Occurrence of seropositive sheep (Ovis aries) to Bovine Leukemia Virus in Brazil

Occurrence of seropositive sheep (Ovis aries) to Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) by agar-gel immunodiffusion test (AGID) using the antigen gp51 was surveyed for the period 2005-2007. Samples were collected from sheep in the Brazilian states of Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná, São Paulo, Pernambuco, Maranhão, Pará, Bahia, Mato Grosso, Rondônia, and Acre. Two of 35 (5.7%) flocks were seropositive to BLV, and the rate of seropositive animals was 0.077% (two of 2,592). The two seropositive sheep were female, one 13-month old Santa Inês breed and other of unknown age and breed, both from the state of São Paulo. Distribution of BLV in the ovine population studied proved to be a rare event in Brazil.A ocorrência de ovinos sororreagentes ao vírus da Leucemia Bovina (VLB) pelo teste de imunodifusão em gel de ágar (IDGA) utilizando o antígeno gp51 foi avaliada no período de 2005-2007, em diferentes regiões do Brasil. Amostras foram colhidas de ovinos dos Estados do Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná, São Paulo, Pernambuco, Maranhão, Pará, Bahia, Mato Grosso, Rondônia e Acre. Duas em 35 cabanhas (5,7%) e dois em 2592 ovinos (0,077%) foram soropositivos. Os únicos animais com anticorpos contra o VLB eram fêmeas, uma com 13 meses de idade e da raça Santa Inês e a outra não se conhecia a idade e raça, ambas provenientes do Estado de São Paulo. A distribuição da soropositividade na população estudada demonstrou ser rara a infecção pelo VLB em ovinos no Brasil

Metastatic Seminoma in a Male Alpine Goat: Clinical and Histopathological Approach

Background: Seminomas are germ cell tumors mainly originating from spermatogonia in the seminiferous tubules and has been described in several domestic animal species, even though has rarely been described in goats. Moreover, seminomas tumors are not usually metastatic and rarely trigger paraneoplastic syndrome. In this sense, this is a case report of a 12-year-old male Alpine goat, suspected of testicular neoplasm based on clinical examination and ultrasound imaging, diagnosed as a seminoma with metastasis in liver by histopathology upon necropsy.Case: A 12-year-old male Alpine goat presented a 10 month history of progressive weight loss, prostration, and scrotal sac enlargement. The major clinical findings were pale conjunctival mucus, bilateral nasal catarrhal secretion, obstructive dyspnea, an increased abdominal component, crackling at trachea auscultation, silence upon lung auscultation of the ventral area and wheezing upon auscultation of the dorsal area, and enlargement of the left testicle with contralateral atrophy. At the Ultrasonography scan, the enlarged left testicle presented architecture loss, as well as circumscribed masses differing in echogenicity and echotexture with scattered small hyperechoic nodules. The shrunken right testicle showed acoustic shading across the surface suggestive of calcification. Due to the poor prognosis and regard for animal welfare, the goat was euthanized. The main necropsy findings on testicles were: enlarged left testicle with white parenchyma on the dorsal side as well as diffuse yellow elliptical lesions of 0.5-2.5 cm on the surface in association with two circumscribed areas at the cranial and caudal poles, firm upon cutting. The right testicle was half the typical size, slightly pale, firm at cutting of the tunica albuginea, and presented dark parenchyma with abundant calcification dots suggestive of microlithiasis. The histological findings included diffuse tumoral stroma of the left testicle composed of large, polyhedral, discretely demarcated circular cells exhibiting a large nucleus varying in size with little cytoplasm and a high mitotic rate. The right testicle exhibited areas of necrosis and fibrosis of the testicular parenchyma, contiguous with the area of degeneration and normal parenchyma, caseous necrosis, and focal calcification. The liver presented some foci of the same cellular pattern of the seminoma, as described in the parenchyma. The findings summarized at necropsy and histopathological evaluation were seminoma in the left testicle, with metastasis to the liver; degeneration and necrosis of the right testicle with abscess and calcification.Discussion: Seminoma has been described in several species, even though rarely in goats. This report was the second ever seminoma reported in caprine species, and particularly this case presented liver metastasis, showing the pathologic potential of this neoplasia for this species, and it differed from first reported which described ulcerative lesions in, and adhesion of the skin covering the testis. Regarding the US scan, even though this technique cannot be considered as a conclusive diagnostic, it may help to reach a prognosis by the tumor’s characteristics. An US scan along with cytology or biopsy enables an earlier diagnosis of testicular lesions and prognosis. Orchidectomy, when unilateral, can be carried out to increase the animal's productive life

