Selected ruminal variables and purine urinary excretion rate of steers subjected to feeding, fasting, and re-feeding conditions.

The effects of feeding, fasting, and re-feeding on the ruminal profile of growing cattle were studied. Ruminal fluid and urine samples were obtained from 12 crossbred steers weighing approximately 300 kg during the following periods: 11 h of normal feeding (postprandial period), 48 consecutive hours of fasting, and followed by 48 h of re-feeding. Fasting promotes changes in the ruminal profile, such as an increase in ruminal pH, reduction in the number of rumen protozoa and bacteria, and decrease in the urinary excretion of allantoin; however, it does not change the urinary uric acid excretion rate. The overall mean ruminal pH was higher during fasting (7.53±0.27) in comparison to those at normal feeding (6.72±0.25) and re-feeding (6.62±0.31) (p⟨0.05). During re-feeding, the ruminal profile returned to normal, except for the protozoa count, which despite a slight increase only after 48 h of re-feeding, did not recover to baseline values.

Hypertonic saline solution (NaCl 7.2%) enhances renal excretion of acids in cattle with acute ruminal lactic acidosis.

The present study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of hypertonic saline solution (HSS) as a novel treatment of acute ruminal lactic acidosis (ARLA) in cattle, focusing on urinary excretion of acids. Twelve cannulated steers were submitted to experimentally induced ARLA by adminis- tering sucrose into the rumen. Twenty hours later, the cattle were randomly divided into two equal groups. The first group was treated with 7.5% HSS (5 mL/kg) over 15 min, and isotonic saline solution (ISS; 20 mL/kg) for the subsequent 165 minutes. The control group was administered ISS instead of HSS. Rumen and urine samples were collected at different times during the experiment from the baseline to 64 h post-induction. The induction caused a medium-to-moderate ruminal acidosis, and a moderate degree of systemic acidosis and dehydration. Steers treated with HSS increased by 50% its glomerular filtration rate (1.61 mL/min) compared to ISS group (1.06 mL/ min; p⟨0.03). The overall volume of urine excreted by HSS group was higher than that in ISS group (1.62 L vs 0.7 L; p⟨0.02). This increase in total volume of urine provided by HSS favored a greater excretion of H+ ions in urine, which was 3.39-fold higher in HSS group (64.3*10-7 vs 18.9*10-7 Mol) as well as lactate (241.7 vs 181.8 mMol) and P urinary excretion (3.8 vs 1.1 mMol) that reduced the urine pH (5.3 vs 5.7). Only the HSS group decreased significantly blood total lactic acid concentration (20.3 %) throughout the treatment. A positive relationship was found between the excretion of urinary phosphorus and urinary pH (r2=0.562). The results showed that this novel treatment with HSS enhanced renal excretion of acids and may be recommended as an additional treatment for cattle with lactic acidosis.

Comparison of staphylococcal co-agglutination with other assays for rapid diagnosis of rotavirus infection in humans, calves and piglets.

Co-agglutination was used for rapid diagnosis of rotavirus infection. Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I sensitized with rabbit antiserum to rotavirus demonstrated the presence of this virus in stools of children, calves and piglets with clinical signs of diarrhea. A total of 415 fecal samples were examined by the co-agglutination test and the results were compared with those of ELISA, electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel and latex agglutination. The co-agglutination test, when compared to these three methods, presented a correlation which varied between 87.2 and 94.2%.

Efeito do uso de minerais traços (cobre, zinco, selênio e manganês) e vitaminas (A e E) injetáveis sobre o estresse oxidativo e função de neutrófilos de fêmeas da raça Holandesa no período de transição / Effect of use of injected trace minerals (copper, zinc, selenium, and manganese) and vitamins (A and E) on oxidative stress and neutrophil function in females of Hostein cows during transitionl

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito metafilático de minerais traços e vitaminas A e E injetáveis, em parâmetros do estresse oxidativo e na função de neutrófilos em fêmeas da raça Holandesa no período de transição. Sessenta animais foram divididos em dois grupos: animais que receberam minerais traços e vitaminas A e E injetáveis (GMTV) (n= 30) e grupo controle (GC) (n= 30). Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos nos parâmetros avaliados, porém observou-se diferença significativa entre tratamento e dia para os valores da SOD, com maior atividade dessa enzima em fêmeas GMTV, nas semanas próximas ao parto. Observou-se diferença de dia e para interação tratamento e dia para o TBARS, em que fêmeas GMTV mostraram menores valores de TBARS em todos os momentos, exceto sete dias após o parto. Houve efeito significativo de dia para leucócitos, interação tratamento e dia para neutrófilos e interação tratamento e dia para fagocitose de neutrófilos, em que as fêmeas GMTV apresentaram valores menores de leucócitos e neutrófilos próximo ao parto, além de maior fagocitose de neutrófilos. Pode-se observar que houve melhora no sistema oxidativo e imune de fêmeas GMTV, resposta que provavelmente está relacionada com a administração dos minerais traços e vitaminas A e E.(AU)

