Organic selenium supplementation on metabolic profile of dairy goats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of organic selenium (SE) supplementation on blood constituents related to hematology and serum biochemistry of dairy goats in the productive phase. A total of 16 lactating Saanen × Toggenburg crossbred goats, aged between 2 and 3, lactating, nonpregnant, clinically healthy, and having a body weight (BW) of 40.75 ± 8.31 kg were selected for this study. Higher SE concentrations were observed on the 42nd day of supplementation, and on the 63rd day, the SE concentrations were similar ([Formula: see text]) to the 21st and 42nd days. There was no interaction for plasma constituents comparing treatment effects and days of supplementation ([Formula: see text]). SE supplementation reduced ([Formula: see text]) plasma proteins with a gradual increase in available SE. There was no difference ([Formula: see text]) for the blood count comparing the effects of treatment and days of supplementation. There was no interaction ([Formula: see text]) for serum biochemical constituents between treatments and periods, except for urea ([Formula: see text]). Animals that received SE supplementation had similar plasma urea concentrations before and after supplementation, while animals that did not receive SE in the diet had increased serum urea concentrations. The main action of selenium in metabolism occurred in the reduction of plasma proteins and urea levels, which leads us to conclude that it influenced protein metabolism. Finally, hematology, liver function, and energy metabolism are not affected by selenium supplementation in dairy goats reared in semiarid conditions.

Coat color and morphological hair traits influence on the mechanisms related to the heat tolerance in hair sheep.

The principal focus of this study was to describe how the coat characteristics could affect the heat exchanges in animals managed in a hot environment. The Morada Nova ewes were monitored once a month, during 10 consecutive months, in three commercial flocks. Initially, an analysis was performed to measure the differences regarding the coat color in the thermoregulation mechanisms. The animals were grouped into 4 different groups according to coat tonality, as follows: dark red animals (group 1, N = 23), intermediate red color (group 2, N = 27), light red animals (group 3, N = 30), and white-coated animals (group 4, N = 30). The data were collected from 1100 to 1400 h, after the animals were exposed to 30 min of direct sunlight. The cluster analysis was performed considering the hair structural characteristics such as coat thickness (CT, cm), hair length (HL, mm), hair diameter (HD, m), and number of hairs (NH, hairs per unit area), after that these clusters were compared in relation to thermoregulatory mechanisms that include rectal temperature (RT, °C), respiratory rate (RR, breaths min-1), cutaneous evaporation (CE, °C), and respiratory evaporation (RE, W m-2). The groups were characterized and compared using mean and standard deviation, and the differences between the clusters were compared using the Tukey test with a 5% probability of error. In relation to coat color, no differences were found in groups 1, 2, and 3 regarding the activation of the thermoregulation mechanisms. The most different was observed in the totally white coat that presented different thermoregulatory responses as the highest sweating rate. White-coated animals showed a non-pigmented epidermis, and the hair structure is responsible to promote skin protection as necessary, such as a dense coat (1242.7 hair cm-2), long hair (14.2 mm), and thicker coat (7.38 mm). In red-coated animals, the hair structure favored heat loss to the environment, such as short hairs, less thick coat, and less hairs per square centimeter. All evaluated animals showed the rectal temperature within the reference limits for the ovine species, regardless of the coat color. In the analysis of clusters related to the physical structure of hair, it was possible to observe that the animals with thick hair, short hair, and less dense coat tended to have a higher capacity to eliminate heat through their respiratory rate and showed less intense heat loss by cutaneous evaporation. We verified that coat color presents a direct influence on the hair structure and the activation of mechanisms related to thermoregulation.

Locally adapted Brazilian ewes with different coat colors maintain homeothermy during the year in an equatorial semiarid environment.

