Ultrasonography and theloscopy for the diagnosis of obstructive fibrosis in the Fürstenberg venous ring in the four quarters of the udder of a cow: a case report / Ultrassonografia e teloscopia no diagnóstico de fibrose obstrutiva do anel venoso de Fürstenberg em quatro quartos mamários em bovino: relato de caso

We report an unusual case of obstructive fibrosis of the venous ring of Fürstenberg in all four quarters of the udder of a cow of the Girolando breed (3/8 Gir and 5/8 Dutch). The information was obtained through a review of medical records, anamnesis, and imaging methods such as theloscopy and ultrasonography. Histopathological analysis provided a definitive diagnosis.(AU)

Relata-se a ocorrência de um caso incomum de fibrose obstrutiva do anel venoso de Fürstenberg em quatro quartos mamários de uma vaca da raça Girolando (3/8 Gir e 5/8 Holandês). As informações foram obtidas por meio de revisão do prontuário, da anamnese e de métodos de diagnóstico por imagem, como a teloscopia e a ultrassonografia. A análise histopatológica forneceu o diagnóstico definitivo.(AU)

Energetic status of crossbreed dairy cows during transition period in two different seasons / Perfil energético de vacas leiteiras mestiças no período de transição em duas estações do ano

We used 31 crossbreed dairy cows to compare the energetic profile in summer and winter. Blood samples were taken weekly prepartum, at calving and on days 2, 5, 10, 15, 21 and 30 postpartum. All metabolic indicators analyzed were influenced by the physiological status. The glucose concentrations were higher during winter while the triglyceride concentrations and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were higher in the summer. The season influenced the concentrations of cholesterol, AST and GGT, showing a different pattern between summer and winter. Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta-hidroxibutirate (BHB) were not influenced by the season. Cows that calved during winter had a greater body condition score (BCS) and lost more BCS until calving. During summer, 32.26% of the animals and 29.03% during winter had NEFA concentrations above the optimum level and 22.58% of the animals in summer and 19.35% in the winter had subclinical ketosis at some point during the transition period, making then more susceptible to diseases.

Foram utilizadas 31 vacas leiteiras mestiças para comparar o perfil energético em duas estações, verão e inverno. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas semanalmente durante o pré-parto, no dia do parto e nos dias dois, cinco, 10, 15, 21 e 30 do pós-parto. Todos os metabólitos analisados foram influenciados pelo estádio fisiológico. As concentrações de glicose foram maiores no inverno, enquanto as concentrações de triglicérides e lactato desidrogenase (LDH) foram maiores no verão. As concentrações de colesterol, AST e GGT mostraram um padrão de comportamento diferente entre o verão e o inverno. Ácidos graxos não esterificados (NEFA) e beta-hidroxibutirato (BHB) não foram influenciados pela estação do ano. As vacas que pariram durante o inverno tinham um escore de condição corporal (ECC) maior e perderam mais ECC até o parto. No verão, 32,26% e, no inverno, 29,03% dos animais apresentaram concentrações de NEFA acima do recomendado no pré-parto; 22,58% dos animais no verão e 19,35% no inverno tiveram cetose subclínica em algum momento do período de transição, tornando-os mais suscetíveis a outras doenças.

Efeito do aumento da frequência de ordenhas no início da lactação sobre produção, composição do leite e características reprodutivas de vacas mestiças Holandês-Zebu / Effects of increasing milking frequency in early lactation on milk production, milk composition and reproductive parameters of crossbred Holstein Zebu cow

Cinquenta e três vacas mestiças Holandês-Zebu, multíparas, foram distribuídas em quatro grupos para avaliar os efeitos de quatro e duas ordenhas diárias até o 21º dia da lactação, seguidas de duas ordenhas diárias, com ou sem a sucção de leite pelo bezerro, sobre: produção, composição do leite, peso corporal das vacas e dos bezerros e características reprodutivas. A produção e a composição do leite foram avaliadas a cada quatro dias até o 33º dia da lactação e, a partir desta data, a cada 15 dias. Os animais foram pesados ao parto, semanalmente até dois meses após o parto e, a partir desta data a cada 30 dias. O experimento foi desenvolvido em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 2x2. As produções médias de leite foram 16,7, 17,2, 19,0 e 18,9kg/d (P<0,01), para vacas ordenhadas duas e quatro vezes com ou sem a sucção de leite pelo bezerro, respectivamente. Os percentuais de gordura, sólidos totais, produção de leite corrigido para 3,5 por cento de gordura e corrigido para sólidos totais foram mais elevados nos grupos com quatro ordenhas. O aumento da frequência de ordenhas no início da lactação aumentou a produção de leite (P<0,01), mas não influenciou o peso dos bezerros e nem as características reprodutivas avaliadas (P>0,05).

