Doença falciforme e o efeito modulador da vitamina D em crianças: uma revisão integrativa / Sickle cell disease and the modulating effect of vitamin D in children: an integrative review

INTRODUÇÃO: A deficiência de Vitamina D (VD) é frequente na doença falciforme (DF) em decorrência do status inflamatório crônico, danos renais, endoteliais, hiperhemólise e melanodermia. Atualmente, a suplementação desse nutriente em falcêmicos tem se mostrado importante devido sua ação sistêmica e imunológica. OBJETIVOS: Analisar o impacto da VD em crianças com DF. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, onde foram analisados estudos, publicados originalmente em inglês e português, dos últimos dez anos, em humanos, tendo como referência as bases de dados MEDLINE, SciELO e LILACS. A busca foi efetuada mediante a consulta ao MeSH. Os descritores utilizados foram: "children"; "vitamin D"; "sickle cell anemia"; "supplementation". Foram identificados 32 artigos a partir da frase de pesquisa. Ao aplicar os critérios de inclusão, nove artigos foram eleitos para o estudo. RESULTADOS: A partir da análise dos artigos incluídos, 6 avaliaram a prevalência da deficiência de VD em crianças com anemia falciforme e os outros três artigos relataram sobre a suplementação de VD em crianças também com anemia falciforme. Todos os estudos mostraram que as crianças tratadas com reposição de VD tiveram uma diminuição de idas ao pronto-socorro e maior estabilidade hemodinâmica durante os tratamentos. CONCLUSÃO: Outros ensaios clínicos randomizados devem ser realizados para identificar o papel da DV na qualidade de vida e na redução da morbidade falciforme. A contribuição deste artigo é reconhecer que há evidências sobre a vitamina D fora dos ensaios clínicos randomizados.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D (VD) deficiency is frequent in sickle cell disease (SCD) due to chronic inflammatory status, kidney and endothelial damage, hyperhemolysis and melanoderma. Currently, the supplementation of this nutrient in sickle cell patients is important due to its systemic and immunological action. Objectives: To analyze the impact of VD in children with SCD. METHODS: This is an integrative literature review, which analyzed studies, originally published in English and Portuguese, in the last ten years, in humans, using the MedLine, SciELO and LILACS databases as References. The search was performed by consulting the MeSH. The descriptors used were: "children"; "vitamin D"; "sickle cell anemia"; "supplementation". 32 articles were identified from the search phrase. When applying the inclusion criteria, nine articles were chosen for the study. RESULTS: Among the included articles, six evaluated the prevalence of VD deficiency in children with sickle cell anemia, and the other three reported on VD supplementation in children with sickle cell anemia. All studies showed that children treated with VD replacement had a decrease in emergency room visits and greater hemodynamic stability during treatments. CONCLUSION: Further randomized controlled trials should be carried out to identify the role of VD in quality of life and in the reduction of sickle cell morbidity. The contribution of this paper is to recognize that there is evidence about vitamin D outside of randomized controlled trials.

Associations of Body Condition Score at Calving, Parity, and Calving Season on the Performance of Dairy Cows and Their Offspring.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of body condition score (BCS) at calving, parity, and the calving season on the performance of dairy cows and their offspring. Data from 521 Holstein cows that calved a female calf and had their BCS evaluated at calving from a single commercial farm located in Southern Brazil were used. Cows were categorized into five BCS classes: class 1: <3.0 (n = 19), class 2: 3.0-3.25 (n = 134), class 3: 3.5-3.75 (n = 160), class 4: 4.0-4.25 (n = 142), and class 5: >4.25 (n = 66). Data were also categorized by calving order (primiparous and multiparous dams) and by calving season. The study was designed as a prospective cohort study. Variables with normal distribution were analyzed by the MIXED procedure of SAS, while binary outcomes were analyzed by the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Daughters from primiparous dams were born lighter (39.1 ± 0.42 vs. 41.4 ± 0.29 kg, p < 0.01), but they had the same weights as the daughters from multiparous cows at weaning (121.5 ± 1.67 vs. 120.4 ± 1.58 kg, p = 0.20). As expected, primiparous cows showed lower (p < 0.01) 305-day milk yields than multiparous ones: 8633 ± 363 vs. 10,761 ± 249 kg, respectively. Regarding the calving season, cows that calved in the winter were the most productive ones, and those that calved in the fall had lower milk yields (p = 0.01). Calves born in the winter were heavier at birth (p < 0.01), calved younger (p = 0.04), and produced more milk at first lactation (p = 0.03). The BCS class had an impact (p < 0.01) on calf birth weights; daughters from Class 1 cows (BCS < 3.0) were lighter (38.0 ± 1.0 kg) than the calves from Class 5 cows with a BCS > 4.25 (41.9 ± 0.57 kg). Calves from dams with a BCS < 3 (Class 1) had a 31.8% culling rate until weaning, while calves from cows with a BCS of 3.0-3.25 (Class 2) had a 9.6% culling rate (p = 0.12). These results suggest that maternal and environmental factors, such as calving season and parity, in addition to the dams' body condition score at calving, are associated with different offspring performances.

Milk fat to protein ratio in the first test-day after calving on dairy cows / Relação gordura: proteína do leite no primeiro controle leiteiro pós-parto em vacas leiteiras

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated milk fat to protein ratio (FPR) in the first test-day after calving of dairy cows in Paraná State. Data from 257,847 first monthly test-days after calving of 114,162 cows were submitted to analysis after the data edition. Procedures MIXED, CORR and STEPWISE from SAS were used in the data analysis. In order to validate FPR, a herd with regular postpartum monitoring of blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) was used to estimate the correlation with FPR. There was a strong positive correlation between FPR and fat content (r = 0.85; P < 0.01) and a weak negative correlation between FPR and protein content (r = - 0.23; P < 0.01). The regression equation that best fitted FPR was 1.1806 + 0.3304*%F - 0.3877*%P (R2 = 0.98), where the variable with the greatest influence was milk fat content (partial R2 = 0.72). Animals of 4th and 5th or more lactations had higher (P < 0.01) FPR, followed by animals of third, first, and second lactations. Jersey cows had higher (P < 0.01) FPR than Holsteins and Brown Swiss animals. Cows milked twice daily had higher (P < 0.01) FPR than animals milked three times daily. There were small positive correlations between milk FPR and blood BHB on days 4, 7 and 12 after calving (0.07, 0.13, and 0.14, respectively). In conclusion, milk fat content was reported to be the most important variable affecting FPR changes, but the milk FPR has limited value to evaluate hyperketonemia incidence during the transition period.

