Effect of acupuncture on hematologic, muscular biomarkers, fibrinogen and serum lactate parameters in training rodeo bulls.

The study aimed to evaluated the effects of acupuncture in rodeo bulls in training, by determining hematological variables, creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), fibrinogen, and plasma lactate. Thirty adult healthy bulls, crossbred, were included in the study and randomly allocated into two groups of 15 animals, according to the use of acupuncture treatment for six months (GA) or not (GB). The variables were measured 30 min before (TP0) and 10 min (TP10min), 12 (TP12h), 24 (TP24h), 48 (TP48h), and 72 h (TP72h) after a single episode of jumping emulating rodeo exercise. The GB group showed variations in hemoglobin between TP0 and TP10min (p = 0.002) and TP0 and TP12h (p = 0.004), and the GA presented an increase in eosinophil values between TP0 and TP12h (p = 0.013) and TP0 and TP24h (p = 0.034). Leukopenia was observed in GB between TP10min and TP72h ((p = 0.008). The CK values were high (↑ 300 UI/l) after exercise until the TP24h, and decreased in TP48h, in both groups. The plasma lactate elevation was lower in the GA at TP10min (p = 0.011), TP12h (p = 0.008), TP72h (p < 0.001). The rodeo bulls submitted to acupuncture treatment showed smaller variations in hemogram, elevated eosinophils levels, and lower plasma lactate levels after exercise.

Allele Frequency of APAF1 Mutation in Holstein Cattle in Brazil.

APAF1 is an autosomal recessive inherited mutation, associated with Holstein haplotype 1 (HH1) and characterized by a substitution of cytosine for a thymine (c.1741C>T) in chromosome 5. The mutation causes fetal and embryonic loss, between 60 and 200 days of gestation, and reduced conception rate. The ARMS-PCR is considered a simple and low-cost method to determine single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with no need for genetic sequencing of the animal genome. This study aimed to verify the allelic frequency of APAF1 mutation in Brazilian Holstein cattle. A total of 248 Holstein DNA samples (210 cows and 38 bulls) were analyzed, and synthetic genes were manufactured to validate the primers developed by the authors. All animals assessed in this study were classified as wild-type for APAF1 mutation. The primers and protocol developed for the ARMS-PCR technique work with 100% specificity and efficiency since the amplicon formations are as expected according to the genotypes. In conclusion, the mutation responsible for APAF1 was not detected in the Brazilian Holstein cattle population assessed in this prevalence study, although it is not possible to affirm that APAF1 does not occur in Brazilian Holstein animals. The tetra-primer ARMS-PCR protocol for APAF1 mutation that has been validated here may be a relatively simple and economical method to determine the animals' genotype.

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

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

Cryptosporidium occurrence in ruminants from the North Pioneer mesoregion of Paraná, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Cryptosporidium in cattle and sheep from the North Pioneer mesoregion of the state of Paraná. For this, 317 stool samples were collected from cattle and sheep on 16 properties in six municipalities in the North Pioneer mesoregion of Paraná. For detection of Cryptosporidium species, molecular analysis was performed using nested-PCR techniques targeting the 18S rRNA gene. Of the 37 beef cows and 115 calves analyzed, four (10.8%) and 14 (12.2%), respectively, were positive for Cryptosporidium. Of the 12 cows and 52 calves, one (8.3%) and 14 (26.9%), respectively, were positive for Cryptosporidium; and of the 42 ewes and 59 lambs, six (14.3%) and 12 (20.3%), respectively were positive for Cryptosporidium. Cattle (15.3%) and sheep (17.8%) were both susceptible to infection. All the properties of the municipalities of Assaí, Ibaiti and, Leópolis presented infected animals. The study showed that Cryptosporidium occurs in most municipalities assessed, that dairy calves had a higher risk (Odds Ratio=2,66, p-value=0,018) for infection than beef calves, and that sheep are just as susceptible to infection as are cattle, and that further Cryptosporidium studies are developed.