This study evaluates the metaphylactic of the subcutaneous administration of a trace minerals and vitamins A and E, on the oxidative stress and neutrophil function in Holsteins cows under the transition period. Sixty females were divided in two groups: group with trace minerals and vitamins (GMTV) (n= 30) and group control (GC) (n= 30). There was no significant difference between those groups; however, we find significant difference between treatment and day for Superoxide dismutase (SOD) values with higher activity of this enzyme in females GMTV on the weeks next to the parturition. Still, there was difference on day and, for interactions between treatment and day for TBARS, were females GMTV showed lower values of TBARS in all moments, except on day seven after the parturition. For leucocytes, there is a significant effect by day, interaction on treatment and day on neutrophils, and interaction treatment and day for neutrophil phagocytosis, were females GMTV showed lower values of leucocytes and neutrophils next to the parturition, and an increase of neutrophils phagocytosis. In summary, cows from the GMTV group had an improvement on the immune and oxidative systems, probably correlated with the administration of this supplement.(AU)

Avaliação de anti-inflamatórios não esteroidais no tratamento da dor de ovinos submetidos à implantação de cânula ruminal e orquiectomia / Assessment of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in treatment of pain in sheep submitted to ruminal cannulation and orchiectomy

O presente trabalho objetivou comparar o efeito do flunixin meglumine, cetoprofeno e meloxicam no tratamento da dor pós-operatória de ovinos submetidos à implantação de cânula ruminal e orquiectomia. Foram utilizados 32 ovinos, machos, pesando em média 35,5±3,5kg, distribuídos em três grupos: GFlu (flunixin meglumine 1,1mg/kg i.v.), GCet (cetoprofeno 3,0mg/kg i.v.) e GMel (meloxicam 0,5mg/kg i.v.). Exame clínico e coletas de sangue foram realizados no M0 (pré-avaliação), M1 (10 minutos após a pré-avaliação), M2 (início da sutura para fixação da cânula ruminal), M3 (logo após o término da cirurgia) e em duas, 12, 23, 25, 48 e 72 horas após a cirurgia (M2h, M12h, M23h, M25h, M48h e M72h), quando foram avaliados cortisol, glicose, proteína total, albumina, γ-glutamiltransferase (GGT), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), creatina quinase (CK), ureia, creatinina e hemograma. Nos M2h, M12h, M23h, M25h e M48h, foi realizada avaliação comportamental. O GFlu apresentou maior concentração de cortisol no M12h e no M48h e maior escore de dor na fístula e no testículo no M12h, quando comparado ao GMel. Os animais do GCet apresentaram menor interação com outros membros da baia no M23h. A ação analgésica do meloxicam foi maior em animais submetidos à implantação de cânula ruminal e orquiectomia, quando comparado ao flunixin meglumine e ao cetoprofeno.(AU)

This study aimed to compare the effect of flunixin meglumine, ketoprofen, and meloxicam in the treatment of postoperative pain in sheep submitted to ruminal cannulation and orchiectomy. 32 sheep were submitted to implantation of rumen cannula and orchiectomy, divided into three groups: GFlu (Flunixin meglumine 1,1mg/kg i.v.); GCet (Ketoprofen 3,0mg/kg i.v.); GMel (Meloxicam 0,5mg/kg i.v.). Clinical examination and blood samples were performed at M0 (pre-evaluation), M1 (10 minutes after pre-evaluation), M2 (beginning ruminal cannula), M3 (immediately post-surgery), and M2h, M12h, M23h, M25h, M48h and M72h (2h, 12h, 23h, 25h, 48h and 72 hours post-surgery) with the evaluation of cortisol, glucose, total protein, albumin, γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), urea, creatinine and blood count. At M2h, M12h, M23h, M25h and M48h a behavioral evaluation was performed. The GFlu showed higher concentration of cortisol at M12h and M48h and greater pain score related with fistula and testis procedures at M12h when compared to GMel. Animals in the GCet group presented lower interaction with other animals in the same M23h paddock. The analgesia provided by Meloxicam was higher than flunixin meglumine and ketoprofen in animals submitted to placement of ruminal cannula and orchiectomy.(AU)

