Asinine milk mitigates stress-mediated immune, cortisol and behavioral responses of piglets to weaning: A study to foster future interventions in humans.

Introduction: The present study assessed whether asinine milk supplementation improved the immune and behavioral responses of piglets during an early life weaning stress event as a model for its future use in humans. Methods: For this, 48 piglets from 4 different litters were used. At 20 days of age, piglets were weighed and allocated with their litter and dam into group pens until 28 days of age. Four piglets from each litter were then randomly assigned to either (1) asinine milk supplementation (n = 16) (2), skimmed cow milk supplementation (n = 16) or (3) no supplementation (n = 16; control group). The supplementations were voluntarily administered for 3 days preweaning and 3 days postweaning using a baby bottle. The effects on the weaning stress response were assessed through salivary cortisol measurements; behavioral tests such as the open field, novel object end elevated plus maze tests; and gene expression of HSD11B1, NR3C1 and IL1B in PBMCs, which was determined by RT-qPCR and normalized to GAPDH and UBB. To test the effect of the supplementations on weight, milk intake, gene expression, and behavior, a randomized block design was used with repeated measurements over time by the PROC MIXED procedure. Results and discussion: The effects on salivary cortisol were determined using the ratio between the morning and afternoon concentrations, considering the time before and after the weaning event. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Fisher's test were performed to evaluate the behavior test data. When comparing salivary cortisol concentrations between the pre- and postweaning periods, there was a difference (p < 0.05) between the supplementation groups in the afternoon period, suggesting that piglets fed asinine milk had lower afternoon cortisol concentrations postweaning than their counterparts. For the behavioral tests, the supplementations had no measurable effects. No difference was between groups pre- and postweaning for the expression of HSD11B2, which codes for an enzyme that breaks down cortisol. However, the expression of NR3C1, which encodes the glucocorticoid receptor, was significantly upregulated in piglets supplemented with cow milk (mean 1.245; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Asinine milk downregulated 1L1B gene expression, which codes for an inflammatory cytokine. In conclusion, these results suggest that supplementation with asinine milk may represent a strategy to diminish the damage associated with an early life event by modulating IL1B expression and reducing salivary cortisol levels in piglets undergoing weaning stress. Further transcriptomic and metabolomic studies may improve our understanding of the molecular pathways that mediate this systemic immune-mediated response.

Avaliação de soluções eletrolíticas e vias da administração sobre o teor de umidade das fezes de equinos desidratados experimentalmente / Evaluation of electrolyte solutions and administration routes on the moisture content of feces of experimentally dehydrated horses

A ocorrência de processos fisiopatológicos que cursam com desidratação da ingesta no trato gastrointestinal dos equinos é comum na rotina clínica. Fatores como diminuição da motilidade intestinal e sobrecarga intraluminal de conteúdo desidratado podem levar a compactação em segmentos como estômago, ceco e cólons. Este estudo objetivou realizar a comparação entre soluções eletrolíticas enterais hipotônica (SeHIPO) e isotônica (SeISO) e a solução Ringer com lactato de sódio (RL IV) sobre o teor de umidade das fezes de equinos submetidos a um período de desidratação experimental (PD). Foram utilizados seis equinos adultos, todas fêmeas com idades entre 10 e 15 anos, média de 440 kg de peso corpóreo. O PD constou de 36 horas de jejum hídrico e alimentar associadas a duas administrações intravenosas de furosemida, sendo a primeira imediatamente no início (T-36) e a segunda 12 horas após o início do PD. Os tratamentos utilizados foram: SeHIPO e SeISO, ambas administradas por via nasogástrica em fluxo contínuo (HETfc), e RL IV administrada pela via intravenosa. Todos os tratamentos foram administrados a uma taxa de infusão contínua de 15mL kg-1 h-1 durante 8 horas consecutivas. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o crossover6x3, onde cada animal foi submetido, em sistema de rodízio, aos três tratamentos em momentos distintos. As soluções eletrolíticas enterais demonstraram maior eficácia na recomposição do teor de umidade das fezes quando comparadas à terapia RL IV. A hidratação enteral com soluções isotônicas e hipotônicas administrada em fluxo contínuo são eficazes em restaurar o teor de umidade das fezes, podendo ofertar uma opção econômica, segura e eficiente na reidratação de pacientes e nas afecções que cursam como obstruções intraluminais simples.