RESUMO: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a relação gordura:proteína (RGP) no primeiro controle leiteiro no pós-parto de vacas no estado do Paraná. Dados de 257.847 controles de 114.162 vacas leiteiras, realizados no primeiro controle mensal após o parto foram submetidos à análise estatística após edição dos dados. Os procedimentos MIXED, CORR e STEPWISE do programa estatístico SAS 9.4 foram utilizados. A fim de validar a RGP, um rebanho com monitoramento regular de β-hidroxibutirato (BHB) no sangue foi utilizado para estimar a correlação com RGP. Observou-se uma correlação forte e positiva entre a RGP e teor de gordura no leite (r = 0,85; P < 0,01) e uma correlação fraca e negativa entre a RGP e o teor de proteína (r = -0,23; P < 0,01). A equação de regressão que melhor se ajusta à RGP foi 1,1806 + 0,3304*%G - 0,3877*%P (R2 = 0,98), na qual a variável com maior influência foi a porcentagem de gordura (R2 = 0,72). Animais de 4ª e 5ª lactações ou mais, apresentaram maior (P < 0,01) RGP, seguidos dos animais de terceira, primeira e segunda lactações, com menores RGP. Vacas da raça Jersey apresentaram maior (P < 0,01) RGP que vacas da raça Holandesa e Pardo-Suíça. Animais com duas ordenhas diárias apresentaram maior (P < 0,01) RGP que os animais ordenhados três vezes ao dia. Observaram-se correlações positivas, mas de pequena magnitude, entre a RGP do leite e BHB no sangue no quarto, sétimo e 12 dias pós-parto (0,07, 0,13 e 0,14; respectivamente). Concluindo, o teor de gordura é o fator que mais impacta as variações da RGP do leite, mas a RGP tem valor limitado na avaliação da incidência de hipercetonemia no período de transição.

Milk fat to protein ratio in the first test-day after calving on dairy cows / Relação gordura: proteína do leite no primeiro controle leiteiro pós-parto em vacas leiteiras

This study evaluated milk fat to protein ratio (FPR) in the first test-day after calving of dairy cows in Paraná State. Data from 257,847 first monthly test-days after calving of 114,162 cows were submitted to analysis after the data edition. Procedures MIXED, CORR and STEPWISE from SAS were used in the data analysis. In order to validate FPR, a herd with regular postpartum monitoring of blood ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) was used to estimate the correlation with FPR. There was a strong positive correlation between FPR and fat content (r = 0.85; P < 0.01) and a weak negative correlation between FPR and protein content (r = - 0.23; P < 0.01). The regression equation that best fitted FPR was 1.1806 + 0.3304*%F - 0.3877*%P (R2 = 0.98), where the variable with the greatest influence was milk fat content (partial R2 = 0.72). Animals of 4th and 5th or more lactations had higher (P < 0.01) FPR, followed by animals of third, first, and second lactations. Jersey cows had higher (P < 0.01) FPR than Holsteins and Brown Swiss animals. Cows milked twice daily had higher (P < 0.01) FPR than animals milked three times daily. There were small positive correlations between milk FPR and blood BHB on days 4, 7 and 12 after calving (0.07, 0.13, and 0.14, respectively). In conclusion, milk fat content was reported to be the most important variable affecting FPR changes, but the milk FPR has limited value to evaluate hyperketonemia incidence during the transition period.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a relação gordura:proteína (RGP) no primeiro controle leiteiro no pós-parto de vacas no estado do Paraná. Dados de 257.847 controles de 114.162 vacas leiteiras, realizados no primeiro controle mensal após o parto foram submetidos à análise estatística após edição dos dados. Os procedimentos MIXED, CORR e STEPWISE do programa estatístico SAS 9.4 foram utilizados. A fim de validar a RGP, um rebanho com monitoramento regular de ß-hidroxibutirato (BHB) no sangue foi utilizado para estimar a correlação com RGP. Observou-se uma correlação forte e positiva entre a RGP e teor de gordura no leite (r = 0,85; P < 0,01) e uma correlação fraca e negativa entre a RGP e o teor de proteína (r = -0,23; P < 0,01). A equação de regressão que melhor se ajusta à RGP foi 1,1806 + 0,3304*%G - 0,3877*%P (R2 = 0,98), na qual a variável com maior influência foi a porcentagem de gordura (R2 = 0,72). Animais de 4ª e 5ª lactações ou mais, apresentaram maior (P < 0,01) RGP, seguidos dos animais de terceira, primeira e segunda lactações, com menores RGP. Vacas da raça Jersey apresentaram maior (P < 0,01) RGP que vacas da raça Holandesa e Pardo-Suíça. Animais com duas ordenhas diárias apresentaram maior (P < 0,01) RGP que os animais ordenhados três vezes ao dia. Observaram-se correlações positivas, mas de pequena magnitude, entre a RGP do leite e BHB no sangue no quarto, sétimo e 12 dias pós-parto (0,07, 0,13 e 0,14; respectivamente). Concluindo, o teor de gordura é o fator que mais impacta as variações da RGP do leite, mas a RGP tem valor limitado na avaliação da incidência de hipercetonemia no período de transição.

Aspectos da assistência em pacientes com Doença Falciforme no contexto da pandemia da COVID-19 / Aspects of care in patients with Sickle Cell Disease in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

Introdução: A pandemia determinada pelo novo coronavírus (SarsCoV-2), doença intitulada COVID-19, atingiu mais de 219 países com grande agravo e impacto à saúde mundial. A infecção pelo vírus desencadeia uma resposta imune explosiva, hiperativada e descontrolada, com manifestações clínicas graves em pessoas com doenças subjacentes. A Doença falciforme (DF), uma condição genética que determina imunosupressão, coloca os pacientes em maior risco de infecções respiratórias e complicações pulmonares dentro do contexto da pandemia. Objetivo: Analisar o impacto da COVID-19 em portadores de DF e propor uma diretriz de atendimento a esta população. Métodos: Trata- se de uma revisão sistemática de literatura onde foram analisados estudos, publicados originalmente em inglês, entre março a dezembro de 2020, tendo como referência as bases de dados MedLine, SciELO e LILACS. A busca foi efetuada mediante a consulta ao MeSH com os descritores "sickle cell disease", "covid-19"e "guideline". Foram identificados 64 artigos a partir da frase de pesquisa. Ao aplicar os critérios de inclusão, 7 artigos foram eleitos para o estudo. Resultados e Conclusão: A infecção pelo novo coronavírus pode precipitar intercorrências em pacientes com DF, como crises vaso-oclusivas e síndrome torácica aguda. Considerando esses dados, os autores formularam uma diretriz para orientação e cuidado aos indivíduos com DF

