Molecular discrimination of pouched four-eyed opossums from the Mamirauá Reserve in the Brazilian Amazon

Previous cytochrome B (CytB) mtDNA studies have suggested four species for the opossum genus Philander (four-eyed opossums), three (P. mcilhennyi, P. andersoni and P. opossum) from the Amazon and one (P. frenata) from the Brazilian Atlantic forest. During a faunal survey nine specimens of Philander sp. and four of Didelphis marsupialis were collected in the Mamirauá Sustainable Reserve, Amazonas State, Brazil. Preliminary analyses based on morphology and geographical distributions were not conclusive, suggesting that Philander specimens could belong to either P. andersoni or P. opossum. In order to elucidate the relationship of this taxon to the remaining Amazonian taxa, seven Philander and two Didelphis specimens animals were sequenced for the cytB mtDNA gene and compared to other previously studied taxa. The maximum likelihood (ML), neighbor-Joining (NJ) and maximum parsimony (MP) consensus bootstrap trees depicted six groups: Didelphis., P. frenata, P andersoni, P. mcilhennyi, P.o. opossum and Philander sp. and Philander canus in a common assemblage supported by significant bootstrap values, suggesting that the Philander sp. from Mamiraua in fact belongs to the species Philander canus

Effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) treatment on follicular population and development in non-lactating dairy cows

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long term effects of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on follicle population and ovulatory follicle development in non-lactating dairy cows. Twenty-one Jersey cows were allocated in rbST (n=11) or control (n=10) groups. On day -60, cows in rbST group received 500 mg of somatotropin (s.c. Lactotropin, Elanco). On day 0, control and rbST cows received an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device (1.9 g, CIDR, Zoetis) and GnRH (100 mg, IM, Factrel, Zoetis). On day 8, cows received PGF2α (25 mg, IM, Lutalyse, Zoetis) and the CIDR was removed. Twelve hours after device removal (D8), serum, follicular fluid and granulosa cells samples were collected. Serum and follicular concentration of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) were analyzed. Total RNA was extracted from granulosa cells to measure gene expression of LHCGR, STAR, HSD-3B1, CYP11A1, CYP19A1, CYP17A1, IGFR and PAPPA by real time PCR. Ultrasonography was performed on days -60, -53, -46, -14, -7, 0 and 8 for antral follicle count. Results were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA and t-test. There was no effect of rbST treatment on the number of follicles during the 60 days period, as well as no effect on serum and follicular fluid E2 and follicular fluid P4 at the moment of follicle aspiration. There was a reduction in PAPPA (P = 0.006), CYP11A1 (P = 0.04) and CYP19A1 (P = 0.002) mRNA levels in granulosa cells of the pre ovulatory follicle of rbST treated cows. In conclusion, a single dose of rbST did not have long term effects on antral follicle population, serum and follicular E2/P4 concentrations in non-lactating dairy cows. Despite that, rbST injection decreased granulosa cell expression of genes related to steroidogenesis in the pre-ovulatory follicle

Energetic metabolic profile of ewes presenting low body condition score induced to subclinical hypocalcemia in early postpartum

The aim of the present study is to assess plasma concentrations of metabolites related to energy balance in ewes showing low body condition score (BCS) induced to subclinical hypocalcemia in early postpartum. Sixteen crossbred ewes (Ideal x Corriedale) presenting BCS 0.05), whereas the mean concentrations of these marks after five days were lower in the hypocalcemia group (P0.05) level. These results evidence that, despite the subclinical hypocalcemia induction at early postpartum, ewes presenting low body condition do not change the concentrations of energy balance-related metabolites in the following five days

Effect of GnRH or Estradiol Benzoate on Reproductive Traits during a Heatsynch Protocol in Dairy Cows

