Curvas de crecimiento en ovino de pelo colombiano en los departamentos de Córdoba y Cesar, Colombia

La producción ovina en los últimos años en Colombia, se considera como una actividad con miras a exportación de carne, por lo cual, es necesario conocer el desempeño productivo de las diferentes razas dedicadas a este propósito en las regiones, con un número considerable de animales respecto al inventario nacional; por lo tanto, el objetivo de esta investigación fue describir el crecimiento en ovinos de pelo colombiano en los departamentos de Córdoba y Cesar, Colombia. Se utilizaron 99 animales de los biotipos Sudán y Etíope. Fueron evaluados los modelos Gompertz, Von Bertalanffy, Brody y Logístico. Los parámetros para obtener las curvas de crecimiento fueron estimados por medio del procedimiento NLIN de SAS. Utilizando el modelo de mejor ajuste, se determinó el porcentaje y la edad de madurez. El modelo Brody fue el que mejor ajustó los datos. El sexo no tuvo efecto significativo sobre los parámetros estimados, mientras que el biotipo racial fue significativo para todos los parámetros estimados, con la excepción de ß 1 ; la zona presentó efecto significativo sobre ß 0 y ß 2 y la época solo para ß 1. De acuerdo con los parámetros de la curva Brody estimados y a los porcentajes y edades a la madurez, en las poblaciones en estudio, se debe mejorar la alimentación de los animales e implementar un programa de selección, con el fin de mejorar los pesos de los animales, al llegar a la edad adulta.

Sheep production in recent years in Colombia is considered as an activity for the exportation of meat, therefore, it is necessary to know the productive performance of the different breeds dedicated to this purpose in the regions with a considerable number of animals with respect to national inventory. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to describe the growth in Colombian hair sheep in the departments of Cordoba and Cesar, Colombia. 99 animals of the Sudan and Ethiopian biotypes were used. The Gompertz, Von Bertalanffy, Brody and Logistic models were evaluated. The parameters of the growth curves were estimated by the procedure NLIN of SAS. Using the best fit model, the percentage and age of maturity were determined. The Brody model was the one that best fit the data. Sex had no significant effect on the estimated parameters, while racial biotype was significant for all estimated parameters, with the exception of ß 1; the zone presented a significant effect on ß 0 and ß 2; and the season only for ß 1. According to the estimated parameters of the Brody curve and the percentages and ages at maturity, in the populations under study, the feeding of the animals should be improved and a conduct a selection program, in order to improve the weights of the animals at reach adulthood.

Two strongly linked blocks within the KIF16B gene significantly influence wool length and greasy yield in fine wool sheep (Ovis aries)

BACKGROUND A previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified the kinesin family member 16B (KIF16B) as a candidate gene related to sheep wool production. In this work, DNA pool sequencing and SNPscanTM high-throughput genotyping methods were used to detect single-nucleotide polymor phisms (SNPs) in the sheep KIF16B gene. The correlations between the SNPs and wool length and greasy wool yield were systematically assessed. RESULTS Forty-five SNPs were identified and 37 of them were genotyped, including 10 exon mutations, 26 intron mutations, and 1 promoter region mutation. Most of the SNPs were of medium genetic diversity and at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). Among them, 10 SNPs were associated with greasy wool yield and 28 SNPs impact the wool length. Five specific SNPs were found to exert significant effects on the wool length in all body parts analyzed in this study. Furthermore, linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis was conducted among SNP loci and they were found to be significantly associated with economically important traits. Two strongly linked SNP blocks were identified within these SNPs and they might exert significant impacts on the greasy wool yield and wool length. CONCLUSIONS The identified SNPs exert significant effects on wool production and could be considered as potential DNA markers for selecting the individuals with superior phenotypes

Serum biochemical reference ranges for pregnant sheep

Late pregnancy is accompanied by dramatic changes in the metabolism of sheep, in which the nutrient requirements increase and the metabolic capacity of ewes is under severe stress due to the rapid foetal growth and development of the mammary gland. The blood metabolic profile can be used to monitor these alterations, which can lead to metabolic disorders such as pregnancy toxaemia. However, data available on serum parameters in sheep do not consider physiological state. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the biochemical reference ranges for pregnant ewes, including serum energy, protein and enzyme-related metabolites. Data from a variety of metabolites were obtained from experiments performed in several institutions and commercial farms using Santa Inês, Dorper, Lacaune, Morada Nova, Bergamacia and Suffolk ewes reared under different conditions (grazing, feedlot, semi-feedlot, collective and/or individual pens, and metabolic cages) from 2006 to 2017. All animals were healthy and without feed restriction. Data from ewes with any clinical manifestations were removed. The metabolic energy profile included data of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and very-low-density lipoprotein levels; the metabolic protein profile included the metabolites total protein, uric acid, urea, albumin, and creatinine; and the metabolic enzymatic profile included the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase. The reference ranges were estimated using the software RefVal 4.11. Dixon's test was used to identify and remove outliers. The confidence intervals and percentiles were estimated using the nonparametric method of bootstrap when data were not normally distributed. A 95% confidence level was used. The serum biochemical reference ranges for pregnant sheep determined in our study were strongly divergent from those established by one of the most cited books on the topic, especially considering the high serum urea and cholesterol concentrations and low levels of blood glucose observed. Therefore, it is essential to consider physiological status when evaluating the blood metabolic profile of pregnant ewes in order to maintain an adequate nutritional management and to prevent health disorders that may lead to productive and reproductive losses.

