ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the addition of different concentrations of ozone to quarter horse semen submitted to cryopreservation. Six ejaculates from four stallions were collected and were divided in four experimental groups: a control group (BotuCRIO® extender) and three other groups with BotuCRIO® ozonized at concentrations of 6, 8 and 12 µg of O3/mL. The semen samples were diluted (200 x 106 spermatozoa/mL), filled in straws and frozen. After thawing (37 ºC, 30s), the samples were evaluated at 0, 30 and 60 minutes of incubation regarding sperm kinetics by a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), and plasma membrane integrity (PMI), acrosome integrity (ACi) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) by fluorescent probes. There was a reduction in the kinetic parameters total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight line velocity (VSL) and average path velocity (VAP) in all groups during the thermoresistance test (TT), a pattern also found in PMI and MMP analyses (p<0.05). There was no difference (p>0.05) between the control and treatment (6, 8, and 12 µg of O3/mL) groups, in any of the evaluated times for the kinetic parameters TM, linearity (LIN), straightness (STR), wobble index (WOB), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) and beat cross frequency (BCF). Regarding the VCL, VSL and VAP parameters, the group treated with 6 µg did not differ from the control or from 8 µg, but was higher than 12 µg at 30 and 60 minutes. ACi and PMI did not differ between groups (p>0.05), but PMI was lower in groups 8 µg and 12 µg compared to the control and 6 µg (p<0.05). It was concluded that the addition of ozone does not present beneficial effects for cryopreservation of equine semen at the concentrations used and decreases important parameters of fertility.
ABSTRACT
The synthetic pyrethroids and their associations have been widely used for controlling Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The frequent use of acaricides has been inducing the development of resistance in the tick populations. The aim of this study was to assess the susceptibility of R. (B.) microplus populations to pyrethroids and their associations in the region of Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brazil. In addition, the level of information among farm owners regarding tick control measures was investigated. Ticks were collected directly from naturally infested dairy cattle in the region and were exposed to pyrethroids and their associations. At the same time, an epidemiological questionnaire was applied with the aim of investigating the level of information among the farmers. The results reported here indicate that R. (B.) microplus populations in the dairy region of Garanhuns show resistance to pyrethroids and their associations, except when the product is associated with piperonyl butoxide. Regarding the results from the epidemiological survey, it was seen that there is a considerable lack of information among the farmers in relation to ixodid control measures. The level of ticks resistance to acaricides varied widely across the region studied. No alternative control programs have been implemented among these farms, thus demonstrating that there is a need for more information relating to the biology and control of R. (B.) microplus.
