Microbiological evaluation of fresh semen from captivity kept collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) at Brazilian Amazon / Avaliação microbiológica do sêmen fresco de caititus (Percari tajacu) mantidos em cativeiro na Amazônia Brasileira

This study aimed to identify the existent of microbiota in the fresh semen of collared peccary (Pecari tajacu), kept in captivity, and their susceptibility patterns to antimicrobial drugs. Ten males of this species were submitted into experimental induced ejaculation procedures throughout 14 months. The microorganisms found in the semen were evaluated within the following criteria: morphology, biochemistry, colony forming unit (CFU mL?1), and antibiotic sensitivity. 225 Gram-positive strains were isolated, out of 88 samples. They were identified as following: Streptococcus (30.2%), Staphylococcus (30.2%), Micrococcus (33.7%), Corynebacterium (2.2%), Enterococcus (1.7%), and Bacillus (1.7%). The cell counting of contaminated semen material was under 300 CFU mL?1. The evaluation of sensitivity against eleven antibiotics revealed that most of the bacteria found were sensitive to Gentamicin, Cephalothin, Amikacin, Ampicillin, Ceftriaxone, Cephotaxin and Penicillin. During the evaluation period, the presence of microorganisms in the semen here analyzed did not influence the quality of the semen production of the donor animals. Semen contamination is probably coming from the surrounding environment in which the animals were kept, during collection procedures. This study suggests that Gentamicin and Amikacin are better choices over Tetracycline as diluters of collared peccary’s semen

The association of medroxyprogesterone to the Ovsynch protocol for the fixed time artificial insemination of cyclic buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in the Eastern Amazon

O presente estudo visou avaliar os efeitos da associação da medroxiprogesterona (análogo sintético da progesterona) ao protocolo Ovsynch sobre o crescimento folicular, a ovulação e a taxa de concepção de búfalas criadas na Amazônia Oriental (Tracuateua-PA). Vinte e sete fêmeas adultas (G1 n=14 e G2 n=13), cíclicas, sem bezerro ao pé e com ECC 3,5 foram submetidas a Ovsynch. Os animais do G2 receberam 60 mg de medroxiprogesterona entre D0 e D7 (D0=início do tratamento). A ultra-sonografia ovariana foi realizada nos D 0, 7, 9 e 10. O contingente de folículos pequenos diferiu no D7 (G1: 4,57±0,60 versus G2: 6,54±0,67; P=0,05). Tempo e tratamento influenciaram o diâmetro folicular no D7. O crescimento do folículo dominante entre D7 e D9 foi maior nos animais tratados (G1: 2,05±0,49 mm/dia versus 3,48±0,41 mm/dia; P<0,05). Mais animais do G1 ovularam precocemente (35,71% versus 30,77%), porém isso não afetou as taxas de concepção (G1: 50,00% e G2: 30,77%; P>0,05). Os achados sugerem que a medroxiprogesterona (1) aumenta recrutamento folicular e retarda o crescimento dos folículos com diâmetro maior que 5,0 mm entre D0 e D7; (2) sua retirada incrementa em 1,7 vezes o crescimento folicular do D7 ao D9; (3) pode contribuir para a ovulação de folículos maiores e, em tese, para maior formação de tecido luteínico; (4) não promove ovulação precoce após o Ovsynch; (5) não eleva as taxas de concepção após sincronização de fêmeas cíclicas e com bom escore corporal, devendo ser avaliada para uso em fêmeas acíclicas ou com ECC mais baixo.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the association of medroxyprogesterone with the Ovsynch protocol on the follicular growth, ovulation, and conception rate of buffaloes in the Eastern Amazon (Tracuateua-PA). Twenty-seven cyclic, non-lactating females (G1 n=14 and G2 n=13) with a 3.5 BCS were synchronized with the Ovsynch. Animals from G2 received a supplementation of 60 mg of medroxyprogesterone from D0 to D7 (D0=starting day of treatment). Ultrasonography evaluation on ovaries was realized on Days 0, 7, 9, and 10. A significant effect of treatment on follicle number was observed on D7 (G1: 4.57±0.60 versus G2: 6.54±0.67; P=0.05). Time and treatment influenced follicular diameter on D7. The growth of the dominant follicular was increased from D7 to D9 on treated females (G1: 2.05±0.49 mm/day versus 3.48±0.41 mm/day; P<0.05). G1 animals (35.71% versus 30.77%) ovulated comparatively earlier than their G2 counterparts, but this did not affect the conception rates (G1: 50,00% and G2: 30,77%; P>0,05). The findings suggest that medroxyprogesterone: (1) increases follicular recruitment and inhibits the growth of follicles whose diameter was larger than 5.0mm from D0 to D7; (2) the withdrawal of medroxyprogesterone speeds up follicular growth 1.7 fold from D7 to D9; (3) would probably contribute to the ovulation of larger follicles thereby forming more luteal tissue; (4) does not stimulate early ovulation after Ovsynch; and (5) does not elevate the conception rate after the synchronization of cyclic females with good body condition, and should be evaluated for the utilization in acyclic/reduced BCS females.Embrapa Amazônia OrientalBanco da Amazôni