Performance of lambs under four levels of dietary supplementation and artificially mix-infected with Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis / Efeito de quatro dietas na performance de cordeiros artificialmente infectados com Haemonchus contortus e Trichostrongylus colubriformis

Abstract The effect of four diets on the performance of Dorper lambs that were artificially mix-infected with 1000 infective larvae (L3) of Haemonchus contortus and 1000 L3 of Trichostrongylus colubriformis every three days for 12 weeks was evaluated. For each diet, one infected group (n = 7) and one control group (n = 4) were set up. The four diets contained the following proportions of hay (H) and concentrate (C): Diet 1 - 100%H; Diet 2 - 75%H:25%C; Diet 3 - 50%H:50%C; Diet 4 - 25%H:75. All the infected groups showed decreases in mean packed cell volume (PCV) and total plasma protein, especially the Diet 1-infected, which was also the group with the highest fecal egg count. The diets and infection had significant effects (P < 0.05) on daily body weight gain (DBWG), cold carcass weight and daily food consumption. The control and infected groups had mean DBWG (in kg), respectively, of 0.048 and 0.025 with Diet 1; 0.082 and 0.067 with Diet 2; 0.188 and 0.189 with Diet 3; and 0.303 and 0.221 with Diet 4. In conclusion, the infection affected the productive performance regardless of the diet; however, with increased metabolizable protein and energy, the risk of occurrence of anemia and hypoproteinemia diminished.

Resumo Avaliou-se o efeito de quatro dietas sobre o desempenho de cordeiros Dorper infectados artificialmente, a cada três dias, durante 12 semanas, com 1.000 larvas infectantes (L3) de Haemonchus contortus e 1.000 L3 de Trichostrongylus colubriformis. Um grupo infectado (n=7) e um controle (n=4) foram constituídos para cada uma das dietas, que continham a seguinte proporção de feno (F) e concentrado (C): Dieta 1 - 100%F; Dieta 2 - 75%F:25%C; Dieta 3 - 50%F:50%C; Dieta 4 - 25%F:75%C. Todos os grupos infectados apresentaram redução nas médias de hematócrito (VG) e proteína plasmática total (PPT), principalmente o grupo Dieta 1 infectado, que também apresentou maior contagem de ovos nas fezes. Houve efeito significativo da dieta e da infecção (P <0,05) no ganho em peso médio diário, peso da carcaça e consumo diário de alimento. Os grupos controle e infectado tiveram ganho em peso médio diário (em kg), respectivamente, de 0,048 e 0,025 na Dieta 1; 0,082 e 0,067 na Dieta 2; 0,188 e 0,189 na Dieta 3; e 0,303 e 0,221 na Dieta 4. Concluiu-se que a infecção afetou o desempenho produtivo independentemente da dieta, porém, com o aumento da proteína e da energia metabolizável, o risco de ocorrência de anemia e hipoproteinemia diminuiu.

Serological survey of leptospirosis, brucellosis, and lentivirus in herds of small ruminants in Recôncavo Baiano, Bahia, Brazil / Inquérito sorológico de leptospirose, brucelose e lentiviroses em rebanhos de pequenos ruminantes no Recôncavo Baiano, Bahia, Brasil

A serological survey was carried out to assess the frequency of leptospirosis, small ruminants lentivirus (SRLV), and brucellosis in small ruminant herds in the Recôncavo Baiano, State of Bahia, Brazil, from February to December 2017. In four goat herds, 125 animals were tested for SRLV and leptospirosis, while in five sheep herds, 378 animals were tested for leptospirosis, brucellosis, and SRLV. Regarding leptospirosis, MAT detected 80% of goats and 15.34% of sheep seroreactive. Reactivity was most frequent to serogroups Autumnalis and Grippotyphosa in goats and sheep, respectively. Regarding SRLV, 8.8% of goats and 0.79% of sheep were reactive. Search for anti-B. ovis antibodies revealed 0.52% reactivity. In sheep, three animals showed simultaneous seroreactivity for SRLV and leptospirosis, while one animal had a serological response for brucellosis and leptospirosis. In goats, simultaneous seroreactivity for SRLV and leptospirosis was observed in only one animal. Leptospirosis was the most frequent of the three infectious diseases in investigated herds.(AU)

Foi realizado um inquérito sorológico para avaliar a frequência de ocorrência de leptospirose, lentiviroses de pequenos ruminantes (LVPR) e brucelose em rebanhos de pequenos ruminantes no Recôncavo Baiano, estado da Bahia, Brasil, no período de fevereiro a dezembro de 2017. Em quatro rebanhos de caprinos, foram testados 125 animais para LVPR e leptospirose, enquanto em cinco rebanhos de ovinos, foram testados 378 animais para leptospirose, brucelose e LVPR. Em relação à leptospirose, 80% das cabras e 15,34% das ovelhas foram sororreativas. Os sorogrupos de Leptospira spp. predominantes foram Autumnalis e Grippotyphosa para caprinos e ovinos, respectivamente. Em relação as LVPR, 8,8% dos caprinos e 0,79% dos ovinos foram reativos. Adicionalmente, a pesquisa de anticorpos Anti-B. ovis revelou 0,52% de ovinos reativos. Em ovinos, três animais apresentaram sororreatividade simultânea para LVPR e leptospirose, enquanto um animal teve resposta sorológica para brucelose e leptospirose. Em caprinos, sororreatividade simultânea para LVPR e leptospirose foi observada em apenas um animal. A leptospirose foi a doença infecciosa mais frequente nos rebanhos investigados.(AU)

Haematological variables of Santa Ines and Ile de France suckling lambs: Influence of Haemonchus contortus infection / Variáveis hematológicas de cordeiros lactentes Santa Inês e Ile de France: influência da infecção por Haemonchus contortus

