FGF18 impairs blastocyst viability, DNA double-strand breaks and maternal recognition of pregnancy genes.

Embryonic mortality in cattle is high, reaching 10-40 % in vivo and 60-70 % in vitro. Death of embryos involves reduced expression of genes related to embryonic viability, inhibition of DNA repair and increased DNA damage. In follicular granulosa cells, FGF18 from the theca layer increases apoptosis and DNA damage, so we hypothesized that FGF18 may also affect the oocyte and contribute to early embryonic death. The aims of this study were to identify the effects of FGF18 on cumulus expansion, oocyte maturation and embryo development from cleavage to blastocyst stage using a conventional bovine in vitro embryo production system using ovaries of abattoir origin. Addition of FGF18 during in-vitro maturation did not affect FSH-induced cumulus expansion or rates of nuclear maturation. When FGF18 was present in the culture system, rates of cleavage were not affected however, blastocyst and expanded blastocyst development was substantially inhibited (P < 0.05), indicating a delay of blastulation. The number of phosphorylated histone H2AFX foci per nucleus, a marker of DNA damage, was higher in cleavage-stage embryos cultured with FGF18 than in those from control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, FGF18 decreased accumulation of PTGS2 and IFNT2 mRNA in blastocysts. In conclusion, these novel findings suggest that FGF18 plays a role in the regulation of embryonic death during the early stages of development by impairing DNA double-strand break repair and expression of genes associated with embryo viability and maternal recognition of pregnancy during the progression from oocyte to expanded blastocysts.

Relative transcript level of BMP15, BAX and CASP3 with qRT-PCR in vitrified equine immature cumulus-oocytes complexes / Relative transcript level of BMP15, BAX and CASP3 with qRT-PCR in vitrified equine immature cumulus-oocytes complexes

Research focused on female gamete vitrification has increased attention to develop a reliable cryopreservation method to preserve immature equine oocytes. Despite the intensive implementation of biotechnological procedures for horse breeding, vitrification of immature equine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) remain to be clearly elucidated. We aimed to determine the relative transcript level of target genes Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15); Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX); and Caspase 3 (CASP3) in equine COCs prior to and after vitrification. Ovarian follicles were aspirated from ovaries collected from an abattoir. A total of 240 COCs were collected and distributed into vitrified COCs (VIT, n=120) and nonvitrified (Non-VIT, n=120) groups. Then, COCs were preserved and relative transcript expressions of BMP15, BAX, CASP3 were measured and normalized against GAPDH performed by qRT-PCR. In addition, 38 COCs were evaluated to assess chromatin configuration of germinal vesicl e stage prior and after vitrification by exposure to 10 µg/ml of bisbenzimide. A difference was observed in the COCs' mRNA level of abundance for the BAX gene between the VIT (2.05 ± 0.47) and (0.85 ± 0.08) Non-VIT groups. There was no difference in mRNA relative transcript level of CASP3 and BMP15 in Non-VIT (0.63 ± 0.20 and 1.55 ± 0.73, respectively) compared to VIT (0.64 ± 0.01 and 2.84 ± 2.20, respectively) equine COCs. All COCs where considered at immature stage of development even though COCs in Non-VIT group showed higher condensed chromatin configuration compared to VIT (100% vs 60.7%, respectively). We demonstrate that BMP15 and CASP3 are detected in VIT and Non-VIT immature COCs. In conclusion, BAX is expressed highly in vitrified immature equine COCs and indicates that activation of apoptosis signaling cascades in cells exposed to vitrification.(AU)

