Ultrasound evaluation of digital flexor tendons of jumping horses undergoing treadmill training.

This study aimed to perform ultrasonographic evaluation of the digital flexor tendons of jumping horses undergoing complementary training on a treadmill. Fifteen Brazilian Sport horses were divided into two groups: Group I with 7 animals in physical training complementary to the standard training at the Brazilian Army's Riding School; and Group II with 8 animals in standard training used in the Brazilian Army's Riding School. Complementary training was performed on a treadmill on an inclined plane. Ultrasonographic images were taken at the beginning and at the end of training. The left thoracic and pelvic limbs of horses were evaluated for echogenicity values and cross-sectional areas of the superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFTs) and deep digital flexor tendons (DDFTs) in zones IA, IIB, and IIIB. The mean areas of the SDFT were 93.7 mm2 and 95.8 mm2 at the beginning and the end of training, respectively. The cross-sectional area of DDFT increased from 124.6 mm2 at the beginning of training to 136.8 mm2 at the end of training. The echogenicity values of both tendons were between 0 and 1 as expected, concluding that clinically, the animals showed adaptation to the exercise protocol with no signs of tendon injury being detected, implying that traditional training and complementary training are safe.

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo proceder avaliações ultrassonográficas dos tendões flexores digitais de equinos em treinamento complementar em esteira ergométrica. Foram utilizados 15 equinos da raça Brasileiros de Hipismo (BH), divididos em dois grupos: Grupo I, com sete animais em treinamento físico complementar ao treinamento padrão da Escola de Equitação do Exército; Grupo II, com oito animais em treinamento padrão utilizados na Escola de Equitação do Exército. O treinamento complementar foi executado na esteira ergométrica, em plano inclinado. As imagens ultrassonográficas foram realizadas no início e no final do treinamento. Foram avaliados os membros locomotores torácico e pélvico esquerdos dos equinos quanto a ecogenicidade e a área da seção transversal dos tendões flexores digitais superficiais (TFDS) e tendões flexores digitais profundos (TFDP), nas zonas IA, IIB e IIIB. A média da área dos TFDS foi de 93,7 mm2 e de 95,8 mm2, no início e no final do treinamento, respectivamente. O DDFT apresentou um aumento da área da seção transversa, de 124,6 mm2 no início do treinamento e, de 136,8 mm2 no final do treinamento. A ecogenicidade de ambos os tendões se apresentou entre 0 e 1, como esperado, concluindo-se que clinicamente os animais apresentaram adaptação ao exercício atribuído, não sendo detectados sinais de lesões tendíneas, qualificando o treinamento tradicional e o treinamento complementar como seguros.

Equine parvovirus-hepatitis is detected in South America, Brazil.

The equine parvovirus-hepatitis (EqPV-H), recently identified in association with serum hepatitis in horses (also known as Theiler's disease), has been so far described in horses from North America, Asia and Europe. There is no information regarding its circulation in South America. Our retrospective study (2013-2016) screened by EqPV-H nested-PCR a total of 96 Brazilian horses grouped according to previous status of infection: Known to be positive for one or more horse "hepatitis viruses" (equine hepacivirus, equine pegivirus-EPgV and Theiler's disease-associated virus) and known to be negative. Serum biochemical parameters (aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and glutamate dehydrogenase) were evaluated in EqPV-H positive horses. Molecular characteristics of the isolates were analyzed by DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. EqPV-H DNA was detected in 12.5% (12/96) of horses from 46.6% (7/15) of the farms evaluated. Similar results were obtained between coinfected group (12.3%, 7/57) and non-coinfected group (12.8%, 5/39). Coinfection with EPgV was the most frequent (5/7). Altered serum biochemical parameters suggested a subclinical hepatopathy in some animals (3/12), but the majority presented no clinical or laboratory signs of infection. Nucleotide identity was higher than 94% in comparison with previous isolates. In conclusion, we demonstrated, for the first time in South America, the circulation of EqPV-H. The Brazilian isolates presented a low genetic variability, thus corroborating previous evidence.

Fecal Microbiome Responses to Sudden Diet Change in Mangalarga Marchador horses.

Sudden changes in horses' diet have been previously associated with gastrointestinal disease. This study evaluated the effects of a sudden change of diet composed exclusively of Coastcross hay (CHD) to a complete extruded diet (CED) on the fecal microbiome of horses. A completely randomized design with repeated measurements was used. The study started with eight adult horses randomly split into group A, fed with CHD, and group B, fed with CED. After 34 days of diet adaptation, the diets were abruptly changed between the groups. Fecal samples were collected at 0, 24, and 96 hours after the diet change, and the pH and microbiome analyses of the feces were subsequently evaluated. Changing from CHD to CED reduced the alpha diversity 24 hours after the alteration, with a decrease in the relative abundance of Firmicutes and an increase of Bacteroidetes. Fecal pH decreased and the relative abundance of Verrucomicrobia increased 96 hours after changing the diets. The community structure was also different after 96 hours of diet change. In contrast, 24 hours after changing from CED to CHD reduced fecal pH and abundance of Synergistetes. After 96 hours, there was an increase in the alpha diversity, and the abundance of the phylum Lentisphaerae. Group B showed no changes in the community structure when its diet was changed. Concluding, diet composition influenced the response of the equine fecal microbiome to sudden dietary changes.

First description of Theiler's disease-associated virus infection and epidemiological investigation of equine pegivirus and equine hepacivirus coinfection in Brazil.

