Semen quality of Nellore and Angus bulls classified by fertility indices and relations with field fertility in fixed-time artificial insemination.

Despite being the most important form of biotechnology in animal reproduction, artificial insemination was used in about 23% of Brazilian bovine herds in 2021. This is due to the variability of results caused by varying bull fertility and body condition of the cows. This study aimed to correlate the fertility indices of bulls with qualitative attributes of the semen. Semen samples from 28 bulls (Nellore and Angus) were used to evaluate postthaw sperm morphology and kinetics using conventional analysis, image-based flow cytometry (IBFC) and computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). The fertility index was effective in separating bulls into 4 different fertility classes (P < 0.001), and fertility rates in timed artificial insemination (TAI) remained constant between the cows' fertility categories (P < 0.001) and in the different grades of female body condition (P < 0.005). After partial least squares regression (PLS) analysis, four models were proposed with different variables. The coefficients of determination for the conventional analysis, CASA, and IBCFC models were 0.154, 0.380, and 0.259, respectively. The composite model, including select IBFC and CASA parameters, showed a greater R2 (0.481) with progressive motility, average speed (VAP, µm/s), membrane integrity, and mitochondrial potential, showing a positive effect. Linear speed (VSL, µm/s) and acrosomal integrity had a negative effect on bull fertility indices. Bulls classified by the fertility index attained dispersed pregnancy rates in different cow body condition score (BCS) classes, and the sperm quality pattern was consistent with this classification. In conclusion, this novel composite model including CASA and IBFC parameters improves the prediction of bull fertility used in TAI.

Clinical effectiveness of autohemotherapy as an adjuvant in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in naturally infected sheep / Eficácia clínica da auto-hemoterapia como adjuvante no controle de nematódeos gastrointestinais em ovinos naturalmente infectados

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of autohemotherapy as an adjuvant in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep. Four experimental groups were formed: G1, 10 animals receiving autologous venous blood; G2, 10 animals receiving autologous venous blood and vermifuge containing levamisole; G3, 10 animals receiving only vermifuge containing levamisole; and G4, 10 animals as the control group receiving no treatment. We performed fecal egg count (eggs per gram, EPG) of strongyles, larval culture, hemogram, leukogram, and serum protein dosage prior to the start of treatment (D0), and on days 14 (D14) and 42 (D42). There was a significant decrease in the EPG of the groups receiving levamisole (G2 and G3) from D14 to the end of the experimental period. At the end of the evaluations, the mean EPG of G2 and G3 was significantly lower than that of G1 and G4. The most common nematode genus was Haemonchus (88%), and the least common was Trichostrongylus (1%). The Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) of G2 and G3 on D14 were 98.1% and 97.9%, respectively, however, in G1, the FECRT was zero on the two days when evaluation took place. G1 and G2 showed a significant increase in monocyte counts on D14 and D42. There was a significant increase in hematocrit and hemoglobin values in G2 and G3, however, a significant increase in the absolute value of red blood cells was observed only in G2. Two doses of autohemotherapy at 21-day intervals, administered alone or as an adjuvant to levamisole, is ineffective in controlling gastrointestinal nematodes in naturally infected sheep.

Este estudo objetivou avaliar os efeitos da auto-hemoterapia como adjuvante no controle de nematódeos gastrointestinais em ovinos. Quatro grupos experimentais foram formados: G1, 10 animais que receberam sangue venoso autólogo; G2, 10 animais que receberam sangue venoso autólogo e vermífugo contendo levamisol; G3, 10 animais que receberam somente vermífugo contendo levamisol; e G4, 10 animais do grupo controle, que não receberam tratamento. Realizamos contagem de ovos nas fezes (ovos por grama, OPG) de estrongilídeos, cultivo de larvas, hemograma, leucograma e dosagem de proteína sérica antes do início do tratamento (D0) e nos dias 14 (D14) e 42 (D42). Houve uma diminuição significativa no OPG dos grupos que receberam levamisole (G2 e G3) do D14 até o final do período experimental. Ao final das avaliações, o OPG médio de G2 e G3 foi significativamente menor do que G1 e G4. O gênero de nematódeo mais comumente encontrado foi Haemonchus (88%) e o menos foi Trichostrongylus (1%). O teste de Redução na Contagem de Ovos nas Fezes (RCOF) de G2 e G3 no D14 foi 98,1% e 97,9%, respectivamente, entretanto, no G1, o RCOF foi zero nos dois dias avaliados. G1 e G2 mostraram aumento significativo na contagem de monócitos em D14 e D42. Houve um aumento significativo nos valores do hematócrito e hemoglobina em G2 e G3, entretanto, um aumento significativo no valor absoluto de hemácias foi observado somente em G2. Duas doses de auto-hemoterapia em intervalos de 21 dias, administradas isoladamente ou como adjuvante do levamisole, não é eficaz no controle de nematóides gastrintestinais em ovinos naturalmente infectados.