Pesquisas sobre a vitrificação de gametas femininos estão sendo realizadas para o desenvolvimento de um método confiável de criopreservação dos complexos cumulus-oócitos (CCOs) na espécie equina. Apesar da implementação intensiva de biotecnologias reprodutivas em equinos, a vitrificação dos CCOs imaturos permanece em estágio experimental em relação à competência celular. O objetivo do estudo foi determinar o nível de transcrição relativo dos genes Proteína morfogenética óssea 15 (BMP15); Proteína X associada a Bcl-2 (BAX); e Caspase 3 (CASP3) em CCOs equinos antes e após a vitrificação. Folículos ovarianos foram aspirados de ovários coletados em matadouro. O total de 240 CCOs foi coletado e distribuído em grupos vitrificados (VIT, n=120) e não vitrificados (N-VIT, n=120). Os CCOs foram preservados e as expressões transcritas relativas de BMP15, BAX, CASP3 foram determinadas pela técnica de qRT-PCR sendo normalizadas em relação ao GAPDH. Além disso, 38 CCOs foram avaliados para determinar a configuração da cromatina no estágio de vesícula germinativa antes e após a vitrificação pela exposição a 10 µg/ml de bisbenzimida. Os resultados mostraram uma diferença no nível de abundância de mRNA dos CCOs para o gene BAX entre os grupos VIT (2,05 ± 0,47) e N-VIT (0,85 ± 0,08). Não houve diferença no nível de transcrição relativa do mRNA de CASP3 e BMP15 nos CCOs do grupo N-VIT (0,63 ± 0,20 e 1,55 ± 0,73, respectivamente) em comparação com VIT (0,64 ± 0,01 e 2,84 ± 2,20, respectivamente). Todos os CCOs foram considerados em estágio imaturo de desenvolvimento, embora os CCOs no grupo N-VIT apresentaram a configuração de cromatina condensada em maior número de células avaliadas em comparação com VIT (100% vs 60,7%, respectivamente). Demonstramos que BMP15 e CASP3 são detectados em CCOs imaturos em VIT e N-VIT. Conclui-se que o BAX é altamente expresso em CCOs equinos imaturos vitrificados sendo relacionado à sinalização de apoptose em células expostas ao processo de vitrificação.(AU)

Transforming growth factor-beta family members are regulated during induced luteolysis in cattle

The transforming growth factors beta (TGFβ) are local factors produced by ovarian cells which, after binding to their receptors, regulate follicular deviation and ovulation. However, their regulation and function during corpus luteum (CL) regression has been poorly investigated. The present study evaluated the mRNA regulation of some TGFβ family ligands and their receptors in the bovine CL during induced luteolysis in vivo. On day 10 of the estrous cycle, cows received an injection of prostaglandin F2α (PGF) and luteal samples were obtained from separate groups of cows (n= 4-5 cows per time-point) at 0, 2, 12, 24 or 48 h after treatment. Since TGF beta family comprises more than 30 ligands, we focused in some candidates genes such as activin receptors (ACVR-1A, -1B, -2A, -2B) AMH, AMHR2, BMPs (BMP-1, -2, -3, -4, -6 and -7), BMP receptors (BMPR-1A, -1B and -2), inhibin subunits (INH-A, -BA, -BB) and betaglycan (TGFBR3). The mRNA levels of BMP4, BMP6 and INHBA were higher at 2 h after PGF administration (P<0.05) in comparison to 0 h. The relative mRNA abundance of BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, BMP4, BMP6, ACVR1B, INHBA and INHBB was upregulated up to 12 h post PGF (P<0.05). On the other hand, TGFBR3 mRNA that codes for a reservoir of ligands that bind to TGF-beta receptors, was lower at 48 h. In conclusion, findings from this study demonstrated that genes encoding several TGFβ family members are expressed in a time-specific manner after PGF administration.