Recent advances in the study of equine pegivirus (EPgV), Theiler's disease-associated virus (TDAV) and equine hepacivirus (EqHV) highlight their importance to veterinary and human health. To gain some insight into virus distribution, possible risk factors, presence of liver damage and genetic variability of these viruses in Brazil, we performed a cross-sectional study of EPgV and TDAV infections using a simultaneous detection assay, and assessed EqHV coinfection in different horse cohorts. Of the 500 serum samples screened, TDAV, EPgV and EPgV-EqHV were present in 1.6%, 14.2% and 18.3%, respectively. EPgV-positive horses were present in four Brazilian states: Espírito Santo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro. Serum biochemical alterations were present in 40.4% of EPgV-infected horses, two of them presenting current liver injury. Chance of infection was 2.7 times higher in horses ≤5 years old (p = 0.0008) and 4.9 times higher in horses raised under intensive production systems (p = 0.0009). EPgV-EqHV coinfection was 75% less likely in horses older than 5 years comparatively to those with ≤5 years old (p = 0.047). TDAV-positive animals were detected in different horse categories without biochemical alteration. Nucleotide sequences were highly conserved among isolates from this study and previous field and commercial product isolates (≥88% identity). Tree topology revealed the formation of two clades (pp = 1) for both EPgV and TDAV NS3 partial sequences. In conclusion, the widespread presence of EPgV-RNA suggests an enzootic infection with subclinical viremia in Brazil. Horse management can influence virus spread. This first report of TDAV-infected horses outside the USA reveals the existence of subclinical viremic horses in distant geographical regions. EPgV and TDAV have similar circulating isolates worldwide. These findings contribute to global efforts to understand the epidemiology and pathogenesis of these equine viruses.

ACTN3 gene variants as potential phenotype and performance biomarkers in Brazilian sport horses training for eventing in a tropical climate.

The aim of this study was to look for mutations in the equine ACTN3 gene and to identify sequence variants that might be associated with the phenotype and performance of Brazilian sport horses training for events in a tropical climate. Among 17 such horses direct DNA sequencing and mutation analysis of the exon 15 and the intron-exon boundaries of ACTN3 revealed 2 new sequence variants in the ACTN3 intron 14-15, designated c.1681-86G > A and c.1681-129delA. Wild-type/deletion heterozygotes (A/del) had a lower mean subcutaneous fat layer in the region of the gluteus medius, as measured by ultrasonography, than the del/del homozygotes; the correlation was significant (P = 0.017). This single base-pair deletion in ACTN3 intron 14-15 may have resulted in metabolic changes that led to increased deposition of body fat in the homozygous state. However, neither sequence variant was correlated with the time to fatigue in a test on a high-speed treadmill with an incremental-speed protocol.

Le but de la présente étude était de vérifier pour la présence de mutations dans le gène ACTN3 équin et d'identifier des variants de séquence qui pourraient être associés avec le phénotype et la performance de chevaux de sport brésiliens qui s'entraînent pour des concours dans un climat tropical. Parmi 17 chevaux qui correspondent à ces critères, le séquençage direct de l'ADN et l'analyse de mutation de l'exon 15 et des frontières de l'intron-exon d'ACTN3 a révélé deux nouveaux variants de séquence dans l'intron 14­15 d'ACTN3, désigné c.1681­86G > A et c.1681­129delA. Chez les hétérozygotes type-sauvage/délétion (A/del) la moyenne de l'épaisseur de la couche de gras sous-cutané dans la région du gluteus medius était plus petite, telle que mesurée par échographie, que celle des homozygotes del/del; la corrélation était significative (P = 0,017). Cette délétion unique de paire de bases dans l'intron 14­15 d'ACTN3 pourrait avoir résulté dans des changements métaboliques qui auraient mené à une augmentation du dépôt de gras chez les homozygotes. Toutefois, aucun des variants de séquence n'était corrélé avec le temps de fatigue dans un test sur un tapis-roulant à haute vitesse avec un protocole d'augmentation de vitesse.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Identification of two phylogenetic lineages of equine hepacivirus and high prevalence in Brazil.

Non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV), as described in horses, is the virus most genetically related to hepatitis C virus (HCV). Although detected worldwide, limited data on genomic variability and distribution of NPHV are available in Latin America. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity and prevalence of equine NPHV in Brazil. Thirteen percent of 202 equines from three Brazilian states were positive for NPHV genome by reverse transcriptase PCR. Nucleotide sequences of the partial NS5B genome presented the greatest diversity described to date (25.6%), which is comparable to the upper limit of diversity for HCV subtype classification for the same region. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Brazilian NPHV sequences along with isolates worldwide form two strongly supported clades (pp = 1.0) suggesting the existence of two distinct lineages.

Acupuncture Affects Autonomic and Endocrine but Not Behavioural Responses Induced by Startle in Horses.

Startle is a fast response elicited by sudden acoustic, tactile, or visual stimuli in a variety of animals and in humans. As the magnitude of startle response can be modulated by external and internal variables, it can be a useful tool to study reaction to stress. Our study evaluated whether acupuncture can change cardiac autonomic modulation (heart rate variability); and behavioural (reactivity) and endocrine (cortisol levels) parameters in response to startle. Brazilian Sport horses (n = 6) were subjected to a model of startle in which an umbrella was abruptly opened near the horse. Before startle, the horses were subjected to a 20-minute session of acupuncture in acupoints GV1, HT7, GV20, and BL52 (ACUP) and in nonpoints (NP) or left undisturbed (CTL). For analysis of the heart rate variability, ultrashort-term (64 s) heart rate series were interpolated (4 Hz) and divided into 256-point segments and the spectra integrated into low (LF; 0.01-0.07 Hz; index of sympathetic modulation) and high (HF; 0.07-0.50 Hz; index of parasympathetic modulation) frequency bands. Acupuncture (ACUP) changed the sympathovagal balance with a shift towards parasympathetic modulation, reducing the prompt startle-induced increase in LF/HF and reducing cortisol levels 30 min after startle. However, acupuncture elicited no changes in behavioural parameters.