Background: Milk production of cows is closely correlated with its reproductive efficiency. One of the several factors influencing the dairy efficiency is the decline in fertility of the cows/heifers. Use of hormonal protocol are often used to improve the fertility of the recipients. Several programs are available to inseminate dairy cows, with variation in the use of different types of hormones, time of use and range of duration period, as well as the time of AI. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of follicular wave emergence induction of estradiol benzoate in comparison to GnRH in a Heatsynch protocol and its influence on reproductive parameters.Materials, Methods & Results: In this study were used primiparous and multiparous Holstein cows (n = 325). Animals were divided randomly into two different treatments according with the hormone used to induce follicular wave emergence (D0). The GnRH group (n = 167), was given 25 mg, while in the EB group (n = 158) was used 2 mg. At same day, were inserted, a controlled internal drug-releasing containing 1.9 g of progesterone CIDR®. On day 7, CIDR was removed and cows were given 25 mg luteinizing hormone followed by an injection of 1 mg Inducer Ovulation at day 8. Cows were then observed for signs of estrus for at least two hours (twice daily at 7 am and 6 pm) for three days following CIDR® removal. Cows detected in estrus were inseminated 12 h later the estrus detection. Pregnancy status was determined by ultrasonography at 30 ± 5 d and 60 ± 5 d after AI. A single technician was responsible for the estrus detection and inseminations. A single technician was responsible for the estrus detection and inseminations. Ultrassonographic examinations with ultrasound, transrectal linear probe of 5 MHz, were performed for the diagnosis of pregnancy at 30 and 60 days after artificial insemination. Binomially distributed data, such as, estrous response, conception rate, pregnancy rate and pregnancy losses, were analyzed by Chi-square test. Pregnancy rates at 30-35 days and 60-65 days as well as pregnancy losses were considered in the model for the effect of parity (primiparous vs. multiparous) and the group of estrus behavior during the Heatsynch protocol. Conception rate was similar between GnRH (36.1%, 57/158) and EB (37.7%, 63/167) treatments. Cows showing estrus signs after CIDR removed were 71.9% in GnRH and 62% in EB group (P = 0.05). Embryonic losses were different (P = 0.03) according to groups of cows showing estrus signals or not.Discussion: Our results demonstrate that conception rates are not affected by using either EB or GnRH at the beginning of the Heatsynch protocol. Therefore, the EB can be an alternative choice to GnRH at Heatsynch beginning. Similar results were found by autor in dairy cows, once it was also observed that there is no difference in conception rate in two TAI protocols using either GnRH or EB. In Heatsynch protocols the increase in estrus detection are a key factor to increase fertility in lactating dairy cows. It can be explained once animals in regular estrous cycle have a palpable corpus luteum and circulating progesterone concentration higher than 1 ng/mL which leads than to enhance pregnancy ratios. The use of BE at the time of CIDR insertion in TAI protocols for dairy cattle proved to be an alternative to GnRH considering conception rates. Therefore, the use of BE at the time of CIDR insertion in a Heatsynch protocol in dairy cattle proved to be an alternative to GnRH which can be an important tool to increase the TAI utilization by farmers. Furthermore, in Heatsynch protocol cows showing estrus have pregnancy rates improved and lower pregnancy losses

Lesions associated with subclinical laminitis and digital radiographic exam in holstein cows in the transitional period

A laminite subclínica é responsável por grandes prejuízos na pecuária leiteira, sendo o seu diagnóstico de grande relevância para evitar reflexos negativos na produção. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi relacionar lesões associadas à laminite subclínica no período de transição de vacas da raça Holandês com a ocorrência ou não de sinais radiográficos vinculados a essa enfermidade. As vacas foram avaliadas durante o período de transição e divididas em dois grupos (com e sem sinais de laminite subclínica) de acordo com as lesões associadas a essa enfermidade subclínica. A dinâmica radiológica foi realizada em dois momentos durante o período de transição, com o propósito de determinar possíveis alterações de posicionamento capsular e degeneração óssea da terceira falange (F3). Não foram observados efeitos da presença de lesões associadas à laminite subclínica frente ao posicionamento da terceira falange à cápsula do casco (p>0,05). Diferenças radiográficas significativas (p0,05). Assim, neste estudo, vacas leiteiras no período de transição com lesões associadas à laminite subclínica não apresentaram sinais radiográficos de desalinhamento falangeano ao estojo córneo digital.Subclinical laminitis has been responsible for economic losses in dairy industry; thus, its diagnostic is very important to prevent negative responses to milk production industry. The aim of this study was to identify lesions associated with subclinical laminitis during the transition period with presence or absence of radiographic signs linked to this disease in Holstein cows. The cows were evaluated during the transition period and categorized into two groups (with and without laminitis) according to the lesions associated with this subclinical disease. The radiological dynamic was performed in two target points during the transition period (prepartum and postpartum), with the objective of determining capsular position possible alterations and third phalanx bone degeneration (F3). There was no effect of the presence of lesions associated with subclinical laminitis regarding the position of the third phalanx to the hoof wall (p>0.05). Significant radiographic angular differences (p0.05). Overall, this study did not show radiographic signs of phalangeal misalignment in the hoof of dairy cows with lesions associated with subclinical laminitis during the transition period