Transforming growth factor-beta family members are regulated during induced luteolysis in cattle

The transforming growth factors beta (TGFβ) are local factors produced by ovarian cells which, after binding to their receptors, regulate follicular deviation and ovulation. However, their regulation and function during corpus luteum (CL) regression has been poorly investigated. The present study evaluated the mRNA regulation of some TGFβ family ligands and their receptors in the bovine CL during induced luteolysis in vivo. On day 10 of the estrous cycle, cows received an injection of prostaglandin F2α (PGF) and luteal samples were obtained from separate groups of cows (n= 4-5 cows per time-point) at 0, 2, 12, 24 or 48 h after treatment. Since TGF beta family comprises more than 30 ligands, we focused in some candidates genes such as activin receptors (ACVR-1A, -1B, -2A, -2B) AMH, AMHR2, BMPs (BMP-1, -2, -3, -4, -6 and -7), BMP receptors (BMPR-1A, -1B and -2), inhibin subunits (INH-A, -BA, -BB) and betaglycan (TGFBR3). The mRNA levels of BMP4, BMP6 and INHBA were higher at 2 h after PGF administration (P<0.05) in comparison to 0 h. The relative mRNA abundance of BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, BMP4, BMP6, ACVR1B, INHBA and INHBB was upregulated up to 12 h post PGF (P<0.05). On the other hand, TGFBR3 mRNA that codes for a reservoir of ligands that bind to TGF-beta receptors, was lower at 48 h. In conclusion, findings from this study demonstrated that genes encoding several TGFβ family members are expressed in a time-specific manner after PGF administration.(AU)

Comparison of the effects of triamcinolone acetonide or platelet-rich plasma on expression of extracellular matrix-related genes in equine healthy chondrocytes in vitro / Comparação dos efeitos do acetonido de triancinolona ou plasma rico em plaquetas na expressão de genes relacionados à matriz extracelular de condrócitos in vitro de equinos adultos

In healthy cartilage, chondrocytes maintain an expression of collagens and proteoglycans and are sensitive to growth factors and cytokines that either enhance or reduce type II collagen synthesis. In osteoarthritis, pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, induce overexpression of metalloproteinases (MMP) and decreasing synthesis of aggrecan. Use of chondroprotectors agents, such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and triamcinolone (TA) are alternatives to reduce the progression of joint damage. In this study, we used chondrocytes extracted from metacarpophalangeal joints of healthy horses as the experimental model. Cells were treated in vitro with PRP or TA. No differences were observed between these treatments in comparison to the control group when the expressions of MMP9, MMP13, IL-6 and ACAN genes were evaluated (P<0.05). With these results, we can suggest that the treatments were not deleterious to equine cultured chondrocyte, once they did not stimulate MMPs and IL-6 synthesis or caused changes in ACAN.(AU)

Na cartilagem saudável, os condrócitos mantêm a expressão de colágenos e proteoglicanos, sendo sensíveis a fatores de crescimento e citocinas que aumentam ou reduzem a síntese de colágeno tipo II. Na osteoartrite, citocinas pró-inflamatórias, como a IL-6, estimulam a expressão de metaloproteinases (MMP) e reduzem a síntese de agrecano. O uso de condroprotetores, como o Plasma Rico em Plaquetas (PRP) e triancinolona (TA) é uma alternativa para se reduzir a progressão do dano articular. Neste estudo foram usados condrócitos extraídos das articulações metacarpofalangeanas de equinos saudáveis. As células foram tratadas in vitro com TA ou PRP. Não foram observadas diferenças entre os tratamentos comparando-se com o grupo controle quanto à expressão genética de MMP-9, MMP-13, IL-6 e ACAN (p<0,05). Assim, pode-se sugerir que os tratamentos não foram deletérios ao cultivo de condrócitos, uma vez que não estimularam a síntese de MMP e IL-6 e nem causaram alterações no ACAN.(AU)

Comparison of the effects of triamcinolone acetonide or platelet-rich plasma on expression of extracellular matrix-related genes in equine healthy chondrocytes in vitro / Comparação dos efeitos do acetonido de triancinolona ou plasma rico em plaquetas na expressão de genes relacionados à matriz extracelular de condrócitos in vitro de equinos adultos

ABSTRACT: In healthy cartilage, chondrocytes maintain an expression of collagens and proteoglycans and are sensitive to growth factors and cytokines that either enhance or reduce type II collagen synthesis. In osteoarthritis, pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, induce overexpression of metalloproteinases (MMP) and decreasing synthesis of aggrecan. Use of chondroprotectors agents, such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and triamcinolone (TA) are alternatives to reduce the progression of joint damage. In this study, we used chondrocytes extracted from metacarpophalangeal joints of healthy horses as the experimental model. Cells were treated in vitro with PRP or TA. No differences were observed between these treatments in comparison to the control group when the expressions of MMP9, MMP13, IL-6 and ACAN genes were evaluated (P<0.05). With these results, we can suggest that the treatments were not deleterious to equine cultured chondrocyte, once they did not stimulate MMPs and IL-6 synthesis or caused changes in ACAN.

