Saliva crystallization in sheep subjected to estrus induction and synchronization protocols

Background: The crystallization of bodily fluids, primarily saliva, has been the subject of study in many species and is a simple alternative to detect estrus because it demands neither a significant financial investment nor qualified professionals to execute the examination. Fern pattern crystallization has been described in the cervical and nasal mucus, saliva and tear secretion, and in colostrum. Changes in salivary crystallization during the reproduction cycle are related to different hormonal concentrations in this period. Thus, the present study has evaluated the patterns of saliva crystallization in sheep subjected to estrus induction and synchronization protocols. Materials, Methods & Results: The sample consisted of 11 crossbreed Corriedale sheep, which were evaluated during two experimental periods (spring and autumn), and that underwent induction and synchronizing estrus protocols. In a random phase of the estrus cycle (day 0), each sheep was implanted with an intravaginal device (Primer®), impregnated with 0.36 g of progesterone for seven days. This device was inserted according to manufacturer’s instructions of the manufacturer and with the assistance of a specific applicator. On the day of device removal (day 7), the animals received 0.0375 mg of D-Cloprostenol (Prolise®) and 10 mg of Folltropin® extracted from the swine pituitary (NIH-FSH-P1 of Folltropin-V) by intramuscular administration. The saliva was collected at six points during the experimental periods: day 1 (3 days before placement of the implant); day 4 (day of insertion of the implant); day 9 (5 days after the insertion of the implant); day 11 (day of removal of the implant and application of hormones); day 12 (24 h after removal of the implant [presumable estrus]); and day 13 (48 h after removal of the implant). Smears containing 10 μL of saliva were observed under an optical light microscope (x200) for assessment of saliva crystallization. Salivary crystallization was classified in scores from 0 to 3 based on the extent of crystallization observed in the slide, also considering filling of the observation field (x200) and type of arborization pattern observed, as follows: 0= without crystallization; 1= too little crystallization; 2= low crystal¬lization; and 3= large amount of crystallization. The patterns of crystallization found in sheep demonstrated an increase in quantity, diversity, definition, and size of sheets as the period of estrus approached and were different than those tipically described in the literature. Patterns of salivary crystallization followed the phases of the estrus cycle defined by the estrus induction and synchronization protocol. Discussion: Salivary crystallization in the sheep used in this study exhibited patterns that were different than those typi¬cally described in the literature. In the spring, salivary crystallization score demonstrated variation from day1 to 11 of the protocol, when the predominant hormone was progesterone released by the implant (diestrus). However, in Autumn, on day 4 (implant placement day), an increase in crystallization score was noted. This may have occurred because the sheep were in the reproductive season and therefore, may have been nearing seasonal estrus before placement of the implant. The patterns of crystallization found in sheep demonstrated an increase in quantity, diversity, definition, and size of sheets as the period of estrus approaches and showed patterns that were different than the ones usually described in literature. The patterns of salivary crystallization followed the phases of the estrus cycle defined by the estrus induction and synchronization protocol

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

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

Metabolic and Ruminal Fluid Markers of Dairy Cows Supplemented with a Combination of Yeast Culture and Hydrolyzed Yeast

Background: In order to reduce the effects of a negative energy balance, some measures have been taken into account in nutritional management during the transition period. The use of yeast, has been a good alternative used to improve the rumen metabolism and helping the adjustment of the microbiotato the new diet. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing a combination of yeast culture and hydrolyzed yeast on the metabolism of dairy cows during the transition period.Materials, Methods & Results: The experiment was conducted in a semi-extensive system, using 20 Holstein cows, divided equally into a control group (CG) and a supplemented group (SG). The SG received 28 g/animal/day of a combination of yeast culture and hydrolyzed yeast from 20 ± 2 days pre-calving until early lactation (18 ± 3 days). Serum concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), albumin and urea were determined at calving, and for three time points during the early postpartum period and three time points during the early lactation period. Regarding energy metabolism, prepartum concentrations of NEFA were higher than the physiological standard in both groups. However, NEFA, albumin and urea decreased during the early postpartum period in the supplemented animals and could be attributed to the yeast in enhancing ruminal microorganisms’ cellulolytic capacity, increasing fibre digestibility and starch utilization.Discussion: The increased concentration of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) due to the mobilization of fat deposits that happens in the transition period, especially in the postpartum period reflects the cow’s adaptation to the negative energy balance (NEB). The lower concentrations of NEFA observed in the present study could be attributed to the effect of the yeast in enhancing the ruminal microorganisms’ cellulolytic capacity. The control cows had a BCS within the recommended range while the supplemented group had it close to the minimal limit proposed for this period. Thus, supplemented cows lost less BCS during the early postpartum period, had a lower BCS loss during the experimental period and had lower NEFA concentration that the CG. It was possible to observe a difference in serum albumin and urea between treatments only in the postpartum period. Besides showing no significant effect in BCS on prepartum period, control cows had a BCS within the recommended range while the supplemented group had it close to the minimal limit proposed for this period. Cows with high BCS prepartum had higher plasma NEFA before and after calving. It can be observed in the present study in both groups. However, a positive effect in prevent subclinical disorders might be attributed to YC, since the SG showed low NEFA plasma levels compared to the CG.  Thus, supplemented cows lost less BCS during the early postpartum period, had a lower BCS loss during the experimental period and had lower NEFA concentration that the CG. There is a negative correlation between BCS and NEFA in the early postpartum period and this information explains the results observed in the present study where BCS declines in the SG are followed by a NEFA increase. This is not so marked in the CG, indicating that SG supplementation can act by improving digestibility. Yeast supplementation promotes higher output energy, enhancing postpartum performance in dairy cows. Yeast supplementation showed benefits in early lactation compared to the prepartum and early postpartum periods, suggesting that supplementation has to have an adaptation period to be effective in protein synthesis. In conclusion, supplementation with a combination of yeast culture and hydrolyzed yeast to cows during the transition period can positively influence the energy and protein metabolism, reducing the collateral effects of negative energy balance