Parasites and health status of free-ranging capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) in the Atlantic Forest and Caatinga biomes of Brazil.

Due to the degradation and loss of its natural habitat, the presence of capybaras in urban environments and crop areas has been frequently reported in various regions of Brazil. The objective of this study was to identify the parasitic fauna of free-living capybaras in two impacted biomes of the northeastern region (Atlantic Forest and Caatinga), as well as to evaluate the impact of parasitism on the health of these rodents. For this, ticks, fecal and blood samples (for hematology and serum biochemistry evaluation) were collected from 23 free-ranging capybaras from four areas of Atlantic Forest (areas 1, 2 and 3) and Caatinga (area 4) biomes. Of the 23 animals with parasites, 73.9% (17/23) were parasitized simultaneously by gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) (Strongylida, Strongyloides chapini, Capillaria sp., Trematoda and Eimeria sp.) and Amblyomma ticks (larvae of Amblyomma sp. - areas 1, 2, and 3; Amblyomma dubitatum - areas 1 and 2; A. sculptum - areas 3 and 4), while 26.1% (6/23) were parasitized exclusively by ticks. The trematode Hippocrepis hippocrepis was collected during the necropsy of one animal that died during the study. Most hematological and serum biochemical parameters were within the reference values for the species, except AST, albumin, urea, and Na, which presented higher values. Some parameters presented statistically significant differences associated with parasitism, with higher values for animals with co-infection (GIP and ticks) than animals parasitized by ticks only: leukocyte counts (p = 0.0332), neutrophils (p = 0.0498), monocytes (p = 0.0443), as well as creatinine (p = 0.0422) and lactate (p = 0.0307). This may mean that the GIP identified in this study can have a greater impact on the hematological and serum biochemical parameters. However, although parasitized and living in threatened biomes, the animals were healthy, demonstrating that they could be adapted to parasitism. Amblyomma sculptum was recorded for the first time in capybaras in the Caatinga biome in Pernambuco state. The presence of A. sculptum evidences the need for studies about the infection by Rickettsia on capybaras and their ticks, to provide data on the potential risk of occurrence of Brazilian Spotted Fever in Pernambuco state, within a One Health perspective.

Zinc, manganese and copper amino acid complexed in laying hens' diets affect performance, blood parameters and reproductive organs development.

In the intestinal lumen, excess of oxides and sulfates interfere with the absorption of minerals due to competition from the same absorption site. Amino acids-mineral complexed (AACM) is intended to minimize these problems, which might be absorbed by different absorption sites. Then, a study including Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn) and Copper (Cu) from different sources was carried out to evaluate the performance, blood parameters and reproductive organs development of Brown Laying Hens. A total of 800 Lohmann Brown Lite were fed, from one-day-old to 182-days-old, Zn, Mn and Cu from different sources. Measurements were made from 105 to 182-days-old. The laying hens were distributed according to a completely randomized design with 20 replicates and 20 birds per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of a diet supplemented with 70, 70 and 8 mg/kg of Zn, Mn and Cu; respectively, from inorganic sources (IM). The second treatment contained 40, 40 and 2.75 mg/kg of Zn, Mn and Cu, respectively from IM plus 30, 30 and 5.25 mg/kg of Zn, Mn and Cu; respectively, from AACM sources. Performance and reproductive organs development (oviduct and ovary weight), tibia weight, liver weight, egg output and body weight, and blood variables were evaluated. Data were compared by Student's t-test (P < 0.05). Laying hens fed AACM reached 35% of egg output two days earlier and presented heavier tibia bone than the IM group. Those hens also presented greater oviduct weight, greater hematocrit and greater serum concentration of total leukocytes, erythrocytes, eosinophils, monocytes and the hormones T4 and FSH, than the hens fed IM. The supplementation of AACM in laying hens' diets since one-day-old improves the productive performance from the beginning of egg output to peak production, which is justified by better development of bones and oviduct, hormone production and immune system support.