RESUMO: Na cartilagem saudável, os condrócitos mantêm a expressão de colágenos e proteoglicanos, sendo sensíveis a fatores de crescimento e citocinas que aumentam ou reduzem a síntese de colágeno tipo II. Na osteoartrite, citocinas pró-inflamatórias, como a IL-6, estimulam a expressão de metaloproteinases (MMP) e reduzem a síntese de agrecano. O uso de condroprotetores, como o Plasma Rico em Plaquetas (PRP) e triancinolona (TA) é uma alternativa para se reduzir a progressão do dano articular. Neste estudo foram usados condrócitos extraídos das articulações metacarpofalangeanas de equinos saudáveis. As células foram tratadas in vitro com TA ou PRP. Não foram observadas diferenças entre os tratamentos comparando-se com o grupo controle quanto à expressão genética de MMP-9, MMP-13, IL-6 e ACAN (p<0,05). Assim, pode-se sugerir que os tratamentos não foram deletérios ao cultivo de condrócitos, uma vez que não estimularam a síntese de MMP e IL-6 e nem causaram alterações no ACAN.

Parthenogenetic bovine embryos secrete type I interferon capable of stimulating ISG15 in luteal cell culture

Interferon tau (IFNT) is the pregnancy recognition signal in ruminants and is secreted by trophoblast cells. Paracrine action in the endometrium is well established by inhibiting luteolytic pulses of prostaglandin F2 alpha. Recently, endocrine action was documented in the corpus luteum, blood cell and liver. It was hypothesized that conditioned medium (CM) obtained from days 7, 9 and 12 parthenogenetic embryos alters luteal cell gene expression. The aim was to establish a bovine mixed luteal cell culture to evaluate cellular response associated to interferon stimulated genes, steroidogenesis and apoptosis. Conditioned medium was obtained from Days 7, 9 and 12 parthenogenetic (PA) embryos culture. Moreover, antiviral assay was performed on CM from Days 7, 9 and 12 to verify Type I interferon activity. Luteal cell culture was validated by steroidogenic and apoptotic genes (CYP11A1, HSD3B1, BAX, BCL2, AKT and XIAP mRNA expression), and concentration of progesterone as endpoint. Luteal cell culture was treated with interferon alpha (IFNA) and CM from parthenogenetic embryos. Antiviral assay revealed Type I interferon activity on CM from embryos increasing on Days 9 and 12. ISG15 mRNA was greater in the mixed luteal cells culture treated with 1, 10 and 100ng/ml of interferon alpha (IFNA) and also on Days 7, 9 and 12 CM treatments. Concentration of progesterone was not altered in luteal cell culture regardless of treatments. Steroidogenic and apoptotic genes were similar among groups in luteal cell culture treated with different doses of IFNA or CM from PA embryos. In conclusion, parthenogenetic embryo-derived CM has antiviral activity, luteal cell culture respond to Type I interferon by expressing IGS15. These data indicate this model can be used for IFNT endocrine signaling studies.