EFECTO DE LA SUPLEMENTACIÓN ALIMENTICIA CON FUENTES LIPÍDICAS SOBRE LA GANANCIA DE PESO Y NIVELES DE TESTOSTERONA SÉRICA EN TOROS BUFALINOS / EFFECT OF NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTATION WITH LIPIDS ON WEIGHT GAIN AND TESTOSTERONE LEVELS OF WATER BUFFALO BULLS

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el uso de concentrados a base de torta de copra y torta de palmiste en la suplementación de toros bufalinos mantenidos en pastoreo rotacional intensivo y comprobar su efecto sobre el peso corporal, el perímetro escrotal y los niveles de testosterona sérica. Quince búfalos (457,8±98,3 kg y 3,2±1,3 años) fueron tenidos en pastoreo (Panicum maximum vr. Mombaza) y recibieron suplementación diaria (1% del peso corporal) en comederos individuales. Los animales fueron asignados aleatoriamente en tres tratamientos: Control (n = 5; concentrado convencional, a base de maíz y salvado de soya), T1 (n = 5; concentrado a base de torta de copra) y T2 (n = 5; concentrado a base de torta de palmiste). El experimento duró 252 días, subdivididos en 9 periodos de 28 días (P1 a P9). El consumo de la ración fue controlado diariamente, el peso corporal y el perímetro escrotal cada 28 días (P1 a P9), y los niveles de testosterona plasmática cada 14 días (P7 a P9). La ganancia de peso promedio varió de 0,92 a 0,97 kg/animal/día. El peso corporal y el perímetro escrotal promedio no mostraron diferencias (P>0,05). Los animales del T2 presentaron niveles medios de testosterona más elevados (2,2 ng/mL) frente a Control (1,8 ng/mL) y a T1 (1,6 ng/mL) (P0.05). Animals in T2 had higher average levels of testosterone (2.2 ng/mL) compared to Control (1.8 ng/mL) and T1 (1.6 ng/mL) (P<0.05). Positive correlations were observed between body weight and testosterone levels (r = 0.58; P<0.0001) and between testosterone and scrotal circumference (r = 0.16; P<0.02). In conclusion, the new dietary supplements promoted performance similar to the conventional concentrate, considering the body weight gain and the testicular biometry in young buffalo bulls. However, the use of palm kernel cake was more efficient in raising serum testosterone levels

Physiological features of dairy buffaloes raised under shade in silvipastural systems

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o uso de sistemas silvipastoris como ferramenta de manejo para manter as características fisiológicas de búfalas leiteiras e promover mais altos níveis de conforto térmico. Foram avaliadas 56 fêmeas adultas (79±44,12 meses; 575±92,90 kg): 30 em sistema silvipastoril sem sombra útil e 26 em sistema silvipastoril com 19,9% de sombra útil. Foram mensuradas semanalmente: frequência cardíaca e respiratória, temperatura retal e índice de conforto animal. As médias foram comparadas por análise de variância e as variáveis meteorológicas e fisiológicas foram correlacionadas pelo método de Pearson. O sombreamento diminuiu significativamente a frequência cardíaca e a temperatura retal. Em 71,4% das observações, os animais mantidos em sistema silvipastoril com sombreamento apresentaram índices de conforto próximos ao ideal. O sombreamento mantém os parâmetros fisiológicos de búfalas leiteiras mais próximos da normalidade e melhora o índice de conforto animal. A adoção de sistemas silvipastoris na produção de bubalinos, na região tropical, pode evitar gastos energéticos com termólise.The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of silvipastural systems as a management option to maintain physiological features of dairy buffaloes and to provide higher levels of thermal comfort. Fifty‑six adult females (79±44.12 months; 575±92.90 kg) were evaluated: 30 in an unshaded silvipastural system and 26 in a silvipastural system with 19.9% of shaded area. Heart and respiratory rates, rectal temperature and animal comfort index were evaluated weekly. Means were submitted to analysis of variance, and meteorological and physiological data were correlated by Pearson’s method. Shading significantly reduced heart rate and rectal temperature. In 71.4% of the observations, the animals kept in the silvipastural system with shaded area showed thermal comfort index closer to the ideal level. Shading maintains the physiological parameters of dairy buffaloes closer to normal, and improves the animal comfort index. The adoption of silvipastural systems for buffalo production in tropical areas can avoid energy loss due to thermolysis