Cryptococcal Pneumonia and Meningitis in a Horse

AbstractGross and microscopic evidence of Cryptococcus neoformans in the lungs and central nervous system of a mature Thoroughbred horse presenting with granulomatous pneumonia and meningitis has been described in this article

Índices reprodutivos e características de desempenho em bovinos de corte infectados pelo Herpevírus Bovino 1

Reproductive rates and performance traits in beef cattle females infected by Herpesvirus Bovine-1 (BoHV-1) were evaluated in a farm at São Paulo state, Brazil. Gir, Guzerá, Nelore and Caracu purebred animals were examinated to BoHV-1 (ELISA) at the beginning of the breeding season and the occurrence of reactors was 54.2% (386/712). BoHV-1 did not interfere in the pregnancy rates of both reagent - 80.3% (310/386) and non-reagent - 74.5% (243/326) females. It did not reduce the parturition rate of both reagent - 97.7% (300/307) and non-reagent - 93.8% (225/240) females. Total rate of stillbirths in BoHV-1 reagent females - 1.3% (4/300) did not differ from non-reagent females - 2.2% (5/225). BoHV-1 did not affect performance traits for reagent and non-reagent females, respectivelly, to daily weight gain during the breeding season (459.90 ± 2.82 g and 466.63 ± 2.87 g), body condition score at the beginning of the breeding season (6.89 ± 0.08 and 6.99 ± 0.08), body condition score at the end of the breeding season (7.73 ± 0.06 and 7.71 ± 0.06), weight at parturition (419.17 ± 3.34 kg and 425.97 ± 3.22 kg). It was concluded that non-vaccinated beef cattle females infected by BoHV-1 and bred under adequate extensive management, with body condition score over 5 and gain of weight during the breeding season presented good pregnancy, parturition and birth rates, no matter the breed, genetic group, age and seroconvertion.Avaliou-se índices reprodutivos e características de desempenho em fêmeas bovinas de corte, infectadas pelo Herpesvírus Bovino-1 (BoHV-1), em um rebanho no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Animais das raças Gir, Guzerá, Nelore e Caracu foram monitorados no início da estação de monta e a sororeatividade ao BoHV-1 pelo teste ELISA foi 54,2% (386/712). O BoHV-1 não interferiu no índice de prenhez de matrizes reagentes - 80,3% (310/386) e não reagentes - 74,5% (243/326) e nem reduziu a taxa de parição de matrizes reagentes - 97,7% (300/307) e não reagentes - 93,8% (225/240). O coeficiente de natimortalidade de matrizes reagentes ao BoHV-1 - 1,3% (4/300) não diferiu da encontrada para as não reagentes - 2,2% (5/225). O BoHV-1 não afetou a média de algumas características de desempenho de fêmeas reagentes e não reagentes, respectivamente, como ganho de peso médio diário durante a estação de monta (459,90 ± 2,82 g e 466,63 ± 2,87 g), condição corporal na entrada da estação de monta (6,89 ± 0,08 e 6,99 ± 0,08), condição corporal na saída da estação de monta (7,73 ± 0,06 e 7,71 ± 0,06) e peso à parição (419,17 ± 3,34 kg e 425,97 ± 3,22 kg). Concluiu-se que matrizes de corte infectadas pelo BoHV-1 e não vacinadas, criadas sob condições adequadas de manejo zootécnico extensivo e nutricional, como escore corporal acima de 5 e ganho de peso durante a estação de monta, apresentaram bons índices de prenhez, parição e natalidade, independente da raça, grupo genético, faixa etária e soroconversão

Baixa ocorrência de herpes-vírus equino 1 (HVE-1) como causa de abortamento e mortalidade perinatal no Brasil

Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is an important pathogen that causes abortion, neonatal disease, respiratory disorders, and neurological syndrome in equine populations worldwide. To evaluate EHV-1 as a cause of abortion and perinatal mortality in Brazil, tissue samples from 105 aborted equine fetuses, stillbirths, and foals up to one month of age were examined using virus isolation, immunohistochemistry (IHC), histopathology, and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two fetuses were positive for EHV-1 by PCR, one of which showed syncytia and eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies in bronchial epithelia, but it was negative by virus isolation. The other showed no characteristic histological lesions, but it was positive by viral isolation. No sample was positive by IHC. The results presented low occurrence of EHV-1 in the studied population and suggested that the use of a combination of techniques increases the likelihood of an accurate diagnosis of EHV-1.O herpes-vírus equino tipo 1 (HVE-1) é um importante agente patogênico causador de aborto, doença neonatal, distúrbios respiratórios e síndrome neurológica em populações de equinos em todo o mundo. Para avaliar a ocorrência do HVE-1 como agente causal de abortamento e mortalidade perinatal no Brasil, foram examinadas amostras de 105 fetos equinos abortados, natimortos e potros de até 1 mês de idade, utilizando as técnicas de isolamento viral, imuno-histoquímica (IHQ), histopatologia e reação em cadeia da polimerase aninhada (nested-PCR). Dois fetos foram positivos na análise de PCR, e um deles apresentou corpúsculos de inclusão viral eosinofílicos e sincícios no epitélio brônquico, porém foi negativo na análise de isolamento viral. O outro feto não apresentou lesões histológicas características de infecção herpética, mas foi positivo na análise de isolamento viral. Nenhuma amostra apresentou resultado positivo pela análise de IHQ. Os resultados demonstraram baixa ocorrência de HVE-1 na população estudada e que o uso de diferentes técnicas diagnósticas aumenta a probabilidade de um diagnóstico preciso para o HVE-1.Facultad de Ciencias Veterinaria

Baixa ocorrência de herpes-vírus equino 1 (HVE-1) como causa de abortamento e mortalidade perinatal no Brasil

Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is an important pathogen that causes abortion, neonatal disease, respiratory disorders, and neurological syndrome in equine populations worldwide. To evaluate EHV-1 as a cause of abortion and perinatal mortality in Brazil, tissue samples from 105 aborted equine fetuses, stillbirths, and foals up to one month of age were examined using virus isolation, immunohistochemistry (IHC), histopathology, and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two fetuses were positive for EHV-1 by PCR, one of which showed syncytia and eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies in bronchial epithelia, but it was negative by virus isolation. The other showed no characteristic histological lesions, but it was positive by viral isolation. No sample was positive by IHC. The results presented low occurrence of EHV-1 in the studied population and suggested that the use of a combination of techniques increases the likelihood of an accurate diagnosis of EHV-1.O herpes-vírus equino tipo 1 (HVE-1) é um importante agente patogênico causador de aborto, doença neonatal, distúrbios respiratórios e síndrome neurológica em populações de equinos em todo o mundo. Para avaliar a ocorrência do HVE-1 como agente causal de abortamento e mortalidade perinatal no Brasil, foram examinadas amostras de 105 fetos equinos abortados, natimortos e potros de até 1 mês de idade, utilizando as técnicas de isolamento viral, imuno-histoquímica (IHQ), histopatologia e reação em cadeia da polimerase aninhada (nested-PCR). Dois fetos foram positivos na análise de PCR, e um deles apresentou corpúsculos de inclusão viral eosinofílicos e sincícios no epitélio brônquico, porém foi negativo na análise de isolamento viral. O outro feto não apresentou lesões histológicas características de infecção herpética, mas foi positivo na análise de isolamento viral. Nenhuma amostra apresentou resultado positivo pela análise de IHQ. Os resultados demonstraram baixa ocorrência de HVE-1 na população estudada e que o uso de diferentes técnicas diagnósticas aumenta a probabilidade de um diagnóstico preciso para o HVE-1.Facultad de Ciencias Veterinaria

Bovine Leukosis Virus and Antibodies against Bovine Herpesvirus Type-1 and Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus and in Buffaloes of the State of Pará, Brazil