Parthenogenetic bovine embryos secrete type I interferon capable of stimulating ISG15 in luteal cell culture

Interferon tau (IFNT) is the pregnancy recognition signal in ruminants and is secreted by trophoblast cells. Paracrine action in the endometrium is well established by inhibiting luteolytic pulses of prostaglandin F2 alpha. Recently, endocrine action was documented in the corpus luteum, blood cell and liver. It was hypothesized that conditioned medium (CM) obtained from days 7, 9 and 12 parthenogenetic embryos alters luteal cell gene expression. The aim was to establish a bovine mixed luteal cell culture to evaluate cellular response associated to interferon stimulated genes, steroidogenesis and apoptosis. Conditioned medium was obtained from Days 7, 9 and 12 parthenogenetic (PA) embryos culture. Moreover, antiviral assay was performed on CM from Days 7, 9 and 12 to verify Type I interferon activity. Luteal cell culture was validated by steroidogenic and apoptotic genes (CYP11A1, HSD3B1, BAX, BCL2, AKT and XIAP mRNA expression), and concentration of progesterone as endpoint. Luteal cell culture was treated with interferon alpha (IFNA) and CM from parthenogenetic embryos. Antiviral assay revealed Type I interferon activity on CM from embryos increasing on Days 9 and 12. ISG15 mRNA was greater in the mixed luteal cells culture treated with 1, 10 and 100ng/ml of interferon alpha (IFNA) and also on Days 7, 9 and 12 CM treatments. Concentration of progesterone was not altered in luteal cell culture regardless of treatments. Steroidogenic and apoptotic genes were similar among groups in luteal cell culture treated with different doses of IFNA or CM from PA embryos. In conclusion, parthenogenetic embryo-derived CM has antiviral activity, luteal cell culture respond to Type I interferon by expressing IGS15. These data indicate this model can be used for IFNT endocrine signaling studies.(AU)

Relação entre fumonisinas na dieta de leitões na creche e a ocorrência do vício de sucção, desempenho e características de alguns órgãos / Relation to fumonisins in diets in post weaning piglets and suckling vice occurrence, performance and characteristics of some organs

O experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito do vício de sucção em leitões alimentados com dieta com ou sem fumonisinas sobre o desempenho zootécnico e características de alguns órgãos. Foram utilizados 32 leitões, meio-irmãos paternos, distribuídos num fatorial 2 x 2 (animais com vício e sem vício de sucção, com ou sem adição de fumonisinas na dieta), com quatro repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental. Não houve interação (P>0,05) do vício de sucção com a adição de fumonisinas na dieta nas variáveis estudadas. O peso final dos leitões com vício de sucção foi 8 por cento menor (P<0,05), se comparado ao grupo controle (25,2 x 27,5kg). A adição de fumonisinas na dieta reduziu (P<0,05) em 9 por cento o peso final dos animais, se comparado aos do grupo controle (25,8 x 28,3kg). O vício de sucção não influenciou (P>0,05) o consumo de alimento. A adição de fumonisinas na dieta reduziu (P<0,05) o consumo de ração em 20 por cento, dos 22 aos 28 dias de experimento. O ganho de peso total foi 14 por cento inferior (P<0,05) nos leitões com vício de sucção (0,51 x 0,59kg). O ganho de peso dos animais alimentados com dieta com fumonisinas foi 15 por cento inferior (P<0,05) ao ganho dos animais-controle. O vício de sucção piorou (P<0,05) em 11 por cento a conversão alimentar (1,52 x 1,68) nos leitões com vício. A adição de fumonisinas na dieta piorou (P<0,05) a conversão alimentar em 13 por cento para os leitões dos 15 aos 21 dias de experimento. O vício de sucção não alterou (P>0,05) o peso dos órgãos dos leitões. As fumonisinas aumentaram (P<0,05) o peso do fígado (820 x 693g) e reduziram o peso do coração (126 x 148g), estômago (291 x 384g), intestino (2.015 x 2.577g), pâncreas (55 x 74g) e pulmão (291 x 350g). O vício de sucção e as fumonisinas influenciam negativamente o desempenho dos animais, mas o vício não altera a massa dos órgãos.