Bluetongue disease in sheep: a review / O vírus da língua azul em ovinos: uma revisão

The present review aims to show the main aspects related to bluetongue virus (BTV) infection in sheep. The bluetongue (BT) is a viral, infectious, and non-contagious disease caused by a virus (BTV) of the Orbivirus genus, transmited by a hematophagous vector of the Culicoides genus, to domestic and wild ruminants, mainly to sheep, the most susceptible species. It is caused by the association of endemic with climate conditions, with high temperatures and humidity. Economic loss is directly linked to death, abortion, weight loss, loss of milk, and meat production, and, indirectly, to the restriction on the export of animals and their by-products. The study concludes that the BTV is worldwidely spread, and probably persists due to the warm and humid climate that leads to the proliferation of Culicoides sp., being necessary to adopt measures that reduce the risk factors associated to the BTV infection.(AU)

A presente revisão objetivou apresentar os principais aspectos relacionados à infecção causada pelo vírus da língua azul em ovinos. A língua azul é uma doença viral, infecciosa e não contagiosa, causada por um vírus (BTV) do gênero Orbivírus, transmitida por meio de vetores hematófagos do gênero Culicoides a ruminantes domésticos e selvagens, principalmente aos ovinos, a espécie mais susceptível. A infecção ocorre de forma endêmica, associada a condições climáticas com elevada temperatura e umidade. As perdas econômicas estão ligadas diretamente à morte, ao abortamento, à perda de peso, à perda na produção de leite e carne, e, indiretamente, devido à restrição na exportação de animais e seus subprodutos. O estudo conclui que a língua azul está disseminada mundialmente e persiste, provavelmente, devido ao clima quente e úmido que propicia a proliferação de Culicoides sp., sendo necessário adotar medidas que diminuam os fatores de risco associados à infecção pelo vírus.(AU)

Natural infection by endoparasites among free-living wild animals.

The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of occurrence and variety of intestinal parasites among free-living wild animals. Fecal samples from wild mammals and birds at rehabilitation centers in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and São Paulo were analyzed by sedimentation and flotation-centrifugation methods. Parasite eggs, oocysts, cysts and/or trophozoites were found in 71% of the samples. Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts were detected in fecal samples from oncillas (Leopardus tigrinus) and scaly-headed parrots (Pionus maximiliani). Giardia cysts were identified in the feces of a gray brocket (Mazama gouazoubira). Among the most common parasites found, there were eggs from Toxocara cati, Toxascaris leonina and Ancylostoma tubaeforme, and from Cestoda. Several Enterobius sp. eggs were found in the feces of red howler monkeys (Alouatta seniculus). It can be concluded from this study that despite the small number of samples, the diversity of parasites found was noteworthy. Additional information about parasite endofauna in wild animals is needed, since their presence might suggest that there could be proximity to and interactions with domestic animals and/or humans. In addition, further studies on parasites from free-living wild animals are of prime importance for understanding the intensity of anthropic changes in wild environments.

Cryptosporidium occurrence in ruminants from the North Pioneer mesoregion of Paraná, Brazil / Ocorrência de Cryptosporidium em ruminantes da mesorregião norte pioneiro do Estado do Paraná, Brasil