Background: Viral diseases affecting reproduction cause economic losses in cattle, as reproductive failure interrupts the production cycle, thus reducing herd productivity. Buffaloes are susceptible to most of the diseases that affect cattle. Some of the viral diseases of reproductive importance are infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), and bovine leukosis (BL). The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of IBR virus (bovine herpes virus-1, BoHV-1), BVD virus (BVDV), and BL virus (BLV) in female buffaloes living in wetland areas or plains in the state of Pará, as well as the seroprevalence of BoHV-1, BVDV, and BLV in females of different age groups.Materials, Methods & Results: It were used 225 crossbred buffaloes from 4 buffalo exclusive farms. The buffaloes reared on farms A (n = 50) and B (n = 89) were kept in wetland areas on Marajó Island (n = 139), Pará. On farms C (n = 30) and D (n = 56) buffaloes were kept in plains (n = 86) in a northeastern mesoregion of Para. Animals were categorized into age groups: I: 0-3 years (n = 34), II: 3-6 years (n = 58), III: 7-9 years (n = 55), and IV: over 9 years (n = 78). Blood samples were collected and sera were sent for processing at the Bovine Virus Laboratory, Biological Institute of São Paulo, Brazil. The presence of IBRV and BVDV was determined by neutralization and BLV antibodies by immunodiffusion in agar gel. Statistical analysis was performed using the Ȥ2 test at a significance level of 5%. Among the seroprevalences of IBRV, BVDV and BLV antibodies, the difference in prevalence for BVD [P < 0.01] was observed between wetland areas and plains of Para, varying from 12.4% to 96.0% and 0.0% to 13.3%, respectively. While levels of IBRV remained high on farms A (79.6%), B (86.5%), C (83.3%) and D (89.1%) [P = 0.60] and BLV was negative in all the animals. BVDV was similar for all the age groups [P = 0.60], while IBRV was more prevalent in animals over 6 years of age with group I: (76.5%), II (74.5%), III (92.3%) and IV (91.3%) [P = 0.01]. It was not possible verify the influence of age in prevalence for BL.Discussion: The prevalence obtained for the BoHV-1 on farms was high, with little variation between 79.6% and 89.1%. The high prevalence of BoHV-1 suggests the free circulation of the virus in the state of Para. Notably, the animals in this study had not been vaccinated, so the determined viral antibody titers were independent of vaccination. BVDV results showed high variation between 0.0% and 96.0%. The highest prevalence in wetland areas may be related to the breeding environment, because of a possible horizontal contamination. The lack of BLV antibodies prevalence can be attributed to the fact that all the evaluated animals were kept in an extensive breeding system where they had little direct contact. The prevalence of IBR was higher in the older animals. Variation in prevalence with age was not observed for BVD. It was concluded that the prevalence for IBR and BVD were high indicating that the etiological agents are circulating in Para, with IBR having a higher prevalence in older animals. Breeding buffalo in wetland areas may favor horizontal transmission of BVDV because facilitate contact of healthy animals with water contaminated by virus carriers animal secretion and the absence of seropositive animals at the BLV does not necessarily indicate that buffaloes are resistant to the virus

Reproductive rates and performance traits in beef catlle, infected and non infected by Bovine Herpesvirus 1(BHV-1).

O presente trabalho avaliou índices reprodutivos e características de desempenho em fêmeas bovinas de corte, infectadas e não infectadas pelo HVB-1, criadas sob manejo extensivo, em uma fazenda na região norte do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Animais das raças Gir, Guzerá, Nelore e Caracu foram avaliados no início da estação de monta e a ocorrência de touros e fêmeas reagentes ao HVB-1 pelo teste ELISA foi, respectivamente, 92,5% (37/40) e 54,2% (386/712), sendo o número de touros reagentes maior do que o de fêmeas (p 0,05) e nem a taxa de parição de matrizes reagentes - 97,7% (300/307) e não reagentes - 93,8% (225/240) (p 0,05). O coeficiente de natimortalidade de matrizes reagentes ao HVB-1 - 1,3% (4/300) não diferiu da encontrada para as não reagentes - 2,2% (5/225) (p > 0,05) e não foram observados efeitos de raça, soroconversão, grupo genético do rebanho Nelore e faixa etária (p > 0,05). O HVB-1 não afetou a média de algumas características de desempenho de fêmeas reagentes e não reagentes (p > 0,05), respectivamente, como ganho de peso médio diário durante a estação de monta (459,90  2,82 g e 466,63  2,87 g), condição corporal na entrada da estação de monta (6,89  0,08 e 6,99  0,08), condição corporal na saída da estação de monta (7,73  0,06 e 7,71  0,06) e peso à parição (419,17  3,34 kg e 425,97  3,22 kg). Concluiu-se que matrizes de corte infectadas pelo HVB-1 e não vacinadas, criadas sob condições adequadas de manejo zootécnico, apresentaram bons índices de prenhez, parição e natalidade, independente da raça, grupo genético e faixa etária.This work evaluated reproductive rates and performance traits in beef cattle females, infected and non infected by BHV-1, bred under extensive management conditions, in a farm in the northern region of São Paulo State, Brazil. Gir, Guzerá, Nelore and Caracu purebred animals were monitorated at the beginning of the breeding season and the occurrence of bulls and females reagent to BHV-1 by ELISA test was, respectively, 92.5% (37/40) and 54.2% (386/712), with positive cases among bulls higher than among females (p 0.05). It did not reduce the parturition rate of both reagent - 97.7% (300/307) and non-reagent - 93.8% (225/240) females, either (p 0.05). Total rate of stillbirths in BHV-1 reagent females - 1.3% (4/300) did not differ from that found in non-reagent females - 2.2%(5/225) (p > 0.05) and did not differ acording to breed, seroconversion, Nelore herd genetic group and age (p > 0.05). BHV-1 did not affect performance traits for reagent and non-reagent females (p > 0.05), respectivelly, to daily weight gain during the breeding season (459.90  2.82 g and 466.63  2.87 g), body condition score at the beginning of the breeding season (6.89  0.08 and 6.99  0.08), body condition score at the end of the breeding season (7.73  0.06 and 7.71  0.06), weight at parturition (419.17  3.34 kg and 425.97  3.22 kg). It was concluded that non-vaccinated beef cattle females infected by BHV-1 and bred under adequate management conditions, presented good pregnancy, parturition and birth rates, no matter the breed, genetic group and age