Haemonchus contortus is the major gastrointestinal parasite of sheep raised in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. This trial aimed to evaluate the influence of H. contortus infection on the bone marrow response of Santa Ines (SI) and Ile de France (IF) suckling lambs experimentally infected with H. contortus. Fourteen SI lambs and 12 IF lambs were randomized in four groups: infected SI (n=8), non-infected SI (n=6), infected IF (n=8) and non-infected IF (n=4). Lambs of infected groups were submitted to 27 infections, conducted every two days, from 14 to 68 days of age, and each lamb received a total of 5400 H. contortus infective larvae (L3). Ten blood samples were obtained during the experimental period to be used for erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, packed cell volume and total plasma protein estimation. Additionally, it was carried out a differential leukocyte count. Lambs from control groups did not shed eggs in faeces all over the experiment, while infected Santa Ines and Ile de France lambs presented means of 2963 EPG (Eggs Per Gram of faeces) and 8175 EPG in the last sampling (P<0.05), respectively. Infected Santa Ines lambs had an increase in eosinophil release, however differences (P<0.05) on circulation number in comparison with infected Ile de France lambs were identified only in the last sampling (54 days post first infection). The mild H. cortortus infection did not produce significant changes in the blood variables of the Ile de France and Santa Ines suckling lambs.(AU)

Haemonchus contortus é o principal parasita gastrintestinal de ovinos criados em áreas tropicais e subtropicais. Este estudo objetivou avaliar a influência da infecção por H. contortus na resposta medular de cordeiros lactentes das raças Santa Inês (SI) e Ile de France (IF) infectados experimentalmente com H. contortus. Quatorze cordeiros SI e 12 cordeiros IF, foram distribuídos em quatro grupos: SI infectado (n=8), SI não infectado (n=6), IF infectado (n=8) e IF não infectado (n=4). Cordeiros dos grupos infectados foram submetidos a 27 infecções, realizadas a cada dois dias, do 14º até 68º dia de vida, com um total de 5400 larvas infectantes (L3) de H. contortus por animal. Foram realizadas 10 coletas de sangue ao longo do período experimental para determinação do volume globular, proteínas plasmáticas totais, contagem de eritrócitos e leucócitos, além do diferencial de leucócitos. Cordeiros controles não infectados não eliminaram ovos nas fezes durante todo o experimento, enquanto que os cordeiros Santa Ines e Ile de France infectados apresentaram em média 2963 ovos por grama de fezes (OPG) e 8175 OPG na última coleta (P<0,05), respectivamente. Cordeiros Santa Inês infectados tiveram um aumento na produção de eosinófilos, mas diferenças (P<0.05) no número de eosinófilos sanguíneos em comparação a cordeiros Ile de France infectados foram detectadas somente na última coleta (54 dias após a primeira infecção). A infecção leve por H. cortortus não induziu alterações significativas nas variáveis sanguíneas de cordeiros lactentes Ile de France e Santa Inês.(AU)

Hematological, parasitological and biochemical parameters in sheep during the peripartum period / Parámetros hematológicos, parasitológicos y bioquímicos en ovejas durante el periparto / Parâmetros hematológicos, parasitológicos e bioquímicos de ovelhas durante o periparto

Abstract Background: Pregnancy in all animal species requires special care and attention. During this period there is great variation in hematological and biochemical parameters. Many times these parameters are misinterpreted as being obtained from non-pregnant animals with unknown parasite status. Objective: To characterize the hematological, biochemical, and parasitological values within the peripartum period of Santa Ines sheep naturally infected. Methods: For this purpose, 45 ewes were used, with an average body weight of 50 kg. Data were collected during pregnancy, birth and, lactation. Measurements included body weight, body condition score (BCS), evaluation of conjunctive staining, and collection of blood and feces. Results: All variables changed throughout physiological stages. Weight and BCS were different between periods (p<0.05). Fecal egg counts (FEC) were higher in the peripartum period, with a predominance of Haemonchus ssp, 92.85%. Mean hematological and biochemical values varied throughout the study, (p>0.05). Conclusion: The influence of peripartum on the parameters studied should be considered and its use as a reference value. Regarding the physiological variations observed during peripartum, proper animal management could help minimizing the negative effects of parasitic infections on productivity.

Resumen Antecedentes: La preñez en todas las especies animales requiere atención y cuidados especiales. En ese período existe gran variación en los parámetros hematológicos y bioquímicos. Muchas veces estos parámetros son interpretados erróneamente por ser obtenidos de animales no gestantes y con estatus parasitario desconocido. Objetivo: Caracterizar los valores hematológicos, bioquímicos y parasitológicos durante el periparto en ovejas Santa Inés infectadas naturalmente. Métodos: Se utilizaron 45 ovejas, con un peso corporal promedio de 50 kg. la recolección de muestras se realizó durante la gestación, el parto y la lactancia. Se evaluó el peso, la condición corporal, la tinción conjuntiva, y se recolectaron muestras de sangre y heces. Resultados: Todas las variables mostraron variaciones a lo largo de las etapas fisiológicas. La puntuación de peso y condición corporal (BCS) mostró diferencia entre períodos (p<0,05). Los recuentos de huevos fecales (FEC) tuvieron mayores promedios en el periparto, con predominio de Haemonchus ssp, 92,85%. Los valores medios hematológicos y bioquímicos variaron a lo largo del estudio (p<0,05). Conclusiones: Se recomienda considerar la influencia del periparto en los parámetros estudiados y su uso como valor de referencia. Con respecto a las variaciones fisiológicas observadas durante el periparto, el manejo adecuado de los animales podría ayudar a minimizar los efectos negativos de las infecciones parasitarias sobre la productividad.