Fifty three multiparous crossbred Holstein Zebu cows were distributed in four groups with the purpose of evaluating the effects of four daily milking until lactation day 21 and after this day two milking, with or without suckling by the calf, on milk yield and composition, cows and calves weights and the reproductive parameters. Milk production and composition were measured each four days until the 33th day of lactation, then each 15 days until the end of lactation. The animals were weighed at birth, and weekly until two months postpartum and then each 30 days until the end of lactation. The experiment was completely randomized in a 2x2 factorial design. The average milk productions were 16.7, 17.2, 19.0, and 18.9kg/day (P<0.01), for cows milked twice or four times a day with or without suckling by the calf, respectively. Fat and total solids percentages, 3.5 percent fat corrected milk, and total solids corrected milk were higher in the groups of cows milked four times a day. The increase in milking frequency at the beginning of lactation increased the production of milk (P<0.01), but did not influence the weight of cows and calves or reproductive parameters (P>0.05).

Viabilidade financeira da utilização de quatro ordenhas nos primeiros 21 dias da lactação em vacas mestiças F1 Holandês/Zebu / Financial viability analyses of four milkings in the first 21 days of lactation in F1 crossbred Holstein-Zebu cows

Avaliou-se financeiramente o efeito de quatro ordenhas diárias nos primeiros 21 dias da lactação, seguidas de duas ordenhas diárias, com ou sem a sucção de leite pelo bezerro em um dos tetos durante a ordenha. Foram utilizadas 53 vacas F1 Holandês/Zebu multíparas. A produção e a composição do leite foram mensuradas a cada quatro dias até o 33º dia da lactação e, posteriormente, a cada 15 dias. Como indicador do desempenho financeiro dos diferentes grupos, foi utilizada a margem bruta. O experimento foi desenvolvido em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 2x2. As produções médias de leite foram 16,7, 17,2, 19,0 e 18,9kg/d (PÂ0,01) para vacas ordenhadas duas e quatro vezes por dia, com ou sem a sucção do leite pelo bezerro durante a ordenha, respectivamente. O aumento da frequência de ordenhas nos primeiros 21 dias da lactação proporcionou incremento na produção de dois litros/dia e 17,3 por cento na margem bruta estimada com a venda de leite.

Fifty-three F1 crossbred Holstein-Zebu cows were used to evaluate financially the effects of four daily milkings until lactation day 21, and after this day two milkings, with or without suckling by the calf in one teat during milking. Milk production and composition were measured each four days until lactation day 33, and then each 15 days until the end of lactation. The experiment followed a completely randomized design in a 2x2 factorial. To analyze the financial viability of the different groups, the gross margin was used, as financial indicator. Milk productions were 16.7, 17.2, 19.0, and 18.9kg/day (PÂ0.01) for cows milked twice or four times a day with or without suckling by the calf, respectively. The rise of milking frequency increased milk production in two liters per day, and in 17.3 percent of estimated gross margin from the sale of milk.

Utilização de ácidos orgânicos e fitase em dietas para leitões na creche / Utilization of organic acids and phytase in diets for weaned piglets

Verificou-se o efeito da inclusão de um complexo de ácidos orgânicos (AO) e diferentes níveis de fitase em dietas de leitões na creche. Foram utilizados 40 leitões desmamados (7,8±0,8kg), distribuídos em delineamento de blocos inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições, durante um período experimental de 28 dias. Os tratamentos foram: T1- ração basal com 500UF/kg (controle); T2- ração basal com 500UF/kg + 0,2 por cento do complexo de AO; T3- ração basal com 450UF/kg + 0,2 por cento do complexo de AO; T4- ração basal com 400UF/kg + 0,2 por cento do complexo de AO; e T5- ração basal com 350UF/kg + 0,2 por cento do complexo de AO. A adição de AO à ração que continha 500UF propiciou maior (P<0,05) ganho de peso médio diário em relação ao tratamento-controle. Com relação aos níveis de fitase em dietas que continham AO não foram observadas diferenças (P>0,05) no ganho de peso. Para o consumo de ração médio diário, observou-se uma regressão quadrática (P<0,05), sendo o nível de 411UF o que propiciou o menor consumo de ração. O nível de 500UF + AO resultou em maior porcentagem de fezes normais em relação ao grupo-controle durante as duas últimas semanas do período experimental. Conclui-se que há efeito positivo da adição do complexo de ácidos orgânicos quando se suplementa fitase nas dietas de leitões na fase de creche dos oito aos 20kg.