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of the suckling vice and fumonisins on the performance and characteristics of some organs of post weaning piglets. Thirty-two littermates piglets where used into a factorial 2 x 2 (with and without suckling vice, with or without fumonisins in diet), with four replications and two animals for experimental unit. There was no interaction (P>0.05) between suckling vice and fumonisins for all analyzed variables. The final weight of piglets with suckling vice was 8 percent (P<0.05) lower than control group (25.2 x 27.5kg). Suckling vice did not influence (P>0.05) the feed intake. The addition of fumonisinas in the diet reduced (P<0.05) 20 percent the feed intake between 22 to 28 days of experiment. The weight gain of animals fed fumonisin diets was 14 percent lower (P<0.05) than control group. The suckling vice got worse (P<0.05) 11 percent feed conversion rate (1.52 x 1.68). Fumonisin diets got worse (P<0.05) 13 percent feed conversion rate from 15 to 21 days of experiment. The suckling vice did not modify (P>0.05) organ weights. Fumonisins increased (P<0.05) the liver weight (820 x 693g) and reduced weight of heart (126 x 148g), stomach (291 x 384g), intestine (2,015 x 2,577g), pancreas (55 x 74g), and lung (291 x 350g). The suckling vice and fumonisins influence negatively the animals performance, but the vice does not modify organ weights.

Relação entre fumonisinas na dieta de leitões na creche e a ocorrência do vício de sucção, desempenho e características de alguns órgãos

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of the suckling vice and fumonisins on the performance and characteristics of some organs of post weaning piglets. Thirty-two littermates piglets where used into a factorial 2 x 2 (with and without suckling vice, with or without fumonisins in diet), with four replications and two animals for experimental unit. There was no interaction (P>0.05) between suckling vice and fumonisins for all analyzed variables. The final weight of piglets with suckling vice was 8% (P 0.05) lower than control group (25.2 x 27.5kg). Suckling vice did not influence (P>0.05) the feed intake. The addition of fumonisinas in the diet reduced (P 0.05) 20% the feed intake between 22 to 28 days of experiment. The weight gain of animals fed fumonisin diets was 14% lower (P 0.05) than control group. The suckling vice got worse (P 0.05) 11% feed conversion rate (1.52 x 1.68). Fumonisin diets got worse (P 0.05) 13% feed conversion rate from 15 to 21 days of experiment. The suckling vice did not modify (P>0.05) organ weights. Fumonisins increased (P 0.05) the liver weight (820 x 693g) and reduced weight of heart (126 x 148g), stomach (291 x 384g), intestine (2,015 x 2,577g), pancreas (55 x 74g), and lung (291 x 350g). The suckling vice and fumonisins influence negatively the animals performance, but the vice does not modify organ weights.

O experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito do vício de sucção em leitões alimentados com dieta com ou sem fumonisinas sobre o desempenho zootécnico e características de alguns órgãos. Foram utilizados 32 leitões, meio-irmãos paternos, distribuídos num fatorial 2 x 2 (animais com vício e sem vício de sucção, com ou sem adição de fumonisinas na dieta), com quatro repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental. Não houve interação (P>0,05) do vício de sucção com a adição de fumonisinas na dieta nas variáveis estudadas. O peso final dos leitões com vício de sucção foi 8% menor (P 0,05), se comparado ao grupo controle (25,2 x 27,5kg). A adição de fumonisinas na dieta reduziu (P 0,05) em 9% o peso final dos animais, se comparado aos do grupo controle (25,8 x 28,3kg). O vício de sucção não influenciou (P>0,05) o consumo de alimento. A adição de fumonisinas na dieta reduziu (P 0,05) o consumo de ração em 20%, dos 22 aos 28 dias de experimento. O ganho de peso total foi 14% inferior (P 0,05) nos leitões com vício de sucção (0,51 x 0,59kg). O ganho de peso dos animais alimentados com dieta com fumonisinas foi 15% inferior (P 0,05) ao ganho dos animais-controle. O vício de sucção piorou (P 0,05) em 11% a conversão alimentar (1,52 x 1,68) nos leitões com vício. A adição de fumonisinas na dieta piorou (P 0,05) a conversão alimentar em 13% para os leitões dos 15 aos 21 dias de experimento. O vício de sucção não alterou (P>0,05) o peso dos órgãos dos leitões. As fumonisinas aumentaram (P 0,05) o peso do fígado (820 x 693g) e reduziram o peso do coração (126 x 148g), estômago (291 x 384g), intestino (2.015 x 2.577g), pâncreas (55 x 74g) e pulmão (291 x 350g). O vício de sucção e as fumonisinas influenciam negativamente o desempenho dos animais, mas o vício não altera a massa dos órgãos.