Resumo Antecedentes: A prenhez em todas as espécies requer atenção e cuidados especiais. Neste período há grande variação dos parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos dos animais. Muitas vezes estes parâmetros são mal interpretados na realização de diagnósticos por serem baseados em parâmetros de animais saudáveis não gestantes, desconsiderando também a infecção parasitária. Objetivo: Caracterizar os valores hematológicos, bioquímicos e parasitológicos durante o periparto de ovelhas da raça Santa Inês naturalmente infectadas. Métodos: Foram utilizadas quarenta e cinco ovelhas, com peso corporal médio de 50 kg, os animais foram acompanhados durante a prenhez, parto e lactação. As análises compreendiam: pesagem, condição corporal, Famacha©, sangue e fezes. Resultados: Todas as variáveis apresentaram variações concomitantemente ao avanço da gestação, parto e lactação. O peso (PS) e o escore da condição corporal (ECC) apresentaram diferença estatística entre os períodos (p>0,05). As contagens de ovos por grama de fezes (FEC) apresentaram médias mais elevadas no periparto. Os valores hematológicos e bioquímicos também variaram (p>0,05). Conclusão: Devido ao resultado, sugere-se considerar a influência de periparto sobre os parâmetros estudados e a sua utilização como um valor de referência. Tendo em vista as variações fisiológicas devido o período do periparto e as infecções parasitárias o manejo dos animais deve ter como objetivo minimizar os impactos negativos na produção animal.

Pathogenic potential of Brucella ovis field isolates with different genotypic profile and protection provided by the vaccine strain B. ovis ΔabcBA against B. ovis field isolates in mice / Vacina viva atenuada Brucella ovis Δ abcBA encapsulada protege camundongos frente a desafios de B. ovis isoladas de campo

Brucella ovis causes economic and reproductive losses in sheep herds. The goal of this study was to characterize infection with B. ovis field isolates in a murine model, and to evaluate protection induced by the candidate vaccine strain B. ovis ΔabcBA in mice challenged with these field isolates. B. ovis field strains were able to colonize and cause lesions in the liver and spleen of infected mice. After an initial screening, two strains were selected for further characterization (B. ovis 94 AV and B. ovis 266 L). Both strains had in vitro growth kinetics that was similar to that of the reference strain B. ovis ATCC 25840. Vaccination with B. ovis ΔabcBA encapsulated with 1% alginate was protective against the challenge with field strains, with the following protection indexes: 0.751, 1.736, and 2.746, for mice challenged with B. ovis ATCC25840, B. ovis 94 AV, and B. ovis 266 L, respectively. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that B. ovis field strains were capable of infecting and inducing lesions in experimentally infected mice. The attenuated vaccine strain B. ovis ΔabcBA induced protection in mice challenged with different B. ovis field isolates, resulting in higher protection indexes against more pathogenic strains.(AU)

Brucella ovis é responsável por perdas econômicas e reprodutivas em rebanhos ovinos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a infecção com as cepas isoladas de campo de B. ovis em modelo murino e avaliar a eficiência vacinal da mutante B. ovis ΔabcAB para proteção contra desafio com as cepas isoladas de campo. Foram utilizadas sete cepas isoladas de campo foram capazes de colonizar e provocar lesões no fígado e no baço de camundongos após sete dias pós-infecção. Após triagem, duas cepas foram selecionadas para a melhor caracterização (B. ovis 94 AV and B. ovis 266L). Ambas apresentaram crescimento em placa de cultivo semelhante ao da cepa de referência B. ovis ATCC 25840. A vacinação com a cepa de Brucella ovis ΔabcBA encapsulada com alginato a 1% foi capaz de proteger camundongos desafiados com as cepas isoladas de campo, com os seguintes índices de proteção: 0,751, 1,736 e 2,746, para camundongos desafiados com B. ovis ATCC 25840, B. ovis 94 AV e B. ovis 266 L, respectivamente. Estes resultados demonstraram que as cepas isoladas de campo de B. ovis são capazes de infectar e induzir lesão em camundongos experimentalmente infectados. O uso da cepa mutante atenuada B. ovis ΔabcBA para vacinação de fêmeas C57BL/6 desafiados com diferentes cepas de B. ovis induziu proteção nos camundongos desafiados com diferentes cepas de B. ovis. Deste modo, mostrando-se eficiente na proteção das cepas de campo de B. ovis.(AU)

Falla en la eficacia de dos formulaciones de ivermectina contra Psoroptes ovis (Hering, 1838) en ovinos / Failure of efficacy of two ivermectin formulations against Psoroptes ovis (Hering, 1838) in sheep

Resumen El presente trabajo evaluó la relación entre la eficacia y la farmacocinética de dos formulaciones comerciales inyectables de ivermectina (IVM) en ovinos merino adultos artificialmente infestados con Psoroptes ovis. Los animales fueron tratados por vía subcutánea con IVM 1 % en dos dosis con un intervalo de aplicación de 7 días, (0.2 mg/kg) o con una única dosis de IVM 3.15%, (1.05 mg/kg). Se realizaron conteos semanales de ácaros vivos mediante raspajes de piel entre el día 0 y 28 post-tratamiento para determinar la eficacia de los tratamientos, y se tomaron muestras de sangre para medir las concentraciones de IVM en plasma. Se observó una disminución significativa en los conteos de ácaros a partir del día 14 post-tratamiento, sin embargo, se encontraron ácaros vivos en todos los muestreos para ambos grupos. En el Grupo IVM 1%, la máxima eficacia se observó el día 28 post tratamiento (93.3%), mientras que en el Grupo IVM 3,15% este registro se obtuvo el día 21 (95.9%). Mayores concentraciones de IVM fueron observadas en los animales tratados con la formulación 3.15 %. La falla para obtener una cura parasitológica tras el tratamiento con ambas formulaciones de IVM puede ser indicativo de la presencia de ácaros resistentes a este principio activo.