Morfologia de potros da raça Brasileiro de Hipismo / Morphology of Brasileiro de Hipismo foals

Objetivou-se avaliar a morfologia de potros da raça Brasileiro de Hipismo, utilizando análise de imagens digitais e medidas de perímetros corporais para estimativa de índices corporais dos animais. As mensurações lineares e angulares foram obtidas utilizando imagens digitais dos potros com câmera acionada pelo aplicativo Simi Reality Motion Systems®. As medidas foram baseadas em pontos anatômicos realçados com 19 marcadores reflexivos. A análise estatística descritiva dos resultados foi realizada utilizando o programa SAS. Os potros estavam em crescimento, com aumento das medidas lineares de altura na cernelha e na garupa, comprimento do corpo, distância escápulo-metacarpofalângica e nos comprimentos do pescoço, da perna e do antebraço. Os ângulos úmero-radial, metacarpo-falângico, fêmoro-tibial, tíbio-metatarsico aumentaram com a idade, enquanto que os ângulos da cabeça, do pescoço, coxo-femoral, metatarso-falângico, escápulo-solo e coxo-solo foram variáveis entre os momentos de avaliação. Os potros foram classificados em mediolíneos e hipermétricos pelos índices Corporal e Dáctilo-torácico, respectivamente. A avaliação do crescimento dos potros foi possível através da imagem digital.

This research aimed to evaluate the morphology of Brasileiro de Hipismo foals using digital image analysis and girth measurements to estimate body indexes of animals. The linear and angular measurements were obtained by digital images of the foals with camera triggered by Simi Reality Motion Systems®. The measures were based on anatomical landmarks highlighted with 19 reflective markers. A descriptive statistical analysis of the results was performed using the SAS program. The foals were growing, with increased linear measurements of height at withers and croup, body length, distance from shoulder-fetlock and neck length, leg length and forearm length. The angles humerus-radial, metacarpal-falangeano, femoro-tibial, tibio-metatarsal increased with age, whiles the angles of the head, neck, coxofemoral, metatarsal-falangeano, shoulder-floor and coxae-floor were variable among the periods. The foals were classified as medium shape and hypermetric by Corporal Index, Dactilo-thoracic Index, respectively. Assessment of growth of the foals was possible through a digital image.

Factors associated to Theileria equi in equids of two microregions from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Serum samples from 714 equids of Itaguaí and Serrana microregions, Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, were examined by indirect fluorescent antibody test (titer 1:80) for Theileria equi. The prevalence in the microregions and factors associated with seropositivity were evaluated and the prevalence ratio (PR) calculated. The overall prevalence of T. equi infection was 81.09% (n = 579), with higher prevalence (p < 0.05) in the Itaguaí (85.43%) when compared to Serrana microregion (76.92%). The geographic area, altitude, farming condition and area of origin of equids were associated (p < 0.05) with seropositivity for T. equi. Equids reared in the Itaguaí microregion (PR = 1.11, p = 0.003) and at altitudes below 500 m (PR = 1.10; p = 0,014) were more likely to be seropositive for T. equi. Furthermore, when equids were born in the farm (PR = 1.10, p = 0.008) and reared with poor farming conditions (PR = 1.13, p = 0.018) they were more likely to be exposed to T. equi. The main ticks found on equids were Amblyomma cajennense and Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens. The microregions studied are endemic areas for equine theileriosis and there exists enzootic stability for T. equi. Only factors related to the collection area of serum samples influenced the seropositivity of equids for T. equi in that region.

Factors associated to Theileria equi in equids of two microregions from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Fatores associados à Theileria equi em equídeos de duas microrregiões do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Serum samples from 714 equids of Itaguaí and Serrana microregions, Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, were examined by indirect fluorescent antibody test (titer 1:80) for Theileria equi. The prevalence in the microregions and factors associated with seropositivity were evaluated and the prevalence ratio (PR) calculated. The overall prevalence of T. equi infection was 81.09 percent (n = 579), with higher prevalence (p < 0.05) in the Itaguaí (85.43 percent) when compared to Serrana microregion (76.92 percent). The geographic area, altitude, farming condition and area of origin of equids were associated (p < 0.05) with seropositivity for T. equi. Equids reared in the Itaguaí microregion (PR = 1.11, p = 0.003) and at altitudes below 500 m (PR = 1.10; p = 0,014) were more likely to be seropositive for T. equi. Furthermore, when equids were born in the farm (PR = 1.10, p = 0.008) and reared with poor farming conditions (PR = 1.13, p = 0.018) they were more likely to be exposed to T. equi. The main ticks found on equids were Amblyomma cajennense and Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens. The microregions studied are endemic areas for equine theileriosis and there exists enzootic stability for T. equi. Only factors related to the collection area of serum samples influenced the seropositivity of equids for T. equi in that region.