LESÕES ASSOCIADAS À LAMINITE SUBCLÍNICA E EXAME RADIOGRÁFICO DIGITAL EM VACAS DA RAÇA HOLANDÊS NO PERÍODO TRANSICIONAL

A laminite subclínica é responsável por grandes prejuízos na pecuária leiteira, sendo o seu diagnóstico de grande relevância para evitar reflexos negativos na produção. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi relacionar lesões associadas à laminite subclínica no período de transição de vacas da raça Holandês com a ocorrência ou não de sinais radiográficos vinculados a essa enfermidade. As vacas foram avaliadas durante o período de transição e divididas em dois grupos (com e sem sinais de laminite subclínica) de acordo com as lesões associadas a essa enfermidade subclínica. A dinâmica radiológica foi realizada em dois momentos durante o período de transição, com o propósito de determinar possíveis alterações de posicionamento capsular e degeneração óssea da terceira falange (F3). Não foram observados efeitos da presença de lesões associadas à laminite subclínica frente ao posicionamento da terceira falange      à cápsula do casco (p>0,05). Diferenças radiográficas significativas (p0,05). Assim, neste estudo, vacas leiteiras no período de transição com lesões associadas      à laminite subclínica não apresentaram sinais radiográficos de desalinhamento falangeano ao estojo córneo digital. Palavras-chave: casco; bovinos; exames complementares; pododermatite asséptica

I JORNADA DE REDUÇÃO DO RISCO DE DESASTRES – RIO DE JANEIRO – 2015: OS DESAFIOS E EXPERIÊNCIAS COMPARTILHADAS

O Marco de Ação de Sendai estabelece o plano global de prevenção reafirmando a necessidade de comprometimento para se reduzir o risco. Este trabalho apresenta a I Jornada Fluminense de Redução do Risco de Desastres realizada pela SEDEC-RJ (Secretaria de Estado de Defesa Civil) em 2015 no Rio de Janeiro, na qual foram apresentadas ações realizadas pelas COMDECs (Coordenadorias Municipais de Defesa Civil) a partir do Marco de Sendai. A jornada proporcionou o compartilhamento de boas práticas estimulando a troca de experiências entre profissionais da Proteção e Defesa Civil, bem como a valorização dos esforços por parte desses profissionais e o fomento de iniciativas em educação, contribuindo na formação destes no que diz respeito à implementação das diretrizes do Marco de Sendai para Redução do Risco de Desastres no Estado do Rio de Janeiro

Efeitos de lipopolissacarídeos na ativação e apoptose de folículos ovarianos primordiais em novilhas