Introduction: The pandemic caused by the new coronavirus (SarsCoV-2), a disease called COVID-19, has reached more than 219 countries with great damage and impact on global health. The viral infection triggers an explosive, hyperactive and uncontrolled immune response, with severe clinical manifestations in people with underlying diseases. Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a genetic condition that determines immunosuppression, causes patients a greater risk of respiratory infections and pulmonary complications within the context of the pandemic. Objective: To analyze the impact of COVID-19 in patients with SCD and propose a guideline to care for this population. Methods: This is a systematic literature review where studies were analyzed, originally published in English, between March and December 2020, using the MedLine, SciELO and LILACS databases as references. The search was carried out by consulting the MeSH with the descriptors "sickle cell disease", "covid-19" and "guideline". 64 articles were identified from the search phrase. When applying the inclusion criteria, 7 articles were chosen for the study. Results and Conclusion: The infection with the new coronavirus could cause complications in patients with SCD, such as vaso-occlusive crises and acute chest syndrome. Considering these data, the authors formulated a guideline for guidance and care for individuals with SCD.

Characterization of dystocia in a herd of Holstein dairy cows in Brazil / Caracterização da distocia em um rebanho de vacas da raça Holandesa no Brasil

The objective of this study was to characterize calvings with low and high difficulty based on the productive and reproductive performance of dairy cows. Calvings were grouped in no calving assistance, calving with low assistance, and calving with high assistance. The original data set comprised 1,902 calving records obtained from a large dairy farm in Southeast Brazil. Factor analysis was applied using the SAS® Studio 3.8 statistical program through the factor procedure, considering the Multivariate Analysis category. Milk fat (0.92-0.79) and total solids (0.91-0.80) were strongly correlated with Factor 1. Calving interval (0.87- 0.68) and the number of AI (artificial inseminations) per conception (0.87-0.71) showed high correlations with Factor 2. Milk yield (0.84-0.76) and accumulated milk yield (0.84-0.77) were strongly correlated with Factor 3. Based on the results, we conclude that the three calving scenarios were characterized by well-defined and independent factors. Cows which required a high assistance at calving showed a lower variance explained by the model for milk fat and total solids contents, calving interval, and the number of AIs per conception.

O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar os partos com leve ou severa dificuldade e diferenciá-los com base no desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo de vacas leiteiras. Os partos foram agrupados em partos sem assistência, partos com baixa assistência e partos com elevada assistência. O banco de dados original continha 1902 registro de partos que foram obtidos de uma grande fazenda comercial localizada no Sudeste do Brasil. A análise fatorial foi aplicada através do programa estatístico SAS® Studio 3.8 por meio de procedimento fatorial, considerando a categoria de análise multivariada. Os teores de gordura do leite (0,92- 0,79) e de sólidos totais (0,91-0,80) foram altamente correlacionados com o fator 1. Intervalo entre partos (0,87-0,68) e número de IA (inseminações artificiais) por concepção (0,87-0,71) apresentaram alta correlação com o fator 2. Produção de leite (0,84-0,76) e produção acumulada de leite (0,84-0,77) foram altamente correlacionados com o fator 3. Baseados nos resultados, é possível concluir que as três situações de parto foram caracterizadas por fatores independentes e bem definidos. Vacas que necessitaram de alta assistência ao parto apresentaram menor variância explicada pelo modelo para teores de gordura e sólidos totais do leite, intervalo entre partos e número de IA por concepção.

Feed Intake of Growing Dairy Heifers Raised under Tropical Conditions: A Model Evaluation Using Meta-Analysis.

Several models for predicting dry matter intake (DMI) of replacement dairy heifers have been developed; however, only a few have been evaluated using data from heifers of different breeds raised under tropical conditions. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the DMI equations for dairy heifers managed under tropical conditions. A total of 230 treatment means from 61 studies using dairy heifers (n = 1513 heifers, average body weight = 246 kg) were used. The animals were grouped into two groups based on their genetics: (1) Bos taurus (Holstein, Jersey, Brown Swiss, and Holstein × Jersey) and (2) crossbred (Bos taurus × Bos indicus). Seven previously published DMI equations (HH, HHJ, QUI, STA, 2001 NRC, OFLin, and OFNLin) for heifers were evaluated using mean bias, slope bias, mean squared prediction errors (MSPE) and its decomposition, and other model evaluation statistics. For Bos taurus heifers, our results indicated that OFNLin and HHJ had lower mean bias (0.13 and 0.16 kg/d, respectively) than other models. There was no significant slope or mean bias for HHJ and OFNLin (p > 0.05), indicating agreement between the observed and predicted DMI values. All other models had a significant mean bias (p < 0.05), whereas the QUI model also presented a significant slope bias (p < 0.02). For crossbred heifers, the STA equation was the only one that did not present mean and slope bias significance (p > 0.05). All other DMI models had significant mean bias when evaluated using crossbred data (p < 0.04), and QUI, OFLin, and OFNLin also presented significant slope bias (p < 0.01). Based on our results, predictions from OFNLin and HHJ best represented the observed DMI of Bos taurus heifers (MSPE ≤ 1.25 kg2/d2, mean bias ≤ 0.16 kg/d), whereas STA was the best model for crossbred heifers (MSPE = 1.25 kg2/d2, mean bias = 0.09 kg/d). These findings indicate that not all available models are adequate for estimating the DMI of dairy heifers managed under a tropical climate, with HHJ and OFNLin for Bos taurus and STA for crossbreds being the most suitable models for DMI prediction. There is evidence that models from Bos taurus heifers could be used to estimate the DMI of heifers under tropical conditions. For heifer ration formulation is necessary to consider that DMI is influenced by breed, diet, management, and climate. Future work should also include animal genetic and environmental variables for the prediction of DMI in dairy heifers.