The occurrence of pathophysiological processes that curse with digesta dryness in the gastrointestinal tract of horses is common in clinical routine, factors such as decreased intestinal motility and intraluminal overload of dry content can lead to compaction in segments such as cecum and colon. This study aimed to compare a hypotonic enteral solution (SeHIPO), an isotonic enteral solution (SeISO) and a Ringer with sodium lactate solution (RL IV) over the moisture content of equine feces submitted to an experimental dehydration protocol. Six adult horses were used, all females aged between 10 and 15 years, average body weight of 440 kg. The PD consisted of a 36 hours period of water and food fasting associated with two intravenous administrations of furosemide, the first immediately at the beginning (T-36) and the second 12 hours after the beginning of the PD. The treatments used were: SeHIPO (hypotonic enteral solution administered via nasogastric), SeISO (enteral isotonic solution administered via nasogastric) and RL IV (Ringer's solution with sodium lactate administered intravenously), all treatments were administered by continuous infusion at a rate of 15mL kg-1 h-1 for 8 consecutive hours. The experimental design used was the 6x3 crossover, where each animal is submitted, in a rotation system, to the three treatments at different times. Enteral fluid therapy with isotonic and hypotonic solutions administered in continuous flow are effective in restoring the moisture content of feces, and may offer an economical, safe, and efficient option for rehydrating patients and in conditions that progress as simple intraluminal obstructions.

Endoparasites of donkeys (Equus asinus) used in commercial skin exploitation in the Northeast of Brazil / Endoparasitos de jumentos (Equus asinus) utilizados em uma exploração comercial de peles no Nordeste brasileiro

The present study identified the main endoparasites present in donkeys (Equus asinus) used in skin exploitation located in Cando municipality, Bahia State, Northeast of Brazil. The samples were collected from September 2019. Feces were collected from the rectal ampulla of 34 animals, macroscopically visualized for parasitic forms, and microscopically evaluated to identify endoparasites forms using the McMaster method. Parasitological results were associated with sex, age, and bodyweight Stata Corp LLC 14. Endoparasites were found in 82.3% of the animals, with the egg count ranging from 50 to 1050 eggs per gram (EPG). The sole presence of superfamily Trichostronglylidae was observed in 67.6% of the donkeys, in 8.8% co-infected by Trichostronglylidae and Eimeria spp., while Trichostronglylidae and Strongyloides westeriwas detected in 2.9%, and simultaneous infection by Trichostronglylidae, Strongyloides westeri, and Oxyuris equi was observed in 2.9%. The occurrence of parasitic infections varies according to nutritional status, age, sex, and environmental exposure (p>0.05). A high occurrence of infection was observed in young animals and those with lower body weight.(AU)

O presente trabalho identificou os principais endoparasitas em jumentos utilizados em uma exploração de pele localizada no município de Canudos, Estado da Bahia, Nordeste do Brasil. As amostras foram colhidas no período de setembro de 2019. Fezes de 34 jumentos, colhidas diretamente da ampola retal, foram visualizadas macroscopicamente para formas parasitárias e avaliadas microscopicamente para identificar endoparasitos pela técnica de McMaster. Os resultados parasitológicos foram associados com sexo, idade e peso corporal pelo Stata Corp LLC 14. Endoparasitas foram encontrados em 82,3% dos animais, com contagem de ovos variando de 50 a 1050 ovos por grama (OPG). Presença de unicamente parasitos da superfamília Trichostronglylidae foi observada em 67,6% dos jumentos, 8,8% estavam coinfectados por Trichostronglylidae e Eimeria spp., 2,9% por Trichostronglylidae e Strongyloides westeri e 2,9% apresentaram presença simultânea de Trichostronglylidae, Strongyloides westeri e Oxyuris equi. A ocorrência de infecções parasitárias varia de acordo com a idade, sexo e exposição ambiental (p>0.05). Observou-se alta ocorrência de animais infectados nos animais jovens e naqueles com menor peso corporal.(AU)