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Cryptosporidium in cattle and sheep from the North Pioneer mesoregion of the state of Paraná. For this, 317 stool samples were collected from cattle and sheep on 16 properties in six municipalities in the North Pioneer mesoregion of Paraná. For detection of Cryptosporidium species, molecular analysis was performed using nested-PCR techniques targeting the 18S rRNA gene. Of the 37 beef cows and 115 calves analyzed, four (10.8%) and 14 (12.2%), respectively, were positive for Cryptosporidium. Of the 12 cows and 52 calves, one (8.3%) and 14 (26.9%), respectively, were positive for Cryptosporidium; and of the 42 ewes and 59 lambs, six (14.3%) and 12 (20.3%), respectively were positive for Cryptosporidium. Cattle (15.3%) and sheep (17.8%) were both susceptible to infection. All the properties of the municipalities of Assaí, Ibaiti and, Leópolis presented infected animals. The study showed that Cryptosporidium occurs in most municipalities assessed, that dairy calves had a higher risk (Odds Ratio=2,66, p-value=0,018) for infection than beef calves, and that sheep are just as susceptible to infection as are cattle, and that further Cryptosporidium studies are developed.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a ocorrência de Cryptosporidium em bovinos e ovinos da mesorregião norte pioneiro do Estado do Paraná. Para tanto, 317 amostras de fezes destes ruminantes foram colhidas de 16 propriedades de seis municípios do Norte Pioneiro do Paraná. Para detecção de Cryptosporidium spp foi realizada análise molecular pela Técnica de nested-PCR direcionada ao gene 18S rRNA. Das 37 vacas de corte e 115 bezerros de corte analisados, quatro (10,8%) e 14 (12,2%) foram respectivamente positivos para Cryptosporidium . Das 12 vacas e 52 bezerros de leite, um (8,3%) e 14 (26,9%) foram positivos para Cryptosporidium e das 42 ovelhas e 59 cordeiros avaliados, seis (14,3%) e 12 (20,3%) amostras estavam positivas para Cryptosporidium, respectivamente. Bovinos (15,3%) e ovinos (17,8%) foram igualmente suscetíveis à infecção. Todas as propriedades dos municípios de Assaí, Ibaiti e Leópolis apresentaram animais infectados. Este estudo demonstrou que Cryptosporidium ocorre na maioria dos municípios avaliados, sendo que os bezerros de leite apresentam maior risco (Razão de chances=2,66, p-value=0,018) à infecção que os bezerros de corte e que os ovinos são tão suscetíveis à infecção quanto os bovinos e por isso, estudos nesta espécie animal devem ser mais desenvolvidos.

Creatine kinase serum activity in feline hyperthyroidism / Atividade sérica da creatinina quinase no hipertireoidismo felino

The aim of this study is to determine the occurrence of creatine kinase (CK) serum activity in cats with hyperthyroidism and its associations with clinical-pathological alterations and with total (TT4) and free (FT4) thyroxin. CK serum activity was evaluated in 19 cats with spontaneous hyperthyroidism, with TT4 ranging from 34.88-294.98nmol L-1 and FT4 ranging from 2.83-52.9pmol L-1 and also by serum biochemical analysis, including the activity of CK, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), cholesterol and bile acids. The reference value for CK considered in this study was of 110-250U L-1. CK serum activity was evaluated in 19 cats with spontaneous hyperthyroidism, with TT4 ranging from 34.88-294.98nmol L-1 and FT4 ranging from 2.83-52. 9pmol L-1. Its activity CK was elevated in 47.3% of cats (≥250U L-1) and presented statistical difference (P<0.05) between cats with or without cardiac disease. CK presented weak association with all parameters in biochemical analysis. In this study, it was not possible to establish a clear association between hyperthyroidism and the increase of CK. However, it is important to highlight the inclusion of CK activity in the routine examinations for the evaluation of hyperthyroidism and for further studies to be developed.