Intravenous hypertonic saline solution (7.5%) and oral electrolytes to treat of calves with noninfectious diarrhea and metabolic acidosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of treating osmotic diarrhea and dehydration in calves with hypertonic saline solution (HSS) IV, isotonic electrolyte solution (IES) PO, and a combination of these 2 solutions (HSS + IES). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Eighteen male calves 8-30 days of age were used to evaluate the efficacy of 3 methods of fluid therapy after induction of osmotic diarrhea and dehydration. The diarrhea and dehydration were induced by administration of saccharose, spironolactone, and hydrochlorothiazide for 48 hours. The animals were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups: Group 1: 7.2% hypertonic saline solution-HSS (5 mL/kg IV); Group 2: oral isotonic electrolyte solution IES (60 mL/kg PO); or Group 3: HSS+IES. Clinical signs and laboratory finding observed 48 hours post-induction (Time 0) included diarrhea, dehydration, lethargy, and metabolic acidosis. RESULTS: Calves treated with HSS + IES experienced decreases in hematocrit, total protein concentration, albumin concentration, urea nitrogen concentration, and plasma volume as well as increases in blood pH, blood bicarbonate concentration, and central venous pressure between 1 and 3 hours post-treatment. These findings also were observed in animals treated with IES, however, at a slower rate than in the HSS + IES-treated animals. Animals treated with HSS continued to display signs of dehydration, lethargy, and metabolic acidosis 24 hours post-treatment. CONCLUSION: Treatment with a combination of HSS and IES produced rapid and sustainable correction of hypovolemia and metabolic acidosis in calves with noninfections diarrhea and dehydration.

Efeito metafilático do zinco injetável sobre parâmetros metabólicos e oxidativos de ovelhas no pós-parto imediato / Metaphylactic effect of injectable zinc on metabolic and oxidative parameters of sheep in the immediate postpartum

The aim of this study was to evaluate a new source of injectable organic zinc (zinc edetate) on the energy and oxidative profile in sheep during the immediate postpartum period. Twenty-six Texel breed animals were previously identified and divided into two experimental groups: the treated group (TG; n= 13) that comprised the animals that received a subcutaneous (SC) injection of 100 mg of zinc edetate (2 mL) fifteen days before the parturition expected date and the control group (CG; n=13) that comprised the animals that received 2mL of physiological solution at the same date of TG. Blood samples were collected on the parturition day for the assessment of serum fructosamine, cholesterol and triglycerides, insulin-like growth factor type 1 (IGF-1), the oxidative stress index (OSi) and blood zinc concentration. In addition to these parameters, the measurement of zinc was made in food given to the animals. There was no difference in metabolic parameters and OSi between the experimental groups (P>0.05), as well as in blood zinc concentrations (P>0.05). The parenteral zinc edentate does not change the energy and oxidative profile of sheep in immediate postpartum.(AU)

Utilização de sal mineral rico em molibdênio na prevenção da intoxicação cúprica acumulativa em ovinos - microminerais hepáticos / Use of molybdenum rich mineral mix in the prevention of cumulative cooper poisoning in sheep - hepatic microminerals

Este estudo avaliou a capacidade de um sal mineral rico em molibdênio (Mo) em prevenir a intoxicação cúprica acumulativa (ICA), mediante a análise das variáveis clínicas e dos teores de cobre (Cu) e Mo hepático. Foram utilizados 25 ovinos cruzados da raça Ile-de-France, aleatoriamente distribuídos igualmente em cinco grupos, em que o grupo 1 recebia dieta contendo 80% de volumoso e 20% de concentrado, os grupos 2 e 3 recebiam 50% de volumoso e 50% de concentrado, e os grupos 4 e 5 recebiam a mesma dieta dos grupos 2 e 3, com a adição diária de 150mg de sulfato de Cu. Os grupos 1, 3 e 5 recebiam sal mineral contendo 300ppm de Mo. Foram realizadas três biópsias hepáticas para determinação de Cu, Mo e Zn. Três ovinos do grupo 4 e um do grupo 5 manifestaram ICA. Não houve diferença na frequência de mortalidade entre os grupos (P=0,56). Os teores de Cu hepático nos ovinos com ICA (2450ppm) foram superiores aos que não intoxicaram (1518ppm). Quanto maior a ingestão de Mo na dieta, menor foi o acúmulo de Cu hepático ao término do experimento (r = -0,72).(AU)

The aim of this project is to evaluate the capacity of a molybdenum-rich mineral salt in the prevention of cumulative cooper poisoning (CCP) in sheep, through clinical and hepatic copper and molybdenum concentrations. Twenty five crossbreed Ile-de-France sheep were randomly distributed equally into five groups. Group 1 received a 80% forage and 20% concentrate diet, groups 2 and 3 received a 50% forage and 50% concentrate diet, and groups 4 and 5 received the same diet as groups 2 and 3 with a daily supplementation of 150 mg of copper sulfate. Groups 1, 3 and 5 received a mineral salt with 300 ppm of molybdenum. Three times during the experiment a liver biopsy was carried out to evaluate the degree of copper accumulation. Three sheep from group 4 and one sheep from group 5 showed a clinical picture of CCP. There was no difference in the frequency of mortality between groups 4 and 5 (P=0.56). The liver copper concentration was higher in sheep with CCP (2450 ppm) compared to sheep that did not present CCP (1518 ppm). The higher the ingestion of molybdenum in the diet the lower the liver copper concentration at the end of the experiment (r=-0.72).(AU)