Case report: the use of the AWIN welfare assessment protocol to monitor a group of abandoned donkeys / Estudo de caso: o uso do protocolo AWIN de avaliação de bem-estar para monitorar um grupo de jumentos abandonados

The objective of this study was to reach a diagnosis of the living conditions of abandoned donkeys kept in a restricted farm area through the assessment of their welfare level utilizing the AWIN protocol as a methodological tool. These animals were supposed to be sent to slaughter, but after the activity was temporarily banned, they were abandoned by traders. The protocol of welfare assessment was associated with general environmental and sanitary conditions. Information regarding the mortality rates was also gathered. According to the welfare assessment results, the living conditions of these animals were acceptable in some areas, despite the insufficient shade and shelter, a 3-month food restriction period, and a mortality rate of over 70%. These results demonstrate that welfare assessment protocols must be adapted to crises and databases for welfare indicators in diverse conditions must be created.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi formular um diagnóstico das condições de vida de jumentos abandonados mantidos em uma área restrita de uma propriedade através da avaliação de seu nível de bem-estar, utilizando o protocolo AWIN como ferramenta metodológica. Estes animais seriam destinados ao abate, porém, depois da suspensão temporária da atividade, foram abandonados pelos proprietários. O protocolo de avaliação de bem-estar foi associado às condições ambientais e sanitárias gerais. Informações sobre os índices de mortalidade também foram coletadas. De acordo com os resultados da avaliação de bem-estar, as condições de vida destes animais estavam aceitáveis em algumas áreas, embora não houvesse sombreamento e abrigo suficientes, um período de restrição alimentar de 3 meses e um índice de mortalidade acima de 70%. Estes resultados demonstram que protocolos de avaliação de bem-estar devem ser adaptados a situações de crise, e bancos de dados para indicadores de bem-estar em condições diversas devem ser criados.(AU)

The union between technical knowledge and activism as a tool to save the donkey / A união entre o conhecimento técnico e o ativismo de proteção animal como ferramenta para salvar os jumentos

This case report presents the importance of articulation between legal professionals with the expertise of those who work in different areas of animal science and the activists of animal cause. The report is based on the experience that took place in the interior of the State of Bahia, with a donkey herd, the target of foreign groups interested in donkey hide exploration. The animals were rescued from mistreatment and slaughter, thanks to efficient legal work, aided by several areas of the veterinary sciences, and supported politically by the movement of animal activists. The union between activism and technical knowledge in the areas of health, breeding, nutrition, animal welfare, and legal knowledge is a tool that should not be overlooked. On the contrary, it has proved effective, confirming a strong and innovative link capable of saving animals, promoting their welfare, generating technical knowledge, and new and promising proposals for intersectoral action.(AU)

Este caso relata a experiência da articulação entre profissionais da área jurídica com a expertise daqueles que atuam nas diversas áreas da ciência animal e os militantes do ativismo da causa animal. O relato de caso toma por base a experiência ocorrida no interior do estado da Bahia, no Brasil, com um rebanho de jumentos, alvo de grupos estrangeiros interessados na exploração de pele. Os animais foram salvos de maus-tratos e do abate graças ao eficiente trabalho jurídico, auxiliado por várias áreas da ciência animal e apoiado politicamente pelo movimento de ativistas da causa animal. A união entre o ativismo e o conhecimento técnico é poderosa ferramenta capaz de estabelecer relações, conexões e promover a divulgação do conhecimento na comunidade e, principalmente, salvar a vida de animais humanos e animais não humanos.(AU)

How much is a donkey worth? / Qual o valor do jumento?

This study aimed to estimate the donkey unit cost of production and to contextualize it with the socio-economic condition of the Brazilian semiarid region. A study model was proposed in which the costs of maintenance and animal production were considered, assuming that the herd already existed on the property and the use of the available facilities. The production cycle of donkeys was estimated at 36 months, with an initial herd of 100 jennies and five jacks. For the estimation of forage production, native pastures to the semi-arid region were considered. The unit cost of production was estimated for donkey US$ 258.00/year. However, when the donkey is integrated into the production unit of the family farming system, this animal should be considered as a production asset (draught, pack, and ridden). In face of the growing demand for donkey hide in the international market, the absence of public policies for the protection and welfare of these animals, and even considering the possibility of integrating them into family farming systems, the following question must be asked: how long before Northeast donkeys are extinct? Estimating the unit cost of donkey production and considering them as an essential production asset in family farming could be a starting point to diminish their abandonment in several communities and the consequences of the exploitation of hides.(AU)