Avaliação da carcaça e dos componentes não-carcaça de caititus (Pecari tajacu) alimentados com torta de dendê

The objective was to study characteristics of the carcass and non-carcass body components of collared peccaries fed diets including palm kernel cake (PKC). The effects of increasing dietary levels of PKC inclusion, 0, 7.5, 15 and 22.5%, in diets based on maize grain and wheat middlings were analyzed. Twenty experimental pens (12m2), were used to house pairs of male collared peccaries during the finishing phase. Each pen constituted an experimental unit. Under a randomized block design the treatments were randomly assigned to animals blocked according to weight and age. At conclusion of the nutrition experiment the animals were slaughtered in a commercial abattoir for swine. For the respective treatments including from 0 to 22.5% PKC, dressed carcass yield was 58.37, 58.43, 56.78, and 60.42%, while yield of ham as a proportion of the left half carcass was 29.65, 32.08, 31.16, and 29.83%, with no significant difference (P &gt; 0.05). Neither were effects of PKC levels found for liveweight, fasted weight, warm carcass weight, carcass length, and weight of blood, head, skin, organs, fat and three commercial cuts. The results indicate that inclusion of up to 22.5% of PKC in diets for collared peccaries had no detrimental effect on animal performance or carcass characteristics.O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar as características de carcaça e dos não componentes da carcaça em caititus alimentados com a inclusão da torta da amêndoa de dendê em sua dieta. Para isso, analisou-se o efeito de níveis crescentes de inclusão da torta de dendê, com 0%, 7,5%, 15% e 22,5%, em rações ofertadas aos animais. O experimento foi realizado na Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, Belém-Pará-Brasil, em 12 baias experimentais (12m2), sendo utilizados 40 caititus machos em fase de terminação. Os animais foram alojados dois em cada baia, recebendo a ração correspondente ao tratamento. Cada recinto serviu como uma unidade experimental, sendo as baias e os respectivos tratamentos definidos por meio de sorteio. Os animais foram distribuídos de acordo com o peso e a idade, utilizando-se para tanto o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados. Após o experimento nutricional, os animais foram abatidos em abatedouro comercial para suínos. Para cada tratamento utilizado (0%, 7,5%, 15% e 22,5%), o rendimento de carcaça foi 59,54%, 56,63%, 56,58%, 62,07%, e a porcentagem de pernil em relação à meia carcaça esquerda foi 31,61%, 33,58%, 30,16% e 35,57%, respectivamente, sem haver diferença significativa (p&gt;0,05). O peso vivo, o peso em jejum, o comprimento e o peso de carcaça, sangue, cabeça, pele, órgãos e glândulas, patas e cortes comerciais não foram influenciados pelos níveis de inclusão da torta de dendê (p&gt;0,05). Os resultados sugerem a inclusão de torta de dendê na ração de caititus sem que ocorra prejuízo ao desempenho dos animais

Existem relações entre tamanho e morfoecogenicidade do corpo lúteo detectados pelo ultra-som e os teores de progesterona plasmática em receptoras de embriões eqüinos?