Níveis séricos e hepáticos de cobre, zinco, ferro e molibdênio em ovinos e caprinos criados no semiárido da Bahia / Serum and hepatic levels of copper, zinc, iron and molybdenum in sheep and goats raised in the semiarid of Bahia state

Objetivou-se conhecer os teores de cobre, zinco, ferro e molibdênio em soro e fígado de pequenos ruminantes criados nos municípios de Casa Nova e Juazeiro, estado da Bahia, e verificar se há carência primária ou secundária de cobre. Foi avaliado um total de 160 amostras de ovinos e caprinos de ambos os sexos, coletados nos períodos seco e chuvoso. O valor de cobre sérico para caprinos foi de 13,8±0,3±mol/L e para ovinos foi de 12,2±0,4±mol/L, enquanto os teores hepáticos médios foram de 220ppm para caprinos e 238ppm para ovinos. O valor de zinco sérico para caprinos foi de 28,3±1,0±mol/L e para ovinos foi de 28,7±0,8±mol/L, enquanto os teores hepáticos médios foram de 99ppm para caprinos e 92ppm para ovinos. O valor de ferro sérico para caprinos foi de 61±3±mol/L e para ovinos foi de 64±2±mol/L, enquanto os teores hepáticos foram de 172ppm para caprinos e 221ppm para ovinos. Os valores médios de cobre não indicam ocorrência de carência deste elemento nos pequenos ruminantes criados nos municípios estudados. Os teores de zinco encontravam-se dentro dos intervalos de normalidade, não sendo verificada a necessidade de suplementação extra deste mineral. Os teores de ferro sérico apresentavam-se bem elevados, contudo sem que houvesse interferência suficiente no metabolismo do cobre de forma a resultar em uma deficiência cúprica.

The aim of this research was to know the copper, zinc, iron and molybdenum content in serum and liver of small ruminants raised in the cities of Casa Nova and Juazeiro, state of Bahia, and verify the occurrence of primary or secondary copper deficiency. A total of 160 samples of sheep and goats of both sexes collected in the dry and rainy season were evaluated. The values for serum copper in goats was 13.8±0.3±mol/L and in sheep it was 12.2±0.4 ±mol/L, while the mean liver concentration was 220 ppm for goats and 238 ppm for sheep. The serum zinc value for goats was 28.3±1.0±mol/L and for sheep it was 28.7±0.8±mol/L, while the mean liver concentration was 99 ppm for goats and 92 ppm for sheep. Serum iron value for goats was 61±3±mol/L and for sheep it was 64±2±mol/L, while liver levels were 172 ppm for goats and 221 ppm for sheep. Copper mean values do not indicate the occurrence of copper deficiency in small ruminants raised in the cities studied. Zinc levels were within the normal values and do not require extra supplementation of this mineral. The serum iron levels were elevated, however it did not interfere in copper metabolism in order to result in a cupric deficiency.

Efeito da suplementação com colina protegida sobre parâmetros bioquímicos, produção e reprodução de vacas leiteiras no periparto / Effect of protected choline supplementation on biochemical parameters, production, and reproduction of dairy cows in peripartum

Avaliou-se o efeito da suplementação com colina protegida sobre o perfil energético, as enzimas hepáticas e a reprodução de vacas leiteiras no periparto. Quinze vacas leiteiras foram divididas em dois grupos experimentais: oito receberam 80 gramas de colina protegida por 21 dias no pré-parto e por 40 dias no pós-parto e sete foram consideradas controle. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas nos dias 10, 20, 30 e 60 pós-parto para avaliação dos perfis energético e hepático. Aos 60 dias pós-parto, realizou-se exame ginecológico dos animais para avaliação da saúde reprodutiva. A suplementação com colina protegida não alterou os níveis de beta-hidroxibutirato (BHBA), ácidos graxos não esterificados (AGNE), frutosamina, fator de crescimento semelhante a glicose I (IGF-I), status oxidante total (TOS), aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e gamaglutamiltransferase (GGT) no pós-parto. Não houve diferença também quanto à produção de leite. Aos 60 dias pós-parto, vacas suplementadas com colina protegida apresentaram menor número de casos de endometrite que vacas do grupo controle. A suplementação de colina protegida não alterou o perfil bioquímico e a produção de leite, mas reduziu o número de casos de endometrite no pós-parto de vacas leiteiras.(AU)