Effect of ensiling time on apparent total tract starch digestibility in Southern Brazilian dairy herds

Ensiling corn for longer periods is a strategy used to increase rumen bacteria access to starch. In fact, when corn is ensiled for insufficient periods, starch digestibility decreases, as evidenced by excreted starch. This study investigates the effects of corn silage ensiling time on starch digestibility of dairy cows through fecal starch analysis. The trial was conducted during the spring of 2013 and the fall of 2014 on twenty dairy herds located in the state of Paraná, southern Brazil. Total mixed ration (TMR), whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) and fecal samples were collected for determination of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), lignin and starch. Apparent total tract starch digestibility (ATTSD) was calculated using equations developed by Fredin et al. (2014) and Bal et al. (1997). Data were analyzed using the CORR, REG and GLM procedures of SAS. Spring and fall WPCS were ensiled for 260 and 132 days, respectively (p 0.05) in ATTSD-Fredin from season to season though there was a trend (p = 0.11) towards greater ATTSD-Bal for spring samples. ATTSD-Bal was positively correlated with ensiling days (r = 0.31). Starch digestibility was not negatively affected by WPCS harvesting maturity. Differences in post-ruminal starch digestion, variation between farms in DM intake and diets, limitations of the equations, influence of uncontrolled factors, and the small number of experimental units might have contributed to the absence of significant results. Overall, Bal et al. (1997) equation was more efficient in distinguishing ATTSD from different ensiling periods.

Effect of ensiling time on apparent total tract starch digestibility in Southern Brazilian dairy herds

Ensiling corn for longer periods is a strategy used to increase rumen bacteria access to starch. In fact, when corn is ensiled for insufficient periods, starch digestibility decreases, as evidenced by excreted starch. This study investigates the effects of corn silage ensiling time on starch digestibility of dairy cows through fecal starch analysis. The trial was conducted during the spring of 2013 and the fall of 2014 on twenty dairy herds located in the state of Paraná, southern Brazil. Total mixed ration (TMR), whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) and fecal samples were collected for determination of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), lignin and starch. Apparent total tract starch digestibility (ATTSD) was calculated using equations developed by Fredin et al. (2014) and Bal et al. (1997). Data were analyzed using the CORR, REG and GLM procedures of SAS. Spring and fall WPCS were ensiled for 260 and 132 days, respectively (p < 0.01). There was no difference (p > 0.05) in ATTSD-Fredin from season to season though there was a trend (p = 0.11) towards greater ATTSD-Bal for spring samples. ATTSD-Bal was positively correlated with ensiling days (r = 0.31). Starch digestibility was not negatively affected by WPCS harvesting maturity. Differences in post-ruminal starch digestion, variation between farms in DM intake and diets, limitations of the equations, influence of uncontrolled factors, and the small number of experimental units might have contributed to the absence of significant results. Overall, Bal et al. (1997) equation was more efficient in distinguishing ATTSD from different ensiling periods.(AU)

Associations of days open with milk urea nitrogen and other herd traits in dairy cows

We evaluated the association of monthly milk urea N (MUN) concentrations before conception and days open in high-producing dairy cows from commercial herds in Southern Brazil. Other herd traits were also investigated regarding their relationship with days open. A database containing 16,569 monthly test-day records (obtained from 3,926 lactations of 2,145 cows) for productive, reproductive, and milk quality data was assembled from three different herds. Maximum MUN before conception was divided into quartiles as follows: ≤15.5 mg/dL (1), from 15.6 mg/dL to 18.0 mg/dL (2), from 18.1 to 20.5 mg/dL (3), and >20.5 mg/dL (4). When cows calved in spring and winter, days open averaged (mean±SE) 171.2±2.71 and 155.4±2.31, corresponding to an increase in 12 and 2%, respectively, related to cows that calved in summer (152.7±2.44). When cows calved in fall, a 12% reduction in days open (135.5±1.79) compared with cows that calved in summer was observed. The estimated regression coefficients showed that multiparous cows are expected to have an increase of 12 and 6% in days open when compared with primiparous and secondiparous cows, respectively. Days open were positively associated with the highest MUN value obtained until conception. Cows in the highest quartile of maximum MUN (>20.5 mg/dL) had more days open (184.6±2.93) than cows in quartiles 1, 2, and 3 (123.7±2.12, 150.2±2.16, and 160.5±2.29, respectively), which represents reductions of 40, 21, and 14%, respectively. These results suggest that a maximum MUN concentration before conception higher than 15.5 mg/dL may negatively impact the fertility of high-producing dairy cows.

Accuracy and physical characteristics of total mixed rations and feeding sorting behavior in dairy herds of Castro, Parana

The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of the content of total mixed rations (TMR) offered to high-producing cows from 20 dairy herds of Castro, Paraná State, Brazil. The average milk yield during the sample collection period was 38.0±6.8 kg/day, with 3.47±0.25% milk fat and 3.05±0.18% milk protein. The particle size distribution of samples of fresh diet and leftovers was evaluated using the Penn State Particle Separator (PSPS) and chemical analysis was also conducted. The TMR homogeneity was estimated by the coefficient of variation (CV) of particles retained on the two intermediary sieves (1.18 mm), in which a CV higher than 5% indicated a poorly mixed TMR. The TMR offered exceeded the formulated TMR only for NDF (+7.3%) and was lower than the formulated TMR for CP (−6.5%), ADF (−10.1%), and ash (−18.6%) contents. These differences are due to daily variations in feed quality, mixing equipment, and ingredient mixing order, mostly for forage. Differences between leftovers and TMR offered were substantial: −9.4% for CP, +25.1% for NDF, +31.6% for ADF, and +13.1% for ash, suggesting a feed sorting effect against long forage particles and in favor of small concentrate particles. The proportion of the offered TMR retained in the top PSPS sieve showed positive correlations with NDF (r = 0.58) and ADF (r = 0.54) contents of the refusals, which indicates that cows sort against long particles. Positive correlations were also found between the CV in the second sieve and NDF (r = 0.56) and ADF (r = 0.47) contents of refusals, suggesting that poorly mixed diets are more easily sorted by cows. Therefore, evaluating the chemical and physical properties of TMR, especially for forage, is extremely important for providing a consistent diet.