Achados bioquímicos, eletrolíticos e hormonais de cabras acometidas com toxemia da prenhez / Biochemical, electrolytic and hormonal findings in goats affected with pregnancy toxemia

A abrangência dos estudos sobre a toxemia da prenhez (TP) tem sido constante e inovadora em alguns conceitos, porém o estudo dos casos clínicos naturais em cabras é inexistente no Brasil. Diante disso, realizou-se análise das alterações clínicas, do perfil bioquímico, eletrolítico e hormonal com o objetivo de compreender a fisiopatogenia da enfermidade. Foram avaliadas 22 cabras atendidas na Clínica de Bovinos, Campus Garanhuns/UFRPE, diagnosticadas com TP, no período de 2007 a 2012. Realizou-se exame clínico e coleta de sangue e urina, para análise do perfil bioquímico e hormonal. Acentuadas alterações clínicas foram observadas, como decúbito, apatia, dispneia, aumento da temperatura corpórea, mucosas congestas, vasos episclerais injetados, desidratação, anorexia, hipomotilidade ou atonia ruminal, edema nos membros. Os resultados laboratoriais revelaram valores elevados para ureia, creatinina, ácidos graxos não esterificados (AGNE), β-hidroxibutirato, amilase e cortisol, enquanto as variáveis: proteína total, albumina, cálcio total, cálcio ionizado, fósforo, a relação cálcio e fósforo, sódio e insulina encontraram-se diminuídos. Outros parâmetros bioquímicos e eletrolíticos, como frutosamina, globulina, cloro, potássio e magnésio mantiveram-se dentro da faixa de normalidade. Quanto a glicemia, foram constatados três condições nas cabras com TP, normoglicêmicas (50%), hiperglicêmicas (27,28%) e hipoglicêmicas (22,72%). Dos 17 (77,27%) animais que obtiveram alta 10 (58,82%) eram normoglicêmicos. Vieram a óbito 22,8 % (5/22), no qual 60% (3/5) delas estavam hiperglicêmicas. A média de nascimento por cabra foi superior a duas crias. Verificou-se existir associação fortemente positiva dos AGNE's com a albumina (r=0,60), fraca com o β-hidroxibutirato (r=0,10) e glicose (r=0,03). Porém, existiu relação fortemente negativa dos AGNE's com a insulina (r= -0,70), moderada com o cortisol (r= -0,52) e amilase (r= -0,30). Marcadas alterações clínicas e metabólicas ...

Studies on pregnancy toxemia (PT) have been constant and innovative with regard to some concepts. However, no studies have been carried out on natural clinical cases in Brazil. Thus, the aim of the present study was to perform an analysis of clinical, biochemical, electrolytic and hormonal findings in goats with PT to gain an understanding of the physiopathology of this metabolic disease. Twenty-two goats with a diagnosis of PT were analyzed at the Bovine Clinic of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (Garanhuns Campus, Brazil) between 2007 and 2012. Clinical exams were performed and both blood and urine were collected for the biochemical and hormonal analyses. Accentuated clinical changes were found, such as decubitus, apathy, dyspnea, increased body temperature, congested mucous membranes, dilated episcleral vessels, dehydration, anorexia, ruminal stasis and edema in the limbs. The laboratory findings revealed high concentrations of urea, creatinine, non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, amylase and cortisol as well as reductions in total proteins, albumin, total calcium, ionized calcium, phosphorus the calcium to phosphorus ratio, sodium and insulin. Fructosamine, globulin, chlorine, potassium and magnesium were within the range of normality. Regarding blood sugar, 50% of the goats were within the normal range, 27.28% were hyperglycemic and 22.72% were hypoglycemic; among the 17 animals (77.27%) discharged with life, ten (58.82%) had normal blood sugar levels. Five goats (22.8%) died, 60% (3/5) of which were hyperglycemic. The mean birth rate per goat was more than two offspring. Non-esterified fatty acids were strongly associated with albumin (r = 0.60) and weakly associated with both β-hydroxybutyrate (r=0.10) and glucose (r=0.03). Moreover, non-esterified fatty acids were negatively associated with insulin (r= -0.70; strong association), cortisol (r= -0.52; moderate association) and amylase (r= -0.30; moderate association)...