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation with protected choline on the energy profile, liver enzymes and reproduction in dairy cows in peripartum. Fifteen cows were divided into two groups: 8 received 80 grams of protected choline for 21 days pre-partum and 40 days postpartum, and 7 were considered control. Blood samples were collected on days 10, 20, 30, and 60 postpartum to evaluate the energy and hepatic profiles. After 60 days postpartum a gynecological examination of animals for evaluation of reproductive health was done. The supplementation with choline protected did not alter the beta-hydroxybutyrate levels (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), fructosamine, like growth factor glucose (IGF-I), total oxidant status (TOS), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and glutamiltrasferase range (GGT) postpartum. There was no difference in milk production. After 60 days postpartum, cows fed protected choline had fewer cases of endometritis that cows in the control group. The protected choline supplementation did not alter the biochemical profile and milk production, but reduced the number of endometritis cases in postpartum dairy cows.(AU)

Avaliação hemogasométrica, bioquímica e hematológica de ovinos suplementados com melão / Effects of sudden intake of melon on blood gas, biochemical and hematological parameters of sheep

O presente trabalho avaliou os efeitos da administração de duas diferentes quantidades de melão sobre variáveis hemogasométricas, bioquímicas e hematológicas de ovinos não adaptados. Foram utilizados 12 ovinos canulados, pesando 25kg de peso vivo, que nunca receberam ração concentrada. Os animais receberam dieta à base de feno (2,3% do peso vivo) e água à vontade. Os ovinos foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos e receberam 25% ou 75% da matéria seca (MS) da dieta de melão triturado (G25% e G75%, respectivamente) diretamente no rúmen. Foram realizadas coletas de sangue e determinação do pH ruminal nos seguintes tempos: zero, 3, 6, 12, 18 e 24 horas após oferecimento do melão. Foi realizada análise hemogasométrica, do volume globular, determinação da concentração plasmática de lactato-L, glicose e osmolaridade sérica. No G25%, o pH sanguíneo variou entre 7,40 e 7,31, enquanto o G75% apresentou pH entre 7,38 e 7,26. Maiores concentrações de glicose plasmática foram detectadas no G75% no T3, T6 e T12 (P<0,05). Os ovinos que receberam 25% de melão mantiveram parâmetros sanguíneos dentro da normalidade, ao passo que, no G75%, os ovinos apresentaram discreta acidose metabólica sistêmica e hiperglicemia. A suplementação com 25% de melão pode ser uma alternativa segura na alimentação de ovinos.

This study evaluated the effects of two different amounts of melon on blood gas, biochemical and hematological variables of sheep not adapted. We used 12 cannulated sheep weighing 25 kg which never received concentrate. The animals received hay-based diet (2.3% of body weight) and water ad libitum. The sheep were randomly divided into two groups and received 25% or 75% of the dry matter (DM) of the diet of crushed melon (G25% and G75%, respectively) directly into the rumen. Blood collection and determination of ruminal pH were made at the following times: zero, three, six, 12, 18 and 24 hours after administration of the fruit. In whole blood was performed blood gas analysis and packed cell volume; in the plasma it was determined the concentrations of L-Lactate and glucose and in the serum the osmolarity. At G25% the blood pH ranged between 7.40 and 7.31, while G75% showed pH between 7.38 and 7.26. Higher concentrations of plasma glucose were detected in G75% after 3, 6 and 12 hours (P <0.05). Sheep receiving 25% of melon showed blood parameters within the normal range, while in the G75%, sheep had a mild systemic metabolic acidosis and hyperglycemia.

Behaviour of confined sheep fed with different concentrate sources / Comportamento ingestivo de ovinos confinados alimentados com diferentes fontes de concentrado