Relationship between metabolic profile, diseases, productive and reproductive performance in highproducing Holstein cows in the postpartum period / Relação entre o perfil metabólico, doenças, desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo de vacas Holandesas recém-paridas de alta produção

The present study aimed to monitor Holstein cows in the postpartum period, and to evaluate the occurrence of clinical diseases and their relationship with metabolic profile, milk yield and composition, and reproductive performance. One hundred and five Holstein cows, 32 primiparous and 73 multiparous, from two dairy herds in Arapoti, Paraná State, were clinically monitored up to ten days after calving. The clinical occurrences diagnosed were: dystocia, metritis, retained placenta, clinical hypocalcemia, displaced abomasum, mastitis, pneumonia, and digital dermatitis. Blood samples were collected at one, two, five, and ten days postpartum for analysis of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and total calcium. Individual milk yield was measured up to 100 days in milk (DIM), and the first test-day was evaluated for milk composition. Statistical analyses were conducted using the MIXED procedure of SAS, and the fixed effects of farm (A and B), parity (primiparous and multiparous), and occurrence of clinical diseases (sick and healthy cows) were included. Forty-eight cows (45.7%) had one or more clinical occurrences. In these sick cows, the BHB concentration at five DIM was higher (P = 0.06) than in healthy cows; 0.78 and 0.57 mmol L-1, respectively. Regarding milk yield, cows with one or more clinical occurrences had lower (P < 0.01) daily milk yield up to 30 DIM, and had a tendency of lower (P = 0.09) accumulated production up to 100 DIM than healthy cows. Sick cows had a tendency to show lower (P = 0.08) milk total solids content than healthy cows; 12.04 and 12.60%, respectively. There were no significant differences between sick and healthy animals in the remaining milk components, or the reproductive parameters assessed. The differences observed for days in the first artificial insemination (AI), AI number, and days open occurred due to the effect of the herd.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi monitorar vacas Holandesas no pós-parto e avaliar a ocorrência de doenças clínicas e sua relação com o perfil metabólico, a produção de leite e sua composição e o desempenho reprodutivo. Foram monitoradas clinicamente durante 10 dias após o parto, 105 vacas da raça Holandesa, 32 primíparas e 73 multíparas, de dois rebanhos leiteiros em Arapoti, Paraná. As ocorrências clínicas diagnosticadas foram: distocia, metrite, retenção de placenta, hipocalcemia clínica, deslocamento de abomaso, mastite, pneumonia e dermatite digital. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas nos dias 1, 2, 5 e 10 após o parto para análises de ácidos graxos não-esterificados (AGNE), ß-hidroxibutirato (BHB) e cálcio total. A produção de leite individual foi mensurada até 100 dias em leite (DEL) e para a composição do leite foi avaliado o primeiro controle leiteiro oficial após o parto. As análises estatísticas foram conduzidas pelo procedimento MIXED do SAS e foram incluídos os efeitos fixos de fazenda (A e B), paridade (primíparas e multíparas) e ocorrência de doenças clínicas (vacas doentes e saudáveis). Quarenta e oito vacas (45,7%) apresentaram uma ou mais doenças clínicas. Nestas vacas doentes a concentração de BHB no 5o dia pós-parto foi superior (P = 0,06) a de vacas saudáveis; 0,78 e 0,57 mmol L-1, respectivamente. Em relação a produtividade, vacas com uma ou mais doenças clínicas apresentaram menores (P < 0,01) produções diárias até 30 DEL e tendência de menores (P = 0,09) produções acumuladas até 100 DEL em relação a vacas sadias. Vacas doentes apresentaram uma tendência de menor (P = 0,08) porcentagem de sólidos totais no leite do que vacas saudáveis; 12,04 e 12,60%, respectivamente. Não houve diferenças significativas entre animais doentes e saudáveis para os outros componentes do leite, bem como nos parâmetros reprodutivos avaliados. As diferenças observadas para dias até a primeira inseminação artificial (IA), número de IA e dias abertos ocorreram devido ao efeito de rebanho.(AU)

Avaliação microbiológica de coxa e sobrecoxa de frango comercializadas a granel em Sinop-MT / Microbiological evaluation of thigh and drumstick chicken sold in bulk in Sinop-MT

O consumo de carne de frango tem aumentado nos últimos anos, favorecido por diferentes fatores. No entanto, quando esse alimento é manipulado sem cuidados higiênicos pode ser fonte de agentes etiológicos causadores de enfermidades. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade microbiológica de 60 amostras de carnes de frango industrial resfriadas in natura, coletadas de 20 estabelecimentos comerciais do município de Sinop Mato Grosso. As avaliações microbiológicas foram compostas por: enumeração de coliformes totais e termotolerantes, pesquisa de Escherichia coli e identificação de Salmonella spp. Em 100% das amostras foram encontrados coliformes totais. Seis amostras apresentaram valores de coliformes termotolerantes > 3NMP/g, porém não extrapolaram o padrão, 104NMP/g, exigido pela legislação brasileira. Das 60 amostras avaliadas, 8,3% apresentaram contaminação por E. coli e 8,3% estavam contaminadas por Salmonella spp. Em 30% dos mercados foram obtidas amostras contaminadas por E. coli (10%) e Salmonella spp. (20%), sendo consideradas impróprias para o consumo. Os sorovares de Salmonella spp. encontrados foram: Hadar, Minnesota, Heidelberg e Kentucky. Dessa forma, há a necessidade de que sejam aplicadas boas práticas de fabricação, higiene e manipulação de alimentos nos estabelecimentos a fim de reduzir a contaminação por microrganismos no produto final e os riscos para a saúde coletiva.(AU)

The chicken meat consumption has increased in recent years favored by different factors. However, when this food is manipulated without hygienic care, can be a source of etiological agents that cause diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of 60 samples of fresh chilled chicken meat cooled in nature, collected from 20 commercial establishments in the municipalyti of Sinop Mato Grosso. The microbiological assessments were composed of: enumeration of total and thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli research and identification of Salmonella spp. In 100% of the samples total coliforms were found. Six samples presented thermotolerant coliform values >3 NMP / g, but did not extrapolate the standard 104NMP / g required by brazilian legislation. Of the 60 samples evaluated, 8.3% presented contamination by E. coli and 8.3% were contaminated by Salmonella spp.. In 30% of markets were obtained contaminated samples by E. coli (10%) and Salmonella spp. (20%), being considered unsuitable for consumption.Theserovars of Salmonella spp. found were: Hadar, Minnesota, Heidelberg and Kentucky.In this way, there is a need for good manufacturing practices applied, hygiene and food handling in establishments in order to reduce contamination by microorganisms in the final product and the risks to collective health.(AU)