Perfil hematológico, bioquímico sérico, proteína C reativa e cortisol de ararajubas (Guaroba guarouba) mantidas em cativeiro / Blood profile, serum biochemistry, C-reactive protein and cortisol in golden conures (Guaroba guarouba) in captivity

Objetivou-se determinar os valores hematológicos, bioquímicos séricos, proteína C reativa e cortisol de 14 ararajubas (Guaroba guarouba) clinicamente saudáveis mantidas em cativeiro no zoológico do Parque Estadual de Dois Irmãos Recife/PE. Amostras de sangue foram obtidas da veia jugular com volume médio de 0,8ml, fracionando em duas porções, a primeira depositada em tubo MiniCollect®CE contendo EDTA e a outra tubo com gel separador, para a separação do soro sanguíneo. Os indicadores bioquímicos e PCR foram determinados através do analisador ARCHITECT c8000. O cortisol foi analisado no Cobas E411 da Roche. Para a determinação dos números de eritrócitos e leucócitos, foi utilizada a metodologia da contagem em câmara de Neubauer. O hematócrito foi avaliado pelo método do microhematócrito e a hemoglobina pelo método da cianometahemoglobulina. Para a contagem diferencial de leucócitos, foi utilizada a técnica de Shilling. Os índices hematimétricos (VCM, HCM E CHCM) foram determinados com os valores encontrados na série eritrocítica. Os dados foram caracterizados por dispersão de freqüências, utilizando-se as seguintes medidas de tendência central: Média, desvio-padrão, mediana e percentil de 25 e percentil 75. A determinação de alguns parâmetros como ferro, triglicerídeos, PCR e cortisol foram identificados como sendo pioneiramente referenciados nesta espécie de ave. Os dados são apresentados como sendo de referência para a ararajuba (Guaroba guarouba) criada em cativeiro em condições similares de manejo e higidez e ainda pode contribuir para os trabalhos de conservação ex situ desta espécie.

The aim of this study was to determine the hematological, serum biochemical, C-reactive protein and cortisol 14 clinically healthy golden conures (Guaroba guarouba) kept in captivity at the Zoo of Parque Estadual de Dois Irmãos Recife/PE, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein with an average of 0.8mL and divided into two parts, the first deposited in MiniCollect®EC and the other containing EDTA tube with gel separator for separating blood serum. Biochemical indicators and PCR was determined using the ARCHITECT analyzer c8000. Cortisol was analyzed on the Roche Cobas E411. To determine the number of erythrocytes and leukocytes the methodology of counting in a Neubauer chamber was used. Hematocrit was assessed by using the microhematocrit and hemoglobin for the method of cianometahemoglobulina. For the differential count the Shilling technique was used. The RBC indices (MCV, MCH and MCHC) were determined with values found in the erythrocytic series. The data were characterized by dispersion of frequencies, using the following measures of central tendency: mean, standard deviation, median and percentile 25 and 75 percentile. Parameters such as iron, triglycerides, CRP, and cortisol were identified and referenced in this pioneering species of bird. Data are presented as reference for Guaroba guarouba raised in captivity under similar conditions of management and healthiness and can still contribute to the work of ex situ conservation of this species.

Indicadores bioquímicos e hormonais de casos naturais de toxemia da prenhez em ovelhas / Biochemical and hormonal indicators of natural cases of pregnancy toxaemia of in sheep

Toxemia da prenhez é considerada um transtor-acordo com a resolução clínica dos animais, alta hospitano metabólico de grande impacto econômico na produção lar (G1) e aqueles que morreram (G2). A manifestação cli-de ovinos, porém as particularidades de repercussão sis-nica da doença foi observada no período do pré-parto em têmicas deste distúrbio ainda são pouco esclarecedoras. O 100 por cento dos animais, destes 66,2 por cento (n=51) receberam alta presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o perfil bioquí-clínica e 33,8 por cento (n=26) morreram. Dos casos de toxemia mico e hormonal de 77 ovelhas com diagnóstico clínico de da prenhez estudados havia gestação múltipla em 55,8 por cento. toxemia da penhez e comparar os achados laboratoriais de Dentre os parâmetros estudados, cortisol, uréia, AST e CK estavam mais elevados no G2 em relação ao G1 com diferenças significativas (P0,05). Não ocorreram alterações nas taxas de colesterol e triglicerídios. Houve redução nos índices da insulina, não havendo diferenças entre G1 e G2 (P>0,05). Todas as ovelhas apresentaram cetonúria e acidúria.