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration on activation and apoptosis of primordial follicles. There was no difference in the total number of follicles as well as in the different types of follicles. Furthermore, the LPS challenge didn’t modulate the expression of genes related with ovarian reserve (HAM), oocyte survival (Survivin), activation rate (Pten, KIT, KITL1, KITL2, AKT1, SIRT1), and follicular abnormalities. Therefore, the LPS exposure with 24h interval had no effect on activation rate and primordial follicles abnormalities, and also had no effect on expression of anti-apoptotic genes and genes related with ovarian reserve, oocyte survival, activation rate, and primordial follicles abnormalities.O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito da administração de lipopolissacarídeo (LPS) na ativação e a apoptose de folículos primordiais. Dez novilhas saudáveis (Bos taurus taurus), com idade média de 14 meses, alojadas em sistema de confinamento e alimentadas com TMR, foram utilizadas neste experimento. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: grupo LPS (LPS; n = 5), que recebeu duas injeções intravenosas de 0,5μg/kg de peso corporal de lipopolissacarídeo (Sigma Aldrich®) diluído em 2mL de solução salina (0,9% de NaCl), com intervalo de 24h; e grupo controle (CTR; n = 5), que recebeu duas injeções intravenosas de 2mL de solução salina (0,9% de NaCl), com intervalo de 24h. A primeira injeção de LPS foi realizada no d 1, e no d 5 os animais foram abatidos, os ovários foram pesados e as amostras dos ovários foram coletadas para avaliação histológica e molecular. Não houve diferença no número total de folículos, bem como nos diferentes tipos de folículos. Além disso, o desafio com LPS não modulou a expressão de genes relacionados à reserva ovariana (HAM), à sobrevivência oocitária (Survivin), à taxa de ativação (Pten, KIT, KITL1, KITL2, AKT1, SIRT1) e às anormalidades foliculares. Portanto, a exposição ao LPS com intervalo de 24h não teve efeito sobre a taxa de ativação e as anormalidades dos folículos primordiais, bem como não teve efeito sobre a expressão de genes antiapoptóticos e de genes relacionados com a reserva ovariana, a sobrevivência oocitária, a taxa de ativação e as anormalidades dos folículos primordiais

Effect of a yeast compound on the incidence of diarrhea in calves raised in different housing systems

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação de um produto composto de cultura de levedura e levedura enzimaticamente hidrolisada na incidência de diarreia e no desenvol¬vimento corporal de bezerras leiteiras submetidas à diferentes sistemas de alojamento. Foram usadas cento e dezenove bezerras mantidas em dois sistemas de alojamento e divididas aleatoriamente em dois grupos: grupo levedura (n = 62, 36 ao ar livre e 26 no curral) e grupo controle (n = 57, 30 ao ar livre e 27 no curral). O grupo levedura foi tratado com 8 ml de cultura de levedura / animal, que foi administrada oralmente uma vez por dia durante 42 dias. As medidas zootécnicas foram analisadas e a incidência de diarreia infecciosa foi monitorada, também foram realizadas coletas de sangue e fezes. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância por medidas repetidas do Software SAS, Tukey’s HSD e Teste Qui quadrado, sendo considerado diferença estatística (p≤0,05). Os animais do grupo controle criados ao ar livre apresentaram maior incidência de diarreia (80,00%) quando comparado aos animais do grupo tratamento (55,55%) (p=0,03). O período de maior incidência de diarreia (96,92%) foi nos primeiros 15 dias de vida (p<0,001). As análises bacteriológicas de fezes mostraram que 53,38% apresentaram Enterococcus sp. e 46,61% Eschechiria coli. Após o diagnóstico de diarreia, ambos os grupos (controle e levedura) apresentaram leucocitose. Conclui-se que a suplementação oral de levedura para animais criados ao ar livre foi capaz de reduzir os efeitos dos desafios causados por esse sistema, diminuindo a incidência de diarreia.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of a product composed of yeast culture and enzymatically hydrolyzed yeast on the incidence of diarrhea and on the body development of dairy calves submitted to different housing systems. One hundred and nineteen calves were used in two housing systems and randomly divided into two groups: yeast group (n = 62, 36 outdoors and 26 in the corral) and control group (n = 57, 30 outdoors and 27 in the corral). The yeast group was treated with 8 ml of yeast / animal culture, which was administered orally once daily for 42 days. The zootechnical measures were analyzed and the incidence of infectious diarrhea was monitored, blood and feces were also collected. The data were submitted to analysis of variance by repeated measures of the SAS Software, Tukey’s HSD and Chi-square test, being considered a statistical difference (p≤0.05). The animals in the control group raised outdoors had a higher incidence of diarrhea (80.00%) when compared to animals in the treatment group (55.55%) (p = 0.03). The period with the highest incidence of diarrhea (96.92%) was in the first 15 days of life (p <0.001). The bacteriological analysis of feces showed that 53.38% had Enterococcus sp. and 46.61% Eschechiria coli. after the diagnosis of diarrhea, both groups (control and yeast) presented leukocytosis. It is concluded that oral yeast supplementation for animals raised in the open was able to reduce the effects of the challenges caused by this system, decreasing the incidence of diarrhea