Avaliação microbiológica de coxa e sobrecoxa de frango comercializadas a granel em Sinop-MT / Microbiological evaluation of thigh and drumstick chicken sold in bulk in Sinop-MT

O consumo de carne de frango tem aumentado nos últimos anos, favorecido por diferentes fatores. No entanto, quando esse alimento é manipulado sem cuidados higiênicos pode ser fonte de agentes etiológicos causadores de enfermidades. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade microbiológica de 60 amostras de carnes de frango industrial resfriadas in natura, coletadas de 20 estabelecimentos comerciais do município de Sinop – Mato Grosso. As avaliações microbiológicas foram compostas por: enumeração de coliformes totais e termotolerantes, pesquisa de Escherichia coli e identificação de Salmonella spp. Em 100% das amostras foram encontrados coliformes totais. Seis amostras apresentaram valores de coliformes termotolerantes > 3NMP/g, porém não extrapolaram o padrão, 104NMP/g, exigido pela legislação brasileira. Das 60 amostras avaliadas, 8,3% apresentaram contaminação por E. coli e 8,3% estavam contaminadas por Salmonella spp. Em 30% dos mercados foram obtidas amostras contaminadas por E. coli (10%) e Salmonella spp. (20%), sendo consideradas impróprias para o consumo. Os sorovares de Salmonella spp. encontrados foram: Hadar, Minnesota, Heidelberg e Kentucky. Dessa forma, há a necessidade de que sejam aplicadas boas práticas de fabricação, higiene e manipulação de alimentos nos estabelecimentos a fim de reduzir a contaminação por microrganismos no produto final e os riscos para a saúde coletiva.

The chicken meat consumption has increased in recent years favored by different factors. However, when this food is manipulated without hygienic care, can be a source of etiological agents that cause diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of 60 samples of fresh chilled chicken meat cooled in nature, collected from 20 commercial establishments in the municipalyti of Sinop – Mato Grosso. The microbiological assessments were composed of: enumeration of total and thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli research and identification of Salmonella spp. In 100% of the samples total coliforms were found. Six samples presented thermotolerant coliform values >3 NMP / g, but did not extrapolate the standard 104NMP / g required by brazilian legislation. Of the 60 samples evaluated, 8.3% presented contamination by E. coli and 8.3% were contaminated by Salmonella spp.. In 30% of markets were obtained contaminated samples by E. coli (10%) and Salmonella spp. (20%), being considered unsuitable for consumption.Theserovars of Salmonella spp. found were: Hadar, Minnesota, Heidelberg and Kentucky.In this way, there is a need for good manufacturing practices applied, hygiene and food handling in establishments in order to reduce contamination by microorganisms in the final product and the risks to collective health.

Análise microbiológica de carne bovina in natura submetida a amaciadores / Microbiological analysis of cattle beef in natura subjected to softeners

This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological conditions chilled beef innatura subjected to softening steak comparing it to meat without thismanipulation process, commercialized at Sinop-MT. Were realized aerobicmesophilic count, enumeration of total thermotolerant coliforms, researchof Escherichia coli and identification of Salmonella spp. In aerobicmesophilic count was observed in samples submitted at softener avariation of 1.8x10² CFU /g to 9.1x104 CFU/g and the samples without thathandling process a variation was 1.4x10² CFU/g to 7.3x104 CFU/g. Therewas no significant statistic difference as the totals aerobic mesophiliccount. Total coliforms were found in 100% of samples. Six (40%) samplessubmitted at softener and three (20%) samples not subjected to thatprocessing had values >3 MPN/g of thermotolerant coliforms. The E. coliwas isolated in 26.66% of the samples submitted at softener and 6.66 % ofnot subject to that processing. In both groups were not identified strains of Salmonella. It is indispensable that they are applied in goodmanufacturing practice tools, hygiene and handling in all meat processingsectors in order to minimize the risk of transmission of etiological agents of foodborne illness.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as condições microbiológicas de carne bovina resfriada in natura, submetida a amaciadores de bife,comparando-a à das carnes sem esse processo de manipulação,comercializadas no município de Sinop-MT. Foi realizada a contagem deaeróbios mesófilos totais, a enumeração de coliformes totais e termotolerantes, uma pesquisa de Escherichia coli e a identificação de Salmonella spp. Na contagem de aeróbios mesófilos, observou-se nas amostras submetidas ao amaciador uma variação de 1,8x10² UFC/g a9,1x104 UFC/g; e nas amostras sem esse processo de manipulação, avariação foi de 1,4x10² UFC/g a 7,3x104 UFC/g. Não houve diferença estatística significativa quanto à contagem de aeróbios mesófilos totais.Coliformes totais foram encontrados em 100% das amostras. Seis (40%)amostras submetidas ao amaciador e três (20%) não submetidas a esse processamento apresentaram valores >3 NMP/g de coliformes termotolerantes. A E. coli foi isolada em 26,66% das amostras submetidas ao amaciador e 6,66% das não submetidas a esse processamento. Em ambos os grupos não foram identificadas estirpes de Salmonella. Torna-se imprescindível que sejam aplicadas ferramentas de boas práticas de fabricação, higiene e manipulação em todos os setores de processamento de carne, a fim de minimizar os riscos de transmissão de agentes etiológicos causadores de doenças alimentares.

Análise microbiológica de carne bovina in natura submetida a amaciadores / Microbiological analysis of cattle beef in natura subjected to softeners

This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological conditions chilled beef innatura subjected to softening steak comparing it to meat without thismanipulation process, commercialized at Sinop-MT. Were realized aerobicmesophilic count, enumeration of total thermotolerant coliforms, researchof Escherichia coli and identification of Salmonella spp. In aerobicmesophilic count was observed in samples submitted at softener avariation of 1.8x10² CFU /g to 9.1x104 CFU/g and the samples without thathandling process a variation was 1.4x10² CFU/g to 7.3x104 CFU/g. Therewas no significant statistic difference as the totals aerobic mesophiliccount. Total coliforms were found in 100% of samples. Six (40%) samplessubmitted at softener and three (20%) samples not subjected to thatprocessing had values >3 MPN/g of thermotolerant coliforms. The E. coliwas isolated in 26.66% of the samples submitted at softener and 6.66 % ofnot subject to that processing. In both groups were not identified strains of Salmonella. It is indispensable that they are applied in goodmanufacturing practice tools, hygiene and handling in all meat processingsectors in order to minimize the risk of transmission of etiological agents of foodborne illness.(AU)