O estudo teve como objetivo estimar o custo de produção do jumento e contextualizar com a condição socioeconômica da região semiárida brasileira. Foi proposto um modelo de estudo no qual foram considerados os custos de manutenção e produção animal, admitindo que o rebanho já existisse na propriedade com utilização das instalações disponíveis. O ciclo de produção do jumento foi estimado em 36 meses, com rebanho inicial de 100 matrizes e cinco reprodutores. Para a estimativa de produção de forragem, foram consideradas pastagens nativas da região semiárida. Foi estimado o custo de produção do jumento em US$ 258,00/ano. Entretanto, quando o jumento está integrado à unidade produtiva do segmento da agricultura familiar, esse animal deve ser considerado como ativo de produção (tração, carga e transporte). Diante da crescente demanda da pele de jumentos no mercado internacional, da ausência de políticas públicas de proteção e bem-estar desses animais, e mesmo considerando a possibilidade de integrá-los ao sistema de agricultura familiar, permanece a pergunta: quanto tempo vai levar até que os jumentos nordestinos sejam extintos? Estimar o custo unitário da produção de jumentos e considerá-los como um ativo essencial de produção na agricultura familiar pode ser um ponto de partida para diminuir seu abandono às consequências da exploração de pele.(AU)

The reality of the donkey's exploitation for the hide trade in Brazil: disease outbreaks and animal welfare compromised in rescued donkeys / A realidade da exploração de jumentos para exportação de pele no Brasil: surtos sanitários e bem-estar animal comprometido em asininos resgatados

About 800 donkeys that were confined in a restrictive area used in a manner comparable to a warehouse for receiving donkeys for slaughter were abandoned. After receiving reports of mistreatment, civilians acted to save the animals. A task force was organized that planned veterinary and zootechnical actions and activities for daily health management, feeding, and clinical care to attend to the abandoned donkeys. Positive cases were diagnosed for glanders, equine infectious anemia, equine herpesvirus, and equine babesiosis. The objective of this communication is to bring to the attention of the scientific community the interventions in the area of animal health and welfare, to address the episode of northeast donkeys that were victims of international trade. It is fundamental to change the approach related to the management of donkeys in Brazil, and appeal to the necessity to identify ethical and sustainable ways to incorporate donkeys in Brazil in the 21st century.(AU)

Cerca de 800 jumentos confinados em uma área utilizada como entreposto de recebimento e encaminhamento de jumentos para abate foram abandonados. Após denúncias de maus tratos, a sociedade civil atuou para salvar os animais. Foi constituída uma força tarefa que planejou ações e atividades veterinárias e zootécnicas atuando diariamente no manejo sanitário, na alimentação e nos cuidados clínicos na assistência aos jumentos abandonados. Foram diagnosticados casos positivos de mormo, anemia infecciosa equina, herpesvírus equino e babesiose equina. O objetivo desta comunicação foi relatar para a comunidade científica as intervenções nas áreas de saúde e bem-estar animal no episódio dos jumentos nordestinos vítimas do comércio internacional. É fundamental mudar a abordagem em relação ao manejo de jumentos no Brasil e apelar para a necessidade de identificar maneiras éticas e sustentáveis de incorporar os jumentos no Brasil do século 21.(AU)

Inconsistencies in horse coat color registration: A case study.

Grullo is a dun dilution on a black coat that is common in the Campolina horse: an autochthonous Brazilian breed. The aims of this case study were to evaluate inconsistencies in grullo coat color registration and to explain their possible causes. A total of 3,270 grullo Campolina horses were evaluated. To confirm the genetic possibility of having grullo animals, the coat color genotypes of parents were inferred by phenotype and compared with those of progeny. A total of 242 horses that were registered as grullos could not have this coat based on their parents' information. Possible explanations for incorrect registration are errors of paternity and in coat color identification. We suggest maintaining obligatory paternity testing and enhancing training in coat color identification.