Amostras de soro de 714 equídeos das microrregiões de Itaguaí e Serrana, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, foram submetidas ao teste de imunofluorescência indireta (título 1:80) para Theileria equi. A prevalência entre as microrregiões e os fatores associados à soropositividade foram avaliados e a razão de prevalência (RP) calculada. A prevalência geral para T. equi foi de 81,09 por cento (n = 579), com maior prevalência (p < 0,05) para microrregião de Itaguaí (85,43 por cento), quando comparado a Serrana (76,92 por cento). A região, altitude, nível da propriedade e origem dos equídeos foram associados (p < 0,05) com a soropositividade para T. equi. Equídeos criados na microrregião de Itaguaí (RP = 1,11; p = 0,003) e em altitudes abaixo de 500 m (RP = 1.10; p = 0,014) apresentaram maior chance de se tornarem soropositivos para T. equi. Além disso, quando são criados em propriedades de nível ruim (RP = 1,13; p = 0,018) e nascidos na propriedade (RP = 1,10; p = 0,008) apresentaram mais chance de terem contato com T. equi. As principais espécies de carrapatos encontradas parasitando os equídeos foram Amblyomma cajennense e Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens. As microrregiões estudadas são endêmicas para theileriose equina e de estabilidade enzoótica para T. equi. Apenas os fatores relacionados à área de coleta das amostras de soro influenciaram a soropositividade dos equídeos para T. equi naquela região.

Leukocyte infiltration and anti-myeloperoxidase immunoreactivity in granulocytes of the mucosa and submucosa of the large intestine of horses submitted to dietetic starch overload / Infiltração de leucócitos e imunorreatividade antimieloperoxidase em granulócitos da mucosa e submucosa do intestino grosso de equinos submetidos à sobrecarga dietética com amido

This study was carried out to evaluate leukocyte infiltration and anti-myeloperoxidase immunoreactivity in granulocytesof the mucosa and submucosa of the large intestine of horses submitted to dietetic starch overload. Eight adult horseswere allocated randomly in three treatments: Treatment I (Control) (n = 2), animals euthanized without starch overload;and Treatments II (n = 3) and III (n = 3), animals undergoing starch overload, with gastric infusion of 17.6 g starch perkg of body weight, euthanized after 24 and 36 hours, respectively. Only afflux of neutrophils in the intestinal mucosa andsubmucosa blood vessels (leukocyte stasis) was observed. Eosinophils were the predominant cells in the mucosa andsubmucosa in all horses, independent of dietetic overload, with infiltration grade from mild to moderate. Lymphocyteinfiltration was also observed in all horses, but with lower intensity when compared to eosinophils. Congestion, edemaand dilatation of lymphatic vessels were the main circulatory alterations observed, with more intensity in the submucosa.Higher immunoreactivity to the anti-myeloperoxidase antibodies was observed in the mucosa and submucosa of horses36 hours after overload. Horses submitted to dietetic starch overload showed intestinal inflammatory response withprevalence of eosinophils, leukocyte stasis and circulatory alterations, varying from discreet to moderate

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a infiltração de leucócitos e a imunorreatividade antimieloperoxidase emgranulócitos da mucosa e submucosa do intestino grosso de equinos submetidos à sobrecarga dietética com amido.Oito equinos adultos foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em três tratamentos: Tratamento I (Controle) (n = 2), equinoseutanasiados sem sobrecarga com amido; Tratamento II (n = 3) e III (n = 3), equinos submetidos à sobrecarga comamido, com infusão gástrica de 17,6 g de amido/kg de peso vivo e eutanasiados após 24 e 36 horas, respectivamente.Observou-se apenas afluxo de neutrófilos (leucocitoestase) nos vasos sanguíneos da mucosa e submucosa intestinal.Eosinófilos foram as células predominantes na mucosa e submucosa em todos os equinos, independente da sobrecargadietética, com grau de infiltração de leve a moderada. Infiltração por linfócitos também foi observado em todos osequinos, porém com menor intensidade quando comparado aos eosinófilos. Congestão, edema e dilatação de vasoslinfáticos foram as principais alterações circulatórias observadas, com maior intensidade na submucosa. Maiorimunorreatividade para anticorpos antimieloperoxidase foi observado na mucosa e submucosa dos equinos 36 horasapós a sobrecarga. Equinos submetidos à sobrecarga dietética com amido apresentam resposta inflamatória intestinalcom predominância de eosinófilos, leucocitoestase e alterações circulatórias variando de discreta a moderada

Alterações clínicas e laboratoriais em equinos adaptadosa dieta com nível elevado de concentrado e submetidos àsobrecarga dietética com amido / Clinical and laboratorial changes in horses adapted to diet with high levels of concentratedand submitted to dietetic starch overload