In this study we examined the effects of different feed concentrates on sheep behaviour. Our hypothesis was that citric pulp would stimulate rumination and be capable of replacing other concentrates traditionally used for feeding in confinement, to reduce the risk of urolithiasis. Ten adult Santa Inês sheep were distributed in a Latin square with five different diets, one control diet with 80 percent hay and 20 percent commercial feed and four diets containing 30 percent coast-cross hay and 70 percent of the following concentrates: pelleted citrus pulp, citrus pulp meal, cornmeal or wheat bran. After 21d of adaptation to each one of the five diets, the sheep were visually monitored for 24 h at 3 min intervals to record the time spent ruminating, time spent eating and time spent resting; the animals' positions (standing or lying down) were also noted. Daytime was considered to be from 06:00h to 18:00h. The data were evaluated using ANOVA, with Tukey post-hoc test or throughout Two-sample T test for circadian and position assessment. Citrus pulp diets resulted in time spent ruminating similar to the control diet (601, 590 and 669 min, respectively), but greater (P<0.05) than the cornmeal group (421min), which showed that citrus pulp generated effective rumination. The estimated saliva production in the control diet (26L) was greater than in the other groups, and was greater in the citrus pulp groups (24L/d) than cornmeal (21L/d). Feeding with cornmeal led to shorter time spent eating and time spent ruminating than all other diets. The sheep had higher time spent resting at night when fed concentrates (P<0.05). For all diets, about 90 percent of the time spent ruminating occurred with the animals lying down. Pelleted citrus pulp, citrus pulp meal and to a lesser degree wheat bran, led to adequate time spent ruminating. The use of citrus pulp can act as a preventive management measure to reduce the incidence of urolithiasis in sheep flocks...

No presente estudo, avaliaram-se os efeitos da alimentação de diferentes concentrados sobre o comportamento de ovinos. A hipótese é a de que a polpa cítrica estimularia a ruminação e reduziria o risco de ocorrência de urolitíase, podendo substituir outros concentrados. Dez ovinos adultos, mestiços da raça Santa Inês, foram distribuídos em um quadrado latino com cinco tratamentos, sendo quatro destes contendo dietas com 30 por cento de feno de capim coast-cross e 70 por cento dos seguintes concentrados: polpa cítrica peletizada, polpa cítrica farelada, fubá de milho e farelo de trigo, e uma dieta controle com 80 por cento de feno e 20 por cento de ração comercial peletizada. [...] A posição dos animais (em pé ou deitados) também foi observada. O período diurno foi considerado entre seis e 18 horas. Para comparação entre os tratamentos, os dados foram avaliados por meio de ANOVA e do teste de Tukey. Para a avaliação circadiana e entre as posições, foi utilizado o teste t de Student. Dietas com polpa cítrica promoveram tempo de ruminação semelhante aos do grupo de controle (601, 590 e 669 min, respectivamente), mas superior ao grupo alimentado com fubá de milho (421min). A produção de saliva estimada no grupo controle (26L/d) foi maior do que nos demais grupos, e os grupos com polpa cítrica tiveram maior produção de saliva do que o grupo com fubá de milho (21L/d). Ovinos em dietas ricas em concentrados descansam mais durante a noite. Em todas as dietas, cerca de 90 por cento da ruminação ocorreu com os animais deitados. A polpa cítrica peletizada e a farelada, e em menor grau o farelo de trigo, promoveram adequadamente a ruminação. Este concentrado pode ser utilizado como medida preventiva visando diminuir a incidência de urolitíase em rebanhos ovinos...

Preventive treatment with vitamin E alleviates the poisoning effects of carbon tetrachloride in cattle.

Fifteen yearling steers were used to study the preventive effect of vitamin E on the protection against free radicals produced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The animals were randomly divided in three equal groups and treated as follows: group A--previously injected (i.m.) with 15 IU/kg BW on the 15th and second day before the trial and drenched with 0.05 ml/kg BW CCl4; group B--only drenched with the same dose of CCl4; group C--drenched with a placebo. Food intake was recorded and blood samples collected daily for 8 days after the CCl4 drenching to compare the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT) and the levels of erythrocyte reduced glutathione (GSH) and serum malonyldialdehyde (MDA). Food intake was reduced in group B for the first 3 days (P < 0.05); higher activities of AST and gamma-GT were observed in the poisoned groups, nevertheless the overall values were lower in the group A than B (P < 0.02); only the group A reached the basal values of AST at the seventh day; higher levels of GSH and MDA were recorded in the poisoned cattle indicating the generation of free radicals. It was concluded that the preventive use of Vitamin E lessened the damage in hepatic tissue caused by the free radicals and prevented the anorexia caused by CCl4.

Avaliação de alguns tratamentos na intoxicação por amônia em bovinos / Evaluation of some treatments for ammonia poisoning in cattle

Para avaliar tratamentos na intoxicação por amônia, 15 novilhos, infundidos com solução de cloreto de amônio, foram distribuídos em três grupos de cinco animais cada e tratados, como: 1 - grupo-controle (C), infundido com solução salina fisiológica (H); 2 - grupo O+H, medicado com aminoácidos do ciclo da ureia (O) e "H"; 3 - grupo O+F+H, o mesmo protocolo do grupo 2 acrescido de furosemida (F). Os animais foram monitorados, colhendo-se amostras sanguíneas e todo volume urinário. Os tratamentos O+F+H e O+H promoveram melhora clínica pronunciada, em relação ao grupo H, isto é, permaneceram em estação, retornaram o movimento de rúmen e o apetite e recuperaram-se do edema pulmonar mais rapidamente. Observaram-se, nos grupos O+F+H e O+H, teores plasmáticos mais baixos de amônia e lactato-L, urina mais abundante, excreção pela urina de maior quantidade de amônio e ureia, depuração mais intensa de amônia do sangue e pH urinário mais baixo. Concluiu-se que os tratamentos propostos apresentaram ação efetiva principalmente por diminuírem a hiperamonemia, por meio da maior excreção renal de amônio e maior transformação hepática de amônia em ureia.