The effect of inclusion of organic acids complex (OAC) and different levels of phytase in piglet diets were evaluated. Forty weaned piglets (7.8±0.8kg) were allotted in a completely randomized block design with five treatments and four repetitions, during an experimental period of 28 days. The treatments were: T1-basal diet with 500 phytase unit/kg (control); T2-basal diet with 500PU/kg + 0.2 percent of OAC; T3-basal diet with 450PU/kg + 0.2 percent of OAC; T4-basal diet with 400PU/kg + 0.2 percent of OAC; and T5-basal diet with 350PU/kg + 0.2 percent complex of OA. The addition of OAC at the 500PU diet increased (P<0.05) daily average gain compared to the control treatment. Comparing the phytase levels in diets containing OAC, it was not observed difference (P>0.05) in the weight gain. For the daily average feed intake, it was observed a quadratic effect (P<0.05), and the 411PU level caused lesser feed intake. The level of 500PU + OAC resulted in higher percentage of hard feces compared to the control group during the two last weeks of the experimental period. It was concluded that the effect of the OAC resulted positive when phytase was supplemented to the diets of piglets from eight to 20kg.

Efeito do concentrado no desempenho produtivo, reprodutivo e econômico de vacas da raça Holandesa em pastagem de coast-cross / Effect of the concentrate on the productive, reproductive and economic performances of Holstein cows on coast-cross pastures

Avaliou-se o desempenho produtivo, reprodutivo e econômico de vacas da raça Holandesa, mantidas em pastagem de capim-coast-cross e suplementadas com 3 ou 6kg de concentrado/vaca/dia. O pastejo foi sob lotação rotacionada, com um dia de ocupação dos piquetes e 25 ou 35 dias de descanso nas épocas de chuvas ou de seca, respectivamente. A produção de leite foi influenciada pela quantidade de suplemento fornecida. Vacas que receberam 6kg de suplemento produziram mais leite (19,1kg/dia) do que as que receberam 3kg (15,5kg/dia). O primeiro estro pós-parto ocorreu aos 99,9 e 67,8 dias, respectivamente, pelos métodos de identificação visual e dosagem de progesterona, para vacas suplementadas com 3kg de concentrado, e 72,9 e 54,5 dias para as suplementadas com 6kg; os intervalos de partos, obtidos na mesma ordem dos tratamentos citados, foram de 444,8 e 436,8 dias. O método visual para identificação de estros não foi preciso e comprometeu a rentabilidade da atividade.

Productive, reproductive and economic performance of Holstein cows raised on coast-cross pasture and supplemented either 3 or 6kg of concentrate/cow/day were evaluated. Grazing was under rotating with one day of occupation of each feedlot and 25 or 35 days of resting in the rainy or dry seasons, respectively. Milk yield was higher for cows receiving 6kg of concentrate (19.1kg/day) than for cows receiving (15.5kg/day). The first post-calving estrous occurred on 99.9 and 67.8 days, respectively, by visual and progesterone dosage methods for cows fed 3kg of concentrate, and 72.9 and 54.5 days for those fed 6kg. The calving intervals were 444.8 and 436.8 days for cows fed 3kg and 6kg of concentrate, respectively. The visual method for estrous detection was not accurate and compromised business profitability.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of an acid fraction of the seeds of Carpotroche brasiliensis (Raddi) (Flacourtiaceae)

Carpotroche brasiliensis is a native Brazilian tree belonging to the Oncobeae tribe of Flacourtiaceae. The oil extracted from its seeds contains as major constituents the same cyclopentenyl fatty acids hydnocarpic (40.5 percent), chaulmoogric (14.0 percent) and gorlic (16.1 percent) acids found in the better known chaulmoogra oil prepared from the seeds of various species of Hydnocarpus (Flacourtiaceae). These acids are known to be related to the pharmacological activities of these plants and to their use as anti-leprotic agents. Although C. brasiliensis oil has been used in the treatment of leprosy, a disease that elicits inflammatory responses, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the oil and its constituents have never been characterized. We describe the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of C. brasiliensis seed oil in acute and chronic models of inflammation and in peripheral and central nociception. The mixture of acids from C. brasiliensis administered orally by gavage showed dose-dependent (10-500 mg/kg) anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, inhibiting both the edema by 30-40 percent and the associated hyperalgesia. The acid fraction (200 mg/kg) also showed significant antinociceptive activity in acetic acid-induced constrictions (57 percent inhibition) and formalin-induced pain (55 percent inhibition of the second phase) in Swiss mice. No effects were observed in the hot-plate (100 mg/kg; N = 10), rota-road (200 mg/kg; N = 9) or adjuvant-induced arthritis (50 mg/kg daily for 7 days; N = 5) tests, the latter a chronic model of inflammation. The acid fraction of the seeds of C. brasiliensis which contains cyclopentenyl fatty acids is now shown to have significant oral anti-inflammatory and peripheral antinociceptive effects.