Reproductive rates and performance traits in beef catlle, infected and non infected by Bovine Herpesvirus 1(BHV-1).

O presente trabalho avaliou índices reprodutivos e características de desempenho em fêmeas bovinas de corte, infectadas e não infectadas pelo HVB-1, criadas sob manejo extensivo, em uma fazenda na região norte do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Animais das raças Gir, Guzerá, Nelore e Caracu foram avaliados no início da estação de monta e a ocorrência de touros e fêmeas reagentes ao HVB-1 pelo teste ELISA foi, respectivamente, 92,5% (37/40) e 54,2% (386/712), sendo o número de touros reagentes maior do que o de fêmeas (p < 0,0001). Foi verificado um aumento na proporção de fêmeas reagentes nas diferentes faixas etárias: 23,2% (32/138) de 2 a 3 anos; 45,2% (57/126) de 3 a 4 anos; 54,6% (59/108) de 4 a 5 anos e 70,0% (238/340) para &#61619; 5 anos (p < 0,0001). O número de matrizes que soroconverteram no período de um ano foi igual a 10,3% (58/561). O HVB-1 não reduziu o índice de prenhez de matrizes reagentes - 80,3% (310/386) e não reagentes - 74,5% (243/326) (p > 0,05) e nem a taxa de parição de matrizes reagentes - 97,7% (300/307) e não reagentes - 93,8% (225/240) (p < 0,05). O índice de prenhez e parição de fêmeas reagentes não diferiu segundo a raça, soroconversão, grupo genético do rebanho Nelore e faixa etária (p > 0,05). O coeficiente de natimortalidade de matrizes reagentes ao HVB-1 - 1,3% (4/300) não diferiu da encontrada para as não reagentes - 2,2% (5/225) (p > 0,05) e não foram observados efeitos de raça, soroconversão, grupo genético do rebanho Nelore e faixa etária (p > 0,05). O HVB-1 não afetou a média de algumas características de desempenho de fêmeas reagentes e não reagentes (p > 0,05), respectivamente, como ganho de peso médio diário durante a estação de monta (459,90 &#61617; 2,82 g e 466,63 &#61617; 2,87 g), condição corporal na entrada da estação de monta (6,89 &#61617; 0,08 e 6,99 &#61617; 0,08), condição corporal na saída da estação de monta (7,73 &#61617; 0,06 e 7,71 &#61617; 0,06) e peso à parição (419,17 &#61617; 3,34 kg e 425,97 &#61617; 3,22 kg). Concluiu-se que matrizes de corte infectadas pelo HVB-1 e não vacinadas, criadas sob condições adequadas de manejo zootécnico, apresentaram bons índices de prenhez, parição e natalidade, independente da raça, grupo genético e faixa etária.This work evaluated reproductive rates and performance traits in beef cattle females, infected and non infected by BHV-1, bred under extensive management conditions, in a farm in the northern region of São Paulo State, Brazil. Gir, Guzerá, Nelore and Caracu purebred animals were monitorated at the beginning of the breeding season and the occurrence of bulls and females reagent to BHV-1 by ELISA test was, respectively, 92.5% (37/40) and 54.2% (386/712), with positive cases among bulls higher than among females (p < 0.0001). There was an increase in the proportion of reagent females in the different ages analyzed: 23.2% (32/138) from 2 to 3 years old; 45.2% (57/126) from 3 to 4 years old; 54.6% (59/108) from 4 to 5 years old and 70.0% (238/340) above 5 years old (p < 0.0001). The rate of females that seroconverted was 10,3% (58/561). BHV-1 did not interfere in the pregnancy rates of both reagent - 80.3% (310/386) and non-reagent - 74.5% (243/326) females (p > 0.05). It did not reduce the parturition rate of both reagent - 97.7% (300/307) and non-reagent - 93.8% (225/240) females, either (p < 0.05). The pregnancy and parturition rates of reagent females did not differ according to breed, seroconversion, Nelore herd genetic group and age (p > 0.05). Total rate of stillbirths in BHV-1 reagent females - 1.3% (4/300) did not differ from that found in non-reagent females - 2.2%(5/225) (p > 0.05) and did not differ acording to breed, seroconversion, Nelore herd genetic group and age (p > 0.05). BHV-1 did not affect performance traits for reagent and non-reagent females (p > 0.05), respectivelly, to daily weight gain during the breeding season (459.90 &#61617; 2.82 g and 466.63 &#61617; 2.87 g), body condition score at the beginning of the breeding season (6.89 &#61617; 0.08 and 6.99 &#61617; 0.08), body condition score at the end of the breeding season (7.73 &#61617; 0.06 and 7.71 &#61617; 0.06), weight at parturition (419.17 &#61617; 3.34 kg and 425.97 &#61617; 3.22 kg). It was concluded that non-vaccinated beef cattle females infected by BHV-1 and bred under adequate management conditions, presented good pregnancy, parturition and birth rates, no matter the breed, genetic group and age

