico, absorben cantidades sustanciales de amonio en el rumen y muy poca glucosa en el intestino, en circunstancias que requieren mantener una adecuada capacidad ureagénica y gluconeogénesis para sostener su eficiencia productiva. En esta condición se eleva la producción de amonio ruminal, el cual se absorbe y posteriormente se metaboliza por el hígado en urea. Las elevadas concentraciones de amonio en el rumen pueden sobrepasar la capacidad hepática de sintetizar urea, lo que provoca una sobrecarga en el ciclo de la urea y demanda una excesiva cantidad de α-cetoglutarato y oxalacetato para la formación de glutamato y aspartato, metabolitos que también son requeridos en el ciclo de Krebs y en la vía gluconeogénica, alterando con ello la capacidad gluconeogénica del organismo. El trabajo recopila y analiza las interrelaciones entre la ureagénesis y gluconeogénesis hepática en rumiantes en condiciones de pastoreo con forrajes de elevado contenido de proteínas.

Alterações hematológicas em cães (Canis lupus familiaris) após tratamento com eletroacupuntura / Haematological changes in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) after treatment with electroacupuncture

A acupuntura, é uma terapia que cada vez mais adquire uma credibilidade no mundo ocidental, a sua indicação pode ser para pacientes anêmicos e imunossuprimidos, e outras afecções. O experimento foi realizado com oito cães adultos, sendo 4 fêmeas e 4 machos. O estudo consistiu em análise das concentrações das células vermelhas e brancas avaliado em 4 tratamentos: controle (T0), acupuntura (T1), eletroacupuntura unilateral (T2) e eletroacupuntura bilateral (T3). Os acupontos utilizados foram intestino grosso 4, intestino grosso 11 e estômago 36. Todos os animais passaram por todos os tratamentos com um intervalo de 7 dias para cada tratamento. Os hemogramas séricos foram verificados 20 minutos antes do início do tratamento (M0), logo após o tratamento (M1), e 60 minutos (M2) e 120 minutos (M3) após o tratamento. O resultado da série vermelha não foi significativo, mas notou-se somente uma diminuição significativa da concentração média corpuscular (CHCM) (p<0,05) no tratamento T1 no M1 em comparação aos outros tratamentos; notou-se também uma redução significativa (p<0,05) na concentração plaquetária de T1, T2 e T3 em comparação ao grupo controle. A eletroacupuntura pode levar a uma trombocitopenia, quando estimulado estes pontos, provavelmente por um estímulo parassimpaticomimético.

Acupuncture is an alternative therapy which increasingly acquires credibility in the Western Hemisphere and it is indicated for anemic and immunosuppressed patients, as well as for other diseases. The experiment was performed with 8 adult dogs, 4 females and 4 males. The study consisted to analyze the concentrations of white and red cells evaluated at four treatments: controls (T0), acupuncture (T1), unilateral electroacupuncture (T2), and bilateral electroacupuncture (T3). The acupoints utilized were: 4 large intestine, 11 small intestine and 36 stomachs. All animals experienced all treatments with an interval of 7 days to each treatment. The serum hemograms were verified 20 minutes prior to initiation to treatment (M0), at the end of the treatment (M1), 60 minutes after treatment (M2) and 120 minutes post-treatment (M3). The results revealed that the red series was not significant, but there was only a significant decrease in medium corpuscular concentration (p<0.05) at T1 of M1 as compared to the other treatments; also there was a significant reduction (p<0.05) in the platelet concentration at T1, T2 and T3 as compared to controls. The electro-acupuncture may lead to thrombocytopenia, when stimulating these points, probably by a parasympathetic stimulus.

Hemoglobinuria posparto en vacas de tres rebaños lecheros de la región del Bío-Bío, Chile / Postpartum haemoglobinuria in dairy cows of the Bio-Bio region, Chile

La hemoglobinuria posparto es una enfermedad metabólica esporádica que presentan las vacas lecheras, manifestándose dentro de las 6 semanas posparto asociada al rápido incremento de la producción de leche al inicio de la lactancia. Se caracteriza por una anemia aguda regenerativa por hemólisis intravascular con hemoglobinuria. Entre los factores que predisponen a su presentación están la ingesta de una dieta carente en fósforo, cobre o selenio, o bien concomitante a la presencia de agentes hemolíticos en plantas crucíferas como el nabo o colza. El trabajo describe aspectos relacionados a la presentación de brotes de la enfermedad en tres rebaños lecheros de la región del Bío-bío, Chile, con hipofosfatemia asociada a la incorporación de derivados de la remolacha azucarera en la dieta.

A somatotrofina bovina recombinante sobre a ovulação, condição corporal e níveis séricos de colesterol e glicose em ovinos / Bovine recombinant somatotropin on ovulation, body condition score and cholesterol and glucose serum levels in sheep

O objetivo do presente estudo foi o de avaliar o efeito da somatotrofina bovina recombinante (BSTr) sobre a taxa de ovulaçäo após a induçäo, sobre o metabolismo intermediário do colesterol e da glicose em ovelhas, e no o ganho de peso de cordeiros lactentes cujas mäes foram tratadas com BSTr bem como as variaçöes do peso e escore corporal das mesmas. Utilizou-se para tanto 3mg/kg de BSTr em formulaçäo de liberaçäo prolongada em dose única para o primeiro experimento e, 4mg/kg para o segundo. No primeiro experimento, os resultados obtidos mostraram que a incidência de estro foi de 100 por cento nos grupos controle e tratado, onde o número de corpos lúteos encontrados foi de 0,9 ± 0,18 no grupo controle e 1,18 ± 0,12 no grupo tratado, näo sendo diferentes estatisticamente. Também näo houve diferenças entre os grupos quanto aos níveis de colesterol e glicose. No experimento 2, houve uma diminuiçäo na condiçäo corporal das ovelhas do grupo tratado entre os dias 1 e 10 e seu aumento entre os dias 10 e 20, (p<0,05). O peso dos cordeiros, das ovelhas e a variaçäo do escore corporal entre os dia 1 e 20 näo diferiram estatisticamente. Conclui-se que a somatotrofina bovina recombinante näo interfere na taxa de ovulaçäo em ovelhas, bem como no metabolismo intermediário do colesterol e da glicose destes animais. O seu uso afeta os escores corporais dos animais tratados alguns dias após o início do tratamento