Relação entre fumonisinas na dieta de leitões na creche e a ocorrência do vício de sucção, desempenho e características de alguns órgãos

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of the suckling vice and fumonisins on the performance and characteristics of some organs of post weaning piglets. Thirty-two littermates piglets where used into a factorial 2 x 2 (with and without suckling vice, with or without fumonisins in diet), with four replications and two animals for experimental unit. There was no interaction (P>0.05) between suckling vice and fumonisins for all analyzed variables. The final weight of piglets with suckling vice was 8% (P 0.05) lower than control group (25.2 x 27.5kg). Suckling vice did not influence (P>0.05) the feed intake. The addition of fumonisinas in the diet reduced (P 0.05) 20% the feed intake between 22 to 28 days of experiment. The weight gain of animals fed fumonisin diets was 14% lower (P 0.05) than control group. The suckling vice got worse (P 0.05) 11% feed conversion rate (1.52 x 1.68). Fumonisin diets got worse (P 0.05) 13% feed conversion rate from 15 to 21 days of experiment. The suckling vice did not modify (P>0.05) organ weights. Fumonisins increased (P 0.05) the liver weight (820 x 693g) and reduced weight of heart (126 x 148g), stomach (291 x 384g), intestine (2,015 x 2,577g), pancreas (55 x 74g), and lung (291 x 350g). The suckling vice and fumonisins influence negatively the animals performance, but the vice does not modify organ weights.

O experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito do vício de sucção em leitões alimentados com dieta com ou sem fumonisinas sobre o desempenho zootécnico e características de alguns órgãos. Foram utilizados 32 leitões, meio-irmãos paternos, distribuídos num fatorial 2 x 2 (animais com vício e sem vício de sucção, com ou sem adição de fumonisinas na dieta), com quatro repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental. Não houve interação (P>0,05) do vício de sucção com a adição de fumonisinas na dieta nas variáveis estudadas. O peso final dos leitões com vício de sucção foi 8% menor (P 0,05), se comparado ao grupo controle (25,2 x 27,5kg). A adição de fumonisinas na dieta reduziu (P 0,05) em 9% o peso final dos animais, se comparado aos do grupo controle (25,8 x 28,3kg). O vício de sucção não influenciou (P>0,05) o consumo de alimento. A adição de fumonisinas na dieta reduziu (P 0,05) o consumo de ração em 20%, dos 22 aos 28 dias de experimento. O ganho de peso total foi 14% inferior (P 0,05) nos leitões com vício de sucção (0,51 x 0,59kg). O ganho de peso dos animais alimentados com dieta com fumonisinas foi 15% inferior (P 0,05) ao ganho dos animais-controle. O vício de sucção piorou (P 0,05) em 11% a conversão alimentar (1,52 x 1,68) nos leitões com vício. A adição de fumonisinas na dieta piorou (P 0,05) a conversão alimentar em 13% para os leitões dos 15 aos 21 dias de experimento. O vício de sucção não alterou (P>0,05) o peso dos órgãos dos leitões. As fumonisinas aumentaram (P 0,05) o peso do fígado (820 x 693g) e reduziram o peso do coração (126 x 148g), estômago (291 x 384g), intestino (2.015 x 2.577g), pâncreas (55 x 74g) e pulmão (291 x 350g). O vício de sucção e as fumonisinas influenciam negativamente o desempenho dos animais, mas o vício não altera a massa dos órgãos.