Respostas fisiológicas de vacas em lactação à ventilação e aspersão na sala de espera

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência do uso da climatização no ambiente da sala de espera (ventilação forçada ou ventilação forçada e aspersão) sobre as variáveis ambientais e fisiológicas de vacas em lactação. O período experimental teve duração de 90 dias, em que foram avaliadas 21 fêmeas, com produção média de leite de 21kg leite d-1,distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Os tratamentos foram: sala de espera sem climatização (CONTR), sala de espera com ventilação forçada (V) e sala de espera com ventilação forçada e aspersão (VA). As variáveis fisiológicas analisadas foram a temperatura retal (TR), freqüência respiratória (FR) e temperatura de pele (cabeça, dorso e glândula mamária) coletadas antes e depois da aplicação de cada tratamento. As variáveis ambientais registradas foram a temperatura de bulbo seco (TBS), temperatura de globo negro (TGN) e umidade relativa (UR), coletadas antes e depois da aplicação de cada tratamento. O tratamento VA foi mais eficiente em reduzir a TBS (6,4°C) e TGN (6,5°C). Os tratamentos V e VA diminuíram significativamente a FR dos animais. A variável temperatura de pele apresentou redução de 4,2°C para a região da cabeça e 2,8°C para a região do dorso, no tratamento VA. O tratamento VA proporcionou maiores reduções nas variáveis ambientais e fisiológicas resultando em melhores condições de conforto aos animais e maior eficácia na dissipação de calor pela pele dos animais.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of climatization (ventilation or ventilation plus sprinkler) inside a holding pen in a milking parlor on environmental and physiological parameters. The experiment was conducted from August to October during 90 consecutive days. Twenty-one lactating dairy cows with an average milk yield of 21kg.d-1 were randomly allocated in three treatments. The treatments were: holding pen without cooling (control); holding pen with ventilation (V) and holding pen with ventilation plus sprinkler (VS). The physiological parameters measured were respiratory rate (RR), body temperature (BT) and skin temperature (head, flank and mammary gland). These measurements were taken before and after each treatment. The data on the environmental parameters dry bulb temperature (DBT), black globe temperature (BGT) and relative humidity (RH) were collected both from each treatment session and from a meteorological station at a nearby site three times a day. Results showed that VS reduced DBT (6.4°C) and BGT (6.5°C); and increased the RH. Both V and VS reduced significantly respiratory rate. The skin temperature, with VS showed a decrease of 4.2 °C for the head and 2.8 °C for the flank. Hence, VS improved the environmental condition and physiological responses and increased heat losses of the dairy cows