Abstract The current work evaluated the relationship between efficacy and pharmacokinetics of two commercial injectable formulations of ivermectin (IVM) in adult merino sheep artificially infested with Psoroptes ovis. Animals were treated subcutaneously with IVM 1% formulation (two doses on days 0 and 7) at 0.2 mg / kg or with a single dose of IVM 3.15% preparation at 1.05 mg / kg. Live mites were counted weekly by performing skin scrapings between days 0 and 28 post-treatment to determine the efficacy of each IVM formulation. Blood samples were taken up to 35 days post-treatment to measure IVM plasma concentrations. A significant decrease in mite counts was observed from day 14 post-treatment. However, live mites were found in all samples for both groups throughout the entire trial. After IVM 1% administration, the highest effcacy was observed on day 28 (93.3% whereas in the IVM 3,15% group was obtained on day 21 post treatment (95.9%). Higher IVM plasma concentrations were observed in animals treated with the IVM 3.15% formulation. Failure to obtain a parasitological cure after treatment with both IVM formulations may reflect the presence of resistant mites to this drug.

Survey of vector-borne and nematode parasites involved in the etiology of anemic syndrome in sheep from Southern Brazil / Pesquisa de hemoparasitos transmitidos por vetores e nematódeos envolvidos na etiologia de síndrome anêmica em ovinos no Sul do Brasil

Abstract Although anemia has been historically linked to Haemonchus contortus infection, other infectious agents, such as hemotropic mycoplasmas and tick-borne disease pathogens, may also lead to anemic crisis in sheep. This study has aimed to investigate infections related to anemia in a sheep herd from Bandeirantes City, Paraná State, southern Brazil. Seven out of forty-two (16.6%; 95% CI: 8.32-30.6%) sheep were positive for hemoplasmas by a PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene and all tested negative for A. marginale/A. ovis and Babesia/Theileria spp. by PCR based on msp4 and 18S rRNA genes, respectively. Two (4.7%; 95% CI: 1.32-15.79%) animals were infested with Rhipicephalus microplus ticks. Fecal egg counting was performed in 38 sheep and 24 (63.15%; 95% CI: 47.2-76.6%) presented > 500 eggs per gram. Phylogenetic analysis of partial sequences of the detected hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. 16S and 23S rRNA genes confirmed that the animals were infected with Mycoplasma ovis. Polymorphism analysis of partial 16S rRNA sequences showed three different genotypes of M. ovis infecting sheep assessed in the present study. Mycoplasma ovis and gastrointestinal nematodes occurs in sheep from the northern region of Paraná State.

Resumo Embora a principal causa de anemia seja historicamente relacionada à infecção por Haemonchus contortus, outros agentes infecciosos, como micoplasmas hemotrópicos e patógenos transmitidos por carrapatos, também podem causar quadros anêmicos em ovinos. O presente estudo objetivou investigar infecções relacionadas à anemia em um rebanho de ovinos, na cidade de Bandeirantes, Estado do Paraná, sul do Brasil. Sete (16,6%; 95% CI: 8,32-30,6%) de 42 ovinos foram positivos para hemoplasmas pela PCR do gene 16S rRNA, enquanto todos foram negativos para A. marginale/A. ovis e Babesia/Theileria spp. por ensaios da PCR baseados nos genes msp4 e 18S rRNA, respectivamente. Dois (4,7%; 95% CI: 1,32-15,79%) animais estavam infestados por carrapatos Rhipicephalus microplus. Dos 38 animais nos quais foi realizada a contagem de ovos por grama de fezes (OPG), 24 (63,15%; 95% CI: 47,2-76,6%) apresentaram valores >500 para OPG. A análise filogenética das sequências parciais dos genes 16S rRNA e 23S rRNA de hemoplasmas confirmou a infecção por Mycoplasma ovis. A análise de polimorfismos de um fragmento do gene 16S rRNA mostrou a ocorrência de três genótipos diferentes de M. ovis nos animais. Mycoplasma ovis e nematódeos gastrointestinais ocorrem em ovinos da região nordeste do Estado do Paraná.

Psoroptes ovis infestation of sheep in São Vicente do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Sarna psoróptica ovina em São Vicente do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

ABSTRACT: Sheep psoroptic mange is a form of highly itchy and contagious dermatitis caused by the mite Psoroptes ovis. Here, we reporteda case of sheep psoroptic mange outbreak at a property in São Vicente do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. Poor nutritional status, restless behavior, pruritus, wool fall, yellowish crusted skin lesions with edge exudate, erythema surrounding the lesions and presence of wool trapped between the teeth were observed in the herd. Complete blood count test showed marked eosinophilia, and parasitological examination of a skin scrape revealed P. ovis. Histopathological examination of a skin biopsy sample revealed eosinophilic pustular dermatitis. The treatment consisted of two administrations of 1% ivermectin at 1 mL/33 kg of body weight subcutaneously over an interval of 10 days. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of psoroptic mange at a sheep farm of RS with description of the clinical signs and laboratory and histopathological findings.

RESUMO: A sarna psoróptica ovina é uma dermatite altamente pruriginosa e contagiosa causada pelo ácaro Psoroptes ovis. Este trabalho registra o caso da doença em uma propriedade no município de São Vicente do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brasil. No rebanho foram observados mau estado de nutrição, comportamento inquieto, prurido, queda de lã, lesões crostosas amareladas na pele com exsudato nas bordas, eritema perilesional e presença de lã presa entre os dentes. O hemograma mostrou marcada eosinofilia e um raspado cutâneo demonstrou a presença de P. ovis no exame parasitológico. No exame histopatológico, oriundo de uma biópsia de pele, observou-se dermatite pustular eosinofílica. O tratamento consistiu de duas administrações de ivermectina a 1% na dose de 1ml/33kg de peso corporal por via subcutânea em um intervalo de 10 dias. Este é primeiro estudo relatando a ocorrência, sinais clínicos e achados laboratoriais/histopatológicos da sarna psoróptica em uma propriedade de criação de ovinos no RS.