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da sobrecarga dietética com amido em equinos adaptados a dieta comnível elevado de concentrado. Seis equinos adultos foram previamente adaptados à dieta composta por feno de coastcross e concentrado na proporção de 60:40 e, posteriormente submetidos à infusão gástrica de 17,6 g amido/kg de pesocorporal. Os equinos foram avaliados por meio de exames clínicos e laboratoriais até 36 horas após a sobrecarga. Umequino veio a óbito 32 horas após a sobrecarga, apresentando quadro clínico de endotoxemia e laminite. Não houvediferença ( P > 0,05) nas frequências cardíaca e respiratória, temperatura retal, tempo de preenchimento capilar etemperatura superficial dos cascos dos equinos durante o experimento. Houve tendência ao aumento na motilidadeintestinal, seguido de aumento na fluidez das fezes. O volume globular e a concentração de proteína plasmática totalaumentaram ( P < 0,05) 24 horas após a sobrecarga quando comparados aos valores basais, de 26,7 a 32,0% e de 7,1e 8,1 g/dL, respectivamente. Os neutrófilos bastonetes aumentaram ( P < 0,05) durante o período de avaliação, comvalores variando de 0,1 a 0,7 x 103/μL antes da sobrecarga e 24 horas após, respectivamente, enquanto os eosinófilosapresentaram redução. A concentração plasmática de lactato teve aumento discreto com diferença ( P < 0,05) antes, 20 e28 horas após a sobrecarga, com valores de 0,7, 1,0 e 1,2 mmol/L, respectivamente. Conclui-se que equinos consumindodieta com elevado nível de concentrado e submetidos à sobrecarga dietética com amido apresentam alterações clínicas elaboratoriais moderadas, porém, casos graves, seguidos do óbito, podem ocorrer devido à variação individual.

This work was carried out to evaluate the effect of dietetic starch overload in horses adapted to diets with high levelof concentrated. Six crossbreed mature horses were previously adapted to diet composed by coast cross hay andconcentrate in a 60:40 proportion and later submitted to gastric infusion of 17.6 g starch/kg body weight. The horseswere evaluated by clinical and laboratorial examination until 36-hour after overload. One horse died 32 hours afteroverload, presenting clinical signs of endotoxemia and laminitis.No differences ( P > 0.05) were observed in heartand respiratory rate, rectal temperature, capillary refill time and hoof temperature of horses. There was a tendency toincrease intestinal mobility following by fluidity of faeces. Increase ( P < 0.05) in packed cell volume and total plasmaprotein were observed 24 hours after overload when compared to baseline, from 26.7 to 32.0% and 7.1 to 8.1 g/dL,respectively. Neutrophils increased ( P < 0.05) during the evaluation period, with values varying of 0.1 to 0.7 x 103/μLbefore overload and 24 hours after, respectively, while the eosinophils decreased. The plasma lactate concentration wasslight increased with difference (p < 0.05) before, 20 and 28 hours after overload, with values of 0.7, 1.0 and 1.2 mmol/L,respectively. It was concluded that horses consuming diets with high levels of concentrated and submitted to dieteticstarch overload had clinical and laboratory changes moderate, however, severe cases, followed by death may occur dueto individual variation.

Perfil hematólogico e características das fezes de equinos consumindo dietas hiperlipidêmicas / Blood profile and characteristics of the feces of horses fed with high fat diets

Objetivou-se avaliar os parâmetros sanguíneos, o consumo de matéria seca e as características fecais de equinos alimentados com dietas hiperlipidêmicas. Foram utilizados 15 equinos em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos e cinco repetições. As dietas utilizadas foram: dieta sem inclusão de óleo de soja (controle); dieta com inclusão de 8,5 por cento de óleo de soja; dieta com inclusão de 19,5 por cento de óleo de soja. O ensaio teve duração de 34 dias, sendo 30 dias de adaptação dos equinos às dietas e quatro dias de coleta de amostras. As amostras sanguíneas para avaliação hematológica e bioquímica foram coletadas no 34° dia, as características das fezes foram avaliadas no 33° e no 34° dia do ensaio e, a partir do 30° dia, o consumo de matéria seca (CMS) foi avaliado. Os equinos alimentados com as dietas hiperlipidêmicas apresentaram aumento no número de eritrócitos e redução no volume corpuscular médio (P<0,05). O nível de hemoglobina dos equinos avaliados diferiu (P<0,05) somente entre os animais que consumiram as dietas de controle e com inclusão de 8,5 por cento de óleo de soja, com menor valor na dieta de controle de 9,5d dL-1. A inclusão de 19,5 por cento de óleo de soja na dieta elevou os níveis séricos de triglicerídios nos equinos. Houve redução no CMS diário de 1,9 e 2,8kg, nos equinos alimentados com as dietas com 8,5 e 19,5 por cento de óleo de soja em relação à dieta de controle de 9,0kg MS. A produção fecal diária reduziu em 0,7 e 1,1kg MS, nos equinos alimentados com as dietas com 8,5 e 19,5 por cento de óleo de soja, respectivamente, em relação à dieta de controle de 3,4kg MS. A utilização de dietas hiperlipidêmicas para equinos com inclusão de óleo de soja possibilita a redução do consumo dietético e o aumento da disponibilidade plasmática de triglicerídeos sem a ocorrência de diarreias ou alteração das características das fezes.

This research aimed to evaluate blood parameters, dry matter intake and faeces characteristics in horses fed with high fat diets. Fifteen horses were used in a completely randomized design with three diets and five repetitions. The diets were: diet without soybean oil inclusion (control); diet with of 8.5 percent soybean oil inclusion; diet with 19.5 percent soybean oil inclusion. The trial had 34 days of duration, 30 days to diet adaptation and four days for samples collection. Blood samples were taken at 34th day to hematological and biochemical evaluation. Faeces characteristics were evaluated from 33rd and 34th day and dry matter intake (DMI) were evaluated from 30th to 34th of essay. Horses fed with high fat diet increased number of erythrocytes and reduced mean corpuscular volume in blood (P<0.05). Blood levels of hemoglobin differ (P<0.05) only in horses fed with control diet or diet with 8.8 percent soybean oil inclusion, with lower value in control diet of 9.5g dL-1. Serum triglycerides were more available in horses fed diet with 19.5 percent soybean oil inclusion. Reduced DMI, of 1.9 and 2.8kg, were observed in horses fed diet with 8.5 percent and 19.5 percent soybean oil inclusion respectively in relation to control diet, with DMI of 9.0kg/day. Fecal production were reduced, to 0.7 and 1.1kg DM, in horses fed diets with 8.5 percent and 19.5 percent soybean oil inclusion in relation to control diet, of 3.4kg DM. High fat diets for horses with soybean oil inclusion reduced dietetic intake and increased serum triglycerides levels without diarrheas or faeces characteristics alterations.