Toxemia of pregnancy is a metabolic disorder with considerable economic impact on the production of sheep. However, the particularities of the systemic repercussion of the disorder have not yet been fully clarified. The aim of the present study was to assess the biochemical and hormonal profile of 77 ewes with a clinical diagnosis of toxemia of pregnancy and to compare the laboratory findings based on the clinical outcome: discharge (G1) or death (G2). The clinical manifestation of the disease was observed in the pre-birth period in 100 percent of the ewes, from which 66.2 percent (n=51) were discharged and 33.8 percent (n=26) died. A total of 55,8 percent of the cases were of multiple pregnancies.. Considering the parameters analyzed, cortisol, urea, AST and CK were significantly higher in G2 in comparison to G1 (p<0.05). An increase was found in the concentration of plasma glucose, fructosamine, albumin, creatinine, ß-hydroxybutyrate, non-esterified fatty acids and L-lactate, with no statistically significant differences between groups (p>0.05). No changes were found in cholesterol or triglycerides. A reduction in insulin levels was found, with no statistically significant difference between groups (p>0.05). All ewes exhibited ketonuria and aciduria.

Hemograma, proteinograma, ionograma e dosagens bioquímicas e enzimáticas de ovinos acometidos por conidiobolomicose no nordeste do Brasil: [revisão] / Hematology and blood biochemistry in sheep with conidiobolomycosis in northeastern Brazil: [revision]

Foram realizados eritrogramas, leucogramas, dosagens séricas de proteínas totais, albumina, globulinas, cálcio, fósforo, magnésio, cloretos, uréia, creatinina, bilirrubina total, direta e indireta e atividade sérica de aspartato aminotransferase (AST), fosfatase alcalina (FA) e gama-glutamiltransferase (GGT) de 56 ovinos afetados por conidiobolomicose e de 371 ovinos sadios provenientes dos mesmos rebanhos dos casos da doença. Os resultados revelaram que os ovinos com conidiobolomicose apresentam anemia arregenerativa normocítica normocrômica, leucocitose com neutrofilia e discreto desvio à esquerda regenerativo, com elevação da relação neutrófilo:linfócito, monocitose moderada, trombocitose, hipoproteinemia (hipoglobulinemia), hipomagnesemia, hipocalcemia e elevação dos teores de fósforo. As atividades séricas de AST e GGT estavam aumentadas e as de FA diminuídas. Não houve alteração nos níveis de uréia e creatinina, mas ocorreu hipoglicemia e hiperbilirrubinemia. Estes resultados podem ser utilizados para estudos experimentais da doença, em ensaios com tratamentos e para identificar casos precoces da enfermidade que não apresentem sinais clínicos. Além disso, os valores encontrados em 371 ovinos deslanados hígidos podem ser utilizados como valores referenciais para este tipo de ovinos na região semi-árida do Brasil.

Hematologic values, serum levels of albumin, globulins, total proteins, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chloride, urea nitrogen, creatinine, total, direct and indirect bilirrubin, and serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkalin phosphatase (AF) and gama-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were determined in 56 hair sheep with conidiobolomycosis and 371 healthy hair sheep from the same flocks. Sheep with conidiobolomycosis had nonregenerative, normocytic and normochromic anemia, leucocytosis with neutrophilia and increased nutrophil:lymphocyte rate, moderate monocytosis, moderate thrombocytosis, hypoproteinemia (hypoglobulinemia), hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia and increased values of phosphorus. Serum activities of AST and GGT were increased and serum activity of FA decreased. Serum values of urea and creatinine were within normal values. Hypoglycemia and hyperbilirrubinemia were also observed. These results can be used for experimental studies with the disease, for treatments trials, and to detect early cases of the disease without clinical signs. Otherwise the hematologic and blood biochemistry values of healthy sheep can be used as reference values for hair sheep in the semi-arid region of Brazil.