Corpus luteum (CL) synthesizes progesterone (P4), which has a major function in maintenance of pregnancy in equine females and also enables the application of biotechnologies of reproduction. Considering the importance of the CL and its anatomical and physiological features to achieve normal pregnancy, our aims were to determine the size and morphoechogenicity (ME), as well as plasma P4 concentrations of corpus luteum from recipient mares for nine days after ovulation (D0). Therefore, 57 recipient mares were examined daily by transrectal ultrasonography (US) from early signals of estrus to D9. CLs were measured and their ME classified according to a 1 to 6 scale (1=anechogenic; 6=hiperechogenic). Blood samples were collected daily and progesterone concentrations assessed by radioimmunoassay. Pregnancies were checked by US 13 and 25 days after ovulation. Corpus luteum echogenicity had a tendency to increase from D0 to D9. Progesterone concentrations were &lt; 2,16 ng/ml until D3, but there was a significant elevation from D4 to D9 (3,41 to 4,33 ng/ml). There were no differences in CL size, except between D2 (31,54 mm) and D8 (25,95 mm); p &lt; 0,05). Thus, an increase in mean luteal ME is accompanied by an increase in plasmatic P4 concentration, but this event seems independent of luteal size. There were no differences between ME, size and P4 levels from D0 to D9 in recipient mares that became pregnant or not after embryo transfer.O corpo lúteo (CL) é a glândula produtora de progesterona (P4), hormônio cuja secreção contínua é essencial para o início e a manutenção da gestação em fêmeas eqüinas, e, conseqüentemente, para a aplicabilidade de inúmeras biotécnicas de reprodução. Considerando-se a importância do CL para a manutenção de uma gestação normal e suas características anatomofisiológicas, objetivou-se determinar por ultra-sonografia (US) o tamanho e a morfoecogenicidade (ME) do CL em receptoras de embriões eqüinos desde a ovulação (D0) até nove dias após (D9), bem como os níveis plasmáticos de P4 produzida no mesmo período. Para tanto, 57 éguas receptoras de um programa de transferência de embriões foram examinadas diariamente por US transretal desde a primeira detecção dos sinais de estro até o D9. A cada exame, os CL foram mensurados e sua ME registrada segundo escore de 1 a 6 (1=anecóico; 6=hiperecóico). Amostras de sangue foram colhidas diariamente e a P4 dosada por radioimunoensaio. O diagnóstico de gestação foi realizado por US aos 13 e 25 dias após a ovulação. Houve uma tendência de os corpos lúteos apresentarem ME crescente (de 1 a 5) desde o dia da ovulação até o D9. Os níveis de P4 foram &lt; 2,16 ng/ml até o D3, com conseqüente elevação e manutenção em níveis de diestro entre D4 e D9 (3,41 a 4,33 ng/ml). O tamanho luteínico não diferiu, com exceção das médias extremas durante o período (D2 = 31,54 mm versus D8 = 25,95mm; p &lt; 0,05). Assim, o aumento da ME média dos CLs avaliados por US é acompanhado por aumento na concentração plasmática de P4 em receptoras de embriões, mas este evento parece não ser dependente do tamanho da glândula luteínica. Não existe diferença na ME, no tamanho dos corpos lúteos, nem nos níveis de P4 circulante do D0 ao D9 em receptoras de embriões eqüinos que se tornaram gestantes ou não após a transferência de embriões

Thermal comfort of female buffaloes in a silvipasture system in the eastern Amazon

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de um sistema silvipastoril no conforto térmico de 20 búfalas Murrah, das quais 10 criadas em piquetes sem sombra (SS) e 10 com sombreamento (CS) de Racosperma mangium, em Belém, PA. Os animais foram alimentados em pasto, com Urochloa humidicola, com acesso livre à água para beber e sal mineral. A cada três dias, foram mensuradas: temperatura do ar (TA), umidade relativa do ar (UR), temperatura de globo negro (TGN), temperatura retal (TR), frequências respiratória (FR) e cardíaca (FC), e a temperatura da superfície corporal (TSC), pela manhã (7h) e à tarde (13h). Os valores de TR, TSC, FR e FC foram maiores à tarde, especialmente no grupo SS. Mais altas no período menos chuvoso, a TR, TSC e FR apresentaram correlação linear positiva com a TA e o índice de temperatura e umidade (ITGU) e negativa com a UR. Tanto na estação mais chuvosa quanto na menos chuvosa, a FC apresentou correlações significativas positivas com a TA e ITGU e negativas com a UR, apenas no período mais chuvoso. A arborização da pastagem é eficiente para melhorar o conforto térmico das búfalas Murrah, principalmente à tarde.The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of a silvipasture system on the thermal comfort of 20 female buffaloes, from which 10 raised in under nonshaded paddocks (SS) and 10 in paddocks shaded by Racosperma mangium (CS), in Belém county, PA, Brazil. All animals were fed in pastures with Urochloa humidicola, and had free access to drinking water and mineral salt. Every three days, measurements were made for air temperature (TA), relative humidity (UR), black globe temperature (TGN), rectal temperature (TR), respiratory rate (FR), heart rate (FC), and body surface temperature (TSC), in the morning (7 AM) and in the afternoon (1 PM). The values of TR, TSC, RR and FR, mainly for the SS group, were higher in the afternoon. The TR, TSC and FR showed a significant and positive correlation with TA and the temperature and humidity index (ITGU), and a negative correlation with UR. These correlations were higher for the less rainy period. The FR showed significant and positive correlations with TA and ITGU, during both the most and the less rainy seasons, and negative correlations with UR only in the rainy season. The forestation of pasture areas is efficient to increase the thermal comfort for Murrah females, especially in the afternoon