Capacidade tamponante, pH e consistência das fezes em equinos submetidos à sobrecarga dietética com amido / Buffer capacity, pH and faeces consistency in horses submitted to dietetic starch overload

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a capacidade tamponante (CT), o pH e a consistência das fezes em equinos submetidos à sobrecarga dietética com amido. Seis equinos adultos foram submetidos à sobrecarga com infusão gástrica de 17,6g de amido kg-1 de peso corporal através de sonda nasogástrica. Amostras fecais foram coletadas, antes e quatro, oito, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32 e 36 horas pós-sobrecarga, e imediatamente submetidas à avaliação do pH, da CT e da consistência. Os resultados de pH foram comparados pelo teste t de student (P<0,05). Já os resultados da CT e consistência fecal foram comparados pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis (P<0,05) e submetidos à análise de regressão e correlação de Spearman em função do tempo após a sobrecarga. Houve redução (P>0,05) no pH fecal ao longo de 36 horas pós-sobrecarga, com valores médios variando de 6,09 a 4,46. A partir do modelo pH = 6,083 - 0,003t - 0,001t² (R² = 0,634), houve decréscimo de 0,004 no pH fecal a cada hora, de 0,028 a cada quatro horas e de 1,404 ao final de 36 horas após a sobrecarga, respectivamente. Além do pH, houve redução (P<0,05) na CT das fezes, em função do tempo após a sobrecarga. Observou-se correlação positiva (r=0,65; P<0,0001) entre o pH e a CT das fezes. Todos os equinos apresentaram fezes de consistência normal (escore 3) até a oitava hora após a sobrecarga. Posteriormente, esses animais apresentaram redução na consistência fecal (P<0,05) até 36 horas. Os resultados demonstram que a sobrecarga dietética com amido promove redução na consistência fecal, na capacidade tampão e consequentemente no pH das fezes em equinos.

This study aimed to evaluate buffer capacity (BC), pH and faeces consistency of horses submitted to dietetic starch overload. Six crossbreed mature horses were submitted to starch overload with gastric infusion of 17.6g starch kg-1 body weight through nasogastric tube. Faecal samples were collected, before and at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32 and 36 hours post-overload, and immediately submitted to evaluation of pH, BC and consistency. The pH data were compared by t student test (P<0.05). The BC and fecal consistency were compared by Kruskal-Wallis test (P<0.05) and submitted to regression analysis and Spearman correlation in function of the time after overload. There was faecal pH decreased along 36 hours post-overload (P>0.05), with means values varying from 6.09 to 4.46. Based on the model pH = 6.083 - 0.003t - 0.001t² (R² = 0.634), faecal pH decreased 0.004 per hour, 0.028 to each four hours and 1.404 at 36 hours after overload, respectively. As pH, faeces BC decreased (P<0.05) in function of the time after overload. Positive relationship was observed (r = 0.65; P<0.0001) between pH and BC of faeces. All horses presented normal consistency faeces (score 3) until eight hours after overload, following by reduction (P<0.05) up to 36 hours. Results demonstrated that starch overload reduce faecal consistency, buffer capacity and pH in horses faeces.

Síndrome cólica em equinos de uso militar: análise multivariável de fatores de risco / Colic syndrome in military horses: risk factors multivariable analysis

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar os fatores associados a episódios de cólica em equinos de unidades militares no Estado do Rio de Janeiro: Regimento Escola de Cavalaria, Academia Militar das Agulhas Negras e Esquadrão Escola de Cavalaria da Polícia Militar. Para tanto, foi conduzido um estudo de caso controle aninhado em uma coorte. Um total de 770 equinos foi estudado, com 362 (47,0 por cento) equinos classificados como casos e 408 (53,0 por cento) classificados como controles. A análise multivariável de regressão logística foi utilizada para identificar os fatores preditivos da cólica, mostrando que o sistema de criação dos equinos em confinamento (OR= 3,62; 95 por cento IC 2,57-5,10); o consumo de grãos superior a 6kg dia-1 (OR= 2,64; 95 por cento IC 1,54-4,50); e a idade dos equinos, com maior possibilidade de ocorrência da cólica nos animais com idade superior a 16 anos (OR= 2,08; 95 por cento IC 1,18-3,67), foram fatores de risco significativamente associados à cólica, após ajustamento para outras variáveis.

This research aimed to identify colic associated factors in horses of military units in Rio de Janeiro State: Regimento Escola de Cavalaria, Academia Militar das Agulhas Negras and Esquadrão Escola de Cavalaria. A case control study nestled in one coorte was conducted. A total of 770 horses had been studied, with 362 (47.0 percent) horses classified as cases and 408 (53.0 percent) as control. Multivariable analysis of logistic regression was used to identify colic predictive factors, showing that horses confined system creation (OR= 3.62; 95 percent CI 2.57-5.10), concentrate intake above 6kg day-1 (OR= 2.64; 95 percent CI 1.54-4.50) and equine age, with higher possibility of colic in horses above 16 years (OR= 2.08; 95 percent CI 1.18-3.67), had been risk factors significantly associated with colic, after adjustment for other variables.