O hipertireoidismo é uma doença endócrina comum em gatos, resultante da excessiva secreção dos hormônios tireoidianos (tiroxina-T4 e triiodotironina-T3), possui caráter multissistemico e provoca várias alterações nos parametros bioquímicos. A creatina quinase (CK) é uma enzima que tem sua atividade sérica aumentada em diversas enfermidades e, na medicina veterinária, é principalmente utilizada para avaliar lesões no músculo esquelético, músculo cardíaco e tecido hepático. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a ocorrência da atividade sérica da CK em gatos com hipertireoidismo e suas associações com alterações clínico-patológicas e com a tiroxina total (TT4) e livre (FT4). A atividade sérica da CK foi avaliada em 19 gatos com hipertireodismo espontâneo, com TT4 variando de 34,88-294,98nmol L-1 e FT4 variando de 2,83-52,9nmol L-1. Sua atividade estava elevada em 47,3% dos gatos (≥250U L-1) e apresentou diferença estatística (P<0,05) entre gatos com ou sem doença cardíaca. A CK apresentou associação fraca com os paramêtros bioquímicos avaliados. Neste estudo, não foi possível estabelecer uma associação clara entre o hipertireoidismo e o aumento da CK. Contudo, os resultados encontrados da atividade da CK encorajam a realização de novos estudos, para uma compreensão mais profunda da elevação da CK no hipertireoidismo.

Natural infection by endoparasites among free-living wild animals / Infecção natural por endoparasitas em animais silvestres de vida-livre

The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of occurrence and variety of intestinal parasites among free-living wild animals. Fecal samples from wild mammals and birds at rehabilitation centers in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and São Paulo were analyzed by sedimentation and flotation-centrifugation methods. Parasite eggs, oocysts, cysts and/or trophozoites were found in 71% of the samples. Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts were detected in fecal samples from oncillas (Leopardus tigrinus) and scaly-headed parrots (Pionus maximiliani). Giardia cysts were identified in the feces of a gray brocket (Mazama gouazoubira). Among the most common parasites found, there were eggs from Toxocara cati, Toxascaris leonina and Ancylostoma tubaeforme, and from Cestoda. Several Enterobius sp. eggs were found in the feces of red howler monkeys (Alouatta seniculus). It can be concluded from this study that despite the small number of samples, the diversity of parasites found was noteworthy. Additional information about parasite endofauna in wild animals is needed, since their presence might suggest that there could be proximity to and interactions with domestic animals and/or humans. In addition, further studies on parasites from free-living wild animals are of prime importance for understanding the intensity of anthropic changes in wild environments.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi pesquisar a frequência de ocorrência e a variedade de parasitas intestinais de animais silvestres de vida livre. Amostras de fezes de mamíferos e aves silvestres de centros de reabilitação dos Estados do Mato Grosso do Sul e São Paulo, foram analisadas pelos métodos de sedimentação e de centrífugo-flutuação. Foram encontrados ovos, oocistos, cistos e/ou trofozoítos de parasitas em 71% das amostras. Oocistos de Cryptosporidium sp. foram detectados em amostras de fezes de gato-do-mato-pequeno (Leopardus tigrinus) e maritacas (Pionus maximiliani). Cistos de Giardia foram identificados nas fezes de um veado catingueiro (Mazama gouazoubira). Entre os parasitas mais comuns, foram encontrados ovos de Toxocara cati, Toxascaris leonina e Ancylostoma tubaeforme, além de ovos de Cestoda. Vários ovos de Enterobius sp. foram encontrados nas fezes de bugio (Alouatta seniculus). Neste trabalho concluiu-se que, apesar de pequeno o número de amostras, a diversidade de parasitas encontrados foi relevante. Informações adicionais sobre a endofauna parasitária em animais silvestres são necessárias, pois podem sugerir a interação e proximidade com animais domésticos e/ou o homem. Além disso, maiores estudos sobre os parasitas de animais silvestres de vida livre são primordiais para a compreensão da intensidade de alterações antrópicas no meio silvestre.