Eficácia clínica da auto-hemoterapia como adjuvante no controle de nematódeos gastrointestinais em ovinos naturalmente infectados / Clinical effectiveness of autohemotherapy as an adjuvant in the control ofgastrointestinal nematodes in naturally infected sheep

Este estudo objetivou avaliar os efeitos da auto-hemoterapia como adjuvante no controle de nematódeos gastrointestinais em ovinos. Quatro grupos experimentais foram formados: G1, 10 animais que receberam sangue venoso autólogo; G2, 10 animais que receberam sangue venoso autólogo e vermífugo contendo levamisol; G3, 10 animais que receberam somente vermífugo contendo levamisol; e G4, 10 animais do grupo controle, que não receberam tratamento. Realizamos contagem de ovos nas fezes (ovos por grama, OPG) de estrongilídeos, cultivo de larvas, hemograma, leucograma e dosagem de proteína sérica antes do início do tratamento (D0) e nos dias 14 (D14) e 42 (D42). Houve uma diminuição significativa no OPG dos grupos que receberam levamisole (G2 e G3) do D14 até o final do período experimental. Ao final das avaliações, o OPG médio de G2 e G3 foi significativamente menor do que G1 e G4. O gênero de nematódeo mais comumente encontrado foi Haemonchus (88%) e o menos foi Trichostrongylus (1%). O teste de Redução na Contagem de Ovos nas Fezes (RCOF) de G2 e G3 no D14 foi 98,1% e 97,9%, respectivamente, entretanto, no G1, o RCOF foi zero nos dois dias avaliados. G1 e G2 mostraram aumento significativo na contagem de monócitos em D14 e D42. Houve um aumento significativo nos valores do hematócrito e hemoglobina em G2 e G3, entretanto, um aumento significativo no valor absoluto de hemácias foi observado somente em G2. Duas doses de auto-hemoterapia em intervalos de 21 dias, administradas isoladamente ou como adjuvante do levamisole, não é eficaz no controle de nematóides gastrintestinais em ovinos naturalmente infectados.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of autohemotherapy as an adjuvant in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep. Four experimental groups were formed: G1, 10 animals receiving autologous venous blood; G2, 10 animals receiving autologous venous blood and vermifuge containing levamisole; G3, 10 animals receiving only vermifuge containing levamisole; and G4, 10 animals as the control group receiving no treatment. We performed fecal egg count (eggs per gram, EPG) of strongyles, larval culture, hemogram, leukogram, and serum protein dosage prior to the start of treatment (D0), and on days 14 (D14) and 42 (D42). There was a significant decrease in the EPG of the groups receiving levamisole (G2 and G3) from D14 to the end of the experimental period. At the end of the evaluations, the mean EPG of G2 and G3 was significantly lower than that of G1 and G4. The most common nematode genus was Haemonchus (88%), and the least common was Trichostrongylus (1%). The Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) of G2 and G3 on D14 were 98.1% and 97.9%, respectively, however, in G1, the FECRT was zero on the two days when evaluation took place. G1 and G2 showed a significant increase in monocyte counts on D14 and D42. There was a significant increase in hematocrit and hemoglobin values in G2 and G3, however, a significant increase in the absolute value of red blood cells was observed only in G2. Two doses of autohemotherapy at 21-day intervals, administered alone or as an adjuvant to levamisole, is ineffective in controlling gastrointestinal nematodes in naturally infected sheep.