Perfil e distribuição da síndrome cólica em eqüinos em três unidades militares do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Profile and distribution of equine colic syndrome in three military units in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o perfil e a distribuição da síndrome cólica em equinos de três unidades militares no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, o Regimento Escola de Cavalaria (REsC), a Academia Militar das Agulhas Negras(AMAN) e o Esquadrão Escola de Cavalaria (EEC). No período entre 2003 e 2004, 770 equinos foram acompanhados para a ocorrência de casos clínicos de cólica. Realizou-se análise descritiva dos dados, e foram calculadas a taxa de incidência de cólica e a proporção de equinos acometidos. O teste do χ2 foi utilizado para avaliar a associação entre síndrome cólica evariáveis relativas às características dos equinos e do manejo. A incidência variou entre as unidades militares, 0,12 na AMAN, 0,21 no EEC e 0,95 casos/equino-ano no REsC, sendo acometidos 15% dos equinos da AMAN, 30% do EEC e 69% do REsC. A maior incidência foi de episódios de origem gástrica, 76,5%. Casos de reincidência foram elevados, sendo 62,5% no REsC, 36,7% na AMAN e 29,0% no EEC. A síndrome cólica estava significativamente associada às variáveis unidade militar, sistema de criação, quantidade de grãos ingerido esuplemento mineral-vitamínico. As altas incidências, reincidências e proporção de animais acometidos observadas ocorreram de forma diferenciada nas três unidades, indicando que, apesar de possuírem como característica comumpertencerem a unidades militares, os equinos formam um grupo heterogêneo no que diz respeito à ocorrência de síndrome cólica, provavelmente devido às diferentes condições de manejo.

This research aimed to verify the profile and distribution of colic syndrome in horses of three military units in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which were Regimento Escola de Cavalaria (REsC), Academia Militar das Agulhas Negras (AMAN), and Esquadrão Escola de Cavalaria (EEC). From 2003 to 2004, 770 horses were followed up for the incidence of colic cases. A descriptive analysis of clinical data, incidence of colic cases and rate of horses affected was established. Chisquared test was used to evaluate the association among colic syndrome and variables related to horses characteristics and management. Colic syndrome incidence varied among military units as follows: 0.12 cases/horse-year at AMAN, 0.21 at EECand 0.95 at REsC, affecting 15% of horses in AMAN, 30% in EEC and 69% in REsC. The highest incidence was of gastric episodes (76.5%). Recurrence cases were 62.5% in REsC, 36.7% in AMAN and 29.0% in EEC. Colic syndrome occurred associated with variables: military unit, management, amount of intake grains and supplemented mineral-vitamin. Highincidence, recurrence and horses rate with colic were differentiated among the three units. Although the horses of military units had common characteristic , they formed a heterogeneous group in respect to colic syndrome occurrence, probably due to different management conditions.

Estudo comparativo de três métodos de diagnóstico para detecção de anticorpos anti-Theileria equi em eqüinos de áreas endêmicas do estado do Rio de Janeiro / Comparative studies of three methods for detection Theileria equi antibody in endemic areas horses from Rio de Janeiro state

Este trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar a reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA) e a reação de fixação do complemento (RFC) no diagnóstico de Theileria equi em amostras de soro de 79 equinos na Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro(UFRRJ), Seropédica, RJ, Brasil. Houve reação positiva para Theileria equi em 74,7, 75,9 e 60,8% das amostras testadas pela RIFI, ELISA eRFC, respectivamente. Observou-se discrepância em 16,45% (n=13) das amostras de soro testadas pelo ELISA indireto e RIFI. Quando comparado a RIFI e a RFC, a discrepância observada entre os soros testados foi de 36,70% (n=29). O teste ELISA indireto e a RFC apresentaram discordância em 37,97% (n=30) das amostras de soros. Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que a melhor alternativa para o diagnóstico sorológico de T. equi em eqüinos portadores é aassociação dos testes de RIFI e ELISA indireto, especialmente para a realização de estudos soroepidemiológicos

This study was carried out to evaluate indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and complement fixation test (CFT) of Theileria equi diagnosis in sera samples of 79 horses at Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro(UFRRJ), Seropédica, RJ, Brazil were tested. Positive reaction was obtained in 74.7, 75.9 and 60.8% of samples tested by IFAT, indirect ELISA and CFT, respectively. Discrepancy was observed in 16.45%(n=13) of serum samples tested by ELISA and IFAT. While IFAT and CFT were compared, the discrepancy observed among the samples tested were 36.71% (n=29). Indirect ELISA and CFT test presented disagreement in 37.97% (n=30) of serum samples tested. Results of present study suggests that the best alternative for serological diagnosis T. equi in carriers horses is the combined use of IFAT and indirect ELISA test, especially for accomplishment of seroepidemiological studies.