Utilização da lipoproteína de baixa densidade, em diferentes concentrações, em meio diluidor para criopreservação do sêmen ovino / Use of low density lipoprotein in different concentrations in diluent medium for cryopreservation of ovine semen

A utilização da gema de ovo dificulta a padronização de meios diluidores e apresenta riscos biológicos. Assim, este estudo avaliou diferentes concentrações da lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL), em substituição à gema de ovo, para a confecção de diluentes para criopreservação espermática em ovinos. Foram utilizados um diluidor controle (CTR= 20% de gema de ovo) e cinco tratamentos, substituindo-se a gema pelas diferentes proporções de LDL (T1=6%; T2=8%; T3=12%; T4=16%; T5=20%), todos à base de TRIS-glicerol. Para o estudo, utilizaram-se dois ejaculados, de seis reprodutores da raça Santa Inês. Sessenta dias após a criopreservação, as amostras foram descongeladas e avaliadas subjetivamente quanto à motilidade total (MT, %) e progressiva (MP, %), ao vigor (1-5) e à integridade funcional (choque hisposmótico com água destilada, %) e estrutural (corante supravital eosina, %) das membranas espermáticas. As avaliações de vigor e funcionalidade de membrana não diferiram (P>0,05) entre os grupos. Entretanto, os grupos T4 (P<0,01) e T5 (P<0,05) foram superiores ao CTR para os parâmetros MT, MP e integridade estrutural de membrana, o que confirma que as LDLs podem ser alternativas eficientes para substituição da gema de ovo em diluidores para criopreservação de sêmen ovino.(AU)

The use of egg yolk makes it difficult to standardize extenders and presents biological hazards. Thus, this study evaluated different concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to replace yolk extenders for production of sperm for cryopreservation in ovine. A control extender was used (CTR= 20% yolk) and five treatments, replacing the yolk by different ratios of LDL (T1= 6%; T2= 8%, T3= 12%; T4= 16%; T5= 20%) all based on TRIS-glycerol. For the study, two ejaculates from six Santa Ines breeding were used. Sixty days after cryopreservation, the samples were thawed and evaluated for total motility (MT, %) and progressive motility (MP, %), vigor (1-5) and the functional integrity (hyposmotic shock with distilled water, %) and structural (supravital dye eosin, %) of the sperm membranes. The evaluations of strength and membrane functionality didn't differ (P> 0.05) between groups. However, T4 (P< 0.01) and T5 (P< 0.05) groups were superior to the CTR for the MT, MP, and membrane structural integrity parameters, which confirms that LDLs can be efficient alternatives for yolk replacement in extenders for cryopreservation of ovine semen.(AU)

Molecular phylogenetic analysis of Cysticercus ovis from Egypt based on MT-CO1 gene sequences / Análise filogenética molecular de Cysticercus ovis do Egito com base nas sequências do gene MT-CO1

Abstract Cysticercus ovis or sheep measles is the larval stage of Taenia ovis, which is the intestinal tapeworm of dogs. It is found in the cardiac and skeletal muscles of sheep and can be the cause of partial or total condemnation of carcasses at abattoirs. The aim of the current work was to determine the prevalence of C. ovis among sheep in Upper Egypt and to present the molecular and phylogenetic analysis of this using the amplified Mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase subunit 1 (MT-CO1) gene. A total of 1885 sheep slaughtered at local abattoirs of 4 different governorates of Upper Egypt (Asuit, Sohag, Qena and Aswan) were carefully examined for C. ovis. The overall prevalence of infection was 2.02%. The highest rate of infection was observed in adult animals over 4 years of age (44.73%). There was no significant effect of animal sex on infection rates. The phylogenic analysis of C. ovis Egyptian isolates showed very close similarity to the New Zealand isolate (AB731675). This is the first report showing the genetic analysis of C. ovis in Egypt, which provides a very powerful tool for taxonomy and definitive diagnosis of C. ovis, which could be helpful for preventive and control programs.

Resumo Cysticercus ovis "sheep measles" é o estágio larval da Taenia ovis, encontrada nos músculos de carneiros, causado pela ingestão de ovos de Taenia ovis, parasita de cães. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi determinar a prevalência de C. ovis entre ovinos no Alto Egito e apresentar as análises moleculares e filogenéticas, utilizando o gene da subunidade mitocondrial citocromo-oxidase amplificada 1 (MT-CO1). Um total de 1885 ovinos abatidos em matadouros locais de 4 províncias diferentes do Alto Egito (Asuit, Sohag, Qena e Aswan) foram cuidadosamente examinados para C. ovis. A prevalência geral de infecção foi de 2,02%. A maior taxa de infecção foi observada em animais adultos com mais de 4 anos de idade (44,73%). Não houve efeito significativo do sexo nas taxas de infecção. A análise filogenética de isolados egípcios de C. ovis mostrou uma similaridade muito próxima ao isolado da Nova Zelândia (AB731675). Este é o primeiro relato mostrando a análise genética de C. ovis no Egito, fornecendo uma ferramenta para taxonomia e diagnóstico definitivo de C. ovis, podendo ser útil para programas preventivo e de controle.

South Brazilian farmers' perceptions concerning sheep tail docking / Percepção dos ovinocultores do sul do Brasil com relação à caudectomia em ovinos