Immune response induced in mice oral immunization with cowpea severe mosaic virus

There is increasing interest in the immune response induced by plant viruses since these could be used as antigen-expressing systems in vaccination procedures. Cowpea severe mosaic virus (CPSMV), as a purified preparation (300 g of leaves, 2 weeks post-inoculation), or crude extract from cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) leaves infected with CPSMV both administered by gavage to Swiss mice induced a humoral immune response. Groups of 10 Swiss mice (2-month-old females) were immunized orally with 10 daily doses of either 50 æg viral capsid protein (boosters of 50 æg at days 21 and 35 after immunization) or 0.6 mg protein of the crude extract (boosters of 0.6 mg at days 21 and 35 after immunization). Anti-CPSMV antibodies were quantified by ELISA in pooled sera diluted at least 1:400 at days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 after the 10th dose. IgG and IgA against CPSMV were produced systemically, but IgE was not detected. No synthesis of specific antibodies against the proteins of leaf extracts from V. unguiculata, infected or not with CPSMV, was detected. The use of CPSMV, a plant-infecting virus that apparently does not induce a pathogenic response in animals, induced a humoral and persistent (at least 6 months) immune response through the administration of low antigen doses by gavage. These results raise the possibility of using CPSMV either as a vector for the production of vaccines against animal pathogens or in quick and easy methods to produce specific antisera for viral diagnosis

Cardiovascular effects induced by the aqueous fraction of the ethanol extract of the stem of Solanum stipulaceum in rats

The cardiovascular effects induced by the aqueous fraction of the ethanol extract of the stem (AFS) of Solanum stipulaceum Roem. & Schult were studied in rats. In non-anesthetized rats, AFS injections produced significant and dosedependent hypotension associated with increase in heart rate. In isolated rat superior mesenteric rings, AFS was able to antagonize the contractions induced by phenylephrine and KCl. The vasorelaxant activity of AFS was not inhibited by either removal of vascular endothelium, L-NAME, atropine or indomethacine. In isolated rat atrial preparations, AFS produced concentration-related negative inotropic and chronotropic responses. These results suggest that the hypotensive effect of AFS is due to a peripheral vasodilation, which can not be attributed to the participation of vascular endothelium. Finally, AFS acts directly on the heart decreasing contractility and heart rate.

HPLC identification of isoniazid residues in bovine milk

The high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for the identification of isoniazid (isonicotinic acid hydrazide) in the milk of cattle treated with a dose of 25 mg/kg/day in alternated days. The effect of milk pasteurization on the isoniazid residue concentration was also studied. The drug excretion presented a cyclic variation, with higher levels in the first day after administration (aa), a mean of 1104.48µg/l, and a decrease two days aa, with a mean of 104.12µg/l. Four days after the last administration of the drug it was not possible to identify residues of isoniazid in the milk of treated animals. Body weight and milk yield influenced the amount of the excreted drug, and pasteurization decreased (mean 47.07 per cent) the concentration of isoniazid residue in milk

Contaminacion de hongos del aire atmosferico en la ciudad de Recife (Pernanbuco - Brasil). / Pollution of fungal air-borne spores in the city of Recife (Pernanbuco - Brasil)

La contaminacion por hongos del aire atmosferico es sugerida por la accion de los factores que contribuyen para aumentar la cantidad de inoculos. Fueron llevadas a cabo durante dos anos, muestreos quincenales en siete de las principales calles de la ciudad de Recife, con repeticiones de manana y de tarde, totalizando 28 muestras mensuales. Se empleo el metodo de exposiciones de cajas de Petri. Los resultados indican 73 (setenta y tres) generos, destacandose los siguientes, con frecuencia absoluta y relativa, respectivamente: Aspergillus, 622 (92,50%), Penicillium 468 (69,60%), Cladosporium 467 (69,45%), Candida 387 (57,57%) Rhodotorula 334 (49,65) y Phoma 299 (44,45%)