Steer performance on deferred pastures of Brachiaria brizantha and Brachiaria decumbens / Desempenho de novilhos de corte em pastos diferidos de Brachiaria brizantha e Brachiaria decumbens

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to compare structural, morphological and bromatological characteristics of forage as well as performance of Caracu beef cattle (200 ± 9 kg of initial body weight) supplemented with a multi-mineral mixture (0.25% of body weight) on deferred pastures of Brachiaria brizantha 'Marandu' and Brachiaria decumbens 'Basilisk' under continuous grazing. After the pasture was grazed to 10 cm of height, in March 2014, both grasses were left to rest and subjected to a 126-day deferment period. The experimental period lasted from July to October 2014; the sward characteristics and the animal's weight were evaluated every 28 days. The highest forage mass was recorded in 'Marandu' grass, whereas the highest leaves percentage and lowest dead material percentage were observed in 'Basilisk' pastures. Similarly, the highest crude protein content (8.1 vs. 7.0 ± 0.2%), in vitro organic matter digestibility (57.7 vs. 53.9 ± 0.4%), lowest neutral detergent fiber content (69.2 vs. 72.7 ± 0.4%), and; consequently, the highest average daily gain (680 vs. 530 ± 0.04g animal-1) were recorded for 'Basilisk' pastures. 'Marandu' and 'Basilisk' deferment was associated with a multi-mineral mixture supplementation as a management alternative for rearing beef cattle during the drought periods. Because of the duration of the pasture recovery period in this study, B. decumbens pastures were more likely to achieve the highest animal performance.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar as características estruturais, morfológicas e bromatológicas da forragem e o desempenho de bovinos de corte, da raça Caracu (200±9kg de peso inicial), suplementados com mistura mineral múltipla (0,25% do peso corporal) em pastos diferidos de Brachiaria brizantha , cv. 'Marandu', e Brachiaria decumbens , cv. 'Basilisk', sob pastejo contínuo. Após o rebaixamento dos pastos a 10cm de altura, realizado em março de 2014 por meio de pastejo, ambas as espécies foram vedadas e diferidas por 126 dias. O período experimental foi de julho a outubro de 2014, e as avaliações das características do pasto e as pesagens dos animais foram realizadas a cada 28 dias. A maior massa de forragem foi registrada em pastos de 'Marandu'. A maior porcentagem de folhas e a menor de material morto foram observadas para a 'Basilisk'. Os maiores teores de proteína bruta (8,1 vs 7,0 ± 0,2%), digestibilidade in vitro da matéria orgânica (57,7 vs 53, 9 ± 0,4%), os menores teores de fibra em detergente neutro (69,2 vs 72,7 ± 0,4%) e, consequentemente, o maior ganho médio diário (680 vs 530 ± 0,04g animal-1) foram registrados para a cv. 'Basilisk'. O diferimento de pastagens de 'Marandu' ou 'Basilisk' associado à suplementação com mistura mineral múltipla figura como alternativa de manejo para recria de bovinos de corte durante o período seco. Para a duração do período de vedação utilizada, pastos de B. decumbens são mais indicados para alcançar o maior desempenho animal.

Pomegranate extracts on larval inhibition of Haemonchus spp and Cooperia spp obtained from cattle / Extratos de romã sobre inibição larval de Haemonchus spp e Cooperia spp provenientes de bovinos

Consumers increasingly demand natural food and absent of toxic waste and medicated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the aqueous extract of dried and in natura stem from pomegranate on the larval inhibition of Haemonchus spp. and Cooperia spp. obtained from cattle. Dried and in natura aqueous extract from pomegranate stem (AEPS), negative control (autoclaved distilled water) and positive control (levamisole hydrochloride 0.05 mg / mL) were evaluated. Four mL of each treatment were used, and the results were evaluated in triplicate by egg counts per gram of feces (EPG), larval culture and counting of the larvae. The mean of the larvae that developed per gram of feces was submitted to logarithimic transformation log. (X + 10). The EPG had an average value of 3.620 eggs, identified in larval culture from Haemonchus spp. and Cooperia spp. Dried AEPS presented, by the reduction of larvae, effectiveness of 92.29% for Haemonchus spp. and 96.97% for Cooperia spp. In natura, this extract showed 80% of efficacy against Cooperia larvae, being considered moderately effective; however, for Haemonchus spp. this extract was not effective. These results are specially important for organic and agroecological systems of production, that not allow the use of chemical parasiticides. In conclusion, the use of dried AEPS showed potential anthelmintic and may represent important natural therapeutic option.