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to better understand farmers' perceptions regarding sheep welfare and procedures concerning the tail docking of sheep in the state of Parana, Southern Brazil. The study was carried out via telephone interviews or personally with 146 sheep farmers. Twenty-eight farmers (19.2%) did not tail dock; the main reasons given were because they raised short-hair sheep breeds. One hundred and eighteen farmers docked their sheep tails (80.8%). The main reasons given were hygiene (61.0%), facilitated mating (42.4%), breed standards (29.7%), and esthetics (26.3%). Rubber ring was the main method used for tail docking. Although farmers in Parana recognized that sheep are sentient animals and that tail docking causes pain, anesthesia was used by only six (5.1%) farmers during the procedure of tail docking. Our results showed that farmers' opinions on sheep tail docking are divergent. Farmers who perform tail docking must be encouraged to use anesthesia and analgesia, and to ponder on the real need for the practice. This statement seems especially relevant considering the fact that some farmers reported the viability of maintaining wool sheep with undocked tails and that they recognized the suffering involved in this procedure.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi compreender melhor a percepção de ovinocultores em relação ao bem-estar de ovinos e aos procedimentos envolvendo a caudectomia desses animais no Paraná, sul do Brasil. O estudo foi realizado por meio de entrevistas telefônicas ou pessoalmente com 146 ovinocultores. Vinte e oito ovinocultores (19,2%) não realizavam caudectomia; a principal razão citada foi porque os produtores criavam ovelhas deslanadas (pelo curto). Cento e dezoito ovinocultores realizavam a caudectomia (80,8%) e as principais razões citadas foram: higiene (61,0%), monta facilitada (42,4%), padrão racial (29,7%) e estética (26,3%). O principal método utilizado para realizar a caudectomia foi o anel de borracha. Apesar dos ovinocultores no Paraná reconhecerem que ovinos são animais sencientes e que a caudectomia causa dor, somente seis (5,1%) aplicavam anestesia durante o procedimento. Nossos resultados demonstram que a opinião dos ovinocultores com relação à caudectomia é divergente. Ovinocultores que realizam a caudectomia devem ser encorajados a usar anestesia e analgesia, além de ponderar a real necessidade para essa prática. Essa afirmação se mostra relevante ao considerar o fato de que alguns produtores relataram a viabilidade de manter ovinos lanados com cauda inteira e o reconhecimento por parte deles do sofrimento causado aos animais durante a remoção da cauda.

Telencephalon vascularity in sheep (Ovis aries)

The studies into the vascularity of the telencephalon in Polish Merino sheep of both sexes were made on 60 cerebral hemispheres. It was found that the middle cerebral artery is the most powerful vessel supplying blood to the telencephalon. The artery gets divided into ten permanent branches. Two olfactory arteries supply the area of the telencephalon located on the border between the old and the new cortex. The other eight branches get divided into three branches running to the region of the frontal lobus of the brain, two branches - to the region of the parietal lobus and three temporal branches heading for the temporal region, supplying blood to the new cortex only. The frontal, parietal and temporal branches descended independently from the main trunk of the middle cerebral artery or first formed a common trunk. Common trunks for respective groups of branches have been referred to as: the anterior, superior and posterior middle cerebral arteries. The posterior olfactory artery in 6.7% of the cases was an independent branch from the rostral cerebral artery.(AU)

Avaliação das técnicas de imunodifusão em gel de ágar, ensaio imunoenzimático indireto e reação em cadeia da polimerase no diagnóstico da brucelose ovina / Evaluation of technical, immunodiffusion agar gel, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of ovine brucellosis

A brucelose na espécie ovina tem recebido destaque, uma vez que se trata de uma enfermidade que acomete o sistema reprodutivo dos animais, provocando sério comprometimento no setor produtivo. Dessa forma, objetivou-se a avaliação de três métodos para o diagnóstico da brucelose ovina: o ensaio imunoenzimático indireto (ELISAi), a técnica imunodifusão em gel de ágar (IDGA) e a reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Para tanto, utilizaram-se 211 amostras de sangue de ovinos oriundos de propriedades de nove municípios da microrregião homogênea de Teresina, Piauí. As 211 amostras de sangue foram submetidas aos testes sorológicos e à PCR, visando detectar anticorpos anti-B. ovis e DNA de Brucella ovis, respectivamente. Foram obtidos resultados positivos nos testes sorológicos, sendo 36 (17,06%) positivos no teste IDGA e sete (3,31%) positivos no teste ELISAi, contudo não houve resultados positivos na técnica de PCR. Dos métodos de diagnóstico utilizados neste estudo, o teste IDGA foi o que apresentou melhor desempenho na detecção de animais reagentes, quando comparado ao teste ELISAi e à PCR em amostras de sangue, e o percentual de animais soropositivos sugere uma ampla distribuição de ovinos infectados por Brucella ovis na região em estudo, o que pode causar prejuízos aos produtores.(AU)

Brucellosis in sheep has received a major focus, since it is a disease that affects the reproductive system of animals, causing serious impairment in the productive sector. Thus, three methods for the diagnosis of ovine brucellosis were evaluated as goal, the indirect Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISAi) test, the Immunodiffusion Agar Gel (AGID) technique and the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Therefore, we used 211 sheep blood samples from properties of nine municipalities of the homogeneous micro-region of Teresina, Piaui. The 211 blood samples were subjected to serologic testing and PCR to detect anti-B. ovis antibodies, and Brucella ovis DNA, respectively. Positive results in serological tests were obtained, 36 (17%) positive in the AGID test and seven (3.3%) positive to the ELISAi test, however, there were no positive results in the PCR technique. Of the diagnostic methods used in this study, the AGID test was the one that presented the best performance in the detection of reactive animals, when compared to ELISAi and PCR in blood samples and, the percentage of seropositive animals suggests a wide distribution of Brucella ovis infected sheep in the study region and could cause loss to producers.(AU)

A survey of biochemical and acute phase proteins changes in sheep experimentally infected withAnaplasma ovis