Parâmetros obtidos no exame andrológico de touros da raça bonsmara / Parameters obtained on andrologic examination of bonsmara bulls

Objetivou-se com este estudo demonstrar os resultados obtidos no exame andrológico de touros da raça Bonsmara e classificá-los por meio da Classificação Andrológica por Pontos (CAP). Foram utilizados 39 touros da raça Bonsmara, criados extensivamente, com idade entre 33 a 74 meses. Os animais foram submetidos ao exame clínico geral, exame interno e externo do sistema genital, medições da circunferência escrotal e coleta do sêmen por meio de eletroejaculação, para avaliação das características físicas e morfológicas. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise estatística descritiva. Os valores médios obtidos para circunferência escrotal, motilidade espermática e vigor, foram respectivamente 40,96 ± 3,06 cm, 63,08 ± 23,41 % e 2,92 ± 0,98 (0-5) e os encontrados para defeitos espermáticos maiores e totais foram 4,25 ± 4,29 % e 21,10 ± 12,49 %. A média da Classificação Andrológica por Pontos (CAP) de 78,88 ± 18,19 (0-100) foi considerada satisfatória.

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the results obtained on andrologic examination and Andrologic Points Classification (CAP) of Bonsmara bulls. 39 Bonsmara bulls raised extensively, with ages between 33 and 74 months were submitted to general clinical examination, internal and external examination of the genital system, measurement of scrotal circumference and semen collection by electroejaculation for the evaluation of physical and morphological seminal characteristics. The results were submitted to the descriptive statistical analysis. The average values for scrotal circumference, sperm motility and vigor were respectively 40.96 ± 3.06 cm, 63.08 ± 23.41 % and 2.92 ± 0.98 (0-5) and those found for higher defects and total sperm were 4,25 ± 4.29 % and 21.10 ± 12.49 %. The average for Andrologic Points Classification (CAP) 78.88 ± 18.19 (0-100) was considered satisfactory.

Perfil eletroforético das proteínas de fase aguda em caprinos experimentalmente infectados com Trypanosoma evansi / Electrophoresis profile of the acute phase proteins of goats experimentally infected with Trypanosoma evansi

Considerado como um dos principais agentes das tripanossomíases,Trypanosoma evansi causa uma doença genericamente conhecida como“surra” e de ampla distribuição geográfica. Esse trabalho teve comoobjetivo principal estudar o perfil eletroforético das proteínas de faseaguda de caprinos experimentalmente infectados com estehematozoário. Para tal, foram utilizadas dez fêmeas caprinas, comvários graus de mestiçagem, com idade aproximada de 4 meses, clinicamente sadias e sorologicamente negativas para a presença de anticorpos anti-T. evansi (Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta –RIFI). Os animais foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo 1 (G1):seis animais inoculados via intravenosa com 2,38 x 106 tripomastigotasde T. evansi e grupo 2 (G2): quatro animais utilizados como testemunhos. O sangue para a obtenção do soro foi obtido diariamente até o 14º dia após a inoculação (DAI), semanalmente até o 98° DAI e quinzenalmente até o 364° DAI. O fracionamento das proteínas foi obtido por em gel de poliacrilamida contendo duodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS- PAGE). Vinte e uma proteínas foram encontradas nos soros caprinos. Destas, oito foram nominalmente identificadas; fosforilase, transferrina, albumina, antitripsina,glicoproteína ácida, haptoglobina, hemoglobina e imunoglobulinade cadeia leve.

Considered as one of the main agents of the tripanossomiases,Trypanosoma evansi causes a disease generically know as “surra”, withwide geographic occurence. This work has the aim to study theelectrophoretic profile of the acute phase proteins of goats,experimentally infected with T. evansi. Ten crossbread female goats,around 4 months of age, clinically healthy and serum negative for thepresence of antibodies anti-T. evansi (IFAT) were used. The animals were divided in two groups: six were inoculated (G1) intravenous lywith 2,38 x 106 tripomastigotes of T. evansi and four were kept as non-infected controls. The blood for serum was collected daily until the 14 days after inoculation (DAI), weekly up to the 98th DAI and every two weeks up to the 364th DAI. The serum proteins were separacted by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDSPAGE).Twenty-one proteins were found in the serum of the goats, eight were nominally identified; phosphorylase, transferrin, albumin,antitrypsin, acid glicoprotein, haptoglobin, hemoglobin, and light chain immunoglobulin.