Os consumidores têm exigido cada vez mais alimentos naturais e ausentes de resíduos medicamentosos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o extrato aquoso de caule de romã seco e in natura, sobre a inibição larval de Haemonchus spp. e Cooperia spp. provenientes de bovinos. Foram avaliados extrato aquoso de caule de romã (EACR) seca e in natura, controle negativo (água destilada autoclavada) e controle positivo (cloridrato de levamisol 0,05 mg/mL). Foram utilizados quatro mL de cada tratamento, e os resultados foram avaliados em triplicata, por meio de contagem de ovos por grama de fezes (OPG), cultura de larvas e contagem das larvas. A média de larvas desenvolvidas por grama de fezes foi submetida à transformação logarítmica Log. (x+10). A contagem de OPG apresentou valor médio de 3.620 ovos, sendo identificadas na cultura de larvas de Haemonchus e Cooperia. EACR seca apresentou por meio da redução de larvas, eficácia efetiva de 92,29% para Haemonchus e 96,97% para Cooperia. In natura, este extrato apresentou 80% de eficácia sobre larvas de Cooperia, sendo considerado moderadamente efetivo, porém, para Haemonchus o mesmo não foi efetivo. Esses resultados são especialmente importantes para os sistemas orgânicos e agroecológicos de produção, que não permitem a utilização de parasiticidas químicos. Concluiu-se que a utilização de EACR seca apresentou potencial anti-helmíntico, podendo representar importante opção terapêutica natural.

Anthelmintic efficiency of doramectin, fenbendazole, and nitroxynil, in combination or individually, in sheep worm control / Eficiência anti-helmíntica da doramectina, fenbendazole e nitroxinil, associados ou utilizados individualmente, no controle da verminose ovina

Abstract The anthelmintic efficiency of doramectin, fenbendazole, and nitroxynil, used individually or in combination, was determined by the Fecal Egg Count Reduction (FECR) test and cultivation of larvae of anthelminthic-treated sheep grouped as follows: G1 (doramectin), G2 (fenbendazole), G3 (nitroxynil), G4 (doramectin + fenbendazole), G5 (doramectin + nitroxynil), G6 (fenbendazole + nitroxynil), G7 (doramectin + nitroxynil + fenbendazole), G8 (untreated). In addition to individually used doramectin and fenbendazole, the helminths were also resistant to the combination of doramectin + fenbendazole; nitroxynil + fenbendazole; and doramectin + nitroxynil + fenbendazole, with their FECR rates ranging from 62-83%. The helminths showed possible nitroxynil-resistance, but had low resistance when the drug was administered in combination with doramectin. The evaluation of individual helminth species revealed that fenbendazole was fully effective against Cooperia; doramectin (G1), moderately effective against Haemonchus and insufficiently active against Cooperia; nitroxynil, effective against Haemonchus and insufficiently active against Cooperia. It was concluded from the results that herd nematodes are resistant to doramectin, fenbendazole, and nitroxynil, and that the combined use of the drugs not only fails to significantly improve the anthelmintic efficiency against Haemonchus and Cooperia, but is also cost-ineffective.(AU)

Resumo Eficiências da doramectina, fenbendazole e nitroxynil, utilizados individualmente ou associadamente, foram determinadas através do Teste de Redução na Contagem de Ovos nas Fezes (RCOF) e cultivo de larvas. Os grupos experimentais foram os seguintes: G1 (ovinos tratados com doramectina), G2 (fenbendazole), G3 (nitroxynil), G4 (doramectina + fenbendazole), G5 (doramectina + nitroxynil), G6 (fenbendazole + nitroxynil), G7 (doramectina + fenbendazole + nitroxynil) e G8, não tratados. Os helmintos foram considerados resistentes a doramectina e ao fenbendazole isoladamente e às associações doramectina + fenbendazole, fenbendazole + nitroxynil, e doramectina + fenbendazole + nitroxynil, com taxas de RCOF variando de 62-83%. Helmintos foram considerados suspeitos de resistência ao nitroxynil e apresentaram baixa resistência, quando esta droga foi associada à doramectina. Dos tratamentos isolados, o fenbendazole demonstrou total eficácia (100%) contra Cooperia. Doramectina (G1) foi moderadamente efetiva contra Haemonchus e insuficientemente ativa contra Cooperia, e o nitroxynil efetivo contra Haemonchus (93,2%) e insuficientemente ativo contra Cooperia (0%). Concluiu-se neste estudo que os nematódeos do rebanho são resistentes à doramectina, fenbendazole e nitroxynil, e que, ainda que associadas, não devem ser utilizadas no rebanho por não melhorarem a eficiência anti-helmíntica nem a efetividade contra Haemonchus e Cooperia e por não apresentarem custo-benefício justificado.(AU)

Anthelmintic efficiency of doramectin, fenbendazole, and nitroxynil, in combination or individually, in sheep worm control / Eficiência anti-helmíntica da doramectina, fenbendazole e nitroxinil, associados ou utilizados individualmente, no controle da verminose ovina