Fifteen yearling steers were used to evaluate treatments for ammonia intoxication. The animals subjected to ammonium chloride infusion were distributed into three groups of five animals each, and treated as following: 1 - control group (C), physiological saline solution (H) infusion; 2 - O+H group, urea cycle aminoacids (O) and "H" medication; and 3 - O+F+H group, the same protocol of group 2 plus furosemide (F). The animals were monitored by collection of blood samples and the whole urinary volume. O+F+H and O+H treatments promoted pronounced clinical improvement, in attention to H group, i.e., they remained in standing position, returned ruminal movement and appetite, and recovered more quickly from pulmonary edema. In O+F+H and O+H groups, minor plasmatic levels of ammonia and L-lactate, more abundant urine, major ammonium and urea amount excretion by urine, more intensive ammonia depuration from blood, and lower urinary pH were observed. It was concluded that the proposed treatments had effective action due to hyperammonemia decrease, by major renal ammonium excretion, and hepatic transformation of ammonia in urea.

Induction of lactic acidosis in cattle with sucrose: relationship between dose, rumen fluid pH and animal size.

To determine an efficient way to induce rumen lactic acidosis (rumen fluid pH 4.2 to 3.9 at 20 h after dosing), different dosages of sucrose on a basis of body weight (BW; 12 g/kg BW), metabolic weight (MW; 60 g/kg BW0.75 and corrected metabolic weight (CMW; y = 1057 + 43.1 BW0.75) were used in cattle of different size. In all cases rumen lactic acidosis occurred, although yearling steers given sucrose on a basis of BW had higher rumen fluid pH than yearlings given sucrose on a basis of MW and CMW. The heavier the yearlings given sucrose were (on a basis of BW and MW), the lower the rumen fluid pH. Bullocks given sucrose on a basis of BW and MW presented lower rumen fluid pH than those given sucrose on a basis of CMW. The heavier the bullocks given sucrose on a basis of BW and MW, the lower the rumen fluid pH. Only cattle given sucrose on a basis of CMW had a predictable rumen fluid pH within the desired range in both animal sizes. Larger cattle were more vulnerable to rumen lactic acidosis than smaller ones.

Treatment of ammonia intoxication in rats through the use of amino acids from the urea cycle.

To evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment of severe ammonia intoxication with amino acids from the urea cycle (arginine, citrulline and ornithine) and alpha-ketoglutarate, 371 rats were used. The rats were poisoned with a lethal ip dose (99.9%) of ammonium acetate. Five min later they were treated with bidistilled water (control) or with standard urea-cycle mixed amino acid solutions containing 2, 4 or 6 mM arginine/kg bw as the marker basic amino acid or 2 mM arginine + 4 mM alpha-ketoglutarate/kg bw. The clinical picture and plasma urea concentration were followed. All 4 treatment groups had higher survival rates (20.83%-35.71%) than did the controls (1.18%). Surviving animals had a less severe clinical picture and presented fewer convulsive episodes than did fatally-poisoned rats. The higher doses of arginine increased the mean survival time of rats which died. The overall mean plasma urea concentration in surviving rats was higher (75.1 +/- 10.8 mg/dL) than in fatally-poisoned rats (44.4 +/- 4.9 mg/dL). Treatment with urea-cycle amino acids increased hepatic detoxication of ammonia; however, there was no relationship between the doses used and survival rates. There was no apparent synergism between urea-cycle amino acids and alpha-ketoglutarate.

Accumulative sodium poisoning in Brazilian swine fed whey.

Fifty 3-4-mo-old piglets died of accumulative sodium poisoning, but none of the 60 adult pigs with the same feeding and management did. The average ambient temperature throughout the period was 32 C. The herd had been regulary fed whey, ground corn and vegetables, but for at least 2 d the pigs were deprived of water and then water was offered ad libitum. Twenty hours later 20 piglets had died and the remaining exhibited classical nervous signs and died within 14 h. Only the piglets had a high degree of dehydration caused by water deprivation and exacerbated by the high average ambient temperature. Pulmonary edema was evident in most piglets. Acute cerebral edema and meningoencephalitis were present in all animals, but there was no polioencephalomalacia. The sodium accumulation was caused by the continuing intake of whey which contained 10,810 mg sodium/L. To produce the whey, 2 kg of sodium chloride had been added to every 100 kg of milk.