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as condições microbiológicas de carne bovina resfriada in natura, submetida a amaciadores de bife,comparando-a à das carnes sem esse processo de manipulação,comercializadas no município de Sinop-MT. Foi realizada a contagem deaeróbios mesófilos totais, a enumeração de coliformes totais e termotolerantes, uma pesquisa de Escherichia coli e a identificação de Salmonella spp. Na contagem de aeróbios mesófilos, observou-se nas amostras submetidas ao amaciador uma variação de 1,8x10² UFC/g a9,1x104 UFC/g; e nas amostras sem esse processo de manipulação, avariação foi de 1,4x10² UFC/g a 7,3x104 UFC/g. Não houve diferença estatística significativa quanto à contagem de aeróbios mesófilos totais.Coliformes totais foram encontrados em 100% das amostras. Seis (40%)amostras submetidas ao amaciador e três (20%) não submetidas a esse processamento apresentaram valores >3 NMP/g de coliformes termotolerantes. A E. coli foi isolada em 26,66% das amostras submetidas ao amaciador e 6,66% das não submetidas a esse processamento. Em ambos os grupos não foram identificadas estirpes de Salmonella. Torna-se imprescindível que sejam aplicadas ferramentas de boas práticas de fabricação, higiene e manipulação em todos os setores de processamento de carne, a fim de minimizar os riscos de transmissão de agentes etiológicos causadores de doenças alimentares.(AU)

Chemical control of foliar diseases in soybean depends on cultivar and sowing date / O controle químico de doenças foliares na cultura da soja depende do cultivar e da época de plantio

The aim was to study the effect of early application of two fungicide mixtures on the control of Asian rust and powdery mildew, as well as on grain yield in five soybean cultivars at two sowing dates. The experiment was carried in the experimental area of FAMV/UPF. The cultivars A 4910 RG (super-early), BMX Apolo RR, A 6001 RR and Fundacep 55 RR (early) and Coodetec 214 RR (moderate), established at 13/11/2007 and 3/12/2007 were used. Trifolia of these cultivars were treated twice with the fungicides ciproconazol + azoxystrobin (Priori Xtra®, 0.3 L ha-1 plus Nimbus® adjuvant 0.6 L ha- 1) and epoxiconazol + pyraclostrobin (Opera®, 0.5 L ha-1), in three moments 1: pre-closure of the space between the lines and 21 days after; 2: pre-closure of space between rows and R5.1 stage (10% of beginning seed); and 3: R1 (beginning bloom) and R5.1 stages. The severity (% of affected leaf area) of powdery mildew and number of lesions cm2 of Asian rust were evaluated. After that plants were harvested, the thousand grain weight (g) and grain yield (kg ha-1) were quantified. The experimental design was a split-plot with four replicates, where the main plot were the five cultivars, and the subplots were the control treatment (untreated plants) and the six chemical control programs. Tukey and t-Student tests (p0.05) were used for separation of means of treatments and seasons, respectively. In general terms, foliar application of fungicides controlled both Asian rust and powdery mildew, as well as generated an increase on the thousand grain weight and grain yield. However, there seems to be an interaction among soybean genotypes and sowing date. Thus, our results allow us to infer that the chemical control of leaf diseases in the soybean crop depends of the cultivar and sowing date.

O objetivo foi estudar o efeito da aplicação antecipada de duas misturas de fungicidas no controle da ferrugem asiática e do oídio, bem como no rendimento de grãos em cinco cultivares de soja em duas épocas de semeadura. O experimento foi conduzido no campo experimental da FAMV/UPF. Utilizaram-se as cultivares A 4910 RG (super precoce), BMX Apolo RR, A 6001 RR e Fundacep 55 RR (precoces) e Coodetec 214 RR (moderado), estabelecidas em 13/11/2007 e 3/12/2007. Os fungicidas piraclostrobina + epoxiconazole e azoxistrobina + ciproconzole foram pulverizados duas vezes em 1: pré-fechamento do espaço entre as linhas e 21 dias após, 2: pré-fechamento do espaço entre as linhas e R5.1 (10% de granação), e 3: R1 (início da floração) e R5.1. Avaliaram-se a severidade (% da área foliar afetada) do oídio e o número de lesões cm2 da ferrugem asiática. Logo após as plantas foram colhidas, o peso de mil grãos (g) e rendimento de grãos (kg ha-1) foram quantificados. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de parcelas divididas com quatro repetições, onde a parcela principal foram as cinco cultivares, e as subparcelas foram o tratamento controle (plantas não tratadas) e os seis programas de controle químico. Para a separação das médias dos tratamentos e épocas, foram utilizados os testes de Tukey e t-Student (p0.05), respectivamente. De modo geral, a aplicação foliar de fungicidas controlou tanto a ferrugem asiática como o oídio, assim como também gerou um aumento do peso de mil grãos e rendimento de grãos. No entanto, parece existir uma interação entre os genótipos e data de semeadura. Assim, nossos resultados nos permitem inferir que o controle químico das doenças foliares na cultura da soja depende do cultivar e da data de semeadura.

Blood cell and metabolic profile of Nellore bulls and their correlations with residual feed intake and feed conversion ratio / Perfis sanguíneo e metabólico de touros Nelore e suas correlações com consumo alimentar residual e taxa de conversão alimentar

Due to the potential metabolic changes related to the residual feed intake (RFI), this study investigated the correlation of traditional RFI (RFI1), RFI adjusted for final rump fat thickness (RFI2) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) with the metabolic and blood profiles, as well as determined the possible different classes of RFI1 and RFI2. For this purpose, 46 Nellore bulls, 22 month-old and 411kg of weight at the beginning of the study were used. The animals were fed with the same diet for 84 days, and blood samples were collected every 21 days for evaluation of serum metabolites and blood cell profiles. No significant correlations were found between FCR and metabolic or blood traits, although there was a significant correlation between RFI1 and urea serum concentration. There were also differences between the RFI classes for creatinine, in which more efficient animals showed higher values. The RFI2 did not correlate with any metabolic and blood cell variable, but young bulls with smaller RFI2 had a smaller number of eosinophils when compared to animals with higher RFI2. These results suggest that animals with a high RFI can have greater energy expenditure due to protein synthesis and degradation process, resulting in a larger blood urea level.