The present paper aimed to show the thermoregulatory responses of locally adapted Morada Nova sheep with different coat colors that were exposed to direct solar radiation in an equatorial semiarid region. Animals were classified into four groups according to the coat color as follows: (1) dark red, (2) intermediate red, (3) light red, and (4) white coats. Forty Morada Nova ewes were observed in for 7 consecutive months. The experimental variables measured were rectal temperature (RT), skin surface temperature (ST), respiratory rate (RR), skin surface evaporation (CE), respiratory evaporation (RE), and heat exchange by convection (HC) and radiation (R). Data were collected from 1100 to 1400 h after the animals were exposed to 30 min direct sunlight. The results showed that all groups maintained homeothermy. The RR was higher in the animals of groups 1 to 3, which also showed higher values for ST when compared to the white-coated animals. Sensible heat exchange mechanisms were not important for heat loss, and R was a significant source of heat gain from the environment for the animals. Groups 1, 2, and 3 used RR more intensely than group 4 (P value = 0.001); however, CE was higher for the white-coated animals. It was concluded that Morada Nova sheep are well adapted to the semiarid environment, regardless of coat color.

Thermoregulatory responses and reproductive traits in composite beef bulls raised in a tropical climate.

It is believed that increased livestock production is limited by tropical climate. Thermal imbalance in bulls can lead to hyperthermia and alter testicular metabolism, causing subfertility or infertility. Therefore, the thermoregulation of composite Canchim bulls (5/8 Charolais × 3/8 Zebu) raised in tropical climate as well as their consequences in the physiological, hematological, hormonal, and andrological parameters were evaluated monthly. The bulls (n = 18; 30.0 ± 1.5 months; 503.8 ± 23.0 kg) were kept on pasture, in a single group, from August 2015 to March 2016, comprising the winter, spring, and summer seasons. Biometeorological variables were continuously monitored, and the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) was calculated. A greater thermal challenge occurred in spring and summer (THI ≥ 72.0). Nevertheless, the bulls exhibited normothermia (38.6 to 38.9 °C) in these seasons. The cortisol did not vary between seasons (7.0 vs. 8.7 vs. 6.8 ng/mL; P > 0.05) and remained within the physiological patterns. Independent of the seasons, stress leukogram was also not observed, refuting the incidence of acute or chronic thermal stress. It is noteworthy that T3 and testosterone increased (P < 0.0001, P < 0.05) in spring and summer, the time that coincides with the breeding season, when there is increased metabolic requirement from the bulls. The progressive thermal challenge increase did not affect the scrotal thermoregulatory capacity, and in general, scrotal temperature remained at 5.2 °C below the internal body temperature. In summer, there was a 5% reduction in the minor sperm defects (P < 0.05) and DNA fragmentation in 2.4% of spermatozoa, a compatible value for high fertility bulls. The results show that the studied composite bulls can be considered as climatically adapted and constitute a viable alternative to be used in production systems in a tropical climate, even if the breeding seasons occur during the most critical thermal condition periods of the year.

nimals / Características termoadaptativas em animais de produção

O bem-estar animal é afetado por fatores climáticos que causam influências sobre o conforto térmico, portanto, o objetivo desta revisão da literatura foi avaliar a influência de fatores ambientais sobre as variáveis fisiológicas de animais interessantes zootécnicos. O rendimento é limitado ao stress do animal como resposta ao ambiente onde ele é submetido. A adaptação do animal está ligada à sua condição fisiológica relacionada com a sua zona de sobrevivência, tais como: neutralidade térmica (conforto), zona de hipotermia (estresse pelo frio) e zona de hipertermia (estresse por calor). Variáveis fisiológicas: freqüência respiratória (FR); taxa de sudorese (SR); temperatura rectal (RT); freqüência cardíaca (FC). As variáveis ambientais: temperatura do ar (AT), umidade relativa do ar (AH), de bulbo úmido do índice temperatura do globo (WBGTI) e carga térmica radiante (RTC). As variáveis meteorológicas influenciaram na termorregulação dos animais, afetando seu conforto térmico e diminuindo seu bem-estar. A adaptação das condições que são oferecidas pelo clima da região é um dos fatores responsáveis pelo potencial produtivo do animal.(AU)