IOGURTE DE LEITE DE BÚFALA SABORIZADO COM MANGA (Mangifera indica L.): ACEITAÇÃO SENSORIAL E CUSTO DE PRODUÇÃO

ABSTRACT: The objective was to develop and evaluate buffalo milk yogurt flavored with mango (Mangifera indica L.), tropical fruit widely consumed in the North Region, Brazil. Buffalo milk (Bubalus bubalis) was subjected to heat treatment (95 °C/5 minutes), cooled to 45 °C and inoculated with 2.5% lactic culture, followed by addition of sweet sauce prepared at 35% mango pulp, 35% sucrose and 30% water, homogenized for five minutes. The day after the elaboration, the derivative was subjected to sensory evaluation, with untrained. The analysis showed good acceptance, with an average score of 7.4. As for intent to purchase 47.3% of the judges, of course buy the product, 26.4%, may buy, and 26.3% would not buy. The economic analysis indicated reduced cost of production, about US$0.20 (twenty cents) per 100 ml. Yogurt buffalo milk is excellent and can be used as an alternative for Special Programs, funded by the Government, with a view to reducing hunger in low-income communities, because it has high fat/protein, low-cost and used regional materials, in addition to income generation and employment through the stimulation of milk production and fruit growing region.   KEY-WORDS: dairy products, Eastern Amazon, fruit regional.  RESUMO: Objetivou-se elaborar e avaliar iogurte de leite de búfala saborizado com manga (Mangifera indica L.), fruta tropical amplamente consumida na região Norte. O leite de búfala (Bubalus bubalis) foi submetido ao tratamento térmico (95 °C/5 minutos), resfriado a 45 °C e inoculado com 2,5$ 0,20 (vinte centavos de real), para cada 100 ml. O iogurte de leite de búfala constitui-se excelente derivado e pode ser usado como alternativa em Programas Especiais, financiados pelo Governo, com vista à redução da fome de comunidades de baixa renda, pois possui elevado valor calórico/proteico, baixo custo, utiliza matérias primas regionais, além da geração de renda e trabalho, através do incentivo à produção leiteira e à fruticultura regionais. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Amazônia Oriental, derivado lácteo, fruticultura regional

Comparative evaluation between the extenders TES-TRIS and ACP-112® and the association of Sálva Marajó oil (Lippia origanoides) in the quality of cryopreserved buffalo sperm

For artificial insemination, it is essential to use frozen semen, however the freezing process causes deleterious changes to the structure and integrity of sperm membranes that compromise the function of sperm. To avoid this cellular damage, extenders and suitable substrates must be used to recover the highest possible number of viable cells post-thaw. To this end, in the first experiment, we evaluated three different extenders: TES-TRIS, which is widely used for buffaloes; and an extender composed of powdered coconut water-based (ACP-112®) with or without milk (ACP-112®-milk) for buffalo semen freezing. In the second experiment, we evaluated the effect of Lippia origanoides oil extract on protecting buffalo sperm against cryoinjury arising from freezing semen. Semen was collected from ten buffalo bulls (10 ejaculates/bull) and diluted in TES-TRIS (control), ACP-112® or ACP-112®-Milk in the first experiment. In the second experiment, the samples were diluted in the diluent with the best results for sperm quality obtained in experiment I, and 2.5 ?g mL-1, 5 ?g mL-1 or 10 ?g mL-1 of the plant extract was added to treatments; and a control group containing only the diluent was also included. The fresh semen was analyzed for conventional features such as motility, concentration, morphology and viability. After thawing, the samples were evaluated again for motility, vigor and supra-vital staining, and then, were performed the of thermal-resistance test, hypoosmotic test and evaluated sperm membrane integrity with the fluorescent probes PI, FITC-PSA and JC-1 using flow cytometry. The data were submitted to ANOVA, and the results were compared by Tukey’s test at a significance of 5%. In the first experiment, the extender TES-TRIS showed better results for the various characteristics evaluated compared to ACP-112® and ACP-112®-Milk (P 0.05). Based on these data, we demonstrated the beneficial effects of TES-TRIS for post-thaw buffalo sperm quality; however, no protective effect was observed for buffalo sperm cryopreserved with the different tested concentrations of Lippia origanoides extract oil