Abstract The anthelmintic efficiency of doramectin, fenbendazole, and nitroxynil, used individually or in combination, was determined by the Fecal Egg Count Reduction (FECR) test and cultivation of larvae of anthelminthic-treated sheep grouped as follows: G1 (doramectin), G2 (fenbendazole), G3 (nitroxynil), G4 (doramectin + fenbendazole), G5 (doramectin + nitroxynil), G6 (fenbendazole + nitroxynil), G7 (doramectin + nitroxynil + fenbendazole), G8 (untreated). In addition to individually used doramectin and fenbendazole, the helminths were also resistant to the combination of doramectin + fenbendazole; nitroxynil + fenbendazole; and doramectin + nitroxynil + fenbendazole, with their FECR rates ranging from 62-83%. The helminths showed possible nitroxynil-resistance, but had low resistance when the drug was administered in combination with doramectin. The evaluation of individual helminth species revealed that fenbendazole was fully effective against Cooperia; doramectin (G1), moderately effective against Haemonchus and insufficiently active against Cooperia; nitroxynil, effective against Haemonchus and insufficiently active against Cooperia. It was concluded from the results that herd nematodes are resistant to doramectin, fenbendazole, and nitroxynil, and that the combined use of the drugs not only fails to significantly improve the anthelmintic efficiency against Haemonchus and Cooperia, but is also cost-ineffective.

Resumo Eficiências da doramectina, fenbendazole e nitroxynil, utilizados individualmente ou associadamente, foram determinadas através do Teste de Redução na Contagem de Ovos nas Fezes (RCOF) e cultivo de larvas. Os grupos experimentais foram os seguintes: G1 (ovinos tratados com doramectina), G2 (fenbendazole), G3 (nitroxynil), G4 (doramectina + fenbendazole), G5 (doramectina + nitroxynil), G6 (fenbendazole + nitroxynil), G7 (doramectina + fenbendazole + nitroxynil) e G8, não tratados. Os helmintos foram considerados resistentes a doramectina e ao fenbendazole isoladamente e às associações doramectina + fenbendazole, fenbendazole + nitroxynil, e doramectina + fenbendazole + nitroxynil, com taxas de RCOF variando de 62-83%. Helmintos foram considerados suspeitos de resistência ao nitroxynil e apresentaram baixa resistência, quando esta droga foi associada à doramectina. Dos tratamentos isolados, o fenbendazole demonstrou total eficácia (100%) contra Cooperia. Doramectina (G1) foi moderadamente efetiva contra Haemonchus e insuficientemente ativa contra Cooperia, e o nitroxynil efetivo contra Haemonchus (93,2%) e insuficientemente ativo contra Cooperia (0%). Concluiu-se neste estudo que os nematódeos do rebanho são resistentes à doramectina, fenbendazole e nitroxynil, e que, ainda que associadas, não devem ser utilizadas no rebanho por não melhorarem a eficiência anti-helmíntica nem a efetividade contra Haemonchus e Cooperia e por não apresentarem custo-benefício justificado.

Anthelmintic efficiency of doramectin, fenbendazole, and nitroxynil, in combination or individually, in sheep worm control.

The anthelmintic efficiency of doramectin, fenbendazole, and nitroxynil, used individually or in combination, was determined by the Fecal Egg Count Reduction (FECR) test and cultivation of larvae of anthelminthic-treated sheep grouped as follows: G1 (doramectin), G2 (fenbendazole), G3 (nitroxynil), G4 (doramectin + fenbendazole), G5 (doramectin + nitroxynil), G6 (fenbendazole + nitroxynil), G7 (doramectin + nitroxynil + fenbendazole), G8 (untreated). In addition to individually used doramectin and fenbendazole, the helminths were also resistant to the combination of doramectin + fenbendazole; nitroxynil + fenbendazole; and doramectin + nitroxynil + fenbendazole, with their FECR rates ranging from 62-83%. The helminths showed possible nitroxynil-resistance, but had low resistance when the drug was administered in combination with doramectin. The evaluation of individual helminth species revealed that fenbendazole was fully effective against Cooperia; doramectin (G1), moderately effective against Haemonchus and insufficiently active against Cooperia; nitroxynil, effective against Haemonchus and insufficiently active against Cooperia. It was concluded from the results that herd nematodes are resistant to doramectin, fenbendazole, and nitroxynil, and that the combined use of the drugs not only fails to significantly improve the anthelmintic efficiency against Haemonchus and Cooperia, but is also cost-ineffective.