Animal welfare is affected by weather conditions that influence on thermal comfort, therefore the aim of this literature review was to assess the influence of environmental factors on physiological variables of animals of zootechnical interest. Livestock production is limited by the animal stress as response to the environment where the individuals are reared. Animal adaptation is related to the individual physiological condition related to its survival zone, which is determined by thermoneutral zone (comfort), hypothermic zone (cold stress) and hyperthermia (heat stress). To assess the animal comfort some variables must be analysed, such as: respiratory rate (RR); sweat rate (SR); rectal temperature (RT); heart rate (HR); air temperature (AT); air humidity (AH); wet-bulb globe temperature index (WBGTI) and radiant thermal charge (RTC). The weather variables influence the animals thermoregulation, affect their thermal comfort and decrease their welfare. The adaptation to the weather conditions of the region is one of the factors responsible for the productive capacity of the animal.(AU)

nimals / Características termoadaptativas em animais de produção

O bem-estar animal é afetado por fatores climáticos que causam influências sobre o conforto térmico, portanto, o objetivo desta revisão da literatura foi avaliar a influência de fatores ambientais sobre as variáveis fisiológicas de animais interessantes zootécnicos. O rendimento é limitado ao stress do animal como resposta ao ambiente onde ele é submetido. A adaptação do animal está ligada à sua condição fisiológica relacionada com a sua zona de sobrevivência, tais como: neutralidade térmica (conforto), zona de hipotermia (estresse pelo frio) e zona de hipertermia (estresse por calor). Variáveis fisiológicas: freqüência respiratória (FR); taxa de sudorese (SR); temperatura rectal (RT); freqüência cardíaca (FC). As variáveis ambientais: temperatura do ar (AT), umidade relativa do ar (AH), de bulbo úmido do índice temperatura do globo (WBGTI) e carga térmica radiante (RTC). As variáveis meteorológicas influenciaram na termorregulação dos animais, afetando seu conforto térmico e diminuindo seu bem-estar. A adaptação das condições que são oferecidas pelo clima da região é um dos fatores responsáveis pelo potencial produtivo do animal.

Animal welfare is affected by weather conditions that influence on thermal comfort, therefore the aim of this literature review was to assess the influence of environmental factors on physiological variables of animals of zootechnical interest. Livestock production is limited by the animal stress as response to the environment where the individuals are reared. Animal adaptation is related to the individual physiological condition related to its survival zone, which is determined by thermoneutral zone (comfort), hypothermic zone (cold stress) and hyperthermia (heat stress). To assess the animal comfort some variables must be analysed, such as: respiratory rate (RR); sweat rate (SR); rectal temperature (RT); heart rate (HR); air temperature (AT); air humidity (AH); wet-bulb globe temperature index (WBGTI) and radiant thermal charge (RTC). The weather variables influence the animals’ thermoregulation, affect their thermal comfort and decrease their welfare. The adaptation to the weather conditions of the region is one of the factors responsible for the productive capacity of the animal.

Seasonal and diurnal differences in the responses of Girolando cows to the thermal environment of Piauí, semiarid coast of Brazil / Diferenças sazonais e diurnas nas respostas de vacas Girolando ao ambiente térmico do semiárido do Piauí, Brasil

The objective of this research was to evaluate the adaptive behavior of Girolando cows to the Piauí semiarid region. Breed data from 10 cows were used to study correlations between the physiological thermoregulatory characteristics and meteorological variables in the morning and afternoon shifts of the dry and rainy seasons of 2011 and 2012. The meteorological variables were: air temperature (TA ), humidity , globe temperature, and humidity index (BGT). The physiological responses of animals to the environment were: respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), sweating rate (SR), and heart rate (HR). Despite the significant differences in TA and AU (P 0.05) in the morning and afternoon shifts in the two considered stations, only FR showed a significant response to weather changes between shifts. TR and TS did not significantly differ between the shifts in either season (P>0.05). TA, in relation to shifts, had a high positive correlation (0.85), and this high correlation reflects the high temperatures reported, 7.07 and 7.58 C, in the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. Despite the significant daily weather variation, the responses obtained for the physiological variables of Girolando cows during lactation suggest a good adaptation of these animals to the climate of the semi-arid Piaui.

Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar o comportamento adaptativo de vacas Girolando ao semiárido piauiense. Foram utilizados dados de dez vacas da raça Girolando para o estudo da correlação das características fisiológicas termorreguladoras com variáveis meteorológicas, nos turnos manhã e tarde dos períodos seco e chuvoso nos anos de 2011 e 2012. As variáveis meteorológicas analisadas foram: temperatura do ar (TA), umidade do ar (UA), índice de temperatura globo e umidade (ITGU). As respostas fisiológicas dos animais ao ambiente foram: frequência respiratória (FR), temperatura retal (TR), taxa de sudação (TS) e frequência cardíaca (FC). Foi observado que, apesar das variáveis meteorológicas TA e UA apresentarem diferenças significativas (P0,05). A TA em relação aos turnos, teve correlação positiva alta (0,85) e essa alta correlação reflete na alta amplitude térmica relatada: 7,07 e 7,58 °C no período seco e chuvoso, respectivamente. Apesar da grande variação meteorológica diária, as respostas obtidas para as variáveis fisiológicas das vacas Girolando durante a lactação sugerem uma boa adaptação desses animais ao clima semiárido piauiense.

Seasonal and diurnal differences in the responses of Girolando cows to the thermal environment of Piauí, semiarid coast of Brazil / Diferenças sazonais e diurnas nas respostas de vacas Girolando ao ambiente térmico do semiárido do Piauí, Brasil

The objective of this research was to evaluate the adaptive behavior of Girolando cows to the Piauí semiarid region. Breed data from 10 cows were used to study correlations between the physiological thermoregulatory characteristics and meteorological variables in the morning and afternoon shifts of the dry and rainy seasons of 2011 and 2012. The meteorological variables were: air temperature (TA ), humidity (AU), globe temperature, and humidity index (BGT). The physiological responses of animals to the environment were: respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), sweating rate (SR), and heart rate (HR). Despite the significant differences in TA and AU (P 0.05) in the morning and afternoon shifts in the two considered stations, only FR showed a significant response to weather changes between shifts. TR and TS did not significantly differ between the shifts in either season (P>0.05). TA, in relation to shifts, had a high positive correlation (0.85), and this high correlation reflects the high temperatures reported, 7.07 and 7.58 C, in the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. Despite the significant daily weather variation, the responses obtained for the physiological variables of Girolando cows during lactation suggest a good adaptation of these animals to the climate of the semi-arid Piaui.(AU)

Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar o comportamento adaptativo de vacas Girolando ao semiárido piauiense. Foram utilizados dados de dez vacas da raça Girolando para o estudo da correlação das características fisiológicas termorreguladoras com variáveis meteorológicas, nos turnos manhã e tarde dos períodos seco e chuvoso nos anos de 2011 e 2012. As variáveis meteorológicas analisadas foram: temperatura do ar (TA), umidade do ar (UA), índice de temperatura globo e umidade (ITGU). As respostas fisiológicas dos animais ao ambiente foram: frequência respiratória (FR), temperatura retal (TR), taxa de sudação (TS) e frequência cardíaca (FC). Foi observado que, apesar das variáveis meteorológicas TA e UA apresentarem diferenças significativas (P<0,05) nos turnos manhã e tarde nas duas estações consideradas, apenas a FR apresentou resposta significativa às mudanças meteorológicas entre os turnos. As respostas termorreguladoras TR e TS, não apresentaram variação significativa entre os turnos, em ambas as estações do ano (P>0,05). A TA em relação aos turnos, teve correlação positiva alta (0,85) e essa alta correlação reflete na alta amplitude térmica relatada: 7,07 e 7,58 °C no período seco e chuvoso, respectivamente. Apesar da grande variação meteorológica diária, as respostas obtidas para as variáveis fisiológicas das vacas Girolando durante a lactação sugerem uma boa adaptação desses animais ao clima semiárido piauiense.(AU)

Thermoregulatory characteristics in horses submitted to vaquejada competitions / Características termorreguladoras de equinos submetidos a competições de Vaquejada