Em função das diversas variações metabólicas relacionadas com o consumo alimentar residual (CAR), objetivou-se nesse estudo avaliar as correlações do CAR tradicional (CAR1), CAR ajustado para deposição de gordura subcutânea na garupa (CAR2) e da conversão alimentar (CA) com o perfil metabólico e sanguíneo, assim como verificar as possíveis diferenças das classes de CAR1 e CAR2. Para tanto, foram utilizados 46 touros da raça Nelore com 22 meses de idade e 411kg no início do estudo. Os animais foram alimentados com a mesma dieta durante 84 dias, nesse período foram coletadas a cada 21 dias amostras de sangue para avaliação de metabólitos no soro e do perfil celular no sangue. Não foram encontradas correlações significativas da CA com nenhuma característica metabólica ou sanguínea, já para o CAR1 foi encontrada correlação significativa para a concentração de ureia sérica, também houve diferença entre as classes com relação à creatinina, na qual animais mais eficientes apresentaram valores superiores para essa variável. O CAR2 não foi correlacionado com nenhuma variável metabólica e das células do sangue, porém animais de menor CAR2 tiveram menor quantidade de eosinófilos quando comparados com os animais de maior CAR2. Esses resultados sugerem que animais menos eficientes para CAR podem ter maior gasto energético com processos de síntese e degradação proteica corporal, devido à maior quantidade de ureia presente no sangue.

Blood cell and metabolic profile of Nellore bulls and their correlations with residual feed intake and feed conversion ratio / Perfis sanguíneo e metabólico de touros Nelore e suas correlações com consumo alimentar residual e taxa de conversão alimentar

Due to the potential metabolic changes related to the residual feed intake (RFI), this study investigated the correlation of traditional RFI (RFI1), RFI adjusted for final rump fat thickness (RFI2) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) with the metabolic and blood profiles, as well as determined the possible different classes of RFI1 and RFI2. For this purpose, 46 Nellore bulls, 22 month-old and 411kg of weight at the beginning of the study were used. The animals were fed with the same diet for 84 days, and blood samples were collected every 21 days for evaluation of serum metabolites and blood cell profiles. No significant correlations were found between FCR and metabolic or blood traits, although there was a significant correlation between RFI1 and urea serum concentration. There were also differences between the RFI classes for creatinine, in which more efficient animals showed higher values. The RFI2 did not correlate with any metabolic and blood cell variable, but young bulls with smaller RFI2 had a smaller number of eosinophils when compared to animals with higher RFI2. These results suggest that animals with a high RFI can have greater energy expenditure due to protein synthesis and degradation process, resulting in a larger blood urea level.(AU)

Em função das diversas variações metabólicas relacionadas com o consumo alimentar residual (CAR), objetivou-se nesse estudo avaliar as correlações do CAR tradicional (CAR1), CAR ajustado para deposição de gordura subcutânea na garupa (CAR2) e da conversão alimentar (CA) com o perfil metabólico e sanguíneo, assim como verificar as possíveis diferenças das classes de CAR1 e CAR2. Para tanto, foram utilizados 46 touros da raça Nelore com 22 meses de idade e 411kg no início do estudo. Os animais foram alimentados com a mesma dieta durante 84 dias, nesse período foram coletadas a cada 21 dias amostras de sangue para avaliação de metabólitos no soro e do perfil celular no sangue. Não foram encontradas correlações significativas da CA com nenhuma característica metabólica ou sanguínea, já para o CAR1 foi encontrada correlação significativa para a concentração de ureia sérica, também houve diferença entre as classes com relação à creatinina, na qual animais mais eficientes apresentaram valores superiores para essa variável. O CAR2 não foi correlacionado com nenhuma variável metabólica e das células do sangue, porém animais de menor CAR2 tiveram menor quantidade de eosinófilos quando comparados com os animais de maior CAR2. Esses resultados sugerem que animais menos eficientes para CAR podem ter maior gasto energético com processos de síntese e degradação proteica corporal, devido à maior quantidade de ureia presente no sangue.(AU)

Métodos de diagnóstico e pontos críticos de bem-estar de bovinos leiteiros / Welfare assessment methods and critical points for dairy cattle

O bem-estar de animais de produção tem sido discutido nos âmbitos comercial, social e acadêmico, sendo que tal discussão pode ser enriquecida pela elaboração de protocolos de diagnóstico de bem-estar animal bem definidos, favorecendo a regulamentação de uma legislação específica. O objetivo desta revisão é discutir os métodos de diagnóstico de bem-estar animal e apontar os principais pontos críticos que afetam o bem-estar dos bovinos leiteiros. O diagnóstico de bem-estar compreende a observação do comportamento animal e de indicadores fisiológicos e sanitários, como análise hematológica e dosagem de hormônios, análise do escore de locomoção, a observação de lesões corporais e o estado geral de saúde dos animais. Tais ferramentas permitem verificar quais são os principais pontos críticos que afetam o bem-estar dos animais e construir estratégias de melhoria. As vacas em lactação podem sofrer restrições ambientais, nutricionais e sanitárias. Os bezerros passam pelo distresse do desmame precoce e do isolamento social. Alguns pontos críticos de bem-estar de gado leiteiro reconhecidos internacionalmente parecem prováveis no cenário brasileiro. Entretanto, é possível a existência de diferenças importantes em relação aos sistemas de produção praticados no Brasil e no exterior, uma vez que o acesso ao pasto é um fator comum na produção brasileira e pode estar associado a um maior grau de bem-estar animal. Dessa forma, é importante a condução de trabalhos de diagnóstico de bem-estar específico para os animais envolvidos com a produção de leite no Brasil.

The welfare of farm animals is under broad discussion within the commercial, social and academic environments, and discussion may be enriched by specific guidelines and legislation based on well-defined assessment protocols. The objective of this review is to discuss the methods for assessing animal welfare and to point out the main critical points that affect the welfare of dairy cattle. The assessment of animal welfare is based on behavioral observations and physiological and health parameters such as analysis of blood parameters and hormone concentrations, locomotion scoring, presence of body lesions and general health state of the animals. These tools allow for the analysis of the main critical points that affect animal welfare and the proposal of improvement strategies. The lactating cows may suffer from environmental, nutritional and sanitary restrictions. Dairy calves go through weaning distress and social isolation. Some of the critical welfare points recognized internationally seems likely to occur in the Brazilian scenario. However, some differences possibly exist, once the access to pasture is a common factor in Brazilian production and may be associated with a higher welfare degree. Thus, it is important to carry on specific welfare assessment of the animals involved in milk production in Brazil.