Avaliação hematológica de éguas gestantes infectadas por Theileria equi e suplementadas com vitamina E nas dietas / Hematological evaluation of pregnant mares infected by Theileria equi and supplemented with vitamin E diets

Este estudo foi conduzido na Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro utilizando éguas gestantes das raças MangalargaMarchador e Bretão Postier provenientes de local endêmico para a babesiose eqüina. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar aresposta dos parâmetros hematológicos e imunológicos em eqüinos infectados por Theileria equi e alimentados com dietasuplementada com vitamina E. Foram utilizadas oito éguas Mangalarga Marchador e quatro éguas Bretão Postier com dietassuplementadas 80mg vitamina E/100kg peso vivo, durante 30 dias até o parto. As alterações hematológicas observadas naséguas não foram significativas, considerando-se os casos crônicos de babesiose. Houve predominância de leucocitose elinfocitose, sem diminuição do VGM nos potros de ambas as raças, cujas éguas foram suplementadas com vitamina E. Asuplementação dietética de vitamina E não foi suficiente para modular a resposta imune nas éguas e potros nascidos deéguas das raças Mangalarga Marchador e Bretão Postier alimentadas com dietas suplementadas com vitamina E.

This study was carried out at Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro with pregnant mares and foals of MangalargaMarchador and Bretão Postier breeds living at an endemic area to equine babesiosis. This study aims to evaluate hematologicaland immunological parameters in horses infected by Theileria equi with supplemented diets with vitamin E. Eight MangalargaMarchador and four Bretão Postier mares with diets supplemented with 80mg vitamin E/100Kg body weight/day during thirtydays until parturation. Hematological alterations in mares were not important to chronic babesiosis in horses. WBC values fromfoals of Mangalarga Marchador and Bretão Postier mares with supplemented diets demonstrated leukocytosis and increase inrelative and absolute values of lymphocytes, without decrease of the MCV.

Balanço hídrico e de nitrogênio em eqüinos alimentados com feno de alfafa, feno de tifton-85 e concentrado / Water and nitrogen balance in horses fed with alfafa hay, tifton-85 hay and concentrate

O presente trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o balanço hídrico e de nitrogênio em eqüinos. Foram utilizadosquatro eqüinos mestiços, com a idade de 30 meses e pesando em média 200±2,2kg. Os eqüinos foram alimentados comquatro dietas: Dieta I - feno de tifton-85; Dieta II – feno de tifton-85 e feno de alfafa; Dieta III – feno de tifton-85, feno de alfafa eração concentrada; e Dieta IV – feno de tifton-85 e ração concentrada. Nos eqüinos alimentados com a dieta composta por fenode tifton-85 e feno de alfafa, ocorreu maior excreção de água nas fezes. Entretanto, os valores do balanço hídrico foramsemelhantes indicando que a manipulação da dieta pode alterar a via de excreção de água sem afetar o balanço hídrico dosanimais. Não foram observadas diferenças (P>0,05) nas quantidades de compostos nitrogenados absorvidos e retidos,indicando o ajuste no consumo da proteína dietética entre as diferentes dietas.

The present paper was carried out to evaluate water and nitrogen balance in horses. Four crossbreed horses with 30 monthsage and weight of 200±2.2kg were used. Horses were fed with four diets: Diet I – tifton-85 hay; Diet II – tifton-85 hay and alfafahay; Diet III – tifton-85 hay, alfafa hay and concentrate; Diet IV – tifton-85 hay and concentrate. Horses fed diets with tifton-85 hayand alfafa hay presented high water excretion in feces but water balance were similar indicating that diet manipulation can alterwater excretion way without water balance of animals. Nitrogen compounds absorbed and retained were similar (P>0.05)among horses indicating that protein in the diets were adjusted.

Comportamento ingestivo de eqüinos em pastagens de grama batatais (Paspalum notatum) e braquiarinha (Brachiaria decumbens) na região centro-oeste do Brasil / Ingestive behavior of horses on pastures of Paspalum notatum and Brachiaria decumbens at Middle-West in Brazil

Foi conduzido um experimento para avaliar o comportamento ingestivo de eqüinos sob pastejo em pastagens de Paspalum notatum e Brachiaria decumbens. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com dois pastos representando os tratamentos, cada um com cinco repetições. O período experimental foi de 40 dias, sendo 30 para adaptação dos animais e 10 para avaliações, que consistiram de três, com duração de 24 horas cada, em intervalos de cinco dias. Os cavalos passaram mais tempo pastejando no período diurno no pasto de Brachiaria decumbens (10,58 horas) em relação ao tempo passado no pasto de Paspalum notatum (7,69 horas). Com relação ao tempo de pastejo noturno, a situação se inverteu: os animais pastejaram maior tempo durante o dia e diminuíram o ritmo durante a noite (2,91 horas de pastejo) no pasto de Brachiaria decumbens. O tempo de ócio noturno foi superior no Paspalum notatum (4,15 horas). Os animais apresentaram maior número de bocados (22.720) no pastejo do capim Paspalum notatum comparado ao Brachiaria decumbens, no qual diminuiu-se a quantidade de bocados (17166).

It was carried out an experiment to evaluate the ingestive behavior of horses grazing Paspalum notatum and Brachiaria decumbens pastures. It had been used a completely randomized experimental design, with two treatments (two pastures) and five replicates per treatment. The experiment lasted 40 days, consisting of 30 days for adaptation of animals on the pastures and 10 days to evaluate grazing behaviour, with three periods of 24 hours and intervals of five days. The horses spent more time grazing during the day on the Brachiaria decumbens pasture (10.58 hours) than did on the Paspalum notatum pasture (7.69 hours). At night, the situation was reversed, horses grazed less (2.91 hours) on the Brachiaria decumbens pasture. Overnight leisure time was larger on the Paspalum notatum pasture (4.15 hours) than Brachiaria decumbens pasture (1.42 hours). The higher total daily bites had been observed (22720) in the animals on Paspalum notatum when compared with Brachiaria decumbens where they decreased the quantity of bites (17166).