O objetivo deste estudo foi observar o comportamento de parâmetros fisiológicos de cavalos submetidos a exercícios físicos e competições de lidar com o touro se relacionam com o ambiente físico usando os valores de IBUTG. 12 cavalos mestiços raça quarto de milha têm sido usados com idade entre 5 e 16 anos, sendo três com pele branca, casaco castanho com quatro e cinco casaco tordilho. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com dois tratamentos, em que um tratamento que se refere à manhã (T1) e outra mudança para a tarde de tratamento (T2) turno. Freqüência respiratória (FR) e freqüência cardíaca (FC) e Wet Bulb Globe temperatura (IBUTG) foram medidos. Houve diferença significativa (p 0,05) entre as duas rodadas de coleções que corresponde à mudança de 1 manhã (T1) e 2 turno da tarde (T2) para FC, FR e IBUTG, com taxas mais altas após a competição pega o boi . A FC (0,76) positivamente correlacionada com a FR e WBGT positivamente correlacionada com a FR (0,75) e FC (0,86). Pode-se concluir que os cavalos no valor de pega o boi mostrou alterações fisiológicas devido ao estresse associado com o exercício.

The aim of this study was to observe the behavior of physiological parameters horses undergoing physical exercises and competitions handle the bull correlate with the physical environment using the values of Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). 12 crossbred horses race quarter mile have been used aged 5 to 16 years, three with white fur, chestnut coat with four and five dapple coat. The experimental design was completely randomized with two treatments, where a treatment referred to the morning (T1) and other treatment shift to afternoon (T2) shift. Respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) and WBGT were measured. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) between the two rounds of collections that corresponds to the 1st morning shift (T1) and 2 afternoon shift (T2) for HR, RR and WBGT, with higher rates after the competition in handle the ox. The FC (0.76) positively correlated with the FR and WBGT positively correlated with FR (0.75) and HR (0.86). It can be concluded that horses valued at handle the ox showed physiological changes due to stress associated with exercise.

Thermoregulatory characteristics in horses submitted to vaquejada competitions / Características termorreguladoras de equinos submetidos a competições de Vaquejada

O objetivo deste estudo foi observar o comportamento de parâmetros fisiológicos de cavalos submetidos a exercícios físicos e competições de lidar com o touro se relacionam com o ambiente físico usando os valores de IBUTG. 12 cavalos mestiços raça quarto de milha têm sido usados com idade entre 5 e 16 anos, sendo três com pele branca, casaco castanho com quatro e cinco casaco tordilho. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com dois tratamentos, em que um tratamento que se refere à manhã (T1) e outra mudança para a tarde de tratamento (T2) turno. Freqüência respiratória (FR) e freqüência cardíaca (FC) e Wet Bulb Globe temperatura (IBUTG) foram medidos. Houve diferença significativa (p 0,05) entre as duas rodadas de coleções que corresponde à mudança de 1 manhã (T1) e 2 turno da tarde (T2) para FC, FR e IBUTG, com taxas mais altas após a competição pega o boi . A FC (0,76) positivamente correlacionada com a FR e WBGT positivamente correlacionada com a FR (0,75) e FC (0,86). Pode-se concluir que os cavalos no valor de pega o boi mostrou alterações fisiológicas devido ao estresse associado com o exercício.(AU)

The aim of this study was to observe the behavior of physiological parameters horses undergoing physical exercises and competitions handle the bull correlate with the physical environment using the values of Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). 12 crossbred horses race quarter mile have been used aged 5 to 16 years, three with white fur, chestnut coat with four and five dapple coat. The experimental design was completely randomized with two treatments, where a treatment referred to the morning (T1) and other treatment shift to afternoon (T2) shift. Respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) and WBGT were measured. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) between the two rounds of collections that corresponds to the 1st morning shift (T1) and 2 afternoon shift (T2) for HR, RR and WBGT, with higher rates after the competition in handle the ox. The FC (0.76) positively correlated with the FR and WBGT positively correlated with FR (0.75) and HR (0.86). It can be concluded that horses valued at handle the ox showed physiological changes due to stress associated with exercise.(AU)