Ammonia toxicity from urea in a Brazilian dairy goat flock.

A flock of goats received a diet with 1% urea for at least 1 y. A new batch of concentrate was offered increasing the level of urea to 4.2%. Eighteen of 54 goats showed acute signs of ammonia toxicosis. Ten goats died within 60 min; 4 goats and a buck with convulsions recovered when treated by administration of vinegar and infusion of saline solution, diuretics, and atropine. Three goats with mild signs recovered within 1 h without treatment. The mean ammonia concentration and rumen pH content were 820 mg/L and 7.7, respectively. Generalized congestion, intense pulmonary edema, and slight tubular nephrosis were found in 3 goats on necropsy. The outbreak was self-limiting and no more cases occurred when the diet was removed.

Botulism outbreak associated with poultry litter consumption in three Brazilian cattle herds.

One hundred fifty-five of 201 cattle from 3 different farms showed clinical signs and died of botulism after eating the same batch of poultry litter contaminated with poultry and rodent carcasses. The cattle had access to poultry litter for only 1 d; afterwards it was removed from the diet. Death occurred over a period of 17 d after the poultry litter intake. The peak mortality was on day 4; 20 animals died within 10 d of the ingestion. The greater the intake of poultry litter, the higher the cattle mortality. Three steers which died on the first day had peracute effects while the remaining cattle showed classical signs. Twenty-five of the 46 surviving cattle had mild clinical signs, but recovered in a few days. Type C Clostridium botulinum toxin was found in extracts of the poultry litter, carcasses and cattle intestinal contents. Nutrient composition of the poultry litter was normal but pH was lower (6.9) than usual (7.5 to 9.3).

Effect of an energy-deficient diet on populations of ciliate protozoans in bovine rumen / Efeito da deficiência de energia na dieta sobre a população de protozoários ciliados do rúmen de bovinos

Ten young rumen-cannulated crossbred steers were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (C; n=4), which was fed a balanced diet for daily weight gain of 900g; and a pronounced energy-deprived group (PED; n=6), receiving 30 percent less of the required energy for maintenance. After 140 days of these alimentary regimes, rumen fluid and urine samples were collected for biochemical and functional tests, before feeding and at 1, 3, 6, and 9 hours after feeding. The energy-deprivation diet caused a significant reduction in the number of Entodinium, Eodinium, Isotricha, Dasytricha, Eremoplastron, Eudiplodinium, Metadinium, Charonina, Ostracodinium, and Epidinium protozoa. There was no effect of the time of sampling in both groups on the total number of ciliates in rumen fluid. A higher number of protozoan forms in binary division were recorded in the control group, at the 6th and 9th hours after feeding (P<0.019). There was a high positive correlation between the total count of protozoans in rumen fluid and glucose fermentation, ammonia, and urinary allantoin excretion index; and a negative correlation between the total count of protozoa and metilene blue reduction, and a medium correlation between the total count of protozoa and total volatile fatty acids concentration. The determination of the protozoa populations does not imply in the use of complex and hard-to-execute techniques, although it is time consuming and needs practice. This exam particularly helps in clinical expected diagnosis.

Foram utilizados 10 novilhos mestiços com cânula ruminal, distribuídos em dois grupos: no grupo controle (C; n=4) receberam dieta balanceada para ganho diário de 900g; no grupo tratado com carência pronunciada de energia (CP; n=6), receberam dieta com 30 por cento a menos do nível de mantença em energia. Após 140 dias sob esses regimes de alimentação, foram coletadas amostras do fluido ruminal e urina, para realização de provas bioquímicas e funcionais, antes e às 1, 3, 6 e 9 horas após o fornecimento do alimento. A carência energética resultou em diminuição significativa na quantidade dos protozoários Entodinium, Eodinium, Isotricha, Dasytricha, Eremoplastron, Eudiplodinium, Metadinium, Charonina, Ostracodinium e Epidinium. Não houve efeito da hora de coleta sobre o total de ciliados nos grupos C e CP. Maior número de formas em divisão binária foi registrado no grupo C, na sexta e nona horas pós-alimentação (P<0,019). Observaram-se altas correlações positivas entre a contagem total de protozoários e a fermentação de glicose, amônia e o índice de excreção urinária de alantoína e negativa entre a contagem total de protozoários e a redução do azul de metileno, e correlação média entre a contagem total de protozoários e os ácidos graxos voláteis totais. A determinação da população de protozoários do rúmen é um método simples de avaliação, além de que particularmente auxilia o diagnóstico clínico da função ruminal.