NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans – anteaters, sloths, and armadillos – have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with 24 domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, ten anteaters, and six sloths. Our dataset includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data-paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the south of the USA, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to its austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n=5,941), and Cyclopes sp. has the fewest (n=240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n=11,588), and the least recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n=33). With regards to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n=962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n=12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other datasets of Neotropical Series which will become available very soon (i.e. Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans dataset

Inclusion of Yucca schidigera and zeolite in dog feed: influence on mineral excretion

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adding Yucca schidigera and zeolite (Clinoptilolite) to feed (super premium and standard) for adult dogs on the apparent indigestibility coefficient of minerals. In the first assessment, 21 dogs were used, with average weight of 12.5kg±1.46 in seven treatments in two periods (super premium diet referred to as control and control with the addition of 125, 250, 375ppm Yucca schidigera and 0.5%, 0.75% and 1.0% zeolite). The second assessment was conducted with standard feed, using 21 experimental plots distributed in three treatments (standard diet referred to as control and control with the addition of 375ppm of Yucca schidigera and 1.0% zeolite). The additives did not affect the acceptability of feed and fecal characteristics in both assessments (P>0.05). With the exception of calcium, no minerals were affected by the inclusion of additives (P>0.05) in the experiment with super premium feed. In the assessment with standard feed, calcium as phosphorus and magnesium presented decreased excretion (P<0.05) with the inclusion of additives. It is possible to conclude that the inclusion of additives in the tested concentrations may interfere with the excretion of some minerals in the diet

Yucca schidigera e zeólita em alimento para gatos adultos e seus efeitos na excreção de minerais

Avaliou-se efeito da inclusão de Yucca schidigera e zeólita (Clinoptilolita) em alimento comercial úmido para gatos sobre a aceitabilidade da dieta, produção fecal diária e porcentagem de águas nas fezes, e sobre o coeficiente de indigestibilidade aparente de cálcio, fósforo, magnésio, sódio, potásso, ferro e manganês. Foram utilizados 21 gatos adultos, sem raça definida, com quatro anos e meio de idade e peso médio de 3,56kg, distribuídos em sete tratamentos - dieta úmida denominada controle, e dietas controle com adição de 125, 250 e 375ppm de Yucca schidigera e 0,5%, 0,75% e 1,0% de zeólita - em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas na aceitabilidade das dietas, na produção fecal diária, na porcentagem de água nas fezes e no coeficiente de indigestibilidade aparente nos minerais avaliados (P>0,05). A inclusão dos aditivos que apresentam como função principal a redução de odor fecal pode ser realizada sem interferências sobre a saúde dos animais, do ponto de vista da nutrição mineral

Fatores etários no leucograma de fêmeas zebuínas sadias da raça Nelore (Bos indicus) Influence of age on the leukogram values for healthy Nelore (Zebu) cattle

Para avaliar-se a influência dos fatores etários sobre o leucograma de fêmeas zebuínas da raça Nelore, examinaram-se amostras de sangue de 158 animais, distribuídos por sete grupos etários ( até 3 meses; 3 a 6 meses; 6 a 12 meses; 12 a 24 meses; 24 a 48 meses; 48 a 72 meses e maior que 72 meses). Os resultados expressos em valores médios (± desvios padrões) máximo (máx.) e mínimo (mín.) em milhares de células por mm³ para os diferentes componentes do leucograma foram os seguintes: leucócitos total máx. - 16992 ± 4104 ( 6 a 12 meses) e min. -10353 ± 2397 (48 a 72 meses ) ; neutrófilos total máx. - 3931 ± 1578 (até 3 meses) e min. - 2416 ± 1118 ( 6 a 12 meses ); eosinófilos máx. - 999 ± 499 (24 a 48 meses) e min. - 265 ± 276 ( 3 a 6 meses ); basófilos máx. - 67 ± 88 (> 72 meses) e min. - 39 ± 78 (6 a 12 meses); linfócitos típicos máx. - 12758 ± 3608 (6 a 12 meses) e min. - 5906 ± 1883 (48 a 72 meses); linfócitos atípicos máx. - 1310 ± 603 (3 a 6 meses ) e min. - 760 ± 419 ( 48 a 72 meses ); linfócitos total máx. - 14079 ± 4027 (6 a 12 meses ) e min. - 6666 ± 2059 ( 48 a 72 meses ) ; monócitos máx. -27 ± 62 ( até 3 meses ) e min.- 0 ( 6 a 12 meses). A existência de diferenças (p > 0,05) entre grupos demonstrando diminuição dos neutrófilos e aumento dos linfócitos no primeiro ano de vida; a diminuição dos valores do total de leucócitos a partir de um ano de idade, como reflexo de comportamento similar dos números de linfócitos (típicos e atípicos) e o aumento dos eosinófilos entre 24 e 48 meses de vida, caracterizaram a influência dos fatores etários sobre a variação dos valores dos componentes do leucograma de fêmeas zebuínas da raça Nelore criadas em São Paulo - Brasil.<br>In order to evaluate the influence of the age on the white blood cell counts of Nelore (Zebu) cattle, 158 blood samples from seven groups of different ages (group I-up to three months; group II-three to six months; group III-six to 12 months; group IV-12 to 24 months; group V-24 to 48 months; group VI-48 to 72 months and group VII-older than 72 months) were studied. The highest and lowest mean values observed were total white blood cell/mm³-16992±4104 (group III) and 10353±2397 (group VI); neutrophils/mm³-3931±1578 (group I) and 2416 ±1118 (group III); eosinophils/ mm³-999±499 (group V) and 265±276 (group II); basophils/mm³-67±88 (group VII) and 39±78 (group III); typical lymphocytes/ mm³-12758±3608 (group III) and 5906±1883 (group VI); atypical lymphocytes/ mm³-1310±603 (group II) and 760±419 (group VI) ; lymphocytes total/ mm³-14079±4027 (group III) and 6666±2059 (group VI); monocytes/mm³-27±62 (group I) and 0 (group III). The differences (p>0.05) observed among the groups in relation to total white blood cell, lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils can be related to the influence of the age on leukogram of Nelore (Zebu) cattle raised in São Paulo- Brazil