To determine the biochemical and acute phase proteins changes in sheep experimentally infected withAnaplasma ovis (A. ovis).Methods: One Iranian sheep naturally infected with a. ovis (parasitemia 0.02％) but with no other blood parasites based on blood smear and polymerase chain reaction methods was selected as donor, and it was splenectomized to induce high level of parasitemia. Then, three weeks after splenectomy when parasitemia was 6％, donor's blood was intravenously administered to each recipient animal. Five 5-6 months old Iranian male sheep without any blood parasites were selected as recipient animals. The percent of parasites, packed cell volume, serum biochemical parameters (urea, creatinine, bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase activity, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, Fe), acute phase proteins (haptoglobin, total iron binding capacity, fibrinogen), were evaluated in sheep before and after being experimentally infected with a. ovis (until day 38). In addition, body weights of sheep were measured on days 0, 20 and 38.Results: In recipient sheep, microscopic examination of erythrocytes revealed a significant rise of parasitemia on days 12 and 15. The lowest level of packed cell volume in sheep was seen on day 15 post infection. A significant rise existed in mean urea and bilirubin (total, direct and indirect) on days 15 and 20. The increase of indirect bilirubin level was higher than direct bilirubin. Furthermore, serum Fe significantly increased on days 20 and 23. The mean total protein concentration significantly increased on day 38. A significant increase was found in the serum globulin concentration from days 20 and 27 to 38. Maximum values of haptoglobin were observed on days 27 and 30. Moreover, aspartate aminotransferase activity (from days 20-30) and cholesterol concentration (on day 20) significantly decreased. However, no significant changes were found in other parameters.Conclusions: Experimental ovine anaplasmosis caused byA. Ovis could be associated with some changes in measured parameters, which presumably could be helpful for evaluation on staging of disease.

A survey of biochemical and acute phase proteins changes in sheep experimentally infected with Anaplasma ovis

Objective: To determine the biochemical and acute phase proteins changes in sheep experimentally infected with Anaplasma ovis (A. ovis). Methods: One Iranian sheep naturally infected with A. ovis (parasitemia 0.02%) but with no other blood parasites based on blood smear and polymerase chain reaction methods was selected as donor, and it was splenectomized to induce high level of parasitemia. Then, three weeks after splenectomy when parasitemia was 6%, donor's blood was intravenously administered to each recipient animal. Five 5-6 months old Iranian male sheep without any blood parasites were selected as recipient animals. The percent of parasites, packed cell volume, serum biochemical parameters (urea, creatinine, bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase activity, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, Fe), acute phase proteins (haptoglobin, total iron binding capacity, fibrinogen), were evaluated in sheep before and after being experimentally infected with A. ovis (until day 38). In addition, body weights of sheep were measured on days 0, 20 and 38. Results: In recipient sheep, microscopic examination of erythrocytes revealed a significant rise of parasitemia on days 12 and 15. The lowest level of packed cell volume in sheep was seen on day 15 post infection. A significant rise existed in mean urea and bilirubin (total, direct and indirect) on days 15 and 20. The increase of indirect bilirubin level was higher than direct bilirubin. Furthermore, serum Fe significantly increased on days 20 and 23. The mean total protein concentration significantly increased on day 38. A significant increase was found in the serum globulin concentration from days 20 and 27 to 38. Maximum values of haptoglobin were observed on days 27 and 30. Moreover, aspartate aminotransferase activity (from days 20-30) and cholesterol concentration (on day 20) significantly decreased. However, no significant changes were found in other parameters. Conclusions: Experimental ovine anaplasmosis caused by A. ovis could be associated with some changes in measured parameters, which presumably could be helpful for evaluation on staging of disease.

Identificación de larvas productoras de miasis obtenidas del cepario de la Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca con importancia en salud pública / Identification of Myasis-producing Larvae from the Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca

Resumen Las miasis son infestaciones parasitarias en humanos y animales causadas por estadios larvarios de moscas; son de distribución mundial y son una enfermedad frecuente en nuestro medio. En la literatura solo existen algunos casos reportados; por lo cual, su verdadera incidencia es difícil de establecer debido al sub-registro y ausencia de tipificación de larvas. Objetivo. Identificar, clasificar y caracterizar morfológicamente las larvas causantes de miasis como base para futuras aplicaciones e intervenciones en salud pública. Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron 262 larvas obtenidas del cepario de la Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca que se encontraban almacenadas sin ningún tipo de identificación, organización e historia. Resultados. Se realizó la identificación con estereoscopio y claves dicotómicas de las familias Cuterebridae, Oestridae y Calliphoridae. Las especies encontradas son asociadas a diferentes tipos de miasis humana y animal, entre ellas; Dermatobia hominis, Dermatobia cyaniventris, Oestrus ovis, Cochliomyia hominivorax y Lucilia sp. Discusión. Las formas más comunes de este parasitismo son cavitarias y forunculares; causadas por Dermatobia hominis y Cochliomyia hominivorax, sin embargo, éstas no son de reporte obligatorio ante los servicios médicos humanos. Por lo tanto, es indispensable la información y capacitación de profesionales de la salud para la correcta conservación, identificación y reporte de las larvas extirpadas en pacientes con miasis, hasta el punto de ser considerada una práctica de rutina en el diagnóstico clínico.

Abstract Myiasis is the parasitic infestation of the body in humans and animals caused by larval stages of flies; such diseases are worldwide distributed and they are frequent in our environment. In the literature, there are only a few reports; therefore, its real incidence is difficult to be established due to sub-recorded cases and absence of larval typing. Objective. To identify, classify and morphologically characterize myasis-producing larvae of importance in public health. Material and methods. 262 larvae were analysed, obtained from the Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca that were stored without any identification, organization and history. Results. Larvae were identified using a stereomicroscope and morphology was based on dichotomous keys of the Cuterebridae, Oestridae and Calliphoridae families. The species found are associated with different types of myiasis, including; Dermatobia hominis, D. cyaniventris, Oestrus ovis, Cochliomyia hominivorax, C. macellaria and Lucilia spp. Discussion. As a conclusion, we found that cavitary and foruncular were the most common forms of this parasitism in the collection from the Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca. and that Dermatobia hominis and Cochliomyia hominivorax were the main involved species; however, these are not mandatory reporting species for medical services. Therefore, generating information about preservation, identification and recording of myasis-producing larvae, as well as training of professionals in public health might be considered as a routine practice for an accurate clinical diagnosis.